South Africa: Jobs of the future lie in technology: President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the jobs of the future lie in technology and in order to attract the newest industries, the country needs to invest in cutting-edge science and innovation.

Speaking to the Youth at the Mthatha 4IR Youth Expo at St Johns College on Thursday, the President said that South Africa needs to invest in the skills of its people from the earliest age.

We need to invest in transportation and communications networks that move goods and information quickly and seamlessly, he said.

The President said that the 4IR Youth Expo is demonstrating the very many opportunities that exist right now for young people and that is thanks to technology.

At the same time, he said that this is preparing the youth for the opportunities that still lie ahead.

It is our shared responsibility to ensure that all the young people of this country have the skills, knowledge and desire to seize these opportunities and to thereby realise their great potential, the President said.

Access to Data

Turning to data access and costs, President Ramaphosa said that it has emerged as one of the most significant barriers to digital equality and access.

He said that South Africa has some of the highest data costs on the continent.

By simply lowering data costs, young people are more readily able to access information, and seek learning and earning opportunities. This isnt just about cheaper or faster internet or having access to social media.

Its about connecting every corner of South Africa to the digital age. Its about a rural community in Limpopo or Eastern Cape where farmers can monitor weather across the province and market their produce across the globe.

Its about an entrepreneur with a great idea she hopes to sell to into the supply chains of large companies, he said.

The President added that this is about every young person who no longer must leave their home town to seek new opportunity, because opportunity is right there on their doorstep.

To make this happen, he said that government is investing in research and the development of emerging technologies and applications.

As so many young people know, access to broadband by itself wont make an entrepreneur more successful, or a learner smarter, or a citizen more informed. It takes hard work, it takes late nights and it takes hustle, the President said.

The President told the youth that these are all important elements of success and everyone has a responsibility to guarantee all young people the access they need for them to meet their full potential.

The statesman emphasised that every young South African deserves access to the worlds information.

For two years in a row South Africa has been named as the leading global destination for investment in the business process centres, better known as call centres. That is why we are working with our partners to develop this industry, he said.

The President is in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, leading Youth Day Commemorations under the theme Promoting sustainable livelihood and resilience of young people for a better tomorrow.

He will give a keynote address at the Mthatha Stadium this afternoon.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2022-06-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
EU launches legal action against UK over post-Brexit deal changes

Xinhua) 08:14, June 16, 2022

Vehicles pass the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Oct. 8, 2021. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

"Trust is built by adhering to international obligations," Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic said. "Acting unilaterally is not constructive. Violating international agreements is not acceptable. The UK is not respecting the protocol."

BRUSSELS, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) has launched legal action against the United Kingdom (UK) in response to the latter's "unilateral" moves to rewrite parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol in the post-Brexit deal, the European Commission said on Wednesday.

The EU executive said in a statement that it had launched infringement proceedings against the UK "for not complying with significant parts of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland" and for failing to implement the protocol despite repeated calls.

"This is a clear breach of international law," it said.

A lantern is seen on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, on March 23, 2021. (Photo by Ray Tang/Xinhua)

Earlier this week, the UK government said that a bill it introduced on June 13 will allow it to "address the practical problems the protocol has created in Northern Ireland in 4 key areas: burdensome customs processes, inflexible regulation, tax and spend discrepancies, and democratic governance issues."

However, the European Commission believes that the UK is violating international agreements.

"Trust is built by adhering to international obligations," Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic said. "Acting unilaterally is not constructive. Violating international agreements is not acceptable. The UK is not respecting the protocol."

"I am still convinced that with genuine political will to make the protocol work, we can reach our objectives," he added.

People walk past the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain, Aug. 9, 2021. (Xinhua/Han Yan)

Wednesday saw the launch of two new infringement proceedings against the UK for failing to carry out its obligations under the EU's sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) rules and for failing to provide the EU with certain trade statistics data in respect of Northern Ireland, as required under the protocol.

The 27-nation bloc also restarted the infringement procedure launched against the UK government last year after it unilaterally extended a grace period that applies to trade on the island of Ireland. The action was put on hold in September 2021 as the two parties tried to find a joint solution.

Infringement proceedings may end up before the Court of Justice of the EU.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
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Former Gov. Brian Schweitzer on Wednesday warned Montanans to remain vigilant with their constitution, saying disturbing steps taken by Republican lawmakers have brought the document under attack.

Schweitzer, a Democrat, spoke Wednesday in the Rotunda of the state Capitol during lunch at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Montana Constitutional Convention. He paraphrased Benjamin Franklin, who when asked if the country had a monarchy or republic, said weve created "a Republic, if you can keep it.

He used it to reference the state constitution.

It will be our constitution, if you can keep it, Schweitzer said.

Schweitzer, who served as governor from 2005-2013, spoke for 15 minutes Wednesday, telling the crowd that when he was governor he threw away the key to his office and kept the door open.

That door was never closed for eight years, he said.

He said the peoples right to know as guaranteed in the state constitution is in jeopardy, and criticized GOP members of the Public Service Commission for trying to charge Lee Newspapers $31,000 for public records. The newspaper sued for the information and a Helena judge recently ruled the PSC cannot charge fees to conduct legal reviews on documents produced as part of public records requests.

Lee Enterprises owns The Billings Gazette, Missoulian, Helena Independent Record, The Montana Standard in Butte and Ravalli Republic.

Schweitzer said the PSC was going to charge the people of Montana for information they had a right to know.

Thank God we have a constitution that instructed the judge to instruct the Public Service Commission to give those documents to us," he said.

Schweitzer said the PSC chair, Jim Brown, is running for a Montana Supreme Court seat.

What could go wrong? he asked.

Brown said it was unfortunate that the former governor used his unique opportunity to speak on the 50th anniversary of the Montana ConCon for political campaign purposes."

As a fourth-generation Montanan, it is appropriate that the focus be on and remain on recognizing the work done by those who participated in the making of Montana's unique constitution, he said.

There is a time and place for politics, this event was not one of them, he said.

Schweitzer also mentioned a legislator who called the constitution "a socialist rag," who lost a tight June 7 primary race for PSC District 5. The race between Rep. Derek Skees, R-Kalispell, and Dr. Annie Bukacek has been flagged for recount should Skees decide to pursue that. In late 2021, Skees said the constitution's right of privacy clause gave state courts a legal basis for blocking new abortion restrictions and called the document a socialist rag that should be replaced.

I dont know how it ends, but if we have someone on the Public Service Commission who doesnt agree with our constitution it doesnt end well, Schweitzer said.

Skees could not immediately be reached for comment.

Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021.

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The message was clear during a Red Lodge community meeting Tuesday night: The events of the previous few days were a nightmare and the town faces a long recovery.

In the high school gymnasium, Red Lodge fire chief and emergency incident commander Tom Kuntz guided the shocked and weary-eyed community through what happened to cause the usually tepid mountain stream of Rock Creek to turn into a raging river that washed away homes, roads and bridges in minutes.

What a difference a year makes, Kuntz told the crowd with a nervous chuckle. I think you could have walked across Rock Creek last year at this time without getting your feet wet.

The juxtaposition of the communitys woes from just a year ago was stark. At around this time in 2021, Kuntz was managing the states largest wildfire, the Robertson Draw fire in the mountains south of town. Now he was trying to coordinate a massive cleanup and construction operation to help return the community to a sense of normalcy in as little time as possible. It was a daunting job.

As warm rain fell on relatively fresh and warm spring snowpack, one containing a high snow-water equivalent, in the Beartooth Mountains Saturday, the Forest Service started asking campers in the region to evacuate, Kuntz said. It was the earliest indication of what would come.

On Sunday evening, Red Lodge fire department responded to a broken gas line near Rock Creek. When they arrived they discovered the line had broken because the bridge it ran under had been swept away. It was the first indication for authorities in Carbon County that they faced a rapidly escalating emergency.

Sandbagging, evacuations and alerts began as parts of the sidewalk and roads along Rock Creek began to crumble into the stream. Banks eroded and debris was forced into buildings. By the time the floodwaters receded, parts of Broadway were gone and other parts were under massive amounts of river debris and boulders.

Nearly all the infrastructure along the creek within the county was impacted by the flood to include bridges, gas lines and sewer mains.

Just a note, you dont want to drive over a bridge unless you know its safe, said Kuntz. Every bridge south of Red Lodge is compromised at this point.

But the biggest concern for the meetings participants was what the future had in store. Business owners, homeowners and renters wanted to know when they could return to their properties, what they should do if they had nowhere to stay, and when could they reopen for business.

Carbon County Commissioner Bill Bullock discussed the city-county cleanup operation by pointing out that the flood emergency was a countywide event. He highlighted the efforts being made to truck in fill for missing sections of road and to bring temporary bridges in from as far away as Sidney, Montana.

This is a nightmare, said Bullock. Theres no other way to say it. Bullock is among those who were evacuated from their homes.

The commissioner asked the community for patience and to let construction crews work unencumbered by crowds and onlookers. It was going to take time and the faster the crews could work, the better.

Sheriff Josh McQuillan told the crowd to avoid all areas blocked by signs and to keep away from the waters edge.

If theres no sign there its probably open, if theres signs you need to stay away. Thats probably gonna be the easiest way because thats going to change itself, said the sheriff. He added that the sheriffs office, already spread thin, was spending a lot of time dealing with people too close to the water. Kuntz added that in some places there was no land under pavement or under the river banks and fears remained those sections could collapse. Water rescues would be next to impossible in the high water.

Wednesday afternoon the Montana National Guard announced it was deploying 16 soldiers to Carbon County to help with traffic control and road blocks.

"The Soldiers will staff seven road checkpoints to free law enforcement personnel for other duties," a release from the state said. "The mission is scheduled to run from 15 June to 22 June."

The guard had deployed five helicopters and crew more than a day earlier to Carbon County and surrounding areas performing rescues and evacuations. According to the community meeting, some 80 people were evacuated from the East Rosebud Lake region to include a number of school children visiting from cities as far away as Los Angeles.

"A lot of those kids got to ride on a Chinook twice today," quipped the Sheriff. "So that's a pretty good deal. I've never been on one 'til today. It's pretty cool."

The Guard has not ruled out potential future deployments of soldiers to the area or other regions of Montana. Support is usually provided at the request of local agencies.

Positive news from the meeting came in the form of a good weather outlook. Even though the weekend called for more rain and warmer temps at higher elevations there was no threat of another serious flood event. It was welcome news the hospital in Red Lodge was also open and could see emergency patients as needed. And an all-hazard emergency management team had arrived to help coordinate recovery efforts and mitigate losses.

Relief from organizations around the state was also flowing into Red Lodge. The American Red Cross had set up relief centers at the county fairgrounds. Helena Area Habitat for Humanity said it was deploying volunteers to help with general cleanup once the emergency stages in the county were complete.

In the meantime, those displaced from their homes were staying temporarily at the fairgrounds. Some wanted to know what would come of the fair and Independence Day celebrations. Others were concerned about reopening their businesses. Kuntz said reopening was different for each business. A motorcycle shop had different requirements than a restaurant. But keeping crucial things like the grocery store and gas station open were high on the list, while hotels and restaurants should remain closed.

But the message was more clear when Kuntz was asked what the plan was as people travelled to the city for summer recreation in the coming weeks.

What are we telling people in the store and the shop owners? one meeting participant asked. Are we open for business?

As a community leader, I think I always want to say Red Lodge is open for business, Kuntz said. Right now, Red Lodge should not be open for business.

There is nowhere for them to go, Kuntz said. And opening up for the summer season is a long way down on the list of things emergency managers are working on as of Tuesday, but it is a concern for them and the Chamber of Commerce. A plan was being worked, he added.

But a sign along the highway in Rockvale warns travelers to stay away.

It reads: Red Lodge is evacuated. Please do not come.

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Thank God our election crew was free from same-day voter registration this year! Sometimes legislation comes home to roost in a good way.

Our crew is the Lincoln County election team, which was blindsided with a snafu that led to organizing, at the very last minute on Election Day, a hand count of all ballots cast in the primary election, a process that then took three full days to complete. What an incredible extra burden same day registration would have been.

I never imagined when we began crafting election integrity bills that they would have such a positive impact so immediately. It was about two years ago, just after the 2020 primary election, that I began talking with Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen and other legislators about the ideas that became those election integrity bills.

I represent Senate District 1, which borders Idaho and Canada, and happens to coincide with Lincoln County's borders. I was born in the long-gone hospital on Dewey Avenue in Eureka, and my parents were also raised in the Tobacco Valley. We like to compete hard but to play fair and square. That includes elections and voting procedures. We also like to figure out more efficient and better ways of doing things.

We saw unnecessary complications created by same-day voter registration, so we found a simple fix: move the registration deadline back a bit. We also thought requiring photo ID could eliminate future problems, and we knew other problems could be avoided by cleaning voter rolls every year to remove people who were now deceased or had moved away.

Democrats fought these bills fiercely. I sponsored photo ID requirements, supported Rep. Sharon Greefs registration day bill, and spoke in favor of Sen. Doug Karys bill on cleaning registration rolls. Democrats filed lawsuits to prevent the new laws from taking effect, but eventually the Montana Supreme Court allowed them to stand for this election. That was the right decision. The small change in registration deadline kept Lincoln County's situation manageable when it could have been a complete mess. And the other reforms, especially voter ID, greatly improve Montanans' confidence that our elections are free and fair. These new laws are working well and should be kept in place.

Senator Mike Cuffe, R-Eureka.

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Gov. Ron DeSantis responds to Elon Musk's likely vote for him for president: 'I welcome support from African Americans'

Elon Musk said he'd likely back Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis for president in 2024.

DeSantis was asked to respond, and he said he'd "welcome support from African Americans."

The Florida governor is up for reelection in 2022 and hasn't said yet if he's running for president.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis welcomes the political support of Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.

"I'm focused on 2022," DeSantis, a Republican, said at a press conference in Madeira Beach, Florida. "But with Elon Musk what I would say is: I welcome support from African Americans. What can I say?"

DeSantis was mirroring the rhetoric from April by Black conservatives who hailed Musk's planned Twitter takeover.

Musk, who is white, was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and lived there until he was 17 before moving to Canada, where his mother is from. He's now a Texas voter, according to a tweet posted early Wednesday morning where Musk said he'd just voted for Republican Mayra Flores in a special election for a US House seat.

Conservatives in Congress often accuse Twitter of having a left-wing bias especially after the company deplatformed former President Donald Trump for his incitement of the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Musk has promised the social media giant will unleash free speech under his watch.

Musk, the richest person in the world, said early Wednesday that he'd likely support DeSantis for president in 2024, after the Twitter user Tesla Owners Silicon Valley asked him who he was "leaning towards" voting for as president.

He added that he supported the Democratic candidate Andrew Yang in the 2020 election but believes DeSantis "has a better chance of winning" in the 2024 election.

Musk said last month that he would vote Republican in the next election though he'd voted for Democrats in the past. He described himself as a "moderate, neither Republican nor Democrat."

Story continues

In response to the back and forth on Musk and DeSantis, Florida Democratic Party spokesperson Travis Reuther accused DeSantis of "making his sales pitch to every out-of-state billionaire he can find." DeSantis' candidacy for governor has drawn support from 42 billinaires, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

"It's not surprising that another ultra-wealthy billionaire would come out in support of Ron DeSantis," Reuther said, "because that is who DeSantis works for."

DeSantis has said he's focused on his 2022 race and has not said he's running for president. He tends to brush off questions about it when asked.



Political insiders think DeSantis will run because he has raised $124 million in campaign cash, an enormous sum. He also has been unafraid to insert himself into high-profile battles against the Biden administration. Lots of conservatives view DeSantis as similar to Trump in his policies, but without some of the legal and political baggage that comes with the former president.

Earlier this month DeSantis beat Trump in a straw poll of self-identified conservative conference-goers at the Western Conservative Summit who were asked who they'd like to be the 2024 presidential nominee.

Trump is reportedly considering announcing a presidential run as early as July 4 of this year and may do it in Florida to show DeSantis "who the boss is," Rolling Stone reported.

This story has been updated to include a response from the Democratic Party of Florida.

Read the original article on Business Insider
William Campbell/Getty

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, whose tagline is leading the Montana comeback, may finally be coming back to Montana.

The Republican governor, elected in 2020, spent the past workweek galavanting in Tuscany, Italy, as his constituents battled some of the worst floods in the states history, reports 8KPAX. Now, after at least four days away on a personal trip, Gianfortes office confirmed the governor is expected back in the capital city of Helena sometime Thursday night.

The damage may already be done for Gianforte, however.

Montanans were kept in the dark about his whereabouts for days, only alerted to his absencenot just from Montana, but the entire continentwhen reporters noticed an executive order declaring a disaster was signed by Lieutenant Gov. Kristen Juras on Monday and not Gianforte himself. The governor was also absent from all official briefings about the floods.

Gianfortes office later told the Helena Independent Record that the governor verbally authorized the disaster declaration and gave Juras authorization to act on his behalf.

Flooding in Yellowstone has destroyed roads and houses. National Park Service

Meanwhile, devastating flood waters washed away dozens of bridges and miles of roads in Yellowstone National Park, which is partially in Montana, and forced 10,000 visitors out from the indefinitely closed park on Monday.

Those floods worked their way downstream and continue to ravage the lives of Montanans, 87 of whom were rescued from flood waters by the National Guard.

Local families across Montana and visitors at Yellowstone National Park are stranded after historic flooding washed away roads and destroyed homes. @BillWadell https://t.co/dvW3dQT1My pic.twitter.com/i2VWVhd51d  AccuWeather (@accuweather) June 15, 2022

The floods have also wreaked havoc away from the riverfront. High waters caused the water treatment plant servicing Billings, the states most populous city, to close earlier this week, forcing officials to beg residents to conserve water. After being down to just a days supply by Thursday morning, the plant was able to restart. But the threat of flooding elsewhere remains.

Story continues

None of us planned a 500-year flood event on the Yellowstone when we designed these facilities, Debi Meling, Billings public works director, told the Associated Press.

Gianfortes office admitted Wednesday the states leader was on a personal trip out of the country, but withheld his exact location for security reasons.

Bridge washes away. Heavy flooding currently happening in Gardiner, Montana. All entrances to Yellowstone National Park are closed until further notice (June 2022) pic.twitter.com/MeUpJufRqz  Catastrophic Failure (@ohshidt) June 13, 2022

This silence from Gianforte has led critics to paint him as the new Cancun Cruz, a reference to Texas Senator Ted Cruzs jaunt to Mexico last year as his home state froze over amid deadly power outages and freezing temperatures.

Greg Gianforte pulled a Ted Cruz and is vacationing out of the country while Montana blunders its response to massive flooding, tweeted Raw Story reporter Bob Bringham of Bozeman, Montana.

But comparing Cruz to Gianforte is not apples-to-apples. For one, Gianforte has provided no explanation for his stay in Europe, while Cruz belatedly attempted to paint his untimely escape as an act of fatherhood, accompanying his daughter to Mexico before returning the next day. Cruz also booked his flights as Texas was in crisis, while Gianfortes get-a-wayhis second in two weekswas planned in advance, his office said.

This isnt the first time Gianforte has made national headlines for the wrong reasons. He once body slammed a reporter on the campaign trail for a seat in Congress in 2017. Three years later, as he ran for governor, his political director and spokesman reportedly bashed a parked car next to his pickup truck, slamming his trucks door into the other vehicle.

Gianfortes office did not respond to multiple calls, emails and direct messages from The Daily Beast on Thursday about when his Italian holiday began and what took him so long to get home.

Reporter Maritsa Georgiou, of Newsy, says she obtained a time stamped photo that shows the governor in Italian wine country. The photo itself has not been released by Georgiou, however.

Gov. Greg Gianfortes office says he will be back in Montana tonight. They say they do not share his location when he's out of the country for security reasons. @Newsy has obtained a time stamped photo that shows he's been in the Tuscany region of Italy. #mtnews #mtpol  Maritsa Georgiou (@MaritsaGeorgiou) June 16, 2022

Others in the state heard similar rumors about Gianfortes whereabouts. Former Democrat Representative Reilly Neill, who ran for governor in 2020, said Thursday she heard from three people that Gianforte was vacationing in Italy but the trio wished to remain anonymous.

Neill declined a phone interview with The Daily Beast on Thursday, saying she would soon lose cell service as she drove to the areas surrounding Yellowstone. With Gianfortes return apparently imminent, perhaps he will be doing the same sometime soon.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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A Burke County Health Department nurse has been accepted to be part of a leadership program shes hoping will translate into helping more people in the county.

Ashley Jarrett, communicable disease and community outreach nurse for the health department, has been accepted into the 2022 Jim Bernstein Community Health Leadership Fellows Program. The purpose of the Jim Bernstein Community Health Leadership Fellows Program is to develop future leaders to work in and improve the health of rural and under-served communities in North Carolina, according to a release from the health department.

The program supports the belief that everyone has the right to health care, care should be delivered in a respectful, effective and efficient manner, and the health care system belongs to the communities where people live and providers practice, the release said.

Ashley is one of our brightest young stars at BCHD. Her work in Burke County has already helped many people and prevented disease, Danny Scalise, director of the Burke County Health Department, told The News Herald. The Jim Bernstein Community Health Leadership Fellows Program will help Ashley expand her current knowledge while developing her leadership capabilities. Its truly an honor for a member of our team to receive such an accolade.

Fellowships were awarded to up-and-coming health professionals from a variety of disciplines, the release said.

In addition to providing educational opportunities and individual mentoring, the two-year program will provide Jarrett with $3,000 each of the two years to be used on her project.

Jarrett had to submit a project when she applied for the program. Her project is the Burke Street Medicine Team, which is a rotating health care team from various disciplines of medicine who will visit those in under-served communities such as the homeless, she said.

Jarrett joined the health department in 2020, and since that time she has pushed aside the barriers traditional health care systems create to provide a model of care that is innovative, adaptive, collaborative and engaging to further expand the comprehensive care delivered, according to a release from the health department.

Part of that innovative, adaptive and collaborative work started in August, when Jarrett went out to homeless camps for three days to vaccinate them against hepatitis A. She was part of a team that included another health department nurse, county EMS staff and Morganton Department of Public Safety officers. Burke County led the state in hepatitis A cases, according to a previous News Herald story.

The hepatitis A outbreak mostly affected the homeless, IV drug users and men who have sex with men.

Jarrett has taken that initial effort and extended it to taking health care to homeless camps and shelters.

She said theyre doing a rotation of providers so its not just going to be focused on hepatitis A. It will be various volunteer providers of some sort, either health care related or housing related, to their front doors, Jarrett said.

Jarrett said the current health care system in the U.S. is based on acute care and not chronic care, and its leaving a mass population behind. And thats not OK, Jarrett said.

Jarrett grew up in McDowell County and saw firsthand how rural health and socioeconomics contribute to health outcomes, the health department release said.

She hopes the program can help her reach out to other communities that are falling through the cracks and make her efforts sustainable.

Im pretty excited about this, Jarrett said about her acceptance into the program. And Ive gotten a lot of support from partners, you know, my friends. Essentially everyone Ive worked with and collaborated with has been really excited for me to get this and that is, in itself, very rewarding, very uplifting, very supportive and reassuring.

The Burke Street Medicine Team is always looking for volunteers from the medical community.

Any medical professionals who want to volunteer with the team can call Jarrett at 828-764-9184 or email her at ashley.jarrett@burkenc.org.
On the heels of its grand opening event last week, NCSSM-Morganton honored a Morganton native for his dedication to the preservation of African American history.

Members of the Phifer family have committed contributions totaling $250,000 to support the construction of the new campus, and at their request, the recognition of these gifts and the associated naming opportunity was used to honor John Fleming.

According to a statement from NCSSM-Morganton, a prominent staircase located at the main arrival point on campus was named for Fleming in recognition of his educational achievements, professional success and dedication to the preservation of African American history.

According to the statement, the generous donation was provided by five siblings in the Phifer family who grew up in Morganton: Adair Phifer Armfield, Edward Phifer III, Susu Phifer Johnson, Mimi Phifer and Nancy Phifer. The donors chose to honor Dr. Fleming because they wanted to elevate and amplify his story so that more people know about it and can draw upon it for inspiration.

My sisters and I mulled it over and decided on the staircase which is symbolic of the grand entrance which John made into the world of high-profile artistic and scholastic achievement, said Edward Phifer III. You think about him ascending the way he has, and a grand staircase is kind of symbolic of his rising out of very humble beginnings here in Morganton.

Fleming currently serves as the museum director in residence for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tennessee, and director emeritus of the Cincinnati Museum Center in Ohio.

According to the statement, Fleming began his career in the mid-1970s as a research assistant. From there, he helped create and direct museums highlighting African American history, wrote books and articles about the Black experience in America, taught history at the university level and served on numerous boards. He was appointed by President George W. Bush to the National Museum of African American History and Culture Presidential Commission.

For Edward Phifer and his family to think about naming the stairwell after me, I consider that to be a big honor, said Fleming. I hope students may get some inspiration from the things that Ive been able to achieve in life  I certainly have been inspired by many people as I grew up and went to college.

According to the statement, the staircase named in Flemings honor serves as the central entry point for Goodwin Hall, a four-story historic building that will house the main check-in area for the campus, administrative suites and classrooms. Situated underneath the buildings central archway, the staircase feeds up to the second floor to recreate the original look and design of the building when it was first opened in the early 20th century.

We are so grateful to the Phifer family not only for this generous gift but also for the incredible opportunity to share Dr. Flemings story in such a prominent way in this historic building, said Kevin Baxter, vice chancellor and chief campus officer for NCSSM-Morganton. Its my hope that we can honor Dr. Flemings living legacy with our commitment to delivering a cutting-edge public education that prioritizes diversity and inclusion.

Fleming grew up on West Concord Street in Morganton. In 1962, he graduated from Olive Hill High School, and went on to attend Berea College, the University of Kentucky, the University of Malawi, and Howard University. During his years of study, he became close with Morganton physician and amateur historian Dr. Edward W. Phifer Jr.

He was a dear friend of my father, and it is an honor for us to be able to do something to honor John Fleming, said Susu Phifer Johnson. Hes a wonderful example of what a bright mind and a lot of drive can do under any conditions.
RALEIGH  Many retirees and Medicare beneficiaries on a fixed income want to save money wherever they can. Each year, thousands of people contact the Seniors Health Insurance Information Program throughout the state to help them identify savings in their Medicare coverages.

SHIIP is a division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance that assists people with Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare supplement, Medicare Advantage and long-term care insurance questions. SHIIP counselors are not licensed insurance agents, and they do not sell, endorse or oppose any product, plan or company. Program administrators also help citizens recognize and prevent Medicare billing errors and possible fraud and abuse through the North Carolina Senior Medicare Patrol program.

Throughout the year, but particularly during the Medicare Open Enrollment period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, Medicare beneficiaries are urged to compare their current coverage for the Part D prescription drug plan to determine if their current plan is still the most appropriate for the coming year. Each year, formularies, prices and programs change, and many times, the Medicare beneficiary is unaware of the differences. In 2021, SHIIP and its coordinating sites statewide assisted 58,000 consumers, saving them $30 million. In addition, nearly 1,500 consumers received assistance applying for the Extra Help program.

For more information about Medicare or the Extra Help program, contact SHIIP at 855-408-1212 to speak with a trained counselor or to request a free brochure. Contact information for local coordinating sites in each county in North Carolina can be found by visiting www.ncshiip.com.
DREXEL  Drexel town residents will likely see their property tax rate remain the same but some fees will increase, while electric customers will see a decrease in their bills.

The towns proposed 2022-23 fiscal year $4.5 million proposed budget keeps the property tax rate at 38 cents per $100 of property value.

Drexel Town Manager Sherri Bradshaw said electric customers would receive a rate decrease of 5% starting with their Aug. 1 bill, if the proposed budget is approved by the board of aldermen. Drexel is an ElectriCities member and the North Carolina Municipal Power Agency 1 is projecting a wholesale rate decrease to its municipalities, Bradshaw said. In addition, she said the decrease to town electric customers also is due to the towns electric system remaining financially sound.

The proposed budget includes a cost-of-service study for its electric system that would be a financial examination of the costs of the system and whether the costs are being recovered from all customer rate classes.

The solid waste fee to most residents is proposed to increase to $10 a month, but residents at Buena Vista Apartments, Drexel Apartments, Drexel Plaza Apartments and Sterling Place Apartments would see their solid waste fee remain at $8.

The proposed budget calls for water rates to remain the same but sewer rates would increase by 4% due to the town of Valdese, which Drexel purchases its wastewater treatment from, increasing its sewer rates 4%, Bradshaw said in her budget message. The town buys its water from the city of Morganton.

The town was allotted $590,865 in American Rescue Plan Act funds, the first allotment of which was received in July 2021, and the second allotment is expected in July.

Some of the funds would be used for salaries and benefits for fire, police and public works employees. Because of that, other projects can be completed, Bradshaw said. Those projects include replacing all water meters with radio-read meters, new financial software, a bucket truck and staffing daytime fire personnel for the year, she said.

Town employees also are proposed to receive a 4.5% cost of living increase, with 2% to be received on July 2 and the remaining 2.5% to be received in January, Bradshaw said.

The proposed budget calls for Powell Bill money to be use to repave Valdese Drive and McCall Street, and to replace or rehab sidewalks on various streets.

The proposed budget also calls for:

Purchase of a Ford Explorer Interceptor as a reserve vehicle for the police department.

Replace two duty uniforms, a dress-down uniform and a uniform coat for each full-time police officer.

Funding a full-time daytime fire department position, with a rotation of firefighters manning the position. The current budget funds a part-time daytime position.

Replacing fire department turnout gear, pagers and a thermal imager.

Street Department: Two scrap blades for dump trucks and a new sand spreader.

Funding to allow the R.O. Huffman Center to be open on a part-time basis.

A copy of the proposed budget can be viewed at Drexel Town Hall.

A public hearing on the proposed budget is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 21.
Members of the Grace Ridge Retirement Community are still savoring memories of the trip of a lifetime.

Evelyn Beaver, life enrichment director at Grace Ridge, planned a trip to Costa Rica this spring and took seven Grace Ridge residents, their family members, staff and people from the community there in late March. Each participant, ranging in age from 22 to 88, was given the option to stay either nine or 12 days.

The trip came about as a means to create opportunities for Grace Ridge residents to thrive, Beaver said. For some, this trip or others we offer are chances to remove one thing off their bucket list or maybe to complete it. Its also Grace Ridges chance to make a positive impact on the community, since we invite others from the community the opportunity to travel with us so they may feel the security of traveling with others. It also builds family and friend relationships, since those going are encouraged to bring family and friends with them.

The retirement community took groups on trips to South Dakota, Ireland and Scotland last year.

Some of our residents were avid travelers before they came to Grace Ridge, and this is another reason we travel, Beaver said.

She said the experiences enrich residents lives.

We know travel is opportunity to learn and understand, Beaver said. I believe travel creates more open-minded people, and we travel not only for pleasure, but just to experience what life has to offer.

She praised the travel company that managed the trip.

Collette is a great company to travel with and arranged for all 29 (people) to meet up in Costa Rica at the same time regardless of where they were coming from, Beaver said. Our trip was an amazing experience, since our Collette guide was also a biologist and had knowledge (and) was infectious!

While in Costa Rica, trip participants visited the Monterverde Cloud Forest, San Jose, Arenal Volcano, the National Theatre and Tortuguero National Rainforest Park.

Information posted online about the Monteverde Cloud Forest reports that the nature preserve has 2,500 plant species (including the most orchid species in a single place), 100 species of mammals, 400 bird species, 120 reptilian and amphibian species and thousands of insects.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest is stunning in its beauty and biodiversity, Beaver said. It is an amazing place to visit. Sixteen of our group zip lined through the Cloud Forest, with the oldest being almost 89. I think seeing an almost 89-year-old zipping through the Cloud Forest was truly an inspiration to all of us. The zip lining was very strenuous, and I was so proud of him. He really is a remarkable example of how someone can thrive no matter their age. His wife and two children also enjoyed the trip.

She shared some of the things they learned while visiting notable places in Costa Rica.

We saw and learned so much  (for example,) the difference between a cloud forest and rain forest; what is a strangler tree; the difference in a cayman, an alligator and a crocodile; the beautiful yellow floral and how the viper snake uses it for camouflage; the importance of bats in our ecosystem; how papaya is good to the digestive system; the difference between a two- and three-fingered sloth; how coffee is grown; the iconic oxen cart and its importance to the people of Costa Rica; and most importantly, something we learned in school many years ago  the importance of trees and their life sustaining production of oxygen, Beaver said.

They learned about various native species, including the red poisonous frog, the large black poisonous spider, three species of monkeys, the snake bird along with many other bird species, and the Jesus Christ lizard, which walks on water.

Pure Life in Spanish (Vida Pura), a Costa Rican philosophy, encourages the appreciation of lifes simple treasures. Beaver said. We saw this philosophy written everywhere. If we could all learn and practice this, what would this world be like?

She said those who went on the trip seemed to really enjoy themselves, and she shared feedback from some who participated:

Costa Rica was typical of the kind of travel opportunities Grace Ridge offers to members of its retirement community, people who, in retirement, want to live life to the fullest and enjoy being challenged mentally and physically. Costa Rica fit that bill, especially for the hearty souls who climbed the mountain to take on those 12 zip lines!  Maxine McCall

Our trip to Costa Rica was a wonderful trip. (It was) a beautiful country, and our tour guide, Carlos, was very knowledgeable about his county.  Fred and Martha Cooke

(We) both thought it was amazing and so much more than we could ever imagine. The highlight of the trip, of course, was the breathtaking zip line and making new friends.  Howard and Claudia Morgan

Costa Rica was beautiful. Traveling with the Grace Ridge group takes away the travel hassles. All the details are taken care of, and all we have to do is relax and enjoy!  Suzanne Russell

Upcoming trips planned by Grace Ridge include Alaska, New Mexico, Utah, New England, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand and Figi. Beaver also is planning a trip to Normandy, France, in 2024 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Members of the community are invited to participate in the trips as space allows. For more information, contact Beaver at 828-263-4810 or evelyn.beaver@blueridgehealth.org.

My friend, Maxine McCall, told me before the onset of COVID that regardless of age, everybody needs something to look forward to, Beaver said. So my goal with this trip was that those participating had something to look forward to, participated and had the time of their lives.

Staff writer Tammie Gercken can be reached at tgercken@morganton.com.
MUSCATINE  An exciting discovery was made earlier this week at 304 Iowa Ave. during construction of the new Stanley Center for Peace and Security headquarters.

On Monday, Stanleys contractors discovered a time capsule hidden in the cornerstone of the former Musser Public Library building.

I got an email from our contractors Monday morning. There was this cornerstone on the library with two dates  1901 and 1971  engraved on the side of the building, Mark Seaman, vice president and director of communications for Stanley Center, said. I had asked them to pull those dates off and save them so that we could put them in a different place on the new building, since we didnt want to lose that history. When they pulled those two bricks off, they found a beautifully made hole behind it with a box inside.

Having no idea that there was even a time capsule at the site, Seaman said that he was elated to hear about it. I thought What an awesome piece of history to have come to life over the course of our project.'

Once the time capsule was unearthed, the organization learned from Bobby Fiedler, interim director of Musser Public Library, that the capsule originally was buried in 1971, with the contents of the capsule decided on by a committee headed by Robert Herwig.

It was quite exciting to get the news earlier this week that the capsule was discovered. So much has changed in both the library and Muscatine in the last 50 years, Fiedler said.

With the excitement surrounding this discovery, Stanley Center announced that it will open the capsule and explore its contents during a private ceremony this Friday at the Stanley Centers current office. The Stanley Centers findings will then be shared with the public through the media, with some items from the capsule potentially being displayed in the new Stanley Center headquarters.

When asked about what could potentially be in the capsule, Fiedler was able to share a few of his guesses.

We suspect there may be a letter and at least one book in the 1971 capsule, he explained. We are hoping that there may be a few items from the 1902 capsule that was unearthed when they built the library at 304 Iowa Ave.

Fiedler then emphasized the Musser Public Library's long and fascinating history that many residents may not even know about, with both the name and the experience of checking out books being shared between generations.

My own family in Muscatine goes back five generations to the 1860s, and my dad still tells me stories of when he used to visit the original library to check out books back in the 40s and 50s, Fiedler continued. The connection to our town's past and what might be revealed in the capsule is something all of us at the library are greatly looking forward to.

Although Stanley Center has mostly focused on what improvements can be made for the sake of a better future, Seaman shared similar sentiments regarding the discovery and preservation of local history.

We know that the building and the 120-year history of the library is really important to the community, and thats important to us, he said. We want to preserve and acknowledge that history in some way. The new building will have some architectural elements that point to its history, but this is perhaps one more thing that we can use to help people remember the buildings past.

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MUSCATINE  The regulatory approval for a merger between First National Bank of Muscatine and MidWestOne Bank of Iowa City was completed June 9, according to a news release.

First National Bank will become MidWestOne Bank as of Sept. 12. Beginning Aug. 1, MidWestOne will mail and email First National Bank customers information about the enhancements to the products and services, banking hours and other benefits that will begin in September.

Additionally, Iowa First Bancshares Corporation, parent company of First National Bank, made a $250,000 contribution to the MidWestOne Foundation to help support local communities. The money will provide support for area arts, education, wellness, recreation and civic services.

It was announced last year that MidWestOne Financial Group Inc. the parent company of MidWestOne would acquire Iowa First Bancshares Corp., the parent company of First National Bank of Muscatine. According to a news release, the agreement will broaden MidWestOnes footprint into the important and growing Muscatine market and provide key resources to support Muscatines future growth.

First National Bank has a long history as a community- and family-focused bank in Iowa, MidWestOne CEO Charlie Funk said. For more than 151 years, they have been helping families, farmers and businesses grow and prosper. We look forward to continuing that rich heritage and providing them with the resources and support  and financial strength that MidWestOne is known for  to help secure their future for decades to come.

He said the two banks were closely aligned culturally and would be better and stronger together.

Headquartered in Iowa City, MidWestOne operates 56 banking offices in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Florida and Colorado. Since its inception in 1934, the company has been guided by its core mission to take care of our customers and those who should be. Funk believes establishing a presence in Muscatine broadens MidWestOnes footprint in its home state and its ability to serve customers in an important and growing market.

President and CEO of First National Bank Debra Lins will step down from her post as the merger is completed. With nearly 40 years of experience, First National Bank chief operating officer M. Wayne Johanson has been appointed MidWestOne Bank Muscatine Market president to lead the team forward.

I have had the privilege of working with our dedicated team of professionals to provide our customers the personalized service they deserve, and I know they will carry forward the long-standing tradition of being the communitys choice for banking services. MidWestOne will become our name, Lins said. Our employees will remain the same. The First National Bank employees will be here to take care of their customers.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP)  Two U.S. veterans from Alabama who were in Ukraine assisting in the war against Russia haven't been heard from in days and are missing, members of the state's congressional delegation said Wednesday.

Relatives of Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh, 27, of Trinity and Alexander Drueke, 39, of Tuscaloosa have been in contact with both Senate and House offices seeking information about the men's whereabouts, press aides said.

Rep. Robert Aderholt said Huynh had volunteered to go fight with the Ukrainian army against Russia, but relatives haven't heard from him since June 8, when he was in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine, which is near the Russian border. Huynh and Drueke were together, an aide to Aderholt said.

As you can imagine, his loved ones are very concerned about him, Aderholt said in a statement. My office has placed inquires with both the United States Department of State and the Federal Bureau of Investigation trying to get any information possible.

Rep. Terri Sewell said Drueke's mother reached out to her office earlier this week after she lost contact with her son.

The U.S. State Department said it was looking into reports that Russian or Russian-backed separatist forces in Ukraine had captured at least two American citizens. If confirmed, they would be the first Americans fighting for Ukraine known to have been captured since the war began Feb. 24.

We are closely monitoring the situation and are in contact with Ukrainian authorities, the department said in a statement emailed to reporters. It declined further comment, citing privacy considerations.

John Kirby, a national security spokesman at the White House, said Wednesday that the administration wasnt able to confirm the reports about missing Americans.

Well do the best we can to monitor this and see what we can learn about it, he said.

However, he reiterated his warnings against Americans going to Ukraine.

Ukraine is not the place for Americans to be traveling, he said. If you feel passionate about supporting Ukraine, theres any number of ways to do that that that are safer and just as effective.

A court in Donetsk, under separatist control, sentenced two Britons and a Moroccan man to death last week. The Britons and Moroccan were accused of being mercenaries and seeking the violent overthrow of the separatist government in the Donetsk region. The Russian military has said it considers foreigners fighting with Ukraine to be mercenaries and claims they are not protected as combatants under the Geneva Convention.

Huynh's fiancee, Joy Black, posted publicly on Facebook that his family was in contact with the Drueke family and government officials, and that nothing had been confirmed other than that the two were missing.

Please keep Andy, and Alex, and all of their loved ones in prayer. We just want them to come home, she wrote.

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger tweeted that the Americans have enlisted in the Ukrainian army, and thus are afforded legal combatant protections. As such, we expect members of the Legion to be treated in accordance with the Geneva convention. It was unclear whether Kinzinger, an Illinois Republican, had any further information about the men.

He was commenting on a tweet sent earlier Wednesday by Task Force Baguette, a group of former U.S. and French servicemen, saying that two Americans fighting with them were captured a week ago. The group said Ukrainian intelligence confirmed the information.

Early in the war, Ukraine created the International Legion for foreign citizens who wanted to help defend against the Russian invasion.

Huynh spoke to his local newspaper, the Decatur Daily, shortly before flying to Eastern Europe in April.

He explained that he was studying robotics at Calhoun Community College but couldnt stop thinking about Russias invasion.

I know it wasnt my problem, but there was that gut feeling that I felt I had to do something, Huynh told the Decatur Daily. Two weeks after the war began, it kept eating me up inside and it just felt wrong. I was losing sleep. ... All I could think about was the situation in Ukraine.

He said he decided to fly out once he learned that young Ukrainians were being drafted into service.

Right when they turned 18, they were forced to enlist in the military to defend their homeland, Huynh said. Honestly, that broke my heart. I would say that is probably the moment where I decided that I have to do something.

According to the newspaper, Huynh enlisted in the Marines when he was 19 and served for four years, though he did not see active combat.

He was born and raised in Orange County, California, to Vietnamese immigrants and moved to northern Alabama two years ago to be closer to his fiancee, the newspaper reported.

Associated Press writers Lynn Berry in Washington and Chris Megerian in Washington contributed to this report.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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The Jan. 6 committee has plunged deeper into Donald Trumps last-ditch effort to overturn the 2020 election. Testimony Thursday showed even Trump aides and allies warning him against the plan to have Vice President Mike Pence reject the electoral count before Congress certified it. Gripping new evidence also detailed how the mob that stormed the Capitol that day came within 40 feet of where Pence and his team were sheltering, highlighting the danger Trump had put him in. Thursday's witnesses, including Pence's counsel, dissected a strategy Trump embraced from conservative law professor John Eastman to have Pence refuse to certify Joe Bidens election victory in a Jan. 6 joint session of Congress.
CEDAR RAPIDS  Despite political headwinds, Iowa gubernatorial nominee Deidre DeJear sees hope and common ground among Iowa voters, including rural voters, which could pave success for Democrats in November.

From pushing to provide taxpayer funding to pay for students to attend private schools, to a flat tax and abortion restrictions, DeJear argues Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds has prioritized extreme policies over Iowans while real issues like rural revitalization and access to quality, affordable health care and mental health care have been shortchanged.

Were seeing minimal results out of the governors office, DeJear told a gathering of 25 supporters and Linn County Democrats.

DeJear stopped at Raygun in Cedar Rapids Monday evening as part of a statewide campaign swing ahead of Iowa Democrats state convention Saturday in Des Moines. She delivered her report card on Reynolds performance during her first term.

The Des Moines business owner and activist, who became the first Black candidate to be nominated for statewide office in Iowa with her unsuccessful run for Iowa secretary of state in 2018, gave Reynolds failing grades on the environment, education, health care, government transparency, housing, womens issues, jobs and the economy.

Are we willing to fight for that common ground? DeJear asked the group of supporters. To be real? To talk about the real issues that Iowans are facing, not the ones that people want to use to divide us like what bathroom somebody goes to. Cmon. People need homes. They need a roof over their heads. They need insurance. They need to be able to choose to go to school or a grocery store knowing they can come home safe. This isnt about culture right now, this is about progression as Iowans. This is about fighting for a democracy that we all need to work, but weve got leadership unwilling to use it.

DeJear criticized Reynolds push to use $55 million in state public school funding to provide 10,000 students with scholarships to pay private school expenses.

One hundred percent of our students need the undivided attention of our governor in order to improve their opportunity within the education system, DeJear said.

She also criticized the governor for stating she believes the effects of climate change were overstated, despite the increasing frequency of severe storms and flooding across the state, including the August 2020 derecho that hit Cedar Rapids hard and heavy.

DeJear also called out Reynolds for pushing a conservative agenda that supports an unfair 4 percent flat-rate state income tax she argues benefits the super wealthy and corporations, while rural counties continue to lose population, rural hospitals have closed and Iowans grapple to access needed mental health care.

The vast majority of Iowans are going to get $55 a month four years from now, DeJear said of the gradual income tax cuts. Meanwhile, were sitting on a $1 billion (state budget) surplus and we know that money could go to good use today.  We can put resources into education. We can put resources into mental health care, as well as workforce and affordable housing.

When we look at the legislation and when we look at this cycle from this current governor, were not seeing the work happen, DeJear continued.

GOP RESPONSE

Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann pushed packed on DeJears assessment of Reynolds first term.

Gov. Kim Reynolds has transformed education in Iowa by ensuring students have a 100 percent in-person learning option, banning mask mandates, and defending parents' rights to be involved in their child's education, Kaufmann said in a statement of DeJears Reynolds Report Card Tour. Because of Reynolds' record of success, Iowa's students are on a better path than students in blue states.  To DeJear, teacher unions are in control  not Iowans. That's not the kind of education policy Iowans want out of their governor.

The latest Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll from March showed Reynolds with an 8-point lead over DeJear.

Both ran unopposed in Iowas June 7 primary.

MATHIS SPEAKS

DeJear was joined on her Cedar Rapids stop by Democratic state Sen. Liz Mathis of Hiawatha, who is running to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson of Marion in the November general election.

Mathis mentioned a recent fundraising call where a woman told her she would not donate to her campaign, but wished her the best of luck.

We cannot wish our candidates into office, Mathis told the small gathering of Linn County Democrats. We have got to roll up our sleeves. We have got to knock on doors. We have got to get out there and spread the word  and getting a candidate like Deidre DeJear, who is passionate and compassionate, and is putting her all into this campaign. And thats whats going to get us a win.

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Disproportionately high rental costs, low profit margins, and changing consumer habits are forcing more mobile retail stores to close their doors throughout malls in South Africa.

A senior industry source who spoke with MyBroadband on condition of anonymity explained that mobile retailers in malls are often charged up to four times more than stores of similar sizes.

The capital cost of building a store with marginal returns and high rentals are forcing the mobile store closures, they said.

A mobile retailer can pay up to R1,500 to R1,800 per square meter, whereas a TFG or large retailer similar in size only pays R350 per square meter for the same space.

The source said that since margins have dropped significantly in mobile retail, landlords increasing rental costs over the last 28 years have become entirely unsustainable.

I would guess that 50% to 60% of mobile stores in malls, including franchises, are unprofitable or breaking even now.

They said that unreasonably high turnover clauses compound the rental costs, putting increased pressure on mobile stores to shut their doors.

The malls insist on 7% to 8% turnover. However, the net margin on prepaid airtime is only 4%, excluding credit card fees.

There is no margin on handsets for contracts and upgrades, and any cash sales of mobile devices typically only have 6% to 8% turnover, they said.

The landlords are double-dipping by charging 300% or more for space and then layering a turnover clause on top of that.

There is no question that some landlords are better than others and understand the threat. However, many are uncompromising and banking on these high returns.

MTN SA executive for corporate affairs Jacqui OSullivan said that the shift in consumer habits brought on by the pandemic has also influenced retail store profits.

We have been working closely with our landlords to review store rentals and our dealers to ensure our stores remain profitable, she said.

Store performance is closely monitored. Should a store start trending to become unprofitable, steps are taken to assist in the form of additional marketing funding, rental support and so forth, OSullivan said.

Although MTN closed 14 stores over the past 12 months, OSullivan said this was due to the 2021 July unrest in Kwazulu-Natal.

OSullivan also noted that underperforming stores often close and are relocated to better sites to ensure sustainability.

Cell C chief operations officer Andre Ittmann said the mobile operator had closed 128 stores over three years.

In 2019, Cell C made an informed business decision to adopt a hybrid retail model by reducing its physical retail footprint and put more emphasis on engaging and servicing customers through digital channels.

Cell C still believes there will continue to be a need for retail store environments and is continually exploring retail opportunities for expansion where it makes commercial sense, Ittmann said.

Vodacom also had to trim its portfolio.

In line with our omnichannel strategy and making sure our footprint remains optimal for our customers and business partners, certain stores were optimised in the past financial year, a Vodacom spokesperson said.

Despite these challenges, Vodacom and MTN said they would continue to invest in the mobile retail industry.

Retail still remains our strongest acquisition channel and will continue making significant investments in this space to ensure franchise stores remain relevant and attractive in support of our customers, Vodacom said.

For instance, Vodacom launched stores in Fourways and Vodacom World Midrand late last year, and more recently in Mall of Africa.

MTNs OSullivan noted that the operator has opened eight stores over the past year and plans to add 20 more points of presence in the following year.

Currently, no stores are planned for closure in the short term, OSullivan said.

Telkom did not provide any comment at the time of publication.
Telkom is potentially looking at announcing a partnership with a hyperscale computing provider soon, CEO Serame Taukobong has told MyBroadband.

Hyperscalers include players such as Alibaba, Huawei, Oracle, Facebook, Amazon Web Services, SAP, Microsoft, and Google.

Two of the worlds biggest cloud computing players  Amazon and Microsoft  have launched data centres in South Africa.

Huawei has also launched a local data centre, while Oracle, SAP, and Acronis have announced Johannesburg-based cloud regions for their services.

Africa Data Centres also recently revealed that it was selected for the first African Google Cloud Interconnect.

Taukobong revealed Telkoms high-level plans in response to questions about the markets reaction to its annual results, with the companys share price falling by as much as 14.8%.

At the time of publication, Telkoms share price was R36.24  10.8% lower than Tuesdays opening price of R40.59.

What the market has certainly been expecting is for us to announce some big-ticket items [to unlock shareholder value], Taukobong said.

To be fair, its a conversation that weve had with the market.

The launch of a hyperscaler in its data centres is one of three things Telkom expects to announce soon to unlock that value, Taukobong told MyBroadband.

Hopefully, in the next 36 months, well drop some significant announcements on real partnerships that start to materialise the value unlock journey, he said.

The two other announcements are around BCX and Openserve.

We are looking at getting a strategic partner for BCX to drive scale and capability, said Taukobong.

He also said Telkom had completed the balance sheet separation of Openserve.

This will allow Telkoms wholesale and networks division to attract better funding and be more aggressive in the market.

Upstart Vumatel has eaten Telkoms lunch in the fibre-to-the-home arena since it arrived on the scene in 2014.

Telkom reported in its annual financial results that its fibre network passes 839,691 homes with a connectivity rate of 46.3%.

On the same day Telkom announced its annual financial results, Vumatel revealed in a presentation to Remgro shareholders that its network passes 1.4 million homes with an uptake rate of 33.8%.

Therefore, Vumatel has over 473,000 FTTH customers connected to its fibre network, while Telkom reported 389,109 home fibre subscribers.
South Africans in the market for a 27-inch monitor will find plenty of options to choose from online.

Most monitor ranges on the market are available in this size, which translates to a broad selection of brands and feature sets.

We perused the catalogues of some of the best-priced online PC hardware stores in South Africa  including Takealot, Dreamware Tech, Evetech, and Wootware  to see what the most affordable models were.

All of the monitors we found were less than R5,000.

Only one had a resolution higher than 1080p resolution  the LG UltraGear 27QN600  which is on a special for R4,999 from Evetech.

Aside from screen size and resolution, several features must be considered before choosing a monitor.

If you are big on gaming, a higher refresh rate will offer smoother visuals and could provide a competitive edge in fast-paced first-person shooters (FPS).

In this case, your bare minimum should be 144Hz. Our list included monitors with 60Hz, 75Hz, 144Hz, and 165Hz refresh rates.

If you plan to spend more time on multimedia, including editing photos or video, it is best to go for an IPS panel over a VA-type due to its higher colour fidelity.

However, getting a professional-grade monitor in the price bracket we considered would be difficult.

Port availability is also essential if you want to use certain peripherals with your monitor.

Below are 15 of the most affordable 27-inch monitors you can buy online in South Africa.

Dell SE2722H  R2,949

Dell SE2722H specifications Resolution 1,920 x 1,080 Refresh rate 60Hz Panel type VA Brightness 250cd/m Contrast ratio 3,000:1 Response time (GTG) 8ms Syncing technologies None Ports 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x VGA

Dell 2721HN  R3,199

Dell SE2721HN specifications Resolution 1,920 x 1,080 Refresh rate 75Hz Panel type IPS Brightness 300cd/m Contrast ratio 1,000:1 Response time (GTG) 4ms Syncing technologies AMD FreeSync Ports 2 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack

Philips 271V8  R3,474

Philips 271V8 Resolution 1,920 x 1,080 Refresh rate 75Hz Panel type IPS Brightness 250cd/m2 Contrast ratio 1,000:1 Response time (GTG) 4ms Syncing technologies Adaptive Sync Ports 1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA

Mecer A2757K  R3,839

Resolution 1,920 x 1,080 Refresh rate 75Hz Panel type IPS Brightness 250cd/m2 Contrast ratio Unspecified Response time (GTG) 5ms Syncing technologies Unspecified Ports 1 x HDMI 1.3, 1 x VGA

ASUS VA27EHE  R3,899

ASUS VA27EHE Resolution 1,920 x 1,080 Refresh rate 75Hz Panel type IPS Brightness 250cd/m Contrast ratio 1,000:1 Response time (GTG) 5ms Syncing technologies AMD FreeSync Ports 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x VGA

Samsung C27F390FH Curved  R3,999

Samsung C27F390FH Curved Resolution 1,920 x 1,080 Refresh rate 60Hz Panel type VA Brightness 250 cd/m2 Contrast ratio 3,000:1 Response time (GTG) 4ms Syncing technologies AMD FreeSync Ports 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x VGA, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack

LG LGE27MP400  R3,999

LG LGE27MP400 specifications Resolution 1,920 x 1,080 Refresh rate 75Hz Panel type IPS Brightness 250cd/m Contrast ratio 1,000:1 Response time (GTG) 5ms Syncing technologies AMD FreeSync Ports 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x VGA, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack

AOC 27B2H  R4,089

AOC 27B2H specifications Resolution 1,920 x 1,080 Refresh rate 75Hz Panel type IPS Brightness 250cd/m2 Contrast ratio 1,000:1 Response time (GTG) 7ms Syncing technologies None Ports 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x VGA, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack

Samsung Odyssey G3  R4,479

Samsung Odyssey G3 Resolution 1,920 x 1,080 Refresh rate 144Hz Panel type VA Brightness 250cd/m Contrast ratio 4,000:1 Response time (GTG) Not specified (MPRT = 1ms) Syncing technologies AMD FreeSync

Nvidia G-Sync compatible Ports 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x VGA

Philips 27E1GAJ  R4,499

Philips 27E1GAJ Resolution 1,920 x 1,080 Refresh rate 144Hz Panel type VA Brightness 350cd/m Contrast ratio 3,000:1 Response time 4ms Syncing technologies AMD FreeSync Premium Ports 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI Other features Dual 2W speakers

JVC LT-GN27225 Resolution 1,920 x 1,080 Refresh rate 165Hz Panel type Not specified Brightness 250 cd/m Contrast ratio Not specified Response time (GTG) Not specified (MPRT = 1ms) Syncing technologies None Ports 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI, 1 x USB , 1 x 3.5mm audio jack

LG 27GL650F-B Resolution 1,920 x 1,080 Refresh rate 144Hz Panel type IPS Brightness 400cd/m Contrast ratio 1,000:1 Response time (GTG) 5ms Syncing technologies AMD FreeSync

G-SYNC Compatible Ports 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack

Dell 210-AXLE S2721H  R4,690

Dell 210-AXLE S2721H Resolution 1,920 x 1,080 Refresh rate 75Hz Panel type IPS Brightness 300cd/m Contrast ratio 1,000:1 Response time (GTG) 4ms Syncing technologies AMD FreeSync Ports 2 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack Other features Built-in dual 3W speakers

ViewSonic VX2718 Curved  R4,899

Viewsonic VX2718 Resolution 1,920 x 1,080 Refresh rate 165Hz Panel type VA Brightness 250cd/m Contrast ratio 4,000:1 Response time (GTG) Not specified (MPRT = 1ms) Syncing technologies Adaptive Sync Ports 1 x DisplayPort, 2 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack Ports 2 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x 3.5mm audio jack Other features Built-in dual 2W speakers

LG UltraGear 27QN600 QHD  R4,999
Ukraine will receive two Harpoon coastal missile systems from the United States.

This is stated in a statement to the Pentagon on a new package of military aid worth $ 1 billion.

This is a new type of launchers, which are not in service with the United States, according to Defense One . Coastal complexes will be on a wheeled chassis. The new platform was created by the US military at the request of the Pentagon.

Missiles for coastal complexes, according to an official from the US Department of Defense, will be provided to Ukraine by European countries.

According to the official, production, staff training and direct delivery will take several months.

Boeing is known to have developed the latest versions of the Harpoon RCC coastal complex for Taiwan . The contract for the purchase of the American program of intergovernmental foreign military sales Foreign Military Sales (FMS) was signed a year ago - in May 2021.

According to the contract, 25 Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems (HCDS) batteries were to be delivered to Taiwan by 2028.

It will be recalled that in May it became known that Denmark will hand over to Ukraine the Harpoon coastal complexes , which were previously in the service of this country's fleet. Denmark had two batteries of 2 launchers with 4 guides each. Recently, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksiy Reznikov said that Harpoon anti-ship missiles have already strengthened Ukraine's coastal defense.

Harpoon is an anti-ship missile developed by McDonnell Douglas in the 1970s. Its standard version uses active radar homing, it flies above the water surface to evade anti-aircraft weapons. The maximum range is 280 km.

There are modifications of air bases, for use from surface ships, from submarines, as well as for coastal defense.

In later versions, the missile's capabilities are expanded to hit both surface and coastal targets. Harpoon uses inertial GPS navigation to hit land objects and ships. The warhead weighing 227 kg destroys a wide range of targets.





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Wearing vivid grape colored caps and gowns, 94 students of New Tech High School's class of 2022 flipped their tassels and tossed their caps at the schools graduation ceremony Tuesday night.

Several hundred spectators, including proud moms and dads, streamed into the evening commencement, held at Memorial Stadium on Menlo Avenue. It was the fourth and final NVUSD graduation of the day. Napa Valley Independent Studies and Valley Oak High School graduated in the same stadium that morning, and American Canyon High School graduated its class of 2022 at its own stadium that afternoon.

As the New Tech seniors lined up to process onto the field, students reflected back on their high school experience.

All of my senior year was amazing, said Catherine Vega, 17.

However, Im excited to be done with (13 years) of school. Now I get to focus on what I want to do in life, such as travel the world.

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Travel aside, in the fall, Vega will start college at Napa Valley College. Im not straying far, but my goal is to transfer to NYU, she said.

Quinn Salenfriend had three special pins attached to his New Tech graduation gown. One for student of the month, one called the Lamp of Knowledge (for his GPA) and finally, an excellence pin. Salenfriend also wore a medallion for being named student of the year.

He was ready to move on from high school, Salenfriend admitted. The graduate will attend UC Santa Cruz in the fall and study biology.

Its a good program and a great location, the senior said. I like the beach.

Whats he going to be doing this summer? Work at Trader Joes and try and goof off and party as much as possible, he said with a smile.

James Lopez described graduation as the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.

This summer, Im going to get a job and prepare for college, said Lopez. Hes attending Sacramento State and has already been assigned dorm housing, which he hasnt seen in person yet. But, Im confident, he will like it, said Lopez.

Senior Ryan Jones said the best part of his New Tech experience was that I met a lot of great people and friends. To keep his educational momentum going, hes not waiting to start college in the fall, said Jones. He plans to take summer classes at Napa Valley College.

His advice to the juniors who are about to become seniors? Perseverance is whats going to get you through your last year of high school. And remember, Theres a brighter future ahead.

New Tech senior Skye Engel, waiting in line for the procession onto the field, said he was nervous.

Its finally over, he said. Im going off to the real world. It reminded him of that Dr. Seuss book Oh The Places Youll Go, said the graduate. And where will Engel go? First to Napa Valley College and then transfer to a UC, he said.

Leah Condon, one of the six valedictorians at New Tech, explained how she became one of the top students at the central Napa high school.

Hard work, dedication and passion about your classes, said Condon. Even though she excelled academically, part of her doesnt feel ready to leave high school, she said. At the same time, shes also excited to start at UC Davis this fall. I feel like it will be good for me.

Senior Angelo Baracco called graduation our first real step into adulthood. Its terrifying but in the best way.

Napa Valley Independent Studies and Valley Oak students earn diplomas Let the pomp and circumstance begin. Valley Oak and Napa Valley Independent Studies high school students earned their diplomas Tuesday morning.

His favorite part of high school was the people he met. I made friends Ill carry into adulthood.

In addition to New Tech Principal Susan Miller, a number of students were chosen to address the crowd.

This year has been challenging, said Kennedy Ervin, who was selected as senior speaker.

Im terrified of the future," the speaker admitted. The world can be cruel. There is terrible injustice and violence happening every day.

It can feel easier to give up, she said. However, we must persevere. There is too much love to live in fear. We must be hopeful.

Keep fighting, urged Ervin. We are high school graduates and that is only the beginning.

One New Tech salutatorian, Jaela LaPolla-James, described the beginning of her high school experience, which was not positive.

Its pretty hard being autistic sometimes, LaPolla-James said. Its always been difficult for me to maintain friendships.

But in her junior year, she transferred to New Tech.

Learning more about myself combined with the accepting culture of New Tech has made me proud to say that I have made more friends here than ever. And its these friends who have made these past few years so special. Im so grateful for these past two years. I wouldnt trade them for anything. Thank you, New Tech!

You can reach reporter Jennifer Huffman at 707-256-2218 or jhuffman@napanews.com

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Every year about this time, I have an uncontrollable urge to head out into the wilderness. Driven by a need to connect with nature, I shed the comforts of home and seek remote areas where solitude, stillness and dark-night skies are a welcome change from normal everyday life.

Such experiences often provide me with a renewed perspective and a reminder that our time on this spectacular planet is utterly sublime and brief.

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This year, my gaze turned toward Utah's desert landscapes that include dramatic towering red rocks, strange sand castle-like hoodoos, and stone arches that adorn Bryce Canyon and Zion national parks.

My idea was to start the trip at the lowest point in the contiguous United States (Badwater Basin in Death Valley, California, 282 feet below sea level) and then travel northeast, ascending altitude and geologic time as I did.

These two Utah parks (and three others - Capitol Reef, Grand Staircase and Arches) are often compared to Yosemite, and in many ways the comparison makes sense. All of them include rocky landscapes that inspire awe and wonder as to the incomprehensibility of how our Earth has been transformed over time by geological processes.

However, unlike Yosemite, where that valley's grand granite-stone artifices and waterfalls were cleaved into view through the passing of ancient icy glaciers, the spectacular wonders of Utah are made of sandstone spires, slot canyons and cliffs that have been exposed over time by water and wind, revealing geologic time in distinct layers that one can read almost as if they were pages in a history book.

Geology, fossils and time

Yosemite's granite was formed deep within the Earth's inferno as viscous magma slowly cooled and solidified. In contrast, the stones of Utah were originally formed by a far gentler process as sediments accumulated at the bottom of ancient seas, lakes and deserts. And whereas no trace of life can survive through the violent processes that form granite, sedimentary rocks such as sandstone, limestone and shale often contain fossilized remains of a world long since gone.

The Earth is believed to be 4.543 billion years old. The first life forms  single-celled organisms that lived without oxygen  rose into existence about 3.5 billion years ago. Life on earth really got going about 545 million years ago during what's known as the Cambrian explosion, when thousands of new multicellular organisms took shape and thrived within the seas.

The first land plants appeared about 500 million years ago, then land animals (450 million years ago) and dinosaurs (230 million years ago). Our genus, Homo, is about 1.8 million years old; however, the oldest known remains of our species, Homo sapiens, date to about 315,000 years ago. Written language is about 5,500 years old. Some 2,000 years ago the human population was 300 million, whereas now, in 2022, our population is nearing 8 billion.

Even though our species might appear to be an out-of-control petri dish experiment to some distant alien observer, if the entire Earth's history were represented as a thick book, the existence of recognizable humans would only make up the last few words of the very last page.

How do we know how old everything is?

Romans believed the Earth was originally formed around the time of the Trojan War, about the 12th or 13th century BCE. In the 1600s, Ireland's Archbishop James Ussher proclaimed  based on his "rigorous" genealogy of biblical figures  that the Earth was created at 6 p.m. on Oct. 26, 4004 BCE.

The problem with all of these proclamations was the conundrum that strange-looking fossils existed within various types of sedimentary rock.

In 1666 a Danish scientist, Nicholas Steno, noticed that shark teeth appeared identical to odd-shaped "rocks" known as tongue stones. The finding led him to realize that  given the right conditions and enough time  once-living material could be replaced by minerals and form stone-like fossils. Ultimately this discovery influenced the idea of geologic "superposition," which simply stated that the youngest rocks were on top of older layers. Sounds obvious to us now, but at that time the idea that geologists might uncover Earth's history by sifting through layers of rock to provide a backward chronology of our planet was both mind-blowing and controversial.

A century later, in an idea described as fossil succession, an English surveyor named William Smith noticed that fossils might hold the key to link even distant rock layers to distinct time periods. That is, rock layers with certain fossils in one location were of the same age to distant rock layers that contained the same fossil types.

By the late 1700s, Scottish geologist James Hutton published the "Theory of the Earth," which hypothesized through the ideas of superposition and succession that the Earth was not only much more ancient than otherwise believed but also that its geologic formations were constantly changing, albeit those changes were nearly unappreciable on a human time scale.

Beyond just helping understand the geologic history of earth, the ideas put forth by Steno, Smith and Hutton provided an evidentiary framework for Charles Darwin's ideas on evolution  descent with modification  outlined in his book "On the Origin of Species," first published in 1859.

Building on these ideas, in 1862 Irish physicist and mathematician Lord Kelvin estimated that the Earth was somewhere between 20 million and 400 million years old.

Over time Kelvin's number was adjusted, but it wasn't until the 1940s when scientists came to learn that the Earth is actually billions of years old.

How did they come to this? In short, the half-life of uranium 238 is 4.47 billion years (i.e., when half of uranium is converted to lead). To geek out a little more, because a tiny mineral called zircon  Zr(SO4)  only incorporates uranium when formed but does not incorporate any lead, the exact age of a rock containing Zr(SO4) can be determined by the ratio between uranium and lead.

However, using these phenomena to learn the age of the Earth is tricky because there are no available rocks from when the Earth formed because of the ever-changing nature of the Earth's geology. Luckily that's where meteorites come in. Because meteorites originate from asteroids that formed at the same time as everything else in our solar system and because they haven't been affected by geologic forces like earth rocks have, they are like little time capsules.

In a wonderful bit of luck, the Canyon Diablo meteorite found in 1891 contains Zr(SO4), indicating that it is 4.54 billion years old - plus or minus about 70 million - and leading the U.S. Geological Survey to estimate this is also the likely age of our Earth.

A word to the wise

Traveling from Death Valley to Zion and then farther north toward Bryce Canyon is to travel upward through nearly 1.7 billion years of geologic history, from rocks 1.7 billion years old in Badwater Basin to those only 2.6 million years old at Rainbow Point in Bryce Canyon National Park.

On average, each mile of that 400-mile trek represents 4.25 million years of geologic time and spans the time when only single-cell organisms lived on Earth until just before our earliest ancestors began descending from trees.

And there you are. In Zion, let's say, standing alone or with loved ones looking upward at a valley of stone that the Southern Paiute people who lived in the area for thousands of years called Mukuntuweap, the straight canyon.

We now call this place Zion - a biblical reference often translated into "heaven" that the Mormons gave to this place in the 1800s. I don't know what the Paiute called the beautiful river that has cut through the stones of Zion over millions of years, but we now call it the Virgin River.

Likewise, I don't know the ancient names  the spirit names  of each of the towering stone monuments in Zion that we now call by such names as the Altar of Sacrifice, Hurricane Cliffs or the Court of the Patriarchs. The same goes for nearly all of the other areas I visited.

But perhaps it doesn't matter that I don't know the spirit names of these inspiring places. Perhaps we must each find our own fitting words for nature's beauty  words we might whisper with bowed heads to the world around us.
Afghan president Ashraf Ghani spent months holed up in a five-star hotel in the United Arab Emirates after fleeing his country as the Taliban began to take control, Business Insider reported citing The Wall Street Journal.

Ghani fled Kabul on August 15 following a months-long surge by the Taliban in which the militant group took over swathes of the country from his government after US forces left.

Ghani's whereabouts were unknown for several days. He eventually surfaced in the UAE, which said at the time that it had let in Ghani on humanitarian grounds.

Once in the UAE Ghani took up residence in a luxury suite at the five-star St. Regis Hotel in Abu Dhabi along with his wife.

Ghani stayed there for months, while his wife selected a private villa for their permanent residence that was provided by the Emirati government.

After feeling Kabul, Ghani said in a statement that he fled to prevent bloodshed and "keep the guns silent."

However, Russia accused Ghani of fleeing with four cars and a helicopter, and alleged that he took large amounts of cash with him.
Australia's energy minister urged Sydney residents to turn off their lights at night to prevent blackouts, Reuters reported.

The country's energy market operator on Wednesday suspended the spot market for electricity in an unprecedented move to secure power supplies, the latest decisive step to address the energy crisis that began in May.

Efforts were focused on restoring coal-fired generators, said Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, urging households in New South Wales to save as much electricity as possible without sacrificing important things like heating.

"We are confident we can avoid blackouts," Bowen said at a televised media conference in Canberra.

"If you have a choice about when to run certain items, don't run them from 6pm to 8pm," he said. he said.

Australia's largest power producer, AGL Energy, said Thursday that one of the three outage units at its Bayswater coal-fired power plant in New South Wales will return to operation Thursday and another on Saturday. "We're continuing to work cooperatively with the Australian Energy Market Operator to help ensure continuity of supply," an AGL spokesperson said.
White House announces conversation between Biden and Jinping in coming weeks

Georgia confirms: Traffic restored at 136th km of the Mtskheta-Stepantsminda-Lars road

EU countries agree to fill all gas storage facilities to at least 80% by next winter

Traffic restored at Lars, road is open

Erdogan promises to document 'hypocrisy' of Sweden and Finland

Armenia Economy Minister: Transport communication with Russia will be restored within two hours

EU energy ministers agree on energy conservation laws

Increased imports force Armenian producers out of domestic market

Scholz says return to pre-war relations with Russia is impossible

Armenia FM: Azerbaijan continues to hold Armenian POWs and civilians hostage

Israel to work with world powers to influence any deal with Iran

Azerbaijanis moving cross-stone on road of Berdzor

NATO to increase size of its rapid reaction force by almost eight times

'Armenian Genocide: Evidence from the German Foreign Office Archives, 1915-1916' published in Persian

Mohammad Bagheri says Iran will respond to Israeli intervention in region

Representatives of ICRC office in Baku visit Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan

Robert Habeck: Gas shortage this winter could lead to 'serious economic crisis in Europe'

Armenia FM: OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs play key role in Karabakh conflict settlement

US, European officials look forward to NATO summit to make progress on Finnish and Swedish accession

Leaders of NATO, Turkey, Sweden and Finland meet in Madrid

Zelenskyy tells G7 leaders he wants war in Ukraine to end by the end of 2022

Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia to hold joint military exercises

G7 leaders to support Ukraine for as long as it takes

EEU to provide duty-free import quotas for cheese, alcohol infusions to Serbia in 2023

Turkey announces creation of grain operations center

Dollar, euro go up after long decline in Armenia

Armenia premier: Reforming education sector is one of governments absolute priorities

NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg promises to protect Baltic countries from external threats

Upper Lars checkpoint on Georgia-Russia border to be closed for 1 week?

Armenia ruling force lawmaker submits resignation from parliamentary seat

Artsakh FM pays working visit to Russia

Armenian FM meets Greek President

Azerbaijan-Turkey-Kazakhstan transport working group to be set up

Armenia legislature secret ballot for electing new judges to cassation court to kick off at 3pm

Welt: Putin is preparing a new raw material trap for the West through lithium mining in Bolivia

CNN: US intends to supply Ukraine with medium and long-range missile defense systems

Armenian FM's visit to Greece begins

Armenia economy ministry does not say when Lars motorway will reopen

Birmingham explosion leaves 5 people injured

Armenia Supreme Judicial Council member presents Court of Cassation candidate judges biographies

Israel may allow Iran to export oil under US supervision

Armenia appellate court considering appeal against PM Pashinyan

Ibrahim Kalin says Turkey has no enmity with Armenia

Heavy rain hits northern Turkey

Turkey doesn't impose sanctions on Russia because of its energy dependence

Cavusoglu says they are waiting to open Zangezur corridor as soon as possible

Process kicks off aimed at building new nuclear power unit in Armenia

European Commission head doesn't support G20 summit boycott if Putin attends

139 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia past 1 week

Aliyev: New weapons, most modern equipment have been, are being brought to Azerbaijan

Peskov rules out Russia's disconnection from global Internet

World oil prices dropping

Drug smuggling by Iranians is prevented in Armenia

Armenia parliament to convene special session

Copper rises in price

Armenia finance minister meets with Asian Development Bank representatives

Yerevan mayor to pay 12-day official visit to France

Earthquake hits Armenia-Georgia border zone

At least 4 dead after stand collapses during bullfight in Colombia

Microsoft to end support for Windows 8.1 in January 2023

95% blind Japan skateboarder breaks 2 Guinness World Records

NASA to launch Capstone satellite for future creation of habitats on Moon

US intends to raise $200 billion as part of G7 program, competing with China's Belt and Road project

Egypt signs contract with India to buy 180,000 tons of wheat

US Treasury Secretary discusses sanctions against Russia in Turkey

20 people die in mysterious circumstances in nightclub

Cavusoglu: Turkey is facing serious economic crisis

Armenian PM's spouse to hold official meetings and discussions in Nice, Monaco and Cannes

Media: Ukraine once again purchases weapons in Germany directly from manufacturer

European Council head cautious about G7 plan to ban imports of Russian gold

Iran launches second Zoljanah rocket into space

Britain and France agree to increase support for Ukraine

Armenian FM to leave on working visit to Athens

NATO to discuss largest military deployment since the Cold War

Artsakh Internal Affairs Ministry: Special measures in Stepanakert carried out in intensified mode

Biden thanks Scholz for leadership on Ukraine crisis at G7 summit

Iraqi PM arrives in Tehran

UN fears disease outbreak in Afghanistan due to earthquake

Johnson: Cost of Russian victory in Ukraine is too high

New Colombian president pledges to protect rainforest

Young man throws himself down from territory of Armenian Genocide Museum

G7 countries to impose a ban on imports of Russian gold

SADA CEO: Armenian startups are not yet well known on international market, they need to be strengthened

Turkey FM and Blinken discuss NATO expansion and grain supplies from Ukraine

Shoigu inspects grouping of Russian troops involved in Ukraine

Indonesian President to travel Ukraine, Russia on peace-building mission

Turkey intelligence agency captures alleged Greek spy

Armenia PM to answer questions from media and public organizations tomorrow

Ecuador's president lifts state of emergency declared due to strikes

Concrete placement starts at Unit 2 of Bushehr NPP in Iran

Eight corpses found at famous Mexican resort

US Army private admits plotting attack on military unit

Archaeologists discover remains of ancient tortoise with laid egg in Pompeii

Lithuanian president on sanctions against Kaliningrad transit: concessions to Russia are out of question

Founder of hypercar manufacturer Koenigsegg puts Toyota's GR Yaris up for sale

President Vucic says Serbia will seek replacement for Russia oil

China to provide $7.5M in humanitarian aid to quake-stricken Afghanistan

Chicken meat production drops in Armenia

MFA spokesman: Armenia reaffirms its readiness to establish peace, stability in the region

Putin announces, at meeting with Lukashenko, decision to transfer Iskander-M missile systems to Minsk
Up to 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers are being killed or wounded each day in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, with 200 to 500 killed on average and many more wounded, a top Ukrainian official said on Wednesday, Axios reported.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on June 1 that 60 to 100 Ukrainian troops were being killed daily as Russia stepped up its Donbas offensive. Over the past two weeks that number has climbed significantly, according to David Arakhamia, chairman of the ruling Servant of the People faction of the Ukrainian parliament, who leads Ukraine's negotiations with Russia, and is one of Zelenskyy's closest advisers.

Ukraine has recruited one million people into the army and has the capacity to recruit two million more, Arakhamia said, so it has the numbers to continue the fight in Donbas, where Russia has been gradually gaining territory.

US Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley was asked about the rate of Ukrainian casualties on Wednesday and said it was difficult to estimate but previous media reports of around 100 killed and up to 300 injured each day had been "in the ballpark of our assessments."

What Ukraine lacks, Arakhamia contended, is the weaponry and ammunition to match Russia in "one of the biggest fights of the 21st century." He said: "We have the people trained to attack, to counterattack, but we need weapons for this."

"Our negotiating position is actually quite weak, so we don't want to sit at the table if we are in this position. We need to reverse it in some way," Arakhamia said, stressing the need for a counter-operation to regain lost territory.

In a roundtable Wednesday at the German Marshall Fund, Arakhamia and other members of the delegation noted that while Biden had signed a $40 billion package to aid Ukraine in May, it was only very gradually translating into actual weapons shipments.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's partnersparticularly in Europeare beginning to focus on replenishing their own stockpiles rather than arming Ukraine, Arakhamia said. He noted that the German government was still very reluctant to approve export licenses to arm Ukraine, perhaps due to "internal fear" of Russia.

While formal negotiations are frozen, Arakhamia said he and his team speak by phone with their Russian counterparts "one or two times per week" to check in, even though "both sides clearly realize that right now, there is no place for negotiation."
YEREVAN.  The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI), Ebrahim Raisi, received the delegation led by president Alen Simonyan of the Republic of Armenia National Assembly (RA NA).

At the meeting the talk was held on Armenia-Iran multilateral friendship, which is anchored on the centuries-old friendship, historical and cultural close relations between the two peoples, the NA informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Outlining the ways of the cooperation boosting, the sides expressed readiness to continue the dialogue with joint efforts and to more enrich the agenda of bilateral cooperation.

President Raisi attached importance to the cooperation of the legislative bodies in strengthening of the current warm relations between Armenia and Iran.

The interlocutors referred to the bilateral economic relations and the implementation of the infrastructural joint programs, for the development of which there are preconditions.

The Armenian side greatly emphasizes the recording of the mutual agreements in the spheres of energy and transport. I should also note that in the context of the development of transport communications the establishment of the railway connection of the Republic of Armenia is on the series of our most important agenda items, Alen Simonyan said.

The RA NA President presented to the President of Iran the current situation caused by the unleashed war against Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) by the Azerbaijani-Turkish tandem, the humanitarian problems and the issue of protection of the Armenian historical-cultural values passed under control of Azerbaijan. Alen Simonyan informed that Azerbaijan at state level destroys the valuable heritage, and Iran can serve as an example to Azerbaijan in this issue.

At the meeting the consistent efforts made by Iran in establishing peace and stability in the region were highlighted.

Thanking the IRI President for the reception, the RA NA President, concluding his speech expressed conviction that the Armenian-Iranian cooperation has a great potential of expansion, and he is ready to support the development of Armenia-Iran mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of two friendly peoples.

We are a friend of difficult days for all our friends: we are led by that. On our happy days everybody can be next to everybody, but the real companionship and friendship are displayed during the hardships, the IRI President Ebrahim Raisi noted.

The RA NA President conveyed the warm good wishes of the Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the invitation of paying an official visit to Armenia.

Alen Simonyan also informed the President that a working group had been already created in the National Assembly on simplifying the legislation on the implementation of the joint work of Armenia-Iran agenda.

The President noted that he gave appropriate assignments to his staff for presenting baseline proposals in the establishment of further close relations with Armenia.

At the meeting the talk was held on Armenia-Iran multilateral friendship, which is anchored on the centuries-old friendship, historical and cultural close relations between the two peoples.

Outlining the ways of the cooperation boosting, the sides expressed readiness to continue the dialogue with joint efforts and to more enrich the agenda of bilateral cooperation.

President Raisi attached importance to the cooperation of the legislative bodies in strengthening of the current warm relations between Armenia and Iran.

The interlocutors referred to the bilateral economic relations and the implementation of the infrastructural joint programs, for the development of which there are preconditions.

The Armenian side greatly emphasizes the recording of the mutual agreements in the spheres of energy and transport. I should also note that in the context of the development of transport communications the establishment of the railway connection of the Republic of Armenia is on the series of our most important agenda items, Alen Simonyan said.

The RA NA President presented to the President of Iran the current situation caused by the unleashed war against Artsakh by the Azerbaijani-Turkish tandem, the humanitarian problems and the issue of protection of the Armenian historical-cultural values passed under control of Azerbaijan. Alen Simonyan informed that Azerbaijan at state level destroys the valuable heritage, and Iran can serve as an example to Azerbaijan in this issue.

At the meeting the consistent efforts made by Iran in establishing peace and stability in the region were highlighted.

Thanking the IRI President for the reception, the RA NA President, concluding his speech expressed conviction that the Armenian-Iranian cooperation has a great potential of expansion, and he is ready to support the development of Armenia-Iran mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of two friendly peoples.

We are a friend in difficult days for all our friends; we are led by that. On our happy days everybody can be next to everybody, but the real companionship and friendship are displayed during the hardships, the IRI President Ebrahim Raisi noted.

The RA NA President conveyed the warm good wishes of the Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the invitation of paying an official visit to Armenia.

Alen Simonyan also informed the President that a working group had been already created in the National Assembly on simplifying the legislation on the implementation of the joint work of Armenia-Iran agenda.

The President noted that he gave appropriate assignments to his staff for presenting baseline proposals in the establishment of further close relations with Armenia.
In response to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's speech at the 9th World Baku Forum, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic State Minister Artak Beglaryan wrote in his telegram channel.

"Yes, Nagorno-Karabakh does not exist, because there exists the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic, and it is a subject of international law, although not formally recognized at the international level.

The Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict has not been and will not be resolved until Azerbaijan takes into account the inalienable right of the indigenous people of Artsakh to self-determination.

The issue of international recognition (hence, the status) of the Republic of Artsakh will be solved sooner or later, and Artsakh will never be part of Azerbaijan.

It would be better if Aliyev thought more about faithfully executing the powers given to him by the Constitution of Azerbaijan, guaranteeing the rights of his own citizens (including Lezgins, Talysh, Avars, Tatars and other minorities) instead of "worrying" about the rights of Armenians.

Does Aliyev suddenly remember what happened to more than 500,000 Armenians in Soviet Azerbaijan, or is there even one Armenian in the Azerbaijani-occupied territories of Artsakh?

There are a number of other questions and answers addressed to Ilham Aliyev, but I will leave them for you to present," he said.
The resistance movement marched from Surb Khach Church to France Square on Thursday.

"We will talk in detail about yesterday's statement by Nikol Pashinyan and today's statement by Ilham Aliyev at our rally on Saturday. At this rally we will also talk about "Armenia without Nikol" and what steps we will take to lead the country out of this situation once they are eliminated. Our struggle has no other way but to win," said Ishkhan Saghatelyan, vice-speaker of the National Assembly and representative of the Supreme Council of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun.

Members of the Resistance Movement also stopped in front of the Investigative Committee of Armenia.

"This is the building where cases were stitched up against many of our friends for no reason. Despite this, their mood is combative, because this is a struggle. And those who sew such criminal cases are disgracing themselves. We will remove such behavior from this building," said Aram Vardevanyan, an MP from the Armenia bloc.

Before that the participants of the procession stopped in front of the building of the Anti-Corruption Committee.

"If the people in this building had acted within the law, the police officers who beat the man on 3 June would have ended up in jail. The authorities are forcing this vital body not to detain a police officer against whom there is evidence. Detain the perpetrator of the 44-day war, the biggest catastrophe in our modern history. I'm sure you have the facts. Detain Nikol Pashinyan," said Aram Vardevanyan.
Story Highlights 56% of the poorest 20% of Colombians say local economies getting worse

39% of the richest 20% of Colombians say local economies getting worse

80% say corruption is widespread in the government

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Colombians vote in the second round of their country's presidential election on Sunday, when they will choose a new president from either the political left or right.

Each of the candidates is promising change -- which largely explains their appeal and why they ended up on the ballot. Gallup surveys in Colombia ahead of the election show people are largely fed up with the status quo and the direction of their economy, and there is a wide divide between the poorest and wealthiest Colombians.

Quick Summary: In the first round of the presidential election on May 29, Colombians whittled the candidates to two, Gustavo Petro and Rodolfo Hernandez. Both candidates have been characterized as "populists," though they each represent opposite ends of the political spectrum.

Petro is a leftist former mayor of Colombia's capital, Bogota, and a former member of a guerrilla group. Much of Petros' campaign has focused on policies intended to redistribute wealth among Colombia's population, with an emphasis on taxing wealthy Colombians and providing jobs to the poor. Additionally, Petro has promised to reform the country's police force and transition the economy away from fossil fuels.

Alternatively, Hernandez is the former mayor of Bucaramanga, Colombia, and a millionaire real estate developer who has run on using his business talent to help improve the Colombian economy. Hernandez has appealed to conservative-leaning Colombians with economic policies that would include lowering taxes and curtailing government spending on various social programs.

Additionally, Hernandez has promised to tackle government corruption. He has been building alliances with Colombian political groups and leaders concerned about Petro's guerilla past and left-wing leanings.

Nearly Half of Colombians See Economy Headed in Wrong Direction: In 2021, Colombians were largely divided on the state of their local economies: 46% of Colombians said they were getting worse, while an equal percentage said they were getting better. That level is essentially equal to Gallup's record-high measure of 47% in 2017 and 2019.

In 2015, declining prices of two key exports, oil and gas, hurt Colombia's economy, and it had not recovered by the time the COVID-19 pandemic hit hard in 2020. Since 2016, at least 41% of Colombians have consistently said their local economies are getting worse.

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Economic pessimism is most pronounced among poorer Colombians; 56% of those in the poorest and second-poorest household income groups say their local economies are getting worse. This is compared with the richest Colombians, those in the top 20% of household income, among whom 39% say their local economies are getting worse.

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Previous Gallup research has found additional evidence of economic pain among the Colombian public, with 60% finding it difficult to get by on their current incomes in 2021 and more than half, 52%, saying they had lacked money for food in the previous 12 months.

Most Colombians Consistently Say Corruption Is Widespread in Their Government: In addition to economic discontent, Colombians also consistently see their government as riddled with corruption. In 2021, eight in 10 Colombians said corruption was widespread in their government, while 16% said it was not. At no point in Gallup's trend since 2006 have less than 70% of Colombians said corruption was widespread in their government.

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As with the differences in views of the local economy, Colombians' perceived level of government corruption varies by household income. Among the poorest 20% of Colombians, 69% say corruption is widespread in government. This rises to more than eight in 10 among Colombians in the middle to richest 20%.

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Colombians' negative views of their government also extend to their views of the honesty of elections in their country. In 2021, 77% of Colombians said they were not confident in the honesty of the country's elections. This is on the higher end of Gallup's trend but still below the high of 85% in 2015, which came after the presidential election the previous year. Allegations of irregularities and errors in vote counting for the country's senatorial elections in April of this year likely did little to improve Colombians' views of the honesty of their elections.

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The lack of faith in the honesty of elections may contribute to the generally low level of participation, with less than half, 46%, of eligible voters in Colombia casting ballots on average. However, in the first round of the current election, a record 54.9% of Colombians cast ballots, likely reflecting a higher level of enthusiasm for the candidates. Participation in the second round of voting may be down from this record high, as several candidates were knocked out, and their supporters may choose not to take part.

Unlike assessments of the local economy and corruption in government, there is relatively little difference in confidence in the honesty of elections among the various household income groups in Colombia.

Implications

The results of the first round of the Colombian presidential election clearly showed Colombians' strong desire for change, with Federico Gutierrez, a candidate largely seen as linked with the current president, failing to advance to the second round. The two candidates that did advance, Petro and Hernandez, are both seen as anti-establishment and a rejection of the current president's policies. Petro, in particular, would be a break; if elected, he would be Colombia's first leftist president.

Whoever wins the election, Colombia faces a host of daunting challenges, and enacting sweeping policy changes will likely prove difficult. With both candidates promising change, there will likely be a brief honeymoon period where public sentiment will be more positive. However, without fundamental improvement of the country's economy and reform of the government, increased public optimism may not last.

To stay up to date with the latest Gallup News insights and updates, follow us on Twitter.

For complete methodology and specific survey dates, please review Gallup's Country Data Set details.
Story Highlights Six in 10 say government responsible for addressing effects of slavery

Public divided on whether government should formally apologize

Black Americans highly supportive of government action, apology

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As the U.S. marks the Juneteenth holiday commemorating the emancipation of U.S. slaves, a recent Gallup Center on Black Voices survey finds that most Americans believe Black people today have been affected by the history of slavery in the U.S. and that the federal government has a responsibility to address those effects. Americans who think the government is responsible generally believe all Black Americans, rather than just those descended from slaves, should benefit from programs to address the effects of slavery. But the public is divided on whether the federal government should formally apologize for slavery.

These results are based on an October 2021 Gallup Center on Black Voices web survey that interviewed over 13,000 U.S. adults, including large samples of 3,994 Non-Hispanic Black, 3,399 Hispanic and 5,807 Non-Hispanic White Americans. All interviews were conducted in English.

Americans Perceive History of Slavery Affecting Black People Today

Americans are more likely to think that the history of slavery has at least some effect on Black people today than to think it has little to no effect. Forty percent of Americans say Black people are affected "a lot" by the history of slavery, with 27% perceiving "some" effect, 16% "not much" of one and 17% no effect at all.

Black Americans are about twice as likely as White Americans, 63% to 32%, to say the history of slavery affects Black people "a lot." Half of Hispanic Americans hold this view.

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Public Views Government as Responsible for Addressing Effects of Slavery

The majority of Americans, 62%, believe the U.S. government has a responsibility to take action to reduce the impacts of slavery, while 37% say the government does not. Majorities of Black, Hispanic and White adults agree that the government has a responsibility, although Black (83%) and Hispanic (71%) Americans are more likely than White Americans (54%) to say this.

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Two-thirds (65%) of those who say the government has a responsibility to address the effects of slavery believe all Black Americans should benefit from these efforts, while 32% say only descendants of slaves should. These attitudes are generally similar by racial and ethnic group; between 63% and 69% of Black, Hispanic and White respondents who view the government as responsible say all Black people should benefit.

Even as the public thinks the government is responsible for addressing the effects of slavery, they are divided as to whether it should issue an official apology for the nation's history of slavery. Forty-seven percent of U.S. adults say the government should apologize, and 52% say it should not. Most Black adults, 73%, say the government should apologize, as do 55% of Hispanic adults. White adults are more likely to believe the government should not apologize (62%) than to say it should (38%).

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In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution that apologized for slavery, and the U.S. Senate adopted a different resolution in 2009. The two chambers have never passed a joint bill, so it is unclear whether those prior actions constitute an official government apology.

Family History Has Modest Impact on Attitudes

Ongoing effects of slavery are especially relevant to Black Americans who are direct descendants of slaves. The survey asked respondents to indicate whether their ancestors came to the U.S. before or after the Civil War. Forty-four percent of Black respondents said their ancestors came to the U.S. before the Civil War; 15% said their ancestors came afterward; and 41% did not know or didn't respond.

Generally speaking, Black Americans whose ancestors came to the U.S. before the Civil War are more inclined than those whose ancestors came afterward to believe the history of slavery impacts Black people "a lot" and to say the government is responsible for addressing the effects of slavery. The two subgroups of Black Americans do not differ meaningfully on whether the government should issue an apology for the history of slavery or whether descendants of slaves should be the only beneficiaries of government policy to address the effects of slavery.

The views of Black Americans who aren't sure when their ancestors came to the U.S. fall between the pre-Civil War and post-Civil War groups' views, in terms of how much they think slavery impacts Black people today and whether the government is responsible. They are more similar to the post-Civil War group on a government apology and whether only descendants of slaves should benefit from government actions to address the effects of slavery.

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More generally, among all Americans, whether their ancestors came to the U.S. before or after the Civil War makes little difference in their attitudes about the effects of slavery. The one exception is that Americans whose ancestors came before the Civil War (41%) are modestly more likely than those whose ancestors came after it (30%) to say the history of slavery impacts Black people "a lot."

Bottom Line

As Americans commemorate the Juneteenth holiday, most believe the history of slavery still reverberates in the lives of Black people in the U.S. today, with four in 10 saying it affects Black people "a lot." The public believes the government is responsible for addressing those effects but does not favor issuing an apology for the history of slavery. The first step may involve passing legislation, or the president issuing an executive order, to set up a committee to study reparations for slavery, something that appears to have support in the Democratic-led U.S. House of Representatives, if not the Senate. The state of California set up its own commission to study the issue and recently released its report. Other state or local governments have set up similar commissions or are considering doing so.

Subscribe to receive email updates on Gallup's latest insights and historical findings on the experiences of Black Americans.

Learn more about how the Gallup Panel works.
Faculty members from the University of Miamis College of Engineering and Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science were recently awarded a pair of grants from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, to explore novel ways to fortify structures that border our coastline.

The two grantswhich amount to nearly $800,000 over three yearsare part of a larger $7.6 million investment by the National Science Foundation and NIST to support research that expands on our nations knowledge of community and infrastructure resilience to hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural hazards.

The awards came just months after the creation of the Universitys Climate Resilience Academy, launched this spring to incite more collaboration between faculty, industry, and government to find innovative remedies to issues related to the climate crisis, sustainability, and resilience.

Of just eight grants awarded by NIST for this disaster resilience research, two came to the University of Miami, said Jeffrey Duerk, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost.

This is a testament to our faculty members commitment to finding solutions that will help sustain our community in the face of climate change and align perfectly with our creation of the Climate Resilience Academy, he said. These faculty teams have built upon the Universitys investment in climate-related research and give us a wider platform to share our expertise with the rest of the nation. We could not be prouder of our faculty leadership in this area.

One of the two principal researchers is Prannoy Suraneni, assistant professor of engineering, who is leading a team to investigate how innovative building materials like ultra-high-performance concrete and glass fiber reinforced polymers can help make seawalls better equipped to withstand erosion and cracking from seawater, waves, and storm surge.

Haus at the SUSTAIN facility located at the Rosenstiel School.

In addition, for the second grant, engineering assistant professor Landolf Rhode-Barbarigos is working with ocean sciences professor Brian Haus at the Rosenstiel School to quantify the coupled action of hurricane wind, storm surge, and waves on structures in coastal locations like Miami.

Ultimately, our hope for these projects is to change the way engineers think about designing structures, not just for strength but also for resilience, Suraneni said. We also hope that this research will change the way people choose materials in the building industry.

Both Rhode-Barbarigos and Suraneni have been engaged in coastal resilience research for the past four years with the Universitys Laboratory for Integrative Knowledge (U-LINK), a program that offers seed funding to interdisciplinary faculty teams to investigate complex societal problems, such as climate change. Ideally, these teams can garner external funding to expand and continue their research, which is one goal of the U-LINK program. Rhode-Barbarigos and Suraneni consider the NIST projects an extension of work done with previous U-LINK teams.

"Ive been studying seawalls and other coastal defenses as part of U-LINK grants, and the Universitys support significantly helped us strengthen our application for the NIST funding, Suraneni said.

As part of the NIST projects, both teams will be doing physical testing in the Alfred C. Glassell Jr. SUSTAIN laboratory at the Rosenstiel School, along with testing in other University labs and field testing. At the SUSTAIN facility, Suraneni and Rhode-Barbarigos will be able to simulate hurricane conditions to test the performance of new materials and measure the forces they would be up against in a strong tropical storm or hurricane.

This will be especially critical for Rhode-Barbarigos project, which hopes to make buildings along the coast less vulnerable with the possibility of more intense hurricanes and tropical storms on the horizon. Currently, engineers design structures using separate load models for wind, waves, and storm surge that they later combine, Rhode-Barbarigos said. However, during a storm, wind, waves, and storm surge are always linked. Therefore, as part of this research, he wants to create new load models for structural engineers that account for combined action of wind, storm surge, and waves.

We want to develop an understanding of how wind, storm surge, and waves interact at high wind speeds, to assess their combined effect on the structures, said Rhode-Barbarigos.

Suraneni, an expert in cement chemistry, is looking forward to testing the performance of glass-fiber-polymer-reinforced, ultra-high-performance concrete. This is an alternative to the traditional steel-reinforced concrete, but one that aims to avoid corrosion that often causes concrete structures in saltwater environments to degrade. His team will also be evaluating the ability of these materials to create more sustainable seawalls, which could prove extremely useful in coastal communities. The team includes Rhode-Barbarigos; Antonio Nanni, professor and chair of the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering; Esber Andiroglu, engineering associate professor of practice; and Haus.

Both projects will offer insight about how South Florida and other coastal communities can better protect themselves for future storms, noted Haus, a physical oceanographer and coastal engineer who directs the SUSTAIN facility.

These projects will be important for a lot of applications in the field, where you can use these new loads to revamp building codes. Or in the case of the materials, they could be used to improve coastal construction, said Haus, who leads the Universitys Department of Ocean Sciences and is a co-investigator on both projects.
Its no surprise that warming temperatures across the earth are having a slow, yet profound impact on the forests of the world.

In a global process called thermophilization, the makeup of forests and other natural communities are changing as plants and trees slowly shift their ranges to higher, cooler altitudes. Species that favor cold climates are moving away from the hot lowlands and into colder highland areas or disappearing from landscapes entirely. While species that favor warmer conditions are moving up and replacing them, research indicates.

Feeley

Although Kenneth Feeley, associate professor of biology, has documented this phenomenon throughout South and Central America, he wanted to explore whether natural disasters could impact thermophilization, which is driven by climate change. By collaborating with an international team of renowned ecologists, including Edmund Tanner, professor at the University of Cambridge; John Healey, professor at Bangor University; and Peter Bellingham, a professor at the University of Auckland, Feeley said they were able to chronicle the conditions of a Jamaican forest for 40 years and observed that a hurricane sped up the transformation of these tropical forests.

We saw a consistent process of thermophilization through time, but we noticed the rate of this process was not consistent, and that the hurricane actually accelerated the process, said Feeley, the Universitys Smathers Chair of Tropical Biology. The forest is resilient and tends to resist changes imposed by climate change, but when you get a large disturbance event like a hurricane, it can break down those barriers, open up the forest to change, and speed up the process of thermophilization.

Their research, published recently in the scientific journal Ecography, marks one of the longest-running studies of its kind, Feeley noted, because they were able to scrutinize data that Tanner and his team collected periodically since 1974 in several forest plots in Jamaicas Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park. The lush preserve was protected starting in 1993 and was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015.

By carefully analyzing the data collected during the past decades, Feeley said it was clear that in 1988 when Hurricane Gilbert hit Jamaica, it had a massive impact on the makeup of the forest plots. The storm cleared out many species that prefer cooler climates, creating opportunities for the immigration of lowland plant and trees that thrive under the rising temperatures. The hurricane disturbances also made space for invasive species, like the mock orange tree in Jamaica, to move in and dominate the landscape.

If you disturb the forest, you can accelerate the process thermophilization. And in some cases, invasive species can take advantage of the disturbance to gain a foothold and take over, he said.

Feeley noted that their conclusions likely apply well beyond the island of Jamaica. Although hurricanes are the main disturbance in the Caribbean, Feeley pointed out that in places like the Andes a disturbance could mean landslides, while elsewhere heatwaves or drought can affect forests. Even human-created disturbances, like logging or deforestation, have a long-term influence on forests and can speed up or alter thermophilization, Feeley added.

Climate change is pushing forests to change, but they are resilient, he said. However, if something else adds extra stress, it can make a forest more vulnerable to change.
OSU plans inaugural celebration honoring President Shrum

Media Contact: Mack Burke | Associate Director of Media Relations | 405-744-5540 | mack.burke_iv@okstate.edu

The Cowboy family is invited to celebrate the inauguration of Oklahoma State University's 19th president  Dr. Kayse Shrum. The ceremony will be at 2 p.m., Aug. 26, at Gallagher-Iba Arena and serve as a ceremonial milestone for Shrums presidency, which began July 1, 2021.

The historic event, which was delayed due to pandemic considerations, is free and open to the public. It will feature messages from special guests, the presentation of the presidential medallion, live music provided by the Greenwood School of Music and a State of Orange address from Shrum highlighting OSUs deep-rooted tradition as a premier land-grant institution, resiliency, progress and her vision for the future.

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to attend. The celebration will also be livestreamed for alumni around the globe at insideosu.com. Following Shrums inauguration, a student celebration is planned for Aug. 30. For updates about these and other campus events, visit calendar.okstate.edu.

On April 2, 2021, the OSU/A&M Board of Regents voted to appoint Shrum OSU president, making her the first woman to lead the institution and the first woman to lead a Tier 1, four-year public research university in Oklahoma.

Dr. Trudy Milner, OSU/A&M Board of Regents chair, said Shrum has proven to be an excellent leader, forging a new strategic vision for the university while adeptly navigating through difficult challenges.

"Dr. Shrum's appointment was historic as we welcomed the first woman to lead Oklahoma's premier land-grant university and the first woman to lead a major research university in Oklahoma, she said. There was no honeymoon. She faced two monumental crises less than a month into her presidency  conference realignment and the pandemic. I was incredibly impressed with how Dr. Shrum and her leadership team rose to the challenges and led with conviction, tenacity and steadiness.

Her engaging style has brought new energy and excitement to our campus and system. More opportunities and challenges are no doubt ahead. I genuinely believe Oklahoma State's future is as bright as ever because we have the leadership to drive success."

Navigating the realignment of the Big 12 Conference in her first few months as president highlights notable achievements, including: the launch of a systemwide strategy process to guide the future of the university, securing a transformative gift to establish the world-class Hamm Institute for American Energy at Oklahoma State University and establishing the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education (OAIRE).

This is an exciting time for our university, said OSU Foundation President Blaire Atkinson. I hope the campus community  students, faculty, staff and alumni  will join us to recognize this important milestone and celebrate Dr. Shrums leadership, the incredible impact shes already had on our university and the bright future that lies ahead.

Shrum expressed excitement and gratitude following her selection announcement, noting the special place OSU holds in heart and calling the opportunity the greatest challenge and honor of her professional career.

After her first year in office, Shrum is focused on coming together as a community behind a set of long-term goals to take OSU to new heights of academic and research excellence.

I want to thank our students, faculty and staff, who continue to inspire me every day, Shrum said. Working together as a Cowboy family, we will continue to build sustained success, strategically positioning our university with bold and visionary ideas to cement OSU as the nations premier land-grant institution.

Shrum formerly served as president of OSU's Center for Health Sciences (OSU-CHS), which more than doubled its enrollment under her leadership. Her selection in 2013 made her the youngest and first female president and dean of a medical school in Oklahoma. Before beginning her academic work at OSU-CHS, she served rural Oklahoma as a pediatrician.

As OSU-CHS president, Dr. Shrum secured a landmark investment in 2019 from Purdue Pharma for $197.5 million to create the National Center for Wellness and Recovery for addiction treatment and research to address the national opioid addiction epidemic. A strong supporter of collaborative partnerships, Shrum also worked with former Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker and his administration to establish the nation's first tribally affiliated medical school  the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation  which opened in the fall 2020 semester.

Shrum led the construction of the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Medical Academic Building  a state-of-the-art learning facility which houses the states largest and most technologically advanced hospital simulation center, and, in March 2019, was appointed Oklahoma's first secretary of science and innovation. In that role, she played a critical part in the states response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and her innovative leadership approach and medical expertise helped the state secure much-needed PPE supplies and led to the formation of a COVID diagnostics lab  Oklahoma's largest  on OSU's Stillwater campus.

A fervent champion of rural health and primary care medicine, Shrum has made the creation of a sustainable, rural primary care physician pipeline a top priority. While leading OSU-CHS, she launched innovative high school recruiting programs like Operation Orange and Blue Coat to White Coat; created the Rural Medical Track curriculum; and expanded the number of residency training programs in rural Oklahoma by securing support from the Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma Health Care Authority and Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust.



Her long list of awards and accolades includes induction into the Oklahoma Womens Hall of Fame (2022), being named The Journal Record's Woman of the Year (2019), and, most recently, DO of the Decade by the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association.

Dr. Shrum and her husband, First Cowboy Darren Shrum, have a farm near Coweta. They have six adult children  three of whom have already graduated from OSU.
Dutch foil attempt to infiltrate international court

Dutch officials say they've unmasked a spy seeking to infiltrate the International Criminal Court. File photo: AP

The Dutch intelligence service said on Thursday it had stopped a Russian spy posing as an intern from infiltrating the International Criminal Court, which is investigating war crimes in Ukraine.



The man, identified as Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov, 36, travelled to the Netherlands in April using a carefully constructed deep cover as a Brazilian citizen to take up his internship at the Hague-based tribunal.



But the Russian was unmasked as an agent of Moscow's GRU military intelligence service and refused entry to the Netherlands before being put on the next available flight back, the Dutch said.



Had he not been stopped, Cherkasov could have accessed "highly valuable" intelligence on the ICC's probe into war crimes in Ukraine or even influenced criminal proceedings, they added.



"The threat posed by this intelligence officer is deemed potentially very high," the Dutch AIVD, or General Intelligence and Security Service, said in a statement.



The head of the Dutch intelligence service, Erik Akerboom, said it was "very rare" to catch a Russian agent "of this calibre".



"The GRU has spent years creating this fake identity. It's an enormous effort," he was quoted as saying by the Dutch ANP news agency.



The Russian was a so-called "illegal" -- spy parlance for an agent who has lived abroad under a fake identity for years and is therefore "difficult to discover", the Dutch intelligence service said.



He travelled to the Netherlands under the name of a 33-year-old Brazilian citizen named Viktor Muller Ferreira, using a "well-constructed cover identity by which he concealed all his ties with Russia in general, and the GRU in particular".



But the Dutch pinpointed him as a "threat to national security" and notified the immigration service.



"On these grounds the intelligence officer was refused entry into the Netherlands in April and declared unacceptable. He was sent back to Brazil on the first flight out," the AIVD said.



The Russian's internship would have given him access to the ICC's building and systems at a time when it is probing war crimes in Ukraine, including alleged Russian crimes since the conflict broke out on February 24.



"For those reasons, covert access to International Criminal Court information would be highly valuable to the Russian intelligence services," the AIVD said.



Had the Russian spy succeeded "he would have been able to gather intelligence there and to look for (or recruit) sources, and arrange to have access to the ICC's digital systems," it added.



"He might also have been able to influence criminal proceedings of the ICC." (AFP)
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday urged the Special Security Force (SSF), that guards the head of the state and the head of government, to remain vigilant as there is information of a conspiracy against the inauguration of the much-awaited Padma Bridge. "I have information that something so horrible will happen that we will not be able to hold the inauguration ceremony of the Padma Bridge on the (June) 25th. Many attempts are being made to obstruct the work of the bridge that has been completed after so many challenges. "I have come to power to build the country, not my own fate. No false accusations will be tolerated," she said at the SSF's 36th founding anniversary celebrations. She recalled that Nobel laurate, Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus even conspired against the construction of Padma Bridge so as to retain the post of Managing Director. And when the World Bank stopped funding for the Padma Bridge due to instigation, the Prime Minister said that at that moment, she announced that Bangladesh would construct the bridge with own funding. "We have to ensure the security of the important infrastructures in the country," she said. Hasina, who is set to inaugurate the country's longest bridge on June 25, also said: "Recent fire incidents in parts of the country, including the Sitakunda one, could be all part of a conspiracy to foil the celebrations." The Prime Minister praised the SSF for carrying out their duties with utmost skill, sincerity, responsibility, and devotion. She also emphasised the importance of working along with the people rather than creating a distance between them. SSF Director General, Maj Gen Md Majibur Rahman highlighted the different activities of the force during the event. He also said that with the addition of the new VIP protection equipment, the SSF has become one of the modern and updated forces in the world. --IANS sumi/vd ( 330 Words) 2022-06-15-23:26:03 (IANS)
Addressing the students of Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, he said that the Union government had provided regular assistance ranging from finance, medicine, energy security, and food supply to Sri Lanka.

The Minister said that under the neighbourhood first policy, the Indian government has reconstructed the Jaffna library, airport, and the signature cultural centre. He also said that 50,000 houses were built in the island nation for the Tamil-speaking people, while financial assistance was provided for renovating schools and hospitals.

He also said that India has been providing food, medicines, and other essentials to the people of Afghanistan even after a government that has disagreements with India is in power in that country.

Muraleedharan also said that the connection of India was people to people and that is the policy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has adopted.

--IANS aal/vd

( 174 Words)

2022-06-16-19:52:03 (IANS)
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 16 (ANI/SRV): JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) and Futurense Technologies have joined hands to provide equal opportunities to the future generation of engineers in India through their remodelled B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering. Over a span of 16 months along with 12+ months of relevant work experience at Futurense Technologies, students will be taught in a sequential manner. Furthermore, students will be facilitated with ClassLabs (Classrooms integrated with labs) to get a mix of theoretical and practical knowledge. This program follows the formula of Experienced Learning = Learn^3 x Earn^2 where students will get to learn and earn at the same time. - Learn with a multi-disciplinary curriculum across 16 terms. - Learn via hands-on labs and projects from industry practitioners and thought leaders. - Learn from global professors from the top universities in the world. - Earn valuable experience of 12+ months at Futurense Technologies. - Earn guaranteed stipends of up to Rs. 50k/month. In order to ensure their job safety after 4 years, students will be provided with a conditional letter of intent at the time of admission. This immersive learning model will ensure that the students have the appropriate edification of Data Engineers by the end of their 2nd year, Machine Learning Engineers by the 3rd, and industry-ready AI Engineers by the time they graduate. Owing to the strategic partnership with Futurense Technologies, students can opt for multiple guaranteed paid internships. Additionally, guaranteed placements are also provided to the students pursuing the program. Therefore, by the time the students graduate, they are already possessing valuable experience of 12+ months along with a job in hand from Futurense Technologies. The students will get to work on top proprietary cloud platforms like AWS (Amazon Web Services) and Microsoft Azure. The multidisciplinary curriculum of the course will ensure that students get the right knowledge about subjects like Product Design, Design Thinking, Environmental Sciences, and more. Students will be mentored by Global Professors of Practice from the world's top Universities and will also have regular interactions with Industry thought leaders, CxOs, etc. Moreover, they will also have an opportunity to get a certification from Harvard Business Publishing along with an option to study abroad at the University of California Riverside, with complete assistance provided for GMAT/GRE test preparations if they meet the eligibility criteria. This initiative by JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), in association with Futurense Technologies, will be focused on helping aspiring candidates build a future-proof career in the field of Artificial Intelligence & Data Engineering. To know more about the program, visit https://bit.ly/JU-BTech-AIDE This story is provided by SRV. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/SRV)
Gurugram (Haryana) [India], June 16 (ANI/GPRC): FroGo, a food tech startup has launched India's First e-commerce store which exclusively caters to frozen food delivery. The changing lifestyle of the urban population is driving a great demand for frozen food items. The Indian frozen foods market is currently valued at INR 124.06 Billion and is expected to reach INR 306.61 Billion by 2027. Catering to the growing demand for high quality frozen food products, FroGro retails and delivers a diverse selection of products from the market leaders like ITC, McCain, Kwality Walls, Haldiram etc. as well as upcoming promising brands like Keventers, Get-a-whey, Minus 30, Imagine Meats. Headquartered in Gurgaon, FroGo is currently serving customers in Gurgaon and plans to expand across all metro cities by next year. The company is targeting a revenue of 100 crores in FY23 and expansion across all metro cities in FY224. Founded by Harvard Business School alumnus and serial entrepreneur Mira Jhala, the company promises to deliver frozen food frozen. Mira comes with a strong knowledge and expertise of building FMCG businesses. Her startup Purist was acquired by CureFit. FroGo is building a strong e-commerce platform driven by tech which is focused on ensuring best in class, end to end cold chain for frozen food as a category.FroGo's quality guarantee to its customers is that they can be assured that the products have been maintained at optimal ultra-low temperate of -18 degrees or below from manufacturing to their doorstep. Talking about the idea of launching FroGo, Mira says, "Being an experienced entrepreneur in the food sector, I can't help but notice every time I see a frozen food product delivered, melted or spoilt. It defeats the very purpose of the freezing process which keeps flavour and nutrition intact. FroGo ensures that frozen food items are delivered in the best state. With the impeccable doorstep delivery service by FroGo, now customers can relish their favorite ice-cream during this scorching summer without compromising on the quality." To ensure the freshness, flavours and nutrition of the products intact, FroGo deploys temperature sensors, monitoring devices to make sure that customers get the fresh frozen foods they have asked for."Customers don't have to stress about these details. They can just log on www.gofrogo.in, order their favorite food item, sit back and relax. The products get delivered at the doorstep which are ready to consume or store," adds Mira. Commenting on the prospects of the frozen food category and the potential role of an exclusive online marketplace like FroGo Industry experts say: Arabind Das Ex CEO of Yummiez and rent CMD, NutriWiz Global Food Advisory Services Pvt Ltd.-"We are very encouraged by FroGo's mission of growing the frozen food ecosystem and helping this category reach its full potential by addressing challenges in retail distribution, limited choice offered at the retail point and last mile connect. It is so heartening to know that FroGo has put capacity at a scale suitable for a city that can provide the customers with a wide variety of choices, products for all occasions & times of the day and most importantly assured delivered quality. This is a force multiplier and can be a game-changer in the frozen food landscape in the country!" Business leaders from within the industry have shown conviction in FroGo.Ashu Phakey, Business Head - Frozen and Fresh Foods ITC Limited, said"The frozen foods industry is poised for significant growth as consumers seek a variety of snacking and meal options that are tasty and easy to cook, while retaining their nutritional values. The challenge however is product availability and discoverability. FroGo's entry is a game changer as it aims to solve both challenges through a dedicated e-commerce platform for Frozen food. In addition, its promise to deliver the product to the customer at -18 degrees and maintain product integrity across the cold chain will significantly improve consumer experience, driving trials and category conversions." Komal Anand, Managing Director - Havmore Ice cream, "I am sure FroGo will do very well as it solves for a large need gap. The cold chain infrastructure in our country is nascent and last mile connectivity in frozen food is constrained. Initiatives such as FroGo will catalyse this change and help build the category.FroGo's mission of growing the frozen food ecosystem will help realise the category's potential." This story is provided by GPRC. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/GPRC)
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 16 (ANI/TPT): Barcelona brand of Stitched Textiles Limited - India's leading men's wear fashion brand, has announced Bollywood actor Sonu Sood as its new style icon and brand ambassador. The actor will be seen endorsing the brand's range of products across media platforms for its campaign. Jaimin Gupta, promoter of the Company stated that "Barcelona family is super thrilled and excited to have Sonu Sood as the face of the brand. As our brand grows to next level, we aim to strengthen our relations with the customers in a meaningful way. Sonu Sood is a talented actor and humanitarian who believes in philanthropy and has a strong prowess in the field of acting. His generous contributions and selfless work towards the welfare of the society and the common man during the pandemic are commendable. We believe that our association with Sonu Sood will give the consumers a greater sense of objective on strength, trust and dependability." As on date Barcelona has an extensive presence with 82 exclusive brand outlets (EBO's), spanning across 50+ cities and towns in India. The product range of Barcelona in Men's Wear is substantial, like Shirts, Trousers, T-Shirts, Denims, Suits, Blazers, Trunks, Vests, Boxers, Tracks and such other various products. The brand strongly believes in providing their customers with high-end fashion products at a very affordable and economical pricing. Users can download the app in the IOS or Android app stores now. To learn more about Barcelona, click here: http://www.barcelonaclub.in. This story is provided by TPT. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/TPT)
New Delhi [India], June 16 (ANI/SRV): Egnoto Technologies, a Jaipur-based IT Solution provider completed its successful four years on 1st June 2022. The company was incepted in June 2018, and since then has been assisting startups to sharpen their businesses and boost their online presence through design, development, and marketing abilities. The company will soon begin operations in Australia as well. Egnoto Technologies dedicatedly works towards launching customers' businesses to new peaks with its result-driven digital marketing services. The company's four-year success is also due to their belief in working with passion to achieve exceptional outcomes and organically connecting with clients to lead them to greater heights. Egnoto Technologies is well-known in Dubai as a leading digital marketing services provider, the greatest digital marketing agency in Abu Dhabi, and the best UI and UX design firm in Dubai. Along with the recognition, the firm has attended and participated in other high-profile digital events, including GITEX Dubai, GITEX Future Stars, Ice London, Seamless Middle East (Dubai), Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show, Mobile World Congress, and MozCon. All these events are significant in the digital world, and Egnoto was a part of all of them, which is a large success in itself. Along with its exceptional services, the company has a one-of-a-kind team of specialists who invigorate the world's most innovative firms to nurture and grow in the dynamic market. With the assistance of their knowledge in digital technology, the firm attempts to solve every client's complex problems in a simple and straight forward approach. Chitrakant Acharya, co-founder of Egnoto Technologies, says, "We believe our staff is highly-skilled and capable of producing outstanding work. We provide enterprise-level solutions to numerous companies in the USA, UK, UAE, and Canada, regardless of size. We will soon begin operations in Australia as well. We are an employee-driven organization that encourages all team members & other staff to submit ideas for improvements at any level." Egnoto is one of the leading IT solution providers. The company offers a multi-channel result oriented digital marketing approach. Services like content marketing, social media marketing, PPC, email marketing, video marketing, and more are offered by the company. Furthermore, Egnoto Technologies also offers VR & AR solutions for brand operations in the virtual space. According to Rati Mamodiya the Co-Founder of Egnoto Technologies, "Chitrakant and I began with a clear vision of building a 100 percent project delivery system, which is a challenging task in today's corporate culture. With a small team, we have delivered ERP, Web Apps, CRMs, Mobile Apps, and Websites with a 100% success delivery rate. Over the previous four years, our team has demonstrated that team size does not matter; what counts is your knowledge and devotion to delighting all of your clients." Since Egnoto is a digitally driven organization, they seek to understand its clients' needs and challenges to analyze and compile data in a user-centric manner. Through this, the brand increases its online exposure, customer involvement, and audience engagement and connection. Egnoto assists clients in growing their internet businesses by increasing traffic, resulting in leads and, eventually, cash. In conclusion, Team Egnoto that stands for real and reliable, combines creativity with faultless technology that allows the world's most inventive firms to grow and fascinate customers. To know more visit: https://www.egnoto.com/ https://www.egnoto.com/digital-marketing/ This story is provided by SRV. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/SRV)
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 16 (ANI/NewsVoir): Protean eGov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited), a market leader in universal, citizen centric and population scale e-governance solutions, today announced a collaboration with nStore Technologies, an integrated digital order-to-deliver platform, to accelerate digital inclusion and digital commerce among retail merchants, businesses and brands. Under the partnership, the two companies will offer an easy-to-use digital storefront that facilitates digital discovery and commerce for merchants and businesses on the back of the innovative, disruptive and transformative Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) ecosystem. With this, any merchant or business can register their stores and brands online, create and upload catalogues on the open network and get their business online. Protean aims to roll out this technology as a 'plug-in' in close collaboration with seller platforms, financial institutions and other partners with the ability to onboard last-mile businesses at scale. Protean eGov Technologies Limited Managing Director and CEO Suresh Sethi said, "We believe that Protean has been at the forefront of enabling the e-governance infrastructure and launching population-scale digital interventions for over two decades and laying a foundation for a Digital India. With a view to support the government's vision to democratise digital commerce, we are launching technology solutions and tools that will enable any business, large or small, to be a part of the ONDC ecosystem quickly and seamlessly. We are extremely proud that our technology innovations over the years have made the lives of millions of citizens convenient by implementation of universal, citizen centric and population scale e-governance solutions. We look forward to play a role in building and scaling new open digital ecosystems as building blocks for India and the rest of the world." nStore CEO Pradeep Kumar Sampath said, "nStore's genesis was built on the fundamentals of democratizing digital commerce through partnerships with stores and brands across categories. With our solution currently deployed across 20+ cities, we have created a platform and operating model that will help small businesses and brands to get a digital storefront effortlessly and focus more on their core business. We are excited to partner with Protean to take our solution to scale and be one of the pioneers in laying the digital foundation for our country." Protean eGov Technologies Limited (formerly NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited) is a key IT enabled service provider engaged in conceptualizing, developing and executing nationally critical and population scale greenfield technology solutions. The company has extensively collaborated with the government in creating digital public infrastructure and developing innovative citizen centric e-governance solutions. The company's core strength lies in not just enabling technology, but also providing the necessary interventions for ecosystem creation and adoption of disruptive technologies. In these two-and-a-half decades, the company has created strong e-governance interventions impacting multiple sectors of the Indian economy and provided various IT-enabled solutions such as modernizing the direct tax infrastructure, providing a tax identity to citizens and corporates (PAN card issuance), strengthening the old-age social security infrastructure (National Pension System (NPS) & Atal Pension Yojna (APY)), promoting financial inclusion by contributing to the India Stack by enrolling citizens for National Identity and enabling the BFSI sector by providing online PAN verification, Aadhaar-based identity authentication and e-Sign services. Over the years, Protean has implemented and managed 18 projects spread across seven ministries and autonomous bodies, ushering a positive change in delivery of public services. To create a truly inclusive service delivery mechanism, Protean has established a large PAN-India network of centres to provide assisted services to the citizens who are digitally excluded. This Phygital model created by Protean keeps up with the huge and diverse demographic needs of our country. Visit www.proteantech.in for more information. nStore (www.nstore.in) is a company building SaaS based digital platforms to solve problems for the large number of unorganized retailers and small businesses in India. The platform conceptualized a few years ago enables such business to offer a similar customer experience to that of online eTailers. In addition, the platform offers retailers a range of value added products and services to unlock additional revenue streams. Protean eGov Technologies Limited is proposing, subject to receipt of requisite approvals, market conditions and other considerations, to make an initial public offer of its equity shares and has filed a draft red herring prospectus ("DRHP") with Securities and Exchange Board of India ("SEBI'). The DRHP is available on the website of the SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in as well as on the websites of the book running lead managers, ICICI Securities Limited, Equirus Capital Private Limited, IIFL Securities Limited and Nomura Financial Advisory and Securities (India) Private Limited, at www.icicisecurities.com, www.equirus.com, www.iiflcap.com and www.nomuraholdings.com respectively, and the website of BSE Limited at www.bseindia.com. Any potential investor should note that investment in equity shares involves a high degree of risk and for details relating to such risk, see "Risk Factors" of the RHP, when available. Potential investors should not rely on the DRHP for any investment decision. The Equity Shares offered in the Offer have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") or any other applicable law of the United States and, unless so registered, may not be offered or sold within the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the Equity Shares are only being offered and sold (i) within the United States only to persons reasonably believed to be "qualified institutional buyers" (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act, "Rule 144A") in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, registration requirements of the Securities Act, and (ii) outside the United States in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act and pursuant to the applicable laws of the jurisdictions where those offers and sales are made. There will be no public offering of the Equity Shares in the United States. This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)
Hosur (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 16 (ANI/NewsVoir): Norton Motorcycles has today launched the re-engineered V4SV - the ultimate British superbike. Inspired by Norton's 100 years of racing prowess and success at the Isle of Man TT, the new V4SV will be the only British designed and built superbike in production in the UK. Priced at 44,000, the Norton V4SV will be built at Norton's recently opened multi-million-pound factory in Solihull, Birmingham. Norton will prioritise the deposit orders placed before TVS acquired the company in April 2020. The re-engineered V4SV is available in two colour options: Carbon and Manx Silver. The Manx Silver option is finished in striking silver bodywork with red and carbon pinstripes, a black front number board and red OZ Racing forged aluminium wheels. The V4SV Carbon option features exposed carbon fibre body work finish and carbon fibre BST wheels for reduced weight and unrivalled response. Both Norton V4SV colour options feature carbon fibre fuel tank and body work, a TIG-welded aluminium tube frame handcrafted and polished to a mirror finish, and a Union Jack on the tail of the motorcycle. Elsewhere, to offer the ultimate superbike experience, each model is powered by Norton's own liquid-cooled 1200cc, 72-degree V4 engine, and optimised to produce 185bhp at 12,500rpm and 125Nm of torque at 9,000rpm. The frame is aerospace graded aluminium, which was designed and developed at the world's most rigorous race track - the Isle of Man TT. A full quick shift and auto blipper system, adjustable front and rear suspension, Brembo disc brakes, a sophisticated lean-angle sensitive traction-control and three engine modes (wet, road and sport) are all offered on this British motorcycle. As standard, the Norton V4SV is fitted with LED lighting for low beam, high beam, indicators and tail light, alongside a keyless ignition system. Also fitted is a full-colour six-inch TFT display, which includes a rear view camera functionality and an under-seat carbon fibre 15-litre fuel tank, with Kevlar reinforcement. Dr Robert Hentschel, CEO of Norton Motorcycles, said, "Two years ago, Norton inherited the V4 - a bike imagined on the track but born for the road. A bike that promised to blend poise, performance, and power. Over the last 18 months we have worked tirelessly putting this machine through our new world-class facilities in Solihull to proudly deliver on our promise to Norton owners. Thanks to TVS investing 100 million in Norton, and us subsequently investing wisely in our engineering processes and brand-new manufacturing base, we have ensured barely a part hasn't been improved on from the bike we inherited. The V4SV is unlike anything on the market today, by design, but its everything you expect in a bike built by unapproachable Norton. Short gearing and engaging power make this a perfect bike for the road. This is the ultimate British superbike that will challenge and excite riders from the moment they get on the bike to the moment they get off. It is undoubtedly a beautiful piece of art. We are incredibly proud of what we have produced given the challenges we have faced getting it to the start line. Importantly, this new Norton V4SV marks just the first step on our exciting vision for the brand." Register interest in the bike at www.nortonmotorcycles.com/range/v4sv. To watch a detailed overview of the bike, see here: youtu.be/b-U-LmFO1Wo. To see the V4SV in action, go to: youtu.be/GbuArArM-No. Full Specification Engine Engine Type: Norton 72-degree liquid-cooled V4, 1200cc. Chain-driven cams with idler gear for reduced engine height. Titanium inlet valves. Slipper clutch. Bore & Stroke: 82mm x 56.8mm. Compression Ratio: 13.6:1. Fuel injection: Electronic fuel-injection system. 8-fuel injectors. Full drive-by-wire system independent on front and rear banks of cylinders for ultimate control and feel. Performance Power: 185bhp @ 12,500rpm. Torque: 125Nm @ 9,000rpm. Styling Bodywork: Full carbon fibre. Fuel Tank: Under-seat carbon fibre 15-litre fuel tank, with Kevlar reinforcement. Footrests: Billet footrests and pedals. Chassis Chassis Type: Aluminium tubular chassis. Aerospace 5-axis CNC machined outriggers and headstock. Frame is hand TIG welded at Norton HQ and hand-polished to a mirror finish. Adjustable Geometry: Adjustable rake angle, steering offset and swingarm pivot. Swingarm: Braced and underslung single-sided billet swingarm with rising rate linkage geometry developed from the TT race bikes. Wheelbase: 1434mm. Dry Weight: 193kg. Headstock Angle: 23.9 degrees. Yokes: Billet top and bottom. Wheels: Carbon model: Carbon fibre BSTs. Manx model: Oz racing forged aluminium. Steering Damper: Ohlins damper. Note: Chassis design was developed at the world's most rigorous race track - the Isle of Man TT. Brakes Front Brakes: 2 x 330mm floating discs. Radially mounted Brembo monobloc calipers. Brembo discs, and Brembo master cylinder. Rear Brakes: Brembo 245mm rear disc. Brembo caliper and master-cylinder. Suspension Front Suspension: Ohlins NIX30 system front fork. Fully adjustable. Rear Suspension: Ohlins TTXGP Norton bespoke fully adjustable rear shock. Electronics Lighting: LED lighting for low beam, high beam, indicators and tail light. Instruments: Full-colour 6-inch display with auto brightness adjustment. Includes rear view camera functionality (does not replace rear view mirrors), DRL-style lighting mode and rider 'Engine Mode' adjustment. Engine Modes: Wet, Road and Sport. Quick Shift: Full quick shift system and auto blipper. Electronic Aids: Linked to Engine Mode: Lean-angle sensitive traction-control using six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Ignition: Keyless ignition system with electronic steering lock (manual fuel filler cap). Colour Options Manx Silver Carbon Norton Motorcycles was founded in 1898 as a manufacturer of fittings and parts to the two-wheel trade. Norton Motorcycles went on to become one of the most iconic British motorcycle brands, manufacturing famous models such as the 650SS, Atlas, Commando, Dominator, Manx, Navigator and more - constantly innovating in motorcycle technology, with features advantageous for lightness and strength in motorcycle racing. Norton Motorcycles has an unrivalled history in motorsport and the brand name is synonymous with Isle of Man TT racing. In April 2020, Norton Motorcycles was acquired by TVS Motor Company, India's third-largest motorcycle manufacturer. Under the leadership of TVS, Norton is based out of a new manufacturing facility in Solihull, West Midlands, building British motorcycles in England using traditional hand-crafted techniques with modern day machinery for consistently high quality. For media enquiries: For any enquiries, please contact Performance Communications at norton@performancecomms.com Website: www.nortonmotorcycles.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/NortonMotorcycles Twitter: www.twitter.com/norton_moto Instagram: www.instagram.com/norton.motorcycles LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/norton-motorcycles This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 16 (ANI/PNN): Wagh Bakri Tea has become the most trusted brand among Indian consumers. Wagh Bakri Tea Group, well-known in India for its premium tea, has been named India's No. 1 Most Trusted Brand by TRA Research in its Brand Trust Report, 2022. According to TRA research's latest "Brand Trust Report 2022," the study was done through syndicated consumer-influencer research in 16 cities throughout the country. Wagh Bakri Tea was voted the Most Trusted Tea Brand by Indian consumers out of hundreds of local, regional, national, and multinational tea brands. "Being recognised as India's most trusted tea brand is a source of great pride for us," stated Rasesh Desai, Managing Director of Wagh Bakri Tea Group (www.waghbakritea.com ). We have always focused on providing our valued consumers with unrivalled and uncompromised quality items." "This recognition validates our four generations' work and motivates us to accomplish even more." Our expert team will continue our ongoing mission to satisfy our consumers worldwide with the highest levels of innovation backed by elegant packaging design and exceptional value." Wagh Bakri Tea Group, a leading name in India and more than 50 countries in the premium segment, has had its presence in the tea business in India since 1892. The Group owns and operates, under its umbrella, one of the leading packaged tea companies in India with a turnover of over Rs. 1800 crore and over 45 million kgs of tea distribution. The Group enjoys an undisputed market presence in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab & Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Goa. It has recently forayed into West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand. "Through Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge, a perfect destination to engage in business conversation or spend quality time with family and friends, the Group is also strengthening its legacy of bringing joy and freshness to millions of Indians," Desai said. "Currently, we have 15 such lounges across India with many more to come shortly." This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN)
Now, the payment system operator Mastercard is allowed to onboard new customers. Mastercard is authorised to operate a card network in the country under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

The RBI had imposed restrictions on Mastercard in July 2021 for failing to comply with norms related to the storage of payment data.

In view of the satisfactory compliance demonstrated by Mastercard Asia / Pacific Pte. Ltd. with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) circular dated April 6, 2018, on Storage of Payment System Data, the restrictions imposed, vide order dated July 14, 2021, on on-boarding of new domestic customers have been lifted with immediate effect, the RBI said in a statement.

RBI had, by order dated July 14, 2021, imposed restrictions on Mastercard Asia / Pacific Pte. Ltd. from onboarding new domestic customers (debit, credit or prepaid) onto its card network from July 22, 2021 for non-compliance with the RBI circular dated April 6, 2018 on storage of payment system data.

As per the 'Storage of Payment System Data' norms all "system providers shall ensure that the entire data relating to payment systems operated by them are stored in a system only in India".

This data should include the full end-to-end transaction details/information collected/carried/processed as part of the message/payment instruction. For the foreign leg of the transaction, if any, the data can also be stored in the foreign country, if required. (ANI)
One of the most celebrated filmmakers in the country, Imtiaz Ali, turned 51 on Thursday. A director, producer and writer - Imtiaz Ali is known for creating magic on screen. He has given Indian Cinema one of the most romantic, unconventional, and complex love stories. As the ace Director turns a year older, let's take a look at five of his best films that enthralled the audience. 1. Jab We met The movie that turned out to be the turning point in Kareena Kapoor Khan's career is touted to be one of the best romantic comedies this country has ever seen. Even after a decade and a half, Jab We Met, the movie continues to be a fan favorite. 2. Tamasha Imtiaz Ali's Tamasha enjoys a cult following and those who love it, still can't stop raving about how good it is. The rawness of the characters made its way to people's hearts. Imtiaz Ali weaves a magical kingdom with broken and confused characters that take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. 3. Rockstar The movie that made Ranbir Kapoor a real-life 'Rockstar', gave the Indian Cinema one of the best music albums of all time. Romance, pain, anger, and heartbreak all compiled together with Imtiaz Ali's vision is the perfect recipe for a blockbuster film and that's exactly what Rockstar is all about! 4. Highway Pairing Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda seemed like a mistake at first but after watching Highway, people changed this perception. The movie was Alia Bhatt's second project and it was only after Highway that she was taken seriously as an actor. It takes you on a journey of self-discovery and leaves you wanting the road to never end. With powerful music and exceptional writing, the simplicity of Highway made it one of the most loved films of all time. 5. Love Aaj Kal Released in 2009, Love Aaj Kal revolved around relationships and their complexities in a practical world. Although the movie's second part released in 2020 couldn't manage to strike a chord with the audience, the first part starring Saif and Deepika is still loved by all. Both the actors set the screen ablaze with their crackling chemistry. Known as a man of many talents who can make exceptional masterpieces, Imtiaz Ali continues to rule the hearts of many. (ANI)
Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey, who on Thursday morning, appeared at London's Westminster Magistrates Court on charges of sexual assault, has been granted unconditional bail. According to The Hollywood Reporter, following a roughly 45-minute hearing at the court, deputy chief magistrate Tan Ikran concluded by sending the case to the U.K. Crown Court, setting a July 14 hearing at Southwark. "I've not been persuaded there is a real risk," the judge added, as he granted the unconditional bail to Spacey unless the court decided there was a real risk. For the hearing, the actor was seen coming dressed in a blue suit, white shirt, blue suede shoes and glasses, as he entered through the court's front entrance. Once inside, he confirmed his full name, address and had the five specific charges read out to him, as per the outlet. Key players in the room included legal defence lead Patrick Gibbs QC and prosecutor Natalie Dawson. Spacey entered accompanied by a team of three lawyers, including one from the US. He has been charged with four counts of sexual assault in the U.K. against three men between 2005 and 2013. He was also charged with "causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent." The alleged victims are now in their 30s and 40s. Spacey's defence said he strenuously denied any and all allegations but said that "he needs to answer these charges if he wants to proceed with his life." Much of the hearing was dedicated to Spacey's bail, with Dawson arguing that given the severity of the sentence were he to be found guilty, it is "reasonably foreseeable that he would not return to the U.K." However, Spacey's barrister argued strongly that the bail conditions regarding travel were excessive and was able to persuade the deputy chief magistrate that Spacey was not a flight risk and would return for his next court date, reported Variety. (ANI)
Taking to her Instagram handle on Thursday, she dropped a picture where she can be seen posing with her father and husband Mahesh Bhatt. Soni and Mahesh opted for casual outfits.

Calling her father 'Darling dad', he wrote, "Happy 94th Birthday my darling daddy. You really are the original rock star .... Love you to the moon and back."

As soon as she shared the post, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni also extended her heartfelt greetings. She wrote, "Happy bday Uncle."

Recently, Soni joined her daughter Alia Bhatt and Shaheen Bhatt in London as Alia currently busy shooting for her Hollywood debut. (ANI)
According to Variety, 'Case 63' tells the story of a psychiatrist, Eliza Knight, played by Moore who names one of her puzzling patients as Case 63 aka Issac. Eliza happens to record all the sessions of his patient, who claims that he is actually a time traveller.

However, these therapeutic sessions soon turn out to be threatening as the boundary between reality and impossibility is blurred.

Originally produced in Chile's Santiago, 'Case 63' is an adaptation of Spotify's new scripted podcast. In fact, 'Case 63' was the most-listened podcast in Latin America, reported Variety.

Originally penned by Julio Rojas, the English version of 'Case 63', directed by Eliza Knight, is produced by the Gimlet Studio of Spotify, Moore's production house FortySix, and Issac's production company Mad Gene Media.

The podcast is geared up to release in the latter half of 2022, reported Variety.

For the unversed, Julianne Moore's Hollywood career took off in the early 1990s. She earned Oscar nominations for her roles in 'Boogie Nights', 'The End of the Affair', 'Far From Heaven' and 'The Hours'.

Also, Oscar Issac is one of the notable American actors who featured in films like ' A Most Violent Year', 'Life Itself, and 'Dune' to name a few. (ANI)
Nearly a month after revoking his suspension, the Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday appointed senior IPS officer A. B. Venkateswara Rao as Commissioner, Printing and Stationery. Though the officer had reported to the General Administration Department on May 19 for the posting, he was made to wait for nearly a month. The state government had revoked his suspension and issued orders for his reinstatement into service. The suspension was revoked with effect from February 8, 2022 as directed by the Supreme Court. This was nearly a month after the apex court revoked Rao's suspension. The Indian Police Service (IPS) officer was placed under suspension on February 8, 2020 on the grounds of serious misconduct in the process of procurement of security equipment while he was working as Additional Director General of Police, Intelligence. The Supreme Court on April 22 dismissed the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the state government challenging the Andhra Pradesh High Court order which had set aside the suspension of the former intelligence chief. It made it clear that the suspension could be for a maximum of two years as per the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Amendments Rules, 2015, and since the two year period was over, the suspension could no longer be in place. In February 2020, the state government had placed Venkateswara Rao, an officer of 1989 batch, under suspension for his alleged misconduct and irregularities in purchase of security equipment from an Israeli firm. The officer was working as Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence) during the previous government of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Considered close to then Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Rao was removed as the intelligence chief after Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy assumed office in May 2019. He was waiting for a posting when he was suspended. The police officer had approached Andhra Pradesh High Court, which had set aside the suspension on May 22, 2020. --IANS ms/vd ( 329 Words) 2022-06-15-20:22:02 (IANS)
A resolution passed in the opposition parties' Wednesday meeting, called to decide a joint candidate for next month's Presidential poll, said that they will field a common candidate to stop the Narendra Modi government from "doing further damage to Indian democracy and India's social fabric". A meeting of opposition leaders, called by Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was held here on building consensus on zeroing in on a joint opposition candidate. "In the forthcoming Presidential election which is being held on the 75th anniversary of India's independence, we have decided to field a common candidate who can truly serve as custodian of the Constitution and stop the Modi government from doing further damage to Indian democracy and India's social fabric," the resolution said. Sources, however, said that the meeting turned chaotic over the resolution, accusing the Modi government, placed by Banerjee without prior notice. Addressing the media after the meeting, Banerjee said that the opposition needed to sit together to discuss the "bulldozing" taking place in the country. "Today is the beginning and I think after so many months, we sat together and we will sit again... for the bulldozing going on in the country's democratic system. Every institution is totally misused politically and it is necessary we must sit together," she said. An opposition leader present in the meeting said that the Trinamool supremo proposed the name of NCP chief Sharad Pawar and everyone agreed. "But Pawar refused and said he will be active in politics till his death." Banerjee also suggested names of Farooq Abdullah and Gopalkrishna Gandhi for opposition nominee for Presidential polls but no discussion was held on the names. It is learnt that opposition leaders will meet again on June 21 to finalise the candidate. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge said: "Congress will play a constructive role in ensuring that the parties assembled here this afternoon arrive at a consensus candidate in the next few days. Let us be proactive and not be reactive. The Congress has no particular candidate in mind. It will sit together with all of you and arrive at a candidate acceptable to all." Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, NCP chief Pawar, Congress' Kharge, Jairam Ramesh, and Randeep Singh Surjewala, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, National Conference's Omar Abdullah, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav, DMK's T.R. Balu, Shiv Sena's Priyanka Chaturvedi, RJD's Manoj Jha and others attended the meeting.The presidential poll will be held on July 18 and counting of votes will take place on July 21. --IANS ssb/vd ( 444 Words) 2022-06-15-20:26:03 (IANS)
The discussion on the much delayed cabinet expansion in Karnataka has again come to the fore ahead of the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president J.P. Nadda to the state. Nadda is scheduled to arrive here on June 18 to take part in the concluding ceremony of the camp organised by BJP OBC Morcha. PM Modi is expected to arrive in Bengaluru on June 20 for a 2-day state tour. The Prime Minister would take part in the 'Bhoomi Pooja' of Suburban Railway project in Bengaluru and also attend other programmes. He will take part in the International Yoga Day celebrations on June 21 in Mysuru, 135 km away from Bengaluru. Sources in BJP said Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has already conveyed the pressure on him to expand the cabinet which is pending for a long time to PM Modi. He is likely to discuss the matter on June 20 when Modi arrives in Bengaluru. Bommai will also discuss the matter with Nadda before talking to Modi. The party postponed the cabinet expansion exercise in the backdrop of Rajya Sabha elections and MLC polls. The party is contemplating to introduce 10 new faces into the cabinet in Karnataka. There are 5 vacant posts in the state cabinet. The party is likely to drop non-performing ministers from the cabinet and bring in younger ones who are capable of uplifting the image of the party, sources said. The party will have to take a crucial call on the inclusion of former minister Ramesh Jarkiholi into the cabinet. According to sources, the BJP is not likely to consider the inclusion of former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa's son B.Y. Vijayendra in the cabinet. --IANS mka/pgh ( 298 Words) 2022-06-15-20:34:03 (IANS)
The West Bengal Assembly on Wednesday passed a Bill to replace the Governor with the Chief Minister as the chancellor of the universities under the jurisdiction of the state animal husbandry and fisheries sciences department. At the same time, a separate Bill was passed to increase the retirement age of vice-chancellors of these universities from 65 to 70 years. The vice-chancellors will be appointed by the Chief Minister from among three names suggested by the search committee of the university concerned. On June 13, a Bill was passed in the Assembly to replace the Governor with the Chief Minister as the chancellor of 31 state universities under the jurisdiction of the state education department. Similarly, on July 14, another Bill was passed to replace the Governor with the state Education Minister as the visitor to private universities operating in the state. Reacting to the Bill passed on Wednesday, leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikari reiterated that he would request Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar not to clear the Bills. "There are three options before the Governor. The first is he clears the Bill. The second option is he sends it back to the Assembly for reconsideration. But in that case if the state government again forwards the same Bill to the Governor, the latter will have no other option but to clear it. The third and final option is that the Governor can send the Bill to the Union government since education is in the concurrent list. I will request the Governor to go for the third option," said Adhikari. However, state Education Minister Bratya Basu has already said that in case the Governor refuses to give consent to the Bills, the state government will implement the same through an ordinance. --IANS src/arm ( 305 Words) 2022-06-15-21:08:02 (IANS)
Addressing a press conference here, Patkar said that it was an undemocratic approach on the part of Delhi Police to enter the Congress headquarters in the national capital and resort to lathi charge on party workers.

"We condemn the BJP's act of politicising the National Herald case, which has no basis, and also for detaining our leaders and manhandling them," Patkar said.

He added that as part of a nationwide march, the Congress will stage a protest in front of the Raj Bhavan in Panaji on Thursday morning.

"Our leader Deepender Hooda has been placed under house arrest, while Sachin Pilot and others were detained while protesting," Patkar said.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah should explain the Centre's undemocratic approach. They should focus on the burning issues facing the nation," he said.

Patkar also said that BJP has levelled false allegations against the Gandhi family and there is no basis for the National Herald case.

--IANS sanjay/arm

( 207 Words)

2022-06-15-21:32:04 (IANS)
Bihar Congress leaders have decided to submit a memorandum to Governor Phagu Chauhan on Thursday to protest against the questioning of Rahul Gandhi for three days in a row by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the National Herald case. Bihar Congress chief Madan Mohan Jha said: "The ED officials are unnecessarily harassing and victimising our leader Rahul Gandhi. The charges levelled against him are baseless and politically motivated. The ED officials are acting on the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. "Just like Mahatma Gandhi fought against the British government, we are fighting a similar war against the Narendra Modi government. We will meet Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan on Thursday and place our perspective before him." Jha said the ED is calling Rahul Gandhi for questioning again and again as if he is a criminal. "Everyone knows which family he belongs to and what his family has done for the country. Our leader Sonia Gandhi had twice refused the post of Prime Minister. How could such a family indulge in dynasty politics? Rahul Gandhi could have easily held any ministerial portfolio during the UPA rule, but he never did so. The NDA government is deliberately hrrasing our leaders," Jha said. --IANS ajk/arm ( 223 Words) 2022-06-15-22:32:03 (IANS)
On Tuesday, the Union Cabinet had approved the Agnipath recruitment scheme for youth to serve in the armed forces. Soldiers recruited under the scheme will be inducted into the forces as 'Agniveers'.

The 'Agnipath' model will foresee the recruitment of personnel below officer rank (PBOR) in army, air force and navy for four years, including six months of training.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Manipur counterpart N. Biren Singh on Wednesday announced that the 'Agniveers' would be given special preference in state police jobs after serving the forces for four years.

Sarma tweeted: "PM Shri Narendra Modi ji has announced a pathbreaking scheme 'Agnipath' for recruitment into armed forces. Agniveers who will return after 4 years of service in the armed forces will be given special preference in Assam Police recruitment."

Hailing the new scheme, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh tweeted: "In a move which will make our armed forces more youthful, the Agnipath scheme will open the doors for the youth to join the country's premier armed forces as Agniveers.

"Agniveers returning from 'Agnipath' scheme will be given preference in the State Police/MR/IRB recruitment."

"We are excited about the unique program 'Agnipath' for recruiting youth in the armed forces for 4 years. Grateful to Hon PM Shri Narendra Modi and and Hon Defence Min Shri Rajnath Singh for this opportunity to the Young, Youthful India," Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu tweeted.

In a separate tweet, Khandu said: "46,000 Agniveers will be recruited this year, and the rallies for it will start in 90 days. The scheme is designed to ensure that our armed forces have a younger, fitter, diverse profile for facing future challenges."

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has also hailed the 'Agnipath' scheme and thanked the Prime Minister.

--IANS sc/arm

( 337 Words)

2022-06-15-22:42:02 (IANS)
In a relief to senior IPS officer D. Roopa Moudgil, the Karnataka High Court on Wednesday has quashed a defamation case against her filed by a retired IPS officer H.N. Satyanarayan Rao. Rao had filed defamation case against Roopa, following her revelations on preferential treatment meted out to V.K. Sasikala, the close associate of late former Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalitha, after receiving a huge amount of bribe. She had also pointed out other illegalities in the prison. Roopa, who is currently the Managing Director of Karnataka Handicrafts Development Corporation had written a letter during her tenure as a DIG of Prisons to Satyanarayan Rao, who was DG and IGP of Prisons in 2017. In the letter, she pointed out that there are speculations that the authorities have taken a bribe of Rs 2 crore, and fingers were pointed out at Satyanarayan Rao as well. She had alleged in her letter that Sasikala has been given a separate kitchen after taking Rs 2 crore as bribe. She has also discussed deputing co-prisoners for the service of fake stamp paper racket kingpin Karim Lala Telgi. Satyanarayan Rao had filed a defamation case against Roopa in this connection. Roopa had filed a petition before the court seeking quashing the case against her. The single-judge bench of the High Court headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna opined that official communication of letters between individuals will not amount to defamation while giving the order. "The factual happenings in the prison were highlighted, and what was being spoken about was only a caution. A pure official communication without it being referred to any other department cannot become the ingredient of IPC Section 499," the court stated. The letter by Roopa had become a sensational news during the time of Congress government headed by Siddaramaiah. Both officers then challenged that the issue could be investigated to ascertain the truth. --IANS mka/pgh ( 327 Words) 2022-06-15-23:02:02 (IANS)
Two terrorists of proscribed terror outfit LeT, including the killer of bank manager Vijay Kumar, were eliminated in a joint security forces operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district on Wednesdy, police said. Police said acting on specific information regarding presence of terrorists in village Kanji Ullar area of Shopian, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by police, the army and, the CRPF. During the search operation, as the joint party approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which was retaliated effectively. leading to an encounter. "In the ensuing encounter, two terrorists were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter. They have been identified as Jan Mohd Lone, resident of Braripora Shopian, and Tufail Nazir Ganie, resident of Ramnagri Shopian," police said. As per police records, both the killed terrorists were linked with LeT and were part of groups involved in several terror crime cases including attacks on police/security forces and civilian atrocities. Interacting with media, IGP, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar revealed that Lone was involved in recent killing of bank manager Vijay Kumar in Kulgam on June 2. He also revealed that Lone was earlier working as OGW of LeT's district commander Adil Ramzan and he killed the bank manager on the direction of said LeT commander. After this terror crimem, he actively joined terror ranks. "Since then we have been tracking him. It's pertinent to mention here that one of the killed terrorist Tufail Nazir had earlier escaped from two encounters at Chaki Samad area of Kulgam on April 9 and Khur-Batpora area of Kulgam on April 11," he said. Arms and ammunition, including an AK-47 rifle and a pistol were recovered from the site of encounter. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation and to probe their complicity in other terror crimes. The IGP congratulated the joint teams for carrying out the anti-terrorist operation in professional manner without any collateral damage. He also appreciated the efforts of police to track down and neutralise the terrorist involved in the recent killing of the bank manager. --IANS zi/vd ( 374 Words) 2022-06-15-23:14:02 (IANS)
The Chief Minister presided over the review meeting and directed the concerned authorities to ensure proper arrangements as per protocol.

Jai Ram also reviews the preparations for the roadshow. He said that various cultural folk groups will be present at the venue of the roadshow in their traditional attires and with musical instruments.

Earlier, Chief Minister also visited the venue of the All-India Chief Secretaries' conclave.

Speaker Vidhan Sabha Vipin Singh Parmar, MP and State BJP president Suresh Kashyap, MP Kishan Kapoor, Chairman Wool Federation Trilok Kapoor, MLA Dharamshala Vishal Nehria, Chief Secretary Ram Subhag Singh, Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu, Principal Secretary GAD Bharat Khera, Deputy Commissioner Nipun Jindal, Superintendent of Police Khushal Sharma and other senior officers were also present in the meeting. (ANI)
The Tamil Nadu Police on Wednesday in connection with the case of the alleged custodial death of a 25-year-old man in Chennai clarified that police officials did not assault Rajasekar. The remarks came after the autopsy report suggested that the injuries were not the reason of his death. "According to the autopsy report, Rajasekar was not assaulted by police. The report further reads that he did not die because of the injuries he had," said Additional Commissioner of Police, TS Anbu. Rajasekar was arrested on April 18 for alleged possession of drugs. He died the next day. According to sources, Kodungaiyur Police took into custody a history-sheeter Raja Sekar from Manali on Saturday in connection with an investigation. There were many pending cases against Rajasekar. Kodungaiyur Police claimed that Rajasekar was taken to a private hospital after he complained of feeling unwell and of dizziness. The hospital asked the police to take him to Stanley Government Hospital, where he was declared brought dead. The sources said that the history-sheeter was being allegedly interrogated on Sunday evening when he said he felt dizzy. His body was sent for a post-mortem to Government Stanley Hospital. The case had been transferred to the Crime Branch, Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID) for further investigation. Meanwhile reacting to the alleged custodial death, Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami requested High Court Judges to come forward to take lawful actions on custodial deaths which happened during Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Government. "In Tamil Nadu, another lockup death has occurred. In the DMK Government lockup death has become continued and there are no actions to stop lockup death. We request High Court Judges to come forward to take lawful actions on lockup death which happened during DMK Government," he said in a tweet. Earlier this April, a 25-year-old man, V Vignesh, who was arrested for alleged possession of drugs and was reported "dead" the next day. Days afterwards, Vignesh's brother alleged that the police attempted to bribe the family with Rs 1 lakh to keep silent over the death. He further alleged that the police did not even allow them to see the body after the autopsy. (ANI)
The complaint was registered at Tughlak Road Police Station, New Delhi.

A delegation of senior Congress leaders including Avinash Pande, Harish Choudhary, Pranav Jha and Challa Vamshi Reddy met with the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and Station House Officer (SHO).

The senior leaders presented a detailed written complaint highlighting "the brazen and illegal actions of officials of the Delhi police in entering and attacking workers of the INC, without provocation," at 24 Akbar Road during a conference held on Wednesday.

"We hope that the Delhi police will take swift and appropriate action against the offenders who have brought shame to the rule of law and our constitution," read the document.

Senior Congress leaders Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, KC Venugopal and others were detained by Delhi Police and taken to Tughlak Road police station on Tuesday while they were protesting over Enforcement Directorate's (ED) probe against party leader Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case.

The leaders were protesting outside Congress headquarters, Akbar Road in the national capital

The leaders detained by Delhi Police include Gaurav Gogoi, Deepender Singh Hooda, Ranjeet Ranjan, Imran Pratapgarhi and others.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi arrived at the ED office in the national capital on Wednesday for the third consecutive day to join the probe in the money laundering case related to the National Herald.

Prior to reaching the ED office, he visited the Congress headquarters along with sister and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to join the protest. (ANI)
Abhishek Banerjee along with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reached earlier at the venue and both were seen coming out to greet the opposition leaders at the entrance of the meeting venue.

His presence at the meeting raises speculation of bigger outcomes as the TMC General Secretary played a crucial role during the 2021 Assembly poll held in the state of West Bengal last year. He was also pivotal during the general elections in 2019. Abhishek Banerjee participated rigorously in several meetings apart from his own constituency to carry forward the party.

Leaders of several opposition parties met at Constitution Club in Delhi on Wednesday to discuss the forthcoming presidential elections. The meeting adopted a resolution to field a common candidate in the election slated on July 18.

Leaders of 16 parties Congress, CPI, CPI(M), CPIML, RSP, Shiv Sena, NCP, RJD, SP, National Conference, PDP, JD(S), DMK, RLD, IUML and JMM participated the opposition leaders' meeting called by TMC leader and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee ahead of Presidential election. (ANI)
Police have recovered more than 81 grams of drugs from them worth Rs 8 lakhs and seized a vehicle from the accused.

"We arrested 4 drug peddlers in connection with the smuggling of mephedrone drugs from MP to Vadodara. We have got more than 81 grams of drug from them worth Rs 8 lakhs. A vehicle has also been seized from them," ACP JB Gaur, Vadodara Police told ANI.

Earlier, in another case of seizure of drugs in Gujarat, gunny bags thrown in the sea by Pakistani boat AL Noman, which was apprehended by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) last week, were recovered in Gujarat's Jakhau by Border Security Force (BSF) and Marine Police in the first week of June.

The Pakistani crew had thrown the consignment of around 50 kg of drugs near the creek area in the Kutch region of Gujarat on May 30 to avoid being caught with drugs in the Indian maritime territory. (ANI)
Kerala gold smuggling case accused Swapna Suresh has alleged that state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan sought help from the visiting Sharjah ruler in September 2017 for his daughter's bid to open an IT business in the emirate. Suresh made this claim in an affidavit filed before the Ernakulam District Sessions Court which came out in the public domain on Wednesday. Responding to Vijayan's claim that he doesn't know her, Suresh said she will remind the CM of her presence at his official residence very soon through the media. In the affidavit, which she filed in the Ernakulam District Sessions Court, she alleged that the Sharjah ruler held a discussion with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family. She also revealed that CM's daughter Veena Vijayan has expressed interest in starting an IT venture in Sharjah. She further said to media persons on Wednesday, "In 2017, the ruler of Sharjah visited Cliff House (official residence of the CM) during his visit to Kerala. During the meeting with the Chief Minister, his family informed the ruler of Sharjah of a business interest. Chief Minister's daughter Veena Vijayan has expressed interest in starting an IT venture in Sharjah. But the project was abandoned following some dissents from Sharjah. I came to Cliff House to teach the Chief Minister's family the steps and communication required when the ruler of Sharjah arrives. CM's family had requested a private meeting in addition to the official meeting and had arranged for it. Nalini Netto IAS (former Chief Secretary) and M Sivasankar (former principal secretary to CMO) were also present at the meeting held at Cliff House." "The Consul General and the Chief Minister had close ties. Based on this, biryani vessels went from the Consul General's house to the Chief Minister's residence. These biryani vessels arrived at Cliff House under the consul general's Mitsubishi contract. The vessels, which are larger than usual, is wrapped in foil paper so it is not clear to the carrier what is in it. The vessel was held by four people," she said. She added, "Sivasankar led the way in bringing the biryani vessels to Cliff House without any clearances. The Consul General was upset until it arrived." Swapna Suresh, in her affidavit filed in 2021 before the Customs, had given all this information with regards to Vijayan and his family members' involvement in the gold smuggling case. Former Leader of Opposition and veteran Congress legislator Ramesh Chennithala days ago said the revelations are just the tip of the iceberg. Meanwhile, senior BJP leader Shoba Surendran demanded that the central agencies question the Chief Minister and his family in connection with the gold smuggling case. (ANI)
A day after TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee held a meeting of Opposition parties on presidential polls, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Kumar Jha on Thursday said the candidate should have a clear understanding and commitment towards the Constitution of India. A meeting of Opposition leaders called by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to discuss a joint candidate for the upcoming presidential poll was held in the national capital yesterday. The meeting adopted a resolution to field a common candidate in the election slated for July 18. Speaking to ANI, RJD MP said, "Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has not contacted any of the RJD leaders regarding presidential polls yet. The leaders who interacted with Rajnath Singh said that he did not have any concrete proposal. I think there should be a resolution for such a position." "The candidate for presidential elections should have a proper understanding of the Indian Constitution. He should be committed to constitutional values. The right candidate should be chosen by every Indian citizen," he added. Earlier, Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also informed that a coordination committee will be constituted to find a suitable candidate for the post of the President of India. During the meeting, leaders of several opposition parties urged Sharad Pawar to be the joint candidate but the senior NCP leader declined the offer Congress participated in the meeting along with 16 other political parties. Apart from TMC, Congress and NCP, the parties which attended the meeting included CPI, CPI(M), CPIML, RSP, Shiv Sena, RJD, SP, National Conference, PDP, JD(S), DMK, RLD, IUML and JMM participated in the meeting held at the Constitution Club of India here. The polling for the presidential election is slated for July 18 and votes will be counted on July 21. Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party did not participate in the meeting which was held at the Constitution Club. Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) led by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao did not send a representative to the meeting. (ANI)
The artists from the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) performed the traditional Tashi Shopa dance to welcome PM Modi.

PM Modi, who arrived in Dharmshala on Thursday, will chair the first national conference of chief secretaries being held at HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala from today.

Prior to PM Modi's arrival, Tibetans in exile were very excited to welcome PM Narendra Modi to Dharamshala. Hundreds of Tibetans have gathered to welcome PM Modi and to also participate in the roadshow.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Wednesday reviewed the preparations for the two-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Chief Minister presided over the review meeting and directed the concerned authorities to ensure proper arrangements as per protocol.

Earlier, Chief Minister also visited the venue of the All-India Chief Secretaries' conclave.Speaker Vidhan Sabha Vipin Singh Parmar, MP and State BJP president Suresh Kashyap, MP Kishan Kapoor, Chairman Wool Federation Trilok Kapoor, MLA Dharamshala Vishal Nehria, Chief Secretary Ram Subhag Singh, Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu, Principal Secretary GAD Bharat Khera, Deputy Commissioner Nipun Jindal, Superintendent of Police Khushal Sharma and other senior officers were also present in the meeting. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Thursday sought the response of the Uttar Pradesh government on pleas by Jamiat-Ulama-I-Hind and others seeking directions to state authorities to ensure that no further demolitions of properties are carried out without following due process. A vacation bench of Justices AS Bopanna and Vikram Nath said it cannot stay demolition but a process of law must be followed for demolition of alleged unauthorised structures. The Apex Court asked the Uttar Pradesh government to file an affidavit in three days. The hearing over the matter will be held next week. Hearing the matter, the Supreme Court observed that "the government will get time to file their objections. We should ensure their safety in the meantime. They are also part of society. When someone has a grievance they have a right to have it addressed. Such demolitions can only happen as per Act. We will hear the case next week." Senior advocate CU Singh, appearing for petitioners, told Supreme Court that the reason cited for demolition was that the action is being taken against protestors who had indulged in violence. Singh argued that "demolition keeps happening again and again. It is shocking and appalling. This was not during the Emergency, not during the pre-independence era. These are houses standing for more than 20 years and sometimes not even belonging to the accused but their aged parents." Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind moved the Supreme Court seeking to issue directions to the State of Uttar Pradesh that no precipitative action be taken in Kanpur District against the residential or commercial property of any accused in any criminal proceedings as an extra-legal punitive measure. The application by the organization Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind has also urged the Court that any demolition drive that the authorities are planning to carry out in Kanpur District should be stayed during the pendency of the instant writ petition. The development had come after the UP government conducted a demolition drive at the "illegal properties" of two "masterminds" of the violent protest that erupted on June 10, as outrage at the controversial remarks of suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma on Prophet Muhammad. Earlier on Sunday, the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) issued a demolition notice at the residence of the main conspirator Javed Ahmed, asking him to vacate the house by 11 am as it was "illegally constructed". During the demolition drive, posters and flags were taken out of the residence of the Prayagraj violence accused Javed Ahmed. According to Prayagraj Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Kumar, the names of the people linked with AIMIM have surfaced and there could be more masterminds of the violence.The SSP said that there are 70 others who are named as accused and over 5,000 people unnamed in the violence. "Action will be taken under the Gangster Act and NSA," he added. (ANI)
A meeting of All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretaries, in-charges, MPs and senior leaders is currently underway in Delhi at the party headquarters to discuss a plan of action against the alleged police atrocities on party legislators yesterday, the 'brutal crackdown' on Congress leaders and further course of action, informed party leader KC Venugopal. Senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Ajay Maken are among those present in the meeting. On Wednesday, several Congress leaders were detained as Rahul Gandhi clocked in over 24 hours at the office of the Enforcement Directorate, the third day of his questioning in connection to the National Herald newspaper money laundering case. Congress leaders and workers clashed with police during a protest in central Delhi, despite prohibitory orders and no permission to stage a protest by the Delhi Police. Over the past few days of Rahul being questioned, senior leaders have been detained and allegedly stopped from entering the AICC office. While police said protesters threw barricades at them during a standoff, they denied allegations of forcibly entering the Congress office and beating up functionaries. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been asked to rejoin the probe on Friday by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in connection with the National Herald case, said sources. The Congress leader left the ED office after 9.00 PM on Wednesday. The former Congress chief appeared before the ED for the third consecutive day on Wednesday for questioning. Regarding his questioning by ED on Monday, as per official sources, the Congress leader, a Z+ category protectee of the Central Reserve Police Force after the Union government withdrew the Gandhi family's Special Protection Group cover in 2019, was confronted with several documents collated by the ED as evidence recovered so far in the case to get his version. Rahul Gandhi was questioned in detail about the ownership of Young Indian Private Limited (YIL) by the Gandhi family and its shareholding pattern in Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the company that runs the National Herald newspaper, said sources. (ANI)
Apart from Delhi, the Congress on Thursday held protests in several parts of the country including Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan over the Enforcement Directorate investigating former party president Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. Congress workers held a protest march in Bengaluru on Thursday over the questioning of Rahul Gandhi by ED. Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar, CLP leader Siddaramaiah and other leaders and workers of the party were detained by police during their protest in Bengaluru. "The protest is our right. We will fight for justice. They (ED) are not taking cases of any BJP leaders. They are harassing only Congress people," Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar told ANI. Bangaluru witnessed traffic snarls ahead of another Congress protest march. An ambulance was also seen stuck in the traffic. Starting from the Congress office, the march is going to end at Raj Bhaven. The Karnataka Congress will give a memorandum to Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot over the matter. The party delegation will also hand over a complaint letter against Bharatiya Janata Party. Bengaluru Police said the Congress protest was against the High Court's order. "High Court had earlier ordered that protests will not be held anywhere except Freedom Park. We conveyed it to them. They gave us in writing about protest but we rejected it. We conveyed it to them in the morning too. If they proceed, we will take them into preventive custody," Bheemashankar S Guled, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru East told ANI. Meanwhile, Congress workers also held a protest in Chandigarh against the questioning of Rahul Gandhi by ED. Several workers of the party were detained by police. "I cannot understand what has Rahul Gandhi done that he has been called for 3 days? Yesterday, Delhi Police barged into AICC office and beat up our MPs. Such vendetta politics has never been seen before. Government should not try to suppress voices," Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Warring "We will continue protesting. We were going to Raj Bhavan. Congress party stands with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. We will not step back. We will not be scared," said a Congress worker. Congress workers also staged a demonstration in Hyderabad, Chennai and Jaipur. "They want to suppress Rahul Gandhi's voice. They can't scare Indira Gandhi's grandson with lathis. Congress will be the reason behind BJP's end," said Rajasthan Minister P Khachariyawas. Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse Congress workers protesting in Thiruvananthapuram over the ED probe against party leader Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. Pertinent to mention, Rahul Gandhi has been asked to rejoin the probe on Friday by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in connection with the National Herald case, said sources. The Congress leader left the ED office after 9 pm on Wednesday. The former Congress chief appeared before the ED for the third consecutive day on Wednesday for questioning. (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday paid homage to the Indian Army soldiers who lost their lives in the Galwan Valley clash two years ago in 2020. Taking to Twitter, Singh, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, posted, "Remembering the heroes of Galwan who fought valiantly for the honour of the country and laid down their lives on June 15-16, 2020. Their courage, bravery and supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten. I pay homage to those bravehearts." For the first time in nearly 45 years, a violent skirmish between Indian and Chinese troops broke out in the Galwan Valley on June 15, 2020, resulting in losses on both sides and marking a new sour turn in China-India relations. The violent clashes, which mostly took place in and around Ladakh's Galwan Valley and Pangong Lake, claimed lives on both sides and strained the bilateral relationship. Even though two years have passed since the deadliest clash in 45 years between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley, the two countries are still engaged in talks for the disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). But an early resolution to the standoff is nowhere in sight. So far, the Indian Army and the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) have held 14 rounds of talks since the Galwan clashes and one before June 15, 2020, to resolve the standoff but no concrete solution has been arrived at yet. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today arrived in Srinagar on a two-day visit to the Union Territory. He will be visiting forward areas and interacting with troops during his visit. Also, he would attend the 200th anniversary of Maharaja Gulab Singh's 'Rajyabhishek Ceremony' in Jammu tomorrow. Singh took to Twitter to inform about his schedule. On Wednesday, Singh had tweeted as well by saying, "Tomorrow, 16th June, I would be in Jammu and Kashmir for a two-day visit. I shall be visiting forward areas and interacting with troops during my visit. Also, I shall attend the 200th anniversary of Maharaja Gulab Singh Ji's 'Rajyabhishek Ceremony' in Jammu on 17th June, Friday." (ANI)
Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram resigned from his seat in Maharashtra on Thursday, following his election to the Rajya Sabha from the state of Tamil Nadu. "Following my election to the Rajya Sabha from the state of Tamil Nadu, I am required to resign my seat from the state of Maharashtra. Accordingly, today I tendered my resignation from the seat from the state of Maharashtra," tweeted the Congress leader today. The tweet further read, "The Hon'ble Chairman of the Rajya Sabha has accepted my resignation. I was honoured to represent the state of Maharashtra. I wish the people of Maharashtra the very best in the future, peace and prosperity." On June 11, the BJP registered a win by bagging eight out of 16 Rajya Sabha seats in the four states (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Haryana) while Congrees bagged five seats in a fiercely contested battle. The biennial elections to the Upper House of Parliament were held for six seats in Maharashtra, four each in Karnataka and Rajasthan along with two seats in Haryana on June 10. The results for all four States were declared early morning on June 11. Counting was held up in two states -- Haryana and Maharashtra - for over eight hours amid complaints of cross-voting and rules violations. In Maharashtra, where the counting of votes was hugely delayed, the ruling alliance of Shiv Sena, Sharad Pawar's NCP and the Congress won three out of six seats while the BJP bagged three seats. The BJP winners include Union Minister Piyush Goyal, former state Minister Anil Bonde and party leader Dhananjay Mahadik. NCP's Praful Patel, Congress' Imran Pratapgadi and Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut were also elected to Rajya Sabha from the state. Both BJP and the Shiv Sena approached the Election Commission in Maharashtra, alleging cross-voting and seeking disqualification of votes. The Rajya Sabha election is crucial in view of the Presidential elections next month. The biennial elections to Rajya Sabha were held to fill 57 seats in the Upper House across 15 states. Of them, 41 candidates belonging to various parties in different states have won unopposed The newly elected candidates included 11 from Uttar Pradesh, six from Tamil Nadu, five from Bihar, four from Andhra Pradesh, three each from Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, two each from Chattisgarh, Punjab, Telangana and Jharkhand along with one from Uttarkhand. Out of these 41 seats, BJP bagged 14 seats- eight from Uttar Pradesh, two each from Bihar and Madhya Pradesh and one from Jharkhand, one from Uttarakhand. (ANI)
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on Thursday assured that they are preparing to tackle adversaries posed by the prevalence of Naxalism in Narayanpur. ITBP Assistant Commandant Satyendra Nath Mishra told ANI today, "Right now, we can sense that the Naxalites are planning to formulate propaganda against the forces. As per the information received, they are trying to recruit and encourage some localities into Naxalism." "From July onwards, they will try to harm the security forces. This is because during the rainy season, forest areas get mushy and it gets difficult to stand on the land. Knowing this, I can assure that ITBP is preparing well to tackle such adversaries," he said. Meanwhile, Yoga sessions for Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav at 53rd Battalion ITBP in Narayanpur, Chattisgarh was held on Wednesday. "Yoga sessions for ITBP personnel under the aegis of #YogaAmritMahotsav at 53rd Battalion ITBP in Narayanpur, Chattisgarh. #Himveers #YogaForHumanity #YogaAmritMahotsav #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav #InternationalDayofYoga2022 #IYD2022 #internationalyogaday," tweeted ITBP on Wednesday. Notably, ITBP officials are constantly deployed in the region as it is prone to Naxalites in the area. The company operating base (COB) Dhanora, under the command of Assistant Commandant Satyendra Nath Mishra is yielding positive results while thwarting the sabotage and subversive attempts of Naxalites in this area. Mishra is carrying out a number of pro-people welfare activities in the Area of Responsibility (AOR). On May 22, Mishra led an area domination patrol (ADP) at the Kundoli village which is a remote area badly hit by the Naxalites menace and has had not allowed reaching even basic facilities to the poorest villagers. When ITBP came to know about this, COB cadres with the help of his Commanding Officer Bhanu Pratap Singh took the oath to develop this remote village of its AOR. First of all, on the same day, Assistant Commandant GD Satyendra wrote a letter to the district magistrate, Narayanpur about the issues and within a week, cleared the jungles and made a path for the smooth movement of heavy vehicles. The officials made contacts with the different departments and local sarpanch and submitted all required documents to the administration. On May 31, two trucks, one excavator and one tractor for borewell purposes reached the village with the efforts of ITBP personnel. On June 2, two handpumps started functioning and the happiness of villagers knew no limits. They offered food to ITBP personnel and thanked them for their efforts as they were used to drinking contaminated water from a nearby nullah. ITBP officials adopted the village and within a few months, solar pumps, electric wires and other necessary equipments will be provided to the villagers. All the cost will be borne by the 45Bn ITBP for this purpose, Mishra said. ITBP will also train local youths to be inducted in CAPFS, Armed Forces, Bastar Fighters and other similar Government jobs. The village will be linked with the neighbouring roads under various programmes. Thus, these schemes will not only change the face of this village but will also pass a positive message to other neighbouring villages and will further help in countering Naxalite propaganda in this area. ITBP will also carry out Civic Action Programme this year in these areas for further improvement. (ANI)
Heavy downpour triggered damage in several parts of Assam and Meghalaya on Thursday morning leading to traffic disruption. The flood situation in Assam's Tamulpur district has turned worsened after new areas in the district have been inundated by flood waters of several rivers today. In Assam, a portion of a bridge collapsed in the Subankhata area of the Baksa district on June 15 as a result of incessant rainfall and a rise in the water level of the Dihing River. Following incessant rains, the water level of Borolia, Pagladiya, and Motonga rivers has overflown and submerged many villages affecting more than 20,000 people. According to the district administration, several villages of the district including Hahakata, Balabari, Dwarkuchi, Chapatol, Cholikonda, Guwakuchi Niz-Defeli, and Kekrikuchi are currently under water and the district administration, SDRF teams are engaged in rescue operations. Many villages have moved to safer places to take shelter after their houses were inundated by flood waters. A flood-affected person of Hahkata village said that the embankment near the Balabari area was breached by flood waters this year also. "The state Water Resources department minister had earlier visited the area, but strengthen work of the embankment was not done properly. We are now facing massive problems," the flood-affected person said. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), nearly 75,000 people in 18 districts of the state have been affected by the current wave of flood till June 15. The ASDMA flood report stated that, till June 15, 314 villages under 37 revenue circles have been affected by the deluge and flood waters have submerged 1731.18 hectares of cropland. Meanwhile, due to an unrelenting heavy downpour, some parts of the road on National Highway-6 under Lumshnong Police Station limits got heavily damaged, leading to traffic disruption in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. (ANI)
The delegation comprises Saugata Roy, Dr Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Jawhar Sircar, Pratima Mondal, Luizinho Faleiro, and Nusrat Jahan Ruhi.

"A six-MP delegation of AITC will visit the Election Commission of India today at 3.30 PM to submit a deputation in connection with the horrific violence in Tripura unleashed by BJP-sponsored goons," said an official statement by All India Trinamool Congress (AITC).

After the meeting, the delegation will brief the media at the entrance of Nirvachan Sadan in the national capital.

This came after AITC workers alleged that they were brutally beaten in the Surma assembly constituency in Tripura during a meeting that was conducted ahead of State Assembly elections due next year.

"Two AITC workers attacked and brutally beaten in Surma assembly constituency. Women were panting for their breath while a man lying down, heavily injured and profusely bleeding. This comes ahead of bypolls, after around 70 families joined Tripura Pradesh Trinamool Congress in Chankap Bazaar, Surma AC in Tripura," the statement further stated.

"Reportedly, there was no ambulance or police which have arrived at the spot yet. Police are also restricting AITC workers and leaders to reach the spot," it added. (ANI)
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Thursday said that Sharad Pawar is aware of his defeat in the presidential polls, that's why he refused to contest the elections. He also opined that the President of India should be elected with consensus. "It is not good to discuss Sharad Pawar's name despite his decision not to contest presidential elections. Sharad Pawar is a big leader. He (Sharad Pawar) himself knows that he will be defeated in these polls. So, it is not right for opposition parties to discuss his name," Athawale told ANI. He further appealed to the opposition parties to think about the consensus in nominating the right candidate for the post of President of India. A meeting of Opposition leaders called by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to discuss a joint candidate for the upcoming presidential poll was held in the national capital yesterday. The meeting adopted a resolution to field a common candidate in the election slated for July 18. During the meeting, leaders of several opposition parties urged Sharad Pawar to be the joint candidate but the senior NCP leader declined the offer Congress participated in the meeting along with 16 other political parties. Apart from TMC, Congress and NCP, the parties which attended the meeting included CPI, CPI(M), CPIML, RSP, Shiv Sena, RJD, SP, National Conference, PDP, JD(S), DMK, RLD, IUML and JMM participated in the meeting held at the Constitution Club of India here. The polling for the presidential election is slated for July 18 and votes will be counted on July 21. Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party did not participate in the meeting which was held at the Constitution Club. Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) led by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao did not send a representative to the meeting. (ANI)
Right after a meeting of the All India Congress Committee was held in the national capital on Thursday, senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge lashed out at the Centre over the ruckus created outside the party headquarters allegedly by the Delhi Police earlier on Wednesday. Senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Ajay Maken are among those present in the meeting. Addressing the reporters today on the issue, Kharge said, "All detained Congress leaders were kept illegally. No cases were registered. Our leaders had to go to hospitals, some have broken ribs. We came to Vice President-Rajya Sabha Chairman to appeal on this matter. It's his duty to protect us." Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram highlighted that they met Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu and have given a written complaint about the manner in which the police have acted for the last three days. "We just met Rajya Sabha Chairman and have given a written complaint on the manner in which the police have acted for the last three days. They have assaulted MPs of both Houses, taken them away to distances as far as the border of Haryana," Chidambaram said. "Police have detained MPs without a written order for 8-12 hours. They denied them food and water and when the MPs asked if they have been arrested, the police didn't give any answer... it's a clear violation of liberty... every fundamental right violated," Chidambaram said. On Wednesday, several Congress leaders were detained as Rahul Gandhi clocked hours at the office of the Enforcement Directorate, the third day of his questioning in connection to the National Herald newspaper money laundering case. Congress leaders and workers clashed with police during a protest in central Delhi, despite prohibitory orders and no permission to stage a protest by the Delhi Police. Over the past few days of Rahul being questioned, senior leaders have been detained and allegedly stopped from entering the AICC office. While police said protesters threw barricades at them during a standoff, they denied allegations of forcibly entering the Congress office and beating up functionaries. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been asked to rejoin the probe on Friday by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in connection with the National Herald case, said sources. The Congress leader left the ED office after 9.00 PM on Wednesday. The former Congress chief appeared before the ED for the third consecutive day on Wednesday for questioning. Regarding his questioning by ED on Monday, as per official sources, the Congress leader, a Z+ category protectee of the Central Reserve Police Force after the Union government withdrew the Gandhi family's Special Protection Group cover in 2019, was confronted with several documents collated by the ED as evidence recovered so far in the case to get his version. Rahul Gandhi was questioned in detail about the ownership of Young Indian Private Limited (YIL) by the Gandhi family and its shareholding pattern in Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the company that runs the National Herald newspaper, said sources. (ANI)
China's top legislator holds talks with Guyana's parliament speaker

Xinhua) 08:23, June 16, 2022

Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, holds talks with Manzoor Nadir, speaker of the National Assembly of the Parliament of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, via video link at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 15, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Li Zhanshu Wednesday held talks with Manzoor Nadir, speaker of the National Assembly of the Parliament of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, via video link.

Li, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that political mutual trust is a solid foundation and a significant guarantee for the healthy and stable development of China-Guyana relations.

Li said the two countries have always respected and treated each other as equals, understood each other in their efforts to explore development paths suited to their respective national conditions, and supported each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns.

China appreciates Guyana's long-term adherence to the one-China principle, Li said.

Noting the economies of China and Guyana are highly complementary, Li said there is massive potential to synergize the Belt and Road Initiative with Guyana's Low-carbon Development Strategy 2030 and expand cooperation in trade and investment, climate change, and culture and health.

Li said China and Guyana are both developing countries and share the same or similar positions on major international and regional issues. Li added China welcomes Guyana's active support and participation in the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative and its efforts to jointly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law. China also welcomes Guyana's efforts to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Noting China and Caribbean countries are good friends and partners for mutual development, Li said China is willing to join hands with Caribbean countries, including Guyana, to push forward the comprehensive cooperative partnership between China and Caribbean countries.

He emphasized the NPC is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the National Assembly of Guyana to promote the steady and long-term development of the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries.

Nadir said that Guyana attaches great importance to developing relations with China and firmly abides by the one-China principle. He congratulated China on its tremendous development achievements and thanked China for its important support in the fight against COVID-19.

The National Assembly of Guyana looks forward to joint efforts with the NPC to strengthen the rule of law exchanges and play a positive role in promoting pragmatic cooperation between the two countries in all areas, Nadir added.

Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, holds talks with Manzoor Nadir, speaker of the National Assembly of the Parliament of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, via video link at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 15, 2022. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

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The Central government has decided to release special category prisoners across the country in three phases under 'Special Remission' scheme as part of celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav-- a series of events to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India's Independence. In this regard, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has proposed to give special remission to certain categories of prisoners and release them in three phases -- 15th August (Independence Day) this year, January 26, 2023 (Republic Day) and again on August 15, 2023. The grant of special remission to prisoners as part of celebrations of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' is in addition to a new 'Special Remission' Module in ePrisons, mentions an MHA order issued on June 10 to the Principal Secretary (Home), Director General and Inspector General Prisons of all states and Union Territories (UTs). "As you are aware, the Government of India has decided to celebrate the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' as a series of events to commemorate the 75th anniversary of India's Independence. As part of the celebrations, it is proposed to give special remission to certain categories of prisoners and release them in three phases," read the MHA order. On April 21, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had also written to the Chief Ministers, Lieutenant Governors and administrators of all states and UTs requesting them to take appropriate action in the matter. This was followed by a letter from the Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla to the Chief Secretaries and administrators of all states and UTs, inter-alia, requesting them to take appropriate action in this regard. A copy of the guidelines and timelines, which are to be followed for granting special remission to prisoners on 15th August (Independence Day) this year, January 26, 2023 (Republic Day) and again on August 15, 2023 have also been forwarded for attention and appropriate action. "To facilitate the process of identification, shortlisting of inmates eligible for the Special Remission scheme and to periodically update the status of various steps involved in the process, a new 'Special Remission' module has been added to the ePrisons software," the order mentioned. "Prison Officials can access the ePrisons software application at the URL (https:/eprisons. nic.in) with the existing credentials (user id/ password) as already provided to them." A step-by-step guide (User Manual) for using this module, which includes, Special Remission module dashboard, computation of sentence of convicted prisoners, generation of draft list of eligible prisoners, forwarding of list to State Level Screening Committee and further updation of records on receiving approval of the state government and Governor has been prepared and is forwarded, its said. The NIC ePrisons team will hold video conference with all Prison authorities and will facilitate and guide them in making use of this special module, reads the order, adding "for any technical issues with the module, the Prison authorities can contact the NIC officials through phone and email id indicated at the bottom of the attached user manual". "It is felt that this online interoperable Special Remission Module on the ePrisons suite will assist the state and UT prison authorities in processing the cases of inmates eligible for special remission in a speedy and accurate manner and the states and UTs will be in a better position to process the cases in accordance with the timelines indicated for the Special Remission scheme," said the MHA order. (ANI)
This week Instagram users on iPhone were reportedly experiencing an issue on the application where they were forced to see stories again and again after having watched them once. What it meant was that users had to view previous stories again to watch the new ones. According to a report by The Verge, the issue with the repeating Stories on Instagram for iPhone seems to have started on Monday this week. When contacted by The Verge earlier, Meta spokesperson Christine Pai said that the company is "aware that some people are having trouble accessing Instagram Stories". The technical team took note of it on Thursday morning and came up with an update for the iOS application that fixed the bug. Instagram users took to other social media to complain about the bug. Although the exact cause of this issue isn't clear yet, the bug has now been fixed. As far as the application is concerned, the last update allowed users to make Reels for up to 90 seconds. Earlier, users could only upload Reels for up to 60 seconds. In the same update, the company also introduced other features like interactive stickers, templates and the option to import your own audio. (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday called the Border Security Force the 'fencing wire of the country'. Addressing the Indian Armed Forces personnel of the Baramulla Cantt, the Defence Minister said, "Pakistan has its policy of 'bleed India with 1000s of cuts', but you (BSF) are the fencing wire of the country because of which they themselves get cut. Country trusts you, they know you are ready for any situation." After his address, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had lunch with Army officials in Baramulla. Prior to his address, the Defence Minister paid homage to army jawans who lost their lives in the Galwan Valley clash two years ago in 2020. At least 20 Indian soldiers had lost their lives in a violent fight with Chinese PLA in eastern Ladakh in June 2020. "Remembering the heroes of Galwan who fought valiantly for the honour of the country and laid down their lives on June 15-16, 2020. Their courage, bravery and supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten. I pay homage to those bravehearts," he said in a tweet. Earlier in the day, the Defence Minister arrived in Srinagar. During his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, he will also attend the 200th anniversary of Maharaja Gulab Singh's 'Rajyabhishek Ceremony' in Jammu on Friday. In a tweet on Wednesday, Singh said, "Tomorrow, 16th June, I will be in Jammu & Kashmir for a two-day visit. I shall be visiting forward areas and interacting with troops during my visit. Also, I shall attend the 200th anniversary of Maharaja Gulab Singh Ji's 'Rajyabhishek Ceremony' in Jammu on 17th June, Friday." (ANI)
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been moved in the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Maharashtra and Delhi government to sack their respective cabinet ministers, Nawab Malik and Satyendar Jain, both presently in judicial custody in connection with cases of money laundering. The petition sought direction to the Centre, the Election Commission of India, Law Commission, Delhi Government and Maharastra Government to ensure that the ministers shall be temporarily debarred from holding the office, after two days in judicial custody (like IAS, IPS, judges and other public servants are suspended from their services). Petitioner Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay through Advocate Ashwini Kumar Dubey stated that being the custodian of the Constitution, direct the Law Commission of India to examine election law of developed countries and prepare a comprehensive report to maintain nobility and dignity of Ministers, Legislators and Public Servants in the spirit of Article 14. The plea stated that the injury is large because Minister is not only a public servant under Section 21 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 2(c) of the Prevention of Corruption Act but also a law maker, which is a noble post and takes constitutional oath under Schedule-3. The Minister gets a salary, free rail ticket, free air ticket and several other allowances and perks for entire tenure and pension and other benefits for a lifetime. So, he is a full-time salaried public servant like IAS, IPS, and Judges. But, unlike the public servants, Ministers like Nawab Malik and Satyendra Jain are still enjoying constitutional positions, even while being in judicial custody for a long time, which is arbitrary and contrary to Article 14, the plea stated The current legislative framework permits criminals to enter the electoral process and become legislators, thus (a) interfering with the purity and integrity of the electoral process; (b) violating the right to choose freely the candidate of the voters choice and, therefore, the freedom of expression of voter under Article 19(1); (c) amounts to a subversion of democracy, which is part of the basic structure; and (d) is antithetical to the rule of law which is at the core of Article 14, the plea said. Court has repeatedly issued directions in the past to the Election Commission to exercise its powers under Article 324 with respect to superintendence, direction and control of the conduct of elections to Parliament and the State legislatures to redress violations of the fundamental rights and to protect the purity of the electoral process, stated the plea. (ANI)
In the latest bizarre incident of carelessness, at least 100 gms gold worth approximately Rs 5 lakh was recovered from the clutches of rats in a gutter near Mumbai's Gokuldham Colony on Thursday. "A woman on her way to deposit the jewellery in a bank gave it to a beggar woman with children on street mistaking it to be bread, who later threw it into the garbage dump," said Sub-Inspector (SI) Chandrakant Gharge, Mumbai Police. The SI informed that they recovered the gold jewellery after checking the CCTV footage which showed a few rats taking the bag of gold from the garbage dump to a gutter and handed over the bag to the woman it belonged to. According to Chandrakant, the incident came to light when a lady, identified as Sundari was on her way to mortgage her gold jewellery at the bank for the purpose of her daughter's wedding. The CCTV footage showed a beggar woman with her child on Sundari's way to the bank, to whom she gave the bag of jewellery mistaking it for bread. As soon as she realised that she handed the wrong bag to the beggar child, she ran to the place and informed the police after failing to find the mother-child duo. The Head of the Detection team of the Dindoshi police team, Suraj Raut instantly started investigating the matter and scanned the CCTV footage where he spotted the beggar woman, who informed the police that she had thrown that pack of bread as it was dry. After conducting a search into the garbage area and examining the footage near the dump, the police found the bag carrying gold from the gutter as the rats carried it to the gutter and have been eating the dried bread with it. (ANI)
In an attempt to resist detention during the Congress party's protest over the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons to Rahul Gandhi, party leader and former union minister Renuka Chowdhury on Thursday held a policeman by his collar while being taken away by other police personnel here in Hyderabad. Telangana Congress held a massive protest here today over the ED investigating Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. Several Congress workers and leaders were detained by the police. Chowdhury was seen engaging in a heated argument with the policeman as she held his collar. Women police personnel then dragged the former union minister towards the police van. Congress had given a "Chalo Raj Bhavan" call and at Telangana's Raj Bhavan police detained several party workers who attempted to stage a protest there. Apart from Hyderabad, the Congress held protests in several parts of the country including Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan. Congress workers held a protest march in Bengaluru and Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar, CLP leader Siddaramaiah and other leaders and workers of the party were detained by police during their protest in Bengaluru. "The protest is our right. We will fight for justice. They (ED) are not taking cases of any BJP leaders. They are harassing only Congress people," Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar told ANI. Bengaluru witnessed traffic snarls and an ambulance was seen stuck in the traffic. Bengaluru Police said the Congress protest was against the High Court's order. "High Court had earlier ordered that protests will not be held anywhere except Freedom Park. We conveyed it to them. They gave us in writing about protest but we rejected it. We conveyed it to them in the morning too. If they proceed, we will take them into preventive custody," Bheemashankar S Guled, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru East told ANI. Meanwhile, Congress workers also held a protest in Chandigarh against the questioning of Rahul Gandhi by ED. Several workers of the party were detained by police. "I cannot understand what has Rahul Gandhi done that he has been called for 3 days? Yesterday, Delhi Police barged into AICC office and beat up our MPs. Such vendetta politics has never been seen before. Government should not try to suppress voices," Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Warring said. "We will continue protesting. We were going to Raj Bhavan. Congress party stands with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. We will not step back. We will not be scared," said a Congress worker. Congress workers also staged a demonstration in Chennai and Jaipur. "They want to suppress Rahul Gandhi's voice. They can't scare Indira Gandhi's grandson with lathis. Congress will be the reason behind BJP's end," said Rajasthan Minister P Khachariyawas. Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse Congress workers protesting in Thiruvananthapuram over the ED probe against party leader Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. Rahul Gandhi has been asked to rejoin the probe on Friday by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in connection with the National Herald case, said sources. The Congress leader left the ED office after 9 pm on Wednesday after he appeared before the ED for the third consecutive day for questioning. (ANI)
The Department of School Education and Literacy of the Union Ministry of Education welcomed the Government of India's initiative to induct young men and women into the armed forces through 'Agnipath', to develop a vibrant defence force and disciplined skilled youth with military ethos in civil society, the Union Ministry of Education informed on Thursday. "To support this initiative, the Department of School Education and Literacy-- through its autonomous institution National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)-- is instituting a special programme in consultation with the Defence Authorities to enable the Agniveers, who have passed 10th class, to further their education and obtain a 12th class passing certificate by developing customized courses that are not only current but also very relevant to their area of services," said the ministry in an official statement. According to the Education Ministry, "Open schooling system of NIOS is extremely user-friendly and is accessible to everyone, anywhere and at any time as it opens the doors for all Agniveers under the Agnipath Scheme." It further said, "this certificate is recognised for both employment and higher education purposes in the whole country. This will benefit the Agniveers to gain adequate educational qualification and skills to take up a productive role in the society later in life. This special programme of NIOS will facilitate enrolment, development of courses, student support, provision of self-learning material, accreditation of study centres, personal contact programme, evaluation and certification." The Union Ministry of Defence on Tuesday unveiled the 'Agnipath' scheme. This is a pan-India merit-based recruitment scheme for enrolling soldiers, airmen and sailors in the Armed forces of the country. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan took to Twitter on Thursday stating, "The customised programme by @niostwit (NIOS) will be relevant to the spirit of the Agnipath scheme. This certificate will equip Agniveers with relevant knowledge and skills and enable them to pursue jobs and higher education across India." "@EduMinOfIndia (The Education Ministry of India) is committed to support the Agnipath scheme. Best of our talent in the best of our services is a matter of pride and a win-win for all," Pradhan said in another tweet. According to the ministry, it is a transformative initiative that will provide a youthful profile to the armed forces. Under the said scheme, young persons will be provided with an opportunity to serve in the armed forces as 'Agniveer'. The recruitment scheme will provide an opportunity for the youth to serve in the regular cadre of the armed forces for a period of 4 years including, the training period. Agniveers shall be recruited between the ages of 17.5 to 21 years. Anyone who has passed class 10th or 12th can apply for the recruitment. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Thursday sought the response of the Uttar Pradesh government on pleas by Jamiat-Ulama-I-Hind and also asked the administration to follow the process of law for carrying out the demolition of alleged unauthorised structures. The bench of justices AS Bopanna and Vikram Nath also observed that the Court cannot stay demolitions but the process of law must be followed for the demolition of alleged unauthorised structures. The bench of justices AS Bopanna and Vikram Nath asked the Uttar Pradesh government and others to file a reply on the Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind application against the demolition drive seeking to issue directions to the State of Uttar Pradesh. The Supreme Court was hearing the Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind application seeking to issue directions to the State of Uttar Pradesh that no precipitative action be taken in the state against the residential or commercial property of any accused in any criminal proceedings as an extra-legal punitive measure. The Apex Court asked the Uttar Pradesh government to file an affidavit in three days and said that the hearing on the matter will be held next week. Hearing the matter, the Supreme Court observed that "the government will get time to file their objections. We should ensure their safety in the meantime. They are also part of society. When someone has a grievance they have a right to have it addressed. Such demolitions can only happen as per Act. We will hear the case next week." During the hearing that went for half an hour, the Court also made various observations. The Court remarked that how do we ensure safety in meantime. "We have a duty. We should ensure safety in meantime. If this court doesn't come to rescue, that wouldn't be proper, " the Court said. During the hearing, Senior advocate CU Singh, appearing for petitioners, told Supreme Court that the reason cited for demolition was that the action is being taken against protestors who had indulged in violence. Singh argued that "demolition keeps happening again and again. It is shocking and appalling. This was not during the Emergency, not during the pre-independence era. These are houses standing for more than 20 years and sometimes not even belonging to the accused but their aged parents." Petitioner's counsel said that Section 27 of the Uttar Pradesh Municipality Act provides for notice to be given in line with urban planning acts across the country. Notices are given to themselves to remove the illegal construction. In Uttar Pradesh, atleast 15 days have to be given for this and 40 days wait is mandatory. They can appeal to the chairman, which gives a window before demolition action can be taken, the petitioner's counsel submitted. "Ordinarily, notices are given and you don't just come knocking on doors with a bulldozer, " he said. Countering his submission, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government apprised the Court that none of the affected parties filed a plea in the Jahangirpuri demolition issue in the Supreme Court and the same is here as it's filed by Jamiat-Ulama-I-Hind. He remarked that no legal structure or building was demolished and everyone has their agenda as one political party has filed a petition. However, the Court remarked not to take this as adversarial as who has approached. Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for Uttar Pradesh authorities, took the Court through three instances. "In Prayagraj notice was issued in May much before the riot and on May 25 demolition order was passed, he submitted, it and also pointed out another of Kanpur for the demolition of the boundary wall. In proceedings in the third case, the first show-cause notice was given on August 17, 2020. Two more notices were given, the property was sealed and FIRs filed," he said adding that they will put it on affidavit and sought three days time to file an affidavit in this regard. "Media picks this up and hypes to say blanket order should be passed. The court should give us time to place this on affidavit. Why should a generic order be passed," asked Salve. Solicitor General said in the Jahangirpuri area structures were removed not looking at which community owns the property. "Their fundamental argument is law is not for them. Such proceedings have been going on with the due process and the latest demolition was an instance of the same. Due procedures were followed," Solicitor General added. Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind moved the Supreme Court seeking to issue directions to the State of Uttar Pradesh that no precipitative action be taken in Kanpur District against the residential or commercial property of any accused in any criminal proceedings as an extra-legal punitive measure. The application by the organization Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind has also urged the Court that any demolition drive that the authorities are planning to carry out in Kanpur District should stay during the pendency of the instant writ petition. (ANI)
A complaint has been filed in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) by Advocate Amrish Ranjan Pandey and Advocate Ambuj Dixit of Legal Cell, Indian Youth Congress (IYC) alleging violation of Human Rights of female Congress workers and office-bearers by Rapid Action Force in Delhi during a peaceful protest. A complaint seeking inquiry and action against the erring police officials. Complainants submitted that there are various media and social media reports that male police officials of the Rapid Action Force unlawfully and without any authority assaulted female workers of the Congress party and illegally detained them despite it being clear that male officials cannot detain or assault females. On Monday, the Legal and Human Rights Department of Delhi Congress had moved NHRC alleging that Delhi Police forcefully and illegally detained the advocates who were present at the spot to assist the Congress Party to render legal help and to protect constitutional rights. The Complaint mentioned that the advocates were in robes showing that they were doing their professional duty and were not part of the protest. The advocates informed the police that they were there to render legal help to the congress party, but the police took them in custody, stated the complaint. The complaint further alleges that during the custody of the advocates, the police officials harassed them, which is an illegal, unethical and unconstitutional act on the part of the police. Nowadays, there are several protests staged by Congress workers in several parts of the country as the ED quizzes MP Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case in the last three days. Apart from Delhi, the Congress on Thursday held protests in several parts of the country including Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan over the Enforcement Directorate investigating former party president Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. Congress workers held a protest march in Bengaluru on Thursday over the questioning of Rahul Gandhi by ED. Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar, CLP leader Siddaramaiah and other leaders and workers of the party were detained by police during their protest in Bengaluru. (ANI)
Ahead of Friday prayers, Muslim clerics and religious leaders on Thursday have called upon the community to maintain peace and requested people not to pay heed to any rumours and not to take out any kind of protest tomorrow. The appeal follows several incidents of violence, including stone-pelting and sloganeering, which were reported from across the country last Friday (June 10) when people began protesting against alleged remarks made by suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expelled party leader Naveen Kumar Jindal. Officials from the police and the administration held a meeting to maintain a peaceful situation during the Friday prayers tomorrow. Jamaat Ulama-e-Hind president Suhaib Qasmi said, "Islam is a religion of peace and it should also be seen like that. In Islam, the Prophet has set the example of forgiveness and we should also follow it." "Tomorrow i.e. Friday, the Nawaz Juma should be held peacefully across the country, the message of brotherhood, love and non-violence should be given out bt the Muslims across the country", he said "There is no need to repeat what happened last Friday i.e. June 10, the Muslims of the country, especially the youth, be misled by anyone", Jamaat Ulama-e-Hind president said. Maulana Mohamamd Massod Faridi, Qazi-e-Shahar of Ranchi said: "Ranchi is famous for brotherhood among the people. The people here live very peacefully. I want to see that Ranchi again. I am requesting the people to go home peacefully after their Friday prayers and abide by law and order. I request the people not to take any step that will bring disgrace to us and our state," he said. He appealed to the young generation particularly to maintain peace in the state. Maulana Tahzeeb Ul Hasan, President of All India Shia Personal Law Board said, "Last Friday rumours were spread that took a toll on the brotherhood and amity among the people. I am sure this Friday the situation will be peaceful. I pray the situation remains peaceful and unity remains among the people." He requested people not to pay heed to any rumours that harm the brotherhood among the people. Several incidents of violence including sloganeering and stone-pelting were reported from several parts of Uttar Pradesh last Friday. A clash erupted in Prayagaraj between police and protesters. Stones were also hurled during clashes in the Atala area of Uttar Pradesh's Prayagaraj. A huge protest was witnessed in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur. Protests erupted in Ranchi after Friday prayers on June 10. Two people died and several others sustained injuries as the protest turned violent. Internet services was also suspended following the protest. (ANI)
The Central Bureau of Investigation conducted searches in three states on Thursday in the matter where the custodian of enemy property for India (CEPI) has caused a huge loss to the Government by leasing out highly commercial land at nominal rates in favour of lessees by manipulation and forging the documents. A senior CBI official informed that two FIRs were registered in the matter and raids were conducted in 15 locations in Delhi, Kolkata, Barabanki and Lucknow. The FIRs registered into the matter read that the officials of Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI) posted at Lucknow and Delhi in criminal conspiracy with private lessees/beneficiaries have caused huge loss to the Government of India pertaining to Enemy Property of India by leasing out large tracts of prime high-value land at very nominal rentals, by forging and manipulating Lease Agreements in favour of lessees, Granting Lease without Lease Agreements, by regularizing occupation of Lessees without the approval of Government of India, by waiving of lease rental arrears, by doing unauthorized out of court settlement and by other illegal means in several cases. The office of the CEPI is a statutory authority under the provisions of the Enemy Property Act, 1968 (as amended in 2017) and a subordinate office under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Freedom Fighters Division, with its Head Office in New Delhi and three Branch offices at Mumbai, Kolkata and Lucknow. The Head Office located in New Delhi is headed by the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI) and Branch offices in Mumbai, Kolkata and Lucknow are headed by the Assistant Custodian of Enemy Property (ACEP). The basic assignment of the Custodian of Enemy Property for India is to identify, declare, preserve, manage and take control over the enemy properties and dispose of the property with prior approval of the Government of India under the provisions of the Enemy Property Act, 1968 as amended by the Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2017. (ANI)
People on Thursday hit the streets in Haryana's Palwal against the Agnipath scheme for recruitment of youths to defence services. Following this, the Police personnel deployed at the DC residence in Palwal resorted to aerial firing to warn protesters who were pelting stones at the residence. Several police vehicles were torched, several roadways buses were damaged in stone-pelting and the National Highway 19 was also blocked. The Police used tear gas shells and fired in the air to control the mob. Speaking to ANI, Palwal Duty Magistrate said, "Some police personnel have been injured in the incident. 3 to 4 vehicles were torched by protestors. Till now, the protestors have not been identified." Amid the protest, local authorities suspended Internet and SMS services for some time. It was withdrawn later. To keep the situation under control, Section 144 has been imposed in Palwal. "The directions issued regarding suspension of Mobile Internet and Bulk SMS Services vide this earlier Order Endst. No. 3370-83/M.B., dated: 16.06.2022 are hereby withdrawn with immediate effect. In this regard, the appropriate/competent Authority is being requested to issue necessary directions. The other directions issued under Section-144 of CrPC, 1973 viz. prohibition on assembly of 5 or more persons, unlawful activities such as blocking of roads, passages, Railway Tracks, Water Channels, Power I-louses etc., however, shall remain in force till further orders," said District Magistrate of Palwal. Gurugram Traffic Police in its advisory said: "Due to a local protest, traffic is diverted at Bilaspur chowk (NH-48). All commuters using this route have been requested to take alternate routes." (ANI)
The flood waters of river Noa on Thursday washed away a big portion of a road in Assam's Udalguri district. The flood waters washed away a part of the Kalaigaon-Udalguri connecting road in the Majorchua area and submerged at least 10 villages in the Kalaigaon area. Diganta Barua, Executive Member of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) said that the road connectivity has totally stopped after the flood waters washed away a part of the road. "Now we can't go neither towards Mangaldoi nor Udalguri. I have already informed BTC Chief Pramod Bodo about this. The flood situation has become worsened after the construction works of embankments were not done scientifically. We will repair the embankments which were damaged by the flood waters," Diganta Barua said. After the massive flood and landslides in several districts of the state in May, Assam is once again hit by the incessant rainfall. Amid heavy rains in Assam's Karimganj, one person was killed and two others were injured after a tree fell upon an auto-rickshaw.The incident took place near Karimganj fire services station on Wednesday. According to Police, the deceased person was identified as Azahar Uddin and he was the driver of the autorickshaw. The injured persons who were travelling in the auto were rushed to hospital.Along with other parts of the state, incessant rains have also hit the Karimganj district. With the rainfall on Wednesday, the Dima Hasao district of the state has been facing floods and landslides. According to the reports, the torrential rains have triggered several landslides in many parts of the hill's district. Meanwhile, in the Tamulpur district, more than 7,000 people were affected after several villages here submerged in the flood waters. The water level of the rivers Borolia, Pagladiya, and Motonga rose due to the regular rain showers for the past couple of days. The flood waters of several rivers in the Tamulpur have submerged several villages including Kekerikuchi, Dwarkuchi, and Bodoland Chowk and have inundated the cropland area of thousand bighas in the area along with the roads. Four people were killed in a landslide in Guwahati on Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in several districts of the state till Friday (June 17) and following this, in the interest of public safety, the Deputy Commissioner of the Dima Hasao district, who is also the Chairman of District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), has ordered the closure of all educational institutes in the district from June 15 to June 18. (ANI)
Issuing a clarification over the incident that took place at the protest site on Thursday, Congress leader and former union minister Renuka Chowdhury said that whatever happened was "unintentional" and she has "huge respect" for the police force. "I know how to respect the uniform, my intention is not to humiliate the police," Chowdhury said clarifying the fuss that happened during the party's protest over the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summon to Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. Telangana Congress held a massive protest here today over the ED investigating Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. Several Congress workers and leaders were detained by the police, and in an attempt to avoid detention Chowdhury was seen engaging in a heated argument with a policeman as she held his collar, earlier in the day. Women police personnel then dragged the former union minister towards the police van. According to Inspector Niranjan Reddy of Punjagutta Police Station, a case has been registered against Chowdhury and Telangana Congress chief Revanth Reddy under sections 151 (Knowingly joining or continuing in assembly of five or more persons after it has been commanded to disperse), 140 (Wearing garb or carrying token used by soldier, sailor or airman), 147 (Punishment for rioting), 149 (Every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object), 341 (Punishment for wrongful restraint), 353 (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Refuting all the charges while addressing the media, Chowdhury said, "I didn't assault. I've been booked, I'll face it. That's the law. I don't have anything against that young man. He never did anything to me. I was losing balance and I held on. If you move, I'll have to hold this to steady myself as we were being pushed and bullied from the back." "...They were pushing me, I have a problem with my leg. I was losing my balance so I fell on him like that. I don't know that young man, ofcourse I'll apologise to that man. But I expect Police to apologise to me for manhandling us. Why were there so many men Police around us?" she added. The Congress had given a "Chalo Raj Bhavan" call and at Telangana's Raj Bhavan police detained several party workers who attempted to stage a protest there. Apart from Hyderabad, the Congress held protests in several parts of the country including Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan since the day ED questioning started with Rahul Gandhi. Congress workers held a protest march in Bengaluru and Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar, CLP leader Siddaramaiah and other leaders and workers of the party were detained by police during their protest in Bengaluru. Bengaluru witnessed traffic snarls and an ambulance was seen stuck in the traffic. The city Police said the Congress protest was against the High Court's order. As per the sources, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been asked to rejoin the probe on Friday by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in connection with the National Herald case. Gandhi had left the ED office after 9 PM on Wednesday after he appeared before the ED for the third consecutive day for questioning. (ANI)
The Congress said on Thursday that the Agnipath scheme to recruit soldiers into the three defence forces, is "controversial, carries multiple risks, subverts the long-standing traditions" and demanded that it should be held in abeyance. Addressing a press conference here, senior Congress leader and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram said the announcements by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Education on post-discharge opportunities of Agniveers appear to be after-thoughts and show that the scheme is "poorly conceived and hastily drawn up". He urged the government to hold wide consultations and address issues of quality, efficiency and economy. "It is our duty to warn the country of the consequences of a hastily drawn up scheme. We would urge the government to keep the Agnipath scheme in abeyance, hold wide consultations with serving and retired officers, and address the issues of quality, efficiency and economy without compromising on any of the three considerations," he said. Referring to the situation in the borders, Chidambaram said it is imperative that "we have soldiers in our defence forces who are young, well-trained, motivated, happy, satisfied and assured of their future. The Agnipath scheme does not advance any of these objectives". The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved Agnipath recruitment scheme for Indian youth to serve in the armed forces. The selected youth under this scheme will be known as Agniveers. They are to be enrolled under respective Service Acts for four years. Recruitment rallies will commence in 90 days and 46,000 Agniveers to be recruited this year. Chidambaram said it appears that the scheme "makes a mockery of training; inducts into the defence forces an ill-trained and ill-motivated soldier and discharges a disappointed and unhappy ex-soldier into the society". "It is a matter of great concern that the government has announced a scheme called Agnipath to recruit 46,000 soldiers to the three defence forces. The Agnipath scheme is controversial, carries multiple risks, subverts the long-standing traditions and ethos of the armed forces and there is no guarantee that the soldiers recruited under the scheme will be better trained and motivated to defend the country," Chidambaram said. "We have read and heard the views expressed by retired defence officers. Almost unanimously, they have opposed the scheme and we believe that many serving officers share the same reservations about the scheme," he added. Chidambaram, who was accompanied by some other party leaders including Ajay Maken and Sachin Pilot, said the party's first concern is that the Agnipath soldier will be trained for six months and will serve for another 42 months when 75 per cent of the recruits will be discharged. "The age of recruitment -- 17 to 21 years -- raises numerous questions. A large part of our youth will be totally excluded from serving in the defence forces." He said the stated objective of savings on the pension bill is a weak argument and has not been established beyond doubt. "On the other hand, the short period of training (6 months) and the unusually short period of service (42 months) may have negative consequences on quality, efficiency and effectiveness. We fear that the scheme may turn out to be a case of 'penny wise and security foolish'," he said. The Congress leaders asked the government to heed the warnings of officers. "Several distinguished defence officers have pointed out that a fighting soldier must take pride in his unit; must be willing to lay down his life for his country and comrades; must not be risk averse; and must be capable of exhibiting leadership. They fear that each one of these objectives will be in jeopardy under the scheme," Chidambaram said. He said a major change in recruitment policy should have tried and tested as a pilot scheme. "The announcements by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Education on post-discharge opportunities appear to be after-thoughts. They show that the scheme was poorly conceived and hastily drawn up. A major change in the mode of recruitment should have been examined thoroughly and a pilot scheme should have been tried and tested. Nothing of that sort has been done," the minister said. "Several experts have suggested alternative models to address the issues of inadequate recruitment to the defence forces. There is no indication that the alternatives were examined," he added. (ANI)
The fourth sub-committee meeting for fast-track implementation of the Assam Accord was held on Thursday at the Implementation of Assam Accord Department, Guwahati. The meeting was chaired by Atul Bora, Assam Accord and Agriculture Minister in presence of Dr Ranoj Pegu, Education Minister and other senior officials from concerned departments. Assam Accord Minister Atul Bora said that extensive discussion was held pertaining to Clause 6 with senior members of All Assam Students' Union (AASU), wherein AASU placed their opinion in this regard."During the meeting, it was observed that further deliberation is required regarding Clause 6," Atul Bora said. He further reiterated that under the guidance of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, frequent meetings will be conducted in the days ahead for effective and faster implementation of various clauses of the Assam Accord. "Our government led by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma is sincerely moving forward to implement the clauses of the Assam Accord. I met with the members of the Sub-Committee constituted by the Chief Minister for the successful implementation of various clauses of the Accord," Bora tweeted. "We have again discussed in detail one of the most important Article 6 of the Accord. We also discussed the preparation of a time-bound program for the implementation of other provisions of the Accord. We advocate further detailed discussions with the AASU to outline effective implementation of the Accord," he added in his tweet. The Assam Accord, a memorandum of settlement (MoS) signed between representatives of the Central government led by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the leaders of the Assam Movement in New Delhi on August 15, 1985. The core point of the accord was the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants from Assam, for which the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) had been protesting since 1979. (ANI)
Telangana on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Isha Outreach, a social development branch of the Isha Foundation, founded by Spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. "Increase of Green Cover in Telangana and Green India Challenge are role models in the country. No alternative to nature and soil. Need to conserve it for future generations. It is appreciable that MP Santosh Kumar launched the Green India Challenge to make India a complete Green Country," said Sadhguru. Jaggi Vasudev Launches Green India Challenge 5.0 in Hyderabad. Sadhguru said that the 'Telangana ku Harita Haram' and Green India Challenge stood as role models in the country and asserted all other states should accept the challenge. Vasudev said he was overwhelmed to see lush green cover while entering the Telangana. He warned against the indiscriminate use of chemicals. "It will be a big threat to the future generations". Vasudev said that there is no alternative to Earth and Soil. He strongly hoped for the conservation of earth and soil to gift future generations. As part of the Save Soil movement, Vasudev started his journey to Bengaluru from Hyderabad on Thursday (today). On his way, the spiritual guru planted saplings in Golluru forest areas at Shamshabad and announced the Green India Challenge- 5.0. Green India Challenge founder and MP J Santos Kumar, Ministers -A Indrakaran Reddy, Sabitha Indra Reddy, Satyawati Rathod, MP Ranjit Reddy, MLA Prakash Goud, MLCs Naveen Kumar, Shambhipur Raju and D Vittal also participated in the event and planted saplings. State Forest Minister A Indrakaran Reddy presented a report on 'Telangana ku Haritha Haram' and explained the government's endeavour to increase Green cover in the state. Sadguru praised Santosh Kumar for taking up the big task of the plantation programme and playing a role model for the youth. He asserted the need to educate people about the importance of the conservation of Nature and the Environment. "The goal of the Green India Challenge and Save oil are the same i.e. Protection of the Earth, he added. Good deeds in previous birth and Vasudev's blessing make Green India Challenge a grand success," said Santosh Kumar. With the inspiration of 'Telangana ku haritha haram', the brainchild of Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, MP J Santos Kumar launched the Green India challenge four years ago to spread the awareness on greenery across the country. Along the lines of the Yadadri Natural Forest (YNF), the Green India challenge with the support of the Telangana State Forest Department has taken up the task of improving green cover by grooming biog plants in Golluru where the forest-covered depleted. In the first phase, the fencing of 900 acres of forest area was already completed. To revive the forest cover, 10, 000 big saplings have been planted at one go under Green India Challenge 5.0. Sadguru, his supporters, Isha foundation members, school students and locals also participated in a big number in the plantation programme. CMO Special Secretary Bhupal Reddy, Special Chief Secretary to Forest Shanti Kumari, OSD Priyanka Verghese, PCCF head of forest force RM Dobrial, Additional PCCF Sunitha Bhagawat, Cyberabad Police Commissioner Stefen Ravindra, Rangareddy DFO Janaki Ram, Green India Challenge representatives Raghava, Karunakar Reddy and others were also present. (ANI)
The Hyderabad Police on Thursday booked Congress leader and former Union Minister Renuka Chowdhury and 200 others for gathering "unlawfully" to conduct a protest near V.V. Statue in Khairthabad of Telangana. The Congress had given a "Chalo Raj Bhavan" call and Telangana Congress held a massive protest here today over the ED investigating Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. Several Congress workers and leaders were detained by the police, and in an attempt to avoid detention Chowdhury was seen engaging in a heated argument with a policeman as she held his collar, earlier in the day. On the complaint of the "assaulted" Sub-Inspector (SI) S. Upender Babu of PS Panjagutta, the police have registered the cases against Renuka Chowdhury and others under sections 143, 145, 147, r/w 149, 152, 153, 353, 506 of the Indian Penal Code. Notably, with the latest registered case, as many as three cases have been registered against the former Union Minister. In the complaint, the SI stated, "At about 1100 hours under the leadership of A.Revanth Reddy, MP and Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) President Anil Kumar Yadav, Congress Youth president MLA Jagga Reddy, MLA M. Batti Vikramarka, MLA D.Sridhar Babu, Ex-MP Mallu Ravi, TPCC Mahila President Sunitha Rao and around 200 others were unlawfully assembled near V.V.Statue in Khairthabad. The officers who were present on 'bandobast' at V.V.Statue gave orders for dispersing as it was unlawful assembly gathered without any prior permission from the concerned authorities. But the Congress leaders and cadre did not pay heed to the orders and continued to stay there and when the call was given by Congress' Revanth Reddy, the gathering became violent and started pelting stones and breaking the window panes of the Road Transport Corporation (RTC) buses and also deflated the tyres of the RTC buses. They also set fire to one motorcycle on the X roads. All the pickets posted were alerted to be vigilant and not to allow any congress leaders or cadre towards Raj Bhawan and to take the leaders and cadre into preventive custody so as to prevent them from causing further damage to any public property." He further said that at about 01.15 PM, he observed Chowdhury stopping her car near the Metro Residency building at Khairthabad and getting down along with five other woman congress workers. "I immediately alerted all the men (police officials) especially woman constables to be alert and as soon as Chowdhury moved towards Raj Bhawan, we pulled the barricades across the road and stood guard to prevent her from going towards Raj Bhawan. As she approached near the barricade I told her to disperse as there is no permission to go towards Raj Bhawan. Immediately she became angry and started threatening us to make way. And as per the instructions of senior officers, the woman force was ordered to take her into custody and they stood around them. While the woman police constables (PCs) were taking Chowdhury into custody by taking her to the vehicle, she started resisting and rushed towards me by pushing the woman PCs, she assaulted me and held my collar and started abusing...," he said. Following the incident, Chowdhury along with woman congress workers was immediately taken into custody and was shifted from that place.The case is being investigated. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Chowdhury clarified the incident by saying, "I know how to respect the uniform, my intention is not to humiliate the police...They were pushing me, I have a problem with my leg. I was losing my balance so I fell on him like that. I don't know that young man, ofcourse I'll apologise to that man. But I expect Police to apologise to me for manhandling us. Why were there so many men Police around us?" (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday inspected communication equipment at 15 Corps headquarters in Srinagar. Earlier in the day, the Defence Minister paid homage to the Indian Army soldiers who lost their lives in the Galwan Valley clash two years ago in 2020. Taking to Twitter, Singh, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, said, "Remembering the heroes of Galwan who fought valiantly for the honour of the country and laid down their lives on June 15-16, 2020. Their courage, bravery and supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten. I pay homage to those bravehearts." For the first time in nearly 45 years, a violent skirmish between Indian and Chinese troops broke out in the Galwan Valley on June 15, 2020, resulting in losses on both sides and marking a new sour turn in China-India relations. The violent clashes, which mostly took place in and around Ladakh's Galwan Valley and Pangong Lake, claimed lives on both sides and strained the bilateral relationship. Even though two years have passed since the deadliest clash in 45 years between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley, the two countries are still engaged in talks for the disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). But an early resolution to the standoff is nowhere in sight. So far, the Indian Army and the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) have held 14 rounds of talks since the Galwan clashes and one before June 15, 2020, to resolve the standoff but no concrete solution has been arrived at yet. He will attend the 200th anniversary of Maharaja Gulab Singh's 'Rajyabhishek Ceremony' in Jammu on Friday. Gulab Singh was the first Maharaja of Topa Rajput princely state and had founded the Dogra dynasty in Jammu and Kashmir. Topa Rajput was the second-largest princely state under Britishers, which was created by them to defeat the Sikh empire during the First Anglo-Sikh War. Earlier, on Monday, Singh called for greater jointness of civil administration and Armed Forces to further strengthen national security and deal with future challenges that may emanate from the ever-evolving global situation. He was addressing the participants of the 28th Joint Civil-Military Training Programme at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand on Monday. The Minister pointed out that the concept of national security has broadened, as many non-military dimensions have been added to the more general aspect of protection from military attacks. (ANI)
As deliberations on the Presidential polls are going on both in the ruling party and the opposition camp, the BJP seems to have narrowed down to a few names. Sources have said that the party is weighing options considering the domestic politics and international diplomacy in mind. The party seems to be zeroing in on the names of former Jharkhand Governor Draupadi Murmu and Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan for the post of President, sources said. The party's parliamentary board will take a final view on the name of the candidate next week after due consultation within the NDA. The source said that eyeing upcoming elections, tribals are the main focus area of the BJP in Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh where the tribal votes are key to BJP scheme of things and till date there was no tribal President in the country. So Murmu can fit in both tribal and women category and BJP can say that it has empowered the community and reap the electoral benefits. While Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan can fit in to keep the government's image better at international podium after the recent developments following comments by now ex-BJP spokespersons. The embassy at Doha had to issue a statement and BJP had to take action against them. Khan, a vocal face and well learned about the Islamic world, has been defending BJP for past many years on issues related to minorities. A former student union leader from AMU, Khan has been Union Minister in the Rajiv Gandhi cabinet but resigned on Shah Bano issue and later was a Minister in the VP Singh government. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has been authorised along with BJP chief J.P. Nadda on behalf of the BJP to speak to several leaders from opposition parties, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, as well as NDA partners for a consensus candidate for President. Sources said that the BJP-led NDA government is trying to build consensus with the opposition to avoid an election. Sources said that Rajnath Singh has also spoken to Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, and Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav. The Defence Minister also spoke to alliance partner and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who heads the Janata Dal-United. It is learnt that the senior leader will also speak to NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and leaders of other political parties. Sources said that the BJP is trying to build a consensus on a presidential candidate and no name has been suggested to opposition leaders. "Rajnath Singh also tried to know what the opposition leaders were thinking," a source said. Kharge said: "Rajnath Singh called me and spoke about the Presidential polls. But when asked about the proposal, there was no response. I am saying if the opposition comes up with a non-controversial name... will the government accept that? It's a formality." --IANS miz/skp/ ( 502 Words) 2022-06-16-20:22:05 (IANS)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday visited the forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir and took stock of the security situation along the border. Singh, who is on a two-day visit to the Union Territory, undertook a first-hand assessment of the situation in the formations looking after the Line of Control (LoC) and forward areas in North Kashmir. According to Defence Ministry, he was accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GoC-in-C), Northern Command Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, GoC, 15 Corps Lt Gen AS Aujla and GoC, 19 Infantry Division Maj Gen Ajay Chandpuria. The Defence Minister was briefed on the existing ceasefire agreement on the LoC, development works on field fortifications, counter-infiltration grid, operational preparedness and Army-citizen connect in border areas. Upon his arrival at 15 Corps HQs, Rajnath Singh was briefed by the GOC 15 Corps on the overall security situation prevalent on Line of Control and the hinterland. He was also briefed on the measures instituted for the safety and security of Amarnath Yatra. The Defence Minister also interacted with the personnel of the Armed Forces, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police. Addressing the personnel, Singh commended them for fulfilling their responsibilities efficiently even in challenging situations, describing their valour and zeal as remarkable. He praised the excellent synergy exhibited by all sections of civil administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces and other security agencies in projecting a 'Whole of Government' approach that has resulted in the improvement of the security situation conducive to fostering a new era of development in the UT. The Defence Minister also lauded the security personnel for serving the country with indomitable courage and dedication and instilling a sense of national pride in the people, especially the youth. "Our neighbour has always resorted to anti-India activities. The state also witnessed terror activities in the past. Due to the relentless efforts of the personnel of the Armed Forces, BSF, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police, there has been a significant decline in the number of terror activities in the state recently. Pakistan continuously tries to disturb peace in the country through its approach of bleed India with a thousand cuts. But, our security forces are such a protective shield for this country that whoever tries to break it, bleeds himself. The nation has immense faith in our forces who are always ready to deal with any situation," he said. Reiterating that India is a peace-loving country which has given the message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the whole world is one family) to the world, Singh asserted "We have never tried to hurt any country in any way, nor have we tried to capture even an inch of anyone's land." He, however, assured the nation that if an attempt is ever made to hurt the unity and integrity of the nation, the Armed Forces will give a befitting reply. Singh exuded confidence that the Armed Forces will face the future challenges with full strength and their valour and dedication will build a golden future for the country. The Defence Minister highlighted that it was the dawn of a new era of development, peace and prosperity in Kashmir and applauded the 15 Corps for their high level of morale and contribution to peace building in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)
The court will pronounce the order on Friday at 2.30 pm.

Earlier, a special PMLA court in Mumbai rejected the pleas filed by Nawab Malik and Anil Deshmukh seeking a day's bail to vote in the Rajya Sabha elections.

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been moved in the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Maharashtra government to sack cabinet ministers Nawab Malik, who is presently in judicial custody in connection with the case of money laundering.

Deshmukh and Malik are currently lodged in jail in connection with different money laundering cases being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Deshmukh was arrested on November 1, 2021, in connection with extortion and money laundering allegations levelled against him by the former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh.

The ED had arrested Minorities Development Minister Malik on February 23 over a property deal allegedly linked to the aides of gangster Dawood Ibrahim.

In the Rajya Sabha polls for six seats from Maharashtra, every vote is crucial for the Shiv Sena-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), of which the NCP is a constituent.

After more than two decades, the state will witness a contest in the Rajya Sabha polls as there are seven candidates in the fray for the six seats.

The ruling Shiv Sena has fielded two candidates, its MVA allies NCP and Congress have nominated one candidate each, while the opposition BJP has put up three candidates. (ANI)
The iconic Internet Explorer that let millions browse the Web for nearly 27 years and was touted as the star of Windows retired on Wednesday as Microsoft now promotes its Chromium-based Edge browser. In 2015, Microsoft for the first time confirmed to shun Internet Explorer and said it will use a new name for its upcoming browser successor, codenamed 'Project Spartan'. "We'll continue to have Internet Explorer, but we'll also have a new browser called Project Spartan, which is codenamed Project Spartan. We have to name the thing," then Microsoft's marketing chief Chris Capossela had said. On March 17, 2015, Microsoft announced that Microsoft Edge would replace Internet Explorer as the default browser "for certain versions of Windows 10". Internet Explorer is now dead as Microsoft officially withdraws support for the latest IE 11 version. The users will still receive IE 11 support if they are using Windows Server 2022 or an earlier OS release with a long-term service extension, but this marks the effective end of software updates for most people. The use of Internet Explorer plummeted in recent years, with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge replacing it. Microsoft will start rolling out a new prompt over the coming months that redirect those still using Internet Explorer over to Microsoft Edge. Eventually, Internet Explorer will be permanently disabled as part of a future Windows update. Microsoft 365 ended support for Internet Explorer on August 17, 2021 and Microsoft Teams ended support for IE on November 30, 2020. Internet Explorer was first released in 1995, and was included in the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems. Internet Explorer was once the most widely used web browser, attaining a peak of about 95% usage share by 2003. The estimates for Internet Explorer's market share in 2022 are about 0.38 per cent across all platforms, or by StatCounter's numbers ranked 10th. Microsoft spent over $100 million per year on Internet Explorer in the late 1990s, with over 1,000 people involved in the project by 1999. --IANS na/ ( 351 Words) 2022-06-15-23:24:04 (IANS)
In the funding round, ShareChat raised $255 million from Google, Times Group, and existing investors, adding to the $266 million it raised earlier in December 2021 from Alkeon Capital, Temasek, HarbourVest, Moore Strategic Ventures, and India Quotient.

Since 2021, ShareChat has cumulatively raised $1.2 billion and acquired MX TakaTak.

ShareChat, which achieved unicorn status last year, has collectively raised $913 million in 2021, the highest funding among all companies that became unicorns during the year.

ShareChat (Mohalla Tech) runs India's largest short video platforms, Moj and TakaTak, besides the ShareChat app, which together cater to over 400 million users.

"Despite strong headwinds, it is reassuring to see investor confidence in ShareChat's efforts and potential to grow further. Over a year ago, we turned unicorn, and since then, we have been scaling and innovating at an exhilarating pace, further refining our offerings and expanding our operations," said Ankush Sachdeva, CEO and Co-founder, ShareChat and Moj.

The coming year will be about capitalising on the scale and building robust revenue models, he added.

The ShareChat app, over the years, has grown to be India's largest content ecosystem.

In 2020, it launched 'Audio Chatrooms' as a feature. Today, it has become one of India's largest voice-based live hangouts, with 2 billion minutes of audio streamed every month.

Since its launch in July 2020, Moj has grown to become India's favourite short video app with over 3X daily active users and 2X daily time spent per user compared to its nearest domestic competitor.

Recently, ShareChat announced a strategic merger with MXTakaTak, bolstering its short video ecosystem to 300 million MAUs and 100 million creators.

--IANS na/vd

( 309 Words)

2022-06-16-20:56:02 (IANS)
New Delhi-based International Buddhist Confederation and Mongolia's Ganden Tegchenling Monastery signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote national and international cooperation in the field of Buddhist learning, practice, pilgrimage and wisdom. The MoU was signed at Ganden Tegchenling Monastery when the Holy Kapilavastu Relics of Lord Buddha from India are displayed to the public. The pact was signed by IBC, Deputy Secretary-General Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rimpoche and Da Lama Byambajav Khunkhur of Ganden Tegchenling Monastery. [{03f374c7-90eb-41bc-86f8-101a930db0e7:intradmin/4120b62f-f8d7-4660-b46b-36bb17fa55e7.jpg}] According to the agreement, joint research projects and activities promote the tangible and intangible Buddhist heritage in all parts of Asia but with particular reference to India and Mongolia. The agreement further reads that IBC and Ganden Tegchenling Monastery will work in fostering and engaging in interfaith dialogue exchanges, collaboration and understanding. They will also work towards facilitating constant dialogue between Buddhism and modern sciences. The agreement says that both parties will work towards the identification, conservation and preservation of Buddhist practices, traditions and Buddhist heritage sites and relics worldwide and exploring Buddhist cultural assets. After signing the agreement, Da Lama Byambajav Khunkhur, while referring to MoU, said that this is an important step. He further said that this pact will help in "propagating the Buddha Dharma in the world on a larger scale." Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rimpoche, Deputy Secretary-General of IBC said that Ganden Tegchenling Monastery is part of our organisation. "We had brought the Lord buddha Relics to Mongolia under an Indian government initiative," he added. Earlier in the day, the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, along with an Indian delegation, headed by the Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, paid obeisance to Holy Kapilavastu Relics of Lord Buddha at Ganden Tegchenling Monastery. The four Kapilavastu relics from India brought to the Mongolian capital in a special flight have been put on display for 11-days in a gesture to strengthen cultural and spiritual ties between the two countries. (ANI)
Ahead of the 20th National Congress of CPC to be held in 2022 where President Xi Jinping is all set to secure his third term in power, Chinese authorities are enforcing Xi's "common prosperity" agenda by warning foreign banks to trim wages. Chinese regulators have warned global major investment banks including Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs and UBS not to reward their top bankers too lavishly, the country's latest effort to rein in risks and promote "common prosperity," reported The Standard, a Hong Kong publication. Xi has continued to call for the common prosperity of the country's entire population amid the massive crackdown on big tech giants in China. The China Securities Regulatory Commission had summoned executives to discuss bankers' pay, people familiar with the meetings said, characterizing the discussions as a highly unusual, if not unprecedented, regulatory intrusion into foreign banks' personnel decisions. It's a sign that they are being put on the same footing as local brokers, who were told in the past two years to cut pay and expenses, reported The Standard. Executives in attendance, which included Credit Suisse's local Chairman Janice Hu and Goldman's China co-head Sean Fan, were told by top regulators to keep compensation, especially for senior managers, in line with the "common prosperity" agenda. The say-on-pay meetings, reported here for the first time, are just one of the many potholes that global banks have hit lately on their long, rocky road into China. Moreover, China has been targetting major companies in the country by using certain regulations. China's live-streamers harnessed e-commerce, social media and personal star power, to fuel the rise of a multibillion-dollar industry in recent years but the influencers are now targets in Chinese President Xi Jinping's "common prosperity" campaign, a wide-ranging crackdown that is bringing celebrities and Internet companies to heel in the name of addressing inequality. Further, it is also an effort to inject ideological rigor into the new economy after years of explosive growth and exert more control over which industries prosper as part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's economic vision. (ANI)
One of two men arrested over the disappearance of a British journalist Dom Phillips and an Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira in the Amazon confessed to having buried the pair in the forest, Al Jazeera reported citing police.

According to reports, the man took investigators to the place where the bodies were buried.

The suspect, a fisherman who had reportedly clashed with Pereira over his efforts to combat illegal fishing in the Indigenous territory, led police to a remote burial site where the remains were unearthed, detective Eduardo Fontes said at a press conference, Al Jazeera reported.

"We found the bodies three kilometres (nearly two miles) into the woods," Fontes said.

On Wednesday, the Brazilian justice minister said that police had reported finding human remains in the area where the two men had disappeared, and that they would be "submitted to forensics".

The announcement marks a grim conclusion to a case that had raised the global alarm, hanging over

According to Al Jazeera, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Wednesday afternoon that he expected the case to be resolved "in coming hours." (ANI)
A bipartisan group of lawmakers announced an agreement on legislation that would allow the US government to cut off billions in American investments in China. The group made an announcement on Monday, Fox Business reported on June 14. "Over the last couple of months, we have engaged in constructive discussions with stakeholders on developing a robust, targeted outbound investment mechanism to ensure the United States is not ceding its manufacturing power in industries critical to our economic and national security to foreign adversaries," the senators said in a statement cited by the American media outlet. "The refined proposal released today has bipartisan, bicameral support and addresses industry concerns," they added. The agreement is just one piece of a larger bill aimed at securing US supply lines for computer chips. If signed into law, the deal would allow the US government to review nearly half of all direct investment transactions from the US to China, according to an analysis. The China policy comes as President Joe Biden considers ending US tariffs on China imposed under former President Donald Trump. The deep recession in China's real estate companies is becoming a major problem for the country as well as for the world's economy. The property market was one of the few cherished destinations for household savings. The developers and homebuyers were also willing to take the loans from the banks but these good days for China ended last year. The household debt touched over USD 10 trillion. And around 27 per cent of bank loans in China are tied to real estate, reported a think tank, Policy Research Group (POREG). The housing market in China is now seen as 'a national threat' as prices rise sky-high, just like the buildings, according to Think Tank citing New York Times. Developers borrowed money in the form of onshore and offshore bonds, trust loans, and wealth management products, in addition to bank loans. Thus, lenders span from institutions to the general people both at home and overseas. Interestingly, Beijing's assault on property debt is part of the country's battle to control corporate debt. Much of the corporate is held by the state-owned firms (SOEs). In SEOs, over-indebtedness is the root of the problem with one difference. For SOEs, the debt is laced with government guarantees, and hence there is no imminent threat of liquidation. China has a debt to pay to the global market. It has benefitted from the globalization of the market; its companies though anchored behind the Bamboo curtain have spread to all corners of the world with their unadulterated motto that money has no colour. A crash in China could bleed into other countries and lead to deflation as also unemployment, according to Think Tank citing CNBC analysis. Over China's failing economy, US Federal Reserve also felt worried that it could harm the global economy. "Stresses in China's real estate sector could strain the Chinese financial system, with possible spillovers to the United States," the Federal Reserve said in its recent financial stability report. (ANI)
US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken in their policy address revealed President Joe Biden's strategy to compete with China to preserve American interests and safeguard the rules-based system, as they believed that Beijing pose threat to the international order. Blinken admitted that China rather than Russia poses "the most severe long-term challenge to the international system," The Hong Kong (HK) Post reported. According to the publication, China is the only country that has the economic, diplomatic, military, and technical capacity to reframe the world order. Beijing's agenda would lead the world away from the universal ideals that have underpinned so much of the world's growth over the last 75 years. China is also critical to the world economy and the world's capacity to address issues ranging from climate change to COVID. And looking at all these factors, China and US will have to cope with each other for the foreseeable future. According to the publication, Biden's approach to dealing with China's problem is inadequate. Without strong economic statecraft, there is no strategy -- or at least no plausible plan. US Secretary of State touted last week's launch of the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF). According to the publication, the framework should include a free-trade agreement, as the region favours economic cooperation over conventional security cooperation and consider China as their major trading partner. The Biden administration is well aware of this. Kurt Campbell, White House Indo-Pacific Coordinator, explicitly said that the US is competing with not one or two hands tied behind its back, but "maybe one foot tied back there as well." He urged the US to "raise its game" in terms of economic engagement with Indo-Pacific countries, making this approach a distinguishing feature of US strategy in the area. Despite Campbell's serious appraisal, the economic promises of the China strategy fall short of the task. The IPEF's joint statement was unusual for its lack of specificity, referring vaguely to "collective talks toward negotiations." The administration earlier said that the framework would be nonbinding and would not include trade (other than in the digital realm) or investment liberalization. According to the publication, the US need to level up their trade game, if Washington wants to provide countries in the area incentives to fight Chinese influence. Although the US has either withdrawn or abstained from the region's two major trade treaties, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) -- China is already a member of the former and has requested to join the latter. The HK Post believes that the US cannot stand against China without a strong free trade policy. (ANI)
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that the Government was 'left with no choice' but to raise fuel prices while blaming the previous Imran Khan-led PTI government for signing the 'worst ever deal' with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). "Acutely aware of the impact that a fuel price hike causes. Govt is left with no choice but to raise the prices due to IMF deal that PTI govt signed. Will take the nation into confidence on the specifics of the IMF-PTI deal soon. We will get out of these economic difficulties," the Prime Minister tweeted today. His remarks came a day after fuel prices were increased for the third time in as many weeks. In another tweet, Shehbaz Sharif lashed out at Imran Khan and blamed him for the deteriorating economic situation of the country. "I wonder whether those who struck the worst ever deal with IMF and took patently bad economic decisions have the conscience to face the truth. How can they pretend to be innocent when what the nation is going through is clearly their doing? Details soon," he said further. Pakistan's government on Wednesday increased fuel prices by up to 29 per cent, removing fuel subsidies in an attempt to trim the fiscal deficit and secure critical support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This is the third cut in fuel subsidies in about 20 days. The prices of high-speed diesel (HSD), petrol, kerosene and light diesel oil (LDO) have gone up by a massive 83 per cent, 56 per cent, 73 per cent and 68.4 per cent respectively, since May 26, Dawn newspaper reported. The IMF wants Pakistan to take strict measures to control its fiscal deficit in the face of a balance-of-payments crisis. Pakistan Finance Minister Miftah Ismail had alleged that the Imran Khan-led government did not tell the people about these agreements. (ANI)
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett may visit India later this year but the final dates are yet to be decided, said Ambassador Eynat Shlein, head of MASHAV, Israel's international development Center. "Prime Minister Bennett is very interested and keen on visiting India. Hopefully, if everything goes well, he would probably be here sometime this summer. We can't set the date as some of the political issues are keeping him close to Jerusalem. However, he feels strongly about the relationship between Israel and India and I know that he looks forward to travelling here," Ambassador Eynat Shlein told to ANI. She also stressed that Israeli PM has great admiration for India, and he also sees the huge importance of the strategic alliances between the two countries. Earlier, the Israeli Prime Minister was scheduled to visit India in April but it was postponed after being tested positive for Covid-19. US President Joe Biden will host a virtual summit of the I2-U2 grouping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israel PM and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his visit to West Asia from July 13 to 16. Earlier, the Israeli envoy also spoke about the I2-U2 grouping and said that it is an important initiative and reflects new dynamics in the Middle East and the world. "I believe that this is a very important initiative. I think it reflects the new dynamics in the Middle East and the world, the creation of new alliances and the creative thinking of how can countries come together to tackle global problems such for example food security," Eynat Shlein told ANI. She also mentioned that these four countries can come together to offer solutions to the growing issues. Shlein also believes that I2-U2 countries with their qualities can bring a change. "Israel has been a good and a close ally of the US for many years. India is a strong strategic partner of Israel. And the UAE, since the signing of the historical Abrahamic accord is becoming a very strong partner and ally of Israel. These four partners together can bring in their unique qualities to create change, a very needed change," she said. (ANI)
The grouping I2-U2 comprising India, Israel, the UAE and the US is an important initiative that reflects new dynamics in the Middle East and the world, said Ambassador Eynat Shlein, the head of MASHAV, Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation on Thursday. MASHAV is Israel's international development Center in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "I believe that this is a very important initiative. I think it reflects the new dynamics in the Middle East and the world, the creation of new alliances and the creative thinking of how can countries come together to tackle global problems such for example food security," Eynat Shlein told ANI. She mentioned that these four countries can come together to offer solutions to the growing issues. Shlein believes that I2-U2 countries with their qualities can bring a change. "Israel has been a good and a close ally of the US for many years. India is a strong strategic partner of Israel. And the UAE, since the signing of the historical Abrahamic accord is becoming a very strong partner and ally of Israel. These four partners together can bring in their unique qualities to create change, a very needed change," she said. The Israeli envoy further said that if all the four countries come together then one can fight climate change and provide more food to people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Israeli Prime Minister Neftali Bennett and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan would attend the first virtual summit of the I2U2 grouping next month for discussions on the food security crisis and other areas of cooperation. "India is our biggest partner. We've been very active here for dozens of years in various fields, with a lot of emphasis on agriculture. We have 29 centres of excellence here," ambassador Shlein said. (ANI)
Director-General of Pakistan's Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Babar Iftikhar said that there was no evidence of the conspiracy in the cipher received from the US. Speaking on a Pakistani channel programme, Major General Babar Iftikhar said that the statements of services chiefs and the DG ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) clearly showed that there was no evidence of a conspiracy. Iftikhar further said that their stance was based on the intelligence information and their opinion. "A detailed briefing on the issue was given which was based on the intelligence information," he added. Commenting on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Asad Umar's statement, where he termed the ISPR DG statement a political one, Iftikhar said that it was a clarification on behalf of the services chiefs of Pakistan. The ISPR DG said that he was a spokesman for the services chiefs of Pakistan and he was supposed to clarify things on their behalf. "There was nothing political and it was a clarification on behalf of the services chiefs," he said. The military spokesman said the institution would provide every possible assistance to a judicial commission, or any other body, constituted by the government to know the facts behind the cipher to bring the issue to a logical conclusion. He rejected the impression that the institution would oppose the formation of a judicial forum to know the facts behind the cipher. Major General Babar Iftikhar said, adding that it was unfortunate to see baseless propaganda against the armed forces and making its leadership a target of criticism. The military spokesperson said the Pakistan Army had played a key role in keeping Pakistan on the grey list of FATF and prevented it from going to the blacklist as a special cell on the request of the government, headed by the Director-General Military Operations (DGMO), was set up at the GHQ with the coordination of 30 different agencies and government departments and a mechanism was devised, The News International reported. "The cell suggested measures against money-laundering and terrorism financing and in the light of its suggestions, legislation on the issues was made in the parliament. Because of efforts of the cell, Rs 58 billion laundered money was also recovered," he added. (ANI)
The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights, Tom Andrews, will conduct a mission to Malaysia from June 17-23, in a bid to meet UN officials and other representatives in the region to help resolve the crisis in Myanmar. "As conditions continue to deteriorate in Myanmar, and the military junta continues its attempts to hide the truth, I remain steadfast in pursuing my mandate to document and report on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. I will continue to meet with people from Myanmar including those who have fled the country since the coup," Andrews said in a statement. The Special Rapporteur will visit Kuala Lumpur, where he will meet representatives of Government, Members of Parliament, UN officials, experts who work on Myanmar and ASEAN foreign policy, as well as representatives of civil society and community-based organisations. "This visit is the beginning of a project of deeper regional engagement with the ASEAN region in relation to the crisis in Myanmar," said the expert. "Given the central role of ASEAN regarding Myanmar, I hope to visit a number of other ASEAN member states in the coming months." The Special Rapporteur will hold a press conference to share his preliminary observations with the media on June 23 at the Westin Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, access to which is strictly limited to journalists. Still suffering from the devastating consequences of the February 2021 military coup, the UN rights chief said on Tuesday that the people of Myanmar remain "trapped in a cycle of poverty and displacement, human rights violations and abuses". "What we are witnessing today is the systematic and widespread use of tactics against civilians, in respect of which there are reasonable grounds to believe the commission of crimes against humanity and war crimes", High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet told the Human Rights Council. Since last year's coup, at least 1,900 killings by the military have been reported, the UN has registered one million internally displaced people (IDPs), and some 14 million remain in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. "The humanitarian situation is dire," said Bachelet. The military coup has "crippled Myanmar's economy", millions have lost their incomes, the national currency has plummeted, and prices have surged. (ANI)
The Union Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday met the Mongolian President, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukhand said that Khurelsukhand expressed gratefulness to India and PM Modi for getting Lord Buddha Holy Relics to Mongolia. Taking to Twitter, the Union Minister said, "President of Mongolia, HE Ukhnaa Khurelsukh has high regard for Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji and the people of India. Long Live India-Mongolia Friendship." The Union Minister, who arrived in Ulaanbaatar with the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha on Monday, met his Mongolian counterpart Khishgeegiin Nyambaatar and discussed enhancing the existing cooperation in various fields including the exchange of legal experts. Taking to Twitter, Union Minister stated, "My bilateral meeting with Mongolia's Minister of Justice and Home Affairs HE Mr Nyambataar was very cordial and fruitful. We discussed about enhancing our existing cooperation in various fields including exchange of legal experts for understanding of each other's existing laws." "Thank you Minister of Justice and Home Affairs of Mongolia HE Mr Nyambataar for being the wonderful host and for the warm reception accorded to our Indian Delegation," he added. The four Holy Relics - known as the 'Kapilvastu Relics' have been put on display for 11-days at the Ganden Tegchenling Monastery, where devotees, both old and young gather in large numbers from Wednesday morning. The relics are being displayed in India's 'spiritual neighbour' Mongolia, a Buddhist majority nation. Lord Buddha lived in India and attained Mahaparinirvana or ultimate salvation in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh. The display of sacred `Kapilavastu relics' at Ganden Tegchenling Monastery is being termed a historic milestone in India-Mongolia relations and aimed at further boosting cultural and spiritual relations between the two countries. India's relations with Mongolia got a boost after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Mongolia in 2015. He had visited the Ganden Monastery, where the relics are being displayed for the common people. (ANI)
India and ASEAN countries on Thursday agreed to deepen strategic partnership across the whole spectrum of political, security and economic and development cooperation as the two sides commemorated the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations. The Special ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in New Delhi today to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations in 2022 which has been designated as the ASEAN-India Friendship Year. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Singapore Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan co-chaired the meeting. The meeting agreed to further strengthen and deepen the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership for mutual benefit, "across the whole spectrum of political, security, economic, socio-cultural and development cooperation by utilizing relevant existing ASEAN-led mechanisms". According to Co-Chairs' Statement, the meeting noted the millennia-old civilisational and cultural linkages between Southeast Asia and India. It recalled the milestones of the ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations over the last three decades and reaffirmed its commitment to further deepen this broad-based partnership. Appreciating India's firm commitment to ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture, the meeting welcomed India's support for the ASEAN Community-building process, including through the support for the projects. Acknowledging the importance of joint efforts to address the continuing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting appreciated the mutual assistance extended by ASEAN Member States and India to each other. The meeting agreed to achieve the full potential of ASEAN-India trade and economic partnership including through enhanced utilization and effective implementation of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) by the early commencement of the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to ensure that it is more user friendly, simple and trade facilitative for businesses. The meeting also decided to strengthen regional connectivity, including both physical and digital, and explore synergies between the MPAC 2025 and India's connectivity initiatives under India's Act East Policy, in line with "Connecting the Connectivities" approach. It was also agreed to develop an open, secure, interoperable and user-empowering digital connectivity ecosystem, in view of the importance of digital platforms for improved access in areas such as healthcare, education, finance. The meeting decided to enhance cooperation in the field of Defence through the ADMM-Plus and welcomed the proposed ASEAN-India Defence Ministers Informal Meeting in November 2022 and the proposed ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to multilateralism founded on the principles of international law including the Charter of the United Nations, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It agreed to work towards a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between ASEAN and India that is meaningful, substantive and mutually beneficial by further enhancing ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership. (ANI)
As part of the ongoing Indo-Bangladesh defence cooperation, the 10th edition of the joint military exercise -- SAMPRITI X -- between the Indian Army and the Bangladeshi Army culminated after a validation exercise at Jashore Military Station, Bangladesh. The 12-day joint exercise resulted in a better understanding and enhancing interoperability between both Armies, informed the Additional Directorate General of Public Information in a tweet. Exercise SAMPRITI is an important bilateral defence cooperation endeavour between India and Bangladesh which is hosted alternately by both countries. The exercise was conducted from June 5 to June 16, 2022. This exercise is an important bilateral defence cooperation endeavour conducted alternately by both countries and aims to strengthen and widen the aspects of interoperability and cooperation between both armies. The aim of the exercise is to strengthen interoperability between the two armies and to understand each other's tactical drills and operational techniques. The Indian contingent of company strength was represented by a Battalion of the DOGRA Regiment and the contingent departed by road for the exercise location on June 4, 2022. During the joint military exercise Ex SAMPRITI-X, armies of both the Nations shared expertise in multiple simulated scenarios of Counter-Terrorism, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and UN Peacekeeping Force under UN mandate. The exercise schedule was progressively planned in such a manner that the participants initially got familiar with each other's organisational structure and tactical drills. As the exercise progressed, joint tactical exercises were conducted wherein the joint battle drills of both contingents were practised. The exercise culminated with a final validation exercise in which troops of both armies jointly practised a Counter-Terrorism Operation in a simulated environment. In addition to sharing best practices and understanding each other at the tactical level, this exercise served as an opportunity for greater cultural understanding to strengthen trust and cooperation between the armies of both nations. The exercise will benefit both armies by gaining from each other's vast experience which will further contribute to peace and stability in the region. (ANI)
The developments come as Islamabad Police recently set up a foreign security cell with requisite staff and logistics amid reports of Chinese nationals continuously being targeted in the country.

This decision was taken after a meeting reviewed the performance of the security cell in Islamabad police for the security of foreigners, especially Chinese nationals, the Dawn newspaper reported citing sources.

In this meeting, it was decided that either SHOs of police stations, security divisions or patrolling units would provide security cover to Chinese nationals during their movement.

During the meeting, a survey report having details about the Chinese nationals living in Islamabad was shared. Police officials told the Pakistani daily that more than 1,000 Chinese nationals in Islamabad are attached to dozen of projects, companies and businesses.

According to the report, the Chinese attached to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project were provided security cover by security forces and paramilitary troops.

Moreover, police will ensure the deployment of patrolling staff around the residences of Chinese nationals and would check and verify the details of the security guards.

Notably, Pakistan's Army Chief General Bajwa last week visited China along with a Pakistani delegation and pledged to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism.

Attacks on Chinese nationals by Baloch groups were also discussed in the meeting.

The Baloch insurgents are regularly targeting CPEC infrastructure projects, such as gas pipelines and electricity towers, claiming that they plunder Balochistan's natural resources.

Earlier this earlier, a suicide attack in the city of Karachi had resulted in the death of four people, including three Chinese nationals. The attack was later claimed by a Baloch group. (ANI)
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi on Thursday said that strategic trust is one of the key aspects of building bridges in the Indo-Pacific region and making the region peaceful and stable. While addressing the gathering at the Delhi Dialogue XII, the Minister praised the theme of the dialogue 'Building bridges in the Indo Pacific' and said, "We need to build bridges in all regions including in the Indo-Pacific. Building bridges means narrowing gaps, overcoming differences, connecting countries and improving relations." "However, we won't be able to build bridges if there is no trust among each other. We will not be able to build bridges if the trust deficit persists. Therefore one thing we need before we build bridges is to nurture strategic trust to manage the strategic competition," she said. During her speech, the Minister gave an analogy of COVID vaccines in a positive tenor and said that, unlike the COVID vaccine, there is no shortage of strategic trust but there is some hesitancy in taking this "strategic trust vaccine". Furthermore, speaking on the maritime cooperation between India and ASEAN, the Indonesian foreign minister said the cooperation should be the future that unites India and ASEAN and not the one which divides. The speech by the minister focused on the importance of strategic trust among the countries. She said that with the help of strong political commitment we will be able to build bridges. Recalling her address in Prague with European countries on further cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, the minister said that while she was there she highlighted to look at Indo-pacific through an opportunity lens and not only through a lens of challenges. She said, "Indeed the Indo-Pacific is full of untapped potential and to unlock this potential we need the right paradigm. The paradigm of collaboration as we deal with global issues like the COVID-19 pandemic, food crises and finances." She also noted that the war in Ukraine brings to life a deep trust deficit among countries. "Trust deficit is like a virus. Before we know it trust deficit could be turned into an open conflict. We need to prevent that virus from spreading extensively in the Indo-pacific. What happened in Ukraine is a wake-up call for all including India and ASEAN. ASEAN has worked hard to keep peace and stability in the region," she added. The Minister further emphasized that the regional architecture in the Indo-Pacific should be inclusive. "We open our doors to countries that subscribe to the same principles. We need to focus on concrete cooperation," she said. The ministerial session of DD-XII is being attended by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and the ASEAN Ministers in New Delhi. (ANI)
Rubbishing the allegations that Russia may recognize the Taliban, Dmitry Sergeyevich Peskov, the Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesperson on Wednesday said that the country had not discussed recognizing the Taliban government and added that it is not on the current agenda. While addressing a press conference, Peskov said that Moscow had not discussed recognizing the Taliban government, reported Afghanistan's local media outlet Khaama Press. His remarks came while replying to a question about the prospect of recognizing Afghanistan's Taliban-led government. Peskov stated, "It is not on the current agenda. We have said this many times. It is useless to make any forecasts." Speaking further with the reporters, Dimitry said that the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan is compelling many countries to contact the Taliban. He said there were still doubts about recognizing the Taliban. Dimitry's comments came after Zamir Kabulov, Russia's special ambassador to Afghanistan, on Tuesday, said that Moscow might recognize the Taliban interim government but would not follow other countries' lead. He stated emphatically that Russia will not follow the US and other countries in recognizing the Taliban government. It is worthy to note that the Taliban has stated on numerous occasions that they want good relations with Russia, as per the media portal. Previously as well, Russia clarified along the same lines while accepting the credentials of the first diplomat from the war-torn country. Russia's Foreign Ministry said that accepting the credentials of the first diplomat does not mean recognizing the current government in Kabul. "It is too early to talk about the official recognition of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan," said Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman. Kabul says it is trying to formalize its relations with other countries through a balanced policy. Inamullah Samangani, the deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, said that diplomatic relations with Russia are important for the government of Afghanistan."Islamic Emirate is trying to formalize its relations with other countries through a balanced policy," he said. The Islamic Emirate has not yet been officially recognized by any country but countries such as Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Russia have accepted diplomats from the Islamic Emirate. "A government, which is in power in the country, in order to implement some of its work needs to establish diplomatic relations with countries," said Sayed Javad Sajjadi, an expert on international relations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Viktorovich Lavrov had received the first diplomat of the Islamic Emirate at the Afghan Embassy in Moscow at a meeting of Afghan-neighbouring countries in China. (ANI)
The Narcotics Control Bureau of Nepal Police has apprehended seven foreign nationals with 51 kilograms of prohibited heroin on different dates from the national capital. As per the press release from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), those apprehended are nationals from South Africa. "They were arrested from Tribhuwan International Airport and Thamel areas earlier this week," the bureau said in a release. In the press conference held at the bureau, the Superintendent of Police (SP) Jeevan Kumar Shrestha said, "Seven South African women were arrested after the bureau monitored and investigated several areas around Tribhuvan International Airport and Thamel for long. The arrested arrived in Kathmandu from Fly Dubai and Qatar Airways flights on several dates." According to the police, 49 kg of white heroin and 2 kg of brown heroin were seized from them. In order to smuggle the banned substance into the Himalayan Nation from Johannesburg in South Africa, the perpetrators had created a false button on their luggage. The illegal market value of the seized drug is about 1.2 billion Nepali Rupees.The bureau said police are preparing file a case against the arrested in line with the Narcotics Control Act by obtaining a remand of seven days from the Kathmandu District Court for investigation. "As per our preliminary investigation, it was being smuggled into India as the quantity of the seized items are not consumed wholly in Nepal," Superintendent Shrestha said. (ANI)
Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn on Thursday said it does not wish to engage in ongoing great power rivalry in the Southeast Asian nations and warned that the geopolitics in the region could end up in military confrontations. Speaking at the Ministerial Session of Delhi Dialogue XII, he said Cambodia embraces all Indo-Pacific initiatives as long as they provide benefits for peace and uphold ASEAN centrality. "Cambodia embraces all Indo-Pacific initiatives as long as they provide benefit for peace and development, are not designed against any country and respect and uphold ASEAN centrality... We stress cooperation and not confrontation. Our focus is on issues that bind us rather than issues that divide us. ...certainly don't want have to choose which major power to side with." He underlined how peace and stability in the region are under immense strain due to several geopolitical factors including the Russia-Ukraine war. "As a result of many geopolitical and socioeconomic factors, the major power rivalry that continues to intensify, especially during these recent months, is the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and most noticeably, the spillover effect of the Russia-Ukraine war," he said. "These factors have shaped regional architecture and led to a large extend, to the conceptualisation of the recent term Indo-Pacific, as the geopolitical scope for regional engagement," he added. The Minister said this regional architecture shift has given rise to a proliferation of many Indo-Pacific initiatives as proposed by our ASEAN dialogue partners. "All Indo-Pacific policies or strategies share many common elements with ASEAN at the centre. That said, they do have varying areas of... agenda. If not well managed, they could become confrontational tools for geopolitical competition and even worse military confrontations," he added. India and ASEAN countries on Thursday agreed to deepen strategic partnership across the whole spectrum of political, security and economic and development cooperation as the two sides commemorated the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations. The Special ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in New Delhi today to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations in 2022 which has been designated as the ASEAN-India Friendship Year. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Singapore Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan co-chaired the meeting. The meeting agreed to further strengthen and deepen the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership for mutual benefit, "across the whole spectrum of political, security, economic, socio-cultural and development cooperation by utilizing relevant existing ASEAN-led mechanisms". (ANI)
Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday called on people to hold protests across the country this Sunday against the "imported" government as he continued with his foreign conspiracy diatribe that started after his ouster from power in April. Last month Khan had called off the long march in Islamabad fearing "bloodshed" after clashes in the federal capital had led to the death of three people, including two PTI workers, News reported. Khan, who was ousted from power, refuses to accept the Shehbaz Sharif government and has repeatedly said that he will march once again to Islamabad despite cutting short his long march. The Pakistan military and the main opposition party, have come face-to-face on the foreign conspiracy issue, with the military insisting that his previous day's remarks about the lack of a foreign conspiracy against the previous government were not political in nature. The Pakistan military has again rejected the conspiracy claim made by the former PM, who insists he was ousted from power through a US-backed manoeuvre. Director-General of Pakistan's Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Babar Iftikhar said that there was no evidence of the conspiracy in the cipher received from the US. Speaking on a Pakistani channel programme, Major General Babar Iftikhar said that the statements of services chiefs and the DG ISI clearly showed that there was no evidence of a conspiracy. Iftikhar further said that their stance was based on the intelligence information and their opinion. "A detailed briefing on the issue was given which was based on the intelligence information," he added. Commenting on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Asad Umar's statement, where he termed the ISPR DG statement a political one, Iftikhar said that it was a clarification on behalf of the services chiefs of Pakistan. (ANI)
Chinese officials are asking the foreign investment banks to share the pay details of senior executives. As per local media, Chinese authorities are enforcing Chinese President Xi Jinping's "common prosperity" agenda, while another reason could be that large international investment banks have employed many princelings for many years to help open the door to the Chinese market for these corporations. On Monday, the media reported that big banks like Credit Suisse Group AG, Goldman Sachs Group Inc, and UBS Group were summoned one after another by Chinese officials and were asked to report details on how they compensate their top bankers. Many princelings of China for many years have helped open the door to the Chinese market for these corporations, such as, Wen Jiabao's daughter Wen Ruchun once served as an executive at Credit Suisse and JPMorgan Chase, and Zhu Rongji's son Zhu Yunlai also worked at Credit Suisse. These are just some of the cases that are under public scrutiny, there can be many more from the Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao eras when corruption was rampant and give-and-take deals were abundant, the local media added. Books like 'Red Roulette' and many other incidents show the relationship between corporations and officials of the Communist Party of China is common and hence this move can have more to it than what meets the eye. Earlier, the foreign banks were also asked by Chinese authorities to trim the wages of the bank officials. The move comes ahead of the 20th National Congress of CPC to be held in 2022 where President Xi Jinping is all set to secure his third term in power. The Chinese regulators have warned global major investment banks including Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs, and UBS not to reward their top bankers too lavishly, the country's latest effort to rein in risks and promote "common prosperity," reported The Standard, a Hong Kong publication. Xi has continued to call for the common prosperity of the country's entire population amid the massive crackdown on big tech giants in China. The China Securities Regulatory Commission had summoned executives to discuss bankers' pay, people familiar with the meetings said, characterizing the discussions as a highly unusual, if not unprecedented, regulatory intrusion into foreign banks' personnel decisions. Further, it is also an effort to inject ideological rigor into the new economy after years of explosive growth and exert more control over which industries prosper as part of Chinese President Xi Jinping's economic vision. (ANI)
Mohammed Jalige, the police spokesperson in Kaduna, said in a statement a police special tactical engaged on Wednesday the gunmen who were "delivering some dangerous weapons to their cohorts" along an expressway in the Lere local government area of the state.

"The encounter lasted for about 30 minutes as the firepower of the police forced them to retreat into the forest," Jalige said.

He said the police operatives were injured in the exchange of fire between four of the gunmen, who was pronounced dead after being sent to a local hospital in Kaduna.

A woman suspected of supplying arms and ammunition to bandits within the state was also arrested on Wednesday, according to the police spokesperson.

There have been a series of gunmen attacks in the most populous African country in recent months, leading to deaths and kidnappings. (ANI/Xinhua)
Indicted for the same charges of discussing 'human rights', Chinese activist Xu Zhiyong and human rights lawyer Ding Jiaxi will be tried separately on Friday and Monday respectively. Both of them are accused of "subversion of state power" and will be tried separately on June 17 and June 20 respectively. The information about the trial was confirmed by Ding Jiaxi's wife in her tweet. She also stated that the lawyers were not allowed to meet them nor were given a copy of the files, and the case on both of them was the same (for gathering in Xiamen in 2019 to discuss the democratic transition of China) however the trial is being done separately, local media reported. China has indicted twenty or so lawyers and activists who gathered at a rental villa near the Chinese seaside for discussing besieged human rights movement. Chris Buckley, writing in The New York Times said that a weekend get-together in 2019 offered Beijing a chance to deliver a blow to the "rights defence" movement. Now, two key participants face the prospect of years in prison. The two best-known attendees -- Xu Zhiyong and Ding Jiaxi -- are awaiting trial on subversion charges related to the gathering, according to indictments. Get-togethers like this, once common among Chinese rights campaigners, have become increasingly risky under Xi Jinping's hard-line rule. Under him, many journals, research organizations and groups that once sustained independent-minded activists in China have been dissolved. Xu Zhiyong, a former lecturer at the Beijing University of Post and Telecommunications turned into a civil rights activist and founded the "New Citizens Movement" which aims to facilitate the transition of China toward constitutionalism. In January 2014, he was sentenced to four years in prison but was detained again in 2020 after writing an essay online asking Xi to step down over his mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it has been nearly two weeks since Shanghai's "unlocking", it appears businessmen and merchants are finding it difficult to resume business and production activities, reported local media. Videos posted by Chinese twitter accounts show merchants protesting and demanding rent refunds. In one of the video, it can be clearly seen that people are holding placards saying "No refund/cancellation of rent, no reopening". Videos show that these protestors were suppressed by a large number of public security officials. Calling for a relief package from the government, shop owners in Shanghai have held a rally. These citizens are bearing the brunt of the economic fallout from China's stringent COVID-19 lockdown measures in Shanghai, reported NHK. During the protest, over 100 owners gathered in a central part of the city, which is home to garment wholesalers and retailers in other fields. According to the protestors, they lost the opportunity to make money during the lockdown period, which came to an end on June 1 for much of the city. It is to be noted that authorities in Shanghai have revealed a plan to exempt tenants of state-run commercial complexes from rent payments. However, this relief package is of no avail to the ailing protestors. This is because the protesters are not eligible for the exemptions, as they rent privately-run properties. One of the participants said her revenue dwindled to nothing during the lockdown period. The participant did not only speak for herself but also for other shop owners like her. It was the latest sign of growing discontent with the authorities over their handling of the coronavirus outbreak. But the protest was quickly cut short by the police, as per the media portal. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Thursday met with his Brunei Darussalam counterpart Dato Haji Erywan on the sidelines of Delhi Dialogue and reviewed cooperation in the India-ASEAN and Commonwealth formats. He also assessed bilateral cooperation positively and discussed trade, investment, energy, and space issues. "Good meeting with Dato Haji Erywan, FM-II of Brunei Darussalam on Special ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting (SAIFMM) and Delhi Dialogue sidelines. Assessed our bilateral cooperation positively and discussed trade, investment, energy, and space issues. Reviewed our cooperation in the India-ASEAN and Commonwealth formats," tweeted Jaishankar. Noting that the world was experiencing turbulence which along with the pandemic has made the global outlook even more uncertain and complex, Jaishankar said that India and ASEAN can make a real contribution to the evolution of the Indo-Pacific and even to the emergence of new world order. Speaking at the 12th session of the Ministerial Session of the Delhi Dialogue, the EAM said that the global scenario, including the situation in Afghanistan and Myanmar and the conflict in Ukraine, highlights the need for Indo-Pacific countries to stand together. During the event, he underlined the importance that India attaches to its relations with ASEAN as exemplified through its Act East Policy and the centrality of the ASEAN regional grouping in its vision for the wider Indo-Pacific. "The world is currently experiencing turbulence, which along with the consequences of the pandemic has made the global outlook even more uncertain and complex. Developments in our own region also have had those implications, whether we speak of Afghanistan or Myanmar," the minister said. "Further away, the conflict in Ukraine is exasperating concern over food, fertilizer and fuel security. This global scenario highlights the need for the countries of the Indo-Pacific to enhance their cooperation and stand together," he said. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers, ASEAN Secretary-General and Representatives of Foreign Ministers along with Dr Jaishankar today addressed the Ministerial Session of the twelfth edition of Delhi Dialogue (DDXII) which focuses on 30 years of ASEAN-India relations with the theme 'Building Bridges in the Indo-Pacific'. Launched in 2009, Delhi Dialogue is India's premier annual Track 1.5 Dialogue, which aims to strengthen ASEAN-India relations in the context of the contemporary global and regional scenario. India hosted ASEAN Foreign Ministers and Secretary-General for a Special ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting (SAIFMM) to commemorate 30 years of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations. The SAIFMM was co-chaired by EAM Jaishankar and Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a grouping of 10 member countries - Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and India. (ANI)
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STORY: Abortion rights and transgender rights were top of mind at San Francisco's Pride parade, where people held signs that read "Abort the Court" and "We dissent."People attending Pride celebrations hosted by LGBTQ+ communities across the United States this weekend expressed outrage at the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the constitutional right to abortion, and a wave of anti-transgender legislation.We need to band together. Women, people of color and LGBT people, to stand up for our rights," said investment banker William Goran. "There are people who are threatened by us for whatever reasons. It all stems from hate, it all stems from fear.For more than 50 years, LGBTQ+ people and supporters have marched on the last weekend in June to celebrate hard-won freedoms. But now many fear those freedoms are under threat."Things are really just going into to the past, we really should be going into the future," student Sarah Blaschka told Reuters.The marches commemorate protests that broke out after police raided a gay bar at the Stonewall Inn in New York City on June 28, 1969.LGBTQ leaders fear the abortion ruling by the court's conservative justices endangers personal freedom beyond abortion rights. In a concurring opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the Court might reconsider other precedents, mentioning specifically the rulings protecting the rights to contraception, same-sex intimacy and gay marriage.
STORY: Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey "strenuously denies" allegations of sexual offenses, his lawyer told a British court on Thursday (June 15).

The actor made his first appearance at a British court to face the charges, dating back almost 20 years.

Spacey is accused of five offenses in Britain: four counts of sexual assault by touching, and a more serious charge of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

Police said the alleged assaults occurred in the UK between March 2005 and April 2013 and involved three men.

Defense lawyer Patrick Gibbs said Spacey strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case.

Adding that the actor had answered all the allegations in questioning three years ago in the United States, and had cooperated fully with the investigation.

A conviction for sexual assault could lead to a prison sentence of six months or an unlimited fine, while the other offence carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

In court, Spacey spoke only to confirm his name as Kevin Spacey Fowler and his London address when he appeared in the dock, showing little emotion.

He was granted unconditional bail, with his defense saying he needed to be able to leave Britain for work and because his family was in the United States.

The actor is next due to appear at London's Southwark Crown Court on July 14.

Once one of Hollywood's biggest stars, Spacey has largely disappeared from public view since being accused of sexual misconduct five years ago.

The 62-year-old, who won Oscars for best actor in "American Beauty" and best supporting actor in "The Usual Suspects," was dropped from the TV show "House of Cards" and removed from the movie "All the Money in the World" after the accusations of sexual misconduct came to light.
(PBS Newshour)

The renowned ex-federal appellate judge who advised then-vice president Mike Pence against participating in Donald Trumps scheme to overturn the 2020 election results plans to tell the House January 6 select committee that Mr Trumps scheme was a well-developed plan and part of an ongoing war on democracy instigated by the former president and his political party allies.

Retired Fourth Circuit Judge J Michael Luttig will tell committee members that Mr Trump instigated his attack on American democracy so that he could cling to power that the American People had decided to confer upon his successor, the next president of the United States instead, according to a copy of his opening statement, which was first published by CNN.

Knowing full well that he had lost the 2020 presidential election, the former president and his allies and supporters falsely claimed and proclaimed to the nation that he had won the election, and then he and they set about to overturn the election that he and they knew the former president had lost, Mr Luttig will say. The treacherous plan was no less ambitious than to steal Americas democracy.

Mr Luttigs opening statement describes in graphic detail, the actions of Mr Trump and the mob he had summoned to the Capitol on the day Congress was set to finally certify Joe Bidens 2020 election victory and make official Mr Trumps status as a soon-to-be former president.

But the veteran conservative jurist goes on to warn that Mr Trumps continuing campaign of lies regarding the conduct of the 2020 election and his vow to not suffer defeat should he run in the next presidential election represent an ongoing threat as grave as any the American republic has faced in the nearly 234 years since the US Constitution came into force.

Mr Trumps false and reckless insistence to be the true winner of the 2020 election has laid waste to Americans confidence in their national elections, Mr Luttig writes.

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But he adds that what is more alarming still is that the disgraced former president continues to pledge that his reelection will not be stolen from him next time around and that his GOP allies continue to obeisantly pledge the same.

False claims that our elections have been stolen from us corrupt our democracy, as they corrupt us. To continue to insist and persist in the false claim that the 2020 presidential election was stolen is itself an affront to our democracy and to the Constitution of the United States -- an affront without precedent, he writes.

Those who think that because America is a republic, theft and corruption of our national elections and electoral process are not theft and corruption of our democracy are sorely mistaken. America is both a republic and a representative democracy, and therefore a sustained attack on our national elections is a fortiori an attack on our democracy, any political theory otherwise notwithstanding.

Mr Luttigs appearance as a witness before the January 6 select committee comes as the panel plans to use its third of a planned six hearings to explore the pressure campaign Mr Trump and his allies against Mr Pence in the run-up to the worst attack on the Capitol since Major General Robert Ross ordered British troops to burn it during the War of 1812.

The then-president had become enamoured of a theory posited by a conservative law professor, John Eastman, who claimed Mr Pence had the power to unilaterally throw out electoral votes from swing states won by Mr Biden.

Mr Luttig entered the fray as an informal adviser to Mr Pence at the request of Mr Pences personal attorney just days before the attack.

Because Mr Eastman had clerked for Mr Luttig during his time on the Fourth Circuit, and because Mr Luttigs constitutional scholarship has long been respected in the conservative movement, it was thought that Mr Pence would be on solid ground if he cited the retired judges advice when rejecting Mr Trumps entreaties.

Mr Luttig writes that there were many cowards on the battlefield during the January 6 attack. But in his telling, Mr Pence was not among them.

He adds that the theories championed by Mr Eastman were the product of the most reckless, insidious, and calamitous failures in both legal and political judgment in American history, and little more than beguiling and frivolous, perhaps appropriate for academic classroom debate, but singularly inappropriate as counsel to the President of the United States of America in his effort to overturn the presidential election -- an election he had lost fair and square and as to which there was not then, and there is not to this day, evidence of fraud.

It is breathtaking that these arguments even were conceived, let alone entertained by the President of the United States at that perilous moment in history, he writes. Had the Vice President of the United States obeyed the President of the United States, America would immediately have been plunged into what would have been tantamount to a revolution within a paralyzing constitutional crisis.
Afghan Women's Network Representative Mahbouba Seraj, Chief Executive Officer of Ghazanfar Goup Ismail Ghazanfar and Afghanistan Civil Society Representative Hoda Khamosh attend a meeting at the Soria Moria hotel in Oslo, Norway January 24, 2022. NTB/Stian Lysberg Solum via REUTERS

Since the Taliban gained power in Afghanistan last year, they have been cracking down on protestors.

Women protesting their rule told Insider they are targeted by the Taliban  and then detained and tortured.

"Unfortunately, they put you in a state of horror and fear," one protestor told Insider.

When the Taliban came to power last summer, Wahida Amiri couldn't sit quietly.

She, alongside other women, gathered and staged protests in Kabul and other cities  a move that would lead to her capture, interrogation, and subsequent fleeing from Afghanistan to neighboring Pakistan.

Amiri told Insider that women were fighting "to get our rights and bring justice back to our country."

In retaliation, the Taliban abducted and killed female protesters. Many demonstrations even turned violent, with Taliban fighters firing shots in the air or spraying tear gas. Women have also mysteriously disappeared.

Insider interviewed three female Afghan activists Wahida Amiri, Hoda Khamoosh, and PP, who asked Insider to conceal her real identity, citing fear of retribution. They were at the forefront of the movement against the Taliban and suffered the consequences of standing up for their rights.

Other women cooperated with the Taliban to turn them in

PP's last protest was in Kabul.

Just days later she was captured by the Taliban after someone from the group of women cooperated with them.

"In all these years, no man managed to defeat us in our path or find our whereabouts or cooperate with the Taliban. However, in the end, a woman  someone with the same gender  cooperated with them and gave us away," PP said.

She said she always feared that she could be abducted and killed, but never imagined the Taliban would enter her house.

"It was horrific, seriously horrific," she said. "I was convinced that I was going to get killed. When they entered our house, it was beyond my imagination."

PP said she started protesting because women in other provinces were being abducted, raped, tortured, and killed by the Taliban. The protests she participated in were meant to help free them, instead, the women who protested in Kabul were attacked.

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She was taken to a detention center that had all male employees and no health center. She spent a month there, where she said women were chained, called whores, and tortured.

"They didn't shy away from physical and group torture. Unfortunately, they put you in a state of horror and fear," she said. "Nobody knows the fate of most of the women, most of them have been killed under the Taliban's torture. For example, Alia Azizi is still missing. She was one of the first women that was put in prison, and we still don't know her fate."

She was convinced she herself would die in Taliban custody, but eventually, they allowed her to go free with the guarantee from her family that she wouldn't protest. They also confiscated her passport and refused to allow her to leave Afghanistan.

"With the way they treated us, I didn't think we would ever be released because every day they used to tell us 'Sharia orders us to kill you. You women have stood against an Islamic emirate so you should be killed. You would be killed, and we are awaiting orders,'" she recalled. "I don't think we could imagine getting out of their captivity alive."

Members of the Spontaneous Movement of Women Activists in Afghanistan protests in Kabul the killing of a Zainab, a Hazara women killed as her vehicle tried pass through checkpoint. Courtesy of Wahida Amiri

PP said while the physical torture is over, she's now anxious and constantly afraid.

"We were released from a small prison and put in a bigger prison. When a woman is not allowed to speak or move freely then you can only imagine," PP explained. "We are still under house arrest. Just like the birds, we move from house to house. From time to time we offer money to people so they could let us stay at their house."

She continued, "Imagine, we live in a constant horror where our families are constantly worried about the threat of being killed. And of course, the pain and the suffering of our people, which still remains constant."

Protesters were abducted and tortured

Amiri, who also protested in Kabul and several other cities told Insider the protests  regardless of the risks involved  have brought international attention to Afghan women's issues.

She shared several videos and photos with Insider of the times that she and other women went out to protest.

One video, seen below, shows an Afghan woman wearing a red coat and headscarf surrounded by at least a hundred others. She's seen speaking up against the Taliban's tyranny without ever naming the group.

Another time, a group of women began to burn burqas during a protest. All women present there including Amiri became targets of the Taliban, she said.

Amiri wasn't at that protest but she still went into hiding because she knew that the Taliban would be hunting down any and all-female protesters who had challenged their authority.

She spent days in hiding but, she was right.

Eventually, the Taliban stormed a safe house where she was living and then arrested her. She was detained and questioned for more than two weeks and was only released after her family agreed to confiscate her house and jail her brother if she protested again. Amiri has since fled to Pakistan but still worries she'd be captured and returned to Afghanistan.

"Fear is everywhere and being a refugee in such circumstances is difficult," she said.

Talks between women activists and the Taliban are ineffective

Activist Hoda Khamoosh was invited to a conference organized by the Norwegian government in January to talk to the Taliban.

"Our objective was to maintain the role of women in the society and not allow the Taliban to erase women like before. Also, so we could find a way to let them know that yes, previously you whopped women and forced to stay at home but now we are not afraid of your whip or your power. We are the women that are self-aware and wouldn't allow you to take away our rights," Khamoosh told Insider.

At the conference, she said she asked the international community why they weren't visiting and witnessing what was happening under the Taliban rule.

"When I spoke against them in Oslo, the same day they went and attacked my family, my husband, fortunately, wasn't home, but my father-in-law and mother-in-law was beaten up and they were forced to give guarantees that I wouldn't speak against them."

She decided not to return to Kabul and sought refuge in Oslo, where she's continued her activism and has been raising awareness about the current situation in Afghanistan. But she still feels scared and these days she conducts most of her meetings online to avoid physical threats.

She's also doubtful of the international community's efforts to keep women who speak up against the Taliban safe.

"We faced a lot of problems after our meetings with the UN  although there are plenty of qualified women who could have done the translations during our meetings, they had a man from ICI from Pakistan to do the translation," Khamoosh said.

She added that the translator got the contact information of everyone who spoke to the UN and all of those women had serious issues after they left.

A Taliban fighter stands guard at the site of an explosion in Kabul, Afghanistan, April 19, 2022 REUTERS/Stringer

International communities should be more proactive in stopping the Taliban

All three women who spoke to Insider said while they've been accused of fighting against Islam and religious virtues, their goals are to reinstate women's rights, including work and education, in the country. And despite the personal risks and harms, they all told Insider the women-led protests benefited their cause.

"We could let the world hear women's voices in Afghanistan and made them notice that women of Afghanistan are not having any sorts of rights," Amiri said.

Women's activism in the country has completely changed their lives ever since the Taliban took over, facing intimidation, threats, and violence. They've had to stop public displays of disapproval and two of them even had to flee Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, despite initially saying their new rise to power would be less repressive to women, the Taliban has turned back the clock on women's rights in Afghanistan. They've since ordered all women in Afghanistan to cover their faces, and banned girls from secondary school.

At one point, a Taliban official even joked about keeping "naughty women" at home.

As a result, none of the women believe talks with the Taliban will lead to any change.

"The Taliban were imposed on people because the international community was convinced that once they take power, they will share power and the same way they could be ousted as well," Khamoosh said.

She added that foreign countries and international groups could do more than hold diplomatic talks.

"If the international community wants to help alleviate poverty and provide work for people so they don't die of hunger, work with the relevant local organizations that are there instead of talking to the Taliban," Khamoosh said.

Read the original article on Insider
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Thursday urged airline executives to ensure summer flight schedules are followed after a recent spate of cancellations, a source told Reuters.

Buttigieg called the virtual meeting with U.S. airline CEOS after more than 2,700 flights were cancelled over the Memorial Day holiday, which prompted two U.S. senators to ask whether airlines were being held accountable for the disruptions.

He "pushed airlines to scrutinize whether they can reliably operate the schedules they have published and future schedules under consideration," the source said.

Travelers are bracing for a difficult summer as airlines expect record demand and rebuild staff levels after thousands of workers left the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most planes are operating near full capacity and airlines often have less margin to address flight disruptions.

Buttigieg asked the chief executives to detail steps to address issues going into July 4th holiday and summer season and urged airlines to improve customer service to quickly accommodate customers after canceled flights, the source added.

On Thursday, thunderstorms and heavy volume caused extensive delays in Boston, Washington, New York and Charlotte, North Carolina, prompting some lengthy ground stops or delays for inbound flights.

Aviation website FlightAware said there were more than 6,900 delayed U.S. flights and more than 1,500 flight cancellations.

Industry trade group Airlines for America (A4A), which confirmed the virtual meeting with Buttigieg, told Congress last week that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must ensure the air traffic control system is capable of meeting demand.

Last month, Democratic Senators Richard Blumenthal and Edward Markey asked A4A, which represents American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and others, for answers on Memorial Day cancellations.

The FAA in May said it would boost authorized air traffic control staff at its Jacksonville, Florida, center after bad weather and space launches snarled flights.

The senators separately asked Buttigieg to detail steps his office was "taking to hold airlines accountable for serious disruptions and to ensure consumers are wholly and justly compensated.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Jason Neely, Chizu Nomiyama and Deepa Babington)
Ryanair had been making travelers to England pass a test in Afrikaans, the language associated with South Africas apartheid regime.

An Irish budget airline is removing a language requirement for South African passport holders traveling to the United Kingdom. Ryanair had been making those passengers pass a written test in Afrikaans, the Dutch-based language that has a racist legacy in the majority-Black country.

According to the New York Times, Afrikaans is the third most widely used household language in the country, the first dialogue of 13% of its population. In more households, 23 percent, Zulu is spoken, the most of South Africas many languages.

Passengers board a Ryanair flight to Spain from Berlin Brandenburg Airport in Berlin, Germany, last September. The Irish airline is no longer making South African passport holders take a written test in the Afrikaans language. (Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Ryanair announced Wednesday it would be removing the test after backlash from the public, including calls for a boycott.

Our team issued a test in Afrikaans of 12 simple questions, like whats the name of the mountain outside Pretoria? Michael OLeary, its chief executive officer, told journalists, per the Times. They have no difficulty completing that.

But we didnt think it was appropriate either, he continued, according to the BBC. So we have ended the Afrikaans test, because it doesnt make any sense.

The company had previously justified the quiz by saying its use identified England-bound travelers flying with fake South African passports. Passengers who could not complete the questionnaire were issued refunds.

However, travelers insisted that the test was triggering, given the Afrikaans languages racist history. Dinesh Joseph, a South African native who took the test when flying to London from the Canary Islands, called it an insanely discriminatory practice.

One of South Africas 11 official languages, Afrikaans was developed by many of the countrys white settlers, who came from the Netherlands. It is mainly associated with South Africas apartheid regime of white minority rule that came to an end in 1994.

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The post Airline stops forcing South Africans to prove they speak language with racist legacy before boarding appeared first on TheGrio.
Theres been a lot of buzz around airport lounges lately with the opening of new premium offerings like the Delta Sky Club at Los Angeles International Airport and the United Club at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Frequent flyers love to hype the benefits of spending time in a lounge before takeoff or during a layover  and theyve got plenty of tips for getting into these premium spaces for a lower cost.

But for the average traveler, is paying to enter the airport lounge even worth it? Below, experts break down the questions you should ask yourself to determine that.

What are your needs?

As with most things in travel, airport lounges are a personal decision depending on traveler preferences and priorities, Casey Brogan, a consumer travel expert at Tripadvisor, told HuffPost. Many who like the VIP experience believe it is well worth it, but others prefer to spend the money on dining at a nice restaurant.

When youre completely exhausted from a long journey, the hustle and bustle of the airport is often the last thing you want to deal with. So if youre looking for a more comfortable, less crowded place to relax and eat during a long layover or delay, then the lounge might be just what you need.

Airport lounges can also be worth it for business travelers either coming off a red-eye or headed to a meeting so they can shower, freshen up and change, Brogan added.

If youre only in the airport for a short layover and have no interest in eating or drinking alcohol, however, then theres probably not much point in paying for lounge access. Some travelers might also be more inclined to visit the lounge during only one leg of their trip.

If you must choose, I think lounges are more beneficial for the return home rather than the outward bound, said Ravi Roth, host of The Gaycation Travel Show. At the end of a trip, most folks are exhausted and ready for a nap.

How crowded is the lounge?

While lounges have historically been a haven within the airport, thats not necessarily the case right now, said Zach Griff, senior reporter at The Points Guy. Many lounges are suffering from overcrowding due to surging travel demand.

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During peak travel periods, it might actually make sense to avoid the lounge and seek space at open gates or less-crowded terminals.

A Delta Sky Club inside Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. (Photo: Jeff Greenberg via Getty Images)

A Delta Sky Club inside Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. (Photo: Jeff Greenberg via Getty Images)

With so many travelers taking to the skies, especially those who have premium credit cards that include lounge access, there are more people using the lounge than ever, Griff said.

He added that American Express has live capacity indicators for its Centurion Lounges, so you can check to see how crowded these spaces are. Delta is reportedly rolling out a similar feature, starting at LAX and LaGuardia Airport.

How nice is it?

Not all airport lounges are the same, said Casey Brogan. Some have more amenities, such as full shower facilities, better seating, more (and better) food.

Griff believes Deltas new Sky Clubs in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and New York City are setting a high bar when it comes to the possibilities for airport lounges.

They have multiple buffets, stylish bars, plenty of seating and bespoke amenities, such as marble-clad shower suites and spacious outdoor decks, he said.

But not every lounge is like that. Because the amenities and overall quality can vary widely, Griff advises doing your research and reading reviews of the lounges next time youre passing through an airport to see if theyre worth a visit.

Ask the host for details and take a peek before booking, added Stephanie Be, a travel blogger and founder of the travel website Buena. Some lounges have cabanas or areas where you can lay flat, while others do not. Some offer showers for the international traveler with a longer layover, while others do not. Food and beverage options vary, too.

How much will access cost you?

If airport lounge access is already included in your credit card (or your travel companions card and they can bring guests), then by all means, take advantage of it. But if youre contemplating paying to enter the lounge, do a personal cost-benefit analysis.

It all comes down to value, said Phil Dengler, co-founder of The Vacationer. Will you have more money in your pocket skipping the lounges altogether, or either buying a lounge membership or signing up for a credit card with an annual fee that offers free lounge access?

Consider how much youd pay for sustenance versus the price to enter the lounge and enjoy the complimentary food and drinks. Think about how much time you have to spend there and if youll be able to take full advantage of the amenities. How often do you fly? And what is your budget looking like in general?

Airport lounges can ... give you a few free snacks and beverages, but if you dont travel often, the cost of buying some snacks and drinks will ultimately be cheaper than paying for a membership if you dont use it often, said budgeting expert Andrea Woroch.

Plus, many major airports offer free Wi-Fi these days, so that perk isnt that exclusive anymore, either, she added. If youre stuck on a long layover and want to escape the crowds, just wander to a different gate that doesnt have a flight taking off soon and you can likely find a quiet corner to unwind.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
American City Business Journals

Two of the Orlando International Airport's busiest airlines continue to duke it out to acquire Miramar-based Spirit Airlines  the latest salvo stating it could result in fewer seats and higher prices. Denver-based Frontier Airlines (Nasdaq: ULCC), in a June 27 letter to Spirit (NYSE: SAVE) stockholders, raised its offer to buy Spirit amid a bidding war with New York-based JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU), sweetening the cash part of its offer by $2 per share to $4.13 per share and increasing the reverse break-up fee by $100 million to $350 million, said a report from Denver Business Journal. The letter takes a shot at JetBlue's intentions if it is successful in acquiring Spirit.
By Caroline Valetkevitch

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Concerns are growing that U.S. corporate earnings are increasingly at risk from dizzying inflation, a strong dollar and rising interest rates, complicating the outlook for investors already reeling from the S&P 500's bear market confirmation earlier this week.

While second-quarter profit growth forecasts have fallen in recent weeks, estimates for the third and fourth quarters and for all of 2022 have held up or risen, according to IBES data from Refinitiv. As of Friday, Wall Street analysts expected S&P 500 earnings to grow by 9.6% in 2022, up from 8.8% at the start of April and from 8.4% on Jan. 1.

Strategists worry those estimates are unlikely to hold up. Many expect more negative outlooks from U.S. companies in the coming weeks and said that guidance will then be reflected in consensus profit growth estimates.

Most S&P 500 companies will report second-quarter earnings after mid-July, and software giant Microsoft and retailer Target have been among the companies issuing dour outlooks in recent weeks.

"Estimates are too high, and you'll see them start to come down as the second-quarter numbers come out and as companies talk about what they're seeing," said Peter Tuz, president of Chase Investment Counsel.

Falling profit expectations could spell more trouble for a market that has been pummeled by worries over how an aggressive Federal Reserve response to surging inflation could hit growth.

The S&P 500 finished Monday more than 20% below its record closing high, confirming the index is in a bear market, according to a commonly used definition. The drop followed stronger-than-expected inflation data last week that ratcheted up expectations for how much the Fed will need to tighten monetary policy in order to tame consumer prices.

The Fed on Wednesday raised rates by 75 basis points, its biggest increase since 1994 and has now increased borrowing costs by a total of 150 basis points this year.

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Worries that corporate profits are wavering could bolster the argument that stocks remain richly valued, even after their sharp decline this year. The S&P 500's forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio stood at 17.1 as of Friday versus 22.1 at the end of December but was still above its long-term average of about 16, Refinitiv data showed.

Challenges facing U.S. companies include a stronger dollar, which was cited by Microsoft when the software-maker cut its fourth-quarter forecast for profit and revenue earlier this month. A stronger greenback typically eats into the profits of companies that have international operations and convert foreign currencies into dollars.

The U.S. currency is up about 9% so far this year and near a two-decade high against a basket of its peers, driven by expectations of higher U.S. rates and heightened geopolitical tensions.

After Microsoft's announcement, investors will be listening for what other software and tech companies like Adobe Inc and IBM have to say about currency issues in upcoming reports, said Daniel Morgan, portfolio manager at Synovus Trust. Adobe is due to release second-quarter results after the bell Thursday.

Also closely watched will be retailers and other consumer discretionary companies, which have struggled under the effects of surging inflation. Shares of Walmart and other big retailers took a hit last week after Target cut its quarterly profit margin forecast and said it would have to offer deeper discounts to clear inventory.

Other challenges include sky-high oil prices and rising interest rates, which have weighed on tech and growth stocks, whose valuations heavily rely on future cash flows. Recent COVID-related lockdowns in China could also take a toll.

"We expect the energy crunch to hit growth and higher labor costs to eat into profits. The problem: Consensus earnings estimates dont appear to reflect this," analysts at Blackrock wrote in a recent note on why they are not "buying the dip" in stocks.

To be sure, while consumer spending is "shifting," it does not seem to be slowing, said Steve DeSanctis, small- and mid-capitalization equity strategist at Jefferies. That may suggest some retailers could benefit from changing consumer habits, even as others feel the pinch.

At the same time, investors may already be pricing in expected hits to earnings given stocks' recent tumble, said Kristina Hooper, chief global market strategist at Invesco.

"The question becomes whether it comes so fast and furious that it really shakes market confidence even further," she said.

(Reporting by Caroline Valetkevitch; Additional reporting by Sinead Carew in New York; Editing by Ira Iosebashvili and Lisa Shumaker)
The constantly changing weather that has kicked off summer is impacting local farmers.

In the last few weeks, the region has seen multiple storms with heavy rain, when farmers are supposed to be planting their seeds.

The rain has either delayed planting altogether or farmers have had to plant in poor conditions.

New plants dont like wet feet, one of the worst things that can happen to a field thats newly planted is to get a whole bunch of rain, Ty Higgins, senior director of communications for Ohio Farm Bureau said.

There is a chance for crops such as corn and soybeans might not get planted for some time to lower the risk of them being washed away.

But rain isnt the only factor working against farmers right now.

>> Area economist: Recession could near as feds raise interest rates

Labor costs are up, fertilizer is at an all-time high due to the war in Ukraine, and the cost of gas continues to rise.

Diesel fuel is one of the most needed products to run a small farm all year round, according to Higgins.

To run one of those tractors a day, last year was about $350 to $400. This year, farmers are paying upwards to $1,000 or more a day for diesel fuel, Higgins said.

This week, farmers have had to battle record-breaking heat  a blessing and a curse.

While the heat is dangerous for workers and livestock, it can help promote the growth of some seeds.

Corn and soybeans need that heat to grow and they need the sun to see their best possible yields as well. It will dry the ground out faster, Higgins said.

To find a local farm or farmers market near you, you can visit the Ohio Department of Agricultures website here.








SANTIAGO, Chile  Argentina has kicked-started the process for procuring four Boeing-made CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters from the U.S., military sources in Buenos Aires have told Defense News.

Aimed at fulfilling a requirement first issued in 2011, the helicopters are intended for Army and Air Force operations, both in tactical transport and special forces support roles, as well as disaster relief and civil support.

The decision first came to light in Resolution No. 75 of the Argentine militarys joint staff, dated June 10, which said the government had authorized the acquisition process begin by requesting the aircraft through the Pentagons Foreign Military Sales program.

According to the military sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity for security reasons, the government had studied the Russian-built Mil Mi-26 but decided against buying the aircraft mainly over its size and maneuver capabilities.

The Argentine Air Force had operated three CH-47s between 1980 and 2000. The Army also received two CH-47s in 1980, both of which deployed to the Falkland Islands in 1982, where one was destroyed and the other one captured by British forces.

The plan to acquire four CH-47s is part of a larger government effort to restore the countrys defense capabilities by using a special fund created in 2020. Known as FONDEF  or National Fund for Defense, in English  the mechanism sets apart $400 million annually for military equipment.

Speaking in front to Argentinas Senate on June 9  the day before the joint staff resolution was signed  Defense Minister Jorge Taiana underlined the important of FONDEF for bolstering military capabilities.

Taiana said FONDEF investments are planned for the short and medium term to acquire new fighter jets, submarines, cyber defense technology, missiles, rockets, radars and drones, among other materiel, per the Directive of National Policy for Defense, signed in 2021 by Argentine President Alberto Fernandez.

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The directive is meant to increase Argentinas military capacities for defensive, deterrent [and] cooperative ... purposes, Taiana said.

The acquisition of a first batch of fighter jets is one of the higher priorities, with the Argentine Air Force evaluating the FC-1/JF-17 Thunder, which is jointly developed and produced by Chinas Chengdu Aerospace Corp. and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex.

The service is also considering secondhand, refurbished Lockheed Martin F-16s, with price and financing options considered key factors in making a decision, the military sources said.
By Sonali Paul

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Sydney residents were urged on Thursday to conserve power in the evening as much as possible to avert blackouts, one day after Australia suspended its spot electricity market due to unscheduled outages at ageing coal-fired utilities.

The Australian Energy Market Operator said it was still too early to say when the market would resume normal operations but added that power capacity reserves had improved in New South Wales.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen told households in the state to save power without sacrificing essentials such as heating.

"We are confident we can avoid blackouts," he said at a televised media conference in Canberra. "If you have a choice about when to run certain items, don't run them from 6 to 8 (p.m.)."

Power crunches are more likely to occur in the evenings when output from solar and wind farms falls and people head home from work and switch on their appliances.

The suspension of the spot electricity market is unprecedented for Australia and marks the latest drastic step to tackle an energy crisis that began in May. Currently more than a quarter of the country's coal-fired capacity has been knocked out.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said energy will be on the agenda at a dinner with state leaders on Thursday and a meeting Friday - their first formal gatherings since the new Labor government was elected in May.

A slew of coal-fired units have gone offline due to scheduled maintenance and unexpected faults, and all efforts are focused on restoring units to normal operations, Bowen said.

Australia's top power producer AGL Energy said on Thursday that one of three crippled units at its Bayswater coal-fired plant in New South Wales would be back online on Thursday and another by Saturday.

EnergyAustralia, owned by CLP Holdings, which lost output from two units at its Yallourn coal-fired plant in Victoria this week, said it had brought one unit back online on Thursday and the other would return to service late next week.

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"Right now we are exploring all options to continue to increase our fuel and generation supply into the electricity market," Managing Director Mark Collette said in a statement.

The company's gas-fired plants have helped bolster power supply, he said, noting its Tallawarra plant in New South Wales had been working at close to 75% of its capacity since the beginning of May compared to its typical run rate of around 20%.

(Reporting by Sonali Paul; Editing by Richard Pullin and Edwina Gibbs)
Russian soldiers guard Melitopol, the main city of the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine, on June 14, 2022 AP

Children born in Ukraine's occupied Zaporizhzhia will be made Russian citizens, authorities said.

The move is part of a longer drive to reshape occupied Ukraine to wipe its Ukrainian identity.

Russia also forced people to use Russian currency and switched the TV signals to Russian ones.

Children born in an occupied part of Ukraine will no longer be considered Ukrainians at birth, authorities there said.

Instead, they will be given Russian citizenship and considered part of the Russian population.

The step is one of a series of measures in place through occupied Ukraine which are removing its national character and treating it instead as part of Russia.

The announcement about citizenship came from officials speaking to Russian state-run news outlet Ria Novosti.

Vladimir Rogov, a member of the Russian-installed administration in Zaporizhzhia, told Ria that the citizenship changed would be retroactive, affecting any babies born since the invasion began on February 24.

Rogov alleged that the move was made because Ukrainian authorities stopped issuing the documents and locals asked Russia to step in. He did not provide evidence for this claim, and it was not possible to verify it.

Ukraine condemned the move to hand out passports as a "flagrant violation," according to the BBC.

The policy for newborns comes alongside efforts to grant Russian citizenship to adults in occupied areas. Passports have been distributed in the occupied cities Kherson and Melitopol

That continued a years-long policy of giving Russian citizenship to Ukrainians in the areas of the Donbas region that have been controlled by pro-Russian separatists since 2014.

Wider efforts to impose a Russian rather than Ukrainian identity on occupied areas have included imposing the Russian ruble as the currency instead of Ukraine's hryvnia, limiting access to Ukrainian websites, and replacing TV broadcasts from Ukrainian channels to Russian ones.

Teachers have been brought in from Russia to teach the Russian curriculum in schools in Kherson, according to the UK government, and children have been prohibited from speaking Ukrainian in schools in Mariupol, according to the advisor to the city's mayor before Russia took over.

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Rogov told Russia's TASS news agency that a referendum would soon be held in Zaporizhzhia to decide whether the region should formally become part of Russia.

A similar referendum was held in Crimea after Russia annexed it in 2014. Its result  97% in favor of joining Russia  was rejected by Ukraine, its allies, and the United Nations General Assembly as illegitimate.

The Atlantic Council  a think tank  said earlier this year that turning Ukrainians into Russian citizens was a deliberate strategy by Russia to give itself a rationale for occupation: the need to defend its new citizens.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Abbott Nutrition, a Michigan baby formula factory whose temporary shuttering contributed to the formula shortage, has once again closed, this time due to inclement weather.

MLive reports that the factory suspended production on its EleCare specialty formulas, but noted that there is enough supply to meet current demand.

The company ramped up production of the formula for infants with severe food allergies and digestive problems prior to the second shut down.

The factory was damaged and needs re-sanitizing following severe thunderstorms and heavy rains that moved through Michigan on Monday. The company did not specify the extent of the damage to the facility.

Severe thunderstorms and heavy rains came through southwestern Michigan on Monday evening, resulting in high winds, hail, power outages and flood damage throughout the area, Abbott said in a statement Wednesday night. These torrential storms produced significant rainfall in a short period of time  overwhelming the citys stormwater system in Sturgis, Mich., and resulting in flooding in parts of the city, including areas of our plant."

US Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr Robert Califf said in a tweet that the agency would be working alongside Abbott to get the facility back up and producing as soon as possible.

We know Abbott is working quickly to assess the damage and will be reporting its progress to us in the days ahead. Once the company establishes a plan, FDA will be back in the facility working to ensure that they can restart producing safe and quality formula products quickly, he wrote.

Abbott restarted production at the factory on 4 June after contamination issues forced it to close back in February, which ultimately was a major factor in the formula shortage plaguing the nation.

In February, the Food and Drug Administration launched an investigation into four bacterial infections that affected infants who consumed the factory's powdered formulas. Two of those babies died, which resulted in the closure.

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The company has insisted that its products were not directly related to the infections.

FDA inspectors ultimately found numerous violations at the plant, including bacterial contamination, leaks in the roof, and insufficient safety protocols.

Following the inquiry, Abbot recalled several of its leading brands, including Similac.

The company has not said when its facility would re-open.

As a result, Abbott has stopped production of its EleCare specialty formula that was underway to assess damage caused by the storm and clean and re-sanitize the plant," the company said. "We have informed FDA and will conduct comprehensive testing in conjunction with the independent third party to ensure the plant is safe to resume production. This will likely delay production and distribution of new product for a few weeks.
A resale and consignment store in the Highlands neighborhood was shot into Wednesday afternoon, according to Louisville Metro Police.

LMPD officers responded to Encore Resale in the 1000 block of Bardstown Road about 1:30 p.m. Upon arrival, they were told multiple shots were fired into the business.

LMPD spokesperson Angela Ingram said Thursday afternoon that according to the department's investigation, the suspect "appears to suffer from a level of mental illness." Police are working to secure a warrant for that individual's arrest, Ingram said.

Ingram said the shooter also shot a person in a neighboring apartment after shooting into the business. The suspect knew both people who were targeted, she said.

The boutique specializes in designer and fine quality men's clothing, shoes and accessories typically sold for a third of what you'd spend in a retail store.

No customers were in the building at the time of the shooting, but the owner was inside, who did not suffer any injuries, according to LMPD.

A call to the business was not immediately returned.

A violent Louisville weekend: 4 homicides in 3 days and multiple shootings reported

Contact reporter Krista Johnson at kjohnson3@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Encore Resale building shot at Wednesday with owner inside
BEIJING (Reuters) -The city of Beijing on Thursday declared an initial victory in its latest battle with COVID-19 after testing millions of people and quarantining thousands in the past week to stem an outbreak prolonged by a sudden wave of cases linked to a bar.

The flare-up at the popular Heaven Supermarket Bar known for its cheap liquor and rowdy nights emerged just days after the Chinese capital started to lift widespread curbs. Restrictions had been in place for around a month in Beijing to tackle a broader outbreak that began in late April.

The surge since June 9 is very modest by global standards, with a total of 351 cases found so far, but reflects how challenging it is, with the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant, for China to make a success out of its strategy of stamping out each cluster of cases as soon as it materialises.

"After eight days of hard fighting and the concerted efforts of Beijing residents in the battle, the swift and decisive measures have shown their effect," Beijing city government spokesperson Xu Hejian said.

"The Heaven Supermarket bar outbreak is easing, but the possibility of hidden infections in communities still exists," Xu told a news briefing.

Beijing authorities have launched criminal probes into individuals who ventured out during their at-home isolation period and later tested positive. They have suspended businesses that failed to properly implement COVID prevention rules, and vowed to tighten inspection of various businesses, which have been told to check their clients and customers' body temperature and digital health credentials.

An easing in the flare-up in infections that started late last week would be a boon to Beijing's residents and economy. The broader outbreak, lasting more than 50 days and counting, has disrupted the city's commerce and industry and bruised retail spending.

Beijing's return to a more regular COVID prevention regime - regular testing by individuals and targeted lockdowns of affected buildings rather than days of mass testing and restrictions on movement in entire districts - would calm worries of a more severe disruption, as seen during Shanghai's lockdown.

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Shanghai's descent into a two-month hard lockdown, finally lifted on June 1, and Beijing's tough COVID curbs, in addition to varying degrees of restrictions imposed by tens of Chinese cities, have unnerved global markets and stoked fears of supply chain disruptions arising from China.

Official data on Wednesday suggested activity in the world's second-largest economy is beginning to pick up again in some sectors after widespread lockdowns in April and May.

But most private economists believe China's economy contracted in April-June, after growing 4.8% in the first three months.

(Reporting by Ryan Woo, Roxanne Liu and Beijing Newsroom;Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky and Frances Kerry)
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis has accepted a request by a Belgian bishop to not be made a cardinal because it might hurt the feelings of victims of sexual abuse, the Belgian bishops conference said on Thursday.

The conference said the pope's decision to name Luc Van Looy, the bishop emeritus of Ghent, a cardinal had received "many positive reactions" but also criticism that as bishop of Ghent "he did not always react vigorously enough against abuses".

"In order to prevent victims of such abuses from being hurt again as a result of his cardinalate, Bishop Van Looy asked the Pope to dispense with his acceptance of the appointment. Pope Francis agreed to his request," the statement said.

Van Looy is 80 and thus would not be eligible to enter a conclave to elect the next pope after Francis dies or resigns. The position of cardinal for him is mostly honorific.

Francis announced last month he would appoint 21 new cardinals, including 16 under the age of 80.

(Reporting by Philip Pullella, editing by Deepa Babington)
STORY: "The president's going to Saudi for the GCC, the GCC plus three. To be honest, it's nine states in the region. There's a big agenda there, Caitlin, on the Gulf Cooperation Council. It's counterterrorism. It's climate change. Certainly it's oil production obviously is going to be on the agenda," Kirby said.

U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia have been under strain since the 2018 murder and dismemberment of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by a team of Saudi operatives in the kingdoms consulate in Istanbul.

Biden had refused to deal directly with Prince Mohammed bin Salman following a U.S. intelligence report implicating him in the killing. The Saudi government denied any involvement by the prince, saying the murder was a heinous crime by a rogue group.

But Washington's desire to improve ties with Gulf monarchies has become more urgent following Russia's Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, which highlighted the relevance of Gulf oil producers as Europe looks to cut its energy dependence on Russia.

"He will have a bilateral meeting with King Salman and King Salman's leadership team. And the crown prince is on that leadership team. So you can expect that he'll see the crown prince," Kirby told the press conference.

Biden's July 15-16 visit to the kingdom, where he is also due to attend a summit of Arab leaders, ends his campaign pledge to make the kingdom a pariah as he struggles to combat high U.S. gasoline prices and build a united international front to isolate Russia.
At a Pride Month event at the White House Wednesday, President Biden targeted Republican states  specifically Florida and Texas  for allegedly homophobic legislation, as he unveiled an executive order to combat such laws.

"I don't have to tell you about the ultra-MAGA agenda attacking families and our freedoms. Three-hundred discriminatory bills introduced in states across this country," Biden said. "In Texas, knocking on front doors to harass and investigate parents who are raising transgender children. In Florida, going after Mickey Mouse, for God's sake."

Biden's remarks came after the White House announced the president will sign an executive order to fight state legislation that it views as homophobic and to support conversion therapy, "LGBTQI+ families" and more.

WHERE BIDEN WENT WRONG ON BABY FORMULA SHORTAGE: GOP LAWMAKER

According to the White House, one provision will instruct the Department of Education to address "the impacts of state laws that target LGBTQI+ students."

The Education Department will also be charged "with releasing a sample school policy for achieving full inclusion for LGBTQI+ students."

That part of the executive order is likely in reaction to a Florida law that banned lessons on sexual identity and gender orientation for students in third grade and younger. Liberal opponents of the bill branded it the "don't say gay" bill.

A gay Miami teenager targeted Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for a new law in Florida banning lessons on gender identity and sexuality for children in third grade and younger. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

BIDEN ANNOUNCES $1.2B IN ADDITIONAL UKRAINE AID

Javier Gomez, a gay teen who just graduated from high school in Miami, Fla., spoke at the White House event, detailing his coming out process. He said his openly gay 5th-grade teacher's guidance helped make that process easier for him. But, Gomez said, "hateful" GOP legislation recently passed in Florida may make that harder for other gay children.

"I fear other students in Florida and across the country will not be able to get the same support because of hateful legislation like the don't say gay bill," he said. "But my presence here is a testament that we are fighting back."

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Biden also touted efforts to diversify his administration and fight discrimination more broadly.

President Joe Biden spoke to a White House Pride Month event Wednesday. June 02, 2022 in Washington, DC. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

"I think we have more LGBTQ+ people than any administration or every administration combined," Biden said. "A record number of out and proud appointees at every single level of our government."

CONSERVATIVES BLAST BIDEN'S BLATANT INTIMIDATION ATTEMPT TO PUSH HIS LGBTQ AGENDA

Biden also directed a message toward young people.

"My message to all the young people: Just be you," Biden said. "You are loved. You are heard. You are understood. You do belong."

Brock Juarez, a spokesman for Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration, called Biden's rhetoric on the issue "ironic."

"Its ironic that the Biden administration continues to claim their policies only support affirming care while simultaneously defending and promoting permanent, harmful, and irreversible sex-change operations for children," Juarez told Fox News Digital. "We have remained consistent that in Florida we must protect children and parental rights, and our Medicaid program should not be paying for medical experiments."

"The Agency For Health Care Administration recently released a report that found several services for the treatment of gender dysphoria promoted by the Federal Government  i.e., sex reassignment surgery, cross-sex hormones, and puberty blockers  are not consistent with widely accepted professional medical standards and are experimental and investigational with the potential for harmful long term affects," Juarez added. "The Biden Administration was found to be using low-quality studies to affirm the guidance they released."

Jessica Anderson, executive director at Heritage Action for America, told Fox News Digital that Biden's move amounts to using children "for an experimental woke agenda."

"The Biden Administration needs to wake up and learn that it is not acceptable to use children for an experimental woke agenda," Anderson said. "By pushing to expand access to dangerous cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers for minors without parental consent, Bidens Executive Order threatens the physical and mental health  and futures  of our nations children. Its also an unprecedented power grab, using the stroke of a pen to bully governors and parents who are simply trying to protect kids in their state."

"Just as we saw with COVID lockdowns and mandates, the Left is again using dangerously misleading or deeply flawed science to justify their political agenda," Anderson argued. She cited a new Heritage Foundation study warning that cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers "have only been widely available for transgenderism for less than a decade, and have not been proven to improve health or reduce suicide risk."

"To call the drugs life-saving health care is a lie, and to try to cut parents out of lifelong medical decisions for their children is completely reckless," Anderson argued. "In fact, as the Heritage study found, expanding access to gender-affirming hormones can potentially put our nations youth at risk for severe mental health problems and suicide."
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan held a meet-up for London-based Black founders. Photo: Ben Broomfield

26 UK-based startups led by black entrepreneurs have secured $100,000 (82,000) each from Google (GOOG) as the search giant pushes for diversity in tech.

The $4m Black Founders Fund was created to tackle racial inequality in venture capital funding and helps founders scale their startups.

Fund will award $100,000 to each of the start-ups along with mentorship and non-financial support.

A total of 40 black-led tech startups based across the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Sweden, Spain and the Netherlands were selected.

UK startups on the list include fashion tech company Sojo UK, artificial intelligence beauty company YutyBazar, the fintech start up Goodloans, and an on-demand business school called Framework.

Josephine Philips, founder and CEO of Sojo, told Yahoo Finance UK that black entrepreneurs face different obstacles when trying to secure funding.

If you dont look like a Mark Zuckerberg or a Bill Gates, there is this genuine barrier for investors to visualise that you are an entrepreneur that is going to build a unicorn, she said.

Read more: UK tech overtakes China with 12.4bn in startup investment

The intersection of being a woman, or the intersection of being black or the intersection of being young, or the intersection of being a solo founder, all of those things combine in peoples minds to just thinking youre not the archetype of what succeeds and that barrier has to be overcome, she added.

Sojo is a fashion tech startup that connects customers to local seamster businesses through its app and bicycle delivery services so that clients can get their clothes fixed or fitted with a few clicks. As the UKs first clothing alterations and repairs app, it aims to help make fashion circular.

Simi Lindgren, founder of YutyBazar, told Yahoo Finance UK that black women secure less than 1% of the overall funding.

When I was pitching, I didnt speak to many black venture capital [investors], What I found was that even though theres less than 2% of funding that goes to women, it is even a smaller amount  like 0.02%  that goes to black women.

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YutyBazar is an AI-driven beauty marketplace that helps conscious beauty shoppers find the right haircare, skincare and cosmetic products based on their lifestyle, environment, and preferences.

The Black Founders fund was first launched last year with $2m to support Black entrepreneurs who are disproportionately locked out of access to capital. The funding has now been doubled to $4m.

Prior to the funds launch, less than 0.25% of venture capital funding went to Black-led startups in the UK.

Marta Krupinska, head of Google for Startups UK, said the fund has been able to debunk the myth of the pipeline problem.

Read more: UK fintech 32bn revenue opportunity, says CBI boss

Ultimately the goal is to change that mental model of what a founder looks like so that we dont just think: Elon Musk, she told Yahoo Finance UK.

Quite often we hear say were not investing in Black founders because theres a pipeline problem. But last year we had almost 800 applications and this year we had another 700 applications from 18 countries. There is a wealth of talent out there if you actually care to look, she added.

The startups selected in 2021 have raised an additional $81m in follow-up funding and increased their headcount by 121%.

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan held a meet-up for the London-based founders, as part of London Tech Week.

Let me be frank: people from your ethnicity havent in the past had a helping hand  notwithstanding the great ideas and hard work  to access those who can help you accelerate. If we can help you, there is plenty of cake and people like us dont get enough of it, he said.

The government has also urged tech companies based in the UK to do more to give opportunities to those from different backgrounds.

Watch: UK tech sector enjoys record year after start-ups attract more capital than ever before
Katie Britt has a double-digit lead over Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) in Alabamas GOP Senate runoff, according to an Emerson College/The Hill poll released Thursday.

Britt enjoys the support of just under 50 percent of very likely runoff voters in the poll, while Brooks has roughly 34 percent support. Another 17 percent of very likely voters are undecided.

Of the undecided voters, 57 percent lean toward Britt, a former top aide to retiring Sen. Richard Shelby (R), whose seat she is trying to fill. Forty-three percent lean toward Brooks, a hardline, six-term House lawmaker.

Neither got more than 50 percent of the vote in last months primary, leading to the June 21 runoff.

Britt led that race with just under 45 percent of the vote, followed by Brooks with just over 29 percent of the vote. Former Army helicopter pilot Mike Durant took over 23 percent of the vote.

The race has morphed into an ugly battle between Britt and Brooks and a proxy battle over former President Trumps sway.

Britt has cast herself as a strong conservative who will bring home the bacon in Washington a tacit knock at Brooks hardline reputation  while beating back attacks over her support from Shelby and a group aligned with Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.).

Brooks, meanwhile, has cast Britt as an establishment figure over that support, arguing that hes the only true Republican in the contest.

Trump has also grabbed the spotlight in the race.

He endorsed Brooks last year, then rescinded that support earlier this year over claims Brooks once made at a rally saying GOP voters should move on from the 2020 election  a remark that Trump took as a slight against his unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud.

Trump endorsed Britt last week, a reversal from last July when he dubbed her the assistant to the RINO Senator from Alabama, close friend of Old Crow Mitch McConnell, Richard Shelby.

Katie Strongly Supports our under siege Second Amendment, Stands Up for Parental Rights, and Will Fight for our Military, our Vets, and Election Integrity. Above all, Katie Britt will never let you down, Trump said last week.

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Trumps support could play an influential role in the runoff, with 40 percent of likely runoff voters saying his backing would make them more likely to vote for a candidate. Forty-five percent said it would make no difference, and 16 percent said it would make them less likely to support someone.

The Emerson College/The Hill poll surveyed 1,000 very likely GOP runoff voters from June 12-13 and has a margin of error of 3 percentage points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A music venue in Brooklyn on Wednesday canceled a sold-out show featuring John Hinckley Jr., who was released from court oversight earlier in the day, more than 40 years after attempting to assassinate former President Ronald Reagan.

After a lot of serious consideration, we are cancelling the scheduled event at Market Hotel with John Hinckley, the venue announced in a social media post on Wednesday.

There was a time when a place could host a thing like this, maybe a little offensive, and the reaction would be its just a guy playing a show, who does it hurt  its a free country,' the venue added. We arent living in that kind of free country anymore, for better or for worse.

It added that Hinckleys tour also sends a message that mental health issues and a criminal past can be recovered from and atoned for, after serving ones debt to society and getting real treatment.

Make no mistake: canceling this concert will not deter future assassins and will have no effect on mass shootings, and it certainly wont reverse the awfulness of what Hinckley did 40 years, it went on to say.

It added that the decision came after being presented with and reflecting on some very real and worsening threats and hate facing our vulnerable communities.

The now 67-year-old Hinckley posted on Twitter Wednesday after his release, saying after 41 years 2 months and 15 days, FREEDOM AT LAST!!!

Following the assassination attempt, Hinckley had been supervised in a mental health hospital for decades.

He was previously acquitted of charges in 1982 by reason of insanity after he shot and injured Reagan outside a Washington hotel. He was 25 and had acute psychosis at the time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
After publishing a sweeping historical account linking Black oppression from the slavery era to systemic racism today, the California Reparations Task Force now faces its most challenging task: figuring out the structure and the cost of a reparations plan for descendants of enslaved people.

In a nearly 500-page interim report, the task force laid out a detailed history of slavery, Jim Crow segregation and continuing discrimination and how that created structural racism that persists, as evidenced in the huge wealth gap between Black and white Americans.

The panel and its report were to be recognized Thursday when the California Legislature memorializes Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans. Meanwhile, across the country in Washington, D.C., a coalition of civil and human rights groups will hold a Juneteenth press conference to call on President Joe Biden to issue an executive order to develop reparations proposals.

Financial reparations, along with an apology, would acknowledge an oppressive history and show an effort to atone, necessary elements for reconciliation, said California state Sen. Steven Bradford, a member of the task force.

"It will never make people whole who are the descendants of slaves, but understanding that America and California does owe a debt to African Americans" is significant, he said. "There is a debt still owed to African Americans who built this country."

More: 'Horrors and harms': California says slavery legacy requires 'comprehensive reparations'

People line up to speak during an April California Reparations Task Force meeting at Third Baptist Church in San Francisco. The panel released an interim report in early June detailing the historical oppression of Black people in the U.S. and California and will now work to develop a reparations plan for the nation's largest state.

The panel has received praise for its extensive historical report, but faces hurdles going forward, from opposition nationally to reparations to the complexity of logistics: Who is eligible? How will money be distributed? How much will the plan cost?

All eyes on California

California, whose task force was established by the Legislature and governor, is the first state to explore a reparations program but it is not the country's first experience with reparations.

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In 1988, under the Civil Liberties Act, the federal government approved a formal apology and a payment of $20,000 to more than 80,000 Japanese Americans who were incarcerated in internment camps during World War II.

In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives apologized for slavery and Jim Crow and the next year the Senate also apologized. Neither body included reparations and the Senate action, which received a mixed reaction, featured a disclaimer saying nothing in the resolution authorized or supported any claim against the United States.

In recent years, individual cities, including Evanston, Illinois, and Asheville, North Carolina, have approved reparations plans, with the money focusing on such areas as housing grants and business and career support for Black residents and not direct payments. Last year, Detroit voters approved establishing a reparations commission by a wide margin, Greenbelt, Maryland, created a study commission; and Amherst, Massachusetts, started a reparations fund.

Other countries have established reparations programs, such as Germany's payments to Holocaust survivors.

Still, a first-in-the-nation state task force considering reparations for Black Americans in the nation's largest state is being closely examined by those considering reparations plans in cities, states and in Congress, where a bill to establish a reparations study commission has been introduced since 1989, achieving passage by the House Judiciary Committee for the first time last year.

"I hope and believe (the California report) can serve as a kind of booster shot to the national reparations effort, because (it) is making the case for the need for reparations, starting with laying out the multi-fold harms that have been done," said Cheryl Grills, a psychology professor and task force member.

More: Will California become the first state to pay Black people reparations?

Reparations supporters say a national program is the ultimate goal but there is some disagreement over state and city efforts. Advocates of local reparations programs say they provide more immediate help and build momentum toward a national program, but others say they divert from establishing a true reparations program for the nation, which is ultimately responsible for slavery.

The federal government is the only government entity that could afford the cost of reparations, said Thomas Craemer, a University of Connecticut political psychologist who focuses on reparations. In a 2020 paper, he and other experts estimated the cost of slavery and discrimination to Black descendants as anywhere from $12 trillion to nearly $20 trillion.

Even before getting into the financial complexities, the task force already has done a service by detailing slavery and discrimination and the role of Black Americans over the centuries, topics that often have been ignored or whitewashed, said Craemer, who is among a group of experts advising the California panel. The report offers extensive details about the deep history of racial discrimination in California, which entered the Union in 1850 as a free state.

"The fact that this history is being unearthed is a clear benefit of the reparations discussion," he said.

Reparations: Majority opposes but support grows

A national majority opposes reparations, the word leading to a visceral reaction by some. Black Americans strongly support while white Americans lean heavily against, according to polling organizations. However, percentages vary, with opposition strongest to direct cash payments but less so when reparations take other forms, such as educational aid.

At the same time, support for reparations in the form of cash payments to the descendants of enslaved people has grown over the years. A 2002 Gallup Poll recorded 14% support, with that number jumping to 29% in a 2019 Gallup survey. A December 2021 University of Massachusetts-Amherst poll found 38% in favor. In that UMass poll, 43% of respondents supported providing educational and housing aid, with 52% backing an apology. Support for reparations also is higher among younger adults.

Then-California Assembly Member Shirley Weber authored legislation creating a first-in-the-nation task force to study and propose a reparations system for Black Americans after centuries of discrimination. Weber is now California's secretary of state.

After studying 33 surveys conducted between 1997 and 2021, Craemer projects that a majority will support cash reparations by the 2040s if trends continue at the current rate.

The top reason cited by opponents in the most recent UMass poll is that present-day recipients aren't deserving of cash reparations designed to make amends for slavery and other past harms, according to Tatishe Nteta, a University of Massachusetts-Amherst associate professor of political science who oversees the school's poll.

"For African Americans, (there's) the belief that the current socioeconomic inequalities and inequities are a reflection in some sense of the continued legacy of the institution of slavery," Nteta said. "Whites don't view the issue in this particular fashion. They're looking at it not in a historical lens primarily. The majority of whites are looking at it in terms of African Americans today have done little to deserve those types of" compensation.

Another argument is that slavery is now too far in the past for reparations payments today. In a recent podcast, writer Coleman Hughes said payments should go to "living victims of any government-sponsored atrocity," including people, such as his grandparents, who grew up under Jim Crow segregation.

"It would make perfect sense to pay them reparations for having grown up in an apartheid system that we now look back on in horror. To give someone like me reparations for being six generations removed from slaves, that makes no sense," Hughes said.

Slavery and other past transgressions do connect to present-day inequality, argued Bradford, who also expects the reparations effort will face "pushback" from those fighting against a more detailed teaching of the nation's troubling racial history.

"There's going to be plenty of folks on that side of the line who say, 'We don't need to be talking about this. That was so long ago. Forget about it,' " he said."(But) I hope we're at a point where we realize that many of the benefits that most Americans are able to enjoy are because of the sacrifice and suffering and abuse (resulting from) slavery."

Some opponents argue that reparations would be too expensive and too difficult to implement, but task force member Grills said such objections are revealing when the program's cost isn't even known.

More: Reparations call is a moral reckoning white Americans can no longer delay

In September 2020, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill creating a task force to study and create a plan to provide reparations to Black Californians. The task force issued an interim report on June 1, 2022. A final report, which will include details of a proposed reparations program is due in 2023.

Michael Tanner, senior fellow at the libertarian Cato Institute, said there is a "very strong" case for reparations based on "400 years of mistreating African American citizens" and the history detailed in the task force's report is enlightening.

However, he said direct payments could raise taxes and reduce jobs, causing more harm than good, and that determining who is eligible would be difficult. He favors programs designed to improve housing and education opportunities, such as the elimination of exclusionary zoning, an increase in school choice options and criminal justice reform. The task force report makes recommendations in those areas and others.

Benefits of past reparations

The panel has received praise for its report, including an endorsement from the Japanese American Bar Association (JABA), a legal group that includes descendants of Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during World War II.

The reparation process offers benefits, said JABA President Staci Tomita, whose four grandparents were incarcerated during the war.

The effect "was largely a restoration of dignity, humanity and respect," she said. "There was a sense of relief for the community that  the grave injustice against Japanese Americans had been acknowledged by the government, not just with words but with something to back that," even if the financial piece couldn't make up for what had been lost.

Don Tamaki, who worked to achieve Japanese American reparations in the 1980s and is the one non-Black member of the California panel, said the financial aspect is important but it isn't the only reason for reparations.

"What we found in the Japanese American effort and I think this is true for Black Americans as well, is that unpacking this erased history that even the victims of it and their families had no idea how bad, severe and wrong it was, is healing," he said, while acknowledging the details, size and length of discrimination and oppression differ greatly in the two cases.

What's next for the California task force?

Halfway through its two-year term, the California panel will collect more public comments via listening sessions and surveys, including a statewide random sample outreach, as it gets down to the challenge of deciding on a workable reparations program to recommend to the Legislature and governor.

It already made a difficult choice, voting 5-4 earlier this year to limit reparations benefits to descendants of people who were enslaved or free in the United States during the 1800s. Critics of the narrower approach say it puts the onus on individuals to prove lineage, often a difficult task, and excludes other Black people who experience discrimination today.

Task force members interviewed said the price of a state reparations program remains to be determined, although Bradford estimated it would cost less than 1% of California's budget, which is slightly more than $300 billion in the plan being considered for the upcoming fiscal year. The state has a nearly $100 billion surplus, with half available for discretionary use.

Cato's Tanner said he doubted California's legislature would approve an expensive program. Task force member Grills maintains a glass-half-full approach, hoping that a combination of "facts and compassion" will lead to a California reparations program.

"My ancestors had to act as if one day this country would come to its senses and be guided by virtues and morals and values and stop the carnage of Black life," she said. "I have to believe that once again, like my ancestors, people will come to the right decision."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: In California, reparations for Black people could shape federal debate
The Casper Original is just one of several Casper mattresses you can score on sale during Amazon Prime Day 2021.

 Recommendations are independently chosen by Revieweds editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.

Casper is one of those brands that everyone seems to know about. Whether you heard about it through a podcast sponsorship or internet ad, the effect is the same: You're aware of it. While it's not the cheapest mattress brand, many of its beds are on sale for Prime Day 2021, including the Casper Originalan all-foam option that's the company's most popular mattress.

Get expert shopping advice delivered to your phone. Sign up for text message alerts from the deal-hunting nerds at Reviewed.

Casper's Original mattress is available for a steep discount during the mattress company's sale. You can score it for $506 to $1,100.75, saving $89 to $194.25. The Original isn't our tester's favorite mattressshe found it was too squishy and didn't provide sufficient support for her preferenceshowever Reviewed's editor in chief has had a Casper for years and continues to love it. All that's to say: For some, Casper's mattresses are a dream come true.

Though one of the brand's other options, the Casper Element, is out of stock on the Casper site, you can still purchase it at a discounted price on Amazon during Prime Day. The Element is the brand's already affordable all-foam option that's even cheaper during the sale. It's regularly $395 to $795. During Prime Day, the prices range from $316 for a twin to $636 for a king, saving you anywhere from $79 to $159.

One of the brand's higher end offerings, the Casper Hybrid, is available at a Prime Day discount as well. You can score the mattress in a twin size for $556, saving $139, or a queen for $1,036, saving $259. You can also save nearly $300 on a king or California King, which ring up at $1,196.

Regardless of how much you want to spend or save on a mattress, there are options during Amazon's massive annual sale. If you're not a prime member, don't fretyou can sign up for a free 30-day trial to enjoy all the perks offered today and tomorrow.

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

This article originally appeared on Reviewed: Prime Day 2021: Get a brand new Casper mattress for 30% off
The victims of the attack of the occupiers in Sumy Oblast were four people and six others were wounded

Read also: Three civilians die in landmine explosion, one killed in airstrike in Sumy Oblast

According to the official, the Sadivska regional territorial community came under enemy shelling.

Zhyvytskyi said that he would disclose the details about the destruction and damage later.

Read also: Border areas in Ukraine's Sumy Oblast come under drone attack, says governor

The governor added that at about 5 a.m., the invaders had launched a single missile strike on the Krasnopillia territorial community. After that, they opened mortar fire from their territory. A total of 26 rounds were recorded.

An outbuilding and a Daewoo Sens car caught fire as a result of the shelling.

Read also: Russian invaders attack Sumy Oblast with artillery and mortars overnight, says governor

Reports of casualties and additional infrastructure damage are being verified.

Help NV continue its work reporting on the Russian invasion
Leaders of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) have urged U.S. politicians to denounce what they described as the "alarming rate" of vandalism against Catholic churches and pro-life pregnancy centers.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York and Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore released a statement Monday noting that attacks and vandalism against Catholic churches have been increasing for the past two years and that they first called on elected officials to condemn such attacks in 2021.

Since the leak of the draft Supreme Court opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, they observed that the attacks have become almost daily and the lives of justices have been threatened.

"This past January, we prayed that all religious communities would be free to worship without fear. Only rarely have the motives been clear; when they were, it was often opposition to the Churchs teachings on life in the womb," the clergymen wrote.

HANDMAID PROTESTER SAYS JUSTICE BARRETT, MOM OF 5 BIOLOGICAL KIDS, DOESN'T KNOW ABOUT FULL-TERM PREGNANCY

Cardinal Timothy Dolan speaks during the traditional Ash Wednesday service, at St. Patrick's Cathedral, in New York, Feb. 17, 2021. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

Dolan, who serves as the chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Religious Liberty, and Lori, the chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Pro-Life Activities, explained that since the leaked Court opinion "charities that support pregnant mothers in need have been firebombed, and pro-life organizations have been attacked almost daily and terrorized, and even the lives of Supreme Court justices have been directly threatened."

"In light of this, we urge our elected officials to take a strong stand against this violence, and our law enforcement authorities to increase their vigilance in protecting those who are in increased danger. We thank those who have already done so, and we encourage them to continue," they added.

AT LEAST 5 PRO-LIFE PREGNANCY CENTERS VANDALIZED WITHIN A WEEK OF SCOTUS OPINION LEAK

PRO-LIFE PREGNANCY CENTER CEO SLAMS DEM SILENCE AFTER ALLEGED FIREBOMBING, CALLS IT A HATE CRIME

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Dolan and Lori also lauded the Catholic Church's "long history of service to those who are most vulnerable, including both mother and child," and said it "remains the largest provider of social services in the United States."

"The Church consistently bears witness in word and deed to the beauty and dignity of every human life," they said. "Above all, each of us must choose the path of peace and open our hearts to the love that God has for his children. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, touch our hearts and make them like your own."

Six weeks ago, Politico published a leaked draft opinion indicating that a majority of the Supreme Court justices supported reversing the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide. A final decision is anticipated later in June.
Liverpool fans were attacked by police at the final (AFP via Getty Images)

The treatment of Liverpool fans by French police at the Champions League final was based on a misconceived link between the Hillsborough disaster and hooliganism, according to a government report on the chaos at the Stade de France.

French deployed riot police and Liverpool fans were attacked with teargas outside the stadium, with the 30-page report admitting the French polices heavy-handed tactics were informed by incorrect stereotypes rather than the behaviour of Liverpool fans at the final.

The report said there were multiple failures of crowd management in Paris and for many Liverpool fans the experience of the final brought back traumatic memories of the Hillsborough disaster, where 97 supporters were killed at the FA Cup semi-final in 1989.

An inquest into the disaster following a long fight from the Hillsborough families for the truth determined that the 97 supporters were unlawfully killed due to gross negligence and that the behaviour of the Liverpool fans did not contribute to the disaster.

The mayor of Liverpool, Steve Rotherham, told the Guardian that the reference to Hillsborough and the link to hooliganism confirms our worst fears that prejudice played a role in police tactics and subsequent attempts from French authorities to blame the chaos on Liverpool fans, while the Hillsborough families have reacted in dismay to the report.

The report stated: Reference to the Hillsborough tragedy in 1989  97 deaths  for which the responsibility of the [police] was pointed out, led however to the drawing up of a firm policing arrangement, to maintain order in riot gear, in order to be able to respond to a risk of collective phenomena of hooliganism and havoc, as had happened in Marseilles on 13 June 2016 during the England-Russia game.

Uefa has launched a review into the final while the French police chief Didier Lallement has conceded his operation at the Stade de France had been a failure. Lallement has also admitted there was no evidence to his initial claim that there were up to 40,000 Liverpool fans without tickets outside the stadium.
A Charlotte delivery service company failed to pay workers thousands of dollars in overtime they were owed, and violated child labor laws, according to federal labor department officials.

Riverstone Logistics LLC owes $34,655 in back wages to 47 workers, a U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division investigation found. The companys headquarters is at 13860 Ballantyne Corporate Place.

The company also was assessed a penalty of $734 for a child labor violation, according to a news release Thursday from the Department of Labor.

Reached Thursday afternoon, Riverstone Logistics CEO Charlie Workmon told The Charlotte Observer the Labor Department is referring to a settlement of differing interpretations of the federal wage and hour laws as applied to our employees.

While we believe we have correctly paid all of our employees and did not violate any laws, Workmon said, in the end, we thought it was in our employees best interest to agree to a financial settlement and change our employee policies moving forward.

Riverstone Logistics violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by misapplying exemptions, paying employees a flat salary instead of an overtime premium for hours over 40 in a work week, according to the Labor Department.

Paying a salary doesnt exclude employers from their legal obligation to pay overtime wages, Wage and Hour Division District Director Richard Blaylock in Raleigh said in a statement.

The wage violations ran from January 2020 through the end of the investigation Sept. 2, 2021, according to the Department of Labor.

Riverstone Logistics has 146 employees companywide, Workman said.

Child labor laws

Investigators also found Riverstone violated child labor laws by allowing a 16-year-old employee to work more than three hours a day when school was in session and more than eight hours a day when school wasnt in session.

The individual referenced is an upper executives daughter who attends a reputable online school and is an A student, Workmon said. She worked with our company for a time as a means to supplement her education with real work experience.

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Federal child labor laws ensure real-world work experience does not come at the expense of the minor-aged workers education and well-being, Blaylock said.

The child labor violations occurred last August, according to the Department of Labor.

The privately-held company debuted in November 2017 with 45 trucks and has grown to over 275 trucks in 23 states, according to Riverstones website. The company offers final-mile delivery services for regional and national retailers in furniture, appliances and electronics industries.
(Bloomberg) -- Chinas top-performing stock fell Thursday after the firm, Everbright Securities Co., warned investors theres little change in the companys business environment to trigger the rally.

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The brokerage firm fell 7.2% to end a nine-day run of gains, during which the stock hit the 10% daily limit in several sessions. Everbright Securities said in an exchange filing that traders should be rational and prudent as the valuation of its stock has risen above the industrys average after the surge. The stock is still up 60% for the month.

Brokerage shares led declines in the benchmark CSI 300 Index, as profit taking took place after days of strong gains. The sector had been getting a boost from an uptick in market sentiment as Chinese stocks extended their recent outperformance against global peers. The CSI 300 Index has climbed near 4% for the month, standing out amid a global selloff.

Financial firms typically rally when the stock market is running strong as trading activity picks up. The turnover for Chinese stocks topped 1 trillion yuan ($149 billion) again on Thursday, making eight out of nine sessions to exceed that level.

A Bloomberg gauge of onshore broker shares fell more than 4%, retreating from a two-month high. The pullback came as gains in the sector started to look excessive, with the 14-day relative strength index on the gauge indicating the shares are at overbought levels.

A number of Chinese brokerages, including Hongta Securities Co. and CSC Financial Co., also fell after jumping by the daily 10% limit earlier this week.

(Updates with Thursdays closing prices.)

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Parents snap photos during the graduation ceremony at Seattle Pacific University on Sunday, June 12, 2022. A group of graduating seniors handed Pride flags to interim President Pete Menjares during the ceremony. Others declined to shake his hand and some told them that he should resign.

Dozens of students at a private Christian university in Washington have drawn nationwide attention to their school and its policies on gay and lesbian employees after a protest during their graduation went viral.

A group of graduating seniors at Seattle Pacific University handed Pride flags to interim President Pete Menjares during Sunday's graduation ceremony. Others simply declined to shake his hand, and some told him that he should resign.

Video of the demonstration spread and has been viewed by millions.

It was just the latest in a slew of student actions over several years aimed at taking down Seattle Pacific's policy banning gay and lesbian employees.

Those efforts are also part of a larger fight playing out at Christian schools across the country, including a class-action lawsuit filed last March challenging a religious exemption to Title IX, which protects students in the U.S. from discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation.

"For the seniors, it felt like doing something very visible on stage was the only appropriate way to go out," said Laur Lugos, who handed Menjares a letter instead of shaking his hand on Sunday.

In the letter, Lugos, 22, urged Menjares to resign, and vowed to "disrupt and dismantle" ideologies and institutions that keep people from Christ.

Recent Seattle Pacific University graduate Laur Lugos says this is the letter she handed to the school's interim president, Pete Menjares, instead of shaking his hand during the graduation ceremony on Sunday, June 12, 2022.

Menjares, through a school spokeswoman, declined to be interviewed.

In a short statement, Menjares said "it was a wonderful day to celebrate with our graduates."

"Those who took the time to give me a flag showed me how they felt and I respect their view," he said.

In a statement late last month, the school's board of trustees said it decided against making changes to policies regarding school employees after "a thorough and prayerful deliberation."

The policy continues to reflect "a traditional view on biblical marriage and sexuality, as an expression of long-held church teaching and biblical interpretation," the statement said.

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In addition to the graduation demonstration, students have been holding a sit-in protest in Menjares' office every day for the past three weeks, and have told the Board of Trustees that they must resign by July 1 or face litigation.

Lugos, who was among those sitting in this week, said students and alumni were considering suing the trustees for breach of fiduciary duty, saying they have hurt the school's reputation.

Students chat during a sit-in of the president's office at Seattle Pacific University. The sit-in is currently in its fourth week and is aimed at reversing the university's policy to not hire employees who are gay.

The larger fight: Lawsuit challenges Title IX religious exemption

Signed into law in 1972, Title IX was designed to provide women with the same access to education and athletics as their male counterparts at publicly funded universities. The Obama administration issued guidance expanding Title IX protections to LGBTQ students in 2010, a move reversed by then-President Donald Trump and restored by President Joe Biden.

The lawsuit challenging the religious exemption, filed by the Portland-based Religious Exemption Accountability Project, argues that it violates rights of due process and equal protection.

Paul Southwick, director of the Religious Exemption Accountability Project, likened the modern fight to religious exemptions cited by schools that once fought racial integration.

Activists had an uphill battle back then but eventually prevailed.

"None of those bans are around anymore," Southwick said. "Somebody had to fight, somebody had to agitate and there were losses along the way but eventually justice and equality were able to prevail."

Students work on their laptops during a sit-in of the president's office at Seattle Pacific University. The sit-in is currently in its fourth week and is aimed at reversing the university's policy to not hire employees who are gay.

He commended the student efforts at Seattle Pacific as "brave and bold."

"Social movements like this, they will not be as powerful or legitimate if they solely come from outside forces," he said. "Where the power and legitimacy comes from is when the movement is from within."

Other examples include students at Utah's Brigham Young University holding an unofficial Pride march last June, and students protesting at California's Fresno Pacific University for denying a Pride club earlier this year.

Jay Fratt, whose stepson graduated from Seattle Pacific on Sunday, said he and other parents weren't sure what was going on when some students weren't shaking Menjares' hand and others were handing him Pride flags.

"My whole family was trying to figure out what was going on because it was a bit of a bizarre situation," he said. "It seemed that the students knew what was going on, but most of the crowd were just waiting for their childs name to be called."

But after learning what the students were demonstrating about, Fratt said they have a good point and questions the university's policy, which he said he didn't know about until this week.

"It does paint Seattle Pacific University in an extreme light  which, we didnt go to that school for reasons of conservatism in that brand," he said. "It was just a good school."

Lugos said she was also attracted to the quality of the school and its music therapy program, and was encouraged to see the university tout diversity before she enrolled.

"I came from an incredibly loving, accepting and also just a kind of other Christian environment," she said. "And so to step into a predominantly white evangelical, homophobic culture was a shock to me."

A student works during a sit-in of the president's office at Seattle Pacific University. The sit-in is currently in its fourth week and is aimed at reversing the university's policy to not hire employees who are gay.

As Lugos and her fellow students have been fighting the university's policies, she said they've experienced pushback from other students, including some who've encouraged them to leave the school, and one incident in which a man delivered a homophobic book to her and fellow student leaders and made a comment she considered threatening.

She said such responses only make the mission clearer.

"I hope that our efforts push through so that we can like actually become a loving and inclusive environment," she said.

Southwick said his group will continue to fight religious exemptions and file Title IX complaints against schools discriminating against its students.

"A lot of these kids grow up in homeschooled, fundamentalist, rural communities," he said. "They don't know anything but what they are told by their fundamentalist ministers and families, and that doesn't make them any less gay. Someone needs to pierce that bubble and tell them, 'You do not need to hate yourself. God loves you. We love you.'"

More Pride coverage from USATODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LGBTQ-rights protest at Seattle Pacific graduation targets president
BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia presidential candidate Rodolfo Hernandez, an eccentric construction magnate, said on Wednesday he will respect the results of Sunday's vote whether he wins or loses to leftist rival Gustavo Petro.

Colombians go to the polls to choose between Petro, who has vowed profound social and economic change, and Hernandez, who has vowed to tackle corruption despite a pending corruption investigation against himself, the accusations of which he denies.

"Win or lose, I will accept the result without hesitation," the septuagenarian said via social media, reiterating his confidence in electoral officials.

Petro has previously expressed concerns of possible fraud in the electoral process, while electoral authorities have vowed that voting will be transparent.

Opinion polls ahead of the June 19 runoff between former guerrilla Petro, 62, and construction businessman Hernandez showed they were technically tied.

(Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta; Writing by Oliver Griffin and Stephen Coates)
Three years ago, Mayor John Cooper appointed a Policing Commission to make recommendations as to how to proceed with criminal justice issues in Nashville.

Two committees on that commission came back with different ways to respond to mental health crisis response situations:

A police officer and mental health worker respond in a police car. An E.M.T. and a mental health crisis worker respond in a van.

A decision was made to opt for number one. The police chief and Mental Health CoOp pushed for this option.

Certain community representatives wished to see no police involvement in these calls unless summoned by the team on the scene.

This discussion on how best to respond to mental health crisis response calls has continued as community support has grown for a non-law enforcement response.

Hear from Tennessee's Black voices: Get the weekly newsletter for powerful and critical thinking columns.

How non-law enforcement approaches work

The national model for this approach is CAHOOTS, which has been in operation for thirty two years in Eugene, Oregon. A CAHOOTS representative spoke virtually to Nashvillians on February 3rd on a program organized by Nashville Organized for Action and Hope (NOAH).

In 32 years of operation, no CAHOOTS team member has been harmed. (From 24,000 calls they needed police to assist only 175 times). They realize that frequently people on the streets suffering mental health crisis may have a knife, or what we have recently witnessed in Nashville, a box cutter.

The CAHOOTS mobile response unit responds to a call with Eugene Police Department. CAHOOTS helps people having mental health and other types of crises, often with minimal or no police involvement.

The mental health crisis worker deescalates the situation by calling the person by first name and engaging in a conversation. There is no attempt to disempower the individual, to deprive the person of her liberty or rights.

This response builds a dynamic of trust and communication, not force.

The Nashville model of CAHOOTS is HEALSHealth Engagement and Liaison Support. If funded, it would consist of an EMT and crisis intervention worker responding to crisis calls in a white van clearly marked HEALS.

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Their uniform is also marked with HEALS. They are connected by radio to the police if a need for law enforcement arises.

The Crisis Response Center in Nashville provides beds for people in a mental health crisis that are awaiting placement in a psychiatric facility or hospital.

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HEALS is the model Nashville needs

The HEALS model came before Metro council last year and received 17 votes. Since that time we have observed the tragedy of Landon Eastep, a mentally ill man off his meds, who was responded to with force and shot to death.

If HEALS had been available for Mr. Eastep, a crisis intervention worker could have intervened and talked to him, determined he was off his meds and assisted him in obtaining them.

Once again the community has rallied behind the HEALS model and is asking Metro council to fund a non-law enforcement response to mental health crisis. At this point, the question is: why not HEALS?

Joseph B. Ingle is a member of the NOAH Criminal Justice Task Force

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: HEALS is the mental health crisis response model Nashville needs
The Daily Beast

Ukrainian State Emergency Service / Handout/Anadolu Agency via GettyRussia fired a series of rockets at a shopping center in Kremenchuk, Ukraine, on Monday, raising fears that Russia is stepping up its attacks on civilian structures regardless of the loss of life.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday there were more than a thousand civilians inside the shopping mall and the casualties to come might bring even more shock and horror to Ukrainian people already confronting so much deat
Almost four months ago, police say, Esiquio Salinas received a phone call that sealed the fate of a Homestead man named Francisco Ferniza.

Within hours of that Feb. 25 phone call, Salinas tracked down Ferniza and his home and killed him, firing several bullets into his body, police said. Salinas, they said, was under the impression that Ferniza had shot at and unsuccessfully tried to kill him in the past.

On Wednesday, after a four-month search, Miami-Dade Police found Salinas and charged him with Fernizas murder. Salinas was identified by a witness in a photo lineup, according to police. Then, police said, he admitted the crime. He was charged with second-degree murder with a weapon and booked into the Metro West Detention Center. He has been denied bond.

The defendant was actively looking for the victim for the purpose of retaliation, an officer wrote in Salinas arrest form.

Finding Salinas proved difficult for police. On March 9, almost two weeks after Ferniza was killed, lead Miami-Dade homicide detective Dael Vargas asked for the publics help on a video released on social media sites. Included in the post was video taken from a residence during the shooting that shows a black pickup truck leaving Fernizas home after more than a dozen rounds were fired. Vargas said Ferniza was shot multiple times after getting out of his vehicle and that he was found on his front lawn.

Ferniza escaped a murder charge himself in 2014, when he was acquitted by a Miami-Dade County jury  despite his brothers testifying against him. Fernizas brother said he was driving a car in 2006 when his brother leaned out of the passenger window and shot a man named Johnny Tijerina in South Miami-Dade.

Despite Fernizas acquittal, his brother served probation as an accessory to murder.
Despite this week's Covid-19 diagnosis, the White Houses top medical adviser and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci was still up for his usual sparring with Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.).

The 81-year-old infectious disease expert testified by video and in isolation on Thursday at a Senate HELP hearing on the federal pandemic response after testing positive for Covid Wednesday. Fauci is fully vaccinated and has received two boosters, and is taking the antiviral Paxlovid. It is not yet known how he was exposed to the virus.

Yet Fauci and Sen. Paul got into their typical heated back-and-forth during the senators allotted time for questioning.

Are you going to let me answer a question? Fauci quipped amid a flurry of interruptions from Paul, who is also a medical doctor. "Soundbite number one," he added.

Sen. Paul first asked Fauci if there was direct scientific evidence that booster shots prevent hospitalization and death in all people age 5 and older. When Fauci noted that the booster recommendations were based on assumptions and antibody data, Paul fired back: If I give a patient 10 mRNA vaccines and they  make antibodies each time, is that proof we should give 10 boosters, Dr. Fauci?

I think that is somewhat of an absurd exaggeration, Fauci said.

Sen. Paul then changed his line of questioning to the royalties scientists from the National Institutes of Health may have received from companies, especially vaccine makers. Can you tell me that you have not received a royalty from any entity that you ever oversaw the distribution of money in research grants? he asked.

As Fauci tried to answer, the two who have frequently butted heads during the pandemic, continued to squabble and interrupt each other.

Eventually, HELP Committee Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.) cut off the argument. Sen. Paul, your time has long over-expired. I gave you an additional two-and-a-half minutes, the witness has responded, we are going to move on, she said.

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The topic at hand: Along with Fauci, witnesses Robert Califf, the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration; Dawn OConnell, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, and Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, appeared before the HELP committee to discuss the White House's request for additional Covid-19 funding to maintain the federal public health response and surveillance programs.

Murray and other Democrats voiced support for the request, while Ranking Member Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and other Republicans asked for more accountability from the agencies before they approve any more funding.

On vaccinations and treatments: When asked about the timing for vaccines for the youngest children, Fauci said he believed it was likely that it would happen soon. The data look really good, so I anticipate that it will happen, he said.

The FDAs vaccine advisory committee recommended the agency authorize the shots on Wednesday. Soon comes the expected FDA approval. And the CDCs vaccine advisory committee is convening Friday and Saturday to consider the shots. The vaccines could be in toddlers' arms as soon as next week.

On infant formula: Amid news that severe weather flooded Abbotts Sturgis, Mich., infant formula plant Wednesday evening, Califf said he believed that the latest disruption would not worsen the ongoing shortage.

Despite the shutdown, Califf expects a surplus of formula in the next two to three weeks, assuming companies are able to meet their production estimates and theres not another natural disaster impacting production.

One thing that's happened is we now get production data from all the companies involved, Califf said. It adds up to a surplus relative to the needs that are demonstrated by the number of babies using formula over the past several years. So we should be over that number easily.

On return to office: Republican lawmakers expressed concern that ongoing remote work policies may be negatively impacting HHS staff productivity.

Let me read something from Elon Musk, who's asking Tesla workers to go back to 40 hours a week. The more senior you are, the more visible you must be," said Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.). 'If you're underperforming and you're not showing up, that is not good stewardship,' he added.

When asked by Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) if remote work was limiting workplace performance, each of the four witnesses said that it was not.

I'll just say, I was at Google before this, as opposed to Elon Musk, said Califf. I think Google's doing pretty well with their hybrid program.
The superyacht Amadea is docked at the Queens Wharf in Lautoka, Fiji, on April 15 2022. Leon Lord/Fiji Sun via AP, File

Following Russia's attack on Ukraine, the US has cracked down on Russian oligarchs and their assets.

That crackdown has led to numerous seizures of luxurious superyachts from ports around the world.

The US is on the hook for upkeep of those vessels, Biden's national security adviser said Thursday.

The worldwide crackdown on Russian assets has deprived many of that country's oligarchs of their superyachts, but those seizures also have a cost for the US, which has to pay for the upkeep of the vessels it seizes.

Speaking moments before the beginning of an event at the Center for a New American Security on Thursday, Jake Sullivan, who is national security adviser to President Joe Biden, mentioned the ongoing Operation KleptoCapture, a Justice Department-led effort targeting Russian "elites, proxies, and oligarchs" with sanctions and civil and criminal asset seizures.

Sullivan appeared to reference the recent seizure of the Amadea, a 348-foot yacht owned by sanctioned Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov. The US moved to seize the yacht in early May and it sailed for the US in early June, after Fiji's supreme court authorized its seizure.

"I just wasn't aware how many super yachts there were in the world," Richard Fontaine, chief executive officer of the CNAS, tells Sullivan on the recording. "I mean the size of these things, the value of these things is unbelievable."

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

"I know. It's so ridiculous, but you know what the craziest thing is? When we seize one, we have to pay for upkeep," Sullivan says in reply. "The federal government pays for upkeep because under the kind of forfeiture rubric, so like some people are basically being paid to maintain Russian superyachts on behalf of the United States government."

Fontaine interviewed Sullivan during the event Thursday morning. The audio of their exchange was broadcast on a livestream, which was taken offline shortly after Sullivan's comments were publicized. A spokesperson for the think tank called the takedown a "honest mistake" and it was later reposted.

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Sullivan's mention of a "forfeiture rubric" was likely a reference to the US's government's responsibility for maintaining property it seizes in good condition.

The US Marshals Service, which takes control of seized property, has a network of private contractors that often do the day-to-day maintenance. Seized assets are often stored to make that work easier, with cars placed in specialized lots or boats put in dry docks.

"If there's something that has to be done, like make sure the property doesn't flood or make sure the water's turned off in the winter or something  that's the Marshals' responsibility," Sarah Krissoff, a former federal prosecutor, told Insider's Jacob Shamsian this spring.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Daily Beast

Nathan Howard/GettyA female Republican congressional candidate claimed on the campaign trail in Virginia last month that rape victims are less likely to become pregnant because its not something thats happening organically.Yesli Vega made the eyebrow-raising comments while being asked for her thoughts on what then promised to be a Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, ending the federal right to abortion.An audio recording of the remarks, which took place at an event in Stafford Co
The Daily Beast

via Facebook/Rudy GiulianiFormer New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani doubled down Monday on his wildly overblown characterization that he was brutally assaulted by a Staten Island grocery store worker over the weekend, despite security footage showing the man only tapped his back.Speaking to about 200 people in a Facebook Live, Giuliani called the viral security footage deceptive. He claimed the pat packed so much vigor it nearly knocked him and a friend to the ground, but he was able to stay upright
This Sunday, June 19 is Juneteenth. This year marks the second year that Juneteenth will be celebrated as a federal holiday. Juneteenth originated in the 1865 announcement by the Union Army to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, that they had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation that was signed a year and a half earlier. After years of efforts by activists like Opal Lee to achieve federal recognition, Congress surprisingly approved the measure last year, which President Joe Biden signed just before Juneteenth. This year, amid continuing excitement from Black people and thoughtless decisions by corporations looking to cash in on the newly-recognized holiday, many are questioning what Juneteenth means now and who should be recognized by the holiday.

Global celebration or American day of remembrance?

With public knowledge of Juneteenth growing, the scope of the holiday has been expanded as well, even beyond the United States. Some organizations and individuals have dubbed Juneteeth A Global Celebration of Freedom, as noted by actor Billy Porter, one of many celebrities slated to appear at a star-studded celebration at the Hollywood Bowl.

I am so excited to take the @HollywoodBowl stage as part of Juneteenth: A Global Celebration of Freedom. It will be a night filled with incredible music, celebration, and more! Get your tickets today: https://t.co/YkcWWkF5ix #Juneteenth #HollywoodBowl100 #HollywoodBowl #LAPhil pic.twitter.com/HDTnXsHfgM  Billy Porter (@theebillyporter) June 8, 2022

While some people have embraced the globalization of Juneteenth, others reject this interpretation of the holiday. One Twitter user countered that Juneteenth is for American Descendants of Slavery, rather than Black people or people of color more generally, adding that trying to make Juneteeth a global affair is offensive.

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@DonLemonTonight Juneteenth is not a Global Holiday. Juneteenth is for American Descendants of Slavery, specifically for the enslaved in Galveston, Texas. It has nothing to do with Africans, POC, BIPOC, or Black& Brown. Trying to make Juneteeth a global affair is offensive.  Hojo63  (@ados_strong) June 3, 2022

Black enslavement or oppression of people of color?

Author, blogger and activist Hannah Drake posted a tweet on June 7 seeking to center Juneteenth on the history of Black enslavement in the United States rather than a more expansive coverage of other groups or issues.

Juneteenth is about enslaved Black People in America learning about their freedom. Its not about People of Color. Its not about any other issue you want to hitch to that. Thats all.  Hannah Drake (@HannahDrake628) June 7, 2022

This statement sparked massive amounts of conversation online, with hundreds of people commenting on Drakes position and tens of thousands liking or sharing the post. Some agreed with her stance and expressed concern that the holiday would be watered down or its origins obscured. Others felt that it was proper for the holiday to be used as a way of commemorating other instances of oppression and liberation, such as the enslavement and dispossession of Indigenous Americans or the colonization and liberation of people of color in other parts of the world.

American history or Texan history?

In response to Drakes tweet centering Juneteenth on enslaved Black people in America, journalist and self-described storyteller Naima Cochrane further specified that the holiday was about Enslaved Black people in TEXAS* specifically, adding that I think its essential the state isnt disconnected from the holiday.

Enslaved Black people in TEXAS* specifically. I think its essential the state isnt disconnected from the holiday. https://t.co/5LPH6Z0Q01  Naima Cochrane (@naima) June 8, 2022

In a series of follow-up tweets, Cochrane responded to accusations that she was gatekeeping the holiday, saying that she was simply attempting to protect the history of Juneteenth from being erased or distorted.

#Juneteenth is a holiday exceptionally vulnerable to levels of erasure and revision. I believe with my whole heart Black Americans who do not have Texas roots have an obligation to ensure that part doesnt get lost. None of us is free until all of us are free, but this is theirs.  Naima Cochrane (@naima) June 8, 2022

Letting white people in?

Journalist Ernest Owens went further than Cochrane in a post last week, stating the unpopular opinion that Juneteenth was better off remaining a Black Texas holiday that was regionally and culturally embraced by Black people down south. Owens argues that corporations, white people, and East/West Coast Black folks who found out about it have exploited/commodified its meaning.

Unpopular Opinion: But #Juneteenth was better off remaining a Black Texas holiday that was regionally and culturally embraced by Black people down south. Corporations, white people, and East/West Coast Black folks who found out about it have exploited/commodified its meaning.  Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) June 8, 2022

By contrast, author Toure recently added to the Juneteenth discourse, arguing for the importance of a more expansive recognition of Juneteenth. If we restrict it to Black history and restrict Juneteenth to Black people then we allow white people to escape having to think about it.

Heres why white people should be part of Juneteenth celebrationsbecause white people should be acknowledging that slavery happened. Many of them would love to not do that. Its valuable for us to have them acknowledge it and see it as something that still impacts us today.  Toure (@Toure) June 15, 2022

Slavery isnt Black history. Its American history. If we restrict it to Black history and restrict Juneteenth to Black people then we allow white people to escape having to think about it.  Toure (@Toure) June 15, 2022

As Juneteenths recognition as a federal holiday leads to more celebration and acknowledgment over the years, the discourse about what the holiday means and who can or should celebrate it is unlikely to end soon.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

A group of Democrat senators led by Elizabeth Warren wants to ban brokers from trading location and health data.

Data brokers sell anonymized personal data but this can sometimes be de-anonymized.

The data of people seeking abortions could be vulnerable if Roe v. Wade is struck down.

A group of Democrat senators led by Elizabeth Warren is seeking to ban brokers from selling Americans' health and location data, amid concerns that people visiting abortion clinics could soon be tracked and targeted by vigilantes.

A bill introduced Wednesday by Warren, cosponsored by Bernie Sanders and several other Democrats, would ban data brokers from selling or transferring individuals' location data and health data, according to a statement on Warren's website.

"Data brokers profit from the location data of millions of people, posing serious risks to Americans everywhere by selling their most private information," Warren said.

"With this extremist Supreme Court poised to overturn Roe v. Wade and states seeking to criminalize essential health care, it is more crucial than ever for Congress to protect consumers' sensitive data," she added.

A leaked draft opinion published by Politico in May suggests the Supreme Court will overturn Roe v. Wade. Some 13 states have legislation in place to swiftly criminalize abortion should the case be overturned.

After the court's draft opinion was made public, Vice and The Markup found that health and location data sold by brokers could be used to track individuals visiting abortion clinics. Vice reported in May it was able to buy phone location data for for 600 Planned Parenthood clinics in the US for $160.

It's possible to acquire this data legally from data brokers. These companies buy people's personal data, package it up, and sell it on. While the datasets they sell are anonymized, it's sometimes possible to de-anonymize individuals within.

Read the original article on Business Insider
None of the three codefendants testifying at Lydell Maynard Trapa Sparks Columbus murder trial said they had planned to rob a Montgomery, Alabama man fatally shot here in 2020.

But the detective on the case told a different story when he took the witness stand.

Two of the codefendants, Terreona Horton and Kalaya Sumter, said Sparks decided on his own to point a gun at 22-year-old Travis Henry Jr. and demand his possessions before shooting him. The third, Wayman McMillian, said he didnt see the shooting.

No one testified that Horton and Sumter had lured Henry here via Facebook messages with the intent to rob him, or that both Sparks and McMillian were in on the plan.

But homicide Detective Sherman Hayes said he found all four were in on the plan, in his investigation of Henrys shooting, which likely occurred shortly after 11:30 p.m. on June 21, 2020, before the body was found the next day.

Hayes said Horton and Sumter admitted in police interviews that they flirted with Henry via Facebook messaging, and that they, Sparks and McMillian intended to rob Henry when he came to Columbus to visit.

Henry had attracted their notice because he had posted Facebook photos showing he had money, fashionable clothes and nice cars, Hayes said, adding Sparks had seen the pictures and told Horton that Henry looked flashy and would make a good lick, or target for robbery.

Facebook messages the day of the shooting showed Henry met the four around 9 p.m. at Whisperwood Apartments on Flat Rock Road, where Horton got into Henrys BMW to go to the Chattahoochee RiverWalk downtown, with the others following in Hortons Volkswagen Jetta.

Sumter and Horton told police the four had planned to rob Henry where they parked on Bay Avenue near a playground and splash pad, but too many people were present, so they had to find another spot.

They left downtown and drove through midtown, passing Lakebottom Park, where Hayes suspected they also considered robbing Henry, but again decided not, the detective said.

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Finally they drove to Nina Street and 17th Avenue, near the Farley Homes housing complex, and parked there in the dark.

Hayes said Sumter told investigators McMillian got out of the Volkswagen and hid in the bushes as Sparks, holding a pistol, had Sumter walk in front of him as they approached the BMW, where Sparks pointed the gun at Henry as Horton got out.

Lydell Maynard Trapa Sparks waits for court to resume Thursday morning. Sparks is facing charges in the death of 22-year-old Travis Henry Jr., a Montgomery, Alabama man fatally shot in Columbus in 2020. 06/16/2022

All I heard was Mr. Sparks say, Give me everything you got, Sumter testified.

Testified Horton: Mr. Sparks basically was telling him to give it up.

But on the witness stand, both claimed they had no idea Sparks would do that, as they had joined in no robbery scheme.

Testifying after them, Hayes said he was surprised they would say that, because they made no such claims under police questioning. Only McMillian had denied knowing about the robbery, he said.

After the shooting, Sparks took the BMW, leaving Henry face-down in the street, and drove it to Phenix City to wipe it down and abandon it, Hayes said.

Then they all got into Hortons Volkswagen and drove to Columbus Rotary Park off Victory Drive, where Sparks took three iPhones and a diamond bracelet hed taken from Henry and threw them into the river, according to testimony from Sumter and Horton.

Hayes said police three times used divers to search the river at the boat landing, but found no evidence.

Sumter said Sparks kept one item he got from Henry: a handgun the victim had. Hayes said the gun had been in a cloth holster in Henrys waistband, and the holster was still on the body when police found it.

Hayes said he believes the planned robbery went awry when Henry went for his gun, and Sparks pulled his trigger, sending a bullet left to right across Henrys torso.

Superior Court Judge John Martin, center, listens Thursday morning to an argument from Assistant District Attorney Peter Hoffman, left, during the trial of Lydell Maynard Trapa Sparks. Sparks is being represented by Mike Garner, right. 06/16/2022

Sparks defense attorney Michael Garner noted that according to Henrys autopsy, his entrance wound and exit wound both were 11.8 inches below his head, a level shot across the torso.

Thats evidence Sparks could not have shot Henry while standing at the drivers side window of the BMW, because a shot from that position should have angled downward, and not traveled level across the body, Garner said.

Closing arguments

In his closing argument to the jury, Garner alleged police pressured Sparks codefendants to turn on him, threatening them with life in prison.

Lydell Maynard Trapa Sparks, left, and his defense attorney Mike Garner, listen to testimony Thursday morning. 06/16/2022

He said Horton more likely shot Henry in a dispute over drugs, sex or money, and then she and her longtime friend Sumter came up with a story pinning the crime on Sparks, Hortons off-and-on boyfriend.

Horton, Sumter and McMillian each pleaded guilty to reduced charges while agreeing to testify against Sparks. McMillian, who already had a felony record, would have been sentenced to life without parole, had he been convicted without a plea deal, Garner said.

The defense attorney directed jurors attention to Sparks indictment, which accused him of felony murder for allegedly killing Henry while committing the felony of armed robbery, to take Henrys BMW by force.

Killing someone just for a car made no sense, Garner said: If someone wants a BMW, why wouldnt they go steal one? he asked jurors.

Prosecutors presented no evidence that Sparks ever conspired to steal a BMW, Garner added, noting also that police found a wad of cash next to Henrys body the next day, making robbery an unlikely motive.

To convict Sparks of felony murder and using a gun to commit a crime, jurors must have no reasonable doubt that Sparks was the suspect who shot Henry, Garner said. They must acquit Sparks if they have any reasonable doubt someone else shot him, he said.

Assistant District Attorney Peter Hoffman countered that whether or not Sparks shot Henry, Sparks joined in committing the robbery and homicide, making him a party or the crime under Georgia law, and the jury could convict him for that.

Assistant District Attorney Peter Hoffman, left, speaks with Jeff Carter, an investigator with the District Attorneys office, Thursday morning prior to court beginning for the day. 06/16/2022

Either Mr. Sparks directly committed the crime or he helped in the commission of that crime, he said.

The BMW was listed as the property taken in the indictment because that is the evidence police recovered, the rest having been thrown in the river or hidden elsewhere, the prosecutor said: We dont know what exactly was taken, except the car, he said.

The suspects had to discard the loot they got because their victim wasnt supposed to die, he added: This was a robbery gone bad, because it wasnt supposed to be a murder, he said. Once Sparks killed Henry, the suspects had to dispose of any evidence tying them to the crime, he said.

He said Garners claim the path of the bullet could not have been level, if the shot came from someone at the drivers side door, made no sense. A level shot was possible, Hoffman said, and its unlikely Horton shot Henry from inside the car, because a bullet fired so close would have left gunshot residue, and the wound had none.

Sparks, 21, faces life in prison if convicted.

Here are his codefendants pleas and recommended sentences:

Sumter, 19, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault. Her recommended sentence is 15 years with six years to serve and the rest on probation.

Horton pleaded May 26 to armed robbery. Her recommended sentence is 20 years in prison with eight to serve and the rest on probation.

McMillian, 27, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and being a convicted felon with a firearm. His recommended sentence of 15 years with eight to serve and the rest on probation.

Judge John Martin will sentence them when the trial is over.
At 95 years of age, Carl Elmer Jenkins is one profane Marine. His mordant memories of serving as a CIA paramilitary trainer in the combat zones of Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos and Cuba are salted with F-bombs and S-words about the A-holes he worked for. "What do you really think, sir?" is not a question a visiting reporter needs to ask Carl Jenkins.

I first caught up with Jenkins in April 2021, having been drawn in by his legendary reputation. Over the next year, I wound up spending several days with him, spellbound by his stories. We sat at his dining room table, occasionally taking a break to stand on his patio. He trudged about the house with a cane, complained good-naturedly about the trials of old age, and did not hesitate to answer questions about his role in an infamous CIA plot to assassinate Cuban ruler Fidel Castro that fell apart five decades ago.

Jenkins grew up in a shack without indoor plumbing near Shreveport, Louisiana. After signing up for the Marines at age 17, he served in the Pacific during World War II, rising from private to staff sergeant. Upon his return, he went back to school and graduated from Centenary College. In 1950, he finished first among 372 officers in a Marine Corps training program at Quantico, Virginia. He joined the CIA in 1952 as a survival, evasion, resistance and escape instructor.

Read Next: Two US Vets Reportedly Captured by Russian Troops in Ukraine as Families Scramble to Learn More

Among his first assignments was training small teams for maritime infiltration of Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. Then, he served as chief of a CIA base in Guatemala, where he trained the leaders of Brigade 2506, the U.S.-backed invasion force that was defeated at the Bay of Pigs in Cuba in April 1961. In his bedroom, Jenkins has a plaque from the brigade commending him "for outstanding services beyond the call of duty."

In Vietnam, Jenkins served in Danang, organizing U.S. Special Forces to carry out sabotage attacks on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Later, he served as a top counterinsurgency adviser to governments in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. In 1971, he became chief of a CIA base in southern Laos, where he guided and trained 10,000-plus regular and guerrilla forces, while calling in the occasional B-52 Stratofortress strike. In retirement, he debriefed Cuban militants for the CIA and served as an unpaid consultant to President Ronald Reagan's State Department during the Iran-Contra affair.

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"I was one of the handful of people in the agency that was trained and experienced in paramilitary operations," he told me. "I could indeed bring down a government. Or I could protect the government by getting rid of the insurgents. Either way. And the word goes around. 'Hey, if you need a dirty job done, call Jenkins.' And they did. And I went."

Jenkins still swaggers in his war stories. He recalled how he and his first wife ran a U.S. military guesthouse in Danang while his Vietnamese girlfriend ran a bar across the street. "You never knew who was a communist in that city," he sighed.

But he is no braggart, occasionally waxing doleful about his career in covert action. "I've had maybe three major successes," he muttered, "and a hell of a lot of failures."

I showed Jenkins a file of declassified cables about the AMLASH affair, a notorious CIA plot to kill Castro in the early 1960s. Jenkins' name appeared in dozens of documents. As far as I knew, he was the last living American who participated in a covert operation whose disclosure led to fundamental changes at the CIA.

The revelation of the AMLASH plot in a 1976 report of Senate investigators proved to be a pivotal moment in the CIA's history. Coming directly after the Watergate scandal, the disclosure that the agency had plotted to kill Castro -- on the very day that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas -- was a sensational news story, triggering public outrage, conspiratorial suspicions, and multiple investigations.

The CIA saw its secrets laid bare, its budget slashed, its reputation tarnished, and, as a result, congressional oversight of the agency was imposed. While Castro gloated, the agency's public image took a hit that the men and women of Langley have always preferred to downplay, if not bury.

When I showed Jenkins the declassified file, first made public in 2018, he opened up with a colorful choice of words.

"Eisenhower did not want the Bay of Pigs and neither did I," he scoffed, referencing the CIA's ill-fated invasion plan in 1961. "I was chief of base on that f---ing operation." President John F. Kennedy was "a loser," he said, adding his brother Attorney General Robert Kennedy was worse. "Everything he touched, turned to s---."

With the paper trail in front of him, Jenkins recalled the plot to kill Castro in fine detail, laying to rest any lingering historical controversy about who actually orchestrated the unsuccessful conspiracy to end the life of the Cuban communist leader who later died of natural causes in 2016 a few months after his 90th birthday.

Richard Helms, the gentlemanly CIA director with a reputation for keeping the darkest of secrets, insisted in his memoir and on Capitol Hill that the AMLASH operation was playing at tilting domestic politics in Cuba by fomenting political opposition.

"It was not an assassination operation," Helms testified under oath to Congress. "It was not designed for that purpose. I think I do know what I'm talking about here."

Historians have tended to take Helms' denials at face value.

"When people wanted to invade Cuba or kill Castro, his attitude was, 'Oh, God,'" Helms' biographer Thomas Powers told Chris Whipple, author of "The Spymasters: How the CIA Directors Shape History and the Future," a much-lauded 2020 profile of CIA directors.

"He just was so against it all," said wife Cynthia Helms of the plots to kill Castro. "He said to me one day, 'I was never going to do it. We were never going to do it.' But they made his life miserable over it."

Was AMLASH an assassination operation? I asked Jenkins.

"Of course," snorted the retired Marine.

The AMLASH saga began late one night in October 1956 in the Montmartre, Havana's swankiest nightclub. Two young men in the crowd pulled out pistols and shot dead Col. Antonio Blanco Rico, the chief of the Cuban military intelligence service, outside the club's elevators.

One of the gunmen was Rolando Cubela, a medical student at the University of Havana who had taken up arms against the dictatorship of President Fulgencio Batista. After Castro and allied forces ousted Batista in 1959, Cubela assumed a series of senior positions in the new government. As a Catholic and nationalist, Cubela loathed Castro's hard left turn toward one-party socialism.

The CIA men, who knew of Cubela's armed exploits, targeted him for recruitment under the code name AMLASH. (All Cuba operations were identified by the AM diagraph, followed by a chosen noun; Castro was known as AMTHUG).

Helms sent an up-and-coming CIA officer, Nestor Sanchez, to Brazil to take over the handling of Cubela, who continued to have personal access to Castro. Sanchez was handing a poison pen to Cubela in a CIA safehouse in Paris on Nov. 22, 1963, when Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas. Sanchez, who would go on to hold senior positions in the CIA and Pentagon, was "a good friend," Jenkins said.

When Jenkins returned from Vietnam to the Cuba program in early 1964, he was cleared into the AMLASH operation. Sanchez, he explained, was replaced as Cubela's contact by Manuel "Manolo" Artime, a foe of Castro's with a knack for charming U.S. officials. "Manolo was a perpetual juvenile  a guy who loved everybody and just assumed that everybody loved him," Jenkins said.

In our interview, Jenkins reviewed five memos that he wrote about the AMLASH project in 1964, recalling that he had dictated them but never seen the paper copies. Another declassified memo showed that the CIA's National Photographic Interpretation Center supported Jenkins on a "plan to assassinate Castro at the DuPont Varadero Beach Estate, east of Havana. Castro was known to frequent the estate and the plan was to use a high-powered rifle in the attempt."

Jenkins said he voiced doubts about whether Cubela could be trusted. Having trained two former Castro bodyguards for Brigade 2506, "I knew pretty well what his habits were ... what his intimate daily routine was like," Jenkins said. He recalled asking Artime, "Who is this guy and what is he up to? You know, just exactly what are we dealing with here? Is this real or is this a trap of some sort?"

Jenkins' caution was ignored and, when Artime and Cubela met in Madrid in December 1964, Cubela reiterated his demand for a weapon to kill Castro, specifically a Belgian-made FAL rifle.

"The FAL was the NATO rifle," Jenkins explained. "It was easy to get ammunition for it. That was something I could do."

Thanks to Jenkins' arrangements, Artime delivered the weapon to Cubela in Cuba. When Cubela was arrested in March 1966 and charged with plotting to kill Castro, the FAL rifle was found in his possession. Cubela was sentenced to a 25-year jail term, of which he served only half.

Some have speculated that Cubela was a double agent for Castro all along. Castro denied that, and so did Helms. It was just about the only thing the revolutionary and the spymaster ever publicly agreed upon.

"I don't accept the fact that he was working for anybody except Cubela," Jenkins told me.

In any case, Jenkins' first-person account of supplying the murder weapon, corroborated by CIA files, extinguishes Helms' claim that AMLASH was not an assassination conspiracy.

"Just another busted operation," the ex-Marine shrugged. As for Helms, "he was an a--hole as far as I'm concerned," he growled.

-- Jefferson Morley is author of "Scorpions' Dance: The President, The Spymaster, and Watergate" (St. Martin's Press), from which this article is drawn.

Related: American Veteran William Morgan Rose to the Highest Rank in Fidel Castro's Army
Reuters

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday made it harder for prosecutors to win convictions of doctors accused of running "pill mills" and excessively prescribing opioids and other addictive drugs by requiring the government to prove that defendants knew their prescriptions had no legitimate medical purpose. The 9-0 ruling, authored by liberal Justice Stephen Breyer, sided with Xiulu Ruan and Shakeel Kahn, who argued that their trials were unfair because jurors were not required to consider whether the two convicted doctors had "good faith" reasons to believe the numerous opioid prescriptions were medically valid.
FIRST ON FOX  The Justice Department defended its actions to protect Supreme Court justices' safety in a letter to the governors of Maryland and Virginia the same day an armed man was arrested near Justice Brett Kavanaughs home.

The letter, dated June 8, is from Acting Assistant Attorney General Peter Hyun. It responds to a May 11 letter GOP Govs. Larry Hogan and Glenn Youngkin sent to Attorney General Merrick Garland demanding the Justice Department (DOJ) do more to protect the justices.

The six GOP-appointed members of the court were at the time and still are facing protests at their homes after Politico published a leaked draft opinion indicating the Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade.

"The Department is committed to taking all appropriate actions to enhance the security of the Justices and the Court," DOJ's response from Hyun said.

That response came the same day that a California man was arrested close to Kavanaugh's Maryland home, apparently intending to assassinate the justice. That man, Nicholas John Roske, was indicted Wednesday for allegedly attempting to murder Kavanaugh.

Roske was arrested at Kavanaugh's residence early in the morning of June 8, allegedly in possession of a firearm, two loaded magazines and additional rounds of ammunition, according to a DOJ press release.

YOUNGKIN, HOGAN SEND LETTER TO GARLAND URGING HIM TO PROSECUTE DEMONSTRATORS OUTSIDE SUPREME COURT JUSTICES' HOMES

The governors' May 11 letter further demanded that the department prosecute protesters for allegedly violating a law that bans picketing in front of federal judges' homes to influence a case.

The Republican governors of Maryland and Virginia are demanding that Attorney General Merrick Garland do more to protect the Supreme Court justices who live in their states. Photographer: Eric Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images

"On May 18, 2022, the Attorney General convened Supreme Court and Department law enforcement officials to discuss the security needs of the justices," the DOJ letter also said. "This meeting follows the Department's May 11, 2022, announcement that the Attorney General had directed the U.S. Marshal's Service to ensure the Justices' safety by providing additional support to the Marshal of the Supreme Court and Supreme Court Police."

Story continues

BIDEN REMAINS SILENT ON ATTEMPTED KAVANAUGH ASSASSINATION

The letter adds that the Marshals Service is continuing to protect justices, and that the DOJ is sharing information with other agencies on their security.

The DOJ letter also refuses to discuss concerns by many that protests in front of the justices' homes may violate federal law.

"Your letter also suggests that some individuals may have violated federal criminal law. We appreciate having the benefit of your views on this matter," the Justice Department letter continues. "Longstanding policy and practice of the Department prevent us from discussing this information with you further or confirming or denying the initiation or existence of any investigation."

The letter adds: "Please do not interpret this acknowledgment as confirmation or denial of an investigation of the matters described in your letter."

The DOJ has not apparently taken any public steps to investigate or arrest protesters outside the justices' homes, despite growing public pressure to do so.

The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. Hogan's office said that the governor still wants the federal government to step up its defense of the justices.

"The outrageous threats against the Justices and their neighbors are exactly why the Governor is continuing to call for the federal government to step up in enforcing the law and ensuring their security," Hogan communications director Mike Ricci said. "The stakes are simply too high for anything less."

Fox News' Bill Mears and Firdausa Stover contributed to this report.
The Dover Township Zoning Board has approved a request for a special use exemption for a 600-acre-plus solar farm that would spread east of Route 74 in the area of Canal Road.

This was the first and only vote held on the matter, and the eighth time the board has met about the solar farm, with the seven previous meetings running late into the night. This year, alone, the board has allotted half of its yearly meetings to this one issue.

The zoning board reached a decision in 25 minutes. All board members, except one, voted in favor of the special use exemption. The lone dissenting voice was board member Robert Wright.

In the past, more than 75 community members attended each of the meetings to ask questions and express concerns about property values, noise pollution, health hazards and safety for humans and wildlife, particularly focusing on the glare from the solar panels. This time, however, there were fewer than 50 people in attendance and no one was allowed to make comments before the vote was held.

At the previous meetings, Enel, the developer of the proposed Dover Solar Farm, brought a team of experts to help answer those questions. After months of hearings, Dover Township residents hired an attorney, John Wilson from the CGA Law Firm, to represent their interests.

Enel Green Power is grateful for the Dover Township Zoning Hearing Boards vote to approve a special use exception for the Dover Solar Project. We greatly appreciate their careful consideration through the application process," project manager Brittany Staszak said in a prepared statement. "We look forward to a strong, collaborative partnership with the community, as we continue to move through the process of refining plans for the project. We remain committed to engaging with the community and soliciting feedback to develop a project that is considerate of local interests and beneficial to all residents.

Enel went before the zoning board to request a special use exemption, which would allow agricultural land to be used as a solar field. It is identified as an exemption because solar power is not addressed in standard zoning guidelines.

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More:5 provocative fears Dover solar project foes shared at a hearing - with expert responses

BackgroundResidents throw shade at Dover Solar Project, but farms are cropping up across York County

Enel worked with the Dover Township board of supervisors to create a solar ordinance, which was adopted in March of 2021. The ordinance limit things like the height of solar panels and how close they can be placed next to a residence. According to project engineers, the project meets or exceeds the outlined provisions.

Enel has long-term rental agreements and easements with 11 landowners to use their property for 30 to 40 years. Company officials said the project would have a capacity of producing around 75 megawatts of solar energy and preventing 80,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

Enel plans to sell the energy generated from the farm to a larger company in a power purchasing agreement. The farm would create $1.7 million in tax revenue and 330 jobs during construction, according to project officials.

The company is developing one other project in York County, the Strinestown Solar Project on 550 acres near Conewago Township, which has received conditional approval and is set to begin operations in 2023.

Enel proposed one other solar farm in Central Pennsylvania, which would have been called Lebanon 1, but the conditional use permit was denied on April 5. That farm would have been in North Annville, but the North Annville supervisors quickly voted against the proposed 858-acre solar installment, citing the township's zoning laws.

The Lebanon vote was made in less than 10 minutes.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Dover Solar Farm approved in 25 minutes
The Democratic Republic of Congo has pledged to combat stigmatisation and "manhunts," the national broadcaster said Thursday, a day after an anti-Rwanda protest descended into sectarian looting.

Friction between the DRC and its eastern neighbour Rwanda has surged in the past few weeks over the M23 rebel group.

The government in the DRC's capital Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of backing the rebels, a charge that Rwanda has repeatedly denied.

On Wednesday, several thousand people protested against Rwanda in the eastern city of Goma, rushing the border post with the country and later ransacking Rwandan-owned businesses.

According to an AFP reporter present, some protesters also stopped cars to search for Rwandan nationals -- or speakers of the country's national language Kinyarwanda.

The Congolese High Defence Council, which is chaired by the president, has ordered the interior minister and police chief to "take all necessary measures to avoid stigmatisation and manhunts," a government spokesman said.

The council also recommended suspending agreements with Rwanda, spokesman Patrick Muyaya was quoted on DRC's national broadcaster on Thursday as saying.

Relations between Kinshasa and Kigali have been strained since the mass arrival in DRC of Rwandan Hutus accused of slaughtering Tutsis during the 1994 Rwanda genocide.

But relations have nosedived over a recent resurgence on fighting by the M23.

A primarily Congolese Tutsi militia that is one of scores of armed groups in eastern DRC, the M23 leapt to global prominence in 2012 when it captured Goma.

It was forced out shortly afterwards in a joint offensive by UN troops and the Congolese army.

The rebels resumed fighting last November after accusing the Kinshasa government of failing to respect a 2009 agreement under which the army was to incorporate its fighters.

Clashes intensified in March, causing thousands of people to flee, and on Monday the rebels took the trading town of Bunagana.

bmb/mbb/jhd/eml/ri
One day before the January 6 riot, lawyer John Eastman privately admitted that his proposal for then-vice president Mike Pence to reject electoral votes that were unfavorable to President Trump would not have survived a challenge in the Supreme Court, former Pence counsel Greg Jacob testified on Thursday.

Jacob revealed the admission during testimony to the House Committee on the January 6 Capitol riot on Thursday.

Jacob said that in a meeting with Trump and Pence on January 4, Eastman said that Pence could either reject the Electoral College results outright, or that he could suspend the certification of results and demand that certain states reexamine their election results on the grounds that they were tainted by fraud. During a subsequent meeting on January 5, Eastman requested that Pence reject the Electoral College results, according to Jacob.

However, Jacob said Eastman also admitted on January 5 that his proposals to nullify the results would be rejected by the Supreme Court, although Eastman also contended that courts would not hear the issue in the first place.

When I pressed him on the point, I said, John, if the vice president did what you are asking him to do, we would lose 9-to-nothing in the Supreme Court, wouldnt we?' Jacob testified.

And he initially started it, Well, I think maybe you would lose only 7-2,' Jacob said, and after some further discussion acknowledged, Well, yeah, youre right, we would lose 9-nothing.'

Jacob also said he brought up the case of Democratic vice presidents.

John, back in 2000, you werent jumping up and saying Al Gore had this authority,' Jacob said he told Eastman. You would not want Kamala Harris to be able to exercise that kind of authority in 2024.'

Jacob then testified that Eastman replied, Absolutely. Al Gore did not have a basis to do that in 2000. Kamala Harris shouldnt be able to do that in 2024. But I think you should do it today.'

Prior to the January 6 certification of the Electoral College results, Eastman, then a Constitutional law professor at Chapman University, authored a memo proposing that Pence reject votes from certain states that were allegedly tainted by fraud.

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Pence could then either declare Trump the winner of the election by choosing to validate alternate pro-Trump electors, or reject enough electors to send the contest to the House of Representatives, which was controlled by Republicans at the time. The memo was first reported by Robert Costa and Bob Woodward in their book Peril.

Eastman subsequently told National Review in an October 2021 interview that rejecting Electoral College results outright would have been crazy, and that the memo was a preliminary version of a final six-page memo for the legal team.

In an email from Eastman to former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani revealed by the committee on Wednesday, Eastman asked to be on the pardon list, if that is still in the works.

Correction: a previous version of this article stated that Eastman argued at the January 6 rally that historical precedent supported the notion that Pence had the authority to reject slates of electors, citing the example of Thomas Jefferson, who in 1800 rejected Georgias electors due to a technical issue with the ballots. In fact it was Rudy Giuliani who cited Jefferson at the rally, while Jacob testified that Eastman cited Jeffersons example in a meeting on January 5. Jefferson accepted Georgias electors in the 1800 election despite a technical issue with Georgias ballot.

More from National Review
By Alexandra Valencia

QUITO (Reuters) - Protests in Ecuador will continue until President Guillermo Lasso solves economic and environmentnal issues affecting the country, indigenous leader Leonidas Iza said on Wednesday after he was freed from detention on a judge's order.

Iza was released late on Tuesday following a ruling by a judge in the city of Latacunga. He had been detained for about 24 hours after the government said he led road blockades and other allegedly violent acts that halted public services.

Iza's lawyer called the detention illegal, but the government has said he will be tried.

"While the most sensitive problems aren't resolved, we're going to continue supporting this fight, which is constitutional," Iza said in an address over social media.

Access roads north and south of Quito, the capital, have been blocked since Monday by protesters demanding that Lasso freeze the price of gasoline, declare a moratorium on small-farmers' bank debts, and limit oil and mining expansion.

Demonstrators have said the protests, which have been marked by invasions of oil fields, the torching of police cars and the detention of some police by protesters, will be indefinite.

"It's not just a whim of (Iza's) to call this march. It's because Ecuadoreans feel the high cost of living," Carlos Sucuzhanay, head of indigenous organization Ecuarunari told local media. "We want the president to reorient himself to work in service of the country."

CONAIE, the group led by Iza, said on Twitter on Wednesday that there were protests in several of Ecuador's Andean and Amazon provinces.

State oil company Petroecuador has lost some 2,500 barrels of oil as a result of sabotage and halted operations at its facilities.

A group of people tried to enter one of Petroecuador's stations in the province of Sucumbios. The Ministry of Defense confirmed 10 soldiers were wounded in the clash.

Story continues

"Our door is open to dialogue, but we won't give in to violent groups that seek to impose their rules," Lasso wrote on Twitter.

At least 20 people have been detained during demonstrations, while some 15 patrol cars have been damaged, with several attacks carried out on private property, according to the government. Iza said that at least 14 people have been injured by the police.

Lasso has said he will not allow protests to affect economic recovery and any vandalism will be punished.

(Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb and Oliver Griffin; Editing by Leslie Adler; Editing by Marguerita Choy)
Associated Press

Before the pandemic, there was no room in the budget for Kate Murphys children to buy lunch at school. The free meals gave the Essex Junction, Vermont, family one less thing to worry about. We make just too much money (literally by just a few dollars) to qualify for free or reduced lunches and other food-related benefits, but not enough to truly ever feel financially comfortable, Murphy, a mother of four and administrator at a trust company, said by email.
Daniel Humm at Eleven Madison Park Reuters

New York restaurant Eleven Madison Park went vegan last year, but that choice has led to chaos, Insider's Kate Taylor reported Tuesday.

Former employees said the vegetable-based staff meals left workers starving during 14-hour shifts.

One former kitchen worker told Insider he was so malnourished he had to see a doctor  but was still denied chicken.

A former kitchen employee at acclaimed New York restaurant Eleven Madison Park, which relaunched as a 100% vegan restaurant last year, said the vegetable-based "family meals" prepared for staff left him starving during 14-hour shifts, causing his health to suffer to the point that he had to see a doctor.

The malnourishment led him to submit a request to management for chicken to be added as an option for staff meals, which the restaurant proceeded to ignore, he told Insider. While staff members were permitted to bring food from home, he said the job's grueling hours and $15-an-hour wages meant he lacked the time and money to do so.

Eleven Madison Park, once named the best restaurant in the world, struggled to hire enough workers after the pandemic despite its renowned culinary reputation. Its hiring difficulties paired with a lack of ingredients meant overworked chefs had little time and resources to make meals that properly sustained workers, three former employees told Insider.

A vegan meal at New York's acclaimed fine-dining restaurant Eleven Madison Park. Rachel Askinasi/Insider

The family dishes had to be vegan to satisfy celebrity Chef Daniel Humm, a former employee said, even though Humm himself eats meat. One former employee recalled eating cauliflower and beets day after day. After their shift, some employees would get Sticky's fried chicken or a burger at McDonald's, another former employee said.

"Everyone was depressed," one former kitchen employee told Insider, who recalled employees at after-work drinks in 2021 fantasizing about quitting. "Everyone was like, 'This place is not OK.'"

The experience was one example of how Eleven Madison Park's chaotic shift to veganism impacted its employees on the ground, as chronicled by Insider's Kate Taylor. Some of the 11 former Eleven Madison Park employees interviewed for this article requested to remain anonymous for fear of professional repercussions, but their identities are known to Insider.

Read the full Insider story here.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Yasin Ozturk/Getty Images

Elon Musk hinted that layoffs could take place at Twitter after his proposed takeover is complete.

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO said the social media company would need to "rationalize" its headcount.

Musk also said "the bias definitely needs to be strongly towards working in person," echoing his position for his other companies.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk hinted that layoffs could be on the table for Twitter following his proposed $44 billion takeover of the social media platform.

"We need to make more than we spend," Musk told employees during a town hall meeting on Thursday, according to a person who attended.

"I shouldn't say 'we,'" he added. "The transaction is not complete."

Musk also said that the company would have to have a "rationalization" of its headcount, and echoed similar statements regarding remote work that he has made at his other companies.

"The bias definitely needs to be strongly towards working in person, but if somebody is exceptional, then remote work can be okay," he said.

Last month, Musk issued an ultimatum to staff, calling for them to come into the office and stop "phoning it in" or quit.

The meeting was the first chance for Twitter staff to directly ask questions of Musk since the announcement of his takeover bid in April.

Some employees previously expressed "anger" and "disappointment" at Musk's efforts, while others have quit or plan to in protest.

One worker told Insider they were not put off by Musk, dubbing the reaction among colleagues as "Elon derangement syndrome."

In the weeks since the offer was announced, share prices for both Twitter and Tesla have fallen considerably, casting doubt on the chances that the original $54.20 per share bid will go through.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Traditional Chinese medicine aids global fight against COVID-19

Xinhua) 08:28, June 16, 2022

* From Asia to Africa and Europe, an increasing number of doctors and patients have tried the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and enjoyed its benefits. Calls have been growing to integrate the TCM and Western medicine so as to boost humans' relentless pursuit of health and fight diseases like COVID-19.

* After an expert meeting convened by the WHO on evaluation of TCM's effectiveness in the COVID-19 treatment, a meeting report was published in March, noting, "There are promising data to suggest that TCM is beneficial in reducing the risk of progression from mild-to-moderate cases to severe COVID-19."

* During the WHO-convened expert meeting, according to the report, it recommended member states to "consider the potential use of the TCM for the management of COVID-19 in the context of their health-care systems and regulatory frameworks."

LONDON, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), widely introduced and used in the global anti-pandemic fight since the onset of COVID-19, has proved to be remarkably effective.

In a report released late March, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that the TCM is beneficial in the COVID-19 treatment, particularly mild-to-moderate cases.

From Asia to Africa and Europe, an increasing number of doctors and patients have tried the TCM and enjoyed its benefits. Calls have been growing to integrate the TCM and Western medicine so as to boost humans' relentless pursuit of health and fight diseases like COVID-19.

CONTRIBUTION TO GLOBAL ANTI-VIRUS EFFORTS

During the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe, just like elsewhere around the world, little was known about this virus and panic was not uncommon. Months after the country confirmed its first coronavirus-related death in March 2020, a Chinese medical team arrived to assist in the anti-virus fight.

Chen Zanyu, president of the Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners, treats his patient Charles Bell at his clinic in Chislehurst, Britain, on April 29, 2022. (Xinhua/Han Yan)

Among the 12 team members was Sun Shuang, a TCM expert in respiratory diseases. She went to the African country on a 498-day medical assistance mission. As the only TCM doctor in the team, Sun was mainly responsible for the construction of Zimbabwe-China Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Center and the anti-pandemic work.

"I have treated more than 1,400 COVID-19 patients in total, online and offline. The overall effective rate of the integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment has reached more than 92 percent, so this is very convincing to the Ministry of Health (Zimbabwe) and the public," she told Xinhua.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, incomplete statistics showed that China had by April shared TCM diagnosis and treatment guidelines with over 150 countries and regions, provided TCM products to more than 10 countries and regions in need, and sent TCM experts to help epidemic control in about 30 countries and regions.

In March last year, China held the "Forum on Traditional Chinese Medicine and International Cooperation to Fight Against COVID-19 Pandemic," during which political leaders, government officials, WHO representatives and experts from 28 countries and regions had in-depth exchanges via video link.

Eddie Sanyama, a resident in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, and his wife caught COVID-19 in January 2021. As symptoms like headaches, running nose and nausea occurred, they turned to the TCM for help.

"It was a five-day course. And then on the second day, I started feeling much better. And on day four, I fully recovered," Sanyama told Xinhua. "I feel it's very effective and it's cheap, and I would recommend that Zimbabweans can take up this medicine. I think it's very effective."

Photo taken with a mobile phone on April 29, 2022 shows a staff member at Rose Pharmacy mixing the ingredients of the Chinese medicine "Shufeng Jiedu" in Rosenheim, Germany. (Xinhua/Huang Yan)

PROVEN EFFECTIVENESS

When Mohammad Dawood, a graphic designer in Kuwait City, the capital of Kuwait, was infected with the coronavirus, he suffered from symptoms like dry cough and fever.

"A friend of mine suggested me with the Chinese medicine and it had a great effect in relieving symptoms and reducing the temperature," he told Xinhua.

After an expert meeting convened by the WHO on evaluation of TCM's effectiveness in the COVID-19 treatment, a meeting report was published in March, noting, "There are promising data to suggest that TCM is beneficial in reducing the risk of progression from mild-to-moderate cases to severe COVID-19."

"For mild-to-moderate cases, there is encouraging evidence that the studied TCMs, when administered as add-on interventions to conventional treatment, may shorten the time for viral clearance, resolution of clinical symptoms and length of hospital stay when compared to conventional treatment alone," the report added.

In Britain, with health systems based on Western medicine, the TCM has also gained increasing popularity. Chen Zanyu, president of the Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners, said he and his colleagues have become much busier especially since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.

COVID-19 once caused palpitations to Charles Bell, a British patient in southeast London, and it was like 10 or 15 seconds twice a day. "The herbs calm that down and help that," he said. "And the herbs, they just made me feel more balanced and better able to function."

Chen told Xinhua that they have treated thousands of COVID-19 patients in Britain. "In fact, probably none of the herbs can deliberately kill or eliminate the virus itself," he said. "But the good thing about Chinese approaches is we try to readjust the body's immune system or the balance of energy or balance of five elements (of water, wood, fire, earth or metal) or yin and yang."

It was like if someone wants to get rid of weeds, he could target the weeds, but also the soil where weeds grow, Chen explained with an analogy. "So that is the Chinese wisdom we have put in practice for thousands of years."

Chinese medical team members hold a meeting with their Kuwaiti counterparts in Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate, Kuwait, on April 29, 2020. (Xinhua)

INTEGRATION OF CHINESE, WESTERN MEDICINE

To help fight the coronavirus in Germany, ConPhyMed Pharmaceutical GmbH in the country and Anhui Jiren Pharmaceuticals in China in 2020 jointly introduced Chinese medicine formula Shufeng Jiedu to German pharmacies, including the Rose Pharmacy in Rosenheim, a city in Bavaria in the southeast of Germany.

"Shufeng Jiedu naturally found its place, after we saw very quickly that it has an extremely good effect on the acute infection with the high viral load with Corona," said Nadja Wehner, a pharmacist at the Rose Pharmacy.

Wehner said she was "honored to be able to offer the TCM in my pharmacy, because many synergistic effects through the plant substances have a gigantic effect on the body with mild side effects and are an extremely good supplement to classical medicine."

Christine Sanftl, a naturopathic practitioner in Rosenheim, said, "The feedback from my patients or from all the other people who have taken Shufeng Jiedu, for example, has been consistently positive."

"I see the role of the TCM as an excellent part of naturopathic methods and as a complement to classical medicine, both of which are based on a wealth of experience from previous generations," Sanftl told Xinhua.

During the WHO-convened expert meeting, according to the report, it recommended member states to "consider the potential use of the TCM for the management of COVID-19 in the context of their health-care systems and regulatory frameworks." From Africa to Europe, the recommendation is being brought into practice.

Chinese doctor Sun Shuang (C) and intern doctor Karen Gurure (R) talk with patient John Mbondoza at the Zimbabwe-China Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Center in Harare, Zimbabwe, April 20, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang)

"We are inspired by the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China for adopting COVID-19 treatment guidelines that integrate traditional Chinese and conventional medicine. This integration of the two systems of health will undoubtedly contribute to the transition from volume-best to value-best health care," said Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

For Bell, the British patient, he has known about TCM treatment for decades, "so I already have quite a lot of experience of it. And I like it."

Bell told Xinhua that he thought the TCM and Western medicine "should be merged and work together. And it's not just about COVID. There're all sorts of situations where people will benefit. And in fact, the society would benefit."

"Chinese medicine can play a much bigger role," Chen said. He told Xinhua that he remembered when he was still a student, his teacher once said, as long as it's gold, it will shine. "I think (for Chinese medicine) that's for sure."

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Emma Raducanu has signed a deal with HSBC (HSBC/PA)

Bank HSBC has become the latest high-profile brand to announce a commercial partnership with Emma Raducanu.

The US Open champion, whose parents both work in the financial industry, said she hoped to use the four-year link-up to help educate young people in finance.

Raducanu said: To partner with HSBC is so natural for me having grown up playing in the HSBC Road to Wimbledon and having been a customer for many years.

[xdelx]

If I wasnt a tennis player, I would definitely want to work in finance so Im excited to learn more about the industry in the years to come.

We are working on some really cool ideas and Im particularly looking forward to working on initiatives that help young people, such as financial education, but watch this space.

HSBC has a long association with Wimbledon and is the official banking partner of The Championships.

Global chief executive Noel Quinn said: HSBC has had a longstanding relationship with Emma and her family for many years. Were hugely proud of Emma and what she has already achieved in her professional career.

Emma Raducanu is battling to recover from an injury suffered in Nottingham last week (Tim Goode/PA) (PA Wire)

We also believe there are some really great and innovative ways that we can work with her to inspire and educate young people, which is why were so pleased to have forged this new long-term partnership.

Raducanus New York victory saw her become one of tennis most high-profile stars and she already has sponsorship deals with Porsche, Tiffany and Co, British Airways, Evian, Dior and Vodafone.

The 19-year-old is in a race against time to be fit for Wimbledon, which begins on June 27, after being forced to retire from her first-round match in Nottingham last week through injury.
Last year, a small group of Emory University graduate students at Goizueta Business School in Georgia began to examine the challenge of getting Black and other historically underrepresented founders access to capital. One way to do that, they reckoned, was to raise a generation of investors who would pay more attention to these groups.

The idea grew into an investment fund called Peachtree Minority Venture Fund, with the goal of teaching students about venture capital while investing in real companies with minority founders. The fund just completed its first group of investments as the idea came to life in the classroom.

Humza Mirza and four other student managing partners -- Alexia Brown, Jack Semrau, Dylan Cowley and Miguel Vergara (pictured above) -- worked with the inaugural class around the funds initial investments while learning about being a venture capitalist.

We are a fully functioning fund. We have a cohort of 24 students who are doing due diligence on our investment pipeline. And we're just keeping this kind of ball rolling and growing, Mirza said.

These lessons and activities resulted in three initial companies receiving funding from this years group. Among the first investments from the fund were $25,000 for CommunityX, an app for organizing around particular causes, including creating calls to action, events and petitions.

The firm gave an additional $15,000 each to Ecotone Renewables, a startup producing liquid plant fertilizer from food waste, and FundStory, which provides a platform for accessing and managing non-dilutive capital.

All three startups meet the funds criteria of having a diverse founding team with a good idea struggling to find capital.

A student in the program, Bonnie E. Schipper, said she observed a steeper path for underrepresented founders and recognized how the fund was trying to address that.

Our team made it a priority to look past a lack of funding history or fancy top-tier degree to really assess founders experience, passion, knowledge and value proposition to ensure we were putting forth the best investment opportunities rather than falling prey to historical practices that provide unfair advantages to more privileged populations, she said.

Story continues

Another student, Ardalan Javadi, said he was drawn to this program because he wants to pursue a career in early-stage venture capital. My team focuses on the business and financial services; we went through all the pre-screening, sourcing and due diligence of the investment opportunities with minority startup founders, he said.

We sourced more than 55 startups and recommended one startup to the investment committee. I think this is unique about the Peachtree Minority Venture Fund. You have the opportunity to learn sincerely all aspects of the venture fund that focus on the minority founders and make a real impact by investing in that opportunity.

While the students are running the fund, its up to the professors in charge of the classroom component to prepare them and help them understand what goes into investing in companies.

Professor Robert Kazanjian, who is teaching the classroom component this semester, said there is a strong focus on understanding the nature of investing in historically underrepresented groups, as well as addressing the challenges they face in raising money.

For starters, he said that people from the fund's target groups often dont have access to capital from family and friends, which he explained is due to decades of economic structural inequality, the structure of VC networks (which are largely male and white), as well as a range of implicit biases observable in VC investing due to a range of psychological factors.

We explicitly discuss in class that this is changing and that many VC firms are working diligently to address these imbalances, but the underfunding has proved persistent, he said.

In addition, he said that he teaches a deep understanding of the full range of activities required by VC professionals, such as deal sourcing, due diligence, legal considerations, and direct data collection from the ventures, including interviews with founders.

The project was the idea of four students who launched it but graduated before it welcomed its first class. Willie Sullivan, one of those original students, told TechCrunch last year that they wanted to solve an entrenched problem around investing in Black-owned businesses.

When we conducted interviews, one of the main things that came up, which always comes up, is how large of a problem access to capital is still for Black entrepreneurs. And so we were coming up with our recommendations. It was really, OK, how can we as a university address this issue, Sullivan said at the time.

The fund received $1 million from the schools endowment last year. Mirza was part of the group of first-year students involved with the founding team who took over when the founding group graduated. Willie and the second years conceptualized the fund. They put together the skeleton, all the documents, all the paperwork, the investment vehicles, while working with the dean to get that million-dollar funding, Mirza said.

Additionally, the program is designed to keep going each year by preparing a group of incoming managing partners who will take over when the prior group graduates, just as Mirza and his crew took over from Sullivan and theirs.

The course and associated fund aim to raise awareness and solve a real access problem that exists for underrepresented founders while creating a new generation of investors who are being trained to look at people with good ideas who have traditionally been left behind by venture investment.
The excitement of investing in a company that can reverse its fortunes is a big draw for some speculators, so even companies that have no revenue, no profit, and a record of falling short, can manage to find investors. But the reality is that when a company loses money each year, for long enough, its investors will usually take their share of those losses. While a well funded company may sustain losses for years, it will need to generate a profit eventually, or else investors will move on and the company will wither away.

If this kind of company isn't your style, you like companies that generate revenue, and even earn profits, then you may well be interested in ARB (ASX:ARB). While profit isn't the sole metric that should be considered when investing, it's worth recognising businesses that can consistently produce it.

View our latest analysis for ARB

ARB's Earnings Per Share Are Growing

If you believe that markets are even vaguely efficient, then over the long term you'd expect a company's share price to follow its earnings per share (EPS) outcomes. So it makes sense that experienced investors pay close attention to company EPS when undertaking investment research. It certainly is nice to see that ARB has managed to grow EPS by 31% per year over three years. As a general rule, we'd say that if a company can keep up that sort of growth, shareholders will be beaming.

Careful consideration of revenue growth and earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margins can help inform a view on the sustainability of the recent profit growth. ARB shareholders can take confidence from the fact that EBIT margins are up from 21% to 26%, and revenue is growing. Both of which are great metrics to check off for potential growth.

You can take a look at the company's revenue and earnings growth trend, in the chart below. To see the actual numbers, click on the chart.

In investing, as in life, the future matters more than the past. So why not check out this free interactive visualization of ARB's forecast profits?

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Are ARB Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

It's pleasing to see company leaders with putting their money on the line, so to speak, because it increases alignment of incentives between the people running the business, and its true owners. Shareholders will be pleased by the fact that insiders own ARB shares worth a considerable sum. Indeed, they have a considerable amount of wealth invested in it, currently valued at AU$163m. This suggests that leadership will be very mindful of shareholders' interests when making decisions!

It means a lot to see insiders invested in the business, but shareholders may be wondering if remuneration policies are in their best interest. A brief analysis of the CEO compensation suggests they are. For companies with market capitalisations between AU$1.5b and AU$4.6b, like ARB, the median CEO pay is around AU$2.3m.

The ARB CEO received total compensation of just AU$460k in the year to June 2021. First impressions seem to indicate a compensation policy that is favourable to shareholders. CEO remuneration levels are not the most important metric for investors, but when the pay is modest, that does support enhanced alignment between the CEO and the ordinary shareholders. Generally, arguments can be made that reasonable pay levels attest to good decision-making.

Should You Add ARB To Your Watchlist?

For growth investors, ARB's raw rate of earnings growth is a beacon in the night. If you need more convincing beyond that EPS growth rate, don't forget about the reasonable remuneration and the high insider ownership. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to investing but it definitely makes ARB look rather interesting indeed. We should say that we've discovered 4 warning signs for ARB (2 shouldn't be ignored!) that you should be aware of before investing here.

Although ARB certainly looks good, it may appeal to more investors if insiders were buying up shares. If you like to see insider buying, then this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying, could be exactly what you're looking for.

Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction.

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.
Some of the biggest names in tech have signed up for the European Union's escalating war against disinformation. The EU has published a tougher Code of Practice on Disinformation with commitments from 34 companies and organizations, including Google, Meta, Microsoft, TikTok, Twitch and Twitter. The stronger guidelines are meant to both refine the existing code while expanding it to deal with lessons learned in recent years, including from the pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Participants in the updated code have promised better efforts to strip disinformation purveyors of revenue, such as removing ads. The signatories also have to tackle bots, fake accounts and deepfakes used to spread bogus claims. Supporters will have to create transparency centers and task forces to show how they're implementing the code (backed by improved monitoring), and provide better data access to researchers. They'll have to more clearly label political ads, too. Users will get better tools to spot and flag false claims, while expanded fact-checking will cover all EU countries and languages.

Those agreeing to the code have six months to implement the necessary changes. They'll share their first implementation reports at the start of 2023.

The EU first published the code in 2018, and asserts that it helped fight disinformation surrounding elections, the pandemic and Ukraine. However, there's little doubt that the situation has changed in the four years since. Bots have become a significant problem, and disinformation more frequently spreads through livestreams in addition to recorded media and social network posts. In theory, the revised approach will not only more catch more attempts to peddle fake info, but do more to discourage that peddling in the first place.

As before, the code is strictly voluntary. This won't stop sites that either turn a blind eye to disinformation campaigns or don't feel they can adequately clamp down on bad behavior. With numerous tech giants involved, though, this could make it considerably harder for fakers to gain much traction in Europe and beyond.
Scientists from Stanford Medicine and Baylor University have discovered a molecule that may be used to stop hunger cravings.

In a study published in the journal Nature on Wednesday, researchers analyzed blood plasma from mice that had just engaged in strenuous activities.

They found that the compound lac-phe, a single molecule produced during exercise, significantly lowered food consumption and triggered weight loss in mice.

"Regular exercise has been proven to help weight loss, regulate appetite and improve the metabolic profile, especially for people who are overweight and obese," said Baylor College of Medicine professor and lead author Yong Xu. "If we can understand the mechanism by which exercise triggers these benefits, then we are closer to helping many people improve their health."

More from NextShark: Mental health in Asian American communities: Why we must break the silence together

The amino acid, which is synthesized from the exercise byproduct lactate and the protein building block phenylalanine, travels to the brain to suppress appetite.

The research team found that administering a high dose of lac-phe in lab rodents reduced their food consumption by half over a period of 12 hours when compared to that of a control group. The compound did not affect the mices movement or energy use. Additionally, the mice given lac-phe for 10 days maintained a lower food intake and exhibited reduced obesity as well as improved glucose tolerance.

According to the study authors, their findings could potentially lead to an anti-hunger pill in the near future and even function as an alternative to exercise.

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This could lead to the development of a pill that can directly be used to suppress appetite for certain individuals who cannot easily exercise because of other conditions, aging or bone issues, Xu told New Scientist. We just filed a patent for hopefully using this knowledge to treat human diseases such as obesity.

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The teams findings showed that an enzyme called CNDP2 helps produce lac-phe. The mice without the enzyme did not lose as much weight on an exercise regime as the mice from a control group did on the same plan.c

They also discovered that plasma lac-phe levels spike in racehorses and humans following physical activity.

More from NextShark: Korean scientists create world's first photothermal air filters that kill influenza, COVID-19 viruses

In human participants, it was found that sprint training resulted in the most dramatic increase of plasma lac-phe, followed by resistance and endurance training. The study, however, did not look into the metabolic effects of lac-phe in humans.

This suggests lac-phe is an ancient and conserved system that regulates feeding and is associated with physical activity in many animal species, Jonathan Long, Stanford Medicine assistant professor of pathology, shared in a release.

The scientists posit that the potential to utilize lac-phe for medical and health benefits would require further research.

More from NextShark: Low-income Asian Americans received the lowest rental aid amid COVID-19, study finds

Our next steps include finding more details about how lac-phe mediates its effects in the body  including the brain, noted Xu. Our goal is to learn to modulate this exercise pathway for therapeutic interventions.

Featured Image via Jarmoluk
Fighting the current: Young Americans reject the banks they're born into

There was a time when customers relied on one bank for all their needs, and each generation remained loyal to the institution their parents used.

Those days are rapidly coming to an end.

A recent report from the Bank Administration Institute (BAI) found that less than half of Gen Z and millennials used the same financial institution as their parents in 2021. That's a significant drop compared to 61% of Gen Z and 54% of millennials in 2020.

With younger customers fully aware of their wealth of options  and valuing very different things than their parents  big banks will need to catch up to remain relevant.

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What young Americans care about

Although Gen Z and millennials do value low fees (31% and 36% respectively) more than any other factor, they don't prioritize them as much as older generations.

Meanwhile, over 60% of Gen Z and millennials would consider switching for better mobile banking apps or digital capabilities. Other factors include better rates and cash incentives and rewards.

Mark Riddle  director of research and content delivery at the BAI  notes that younger Gen Zers, who may not have income of their own, are less likely to care about rates and less likely to own a credit card.

The younger generations were also much more likely to consider banking with a non-traditional player, such as Amazon, Google or PayPal.

Riddle adds that the rise of online banking means younger Americans are less loyal to one financial institution and often have accounts with multiple institutions, which means increased competition for big banking players.

Banks that share your values

For Carissa Cabrera  a 28-year-old marine conservationist based in O'ahu, Hawaii  choosing the right bank comes down to its values.

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It's extremely important to me that the company shares the same values in environmentalism, Cabrera says in an email. At this point in my life, I don't support brands or products that don't include some form of sustainable and ethical practice.

She says the main thing she considers in a financial institution is whether or not it is funding the fossil fuel industry.

The BAI reports that over half of Gen Zers and millennials would switch financial service organizations for a higher commitment to ESG and DEI. In comparison, only a third of Gen X and less than 20% of boomers say they would do the same.

ESG (environmental, social and governance) is a system for measuring a companys commitment to bettering society, while DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) refers to measures that are specifically meant to promote inclusion for groups such as people of color and the LGBTQ+ community.

Cabrera currently uses the Bank of Hawaii for her business  an environmental media company called The Conservationist Collective  and a local credit union for her personal accounts.

She adds that members of The Conservationist Collective may also have accounts with institutions like Aspiration, a green banking alternative.

How to measure sustainability

Sustainable banking means different things to different people, notes Pete Hellwig, co-founder of Atmos.

When I say sustainable banking, I'm referring to the act of using your money to support environmentally friendly or environmentally positive projects or assets, he explains.

Atmos is a digital banking solution that funds climate-positive infrastructure and gives you cash back on sustainable brands.

Hellwig notes that the average customer is in their late 30s, but clients range from 18 to 80.

I mean, [young people] are changing the world, right? says Riddle. It's no longer acceptable for publicly traded companies not to address ESG or DEI. And the younger generations are just more in tune to  social justice.

Riddle says it may be difficult for financial institutions to measure and prove these commitments, however.

You can check a banks certifications if youre looking for a socially responsible institution.

For example, Atmos is fossil-free certified and is a member of the Conservation Alliance. Amalgamated Bank is a Certified B corporation, a designation that indicates high transparency and social and environmental performance, and is part of the Global Alliance for Banking On Values.

Big banks need to adapt to keep up

Only a third of Gen Z completely agreed with the statement that their financial service organizations were effectively meeting their needs.

The biggest business challenges for bankers in 2022 is to improve the customers digital experience and acquire new customers, reports the BAI.

By 2024, customers expect 61% of their banking business to be digital and 39% human-assisted.

Riddle emphasizes that banks need to invest in multiple channels  they cant solely prioritize digital, for example  and have to cater to all generations.

As for Cabrera, she says younger generations have inherited a dying planet, and its their responsibility to find solutions to the climate crisis.

We know that if we don't do something now, we will lose the chance to do anything at all.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Kai Sotto, a 7-foot-2 center from the Adelaide 36ers in the National Basketball League, on Wednesday participated in a pre-draft workout with the Sacramento Kings, the team announced.

Sotto, a former four-star prospect from the Philippines, averaged 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds on 50% shooting from the field in 23 games with the 36ers. He produced perhaps his best game of the season on April 10, when he recorded a career-high 21 points.

The 20-year-old declared for the NBA draft on April 28 after a strong year in the NBL. The meeting with the Kings is his sixth known workout to this point of the process after also visiting the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks and Orlando Magic among others.

a new day, a new group of prospects in the gym   Jacob Gilyard

 Fatts Russell

 Yoan Makoundou

 Karlo Matkovic

 Yannick Nzosa

 Kai Sotto Watch the full workout  https://t.co/RuuwKif5fk pic.twitter.com/wIysqrJnCV  Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) June 16, 2022

In addition to Sotto, the Kings also hosted Richmond guard Jacob Gilyard, Maryland guard Fatts Russell, Yoan Makoundou of Cholet Basket (France), Karlo Matkovic of KK Mega Basket (Serbia) and Yannick Nzosa of Unicaja Baloncesto (Spain).

The Kings enter the pre-draft process with picks No. 4, 37 and 49, respectively. They have hosted several workouts throughout the draft process and are said to even be interested in potentially trading down or out of the first round altogether.

The NBA draft will take place on June 23.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

Related

Report: Rockets trade Christian Wood to Mavs for 26th pick, players Report: Kings held draft workout with Baylor's Jeremy Sochan Filipino center Kai Sotto among prospects to work out with Magic

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Orange County firefighters responded to a fire that ripped through an auto repair shop Thursday morning.

Crews said they saw flames and heavy smoke when they arrived at the business on Grand Street near Rio Grande Avenue just after 6 a.m.

At the scene, they also discovered a deceased man near the burning building, the Orange County Sheriffs Office said.

READ: Extreme heat continues, feels like temps climb into the 100s

Sheriffs investigators had few details to release about the investigation, which they said is in its early stages.

Drone 9 captured images of the flames and smoke billowing in the area.

We watched as sparks were flying in front of the shop.

READ: Disney pushes back completion date of Lake Nona campus, reports say

Reporter Q McCray has been on scene collecting the latest details about the fire and the death investigation.

#BLDFire 1500 block of Grand St. Calls at 6:03am with reports of business on fire. Crews arrived to heavy fire & smoke w/ exposures to separate warehouse. 1 fatality. Fire out. No other details related.  OCFire Rescue (@OCFireRescue) June 16, 2022

Channel 9 will continue to monitor the fire. Check back and watch Eyewitness News for updates.

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.
By Emma Farge

GENEVA (Reuters) - A food security crisis stoked by the Ukraine war is set to push more people to flee their homes in poorer countries, driving record levels of global displacement even higher, the head of the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) said.

A report by the U.N. body showed on Thursday that some 89.3 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, abuse and violence at the end of 2021. Since then, millions more have fled Ukraine or been displaced within its borders, with price hikes linked to blocked grain exports set to stoke more displacement elsewhere.

"If you have a food crisis on top of everything I have described  war, human rights, climate  it will just accelerate the trends I've described in this report," Filippo Grandi told journalists this week, describing the figures as "staggering".

"Clearly the impact if this is not resolved quickly will be pretty devastating." Already, more people were fleeing as a result of price hikes and violent insurgencies in Africa's Sahel region, he said.

Overall, the number of displaced has increased every year over the past decade, the UNHCR report says. It is now more than double the 42.7 million people displaced in 2012.

Grandi also criticised what he called a "monopoly" of resources given to Ukraine whereas other programmes to help the displaced were underfunded.

"Ukraine should not make us forget other crises," he said, mentioning a two-year-old conflict in Ethiopia and a drought in the Horn of Africa.

The European Union's response to refugee crises has been "unequal", Grandi added. He compared the bickering between states over taking in small groups of migrants crossing the Mediterranean by boat with EU countries' generosity with Ukrainian refugees since Russia's invasion in February.

"Certainly it proves an important point: responding to refugee influxes, to the arrival of desperate people on the shores or borders of rich countries is not unmanageable," he said. The report says that low-and-middle income countries hosted 83% of the world's refugees at the end of 2021.

(additional reporting by Wendell Roelf; Editing by Toby Chopra)
Washington has been rocked by another stunning revelation from the January 6 committee: video and photographic evidence that a GOP congressman had given a group of people a tour of the Capitol a day before the violence unfolded.

One of the men in the group allegedly went on to make threats on the Capitol grounds against House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, according to the committee.

The video cemented months of speculation that at least a handful of people who allegedly participated in the riot had planned to enter the Capitol itself before the situation began, and additionally may have done so with help from Republican members of Congress.

That charge was levied by Democrats in Congress just days after the attack concluded, and has floated around unproven in Washington for more than a year. It was raised by Rep Mikie Sherrill, a New Jersey congresswoman who in a Facebook Live Q&A with constituents a week after the Jan 6 attack claimed to have seen unnamed members of Congress leading groups of people around the complex on 5 January in an apparent "reconnaissance mission for the next day.

Republicans loudly protested those accusations and accused their Democratic colleagues of politicising the attack itself. But on Wednesday, the January 6 committee revealed the first video evidence showing an alleged soon-to-be-rioter within the Capitol complex itself just a day before the attack  as well as others behaving suspiciously.

What do the images show?

Rep Barry Loudermilk, a Georgia congressman, is seen leading a group of roughly a dozen people around the House office buildings, which consist of the Cannon, Rayburn, and Longworth buildings. At one point, the group swells to about 15 members.

According to the committee, one of the men seen in a tour group led by the Georgia Republican would go on to be seen on separate video shot during the riot screaming violent threats aimed at Nancy Pelosi, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other Democrats. The unidentified man has not been charged with any crimes as of yet, and he is not known yet to have actually entered the Capitol building during the riot.

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In the images, the tour group is seen doing a number of things that struck longtime observers of the Capitol grounds as odd: They are seen taking pictures of seemingly random staircases, hallways, and even security checkpoints manned by US Capitol Police.

In a letter to Mr Loudermilk, the committee stressed that the group was suspicious because they were seen taking photos of areas not typically of interest to tourists, and stayed in the complex for several hours, longer than most tours.

Why are the images significant?

In the videos and pictures published on Wednesday by the committee, Mr Loudermilk is shown leading a sizeable group of people through not just the Capitol itself but the various tunnels and hallways through the various office buildings that make up part of the House side of the sprawling Capitol complex.

Lets break that down. The Capitol complex itself is a massive labyrinth encompassing not just the main US Capitol itself but also half a dozen office buildings which serve as support buildings for individual members, committees, and various other Legislative Branch services. Theres also three buildings which make up the Library of Congress  and all of these are connected via a maze of underground hallways, tunnels, and stairways which is so large it has its own subway system to help members and staff get around.

Altogether, the complex presents a challenge for even experienced staffers and journalists to make their way around. For that reason, as well as the historical significance of the main Capitol itself, tour groups rarely find themselves traveling far around the complex and largely stick to seeing the House and Senate, as well as other areas of importance around the main building where historical artwork and architecture can be found.

Thats why it was strange to see images of such a large group being led around office buildings and not the Capitol itself. There are some areas of interest in the House and Senate office areas, but few tourists would find them more interesting than the Capitol Rotunda or other parts of the main building.

Mr Loudermilks group apparently never made it to the tourist-heavy areas of the Capitol Visitors Center or the floor of the House or Senate themselves, but spent hours wandering around the House office complex.

Notably, none of the areas visited by the tour group were breached during the attack, which largely remained focused on the outdoor grounds of the Capitol complex and the interior of the main building itself.

What did the committee say?

On Wednesday, the committee reiterated its request for Mr Loudermilks testimony and noted that its members planned to ask him about the video during a meeting with the congressman. But Mr Loudermilk has repeatedly declined to meet with the committee, according to lawmakers on the panel, necessitating the public release of the video.

The panels letter clearly suggests that lawmakers are continuing to gather evidence even as they present some of their findings to the public in hearings this month. And it suggests that Mr Loudermilk, like other members of Congress, could face a subpoena if he does not comply.

Members made clear in their letter to Mr Loudermilk that the presence of a man who threatened Speaker Pelosi a day later, as well as the actions of others in the group, warranted investigation.

The behavior of these individuals during the January 5, 2021 tour raises concerns about their activity and intent while in the Capitol complex, the lawmakers plainly stated.

NEWS: @January6thCmte ahs sent a letter to @RepLoudermilk about what we broke in @PunchbowlNews this AM



The committee says that one of the people he gave a tour to threatened @SpeakerPelosi, @RepJerryNadler, @AOC, @SenSchumer



Video here https://t.co/1uUUmOLGNK pic.twitter.com/eDsH5QW4oD  Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) June 15, 2022

What did Barry Loudermilk say?

Congressman Loudermilk responded to the now very public scrutiny surrounding his activities on Wednesday amid a flurry of queries from reporters.

He provided a statement from Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger, who was sworn in in 2021 after the attack occurred and the agencys previous chief resigned.

We train our officers on being alert for people conducting surveillance or reconnaissance, and we do not consider any of the activities we observed as suspicious, Mr Manger declared.

Mr Loudermilk added: The Capitol Police already put this false accusation to bed, yet the Committee is undermining the Capitol Police and doubling down on their smear campaign, releasing so-called evidence of a tour of the House Office Buildings, which I have already publicly addressed.

This type of behavior is irresponsible and has real consequences -- including ongoing death threats to myself, my family, and my staff, he claimed.

He gave no indication that he would comply with the committees request for a meeting.

How could this shake up the riot committee hearings?

Despite Mr Loudermilks protesting and the inexplicable statement from US Capitol Police, the presence of a man on the Capitol Grounds who just a day later would make violent threats against the Speaker of the House and other Democratic lawmakers will at a minimum spur more investigation from the committee.

Lawmakers will likely highlight the actions of Mr Loudermilk and other Republican members of the House in the days ahead, as they have already previewed evidence that some members of Congress sought pardons from Donald Trump after the attack occurred. And the pursuit of Mr Loudermilk himself could result in a subpoena, which others who have evaded the panel including fellow Congressman Jim Jordan are facing.

Others who led tours before the riot can expect more scrutiny from journalists and potentially lawmakers on the panel as they revisit the hours leading up to the attack.

Wednesdays development also signals one important fact about the committees investigation: the ongoing nature of it all, which is likely to continue in the weeks and months ahead even beyond the end of public hearings. That could mean more explosive revelations about the actions of individual Republicans or even Donald Trump long after the last hearings conclude.

The final schedule for the remaining hearings remains unfixed following the postponement of Wednesdays meeting. Lawmakers are still planning to host one primetime hearing to conclude the effort in the weeks ahead, as well as three additional daytime hearings.
Associated Press

Former South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg, in his first public comments since being removed from office last week, appeared before a state ethics board Monday to press for an investigation of fellow Republican Gov. Kristi Noem, the person he blames for his impeachment over his conduct surrounding a 2020 fatal car crash. As attorney general, Ravnsborg last year filed a pair of complaints against Noem to the state's Government Accountability Board alleging she abused the powers of her office by interfering in a state agency as it evaluated her daughters application for a real estate appraiser license and by misusing state airplanes. The board, which is comprised of retired judges, has not decided whether to investigate Noem and is working with an attorney to evaluate the merits of the complaints.
Jun. 16Aaron Angello's debut book of creative writing, "The Fact of Memory: 114 Ruminations and Fabrications," was published this spring  though to define its genre is tough, even for him.

In it, he writes a short rumination, as the title implies, on each of the 114 words in Shakespeare's Sonnet 29. Each word serves as a jumping off point, but where Angello goes from there is loose and boundless. His associations to the word of origin move the reader through memories, through pop culture, through our collective history, like a mind map of an artist.

No stranger to Shakespeare, Angello developed a deep appreciation for the playwright during his years as an actor. Angello grew up in Colorado, moved to New York City to study acting, then worked as an actor in L.A. and a bunch of other places before moving back to Colorado for graduate school  and ultimately landing in Frederick. Here, he has taught creative writing, poetry and media at Hood College for six years and also directs the school's theater program.

He also serves as creative director for the Endangered Species (theater) Project and founded the Frederick Shakespeare Festival, which has continued to grow. At this year's festival, he is directing "Hamlet," which runs from June 24 through July 9 at the outdoor amphitheater at Hood College.

Ahead of the show's debut, Angello talked with us about his book and his work in the Frederick theater scene.

How were you first introduced to Shakespeare? What was your initial impression of his work?

When I was younger, I studied to be an actor at college. Though I read some Shakespeare in high school, I didn't think about him seriously until I started to work on the plays as an actor. I was drawn to them because of the plots and characters, sure, but really, I fell in love with the language. Speaking those words, feeling them in my mouth and body, gave me an appreciation and love of the poetry that I wouldn't have gotten otherwise. In a very real, direct way, being a classical actor led to my being a writer and poet.

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What came first: the desire to write a collection of essays or this idea to write essays based around each word of Shakespeare's Sonnet 29?

I've been a writer for a while, so I'm always working on projects. This one came about when I took part in a workshop in Colorado that focused on writers cultivating a daily practice of some kind. Here's what I did: I wrote each word of the sonnet, in order, at the top of a page of an empty sketchbook, one word per page. Each morning, I'd wake up, sit in the same chair, look at the word, meditate upon the word, then write until the page was full. I did it for the entire sonnet.

I didn't think of it in terms of genre at all, really. It was just the practice. It wasn't until much later that I realized I had a coherent collection of short pieces that work together to form a kind of fragmented, nonlinear memoir of sorts.

I wrote the first draft of this about seven years ago. Then, I worked it, revised, rewrote  all the stuff that writers do  until it went to print. Writing can sometimes be a long process.

Why Sonnet 29, in particular?

I could have been anything, probably, but I've always loved this sonnet. I memorized it when I was very young, and it's always been hanging around in my head. I didn't have any particular reason for choosing it initially, other than that. However, the sonnet is about a person who is unhappy with the state of their life, who is dejected and miserable. But then, when they think of their love, they realize that their life is actually pretty great. I think that theme ended up in the book, that there is a kind of redemptive power that love holds. That may well have come into it via the original sonnet.

Do you consider these prose poems, or what do you call them?

This is the big question! I would probably say the pieces are sometimes prose poems, sometimes short lyric essays, sometimes flash fiction. The generic distinctions don't make that much sense to me. I think the need to really label the genre of the pieces is about marketing. That said, I do think that the pieces, taken together, form a kind of fragmented memoir, like I mentioned, but that happened unintentionally.

There have been a few reviews of the book, and generally, poets and poetry reviewers call them prose poems, and essayists and creative nonfiction writers call them lyric essays.

I understand you are also a playwright, songwriter and poet. Can you talk a little about how your mindset or process shifts when writing in each of these genres? Is there a specific headspace or emotional state, for instance, that lends itself more to one genre than the other? Do you have a favorite or one that feels most like "you"?

Writing "The Fact of Memory" was a unique experience because of the specific nature of the practice, but generally, these things are all kind of similar to me. When I write poetry  or songs, for that matter, though I haven't done that in a long time  I tend to try to get my conscious mind out of the way and let the "beyond-conscious" dictate the work. Then I revise.

When I write plays, it's similar, but I defer to the characters. Once you've created fully realized people, you just have to put them in a situation together, then follow them. It's almost like dictation. However, to be clear, whether I'm writing poems, essays or plays, I revise a lot. It's in revision where the proverbial clay is shaped into something approaching art.

Tell me a little about your directing "Hamlet" at the Frederick Shakespeare Festival. What do you love about revisiting this classic  or this production in particular?

I think "Hamlet" is perhaps the best play ever written. I love everything about it. We [Christine Mosere, ESP artistic director and Angello] decided to do it more than a year ago. It's a play that everyone loves: audiences, actors, designers  everyone wants their Hamlet.

I've directed it before, but it is always a little daunting to approach because it's, well, "Hamlet." However, I'm loving the rehearsal process right now. We have a phenomenal cast, including Evan Crump as Hamlet. They are creative and skilled, and I love working with them. The brilliant Julie Herber is doing costumes  a kind of classic, Elizabethan look with a bit of 1970s CBGBs punk aesthetic mixed in.

The show will be a high-energy, accessible and fun  in the way only a Shakespearean tragedy can be  production.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

I love everything about teaching. I love my amazing students. I have fantastic, stimulating, brilliant colleagues. It's a great job.

I've come to look at my role as a teacher as creating a space in which students can be creative, to push themselves to think beyond the confines of the ordinary. I think I'm getting pretty good at it, and it's incredibly satisfying.

What did the first year of the pandemic look like for you, when classes were remote and theater productions put on hold? How did you find a creative outlet?

Well, we did do some Zoom theater, which I did not enjoy at all. It was fine for some people, but not for me. I worked on revisions of the book, wrote a couple of plays, and I shot a couple of short films of monologues that some friends wrote. That was fun, theater-like, and kept me somewhat sane.

What was the most difficult word to write a prose poem about? Or which "verse" are you happiest with?

You can't ask a poet that! I really enjoyed writing the pieces inspired by the words we don't think about much  the little articles and pronouns. There are several pieces called "And," and they were a lot of fun to write. I think they resulted in interesting pieces, too.

Then there are pieces like "Beweep." It's an archaic word, so the piece ended up being about archaic words and is pretty fun, I think.

Did you have any breakthroughs  about the writing process or life in general  as you were writing?

I certainly think differently about creativity and memory after writing "The Fact of Memory." Since I finished it, I am always thinking about ways to access the creative mind, about the veracity of memory, and about the relationship between the two.

One thing the book explores, and that has become a minor obsession for me, is if something needs to be factual to be true. I'll probably explore these questions and relationships for the rest of my life.

I have to ask. Do you buy into the theory that Shakespeare was actually multiple people writing under one pen name?

Oh man, the authorship question! First of all, I'll answer the question that precedes your question. I am confident that Shakespeare was a real person and he actually wrote those plays. The argument against that is that he couldn't have written them because he didn't have a formal  Oxford  education. I think he was a self-educated, highly sensitive person who really loved words and human psychology. And he knew how to entertain a crowd. All that taken together, along with a freakish natural talent, he was able to produce the plays we still love today, 400-plus years later.

To answer your question more directly, we know that Shakespeare did collaborate with other writers, especially early in his career and at the end of his career. For example, we know he worked with John Fletcher on "Two Noble Kinsmen" and "Henry VIII." There was probably a good deal of plagiarizing going on between writers back then, so who knows. However, there is a clear linguistic consistency between all of the plays, sonnets and longer poems that point to one dude who was really good at what he did.

This interview has been edited for space and clarity.

"The Fact of Memory" (Rose Metal Press) is available online at rosemetalpress.com/books/the-fact-of-memory.
Photo of the meeting of Olaf Scholz, Emmanuel Macron, Mario Draghi and Klaus Johannis with Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, July 16, 2022

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian PM Mario Draghi, and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis arrived in Ukrainian capital by train, as Russian cruise missile launches triggered country-wide air raid sirens.

The European leaders first visited Irpin, a Kyiv suburb that suffered heavily from several weeks of Russian occupation in March. What they saw there, Macron called a brand of barbarity on the Russian army, while Scholz described it as a symbol of unimaginable cruelty and senseless violence.

Afterwards, the visiting dignitaries met with Zelensky at Kyivs Mariinskyi Palace.

According to Zelenskys Chief-of-Staff Andriy Yermak, the leadres discussed Ukraines application to join the EU, measures to enable exports of Ukrainian grain, and the battlefield situation in Donbas and southern Ukraine.

Ukraine enjoys robust international support, Yermak said in a Telegram post.

We gave the (visiting) leaders a package of Russia sanctions prepared by our international (former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael) McFaul-Yermak working group.

Yermak urged Ukraines partners to ramp up economic pressure on Russia and develop the seventh set of EU sanctions, which would put in place an embargo on Russian natural gas.

Read also: Poll shows over 80% of Ukrainians are not prepared to make territorial concessions to achieve peace

Today, Europe stands with Ukraine; (We will be) victorious, he concluded.
Greetings from Berkeley, California, where weve just wrapped up our first-ever Climate-focused event. It was slightly surreal being back on stage at Zellerbach Hall, given the last time I stepped foot in the building was a very different time, way back in March 2020.

Im writing to you from an extremely sunny sidewalk a few blocks from the University of California campus, where the event was held on Tuesday. I also had the opportunity to get a peek at a few projects from Pieter Abbeels lab at Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research (BAIR).

We shot a handful of videos of exciting projects well be showing you as part of next month's free, online robotics event. We also have plans to meet with researchers in Boston in a few weeks for some additional demos. Im looking forward to checking those out and being back in Boston for the first time since the pandemic started.

A quick addition to the agenda: We just announced that well have partners from DCVC, Playground Global and FoundersX together on a panel at the event. If youve ever been to a TechCrunch event, you know we always have at least one VC panel -- it is, after all, our bread and butter, as a site.

It has always been a highlight of the robotics event, but this year it carries even more weight than most. Its been a turbulent couple of years since the last time we held the event -- but at least in the world of robotics investing, the movement has been mostly positive. Theres been a slight regression this year, but overall its been far less dramatic than weve seen with the larger startup.

Image Credits: TechCrunch

The past couple of years have been a tremendous accelerator for robotics and automation, and Im excited to bring together DCVC partner Kelly Chen, Playground Global founding partner Bruce Leak and FoundersX founder/managing partner, Helen Liang. Weve got lots to discuss, and I hope youll tune into the free event on July 21.

This past week brought us a handful of the aforementioned funding stories. At the top of my list is the simply named Collaborative Robotics, which launches with a $10 million raise, under the leadership of former Amazon Robotics VP Brad Porter. I spoke with the executive last week about his admittedly lofty goals of creating a versatile, all-purpose robot. Porter notes:

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We dont think that there is an equivalent capability to the six-degree-of-freedom robotic art thats generally collaborative, works with humans and can meet a wide variety of use cases. So were starting a company to build that.

Image Credits: HAI Robotics

Another massive round for Shenzhen-based HAI Robotics, which announced a $200 million combo Series C/D round all the way back in the distant era of September 2021. The new Series D+ brings in $100 million, with lead investor Capital Today and co-investors including a top U.S. dollar fund and existing shareholders 5Y Capital, Source Code Capital, Sequoia Capital and 01VC.

The company makes warehouse/logistics robots and is capitalizing on labor shortages. Strike while the iron is hot, I suppose. Founder and CEO, Richie Chen, notes:

This round of financing will be spent on stepping up the R&D of warehousing logistics robotic systems and on global business expansion, to provide more efficient, intelligent and flexible products to power every warehouse with robots to address labor shortage and cope with the challenges brought by the aging population.

Tel Aviv-based drone firm Indoor Robotics announced a $15 million Series A, led by Pitango and featuring Target Global, European Innovation Council Fund and Spider Capital. The round will go toward bolstering production on the companys Tando drone. The indoor system is focused primarily on security and monitoring.

Heres co-founder and CEO, Doron Ben David:

We reimagined what a drone was capable of and combined human-like capabilities with AI tools to enable next-generation security and monitoring. Tando has already been deployed by the worlds leading enterprises and security monitoring companies and is making a tangible impact on safety and security.

Image Credits: Amazon

Speaking of drones, after stumbling out of the gate, Amazons Prime Air drone delivery program is finally making some headway. This week the company announced that the town of Lockeford, California will be among the first spots in the U.S. to get access to the service, later this year. Lockeford is a small, census designated place about 30 minutes outside Stockton thats probably best known as the one-time home of aviation pioneer Weldon B. Cooke. So, thats a nice hook.

The company also offered a look at some of the prototypes theyve been fiddling around with over the years. The latest -- MH27-2 -- is capable of transporting a five-pound payload up to 50 miles an hour. Alphabets Wing very much has the upper-hand at the moment, with hundreds of thousands of deliveries under its belt, but were still very much early stages here, and on the general delivery front, Amazon is, as ever, the company to beat.

Check out our Vision 60 swimming! Thanks to the talented team at Onyx Industries for creating the Nautical Autonomous Unmanned Tail (NAUT) for us. #defensetechnology #robotics #ugv #teamwork pic.twitter.com/B1Ek4y7fq3  Ghost Robotics (@Ghost_Robotics) June 13, 2022

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

And for good measure, heres a video of Ghost Robotics dog going for a swim, courtesy of Onyx Industries Nautical Autonomous Unmanned Tail (NAUT). As weve noted in the past, Ghost has made no bones about its military and policing partners, grabbing headlines through images of a remote-controlled rifle strapped to the back of the dog, as well as testing patrolling along the U.S. border.

New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez spoke out against the latter in February via a tweet, noting:

Its shameful how both parties fight tooth + nail to defend their ability to pump endless public money into militarization. From tanks in police depts to corrupt military contracts, funding this violence is bipartisan + non-controversial, yet healthcare + housing isnt. Its BS.

Image Credits: Bryce Durbin/TechCrunch

Subscribe to Actuator today. The water's warm.
Ghislaine Maxwell has said that a fellow inmate at her Brooklyn lockup allegedly threatened to strangle her in her sleep in exchange for money, her lawyers claimed in a new court filing on Wednesday.

[One] of the female inmates in Ms Maxwells housing unit told at least three other inmates that she had been offered money to murder Ms Maxwell and that she planned to strangle her in her sleep, the filing said.

Her lawyers also said that other similarly charged defendants  namely sexual abuser and cultist Keith Raniere and pop star and paedophile R Kelly  were both given conventional detention in general population in Brooklyn before their convictions, in contrast to Maxwell.

The unnamed inmate allegedly said she had been offered money to murder.

Maxwells attorneys on Wednesday also said the inmate claimed the money she would get from the hit would be worth an additional 20 years incarceration.

The attorneys said: This incident reflects the brutal reality that there are numerous prison inmates who would not hesitate to kill Ms Maxwell  whether for money, fame, or simple street cred.

Her lawyers argued that Maxwell should be sentenced to well below the 20-year imprisonment probation authorities have recommended in her New York federal sex-trafficking case.

In a pre-sentencing report, Maxwells lawyers provided the court with descriptions of her condition in jail and also provided details about her emotionally distressing upbringing as part of their argument for more leniency.

The attorneys also provided details of Maxwells abusive father, the disgraced publishing tycoon Robert Maxwell, and claimed that he was abusive toward her and his other children.

They told the court: Ghislaine vividly recalls a time when, at age 13, she tacked a poster of a pony on the newly painted wall of her bedroom. Rather than mar the paint with tape, she carefully hammered a thin tack to mount the poster. This outraged her father, who took the hammer and banged on Ghislaines dominant hand, leaving it severely bruised and painful for weeks to come.

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The former socialite was convicted of sex trafficking and related charges last year in December for luring young girls into Jeffrey Epsteins sex trafficking ring. She has, however, claimed innocence.

The attorneys also said Maxwell had been sentenced under rules intended for serial abusers of children, even as there is absolutely no evidence that Ms Maxwell is attracted to minors or has the sort of uncontrollable impulses that would compel her to re-offend.

It was Epstein who had such proclivities while Maxwells role was to facilitate his sexual abuse, the lawyers claimed.

Indeed, after she moved on from Epstein in the early 2000s, Ms Maxwell was involved in two long-term relationships with men who had young children and was actively involved in their lives without even the slightest hint of impropriety, they added.
Ghislaine Maxwell speaks with her lawyers during her trial, which started in November. REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg

Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyers have asked for a sentence of just over five years in prison.

They said a fellow inmate said she had been paid to strangle Maxwell in her sleep.

Prosecutors have recommended that Maxwell serve 20 years behind bars.

Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyers argued on Wednesday that she should spend fewer years in prison than the 20-year sentence prosecutors have recommended, citing alleged threats from other inmates and what they described as a troubled childhood.

One of their allegations was that a fellow inmate threatened to kill Maxwell, according to a pre-sentencing memo seen by Insider.

"One of the female inmates in Maxwell's housing unit told at least three other inmates that she had been offered money to murder Maxwell and that she planned to strangle her in her sleep," the lawyers wrote.

The inmate said killing Maxwell would be worth serving an additional 20 years in prison, the attorneys claimed. The report added that the inmate who made the threat was moved to another facility, "presumably" for Maxwell's safety.

The lawyers also said Maxwell's father, the late Robert Maxwell, was abusive to her. They described him as "a man of large physical stature with a booming voice" who would "explode, threaten, and rant at the children until they were reduced to pulp."

"Mr. Maxwell was relentless, with children ending up in tears, punishments being doled out, and the whole family in utter distress," the attorneys wrote.

Maxwell was arrested in July 2020 on suspicion of helping convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein arrange the sexual abuse of underage girls and of participating in the abuse herself. The British socialite has maintained that she is innocent.

In December, she was convicted of three conspiracy charges, one separate sex-trafficking count, and one charge of transporting a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.

Her lawyers said on Wednesday that she shouldn't be held responsible and punished for Epstein's deeds, calling the late financier the "mastermind" of the abuse. Epstein was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell in 2019.

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"Indeed, had Ghislaine Maxwell never had the profound misfortune of meeting Jeffrey Epstein over 30 years ago, she would not be here," her lawyers argued.

The attorneys asked for a sentence of just over five years, far fewer than the 20 years recommended by probation authorities.

Maxwell, 60, faces a maximum punishment of up to 55 years behind bars. It was reduced from a potential 65 years when US Circuit Judge Alison Nathan ruled in April that two of her guilty charges overlapped. Nathan is scheduled to sentence Maxwell on June 28.

Maxwell is being represented by Bobbi Sternheim, Christian Everdell, Jeffrey Pagliuca, and Laura Menninger.

Read the original article on Insider
Secretary of State Antony Blinken says he doesn't present the U.S. as a model of LGBTQ equality, but rather as a leader in the struggle for LGBTQ rights. (Kevin Lamarque / Associated Press)

Hours before President Biden signed an executive order on Wednesday geared toward protecting queer and transgender people here in the U.S., Secretary Antony Blinken met with a handful of openly LGBTQ journalists at the State Department to talk about some of the challenges remaining abroad.

It was the first time that a sitting secretary of State has hosted a roundtable of this nature, officials told us. Blinken wasted little time before summing up the human rights challenges ahead.

In some ways, whether or not the rights of this community are being protected, defended and advanced, or whether they're being increasingly trampled upon, he said, we know as go the rights of critical groups, ultimately, so goes everyone.

This is a deadly serious time around the world.

There are roughly 70 countries that have criminalized LGBTQ identity or activity. Blinken said there are other countries considering doing the same, as well as making advocacy for equality a crime. Unfortunately, a significant amount of resources behind this current anti-LGBTQ movement comes from the U.S. For example, the Illinois-based World Congress of Families has been heavily involved in anti-queer initiatives in Hungary and Ghana, among other nations.

The secretarys comments were far from parted clouds and rainbows, but it wasnt all doom and gloom either. They were a reminder that although the recent wave of anti-LGBTQ laws in the U.S. and abroad are setbacks  hence Bidens executive order banning conversion therapy  this country is still among the worlds best examples of what LGBTQ equality can look like when we continue to fight.

Its easy to forget that progress when politicians try to stop drag queens from reading books at the public library. Or when legislators target transgender children and their families. When a candidate for Congress  a pastor who allied himself with President Trump  suggests our government should kill queer people and the TV anchor applauds, its easy to be consumed by the darkness.

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But we are not the shining city on the hill because we are perfect. We shine because we refuse to accept imperfection. So when Dont Say Gay bills are introduced, there are those who are willing to say gay even louder.

Of course, it would be nice if simply existing werent construed as a political statement, but then again it would also be nice if prejudice werent dressed up to look like public policy.

So while it is exhausting to constantly have ones humanity used as a negotiating chip and debated in court, it is our willingness to fight that inspires the best in other nations. It was that very fight that gave birth to Pride Month. Stonewall was a riot, not a parade.

We cant afford to forget that. Not when a member of Congress places a target on our backs by suggesting cisgender heterosexuals are an endangered species. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes unique spin on the nonsensical replacement theory may appear harmless or even laughable, but remember a white 18-year-old drove hundreds of miles to kill Black people in Buffalo because he cared about the future of the White race.

This kind of cultural baggage shouldnt discredit American leadership on LGBTQ issues. It makes us experts on combatting hate.

When I raise human rights issues, when I raise democracy issues, I often say to the people that we're dealing with: It's not exactly a secret that we have our own challenges that we're working through at home, Blinken said. We're not trying to sweep the problem or the issue under the rug. We're acknowledging it.  And that continues to set us apart from most other countries that have problems that do try to pretend they don't exist.

The U.S. is in a position to lead by example  to confront issues like anti-trans initiatives. In speaking with officials from other nations, Blinken said, we can ask you to do the same thing.

And because of that, advocates abroad are paying attention and bringing change to their own countries.

Bhutan recently decriminalized homosexuality. A town in Bangladesh elected the nations first transgender mayor. When President Biden was vice president, same-sex relationships in Botswana were punishable by up to seven years in prison. Today they are not.

Jessica Stern, the U.S. special envoy to advance the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons, spoke passionately about the activists shes engaged with in countries such as Thailand and Vietnam. She noted that this years Baltic Pride attracted 17,000, a high number for that region of the world. While in Malaysia, where laws criminalizing queerness remain on the books, she met the first transgender lawyer to be openly recognized by the bar association.

We're in a moment of polarization, and we have an incredible force targeting LGBTQI+ people around the world. And that's not a new story, but it's an energized story, Stern said. We also have LGBTQI+ organizations and activists cropping up everywhere.

And the U.S. has a lot to do with that  whether through the Department of States Global Equality Fund, which provides emergency funding to LGBTQ activists globally, our embassies flying Pride flags again, or all of us celebrating here at home.

Lord knows when it comes to human rights, we dont always get it right. But it matters to a lot of people around the world that we keep trying  for it's in the trying that we can give others hope.

@LZGranderson

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, which has headquarters in Chicago, plans to move its offices around the block to the Aon Center.

The association has about 765 employees in its Chicago office, which is now located at 225 N. Michigan Ave. The move is expected in late 2023 or 2024, said a spokesperson in an email.

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The association plans to lease about 95,000 square feet at the Aon Center at 200 E. Randolph St.

The association is a national federation of 34 independent and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that provide health insurance. It is not the same organization as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, which is Illinois largest health insurance company and a division of Health Care Service Corp.

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Health Care Service Corp. is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and Health Care Service Corp. do not have plans to move from their current headquarters at 300 E. Randolph St., said Colleen Miller, a spokeswoman for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.

We are excited about a new space that represents our long-term investment in our employees workplace experience, with a particular focus on we space versus me space, said Jennifer Vachon, executive vice president, business operations for Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, in a news release. Our move to the Aon Center will provide employees with a flexible environment that meets our evolving needs.
(Getty Images)

Hailey Baldwin has officially launched her skincare brand Rhode  but shes aware of the oversaturation of celebrity skincare ranges in the beauty industry.

I know that people are so tired of celebrity brands and Im like, honestly, I get that, she said in an interview with Bustle. I think that Im trying to do something very different.

On 15 June, Baldwin launched the minimalist skincare line Rhode, derived from the 25-year-old models middle name. The debut lineup includes five different products  a serum, a moisturizer, and a lip treatment available in three scent options, all ranging between $16 and $29.

For Baldwin, who has been open about her mental health struggles in the past, maintaining a skincare routine has played a huge role in her mental health journey.

The commitment to taking care of my skin has helped me mentally to push forward and feel like its a small win. Like, I got through that today, she said. I took care of my skin before bed, and that makes me feel good. Its showing up every single day for yourself.

The model joins the ranks of several celebrities who have launched their own skincare brands in the hopes of achieving similar to Rihannas billion-dollar success with Fenty Beauty  including Selena Gomez, Scarlett Johansson, and most recently, Kim Kardashian.

Last February, Johansson announced the arrival of her skincare brand, The Outset. Unsurprisingly, the internet was less than excited to receive another celebrity skincare label.

Im so serious when I say this: Society has progressed past the need for celebrity skincare lines, one person said on Twitter after the announcement.

Baldwin has often shared details about her skincare and makeup regime, having been a BareMinerals global ambassador since 2018. The model previously revealed that she suffers from a skin problem called perioral dermatitis, which causes a red rash and bumps on her face. She treats the skin condition using a few anti-inflammatory products, but it can be triggered by a new beauty product, the weather, or certain SPFs.

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Prior to the release of Rhode Skin, Baldwin explained that her usual daytime and night-time routine included a double cleanse  first an oil-based cleanser, and then a gentle foaming [cleanser]; a serum or two, depending on if I want to layer more things, a moisturiser.

Baldwin added that she always wears an SPF on her face as well.

I think if I had understood even younger than 24 that SPF was so important, I probably would have done it sooner, she said. But I think Ill be happy that I even started in my 20s.
Tasmanias Hannah Gadsby had been steadily making a name for herself in Australias comedy world for over a decade when her landmark special, Nanette, debuted on Netflix in 2018 and seemingly transformed her overnight into a worldwide household name.

The show is a bit of a misdirect. Gadsby begins Nanette as a shy, tea-drinking lesbian sputtering self-effacing jokes. Over the course of its hour, however, she builds steadily in confidence and rage as she takes on, well, the entirety of global patriarchy. Gadsby announced in the show that she was done with comedy.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Ironically, the special made her one of the biggest comedy stars in the world. And not without her detractors: The late Norm Macdonald, Saturday Night Lives Michael Che and especially Dave Chappelle, have all laid into her at various points. Gadsby, in turn, has proven herself quite capable of throwing back a punch.

And so Gadsby did the Cher thing when it came to her Farewell Tour  she mounted two more tours. Nanette was followed by 2019s Douglas, whose rollout was derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. And now, for the past 18 months, Gadsby has been touring Body of Work  by Gadsbys own accounts a happier show, due in large part to having recently married her producer, Jenney Shamash.

In the three years since Douglas, she has remained in the news, however, most memorably in her fiery criticism of Netflix and its chief Ted Sarandos after the streamers backing of Chappelles The Closer, which was widely criticized for transphobic material.

When Sarandos cited Gadsbys specials as proof that the company embraces all points of view, Gadsby snapped back on Instagram: Hey Ted Sarandos. Just a quick note to let you know that I would prefer if you didnt drag my name into your mess. Now I have to deal with even more of the hate and anger that Dave Chappelles fans like to unleash on me every time Dave gets 20 million dollars to process his emotionally stunted partial world view.

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She continued, You didnt pay me nearly enough to deal with the real world consequences of the hate speech dog whistling you refuse to acknowledge, Ted. Fuck you and your amoral algorithm cult.

Now Gadsby is rolling back into L.A. with Body of Work, which shell be performing June 17 and June 18 at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel. Ahead of her return, she spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about L.A. audiences, what shed like to say (or not say) to Ricky Gervais, and whether shell have time for a power lunch with Sarandos while shes in town.

So you will be performing at the Theatre at the Ace Hotel, which is where your second Netflix special, Douglas, taped. Its a pretty huge, Gothic, weird theater. Do you like performing there?

I quite like performing comedy in those kinds of spaces. I like people coming into the audience feeling like its an occasion. I like to give my audience a comfortable chair because Im going to give them a bit of a ride and something to look at while their phones are being locked up.

What do you think of L.A. audiences?

Well, see, as this interviews going to be published there, Im not going to say I hate the guts of it, but I dont know all that I like it. I think it can be a little industry-heavy, but I think that only really matters in really smaller-proportion audiences. So if you are doing something where you want industry to come, and its a 300-seater, that affects the vibe of a show. But larger spaces, I dont think it really matters. Theres enough [people] in the room to drown out the seriousness of the industry.

And whats the new show about, or what are you trying to do thats new that we havent seen from you yet?

Do I have to do something new? Is that the rule?

No. I mean 

No, Im just teasing. It is new for me, I think particularly for the North American audience. Not so much for Australia and U.K., because I have a much longer career there, but its a storytelling show and its a feel-good show. And its funny. Its sort of going back to what I have always done, in that Im sort of splicing jokes into stories, as opposed to just constructing stories out of jokes.

You came on the scene with a big splash with Nanette, but was Nanette way off course in terms of what your comedy had been like until that point?



No, not way off course. Nanette was a bold show. So of course it was new in many different ways. The most significant departure was that I talked about comedy. And of course the premise of the show was not to let people off the hook with a laugh. The first 20 minutes or so was pretty much my standard delivery, but I wasnt storytelling heavily  which is kind of the irony of that show, in which I was saying Stories are much more interesting than just jokes. And heres a show where I didnt really tell many stories.

But every time I write a show, I shape it around what Im thinking, whats interesting to me at the time, what sort of feeling I want to impart to the audience. I dont go in trying to be who I think other people want me to be, because that way is a corner. And I think you lose touch with your own voice if you sort of get comfortable with your so-called persona onstage. And if you dont tackle that, I think you can really become the persona you are onstage as opposed to shaping it offstage.

Is that good or bad?

Which bit?

Becoming your persona.

The persona is a thin veil. Its not a full human. And thats what stand-up is. It appears like you are who you are offstage, onstage, but it is just an appearance. Its a manipulation of stuff. And if you believe the hype, then everything you think offstage is angled in order to extract humor or a joke or that kind of thing. You begin thinking in terms of, How can I make this situation funny? instead of just living and then, later on, going, Gosh, in hindsight, theres humor there. I think the longer you do stand-up, the more danger youre in to stop living life normally and living it in order to mine for comedy. And I dont think thats a great path for your own humanity.

So could we talk about Netflix and things youve said?

What have I said?

You said some pretty strong things. And I thought that was quite admirable, but I guess its the ultimate biting the hand that fed you. They made you a star.

So thats how you speak truth to power. You dont cuddle up to that. You dont cuddle up to power.

So I guess my question is, what happens after you make a statement like that? Does that end your relationship with Netflix?

Well, on their terms, it shouldnt, because its my artistic expression. And if they dont like it, perhaps Netflix isnt the right place for them to work. There is no line in comedy, according to Netflix. So everything I say is a joke. So if they dont like what Im saying, then perhaps they dont believe what theyre saying entirely.

I think its interesting. There is a line to Netflix, and its the bottom line. It has nothing to do with their culture. Its just whats going to make the money, and that doesnt inspire me. I wouldnt have written a show like Nanette if that was what motivates me. I think its an interesting time at the moment. I dont think I have the best perspective of whats happening, but I have my own ideas.

Has Netflix expressed interest in putting out other Hannah Gadsby specials?

You know what its like. Theres a lot of chat. I dont sit down with Ted, do I? Probably not now. He might be a little scared of me. Rightly so, Ted. Rightly so. Im just joking. Its very funny, isnt it? Its a very funny situation.

Well, let me switch it. Would you want to be there again? I mean, you obviously are very offended by some of the things theyre putting up. Are you even interested in being on Netflix again?

Im of two minds, I guess. One thing is, people have Netflix. And so maybe putting content on that [platform that] is not so deeply transphobic would be a good space to put my work. Im not motivated by where my work is on a streaming service. Im a performer. Netflix has given me the opportunity to build my audience, which Im grateful for, but Im not beholden to. I dont know where I am at the moment, because Im on tour and I can only do one thing at a time, but like most things in this world, its not black and white. Theres no right decision, no wrong decision.

Have you ever in your travels or your comedy goings-on crossed paths with Ricky Gervais?

No. He didnt have to do stand-up by the time I started. His sort of U.K. world was pre mine, but Im aware of his comedy, if thats where youre building to.

What would you say to him if you ran into him at an awards show or something?

Im the sort of person where it wouldnt matter because people dont talk to me. I really have a fuck-off energy and I really enjoy it. But I wouldnt go out of my way to talk to him because I just dont think theres any point. Hes made up his mind. He doesnt seem like a nuanced thinker. I dont think we could solve the issues backstage at an awards show. Hes set. Theres no changing his mind. So why bother?

Do you think there are people that think the same thing about you?

Probably. I mean, Im open to have my mind changed. I always find it interesting that people think about me. Thats fascinating, isnt it? I always like going back to where I came from, which is invisibility. The first 30 years of my life, extreme invisibility. So the idea that people have to talk about me is incredibly funny for me.

And yet you hit at exactly the right time and you pressed exactly the right buttons to the point where, I mean, everyone was talking and thinking about you.

Comedy is all about timing. Im very good. Im very good.

I like that. You say that in your show: Im very good at what I do.

Yeah. I mean, Im not saying Im the greatest of all time. Im not that arrogant. But Im all right.

Who are your comedy heroes? I get a bit of George Carlin out of some of your material, like your riff on the color blue.

Im not American, and I didnt grow up with a lot of pop culture invading my personal spaces. So George Carlin wasnt on my radar. He had such a broad career, from what I can gather. He ran the gamut of style. So I think everyone can be a little bit George Carlin. Even George Carlin is a little bit George Carlin.

I really love [certain comedians] because of the way they engage with their audiences. They are like personal friends. Like Margaret Cho and Maria Bamford. Theyre both great comics, but also its their attitude toward their audience which I really felt was remarkable.

Carlin had done a lot of acting, but I havent seen you act. Are you interested in that at all?

Oh, lets have a look at who George is, as an intersection of his identities, and then who I am, and lets see how many roles there are. Curmudgeonly old man. Theres a lot of roles for that type, in film and television. Its basically built around that kind of personality and type of person. You have to have roles created for someone like me. Theres just not that many stories floating around, and Im not physically what people are looking for, even if my type of persona is. I sort of would be interested, but Im not in a hurry. And theres another problem. You really do need to be in a hurry in this world.

[After Nanette] my world was suddenly so unfamiliar. And Im autistic. I really struggle in new situations, and it takes such a long time to process. It is, after all, a processing disorder. And so I had a brand-new world to deal with, and I thought the best way to deal with that is to do something Im familiar with, and that is creating a stand-up show and touring it. So that was incredibly overwhelming. There was a huge amount of pressure on it.

Then the pandemic hit  and I just thought, I cant invest in me right now. I couldnt process my new world. It was a giant rupture in the fabric of our world. And I still dont really know what to make of it, but I think thats perhaps the right way to feel about it. Now Im back in the world. My decisions are really based on what I think is creatively interesting to me. And of course, whats interesting to me might not coincide with what is available in casting. So acting may or may not be in my future.

You were married recently.

I was, and I continued to be, thank goodness.

Thats good. Thats the idea. Hows it going?

I like it. We work as a team and thats a nice thing for me. My wife  (in a Borat voice) Mah wahf! My spouse lady, as I like to call her, is also my touring producer. And I dont believe that I would be doing a feel-good show if I didnt have such a great producer. For someone on the spectrum, touring can become incredibly hostile. I get overstimulated, over-exhausted. Im just delighted that Ive stumbled into such good fortune, being partners with such a great producer.

My new show is a feel-good show because Im able to navigate the world in a way that I havent been able to before. If I were to paint my persona as someone whos slightly bumpy and confused in the world and borderline angry, then thats the corner I would be painting myself into. Becoming the persona. So the show is a shift in that, and its reflecting an easier path through life, having someone who can help me navigate the world.

Thats all any of us could want. So congratulations.

Yeah. Thank you. I mean, it could all fall apart, but life is uncertain so you should make the most of it, right?

Interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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To Hong Kong documentary filmmaker Ngan Chi-sing, seeking asylum in the U.K. is going to be one of his priorities in the coming year. Thats because he has made a film about the 2019 protests that he fears would endanger his security, should he ever return to his home city.

Hong Kong cannot tolerate documentary films like mine anymore, Ngan, the director of Love in the Time of Revolution, which premieres this week at the inaugural edition of the Melbourne Hong Kong Film Festival running from June 12-19 in Australia, told Variety. Ngan himself handles the international sales of the film, which appeared in Vision du Reel earlier this year.

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The Melbourne Hong Kong Film Festival is organized by the Victoria Hong Kongers Association, which says many people from the Hong Kong diaspora have been waiting to see the films. A similar event, the Hong Kong Film Festival U.K., was organized earlier this year in London where other former Hong Kong residents have moved.

The 35-year-old is not alone. Over the past year, a growing list of filmmakers, artists, creatives and media personalities have left Hong Kong following the implementation of the National Security Law on June 30, 2020. Since then, over a hundred have been arrested, including pro-democracy politicians, activists, and journalists from the now-defunct Apple Daily and Stand News. The local authorities have also revived colonial era laws on sedition to silence opposition voices.

Many of the new exiles have settled in the U.K. due to visa arrangements which allow British National (Overseas) passport holders a pathway to full U.K. citizenship. Latest U.K. government figures show 123,000 people using the scheme since it was launched on January 31 last year.

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Among those who have settled in the U.K. are: documentary filmmaker Tammy Cheung, critic and TV scriptwriter Alex Pao, and Ng Chi-sum, the former show host of RTHK program Headliner, Hong Kongs oldest satirical current affairs program which was taken off air in June 2020.

The past weeks also saw popular political cartoonists, including Ah To, vawongsir, and Hong Kong Worker, departing Hong Kong for the U.K. Author and Commercial Radio show host Chip Tsao is also in the U.K., teaming up with his former radio show co-host Pao to create a new YouTube channel commenting on Hong Kong current affairs.

Others have moved to Taiwan, such as political artist Kacey Wong, and Stephen Shiu, a film producer-turned- current affairs commentator whose YouTube channel boasts more than 800,000 subscribers. Still others have gone to North America, including former media executive and Hong Kong governments Central Policy Unit advisor Lau Sai-leung, who also runs a popular YouTube current affairs channel.

If you comment or criticize the authorities, particularly the Communist Party, the police and National Security officers on your YouTube channel in Hong Kong, you risk being accused of breaching laws such as the sedition law, said Benson Wong, a former Baptist University professor who relocated to the U.K. last year while continuing to comment on current affairs on a YouTube channel called Hong Kong Uncensored.

The only way to survive, is that you either self-censor, or you leave Hong Kong in order to continue to speak up truthfully and honestly while making critical comments on online platforms, such as YouTube.

In the case of Ngan, the migration road is not smooth. He was born in mainland China, which means he has no access to the BNO visa scheme should he choose to stay in the U.K.

Fearing repercussions, Ngan has no choice but to stay away from Hong Kong, especially after the 2021 tightening of the film censorship law, which bans titles that threaten national security. Protest-related films such as Inside the Red Brick War and Revolution of Our Times have already been barred from the big screens in Hong Kong.

How thoroughly Hong Kong authorities are willing to assert the law is currently being tested. Global streaming service Vimeo two weeks ago began carrying Revolution of our Times, the protest documentary by Kiwi Chow that debuted at Cannes last year.

While the film has no chance of reaching Hong Kong theaters its availability for online viewing in the city has sparked many questions about the legality of watching banned content in the privacy of a viewers own home. The police issued a warning that residents should not watch something if they were not sure of its legality. But they declined to spell out the authorities position on the matter. So far, nobody is known to have been arrested for watching the film. And Chow, who says he is staying put whatever the consequences, remains at liberty within the city.

Nevertheless, Ngan says that staying away from Hong Kong may be the only way to continue with this kind of work. These Hong Kong diasporas are still living through the trauma while struggling to adapt to a new life in a new place. They have a lot of stories to tell, he said.

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(Photo: Illustration: Damon Dahlen/HuffPost; Photos: Getty)

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This article is part of a larger series titled The End Of Roe. Head here to read more.

When a leaked SCOTUS draft decision signaled the end of Roe v Wade was near, the bulk of media voices and activists left one particular group out of conversations around the dystopia to come  one thats already living it. For decades, many incarcerated women have effectively been navigating a post-Roe world.

For the approximately 58,000 people who enter prisons and jails every year while pregnant, abortion is only accessible in principle. A 2016-17 study found that of 816 pregnant women in state and federal prisons, only 1.3% of pregnancies resulted in an abortion. In contrast, in 2020, nearly 20% of pregnancies nationwide ended in abortion.

Theres a great divide between what the law says the status of access to abortion for people who are incarcerated should be and what the reality is, Alexa Kolbi-Molinas, the deputy director of the Reproductive Freedom Project of the American Civil Liberties Union, told HuffPost.

Three years after the Supreme Court decided the landmark Roe v Wade case, the Hyde Amendment became a law, and remains in place today. The legislation prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions, with exceptions for health risks or pregnancy by rape or incest. This meant that in prisons owned and operated by the federal government, prisoners wanting abortions need to pay for the procedure  the average price of which is now estimated to be over $500  on their own. This is virtually impossible for most imprisoned pregnant people, given the staggeringly low labor wages for the incarcerated.

At the state and local level  where a vast majority of Americans are incarcerated  abortion access is varied, though often hard to obtain. Of the 19 state prisons allowing abortions in the study, two-thirds of them require those incarcerated to pay for their abortions. Three of the prisons forbid the procedure entirely.

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At least 12 states dont have written procedures for abortions within their prisons. Though, written policies  or lack thereof  dont always accurately indicate whether incarcerated people can access abortion care.

The lack of a written policy often corresponds with jails and prisons failing to meet their constitutional obligation to make the care available, [but] sometimes it really is ignorance, Kolbi-Molinas said.

There is tremendous variability in abortion access for the incarcerated, said Carolyn Sufrin, an assistant professor of gynecology and obstetrics at Johns Hopkins University and the lead researcher on the previously mentioned prison study.

It could be [that] they have an official written policy that just doesnt allow it, Sufrin noted. They could have an official written policy that allows it but only up to a certain gestational age, even if that is not consistent with what state law is. Or they might have unwritten rules and policy that just dont allow it or they might require the incarcerated individuals to pay for their own abortion.

But few people are paying attention  even among researchers and medical professionals, much less politicians. Sufrins study was regarded as the first-of-its-kind by John Hopkins. She even noted within her research that data on the matter was scant and outdated.

To our knowledge, there has never been a systematic assessment of abortions, stillbirths, miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies or neonatal and maternal deaths in prisons, Sufrin wrote.

In the states where prison abortion regulations are the most sparse, the authorities making the calls in that grey area are perhaps the least willing to allow or assist abortion procedures. There is a significant overlap between the states with trigger bans  which will allow abortion restrictions to become effective immediately if the Supreme Court does overturn Roe  and states the ACLU has noted as being without established abortion protocols in their prisons.

In 2006, the ACLU sued then-Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio for refusing to transport incarcerated women to abortion clinics, saying he believed in family values and that him helping facilitate abortions would never happen.

An Arizona court ultimately prohibited Arpaio from what the ACLU said was a bait and switch tactic of requiring prisoners to pay their transportation and security costs for their abortion services upfront.

A year prior, Missouri prison staffers denied a womans request to have an abortion.

It is not the prison that has imposed the burden, but the prisoners violation of the law that resulted in her incarceration that has imposed the burden, Missouri Assistant Attorney General Michael Pritchett stated in defense of the prisons actions in court documents.

The case went to the Supreme Court, which ruled against the prison.

Both Arizona and Mississippi are anti-abortion states that have trigger bans in place if Roe is overturned.

Other women who have been in the prison system say they have felt pressured to terminate their pregnancies.

Julia Arroyo, who is now the managing director at the Young Women Freedom Center, an organization that seeks to reduce the criminalization of young women, said she felt as if she had no choice but to get an abortion while on probation at 15 years old.

Arroyo, who was in the foster care system at the time, said she was told itd be difficult to find a home for her if she carried through with her pregnancy.

For somebody that comes from a particular background, having a cis white male  that literally had handcuffs right in front of me  make my medical decisions for me was pretty tough, Arroyo said.

She doesnt know if she would have kept the baby if shed felt like she had more options.

Incarcerated people have long borne the brunt of issues affecting other Americans. As Black motorists are assaulted and killed by police officers, prisoners are regularly brutalized, raped and abused by prison staff. As quality, affordable health care evades lower-income Americans, prisoners get told to drink water when sharing health concerns. And though Roes overturning will make abortion much more difficult to access for the everyday woman, particularly those coming from lower-income backgrounds who cant afford to travel to seek care, incarcerated women cant hop in a car or plane to get an abortion. And when they do undergo birth in prison, its also far more perilous.

Not only does the U.S. have the worst maternal mortality rate in the developed world, but Black women  who constitute 30% of the womens prison population  are facing a maternal mortality crisis. They are three times more likely to die in childbirth than white women.

Furthermore, its still legal in many states for incarcerated people to remain shackled while they give birth, which medical professionals say makes childbirth more uncomfortable and potentially more of a health risk than it would be otherwise. But another ever-present danger lay in callous prison employees.

In 2009, Joan Graeber reportedly asked prison staff for medical assistance when she began leaking amniotic fluid, a protective liquid that surrounds and nourishes the fetus. When she finally received an ultrasound, she was informed that all of her fluids were gone and that the baby had died. Graebers attorney said she wasnt immediately taken to the hospital, placing her at risk of septic shock, which can be fatal.

Almost a decade later, Diana Sanchez was captured on video crying for help while in labor in her prison cell. In a lawsuit, Sanchez states she was ignored by staff, forced to navigate childbirth by herself and that the day was one of unnecessary terror, pain and humiliation that continues to cause her ongoing emotional trauma.

Nine months ago, Keiko Kopp was in labor for 30 hours before prison staff responded to her cries for help and transported her to a hospital, according to a report from a local NPR affiliate. She lost the baby an hour after giving birth. Kopp was imprisoned at Lowell Correctional Center, a facility specifically for pregnant women.

For women in prison who undergo labor without malicious treatment, the process is still daunting. Unless a mother is being incarcerated in one of the few U.S. prisons with nurseries, theyll have a maximum of 48 hours to spend with their newborn. If a relative or trusted friend doesnt come to care for that child within that time frame, theyll enter the foster care system.

Arroyo, whod seen the aftermath of both women having abortions and undergoing birth while imprisoned, noted the women couldnt even properly console one another afterward. Physical touching, such as hugs, among the incarcerated are considered an offense in many prisons.

As the COVID-19 pandemic famously illustrated, when hardship hits Americans, it will batter those already disenfranchised. For incarcerated women, Roes overturning will do the same, but youll be hard-pressed to hear about it.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

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(Bloomberg) -- PT Sarana Menara Nusantara is considering selling a minority stake in its telecommunication tower unit PT Profesional Telekomunikasi Indonesia and is seeking as much as $1 billion, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

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Profesional Telekomunikasi, or Protelindo, as it is known, is working with a financial adviser on the sale of a 15% to 20% stake, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information is private. The potential sale is targeting pension and infrastructure funds, they said.

Shares of Sarana Menara Nusantara jumped 4.6% on Thursday in Jakarta, their biggest advance in more than a month, snapping a seven-day losing streak and giving the company a market value of about 47 trillion rupiah ($3.2 billion).

Deliberations are ongoing and Sarana Menara Nusantara could decide not to proceed with a deal, the people said. The company is always looking for alternative funding through debt and equity, and both types of financing are under discussion, Sarana Menara Nusantara and Protelindo President Director Ferdinandus Aming Santoso said in response to a query from Bloomberg News.

There has been a surge in telecommunications infrastructure deals in recent years as the coronavirus pandemic accelerated digitization trends. Protelindos owners would join Globe Telecom Inc. in the Philippines, which is weighing selling around half of its tower portfolio in a deal that could be worth as much as $1.5 billion, while shareholders of Supernap Thailand are working with a financial adviser to help find a minority investor in the business, Bloomberg News reported this month.

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Founded in 2003, Protelindo is the largest independent owner and operator of towers for wireless communications companies in Indonesia. The company owns and operates about 29,011 telecommunication tower sites with more than 54,580 tenants in Indonesia, primarily in Sumatra, Java, Bali, Kalimantan and Sulawesi, according to its website. Protelindo bought a 94% stake in rival firm PT Solusi Tunas Pratama in October for about $1.2 billion.

Sarana Menara Nusantara owns 99.99% of Protelindo, while Santoso has a single share, according to the tower companys latest annual report. A unit of Djarum Group, the Indonesian cigarette and banking conglomerate, owns 54.4% of Sarana Menara Nusantara.

(Updates with share movement in third paragraph.)

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TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Iranian authorities have arrested a person accused of having a link to two French citizens being held on espionage charges, state television reported Thursday.

The report said the suspect was a Marxist who visited the two alleged French spies before the May 1 International Workers' Day, as part of a plot to "create unrest among workers.

It did not disclose the suspect's gender, but said the person was arrested by intelligence services while trying to leave the country through the province of West Azerbaijan. The TV also said the accused was tasked with rallying workers and teachers for street protests.

In May, Iran confirmed it has detained two French citizens, Cecile Kohler, 37, and Jacques Paris, 69, saying they met with protesting teachers, took part in an anti-government rally, and were organizing a protest to create unrest in Iran.

France identified the two as a teachers union official and her partner who were on vacation in Iran.

Teachers have held several strikes and protests in cities across Iran in recent weeks, walking out of their classrooms to press for better pay and working conditions.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israel has canceled educational trips to Poland for thousands of high school students this summer, claiming the Polish government is trying to control the Holocaust-studies curriculum taught to Israeli children, the Israeli foreign minister said.

The announcement by Foreign Minister Yair Lapid reignited longstanding tensions between the two countries over Poland's treatment of its Jewish citizens during the Holocaust.

In his comments, Lapid said Poland has barred Israeli delegations from learning about the role of Polish citizens in collaborating with Nazis during the Holocaust.

They wanted to dictate what was allowed and what wasnt allowed to be taught to Israeli children who go to Poland and that we cannot agree with, he told a news conference on Wednesday.

Poland was the first country invaded and occupied by Adolf Hitlers regime and never had a collaborationist government. Members of Polands resistance and government-in-exile struggled to warn the world about the mass killing of Jews, and thousands of Poles risked their lives to help Jews.

However, Holocaust researchers have collected ample evidence of Polish villagers who murdered Jews fleeing the Nazis, or Polish blackmailers who preyed on helpless Jews for financial gain. Six million Jews, including nearly all of Poland's roughly 3 million Jews, were killed by the Nazis and their collaborators during the Holocaust, and major Nazi death camps were in Poland.

These dueling narratives have been a source of great tension between Israel and Poland, which otherwise have strong relations.

Lapid referred to a Polish bill, passed in 2018, that penalizes anyone who blames Poles as a nation for the World War II crimes committed by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland. At the time, Israel and United States slammed the law, saying it hindered free speech.

On Wednesday, Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Pawel Jablonski posted on Twitter that the current formula of organized trips of Israeli youth to Poland requires changes due to systematic problems leading to the strengthening of false stereotypes, which negatively impacts Polish-Israeli relations. Jablonski also said that Poland doesn't wish to halt Israeli student trips but, rather, to give them a different formula that will improve of Polish-Israeli ties.

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Israel's Education Ministry had announced the cancellations earlier this week but gave no explanation for its decision.

Young Israelis traditionally travel to Poland in the summer between 11th and 12th grade to tour former Nazi camps in order to learn about the Holocaust and memorialize those murdered. The trip has long been considered a milestone in Israeli education and, prior to the pandemic, some 40,000 Israeli students participated each year. About 7,000 were registered to go this summer, according to the Education Ministry.

Ties between Poland and Israel have been gradually fraying in recent years over the matter. In 2021, Israel protested a Polish law seen as banning claims for restitution of some seized property by Holocaust victims.

At the time, Poland recalled its ambassador to Israel, while Israel's ambassador to Poland was also recalled. Ties have since improved in the wake of Israel-Polish cooperation on the Ukrainian refugee crisis.

Lapid, whose late father was a Holocaust survivor, thanked Poland for its help in rescuing Jewish refugees from Ukraine but said the high school delegations could not continue under the current circumstances.
WASHINGTON  House members of the committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol detailed Thursday how former President Donald Trump relentlessly pressured his vice president, Mike Pence, to execute a debunked legal theory to reject the results of the 2020 election despite Pence informing him it would be unconstitutional.

Trump's hostility toward Pence, both publicly and privately, endangered the vice president's life and helped fuel the violence on Jan. 6 as members of Congress met to count the electoral votes confirming Joe Biden's victory, the committee alleged.

"When Mike Pence made it clear that he wouldn't give in to Donald Trump's scheme, Donald Trump turned the mob on him," said the committee's chairman, Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss.

More: Trump lawyer who pressured Pence to reject electors asked for pardon after Jan. 6: recap

The baseless legal theory, put forward by attorney John Eastman and embraced by Trump, argued the vice president could reject slates of Biden electors certified by key battleground states in favor of fake Trump electors.

Rep. Liz Cheney, the committee's vice chairwoman, said the strategy wasn't just wrong  "it was illegal and unconstitutional."

Pence declined to testify to the committee, but multiple former Pence aides described in vivid detail the pressure the vice president faced to ignore the Constitution and the jeopardy Pence found himself in as rioters attacked the Capitol.

Here are takeaways from the third hearing on the Jan. 6 committee's findings:

Theory Pence could reject electors was debunked to Trump before Jan. 6

The committee pointed to multiple memos circulated by Eastman in December 2020 that argued Pence could reject slates of "disputed" electors in battleground states that Biden carried.

It hinged on an idea that Trump supporters in key swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Arizona  which Biden won and Trump unsuccessfully challenged  had the power to proclaim themselves electors. With competing slates of electors presented to Congress, Eastman argued Pence had the unilateral power to decide the next president.

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"There was no basis in the Constitution or laws of the United States at all with the theory espoused by Mr. Eastman," retired conservative Judge Michael Luttig, who advised Pence on his actions, told the committee. "At all. None."

J. Michael Luttig, retired judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and informal advisor to Mike Pence testifies before the House select committee to investigate the Jan.6th attack on the Capitol on June 16, 2022.

The Constitution's 12th Amendment, which outlines the Electoral College process, says the vice president shall "open all the certificates and the votes shall then be counted." The Electoral Act of 1887 outlines the counting process.

"It is unambiguous that the vice president does not have the authority to reject electors," said Greg Jacob, a lawyer and former chief legal counsel for Pence, adding that only those certified by states are real electors.

Pence relayed that message to Trump.

Marc Short, Pence's chief of staff, said in a videotaped deposition that Pence had not only written a letter to Trump saying he had no such legal authority, but communicated the same thing to Trump many times and very consistently.

More: Miss Day 3 of the Jan. 6 hearing? Pence's role opposing insurrection takes center stage

Jacob said he and other attorneys reviewed the text of the Constitution, the intent of the Founding Fathers and historic precedence after Pence first inquired about his role in the process to count electoral votes in early December.

There is almost no idea more un-American than the notion that any one person would choose the American President, Jacob said. He said Pence "never budged" on his position that he lacked the power.

Luttig said he would have "laid my body across the road before I would have let the vice president overturn the 2020 election," calling Eastman's strategy "constitutional mischief.

Eastman, who didn't believe his own theory, sought a pardon from Trump

Not only did legal scholars categorically reject Eastman's legal analysis, but Eastman himself doubted that his theory passed constitutional muster, according to Jacob.

After Jan. 6, Eastman sought a presidential pardon from Trump, according to a letter shared by the committee that Eastman wrote to Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York and Trump's attorney.

Ive decided that I should be on the pardon list, if that is still in the works, Eastman wrote.

Jacob recalled a conversation before Jan. 6 that he had with Eastman in which Eastman acknowledged the Supreme Court would likely reject any claim that the vice president could reject the certified electoral votes submitted by states.

Dr. Eastman never really believed his own theory, said Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif, one of the House committee members.

More: Trump committee raised millions to fight election fraud before Jan. 6. Here's how that money was spent.

Chapman School of Law professor John Eastman testifies on Capitol Hill in 2017. Eastman was also a former lawyer for former President Donald Trump.

Jacob told the committee that he challenged the logic behind Eastman's argument by reminding him that former Democratic Vice President Al Gore certified his own election loss in 2000.

"If you were right, don't you think Al Gore might have liked to have known in 2000 that he had authority to just declare himself president of the United States?" Jacob asked Eastman.

Eastman argued that Pence, but neither Gore nor Vice President Kamala Harris, had the authority.

"Al Gore did not have a basis to do it in 2000. Kamala Harris shouldn't be able to do it in 2024," Jacob said, recounting Eastman's remarks. "But I think you should do it today."

A photograph of Mike Pence as the secret service tried to evacuate him from the capital is projected onto a screen during the House select committee to investigate the Jan.6th attack on June 16, 2022.

Trump's pressure campaign on Pence heated up before Jan. 6

Aguilar accused Trump of waging a "pressure campaign" targeting Pence to force the vice president to take action that was illegal even as Pence repeatedly told Trump that he lacked the authority.

The congressman said the pressure started in December  pointing to a Dec. 23 tweet by Trump pushing the theory  and was "dialed up" as Jan. 6 approached. He described it as a "multi-week campaign" that included at least one meeting with members of Congress.

"I hope Mike Pence comes through for us," Trump said in a speech in Georgia on Jan. 4, 2021. "He's a great guy. Of course, if he doesn't come through, I won't like him quite as much."

In this Jan. 6, 2021, file photo, insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump rally at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.

That same day, Eastman advised Pence in a meeting that also included Short and Jacob that Pence had two potential "paths" on Jan 6: Reject electoral votes outright or suspend proceedings and declare a 10-day recess for states in key battleground states to reconvene.

Amid legal questions, Eastman ultimately advised Pence not to follow though on either paths, according to Jacob. But the next day, he flipped his position at the direction of Trump.

I'm here to request that you reject the electors in the disputed states, Eastman said on Jan. 5, 2021, according to Jacobs account.

More: Bill Barr's complicated relationship with Donald Trump: From vital advocate to damning witness

Trump advisor Jason Miller, in a Fox News appearance on Jan. 5, said he believed Pence would "throw down tomorrow and do the right thing." Giuliani and Eastman made similar public statements urging Pence to act, even though they knew the vice president lacked the legal authority, according to witnesses.

On Jan. 5, 2021 the Trump White House put out a false statement that the vice president agreed with Trump that he had the authority to throw out electoral votes.

"We were shocked and disappointed because whoever had written and put that statement out, it was categorically untrue," Jacob told the committee.

As Trump continued to target Pence, the vice president never wavered about his constitutional duty, Short said in videotaped testimony. "Was it painful?" he added. "Sure."

A statement from President Donald Trump that Vice President Mike Pence agreed with him that the Vice President had the power to overturn the election during the House select committee to investigate the Jan.6th attack on the Capitol on June 16, 2022.

Mob came within 40 feet of Pence after Trump made VP the target

Committee members argued that Trump's push for Pence to unlawfully reject electoral votes made the vice president the top target of insurrectionists on Jan 6, putting his life in danger.

"Bring out Pence! Bring out Pence! Bring out Pence!" rioters chanted in a video shown by the committee. "Hang Mike Pence!" others chanted.

As pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol, Pence was taken to a secure location. At one point, according to Aguilar, the mob got within 40 feet of the vice president. While waiting out the attack, Pence made several different calls to others to check on their safety. Aguilar questioned Jacob if Trump called Pence to check on his safety.

He did not, replied Jacob, adding that Pence and second lady Karen Pence were frustrated that Trump never reached out.

Committee members pointed to a recent court filing from the Department of Justice that states a confidential informant from the Proud Boys told the FBI that the Proud Boys would have killed Mike Pence if given a chance.

In phone call on Jan. 6, Trump called Pence a 'wimp'

On the morning of Jan. 6, 2021, Trump called Pence a "wimp" during a phone call and accused him of lacking the courage to make the right decision, according to White House officials who were also on the call.

At some point it started off at a calmer tone and then became heated, Eric Herschmann, a White House lawyer, said of Trump's call from the White House while surrounded by family and advisors.

The conversation was pretty heated, said Ivanka Trump, the presidents daughter and senior adviser. It was a different tone than Id heard him take with the vice president before.

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, who served as Pences national security adviser, said Trump questioned Pences courage, like youre not tough enough to make the call.

Nicholas Luna, who served as Trumps personal assistant, said he remembered the word wimp.

I dont remember if he said you are a wimp, youll be a wimp, Luna said. Wimp is the word I remember.

Concerns about violence before Jan. 6

Trump administration officials worried about threats targeting Pence  and a broader of fear of nationwide unrest  before the Jan. 6 attack, according to witnesses.

Short told the committee he was concerned Trump could lash out at the vice president on Jan. 6, prompting Short the day before to speak to Pences head of security detail.

Marc Shorts concerns were justified. Mike Pence was in danger, Aguilar said.

Officials working for Trump and Pence warned Eastman that his theory, if executed by Pence, would result in violence. Jacob said he told Eastman that his theory would create a constitutional crisis that may well have to be decided in the streets.

Eric Herschmann, former White House attorney, testifies to the January 6th committee on June 16, 2022, in Washington, D.C.

Are you out of your fing mind? Herschmann said he told Eastman, according to videotaped testimony, adding that youre going to cause riots in the streets.

Fox News host Sean Hannity also worried about the ramifications of Pence declaring Trump the election winner, expressing concerns to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows that the White House legal team might resign over Trump's pressure on Pence.

"I'm very worried about the next 48 hours," Hannity texted on Jan. 5, 2021, a day before the insurrection.

'Clear and present danger': A warning that Trump will try again

Luttig, a former federal appeals court judge, concluded the hearing with an impassioned warning that Trump, who has signaled plans to run again for president in 2024, could try to overturn the next presidential election.

"Today, almost two years after that fateful day in January 2021, still Donald Trump and his allies and supporters are a clear and present danger to American democracy," he said.

He said that if Trump or his "anointed successor" loses the 2024 election, they would try to "succeed where they failed" in 2020 to this time overturn the election.

"I don't speak those words lightly," Luttig said. "I would have never spoken those words ever in my life, except that's what the former president and his allies are telling us."

Thompson said the committee will review Luttig's views and recommendations of other legal scholars to explore potential updates to the Electoral Count Act, among other changes.

Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jan 6 hearing: Trump called Pence a 'wimp,' Eastman sought pardon
By Tim Kelly and Irene Wang

TOKYO (Reuters) - Military commanders from Japan, the United States, South Korea, the Philippines and fourteen other countries met in Tokyo this week for a gathering that Washington hopes will help forge cooperation between nations that can help it contain China.

The Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium (PALS) was started by the United States in Hawaii in 2015 as it began shifting away from a policy of engaging with China to one that tries to hem in Beijing's influence. That included a military pivot by Washington to Asia and a push for deeper ties with like-minded nations in the region.

"There is no nation that can do it all by themselves, everyone has a piece to offer," Lieutenant General Steven Rudder, Commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific, said in a closing address.

The four-day event, which concluded on Thursday, is first hosted by Japan, and comes as Tokyo looks to take on a bigger regional security role to counter China, North Korea and Russia. Japan has criticised its neighbours for ignoring international norms and since Moscow's attack on Ukraine has become alarmed about the prospect of Beijing using force to bring Taiwan under its control.

"PALS 2022 disseminates a powerful message that we do not allow unilateral changes to the status quo by force," General Yoshihide Yoshida, Chief of Staff of Japan's Ground Self Defence Force, said alongside Rudder.

China says its recent military exercises around Taiwan, which it considers as a part of its territory, are meant to defend its sovereignty.

Speaking in Singapore at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday, Japanese Minister of Defence Nobuo Kishi described his country as being on a front line surrounded by rule-breaking nuclear-armed actors.

Around 70 PALS participants visited a naval base and army camp near Tokyo on Thursday to observe drills and inspect military equipment, including hovercraft and Osprey aircraft carrying troops. U.S. Forces in Japan also displayed a High Mobility Rocket System (HIMARS) similar to ones the Pentagon is supplying Ukraine to help it fight off Russian invasion forces that Moscow says are there on a "special operation."

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Participants included military commanders from Southeast Asia, such as Thailand and Indonesia, that dispute parts of China's territorial claims to most of the strategic South China.

Britain and France, which have sent naval patrols to Asia in recent years, and Pacific island nations including Fiji and the Maldives also sent representatives.

(Reporting by Tim Kelly and Irene Wang; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)
People walk past the Parlor Pizza Bar location in the 1800 block of West Division Street in Chicago on June 16, 2022. Cook County prosecutors are investigating the pizza chain's tax payments. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

Cook County prosecutors are investigating Parlor Pizza Bars tax payments. Last month, authorities issued a subpoena for records related to the trendy restaurant chains payment of city restaurant taxes.

A grand jury subpoena dated May 13 shows the tax division of the citys Department of Finance was required to produce records, documents, manner and method of payments including bank accounts payments were made from regarding Parlors payment of the citys restaurant tax. Chicagos restaurant tax is paid to the Department of Finance.

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The subpoena required the department to include a schedule of each years month-by-month sales submitted by each location for each and every year the businesses have been operating in the city of Chicago. The document was obtained by the Tribune via a Freedom of Information Act request.

Representatives for the restaurant did not respond to request for comment.

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The Department of Finance complied with the Cook County subpoena for records regarding Parlor Pizza, department spokesperson Rose Tibayan said in a statement Thursday.

The subpoena marks the latest development in a string of problems for Parlor, which has also been investigated by the city for alleged sexual harassment, discrimination and labor law violations.

In November, the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and the Chicago Commission on Human Relations said they were conducting a comprehensive investigation of allegations that workers were not paid for overtime work, that employees were sexually harassed and that customers were discriminated against based on their race and/or age. Parlor strongly denied the allegations at the time.

That investigation came after Block Club Chicago reported on allegations by former Parlor employees who said customers of color were seated in less visible or desirable parts of the restaurant that some employees dubbed rejection sections. The former Parlor workers also accused the pizza chain of harassment and unpaid overtime in comments to Block Club.

In October, police raided Parlor Pizza Bar restaurants and said they were assisting the Illinois Department of Revenue. At the time, the Department of Revenue said it couldnt comment on ongoing investigations or acknowledge their existence, a statement reiterated by department spokesperson Maura Kownacki on Wednesday.

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection continues gathering evidence and negotiating with attorneys representing Parlor Pizza to reach an Agreed Plan of Conduct, department spokesperson Elisa Sledzinska said in a statement Wednesday. BACP is working diligently to come to an agreement and bring justice for the workers of the establishment.

Sledzinska declined to comment further on the investigation.

Kenneth Gunn, first deputy commissioner for the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, said the commission had not received complaints from the public after putting a call out last fall for potential victims, but had conducted its own testing, which did not reveal discrimination. Gunn said the agency conducted its own test for discrimination by sending people of different races to the restaurant but did not find any discrimination.

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Parlor had faced complaints prior to last year. In 2015 and 2017, it settled two separate lawsuits from former employees alleging unpaid overtime. And in 2016, a man filed a discrimination complaint with the Chicago Commission on Human Relations after he said he and his wife were denied entry to the restaurants West Loop location. Parlor supplied a notice last year from the commission that said the discrimination complaint had been dismissed after the man didnt take steps required to proceed with a hearing or request an extension.

Parlor Pizza Bar has locations in West Town, Wicker Park and the Near North neighborhood.

Chicago Tribunes Megan Crepeau contributed.

tasoglin@chicagotribune.com

gpratt@chicagotribune.com
The field in the Republican primary for U.S. House District 15 has again shrunk with the departure of Jay Collins of Odessa for a state Senate run.

Collins announced Wednesday that he is ending his congressional campaign and will instead run for the Florida Senate in District 14, which covers northwest Hillsborough County. Friday is the deadline for candidates to qualify in congressional and legislative elections.

Collins, a former member of the U.S. Army Special Forces, led all candidates in the District 15 race with nearly $770,000 in campaign contributions through the end of March.

District 15: Congressional race gets less crowded: Jerry Torres leaves District 15 race for District 14

Florida House: Democrat Veysel Dokur joins race for Florida House in District 50

Florida Senate: Democrat from Fort Myers files to challenge Senate President designate Ben Albritton

The District 15 race had eight Republican candidates at one point but is now down to five: Demetries Grimes of Lakeland, Laurel Lee of Tampa, Kevin McGovern of Celebration, state Sen. Kelli Stargel of Lakeland and state Rep. Jackie Toledo of Tampa.

Six Democrats are also running.

Rep. Scott Franklin of Lakeland, who now serves in District 15, is running in District 18. The newly redrawn District 15 encompasses the northwest Polk County, including a section of Lakeland, and parts of Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

The primary election takes place Aug. 23.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Election 2022: Florida U.S. House-15 candidate drops out of race
After selling out tickets for an upcoming concert in Brooklyn, John Hinckley Jr.s gig has been nixed by the venue that was set to host him. The man, who shot President Ronald Reagan in 1981 and was found not guilty by reason of insanity, will no longer take the stage at Market Hotel.

Market Hotel made the announcement through a lengthy statement posted to social media channels on Wednesday evening, citing that it is not worth risking the safety of our vulnerable communities by going forward with the event.

After a lot of serious consideration, we are canceling the scheduled event at Market Hotel with John Hinckley, the statement begins. There was a time when a place could host a thing like this, maybe a little offensive, and the reaction would be its just a guy playing a show, who does it hurt  its a free country. We arent living in that kind of free country anymore, for better or for worse.

Market Hotels statement goes on to state that outrage and concern around the event were reacting to the message it sends to host Hinckley. The institution asserts that it maintains the belief that ex-convicts can recover, and that we should want them to maintain hope that they can better themselves and earn a chance to fully rejoin society, but that the reaction to the booking has been met too negatively by particular parties to consider the endeavor worth a gamble.

Interestingly, Market Hotel seems to assert an argument that Hinckleys body of work does not fulfill a certain artistic pedigree in their eyes to justify the potential negative reaction of booking him to perform.

If we were going to host an event for the principle, and potentially put others at risk in doing so, it shouldnt be for some stunt booking  no offense to the artist. We might feel differently if we believed the music was important and transcended the infamy, but thats just not the case here, Market Hotel wrote.

The 67-year-old Hinkley has been living in Virginia under restrictions since 2016, with an unconditional release taking effect on Wednesday, after a judge found that he had met several conditions, including mental stability.

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Mr. Hinckley has been planning to follow the release by mounting what he called a redemption tour, playing his original music at venues around the country. The once would-be assassin had turned to art in recent years, uploading videos of original songs and covers to his official YouTube channel.

I watch the news like everybody else  were living in very, very scary times, to be honest, Hinckley said to The New York Times, responding to the shows cancellation. I would have only gone on with the show if I was going to feel safe at the show and feel that the audience was going to be safe.

Hinckley spent more than two decades in a psychiatric hospital after hatching a plan to kill President Reagan in 1981, firing six shots at the President as he left a hotel. The shots hit Reagan, White House press secretary James S. Brady, Secret Service agent Timothy J. McCarthy and police officer Thomas K. Delahanty. Brady died of his injuries in 2014.

Those who support Hinckley see his emergence into the public eye as an important statement on the verifiability of rehabilitation, for criminals and those who suffer from mental health issues.

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Retired Judge J. Michael Luttig speaks during a House Jan. 6 committee hearing on Thursday. (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times)

Former President Trump's theory that Vice President Mike Pence could have effectively deemed Trump the winner of the 2020 election is legally baseless and amounts to "constitutional mischief," retired federal Judge J. Michael Luttig told the Jan. 6 committee Thursday.

Trump and his legal advisor John Eastman repeatedly claimed that Pence had the power to reject electoral votes or suspend the electoral count temporarily while some states looked for evidence of fraud, possibly handing the election to Trump. That idea has "no theory or basis in the Constitution or laws in the United States at all," Luttig, who was appointed to the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals by President George H.W. Bush, told the committee.

I would lay my body across the road before I would let the vice president overturn the 2020 election on the basis of Eastmans theory, Luttig said. What this body needs to know, and now America needs to know, is that that was the centerpiece to overturn the 2020 election.

Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands), a member of the committee, noted that a vice president meddling in the electoral count has no recent precedent in American history.

For over two centuries, vice presidents have presided over the joint sessions of Congress in a purely ceremonial role. Aguilar said, adding that it includes former Vice President Al Gore, who oversaw the count of tumultuous 2000 electoral count in which he lost the election to George W. Bush.

Eastmans legal theory hinged on a flimsy interpretation of the 12th Amendment that stretched the powers of the vice presidents role, Luttig said. The incumbent vice president of the United States has little substantive constitutional authority, if any at all, Luttig said. Just to be sure, though, some members of Congress have pushed to reform the Electoral Count Act to formally clarify the limits on the vice president's role. When Congress meets to certify the next presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris is likely to be in the same seat that Pence was in on Jan. 6, 2021.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Will Buss

Sunday is Fathers Day, but the day also marks a more important reason to commemorate and celebrate.

Sunday is also Juneteenth, a portmanteau word for June 19, that marks the day in 1865 when the Union army arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that the Civil War had ended, and slavery had been abolished throughout the Confederate South. Texas was the last state of the Confederacy with institutional slavery.

President Lincoln had declared slavery abolished with his Emancipation Proclamation on New Years Day in 1863. The executive order stated, that all persons held as slaves, including those enslaved throughout the South, are, and henceforth shall be free. The Proclamation applied to the 3.5 million slaves in 10 states that were in rebellion in 1863, but not the 500,000 slaves in the four border states, Missouri, Kentucky, Maryland and Delaware, which had not seceded. Those slaves were freed by later state and federal actions.

In June 1963, President Kennedy invoked the centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation when he went on national television to address Americans about civil rights. The president specifically discussed how two Black students had been admitted to the University of Alabama, but only with the aid and protection of the National Guard against Gov. George Wallaces objections. Kennedy called it a moral issue: One hundred years of delay have passed since President Lincoln freed the slaves, yet their heirs, their grandsons, are not fully free. They are not yet freed from the bonds of injustice. They are not yet freed from social and economic oppression. And this nation, for all its hopes and all its boasts, will not be fully free until all its citizens are free. We preach freedom around the world, and we mean it, and we cherish our freedom here at home, but are we to say to the world, and much more importantly, to each other that this is a land of the free except for the Negroes; that we have no second-class citizens except Negroes; that we have no class or caste system, no ghettoes, no master race except with respect to Negroes? Now the time has come for this nation to fulfill its promise.

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Juneteenth is a National Day of Independence for Black Americans, but only recently has the day been widely recognized after recent mass protests forged by the #BlackLivesMatter movement. It didnt become an official state-paid holiday until Texas made it one in 1980, but at that time state offices would not close for the day but would be staffed by skeleton crews. By 2020, only the Lone Star State had adopted Juneteenth as a state-paid holiday. On June 17, 2021, President Biden officially designated June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day as a federal holiday. This year, for the first time, Illinois will recognize Juneteenth as a legal state-paid holiday, along with Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Maine, Michigan, South Dakota, Utah, Washington state and Washington, D.C. Along with Texas, the states of Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Virginia also recognize Juneteenth as a legal holiday. Because Juneteenth falls on a Sunday this year, it will be celebrated on Monday, June 20. Some states will celebrate the day on Friday, June 17. In New Jersey, the holiday is observed on the third Friday in June.

Why it took 155 years for this day to become an officially recognized national holiday is disconcerting, and why every state in the union does not recognize Juneteenth as a legal state-paid holiday is beyond me, given our nations recent history of racial turmoil. More state legislatures should get on board and on the right side of history by officially designating this day as one when employees should receive a day off work to celebrate Juneteenth in their own way.

Will Buss teaches broadcasting and journalism at Western Illinois University.

This article originally appeared on The McDonough County Voice: Juneteenth should be paid holiday nationwide
Kansas City will pay $1 million to a former city water department electrician who sued claiming racial discrimination.

It was the largest of four lawsuit settlements the Kansas City Council approved on Thursday in a 12-0 vote.

The three other settlements together totaled about $323,500. One stemmed from a crash with a Kansas City fire truck; two were also discrimination cases.

The settlements were the latest in a series of payouts from the city to resolve claims, many from water department employees.

Thursdays $1 million settlement goes to Ronald Williams, who filed his lawsuit in 2018 in Jackson County Circuit Court. Williams, a maintenance electrician, alleges he was punished for contradicting a white electrician and was not allowed to take a class that could have earned him a promotion. The lawsuit says the city violated the Missouri Human Rights Act while Williams worked for the Water Services Department from 2011 to February 2017.

In another discrimination case, the city will pay $75,000 to settle a lawsuit with Keith Bowman, a former water department meter reader.

That lawsuit, filed in 2019 in Jackson County Circuit Court, alleges Bowman endured discrimination, illegal retaliation and a hostile work environment in violation of the Missouri Human Rights Act. It accuses the city of giving white employees preferential treatment.

The city will also pay $150,000 to settle a lawsuit with Neheema Clarke, a cadet with the Kansas City Fire Department.

That lawsuit, filed in 2021 in Jackson County Circuit Court, accuses the city of race and gender discrimination. In the lawsuit, Clarke said that she received negative comments about her hair and that other cadets would touch her hair, making her feel uncomfortable and like an exhibit.

The Star published an investigation into the fire department last year that found a pattern of systemic racism had been tolerated for decades. Months later, the citys new contract with the fire department focused on improving racial diversity and fairness within the department.

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The injury lawsuit stems from a November 2020 crash between a Kansas City fire truck driver and the driver of a 2012 Mazda at 39th Street and Benton Boulevard. The city will pay $98,500 to settle that case.

In court records, the city denied most of the allegations in all of the cases.

In April, a former Kansas City water department employee accepted a $500,000 offer to settle a racial discrimination lawsuit.
Kate Middleton is making her mark as a future queen consort.

On Thursday, the Duchess of Cambridge led her first roundtable with U.K. politicians to champion her cause on early childhood development.

The mother of three urged the politicians present that there is "more we can all do" to prioritize the well-being of children. The 40-year-old was joined by Health Secretary Sajid Javid, Minister for Families Will Quince and officials from the Health and Social Care and Education departments, People magazine reported.

Catherine, Duchess Of Cambridge, listens as she hosts a roundtable with government ministers and the early childhood sector to mark the release of new research from the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood June 16, 2022, in London. Chris Jackson/WPA Pool/Getty Images

The wife of Prince William launched her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood last year.

HOW THE YOUNG ROYALS HAVE BEEN SCENE STEALERS AND ARE MODERNIZING THE MONARCHY: EXPERT

"Our experiences in early childhood fundamentally impact our whole life and set the foundation for how we go on to thrive as individuals, with one another, as a community and as a society," she said in a statement.

According to the outlet, the roundtable primarily focused on the findings of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. It revealed that 90% of people agree that the early years are important in shaping children's lives, but less than 20% recognize that the first five years of a child's life are crucial to their outcomes later in life.

"The findings published today present us with a huge opportunity and demonstrate there is a real appetite from the public to bring this issue up on all of our agendas," said Middleton. "There is more we can all do  every member of society can play a key role, whether that is directly with a child or by investing in the adults around them  the parents, the carers, the early years workforce and more."

Catherine, Duchess Of Cambridge, smiles as she departs after hosting a roundtable with government ministers and the early childhood sector to mark the release of new research from the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood June 16, 2022, in London. Chris Jackson/WPA Pool/Getty Images

"If we come together to raise the importance of early childhood development, we'll soon see that healthy, happy individuals make for a healthier, happier world, which is why every second we spend with a child is an investment in our collective future," she added.

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Middleton noted that there is a "huge opportunity to shape the future of our society by focusing on the importance of early childhood to lifelong outcomes."

The outlet shared that the research was conducted by Ipsos UK. It shared that 70% of people believe that the early years should be more of a priority across society. The majority of people, or 55%, recognize that a person's mental well-being is affected by childhood experiences.

Middletons foundation is part of the Royal Foundation she shares with William, 39. Over the years, the duchess has won accolades for her commitment to early education, art and music.

Kelly Beaver, chief executive of the polling company Ipsos UK, shared that it's crucial to study the impact of childhood development, a cause that Middleton has longed championed as a member of the British royal family.

Catherine, Duchess Of Cambridge, speaks with Dr. Alain Gregoire (second left), Chief Executive of Ipsos Kelly Beaver, center, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid, right, and other government ministers and the early childhood sector as she hosts a roundtable to mark the release of new research from the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood June 16, 2022, in London. Chris Jackson/WPA Pool/Getty Images

KATE MIDDLETON ATTENDS GARTER DAY SERVICE 14 YEARS AFTER APPEARING AS PRINCE WILLIAMS GIRLFRIEND

"Although the majority of us agree that the experiences people have in childhood can have a significant impact on their future, a minority of Britons recognize the unique importance of the first five years of a child's life," Beaver said, as quoted by the outlet.

"These formative years are crucial in the emotional, social and physical development of every child, and this critical new research for The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood provides the opportunity for society to ignite a discussion about how parents and children can be better supported during this period."
LONDON  Actor Kevin Spacey appeared in court in London, U.K., on Thursday morning over charges of four counts of sexual assault against three men related to alleged incidents spanning from 2005 to 2013.

Spacey, 62, arrived at Westminster Magistrates Court at around 10 a.m. local time (5 a.m. ET).

As Spacey sat behind a glass barrier, Patrick Gibbs QC, defending, said his client "strenuously" denied any and all criminality in the case. He noted that Spacey had returned voluntarily to the U.K. and said he would continue to do so "in order to establish his innocence.

The actor was formally charged on Monday, with Londons Metropolitan Police announcing the development in a news release.

In addition to the four counts of sexual assault, Spacey was also charged with causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

Spacey had said in a statement last month that while he was "disappointed" with the decision to move forward with the charges, he would "voluntarily appear in the U.K. as soon as can be arranged and defend myself against these charges, which I am confident will prove my innocence."

Two counts of assault involving the same person center around incidents alleged to have taken place in London in March 2005 according to Englands Crown Prosecution Service.

Another assault was alleged to have occurred in London in August 2008. The same alleged victim had also reported the allegation of sexual activity without consent, which was also said to have taken place in August 2008.

A separate assault is alleged to have taken place in April 2013 in the county of Gloucestershire, around 100 miles west of London.

If found guilty of the most serious charge, Spacey could face a maximum punishment of life in prison.

Image: Kevin Spacey Appears In Court On Sexual Assault Charges (Carl Court / Getty Images)

Spacey was granted "unconditional bail" on Thursday. He is expected to appear in Southwark Crown Court on July 14.

The charges against Spacey come several years after Spacey was dropped from his starring role in Netflix's "House of Cards" in November 2017 as he faced mounting allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.

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Actor Anthony Rapp had accused Spacey of making sexual advances toward him when Rapp was 14 years old around three decades ago. His allegations were first made public in an article published by BuzzFeed News in 2017.

Spacey had said in a statement shared on Twitter in response to the BuzzFeed News article that he did not remember the alleged incident. However, he said: If I did behave then as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior, and I am sorry for the feelings he describes having carried with him all these years.

A judge ruled last week that Spacey must stand trial in a New York federal court after Rapp filed a lawsuit over the alleged assault.

After Rapp's allegations came to light, a string of other allegations emerged against Spacey. And later that year, the Old Vic theater in London said it had received at least 20 allegations of "inappropriate behavior" concerning Spacey during his time there, which began in the 1990s.

At the time, Spaceys publicist said he was "taking the time necessary to seek evaluation and treatment.
Kevin Spacey appeared at Londons Westminster Magistrates court Thursday morning, setting the wheels in motion for the first criminal trial in the U.K. against the actor since allegations of sexual assault first broke in 2017.

At the court, following a roughly 45-minute hearing, deputy chief magistrate Tan Ikram concluded by sending the case to Southwark Crown Court, with a hearing set July 14. He also granted Spacey unconditional bail unless the court decided there was a real risk. Ive not been persuaded there is a real risk, the judge added.

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With a media circus camped outside and journalists having already queued hours in advance for one of the limited spaces inside, Spacey, wearing a blue suit, white shirt, blue suede shoes and glasses, arrived to a chaotic swarm of cameras, with him entering through the courts front entrance rather than being given any special treatment.

Once inside, he confirmed his full name of Kevin Spacey Fowler and address and had the five specific charges read out to him.

The four charges involve three counts of sexual assault against three men, two in March 2005, one in August 2008 and another in April 2013. In late May, the Crown Prosecution Service also detailed that there was one charge for causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent in 2008.

Key players in the room included legal defense lead Patrick Gibbs QC and prosecutor Natalie Dawson. Spacey entered accompanied by a team of three lawyers, including one from the U.S.

Spaceys defense said he strenuously denied any and all allegations, but said that he needs to answer these charges if he wants to proceed with his life.

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Much of the hearing was dedicated to Spaceys bail, with Dawson arguing that, given the severity of the sentence were he to be found guilty, it is reasonably foreseeable that he would not return to the U.K. and said he should remain in the U.K. and surrender his travel documents.

Gibbs stressed the fact that Spacey had so far cooperated with all legal requirements, spending several hours being interviewed by the police in the U.S. and turning up voluntarily  as he promised last month  for the hearing. He also played heavily on the fact that his work depended on him being able to travel to the U.S. and outside of the U.K.

What is he going to do if he doesnt answer charges, where is he going to hide? Gibbs said. Is he to be incarcerated in his flat in London, unable to work, unable to audition to work? He added that Spacey couldnt audition on end via computer. His family is in the U.S., his nine-year-old dog is in the U.S. Ikram eventually sided with the defence over the granting of bail.

Aside from dealing with the formalities, Spacey remained silent throughout the hearing and sat alone in the dock. He left the court at roughly 11 a.m. to an even more chaotic media scrum, as security was forced to keep cameras back in order for him to enter a waiting car.

Spaceys appearance, and an impending U.K. trial that is not expected to take place until at least 2023, marks the next chapter for the two-time Oscar winner, who in 2017 found himself accused of numerous counts of sexual harassment and sexual assault in the wake of the MeToo movement.

Following the allegations, which in the U.S. included the actor Anthony Rapp, who accused Spacey of making sexual advances toward him in 1986 when Rapp was 14, Netflix cut ties with Spacey, removing him from the final season of House of Cards and shelving his film Gore. His role as J. Paul Getty in Ridley Scotts All The Money in the World was famously reshot, with Christopher Plummer replacing him.

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Actor Kevin Spacey arrives at a courthouse in London on Thursday. (David Cliff / Associated Press)

Kevin Spacey intends to prove he is innocent of sexual offenses, his lawyer said Thursday, as the Oscar-winning actor appeared in a London court Thursday to face charges of offenses against three men.

Photographers and television camera crews thronged around Spacey, 62, as he arrived at Londons Westminster Magistrates Court for the preliminary hearing.

Spacey sat in the glass-fronted dock during the half-hour hearing, standing to give his full name, Kevin Spacey Fowler, as well as his birthdate and a London address.

He was not asked to enter a formal plea, but his lawyer, Patrick Gibbs, said: Mr. Spacey strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram granted Spacey unconditional bail until his next appearance, a plea hearing scheduled for July 14.

The former House of Cards star is accused of four counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

The alleged incidents took place in London between March 2005 and August 2008, and one in western England in April 2013. The alleged victims are now in their 30s and 40s.

In a statement issued last month, Spacey said he would go to court to face the charges and was confident he would prove my innocence.

Spacey was questioned by British police in 2019 about claims by several men that he had assaulted them. The two-time Academy Award winner ran Londons Old Vic theater from 2004 to 2015.

Spacey won a best supporting actor Oscar for the 1995 film The Usual Suspects and a lead actor Oscar for the 1999 movie American Beauty.

But his celebrated career came to an abrupt halt in 2017 when actor Anthony Rapp accused the star of assaulting him at a party in the 1980s, when Rapp was a teenager. Spacey denies the allegations.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
By Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters) - There was no evidence that the South Korean fisheries official shot and burned by North Korean troops in 2020 intended to defect, South Korea's maritime and military authorities said on Thursday, reversing its earlier announcement.

The official, Lee Dae-jun, went missing at sea in September 2020 while working as a fishing inspector. North Korean authorities later shot him dead https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-southkorea-official-idUSKCN26E3NY and set his body on fire, an incident that shocked many South Koreans and increased cross-border tension.

South Korea's coast guard and military said at the time that Lee appeared to have sought to defect to the North, citing intelligence sources and his gambling debt. But Lee's family refuted https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-southkorea-shooting-idUSKBN26K0GD the claim, raising a lawsuit calling for the disclosure of government records.

The authorities reversed their earlier announcement on Thursday, saying a reinvestigation determined there was no such evidence.

"We could not find evidence that he had made efforts to cross the border into the North," Park Sang-choon, a coast guard official, told a briefing.

Yoon Hyung-jin, an official at the defence ministry, apologised for "causing confusion" by making an assumption-based announcement.

"As a result of reinvestigation, we could not verify the missing official voluntarily went to the North, but I can clearly say that there was evidence that the North Korean troops shot him dead and burned his body," Yoon said at the same briefing.

Ethan Hee-seok Shin, a legal analyst who works with Lee's family, welcomed the reversal, but said the family sue again, seeking penalties for those who had initially investigated the case and accused Lee of defecting.

"It is a welcome development that the new government is finally moving ... to correct the mean-spirited blame game against the late Lee Dae-jun," Shin told Reuters.

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South Korea's new president, Yoon Suk-yeol, met Lee's family before taking office in May and promised to help find the truth.

Yoon's office said it has withdrawn the previous government's appeal for a lower court ruling that allowed the disclosure of some documents owned by the presidential office and coast guard.

North Korea had defended Lee's killing as a "self-defensive measure https://www.reuters.com/article/northkorea-southkorea-idINKBN27F0CH" to head off a coronavirus outbreak, with leader Kim Jong Un making a rare apology days after the incident.

(Reporting by Hyonhee Shin. Editing by Gerry Doyle)
The summer movie lesson is clear. Send retro flyboys up in the air and teach em a lesson about what truly matters in life on the ground. Besides winning. Winning comes first! But winning as a team.

It worked for Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick. And it works for Disney-Pixars swift and often wonderful Lightyear. The movie may not do anything to replenish Pixars intellectual property but has the wit and animated panache not to trash its existing IP, i.e., Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear, the well-jawed intergalactic protector introduced a generation ago, in plastic form, in Toy Story.

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Lightyear opens with just the right screen crawl, informing us that the movie about to begin is the space fantasy Toy Storys Andy liked enough to buy the Buzz Lightyear toy. Its an origin story, though not the first time Buzz has run his own show; Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins (2000), a direct-to-video title, led to a one-year TV series.

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Young Buzz Lightyear, voiced by Chris Evans, in a scene from the animated film "Lightyear," a "Toy Story" prequel. (Pixar/AP)

Lightyears dazzling first half showcases the wittiest comic action from the Pixar folks in many years. In rapid but rarely rushed fashion, were introduced to young, promising and slightly smug Buzz, voiced by Chris Evans with hints of the Tim Allen vocal incarnation. In the early scenes, he explores an uninhabited planet with his superior officer, Alisha Hawthorne (Uzo Aduba). The primary life form is a sneaky species of ankle-grabbing vine, which leads to a slew of corner-of-the-eye visual gags, deftly designed and executed.

Buzz, we learn, contracted a severe case of save-the-world-alone syndrome at a fairly early age. Soon enough, his hubris strands a group of colonists on a forbidding new planet, and he spends the rest of his movie internalizing his mistake and trying to make amends. (It wouldnt be a Pixar film without the intertwined themes of self-doubt, failure-coping and the ultimate rejection of a shady patriarchal authority figure.)

Director and co-writer Angus MacLanes Lightyear establishes a simple line of action to string the thing along. In order to ship the colonists back home, their spacecraft requires a new hyperspeed crystal, which requires Buzz to attempt, time after time, a dangerous hyperspeed test flight. What feels like four minutes to Buzz translates to a four-year mission. Each time he returns to base, his colleagues have aged four years, which intensifies Buzzs feelings of emotional isolation.

But he has a fantastic robot cat, SOX (voiced by Peter Sohn), to help him through, whos basically a Swiss Army knife of an emotional support companion. (Hes also a sleeping aid; the white-noise-app joke in Lightyear is reason enough to go.) The script by Jason Headley and director MacLane establishes Buzzs personal and professional missions with a sure hand; in order to take on enemy Zurg forces, Buzz must whip a motley trio of wannabe Space Rangers into shape. The most promising, Izzy Hawthorne (voiced by Keke Palmer), reminds Buzz of his now-deceased commander, for good reason: Shes her granddaughter, now grown up while Buzz remains as ageless as the plastic toy version we know from Toy Story 1-4.

Around the two-thirds point, Lightyear springs a reveal that, I think, is a mixed blessing. Its a trippy sort of development, sending Buzz into new depths of confusion, and it doesnt quite work.

Also: At the studios very best, Pixar finds a way to resolve its characters crises without resorting to familiar rounds of mayhem. The later passages of Lightyear are not Pixars very best.

Then again: The sleek, detailed beauty of its animation; the supple glories of composer Michael Giacchinos score, so happily attuned to creating tension and orchestral delight without bombast; the velocity of the overall storytelling  this is a movie that knows what its doing. The choice throwaway lines in Lightyear are better than most movies thesis lines. Im court-martialing myself, Buzz announces after his mission failure, early on, and the way Evans says it, its the essence of deadpan gravity. You may now record your last words, says I.V.A.N., the Siri-like digital navigator voiced by Mary McDonald-Lewis, unhelpfully advising Buzz as hes about to go down in flames.

A year of work for a four-minute flight, one character says regarding Buzzs hyperspace attempt. Isnt that something? It is, yes. I bet anyone who ever made a short film at, say, Pixar, knows the feeling.

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Accompanied by his charming robot cat, SOX, young Buzz Lightyear sets the course for infinity in Disney/Pixar's "Lightyear," a "Toy Story" prequel. (Pixar/AP)

Lightyear 3.5 stars (out of 4)

MPAA rating: PG (for action/peril)

Running time: 1:45

How to watch: Premieres in theaters June 16

Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.

mjphillips@chicagotribune.com

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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.
Six people died overnight after torrential rain triggered a landslip in Ivory Coast's economic capital Abidjan, the emergency services said Thursday.

Four adults and two children were killed, and two people were hospitalised with injuries, the fire brigade said in a statement posted on social media.

Prime Minister Patrick Achi visited the site of the accident, which occurred in Mossikro, a neighbourhood in the western district of Attecoube.

Landslips during the rainy season are a notorious risk in Abidjan, a fast-growing city of five million people.

The authorities earlier this month launched an operation to destroy shanty dwellings built in vulnerable areas.

Those forced out of their homes under this programme are temporarily rehoused, the government says.

"Mossikro... has been identified as a zone at risk, and since March and April, people there have been advised that they should leave without fail," the ministry of water works said in a statement.

Failure or delay in heeding the warning is "suicidal", it said.

Previous accidents claimed 18 lives in June 2018 and 13 in June 2020.

pid/sba/ri/bp
Larimer County has reached the high-risk level for COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention metrics.

The county moved up to high risk because of the increase in COVID-19-related hospitalizations  even as the case rate has been declining since last week  because the CDC community risk levels are largely based on COVID-19s impact to the health and hospital systems.

The high-risk rating means the CDC is recommending people in Larimer County:

Wear a mask in indoor public spaces.

Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines.

Get tested if you have symptoms.

Coronavirus-related hospitalizations have been steadily climbing for a few weeks, said Michelle Barron, UCHealths senior medical director of infection prevention and control. But thankfully, Barron said, this wave is not nearly as bad as the last wave the county experienced in December and January.

More numbers: Here's where Larimer County stands with COVID case rates and vaccine rates

As of Wednesday, there were 37 people hospitalized for COVID-19 across UCHealth's Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland and Greeley Hospital, according to spokesperson Kelly Tracer.

Barron said there are 101 people hospitalized for COVID-19 statewide across the UCHealth system, compared with about 450 hospitalizations during the peak of the winter wave. These patients are also needing less intensive care unit care and spending less time in the hospital overall.

UCHealth staff stopped giving COVID-19 tests to every patient admitted to the hospital in March and now only tests people who are symptomatic or who were recently exposed, Barron said.

I dont think hospitals are being overwhelmed by COVID-19, Barron said. ... Were getting better with managing this.

Hospitals are keeping busy with other kinds of patients, Barron said, including people being treated for injuries from car crashes and people catching up on surgeries and other medical care they delayed during the pandemic.

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Our goal is to keep people out of the hospital, Barron said. Even though these numbers are not in the same magnitude (as the winter wave), still a fair number of people are being affected by this and ending up in the hospital.

Larimer County health officials are recommending people who are not up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines get vaccinated. Barron said boosters have been especially effective in preventing people from requiring hospitalization if they do get sick.

I understand people have COVID fatigue and are over this, Barron said. But to truly be over this, we need to get vaccinated.

About 68.6% of Larimer County residents have had their first two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 41.6% received their booster and additional doses, according to the countys data dashboard on Thursday.

Barron said she anticipates this fall and winter will be a bad respiratory illness season, so getting on top of vaccines and other medical care now will help prevent you from getting sick and prevent the countys health care systems from being overwhelmed.

'This virus is here to stay': Omicron subvariant causing COVID-19 wave in Colorado

Avoid hospitalization with COVID-19 treatments

Larimer County health officials are recommending residents plan ahead with their health care provider for how to get treatment if they do test positive for COVID-19, according to a news release.

Multiple treatments are available to lessen the severity and prevent hospitalization from COVID-19, and about 75% of all adults are eligible for treatment  whether vaccinated or not, according to the county.

The first step in getting treatment is having a positive COVID-19 test, according to the county, and at-home tests can qualify someone for treatment. The next step is to contact a health care provider to discuss treatment options.

For more information about COVID-19 treatments, including health care providers who can discuss treatment options with you, visit larimer.gov/covidtreatment.

Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Vaccines are available at hospitals and pharmacies throughout Larimer County, and people age 5 and up are eligible for a vaccine. Visit larimer.org/health/communicable-disease/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-vaccine or call 970-498-6700 for help in scheduling a vaccine appointment.

Everyone age 5 and older is eligible for a COVID-19 booster, and everyone age 50 and older  or 12 and older for those who are immunocompromised  are eligible for a second booster.

Where can I get a COVID-19 test in Larimer County?

In-person, drive-thru COVID-19 testing is still available for free at Mako Medical sites at these locations in Larimer County:

Foundations Church, 1380 N. Denver Ave., Loveland; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday

Museum annex parking lot, 220 Fourth St., Estes Park; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday (This site is set to close June 30, according to the state health department)

Hospitals and pharmacies also provide COVID-19 testing. For more locations, visit larimer.org/health/communicable-disease/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-testing.

Where can I get a rapid COVID-19 test?

At-home tests are available for free through the federal government. People can order eight at-home tests to be delivered to their homes by filling out the form at covid.gov/tests.

Report results of your at-home COVID-19 test online at covidrapidtests.colorado.gov/login.

What should I do if I test positive for or am exposed to COVID-19?

If you test positive for COVID-19, you need to isolate, but the duration depends on how you're feeling, according to the state health department. You should isolate for at least five full days, followed by five days of precautions.

You can stop isolating after five days if:

You tested positive but don't have symptoms.

You had mild symptoms, you are starting to feel better and you don't have a fever.

Your first full day in isolation is the first day after you started feeling symptoms or tested positive. If you tested positive and started feeling symptoms after, your first day is when your symptoms started.

In the five days following your isolation, you should:

Wear a well-fitted mask around others, in your home and in public.

Avoid eating and drinking around others.

Avoid contact with people who are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Avoid traveling.

If you can't wear a mask, you should isolate for the full 10 days, according to the state health department. You don't need to take another test to leave isolation.

If you still have a fever after five days in isolation, continue isolating until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours and other symptoms have improved.

If you were exposed to someone who had COVID-19, you may have to quarantine. People who don't have to quarantine under current public health guidance include:

People who are up to date on all recommended vaccine doses

People who have tested positive for COVID-19 (not counting antibody tests) in the previous 90 days

People who are unvaccinated or who are not up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccines do have to quarantine for five days after exposure and wear a well-fitting mask around others for five more days following quarantine.

If you can't quarantine, public health officials recommend wearing a well-fitted mask around others for 10 days after exposure.

Sady Swanson covers public safety, criminal justice, Larimer County government and more throughout Northern Colorado. You can send your story ideas to her at sswanson@coloradoan.com or on Twitter at @sadyswan. Support her work and that of other Coloradoan journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Larimer County COVID hospitalizations put it in CDC's high risk category
KATERYNA TYSHCHENKO  THURSDAY, 16 JUNE 2022, 19:47

Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, said that Russia was satisfied with Ukraine's negotiating position in late March "as a basis for work."

Source: Lavrov in an interview with TASS

Details: The Russian minister said that in late March, Ukraine laid out a negotiating position on paper that was suitable for Russia as a basis for work.

However, since mid-April, negotiations with Ukraine have been completely stalled; Kyiv is not responding to [Russian] proposals, Lavrov complained.

According to Lavrov, Russia will be ready to conclude agreements with Ukraine if Kyiv "shows an understanding that theyre needed."

In addition, the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs said that Russia is still firmly convinced that nuclear war should not be started.

He also said that the fate of the territories of Ukraine controlled by Kyiv was "difficult to predict."

Background:
By Lawrence Hurley

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor said on Thursday the U.S. Supreme Court's "mistakes" in high-profile cases can be corrected over time as she adopted a positive tone ahead of a decision in which its conservative majority is expected to curtail abortion rights.

Sotomayor, speaking in Washington at the annual meeting of a liberal legal group, did not directly address last month's publication of a leaked draft opinion in the abortion case or any of the court's other current cases. But Sotomayor said she believes the court can help people "regain the public's confidence" in government institutions.

The leaked draft ruling, authored by conservative Justice Samuel Alito, indicated that the court's conservative majority is set to overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. The court has a 6-3 conservative majority, with Sotomayor one of three liberal justices.

"Institutions are made up by humans. Because we are human, by necessity we make mistakes. It is the nature of the human enterprise," Sotomayor told the American Constitution Society meeting.

Related video: Listen to Justice Sotomayor's challenges to anti-abortion arguments

Asked why lawyers on the left should have hope, Sotomayor said they have no choice but to fight.

"There are days I get discouraged, there are moments where I am deeply disappointed," she said. "Every time I do that, I lick my wounds for a while, sometimes I cry, and then I say: 'Let's fight.'"

Sotomayor noted that it took almost a century for the court to undo the notorious 1857 Dred Scott decision that declared that the U.S. Constitution did not apply to enslaved Black people. She noted that it also took until 1954 for the court to issue its Brown v. Board of Education ruling that struck down racial segregation in education, undoing an 1896 ruling in the case called Plessy v. Ferguson allowing "separate but equal" treatment of the races.

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"Dred Scott lost his 11-year battle for freedom in the courts. ... Yet he won the war," Sotomayor said. "So that's why I think we have to have continuing faith in the court system, in our system of government, in our ability ... I hope not through war ... towards continuing the battle each day to regain the public's confidence."

The draft opinion set off a political firestorm, with abortion-rights supporters staging rallies outside the courthouse and at locations around the United States, as well as an internal crisis at the nation's top judicial body. Chief Justice John Roberts ordered an investigation into the source of the unprecedented disclosure, which is still underway.

The draft opinion would uphold a restrictive Mississippi law banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy and overturn Roe v. Wade.

Sotomayor, who has served on the court since 2009, spoke of the importance of believing that when people do "wrong things" it does not mean they are "bad people."

She also cited her friendship with conservative Justice Clarence Thomas.

"I suspect I have probably disagreed with him more than with any other justice," Sotomayor said. "And yet, Justice Thomas is the one justice in the building who literally knows every employee's name."

"He is a man who cares deeply about the court as an institution, about the people who work there," Sotomayor added.

Speaking at a judicial conference in Atlanta last month, Thomas struck a different tone, saying that the court should not be "bullied into giving you just the outcomes you want."

The court is due to issue its ruling in the abortion case by the end of June, along with decisions in 17 other cases. The court also has major cases to decide on gun rights, climate change, immigration and religious liberty.

(Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Will Dunham)
By Andrius Sytas

VILNIUS (Reuters) - The Lithuanian parliament on Thursday called for the criminal prosecution of Russia's leadership for its invasion of Ukraine and what it said is the wide-scale forced deportation of Ukrainians to Russian territory.

At least a million Ukrainians were deported to Russia and Russian-controlled territories, including 200,000 children, the parliament said in a motion that was passed unanimously.

Moscow calls its nearly three-month-old invasion a "special military operation" to rid Ukraine of fascists, an assertion Kyiv and its Western allies say is a baseless pretext for an unprovoked war.

"Justice will only be achieved through the prosecution of Russian leaders, other high-ranking organizers of the crimes, and direct perpetrators of the hostilities and the civilian deportations in Ukraine", the motion said.

The motion does not name a specific authority that should carry out the prosecution, but calls on "other countries" to make use of the principle of universal jurisdiction that allows countries to try accused war criminals from other nations.

Prosecutors investigating war crimes cases in Ukraine are examining allegations of the forcible deportation of children to Russia since the invasion as they seek to build a genocide indictment, Ukraine's top prosecutor said on June 3.

Russia's TASS state news agency on May 30 quoted an unnamed law enforcement official as saying that "more than 1.55 million people who arrived from the territory of Ukraine and Donbas have crossed the border with the Russian Federation. Among them, more than 254,000 children."

The parliaments of Lithuania and the other Baltic countries of Latvia and Estonia have passed motions labelling Russian actions in Ukraine a "genocide", with Lithuania adding that its actions also constitute "terrorism".

The Lithuanian motion was passed on the anniversary of the start of a programme of mass deportations of Lithuanians to Siberia in 1940 after the country was forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union.

About 130,000 people were exiled during the next decade and a half, the parliament said.

(Reporting by Andrius Sytas in Vilnius, Editing by William Maclean)
Motley Fool

Shares of the online car-buying company Carvana (NYSE: CVNA) were plunging this morning, likely after a Barron's article published over the weekend said that the company, in some cases, sold cars before it even had the title to them. Barron's said in its reporting that Carvana was selling cars too quickly during the pandemic, when demand for buying a car online soared, which led to problems in receiving the proper title for vehicles for some customers. Apparently, enough people have experienced this problem that a lawsuit is being brought against the car seller, saying that some customers went years without legally being able to drive vehicles purchased from Carvana.
Dolly Parton has donated $1m to research into paediatric infectious diseases.

The Jolene vocalist has assisted Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) with their research into infectious diseases with a specific focus on their effects on children.

I love all children, Parton explained in a statement. No child should ever have to suffer, and Im willing to do my part to try and keep as many of them as I can as healthy and safe as possible.

The country singer-songwriter is no stranger to using her money for good causes, as she previously donated the same amount to the research centre in April 2020 for coronavirus vaccine research.

The gift was in honour of her longtime friend, Dr Naji Abumrad, who was working there to increase scientific knowledge and advance the battle against Covid-19.

Ultimately, her donation helped to create the Moderna vaccine, which she received herself in March 2021.

In response to Partons recent donation, VUMC expressed their gratitude and stated that it would be used to accelerate their work.

Dolly Parton and Dr Naji Abumrad (Dolly Parton)

We are deeply honoured by Dollys contribution to our research mission, said Dr Mark Denison, professor of paediatrics.

For over 40 years our division has been a national and international leader in studies for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of life-threatening infections, and this gift will accelerate our work and support new ideas.
French President Emmanuel Macron embraces Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the end of a conference at the Mariyinsky palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, June 16, 2022. Natacha Pisarenko/Associated Press

Macron and the leaders of Germany, Italy, and Romania visited Kyiv on Thursday.

The visit came after Macron faced criticism in Ukraine for saying Putin should not be humiliated.

The European leaders expressed support for Ukraine's EU ambitions during the visit.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited Kyiv with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis on Thursday, traveling to Ukraine at a critical juncture in the war with Russia. It marked one of the most high-profile visits of EU leaders to the Ukrainian capital since Russia launched an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in late February.

"We're here, focused, and we're about to meet President Zelenskyy now to visit a war site where massacres have been committed, and then to lead the conversations that are scheduled with President Zelenskyy," Macron said in comments to reporters in Kyiv, per Politico.

The EU leaders posed for photos with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, appearing stiff in their suits alongside him in his now-iconic olive green t-shirt and sneakers.

The visit came as Ukraine vies to join the EU, and as Ukraine implores the West for more military aid amid fierce fighting in the eastern Donbas region. Air raid sirens went off not long after their arrival, per multiple reports.

The trip also occurred as questions are being raised about Western unity and resolve. Macron in recent months has repeatedly been the target of fierce criticism for saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin should not be humiliated in Ukraine, which Kyiv has interpreted as a call for it to make concessions to Moscow. Macron tried to stop Russia from invading in the weeks before the French presidential election, and has continued direct calls with Putin.

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In reference to the Ukraine war during a May 9 speech, Macron warned Europe to "never give in to the temptation of humiliation."

Subsequently, Zelenskyy said, "We won't help Putin save face by paying with our territory. That would be unjust."

And in an interview with French media earlier this month, Macron said, "We must not humiliate Russia so that the day when the fighting stops we can build an exit ramp through diplomatic means."

Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's top diplomat, excoriated the French president over these remarks, tweeting that "calls to avoid humiliation of Russia can only humiliate France and every other country that would call for it." Kuleba was present on Thursday as Zelenskyy met with the EU leaders.

Macron's visit occurred under fairly awkward circumstances, with ties between France and Ukraine on somewhat shaky ground. Germany has also faced criticism in recent weeks over the speed of weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Smoothing out these ruffles was likely one of the many aims of the symbolic and historic trip.

The European leaders expressed strong support for Ukraine to join the EU during their visit.

"All four of us support the status of immediate candidate for membership," Macron told reporters, according to Politico. Meanwhile, Scholz said, "Germany is in favor of a positive decision in favor of Ukraine," adding, "Ukraine belongs to the European family."

The European Commission is expected to make a recommendation on whether Ukraine be granted EU candidate status in the coming days, which would be just one step in a lengthy process to join the bloc.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A maintenance worker accused of smuggling drugs and a cellphone into the Fulton County Jail may face additional charges after investigators said they recovered a stolen gun inside his vehicle.

According to court documents, the maintenance worker was caught on camera handing the phone to an inmate.

What investigators said happened next has the employee facing felony charges, and it also raises questions about how he was able to smuggle it inside.

We wont tolerate anyone bringing contraband in, and you will go to jail, Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat said.

Nearly a month after Labat spoke out about a former medical assistant accused of attempting to smuggle marijuana, crack cocaine and cigarettes into the jail, another contract worker also is at the center of a felony investigation.

This time, investigators say, Jason Mullens, 45, is accused of smuggling in a cellphone, marijuana and cigarettes into the jail.

Court documents also allege that when police searched his vehicle parked outside the jail, officers recovered multiple firearms, including one stolen from South Florida.

They also recovered tobacco and counterfeit $100 dollar bills and $50 dollar bills.

TRENDING STORIES:

During his interview with investigators, Mullens confessed to bringing tobacco for inmates on multiple occasions, but he denied the rest of the allegations.

Seiden contacted Labats office to learn more about how the contraband made it inside but the sheriff was unavailable for comment.

Labat and his deputies have cracked down on illegal items previously.

In April, Channel 2 Action News was given exclusive access inside the jail as deputies performed a massive shake down, an all-out search for drugs, phones and weapons.

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The crackdown came a week after a detention officer was stabbed multiple times by an inmate armed with an improvised knife.

The sheriff said that the officer was in good spirits and expected to make a full recovery.

In the meantime, that former medical assistant accused of trying to smuggle drugs into the jail, remains a fugitive.

IN OTHER NEWS:
A California man who was arrested near U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaughs residence has been indicted for attempted murder of the justice.

A federal grand jury returned an indictment on Wednesday against Nicholas John Roske, a 26-year-old Simi Valley, California resident, after he allegedly traveled to Maryland to kill Kavanaugh.

Montgomery County police arrested Roske last week after he called the countys Emergency Communications Center saying he was having suicidal thoughts, had a firearm and came to Kavanaughs residence to kill him.

Officers found a range of weapons in Roskes backpack and suitcase, including a Glock 17 pistol with two magazines and ammunition, a hammer, a crowbar and pepper spray.

Roske is facing a sentence of up to life in prison if convicted of attempting to kill a justice of the United States, according to a release from the U.S. Attorneys Office in Maryland. The actual sentence for a federal crime is usually less than the maximum, the release notes.

An arrest affidavit for Roske states he told a detective he was upset about the leak of a draft decision revealing that the Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, as well as the recent school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, that killed 19 students and two teachers.

Kavanaugh is reportedly among the majority that supports the draft decision overturning Roe v. Wade, and Roske said he believed the justice would rule in favor of Second Amendment rights in cases on gun control.

The House approved a bill on Tuesday that would provide security for Supreme Court justices family members, sending the proposal to President Biden for his signature.

Any officer on the bench could also receive protection if the court marshal believes it is necessary under the legislation, which was passed after days of disagreement between Democrats and Republicans over its scope.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The earliest iterations of Asi Asi may have begun in a different country and under a different name, but this rising indie-rock four-piece is now firmly a Chicago music act. And on their debut record, Mal de Otros, which comes out Aug. 19, listeners new and old alike can hear the fruits of their labor, largely perfected in the dark and disparate days of the early pandemic.

According to songwriter and frontman Fernando de Buen Lopez, Asi Asi originated in Mexico City, where he lived before moving to Chicago more than a decade ago. In Mexico City, de Buen Lopez was part of a different musical project, El Manana. But after arriving in Chicago, he took a break from creating. I didnt do much music-wise for about five years, de Buen Lopez recalled. Then in 2018, after meeting future band member and drummer Ben Geissel, he decided to revive his old Mexico City-based band here in Chicago.

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Asi Asi band members Fernando de Buen Lopez, top to bottom, Sam Coplin, Celeen Rusk and Ben Geissel, in Chicago on June 8, 2022. (Vincent D. Johnson/for the Chicago Tribune)

Unfortunately, another band registered their same name right before de Buen Lopez decided to revive his old group, forcing them to truly begin anew.

I guess it was also an opportunity to change things a little bit more and go on a different path, he said. In 2019, soon after their second Chicago show, Asi Asi was born.

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Asi Asi (also comprised of Celeen Rusk on keys and Sam Coplin on bass) was just in its creative infancy when the pandemic hit. Pre-pandemic, the group was most concerned with practicing old songs to translate them to a live setting. Now  without the aid of audience interaction  the group was forced to resettle, at least musically. For the different band members, this created different results.

For me, it was really hard at first, said Geissel, who was unable to play his instrument due to the at-home restrictions. I was in a kind of weird standstill for a while.

Meanwhile, Rusk said the pandemic was a time for her to become reoriented with herself. Something I learned in the first year of the pandemic is taking time for myself is really helpful in establishing some kind of routine to build my life off of, she said.

But for de Buen Lopez, who is the groups primary songwriter, it was time to get to work. He would force himself to sit down and work on songs for two hours every day after work, often composing the tracks first on acoustic guitar. He often worked with the band members or other collaborators through Zoom. Eventually, their list of 35 demos was narrowed down to 13 tracks they considered coherent and a final eight will appear on Mal de Otros.

One of the things I really love about playing with you guys is that the creative process is fairly ongoing. These songs in that regard are like living, breathing things, Rusk said about their creative process. That flexibility and experimentation, its part of the band, I think.

Fans first got a taste of their tracks in 2020 when the group self-released Carne Molida. But the songs that make up the bulk of Mal de Otros were not completed until 2021, when recording began.

Despite their time away from each other, the band says the separation did not take away from the initial cohesion they began to build during their pre-pandemic times.

Asi Asi band members, left to right, Fernando de Buen Lopez, Sam Coplin, Celeen Rusk, and Ben Geissel, in Chicago on June 8, 2022. (Vincent D. Johnson/for the Chicago Tribune)

I think the way everything came together in the studio felt magical, added Rusk. It just happened so seamlessly, and that was a delight. Just to be a part of, to create music collaboratively in that environment was so much fun.

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On their first single from the new album, Ya Lo Se, the groups danceable brand of indie rock gets a psychedelic twist, with warm, moodier surf elements. The track, which features bass from celebrated local musician Wyatt Waddell, is a perfect complement to the dreamy, long days of summer and an affecting first introduction to the emerging group. Their latest single, Me Quedo Ahi, which came out last month, invokes similar sonic aesthetics to Ya Lo Se, with de Buen Lopezs piercing, crooning vocals serving as a perfect match for the tracks captivating synthesizers.

Just suddenly, we have a record. Thats incredibly satisfying, says de Buen Lopez. Even if no one listens to it, no one likes it, but I like it. So I feel like we did something that Im very proud of.

Britt Julious is a freelance critic.
Zacakary Range is now in Clay County Jail after deputies say he strangled and sexually assaulted a woman in Orange Park on Tuesday.

According to his arrest report, the woman, who has not been identified, was arguing on the phone with Range early on Tuesday morning. Then, at around 2 p.m., the woman heard a knock at the door.

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She asked if it was maintenance and the person answered yes, the report states.

The woman opened the door to the man now identified as Range. He forced his way into the home, according to the report, and followed the woman upstairs.

The report says Range strangled and sexually assaulted the woman.

The report goes on to say she escaped as Range was making a phone call and found deputies at a gas station. She had finger marks on her neck and other visible red marks on her face and body.

Read: Jacksonville home health aide employee arrested, accused of withholding services from disabled adult

Deputies also entered the womans home and observed the room where she claimed the assault happened. It was in disarray, the report states.

Deputies called Range, who claimed to be in Kissimmee but was later found in a nearby apartment complex.

He was interviewed and subsequently arrested after deputies determined the womans injuries were consistent with an attack.

Range has been charged with sexual battery and domestic battery by strangulation. His bond was set at $175,006.

His next court date is on July 19.

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When Sergiy Astahof, 31, a Ukrainian migrant, fled for the United States with his partner after Russia invaded his home country, they were excited to finally live openly as a gay couple.

Instead, Astahof, who traveled through the U.S.-Mexico border on April 11, was taken in by kind community members of a conservative Texan church that opposes gay relationships. The church put him and his partner up in a spare room, providing food and shelter in exchange for volunteer work. The couple pretended to be merely friends  as they had in Ukraine and with their families  so as not to insult their hosts.

"We had uncomfortable feelings about this, but at the same time, it's better than feeling unsafe in Ukraine or Eastern Europe," Astahof said, speaking through an interpreter. "I know it's a temporary solution. And right now, the first priority is to survive."

Astahof and his partner are among the many LGBTQ Ukrainian migrants struggling to find their footing under U.S. humanitarian programs. The Biden administration has pledged to allow 100,000 Ukrainians fleeing war with Russia into the United States, but many LGBTQ migrants are finding it difficult to get into the country because they lack social support and the necessary connections, according to immigration experts.

Many LGBTQ Ukrainians are closeted in their home country or may be estranged from their families, and therefore lack support to get the type of sponsorship necessary to enter the United States under the recently unveiled Uniting for Ukraine immigration program, said Bogdan Globa, co-founder of QUA - LGBTQ Ukrainians in America, a New York-based NGO supporting queer Ukrainians.

"Can you imagine how many people will sign a paper like this for a stranger?" Globa said. "It's why now the LGBTQ community is struggling."

Members of the queer community may have special medical needs that make Americans wary of supporting them, such as the need for HIV medications or hormone treatment.

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"Members of the LGBTQ community have it very, very hard, as do other marginalized groups within a specific society, so when it comes to Ukraine those in the LGBTQ community were suffering before and theyre continuing to suffer during the war  its exasperated now," said Essey Workie, director of the human services initiative for the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank.

LGBTQ migrants, who are waiting for approval from the United States, are also often in far less stable positions than others who have fled from their homes, for example, because they must hide their identities, or have traveled to countries that are hostile to LGBTQ individuals, said Devon Matthews, director of programs at Rainbow Railroad, a Toronto-based charity that helps LGBTQ people escape state-sponsored violence and has been working to help Ukrainians.

"Amongst the most marginalized within a community or society, when crisis hits you are absolutely disproportionately affected by this crisis," Matthews said.

The newer Uniting for Ukraine program was created in mid-April to provide a streamlined migration process for the many Ukrainians facing crisis.

Workie said she saw signs that it may indeed enable people to move through the process in several months or up to a year, compared to the asylum or refugee resettlement program.

But many Ukrainians have complained that the process needs to be faster to accommodate those fleeing a growing war.

If approved for the Uniting for Ukraine program, Ukrainians are allowed to stay for a period of up to two years and, if accepted, will be eligible for work authorization.

A U.S.-based sponsor must submit an application and be willing to declare their financial support for a Ukrainian citizen, including any medical costs that may be incurred. Frequently those sponsors end up having close personal ties to applicants, Globa said, but individuals can be sponsored by any entity or complete strangers.

The U.S.-based Ukrainian NGO, QUA - LGBTQ Ukrainians in America, helped Astahof and his partner apply for Temporary Protected Status and also helped find them other housing. On Tuesday, the couple traveled to San Francisco to stay with another gay couple in San Francisco.

As of June 14, the Uniting for Ukraine program has paroled 11,000 Ukrainians into the United States, USCIS spokesperson Matthew Bourke said in an emailed response.

Those numbers are in addition to the 22,000 Ukrainians, like Astahof, who were paroled into the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection prior to the Uniting for Ukraine program, Bourke said.

But for the majority of LGBTQ Ukrainians, unless they have relatives or close personal ties with individuals already in the United States, they have found it "impossible" to move through the new migration program, said Globa, whose organization is in touch with about 110 LGBTQ Ukrainians seeking refuge in the United States.

LGBTQ individuals often "have severed or disrupted family and friend relationships because they've come out and shared who they are, and the people around them werent able to accept who they are," Workie said. "So that chips away at their social capital. So I'm very sympathetic to individuals saying, 'Uniting for Ukraine isnt really working for us, because our social contacts in the diaspora and the U.S., perhaps because of our sexual identity, arent willing (to help).'"

While LGBTQ Ukrainians can also choose to apply for asylum, they must physically be at a port of entry on in the United States to do so, and those applications can take years or even generations, in certain cases, Workie said.

And for LGBTQ individuals who do get accepted for refugee resettlement, they have unique circumstances that require policy attention, Workie said. That's because the United States tends to keep refugees from different countries together to ensure they have cultural and language support. But for groups marginalized by their societies, they often do not want to be resettled with people from their own countries "because the persecution continues," Workie said.

A gay and lesbian rights activist gestures during the annual Gay Pride parade, protected by riot police in Kiev, Ukraine, June 17, 2018.

Mykola Bohoslavets, 38, lived with his partner in a Kyiv apartment before the war broke out, and then temporarily relocated to the Netherlands. The couple is looking for a sponsor in the United States, a country they chose because "LGBT people have more freedom there," said Bohoslavets. They both already speak English, and he and his partner dream of marrying in Miami.

"The U.S. government claims that it does everything for Ukrainians, but this is a partial deception," said Bohoslavets, who has been frustrated by the months-long application process that first requires finding a sponsor. "In reality, it is almost impossible to obtain a visa to the United States under the sponsorship program...The United States is like a liberal country, but it is closed and a bit wild."

Bohoslavets said he knew of many Ukrainians who want to go to the United States but cannot get in, including some still in Mexico. Others are traveling to Canada to move to the United States from there.

Even when a sponsor is found, the process to get interviewed and obtain a visa takes a long time, he said.

Bohoslavets said there should be a separate program for Ukrainian LGBTQ people who have "always been bullied and ridiculed." While it is not illegal to be queer in Ukraine, gay people have suffered from societal marginalization and are frequently victims of violence. They are also not legally allowed to marry or partake in many rights given to relationships legally recognized by the state.

"I want to start a family with my partner in the USA," said Bohoslavets, who is an attorney, and his partner, a chef. "We thought about it for a long time, and together we decided to move to the United States by any possible legal means. Because only in the United States can we walk freely in the city, kiss each other, walk the street holding hands, feeling safe at this time."

For Astahof, who comes from a Ukrainian village in Mykolaiv province that's now occupied by Russian troops, he kept himself closeted from his family, as did his partner. So he was especially excited to start working in the United States without having to hide a part of his identity.

"I didn't know it would be so hard and so unwelcoming," said Astahof, who has lived in limbo as the weeks turned into months. "We want our work authorizations and we will make money. We want a job. But we're stuck in the system, and it's a very difficult situation."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US immigration programs not easy for LGBTQ Ukrainians, activists say
Megan Boswell, the Sullivan County mother accused in 2020 of killing her toddler, will not stand trial until February at the earliest.

Boswell's case drew international attention after a search for 15-month-old Evelyn ended with the discovery of the child's body on family property.

Sullivan County Judge James Goodwin rescheduled the trial from Sept. 26 to Feb. 6 after a motion by Boswell's defense attorney cited "months and months and months" of delay in receiving test results from the state crime lab.

Here's where the trial stands.

What has happened since Boswell's arrest?

Attorney Brad Sproles during a hearing for Megan Boswell in Sullivan County Criminal Court at the Sullivan County Justice Center in Blountville, Tenn., on Thursday, April 7, 2022.

The judge heard the motion to postpone the trial on Monday. Defense attorney C. Brad Sproles argued the postponement was necessary because of a fingerprint analysis done by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

The fingerprint was found on a piece of evidence the defense attorney described as "crucial," although he declined to be more specific. Sproles said he just received the test results and needs more time to have it analyzed by his own expert.

"I feel like I don't have any choice," Goodwin said, noting that forcing an earlier trial date could lead to a conviction being overturned.

Megan Boswell trial: She knew daughter was dead before the body was discovered, investigator says

Megan Boswell's bail remains set at $1 million. She faces a total of 19 charges, including felony murder and aggravated child abuse, and could receive a sentence of life in prison without parole.

In the two-plus years since Megan Boswell's arrest, Sproles has sought to separate the charge of filing false reports from the murder trial, in effect having a separate trial for those charges. Boswell is scheduled to be back in court in September for the hearing on separating her charges.

Sproles also has asked to change the location of the trial. That hearing is scheduled for mid-December.

Widespread coverage sparked by tale of missing toddler

Megan Boswell during a hearing in Sullivan County Criminal Court at the Sullivan County Justice Center in Blountville, Tenn., on Thursday, April 7, 2022.

Evelyn was born in November 2018 to Megan Boswell, then 17, and Ethan Perry, then 19.

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Megan Boswell was living with her father and two younger siblings at the family compound in Blountville, Tennessee. Perry had joined the military a year earlier after graduating high school.

Evelyn was first reported missing in February 2020 by her grandfather, Tommy Boswell Sr., who told authorities he had not seen the child since early December 2019.

According to investigators, Megan Boswell had been telling people Evelyn was with Perry. She told investigators Perry was refusing to return texts asking about Evelyn, but she did not report her as missing to police on the advice of her mother, Angela Boswell.

Megan Boswell then changed her story multiple times, investigators said. She told investigators Angela had Evelyn and was refusing to return her. Later, she said Angela gave Evelyn to an unnamed person, and Evelyn was safe and would have a better life with that person.

Megan Boswell changed story multiple times

Megan Boswell, left, enters the courtroom for a hearing in Sullivan County Criminal Court at the Sullivan County Justice Center in Blountville, Tenn., on Thursday, April 7, 2022.

In late February 2020, Megan Boswell admitted to investigators Evelyn was dead but that she did not know where her body was.

Boswell told Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Special Agent David Gratz her boyfriend rolled over onto the child while they were sleeping, Gratz said in a court hearing this spring.

In early March 2020, law enforcement agents found the girl's remains inside a shed at the family compound. According to Gratz, Evelyn's body was discovered in an old playhouse that was originally built for Megan Boswell to play in when she was a child.

Megan Boswell initially was taken into custody in mid-February 2020 on a charge of lying to authorities about Evelyn's disappearance. She was charged with Evelyn's death in August 2020.

Megan Boswell is accused of killing her daughter under two separate legal theories  that the child's death resulted from an act of child abuse or from an act of child neglect. The indictment alleges Megan Boswell abused her daughter's corpse, a charge typically leveled when a body is moved and hidden in some manner.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Here's why the Megan Boswell murder trial has been delayed to 2023
A mothers screams coming from inside a Kendale Lakes apartment Wednesday night had Miami-Dade officers busting down the door, rushing in and shooting her 21-year-old knife-wielding son, police said.

The shooting happened just before 8:30 p.m. at an apartment complex in the 8000 block of Southwest 149 Avenue  a quiet stretch of suburbia.

Police say two 911 calls came in to report hearing a violent encounter, and a woman screaming.

When officers arrived they heard the screaming coming from inside the apartment. They tried to get the mom to open the door, but when she didnt, they broke down the door, according to police.

Once they were inside they found Richard Hollis with two knives, said Alvaro Zabaleta, a police spokesman.

He did not comply with the officers command and the officer discharged his firearm striking the subject, Zabaleta said.

Hollis was taken to Kendall Regional Hospital where he died. His mom was not injured.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates all shootings involving officers.

This story will update.
ABC News

The House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol will hold a hearing this Tuesday, June 28, after previously revising its schedule to postpone the hearings for "several weeks." The hearing will begin at 1 p.m. ET and members will "present recently obtained evidence and receive witness testimony," the committee said in a release. The new scheduling comes after British documentary filmmaker Alex Holder, who had substantial access to then-President Donald Trump, his family and closest aides around the Jan. 6 attack, sat for an interview with the committee behind-closed-doors last week and handed over footage which includes interviews with Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump, son-in-law Jared Kushner and Vice President Mike Pence.
WASHINGTON  Since last year, Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) has been the only Republican on Capitol Hill willing to embrace a monthly cash allowance for parents.

Now hes got two conservative colleagues, Sens. Steve Daines (Mont.) and Richard Burr (N.C.), co-sponsoring his Family Security Act, a bill that would pay parents as much as $350 a month per child. Their support shows growing bipartisan momentum for an idea long discussed on the left  one that other rich countries put into practice decades ago.

Romneys bill is broadly similar to the monthly child tax credit payments Democrats put in place for six months last year but failed to continue after Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) refused to support an extension.

If Democrats cant muster 50 votes among themselves, the only way to resurrect the monthly payments would be some sort of bipartisan compromise. Now that Romney has won over two more Republicans, the bipartisan path looks a little more plausible.

Im willing to sit down with them and look at several provisions, Romney said Wednesday. There are a number of things they wont like in our bill, and well have to work on a bipartisan basis to get something that we can all agree to.

A key difference between the Republican bill and what Democrats did last year is that Republicans would deny payments to parents with zero income. In other words, the GOP bill has a work requirement  something Manchin had insisted on that Democrats refused to include. Romney had omitted such a work requirement from a similar bill last year that no other Republican supported.

The first version didnt have a work requirement, and we got lots of pushback that, Hey, this shouldnt be a welfare program, people should be required to work, Romney told HuffPost. So we added a work requirement and therefore some people come back and say, Hey, why do you have a work requirement? So you could prove you cant satisfy all the people all the time, but the work requirement is modest, meaning its $10,000 for a couple for an entire year.

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Allowing the poorest parents to receive payments last year was a top priority for Democrats because thats how the payments slashed child poverty by nearly 30%. Romneys bill would allow low earners to receive only partial benefits, meaning it would cut child poverty by only 12.6%, according to an analysis by the Niskanen Center.

Another major difference between the two approaches is that Republicans would offset the cost of their bill by eliminating a handful of tax benefits, including the deduction for state and local taxes  something that Democrats from New Jersey and other coastal states would strenuously oppose.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), head to a vote as senators make their way to a briefing on the war in Ukraine on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, March 30 in Washington, D.C. (Photo: The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), head to a vote as senators make their way to a briefing on the war in Ukraine on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, March 30 in Washington, D.C. (Photo: The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Still, Democrats said they were heartened by Romneys bill. Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), a key proponent of the child tax credit, said he deeply appreciated Romneys effort to get more Republicans on board.

While we have clear policy differences, one thing is certain  we cant continue to allow 11M kids to live in poverty in the wealthiest nation in the world, Bennet tweeted.

Republicans approach the issue of paying parents from a different direction than Democrats do. Democrats want to reduce child poverty, which results from a lack of parental income, while Republicans want to encourage more people to have babies. They also might want to show more support for parents as the Supreme Court prepares to roll back Roe v. Wade.

Romney touted support for his bill from anti-abortion groups like Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and National Right to Life. His bill would allow expectant mothers to begin claiming the monthly benefits.

This life-affirming provision not only empowers mothers, but acknowledges that life begins before birth, National Right to Life said in its endorsement of the bill.

Bennet and Romney have told HuffPost in recent weeks that theyve been having informal conversations about the child benefit, but Romney said he cant really negotiate with Democrats until they quit negotiating among themselves about their previous vehicle for the policy, a doomed bill known as the Build Back Better Act.

If it really goes away, then I think they will be interested in sitting down and seeing if we can find a bipartisan deal, Romney said.



This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
Members of Indian security personnel keep watch during the demolition of the home of Javed Ahmed, a local politician who was allegedly involved in violent protests against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India, June 12, 2022. Officials insist the home was destroyed because it was illegally constructed. / Credit: SANJAY KANOJIA/AFP/Getty

New Delhi  India's Supreme Court on Thursday cautioned the Uttar Pradesh state government against the controversial practice of demolishing the homes of Muslim protesters accused of instigating violence amid nationwide protests last week, but it declined to order a halt to the demolitions.

"Demolitions have to be in accordance with law, they cannot be retaliatory," the top court said, responding to a case brought by Muslims in Uttar Pradesh who allege the state government has been punishing members of India's 200-million-strong Islamic minority for participating in protests.

Protests erupted in several states on June 10 over derogatory remarks made by senior members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's political party about the Prophet Muhammad. The demonstrators, mostly Muslims, demanded the arrest of Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal, the officials of the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) who made the remarks. Both of them were fired by the party.

Hundreds of protesters were arrested on the day, and one day later, authorities in at least two cities in Uttar Pradesh sent bulldozers to raze the houses of some of the demonstrators who were accused of rioting.

An excavator is used to demolish the home of Javed Ahmed, a local politician who was allegedly involved in violent protests against incendiary remarks about the Prophet Mohammad made by ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) officials, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India, June 12, 2022. / Credit: SANJAY KANOJIA/AFP/Getty

One of the demolished homes, in the state's Prayagraj district, belonged to the father of Afreen Fatima, a prominent student activist. Her father, local politician Javed Mohammad, has been accused of planning the protests, some of which did turn violent.

Police in Uttar Pradesh have arrested more protesters since the demolitions, taking a total of 357 people into custody according to a report by The Times of India. Some of those families have voiced concern that their homes could still be destroyed under the Uttar Pradesh government's practice, which has been dubbed "bulldozer justice."

The state government insists the demolitions are only being carried out on "illegal constructions," but millions of homes across India were built without planning permission, leading critics to question why only protesters' homes are being destroyed.

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C.U. Singh, a lawyer for the petitioners who brought the case to the Supreme Court, accused the government of targeting the Muslim community. A representative of the Uttar Pradesh administration insisted in the court that "due course of law" had been followed.

The Supreme Court asked the Uttar Pradesh government to file a response to the allegations by June 21, when it will hear the case again. The court said it would not stop the demolitions in the meantime, rejecting the resident's demand for an interim stay and raising the prospect of more demolitions in the coming days.

"We can't stay demolitions. We can say go in accordance with law," said Supreme Court justices A.S. Bopanna and Vikram Nath in their Thursday statement.

"Everything should look fair... we expect the authorities to act only in accordance with law," added one of the judges.

Activists of the Fraternity movement, Students Islamic Organization of India (SIO) and others hold placards and protest against the demolition of the house of activist Afreen Fatima and her father Javed Mohammad in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj district, June 13, 2022 in New Delhi, India. / Credit: Ajay Aggarwal/Hindustan Times/Getty

The court petitioners allege the demolitions were "illegal shocking and appalling," and they're seeking legal action against government officials who ordered the homes to be razed.

Earlier this week, several former judges and senior legal advocates wrote a joint letter to the Chief Justice of India urging him to take note of the "brutal clampdown" and "violation of the rights of citizens."

India faced a huge diplomatic backlash earlier this month from at least 15 majority-Muslim countries  including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Iran, and Oman  over the ruling party officials' remarks against Islam's prophet.

Many of these countries logged official protests with India, and there were calls from officials in two Gulf states to boycott Indian products.

Prime Minister Modi's Hindu nationalist government has been accused of deliberately trying to marginalize the country's Muslims through controversial legislation and other moves. Modi and other members of his party vehemently deny allegations that they're fueling sectarianism.

Medical expert Dr. David Agus answers questions on child vaccines, lingering COVID symptoms

Harry Styles pauses concert to find his former teacher in crowd

Shawn Amos on growing up as the son of "Famous Amos"
Nasa has released new images taken by its Perseverance Mars rover that show the agencys space junk caught in a rock on the surface of the Red Planet.

The debris in question may have come off during the rovers descent down the Martian atmosphere on 18 February 2021, the American space agency suspects.

It is a piece of thermal blanket that the agency thinks may have come from the rovers descent stage, the rocket-powered jet pack that set me down on landing day back in 2021, Nasa tweeted.

It is a surprise finding according to Nasa since the rovers actual descent happened about 2km away.

The shiny foil, the American space agency said, is part of a thermal blanket material used to control temperatures during the rovers fiery descent onto the Red Planet.

Landing on Mars is a big challenge for any mission as vehicles need to endure extreme gravitational forces, as well as high temperatures, and pressure changes during their entry and descent stages through the Martian atmosphere at nearly 20,000kph.

Did this piece land here after that, or was it blown here by the wind? Nasa tweeted, referring to the newly discovered debris.

My team has spotted something unexpected: Its a piece of a thermal blanket that they think may have come from my descent stage, the rocket-powered jet pack that set me down on landing day back in 2021. pic.twitter.com/O4rIaEABLu  NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover (@NASAPersevere) June 15, 2022

The latest discovery comes after the agencys Ingenuity Mars helicopter revealed a set of images in April of debris from the cone-shaped backshell that protected the robotic explorer during its fiery descent.

Aerial images taken by the helicopter suggested the protective coating of the blackshell had remained intact during the landers atmospheric entry.

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We spy with our little eyesrover landing gear!

During the #MarsHelicopters 26th flight, it took photos of the entry, descent, & landing gear @NASAPersevere needed to safely land on Mars. You can see the protective backshell & massive dusty parachute. https://t.co/1r5uoc5FyM pic.twitter.com/ePlEASIrr0  NASA JPL (@NASAJPL) April 27, 2022

Theres definitely a sci-fi element to it. It exudes otherworldly, doesnt it? Ian Clark from Nasas Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), had told The New York Times following this finding.

If they either reinforce that our systems worked as we think they worked or provide even one dataset of engineering information we can use for Mars Sample Return planning, it will be amazing. And if not, the pictures are still phenomenal and inspiring, Dr Clark had said.
Amara Harris, shown at her Naperville home, delayed plans to enroll in on-campus classes at Spelman College so she could fight a theft ticket issued to her while she was attending Naperville North High School. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)

From the moment Amara Harris was accused of stealing another students AirPods at Naperville North High School, she has insisted that it was a mix-up, not a theft.

She told a school dean that she thought the AirPods were her own, having picked them up a few days earlier in the schools learning commons, where she said she thought she had left her own set. Her mother repeatedly told officers that her daughter hadnt stolen the wireless earbuds, records show.

Still, the school resource officer wrote Amara a ticket in 2019 for violating a municipal ordinance against theft. Paying a fine would have made the matter go away, but Amara says she wont admit to something she didnt do. For two and a half years, she has repeatedly gone to court to assert her innocence, even delaying her plans to attend on-campus classes at her dream school, Spelman College.

Now, in a rare and dramatic example of the impact of school ticketing, the case is headed for a jury trial, with the next court date on Tuesday. As Naperville continues to prosecute the case, Amara and her mother have racked up far more in legal bills than the citys highest fine would have cost them.

I am innocent. I am fighting because I dont want this to happen to anyone else, said Amara, now 19. Why would I say Im innocent to everyone but then I lie in court and say Im guilty? It doesnt make sense to me.

This spring, in the investigation The Price Kids Pay, ProPublica and the Chicago Tribune exposed the widespread practice of school officials and local police working together to ticket Illinois students for misbehavior at school, resulting in fines that can cost hundreds of dollars. Reporters documented about 12,000 tickets issued for possession of vaping devices and cannabis, disorderly conduct, truancy and other violations from August 2018 through June 2021.

[ Read the investigation: Schools and police punish students with costly tickets for minor misbehavior ]

Ticketing students for their behavior in school skirts a state law that bans schools from disciplining students with monetary fines. Immediately after the report was published, state officials including Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the state schools superintendent said they intended to put a stop to the practice.

The superintendent, Carmen Ayala, chided schools for outsourcing discipline to police and urged them to stop. The Illinois attorney generals office, concerned that school ticketing was violating the civil rights of students of color, launched an investigation into a large suburban high school district and said it might investigate others.

But none of the state officials addressed how to deal with pending cases of students who, like Amara, had already been ticketed.

The governor says he wants this to stop, he wants this to end, said Amaras mother, Marla Baker. We are in the middle of it.

Amaras family, like so many others, was thrown into a system that uses a lower standard of proof than a criminal court. People ticketed for ordinance violations can be held responsible if the allegation is deemed more likely to be true than not, and the ticket itself is considered evidence. At every turn, the system and the officials in it encourage families to admit liability and pay a fine. And most do.

During a year of reporting on student ticketing that included attending more than 50 days of hearings, Tribune and ProPublica reporters met dozens of students and parents who paid fines even though they believed police didnt need to be involved in the first place. Some were initially inclined to fight the citations but eventually gave up, worn down by the process.

The ticket issued to Amara Harris in 2019 at Naperville North High School. (Redactions added by ProPublica)

Amaras case demonstrates the extraordinary effort it can take to argue against a ticket in a system built for assembly-line justice. Hers is the first case the Tribune and ProPublica have encountered that could go before a jury; Naperville officials said the city hasnt had a jury trial for an ordinance violation in at least a decade.

The ticket is a civil matter, so theres no threat of jail time. But Amara said she is committed to clearing her name.

To Amara and her mother, the ticket  and the citys commitment to prosecuting it  is another example of people in power discriminating against Black children. Only about 120 of the roughly 2,700 students at Naperville North are Black, and Baker has spoken out in the past about what she sees as racism and bias in the citys schools.

A Naperville city spokesperson, responding on behalf of the city and its police department, said the City categorically denies that race in any way played a factor in this case.

[ Black students far more likely to be ticketed for school behavior ]

Spokesperson Linda LaCloche declined to answer specific questions about the police investigation because Amaras case is pending. The spokesperson attributed the cases slow progress to court closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Amaras change in attorneys and court scheduling issues, among other reasons.

The officer who wrote the ticket, Juan Leon, declined to discuss the case but said it was unbelievable that it was still pending. He blamed Baker for dragging it out.

A Naperville Community Unit School District 203 spokesperson distanced the district from the case, saying: Naperville 203 does not ticket students. Spokesperson Alex Mayster said school officials rely on school resource officers, who work for the citys police department, when a disciplinary matter may involve a law being broken. State schools chief Ayala has said schools that take this approach are abdicating their responsibility.

Amaras family so far has paid at least $2,000 in lawyer fees to fight the case, Baker said. She and Amara stopped working with their most recent attorney in part because of the cost of going to trial and his recommendation that they accept a plea deal.

If theres a trial, Amara may have to defend herself. Still, she said, she is not going to quit and allow the ticket to blemish her hard-earned school record. She made the honor roll at Naperville North, participated in school activities including cheerleading and the step team, served as an aide in the classroom and for the school deans and, in 2020, graduated from high school ahead of schedule. She said she has interned at the Brookfield Zoo and hopes to become a veterinarian.

They are taking away all of my accomplishments that I have worked hard for and substituting it with an accident that happened, she said. To define me as a person  that is not who I am.

This investigation is a collaboration between ProPublica and the Chicago Tribune. Subscribe to the Chicago Tribune

The AirPods investigation began in November 2019, when a school dean told the school police officer he had received a voicemail from a father who said his daughters AirPods had been stolen. Two of the schools deans then began gathering information, according to the Naperville police report that summarizes how the school and police handled the incident.

Amara became part of the investigation, the report states, when the girl whose AirPods had gone missing reported something she had been told by a friend. During class, the friend saw Amaras name pop up on her own laptop connected to AirPods that she thought belonged to the girl, the report says. The friend informed the girl, who then went to the school administration.

That same day, Dean Jim Konrad went to Amaras classroom to speak with her. According to the police report, Amara told the dean she had purchased AirPods months earlier and handed Konrad the ones in her possession. They turned out to match the serial number provided by the other student.

Amara stated that she did not know how this happened, and told him she thought they were hers, the police report stated, recounting the conversation between the dean and Amara, then a 17-year-old junior.

The report said nothing more about Amaras explanation for having the other girls AirPods.

They never talked to me, never asked me what happened, Amara said in an interview with ProPublica and the Tribune. But what shed tell them is simple, she said: I would tell them I found them in the exact location where I thought I misplaced them.

Baker said she showed a receipt to school administrators and later to police to prove that Amara owned a set of AirPods and to show that Amara had reason to believe the ones she picked up were hers. Amara said using the other girls AirPods was seamless and there was no indication they belonged to someone else.

The police report makes no mention of the receipt.

After speaking with Amara, the dean went back to the police officer. The two of them agreed to call Amaras mother, but before that happened, a fire alarm went off at the school. Amara, meanwhile, called Baker on her own. According to the police report, Baker came to the school and started to yell that school officials had interrogated Amara. She then left with Amara.

The school resource officer then called the father of the girl whose AirPods were missing. He told the officer he was glad his daughter had her AirPods back but he wanted Amara charged with theft, according to the police report. The officer said he explained the different possible consequences toward Amara.

Amara Harris applies makeup while getting ready for her graduation from the College of DuPage last month at her home in Naperville. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)

School officials didnt discipline Amara, she and her mother said, but the police continued to pursue the matter. Two weeks later Baker met with the school resource officer and a sergeant at the police station. Baker brought the former police chief of Aurora, who is retired but acts as a liaison between police and Black community members in the Chicago area. Amara was not present.

At that meeting, the Naperville school resource officer explained that he was issuing Amara a city ordinance citation for theft. According to the police report and the former police chief, Baker insisted there was no theft and would not accept the ticket. The officer wrote Refused on the signature line for the defendant when Baker declined to sign the citation.

Something just wasnt right, said William Powell, the former Aurora police chief, who now works with the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. When her daughter was accused of taking these AirPods, they wanted to jump on her daughter right away and press charges.

Powell said he was troubled that the police wouldnt explain why they believed it was theft and not a mix-up. He said he thought the police were dismissive and acted like the ticket was not a big deal.

They said, Shes not being charged, shes being ticketed, he said. It doesnt make any difference  shes still in the system. I felt that it might not have been investigated thoroughly.

[ Do police give students tickets in your school district? Find out here ]

When racist incidents in Naperville schools caught the nations attention a few years ago  one student was accused of posting an online ad with a photo of a Black student that said slave for sale  Baker spoke out.

At a community meeting and to reporters, she described how her son had been bullied in middle school, with classmates using slurs and sending him photos of a noose and of the Ku Klux Klan.

When Amara was ticketed for theft soon after that community forum, Amara and her mother felt like it was another injustice.

We moved to Naperville for a better education, not to be marginalized where (if) she has a situation, she is sent all the way to court, said Baker, who moved in 2016 with her family from Carbondale in southern Illinois.

A calendar marked with the words "Court Date" is seen in Amara Harris' room at home. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)

A Naperville Community Unit School District 203 spokesperson said the district has worked to address concerns raised in 2019 about systemic racial inequities, including by adopting an equity resolution that commits to ending racial injustice, offering districtwide implicit bias training and examining hiring and requirement practices.

For The Price Kids Pay, the Tribune and ProPublica were able to identify racial disparities in school-based ticketing in some districts. But that type of analysis wasnt possible for Naperville because ticket records obtained from the citys police department didnt indicate the race of the young people cited.

To fight Amaras ticket, Baker hired a lawyer and also reached out to representatives from the NAACP and other advocacy groups. She started an online petition. She appealed to members of the Naperville City Council and to the mayor in an email urging them to dismiss the citation.

Let her move on with her life and finally be able to attend college in person, she wrote in March. Let her move on from this false allegation that should have stayed as a simple school disciplinary issue.

But the citys prosecution of Amara continued. To make it easier to appear in DuPage County court, Amara has been taking her Spelman classes online, delaying a move to Atlanta. To pay her legal fees, she dipped into money she had saved for school as well as paychecks from a recent job.

Earlier this year, a second lawyer representing Amara negotiated a potential plea agreement in which the city would dismiss the case if Amara paid a $100 fine plus $100 court costs. She would also have to concede that if she went to trial, the city would present a case and it was possible that she could be found guilty.

Amara wouldnt agree to that deal and requested a jury trial. Her mother was angry. She wanted the lawyer to fight for a full vindication and felt that the plea deal would have undercut their pursuit of justice. The lawyer withdrew from the case.

Marla Baker, right, helps her daughter Amara get ready for her graduation from the College of DuPage last month. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)

I just cant tell my daughter to plead to something you didnt do, Baker said. She also acknowledges that its hard to know at this point what would feel like a win in Amaras case. I feel like no matter what, even if they dismiss it and we walk away from it, she still lost.

When reporters asked Naperville officials about Amaras case, city spokesperson LaCloche suggested the matter could have been resolved without a ticket. She said the decision to issue the citation was made by police after they initially considered addressing this matter via an informal out-of-court resolution.

Baker and Amara said police never indicated there was an alternative to a ticket and they were shocked to hear what the city told reporters. Powell, the former police chief, said no other option was mentioned in the meeting he attended.

If you didnt want to give the ticket, what parent would be like, No, no, no  give me the ticket? Baker said. If that was always the case, you still have the power to do so now. That is ridiculous to me.

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The father of the student who reported her AirPods missing in 2019 said he did not realize the case was still going on. He declined to comment further, saying he didnt want anything to do with it.

After lawmakers said in April that they planned to take action on police ticketing at school in response to The Price Kids Pay, Baker renewed her efforts to get authorities to help them. She contacted a state senator and the Illinois State Board of Education. A board employee last week told Baker that she couldnt help because the case isnt under school jurisdiction any longer  its a court matter. She encouraged Baker to email the state superintendent.

Amara and her mother also reached out to ProPublica and the Tribune through a form asking students and parents to contact reporters about their experiences.

Throughout the case, Amara has remained focused on her academic goals. In addition to taking online classes at Spelman, she also enrolled at a local community college. By May 20, she had earned enough credits for an associate degree in science from the College of DuPage.

Marla Baker hugs her daughter Amara Harris after watching her graduate from the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn last month. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)

On graduation day, Amara put her green gown on over a white flowered outfit and fitted her cap over her long braids. Baker made a point of saying that she didnt want Amara to think about court on that day.

I want you to enjoy this, I really do. I want you to block everything else out, Baker said when she and Amara went outside to take photos. I hope this will encourage you to keep going, and youre halfway there already.

But the ticket still looms. On a whiteboard in her bedroom, Amara marks the court dates alongside her work schedule.

She and her mother say they desperately need the case to end before summers over so Amara can head to Spelman. Somebodys going to come to help us, Baker said.

Smith Richards is a Tribune reporter. Cohen is a Chicago-based reporter for ProPublica.

jrichards@chicagotribune.com
BRUSSELS (AP)  NATO defense ministers on Thursday discussed ways to bolster forces and deterrence along the military alliance's eastern borders to dissuade Russia from planning further aggression in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian invasion has led allies to rethink strategies and to agree that NATO forces should be present in greater numbers on that eastern flank. NATO says it has placed over 40,000 troops under its direct command, mainly on the eastern flank, and is looking at how it can further strengthen its presence, readiness, and capabilities.

This will mean more NATO forward-deployed combat formations, to strengthen our battlegroups in the eastern part of the alliance, more air, sea and cyber defenses, as well as pre-positioned equipment and weapons stockpiles," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said after the meeting.

The meeting of defense ministers came ahead of a June 29-30 NATO summit in Madrid that will seek to set a roadmap for the alliance in coming years.

Germany has already announced its plans to strengthen its engagement in Lithuania, while France wants to increase its presence in Romania, where it plans to have deployed 1,000 troops with Leclerc tanks by the end of the year.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin declined to detail any changes in Americas positioning of forces across Europe but said the U.S. and its allies will take steps to rapidly deploy troops if needed. That includes positioning more equipment in the region and putting troops on higher levels of alert.

All of our allies have learned from any shortcomings that we may have experienced in the past, and theyll build to ensure that they have the right capabilities to provide flexible and responsible and combat-credible forces when the time comes," he said.

Artis Pabriks, the Latvian defense minister, said the military alliance should position larger armed forces and material in Baltic countries.

We want an improved planning. We want a headquarters structure. We want pre-positioning of different types of equipment, so if a crisis would come we should not wait," he said.

Story continues

Stoltenberg said the question of pre-positioned equipment is a crucial one, because moving armored vehicles, supplies and ammunition takes a lot of time.

Then of course it's much easier and faster to reinforce when needed," he said.

Stoltenberg said ministers made significant progress" in their discussions on a new force model that would involve more forces at higher readiness and others assigned to the defense of specific allies.

Discussions in Brussels also focused on the need for more defense spending, Stoltenberg said, with the bids from Sweden and Finland to join the alliance also on the table.

Stoltenberg saluted the United States' decision to send an additional $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine and said NATO allies are prepared to continue to provide substantial, unprecedented support" to the country.

The latest package, the U.S. said, includes anti-ship missile launchers, howitzers and more rounds for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems that U.S. forces are training Ukrainian troops on. All are key weapons systems that Ukrainian leaders have urgently requested as they battle to stall Russias march to conquer the eastern Donbas region.

Austin praised the "historic decision" by Finland and Sweden to apply for NATO membership, expressing his hopes that discussions will continue to progress favorably.

Turkey, however, has voiced its opposition to the Nordic pairs NATO accession and Stoltenberg has been working hard to try to break the deadlock. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is refusing to budge over what he says is Sweden and Finland's alleged support for Kurdish militants.

My aim is to find a solution as soon as possible," Stoltenberg said.

___

Lolita C. Baldor contributed from Washington

___

Follow all AP stories about the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.
BRUSSELS  NATO defense ministers gathered Thursday for talks focusing on bolstering forces and deterrence along the military alliances eastern borders to dissuade Russia from planning further aggression.

The war by the Kremlin in Ukraine since February has led allies to rethink strategies and to agree that NATO forces should be present in greater numbers on that flank. They have already beefed up the deployment of troops and material, and now want to guarantee a long-term presence of forces.

In response to the invasion of Ukraine, NATO says it has placed more than 40,000 troops under its direct command, mainly on the eastern front.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said allies will take decisions on the scale of their posture for the the longer term to ensure that we can defend every inch of allied territory.

More forward-deployed combat formations are in the works, Stoltenberg told reporters, and battlegroups on NATOs eastern border will see more air, sea and cyber defenses, as well as strengthened pre-positioned equipment and weapons stockpiles. More NATO exercises, further east, are in discussion as well.

NATO must maintain credible deterrence and strong defense, Stoltenberg said. Today, ministers addressed the scale and the size of our future posture, and how we can step up across all domains, with substantial strengthening our presence, capabilities and readiness.

Ministers are expected to finalize a new force model, which would see more troops at higher readiness and specific personnel preassigned to the defense of specific allies to enable much faster reinforcement, Stoltenberg said.

What often takes time is to move heavy stuff, to move the armored vehicles, ammunition and supplies, but pre-positioning more weapons and equipment would make it much easier and faster to reinforce when needed, Stoltenberg said

The meeting of defense ministers came ahead of a June 29-30 NATO summit in Madrid that will seek to set a determined course for the alliance in the coming years.

Story continues

Germany has already announced its plans to strengthen its engagement in Lithuania, while France wants to increase its presence in Romania, where it plans to have deployed 1,000 troops reinforced with Leclerc tanks by the end of the year.

Artis Pabriks, the Latvian defense minister, said the military alliance should position larger armed forces and material in Baltic countries.

We want an improved planning, we want a headquarters structure, we want pre-positioning of different types of equipment, so if a crisis would come we should not wait, he said.

Discussions in Brussels will also focus on the need for more defense spending, Stoltenberg said, with the bids from Sweden and Finland to join the alliance also on the table.

Stoltenberg saluted the United States decision to send an additional $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine and said NATO allies are prepared to continue to provide substantial, unprecedented support to the country.

The latest package, the U.S. said, includes anti-ship missile launchers, howitzers and more rounds for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, on which U.S. forces are training Ukrainian troops. All are key weapons systems that Ukrainian leaders have urgently requested as they battle to stall Russias slow but steady march to conquer the eastern Donbas region.

Speaking alongside Stoltenberg, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin praised the historic decision by Finland and Sweden to apply for NATO membership, expressing his hopes that discussions will continue to progress favorably.

Turkey has clearly voiced its opposition to the Nordic pairs NATO accession, and Stoltenberg has been working to break the deadlock. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan insists Finland and Sweden must show more respect for Turkish sensitivities about terrorism. He is refusing to budge over what he says is their alleged support for Kurdish militants.

Joe Gould in Washington contributed to this report.
A TikTok video of a local airman is going viral this week.

Staff Sergeant Kacie Suchanek is a medic with the 125th Fighter Wing.

In the TikTok, she calls out the military and the 4th Judicial Circuit Court for failing her when she reported being raped by a fellow airman.

I was raped by a fellow service member on Oct. 11 of 2021, Suchanek said on the TikTok. I am currently being failed by both the military and the criminal justice system in Duval County, Fl., the 4th Judicial Circuit.

In just four days, its gotten more than 160,000 likes and has been viewed almost 900,000 times. Those numbers continue to climb each day.

It was something I felt really needed to be brought to the publics attention, Suchanek said.

According to police records, her alleged rapist was arrested on two counts of felony sexual battery.

However, just recently, she said prosecutors with the state attorneys office told her that wouldnt be the case.

My prosecutor said that there wasnt enough evidence and that the most they could do was try and get a simple battery plea and ten months probation from drinking alcohol, and I told her absolutely not, Suchanek said.

Suchanek said there was plenty of evidence documenting her brutal attack, including a rape kit, photos of her ripped hair and clothing, bruising, and a controlled phone call with her rapist.

The report details statements made in that call such as:

Im so sorry. I know alcohol was involved and thats no excuse!

I never meant to do this to you. I never meant to be in this position!

I caused this trauma on you, and I have to live with it!

After the suspects arrest, she said he was reassigned to a different unit in the 125th.

She also has a no-contact order filed against him, but nothing else has been done.

Thats what brought her to TikTok.

After posting my video and actually reading these comments and reading how many people this has happened to, (I realized) the system has failed. It lights a fire in me, Suchanek said.

Story continues

That fire inside her turned out to be inside thousands of others.

I will never be silenced, Suchanek said.

Suchanek said she had barely been in contact with the state attorneys office throughout her case  until now.

I just find it quite ironic that it was after my video blew up that now theyre concerned and want to talk to me, Suchanek said.

She shared several texts with Action News Jax.

One of them is from the state attorneys executive assistant, asking Suchanek if she wants to meet directly with State Attorney Melissa Nelson.

Shes also gotten multiple texts from a victims advocate.

Kacie says she hasnt replied yet, but she knows what she wants, and thats her day in court.

He doesnt deserve to wear the same uniform that I do, Suchanek said.

Suchanek said her expedited transfer request to another unit was recently denied.

We reached out to the Florida National Guard for comment. We received this statement:

The Florida National Guard is aware of the reported sexual assault of one of

our members. We stand firmly alongside all victims of sexual assault and

are committed to responsive care and justice. The 125th Fighter Wing has

provided continuous assistance, using all available resources, since being

informed of the assault in October 2021. We continue to work with the

victim on all aspects of this case including finding a compatible transfer.

In order to protect the victim, the suspect was moved to a geographically

separated unit and given a no contact order with the victim. We continue

to monitor the progress of the suspects civilian case.

The Florida National Guard will never cease our pursuit to eradicate sexual assault.

The state attorneys office said it cannot comment on an active case.

The TikTok can be watched HERE.

Suchanek also has a Facebook fundraiser set up as she pursues a civil case: SSgt. Kacie Suchanek #justiceforkacie (facebook.com)

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BOTO Friddet

An increasing number of home construction startups are using 3D printers to create homes.

Thinking Huts is taking a similar approach by using the tech to build schools in developing countries.

The nonprofit unveiled its first school, a $300,000 building in Madagascar, in April.

Homes made using 3D printers now exist around the world, from a luxury house in Austin, Texas 

Brittany Chang/Insider

Source: Insider

 to a popular tiny home in Denmark.

3DCP Group

Source: Insider

And now, a nonprofit is taking a slightly different approach by using this emerging construction tech to build schools in countries where children don't have access to robust education.

BOTO Friddet

Both homebuilding startups and established companies have turned to 3D printing as a possible solution to our ongoing housing crisis.

Thinking Huts

But when Thinking Huts' 22-year-old founder Maggie Grout first came across the tech almost seven years ago, she saw a potential application in another crisis: the lack of proper schools in some developing nations.

Thinking Huts

In 2015, she founded Thinking Huts with the long-term goal of giving every child convenient access to schools.

Mattea LinAe

And in April, the nonprofit  run by 17 volunteers  finally unveiled its first prototype build: Hut v1.0 or "Bougainvillea," a single building on a university campus in Madagascar 

Thinking Huts

 a country where 1.3 million students aren't in school because of distance and overflowing classes, according to the nonprofit.

Thinking Huts

Source: Thinking Huts

The Thinking Huts team spent three weeks building the prototype. This timeline included 18 hours of print time to create the walls 

Mattea LinAe

 and 12 days to complete the rest of the school.

Andry Niaina

Like many well-known 3D-printed buildings, the walls were made using a cement mix and African 3D printing construction company 14 Trees' COBOD printer 

Mattea LinAe

 the same printer 3DCP Group used to build its tiny home in Denmark 

Mattea LinAe

 and Habitat for Humanity for its family home in Virginia.

Alquist

Final touches like the roof and windows were then constructed using local materials.

Story continues

Andry Niaina

A three-week timeline is relatively fast compared to traditional construction methods, but Grout hopes this build time will be cut even shorter once Thinking Huts' processes are more efficient.

Mattea LinAe

However, the nonprofit is still seeing one major "hurdle" that many 3D printing construction companies have lamented as well: cost.

Thinking Huts

The new construction tech can create buildings more efficiently compared to longstanding construction methods.

Thinking Huts

And in the next five to 10 years, the printing system could cut the price of homes by 50%, Mikkel Brich, the cofounder and CEO of 3DCP Group, told Insider.

Thinking Huts

Source: Insider

But for now, the cost to print a building is still pretty high.

Thinking Huts

Source: Insider

The team spent about $300,000 building the Madagascar school.

Mattea LinAe

But over half of this cost stemmed from the COBOD printer rental and the transportation of the equipment 

Thinking Huts

 which is why the team is now looking to buy its own printer.

Thinking Huts

The next five schools will probably still be more expensive to print than to build traditionally, primarily because of the high costs associated with transporting printer equipment, Grout said.

Thinking Huts

Despite this, she doesn't see the nonprofit's deployment of 3D printers as a risk, but instead as an opportunity to both increase access to education and help the local economy.

BOTO Friddet

"A lot of time technology gets a bad reputation," Grout said. "People want to believe in an idea without seeing how it will play out in reality. But with this, it is proven and it has actual societal benefits."

BOTO Friddet

The single 3D printed unit is just the start of Thinking Huts' work.

Thinking Huts

In 2023, the nonprofit will use what Grout calls a "honeycomb" design to build a school campus with multiple connected 3D-printed huts.

BOTO Friddet

These huts will still be in Madagascar, but the nonprofit is considering projects in other locations like Kenya and India 

Thinking Huts

 although it'll still be a while before Thinking Huts is ready to build in other countries.

Thinking Huts

"If we are thoughtful about how we implement this solution and we work with people on the ground and get feedback and the local buy-in, I think [3D-printing schools] will be a successful solution," Grout said.

BOTO Friddet

Read the original article on Business Insider
Students And Loan Activists Rally For The Cancellation Of Student Debt

Activists hold signs as they attend a Student Loan Forgiveness rally on Pennsylvania Avenue and 17th street near the White House in Washington on April 27, 2022. Credit - Anna Moneymaker/Getty ImagesGetty Images

This summer President Joe Biden has the rare opportunity to take a single meaningful action that would rebuild the American middle class, help close the racial wealth gap, and restore trust in both the federal government and in higher education: canceling student debt up to $50,000. Canceling student debt would make real the promise of equal access to higher education.

Approximately 7.5 million Black borrowers have student debt, or 30.2 percent of all Black households. Cancellation of student debt up to $50,000 would completely eliminate this burden for 5.5 million of them. The story for Latino families would be even better; debt relief on this scale would eliminate student debt for 81 percent of Latino borrowers, or 4.3 million people.

Debt relief is the only just and moral response to the nations student debt crisis, directly combating the enormous economic challenges faced by working people. It would ensure that the vast majority of the countrys 45 million borrowers are debt-free, and address the consequences of decades of mismanagement and abuse that drove a generation to shoulder the burden of college tuition themselves, undermining, in the process, their faith in American higher education as an engine of economic mobility.

And canceling student debt is not only smart policyits smart politics. With the stroke of a pen, the President can cement his legacy as a champion for workers, particularly the first responders, doctors and nurses, fast-food and grocery workers, and educators who have been on the frontlines of our COVID-19 response. The White House can frame this action both as a direct response to the pandemic and a historic effort to rebuild the American middle class from the bottom up.

The move would advance equity across the American economy writ large. A study by the Roosevelt Institute found that universal debt cancellation up to $50,000 would disproportionately benefit low-income borrowers because students from wealthier families rarely use student loans to pay for college.

Story continues

In generations past, there was a shared belief that an educated citizenry was an advantage for society, and the cost of a college education was largely born by the taxpayers. Over the last 20 years, however, the average cost of tuition at American colleges and universities has risen sharply. One study concluded that in-state tuition at the top public universities rose 211 percent between 2002 and 2022, and now costs the average family more than $11,000 a year. Of course, out-of-state tuition and tuition to private institutions often cost two or three times that amount.

Despite the sharp increase in costs, a college education is still seen as the most reliable way for people to enter or stay in the middle class. So its no surprise that more than 45 million Americans currently hold $1.6 trillion in federal student debt, with an average debt of $28,950. More than 21 percent of all households are affected by this burden that frequently builds to a crisis as people are forced to delay buying a house, having children and starting businesses. Its perverse: The cost of the ticket into the middle class is stopping people from achieving the economic security that is the hallmark of that same middle class.

As members of the union I represent, the American Federation of Teachers, have been forced to learn the hard way, borrowers are set up to fail by a byzantine debt-relief scheme that depends on the existing student loan system and reams of paperwork. President Biden has correctly swept aside red tape across the student loan system, including by promising to fully automate debt cancellation for borrowers with disabilities, military borrowers and federal employees. This approach is a model for how to deliver broad cancellation as well.

Canceling student debt would be a massive financial boost for tens of millions of Americans. More than that, though, it would be a way for the president to accomplish the core of his agendabuilding back the middle class, closing the racial wealth gap, and restoring the faith and confidence that the higher education system is there to serve the common good.
A customer smokes at a cannabis lounge in West Hollywood. Ojai could move forward with a proposal to allow three such lounges where customers can smoke, vape or consume edibles. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Cannabis lounges where customers could partake on site may be coming to the small Ventura County town of Ojai, a popular Southern California retreat and vacation destination.

The Ojai City Council this week signaled interest in moving forward with a proposal to allow three cannabis dispensaries in the city to open lounges where customers could smoke, vape or consume edibles.

The council originally was considering a policy that would allow only the consumption of edibles in the lounges, per a recommendation from the Ojai Planning Commission. That proposal was rejected Tuesday night, and the council requested additional time to reach out to the citys three dispensaries to get a better idea of what the lounges might look like.

Theyre doing that with an open mind; it could involve edibles, smoking or vaping, said Robin Godfrey, spokesperson for the city of Ojai.

The process is expected to take several months, Godfrey said.

The three dispensaries that would be allowed to open lounges are Ojai Greens, Sespe Creek Collective and Shangri-La Care Centers.

Beyond boosting tourism and business, having an on-site lounge would allow for more educational opportunities, said Jeffrey Kroll, the owner of Shangri-La Care Centers. He said his average customer's age is 56, and his clients include first-time cannabis smokers.

"The advantage of having a group of people consuming on-site is it makes those who have never used cannabis more comfortable, Kroll said.

Chelsea Sutula, the owner of Sespe Creek Collective, said she was excited to see little opposition from the council to the plan to add cannabis lounges in the city.

Weve been trying to get the city to approve this for almost a year, Sutula said. Our biggest constraint here is what real estate is available.

Currently the three dispensaries have been permitted to operate only from an industrial area on the southern end of Ojai. Council members are also considering whether to allow dispensaries to open closer to the city center on East Ojai Avenue.

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A lot of people are looking for alternatives to bars to socialize in, Sutula said.

Ojai has become an increasingly popular destination for Angelenos looking for a day or weekend trip. Tourism remains a hot-button issue, however, with crowds straining a tight market for hotel rooms and short-term vacation rentals banned by the city.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Colette Peters, the director of Oregons prison system, has now emerged as the leading contender to run the federal prison system, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Peters, who has run the states corrections department since 2012, is at the top of the list of candidates to replace Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal, who submitted his resignation in January but said he would stay on until a successor was named, the person said.

She would be the 11th person to lead the Bureau of Prisons since its founding more than 90 years ago, and only the second director with no prior experience at the agency, the Justice Departments largest. While many officials from inside the Bureau of Prisons applied for the post, the Biden administration was looking for someone who was focused on reforming an agency that has had cultural issues for decades.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco has been leading the search for Carvajals replacement. The leadership change comes in the wake of AP reporting that has uncovered widespread problems at the agency, including sexual abuse by correctional officers and critically low staffing levels that have hampered responses to emergencies.

The person was not authorized to discuss details of the job search and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

Peters did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The development was first reported by the Oregon Capital Chronicle.

As director of Oregons prison system, Peters is responsible for about 4,700 employees in an agency with a $2 billion budget. There are about 14,700 inmates in the states 14 prisons. The state corrections department has also touted her role in the states efforts to reduce the prison population and reduce recidivism.

Peters has a masters degree in criminal justice from the University of Colorado in Denver and a bachelors degree in psychology.

Oregons prison system, like many in the U.S., had a wave of COVID-19 cases and deaths, and Peters agency has been criticized for not doing enough to respond to the pandemic behind bars. In Oregon, 46 people in the Department of Corrections custody have so far died after testing positive for COVID-19, and more than 5,400 people have tested positive for the virus while in custody.

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In 2020, Peters publicly apologized for an inmate's death as the state prison system agreed to pay a record $2.75 million to the family of the man who died from the flu. The settlement came nine months after Michael Barton's family filed a $15 million wrongful death lawsuit accusing prison staff of failing to treat the 54-year-old man for the flu and then covering up his flu-related death.

The Bureau of Prisons similarly faced criticism over the explosion of COVID-19 in the nations 122 federal prisons. Carvajal, 54, was appointed director of the federal Bureau of Prisons in February 2020 by then-Attorney General William Barr, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began raging in federal prisons nationwide, leaving tens of thousands of inmates infected with the virus and resulting in 295 deaths.

An agency insider who started as a correctional officer and worked his way up the ranks, Carvajals tumultuous tenure as director included a failed response to the pandemic, widespread criminal activity among employees, inmate deaths and dozens of escapes.

Carvajal also oversaw an unprecedented run of federal executions in the waning months of the Trump presidency that were so poorly managed they became virus superspreader events.

The APs reporting exposing those problems compelled Congress to investigate and prompted increased calls from lawmakers for Carvajal to resign or be fired by Attorney General Merrick Garland.

The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said Carvajal failed to address the mounting crises in our nations federal prison system, including failing to fully implement the landmark First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice measure passed during the Trump administration that was meant to improve prison programs and reduce sentencing disparities.

Biden administration officials had discussions about whether to remove Carvajal in spring 2021, after the AP reported that widespread correctional officer vacancies were forcing prisons to expand the use of cooks, teachers, nurses and other workers to guard inmates.

The Bureau of Prisons is the only Justice Department agency whose director isnt subject to Senate confirmation. Currently, the attorney general can just appoint someone to the position.

A bill introduced in Congress days after Carvajals resignation would require Senate confirmation for future bureau directors  putting them under the same level of scrutiny as leaders of the FBI and other federal agencies  but, so far, the measure hasnt come up for a vote.

Others being considered for the job included Gary Mohr, the former director of Ohios prison system. While many had pushed Mohr for the position, he never formally applied for the job and is no longer in the running.

__

On Twitter, follow Michael Balsamo at twitter.com/mikebalsamo1 and Michael Sisak at twitter.com/mikesisak. Read more of APs reporting on federal prisons at apnews.com and send confidential tips by visiting https://www.ap.org/tips/
Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks to reporters after touring a mobile ultrasound unit on Thursday, May 5, 2022, in Spartanburg, S.C. Meg Kinnard/AP

Mike Pence's advisors said he stands by his decision to certify Joe Biden as President.

The former VP has acknowledged that Trump was wrong in his wishes to overturn the 2020 election.

Thursday's hearing investigating the January 6 Capitol insurrection continues with testimony from Pence's top aides.

Former Vice President Mike Pence stands by his decision to certify Joe Biden as President in January 2021 but doesn't want to be known as going against former President Donald Trump, his advisors told the Washington Post.

"The way he views it is, he did his duty. He doesn't need to talk about it more," Marc Short, Pence's former chief of staff, told The Washington Post. "He doesn't want to re-litigate the past. He believes that voters want to look forward, not backwards."

Another advisor told the Post that Pence is not critical of Trump in private conversations with voters but said he tells people he could not follow Trump's calls to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

"He's been asked in a few places here and there what his take is on it, and he generally just said, 'The vice president has a ceremonial role there. I had no constitutional authority to do that,'" Josh Kimbrell, a South Carolina state senator who helps Pence plan trips, told The Post.

In February, Pence acknowledged that Trump was wrong to attempt to overturn the 2020 election.

"President Trump is wrong," Pence said in February at a Federalist Society meeting in Florida. "I had no right to overturn the election."

Rumors of a 2024 Pence presidential run have circulated, setting him up to potentially face off with the former president.

Hearings by the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection continue Thursday and will feature testimony from Pence's top aides. Their depositions are set to explain how they went against Trump's wishes for Pence to throw out the election results, the Post reported.

Pence did not talk to the committee and will not be in attendance Thursday.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Floodwaters course through Livingston, Montana, on Tuesday. The Yellowstone River hit a record high flow from rain and snow melt from the mountains in and around Yellowstone National Park. (Photo: William Campbell via Getty Images)

Floodwaters course through Livingston, Montana, on Tuesday. The Yellowstone River hit a record high flow from rain and snow melt from the mountains in and around Yellowstone National Park. (Photo: William Campbell via Getty Images)

Yellowstone National Park, which spreads across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, will remain closed for a substantial period of time after Mondays record-breaking floodwaters ripped through the historic park.

Heavy rains, along with melting snow from the mountains, caused a rush of water through the area, forcing officials to close all entrances to the park amid its busiest season for tourists.

Multiple roads, including the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana; Mammoth Hot Springs; Lamar Valley; and Cooke City, Montana, sustained extensive damage, according to a press release from the park.

Despite the devastation, the heavy rain and flooding did not injure any residents or tourists.

Here are some of the aftermath photos from the Yellowstone National Park floods.

(Photo: Associated Press)

(Photo: Associated Press)

High water flowing from the Gardiner River along the parks north entrance washes away a portion of the road.

(Photo: David Goldman/Associated Press)

(Photo: David Goldman/Associated Press)

Debris from floodwaters is piled up in front of an abandoned home in Red Lodge, Montana.

(Photo: Brittany Peterson/Associated Press)

(Photo: Brittany Peterson/Associated Press)

Alisha Beekman looks at soggy drywall in her daughters bedroom in the aftermath of the flood.

(Photo: David Goldman/Associated Press)

(Photo: David Goldman/Associated Press)

A house partially collapses into Rock Creek after floodwaters wash away a road and a bridge in Red Lodge, Montana.

(Photo: Rick Bowmer/Associated Press)

(Photo: Rick Bowmer/Associated Press)

Highway workers build up the shoreline by a washed-out bridge along the Yellowstone River.

(Photo: David Goldman/Associated Press)

(Photo: David Goldman/Associated Press)

A house falls into Rock Creek after floodwaters wash away a road and a bridge in Red Lodge, Montana.

(Photo: William Campbell / Getty Images)

(Photo: William Campbell / Getty Images)

An aerial view Tuesday shows the extent of flooding in Livingston, Montana.

(Photo: Rick Bowmer/Associated Press)

(Photo: Rick Bowmer/Associated Press)

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A home is surrounded by floodwaters Wednesday in Livingston, Montana.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
The scene after the shooting earlier this month. ( KSAT 12)

Stephen Ramos, the San Antonio police officer who fatally shot a 13-year-old boy earlier this month, also fatally shot a man last year.

Officer Ramos of the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) allegedly shot into a vehicle driven by Andre Hernandez Jr because he feared the teenager was preparing to strike officers with it after he had crashed it into a police vehicle.

Lee Merritt, the attorney representing Mr Hernandezs family who has reviewed body and dashcam videos of the incident, has said that the police account of the shooting is incongruous with the footage and that police were in no immediate danger when the officer shot Mr Hernandez without giving any verbal warning.

The Bexar County District Attorneys office is currently reviewing the shooting ahead of a potential grand jury submission. Mr Hernandezs family is asking that Officer Ramos be charged with murder. He has not yet been charged with any crime and is on paid administrative leave from the department.

But according to Debra Montez Felder, whose brother John Pena Montez was fatally shot by Officer Ramos last July, the police officer never should have been in a position to encounter Mr Hernandez in his law enforcement capacity.

SAPD and the DAs office were on notice that this guy was a hothead, trigger-happy, Ms Felder told NBC News. You were aware of it even before the killing of this 13-year-old kid.

Ms Felder said that she has been in contact with the District Attorneys office over the last year-plus but is not satisfied with how that office nor SAPD has handled the fallout from her brothers death.

According to police, Officer Ramos shot Mr Montez after a domestic altercation in which Mr Montez threatened his estranged wife with a knife and then swung the knife at an officer attempting to restrain him. But Ms Felder claims that in this case, the video footage she and her husband have viewed again fails to back the police account.

Ms Felder called Officer Ramos loud, belligerent and disrespectful, and said that he needs mental help himself.

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According to Ms Felder, Mr Montez  who had a history of mental health challenges  was experiencing a mental health crisis that prompted his estranged wife to call the hospital as well as the police in the fear that Mr Montez would hurt himself.

He threatened to kill himself almost a year before and went through another mental health crisis, and police at that time took him to a state hospital and then ultimately went to the VA hospital and was receiving treatment counseling there so his wife called them [police] because he was in a kind of a meltdown for a week or two or even before he was shot, Ms Felder told NBC.

NBC reported that the body camera footage from that shooting has not been released publicly due to an SAPD policy that body camera footage not be released in incidents where domestic violence is suspected unless the police chief determines it serves a law enforcement purpose.

SAPDs decision to retain Officer Ramos on the force could have major implications in the fallout of Mr Hernandezs shooting. Mr Merritt has said that he intends to file a civil suit alleging that SAPD negligence for keeping an officer who has already proven themself too fast on the trigger for public safety.

SAPDs conduct has come under intense scrutiny in recent years. The citys police union only narrowly avoided being stripped of its collective bargaining power in an election last year decided by just more than 3,000 votes.
Sen. Adrienne Southworth, R-Lawrenceburg, speaks on the Senate floor. Sept. 8, 2021

While a few small-government "liberty" candidates made waves in the May primary election with upset wins over GOP incumbents, several others who lost their races are also making noise of their own  filing petitions for vote recounts that may costs tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

This week we also saw the governor and Republicans from the Louisville area call for relief on rising gas prices, while a bill to address gun violence hangs in the balance in the U.S. Senate.

Also: Another week or more of waiting to see if the Roe v. Wade decision is overturned and abortion becomes illegal in Kentucky.

Recounts ain't cheap

So, you say you want a recount? Well, it's going to cost you. A lot.

Judges handling the recount petitions of two Republican state House candidates who lost in landslides set their bonds at more than $21,000, while election officials estimate two congressional primary recounts will each cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

These recounts cannot start until the petitioners post the bonds, with several of the candidates saying their amount is too high. However, GOP Secretary of State Michael Adams says the petitioners are trying to push the real costs of a recount onto taxpayers, who "should not be forced to pay for the circus proposed by these conspiracy theorists."

Speaking of, these recount bond hearings are also notable for the testimony of state Sen. Adrienne Southworth, who claimed to be an expert on election recounts due to her marketing degree and experience sorting and counting wedding invitations.

If you want to get all the political news from The Courier Journal and a whole lot more, you'll want to check out this great deal for new subscribers!

Waiting on Roe

The U.S. Supreme Court decision that may affect the fate of Roe v. Wade and legal abortion in America will have to wait until at least next Tuesday, but Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron kept abortion in the headlines this week.

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Cameron sued the administration of Gov. Andy Beshear for not enforcing one of the provisions of Kentucky's new law implementing sweeping new abortion restrictions. The administration countered that a federal judge had already preliminarily enjoined the law's enforcement and stayed related litigation, calling the lawsuit "a baseless and blatant political stunt."

How soon this law goes into effect comes down to the fate of Roe v. Wade, with Debby Yetter writing this week about how local abortion rights advocates are already planning how to help women obtain services outside Kentucky if the state's trigger law bans abortion.

The notorious RFG

Just hours after Republican legislators called on Beshear to request the EPA drop a federal mandate for smog-reducing gas in the area, the governor announced that he had already done just the same.

The feds would still have to approve the waiver before stations in the Louisville area could stop using reformulated gas (RFG), but Beshear and Republicans said doing so would save consumers 20 to 32 cents per gallon on gas for some relief in the face of prices that are nearing $5 per gallon.

In other commuter news, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb rejected an overture by Beshear to avoid an 8% increase in RiverLink bridge tolls between the two states.

Will Senate act on a gun bill?

Michele Smith, center, and Kim Smith, right, make their feelings known during Mayor Greg Fischer's speech at a rally against gun violence in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, on June 11, 2022.

After taking criticism that he was more passionate to act fast on a bill to provide extra security to Supreme Court justices than one to address the gun massacre of 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell cracked the door open on supporting a compromise framework.

McConnell, who has decades of experience opposing and blocking gun reform bills, said he is "comfortable" with the framework reached by a bipartisan group of legislators and may support a bill if it reflects that framework.

That is not outright opposition, but pay close attention to those qualifiers.

In Louisville, hundreds participated in the "March for Our Lives" Saturday to support gun control legislation  just prior to another night of gun violence in the city.

In case you missed it...

Reach reporter Joe Sonka at jsonka@courierjournal.com and follow him on Twitter at @joesonka. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today at the top of this page.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Pricey recounts, pricey gas
Jan. 6 committee member Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands) looks over documents in his office on Capitol Hill. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

When the House committee investigating Jan. 6, 2021, meets Thursday, the highest-ranking member of House leadership serving on the panel will be in an unusual position: praising a leader of the opposing party.

The hearing will focus on the intense pressure then-President Trump and conservative lawyer John Eastman put on then-Vice President Mike Pence to either reject certain states electoral college votes or delay Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Mike Pence did his job, House Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands) told The Times. He did his job throughout. He didnt waver in his reading of the Constitution. Even after all of that, the president of the United States still used every method to call him names, to call him out, and to summon a mob to get him.

With the help of committee Chair Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) and Vice Chair Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), the four-term California congressman will take the lead in laying out the panels case Thursday, arguing that it would have been disastrous for the country if Pence hadnt adhered to the vice presidents largely ceremonial role in counting the votes, and had instead embraced Trumps theory that he could be an arbiter of whether states votes were acceptable.

If the vice president would have succumbed to pressure, or if the vice president would say that he or she was more loyal to the president than the Constitution, we would have had a constitutional crisis that would have threatened the republic, Aguilar said.

Then-President Trump and then-Vice President Mike Pence at a news conference in 2020. (Alex Brandon/Associated Press)

Aguilar said he sees the value of having someone in a political leadership position make the argument.

Its important as a partisan to say that the vice president did his job, he said.

The committees mandate from the House includes proposing potential legislation, such as more clearly defining or limiting the vice presidents role, he said, but this story is also that some people did the right thing in the moment of time that we needed them.

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Depositions already released by the committee show that Trump tried to persuade Pence to intervene in the presidential election in private Oval Office meetings on Jan. 4 and Jan. 5 and in a call the morning of Jan. 6. The pressure campaign continued in public, with Trump lambasting Pence in his Jan. 6 speech ahead of the attack on the Capitol and tweeting to supporters during the riot that Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done.

What the former president was willing to sacrifice  potentially the vice president  in order to stay in power is pretty jarring, Aguilar said.

He said the committee had overlaid the route along which Pence was evacuated with a second-by-second timeline of where the rioters were in the building.

How many paces they were apart is very small, Aguilar said.

Most alarming to him, he said, is a clip the panel will show Thursday from a rioter who is cooperating with the Justice Department.

Well hear from a witness who says that, if they would have found [Pence], they probably would have killed him, Aguilar said.

Greg Jacob, who as Pences chief counsel was present as Eastman and Trump pushed the vice president to intervene, is among the witnesses scheduled to testify Thursday. Jacob was also with Pence inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, arguing with Eastman by email during the riot over who was to blame for the violence.

Rep. Pete Aguilar, standing at left, speaks with fellow Democrats last week. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

The siege is because YOU and your boss did not do what was necessary to allow this to be aired in a public way so that the American people can see for themselves what happened, Eastman said in an email to Jacob.

After the riot ended, Eastman again emailed Jacob to say that the vice president still should send the election back to the states rather than certifying it, based on what he called a relatively minor violation of the procedural law.

Aguilar said the committee also expects to use clips from the deposition of former Pence Chief of Staff Marc Short, who was also in the Eastman meetings, as well as depositions of people within the White House who discussed which members of Congress were involved in Trumps efforts.

Youll also hear other people who worked inside the White House who can speak to the evolution of this conspiracy theory idea that Professor Eastman ended up advocating, Aguilar said.

Eastman, a former Chapman University professor, was the architect of the theory that Pence could either reject states electoral college votes due to allegations of fraud, an act that would have left deciding the next president up to state delegations in the House, or send results back to the states to have their legislatures examine the results and decide whether they should be changed.

Whats important to know is this only became a real strategy after they lose 60-plus court cases, Aguilar said. This became the last-ditch effort.

People attend a Stop the Steal rally in front of the Supreme Court on Jan. 5, the day before the insurrection. (Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times)

Aguilar said the politically palatable plan was to send results back to the states, but ultimately, what they wanted to do was to have the vice president outright reject electors, depriving the president-elect of the 270 electors that would be needed, thus triggering the states or Congress voting by state.

The House picks the president if no presidential candidate receives the required 270 votes in the electoral college, with each state getting a single vote. At the time, Republicans controlled a majority of state delegations even though Democrats controlled the House.

President [Trump] woke up on Jan. 6 feeling that he still had a path to be president by the end of the day and past Jan. 20, Aguilar said.

The committee has been in a legal fight with Eastman for months over whether his former employer, Chapman University, can turn over to the committee the contents of his university email account. Eastman claimed attorney-client privilege over some of the documents, prompting a judge to review the contested emails.

In his initial order requiring Eastman to hand over emails sent between Jan. 3 and Jan. 7, 2021, Judge David O. Carter found that the emails showed that the plan they were trying to get Pence to implement was obviously illegal and that Trump and Eastman more likely than not conspired to obstruct Congress on Jan. 6.

Carter reviewed hundreds more emails sent or received by Eastman in the months before Jan. 6, and recently ordered him to hand over an additional 159 challenged documents by this week, including some from Trump.

Rep. Pete Aguilar, second from left, is prepared to incorporate an expected trove of conservative lawyer John Eastman's emails in Thursday's hearing on the Jan. 6 attack. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

Aguilar said in an interview that the committee is preparing for the contingency that the new trove of emails will be useful to Thursdays hearing.

If theyre relevant to our hearing, we will include them. We will have time to triage and read and analyze, he said. We will adapt.

The panel also plans to hear in-person testimony from federal Judge J. Michael Luttig, who was nominated to the bench by President George H.W. Bush. Pence relied on Luttigs stance disputing Eastmans assertions about the vice presidents power when he announced on Jan. 6 that he did not believe he had the power to reject votes or delay the count.

Eastman once clerked for Luttig.

Aguilar said Luttig would be able to speak to the widely accepted interpretation of the role of Congress and the vice president under the Electoral Count Act of 1877 and the 12th Amendment, and on the deficiencies in the law that Congress might need to address.

After Thursdays hearing, the committee plans just two more, on June 21 and June 23, with each led by a different committee member.

Like most of the committee members, Aguilar was on the House floor Jan. 6. He believes he was prepared to turn to investigating what happened in a way that others perhaps werent because of his experience in the aftermath of the 2015 San Bernardino shooting, which occurred in his district less than a year into his first term.

I think it prepared me in a sense to be able to have these conversations and to be able to kind of step up in this moment, to try to help and shine a light on something that needs to be discussed, he said. Theyre very different experiences. But Jan. 6 is informed by what my community went through, what I went through with them as their friend and spokesperson, with the Dec. 2 shooting in San Bernardino.

Rep. Pete Aguilar, second from left, is prepared to incorporate an expected trove of conservative lawyer John Eastman's emails in Thursday's hearing on the Jan. 6 attack. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Wikimedia Commons

A Russian official tasked with ensuring the well-being of children is responsible for the barbaric kidnapping of thousands of Ukrainian kids swept up in forced adoptions in Russia, the British government said Thursday.

After months of warnings from Ukrainian officials about children literally being snatched from their homes, Vladimir Putins childrens rights commissioner was singled out by the British Foreign Office in its latest list of sanctions related to the war in Ukraine.

Childrens Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova is accused of facilitating a scheme in which thousands of Ukrainian children were violently taken to Russia for forced adoptions.

While she has repeatedly been portrayed as a hero in Russian state media and featured in fawning interviews about her efforts to supposedly save children in Ukraines war-ravaged Donbas, the U.K Foreign Office has accused her of bringing untold suffering to Ukrainian families.

Putin: Ill Find New Loving Families for Kids Orphaned by My War

They allege that she was behind the removal of 2,000 vulnerable children from the Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine.

Lvova-Belova herself has boasted about her work in bringing children from eastern Ukraine to Russia, even posting photos of herself with them on Telegram and publicly expressing gratitude to Putin for signing a decree to simplify the procedure to give Russian citizenship to orphans and children without parental care from [the Donetsk Peoples Republic], [the Luhansk Peoples Republic] and Ukraine.

The decree, she said, allows for the children to be taken under permanent care.

During a meeting at the Kremlin in March, Lvova-Beloga told Putin of Russians queuing up to take care of 1,090 orphans from various child-care facilities in Ukraine.

Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly sounded the alarm over the matter, warning that some of the children who have been taken still have families in Ukraine but were separated from their parents by Russian authorities.

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From the testimony of those who have saved themselves, we know about these horrors that Russian troops are forcibly transporting people to Russia, where the children are separated from their mothers. They then send the mothers to Sakhalin, and the children to other cities. Is this really the 21st century?, Ukrainian Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova wrote in a statement marking the International Day for the Protection of Children in early June.

Putin Still Wants Control of Whole of Ukraine, U.S. Ambassador Warns

Ukraines Foreign Affairs Ministry has also said some of those forcibly deported to Russia for potentially illegal adoptions were kids whose parents were killed at the hands of Putins troops.

The United Nations issued a statement earlier this week telling Russian authorities they cant just assume children are orphans and whisk them away.

Any decision to move any child must be grounded in their best interests and any movement must be voluntary. Parents need to provide informed consent, said Asfhan Khan, the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) regional director for Europe and Central Asia.

Russia, meanwhile, has only doubled down on its plans to impose a new Russian identity on children in Ukraine. On Thursday, authorities in occupied Kherson announced that all children born after Feb. 24 would automatically be deemed Russian citizens.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Lesa Milan isn't afraid to say what she's really thinking. Gibson Johns interviews the "Real Housewives of Dubai" star about her recent Twitter drama with co-stars Nina Ali and Caroline Brooks, why she views Caroline Stanbury as her biggest adversary in the cast and what makes her friendship with Chanel Ayan work so well. They also discuss what it's like for her to jump back into reality TV over a decade after appearing on BET's "College Hill," the positive feedback she's received from fans online, her decision to expand her Mina Roe brand beyond maternity wear and much more.

Video Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING]

GIBSON JOHNS: Hi, guys. Welcome back to "We Should Talk," a pop culture interview series from "In the Now." I'm your host, Gibson Johns. And this week on the podcast, we have Lesa Milan from "The Real Housewives of Dubai."

Obviously, "Dubai" is Bravo's newest "Housewives" franchise. And Lesa is one of the more immediately likable housewives that I can remember. I really love her. I think she's so refreshing. She has a glamorous life. She's funny, smart, beautiful, has an adorable family, a hot husband, a successful business. I mean, she has a lot going for her. And I was really excited to get some time with her, to interview her, and just hear about joining the show.

And she's at the center of a lot of off-camera drama right now happening on Twitter. It's pretty light drama. But she understands the assignment. She can dish out the shade. She can take the shade. And she's getting the people talking. So I had a lot of fun talking with her about all of that, her relationships with some of the women, her business, Mina Roe, which is really successful. And it's expanding beyond maternity where, as we see on this week's episode.

And again, I find her to be such a breath of fresh. And I'm excited to see what the future has in store for her on "Housewives." Because there's a lot of promise there. Again, she understands the assignment. And I think "Dubai" is going to be a great franchise.

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So keep listening for my interview with Lesa Milan from "The Real Housewives of Dubai." Tune into the show Wednesdays at 9:00 PM on Bravo. And please rate, review, and subscribe to "We Should Talk" on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

All right, so we're here with Lesa Milan from "The Real Housewives of Dubai." We have three episodes. Episode three is this week. Lesa, how are you doing now that we're in the season now?

LESA MILAN: You know what? I'm actually doing really well. I think I'm doing better than I thought I would be. I was really nervous going into it. And so far, it's actually been amazing.

GIBSON JOHNS: What were you most nervous about? Was it like the viewership opinions? Was it the drama with the women? Like what were you most sort of anxious about going into this?

LESA MILAN: A bit of everything. I've done reality TV before. I did "College Hill" like over a decade ago. And when I did it, there was no social media. So I knew going into this it's going to be a whole different ball game. So yes, so the viewers opinions, just everything overall. I was really anxious.

I've actually lived a really private life prior to this. And you know, it was just really nervous going into it. I'm not going to lie.

GIBSON JOHNS: Yeah, but I mean, it looks like all of you guys, honestly, are like pretty adept at social media, just in terms of like you have presences there. So it's not like-- obviously, this is a different level of feedback that you're getting. But at least like you guys are all sort of comfortable in that realm a little bit. At least it seems that way.

LESA MILAN: Yeah, absolutely. But I mean, social media is quite controlled, right? You pick and choose what you want to share with the world. When you're on a reality TV, they're going to get you your goods, your bads, your ups, your downs. And it's unfiltered.

So I think that's the difference that I find with social media and then a reality TV show.

GIBSON JOHNS: Totally. But for me, I mean-- and I hope that you've been feeling this-- but for me, from the first couple of episodes that we've seen with you, from that first scene, those first couple of seasons your kids and Rich and just like being at your house and just seeing your family life, immediately to me, you were one of the most likeable ones on this cast. I think everyone was really drawn to it seemed. And you just had this like easy way about you. But also you have the glam.

So I think you hit both sides of it. And have you been feeling the love from the fans? Is it mostly positive reception that you feel like you're getting?

LESA MILAN: Absolutely. So I think I was like nervous for no reason. The fans have been absolutely amazing. People are so supportive. My kids, they thought we were shooting for YouTube until they went to school the other day. And the teacher is like, oh, I saw you on TV. And they're like, TV? You mean on your iPad?

GIBSON JOHNS: Wild. To them, there's no difference to them, right.

LESA MILAN: The best filming that I did was with my family. Because that's when I'm most comfortable and confident. You know, like being a mom comes natural to me. This is what I'm doing every single day anyways. So definitely shooting with them was the best part.

GIBSON JOHNS: Mm-hmm. Yeah, again, also we're in the season now. So it's like not even just the drama on the show is happening. Like the drama outside of the show is happening. We have some Twitter beef happening.

So I want to kind of get into some of your relationships with some of the different women. But we'll start sort of with what I think is like a purely positive relationship that you have in your life, which was with Chanel Ayan, who you've said like you're always going to be team Chanel. She's your best friend on the show. Is that loyalty? Is that trust that you guys have, is that really just from working together kind of over the years and then that becoming a friendship in and of itself?

LESA MILAN: Yes, so I met Chanel Ayan like 2016, I believe it was. And she started off as one of my models. I didn't really have a lot of friends when I moved here. And she would always take me out, like hey, girl. Because no one even knew I owned Mina Roe for many years. I'm just now letting the world know this.

And so she would always say, come, let me introduce you to all these different people in the fashion industry. And we would start hanging out together. And one thing led to another. She is the funniest human being on the face of this Earth.

GIBSON JOHNS: Beyond.

LESA MILAN: If I'm having a bad day, to be honest, I call her every day. I know she's going to say something that's going to make me laugh. She's just naturally, authentically, unapologetically herself.

And so I've always loved her for that. We've been friends over the years. She's actually the person that brought me onto the show. She's the one that put me forward to the casting director.

GIBSON JOHNS: Wow.

LESA MILAN: So I love her. Yes, my loyalty is to her, but not because of that. Because she's genuinely a good person. She has a good heart. She means well. Even sometimes when it doesn't come out that way, she's not coming from a bad place.

And so I feel for me, hands down, I'll always be team Chanel Ayan. She's a good person.

GIBSON JOHNS: Mm-hmm. And so it must be fun for you to also like-- again, you're all having your moments. But like Chanel is obviously-- Chanel Ayan is obviously like, she's had these breakout moments already that like people are really latching onto. Her on "Watch What Happens Live" was like just a joy to watch, honestly. It was epic.

LESA MILAN: Yeah.

GIBSON JOHNS: It must be fun for you to watch her kind of have these moments too, as a really good friend of hers.

LESA MILAN: Yeah, absolutely. She deserves it all. And you know what? This is who she is. She's not pretending. And so I think the world gets to fall in love with her as much as I love her.

GIBSON JOHNS: Mm-hmm. And I think what's fun-- and I think you're an example of this, she's an example of this-- is like we're already getting sort of like these fun, kind of shady moments. But we're also hearing about your stories. And I think that that's part of the reason why people love "Housewives" is we get the full 360 view of your lives. And I think that you two are both definitely giving us that.

LESA MILAN: Aw, thank you, thank you.

GIBSON JOHNS: So she's also out here defending you on Twitter, or backing you up on Twitter, I should say.

LESA MILAN: [INAUDIBLE]

GIBSON JOHNS: No, you don't need defending. But I think that her-- when I see some tweets and it's like she'll just be backing you up without even you asking. And she just is like there for you in these low level Twitter, whatever.

LESA MILAN: [INAUDIBLE] Say that part again for the people in the back, low level.

GIBSON JOHNS: Are you surprised the drama has escalated so quickly and gotten onto Twitter?

LESA MILAN: To be honest, I actually am. I mean, I've been friends with some of these ladies for many years. They know who I am. They know my heart. They know I'm never coming from a bad place.

So when I do see things escalate-- especially I'm new to Twitter. So I'm not into all of these Twitter beefs and weirdness. It's like so beneath me, really. And so seeing them attacking me over some fun shade-- although, there's a lot of truth to those shades. And they know it. I feel like that's why-- I think that's why they're offended. Because they know there is some truth to the shade.

GIBSON JOHNS: Got it. Well, I feel like also, I mean, part of being on "Housewives" is like there's the fun shade. And like you have to be able to take it and dish it. And like that's just kind of how you move forward and like how you produce the entertaining shows.

LESA MILAN: Exactly.

GIBSON JOHNS: So people will learn, I think.

LESA MILAN: Hopefully. They need to learn to understand the assignments.

GIBSON JOHNS: All right, so one of the topics on Twitter is that you had said on the show that Caroline says she's something-- Caroline Brooks actually something different every week. And then you said, I said what I said. And now she's kind of like you say, fighting with herself. Have you guys been able to hash it out at all offline? Or where does it stand right now between you guys?

LESA MILAN: To be honest, I feel like she didn't really have a moment in episode two. So she felt the need to create one online. That's the back story. And that's what I think happened. I would never ever go after someone's lineage, right?

She is literally something different every week. So when they asked me, what did I think, I'm like, one week she's American. The next week she's Afro-Latina. The next week she's Jamaican. She's going to be Emirati the following week, right? And it was just fun shade.

She says she's Jamaican. I've never once said she's not. I just said she's something different every week. Those words never came out of my mouth. And I feel like it was escalated. And she overreacted.

GIBSON JOHNS: Yeah, again, it gets back to that it is really sort of lighthearted fun.

LESA MILAN: Yeah, exactly.

GIBSON JOHNS: Yeah, exactly.

LESA MILAN: Exactly. If she said, Lesa Milan is something different every week, I think I would just laugh at it. You know who you are. You're secure in who you are. So it shouldn't affect you, you know? Well, it wouldn't affect me at least.

GIBSON JOHNS: Yeah, and also, you guys are friends. It seems like you guys-- I mean-- right.

LESA MILAN: She knows me. So she knows my sense of humor. And yeah, I think it was blown out of proportion. And this is why I didn't really engage. It's ridiculous.

GIBSON JOHNS: Yeah.

LESA MILAN: Yeah.

GIBSON JOHNS: But you do seem like the kind of person who like regardless of whatever, you're still going to tell your truth and what your opinion is. That's what I'm getting from you so far. It's like you're not going to beat around the bush.

LESA MILAN: Yeah, you're not getting an apology out of me, not if I don't mean it. And I wasn't coming from a bad place. So I'm definitely not giving an apology. She is something different every week. And that week, she was Jamaican. I'm not saying that she's not Jamaican. I'm just saying she's something different every week.

GIBSON JOHNS: Got it. And then the other side of thing is that also on the show, you were asked, again, just about like what you had heard about what Nina had apparently said about Stanbury? And you said some of those things that she had said. And she said that you were putting words in her mouth and that you had an agenda. And then you responded that you brought her on the show.

LESA MILAN: Yeah.

GIBSON JOHNS: So, OK, let's break it down a little bit. So when was it that you said that she was saying bad things about Stanbury? Was it before, way before filming started, back in the day?

LESA MILAN: So when Caroline Stanbury started trying to befriend us, she was like, be careful of her. You know, Lisa, you live-- I'm super low key in Dubai. Like I'm super low key. I don't really hang out with a lot of people. But I go out. I am in the social circle--

GIBSON JOHNS: The scene.

LESA MILAN: --and the scene. So I do run into people. I do meet people. So back then, when Stanbury was trying to befriend me, Nina, who I've been friends with for many years, she was like, you know what? Be careful of her. I've heard so many things about her. I've heard this. I've heard that.

So when we started filming, for them to like become best friends out of nowhere-- and I was hearing also, that she was throwing me under the bus-- I was like, well, that's very easy two-faced. Because you are the main one that told me to be careful of her. And you're not taking your own advice, one. And you said some really horrible things about her.

Now, she didn't say ratchet, ghetto. But she said trashy. And ratchet, ghetto, trashy, means the same thing. It's like somebody-- it's like somebody saying, oh, she called you a puta. And then somebody said, yes, she said you're a bitch. Puta and bitch is same thing, you know? It's the same thing.

I say ratchet. She says trashy. But trashy came from her. And it's the same thing. So for her to say that I had an agenda, I didn't have-- what agenda? Like what agenda? And yeah, I brought you onto the show, because you're my friend. What agenda could I have had?

So that was actually really hurtful and really offensive. Because she knows one, I would never repeat things that would hurt anybody, right? Saying that your trashy is just girl talk, right? It's just shit talk. I would never repeat the really horrible things.

So yeah, I'm not going to say you said something and then leave the viewers and everybody else wondering, what was it? You know, so I just gave them the nicest thing that you said.

GIBSON JOHNS: So there were a lot worse things that you're implying that she. You're just not going to repeat them.

LESA MILAN: 100%.

GIBSON JOHNS: Got it.

LESA MILAN: I spared-- I spared her.

GIBSON JOHNS: There we go. And then when you say you brought her on the show, it's sort of what you suggested to her for casting, because she was a friend of yours?

LESA MILAN: Yeah, exactly. They casted the whole-- well, they casted a lot of different girls in our friend group. So they would speak to one girl and then move on to, do you have friends that you-- because they build it around--

GIBSON JOHNS: Yeah, naturally.

LESA MILAN: --a real friend group.

GIBSON JOHNS: Exactly.

LESA MILAN: No one else in our friend group referred her. But I did. Because I've always loved Nina. She's always been a good friend of mine. And yeah, so the agenda thing was a reach.

GIBSON JOHNS: Do you think that you guys will be able to get past this moment?

LESA MILAN: Well, I hope so. I actually thought it was so small and so petty, you know? Like OK yeah, I wasn't friends with you when I said these things. The end. Move on. But I feel like, like I said about Brooks, everybody is dragging things. People who didn't have a moment in episode two, were trying to create moments online.

GIBSON JOHNS: There we go. And then the other thing I want to ask you about is because I feel like I don't know how much we've seen of you and Stanbury together on the show yet, or at least one on one. But you told people that she is the one that you probably fight with the most. It's here and there. It's sometimes, not all the time. But what can you tell us about what we can expect? Like what do you guys spar over? Where do you guys clash?

LESA MILAN: You know, I think we're both type A personalities. And it's been like that since we've met. And I've known her for quite some time now. And I'm just the type of person, I'm really outspoken. And I think for her, she's used to girls following behind her.

And I'm a leader. I'm not a follower. I don't follow behind anybody. And if anything, she has to get in line. So with that said, I feel like because I'm such a strong person, she naturally doesn't take to me. And because I see what type of person she is, I naturally just don't take to her.

We'll see what happens in the future. But we've been like this for a while. What you guys are seeing on the show is just our real lives being played out, real friendships being-- "friendships," I use that word loosely-- being played out, you know? And let's just see. Let's see where it goes.

GIBSON JOHNS: Totally. How aware were you-- because you've obviously known her for for years-- but how aware were you of like kind of her her "Ladies of London" years and sort of being on Bravo previously? Because a lot of people had expectations around her coming in. OK.

LESA MILAN: I never saw the show, didn't even know it existed. I didn't know the show at all. And I think she was also offended by that. Because I think one of the first things that we had when she met me-- and I was like no, what is that? And they're like, oh, it's a show on Bravo. And I'm like, I only know "The Real Housewives" on Bravo and like a couple other really good shows, like "Married to Medicine," like a few other shows--

GIBSON JOHNS: Totally.

LESA MILAN: --"Southern Charm." But no, I've never heard of this show before. And I actually said I never lived in the UK. I didn't know it was like--

GIBSON JOHNS: So but she had this perception that everyone would know about it and know what her perception-- right.

LESA MILAN: Yes, yes. And it was so funny, because I'm like, well, do you know me? I was on "College Hill." And she was like, no, what's that? But I didn't take offense to it. And I'm like, it was like number one TV show for Black Americans back in the day. But I didn't care. People knowing and not knowing me doesn't make or break me.

GIBSON JOHNS: And in some ways, it's, as Ayan would say, it's tit for toot. Because it's like you both have previous shows, who neither of you have heard of the other show. But like OK, it's a wash. You know what I mean?

LESA MILAN: And I always prefer it to when people don't know who I am. Because I feel like I get the genuine and more. I get a better version of--

GIBSON JOHNS: Oh yeah.

LESA MILAN: Yeah.

GIBSON JOHNS: Yeah. I think it's better in life to be able to prove yourself anew, regardless of what you've done in the past.

LESA MILAN: Like my character on the show and probably like me in person, so I actually prefer it when people-- I'm not prejudged. People just know me. It's a fresh introduction. And their first impression is what is lasting, not a TV show.

GIBSON JOHNS: Totally. So in this week's episode, it's your first ever fashion show for Mina Roe. It's you expanding beyond just maternity wear, enter into everyday ready to wear. I mean, because that's a big change. That's a big change for your line. I guess, what were you most nervous about in making that jump? Was it that you're making a big investment in this whole other category? Talk me through sort of your thought process there.

LESA MILAN: Well, for me, with Mina Roe, Mina Roe started when I was pregnant with my second son. And I couldn't find anything nice to wear my first pregnancy. So by the time I was pregnant the second time around, Mina Roe was about to be launched. And I feel with the brand, as I grow as a mom, as a woman, I find different needs that women need.

And for me, not finding maternity wear, the next step was I couldn't find clothes that weren't forcing me to snap back. Everybody on Instagram is snapping back. So I actually had baby blues after my first and second pregnancy. So by the time I had my third son, I was actually picking clothes from a rack completely separate to my pre-pregnancy wear.

And so that kind of helped me mentally. And I was like, you know what? I think this is a problem that needs to be fixed. We can't fit into our pre-baby jeans right away. I feel so many women, especially women who are on social media, were so forced to like get our bodies back immediately. Because that's what the models and everybody else are doing. And that's not realistic.

So the whole idea behind the brand was, what's the next step after maternity? And so well, I designed some of the pieces. But for the first time, I also worked with other creatives, which has never happened before. I'm a control freak. So that was actually one of the hard things.

GIBSON JOHNS: But collaboration is good. Collaboration is good though.

LESA MILAN: Yeah, control freak. So being able to work with other creatives, other manufacturers and bring their products into my store, that was also really, really different to what we're used to. But I think it's going to be epic. We are launching this week. And I'm nervous. But I'm also excited.

We've had really, really good previews. The fashion show was a huge success. And I'm just excited to see where Mina Roe grows from here.

GIBSON JOHNS: Yeah, I mean, and what better platform to have to help you grow it? I mean, but it's not like you haven't-- I mean, you've also dressed some people, some really famous women. I mean, I can say their first names, if you will know them. It's Serena. It's Beyonce. It's Khloe. It's Gigi.

LESA MILAN: Yeah.

GIBSON JOHNS: You've dressed some amazing people. Which of those moments, or maybe another moment, sort of like was the most surreal for you or even had the biggest impact on your business in terms of, oh, I saw that person wearing it, I want to buy it?

LESA MILAN: Yeah, I think Beyonce. The Beyonce effect is a real thing. When the other ladies wore our stuff, there wasn't like a lot of press and stuff behind it. Most of them, we just worked directly with their stylists.

GIBSON JOHNS: Right.

LESA MILAN: But [INAUDIBLE] they wore it. And she wore two of our pieces. It was just epic. There is a real Beyonce effect. I think our website crashed like 100 times.

GIBSON JOHNS: Wow, that's wild.

LESA MILAN: Like no [INAUDIBLE] expanded the bandwidth, we just kept crashing. It was amazing. Yeah, and shout out to Ty, Ty Hunter, her stylist. She's the one that connected Beyonce with us. And it's honestly, I'm so grateful to God for him. Because the brand took off after that.

GIBSON JOHNS: That's amazing. And it's great to hear it directly from the source, honestly, that like that's a real impact that somebody at her level can have.

LESA MILAN: A real impact. But you know what? I actually feel that same amount of pride, regardless who I spot wearing Mina Roe. If I'm in the mall-- and I'm one of those girls too. I go up to her. She's wearing Mina Roe. And I'm like, I love your dress. Where did you get it? They have no idea that I'm the designer.

GIBSON JOHNS: Incredible. I love that.

LESA MILAN: Thank you. It's Mina Roe. And I'm like, I love it. You need to shop and get more stuff.

GIBSON JOHNS: That's incredible. And you also said on this episode that your husband is the CFO and that when he initially invested in the company, he said that he was really investing in you and believing in you. Have you convinced him to also think about it as investing in the company? Like is he convinced now that Mina Roe is a success?

LESA MILAN: Well, Mina Roe is a success.

GIBSON JOHNS: Exactly. Exactly.

LESA MILAN: You know, it is a huge success. But my husband, what he doe, he's in finance. He's in real estate. But he invests in a lot of startup businesses, right? And Mina Roe was one of the startups that he invested in. And he said it. He was like I don't really see maternity wear. I think it's very niche. I'm investing in you. Because I feel like whatever you touch turns to gold. He always says that. And he knows my work ethic. He knows I work hard. And he knows if I put my mind to something it's going to be successful.

So his initial investment was not really into the brand. It was into Mina Roe. But I think I've proven him wrong over, and over, and over again. I just need to get Mina Roe up to like the status of some of his companies on the spreadsheet. And then he'll take me a little bit more seriously.

GIBSON JOHNS: Well, it still must feel good though that he, regardless of what it is, he's going to believe in you, and your ability to make it a success, and your ability to be driven and build this whole whatever it would have been. But that must feel really nice to have that backing no matter what.

LESA MILAN: Honestly, the most supportive husband. If I tell him tomorrow that-- I don't know-- I want to go fly kites for a living, he'd be like, babe, just fly that kite really well and make sure that you make some money doing it, you know?

GIBSON JOHNS: And I loved hearing about when you said in that first episode, you met at LIV on a Sunday. If you know, you know. I was cracking up. That's amazing. That's iconic.

LESA MILAN: If you know, you know, to LIV on Sunday like a church, yeah, that was us.

GIBSON JOHNS: And I feel like Rich also has been getting some love from the Bravo accounts. People are all going over him a little bit.

LESA MILAN: Too much love.

GIBSON JOHNS: Is it going to his head already?

LESA MILAN: Social media. I need him to remain grounded. I think if he even had an idea. I get so many DMs with ladies asking me like, does he have a brother? Are you guys into "Sister Wives"?

GIBSON JOHNS: No.

LESA MILAN: It's serious. The gays love him too.

GIBSON JOHNS: I'm sure. Hello. Hey, that must also be validating, if people are onboard with Rich. I love it. So I wanted to finish off with a couple little, random things that I've been noticing about just like picking up on social media on some of the Bravo accounts. A lot of people think that you look like Megan Thee Stallion. And that's also pretty flattering. Have you seen that?

LESA MILAN: She's absolutely stunning. She's so beautiful. I love her. I love her music. I never thought of it before. But I've been getting it a lot. I actually showed Rich a photo of her. And he was like, oh, she's hot. And I'm like-- he said, well, you're hot. [INAUDIBLE] and I was like, OK, fine.

GIBSON JOHNS: That's been a real thing.

LESA MILAN: So beautiful. I love her.

GIBSON JOHNS: And then a lot of people have picked up that one of your confessional dresses is a dress-- or it's similar to address the Monique Samuels once wore on "Potomac," and again, another gorgeous person with amazing style like you. Have you seen that pop up too?

LESA MILAN: Yeah, I've seen that. I didn't even know that Monique wore that dress. But she looked absolutely stunning in it. She wore the long version.

GIBSON JOHNS: Right.

LESA MILAN: And I wore the shorter version. But she looked amazing in it. And I love Monique. She's so gorgeous. Oh, my God.

GIBSON JOHNS: Love her.

LESA MILAN: So yeah, like whatever.

GIBSON JOHNS: And then you mentioned earlier that you were on a show before, "College Hill." That was a big hit for BET back in the day. And again, I like that you said that you prefer when people don't know who you are. Because it's like you get to kind of restart or whatever.

LESA MILAN: Yeah.

GIBSON JOHNS: But I feel like it also must feel kind of fun to have people who did love you back like 14 years ago, or whenever that was, and then remember you. Because that's also kind of cool. You made an impact back then. And you're making an impact now.

LESA MILAN: Yeah, absolutely, absolutely. You know what? When I started with this show, I was like, you know what? I hope that my "College Hill" friends, they see my growth. I'm not the same 18-year-old girl that I used to be. I'm now a wife, a mom, an entrepreneur. And I think for them, I was hoping that they'll see that growth and hopefully, inspire inspire them in some way. You know, like I didn't just go to college and do nothing else in my life, you know?

GIBSON JOHNS: Right.

LESA MILAN: I moved on. I did really good things with my life. But I took a lot from "College Hill." I'm really proud of "College Hill." But there are moments to that, when I look back on it, I'm like, why?

GIBSON JOHNS: I'm sure.

LESA MILAN: But I've grown.

GIBSON JOHNS: You were 18, right, exactly.

LESA MILAN: Exactly.

GIBSON JOHNS: There is the one quote that I keep see popping up, which is an iconic quote, which is, it's not my fault I look better than you. Go take that up with God. That's--

LESA MILAN: Period, dot.

GIBSON JOHNS: Amazing. That holds up. That holds up. And then lastly, I mean, I'm just curious. Because you were a beauty queen for a really long time. And you won a ton of pageants. And that's obviously, a different kind of stage and a different kind of spotlight to be in. But is there anything that you kind of kept with you from those days that kind of has been helping you now, as you have re-entered the spotlight in this very different way on an international stage?

LESA MILAN: Absolutely. You know what? I'm a strong believer that every single thing that I had to do in my life prepared me for the moments that I'm having now, right? And 100%, I'm the only girl in my tribe. I only have three boys and my husband. I'm the only girl. And I grew up with only brothers.

So the only real interaction I ever had with women came from pageantry. So thank God for pageantry. I know how to deal and handle these catty little bitches.

GIBSON JOHNS: I'm sure. I'm sure you have the story. I'm sure you have stories to last a lifetime from those days.

LESA MILAN: Yes, yeah. So that has definitely prepared me to deal with these women. Because they're so catty, so catty. It's unreal.

GIBSON JOHNS: Well, Lesa, this was so much fun. And I've been having so much fun watching you on the show. And I can't wait to see what the rest of the season holds. Are there any plugs you want to do before we sign off? Like where can people find out more about Mina Roe and kind of keep up with what you're up to?

LESA MILAN: Yeah, absolutely. Mina Roe's new collection, our new ready to wear collection, drops this Wednesday. So minaroe.com.

GIBSON JOHNS: Love it. Love it. Well, thank you so much, Lesa. Have a good rest of your week. And again, looking forward to the rest of the season.

LESA MILAN: Thank you so much. Bye.

GIBSON JOHNS: Bye.

Thanks for tuning in to "We Should Talk." I hope you enjoyed the interview. You can find out more about "In the Know" at intheknow.com. You can follow me, Gibson Johns, @gibsonoma on Twitter and Instagram. And you can listen to all of our interviews, past and future, by searching We Should Talk wherever you get your podcasts. Hope to see you next time.
Congressman Sean Casten with Gwen, wife Kara and younger daughter Audrey during Gwens high school graduation ceremony (Twitter/ Sean Casten)

Congressman Sean Casten issued a statement on Wednesday mourning the death of his 17-year-old daughter.

Gwen, the teenage daughter of the Democratic representative, was found unresponsive at their family home in Illinois on Monday morning, an official from the Chicago police department told the Chicago Tribune, without elaborating on the cause of her death.

Sharing details about the circumstances of her death, Mr Casten said the only thing they know is that it was peaceful.

There are no words to describe the hole in your heart when a child dies, he said, urging others to savour the moments with their loved ones.

On Sunday night, we had dinner as family and then she went out with some friends for a few hours, said Mr Casten. When she got home, she said goodnight to Kara and I, texted a friend to make sure she got home OK, and didnt wake up on Monday morning.

The only thing we know about her death is that it was peaceful, he added. And the only lesson we can take from that is to savour the moments you have with your loved ones.

Mr Casten said she was about to start her freshman year at the University of Vermont, where she was planning to study environmental science.

He said Gwen had two great passions  music and activism.

She created an empowerment club in the wake of the 2018 Parkland shooting, which focussed on everything from gun violence prevention to environmental protection to LGBTQ allyship to organising Black Lives Matter rallies to registering students to vote, he added.

Sean Castens daughter Gwen Casten was about to start her freshman year at the University of Vermont (Twitter/ Sean Casten)

If her light seemed a bit brighter than most it was because she was so generous in reflecting back the light and love that so many gave to her, he wrote.

Mr Casten had also issued a statement on 9 June supporting gun reforms as he demanded sensible gun control measures including strengthening background checks and banning assault weapons.

Congress has a responsibility to act and ensure no parent fears for their childs life at school. Thats why I'm voting to pass the Protecting Our Kids Act. This bill would save countless lives and help #EndGunViolence. pic.twitter.com/LUJclL3L58  Rep. Sean Casten (@RepCasten) June 8, 2022

Ahead of the announcement of her death by his office on Monday, his campaign had asked television networks across Illinois to immediately pull his campaign spots off air, reported CBS News.

He is running for re-election in the redrawn Illinois 6th Congressional district and has been a member of Congress since January 2019.
Republican senators are ramping up the pressure on Attorney General Merrick Garland to prosecute those who participated in protests outside the home of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh last week just hours after a man was charged with planning to assassinate him.

"We continue to be baffled over the lack of prosecutions under Title 18, Section 1507 of the U.S. Code. We understand it is the policy of the Justice Department not to discuss any pending or potential investigations, but this is an urgent matter of national importance," wrote Sens. John Kennedy of Louisiana, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, and Chuck Grassley of Iowa in a letter to Garland.

Title 18, Section 1507 is a federal statute that makes it illegal to protest near a building or residence occupied by a judge with the intent of influencing them. The intent of the law is to preserve judicial independence.

Last Thursday, 26-year-old Nicholas Roske of California was arrested for allegedly plotting to kill Justice Kavanaugh over what he anticipated would be Kavanaughs decision on a Supreme Court case that could potentially decide the fate of Roe v. Wade. Later that evening, protesters noisily demonstrated outside Kavanaughs home with chants and drums.

SUSPECT IN KAVANAUGH ATTEMPTED MURDER TEXTED SISTER, WHO CONVINCED HIM TO CALL 911, INVESTIGATORS SAY

The demonstrations were among a spike in such activities in response to a leaked Supreme Court opinion draft that suggested the Court was on the verge of overturning Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that legalized abortion nationwide. In the weeks since its publication, pro-life pregnancy centers have also been under assault.

"The responsibility of a judgeor justiceis to follow and apply the law according to his or her judgment. It is not to do so according to the judgment of their community, or the desires of their political party, or the will of the mob," the senators wrote. "It is only their judgment that counts."

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"Given these important distinctions, it is only fitting that Congress prohibited the parading and picketing of judges houses in order to influence their decisions. It is a measure that preserves judicial independence," the lawmakers explained.

Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, John Cornyn and Ted Cruz of Texas, Ben Sasse of Nebraska, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee were also signatories to the letter.

The senators plea to A.G. Garland came a day after Senator Hawley of Missouri pressed Garland to explain why the Justice Department hasnt taken more action against protesters.
Could you imagine Robert Plant as a Stark or a Lannister? It was almost a reality.

During an interview this week for Apple Music 1, the Led Zeppelin icon told Canadian media personality George Stroumboulopoulos that he was offered a role in Game of Thrones. I dont want to get typecast, the musician joked of his reasoning for declining the part.

More from Billboard

I started that s  go back to Immigrant Song and Led Zeppelin being part of cultural exchange in Iceland with the Icelandic government. So they didnt know what theyd invited onto their little island, Plant said.

I love Western European history from maybe the Bronze Age up through all the old religion  when we were really in touch with our Earth, he continued. The Viking thing, the whole idea of playing in Iceland and experiencing this landscape and people. Yeah, Ive got a lot to answer for, because Ive never seen so many bands with double-bladed axes.

As for what role he was offered in the wildly popular HBO series, Plant could not remember. I got to ride a horse and go [lifts head], he cheekily added.

The final episode of Game of Thrones, which aired on May 19, 2019, brought in a series record of 19.3 million viewers. The viewership for the episode, titled The Iron Throne, included 13.6 million people who watched the episode on HBO when it aired, making it the most-watched telecast in the networks history, according to HBO. The rest were viewers who watched an encore presentation.

Watch the interview clip below.

Did you know Robert Plant was offered a role in Game of Thrones? Here's why he turned it down. pic.twitter.com/vc00AenZNq  George FKN StroumbouloPHOulos  (@strombo) June 14, 2022

Click here to read the full article.
The terrain around Brooks County in South Texas is vast, harsh and hot, dotted with thorn-covered shrubs and offering little cover from the broiling summer sun.

That hasn't stopped wave after wave of undocumented migrants from traipsing through and getting lost or stranded as they seek cities to the north, said Eddie Canales, head of the South Texas Human Rights Center in Falfurrias, which helps rescue stranded migrants. Last weekend, a phone call to his call center revealed that a group of 26 migrants had gotten lost and needed to be rescued. Having run out of water, they resorted to drinking river water they had collected from the polluted Rio Grande.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Supervisor Steven Passement raises public awareness of the dangers migrants face crossing the desert during the Border Safety Initiative event held in Nogales, Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Nick Oza/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK [Via MerlinFTP Drop]

Last year, Brooks County collected 119 migrant bodies from the sun-baked terrain, the highest number in nearly a decade, Canales said. So far this year, they've seen 36 corpses. But, as the summer deepens and days get hotter, he expects that number to quickly climb.

"They come more in the summer now," Canales said. "There's no deterrence. These people come because they're desperate."

In years past, the number of crossings by undocumented migrants typically waned during summer months, as many avoided the lethal summer heat. But lately, faced with U.S. policies that delay their entry and deteriorating conditions in their home countries, more asylum seekers have been trying to enter during summer, leading U.S. Border Patrol officials to issue warnings and train its agents to help keep migrants from perishing in the sun.

In May, border agents and officials encountered 239,416 migrants at the southwest border -- up from 180,597 the previous May, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection statistics released Wednesday. June numbers are still being compiled, but migrant shelter officials expect equally high numbers as last year, when more than 189,304 migrants crossed over, a two-decade high.

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More migrants mean more rescue attempts by U.S. Border Patrol agents. So far this fiscal year, the agency has conducted 10,588 rescue missions, on pace to surpass the record 12,833 launched last year. Last week, CBP announced it was launching a new heat mitigation effort in southern Arizona that includes arming 500 agents with "Heat Stress Kits" and heat-stress training for its agents.

"As the summer heat approaches, human smugglers will continue to exploit vulnerable populations and recklessly endanger the lives of migrants for financial gain," Tucson Sector Chief John Modlin said in a statement. "The Arizona terrain is extreme, the summer heat is severe, and the miles of desert that migrants must hike after crossing the border are unforgiving.

Trump administration-era policies such as Title 42, which returns migrants to Mexico to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and Remain in Mexico, which places many migrants in Mexico to await their U.S. court hearing, have led to more repeat crossers and more migrants willing to risk the perilous journey during summer, said Jason De Leon, executive director of the Tucson-based Colibri Center for Human Rights, which helps locate and rescue stranded migrants.

Of the more than 239,000 migrants encountered in May by Border Patrol, one-fourth of them were repeat crossers, according to the CBP statistics.

Gene Hernandez, a death investigator supervisor, examines a set of unidentified remains in a cooler at the Pima County Medical Examiner Office in Tucson, Ariz. When migrants die in the Arizona desert, their body or remains are brought here for DNA identification. Mandatory Credit: Nick Oza/The Arizona Republic via USA TODAY NETWORK [Via MerlinFTP Drop]

"These policies that are designed to deter people are actually making them cross through the desert," he said. "They had no intention of crossing the desert but were so tired of waiting, they just go for it."

Migrants rarely carry enough water to survive the 10- to 14-day trek across the mountains and deserts of southern Arizona, De Leon said. Desperate, they drink putrid water from cattle tanks and end up with severe diarrhea or vomiting, worsening their dehydration, he said.

From January to May this year, the center fielded 272 calls for help to its call center, up from 172 calls during the same period last year, according to group statistics. They're projecting 78 calls for help during June -- up from 61 last June.

"You're walking one of the most remote, extreme environments in the western hemisphere," De Leon said. "The idea of trying to walk through 35 miles of that is unbelievable."

Often, many end up on the examining tables of Dr. Gregory Hess, chief medical examiner of Pima County, Arizona. Last fiscal year, his office examined the remains of 226 undocumented migrants, the highest count since 2000, according to county records.

So far this fiscal year, they've examined 110 bodies, but that number is expected to quickly climb during the hot summer months, Hess said.

Nearly all the migrants he's processed this year have been dressed in camouflage clothing, had shoes wrapped in carpet swaths to avoid leaving footprints for Border Patrol agents or had black water bottles -- all signs that they were trying to sneak past agents, not turn themselves in, he said.

"Someone going through that effort is not desiring to be apprehended," Hess said.

Jugs of water for undocumented immigrants sit along migrant trails after being delivered by the humanitarian aid group No More Deaths near Ajo, Ariz. Volunteers for the group distribute the aid in remote areas immigrants pass through after crossing the border from Mexico.

The majority of migrants traversing the harsh terrain in Brooks County in South Texas are Mexicans, while some are from Central America, Canales said. Lately, a growing number of Guatemalans have been trying to cross through the area of Big Bend National Park to the north, an area historically avoided by migrants due to its soaring canyons and the harsh environs of the Chihuahuan Desert, he said.

In Brooks County, the key to rescuing migrants is having them or a family member call their hotline as soon as they get in trouble. He instructs them to open their phone's maps app and take a picture of their position, then text them the photo or send it via WhatsApp. He then forwards it to the nearest Border Patrol station. Canales has direct phone numbers to each of the nearby stations in the area.

If he acts fast and they're lucky, Border Patrol finds the migrants. Often, they're too late.

"It's moving up fast," Canales said of the number of recovered remains. "They get lost and they run out of water and they die. It's a bad, bad situation out here."

Follow Jervis on Twitter: @MrRJervis.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US border crossings are up in deadly summer heat for Mexicans, Latinos
OLHA HLUSHCHENKO  THURSDAY, 16 JUNE 2022, 07:12

Russian occupation forces are continuing with their attempts to capture Sievierodonetsk. In addition, Russia is gathering forces on the Bakhmut front.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 16 June

Details: On the Volyn and Polissia fronts, a mechanised brigade of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus has conducted a training in which reception points for mobilised resources, including conscripts, were deployed. This training was conducted as part of a general review of the combat readiness of the Belarusian Armed Forces.

On the Sivershchyna front, Russia continues to deploy units of its armed forces from the Western Military District in the areas near the Russian-Ukrainian border in Bryansk and Kursk oblasts of the Russian Federation in order to pin down the Ukrainian Defence Forces and prevent their deployment on other fronts.

Near Leonivka (Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine) and Bachivsk (Sumy Oblast, Ukraine), Russian forces fired on the positions of Ukrainian troops with artillery.

On the Slobozhanshchyna front, Russia is regrouping its forces in order to improve their offensive capability.

On the Kharkiv front, Russias main efforts are focused on maintaining previously occupied positions. In order to pin down the Ukrainian troops on this front and prevent them from mounting an offensive, Russian forces opened heavy artillery fire  using MLRS as well  near Bazaliivka, Udy, and Verkhnii Saltiv.

Russian troops are conducting assault operations on the Sloviansk front in an attempt to find a weakness in the Ukrainian defence. They fired with artillery on civilian infrastructure around Pryshyb, Dolyna, Karnaukhivka, and Virnopillia.

On the Donetsk front, Russian forces are conducting combat operations along the entire contact line, but focusing in particular on the Bakhmut front.

Russia did not undertake active operations on the Lyman front, but fired on the Ukrainian units near Pyskunivka with artillery.

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On the Sievierodonetsk front, Russian occupation forces continued to fire on the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with different weapons in and around Bilohorivka, Lysychansk, and Sievierodonetsk.

Russia continues to attempt to establish full control over the city of Sievierodonetsk. The assault on the city is continuing, as is the fighting.

On the Bakhmut front, Russia is conducting assault operations in order to improve the tactical positions of its troops. Russian troops opened artillery fire on the areas around Vesele, Soledar, Berestove, and Vovchoiarivka.

On the Lyman, Avdiivka, Novopavlivka, and Zaporizhzhia fronts, Russia is systematically firing on the Ukrainian Armed Forces in order to pin them down in the areas around Novobakhmutivka, Vodiane, Pervomaiske, Mykilske, Antonivka, Huliaipole, Novopil, and Orikhiv.

Ukrainian troops have discovered and eliminated an enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group on the Yehorivka  Shevchenko front.

On the Pivdennyi Buh and Tavriia fronts, Russias efforts are focused on maintaining previously occupied positions and preventing the Armed Forces of Ukraine from mounting an offensive. Russian forces fired on the units of the Ukrainian Defence Forces and performed combat engineering tasks to reinforce their positions near Bezvodne and Ishchenka.
By Nina Chestney

LONDON (Reuters) - Russian gas supply to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline fell further on Thursday and Moscow said more delays in repairs could lead to suspending all flows, putting a brake on Europe's race to refill its gas inventories.

The faltering flows came as the leaders of Germany, Italy and France visited Ukraine, which is pressing for swifter weapons deliveries to battle invading Russian forces and wants support for Kyiv's bid to join the European Union.

Russia's state-controlled Gazprom said it was reducing gas supply for a second time in as many days via Nord Stream 1, which runs under the Baltic to Germany. The latest move cuts supply to just 40% of the pipeline's capacity.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said reductions in supply were not premeditated and related to maintenance issues, a reference to earlier comments saying Russia was unable to secure the return of equipment sent to Canada for repairs.

Germany said Russia's excuse was technically "unfounded" and was instead aimed at driving up gas prices. Italy said Moscow might be use the issue to exert political pressure.

Dutch wholesale gas prices, the European benchmark, jumped around 30% on Thursday afternoon.

Russia's ambassador to the European Union told state news agency RIA Novosti flows via the pipeline could be completely suspended because of problems in repairing turbines in Canada.

Alexey Miller, the chief executive of Gazprom, the state-controlled company with a monopoly on Russian gas exports by pipeline, said Western sanctions made it impossible to secure the return of equipment from Canada for the pipeline's Portovaya compressor station.

EUROPE RACES TO REFILL STORAGE

Nord Stream 1 has capacity to pump about 55 billion cubic metres (bcm) a year to the European Union, which last year imported about 140 bcm of gas from Russia via pipelines.

Germany, like other European countries, is racing to refill its gas storage facilities so they are 80% full by October and 90% by November before winter arrives. Stores are 52% full now.

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Cutting flows through Nord Stream 1 would make that job harder, the head of the Germany energy regulator said.

"We could perhaps get through the summer as the heating season is over. But it is imperative that we fill the storage facilities to get through the winter," Klaus Mueller told Thursday's edition of Rheinische Post daily.

Uniper, Germany's biggest importer of Russian gas, said supplies were down a quarter on agreed volumes but it could fill missing volumes from other sources. Power producer RWE said it had seen restrictions in the past two days.

Slovakia's state-owned gas importer SPP said it expected Thursday's Russian gas deliveries to be reduced by about 30%, while Czech power utility CEZ said it had seen a similar fall but was filling the gap from other sources.

The European Union aims to ensure gas storage facilities across the 27-nation bloc are 80% full by November.

The latest reduction in supply could mean northwest European storage only 88% full by the end of October - 1 bcm less than planned - instead of 90%, analysts at Goldman Sachs said.

DRAWING UP CONTINGENCY PLANS

Germany is not alone in facing falling supplies.

Austria's OMV said Gazprom informed it of reduced deliveries, France's Engie said flows had down but clients were not affected, while Italy's Eni said it would receive 65% of the volumes it had requested from Gazprom.

The Italian government said all possible measures were in place to deal with the situation if gas supply cuts from Russia continued in coming days. Other European countries have also drawn up contingency plans.

Adding to the challenge, Nord Stream 1 will shut completely during the pipeline's annual maintenance on July 11-21.

Norway, Europe's second biggest exporter behind Russia, has been pushing up production to help the European Union towards it target of ending reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2027.

Britain's Centrica signed a deal with Norway's Equinor for extra gas supplies to the United Kingdom for the next three winters. Britain does not rely on Russian gas and can also export to Europe via pipelines.

European states have also boosted liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports but Europe has limited LNG import capacity and the already tight LNG market has faced additional challenges with disruptions to U.S. LNG production.

A fire last week at a U.S. LNG export plant in Texas, operated by Freeport LNG, means the plant will be offline until September and will operate only partially from then until the end of 2022.

The facility, which accounts for about 20% of U.S. LNG exports, has been a major supplier to European buyers.

"There is risk of further delay, in our view," analysts at investment bank Jefferies said, adding that regulators need to approve the restart while two investigations were ongoing into the cause of the LNG leak at the plant.

(Reporting by Reuters, Giuseppe Fonte in Rome, Alexandra Schwarz-Goerlich in Vienna, Jan Lopatka in Prague, Madelaine Chambers in Berlin, Nina Chestney in London; Writing by Nina Chestney; Editing by Jason Neely and Edmund Blair)
BRESCIA, Italy (AP)  Fine Italian knitwear packed in boxes addressed to retailers in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kursk sit stacked in a Lombardy warehouse awaiting dispatch. Although not subject to sanctions to punish Russia for invading Ukraine, the garments are not likely to ship any time soon.

Missing payments from the Russian retailers who ordered the garments are piling up due to restrictions tied to the banking sector, putting pressure on small fashion producers like D. Exterior, a high-end knitwear company with 50 workers in the northern city of Brescia.

This is very painful. I have 2 million euros worth of merchandise in the warehouse, and if they cannot pay for it, I will be on my knees, said D. Exterior owner Nadia Zanola, surveying the warehouse for the brand she founded in 1997 from the knitwear company created by her parents in 1952.

Italy is the largest producer of global luxury goods in the world, making 40% of high-end apparel, footwear and accessories. While Russia generates just about 3% of Italian luxurys 97 billion euros ($101 billion) in annual revenue, it is a significant slice of business for some of the 80,000 small and medium companies that make up the backbone of Italian fashion, according to industry officials.

We are talking about eliminating 80% to 100% of revenues for these companies, said Fabio Pietrella, president of the Confartigianato fashion craftsman federation.

Districts producing footwear in the Marche and Veneto regions, and knitwear makers in Umbria and Emilia-Romagna have grown particularly reliant on Russia.

These are districts that connect the supply chain, and if it is interrupted, not only is the company that closes harmed, but an entire system that help make this country an economic powerhouse, Pietrella said.

The Italian fashion world is best known for luxury houses like Gucci, Versace and Armani, which unveil their menswear collections in Milan this week. And some of the biggest names appear on a list compiled by Yale University professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld of major companies doing business in Russia since the war in Ukraine began.

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There are companies that kept selling to Nazi Germany after the outbreak of World War II  we don't celebrate them for that, Sonnenfeld said, labeling as greedy any enterprise that continues to do business in Russia today.

He also underlined that fashion companies dont have the grounds to make humanitarian appeals to bypass sanctions, voluntary or otherwise, as has been the case with agricultural firms and pharmaceutical companies.

Among those receiving a failing grade from Sonnenfeld is Italy's Benetton, which in a statement condemned the war but said it would continue its commercial activities in Russia, including longstanding commercial and logistic partnerships and a network of stores that sustain 600 families.

French conglomerate LVMH, meanwhile, has temporarily closed 124 stores in Russia, while continuing to pay its 3,500 employees in Russia. The Spanish group Inditex, which owns the fast-fashion chain Zara, also temporarily closed 502 stores in Russia as well as its online sales, accounting for 8.5% of group pre-tax earnings.

Pietrella fears a sort of Russia-phobia is taking hold that is demonizing business owners for trying to keep up ties with a longer-term vision.

He characterized as a witch-hunt criticism of some 40 shoe producers from the Marche region on Italys Adriatic coast for traveling to Russia for a trade fair during the war.

European Union sanctions against Russia sharpened after the Ukraine invasion, setting a 300-euro wholesale maximum for each item shipped, taking super-luxury items out of circulation but still targeting the upper-middle class or wealthy Russians.

Without a doubt, we as the fashion federation have expressed our extreme concern over the aggression in Ukraine, Pietrella said. From an ethical point of view, it is out of discussion. But we have to think of our companies. Ethics are one thing. The market is another. Workers in a company are paid by the market, not by ethics.

He said the 300-euro limit on sales was a gambit by European politicians that on paper allows trade with Russia despite accompanying bureaucratic and financial hurdles, while also shielding governments from having to provide bailout funds to the industry. He also dismissed as overly facile government suggestions to find alternative markets to Russia.

If there was another market, we would be there already, Pietrella said.

At D. Exterior, exposure to Russia grew gradually over the years to now represent 35% to 40% of revenue that hit 22 million euros before the pandemic, a stream that is also under new pressure from higher energy and raw material costs.

The company was already delivering its summer collection and taking orders for winter when Russia invaded on Feb. 24. By March, Russian retailers were having trouble making payments.

Not only is Zanola stuck with some 4,000 spring and summer garments that she has little hope of shipping to Russian clients, she said she was contractually required to keep producing the winter orders, risking 100,000 euros in labor and materials costs if those are unable to ship.

Over the years, her Russian clients have proven to be ideal customers, Zanola said. Not only do they pay on time, but they are appreciative of the workmanship in D. Exteriors knitwear creations.

After working so hard to build up her Russian customer base, she is loathe to give it up and doesn't see a quick long-term replacement.

If Russia were Putin, I wouldnt go there. But since Russia is not only Putin, one hopes that the poor Russians manage to raise themselves up,'' she said.

____

AP reporter Ciaran Giles contributed from Madrid.

____

This story was first published on June 16, 2022. It was updated on June 17, 2022 to correct the name of a Yale professor. It is Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, not Jeffrey Sonnenberg.
Andryushchenko did not specify in which area and when exactly the train was destroyed.

Read also: Russian occupiers in Mariupol only distribute anti-cholera drugs to their own troops, ignoring Ukrainians

"At first, the Russians destroyed Mariupol and its residents," he said.

"Now, a Russian missile hit a car with the World Central Kitchen humanitarian aid, which was supposed to feed Donetsk Oblast and will now affect Mariupol residents in the YaMariupol centers."

Read also: Almost 4,000 men from Mariupol held in filtration camps in occupied Donbas, says human rights ombudsperson

At the same time, Andriushchenko did not specify in which area and when exactly the train had been destroyed.

Read also: Russian-occupied Mariupol faces resistance movement, says mayoral advisor

Mariupol was under siege by the Russian invaders for almost three months. Russia's actions led to a large-scale humanitarian catastrophe, as the invaders bombed residential areas and civilian infrastructure, as well as continually blocking humanitarian aid.

At least 25,000 civilians have been killed by the Russians, Ukrainian authorities estimate.

Mariupol Mayor Vadym Boichenko said that the city might face an infectious diseases disaster due to water shortages.
Samsung is making it easier to store your credit card information and other digital data on your phone. On Wednesday, the company announced the merging of its Pay and Pass apps into a single Wallet platform. With the change, you wont have to use two different apps to manage your digital identity. Instead, the companys new Wallet app will let you store your debit and credit card information for mobile payments, in addition to your login credentials for websites and apps.

Samsung says you can also use the software to store digital car keys from brands like BMW, Genesis and Hyundai, as well as airline boarding passes, starting with Korea Air. And just in time for crypto winter, theres support for monitoring your cryptocurrencies across a variety of exchanges.

Later this year, the app will allow you to store digital IDs, including student cards and drivers licenses, from participating institutions and state governments. Theres also integration with Samsungs SmartThings platform. Everything is stored securely on your device with protection from Samsungs Knox platform.

Samsung Wallet is available to download starting today in the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK. If you already have the Pay and Pass apps installed on your phone, youll be prompted to migrate to the new software the next time you open them. A fleshed-out Wallet app has been a long-time coming for Samsung, particularly after the company added support for digital car keys last year.
A Baltimore County doctor pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to charges he conspired with other members of his pain clinic to wrongfully prescribe highly addictive oxycodone to patients.

Norman Rosen, 84, faces up to 20 years in prison for his role in a wide-ranging scheme to prescribe opioids to people who didnt need them. Rosen was medical director and part-owner of Rosen-Hoffberg Rehabilitation and Pain Management Associates, P.A., a Baltimore County pain clinic with locations in Owings Mills and Towson.

Rosens business partner, then-65-year-old Howard Hoffberg, pleaded guilty last June to conspiracy to violate the anti-kickback statutes, in connection with a scheme to accept payments from a pharmaceutical company in exchange for prescribing a fentanyl-based drug. He was sentenced to eight months in federal prison.

Also, a physician assistant at the practice, William Soyke, then 69, pleaded guilty in 2019 to conspiracy to distribute and dispense oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone and alprazolam, and was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison.

Rosen primarily worked in his clinics Towson offices and his patients were often prescribed high doses of oxycodone and other opioid medications despite using other illicit substances, like cocaine, according to his plea agreement.

Prosecutors said Rosen set the policies for the pain clinic, most importantly the belief that the customer is always right.

One patient of Rosens, a woman in her early 30s, admitted to him she was using street drugs and her urine tested positive for fentanyl. Rosen prescribed her oxycodone anyway, according to his plea agreement. Another female patient, also in her 30s, had her children taken away from her because of her substance use problems. Rosen also prescribed oxycodone to her, even when illegal drugs were present in her urine.

Whats more, prosecutors said Rosen was aware Hoffberg was getting kickbacks from Arizona-based Insys Therapeutics for prescribing Subsys, a fentanyl spray.

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A judge sentenced Insys founder John Kapoor to 5.5 years in prison after a Boston jury convicted him of racketeering charges in 2019.

Its likely Rosen doesnt receive close to the full 20-year sentence, with prosecutors agreeing to ask for a reduction in his sentence because he quickly agreed to cooperate and plead guilty, according to court filings.

Until his sentencing, scheduled for November, Rosen is barred from international travel and has to surrender his passport.
A bill to cover millions of veterans care for cancer and lung problems linked to burn pits is heading to President Joe Bidens desk after a final vote in the House next week, where it is expected to pass.

The Senate voted 84-14 Thursday to pass the Honoring Our PACT Act, H.R. 3967 (117), requiring broadened Department of Veterans Affairs coverage for toxic exposure related to burn pits. The vote brings the bill one step closer to law after years of advocacy from veterans support groups and health care organizations that have argued a range of health conditions from emphysema to glioblastoma, the cancer that killed Bidens son, retired Major Beau Biden, can be linked to burn pits used to incinerate toxic waste for years at overseas military locations.

This is the greatest advance in veterans health care in decades, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said on the Senate floor.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) said in statement that the House will vote again on the measure, which it passed in March, next week. Biden, who has pushed for recognition of burn pit health risks since the campaign trail, is expected to swiftly sign the bill into law.

The Congressional Budget Office has projected the legislation would increase federal spending by more than $300 billion over 10 years. That has drawn opposition from groups such as the nonprofit Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, which has said it supports broader coverage but that it needs to be offset by other spending cuts.

The U.S. military stopped using burn pits at bases in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere nearly a decade ago, but it estimates that at least 3.5 million veterans were exposed to enough toxic fumes to cause respiratory problems and some cancers. But even with that recognition, the Department of Veterans Affairs continues to deny a majority of disability claims linked to burn pit exposure.

Between 2007 and 2020, 12,582 veterans claimed conditions related to burn pit exposure, VA Deputy Executive Director of policy and procedures Laurine Carson told House lawmakers in September 2020. The agency approved 2,828, or roughly 20 percent of those claims.

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A VA spokesperson pointed POLITICO to VA Secretary Denis McDonough's statement last month, where he compared the legislation's impact to the Agent Orange Act of 1991 that expanded coverage for more than 2 million Vietnam War veterans exposed to the dangerous toxin.

"We support the expansion of access to VA health care in the PACT Act and will work to ensure that the expansion of eligibility for health care does not result in the delay or disruption of care for those Veterans already receiving health care from VA," McDonough said.

The number of claims is expected to swell in the wake of the new legislation, which orders the VA to recognize that a dozen types of cancers, chronic pulmonary disease, asthma, emphysema and a score of other respiratory illnesses could be linked to burn pit exposure. The measure also would require VA providers to incorporate toxic exposures into patient questionnaires, which could bring in new patients unaware that their conditions could be linked to the pits.



Toxic exposure is affecting countless veterans; some don't even know it yet, said Jen Burch, communications associate for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. The bill will remove the burden of proof from the veterans and ensure the 80 percent of veterans previously denied will now have the benefits they have earned, she added.

The VA has struggled to shorten veterans wait time for existing benefits. Service members on average wait 100 days for benefit compensation; more than 250,000 wait longer.

The longtime benefit delay fueled a pilot technology program, launched in January, to shorten wait times by automating some processes and removing steps such as unnecessary doctor visits. For now, the pilot program is focused on monitoring high blood pressure.

Rob Reynolds, the VA official leading the project, told POLITICO earlier this year that benefits adjudicators using this type of technology resolved cases in an average of 21 days. The VA plans to expand the program to other health conditions such asthma, which could overlap with efforts to broaden burn pit coverage.

Enacting the law is just the beginning, Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kans.), ranking member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, said on the Senate floor. A lot of work remains, and the fact is that VA has significant challenges as it moves forward to help these veterans.

Republican Sens. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Mike Rounds and John Thune of South Dakota, Richard Shelby and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, Mike Lee and Mitt Romney of Utah, Rand Paul of Kentucky, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, and Mike Crapo and James Risch of Idaho voted against the bill.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article misstated the next step for the legislation. It must return to the House for another vote before final passage.

CORRECTION: This story has been updated to correct the military rank of the late Beau Biden.
PIROSCHKA VAN DE WOUW

After busting a Russian spy who was on his way to start an internship in The Hague, the Netherlands intelligence agency has published the truly epic cover story the secret agent had been using.

Reading like a roller-coaster coming-of-age narrative, the confected story is full of heartbreak, restaurant recommendations, and truly needless sexual fantasies about a possibly fictitious geography teacher.

The Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) on Wednesday shared news that it had stopped Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov, a Russian GRU intelligence officer, from gaining access to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. Pretending to be a Brazilian citizen named Viktor Muller Ferreira, Cherkasov was refused entry into the Netherlands when he landed in April and was sent back to Brazil on the next flight out of the country.

International Criminal Court Opens War Crimes Probe Into Russia

The AIVD described Cherkasov as an illegal, which is an intelligence officer who received a long and extensive training. The ICC is currently investigating possible war crimes committed by Russia in Ukraine and in Georgia in 2008. For those reasons, covert access to International Criminal Court information would be highly valuable to the Russian intelligence services, the AIVD said in a statement. The illegal was supposed to commence an internship with the ICC, which would mean he would have access to the ICC's building and systems.

But as well as news of their success in stopping Cherkasov from doing the internship, the AIVD published an amazing four-page letter they believe was written by the Russian spy in order to memorize the details of his cover. Its not clear how Dutch intelligence obtained the documentbut it is clear that Cherkasov had an extremely vivid imagination. (You can read the full letter below.)

The partially redacted account of the fictional life of Viktor lurches from florid descriptions of the creaking floorboards in a nonexistent family home to Breaking Bad-esque plots of being forced to make devastating sacrifices to pay for medical bills.

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In the voice of Viktor, Cherkasov describes being raised by a sickly single mother in Brazil. He also says he was raised in part by his kind aunt, a seamstress. I loved the sewing machine the most, even though aunt [sic] would not let me touch it, ever; when I did shed say that it was the only thing in her life that was still functioning properly, the highly embellished cover story, or legend, reads.

His made-up school years are also punctuated by odd salacious details. At secondary school I was particularly fond of the geography teacher, Mrs [redacted]. She was so beautiful and all the boys in the class had a crush on her, the letter reads. Many came with stories, which all began the samethe teacher told them to stay behind after classbut they all ended differently: one had her do a striptease, others had had sex with her. I do not like these stories, I felt my crush on [redacted] was real and honest.

Elsewhere, the spy thinks its super important to remember which pin-up models adorned the walls of a car garage he worked in. On the door of the supply cabinet hung a poster of a young Veronica Castro, the spy says of the garage, later to be replaced by one of Pamela Anderson.

Of course the main lady is Viktors poor mother. Falling in love and being disappointed by people came easy to her, as in the case of my father, the letter says. Mother collected butterflies, but the collection had to be sold off to pay for medical treatments.

The wild cover story even has a freaking redemption arc. After leaving his mother as a child, Viktors absent father reunites with his son in Rio in 2010. My farther [sic] came across as a very friendly and open person, but to my surprise I discovered that I blamed him for the deaths of my mother and my aunt and all the difficulties and humiliations I had to suffer in my life, the letter says of the tense reunion. The letter then shares Viktors favorite restaurant in Brasilia, which serves the best brown bean stew in town, and a club that he frequented, possibly because its the only club that plays trance music. But the last line really gives our hero the ending he deserves: I remain in touch with my father through the internet.

Alls well that ends well, eh?

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Dancing With the Stars pro Sharna Burgess is sharing how she reached out to Megan Fox amid her relationship with Brian Austin Green.

During a sit down with Nick Viall for the latest episode of "The Viall Files", the dancer revealed that she asked Green, 48, for his ex-wifes phone number to talk about the role she would want her to have with Green and Foxs kids.

After wed been dating for about four or five months when I asked, I was like, Can I get Megans number? Id love to text her, Burgess, 36, recalled, sharing how she and Fox had a passing moment at the same restaurant and made eye contact. Whether she recognized me or not, I dont know.

She then decided to ask Green if she could reach out and say, Hey, Im around your kids all the time, if you ever want to know anything about me or if you ever want to get coffee, let me know. Theyre amazing kids, I love them and if there is any way I can support you in being part of this situation, let me know.

Burgess added that Fox really appreciated the gesture and said thank you. And she thanked me for being great with her kids too.

Green and Fox, 36, share sons Noah, 9, Bodhi, 7, and Journey, 5. The actor is also father to 20-year-old son Kassius with ex Vanessa Marcil. Burgess and Green  who have been dating since 2020 are expecting their first child together.

The BH90210 star added that theyve all maintained a good co-parenting relationship, even spending time together as a family.

Megans really been around and gotten to know Sharna, the actor shared.

Earlier in the conversation, the couple shared that they have always been so transparent with each other. Burgess also explained how she knew her boyfriends priorities as a father going into their relationship.

Bri had a whole life with another person and babies, and I cant expect that to just be like, Well, Im No. 1 priority and what I need is the thing, the dancer explained. I wanted to know him, to support him, to love him. These people will be a part of his life forever so I cant expect to not take them into consideration too. There is no comparison.

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As far as Greens thoughts on Foxs relationship with fiance Machine Gun Kelly, he said he just wants his ex to be happy.

The person that Megan chooses to be with and the life that she chooses to lead and wherever she chooses to go, there arent many things that I really have control over, nor do I want to have control over, he replied when asked about seeing his ex with another person. I want my kids to have their life with their mom and I want their mom to be happy.

Burgess and Green, meanwhile, will be welcoming their bundle of joy in the coming weeks. Their due date is July 4. The pair recently shared photos from their maternity shoot on their social media.
By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Temporary silos on Ukraine's border would be intended to prevent Russia from stealing Ukrainian grain and make sure the country's winter harvest is not lost due to a lack of storage, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said on Thursday.

But, during a visit to the United Nations, Vilsack stressed that reviving shipments from Ukraine's Black Sea ports was the most effective and efficient way to export grain and urged Russia to take U.N.-led talks on the issue "seriously."

"We know of circumstances and situations where that has occurred - Russians having taken grain from Ukrainian farmers. So to the extent that we can get it out of the country, that is a plus that reduces the risk of loss," Vilsack told reporters.

Russia, which invaded neighboring Ukraine on Feb. 24, denies stealing Ukrainian grain. U.S. satellite imagery company Maxar Technologies said on Thursday that Russian-flagged ships have been transporting Ukrainian grain to Russian ally Syria over the last couple of months.

U.S. President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that temporary silos would be built along the border with Ukraine in an effort to help export more grain and address a growing global food crisis. Vilsack did not give any further details on U.S. involvement.

"We would like to see the ports open because that's the most efficient, most effective way to transport that grain, but it's still going to take time even if the port is open. So you still have to have a place to put the grain," said Vilsack.

He said extra storage was also needed because Ukraine would shortly be harvesting its crop sown during the winter.

Since Russia's invasion and ports blockade, Ukrainian grain shipments have stalled, and more than 20 million tonnes are stuck in silos. The war is stoking a global food crisis with soaring prices for grains, cooking oils, fuel and fertilizer.

Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia on Thursday said Russia was not responsible and instead blamed Western government policies for triggering a food and energy crisis.

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The United Nations is trying to broker a deal to resume Ukraine exports and Russian food and fertilizer exports, which Moscow says are harmed by sanctions.

The United States and the European Union have said Russian food and fertilizer are not sanctioned. But they have pledged to clarify and reassure companies involved in such Russian exports.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday that the "easiest way" to reopen Ukraine's ports was for Russia to stop the war.

He also noted: "Military risks to commercial navigation in the area inevitably drive up the cost of insurance and transport further fuelling the current crisis."

Russia on Wednesday said it has offered "safe passage" for Ukraine grain shipments from Black Sea ports but is not responsible for establishing the corridors, and Turkey suggested that ships could be guided around sea mines.

Ukraine fears that de-mining its ports would leave it far more vulnerable to Russian attack from the Black Sea.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
PARIS  Six NATO countries signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly work on concepts for a next-generation helicopter on June 16 at a meeting of alliance defense ministers in Brussels.

France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom are committing 26.7 million, or roughly $28 million, for the Next-Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) project, according to a NATO statement. Canada will likely be an observer nation.

In cooperation with industry, the participants will start from a clean sheet to explore how to match their needs with the latest technology on the market, looking at options such as hybrid and electric propulsion, a systematic open system architecture and the delivery of radically improved flight characteristics, the statement reads.

Moving into the concepts phase is really going to define the requirements based against the threats that were going to be facing globally, Col. Alex Willman, capability sponsor of combat aviation within the U.K.s futures directorate, said at the Eurosatory defense trade show here, just an hour after the countries inked the deal.

Whats exciting for me is this is one of the first clean-sheet-design aircraft, he said, adding: NGRC to me is about transformation capability, delivering an aircraft or an airframe or a system that is an open system architecture based on digital backbones and is aimed for us as soldiers and airmen to be able to modify that aircraft to keep up with the pace of the threat.

The countries will look at range and speed improvements for a medium-lift helicopter, the ability to operate in an electronic warfare scenario and a variety of other attributes that will be refined over the next two to three years. The envisioned missions include transportation, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and assault.

The Netherlands is the most recent nation to sign onto the NGRC program, as France, Germany, Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom signed letters of intent to participate in the effort in late 2020. Many of the countries involved will see helicopters reaching the end of their expected service life, and the goal is to come up with aircraft to replace them by 2035.

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The new aircraft must have an unrefueled range of more than 1,650 kilometers, with a target of eight hours endurance and a load capacity between 10,000 and 17,000 kilograms (22,000 and 37,400 pounds, respectively).

The goal is also to develop a common airframe for both land, air and maritime variants, although the agency allows for the possibility of separate platforms if a common airframe proves too contentious.

Working across several different nations is challenging, Cyril Heckel, NATO acquisition and development manager, said at the conference.

You can talk about it and look at it in a theoretical abstract level, everybody gets it, he said, but it becomes a little bit more complicated and tricky when youre trying to translate this theoretical appeal into actual practical action. Six sovereign nations together, they all have different ways how federal offices work, approach to the topic, different democratic biases, different funding mechanisms, different funding, different cycles, maybe also different thoughts about requirements.

But European aviation stakeholders say the time is right for helicopter programs to rise again on the continent.

We are at the start of a new era for rotary-wing or for vertical flight here in Europe, said Roberto Garavaglia, Leonardo Helicopters senior vice president for strategy, during a June 15 panel at the Eurosatory exhibition.

Not only are helicopters proliferating in militaries around the world, but its the first time since the early 1980s, when the NH-90 program was established, that European nations are discussing new aircraft requirements, he noted.

He acknowledged that for any future helicopter program, industry partners will have to work hard to overcome the inevitable workshare disputes that have tripped up many a joint European program in the past.

Its easier to combine the capabilities that you can develop in Oklahoma and Michigan than those which you can develop between France and Italy, because we have hundreds of years of history, and  we are not a federal union, he noted.

Jerome Combe, Airbus lead for product policy and strategy, called the NGRC program an opportunity to reset better partnerships and develop a more linear way to work together among industry partners.

The NATO-led effort to field a multirole helicopter could be setting the stage for a competition between U.S.- and European-based rotorcraft industries.

The U.S. Army plans to select a winner between Bell and a Sikorsky-Boeing team to build its Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft, or FLRAA, around September. The service plans to field the aircraft in 2030.

US Army faces key decisions to advance future vertical lift aircraft programs

At the same time, the U.S. Army is pursuing a Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) with plans to fly prototypes in 2023, and the service is developing Air-Launched Effects along with a modular open systems architecture.

But the NGRC program is expected to face pressure from European industry to select local companies to design and develop the future aircraft.

The U.S. and the U.K. signed a bilateral agreement earlier this year to explore the possibility of cooperation on future vertical lift (FVL) programs.

While the U.K. has signed the agreement to exchange information on FVL, it is not a commitment to buy into associated programs, Willman said. This sits alongside the Next-Generation Rotorcraft.

Range, speed and other performance improvements are aspects of the FVL program the U.K. is interested in, he added, but we are absolutely committed to NGRC.

The Italian military, while it does not have a similar agreement in place like the U.K. and the U.S., partnered in the U.S.-based aviation exercise Edge 2022 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, last month, to work on interoperability concepts for FVL.

Along with Italy, the Netherlands and Germany were active participants in the exercise while Australia, Canada, France and the U.K. were observers.

Italys participation was essential to understanding what the U.S. is doing for FVL, where timelines may match up and where there are interoperability opportunities, Col. Pier Luigi Verdecchia, of the Italian defense ministry, said.
The fiancee of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi said Wednesday she was "very disappointed" in President Joe Biden's plan to meet with Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, who the U.S. has determined ordered the operation that killed Khashoggi in 2018.

"Mr. Biden, you'll soon visit Saudi Arabia as president, where you'll meet with Jamal's heartless executer (sic), dishonoring yourself and Jamal by meeting MBS," said Hatice Cengiz in a video message posted by Democracy for the Arab World Now, a nonprofit Khashoggi founded in 2018.

PHOTO: Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi speaks during a press conference in Manama, Bahrain, Dec. 15, 2014. (Hasan Jamali/AP, FILE)

Cengiz asked Biden to press for more answers in the death of her fiance when he meets with Mohammed during a visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, next month.

"If you have to put oil over the principles, and expediency over values," she says, "can you at least ask, 'Where is Jamal's body? Doesn't he deserve a proper burial? And what happened to his killers?" she implored.

As a candidate, Biden once pledged to make Saudi Arabia a "pariah" over its human rights abuses. Soon after he took office last year, his administration released a U.S. intelligence report that assessed Mohammed had ordered the operation that resulted in Khashoggi's murder in Istanbul. Khashoggi was a Washington Post columnist who lived in Virginia.

If you have to put oil over principles, can you at least ask, Where is Jamal's body? What happened to his killers?@mercan_resifi to @POTUS re-plans to meet w MBS. You must uphold your vow to bring perpetrators of this brutal crime to justice. Join us:https://t.co/PUMyi9TfuE pic.twitter.com/jWx7rGyYOa  DAWN MENA (@DAWNmenaorg) June 15, 2022

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told ABC News that she could not say whether Biden would specifically ask the questions raised by Cengiz but said the president was a "straight shooter."

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"I cannot read out right now or lay out what the agenda is going to be, or what the conversations are going to be," she said. "But I can assure you, I can assure you that when it comes to human rights, this is something that is a priority for this president."

She said "just hearing" Cengiz's comments was "devastating."

"Clearly, our hearts go out to her and her pain that she's currently going through," Jean-Pierre said.

Cengiz's comments come in the wake of the White House's announcement that Biden will visit Saudi Arabia in July.

The anticipated trip has drawn ire for the potential message a diplomatic trip could send to a country accused of involvement in the murder of Khashoggi, as well as numerous human rights violations.

But the president is also struggling to reign in sky-high inflation and gas prices, a political liability.

Saudi Arabia, a major oil producer, chairs the Gulf Cooperation Council grouping of oil-producing Arab nations. Saudi Arabia and the Biden administration have both said energy security will be part of discussions during Biden's visit.

Cengiz also made a personal appeal to Biden.

"President Biden, I know you have experienced the unimaginable pain of losing a loved one," she said.

Cengiz also tweeted Wednesday that she was "very disappointed" to hear about Biden's Saudi Arabia travel plans. "A US resident was murdered for defending democracy and human rights in the country and now Biden is legitimizing this action," she wrote.

Cengiz recently criticized professional golfers who joined LIV Golf, the Saudi Arabian-backed competition that's drawn some of the biggest names in golf to the league.

"If they still carry on and play as if everything is normal, then they should be banned from playing in the world's major tournaments,'' she said in an email, according to reporting by USA TODAY Sports.

MORE: Arrested man is freed, not a suspect in Khashoggi's murder

The White House has said Biden plans to discuss "a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues," in Saudi Arabia including the Saudi truce with Yemen, and "deterring threats from Iran."

ABC News' Ben Gittleson contributed to this report.

Slain journalist Jamal Khashoggis fiancee condemns Bidens upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia in powerful video originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. (Rex Features)

As former Moonie-turned-cult-expert Steven Hassan watched the Capitol Riots unfolding last January, there was a familiar face among the thousands of MAGA supporters clamouring to overturn the 2020 election result.

Hyung Jin Sean Moon, head of the far-right, AR-15-worshiping Rod of Iron Ministries and son of Moonie founder Sun Myung Moon, had joined Proud Boys and Oath Keepers to protest in front of the US Capitol. The group has been widely described as a cult.

The Rod of Iron Ministries posted a clip to its Instagram page showing Sean Moon wiping tear gas from his eyes while blaming the violence on Antifa.

The clip had particular resonance for Dr Hassan: he was among a group of 350 Moonies who, on the orders of Sun Myung Moon, prayed and fasted for 72 hours on the steps of the US Capitol to protest Richard Nixons Watergate impeachment in 1974.

I thought if I wasnt de-programmed I could have been there, I could have been arrested for this, Dr Hassan told The Independent.

Thats how far gone I was.

Dr Hassan left the Moonies in 1976 aged 22, became a whistleblower in congressional hearings, and has since helped deprogamme thousands of other former cult members while becoming an expert and author in the influence tactics used by authoritarian leaders.

While hosting an event for former cult members in Kansas City in 1986, he met a 29-year-old Ginni Thomas, then known by her maiden name Ginni Lamp, who spoke about wanting to expose Lifespring, a controversial group that practised intensive self examination, and disbanded in the 1990s.

It was eight years on from the infamous Jonestown massacre, where more than 900 followers of preacher Jim Jones were murdered or died by suicide under his instructions at a remote settlement in Guyana. Ms Thomas and others were pushing Congress to create an annual Cult Awareness Week to shine a spotlight on these groups destructive practices.

Dr Hassan posted footage of the meeting to Twitter last week, where it has since racked up more than 1.6 million views.

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Ginni Thomas talks about leaving the Lifespring cult in 1986 (Twitter/StevenHassan)

In the footage, Ms Thomas discusses the need for cult survivors to reconnect with their spiritual needs.

When you come away from a cult, you have to find a balance in your life as far as getting involved with fighting the cult or exposing it, Ms Thomas says.

And I think Im really trying and struggling with the balance between that. I want to expose Lifespring, I want to keep other people from going through that experience, she added.

But I also dont want to go overboard in that regard so that I can reconnect with my own needs in a spiritual way, which I still havent done.

In an interview with The Washington Post in 1987, Ms Thomas spoke about taking part in a stripper exercise, which involved Lifespring members getting undressed while taking turns to make fun of anyone who was overweight.

Former members say Lifespring, which trained as many as 400,000 people in the US, employed deceptive and indirect techniques of persuasion and control.

Ms Thomas has previously spoken about how Lifespring leaders separated her from her family and friends, and being forced into hiding as she sought to leave the group in the mid-1980s.

In March, Ms Thomas was revealed to have tried to pressure former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to overturn the 2020 presidential elections in favour of Donald Trump.

She spoke about attending the Stop the Steal rally on 6 January, but in an interview said she left early as she was cold.

On 10 June, the Washington Post reported that Ms Thomass efforts to sway electors in Arizona went far further than had previously been known.

According to The Post, Ms Thomas sent near-identical emails to 29 Republican state lawmakers on 9 November urging them to ignore Mr Bidens victory and instead select their own presidential electors.

She reportedly told them they had the power to fight back against fraud and stand strong in the face of political and media pressure. The choice was yours and yours alone, Ms Thomas wrote.

Steven Hassan says some MAGA supporters may be questioning their views after hearing the evidence of the January 6th House committee hearings (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The day before the lawmakers were due to cast their votes, Ms Thomas wrote again to 23 Arizona lawmakers to press them to consider what will happen to the nation we all love if you dont stand up and lead, The Post reported.

The Independent has attempted to contact Ms Thomas several times for comment.

Ms Thomas had long been known as a prominent conservative activist, but the text messages she sent to Mr Meadows appeared to reveal her as believing the effort to overturn the election was a battle of good versus evil, regardless of who had won the most votes.

Ginni used to be anti-cult and pro-freedom, and the fact she was sending those messages seemed very culty, Dr Hassan told The Independent.

I think someone is unduly influencing Ginni Thomas to believe those things.

After the 1986 meeting, Ms Thomas continued to be active in cult awareness networks for years, and Dr Hassan met her again at another survivors meeting in 1992.

Steven Hassan left the Moonies aged 22, and has since become a leading expert on cults and mind control (Supplied)

Dr Hassan says that once a person has been indoctrinated into an authoritarian group, they are much more susceptible to falling prey to one again.

When somebody leaves a cult because they realise that group is bad, but havent understood the psychological processes they were subjected to, and been able to digest them and undo them, then its difficult for them to truly change.

He said there seemed to be something missing in Ms Thomass rehabilitation out of the cult.

Dr Hassans 2019 book The Cult of Trump found strong parallels between the former presidents tactics and notorious leaders like Jim Jones, David Koresh and L Ron Hubbard.

The lying, the need for absolute loyalty, the us vs them and framing of the next election as an apocalyptic battle bore all the hallmarks of a destructive cult. What has changed since the era of the Moonies, Lifespring, the Jonestown massacre and Waco is technology: the internet, smartphones, social media, and AI.

Or as Dr Hassan puts it, the tools of psychological warfare.

Jim Jones, leader of the Peoples Temple cult, who ordered the deaths of more than 900 followers in 1978 (AP/words by Adam Lusher)

And then the pandemic made us all isolate where people were spending even more time online, and our minds can be bent, he said.

This is the feature of being human, we can learn wrong things and believe that theyre true.

In the mind of someone in a mind control cult they cant imagine leaving and being happy and fulfilled.

Ms Thomas has spoken of having a staunchly Christian conservative upbringing in Nebraska.

Ginni and Clarence Thomas were married in 1987, the year after she was filmed discussing her departure from Lifespring. She supported her husband through his bruising Supreme Court confirmation hearings in 1991 when he was credibly accused of sexual harassment by Anita Hill.

Clarence Thomas forged a reputation as a staunchly ideological Supreme Court justice, often staking out positions on abortion, voting rights and healthcare far to the right of his colleagues.

At the same time, Ginni Thomas would often lobby and advise conservative groups who were bringing cases before the court through her firm, Liberty Consulting.

Supreme Court justice Clarence Thomas (AP)

Justice Thomas was also the sole dissenting vote in the courts January decision that rejected Mr Trumps bid to withhold documents from the 6 January panel.

They have referred to each other as best friends, and said they share every aspect of each others lives.

Dr Hassan says its almost impossible to believe that Justice Thomas doesnt share her beliefs that the election was stolen.

I think that based on their history, they were always enmeshed, he said.

There are people who are puppeteers of Trump, and then there are different cults that are his base. It seems to me that Clarence and Ginni are part of this religious Christian-right group.

He thinks there is sufficient evidence for an impeachment hearing for Justice Thomas, a call echoed by legal scholars and Democrats.

Dr Hassan said the public hearings held by the January 6 House Committee hearings present an opportunity to pierce the bubbles of some who have been indoctrinated into the Cult of Trump.

The committee claimed that Mr Trumps presidential campaign raised $250 million from supporters by telling them the money would be used to fight voter fraud, but the campaign knew those claims of fraud were bogus and instead diverted the money to his own political organisation.

He said it was important to be non-judgmental and allow space for those who might be questioning their support for the former president, and that no one  including Ginni Thomas  was beyond saving.

Im not willing to write her off, and I dont like to hear people call her crazy or stupid either, he told The Independent.

Dr Hassan said there were many factors that went into someone being at risk of falling prey to cultish leanings, including their upbringing, age, social and information networks.

Dr Hassan says laws surrounding cults are woefully out of date, and it was time to put in place a legal framework to combat uninformed consent.

He wants to see congressional hearings with panels made up of social psychologists, attorneys and Christian ministers to debate the problem.

It would be a way to create a public dialogue internationally to say this technology on how to manipulate minds exists, and we need regulation, we need to hold bad actors accountable.

The pimps, the traffickers who are grooming people and making them slaves, they need to be put in jail.
A police officer was involved in a single-car crash when their cruiser hit a pole in South Windsor early Thursday morning, police said.

The accident happened around 3:15 a.m. Thursday and was unrelated to any call, South Windsor sergeant Mark Cleverdon said in phone interview. The accident shut down Ellington Road near Chapel Road and south of Pleasant Valley School, Cleverdon said.

Cleverdon said the officer went to the hospital as a precaution but is doing OK.

A single lane of traffic was for most of the morning open so buses and traffic were able to access Pleasant Valley, Cleverdon said. Officers were on the scene directing traffic. Eversource and Frontier workers were also on-site.

Ellington Road was reopened just before 11 a.m. Thursday.

The cause of the crash is under investigation by the traffic unit of the South Windsor Police Department, according to police.
STORY: Fervent devotees braved temperatures of up to 39 degrees Celsius (102.2F) to catch a glimpse of a Jesus effigy as it was carried on the shoulders of worshippers in a procession beginning at Toledos cathedral.

Souvenir shop owner Julio Alonso shared a local saying about the heat during the Catholic celebration in the city: "there are three Thursdays that are brighter than the sun, holy Thursday, Corpus Christi and Ascension Day."

"We have to bear with it, you have to live it. It is always warm," the 58-year-old businessman added, while holding a sword up in the air to pay his respect to the procession.

Corpus Christi celebrates the belief in the presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Communion - bread and wine representing Christ's body and blood - and takes place the Thursday after Trinity Sunday.
Not good. That's how the president of the nurses' union describes the state of contract negotiations with the University of Vermont Medical Center, which began on April 6.

"I don't want to say we're at a stalemate, but we're not making any progress right now," Deb Snell said.

Dr. Stephen Leffler, president and chief operating officer of UVM Medical Center, said he believed both sides are working in "good faith" to complete a contract.

"I want people to know how much we respect our nurses and how thankful we are for their amazing work over the past two and a half years," Leffler added. "We are committed to getting a fair contract done within the realities we are facing right now."

Dr. Stephen Leffler, president and chief operating officer of UVM Medical Center, as seen in March 2020.

Leffler said those realities include an anticipated loss of more than $40 million in fiscal 2022, ending Sept. 30. The hospital has been hit with a number of financial challenges in the past two years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a crippling cyberattack and most recently, record-setting inflation.

The two sides have had seven negotiating sessions already. Two more are planned  on Wednesday, June 15, and on June 22 with a federal mediator in attendance. Snell said there's the potential for an additional session on June 29, if there's no agreement on the 22nd.

Contract talks sticking point

The sticking point this time is not wages, as it was in 2018 when nurses went on an unprecedented two-day strike before accepting a 16% pay raise over three years. The nurses accepted a wage proposal from the hospital in February in advance of their contract expiring this summer.

The proposal increased nurse salaries by 10% immediately, with an additional 5% increase coming in October, and another 5% increase in October 2023, for a total increase of 20%. The agreement also included $5,000 bonuses for all technical employees, excluding imaging techs, who signed a side letter agreement with wage increases.

On Tuesday, Snell said those increases have not made much of a difference in recruiting new staff, which is critical to improving working conditions. She said the hospital is short about 300 nurses. But the union still agreed to keep wages off the table in the current negotiations.

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A nurse at the University of Vermont Medical Center Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU) puts on PPE before entering the room of a COVID-19 positive child receiving care on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021.

"People are still leaving pretty much at the same rate they're coming," Snell said. "It's not like all of a sudden we got hundreds of applications and we're turning people away."

In the end, Snell said, the 20% increase "helped make up for being severely behind" on wages, but hasn't made a huge difference either in the nurses' morale or how they're feeling about the hospital. Take vacation time, for example, one of the sticking points in the current negotiations.

"I've been at the hospital 23 years," Snell said. "There have been no changes to the amount of vacation time you can accrue once you hit a certain point."

Earlier this yearInflation hits Vermont hospitals, who make unusual mid-year request for higher budgets

On top of that, Snell said, nurses often are unable to use the vacation time they have because of staffing shortages at the hospital.

"Nurses are still getting anywhere between two to six phone calls a day, asking them to work anywhere in the hospital, we need you," Snell said.

Leffler said the hospital has put all the resources it can into raising wages for its nurses, which is reflected in the wage proposal the union accepted in February.

Emergency Department security

Another sticking point is a $12 an hour increase the union wants for nurses working in the emergency department, who are being subjected to verbal and physical abuse. Snell said the union wants the differential to be paid until the hospital improves the security situation in the ED. She said a metal detector for the ED is "collecting dust," because the hospital hasn't found anyone to run it. Nurses also want a police officer or "highly trained" security personnel in the ED, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"We're talking broken jaws, concussions, career-ending injuries," Snell said. "This has been going on forever, but has definitely gotten worse with the mental health crisis. Patients are stuck in a tiny room (in the ED) for 22 hours, waiting for a bed somewhere."

Leffler, who is an emergency physician, said the hospital is "100% committed" to making the emergency department as safe as it can be. He said the hospital has contacted multiple area police departments and private security agencies to find staffing for the metal detector, but has so far been unsuccessful.

"All of them are staffing challenged and don't have manpower even for a short-term contract to start up the (metal detector)," Leffler said. "I am confident that we will resolve that and make our ED as safe as possible."

Part of AFT VermontCommunity Health Centers of Burlington support staff unionizes without a fight

Snell said the hospital has budgeted $1.3 million for pay increases for charge nurses and training nurses on its own staff, and $34 million for traveling nurses, the itinerant nurses many hospitals rely on to fill gaps in staffing. UVM Medical Center has about 300 travel nurses, according to Snell, which hospital administrators would rather replace with staff nurses.

"I hope the hospital will realize they need to invest a little more in their staff if they really want to figure out a way to move off of travelers," Snell said. "This is the way to do it. Invest in staff, increase morale and give people a reason to want to come to work."

Leffler responded by pointing out the hospital is increasing nurses' salaries by $64.7 million over two and a half years as a result of the wage proposal accepted in February.

"It's also important to know we're going to have paid out $8.8 million in fiscal 2022 that wasn't budgeted," Leffler said. "We started the nursing wages contract early, way before the current contract expired for recruitment (purposes)."

Leffler said the average annualized salary for a Nurse II  the largest group of nurses at the hospital  working a 40-hour week will be $87,000 and will increase by 5% in October 2023 and another 5% in October 2024.

Contact Dan DAmbrosio at 802-660-1841 or ddambrosio@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanDambrosioVT. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: UVM Medical Center nurses still negotiating contract
CiydemImages / iStock.com

Before the 2020 presidential election, The New York Times released a bombshell report on Donald Trump's tax records -- claiming that he paid no federal income taxes in 11 of the past 18 years. According to the report, he did pay income taxes in 2016 and 2017 -- in the amount of $750 each year.

See: 9 Bills You Should Never Put on Autopay

Find Out: 22 Side Gigs That Can Make You Richer Than a Full-Time Job

Trump questioned the accuracy of the Times report in a Sept. 28, 2020, tweet: "I paid many millions of dollars in taxes but was entitled, like everyone else, to depreciation & tax credits."

More recently, nonprofit newsroom ProPublica stacked more evidence against America's wealthy elite, revealing that between 2014 and 2018, the United States' 25 wealthiest individuals got $401 billion richer -- but the income taxes they paid covered only 3.4% of their new net worth.

Trump and many other wealthy individuals have taken advantage of some of the tax loopholes that can reduce their yearly tax burden. Find out what you might be able to write off to save more.

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1. Claim Depreciation

In his tweet, Trump calls out depreciation as a means of reducing his tax burden. So what exactly is it?

"For federal income tax purposes, depreciation is a deduction that allows you to recover the cost or other basis of certain property," tax expert Kelly Phillips Erb wrote in a post for Forbes. "It can be tricky but generally, you begin to depreciate your property when you place it in service for the first time. The IRS considers property 'placed in service' when it is ready and available for use, not when you actually begin using it. (...) You depreciate the cost of the item over its useful life (based on the kind of property) unless an exception applies."

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How To Get the Deduction

Depreciation can be claimed for both tangible and intangible property. Property that may be eligible for this deduction includes buildings, rental properties, machines, cars and trucks, furnishings, equipment, patents, copyrights and some kinds of software, according to TaxGirl.com. To qualify for the deduction, the property must meet three requirements:

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It's used for a business or income-producing activity.

You own the property.

It has a determinable "useful life" of more than one year.

Depreciation claims are made in section 179 of your federal tax returns. For the tax year 2020, the maximum expense deduction was $1,040,000. In 2022, it stands at $1,150,000.

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2. Deduct Business Expenses

If you run a business, you might reap big tax benefits. Business owners who are filing taxes can claim potential tax deductions for some business expenses, including those tied to:

Travel

Vehicle

Office supplies

Work-related education expenses

A home office

Not every venture qualifies as a business entitled to such tax write-offs, however. To qualify, you must intend to try to make a profit in your business rather than engaging in what the IRS considers to be merely a "hobby."

However, sometimes the lines are blurred between business and personal expenses. For example, Trump has claimed residences, aircraft and $70,000 in hairstyling for television as business expenses on his tax returns, according to The New York Times. Among these residences is his family's Seven Springs estate in Westchester County, New York, which Trump has classified as an investment property, enabling him to write off $2.2 million in property taxes since 2014.

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How To Get the Deduction

How do you distinguish between a hobby that produces some income and a bona fide business? The IRS considers many factors that can be found on the organization's website. A few of them include:

Whether you carry on the activity in a businesslike manner

Whether the time and effort you put into the activity indicate you intend to make it profitable

Whether you depend on income from the activity for your livelihood

Ridofranz / Getty Images/iStockphoto

3. Hire Your Kids

Business owners who turn their venture into a "family affair" can put more money back into their pockets. For example, hiring your kids offers potential tax benefits.

According to the IRS: "Payments for the services of a child under age 18 who works for his or her parent in a trade or business are not subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes if the trade or business is a sole proprietorship or a partnership in which each partner is a parent of the child."

It can also help lower taxable profits. For example, Trump hired an unnamed consultant to aid with hotel projects in Hawaii and Vancouver, British Columbia. The amount paid to this consultant was identical to a payment Ivanka Trump received through her consulting company that year, The New York Times reported. These consulting fees reduced Trump's taxes because he was able to write them off as a business expense, lowering the amount of the final profit subject to tax.

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How To Get the Deduction

Instead of paying high taxes on your business income, transfer some of that income to your child as wages for services they perform. Your child's work must be "legitimate," however, and the salary must be "reasonable," said Gail Rosen, a Martinsville, New Jersey-based certified public accountant.

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4. Roll Forward Business Losses

Trump claimed a total of $1.4 billion in losses from his core businesses for 2008 and 2009, The New York Times reported. By rolling forward these losses, Trump was able to later claim a $72.9 million tax refund. How exactly this all works is a little complicated.

"Business losses are sometimes called net operating losses (NOL)," Phillips Erb wrote in the Forbes post. "An NOL generally results when your tax deductions exceed your taxable income. If that number is negative in one year -- but has been positive in other years resulting in tax payable -- that doesn't quite seem fair. The NOL exists so that you can balance that inequity. In other words, you can use the loss in one year to lower your taxable income and reduce your tax burden in another year."

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How To Get the Deduction

"Under existing tax laws, if you have an NOL, you first carry back the entire NOL amount for a number of years and if you still have an NOL remaining after you carry those losses back, you can carry the losses forward," Phillips Erb wrote. "You can also opt not to carry back an NOL and only carry it forward for up to 20 years. A carry forward means that you can apply the loss towards your income in a future year."

Trump was able to carry his losses back four years, which allowed him to recover taxes he paid when his business ventures -- including "The Apprentice" -- were profitable.

"By piling on losses (the legitimacy of which may be in question), he was able to generate a tax refund of $72.9 million (tax paid for 2005 through 2008, plus interest)," Phillips Erb explained.

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5. Earn Income From Investments, Not Your Job

Instead of working for their money, wealthy people can make their money work for them, said Pompano Beach, Florida-based accountant Eric J. Nisall, founder of AccountLancer, which specializes in accounting for freelancers.

Investments that offer distributions such as real estate investment trusts (REITs) and master limited partnerships (MLPs) are set up in ways that can bring in a steady generated income. Invest in stocks or invest in real estate by purchasing rental properties. Remember you'll have to make significant upfront investments before you start seeing returns.

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How To Get the Deduction

The tax on earned income can be as high as 37%. Invest in high-yielding dividend stocks and collect dividends that the companies pay at regular intervals. Later, you can sell the stock after it has appreciated and pay a relatively low capital gains tax rate. Depending on how much was earned in a particular year, long-term capital gains tax rates are 0%, 15% and 20% for 2022.

If you own property that you rent out as a landlord, you'll be able to deduct your property taxes. Remember, though, you have to find tenants who will pay the rent on time and won't trash your property. Urgent repairs and periodic improvements can be costly, as well.

karamysh / Shutterstock.com

6. Sell Real Estate You Inherit

If you inherit a piece of property, you can minimize the capital gains taxes by taking advantage of the "step-up in basis." Normally, if you buy a piece of land for $200,000 and then sell that land for $450,000, you'll owe tax on that $250,000 gain. However, if your parents purchase the land for $200,000 and you inherit it, your new basis will be the fair market value of the property at the time you inherit it. If you sell it immediately, you won't owe any tax at all on that $250,000 gain.

kupicoo / Getty Images

How To Get the Deduction

The stepped-up basis is an automatic process that happens to all property that passes by way of inheritance. For tax purposes, it's like you're starting over, purchasing the property anew at the current price.

In the previous example, if you inherit the property from your parents when they die, you won't be liable to pay capital gains tax on the $250,000 increase in the property's value when you sell it using the step-up basis. Make sure your parents don't give the property to you before they die, however. If they do, they'll owe hefty taxes during their lifetime, and any financial benefit to you will be vastly diminished.

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7. Buy Whole Life Insurance

You ordinarily associate life insurance policies with the need to provide for your dependents if you die. A secret strategy that the wealthy take advantage of is buying whole life insurance, however. It's a combination of an insurance policy and an investment account.

monkeybusinessimages / Getty Images/iStockphoto

How To Get the Deduction

You can receive tax-deferred growth as your policy grows. It's also possible to receive tax-free distributions under certain conditions.

The double benefit is that the wealthy policy owner gets this tax break during their lifetime. After their death, the amount of the policy benefit goes directly to the lucky beneficiary they named, who receives it tax-free.

Consult a qualified and experienced financial planner or insurance agent. Also, consult an expert to find out if whole life insurance is right for you. Some experts believe it's a bad investment, partly because of the expensive fees.

IM_photo / Shutterstock.com

8. Buy a Yacht or Second Home

Most Americans don't have the cash to buy a boat or a second home. But having multiple residences can lessen a rich person's tax bill.

jacoblund / Getty Images/iStockphoto

How To Get the Deduction

If you own a home and itemize your deductions on your tax return, you can usually deduct the property taxes and the interest you pay on the mortgage -- though there is an upper limit of $10,000 that taxpayers are allowed to deduct for property taxes. If you buy a second home, you can deduct the taxes and mortgage interest on that property, as well.

The IRS notes that a yacht can qualify as a home, provided it includes sleeping quarters, a kitchen and a toilet. This strategy probably isn't practical for those who can't afford a second home -- particularly an expensive one that floats. But even if you own just one home, you should learn about the tax breaks for homeowners.

dusanpetkovic / Getty Images/iStockphoto

9. Open an HSA

A health savings account is a tax-deferred account that was originally designed for healthcare expenses. However, when used properly, the account can become triple tax-free.

For starters, contributions to an HSA are tax-deductible, even if you don't itemize deductions. Next, earnings in the account grow tax-free.

Finally, distributions are tax-free if they are used for qualifying healthcare expenses, according to the same requirements as deductible medical and dental expenses on Schedule A. Distributions for nonhealthcare expenses generally trigger a 20% penalty.

There's one additional kicker that the rich and tax-savvy can also use to their advantage: After you turn age 65, you can withdraw your HSA money for any purpose at all without penalty, although you'll still owe ordinary income tax if you spend the money on nonhealth expenses.

PeopleImages / iStock.com

How To Get the Deduction

You can get the HSA deduction by opening an HSA and making contributions. HSAs are not available to all taxpayers; you must participate in a high-deductible medical insurance plan. Contributions are limited to $3,650 for individuals in the tax year 2022, or $7,300 for family coverage.

Report your HSA contributions, calculate your deduction, report distributions and figure your HSA taxes and penalties on Form 8889.

Tempura / Getty Images

10. Open a Solo 401(k) Plan

Most employees for larger corporations have heard of a 401(k) plan, which allows for tax-deductible contributions and tax-deferred growth of investment earnings. Those who contribute may be familiar with the annual contribution limit, which is $20,500 for the tax year 2022.

If you work for yourself, you may think that you're out of luck when it comes to contributing to a 401(k). The truth is if you're self-employed, you should consider it a stroke of good fortune. Individuals can open up their own solo 401(k) plans, and they can also contribute up to a whopping $61,000.

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How To Get the Deduction

You'll have to set up a solo 401(k) plan at a bank or brokerage account to get started. When you file your taxes, submit IRS Form 5500 to report your contributions.

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11. Defer Income

You only pay taxes on the amount of income that you receive in any given year. Even if you complete work and are entitled to payment, if you don't actually receive the payment until the following year, you won't owe taxes on it until then. Thus, if you can defer receiving income even a single day, from Dec. 31 until Jan. 1 of the following year, you can wait another full year before you have to pay tax on it.

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How To Get the Deduction

This is probably the easiest "deduction" of all to claim. When you defer income into a future year, you simply don't include it in a given year's income tax filing.

For example, if you're due a bonus on Dec. 31 but ask your employer to pay it on Jan. 1 instead, you simply include that income on your following year's tax return.

RichVintage / Getty Images/iStockphoto

12. Harvest Tax Losses

U.S tax law states that you have to pay capital gains tax on profits you take in taxable accounts. Worse still, if your gains are short-term in nature, meaning you held them for one year or less, you'll have to pay tax at your ordinary income tax rate. If you're in the top federal tax bracket, that means you'll owe 37% in federal tax alone on your short-term gains, according to the standards from tax year 2022.

The smart away around this short-term gains tax is to harvest your capital losses to offset those gains.

vgajic / Getty Images

How To Get the Deduction

If you have any investments trading at a loss, you can sell them, realize those losses and use them to offset your capital gains. If your losses exceed your gains, you can even write off up to $3,000 of ordinary income using those losses. In this way, a paper loss on security can translate into thousands of dollars in tax savings if you use it to offset your gains.

You'll have to report your capital transactions on Form 8949 before summarizing your capital gains and deductible losses on Schedule D.

The wealthy might try to keep these and other tax strategies as their secrets. But, if used correctly, these tax breaks and tax loopholes can benefit everyone else in cutting state and federal taxes.

More From GOBankingRates

Gabrielle Olya contributed to the reporting for this article.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Tax Tricks and Loopholes Only the Rich Know
Latino Democrats in the House of Representatives are sounding the alarm after Republican Mayra Flores won a South Texas seat held almost exclusively by Democrats for more than 100 years on Tuesday.

Florez decisively defeated Democrat Dan Sanchez in a Tuesday runoff election that Republicans say is indicative of a new trend for Latino voters, while Democrats argue the election was just a fluke. Nevertheless, many Latino Democrats say their party has taken their voters for granted for too long.

"The DCCC needs to sit down and look at South Texas seriously," Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, told Politico on Thursday. "I dont think its a political realignment, but this should send a message to the DCCC... You cant take Hispanics for granted, which they always do."

KELLYANNE CONWAY ON MAYRA FLORES' TEXAS WIN: DEMOCRATS SHOULD HAVE SEEN THIS COMING

Rep. Vicente Gonzalez attends a House Financial Services Committee hearing, Feb. 27, 2018. Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call/ Getty Images

Republican Mayra Flores and Democrat Dan Sanchez faced off in a special election on Tuesday to represent the 34th Congressional District in Texas. Bill Clark, CQ-Roll Call Inc | Dan Sanchez campaign

RONNA MCDANIEL ON KILMEADE SHOW: MAYRA FLORES' WIN SHOULD HAVE DEMOCRATS 'VERY, VERY WORRIED'

"I hope the [Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee] learns their lesson with this before it happens across the country," Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, said. "They have just forgotten about the Brown people on the border. And thats basically what it is. Im not going to try to sugarcoat it anymore. They are taking Latinos in South Texas for granted."

Republicans are also capitalizing on Flores' win, arguing it is just further evidence that the party is making headway with Latino voters after former President Donald Trump received historic support from the demographic in 2020.

"It's a precursor of things that we think are to come in Hispanic communities across the country," Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel told Fox News on Thursday. "Democrats should be very, very worried about what we're seeing with Hispanic voters."

Some Democrats argue that Republican spending on Flores' race was effort wasted on a merely symbolic victory, however. While Flores is now headed to Washington to represent Texas' 34th Congressional District, that district has been redrawn to further favor Democrats in the November election.

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Flores defeated Sanchez in a version of the 34th District that President Joe Biden carried by four points in 2020, but the new Republican-drawn version would have favored Biden by 15 points.

"Look, I think the Republicans spent millions of dollars to win a seat thats going away. Were going to win this seat when it matters," Rep. Sean Maloney, D-N.Y., who also serves as chair of the DCCC, told Politico. "You never like to lose, and I understand why people were upset by that. I think Republicans burned a lot of money, and were going to end up with that seat."

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS

While Flores is settling into her office now, she will soon face an election against Gonzalez in November to determine the fate of the new 34th District.
UN chief urges protection, promotion of women's rights amid proliferating crises

Xinhua) 08:40, June 16, 2022

Photo taken on June 15, 2022 shows the Security Council ministerial-level open debate on women, peace and security at the UN Headquarters in New York. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday urged the international community to protect and promote women's rights amid "proliferating crises." (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, June 15 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday urged the international community to protect and promote women's rights amid "proliferating crises."

"At this time of proliferating crises, the international community must pursue proven strategies for peace and stability. Protecting and promoting women's rights is such a strategy," the UN chief told the Security Council ministerial-level open debate on women, peace and security.

The Women, Peace and Security agenda is "one of our best hopes" for a more peaceful future and a livable planet, Guterres said, highlighting the positive role regional organizations have played in protecting and advancing the key agenda.

In spite of the fact that gender equality offers a path to sustainable peace and conflict prevention, the UN chief said the world is moving in the opposite direction.

"Today's conflicts are amplifying gender inequality, poverty, climate disruptions, and other forms of inequality," he said, noting how women and girls are disproportionately affected by violence, as well as the effects of these cascading crises.

Despite these factors, the number of girls out of school and without prospects of financial independence continues to rise, as do the numbers of women and girls experiencing violence in their homes.

"Misogyny and authoritarianism are mutually reinforcing, and are antithetical to stable, prosperous societies," he said, reminding that "women's equality is a question of power."

As in Afghanistan, Mali, and Sudan, entrenched conflicts and deadlocks highlight enduring power imbalances.

"In all these conflicts we have men in power and women excluded, their rights and freedoms deliberately targeted," the secretary-general said.

A neighboring country or regional organization can make a significant difference when a conflict breaks out, he noted.

As such, Guterres expressed his appreciation for UN collaboration with the European Union, the African Union (AU), the League of Arab States and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe - all of which participated in Wednesday's debate.

The secretary-general gave the example of the UN-AU and regional Intergovernmental Authority on Development partnership, in Sudan, to steer the political process back to an agreed and legitimate constitutional order, aiming to ensure that at least 40 percent of participants are women.

Through its peacebuilding and political missions around the world, the UN supports women peacebuilders and civil society organizations, including by supporting survivors of sexual violence and investing in partnerships with local women leaders and peacebuilders, and by increasing the number of women personnel at all levels.

"Supporting survivors of sexual violence as well as women peacebuilders and activists is key," he said. "The evidence is growing by the year that securing women's rights, including their right to equal participation at all levels, is essential to building and maintaining peace."

In addition, there needs to be full gender equality - including through quotas - across election monitoring, reforms in the security sector, and disarmament, demobilization, and the justice system.

Despite the evidence, "the Women, Peace and Security agenda continues to be challenged and even reversed around the world," said the UN chief, urging all member states to reflect on the fact that, despite consistent agreement on the value of women at the peace table, "there is still a huge gap in their participation, and in the implementation of promises made for their protection, human rights and dignity."

"I encourage you to commit to increasing support to women's civil society, conflict prevention and peacebuilding work," he concluded.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (C) addresses the Security Council ministerial-level open debate on women, peace and security at the UN Headquarters in New York, June 15, 2022. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday urged the international community to protect and promote women's rights amid "proliferating crises." (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
Don't miss CoinDesk's Consensus 2022, the must-attend crypto & blockchain festival experience of the year in Austin, TX this June 9-12.

Several U.S. states including Texas and Alabama are investigating Celsius Networks decision to halt customer withdrawals.

On June 12, the crypto lending platform published a blog post announcing that it would pause withdrawals, as well as its swap and transfer products, citing extreme market conditions. Rumors of the companys insolvency spread quickly across social media, sparking panic and sell-offs in the markets.

Joe Rotunda, the director of enforcement at the Texas State Securities Board (TSSB) , told CoinDesk that his team learned of the account freeze through social media and met early on Monday morning to begin the investigation.

I am very concerned that clients  including many retail investors  may need to immediately access their assets yet are unable to withdraw from their accounts, Rotunda said to Reuters. The inability to access their investment may result in significant financial consequences.

Joe Borg, the director of the Alabama Securities Commission, told CoinDesk he sees the investigation into Celsius freezing of customer accounts as a new wrinkle in an ongoing investigation.

Weve been working with Celsius for a while, Borg told CoinDesk. Weve asked for lots more information, and theyre providing it.

Well continue the investigation as to the company and whether or not were going to do the BlockFi model  whether theyre capable of it, Borg added, referencing BlockFis $100 million settlement agreement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and 32 states reached in February.

This is not Celsius first brush with Texas state securities regulators, who began looking into the platforms crypto interest accounts  which advertised returns of up to 17%  last September.

Other states  including New Jersey, which filed a cease-and-desist order against Celsius  quickly followed suit.

The investigations of Celsius are mirrored by ongoing state-level investigations of the lending platforms competitors, including BlockFi and Voyager.

UPDATE (16:40 UST): Adds comments from the director of the Alabama Securities Commission.
Officials are fighting to save a lone tree on an uninhabited island in Thailand that has been severely damaged by a surge of tourists climbing the tree for selfies.

Located on the Koh Khai Hua Roh islet in Trat province, Thailand, the taban tree (Xylocarpus rumphii) was discovered to have been severely damaged upon inspection on Tuesday. Local authorities reported that several branches had broken off the tree and a large root showed signs of having been repeatedly trampled on.

The director of maintenance at the Koh Mak Tambon Administrative Organization, Lertrob Saithongpu, explained that the tree trunk bent much more than before the location became a popular tourist attraction, reported The Nation.

After a tourists Facebook post compared the tree to an island in a popular Thai comic book called Khai Hua Roh, the tree began suffering from overtourism despite the locations limit of five visitors at a time.

More from NextShark: 'Be ready to kill': Open calls for genocide against Indian religious minorities ramp up

Local administrations are now working to protect the tree by implementing a restricted number of visitors to the island as well as limiting entry to certain seasons of the year. A conservation campaign will also be launched to raise awareness among tourists.

Featured Image via Tourism Authority of Thailand

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SheKnows

Elizabeth Hurley is roaring into the summer season with her latest bikini looks from her swimsuit line. Shes also reminding all of us to take a little time for ourselves over the warmer months to enjoy a bike ride, a day at the beach, or whatever makes us step away from our laptops to relax. []
A top Republican senator on Thursday pushed back hard against calls from Biden administration health officials for more funding to fight COVID-19, saying that he will be a roadblock until the officials provide sufficient justification that the money is needed.

The comments from Sen. Richard Burr (N.C.), the top Republican on the Senate Health Committee, illustrate how hard it will be for the Biden administrations COVID-19 funding request to get through Congress, despite health officials dire warnings that the money is needed to have enough updated vaccines for all Americans this fall, among other things.

Ill continue to be a roadblock for those who believe that we can blindly just appropriate emergency money, borrow it from the Chinese, and spend it on something that none of us have a clue as to what the plan is, Burr said during a hearing in front of the Senate Health Committee.

Referring to health officials calls for funding, Burr said: This was designed to pressure Republicans to open a checkbook, sign the check, and let the administration fill in the balance, with no detail on how, when, for what.

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf said people could die unnecessarily without new funding if they cannot get access to updated vaccines and treatments.

To me the most important thing that will happen is people will die or be hospitalized or experience long COVID for days to months to maybe a lifetime unnecessarily if they dont have access to the latest vaccines and antivirals, Califf said.

The White House has been calling for months for Congress to pass $22.5 billion in additional funding to fight COVID-19, saying the money is needed to have enough updated vaccines that better target the omicron variant for all Americans this fall, as well as more treatments and tests.

The White House pushed back on Burrs contention that it had not provided a plan for the spending, pointing to a 97-page document that it released in March.

Story continues

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), who had previously negotiated with Democrats over the funding, reacted angrily to the administrations move last week to shift some money to buying more vaccines and treatments.

Romney called it unacceptable that the administration had previously said it was unable to buy more vaccines and treatments without new money from Congress, only to later shift money to do so.

Romney said he would not have worked so hard with Democrats to try to reach a deal for new dollars had I been told that in fact they werent necessary.

Dawn OConnell, a Department of Health and Human Services official, tried to explain the decision last week to transfer funds.

Making the decision to spend this money, taking it away from critical programs, is absolutely difficult and its something we didnt think was acceptable, she said. Were now at a point because Congress has not given us additional funding that weve had to do these things that are unacceptable.

The administration says it had to cut funds from important areas like testing capacity and research on improved vaccines in order to fund the near-term purchase of more vaccines and treatments. Even with the transfer, it warns there will not be enough updated vaccines for all Americans this fall without new money from Congress.

Democratic leaders have also not said what the path forward for COVID-19 funding is. Republicans have demanded a vote on maintaining a Trump-era policy at the southern border known as Title 42 as part of any funding deal, which Democrats have so far been unwilling to give.

Asked on Tuesday about the path for COVID-19 funding, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said the Senate is waiting for the House to act first.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and a city filled with a diverse culture that lends to its growing tourism industry.

Known for its beautiful beaches and colorful buildings, the coastal city offers some of the best views in the world.

Things to see and do in Lisbon

Tourists flock to the city to take part in its many recreational activities like sailing, kayaking, and delicious food and beverage tastings. For a taste of Lisbons history, visitors can peruse the Fado Museum. There, they can learn about the history of fado music and even take a guitar class where an instructor will teach them the basics of the unique fado sound.

The trams in Lisbon are a common way for locals to move around the Portuguese capital while avoiding its steep hills. Tourists can hop on the iconic Tram 28E that takes riders to various tourist attractions, from the Museum of Decorative Arts to the Assembly of the Republic.

Dining

Lisbon is home to a number of local restaurants and cafes like the Michelin-star eatery, Feitoria, or A Valenciana, a fan favorite that serves Portuguese Piri-Piri chicken. Dont forget to finish your meal on a sweet note with a pasteis de belem, a Portuguese custard tart.

Also, its vibrant nightlife includes several bars and nightclubs that serve ginjinha, a popular liqueur typically served with a piece of fruit.

As the largest city in Portugal, Lisbon may seem challenging to fully cover with limited time. But if youre short on time, you can still maximize your visit to the coastal city with a smart Lisbon itinerary. The city offers several guided tours to travelers who want to quickly explore the city, from walking tours to boat tours. Lets take a look at six things to see and do with one day in Lisbon:

Jeronimos Monastery

Vanessa Deidda/UnSplash

The Jeronimos Monastery is one of the most visited destinations in Lisbon. Construction on the sacred building dates as far back as 1501, making it a treasured historic landmark.

The monastery was once home to the Hieronymite monks, who dedicated themselves to fervent prayer and worship on behalf of the country. Now, visitors can explore its interior, including its beautifully carved columns and a monumental statue of Henry the Navigator.

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Inside its cloister is the tomb of the famous writer Fernando Pessoa. And the church of Santa Maria sits directly above it.

Tourists can learn more about the monastery by viewing one of its decorated walls that celebrate its history. And within close proximity to the site is Belem Tower, an enormous fort that once protected the city from enemy raids.

Rossio Square

Alex Paganelli/UnSplash

Rossio Square is a lively city square where many people visit to shop, dine, or relax. Located in the citys center, the site is always teeming with busy locals and tourists.

There are a number of historical buildings and monuments at the site. In its center is a nearly 90-foot monument that pays homage to the countrys late king, Pedro IV. Also in the square is the Rossio train station, which is the best way to navigate the city in a short amount of time.

There are also plenty of places to dine in Rossio Square. One of the more popular eateries is Cafe Nicola, which serves authentic Portuguese meals and desserts. Its also the restaurant where famed poet Manuel Maria Barbosa du Bocage would frequently meet with friends. In addition, musicians often stop by the restaurant to serenade diners with traditional Fado music, making it the perfect place to get an authentic glimpse into Lisbons history.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

The perfect place for romance, Miradouro de Santa Luzia is a romantic terrace thats located right beside the church of Santa Luzia. Visitors can take in the spectacular views of Alfama city, including its many historical buildings that overlook a clear, blue ocean.

Many guests like to read a book on one of its benches or watch the boats and cruises float along the water. Theres also an on-site cafe that serves delicious local foods and beverages to hungry customers. But one of the sites main attractions is its beautiful, decorative tiles that paint a picture of old Lisbon.

Pena Palace

Mark Lawson/UnSplash

Built in 1854, Pena Palace is a famous castle on a hill in Sintra. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace is the best place to sit in the lap of luxury.

Tourists marvel at its different architectural elements, including Neo-Manueline, Neo-Moorish, and Indo-Gothic influences. The castles interior is just as beautiful, with its intricately painted walls and stunning vintage decor.

The royal palace is also home to Pena Park, a natural oasis for outdoor lovers. Its a great place to experience the sights and sounds of nature, from its sparkling lakes to its secret walkways. The park is filled with lush greenery that include a number of plant and flower species. It also houses an array of exotic trees per the order of King Ferdinand. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy capturing African Succulents and Japanese Cryptomeria in photos.

Alfama District

The Alfama District is another popular tourist destination filled with beautiful homes that line its cobblestone streets. The district is also where tourists can find a number of historical buildings, including Se Cathedral with its ancient, Gothic architectural design.

At the highest point of Alfama is Castelo de Sao Jorge, a castle where many early Portuguese kings ruled. There, visitors can enjoy views of the entire city.

You might hear some traditional Alfaman music during your visit as well. Fado music has a distinct sound that many tourists enjoy. As early sailors went out to sea, the wives they left behind would sing melancholic songs as they awaited their return. Today, the locals sing Fado music to celebrate part of the citys rich history.

Cabo da Roca

Victor Malyushev/UnSplash

Take a day trip to Sintra to visit Cabo da Roca, a beautiful cape on the west coast of the country. There, tourists can take in breathtaking views of the waters and the Sintra mountain range. Until the 14th century, the destination was once believed to be where the world ends. Today, its the site where tourists go to become one with nature.

Part of the magic of Cabo da Roca is that there isnt too much to see and do. The cape is home to a lighthouse, coffee shop, and gift store. The simplicity of the site is what draws tourists to it during the summer months, the best time to visit. Many tourists enjoy hiking the trail around Sintra Natural Park to take in the sunset.
The conservative law school professor advising then-President Donald Trump on his effort to overturn the 2020 election appeared to know his legal theory was bogus, the Jan. 6 committee argued Thursday.

During its third day of hearings, the committee presented evidence that lawyer John Eastman, who publicly championed the theory that former Vice President Mike Pence had the authority to certify fake slates of electors to keep the former president in power, admitted privately that it likely wouldnt stand up in court.

Eastman acknowledged to Pence attorney Greg Jacob that he believed the Supreme Court would likely unanimously strike down the plan, Jacob testified. Eastman seemed to be more confident in an alternate idea for delaying the certification of the election: Pence could send election results back to the states.

Both of those efforts were part of a broader push to stop Congress from certifying the election results  a normally routine procedure that on Jan. 6, 2021, sparked an insurrection. The Jan. 6 committee argued on Thursday that Trump and his allies, Eastman included, spurred on the attack on the Capitol by pushing lies about the election.

The fake elector theory was part of that plot. After Trump lost the 2020 election to now-President Joe Biden, Republicans in seven battleground states devised plans to form alternate slates of electors to help overturn the results.

Eastman told Jacob that if Pence did certify these electors, the Supreme Court would side against him.

[Eastman] initially started, Well, maybe youd only lose 7-2, but ultimately acknowledged that, no, we would lose 9-0. No judge would support his argument, Jacob testified.

That admission could be used to argue that Trumps outside attorney knew he was committing a crime when he pressured the vice president to obstruct the electoral vote count.

The committee also revealed Thursday that Eastman requested a pardon from Trump in the wake of the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

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Ive decided I should be on the pardon list, if that is still in the works, Eastman wrote in an email to Trumps former personal attorney Rudy Giuliani.

Conservative attorney John Eastman and former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani spoke at the rally that preceded the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. (Photo: Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press)

Conservative attorney John Eastman and former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani spoke at the rally that preceded the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. (Photo: Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press)

The committee pointed to a memo by Eastman that argues theres a historical precedent for the vice president to reject states electors, an idea that former federal judge Michael Luttig shot down unequivocally in his testimony.

Luttig, an adviser to Pence, said there was no such precedent for a vice president deciding the outcome of the election.

There was no support whatsoever, either in the Constitution of the United States nor the laws of the United States for the vice president, frankly, ever to count alternative electoral slates from the states that had not been officially certified, Luttig testified.

Jan. 6 committee vice chair Liz Cheney (R.-Wyo.) said Eastman was well aware that there was no precedent for his theory.

This was false, and Dr. Eastman knew it was false, Cheney said. In other words, it was a lie.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
Trump and Pence at a White House event on July 13, 2020. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Trump had a "heated," profanity-laden phone call with Vice President Pence on the morning of Jan. 6.

White House aides told the Jan. 6 panel that Trump called Pence a "wimp" and "the P-word."

"It was a different tone than I'd heard him take with the vice president before," Ivanka Trump testified.

Former White House aides testified to the January 6 committee that former President Donald Trump made a profanity-laden call to then-Vice President Mike Pence on the morning of January 6, 2021.

"The conversation was ... was pretty heated," Trump's eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, told the committee, according to video testimony first released on Thursday. "It was a different tone than I'd heard him take with the vice president before."

Other aides went into further detail about Trump's comments on the call.

"I remember hearing the word 'wimp'. Either he called him a wimp  I don't remember if he said, 'you are a wimp, you'll be a wimp'  wimp is the word I remember," said Nicholas Luna, a former assistant to Trump.

Eric Hershmann, a former Trump campaign lawyer, told the committee that Ivanka Trump was "uncomfortable over the fact that there was obviously that type of interaction between the two of them," referring to the president and vice president.

And Julie Radford, who served as Ivanka's chief of staff, told the committee that Ivanka told her that the president "just had an upsetting conversation with the Vice President" in which he called Pence "the P-word."

Thursday's hearing focused primarily on Trump's efforts to pressure Pence into overturning the 2020 election results. Retired conservative Judge Michael Luttig testified that doing such a thing would've pushed the country into "the first constitutional crisis since the founding of the republic."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Steve Marcus

A prophetic protector has become a political panderer.

Back in December 2016, Sheriff Joe Lombardo of Clark County, Nevada, called for restrictions on high-capacity gun magazines.

Im a very avid hunter, I was in the military myself, and theres no need to have a high-capacity magazine for any practical reason, Lombardo told the Las Vegas Sun.

Ten months later, a gunman on the the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Hotel in Las Vegas with two dozen AR-15-type rifles and hundred or so high-capacity magazines rained bullets on a music festival below, killing 60 and wounding 500.

Prophetic, isnt it? Lombardo told Australias ABC in the aftermath of the slaughter.

But as the Trump-endorsed candidate for governor in this years Republican primary, Lombardo made himself more palatable to the MAGA crowd by saying the question of magazine capacity should be left to the gun industry.

He also came out against the states red flag law. And he actually voiced support for untraceable ghost guns that have law enforcement across the country alarmed.

These Republican Candidates for Governor Are Boosting Trumps Election Lie

At 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Lombardo was declared the winner by a narrow margin. But he had lost the respect of some survivors of the Las Vegas mass shooting who had come to admire him after the slaughter as a figure symbolizing Vegas Strong.

It's horrible, it's disgusting, Marisa Marano told the Daily Beast on Wednesday.

Marisa attended the 2017 Route 91 Harvest Festival with her younger sister, Geena Marano. Marisa threw herself over Geena Marano when the shooting started, shielding her with her body.

Thats what older sisters do, Marisa said.

A person next to them was killed. Three others died where the sisters had been standing before they went to buy deep-fried Oreos. The sisters had risen during a lull in the shooting and Marisa remembers having to step over a woman in a blood-stained white shirt as they fled. They themselves escaped injury, but the physical scars remain. And Marisa is left with the belief that just as she did what older sisters do, our leaders are supposed to protect us from such horrors even if it places themselves at political risk.

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Las Vegas Gunman May Have First Planned to Attack Chance the Rapper and Lorde Concert

Lombardo once seemed such a noble figure and Marisa speaks admiringly of his performance in the days following the shooting, when he was running the investigation. He held regular press briefings, providing the public with reliable facts in the wake of homicidal insanity. He became a star symbolizing Vegas Strong.

Everybody looked to him for the recent updates of everything, Morano said. And to be honest, he did an amazing job with all of that. Thats what's so surprising about this.

The man who became a viable candidate with star power born of the shooting then betrayed the victims in order to win.

Honestly he probably would've had my vote if his views were a little bit different, Marisa said.

A statement of principles on Lombardos campaign websitetitled What Joe Stands Forsays, Joe believes that gun manufacturers design magazine capacities appropriately to maximize safety. Therefore, as governor, Joe would not sign any law restricting manufacturer limits on firearm magazines. To do otherwise would be a violation of the United States Constitution.

When it comes to ghost guns, the site says, Joe supports the right to build a firearm for personal use. Left-wing politicians are working hard to take away our right to create our own guns. As governor, Joe will veto any legislation that takes away that right.

When it comes to the red flag law, which allows the police or family members to petition a judge to confiscate guns from someone exhibiting dangerous behavior, the site says, Joe believes every American has the right to due process and is innocent until proven guilty.

Lombardo is also against restrictions on gun ownership. He does say he is for background checksonly in order to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and those struggling with mental health illness but not as a vehicle for gun control advocates to restrict our Second Amendment rights.

The site notes that Lombardo is a lifetime member of the NRA. He said nothing about guns or magazines after the slaughter of 19 children and two adults in Uvalde, Texas, in May. He just took the standard NRA tack, tweeting that he and his wife, Donna, were grieving the horrific loss of life in Uvalde, Texas today.

Please join us in praying for the families affected and for the entire Uvalde community tonight, he said.

Among the thousands who did more than pray were Marisa and Geena. They joined the Dont Look Away march in Washington.

Basically telling Congress that now is not the time to look away, that we're demanding change, that enough is enough, Marisa said. I feel like everything is falling of deaf ears and Congress needs to do something.

She fears that the survivors of Uvlalde will be haunted by nightmarish memories for the rest of their lives.

Children should not have to go through what my sister and I went through, she said. This is ridiculous.

Marisa, who is 40, said that when she hears of a mass shooting she doesn't want to send her 6-year-old daughter to school. She added that the lasting impact on her also had an effect on the girl..

She is extremely hypervigilant, Marisa said. And the reason why is because I am. The trauma and the gun violence that occurred in my life has now had a direct impact on her. When she hears a loud noise, she goes, Mommy, whats that? She hears fireworks and she goes, What was that?

Lombardo and his spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment. He now faces the Democrat incumbent, Gov. Steven Sisolak, who was in office at the time of the Route 91 massacre and attended some of the briefings where Lombardo seemed so admirable.

Even if he wins, Lombardo will have lost the respect of Marisa and others who were there when the gunfire erupted. And the leader who had once seemed Vegas Strong will just be Vegas Wrong.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Donald Trump waving to supporters on January 20, 2021, in West Palm Beach, Florida. Michael Reaves/Getty Images

The Jan. 6 committee recently drew attention to Donald Trump's postelection fundraising efforts.

Analyzing Trump's presidency, a fascism expert argues he tried to use the office to make money.

The historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat described Trump to Insider as a "dedicated" and talented "grifter."

When looking back on former President Donald Trump's time in office, Ruth Ben-Ghiat sees someone who pursued a unique goal among his predecessors, one requiring extreme discipline and dedication from the unlikely leader.

"Trump's aims as president were totally different from any other president, Republican or Democrat," Ben-Ghiat, a historian at New York University who is an expert on fascism, told Insider. "His aims were autocratic in that he wanted to turn public office into a vessel of making money for himself  to have private profit off of public office."

With the House committee hearings over the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot prompting renewed scrutiny over Trump's final days in office, Ben-Ghiat spoke with Insider's Charles R. Davis about the insurrection, its ongoing aftermath, and the divisive former president at the center of it all.

This week, in the congressional committee's second televised hearing, lawmakers focused on Trump's massive fundraising efforts following the 2020 US presidential election, in which his campaign sent emails to millions of supporters claiming "the left wing mob" was threatening the integrity of the election and encouraging people to "step up" and "fight back" by donating.

Investigators say Trump's lies about voter fraud ultimately resulted in $250 million in donations from Trump supporters following Joe Biden's victory. Most of the money raised ended up in a PAC that made significant contributions to pro-Trump organizations and businesses, the panel said.

"So there was this grift going on," Ben-Ghiat said. "He was extremely disciplined in grifting and in trying to use the presidency to make money."

But Ben-Ghiat said the millions of dollars that Trump was able to pull in from small-level donors shouldn't be all that surprising.

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"The sad thing is that autocrats can be very loved by their followers, and people genuinely love Trump. He has a real personality cult," she said. "But they despise their followers and they use them. And that's where him grifting off of his followers  because he is not grifting off of Democrats, he's grifting off of his followers, he's bilking his own followers."

Ethics experts, journalists, and others have long noted evidence that Trump had a presidential penchant for moneymaking. The Washington Post found in December 2019 that Trump spent nearly a third of his days in his first three years as president at a Trump-branded property.

Trump's business practices have been under scrutiny since before he won the presidency. While campaigning the first time, Trump was facing three lawsuits accusing him of defrauding students of his real-estate training program Trump University; after winning the presidency, he settled the claims for $25 million.

Ben-Ghiat described grifting as Trump's "model."

"And so if someone who is authoritarian-minded comes into power, the economy  our daily life is  is not advantaged," she said. "It's disadvantaged because they are not there for the public welfare. They're not there for public well-being. They're there to get rich for themselves and their clan."

Ben-Ghiat said Trump behaved like an autocrat in other ways, describing him as a "superbly disciplined and capable" propagandist.

"He was tweeting over 120 times a day," she said, adding that when it came to things "autocrats care about, Trump was extremely disciplined at doing those things."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Round Rock school district Trustee Mary Bone has filed a lawsuit against Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez, alleging he has conducted unauthorized investigations into another board member using district funds.

Round Rock school district Trustee Mary Bone filed a lawsuit June 9 against Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez, alleging he has conducted unauthorized investigations into another board member with district funds.

On Dec. 16, according to the lawsuit, the school board voted 4-2 to hire Waddell Serafino, a Dallas-based law firm, to review three sets of district emails that Trustee Danielle Weston had forwarded to decide whether further investigation was warranted to determine if sharing them had violated attorney-client privilege. Weston and Bone voted against the measure while Trustee Jun Xiao abstained.

In the lawsuit, which was filed June 9, Bone alleges that she was given heavily redacted invoices for over $25,000 for an investigation labeled "RRISD investigation" that were approved by Azaiez and Trustee Amber Feller. In a Facebook post on June 9, Bone said additional invoices as of June 9 have brought the total cost to over $42,000.

"It appears from the invoices that Superintendent Azaiez has used the motion to hire an attorney in order to bypass review of whether 'further investigation is warranted,'" the lawsuit says. "Instead, he has proceeded to conduct an illegal investigation of Trustee Weston without seeking board approval."

According to the suit, on May 4 Bone requested unredacted copies of the invoices but still has not received them.

Bone said she filed the suit in the 425th District Court in Williamson County to have access to information needed to do her job as a trustee and to stop taxpayer money from being used unnecessarily.

"The district administration continues to refuse to release this information to me as a trustee," Bone said in her Facebook post. "This is taxpayer money intended for the purpose of educating children. My goal for filing the lawsuit is to get the documents entitled to me and stop the misuse of taxpayer funds."

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MORE: Report recommended Round Rock schools superintendent not be reinstated

The lawsuit also says that Bone and Weston have long been at odds with the other five trustees stemming from their opposition to Azaiez being hired as superintendent in June 2021. In March, Bone and Weston were the only trustees to vote against reinstating Azaiez from paid administrative leave following an investigation of him in connection to a protective order issued against him.

In an email, Weston said district funds should be used to help students and families and not for political gain.

I speak only for myself. The weaponizing of 'investigations' against folks who are critical of powerful people and entities is nothing new. I have never illegally shared confidential information," she wrote. "If taxpayer money intended for students was diverted to a Dallas law firm to create a political hit piece on me as retaliation for exposing the misdeeds of elected and unelected leaders here in Round Rock ISD, that is going to be a problem. Now more than ever, children and families are relying on leaders to make good use of every dollar to educate and keep their kids safe in our schools. The oath I took as a young woman in uniform to defend the Constitution and protect my fellow citizens (including students) is much stronger than the efforts of those who wish to attack me.

Board requires trustee to take ethics training

In a related move, the Round Rock school board voted 4-1 on Tuesday night to require Weston to take ethics training within the next 90 days. The board also made public the report from Waddell Serafino, which determined that the emails shared by Weston were protected under attorney-client privilege.

Xiao voted no without giving a reason. Weston and Bone were not present at the meeting. The board met in closed session for two hours before voting.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Trustee Bone sues Round Rock superintendent, alleging unauthorized investigations
By Linda So

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A group of Democratic U.S. senators this week urged federal law enforcement agencies to alert local police to rising threats against election officials, according to a memo seen by Reuters on Thursday.

"The onslaught of threats against election workers is unacceptable and raises serious concerns about state and local governments ability to recruit and retain election workers needed to administer future elections," Democratic Senators Amy Klobuchar and Dick Durbin told the federal agencies on Wednesday in the previously unreported memo.

Klobuchar and Durbin were joined by 20 other Democratic senators asking the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to distribute a public service announcement to local and state police about increased threats against election workers, according to the memo.

"We have heard that in many cases when election officials report threats, local law enforcement agencies treat them as isolated incidents, instead of as part of a growing nationwide trend," the senators said.

A DHS spokesperson said it has enhanced collaboration with government partners by "sharing timely and actionable information" on threats. The FBI confirmed it received the memo.

At recent Senate hearings, elections officials have testified about a rise in threats following the 2020 election.

"These threats have continued against me and others," said Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, who was assigned a security detail after receiving a barrage of threats from supporters of former President Donald Trump. Election workers "are on the receiving end of abusive phone calls and emails" almost everyday, she said.

In a series of investigative reports, Reuters documented an unprecedented wave of terroristic threats against the frontline workers of American democracy, inspired by Trump's false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. In all, the news organization documented more than 900 threats and harassing messages against election administrators in 17 states.

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After Reuters reported the widespread threats against election workers last June, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a task force to investigate threats against election staff. So far, the task force has announced two arrests.

In Wednesdays memo, the senators also asked federal agencies to remind election officials of the federal resources available to them for reporting and mitigating threats. Last month, the Federal Election Assistance Commission voted to expand the use of federal money for election workers by allowing them to use funds for personal security services and social media threat monitoring.

(Reporting by Linda So, Editing by Jason Szep, William Maclean and Diane Craft)
The leaders of France, Italy and Germany arrived in Kyiv Thursday morning from Poland where they were expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a show of support.

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi rode in a train car together bound for the country's capital.

"Its a message of European unity for the Ukrainian people, support now and in the future, because the weeks to come will be very difficult," Macron told reporters when they arrived.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis took a separate train to meet the leaders.

"This illegal Russian aggression must stop!" Iohannis tweeted when he arrived.

BIDEN ANNOUNCES $1.2B IN ADDITIONAL UKRAINE AID

The visit will be the first by the men since Russia invaded Ukraine in late February and comes amid a fierce battle in the disputed Donbas region as the war extends into its fourth month, the AFP news agency reported.

It also marks the most high-profile diplomatic visit since the invasion.

Air raid sirens rang out while the men were in their hotel preparing for the meeting - not an infrequent occurrence in Kyiv.

Holding his hand over his heart as he left his Kyiv hotel, Macron said in English, "I want to show my admiration for the Ukrainian people."

German news agency dpa quoted Scholz as saying that the leaders are seeking to show solidarity but also their commitment to keeping up their financial and humanitarian help for Ukraine, and their supply of weapons.

Scholz added that this support would continue "for as long as is necessary for Ukraines fight for independence."

Other world leaders like U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell have met with Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

MCCONNELL MAKES SURPRISE TRIP TO VISIT ZELENSKYY IN UKRAINE

The trip was unannounced but Macron had already been visiting the region and French media has speculated he might go to Ukraine.

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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) attend a meeting, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine April 30, 2022. Picture taken April 30, 2022. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS

Macron said in Romania this week that Ukraine and Russia would eventually have to talk.

"At some point, when we will have helped Ukraine as much as possible to resist, when I hope Ukraine will have won and fighting will have stopped, we will have to negotiate," he told reporters, according to the Wall Street Journal. He was in the country visiting French troops.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A composite image showing various shells, inscribed with messages, in use by Ukrainian soldiers. Courtesely of Anton Sokolenko

A Ukrainian student has found an unusual way to raise money for the war against Russia.

Ads on social media offer custom notes on artillery shells for $40. Insider verified the process is real.

Organizer Anton Sokolenko said it's raised around around $18,000 for military equipment.

A Ukrainian student is selling the opportunity to write custom messages on artillery shells which Ukrainian soldiers are firing at Russian troops.

Anton Sokolenko, a 22-year-old IT student based in Cherkasy, central Ukraine, told Insider he has raised thousands of dollars to support local troops through the $40-a-shell deal.

His ads, on social media platforms like Reddit, have resulted in messages like "Happy Father's Day" and "From Albania, with love" being written on shells before they are used.

"You have a chance to kill orcs with your text on 82mm artillery grenade that will be fired at Russian soldiers," reads one of Sokolenko's promotional posts. (Orc is a common Ukrainian insult for Russian soldiers.)

"You will receive a photo of your signed grenade."

Sokolenko told Insider that this is an informal arrangement and is not endorsed by senior Ukrainian military commanders. The images, he said, are unlikely to give away the soldiers' identities and locations.

Sokolenko said he takes orders online, especially via his Telegram channel, and works with a local NGO to get the shells inscribed. Then he sends the pictures back and passes the $40 to the NGO.

The NGO, "Center for Assistance to the Army, Veterans and Their Families," independently confirmed to Insider that Sokolenko is a registered volunteer who has sent it more than $18,000.

It provides tactical equipment and goods to nearby battalions.

Sokolenko said the money raised so far has bought two Starlink systems, a pickup truck, and a thermal sight. The NGO also provides radios, medicine, food, and sleeping bags.

A composite image showing various artillery shells, inscribed with messages, in use by Ukrainian soldiers. Courtesely of Anton Sokolenko

"I'm not that brave to participate in the war, so I'm trying to do my best to help soldiers to stay alive and to kill enemies," he said. "At the beginning of the war I wasn't doing anything and it kept bugging me."

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He made Molotov cocktails, as many Ukrainians did early in the war, but quickly decided he could be more useful elsewhere.

He decided to devote himself to fundraising instead, starting a Telegram channel that re-shared viral military videos, gaining himself around 12,000 followers in the process.

After gaining his first 1,600 followers, he approached the NGO and asked them what they needed to buy. He figured he could ask for donations and sell things like military patches and envelopes with the famous "Russian warship, go fuck yourself" postage stamps.

A composite image showing Anton Sokolenko and a fellow volunteer, holding a sign with the Telegram address: t.me/combat.ftg, and a screenshot of his original ad. The project now works with 152mm artillery shells for $40. Courtesy of Anton Sokolenko

His second donation was $500, from an American woman, he said. That "made it clear that I was on the right track."

Then, in May, he got the idea for the messages-on-shells project, when he saw that soldiers were inscribing them with messages to avenge their fallen colleagues.

It has been popular with redditors, who've inscribed shells with their favorite memes  including one featuring the cutesy emoticon "uwu" beloved by anime fans.

Other orders have come in from around the world, sending "love" from countries like Belgium, Germany, Albania, and Australia. Others have seized on it as an unusual way to say "happy birthday" to their friends and loved ones. The approach of Father's Day brought in around 30 orders, Sokolenko said.

Asked about the ethics of the edgy project  which may be seen to make light of war casualties  Sokolenko said:

"It's a bit of a provocative question, but as a Ukrainian  as with every Ukrainian  I can say that I'm happy to know that as many Russian soldiers were killed as possible."

Read the original article on Business Insider
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan reiterated Thursday that the United States would not pressure Ukraine to make territorial concessions to Russia to end the months-long invasion, saying doing so would be inconsistent with international law.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Center for a New American Security in Washington, Sullivan said that the goal of U.S. policy is to strengthen Ukraine through weapons and intelligence sharing so that the country can ultimately negotiate with Russia on an end to the war from the strongest possible standpoint.

We have in fact refrained from laying out what we see as an end game, what we see as objectives, Sullivan said. We have been focused on what we can do today, tomorrow, next week to strengthen the Ukrainians hand to the maximum extent possible first on the battlefield and then ultimately at the negotiating table. We do think this will have to end through diplomacy.

Were not going to be pressing them to be making territorial concessions, we think thats inconsistent with international law and is just frankly wrong, Sullivan continued. But we are going to support and consult with them as they think about how they want to approach a negotiated outcome with the Russians.

His comments echoed President Bidens words in a New York Times op-ed earlier this month in which he vowed not to pressure Ukraines government in private or public to make territorial concessions to Russia.

Even so, some have publicly floated the idea of Ukraine ceding territory to Russia to end the Russian war, like former secretary of state Henry Kissinger.



U.S. officials have been preparing for a long, drawn-out conflict in Ukraine, which began with the Russian invasion on February 24. The war has entered its fourth month with no clear resolution in sight.

Biden on Wednesday announced a new $1 billion security assistance package for Ukraine including artillery, coastal defense weapons and ammunition.

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The U.S. also for the first time earlier this month said it would supply Ukraine with advanced rocket systems, called High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems or HIMARS, to help hit Russian targets from a longer range.

But Ukraine says it needs more weapons to defeat the Russians, putting the number at 60 HIMARS earlier this month.

Sullivan said Thursday that U.S. has given an initial four HIMARS to Ukraine and predicted that more would be included in the next package of military assistance.

One of the administrations key considerations in deciding how many to provide Ukraine, he said, is how many can be absorbed effectively on the battlefield.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The investigation into the death of a 37-year-old Visalia school bus driver is underway. Her estranged husband has been formally charged with murder.

Thomas Van Es faces one count of homicide with the special allegation that he intentionally used a shotgun to kill the victim. The 41-year-old man was identified by Visalia police as the victim's "estranged" husband.

Van Es was arraigned Tuesday and entered a not guilty plea. His next court date is a preliminary hearing conference scheduled for next week. If convicted, he faces life in prison.

It's unclear why, but detectives said Kristy Van Es agreed to meet her husband last week in the area of Avenue 288 and Road 68, near the Visalia Waste Water Treatment Plant off Highway 99.

Police haven't said why that location was picked.

On Friday morning, someone working in a nearby orchard spotted Kristy's body and called 911. Because of the rural location, Tulare County sheriff's deputies were the first to arrive. Deputies discovered Kristy.

The crime scene was within Visalia Police Department's jurisdiction, so deputies secured the scene and waited for Visalia detectives to arrive.

When Violent Crime detectives and crime lab technicians arrived, they interviewed witnesses and collected evidence.

Thomas was arrested in connection with his wife's death within 24 hours.

The suspect has a history of domestic violence arrests against at least two women, including Kristy, according to court records. Kristy filed for a restraining order twice against her estranged husband in September 2021 and January 2022. The case was withdrawn at the end of January, according to court records.

Kristy was a Visalia Unified School District employee, and following the news of her death Interim Superintendent, Doug Cardoza released a statement.

"We were saddened to learn about the sudden passing of our valued employee, Kristy Van Es. Kristy worked in our Transportation Department, and her service to the students and staff of Visalia Unified was exemplary," he said. "She will be greatly missed by her VUSD friends and colleagues. We will keep Kristys family in our thoughts and prayers."

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If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please call the Tulare County domestic violence hotline at 732-5941 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

In 2020, Family Services of Tulare County responded to 421 calls on the 24-hour domestic violence hotline and responded to 95 chat sessions on the agency's web-based chatline.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Visalia school bus driver's estranged husband could face life in prison
Ginni and Clarence Thomas (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

New emails provide even more damning evidence that Ginni Thomas may have been involved in efforts to illegally overthrow the 2020 election victory of Joe Biden. Thomas is the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas  and together, the Thomases seem determined to demonstrate just how vulnerable our democracy is.

In March, the Washington Post reported that Ginni Thomas sent White House chief of staff Mark Meadows a series of urgent text messages in late 2020, demanding that he contest the legal election results. She told him that Trump should not concede.

Then in May, the Washington Post also reported that Ginni Thomas had pressured Arizona lawmakers to throw out Joe Bidens popular vote victory and instead choose a clean slate of electors. The implication was that these electors would vote for Trump.

Finally, this week, the Post learned that Thomas was in close contact with lawyer John Eastman. Eastman was heavily involved in efforts to pressure Vice President Mike Pence to refuse to certify the election. The January 6 coup attempt may have been undertaken in part to prevent Pence from certifying the voting results.

Thomas texts to Meadows were only made public because they were part of a cache of documents released to the January 6 Committee. The Supreme Court ruled that the Committee could see the documents in an 8-to-1 decision. The one dissenting vote was Clarence Thomas.

Thus, a Supreme Court justice cast a vote to withhold evidence that his wife was potentially implicated in election-tampering.

This seems like an obvious conflict of interest. The highest judges in the land should not be able to use their position to protect their spouses. And numerous critics have now called on Thomas to recuse himself from future cases involving the Trump administrations efforts to overthrow the 2020 election  efforts in which, we now know, Ginni Thomas was intimately involved.

The case for recusal is obvious. But theres no mechanism to force Clarence Thomas, or any Supreme Court Justice, to recuse themselves if they dont want to.

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Congress has passed statutes which require lower-court justices to recuse themselves when there is a conflict of interest. But the need for recusal is typically adjudicated by a higher court. The Supreme Court is the highest court; if Clarence Thomas decides not to recuse himself, there is no higher judge to declare his ruling invalid.

People on social media have also called for Chief Justice John Roberts to reprimand Thomas. But its not clear on what basis he would do so. There is currently no Code of Conduct for the Supreme Court. Nor is there a mechanism to enforce such a code if it existed.

Supreme Court justices are supposed to be committed to the rule of law, and to want to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. If, like Clarence Thomas they simply dont care how bad they look, theres not much that can be done.

There are some controls, at least notionally. Supreme Court justices can be impeached if they are involved in flagrant ethical breaches. If Thomas did intend to cover up his wifes election-tampering, Democrats should hold him accountable in the House. But even if impeachment succeeds, removal requires a supermajority in the Senate. Given Republicans rabid commitment to retaining control of the court, its just about inconceivable that GOP Senators would vote to take Thomas off the bench if a Democratic president would pick his successor.

The difficulty of removing a judge, or even in disciplining a judge, is meant in theory to help preserve democratic institutions. Ideally judges are nonpartisan, dispassionate dispensers of dry legal interpretation. The Constitution shields them from removal and even to some degree from oversight by other branches of government because they intended to be above the political fray. Justices need to be protected from the base instincts of the rabble.

But what if the rabble with base instincts is the justices wife, or even the justice himself? The fact of the matter is that justices like Clarence Thomas and his conservative allies on the court behave less like dispassionate judges and more like highly partisan legislators.

The conservative majority has taken to using the shadow docket to avoid even having to explain their reasons for controversial decisions. And the leaked decision arguing for the repeal of Roe v. Wade is breathtaking in its contempt for precedent, not to mention for human rights.

The Supreme Court functions now less as a court and more as a third legislative house, which can overrule the others and the executive branch at will. Given that, Clarence Thomas impunity isnt good for the law or for the country. Its simply another reminder that a Senate undemocratically tilted to the right has installed a radical reactionary supermajority on the Court to rule over us with neither accountability nor conscience.

Ginni and Clarence Thomas each seem to be part of a Republican machine determined to impose authoritarian, minoritarian rule on the United States. In that context, Thomas decision in relation to the documents suggest a core contempt for democracy, and a belief that powerful, wealthy conservatives should be allowed to impose their will on the public with impunity.
There are more people in need of affordable housing in Volusia County than there are available units.

The county of more than a half-million residents is estimated to have just more than 11,000 units.

READ: Orlandos future tallest skyscraper takes big step toward breaking ground

The public will get its first chance to weigh in on a proposal looking to address the issue that has several different areas of need.

The draft looks at everything from waiving fees to changing zoning regulations, to creating a housing trust fund.

READ: Over 2.9M Ford vehicles recalled due to risk of rollaway crashes

Its a need people in the county almost said needs to be addressed.

See the full story in the video above.

READ: He has a gun: Victim in Casselberry triple murder-suicide feared for her life





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.
WASHINGTON  The warren of networks, logistics and shared information American and allied forces rely on as they funnel resources into Ukraine to help the country beat back a Russian invasion is providing valuable insights for one of the U.S. Air Forces most pressing modernization efforts.

Demand for connectivity in a dense, bustling European theater and the solutions applied day to day are feeding into the development of the services Advanced Battle Management System and will continue the momentum forward, Air Force Brig. Gen. Chad Raduege, chief information officer at European Command, said during a June 15 C4ISRNET webcast.

I think what were seeing as we go through this Ukrainian crisis, and we see all the coordination that is required, we are realizing there are some advanced capabilities that are allowing us to see and have more visibility and better connectivity with our allies and partners, said Raduege, who also serves as EUCOMs command, control, communications, computers and cyber director.

The Advanced Battle Management System, or ABMS, is the Air Forces latest push to create a next-generation command and control system. It is also the services contribution to Joint All-Domain Command and Control, or JADC2, the Department of Defenses vision for seamless and lightning-quick communication regardless of domain or national affiliation.

ABMS, much like JADC2, has a ways to go in terms of maturation. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall in 2021 expressed skepticism about the project and called for a tighter focus; he has since described its buildout as an imperative.

Lawmakers in fiscal year 2022 proposed spending $269 million directly on ABMS, some $65 million more than the Air Force initially sought. The boost, military officials said at the time, suggests growing support for the effort.

Raduege on Wednesday said more-clearly defined goals would be helpful to the development of JADC2 in the near term, but might be ineffective or counterproductive in the long-term.

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Once we get one connection that happens, once we get a fusion from one platform, there will be this growing, insatiable appetite to have more and more connectivity and more and more sensors. I dont know that actually getting to an end point is really feasible, he said. JADC2 is more nebulous. It will be evolving for the rest of my career and the rest of all our careers as we continue to want more and more.

Key to the realization of JADC2 is the creation and upkeep of a modern mission-partner environment, in which data from an array of militaries can be accessed and acted upon, according to a Pentagon strategy published in March.

Juggling an increasing number of information sources and rapidly making sense of it all can be difficult, Raduege said, but the crisis in Ukraine provides critical, real-world feedback. In shuttling weapons and humanitarian aid into Eastern Europe, the U.S. is working intimately with international forces it would likely fight alongside on a future battlefield.

If I were to summarize a lesson learned, it would be we cant have enough coalition connectivity fast enough, he said. And so we are working rapidly to enable. Sometimes thats simple interoperability and ones and zeros. Thats the easy part.
We may have an international incident on our hands.

It seems that Brooklyn craft distillery Kings County has aroused the fury of Irelands whiskey industry due to its labeling of a single cask Irish style American whiskey that the distillery made in honor of St. Patricks Day. The whiskey was produced in what is arguably an Irish style: mashbill of malted and unmalted barley, triple distilled, aged in used bourbon barrels. Of course, it cant actually be called Irish whiskey, and its not, but the production method and label was enough for the distillery to receive a cease and desist letter from a law firm in Chicago representing the Irish Whiskey Association.

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Kings County co-founder Colin Spoelman didnt take the legal maneuver too kindly, heading to Twitter to make the dispute public.

Dear @IrishWhiskeyAsc, we'll answer for a lot, but accusing us of misleading consumers is fighting words around here. You want to pick a fight, we return the effort. See attached for our correspondence with your overzealous attorneys which we thought should be public (1/7):  Kings County Distillery (@KingsCoWhiskey) June 14, 2022

I think sending a cease and desist [letter] is an aggressive way to resolve a dispute, Spoelman told Robb Report. And I feel like in this particular instance the main argument that they had, which is that we were somehow misleading people in the labeling, just doesnt have any credibility. Based on my readand legal advicethis is how TTB would ask that we phrase the label. Im trying to be compliant for my government in [using] this label. But [the IWA stance] doesnt have jurisdiction here, so its hard for me to roll over and say, You sent me an angry letter, Ill do what you please.

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Kings County is a relatively tiny business, Spoelman points out, and while his inclination is to continue making this whiskey and labeling it Irish style, he is open to reason. But the approach the IWAwhich has not returned our request for commenthas taken seems to really irk him. We can do it, but should we do it? Thats an issue where I would have flexibility, but I dont like to be bullied. You push me in a corner, and Ill guard my stake if Im within my rights.

Kings County also made a poiton, which is like an Irish version of moonshine. - Credit: Kings County Distillery

Kings County Distillery

Spoelmans publicized the cease and desist letter on Twitter because he wanted to openly engage in the topic of geographic indications, and he believes that it benefits craft distilleries to have discussions like this, but he also acknowledged being a little bit provocative in the matter. He recognizes the value of protecting the definition of bourbon, the main style of whiskey that Kings County makes. On the other hand, Spoelman said that too much protectionism may end up stifling creativity, particularly when it comes to craft distillers and the American single malt category, for example.

We may be at a point where this old way of protecting 100 different European styles [of alcohol] may be untenable, he said. I sympathize with the IWA that words like scotch or port or Champagne refer to specific products, but Irish does not refer to a whiskey. Thats a hardship for them and puts them at a disadvantage in the whiskey marketplace.

Ultimately, Spoelman said that one way or another Kings County will continue to release an annual St. Patricks Day whiskey. Everybody knows theres ways around it, we could call it Lucky OMalley or something, he quipped. But I dont want to do that. I feel like thats misleading in its own way. Why not tell people truthfully what youre trying to do and what the whiskey actually is. And that was to make a whiskey in the tradition of Irish distilling.

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ARTESA DE SEGRE/TOLEDO, Spain (Reuters) - Three wildfires have laid waste to 1,600 hectares (3,950 acres) of pines and bushes in eastern Spain since Wednesday as a heatwave pushes temperatures close to record highs, regional firefighters said on Thursday.

Hundreds of firemen were on the ground battling the blazes with 120 trucks and a 19 aircraft to fight the flames near the towns of Baldomar, Corbera d'Ebre and Castellar Ribera, Catalonia's regional fire department said.

Most efforts were focused on Baldomar, where flames threatened 20,000 hectares of woods and farmland. Some isolated houses were evacuated as was a child centre with 54 minors.

There have been no reports of deaths or injuries.

Large swathes of the country face high or extreme risk of wildfire, the state meteorological agency AEMET said.

As of June 5, the area burned in Spain was 34% smaller than the same period in 2021 and the lowest since 2018. However, since last week the combination of hot weather, wind and thunderstorms has sparked wildfires around the nation.

Scorching sun has hit Spain since late last week, in what is the earliest heatwave since 1981, with temperatures surpassing 40 Celsius (104 F) in many parts of the country. Night temperatures are also unusually high at between 20 C (68 F) and 25 C (77 F).

Challenging the heat, hundreds of worshippers and tourists crowded the narrow streets of the central city of Toledo on Thursday morning to attend the traditional Corpus Christi procession, with thermometers almost reaching 40 C (104 F) by the time the event ended.

The town hall handed 10,000 bottles of water and fans to citizens and set up tarps to protect them from the high temperatures, but locals resigned themselves to the heat.

"It is normal (the heat). There are three Thursdays that are brighter than the sun - holy (Maundy) Thursday, Corpus Cristi and Ascension Day. We have to bear it (the heat), you have to live it. It is always warm," Julio Alonso, 58, who owns souvenir shops in front of the cathedral, told Reuters.

(This story refiles to restore dropped word "Maundy" in last paragraph)

(Reporting by Albert Gea in Artesa de Segre and Marco Trujillo in Toledo. Additional reporting by Inti Landauro and Christina Thykjaer; Writing by Emma Pinedo; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
Katie is enjoying the life she has now (Collect/PA Real Life)

A residential support worker who was so exhausted and breathless she had to lie down in a car park before a funeral discovered her depression was in fact severe heart failure brought on by a faulty gene.

When Katie Denial, 32, saw her weight balloon by a staggering 6st in just four months soon after her eight year relationship ended  despite joining a slimming club with the intention of getting a revenge body after her break-up  her doctor suspected she was comfort-eating because of depression due to heartbreak.

Katie, of Sheffield, South Yorkshire, could not shift the excess weight, was permanently worn out and suffered with episodes of double incontinence  all indicating to her that something was very wrong.

Now a patient educator for a charity working to help people with heart failure, she said: I had been told it was to do with my mental health, although Id never had any problems before.

It was only when my mum and my auntie saw I was so unwell and took me to A&E that I was diagnosed within four hours.

Now devoted to raising awareness of the symptoms of heart problems, to Katies horror, she was dangerously close to death.

She was suffering with heart failure, her liver and kidneys were also failing, she had a blood clot in her left ventricle and two pulmonary embolisms or blocked vessels in her lungs, which were also filled with fluid.

Katie has now been diagnosed with a mutation of the TTN gene, which provides instructions for making a large protein in the body called titin. This had, in turn, caused dilated cardiomyopathy  a heart muscle disease where the organs chambers thin and stretch  which had triggered her other health issues.

She said: Before this happened, everything was pretty normal.

I had a great but very physical job in a unit for children with special needs and challenging behaviour.

In 2014, I started feeling unwell and had a cough and cold I couldnt get rid of. I had a few trips to the doctor, was told it was a chest infection and was tried on all these different antibiotics, even being tested for asthma.

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Then the weight gain started. I gained 6st in just 4 months even though I was following a slimming club plan to the letter.

She added: Alongside the rapid weight gain, I had heart palpitations and was always breathless to the point that minimal exertion would tire me out.

I had just ended an eight year relationship. Wed lived together and the doctor thought I was comfort eating. 

But, towards the end of the year, her symptoms kept getting worse.

She recalled: I attended a funeral for one of the children Id been looking after and I had to lie on the car park floor to catch my breath as I was so tired, just from walking from the car.

But still, Katie says she was treated more for mental health problems than physical ones.

By early 2015, she says all aspects of her life  from work to her relationship with her family  were suffering because of her poor health.

She said: My family even held an intervention because they thought I was secretly eating.

Then, one day in March 2015, after losing bladder continence walking upstairs and then losing control of her bowels sitting on the sofa, she called her mum in despair.

She said: I called my mum and my auntie and they called 111.

The woman on the phone at 111 asked me to breathe properly. I said, I am and she said she was sending an ambulance.

Katie arrived at Sheffields Northern General Hospital A&E and was immediately seen by a crash team, leaving her sister, a nurse, in no doubt that she was seriously ill.

Katies heart, liver and kidneys were failing and she was rushed to the coronary care unit.

She said: I was given morphine and dont remember much more. I was out of it on the medication for weeks.

But I know from my family that it was touch and go whether Id survive. I caught pneumonia, the oxygen they were giving me was at the maximum, but I wasnt getting any better.

The next step was to intubate me  a procedure to help save a patients life if they cant breathe properly  but they didnt think Id survive.

The turning point came when, despite going into respiratory arrest, doctors managed to successfully drain three litres of fluid from Katies lungs, meaning she could breathe again.

She said: From that point on, I started feeling better. Doctors were than able to get my medication right for my heart and the other issues started to get better.

But, due to be a bridesmaid for her sister just two days after her respiratory arrest, instead she had to watch the service on FaceTime.

She said: Shed asked me if she should cancel and I said no. I ended up on FaceTime with my fascinator on.

It should have been a really difficult day, but I was so unwell I barely registered.

After two months in hospital, Katie was finally well enough to be discharged, although her weight changed forever.

A 5ft 1in size 18 before she was ill, she ballooned toa size 34 to 36 at her heaviest, which was due primarily to water retention caused by the heart failure, But, even now on diuretics, she is a size 22.

Unable to do the job she loved, she had to leave and she remains heavily medicated for life.

Doctors have also advised Katie not to have children, for fear of the impact of her medication on a pregnancy and the fact that the stress on her body could kill her.

When I was 25 and told I had heart failure, I thought only old people had that. But it happened to me.

But Katie, who remains upbeat, said: Im very, very lucky to have the support of my amazing family. I dont miss out on anything.

My two nieces send me second Mothers Day cards and my sister invited me to all her scans.

Five years ago, during one of her routine medical check-ups, Katie was introduced to the Pumping Marvellous Foundation, a UK-based patient led heart failure charity.

And, through them, she has become a patient educator, devoting herself to supporting people with heart failure, attending conferences to improve NHS treatment and dispelling myths about the condition.

She said: My mum remembers in hospital being told that people with health like mine didnt last more than 10 years.

I now know, through working with Pumping Marvellous, thats not true.

She added: Ive seen people that live 30, 40, 50 years.

I can do everything I want to but just at a slower pace.

I still have some weight on and the breathlessness and fatigue are still there, but Im quite active.

While her prognosis is unclear, Katie is also determined to live a fun-filled life.

Katie as she is now (Collect/PA Real Life)She said of her work with the charity: Our aim is that when you walk in to the GP they dont just look at your age, your size, your gender and come to conclusions.

When I was 25 and told I had heart failure, I thought only old people had that. But it happened to me.
UKRAINE-RUSSIA-CONFLICT-FRANCE-GERMANY-ITALY

(From L) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, President of France Emmanuel Macron, and Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz give a joint press conference following their meeting in Kyiv on Jun. 16, 2022. Credit - Sergei SupinskyAFP/Getty Images

Four European leaders became the latest heads of state to visit Ukraine Thursday as it continues to fend off Russian forces that have recently made significant advances in the countrys southern and eastern regions.

French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis arrived in Kyiv amid the countrys bid for E.U. candidate status and a request from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for more arms. We all four support providing Ukraine E.U. candidacy status, Macron said after a joint meeting with Zelensky.

Zelensky has previously criticized France, Germany, and Italy for being restrained in their support for Ukraine. He has also previously accused Macron for trying in vain to negotiate with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Read more: TIMEs Interview with Volodymyr Zelensky

The visit comes as the European Commission weighs as early as Friday whether to recommend granting Ukraine official E.U. candidate status; doing so would require unanimous approval from all 27 E.U. nations. The European Commission is expected to back Ukraines bid for E.U. candidate status but experts say it will take years for Ukraine to meet membership criteria.

Below, a list of world leaders who have visited Ukraine since the war began:

French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron

Macron promised Thursday that France would be sending six more truck-mounted artillery guns, the Associated Press reported.

Macron had recently spoken in support of Ukraines attempts to secure E.U. candidate status. I want us to send a clear and positive signal, but we have to build unanimity among E.U. members, he said Wednesday. But he also added, If we applied normal rules, we would not grant [E.U. candidate status]. Its the context of war that makes us consider this move.

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

Scholz has been outspoken in his support for Ukraines E.U. candidate status bid. We came to #Kyiv today with a clear message: Ukraine belongs to the European family. Germany wants a positive decision in favor of Ukraine as a #EU candidate country, he tweeted Thursday.

Germany has been skeptical about E.U. membership for Ukraine. Ukraine is an integral part of Europe, I wish that we will find a strong and convincing answer to your desire to joineven if there can be no shortcut on the way to full E.U. membership, said Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in May.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi

The biggest message we want to send in this trip is that Italy wants Ukraine in the E.U., Draghi said Thursday, according to Bloomberg News. Italy, France, and Germany are here to give unconditional support to Ukraine.

Read more: The Ukraine War Is Becoming Putins Vietnam

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson



British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a surprise visit to Kyiv in April amid promises of more military aid. The U.K. will send more defensive weapons to Ukraine and will work with G7 partners to target every pillar of the Russian economy to ensure Putin fails, he tweeted shortly after the visit.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Ukraine on May 8 and discussed getting additional humanitarian, financial, and military assistance from the international community. As Russia continues its ongoing illegal and unjustifiable war against Ukraine, Canada will continue to be there to support Ukraine and its people, Trudeau said in a statement.

Other world leaders who visited Ukraine

The prime ministers of Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovenia were the first Western leaders to visit Ukraine on Mar. 15. Presidents from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland visited Kyiv on Apr. 13 to meet with Zelensky to rally for military support from the international community and condemn Russia. This is not war, this is terrorism, Polish President Andrzej Duda said at a news conference, Reuters reported.

Notable absences

U.S. President Joe Bidens decision to not visit Ukraine since the war broke out has drawn scrutiny. (First Lady Jill Biden made a surprise visit last month.) The White House has previously cited security concerns as the main deterrent. The U.S. announced Wednesday that it would be sending an additional $1 billion in military aid.

Read more: Ukraine Wont Get Key Weapons From Bidens Latest $1 Billion Aid Package For Months
The University of Lynchburg hosted the Scholar Identity Institute last week for rising sophomores, juniors and seniors at both E.C. Glass and Heritage high schools.

Gilman Whiting, founder and director of the Scholar Identity Institute and Vanderbilt University professor, said he hasnt sat anyone down in a classroom like this since the summer of 2019.

For me, its been a great return to it and Im glad that I had the opportunity, Whiting said.

Twenty seven students met for a week inside the West Room of Drysdale Student Center. Their schedule throughout the day included breakfast in the morning, physical exercise, team building activities, friendly competitions, lunch and afternoon speakers.

Also, there were nine constructs that Whiting covered with the students  self-efficacy, future orientation, willingness to make sacrifices, internal locus of control, self-awareness, achievement greater than affiliation, academic self-confidence, culture consciousness and gender-related issues.

Ronald Black, rising junior at E.C. Glass High School, said the week had allowed him to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones.

It was a pretty great experience for me, Black said.

Oliver Perez, rising senior at E.C. Glass High School, thought the week was just going to be about education, sitting down and listening but it turned out to be the opposite.

That type of environment inspired me to really think and learn a lot about those things that we did every day, Perez said.

Nathan Dillard, rising junior at E.C. Glass High School, said his favorite part about the week was the exercises and meeting new people.

Met a lot of good people here, especially the teachers and staff. Its really been all out amazing here so far, Dillard said. If school was something more like this, a lot more people would pay attention and take it serious.

Dr. Owen Cardwell, co-director of the center for education and leadership, said from the first day, Whiting communicated to the students that he had expectations of them.

I think if there is any difference thats been made, is that perhaps for the first time they are being told I expect you to do well, Cardwell said.

The Scholar Identity Institute derived from the Scholar Identity Model. The model descended from Whitings dissertation work in 2004, something he completed at Purdue University. The institute started two years later.

Whiting saw a need in working with a group of young men at that time in Nashville, Tennessee, who were in a summer program. He said the students werent doing much and the program wasnt focused toward any direction. Whiting was able to interview some of the students and found they could not remember much and they seemed disassociated from school.

Fast forward, he was asked at the last minute to put something together for the 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, a nonprofit organization providing resources to further the academic and social development of Black male students in Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee.

I basically was tired of the system, the school structure itself not fixing it, Whiting said.

Within three months, he constructed a two-week, 6-to-7 hours per day program. Each year he built on the program and by the time the students reached graduation, they were graduating higher than 85%, according to Whiting.

Whiting said he doesnt credit the institute entirely to their success, but just checking on them and letting the students know that someone has high expectations for them made a difference.

Roger Jones, associate provost at the University of Lynchburg, mentioned they have a dinner planned with the parents in August. There are plans to keep up with the students throughout the school year and assign them mentors.

I just hope that we can continue this relationship, continue to build on what weve established this summer, Jones said.

The pillars that support the construct include family, school, community, mentoring and sponsoring. Moving forward, Whiting wants their parents to reinforce it, the schools to teach it and the community to accept it.

Theyre not by themselves, Whiting said.

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Four hundred years since the collapse of modern civilization, the world is dominated by the chaos of swords and sorcery.

The Dark Rebel Army, which plans to resurrect the god of destruction Anthrasax, continues to expand its power in a bid to rule the world, led by the overwhelmingly powerful Four Divine Kings.

The Kingdom of Meta-llicana on the Central Metallion Continent is assaulted by the sorcerer-led Dark Rebel Army.

In order to save the kingdom, Tia Noto Yoko, daughter of the Great Priest, has a decision to make  she must resurrect the ancient great wizard who once plotted to rule the world, and who is sealed within her childhood friend Lucien Renlen.

The only thing that can undo the seal is a virgins maiden kiss.

Facing imminent danger, Yoko puts her lips on Luciens, and in that moment, a dark and powerful energy fills the air.

The strongest, wildest, and most beautiful protagonist, the legendary wizard Dark Schneider, is finally revived!

The Netflix Series "BASTARD!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy-" starts streaming June 30
The Metro Law was not included in the legislation that will go up until the dissolution of the Knesset: "Surrendering to the opposition on the backs of the public" - Walla! news


More countries support China on Xinjiang amid US-led cliques siege

(Global Times) 08:42, June 16, 2022

Local residents walk in a street at a scenic spot in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 16, 2020. Photo: Xinhua

As the US led a new round of attacks against China by hyping Xinjiang-related topics at the 50th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC), more countries have stood out to support China. Analysts said such a scenario is an epitome of more developing countries opposing the US' and the West's poisoning the HRC or politicizing human rights topics to maintain hegemony.

They noted the battles on narrative on Xinjiang will become fiercer as the US has intensified its efforts to contain China by hyping Xinjiang-related topics, and similarly the battles on the narrative of human rights between the majority of the developing countries and the US-led West. No country wants to be subject to US hegemony when it explores its own path of human rights.

On Wednesday, the Qiushi Journal, a flagship magazine of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, released an article by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, in which he stressed to unswervingly uphold China's path on human rights and the country's active participation in international human rights governance.

Xi pointed out that one country's criteria should not be used to evaluate whether another country has human rights, nor should double standards be adopted. He also said that human rights should not be used as political tools.

Just one day before the Chinese top leader made these remarks, some Western countries had made a political farce. On Tuesday, the second day of the 50th session of the HRC, 47 countries - mostly consisting of European's developed countries, the US and its allies - signed a joint statement to attack the human rights situation in China's Xinjiang, Xizang and Hong Kong regions.

In response, on behalf of nearly 70 countries, a representative from Cuba made a joint speech to oppose using human rights as excuses to interfere with China's internal affairs, saying that human rights issues should not be used as political tools. Moreover, more than 20 countries made separate speeches at the HRC to support China, making it nearly 100 countries in total that had voiced their understanding and support to China's stance.

Similar fierce battles centering on topics of China's Xinjiang, Xizang and Hong Kong were staged at the HRC several times since 2019.

For example, during the 41st sessionof the HRC in July 2019, more than 50 countries signed a letter to support China's governance in its Xinjiang region when 22 developed countries accused China over its policy in Xinjiang; in October 2021, while Canada led an initiative of 44 countries to attack China on Xinjiang-related topics at the 47th session of the HRC, more than 90 countries backed China's stance.

The ratios of 50 to 22, 90 to 44 and 100 to 47 - countries that support China have increased and always outnumbered countries that followed the US - show that justice bears in people's hearts despite rampant disinformation and rumors made and spread by US-backed anti-China forces, Wang Jiang, a distinguished research fellow at the Institute for Frontier Region of China, Zhejiang Normal University, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

After the US rejoined the HRC and played as captain of the Western gang to attack China's human rights situation, there have been more battles especially over Xinjiang-related topics at the HRC, but their group remains as a similar number and similar members. While more countries, especially those holding a neutral position, have turned to support China, Wang Jiang said.

In October 2021, three years after former US president Donald Trump withdrew from the UN HRC, the US announced it was rejoining. However, since its return, the US has intensified its efforts to use human rights as political tools, especially to push "genocide" allegations against China, and such moves have raised concerns among scholars.

The US leads the latest barrage of attacks against China at the HRC against the backdrop of High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet's visitto China and its Xinjiang region in May, during which Bachelet and her mission saw a prosperous Xinjiang with residents' rights under good protection - totally different from what the Western media have reported, Wang Yuting, an associate researcher at China Institute of Frontier Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

As the US and anti-China forces failed to pressure Bachelet to go with their "genocide" allegations, they kept criticizing Bachelet and even asked her to step down, which is political bullying and an attempt to politicize the High Commissioner, Wang Yuting said.

Bachelet has been put into hot water by the US and anti-China forces, from being urged to conduct an "investigation" into China's Xinjiang region to being opposed for having the visit in China. Since May 28, the last day of her visit to China when she held a press conference, introducing the "unsupervised" and "open" exchanges between her mission and residents in Xinjiang, Bachelet was under the attack of anti-China forces.

While addressing global human rights developmentsat the 50th HRC session on Monday, Bachelet said she would not seek a second term and explained on Twitter that the decision was made for "personal reasons."

It was not "so unusual" for Bachelet to not seek a second term since there was "no doubt a total furor from the US State Department when Bachelet didn't back up the US narrative about Xinjiang" and "the UN bureaucracy was also under the gun from the US on this issue," William Jones, a Washington-based political analyst, told the Global Times via email on Wednesday.

Jones pointed out that since the US has rejoined the HRC, it can wield a good deal of weight there. If Bachelet issued a report which contradicted the US' "genocide" accusations, the "big lie" being pushed by religious zealots like Adrian Zenz would have been totally exposed. But even without the report, there is "psychological warfare" coming out of the US on China and controlling the "narrative" is crucial for the US and its followers.

Aside from the Tuesday battles at the HRC and smears of the UN human rights chief, Western media, US-backed anti-China scholars, nongovernmental organizations and the US government are coordinating to make and spread more untenable reports to demonize China's Xinjiang policies and citing untenable accusations to sanction Xinjiang.

The battle going forward is over "who's going to control the narrative." Jones said that given the recent events involving Latin American countries and the Summit of the Americas, people are not happy about the "overreach" by the US based on its "rather arrogant demeanor" under either Trump or Biden, while Chinese diplomacy has won a lot of support.

"While few countries are willing to go toe-to-toe with a country as powerful as the US, they will find ways of not being bullied into a policy or political positions that they simply don't agree with," Jones said.

Opposing politicization of human rights

The increasing numbers of countries supporting China at the HRC also show that they oppose the US-led practices of making the HRC, which is supposed to promote communications on human rights, into a platform of confrontations or tools to contain its competitors, Wang Jiang said, noting that despite the West's global media dominance, the voice of justice has been uttered and heard by more people.

"What the US and Western countries have done to China by making use of human rights topics, including requiring investigations regardless of a country's sovereignty or imposing sanctions has made more developing countries wonder whether they will be the next one subjected to such bullying by the US if they are walking their own development paths - their support to China is out of empathy," said Wang Jiang.

Despite Bachelet's just-concluded visit to China and its Xinjiang region in May, the 47 countries, in the joint statement on Tuesday, required China to provide "meaningful and unfettered access for independent observers" to Xinjiang.

Moreover, more countries have seen through the US and its allies' hypocrisy for their hyping of Xinjiang-related topics, and that it is not out of concern for the Uygur people but for political purposes. For example, the US legislation, entitled "Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act," and to be enacted on Tuesday (June 21), aims to cut all Uygurs in Xinjiang out of the global industrial chain, Wang Jiang noted.

The new US law on "forced labor" creates a "rebuttable presumption" that all goods partially or wholly produced in the Xinjiang region are "tainted by forced labor" and requires corporations to prove that imports from the region are not made by forced labor. Such moves have been criticized by analysts for hijacking US companies' interests in free trade, violating Uygurs' right to work and adding to the cost of living for Americans.

The battles at the HRC have become more like battles between the US-led Western countries and the majority of developing countries on how to understand and practice human rights, experts said.

The US and the West have built a human rights system by making freedom, democracy, justice and human rights as key words, but they practice it in the opposite way. Taking the US. However it boasts its democracy and freedom, it has turned a blind eye to the deeply rooted racism and gun violence which make children die from gun shootings, Wang Yuting said.

Instead of addressing its own human rights problems, the US has acted as a "world cop" to either point fingers at other countries' internal affairs or to use human rights as weapons or tools to achieve its geopolitical purposes. Such hegemonic behaviors coming out of a Cold War mentality are despised by more countries as there is no single definition or universal criteria for human rights and each country has the right to have its own path, Wang Yuting said.

The battles on the narrative of human rights between the US-led West and the developing countries will continue and will become fiercer, just like the battles centering on China's Xinjiang region, the expert predicted. He noted that what China has done and will always do is protect the rights to development of all its ethnic groups and will promote its proposals to build a community of a shared future for mankind so more countries with justice and conscientiousness will join in.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
P.E.O. Chapter MF discusses state convention

P.E.O. Chapter MF met on June 2 at the Council Bluffs Country Club for its regular monthly meeting, with Nancy White as hostess. Discussion was held regarding proposed amendments slated for the Iowa State Convention, which was held June 4 in Des Moines. Representing the chapter were Mary Stuhr and Judy Hughes.

The program was presented by Lauren Lakatos, daughter of our own Cindy Lakatos, on skin care for the face and the importance of understanding SPF is your BFF, especially as we age. We thank Lauren for her time and for the skin care samples.

Our next social gathering will be a lesson in Tai Chi held at Valley View Park on June 16.

P.E.O. Chapter LP gets a lesson on artist George W. Simons

Members of Chapter LP of the P.E.O. Sisterhood met in the Social Hall of Our Saviors Lutheran Church on May 10, at 1 p.m., to address their current business agenda conducted by vice president Monica Sciortino in place of the vacationing president, Beverly Fletcher. Upon arrival, members, guests and visitors were treated to frosted cakes and beverages served from a draped table decorated with spring flowers by hostesses Katie Wright and Debra Ebke.

In lieu of the earlier announced speaker who was indisposed, Chapter LP chair for programs and publicity, Joanne Becker, gave an impromptu talk on the life and work of the revered Iowa artist, George W. Simons (1834-1917) whose drawings and paintings are often on view at the Council Bluffs Public Library, the Dodge House and in the permanent collections of the Hoff Center for the Arts and Culture (PACE) and Joslyn Art Museum, including a self-portrait.

According to recollections, Becker said the artist was born in Canada and reared in Streator, Illinois. Simons migrated to Iowa in 1853 after having previously met and worked for railroad pioneer, Grenville M. Dodge whose surveying party was on assignment in Illinois for the Mississippi and Missouri Railway. Struck by this young man with the bright red beard and blue eyes, Dodge hired him on the spot as a cook. The cook spent his off-duty hours sketching scenes of the landscape, which were in such intricate detail they became a reference point to Dodge and the railroad surveying party. Simons was thought to have had a photographic memory, which proved to be of great value to the surveyors.

As noted, this experience, coupled with a need for employment, inspired Simons and his family to settle in Iowa where he focused his artistic ambitions to the territory known as Kanesville. His depictions captured the territory, town structures, log cabins, tepees. wagon trains, steam boats, locomotives and people, including native Americans and those of the Mormon Settlement. Brigham Young once offered to pay Simons a days salary of $6, which the artist thought to be a handsome sum.

In 1862, George Simons joined the Union Army during the Civil War, as did Grenville Dodge. Sources say that Dodge became the youngest general ever to serve in the U.S. Military. During the war, Simons kept a daily journal in which he sketched many scenes of war-torn towns and villages and soldiers in distress. However, since the artist rarely signed his work, much of it has perished over time.

After the war, Simons went on several traveling expeditions, which led his family to ask him to settle down in Iowa where they farmed and kept to themselves. Their need for privacy led people to believe the artist had passed away. On one occasion, George Simons was referred to in past tense by the local newspaper -- The Daily Nonpareil -- prompting a published apology.

Altogether, George Simons was an Iowa resident for approximately 56 years. Late in his career, he became a Council Bluffs photographer, taught art classes, and worked in local theaters. He also accepted a commission from N.P. Dodge, brother of Grenville Dodge, to draw and paint a series of scenes reflective of both Council Bluffs and Omaha. His style of Regionalism brought national recognition to the work of this artist. Of particular interest to many of his followers, Simons painted panoramic views, as well, in which he used up to 10,000 feet of canvas to encircle entire rooms. These works, too, have vanished over the years.

Simons ultimately retired to Long Beach, California where he passed away in 1917 at the age of 83.

Chapter LP was set to meet at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 600 Bluffs St., at 1 p.m. on June 14, when they expected to hear historian Dr. Richard Warner, president of Preserve Council Bluffs, in a presentation on the Middle Years in the development of Council Bluffs. Chapter LP is presenting a year-long educational series on historical highlights of Council Bluffs during its 176th birthday anniversary. The programs are open to the public.

 Quotes from Kate Gregory, librarian and gifted writer

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Do Good Days, powered by SHARE Omaha wrapped up on Thursday, May 19, 2022. Do Good Days highlighted all the ways to support and serve the community through local nonprofits. The goal was to spur new and continuous generosity throughout Southwest Iowa and across the river.

Every dollar raised, item given, and volunteer hour served during the campaign benefitted local nonprofits, including dozens in Southwest Iowa. Over 26,000 people explored ways to give back and we want to thank each giver for supporting causes that are doing vital work in our community.

Cash donations during Do Good Days totaled over $1.6 million given and were a compilation of dollars through foundations, direct giving to nonprofit organizations and the SHARE Omaha website. One of the exciting indicators of a rich future of giving is an increase of new donors, from 25% in 2021 to 33% this year, discovering a new-to-them organization to support.

In addition, generous supporters gave more than cash. Wish List Wednesday donations provided over 1,000 items nonprofits need, valued at over $20,000. Volunteer hours served on Volun-Thursday increased by almost 15% over last year, with over $100,000 worth of volunteer time served on May 19 for more than 70 organizations. Corporate engagement was higher than ever, including over 113 FNBO employees serving on both sides of the river on Volun-Thursday.

Our gratitude for every gift of support and service is immense. All donations of time, dollars and items make a difference and are the beginning of a powerful relationship between nonprofits and community members. If you invested in an important cause during the month of May, thank you.

Our hard-working local nonprofits do not get a summer vacation. If you have time, dollars or items to give, now is the time to lend your support to sustain their work through the remainder of the year. There is still an opportunity to give, and your support is still needed. SHAREomaha.org is open year-round. Economic conditions and pressing personal needs are affecting everyone. For those serving the most at risk or those causes closest to our hearts, the need remains and grows.

Looking to the future of what it means to do good in Western Iowa, a new hyper-local resource is launching this month to connect you to causes that are dear to your heart: SHAREiowa.org.

SHARE Iowa will be a one-stop donation platform for sowing good to nonprofits in nine counties throughout Western Iowa. Powered by the Community Foundation for Western Iowa, SHARE Iowa will connect neighbors to easy ways of doing good through financial giving, in-kind donations of items and volunteerism. SHARE Iowa and SHARE Omaha will partner together on larger, communitywide giving campaigns to make a bigger difference in the metropolitan area.

Im thrilled to introduce you to Catrina Trabal, community partnerships manager for SHARE Iowa and Community Foundation for Western Iowa. Beginning in July, as the new owner of this column, youll hear her perspective on the state of philanthropy in Southwest Iowa. With her support, Iowans will now have more opportunities to yield positive outcomes in our communities and learn more about organizations that impact people in our neighborhoods, towns, cities and state. Stop by the coming soon page of SHAREiowa.org now to get a glimpse at whats to come.

Fourney is the marketing and communications manager for SHARE Omaha.

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"Studying in China means taking advantage of its academic, cultural, but above all, economic opportunities," said Oscar Maroto, a young Spaniard who had studied in China.

Maroto told Xinhua that his experience had been very much enriched in terms of language learning, and his six-month study in the city of Yancheng in eastern Jiangsu province helped him break down prejudices about traditions and culture of the Asian country.

He said that China is the country of the future, given the great technological deployment in education and the safety of its streets.

"During the first few months, classes were supplemented with English, but then the challenge was greater, as we were encouraged to improvise Chinese," Maroto said.

"I learned a lot of interesting facts about the Chinese language and culture, I shared a lot, and I am very happy that I chose to stay in China," he said.

The "StudyInChina" consultancy which helps Spanish students to learn in China, explained that before the pandemic, China had already become one of the most popular foreign destinations for Spanish students.

Despite the interruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, the enthusiasm for studying in China trend is picking up again.

The consultancy pointed out that both living costs and school fees are still relatively cheap in China compared with those in Western countries.

"The experience of China and Chinese, which is the third most popular language to learn in the world, is a great professional boost," said the consultancy, highlighting the growing reputation of Chinese universities.
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ESSEX, Vt. (AP)  Before the pandemic, there was no room in the budget for Kate Murphys children to buy lunch at school. She and her husband would buy in bulk and make bag lunches at home. So the free school meals that were made available to students nationwide amid the crisis have brought 
Algerian authorities must release immediately and drop all charges against several members of the Ahmadi minority religious group, who were arrested recently for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of religion, said Amnesty International in a press release issued over the weekend.

On 6 June 2022, the First Instance Tribunal in Bejaia charged 24 members of the Ahmadi group with participation in an unauthorized gathering and denigrating Islam, under Article 46 of the Law on Associations and Article 144 bis 2 of the Algerian Penal Code, respectively.

The Algerian authorities have legal obligations to respect, protect, promote and fulfill the right to freedom of religion of everyone in the country which includes those with religious beliefs that are different to the majority. It is outrageous that a group of people find themselves behind bars simply for practicing their faith or for their beliefs, said Amna Guellali, AIs Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

In its 2022 annual report, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), a bipartisan U.S. government advisory body, has recommended Washington to maintain Algeria on the U.S. Department of States Special Watch List for engaging in or tolerating severe religious freedom violations.

The USCIRF, which monitors and reports on religious freedom abroad and makes policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State and Congress, deplored the deteriorating religious freedom conditions in Algeria with the government increasingly enforcing blasphemy laws and continuing to restrict worship.

The Algerian authorities continue to convict and sentence individuals for blasphemy, proselytization and other offenses related to their religious identity or the practice of their beliefs, stressed the U.S. Commission, decrying the restrictions imposed on religious expression.

The Algerian authorities have also maintained the closure of dozens of Protestant churches, and charged religious minorities with illegally gathering while not providing a legal path for them to worship collectively.
The Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance, Abdellatif Hammouchi, paid a working visit to the United States on June 13-14, at the head of a security delegation made up of directors and executives of the central services of the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance (DGST).

This visit reflects the strong cooperation ties between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States of America in the various security areas, particularly in the fight against terrorism and transnational organized crime, and takes place within the framework of a context marked by the strengthening and development of the security partnership between the Moroccan security services and the American federal agencies in charge of intelligence and law enforcement, said Thursday a press release issued by the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) and DGST.

During this visit, Abdellatif Hammouchi held working sessions with Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence, William Burns, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Christopher Wray, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Talks focused on the various security threats and new dangers at the regional and international levels, as well as on the mechanisms and means to face these risks according to a common and collective vision capable of ensuring international security and peace.

Hammouchi also discussed with US intelligence and security officials the various security challenges and threats posed by terrorist groups and organized crime networks in several parts of the world, including the Sahel region, the Sahara, the Middle East and Europe.

Virtual operations linked to the fight against the terrorist threat and organized crime, particularly in their cybernetic form and their transnational links, were also discussed.

The Moroccan delegations visit was also marked by the exchange of expertise and experience and the sharing of information on the fight against terrorist organizations and organized criminal networks.

The two sides agreed on the importance of coordinating joint efforts and developing monitoring and control mechanisms, in order to prepare a firm response to the various risks and growing threats on an international scale.

This visit shows the importance of bilateral security cooperation between Morocco and the United States, as key partners in international efforts aimed at promoting security and stability.

It also reflects the unwavering commitment of the General Directorate of National Security and the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance to international efforts aimed at neutralizing the risks and threats to regional and international security.
China will support private investment and take forward projects that deliver multiple effects as part of the efforts to better spur effective investment, consumption and employment, according to a decision made at the State Council's Executive Meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday.



The meeting highlighted the imperative to keep to the overall thinking and policy orientation set out at the Central Economic Work Conference and in the Government Work Report, stay committed to ensuring stable growth at the current stage, and pursue long-term goals for sustained and sound economic development.

It is crucial to grasp the window of opportunities and conduct range-based regulation. Stronger policy measures will be taken whenever and wherever needed to stabilize economic activity, without resorting to excessive money supply or compromising long-term interests. These measures are aimed at supporting market entities and jobs, maintaining price stability, and keeping a sound overall economic performance.

The meeting pointed out that efforts to expand effective investment should prioritize projects that will not only strengthen areas of weakness and facilitate structural adjustments, but also boost consumption and create jobs, hence hitting multiple targets with one shot and mobilizing more stakeholders.

As the private sector contributes more than half of total investment, it is important to work unswervingly both to consolidate and develop the public sector and to encourage, support and guide the development of the non-public sector, and step up policy support. Market-based and reform measures will be taken to spur private investment.

"The economic situation remains serious and complex. For China, steady growth is of vital importance. Swift and decisive steps must be taken, without compromising long-term development prospects. The government must not just focus on one respect of work. We need to design our policies in a way that meets various challenges at the same time, efficiently coordinate all resources to form synergy, and strive to deliver multiple effects with one policy," Li said.

"Effective investment should be fully leveraged to maintain steady growth and boost employment, and private investment and the building of underground multi-purpose utility tunnels are two important levers," Li added.

Demonstration projects to attract private investment will be selected from the 102 major programs set out in the 14th Five-Year Plan, and in identified key areas for development.

Approved transportation, water resources management and other projects must be expedited. Private investment will receive equal treatment in bidding. Specific measures for work-relief programs will be introduced as quickly as possible.

The reform of government functions will be deepened. The procedures required for making private investment will be handled more efficiently. Large projects will be included into local inventories of key projects and given greater support in land use.

All localities must protect the lawful rights and interests of private investors and earnestly honor their policy commitments. The platform economy will be supported in pursuing healthy development. Private capital will be supported in conducting start-up investment.

Financial institutions will be guided toward supporting private investment through refinance or loan renewal. Eligible projects will receive government financing guaranty. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) projects for private investment will be swiftly launched. Private businesses will be encouraged to carry out market-based debt-to-equity swaps.

"It is imperative to work unswervingly both to consolidate and develop the public sector and to encourage, support and guide the development of the non-public sector. More forceful and effective measures should be adopted to strengthen confidence and anchor expectations. Support will be given to projects with private investment in accordance with laws and regulations," Li said.

Construction of underground multi-purpose utility tunnels has great investment potential and can play a catalytic role. It is a typical project that will deliver multiple gains. Construction of underground multi-purpose utility tunnels will be advanced along with the renovation of dilapidated urban drainage networks.

Well-calibrated planning will be made, policy support stepped up and fee-based returns mechanism improved, to attract private investment. Financial institutions will be guided toward issuing long-term loans. Market-based credit-enhancement support will be provided toward the issuance of debenture bonds by project owners.

"Underground utility tunnels are about what's on the inside of a city, and they must be well-planned in the process of new urbanization. Best practices in this respect should be disseminated, and more funds could be mobilized by supporting the participation of private investment," Li said.
The European Union has granted Tunisia 162 million to support the countrys various reforms that are expected to revive the economy.

EU ambassador to Tunisia Marcus Cornaro announced the grant during a meeting Wednesday with Tunisias Minister of Economy and Planning Samir Saied, Webdo Tunis reports.

The financial aid will reportedly support reforms in several areas including economic governance, investment liberalization, strengthening economic and export competitiveness, energy transition and justice.

Tunisia, which is facing economic hardship caused by the pandemic and political crisis, has turned to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which has request a set of reforms as condition to lend the North African country $4 billion requested by the administration of President Kais Saied.

The EU has vowed to back Tunisia in its dealing with the IMF.
Saudi Arabia reiterated Thursday its firm supportive stand to Moroccos territorial integrity and sovereignty over its Sahara on the occasion of the 13th session of the Moroccan-Saudi Joint Commission convened in Rabat.

The Saudi government also voiced strong backing to the autonomy plan offered by Morocco to the Sahara under its sovereignty, describing the Moroccan proposition as a realistic and pragmatic political solution in line with international law and the resolutions of the Security Council and the UN General Assembly.

Furthermore, Riyadh said it opposes any attempt undermining the supreme interests of the North African Kingdom, its sovereignty, or the unity of its national territory.

Saudi Arabia also commended Moroccos efforts to defend the Palestinian cause, hailing the continuous efforts made by King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Al-Quds, aimed at defending the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and its inhabitants, preserving its civilizational identity and protecting its status as a symbol of tolerance and coexistence between different monotheistic religions.

During the joint commission debates, the two sides vowed to boost their cooperation and consolidate their ties, emphasizing the importance of partnership between the two countries.

Saudi Arabia is Moroccos top trading partner in the Arab world.

In 2021, the overall value of trade between the two countries reached $1.76 billion. Some 250 Saudi-owned companies are based in Morocco, while fewer than 20 Moroccan companies are present in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi direct investments in the North African country stood at $26.6 million in 2020. The investments were injected in several industries, including real estate, tourism, and agriculture.

On Thursday, Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita met in Rabat with his Saudi peer Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saoud. The two ministers, who chaired 13th session of the Joint Moroccan-Saudi Commission, discussed ways of fostering further partnership between the two brotherly countries and exchanged views on latest developments on regional and international scene.
Morocco and Saudi Arabia have called for more efforts to support stability, promote sustainable development and fight extremism, terrorism and separatist movements in the Sahel region.

This came in the minutes of the 13th session of the Morocco-Saudi Arabia Joint Commission convened in Rabat this week under the co-chairmanship of the two countries Foreign Ministers Nasser Bourita and Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saoud.

As stated in the minutes, Saudi Arabia voices appreciation for Moroccos three-dimensional approach toward the Sahel region, which focuses on security, development and training of human resources.

The commission renewed its condemnation of extremism and terrorism under all its forms and manifestations, regardless of the justifications and motives, and stressed that this dangerous scourge should not be linked to any civilization or religion.

It also stressed the importance of joining regional and international efforts to confront and eradicate terrorism and eliminate its causes.

The commission reviewed the tireless efforts made by the two countries and the pioneering initiatives they have developed to counter terrorism and violent extremism, stressing the need to continue coordination in that regard at the international multilateral level, including the United Nations, the Global Forum on Countering Extremism and the International Coalition against Daesh.

The commission also welcomed the talks on the possibility to launch trilateral cooperation at the African level as part of a solidarity approach in priority areas.
Morocco adopts a singular, holistic and effective religious diplomacy which continues to bear fruit at the national, continental and global levels, said, Wednesday evening in Rome, Moroccos ambassador to the Holy See, Rajae Naji Mekkaoui.

The religious diplomacy of the Kingdom, a leader in the promotion of tolerant Islam, has demonstrated its effectiveness in the fight against extremism and radicalization thanks to the High Orientations of the Commandery of the Faithful, pillar of the security of the country in its spiritual, moral and political aspects, underlined Mrs. Naji Mekkaoui, during a conference on diplomacy and religion.

The conference was organized by the Sovereign Order of Malta and the U.S. think-thank Transatlantic Policy Network on religion and diplomacy, and was marked by the participation of high-profile diplomatic personalities in Rome and the Vatican.

In her presentation, the Moroccan diplomat noted that the Commandery of the Faithful, as history and reality prove, guarantees peace, security and stability and ensures Morocco an immunity against all kinds of extremism and ignorance, through the consecration of a moderate Islam. The Kingdom draws its foundations from the true values of Islam, in particular tolerance, coexistence and living together, she said.

Morocco, thanks to an enlightened royal vision, has given a particular interest to the establishment of an efficient framework for religious education, which aims to protect the Kingdoms religious frame of reference, the foundations of which are the Commandery of the Faithful, the Asharite doctrine, the Maliki rite and Sunni Sufism, she pointed out.

In this regard, the diplomat highlighted the success of the Moroccan experience in the management of the religious field both at the level of worship places and in terms of authentic teaching and training of imams.

She also recalled religious diplomacy initiatives, launched by King Mohammed VI, with a view to promoting the Moroccan model and correcting the image of religion among some, and mentioned the creation of the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema, the Supreme Council of Ulema, the European Council of Moroccan Ulema and the Mohammed VI Institute for the training of Imams, Morchidines and Morchidates.

As an active and committed player in the region, Morocco is continuing its tireless efforts, through its religious diplomacy, to promote peace and dialogue, said the diplomat, referring in particular to the historic Al-Quds Call, signed by the King, Chairman of the Al Quds Committee, and Pope Francis during his visit to the Kingdom in March 2019.

Under the impetus of King Mohammed VI, Morocco has also embarked on several mediation and support initiatives, particularly in the Middle East and in Libya, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the peaceful settlement of conflicts and its conviction in the value of diplomacy, said Ms. Naji Mekkaoui.

Highlighting Moroccos reputation as a moderate Muslim country and a reliable partner, the ambassador underlined that the Kingdoms strategy has also made it possible to achieve successive diplomatic breakthroughs regarding the conflict over the Moroccan Sahara.
SCOTTSBLUFF  The Nebraska State Patrol identified two people killed in a two-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon near Angora on Highway 385. The driver of the other vehicle has been arrested on suspicion of motor vehicle homicide, NSP said in a press release.

Charles Dueker, 79, and Linda Dueker, 78, both of Albuquerque, New Mexico, were killed in Tuesdays crash about 12:45 p.m. as a soughbound dump truck was attempting to enter a construction site and failed to yield the right of way, NSP said.

Dump truck entered the northbound lane and collided with an F-350 being driven by Charles Dueker. The dump truck was loaded with wet cement at the time of the crash. A third passenger in the F-350, the Duekers son, Bruce Dueker, 56, was treated and released from the hospital.

The driver of the dump truck, Aldo Hernandez-Meza, 31, of Mexico, was transported to Morrill County Hospital for minor injuries. Once released from the hospital, he was arrested on suspicion of motor vehicle homicide and failure to yield the right of way. He is lodged in Morrill County Jail.

The crash remains under investigation. The Morrill County Sheriffs Office assisted at the scene.
Calie Troyer might have looked mostly calm and collected on stage on Wednesday afternoon  for the most part.

Behind the scenes was a different story, however.

I was pacing around back there up until the time I came out (on stage), the 17-year-old Hershey resident said. The nerves were definitely there.

They didnt go away until she was announced as Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska during a coronation ceremony at North Platte Community College.

Troyer, who competed against fellow candidate Hannah Siwinski, 17, of Central City, in the four-day competition, will succeed Brooke Lehr for the title.

Im super excited to get started right away, Troyer said. Just hit all the rodeos that I can.

Troyer, an incoming senior at Hershey High School, also hopes to use her platform to educate other students about the rodeo and western lifestyle in general.

We support so much of the agricultural community and its just the way of life that we live, she said.

Troyer and Siwinski were both in the pageant field last year. That familiarity with the week of competition was a benefit this time around, Troyer said. The schedule is fast-paced, with group appearances sandwiched around horsemanship, style and speech competitions and personal interviews with the three-member judge panel.

It was a crazy week, Troyer said. Youre so busy, and you just keep checking (the events) off the list as it comes to you.

That includes checking off winning the title.

It feels so surreal now, Troyer said. I cant believe that its really happening now. My nerves were up there  just off the roof.

The crown was one she has thought about wearing for more than a decade.

I met my first Miss Rodeo Nebraska when I was 3 or 5 years old, Troyer said. Since then I have dreamed about being a rodeo queen. To be here finally is surreal.

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Episode 42: In 2020, more than 45,000 people in the United States died from gun-related injuries, but the number of people who die each year from alcohol-related causes is more than twice that. Yet social media and cable news is not filled with debates about how to solve this problem.

Richard Kyte and Scott Rada talk about what can be done to address this problem that is underpinning much of the violence in America today.

Links to stories discussed during the podcast:

Alcohol facts and statistics, from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Drunk driving fatality statistics, from the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility

Alcohol consumption among adults in Europe, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development

About the hosts: Scott Rada is social media manager with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Barry Loudermilk Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

As the January 6 committee holds more televised hearings this week, it has put Congressman Barry Loudermilk on the hot seat about a tour he led of the Capitol complex the day before the attack on the Capitol.

On Wednesday, the committee released footage of the hours-long tour, which took place even though the building was closed to visitors that day. In it, a man appears to snap pictures on his phone of a stairwell and hallways  not generally photo-worthy locations. In the latter half of the video, the same man, who has not been identified, is shown outside the Capitol on January 6. Speaking to the person filming him, he makes violent threats against Democratic lawmakers, including Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Were coming to take you out, he says while holding a flagpole fashioned into a weapon. Its unclear whether he ended up storming the Capitol or stayed outside the grounds.

On Fox News Wednesday night, Loudermilk, a Republican from Georgia, said that the man in question hadnt been surveying the building for attack  he was simply an impressed tourist taking snapshots. And though it may have looked like he was photographing a nondescript staircase, Loudermilk claimed he was actually capturing an eagle on the wall holding two candles.

Loudermilk suggests they were taking pictures of artwork from children and not tunnels pic.twitter.com/lWvDICwwYX  Acyn (@Acyn) June 16, 2022

Loudermilk also implied that when the man took a picture of a tunnel heading to the Capitol, he was probably less interested in its logistical usefulness than in childrens artwork hanging there. And he has emphasized that taking photos or videos is not restricted in any of the areas where members of the tour did so and that none of those areas were breached on January 6.

Other footage of the tour, not released by the committee, seems to back up Loudermilks point by showing that the man in question wasnt selective about the video he shot. Theres no evidence that Loudermilk conspired with anyone, and the Capitol Police released a letter this week characterizing his tour as routine and innocuous.

But shifting stories from Republicans and Loudermilk havent exactly engendered trust from Democrats.

Rep. Loudermilk released this statement yesterday: I never gave a tour of the Capitol on Jan 5, 2021.



This morning, this footage was released. Dated January 5th, 2021. https://t.co/R0BOpt376j pic.twitter.com/e4NIApUEtV  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) June 15, 2022

In May, the committee sent a letter to Loudermilk inquiring about the tour, which noted that Republicans on the House Administration Committee had previously asserted that there were no tours, no large groups, no one with MAGA hats on. In response, Loudermilk said in his own statement said that a constituent family with young children meeting with their Member of Congress in the House Office Buildings is not a suspicious group or reconnaissance tour. Later, he released a video in which he clarified that the family had brought friends. But Capitol Police estimate that about 15 people were on the tour.

Days after the riot, some Democrats, most notably New Jerseys Mikie Sherrill, floated the idea that Republican lawmakers had led reconnaissance tours for rioters in advance. In May, Loudermilk asked the House ethics committee to investigate Sherrill and 33 other Democrats who had made similar claims. My Republican colleagues and I will not sit by while Democrats accuse their colleagues of treason for political gain, he said.
Auburn University will soon open a new facility that will allow people to get their commercial driver's license for free, as well as reducing the fees associated with heavy equipment operation training.

The AU Construction Workforce and Training Research Facility will allow students to get practical behind-the-wheel training in a controlled environment.

Auburn is partnering with the Alabama Community College System Innovation Center to bring this new training facility, one of several across the state that will provide accessible and affordable technical training skills, to Lee County.

Located next to the National Center for Asphalt Technology test track off Lee Road 151, the facility will feature a paved 1.9-acre training range for CDL Class A trucks and a 2.9-acre training range for heavy equipment. The heavy equipment range will feature both paved and unpaved sections.

According to Lee County Engineer Justin Hardee, a section of the heavy equipment range will be used for specific training such as laying pipes and practicing operational safety.

Theres so much more than just being able to run a piece of machinery, Hardee said. You've got to do it safe with other people working around you, with large heavy objects on a chain being swung by a boom thats not going to harm someone else. Thats what this area will go towards.

Jorge Rueda, assistant professor at Auburn University's department of civil and environmental engineering, spoke to the Lee County Commission about the facility on Monday.

Not many training providers have the equipment or facilities to deliver this type of training, and the training is expensive, Rueda said. You can go to a community college and be trained as a carpenter, that will be cheaper than being trained as an equipment operator. The operating costs of the equipment are just increasing training costs. We are trying to make training more accessible and affordable.

In order to keep things affordable for students, grants will be provided for the first two years the facility is open, which will allow students to get their commercial driver's license for free.

We are going to train for free as many people as possible, Rueda said. The idea is to try to keep it free through grants.

The program has received grants from Auburn University, the State Transportation Innovation Council, the Federal Highway Administration, the Alabama Department of Transportation and the Auburn University Highway Research Center.

In addition to the behind-the-wheel range training, the Alabama Community College System will also provide theoretical training and behind-the-wheel road training for CDL students. The theory part of the training can be done online and must be completed before students are allowed to get behind the wheel. The road training will come after the students learn to drive on the range.

Initial heavy equipment training programs will include bulldozer, backhoe, skid steer, front loader, asphalt paver and motor grader.
The Rev. Al Jackson, pastor emeritus of Lakeview Baptist Church and the man known around Auburn as Brother Al, gave the sermon that closed out this years Southern Baptist Convention Pastors Conference in Anaheim, Calif.

Jackson was one of 12 pastors asked to preach from the book of Colossians, drawing from the last 12 verses of the final chapter.

The annual two-day gathering was the first since an independent investigation found disturbing details about how denominational leaders mishandled sex abuse claims and mistreated victims. During the conference, the convention overwhelmingly approved two sex abuse-related resolutions, one apologizing for the harm our actions and inactions have caused to survivors of sexual abuse, and another calling for all states to criminalize sexual relationships between pastors and those in their care.

The conventions newly elected president, Texas pastor Bart Barber, said his first priority will be to accelerate sex abuse reforms in the nations largest Protestant denomination.

From the pulpit Monday, Jackson encouraged his fellow pastors to remember that God is watching them, and thats all that matters.

Its easy for the devil to whisper in your ear and say, Youre not Charles Stanley, or youre not Tony Evans, youre not David Jeremiah, youre not really important in what youre doing, Jackson told the Opelika-Auburn News on a phone call Thursday before flying home to Auburn. I just wanted to say to these brothers, Look what you do in Gods sight, and as far as Im concerned, Gods sight is the only one that really matters. What you do is infinitely more significant and important than what happens in the White House or the halls of Congress or Supreme Court. Because what they do is just for a time, and what we do as pastors is for all eternity.

In his sermon, Jackson mentioned early Christians including Tychicus and Onesimus  names he jokingly referred to as tongue twisters  as examples of people serving faithfully regardless of position.

Likewise, Jackson might not have been well-known to many of the convention attendees in Anaheim, but he stands tall in the eyes of many in East Alabama and around the South.

Matt Henslee, the Pastors Conference president and the one who invited Jackson to preach, told the Alabama Baptist website that hed never heard of Jackson until Als Boys started spamming him with nominations to put him in the conference pulpit.

Als Boys are the 300-plus preachers who were discipled by Jackson as young men.

Through them, Henslee said, I would be introduced to this man that I did not know, a man who loves Jesus Christ, loves his church and has finished the race well as a pastor.

Three of Als Boys  Scott Ferguson of First Baptist Church LaFayette, Ryan Johnson of Agape Baptist Church in Scottsboro, and Barry Holcomb of Calvary Baptist Church in Belmont, Miss.  spearheaded a fundraiser that donated $7,000 at the conference in Jacksons name to a nonprofit called Mission: Dignity.

Jackson said the donation to the ministry, which aids retirement-age ministers, workers and their widows, surprised him.

It was the next day when my wife told me about it, said Jackson, who retired from Lakeview in 2021 after more than 40 years as pastor. Im blessed. These are dear friends. I had the privilege to mentor them when they were young. I thank them for caring about retired pastors and their wives and their widows. Its a blessing, for sure.

Another surprise came when the conventions Ladies Luncheon recognized Jacksons wife, Kem, as the 2022 Ministers Wife of the Year. She was nominated by Heather Payne, wife of Lakeviews current pastor, Brian Payne.

Thats pretty extraordinary, Jackson said. She was surprised, greatly surprised when they announced she was the winner this year. This has been a very special week for us. We just didnt see this coming. We retired and we were going to ride off into the sunset and now in my old age, Im going places and getting things to do that I never thought would happen.

Even in retirement, Jackson hasnt stopped preaching, heading to downtown Auburn late at night to reach out to college kids and bar patrons.

Ive been doing that for years, Jackson said. I havent been in three of four weeks since school got out. But you would be surprised how many students are on the street on Thursday night around midnight.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Huawei Technologies Co is accelerating efforts to grow its artificial intelligence computing business and build a commercial ecosystem for its AI computing chips.



Hu Houkun, rotating chairman of Huawei, said AI application scenarios for China's IT industry are potentially countless, but the foundation is not strong enough yet.

Homegrown core technologies like high-end chip techniques and fundamental software systems need to grow stronger, Hu said.

Huawei, he said, has shared with the computing industry its "roots "technologies accumulated over the years, and it welcomes more people to accelerate the development of various new applications.

The "roots" include Huawei's Ascend series of AI processors and Kunpeng processors for servers. Based on Ascend chips, the Huawei Atlas AI computing solution offers a broad portfolio of products, including modules, cards, servers and clusters. The solution enables all-scenario AI infrastructure through the device-edge-cloud process, covering full-pipeline inference and training for AI deep learning.

Kunpeng processors developed by Huawei are based on ARM chip architecture, a chip design developed by the United Kingdom's Arm Holdings. They feature multi-core, high-concurrency advantages.

Huawei said more than 4,500 partners are now working on applications that use Kunpeng and Ascend processors. They have launched more than 12,000 industry solutions. There are more than 2 million developers for Kunpeng and Ascend.

Huawei's AI push coincides with the technology's gradual penetration into all aspects of people's work and lives. AI's application scope has widened from the internet sector to thousands of industries, helping boost operational efficiency and reduce costs. This triggered a surging demand for computing power.

"AI has three key elements: computing power, algorithms and data. These constitute the foundation of AI," said Fu Liang, an independent tech expert. "Huawei is betting big on the AI industry to grow its computing business."

Huawei's efforts to build a full, all-scenario AI portfolio are designed to beef up its in-house research and development capabilities, as the US ban on the company continues.

According to Huawei, its Ascend AI can not only help big companies but also encourage small and medium-sized enterprises to embrace AI. The technology can help solve the problems of difficult and expensive computing power in traditional computing methods.

Charlie Dai, principal analyst at business strategy and economic consultancy Forrester, said: "Huawei's computing strategy demonstrates the importance of leveraging holistic hardware and the software spectrum to fully unleash the power of AI in the cloud."

ARM-based chips have unique value for computing. Huawei's investment in ARM-based servers not only supports broader business scenarios, but also effectively improves business agility in the increasingly dynamic macroeconomic environment, Dai said.
With the sun beaming down on a hot summer morning, kids from the Lee County area ran with enthusiasm through an obstacle course outside the Lee County Sheriffs Office.

They climbed over a fence, walked over a balance beam and crawled through a tunnel while officers gave encouragement and instruction.

Lee County School Resource Officers are hosting the annual Junior Deputy Academy for kids ages 7 to 12. This year, 33 children and 10 team leaders are participating in the camp from Lee County Schools, Auburn City Schools and Opelika City Schools.

During the camp, participants learn about fingerprinting, traffic stops, handcuffing, gun safety, Tasers, character building, the inner workings of the sheriffs office and more. They also get to watch demonstrations from the SWAT team, the K9 unit and the detention facility.

It gives them a taste of what its like to be a deputy sheriff, the things we do, how we do it and just exposure to law enforcement operations, Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones said. And the main thing, its about relationship building with our young people.

Kash Meyers, 9, from Wacoochee Elementary, said he attended the camp last year and loved it so much he wanted to return. He said hes also looking forward to bringing his younger sister with him next summer.

I love that it shows you that its not all dangerous. It can be fun too, Meyers said.

When he grows up, Meyers said he wants to be a K9 officer.

Madison Dean, 15, will attend Smith Station High School next year. She volunteered to help the SROs run the camp this year.

She said she first started participating in the camp as a fourth grader, became a team leader and is now an assistant.

I really enjoyed being a part of the SROs, she said, being able to get to know them and get to become a family with them.

Through this camp and because of the inspiration from several SRO officers, Dean has decided to pursue law enforcement, but first has her sights on either the Air Force or the Marines.

Right after high school, Im going to go into the military. Then once I retire from that, I plan on becoming an SRO like them, she said, pointing to the school resource officers.

Dean said the officers, including Sgt. Pam Revels, inspired her and made me want to be like them.

Revels, SRO for Lee County Schools, said she enjoys watching how the kids grow from the first day of camp until the end as well as watching them gain knowledge and a sense of accomplishment.

Were in the schools all year with the kids, so we like to bring them to our house and show them what we do in a more in-depth level, Revels said. And just having that additional connection with our young people in the community, all the while providing them with a unique experience.

Revels said building trust also gives SROs the opportunity to prevent problems from minor issues to an active shooter situation.

Building positive relationships with our young people is our number one goal, Revels said. Were in the schools, building that rapport and building trust. When they have trust, they come and talk to us, so thats our opportunity to mentor them, to guide them in making positive, good decisions.

At the end of the camp, theres a graduation ceremony for participants. Revels said the whole program is evidence of Jones support of the community and efforts to educate and engage the public in public safety.

This is the ultimate community-oriented policing concept, and he fully supports that so we can do more with our community to make it better together, she said. Thats what it takes, it takes a community effort.
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Auburn University student Rachel Ruhlin never expected the lessons she learned in her audiology class might potentially save her fathers life, but thats exactly what happened earlier this year.

Ruhlinan incoming senior from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, studying Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences in the College of Liberal Artswill eventually apply what shes learned in the program to her career. But Ruhlin is different in that shes already taken what she learned from the classroom all the way to the Mayo Clinic after she set a chain of events in motion that led to the discovery of her fathers brain tumor.

In class, Ruhlin learned about parts of the ear, the importance of hearing aids and tumors like acoustic neuromas that can cause hearing loss. Meanwhile, her father, Joe, had struggled with worsening hearing loss for yearsonly talking on the phone on one side, not hearing anything said near his left earso Ruhlin urged him to set up an appointment with an audiologist.

Once I started taking these classes, it put it more into perspective, Rachel Ruhlin said. My professor would talk about how many people have hearing loss, and if you dont get hearing aids, your hearing will just get worse and worse. Finally, I texted my dad and I said, We have to go. I didnt really give him an option.

Originally, the appointment was simply to test if Joe Ruhlin would be a candidate for hearing aids. He thought his worsening hearing was just a result of aging, but after Rachel explained the many social, emotional and psychological implications of hearing loss, he was persuaded.

Plus, Joe Ruhlin said, it would be interesting for his daughter to see a real hearing test, so he agreed to go.

She strongly encouraged me to set up an appointment while she was home, Joe Ruhlin said. And I think she knew I would go with her, partly because it was going to be interesting for her to see up close what an audiology test looks like, what a hearing test would look like and participate in it and ask questions.

At the first audiology appointment, it was no surprise to Ruhlin that her fathers hearing test indicated serious hearing loss on one side. The next step in the process was for Rachels father to visit an ear, nose and throat doctor, who would conduct a more comprehensive test, including ordering an MRI.

When the MRI results came back showing a large tumor, Rachel knew exactly what it was: an acoustic neuroma, an extremely rare, but serious brain tumor. It was one of the worst-case scenarios she was familiar with through her classes at Auburn.

In Auburns Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, or SLHS, program, all students must take Professor Sridhar Krishnamurtis audiology class, where they learn foundational knowledge about hearing loss.

This class teaches them what the field is about, its our trademark class in audiology for undergraduates, Krishnamurti said. Very few people, like Rachel, take it to that next level where they translate it to help their family. This is the first time in 25 years that Ive experienced a student affecting their familys future.

Because of that class, Ruhlin said she had a firm grasp on everything that was happening.

When we went to the audiologist the first time, I knew exactly what was going on with his audiogram and how bad it was because I had seen audiograms in class all the time, Ruhlin said. Then we went to the surgeons, and they were talking about parts of the ear, and Ive learned all those. Before surgery, I knew everything that was going on because we learned about this specific type of tumor in class. So, if I hadnt had these classes, I definitely wouldve been a lot more confused and in the dark.

An acoustic neuroma, also known as a vestibular schwannoma, is a benign tumor that grows in the cells surrounding the hearing and balance nerves. Common symptoms include hearing loss on one side, ringing in one ear, dizziness and facial numbness when the tumor gets large.

Acoustic neuromas are rare, affecting only about three people in 100,000, but are risky because of their proximity to the brain stem. Left untreated, they can grow large enough to compress the brain stem and become life-threatening.

Dr. Michael Link is the neurosurgeon who took care of Joe Ruhlin at the Mayo Clinic, one of the best facilities in the world for vestibular schwannoma treatment. Link has seen thousands of patients with this type of tumor and said the longer it goes untreated, the more dangerous it can become.

Even though its benign, having something growing inside your head is somewhat of a risk. And where this tumor arises, theres a lot of important things, especially the brain stem, right next to it. So, as these tumors slowly enlarge, they can start to push on some critical structures, Link said. The other issue is that right with the hearing and balance nerve runs the facial nerves, which innervates all the muscles of facial expression. As the tumor gets bigger, the risk that the facial nerve will be injured or wont work well after surgery goes up.

The treatment options for a vestibular schwannoma include surgery, radiation and observation. Because of the size of Joe Ruhlins tumor, Link conducted a successful surgical removal on Feb. 16 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Because the tumor is so embedded in the hearing nerves, total hearing loss on the affected side is expected when a large tumor is removed. Link said patients also experience temporary balance issues and facial weakness following the surgery.

Link said while acoustic neuromas are rare, any hearing issues should be taken seriously.

The great, great majority of the time, when people have unilateral hearing loss or unilateral ringing in the ear, it is not a tumor. But once again, its always worth getting it checked out, Link said. Its been fascinating to me that so many people have hearing loss and refuse to get it checked out. It is a big issue for quality of life if youre missing a lot of whats going on around you. So, I think for all of our family members, we have to be vigilant and say if youre not hearing well, you need to get it checked out.

For the next few months, Joe Ruhlin will recover from the surgery and slowly regain his balance, content with the knowledge that the tumor is completely removed and he is no longer at risk of further damage.

Ruhlin said hes grateful his daughter had the knowledge to help guide him through the process.

It means a lot that she helped me get through this, Ruhlin said. Im very grateful that she pushed me to go see the doctor. It did take some encouragement, and shes very good at encouraging me to do things. Daughters can be that way.

So, Im very grateful that she was in that audiology class at the time. She was talking to her audiology professors, and they were backing up what we were hearing, so it was very comforting to have her support.

Throughout the process, Rachel Ruhlin consulted her SLHS professors, who also worked with her schedule to ensure that she could be at home with her father around the time of the surgery.

The SLHS program was so supportive prior to the surgery and during the surgery, she said. I could just tell them my dad had an acoustic neuroma, and they knew exactly what it was. I didnt have to explain anything, and they still ask me how hes doing. The support from the SLHS faculty, especially being thousands of miles away, I couldnt be happier to be a part of this program.

Krishnamurti said what really sets Rachel apart from her peers is that she had the conviction to immediately apply what she learned in class, from the first hearing test through treatment.

All credit goes to Rachel because she was conscientious, she listened in class, she wrote it down and went home and took her father to the doctor, Krishnamurti said. She made sure that he went to one of the best places in the world and got the best treatment, and Im sure hes a lot happier man today. Its heartening for us as faculty members that we were able to give her the information she needed to do the right things.

Despite some of her professors encouragement to pursue audiology, Ruhlin still looks forward to becoming a speech-language pathologist who works with Spanish-speaking families. She said this experience has given her a new appreciation for audiology.

A lot of times, you learn something in the classroom and you just kind of leave it in the classroom, but it was so impactful that I was able to apply it to something so meaningful in my life, Ruhlin said. This will have an impact for years and years, because now the tumors gone and hell be fine. What I learned potentially saved his life.
But he said it though...

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Im sure it was ~taken out of context 

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He was using ~satire~

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He was being a character he created, who is very opposite from himself, whose voice he sometimes speaks through to express himself satirically. It's like Monty Python. Some people just aren't advanced enough to understand.

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I cant wait til these rich old white guys who think theyre oppressed all die off.

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the sad part is that there are definitely young generations that think the same. all those dudes in idaho, for instance... i bet at least half of them think they're oppressed as white men. 

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Ugh, so true, but maybe if the olds die off the youngs will grow up and realise theyre being knobs? Vain hope, I know.

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oh it's definitely happening. In academia especially.

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yeah people need to stop with this myth that it's old white men only.

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unfortunately they have multiple avenues of reproduction, and they conserve all of their energy for that eventual single celled task of contorting reality to fall in line with their victimhood. this in itself can signal its reproductive system to cycle into budding and unleash the next generation. in times of food shortages like attention, they can also form a cyst and "hibernate" while reproducing inside. when conditions are favorable again, the cyst wall bursts on twitter and unleashes their latest opinions that are now safe to survive outside the host. finally, they CAN fuse with others of their species, resulting in offspring that are genetically distinct from the parent cells but nevertheless also stupid.



trust me i have a biology degree.

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This is like the Andrew Lloyd Webber incident that I just mentioned in the Broadway thread. There is a direct quote of these men saying XYZ and then a few days later (after everyone rightly points out that they're being absolute dumbasses), they issue a statement saying, "Wait, that's not what I said!"



ETA:



ALW statement on the night that the West End production of Cinderella closed:

"My huge thanks to everyone. We kept the governments feet to the flames, and led the charge to the West End opening again. It might have been a costly mistake, but I am proud of what we did, and will forever be grateful to everyone who supported me.



A few days later:

"I am devastated to have been reported to have said that my beloved production of Cinderella was a 'costly mistake.' Nothing could be further from the truth, and I am very sorry if my words have been misunderstood. "



It's almost as if these people don't understand that we have a record of them saying exactly what they claim they didn't say.



Edited at 2022-06-16 07:46 am (UTC)

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It's almost as if these people don't understand that we have a record of them saying exactly what they claim they didn't say.



lol reminds me of when chris delia clearly didnt realize there were screencaps of his little messes

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See, this is why when you end a sentence and start with a ". This means abcd" Grammarly would nag you about your 'this' not being clear enough. When I read it I thought 'the costly mistake' was referring to "keeping the gov's feet to flames and leading the charge to opening West End" too, but I can see why others might read it the other way around.



Edited at 2022-06-16 08:40 am (UTC)

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I read it the same way you did

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Yeah, because how many times did we watch Trump deny saying or doing something as we were watching video of him saying or doing whatever it was? And the MSM let him get away with it every time. So now all old white guys think they can do the same.

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imo we now have more receipts of as people are online 24/7, but BECAUSE of that people are more confident in saying 'that's not true.' because of trump who really capitalized on it, because people are stupid and are probably like 'well everything is online, so who would refute something so easily proven? that would be so stupid, so the person must be telling the truth.'

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To be fair to ALW (I know, I know, his life is extremely difficult, LOL), he did offer an explanation that actually makes sense: The costly mistake he meant wasn't Cinderella, but the strategy of opening in the pandemic. Quoting his statement here: We were desperate to support the West End after 2 years of a devastating pandemic and the mistake we made was trying to open too early, meaning we had to postpone twice."



If we get our grammar detective magnifying glasses out and review what he said, he's right.



Here's his line: "My huge thanks to everyone. We kept the governments feet to the flames, and led the charge to the West End opening again. It might have been a costly mistake, but I am proud of what we did, and will forever be grateful to everyone who supported me.





The "it" in "It might have been a costly mistake" has to throw back to the last noun/gerund in the sentence prior. In this case, it actually grammatically does point back to "leading the charge to the West End opening again." (The end of the sentence prior.) Those seeing this as an attack on the production were applying the "it" to the second part of the sentence--"but I am proud of what we did" and assuming that means the production. It's an understandable reading, but grammatically we look backward, not forward, to find to what a pronoun refers.



Bottom line: He genuinely didn't mean to insult Cinderella, and the problem here is slightly murky wording causing confusion in his meaning.



Edited to acknowledge I spent way too long thinking about ALW's grammar. (Yes, I am avoiding my work, why do you ask?)





Edited at 2022-06-16 03:07 pm (UTC)

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That's not a correction, that's a retcon.

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incredible

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perfect

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lmao irl @ "Diversity is my friend"

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I used to work in publishing and the dread these poor PR teams had whenever there was a major press tour for the book launch of an old, white and well known author

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along came a spider backtrack

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This man is a huge This man is a huge

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This looks like the Golden Films version of Donkey from Shrek

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That's the kind of crap people say at dinner parties and everyone nods in agreement. He believes it and has supporters he just forgot who he was talking to.



Edited at 2022-06-16 09:34 am (UTC)

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For a writer, he is really not good with words. I hope his editor is well paid.



Edited at 2022-06-16 09:59 am (UTC)

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I dont think hes actually written a book since the 90s

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Well, if you can't explain your point articulately, maybe it's time for you to shut the fuck up.

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And stop "writing".

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I thought you were talking to me, and I was like damn where'd you read my work?

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He should have let one of his many ghostwriters write his apology instead

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I dont think he writes his books, I have no respect for him

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I have been laughing about this all morning. Chub pup killed me

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I barely knew how sex worked as a preteen much less sexual slang so I would have taken chub pup to only mean "that's a fat little dog!"

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The angry beavers cartoon had a license plate that was something like BVRFUR and my mom lost her mind. Kids don't know. But man my mom was mad. Like I get the joke now but I didn't then.

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Chubbity Pup Pup!!

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I feel like this should be mandatory reading for anyone who wants to apply to law school or work as a TV writer. Can you imagine if this is what you spend your day doing to make a goofy cartoon?

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This should be mandatory reading for anyone wanting to make a cartoon/show tbh, esp with the big corps. This type of stuff is sadly extremely common. Everyone going into this business should be warned that the expectations of your product should be tempered depending on the Client



Speaking from experience in dealing directly and indirectly with Script drafts to Design art, when it came to notes from Clients: Mattel was usually ok, Netflix was wholly inconsistent (you could usually slip in things that they might flag if it was in bulk, BUT they also didn't really understand how production worked, deadlines, etc...), and Apple and Disney were ridiculous, with Disney being slightly more insane. Of those I've worked with, Mattel was the better of the bunch

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One of my electives back in the 90s was entertainment law and part was contracts and the like, but part of it was just this: dealing with FCC regulations and reports made to the FCC, and the weirdest things were reported and even when you didn't get fined, you still had wasted time and money defending your position.



These emails are hilarious, but those lawyers have probably received complaints for that same language before and THAT is the sad part to me.

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For anyone complaining that queer creators who arent trying hard enough to get representation in their shows

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i once did some series development for an app, they gave me free reign so suggest stuff. it took FOREVER to let them allow me to make my main character bi, and only after i delivered several speeches on how it's relatable to a potential audience out there, how it relates directly to the themes included, etc. i still quite like what i came up with! it was YA w some of the rly rly weird local lore from my country for flavouring. what they wanted was harry potter meets twilight in a handwavey european fairytale land. i just wasn't a good fit, it felt like every single corner had to be sanded off.



also i was paid peanuts, and the accountant who i needed to tick a box for me in an IRS form charged me more than i earned, so i essentially paid 70 for months of unsatisfying work for a show that was never produced. well.

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gravity falls is such a fun show. I understand why they were frustrated w/ all that back and forth.



How does one get a job in that department? Also, I didn't know that there were animal consultants outside of liveaction stuff. Interesting. I lowkey want to work for Disney S&P offices now.



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lmfao@



please omit "not s&p approved"



"not s&p approved" has been approved by s&p

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Yessss bite the hand that fed you, we love it!

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I was hoping thered be a post for this! God, Id find dealing with that bullshit (and having to type any of that up on behalf of Disney S&P provided the person has any self-awareness) soul destroying.

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"There once was a man from Kentucky, who misspelled the word fuck and got 'fucky'?"



I'm crying

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I remember watching an episode where they were stuck in a pinball machine. And the girl character has a feather in her hair and like a "native" dress on. The obese character was like "we need someone to distract the villain, who can be annoying by jumping up and down and shouting?" And the girl character is like "my time has come," with wind blowing in her hair and "native" flute music. Then she's like doing "Native" dances to distract the villain. I was like appalled... I haven't looked at all of the tweets, but I wonder about that episode considering that they are sharing this info. Did they try to censor that part in the episode? Did they successfully censor it and the original content of the episode was worse than the finished episode?

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i didnt remember this so i looked it up, i don't think i would call her distraction a parody of Native American dances, but i see what you mean about the rest....





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The Eagle dance is probably one of the most common dances parodied in tv and film.





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Yeah I remember the exact episode you mean, and I cringe every time. I understand and agree overall with Alex's frustration, but there were a couple of instances like this that were on the show that he still hasn't addressed

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Gravity Falls has a pretty bad track record with Native American depictions, tbh

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I gotta think S&P was on the joke on some of these because... WILD if not lmao.

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this is funny but here's the proof that when bigotry slips past, it just means they didn't care about the bigotry lol

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Disney just decided yesterday that gay people exist, so, this isn't surprising.

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Fire Island must have done really well.

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Now this is some ridiculously funny poop

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Tbh shocked much more on this show didnt get flagged by Disney. Funny that the horror elements are less alarming to parents than queerness!

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I'm dying at the business formal narrate the most ridiculous words--Gravity Falls is one of my favorite shows and I love it even more now knowing how much Disney splits hairs in the most pain in the ass way for things that would fly straight over a 10-year-old's head

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Despite recent progress, the scale and cost of switching to renewables remain a challenge.

Energy transition partnerships have been used in South Africa to help with decarbonization efforts.

As emerging markets continue to add capacity to generate renewable energy, some of the worlds wealthiest countries could help fund their energy transitions.

In recent months officials from a number of developed nations have visited Indonesia to discuss the countrys decarbonisation efforts.

This included the visit of Janet Yellen, the US secretary of the Treasury, who met with Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Indonesias coordinating minister for maritime affairs and investment, in late April to discuss the potential for an accelerated transition away from coal in the power sector.

The pair also discussed the potential for Indonesia to participate in a Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), an initiative that would see donor governments, development banks, climate-focused organisations and the private sector fund projects to accelerate the countrys transition away from fossil fuels.

Indonesia is seen as a key player in the global effort to phase out the use of high-polluting sources of energy.

As the worlds largest exporter of thermal coal and the eighth-biggest carbon emitter, decarbonising Indonesia's energy mix would contribute significantly to reducing global emissions.

Furthermore, given that Indonesia currently holds the G20 presidency, it has been reported that several developed nations would like to agree to a JETP with the country before the annual G20 summit in Bali in November.

A future funding model?

If negotiations with Indonesia are successful, the JETP model of wealthier countries helping to finance the energy transitions of emerging markets could become more widespread.

In November last year France, Germany, the UK, the US and the EU announced such a plan to help fund South Africas decarbonisation efforts.

With an initial commitment of $8.5bn, the partnership aims to save 1bn-1.5bn tonnes of emissions over the next 20 years by accelerating South Africas shift away from coal and towards low-emission sources of energy.

In addition, the EU has confirmed that it is exploring the possibility of developing similar energy transition partnerships with India and Vietnam.

These efforts demonstrate the desire of the global community to collaborate when it comes to lowering emissions, and the extent to which some wealthier nations will finance pathways to achieve it.

In addition to global efforts to limit the rise of average temperatures to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, the attempts to switch to low-carbon sources of energy are likely to have a positive economic effect, with a recent report from Standard & Poors finding that low- and lower-middle-income countries are likely to experience 3.6 times more economic damage as a result of climate change than high-income countries.

Transition challenges

While progress is being made in advancing the energy transition, significant challenges remain.

For example, while the $8.5bn in funding for the initial phase of South Africas JETP will facilitate the implementation of a series of important projects, the country will require additional financial support to complete its sustainable transition.

In May a report by academics at South Africas Stellenbosch University  in conjunction with the Blended Finance Taskforce, an organisation set up to mobilise private capital to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals  found that the country will need around $250bn over the next three decades to transition to a low-carbon energy system.

Indonesia also has a unique set of challenges. Coal generates around 60% of its electricity and is the dominant economic sector in a number of regions.

While the government has pledged to shut down coal-fired power plants by 2055 and be 100% dependent on renewable sources by 2060, it will need significant investment to achieve these goals.

A government study estimated that the country will need $150bn-200bn  or roughly 3.5% of GDP  in annual investment in low-carbon programmes through to 2030 to meet its net-zero targets.

At present, Indonesia has around 210 MW of installed solar capacity, one of the smallest solar footprints in the world. Although planning has begun for solar projects with up to 17,000 MW in capacity, just 3300 MW of this is expected to be used by the local market, with the bulk to be exported abroad.

Innovative funding

While the JETP model could set a precedent for climate-focused development funding in the future, it is just one example of how lower-income nations have been exploring innovative ways to finance renewable energy projects.

As OBG reported, in April the Bahamas became one of the latest countries to seek to leverage its natural surroundings to fund projects to protect its environment, announcing plans to sell blue carbon credits before the end of the year.

This followed news earlier in 2022 that the World Bank had issued the worlds first wildlife conservation bond, which raised money to protect endangered black rhino populations in South Africa.

Meanwhile, in March Chile became the first sovereign to sell sustainability-linked bonds, which incentivise climate-positive solutions by incorporating a number of environmental objectives, along with a series of penalties for issuers if they fail to meet the goals, into the deal.

By Oxford Business Group

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Two work teams have been dispatched to south China's Guangdong and Guangxi to assist with local flood-control efforts, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM) on Wednesday.

From Wednesday to Friday, heavy downpours are expected to lash the provinces of Guangdong, Fujian and Jiangxi, as well as the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, according to the country's meteorological authority.

In the coming week, heavy rainfall will linger over some regions in southern parts of China, said a meeting jointly held by the office of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and the MEM.

Major floods occurred in southern China's Pearl River basin, bringing about frequent geological disasters, according to the meeting. It has called for improvements to the emergency-response mechanism and the full implementation of emergency-rescue measures.

On Wednesday, the China National Commission for Disaster Reduction and the MEM jointly activated a Level-IV emergency response to floods in the provinces of Fujian and Jiangxi, and dispatched work groups to guide local disaster-relief work.

China has a four-tier flood-control emergency-response system, with Level I being the most severe.
European benchmark gas prices soared higher today after Gazprom cut the volumes of gas it transports via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline further on Wednesday, gaining 8 percent in morning trade, Bloomberg reported.

Gazprom cut Nord Stream 1 volumes by 40 percent earlier this week, citing the delayed delivery of gas turbines it had sent to German Siemens for scheduled repairs.

Siemens, for its part, said that it had sent the turbines to be repaired at a Canadian factory, but new anti-Russian sanctions imposed by the federal Canadian government had stalled the return of the equipment.

Due to the sanctions imposed by Canada, it is currently impossible for Siemens Energy to deliver overhauled gas turbines to the customer, Siemens Energy said, as quoted by the Financial Times. We have informed the Canadian and German governments and are working on a viable solution.

Germanys Economy Minister Robert Habeck, however, said the reduction of gas flows via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline was a political decision.

Russias reason [for reducing gas supplies] is just a pretext, Habeck said. Their strategy is obviously to unsettle [people] and drive up prices.

On Wednesday, Gazprom further reduced Nord Stream 1 volumes to a total of 60 percent and also cut supplies to Italy by 15 percent, which pushed European gas prices further up.

Todays developments are going to be a massive shock for gas prices as Europe is now going to struggle to refill its storages ahead of next winter if this reduction is for an extended period of time, ICIS analyst Tom Marzec-Manser told the FT on Wednesday.

According to Bloomberg, Russian gas flows to its biggest European clients since the start of this month have fallen to the lowest since 2014. U.S. LNG supplies have meanwhile become problematic after an explosion at Freeport LNG prompted production suspension that will last for a minimum of three months, with a full return to normal operation coming no sooner than late 2022, according to the company.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Italy's Eni is only receiving 65% of requested volumes of gas from Russia, the state-run company said on Thursday, after Russia's Wednesday announcement that it would cut natural gas flows to Italy by 15%.

Gazprom also warned Italy that the volumes could fall even furtherup to suspending all flowson additional delays in repair work.

On Wednesday, Eni confirmed that Gazprom said it would cut natural gas flows to Italy, without detailing the reasons why. Then, Gazprom had explained volumes would be just 15% lower. Thursday, however, saw a reduction in gas flows from Russia by more than one-third.

Also this week, on Tuesday, Gazprom announced it was slashing gas flows to Germany via the Nord Stream 1 pipelineby 40%--after equipment repairs had been delayed due to Russian sanctions. Germany's Economy Minister Robert Habeck, however, was quick to point out that the gas flow cuts were politically motivated, not due to any technical limitations.

Gazprom's Nord Stream 1 pipeline is due to undergo planned maintenance for two weeks. During this time, the flow of gas from Russia to Germany will be halted completely. Europe has been struggling to replenish depleting gas supplies ahead of the next heating season, and any disruption in flows now could tank those plans.

Italy receives 40% of its imported gas29 billion cubic metersfrom Russia. It is, however, working to disentangle itself from the grip of Russian gas supplies, and is working to secure additional gas from Algeria, Azerbaijan, the DRC, Egypt, Angola, and Qatar.

Italy's Ecological Transition Minister Roberto Cingolani echoed Habeck's sentiment on Thursday's reduced gas flows, saying that the reasons for the supply cuts could be linked with Russia trying to exert "political pressure or a manifestation of retaliation," Reuters said on Thursday.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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Russia is raising its oil production this month compared to May and expects to further boost output in July, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Thursday.

Russia is currently seeing a significant increase in its production so far this month compared to May, an increase of around 600,000 barrels per day (bpd), Novak said on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, as carried by Russian news agency TASS.

I think there are reasons to believe we will continue raising oil production in July, Novak said.

Actually, we are now already close to recovering production to the level from February, the deputy prime minister added.

This month, Russia plans to boost domestic refining, which will lead to a slight decline in Russian oil exports, Novak said.

The Western sanctions, however, are hammering Russian oil production and exports, despite the fact that Russia is selling record volumes of crude to India these days. Russia is boosting exports to India and China, but analysts doubt the Asian market would be able to absorb all the 4 million bpd of oil Russia was sending to Europe before the war.

Since February, the level just before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which Novak referred to on Thursday, Russia has had to boostper the OPEC+ dealits crude oil production by more than 100,000 bpd in each of the months that followed. But a lack of demand for Russian crude in Europe amid self-sanctioning and a phase-out embargo on Russian seaborne crude imports to the EU has led to reduced supply and shut-in wells in Russia.

The country was already almost 1.3 million bpd below its target production in May, an OPEC+ document seen by Reuters showed on Thursday.

In the near term, Russian oil output is set to decline by 18%from 11.3 million bpd in the first quarter of 2022 to 9.3 million bpd in the final quarter of 2023 as a result of the EU embargo on both crude oil and refined product imports, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said last week.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Russia could continue its participation in the OPEC+ oil production agreement even after it officially expires at the end of this year, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Thursday.

Novak met in St Petersburg with Saudi Arabias Energy Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, who made a surprise appearance at a Russian economic forum.

Saudi Arabia and Russia, the leaders of the OPEC+ deal, have reiterated they would stick together in the pact, despite the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the plunge in Russian oil production as a result of Western sanctions. Russia is estimated to be more than 1 million barrels per day (bpd) below its target production level under the OPEC+ agreement.

Earlier this month, Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said that the OPEC+ alliance is solid, with the level of cooperation within it strong.

They noted the stabilising effect that the tight cooperation between Russia and Saudi Arabia has on world markets for hydrocarbons in this strategically important sector, a statement from the ministers said.

Reports emerged in May that some OPEC members were considering excluding Russia from the extended cartel as Western sanctions weigh on its production.

Since then, both Saudi Arabia and Russia have stressed the importance of their OPEC+ partnership, although the OPEC+ group hasnt commented on Russia severely lagging in production quotas since buyers in the West started shunning its crude.

During the latest OPEC+ meeting, the group decided to accelerate its monthly oil production increase to nearly 650,000 bpd as it looks to compensate for falling production in Russia amid expectations of strong fuel demand this summer. Under the production table for July provided by OPEC, Saudi Arabia and Russia each have a quota of 10.833 million bpd next month. Russia, however, was already pumping nearly 1.3 million bpd below its target in May, an OPEC+ document seen by Reuters showed today.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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A huge fire erupted on Thursday at the biggest natural gas field in Russia, Urengoy in Western Siberia, after a pipe burst.

The fire has been extinguished, and production has not been affected, Russian gas giant Gazprom said later on Thursday.

On June 16, 2022, at 0:30 am (Moscow time), a depressurisation occurred at the Urengoy field with a fire in the second line of the gas collector located between the integrated gas treatment units UKPG-7 and UKPG-8V. There were no casualties, Gazprom Dobycha Urengoy, the Gazprom unit operating at the site, said.

Operations at the gas field were suspended after the fire erupted.

Gazprom Dobycha Urengoy LLC promptly took measures to suspend the operation of production facilities, redistribute gas flows, and contain and eliminate the fire, the company said.

The fire was extinguished, and production facilities have been put back into operation since then, according to Gazprom, which also noted that the incident did not prevent it from achieving the targets for gas production at the site.

Urengoy, Russias biggest gas field, is also one of the largest gas fields in the world and has been producing gas since 1978. Most of the huge onshore field is located beyond the Arctic Circle.

The fire at the biggest gas field in Russia comes a day after Gazprom notified Germany and Italyits biggest customers in Europethat natural gas flows to the two countries would be limited in the following days. Flows to Germany via the Nord Stream pipeline are now down by 60% compared to planned volumes, while gas supply to Italy was reduced by 15%. Gazprom said the flows to Germany would be limited because Siemens delayed the return of a repaired gas turbine, while it did not give any reason for the cuts to flows to Italy.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The United States has called on European governments to find a way to soften the blow that the oil market will suffer after a ban on insurance for vessels carrying Russian crude and fuels comes into effect, the Financial Times has reported, adding that Washington is concerned that the ban will lead to even higher oil prices.

The European Union and the United Kingdom agreed to ban insurers from providing coverage for Russian oil cargos last month in a bid to reduce Russias access to export markets further and, as a consequence, its oil revenues.

Its hard to underplay how significant a move this is by the UK and EU. Taking out insurance will have a huge impact on Russias ability to export its oil. Its one of the toughest sanctions Europe has in its armoury, RBC Capital Markets Helima Croft said at the time.

However, it seems the ban would be tough on everyone else as well, with the U.S. particularly concerned. Per the FT report, Washington touted the idea of limiting the insurance ban to certain price levels, with insurers being allowed to insure Russian oil cargos under a price cap, but European governments were not really on board with the idea. Moscow is also unlikely to be on board with this idea.

They are afraid prices will skyrocket, the FT quoted an unnamed European official as saying, adding that the U.S. was also pressuring its G7 partners to find a solution to the price-sanction conundrum.

Per U.S. deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman, there were very intense discussions between the US and Europe to do this in a really constructive way that hurts Russia but not Europe further, or the rest of the world.

Meanwhile, there have been warnings the insurance ban will not have the intended effect. Former IMF chief economist Olivier Blanchard notably said earlier this month that Oil tankers will simply not be able to carry Russian oil at all. The result will be a  potentially large  decrease in Russian oil exports. Yes, Russia will suffer a loss of revenues, but Europe and the US will probably suffer from a substantial increase in world oil prices.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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With no nuclear deal with Iran in sight, the United States Treasury has slapped additional sanctions on companies based in Iran, China and the UAE for enabling the export of Irans petrochemicals.

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) implemented new sanctions on what it called a network of Iranian petrochemical producers and front companies in China and the UAE that support Iranian petrochemical exports abroad.

This network helps effectuate international transactions and evade sanctions, supporting the sale of Iranian petrochemical products to customers in the PRC and the rest of East Asia, according to a statement from the Treasury Department.

Specifically, the Treasury Department said that the network was facilitating the sale of hundreds of millions of dollars in petrochemicals from the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) to foreign customers, including in China.

The Iran-based companies sanctioned in this latest round include Marun Petrochemical Company, Kharg Petrochemical Company Limited, and Fanavaran Petrochemical Company.

Front companies listed include Hong Kong-based Keen Well International Limited and Teamford Enterprises Limited. The list also includes UAE-based GX Shipping FZE, which is accused of concealing the source of Iranian petrochemicals, along with Future Gate Fuel and Petrochemical Trading LLC, Sky Zone Trading FZE, and Youchem General Trading FZE.

The sanctions come as talks to return to the nuclear deal, which U.S. President Donald Trump revoked in 2018, have stalled.

The United States is pursuing the path of meaningful diplomacy to achieve a mutual return to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Absent a deal, we will continue to use our sanctions authorities to limit exports of petroleum, petroleum products, and petrochemical products from Iran, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson said. The United States will continue to expose the networks Iran uses to conceal sanctions evasion activities.

By Charles Kennedy for OIlprice.com

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President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the European Union to ratchet up its sanctions regime on Russia, calling for a seventh EU package of punitive measures against Moscow for its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

The 27-nation EU agreed late last month to a sixth package of sanctions that will halt the majority of imports of Russian oil, but exempted crude delivered by pipeline in a concession to holdout Hungary.

In a video-link address to both chambers of the Czech parliament on June 15, Zelenskiy thanked the Czech Republic for the assistance provided to Ukraine so far but urged the West not to stop the support for Ukraine.

"We are with you. Be with us," Zelenskiy told Czech lawmakers, who applauded him.

Zelensky also called on the EU to give Ukraine candidate status -- the first step on the years-long road to membership in the bloc.

He also warned about Russia's territorial ambitions, saying President Vladimir Putin will not be satisfied only with the conquest of Ukraine.

"Russia is not interested only in our Mariupol, Syevyerodonetsk, Kharkiv, and Kyiv. No, its ambitions are projected on a vast area from Warsaw to Sofia," he said.

"As in the past, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is the first step that the Russian leadership needs to open the way to other countries, to the conquest of other peoples," he said.

"The person who wants to seize everything will never stop at taking only part of what they want," Zelensky said.

The Czech Republic assumes the EU's rotating presidency on July 1.

By RFE/RL

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RALEIGH. N.C. (AP)  The North Carolina General Assembly on Tuesday eliminated the appointment powers of Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper for a local community college trustee board and gave them to legislative leaders, who are currently Republican.

The Senate voted to alter how appointments are made to the 13-member board at Rockingham Community College, located in the home county of chamber leader Phil Berger. Since the House already approved the measure last week, the changes now become law because Cooper's veto powers don't extend to local bills.

Until now, the Rockingham County board of commissioners, school board and governor have chosen four members each, in keeping with the state law that most community college governing bodies follow. Some alterations are or have been permitted.

Going forward, the four appointments at Rockingham Community College currently made by the governor would instead be based upon recommendations of the Senate leader and House speaker. And six of the remaining eight spots would now rest with the commissioners, with the school board getting two.

The rearrangement largely mirrors the boards makeup at Cleveland Community College, in Speaker Tim Moores home county, since 2018.

Berger has said the change would give more local input to the board leadership at a time when the college is receiving sales tax revenues for workforce development efforts on campus.

As with the House, the Senate vote was along party lines.

Cooper spokesperson Jordan Monaghan said in an email before Tuesday's vote that the governor has made strong appointments to the board and will keep working to help the school: "But to rip away this important connection and input will damage it in the long run, regardless of who the governor or the senator representing Rockingham County may be.

Sen. Gladys Robinson, a Guilford County Democrat, echoed Monaghans comments on the Senate floor while urging colleagues to reject the measure.

Berger, who managed Tuesday's session from the presiding officer's dais, told reporters afterward that was comfortable with the board changes.

I think its appropriate for the school board, the county commission and the legislators that represent that area to select the trustees, he said.

The legislation marks the latest effort by the GOP-controlled General Assembly since Cooper won his first gubernatorial election in 2016 to erode his powers, particularly when it comes to appointments to boards and commissions. Cooper sued to block such efforts, with mixed results.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
LONDON (AP)  Britain canceled a flight that was scheduled to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda late Tuesday after the European Court of Human Rights intervened, saying the plan carried a real risk of irreversible harm."

The decision to scrap the flight capped three days of frantic court challenges from immigrant rights lawyers who launched a flurry of case-by-case appeals seeking to block the deportation of everyone on the governments list.

British government officials had said earlier in the day that the plane would take off no matter how many people were on board. But after the appeals, no one remained. British media reported that the number of potential deportees had been more than 30 on Friday.

After the flight was canceled, Home Secretary Priti Patel said she was disappointed but would not be deterred from doing the right thing. She added: Our legal team are reviewing every decision made on this flight and preparation for the next flight begins now.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson had emphatically defended Britains plan, arguing that it is a legitimate way to protect lives and thwart the criminal gangs that smuggle migrants across the English Channel in small boats. Britain in recent years has seen an illegal influx of migrants from such places as Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, Iraq and Yemen.

Johnson announced an agreement with Rwanda in April in which people who enter Britain illegally will be deported to the East African country. In exchange for accepting them, Rwanda will receive millions of pounds (dollars) in development aid. The deportees will be allowed to apply for asylum in Rwanda, not Britain.

Opponents have argued that it is illegal and inhumane to send people thousands of miles to a country they dont want to live in. The leaders of the Church of England joined the opposition, calling the governments policy immoral. Prince Charles was among those opposed, according to British news reports.

Activists have denounced the policy as an attack on the rights of refugees that most countries have recognized since the end of World War II.

Refugee Council chief executive Enver Solomon said the British government's deportation threat would not serve as a deterrent to those seeking safety in the U.K.

The government must immediately rethink by having a grown-up conversation with France and the (European Union) about sharing responsibility and look to operating an orderly, humane, and fair asylum system, Solomon said.

The U.N. refugee agency condemned the plan out of concern that other countries will follow suit as war, repression and natural disasters force a growing number of people from their homes.

Politicians in Denmark and Austria are considering similar proposals. Australia has operated an asylum-processing center in the Pacific island nation of Nauru since 2012.

At a global level, this unapologetically punitive deal further condones the evisceration of the right to seek asylum in wealthy countries, said Maurizio Albahari, a migration expert at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana as he described the UK policy.

Many millions of people around the globe have been displaced over the past two decades, putting the international consensus on refugees under strain. The world had more than 26 million refugees in the middle of last year, more that double the number two decades ago, according to the U.N. refugee agency. Millions more have left their homes voluntarily, seeking economic opportunities in developed nations.

In Britain, those pressures have led to a surge in the number of people crossing the English Channel in leaky inflatable boats, sometimes with disastrous consequences. Last November, 27 people died when their boat sank in the waters between France and England.

Johnson, fighting for his political life amid concerns about his leadership and ethics, responded by promising to stop such risky journeys.

While Rwanda was the site of a genocide that killed hundreds of thousands of people in 1994, the country has built a reputation for stability and economic progress since then, the British government argues. Critics say that stability comes at the cost of political repression.

Filippo Grandi, the U.N. high commissioner for refugees, attacked the policy as all wrong.

If the British government is truly interested in protecting lives, it should work with other countries to target the smugglers and provide safe routes for asylum-seekers, not simply shunt migrants to other countries, Grandi said.

The precedent that this creates is catastrophic for a concept that needs to be shared, like asylum, Grandi said Monday.

The Archbishop of Canterbury and 24 other bishops from the Church of England joined the chorus of voices asking the government to reconsider an immoral policy that shames Britain.

Our Christian heritage should inspire us to treat asylum-seekers with compassion, fairness and justice, as we have for centuries, the bishops wrote in a letter to the Times of London.

Britains Supreme Court refused to hear one last-ditch appeal Tuesday, a day after two lower courts refused to block the deportations. Legal challenges continued, however, as lawyers filed case-by-case appeals on behalf of individual migrants.

Many migrants favor Britain as a destination for reasons of language or family ties, or because it is seen as an open economy with more opportunities than other European nations.

When Britain was a member of the European Union, it was part of a system that required refugees to seek asylum in the first safe country they entered. Those who reached Britain could be sent back to the EU countries they traveled from. Britain lost that option when it withdrew from the EU two years ago.

Since then, the British and French governments have worked to stop the journeys, with a great deal of bickering and not much success. More than 28,000 migrants entered Britain in small boats last year, up from 8,500 in 2020.

Nando Sigona, a migration expert at the University of Birmingham, said large principles are at stake if the Rwanda policy stands.

How can we establish any kind of moral high ground where we intervene in other countries if we are not signatory to providing protection to those fleeing war and persecution? Sigona asked.

Follow APs coverage of migration issues at https://apnews.com/hub/migration

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A Chinese mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday that the 1992 Consensus is not a word game and it remains the greatest common ground for improving and developing ties across the Taiwan Strait.

The 1992 Consensus reached by entrusted bodies from both sides of the Strait embodies the historical fact and nomological foundation of the two sides both belonging to one China, said Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, at a regular press conference.

It refers to the consensus reached by the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits and the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation that each of them will orally recognize that "the two sides of the Taiwan Strait both belong to one China," Ma said.

Ma noted that both sides in their expressions have clarified their adherence to the one-China principle and pursuit of the reunification of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

"Our attitude is clear and consistent: on the common political basis of adhering to the one-China principle and opposing 'Taiwan independence,' there will be no obstacles in exchanges between political parties and groups in Taiwan and us," Ma said.

Ma expressed his hope that all of the political parties, groups, and people on the island that are committed to developing cross-Strait ties and safeguarding peace and stability across the Strait will always stand on the right side of history.

He urged them to "join us in firmly opposing 'Taiwan independence' and interference by external forces, promoting peaceful development of cross-Strait ties, safeguarding peace and stability across the Strait, improving the wellbeing of compatriots on both sides of the Strait, and safeguarding national interests."
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP)  Alex Drueke and Andy Huynh are both military veterans from Alabama, so it was natural that they formed a bond once they met in Ukraine, where each traveled separately with the intention of helping defend democracy against Russian invaders.

They became buds, Dianna Shaw, Drueke's aunt, said in an interview Thursday.

Both men are now missing after their group came under heavy fire in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine near the Russian border on June 9, leaving loved ones at home anxiously awaiting information about their whereabouts. The two families are in touch.

The waiting is the hard part, but we always knew this was a possibility, Shaw said.

The U.S. State Department said it was investigating unconfirmed reports that Russian or Russian-backed forces captured two American citizens and possibly a third. Anyone captured should be considered a prisoner of war and protected by guarantees of humane treatment and fair trials, said spokesman Ned Price.

Anyone who is fighting with Ukraines armed forces should be treated as a POW even if Russia refuses to do that, Price said.

If the unconfirmed reports are true, they would be the first Americans fighting for Ukraine known to have been captured since the war began.

Shaw said it's possible the two could just be lying low: She noted that the 39-year-old Drueke had extensive training and experience during two tours in Iraq, while Huynh, 27, served four years in the U.S. Marines.

They know how to evade, she said. They might be doing just that.

Russia hasn't confirmed any information about the men. The president of the separatist Donetsk Peoples Republic, Denis Pushilin, said Thursday that as of now, I dont have such information and I cannot comment, according to the Interfax news agency. Pushilin spoke while attending the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Huynh's fiancee, Joy Black, said she got a message from a soldier telling her that both men had missed their rendezvous point and were in an area that was hit pretty hard. Black, speaking in an interview with WAAY-TV, said she ran to her mother's room and fell on the bed sobbing.

I am trying to stay strong for him to get this word out and to try to get him back home. I am not going to lie and say that it has not been really, really hard, Black said.

It's unclear how many Americans have traveled overseas to assist Ukraine since fighting began in February but the number is believed to be in the hundreds, if not more.

Army veteran Harrison Jozefowicz, who quit his job as a Chicago police officer and traveled to Ukraine soon after Russia invaded, is now helping place volunteers in combat positions and coordinating supplies as head of a group called Task Force Yankee. Several hundred Americans serve in the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine, he said, and still more are assisting outside the force.

In the volunteer world, the people who are here for the long haul are digging in and getting serious  buying warehouses, establishing permanent routes of logistics with dedicated drivers, he said Thursday.

Shaw said her nephew joined the Army at age 19 after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and he believed he could help Ukrainian fighters because of his training and experience with weapons. Drueke pondered whether to go for a few weeks, she said, and then made up his mind.

He approached me and said, Im going to go to Ukraine.' I told him, 'For you, that makes sense, she said. He is really compelled to defend democracy wherever that meant going."

Huynh moved to north Alabama two years ago from his native California and lives about 120 miles (193 kilometers) from Drueke. Before leaving for Europe, Huynh told his local newspaper, The Decatur Daily, he couldnt stop thinking about Russias invasion.

I know it wasnt my problem, but there was that gut feeling that I felt I had to do something, Huynh told the paper. Two weeks after the war began, it kept eating me up inside and it just felt wrong. I was losing sleep. ... All I could think about was the situation in Ukraine.

Drueke doesn't have a wife or children, his aunt said, and he liked the idea of traveling to help Ukraine so someone with more familial connections wouldn't have to. He left in mid-April and entered Poland legally before going to the border and being allowed into Ukraine, she said.

Now, Drueke's loved ones are in touch with the U.S. State Department, congressional offices or anywhere else that can help them find out what's going on.

And they're waiting.

It was how we lived while he was in Iraq, and its how we live now, Shaw said.

This story has been edited to correct the aunt's last name to Shaw, not Williams.

Associated Press News Researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York City and diplomatic writer Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  The House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol has postponed a hearing that was to feature dramatic testimony from former Justice Department officials who were pressured by then-President Donald Trump to pursue his false election fraud theories.

The hearing had been scheduled for Wednesday, but the committee on Tuesday morning said that it had been delayed. A spokesman for the panel attributed the postponement to a number of scheduling factors, including production timeline and availability of members and witnesses.

Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a Republican member of the committee, said on Twitter that the hearing had been moved to next week as a way to space out the testimony surrounding the insurrection, when crowds of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol and interrupted the certification of President Joe Biden's victory.

The committee has already held two hearings, including a primetime one last week that featured never-before-seen video of extremists leading the deadly siege. Another hearing is set to take place on Thursday.

The witnesses at Wednesday's hearing were to include Jeffrey Rosen, who was the acting attorney general at the time of the Capitol insurrection, as well as two other former top officials at the Justice Department, Richard Donoghue and Steven Engel. Lawyers for all three men did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

The witnesses, all of whom have since left the Justice Department, are expected to testify about how Trump sought to bend the department to his political will during the final days of his administration by urging officials to declare the election as corrupt and to aid in his efforts to challenge the results of the race won by Democrat Joe Biden.

Though the lawyers' accounts have been documented by the news media, the hearing will give the American public its most detailed glimpse of a near-revolt inside the Justice Department as Trump contemplated replacing the agency's top official with a lower-level lawyer seen as more willing to advance the president's false claims that the election was stolen. Several other senior officials warned Trump in a White House meeting that they'd resign if the leadership change occurred.

Rosen took over the department following the December 2020 departure of William Barr, who angered Trump by saying the department had not found fraud that could have affected the results of the election. Trump quickly soured on Rosen, too, after the then-acting attorney general rejected entreaties from the president and the White House to challenge the election results.

Around that time, the president was introduced by Rep. Scott Perry, a Pennsylvania Republican and ardent Trump backer, to Jeffrey Clark, a little-known assistant attorney general who postured himself as willing to advance Trump's baseless voting fraud claims.

At one point, according to testimony provided to lawmakers, Clark presented colleagues with a draft letter pushing Georgia officials to convene a special legislative session on the election results. Clark wanted the letter sent, but superiors at the Justice Department refused.

A lawyer for Clark did not immediately return a phone message on Wednesday.

Clark's support led Trump to openly contemplate naming him as acting attorney general in place of Rosen.

The situation came to a head during a tense, hours-long Jan. 3, 2021 meeting at the White House in which Engel and Donoghue told Trump that they would resign from the Justice Department if Trump proceeded with his plan to fire Rosen and replace him with Clark.

Trump ultimately relented, and Rosen remained on as acting attorney general through the end of the administration.

Follow Eric Tucker at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP

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As students head toward the end of their secondary education, it can be difficult to decide what comes next. Some may choose to attend a traditional four-year college, while others prefer to promptly enter the workforce. To help students find out what is right for them, Southeast Community College offers high school students the opportunity to enroll in the Southeast Nebraska Career Academy Partnership, also known as SENCAP.

Low-cost college and career prep

SENCAP allows high school juniors and seniors to explore a career field of their interest through college-level coursework and hands-on experiences. Students can earn college credits and credentials while also getting a chance to build bridges with future employers through job shadowing, field trips and presentations by professional speakers. Putting together a resume, writing cover letters and practicing interview skills are also part of the program.

Currently, all public schools in SCCs 15-county service area, as well as many parochial schools, participate in SENCAP. To support SENCAP students while they prepare for their future career or postsecondary education, the college waives half of the tuition and fees. The other half is either covered by the student or their K-12 school district, where funding is available. With the cost of college tuition on the rise everywhere, this can make a huge difference financially for students and their families.

SENCAP students can choose a pathway from a variety of industries such as agriculture, automotive technology, business, health sciences, manufacturing in energy and welding and many others. These pathways can count toward one to two semesters of a students college curriculum. This gives students the freedom to either graduate early, prepare to enter the workforce, or even take lighter course loads each semester, leaving time for extracurricular activities or work opportunities.

New pathways coming fall 2022

One of the new and expanded pathways coming in the fall semester of the 2022 Fall Semester is Academic Transfer.

We recommend it for all of our students who dont intend to continue on at SCC. If they decide to go to a four-year school, they can take eight classes and it would shave off 20% of their bachelors degree, says Dr. Brian Stark, senior administrative director at SENCAP. They are all general education courses, and they transfer to any school in the state of Nebraska. This allows them to jump into some of the courses for their chosen discipline right away at the college level.

Another exciting new pathway coming this fall is practical nursing.

Practical nursing is a big part of our smaller communities that we service, says Stark. The core classes for LPN would shave off one semester so a student would only need one more year at SCC to graduate.

For those students who plan to begin their career when they graduate high school, SENCAP offers courses that earn credentials and certificates to give them a leg up when job hunting.

We recently realigned some of our pathways so we are now offering eight college credentials for high school students. For example, with the business pathway they can get a general business certificate, says Stark. Our goal is to help support students so if they decide they dont want to continue on to college they have some credentials when they graduate high school. If they do decide to go on, these credentials are stackable with our associate degrees.

Future leaders start here

SENCAP looks to the Perkins V Needs Assessment for each of the counties in its service area to ensure they are offering pathways that will equate to high-wage, high-demand jobs for students upon graduation.

We are doing CDL certificates, which might scare some folks that a high school senior  the course is for seniors only  might be behind a big rig, but it is actually the number one most in-demand job in Lancaster County as well as our 15-county region, says Stark.

The goal of SENCAP is to create an educated workforce that is ready to start long-term careers sooner. By helping high school students prepare for college and improve their career prospects, Southeast Community College is building a brighter tomorrow.

Its a wonderful opportunity to support our local communities and our future leaders, says Stark.

For more information, visit southeast.edu/sencap.

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Video 'The Hero of the Solomon Islands' Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French swam through shark-infested waters for hours while towing a raft loaded with 15 of his wounded 

President Joe Biden signed a bill Wednesday to rename the Benson post office after an Omaha sailor who saved more than a dozen shipmates while serving in World War II.

The legislation, which designates the U.S. Postal Service facility at 6223 Maple St. the Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Jackson French Post Office, was one of two bills Biden signed Wednesday, according to the White House.

French, a Black man who enlisted in the still-segregated Navy as a mess attendant, was hailed as the hero of the Solomon Islands after the sinking of his ship, the USS Gregory, on Sept. 5, 1942, near Guadalcanal. He was credited with swimming for several hours through shark-infested waters while towing a lifeboat filled with 15 wounded shipmates, all of whom were White, until they could be rescued.

French was born in Arkansas but moved to Omaha as a youth to live with an older sister after his parents died.

He stayed in the military until the end of the war, then took a civilian job with the Navy in San Diego. He died in 1956, at age 37, of depression and alcoholism from untreated post-traumatic stress, according to family members.

Though he was recognized at the time, Frenchs story was largely forgotten until Bruce Wigo, a former director of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, unearthed it several years ago. It was amplified on social media in spring 2021, prompting USA Swimming to honor him during the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials in Omaha last June.

Rep. Don Bacon, who introduced the bill to name the Omaha post office, said the designation would help preserve Frenchs legacy and give Nebraskans and other Americans the opportunity to remember his heroic actions.

Despite the segregation at the time, he went above and beyond to answer the call of duty by saving his fellow sailors, Bacon said in a statement Wednesday.

The post office designation is the latest honor posthumously awarded to French.

In May, his family was presented with the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the services highest award for noncombat heroism. The award was presented during a ceremony in San Diego where a pool used for training Navy rescue swimmers was renamed in Frenchs honor.
ATHENS, Greece (AP)  Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sought to reassure his compatriots late Tuesday that despite strong rhetoric from Turkey, relations are not at the low of 2020 when the neighbors' warships were shadowing each other in the eastern Mediterranean.

In an interview with state broadcaster ERT, Mitsotakis dismissed Turkey's questioning of Greek sovereignty over many of the eastern Greek islands, including the popular resorts of Rhodes, Kos and Samos just off western Turkey, as completely irrational.

The two NATO allies have long been at odds over offshore rights, ownership of uninhabited islets and the war-divided island nation of Cyprus, and have come close to war three times in the past half century.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised the stakes last week, warning Greece to demilitarize its Aegean islands and saying he was not joking. He spoke during Turkish wargames near the Greek islands that included an amphibious landing scenario.

Ankara says Athens has been building a military presence on the islands in violation of treaties under which they were ceded to Greece in the 20th century after a long period of occupation by the Turks  or by Italy in the case of Rhodes and Kos.

Greece counters that the islands need defenses given threats of war from Turkey, which has NATO's second-biggest military and maintains a large landing fleet on its Aegean coast.

Turkey's complaints ... are completely irrational to the extent that they question Greek sovereignty over the eastern Aegean islands, Mitsotakis said Tuesday. I don't think a single thinking human being  including in Turkey  believes that nowadays Greece can threaten Turkey.

Mitsotakis said that if basic sense prevails relations will not deteriorate further. Otherwise, he added, we will do what is necessary.

Concern has increased that tensions could boil over into some form of a military confrontation this year, even as both Greece and Turkey look to boost their vital tourism revenues this summer after two years of pandemic-induced losses.

Mitsotakis said, however, that relations were not yet at the point where both countries sent warships to the eastern Mediterranean in a dispute over gas and oil exploration rights in 2020.

There is high verbal tension, but we don't yet have  and I hope we don't reach that point  tension in the field, he said.

Turkey often adopts precisely such rhetoric, he added, voicing hope that Erdogan will backtrack from a decision this month to break off high-level talks with Greece, when the Turkish leader also stated that for him, Mitsotakis no longer exists.

We must meet, and we must talk, Mitsotakis told ERT.

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SINGAPORE (AP)  China's defense minister complained to his American counterpart on Friday about the latest U.S. arms package for Taiwan and warned of a possible conflict over the selfgoverning island that China claims as its own territory.

Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Wei Fenghe told U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in a meeting in Singapore that the sale seriously undermined Chinas sovereignty and security interests, according to state broadcaster CCTV's military channel.

China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it, and the Chinese government and military will resolutely smash any Taiwan independence plot and resolutely safeguard the reunification of the motherland, Wei said.

China and Taiwan split during a civil war in 1949 and China threatens to use force to annex the island republic.

Despite their lack of formal diplomatic ties, Washington is Taiwans strongest backer and source of arms, and U.S. law requires it to treat threats to the island as matters of grave concern."

In the latest arms package, the U.S. announced Wednesday the sale of parts for Taiwanese naval ships at an estimated cost of $120 million.

The proposed sale will contribute to the sustainment of the recipients surface vessel fleet, enhancing its ability to meet current and future threats," the State Department said in its announcement of the sale.

Some in Taiwan have been pushing for more big-ticket items, while the U.S. is focused on selling smaller systems it says would better help repel a Chinese attack, leading to a rare area of disagreement between the two sides.

In other comments, Wei warned against using Taiwan to control China," and laid out a list of conditions the U.S. must meet for relations to improve, including not interfering in Chinas internal affairs or harming Chinas interests."

In a further readout of the meeting, Defense Ministry spokesperson Col. Wu Qian quoted Wei as saying China would respond to any move toward formal Taiwan independence by smashing it even at any price, including war."

Wu also accused outside powers" of stirring up trouble in the South China Sea, which China claims virtually in its entirety, and said Beijing would resolutely counter" any efforts to harm China's interests over the issue of Ukraine. China has refused to criticize the Russian invasion and has accused the West and NATO of provoking Moscow.

The combative tone, particularly over Taiwan, is typical of Chinese officials when meeting their U.S. counterparts, reflecting the overall deterioration in bilateral ties. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, a regional security conference held each year in the Southeast Asian city state.

In contrast, Austin emphasized the need to responsibly manage competition and maintain open lines of communication," according to the Department of Defense.

He said the U.S. remains committed to its longstanding policy on Taiwan and reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the (Taiwan) Strait, opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo, and called on (China) to refrain from further destabilizing actions toward Taiwan," the DOD said.

Taiwan and the South China Sea have been the main points of contention between the two sides, although they have also tangled over China's push to expand its military influence into the Indian Ocean and beyond.

The U.S. and its allies have complained about reckless actions by Chinese pilots in international airspace toward surveillance aircraft and said they have put their flight crews at risk. China has also challenged foreign naval ships at sea, despite bilateral agreements intended to manage such encounters.

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Lindsey Jarecki and her husband moved to his hometown of Albion about a decade ago to open a law practice and raise their family.

After making the move, the couple quickly faced the harsh reality that there were no available child care spots where they now lived.

That meant Jarecki, a former Elkhorn Public Schools teacher, could not return to the classroom.

We found ourselves frustrated, along with many other parents in our community over the lack of available care, Jarecki said.

Jarecki, along with leaders from across Nebraska, joined together Wednesday to announce the launch of We Care for Kids, a community based campaign intended to build support for quality early childhood care and education in the state.

The campaign is also being launched in Spanish as Por todos los ninos.

The Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska is coordinating the campaign along with organizations from across the state.

We believe the first eight years of life are crucial for building our states future and present well-being, said Samuel Meisels, founding executive director of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute.

Meisels said the new campaign will serve as a platform not only to spread awareness of early childhood education but also to encourage communities to look at their own needs, support educators and expand access.

In the case of Albion, Jarecki said the towns leaders realized that in order to keep and attract families they needed high quality child care. In recent years, the town has supported and expanded its in-home provider network, started an after-school program and opened Boone Beginnings, an early childhood facility that can serve up to 80 children.

Jarecki said the We Care for Kids campaign is a reflection of the work happening in many communities and is a commitment of hope that work will continue throughout urban and rural parts of the state to address child care shortages.

According to the Buffett Institute, 91% of counties in Nebraska with child care facilities do not have enough available slots to meet current demand. And 12 counties in Nebraska have no licensed child care facilities.

Although shortages existed before the pandemic, the Buffett Institute has done surveys and produced reports to examine the pandemics impact on Nebraskas child care professionals.

The latest report found that early childhood providers have experienced income reductions, rampant staff turnover, difficulty hiring staff and an inability to offer sufficient pay. As a result, many child care providers have been struggling mentally, physically and financially.

Leaders from around Nebraska like State Sen. John Stinner of Gering, the Appropriations Committee chairman, and University of Nebraska President Ted Carter both spoke about the importance of early childhood education Wednesday.

Carter called it a workforce and quality of life issue and said Nebraskas public university system cant afford to not be engaged in early childhood. He said that when children have a happy and healthy start to life, they are set up to succeed down the road.

We want every young Nebraskan to have a healthy childhood, a good education, a thriving career and a meaningful life, Carter said. And that starts with strong families and access to quality early childhood education.

The new We Care for Kids website provides early childhood resources for families including an ability to search for programs in their communities. Visit the site in English at nebraskacaresforkids.org and in Spanish at Portodoslosninos.org.

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US, primary spreader of disinformation, manipulates propaganda machine for own gains under guise of freedom, human rights

By Xie Wenting and Zhang Weilan (Global Times) 08:44, June 16, 2022

The so-called "Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act," which maliciously denigrates the human rights situation in China's Xinjiang while disregarding facts and truth, will come into effect on June 21.

The act is the latest example of how the US launches disinformation campaigns against China. Experts noted that starting from funding anti-China think tanks and scholars to authoring malicious, false reports, the hyping up of relative topics in the media, and interference from US politicians, the US government enacts such evil laws. In its mastery of creating disinformation, the US, on April 27, announced the creation of the Disinformation Governance Board under the US Department of Homeland Security. However, the board was shut down after just three weeks after serious concerns were raised.

"The US government itself is the primary spreader of disinformation. German writer Michael Luders pointed out in his book The Hypocritical Superpowerthat the US government is very adept at selecting and distorting facts, limiting the source of information, and polarizing public opinion in order to blur facts and influence people's judgment. When the waters are muddied, it is certainly easier to fish for geopolitical and economic gains," said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian at a media briefing on June 8, in response to a question related to the Disinformation Governance Board.

Last month, former US President Barack Obama's speech on disinformation and democracy sparked heated discussions. While what he tried to say was that disinformation is harmful to US democracy, many netizens pointed out that his words actually exposed how the US had launched disinformation campaigns in other countries, including meticulous propaganda operations designed to mislead citizens and result in a lack of confidence in their leaders.

"Large-scale propaganda is an important part of the US global strategy to establish, maintain, and consolidate its global dominance. The institutionalized US foreign communication strategy was accelerated after World War II," Lu Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times.

Cuban Ambassador to China, Carlos Miguel Pereira, told the Global Times that the US likes to fuel its powerful propaganda machine to present a distorted world view that does not correspond to reality to protect its political interests.

Luders told the Global Times in a previous interview that the US is "hypocritical because while it always cites higher values, in reality, it pursues a kind of power politic that is tough and cold-blooded. Its reference to 'higher values' is being manipulated."

Experts noted that the US employed "white", "black" and "gray" propaganda, and the latter two are mostly carried out by agencies such as the CIA and Defense Department in a covert manner. It is estimated that 40 percent of the CIA's covert operations are propaganda programs.

Three types of propaganda

In 1951, the US government set up the Psychological Strategy Board (PSB), a committee comprised of the State Department, the Department of Defense, and the CIA. In 1953, the Operations Coordinating Board (OCB) under the command of the National Security Council was formed to further propose the US government's information and psychological warfare programs while the PSB was abolished.

In 1961, former US President Kennedy abolished the OCB as it was believed that secret wars should not be publicly overseen by so many officials. Since then, the agency in charge of psychological warfare became a mystery.

However, based on the analyzed related materials and US government documents, we can still have a broad understanding of how the US conducts information and psychological war abroad, Lu said.

After more than a century of practice, the US formed a complete set of international communications mechanisms. That is, the NSC led inter-department cooperation, to conduct either covert or overt communications operations. They use "idealism" as a cover to achieve their "realistic" interests in their international communication disclosures. This strategic communication, to a great extent, helps maintain US global dominance, Lu noted to the Global Times.

According to Lu, an important characteristic of US national and international communication is that it pursues "ideological thrust" and "weaponized information." That is to say, all the conveyed messages must serve US national strategic interests and goals.

Lu listed three types of propaganda that the US adopts in its strategic communication.

The "white" propaganda refers to osmotic propaganda based on the government's public activities, including public diplomacy led by the US State Department and the state-owned media represented by Voice of America.

The "black" propaganda refers to propaganda activities carried out through covert action. Many propagandist activities carried out by the CIA, the Department of Defense, and other agencies fall in this category, which includes a large number of infiltration activities such as secretly controlling domestic and foreign media and buying off politicians.

The CIA has a long history of manipulating media outlets worldwide for its secret propaganda purposes. According to an article in The New York Times in 1977, dozens of English and foreign language publications have been owned, subsidized, or influenced by the CIA over the past three decades. To shape world opinion, the CIA was able to call upon many news outlets in its worldwide propaganda campaign.

Some of its officials admitted to The New York Times that they were concerned about the possibility of "blow-back" - that is - some of the purposely misleading or downright false information spread by the CIA abroad may be picked up by US reporters overseas and included in their dispatches to publications at home.

The "gray" propaganda refers to engaging "opinion leaders" and workers in the media industry in relevant countries to act as spokespersons for US interests by means of behind-the-scenes bribes and inducements, so as to promote the interests of the US and influence the decisions of relevant governments, Lu said.

According to the Los Angeles Times, in 2005, the US military secretly paid newspapers in Iraq to run stories written by US military information operations troops with help from a defense contractor to "burnish the image of the US mission in Iraq." Nearly $1,500, for instance, was paid to Addustour newspaper to run an article titled "More Money Goes to Iraq's Development." The Los Angeles Times also found out that the Pentagon had contracted a Washington-based firm named the Lincoln Group to plant these stories.

The "gray propaganda" and "black propaganda" are mostly carried out by agencies including the CIA and the US Defense Department and the secrecy of these plans is hard to uncover, Lu said.

Scholar Loch Johnson estimated that a full 40 percent of CIA secret operations are propaganda programs. "Whatever foreign policies or slogans the White House may be pushing" at the time, the CIA "will likely be advancing these same ideas through its covert channels," he said.

US' harm to the world

Ambassador Pereira told the Global Times that the destabilization campaigns and subversion programs from the US government against Cuba are nothing new.

According to the ambassador, in 2021, the Joe Biden administration asked Congress for $20 million for so-called "democracy in Cuba" programs, and almost $13 million for illegal radio and television broadcasts.

The ambassador said that in 2021, they found that the federal agency USAID granted 12 organizations based in Florida, Washington, and Madrid dedicated to the anti-Cuban campaign, more than $6.6 million, in the month of September alone.

"The US has unleashed a media offensive aimed at discrediting the management of the Cuban government, through the manipulation and politicization of issues such as human rights and the fight against terrorism, as well as generating mistrust around the Revolution, for which it deploys today with full intensity, its subversive component to try to influence sensitive and strategic sectors for the future of the country, such as our youth, through social networks, in which private US platforms such as Facebook and Twitter are known to predominate," he said.

Such methods include creating Facebook groups, the use of robots and fake accounts on Twitter, or trying to recruit Cuban residents in Miami to spread falsehoods about Cuba as though they were in the country.

During the violent July 11 unrest in 2021 in Cuba, an account based in Spain and managed by US institution posted more than 1,000 tweets a day to fuel the unrest, according to the diplomat.

From 1996 to 2021, the US Congress allocated around $404 million for supposed democracy programs under the Helms-Burton Act, an act seeking international sanctions against the Castro government. Likewise, between 1984 and 2021, the US Congress had allocated nearly $945 million for illegal broadcasts on Radio and TV Marti.

Radio and TV Marti is a Miami-based radio and television international broadcaster financed by the US federal government which transmits news to Cuba.

In November, the Ethiopian government urged the US government and relevant organizations to stop spreading falsehoods about the country.

Ethiopia's state minister of communication, Kebede Dessisa, said the US government should "refrain from disseminating shameful fake news and defamation regarding Ethiopia," state broadcaster EBC reported.

The US likes to claim that it acts in the name of freedom, democracy, and human rights but there is a huge gap between this idealism and reality. Their disinformation causes great harm which ordinary citizens have to bear, experts said.

The US used white powder as so-called evidence of possession of weapons of mass destruction then waged war on Iraq, killing about 200,000 to 250,000 Iraqi civilians. Citing a staged video by the "White Helmet" and the false intelligence it provided as "evidence", the US launched the so-called "most precise air campaign in history" against Syria, claiming more than 1,600 innocent civilian lives in a single strike.

Info war on China

Since the normalization of China-US relations, the US has not abandoned its use of ideological weapons and US intelligence agencies' rumor mill capabilities to contain China's development and undermine political stability, Lu said.

Since 2018, the US has incessantly hyped "human rights" topics in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Its modus operandi, as Lu pointed out, includes letting the media first create ambiguous topics, followed by intelligence agencies selecting suitable candidates and presenting them as "fugitives" to accept interviews in the media, followed by so-called research reports by anti-China think tanks. After that, the US government usually mobilizes several "human rights organizations" that it either secretly or openly supports to proliferate the topic and call for "sanctions." Thereafter, the US government follows the suit.

Zhao Lijian also listed how the US launched a disinformation campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic at the June 8 media briefing.

"You may still remember that the US downplayed the threat and speed of the coronavirus disease's transmission at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and kept spreading disinformation about the origins of the virus. Disinformation about COVID-19 was rated by a certain US website as "2020 Lie of the Year." As a result, more than one million innocent American lives have been lost to the virus, making the US the country with the highest COVID-19 death toll as well as the most confirmed cases," Zhao said.

"The more lies the US government tells, the greater the reputational damage and its credibility deficit," he said. "The US needs to stop fabricating and disseminating false information, and stop taking pride in being "an empire of lies."

According to the 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer, only about 39 percent of American respondents said they trusted their country's government, which is nearly the lowest level ever recorded.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
John Lee, the newly-appointed sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), on Wednesday welcomed the passage of the resolution on the proposed reorganization of the government structure for the sixth-term HKSAR government by the HKSAR Legislative Council (LegCo).

"I am grateful to LegCo for its careful scrutiny and passage of relevant legislative and funding proposals for the proposed reorganization of the government structure, so that when the sixth-term government takes office on July 1, it can operate under the new structure with three secretaries of departments and 15 policy bureaux," Lee said.

The addition of deputy secretaries of departments will also help strengthen coordination and implementation of government policies, facilitating effective governance of the HKSAR government, he said.

The passage of the proposal displays a positive interaction between the executive and the legislature, under which the LegCo not only monitors the work of the HKSAR government, but also supports the HKSAR government in enhancing governance efficiency, said Lee.

The HKSAR LegCo passed the resolution on Wednesday. Lawmakers believe the new government structure is in line with the policy priorities of the HKSAR government for the next five years, allowing Hong Kong to seize the economic opportunities under China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for national socio-economic development and address the livelihood issues of public concern in Hong Kong.
Rare twin tornadoes barreled through the northeast Nebraska town of Pilger eight years ago today, killing two people, injuring 20 more and forever changing the lives of the nearly 350 people who called the town home.

Pilger, a Stanton County village, is 80 miles northwest of Omaha and 20 miles east of Norfolk.

The storm destroyed or heavily damaged an estimated three-fourths of Pilger, including the middle school, Midwest Bank, the co-op, a convenience store, the post office, numerous houses, city hall, the firehouse and St. John Lutheran Church.

The National Weather Service rated the larger tornado that tore through Pilger an EF4, capable of causing devastating damage with winds of 166 to 200 mph. The parallel twister was an EF2.

Calista Dixon, 5, died after suffering injuries inside a mobile home on Main Street in Pilger.

David Herout, 74, of Clarkson, Nebraska, died when his vehicle left County Road S about 4:50 p.m. as the storms moved through. He was ejected from his vehicle, Cuming County officials said. Herout, a retired postal worker who had worked at post offices in Clarkson and Columbus, was making deliveries for an agricultural company.

Sanford Goshorn, the Stanton County emergency management official, said two twisters merged south of town over the Elkhorn River before tearing toward the village Monday afternoon. The weather service alerted residents at 3:41 p.m. that a tornado was headed toward Pilger. The storm hit about 4:18 p.m.

Cars were flipped and trees stripped of leaves. Center-pivot irrigation systems were overturned. Hundreds or thousands of animals  cattle, hogs and poultry  were injured or killed across the region.

Stanton County Sheriff Mike Unger said 45 to 50 homes were destroyed in Pilger.

It was like God dragged two fingernails across the land, said Gregg Moeller of nearby Wisner.

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RALEIGH. N.C. (AP)  A caucus supporting African Americans within the North Carolina Democratic Party announced on Wednesday it's boycotting statewide party events this weekend because it said party officials overlooked Juneteenth and Father's Day.

The state party convention, State Executive Committee meeting and "Unity Dinner," all in Durham, will be held Saturday, the day before both observances.

The NCDP did not consider its magnitude of disregard for the holidays, the African American Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party said in a release. The group's statement said the concerns surfaced after last weekend's monthly meeting of the caucus, which has from 300 to 500 members.

Caucus President Collette Alston told WRAL-TV that given the pandemic this year will be the first chance many people have had to gather to observe Juneteenth, which became a federal holiday last year.

The holiday commemorates when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, in 1865, two months after the Confederacy had surrendered in the Civil War and about 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in Southern states.

Required attendance this weekend for party business instead did not sit too well with caucus members, Alston said. Gov. Roy Cooper and U.S. Senate nominee Cheri Beasley are expected to speak at Saturday evening's fundraising dinner.

Party Chair Bobbie Richardson, who is also a founding member of the caucus, didn't address the boycott in a statement Wednesday but said the party will honor and celebrate Sundays Juneteenth holiday as we conduct the business of the party.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP)  A former Florida congresswoman convicted of a federal tax charge in a charity fraud case wants to return to the U.S. House.

Ex-Rep. Corrine Brown filed papers Thursday to run in Florida's 10th District, which is an open seat because incumbent Democrat Val Demings is running against Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.

Brown, a Democrat, served 12 terms in the House beginning in 1993 but was defeated for reelection after her 2016 indictment in the fraud case. She was initially convicted and served two years in prison but was released on humanitarian grounds due to the coronavirus pandemic.

That conviction was subsequently overturned on appeal. Last month, to avoid a second trial, Brown pleaded guilty to a single tax charge and was put on probation. The Constitution does not outright bar convicted felons from serving, but it's up to the House or Senate to decide whom to seat.

Brown said she's optimistic about running in the 10th District, newly redrawn in the redistricting process following the 2020 census  a process she said is shortchanging Blacks in the Republican-led state.

Ive represented most of the people of the new 10th District during my 24 years in Congress and I always earned huge support in this region, Brown said in a statement on her website. Now I see our hard-won gains are being taken away from us. Minorities have lost opportunities to elect candidates of their choice because of the recent gerrymandering in the State of Florida."

Brown, a former state legislator, in 1992 was one of the first three Blacks elected to Congress from Florida since Reconstruction. She faces a crowded field in the Aug. 23 Democratic primary for the new open House seat.

In the criminal case, court documents accused Brown of siphoning money from her One Door for Education Foundation for personal use. Prosecutors said the fraud included using hundreds of thousands of dollars from the foundation to pay for lavish parties, trips and shopping excursions.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  The third-place finisher in the GOP primary for South Carolina's top education job has endorsed school choice advocate Ellen Weaver, aiming to give the think tank CEO a boost in the Republican runoff.

Businessman Travis Bedson told The Associated Press on Thursday that Weaver has his full support and endorsement as the only choice for Republicans who want substantive change to our state's education system.

Weaver finished second in a six-way Republican primary on Tuesday. The top vote getter, Palmetto State Teachers Association Executive Director Kathy Maness, had a clear lead in the vote tallies but fell far short of the 50% needed to avoid a June 28 runoff.

Bedson called Maness  who has the backing of outgoing Superintendent Molly Spearman  the very definition of what is wrong with the state of education in South Carolina."

Both parties have crowded fields after Spearman, a Republican, decided not to run again after eight years in the job.

Spearman sometimes disagreed with other Republican leaders, especially on issues such as whether local districts should be able to mandate masks to protect against COVID-19. That schism has continued into the Republican primary.

Spearman endorsed Maness, noting that she has been a teacher and knows both the legislative process and how schools operate.

Another of the GOP also-rans, Charleston County School Board member Cindy Bohn Coats, also endorsed Weaver.

Both Coats and activist Sheri Few left the race after acknowledging they lacked a masters degree  as required for the post under a 2018 change to state law.

Weaver also lacks a masters. She initially said she would earn one online through Western Governors University before the November general election. Then she switched to a masters in educational leadership program at Bob Jones University, a completion her campaign says remains on track. Maness has an advanced degree.

Many other Republican leaders have endorsed Weaver, the CEO of conservative think tank Palmetto Promise Institute and chairwoman of the state Education Oversight Committee. She also has the backing of previous state education superintendents Barbara Nielsen and Mick Zais.

Weaver has raised more than $325,000, an amount not matched by any other candidate. Maness has raised about $115,000.

For the Democrats, Lisa Ellis, founder of the teacher advocate group SC for Ed, had a clear lead in her party's primary, but votes were still being counted Thursday, and it was too early to say if she could avoid a runoff against former Anderson County School District 4 Superintendent Gary Burgess or state Rep. Jerry Govan.

___ Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Mike Pence won't be testifying at Thursday's Jan. 6 committee hearing. But he will be in the spotlight as the focus turns to former President Donald Trumps desperate and futile attempts to persuade his vice president to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and deliver them a second term.

As you will hear, President Trump engaged in a relentless effort to pressure Pence both in private and in public, Rep. Liz Cheney, the leading Republican on the committee, said last week. "Vice President Pence demonstrated his loyalty to Donald Trump consistently over four years, but he knew that he had a higher duty to the United States Constitution."

What we know about Pence's actions leading up to and during that day:

UNDER PRESSURE

As Trump's frantic efforts to stave off defeat were quashed by courts and state officials, he and his allies zeroed in on Jan. 6  the day a joint session of Congress would convene to formalize President-elect Joe Bidens win  as their last chance to remain in power.

The heavy-handed pressure campaign intensified in the days leading up to the 6th as Trump, lawyer John Eastman and others in Trump's orbit tried to convince Pence that he had the power to overturn the will of voters in a handful of critical battleground states by simply rejecting Electoral College votes or sending the results back to the states  even though the Constitution makes clear the vice presidents role in the proceedings is largely ceremonial.

Pence spent hours huddling with staff, including his general counsel, Greg Jacob. He studied the Electoral Count Act of 1887, which governs the proceedings, and met with the Senate parliamentarian to understand his role. He also received outside counsel, including from former Vice President Dan Quayle.

Some aides appealed to Trump not to put his unflinchingly loyal vice president in such a precarious position. Pence was already widely seen as a potential future presidential candidate and a public fissure with Trump was seen as a potential career ender. But Trump kept pushing, both publicly and behind the scenes.

On Monday, Jan. 4, Eastman and Trump pressed Pence to go along with the scheme in an Oval Office meeting. And at a rally that night in Georgia, Trump said his fate rested in his vice president's hands. I hope Mike Pence comes through for us, he told the crowd.

Trump continued to push in an Oval Office meeting the next day, again demanding Pence use powers the vice president did not possess to overturn the will of voters. Pence made clear he was unconvinced.

That day, Jacob sent a memo putting in writing his conclusion that if Pence followed Eastman's proposal, he would likely lose in court, at best, or spark a constitutional crisis, Politico first reported. The tensions were so high that Pence's chief of staff, Marc Short, placed a call to Pence's lead Secret Service agent that day, The New York Times first reported, informing him that the vice presidents refusal to go along with Trump was about to become public.

Given the crowds en route to Washington, I thought it was important at least to let the Secret Service know that it was about to become a much more public disagreement, Short said Wednesday on CNN.

HANG MIKE PENCE'

The pressure continued through the night. If Vice President @Mike_Pence comes through for us, we will win the Presidency," Trump tweeted around 1 a.m.

All Mike Pence has to do is send them back to the States, AND WE WIN, he wrote later that morning. Do it Mike, this is a time for extreme courage!

Pence was at his residence at the Naval Observatory the morning of Jan. 6 when he spoke a final time with Trump, who was joined in the Oval Office by his daughter Ivanka and Pence's national security adviser, Keith Kellogg. During the call, in the 11 o'clock hour, Trump berated Pence, chastising him for not being tough enough to go along with the scheme, according to Kelloggs testimony to the committee.

Pence then headed to the Capitol to oversee the counting of the Electoral College votes. But first Pence made official his decision. In a letter addressed to his colleagues in Congress, Pence explained why he couldn't go along with Trump's plan.

It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not, he wrote.

At 1:03 p.m., he officially gaveled the U.S. Senate into session as pro-Trump rioters, who had already breached Capitol barricades, were outside clashing with police.

By that point, Trump was already close to wrapping up his speech on the Ellipse in which he repeatedly targeted Pence and urged his supporters to fight like hell."

If Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election," Trump falsely told the crowd. All Vice President Pence has to do is send it back to the states to recertify and we become president and you are the happiest people."

Outside the Capitol, the scene devolved into violent chaos as rioters, some armed with pipes, bats and bear spray, charged into the Capitol, quickly overwhelming police. One officer was beaten and repeatedly shocked with a stun gun until he had a heart attack. Another was foaming at the mouth and screaming for help as rioters crushed him between two doors and bashed him in the head with his own weapon. At 1:49 p.m., D.C. police officially declared a riot.

At about 2:12 p.m., Pence was rushed off the Senate floor as rioters flooded inside. The Washington Post first reported that Pence, who had been joined that day by his wife and daughter, was at one point less than 100 feet from a group of protesters.

IN HIDING

Pence spent the next hours in hiding with his staff and family  first in his ceremonial office and then in an underground loading dock inside the Capitol complex. At several points, he rejected pleas from security staff to leave, insisting it was crucial that he remain in place.

He looked at that and said, I dont want the world seeing the vice president leaving the Capitol in a 15-car motorcade," Short told CNN on Wednesday. 'This is the hallmark of democracy and were going to complete our work.'

But even as the horror played out live on television, Trump, instead of urging his supporters to go home, blasted Pence.

Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify, Trump tweeted at 2:24 p.m.

Trump's tweet echoed through the angry mob. Footage obtained by the committee shows rioters reading Trump's words aloud and crowds breaking into chants of Hang Mike Pence! A makeshift gallows was photographed outside.

Cheney charged that Trump was made aware of the chants and responded with this sentiment: Maybe our supporters have the right idea. Mike Pence deserves it.'" (Trump responded on his social media app, saying he NEVER said, or even thought of saying, Hang Mike Pence.")

Pence worked the phone from his then-secret location. Short told Fox Business that Pence's first calls were to Republican and Democratic House and Senate leaders  Kevin McCarthy, Mitch McConnell, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer  to make sure they were safe and to make sure their functions were OK." Pence also reached out to the Pentagon to make sure additional reinforcements were sent" at the encouragement of House and Senate leaders, who made clear in subsequent calls that they were frustrated the National Guard had not arrived.

Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the committee in testimony that military leaders spoke two or three times with Pence and that the vice president was very animated, very direct, very firm to (Acting Defense) Secretary (Christopher) Miller."

"Get the military down here, get the Guard down here. Put down this situation, et cetera, Milley recalled.

Indeed, at 4:08 p.m., Pence placed an urgent phone call from the Capitol as rioters pummeled police and vandalized the building, informing Miller the Capitol was not secure and asking military leaders for a deadline for securing the building, according to a document prepared by the Pentagon for internal use that was obtained by The Associated Press.

Clear the Capitol, Pence told them.

Milley told the committee that Trumps chief of staff, Mark Meadows, had a different focus when they also spoke.

He said: We have to kill the narrative that the Vice President is making all the decisions. We need to establish the narrative, you know, that the President is still in charge and that things are steady or stable, or words to that effect, Milley testified.

Eastman and Jacob also exchanged emails, according to the committee, with Jacob telling Eastman that, thanks to your bull-, we are now under siege.

'LETS GET BACK TO WORK'

At 8 p.m., after hours of fear and carnage, the Capitol was finally deemed secure.

Pence reconvened the Senate with a message.

Today was a dark day in the history of the United States Capitol. But thanks to the swift efforts of U.S. Capitol Police, federal, state and local law enforcement, the violence was quelled. The Capitol is secured. And the people's work continues," he told the nation. Lets get back to work," he said to applause.

Just after 3:40 a.m. Pence officially declared Trumps election defeat  as well as his own.

TRUMP IS WRONG

Pence, over the last year and a half, has repeatedly said he stands by his actions as he has reckoned with the political fallout and tried to lay the groundwork for a potential presidential run in 2024.

A year ago, after months out of the spotlight, Pence said in a major speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library that he was proud of what he did on Jan. 6.

The truth is," he said, theres almost no idea more un-American than the notion that any one person could choose the American president. The presidency belongs to the American people and the American people alone.

And in February of this year, as Trump continued to criticize Pence's actions, Pence took on Trump by name, telling a gathering of the conservative Federalist Society in Florida that President Trump is wrong" and he had no right to overturn the election."

Pence, however, has also tried to move on from that day. On Monday he spoke to reporters after touring the border in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Ill always believe that I did my duty that day. And I know in my heart of hearts I did. And I believe that, when all the information and the facts come forward, the American people will better understand what occurred, he said. But standing here today on our southern border, Im calling on President Biden to do his duty. I mean, the truth is a president of the United States has an obligation to provide for the common defense, to guarantee the common defense of this country. And border security is national security."

For more coverage of the Jan. 6 insurrection hearings, go to https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
A Lincoln man Thursday pleaded guilty to making multiple online threats to an unnamed election official.

Travis Ford, 42, faces up to two years in prison for a series of threatening Instagram comments he posted to the officials account in August 2021, according to the U.S. Justice Department. He accepted a plea deal and admitted to one count of threatening use of a telecommunications device.

Your security detail is far too thin and incompetent to protect you, one comment says. This world is unpredictable these days ... anything can happen to anyone.

Another reads: Do you feel safe? You shouldnt. Do you think Soros will/can protect you?

According to the Department of Justice, Ford made similar threats on Instagram pages associated with President Joe Biden.

The FBIs Denver office investigated the case with assistance from the FBIs Omaha office, according to a press release. The investigation is part of the Justice Departments Election Threats Task Force, which was formed last summer by Attorney General Merrick Garland. The task force, led by the FBI and U.S. Attorneys Offices, assesses reported threats and prosecutes when necessary.

Threats of violence against election officials are dangerous for peoples safety and dangerous for our democracy, and we will use every resource at our disposal to disrupt and investigate those threats and hold perpetrators accountable, Garland said in a press release.

Ford is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6.

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Occasionally, a reader suggests I am overly critical of Republicans. Its a reasonable criticism. Historically, political parties were monolithic groups comprised of approximately half the voters. However, as the parties moved further towards the extremes of the political spectrum, the differences in political ideologies have become increasingly noticeable.

For example, the 2020 presidential election fractured voters into blocs:

Those who voted for Biden

Those who voted against Biden

Those who voted for Trump

Those who voted against Trump, and

A smattering of others.

Its my party and Ill cry if I want to. You would cry too, if it happened to you,  Leslie Gore.

In his book, Unstable Majorities, Morris Fiorina uses a data base that began polling voters in 1948 to demonstrate that voters views on policies have not changed an iota since the 1970s. Most people (see graph), prefer a few policies from the left and a few from the right. The fact is most voters, especially those in Nebraskas Second Congressional District, have moderate policy views.

What you see depends upon where you stand.

For the Average Person (see graph), 50% of political views are to their right and 50% are to their left. Since 1994, policy views, rhetoric and actions of both political parties began moving towards the extremes, labeled, Some People, Republicans to the right and Democrats to the left. As the parties moved towards the extremes of the political bell curve, the majority are forced, by design, to choose the lesser of two evils.

Nobody knows where Donny has gone, But Joey left the same time,

This movement allows the party to be distinctly different from their opposition. For example, at the extreme, as depicted by the star on the graph, 80% of voters are politically to the left. Based on Fiorinas study, American voters have not become more liberal or conservative. In reality, the views of those depicted by the star became more extreme. This is true at both ends of the bell curve. American politics is shifting from a Right versus Left debate to a Middle versus Extremes.

Readers of my columns notice Im critical of extremism since, as Fiorina proved, their loudly voiced views reverberating echoed by hyper-partisan media are not the views of Most People.

Play all my records, keep dancing all night. But leave me alone for awhile,

Split ticket results of 2008 [Obama (D) and Terry (R)] and 2020 elections demonstrate [Biden (D) and Bacon (R)], Nebraskas Second Congressional District voters are among the most moderate in the nation. This is the view I try to represent.

Furthermore, most opinion columnists discuss policies. Instead, I focus on character. Policies ebb and flow as social norms evolve, but national mythology focuses on character: Washingtons I cannot tell a lie (he didnt), Trumans The buck stops here (it did), Nixons I am not a crook (he was), and the RNCs legitimate political discourse (it wasnt).

Another criticism is citing obscure authors. I give credit where credit is due. Anything less would infer these ideas are mine and thus be dishonest. Naming authors allows fact checkers to do their own homework. Finally, obscurity is relative. If one reads my body of work, their vocabulary of ideas expands and the unknown becomes familiar.

In grad school, I argued knowledge without application is trivia. I still believe this. I understand that citing authors causes some readers to sense theyre being snowballed by some smarty pants. Id rather be an honest engine of change by pushing good ideas from ivory towers into our lives: teaching is what I do.

But its my party and Ill cry if I want to. You would cry too, if it happened to you.
You are here: China

The 2022 Shenzhen Lotus Flower Show will be staged in the Honghu Lake Park in Luohu from June 16-30.

The organizers of the event will collect photos of twin lotus flowers on one stalk from visitors. In return, the photographers can receive a souvenir.

Citizens will be invited to show photos of their bowl lotus flowers in the park. Participants whose works are rated among the best can get an award ranging from 500 yuan to 1,000 yuan.

The park advises visitors to avoid visiting during rush hour and to strictly follow relevant COVID-19 protocols.
HUDSON  Central Illinois Scouts are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the W. D. Boyce Council by kicking off an 18-month celebration filled with events, activities and trips for kids to enjoy in the outdoors.

We know that the traditional skills and values, character and citizenship and fitness that scouting promotes and really drives through all of its programs are great for all kids, said W. D. Boyce Council Scout Executive Ben Blumenberg, 44. If we can help instill those values now in kids, its probably more important than it has ever been.

Over 100 children were in attendance for the Crossroads District Cub Scout Day Camp at Comlara Park, 13001 Recreation Area Dr., in Hudson, for a week filled with archery, cooking, fishing, STEM-based learning, and other skill-based activities that will help them later on in life.

For the next 18 months, the W. D. Boyce Council will be hosting a plethora of events including campouts, hiking trips, community service opportunities, a Klondike derby during the winter, and much more while encouraging scouts to each do a service in a quantity of 50, Blumenberg said.

Those traditional values are important and parents are really the ones who want to pass those on to the kids, but really there's so much fun to be had, said Eric Hoadley, 61, volunteer and longtime scout. Thats what we're trying to bring to every level of the scouting program and theyre started here at 5 years old to when they are just about to turn 18.

Hoadley, who has three children who have all been in scouts, said over the last 50 years they have offered over 1.7 million hours of service to various communities and served over 200,000 scouts. About 6,300 of those scouts have also become Eagle Scouts, which is the highest achievable rank in scouting for a youth member.

The celebration will run from now until fall 2023.

The W. D. Boyce Council was started in 1973. It is named after William D. Boyce, who lived in Ottawa, Illinois, and founded the Boy Scouts of America in 1910. The council serves nearly 5,000 youth members and covers much of Central Illinois, from Lincoln to Ottawa and Peoria to Bloomington.

I really liked the archery. It made me feel like I learned something new and I liked swimming in the lake. It was really fun and exciting and I was kind of scared but it felt like a good time in the end, said Ryker Nolan, 9, from Scout Pack #3955, based out of Corpus Christi Catholic School, in Bloomington.

Cooper Hill, 10, from the same scout pack, said he was excited to get some swimming practice in the lake before his family trip to visit his grandparents in the Ozarks.

Noah Cyphers, 9, said he enjoys making new friends and seeing old ones that he has not talked with for almost a year because it gives him time to catch up and learn more about them.

At first I thought it was going to be a regular pool, but there was actually a beach and we were able to play and build sand castles, said Matthew Stanko, 10, whose father Mike is the pack leader.

I love watching them improve each day at the things like archery, Mike Stanko said. They so much and theyve gotten so much better and just watching how they get better really brings a smile to my face. Its awesome.

Program Director Amy Rich, 40, said she has two sons in scouts and has loved to see how the program has contributed to their growth as individuals who pay attention to those around them and eventually become leaders helping younger scouts.

My oldest can step up in front of a group of 8, 9 and 10-year-olds and teach them something new while getting them to follow directions, Rich said. I also really enjoy that its not competitive. You dont have to throw a certain way or run a certain speed, anybody can be a scout.

Anyone interested in joining the scouts can learn more and register at BeAScout.org.

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NORMAL  There is promising community support for McLean County Unit 5, says the consultant helping the Normal-based school district decide how to fix its deficit.

Ed Sullivan, founder and president of EOSullivan Consulting, spoke to the Unit 5 board Wednesday night. He presented the results of Phase 2 of the districts four-phase community engagement process, which will help it decide how to address the deficit in its education fund.

Phase 2 involved receiving feedback on specific menu items, including the cost of overcoming negative effects if the deficit is not fixed and potential opportunities that increasing funding could bring. The district would not put funding toward the potential enhancements until all of the negative impacts are mitigated.

We know there are certain things that have to take place to right the ship, if you will, and those are the negative impacts, Sullivan said. But, if the community decided, or if there were additional resources, what do you think are the items youd like to see happen going forward?

Over Phase 1 and Phase 2, the consultants have received more than 1,000 responses, he said. During Phase 2, that included more than 200 responses from a community committee and public engagement sessions and more then 530 from a phone survey.

The phone survey is considered intuitive data, Sullivan said. The people answering the survey did not have as much information as those at the public engagement sessions or on the community committee.

In the phone survey, just 19% of respondents preferred adding no additional funding. Further, 72% had favorable opinions about the district. The 534 phone responses were also the largest sample Sullivan has ever seen, giving a margin of error in the results of 4.2%.

The phone survey also showed majorities of respondents supporting a minimal funding increase to mitigate most of the negative impacts, and a higher base funding level to mitigate all of them. A plurality favored the base funding level as their top preference.

The firm estimates the minimal funding at around $11 million more per year and the base funding at $13 million more per year.

The community committee and public engagement sessions ranked a medium funding level, estimated at about $17 million more per year, higher than the general public did.

Among the phone survey respondents, community committee and public engagement respondents, decreasing staff and increasing class sizes were the two negatives they least wanted to see. Among potential opportunities, lowering class sizes and increasing student resources and supports were in the top three choices for all three groups.

For the public engagement group and the phone survey group, improving school safety and security was also in the top three. Board Secretary Kelly Pyle asked Sullivan if that might be related to the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, the same day as the last community engagement session and while the phone survey was taking place.

Theres no doubt that sometimes youre going to get some results that are reflective of whats happening in society, Sullivan said.

He said that in Phase 3, the firm plans to present the district with three more fleshed-out plans, building from the options presented in Phase 2. Those three plans are expected to roughly correspond with the minimum, base and medium funding levels.

In its action items, the board passed an amended budget for the fiscal year ending June 30. Passing an amended budget to reflect changes during the year is standard practice for the district.

The tentative amended budget was presented to the board at the May 25 meeting. The amended budget reduced working cash transfer to the education fund from $12.5 million to $11 million and reduced the deficit in the transportation fund from $3.26 million to $1.27 million.

The board also gave its approval to a standardized incentive program for the Bloomington-Normal area enterprise zone administered by the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council.

Kristal Shelvin, director of diversity, equity and inclusion, and members of the District Equity Leadership Team gave an update on the equity action plan one year into implementation. That included presenting a board equity statement developed with the Board of Education which formalizes the boards commitment to dismantling systemic barriers to learning and educational success for every student.

The board approved the statement as part of the consent agenda.

Board member Kentrica Coleman applauded the work the staff has done so far in improving equity, diversity and inclusion at the district. There is still work to be done, she said, but it is important to acknowledge the work that has happened.

This says a lot about how committed we are as a district to changing the culture, to improving the culture, to improving the student experience, to improving the staff experience, to improving the family experience, Coleman said. This says a lot, and thats why I said, Wow. I know we have a long way to go, but I think we have to stop, pause and celebrate where we are and how far weve come.

Contact Connor Wood at (309)820-3240. Follow Connor on Twitter:@connorkwood

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100 years ago

June 16, 1922: Officers J.S. "Sol" Jones, of the Illinois State Reformatory in Pontiac, was killed by an inmate, Byron Corbridge. Corbridge reportedly beat Jones to death with a piece of 2-inch gas pipe, then calmly walked out and told other inmates that he would murder them if they "squealed" on him. Jones was married with a baby; he had moved to Pontiac two years earlier from Chenoa.

75 years ago

June 16, 1947: No performance of the American Passion Play, Bloomington's religious drama of the life of Christ, has ever been canceled because of injury or accident, director Aaron Brooks told the Kiwanis Club. It has been performed more than 250 times, with about $40,000 having been invested in the scenery. Brooks estimated more than 350,000 people from across the country had seen it.

50 years ago

June 16, 1972: The Illinois State University board approved proceeding with $5.9 million in contract awards for the university's new library. ISU vice president Eric Johnson told the board that construction of the new library could begin by early July, with construction expected to take two years. The state appropriated $8 million for the library in 1970, but that was later cut to $7.2 million by Gov. Richard Ogilvie.

25 years ago

June 16, 1997: This summer, the 20th anniversary of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, will be the last for the wooden theater built next to Ewing Manor when the festival first began. The new facility, with a $1.5 million cost raised through donations, will feature a larger, fan-shaped stage, more spacious backstage area, restrooms and about 500 comfortable chair-backed seats. The current capacity is about 390 seats.

Compiled by Pantagraph staff
Attendees can learn about the mission of the food bank with an interactive drive-through experience at the Normal, Morton or Peoria locations.

Tours will last 15 to 30 minutes and will conclude with guests receiving a catered to-go dinner box. Dinners may be picked up at any of the three locations. Meal boxes for two adults are $50 and children's meals are available for $10. Meal pick-up will be from 4 to 7 p.m., and will be arranged when tickets are purchased.
Recently, I was sitting in the cafe of a large chain grocery store when two employees walked by. One of them must have been training the other one because he said to his colleague, You saw how crazy things were for Mothers Day? How we sold out of flowers? The trainee nodded. Fathers Day wont be anything like that, the veteran said. Itll be just another Sunday.

Americans spend, on average, $71 more for mothers than they do fathers on their respective holidays. And research from 2021 found that 84% of Americans were planning on feting their mothers, while 75% said the same for fathers. In a hyper-consumerist culture like ours  in which consumption mirrors identity and values  this spending discrepancy reveals deeper assumptions and stereotypes. Ultimately, it speaks to the limited ways we still expect fathers to parent.

As I discovered in research for my book, Better Boys, Better Men, many men dont think they are supposed to want recognition for their parenting role, nor that they should speak up even if they do secretly crave it. One federal government employee told me, All the men Ive ever known taught me, or modeled, that men arent supposed to worry about being fussed over by their families. Thats for women. In other words, men dont believe they have permission to have the very human need for recognition met without risking appearing unmanly, vulnerable.

The 2019 Movember Global Research Report on masculinity and mental health found that a third of respondents feel pressure to be manly/masculine and that nearly 60% feel pressure from society to appear strong by being emotionally stoic, along with pressure to hide weakness, fix things and to be physically strong. Half of all respondents said that this pressure comes not just from men but from the larger society.

Such messages dont originate with men only: Many women want their husbands and partners to cling to traditionally masculine behaviors as being the constant pillar of stoic strength for their families at the expense of their own needs. The problem with appearing strong is that many people believe this requires internalizing deeper emotions, which ultimately compromises our health and well-being and can lead to earlier death, as research from the Harvard School of Public Health has found.

These expectations were amplified further in a survey I conducted among 47 college students, which gauged the ideal qualities they believed fathers should possess. The students are part of a generation pushing to make gender identity more fluid, yet these were the most common responses: Fathers should be protectors, strong, selfless, in control of difficult situations, and, of course, they should tell stupid dad jokes.

We also are still working from a narrow script when it comes to expectations about work and home lives for men. Half of all respondents to one Pew Research Study said they valued the contributions men make at work, while 5% say society values the contributions men make at home. Yet 56% of Americans observed that society values the contributions women make at work and at home equally.

Sure, many fathers are content, even happy, to stay insulated in this status quo. Increasingly, though, many fathers arent. They are the ones staying at home with the children, while their wives or partners work. They are the ones pushing for equal-parenting laws around custody and child support. They are the ones who accept, as research shows, that men consistently experience deeper emotional states that are far more similar to those of women than they are different. They are the ones that a 2019 Pew study revealed see parenting as central to their identity and are closing the gap between the degrees to which fathers and mothers are involved in their childrens lives and are contributing to domestic duties.

So, what do those of us who are part of this new breed of fathers want for Fathers Day? We dont need grocery stores to run out of roses, but we also dont want a tie or mug (or power tool) as yet another reminder that our parenting identities are tethered to work. We want the freedom to experience parenthood sans unproductive gendered expectations.

If given permission, this is a conversation many men would like to have. Lets start by making stupid dad jokes optional.

Andrew Reiner teaches at Towson University.

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Like prosecutors priming a jury, the House Select Committee made a powerful case to the nation that Donald Trump ginned up the insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021. He meant it to consummate a coup that he had been plotting even before the presidential election that he legitimately lost.

The riot that bloodied police officers as they bravely protected the Capitol was not spontaneous. It was not a one-off event. There was, as Rep. Bennie Thompson, the committee chair, said, a sprawling, multi-step conspiracy with Trump at the center. Mondays testimony added more support to that argument, as campaign operatives and state and local officials described efforts to depict the election as illegitimate and subject to being overturned.

Those claims were undermined, not by Democrats but by some of Trumps former appointees. BJay Pak, the former U.S. attorney for the North District of Georgia who abruptly resigned Jan. 4 under threat of being fired because he couldnt find voter fraud (about the same time Trump was pleading with a top Georgia elections official to find votes) testified Monday that an alleged suitcase of ballots was really an official elections lockbox. In a recorded deposition, former U.S. Attorney General Bob Barr denied claims of a big vote dump in Detroit, called allegations of fraud in Philadelphia absolute rubbish and said the campaign wasted a month on investigating idiotic claims that a voting-machine manufacturer helped rig the election.

And Trumps adviser/son-in-law Jared Kushner, in another recorded deposition, reluctantly admitted that he advised against buying into Rudy Giulianis conspiracy theories. Last week, his wife Ivanka Trump said she didnt believe there was election fraud.

Yet the former president is still insisting there is evidence of a stolen election  acting out his treachery to the Constitution and the American people, peddling his Big Lie and slandering the committee.

Lying is not necessarily a crime, but sedition is. It is a grave felony, a disqualification for future public office. For what happened before, on and after Jan. 6, Trump must be tried and convicted in the criminal courts, not just in the venue of public opinion.

Until he is, and because the Senate failed to convict and bar him from running again when he was impeached a second time, he remains a clear and present danger to the Constitution he falsely swore to protect.

Trump primed the riot by denouncing his vice president, Mike Pence, for refusing to discard enough electoral votes to deny Joe Biden and Kamala Harris their fairly won victory.

When Trump heard that the mob was chanting Hang Mike Pence, this is what he said, as related by Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyoming, the committees vice chair: Maybe our supporters have the right idea. Mike Pence deserves it.

That wasnt the only breathtaking moment from the first committee hearing:

 The top leaders of the Proud Boys and the Oathkeepers were filmed meeting together the night of Jan. 5. They had responded to Trumps tweet, Be there. It will be wild. Proud Boys, some outfitted for combat, began moving toward the Capitol Jan. 6 before Trump actually urged it to an audience at the Ellipse. Videotape showed some rioters saying they believed they were doing what Trump wanted. It documents his guilt.

 The riveting testimony of Capitol police officer Caroline Edwards put to shame the farcical claims that it was a normal tourist visit or an exercise protected by the First Amendment. It was carnage, it was chaos, I cant even describe what I saw.

 Cheney said several Republican congressmen sought pardons from Trump after Jan. 6, including Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, who denied it as a lie. Perry was a link between Trump and Jeffrey Clark, a Justice Department official angling to succeed Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen and put the Justice Department behind Trumps efforts to overturn the election. That was a conspiracy. The committee should identify the other congressmen who begged Trump for a pardon.

 Cheney, a pariah in her party for heroically supporting Trumps impeachment and serving on the panel, memorably denounced those defending the indefensible and warned them: There will come a day when President Trump is gone. But your dishonor will remain.

That apparently was an ad lib. It wasnt in her prepared remarks as released before the hearing, but it needed to be said.

Whatever reasons might compel voters to return that party to power in Congress this fall, the hearings have already demonstrated the danger in that. Future hearings deserve watching as much as the opener.

The key question now: What did the president do, and when did he do it?

No other president ever attempted any such things. Voters must not give him or his acolytes another chance, no matter what other issues may come to mind.

Orlando Sentinel

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In line with its commitment to making the average median earning family own their own homes in any part of the country, SuCasa is set to launch its accessible, ultra-modern properties on June 2022 at the De Icon Events Centre in East Legon, Accra.



The launch event will showcase SuCasas luxurious two, three and 4-bedroom units.



Speaking ahead of the launch, CEO of SuCasa Properties, Michael O'Grantson-Agyapong noted that there will be an exclusive discount offer for all prospective clients in attendance.



If we indeed want to see our nations within the region shed the tag of developing countries and to be part of the developed world at a rapid rate, this begins with the real estate industry, in my not-so-humble opinion. Nations are built. The onus lies on the private citizen to build and manage our nations with the support of the honorable men holding public offices, not the other way round.



SuCasa envisions to lead the way in the delivery of real estate services and projects in the real estate industry. It is our mission to bring to the table a classic approach with modern systems to curb the lack of access to homes in our society. To reward our prospective clients and many partners, we will be giving an exclusive discount offer to all in attendance he added.



On his part, General Manager of SuCasa Properties, Abdul Rahman Shehab assured clients and prospective clients of free litigation and excellent service.

We assure our clients of free litigation and convenience of service by conducting our due diligence. Also, we engage in strategic partnerships to ensure your comfort. Collaboration, accountability, sustainability, and ingenuity are our core values. We are looking forward to have you join the SuCasa OGranston Community, he concluded.



SuCasa Properties is a real estate company that provides all your realty services. SuCasa Properties design, build, sell, rent, renovate, offer consultancy and advisory services on litigation, and property management. It is the only real estate company that offers a 100% cash back guarantee and are the custodian of client satisfaction.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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. . . . .To The Promotion Of Intra-African Trade - BoG Governor



The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison has firmly asserted the banks conviction that payments systems will be key to the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA).



Speaking on the final day of the prestigious Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) 2022 Public Forum, the Governor delivered a masterclass in the role of payment systems for the success of AfCTA.



In the Governors view, a supportive payment and settlement system can be used as a strategic tool to enhance and facilitate the African regional integration drive, increase competitiveness, and improve Africas position in the international financial system.



A strong and well-regulated African financial infrastructure could deepen the benefits of intra-regional trade, eliminate use of third currency for settlement, improve liquidity management of firms, and reduce transaction costs.



The forum, an annual event by the GAAS, is part of efforts to bridge the gap between Academia, Practice and the General Public.



This years sessions, scheduled from the 6th of June to the 8th of June is sponsored by UMB, a leading indigenous Ghanaian bank, as part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations. Speakers through-out the forum including leading lights and experts on AfCTA included Prof. Ernest Kofi Abotsi, Prof. Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, Mr. David Ofosu-Dorte and Ms. Beatrice Chaytor, Head, Trade in Services Division, AfCFTA, Mr. John Apea, CEO of Etranzact Nana Benneh was speaking on the final day, on a panel with The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison.



The Forum was well patronized with leading luminaries including Prof. Peter Quartey, Prof Fiadzoe, Nana Dr. SKB Asante and Prof. Akilagpa Sawyerr  both former President of GAAS and Mr. Herbert Krampah, Deputy Minister of Trade , and other senior executives from the Bank of Ghana.



The Governors presentation was preceded by a lecture by Professor Ebo Turkson of the Dept. of Economics at the University of Ghana. The thrust of Prof. Turksons report focused on the need for heavy investments in hard and soft infrastructure to cut down the cost of intra-African trade.



With the aid of tables and graphs, Prof. Turkson illustrated how it was cheaper for a Ghanaian business to trade with Europe. In summary , He argued that without infrastructure African Trade would not work.

In response to a question posed to a panel of the speakers during the event, the Chief Executive Officer of UMB , Nana Dwemoh Beneh argued that syndication was critical for Ghanaian Banks to partake in the financing deals critical to build the soft and hard infrastructure needed to facilitate intra-African trade.



He further stated that Ghana had an advantage, as structures like the Development Bank and the EXIM Bank allowed the banking sector provided the needed muscle for such syndications.



Speaking to this reporter, Prof. Opoku- Nti; vice -president of the Academy expressed GAAS profound appreciation to UMB for sponsoring the forum. He indicated that this was the kind of collaboration that was critical for innovation in Ghana.



The proceeding of the forum can be accessed online on the website of the Academy.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Paramount Chief of Osu, His Royal Majesty, Notse Nii Nortey Owuo IV has donated science laboratory equipment to Klottey Korley Cluster of Schools to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in the municipality.



The equipment which were donated to the Klottey Korley Municipal Education Directorate included Mortar and Pestle, Crystallizing Dish, Prepared Microscope, Safety goggles, Plastic graduated, Mimi project, Science magnet, Spatula, Crystallizing dish, Burette, Magnifier and Test strips



They also included Tongs, Microscope, Glass Petri dish, Reagent bottles, Stopwatch, Plastic syringes, Wire gauze, Glass sticks and Robotics kits.



Speaking at a brief ceremony, His Royal Majesty, Notse Nii Nortey Owuo IV stressed on the importance of STEM education as a key driver towards Ghana's development as is being done in most developed countries across the world.



He also added that to ensure effective STEM education, there is the need for a shift from just focusing on theories to providing opportunities for more practicals and hands-on training hence his decision to provide science laboratory equipment to aid teaching and learning in the Municipality.



Korle Klottey Municipal Director of Education Mrs. Joyce Osae-Apenteng also expressed gratitude to the paramount Chief of Osu and added this would help improve STEM education in schools in the Municipality which will, in turn, contribute positively to the development of Ghana.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu says the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare needs all the assistance and commendation for his excellent leadership as the head of Ghana Police Service.



He said the security capo is changing the narrative about Ghana police and making it more attractive in recent times.



Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsus commendation comes after the IGPs swift responses to the Islamic SHS shooting.



How Dr George Akuffo Dampare (IGP) moved from Accra to Kumasi to solve issues was amazing. He is indeed a leader who needs all the support in his line of work. He is doing marvellously well, he said in an interview with NEAT FMs morning show, Ghana Montie.



Students demo



Some students of the Islamic Senior High School in Kumasi protested against pedestrian knockdowns involving students and teachers of the school.



But their demonstration was met by police brutality with viral video footage showing Police personnel opening up tear gas on students to disperse the crowd.



Over 25 students were rushed to the hospital following an alleged clash with the Police.







Conduct of Police



The Ghana Police Service, in a statement later on Monday, admitted that its men deployed to the Senior High School could have adopted a better approach to tackling the chaos on Monday morning.



In a Police statement condemning the violence on the protesting students, the Director of Public Affairs, Chief Superintendent Grace Ansah-Akrofi, established that even though nobody was hit by a live bullet, "the Police handling of the incident was poor and fell short of our standard operating procedure on crowd control."



The Ghana Police Service subsequently removed from office the Deputy Regional Police Commander, DCOP Kwasi Akomeah-Apraku, who was acting as the Regional Police Commander at the time of the chaos.



Some top Police officers in the jurisdiction have also been interdicted, including the Regional Operations Officer of the Ghana Police, ACP/Mr. George Ankomah, and ACP/Mr. Alex Cudjoe Acquah, the Suame Divisional Police Commander.



This was after the IGP, Dr George Akuffo Dampare had visited the school and meeting with the regional police commander to get fight-hand information.



Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu who is also a lawmaker for Suame in Kumasi said even though the students were wrong, the action of the police personnel was unacceptable.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com/ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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I have been following expositions by Ghanas Minister for Trade and Industries, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen about his vision to industrialize Ghana through the NPPs One District One Factory (1D1F) policy as well as his role in drawing up and seeing to the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) project.



I always tell myself that if this was back in 2008/09 when I was doing my Masters in International Affairs, the knowledge I have learnt from Alan Kyeremateng would have given me an A without learning many theories in International Trade & Development as well as International Economics. I could have passed the two courses without hustle.



The AfCFTA is the largest trading block since the World Trade Organization (WTO) was formed. By World Bank estimates, the AfCFTA is expected to increase intra-African trade from its current 13% about 51% in the next 10 years, serving about 1.2 billion Africans, and injecting billions of dollars annually into Africas Gross Domestic Product (GDP).



Currently, China remains Africas biggest trading partner. In 2019, trade between Africa and China amounted to US$192 billion whilst Chinas Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Africa was US$2.7 billion. The disparity in trade volumes between Africa and China is heavily tilted in favour of China.



Whilst China imports raw materials from Africa, it exports finished goods to the continent resulting in a huge trade deficit in favour of China. China is only one of Africas trading partners. The US, Europe, and India are among others.



The only solution to the problem of Africa sending raw materials outside and importing finished products is for it to industrialize.



There is no single economic powerhouse in the world which does not use exports of finished goods as the bedrock of its economy. US, Japan, Germany as well as the Asian Tigers; Taiwan, Korea and others are all export-led economies and none of them exports raw materials.



There is certainty that Africa is the continent of the future. Investors worldwide are looking for the next destination for their investments and Africa offers them a huge opportunity for untapped human and material resources.



Luckily for Ghana, the AfCFTA Secretariat through the ingenuity of Alan Kyerematen is in Accra. With its democratic values and peaceful nature, Ghana could attract investors.



What is needed is the leadership which can assure the investor communities both local and foreign of value for their money. This is because direct investment is not a charity job that we must beg for. It is an assurance given to those with the wherewithal to invest that their investments will not go down the drain.



The World Bank has reported that Ghanas economy can expand by 0.5% for the next 10 years through the AfCFTA, hence, Ghana needs to implement the rest of the AfCFTA protocols.



As eyes are fixed on Ghana as host country of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Investors are highly interested in how Ghana conducts its economic drive as the gateway to Africa. This calls for an astute leadership in economic management.



With Alan Kyerematen implementing the 1D1F and being the architect of the AfCFTA, investors see the opportunity to invest in Ghana to be able to export to all the African states.



The surest bet to Ghanas industrialization, the panacea to Ghanas economic upturn is to make Alan Kyeremateng lead Ghana NOW.



Nana Kwame Nkrumah

(PhD Candidate)

Legon Centre for International Affairs & Diplomacy (LECIAD)

University of Ghana, Legon.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Yaw Frimpong Addo, has stated that it was not true that there was a food crisis in the country.



He said there was a clear distinction between food availability and pricing, stressing that Ghanaians were misconstruing the high prices of some foodstuff to mean food shortage.



Mr Addo made the statement while addressing the media on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, in Techiman, Bono East Region as part of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) six-day tour of five regions across the country.



He explained that his outfit's tour was informed by statements, especially in Accra and some big cities, that there was food shortage in the country.



"Around this time of the year, food prices are high, but fortunately for Ghana since 2016 till now, there has been high stock of maize," he noted.



According to him, about 270, 000 metric tonnes of maize was available in about ten (10) satellite markets in the Bono East Region.



However, Mr. Addo sympathised with farmers on the practice where buyers decide to shortchange them by giving them any price for their produce.



"So it is totally false for people to sit somewhere and say that there is maize or food shortage in Ghana," he stressed.



He gave a firm assurance that the current government will do everything humanly possible to prevent hunger in the country.



What is more, the deputy Minister used the chance to debunk statements in certain quarters that the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) programme of the Akufo-Addo administration has failed.



"In 2016, we use to see trucks loaded with sacks of maize from Niger come to Ghana because at the time we were experiencing a shortage. But ever since we started the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative in 2017 till now, records available at the Techiman maize market indicate that these same trucks from Niger come to buy maize and other foodstuffs from the Techiman market to Niger," he indicated.



This, he said, was very significant, "because we are now producing far in excess to sell to other African countries."



Consequently, Mr Addo admonished politicians to help reduce the political temperature in the country.



"If we don't have a very good political temperature in this country to allow farmers the space and peace of mind to go about their businesses, it will affect us all," he cautioned.



He was however, optimistic that when farmers begin to harvest the new maize, prices of maize will naturally reduce to the benefit of Ghanaians.



The deputy minister also visited cashew and cabbage farmers at Bonya.



According to the farmers of these crops, it was increasingly becoming difficult for them to find market for their produce.



One of such farmers was Joshua Yaw Damashie, who lamented that he use to cultivate cabbage on a large scale "because I had buyers from Accra but due to transport issues there's reduction in my cabbage cultivation."



He appealed to the government to continue subsidising the prices of fertilisers.



The deputy minister and his team will wrap up their tour with visits to Ashanti and Eastern Regions.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Amber Group, a leading global digital asset platform, today announced its acquisition of Celera Markets Limited, a fully licensed financial group by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong.



The acquisition represents a significant milestone for Amber Group, as it continues to strengthen its product portfolio to bridge the gap between traditional and digital finance globally.



As a licensed corporation under the Hong Kong SFC, Celera Markets is a discretionary asset management firm that engages in traditional securities and derivatives brokerage services, with an emphasis on algorithmic execution spanning global venues and asset management mandates.



The acquisition leverages the synergies between Celera Markets and Amber Group, as the latter sets its sights on broadening its advisory and deals offering for financial instruments, while adhering to the regulatory parameters set by the SFC.



Through the acquisition, Amber Group has secured five types of SFC licenses - Type 1, 2, 4, 5 and 9 - which allows the company to carry out a broad range of services including advising on and dealing in securities and futures contracts as well as providing asset management services.



This is a landmark moment for Amber Group amid an increasingly complex regulatory landscape in the finance industry.



The acquisition strengthens Amber Groups foothold in Hong Kong, a leading global financial center and one of the worlds most active and liquid securities markets, effectively widening the reach of the companys products and services to legacy financial market participants.



Hong Kong holds tremendous strategic value as a key global finance hub, and we are proud to be integrating the best from traditional and digital finance as we expand our presence in the market. As an asset management player with a decade-long track record, Celera Markets offers valuable market expertise and TradFi experience which is critical to our global mission to facilitate the convergence of TradFi and digital asset finance. This acquisition also marks a significant milestone in Amber Groups commitment to regulatory compliance as we strive to build institutional investors trust and confidence in crypto assets. As we continue to hold ourselves to the highest compliance standards and win the trust of an SFC-approved institution, we look forward to welcoming a new era of finance in Hong Kong, said Michael Wu, Chief Executive Officer of Amber Group.



About Amber Group



Amber Group is a leading digital asset platform operating globally with offices in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.



The firm provides a full range of digital asset services spanning investing, financing, and trading.



Amber Group is backed by prominent investors including Sequoia, Temasek, Paradigm, Tiger Global, Dragonfly, Pantera, Coinbase Ventures, and Blockchain.com.



For more information, please visit www.ambergroup.io.





Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The scheduled appointment for the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta to appear in Parliament today to answer questions on how funds for COVID-19 were spent has been postponed.



It followed a request by the Minister for Parliament to postpone the appointment due to other engagements.



The Minister had been summoned by Parliament to account for COVID-19 funds, and was also expected to answer 16 other questions from Members of Parliament (MPs).



On Thursday, May 26, 2022, when the Chairman of the Finance Committee of Parliament, Kwaku Kwarteng moved the motion for the approval of 75 million for the COVID-19 health response project, the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban S.K. Bagbin said that the House would only consider the loan after the Minister of Finance had given details of how previous loans were utilised.



The Speaker said it was about the fifth time the Finance Minister had been summoned by Parliament to come and provide answers to certain questions asked on the floor of the House but has not been able to honour them.



The Speaker said Parliament would invoke its powers if the Finance Minister failed to appear before the House to give account of how the COVID-19 monies were spent.



Urgent questions



The urgent questions that are to be answered by the Finance Minister are in the name of the National Democratic Congress ( NDC) MP for Wa East, Godfred Seidu Jasaw; the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Ablekuma North, Sheila Bartels; NPP MP for Bortianor-Ngleshie-Amanfro, Sylvester Tetteh, and NDC MP for Bongo, Edward Abambire Bawa.



Mr Jasaw would want to know when the Ministry of Finance will issue financial clearance to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to clear the debt owed partners and suppliers to ensure availability of subsidised fertiliser in the farming season, while Ms Bartels question is to find out from the Finance Minister the current status of funding for the construction of PhaseTwo of the Tema Motorway, which has been highlighted as a major issue for commuters.



Mr Tettehs question is on the interventions the Ministry of Finance is employing to clamp down on the sustained increments in fuel prices as witnessed in the recent pricing windows, while that of Mr Bawa is on what the Ministry of Finance is doing to slow down the increases of petroleum product prices at the pumps with respect to imposed taxes and levies on petroleum products and the depreciation of the cedi.

Source: graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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A book professing recommendations and techniques to aid communities to rapidly eradicating environmental problems was launched in Accra on Thursday, June 16, 2022.



The book, titled Community Transformation Through Environmental Care Campaign" was authored by Apostle Samuel Edii Davidson, who wrote the book following a revelation from God to bring about transformational change in the space of environmental sanitation.



The 137-page book recommends various techniques and solutions to the numerous environmental challenges confronting communities in the country.



Some of the highlights of the book include seeking to get leaders of churches, Imams, assembly members, metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs), students, traders among others to influence the citizenry to own the Environmental Care campaign.



It also emphasises the need for creative ideas to help bridge the gap between the powers that be and the grassroots.



Further, the book explains the need for Ghanaians to make a conscious effort to take charge of every space they find themselves and make such places clean and healthy.



According to the book, the clarion call to care for the environment was a wake-up call for every Ghanaian regardless of their religious and political affinity to make the "environment our responsibility."



The book launch attracted the Mayor of Accra, Elizabeth Sackey, Group Chairman of Tobinco Group of Companies, Dr. Samuel Amo Tobbin, President of the Worldwide Miracle Outreach, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, and some chiefs and queen mothers of the Greater Accra Region.



Addressing the gathering, the Special Guest of Honour, Apostle Professor Agyapong Kodua, who is the Vice-Chancellor of the Pentecost University, commended Apostle Davidson for having the vision to write what he described as a "wonderful book."



He said the writing of the book was timely, adding that it has "clear environmental recipes of solutions for the timely addressing our sanitation problems."



He averred that environmental care was a collective duty and not one to be left in the hands of government or some specific individuals or companies.







That, he asserted, demanded attitudinal change on the part of every Ghanaian.



"Apostle Davidson has provided to the Ghanaian community and the world a toolbox for rapid eradication of our environmental problems," he insisted.



Prof. Kodua commended the government for the various measures to ensure a clean Ghana.



These, he mentioned, included, "Operation Clean Your Frontage', and 'Let's Make Accra Work' among others.



He stressed that it was imperative that "we make a conscious effort as citizens to protect our environment."



The Mayor of Accra, Elizabeth Sackey, emphasised the need for attitudinal change, particularly towards the environment.



As Christians, she noted that it was crucial that "we manage the environment not only for our benefit but for God's glory."



She indicated that her outfit has not relented in its efforts to keep the Accra metropolis clean.



She, therefore, warned that the laws will deal ruthlessly with sanitation offenders in the capital city.



"The AMA will not hesitate to strictly apply the bye-laws on sanitation offenders," she pointed out.



Mrs. Sackey called on residents in Accra to support the AMA "Borla In Drains Must Stop Now" campaign, noting that "a clear lifestyle is helpful for oneself and all others around us."



The Director of Corporate Affairs, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Madam Emma Adwoa Appiaa Osei-Duaw, who represented the Executive Chairman of Jospong Group of Companies Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong praised Apostle Davidson for laying bare his vision.



She said the book will add to the literature of books on environmental sanitation.



"This book will also make an impact in our collective efforts to deal with environmental sanitation issues.



The Chairman for the occasion, Nii Ahene Nunoo III, who is the Chief of Abola Traditional Area, added his voice on the need for Ghanaians to turn a positive attitude towards the environment.



For his part, the author of the book, Apostle Davidson, expressed gratitude to the Executive Chairman of Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, who was represented by the Director of Companies, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Madam Emma Adwoa Appiaa Osei-Duaw, and Dr. Amo Tobbin, the Group Chairman of Tobinco Group of Companies.



Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, who is the President of the Worldwide Miracle Outreach, led a team of pastors to unveil and dedicate the book to God.



The first few copies raked in over 41,000 Ghana Cedis. Both Dr. Siaw Agyepong and Dr. Tobbin bought the first two copies for 20,000 Ghana Cedis each.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Farmers in the Bono East Region have bemoaned the high cost and scarcity of inorganic fertilizer in the country.



They believe the high cost of fertilizer and farm inputs has characterised the high cost of foodstuffs in the market.



They say it is far cheaper to buy locally produced organic fertilizer than the foreign chemicals which they struggle to even find and yet when they find it, the price is often higher than expected.



The farmers expressed their frustration during different interviews on the sidelines of a durbar held in honour of the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, his deputy in charge of crops, Hon. Yaw Frimpong Manso and some directors from the ministry who were in the region to assess the performance of the agricultural sector.



The farmers said, we don't have all the food crops and when we go to the market to buy some the price often trips up more than double likewise our own produce and it has become common knowledge that the high cost of foodstuffs is the result of the cost of production due to high cost of farming inputs.



Mr Ibrahim Talabi, a farmer in the region reckons that organic fertilizer though the results are usually not so rapid it has a long-term positive effect than inorganic fertilizer.



"When you use the organic fertilizer this year, it stands the test of time such that the nutrients are still helpful in the next farming season", he said.



We are even advising ourselves to patronise the locally produced fertilizer to save some money he assured.

The Deputy Agric Minister in charge of crops, Mr Yaw Frimpong Manso had stated the shortage of fertilizer worldwide due to the current crisis in Ukraine and Russia and advised the farmers to adopt organic fertilizers.



The Regional Director of Food and Agriculture, Mrs Cecilia Kagya assured us that there was not going to be a food shortage any time soon as their statistics do not support that.



We are encouraging and educating the farmers to do both rainy and lean season farming and this is yielding good results as they even do better in the lean season than in the major season.



More than 18 local organic fertilizer and inputs producers and suppliers have registered with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to produce and supply the agrarian community across the country.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Kelvin Ohene Kantanka Safo-Agyapong, one of the sons of embattled Dome-Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo, has graduated from Applewild School, a coed junior boarding and day school in Massachusetts, United States of America.



He was awarded a middle school diploma certificate to certify that he completed the prescribed course of study.



The graduation ceremony took place on Tuesday, June 14, 2022.



In photos on social media, Sarah Adwoa Safo is seen standing next to his son with a broad smile, elegantly dressed and sharing in his proud moments.



"Congratulations Kelvin. Mum is proud of you," the absentee MP for Dome-Kwabenya wrote.



Meanwhile, Sarah Adwoa Safo is expected to appear before members of the Parliaments Privileges Committee on July 6 either in person or via video conferencing platform Zoom.



This is to enable her to respond to why she has been absent from Parliament for more than 15 sittings without permission.



See photos of Adwoa Safo and her son below:









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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.
Suspected armed robbers have raided the residence of Atsu Makafui Kumordzi, a popular lotto agent at Akatsi in the Volta Region.



The gang of robbers reportedly shot to death, a father of three, Dotsey Dogbatey, a 51-year-old driver of the company.



He was shot at the left lumbar region of his chest and was later pronounced dead at the Akatsi Municipal Hospital where he was rushed to for medical treatment on Monday night.



As if that was not enough, the gang also subjected other workers of the company, Makafui and Sons Company Limited, a licensed private Lotto Company at Ayitikope in the Akatsi South Municipality of the Volta region to severe beatings, leaving them with life-threatening injuries.



Per GNA report, the robbers forcibly entered the company and held them hostage for several minutes.



One of the victims, Gakpo Yao, a staff of the company explained that the robbers entered the gated premises immediately after he came to submit his books and money from closing for the days lotto business.



He said a colleague, after hearing some knocks at the entrance, opened the gate thinking it was another batch of workers who had returned from the field.



I was about to place my car key where we put them after returning from the field when we saw the fully armed robbers entered the house and asked us to provide the whereabouts of our boss, he stated.



He said because they failed to provide the location of their master as requested, the robbers started shooting indiscriminately.

Cecilia Gadasu, a caterer at the residency, who suffered some brutalities, said her head, waist and knees were severely hit by some metallic and wooden objects being used by the robbers.



One other victim, Dovlo Nagodei was later referred to the Ho Teaching Hospital for medical attention due to the severity of the head injury he suffered, whilst two other victims, including a female, were currently receiving treatment at the Akatsi Municipal hospital.



The incident occurred at about 7:40pm on Monday, June 13, the time workers were returning from the field with money.



Meanwhile, the robbers managed to takr away with an undisclosed amount of money before the arrival of police personnel at the scene.



The Akatsi Municipal Police Commander, Superintendent of Police, Isaac Baah, who confirmed the incident assured the residents of steps his outfit is taking to apprehend the perpetrators.



This is the second time such incident had happened with the last incident happening on May 29, last year, where Atsu Makafui Kumordzi was physically attacked while the robbers bolted with huge sums of money.















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Mr Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament has hailed the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament (PAC) for its tremendous efforts in the fight against corruption in the country.



He said without exaggeration, the PAC could be viewed as the nerve centre of the accountability and oversight functions of Parliament; saying its relevance and significance cannot be overstated.



He said one of the major areas where there had been great progress was the institutionalization of the public hearings of the Auditor-Generals report through the PAC.



The PAC is arguably one of the most important Committees of Parliament, Speaker Bagbin stated in his presentation at the The Third Eminent Guest Lecture at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).



Speaking on the topic The Future of Parliament in Ghanas Democratic Governance, Speaker Bagbin said over the years, the tradition of the PAC had been adopted by most Parliaments because of its singular attribute as an important watchdog committee, the apex of accountability, with oversight over the Executive spending.



He said the frontal function that was spearheaded by the PAC involved not only compliance but more critically ensuring value for money in the implementation of policy. Currently, the fundamental question about PACs is framed around how they can ensure the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of government policies and spending, he said.



He noted that an effective PAC was composed of members whose primary dedication was to improve public administration and ensure that government provides services to its people according to the three Es (economy, efficiency, and effectiveness).



He intimated that the PAC exacts accountability publicly from different agencies of government, that was tasked with the implementation and execution of policies and programmes based on legislative intent.



Indeed, the performance of the PAC is the gauge, the barometer of the performance and relevance of a Parliament, Speaker Bagbin said.



In this sense, the clearest indicator of effective parliamentary performance is gauged by the performance of the PAC.



He noted that during the fourth Parliament, the PAC opened its doors to the public and had since shed the light on transparency to some of the challenges around our public financial management systems.



He said admittedly, there were some areas where Parliament needs to continue to strive to improve.



Having been Chairman of the PAC from 2001 to 2005, I have had personal experiences with these challenges, he said.



Speaker Bagbin said an important indicator of the effectiveness of PAC and by extension Parliament, was the acceptance and implementation of the committee/parliaments recommendations; adding that this is one area where many PACs and Parliaments around the world have failed.



They do excellent work, produce beautiful and glossy reports, which attract very little government action. Indeed, there is no better satisfaction for a PAC than when government takes steps to implement its recommendations.



The Speaker said getting recommendations accepted and implemented continues to be one of the biggest challenges of PACs.



How can Parliaments ensure the recommendations of PAC do not remain mere pieces of advice? the Speaker quizzed.



He said in Ghanas Parliament some gains had been made; declaring that through the PAC/Parliament recommendations, Parliament had with the support of civil society organisations (CSOs) passed a number of legislations such as the Audit Service Act, Internal Audit Agency Act, Public Financial Management Act, Public Investigation and Accountability Act, and now the Budget Bill was being processed for passage by Parliament.



He said allied to the function of PAC was the critical function of every parliament to hold governments responsible for their actions and decisions.



He said Parliament was unique in being the only institution with a political mandate from the people to monitor the management of the state by the government.



He said Parliaments carry out this onerous duty through their oversight function which aims to promote peoples freedoms and well-being and to improve accountability and transparency in Government.



Speaker Bagbin said oversight processes assess the impact of Government action on society; help ensure that appropriate resources were provided to implement government programs; identify unintended or negative effects of government policy and actions; and monitor the meeting of national and international commitments.





Source: GNA









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A Tanzanian Parliamentary Adhoc Committee on Salaries, Allowances and Conditions of Service for members and staff of parliament is in Ghana for a two-day benchmarking visit to Ghana's Parliament.



The delegation, made up of four members of the committee and four parliamentary staff, had earlier called on Mr Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament on Thursday.



The delegation would interact and share ideas on emoluments, and conditions of service of members of Parliament.



They are also expected to liaise with the parliamentarians to exchange ideas and learn practices of Ghana's Parliament as well as how Parliament works in Ghana.



"The distinguished delegation for the parliament of Tanzania are here for a benchmarking visit to Ghana's parliament, parliamentary service to learn and share evolving practices to be able to respond to some urgent needs in the country," Mr Bagbin said on the floor of Parliament on Thursday.



He urged the Ghanaian counterparts to engage the delegation in all needed areas necessary by being candid.



"Say it as it is. Do not run away from any issue. Because this is a thorny matter which is eating into the public of democratic culture of Africa and we must confront it as a continent and find solutions," he said.



Mr Bagbin called for the necessary and related learning assistance to the delegation to make their study trip worthwhile.



Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minority Leader, expressed gratitude to the Tanzanian parliament for its continuous support for the welfare of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).



Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Majority Leader, lauded Tanzania for keeping the CPA regime afloat by subventing the association over the years as a platform that had deepened bilateral relations between Ghana's Parliament and the CPA fraternity.



The CPA previously known as the Empire Parliamentary Association is an organization which works to support good governance, democracy, and human rights. In 1989 the patron of the CPA was the Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II.





Source: GNA









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Former Member of Parliament(MP) for Okaikwei North, Fuseini Issah has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo Dampare to bring his officers to order in the handling of riotous situations.



To him, "if the Police should take an action and they don't take it properly, it could result in death...when the Police fail, people die. So, the Police should not fail", therefore admonishing them to act professionally when controlling agitated crowd.



His comment is in relation to the recent clash between students of the Islamic Senior High School in Kumasi and the Police where the Police fired tear gas to disperse the irate students who were demonstrating against frequent pedestrian knockdowns by motorists.



Following the incident which resulted in about 25 students and a number of policemen being taken to hospital for medical attention, the IGP visited the victims to assess their condition.



A statement by the Ghana Police Service indicated that some officers have been sanctioned.



The acting Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Kwasi Akomeah-Apraku, and two others have been interdicted over their management of the chaotic scenes that characterized Mondays protest by the students of the Islamic Senior High School.



The other interdicted officers are ACP George Ankomah, the Regional Operations Officer; and ACP Alex Cudjoe Acquah, the Suame Divisional Police Commander.



The Police says their interdiction is to make way for a thorough investigation into the incident.



Speaking on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" programme Wednesday morning, Hon. Fuseini Issah advised the Police to learn better ways of protecting lives and avoid escalating matters to turn into tragedy.



"We hope that the Police don't only investigate but as they engage in their investigations, they have to be prepared that if a riot of like manner happens anywhere in Ghana, they are ready with the appropriate tools to protect lives because the Police is like a medical doctor. When he fails, people die and when people die, you cannot replace them."





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Bernard Allotey Jacobs, a social commentator and former NDC Central Regional Chairman, has harshly upbraided Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, over his comments on the National Cathedral.



As opposition against the construction of the National Cathedral intensifies with critics calling on the President to either halt the project or use his own money to establish it, Ghanaians are however encouraged to support the President's vision to complete the Cathedral.



National Cathedral Brouhaha



It could be recalled that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, prior to the 2016 elections, informed Ghanaians he had made a vow to God to construct a Cathedral in His honor in exchange for victory in the 2016 elections.



After the President's prayer was answered, he was expected to fulfill his promise by financing the project himself, little did Ghanaians know their funds would be involved in constructing this religious edifice.



Up until recently when it came to light that the government was channeling part of taxpayers' monies to build the Cathedral plus the call on all to contribute a quota towards the project, most of the citizenry were under the impression that the Cathedral was a personal pledge.



It is now obvious that the construction is now the collective responsibility of citizens and if the President's promise will materialize, the taxpayer must accept for his or her money to be used.



Perhaps, it was no surprise that the North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a social media post on Wednesday, June 8, claimed that so far, 200 million "illegal" funds have been pumped into the project.



National Catheral Will Pay Off



The Finance Minister, over the weekend, sought to assuage the fears of Ghanaians about possible wastage of public funds.



According to him, government will ensure the monies pumped into the construction are recouped within the shortest possible time after construction.



That question being asked is that are we spending money from state coffers? Is that too much to do because we are politicizing it. Do we really want to stop it? That is going to be my question.



As a Minister of Finance, we are looking at resources and how much we put in there at every point in time that is sensible and so as we speak, we have spent less than one-thousandth of our expenditure on that, the Minister said on GTV's Talking Point.



He added; I am very confident of raising revenue to be able to fund this and then more importantly if I want to look into the economics of it, I truly see an overwhelming capacity that this will pay off. Typically, I am looking at an internal rate of return, so we should put this in mind.



Allotey Replies Ken



Discussing the matter during Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" programme, Allotey Jacobs asked Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta to "shut up" on the project.



He believes it will be more prudent if government interacts with the populace on whether or not to halt the construction or carry on with it.



"Government has flip-flopped on the issue of this Cathedral, so it will better for Ken Ofori-Atta to keep his mouth shut and not talk about it. And even should the government decide to suspend this project, they should consult with the people of this country", he said.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Following nationwide protests in India over a ruling party official's comments about the Prophet Mohammed, a video was viewed thousands of times in social media posts that claim it shows Muslims at one protest waving guns and firing indiscriminately. There were reports about violence at some protests, but this video has circulated since 2021 in local news reports about a dispute over the sale of meat in Uttar Pradesh state.

"These are the jihadis of Kanpur who were openly firing indiscriminately with state-of-the-art weapons and police were only using tear gas shells," reads in part a Hindi-language tweet posted on June 10, 2022.

"They should be shot. When 10, 20 people die, then they will not have the courage to do this again."

A video attached to the tweet, viewed more than 3,500 times, shows two men clutching what appear to be guns as a group of people scuffle nearby.

Screenshot of the misleading post, taken on June 15, 2022

Kanpur -- a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh -- saw violent clashes during street protests over remarks by a ruling party official about the Prophet Mohammed.

The comments by the Bharatiya Janata Party's Nupur Sharma sparked huge protests elsewhere in India as well as in neighbouring countries. Sharma was suspended by the party for her remarks.

The Hindustan Times newspaper reported that officials said protesters in Kanpur had "pelted stones, fired shots and lobbed petrol bombs at police who in return used batons to disperse the mob".

Around 50 people were arrested in connection with the violence in Kanpur, the newspaper reported.

The video was also posted with a similar claim elsewhere on Twitter here and here; and on Facebook here and here.

However, the claim is false; the video has circulated since 2021 in local news reports.

Dispute in Bareilly

A reverse image search on Google using keyframes generated using the digital verification tool InVID-WeVerify led to a Facebook video shared here on May 9, 2021.

Story continues

The post's Hindi-language caption translates in part as: "Dispute between two parties over the purchase of meat, during the quarrel, guns were taken out by one side."

Below is a screenshot comparison of the video in the false tweet (left) and the video posted on Facebook in 2021 (right):

A subsequent keyword search led to this report from May 12, 2021 by the Hindi-language Amar Ujala newspaper.

A screenshot from the video is used in the report.

The report's headline reads: "Bareilly: Clashes between two sides of the same community in Dhauratanda, firing."

Bareilly is a city in Uttar Pradesh state, around 230 kilometres (140 miles) from Kanpur.

According to the report, the video shows a clash between a tenant and landlord in Dhauratanda, Bareilly on May 9, 2021.

It says the families of both parties pointed guns at each other and shots were fired, but no injuries were reported.

The incident was also covered by other local media here and here.

A senior superintendent of the Bareilly police, Rohit Singh Sajwan, told AFP the video was unrelated to the recent protests in Kanpur.

"Some anti-social elements are sharing this one-year-old video with communal and false claims," he said.

"Police will take action against them with appropriate sections. The claim made with the video is false, please refrain from spreading rumours."
FILE PHOTO: A Filipino worker feeds chickens in Pampanga, north of Manila February 1, 2004.. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco RR/TW

By Andreo Calonzo

The Philippines will likely produce fewer chickens in the coming months with numbers reduced by pricier, lower-quality feed and poor weather, an industry leader said  a slowdown that could drive food costs higher.

Raising poultry will be very challenging in the coming months, said United Broiler Raisers Association president Elias Jose Inciong, as producers in the Southeast Asian nation compete with the rest of the world for chicken feed, as the war in Ukraine disrupts supplies.

Across Southeast Asia, food costs are rising, hitting domestic supplies and exports. Malaysia recently banned chicken exports due to rising local prices and that hit poultry supplies in neighboring Singapore.

In the Philippines, the cost issue is compounded by high humidity thats unfavorable to growing chickens, as rainy season came earlier this year. Normally, the answer to high humidity would be very good nutrition. The problem is its now more difficult to get good-quality feeds because of the high cost of raw materials, Inciong said in a phone interview Thursday.

Whole chicken prices in Manila have risen 25% to 200 pesos ($3.75) since the start of the year, Agriculture Department data showed. Meat price increases quickened 5.4% in May, boosting overall inflation to its fastest since November 2018.

Higher chicken prices could however ultimately boost production, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Noel Reyes told The Philippine Star. The Philippines total chicken output fell 3.6% last year to 1.7 million metric tons.

 2022 Bloomberg L.P.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Feminicide, the most extreme outcome of gender-related violence, is a worldwide problem. In 2017, 87,000 women were intentionally killed. However, we don't know how many of these killings were gender-related. We need to know information like who the women were and what their relationship was to their killer, for example. This missing contextual data is key to understanding gender-related violence, researchers publishing in Patterns on June 16 argue. The authors detail the efforts of ten organizations working to make the data about these killings complete.

"Activists from the United States, Puerto Rico, Spain, Bolivia, and Brazil described how official government data was often absent, incomplete, or inaccurate due to undercounting and underreporting because of lacking or narrowly-framed legislation," say the authors.

This gap in knowledge in part stems from feminicide's visibility problem. The murders of Black or Indigenous women and girls are often not covered by the media because they are not seen as being newsworthy, and many countries do not keep comprehensive information about the murders of women and girls.

The team, led by Catherine D'Ignazio, the director of the Data + Feminism lab at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, explores the concept of counterdata, data that compiles incidents of gender-related killings from diverse sources. "This data has the goal of enacting alternative epistemological approaches to data science that center care, memory, and justice," they write.

The authors acknowledge the tremendous toll that this data collection can take on the activists who collect it. "It is not easy to read ten cases of feminicide and put them on a table, disaggregate them, have to put a name, age, circumstances, and all that detail, without it affecting you emotionally," says one activist the team interviewed.

The authors pose this question to the fields of critical data studies, data science, and human-computer interaction: "How can our fields support and sustain the already existing practices of counterdata activists to heal their communities and to hold the state, corporations, and the media accountable for their role in upholding oppression and violence?"

More information: Catherine D'Ignazio, Feminicide & Counterdata Production: Activist efforts to monitor and challenge gender-related violence, Patterns (2022). www.cell.com/patterns/fulltext  2666-3899(22)00127-1 Journal information: Patterns Catherine D'Ignazio, Feminicide & Counterdata Production: Activist efforts to monitor and challenge gender-related violence,(2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.patter.2022.100530
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

International researchers led by China's BGI-Research used single cell technology to study the brains of ants, explaining for the first time how the social division of labor within ant colonies reflects in the functional specialization of their brains at cellular levels.

In a study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, scientists from BGI Group's BGI-Research, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Copenhagen, and others applied BGI's DNBeLab single cell library platform to obtain more than 200,000 single-nucleus transcriptomes from pharaoh ant brains and constructed a single-cell transcriptome map covering all adult phenotypes of this ant species: workers, males, gynes (virgin queens), and queens.

Ants are one of the most successful organisms on earth, having existed for more than 140 million years. The biomass (determined by multiplying an estimated population by its members' average weight) of ants is estimated to be similar to the biomass of humans. The success of ants is generally attributed to their remarkable social behavior with clear reproductive division of labor. Ant colonies have been conceptualized as superorganisms for more than a century. Now taking advantage of single cell technology, scientists have been able to systematically determine the celluar complexity in an ant's brain and assess the brain cell composition difference between individuals within the same colony.

"Our discoveries suggest that functional specialization of their brains appears to be a mechanism underlying the social task division among individual ants," says Dr. Qiye Li, first author of the paper and researcher at BGI-Research. "We humans learn and train ourselves to do different jobs, while ants are born with a specific role in their colony."

The research team found that the brains of worker and male ants are extremely specialized and highly complementary. The neurons responsible for learning and memory and processing olfactory information are particularly abundant in workers, while the abundance of optic lobe cells responsible for processing visual information is very low. This trend is reversed in male ant brains where there is an abundance of optic lobe cells, but fewer neurons for olfactory processing, learning and memory.

Transcriptomic classification of cell types in ant brains. a, The four adult phenotypes of M. pharaonis and a schematic overview of the overall experimental design. Four to five biological replicates for each adult phenotype were prepared for snRNA-seq. For a single biological replicate of an adult phenotype, nuclei for snRNA-seq were isolated from a pool of 30 to 50 whole brains. b, UMAP plot of the 43 cell clusters generated by grouping the 206,367 nuclei obtained from brains of workers, queens, gynes and males. Each dot represents one nucleus. See legend for numerical and color coding. Credit: Nature Ecology & Evolution (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01784-1

"These findings well support our observations in the laboratory that the pharaoh ant workers are responsible for all colony maintenance tasks that need multipurpose brains, while males do not take part in any colony maintenance tasks, as their only function is to find and inseminate a virgin queen," said Dr. Weiwei Liu, researcher at the Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and co-corresponding author of the paper.

The analysis also identified significant changes in the brains of gynes as they transformed into queens after mating. For example, the abundance of optic lobe cells decreased as the queens adapted to the darkness of the nest, while dopaminergic neurons and ensheathing glia increased, which may account for the fecundity and longevity of the queens.

"This is the first single-cell atlas that covers all social roles in an ant colony. Its achievement benefits from the development of massively parallel single-cell profiling technology with high sensitivity and accuracy at a low cost," said Dr. Chuanyu Liu, co-corresponding author and researcher at BGI-Research.

By comparing the brain cells of pharaoh ant and Drosophila fruit fly, the researchers also found many conserved cell types in insect brains. For example, a population of optic lobe cells in Drosophila responsible for sensing object movement during courtship also exists in ants and is particularly abundant in males. The molecular signature and spatial location of these cells are very similar in the two distantly related insects, suggesting that these cells likely play a conserved role in regulating male mating behavior in insects regardless of sociality.

"This study helps us understand the complexity of ant brains and how the complementary specialization in brains enables ants within a colony to function as a superorganism," said Prof. Guojie Zhang, co-corresponding author from Evolutionary & Organismal Biology Research Center, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. "The brains of different castes and sexes are specialized in different directions and complementary to each other, allowing the whole ant colony to perform the full range of functions including reproduction, brood rearing, foraging, and defense. This superorganismal life strategy has enabled ants to flourish over 140 million years of competition and finally become a highly dominant animal group on Earth."

Explore further Some Indian jumping ant workers can transition to a queen-like state

More information: Chuanyu Liu, A single-cell transcriptomic atlas tracking the neural basis of division of labour in an ant superorganism, Nature Ecology & Evolution (2022). www.nature.com/articles/s41559-022-01784-1 Journal information: Nature Ecology & Evolution Chuanyu Liu, A single-cell transcriptomic atlas tracking the neural basis of division of labour in an ant superorganism,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-022-01784-1

Provided by BGI Group
Top Left:A giant blue star, much more massive than our Sun, has consumed, through nuclear fusion at its center, all its hydrogen, helium, and heavier elements up to iron. It now has a small iron core (red dot) at its center. Unlike the earlier stages of fusion, the fusion of iron atoms absorbs, rather than releases, energy. The fusion-released energy that has held up the star against its own weight now is gone, and the star will quickly collapse, triggering a supernova explosion.Top Right:The collapse has begun, producing a superdense neutron star with a strong magnetic field at its center (inset). The neutron star, though containing about 1.5 times the mass of the Sun, is only about the size of Manhattan.Bottom Left:The supernova explosion has ejected a fast-moving shell of debris outward into interstellar space. At this stage, the debris shell is dense enough to shroud from view any radio waves coming from the region of the neutron star.Bottom Right:As the shell of explosion debris expands over a few decades, it becomes less dense and eventually becomes thin enough that radio waves from inside can escape. This allowed observations by the VLA Sky Survey to detect bright radio emission created as the rapidly spinning neutron star's powerful magnetic field sweeps through the surrounding space, accelerating charged particles. This phenomenon is called a pulsar wind nebula. Credit: Melissa Weiss, NRAO/AUI/NSF

Astronomers analyzing data from the VLA Sky Survey (VLASS) have discovered one of the youngest known neutron starsthe superdense remnant of a massive star that exploded as a supernova. Images from the National Science Foundation's Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) indicate that bright radio emission powered by the spinning pulsar's magnetic field has only recently emerged from behind a dense shell of debris from the supernova explosion.

The object, called VT 1137-0337, is in a dwarf galaxy 395 million light-years from Earth. It first appeared in a VLASS image made in January of 2018. It did not appear in an image of the same region made by the VLA's FIRST Survey in 1998. It continued to appear in later VLASS observations in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022.

"What we're most likely seeing is a pulsar wind nebula," said Dillon Dong, a Caltech graduate graduate who will begin a Jansky Postdoctoral Fellowship at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) later this year. A pulsar wind nebula is created when the powerful magnetic field of a rapidly spinning neutron star accelerates surrounding charged particles to nearly the speed of light.

"Based on its characteristics, this is a very young pulsarpossibly as young as only 14 years, but no older than 60 to 80 years," said Gregg Hallinan, Dong's Ph.D advisor at Caltech.

The scientists reported their findings at the American Astronomical Society's meeting in Pasadena, California.

Dong and Hallinan discovered the object in data from VLASS, an NRAO project that began in 2017 to survey the entire sky visible from the VLAabout 80 percent of the sky. Over a period of seven years, VLASS is conducting a complete scan of the sky three times, with one of the objectives to find transient objects. The astronomers found VT 1137-0337 in the first VLASS scan from 2018.

Comparing that VLASS scan to data from an earlier VLA sky survey called FIRST revealed 20 particularly luminous transient objects that could be associated with known galaxies.

"This one stood out because its galaxy is experiencing a burst of star formation, and also because of the characteristics of its radio emission," Dong said. The galaxy, called SDSS J113706.18-033737.1, is a dwarf galaxy containing about 100 million times the mass of the Sun.

In studying the characteristics of VT 1137-0337, the astronomers considered several possible explanations, including a supernova, gamma ray burst, or tidal disruption event in which a star is shredded by a supermassive black hole. They concluded that the best explanation is a pulsar wind nebula.

VLA images of the location of VT 1137-0337 in 1998, left, and 2018, right. The object became visible to the VLA sometime between these two dates. Credit: Dong & Hallinan, NRAO/AUI/NSF

In this scenario, a star much more massive than the Sun exploded as a supernova, leaving behind a neutron star. Most of the original star's mass was blown outward as a shell of debris. The neutron star spins rapidly, and as its powerful magnetic field sweeps through the surrounding space it accelerates charged particles, causing strong radio emission.

Initially, the radio emission was blocked from view by the shell of explosion debris. As that shell expanded, it became progressively less dense until eventually the radio waves from the pulsar wind nebula could pass through.

"This happened between the FIRST observation in 1998 and the VLASS observation in 2018," Hallinan said.

Probably the most famous example of a pulsar wind nebula is the Crab Nebula in the constellation Taurus, the result of a supernova that shone brightly in the year 1054. The Crab is readily visible today in small telescopes.

"The object we have found appears to be approximately 10,000 times more energetic than the Crab, with a stronger magnetic field," Dong said. "It likely is an emerging 'super Crab'," he added.

While Dong and Hallinan consider VT 1137-0337 to most likely be a pulsar wind nebula, it also is possible that its magnetic field may be strong enough for the neutron star to qualify as a magnetara class of super-magnetic objects. Magnetars are a leading candidate for the origin of the mysterious Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) now under intense study.

"In that case, this would be the first magnetar caught in the act of appearing, and that, too, is extremely exciting," Dong said.

Indeed some Fast Radio Bursts have been found to be associated with persistent radio sources, the nature of which also is a mystery. They bear a strong resemblance in their properties to VT 1137-0337, but have shown no evidence of strong variability.

"Our discovery of a very similar source switching on suggests that the radio sources associated with FRBs also may be luminous pulsar wind nebulae," Dong said.

The astronomers plan to conduct further observations to learn more about the object and to monitor its behavior over time.

Explore further Stellar collision triggers supernova explosion
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

A new study, published in Nature Sustainability, busts the long-held economic belief that humans are all motivated to want more and more, which could have important implications for sustainability policies.

A founding economic principle that everyone is motivated by "unlimited wants," stuck on a consumerist treadmill and striving to accumulate as much wealth as they can, is untrue, say the authors of a new study.

The long-held economic belief that people have unlimited wants has permeated economic thinking and government policies and has shaped much of modern society, including advertising and consumerism.

But belief in this principle has also had dire consequences for the health of the planet. Striving to continually increase individual wealth, and pursuing unending economic growth, has come at a heavy cost. As wealth has increased, so too has resource use and pollution.

Up until now, researchers have struggled to find appropriate ways to decouple economic growth from damaging economic principles. Now though, a new study led by psychologists at the universities of Bath, Bath Spa and Exeter challenges the idea that unlimited wants are human nature, which could have important implications for the planet.

Across nearly 8,000 people from 33 countries spanning six continents, they surveyed how much money people wanted to achieve their "absolutely ideal life." In 86% of countries most people thought they could achieve this with US $10 million or less, and in some countries as little as $1 million.

While these figures may still sound like a lot, when considering that they represent a person's ideal wealth across their whole life, they are relatively moderate. Expressed differently, the wealth of the world's single richest person, at over $200 billion, is enough for more than two hundred thousand people to achieve their "absolutely ideal lives."

The researchers collected responses about ideal wealth from individuals in countries across all inhabited continents, including countries rarely used in cross-cultural psychology such as Saudi Arabia, Uganda, Tunisia, Nicaragua, and Vietnam. People with unlimited wants were identified in every country, but they were always in the minority.

They found that those with unlimited wants tended to be younger and city-dwellers, who placed more value on success, power, and independence. Unlimited wants were also more common in countries with greater acceptance of inequality and in countries that are more collectivistic: focused more on group than individual responsibilities and outcomes.

For example, Indonesia, which is considered more collectivistic and accepting of inequality, had the most people with unlimited wants whilst the more individualistic and equality-concerned U.K. had fewer. However, there were anomalies like China, where few people had unlimited wants despite high cultural collectivism and acceptance of inequality.

Lead researcher, Dr. Paul Bain from the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath (U.K.) explained: "The ideology of unlimited wants, when portrayed as human nature, can create social pressure for people to buy more than they actually want.

"Discovering that most people's ideal lives are actually quite moderate could make it socially easier for people to behave in ways that are more aligned with what makes them genuinely happy and to support stronger policies to help safeguard the planet."

Co-author, Dr. Renata Bongiorno of Bath Spa University and also the University of Exeter, added: "The findings are a stark reminder that the majority view is not necessarily reflected in policies that allow the accumulation of excessive amounts of wealth by a small number of individuals.

"If most people are striving for wealth that is limited, policies that support people's more limited wants, such as a wealth tax to fund sustainability initiatives, might be more popular than is often portrayed."

More information: Evidence from 33 countries challenges the assumption of unlimited wants, Nature Sustainability (2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41893-022-00902-y , Journal information: Nature Sustainability Evidence from 33 countries challenges the assumption of unlimited wants,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41893-022-00902-y , www.nature.com/articles/s41893-022-00902-y
In this Jan. 10, 2019 photo, people visit Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California's Mojave Desert. The California Fish & Game Commission is holding a hearing on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, to consider whether to list the western Joshua Tree as a threatened species. Credit: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong,File

California won't be listing the iconic western Joshua tree as a threatened species for now after the four-member Fish and Game Commission couldn't reach agreement Thursday on how best to protect the plant from climate change.

After deadlocking on whether to list the species under the California Endangered Species Act, commissioners decided to reconsider in October. In the meantime, they voted to pursue more feedback from tribes and directed the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to work on a conservation plan for the species.

The desert plant known for its unique appearance, with spiky leaves on the end of its branches, is found in the national park that bears its name about 130 miles (209 kilometers) east of Los Angeles and through a stretch of desert up to Death Valley National Park. There are two types of trees, the eastern and western, but only the western is up for consideration.

If the tree is listed as a threatened species, killing one would require special approval from the state. That would make it harder to remove trees to make way for housing, solar fields or other development projects. The trees are now under conditional protection while the state decides whether to deem them threatened, though some solar development projects have still been cleared to move forward.

The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned in 2019 to have the western Joshua tree listed as threatened, saying hotter temperatures and more intense periods of drought fueled by climate change will make it harder for the species to survive through the end of the century. It also argued wildfires and development threats harm the trees' ability to live and reproduce.

The California Department of Fish & Wildlife said that areas suitable for the western Joshua trees growth are likely to decline due to climate change by 2100. But it said in an April report that the tree remained "abundant and widespread," which lowers the risk of extinction. Staff recommended against listing the species.

The commissioners broadly agreed that climate change will put the species in danger over the coming decades. But they were split on whether the Endangered Species Act was the best way to address those concerns.

If the Joshua tree is listed as threatened, it would be the first state listing under the Endangered Species Act based primarily on climate change, said Brendan Cummings, conservation director for the Center for Biological Diversity.

Commissioner Erik Sklar said the act, which was designed roughly 50 years ago, may not be the best tool to deal with the effects of climate change.

"Listing in no way ensures survival," Sklar said. "Protecting one species at a time the way we've been doing it feels like we're fiddling while Rome burns."

He pushed for the Department of Fish and Wildlife to work on a conservation plan. He further said the Legislature and governor should bring together everyone with a stake in the trees' future, including environmentalists, tribes and developers, together to come up with a plan for protecting the species.

But Commission President Samantha Murray said listing the species would not completely end development of housing or renewable energy projects. She voted to list, as did Vice President Erika Zavaleta.

"Listing doesn't mean that there can't be housing, that there can't be renewable energy projects. It just means they'll happen under a more careful watch," Murray said.

It's unknown how many Joshua trees exist in the state, but it could be anywhere from 4.8 million to 9.8 million, said Jeb McKay Bjerke, of the Department of Fish & Wildlife.

About 40% of the Joshua trees in the state are on private land. Some local and state politicians and union workers said Wednesday listing the species as threatened would make it harder to move forward with necessary projects, including those that aim to fight climate change by boosting renewable energy. California has set a requirement that 100% of its electricity be produced from non-carbon sources by 2045.

San Bernardino County, where many Joshua trees grow, is also a prime location for solar development. The county recently increased the penalties for illegally removing Joshua treesa $20,000 fine and six months in jail on the third offense.

Some of the Joshua tree growth areas that show the most promise for surviving despite the effects of climate change are on private land, said Cummings, of the Center for Biological Diversity.

Joshua trees already are not reproducing as fast as they once did and some research shows that by the middle of next decade it will be very hard for some young Joshua trees to survive, he said. Listing the species as threatened would help create plans for protecting them in key areas.

"The goal is not that no Joshua tree anywhere can be removed," he said. "The goal is that if we're going to save Joshua trees, we need to map out and protect the areas where they're most likely to survive."

The commission is supposed to have five members to avoid tie votes, but one stepped down in February. Gov. Gavin Newsom hasn't appointed a replacement.

Explore further Conservationists seek protection of California Joshua trees

 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Stalagmite from the Hoti Cave. Holes are created by sampling for radioactive dating, and scratch marks by sampling for isotope analysis. Credit: Timon Kipfer, University of Basel

Extreme dry conditions contributed to the decline of the ancient South Arabian kingdom of Himyar. Researchers from the University of Basel have reported these findings in the journal Science. Combined with political unrest and war, the droughts left behind a region in disarray, thereby creating the conditions on the Arabian peninsula that made possible the spread of the newly emerging religion of Islam.

On the plateaus of Yemen, traces of the Himyarite Kingdom can still be found today: terraced fields and dams formed part of a particularly sophisticated irrigation system, transforming the semi-desert into fertile fields. Himyar was an established part of South Arabia for several centuries.

However, despite its former strength, during the sixth century CE the kingdom entered into a period of crisis, which culminated in its conquest by the neighboring kingdom of Aksum (now Ethiopia). A previously overlooked factor, namely extreme drought, may have been decisive in contributing to the upheavals in ancient Arabia from which Islam emerged during the seventh century.

Petrified water acts as climate record

Fleitmann's team analyzed the layers of a stalagmite from the Al Hoota Cave in present-day Oman. The stalagmite's growth rate and the chemical composition of its layers (see box) are directly related to how much precipitation falls above the cave. As a result, the shape and isotopic composition of the deposited layers of a stalagmite represent a valuable record of historical climate.

Stalagmite from the Hoti Cave. Holes are created by sampling for radioactive dating, and scratch marks by sampling for isotope analysis. Credit: Timon Kipfer, University of Basel

"Even with the naked eye you can see from the stalagmite that there must have been a very dry period lasting several decades," says Fleitmann. When less water drips onto the stalagmite, less of it runs down the sides. The stone grows with a smaller diameter than in years with a higher drip rate.

Isotopic analysis of the stalagmites layers allows researchers to draw conclusions about annual rainfall amounts. For example, they discovered not only that less rain fell over a longer period, but that there must have been an extreme drought. Based on the radioactive decay of uranium, the researchers were able to date this dry period to the early sixth century CE, albeit only with an accuracy of 30 years.

Detective work in the case of Himyar's demise

"Whether there was a direct temporal correlation between this drought and the decline of the Himyarite Kingdom, or whether it actually didn't begin until afterwardsthat was not possible to determine conclusively from this data alone," explains Fleitmann. He therefore analyzed further climate reconstructions from the region and combed through historical sources, collaborating with historians to narrow down the time of the extreme drought, which lasted several years.

Map of the ancient South Arabian kingdom of Himyar and the location of the Hoti cave. Credit: University of Basel

"It was a bit like a murder case: we have a dead kingdom and are looking for the culprit. Step by step, the evidence brought us closer to the answer," says the researcher. Helpful sources included, for example, data about the water level of the Dead Sea and historical documents describing a drought of several years in the region and dating to 520 CE, which do indeed connect the extreme drought with the crisis in the Himyarite Kingdom.

"Water is absolutely the most important resource. It is clear that a decrease in rainfall and especially several years of extreme drought could destabilize a vulnerable semi-desert kingdom," says Fleitmann. Furthermore, the irrigation systems required constant maintenance and repairs, which could only be achieved with tens of thousands of well-organized workers. The population of Himyar, stricken by water scarcity, was presumably no longer able to ensure this laborious maintenance, aggravating the situation further.

Political unrest in its own territory and a war between its northern neighbors, the Byzantine and Sasanian Empires, spilling over into Himyar, further weakened the kingdom. When its western neighbor of Aksum finally invaded Himyar and conquered the realm, the formerly powerful state definitively lost significance.

With his research team, Dominik Fleitmann (left) analyzes stalagmites from various dripstone caves to reconstruct the climate of the past. Credit: Christian Flierl, University of Basel

Turning points in history

"When we think of extreme weather events, we often think only of a short period afterwards, limited to a few years," Fleitmann says. The fact that changes in the climate can lead to states being destabilized, thereby changing the course of history, is often disregarded. "The population was experiencing great hardship as a result of starvation and war. This meant Islam met with fertile ground: people were searching for new hope, something that could bring people together again as a society. The new religion offered this."

That does not mean to say the drought directly brought about the emergence of Islam, emphasizes the researcher. "However, it was an important factor in the context of the upheavals in the Arabian world of the sixth century."

Precipitation and stalagmites

In tropical and sub-tropical regions, there is a connection (correlation) between the amount of precipitation and its isotopic composition, also known as the "amount effect." The more it rains, the more the ratio between the lighter and heavier oxygen isotopes, 16O and 18O, shifts in favor of the lighter 16O in the precipitation. These changes are recorded in the stalagmite from Oman, as it is formed from dripping rainwater. Based on isotopic measurements of the stalagmite's limestone layers, it is possible to determine the exact ratio of 16O and 18O and, in combination with uranium dating, to reconstruct how much it rained at what point in time.

More information: Dominik Fleitmann et al, Droughts and societal change: the environmental context for the emergence of Islam in late Antique Arabia, Science (2022). www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abg4044 Journal information: Science Dominik Fleitmann et al, Droughts and societal change: the environmental context for the emergence of Islam in late Antique Arabia,(2022). DOI: 10.1126/science.abg4044
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Predation by feral cats is putting the critically endangered Kangaroo Island dunnarta small, mouse-sized marsupial found only on the Kangaroo Island off South Australiato the brink of extinction. The study, published in Scientific Reports, highlights the urgent need to protect vulnerable species from feral cat predation, particularly following natural disasters such as bushfires.

There are estimated to be only around 500 Kangaroo Island dunnarts (Sminthopsis aitkeni) left on Kangaroo Island, which is located off the South Australia coast. The island suffered significant damage during the 2019-20 bushfires and 98% of the dunnart's habitat was severely burnt. Feral cat predation poses a significant risk to many native Australian species, but it has not yet been confirmed whether cats are a threat to Kangaroo Island dunnarts.

Louis Lignereux and colleagues investigated the impact of feral cat predation on Kangaroo Island dunnarts by assessing the stomach contents and digestive tracts of 86 feral cats that were captured between February and August 2020 in specially designated conservation areas on the island. All cats were captured as part of the national feral cat control program, and were euthanised in accordance with South Australia animal welfare laws. The authors identified the remains of eight individual Kangaroo Island dunnarts in the digestive systems of seven different cats (8.1% of sampled cats).

These findings represent the first confirmation that feral cats do prey on Kangaroo Island dunnarts, and suggests they are efficient hunters of this species given the small numbers of dunnarts that remain following the bushfires. The combined pressures of a small, isolated population, natural disasters like bushfires, and predation from introduced predators such as feral cats could lead to the extinction of this vulnerable species, according to the authors. They highlight the need to maintain control of feral cat populations in areas home to threatened species.

Explore further Why feral cats are such a threat to Australian wildlife

More information: Louis Lignereux, Cat predation of Kangaroo Island dunnarts in aftermath of bushfire, Scientific Reports (2022). www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-11383-6 Journal information: Scientific Reports Louis Lignereux, Cat predation of Kangaroo Island dunnarts in aftermath of bushfire,(2022). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11383-6
Thermometers could reach 39 degrees Celsius in Paris on Saturday.

French officials urged caution Thursday as a record pre-summer heatwave spread across the country from Spain, where authorities were fighting forest fires on a sixth day of sweltering temperatures.

The Meteo France weather service said it was the earliest hot spell ever to hit the country, worsening a drought caused by an unusually dry winter and spring, and raising the risk of wildfires.

Spain, which has already seen its hottest May since the beginning of this century, was sweating under temperatures forecast as high as 43 degrees Celsius (109 Fahrenheit) and no relief is expected before Sunday, the Aemet weather service said.

At least three forest fires erupted in Catalonia, including one near Baldomar around 140 kilometres (87 miles) northeast of Barcelona, that has burned nearly 1,000 hectares (2,470 acres) but could grow to 20,000 hectares before it is contained, the regional government said.

No evacuations have yet been ordered but people are being urged to remain in their homes.

Neighbouring Portugal saw its hottest May since 1931, with most scientists attributing the early season heat across Europe to global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

Scientists say heat waves have become more likely due to climate change. As global temperatures rise over time, heat waves are predicted to become more frequent and intense and last longer, and their impacts more widespread.

Rail operator SNCF has warned of delays from heat warping the rails.

'Worst I've ever seen'

The heatwave crossed the Pyrenees into southern France on Tuesday and was set to hit most of the country by Saturday, when thermometers could reach 39C in Paris.

Most of France was on heatwave alert, including 12 departments at the highest level in the southwest, where the education ministry advised parents to keep younger students at home if possible on Friday.

"Be alert! Hydrate, stay in cool areas, and stay in touch with those close to you," Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne said on Twitter.

Officials in Paris and other cities have also issued alerts over ozone pollution, which occurs when intense sunlight transforms carbon emissions into smog.

Paris police chief Didier Lallement has cut speed limits for the region by 10 km/h (6.2 mph) for Friday.

"I'm 86 years old, I was born here, but I think this is the worst heatwave I've ever seen," Jacqueline Bonnaud told AFP at a shaded park in the southern city of Toulouse.

Surging use of air-conditioners and fans was forcing France to import electricity from neighbouring countries, grid operator RTE said, since many of the country's nuclear reactors are offline to evaluate potential corrosion risks or for maintenance.

Meteo France said it was the earliest hot spell ever to hit France, worsening a drought caused by an unusually dry winter and spring.

'Infrastructure suffers'

The intense heat is also lowering river levels, meaning some nuclear plants must reduce output because water used for cooling reactors is too hot to be returned to waterways without endangering plants and wildlife.

Spain, Italy and other countries have recently limited the use of air-conditioners to save energy, and French Energy Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher told France 2 television that she was considering the same.

"Saturday will be the peak, with temperatures of 35 to 39 degrees across most of the country," Tristan Amm, a Meteo France forecaster, told AFP.

Schools have stocked up on water and several have moved end-of-year exams to north-facing rooms, while some departments in the south have said classes will be cancelled on Friday afternoon.

Cities such as Bordeaux have also installed misting devices on the hottest squares and streets.

Rail operator SNCF has warned of potential delays as trains are forced to slow because the heat has deformed tracks or damaged electrical equipment.

"Our infrastructure suffers" in the heat, said SNCF regional director Thierry Rose, noting that track-level temperatures in Bordeaux had hit 52 Celsius (126 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday.

Explore further Spain bakes on fifth day of early heatwave

 2022 AFP
An illustration showing the remodeling that renal stem cells undertake in fruit fly Malpighian tubules following a bout of kidney stones. Credit: Allan Spradling

Recent work from Carnegie's Chenhui Wang and Allan Spradling reveals a surprising capability of renal stem cells in fruit fliesremodeling. Their work, which could eventually guide kidney stone treatments, was published by Science Advances.

Stem cells are the raw materials from which our bodies are formed.

The ultimate utility player, embryonic stem cells are capable of differentiating into any cell type to construct any organ or tissue in the body. Adult stem cells' abilities are not quite so unlimited. They exist within a specific tissuesuch as the skin or the intestinal liningand are responsible for renewing it following injuries, stress, and environmental damage.

"A tissue's structure and function can be maintained by adult stem cells throughout an organism's life," Spradling said. "Until now, we thought that was the limit of what adult stem cells could accomplish."

However, Spradling and Wang made a remarkable discovery in studying the adult stem cells that are found in a fruit fly tissue responsible for waste removal called the Malpighian tubule, which is analogous to the human kidney.

"We found that the renal stem cells in the fruit fly Malpighian tubule do actual remodeling workresponding to a bout of kidney stones by widening the area to prevent future blockages," explained Wang, who did this work as a postdoc at Carnegie and is now an assistant professor at Shanghai Tech University. He added: "We found that these alterations are irreversible. The remodeled state becomes the new normal for this tissue."

In an effort to better understand this startling stem cell capability, Spradling and Wang searched for side effects of the remodeling efforts. They showed that a post-kidney stone Malpighian tubule makeover was accompanied by an increased sensitivity to salt and reduced fertility.

"Because Malpighian tubules are one of the few fruit fly tissues that remain largely unchanged from their larval state, we think that these renal stem cells remain in a kind of holding pattern and are only spurred into action when the tubules are damaged by kidney stones or something else," Spradling said.

He and Wang believe that similar "makeover-capable" stem cells are likely common in other tissues, but are difficult to find, because they only demonstrate their abilities under specific conditions.

"Similar stem cells could exist in human kidneys," Wang concluded. "Deepening our knowledge of how these newly discovered 'makeover' stem cells work in fruit flies might someday advance our ability to treat and prevent kidney stones, which are a growing medical issue around the world."

Explore further Researchers discover a way to control cells in charge of tissue regeneration

More information: Chenhui Wang et al, Drosophila renal stem cells enhance fitness by delayed remodeling of adult Malpighian tubules, Science Advances (2022). Journal information: Science Advances Chenhui Wang et al, Drosophila renal stem cells enhance fitness by delayed remodeling of adult Malpighian tubules,(2022). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn7436
In red, the two regions where the WOW! Signal could have originatedSource: Pan-STARRS/DR1. Credit: International Journal of Astrobiology (2022). DOI: 10.1017/S1473550422000015

In 1977, the Big Ear Radio Telescope at Ohio State University picked up a strong narrowband signal from space. The signal was a continuous radio wave that was strong in intensity and frequency and had many expected characteristics of an extraterrestrial transmission. This event would come to be known as the "Wow!" signal, and it remains the strongest candidate for a message sent by an extraterrestrial civilization. Unfortunately, all attempts to pinpoint the source of the signal (or detect it again) have failed.

This led many astronomers and theorists to speculate as to the origin of the signal and what type of civilization may have sent it. In a recent series of papers, amateur astronomer and science communicator Alberto Caballero offered some fresh insights into the "Wow!" signal and extraterrestrial intelligence in our cosmic neighborhood. In the first paper, he surveyed nearby sun-like stars to identify a possible source for the signal. In the second, he estimates the prevalence of hostile extraterrestrial civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy and the likelihood that they'll invade us.

Almost 50 years after it was detected, the "Wow!" signal continues to tantalize and defy explanation. In recent years, attempts have been made to attribute it to comets at the edge of our solar system, an explanation that the astronomical community has since rejected. In 2020, interest in this candidate ETI signal was revitalized when Cabellaro identified a sun-like star in the vicinity of the sky where the "Wow!" signal was detected. If the analysis is correct, this famous signal may have come from a sun-like star located 1,800 light-years away.

The recap, the "Wow!" signal was detected by the now-defunct Ohio State University Radio Observatory (nicknamed "Big Ear"), which was assigned to SETI surveys in 1973 after completing an extensive survey of extragalactic radio sources. In the summer of 1977, astronomer Jerry R. Ehman was working as a volunteer with the project and was tasked with analyzing the massive amounts of data printed on paper. On August 15, he spotted a series of values indicating a massive intensity and frequency boost.

Credit: Universe Today

Ehman circled the alphanumeric designation for this signal (6EQUJ5) and wrote "Wow!" next to it. In recent years, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the signal's detection, there has been renewed interest and research into this mysterious event. This should come as no surprise, considering that it remains the most likely candidate for an extraterrestrial message. Despite being (from all accounts) an unmodulated continuous wave, there were several indications at the time that the signal was not natural in origin.

For one, the signal was only heard on one frequency, with no noise detected on any of Big Ear's 50 other radio channels. This is inconsistent with natural emissions, which cause static at other frequencies, whereas the "Wow!" signal was narrow and focusedwhat we would expect from a transmitted radio signal. Second, the signal "rose and fell" during the 72 seconds it was detectable. This is consistent with signals from space, which increase in intensity as they move across the sky and approach the telescope's radio, then decrease as they move away from the telescope.

Third, the signal was observed near 1420 MHz, a "protected frequency" that Earth-based transmitters are forbidden to use since they are reserved for astronomical studies. All of this pointed toward an extraterrestrial origin, as satellites and terrestrial radio sources would have been repeating in nature, whereas the "Wow!" signal appeared to be a one-off event. Based on the timing and orientation of the Big Ear telescope, astronomers deduced that it must have come from somewhere in the direction of the Sagittarius constellation.

The "Wow!" signal has long been the subject of interest to Alberto Caballero Diez, a Spanish exoplanet hunter, SETI researcher, and science communicator. While Caballero studied Criminology at the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, he has since focused his efforts on researching habitable exoplanets and extraterrestrial intelligence. He has even come to rely on one of his hobbies (day trading) to finance his efforts in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI).

Caballero is perhaps best known as the host of The Exoplanets Channel, a Youtube channel about exoplanet studies, SETI, and interstellar travel. He is also known for coordinating the Habitable Exoplanet Hunting Project (HEHP), an international network of professional and amateur astronomers dedicated to studying exoplanets in nearby star systems. In particular, the project hopes to find potentially habitable exoplanets around non-flaring G (yellow dwarf), K (orange dwarf), or M-type (red dwarf) stars within 100 light-years of Earth.

"The project is a worldwide network of professional and amateur optical observatories searching for potentially habitable exoplanets around nearby stars, using the transit method," Caballero told Universe Today via email. "I founded the project in 2019. [S]ince then, more than 30 observatories in the five continents have joined."

In 2020, the HEHP announced the discovery of a Saturn-sized exoplanet orbiting within the habitable zone of its parent star. This constituted the first exoplanet discovery made entirely by amateur astronomers. It was also in 2020 that Caballero observed a sun-like star almost identical to our sun (a solar analog) while searching the sector of the sky where the "Wow!" signal was detected. Caballero described this discovery via The Exoplanets Channel and in a paper published in the International Journal of Astrobiology in early May.

In this paper, Caballero surveyed nearby sun-like stars using data obtained by the ESA's Gaia Observatory (compiled in the Gaia Archive), and determined the most likely source. The survey contained a sample of 66 G-type yellow dwarfs (similar in size and spectra to the sun) and K-type orange dwarfs (slightly smaller and dimmer than the sun). He narrowed it down to one candidate star located about 1,800 light-years from the solar system. This was 2MASS 19281982-2640123, a perfect solar analog comparable in size, mass and spectra to the sun.

Caballero said, "I dismissed red dwarfs because a large percentage of them emit flares that destroy exoplanetary atmospheres, and we don't know which of them from the data are flare stars."

The similarities between this star and our sun make it the most likely place to find life and a possible civilization as we know it. At the same time, the distance is consistent with previous research by Italian astronomer Claudio Maccone. In 2010, Maccone conducted a statistical analysis, concluding (with 75% confidence) that the closest ETI would be located between 1,000 to 4,000 light-years away. Caballero explained that this makes 2MASS 19281982-2640123 an ideal candidate for follow-up searches for possible technosignatures.

These conclusions raise another interesting point, which goes directly to the heart of the whole "to listen or to message" (SETI vs. METI) debate. While SETI efforts consist of listening to the cosmos for signs of possible extraterrestrial transmissions ("passive SETI"), messaging extraterrestrial intelligence (METI, or "active SETI") consists of composing messages that are transmitted to space. In this respect, the "Wow!" signal is a perfect example of passive SETI efforts, whereas the Arecibo message is a perfect example of active SETI or METI.

In his second paper, Caballero addresses this issue by conducting a statistical analysis of possible hostile civilizations in our galaxy and the possibility that one or more of these would detect signals coming from Earth (and possibly choose to invade). Because radio antennas and radar constantly leak signals into space, Cabellero felt a risk evaluation was necessary. As he explained, this consisted of using the past century of Earth's history as a template, a century steeped in conflict:

"I based the estimation on the frequency of invasions on Earth in the last 100 years. Only 51 countries out of the 195 invaded another country. I found that as time goes by and humanity develops, the frequency of invasions decreases. Extrapolating the results to humanity once it becomes a Type-1 civilization capable of interstellar travel, the frequency and therefore probability of invasion goes down. The estimations are based on life as we know it."

In addition, Caballero turned this same analysis toward humanity and the possibility that we might become a "malicious civilization" once we've become a Type-1 civilization on the Kardashev Scale. A civilization at this level of development would be capable of harnessing all of its planet's energy and limited a measure of interstellar travel to nearby star systems. His analysis showed that a maximum of four malicious civilizations would be within earshot of our transmissions. Caballero said this indicates that an alien invasion is not the greatest existential threat facing humanity:

"The low risk estimated, lower than the impact probability of a planet-killer asteroid, could support METI efforts. SETI is necessary, but it's like looking for a needle in a haystack. If we really want to have chances of ET contact, we need to start broadcasting laser messages to thousands of exoplanets. Whether we should do it or not depends on what the international community says."

Statistically speaking, METI may not constitute the existential risk that some say it could. It is likely not more dangerous than threats that are much closer to home. This, according to Caballero, also raises the important question of whether intelligent civilizations are more likely to destroy themselves than others. This is a time-honored question among scientists and is even considered a possible reason we haven't found conclusive evidence that an intelligent civilization exists beyond Eartha la the "Great Filter" or the "Brief Window" hypothesis.

The debate over messaging and whether it poses a risk has been revitalized in recent years, partly in response to efforts like Breakthrough Message, the Galileo Project, and The Beacon in the Galaxy (BITG) messagean updated version of the Arecibo Message. Despite the division of opinion, both sides agree that a discussion must take place on an international level and that it must happen now. Both sides are also actively working to make that discussion happen and to get as many government entities, scientific institutes, nonprofits, entrepreneurs and members of the general public to participate.

These efforts parallel the growing interest in astrobiology, exoplanet studies and SETI efforts that has accompanied the revolutionary developments that have taken place since the turn of the century. In the past 20 years, the number of known exoplanets has increased by several orders of magnitude, and multiple missions have been dispatched to Mars to search for evidence of past life. In the coming years, next-generation telescopes will discover and characterize tens of thousands more, and robotic missions will expand the scope of astrobiological research to places like Europa, Enceladus and Titan.

With so many missions dedicated to searching for life on distant worlds and planets and moons here at home, key discussions need to happen. Should we be content to sit back and listen or broadcast ourselves to the wider universe? What opportunities and inherent dangers are there in making our presence known? Are we prepared for what we might find? And, if we receive a message (or detect a probe), what should we do with it? The possibilities are endless, but so are the risks.

Explore further Amateur astronomer Alberto Caballero finds possible source of Wow! signal

More information: Alberto Caballero, Estimating the prevalence of malicious extraterrestrial civilizations. arXiv:2205.11618v1 [physics.soc-ph], Alberto Caballero, Estimating the prevalence of malicious extraterrestrial civilizations. arXiv:2205.11618v1 [physics.soc-ph], arxiv.org/abs/2205.11618 Alberto Caballero, An approximation to determine the source of the WOW! Signal, International Journal of Astrobiology (2022). DOI: 10.1017/S1473550422000015 Journal information: International Journal of Astrobiology
The Taylor Energy platform, about 10 miles off the coast of Louisiana, was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and started leaking oil immediately. Oil slicks, like this picture from 2013, were commonly seen over the site until a containment system was installed in 2019. Credit: Ian MacDonald

A team of U.S. and Chinese scientists mapping oil pollution across the Earth's oceans has found that more than 90% of chronic oil slicks come from human sources, a much higher proportion than previously estimated.

Their research, published in Science, is a major update from previous investigations into marine oil pollution, which estimated that about half came from human sources and half from natural sources.

"What's compelling about these results is just how frequently we detected these floating oil slicksfrom small releases, from ships, from pipelines, from natural sources such as seeps in the ocean floor and then also from areas where industry or populations are producing runoff that contains floating oil," said Ian MacDonald, a professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science at Florida State University and a paper co-author.

Oil slicks are microscopically thin layers of oil on the surface of the ocean. Massive oil spills can cause them, but they're also widely and continuously produced by human activities and natural sources.

These short-lived patches of oil are continuously being moved around by wind and currents, while waves are breaking them apart, making investigations challenging. To find and analyze them, the research team used artificial intelligence to examine more than 560,000 satellite radar images collected between 2014 and 2019. That allowed them to determine the location, extent and probable sources of chronic oil pollution.

An oil slick leaking from a drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico in 2012. Credit: Ian MacDonald

Even a miniscule amount of oil can have a big impact on plankton that make up the base of the ocean food system. Other marine animals, such as whales and sea turtles, are harmed when they contact oil as they come up to breathe.

"Satellite technology offers a way to better monitor ocean oil pollution, especially in waters where human surveillance is difficult," said Yongxue Liu, a professor at Nanjing University's School of Geographic and Oceanographic Science and the corresponding author. "A global picture can help focus regulation and enforcement to reduce oil pollution."

The effectiveness of satellite imagery offers a potential solution. Researchers found most oil slicks near coastlines. About half of oil slicks were within 25 miles of the coast, and 90% were within 100 miles. The researchers found relatively fewer oil slicks in the Gulf of Mexico compared to elsewhere on the globe, suggesting that government regulation and enforcement as well as compliance from oil platform operators in U.S. waters reduces leakage.

An oil slick forms on the surface of the ocean after leaking from a pipeline in the northern Gulf of Mexico in 2016. Credit: Ian MacDonald

"If we can take those lessons and apply them to places globally, where we have seen high concentrations of oil slicks, we could improve the situation," MacDonald said.

Professor Yanzhu Dong of Nanjing University was the study's lead author. Other co-authors included Yingcheng Lu of Nanjing University and Chuanmin Hu of the University of South Florida.

Explore further Ocean surface slicks are pelagic nurseries for diverse fishes

More information: Yanzhu Dong et al, Chronic oiling in global oceans, Science (2022). www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abm5940 Journal information: Science Yanzhu Dong et al, Chronic oiling in global oceans,(2022). DOI: 10.1126/science.abm5940
The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is a satellite of the Milky Way, containing about 30 billion stars. Seen here in a far-infrared and radio view, the LMCs cool and warm dust are shown in green and blue, respectively, with hydrogen gas in red. Credit: ESA/NASA/JPL-Caltech/C. Clark (STScI)

New images using data from ESA (European Space Agency) and NASA missions showcase the gas and dust that fill the space between stars in four of the galaxies closest to our own Milky Way. More than striking, the snapshots are also a scientific trove, lending insight into how dramatically the density of dust clouds can vary within a galaxy.

With a consistency similar to smoke, dust is created by dying stars and is one of the materials that forms new stars. The dust clouds observed by space telescopes are constantly shaped and molded by exploding stars, stellar winds, and the effects of gravity. Almost half of all the starlight in the universe is absorbed by dust. Many of the heavy chemical elements essential to forming planets like Earth are locked up in dust grains in interstellar space. So understanding dust is an essential part of understanding our universe.

The new observations were made possible through the work of ESA's Herschel Space Observatory, which operated from 2009 to 2013. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California contributed key parts of two instruments on the spacecraft. Herschel's supercold instruments were able to detect the thermal glow of dust, which is emitted as far-infrared light, a range of wavelengths longer than what human eyes can detect.

The Andromeda galaxy, or M31, is shown here in far-infrared and radio wavelengths of light. Some of the hydrogen gas (red) that traces the edge of Andromedas disc was pulled in from intergalactic space, and some was torn away from galaxies that merged with Andromeda far in the past. Credit: ESA/NASA/JPL-Caltech/C. Clark (STScI)

Herschel's images of interstellar dust provide high-resolution views of fine details in these clouds, revealing intricate substructures. But the way the space telescope was designed meant that it often couldn't detect light from more spread out and diffuse clouds, especially in the outer regions of galaxies, where the gas and dust become sparse and thus fainter.

For some nearby galaxies, that meant Herschel missed up to 30% of all the light given off by dust. With such a significant gap, astronomers struggled to use the Herschel data to understand how dust and gas behaved in these environments. To fill out the Herschel dust maps, the new images combine data from three other missions: ESA's retired Planck observatory, along with two retired NASA missions, the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) and Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE).

The images show the Andromeda galaxy, also known as M31; the Triangulum galaxy, or M33; and the Large and Small Magellanic Cloudsdwarf galaxies orbiting the Milky Way that do not have the spiral structure of the Andromeda and Triangulum galaxies. All four are within 3 million light-years of Earth.

The Small Magellanic Cloud is a satellite of the Milky Way, containing about 3 billion stars. This far-infrared and radio view of it shows the cool (green) and warm (blue) dust, as well as the hydrogen gas (red). Credit: ESA/NASA/JPL-Caltech/C. Clark (STScI)

In the images, red indicates hydrogen gas, the most common element in the universe. The image of the Large Magellanic Cloud shows a red tail coming off the bottom left of the galaxy that was likely created when it collided with the Small Magellanic Cloud about 100 million years ago. Bubbles of empty space indicate regions where stars have recently formed, because intense winds from the newborn stars blow away the surrounding dust and gas. The green light around the edges of those bubbles indicates the presence of cold dust that has piled up as a result of those winds. Warmer dust, shown in blue, indicates where stars are forming or other processes have heated the dust.

Many heavy elements in natureincluding carbon, oxygen, and ironcan get stuck to dust grains, and the presence of different elements changes the way dust absorbs starlight. This, in turn, affects the view astronomers get of events like star formation.

The Triangulum galaxy, or M33, is shown here in far-infrared and radio wavelengths of light. Some of the hydrogen gas (red) that traces the edge of the Triangulums disc was pulled in from intergalactic space, and some was torn away from galaxies that merged with Triangulum far in the past. Credit: ESA/NASA/JPL-Caltech/C. Clark (STScI)

In the densest dust clouds, almost all the heavy elements can get locked up in dust grains, which increases the dust-to-gas ratio. But in less dense regions, the destructive radiation from newborn stars or shockwaves from exploding stars will smash the dust grains and return some of those locked-up heavy elements back into the gas, changing the ratio once again. Scientists who study interstellar space and star formation want to better understand this ongoing cycle. The Herschel images show that the dust-to-gas ratio can vary within a single galaxy by up to a factor of 20, far more than previously estimated.

"These improved Herschel images show us that the dust 'ecosystems' in these galaxies are very dynamic," said Christopher Clark, an astronomer at the Space Science Telescope Institute in Maryland, who led the work to create the new images.
 Flash

Yang Jiechi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Wednesday called on BRICS countries to inject more stability into a turbulent world.

Yang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks when chairing the 12th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security via video link. The meeting took place ahead of the 14th BRICS summit.

BRICS is an acronym for the five major emerging countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. China holds the rotating presidency of BRICS this year.

The grouping was born in the historical tide of the collective rise of emerging markets and developing countries and represents the direction of the evolution and adjustment of the world pattern and international order, Yang said.

He called on the five members to follow the trends of the times, respond to changes of the times and inject more stability and positive energy into the turbulent international situation.

Yang called on BRICS countries to practice true multilateralism, address both traditional and non-traditional security threats in a coordinated manner, advocate solidarity, and coordinate security and development to realize "common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security."

Amid various risks and challenges, the Global Security Initiative put forward by China has contributed Chinese wisdom to solving the current dilemma of global security and provided an important guideline for building a world of lasting peace and universal security, he said.

The meeting reviewed the work of the working group on counter-terrorism and cybersecurity, agreed to promote plans and roadmaps for international counter-terrorism and cybersecurity cooperation and uphold the central coordinating role of the United Nations in the global counter-terrorism cause. It also called for a more inclusive, representative and democratic global internet governance system.

South Africa's Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele, Brazil's Minister of Institutional Security Augusto Heleno, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Nikolai Patrushev and Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval attended the meeting.

They had an in-depth exchange of views and reached consensus on important issues such as strengthening multilateralism and global governance, responding to new threats and challenges to national security, and strengthening and improving governance of new frontiers.

All parties expressed readiness to work for fruitful outcomes at the upcoming BRICS summit.
WASHINGTON  Donald Trumps extraordinary effort to overturn his 2020 election defeat came into ever-clearer focus Thursday, with testimony describing his pressuring Vice President Mike Pence in vulgar private taunts and public entreaties to stop the certification of Joe Bidens victory in the run-up to the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection.

Trumps closest advisers viewed his last-ditch efforts to halt congressional certification of his loss as nuts, crazy and even likely to incite riots if Pence followed through, witnesses revealed in stark testimony Thursday.

The panel revealed how Trump put his vice president in danger as Pence was presiding over a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, 2021, when the defeated president sent his supporters to the Capitol to fight like hell over his false claims of a fraudulent election.

Rioters came within 40 feet of the place at the Capitol where Pence and others had been evacuated. Never-before-shown photos showed Pence and his team sheltering.

He deserves to be burned with the rest of them, one rioter is heard saying on video as the mob prepares to storm the iconic building.

Pence betrayed us, says another rioter, wearing a Make America Great Again hat in a selfie video inside the Capitol.

Pences counsel Greg Jacob testified that he could hear the din of the rioters nearby. Asked if Trump ever checked on Pence during the siege, Jacob said: He did not.

With live testimony and other evidence from its yearlong investigation, the panel held its third hearing this month aiming to demonstrate that Trumps repeated false claims and desperate attempt to stay in power led directly to the Capitol insurrection.

All told, the committee is pulling together a dark portrait of the end of Trumps presidency as the defeated Republican was left grasping for alternatives as courts turned back dozens of lawsuits challenging the vote.

Trump latched onto conservative law professor John Eastmans obscure plan to defy historical precedent of the Electoral Count Act and reverse Joe Bidens victory.

Trump aides and allies warned bluntly in private about his efforts, even as some publicly continued to stand by the presidents false election claims. Nine people died in the insurrection and its aftermath.

Are you out of your effing mind? Eric Herschmann, a lawyer advising Trump, told Eastman in recorded testimony shown at the hearing.

Youre going to turn around and tell 78-plus million people in this country that your theory is this is how youre going to invalidate their votes? Herschmann said. He warned: Youre going to cause riots in the streets.

A text message from Fox News Sean Hannity to Trumps chief of staff Mark Meadows about the plan in the run-up to Jan. 6 read: Im very worried about the next 48 hours.

Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller said those around Trump called the plan crazy.

The committee has said the plan was illegal, and a federal judge has said more likely than not Trump committed crimes in his attempt to stop the certification.

Eastman later sought to be on the pardon list, according to an email he sent to Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, shared by the committee.

In a social media post Thursday, Trump decried the hearings anew as a witch hunt, lambasted coverage by the Fake News Networks and exclaimed, I DEMAND EQUAL TIME!!!

On Capitol Hill, panel Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., cited Pences own words that there was almost no idea more un-American than the one he was being asked to follow  reject Americans votes.

By refusing Trumps demands, Pence did his duty, said the panels vice-chair, Republican Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming.

The panel heard from Jacob, the vice presidents counsel who fended off Eastmans ideas for Pence, and retired federal judge Michael Luttig, who called the plan from Eastman, his former law clerk, incorrect at every turn.

Jacob said it became clear to Pence from the start that the founding fathers did not intend to empower any one person to affect the election result, and he never budged.

Pence was determined to stay at the Capitol that night and finish the job, even as his security team prepared for him to leave, Jacob said.

Luttig, a conservative scholar, said in a halting voice but firm terms that had Pence obeyed Trumps orders, declaring Trump as the next president would have plunged America into what I believe would have been tantamount to a revolution within a constitutional crisis in America.

Thursdays session presented new dramatic evidence about the danger Pence faced as rioters chanted Hang Mike Pence with a makeshift gallows outside the Capitol.

The presidents daughter, Ivanka Trump, testified about the heated phone call he had with Pence that morning, as the family joined in the Oval Office. Another aide, Nicholas Luna, said he heard Trump call Pence a wimp.

In another development Thursday, Thompson said the panel will ask Virginia Ginni Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, for an interview amid disclosures of the conservative activists communications with people in Trumps orbit ahead of the attack. He did not specify a schedule for that.

Its time for her to come talk, Thompson told reporters.

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BUFFALO  The white gunman accused of killing 10 Black people in a racist attack at a Buffalo supermarket was charged Wednesday with federal hate crimes that could potentially carry a death penalty.

The criminal complaint filed Wednesday against Payton Gendron coincided with a visit to Buffalo by Attorney General Merrick Garland. He met with the families of the people who were killed and placed a bouquet of white flowers at a memorial outside the Tops Friendly Market, which has been closed since the May 14 attack.

No one in this country should have to live in fear that they will go to work or shop at a grocery store and will be attacked by someone who hates them because of the color of their skin, Garland said at a news conference.

Garland, who halted federal executions last year, did not rule out seeking the death penalty against Gendron, 18. He said families and the survivors will be consulted as the Justice Department weighs whether to seek capital punishment.

The federal hate crimes case is based partly on documents in which Gendron laid out his radical, racist worldview and extensive preparation for the attack, some of which he posted online and shared with a small group of people shortly before he started shooting.

FBI agents executing a search warrant at Gendrons home found a note in which he apologized to his family and wrote he had to commit this attack because he cares for the future of the White race, according to an affidavit filed with the criminal complaint.

Three children of 86-year-old victim Ruth Whitfield said they told Garland at their private meeting that they wanted to make sure he didnt view the Buffalo shooting as a singular case.

This is a problem throughout America, said one son, former Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield Jr.

It doesnt stop with justice for our mother and the other nine victims. Its how do we prevent these horrific crimes from happening, from breaking the hearts of other families, said another son, Raymond Whitfield.

Gendrons attorney, Brian Parker, declined to comment.

So far, the evidence made public against Gendron suggests he acted alone, but Garland and Deputy FBI Director Paul Abbate said investigators were examining the gunmans communications with others prior to the shooting.

About 30 minutes before he opened fire, Gendron invited a small group of people to see his plans for the attack, which he then broadcast live on social media. It wasnt clear if any of the people who accessed Gendrons diary or saw his livestream did anything to alert authorities.

In his writings, Gendron embraced a baseless conspiracy theory about a plot to diminish white Americans power and replace them with people of color, through immigration and other means.

The posts detail months of reconnaissance, demographic research and shooting practice for an attack aimed at scaring everyone who isnt white and Christian into leaving the country.

Gendron drove more than 200 miles from his home in a nearly all-white town near the New York-Pennsylvania border to a predominantly Black part of Buffalo. There, authorities say, he fired about 60 shots at shoppers and workers with a semiautomatic rifle.

Three wounded people  one Black, two white  survived. Video of the assault showed Gendron momentarily holding his fire to apologize to a white store employee after shooting him in the leg. Gendron surrendered to police as he exited the supermarket.

Gendron wrote racial slurs and statements including, Heres your reparations! on his rifle, the affidavit said.

Gendron already faced a mandatory life sentence without parole if convicted on previously filed state charges. He pleaded not guilty to a domestic terrorism charge, including hate-motivated domestic terrorism and murder.

Gendron was scheduled to appear in court Thursday morning on the federal charges.

The federal case is likely to present a quandary for Garland, who has vowed to aggressively prosecute civil rights cases but also instituted a moratorium on federal executions last year after an unprecedented run of capital punishment at the end of the Trump administration.

The moratorium halts the Bureau of Prisons from carrying out any executions as the Justice Department conducts a policy review. But the memo does not prohibit federal prosecutors from seeking the death penalty, a decision that ultimately will fall to Garland.

President Joe Biden has said he opposes the death penalty and his team vowed he would take action to stop its use while in office.

In the aftermath of the Buffalo attack, and another deadly mass shooting committed by an 18-year-old at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, New York lawmakers banned the sale of semiautomatic rifles to anyone under age 21.

The U.S. Senate followed on June 12 with a bipartisan agreement on more modest federal gun limits and stepped-up efforts to improve school safety and mental health programs.

Garland on Wednesday endorsed changing federal law to raise the age for purchasing some types of rifles.

The Justice Department agrees with the president that 18-year-olds should not be able to purchase a gun like this, Garland said.

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ATLANTIC CITY  Truck after truck delivered concrete to the construction site of the Island Waterpark next to the Showboat Atlantic City hotel, starting in the wee hours of Thursday morning.

A spokesperson for Showboat owner Bart Blatstein said 70 trucks poured 700 yards of concrete for the main pump room, starting about 4:30 a.m. and ending late in the morning.

The room will house the pumps for the slides in the 103,000-square-foot, year-round indoor water park, which is scheduled to open in summer 2023.

The park will include water slides, pools and a lazy river, along with food and beverage and retail outlets, lounge areas and party rooms, according to Blatstein.

The entire project will be covered by a retractable glass-pane roof to make it a year-round destination, Blatstein has said.

Blatstein says it will be the largest beachfront indoor water park in the world.

Last month, Blatstein secured private financing to build the water park, ending the need to sell $97 million in bonds through the Atlantic County Improvement Authority.

Procida Funding & Advisors, of Englewood Cliffs, Bergen County, is helping finance the project and more, CEO William Procida said in a phone interview then.

We made a loan for a lot of money to do a lot of things, Procida said during the interview. I can be more specific in a few more months. Construction is underway.

The bonds had not sold for more than a year, causing concern among some in the city that the project might not move forward.

Procida, 59, said the waterpark, when added to Blatsteins 120,000-square-foot Lucky Snake Arcade  which opened in 2021 and Blatstein calls the biggest in New Jersey  and the newly opened Showboat Raceway, an indoor go-kart track, convinced him the city is ripe for a transformation.

It is going to be a game changer because Atlantic City will become a family destination now, Procida said last month.

Blatstein has said currently only 8% of the 25 million visitors a year to Atlantic City are families.

Groundbreaking for the water park happened Jan. 12.

REPORTER: Michelle Brunetti Post 609-841-2895 mpost@pressofac.com

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UPPER TOWNSHIP  For years, probably decades, not much happened on Bayaire Road, a shady cul-de-sac lined with single-family houses built in the 1960s and 70s.

Recently, neighbors banded together to oppose a plan to create a winery on a former Christmas tree farm nearby. More recently, some of the same neighbors have come before the Township Committee asking for more controls on short-term rentals.

Residents were back at the committee meeting this week asking for more limits on house rentals handled through internet sites like VRBO and Airbnb. Their concern was for a specific house, one they told the committee was rented to young people each weekend and used as a party house.

Neighbors told the committee the property was advertised as sleeping up to 14 people.

I look at it as a business in a residential neighborhood, said Ed Price, who lives nearby.

Usually, when there are complaints about party houses in shore communities, noise is the primary concern. That has not been the case here.

Upper planners hold off on winery proposal UPPER TOWNSHIP  The Upper Township Planning Board on Thursday held off on hearing a proposa

Price said there has not been much noise coming from the property. Still, he and other residents want new limits on the use, citing increased traffic and other concerns.

Its unbelievable how many cars they bring into your neighborhood, Price said.

In previous meetings, when residents asked for limits on short-term rentals, township Administrator Gary DeMarzo said the township already has laws and ordinances that prevent disruptive behavior and loud parties.

Maria Busz, who also lives near the house in question, said that is not enough to address the concerns of the neighborhood.

The Beesleys Point area is a prime spot for investors to buy up properties and alter the neighborhood, Busz said. There will be no property left for young families.

She also said there had been no problems with undue noise from the property since neighbors spoke at the last meeting.

Challengers defeat incumbent and former council president in Buena Republican primary BUENA  After disputes over the fate of a 100-year-old fire company sewed strife throughout 

They were quiet and on their best behavior, she said. If they were noisy, I would have called the police, but this is about fixing the issue, not harassing the neighbors.

Among the suggestions from neighbors were a limit to rentals of a week or less.

There was no action from the committee on the issue, but Mayor Curtis Corson expressed sympathy for the neighbors concerns.

Its not something we want to encourage, I dont think, because its basically a hotel, he said. The septic is not designed for that.

But he again sounded a cautious note, citing the Strathmere section of the township, where weekly rentals are common in the beachfront village.

Some of the concerns with increased traffic and a change to the character of the neighborhood were similar to those raised about a plan to create Ocean City Winery at a former Christmas tree farm. The plans include a tasting room.

Pancoast, Nappen easily win GOP nomination for Upper Township Committee UPPER TOWNSHIP  The party line candidates easily won the nomination for Township Committee 

The owner has agreed to have the entrance to the facility on Route 9 rather than on Bayaire Road, but neighbors remained skeptical, and the township had attorneys present at a Monday meeting of the Cape May County Agricultural Development Board.

Both the township and a group of neighbors challenged the initial notice of a previous meeting, at which the board certified that the property is a farm, according to attorney Colin Bell, who represents winery owner Michael Halpern.

In the coming weeks, he will submit whats called a site-specific agriculture management plan for the winery. Bell maintains approval of that plan by the agriculture board would allow the proposal to move forward without review by the township Zoning Board or Planning Board, under New Jerseys Right to Farm law.

The land, a little over 5 acres, was already preserved farmland when Halpern bought it, Bell said Wednesday. It cannot be developed as residential units or used for other purposes.

Theres really no question on that. Theres nothing you can do on it but farm and do other agricultural activities, he said.

One of the people objecting to the winery plan at previous meetings was identified Monday as the owner of the rental property on Bayaire Road. Victor Nappen, the father of Township Committee candidate Victor Nappen II, was said the be the owner of the VRBO property by some of the neighbors.

WATCH NOW: Wildwood tiny house moves to Upper Township WILDWOOD  A kit-built, A-frame house from around 1960 has been safely transported to its ne

At previous meetings, Nappen had said the winery plan would disturb the quiet neighborhood. Attempts to contact Nappen for an interview this week were unsuccessful.

An advertisement for the property on Airbnb cites its proximity to a vineyard, as well as to the Tuckahoe Inn, Yesterdays and the beaches of Ocean City.

Contact Bill Barlow: 609-272-7290 bbarlow@pressofac.com Twitter @jerseynews_bill

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GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP  A duo possessing evidence tying them to a string of car burglaries were arrested after being found in a stolen SUV Wednesday morning, police said.

Police found 36-year-old township resident Sean Torres and Johana Campos-Mendoza, 28, of Atlantic City, inside the vehicle shortly after 10 a.m. Inside the vehicle, officers found stolen items linking the pair to car burglaries, police said in a news release.

The SUV was reported stolen and accessed by being left unlocked with a key fob inside to start the vehicle, police said.

Torres and Campos-Mendoza are each charged with possession of stolen property. Torres was additionally charged with resisting arrest and obstruction of justice.

8 new police officers join Stockton force's ranks This is a joyous occasion, Director of Public Safety Adrian Wiggins said in a statement Th

Both may face more charges pending further investigation, police said.

Five early morning vehicle burglaries in the Collins Road area were reported before the pair were arrested. Its unclear whether police believe theyre responsible for those incidents as well.

On average, 50 car burglaries are reported in New Jersey daily, police said, part of a rising trend across both the state and nation.

Most of the burglaries are caused by cars being left unlocked. Therefore, police said, motorists should ensure their vehicles are secured and have no valuables inside them, especially overnight.

Contact Eric Conklin: 609-272-7261 econklin@pressofac.com Twitter @ACPressConklin

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EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP  Transportation Security Administration agents at Atlantic City International Airport helped apprehend a Pennsylvania man the agency said was in possession of a loaded handgun during a security search.

An agent manning a checkpoint X-ray monitor Tuesday saw the weapon, a .38-caliber pistol, inside the mans bag, the TSA said. The man, who was only identified as being from Radnor, argued the bag and its contents belonged to his father.

Agents notified State Police, who confiscated the firearm and the man, the TSA said.

In 2021, TSA agents retrieved 5,972 guns at security checkpoints nationwide. An overwhelming majority (86%) of them were loaded, the administration said.

Bringing a deadly weapon, such as a loaded handgun, to a security checkpoint is a very serious offense, said Thomas Carter, TSAs federal security director for New Jersey, in a statement. Travelers are responsible for the contents of their bags.

TSA reminds air travelers that carrying a gun through an airport checkpoint is a federal crime, and the administration reserves the right to issue civil penalties against violators. Civil penalties for bringing a handgun into a checkpoint can cost thousands of dollars.

Contact Eric Conklin: 609-272-7261 econklin@pressofac.com Twitter @ACPressConklin

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CAPE MAY  Gov. Phil Murphy attended a Democratic fundraiser Wednesday at the Chalfonte Hotel, planting a flag deep in heavily Republican Cape May County.

The event included appearances by several local Democratic candidates on the ballot in November, including Tim Alexander, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd; Julia Hankerson, the nominee for the Cape May County Board of Commissioners; and Melisha Anderson-Ruiz, who is challenging Republican incumbent Jim Norris for a seat on the Middle Township Committee.

This is the first time that three Black candidates have been on the ballot at the same time in Cape May County, Hankerson told the crowd at the Chalfonte.

State Democratic chairman LeRoy James also spoke at the event, which culminated with Murphys comments from the lawn, with those attending gathered on the porch of the historic hotel.

Along with the other speakers, Murphy spoke about protecting abortion rights, gun safety and protections for the LGBTQ community, along with ensuring voting rights and protecting the environment.

We are on the right side of history. We are the party that shares those values, Murphy said.

NJ governor, leaders agree on $2B in property tax relief Two million New Jersey property taxpayers and renters will get a tax break worth up to $1,500. That's under a deal Gov. Phil Murphy and fellow Democrats in the Legislature unveiled on Wednesday. The $2 billion program comes thanks to flush state coffers. Murphy says it amounts to lowering the roughly $9,300 average property tax bill to $7,800, a level not seen in more than a decade. Murphy, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin and Senate President Nicholas Scutari spoke alongside one another in South Brunswick and said part of their deal includes an agreement to continue the program in the future, meaning it wont offer relief for only a single year. Its unclear for how long the program would continue.

He also mentioned that on this visit, everyone who waved to him used all five fingers, a reference to the sometimes-frosty reception he has received in the county, which has been a GOP stronghold since just after the Civil War.

There are a handful of elected Democrats in the county  most of them were at the Chalfonte  but Republicans have a huge advantage in the numbers of registered voters, with more than 32,000 Republicans to fewer than 19,000 Democrats, along with about 24,000 voters who are not declared.

The Chalfonte is owned by the family of Mayor Zack Mullock. The citys elections are nonpartisan. Mullock attended the event, as did Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron, another Democrat elected in a nonpartisan municipal vote.

While there are several Democratic candidates for office, there are more seats in which Republican incumbents will go unchallenged this year at the municipal and county levels.

Murphy and other speakers praised Cape May Countys new Democratic leader, attorney Dan Kurkowski. He took over the party leadership earlier this year.

Kurkowski said with hard work and organization, the party can change things in Cape May County.

I want to be the pebble thats tossed in the water to create a blue wave, and I want that wave to begin right here in Cape May County, Kurkowski said.

Speakers on Wednesday sought to persuade party members that a Democratic win is possible in Cape May County.

I say, if we have a winning spirit, and are willing to work hard, I say that again, work hard together, we can win, said Hankerson. Are you with me?

The most successful Democrat in the county in a generation later became a Republican. Van Drew, a former mayor of Dennis Township who was the first Democrat to win a seat in county government for years, eventually won state office and later a seat in Congress.

In a high-profile move, he changed parties as President Donald Trump faced his first impeachment. In 2020, he won his first election as a Republican, surviving a challenge from Democrat Amy Kennedy.

Alexander took aim at Van Drew in his comments Wednesday.

Governors forming task force to address mass shootings The National Governors Association says it's forming a working group of governors to come up with recommendations to stop mass shootings following the Texas school massacre. Reaching consensus could be a tall order given that the nations governors have been divided along partisan lines on how to approach issues of gun control and school safety. Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy told the White House in a letter that their group is creating a panel of six to 10 governors to look at the issue. Their letter left open the possibility the recommendations could include gun control proposals.

Are you ready to take Van Drew out of office? he said. I look forward to telling Jeff Nov. 8, you are fired.

Murphys speech touted the Democratic party and candidates but also called for politicians to do more. Jobs are up, he said, but inflation is driving up costs and people are struggling. He faulted Democrats for not acting sooner on inflation.

Lets find ways to put a lot of money into peoples pockets, because people are hurting right now, Murphy said.

He also touted a new $2 billion property tax relief program, announced earlier that day. Much of his tone was serious, but he also joked with the friendly crowd gathered on the porch of the hotel.

Well be handing the cash out the back of my truck. It is New Jersey after all, Murphy said.

Contact Bill Barlow: 609-272-7290 bbarlow@pressofac.com Twitter @jerseynews_bill

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PLEASANTVILLE  City Council will discuss the Midtown Neighborhood Plan at its June 22 meeting, according to a news release issued Wednesday.

The plan is an initiative of the Pleasantville Housing & Redevelopment Corp., in conjunction with the city, to launch revitalization projects for the citys Midtown neighborhood. The state Department of Community Affairs would award the corporation a grant to launch the project through its Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program.

Midtown, as defined in the plan, is bounded by the Atlantic City Expressway to the north, the West Atlantic City section of Egg Harbor Township to the east, Bayview Avenue to the south and Route 9 to the west.

Pleasantville Housing Authority Executive Director Vernon Lawrence, who is also a member of the Pleasantville Housing & Redevelopment Corp., expressed optimism about the plan.

We are preparing a community-based plan that will guide future investments in the City, Lawrence said in the release.

A neighborhood revitalization committee of business owners and residents has met several times over the past year to help design the plan. Other important entities in the community, such as AtlantiCare, the Atlantic County Improvement Authority and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, have also weighed in on the plan, offering advice and funding.

A town hall on the redevelopment plan was held in January. Residents and business owners, along with city and school officials, discussed the possibility of using the funds to grow workforce readiness programs and to teach technological literacy. They also suggested the funds could be used to make city sidewalks and bike paths more navigable or to provide more recreational opportunities for children.

The council deliberations on the Midtown plan come in the wake of the citys other recent efforts to help rejuvenate local communities. The state awarded Pleasantville a Neighborhood Preservation Grant last year to help improve Main Street. City officials used the grant to enhance streetlights, paint murals, add flower pots and launch a farmers market.

Mayor Judy Ward said the two projects were complementary.

(We) are building on the success of our Downtown Neighborhood Preservation Program to improve the City of Pleasantville, said Ward.

Under the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program, established in 2010, nonprofit entities execute plans on behalf of low- or moderate-income neighborhoods after the plans obtain state approval. Those entities must use at least three-fifths of the tax credits they receive on housing and projects that promote economic development, according to the DCA website. The remainder of the funds can be spent on other revitalization measures, such as small-business assistance and promoting integrated, mixed-income neighborhoods. The city news release said the funds can also be spent on crime prevention, infrastructure improvements and recreation projects.

The NRTC Program helps turn the tide on some of New Jerseys most distressed neighborhoods, Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, who is also DCA commissioner, said in an earlier state news release quoted by the city. The improvements that result from this program not only transform communities, they transform lives.

Pleasantville plans virtual meeting to discuss Midtown neighborhood PLEASANTVILLE  The city is hoping to take advantage of Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Cred

Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 18 N. First St.

Contact Chris Doyle cdoyle@pressofac.com

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MAYS LANDING  Dozens of people stood in solidarity and prayed together outside the Atlantic County Criminal Court Complex on Wednesday morning as they continued to push for justice for Irving Mayren-Guzman.

Relatives, friends and members of the Latino community gathered outside the courthouse, some as early as 8:30 a.m., to pray before the scheduled 10 a.m. initial case disposition conference for three suspects in the beating of Mayren-Guzman.

Mayren-Guzman, 19, went missing Jan. 23 and was found dead the morning of Jan. 25 in a marsh near Centerfolds Cabaret in Pleasantville.

The three suspects, John and Garnell Hands, of Pleasantville, and Jamaul Timberlake, of Atlantic City, are charged with aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit aggravated assault after Mayren-Guzman went missing following an altercation with the men at the strip club.

After he was physically thrown out of the strip club for being too intoxicated, the three men can be seen on surveillance video beating Mayren-Guzman, according to video shown at a detention hearing for the suspects in February.

The status conference Wednesday, before Superior Court Judge Nancy L. Ridgway, was postponed pending the release of an autopsy report. The suspects appeared virtually Wednesday but are expected to appear in person for the next court date set for 1:30 p.m. June 29.

If Mayren-Guzmans death is ruled a homicide in the autopsy report, charges against the suspects could be upgraded.

During the hearing, defense attorneys Matthew Portella and John Stein addressed the elephant in the room and spoke about how Mayren-Guzmans autopsy has not been made available five months after his death.

Portella and Stein also said they had yet to receive complete discovery, and proposed a protective order on evidence extracted from phones and photos from the autopsy.

Prosecutor Carly Steinberg said she had just recently received the autopsy and would be reviewing it with First Assistant Prosecutor Mario Formica by Monday, hopefully.

A grand jury transcript will be made available by Friday as well, said the prosecutor.

Outside the courtroom, supporters of Mayren-Guzmans family had a variety of signs and flags, including several Andy Warhol-style picket signs of Mayren-Guzmans portrait that said Justicia Para Irving, and combination Mexican and American flags to represent Mayren-Guzmans Hispanic roots.

Theres been no change or progress, said Eulogio Mayren, the father of Mayren-Guzman, who said his family and the community just wanted answers and justice for his sons death.

Hundreds of family, friends and community members searched for Mayren-Guzman in the days following his disappearance, along with law enforcement officers. Police and volunteers searched by foot, hound, helicopter and drone, until Mayren-Guzman was found dead two days later in a marsh adjacent to the strip club where he was last seen.

The bilingual victim advocate for the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office, Alameda Ineabel, and the director of community outreach for the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office, Royster Raymond, were in attendance for the prayer gathering Wednesday, while Shavonne Davis, another victim advocate for the Prosecutors Office, made sure to hold a maximum of 12 seats for family and supporters to attend the status conference.

Were here to offer additional support and make sure theres an open line of communication, said Raymond, who had been there with Ineabel since 8:30 a.m. to make sure family and supporters had ample space to demonstrate around the flagpoles in front of the courthouse, while being sure not to block any sidewalks or entrances.

It makes a big difference when there is someone that understands their culture and values that can help during these difficult times, said Ineabel, who was able to translate for those Spanish-only speaking supporters who gathered.

Raymond said there were members of the Atlantic County Sheriffs Office there to support the gathering, as well as an increased police presence inside and outside of the courthouse, which included at least three police cars and several police officers.

In the months following the death of Mayren-Guzman, Pleasantville City Council voted to revoke Centerfolds mercantile license, and the family has filed a civil lawsuit against the strip club, the three men charged for assaulting Mayren-Guzman and others in connection to his death.

The three suspects will remain in the Atlantic County jail, as the courts, families, friends and community members await answers as to the cause of Mayren-Guzmans death.

We still have faith, said the victims father.

Contact Selena Vazquez: 609-272-7225 svazquez@pressofac.com

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Jasper Rivera has spent most of his life in some form of incarceration. While behind bars, he has witnessed violence, perpetrated it and been its target.

Earlier this week, Rivera, 46, claimed he has "never seen the level of violence and abuse" he's witnessed at the United States Penitentiary in Thomson.

"The violence and the abuse was tool for the COs (corrections officers) here at Thomson," Rivera said. He made the allegations while on a Federal Bureau of Prisons phone inside Thomson. "Cruelty is just something you expect. The cruelty is everywhere in this place."

Rivera's words joined a chorus of voices airing grievances against the prison and its management.

Thomson's recent history is plagued with turmoil. There have been complaints about prisoner treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic and union concerns about cuts to staff and low morale. A year ago, local legislators led the drive for pay raises at the prison. Last week, the same elected officials led the call for a Department of Justice investigation of allegations that include the abuse and torture of prisoners.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Justice Inspector General's Office opened an investigation into Thomson Federal Prison amid ongoing allegations of abuse, the overuse of solitary confinement and the deaths of seven inmates over a two-year period.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., announced the investigation June 9 and called for the immediate replacement of Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal. Despite Cavajal's announcement in January that he would resign, he remains in his post.

Durbin, U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., and U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Moline, requested a federal investigation by the Department of Justice following publication of a report May 31 by The Marshall Project and NPR that describes serious abuse of inmates by correctional officers.

The lawmakers sent a joint letter June 1 to U.S. Inspector General Michael Horowitz demanding immediate action.

Last week, American Federation Government Employees Local 4070 President Jonathan Zumkehr welcomed an investigation.

Rivera said he was not surprised the prison was under DOJ scrutiny.

"This has been going on for quite a while," Rivera claimed. "It was just a matter of time before all this boiled over and people started talking about it."

Representatives from Thomson declined to comment on the state of the prison after the investigation was announced. The Federal Bureau of Prisons did not comment on the investigation, and its public affairs office said: "Humane treatment of the men and women in our custody is a top priority. Allegations of misconduct are thoroughly investigated and appropriate action is taken if such allegations are proven true, including the possibility of referral for criminal prosecution when appropriate."

The report published May 31 by The Marshall Project and NPR described correctional officers intentionally pairing inmates together who are known to attack each other and staff encouraging assaults against sex offenders and informants.

Other claims focused on abusive shackling that leaves scars known as the "Thomson tattoo," often in a room known as the "torture room," where men were shackled to a bed for hours in their own urine and feces without food or water.

Rivera claimed he might have been one of the first prisoners at Thomson who endured the Thomson tattoo.

"I think I might have been the first," Rivera said. "Mine was a four-point shackling. I was on my stomach. The COs hit me in the face  and the thing that really hurt was when they ran a bar across my shins.

"It was torture. There is no other way to describe it."

The Marshall Project Report included an incident in which staff allegedly laughed and joked at the expense of a Jewish man they were guarding as he lay dying in a hospital following an assault that occurred after staff placed him in a recreation cage with known white supremacists.

Thomson currently houses 929 inmates: 797 in the maximum-security facility and 132 at the adjacent minimum-security camp.

"If these reports prove accurate, they describe conduct that would almost certainly contravene numerous BOP policies, as well as infringing the civil rights of individuals in BOP custody and possibly violating federal criminal statutes," the lawmakers wrote in last week's news release. "The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is responsible for protecting the integrity of Department of Justice components, including BOP, as well as the health and safety of the people in BOP custody. The NPR and Marshall Project report raises serious and troubling allegations about the conduct of staff at USP Thomson."

In recent months, corrections officers at Thomson also have aired grievances about the state of the prison.

Union representatives for correctional officers and staff at Thomson demanded the reinstatement of the prisons search team after Tim Kaufman, spokesman for the AFGE Local 4070, claimed a staff member was assaulted after finding the inmate in possession of a contraband cellphone.

In March, AFGE Local 4070 representatives claimed two officers at Thomson required medical attention "after being exposed to illegal drugs" sent to prisoners in the mail. The union alleged one corrections officer became sick and vomited after being exposed to a letter "soaked in methamphetamine."

In a March press release, Local 4070 asked the Bureau of Prisons to restore positions in both the search- and shake-down teams at the prison to help detect drugs. The positions were lost in staffing cuts.

Concerns about staffing levels and the safety of corrections officers and other Thomson staff were raised in 2021.

Bustos, Duckworth and Durbin sent a joint letter April 16, 2021, to Carvajal and Kathleen McGettigan, acting director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, asking for an increase in compensation for Thomson employees.

Rivera said he didn't think correction officers and staff at Thomson "have the easiest life, either."

"I notice all these COs have a lot of tattoos. These folks are tatted up," Rivera said. "I asked one CO why that is and he told me 'There's nothing to do in Thomson but drink and get tattoos.'

"Maybe things are bad for everyone here."

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Most students in Davenport schools feel neutral or positive about interactions they've had with Davenport school resource officers, according to annual survey data from Davenport Community School District.

But a disproportionate number of Black students were arrested by school resource officers and in use-of-force incidents in the past year.

After a year of collecting data on the Davenport school districts school resource officers, Davenport aldermen will vote next week to renew a funding agreement to renew five school resource officers embedded in Davenport schools for the next two school years.

The 28D agreement would assign five Davenport police officers to the district and consolidate what were previously multiple funding agreements into one.

In an annual survey, which 2,425 students and 490 staff members responded to, a majority of students and staff said they felt safe or very safe with a uniformed police officer in their schools.

Of students, 34.1% said they neither felt safe nor unsafe, 33.9% indicated they felt safe, 24.5% said they felt very safe, 5% said they felt unsafe and 2.3% said they felt very unsafe.

Rating interactions with their school resource officer, 7% of student respondents said their interactions were negative or very negative. Most students, 64.9%, said their interactions were neither positive nor negative. And about 18% said they had positive or very positive interactions with a school resource officer.

Crime in the classroom

Davenport also updates its website monthly with calls for service, uses-of-force incidents, charges against juveniles and other interactions such as classes taught and mediations between students. In April, there were 79 calls for service, 48 handled by an officer and 31 handled by the school.

Davenport recorded 11 incidents in the past year where the officers used force against students. All 11 use-of-force incidents were classified as empty hand, which is when an officer uses bare hands to hold or restrain an individual, for example, to break up a fight.

Of those 11 incidents, 10 students were Black and one student was white.

In the past year, school resource officers handed down 37 charges to students. The largest share of those, 13, were assault with injury. Other charges included assault, nine, trespassing, seven, and felony theft, three.

Of the 37 charges in the past year, 26 charges were leveled against Black students, nine against white students, one against a Hispanic student and one against an Asian student.

A student could have multiple charges for one incident.

According the Davenport schools' website, the district enrolls 15,234 students. Of those students, 55.69% are white, 18.7% are Black, 13.92% are Hispanic and 9.7% are multi-racial.

City of Davenport Chief Strategy Officer Sarah Ott wrote in an email that of 767 calls for service this year, 36 incidents resulted in charges for 41 individuals. Of the 41, 38 were considered "non-discretionary," which means the incident had a victim who wanted charges filed, Ott wrote.

"Just 3 charges were considered 'discretionary.' " Ott wrote. "The discretionary charges are those that the staff is most closely monitoring for disproportionality.

"The 2021-2022 school year was the first year of the SRO program operating under the new MOU (memorandum of understanding)," Ott wrote. "After the review of the first year of data, we consider the MOU to been successful as it outlined a method for reviewing the program based on the statistics collected monthly and available to the community at large. Staff continually monitors the data collected so that we have the ability to respond promptly should any concerns arise."

Disparities

The city of Davenport and the Davenport School District reached a memorandum of understanding last year that more clearly defined duties, expectations and evaluation of the police officers inside Davenport schools, following concerns raised in the summer of 2020 over the equitable treatment of students of color. Part of that memorandum included monthly data updates on school resource officer interactions.

Davenport has worked for years with the state department of education to address issues brought up in state audits, which included a disproportionate number of students of color being identified for special education services, as well as both students of color and students with disabilities being disciplined at higher and often more severe rates than their peers.

The memorandum requires a yearly evaluation of the resource officer program by the school board president, mayor, city administrator and staff delegates, Ott told school board members this week. The group met twice: Feb. 23 and April 26.

"There were no adjustments that came from that meeting," Ott said.

Davenport Superintendent TJ Schneckloth said the school resource officer data's existence was the first step in addressing disparities and would inform actions going forward to improve outcomes for students and families and reduce disparities.

"Yes, our SRO data is disproportionate, just like our discipline data is disproportionate, our reading times are disproportionate," he said. "And that's something that our district is focused on in looking for ways to improve that. And so that's the purpose of data collection is disaggregating data and looking for ways to improve. And I'm very proud of the process that we have because the very first step is OK, how are we doing? And then what can we do to improve outcomes for students and families in our district?"

So, what's next?

Davenport school leaders meet monthly with NAACP leaders, and the superintendent said soon those community leaders would be trained to participate in mediations as part of the school's restorative justice approach.

Scott County supervisors approved in December more funding for Davenport and Bettendorf schools to bolster the county-based program where trained mediators meet with students who've had conflicts in lieu of out-of-school suspensions. The program is designed to help students resolve conflicts without the use of violence and avoid detention and juvenile court involvement.

"We see students that are getting ready to get into an altercation or a disagreement and the recidivism rate of students that go into this program is almost none," Schneckloth said. "So we know that the strategy works."

At a Davenport School Board meeting this week, board member Karen Gordon said although students and teachers who feel safe and very safe outnumber those who feel unsafe with uniformed officers in schools, she wanted to hear more from those who don't feel safe.

"I would like to know what their reasons are for feeling unsafe despite the police presence in the schools. I have my suspicions what that might be and why that is, but I would like to hear from those people because I think that if we are always catering to the bigger denominator, then we're missing an opportunity to learn and to do better with those who are not the majority," Gordon said.

Michael Guster, president of the Davenport NAACP, said he thought the new school resource officer agreement between the city and the school district was going OK.

Guster said he didnt favor the idea of having police officers in schools but that he wouldnt oppose the new funding agreement in the wake of recent mass shootings in public places, in particular in Uvalde, Texas, a massacre where a gunman killed 19 students and two teachers.

The likelihood that they would even think about taking them out is zero to none, Guster said. To me, theyre trying to do a good job.

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AURORA  A Yorkville man has been arrested and charged with murder in the fatal shooting of an Aurora woman who went missing 19 years ago and whose remains were discovered in Kane County in late 2020.

Prince L. Cunningham, 49, was arrested Tuesday and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Tyesha Bell, who was 22 years old at the time she was killed, Kane County court records show.

In the early morning hours of May 9, 2003, Bell stepped outside of her West Side apartment in Aurora after receiving a mysterious phone call and was never seen again. She went missing, leaving two daughters behind, from an apartment she shared with her sister in the 800 block of North Randall Road in Aurora.

Law enforcement officials said Wednesday that Bell left to meet Cunningham, the father of her almost 2-year-old daughter whom she was dating.

In December 2020, a surveyor found a skull on property being developed in Montgomery, officials said. Kane County Coroner Rob Russell said his office was called to the wooded area, where additional skeletal remains, clothing and some personal items were found in a shallow grave.

Russell worked with a dentist and bone specialist to create a profile of the person from the remains and Aurora police matched the DNA against a sample from Bell that was kept after she went missing.

An autopsy determined she died of a gunshot wound to the back of her head, officials said.

Police said from the outset they sensed foul play, believing she expected to return to her apartment because she left her money and purse at home, Beacon-News archives show. She also left the television on and candles burning in her bedroom when she left.

Early on, police questioned a person of interest in the case, but no one was charged with a crime, according to Beacon-News archives.

After her remains were found, Aurora Police Cmdr. Jack Fichtel said while they followed up on numerous leads, "our frustration mounts considering we believe someone knows what happened and has yet to come forward."

Detectives launched airplane and dog searches and even drilled holes in the floor of a suspect's home, but the searches turned up very little, Beacon-News archives said.

Bell was described as a headstrong woman who loved shopping and dancing, her mother told The Beacon-News. Her mother Lorna Smith embarked on a mission to keep her daughter's case in the spotlight, from raising $10,000 for a reward to driving around with flyers in the back of her car with information about her daughter.

The family repeatedly said Tyesha never would have abandoned her daughters, Tiniya and Tiarra, who Smith went on to raise as her own.

Cunningham, who now lives on the 500 block of Powers Court in Yorkville, was indicted Tuesday and Kane County Judge Clint Hull signed a warrant for his arrest. He was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force later that day, according to officials.

Cunningham appeared at a bond call Wednesday morning where his bail was set at $5 million. He is due back in court on June 24.

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Most students in Davenport schools feel neutral or positive about interactions they've had with Davenport school resource officers, according to annual survey data from Davenport Community School District.

But a disproportionate number of Black students were arrested by school resource officers and in use-of-force incidents in the past year.

After a year of collecting data on the Davenport school districts school resource officers, Davenport aldermen will vote next week to renew a funding agreement to renew five school resource officers embedded in Davenport schools for the next two school years.

The 28D agreement would assign five Davenport police officers to the district and consolidate what were previously multiple funding agreements into one.

In an annual survey, which 2,425 students and 490 staff members responded to, a majority of students and staff said they felt safe or very safe with a uniformed police officer in their schools.

Of students, 34.1% said they neither felt safe nor unsafe, 33.9% indicated they felt safe, 24.5% said they felt very safe, 5% said they felt unsafe and 2.3% said they felt very unsafe.

Rating interactions with their school resource officer, 7% of student respondents said their interactions were negative or very negative. Most students, 64.9%, said their interactions were neither positive nor negative. And about 18% said they had positive or very positive interactions with a school resource officer.

Crime in the classroom

Davenport also updates its website monthly with calls for service, uses-of-force incidents, charges against juveniles and other interactions such as classes taught and mediations between students. In April, there were 79 calls for service, 48 handled by an officer and 31 handled by the school.

Davenport recorded 11 incidents in the past year where the officers used force against students. All 11 use-of-force incidents were classified as empty hand, which is when an officer uses bare hands to hold or restrain an individual, for example, to break up a fight.

Of those 11 incidents, 10 students were Black and one student was white.

In the past year, school resource officers handed down 37 charges to students. The largest share of those, 13, were assault with injury. Other charges included assault, nine, trespassing, seven, and felony theft, three.

Of the 37 charges in the past year, 26 charges were leveled against Black students, nine against white students, one against a Hispanic student and one against an Asian student.

A student could have multiple charges for one incident.

According the Davenport schools' website, the district enrolls 15,234 students. Of those students, 55.69% are white, 18.7% are Black, 13.92% are Hispanic and 9.7% are multi-racial.

City of Davenport Chief Strategy Officer Sarah Ott wrote in an email that of 767 calls for service this year, 36 incidents resulted in charges for 41 individuals. Of the 41, 38 were considered "non-discretionary," which means the incident had a victim who wanted charges filed, Ott wrote.

"Just 3 charges were considered 'discretionary.' " Ott wrote. "The discretionary charges are those that the staff is most closely monitoring for disproportionality.

"The 2021-2022 school year was the first year of the SRO program operating under the new MOU (memorandum of understanding)," Ott wrote. "After the review of the first year of data, we consider the MOU to been successful as it outlined a method for reviewing the program based on the statistics collected monthly and available to the community at large. Staff continually monitors the data collected so that we have the ability to respond promptly should any concerns arise."

Disparities

The city of Davenport and the Davenport School District reached a memorandum of understanding last year that more clearly defined duties, expectations and evaluation of the police officers inside Davenport schools, following concerns raised in the summer of 2020 over the equitable treatment of students of color. Part of that memorandum included monthly data updates on school resource officer interactions.

Davenport has worked for years with the state department of education to address issues brought up in state audits, which included a disproportionate number of students of color being identified for special education services, as well as both students of color and students with disabilities being disciplined at higher and often more severe rates than their peers.

The memorandum requires a yearly evaluation of the resource officer program by the school board president, mayor, city administrator and staff delegates, Ott told school board members this week. The group met twice: Feb. 23 and April 26.

"There were no adjustments that came from that meeting," Ott said.

Davenport Superintendent TJ Schneckloth said the school resource officer data's existence was the first step in addressing disparities and would inform actions going forward to improve outcomes for students and families and reduce disparities.

"Yes, our SRO data is disproportionate, just like our discipline data is disproportionate, our reading times are disproportionate," he said. "And that's something that our district is focused on in looking for ways to improve that. And so that's the purpose of data collection is disaggregating data and looking for ways to improve. And I'm very proud of the process that we have because the very first step is OK, how are we doing? And then what can we do to improve outcomes for students and families in our district?"

So, what's next?

Davenport school leaders meet monthly with NAACP leaders, and the superintendent said soon those community leaders would be trained to participate in mediations as part of the school's restorative justice approach.

Scott County supervisors approved in December more funding for Davenport and Bettendorf schools to bolster the county-based program where trained mediators meet with students who've had conflicts in lieu of out-of-school suspensions. The program is designed to help students resolve conflicts without the use of violence and avoid detention and juvenile court involvement.

"We see students that are getting ready to get into an altercation or a disagreement and the recidivism rate of students that go into this program is almost none," Schneckloth said. "So we know that the strategy works."

At a Davenport School Board meeting this week, board member Karen Gordon said although students and teachers who feel safe and very safe outnumber those who feel unsafe with uniformed officers in schools, she wanted to hear more from those who don't feel safe.

"I would like to know what their reasons are for feeling unsafe despite the police presence in the schools. I have my suspicions what that might be and why that is, but I would like to hear from those people because I think that if we are always catering to the bigger denominator, then we're missing an opportunity to learn and to do better with those who are not the majority," Gordon said.

Michael Guster, president of the Davenport NAACP, said he thought the new school resource officer agreement between the city and the school district was going OK.

Guster said he didnt favor the idea of having police officers in schools but that he wouldnt oppose the new funding agreement in the wake of recent mass shootings in public places, in particular in Uvalde, Texas, a massacre where a gunman killed 19 students and two teachers.

The likelihood that they would even think about taking them out is zero to none, Guster said. To me, theyre trying to do a good job.

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Less than a quarter of one percent of Davenport residents are driving roughly half of gun violence in the city, according to new statistics compiled by the National Network for Safe Communities.

Using federal pandemic relief dollars, Davenport contracted with John Jay College to do an analysis of the last five years of gun crime in Davenport to inform the city's strategy to tamp down gun violence.

According to the new statistics, 0.18% of Davenport residents are driving between 51% and 56.5% of gun violence in the city. That fraction of a percent are "Group Member Involved," which National Network defines as being involved with an active street group like a gang, drug crew or neighborhood set. About 5.5% of perpetrators of gun crimes were "likely" involved with groups. About 25.8% of gun crimes analyzed were not connected to groups.

The statistics, Davenport Chief Strategy Officer Sarah Ott told city council members this week, inform a strategy that engages directly with people in or involved with active street groups in an attempt to intervene in cycles of violence. The strategy involves community members with credible moral messages against violence, such as a former group member or a mother who lost a child to gun violence, a social service provider to make an offer of services, and law enforcement officers to emphasize the consequences of continued violence.

"Oftentimes, we can feel like that gun violence is a very large problem, a very nebulous problem," Ott said. "How are we ever going to wrap our arms around this? How are we ever going to bring this under control? But what we have found out is that it's actually a very small number of people that are driving over 50% of this crime. So if we can reach out to in effect that less than two tenths of a percent of our population, we can see a dramatic reduction in our gun crime."

Davenport city staff pitched the strategy for Davenport after the city saw record gunfire in 2020.

"We know that there are groups in our communities, we use the term group and not gang," Ott said. "All gangs are groups, but not all groups are gangs. Groups are social affiliations. And we know that their cycles of retaliation and retribution with each other are often driving a lot of this violence. And so that social concentration between groups is something that GVI is looking to intervene in."

This summer, the city hired DeAmbuir Carter, a former probation and parole officer and Davenport resident, to lead the strategy.

As part of Carter's job, a two-year grant-funded position, she'll find and coordinate messengers, track data on the program, and coordinate resources to address participants challenges, such as housing, physical and mental health care and substance abuse, according to the city.

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SPRINGFIELD  At least 16 residents and six staff at the state-run veterans home in Manteno have tested positive for COVID-19 and one COVID-positive resident who was in hospice died Wednesday morning, according to the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

The number of residents reached 17 Thursday after a roommate of one of the residents who had tested positive also tested positive.

The multiple positive results were uncovered Monday, according to an IDVA spokesperson, after the facility initiated broad testing in response to a positive case in the days prior. The spokesperson said protocols call for testing when a resident shows symptoms or when there is a positive test associated with a particular wing or unit.

All of the positive residents had received at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and all but one of them were up to date on boosters, according to a news release from the department. Some of the residents are showing mild symptoms with most experiencing no symptoms, according to IDVA.

A department spokesperson said 99% of the Manteno home residents and 92% of staff had received initial vaccine doses, while 97% of residents and 34% of staff had received at least one booster dose.

A staff physician was assessing the need for anti-viral post-exposure medicine Wednesday. A department spokesperson said the home has an ample supply of both IV and oral anti-viral medications on its grounds and will immediately be able to provide the medications as directed by the medical director.

The resident who died was nearly 80 years old, in hospice care and completely asymptomatic, according to the department. The resident had received his booster dose on June 7 and passed away a week later shortly after the positive test results.

The COVID-positive residents have been moved to a negative pressure isolation unit, and the Illinois Department of Public Health only hours after the tests came back positive to help mitigate spread.

A recent report from the states auditor general faulted IDPH for failing to respond swiftly to a November 2020 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans Home which claimed 36 resident lives. The auditor found IDPH didnt visit for 11 days after the first reported cases. Pritzker and IDPH officials last month, amid the audits release, noted U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines discouraged on-site visits at the time due to the rapid spread of the virus.

Current CDC guidelines will still allow visitors at the Manteno home amid the outbreak, according to IDVA, which noted that families have been notified that we are in outbreak status and that rescheduling visitation should be considered.

Our top priority is the health and safety of our military veterans and the heroic staff who care for them. We take this very seriously, the department said in the news release. We are following recommendations from local health officials, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the IDPH to safeguard everyone at the facility.

Precautions include daily health screenings, routine testing of residents and staff, use of N-95 respirators, face shields and other personal protective equipment, cleaning protocols, and social distancing.

Residents are being encouraged to stay in their rooms and communal activities have been curtailed, with staff developing leisure activities in accordance with social distancing guidelines.

The Manteno home is one of five state-run veterans homes in Illinois and is located in Kankakee County. That area had a medium COVID-19 community level as of Wednesday, while 32 counties in the state had a high level.

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Large corporations promoting unhealthful products in the USA is not unusual, to say the least. Lead, asbestos, cigarettes, fluorocarbons, etc., come to mind. Historically it takes huge harm and legal actions to overcome well-paid spokesmen lying about products and their dangers.

It is unrealistic to expect CEOs rewarded by unimaginable compensation, large shareholders who may or may not be citizens of the USA holding societys best interests primarily. It is the nature of capitalism.

Why would those who seclude themselves from the societies they profit from care about gun ownership, abortions, whether good schools are available, or where cheaper labor comes from? To them, these are just issues that can be overdramatized and bundled to get single-issue voters to elect politicians that are sympathetic to regressive government.

It is foolish to blame only the NRA for the slaughter of children. Innumerable big business associations wanting to avoid sensible taxation and oversight bear blame. Empowered by their conservative Supreme Court, big industry can buy any consensus they believe is good for short-run profits, not for children or their future. The very laws state and federal representatives bring up for a vote in the Peoples Centers of government are often written by lobbyists. The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms absolving gun manufacturers of legal responsibility for their product is a glaring example. Capitalism is needed for prosperity, but our society needs a strong Democracy to endure. Currently Capitalism is overcoming Democracy leading to awful tragedies.

Paul Venaglia

Bettendorf

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Pennington County Sheriff-elect Brian Mueller said he is ready for the role of sheriff when he takes office on Jan. 3.

The Journal sat down with Mueller on Wednesday to discuss his plans for South Dakota's largest law enforcement agency. He defeated Ryan Mechaley with 66% of the vote during the June 7 Republican primary election. No Democrats, independents or Libertarians ran to compete.

Mueller will replace Sheriff Kevin Thom, who did not seek re-election. He plans to retire when Mueller assumes the position. Mueller has worked in the Pennington County Sheriffs Office for the past 27 years. He started as a deputy when he was 21 and is now the department's chief deputy.

It's a big role, but I feel like I've trained my whole career for this, and I'm ready for the challenge and excited for the opportunity, very humbled from the amount of support that I received through this election from the entire community, specifically the public safety community and the first responders, he said.

While Mueller is not originally from Pennington County, he has made it his home over the decades.

I grew up in northwest Iowa, but I went to college at South Dakota State University, and then I moved out here. Partway through my senior year of college, I got hired at the sheriffs office and picked up and moved out here from Brookings, he said.

The reason Mueller has stayed in the Black Hills for decades boils down to a somewhat obvious reason: He and his family enjoy the outdoors. He said he has stuck with the PCSO because of the work he feels the office does in the community.

I just fell in love with the work that we do here at the sheriffs office, the impact that we have on our community and those that we serve, and its very fulfilling work to be part of, he said, referencing programs like the Care Campus, which offers detox services, addiction treatment and residential/outpatient services.

Mueller also pointed out the collaborative relationship between the Rapid City Police Department and the PCSO as something he values. The two law enforcement agencies occupy the same building and work together on cases.

He highlighted partnerships between the private and public sector  such as the partnership between Lutheran Social Services and the Care Campus  as something he hopes to continue to help deal with social issues in the community.

It provides better service and it's more cost effective to enter into public-private partners to deal with some of those social issues, Mueller said. We need to continue to look for opportunities to partner together with others in our community that have a passion for that type of work, so we can free our law enforcement resources up to deal with what law enforcement should be focusing on.

Rapid Citys end-of-year population estimate for 2021 was 78,159 people, 3,456 more than the 2020 federal census counted. Pennington County estimated 2021 population is 111,806. More growth in the county is anticipated with Ellsworth Air Force Base expecting to add 3,000 to 4,000 more airmen between 2022-2027 because of its B-21 program.

Mueller said the sheriffs department is working with elected officials and department heads in Pennington County to talk through how to maintain quality of service in the area.

Citizens in Pennington County are accustomed to having high quality of service, and we need to make sure that were able to continue to maintain that type of service even through these periods of growth. The county has limited budget growth opportunities, so were going to need to continue to work together to make sure that were using our resources wisely, Mueller said.

From a public safety standpoint, Mueller said maintaining that quality of service means maintaining adequate staff to handle growth, making sure theres adequate room in facilities like the jail, the juvenile service center and care campus.

Public safety can get behind the curve and it can suffer pretty quickly, so we just have to make sure that we're paying special attention to that and we're being proactive, he said.

Does that mean being frugal with current resources or obtaining more? Mueller said its both.

Just continuing to make sure we're doing things as efficiently and effectively as we can with the resources that we have. For us, that's going to be continuing to look for grant opportunities, and then really working closely with the county commission each year when were working on budgets and working with the legislature, he said.

As far as his role as sheriff goes, Mueller said the main purpose of the position is to maintain public safety throughout the county and understand the differences in the law enforcement needs of the communities within the county, which is 2,777 square miles and a growing population.

Thats pretty broad, but really its a broad job. Theres a lot of moving pieces and parts to the Pennington County Sheriff's Office. We have over 430 staff, over 150 volunteers, Mueller said.

As far as whether Mueller plans to make any changes as sheriff, he said right now hes focusing on working with Thom on wrapping up projects hes working on, and from there hell evaluate possible changes.

Obviously with the sheriff leaving and then me moving into that role as chief deputy, we're going to have the opportunity for some movement in the office administratively. I'm going to spend the next few months evaluating what that structure is going to look like for being the sheriff and work with our existing staff, he said.

If theres one thing Mueller wants the public to know, its that the sheriffs office is transparent and willing to answer questions.

We're willing to answer questions. We're willing to answer hard questions from citizens (and) from the community, he said. "Whether something's going right and we're involved in something positive in the community or something doesn't go so well, just being transparent and letting the community know what's going on, and, if there's an issue, what we're doing to work on that."

 Contact Shalom Baer Gee at sgee@rapidcityjournal.com 

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Jason Ravnsborgs decision to not pursue re-election as South Dakota attorney general doesnt rule out the possibility of him serving in state government following the November election, several South Dakota Republican officials told News Watch.

The speculation is part of a larger sense of uncertainty and intrigue that hover over the upcoming attorney general election in South Dakota, in which delegates of the state Republican Party will have a strong voice in charting the futures of three of the states top legal officials  Ravnsborg, David Natvig and Marty Jackley.

Ravnsborg faces a Senate impeachment trial June 21-22 stemming from a highway crash in which he struck and killed pedestrian Joe Boever west of Highmore in the fall of 2020. But Ravnsborgs future in government could also hinge on the state GOP convention a few days later in Watertown, where party delegates will vote to declare a nominee for attorney general.

Ravnsborg, suspended from his duties since the House of Representatives voted for impeachment April 12, has reached out to delegates in support of Natvig, director of the Division of Criminal Investigation. Natvig is a former law school classmate that Ravnsborg appointed to the DCI role.

Natvig announced his intention last month to run for Ravnsborgs job against Jackley, the former three-term attorney general who held the post from 2009-2019. The Republican candidate in the November general election is selected by Republican delegates at the GOP convention. The Republican nomination process is pivotal because there is currently no Democratic candidate in the race for attorney general, and South Dakota hasnt elected a Democrat to the position since Kermit Sande in 1972.

GOP delegates interviewed by News Watch said that while Jackley is viewed as the favorite to win the nomination, convention balloting can be unpredictable, with anywhere from 600 to 800 statewide delegates expected to cast votes this year. If Natvig prevails, and wins the general election, he would be in position to appoint Ravnsborg to the AGs office as a lawyer or even as DCI director, delegates told News Watch.

Theres a path to victory for David [Natvig], said Rich Hilgemann of Aberdeen, vice chairman of the Brown County Republicans, adding that he has spoken recently with Natvig, Jackley and Ravnsborg about delegate counts. With everything going on, it was just decided that Davids chances to win this thing are a lot better than Jasons.

Asked about the possibility of Natvig appointing Ravnsborg to a state law enforcement role if he prevails, Hilgemann said, Its possible. I wouldnt advise it, but its possible.

In a phone interview with News Watch on June 13, Natvig didnt rule out any appointment scenarios but dismissed the notion that his candidacy for attorney general is linked to Ravnsborgs future.

First off, Im not a politician, said Natvig, a 56-year-old Kimball native who served as Brule County States Attorney from 2003-2019 while also practicing civil law. Im going into this race with the attitude that I dont owe political favors to anyone. I would not make any promises to anyone about anything.

Questions about qualifications

Natvig, a former high school wrestler who received his undergraduate degree in political science from South Dakota State University, said he knows Ravnsborg from their time at the University of South Dakota School of Law, where Natvig graduated in 2000, one year ahead of Ravnsborg.

We had some contact between law school and (Natvigs appointment as DCI director in 2019), though not a lot, Natvig said. We might have referred a case to each other a few times, but thats about it in those 19 years.

The fact that Natvig, who is not a certified law enforcement officer, was appointed to run the state investigative bureau came as a surprise to Jim Vlahakis, a former DCI director who will retire later this year after 10 years as Yankton County Sheriff.

Im in my 43rd year in law enforcement and I had never heard of David Natvig until Jason appointed him as a non-certified law enforcement officer to be DCI director, said Vlahakis, who was elected as a first-time Republican delegate earlier this month and supports Jackley. That was odd to me, and I think it was felt throughout the agency.

Natvig cites his military service as an Army paratrooper and years as a prosecutor as examples of his leadership skills, adding that clearly there was a reason I was brought in from the outside to run DCI, an agency formed in 1937 to lead investigations as well as maintain records, train law enforcement and operate the state forensic lab.

Jackley has boasted during his campaign of support from the law enforcement community, including the endorsements of the past five DCI directors: Brian Zeeb (2018-19), Bryan Gortmaker (2008-18), Vlahakis (2006-08), Kevin Thom (2002-06) and Doug Lake (1996-2002).

If Im fortunate enough to be elected attorney general, I will appoint an experienced and certified law enforcement officer as DCI director so they can make arrests and lead other law enforcement officers, Jackley told News Watch.

Natvig pointed to crackdowns on violent crime and drug trafficking as campaign priorities as he pursues the role of attorney general. He said he visited the southern border with Mexico about two months ago and that its wide open, allowing drugs such as cocaine and fentanyl to flow into the country, which fuels violent crime. Those things go hand in hand, he said.

But delegates said that Natvig also has to run on his record at DCI, noting a string of recent retirements among senior staff and assistant directors.

If we have a case, we will come after you

Since losing the 2018 gubernatorial primary to Noem, Jackley has worked as Haakon County States Attorney in Pierre and in private practice. He has providing counsel to billionaire credit card magnate Denny Sanford, listed in court documents as the subject of a child pornography investigation involving state and federal authorities.

On May 27, less than a month before the state GOP convention, Deputy Attorney General Brent Kempema submitted a court filing saying that the office has completed its investigation and has determined that there are no prosecutable offenses within the jurisdiction of the State of South Dakota involving Sanford.

The decision doesnt rule out charges federally or in other jurisdictions, but it resolves a potential conflict of interest for Jackley as he seeks to win the job of South Dakotas top law enforcement official. Natvig was asked about the juxtaposition of DCIs work in combatting internet crimes such as child pornography and Jackleys representation of Sanford.

There are certainly people who can look at what both of us are doing today and compare those things, Natvig said. They can see the person who is (defending Sanford) and the person who is out there doing everything he can every day to fight crime and make sure the folks at DCI have all the available tools they need.

Everyone deserves legal representation, but a lawyer doesnt have to accept every client.

In a video announcing his campaign for attorney general, Natvig said, I dont care who you are  if we have the evidence, if we have the case, we are coming after you and we will win.

Some delegates have asked him if he was referring to Sanford or even Noem, who has faced scrutiny for her involvement in her daughters bid for a real-estate appraiser license, a process that led to the resignation of a longtime state employee who later received a $200,000 wrongful termination settlement from the state. A state legislative panel concluded in a report last month that Noems daughter, Kassidy Peters, received preferential treatment.

That line in my video applied to everyone, said Natvig, who has four daughters with his wife, LaRae, and lives in Pierre. Ive spent a lot of time as a prosecutor, and my point was that if you break the law, Ill make it clear that no one is above the law, which Ive shown in my career. A lot of politicians tell you what you want to hear. Im more the kind of guy whos going to tell you the truth, and it may sting a little bit. Thats just how I am.

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A Lead man has been arrested on charges of attempted homicide after allegedly shooting another man Tuesday evening.

According to the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, 76-year-old Robert Gillis was arrested after sheriff's deputies and the Lead Police Department responded to a call for a gunshot victim. When law enforcement arrived at an undisclosed address, they found a 55-year-old man with gunshot wounds.

Gillis was arrested on the charges of attempted homicide and the victim was transported to Monument Health in Rapid City. The condition and the name of the victim has not been released.

The incident is being investigated by the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, Lead Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.

The sheriff's office said no additional details will be released at this time.

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Well-being is where its at is one of Amy Amanns mantras. Her new business, The Light-Hearted Yogi: A Hub of Well-Being, strives to be a place that nurtures people and encourages greater well-being in their lives.

Combining yoga and other classes, activities and a gift shop, Amann opened The Light-Hearted Yogi on Feb. 22 at 3448 Sturgis Road. The business developed, Amann said, because she wanted to offer and create a culture that was different than anything else in the area and that nurtures physical and emotional well-being.

I am light-hearted. I have to stay light-hearted. Thats how I have to operate my life for me to be satisfied, she said. Were human. Were never going to be done, but your well-being starts with you and how you feel.

I really want to make The Light-Hearted Yogi (a place where) if youve got a body and you can move, youre qualified. Even if youre in a wheelchair or you just had surgery, come sit and take some time for yourself. Shut out the outside world and slow down, Amann said.

Amann completed training and became certified through the Online Yoga School, and she teaches some classes. Though the term yogi is in her business name, she said yoga is just one component people can find at her business.

The class she teaches at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays is especially appealing for beginners or people who feel insecure about their bodies or uncertain about their ability to do yoga.

I have a passion for (helping) veterans, said Amann, whose oldest son is a Marine. I wanted to create a safe place (for) any marginalized communities. I wanted to be able to offer group meetings and accessible and  inclusive classes.

Amann said all those who teach classes at The Light-Hearted Yogi aim to make their classes accessible to everyone. Classes include belly dancing, restorative yoga with a sound bath, and yoga to improve balance, and this week there are outdoor yoga classes at Old Storybook Island.

Restorative yoga with a sound bath helps people find a comfortable position, then adds calming sounds to draw people more deeply into relaxation. The frequency of the sound bowls is scientifically proven to help people turn off the outside world and allow their bodies to be in a state of relaxation, Amann said.

A local massage therapist teaches a balanced and stable class that blends yoga poses with an emphasis on stability and mobility, and its especially good for older people. An energetic yoga class meets on Tuesday mornings, and Amann leads a chakra-based yoga class on Friday mornings to teach people about chakra systems and apply what theyve learned.

Amann also teaches a Sunday morning class and partners with a new coffee truck, Bean There Done That, which is onsite at The Light-Hearted Yogi during the class.

This place is magic. The classes are very well-received, she said. Im loving every minute of it. Everyone has been very encouraging and very receptive.

A grief group meets every three weeks, and Amann said shes open to hosting more community events. The Light-Hearted Yogi will host an improv camp for kids ages 8 to 15 from July 25 through 29. She also plans to bring in some live music to fill a void left in the community after The Cave Collective closes.

The Light-Hearted Yogi also will host divination and guidance events with tarot reading, palmistry, oracle readings and past life readings.

If retail therapy counts as a well-being activity, Amann has that covered, too. Her gift shop is a potpourri of things she loves  candles, crystals, home goods and vintage items  and books to buy and borrow, divination cards, upcycled and new gifts, plants and more. She wants to collaborate with artists, makers and entrepreneurs who share her mindset about the importance of well-being and she hopes to continue adding products to her gift shop.

Whatever youre into, whatever your belief system, the things you do that make you feel good, Im into that, Amann said.

Its a pretty cool place, Amann said of her new business. Were going to do all the fun things.

For class schedules and more information about The Light-Hearted Yogi, follow facebook.com/thelightheartedyogi, @thelightheartedyogi on Instagram, email thelightheartedyogi@gmail.com or call 605-484-4673.

RC Small Business Bash

On Saturday, Amann and about a dozen small businesses throughout Rapid City are participating in an RC Small Business Bash theyve organized to promote themselves and their services in the community. Each business is offering a door prize.

Discover or rediscover these participating small businesses: The Light-Hearted Yogi; Made You Look Thrift Store, 3445 Sturgis Road; Koyote Koffee, 3464 Sturgis Road; Everybodys Bookstore, 3321 West Main St.; Dandelion Wishes Market, 2330 W. Main St.; YouNique Finds, 901 Mount Rushmore Road; Peace At Last Pottery & Plants, 820 St. Francis St.; Daphidils Exotic Aviary Birds & More, 1601 E. Cambell St., Suite 3; Tasias Apothecary, 201 Main St., Suite 207; Mystic Market, 1302 E. St. Patrick St., Suite 104; We Care Thrift Store, 401 East Boulevard N.; and Antique & Furniture Mart, 1112 W. Main St.

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A piece of Cold War-era history was unearthed in a Rapid City womans backyard Tuesday, when a patch of caved-in earth revealed what appeared to be a bomb shelter from the 1950s.

Jennifer Giroux discovered a portion of the bomb shelter on her property on Dover Street in west Rapid City, when she spied two metal pipes protruding from the ground next to the collapsed earth. Further exploration of the interior revealed a good portion of the shelter straddled the fence separating her property from her next-door neighbor, Jeff Furiga.

The caved-in earth, likely due to weather, formed a 1-2 foot circular window into the underground shelter, though likely not the original entrance. The interior told few tales, littered with rocks, brick and debris. A bright orange traffic marker and scattered bottles diluted the underground time capsule. Only its four concrete walls, all visible from peering through the hole, know the stories of the past six decades.

While the discovery was new to Giroux, Furiga had known of its existence since he was 10 years old. His grandparents build the house in 1952, and he remembered visiting for summer vacations and being aware of the shelter in the 1970s.

Furiga never had the opportunity to explore it, because the entrance was across the fence, on what is now Girouxs property. He took his first look inside on Wednesday.

When he was a kid, he said they didnt really talk about it. In the 1970s, it simply wasnt significant.

The Cold War was still going on, Furiga said. So it wasnt that bad  I mean, you could understand.

Another piece of Cold War history, Furiga referenced the tornado siren, or "12 o'clock siren," near Pony League Field. The siren was once utilized for air raids, because The Russians could have bombed us at any time, he said.

From Furigas backyard, a glance over the fence revealed raised ground where he said they just knew it was a shelter.

I was told time and time again that thats a bomb shelter, he said. Im pretty sure my grandfather pointed it out to me.

Furiga recalled seeing bricks and what looked like a frame at one point, on Girouxs side of the fence, marking what he guessed was the original entrance. No longer visible, he guessed the bricks must have been removed by the time Giroux bought the house.

Furigas history with his house can be traced back from his grandparents, to his own parents, to 2011, when he moved in to help with his mother. His mother passed away last year, and hes now preparing to move on, back to the warmer pastures of Arizona. Had Giroux not discovered the pipes sticking out of her yard, he may never have gotten a glance inside the bomb shelter hed only ever known from the other side of the fence.

Giroux moved into her house in 2003 or 2004, the origins of the bomb shelter a mystery to her, as well.

The shelter and all its mystery will soon pass on to new owners, as both Giroux and Furiga prepare to move on. What the concrete walls reveal to the new owners remains to be seen, but theyll know its there.

Contact Laura Heckmann at lheckmann@rapidcityjournal.com

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A Corvallis man was charged with two felony drug counts on Monday.

Joseph Melvin Bishop, 53, appeared in Ravalli County Justice Court on felony charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of paraphernalia on June 13.

According to the charging affidavit, a Ravalli County deputy observed a maroon Chevrolet Impala being driven by Bishop on Willow Creek Road in Corvallis on June 10 around 3:30 p.m. The deputy was aware from prior interactions with Bishop that he did not possess a valid drivers license.

The deputy tried to pull over Bishop but the defendant allegedly continued west on Willow Creek, turned north on East Street South, and immediately pulled into 1008 East Street South.

When the deputy finally reached Bishop he had the driver door of the vehicle open and appeared to be exiting in a possible attempt to elude law enforcement. Bishop was then instructed to stay in the vehicle, according to charging documents.

While advising Bishop why he was stopped, the deputy observed two red packages of cigarettes, one in the defendant's hand and the other in his pocket, along with a blue butane torch sitting on the center console, and a red straw between the driver side door and driver seat.

A drug-detecting police dog was brought out, and it indicated potential drugs on the passenger side of the vehicle.

According to the affidavit, Bishop denied the presence of drugs in the vehicle and told the deputy the vehicle did not belong to him. The deputy informed Bishop he was not under arrest but that he was seizing the vehicle pending a search warrant. After being informed that he was free to go Bishop then walked across the street and stood by a neighboring fence.

While the vehicle was being photographed a red package of cigarettes was discovered under the vehicle near the driver's side. The package of cigarettes was the same color and brand previously seen in the defendant's possession. A baggie containing a large white crystal that appeared to be methamphetamine was discovered inside.

Bishop was then taken into custody. The deputy field tested the contents of the baggie which indicated positive for methamphetamine.

Upon receiving a search warrant the vehicle was searched at the Ravalli County Sheriffs Office secure storage facility on June 11, where a methamphetamine pipe was located in the glove box of the vehicle. Deputies also located several documents belonging to Bishop inside the vehicle.

Ravalli County Justice Jim Bailey set bail at $20,000.

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What is Albert Einsteins definition of insanity? Letting the dinosaurs out of their cages, over and over, and expecting them not to slaughter all of humanity this time?

That happens  again  in Jurassic World Dominion, which takes an hour to get going but becomes satisfying, largely thanks to old cinematic friends who havent united since the original Jurassic Park in 1993.

Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Sam Neill all return in Dominion, and they are the best thing about it.

In the first hour, those OGs keep us interested in a movie that seems unsure what we want from the sixth in the series (hint: Its dinosaurs). The world has become so used to dinos that some are being domesticated, even weaponized.

After reintroducing us to Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt, who starred in films No. 4 and 5  and now live in a Utah cabin that looks like a box of human meat to their dino-neighbors  Jurassic takes an extraneous detour into 007-style international intrigue, with scenes set in Malta, Italy and elsewhere.

Its OK (theres a spectacular motorcycle chase), but the film seems to have forgotten the first word of its title. Dern, Goldblum and Neill never do.

Derns and Neills scientists, officially the slowest-burning will-they-or-wont-they? in cinematic history, have stumbled onto a corrupt company called Biosyn that is using dinosaurs to take over the world food supply and perhaps something even more nefarious. So they journey to corporate headquarters to meet their frenemy Goldblum, who helps turn the tables on Biosyns evil leader, played by Campbell Scott.

The appeal of the first and still best Jurassic was its simplicity: Dinosaurs! Cool! Uh-oh! Director Colin Trevorrow gums up Dominion with too many complications  including an amusing performance by DeWanda Wise as a daring pilot, but also several people who wont interest you  and that makes for a choppy film. Just when something gets interesting in the first hour, were off to another subplot.

The last hour, though, is one dangerous set piece after another, and they all work. The characters, whove been on separate missions, finally unite to the strains of John Williams original Jurassic Park theme, and the movie gets down to the business of watching humans we like just barely escape from rapacious dinosaurs.

No disrespect to Platt and Howard, who are fine, but it feels as if the wonder, fear and curiosity that Dern, Goldblum and Neill brought to Jurassic Park come rushing back here.

Each is given a lovely echo of a moment from the first movie, and each brings a quality that enlivens Dominion: the amazement of Dern, the decency of Neill and the wit of Goldblum, who is to Jurassic movies what Maggie Smith is to the Downton universe. Every single word he says is hilarious.
Two men remained hospitalized  one with life-threatening injuries  after they were stabbed Wednesday night in the neighborhood where they live off Reams Road in Chesterfield County.

Detectives are still investigating the circumstances of the assault.

Chesterfield police received a call at 10:30 p.m. of a stabbing in the 10400 block of Marbleridge Court, about a half-mile west of Reams Road Elementary School. Upon arrival, officers located two men with life-threatening stab wounds inside a house at that address. They were taken to area hospitals.

One victims condition was upgraded Thursday to serious but non-life threatening. The other victim is in critical but stable condition. The two victims, ages 29 and 44, are related and lived at the address where the stabbing occurred, said Chesterfield police Capt. Michael Breeden.

Police are searching for a suspect they described as a Black male, 6-foot to 6-foot-2 inches tall, with a stocky build. He is balding and has facial hair. He was wearing a dark-colored long-sleeve shirt.

We are still trying to put this one together, Breeden said.

Later Thursday, police disclosed that a third occupant of the house where the victims lived reported that an unknown male arrived at the residence. When one of the victims opened the door, he was assaulted and stabbed by the assailant.

The second victim was then assaulted and stabbed by the assailant inside the house, police said.

Police said there is no indication the assailant, who was armed with what appeared to be a knife, is known to the victims.

Police said residents in the Marbleridge Court area are urged to contact police if they see anyone in the area matching the assailants description.

Police urged anyone with information to contact them at (804) 748-1251 or Crime Solvers at (804) 748-0660.
Laquita Tobey became more and more frantic as she pleaded with a Richmond 911 dispatcher to send someone to help find her 7-year-old son.

I want my son, she repeated several times in the recorded call, which was played for a jury of nine men and four women Wednesday. Most of what she told the dispatcher was incoherent. Somebody got my son.

The boy was supposed to be with his father, Anthony Tobey Jr., who could not be reached, according to her testimony. His body would later be discovered in the bathtub of his apartment. Hed been shot in the head.

Instead, a man Laquita Tobey didnt know answered her ex-husbands phone.

Calm down [expletive], a man could be heard saying in the body-worn cameras of the officers who arrived at Laquita Tobeys home in response to her 911 call.

That was around 9 p.m. on Feb. 26, 2021. It was dark and raining.

Two hours later, the boy was found trying to cross Hull Street. He was alone but unharmed.

A bystander at a convenience store across the street saw the boy and called police, who returned him safely to his mother.

In the hallway outside of a Richmond Circuit courtroom, Laquita Tobey thanked the man who found the boy.

Im glad I was there, he told Laquita Tobey.

On Wednesday, the boy, who is now 8 and could barely be seen in the witness box, recounted what happened between about 8 p.m. that night and the time he was found.

He was visiting his dads new apartment for the first time. When they arrived, another man, whom he later identified in a police photo lineup as 43-year-old Kevin Degraffenreid, was at the home. He had been living with Anthony Tobey.

A short time later, he said his dad had gone down a hallway, and then he heard a loud noise.

It was really close to me and loud, he told the jury.

Degraffenreid is on trial for killing Tobey and abducting the child. He also faces a gun charge.

When asked by Leonard McCall, Degraffenreids attorney, if he saw ever his dad again, the boy replied at the church, which McCall clarified was at his funeral.

Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Caitlin Kelly said in her opening arguments that Degraffenreid told the child to go to the kitchen while Degraffenreid moved Tobeys body into the bathtub and closed the door, then had the boy play video games in his dads room while he tried to clean the scene.

But the boy called his mother, who didnt immediately pick up, so she called him back, and Degraffenreid took his phone. Thats why when Laquita Tobey called her exs phone, Degraffenreid picked up, Kelly said.

Degraffenreid panicked then, Kelly said. Degraffenreid took Tobeys car, a silver Hyundai Sonata, and left the boy in an alleyway in the 300 block of Hull Street.

Around 3 a.m. on Feb. 27, 2021, a Richmond police officer had just gotten off duty and was driving home, in civilian clothes and in his personal car, when a silver Hyundai Sonata started tailgating him. The driver pulled up to next to the officer, rolled down his window and fired a shot at him.

The officer immediately reported the shooting, he testified. A short time later, around the same area, Henrico County police pulled over a silver Hyundai Sonata matching the description of the vehicles in both incidents. Degraffenreid was driving Tobeys car.

A loaded .40-caliber gun, belonging to Tobey and missing two rounds, was found in the vehicle. Detectives took the gun as well as the shoes Degraffenreid was wearing.

On them was Tobeys blood, police said.

The trial is expected to resume Thursday morning.
An author whose childrens book was the subject of a removal effort in the Hanover County school district posted on social media Wednesday that the School Board there made the right decision.

Victory for #freadom, Zetta Elliott said on Twitter. Many thanks and much love to everyone in Hanover County for standing up against the book banners.

Hanovers School Board voted 4-3 on Tuesday to keep Elliotts A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart on school shelves following a challenge to remove the title over its content. A dozen people spoke at the meeting.

Elliotts story follows a Black boys journey as he tries to describe his feelings in the wake of the death of a Black woman shot and killed by police. The 32-page book, which is recommended for children 4 to 8, received the 2021 Caldecott Medal for its illustrations by Noa Denmon.

County Supervisor Michael Herzerg criticized Elliott on Facebook and called the illustrations garbage. Two pages depict a crowd of people and a Black Lives Matter sign, while a third illustration shows five faceless police officers, one holding a baton, in front of a crowd.

Hanover: Its time for your school board to create policy to get garbage like this out of YOUR libraries, Herzbergs Facebook post read. Indoctrination has been going on for years and it has to stop. Slicing through flesh and bone is not appropriate for K-5.

Herzberg asked that the School Board remove the book and any other it deems inappropriate, but on Tuesday a group of parents asked that it stay.

Robert French, of the Chickahominy District, brought the book for the board to see. French said he has two young children at home and was struck by the storys message.

I wish this book was available to me when I when I was kid, when I lost somebody very close to me, and I had the emotions that are described in this book, French said.

French told the board hed spend $1,000 of his own money just so elementary school students would have the chance to read Elliots story.

Im going to put my own money to this, French said.

Banning books has become a flashpoint in several communities nationally in recent months. Across the U.S. about 1,600 books have been pulled from school libraries or classrooms this academic year, according to the nonprofit group PEN America, compared to about 300 challenges or bans in previous years. Most of the targeted books feature LGBTQ or Black characters or themes.

Elliott told the Times-Dispatch in an interview in May that she hoped the board would consider keeping her book.

Well, well have to wait and see what happens, whether that book gets banned in Hanover County, I certainly hope not, Elliott said. But Im really happy for all the people who are supporting me and think that books should stay in kids hands.

Elliott did not immediately respond to an interview request on Wednesday.

Dottie Walsh, of Beaverdam, told the board that she was moved by the books message and that its never too early to talk to children about race.

In life, there are teachable moments and this one of them. Im the daughter of a South Carolina state police trooper, and I approve this book, Walsh said. I was moved by this book  its a book about the feelings we all experience in life, young and old and theyre all inside of us. All of us.

Board member Bob May of the South Anna District said during the meeting that while hes against banning books, the content of this story is still too political and should be read only by older audiences.

I think this book should be limited to a higher education levels meaning possibly fourth- and fifth-graders, not the kindergarten age. Thats my concern, May said. Im not for banning books but I am for trying to make this available for students that have the ability to further understand what theyre reading.

A group of librarians and school staff previously reviewed the books content. Their recommendation was to keep the title in the poetry section rather than the picture book section, which would decrease the likelihood that younger children would checkout the book.

The book is available at Cold Harbor and Elmont elementary schools and isnt used in any supplemental or instructional material in any Hanover classroom.

Board member John Axselle, representative of the Beaverdam District, was against keeping the book, saying it had too much violence and portrayed law enforcement negatively.

I happen to think that those types of messages are the wrong messages to send, Axselle said.

The board agreed with the recommendation presented by school staff that the book should stay in its libraries, albeit in the poetry section rather than the picture book section.

May ended up voting in favor of keeping the book along with Chairman Ola Hawkins of the Ashland District, Vice Chair Robert Hundley, Jr. of the Chickahominy District and Sterling Daniel of the Mechanicsville District.

Board members Axselle, George E. Sutton of the Henry District and Steven Ikenberry of the Cold Harbor District voted in opposition.
Hanover County public school students could face harsher penalties if they participate in walkout protests under the School Boards newly adopted code of conduct.

The School Board unanimously approved changes Tuesday to its definition of a walkout in addition to tacking on language to define student self-defense claims.

Hundreds of students during the school year participated in several demonstrations, which prompted the School Board to clarify the language.

Patrick Henry High School students in September walked out during the school day to call attention to student mental health needs after the suicide of a classmate. The protest was held during the school day near school grounds, and participating students were given 10-day suspensions.

Atlee High students staged a walkout in March to protest the boards hesitancy to adopt policies that give transgender students access to bathrooms and locker rooms that fit with their identity  a policy thats mandated by the state. The demonstration was held on school grounds during normal class time. Atlee students were given two- or three-day suspensions.

Another walkout at Mechanicsville High  also for transgender students rights  was held April 22, though that event took place after the school day ended and just off school grounds. Those students werent given any suspensions.

Although the Code of Student Conduct has been a longstanding doctrine which outlines the behavior expected of every Hanover student, the added language the board agreed to Tuesday, further clarifies the school systems intent towards walkout demonstrations and the punishments students receive.

The board Tuesday approved a provision that prohibits demonstrations, including protests and walkouts, which may interfere with teaching or the orderly conduct of school activities.

Additionally, leaving class during school hours without permission is prohibited and will be subject to the Code of Student Conduct.

Under the new policy, students could face short- or long-term suspensions as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct, as opposed to the previous absence of a general standard of punishment.

The language closely resembles definitions put forth in Tinker v. Des Moines, a landmark 1969 Supreme Court ruling protecting students rights to free speech in public schools.

Board member Robert Hundley Jr. of the Chickahominy District said the change is not meant to hamper students right to protests, but prevent classroom disruptions.

Just to be clear, the intent of this is to mirror the language of Tinker, which basically allows certain demonstrations, Hundley said.

Hundley said students can still participate in passive demonstrations like wearing T-shirts or buttons that support their point of view or participate in demonstrations outside school hours.

Board members also approved a measure for student defense claims, which states anyone claiming self-defense during a fight or incident must be without fault in provoking or bringing on the fight or incident.

The student must also have reasonably feared at the time that there was imminent risk of physical harm and that they used no more force than reasonably necessary to prevent the threatened harm.
Officers continue to be disciplined for violating policy at Riverside Regional Jail, which has previously been found out of compliance with minimum state correctional standards. An officer there was fired for falsifying records in connection to the suicide of an inmate in April.

The Prince George County jail is under increased state scrutiny after negotiating an agreement in September with the Virginia Board of Local and Regional Jails. A committee of that state board had recommended Riverside be shut down because of its record of deaths and policy violations, but the jail worked with the board to reach an agreement allowing it to remain open under increased supervision.

Regional jails such as Riverside are run by a board of local officials from several cities and counties that hires a superintendent to oversee the jail. Riverside houses people from Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Hopewell and the counties of Chesterfield, Charles City, Surry and Prince George.

Riverside provides monthly updates to the state board. According to those updates from March, April and May, misconduct by employees continues.

Jail officers were disciplined in eight instances between March and May for not properly completing security rounds.

The suicide happened April 20, and the officer was terminated for not making and falsifying rounds, according to documents Riverside gave to the state.

Jail officials would not release the name of the inmate who died. Jail Superintendent Larry Leabough did not respond to an email Wednesday.

Asked what he thought of the jails record under increased supervision by his board, Vernie Francis Jr.  chair of the State Board of Local and Regional Jails  declined to comment.

The state boards Jail Review Committee found in April 2021 that Riverside Regional Jail staff may have directly or indirectly been responsible for three prisoner deaths in 2019 and 2020 and found jail conditions represent a clear and present danger to the health and safety of the inmates. The committee recommended closure.

But the board ended up allowing the jail, which can hold up to 1,300 people, to remain open under a two-year agreement. An inmate died by suicide in the jail five weeks later.

The jails records provided to the state say it passed a three-day American Correctional Association audit in May with an overall score of 99.4%, the highest for this jail since electing to participate in ACA audits.
Virginias legislative leaders so far this year have neglected their duty under the state Constitution to fill two vacancies on the seven-member Supreme Court of Virginia. Its unclear if that will change Friday when lawmakers gather in Richmond to work on a new budget.

One issue is that Democrats control the state Senate and Republicans control the state House of Delegates.

Weve been talking since January, said Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath, co-chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. We just havent gotten it done yet.

Deeds said he hopes a deal can be reached Friday when lawmakers, in an ongoing special session, address Gov. Glenn Youngkins proposed amendments to the new state budget. Theyd also need to fill any openings created by elevating a judge from a lower court to the Supreme Court, and they need to fill an opening on the three-member Virginia State Corporation Commission.

I want to see if we can get some kind of deal done, Deeds said. I think we need to get our courts filled and we need a state corporation commissioner.

Asked if the legislature would elect Supreme Court justices on Friday, Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, a member of the House Courts of Justice Committee, replied by text: Most likely.

Asked the same question, House Speaker Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, replied by text that he didnt know yet.

Donald W. Lemons, the former chief justice, announced in December that hed retire Feb. 1. William C. Mims announced in July that he would not seek a new term as a justice when his term ended March 31.

If the legislature were to adjourn Friday without appointing justices, Youngkin would get to do it under the state Constitution. But his choices would be subject to legislative approval in next years General Assembly session; lawmakers would decide whether to keep his choices or pick someone else.

If the legislature finishes its budget work Friday and remains in special session, lawmakers could return at a future date to make the judicial decisions.

Carl Tobias, a professor of law at the University of Richmond, said it would make sense for Democrats who control the Senate to pick one Supreme Court justice and Republicans who control the House to pick one  and if theyve reached agreement they should move forward Friday on electing justices even if they havent reached agreement on other judicial openings.

So if lawmakers havent agreed on a person to go on the State Corporation Commission, he said, they shouldnt let that stop them from appointing two Supreme Court justices.

Maybe they could get something done and go forward, he said.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin wants to end state funding for abortions in which a fetus has been diagnosed with severe deformities or mental deficiencies.

The governor made the proposal Wednesday evening in one of his 38 budget amendments that the General Assembly will consider Friday when lawmakers convene in Richmond.

Youngkin press secretary Macaulay Porter said the governor does not want Virginians to pay for any abortion unless payment is required by federal law. Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia said the proposal would affect low-income women, who would be forced to suffer through pregnancies that can end with a stillbirth.

State law says the Board of Health must fund abortions for women who meet financial criteria in situations where a doctor certifies the fetus will be born with a gross and totally incapacitating physical deformity or with a gross and totally incapacitating mental deficiency.

Virginia already denies state funding of abortion for people receiving Medicaid except in cases of rape, incest, when their life is at risk and in cases of incapacitating fetal diagnoses.

The budget says: No expenditures from general or nongeneral fund sources may be made out of any appropriation by the General Assembly for providing abortion services, except otherwise as required by federal law or state statute.

Youngkin proposes to cut the three words, or state statute, which would end state funding of abortion for incapacitating diagnoses.

According to Planned Parenthood, the state paid for 21 such abortions in fiscal 2021.

Jamie Lockhart, executive director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia, issued a statement calling the proposal cruel.

Wealthy women, and others with financial resources who can become pregnant, will always be able to end a pregnancy after receiving a fatal diagnosis. This amendment will disproportionately impact people of color who will be forced to carry pregnancies that will result in a stillbirth or in the birth of a baby incompatible with life, she said in the statement.

Lawmakers who vote for the amendment are forcing poor woman into pregnancies fraught with suffering, Planned Parenthood said.

The organization, REPRO Rising Virginia, formerly NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia, also issued a statement saying theyd hold accountable any lawmaker who voted for the amendment.

The organization Virginia Society for Human Life is urging lawmakers to back the amendment, noting that Virginia law requires payment for abortions beyond what the federal Hyde Amendment requires.

Youngkins amendment is a simple but important change that we need to ask our legislators to support, the organization said in a statement. Virginia should stop paying for abortions with state taxpayer dollars to the fullest extent possible by adopting the Hyde Amendment in our state budget.

The abortion funding debate in Virginia comes ahead of this summers landmark decision in which the U.S. Supreme Court could overturn Roe v. Wade, which would leave abortion laws up to the states.
Pulaski Countys top two elected officials for law enforcement said Thursday that they are leaving the Democratic Party and will now support Republicans.

Sheriff Mike Worrell and Commonwealths Attorney Justin Griffith issued a joint statement saying that though they were elected as Democrats  Worrell in 2019 and Griffith last year  they no longer agreed with the partys approach to law and order.

We are united in announcing our renunciation of the Democrat Party. This has been a long and well considered decision, the joint statement said.

Griffith and Worrell said they now find themselves in accord with the principles of the Republican Party and intended to support all its nominees for public office in future elections.

The sheriff and prosecutor blamed Democrats for changes in Virginia law in recent years that did away with some mandatory sentences and changed the process of jury trials so that juries decide guilt or innocence but no longer sentence defendants.

They also took issue with decisions made by the Virginia Parole Board, including the release in 2019 of David Allen Simpkins, who had been convicted of 56 felonies, and who in 2020 committed another by holding up a convenience store in Pulaski County.

Griffith and Worrell also pointed to the arrest last weekend in Oklahoma of Christopher Shawn Wheeler, who as a teen in 1994 killed a Wythe County sheriffs deputy. Sentenced to 43 years behind bars, Wheeler was released on probation last fall, moved to Oklahoma, and is accused of waving a gun in a restaurant and boasting that he had killed a law enforcement officer.

Worrell and Griffith said they needed no more lessons, adding David Simpkins and Christopher Shawn Wheeler have taught us enough.

The joint statement warned of a surge of Virginia inmates who Griffith and Worrell said are to be released beginning next month under legislation approved during a 2020 special session that Democrats called to initiate reforms to the criminal justice system. Worrell and Griffith said that the Virginia Department of Corrections had warned that most of the people being released have a violent offense in their past and are considered likely to commit another violent act.

The joint statement criticized Democratic legislators blocking this year of Montgomery County Sheriff Hank Partin, a Republican, from an appointment to the revamped Virginia Parole Board, and took issue with proposals, which were not adopted, to limit the qualified immunity that can protect law enforcement officers from being sued for actions taken in their official capacity.

The last item the statement mentioned was the formation of Virginia Progressive Prosecutors for Justice, a group of 12 Democratic commonwealths attorneys who in 2020 began to advocate for changes in the justice system such as ending cash bail.

In Pulaski County, we are not willing to allow a shadow of a doubt be cast on justice by a progressive Democratic movement, Griffith and Worrells statement said.

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Glenn Youngkin recently pledged to continue a long-standing tradition of the governors office  restoring voting and other civil rights to Virginians who possess a criminal record.

Though this first wave of restorations only impacts 3,496 people, it also harbors a deeper meaning in the political signals it sends to the commonwealth. To this end, Youngkins direct encouragement of more ex-felons to apply for restored rights, combined with Secretary of the Commonwealth Kay Coles Jamess language about mistakes and successful futures, paint a promising, compassionate picture that should bode well for welcoming more ex-felons back into society after they have done their time.

The current administration deserves credit for ensuring that this important process has not fallen to the wayside, and for clarifying that Republican rhetoric on crime and criminality still acknowledges redemption as a clear possibility.

What some Virginians might not know, however, is that they live in one of only 11 states which do not automatically restore voting rights to ex-felons after either release from prison or the completion of a probationary period.

And to be clear, the remaining 39 states (plus the District of Columbia) cover the entire American political spectrum, suggesting a more forgiving justice system, within reason, has broad ideological appeal. How many other issues can bring North Dakota, California, Massachusetts and Utah into agreement?

America has an infamously high recidivism rate. Over 50% of released prisoners are incarcerated again within three years. This is obviously a complex issue with dimensions political, social, and economic  there are no simple solutions.

Still, all Americans, left and right, might want to consider how a persistent stigma against people with criminal records spills over into the factors that most heavily influence recidivism, like employment. Accordingly, small moves in the right direction, including voting rights for ex-felons and the use of welcoming political rhetoric  such as that admirably deployed by Youngkins office last month  might aid in pushing forward the cultural change needed to dispel damaging stereotypes and attitudes.

Despite the wide appeal and potential efficacy of reintegration for former criminals across the United States, the Virginia House of Delegates refused to get with the program back in February, when an effort to amend the state constitution and establish automatic voting rights restoration for ex-felons died in committee  thereby grinding to a halt a multi-year fight to bring Virginia law in line with most other states.

Hopefully Youngkins positive messaging will inspire some introspection within the Virginia GOP. Their governor talks the talk on core criminal justice issues, but are Republican legislators prepared to support him with corresponding actions?

We should all remember that returning the right to vote to ex-felons is not a partisan issue  even in Virginia. Republican Del. Mike Cherrys legislative agenda has touted automatic restoration since day one, and the idea comes with enthusiastic conservative and liberal endorsements: from the American Conservative Union to the ACLU.

Formerly incarcerated Virginians deserve the opportunity to rejoin society in every meaningful sense. After all, a healthy and just legal system requires second chances for those who have done wrong in the past, and most U.S. states agree that a prison sentence is punishment enough.

Adam Shepardson holds a BA in Economics and History from Brown University, and is a Young Voices contributor. You can find him on Twitter @realadamshep
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Two U.S. veterans from Alabama who were in Ukraine assisting in the war against Russia havent been heard from in days and are missing
Brazil's police take suspect to area of search for 2 missing

Brazils police are taking a suspect out on the river toward an area where teams are searching for British journalist Dom Phillips and Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira
The LSU Libraries is one of 10 institutions awarded the American Library Association's 2022 Carnegie Whitney Grant for the proposal, "Blood and Thunder: The Idealized American West and Its Place Today."

Established in 1876, ALA is the oldest and largest library association in the world with more than 60,000 members. This grant, established by Andrew Carnegie in 1902 and enhanced by James Lyman Whitney in 1910, funds the preparation of popular or scholarly reading lists, a list of online resources, or webliographies, indexes and other guides to library resources that will be useful to users of all types of libraries in the United States. This is the third time that the lead researchers for the project, LSU librarians Hayley Johnson and Sarah Simms, have been awarded this grant. They received it in 2017 and again in 2018 for a previous project, "Through an Extended Lens: Louisiana, Internment, and the Geography of Chance," which examined the internment of Japanese and Japanese Americans during World War II in Camp Livingston, a military camp near Alexandria, Louisiana.

"Working at the LSU Libraries gives us so much latitude to explore new ways to think about scholarship. LSU librarians are interdisciplinary by nature. We are connectors of people, of information, and of the different departments on campus. Research like this wouldn't be possible except for in a place like this that values that information and that kind of work," Simms said.

"Blood and Thunder: The Idealized American West and Its Place Today" will explore how the idealized myth of the West and westward expansion was used to justify the expulsion and murder of Indigenous peoples, the taking and exploitation of land and resources for economic gains and the exclusion of minority groups who were perceived as infringing on the rights and resources deemed exclusive to Anglo settlers. The project will use the stories and experiences of those communities that have been historically excluded and oppressed to paint a fuller picture of the dominant historical narrative.

"We are reexamining what you'd typically learn about in your introductory history classes, and the result of this research is that we want to make a very approachable supplemental resource that anyone can pick up and learn from," Johnson said.

Johnson and Simms will develop an interactive online resource guide focused on the counternarratives of the West through the voices of those who experienced it. The guide will include a bibliography of primary and secondary sources such as memoirs, historical accounts, oral histories, guides to newspaper coverage and other topic-specific resources that they discover in the course of their work.

"It is so important for us to be able to assist our students and researchers in deepening their knowledge by uncovering previously unknown sources of information that they can then use to enrich their own scholarly works," Johnson said.

Additional Links:

2022 Carnegie Whitney Grant winners: https://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2022/04/carnegie-whitney-grant-2022-award-winners

Through an Extended Lens: Louisiana, Internment, and the Geography of Chance, TEDxLSU talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/hayley_johnson_sarah_simms_why_we_need_to_uncover_hidden_histories_from_our_archives

Provided by Louisiana State University
FLORENCE, S.C.  Two state legislators will start campaigning again for House District 101 as neither captured a majority in Tuesdays Democratic Primary.

State Rep. Roger Kirby has served as the House District 61 representative since 2015. District 61 was rolled into District 101 with redistricting because of the 2020 census count.

Kirby faced District 101 incumbent Cezar McKnight and William Terry Wallace in Tuesdays primary. No candidate received more than 50 percent of the 5,542 votes cast.

Kirby won the primary by four votes. He received 2.671 votes or 48.2% McKnight finished with 2,667 votes  48.12%. Wallace garnered 204 votes  3.68%.

All results are in, but the election will not be official until it is certified by county election boards.

Kirby thanked his supporters in a post on his Facebook page.

With your continued prayers and help, we will win with a significantly larger margin in two weeks, according to Kirbys post. Lets go forward together in unity and get things done in the new SC House District 101. Together  we can do great things.

McKnight also thanked supporters in video posted to his Facebook page on Wednesday.

It was a long night last night, but I feel really good about the outcome, he said in the video. On June 28, we will be asking our friends, neighbors and supporters to come out and vote again to determine whos going to be the Democratic nominee to be state representative for District 101.

District 101 encompasses parts of Florence, Williamsburg and Berkeley counties.

Early voting for the District 101 runoff will be 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 22-24 at early voting locations within the district.

Kirby serves as treasurer of the House Democratic Caucus. He has also won several awards including legislator of the year from the South Carolina Soil Water Conservation Districts and Quality Deer Management and a business advocate of the year award from the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce in 2019 and 2020.

He is a real estate appraiser and broker based in Lake City and a 1982 graduate of Furman University. Kirby also serves as the director of music at Lake City First Baptist Church.

McKnight is an attorney. He lives in Kingstree. He has served as the District 101 representative since 2014. He serves on the House Judiciary Committee and is first vice chairman of the Operations and Management Committee.
DARLINGTON, S.C.  South Carolina retired Chief Judge James E. Lockemy spoke Thursday to the Darlington Kiwanis Club. Lockemy touched briefly on his recent trip to the Ukrainian border before he spoke on the history of the American Flag, from George Washingtons request forward in history. His presentation concluded with the group saying, for the second time, the Pledge of Allegiance. Lockemy was elected as a circuit judge in 1989 and served for 18 years. Lockemy was then elected as a judge for the South Carolina Court of Appeals and was elected chief judge in 2016, a post in which he continues to serve. In the South Carolina Judiciary, he served as president of the Circuit Judges Association.
 Notable new ACLU report on prison labor in the United States | Main | "Letting Offenders Choose Their Punishment?" 

June 16, 2022

New issue of Brooklyn Law Review examines "The Role of the 'Victim' in the Criminal Legal System"

I just recently came across online the latest issue of the Brooklyn Law Review, and it is now high on my summer reading list. The abstract of the Foreword to the issue, penned by Kate Mogulescu, provides this context:

On September 24, 2021, the Brooklyn Law Review brought together scholars looking at the role of the victim in the criminal legal system. Of consideration were the following questions: Who is labeled a victim and how does that impact outcomes and process? Where does the issue of victimization emerge, how is it received and what should the systems response be? Who gets a voice? And when? Does the existing victim-offender binary further exacerbate a criminal legal system build on misogyny, xenophobia, and white supremacy? The series of articles and essays that make up this issue reflect the symposiums multidimensional discussion and interrogate the way the legal system recognizes, or fails to recognize, those who have experienced harm.

And here is a list of all the articles in this issue:

Giving Meaning to the Apostrophe in Victim[]s Rights by Margaret Garvin

Should Victims Views Influence Prosecutors Decisions? by Bruce A. Green and Brandon P. Ruben

Blame the Victim: How Mistreatment by the State Is Used to Legitimize Police Violence by Tamara Rice Lave

Protecting the Constitution While Protecting Victims: Challenges to Pro Se Cross-Examination by Katharine L. Manning

Defense Counsels Cross Purposes: Prior Conviction Impeachment of Prosecution Witnesses by Anna Roberts

What Are Victim Impact Statements For? by Susan A. Bandes

Parole, Victim Impact Evidence, and Race by Alexis Karteron

Rotten Social Background and Mass Incarceration: Who Is a Victim? by Steven Zeidman

The Victim/Offender Overlap and Criminal System Reform by Cynthia Godsoe

June 16, 2022 at 01:32 AM | Permalink

Comments

"Does the existing victim-offender binary further exacerbate a criminal legal system build on misogyny, xenophobia, and white supremacy?"

For sure, the problem is never the fellow who puts a revolver in your ear to get your wallet, it's only "a criminal legal system build [sic] on misogyny, xenophobia, and white supremacy?"

This entry looked interesting until I saw that. Now I know to expect just the usual Amerika Stinks tripe I always see out of these creeps. No thanks.

Posted by: Bill Otis | Jun 16, 2022 10:15:24 AM

Bill,

Notice that there is no evidence supporting the claim the system is based on, misogyny, xenophobia, and white supremacy? It appears the entire issue is based on a premise they just assume.

Not exactly a good way to start an issue in a scholarly journal.

Posted by: TarlsQtr | Jun 16, 2022 2:51:33 PM

TarlsQtr --

It's unfortunate, indeed it's tragic, that the life of academic inquiry has been replaced by enforced conformity to the Woke line, with no curiosity and even less dissent.

Posted by: Bill Otis | Jun 16, 2022 3:19:04 PM

Post a comment
The Worlds most famous cornershop is launching an official store on Tmall Global on 6.18 as part of its regional growth strategy

LONDON, UK & HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 16 June 2022 - Fortnum & Mason is the essential destination for anyone in search of extraordinary food, joy-giving things, unforgettable experiences and exceptional service. First founded in London in 1707 after Queen Anne gave her footman William Fortnum permission to sell on discarded candles from St Jamess Palace, Fortnum & Mason has been privileged to enjoy a close relationship with the British Royal household ever since  holding several warrants throughout its history, including two from Her Majesty The Queen and HRH The Prince of Wales.



The worlds most famous cornershop is announcing the partnership with ecommerce accelerator Pattern to expand its online business to China. Pattern will act as Fortnum & Masons Trade Partner, supporting every aspect of running its new flagship store on Tmall Global, Chinas largest cross-border online marketplace.



Fortnum & Mason, the 315-year-old British retail and hospitality brand, already has established strong brand awareness with affluent Chinese consumers. In 2019, the brand opened in Hong Kong its first fully-owned and operated shop and restaurant in Asia, as a gateway to strengthen customer connections across the region.



The new Tmall Global flagship store will feature an edit of Fortnums most famous products for the Chinese consumers, including Fortnum & Masons famous teas, biscuits, hot chocolate, wine & spirits, teaware and wicker hampers  each of which plays a large part in its centuries of history and largely relevant to the Chinese consumer behaviour today with the importance of elevating lifestyle experiences.



Fortnum & Mason will work closely with Pattern to complement its range with product and brand content to build awareness and engagement with the potential Chinese consumers, including plans for livestreaming on Tmalls Taobao Live platform.



Pattern is a top Tmall Trade Partner, working closely with a number of high-profile Western brands in China to accelerate their online sales. Pattern buys stock from the brands it works with and supports every aspect of trading their Tmall store, working in true partnership with brands to drive demand and deliver excellent experiences for their discerning Chinese customer bases.



Carmen Chiu, Regional Managing Director Asia Pacific at Fortnum & Mason said: For centuries, Fortnums has thrived on delivering a sense of pleasure for our customers and we are delighted to share that with a new audience in China. We are excited and proud to establish our brand and bring a piece of Piccadilly to our Chinese customers before they visit us in London and Hong Kong.



Fortnum & Mason is positioned perfectly to create the aspirations for those seeking for high-quality experience to elevate their lifestyle. As a multi-category brand, we can meet the needs for every occasion worth celebrating with something more special. We are also very excited about the journey ahead which will provide us a great deal of learning of the Chinese market as an international brand.



Pattern Asia General Manager Arthur Cheung added: We are proud to join hands with Fortnum & Mason at this exciting time for the business and will be working together closely to ensure a successful launch for the Tmall Global store. While the Chinese ecommerce market is extremely competitive, there is always space for brands with a strong history and pedigree, who offer unique and authentic products targeted at sophisticated cross-border shoppers.



He adds: We look for reputable international brands to partner with, and bring our expertise to support their growth in China. Most importantly, we deliver a data-driven approach to trading on Tmall ,with complete visibility for a sustainable partnership.



Story continues

About Pattern

Pattern is the category leader in global ecommerce and marketplace acceleration. Since its founding in 2013, Pattern has profitably grown to more than 1,100 employees operating from 22 global locations to help leading brands achieve accelerated growth on D2C websites and across global marketplacesincluding Amazon, Tmall, JD.com, Lazada, Shopee, and Coupang.

To learn more about how we partner with brands to sell their products on marketplaces see www.pattern.com





#Pattern

About Fortnum & Mason

Fortnum & Mason is an essential destination for anyone in search of extraordinary food, joy-giving things, unforgettable experiences and exceptional service. First founded in London in 1707 after Queen Anne gave her footman William Fortnum permission to sell on discarded candles from St Jamess Palace, Fortnums has been privileged to enjoy a close relationship with the British Royal household ever since  holding several warrants throughout its history, including two from Her Majesty The Queen and HRH The Prince of Wales. Every year, millions of people from around the world visit the London flagship in Piccadilly to enjoy Fortnums famous Afternoon Tea and shop in its plentiful food, gift and fragrance halls. The iconic brand is celebrated for its teas, Scotch eggs, handmade chocolates, and wicker hampers  each of which play a large part in its centuries of history  and today it remains committed to imagination and discovery. Proud of its storied past and innovating still, Fortnums mission remains to deliver a sense of pleasure to every customer, whether theyre shopping in London, in Hong Kong's K11 MUSEA, or from anywhere else in the world. Follow Fortnums on Instagram (@fortnums, @181fortnums), Twitter and Facebook (@fortnums) and on WeChat and Weibo (@fortnumandmason, @), Little Red Book (@fortnum&mason).




Around 10,000 Muslims demonstrated in the Bangladeshi capital on Thursday in the second protest in a week over remarks about the Prophet Mohammed by an Indian official that sparked anger across the Islamic world.

Authorities in India have meanwhile ordered heightened security in several regions for coming Friday prayers after two people were shot dead in protests there last week, local media reported.

Last Friday Muslims took to the streets in huge numbers across Asia following the comments by a spokeswoman for India's ruling party on May 26.

The governments of nearly 20 countries summoned Indian envoys for an explanation of Nupur Sharma's remarks about the prophet and his youngest wife.

Shouting slogans such as "Muslims of the world unite", the Bangladeshi protesters on Thursday rallied in front of Dhaka's biggest mosque and tried to march to the Indian embassy before being blocked by police.

"There were around 10,000 marchers. They were peaceful," senior police official Enamul Haq told AFP.

The protest was organised by Islami Andolan Bangladesh, one of the largest Islamist political parties in Bangladesh, which is home to the world's fourth-largest Muslim population.

Around 150,000 people demonstrated last Friday in major Bangladeshi cities including 20,000 in the capital Dhaka and thousands more in towns and at universities.

Speakers at the Dhaka rally on Thursday called for a boycott of Indian products and demanded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally lodge a protest with India.

Hasina, who has been in power for 13 years, is a close ally of India and has stopped short of condemning Sharma's remarks.

Derogatory comments about Islam and the prophet on social media often trigger violent protests in Bangladesh. They often also spark riots targeting minorities.

Last year at least six people were killed when widespread anti-Hindu riots swept the southeast of Bangladesh after an alleged desecration of a Koran, Islam's holy book, in a Hindu temple.

Story continues

- Bulldozers -

Since coming to power in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and his Bharatiya Janata Party have been accused of championing discriminatory policies towards India's Muslim minority.

Sharma's comments sent the BJP into damage control, with the party suspending her from its ranks and insisting it respected all religions.

As largely peaceful protests raged in several Indian cities last Friday, police opened fire in eastern Ranchi, killing two people after demonstrators threw stones and bottles.

Since then the homes of several people arrested or identified as protesters have been demolished with bulldozers in the state of Uttar Pradesh, which is governed for the BJP by hardline Hindu monk Yogi Adityanath.

Amnesty International called for an immediate end to what the rights group called a "vicious" crackdown and "excessive use of force, arbitrary detention and punitive house demolitions".

Authorities in several Indian regions including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Muslim-majority Kashmir have told security personnel to tighten security around mosques on Friday, local media reported.

The Hindustan Times newspaper said a few districts in these states had banned congregations of more than four people.

str-sa-ash/stu/axn
Company Logo

Dublin, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Indonesia Telecoms Industry Report - 2022-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Indonesian telecommunications industry is set to remain steady thanks to the defensiveness nature of the industry, amid the political uncertainties and an uncertain economic outlook due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 5G mobile subscribers are forecast to represent 43.5% of all subscriptions by 2027 in Indonesia. 4G will represent about 50.6% of all connections while 2G and 3G will represent about 2% if not shut down earlier.

Indosat and Telkomsel launched 5G in 2021 and take-up will ramp to an estimated 9m by the end of 2022, while the publisher forecasts just under 183m 5G subscribers by 2027 for the Indonesian market.

The Indonesian telecommunications market is a thriving mobile market with four large network operators, an incumbent fixed-line provider with near-monopoly and the overall market underpinned by strong economic fundamentals. Indonesia is among the fastest developing telecommunications market in the world, driven by growth in both mobile and fixed broadband subscriptions.

Mobile subscriptions are forecast will continue to grow strongly in the 2020-25 period after a slow down in 2018. Fixed broadband subscribers will also continue to grow and increase their household penetration. Expanded coverage, greater affordability, service improvements, increased data usage and smartphone penetration are the main drivers of growth in the telecoms sector. The country continues to expand its fibre-optic network and 4G coverage, backed by strong investment in capital expenditure. Investment in the telecoms sector grew at a fast pace and momentum was maintained as expected in the 2020-25 period.

The overall telecoms market is forecast to grow strongly through to 2027 after a decline in 2018 due to the SIM registration regulation with overall market growth resuming through to 2027.

Story continues

Capex Investments

The Capex to GDP ratio remained relatively stable between 2015 and 2021. The capital expenditure (Capex) from telecommunications operators is growing strongly as mobile operators build out their 4G coverage and increase capacity to fulfil strong data demand and increased smartphone take-up. The publisher expects Capex spending to grow between 2022 and 2027.

Thematics - Telecoms Infrastructure / 5G / M&A / e-Commerce



The long-envisioned Palapa Ring national broadband network is now completed and operational since the end of 2019. The US$1.3bn project incorporates eight different networks. The report outlines some real market examples of how investors view and value these investments with real industry examples and EV/EBITDA comparatives and benchmarks. Most telecommunications operators are in the heavy investments phase both in fixed and mobile segments, spending heavily upgrading their 4G network infrastructure. The publisher expects a wave of consolidation in Indonesia not before 2022-2023, as margins get squeezed further and a new Capex cycle kicking with 5G. The increase in smartphone penetration made possible by the availability of low-cost devices has triggered growth in e-commerce, tapping into the potential of Indonesia's emerging middle class with relatively high disposable income. GoJek, Tokopedia, Grab and Bukalapak are leading the pack with e-commerce, ride-sharing and mobile payments.

The report provides analyses of revenue and market forecasts as well as statistics of the Indonesian telecoms industry including market sizing, 5-year forecasts, market insights, key telecom trends, 5G, digital infrastructure and also features the following:

Overall Telecommunications Market by Major Operators

Telco Operators Profile, Revenue and EBITDA Mix

Mobile Subscribers & Revenue Market Overview and Forecasts

Spectrum Holdings

IoT Market Overview

Broadband Subscribers & Revenue Market Overview and Forecasts

Digital Infrastructure (Fibre, Telecom Towers, Data Centres, Submarine Cables)

Telecom Tower Market Analysis and Forecast

Thematics / Opportunities relating to 5G, M&A and e-Commerce

Telco M&A Transaction Database

The Indonesia Telecommunications Industry Report, 2022-2027 includes an overview of the Indonesian market dynamics, market sizing, market forecasts, analysis, insights, and key trends.



Key Topics Covered:



1 Key Statistics



2 COVID-19 Impact



3 Overall Telecommunications Market 2015-2027

3.1 Market Overview

3.2 Historical Telecommunications Market Revenue 2015-2021

3.3 Overall Telecommunications Market Forecast 2020-2027

3.4 Telecommunications Market Capital Expenditure 2015-2027



4 Telecommunications Operators Profile

4.1 Telkom Indonesia Profile

4.1.1 Telkom Revenue and EBITDA Mix

4.2 Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison Profile

4.3 XL Axiata

4.4 Smartfren Profile

4.5 Link Net

4.6 Other Players Profile

4.6.1 MNC Vision

4.6.2 BizNet



5 Mobile market

5.1 Mobile Subscribers Historical and Forecast 2015-2027

5.2 Mobile Revenue Historical and Forecast 2015-2027

5.3 Spectrum Holdings

5.3.1 5G Development and Launches

5.3.2 Mobile Frequencies Portfolios Analysis

5.3.3 Spectrum Depth Benchmark by Country

5.4 Mobile Download Data and Pricing Trends

5.5 Mobile Speed Tests

5.5.1 Ookla Mobile Speed Tests

5.5.2 OpenSignal

5.6 Internet of Things (IoT)



6 Broadband Market

6.1 Fixed Broadband Subscribers Historical 2015-2021

6.2 Fixed Broadband Subscribers Forecast 2020-2027



7 Fixed Telecommunications Infrastructure Investments

7.1 Fixed Digital Infrastructure

7.1.1 Palapa Ring Completed

7.1.2 FTTH - 30m premises to go

7.1.3 Submarine Cables



8 Indonesia Telecom Towers Infrastructure Landscape

8.1 Indonesia Telecom Towers Market Analysis 2021

8.2 Indonesia Tower Market Competitive Landscape Comparison

8.3 Indonesia Telecom Towers & Rooftops Market Forecast

8.4 Mitratel Profile

8.5 Tower bersama Profile

8.6 Protelindo Profile

8.7 Centratama Menara Profile

8.8 IBS Towers Profile

8.9 Bali Tower Telecom Profile

8.10 Tower Density Benchmark



9 Thematics / Opportunities

9.1 Consolidation Opportunities

9.2 Diversification Opportunities

9.3 New Telecoms Operating Model

9.3.1 The Attraction of Infrastructure Multiples

9.4 5G Developments



10 Telco Transaction Database



Companies Mentioned

BizNet

Centratama

DigitalBridge

EdgePoint

FiberStar

Gihon

GoJek

IBS Towers

Indosat

Kabel MNC Play

Link Net

Mitratel

MyRepublic

Protelindo

Smartfren

Telkom

Telkomsel

Tokopedia

Tower Bersama

Tri Indonesia

XL Axiata

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jzgeb6

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900




Shame on UK to deport refugees as criminals

By Global Times editorial (Global Times) 08:46, June 16, 2022

A special flight carrying asylum seekers from the Middle East, originally scheduled to fly from the UK to Rwanda on Tuesday, was canceled after a last-minute intervention by the European Court of Human Rights.

According to the so-called "Asylum Partnership Arrangement" signed by the UK and Rwanda, the refugees who fled to the UK from countries such as Afghanistan and Syria cannot claim asylum in the UK, and will be sent to Rwanda like "commodities."

Even the British media described the plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda as "appalling," and UN refugee agency officials have repeatedly pointed out that it is "unlawful" and "all wrong." However, the British government, which has always called itself a "human rights defender," has shown toughness and stubbornness facing these human rights criticism.

After the "refugee flight" was canceled, Home Secretary Priti Patel said the government "will not be deterred from doing the right thing" and "preparations for the next flight to Rwanda was starting now." That is to say, the UK will not stop until these asylum seekers are "discarded" to Rwanda.

Most of the refugees on this flight came from war-torn countries. Many of the wars and turmoil that forced them to leave their homes were induced by countries including the UK.

In the war in Afghanistan, the UK was second only to the US in terms of military input. It can be said that London has a moral responsibility to properly resettle those refugees.

But the cold reality is that although the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights criticized a British bill in March that regarded refugees as "criminals," the UK's Royal Navy has been deployed in the English Channel to deal with illegal immigrants. The British soldiers' guns had been aimed at the refugees' home countries in the past, and now they are turning to those refugees who have fantasies about the UK.

Surprisingly, this extremely immoral practice, which does not "stand the judgment of God," according to the archbishop of Canterbury, has been labeled by the British government as an act of justice necessary to smash the business model of human trafficking and save the lives of countless immigrants.

British politicians are so good at rhetoric. However, some media revealed that the British immigration removal center took away asylum seekers' mobile phones with cameras and did not provide sugar water to the hunger strikers. Isn't this mistreatment? UN Refugee Agency has substantive and procedural standards for refugee orientation and resettlement.

Asylum seekers are not commodities. Isn't what the UK did disguised human trafficking?

According to the Associated Press, before resorting to Rwanda, the newest member of the British Commonwealth, the UK had also discussed with Albania and the two British overseas territories of Gibraltar and Ascension, hoping to send refugees there, but no agreement was reached, and the proposal was even rejected with anger. In order to justify "exiling" these refugees, Welsh Secretary Simon Hart said "Rwanda is an improving economy with a good human rights record." However, just last year, the British government expressed concerns about the so called-human rights situation in Rwanda in the UN's review of the human rights records of all member states.

On the issue of "exiling" refugees, despite constant domestic opposition, the British government, parliament and court share quite a consistent attitude, exposing the selfishness and hypocrisy of the system. The Johnson government even gained political points by showing a populist image that "domestic interests prioritize international morality." The UK is not an isolated case in this regard. The UN Refugee Agency once criticized Australia for sending refugees to Nauru thousands of kilometers away. Law enforcement personnel of the US were condemned by the UN many times for the brutal treatment of refugees.

However, it is the US and these Western countries that claim themselves "human rights standard bearers" and "human rights leaders," and are addicted to playing the role of "human rights preacher." They turn a blind eye to human rights violations under their nose, while pretending to care about so-called human rights issues thousands of miles away, and attempting to punish other countries using lies about human rights. It's hypocritical and hegemonic, and smells like rotten colonialism. It's the collective shame of the Western world.

The refugee deportation issue is not over. The forces of justice all over the world should exert strong pressure on London because it is violating not only the individual rights of refugees, but also conscience and dignity of the time.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Sarah Campbell gave a teenager cocaine and cannabis as part of her plot to make him her 'sexual play thing'. (Reach)

A mother who sexually abused a schoolboy for month before eventually giving birth to his child has been jailed.

Sarah Campbell, 40, had sex with her 15-year-old victim on a golf course and under a blanket while others were sleeping in the same room.

Campbell, of Bootle, Merseyside, carried out the atrocious abuse on the boy for a full year from January 2016 to January 2017.

Campbell would ply the boy with cocaine and cannabis as part of her plot to make him her sexual plaything, Liverpool Crown Court heard.

Sarah Campbell carried out the 'atrocious abuse' on the boy for a full year from January 2016 to January 2017. (Reach)

Martine Snowdon, prosecuting, said Campbell would try to avoid social services and others finding the boy by getting him to sneak into her house at odd times of day and night.

She then fell pregnant with a child later determined to be his and was charged with multiple sexual offences against him.

Campbell was sent for trial at Liverpool Crown Court but fled after its start and was convicted in her absence.

She was later arrested and held in custody.

Sarah Campbell fell pregnant with a child later determined to be her victim's. (Reach)

Simon Christie, defending, said Campbell was herself a victim of abuse and was trying to get counselling for this in prison while also using her time there positively.

Jailing her for nine and a half years, judge Ian Harris told Campbell her actions had robbed the boy of part of his childhood.

Campbell stood motionless with her head down and her hands placed against the dock for a number of minutes before sitting down and placing her head in her hands for the rest of the hearing.

A family member then shouted Im going to do what I can and said I know the truth. As they left they added, I am going to go now, hold your head up high.

Sarach Campbell was jailed for over nine years at Liverpool Crown Court. (SWNS)

Speaking after her sentencing, DS Peter Sloan from Merseyside Police said: The atrocious abuse that Campbell carried out not only traumatises victims when it happens, but has a huge impact on their mental wellbeing which can last a lifetime.

It can also cause irreparable damage to a victims faith and trust in adults, which can affect their ability to form trusting relationships.

The bravery shown by the victim and his family in coming forward and reporting Campbell to police so that that she could be brought to justice means she cannot cause any further harm.

Campbell was previously charged with sexual offences relating to another boy but these charges were not proceeded with by the prosecution.
Montana's governor was not in Montana  or in the U.S. at all  when punishing floods hit Yellowstone National Park and communities on its fringes this week. He was in Italy. But Republican Greg Gianforte's office didn't tell his constituents that for days. Now Gianforte is back in Montana and under fire for not hurrying home more quickly and for keeping the public in the dark as to his whereabouts. In Gianforte's defense, his office says he was briefed regularly about the flooding. The floods washed away roads, bridges and houses and closed all of Yellowstone, threatening some of the communities on the parks outskirts that depend heavily on tourists visiting one of Americas most beloved natural attractions.
The Parthenon will no longer be serving up gyros or baklava at the southeast Lincoln location the Greek restaurant has called home for nearly 20 years.

Instead, the restaurant in the Edgewood Shopping Center near 56th and Nebraska 2 will transition to strictly catering and running its Kouzina food truck, the restaurant announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

Sunday will be the restaurant's final day.

Owner George Kazas  who runs the restaurant with his brother Mike Kazas  said that while they've enjoyed serving their authentic cuisine to Lincolnites for two decades, staffing has been an issue.

"There's just not a single person walking in the door looking for work," George Kazas said.

Catering allows for more flexibility and requires fewer staffers, and 60% of the restaurant's income already comes from events.

"We are anticipating our catering business doubling, just because we can focus more on catering," George Kazas said. "We are tickled to death that our catering has been super good to us."

Lauren Bonk, social media manager for the business, said she believes the community will sorely miss the restaurant's brick-and-mortar presence. After she posted the announcement of the restaurant's exit Tuesday morning, the response has been heartwarming, she said.

"It's just been message after message of lament at the loss of the storefront," Bonk said. "But also everybody's just so excited that Mike and George are still going to be around still making awesome food."

Bonk said she's glad the Parthenon is continuing to bring its food truck to Lincoln's most frequented events. Kouzina's social media pages will be updated regularly to let the public know where to find the brothers' most loved dishes.

The Mettle Grill, a bar and grill in Hickman, will move to the space at the end of July.

Mettle Grill owner Susantha Weerasinghe said in a separate post that he had been working with the Kazases over the past few months to take over the space.

"We have big shoes to fill and we will work hard for the opportunity to earn the business of this community. I see this as a passing of the torch and not as a restaurant trying to replace the Parthenon," Weerasinghe wrote.

The Mettle Grill opened in Hickman in 2019, "specializing in homemade American food serving beer from local Nebraska breweries," according to its website.

Throughout their journey as restaurant owners, the Kazases have built a faithful following of foodies. Even though George Kazas is excited about the new adventures his catering and food truck endeavors will bring, he'll miss his loyal patrons.

Thankfully, the pair isn't saying goodbye  they're simply switching gears.

"That's probably the hardest thing: not seeing our regulars on a daily basis," he said. "It is kind of bittersweet at the same time, because I know my true regulars will keep supporting us as they have for many years."

Reach the writer at 402-473-7241 or jthompson@journalstar.com

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Colette Peters, who runs Oregons prison system, has emerged as the leading contender to run the federal prison system. That's according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday. Peters has run Oregons corrections department since 2012. She's now at the top of the list of candidates to replace Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal, who submitted his resignation in January but said he would stay on until a successor was named. The leadership change comes in the wake of AP reporting that has uncovered widespread problems at the agency, including sexual abuse by correctional officers and critically low staffing levels that have hampered responses to emergencies.
"City Council challenged us to come up with something to do at Cone Park in the summer, said Byrnes. We looked at all sorts of stuff, from zip lines to go karts, everything in between.

Byrnes, who made a trip to Colorado to test out a version of the tubing system, detailed exactly what he wanted to bring to Sioux City.
SIOUX CITY -- As she was driven to MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center, Shannon Myers didn't know what condition her daughter Maelynn was in.

She figured it had something to do with the concerns she'd shared with a doctor during an emergency room visit two days earlier, when her daughter had been vomiting throughout the day and had little energy.

"I still had in my head that the doctors missed something (before) and she was going to be fine. It was just another hospital trip," Myers testified Wednesday.

After arriving at the hospital, Myers was told that her 19-month-old daughter was unresponsive and needed to be flown to Omaha's Children's Hospital.

Despite that, just before leaving for Omaha with her live-in boyfriend Tayvon Davis, she told her mother everything would be OK.

Maelynn never regained consciousness and was dead three days later on Aug. 25, 2018.

Davis, 26, of Sioux City, is charged in Woodbury County District Court with first-degree murder, child endangerment resulting in the death of a child and multiple acts of child endangerment. He is accused of injuring Maelynn numerous times in the days leading up to Aug. 22, 2018, when Davis and Myers' mother rushed the unresponsive toddler to the emergency room.

Maelynn's manner of death was homicide caused by complications from multiple blunt force injuries, said Dr. Michele Catellier, the medical examiner who performed Maelynn's autopsy at the Iowa State Medical Examiner's Office in Ankeny.

Catellier documented for jurors a long list of injuries found during the autopsy: bleeding throughout the brain, a left kidney dying because the blood vessel leading to it had been severed, hemorrhaging in both eyes, the girl's abdomen and deep in the muscles in the back of her neck. X-rays showed healing fractures in the tibias of both legs and two vertebra. All had fresh fractures in the healing bone material. At least three ribs had fractures, and two others showed signs of new bone growth. Maelynn also had bruises on her forehead and the small of her back.

The injuries were the type one would see in a car-crash victim, Catellier said.

Of the injuries, the brain trauma was the most severe, Catellier said, and the girl would have immediately shown symptoms such as a stoppage of breathing or going limp. Previous witnesses have testified Maelynn exhibited both conditions when she was taken to the hospital on Aug. 22.

While viewing a video taken by Myers the evening of Aug. 21, Catellier said Maelynn looked like she wasn't feeling well, but her eyes were able to maintain eye contact, indicating the fatal head injury had not yet occurred.

She had been in Davis' care that day until 3:30 p.m., Myers said. A day earlier Maelynn had vomited repeatedly at daycare and wasn't walking, and Myers picked her up early before taking her to the emergency room. There was no diagnosis.

On Aug. 22, Myers testified, she checked on Maelynn at 9 a.m. and the girl was sleeping and breathing normally. Maelynn woke up about 11:30 a.m., just as Myers was getting ready to leave for work. Myers left her with Davis for the day. Two hours later, she was notified her daughter was in the hospital.

During audio recordings of interviews with police, Davis told investigators that Maelynn would not stop crying. He said he dropped her after giving her a bath in an attempt to soothe her and tried to give her CPR when she stopped breathing.

Catellier said the girl's injuries likely were not caused by a low-distance fall or being dropped in the bathroom, Catellier said. It also was unlikely her ribs were broken during CPR.

Myers said she couldn't recall ever asking Davis what had happened that morning.

"Did he ever give you an explanation for how Maelynn was injured," Assistant Iowa Attorney General Nicole Leonard asked.

"No," Myers said.

Myers said she and Davis had known each other since 2014 and began dating in March 2018. Davis moved in with her and Maelynn soon after and they all got along well. Myers said she never witnessed Davis physically harm Maelynn, though one time he did set her down hard.

"He was really nice to her, really sweet," Myers said.

By May, they were having problems in their relationship. The two disagreed over money and their daily marijuana use and occasional use of cocaine. Myers said she decided in July they needed to curb their drug use. Davis didn't want to.

As the summer progressed, Davis assumed more child care responsibilities. By Aug. 1, Myers said, Maelynn's health had begun to deteriorate -- an injured right arm, infections, loss of appetite, lack of energy, increased crying, hair loss. During that time, Davis began pointing out mysterious bruises he blamed on workers at Storytime Daycare. Myers said her daughter was at daycare only two days in August.

Ana Guerrero, a former Storytime worker, testified that accident reports were written only twice concerning Maelynn, both for incidents that occurred prior to August.

Davis was arrested in November 2019 after a 15-month police investigation. If found guilty of first-degree murder, he would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

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PRIMGHAR, Iowa -- A Sheldon, Iowa, woman has been acquitted of being an accessory after the death of a 5-month-old girl.

Senior Judge David Larson on Wednesday ruled that the state had failed to prove Stacie Hurlburt gave help or advice to Lawrence Ruotolo Jr. and Brittanee Baker in order to help them avoid arrest for the July 2020 death of their daughter.

Hurlburt, 50, stood trial before Larson on two counts of accessory after the fact in April in O'Brien County District Court.

She was accused of helping the parents concoct a story about how the child was injured so the Iowa Department of Human Services would not become involved. The state argued that her advice, by extension, was also an attempt to help them avoid arrest and prosecution. Hurlburt's lawyer argued that her advice was to help them avoid DHS involvement only.

Larson sided with the defense, ruling Hurlburt's involvement was not intended to assist Ruotolo and Baker to avoid law enforcement.

Ruotolo was caring for the child on July 26, 2020, at the Sheldon home he shared with Baker when the child began crying and Ruotolo was unable to quiet her. He lost his temper and pushed the girl's face into the floor and committed other abusive actions, court documents said. Baker took the child to the emergency room, where she was treated for abrasions and bruising on her forehead, ears and neck and released.

The following day, the child was again in Ruotolo's care when she was found with no pulse and was not breathing. She was taken to the emergency room and then airlifted to a Sioux Falls hospital, where she died four days later. The death was caused by "a suffocation event of an indeterminate nature," court documents said.

Ruotolo, Baker and Hurlburt were arrested in March 2021.

Ruotolo, 21, was sentenced in September to five years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of child endangerment.

Baker, 22, pleaded guilty in February to one count of child endangerment. Her five-year prison sentence was suspended and she was placed on two years' probation.

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SIOUX CITY -- Doctors who examined Maelynn Myers and the medical examiner who performed her autopsy were too quick to determine the toddler's injuries were the result of abusive events, an independent pathologist testified Thursday.

Statements Tayvon Davis made to investigators and doctors can explain the little girl's injuries were accidental, Dr. Thomas Young said.

"You can't jump to conclusions that this is abusive trauma. What he (Davis) said is consistent with the outcome," said Young, a private forensic pathologist from Kansas City, Missouri, who testified in Davis' defense.

Davis, 26, of Sioux City, is charged in Woodbury County District Court with first-degree murder, child endangerment resulting in the death of a child and multiple acts of child endangerment. Prosecutors believe he injured Maelynn numerous times in the days leading up to Aug. 22, 2018, when Davis and Maelynn's grandmother rushed the unresponsive toddler to a Sioux City emergency room. She was transferred to Children's Hospital in Omaha, where she never regained consciousness and died three days later.

An Iowa state medical examiner testifying for the prosecution previously detailed the 19-month-old's injuries, which included bleeding throughout the brain, a left kidney dying because the blood vessel leading to it had been torn, hemorrhaging in both eyes, the girl's abdomen and in the muscles at the back of her neck. X-rays showed healing fractures in the tibias of both legs and two vertebra. All had fresh fractures in the healing bone material. At least three ribs were fractured. Maelynn also had bruises on her forehead and the small of her back.

Maelynn's death was ruled a homicide caused by complications from blunt-force injuries.

Davis told investigators he dropped Maelynn after giving her a bath on Aug. 22 and she stopped breathing. His attempts at CPR were unsuccessful, but she was revived in the emergency room. The medical examiner and doctors testified the girl's injuries were too severe to be caused by being dropped, and CPR also was an unlikely cause.

Young contradicted many of their findings, saying they failed to take into account Davis' explanations and other medical causes. If no one witnessed Maelynn being intentionally hurt, Young said, her injuries can't be classified as abusive.

Brain and eye hemorrhaging such as Maelynn exhibited can occur after a person stops breathing, leading to blood vessels breaking and hemorrhaging as seen in Maelynn's organs. The breathing stoppage also can slow blood clotting, leading to bruises caused by medical staff handling a patient. Young said evidence of pneumonia in Maelynn could explain why she stopped breathing, or there could be no explanation.

"This was a very sick child," Young said in reference to her many trips to the doctor in the weeks before her death and her recent bouts with infections and hand, foot and mouth disease.

Davis' CPR attempts, which Young told jurors could have been hundreds of fast, hard compressions, could have caused the broken ribs, internal bruising and kidney damage. The arm, leg and back fractures: possibly the result of frantic handling of the girl once she was unresponsive. Healing material on bones can result from an infection or other causes.

During her cross examination of Young, who said he was being paid $450 an hour by the defense, Assistant Woodbury County Attorney Kristine Timmins challenged his assertion that all of Maelynn's injuries could be explained by Davis' CPR attempts. She read from a transcript of Davis' police interview in which he told them he did "a couple" chest compressions.

"Would a couple CPR compressions in the car on Maelynn Myers have caused her injuries?" Timmins asked.

Young said he didn't know the context of Davis' statements to police, so he couldn't say. But it didn't make sense to him that Davis would only have done two compressions when Maelynn was facing death.

Earlier Thursday, Maelynn's mother, Shannon Myers, testified that Davis spent increasing amounts of time alone watching Maelynn in August, when she became concerned about her daughter's frequent vomiting, lack of energy, inability to gain weight and loss of appetite. The girl was diagnosed with hand, foot and mouth disease early in the month, but doctors gave Myers few other answers for her symptoms. An Aug. 20 skull x-ray showed no head injuries.

Myers said under cross examination that she also would have been alone with Maelynn for several hours each night while Davis was at work.

"While you were dating Tayvon, Maelynn never seemed afraid of Tayvon, is that correct?" public defender Jennifer Solberg asked Myers.

"That's correct," Myers said.

Both the state and defense rested their cases Thursday, and Davis did not testify. The trial will resume Monday, when the case may submitted to the jury.

If found guilty of first-degree murder, Davis would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

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SIOUX CITY  The Sioux City school board has confirmed Angela Bemus' appointment to serve as the district's new associate superintendent, despite questions raised by some board members about the selection process.

Bemus is currently serving as the director of curriculum, instruction and assessment in the district. Kim Buryanek, the current associate superintendent, has accepted a position with the Iowa Department of Education as the administrator of the Pre-K-12 division.

On May 9, school board president Dan Greenwell read a letter in which interim Superintendent Rod Earleywine recommended Bemus as the associate superintendent. At its meeting Monday, the board approved Bemus as a senior director, beginning July 1, with the condition that she obtain her superintendent license by Aug. 13.

After Bemus obtains her state license, the board will be asked to change her job title to associate superintendent, Human Resources Director Jen Gomez said.

The senior director position was listed with hundreds of other job changes in a human resources report as part of the board's consent agenda. The board typically approves consent agendas with a single vote, unless one or more board members ask that individual items be debated and voted on separately. The board approved the consent agenda unanimously, with board member Juli Albert abstaining, citing a conflict of interest.

At the end of the meeting, board member Perla Alarcon-Flory asked for more discussion about the associate superintendent job, admitting she not realize earlier that the position had been included in the human resources packet.

This is a chief academic officer and I think we need to be very transparent with the community about it, said Alarcon-Flory, who is a former board president.

Albert said it appeared board members had unanswered questions about the position, but it had already been approved.

The process was not as transparent as we would have liked it to have been, we all know that," Albert said. "Im still not convinced we ever said this was going to be a permanent position, but it was on the agenda and we voted for it tonight."

The board had previously given Earleywine the go-ahead to nominate an associate superintendent, but said the board would make the final approval.

Greenwell defended the process, saying the selection of Bemus was read in open session and the job description for the senior director is the same as associate superintendent, except the ability to fill in for Earleywine.

Earleywine said he met with all current members of the district administration who expressed interest in the position. The interim superintendent said he told those who weren't selected that he felt they would be better utilized in their current positions.

Alarcon-Flory and Albert asked if the associate superintendent was to be appointed on a temporary or permanent basis.

I asked that question and there was no answer, it was said that (Earleywine) was going to tell us, but we still were going to approve, Alarcon-Flory said.

Greenwell responded by saying it was the consensus of the board to have a permanent position.

Alarcon-Flory argued that with Monday's vote, the board essentially approved Bemus as associate superintendent.

"Were just playing with words; were approving the associate superintendent and its a permanent associate superintendent, she said.

The board appointed Earleywine as the interim superintendent after longtime Superintendent Paul Gausman accepted the superintendent's job with the Lincoln (Nebraska) Public Schools. Earleywine previously served as superintendent for the Sergeant Bluff-Luton district.

Sioux City school officials have said little about the processing for selecting a permanent superintendent.

During Monday's meeting, board member Monique Scarlett asked Bemus if she was approached by Greenwell over a year ago to become superintendent. Bemus responded that over the last three years Greenwell has asked her if she was interested in becoming superintendent in casual conversation.

"Never was I approached to be a superintendent now, never was I approached for a certain time frame, it was always brought up in just general terms," Bemus told the board.

As part of the human resources packet, the board approved Amy Denney to replace Bemus as director of curriculum, instruction and assessment. Denney currently serves as the Perry Creek Elementary principal.

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The Eastern Iowa Community Colleges board has unanimously chosen Sonya Williams, Ph.D. as its next chancellor.

The Oklahoma native is a former Air Force captain and parent of four children, who leaves her post as Vice President of Education and Chief Academic Officer at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Ill. She is replacing Chancellor Don Doucette, whose retirement has been delayed until mid-August, when Williams takes over.

The board announced the appointment on Thursday.

Although weve encountered a few bumps in the road along the way, we are very happy to be here today, ready to introduce an outstanding community college leader who we are confident can lead our colleges into the future with vision, intelligence and heart, said Robert Gallagher, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges District Board of Trustees President.

The "bumps in the road" included an extended chancellor search after three of the first four finalists dropped out of the running.

The only remaining finalist from the first-round choices was an internal candidate, Ellen Bruth, PhD, EICC's Vice Chancellor for Workshop and Economic Development.

Contacted by a reporter this week for comment on the board's decision and on complaints by some that she was treated badly in the hiring process, Bluth said her attorney advised her against speaking publicly.

Williams is to begin Aug. 8 and said she looks forward to exercising her "student-centered drive" at her new post. She also vowed on Thursday to focus on producing a ready workforce for the community.

My goals for education, my professional and personal values, and my commitment to advance the mission of community colleges aligns with those shared by EICCD, she said.

We will stand firm in our commitment to students and stakeholders by strengthening our stance to cultivate an encouraging, innovative and collaborative culture. As chancellor, I am excited for the opportunity to model the way and join a statewide system that provides life-changing opportunities to the communities we serve. Thank you for supporting me in this endeavor, I look forward to working with all of you.

As chancellor, Williams will oversee the operations of all of EICCD, including Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Community Colleges. The colleges also deliver services through satellite sites in Maquoketa, Wilton and various locations in Davenport, as well as many area high schools.

She previously served as dean of the Arts and Sciences Division at Joliet Junior College in Joliet, Illinois.

Williams earned a doctor of philosophy in anatomical sciences and cell biology/neurosciences from the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

A search for a new chancellor has been in the works since current Chancellor Don Doucette announced earlier this year that he would retire July 1. Doucette has served as the districts chancellor since 2011.

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HORNICK, Iowa  The city of Hornick is breaking ground on a new berm designed to prevent floods like the one that devastated the Woodbury County town in 2019.

The project, totaling more than $2 million, will start around July 1 and take two and a half months to complete.

Mayor Scott Mitchell said it feels amazing to begin the project.

It is a great milestone for the city and the residents of Hornick, he said.

In 2019, heavy rainfall and rapidly melting snow filled the West Fork of the Little Sioux River and flowed over the top of levees north and east of Hornick.

The water flowed over the frozen, empty fields into town, until it was up to 4 feet deep on Main Street and forced the 250 residents to evacuate. When residents were allowed to return three days later to check on their homes, most found basements full of water, belongings floating on the surface. Furnaces, hot water heaters and other appliances were ruined.

Since at least 1996, town leaders had discussed building an earthen berm to protect Hornick from flooding. The city began work on the berm project September 2019, six months after the flood.

The Iowa Flood Mitigation Board awarded Hornick $2.1 million to build a berm around the town's north, east and west sides. The berm will be built 3 feet above the elevation of the 500-year flood mark, which was almost reached it 2019.

Mitchell said the new berm will prevent a flood like what happened in 2019 from happening again, as well as the floods Hornick experienced in 1996 and in the 1950s.

The recovery from the 2019 flood is roughly 75 percent complete, Mitchell said.

Recovering from a natural disaster takes a very long time, he said.

The roads have not been fixed due to litigation between the city and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In 2020, the city was waiting for the estimated $1 million from FEMA to fix the roads. The city was also waiting on a total of roughly $2 million from FEMA for preventative measures taken before the flood, cleanup costs and street repairs.

The city had hoped to start the berm project in 2020. Mitchell said some of the dirt was going to come from fixing the city streets, but the litigation prevented that.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new berm will take place at 5 p.m. on Thursday at the Hornick city park.

The Journal's Nick Hytrek contributed to this story.

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LE MARS, Iowa  Secretary of State Paul Pate joined Plymouth County Auditor Stacey Feldman in Le Mars on Wednesday as the county conducted a post-election audit on a randomly selected precinct from the June 7 primary.

County election officials gathered to hand-count ballots cast in the Brunsville precinct on election night. The post-election audit matched 100% to the total reported by the voting tabulator on election night.

The audit board met and hand-counted 93 ballots checking the results of the U.S. Senate race, Feldman said. The results matched the tabulator 100%, which is the goal whenever we complete a post-election audit.

Post-election audits take place after every Iowa election, with the Secretary of State's office choosing a random drawing to select the precincts to be audited.

In Woodbury County, election officials audited Precinct 15 earlier this week. A party balanced board hand counted 368 ballots that comprised the total ballots counted from Precincts 14 and 15 because those precincts were consolidated on Election Day. The results of the audit exactly matched the results that were counted by the optical scanner machine on Election Day.

I think this post-election audit was a total success, Pate said. It demonstrates the integrity of the vote and shows the public one of the many steps Iowa takes to ensure the counts on election day are accurate.

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP)  A bill that would allow incarcerated people to request public records only about themselves or their own cases is making its way through the Pennsylvania Legislature.

Supporters of the bill say it would help stem a tide of frivolous requests that can tie up state resources, while opponents say it's unlikely to cure the problem and probably unconstitutional, to boot.

The bill passed the House with a 112-88 vote Tuesday and now goes to the Senate. It would amend the states Right-to-Know Law by restricting the access inmates have to documents held by governments and public agencies.

Agencies would be required to supply public government documents about the inmate only in specified categories, and as long as those records dont diminish the safety or security of anyone or the correctional facility where the inmate is being held.

Incarcerated people are regarded as any other requester through current law, said Liz Wagenseller, executive director of the Office of Open Records.

Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia, said the bill would cut off incarcerated people from legitimately requesting information to which they're entitled.

It is unconscionable to me that we could vote for a bill with that type of language that basically takes a sledgehammer to the civil rights of people who are incarcerated, he said.

Rep. Louis C. Schmitt Jr., R-Blair, the bills primary sponsor, said the legislation is an effort to ease the burden for agencies that have to try to meet a flood of requests.

Inmate requests under the Right-to-Know Law make up a large percentage of disputes as to what inmates are entitled to. That leads to appeals to the Office of Open Records and sometimes will lead to litigation in the courts, Schmitt said. I think at least part of the reason for the inmate requester portion of the bill was to try to take some pressure off the Office of Open Records and maybe even off of the courts, to a certain extent.

Schmitt said that the legislation makes it clear to the inmate and agency exactly what categories they can access, giving inmates a guide to what they are entitled to" under the law.

In 2021, of the 2,990 appeals made to the Office of Open Records, 335 were from inmates.

The legislation also takes aim at vexatious requesters  those who have an intent to annoy or harass a local agency.

Under the bill, requesters couldn't be found as vexatious by the amount of requests theyve filed or the number of requests sought. The agency would have to prove that the requesters actions seek to annoy or harass. Journalists would be exempt.

Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, said the bill wouldn't keep local governments and school districts from having to deal with people who habitually submit requests for information for no legitimate purpose.

Unfortunately, the language of this bill doesnt solve this problem, he said. Theres nobody thats going to thank us for passing this bill.

The Pennsylvania chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union opposes the proposal for cherry picking who the government responds to, calling it likely unconstitutional.

Elizabeth Randol, legislative director, said that the legislation is putting restrictions not about whether it should be public information and in what form it should be able to be requested, but "about the types of people who are able to make requests.

Brooke Schultz 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. Follow Brooke Schultz on Twitter.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  A Dutch intelligence agency said Thursday that it foiled a sophisticated attempt by a Russian spy using a false Brazilian identity to work as an intern at the International Criminal Court, which is investigating allegations of Russian war crimes in Ukraine.

The General Intelligence and Security Service of the Netherlands said the 36-year-old man, identified as Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov, worked for Russia's shadowy GRU agency and tried to gain access to the global court based in The Hague under the cover name of Viktor Muller Ferreira.

If the intelligence officer had succeeded in gaining access as an intern to the ICC, he would have been able to gather intelligence there and to look for (or recruit) sources, and arrange to have access to the ICCs digital systems, the Dutch agency said. That way he would have been able to provide a significant contribution to the intelligence that the GRU is seeking. He might also have been able to influence criminal proceedings of the ICC.

The agency said it uncovered his identity and informed the Netherlands' immigration service in April that he was considered a national security threat.

On these grounds, the intelligence officer was refused entry into the Netherlands in April and declared unacceptable. He was sent back to Brazil on the first flight out, the agency, known by its acronym AIVD, said. It did not reveal how it unmasked the spy.

In March, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan opened an investigation in Ukraine, where Russian forces have been accused of war crimes. The court also is investigating alleged crimes committed during the 2008 Russo-Georgian War and has issued arrest warrants for three men who served in the Russian-backed self-declared republic of South Ossetia.

Court spokeswoman Sonia Robla said the ICC was briefed by the Dutch authorities and is very thankful to the Netherlands for this important operation and more generally, for exposing security threats.

She said as the court's host state, the role of the Dutch authorities is key in the protection of the ICC headquarters. The ICC takes these threats very seriously and will continue to work and cooperate with the Netherlands.

In a statement about the foiled bid to infiltrate the ICC, the Dutch intelligence agency said Cherkasov used a well-constructed cover identity by which he concealed all his ties with Russia in general, and the GRU in particular.

It said he was an illegal agent who received long and extensive training." The Dutch agency even released a redacted document, dated around 2010, in which he lays out his fabricated backstory.

Because of their alias identity, illegals are difficult to discover, the AIVD said. For that reason they often remain undetected, allowing them to carry out intelligence activities. Because they present themselves as foreigners, they have access to information that would be inaccessible to a Russian national.

It is not the first time Russian spies have attempted to infiltrate an international organization in The Hague.

In 2018, the Dutch defense minister accused GRU spies of attempted cybercrimes targeting the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and an international investigation into the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine. The probe said the plane was brought down by a missile was driven into Ukraine from a Russian military base and fired from territory controlled by pro-Moscow separatists. Russia denies involvement.

Earlier this year, after Russia's Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, the Netherlands was one of several European nations that expelled Russians believed linked to espionage. The Netherlands kicked out 17 Russians who it described as intelligence officers masquerading as diplomats.

Follow AP's coverage of the Ukraine war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Foreign ministers from India and Southeast Asia are meeting in New Delhi, with India and Singapore calling for a strengthening of ties amid Russias war in Ukraine and a heightened rivalry between the United States and China that threaten peace and stability in the region. Indias external affairs minister says India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations face geopolitical headwinds from the war in Ukraine and its impact on food and energy security, prices and supply chain. He says India fully supports a strong, unified, prosperous ASEAN whose centrality in the Indo-Pacific is fully recognized.
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  A city and two law enforcement agencies in a North Carolina county will pay $336,000 to a group of plaintiffs to settle a lawsuit stemming from a 2020 protest in which demonstrators were pepper-sprayed during a get-out-the-vote rally.

The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina, the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and a Chicago-based law firm announced the agreement in a news release on Wednesday. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in November 2020 and named as defendants the city of Graham and Police Chief Kristi Cole, 15 police officers, Alamance County Sheriff Terry Johnson and 15 deputies.

It is outrageous that people marching to the polls to cast their ballot were met with police brutality. The right to gather and march in support of a shared cause is at the core of the First Amendment, Chantal Stevens, executive director of the ACLU of North Carolina, said in the news release. This agreement is a step in the right direction, but its insufficient to reckon with the violence and trauma that these community members endured at the hands of police.

Neither Graham Town Manager Megan Garner nor Acting Alamance County Attorney Debra Bechtel immediately returned telephone calls seeking comment Wednesday. The police department said in a news release that while the city admitted no guilt, it was in the best interest of our community to equitably settle the lawsuit and avoid the expense of extended litigation.

The three groups represented 17 individuals as well as community groups that had organized with hopes of bringing racial justice and ending police violence and other forms of racial oppression, the news release said.

Police had said participants in the Oct. 31, 2020, rally were pepper-sprayed and arrested because they were blocking a street without permission.

Graham police said at the time they issued several warnings to the crowd at Alamance Countys courthouse to move from the street before releasing pepper spray and later making eight arrests.

A police department press release said the Rev. Greg Drumwright initially asked police and the Alamance County Sheriffs Office if authorities could block the street for the demonstrators, but the request was never completed because Drumwright missed the deadline, Graham police said.

Police said protesters stopped in the street for about nine minutes, creating traffic backups in all directions around court square. At the time, Drumwright said the group was permitted to stand in the courthouse square and was escorted through the streets by police. He also said that the group had no intention of having the rally in the street.

Later, police asked the crowd to disperse, giving them a five-minute warning to leave the roadway. After the time passed, police said, they released the spray toward the ground, not directly toward any participant. They have said there were small children also present.

Last year, The News & Observer of Raleigh reported that both the police department and the sheriff's office failed to comply with a court-ordered deadline for releasing videos that show officers using the pepper spray. The video was to be released to a coalition of news organizations.

In addition to the financial settlement, Cole agreed to have an on-the-record meeting with any of the plaintiffs who would like to join within 60 days in the final resolution of the lawsuit.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Nebraska's first lady has given her endorsement -- and a campaign contribution -- to the Democratic nominee in the 1st District congressional race.

Susanne Shore is backing Lincoln Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks for the vacant seat representing much of eastern Nebraska, including Lincoln.

"Lucky me!" Pansing Brooks tweeted Thursday afternoon. "I (am) happy and grateful to say I am endorsed and generously supported by my friend, Nebraska First Lady Susanne Shore!"

A registered Democrat from Omaha, Shore is married to Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts, who has backed Pansing Brooks' opponent, Sen. Mike Flood of Norfolk.

Ricketts appeared alongside former Gov. Dave Heineman in the Capitol Rotunda in January when Flood launched his campaign, and has appeared in at least one television commercial.

Shore and Pansing Brooks have been friends during their time in state politics and have a "shared passion" for kids and children's issues, a member of the state senator's campaign told the Journal Star.

The endorsement also came with a $2,900 contribution to Pansing Brooks' campaign on June 2, according to the Federal Election Commission, as a special election to fill the seat nears.

Shore and Ricketts have previously backed opposing candidates in races, most noteworthy being the 2016 presidential election pitting Hillary Clinton against Donald Trump.

Pansing Brooks and Flood are running to replace Jeff Fortenberry, who resigned from Congress after he was found guilty of lying to the FBI amid an investigation related to campaign contributions from foreign nationals.

Pansing Brooks and Flood will square off in a special election on June 28, before facing one another again in the November general election.

Reach the writer at 402-473-7120 or cdunker@journalstar.com. On Twitter @ChrisDunkerLJS

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Gov. Kim Reynolds signs new penalties for elder abuse June 15, 2022 at the Highland Ridge senior care facility in Willamsburg. (Photo courtesy of AARP)

Gov. Kim Reynolds sat down with a pile of pens Wednesday at Highland Ridge, a senior care facility in Williamsburg.

She signed Senate File 522, a bill establishing criminal penalties for elder abuse. It passed unanimously in both chambers of the Iowa Statehouse. Supporters of the bill gathered around the desk where she signed the legislation into law, and proclaimed the week as World Elder Abuse Awareness Week.

The safety and well-being of older Iowans is so very important, Reynolds said. And this bill provides greater reassurance that there will be consequences for those that target and harm them.

As is the custom of Iowa governors, Reynolds uses multiple pens to sign bills at public events and then gives them to supporters who attend.

The bill was one of Iowas many new laws approved by the governor in the days before the signing deadline.

Reynolds has 30 days from the end of the legislative session  June 24  to sign remaining legislation into law. Among bills yet to be signed include the state budget, changes to the bottle bill, protections for mobile home residents and more.

New laws will be enacted July 1, unless otherwise specified.

Here are some of the notable bills signed so far this week:

Child care and education

Child care aid: Child care providers could receive additional private payments from families currently receiving state aid. The current state assistance program reimburses child care centers 50% to 75% the market rate for care, allowing children to attend at no cost to the family. House File 2127 would allow providers to charge families for the difference between the state assistance and the private pay rate.

Child care workers: Reynolds plans to sign House File 2198 at Thursdays Iowa Association of Business and Industry conference, according to her public schedule. The bill would increase the amount of toddlers a child care staff member can care for: seven 2-year-olds per staff member, and up to 10 children who are 3 years old. The legislation also allows 16-year-olds to supervise school-age children without adult supervision. The previous age minimum for staff without supervision was 18.

Teacher licensing: This bill eliminates the standardized test required to obtain a teaching license in Iowa. Teachers in Iowa currently must pass a series of standardized tests, which are also used to certify teachers in states like Nebraska and Kansas. The legislation builds on previous efforts to fight Iowas educator shortage. Entrance exams for teaching courses were made optional, and required passing grades for the exit test were lowered.

Health care

COVID-19 vaccines: Child care centers, public K-12 schools and Regents universities cannot require students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in order to attend school. House File 2298 stands until 2029 and will be in effect for the upcoming school year.

Mental health workers: Two new laws were signed Monday to address the shortage of mental health workers. House File 2549 establishes a loan repayment program for psychologists and non-prescribing mental health professionals who agree to practice in Iowa for five years or up to seven years if working part time. House File 2246 allows interns enrolled in a psychology doctoral degree program to seek a provisional license and work under a fully licensed supervisor.

Asthma medication in schools: House File 771, which Reynolds signed Wednesday, allows students with respiratory ailments such as asthma to keep and use an inhaler or other medication in school, with written parental permission and a doctors statement. Schools would be allowed to stock the medications and appropriate personnel may administer it to students reasonably believed to be in respiratory distress.

Commerce

Aircraft taxation: Aircraft owners in Iowa will no longer be required to pay sales tax on parts and labor under Senate File 2370. Aircraft owners could save up to $700,000 a year, according to legislative fiscal analysts.

Home food businesses: House File 2341 broadens the regulation of home-based food businesses from home bakeries to home-based food establishments. These businesses will be allowed to sell up to $50,000 in perishable food products per year, an increase from the previous limit of $35,000. These businesses can also sell non-perishable, shelf-stable foods online, and ship directly to the consumer.

Workforce

Unemployment benefits: Iowa workers will have 10 fewer weeks of unemployment benefits under legislation Reynolds plans to sign Thursday. The bill shortens the states maximum unemployment eligibility from 26 to 16 weeks, in addition to imposing a one-week waiting period before receiving benefits. It also requires workers to accept lower-paying jobs sooner or risk losing their benefits. Legislators said the bill will update and repurpose Iowas unemployment system amid the state worker shortage.

Workforce regulations: This workforce omnibus bill takes a range of actions, including changed requirements and fees for employment. It waives certain parking fees for veterans and inspection requirements for manufactured housing, and creates reporting requirements for workforce learning programs. Reynolds also plans to sign this at the Iowa ABI conference.

Criminal charges

Elder abuse: The bill Reynolds signed Wednesday enacts more protections for Iowans 60 years or older. The bill would heighten minimum penalties for people charged for assault or theft against older Iowans. The legislation also created new criminal penalties for elder abuse as defined by Iowa law, as well as a new criminal charge for financial exploitation of people in this category.

Reproductive fraud: Senate File 529 criminalizes fertility fraud  the use of human reproductive material that the patient did not consent to in writing. Nonconsensual insemination will considered be sexual abuse in the fourth degree, an aggravated misdemeanor. It also changes current law to allow any woman over 18 to consent to their own hysterectomy. Current law states a doctor can require spousal consent.

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A Lancaster County jury Wednesday found a former Nebraska State Penitentiary inmate not guilty of a prison assault last year.

Prosecutors had charged Cody Granfield, a 35-year-old Hoskins man, as a habitual criminal, meaning he would've faced a minimum of 10 years in prison if he was convicted.

Both men have been released from prison after finishing their sentences.

In closing arguments Wednesday, Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Charles Byrd said the 43-year-old inmate who was beaten in a bathroom at the Nebraska State Penitentiary on June 19, 2021, testified that Granfield was holding him as another inmate punched him in the face.

The inmate who was beaten had snuck into a housing unit where he wasn't supposed to be in order to meet for the fight, though it was disputed if he or Granfield had set up the fight.

It wasn't on video because it happened in the bathroom, where there are no cameras. But video showed them and several other inmates entering the bathroom before the injured man was found knocked out.

He woke up in the hospital with a hematoma and bruising around his eye and a cut to his eyebrow that required stitches.

Byrd said Granfield was there to send a message to others not to disrespect the prison gang to which he was a part by beating the inmate senseless.

Defense attorney Mona Burton said Granfield simply watched a fight.

"That's not a crime," she said.

The injured inmate said Granfield held him as Clayton Highwolf, struck him.

Granfield denied he ever touched him.

Reach the writer at 402-473-7237 or lpilger@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSpilger

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The Navigator Heartland Greenway carbon dioxide pipeline would no longer go through Linn County under a new route proposed by the company.

The proposed 1,300-mile underground pipeline no longer would go through Linn, Benton, Cedar, Poweshiek and Clinton counties as proposed last year, but would include a new route in Bremer, Fayette, Buchanan and Delaware counties.

"The only reason we're cutting up through Linn and Clinton counties was to access the ADM facility," said Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, vice president of government and public affairs, referring to the ADM ethanol plant in Cedar Rapids. "With them no longer part of our footprint, we no longer need to put them into that routing formula."

Background

Navigator, a Texas company, in November proposed a pipeline to pass through 36 Iowa counties capturing CO2 at ethanol and fertilizer plants and transporting it to an underground site in southwest Illinois.

The goal of Navigator's proposed $3 billion project is to sequester up to 15 million metric tons of CO2, which would yield federal tax credits.

Storing greenhouse gases in underground rock formations could help reduce the impacts of climate change  although there still are questions about how the relatively new technology would work.

Two other companies also have proposed CO2 pipelines through Iowa.

Summit Carbon Solutions is planning a 2,000-mile C02 pipeline through Iowa to North Dakota. The company filed in January for a permit with the Iowa Utilities Board, but a date for a public hearing has not yet been set.

ADM and Wolf Carbon Solutions announced in January they have signed a letter of intent to build a 350-mile pipeline to transport liquefied CO2 from ethanol and cogeneration facilities in Cedar Rapids and Clinton to ADM's already-operational sequestration site in Decatur, Illinois.

Navigator held informational meetings in 36 counties starting last November and going through January. The plan was to file for a permit with the Iowa Utilities Board this summer.

What's happened since

When ADM decided to partner with Wolf Carbon Solutions, Navigator no longer had reason to build a pipeline through Linn County, Burns-Thompson said.

Instead, Navigator announced a deal earlier this month with POET, which operates 33 bioprocessing facilities across eight states, including Iowa. Navigator will collect CO2 from 18 POET plants in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota as part of the Heartland Greenway pipeline.

"We're now going a different route, so we needed to rework that," Burns-Thompson said.

The main trunk line that carves a diagonal line from northwest to southeast Iowa now will have a lateral line from around the midpoint of the state east to the Dyersville area, she said. Navigator released a new map Tuesday.

Changing the route means notifying a new set of Iowans the proposed pipeline would go through their property and holding a new set of public meetings.

"We do anticipate we'll have about a dozen new meetings we'll have to do due to not only reworking the lateral in northeast Iowa, but there are a couple of counties where we need to shift out of our initial half-mile corridor," Burns-Thompson said. "There are areas we have to completely go back to step one for those landowners."

For parts of the route that have stayed the same since last fall, Navigator will be moving forward with financial offers for voluntary easements in mid-July, she said.

Burns-Thompson predicts the information meetings in each county will be held in August. The company hopes to file its permit application with the state utilities board before the end of the year.

Wolf plans to release its proposed route by midsummer, at which time informational meetings would be set, the company said this spring.

Hundreds of Iowa landowners, county boards of supervisors and environmental groups have opposed use of eminent domain to force easements to build CO2 pipelines. The pipeline companies have said they plan to get voluntary easements, but it's unclear how many Iowans have signed financial deals so far.

Critics are concerned about the safety of the pipelines and do not think private companies should get federal tax credits for what they consider unproven technology.

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BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP)  Thousands of cattle in feedlots in southwestern Kansas have died of heat stress due to soaring temperatures, high humidity and little wind in recent days, industry officials said.

The final toll remains unclear, but as of Thursday at least 2,000 heat-related deaths had been reported to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the state agency that assists in disposing of carcasses. Agency spokesman Matt Lara said he expects that number to rise as more feedlots report losses from this weeks heat wave.

The cattle deaths have sparked unsubstantiated reports on social media and elsewhere that something besides the weather is at play, but Kansas agriculture officials said theres no indication of any other cause.

This was a true weather event  it was isolated to a specific region in southwestern Kansas," said A.J. Tarpoff, a cattle veterinarian with Kansas State University. Yes, temperatures rose, but the more important reason why it was injurious was that we had a huge spike in humidity ... and at the same time wind speeds actually dropped substantially, which is rare for western Kansas.

Last week, temperatures were in the 70s and 80s, but on Saturday they spiked higher than 100 degrees, said Scarlett Hagins, spokeswoman for the Kansas Livestock Association.

And it was that sudden change that didn't allow the cattle to acclimate that caused the heat stress issues in them, she said.

The deaths represent a huge economic loss because the animals, which typically weigh around 1,500 pounds, are worth around $2,000 per head, Hagins said. Federal disaster programs will help some producers who incurred a loss, she added.

And the worst may be over. Nighttime temperatures have been cooler and  as long as there is a breeze  the animals are able to recover, Tarpoff said.

Hagins said heat-related deaths in the industry are rare because ranchers take precautions such as providing extra drinking water, altering feeding schedules so animals are not digesting during the heat of the day, and using sprinkler systems to cool them down.

Heat stress is always a concern this time of year for cattle and so they have mitigation protocols put in place to be prepared for this kind of thing, she said.

Many cattle had still not shed their winter coats when the heatwave struck.

This is a one in 10-year, 20-year type event. This is not a normal event, said Brandon Depenbusch, operator of the Innovative Livestock Services feedlot in Great Bend, Kansas. It is extremely abnormal, but it does happen.

While his feedlot had zero problems," he noted that his part of the state did not have the same combination of high temperatures, high humidity, low winds and no cloud cover that hit southwestern Kansas.

Elsewhere, cattle ranchers haven't been so hard hit.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the Nebraska Cattlemen said they have received no reports of higher-than-normal cattle deaths in the state, despite a heat index of well over 100 degrees this week.

Oklahoma City National Stockyards President Kelli Payne said no cattle deaths have been reported since temperatures topped 90 degrees last Saturday, after rising from the mid 70s starting June 1.

We have water and sprinklers here to help mitigate heat and the heat wave, Payne said, but we dont have any control over that pesky Mother Nature.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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CASTLEWOOD, S.D. (AP)  Residents of a small community in northeastern South Dakota are still recovering from a wave of destructive storms a month ago.

Piles of debris and broken tree limbs sit on the edge of town in Castlewood, a community of about 600 near Watertown. Some homes and buildings show fresh wood from repairs, while in other places a hole in the ground is the only sign of a former structure.

Fallen trees with upturned roots are everywhere, and debris still litters some yards, South Dakota Public Broadcasting reported.

According to the National Weather Service, 16 tornadoes hit eastern South Dakota and southwestern Minnesota on May 12. Castlewood was hit by an EF2 tornado that packed winds of 120 mph and stayed on the ground for about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers).

Mayor Brian Ries says they are still assessing the extent of the damage in town.

Weve come a long ways, Ries said. Weve got a lot of cleanup to do yet, a lot of rebuilding process to go through. I think most peoples mentality right now is one day at a time type of thing.

In total, around 20 structures in Castlewood are destroyed while another 80 are damaged. No one died in Castlewood or suffered major injuries in the tornado.

The school district's building, which houses preschool to senior high students, was one of the hardest hit locations in town. Superintendent Peter Books says almost half the school, specifically the elementary wing, is structurally unsound.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's preliminary estimates report a total of $6.7 million in public infrastructure damages from the storm across 20 counties and two reservations. Its not clear how much assistance the federal agency will provide.

For copyright information, check with the distributor of this item, South Dakota Public Broadcasting.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP)  State senators are staying silent on how they will vote in South Dakota's first-ever impeachment trial next week, as they weigh whether to remove Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg for his conduct surrounding a 2020 fatal car crash.

The Associated Press asked each of the 35 members of the Republican-controlled Senate whether they had made a decision on the two impeachment charges that will be argued starting Tuesday. None of the 20 who responded said they had reached a decision. Most likened themselves to jurors or judges who must give a fair hearing in an ordeal that has fractured the states Republican Party and galvanized public opinion.

Everybodys keeping an objective mind and going into it with their eyes wide open, said Republican Sen. Erin Tobin.

It will take 24 senators, or two-thirds, to convict Ravnsborg, a first-term Republican who isn't seeking reelection, on either of two articles of impeachment: committing crimes that caused the death of pedestrian Joseph Boever and malfeasance afterward.

The circumstances surrounding the two-day trial may have already tipped some senators as they review crash investigation files and material from the House impeachment investigation. Ravnsborg's defense hasn't submitted any documents, so everything they have looked at likely works in the prosecution's favor.

It would be hard for anyone to look at that information and not come to a conclusion, said Republican Sen. Michael Rohl. We havent seen a defense.

Rohl said he hasn't made up his mind. Most of his questions are for Ravnsborg, who has not said whether he will testify.

Other senators have had less time to do their homework on the crash investigation. Republican Sen. Ryan Maher said he is already agitated because he will have to take a two-day break from running a new business to spend long hours in a Senate chamber likely baking in the summer heat. Lawmakers usually meet during the winter months, making air conditioning or cooling ventilation unnecessary.

Its going to be hot and were just going to sit there and sweat, Maher said.

He said he did not know how he would vote, but said if Ravnsborg is convicted, he would probably vote to bar him from holding any future state office just because hes wasting my time now when he should have resigned.

Other senators said they were looking forward to a trial as a public reckoning over crash details that have emerged in fits and starts in the 21 months since Ravnsborg struck Boever as he drove home from a Republican gathering.

Ravnsborg has said he did not know he killed a man until he returned to the crash site the next day and discovered Boevers body. He initially told a 911 dispatcher he was in the middle of the road and hit something. He later said he thought he hit a deer or other animal and has insisted that neither he nor a sheriff who came to the scene could find what was hit in the dark. Investigators said they doubted some of Ravnsborg's statements.

I am going to try and understand what really happened, Republican Sen. Arthur Rusch said in an email. How did he get on the shoulder  how did he not see Mr. Boever  how did he not see his face in his windshield. How did neither the AG or the sheriff see the body when they walked right by it.

During the House impeachment investigation, Ravnsborg's defense centered on the constitutional grounds for impeachment and whether the two traffic misdemeanors, to which he pleaded no contest last year, were any reason to impeach him. He has also charged that Gov. Kristi Noem politically weaponized the crash to drive him from office.

Noem pressed the impeachment process along. After her administration argued for his removal, impeachment squeaked out of the House by a single vote. In the Senate, where it would require a two-thirds majority to convict Ravnsborg, lawmakers have usually been on the same page with the governor.

The political realities will certainly bear on senators' minds, said Jon Schaff, a political science professor at Northern State University.

One would have to be naive to conclude that theres not at least some political element going on, he said. What do constituents think and what does the governor think?

Republican Sen. V.J. Smith said he has been careful not to comment on the trial out of fairness, even as dozens of people in his community have asked him about it. But he said he's reminded of Boever's death every time he passes the spot where he died on U.S. Highway 14.

It never really leaves you, he said. Were all looking for closure of a tragic situation.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Most people are familiar with the phrase sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

The incendiary rhetoric that has engulfed our political system has demonstrated that especially violent words can cause hurt, even death, to others.

The most recent example is a California man who showed up last week at the Maryland home of Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Police say he had a gun, bullets, zip ties and duct tape and was intent on assassinating Kavanaugh before calling 911 and claiming he was suicidal. Hes been charged with attempted murder.

Two years ago, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stood outside the Supreme Court and delivered these fiery words to a crowd of demonstrators opposed to the reversal of Roe v. Wade: I want to tell you, (Justice Neil) 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.

Schumer later said, I shouldnt have used the words I used. Too late. The damage had been done.

While Republicans cannot claim purity when it comes to radical rhetoric, Democrats seem to use harsh words more often and then deny any responsibility for what comes next  from attempted and actual murder, to looting, property damage and violent crime.

While many Democrats (and the two Republicans) on the House January 6 committee blame former president Donald Trump for inciting the Capitol riot, they are curiously unconcerned about the rhetoric of Schumer and others within their own party.

Here are a few examples of incendiary rhetoric by Democrats, compiled by The Federalist.com.

In 2018, Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu of California said on MSNBC that if Trump fired special counsel Robert Mueller, there would be widespread civil unrest as people would take to the streets.

Former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper agreed that if Trump fired Mueller, it would set off a firestorm not only on the Hill but also in the streets.

That same year, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) urged people to answer a call to action to protest at the Capitol. Please, get up in the face of some congresspeople, Booker said at a conference.

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) called for protesters to "stay on the street" and "get more confrontational" should a Minnesota jury acquit former police officer Derek Chauvin for killing George Floyd. On another occasion, Waters said about Trump supporters: You get out and create a crowd. You push back on them. You tell them they are not welcomed anymore or anywhere.

In 2018, Hillary Clinton said civility was only an option if the Democrats controlled the legislative branch. You cant be civil with a political party that wants to destroy what you stand for and what you care for.

Former Attorney General Eric Holder quoted Michelle Obama and added his own thought: Michellealways says, When they go low, we go high. No. No. When they go low, we kick them.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said that, in politics, when youre in the arena, you have to be ready to take a punch, and you have to be ready to throw a punch  for the children.

Sen. John Tester (D-MT) went even lower when he encouraged people to punch Trump in the face.

When rhetoric gets heated, perhaps the best way to be heard is to speak in a tone Scripture attributes to God  a still, small voice. As noted by the writer of Proverbs: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)

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LE MARS, Iowa -- The gospel singing Brown Family must have one heckuva to-do list.

When they're not performing at the Browns Century Theatre, brothers Adam and Andrew help out at their family's rural Plymouth County farm.

Similarly, sister Michaela is known to leap from the stage to the stove, testing out recipes. After all, she has three cookbooks to her credit.

And mom Shelly? She was the brains behind "Hometown with The Browns," a twice-a-month YouTube series which gives audiences a behind-the-scenes peak at the Gospel Music Association Dove Award-nominated family.

"We actually came up with the idea to do a reality series years ago," Shelly Brown explained. "Then, we decided to purchase a historic bank building that eventually turned in the Brown Century Theatre in 2015."

"And as often happens, construction on a 100-year-old building took more time and more money than expected," Adam said, continuing the story. "So, everything else had to be on the back burner."

Seven years later, Michaela remembered her mom's reality TV concept.

That was when the family began producing "Hometown with the Browns."

"Each episode has a different song as its theme," Shelly said. "Michaela will demonstrate a new recipes, Adam and Andrew will have a fun 'What's Up with the Brown Boys' segment."

"A lot of times, that will be a home improvement spot, which is Adam's specialty," interjected Andrew.

"Plus, every show ends with a word of inspiration, courtesy of mom," Michaela said.

"But the main thing is it showcases our music as well as our hometown," Shelly said. "We do love Le Mars."

Indeed, the Brown Family will be presenting "Oh My Iowa!" -- a musical salute to the Hawkeye State -- at 1:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday in the Browns Century Theatre, 11 Central Ave. N.W., as part of Le Mars' Ice Cream Days celebration.

Home to Wells Enterprises, Inc. and Blue Bunny Ice Cream, the "Ice Cream Capital of the World" will be the site for a multitude of family friendly activities.

In addition to the Browns' "Oh My Iowa" show and their Ice Cream Days outdoor closing show concert (at 4 p.m. Saturday in the Olson Cultural Events Center, 3 First St., N.W.), the Plymouth County seat will teem with stuff to see and do.

However, this year's Ice Cream Days will be very different than past festivals, according to executive planning committee member Shannon Rodenburg.

"For years, Ice Cream Days was a time for the community to come to together for a celebration," she explained. "This year, we've revamped the festival as a way to bring out-of-towners to Le Mars."

While such time-tested events as car shows, smile contests and an ice cream social will continue.

But Rodenburg is also excited about new activities like a carnival with midway rides (3 to 9 p.m. Friday and noon to 7 p.m. Saturday); and, even, an ice cream-themed performance from the Omaha Arts Circus (7:30 p.m. Friday).

In addition, there will be daily Scavenger Hunts, where visitors can spot historic highlights on downtown buildings, and Alley Art exploration tours, featuring public displays and the large-scale murals on the alley walls of local businesses.

Event organizers wanted to bring as much of Ice Cream Days to downtown Le Mars, Rodenburg said.

This included street performers, live artists, food vendors, merchant mart and a kid's zone in or near the Olson Cultural Events Center.

"With gas prices as high as they are, more people are sticking closer to home," Rodenburg said. "That's why most of Ice Cream Days events are either free or inexpensive enough for families."

Which is a sentiment shared by the Browns, whose theater often brings in busloads of visitors to see their shows or shop in their next door gift and chocolate shop.

"There is something wonderfully inviting about visiting a small town in the summertime," Shelly Brown said. "Ice Cream Days is the time of the year where Le Mars can show off what made it famous all over the world."

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Dear Prudence is Slates advice column. Submit questions here.

Dear Prudence,

My ex-fiance and I were building our dream house on land my grandparents left me when I caught him secretly carrying on a relationship with his ex while still planning to marry me for my money. The wedding is off, and Ive decided to donate the almost finished house to our local fire department to burn down for training. This will be hugely cathartic, and Im looking forward to it.

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But Im catching flak from Kate, my older half sister, who is living in a womens shelter with her three younger kids since leaving her abusive addict husband. She works but does not make enough for an apartment. Her oldest son turned 13 and had to move into a group home with a bunch of wild boys since the shelter doesnt allow males over 12. Kate thinks I should let her and her kids move into the house if I dont want it.

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My dad, whod be happy to see my ex burned alive in the house, thinks I should go ahead with it. But my mom is hinting that even though its my house and I can do whatever I want with it, shell be disappointed if I dont let Kate live there, reminding me how Kate enabled her to have a career by babysitting me when I was little. Im dying for those flames, but I dont want to feel selfish or guilty! I feel like everyone just wants to use me for money without caring about my feelings. What should I do?

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Burn It Down

Dear Burn It Down,

Im going to take you at your word that this is a real scenario, but I have a lot of questions. The financial disparity between you and Kate is jarring, but Im assuming that your wealth is from the inheritance, or perhaps you have money on your own and the inheritance added to it. And I presume that its that money that would be needed to finish construction on this house should Kate get to move in. You can do whatever you want with your property, of course, and as someone who has watched Angela Bassetts iconic scene in Waiting to Exhale dozens of times, I know how cathartic strutting away from a blaze you set (or at least facilitated) can be. But building a house and then setting fire to it while your half sister and her kids are in a shelter and a group home gets a little close to Dickensian villain for my taste. And even if they werent a consideration and you dont want to sell the land itself (with the house to another buyer), destroying a whole house is just incredibly wasteful from a resources and environmental standpoint. All this wood got through the supply chain just to end up kindling? My gracious! I know that youre hurt, and your feelings are valid. But practically speaking, this is a little hard to rationalize. Now, giving Kate your house comes with its own set of questions: Is this an outright gift, or would she rent? Will she pay some or all of the costs to finish construction? Can she pay property tax? Taking over this place is not as simple as perhaps Kate is thinking of it. If you do proceed, there are some things that should be worked out in advance, possibly with the advice of an attorney.

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But all that benefits Kate. What about you? I wonder if theres a way for you to get catharsis through different means. Perhaps theres even something that Kate can help with. You write that it feels like everyone is using you for your money, which is something you should probably talk out with Kate, no matter what you decide. Its important that you feel validated, and it isnt like Kate has an implicit right to the house. See if you can find a way to separate your feelings from the house and let it transform into something good, and generative, and, most importantly, unburned.

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Dear Prudence,

I am preparing (within the next 30 days) to move out of the city that Ive been living in the past seven years, to relocate to another state where my family lives. Im leaving behind a great group of friends, and when I finally told them my plans about a month ago, they took the news pretty hard, as I suspected they would, which is why I held off telling everyone as long as possible. I realize holding off was a mistake, but I did it because I dont like the fuss this kind of news creates, which is exactly what happened. Now whenever I hang out with my friends, they are constantly harassing me about moving away, teasing how my new state sucks and I suck for moving, and on and on. At first I took this lightheartedly and reassured them that I would still come visit even though Ill be living several hours away. Now Im just really over these comments, and its making it difficult for me to enjoy the last few weeks I have to see everyone. I find myself mentally preparing for the comments Ill get when I go hang out with people. I get it, they will miss me and I will deeply miss them, but its getting incredibly annoying, and Id like for it to stop. This is not the first time Ive held off sharing big news to avoid this kind of thing, and let the resentment grow to the point where I get angry out of frustration. I can only stand hearing the same thing so many times. Can you give me some advice of what I can say to put these comments to a stop so I dont end up saying something I regret right before I have to say see you later?

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Over the Jokes

Dear Over the Jokes,

This kind of joshing seems to take over friend groups a lot, sometimes masking sadness or something just a part of the shared vocabulary. And its almost always annoying. Try to grab your friendsindividually or as a groupat a moment when the joking isnt happening and tell them something like I know youve been making jokes about my move and how it sucks. And I know you dont mean anything by it, but its starting to feel like we cant get past it. I really want to enjoy our time together and its hard to do that if were stuck on my move. Can we call it quits with those jokes for a while?

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How to Get Advice From Prudie

Submit your questions anonymously here. (Questions may be edited for publication.) Join the live chat every Monday at noon (and submit your comments) here.

Dear Prudence,

I hit my mid-30s after dropping the dead weight of a relationship that was more chore than connection. I finally have moments of happiness rather than hopelessness. My sister has been divorced twice and is permanently estranged from her oldest daughter. My sister chose her second homophobic husband over her lesbian daughter. My niece hasnt spoken to anyone in our family for three years.

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Anyway, my sister is obsessed over my single status. She constantly reminds me about my biological clock and how hard it is to find a good man after 40. She makes crazy cat lady jokes and lectures me about how I need to be serious about dating. The subject is in every interaction we have. I have tried to brush off her concerns, telling her to drop the subject and that I am happy with my life and wouldnt be changing it just because she said so. My sister hotly told me I was lying to myself and there was no way I could be satisfied without being married and a mother. I retorted back that it didnt work out so well for hertwo failed marriages, her sons barely see their father, and her daughter wants nothing to do with her, so maybe she should work on her own life rather than fixating on mine.

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It was a low blow. But it was nothing but the truth, and my sister would not let up on me about being single. Well, she cursed me out and now refuses to talk to me. This estrangement has put a lot of stress on our parents and they keep pressuring me to apologize. I have told them I will if my sister will. They tell me that isnt going to happen because she doesnt think she did anything wrong and only acted out of love. I apparently just attacked her out of nowhere. I am just tired. How do I deal with this?

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Sister Trouble

Dear Sister Trouble,

The source of the original conflict seems to be the source of this new estrangement as wellnamely that your sister sees your life very differently from the way you see it, and shes also likely quite resentful of you. Its what prompted all the critical comments that she characterizes as acting out of love, and its what got her so entrenched in her position now. You can eat crow and apologize for the sake of family harmony, but consider for a second what would happen if you told your parents that the two of you simply see the facts differently and its probably healthy for you to take some time apart. Its not what they want, but it might be exactly what you need. Going back to the same relationship with your sister isnt going to do you any good, and it isnt going to change the conflicts you have.

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Dear Prudence,

I have been a busy person in the last couple years. I have been planning to go to grad school in a new field, and while working part time in my old field, I got another part-time job in this new field. Great foot in the door, right? Well, now that I am planning to attend school full time in the fall, I want to leave the old part-time job, and I told my boss as much in December, to prepare her for this eventuality. I would rather work just the one part-time job, in the field I actually want to be in, rather than essentially full-time work plus school.

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I recently gave four weeks notice. My boss started crying. She likes me and we work well together. She said she would not be able to find anyone else because no one wants to work anymore (that old chestnut), she thinks my job requires specialized knowledge that someone else would not be able to pick up, she thinks she could not trust a new person since she has a lot of expensive merchandise at the store, and she is afraid of theft. It is a very small, specialized business (think stamp collecting or something similarly niche), so yes, it does require knowing about the product, and would take some time to learn.

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Did I mention I have been her only employee through the whole pandemic? And she doesnt want to hire someone else as she is looking to retire soon and she thinks thats not fair to the new person. I told her this is what temp agencies are for, but she says temps are untrustworthy.

She wants me to stay on until December, and I reluctantly agreed. But I really dont want to, and I would prefer to leave in August. I cant continue to be her whole business, while starting a new career and school. The job classifies me as an independent contractor as well, so I can leave at any time, but I dont want to burn bridges since Ive been there for many years (and I do like my boss, in spite of this!). Help?

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I Know I Gotta Go

Dear I Know I Gotta Go,

Your boss is putting a lot of pressure on you thats not yours to own. Sure, its tough to lose an employee, especially in a company with only two employees, but thats what happens in business. You cant be expected to put your life on hold for someone elses dream. Youve graciously offered solutions and shes refused to engage with them. At this point, its her problem. You should leave when you want to leave. Its likely that it wont be smooth, judging by the way shes reacted so far, but I dont think youd have an easier time in December. Explain to her that this isnt personal, but that you have to pursue your own work path, just like she did. Thank her for the time youve spent together and ask her to wish you well.

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Dear Prudence Uncensored

This employer is basically asking the employee to sacrifice their own happiness for the good of the company.

R. Eric Thomas and friends discuss a letter in this weeks Dear Prudence Uncensoredonly for Slate Plus members.

Dear Prudence,

I am in my early 20s and living with two roommates. Roommate 1, Jane is clean, considerate, and a close friend from college. Roommate 2, Anne, was also a close friend from college, but was a terrible roommateinconsiderate, messy, and generally rough to live with.

Last month, Jane let me know she was moving to a different city for a job switch. I deeply wanted to stay in our house, so I agreed to look for a third roommate with Anne with the intention to tell her that I wanted the situation to be different next year. Then our landlord opted not to renew the lease. Rather than telling Anne I wanted to live somewhere else, I stupidly agreed to live with her in a new apartment, which I did all the work of finding and preparing. Ive started to be more direct in asking her to clean common areas and not invade my space, but shes answered this by giving me the silent treatment and has alluded to only living with me because neither of us have better options.

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This is simply not true. When I mentioned I was thinking about moving in with my partner after our landlord gave us the update, she stared me down flatly and told me that that would really screw her over. She isnt confrontational, but is extremely passive-aggressive. I am dreading moving to a two-bedroom with her. I had a potential subletter lined up, but Anne told me she refused to live with her because SHE WAS MESSY. I dont know my options: Anne and I have overlapping social groups and I am trying to not burn bridges, but I also desperately want out of a situation that I know I created.

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I Want Out

Dear I Want Out,

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Its clear that living with Anne is going to be a miserable experience for you. Moreover, your attempts to have a better relationship with her have been met with hostility. Theres no reason for you to go into this new living situation. Anne is as capable as you are of finding a subletter for your room if she doesnt approve of the one you found. Shes abdicating a lot of responsibility here and forcing you to pick up the slack. I say cut ties now before it gets worse and harder to extricate yourself. As a compromise, try finding another subletter. But be very clear to Anne that youre not moving into the apartment with her. This may cause friction in your friend group, but separating now will save you and Anne a lot of strife in the future.

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Dear Prudence,

We are relatively new to our town and working on making friends. Our son has made friends with a very sweet boy at school whose parents invited us over for lunch while the kids had a play date. During the lunch, as we are connecting on things we have in common, it comes out that my husband (we can call him John) and the friends dad (lets call him Thomas), went to the same small college, but Thomas graduated more than 18 years before John. My husband says, You must know our most infamous alum! and names a guy that had graduated around the same time as Thomas, and Thomas says, Actually, that is me! In my husbands defense, Thomas goes by a nickname and has a very common last name; minus his middle name, you wouldnt actually connect him with his VERY famous family and name. In any case, Thomas is exceptionally well-known: He had a very famous rape trial many years ago where he was found not guilty.

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I happen to work on issues related to sexual assault for my career and know a bunch about his trial, which was prerape shield laws (so they put the victim on trial), and they excluded evidence of multiple other rape claims on a technicality that would not hold up today. I did a little Googling and found that Thomas had been accused of sexual assault again later in life, and his wife defended him by saying, These cockroaches will never die. Although the encounter was very awkward (my husband made an excuse to leave as soon as he realized who Thomas was), we have already been invited to other things with this couple and will inevitably be around these people on the regular. I do not believe in holding a child accountable for the crimes of their parents, but I am wondering if I have a moral obligation to share this information with anyone else? I would not want a female-identified babysitter, nanny, or any other young woman to be around this man. I am horrified that a woman would call victims of assault cockroaches, especially when I spend much of my day trying to teach people why false accusations of rape, assault, and sexual harassment are not a thing and why. What do we do here? Cut off contact? Limit contact? Warn other parents? I dont want kids to feel ostracized because of their parents, and at the same time I feel gross being around them and making small talk.

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Morally Conflicted Mom

Dear Morally Conflicted Mom,

Cutting off contact is the wise thing to do here. I know youre sympathetic to Thomas son, but I just dont see how any continued relationship with the family is going to be tenable. Moreover, if your son and Thomas son keep growing their friendship, it stands to reason that theyd want to spend time at Thomas house, which I presume is a big no-go for you. While there will surely be times this family is unavoidable given the way school works, you dont have to associate with them.

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Telling others is a slippery slope, mostly because it will likely draw you into a situation that you dont want to be in. And others might see your actions as gossip or even slander rather than what you intend them to be. If you encounter someone who is planning to babysit for them, for instance, I think its fair to give a heads-up, since the information is all Google-able. But you want to be careful not to go on a crusade.

Classic Prudie

My 16-year-old daughter began dating a classmate in April. Two months ago, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. Overnight, he and his family came to demand a ridiculous amount of commitment from my daughter. She is expected to organize gatherings of their friends, come to appointments, and do whatever she can to lift his spirits. She feels overwhelmed by his parents demands, and my husband and I feel wary at how she become the one bright spot in his life. Thanks to movies like The Fault in Our Stars and 50/50, as well as to his parents, she thinks only bitches dump their cancer stricken boyfriends. I worry she will implode if she doesnt take some healthy distance from him. As a parent of someone on the cusp of legal adulthood, what should I do?
On Monday, the Supreme Court ruled in Denezpi v. United States that the Fifth Amendments double jeopardy clause does not prevent both tribal and federal governments from prosecuting an individual for the same crime. These two governments, the court held, are separate sovereigns, and each has an interest in defining and punishing illegal acts within its jurisdiction. The case split 63, with the majority and the dissent disagreeing over not just law but history. In the end, the majority got the law right, but ignored crucial historical facts that could have bolstered contemporary tribal sovereignty.

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Denezpi stems from disputes over a sexual assault that occurred in a house located on tribal land. Two members of the Navajo Nation, Merle Denezpi and V.Y., traveled to Towaoc, Colorado, a town within the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation. Once there, Denezpi barricaded the door, threatened V.Y., and forced her to have sex with him, as the court described the facts. V.Y. escaped and reported Denezpi to tribal authorities.

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Federal prosecutors filed a complaint against Denezpi in Ute Mountain Ute Tribes Court of Indian Offenses, otherwise known as a CFR Court, under the tribal law offense of assault and battery. CFR courts specifically deal with crimes committed by Native Americans and operate outside of state jurisdiction. Denezpi pleaded guilty to the assault and battery charge and was sentenced to time servedroughly five months. But six months later, a federal grand jury in the District of Colorado indicted Denezpi on one count of aggravated sexual abuse in Indian country, a federal offense. Denezpi moved to dismiss the indictment, arguing that the CFR court derived its authority from a federal grant of power, meaning Denezpis previous prosecution barred his subsequent federal prosecution for the same incident. Ultimately, the district court dismissed his claims and Denezpi was convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison.

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Accordingly, the central question in the case was whether the Ute Mountain Ute Court derives its prosecutorial power from the sovereign power of the tribe or the federal government.

In a 63 decision, the Supreme Court rejected Denezpis argument and ruled that a tribal members actions led to separate prosecutions under tribal ordinance and federal statute. Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote the majority opinion, sidestepping the question of whether the CFR court derived its power from sovereignty or the federal government. Instead, the justice argued that Denezpi had been prosecuted for distinct offenses. The Court need not decide whether prosecutors in CFR courts exercise tribal or federal authority because the Double Jeopardy Clause does not prohibit successive prosecutions by the same sovereign, she wrote. Rather, it prohibits successive prosecutions for the same offense. Ultimately, Barrett concluded that the the two lawsdefined by separate sovereignsproscribe separate offenses, so Denezpis second prosecution did not place him in jeopardy again for the same offense. 

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Justice Neil Gorsuch dissented, joined in part by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. Gorsuch addressed the question of prosecutorial power directly, arguing that the double jeopardy clause should have precluded Denezpis federal court conviction, because federal prosecutors tried Merle Denezpi twice for the same crime. First, they charged him with violating a federal regulation. Then, they charged him with violating an overlapping federal statute. Same defendant, same crime, same prosecuting authority. Gorsuch also recounted the CFR courts original goal of trying to civilize the Indians by compelling them to desist from the savage and barbarous practices.

However, Gorsuchs dissent tells an oversimplified story of federal Indian law and of CFR courts. A quick look at the history of these courts helps explain both the confused reasoning in the majority opinion and the unusual alliance in the dissent. The NYU-Yale American Indian Sovereignty Project, through its Native Amicus Briefing Project, provided this history in an amicus brief that I collaborated with several scholars and historians on.

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Native peoples have governed themselves under their own laws since time immemorial. At the founding of these distinct governing bodies, the United States anticipated that tribes and the federal government would each retain separate power to punish criminals for violations of their own laws without implicating double jeopardy. From that moment onward, however, the United States also began to assert shared jurisdiction within Indian country.

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CFR courts, where Denezpi was initially prosecuted, originated in the late 19th century as Courts of Indian Offenses. Federal officials hoped to utilize these courts to transform Native culture and extinguish traditional practices. Under assimilationist goals, the U.S. wanted tribes to incorporate Western ideals of what justice systems should look like. In 1885, Congress passed the Major Crimes Act, which placed certain crimes committed by Natives against Natives in Indian country under federal jurisdiction. Those crimes include rape, along with murder, manslaughter, assault with intent to kill, arson, burglary, and larceny. And tribes lost their authority to prosecute most major crimes.

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When Congress enacted the Major Crimes Act, it recognized that the CFR courts were an inadequate substitute for federal criminal jurisdiction because they relied on tribes curtailed prosecutorial authority. (Consider that the Court of Indian Offenses did not charge and sentence Denezpi for rape.)

Centuries later, in 2010, the Tribal Law and Order Act was passed, restoring limited felony sentencing authority to tribes. The act places an emphasis on preventing and prosecuting violence against Native women, allowing tribes to hire more law enforcement officers and providing additional resources to prosecute and punish offenders. The act also expanded the tribal courts ability to sentence offendersextending the maximum sentence from one year to three.

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The passage of the Major Crimes Act and the Tribal Law and Order Act helped push CFR courts past their initial goal of Westernizing Indian country. Gorsuchs historical account leaves out the crucial advances that the federal government has made in coordination with tribes to eradicate these colonialist origins. Laws like the Major Crimes Act and the Tribal Law and Order Act have affirmed that CFR courts still derive their source of authority from tribal sovereignty.

This distinction is critical. For double jeopardy purposes, Indian tribes and the United States are distinct sovereigns because a tribes prosecutorial authority stems from its inherent sovereignty authority and not from a grant of federal authority, as Gorsuch argued in his dissent. In sum, the majority came to the right conclusionbut in doing so, missed an opportunity to affirm the historical facts that could have bolstered its decision.
During the third in a set of summer hearings held by the House Select Committee to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on Thursday, committee members closely scrutinized former President Donald Trumps numerous attempts to coerce Vice President Mike Pence into unilaterally declaring they had won the 2020 election.

The main upshot of the day was not only that team normal knew the plan had no constitutional, legal, or historical basis, but also that the main architects of the Jan. 6 plotspecifically Trump attorneys John Eastman and Rudy Giuliani knew that their plan would be rejected by any sane judge. Eastman, Giuliani, and Trump pushed the plan anyway. As a result, the committee made clear, Capitol rioters focused their anger on the vice president who narrowly escaped a brush with a mob that came within 40 feet of him as he moved to a secure location. On top of these revelations, we also learned that Eastman sought to shield himself from potential criminal liability following the insurrection and his failed attempts at stopping the peaceful transition of power.

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Given what the Jan. 6 committee uncovered, its a wonder that Eastman has yet to be indicted on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States. U.S. District Judge David O. Carter has already written as part of separate litigation that Eastman and Trump likely committed this offense. Jan 6. was a coup in search of a legal theory, the judge wrote. And the committee laid out the development of that unsubstantiated legal framework in excruciating detail on Thursday, placing the culpability directly on Eastman, Giuliani, and ultimately Trump.

Pence attorney Greg Jacob was Thursdays star witness, offering up detailed testimony that bolstered the committees case. Jacob advised the vice president throughout the final weeks of the administration to follow his initial instinct, despite inordinate amounts of pressure from Trump, to decline to overturn the election on Jan. 6. Our review of text history and frankly just common sense all confirmed the vice presidents first instinct on that point, Jacob testified. There is no justifiable basis to conclude that the vice president has that kind of authority.

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This first instinct was widely shared in Trumps own White House, the committee learned. Trump advisor Jason Miller testified that White House Counsel Pat Cipollone thought the idea was nutty and had at one point confronted Eastman basically with the same sentiment. Meanwhile, Pences Chief of Staff, Marc Short, testified that White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows told him prior to Jan. 6 that he also believed the vice president had no authority to do what Trump was asking. (Short also testified that Mark had told so many people so many different things that it was not something that I would necessarily accept, as ok, well that means thats resolved.)

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White House lawyer Eric Herschmann testified that he told Eastman directly that his plan was completely crazy, that he was out of [his] effin mind, and that he was going to cause riots in the streets. This warning didnt seem to trouble Eastman. According to Herschmanns videotaped deposition, in advance of Jan. 6, Eastman said that hed be OK with violence. [Eastman] said words to the effect of theres been violence in the history of our country in order to protect the democracy or protect the republic, Herschmann testified in one of the more damning moments in a hearing full of damning moments.

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Jacob also testified that he too warned Eastman of the violence and chaos his path would likely bring upon the nation. You would have had just an unprecedented constitutional jump ball situation with that standoff, and as I expressed to him that issue might then well have to be decided in the streets, Jacob testified he told the lawyer.

Again, John Eastman was fine with this outcome.

Indeed, a steady buildup of public pressure targeting Pence that was initially instigated by Trump culminated in the days just prior to Jan. 6, with Eastman leading the charge. On Jan. 4, Jacob attended an Oval Office meeting with Pence, Trump, Short, and Eastman. According to Short, Eastman pressed the vice president to overturn the election, offering Pence two paths: Reject Biden electors he personally disagreed with outright and declare their administration the victor, or on Jan. 6 he could call a recess of the joint session of Congress and send the disputed electors back to state legislatures to be re-certified in favor of Trump.

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Ultimately, at this initial meeting Eastman rejected the former theory, which he himself later described as crazy, and sought to push the return it to the states plan. But at a meeting with Jacob the very next day, Eastman made an about face. His first words after introduction and as we sat down were, Im here to request that you reject the electors in the disputed states, Jacob said on Thursday. According to Jacob, Eastman also acknowledged during the meeting that his argument would lose 9-0 at the Supreme Court.

Jacob was categorical that Pence would not be unilaterally overturning the election. The former Pence attorney was so shocked by Eastman that he wrote down in contemporaneous notes that were presented before the committee Requesting VP reject.

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Perplexingly, at that Jan. 5 meeting, Eastman acknowledged there was no legal or historical standing for the vice president to unilaterally decide the election, despite continuing to advocate for it. He acknowledged by the end that there was no historical practice whatsoever that supported his position, Jacob testified, noting that he explicitly rejected a poor historical parallel involving Thomas Jefferson and the 1800 election. (The next day during a speech at Trumps rally in front of the crowd that would become the mob chanting hang Mike Pence, Eastman reversed himself again and cited the Jefferson precedent)

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After all of Eastmans back and forth with Pences attorney, Trump called Pence to the Oval Office for a meeting to try to persuade him directly to overturn the election. The New York Times reported on that meeting, making clear that Pence had told Trump he did not have that power. According to Miller, Trump then dictated a statement lying about the report:

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The New York Times report regarding comments Vice President Pence supposedly made to me today is fake news. He never said that. The Vice President and I are in total agreement that the Vice President has the power to act.

We were shocked and disappointed, because whoever had written and put that statement out it was categorically untrue, Jacob testified of the vice presidents staffs response to Trumps lie about the meeting.

The committee also presented further evidence that Eastman knew that his plan was illegal. In a draft memo to the president, he wrote:

The 12th Amendment only says that the President of the Senate opens the ballots in the joint session and then, in the passive voice, that the votes shall then be counted.  12 says merely that he is the presiding officer.  Nowhere does it suggest that the President of the Senate gets to make the determination on his own.

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And Eastman wasnt the only one of Trumps legal henchman who knew the plan wasnt legally viable. Trump lawyer Herschmann testified that on the morning of Jan. 6 he received a call from Giuliani:

On the morning of Jan. 6, he called me out of the blue and I was like getting dressed and we had an intellectual discussion about  the VPs role.  When we finished, he said that I believe that youre probably right. I think he thought when we were done that itd be something that hed have to consider if he were sitting on the bench, but hed probably come down on that you couldnt interpret it or sustain the argument long term.

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So, Eastman and Giuliani, according to sworn testimony, accepted that their plot to overturn an American election had no basis. Nevertheless, theyalong with Trumppersisted. And during speeches on Jan. 6, they each individually focused the ire of the assembled rally-goers directly on Pence.

Even after the attack on the Capitol, Eastman continued to email Jacob attempting to convince Pence to overturn the election. When Pence was told of this days later, he told Jacob, thats rubber room stuff, according to Jacobs testimony. And on Jan. 7, Eastman was still at it. As Herschmann testified, he called that day asking for legal work preserving something potentially for appeal in the contested state of Georgia.

Herschmann said he told Eastman that he was out of your effin mind. He added: Now Im going to give you the best free legal advice youre getting in your life: Get a great effing criminal defense lawyer. Youre going to need it.

Soon after, Eastman penned an email to Giuliani, writing: Ive decided that I should be on the pardon list, if that is still in the works.
Its been a fun series of recent events in Michigan:

 In late May, the leading Republican gubernatorial candidate, James Craig, a former Detroit police chief who is billed as being tough on crime, was disqualified from being on the primary ballot because thousands of signatures on his nominating petition were determined to be fraudulent. (A number of other candidates were also found to have submitted fake signatures.)

 Craig, who is apparently not tough on James Craig crime, says he is not responsible for the problems with his petition and is pursuing a write-in campaign.

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 With Craig off the ballot, if not out of the race, a relatively unknown candidate named Ryan Kelley took the lead in the polls. Kelley, a real estate agent, had previously made news for leading protests against COVID-related restrictions and for telling an audience of Republicans that they should unplug voting machines if they ever suspect Democrats are using them to commit fraud. (NPR reports that, in addition to being illegal, this wouldnt actually stop voting machines from working, because they have backup battery power.)

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 Then, on June 9, federal agents arrested Kelley and charged him with four crimes related to participation in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol. A document filed by the Department of Justice alleges that Kelley was part of a group that pushed past police officers at an outdoor barricade, and that Kelley then stood on a ledge and encouraged the crowd behind him to rush toward the building. (See above photo for evidence of this claim. Kelley is not accused of personally having any physical contact with police.)

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 On Thursday, a Detroit Free Press poll that was conducted after Kelleys arrest found that he is  hmm  yes, still leading the primary field, with 17 percent support. Kelley, the Freep says, also had the highest total favorability and name recognition among Republican gubernatorial contenders. The paper found at least one Michigan man for whom the accusations even add to Kelleys appeal:

Jim Flarity, of Lenawee County, said he was already leaning toward supporting Kelley in the primary, but the FBI arrest cemented his decision to vote for Kelley come August. The number one reason is he was arrested by the FBI, Flarity told the Free Press. I had my own issues with the FBI about the Jan. 6 incident, even though I wasnt there. He said he lost access to his Facebook profile due to posts made on the website with which the FBI took issue.

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The FBI being on your ass: Very relatable for Jim Flarity!

The candidate running in second in the new poll is a Kalamazoo-area chiropractor named Garrett Soldano who has a campaign ad in which he says he will take on the woke groomer mafia. (Background on the groomer component of that construction can be found here.)

If either of these men win the primary, they will face off against incumbent Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who, it should be noted, has wide polling leads over all the potential Republican candidates in the race. While those leads would be expected to tighten as the GOP electorate consolidates around a nominee, Whitmer is also notably more popular in her state than Joe Biden. In any case, primary Election Day isnt until Aug. 2theres still plenty of time left for additional crimes to shake up the race.
Bonnie Peltier, mom of two, was at a new parents orientation at Charter Day School in Leland, North Carolina, when she was surprised to learn the schools uniform policy: Her kindergarten daughter would be forced to wear a skirt, while her older son would be permitted to wear pants. Her daughter, Addi, was an active kid who liked to turn cartwheels and climb at the playground, and Bonnie worried shed feel less free to move and play in a skirt. But the schools response when she asked the reason for the policy was even more shocking: According to the schools founder, Baker Mitchell, the uniform was intended to preserve chivalry and respect among young women and menor, as he later explained, to teach schoolchildren that women are regarded as a fragile vessel that men are supposed to take care of and honor.

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Backed by the ACLU, Bonnie, joined by several parents and students, asked the school to drop its antiquated policy. (I am the lead attorney on the legal team representing them.) But the school not only declinedit fought the case all the way to the federal court of appeals. After six years of litigation, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an en banc opinion on Tuesday supporting all students right to wear pants.

Why did it take this long? The law in this area is stunningly behind the times, for two main reasons. First, dress codes litigation started unfolding in the 1970s, before the enactment of Title IXthe federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in federally funded education programsand before the Supreme Court had even recognized that the Constitution limits sex discrimination at all. Meanwhile, faced with a flood of lawsuits brought by young men wanting to wear the longer hairstyles in vogue at the timeand strongly associated with counterculturecourts hearing those early cases balked. Not surprisingly, given how poorly those early cases came out for plaintiffs, few such lawsuits have been brought since.

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The enactment in 1972 of Title IX is, ironically, another reason the law has been frozen in amber. In the wake of that landmark statuteand of an accompanying regulation expressly prohibiting sex-based dress and appearance codesdress codes requiring skirts and dresses for girls largely fell by the wayside, at least in schools. (School appearance codes with other gendered terms, like bans on crop tops or long hair and makeup for boys, remain far more common, as does uneven enforcement against girls, particularly girls of color and LGBTQ students.)

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One might have hoped that as our collective understanding of gender discrimination expanded, sexist dress codes at work would have disappeared as well. But, unfortunately, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals breathed new life into them in 2006 when it upheld a policy at Harrahs casino requiring women bartenders to wear makeup. Despite testimony from Darlene Jespersen, the plaintiff, that she found the policy degrading and demeaning, the 9th Circuit refused to recognize the gender stereotypes at play. Instead, relying on that same outdated 1970s case law, the court found the appearance code didnt violate Title VII because it imposed comparable burdens on men.

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Thanks to the 4th Circuits well-reasoned decision, we may finally be closing the book on this chapter of history. Not long after the early dress code cases were first litigated, the Supreme Court recognized that the equal protection clause prohibits government actors from drawing distinctions based on sex without a sufficiently persuasive reason. If the distinctions reflect gender stereotypes, they are flatly impermissible. Applying that precedent, the 4th Circuit majority held that Charter Day Schools skirts requirement was unconstitutional because its purpose was to telegraph[] to children that girls are fragile, and require protection by boys. As the court observed, it is difficult to imagine a clearer example of a rationale based on impermissible gender stereotypes.

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Before getting to the equal protection argument, though, the court had to establish that the school was even subject to the Constitution. Charter Day School argued that because it was run by a private nonprofit corporation rather than the school district, it didnt have to comply with constitutional mandates. (As a rule, the Constitution binds only the government, not private individuals or corporations.) A majority of the 4th Circuit rejected that argument by a 106 vote, holding that charters in North Carolina, which are publicly funded and expressly designated as public schools under state law, are actually government actors when it comes to how they treat students. As the court recognized, ruling otherwise would grant states a free pass to establish privately operated shadow public school systems as a Constitution-free zone, permitting all sorts of violations, from race segregation to religious discrimination to free speech, with no meaningful recourse for students. (Notably, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools had filed a brief in support of the plaintiffsand has since praised the ruling as correct.*)

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The 4th Circuit majority opinion further brushed aside the other parade of horribles three dissenting judges advanced: that applying the Constitution to charters would somehow stifle innovation or lead to the demise of chivalry altogether. As the majority pointed out, nothing in the Equal Protection Clause prevents public schools from teaching universal values of respect and kindness. And North Carolina public schools remain free to experiment with innovative programs, but not at the expense of constitutional protections for studentsa line the courts have drawn since Brown v. Board of Education. In other words, schools like charters are free to use a novel math curriculum, but they cant force Black students to sit in the back during math class.

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Nor was it lost on the majority that the age of chivalry represented a time when men could assault their spouses and commit other violent crimes against them with impunity. As the Judge Barbara Milano Keenan wryly observed, chivalry may not have been a bed of roses for those forced to lie in it. Our clients would agree.

As to Title IX, an even larger majority (133) rejected the argument that the law did not apply to dress codes. It recognized that even though the statute does not mention them specifically, the broad prohibition on discrimination on the basis of sex clearly covers dress codes. The structure of the statutewhich makes exceptions for some single-sex rules and activities, but notably not dress codesreinforces that conclusion.

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Perhaps most significantly, the court rejected the schools comparable burdens argumentthat the skirts requirement was fine because the dress code as a whole didnt treat girls any worse than boys, who have to wear pants. This represents the first time an appellate court has rejected the reasoning of the Harrahs decision, explaining that the 9th Circuit had relied on outdated case law and traditional gender norms. Instead, the court applied the commonsense notion that two wrongs dont make a right. This principle was recently reiterated by the Supreme Court in 2020s Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, which held that firing someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity is a form of sex discrimination prohibited under Title VII. As the court found, an employer who fires a woman, Hannah, because she is insufficiently feminine and also fires a man, Bob, for being insufficiently masculine may treat men and women as groups more or less equally. But both Hannah and Bob were fired because of their sex. Thus, instead of avoiding Title VII exposure, this employer doubles it.

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The 4th Circuit did not decide whether the skirts requirement ultimately violated Title IX, instead kicking the case back to the lower court to dig into the merits of whether the skirts requirement had harmed girls. Its reasoning, however, all but compels the lower court to strike down the schools dress code. In a separate, concurring opinion, Judge Keenan highlighted expert evidence showing gender stereotypes are harmful for all children, while emphasizing that girls overall success at CDS did not mean forcing them to wear skirts was harmless: We cannot excuse discrimination because its victims are resilient enough to persist in the face of such unequal treatment.

This is likely not the last chapter of this saga. Baker Mitchells convictions about appropriate attire for children clearly run deep; CDS may well attempt to defend its uniform policy all the way to the Supreme Court. But at least for now, the 4th Circuit has succeeded in dragging the law on dress codes into this century.
This piece was originally published on Just Security, an online forum for analysis of U.S. national security law and policy.

On Dec. 14, 2020, Republicans in seven battleground states issued false Electoral College certificates declaring then-President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence the winner of the presidential election in their respective statesdespite Joe Biden having won the state. In each of the seven states (Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin), the groups filed their false certifications with the National Archives.

According to the January 6 Select Committees Vice Chair Liz Cheney (R-WY), these certificates played a central role in Trumps alleged seven-part plan to overturn the 2020 election results:

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5. President Trumps legal team and other Trump associates instructed Republicans in multiple states to create false electoral slates and transmit those slates to Congress and the National Archives.

Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD), a member of the January 6 Committee, described it as an effort to create the illusion of contested state results that would have given Pence a pretext for unilateral rejection of electors. On June 7, 2022, Judge David Carter of the Central District of California ordered details of the plan be released to the committee because the relevant documents described a critical objective of the January 6 plan: to have contested states certify alternate slates of electors for President Trump. The Justice Department has reportedly opened a multi-state criminal investigation concerning the alternate slate of electors scheme.

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This backgrounder discusses the criminal legal framework that may apply to the scheme. It does not make any assessment of the legality or criminality of the scheme.

The contrast between the real and fake electoral certificates is obvious. Reproduced below are a copy of Arizonas real electoral certificate in the 2020 presidential election, and below it, the fake certificate submitted on behalf of the alternate slate of electors (and obtained by American Oversight through a FOIA request).

Authentic:

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Fake:

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The five fake certificates from Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin stated (falsely) that the signed electors were their states duly elected and qualified electors. The other two fake certificates from New Mexico and Pennsylvania caveated their claim to represent their states electoral vote, stating that the certificates were submitted in case the alternate electors were later recognized as duly elected electors.

Such caveats mightve spared them from a criminal investigation, a local news report in Lancaster Online stated following Pennsylvania State Attorney General Josh Shapiros offices decision not to conduct a criminal investigation. Though their rhetoric and policy were intentionally misleading and purposefully damaging to our democracy, based on our initial review, our office does not believe this meets the legal standards for forgery, the attorney generals office said in a statement.

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On Jan. 25, 2022, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco confirmed to CNN that federal prosecutors were looking into the fraudulent elector certifications.

States such as New Mexico and Michigan submitted referrals to the Department of Justice; Monaco said, Weve received those referrals. Our prosecutors are looking at those and I cant say anything more about ongoing investigations.

Officials from some of the seven states have welcomed and supported the move, with New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas stating that he is pleased the DOJ is looking into this matter, as these disturbing allegations require that federal authorities partner with state law enforcement agencies across the country to ensure integrity in the election process.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel provided federal prosecutors information from her year-long investigation into the matter. She has stated that she has sufficient evidence to charge 16 Republicans in her state with submitting the fake elector slate that falsely claimed they were official electors for the state.

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The Justice Department has reportedly begun sending subpoenas and seeking interviews with at least 15 people around the country who were selected (before the election) to be Trump electors but who were replaced on the day of the electoral college vote or chose not to participate. The subpoenas explicitly seek information from individuals in Georgia about their communications with any member, employee or agent of Donald J. Trump or any organization advocating in favor of the 2020 re-election of Donald J. Trump.

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The Justice Department has also reportedly requested information from witnesses on any involvement or communications they may have had with several lawyers such as former Trump attorney Rudy Guiliani, adviser Boris Epshteyn, Kenneth Chesebro, campaign lawyer Justin Clark, and lawyer John Eastman. (See also New York Times reporting.)

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Patrick Gartland, who was slated to serve as one of Trumps electors but dropped out, recalled FBI agents just asked who talked to me. If anyone from the Trump campaign had been in touch with me. Did Guiliani talk to me? Did Trump talk to me?

Based on the publicly available information so far, the following federal criminal charges may be implicated. Some of these offenses might apply to the principal planners of the scheme; some of the offenses might be applicable to individuals at the state level who signed and submitted the documents. Whether the law applies will also turn, in part, on questions of the requisite knowledge and intent of different actors. And whether some of the following laws apply will turn on definitions of ballots and acting under color of law. We bracket all of those questions for a separate analysis.

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18 U.S.C.  1512(c)(2)  Obstruction of congressional proceedings

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 Whoever corruptly  obstructs, influences, or impedes any official proceeding, or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.

18 U.S.C.  371  Conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud United States

 If two or more persons conspire  to defraud the United States, or any agency thereof in any manner or for any purpose, and one or more of such persons do any act to effect the object of the conspiracy, each shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

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18 U.S.C.  494  Contractors bonds, bids, and public records

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 Whoever falsely makes, alters, forges, or counterfeits any bond, bid, proposal, contract, guarantee, security, official bond, public record, affidavit, or other writing for the purpose of defrauding the United States; or Whoever transmits to, or presents at any office or to any officer of the United States, any such false, forged, altered, or counterfeited writing, knowing the same to be false, forged, altered, or counterfeited Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both.

52 U.S.C.  20511(2)(b)

 A person, including an election official, who in any election for Federal officeknowingly and willfully deprives, defrauds, or attempts to deprive or defraud the residents of a State of a fair impartially conducted election process, by the procurement, casting, or tabulation of ballots that are known by the person to be materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent under the laws of the State in which the election is held, shall be fined in accordance with title 18.

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18 U.S.C.  1001  Statements or entries generally

 Except as otherwise provided in this section, whoever, in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States, knowingly and willfully

(1) falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact;

(2) makes any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or

(3) makes or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry; 

shall be fined under this title.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis office has also been investigating whether Trump and his associates committed any crimes in their attempt to overturn the presidential election. The investigation has included Georgia prosecutors interviewing several individuals who served as alternate electors. Willis office appears to be trying to determine whether the pro-Trump electors in Georgia had any knowledge that their actions may have been a component of a broader and potentially illegal plot to pressure election officials and overturn, CNN reported.

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In May 2022, a special grand jury was appointed to hear evidence from the investigation, with both investigative and subpoena power. After its assessment, this jury will issue a report to Fulton Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney on the next steps of the investigation.

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In addition to the potential federal and state criminal charges that might be implicated by the alternate electors scheme, there are ongoing civil actions..

Khary Penebaker et al v. Andrew Hitt et al

On May 17, 2022, Georgetown University Law Centers Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection filed a lawsuit on behalf of two lawfully elected Wisconsin presidential electors and one Wisconsin voter against 12 individuals allegedly involved in the scheme to overturn the results of the presidential election.

The 12 individuals are composed of 10 Republican alternate electors, James R. Troupis and Kenneth Chesebro. The 10 alternate electors are: Andrew Hitt, Robert F. Spindell, Jr., Bill Feehan, Kelly Ruh, Carol Brunner, Edward Scott Grabins, Kathy Kiernan, Darryl Carlson, Pam Travis, and Mary Buestrin, all of whom were nominated on Oct. 6, 2020 by the Republican Party of Wisconsin as candidates for the office of presidential elector.

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According to news reports quoted in the Penebaker complaint, under the leadership of Trumps then personal attorney, Rudy Guiliani, Trumps team coordinated the nuts-and-bolts of the process on a state-by-state level, which involved multiple planning calls between Trump campaign officials and GOP state operatives.

The complaint alleges that Chesebro sent multiple memos to Troupis, a lawyer for the Trump campaign in Wisconsin, proposing and outlining the steps of the elector scheme. In these memos, Chesebro argued that the slate of Republican elector candidates could take the essential steps needed to validly cast and transmit their votes, so that the votes might be eligible to be counted if later recognized (by a court, the state legislature, or Congress) as the valid ones that actually count in the presidential election. The complaint notes that the alternate electors had not been duly elected and therefore could not validly cast and transmit their votes. Nevertheless, the complaint alleges, the casting and transmission of the fraudulent electoral votes would enable

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Trump and his allies [to] pressure Pence to count them on January 6, 2021, and to reject the votes of the duly elected presidential electors from each StateThe schemers believed that, if Pence were to count the fraudulent electoral votes from each swing State, rather than the votes cast by the States duly elected presidential electors, Trump would win the Electoral College and be inaugurated.

The plaintiffs contend that these actions taken by the 10 alternate electors, Troupis, and Chesebro involve violations of the following federal statutes and, coupled with Wis. Stat.  5.10, 7.75, 939.05, and 946.69, that they amount to a civil conspiracy. According to the complaint:

18 U.S.C.  1512(c)(2)  Impeding Official Proceeding

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18 U.S.C.  371  Defrauding the United States of a Government Departments Lawful Function

 The 10 alternate electors allegedly violated these statutes by purporting to cast Wisconsins electoral votes, knowing that they were not the duly elected presidential electors for the State of Wisconsin, and by intending that Congress count their purported votes rather than those cast by Wisconsins duly elected presidential electors.

 Defendants Chesebro and Troupis allegedly violated the statute by corruptly attempting to obstruct, influence, or impede an official proceeding, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1512(c)(2) and 371, [b]y conspiring with, aiding, and abetting the alternate electors.

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18 U.S.C.  494  Knowingly Forging and Transmitting Public Record

 The 10 alternate electors allegedly falsely made, forged, and counterfeited a public record or other writing for the purpose of defrauding the United States, and transmitted such writing to an United States officer, by representing that the Certificate of the Votes of the 2020 Electors from Wisconsin was an official certificate reflecting the votes of Wisconsins duly elected presidential electors, transmitting that certificate to the President of the United States Senate, the Archivist of the United States, and the Chief Judge of the United States District Court of the Western District of Wisconsin and by intending the Congress count their purported votes rather than those cast by Wisconsins duly elected presidential electors, according to the complaint.

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 Defendants Chesebro and Troupis were not mentioned in connection with this violation.

Eastman v. Thompson et al.

The issue of alternate slate of electors has arisen in ongoing litigation between John C. Eastman and the January 6 Committee, centering on the committees subpoena of Eastman and his refusal to turn over documents. Judge David O. Carter, of the Central District of California Southern Division, has assessed whether the crime fraud exception to attorney-client privilege applies. Initial rulings in the case indirectly suggest potential criminal liability for some of those involved. Judge Carter stated on June 7 (citing his own previous ruling) that

from January 4-7, 2021, President Trump and Dr. Eastman likely committed obstruction of an official proceeding, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  1512(c)(2), and conspiracy to defraud the United States, in violation of 18 U.S.C.  371, when they attempted to disrupt the Joint Session of Congress on January 6, 2021.

In other words, Judge Carter holds in this civil case that President Trump and Eastman more likely than not engaged in a criminal conspiracy to overturn the election. In a June 7 order, Judge Carter stated, Dr. Eastman and President Trumps plan to disrupt the Joint Session was fully formed and actionable as early as December 7, 2020; and a critical objective of the January 6 plan: to have contested states certify alternate slates of electors for President Trump.

The third public hearing of the January 6 Committee is expected to discuss the alternate slate of electors scheme, according to the Wall Street Journal.

More From Just Security:

Timeline: False Alternate Slate of Electors Scheme, Donald Trump and His Close Associates

Researchers Release Comprehensive Twitter Dataset of False Claims About The 2020 Election
Welcome to Source Notes, a Future Tense column about the internets information ecosystem.

In April, a programmer named Tamzin Hadasa Kelly ran for the unpaid, strictly volunteer position of Wikipedia administrator. Kelly, whose username is Tamzin, has contributed more than 34,000 edits to the site since registering her account in 2012. During her career, she has built up a substantial catalog of work, including Wikipedia articles about admiralty law and one for journalists killed during the Russo-Ukrainian wara page that, sadly, has been growing.

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Despite Tamzins decade-plus experience on the site, her request for adminship, or RfA, was close and bitterly contested as editors fiercely debated whether a comment Tamzin had made about a hypothetical Trump supporter disqualified her from the position. RfA is essentially a week of heavy vetting by the relatively small but reliably opinionated group that makes up Wikipedias core editor base. In order to successfully clear RfA without facing additional hurdles, the candidate must demonstrate that they are publicly supported by at least 75 percent of the editors involved during the seven-day community review period. At the end of Tamzins review, the sites bureaucrats found that she had achieved 75.3 percent support from the more than 450 editors who opined. For reference, the successful RfAs in 2021 had only about 214 editors weigh in on average, meaning Tamzins RfA was roughly double the norm. By Wikipedias standards, both sides totally rocked the vote. (Quotes intentionalmore on that later.) Each camp in Tamzins record-breaking RfA said that it was trying to uphold the core Wikipedia value of neutralitybut they couldnt agree on what that meant in practice here.

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English Wikipedia has 1,034 administratorscalled admins or sysops (system operators) for shortbut only about 500 admins are considered active, which means theyve made 30 or more edits in the past two months. A few editors told me that 500 admins is not nearly enough. The issue is scale: Wikipedia is edited more than twice per second, not all of those edits come from users acting in good faith, and admins are the only ones with the tools to protect the site from plunging into chaos. Theres a sense among editors that the project needs new blood in order to repopulate the ranks. Over the years, several admins have quit due to burnout or to pursue other hobbies; others died out here in the real world. Although seven candidates for admin were successful in 2021, four admins died during that period, according to an online memorial for deceased Wikipedians, and a total of 62 were desysopped (demoted from admin) due to reasons like inactivity.

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Although they receive no financial compensation for their work, Wikipedia admins are entrusted with special powers, including the technical ability to block and unblock other editors, protect articles from disruptive editing, and purge bad content from the encyclopedic record. Under most circumstances, admins keep these special privileges for life. As Samuel Breslow, a journalist and active Wikipedia editor puts it, Adminship is basically the Wikipedia equivalent of tenure.

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Because its a lifetime appointment, some Wikipedians have taken to treating RfA with all the seriousness and showmanship of the SCOTUS confirmation hearingsexcept that the Wikipedia version is all in written form, taking place on a dedicated wiki page. Wikipedians are nothing if not prolific writers. Tamzins RfA page stands at about 65,000 words, making it roughly 40 percent longer than the text of The Great Gatsby, and thats not counting the side discussions that sprang up in several anti-Wikipedia sites.

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During RfA, editors ask the candidate to opine on dicey subjective questions. What criteria would the admin use to block a bad user? What is their vision for the Wikipedia project as a whole? Tamzin told me that a lot of candidates try to play it safe, not wanting to anger any potential supporters by saying something too controversial. Instead of a simple thumbs-up or thumbs-down, many editors will write paragraph-length statements of support or opposition, outlining their reasoning in extreme detail. (A technical point: These statements are not considered literal votes, since Wikipedia operates based on the model of consensus rather than democracy. However, they do function as votes for purposes of determining the final result.)

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Graham Pearce, a 34-year-old Wikipedia administrator based in Australia, told me that the standards for adminship have escalated dramatically since he joined the project. When he became admin in 2007, Pearce had only two and a half years of editing experience, a resume that was considered about normal at that time.* I think RfA standards are too high for their own good these days and the generally tense atmosphere at RfA puts many people off the process, Pearce said in an email.

For admin candidates, much of the stress comes from the fact that the entire discussionthe Q&A, the support/oppose statements, the probing of the recordtakes place publicly in real time. Leading up to the hell week of her RfA, Tamzin (age 26) was anxious that somebody would ask her to defend something from the early days of her career. Its a week of Will someone find the dumb thing I said when I was 16?  Tamzin said in an interview. Outside of her Wikipedia life, Tamzin is a computer programmer, and she fully expected to spend most of the week tethered to her computer as the questions rolled in.

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According to Tamzin, the first 48 hours of her RfA were relatively painless, with a wave of supports and only a few opposes trickling in. Early on, one editor opposed Tamzin for not using the proper, lawyer-endorsed Bluebook citation method for the name of a legal case in one of her Wikipedia pages. But user Newyorkbrad (an attorney whom the Wall Street Journal has described as the sites chief-justice figure) chimed in to say that Tamzin was, in fact, Bluebooking properly. With five days to go, Tamzin had 179 supports and only three opposes. It looked like her request for adminship was going to be smooth sailing.

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But then came the Wikipedia version of an October surprise. Question 14: Would Tamzin please explain a comment she wrote in 2021 during another candidates RfA? Back then, Tamzin had written: I would be fine with a rule that we automatically desysop any Trump supporter. I will never vote for an admin candidate whos right-of-center by American standards (although I wouldnt vote against someone solely on that basis).

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In our interview, Tamzin described the larger context of her 2021 comments. A prospective admin named Vami IV was facing a backlash in their RfA because they had admitted to having fascist views in their youth. Tamzin did not think the community should necessarily oppose Vami for that mistake, since Vami had long ago denounced those views. Her comment about a hypothetical Trump-supporting admin was meant, in part, to differentiate Vami from such a person.

An unwritten rule of RfA is that its considered rude to leave a question hanging for too long without being answered. But in retrospect, Tamzin admits that her response to the infamous Q14 was too hasty and less than strategic. Rather than fully retracting her statement, Tamzin clarified that she shouldnt have said that she would never vote for a right-of-center admin candidate. In her view, there was not a political litmus test for becoming a Wikipedia admin. At the same time, Tamzin wrote that she believed support of oppressive regimes should be disqualifying, period, and that in her view, avowed, continuing support for Donald Trump constitutes support for an oppressive regime.

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The pushback came swiftly. Anybody who believes that half of the population of the United States cant be a Wikipedia administrator, shouldnt be a Wikipedia administrator, wrote the user Noel S. McFerran. Tamzin began receiving dozens of opposes in a matter of hours; some editors called on her to withdraw. Quite a few users were concerned about her potentially misusing the admin powers. What if she locked Trumps page during an editorial dispute so that it couldnt be edited? (Tamzin had already recused herself in the RfA, in response to Question 18, from taking part in any admin action involving Trumps page.)

Steve Pereira, username SilkTork, argued during the RfA that Tamzin was essentially advocating for segregation by political belief and that he doubted her ability to leave her politics at the door. Over an email exchange, Pereira told me that political bias was one of the greatest threats to Wikipedia. Publications like Fox News and OpIndia have a history of running headlines decrying what they view as Wikipedias leftist, socialist bias. In an email, Pereira argued that Wikipedia would not achieve its potential without a thriving culture of debate and dissent. In Tamzins world, in which opposing views are stifled as unpleasant, Wikipedia would become a soft encyclopaedia of fandom, Pereira said. When we start to stifle debate, and negate opposing arguments, we end up with candyfloss, not hard brilliance.

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Tamzins supporters argued that she was obviously within her rights to consider her personal circumstances. Tamzin is a self-described disabled queer trans leftist Jewish woman. (As Tamzin put it, The Nazis would have killed me five times over.) Supporters said her views were justified because of the Trump administrations record of anti-trans policy positions. Some of these comments betray, to me at least, a distinct lack of empathy and understanding for what it means to be a minority and have your existence denied and/or threatened, wrote the user nableezy. The user Leijurv cited Karl Poppers paradox of tolerance. The argument goes like this: One should not be required to tolerate intolerance because otherwise, intolerant people will quash the tolerant. Therefore, Tamzin can choose to be intolerant toward far-right actors who do not tolerate her.

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Throughout the RfA, both camps repeatedly referred to the policy of neutral point of view, one of the so-called five pillars of Wikipedia. NPOV states that the encyclopedias content must be written fairly, proportionately, and as far as possible without editorial bias. But the language that the editors used to gauge Tamzins capacity for neutrality varied considerably. Pereira told me in an email that he expects an admin to be experienced, trustworthy, calmtemperamental qualities that he found lacking in Tamzins case. On the other hand, Tamzins supporters often pointed to her knowledge. The way she answered the questions, they said, showed she had a strong technical background and a good understanding of the rules. In the parlance of several of her supporters, she was clueful.

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Another consideration involves fixed parametersthe Wikipedia version of private sphere and public sphere. Even someone who is very partisan could be studiously neutral in their behavior, said Amy S. Bruckman, a professor at Georgia Tech and the author of Should You Believe Wikipedia?. Its their behavior that matters, not their views. Bruckman noted that attitudes on this point generally vary by geography, with Americans being more likely than others to assume that an individuals personal beliefs predict their public behavior.

Tamzin told me in our interview that she was living alone at the time, and that her loneliness combined with the intense focus required that week was taxing on her mental health during RfA. You have hundreds of people debating your fitness, she said. I think ideally one should be near ones computer but not checking it constantly. [That] would be the best metagame, but its hard. Youve intentionally made it so you dont have much else to do that week.

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Halfway through RfA, when it looked like her chances for adminship were starting to implode, Tamzin asked her mother if she could come and visit. Her mom agreed and traveled from D.C. to Cape May County, New Jersey.* The last two hours of the seven-day period were fraught, with Tamzin hovering within a few tenths of a percent of the required thresholdat some point, her mom said she couldnt even look at her computer. But on day eight, once it was clear that she had cleared the bar and was moving on to the  crat chat phase, Tamzin and her mom celebrated by going to the beach. Relieved that the main event was over, Tamzin photographed some dolphins, a nod to her signature line [cetacean needed].

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In her debrief essay about the RfA, Tamzin noted that her difficult experience shows exactly why theres a shortage of Wikipedia admins: Few sane people want to undergo that level of scrutiny. Although there have been several calls over the years for RfA reform and proposals to make the process less corrosive, Wikipedia editors told me there has not yet been substantial progress in this area. According to a 2021 RfA inquiry hosted on Wikipedia, Because RfA carries with it lifetime tenure, granting any given editor sysop feels incredibly important. This creates a risk-adverse and high-stakes atmosphere.

Then again, the notion that Wikipedia admins must have their powers for the rest of their days is certainly not an immutable law of the universe. With enough buy-in, that rule is just as editable as any wiki page. In Wikipedia as in life, we must pursue options for dialing down the heat.

Correction, June 16, 2022: This piece originally misstated that Graham Pearce became a Wikipedia administrator in 2005, when he had six to nine months of editing experience. Pearce became an admin in 2007 with two and a half years of experience. Due to a production error, the piece also misstated that Tamzin traveled from D.C. to New Jersey to visit her mother; Tamzins mother traveled from D.C. to visit her.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
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Cyril Barla from Kosice has an unusual hobby - he collects old oil and kerosene lamps. His collection is the largest not only in Slovakia, but probably in the world, so he is currently aspiring to enter the Guinness Book of Records.

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He obtained the Slovak record last April with 1,943 lamps. The current new count to reach the world record has resulted in another increase.

"Mr. Barla is a top collector and the collection in his apartment amounts to 1,976," Igor Svitok from Slovak Records told the TASR newswire. According to the available information, no one possesses more of these lamps.

The man from Kosice has been pursuing his collecting passion for half a century, linking it with travel and learning about the history of lamps with a combustion source. He wanted to turn his collection into a museum and has antique lamps from different parts of the world.

"For example, I have a lamp from Australia, the United States, Asian countries; it can be said that the entire world, which was industrially advanced to have such lighting tools, is represented here," the collector explained, as quoted by TASR. From India, I have lamps that were made in England, and I bought an old lamp at the Chinese market and after cleaning it I found an inscription that it was made for Japan and China in Hamburg."

The collection has rare brass, ceramic, majolica and glass lamps of various sizes - from miniature to a piece that is two meters high. The mechanical oil lamps date from the 18th and 19th centuries. The clockwork lamps, which powered the pump that injected oil into the burner, glowed for six hours when stretched.

The introduction of kerosene simplified the lighting and resulted in new lamp designs. The end of their developed industrial and craft production came with the advent of electricity. Many of the lighting fixtures attract attention with their elaboration and decoration.

"Most of what can be seen here are saloon lamps and they had, of course, rich people sitting at rich tables, so it couldn't be something ugly; but it was very sleek and over-decorated, he said. Some of those lamps are a pleasure to look at. He had to restore several pieces.
Commando members thought they were uncovering drug crimes.

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One of the accused in the prosecutor murder case Ilja Weiss. (Source: SME - Jozef Jakubco)

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The retrial of the Jan Kuciak murder case continued today with the court hearing how the young journalist and others were under surveillance by a special commando.

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Miroslav Kriak and Stefan Mlynarcik appeared in court. Both men were part of a commando that followed Kuciak and a number of other journalists.

According to Kriak, all material gathered during surveillance was handed to former journalist-turned-spy Peter Toth who had organised the tailing of the journalists for businessman Marian Kocner.

Kriak also reiterated what he and Mlynarcik both claimed during previous hearings - that they believed they were working for the state and that their assignment was linked to uncovering drug-related crimes.

He and Mlynarcik also confirmed that pictures police found in Kocner's possession and that were shown in court were those that they took or included in the surveillance report on Kuciak. Kriak also named eight journalists he was assigned to follow: Stefan Hrib, Eugen Korda, Monika Todova, Jan Kuciak, Adam Valcek, Marek Vagovic, and Dag Danis.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, drug gang member Ilja Weiss, who is facing charges in a case of the planned murder of prosecutors which is also being heard along with the Kuciak murder case, testified in court for the first time.

He told the court how he procured a car for a crime in Piestany for Serbian Darko Dragic who is also facing charges in the case of the planned murder of prosecutors, including Maros Zilinka, who lives in the city.

Weiss said that he had not known what the car was intended for, only that it was supposed to be fast, without papers and it should not be a problem if something were to happen to it. According to Weiss, he was told it was connected to someone important and he thought Dragic wanted to shoot someone.

However, it amounted to nothing as Dragic paid Weiss only advance money for the car and nothing else.

The Serbian said that of all the accused he knew only Weiss and that he never saw any of the prosecutors that were to be murdered.

Another man facing charges, Dusan Kracina, denied everything Weiss said. Kracina earlier admitted he was monitoring the prosecutors. He is alleged to have turned to Dragic for the "job".
The deadline is Monday, June 20 to consign horses to the 2022 Goshen Yearling Sale that will be held on Monday, Sept. 12 at the Mark Ford Training Center in Middletown, New York.

This years sale has, once again, drawn a lot of interest and there has been a late rush of consignments in recent weeks. Monday will be the final day to enter the sale.

Since 2015, the Goshen Yearling Sale has offered high quality stock from top breeders including Cameo Hills Farm, Winbak Farm, Blue Chip Farm and the Silver Tradition Stable, Double A Farm, Fred L. Dowling, Leatherstocking Equine, Millstream Farm, Michael S. Smoker and Thy Will Be Done Farm.

The sales facility is located at 90 Slaughter Road, Middletown, NY, which is within a 90-minute drive of many major racetracks and training centers in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Its also only three miles away from the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame and the Goshen Historic Track.

Visit goshenyearlingsale.com for more information on the Goshen Yearling Sale or to access consignment forms, a catalog request portal and hotel information for local lodging.

For any other inquiries, please contact Mark Ford directly at 973-568-3253 or by email at [email protected].

(With files from Goshen Standardbred Horse Sales)
Local interest in the Republican primary for Virginias 7th Congressional District is on the rise, Culpeper County Voter Registrar James Clements says.

Interest in early voting has picked up in the last week, Clements told the Culpeper Star-Exponent on Wednesday. Were approaching 200 in-person early voters. Weve also received over 150 ballots back by mail.

Saturday is the last day to vote early in the registrars office at 151 N. Main St., Suite 301, in downtown Culpeper.

The deadline to request a ballot be mailed was last Friday, so anyone who wants to vote will need to come to our office by Saturday or plan to vote on Tuesday at their polling place, Clements said.

On Tuesday, Culpeper Countys polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Our office is not open for voting on Election Day, Clements said of his Main Street headquarters. Voters should go to their polling place on Tuesday.

Virginias Democratic party has already selected its 7th District nominee. U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, the two-term incumbent, was the only Democratic candidate who filed. The Nov. 8 general election between the GOP nominee and Spanberger is expected to be hotly contested and draw national interest.

As to next Tuesdays primary, Clements said, Your guess about turnout is as good as mineI dont even have a guess.

There arent any good parallels. Too many factors are unique to this election to make it comparable, he said. The last Republican primary for this congressional seat was in 2014, but Culpeper was much smaller then. There were only two candidates, and one of them was the incumbent.

The GOP candidates include Gina Ciarcia, Derrick Anderson, David Ross, Stafford County Supervisor Crystal Vanuch, state Sen. Bryce Reeves, R-Spotsylvania, and Prince William County Sheriffs Deputy Yesli Vega.

Thats the order in which their names appear on the ballot, as determined by the state elections board, depending on when they filed to run.

With six GOP candidates on the ballot, Clements suggested voters look at the sample ballot before they go to a polling place.

If someone knows theyre going to vote, but doesnt know yet who theyre going to vote for, Id encourage them to do their research before they go to the polls, he said.

With the recent redistricting of the 7th, polling places have moved for some voters in Culpepers West Fairfax, East Fairfax, Eggbornsville and Lignum precincts, Clements noted. All of those voters were mailed a notice of the change, he said.

Last Saturday, the Culpeper County Republican Committee welcomed all the contenders to a breakfast meet-and-greet at Peppers Grill, where they mingled with the committees guests, talking with people one-on-one or in small groups.

Have a question about where to vote? Visit the Virginia Department of Elections website to check.

Earlier this year, the state Supreme Court shifted the 7th District from its base in suburban Richmond to Northern Virginia, with voters now concentrated in Prince William, Stafford and Spotsylvania counties. The counties of Culpeper, Orange, Madison, Greene, Albemarle Caroline and King George, as well as the city of Fredericksburg, also are in the district.

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The Nebraska State Patrol released the names of two people killed in crash near Angora Tuesday, June 14.

Charles Dueker, 79, and his wife Linda Dueker, 78, both of Albuquerque, New Mexico, were killed when the driver of dump truck attempted to enter a construction site, allegedly failing to yield the right of way and collided with their Ford F-350 on Highway 385.

Charles Dueker had been driving the F-350, while Linda Dueker had been a rear-seat passenger. The couples son Bruce Dueker, 56, was the front-seat passenger. He was treated and released from a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities arrested the driver of the dump truck, Aldo Hernandez-Meza, of Mexico, on charges of motor vehicle homicide and failure to yield the right of way following the man being treated for minor injuries at the Morrill County Hospital in Bridgeport.

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Local youth gave fishing a try during an event at Terrys Lake Tuesday.

Dennis Gregory, a Nebraska Game and Parks fishing instructor, welcomed the anglers. Many, but not all, of the participants were members or chaperones from Camp Scott a program that serves developmentally disabled children and adolescents.

When Gregory asked, only a few of those present indicated they hadnt gone fishing before.

A few dozen fishers lined the shores of Terrys Lake on Tuesday, but these events can grow much larger.

It was a month ago now we went to Kearney and we had 1,000 kids on Thursday and 1,000 kids on Friday, Gregory said.

These events are held every summer. Gregory said they alternate between Terrys Lake and the ponds by the Riverside Discovery Center once a month on weekends.

Faith Kennedy said this is her sixth year with Camp Scott and that shed gone on similar community fishing events before. Kennedy said she enjoys going to places we can learn at and having fun with my friends. She said she has extensive fishing experience from trips with her family, too.

The family fishing events arent the only ones hosted in the region. Gregory said hed previously participated in a Trout in the Classroom event in Scottsbluff where school students raise trout from eggs and turn them loose into local ponds.

We had 70, 80 second graders ... and I had a little girl, never fished in her life, and she could fish more than anybody did all day long, he said. She was hooked. She was going to go home and tell her dad she wanted a fishing pole so she could go fishing.

The fishing gear for Tuesdays event was stored in the Jerry Tallmon Memorial Family Fishing Activity Trailer parked at Carpenter Park.

The trailer was donated by the family of Tallmon, an avid angler from Mitchell who died in 2012. Gregory said his relatives donated money for it to get people in western Nebraska interested in fishing.

What wed like to see is young kids getting involved in fishing, Gregory said.

This is where the family fishing events come in handy. Any children or adults can simply fish to their hearts content.

All adults need is a fishing license. Fishing poles, bait and hooks are provided free of charge by the Nebraska Game and Parks representatives.

They dont have to bring anything. They just come out. We give them a fishing pole, give them bait and they can go fish, Gregory said.

The children fishing outnumbered the adults, and many of them were keen on catching something.

Mostly, I like catching fish, Joseph Kessler, 10, said. I just want to see fish. Every time its a new fish.

He said he hadnt been to many of the family fishing events before, but he did have fishing experience, even landing a carp in the past.

Kessler said fishing is all about exhibiting patience.

I have some patience, but sometimes I dont, he said.

Terrys Lake contains bluegill, trout, Northern pike and catfish, Gregory said, as well as invasive Asian carp. Several of the carp were congregating at the surface Tuesday, potentially spawning. Nebraska Game and Parks conservation officer Josh Widhelm said the young anglers were told not to target the large fish due to their strength.

Those things, theyll give you a ride, he said.

Outside of family fishing events, though, anglers are free to catch and cook the invasive species.

The next community fishing day will be held Sept. 11 at the Riverside Discovery Center Pond.

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The Scottsbluff Public Schools board of education tabled action to approve a board policy revision to policy 8346 Monday. The policy pertains to public participation at a board meeting.

Board member Beth Merrigan asked the board to table approval of the policy. She asked them to review a sentence within the policy that reads, A sign-in sheet will be with the board secretary and sign in to speak must be in writing and occur before the Public Comment agenda item begins.

Merrigans concern was for members of the public in attendance who fail to sign in, but wish to speak.

The way the sentence reads it implies that they could not speak if they have not signed in, she said. I think we need to adjust that wording.

As part of the boards discussion, they mentioned how other governing boards like the city councils and county commissioners have a similar policy for public comment in place, requiring constituents to sign in, prior to the public comment agenda item.

After some discussion, vice president and attorney Paul Snyder concurred with Merrigans assessment.

I think that concern is a legitimate concern, he said. I think, frankly, it can be addressed, but it hasnt been.

Snyder seconded her motion to table action to make a simple correction before proceeding with the second reading.

Board member Lori Browning was the lone board member who voted in opposition to the motion.

The boards current policy allows the public to offer input during public comment through two avenues. The first option is to sign up online by completing the Contact the Board of Education Form, located at sbps.net. The second option is for patrons to sign in prior to the start of the meeting with the board secretary.

As per Nebraska Revised Statute 84-1412, A body may not be required to allow citizens to speak at each meeting, but it may not forbid public participation at all meetings.

The statute continues to state that no public body can require the public to identify themselves to be admitted into a meeting nor can a body require a person be placed on the agenda prior to a meeting in order to speak about items on the agenda.

A review of public comment policies shows some variation across local governing boards.

The Scotts Bluff County board of commissioners allow comments from the public to be received after each agenda item, according to information from the county. Its policy also states they will receive public comments on items discussed at the meeting or suggestions for items of discussion at future meetings, but no action will be taken.

Similarly, Scottsbluff city council policy allows for citizens to sign up during the meeting and through discussion during the public comment agenda item. The person addressing the council is also asked to identify themselves for the council and for the record.

The Gering city council offers a open comment portion at some meetings. The public can participate in open comment at the second meeting of the month, according to information from the City of Gering. However, the council will not discuss nor act on unscheduled business. The other option for the public is to submit a request for a future agenda item, which allows the council to consider adding to the regular meeting agenda if the city administrator deems the topic cannot be addressed without the councils involvement.

The school board will address the policy revision at a future board meeting.

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Students at Rich Valley Elementary School used their time and artistic talents over the past year making and sending cards and letters for military personnel. And they will continue into the next school year.

Kimberly Clark of Rich Valley is one of the Family Readiness Group volunteers who help military families with various issues and communication with their servicemember. She coordinated with RVES Principal Tammy Hahn and the classroom teachers on the card-making campaign.

Clarks son is one of two local men serving in the Virginia Army National Guard. Sgt. Jeb Clark with Bravo Troop 2-183 Cav Scout attached to the 1st Battalion 116th Infantry Regiment for Task Force Red Dragon deployed to Africa last November, and SPC Marcus Poore from Saltville is an infantryman serving with A Company, Task Force Red Dragon Combined Joint Task Force  Horn of Africa.

The task force is the largest single tactical unit on the African continent providing security, crisis response capabilities, and building partnerships throughout East Africa in support of the U.S. Africa Command. They work to maintain and strengthen relationships with allied and partner nations. Read more about the mission at CJTF-HOA, hoa.africom.mil.

All the students sent multiple cards to the troops starting with their send-off in Bedford in November and have carried through to this month with birthday cards being sent with birthday gift boxes during the month of June to recognize all the soldiers who have had or will be having birthdays during their deployment, Clark said. Mrs. Hahn says the students plan to continue their card-sending campaign in August when the students return to school and will continue until the troops return home. I know Jeb and some of his buddies plan to come personally to thank and share with the students what they can about their experience once they return home.

Jeb Clark attended Rich Valley Elementary School, said Hahn, and she expects he will visit when he returns home. Until then, the students will continue sending cards and letters to him and many others.

The students and staff put together 135 birthday boxes recently and Kimberly Clark transported them to Charlottesville to be delivered to the troops. They were put together at the office of the Smyth County Chamber of Commerce whose staff helped with the project.

Items for the gift boxes were donated in part from members of the community, Chilhowie Food City, Smyth County Tourism Association and the Smyth County Chamber of Commerce.

Our students thoroughly enjoyed it, said Hahn of the project. Those men and women are our heroes!

Every student in the school took part in making cards for holidays and most recently for birthdays, said Hahn. They wrote letters and drew pictures.

And the troops loved them.

Whenever they get our cards they post what they get, Hahn said.

Hahn said she hopes some of those receiving cards and letters can come visit the school when they return home.

We hope to have them come visit so we can put faces to names, she said.
Taysha DeVaughan, the current 9th Congressional District Democratic candidate, will be the featured speaker for the Tuesday, June 21, meeting of the Wythe County Democrats. The evening meeting will begin at 6 oclock in the circuit courtroom at 225 S. 4th Street #105 in Wytheville.

DeVaughan is a resident of Wise County, making her home in Big Stone Gap with her young son Aiden. Born in Lawton, Oklahoma, she moved to Virginia in 2011 when her father became the director of Flatwoods Job Civilian Conservation Center in Coeburn.

Soon after graduating from UVA-Wise with a BA degree in communications, DeVaughan began her career at the Appalachian Community Fund as a regional organizer. She was then promoted to her current position as the donor engagement coordinator.

She is currently serving as president of the Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards and is active in the Lonesome Pine Mutual Aid. DeVaughan is also serving as a gubernatorial appointee to the Virginia Council on Environmental Justice.

Area Democrats are invited to the June 21 meeting to meet DeVaughan.

Wythe County Democrats
Marion Senior High School graduate Andrew Keen has taken on the job of finance director for the town of Vinton scheduled to begin on June 27.

Keen currently works in finance for a Virginia Community Services Board offering behavioral health and substance use services, Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare (a sister CSB to Mount Rogers Community Services that services the Smyth County area).

I value the work we do and the positive impact we are able to have on the community, Keen said. 

With a minor in political science along with a bachelors degree in history, Keen said he would consider himself an accountant by trade rather than education.

I have always had an interest in government, he said. I saw the advertisement (for the Vinton position) in the local paper and thought that it may be an interesting opportunity to grow my career in both finance and community service. I was interviewed and found the management team at Vinton to share many of the same ideals and professional and ethical values that I do. I believe that I will fit it well with the culture at the town of Vinton and am optimistic about Vinton's future and being a part of it.

Keen was born in Bristol and raised in Marion from the age of seven. He is a 2009 graduate of Marion Senior High School and graduated from Radford University with a major in history and the goal of becoming a teacher.

After a couple of years, my career goals shifted away from teaching, Keen said. I was about to graduate and I did not want to change majors, therefore I held on to my history degree and hoped that I could find employment outside of education. In college, I worked for a small trucking company. That experience led me to my first job in Roanoke at Lawrence Companies. I was responsible for the operations of their flatbed fleet. I quickly found out that the aspects I enjoyed most were accounting responsibilities: payroll, rate negotiation, payables, receivables, etc. I began actively seeking a job in finance.

I was very lucky that the business and financial services leadership at Roanoke's local community services board was willing to take a chance by handing over agency budgeting responsibilities to a history major with a logistics background, said Keen. That experience led me to two internal promotions where I eventually was overseeing half of our agency budget (roughly $17 million dollars) along with the supervision of our payroll responsibilities, our administrative support team, our contract administration and our purchasing program. My work at Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare was paramount in establishing my professional future in finance along with community service.

Keen and his wife, Brooke, and their 2-year-old son, Bridger, live in the Fincastle area of Botetourt County area outside of Roanoke.

We live in a wonderful neighborhood and are fortunate that my new job will be within traveling distance and won't require relocation, he said. I am very lucky to have the support of my wife who has been incredibly supportive throughout this process.

Keen has other family members in Marion.

My mom is the executive director at the Mel Leaman Free Clinic, he said. They do amazing work and are such an asset to the region they serve.

Keen said Vinton is about the size of Marion and he is looking forward to the new job.

I am very optimistic about the job, he said. Municipal finance will be a slightly different concept for me; however, many of my established skills will transfer and be very beneficial to this new role.

There is a lot of growth going on in the town of Vinton and I am excited to be a part of the town's progression. My duties will be overseeing the overall financial operation of the town. These duties will include: tax collection, employee payroll, Accounts payable, accounts receivable, budget development, procurement, contract administration, as well as a few other responsibilities.
NASELLE  Four alleged victims of a former Naselle Youth Camp counselor reached six-figure settlements with the State of Washington in July 2021. The settlement records were released on May 24 after a protracted delay in response to a public records request by the Chinook Observer.

On Jan. 26, 2021, Michael Nolan was arrested and charged with four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. The charges were later dropped on July 9, 2021, due to a lack of cooperation from the alleged victims.

The charges stemmed from accusations that Nolan touched the then-teenage male inmates at the camp inappropriately and enticed them to swim naked in a stream with him in a creek along the camps perimeter.

According to the settlements, the state offered the four victims a combined $805,000 between May and July 2021, and they were accepted on or before July 9, 2021. Two victims were offered $240,000 each, and the two others were offered $175,000 and $150,000 to settle the tort claims.

Initially, in the tort claims, each victim sought $750,000, equating to $3 million in compensation for the alleged behavior and conduct they were subjected to while housed in the now-defunct state-operated juvenile rehabilitation facility.

The coincidental dismissal and settlement offers add to speculation from the Pacific County Prosecutors Office that the alleged victims were not cooperating with the criminal as an incentive not to comply.

By avoiding trial, the state avoided expensive trial costs and having to address the alleged conduct by Nolan in a public manner. The trial would have cost the state hundreds of thousands of dollars and drawn in the state Attorney Generals office.

The charges that were dropped were without prejudice, meaning the prosecutors office could choose to refile the case at a later date, should the victims choose to cooperate. The settlement did not outline any condition limiting the victims from assisting with a future criminal investigation into Nolan.

However, the settlement did release the state from further damages resulting from the incidents that harmed the four young men, limiting their compensation to their agreed-upon settlements.

This settlement and release does not constitute any admission of fault or liability by the [state]; nor should it be considered as recognition of Claimants theories of liability which are disputed, the settlement states in subsection 8.

The attorney that represented the victims in the tort claims, Tiffany Cartwright of Macdonald Hoague and Bayless law firm, declined to comment on the settlement and only stated, I do not have permission from my clients to disclose it. I do not know the states position.

Officials from the state have not been available for comment.

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A Longview man was arrested for suspicion of first-degree assault for allegedly shooting a man during an overnight dispute at the Monticello Hotel.

The Longview Police Department arrested Daniel Amaro-Anaya, 30, for the shooting that took place around midnight.

The initial police report states that officers, called out in the early hours of Wednesday, found the 43-year-old victim on the ground with a gunshot wound to the chest. Amaro-Anaya told police he was an employee of the Monticello Hotel and was detained for questioning, according to Longview police.

People interviewed by police detectives said there was a verbal fight between the two men inside the Monticello Hotel that moved into the buildings parking lot. Police say the dispute escalated into a physical fight before Amaro-Anaya allegedly pulled out a gun and shot the victim.

The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment and is expected to recover, according to a police report released Wednesday morning.

During Amaro-Anayas first appearance in Cowlitz County Superior Court Wednesday afternoon, Judge Gary Bashor set bail at $250,000 and approved a no-contact order between Amaro-Anaya and the victim.

Amaro-Anayas defense attorney told the judge that his client had called the police after the shooting and argued the shooting may have been in self-defense.

Amaro-Anaya was in jail as of Wednesday afternoon. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 23.

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KALAMA  Parents and students say Kalama High School leaders could have done more before two students were arrested Monday for alleged threats and assaults, including one incident that reportedly involved hate speech and a fight that sent a student to the hospital.

Days after a 17-year-old student was allegedly kicked in the head during a fight with students who directed anti-gay slurs at them, dozens of students walked out of school Monday in response to what they say has been a festering culture of homophobia, racism and violence at school.

The protest against hate speech prompted a threat of gun violence by another student against the demonstrators, which police took seriously enough put the school on lockdown. Police then arrested the student who made the threat and the student who allegedly caused the concussion.

The Kalama School District acknowledged the incidents and sent out support for students who walked out on Monday. Nick Shanmac, the districts communications manager, said the district legally could not comment on the details of the fight or disciplinary action taken against students.

I do think recent events have really, in a positive way, brought this to a head and encouraged students to speak up, Shanmac said.

Its been a daily thing

Natasha Wheeler moved last year from Minnesota with her child Jesse, 17, for a fresh start in a beautiful place.

Jesse, the student who suffered a concussion after the fight, has a different last name than their mother and asked it not be used in the story to protect from possible retaliation by other students.

Soon after moving, Wheeler said she noticed a shift.

Jesse told her certain students at Kalama High used racist and homophobic slurs, often directed at other students. Screenshots Wheeler provided from social media show someone had drawn a swastika on the classroom whiteboard.

Jesse started an LGBTQ club at Kalama High School that raised their profile among students, sophomore Araylia Martinez said, adding Jesses outspoken support for gay rights seemed to make them a target of harassment.

What was more worrying, Wheeler said, was she felt the school staff did not seem to address the red flags both students and parents reported.

Its been a daily thing, and this all goes back to the past year, Wheeler said. Ive been saying to the school and administration for a long time, Something bad is going to happen.

Veronica Child recently moved from Vancouver to Kalama to build a better life in a smaller town with her daughter.

At first we really liked it, they seemed so welcoming, Child said.

The comfort did not last long for Child. On the first day of school, Childs daughter heard students using homophobic slurs and asked them not to, soon finding herself on the receiving end of harassment.

The bullying escalated to the point where Child decided to pull out her daughter.

Quote "There has been lots of fighting lately, and we can't feel safe until we see the school do something about it."  Kalama sophomore Araylia Martinez.

Child attended the Monday walkout, saying she hoped the demonstration would bring peers closer together and send a message to the school administration.

I thought, if there are parents there, they have to listen, Child said.

What felt like rising tensions came to a head on June 6, Martinez said. She witnessed the fight that sent Jesse to the hospital.

That day, Jesse was waiting for the school bus after class with a classmate when a pair of students targeted Jesses companion, according to a grievance Wheeler filed with the Kalama School District.

One of them said loudly: There are too many f-s at this school.

Jesse took a swing at one of the students but missed. A fight erupted between Jesse and the two students, and Jesse ended up on the ground, according to Wheelers grievance.

Wheeler said one of the students who had been harassing Jesse then kicked Jesse in the head with what she believed were steel-toed boots.

Wheeler said as far as she knew, no police or medical personnel were called to the scene.

The principal soon called Wheeler, saying Jesse had been taken to the office after the fight and was acting strangely.

Jesse is on the autism spectrum, and Wheeler said at first she figured it had just been a tough day at school. When she spoke to Jesse on the phone, Wheeler knew something was wrong.

He was just repeating himself, saying the same things over again, he was crying, Wheeler said. He wasnt acting like himself.

They took Jesse to the emergency room, where doctors diagnosed them with a concussion, Wheeler said.

Kalama Police Chief Ralph Herrera said police examined video and took witness statements from the fight to determine if the violence had been motivated by sexuality or gender identity biases.

Officers found probable cause to arrest one of the students, a minor who could face criminal charges for assault and a felony hate crime.

In five years, we have not had an incident that has met the statutory elements of a hate crime, Herrera said, adding that the school deals with student conduct violations independent of the police department.

Wheeler said she believes the school knew parents had expressed their concern that homophobia, racism and bullying in general had become a problem.

Ive been expecting this phone call for a while, Wheeler said.

Students walk out in protest

Wheeler reported the incident to the American Civil Liberties Union and the Washington state civil rights division. She got an advocate from the local PFLAG chapter to sit in on meetings with the school. She filed a complaint with the Kalama Police Department.

From a law enforcement standpoint, hate-motivated and bias-based violations will not be tolerated, Chief Herrera said. When theyre reported to law enforcement, were going to do a complete and thorough investigation.

Herrera described Kalama Highs administration as super cooperative and willing to facilitate our need to establish all the facts.

What students and parents see as inaction is what Kalama School District officials said is their legal obligation not to reveal disciplinary action taken toward a student, Shanmac said.

Were trying to tackle this and do a better job of asking students, Given this legal limitation, how can we give you better information about whats being done? Shanmac said. Because it is frustrating, and we totally understand that, when we have to say, Sorry, we cant inform you.

Perceived inaction led Jesse to organize the school walkout Monday in front of the high school.

Students handed out multicolored flags representing one of the identities on the LGBTQ spectrum. At least two dozen students held signs over their heads, asking the school to commit to its zero-tolerance policy.

Quote "If the students are saying, 'We feel that this is a pattern,' then the schools should listen to them. ... We need to believe them."  Nick Shanmac, Kalama School District communications manager.

Sophomore Kaydance Wooldridge said the fight between Jesse and another student represented a larger culture of bullying at Kalama High that went ignored.

There hasnt been much punishment, Wooldridge said. We want to see action.

Martinez said she joined the walkout to show her solidarity with her peers, many of whom she said face harassment on a near daily basis.

There has been lots of fighting lately, and we cant feel safe until we see the school do something about it, Martinez said.

As demonstrators stood in the front parking lot on that rainy morning, a student told a school administrator they overheard a peer make threats of violence against the crowd, Herrera said.

Herrera said the student, 15, told a peer he wanted to fire a machine gun into the group of students.

The teen left campus, and police put the school in lockdown. Herrera said given the fact that the student left campus during school hours, police considered the threat credible.

It was enough to warrant the steps that were taken and, at that point, it was a disruption to school functions, Herrera said.

They located the teenager and, through interviews with the parents, determined he had no access to firearms at home. Still, police found probable cause to arrest him, with charges currently being reviewed by the Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorneys office.

School district explores solutions

Jesse said the school pulled students in for an assembly last week to talk about bullying and harassment on campus. Jesse said the school asked every student to take a pledge against bigotry and promise to report bullying.

For Jesse, still recovering from their concussion, the sentiment has come too late.

They were trying to avoid this until the last minute, Jesse said.

In a letter to families Monday evening, the school district explained the lockdown situation, including the verbal threat against the demonstrators that started it.

The district said in its letter that it stands with students demanding a school environment free from harassment, abuse and violence, and we are proud of them for helping to drive the conversation around school safety.

Shanmac said the Kalama School District is working to hire more mental health professionals. Next school year, Kalama High will have a new dean hired to build better relationships with students.

The district has also expanded anonymous reporting options and is working to increase communication between the school and parents, Shanmac said.

If the students are saying, We feel that this is a pattern, then the schools should listen to them. ... We need to believe them, Shanmac said.

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Cowlitz County increased security at its administration and annex buildings after a rise in employee complaints and safety concerns due to people wandering the building.

On Tuesday, the Cowlitz County commissioners approved an addendum to its existing contract with Phoenix Protective Corps, adding up to $25,810 for a security guard at the Kelso buildings from June 1 to Aug. 30. The guard will patrol the buildings and parking lots during the week, sweeping the buildings at the start and end of each shift, according to the contract.

The county contracts with the Spokane Valley-based security company for services at the Hall of Justice, juvenile justice building and the jail. In 2020, the county hired Phoenix to provide security guards in parts of the administration building during the election season.

Commissioner Dennis Weber said Wednesday as the weather has warmed up, more homeless people had been sleeping in the county buildings doorsteps and wandering through the buildings during the day.

During a March workshop, Nicole Tideman, county risk manager at the time, told the commissioners she began hearing more safety concerns from staff earlier this year. Incident reports in February and March included people hiding in the restrooms, human waste in the building, drug paraphernalia in and around the buildings, theft of a purse and an employee chased into the building, she said.

Most of the complaints are from early morning hours when staff are coming into things they wish they werent, Tideman said.

Tideman suggested adding a security guard for 13 weeks to see if it is an effective deterrent and addresses employees complaints.

It is a big concern with employees and is a big concern with at least one of the unions at this point because of the number of complaints that were all receiving about people feeling unsafe working, she said.

After discussing the contract in several workshops, the commissioners agreed to move forward and security guards started patrols at the beginning of June. The contract also includes security at the administration building during monthly planning commission meetings. The contract addendum approved Tuesday formalizes the decision.

Weber said the added security is already making a difference, and staff are not seeing people in and around the buildings as much.

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Longview civil rights pioneer Victoria Freeman will be honored during a Juneteenth celebration Saturday at the park named after her.

The event, themed Lift Every Voice, will run from 1 to 5 p.m. at Victoria Freeman Park and will include games, singing and a community potluck. Participants are asked to bring a chair and something to share. Everyone is welcome to the event, which will be held rain or shine, according to a press release. Canopies will be set up in case of rain.

During the event, a proclamation will be read honoring Freeman, and organizers are fundraising for a plaque to be placed in the park. Cynthia Washington, Freemans granddaughter, will be unable to attend the event but has helped plan the gathering over the last several months, according to the press release.

My heart is full to see this moment in history in our town. To dedicate this plaque to my grandmother, Victoria Freeman, her legacy will live on, Washington told a planning committee member this week, according to the press release.

Victoria Freeman forced Longview schools to integrate in 1924 when she enrolled her sons at Kessler Elementary School. In 1957, she headed a committee that led to the establishment of Clearview Park in her neighborhood. In 1994, the city of Longview renamed it Victoria Freeman Park, and last years Juneteenth celebration was held in the park.

Juneteenth recognizes the day in 1865 when Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas, with the news the Civil War and slavery had ended. Last year, Juneteenth, which falls on June 19, became a federal holiday.

Longview has had Juneteenth events on and off for decades, according to previous TDN stories. Community members and local pastors helped organize the event for the last two years.

KLMA (Kelso Longview Ministerial Association) is grateful to sponsor the second annual community celebration of Juneteenth in partnership with other community entities, said Rev. Allison Mattocks. This day recognizes that until all of us are free, none of us are truly free.

Mattocks said she and other community organizers are excited that the Longview parks department is willing to place the plaque at the park and thanked Dan Polacek for donating his services to design it.

People can donate to the Freedom Celebrations Committees account at Fibre Federal Credit Union to help pay for the plaque, Mattocks said. The account number is 650619. Donations are accepted throughout the year. Checks should be made payable to the Freedom Celebrations Committee.

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ASTORIA A brewery in Astoria in northwestern Oregon partially has collapsed, with much of its roof caved in and parts of the building dangling into the Columbia River.

No one was killed or injured in the Tuesday incident and the restaurant was closed at the time, The Astorian reported. A natural gas leak was reported and utilities have since been turned off. The U.S. Coast Guard and emergency responders deployed to the scene.

In a tweet, Buoy Beer said everyone is safe.

Authorities dont yet know what caused the warehouse-style Buoy Beer building to crumble.

Jessyka Dart-McLean, Buoy Beers marketing manager, said the part of the building that caved in had already been closed off to employees and the public. The popular brewery, located on a pier, closed its kitchen in September after discovering issues with the dock and pilings underneath.

The Columbia River waters shift, and thats what we were battling against in that area, she said.

The company, one of the North Coasts largest breweries, has been expanding the waterfront campus into neighboring buildings over the past few years.

City Manager Brett Estes said authorities are assessing the structures stability.

The restaurant will be shuttered indefinitely.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Iran appeared to be readying for a space launch as satellite images showed a rocket on a rural desert launch pad, just as tensions remain high over Tehran's nuclear program.

The images from Maxar Technologies showed a launch pad at Imam Khomeini Spaceport in Irans rural Semnan province, the site of frequent recent failed attempts to put a satellite into orbit.

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One set of images showed a rocket on a transporter, preparing to be lifted and put on a launch tower. A later image Tuesday afternoon showed the rocket apparently on the tower.

Iran did not acknowledge a forthcoming launch at the spaceport and its mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

However, its state-run IRNA news agency in May said that Iran likely would have seven homemade satellites ready for launch by the end of the Persian calendar year in March 2023. A Defense Ministry official also recently suggested Iran soon could test its new solid-fueled, satellite-carrying rocket called the Zuljanah.

It wasn't clear when the launch would take place, though erecting a rocket typically means a launch is imminent. NASA fire satellites, which detect flashes of light from space, did not immediately see any activity over the site late Tuesday night.

Asked about the preparations, State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters in Washington that the U.S. urges Iran to de-escalate the situation.

Iran has consistently chosen to escalate tensions. It is Iran that has consistently chosen to take provocative actions," Price said.

A Pentagon spokesman, U.S. Army Maj. Rob Lodewick, said the American military will continue to closely monitor Irans pursuit of viable space launch technology and how it may relate to advancements in its overall ballistic missile program.

"Iranian aggression, to include the demonstrated threat posed by its various missile programs, continues to be a top concern for our forces in the region, Lodewick said.

Over the past decade, Iran has sent several short-lived satellites into orbit and in 2013 launched a monkey into space. The program has seen recent troubles, however. There have been five failed launches in a row for the Simorgh program, a type of satellite-carrying rocket. A fire at the Imam Khomeini Spaceport in February 2019 also killed three researchers, authorities said at the time.

The launch pad used in Tuesday's preparations remains scarred from an explosion in August 2019 that even drew the attention of then-President Donald Trump. He later tweeted what appeared to be a classified surveillance image of the launch failure. Satellite images from February suggested a failed Zuljanah launch earlier this year, though Iran did not acknowledge it.

The successive failures raised suspicion of outside interference in Irans program, something Trump himself hinted at by tweeting at the time that the U.S. was not involved in the catastrophic accident. Theres been no evidence offered, however, to show foul play in any of the failures, and space launches remain challenging even for the worlds most successful programs.

Meanwhile, Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in April 2020 revealed its own secret space program by successfully launching a satellite into orbit. The Guard launched another satellite this March at another site in Semnan province, just east of the Iranian capital of Tehran.

Judging from the launch pad used, Iran likely is preparing for the Zuljanah test launch, said John Krzyzaniak, a research associate at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Krzyzaniak earlier this week suggested a launch was imminent based on activity at the site.

The rocket's name, Zuljanah, comes from the horse of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Iranian state television aired footage of a successful Zuljanah launch in February 2021.

The launch preparations also come as the Guard reportedly saw one of its soldiers martyred in Semnan province under unclear circumstances over the weekend. Iran's Defense and Armed Forces Logistics Ministry, however, later claimed the man worked for it.

The United States has alleged that Irans satellite launches defy a U.N. Security Council resolution and has called on Tehran to undertake no activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. The U.S. intelligence communitys 2022 threat assessment, published in March, claims such a satellite launch vehicle shortens the timeline to an intercontinental ballistic missile for Iran as it uses similar technologies.

Iran, which has long said it does not seek nuclear weapons, previously maintained that its satellite launches and rocket tests do not have a military component. U.S. intelligence agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency say Iran abandoned an organized military nuclear program in 2003.

However, Iran's likely preparations for a launch come as tensions have been heightened in recent days over Tehran's nuclear program. Iran now says it will remove 27 IAEA surveillance cameras from its nuclear sites as it now enriches uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade levels.

Both Iran and the U.S. insist they are willing to re-enter Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, which saw the Islamic Republic drastically curb its enrichment in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the accord in 2018, setting in motion a series of attacks and confrontations beginning in 2019 that continue today into the administration of President Joe Biden.

Building a nuclear bomb would still take Iran more time if it pursued a weapon, analysts say, though they warn Tehrans advances make the program more dangerous. Israel has threatened in the past that it would carry out a preemptive strike to stop Iran  and already is suspected in a series of recent killings targeting Iranian officials.
Chinas Chang'E-5 lander has confirmed the evidence of native water on the Moon. Heres more about it.

In an amazing series of events, Chinas Chang'E-5 lunar lander has confirmed the evidence of native water on the Moon. The result was confirmed through spectral analysis of samples taken from various places on the Moon.

The lunar samples were taken from Oceanus Procellarum on the Moon. During the mission, the on-board scientists conducted a spectral analysis of the collected samples which provided the first confirmation of presence of water on the Moon, back in 2020. The lander returned to Earth in 2021 and a thorough lab analysis was conducted which re-confirmed the results of the spectral analysis.

Now, in an amazing development, the same team of scientists have confirmed that the water collected from samples was native to the Moon, meaning it originated on the Moon itself.

In a statement given to the press, LI Chunlai, of the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences said, For the first time in the world, the results of laboratory analysis of lunar return samples and spectral data from in-situ lunar surface surveys were used jointly to examine the presence, form and amount of water in lunar samples. The results accurately answer the question of the distribution characteristics and source of water in the ChangE-5 landing zone and provide a ground truth for the interpretation and estimation of water signals in remote sensing survey data.

The research was published on the Nature Communications website in an article named Evidence of water on the lunar surface from ChangE-5 in-situ spectra and returned samples.

Although there are no rivers or lakes present on the Moon, the evidence of native water was found in lunar rocks and soil in the form of hydroxyl, which is one of the main constituents of water.

LI Chunlai said, This excess hydroxyl is indigenous, demonstrating the presence of lunar-originated internal water in the ChangE-5 lunar samples, and that water played an important role in the formation and crystallization of the late lunar basaltic magma.

China is planning further missions to continue researching the presence of water on the Moon.
Following the end of the pre-order period for the HONOR Magic4 Pro, HONOR Malaysia has announced that it is currently holding a sales launch promotion for the device. Consumers in Malaysia will be getting free gifts worth up to RM1207 including the HONOR Earbuds 3 Pro when they purchase the Magic4 Pro.

Worth RM699, The Earbuds 3 Pro is the worlds first TWS Earbuds with AI Temperature Monitoring which intelligently tracks and monitors user's data with built-in sensors and AI algorithm. The Earbuds 3 Pro also has Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), whereby it can intelligently recognise ambient sounds and switch between these 3 modes:

Ultra Mode

General Mode

Cozy Mode

The aforementioned Ultra Mode also allows users to dive into noise free music, thanks to the noise cancellation depth of 46 dB. Other notable features of the Earbuds 3 Pro include AI bone voiceprint call noise reduction (Call Noise AI Cancellation) and the capability to get 2 hours of music playback with just 5 minutes of charge.

Besides getting the Earbuds 3 Pro for free, consumers in Malaysia that purchase the Magic4 Pro during the sales launch will also be getting 6 months screen crack protection and a one-year extended warranty for the device. In case you missed it, the Magic4 Pro is priced at RM3999 in Malaysia and you can check out our coverage of its launching event here to get to know the device more in-depth.

Meanwhile, in the same statement, HONOR Malaysia also announced that it will be holding a grand opening for its latest HONOR Experience Store in Malaysia. Located at Pavilion Elite, Kuala Lumpur, make sure to join in the festivities of the store's grand opening this 19 June 2022 (Sunday). To find out more about the Magic4 Pro, Earbuds 3 Pro and other products by HONOR, do visit the company's official website here.

Awesome! So, would you be grabbing the Magic4 Pro? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave for the latest tech news in Malaysia and beyond.
From left, Joseph Pope, a Sandia technologist, Sivanna Torres, a New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology doctoral student, Veronica Espinoza, a New Mexico Tech student, and Eric Robey, a Sandia mechanical engineer, examine a plexiglass cube fractured by a small-scale explosion. This study could inform the creation of new geothermal energy systems. Credit: Bret Latter

Why are scientists setting off small-scale explosions inside 1-foot cubes of plexiglass? They're watching how fractures form and grow in a rocklike substance to see if explosives or propellants, similar to jet fuel, can connect geothermal wells in a predictable manner.

Geothermal energy has a lot of promise as a renewable energy source that is not dependent on the sun shining or the wind blowing, but it has some challenges to wide adoption.

One challenge is that there are only a few places in the U.S. that naturally have the right combinations of hot rock close to the Earth's surface with available underground water. Another challenge is the initial start-up cost of drilling and connecting geothermal wells. Eric Robey, a Sandia mechanical engineer, is leading a team to explore whether explosives can reduce those two challenges.

"Our goal was to come up with a new way of creating a geothermal fracture network that you have a clear idea where it is going to goit's steerable and manageableand you are utilizing fewer resources and being more environmentally friendly," Eric said. "This is where explosives and propellants come in. The idea is that they'll allow us to get away from pumping a lot of fluid down the wells. We're collaborating with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to model the explosions and improve the predictability of forming fracture networks."

Starting with 1-foot cubes of plexiglass, which mimic many of the properties of rock, the team watched the explosion shockwave ripple through the cube and listened with specialized microphones to the formation of tiny fractures. The team is using the information on the location of the fractures and the timing of fracture formation to refine existing computer models of underground explosions.

Challenges of cracking hot rock

Because natural formations with the right combination of hot rock and underground water aren't located throughout the U.S., the DOE's Geothermal Technologies Office supports the research, development and testing of enhanced geothermal systems. An enhanced geothermal system takes a location with hot rock and turns it into a location suitable for producing geothermal power by drilling deep wells and carefully fracturing the hot rock so that water can reach the hot rock and carry that heat up to the surface to produce power.

Enhanced geothermal systems have the potential to power 100 million homes, according to the Geothermal Technologies Office.

"They're finding out it's a difficult problem to get fractures to go where they want them," Eric said. "The goal of our project is to see if we can steer the formation of fractures a bit more."

Eric Robey, left, a Sandia mechanical engineer, and Joseph Pope, a Sandia technologist, prepare a plexiglass cube for a small-scale explosion. The information from this study could be used to create new geothermal energy systems in locations where it is currently not feasible. Credit: Bret Latter

Watching the shockwave

Using plexiglass cubes with small amounts of explosives or propellants ignited in the center, the research team can watch small-scale explosions ripple outward with ultra-high-speed cameras while monitoring the formation of tiny fractures using other sensors. Surprisingly, the mechanical properties of plexiglass are quite similar to granite at about 750 degrees Fahrenheit, said Oleg Vorobiev, a computer model expert at LLNL. To further mimic the properties of hot, hard rock deep underground, the team, including Sandia technologist Joe Pope, applied dozens of tons of pressure to the plexiglass cubes to stress the material and see how the stresses impact fracture formation, Eric said.

Working with Michael Hargather's group, which uses advanced imaging techniques to study explosions and energetic materials, at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro, the team watched the explosive shockwave ripple through the plexiglass using schlieren imaging, a technique that uses ultra-high-speed cameras and mirrors to "see" the differences in density.

These differences can be caused by the compression of a shockwave or even differences in temperature like shimmering air over a hot highway, said Sivana Torres, a doctoral student who conducted the experiments at New Mexico Tech's Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center. For these experiments, the team recorded the explosions at 1 million frames per second.

"This project has been a really cool experience: Being able to be my own test engineer and being able to visualize the shockwave propagating through plexiglass," Torres said. "One of my biggest concerns going into 1-foot cubes was that they would be too thick for our imaging system. I do small-scale tests in plexiglass. It was a pleasant surprise that we were able to see the shockwave propagation."

The team also used a technique called photon Doppler velocimetry, which measures the speed of the shockwave as it reaches the outside of the cube by detecting tiny changes to the frequency of a laser. The team hoped that they would be able to see the weaker waves caused by fracture formation, but they were only able to see the initial shockwave, Eric said.

'Listening to a whisper in a hurricane'

After recovering from his initial disappointment, Eric borrowed some specialized microphones called acoustic emission sensors. With an array of microphones on the surface of the cube, the team was able to hear the weaker waves caused by fracture formation and triangulate where they were coming from within the cube.

"This is kind of like listening to a whisper in a hurricane," Eric said, as the shockwave is much stronger than the fracture waves. "This was a bit of a breakthrough because A, it has never been done before and B, it was very uncertain that we'd be able to hear that whisper in a hurricane, but we could."

A schlieren image of an experiment 80 microseconds after detonation. The image shows the leading edges, fingernail-like protrusions from the center, and emanating bands, lighter ripples. Sandia scientists hope this kind of data on fracture formation in plexiglass can be used to make geothermal energy more assessable. Credit: Eric Robey

The acoustic emissions data not only allowed the team to correlate what they could hear from outside the cube to what they saw within the cube, essential for transitioning from doing experiments in plexiglass to doing experiments in granite, but they could also accurately track when the fractures occurred, which is important for the computer modeling efforts, Eric said.

"We're in the process of learning how to 'fly blind' while we can still see," Eric said. "The instruments we're deploying in the clear plastic are the same instruments we'll deploy when we move to opaque rock."

The team conducted similar experiments in cubes formed from different pieces of plexiglass joined together to mimic faults in rock, to see how explosive-formed fractures react to rock faults. They learned that the explosive-formed fractures tend not to cross pre-existing faultlines, but the amount of stress the plexiglass is under and orientation of the rock fault are important, Eric said. These results will also be used to improve the computer models.

Computer modeling to scale-up solutions

LLNL has trusted computer models of underground explosions based on decades of experiments, starting with underground nuclear testing in the 1960s, Vorobiev said. However, the experiments these models were based on were mostly conducted in cold rock rather than the hot rock needed for geothermal energy production.

"Eventually, the goal is to understand how to create fracture networks in hot, compressed granite at significant depths," Vorobiev said. "This is very challenging, computationally, because events occur at different timescales. Shockwave propagation is very fast compared to microfracture formation caused by the explosive gases."

The experiments conducted by Eric and Torres are great because they not only provide the information about the final cracks, but they recorded the series of events that produced them, Vorobiev said. His task is to analyze the data from Eric's experiments to refine LLNL's existing models. These models can scale up the results from lab experiments to be able to predict what might happen in actual geothermal field sites, he said.

One of the significant findings from the experiments is that the fractures can start anywhere around the explosive or propellant and grow outward, but due to explosive gases, these random fractures will eventually grow toward the areas with less stress such as along existing fractures, Vorobiev said. The random initiation is good, he said, since it is a way to connect pre-existing parallel fractures into a network, which is needed for geothermal energy production.

Now, the team is conducting experiments with explosives or propellants in 1-foot cubes of granite, with the eventual goal of moving to 3-foot cubes of granite. If these lab-scale experiments prove promising, the team hopes to test this in the field at the DOE's Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy, Eric said. There are still several hurdles to overcome, but if everything goes smoothly, it could take as little as three to five years to reach field-scale testing, and from there, commercial implementation.

Explore further New view of deep rock fractures for geothermal energy
The metaverse might be a work in progress, but a key prototype  the virtual world  has been around for several decades. Credit: Screen capture from Second Life by Tom Boellstorff, CC BY-ND

Quick, define the word "metaverse."

Coined in 1992 by science fiction author Neal Stephenson, the relatively obscure term exploded in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly after Facebook rebranded as Meta in October 2021. There are now myriad articles on the metaverse, and thousands of companies have invested in its development. Citigroup Inc. has estimated that by 2030 the metaverse could be a US$13 trillion market, with 5 billion users.

From climate change to global connection and disability access to pandemic response, the metaverse has incredible potential. Gatherings in virtual worlds have considerably lower carbon footprints than in-person gatherings. People spread all over the globe can gather together in virtual spaces. The metaverse can allow disabled people new forms of social participation through virtual entrepreneurship. And during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the metaverse not only provided people with ways to connect but also served as a place where, for instance, those sharing a small apartment could be alone.

No less monumental dangers exist as well, from surveillance and exploitation to disinformation and discrimination.

But discussing these benefits and threats remains difficult because of confusion about what "metaverse" actually means. As a professor of anthropology who has been researching the metaverse for almost 20 years, I know this confusion matters. The metaverse is at a virtual crossroads. Norms and standards set in the next few years are likely to structure the metaverse for decades. But without common conceptual ground, people cannot even debate these norms and standards.

Unable to distinguish innovation from hype, people can do little more than talk past one another. This leaves powerful companies like Meta to literally set the terms for their own commercial interests. For example, Nick Clegg, former deputy prime minister of the U.K. and now president of global affairs at Meta, attempted to control the narrative with the May 2022 essay "Making the Metaverse."

This representation of radial categories shows that the prototypical bird for most Americans is a sparrow, and that while ostrich legs are bird parts, they arent part of every bird. Credit: Tom Boellstorff, CC BY-ND

Categorical prototypes

Most attempted definitions for metaverse include a bewildering laundry list of technologies and principles, but always included are virtual worldsplaces online where real people interact in real time. Thousands of virtual worlds already exist, some gaming oriented, like Fortnite and Roblox, others more open-ended, like Minecraft and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Beyond virtual worlds, the list of metaverse technologies typically includes avatars, nonplayer characters and bots; virtual reality; cryptocurrency, blockchain and non-fungible tokens; social networks from Facebook and Twitter to Discord and Slack; and mobile devices like phones and augmented reality interfaces. Often included as well are principles like interoperabilitythe idea that identities, friendship networks and digital items like avatar clothes should be capable of moving between virtual worlds.

The problem is that humans don't categorize by laundry lists. Instead, decades of research in cognitive science has shown that most categories are "radial," with a central prototype. One could define "bird" in terms of a laundry list of traits: has wings, flies and so on. But the prototypical bird for North Americans looks something like a sparrow. Hummingbirds and ducks are further from this prototype. Further still are flamingos and penguins. Yet all are birds, radiating out from the socially specific prototype. Someone living near the Antarctic might place penguins closer to the center.

Human creations are usually radial categories as well. If asked to draw a chair, few people would draw a dentist chair or beanbag chair.

The metaverse is a human creation, and the most important step to defining it is to realize it's a radial category. Virtual worlds are prototypical for the metaverse. Other elements of the laundry list radiate outward and won't appear in all cases. And what's involved will be socially specific. It will look different in Alaska than it will in Addis Ababa, or when at work versus at a family gathering.

The 13-year-old computer game Minecraft lets players build virtual worlds, which makes it a prototypical element of the metaverse.

Whose idea of essential?

This matters because one of the most insidious rhetorical moves currently underway is to assert that some optional aspect of the metaverse is prototypical. For instance, many pundits define the metaverse as based on blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. But many existing virtual worlds use means other than blockchain for confirming ownership of digital assets. Many use national currencies like the U.S. dollar, or metaverse currencies pegged to a national currency.

Another such rhetorical move appears when Clegg uses an image of a building with a foundation and two floors to argue not only that interoperability will be part of "the foundations of the building" but that it's "the common theme across these floors."

But Clegg's warning that "without a significant degree of interoperability baked into each floor, the metaverse will become fragmented" ignores how interoperability isn't prototypical for the metaverse. In many cases, fragmentation is desirable. I might not want the same identity in two different virtual worlds, or on Facebook and an online game.

This raises the question of why Metaand many punditsare fixated on interoperability. Left unsaid in Clegg's essay is the "foundation" of Meta's profit model: tracking users across the metaverse to target advertising and potentially sell digital goods with maximum effectiveness. Recognizing "metaverse" as a radial category reveals that Clegg's claim about interoperability isn't a statement of fact. It's an attempt to render Meta's surveillance capitalism prototypical, the foundation of the metaverse. It doesn't have to be.

Locking in definitions

This example illustrates how defining the metaverse isn't an empty intellectual exercise. It's the conceptual work that will fundamentally shape design, policy, profit, community and the digital future.

Clegg's essay concludes optimistically that "time is on our side" because many metaverse technologies won't be fully realized for a decade or more. But as the VR pioneer Jaron Lanier has noted, when definitions about digital technology get locked in they become difficult to dislodge. They become digital common sense.

With regard to the definitions that will be the true foundation of the metaverse, time is emphatically not on our side. I believe that now is the time to debate how the metaverse will be definedbecause these definitions are very likely to become our digital realities.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Elon Musk attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" exhibition on May 2, 2022, in New York. Musk is expected to meet with Twitter employees Thursday, June 16, 2022 in an apparent effort to assuage concerns about his $44 billion deal to acquire the social platform. Credit: Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

In an unusual move for what's been an unusual takeover bid by the world's richest man for Twitter, Tesla CEO Elon Musk will address the social platform's employees Thursday, even though his $44 billion offer has not yet been completed.

Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal announced an all-hands meeting to employees in an email on Monday, saying they'd be able to submit questions in advance, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The meeting is a "clear step in the right direction towards the chances of a deal happening and a smart strategic move as Twitter employees have been left in the dark over the past few months and have many questions during this volatile period of uncertainty," said Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives.

Musk reached a deal to acquire Twitter in April, but he has clashed with the company repeatedly since then over the number of bots, or fake accounts, that exist on the social media platform. Musk said he was putting the deal on hold on May 13, although it seems unlikely that he can do that on his own. Musk said he needed more data from the company about those bot accounts, despite the fact hat Twitter has reported its bot estimatesand its admission that they may be too lowto investors for years.

Twitter employees could have other reasons to be nervous about Musk's impending takeover. The irascible billionaire has levied a barrage of criticism at the company, from its moderation and safety policies, which he terms a threat to "free speech," to its anonymous user accounts, which he would like to eliminate, to its ban of former President Donald Trump, which he has pledged to reverse.

Harry Kraemer, a former CEO Baxter International and professor at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, pointed out that the deal is "not a guarantee until it is done" and there are still plenty of steps left in the process before the purchase can be completed.

"In my experience it is very unusual and almost bizarre for someone who has not purchased the company to speak to current employees of the company he is looking to purchase," Kraemer said.

If history is any guide, Musk might consider moving the company to Texas, as he did with Tesla's headquarters in December 2021. An unabashed crypto devotee, he has floated ideas about accepting the cryptocurrency dogecoin as payment for premium accounts. Musk also once had Tesla purchase $1.5 billion in bitcoin and for a brief period allowed buyers to pay for their cars using cryptocurrency.

He's also targeted Twitter's work-from home policy, having once called for the company's headquarters to be turned into a "homeless shelter" because, he said, so few employees actually worked there. The comment also served as a thinly veiled jab at San Francisco, which has a large homeless population.

It's not clear if this week's meeting means that the two sides have come closer together on resolving their issues. Shares of Twitter have been trading well below the $54.20 per share that Musk has agreed to pay amid Wall Street doubts that the deal will be consummated.

Explore further Musk aims to ease concerns in address to Twitter workers

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If residents of Bryan-College Station looked up at the sky Wednesday afternoon they likely saw helicopters flying around as part of a large-scale aviation search and rescue exercise called 2022 SAREX.

The training exercise is a partnership between the Texas Military Department, Texas A&M Task Force 1, Texas Department of Public Safety and numerous other state, federal and military agencies across Texas and the nation. Multiple flights were conducted by military and civilian rescue helicopters, along with fix-winged aircrafts which rescued victims throughout the afternoon.

Various locations were used for the exercise such as Disaster City, Easterwood Airport, Lake Bryan, the eastern portion of Lake Somerville and portions of the Brazos River. While the majority of the exercise was held during the day, some locations were used during night-time hours.

Matt McElearney, helicopter search and rescue technician and rescue swimmer for Texas A&M Task Force 1, said the exercise prepares the participating agencies for natural disasters by creating realistic scenarios for them use as practice.

We need to know the interoperability of our partners as well as ourselves, McElearney said. The airspace here is very crowded much like weve seen during Hurricane Harvey. We need to be able to talk in the skies and talk on the ground to perform rescues.

Over the course of the exercise, a primary focus was on building relationships with other agencies. These relationships are important for recognition and comfortability when operating in one anothers airspace, McElearney said.

Every time we work together, we have that face time, we sit in that cockpit or airframe and we talk about what were going to execute, that just builds our confidence level, McElearney said. When we come down on that single strand of cable were very confident that those above us are going to get us out of that situation and, most importantly, get a person out of that situation.

Steve Sparks, rescue team manager for Texas A&M Task Force 1, dangled from a helicopter after being rescued from the top of a school bus. Sparks said he had volunteered to be a rescuee for the exercise and had been rescued earlier that morning while in the water.

Sometimes were role players, Sparks said. We can be combative; we can be hard to get along with, we can be so scared that they have to do something because I aint doing it. It just depends on the type of role they want us to play for that particular one.

Having real world experience is not only important for pilots to practice their maneuvers, but for all those involved to practice their communication, particularly with hand signals when theres noise from a helicopter, Sparks said.

We all need to be able to communicate and anticipate what the other one is going to do and by training together today thats what were doing, Sparks said. Were making sure everybody knows what everybody is capable of doing and what theyre going to do in those real life situations.

Shortly after the exercise began, McElearney said the excellent communication among air crews and the interplay between air traffic controllers with the survivors and rescuers when coordinating rescues was what stood out to him.

The logistical support that were seeing from our Texas Task Force personnel has been amazing, McElearney said. Just to make this happen and the volunteers, awesome, because we couldnt do it without the volunteers, we couldnt do it without the staff and all the logistical support that were getting.

McElearney wants the public to know that participating agencies are prepared and constantly vigilant for hurricane season as well as any other weather-related event such as tornados or flash floods.

They need to know that their tax dollars are being spent well for those crews to be ready to perform and get them out of harms way, he said.

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Juneteenth festivities kicked off in Brazos County on Wednesday morning at the Lincoln Recreation Center with storyteller Toni Simmons presentation Dancing for Freedom.

The 20th annual celebration, which was put on as a partnership between the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museums education department and the City of College Station, began at 9 a.m. with a Freedom Walk near the recreation center. The participants, who ranged from elementary school students to retirees and all backgrounds, continued into the facilitys gym for Simmons presentation.

Simmons included stories from Africa and Louisiana, inviting the audience of children and adults to dance, chant, clap and sing along with her.

After multiple stories featuring animals, she set the scene to discuss Juneteenth: It started as just an ordinary day, a hot day, working in the hot sun, taking orders from their owner, picking cotton.

On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed and two months after the Civil War ended, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger and Union troops arrived in Galveston to announce the end of the Civil War and declare, The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.

They couldnt believe it, she said. They were shouting. They were singing. They were dancing. Free at last! Free at last! Come celebrate; were free at last.  It was truly a day of jubilation. Freedom had finally come.

Simmons explained how the Underground Railroad had led to the north and also to the south into Mexico.

Texas was the first state to make emancipation a state holiday, and Juneteenth was made a federal holiday a year ago.

Simmons ended her presentation by leading the crowd in a dance to Jon Batistes GRAMMY Award-winning song Freedom.

When she asked the audience for one word to describe freedom, the students gave her responses, such as independence, joy and happiness.

Even though were starting early today, make sure to tell somebody about Juneteenth and what it means to have that freedom, Simmons said.

Cheletia Johnson, Lincoln Recreation Center supervisor, said Juneteenth is something that should be celebrated, saying its significance should never be forgotten.

Its about freedom and jubilation, she said. Imagine finding out two years later that you were free. This is something very significant, not just for the African-American community, but the American community to celebrate. Celebrate freedom, our choices, the right to have certain freedoms, the right to celebrate our religions, our ethnicity. Its all about freedom and family.

Johnson said the walk was the idea of previous Lincoln Recreation Center director Lance Jackson, who started it with just the centers participants walking to the Bush Library and Museum, and expanded it out to the entire community.

She said this years walk was one to be celebrated as College Station Mayor Karl Mooney and members of city management joined in the park next to the center.

Mariah Debose, a Rudder High School senior and volunteer junior docent this summer at the Bush Library and Museum, said she enjoyed the day.

I really love it, she said. Me being multiracial, its really good experience, and then I want to be a social worker when I get older, so working with the kids is amazing to me.

Veronica Rios, co-coordinator of the Bush Librarys summer youth program, said the community had a chance to learn about heritage, celebrate progress and know what more needs to be done to support each other.

Even as a Hispanic, I learned a lot because I dont know my involvement in the story as well, she said. Every different culture can learn from each other.

The range of participants also showed that it is never too early or too late to learn about culture, she said.

It just brings everyone together and has that mutual connection of wanting to learn and wanting to understand, Rios said.

Johnson said she is elated to be in a position to serve the community during Juneteenth and throughout the year.

Im thankful to have a purpose, and I see my purpose, and to celebrate that purpose with other people, she said. Im very thankful for it. Im blessed.

The Lincoln Recreation Center will host its Freedom Jamboree from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday in the W.A. Tarrow Pavilion at the center at 1000 Eleanor Street in College Station. It also will host a Starlight Music Series on Saturday at Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater.

Other Juneteenth celebrations in Bryan will be hosted by the Brazos Valley African American Heritage and Cultural Society. A Gospel Fest will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday at Neal Recreation Center; a parade will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday and follow Martin Luther King Jr. Street from Muckelroy Street to Sadie Thomas Park where games and activities will continue until 3 p.m.; a blues fest will take place in Downtown Bryan at 6 p.m.

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The biblical teaching that violence only begets violence long has been proved true but rarely more poignantly than in the recent attacks on pregnancy counseling centers in Oregon and New York, disruption of church services, and the alleged plot on the life of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Maybe America was too busy burying its slain children from the most recent mass shooting at a school to connect the dots among the many efforts to intimidate, and thus influence, conservative justices as they consider reversing Roe v. Wade.

Given that these acts of violence were all aimed at pro-life people, they should be investigated as terrorist acts.

It is a terrible irony that the people who want to protect life must put their own lives at risk. Maybe violence is what we should expect when abortion, one of the most-violent acts conceived by humankind, is Ground Zero.

Whatever ones argument for abortion, theres no debating the utterly inhumane violence inflicted upon a gestating human being.

The entire abortion apparatus is reprehensible on its face, but over time weve become accustomed to it. In the process, weve found ways to discuss abortion that sidestep its appalling reality.

We make the objectionable more acceptable by manipulating language. The object of termination isnt a baby, were told. Its a fetus. The terminology may be accurate, but fetus, despite its definition (unborn offspring of a mammal), does sound rather reptilian.

Republicans and Democrats have predictably defaulted to their usual crouches, each side accusing the other of insufficient outrage. Usually, the effect is a standoff, but this time Republicans have the stronger case.

The public hasnt heard much from the media about the reported dozens of attacks on churches and crisis-pregnancy centers since May 2, according to the Washington Stand, a news site recently launched by the pro-life Family Research Council. A draft Supreme Court opinion that outlined the end of abortion rights was leaked on that date.

If you go looking for stories about this or that bombing, youre likely to find them only in religious news outlets, such as the Catholic News Agency or Get Religion.

The pregnancy centers that were destroyed or damaged do nothing worse than help vulnerable pregnant women through counseling and resources, as well as provide diapers and other baby supplies. So much for pro-lifers caring for babies only until theyre born.

Despite these attacks  and the alleged attempted assassination of Kavanaugh  President Joe Biden hasnt been moved to condemn them.

Kavanaughs would-be assassin, Nicholas Roske, 26, told police he was upset about the leaked opinion and concerned that Congress would tighten gun restrictions in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting.

He arrived at Kavanaughs home equipped with a Glock 17 pistol, ammo, a knife, zip ties, pepper spray and duct tape and said he intended to break in, and kill Kavanaugh and himself to give his life meaning.

The National Review points out that Biden had three opportunities before large audiences to condemn these events. Instead, he apparently delegated that job to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who has said that the president condemns all political violence.

Well, that must have been balm for Kavanaughs soul. Biden also failed to condemn protesters who surrounded Kavanaughs home for several days. Rather, he took the time to say that protests are fine as long as theyre peaceful.

In fact, thats not true. Its illegal to protest at the private homes of judges under Title 18, Section 1507, of the U.S. Code, enacted in 1950.

One would think Biden, who headed the Senate Judiciary Committee for a time, might have checked with counsel before condoning illegal acts that easily could have escalated. This is an outrage, period.

Biden should have used a bullhorn to condemn all the above, presuming he was apprised of them. He surely would have done so had the justice in question been any liberal. Can you imagine the outcry from the media?

He surely would have strongly condemned the fire bombings had the targets been abortion clinics run by Planned Parenthood, which, through its advocacy arm, pledged to spend $45 million on Bidens behalf in 2020 (three times what it spent in 2016).

My best guess is that the justices wont deliver their abortion opinions until later this month. This means Biden still has time to be very clear that federal penalties for acts of terrorism can include life imprisonment and, in certain circumstances, death.

Violence, after all, begets violence.
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The research team investigating the human health and environmental impacts of the AltEn ethanol plant near Mead will share an update of their ongoing study on Thursday evening.

The presentation featuring researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, will be at the Mead Fire Hall at 7 p.m.

The meeting is open to the public and will include a question-and-answer session and general discussion of the 2021 sampling.

AltEn, which used pesticide-treated seeds to produce ethanol, creating toxic solid and liquid waste products along the way, was ordered to shut down in February 2021 for violating numerous state environmental regulations.

Faculty from UNL, UNMC and Creighton University then launched a wide-ranging research project to study the movement of pesticides through the environment, as well as the chemicals' effects on humans, animals and pollinators.

Environmental sampling started in the spring of 2021, while a survey of perceived health effects from 1,000 individuals living near the defunct plant was closed in May.

Dr. Eleanor Rogan, interim chair of the Department of Health Promotion in UNMC's College of Public Health, said the research team is still analyzing the results of the survey.

UNMC will also look for the presence of pesticides and toxic compounds in the blood or urine of individuals who wish to provide samples.

The study got a boost from the Legislature in April when it approved an amendment from Sen. Carol Blood of Bellevue appropriating $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to continue the study through 2022.

Members of the research team who will present their findings and lead a discussion about their results include Rogan; Ali Khan, dean of UNMC's College of Public Health; Jesse Bell, director of the Water, Climate and Health Program; Shannon Bartelt-Hunt, department chair of civil and environmental engineering at UNL; Liz Van Wormer, coordinator of the One Health program at UNL; and Judy Wu-Smart, extension and research entomologist at UNL.

Reach the writer at 402-473-7120 or cdunker@journalstar.com. On Twitter @ChrisDunkerLJS
Input will be received July 11 as to what to do with a former Catholic church near Greeley, which has not been used since 1984.

The Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary at OConnor is about three and a half miles southeast of Greeley. The parishioners of the OConnor church have been absorbed by Sacred Heart Church in Greeley.

The Most Rev. Joseph Hanefeldt, bishop of the Grand Island Catholic Diocese, will attend the town hall meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Church basement.

In addition to the church, the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary property includes a rectory, a hall, a cemetery and farmland. The farmland is rented out to an area farmer, Tom Foster. Another family leases the rectory, occupying it as a home.

Hanefeldt will attend the meeting with Kathleen Hahn, chancellor of the diocese. They are going strictly to listen and to hear the thoughts and wishes of the parishioners, Hanefeldt said.

The OConnor church ceased to be an active parish in 1984 and was canonically suppressed in 2003. The church has not had liability insurance since 2015.

Those steps have long left those with ties to the church wondering What is next? said a news release issued by Hanefeldt. Over the years, many discussions have been held on what is to become of the church, rectory, hall and land.

The town hall was scheduled to have an open conversation and to hear your thoughts regarding the church, other buildings and surrounding property, says the release from Hanefeldt. I look forward to gathering with those interested so that we can move forward.

The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary property consists of five parcels totaling 85.7 acres.

The church was built in 1905 to replace a previous building that was destroyed by fire, says a story in the Greeley Citizen newspaper.

The church has a rich history in Greeley County as it was the result of the Irish Catholic Colonization effort in the late 1880s, says the Citizen. It served as the religious center for Catholics in the OConnor and Brayton communities for decades. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

At one time, the site housed a convent and school.

In scheduling the listening session, the diocese is following the requirements of canon law, Hanefeldt said.

Although its not active, the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary is still a parish, Hahn said.

The Greeley church is responsible for the OConnor parishioners. The welfare of their souls is cared for by Sacred Heart, Hahn said.

The OConnor church still has trustees, buildings and land, including the cemetery. We can never sell a cemetery, Hahn said.

Proceeds from the farming operation and the rent of the rectory go into accounts controlled by the OConnor parish.

One pastor, who lives in Spalding, serves the churches in Greeley, Spalding and Ericson.

People with questions or concerns about the issue are asked to email them to Hahn at kathytrib@gidiocese.org or mail them to the Diocese of Grand Island, Attn:

Kathy Hahn, 2708 Old Fair Road, Grand Island, NE 68803. Handwritten questions may also be placed in a box at the back of Sacred Heart Church.

The diocese would like to have those questions submitted by June 30.

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What is the future of Grand Islands Island Oasis Water Park?

The first of three community input sessions was held Wednesday at the water park, located at 321 E. Fonner Park Road, to ask the parks guests that question.

The sessions are being done as part of a comprehensive facility evaluation and master plan for the site.

The city hopes the study, being completed by Waters Edge Aquatic Design, of Lenexa, Kansas, will help the park meet community needs now and in the future, and improve operational and financial sustainability.

Island Oasis opened in 1993 and many of its original amenities are still in operation at the park nearly thirty years later, including its lazy river and water slides.

It is time for some upgrades, said City Parks & Recreation Director Todd McCoy.

The water park was built in the early 1990s and I think theres some new trends we can look at to freshen things up, McCoy said.

Island Oasis isnt less popular, but it does face greater competition, said McCoy.

Over the years, theres been more of these types of facilities that have popped up, he said. Hastings has a nice facility, and Columbus, even some of the smaller communities like Aurora and St. Paul have all built facilities.

He added, I think its still a popular destination, its just people have a lot more options now.

The session was also a way to inform the public about some of the facilitys other challenges: competition with more pools in the area that are also more modern, ongoing maintenance and improvement and hiring enough lifeguards.

Theres some issues we have with staffing right now, so there might be some facility changes that can help us with efficiency, McCoy said. I think some discussion or study or the efficiency of the facility would be really helpful.

Aquatics Consultant Lauren Ozburn showed children and young adults and parents how to set stickers for features they think are most important. Participants favored the parks lazy river and its large waterslides.

Survey participants were encouraged to suggest new features they would like to see. A water trampoline and a zip line were among their suggestions.

Newer slides and surfing features are some of the features McCoy has heard about.

Maybe a splash area or a set-aside childrens area, he said. I think theres just a lot of things we can look at.

Reaching all demographics is important for a full understanding of what the community needs, said Ozburn.

Today theres a lot of preteens, teens and kids here, and their input is really valuable. Thats who weve spoken to for the most part, she said. Were hearing what they like and educating about new options that maybe they havent heard or experienced before.

She added, We want people to come to Island Oasis, to be happy, to stay here and to keep coming back.

The study goals are to understand current conditions at Island Oasis, study the market area, evaluate current and future needs, identify trends and recommend elements and amenities, offer conceptual design options and costs, and provide operating projections.

The first step is directly engaging the community.

Its really amazing to be able to translate from the community members to city staff how we can get these dreams and desires for aquatics to happen, said Ozburn.

The prospect is an exciting one, said McCoy.

Im really interested to see what the input is, see what kind of ideas come out of the public meetings and surveys, and to see what kind of ideas the consultants come up with and see if we can get a nice plan going into the future, he said.

A second session will be held later this summer, possibly in August, said Ozburn.

The results of the three sessions will be presented to the Grand Island City Council as a report for their consideration, with a final presentation toward the end of 2022.

For more information, contact City of Grand Island Parks & Recreation Director Todd McCoy at 308-385-5444, ext. 299.

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A new Nebraska Department of Transportation operations center in Omaha should provide drivers with more immediate information on hazards along Nebraska's highways and interstates.

State officials gathered Tuesday to celebrate the opening of the center, which is essentially a merger of the departments previous two operation centers  with one located in Omaha and Lincoln each. The new combined center in Omaha is located at a Nebraska State Patrol office along South 108th Street.

According to Jessica Sherwood, manager of the center, staff members have access to more than 380 live traffic cameras across the state. With access to those feeds and other information now under one roof, staff members will be able to more quickly and effectively communicate with each other, first responders and ultimately the public about obstacles and hazards on Nebraskas roads.

That includes distributing real-time information via various methods including the smartphone navigation app Waze, which provides crowdsourced traffic information, and more than 330 message boards across the state.

Theres nothing worse than to come up on an incident unaware where you wish you could have took that exit just prior to the incident, NDOT Director John Selmer said. We hope that this center will help meet the desires and expectation of our public.

Sherwood said the center will operate at all hours. Thats a change from when there were two district operation centers, which didnt operate at a full-time capacity and relied on people working on call.

The state operation centers No. 1 goal and priority is to provide the most accurate and timely information to our traveling public throughout the state, she said.

The creation of the state operation center marks the latest in what Gov. Pete Ricketts said is his administrations effort to create efficiencies in state government under a philosophy of continuous improvement. Ricketts pointed to how NDOT was formed out of the merger of the states Department of Roads and Department of Aeronautics in 2017.

Our mission is to create opportunities for Nebraskans (and a) more effective, more efficient and customer-focused state government, he said.
An old story of my father's: he mentioned once that he had lost not one but two bags full of camera gear in his life, on separate occasions, both stolen out of locked cars. In the second case, the "put the word out on the street" that he would pay the equivalent of $100 (roughly $450 today) to get the empty bag back. He was later approached by a man who returned the bag claiming he "found" it. The camera equipment was gone, but the passport and $1,000 in traveler's checks ($4,500 today) were still there. The finder admitted he had tried to cash the checks but wasn't able to. Dad said the $100 was worth it and he paid the guy without complaint.

That must have happened in France. My father was an amateur photographer who liked to write and take pictures for articles for food and travel magazinesthe catch being he usually spent more creating the articles than he earned from them. One trip that cost $3,500 yielded $650 for the article. But it offset the cost of the trips, and the trips were the main thing for him. He loved traveling to France, and at the end of his life estimated that he had spent a year and a half of his life in France, over 31 trips. (He once went for just a weekend, which I thought was kinda over the top).

I don't have any more details of the story about the camera bag. My first-ever published picture, when I was a teenager, was the lead illustration in an article of my father's in Holiday magazine* (I was "second camera" for the shoots, as a failsafe in case something went wrong), but, as was unfortunately rather characteristic of him, my father didn't give me credit for it. He said it would just "confuse things." I don't have the picture or the issue of the magazine. Oh well.

Mike

*I could be wrong about which magazine it wasthere were a number of them, with titles like Travel and Gourmet, that all tended to blend together to me.

Book o' the Week:

Inspiration Leica Akademie (English and German Edition). A "group show" of 76 Leica Akademie photographers from 16 countries worldwide, curated by Heidi and Robert Mertens. It looks to me like this is going out of print soon, so act soon if you want one.

The book link is your portal to Amazon from TOP, should you choose to support the site.

Link to B&H Photo

Original contents copyright 2020 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved. Links in this post may be to our affiliates; sales through affiliate links may benefit this site. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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John Nollendorfs: "Reminds me of the story Brett Weston used to tell. He was out shooting with his Dad, and was having trouble with a composition. Called his Dad over, who looked under the drop cloth, turned the 4x5 back 90 degrees, and claimed the shot as one of his own!!"

Herman Krieger: "Would a bag man in France be called a baguette man?"

Bob G.: "As an early settler in Boreum Hill, Brooklyn, the apartment of my future wife and I was broken into. What is probably a common occurrence today, could have been the disappearance of all my camera gear if placed in average locations throughout the apartment. It was saved by storing it under the kitchen sink."

Mike replies: Very smart. I used to keep my camera on the front seat of my rather messy car, in an old, soiled, tattered brown kraft paper grocery bag with the top rolled shut. It looked so unpromising nobody ever broke the window to check what might be inside.

Thomas Mc Cann: "Years back I had a camera bag stolen from the boot of a hire car in Dusseldorf. While I had the camera and one lens with me, my other equipment, lens, etc., was in the bag but even more important were my wife's and my airline tickets and passports. Didn't discover the loss till we were at the airport. Aer Lingus were excellent but the local police were called because of the missing passports. (They took my wife aside to have her confirm her status and that I was not a white slave trader.) Two weeks later I got a letter from the Dusseldorf police saying my bag had been handed in and if I paid 18 they would return it.It was a good Billingham bag so I gladly paid the 18. Imagine my surprise when the bag returned with its contents intact. Air line tickets, Passports, camera gear etc., the works."

Omer: "Forty years ago all my camera gear was stolen from an apartment I was living in. I knew it had been an acquaintance but wasn't sure which one. The odd thing about losing the gear was the feeling of having been set free."

Dogman: "Years ago, a friend got a job shooting for an annual report. His job was photos at a gas refining plant in a small town nearby. He wanted to borrow a lens and asked if I wanted to tag along. I sat in the car, waiting for him to finish, but I got bored. As the sun came up, I picked up one of his cameras with a 50mm lens and clicked off a couple of shots to occupy myself. The company used my photo. He got paid, I didn't. No matter...pretty good story."

Mike replies: Reminds me of a story (I hope I'm remembering it right) that Richard Avedon was once asked to snap a picture of some tourists with their camera. They had no idea who he was, and he didn't tell them. His commentI thinkwas that if he told them who he was he would have to charge them $5,000. What struck me about it was that someone has an original Richard Avedon among their photos and they don't even know it.

Chester Williams: "Had all my equipment stolen while I was at home, at 9 a.m. Funny thing is that my neighbor called me when the thief was leaving my home and told that some guy was trying to break in. I rushed outside, machete in hand, and captured him. Not wanting to go through the police hassle of reporting an attempted break-in, I let him go...not realizing he had all my stuff in two backpacks!!"

Tom Burke: "Apropos insurance payouts following photographic equipment thefts, a friend of mine suffered a break-in of his flat (apartment) and his camera, etc., was stolen. He got the insurance cheque, replaced the equipment, and a month or so later suffered another burglary. The police officer told him that this was quite commonthe thieves would know that there was likely to be a set of better, newer equipment at an address they knew how to get into.

"Another point: I dont know how it works in the US, but here in the UK we no longer get cash settlements for insurance claims (or only rarely). About 13 years ago we suffered a burglary and about 8,000 of various stuff was stolencameras, lenses, laptops, and so on. We were insured, but instead of a payment we had a call from an adjuster who discussed and agreed with me suitable replacement equipment: so my Nikon D70 was replaced by a D80, my 12 MacBook Pro by a newer model, and so on. All of it came from a single company. None of it was current model, but it was all new, i.e. unsold. The D80 had recently been replaced by the D90, for example, and unsold examples of D80's had been bought by this company very cheaply, I expect, who then struck deals with the insurance companies to settle claims. I couldnt object: I was being indemnified; indeed, the replacement was theoretically better than the stolen itemit just wasnt the latest and greatest. And there was no chance to completely change photo supplierId lost a couple of Nikon DSLRs and lenses so I would get Nikon replacementsno opportunity to say that Id actually prefer to go back to Canon."

Pak-Ming Wan: "I live in Paris and where I've had my mobile phone stolen twice...and my Leicas, never. People think it is a film camera and wonder why I'm such a Luddite with such a lousy camera."

Mike replies: My teacher and mentor Steve Szabo lived on a houseboat on the Potomac in the 1970s, when two of the current photographic crazes were Deardorff 8x10 view cameras (Steve was at the forefront of that movement) and $5.95 plastic toy Diana cameras. When thieves broke in to the houseboat, they stole the dirt-cheap Dianas but left the much more expensive Deardorffs. Steve's guess was that they recognized the Dianas as cameras, but had no idea what the mysterious Deardorffs, folded flat, might be.
Hong Cheng, dean and professor in the School of Communication at Loyola University Chicago, will be the dean of the College of Arts and Media (CAM) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Cheng will begin his duties at SIU on July 1.

Cheng, a scholar of international communication and mass media, has been at Loyola since 2019. Prior to that, he was director and professor of the Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture at Virginia Commonwealth University, beginning in 2013.

SIUs excellent reputation was attractive

Cheng said he is excited by the opportunities and potential for the new college, which was launched July 1, 2021. Cheng noted that he has been familiar with the programs within the college for years and looks forward to helping shape its future.

My goal for the college is to make it a mission-driven, distinctive and recognized national and international leader in arts and media education, research and creative work, he said. With its commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility, as well as public good, and through innovation and collaboration, the college will foster technologically proficient, culturally competent and socially responsible artists, designers, scholars, storytellers and leaders, who will thrive in the 21st-century global market and in the age of artificial intelligence.

The college consists of six academic units in both undergraduate and graduate levels: the School of Architecture, School of Art and Design, School of Journalism and Advertising, School of Media Arts, School of Music, and the School of Theater and Dance. The college boasts a range of nationally accredited and internationally recognized programs, composed of a diverse faculty of respected scholars and award-winning creative professionals.

Impressive academic, scholarly background

Meera Komarraju, SIUs provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, said people who met with Cheng noted his academic and administrative experience.

Dr. Cheng has an impressive record as a professor, scholar and leader, and he has extensive international experience, Komarraju said. He will play an important role as the university implements its new strategic plan, Imagine 2030, which includes pillars addressing student success and engagement, innovation in research and creative activity, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion.

Cheng said he believes his extensive and progressive experiences as a faculty member and administrator will well translate into his leadership and service for the college, along with helping him fully understand the needs of CAM students, faculty and staff, and effectively support their initiatives and endeavors. That includes his experiences in diversity and inclusion, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global and local engagement.

He said he is especially thrilled by the colleges plan for shaping its identity, developing innovative interdisciplinary academic and research activities, and reaching out to alumni and other constituencies.

To me, SIUs launch of this newly organized college is a visionary and smart move, which has brought together creative fields and has established a model for interdisciplinary education, Cheng said. I believe the newly organized CAM promises ample opportunities for both the college and all its schools and has enormous potential for regional, national and international recognition.

Varied international experience

Cheng earned his doctorate in mass communications from Pennsylvania State University and a masters degree in international journalism from Shanghai International Studies University. His experience also includes professor in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University and associate professor of the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts at Bradley University.

His research interests are international communication, cross-cultural advertising and global social marketing. He is associate editor of Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly and a former associate editor of the Asian Journal of Communication. He is a co-author of Becoming a Media Savvy Student and has edited or co-edited several other books.

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Serbia inaugurates new section of Chinese-built Belgrade bypass

Xinhua) 08:47, June 16, 2022

BELGRADE, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Beijing-based Power Construction Corporation of China (PCC) has completed the construction of a new section of the "Belgrade bypass," a U-shaped motorway encircling the capital of Serbia.

The inauguration ceremony for the 3.1-kilometer section, which includes a 700-meter-long tunnel, was attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and members of his government on Wednesday.

Vucic expressed satisfaction with the quality of construction works so far and announced a continuation of construction works along the bypass.

"Ancient Chinese wisdom says that if you want to get rich, build a road first," he said. "This proverb best defines the development of Serbia in recent years. We have invested intensively in the construction of roads, and we have had the support of our friends from China and Azerbaijan."

Although the "Belgrade bypass" was planned to be inaugurated almost three decades ago, it remained incomplete until 2018, when the project was awarded to the Chinese contractor PCC, and to Azerbaijani Azvirt, a subcontractor.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
MARION  Members of the Honor Guard and Ritual Team with Marion VFW Post 1301 presented Mayor Mike Absher with a plaque Thursday for his longstanding support and commitment to the organization.

Dan Fruge, the longest-serving member of the Honor Guard, said Absher was being recognized more so for his role as a citizen and businessman than his work as mayor. Fruge pointed to a bus decorated beautifully in Honor Guard script and logos that was donated to the group from Watermark Ford in Marion, where Absher previously worked.

Although no longer new, maintenance fees for the bus are still covered by the car dealership.

Fellow Honor Guard member Ray Hancock said Absher has also made personal financial contributions to the VFW, most recently to aid in the purchase of a new electronic sign on Illinois 37 that will soon indicate to motorists where the VFW is located.

"The sign will have messaging capability, which will allow us to thank our donors and reference upcoming events," Hancock said. "Mike's been a huge asset to the VFW and specifically to the Honor Guard."

Absher appeared a little overwhelmed with the presentation.

"I have a long, deep connection with the Marion VFW," Absher said. "My involvement beginning with my bugler days in high school (1985-89), where I played TAPS at hundreds of military funerals, was an extraordinarily profound experience for me. To receive this award is like a contradiction. I should be thanking you for all the fine work you do instead of you thanking me."

Absher said he didn't realize it at that time - playing at funerals was just an excuse for him to be out of school for a while.

"But as I got older, I came to realize how important it was to honor our veterans," Absher said. "I'm glad to help where I can and I'm very grateful for this award."

In addition to the plaque, Fruge presented Absher with a VFW hat, stating that Absher is now an honorary member of the organization.

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Palmetto State Teachers Association Executive Director Kathy Maness and conservative think tank CEO Ellen Weaver made the runoff Tuesday for the Republican nomination for the open state education superintendent seat.

The Democratic nomination was still up for grabs in one of the most contentious and attention-grabbing races in Tuesday's primaries. Provisional ballots have yet to be counted, and a runoff is possible.

If no candidate gets 50% of the vote, the top two vote-getters advance to a June 28 runoff.

Lisa Ellis, founder of the teacher advocate group SC for Ed, is leading in the Democratic race with just over 50 percent of the vote.

Former Anderson County School District 4 Superintendent Gary Burgess has 31 percent of the vote. State Rep. Jerry Govan of Orangeburg has almost 19 percent, meaning he didnt make the runoff.

Both parties had crowded fields for state superintendent after Republican Education Superintendent Molly Spearman decided not to run again after eight years in the job.

Spearman sometimes disagreed with other Republican leaders, especially on issues such as whether local districts should be able to mandate masks to protect against COVID-19. That schism continued into the Republican primary.

Spearman endorsed Maness, noting that she has been a teacher and knows both the legislative process and how schools operate.

Many other Republican leaders have endorsed Weaver, the CEO of conservative think tank Palmetto Promise Institute and chairwoman of the state Education Oversight Committee. She also has the backing of previous state education superintendents Barbara Nielsen and Mick Zais.

Weaver has raised more than $325,000, an amount not matched by any other candidate. Maness has raised about $115,000.

Maness had a clear lead in Tuesday's vote, but fell far short of the 50% needed to avoid a runoff.

If Weaver wins the nomination, she could face another hurdle: She does not have the masters degree that South Carolina law now requires of a superintendent. Maness does.

Weaver said she started working on the advanced degree in April, but election officials said there is no precedent for what happens if she wins in November without it.

For the Democrats, Lisa Ellis, had a clear lead in Tuesday's vote, but it was too early to say if she could avoid a runoff.

Below are the statewide totals before the provisional ballots are added:

Superintendent of education/Democrat

Gary Burgess  54,135

Lisa Ellis  86,894

Jerry Govan Jr.  32,393

Superintendent of education/Republican

Travis Bedson  47,092

Bryan Chapman  42,319

Kizzi Gibson  37,640

Lynda Leventis-Wells  28,644

Kathy Maness  103,143

Ellen Weaver  78,815

The T&D contributed to this report.

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In another piece of Luxembourg housing news that will make your eyes water, a barn in Grevenmacher is up for sale... for 350,000 euros.

Not even that, but the real estate agents charged with selling the barn say that it needs to be demolished.

This 'opportunity', as the website describes it, would then allow a lucky buyer to build a new house on the property, with a maximum size of 210 m.

With housing prices rising across Luxembourg, the Grevenmacher barn is not even the most ridiculous offer we've seen on the market in recent weeks - that prize belongs to the Stadtbredimus cottage on sale for 260,000 euros.

Read also: Housing crisis a constant throughout Luxembourg's history
In this context, the General Federation of Local Government (FGFC) also demanded official responses to the findings from Taina Bofferding, Minister for Home Affairs, and Emile Eicher, President of the Association of Luxembourg Cities and Municipalities (Syvicol).

The Pirate Party demanded that the matter be looked into further in the form of a committee meeting with Minister for Home Affairs Taina Bofferding at the Chamber of Deputies after several articles in the press about grievances at the Intercommunal Syndicate for IT Management (SIGI).

The FGFC issued a statement on Tuesday, describing SIGI Director Carlo Gambucci as "autocratic and self-important," and criticising municipalities for "not caring" about the numerous internal problems at SIGI. In a series of articles on reporter.lu, several former SIGI employees accused the management of bullying its workers and creating a "climate of fear". In 2021 alone, the intercommunal syndicate allegedly lost nearly 40 of its 140 staff members.
On Tuesday, a police patrol arrested a man for selling prohibited substances in the capital's Gare district.

Officers witnessed how the man was selling drugs in the capital before getting on a train bound for Belgium. The dealer was thus arrested and the police confiscated 1,000 in small banknotes. By order of the prosecutor's office, he was presented to an examining magistrate and transferred to Schrassig prison on Wednesday.

Emergency services

Two cars collided in Clemency at 6.30pm on Wednesday, leaving just as many people injured. Emergency services from Petange, Differdange/Sanem, and Bascharage were called to the scene.
Luxembourg's meteorological services have issued a warning over an increase in ozone levels, which may already reach 160 g/m3 on Thursday.

Temperatures are currently rising all over Europe. Some southern countries, such as Spain, are expecting up to 47C over the weekend, which increases the risk for forest fires.

Luxembourg's meteorological services have also issued a warning over elevated ozone levels. On Thursday afternoon, the ozone levels are expected to bypass 160 g/m3, while temperatures may range between 25 and 31C. Elderly people and those with health issues are advised not to spend too much time outside and refrain from physical activities.

On Saturday, temperatures may reach a staggering 37C in Luxembourg. Sunday may bring about a slight decrease in temperatures and even a few rain showers.
The Chamber of Deputies passed the new tripartite law early on Wednesday evening, with the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) being the only opposition party to vote with the majority.

The remaining opposition parties, made up of the Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR), the Left, and the Pirate Party, all voted against the tripartite law.

The law envisions to implement the majority of points from the tripartite agreement signed by the government, the Luxembourg Confederation of Christian Trade Unions (LCGB), and the Confederation of Public Servants (CGFP). This includes the postponing of the next index cut as well as compensation measures through tax credits.

MP Gilles Baum from the Democratic Party (DP) stressed that no index cut will be abolished, but that a minimum period of twelve months in between cuts has to be respected. The proposed compensation measures will help low-income families in particular, explained the liberal fraction leader. They will come into affect as of July.

Some of the points from the tripartite agreement have already been implemented through Grand Ducal decrees. Most issues relating to housing will be addressed in a separate law.

Christian Social People's Party (CSV)

CSV MPs expressed general support for the tripartie law, as it allows businesses to persevere and societal peace to be upheld.

Co-fraction president Gilles Roth noted that the tax credit system remains flawed, with single-salary households at a disadvantage. The CSV speaker also concluded that a new tripartite meeting is indispensable if more adjustments become necessary, further reminding the coalition parties of their promise to do so.

Alternative Democratic Reform Party (ADR)

ADR members argued that the index cut should not have been postponed. MP Fernand Kartheiser believes that the overcompensation through tax credits is no valid excuse, given that it fails to consider aspects such as overtime or Sunday rates.

The party also questioned the government's decision to introduce a 7.5 cent reduction on fuel, as they believe this amount to be far too insignificant.

The Left

Politicians from the Left expressed their view that the government is manipulating the index mechanism with invalid arguments. Private households will have to pay a higher price than businesses, argued MP Myriam Cecchetti. Since 800 million have already been designated for the relief measures, support should be more targeted.

The Left further expressed support for the Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL) for refusing to sign the "manipulative" agreement.

Read also: Tripartite law represents 'a manipulation of the index', says Myriam Cecchetti

The Pirate Party

MP Sven Clement emphasised that the dialogue between government and social partners should never be abandoned, which is why he labeled the tripartite law as "lacking solidarity".

The opposition politician further criticised the overcompensation and expressed his view that the government failed to adequately plan the support.

Independent Luxembourg Trade Union Confederation (OGBL)

Members of OGBL, the only social partner to not have signed the tripartite agreement, convened outside of the Chamber to protest on Wednesday evening. Although organised on short notice, many people still came to show their support for the union and its fight for the index.

 Domingos Oliveira The photos published on this site are subject to copyright and may not be copied, modified, or sold without the prior permission of the owner of the site in question.

2023 municipal elections

Municipal elections, initially scheduled to take place in autumn 2023, have been rescheduled to 11 June as to not interfere with the Chamber elections. A respective legislative amendment will be introduced in due time.

Video report in Luxembourgish
TEHRAN, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said on Thursday that its intelligence forces have smashed a major fuel smuggling network.

The IRGC said on its official Sepha news website that the intelligence's "accurate and smart operations" identified and disbanded the country's biggest networks to smuggle subsidized fuel.

The network had been active in eight Iranian provinces, and has smuggled over 200 million liters of petroleum products in the guise of exports to some countries in the region by abusing official deeds and documents, it said.

The major destinations involve Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq, it added.

The members of the network have been handed over to the judiciary, it said.

Iran cited the price gap between the highly subsidized fuel in the domestic market and those sold abroad as the main reason the criminal rings are tempted to smuggle. 
A 37-year-old man was sentenced to two years in prison for sending threats to Prime Minister Xavier Bettel and Minister of Health Paulette Lenert.

A Luxembourg bus driver admitted following his arrest that he had sent threatening letters to Bettel and Lenert on two occasions in 2020.

In the letters, the accused had personally threatened the families of both ministers. In the letter to Lenert, he went so far as to describe how he wanted to torture and kill her daughters. He also stood accused of threats to carry out bombings and attacks on vaccination and testing centres.

The contents of the envelopes sent to both ministers, as well as letters sent to RTL and the National Health Fund, contained a brown powder, which turned out to be ground pepper.

The accused said he had acted in a moment of weakness and admitted to sending the letters without pressure.

In addition to the two-year suspended jail sentence, the court also sentenced the man to pay a fine of 2,500, as requested by the prosecution.

Peter Freitag acquitted of charges

Peter Freitag, one of the organisers of the Saturday anti-Covid demonstrations, also appeared in court this week, where he was accused of inciting public disorder. The court was shown a video which first appeared on Facebook, in which Freitag was said to have called for the public to topple the government. He was also accused of insulting the Prime Minister and the police.

The prosecution requested a six-month prison sentence; however, the court acquitted Freitag of all charges.

Bas Schagen vs Editpress

In another court case related to the coronavirus pandemic, former journalist and online personality Bas Schagen filed a lawsuit against publishing house Editpress, accusing them of defamation. The offending article, printed in the Tageblatt newspaper in December 2021, suggested Schagen played a role in the anti-Covid movement relating to the protests which took place in the Grand Duchy on a weekly basis last year.

Shortly after the publication of the article, Schagen took down his YouTube channel and discontinued his online activities. He filed the lawsuit as a result, in a private prosecution of the newspaper. However, the court acquitted the defendants.

The verdict can be appealed over the next 40 days.
Thousands lost their lives in the Second World War's Ardennes offensive, launched by German forces in December 1944. Now, a 3-kilometre remembrance trail has been redesigned in northern Luxembourg to pay tribute to the fallen.

Soldiers and civilians alike perished in the Battle of the Bulge, which took place across Luxembourg and Belgium in World War II. Whole villages were razed to the ground. The fighting was concentrated around "Schumann's Eck", several kilometres away from the northern town of Wiltz.

At the site, the remembrance trail has been redeveloped, integrating stories from contemporary witnesses, preserved for future generations through new technology.

62 silhouettes of men and women, based on original images dating back to the von Rundtstedt offensive, have been installed along the 3 kilometre-long path. Frank Rockenbrod, president of the non-profit "National Liberation Memorial", explained the testimonies were gathered as part of interviews from 30-40 years ago, from people who lived through the war and are no longer alive today. The aim of the redesign was to create a sense of authenticity and fill in the gaps with new content, he added.

 Danielle Georgen / RTL

In the early 1970s, when many survivors were still traumatised by war, Rockenbrod carried out more than 500 interviews with the aim of preserving and telling their stories. He spoke to Luxembourgers, Americans and Germans, meeting them at their homes to recount their histories.

Today, visitors to the trail can listen to the testimonies using their smartphone and the QR codes visible along the trail. The trail also offers access to images and videos divided into 70 thematic areas.

Students from the Lycee du Nord in Wiltz were also involved in the redevelopment.

The remembrance trail at Schumann's Eck, which was officially inaugurated on Wednesday, forms part of the interregional "Land of memory" project, a collaboration involving 14 partners from the Greater Region.

Visitors who are unable to complete the three kilometre trail can make use of a shortcut, which reduces it to a kilometre.

https://www.landofmemory.eu/de/

https://www.landofmemory.eu/de/sites-historiques/gedenkpfad-am-schumannseck/
The retired entrepreneur from Ettelbruck has passed away at the age of 71.

Bourg served as president of Luxembourg's hunting association for many years. In 2021, he fulfilled a lifelong dream in purchasing Birtrange Castle, which he intended to renovate.
A federal grand jury has indicted a Cheyenne man suspected of trafficking fentanyl within 1,000 feet of a school, the U.S. Attorney's Office for Wyoming said Thursday.

Robert Butler has been charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl within 1,000 feet of an elementary school and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Butler, 34, has pleaded not guilty to both charges. His trial is set for next month.

He faces up to 40 years behind bars if convicted.

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One of Harriet Hagemans top political advisers took center stage in Mondays hearing on the Jan. 6 insurrection, in which his video testimony was used to contradict former President Donald Trumps unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud.

In a deposition, Bill Stepien  Trumps former campaign manager  said he advised Trump on election night that it was too early to declare himself the victor while ballots were still being counted. Trump did not follow this recommendation, instead going with the advice from former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

It was far too early to be making any calls like that, Stepien said in the deposition. Ballots  ballots were still being counted. Ballots were still going to be counted for days. And it was far too early to be making any proclamation like that.

Stepiens leads a major political consulting firm  National Public Affairs  that is now running Hagemans campaign to unseat Rep. Liz Cheney. Hageman will not concede that Joe Biden won the election.

At Mondays hearing, Stepiens lawyer spoke about his clients role as someone in Trumps central orbit.

The way Mr. Stepien always conducts himself is by following the numbers and being completely truthful and accurate about where they are, said attorney Kevin Marino. He has been very clear about his view as to what happened in the 2020 election, and you can rest assured that he isnt advising anyone to suggest anything to the contrary.

Hageman, who earned Trumps endorsement, stands by her repeated statement that she doesnt know if Biden was legitimately elected, her spokesman Tim Murtaugh confirmed Tuesday.

Stepien was not present at the hearing despite being subpoenaed as a witness because his wife went into labor. He was featured in several pre-recorded video depositions.

Hagemans campaign has paid over $190,000 to Stepiens consulting firm from the time she jumped into the race in September to the last day of March, according to public filings. So far, the campaigns biggest one-time expense went to National Public Affairs to the tune of $41,300.

Bill Stepien is one of the best political minds in the country, and I am proud to have his help on this campaign, Hageman said in a statement. Liz Cheney has been using her throne on the January 6th Committee to pursue her personal war with President Trump, and now shes using it to attack my campaign staff.

Hageman is the main challenger in the race against Cheney, vice chair of the select committee investigating the attack. Cheney has taken on a prominent role during the first two hearings and has sought to make the case that the Jan. 6 attack is largely Trumps fault.

Trumps allies, including Hageman, have bashed the legitimacy of the committee and have criticized Cheneys service on it, saying its a continuation of her own personal war on President Trump.

The day after a poll was released showing @Liz_Cheney getting destroyed by Trump-endorsed @HagemanforWY, the committee just happened to subpoena Stepien, who is running Harriets campaign, Taylor Budowich, director of communications for Save America and Trump, wrote in a tweet. This circus is beyond an embarrassment and will forever stain the integrity of congress.

Budowich did not respond to the Star-Tribunes request for comment, but the Cheney campaign did respond to Budowichs tweet.

Anyone who watched the hearing and listened to Mr. Stepiens testimony would know this claim is nonsense, said Jeremy Adler, a Cheney spokesman.

To justify her stance, Hageman pointed to a case in Pennsylvania.

Bill [Stepien] gave President Trump his honest assessment of the landscape as he saw it immediately following the election in 2020. Since then, we have learned a lot, like the unconstitutionality of Pennsylvanias mail-in voting law and the impact of Mark Zuckerbergs money driving Democrat turnout, she said in a statement.

An appellate court ruled in January that Pennsylvanias bipartisan 2019 no excuse mail voting law was unconstitutional, but the law is still in place while its being appealed. Regardless of the outcome of this case, Biden will undoubtedly remain in office.

The hearings have also offered evidence that Trump tried to convince former Vice President Mike Pence to not certify the election results. Pence ultimately defied his boss.

In her opening statement, Cheney said that a federal judge the committee spoke to reached the conclusion that President Trumps efforts to pressure Vice President Pence to act illegally by refusing to count electoral votes likely violated two federal criminal statutes.

In an interview earlier this year with the Star-Tribune, Hageman  a natural resources attorney  said she was not familiar with the law at play so she was not able to weigh in on Pences role in the situation.

Trump has continually pushed the baseless claim that the election was stolen from him for Biden. There is no evidence that Bidens victory was illegitimate, with dozens of courts at multiple levels refuting Trumps allegations.

Follow state politics reporter Victoria Eavis on Twitter @Victoria_Eavis

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Rawlins will host a Pride Month celebration for the first time this Saturday.

The event, dubbed the First Annual Love is Love Pride Festival, is set for Saturday at the Jeffrey Memorial Community Center in Rawlins.

The Pride Fair is set to begin at 6 p.m., showcasing health, wellness and other educational resources alongside vendors, food, games and live music. An event listing says attendees will also be able to have professional photos taken. The fair is open to all ages, and free to attend.

At 8 p.m., the celebration is set to shift to a Pride glow dance for people 21 years old and over (IDs will be checked, the listing says). A cash bar, raffle prizes and more live music are planned for the dance, set to last until 11 p.m.

Local businesses and nonprofits including Ohana Sips, Platte Vape Co., Anongs Thai Cuisine, KnoWyo, Carbon County Public Health and Pro-Choice Wyoming are sponsoring or hosting booths at the festival.

According to the events social media, the health department plans to offer on-site STI testing and health information and will be conducting anonymous surveys to better serve the community.

The organizers mission, according to the event listing, is to encourage peaceful coexistence through educational, entertaining, and positive events with heavy focus on the contemporary problems facing the LGBTQIA+ community.

Pride celebrations are a relatively recent phenomenon for most of Wyoming, which legalized gay marriage in 2014. Cheyenne, the capital, didnt host a Pride event until 2017. Caspers Pride weekend began in 2016, Sheridans first Pride March took place in 2019 and Evanston held its first Pride parade last year.

Organizers received some social media backlash when the event was announced in January, said festival founder Nathan Fryar in an email to the Star-Tribune on Tuesday. One person said they wanted to plan a straight pride celebration the day after, while others worried the event wouldnt be suitable for children. Fryar said Rawlins Police Chief Mike Ward committed to investigate any online harassment.

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The message was clear during a Red Lodge community meeting Tuesday night: The events of the previous few days were a nightmare and the town faces a long recovery.

In the high school gymnasium, Red Lodge fire chief and emergency incident commander Tom Kuntz guided the shocked and weary-eyed community through what happened to cause the usually tepid mountain stream of Rock Creek to turn into a raging river that washed away homes, roads and bridges in minutes.

What a difference a year makes, Kuntz told the crowd with a nervous chuckle. I think you could have walked across Rock Creek last year at this time without getting your feet wet.

The juxtaposition of the communitys woes from just a year ago was stark. At around this time in 2021, Kuntz was managing the states largest wildfire, the Robertson Draw fire in the mountains south of town. Now he was trying to coordinate a massive cleanup and construction operation to help return the community to a sense of normalcy in as little time as possible. It was a daunting job.

As warm rain fell on relatively fresh and warm spring snowpack, one containing a high snow-water equivalent, in the Beartooth Mountains Saturday, the Forest Service started asking campers in the region to evacuate, Kuntz said. It was the earliest indication of what would come.

On Sunday evening, Red Lodge fire department responded to a broken gas line near Rock Creek. When they arrived they discovered the line had broken because the bridge it ran under had been swept away. It was the first indication for authorities in Carbon County that they faced a rapidly escalating emergency.

Sandbagging, evacuations and alerts began as parts of the sidewalk and roads along Rock Creek began to crumble into the stream. Banks eroded and debris was forced into buildings. By the time the floodwaters receded, parts of Broadway were gone and other parts were under massive amounts of river debris and boulders.

Nearly all the infrastructure along the creek within the county was impacted by the flood to include bridges, gas lines and sewer mains.

Just a note, you dont want to drive over a bridge unless you know its safe, said Kuntz. Every bridge south of Red Lodge is compromised at this point.

But the biggest concern for the meetings participants was what the future had in store. Business owners, home owners and renters wanted to know when they could return to their properties, what they should do if they had nowhere to stay, and when could they reopen for business.

Carbon County Commissioner Bill Bullock discussed the city-county cleanup operation by pointing out that the flood emergency was a countywide event. He highlighted the efforts being made to truck in fill for missing sections of road and to bring temporary bridges in from as far away as Sidney, Montana.

This is a nightmare, said Bullock. Theres no other way to say it. Bullock is among those who were evacuated from their homes.

The commissioner asked the community for patience and to let construction crews work unencumbered by crowds and onlookers. It was going to take time and the faster the crews could work, the better.

Sheriff Josh McQuillan told the crowd to avoid all areas blocked by signs and to keep away from the waters edge.

If theres no sign there its probably open, if theres signs you need to stay away. Thats probably gonna be the easiest way because thats going to change itself, said the sheriff. He added that the sheriffs office, already spread thin, was spending a lot of time dealing with people too close to the water. Kuntz added that in some places there was no land under pavement or under the river banks and fears remained those sections could collapse. Water rescues would be next to impossible in the high water.

Wednesday afternoon the Montana National Guard announced it was deploying 16 soldiers to Carbon County to help with traffic control and road blocks.

The Soldiers will staff seven road checkpoints to free law enforcement personnel for other duties, a release from the state said. The mission is scheduled to run from 15 June to 22 June.

The guards helicopter unit had already spent more than a day in Carbon County and surrounding areas performing rescues and evacuations. According to the community meeting, some 80 people were evacuated from the East Rosebud Lake region to include a number of school children visiting from cities as far away as Los Angeles.

The Guard has not ruled out potential future deployments of soldiers to the area. Support is usually provided at the request of local agencies.

Positive news from the meeting came in the form of a good weather outlook. Even though the weekend called for more rain and warmer temps at higher elevations there was no threat of another serious flood event. It was welcome news the hospital in Red Lodge was also open and could see emergency patients as needed. And an all-hazard emergency management team had arrived to help coordinate recovery efforts and mitigate losses.

In the meantime, those displaced from their homes were staying temporarily at the fairgrounds. Some wanted to know what would come of the fair and Independence Day celebrations. Others were concerned about reopening their businesses. Kuntz said reopening was different for each business. A motorcycle shop had different requirements than a restaurant. But keeping crucial things like the grocery store and gas station open were high on the list, while hotels and restaurants should remain closed.

But the message was more clear when Kuntz was asked what the plan was as people travelled to the city for summer recreation in the coming weeks.

What are we telling people in the store and the shop owners? one meeting participant asked. Are we open for business?

As a community leader, I think I always want to say Red Lodge is open for business, Kuntz said. Right now, Red Lodge should not be open for business.

There is nowhere for them to go, Kuntz said. And opening up for the summer season is a long way down on the list of things emergency managers are working on as of Tuesday, but it is a concern for them and the Chamber of Commerce. A plan was being worked, he added.

But a sign along the highway in Rockvale warns travelers to stay away.

It reads: Red Lodge is evacuated. Please do not come.

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A 16-year-old is expected to appear before a master of the Fyzabad Childrens Court on Monda
BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- China's national lawmakers will deliberate draft laws regarding issues such as anti-telecom and cyber fraud, civil compulsory enforcement, and anti-monopoly during a forthcoming session by the country's top legislature.

From June 21 to 24, the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) will convene its 35th session in Beijing.

A draft law on anti-telecom and cyber fraud will be submitted to the session for a second reading, according to a press conference by the NPC Standing Committee on Thursday.

Based on the result of the first reading, the new draft will ramp up the penalty for certain violations, and intensify the crackdown on cross-border telecom and cyber fraud.

A draft civil compulsory enforcement law will be submitted to the session for the first time. The draft law features stipulations on the parties, procedures and supervision, among other issues, involved in civil compulsory enforcement, according to the press conference.

With regard to monopoly in platform economy, a draft amendment to the Anti-monopoly Law will be submitted for a second reading.

The draft amendment further specifies applicable rules against monopoly and stipulates that operators are not allowed to leverage their edges in data, algorithms, technology, capital as well as their platform protocols to exclude or limit fair competition, said the conference. 
This year marks the 60th anniversary of Trinidad and Tobagos independence from colonial rule. The question is: how have we fared as an independent nation? Some may argue, this is a subjective question as success or failure can be viewed through the personal experiences of the individual. Others may take the view that 60 years is a relatively young age as far as nationhood goes, therefore, it is still too early to form a plausible opinion.
PHOENIX  Doctors, nurses and other health care workers across the country have reached crisis levels of burnout, prompting the U.S. surgeon general to urge employers to review workloads and take further steps to address well-being.

Health care burnout isnt a new phenomenon, but it is escalating. The National Academy of Medicine found that even before the pandemic, burnout affected 35% to 54% of nurses and physicians, while 45% to 60% of medical students reported symptoms.

COVID-19 made a bad situation worse, as health workers faced long hours, a crush of critically ill patients and added risks to their own health and that of their families. A Mental Health America survey conducted early in the pandemic from June through September 2020, found that 93% of health workers experienced stress, 86% reported anxiety, 76% reported exhaustion and burnout, and 41% reported loneliness.

Experiences of burnout differ from person to person but generally consist of work-related stress, emotional and physical exhaustion, and dissociation from patients or loved ones. Anxiety, depression or substance abuse can follow, bringing risks to patient care or missed work.

Experts worry that the health workforce, under increasing demands with fewer resources, will continue to diminish faster than it can recover.

Health worker burnout is a health crisis for all of America, and that is why we need to treat it like a national priority, said Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who last month issued a national advisory bringing attention to the problem. Murthy recalled meeting with a Florida nurse who said the pandemic had left him helpless but not hopeless.

In May, Murthy and Dr. Rachel Levine, assistant secretary for health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, held a roundtable discussion at Phoenix Indian Medical Center to hear experiences from local health workers and members of the Indian Health Service.

These heroes deserve more than our gratitude; they deserve our help, Levine said. Were here to tell health care workers: We hear you, we see you, and were here to help you.

Dr. Claire Nechiporenko, a pediatrician at the medical center who previously worked on the Navajo Nation, said addressing burnout is vital to prevent further workforce reductions, especially in underserved communities.

Research shows that more doctors and nurses are either limiting work hours or intend to leave their practices, and the Association of American Medical Colleges estimates a shortage of 37,800 to 124,000 physicians by 2034.

Rural areas would be among those hardest hit by a shrinking workforce  including Arizonas Indigenous communities, which already face deep health disparities and trouble accessing care.

Even pre-pandemic, weve had health care shortages on reservations, Nechiporenko said. Its difficult to get physicians  any type of health care worker  to work remotely, and most of the time its an environment where theyve never been.

During the pandemic, health workers in rural communities have been subjected to irregular and long hours, more isolation, an expectation to always be on call, and lower pay, studies show.

Beyond differences among urban and rural health workers, gender may also play a role in burnout. The National Academy of Medicine reports that burnout may be 20% to 60% more likely in female doctors than male doctors.

Vivek said its not solely the role of the health care industry to fix the problem. Government officials, community advocates, academic institutions and leaders in technology must come together to help the profession thrive once again.

In January, the Department of Health and Human Services announced $103 million would go toward evidence-backed training programs and practices to improve mental health among health workers and help build resiliency.

The surgeon generals national advisory also calls on employers to enact paid leave, rest policies, and strengthen existing policies that protect health workers from community and workplace violence.

Additionally, it calls on medical schools to intervene to prevent stress among students, introduce inclusive and communal wellness programs, and establish schedules that reduce sleep deprivation.

In Arizona, health care systems and hospitals have supported workers amid the pandemic with check-in calls and more days off. Banner Health created respite rooms to allow workers to remove protective equipment and take time to rest and recharge in rooms filled with snacks, games, music and special lighting.

In 2020, Gov. Doug Ducey announced the state would spend $25 million to reinforce hospital staffing and allow facilities to reward frontline workers with bonuses for their efforts.

However, in December 2021, over 1,000 health care professionals in the state sent a letter to Ducey and other state officials arguing the system was still in crisis and petitioning for assistance in slowing the spread of COVID-19.

Nechiporenko, who works with several hospitals in Phoenix, said its important for managers to give workers the breaks they deserve to address ongoing issues with burnout.

I really try to give everybody the time off that they request, because thats their time and they earned it and they deserve it, she said. If you can be a leader  where you can give your employees  that time to be away from work and kind of get recharged to come back, I think thats huge.

Sticking to a solid routine and engaging in outside activities can also help health workers maintain a work-life balance and gain relief from burnout, Nechiporenko said, adding that she does CrossFit to reduce stress.

The burnouts the same anywhere and everywhere, she said. Its going to start with first taking care of yourself before you can take care of others.

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PHOENIX  Arizona schools are entitled to get their day in court on their claim the state has shorted them by billions of dollars.

In a ruling released Wednesday, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Daniel Martin rejected arguments by state officials and Republican legislative leaders that he has no right to rule on the legality of the formula they use to finance new schools and repairs for existing schools.

Martin said its clearly within the purview of the courts to determine if the state is complying with the constitutional requirements to maintain a general and uniform school system.

The judge also rejected arguments that he cannot review the claims first filed five years ago because the state has made adjustments to its capital funding system.

Accepting defendants arguments based on mootness would preclude courts from ever deciding whether Arizonas capital finance system complies with the constitution, Martin wrote.

Because a case of this complexity always will span multiple years  and multiple legislative sessions  the Legislature can always pass some new law that nibbles around the edges of the system, and claim that the case is moot and unripe, he wrote. Not surprisingly, Arizona law does not support such a contention.

There was no immediate comment from legislative leaders.

The lawsuit, filed in 2017 by a coalition of public schools and education organizations, contends lawmakers have been shorting schools each year for the capital funds to which state law says they are entitled.

The cumulative loss to schools from failure of legislators to obey the funding formula is now close to $6 billion, Danny Adelman of the Center for Law in the Public Interest, one of the plaintiffs attorneys, said Wednesday.

The issues roots date back to 1994.

Prior to then, construction of new schools and needed repairs were presumed to be solely the responsibility of local districts. But in a historic ruling that year, the Arizona Supreme Court said that created gross inequities and left some schools without adequate facilities.

Some districts have schoolhouses that are unsafe, unhealthy, and in violation of building, fire and safety codes, the justices said, noting there were schools without libraries, laboratories or gymnasiums. But in other districts, there are schools with indoor swimming pools, a domed stadium, science laboratories, television studios, well-stocked libraries, satellite dishes and extensive computer systems.

The justices said that ran afoul of the constitutional obligation for a general and uniform school system.

After several more rulings, state lawmakers eventually created a School Facilities Board to come up with minimum guidelines and created a system to finance new schools as needed as well as to provide $200 million a year for upkeep.

However, lawmakers have not fully funded that formula for years, adopting a more year-by-year approach of having districts seek funds.

The result, according to challengers, has been a shortage of funds to pay not only for repairs but for other needs ranging from school buses to textbooks. They said that forces school districts to use locally raised funds  assuming voters are willing to go along  to pay for needs the Supreme Court concluded are a state responsibility.

Josh Bendor, another attorney representing the schools, said Wednesday that adds to the disparities the high court found illegal.

He said some districts have more property wealth than others. That means adding $1 to the local property tax in a rich district raises far more than the same levy in a property-poor district.

Put another way, Bendor said, people in poor districts have to raise their tax rates by three or four times as much as those in rich districts to raise the same amount of money.

No date has been set for a trial.

Howard Fischer is a veteran journalist who has been reporting since 1970 and covering state politics and the Legislature since 1982. Follow him on Twitter at @azcapmedia or email azcapmedia@gmail.com .

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Majority opinion among Arizonas voters is pretty clear.

So is majority opinion among Arizona legislators.

They want a significant boost in ongoing funding for the states public schools, probably in the range of $500 million to $1 billion per year. Now we even have the money to do so without raising taxes.

Yet it is doubtful that majority opinion will hold sway as the Legislature grinds slowly toward a state budget. Thats because this majority opinion in the Legislature is held by all the Democrats and a few Republicans in each chamber.

Since Republicans are the majority party in both houses, even though its a slim one-person margin, they have control. So theyre trying to find a budget that most Republicans will support, not one that necessarily reflects majority opinion in the bodies as a whole.

Theres this rule that the majority goes off of, said Rep. Morgan Abraham, a Tucson Democrat. Its the majority of the majority. You have to have the majority of the majority caucus in order for something to move forward.

I know for a fact that there is a majority of members in the House who would sign on to a massive investment in K-12 beyond what Prop. 208 would have done, he said.

But it might not win the support of the majority of Republicans, so the idea is languishing.

Prop. 208 is the 2020 ballot initiative that would have imposed a surcharge on incomes above $250,000 for single people or above $500,000 for married people. Legislative staff projected it would have raised about $800 million per year for education.

The initiative passed by a 52% to 48% margin, but a Maricopa County Superior Court judge struck down the law this year.

That initiative, of course, included a tax increase  now, due to the states strong financial position, about the same amount of money is potentially available without raising taxes.

In an April survey of likely Arizona voters conducted by the Center for the Future of Arizona, 82% supported increasing funding for schools, and 65% of the total supported the idea strongly. Its a majority view among all political affiliations.

In the upper chamber, Republican Sen. Paul Boyer has asked for a grand bargain on education funding that replaces the Prop. 208 money with increased state funding. He has said he wont vote for a budget without it.

But hes not the only Republican in that chamber who would go for increased spending on that scale. Sen. T.J. Shope, a Republican from Coolidge, said Wednesday, I think its maybe a half dozen of the Senates 31 Republicans who would go for such a proposal.

He said he liked a proposal circulated last week that would have raised spending on education by $250 million to $300 million, but he would happily go higher, too.

If theres (budget) capacity on an ongoing basis, we should go ahead and do more, he said.

Rep. David Cook, a Globe Republican, said he is more interested in paying down money still owed by the state to school districts after the 2008-2009 financial crisis. Hes thinking in the $600 million area, but on a one-time basis.

Lets pay off the money we owe them, he said. Then well be in a better position next year.

Rep. Michelle Udall, a Mesa Republican, has said she wants the Legislature to fund a pretty big chunk of the $900 million Boyer is proposing.

Instead, though, the latest proposal passed in a House committee is to expand vouchers again and make increased funding contingent on expanding vouchers. The voucher proposal is similar to a 2017 bill that passed the Legislature only to be referred to the ballot and rejected by voters by a 65% to 35% margin in 2018.

So, in order for the majority of state voters to get a part of the funding increase they want, they are being asked to swallow an expansion of vouchers that they have rejected thoroughly before.

Trump endorses in AG race

As former President Donald Trump reels off endorsements in Republican primaries around the country, he reached his decision in the Arizona attorney generals race this week.

Trump endorsed Abraham Hamadeh, a former Maricopa County prosecutor who has had perhaps the most uninhibited rhetoric claiming that Trump won the 2020 presidential election in Arizona. (He didnt.)

Abe Hamadeh knows what happened in the 2020 election and will enforce voting laws so that our elections are free and fair again, Trump said in his endorsement announcement.

Being endorsed by President Trump is the honor of a lifetime, and I will not let him down, Hamadeh said in a statement.

Five other Republicans are running for the partys nomination to replace current Attorney General Mark Brnovich: Lacy Cooper, Rodney Glassman, Andrew Gould, Dawn Grove and Tiffany Shedd.

Gould said in a subsequent statement: I am aware of President Trumps recent endorsement of my opponent. My campaign and I are not going to get side-tracked by this announcement.

Watkins files complaint on Rogers

The fact that they both occupy the wacky right wing of Arizona politics doesnt mean they get along.

Ron Watkins, the candidate for Congress implicated in managing the QAnon conspiracy theory, filed an ethics complaint June 10 against state Sen. Wendy Rogers. He asked the ethics committee to determine whether she is fit for service to the people of Arizona due to a pattern of behavior that is unbecoming a senator.

He noted a range of incidents but only one involving him: Rogers, who has already faced ethics complaints this session, posted on her online Telegram channel in February, Dear Groyper army, please hit Ron Watkins. Love, Wendy.

Groyper Army is a name for a loose association of online white supremacists, far-right nationalists and provocateurs whom Rogers has embraced. Watkins and Rogers had been feuding over election issues.

He said in his complaint that the comment amounted to a threat against him. Of course, as the Arizona Mirror noted, Watkins has repeatedly associated with prominent Groypers himself. And Rogers said in response that Watkins had been friendly with her in recent months until she endorsed his rival Eli Crane in the Congressional District 6 race.

Watkins is best known for being deeply involved with, and possibly writing, the posts by Q, an apocryphal federal employee who accused Democrats and globalists of being part of a Satanist pedophile ring.

Sen. Sine Kerr, the chair of the Senate Ethics Committee, dismissed the complaint Wednesday.

Contact columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter

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Tucson officials hope newly announced federal health guidelines for levels of PFAS contamination in drinking water will speed the flow of federal money to this area for what they say is a massive groundwater cleanup job that will cost well into the hundreds of millions of dollars.

City officials were already planning to apply for federal money for some cleanup of PFAS-tainted wells on the northwest side and in the citys reclaimed water system.

Local officials also say they hope the tighter EPA standards will free up federal money from the Air Force and the Air National Guard to clean up longstanding pollution of groundwater in midtown, north of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and an Air National Guard base adjoining Tucson International Airport on the south side.

Todays announcement really underscores the urgency and need for responsible parties here in Tucson, the manufacturers of PFAS and the Department of Defense, to step up and help us remediate PFAS contamination that they contributed to water sources in Tucson, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said Wednesday.

Im glad the city of Tucson and Tucson Water for years now have led the nation in having the most stringent operational targets (for PFAS levels in drinking water), Romero said, adding, I would say we have one of the most stringent operational targets of any water utility in the nation.

EPA tightens health guidelines

The Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday it is drastically tightening up health advisory guidelines for lifetime exposure to two PFAS compounds that have increasingly turned up in drinking water supplies in Tucson and nationally.

Since 2016, EPA has recommended that people be exposed over their lifetimes to no higher levels of the compounds known as PFOA and PFOS than 70 parts per trillion in drinking water. On Wednesday, EPA slashed recommended maximum levels to .004 parts per trillion for PFOA and .02 parts per trillion for PFOS.

Equipment owned by Tucson Water and many utilities and state and federal agencies around the country isnt capable of detecting concentrations that low in drinking water, local and national officials say. That means EPAs new guidelines really mean that no measurable levels of these compounds are acceptable in drinking water.

Tucson Water had already set its own, much lower health advisory level of 18 parts per trillion for both PFAS compounds. But in reality, it was shutting off all city wells found with any PFAS contamination, utility officials have said.

To find PFAS compounds in drinking water, Tucson Water uses EPA laboratory methods that can detect nothing lower than 2 parts per trillion PFAS concentrations, the utility said in a statement Wednesday.

The city has closed 25 PFAS-tainted wells north of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, north of the Air National Guard base and on the far northwest side in the Marana area.

However, we continuously sample across our system and we will review our past data to ensure any active wells that may have detectible levels of PFOA and PFOS are removed from active service, Tucson Water said.

PFAS is an abbreviation for a group of commonly used, human-made chemicals known as perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances that are very persistent in the environment and the human body, meaning they dont break down easily and are known as forever chemicals.

Federal grants sought

The Air National Guard has acknowledged that it, like many other military departments around the U.S., used PFAS compounds regularly in firefighting foam nationally starting in 1970. In 2019, an Air National Guard spokesman told the Star the base had gradually stopped using firefighting foam containing PFAS over the previous 2 years.

Tucson already plans to seek $133 million in federal grants to design treatment systems for PFAS contamination of wells on the northwest side and in its reclaimed water system. But the total cost of an entire PFAS cleanup from the citys well system will run well into the hundreds of millions of dollars, said Romero and Tucson Water Director John Kmiec.

Due to last years congressional approval of a $1 trillion infrastructure bill, the federal government is already sending money for PFAS cleanup in the state, Romero said. The city is preparing proposals for grants of $61 million and $72 million, respectively, to design treatment systems for the northwest side and some of the citys reclaimed water.

Those applications are targeted at the states Water Infrastructure Financing Authority, and weve been working with them for months to make sure we have good applications, Kmiec said Wednesday.

Romero said the federal Defense Department budget now contains money for environmental cleanup and that city officials will keep lobbying Arizonas congressional delegation to pressure the department to come up with cleanup funds for the Tucson area as soon as possible.

Ive been saying since we first started discussing this that Tucsonans should not be left holding the bag for cleanup costs, the mayor said.

The Defense Department has used the 70 part per trillion advisory level as a threshold for starting cleanup action of PFAS-tainted wells, said Tucson Water and Councilman Steve Kozachik, the most outspoken council member on the PFAS issue. Now, with the stricter health advisory, the department should change its scope for a Tucson cleanup, the utility and Kozachik said Wednesday.

D-M is hiding behind the 70 part per trillion advisory level. They cant do that anymore, Kozachik said.

Contractors for the Air Force Civil Engineer Center started work last fall on investigations of the contamination near Davis-Monthan that was to be finished in 2024. But city officials have said they wont accept waiting that long for cleanups to start.

To date, 30 surface and 15 subsurface soil sampling locations and seven monitoring wells near the base's northern boundary have been established, Capt. Elias Small, a base spokesman, said Thursday morning. A second phase of the investigation, on which work started in April, will include installation of eight additional monitoring wells and measuring devices, and additional soil sampling, Small said.

Thursday morning, Air National Guard spokesman Mark Kinkade offered a somewhat delayed timetable for its investigation of PFAS contamination. A contract to conduct a remedial investigation at the Tucson Air Guard base was awarded in September 2021, and the final report on the investigation should be completed by September 2025, Kinkade said.

Contact Tony Davis at 520-349-0350 or tdavis@tucson.com. Follow Davis on Twitter@tonydavis987.

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BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (AP)  Three former fraternity members were sentenced Thursday to jail terms for their roles in the hazing death of a Bowling Green State University student, while two others were ordered to serve house arrest.

Jarrett Prizel, 19, of Olean, New York, Daylen Dunson, 22, of Cleveland, and Ben Boyers, 21, of Sylvania, Ohio, had all pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and hazing counts. Dunson and Boyers also pleaded guilty to obstructing justice, while Dunson also admitted to tampering with evidence.

Niall Sweeney, 21, of Erie, Pennsylvania, and Aaron Lehane, 21, of Loveland, Ohio, both pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence and hazing, while Lehane also admitted to obstructing official business.

The charges stemmed from the March 2021 death of Stone Foltz, 20, a sophomore from Delaware, Ohio.

Authorities have said Foltz died of alcohol poisoning after a fraternity initiation event in which he was hazed into finishing an entire bottle of alcohol. He was found unconscious by a roommate after members of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity dropped him off at his apartment.

Foltz died three days after he was put on life support.

Prizel was sentenced to 28 days in jail and two years' probation. Dunson received a 21-day jail term and three years of probation, while Sweeney was given a 14-day jail sentence and two years of probation. All three were also sentenced to serve 28 days of house arrest.

Boyers and Lehane were each sentenced to 28 days of house arrest and two years' probation.

Sentencing is pending for three other former fraternity members.

In a statement they issued Thursday, Foltzs parents, Shari and Cory Folyz, noted the sentencings were the conclusion for the former fraternity members. But the couple said there will be no closure for our family until hazing is permanently eradicated on college campuses."

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  The U.S. announced it will send an additional $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine, as America and its allies provide longer-range weapons they say can make a difference in a fight where Ukrainian forces are outnumbered and outgunned by their Russian invaders.

President Joe Biden and his top national security leaders said Wednesday the U.S. is moving as fast as possible to get critical weapons to the fight, even as Ukrainian officials protest that they need more, faster, in order to survive.

The latest package, the U.S. said, includes anti-ship missile launchers, howitzers and more rounds for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) that U.S. forces are training Ukrainian troops on now. All are key weapons systems that Ukrainian leaders have urgently requested as they battle to stall Russia's slow but steady march to conquer the eastern Donbas region.

Gen. Milley and I have been in a number of fights. And when youre in a fight, you can never get enough, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at a press conference in Brussels, referring to Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

I certainly understand where the Ukrainians are coming from, and were gonna fight hard to give them everything they need.

The HIMARS and anti-ship systems are the kinds of longer range capabilities that over time can make a difference in the fight, Milley said. He said Ukraine will have trained HIMARS crews in the fight in a few weeks.

If they use the weapon properly and its employed properly, they ought to be able to take out a significant amount of targets and that will make a difference, he said. But he also noted that the numbers clearly favor the Russians.

"In terms of artillery, they do outnumber, they out-gun and out-range the Ukrainian forces.

The aid is the largest single tranche of weapons and equipment since the war began. Biden, who spoke by phone with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for about 40 minutes Wednesday, also said the U.S. will send $225 million more in humanitarian assistance to provide safe drinking water, medical supplies, food, health care, shelter and money for families to buy essential items.

The U.S. remains committed, Biden said in a statement, to supporting the Ukrainian people whose lives have been ripped apart by this war.

The aid comes as Austin convened a meeting in Brussels of more than 45 nations to discuss support for Ukraine. At the start of the meeting, he warned that the West must step up weapons deliveries to Ukraine and prove its commitment to helping the country's military fight along a 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line in a grinding war of attrition with Russia.

He told the participating nations, "We cant afford to let up and we cant lose steam. The stakes are too high.

Overall, since the war began in late February, the U.S. has committed about $5.6 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, including this latest package. Officials said that about one-third of the latest $1 billion will be from presidential drawdown authority, which means the Pentagon will take weapons and equipment from it's own stock and ship them to Ukraine. The remaining two-thirds would be equipment and weapons purchased from industry by the U.S. and then transferred to Ukraine.

Austin's meeting, also attended by Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, came on the opening day of a two-day gathering of NATO defense ministers at the alliance headquarters.

Increased arms supplies cant come too soon for the Ukrainian forces battling to keep Russia from taking control of their countrys industrial east after more than 3 months of war. In his nightly address to the nation, President Zelenskyy pleaded Tuesday for more and faster deliveries of Western arms, specifically asking for anti-missile defense systems.

Allies are committed to continue providing the military equipment that Ukraine needs to prevail, including heavy weapons and long-range systems, said Jens Stoltenberg, NATO secretary-general.

Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar said Tuesday that without help from the West, we will not be able to win this war. She said Ukraine uses 5,000 to 6,000 artillery rounds a day, while Russia uses 10 times that many.

The defense ministers also planned to discuss moves to beef up forces along NATOs own eastern flank and elsewhere, which have gathered strength since Russia invaded Ukraine.

This will mean more presence, more capabilities and higher readiness, with more NATO forward deployed combat formations to strengthen our battlegroups in the East, more air, sea and cyber defenses, pre-positioned equipment and weapon stockpiles, Stoltenberg said.

On a separate but related subject, he wouldnt commit to a timeframe for Sweden and Finland joining NATO. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is blocking the membership bids, accusing the Nordic nations of supporting Kurdish militants deemed by Turkey to be terrorists.

My aim is to solve this issue as soon as possible, but since we are several nations involved in this process, there is no way to tell you exactly when we will solve it, Stoltenberg said.

Because of Turkeys concerns, this will take some more time than we originally expected, he said.

Erdogan signaled Wednesday he wont back down.

We will most definitely not change our stance until Sweden and Finland take clear, concrete and determined steps in the fight against terrorism, Erdogan said in an address to his ruling partys legislators.

All 30 NATO members must agree to admit new members.

Corder reported from The Hague, Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed.

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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In an unusual move for whats been an unusual takeover bid for Twitter by the worlds richest man, Tesla CEO Elon Musk met virtually with the social platforms employees Thursday, even though his $44 billion offer has not yet been completed.

"Trust is as trust does. I tend to be extremely literal in what I say...One does not (need) to read between the lines. One can simply read the lines, Musk said in the meeting, according to a tweet from Nola Weinstein, Twitter's global head of brand experiences and engagement.

Weinstein did not immediately respond to a message for further comment and she subsequently deleted all her tweets about the meeting. Twitter declined to comment.

Musk, according to multiplenews reports, also addressed possible layoffs at the company, saying that, right now, costs exceed revenue. Thats not a great situation.

He also touched on growth, saying he'd like to see Twitter reach a billion users  roughly four times its current user base ) and anonymity, where he earlier created a stir when he said he wants to verify all humans on the service. At the meeting, he clarified that this does not mean he wants to have everyone on Twitter use their real names, like on Facebook, since pseudonyms can allow people to express their political views freely, according to The New York Times.

Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal announced the all-hands meeting to employees in an email on Monday, saying theyd be able to submit questions in advance.

The meeting is a clear step in the right direction towards the chances of a deal happening and a smart strategic move as Twitter employees have been left in the dark over the past few months and have many questions during this volatile period of uncertainty, said Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives.

One of Musk's key points at the meeting, which started a little after 9 a.m. Pacific time, was to make Twitter so compelling that you can't live without it, Weinstein tweeted. Musk, who has more than 98 million followers on Twitter and its one of the platform's most prolific users, also said that while some people use their hair to express themselves, I use Twitter," according to Weinstein.

Musk, according to multiple reports, also praised Chinese apps such as TikTok, which he said is good at keeping people engaged and not being boring, and WeChat, which he said could be a good model for what Twitter could be.

Transforming Twitter into a WeChat-like super app would be a massive undertaking for Musk, said Jasmine Enberg, principal analyst at Insider Intelligence. Changing consumer behavior is hard  something that Meta (then Facebook) quickly discovered during its own super app ambitions."

While Musk, through Tesla. already has ties to China, Enberg noted that the "media landscape, perceptions of privacy, and shopping behaviors are markedly different in China than in the Western world, and Musk would not only have to overcome the hurdle of convincing consumers to change how they behave online, but also that Twitter is the place to do it.

Musk reached a deal to acquire Twitter in April, but he has clashed with the company repeatedly since then over the number of bots, or fake accounts, that exist on the social media platform. Musk said he was putting the deal on hold on May 13, although it seems unlikely that he can do that on his own. Musk said he needed more data from the company about those bot accounts, despite the fact hat Twitter has reported its bot estimates  and its admission that they may be too low  to investors for years.

Twitter employees could have other reasons to be nervous about Musks impending takeover. The irascible billionaire has levied a barrage of criticism at the company, from its moderation and safety policies, which he terms a threat to free speech, to its anonymous user accounts, which he would like to eliminate, to its ban of former President Donald Trump, which he has pledged to reverse.

If there are 2 sides to an issue its important to represent multiple opinions. Most issues in the world are complex, Weinstein quoted Musk as saying.

Harry Kraemer, a former CEO Baxter International and professor at Northwestern Universitys Kellogg School of Management, pointed out that the deal is not a guarantee until it is done and there are still plenty of steps left in the process before the purchase can be completed.

In my experience it is very unusual and almost bizarre for someone who has not purchased the company to speak to current employees of the company he is looking to purchase, Kraemer said.

Musk has also targeted Twitters work-from home policy, having once called for the companys headquarters to be turned into a homeless shelter because, he said, so few employees actually worked there. The comment also served as a thinly veiled jab at San Francisco, which has a large homeless population. He said during Thursday's meeting that he strongly favors working in person, according to Weinstein.

Its not clear if this weeks meeting means that the two sides have come closer together on resolving their issues. Shares of Twitter have been trading well below the $54.20 per share that Musk has agreed to pay amid Wall Street doubts that the deal will be consummated.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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PHOENIX  State lawmakers are moving to ensure that marijuana buyers at dispensaries are getting what they asked for, and not the things they dont want.

Legislation awaiting a House vote would require the Department of Health Services to contract with an outside laboratory to confirm that whats sold by medical and recreational dispensaries matches their claims. House Bill 2050 also contains new technical requirements to ensure that the batch being tested is the same as the one being sold.

The measure, approved by the Senate earlier this week on a 25-2 vote, also would waive the biennial $150 fee to get a medical marijuana card for veterans who have been honorably discharged from the service and have been Arizona residents for at least a year.

And it would ensure that there is at least one medical marijuana dispensary in each of the states 15 counties.

Sen. David Gowan, R-Sierra Vista, said thats what voters said they wanted in 2010 when they first approved the use of marijuana for medical purposes. A 2019 law directed the health department to issue new licenses in any county without one, he said.

Yet Gowan said Apache, Cochise, Gila, Graham and Santa Cruz counties still lack a medical marijuana dispensary, requiring some patients to drive a long distance.

The heart of the measure, however, is about checking whats in the drugs.

The original 2010 voter-approved law did require testing.

But there was no requirement for the labs being used to be certified to ensure they were accurately reporting both potency and contamination. And there were gaps in exactly what those tests were supposed to find.

That was supposed to be fixed by the 2019 law. It spelled out that products needed to be testing for microbial contamination, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, growth regulators and residual solvents. There was also testing for marijuana potency.

It also ensured that the labs not have financial or familial relationships with the dispensaries.

Gowan said the system is not working as lawmakers intended, however.

He cited various media reports, including one in The Arizona Republic, which sent out samples to a commercial laboratory. It found some were contaminated with levels of pesticides more than 20 times the limit the rules permit.

We decided the legislation needed further clarification and guardrails, Gowan said.

Some of that, he said, is bringing testing guidelines into line with those in other states. But the problems are deeper, he said.

Arizona Department of Health Services does not see any of the medical test results conducted by laboratories, Gowan said. Therefore, if tainted cannabis is in fact being sold, DHS is not being informed by the labs.

HB 2050 would require labs to send the health department every test result, both the good and the bad, within five calendar days.

Theres also a requirement for the health department to issue its own contract to test products found on dispensary shelves.

This allows DHS to create a secret shopper program to verify that the products being sold to medical patients are in fact tested properly and are in compliance, Gowan said.

And he said allowing the health department to accept anonymous complaints also will help protect consumers.

The issue of the five counties is separate.

HB 2050 ensures that DHS will adhere to the voter-approved language to determine how many dispensary licenses are available and outlines how the department will fill this, Gowan said.

Steve Elliott, a spokesman for DHS, said he cannot comment on pending legislation.

Residents in those five counties dont necessarily have to go entirely without.

Gowan said each has at least one dispensary that sells marijuana for recreational use.

But medical patients have access to higher amounts of THC in their cannabis products, he said, referring to the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Patients also are entitled to purchase larger quantities than are available for recreational use, he said.

And theres another reason that patients may want to patronize medical marijuana dispensaries: Certain taxes that apply to the sale of recreational marijuana are not levied on drugs sold for medical use.

On Twitter: @azcapmedia

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HAVANA, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Cuban painter Alexander Hernandez Chang's one-man show "Heritage," which is now on at the Asia House Museum in Havana's Historic Center, pays tribute to his Chinese cultural root.

The exhibit features 19 works of art, including oil paintings, charcoal drawings and sculptures, inspired by the fusion of Chinese and Cuban cultures.

"Working from memory has meant a commitment to be able to pass on the acquired knowledge to new generations," the 35-year-old artist told Xinhua.

"I am interested in continuing to deepen research on the Chinese presence in Cuba," he said.

Brought up in Sancti Spiritus, a central Cuban province located more than 350 km from Havana, Hernandez Chang has learned about Chinese traditions and drawn inspirations from his Chinese root.

"I am interested in working based on the interpretation of family photographs, both from Chinatown and other Chinese communities that have existed in Cuba," he said.

The artist, who is currently working on a local development project to establish the Center for the Interpretation of Chinese Culture, is a fan of Chinese martial arts, who hopes to study the Chinese language for better understanding.

"Heritage" was inaugurated as part of a series of events marking the 175th anniversary of the arrival of the first Chinese immigrants in Cuba.

Though the pieces on show, with such evocative names as "Family Portrait" "Cardinal Points" and "Encounters," were conceived before the COVID-19 pandemic hit Cuba in March 2020, they are relevant to the challenging times of today, said exhibit curator Teresa Toranzo.

"In this exhibition there is a very interesting reflection on such issues as spirituality -- from different interpretations of Buddhism to the preservation of the family -- in the difficult times that humanity is experiencing," Toranzo said.

The exhibit will run till August at the Asia House Museum, which was founded in 1998 and houses the largest collection of Asian art in Cuba. 
WASHINGTON  A House committee gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a bill that would create a commission to investigate Indian boarding schools, despite Republican concerns over the scope and power of the commission.

The Truth and Healing Commission would investigate federal and mission boarding schools, which operated from the late 1800s into the 1900s. The schools were seen largely as an attempt to obliterate native society and culture from Indigenous children, who were often abused and sometimes killed.

For generations, Indigenous children were removed from their families and traditional communities to boarding schools in an effort to force assimilation, said U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Tucson. Unfortunately, many experienced physical, psychological, sexual abuse as a punishment for simply practicing their cultures or speaking their traditional language.

He said the commission would begin the process of healing the intergenerational trauma from this horrific history.

The 10-member commission would be charged with uncovering historical records, documenting unmarked grave sites and investigating cases of abuse. It would then make recommendations on actions that the federal government can take to adequately hold itself accountable for, and redress and heal, the historical and intergenerational trauma inflicted by the Indian Boarding School Policies. What Grijalva called a righteous reckoning of our history.

But Republicans on the House Natural Resources Committee raised concerns over the fact that the commission will have subpoena power to force appearances by witnesses, what one GOP lawmaker called unchecked power.

Democrats said the subpoena power is essential, with Grijalva saying that without its subpoena power it (the commission) doesnt have its authority. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-N.M., also noted that some organizations that operated boarding schools, such as churches, have been unwilling to release those records, which is why the subpoena is needed.

Republicans were also concerned about the amount of money that would be spent on the commission, through paying compensation to members and travel. Grijalva said the work of the commission members will be a full time job.

We shouldnt put limitations on those, theres people here in Congress that probably work less than these commissioners are going to work, he said.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kans., a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and only the second Native American woman elected to Congress. There are 61 co-sponsors, six of whom are Republicans. All five Democrats in Arizonas House delegation are co-sponsors.

I support it because its the right thing to do, Rep. Tom OHalleran, D-Sedona, said in a recent interview. We have to learn from our mistakes in the past.

Advocates believe the commission can help Native communities heal from trauma experienced at federal Indian boarding schools by investigating what happened at those schools.

We dont just start with the reconciliation or the solution, we have to start with understanding the problem, said David Simmons, director of government affairs and advocacy at the National Indian Child Welfare Association.

The bill comes as Interior Department has released the first volume of an investigation into tribal boarding schools. There were a total of 408 federal schools across 37 states, including 47 in Arizona, which trailed only Oklahoma and its 76 schools.

You cannot just have a study with policy recommendations if you dont have a process by which you reconcile the truth and begin the process of healing, Grijalva said.

Stephen Curley, the director of digital archives at the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, hopes that Native communities will be heavily involved in the commissions work, to have voices heard that have been suppressed through a variety of means,

Simmons echoed Curley, saying people from Indian Country with firsthand experience of the schools need to be front and center in helping the commission do its work and do it right.

The Interior report identified marked or unmarked burial sites at approximately 53 schools across the system, a number that is expected to increase. Both Grijalva and OHalleran said that one of the commissions first actions should be the identification of these graves.

People need to know where their family is at, OHalleran said. We need to identify each and every one of these so it never happens again.

Grijalva said after Wednesdays committee vote that he expect the bill to come before the full House sometime in July. He thinks it will pass the House and then its going to be very difficult for the Senate to ignore. The Senate has its own version of the bill, sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.

Advocates also want to see this legislation pass quickly, so the commissions work can begin.

We want to see this happen immediately, Simmons said. We want to see Congress, members of both parties, come together, embrace this.

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The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer. Abraham is a state representative from Tucson and a candidate for the Arizona Senate in Legislative District 18:

The first time I ever shot a gun was in basic training for the Army. Not only did the Army give me an education on the many practical aspects of guns, but much more importantly, my experience ingrained in me a complete respect and clear perspective on how to interact with them. And I think Arizona, and America, can learn from that example.

First, I learned that we dont call them guns. We either call them by their type  pistol, rifle  or more often, we call them weapons to emphasize the power of these devices. If you want to get yelled at in basic training, just use the word gun around your drill sergeant  I certainly learned the hard way not to make that mistake.

I remember feeling scared and nervous before pulling the trigger for the first time. But not because this was my first time touching a firearm. These feelings arose from the fact that the I had just spent 16 hours a day studying, learning about, and training to use a weapon. I read manuals on the rate of fire, distance, and bullet velocity at which these weapons shoot. I saw pictures of real-life battlefield damage these weapons do. I trained on dummy weapons and even trained on high-tech simulators, all before I ever fired a real bullet.

Looking back, what the Army was doing with all this training was building a culture of respect for these weapons that is built from an understanding of the power they hold and the responsibility that comes with having access that power. That culture of respect is supported by policies. Heres how they do it.

To start, every single soldier is vetted and background checked before they even step foot at basic training, and we are regularly checked up on after that.

We are required to re-qualify on our weapon systems every single year, with days of training and shooting practice each time. Like clockwork, we train and train again to ensure our competency.

We also undergo constant screening for mental health. In my basic training class, we had a solider get red flagged for a mental health issue. I watched as the very first thing the drill sergeant did was separate that soldier from their weapon. Only then did they address the solider.

We store our weapons like they are gold. We have alarm systems around our weapons vault, and if those alarms ever fail, we post soldiers to guard the vault 24 hours a day. If a weapon is missing on base, everything stops, everywhere, until the search is complete and successful. It literally becomes our top priority.

From my training to my current service, the Army has provided me with a firsthand view of what commonsense gun laws look like in practice  background checks, training, red flag procedures, and safe storage requirements.

The measures arent based on a dislike or opposition to gun ownership. Quite the opposite  theyre based on respect for the power these weapons have. And the finest defensive force in the world has decided that guns and these policies go hand in hand.

I think we can learn from them to make our state a better place. Commonsense gun policies work in the Army to make us effective and keep us safe. They can work in Arizona too.

Morgan Abraham is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve and state representative from Tucson, representing District 10. He is a candidate for Arizona Senate in Legislative District 18. The views expressed here are those of him alone and not those of the Department of Defense. You can follow him on Twitter: @MorganAbrahamAZ.

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Gun deaths in Oklahoma have increased since a permitless carry law allowing people over the age of 21 to carry a gun without a permit or training went into effect in 2019, according to a newspapers review of data. The Oklahoman analyzed state medical examiner data. It found that Oklahoma has recorded some of its deadliest months in history since the law took effect. In the decade before permitless carry, there had only been 10 months with 70 or more firearm deaths. From November 2019 until January, there were 10 months with more than 70 gun-related deaths. Following recent mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, Uvalde, Texas, and in Tulsa, Republican leaders in Oklahoma have not shown an interest in any gun control measures.
QuikTrip opened its first store in the Colorado market Thursday, launching in the Denver-area city of Firestone.

The Tulsa-based convenience store chain now has 944 locations in 16 states, said Aisha Jefferson-Smith, corporate communication manager for the company.

Last year, in addition to Colorado, QuikTrip said also planned to open locations in three more states  Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama.

Late last year, the Oklahoman reported that QuikTrip was planning its first store in the Oklahoma City metro at Interstate 35 and Hefner Road, near the Frontier City amusement park. A second OKC-area QT store in Moore is also planned, the newspaper reported.

A privately held, $11 billion company based in Tulsa, QT was founded in 1958. It employs at least 24,000 people and has more than 900 stores.

The company in July announced its 900th location in Corsicana, Texas, about 55 miles southeast of downtown Dallas.

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Walmart this is increasing to more than $20 its hourly wage for Walmart and Sam's Club pharmacy technicians, affecting more than 1,000 employees in Oklahoma.

The move will affect some 36,000 company employees nationwide. Most pharm techs will see an average increase of $1.30 per hour.

"Our pharmacy techs stepped up as heroes during the pandemic, and they also play a critical day-to-day role in the continued growth of our health and wellness business," Walmart wrote in a news release. "These investments reflect that and send a strong signal to pharmacy techs everywhere that Walmart is serious about attracting top talent and giving them the tools to build a successful career.

"As we plan to hire an additional 5,000 pharmacy techs this year, these investments will help us attract top talent."

Based in Bentonville, Ark., the retail chain has more than 10,500 stores and clubs worldwide. It reported fiscal year 2022 revenue of $573 billion.

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President Joe Biden signed a new law into effect Thursday to rename the Owasso Post Office after a fallen veteran.

Bidens signature on HR 1298 ensures that the facility will be rebranded as the Technical Sergeant Marshal Roberts Post Office Building.

The Post Office, located at 1233 N. Cedar St., will serve as a namesake for Tech. Sgt. Marshal D. Roberts, a 28-year-old Oklahoma Air National Guardsman from Owasso who was killed while deployed overseas in March 2020.

Representative Kevin Hern first introduced the legislation to the House in October 2020. His cohorts Frank Lucas, Tom Cole, Markwayne Mullin and Stephanie Bice served as original cosponsors of the bill, which passed on Feb. 1, 2022. Senator James Lankford led the bill in the Senate, where it passed on May 25, 2022.

Im glad to see this bill signed into law, Hern said in a release. Sergeant Roberts legacy lives on  not only in Owasso, but around our state and nation. Naming the Owasso Post Office after Sgt. Roberts is a small, but important, gesture of our gratitude for his service and sacrifice.

Lankford added, Our nation remembers our heroes. Technical Sergeant Roberts is one of those national heroes whose actions and patriotism deserve to be forever remembered in his hometown of Owasso. This Post Office, now officially named in his honor, will serve as a reminder to his family, friends and service members of the ultimate sacrifice he gave to keep us safe and protect our freedom.

The legislation to rename the post office pays homage to Roberts sacrifice, which came in the line of indirect enemy fire while stationed at Camp Taji in Iraq on March 11, 2020.

Serving with the 219th Engineering Installation Squadron, Roberts was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve about 20 miles north of Baghdad when his unit was hit with a rocket attack.

The engagement claimed Roberts life and that of another American soldier, along with a U.K. service member and two Iraqi Security Forces members. Fourteen others were wounded, including Oklahomas Tech. Sgt. Ariel E. White.

Since his death, Roberts name has lived on through the inspirational efforts of others. The Oklahoma Air National Guard in March 2021, for example, dedicated a facility at the Tulsa Air National Guard Base in his remembrance. Eight months later, a 4-mile stretch of Oklahoma 20 between Owasso and Claremore adopted the fallen soldiers namesake.

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THURSDAY, June 16, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Adult flu shots have slumped in states with low COVID-19 vaccination rates, suggesting that COVID-19 vaccination behavior may have spilled over to flu-vaccine behavior, new research indicates.

University of California, Los Angeles researchers point to declining trust in public health agencies caused by controversy over COVID-19 vaccines as a possible reason for the falloff in flu vaccination.

"It is alarming that controversy surrounding COVID-19 vaccination may be undermining separate public health efforts that save thousands of lives each year," said study lead author Dr. Richard Leuchter. He's a resident physician at UCLA Health and the David Geffen School of Medicine.

The analysis of U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data through January 2022 showed that adult flu vaccination rates remained relatively stable in all states during the first flu season of the pandemic (2020-2021), before widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines.

But flu shot rates in the second flu season of the pandemic (2021-2022)  when COVID-19 vaccines were widely available  fell from about 44% to around 39% in states with below-average rates of COVID-19 vaccination.

In contrast, flu shot rates in states with the highest rates of COVID-19 vaccination rose from 49% to nearly 53%, according to the study. The findings were published June 15 in the New England Journal of Medicine as a letter to the editor.

Rates of full COVID-19 vaccination varied from 50% in Alabama to 81% in Rhode Island through January 2022. Flu vaccination rates through January of the 2021-2022 flu season also varied, ranging from 31% in Mississippi to 59% in Connecticut.

A state's average COVID-19 vaccination rate could explain 60% of the variation in its flu vaccination rate, which "is compelling evidence that the vaccination behaviors for flu and COVID-19 vaccines are inextricably linked," Leuchter said in a university news release.

The findings may indicate that low uptake of COVID-19 vaccination has spilled over into flu vaccination, the researchers suggested.

"Many Americans who never before declined a routine, potentially life-saving vaccine have started to do so. This supports what I have seen in my clinical practice and suggests that information and policies specific to COVID-19 vaccines may be eroding more general faith in medicine and our government's role in public health," Leuchter said.

Something called "belief generalization" may be a factor, he noted.

"Much as someone's decision to wear or forgo a mask in public during the early pandemic was linked with their more general beliefs through the idea of 'belief signaling,' we propose that 'belief generalization' may account for COVID-19 vaccine-specific opinions being generalized to other vaccines," Leuchter said. "People who feel compelled to oppose or support COVID-19 vaccines may feel that they should in turn oppose or support other vaccines."

The findings are cause for alarm, and warrant immediate research into the causes, according to the study authors.

More information

Learn more about flu shots at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SOURCE: University of California, Los Angeles, news release, June 15, 2022

Originally published on consumer.healthday.com, part of the TownNews Content Exchange.
THURSDAY, June 16, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers have figured out a way to safely give children a donor kidney without the need for immune-suppressing drugs -- an advance they hope to expand to many more kidney transplant patients in coming years.

Reporting in the June 15 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, doctors at Stanford University describe the first three children to be treated with the new approach. It involved giving them not only a new kidney, but a new immune system -- both donated from a parent.

All three children now have normal kidney function, and are free of the anti-rejection drugs that transplant recipients normally have to take every day for the rest of their lives.

Much research remains before the approach can be widely offered, and experts cautioned that the three children in these cases had a rare genetic condition causing their kidney disease.

"This is a great outcome for these children," said Dr. Bradley Warady, director of pediatric nephrology at Children's Mercy Kansas City, in Missouri. "But we can't extrapolate this to all children who need a kidney transplant."

That caveat made, "there's cautious optimism this could become a more widespread procedure," said Warady, who is also on the board of directors for the National Kidney Foundation.

Lead researcher Dr. Alice Bertaina said the findings show a "holy grail" of transplant medicine is achievable.

"The most important thing is, we've shown this is possible," said Bertaina, an associate professor of pediatrics at Stanford.

Freeing kidney transplant recipients from anti-rejection drugs would be a huge advance, both doctors said. Lifelong immune suppression comes with a host of consequences, including heightened risks of serious infections and cancer, as well as conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Dr. Eliza Blanchette, a pediatric nephrologist at Children's Hospital Colorado, pointed to another benefit of negating the need for anti-rejection drugs: Over time, they can actually damage the kidney they are designed to protect. So it's possible that freeing patients from the drugs could prolong the life of a donor kidney.

For years, researchers have sought a way to induce "immune tolerance" for donor organs, so that a lifetime of anti-rejection drugs is unnecessary. One approach is through a stem cell transplant from the organ donor.

Stem cells are primitive cells that give rise to mature cells, including those of the immune system. So, a stem cell transplant from an organ donor essentially provides the recipient with a new immune system that should recognize the donor organ and leave it unscathed.

The problem is that new immune system can also attack the recipient's body, causing a potentially fatal reaction called graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

"It's been thought that the risk was too high," Bertaina said.

But she and her colleagues developed a protocol to minimize the risks, by refining how the donor stem cells are processed: They deplete the transplant of the particular cells, called alpha-beta T-cells, which cause GVHD.

The three children in the current report all received stem cells from their kidney-donor parent, and then five to 10 months later received the kidney itself. One child did develop mild GVHD, but it was managed with medication.

At this point, all three children have been living with fully functioning kidneys for 22 to 34 months -- without immune-suppressing drugs.

Jessica and Kyle Davenport of Muscle Shoals, Ala., are the parents of two of the children. Jessica was the donor for her 8-year-old son Kruz, while his 7-year-old sister, Paizlee, received transplants from Kyle.

"They've healed and recovered, and are doing things we never thought would be possible," Jessica Davenport said in a Stanford news release.

A major caveat is that all three kids have a rare genetic disorder called Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD). Along with kidney disease, SIOD causes short stature, immune system deficiencies and other problems.

Bertaina said the immune deficiencies seen in SIOD may actually be one reason the transplant approach worked so well for these kids.

Far more often, Warady said, pediatric kidney disease is caused by a birth defect, in children with normal immune function.

"We need more research to see if this is effective for children with an intact immune system," he said.

Blanchette also stressed that the effectiveness for children with normal immune function is not yet known.

Bertaina is hopeful this report will spur additional medical centers to do that kind of research. The Stanford team has already expanded the approach to other patient groups, including children whose bodies rejected a prior kidney transplant.

Those patients, Bertaina said, are generally "hypersensitized," and likely to reject a repeat transplant. So giving them a new immune system first might surmount that obstacle.

The ultimate hope, Bertaina said, is to expand the procedure to children, and adults, with a range of underlying causes for their kidney disease.

At this point, it requires a living donor who is a genetic half-match; for an adult, that could be a sibling or child, Bertaina noted. But the researchers are also hoping to adapt the protocol, to even include transplants from deceased donors.

More information

The Nemours Foundation has more on pediatric kidney disease.

SOURCES: Alice Bertaina, MD, PhD, associate professor, pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif.; Bradley Warady, MD, member, board of directors, National Kidney Foundation, New York City, and director, pediatric nephrology/dialysis and transplantation, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Mo.; Eliza Blanchette, MD, pediatric nephrologist, Children's Hospital Colorado; Stanford University, news release, June 15, 2022; New England Journal of Medicine, June 16, 2022

Originally published on consumer.healthday.com, part of the TownNews Content Exchange.
A Tulsa man will serve 10 to 12 years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty Thursday to voluntary manslaughter in Indian Country following the overturning of his state first-degree murder conviction and life prison sentence.

During a hearing in Tulsa federal court, Jose Tyler Vaught, 29, admitted to fatally shooting Joey Aguirre, 20, on July 30, 2015, at a north Tulsa residence.

A plea agreement with prosecutors calls for Vaught to serve 10 to 12 years in a federal prison. A judge will decide later whether to accept the plea and the exact time Vaught spends in prison.

Aguirre died after being shot four times in the back during a party in the 2600 block of East Newton Place.

Vaught, who had claimed self-defense, admitted to shooting Aquirre.

While I was asleep, I was awoken by Joey Aquirre yelling and screaming in the house, Vaught wrote. I encountered Joey Aquirre, who was carrying two pistols, in a small hallway within the house.

Joey Aquirre threatened me. In a heat of passion (i.e. fear), I shot and killed Joey Aquirre.

In 2017, Vaught was initially tried and convicted in state court for Aquirres murder. A judge imposed the jury-recommended sentence of life in prison, followed by 15 additional years behind bars.

However, federal prosecutors moved to charge Vaught in 2021 following the U.S. Supreme Courts 2020 McGirt ruling. The Supreme Court decision and subsequent ones after it determined six tribal reservations in Oklahoma, including the Muscogee and Cherokee Nations, had never been formally disestablished by Congress, leaving the state out of the prosecutorial loop in cases involving American Indians within those reservation borders.

A federal grand jury named Vaught in a May 2021 two-count indictment, charging him with first-degree murder in Indian Country and causing death by use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Vaughts state conviction and prison sentences were formally overturned after he filed a challenge to his state prosecution on McGirt grounds.

He opted to plead guilty in federal court after prosecutors filed a felony information that charged him with voluntary manslaughter in Indian Country. Should the judge approve the plea agreement, prosecutors will dismiss the original indictment against Vaught.

Vaught faced a statutory maximum 15-year prison term for the voluntary manslaughter conviction.

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The City Council on Wednesday passed a $945 million budget for fiscal year 2023, which begins July 1, but most of the discussion focused on a paltry $3 million.

Before the vote, about two dozen members of the public rose to speak about the proposed funding package, with most objecting to a $2.55 million allocation to the Tulsa Police Department for a Real Time Information Center.

They repeatedly argued that the video technology at its heart would be used to surveil minorities and the poor, whose neighborhoods, they said, are already over-policed.

The speakers also picked up on Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harpers concern that if the city is going to fund such an enterprise, independent oversight of the Police Department should come with it. Such an oversight program has an estimated cost of approximately $500,000.

The fact that city councilors failed to include that funding in the budget was the reason Hall-Harper gave for voting against it.

She was the lone dissenter on the nine-member body on the budget vote. Councilor Kara Joy McKee was not at the meeting.

We continue to talk about all the other cities that have a Real Time Information Center, Hall-Harper said. But it seems like it just rolls off that these cities, most of whom have some kind of oversight, some years before they instituted these Real Time Information Centers, but we want to continue to ignore that.

And I dont think that is right.

Before calling a vote on the budget, Council Chairwoman Lori Decter Wright made a motion to fund the Real Time Information Center out of the citys dedicated permanent public safety sales tax to free up funding in the general fund that could be used for animal welfare, neighborhood improvements and housing.

The motion also sought to allocate $5 million from the public safety sales tax fund balance to be used for Fire Department salaries and staffing, subject to the departments collective bargaining process with the city.

Wright said she was making the proposal, which ultimately failed, because she did not feel comfortable doing what has always been done, which is: Receive something; kind of ask questions; be repeatedly told, Well look into it, well look into it; and then we miss the opportunity, Wright said. I dont want to miss the opportunity. Even if the opportunity fails, at least we tried.

Speaking after the meeting, Mayor G.T. Bynum explained the rationale for funding a Real Time Information Center, which is a fraction of the Police Departments $148.7 million FY 2023 budget  an increase of $26 million from the current fiscal year.

Bynum said Police Chief Wendell Franklin has been advocating for the RTIC since he became chief in part to help compensate for the shortage of officers.

We have had such a surge in retirements in the last two years, and combine that with difficulty in hiring, and weve actually lost ground, Bynum said. We were up to 850 officers a year ago, and we are back to about 800 right now. 

We are going to keep funding the staffing to hire, but in the interim, we still have a crime problem in Tulsa and a violent crime problem in Tulsa. And when we asked the Police Department leadership, In the near term, is there anything we can do to make better use of the staff you already have? they told us, A Real Time Information Center.

Bynum said he did not see the discussion surrounding a police oversight program as a funding issue.

We have already funded it historically in the past, he said. The issue with OIM (Office of the Independent Monitor) is no consensus among the 10 of us who are elected policy makers at the city as to what it ought to look like.

That is why it has repeatedly failed to get enough votes to be adopted.

The budget approved by councilors Wednesday is approximately 18% higher than the original budget approved for the current fiscal year.

March 30 video: Citizens comment on an Office of the Independent Monitor

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BEIRUT, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The Lebanese army on Thursday arrested 34 Syrian nationals, including women and children, in Lebanon's southern village of Sarafand over plans to illegally leave for Europe by sea.

A statement released by the Lebanese army noted that the arrested people also include members of a human smuggling network.

The arrested people were referred to relevant judicial bodies for further investigations and other legal procedures, it added.

Lebanon, which hosts a big number of refugees, is stuck in a steep financial crisis, prompting hundreds of them to attempt to flee the country over the past few months. 
OKLAHOMA CITY  Two law firm partners with an office in Tulsa were charged Thursday in connection with facilitating illegal medical marijuana-growing operations.

Logan Michael Jones and Eric Brandon Brown are each charged with:

One count of conspiracy to cultivate a controlled dangerous substance.

Six counts of offering false or forged instruments for recordation.

Three counts of cultivation of a controlled dangerous substance.

One count of pattern of criminal offense.

A woman who answered the phone at the Tulsa office said Jones and Brown were unavailable and that the office did not have a comment at this time.

A multicounty grand jury indicted the two nearly a year after a former secretary of the Jones Brown law firm alleged in a lawsuit that her former employers effectively made her a ghost owner.

The charges in Garvin County District Court, announced Thursday by Oklahoma Attorney General John OConnor, align with allegations that the Jones Brown firm offered an illegal service to clients.

The service: Providing people to stand-in as lawful Oklahoma residents to meet the residency requirements for any applicant who cannot meet the 75% residency requirement written into State Question 788, through which voters legalized medical marijuana in Oklahoma.

The investigation, initiated by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, revealed that Jones and Brown directed medical marijuana businesses to sign consulting agreements with Jones Browns employees to act as ghost owners of the medical marijuana operation, OConnor said.

State law requires that an entity to be licensed be at least 75% owned by an Oklahoma resident. If an individual is going to get the license, the person must be an Oklahoma resident, OConnor said.

The consulting agreements called for clients to pay $3,000 per license to the law firm for the firm to provide the consultant to serve as the Oklahoma resident. More than 400 marijuana-growing operations in the state listed the Jones Brown law firm employees as the 75% owners, OConnor said.

These charges brought today should send a loud and clear message to anyone engaging in criminal operations in Oklahoma that we will find you, and we will prosecute you, he said.

The attorney general said he suspects that the matter will be referred to the Oklahoma Bar Association, which can make recommendations concerning law licenses.

Donnie Anderson, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control executive director, said the investigation began about 14 months ago.

International and national organizations have come to Oklahoma and set up shop to exploit the law, he said.

We have hundreds of cases going on as we speak, Anderson said.

OConnor said it has been estimated that Oklahoma illegally exports more than 80% of the marijuana that is grown in state. Oklahoma is now the No. 1 supplier of marijuana in the United States, he said.

That gives you an idea of the scope of the problem, OConnor added.

Anderson said rural Oklahoma and legitimate business people have had it with the illegal growers.

Our biggest information source (for illegal activity) comes from our legitimate owners, our legitimate market, because it is driving this market into the ground, Anderson said. It is killing the legitimate market is what it is doing.

Featured video: Foreign investors, crime among concerns as cannabis booms in rural Oklahoma(tncms-asset)b373b01d-61ce-5679-8fed-78d85eb774db[1](/tncms-asset)

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Oklahoma ranked 50th in its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to other states and the District of Columbia in a nonprofits Scorecard on State Health System Performance released late Wednesday.

The Commonwealth Fund is a nonprofit foundation that supports independent research on health policy reform and a high-performance health system. It aims to serve societys most vulnerable, including those with low incomes, people of color and the uninsured, according to its website.

This is the first of the foundations annual surveys  which cover the quality of health care access, service use, cost and health outcomes  to include an assessment of states handling of COVID-19 from February 2020 to March 2022.

To reach its rankings, the study featured multiple COVID-19-specific factors, including state vaccination rates, hospital and ICU capacities and excess mortality rates  which are rates that exceed historical norms.

Oklahoma, for example, is ranked 50th in the U.S. in hospital admissions for confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 2,564 cases per 100,000 individuals as of 2022. The national average is 1,443 cases per 100,000 individuals.

The state is ranked 45th in the U.S. for its number of days of high ICU stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 308 days as of 2022. The national average was 112 days.

Oklahoma was also ranked 47th in days of hospital staffing shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 349 days as of 2022. The national average was 50 days.

The state was only behind Mississippi in its overall COVID-19 response, according to the nonprofit.

Commonwealth Fund President David Blumenthal said during a video news conference Wednesday that lower-placing states received the rankings they did because of their relatively slow progress in vaccinating their residents, high COVID hospitalization and ICU levels, and hospital staffing shortages.

Oklahoma hasnt reached a 70% full-vaccination rate for individuals ages 12 and up, and according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, only 57.7% of Oklahomans have two shots. According to the Commonwealth Fund study, it took an average of 354 days for the 30 states with 70% full-vaccination rates to reach that point.

Blumenthal said COVID-19 transmission rates are higher in states with lower vaccination rates, creating several issues related to and beyond COVID-19.

In the absence of vaccines  people who get infected with COVID-19 are more likely to become severely ill, potentially requiring hospitalization and care in an intensive care unit, Blumenthal said.

Throughout the pandemic weve seen reporting on hospitals that are near breaking points  operating at or near capacity. When hospitals operate under these conditions, patients can get turned away or delay care for non-COVID causes, and staff suffer from high levels of stress.

Oklahoma has 14,458 reported COVID-related deaths as of June 14. According to the Commonwealth Fund survey, the state has experienced 428 excess deaths per 100,000 individuals, giving it 40th place in the U.S., which averages 345 excess deaths per 100,000.

The study was co-authored by Commonwealth Fund Vice President for Health Care Coverage and Access Sara Collins, who said during the news conference that the scorecard presents potential areas of policy action that could strengthen the nations ability to respond to future public health crises.

Examples include the development of a long-term and evidence-based pandemic preparedness strategy, fighting misinformation by strengthening content moderation policies related to matters of public health, and requiring hospitals and other facilities to develop comprehensive disaster response strategies so they can increase short-term capacities and bring on additional staff in emergencies.

COVID-19 has pushed all states and health systems to their limits, exposing severe gaps in infrastructure and access to care, as our nation faces an ongoing public health crisis, Blumenthal said. We must prioritize policy solutions that center equity, safety and health.

Ultimately, Blumenthal said in a Commonwealth Fund press release that the scorecards findings highlight how states with the strongest health care systems had the lowest numbers of preventable deaths.

This is a wake-up call for states with weaker systems to invest in their health care infrastructures  for both the long term and day to day, Blumenthal said in the release.

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After attending the Tulsa surgeons funeral last weekend, a congresswoman from the state of Washington called for sensible gun reforms Tuesday to honor the life of Dr. Preston Phillips.

U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat from Seattle, told Congress that those at Dr. Phillips service asked me to ensure that Congress passes sensible gun reforms and does all we can to ensure that tragedies like this never happen again.

Phillips, an orthopedic surgeon who would have turned 60 this fall, was one of four people killed June 1 in a mass shooting at the Saint Francis Hospital medical campus in south Tulsa. The gunman, who also killed himself, had purchased an AR-15 rifle within three hours of the shooting, according to investigators.

The tragedy struck close to home for me, Jayapal told Congress, because Phillips daughter Elise Phillips is the congresswomans legislative counsel in Washington, D.C., and because the Phillips family had lived for eight years in Jayapals district in Seattle before moving to Tulsa.

Nothing will ease the pain of his wife and his three children who have to bury him far too soon, Jayapal said on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. My heart goes out to all the families of the four people killed and the community in Tulsa that still grieves.

She described Phillips as a gracious and loving husband, father and brother who dedicated his life to his family and his medical practice.

In her brief remarks, Jayapal noted that the U.S. House had passed legislation last week to raise the age of purchase for certain types of rifles to 21, control the sale of ghost guns, limit the number of rounds in a magazine and require the safe storage of firearms.

Featured video: Tulsa mass shooting victim Dr. Preston Phillips remembered fondly by Saint Francis CEO Cliff Robertson

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A team of Tulsa doctors has returned from Ukraine after spending a week assisting refugees displaced within the country, treating mental health disorders and providing counsel.

The five-member medical assistance team from In His Image International, an organization dedicated to assisting those in need via medicine, was led by Dr. Brandon Ganzer, a faculty physician of In His Image Family Residency program.

Ganzer said the team left Tulsa on June 5 and was stationed in Uzhhorod, Ukraine  a city occupied by Ukrainians seeking safety from the Russian invasion in eastern Ukraine. He said the city has converted multiple facilities, such as university dormitories and hotels, to host the influx of fellow Ukrainians.

According to a survey by the International Organization for Migration, 7.7 million people have been forced to flee their homes and relocate to other areas of Ukraine since the beginning of the invasion in February.

Ganzer said the medical assistance team typically didnt witness severe physical trauma but treated a lot of chronic diseases because those forced to flee their homes but still within the countrys borders werent able to see their own doctors.

The Russian blockade in the Black Sea limits the number of medical supplies available within Ukraine, exacerbating the medical needs in the country, Ganzer said. Last week, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said millions of people may starve if the blockade continues.

The biggest issue the internally displaced people faced was mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and suicidality, Ganzer said.

The refugees told their stories and experiences from the conflict, Ganzer said. He remembers one story told by a young Ukrainian man whose mother was captured, tortured then extorted for ransom money. While his mother was eventually freed, she died shortly thereafter.

Ganzer said the young man suffered PTSD and had vivid flashbacks from the event, struggling to differentiate between reality and hallucinations.

He said other refugees shared stories of seeing elderly women and children targeted and shot by Russians, finding it hard to let go of those memories.

Sometimes, I felt like I would just sit there and feel the weight of that hurt or suffering, Ganzer said. Youre not feeling what they feel. Youre empathizing with them  (feeling) just a small degree of what theyre actually experiencing.

Despite the trauma and hardships the refugees faced, Ganzer said there was a generalized sense of patriotism among the Ukrainians. He compared the unity Ukrainians displayed during the conflict to the efforts of American factories that were retooled to produce military resources during World War II.

He said the people also demonstrated gratitude toward the medical assistance team, often asking them why theyd travel across the world to help them.

Through our translators, we did a lot of listening and counseling and would pray for them, Ganzer said. But the part of the work  that seemed to be the most impactful was just the human touch and compassion that our team brought.

Featured video: Volunteer ambulance teams risk their lives on Ukraines front lines

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Nevada Republican Jim Marchant insisted there hadn't been a legitimate election in his state in more than a decade. All of Nevada's election winners since 2006, he said on a recent podcast, were installed by the deep-state cabal.

But when Marchant won the Republican nomination for Nevada secretary of state this week, he immediately celebrated the victory as legitimate.

I am beyond humbled by the overwhelming support of our campaign. Nevadans made their voices heard, Marchant declared on social media.

Such inconsistency has become a hallmark of election deniers in Republican primary contests across the U.S. in this year's midterms. Dozens of GOP candidates who sought former President Donald Trump's backing in Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and elsewhere have spent months parroting his baseless claims of 2020 election fraud but then declared victory without raising such concerns in their own elections.

Amid such seeming hypocrisy, many Republican candidates are still vowing to pursue a series of election reforms that could make it more difficult to vote  particularly for those who traditionally support Democrats  in the name of election integrity.

Democratic National Committee Chair Jamie Harrison warned that MAGA Republicans will do anything in their desperate chase for power."

From undermining our democracy by spreading Trumps Big Lie, to laying the groundwork to try to cancel votes when they dont agree with the outcome, but falling silent if they win, this is todays Republican Party, Harrison told The Associated Press.

In Nevada on Tuesday, Marchant was among a slate of election deniers who secured their places on the November ballot without questioning the legitimacy of the results. The group included candidates for Senate, state treasurer and a Las Vegas-area congressional seat. That's even as the majority of counties relied upon Dominion voting machines, which continue to be the target of conspiracy theories by Trump and his allies.

The phenomenon extends well beyond Nevada.

In Pennsylvania, Republican nominee for governor Doug Mastriano spearheaded a state Senate hearing in which witnesses  including former Trump campaign attorneys Jenna Ellis and Rudy Giuliani  aired false claims about mass voter fraud. Mastriano also was outside the U.S. Capitol when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the building during the deadly 2021 insurrection. And he later tried to bring a partisan election audit to Pennsylvania before he was stripped of his committee chairmanship by his own party.

Mastriano made no mention of voter fraud as he declared victory in Pennsylvania's Republican primary for governor last month.

God is good, a smiling Mastriano told cheering supporters.

The Mastriano campaign declined to respond to a question about the apparent double standard.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also ignored questions about his contradictory positions on voter fraud.

Paxton won his fiercely contested primary last month after spending much of the last year championing Trump's bogus claims of election fraud. In the aftermath of Joe Bidens presidential win, Paxton filed a legal challenge to the election results in four battleground states. He asked the U.S. Supreme Court to set them aside and allow the Republican-controlled state legislatures to determine the winner.

Seventeen other Republican state attorneys general supported the effort.

The high court rejected the challenge three days after the lawsuit was filed, finding Texas did not have standing to sue other states over how they conduct their elections. And the state bar moved to discipline Paxton just days after his primary win, claiming his leading role in petitioning the Supreme Court to block Bidens victory was dishonest.

State and federal election officials across the country and Trumps own attorney general have said there is no credible evidence the election was tainted. The former presidents allegations of fraud also were roundly rejected by courts, including by judges he appointed.

But after nearly two years of Trump's constant claims that the election was stolen, which have been embraced by hundreds of Republican candidates across the U.S. seeking his support, an extraordinary number of Americans have lost faith in the U.S. election system.

Only 45% of U.S. adults said they have significant confidence that votes in the 2022 midterm election will be counted accurately, and 30% have some confidence, according to a February AP-NORC poll. Democrats were much more likely than Republicans to be very confident, 66% vs. 24%.

Polling continues to show most Republicans have doubts about the 2020 presidential election. In July 2021, 68% of adults -- but only 33% of Republicans -- said Biden was legitimately elected president, according to an AP-NORC poll. Sixty-six percent of Republicans said he was not legitimately elected.

In addition to key state officials, several Trump-backed Senate candidates promoted the specter of election fraud over and over  except when delivering their primary victory speeches in recent weeks.

Georgia Republican Senate nominee Herschel Walker repeatedly claimed Biden's victory was tainted by fraud over the last year and even called for seven swing states Trump lost to vote again. Ohio GOP Senate candidate J.D. Vance claimed the 2020 election was rigged" or stolen. North Carolina Senate nominee Ted Budd, a Republican congressman, refused on the day of his May primary victory to say that Biden won the 2020 presidential election. And Pennsylvania Republican nominee for Senate Mehmet Oz said there was definitely widespread fraud in his state, even as the evidence says otherwise.

None raised similar claims about their own primary victories.

In Nevada, state GOP Chair Michael McDonald said Marchant acknowledging his primary win wasnt hypocritical because he continued to have questions about vote-counting in the Las Vegas area.

He was questioning the results last night, even though he was winning, which I found admirable, McDonald said, recounting a 1:30 a.m. phone call with Marchant.

Marchant did not respond to requests for comment, but his campaign consultant Rory McShane said he continued to have questions about voting in Clark County, which leans Democratic and is where the vast majority of the state's population lives, despite the race being called for him.

There may be no more vocal proponent of Trump's baseless claims of election fraud falsehoods than Marchant, a 66-year-old former failed congressional candidate.

Marchant was present in Carson City when the party sent a dueling slate of electoral votes to Congress in December 2020. Throughout the primary, he was a fixture at rural county commission meetings during discussions about Dominion voting machines and potentially switching to hand-counting ballots. And he has toured the country with other 2020 election denialists, using phrases and terminology associated with QAnon conspiracy theorists.

Cisco Aguilar, the Democrat running against Marchant, described the Republican's statements about the 2020 election, voting machines and mail-in ballots as out of touch with reality.

In an interview, Aguilar said he feels immense responsibility after Marchants victory and said he's now weighing questions he hadnt anticipated when he entered the race, such as whether agreeing to a debate would be giving a conspiracy theorist a platform.

Hes created a massive fear among a subgroup of individuals here in Nevada, Aguilar said. I dont even know if you can have a debate with someone who is unwilling to listen.

Peoples reported from New York and Metz reported from Salt Lake City. Associated Press writers Hannah Fingerhut in Washington, Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Paul Weber in Austin, Texas, contributed to this report.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Change has reached a tipping point in Vietnam, crowding out more traditional forms of shopping, consumption, and especially payment. Cashless Day is a celebration of this shift toward a swifter and more streamlined shopping experience built around what the consumer needs, said Dung Dang, Visa country manager of Vietnam and Laos.

She was referring to the digital payment trend in Vietnam and the Cashless Day celebrated on June 16 every year since 2019 by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper and the State Bank of Vietnam.

Visas Consumer Payment Attitudes 2021 study shows that almost half of Vietnamese consumers now use contactless cards.

People attend a cashless fair in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, June 12, 2022. Photo: Minh Duy / Tuoi Tre

When the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, as many as 74 percent of consumers will continue shopping at big online marketplaces, the American company said in a press release on Thursday.

Even offline, consumers have come to expect digital payments at physical stores and are showing a clear preference for vendors who can accommodate them.

Visa is extending its support for Cashless Day to drive awareness and usage of digital payments among consumers and businesses across Vietnam, the firm said.

People queue for a coffee order at a contactless payment booth during a Cashless Day event in Hanoi this year.

As the world has shifted further to digital mode across all aspects of commerce, small businesses have had to adapt, from selling online and digitizing their supply chain to vendor payments.

In Vietnam, cashless payments and e-commerce have reached scale, Visa country manager Dung said.

We are delighted to expand our participation in this years Cashless Day as we take on a larger role in connecting stakeholders across the world.

A grand Cashless Day event will be organized from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Lotte Hotel Hanoi at 54 Lieu Giai, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi on Friday.

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Vietnam had the highest number of malware attacks detected on mobile banking apps in Southeast Asia in 2021, according to multinational cybersecurity and anti-virus provider Kaspersky.

As many as 697 mobile banking attacks happened in Vietnam last year, an increase of 131 cases from 2020, in line with an upward trend in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Meanwhile, mobile banking attacks in Thailand declined drastically by 89 percent, from 255 in 2020 to 28 last year.

Kaspersky reported it had blocked a total of 43,171 mobile attack attempts in Vietnam in 2021, up 46.9 percent compared to 2020, with Trojan being the most common mobile malware in the country.

The number of attacks in Thailand also increased by 130.71 percent to 66,586 last year.

As its name suggests, mobile malware is malicious software that specifically targets the operating systems of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

While Vietnam and Thailand saw an uptick in mobile malware attacks, those attacks have been falling in other countries in the region.

The number of attacks rose by 0.9 percent in Indonesia, by 30.59 percent in Malaysia, by 38.85 percent in the Philippines, and by 15.85 percent in Singapore.

The five Southeast Asian nations collectively saw a spike in mobile malware attacks to 598,588 in 2021 from 605,192 in 2020, representing a 1.1 percent decline, as per Kaspersky data.

Indonesia recorded the highest mobile malware danger with 375,547 attacks detected last year, leading the board for the third consecutive year in Southeast Asia.

Despite a drop in the number of attacks, Kaspersky advised users not to let their guard down considering that such attacks are becoming more sophisticated in terms of both malware functionality and vectors.

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The Ho Chi Minh City Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR), the developer of Ho Chi Minh Citys metro line No. 1, has reported to the municipal police that thieves had stolen equipment, tools, and supplies from their construction site.

In a report to MAUR in May, Chan Chun Construction Co. Ltd., the contractor in charge of the procurement of electromechanical equipment and maintenance, said 13,443 of its nearly 20,200 rail clamps had disappeared.

Rail clamps are devices that are attached to tracks to prevent or halt the movement of railroad cars past a given point, such as at platforms or on stub tracks, in order to avoid risk or danger.

All rail clamps had been fastened onto the rail ties by February 2021, according to Chan Chun, which finished its work on the project in November the same year.

Other contractors have continued their work on the project since, with only authorized personnel allowed to enter construction areas.

The MAUR has asked municipal police to trace the thieves and recover the stolen rail clamps.

The theft of the rail clamps is a signal that security around metro line No. 1 must be stepped up, particularly as it follows the vandalism of several railcars at Long Binh Depot in Thu Duc City.

Metro line No. 1 is 19.7 kilometers long and includes 2.6 kilometers of underground railways and 17.1 kilometers of elevated tracks.

It runs from Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to Long Binh Depot through three underground stations and 11 above-ground stops.

The metro project, which started in August 2012, has a total investment of VND43.7 trillion (US$1.9 billion).

About 91 percent of the metro line has been completed so far.

The metro line is expected to be put into operation in late 2023.

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The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the U.S. have launched a partnership to support Vietnam in protecting children from violence and tackling human trafficking.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the U.S. Department of State, UNICEF, and IOM announced the three-year partnership on Tuesday, noting that it aims to help the Vietnamese government strengthen systems to better protect children from violence, as well as effectively tackle human trafficking and migrant smuggling, according to a join press released published by the INL, IOM, and UNICEF.

INL and the U.S. Mission to Vietnam are proud to work with the Vietnamese government, IOM, and UNICEF to support a new project that will seek to protect the most vulnerable and precious members of our societies, Todd D. Robinson, INL assistant secretary, said during his visit to Vietnam from Washington, D.C..

By increasing protections for children, we also safeguard the future of our nations.

In 2020, the Vietnamese government estimated that the number of children subject to various forms of abuse, including violence, sexual abuse, trafficking, abandonment, and neglect, accounted for approximately five percent of the countrys child population.

According to 2021 statistics provided by Vietnams Ministry of Public Security, 40 percent of the total number of trafficked victims identified were children.

Evidence suggests that the number of children facing increased vulnerability has grown amid the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This includes children in families that have experienced livelihood challenges, increased levels of violence and gender-based violence in homes, and increased numbers of children who have dropped out of school in order to try to support their loved ones.

This program puts the safety, the protection of girls and boys from abuse, exploitation and trafficking at the top of the agenda, said Rana Flowers, UNICEF representative.

Our goal in coming together is to strengthen justice for children, to facilitate a strengthened protective net and support system around children and their families, in the communities where they live.

It is crucial to equip police, border guards, judges, lawyers, and court personnel with essential knowledge and skills on child-friendly and gender-sensitive criminal judicial techniques and procedures, said Park Mihyung, chief of mission at the International Organization for Migration in Vietnam.

The three-year project aims to achieve its objective through a three-pronged approach, namely improving legal and policy frameworks for protection of minors, strengthening capacity of law enforcement, including border guards, and justice officers, and enhancing access of children victims of abuse to timely and quality protection services.

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Marcelina Chijoriga, the principal of the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School, speaks to Xinhua in the school in Coast region, Tanzania, on June 10, 2022. (Xinhua)

DAR ES SALAAM, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A prompt reply by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, to a letter from all participants of the Former Liberation Movements of Southern Africa Leading Cadres Workshop 2022 is an inspiration to southern African youth cadres.

Nawanda Yahya, head of the participants from Tanzania, said that being replied by Xi in less than a week is an inspiration to the African party cadres and leaders who attended the two-week workshop held at the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School located in Kibaha District of Tanzania's Coast Region.

The leadership school was co-founded by six parties in southern Africa: Tanzania's Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, the Mozambique Liberation Front Party, the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola, the SWAPO party of Namibia and the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF).

"We were overjoyed when we learned that the general secretary of the CPC Central Committee has replied to us in less than a week," said Yahya, a cadre of Tanzania's ruling CCM party, in a recent telephone interview with Xinhua.

"Getting a reply in less than a week from such a busy leader shows how humble he is and how he acts quickly to people's concerns," said Yahya, also a commissioner of Tabora District.

Marcelina Chijoriga, principal of the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School, said the reply and acknowledgement from Xi was a great thing that brought more hope to the youth cadres of the six African parties and Africa as a whole.

"They feel they are able to explore the new world, build capacities and capabilities of our people and make due contributions to our countries' political and socio-economic development," said the principal, adding "they are able to take on responsibilities and actively participate in the nine programs in the FOCAC Plan 2022-2024."

Natangue Ithete, assistant chief whip of the SWAPO Party said "it makes us to understand that unity is strength. You need to have the people on your side to move forward, you can't go forward alone."

Running from May 25 to June 2, the workshop featuring lectures, open discussions and experience sharing from participants brought together 120 participants aged 22-45 from Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

The workshop provided an opportunity for the youth cadres to meet under one roof, Tendai Chirau, ZANU-PF deputy secretary for security in the Politburo said, adding "that means a lot to us."

"More importantly, there are key things that we learnt during the workshop such as ... how China has been able to remove people from poverty," he said.

Xi said in the letter that he hopes that the participants voluntarily shoulder the responsibility and mission entrusted to them by this era, take an active part in the cause of the China-Africa friendship, carry forward and pass on the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, and contribute to the building of a high-quality China-Africa community with a shared future.

After receiving the letter, the youth cadres promised to integrate theory with practice, and fully devote themselves to seeking development of their countries and happiness of their people.

Sibongile Besani, head of the ANC Presidency, said the CPC, to eradicate poverty in China, embarks on a clear program. "We can learn from the CPC, they look at all avenues at how they can help people," he said. 

Photo taken on June 10, 2022 shows the teaching building of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School in Kibaha District of Tanzania's Coast Region. (Photo by Herman Emmanuel/Xinhua)

Natangue Ithete, assistant chief whip of the SWAPO Party, speaks during a seminar in Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School in Coast region, Tanzania on May 28, 2022. (Xinhua)
A costume inspired by the sedge mats of Ca Mau Province won the first prize at a contest held this week as part of the Miss Universe Vietnam 2022 beauty pageant to find a traditional costume that represents Vietnam and its culture.

The costume was designed by Nguyen Quoc Viet from Ton Duc Thang University.

The contest, held on Tuesday night in Ho Chi Minh City, featured dozens of unique outfits meant to represent various aspects of Vietnamese culture.

The top 41 contestants in Miss Universe Vietnam 2022 each donned a different costume made by fashion students from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Ton Duc Thang University, Hoa Sen University, Van Lang University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture.

Each of the costumes on display had been selected by judges prior to the contest.

The 41 costumes highlight different aspects of Vietnamese culture and honored the importance of confidence, modernity, and courage, as well as the values of truth, goodness, and beauty.

A costume named 'Handicraft Bamboo Shrimp' came in third place in the costume show of the Miss Universe Vietnam 2022 beauty pageant. Photo: Kieng Can / Tuoi Tre

While each of the costumes holds a meaningful connection to Vietnams culture and beauty, the size and weight of many of them were challenging to the models.

The designers chose which contestants would wear their designs by just using pictures," said Tran Viet Bao Hoang, deputy head of the Miss Universe Vietnam 2022 organizing board.

"The scoring part in this contest was just based on the costume itself and the scores are not an official part of the Miss Universe Vietnam 2022 pageant.

The highest rated costumes in the contest were those by designers Le Long Dung, Hoang Minh Ha, Nguyen Minh Tuan, and Nguyen Minh Cong.

A costume named 'Yellow Rice Harvest Season.' Photo: Kieng Can / Tuoi Tre

All of the costumes looked like they were designed very carefully. [The designers] were all so proud, designer Nguyen Minh Tuan told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

This round allows the contestants to experience how heavy the costumes are and how to perform in a way that conveys the spirit and message each designer meant to convey.

The costume which took home the first prize in the contest was 'Ca Mau Sedge Mat' by Nguyen Quoc Viet.

The runner-up was designer Phan Xuan Giau with 'Rice Paper,' and the third place went to 'Handicraft Bamboo Shrimp' by Nguyen Minh Khoi.

The semifinal competition of the Miss Universe Vietnam 2022 pageant is set to take place on the evening of June 21 before the final round is held on June 25 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.

The 'Fisherman' costume. Photo: Kieng Can / Tuoi Tre

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The 8th International Day of Yoga will be organized in Ho Chi Minh City and 14 other provinces and cities in southern Vietnam this month, the Consulate General of India announced at a conference on Tuesday.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the event will take place between 6:00 am and 8:00 am on June 21 at Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in District 1, with around 1,000 enthusiasts expected to join the mass performance of yoga poses. known as asanas.

The Ho Chi Minh City event is jointly presented by the Consulate General of India, Department of External Relations in Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations, and Indian Business Chamber in Vietnam.

Vietnam is the friendliest country to India, Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City Madan Mohan Sethi stated at Tuesday's conference.

The relationship between President Ho Chi Minh and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru has no parallel in history.

Our engagement at the highest level continues to the present day.

Celebration of International Day of Yoga, a traditional and mindful practice originating from India, shall become a remarkable point in our series of activities to celebrate the 50th year of diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam.

Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City Madan Mohan Sethi chairs the press conference to announce the 8th International Day of Yoga in Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces/cities in southern Vietnam at the conference hall of the Ho Chi Minh Union of Friendship Organizations on June 14, 2022. Photo courtesy of the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City

Besides Ho Chi Minh City, 14 other provinces and cities in southern Vietnam will also jointly celebrate the International Day of Yoga with the Consulate General of India in June and July.

The localities include Binh Dinh Province, Phu Yen Province, Khanh Hoa Province, Ninh Thuan Province, Binh Thuan Province, Dak Nong Province, Dak Lak Province, Binh Phuoc Province, Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, Dong Nai Province, Dong Thap Province, Can Tho City, Tien Giang Province, and Soc Trang Province.

The International Day of Yoga celebration is expected to become a great platform for yoga enthusiasts to showcase and share their passions for achieving a healthy lifestyle, the Consulate General of India in Ho Chi Minh City said in a press release on Tuesday.

On December 11, 2014, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, aiming to raise worldwide awareness of the many benefits of practicing yoga, an ancient physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in India.

This year's 'Yoga for Humanity' was chosen as the theme for the International Day of Yoga in keeping with the spirit of humanity's collective quest to promote a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with planet Earth in light of a worldwide resumption of normal life after the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Hurricane Katrina limited series Five Days at Memorial is coming to Apple TV+ in August.

Based on actual events and adapted from the book by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Sheri Fink, the 8 part series chronicles the impact of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath on a local hospital. When the floodwaters rose, power failed, and heat soared, exhausted caregivers at a New Orleans hospital were forced to make decisions that would follow them for years to come.

Produced and created by John Ridley & Carlton Cuse it stars Vera Farmiga (Up in the Air, The Conjuring), Robert Pine (CHiPs), Cherry Jones (Transparent, Succession), Julie Ann Emery (Better Call Saul, Preacher), Cornelius Smith Jr. (Scandal, Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker), Adepero Oduye (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Pariah), Molly Hager (Happyish, Its Kind of a Funny Story), Michael Gaston (Blindspot, The Leftovers) and W. Earl Brown (Deadwood, Preacher.)

Five Days at Memorial is executive produced and written by Carlton Cuse (Jack Ryan, Lost) and John Ridley (The Other History of the DC Universe, Let It Fall: Los Angeles 1982-1992), the series is directed by Cuse, Ridley and Wendey Stanzler (Clarice, Rebel).

Days at Memorial hails from ABC Signature, a part of Disney Television Studios.

First three episodes Friday, 12 August and continues weekly on Apple TV+.
Melissa McCarthy comedy series Gods Favorite Idiot, which was shot in Australia during the pandemic, launched without fanfare on Netflix this week.

The series also stars Kevin Dunn as mid level Tech support employee Clark Thompson who finds love with co-worker Amily Luck (McCarthy) at exactly the same time he becomes the unwitting messenger of God.

Aussies to feature include Magda Szubanski, Leon Ford, Sofie Formica and Georgie Bolton.

The series was originally due to shoot 16 episodes with some $10m of govt incentive but it was abruptly cut short, with Netflix confirming it would split the series into 28 episodes.

First reviews at Rotten Tomatoes are very mixed, currently with a 40% fresh rating.

Its now screening on Netflix.
On Monday Four Corners screens a doco which examines the failures in the investigation into the abduction and murder of 13-year-old Milly Dowler in Britain.

Im angry that he did it and got away with it for so long. Milly Dowlers best friend

Levi Bellfield is one of Britains most notorious serial killers but despite available evidence and tip offs, it took police several years to arrest him for the murder of three women, including British teenager Milly Dowler.

Had they joined up all the dots, it could have led to his arrest much earlier, and that could have saved a lot of other people being attacked by him. Crime reporter

It was a mess. There were no clear lines of enquiry. Retired Det Chief Superintendent

This gripping film features interviews with senior police and those covering the case as evidence mounted up against the killer.

There was a loft hatch which was closed. So they got a ladder, they got up into the loft hatch, and under the loft insulation, there he was, stark naked. Former crime reporter.

Also speaking out is the murderers ex-partner who provided the crucial tip off which led to Bellfields arrest.

When they asked me, Why do you think you know who might have killed her? and I said, Because my kids father, my ex-boyfriend, is violent, he hates blondes, he knows the area very well, and he drives a white van cos hes a wheel clamper. Ex-partner of Levi Bellfield

The true crime documentary also sheds light on the role of the media in the Milly Dowler case, in particular the illegal activity undertaken by the Murdoch owned tabloid News of the World.

We absolutely felt we were above the law, and we were above the law. If you could produce a News of the World press card, it was a get out of jail card. Former News of the World reporter

Former senior police reveal investigators did not initially pursue the News of the World when it was clear the tabloid had information about the missing teenager that was obtained through criminal activity.

The only way they could have achieved that was through hacking into Milly Dowlers phone. Now, instead of actually investigating that, in effect, it seems as if they turned a blind eye to it, in order to appease the media. Retired Det Chief Superintendent.

The newspaper was eventually shut down as a result of the hacking of Milly Dowlers phone and serial killer Levi Bellfield was sentenced to life in prison.

Theres always been a picture of Milly in the incident room and it was always a 13-year-old schoolgirl. When we eventually got to court, all her school friends, were women now and that brought it home really that Milly had missed out on all that. Retired Detective Constable

Bellfield will die behind bars, but Milly Dowlers death and the harm he caused to many others still haunts those left behind.

It just seems so harrowing that someones taken someone from you and then actually went on to hurt more people. I think thats whats really upsetting, is that more people got hurt after that. Milly Dowlers best friend.

Monday 20th June at 8.30pm on ABC.
EQS-News: ams-OSRAM AG / Key word(s): Disposal

ams-OSRAM AG: ams OSRAM reaches an agreement for Inventronics to acquire the Digital Systems business in Europe and Asia



The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Premstaetten, Austria and Munich, Germany (15 June 2022) -- ams OSRAM (SIX: AMS), a global leader in optical solutions, announced today the agreement to sell the Digital Systems business in Europe and Asia to Inventronics, a global supplier of LED drivers. ams OSRAM will continue to focus on the high technology semiconductor business, as well as automotive, entertainment and industry lamps business. The transaction represents a further milestone in the implementation of ams OSRAMs strategy to focus on core technology areas in illumination, visualization and sensing, and to divest businesses that are not core to the companys strategy. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions. The ams OSRAM Europe and Asia Digital Systems business develops mainly power supplies with related light modules, software and connectable components for traditional and LED illumination. These are essential components for luminaires in professional lighting applications that enable smart lighting solutions and digitalization. With the acquisition of ams OSRAMs Europe and Asia Digital Systems business Inventronics will be able to expand its regional and portfolio scope. We are very excited about this transaction. We fully believe it will enable us to create even more value for our customers, employees and shareholders. The combined portfolio and capabilities, coupled with the fact that we will not be competing with our customers, should make us the first choice for LED drivers with a very large portion of the market, said Marshall Miles, CEO, Inventronics. Dr. Wilhelm Nehring, EVP and GM Business Unit Digital at ams OSRAM: Our goal was to select a buyer who offers a long-term perspective for our employees and our customers along with the ability to foster additional value creation for customers. Digital Systems and Inventronics share a passion for technology and this acquisition is based on a growth strategy, which provides an exciting future perspective for the business and employees. We look forward to joining the Inventronics family. Both companies have a deep market knowledge and customer understanding, and that combined with our strong European and Asian presence will enable us to continue to deliver excellent quality and leading-edge innovations to our customers, said Dr. Gernot Steinlesberger, Head of OSRAM Digital Systems Europe and Asia. The Digital Systems business in Europe and Asia employs around 600 people. The business is headquartered in Garching near Munich, Germany, and operates in more than 35 countries worldwide. Inventronics is a publicly traded company headquartered in Hangzhou, China. The company maintains global operations including manufacturing facilities in China, India and Mexico in addition to distribution centers in the US and the Netherlands. Sales offices are in major markets around the world servicing customers in more than 100 countries. For more information on Inventronics, please visit inventronics-co.com. For more information about ams OSRAM please visit our website at ams-osram.com. About ams OSRAM The ams OSRAM Group (SIX: AMS) is a global leader in optical solutions. By adding intelligence to light and passion to innovation, we enrich peoples lives. This is what we mean by Sensing is Life. With over 110 years of combined history, our core is defined by imagination, deep engineering expertise and the ability to provide global industrial capacity in sensor and light technologies. We create exciting innovations that enable our customers in the consumer, automotive, healthcare and industrial sectors maintain their competitive edge and drive innovation that meaningfully improves the quality of life in terms of health, safety and convenience, while reducing impact on the environment. Our around 24,000 employees worldwide focus on innovation across sensing, illumination and visualization to make journeys safer, medical diagnosis more accurate and daily moments in communication a richer experience. Our work creates technology for breakthrough applications, which is reflected in over 15,000 patents granted and applied. Headquartered in Premstaetten/Graz (Austria) with a co-headquarters in Munich (Germany), the group achieved over EUR 5 billion revenues in 2021 and is listed as ams-OSRAM AG on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ISIN: AT0000A18XM4). Find out more about us on https://ams-osram.com ams is a registered trademark of ams-OSRAM AG. In addition many of our products and services are registered or filed trademarks of ams OSRAM Group. All other company or product names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Join ams OSRAM social media channels: >Twitter >LinkedIn >Facebook >YouTube

15.06.2022 This Corporate News was distributed by EQS Group AG. www.eqs.com




By Simon Lewis

IRPIN, Ukraine (Reuters) -President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Thursday won backing from the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania to give Ukraine European Union candidate status, while urging them to send more weapons and impose tougher sanctions on Russia.

In the first such visit to the capital since Russia invaded on Feb. 24, France's Emmanuel Macron, Germany's Olaf Scholz, Italy's Mario Draghi and Romania's Klaus Iohannis said Ukraine belonged in the "European family".

Ukraine has urged the EU to clear a path to membership, but such a move has caused some misgivings in the 27-member bloc. The meeting came a day before the European Commission is due to make a recommendation on Ukraine's status as an EU candidate.

After earlier batting away suggestions of being soft on Russia, Macron said the West would not demand any concessions from Ukraine and that the circumstances of peace talks would be on Kyiv's terms.

Zelenskiy, who has not left Ukraine since the invasion and was dressed in a khaki t-shirt, has voiced gratitude for the West's help, though his administration also previously berated allies for dragging their feet on sanctions and arms supplies.

"My colleagues and I came here to Kyiv today with a clear message: 'Ukraine belongs to the European family'," Scholz said, while Macron said, "We all four support the immediate EU candidate status" for Ukraine, adding: "Europe is by your side, and will remain so for as long as necessary, all the way to victory."

MORE HEAVY WEAPONS

Ukraine has asked for more weapons to turn the tide of the war decisively in its favour after enduring losses of 100-200 soldiers a day in a fierce battle for control of its eastern Donbas region. EU leaders, meanwhile, have grappled with keeping domestic opinion onside as the economic costs of the war and rising prices hit home.

"We appreciate the support already provided by partners, we expect new deliveries, primarily heavy weapons, modern rocket artillery, anti-missile defence systems," Zelenskiy said.

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"Every day of delay or delayed decisions is an opportunity for the Russian military to kill Ukrainians or destroy our cities," he said. "There is a direct correlation: the more powerful weapons we get, the faster we can liberate our people, our land."

During the talks, Zelenskiy pressed for a seventh EU sanctions package that included an embargo on Russian gas. The visit coincided with Russia reducing supplies via its Nord Stream pipeline in what Berlin saw as a political move.

Scholz said Germany would support Ukraine's path to EU membership but also said requirements on democracy and rule of law would need to be complied with.

'UNIMAGINABLE CRUELTY'

Arriving on a night train as air raid sirens blared in Kyiv, the EU leaders had first walked around ruined buildings and wrecked cars in the nearby town of Irpin, the scene of heavy fighting early in the invasion.

The Irpin tour was designed to highlight what Ukraine and its backers say were large-scale atrocities committed by Russian troops, what Scholz described as the scene of "unimaginable cruelty" and "senseless violence".

Standing by gutted, burnt-out buildings, the leaders looked stern as they listened to a Ukrainian minister explaining what had happened there.

They were shown the wreckage of a car which Ukraine says was targeted by Russian troops when a mother and children were inside. Russia denies allegations that its forces committed atrocities.

"It's a heroic city...marked by the stigma of barbarism," Macron told reporters.

Commenting on the visit, the Kremlin said the leaders should use their time with Zelenskiy to take a "realistic look at the state of affairs" rather than discussing more arms shipments to Kyiv.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia's Security Council, mocked the visit as having "zero use" and having "promised EU membership and old howitzers to Ukraine".

(Additional reporting by Sarah Marsh and Andreas Rinke in Berlin, John Irish, Michel Rose and Benoit Van Overstraeten in Paris; Writing by Ingrid Melander, Crispian Balmer and Matthias Williams; Editing by Jon Boyle and Alex Richardson)
Australian man uses forklift to stop his car being stolen

An Australian man has used a forklift to stop his car from being stolen in Queensland, Australia.

Brendan Mills and his family returned to their home in Logan, west of Brisbane, to find a woman inside their red Volkswagen Polo who he said refused to get out on Sunday afternoon.

Quick-thinking Mr Mills, who works with cars, said he used his trusty forklift to suspend the alleged thief in the air so she couldnt make a getaway in his car.

Police arrested women once the car was slowly lowered to the ground (QLD Police)

It happened rather fast, you have got adrenaline pumping. The fact that they didnt want to get out of the car (when we arrived) was strange, he told Sunrise.

I didnt know who was in there or what weapons they had. My family were nearby and my number one goal is keeping them safe.

I am quite comfortable on my trusty forklift here, so what better way to handle it?

Police arrested women once the car was slowly lowered to the ground.

The woman was subsequently charged with burglary and unlawful use of a motor vehicle (QLD Police)

In a video released by police, an officer could be heard saying: Just stop there, out you get.

The woman was subsequently charged with burglary and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

She was granted bail to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on July 13.

Police discouraged others from taking action like Mr Mills did (QLD Police)

Police discouraged others from taking action like Mr Mills did.

A police spokesperson said: To ensure community safety, police recommend members of the public not engage in methods of disrupting criminal activity which may involve risk of personal harm or further legal recourse.
MOSCOW, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Russian gas giant Gazprom announced on Wednesday that it will shut down another turbine engine on the Nord Stream 1 natural gas pipeline, thus significantly reducing the amount of gas delivery to Europe.

As Germany's Siemens, the manufacturer of the gas turbine engines, failed to provide the overhaul service in time, Gazprom decided to stop the second engine at the Portovaya compressor station due to its technical condition, the company said on Telegram.

The daily output of the Portovaya compressor station from 1:30 a.m. Thursday Moscow Time (2230 GMT Wednesday) will be no more than 67 million cubic meters, sharply down from 100 million, Gazprom said.

Citing the same reason, Gazprom said on Tuesday that the amount of gas supply via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline would be cut from 167 million cubic meters per day to 100 million.

Completed in 2011, the Nord Stream 1 pipeline connects Vyborg City in northwestern Russia and Germany via the Baltic seabed. To relax its overload, the Nord Stream 2 pipeline was finished in 2021 but has been halted since Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine in February. 
The daughter of a British man accused of murdering his terminally ill wife in Cyprus fears he will die before facing trial after the case was delayed by more than three months.

David Hunter was due to stand trial today over the death of his wife Janice, 75, at their flat on the island last December.

Mrs Hunter, who had terminal blood cancer, was allegedly suffocated by her husband who then tried to end his own life by taking an overdose but survived.

Mr Hunter says his wife had "made her wishes clear" and "wanted it to end" because she did not want a "long, protracted death", according to their daughter.

The retired miner, originally from Northumberland, appeared at Paphos District Court on Thursday but was told his murder trial had been postponed until 19 September.

The couple's daughter, who had urged judges to show "compassion" towards her father, told Sky News she felt "extreme disappointment" over the delay and was "blisteringly angry".

Lesley Cawthorne said: "My father is an elderly man and he's not well and that is an incredibly long delay.

"It will be nine months since my mum died so they will have held my father - who is not a risk to anyone - in prison for nine months."

Mrs Cawthorne, who was unable to travel to Cyprus for the trial because of her health, said the reasons behind the delay included another case was overrunning and a "summer break" for the judges.

"I hope they enjoy their summer break because our family won't be enjoying ours," she said.

"I think justice is more important than a holiday.

"In all honesty, I'm worried my 75-year-old father with a history of stroke will die before we get to trial - that's what worries me."

Mrs Cawthorne, who lives in Norwich, said her father "seemed in quite good spirits" before the hearing but is "crestfallen" after the postponement.

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"He just wanted to know what his fate is going to be," she said.

"It's cruel to torture him like this. It's just drawing out the agony for us."

She added: "We had a good chat yesterday - my dad and I - and he'd really got himself mentally prepared.

"He wanted the trial to go ahead today. He wanted to be able to share his story.

"He wanted people to understand what my mum had gone through. He really wanted that opportunity to tell my mum's story.

"He built himself up for it and that opportunity's gone now. It's incredibly disappointing."

Mrs Cawthorne said she now expected the trial to continue into next year after the hearing in September.

Her parents, who had been together for 56 years and were teenage sweethearts, had moved to Cyprus 20 years ago after their retirement.

In her later life, Mrs Hunter had been left in severe pain by a catalogue of health issues and her quality of life was "non-existent" in her final weeks, her daughter said.

After Mr Hunter was charged with his wife's murder, his lawyers wrote to the Cypriot attorney general to ask for the charge to be reduced to assisting suicide, but the request was refused.

Michael Polak, a barrister and the director of Justice Abroad, which is supporting Mr Hunter, said defence lawyers will urge the judges at his trial to clear him of murder.

He told Sky News: "It is quite clear to anyone who looks at the case that this is not a case where murder is the most appropriate charge.

"We don't think David deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison in Cyprus. He's a good man. He was with his wife for a very long time, they had a loving relationship for over 50 years.

"No one - even people in Cyprus I've spoken to - thinks he deserves to be on trial for murder."
PARIS (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron met Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv on Thursday, Macron's office said, marking the first time the two leaders had met physically since Russia invaded Ukraine in February.

Macron was visiting Kyiv alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, in a show of support which the Kyiv government hopes will be followed by concrete action to help it in the war with Russia.

(Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Michel Rose; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel)
Hot-Running Nemeth Captures Third GGPoker Super MILLION$ Title

June 16 2022 Matthew Pitt Editor

Andras Nemeth is the latest GGPoker player to win a trio of Super MILLION$ titles after he walked away with the title and the $295,534 top prize in this week's $10,300 buy-in event. Nemeth played excellently and also enjoyed plenty of luck, which is a deadly combination in high-stakes tournament poker.

Super MILLION$ Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Andras Nemeth Hungary $295,534 2 Patrick "chrisbenoit" Brooks Mexico $230,800 3 Daniel "Tourmination" Petersen Austria $180,245 4 Mark Radoja Mexico $140,764 5 Jamil Wakil Canada $109,930 6 Marcelo Asensio Brazil $85,851 7 Paulo "Agorist" Brombim Brazil $67,046 8 Tyler "TheRayGuy" Cornell Mexico $52,360 9 Lev "LevMeAlone" Gottlieb Mexico $40,891

It took slightly less than 30-minutes of playing poker before the final table saw the first player heading to the rail. Blinds were 17,500/35,000/4,500a when Tyler "TheRayGuy" Cornell opened to 70,000 from the cutoff, Lev "LevMeAlone" Gottlieb three-bet all-in from the button for 1,012,500, only for Daniel "Tourmination" Petersen to cold-call the shove from the big blind. Cornell passed pocket eights, leaving Gottlieb's ace-five of hearts to go up against Petersen's queens. The board ran out without any drama, and Gottlieb was gone.

Tyler Cornell

Cornell was the next player who busted. Marcelo Asensio min-raised to 80,000 from the button, Cornell three-bet all-in for 887,197 with pocket sizes in the small blind, and Nemeth moved all-in from the big blind with suited ace-jack. Asensio got out of the way, and the five community cards fell with an ace on the turn to resign Cornell to an eighth-place finish.

The final seven became six with the elimination of Paulo "Agorist" Brombin. The action folded to Patrick "chrisbenoit" Brooks in the small blind, and he opened large enough to set Brombin in for the 4.5 big blinds he had left after paying the big blind. Brombin gambled with jack-seven of clubs, and was not in that bad shape against Brooks' pocket nines. Brooks' nines held, and Brombim busted.

Brombim's fellow Brazilian Asensio saw his tournament end in a sixth-place finish; Asensio collected $85,851, the tournament's final five-figure score. Asensio opened to 150,000 from the small blind with six-five of spades, a raise three times the big blind. Nemeth called from the big blind with six-trey of clubs, and the flop fell trey-king-five with two clubs. Asensio fired a 110,000 continuation bet that Nemeth called. The turn was an offsuit six, and it was now obvious why all the chips ended up in the middle. Asensio bet 361,400 into the 556,000 pot, Nemeth put in a sizeable raise, and Asensio called off the 1,209,796 chips he had behind. The four of clubs peeled off on the river, gifting a near 3.7 million pot to Nemeth, who was by far the chip leader with only five players remaining.

Jamil Wakil

Canada's Jamil Wakil never managed to get out of second gear at the final table and finished in fifth place, the position they sat down in. Wakil's exit hand came after he raised to 392,000 from under the gun, leaving himself 422,206 chips behind at the 35,000/70,000/8,500a level. Brooke three-bet all-in for 1,305,321 from the next seat along, and Wakil called off the last of his chips. Wakil's hopes rested on ace-jack improving against Brooks' queens, but that was made less likely by Nemeth folding ace-jack, too. Brooks turned a set to leave Wakil drawing dead.

Mark Radoja's wait to win the GGPoker Super MILLION$ continues for at least another week because he bowed out in fourth place. Radoja's final hand essentially played itself. He open-shoved for a shade under 12 big blinds from the button with king-jack of spades, and Petersen called in the big blind with ace-queen. No jack or king landed on the board, and Radoja was done.

Three-handed play only lasted around 15-minutes but the blinds increase every ten hands instead of on a timer, so they were 50,000/100,000/12,500a when Nemeth min-raised to 200,000 on the button with ace-ten. Petersen three-bet to 1,050,000 with pocket eights in the small blind before calling off then 887,657 he had behind when Nemeth pushed all-in. The door card was an ace, and it proved enough to send the tournament into the heads-up stage.

Nemeth went into the one-on-one clash with Brooks holding a 9,309,881 to 4,290,119 lead and he never relinquished that lead. The final hand of this Super MILLION$ saw Nemeth limp in with eight-six, then call when Brooks raised to 420,000 with pocket aces in the hole. Both players checked the four-eight-queen flop, leading to an rainbow deuce on the turn. Brooks tested the waters with a 660,000 bet, which Nemeth called. The river was another eight, gifting Nemeth trips. Brooks slowed down and checked. Nemeth paused before over-betting the pot, setting Brooks in for seven big blinds more than the pot. Brooks called, saw the bad news, and consoled himself with the runner-up prize of $230,800.

Meanwhile, Nemeth banked $295,534 and his third Super MILLION$ title.
At the end of three days of play, Michael Simhai was the last man standing in the 2022 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Event #27: Shootout No-Limit Hold'em. The event hit the 1,000-player cap and Simhai won his table three consecutive days to take home a $240,480 first-place prize.

Simhai, who lives in Beverly Hills, California, took home his maiden gold bracelet for his impressive performance. His previous best live cash was $99,271 according to The Hendon Mob.

Throughout the tournament, Simhai played fast, made quick decisions, and put his opponents in tough spots. Playing a shootout format, Simhai had to beat the nine opponents with whom he shared the table to survive and advance each day. His fast decision-making and aggressive betting kept his opponents on their toes.

Event #27: $1,500 Shoutout NLH Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Michael Simhai United States $240,480 2 David Dowdy United States $148,618 3 Anant Patel United States $111,226 4 Ravi Raghavan United States $84,047 5 Timothy McDermott United States $64,129 6 Roongsak Griffith United States $49,414 7 Austin Peck United States $38,455 8 David Yonnotti United States $30,227 9 Kevin Song United States $24,001 10 Derek Sudell United States $19,253

Key Moments

On Day 2, Simhai found himself locked in a long heads-up battle with Ryan Ramsdell. The two players battled back and forth over small pots until a massive cooler would settle the match. Ramsdell had pocket kings against Simhai's ace-queen. All in preflop, Simhai found an ace on the river to propel him to the final table.

It was there during three-handed play that Simhai called a raise from Anant Patel. Patel flopped top pair on the jack-high board, but Simhai flopped two pair that held up for a massive pot.

David "The Assassin" Dowdy found himself heads up with Simhai at the end of the day. Dowdy started the final table hot, eliminating Derek Sudell when he ran ace-king into Dowdy's aces. Dowdy amassed a large stack early that carried him down to three-handed play neck-and-neck with Simhai. He stumbled when he doubled up Patel and went into heads-up play as a 4:1 underdog.

"He's the nicest guy, one of the nicest guys I've ever played against in a poker room," Simhai said about Dowdy. "I kind of feel bad."

Much like the gracious winner, the final table was full of goodwill among the players. Simhai would often show his hands and other players were returning the favor.

Congratulations to Michael Simhai, the newest champion and bracelet winner at the World Series of Poker at Bally's and Paris Las Vegas. Click here to see what other tournaments are currently taking place at the 2022 WSOP!
The 2022 World Series of Poker (WSOP) at Ballys and Paris Las Vegas has crowned yet another repeat winner during live poker's annual spectacle in Sin City. England's Robert Cowen secured his second gold bracelet in Event #28: $50,000 Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller. After a short-lived heads-up duel with Dash Dudley, the latter was denied a third title in the four-card variant while Cowen doubled his tally.

In total, the most expensive non-hold'em tournament on the schedule attracted a field of 106 entries and a prize pool worth $5,074,750, which was shared between the top 16 finishers. The lion's share of that was up for grabs on the final day, which saw five players return to the PokerGO live-streamed feature table in the Bally's Event Center.

After just four hours of play, Cowen came out on top to score the top prize worth $1,393,816 ,which nearly double his all-time cashes on the live poker circuit according to The Hendon Mob. When asked what it feels like to win his second bracelet in such a high-stakes competition, he said: "It's the same, it is just PLO. It is obviously a lot tougher because everyone is gambling a lot more ... you can't really run anyone over."

The final day also included the 2011 WSOP Player of the Year Ben Lamb, Bulgarian poker pro Veselin Karakitukov and Jared Bleznick. Lamb held more than half of the chips in play with four contenders remaining only for Cowen to pull ahead after scooping several big pots to then close out the victory not even one hour later. The top three finishers in the high-stakes competition now share five WSOP PLO titles between them.

Event #28: $50,000 Pot-Limit Omaha High Roller Final Table Results

Place Winner Country Prize (in USD) 1 Robert Cowen United Kingdom $1,393,816 2 Dash Dudley United States $861,442 3 Ben Lamb United States $622,861 4 Veselin Karakitukov Bulgaria $458,016 5 Jared Bleznick United States $342,626 6 Jason Mercier United States $260,819 7 Aaron Katz United States $202,103 8 Scott Seiver United States $159,464

Robert Cowen and his British rail

Both Cowen and runner-up Dudley were supported by a boisterous rail and it was the Brits who had reason to celebrate after both four-card enthusiasts had navigated their way through a field filled with High Roller regulars and some of the best mixed game players in the world.

"There were a couple of times I was short here again but with everyone behind me makes it a lot easier to fight," runner-up Dudley said in the final interview before adding "It's great, I couldn't have been happier to have this rail, they have been here forever, and it keeps getting bigger and bigger."

The rail from Michigan included his wife, Racquel, and his mother, Kim. It was the second-biggest cash for the Michigan State graduate, who earned a payday of $861,442. The couple are now also parents of a nine-month old daughter as well and the 2022 WSOP in its new home at Ballys and Paris Las Vegas could not have commenced much better for the PLO specialist.

While he specializes in the great game of pot-limit Omaha, the previously biggest score of the 36-year-old from Alcester in Warwickshire near Birmingham came in a no-limit hold'em Event as he took down the EPT Prague 10,300 High Roller earlier this year for 475,410.

Prior to that, Cowen finished 39th in the 2021 WSOP Main Event for $163,900 before claiming the elusive gold bracelet a few days later in Event #80: $3,000 6-Handed Pot-Limit Omaha.

Its nice to close it out. The first one was very quiet. It was on a side table. There wasnt much around. So its nice to get that experience this time," the Englishman admitted in the interview after his victory.

He was surrounded by some of the biggest names in the world of poker during the entire event, which seemingly didn't have any influence on him at all.

"Honestly, it doesn't phase me when I play. Coming into this final table, I felt indifferent to any other poker tournament. It's difficult to explain, I don't really know what to say."

With such a success as of late, Cowen has certainly experienced the most profitable time in his career thus far on the live poker circuit and there is no apparent magic reason for it.

"I just spend a lot of time focusing on playing my best. My effort on the table is incremental," Cowen added.

While he was one of the more active players not only on the final day but also prior, the Englishman pointed out that he had a lot of decent hands en route to victory.

"I ran pretty good on that final table, I had a lot of good cards. Earlier on when we were deep enough, I could just fold and it wasn't too critical to win pots. But when we got three-handed, I was picking up big cards. The blinds were so big up to that point and every pot was critical and it was just nice to get heat at the right time."

Robert Cowen

The Action of the Final Day

While only five players returned to their seats in the Thunderdome, that number was almost immediately down to four. In the second hand of the day,Jared Bleznick was in rough shape in a preflop contest when his kings ran into the aces of Dudley. With one live suit at his disposal, Bleznick had only the case king at his disposal after the turn and found no magic escape.

From there on, start-of-the-day chip leader Veselin Karakitukov started to drop not only into the middle of the pack but also at the top of the leaderboard as the other three contenders took advantage of his passive approach. It was Dudley who soared to the top of the chip counts but he then doubled Cowen with an ill-timed move when his queen-high rundown failed to crack double-suited aces.

Lamb took over the lead from Cowen when he flopped the bottom end of a jack-high straight and caught his opponent firing three barrels with naked kings. The lead of Lamb grew to essentially half of the chips in play while Karakitukov became the fourth-place finisher after he fell to Cowen.

From there on, Cowen hit several big hands and took a large chunk out of Lamb's stack to take over the role as the commanding chip leader. A clash of the two shortest stacks between Dudley and Lamb put more misery on the latter and his bid for a second gold bracelet ended a few minutes later.

Ben Lamb

Cowen started the heads-up duel with a lead of three-to-one over Dudley and the Michigander scored a double to bring the stack sizes to nearly even. However, once Cowen pulled ahead again, a typical PLO showdown crowned the new champion.

In a three-bet pot, Dudley went with his overpair and flush draw while Cowen looked him up with top pair and a wrap. The rather dramatic conclusion of the hand gave Dudley a flush eventually but Cowen improved to a full house with running nines on turn and river. The initial confusion subsided quickly as the British rail burst out in celebration and Dudley had to settle for the runner-up spot.

That brings an end to the PokerNews coverage for this tournament but the next gold bracelet during the 2022 WSOP in its new home at Ballys and Paris Las Vegas is already around the corner.
Day 1 of Event #32: $1,500 H.O.R.S.E. at the 2022 WSOP at Ballys and Paris Las Vegas attracted 773 players on Day 1. That figure is almost 200 more players than when Anthony Zinno won the same event in October of 2021. At the end of this first day, only 264 players were able to bag chips and move on to Day 2. Another 148 eliminations are required on Day 2 before players reach the money.

A bunch of notable names entered this event, including Japan's Tamon Nakamura, who finished Day 1 in the envious position of chip leader. Nakamura built a 311,000 stack after 15 levels of play. The Japanese player has already cashed three times this summer, and he's looking set for another in-the-money finish, or perhaps something much bigger.

Event #32: $1,500 H.O.R.S.E. Top Ten Chip Counts

Place Player Country Chips 1 Tamon Nakamura Japan 311,000 2 Max Kruse Germany 224,000 3 Nathaniel Parenti United States 206,500 4 John Fahmy United States 203,350 5 Natascha Stamm Germany 202,000 6 Robert Kearse Japan 196,500 7 Dzmitry Urbanovich Poland 189,000 8 Eric Rodawig Japan 180,500 9 Shirley Rosario Japan 172,000 10 Daniel Plonsker Japan 171,000

Other well-known players including Max Kruse (224,000), Frederik Jensen (164,000), Phil Ivey (105,000), Fabrice Soulier (85,000), Michael Mizrachi (76,000), Mike Matusow (45,000) and the defending champion Anthony Zinno (122,000) will also be back in action on Day 2. Some of those stars are hunting for their first WSOP bracelet or hoping to add another to their collection.

Phil Ivey in the hunt for his 11th WSOP bracelet

While 264 players progressed to Day 2, many others did not. The tournament was not kind to everyone and there was a long list of busted players at the close of play. Alex Livingston, Jeanne David, Scotty Nguyen, Bob Mather, Maria Ho, Esther Taylor-Brady, Sasha Liu, Paul Francois Tedeschi, Antoine Chuzeville, and Todd Brunson were among those players eliminated today.

The tournament restarts at 12:00 p.m. local time on June 16th, with the clock starting on Level 16. The plan is to complete another ten levels, which will whittle the field down significantly. Join the PokerNews Live Reporting team as we bring you all the H.O.R.S.E. action and action from all other bracelet events at the World Series of Poker.
The world's leading art fair Art Basel opens in Switzerland for its 2022 edition in a more favourable market climate after a two-year gap due to the pandemic.

During a press conference, the organisers reiterated their support for Ukraine and announced a total donation of CHF110,000 (105,000) which will be split between three humanitarian organisations helping victims of the war.

"In support of Ukraine, taking place throughout the city of Basel, and centred around Mikhailov's photographic series called 'Temptation of Death', we're proud to be collaborating on this project, the Liste art fair and the PinchukArtCentre. In addition, we're also pleased to support tonight's sold-out benefit concert in Basel by the punk collective Pussy Riot, one of Russia's most critical voices against the Putin regime," says Marc Spiegel, Art Basel global director.

The artworks were curated by Bjorn Geldhof, an art centre director who used to be based in Kyiv and now lives in Belgium.

Alongside the fair, a Pussy Riot's concert was hosted on 14. June, a benefit concert to show support for Ukraine  just like the artwork outside the music venue Kaserne, made by Ukrainian artist Boris Mikhailov.

The photography exhibition in the city is designed as a long walk to explore the urban environment.

All of Mikhailov's artworks are composed of two photographs next to each other, almost fused together.

It explores the boundaries of forbidden images during Soviet times while showing optimism towards the rebirth of an independent Ukraine.

The exhibition and the concert are positively welcomed by attendees of the fair, who think that the organisers did the right thing.

But the formal and luxurious art event is also contrasting a lot with the outside world: rising inflation, and the war in Ukraine.

Art Basel will open to the public from 16 June and will run until 19 June. Admission costs CHF 65 (62), concessions are available.
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Baku, June 2022. Credit: PA Images

Mercedes have confirmed that Lewis Hamiltons back is on the mend, after being in agonising pain in Azerbaijan.

Lewis Hamiltons back is on the mend, following his struggles in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The seven-time World Champion could be seen gingerly climbing from his Mercedes W13 after coming home in fourth place, clearly in severe discomfort after struggling with the porpoising on his car all weekend.

Hamilton had been in pain throughout Friday and Saturday, due to the bumpy Baku circuit exacerbating the problems Mercedes are having with their troublesome W13. While many of the drivers encountered the porpoising, with several voicing their concerns about the aerodynamic phenomenon and its effects on their bodies, Hamilton appeared to be affected the most in Azerbaijan.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff suggested that Hamilton could be in danger of missing this weekends race in Canada, although Hamilton himself was quick to dismiss that possibility as he confirmed he will be taking part in this weekends action as F1 returns to Montreal for the first time since 2019.

Mercedes James Vowles offered an update on how Hamilton is faring, as he addressed fans and media in the teams official post-race debrief.

I am pleased to report that Lewis is here [in Brackley] this morning, he said.

I spent a few hours with him and he is OK, he will be back in the car in Montreal. He is an elite athlete that will push the bounds of endurance of himself and the car and thats what Formula 1 drivers do, thats what makes them exceptional.

Credit: PA Images

Lewis Hamilton talks to a Mercedes colleague beside his car at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Baku June 2022.

With Mercedes doing everything they can to unlock the performance of the W13, Vowles admitted the steps being taken by the team have pushed the drivers beyond whats comfortable.

On this occasion, though we pushed the package and our drivers too far, we are putting them into significant discomfort and we simply cant do that again, he said.

Story continues

Our drivers are not the only ones suffering, you will see in the media a number of comments from a number of drivers who are equally in discomfort and pain. And we have a responsibility now to make sure that this doesnt carry on.

One concern arising from Azerbaijan was that Hamilton reported his back going cold in the closing stages of the race  an obvious issue given the sweltering heat in the cockpit of the car in Baku.

Vowles said Mercedes were mystified by his problem.

Its a good question in as much as, I didnt have an answer until I spent a few minutes with Lewis earlier to actually ask him, he said.

What happened is, nothing really had changed in the car, it just looks like after the amount of pummelling his back had taken from the bouncing, he fundamentally had a numbness that set in and it looks like the cold was a response to that. There wasnt anything colder in the car, it was just a response to the amount of endurance and pain he had been through in the race.

The article Mercedes confirm Hamilton on the mend after pushing too far appeared first on Planetf1.com.
Newquay Zoo's family of rare black and white ruffed lemurs almost doubled overnight with the arrival of triplets in April.

The babies, known as pups, were born in late April, but have only just been spotted coming out of their house.

They are now enjoying exploring the British zoo's Lemur Island, where they live with parents Yhoda and Bary, as well as older brother and sister Asotry and Asara.

This is brilliant news for the zoo, as it increases the numbers of the ex-situ population of black and white ruffed lemurs. The species is classed as Critically Endangered in the wild for a number of reasons, including habitat destruction via logging, mining and agriculture, as well as the illegal pet trade and being heavily hunted for meat in their native home of Madagascar.

Black and white ruffs are not only distinctive due to their thick, striking coats, but they are also the largest species of lemur and the loudest too. In fact, they are one of the loudest primates, second only to howler monkeys.

Dave Rich, Newquay Zoo Keeper Team Leader, said: "All three of the triplets, which have been microchipped and sexed as boys, are doing really well. They're having plenty of fun exploring their new enclosure, playing together and learning how to be lemurs from the rest of the family.

"We're incredibly proud to have black and white ruffed lemurs at Newquay Zoo. Not only are they incredibly cute, but they are one of the 11 primate species here that are part of a European-wide breeding programme to help safeguard the future of the species."
A smuggled Pharaonic artifact is displayed during the handover in Kuwait City, Kuwait, on June 16, 2022. Kuwait returned on Thursday five smuggled Pharaonic artifacts to Egypt, a Kuwaiti official said. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)

KUWAIT CITY, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Kuwait returned on Thursday five smuggled Pharaonic artifacts to Egypt, a Kuwaiti official said.

Sultan Al-Duwaish, head of Artifacts and Museums Department in the National Council for Culture Arts and Literature (NCCAL) of Kuwait, handed over the artifacts to the Egyptian ambassador to Kuwait at the Kuwait National Museum.

The five Egyptian artifacts were smuggled from Egypt in 2019 and confiscated by the Customs Department in Kuwait Airport, Al-Duwaish said.

A number of Kuwaiti entities, including the Foreign Ministry, the Customs Department of airport and NCCAL, have cooperated with Egyptian embassy in Kuwait to examine and return these relics in accordance with the international treaties, he noted.

This is the second handover of historical artifacts from Kuwait to Egypt, he said, adding the first artifact was a wooden casket cover.

Egyptian ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout commended the role of Kuwaiti entities and their tireless efforts in returning artifacts to their original place.

"These artifacts will be returned to Egypt and will be subject to further examinations to determine their importance," said the ambassador.

According to the Kuwait News Agency, four of the items confiscated in Kuwait were statues of Egyptian Pharaohs, including Amenhotep III, Amun-Ra and ancient Egyptian god Horus, as well as a stone mural. 

Smuggled Pharaonic artifacts are displayed during the handover in Kuwait City, Kuwait, on June 16, 2022. Kuwait returned on Thursday five smuggled Pharaonic artifacts to Egypt, a Kuwaiti official said. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)

Egyptian Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout (Front) stands in front of smuggled Pharaonic artifacts during the handover in Kuwait City, Kuwait, on June 16, 2022. Kuwait returned on Thursday five smuggled Pharaonic artifacts to Egypt, a Kuwaiti official said. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)

A smuggled Pharaonic artifact is displayed during the handover in Kuwait City, Kuwait, on June 16, 2022. Kuwait returned on Thursday five smuggled Pharaonic artifacts to Egypt, a Kuwaiti official said. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)

Sultan Al-Duwaish, head of Artifacts and Museums Department in the National Council for Culture Arts and Literature (NCCAL) of Kuwait, signs papers before returning smuggled Pharaonic artifacts to Egypt in Kuwait City, Kuwait, on June 16, 2022. Kuwait returned on Thursday five smuggled Pharaonic artifacts to Egypt, a Kuwaiti official said. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)

A smuggled Pharaonic artifact is displayed during the handover in Kuwait City, Kuwait, on June 16, 2022. Kuwait returned on Thursday five smuggled Pharaonic artifacts to Egypt, a Kuwaiti official said. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)

A smuggled Pharaonic artifact is displayed during the handover in Kuwait City, Kuwait, on June 16, 2022. Kuwait returned on Thursday five smuggled Pharaonic artifacts to Egypt, a Kuwaiti official said. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)

Smuggled Pharaonic artifacts are displayed during the handover in Kuwait City, Kuwait, on June 16, 2022. Kuwait returned on Thursday five smuggled Pharaonic artifacts to Egypt, a Kuwaiti official said. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP)  Devastating floodwaters that wiped out miles of roads and hundreds of bridges in Yellowstone National Park and swamped scores of homes in surrounding communities moved downstream Wednesday and threatened to cut off fresh drinking water to residents of Montanas largest city.

Heavy weekend rains and melting mountain snow had the Yellowstone River flowing at a historically high level of 16 feet (4.9 meters) as it raced past Billings. The city gets its water from the river and was forced to shut down its treatment plant at about 9:30 a.m. because it can't operate effectively with water levels that high.

Billings had a just a 24- to 36-hour supply of water and officials asked its 110,000 residents to conserve while expressing optimism that the river would drop quickly enough for the plant to resume operations before the supply ran out.

None of us planned a 500-year flood event on the Yellowstone when we designed these facilities, said Debi Meling, the citys public works director.

The unprecedented and sudden flooding that raged through Yellowstone earlier this week drove all of the more than 10,000 visitors out of the nation's oldest park, which remains closed. It damaged hundreds of homes in nearby communities, though remarkably no one was reported hurt or killed.

It also pushed a popular fishing river off course  possibly permanently  and may force roadways torn away by torrents of water to be rebuilt a safer distance away.

On Wednesday residents in Red Lodge, Montana, a gateway town to the park's northern end, used shovels, wheelbarrows and a pump to clear thick mud and debris from a flooded home along the banks of Rock Creek.

We thought we had it, and then a bridge went out. And it diverted the creek, and the water started rolling in the back, broke out a basement window and started filling up my basement, Pat Ruzich said. And then I quit. It was like, the water won.

Park officials say the northern half of the park is likely to remain closed all summer, a devastating blow to the local economies that rely on tourism.

In Gardiner, Montana, businesses had just started really recovering from the tourism contraction wrought by the coronavirus pandemic, and were hoping for a good year as Yellowstone celebrates its 150th anniversary, said Bill Berg, a commissioner in Park County.

Its a Yellowstone town, and it lives and dies by tourism, and this is going to be a pretty big hit, he said. Theyre looking to try to figure out how to hold things together.

Meantime, as the waters recede, parks officials are turning their attention to the massive effort of rebuilding many miles of ruined roads and hundreds of washed-out bridges, many of them built for backcountry hikers. Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly said assessment teams won't be able to tally the damage until next week.

Kelly Goonan, an associate professor at Southern Utah University and an expert in national parks and recreation management, said rebuilding will be a long process.

This is something were definitely going to feel the impacts of for the next several years, Goonan said.

As the Yellowstone rebuild efforts get underway, rangers will have to consider the reality of the parks altered landscape as well as potential future natural disasters.

We certainly know that climate change is causing more natural disasters, more fires, bigger fires and more floods and bigger floods. These things are going to happen, and theyre going to happen probably a lot more intensely, said Robert Manning, a retired University of Vermont professor of environment and natural resources. Officials may also be able to rebuild in a way thats more ecologically sound than the roads and bridges built a decade or century ago, he said.

The rains hit just as area hotels filled up in recent weeks with summer tourists. More than 4 million visitors were tallied by the park last year. The wave of tourists doesnt abate until fall, and June is typically one of Yellowstones busiest months.

Yellowstone officials are hopeful that next week they can reopen the southern half of the park, which includes Old Faithful geyser. Closure of the northern part of the park will keep visitors from features that include Tower Fall, Mammoth Hot Springs and the Lamar Valley, which is known for viewing wildlife such as bears and wolves

Still unresolved is how it will handle all the tourists when only half the park is open.

One thing that we definitely know is that half the park cannot support all of the visitation, Sholly said Tuesday. The park will likely implement some kind of reservation or timed-entry system to let people in without sending crowd sizes sky-high.

Whitehurst reported from Salt Lake City. Associated Press writers Amy Beth Hanson in Helena, Becky Bohrer in Juneau, Alaska, R.J. Rico in Atlanta, and Brian Melley in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Is there a difference between factually true and true? Is truth always verifiable? Can fact and fiction coexist or is truth a zero-sum game?

Thats the territory explored in the play The Lifespan of a Fact, presented Thursday through Saturday night at Baylor Universitys black box Theater 11 in the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center.

The 2018 play, written by Jeremy Kareken, David Murrell and Gordon Farrell, is adapted from the book of the same title co-written by John DAgata and Jim Fingal.

The books two authors are the real-life storys central characters. DAgata is a writer who penned the piece What Happens There, about a suicide in Las Vegas and the culture there that might have encouraged it. Jim Fingal is the fact checker for The Believer magazine that ultimately published DAgatas essay, but not without years of dialogue and discussion between the two men on what could and should be printed.

For Baylor graduate student and director Marian Barshinger, the story and play provided plenty of material to think about for someone who creates art: Is there a difference between the truth found in factual reality and the reality from beauty and art?

Its interesting to explore that tension. (The play) doesnt actually give us the answer, but asks the question, she said.

The interplay between DAgata (Mitchell Hall) and Fingal (Joseph Tully), expanded at times with the addition of editor Emily Penrose (Stella Pozzuoli), drives the play, its wit and ideas serving as action pulling the story forward. None of the words are wasted. I think its incredibly engaging, she said. We want someone to be right and they kind of both are.

Making the play even more relevant, she said, is the current post-factual time when provable facts no longer seem to carry an argument.

A native Pennsylvanian, the 28-year-old Barshinger got sucked into theater by an older sister who would eventually create her own company, Players of the Stage. Barshinger studied acting and directing at DeSales University and found an affinity for directing that brought her to the Baylor program. I found I loved telling the story and shaping the overall story, she said. I want to make a safe place for actors. My job is to help actors discover what the play is about.

The Lifespan of a Fact contains strong language and mature subject matter. The Thursday and Friday performances are sold out.

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JERUSALEM, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Israel's hospital and clinic doctors went on a two-day strike on Thursday morning, said the Israeli Medical Association (IMA).

The strike broke out following a severe incident of violence at a clinic in the city of Beer Yaakov in central Israel on Tuesday, in which a patient wounded a doctor with a hammer, according to the IMA and Israeli media.

This is the second doctor strike recently after the doctors went on a 24-hour strike on May 19 due to previous cases of violence against medical staff.

Following the previous strike, the Israeli government plans to place police in all hospitals in accordance with the doctors' demand, and the Finance Ministry announced a budget for this purpose. However, the decision has not yet been implemented, the IMA said.

The strike includes all public hospitals and clinics in Israel, with only urgent treatments and surgeries to be performed, according to the IMA, which represents about 95 percent of the doctors in the country.

"As long as there are no real immediate actions, we will intensify measures until it is understood that the violence in the health system is a real epidemic," said the IMA Chairman Zion Hagay.

On Wednesday, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office and the Israeli Ministry of Health launched a publicity campaign calling for uprooting violence against medical staff, a statement from the ministry said. 
Two more Waco public schools will see leadership changes next school year with Transformation Waco announcing new principals at G.W. Carver Indian Spring Middle School and J.H. Hines Elementary.

Assuming principal duties at Carver Indian Spring is Reggie Lewis, who comes to the position after four years at Waco High School as an assistant, then associate principal.

Cynthia Wise, the former CEO of Longviews six-school East Texas Advanced Academies, will become principal at Hines.

Transformation Waco operates five Waco Independent School District schools  Carver Middle School, Indian Spring Middle School, J.H. Hines Elementary, Alta Vista Elementary and Brook Avenue Elementary  in a state-approved district-within-a-district created to improve schools with low academic performance. Waco ISD has announced new principals this summer for seven other schools.

For Lewis, the new job is a return to the building from which he graduated as a Jefferson-Moore High School student. The Carver Indian Spring Middle School building was formerly Jefferson-Moore before the high school consolidated with Richfield High School and Waco High School in 1986.

The campus serves Carver Middle School and Indian Spring Middle School students after a fire heavily damaged the Carver building in July 2021. The merged schools will become a single G.W. Carver Middle School when its new building opens for students in fall 2023.

Lewis started his 19 years in education as a teacher in the Dallas Independent School District after graduating from Sam Houston State University with a bachelors degree in criminology and corrections. He worked as assistant principal and principal for middle and high schools in DeSoto ISD before coming to Waco High in 2018.

Wise began a three-decade career in education as a high school history teacher, then moved into administration as assistant principal and principal for schools in the DeSoto and Longview ISDs. She became CEO of Longviews East Texas Advanced Academies in 2019, but resigned that position in February.

The nonprofit East Texas Advanced Academies works in the Longview district in a similar way that Transformation Waco and its five schools do in Waco ISD.

Wise holds graduate degrees in education administration leadership, educational administration and public administration from Walden University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Ohio State University. She also is the author of the Culture Conscious Campuses model, approved by the Texas Education Agency, that looks at using four aspects of school culture to improve student learning.

In a press release announcing the hires, Transformation Waco CEO Robin McDurham said Wise had turned around student achievement at three schools and will bring her Culture Conscious Campuses approach to Hines and help expand it to other Transformation Waco schools.

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Combine his deep voice, intellect and eye for "what a good fight is," and there was no doubt Lester Gibson was in the room. That was the consensus among the crowd Saturday celebrating the longtime county commissioner and champion of the marginalized. Gibson, 73, died June 17 at his home.
Air Force Col. William Wylie DeWalt was promoted to colonel and welcomed on June 4 as commander of the 413th Flight Test Group, an Air Force Reserve unit out of Robins Air Force Base in Georgia.

DeWalt is a 1998 graduate of Reicher Catholic High School and the son of Bill and Mary DeWalt, of Waco.

Maj. Gen. Bret Larson, 22nd Air Force commander, formally welcomed DeWalt as the 413th FTGs new commander during an assembly. DeWalt previously served as the deputy chief for requirements for Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command.

DeWalt was commissioned through the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 2002 and earned his pilot rating at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi in September 2003.

He began his career at the 4th Special Operations Squadron, flying close air support during combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2007, he was selected to fly light fixed-wing aircraft in support of worldwide special operations.

Over his career, he accumulated more than 3,900 flight hours, with 2,000 of those being in combat.

As a command pilot with more than 19 years of experience flying in the special operations community, (DeWalt) has seen, firsthand, the importance of readiness and the total team effort to maintain Air Force dominance anywhere in the world, Larson said. (DeWalts) strong operational background, combined with his passion for servant leadership, makes him a perfect choice for this job.

During his speech, DeWalt talked about his goals as a commander, which include protecting his members from unnecessary burdens, advocating for them when needed and preparing them for leadership opportunities.

Commanders are only successful because of the people who they work for, DeWalt said. And I think thats what I want to emphasize today to the 413th. My view of leadership is: I work for you. ... What I promise today is that I will never get in the way of you leading and accomplishing your missions.

Among his service awards are the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with two V devices and 15 oak leaf clusters.
LONDON (AP)  The ethics adviser to Britain's scandal-hit Prime Minister Boris Johnson has quit and accused the Conservative government of planning to flout conduct rules, weeks after a separate investigation criticized the U.K. leader for overseeing a culture of government rule-breaking.

Christopher Geidt stepped down late Wednesday as Independent Adviser on Ministers Interests, a decision the government said came as a surprise.

In a resignation letter, which was published Thursday by the government, Geidt said he was put in an impossible and odious position because the prime minister had asked him to advise on measures that would risk a deliberate and purposeful breach of the Ministerial Code" that regulates government conduct.

He did not elaborate but said: I can have no part in this.

In a response, Johnson indicated the issue concerned tariffs imposed to protect a crucial industry which might be seen to conflict with our obligations" under the World Trade Organization.

The government declined to confirm reports that the industry is steelmaking, citing commercial sensitivity." Britain has imposed restrictions on imports of Chinese steel to protect its domestic industry.

Johnson's government kept most of the steel safeguard measures in place last year, overruling advice from its trade advisory body to lift some of them. Ministers are currently considering whether to extend them again.

Johnson's spokesman said no decisions have been taken" on what to do about the tariffs.

Geidt had stayed in his job as Johnson was buffeted by allegations about his judgment and ethics, culminating in the partygate scandal over parties in government buildings during Britains coronavirus lockdowns.

Johnson was one of 83 people fined by police for attending the parties, and a civil servants report said the prime minister and senior officials must bear responsibility for failures of leadership and judgment that created a culture of rule-breaking in government.

When he was quizzed by lawmakers this week, Geidt acknowledged he felt frustration in his job, noting that he was appointed by the prime minister and so not truly independent.

The resignation of his hand-picked ethics adviser is the latest blow for Johnson. He survived a no-confidence vote by his own Conservative Party last week but was left weakened after 41% of Conservative lawmakers voted to remove him.

Johnson still faces a parliamentary ethics probe that could conclude he deliberately misled Parliament over partygate  traditionally a resigning offense.

No replacement has been named for Geidt. Johnsons spokesman, Max Blain, said the prime minister was reviewing how best to carry out the ethics role.

Geidts predecessor as ethics adviser, Alex Allan, also quit, stepping down in November 2020 after the prime minister ignored his finding that a Cabinet member, Home Secretary Priti Patel, had bullied her staff and broken the ministerial code of conduct  also usually a resigning offense.

For the prime minister to lose one adviser on ministers interests may be regarded as a misfortune. To lose two looks like carelessness, said Conservative lawmaker William Wragg, a critic of Johnson.

Geidt, a former private secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, had been accused of going easy on top officials in his investigations. Last year, he cleared Johnson of breaking the ministerial code when the leader failed to disclose that a Conservative party donor had funded a pricey refurbishment of the prime ministers official residence.

In April, he cleared Treasury chief Rishi Sunak of wrongdoing over his wifes tax affairs and his possession of a U.S. permanent residents card.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
RED LODGE, Mont. (AP)  This gateway town to Yellowstone National Park has become a dead end, a casualty of the severe flooding that tore through one of Americas most beloved natural attractions and swept away roads, bridges and homes.

The unprecedented flood has closed the entire park and forced the evacuation of 10,000 visitors. And towns like Red Lodge that lead to Yellowstone's northern entrances and rely on tourists passing through could suffer all summer.

Officials have said the park's southern part, which features Old Faithful, could reopen as soon as next week. But the north end, which includes Tower Fall and the bears and wolves of Lamar Valley, could stay closed for months after sections of major roads inside Yellowstone were washed away or buried in rockfall. Roads leading to the park also have widespread damage that could take months to repair.

Red Lodge is facing a double disaster: It will have to clean up the damage done by the deluge to parts of town and also figure out how to survive without the summer business that normally sustains it for the rest of the year.

Winters are hard in Red Lodge, Chris Prindiville said as he hosed mud from the sidewalk outside his shuttered cafe, which had no fresh water or gas for his stoves. You have to make your money in the summer so you can make it when the bills keep coming and the visitors have stopped.

At least 88 people were rescued by the Montana National Guard over the past few days from campsites and small towns, and hundreds of homes, including nearly 150 in Red Lodge, were damaged by muddy waters. One large house that was home to six park employees in the town of Gardiner was ripped from its foundation and floated 5 miles (8 kilometers) downstream before sinking. Four to five homes could still topple into the Stillwater River, which already washed several cabins away, according to a spokeswoman for Stillwater County.

No deaths or serious injuries have been reported.

Red Lodge was under a boil-water advisory, and trucks supplied drinking water to half of the town that was without it. Portable toilets were strategically placed for those who couldnt flush at home.

The Yodeler Motel, once home to Finnish coal miners, faced its first shutdown since it began operating as a lodge in 1964. Owner Mac Dean said he is going to have to gut the lower level, where 13 rooms flooded in chest-high waters.

Rock Creek seemed to take in its own course, he said. It just jumped the bank and it came right down Main Street and it hit us.

Dean had been counting on a busy summer tied to the park's 150th anniversary. The Yodeler had the most bookings in the 13 years Dean and his wife have owned the business. Now he's hoping to get some help, possibly from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The damage is catastrophic, he said. Were between a rock and a hard place. And if we dont get some assistance, were not gonna make it.

Yellowstone is one of the crown jewels of the park system, a popular summer playground that appeals to adventurous backpackers camping in grizzly country, casual hikers walking past steaming geothermal features, nature lovers gazing at elk, bison, bears and wolves from the safety of their cars, and amateur photographers and artists trying to capture the pink and golden hues of the cliffs of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and its thundering waterfall.

All 4 million visitors a year have to pass through the small towns that border the park's five entrances.

The flooding  triggered by a combination of torrential rain and rapid snowmelt  hit just as hotels around Yellowstone were filling up with summer tourists. June is typically one of Yellowstones busiest months.

President Joe Biden declared a disaster in Montana, ordering federal assistance be made available.

The tourism season had started well for Cara McGary, who guides groups through the Lamar Valley to see wolves, bison, elk and bears. She had seen more than 20 grizzlies some days this year.

Now, with the road from Gardiner into northern Yellowstone washed out, the wildlife is still there, but its out of reach to McGary. Her guide business, In Our Nature, is suddenly in trouble.

The summer that we prepared for is not at all similar to the summer that were going to have, she said. This is an 80% to 100% loss of business during the high season.

In Gardiner, where the parks north entrance is located, the town escaped flooding but briefly became home to hundreds of park visitors stranded when the road into town was closed off along the surging Yellowstone River. They didnt stick around when it reopened Tuesday.

Town is eerie right now, Katie Gale said Wednesday. We had all those folks trapped in here, and then as soon as they opened the road  it was just like someone just pulled the plug in bathtub.

Officials and business leaders are hoping Gardiner, Red Lodge and other small communities can draw visitors even without access to the park.

Sarah Ondrus, owner of Paradise Adventure Company, that rents out cabins and glamping tepees and offers rafting, kayaking and horseback riding trips, was frustrated she was getting so many cancellations.

Montana and Wyoming still exist. I dont know how I can convince these people, Ondrus said. Once our water quality is good and our law enforcement thinks its OK, were good to go again. Its still a destination. You can still horseback ride, go to cowboy cookouts, hike in the national forest.

That could be a tall order for anyone coming from the south or east sides of the park who had hoped to exit in the north. After the southern portion of the park reopens, it would take an almost 200-mile (320 kilometers) detour through West Yellowstone and Bozeman to reach Gardiner. It would require a nearly 300-mile (480 kilometers) drive from Cody, Wyoming.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, a Republican, has faced criticism from Democrats and members of the public for being out of the country during the disaster.

Spokesperson Brooke Stroyke said the governor had left last week on a long-scheduled personal trip with his wife and was due back Thursday. She would not say where he was, citing security reasons.

In his absence, Montanas Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras signed an emergency disaster declaration Tuesday.

Melley reported from in Los Angeles. Associated Press journalists Brittany Peterson in Red Lodge, Amy Beth Hanson in Helena, Mead Gruver in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Lindsay Whitehurst in Salt Lake City contributed to this report.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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CEDAR FALLS -- The Cedar Falls Chapter of Daughters of American Revolution installed the officers for the 2022-2024 term May 21. The meeting was held at First United Methodist Church, 718 Clay St. Cedar Falls. Chapter Chaplain Heidi Warrington led the installation of Regent Deb Crawford; Vice Regent Joyce Stout; Recording Secretary Cheryl Everman; Corresponding Secretary Lisa Lang; Treasurer Deb Goodenbour; Registrar Jeverna Mulligan; Librarian Eleanor Vanous; Historian Sue LeQuatte. The next meeting will be Aug. 20.

Daughters of American Revolution is open to any woman 18 years of age or older who can prove lineage to an ancestor of the American Revolution. We welcome anyone to our meetings. For help with research, or information on future meetings, please contact cfchapterdar@gmail.com.
WATERLOO  Spicoli's Reverb will hosts its annual music festival at the legendary Electric Park Ballroom on the National Cattle Congress grounds Thursday, Friday Saturday.

Tickets are on sale at Spicoli's on Eventbrite and on Spicoli's Facebook page.

Thursday, Cornstock Day One features a Spicoli's memorabilia sale, an artist pop up, karaoke, tacos, and chances to win tickets to Friday and Saturday night concerts.

Friday, Cornstock Day Two showcases national, regional and local metal bands, with Bleedchain, Hemlock and several more beginning at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Cornstock Day Three is an all day and night live music extravaganza, featuring local and touring rock bands from all over the Midwest.

The Pimps from Rockford, Illinois, will headline, supported by Illegal Smile, The Rumours and many more bands, starting at 2 p.m.

Cornstock is a musical festival, started in southwest Iowa by the founders of The Reverb and Spicoli's, Cody Winther and Rob Dunn. With the exception of 2020, Cornstock has been an annual festival every year since 1998.

Spicoli's Reverb may no longer be a single location bar and venue; the team continues to host, promote and support local live music.

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WATERLOO  A Waterloo man who was found naked in a teens room in December has been sentenced to prison.

Matthew Luke Heim, 35, was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison on a charge of third-degree sexual abuse June 9 in Black Hawk County District Court. He was also sentenced to a concurrent five years on a charge of possession of methamphetamine.

Following prison, he will be on lifetime parole and will have to register as a sex offender.

According to court records, a woman came home Dec. 24 and found Heim trying to clothe himself in her 15-year-old daughters bedroom. He fled out a window and pedaled off on a bike.

A bag with crystal meth was found on the ground beneath the window, and police identified Heim by a drivers license that was also in the bag.

The investigation determined Heim had sex with the teen, and Heim told police he thought the girl was 17 and said the sex was consensual, according to court records.

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CEDAR FALLS  The U.S. Department of Commerce announced Tuesday that the city of Cedar Falls had been given the final OK for a $1.5 million grant to fund future visitor-friendly infrastructure on the Cedar River.

That project, which came in over budget late last year and likely needed these funds to move forward, is known to locals as the Cedar River Recreational Improvement Project.

It will involve physical and aesthetic improvements in the river and to the river bank from the upstream side of the Main Street Bridge to the downstream side of the West First Street Bridge.

The Other Place gets ready to open new Cedar Falls Main Street location The manager expects the 4,000 square foot downtown Main Street space to open before the June 24 Sturgis Falls Celebration begins.

The Cedar River Recreational Project presents a major transformation not only for the Cedar River, but for the community as a whole, said City Community Development Director Stephanie Houk Sheetz in a statement Thursday. It will connect residents and visitors to the river, improve safety and accessibility for all, enhance aquatic life and opportunities, plus provide family-friendly activities. We are thrilled to receive this grant to help our project move forward. 

Specifically, improvements will include multiple kayak play areas, fishing jetties, habitat spawning pools, and water access points along with riverbank improvements.

The city anticipates bidding the project in late summer or early fall, with the year-long construction project potentially starting in late 2022.

The application for the grant was a tremendous collaboration from city staff including the Cedar Falls Tourism and Visitor Bureau alongside our partners at Cedar Falls Community Main Street and the Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments, said Sheetz. It truly was a team effort as we work together to bring this amazing opportunity to our area.

In late March, the city had been given preliminary approval for up to $1.5 million from the Economic Development Administrations $240 million American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program.

The federal program is designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors, said a federal press release announcing the grant.

Cedar Falls Historical Society making 'fresh' fundraising push for new museum COVID-19, rising construction costs caused 315 Clay St. project estimate to soar to $2.5 million, requiring more fundraising and pushing back a tentative groundbreaking to 2024.

The Biden-Harris Administration is dedicated to supporting the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector as it works to recover and rebuild from the pandemic, said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo in a statement. This EDA investment will improve visitor and recreational opportunities on the Cedar River, boosting the local business community and creating new jobs.

In October, construction bids for the project came in 180% over the engineers estimate of $3.7 million. The total projected cost had been $4.1 million.

The higher-than-expected bids led the city into a redesign phase with Riverwise Engineering, and to apply for the federal grant.

The total estimated cost is now $5.25 million. Of that, $4.8 million is the construction estimate to be covered by the grant and matched with $3.3 million in state and local funding.

Local funding includes $1.5 million from a Black Hawk County Gaming Association grant.

Additionally, the city had allocated $1 million from its emergency reserve. The remaining funds were slated to come from $525,000 in general obligation bonds, which City Council just authorized be sold, and $500,000 in private fundraising.

The federal departments press release said the grantee estimates the project will create 129 jobs and generate $295,000 in private investment.

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments (INRCOG), said the press release. EDA funds INRCOG to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

The cities of Cedar Falls and Waterloo also are working with INRCOG and Grow Cedar Valley to prepare a grant application for a much larger, collaborative project that they say would transform the areas along the Cedar River.

The Destination Iowa grant is made possible through the American Rescue Plan.

INRCOG Community Planner Isaiah Corbin, in an email Wednesday, said city officials are still looking over the plans and determining whether its feasible, given the programs requirements, to move forward with the grant application.

More information about the project can be found at: https://www.cedarfalls.com/1372/Cedar-River-Recreational-Project.

This story was updated with information released Thursday by the city.

'Thinking big': Destination Iowa grant offers potential to 'transform' Waterloo, Cedar Falls along Cedar River Leaders project their application could be ready by as early as next month, and could be in the $30 to $50 million range, although 60% of it would need to be matched by local sources.

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This is the question that I ask myself. I looked at what I have heard Russia say

This western news article is actually got what Russia wants basically correct, so using it will be fine. Russia wants 1997 as the backward point of settling for NATO

The first, among other points, would require Russia and NATO not to deploy additional troops and weapons outside the countries where they were in May 1997  before the accession to NATO of any of the former communist states in East Europe that for decades were dominated by Moscow. It would mean NATO abandoning any military activities in Ukraine, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia. Source: Russia demands NATO roll back from East Europe and stay out of Ukraine | Reuters



CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

A good map below to help understand

Now with that said above

All the rhetoric being spewed by the Empire of Lies and Chaos is pointing to now the scramble of trying to keep from getting stymied and shut down. It is not a NATO now that is king of the hill, it is a NATO trying to even stay alive. As its relevance is being torn apart and the world watches an Empire die

NATO which is USA and EU in control and mainly the USA, stuttering and yammering, as they face the facts that Russia was ready for them and more than ready to go all the way

It has been interesting to watch in real-time. The Bully Empire got a serious black eye and the world is really happy about this issue. The bullying of the world by the USA has now turned into watching a staggering drunk Empire of Chaos wondering what happened!

I wonder what made the US think that it could lie, start a war and lie again and start another war and keep going forever?

As with continue to mess in other countries sovereignty and always act the innocent as they color revolutionized the world?

Did we believe our own hubris that much and or did we just Hail Mary it on a Wing and a Prayer?

The last question is a failure from the start for the USA, no belief in God and angels, so no wings to fly with

Now my questions are about where will Russia decide to end all this?

I heard Putin say and Lavrov has verified it that NATO has to get back to some Red Line Russia has set and it involves 1997. I count nine or ten countries have to leave the NATO war machine or else? Baltic countries are definitely involved in this. That gives you a starting point for the reason Russia started to build back better (RBBB)

Since from 1990 nothing changed until 1999 officially, 1997 must be when Poland and others applied to join. It seems Russia is accepting of a pre-1997 NATO and or basically how it was in 1990. So why not just say back to 1990 and that is that. maybe sounds better to say 1997? Or is it due to the shenanigans that Gorby did and Yeltsin did when they destroyed the USSR? I guess 1997 is when Russia is Russia and not USSR, CCCP or Soviet Union and has the reigns back into its hands? Dunno!

I have talked about that this situation is Russias to decide about. That means, if Russia never wants to stop? Russia will take all of Europe! This is not what Russia wants, yet the more that Europe and America play Checkers as Russia plays Chess? The worse the situation will be for the Empire of Lies

Waking the Russian Bear and poking at the bear with sharp sticks, was a stupid thing to do

and I believe that now the USA has seen the reality of this below. And yes Russia will not back away this time. It is do or die!

Why oh why are we in the USA so stupid?

We now have War Bear!

So the end to this is not in Russias hands. The Empire of Lies started this and has to end it by backing away. Russia has stated what it wants and needs. NATO/USA/EU have to decide how much farther back Russia pushes them 1955 or 1945 or 1942? Or NATO being cancelled with its throat cut and bleeding out on the soil of Europe. So take what you got and be happy NATO. You knew it was coming, you prepared for years and still got your ass handed to you

Thus you see a huge change of rhetoric being spun by the west. The blame game has begun. Ukraine is the fall guy. The realization that Russia is going to make a dependent for ever of the USA and EU as a retarded land locked step child. & The realization that the best the Empire had is being slaughtered by Russia. Is hitting home

Why oh why would anyone try to piss the bear off at his den?

It is all in your Luciferian Heart and your ball park, USA!

WtR
Photo taken with a mobile phone on June 14, 2022 shows rescuers evacuating stranded people in flood water in Ruijin City, east China's Jiangxi Province.

(Xinhua)

NANCHANG, June 16 (Xinhua) -- In Ganxian District, east China's Jiangxi Province, local authorities have dispatched a special task force -- fleets of drones -- to join the flood relief operations.

After discovering landslides and blocked roads, the drones sent the information back to the control center. Based on the information, staff of Wangmudu Township found some houses in Taojiang Village inundated by floods and immediately evacuated over 200 local residents.

Twelve such drone fleets have been dispatched to spot potential risks and collect information on rain conditions and rain-induced disasters to provide references for flood control decisions, said Zhong Yicheng, an official with the district's emergency management bureau.

Capable of a much more efficient patrol, the fleets have so far inspected 53 reservoirs, 43 hydropower stations, and 60 major mountainous ponds, he added.

A raft of new technological applications is helping Jiangxi with flood control as lingering downpours have battered various parts of the province for weeks.

More than 1.1 million residents in Jiangxi were affected by torrential rain and rain-induced floods from May 28 to June 10, the provincial flood control and drought relief headquarters said.

The extreme weather has caused direct economic losses of 2.65 billion yuan (about 400 million U.S. dollars) after destroying farmland and houses.

"Attention please, the water level is rising at the No. 3 monitoring point." After receiving the warning message on his phone, Ouyang Xin, a member of staff at Changgang Reservoir in Jiangxi's Ganzhou City put on a raincoat and rushed to the site.

"The flood monitoring system can keep us informed of the flood level in real-time and the flow of water and rain conditions, thus helping us judge the situation more accurately," Ouyang said.

The alert message is among a number of monitoring and warning technologies employed at the flood control frontline. In Nanfeng County, Jiangxi, an environment monitoring device stands like a guard at an area with potential geological disasters.

The equipment can monitor stress and changes to the shape of the ground. Upon detecting danger, it alerts surrounding residents through loudspeakers, said Xie Chenguang, an official with the county's natural resources bureau.

In Lichuan County, Fuzhou City, some high-tech equipment including underwater search and rescue robots, high-power submersible pumps and foldable water plugging walls are on standby, which can provide a stronger guarantee for flood control and rescue operations, said Ou Yinggen, head of the county's emergency management bureau.

China's National Meteorological Center on Thursday renewed a blue alert for rainstorms in various parts of the country. From Thursday afternoon to Friday afternoon, heavy rains are expected to lash areas including Jiangxi.

China has a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. 

Photo taken with a mobile phone on June 13, 2022 shows rescuers evacuating stranded people in flood water in Quannan County, east China's Jiangxi Province.

(Xinhua)
Briefing by Russian Defence Ministry

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation in Ukraine.

High-precision air-based missiles have destroyed 2 AFU command posts, 1 electronic warfare station near Pyatikhatka in Kharkov region, 1 Tochka-U missile launcher and 1 Uragan multiple rocket launcher near Barvenkovo in Kharkov region.

Operational-tactical, army and unmanned aviation have hit 57 areas of AFU manpower and military equipment concentration. 3 command posts, 1 Buk-M1 anti-aircraft missile system near Rechka, Sumy region, as well as 1 repair and recovery point of AFU armoured vehicles near Kharkov have been destroyed.

The attacks have resulted in the elimination of more than 280 nationalists, 2 ammunition depots near Razdolovka in Donetsk Peoples Republic, 5 tanks and other armoured combat vehicles, 6 field artillery mounts and 11 special vehicles.

Russian air defence means have shot down 1 Su-25 aircraft of Ukrainian Air Force near Mazanovka, Kharkov region.

Also, 7 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles have been shot down near Tomina Balka, Sukhoi Stavok in Kherson region, Bolshiye Prokhody, Chistovodovka, Malaya Kamyshevakha, Kamenka in Kharkov region, and Zolotoe in Lugansk Peoples Republic.

Additionally, 1 Tochka-U ballistic missile has been intercepted near Stakhanov in Lugansk Peoples Republic, as well as 21 Uragan multiple-launch rockets near Chernobaevka, Sukhoi Stavok in Kherson region, Kamenka, Dolgenkoe, Malye Prokhody in Kharkov region, Donetsk, Dokuchaevsk, Sukhaya Kamenka, Yasynuvataya in Donetsk Peoples Republic, Kopanki, Novozvanovka in Lugansk Peoples Republic.

Missile troops and artillery have hit 195 areas of manpower and military equipment concentration, 34 command posts and 42 firing positions of AFU artillery units.

Missile troops and artillery have destroyed more than 200 nationalists, 1 electronic warfare station, 3 ammunition depots, 6 tanks and other armoured combat vehicles, 1 Grad multiple rocket launcher, 4 field artillery guns, 18 special vehicles and 2 UAV control points near Zhovtnevoe and Kulbakino in Nikolayev region.

In total, 204 Ukrainian airplanes and 131 helicopters, 1,218 unmanned aerial vehicles, 340 anti-aircraft missile systems, 3,569 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 526 multiple launch rocket systems, 1,968 field artillery and mortars, as well as 3,647 units of special military vehicles were destroyed during the operation.

We have previously spoken about the experiments held by the employees of a laboratory in Merefa on the patients of a psychiatric clinic in Kharkov since 2019 to 2021. It has been noted that one of the organisers of this illegal activity was a US citizen Linda Oporto Al-Haroun.

The documents received during the special military operation have revealed that this kind of investigations has been carried out in Ukraine at least since 2011 and Al-Haroun repeatedly visited the branch of the Merefa laboratory built with funds of the Pentagon in Sorokovka, Kharkov region.

Despite the fact that this installation is provided with underground storage facilities and powerful ventilation systems, it is officially considered a company that produces food additives. At the same time, the site of the company bears clear signs of fictitiousness, while the equipment of the branch has been transported to the western regions of Ukraine under control of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU).

It confirms our concerns about the numerous violations of the international humanitarian law in Ukraine that are also defined by the Nuremberg Code and the Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association. They include: the voluntary consent of an individual to participate in an experiment; informing about the investigation to be carried out; prevention of excessive physical and mental suffering during an experiment, as well as tortures, inhumane or degrading treatment.

According to the available information, highly active neuropeptides were tested on socially vulnerable citizens of Ukraine that caused irreversible damage to the central nervous system. This is a clear violation of the international treaties related to human rights.

Read More: https://telegra.ph/Briefing-on-the-results-of-analysing-documents-related-to-the-military-biological-activity-of-the-USA-in-Ukraine-June-16-2022-06-16

Documents: https://disk.yandex.ru/d/XGRDzJBQrIWJqg

Slides: https://disk.yandex.ru/d/76Z9Mc6AQGoeyQ

#MoD #Russia #Ukraine #Briefing

@mod_russia_Enjoy

WtR
Levi Strauss appoints new head of South Asia-Middle East and Africa By



Benjamin Fitzgerald Published

Jun 16, 2022

. announced on Wednesday the appointment of Amisha Jain to the role of senior vice president and managing director of South Asia-Middle East and Africa (SAMEA).







Amisha Jain - Levi Stauss





The San Francisco-based company said Jain will be responsible for leading the companys operations in SAMEA and ensuring that the region continues to drive expansion and growth, contributing to the companys success in Asia and around the globe.



A retail veteran, Jain boasts more than 20 years of experience across multiple industries including physical and digital retail, consumer goods and technology and has a strong track record of leading profitable, sustainable growth and transformation initiatives in both multinational and domestic companies in India.

Jain joins Levi Strauss from , India's number one intimate-wear brand and platform, where she served as chief executive officer. During her tenure there, the executive scaled the business nine times in three years before the business was acquired by Reliance Group in 2020.



We are thrilled to welcome such a dynamic, proven leader to the company, said Seth Ellison, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Levi Strauss & Co.



Amishas years leading digital and physical retail businesses, her track record of delivering results while connecting with consumers and her passion for innovation are a combination that will set our SAMEA cluster up for accelerated growth.



Jain comes to the role following the transition of Sanjeev Mohanty in late 2021. Mohanty, the companys previous senior vice president and managing director of SAMEA, is currently Levi Strauss & Co.s senior vice president and managing director of the U.S. and Canada.



The appointment comes two months after Levi's announced plans to expand its retail presence in its East Asia Pacific region. The U.S. denim maker said it plans to rollout stores this year in countries including Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
The House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection released video on Wednesday of a Capitol tour led by a Republican lawmaker the day before the attack, showing at least one participant taking photos of stairwells and tunnels in the Capitol complex. It also shows a man walking toward the Capitol the next day making threats toward Democrats. The committee says it is the same man. Georgia Rep. Barry Loudermilk has so far declined to speak to the committee. The Capitol Police said in a letter to Republicans this week that after reviewing surveillance video they do not consider the tour suspicious.
Weather Alert

...LAKE WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 PM TO 8 PM PDT TUESDAY... * WHAT...Southwest winds around 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph expected. * WHERE...Washoe. * WHEN...From 2 PM to 8 PM PDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Small boats, kayaks and paddle boards will be prone to capsizing and should remain off lake waters until conditions improve. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Check lake conditions before heading out and be prepared for a sudden increase in winds and wave heights. Consider postponing boating activities on the lake until a day with less wind. &&
It was so hard to get reservations at Che Fico when it first opened that I didnt even try. Theyre booking like a month in advance, one friend told me. I tried walking in and there was a three hour wait, said another.

So I waited. And waited. But Che Fico was a gastronomic juggernaut that, even as the restaurant approached the end of its second year, could only be slowed by some kind of earth-shattering, global disaster. I think we all know what happened next.

Now, after being shuttered for two years, the Italian restaurant darling has finally re-emerged from its chrysalis, a more mature, more confident version of its pre-pandemic self.

With costs rising fast, right now, a lot of people are making a beeline for the bottom, says David Nayfeld, Che Ficos executive chef and co-owner. "At Che Fico, weve decided to lean into abundance.

And how abundant the 2022 Che Fico is, with its red mosaic tiles, walls papered in ripened fruit, and botanicals that drape from the rafters. The skylit second floor restaurant is an industrial farmhouse of earthly delights with a menu that is almost overwhelming in its ample richesappetizing antipasti, housemade pasta, pizzas, and secondi like lamb loin and whole roasted chicken wood-fired to perfection, and so much wine.

Che Fico's focaccia with whipped mascarpone and Sicilian olive oil. (Audrey Kuhn)

The last time I spoke to David Nayfeld six months into Che Ficos pandemic-induced closure, he was spending his days helping to prepare meals for vulnerable San Franciscans and lobbying congress to provide more funding for the troubled restaurant industry. But food his food, Che Ficos foodwas always at the back of his mind.

Its hard not to be derivative of other chefs and restaurants. A lot of my food was what I thought food should look like or what I thought food should be, he explains. I started to think about what meant something to me.

By the time they reopened, Nayfelds culinary identity had crystallized. He wanted the menu at Che Fico not just to use the best produce and meat in the world, but to treat them with the utmost respect. Keep things simple, intervene as little as possible, and let the ingredients speak for themselves.

Over the course of dinner, they have more than enough to say. I begin at the beginning, with the light-as-air, crispy-on-the-outside focaccia with rich whipped mascarpone and peppery Sicilian olive oil before joyfully bouncing around a menu which highlights dishes from the Jewish-Italian tradition, a nod to Nayfelds heritage as the son of Jewish Belarusian refugees.

Carciofi brasati, made with artichoke hearts, breadcrumbs, mint, and whipped ricotta. (Audrey Kuhn)

The carciofi brasati, tender hearts of artichoke from Half Moon Bays Iacopi Farms, braised in buttery breadcrumbs and mint, floating on clouds of whipped ricotta, melt in my mouth. The Ora king salmon drizzled with olio verde, a Sicilian oil made from single-varietal Nocellara del Belice olives, and sprinkled in fresh grated horseradish, is oleaginous and robust. The ribbon-like mafaldine is bathed in beautifully balanced GG Farms basil, walnut and pecorino romano pesto and it takes just one bite of the cappelletti, tiny pasta tarts filled with ricotta and topped with impossibly meaty morels and nutty fava beans, to declare it my favorite dish of the meal. The whole branzino, stuffed with greens and smoky with wood fire, is wholly memorable.

Opened on a hope and a prayer in 2018, the other silver lining the pandemic brought the deliriously successful restaurant was the chance to reinvest in itself and its people. From the moment you walk through the doors, they want everything you see and touch to feel memorable.

Famiglia table (Audrey Kuhn)

There are now comfortable, leather-bottomed chairs worth almost 10 times the originals. Theres new silverware and dishware, new hand-stitched Italian napkins, and new eye-catching water pitchers. Four vintage Murano glass chandeliers now float above the long wood-and-tile famiglia table. The changes are subtle but luxurious, the difference between elegance and camp.

Along with these changes came the decision to charge what the food, and the people preparing and serving it, are worth (hint: a lot more than they were getting pre-pandemic). Theyve raised prices and added a mandatory 10 percent dine-in charge to each table to better support the restaurants staff. But theyve also decreased the number of nightly reservations so that each table can get the better, more consistent service befitting a restaurant of its cost and caliber.

I hope people feel the spirit of generosity when they are here, Nayfeld concludes.

// Open 5pm to 10pm Tuesday to Thursday and 5pm to 11pm Friday and Saturday; 838 Divisadero (NoPa), chefico.com.
En espanol



COVID-19 infections in U.S. nursing homes quadrupled between mid-April and mid-May, and the death rate in the facilities is rising once again, a new monthly AARP analysis of federal data shows. At the same time, uptake of COVID-19 booster shots has slowed, leaving some 330,000 residents and more than a million workers without an extra shot.

AARPs analysis found that the rates of U.S. nursing home residents and workers testing positive for COVID-19 during the period between mid-April and mid-May are comparable to those recorded during COVID-19s first summer in 2020, when vaccines werent available, and during the peak of the delta wave, in the summer and fall of 2021. The infection rate among residents jumped from around 1 in every 200 during the four weeks ending on April 17 to 1 in every 44 for the four weeks ending on May 22. Infection rates among workers were similar.

COVID-19 deaths among residents also increased, from around 300 nationally during the four weeks ending in mid-April to more than 500 for the four weeks ending in mid-May. Reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which include data from two additional weeks beyond AARPs analysis, show that resident deaths have continued to rise since then. And the figure is likely to be revised upwards in coming weeks, as nursing homes submit more data.

Booster uptake in nursing homes, meanwhile, has slowed to a crawl. About 72 percent of residents and 48 percent of staff nationwide had received at least one booster dose as of mid-May, up slightly from 70 percent and 46 percent, respectively, as of mid-April. Those slight upticks represent the lowest monthly increases since booster data became available last fall.

Booster rates slow among U.S. nursing home population
Senior Chinese official chairs BRICS security meeting

Xinhua) 08:48, June 16, 2022

Yang Jiechi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, chairs the 12th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security via video link, June 15, 2022. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Yang Jiechi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, chaired the 12th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security via video link on Wednesday.

Yang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said that facing various risks and challenges, the Global Security Initiative put forward by China has contributed Chinese wisdom to solving the current dilemma of global security and provided an important guideline for building a world of lasting peace and universal security.

Yang said that the BRICS was born in the historical tide of the collective rise of emerging markets and developing countries and represents the direction of the evolution and adjustment of the world pattern and international order. He called on the five countries to follow the trend of times, respond to changes of the times and inject more stability and positive energy into the turbulent international situation.

He also called on BRICS countries to practice true multilateralism, address both traditional and non-traditional security threats in a coordinated manner, advocate solidarity, and coordinate security and development to realize the "common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security."

The meeting reviewed the work of the working group on counter-terrorism and cyber security, agreed to jointly promote plans and roadmaps for international counter-terrorism and cyber security cooperation, and uphold the central coordinating role of the United Nations in the global counter-terrorism cause, and called for a more inclusive, representative and democratic global Internet governance system.

The 12th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security is held via video link, June 15, 2022. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

South Africa's Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele, Brazil's Minister of Institutional Security Augusto Heleno, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Nikolai Patrushev and Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval attended the meeting.

They had an in-depth exchange of views and reached consensus on important issues such as strengthening multilateralism and global governance, responding to new threats and challenges to national security, and strengthening and improving governance in new frontiers.

All parties expressed their readiness to work for fruitful outcomes of the 14th BRICS summit.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
TEHRAN, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian foreign minister said on Thursday although Tehran maintains that diplomacy is the best path to the achievement of a "good, strong and lasting agreement" in the Vienna nuclear talks, the Islamic republic's reaction to "bullying behavior" is on the basis of power.

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks in a phone conversation with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry's website.

In response to the U.S. "unconstructive move" of submitting an anti-Iran resolution to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran took the reciprocal action of stepping up its peaceful nuclear activities within the framework of a law passed by the Iranian parliament in December 2020 to counter Washington's sanctions and safeguard the people's economic interests under the nuclear deal, said the Iranian minister.

The U.S. action has been aimed at extracting political concessions from Iran in the negotiations in the Austrian capital, Amir-Abdollahian noted.

"We have always invited the West to the path of diplomacy, and a few days prior to the recent IAEA Board of Governors meetings, we tabled a political plan for the continuation of the (nuclear) talks until reaching a final agreement," said Amir-Abdollahian.

For his part, Hussein said Iraq has always encouraged the United States and other Western sides to resolve the problems and lift the sanctions on Iran.

Last week, the IAEA's Board of Governors adopted an anti-Iran resolution proposed by the United States and its allies, accusing Tehran of noncooperation.

In reaction to the resolution, Iran has taken a number of remedial measures such as shutting off a number of the IAEA's surveillance cameras at its nuclear sites.

Iran signed the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with the world powers in July 2015 accepting to put some curbs on its nuclear program in return for the removal of the sanctions on Tehran. However, former U.S. President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the agreement in May 2018 and reimposed Washington's unilateral sanctions on Tehran, prompting Iran to reduce some of its nuclear commitments under the agreement in retaliation. 
Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

Authorities allege a man robbed as many as 20 businesses  mainly auto parts stores  over the past few months across the Albuquerque area.

Eric Ray Herrera, 39, is charged with two counts of armed robbery in a May 16 and June 9 incident. Detectives suspect he may have committed 14 other robberies that are still under investigation, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court.

Gilbert Gallegos, an Albuquerque Police Department spokesman, said Herrera may be involved in as many as 20 armed robberies in Albuquerque and parts of Bernalillo County. Herrera was arrested on June 9 after a standoff with police following a robbery at a Maverik gas station.

Police said Herrera told them he didnt recall committing any robberies but uses methamphetamine and blacks out when he uses meth. On Wednesday, a state District Court judge granted a motion to detain Herrera until trial.

Herrera was sentenced in 2006 to five years in prison followed by five years of probation after pleading guilty to several counts of armed robbery. Less than three months after his release in 2013, his probation was revoked after he beat his girlfriend, quit his job as a dishwasher and smoked cannabis and drank beer, according to court records.

It appears that Herrera is his own worst enemy, a probation officer wrote in a violation report, noting that Herrera neglected to use his strong support system. He was sent back to prison for a seven-year sentence.

On May 16, officers responded around 9 p.m. to a robbery at the OReilly Auto Parts store near Wyoming and Menaul NE. Employees told police a man walked in with a gun and robbed the store of $180. The suspect picked up a can of WD-40 during the robbery and left it at the store, according to police. A fingerprint left on the can of lubricant came back as a match to Herrera.

Then, on June 9, police said they responded to an armed robbery at the Maverik gas station on Unser NW, near Interstate 40. Detectives recognized the suspect description as matching Herreras, whom they were investigating for a series of armed robberies in the Albuquerque area.

Detectives found Herrera sitting in a vehicle outside his mothers house on the West Side, according to the complaint. Herrera went inside the home and refused to come out as police surrounded the home.

Police said Herrera eventually surrendered after a standoff with the SWAT team. Inside the home officers allegedly found the clothing and gun used in the gas station robbery.
BEIRUT, June 16 (Xinhua) -- UN special coordinator for Lebanon announced Thursday that the Emergency Response Plan has been extended to the end of 2022 in an effort to address the needs of the most vulnerable populations in Lebanon.

Najat Rochdi told a press conference in Beirut that an additional 163 million U.S. dollars are needed to fulfill the mounting humanitarian needs, adding that the total required funding of the multi-year plan could reach 546 million dollars.

The response plan, launched in August 2021, will provide life-saving humanitarian support to 1 million vulnerable Lebanese, Palestine refugees, and migrants affected by the ongoing crisis after revision, Rochdi noted.

That includes providing nearly 650,000 persons with food assistance on monthly basis in-kind or by cash, supporting 300,000 people with health interventions, and securing daily clean water supply for about 286,000.

Rochdi noted the program is a temporary UN intervention, calling for sustainable solutions to the root causes of Lebanon's compounding crises. 
Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

A cookie-cutter high school career isnt for everyone.

So state Public Education Department officials are exploring potential changes to New Mexico graduation requirements that would provide students more room to explore their interests.

Elaine Perea, director of PEDs College and Career Readiness Bureau, briefed a key legislative committee on those efforts Friday and suggested several revisions to the states graduation requirements for proving competency.

The proposal was an early step in the conversation for legislators and policymakers.

Many of the suggestions center on baking competency into every class, Perea said. She added that the proposed changes were also focused on building in the communitys ability to guide toward their needs.

The schedule is very, very crowded and there is not room for student voice, for student choice, for community concerns, for honoring our heritage, Perea said. We need to think about ways to reduce the crowding in the schedule.

Perea said the suggestions she presented were developed with the help of working groups made up of around a quarter of PED staff across different bureaus. Those people mostly volunteered, she said, and constituted a significant representation of educator experience.

For math units, Perea discussed several pathway substitutions focused on career technical education as well as providing a lot more flexibility in the program. Some of the alternatives included in the presentation were finance, information technology and STEM education concentrations.

Under science substitutions, Perea offered up health and agriculture as alternatives for more flexibility for juniors and seniors. She also floated the idea of bumping the required amount of units for science and social studies up to four units each.

There has to be a space for the hardcore academic nerd  as well as the person who says I dont like book learning, I need to use my hands,' Perea said. Both of those people have value in our society and are important members of our community.

As possible substitutions for language pathways, she listed journalism, communications and debate. Perea also discussed allowing students to count world languages at level two or higher as a fourth language unit. She said studying grammar, nonfiction writing and literature in any language is important for developing competency.

Perea added that change would help with honoring our language learners. She noted that planners kept the Yazzie-Martinez lawsuit  and a judges 2018 ruling that the state wasnt providing a sufficient education for at-risk students  in mind as they worked on graduation policy changes.

The plan Perea laid out may include ditching some courses, like Algebra II, New Mexico History and physical education courses, Perea said. The plan currently accounts for a minimum of 18 units, with 16 core academics and two electives.

In New Mexico Historys case, the course has now been woven into standards for U.S. History. In other cases, like for algebra and PE, classes may be dropped to make space for students to pursue whatever their thing is.

Its OK if not everybodys competent in Algebra II. We want to make sure that people are competent in something, Perea said. Im OK if my pilot doesnt know how to drill teeth. But my dentist better know how to drill teeth, and he can not fly a plane  we all have differences.

Officials pointed out that New Mexico has more stringent graduation requirements than many other states, but at the same time has recently lagged behind national graduation rates.

According to a hearing brief prepared by a Legislative Education Study Committee policy analyst, New Mexicos high school graduation rate in 2021 was 77%, up two percentage points from the year before. The national four-year graduation rate is about 85%, according to the brief.

New Mexico students must earn 24 units of coursework to graduate from high school, Senior Policy Analyst Jessica Hathaway said. Nine other states require the same number of credits, according to 2019 National Center for Education Statistics data.

Hathaway noted that more research would be needed to concretely link New Mexicos lagging graduation rate with the states required number of credits.

As of 2019, 11 states including New Mexico require exit exams as a requirement for graduation, according to the brief. Students have been able to choose from a menu of options of exams since 2019, they said in other presentation materials.

Officials added that New Mexicos practice of requiring exams for graduation goes against recommendations from several research groups. As part of the proposal, Perea suggested removing the requirement for students to hit a certain score on exams, saying it may not be appropriate for it to be a gate for students at the very last mile.

She added that the practice raises questions about how to fairly compare different assessments to each other, and she questioned whether standardized tests value the things that New Mexico communities do, like teamwork.

Its really basically impossible to say that a score on the SAT is in some way equivalent to a mechanical score on an (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), she said. We can set cut scores on both, but how do we know if those are really equivalents?

PED spokeswoman Carolyn Graham said Fridays meeting was very preliminary, and that theres still a lot to consider before changes can be made. Hathaway said the LESC is interested in changes to state statute during the 2023 legislative session, and plans to continue discussing the topic during the interim.
Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

Police have arrested a 16-year-old boy accused of gunning down another teen  his sister's boyfriend  during a fight in Downtown Albuquerque earlier this year.

Angelo Baldonado, 16, is charged with an open count of murder in the March 4 death of Josue Ruiz, also 16. Baldonado was booked into the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center on Wednesday.

Police said a search of Baldonado's phone turned up messages setting up a fight between the two and placed the teen at the scene when the shooting occurred.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court:

Officers responded around 11:15 a.m. to a shooting in an alleyway near Sixth and Central SW. They found Ruiz with a gunshot wound to the head and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses told police they saw a girl talking to Ruiz before a gunshot was heard and a group of teens were seen leaving in a gold, beat-up car. The manager of Lindy's Diner told police Ruiz worked there and had left work before the shooting.

She said Ruiz had been having problems with his girlfriend's brother and the two had previously fought. The girlfriend told police her brother, Baldonado, was supposed to fight Ruiz but nothing happened.

Baldonado's mother told police Ruiz asked her to schedule a one-on-one fight with her son and she declined. When police asked if her son or his friends owned guns, the mother said no but her 5-year-old granddaughter  who was next to her during the interview  nodded yes.

Detectives searched Ruiz's phone and found several conversations about him meeting Baldonado and his friends to fight the day before the shooting. In one, Ruiz and a friend joke about him losing the fight and having shirts made of him with some clouds on it.

In another message, Ruiz's girlfriend told him her mother wanted the fight done tomorrow.

Baldonado told police they agreed to meet but then he backed out because he didn't want to fight Ruiz. Detectives found messages on Baldonado's phone asking friends to bring bullets the day before the fight and phone records placed him at the scene when the shooting occurred.

After the fight, Baldonado's girlfriend sent him a news article on Ruiz's homicide and he reacted to it with a heart emoji. When detectives confronted Baldonado's mother about setting up the fight, she became very irate.
KYIV, Ukraine  Four European leaders expressed their support for Ukraine on Thursday while meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, vowing to back Kyivs candidacy to eventually join the European Union and offering more weapons to fend off Russias invasion.

French President Emmanuel Macron promised Ukraine six more truck-mounted artillery guns, the latest in a new round of Western arms pledges as the war grinds on in the Donbas region in the east.

France, Germany, Italy and Romania are doing everything so that Ukraine alone can decide its fate, Macron said at a news conference with Zelenskyy and the others.

My colleagues and I have come here to Kyiv today with a clear message: Ukraine belongs to the European family, said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Amid Ukrainian fears that Western resolve could wane, the visit carried heavy symbolism. France, Germany and Italy have all faced criticism for continuing to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin  and failing to give Kyiv the weaponry it says its needs.

With Scholz beside him, Macron defended earlier comments that riled Ukrainians about not humiliating Russia, solemnly noting how the end of World War I had sown the seeds of World War II.

We are side by side today with Chancellor Scholz. One hundred years ago, we were at war and allies helped France win. France committed a historic mistake. It lost the peace because it wanted to humiliate Germany. The question of humiliation I always placed in a context to come, not the current context, he said.

Today, this war must be won, France clearly supports Ukraine so it prevails, Macron said. Germany, like France, will never be in situations where they negotiate on Ukraines behalf with Russia. Moreover, we have never done that.

In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said it was important for him to hear that European leaders agree the end of the war and peace for Ukraine should be as Ukraine sees them. He said Ukrainians will continue to fight for all of their land.

Ukrainians and some of their European neighbors have been afraid that Western powers might press for territorial concessions for the sake of peace.

Scholz reiterated that there is no such intent to dictate anything to Ukrainians, and that only they can decide what is right in terms of an agreement on a peace which we are unfortunately very, very far away from.

Italian Premier Mario Draghi expressed concern about millions of tons of grain backed up in Black Sea ports by the war, saying it could bring worldwide catastrophe. Italy has been a first destination for African migrants and could find itself overwhelmed as a result of largescale hunger in the Southern Hemisphere.

We want the atrocities to stop and we want peace, Draghi said. But Ukraine must defend itself, and it will be Ukraine that chooses the peace it wants.

The leaders also visited Irpin, a Kyiv suburb that saw intense fighting and where many civilians were killed. They decried the destruction there, with Macron saying he saw signs of war crimes.

While shocking images of such devastation have rallied Western support, Ukrainian officials have expressed concern that war fatigue could eventually erode that  particularly as rising prices and upcoming U.S. elections increasingly dominating public concerns.

The U.S. and its European allies have given billions of dollars in weaponry to Ukraine, and Germany and the U.S. recently announced new arms shipments. Such arms have been crucial in preventing the Russians from taking the capital, but Kyiv has said much more will be needed.

Russia is only looking for new ways to scare Europe and seize more and more of our land, Zelenskyy said at the news conference. The goal of Russia in this war is to break Ukraine and through this break the whole of Europe.

While the European leaders were in Kyiv, NATO defense ministers were meeting in Brussels to discuss plans for strengthening the military alliances eastern borders to dissuade Russia from planning any further aggression.

Many in Ukraine hope the visit could open the way to significant new arms supplies. It also comes as EU leaders prepare to decide next week on Ukraines request to become a candidate for membership in the bloc.

The war has increased pressure on EU governments to fast-track Ukraines candidate status, and Thursdays pledge to support candidacy status for Ukraine and neighboring Moldova pushes the whole 27-nation union closer to doing so. But the process still is expected to take years, and EU members remain divided over how quickly and fully to open their arms to new members.

European allies have sent increasingly powerful weapons and rallied around Ukraine more than many expected, approving waves of unprecedented sanctions against Russia that also are badly squeezing Europes economy.

Ukrainians say more is needed as Russia presses an offensive in the Donbas, slowly but steadily gaining ground on the outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian forces.

After the news conference, Zelenskyy made a digital appearance at technology shows in Paris, Amsterdam, London and Stockholm as what organizers called a 3D avatar, with his image on a large screen. Wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with futuristic fighters and the text Come to the Dark Side and Dominate or Die, he urged countries to support what he called a digital Lend Lease for Ukraine to bounce back from the war with a global digital revolution.

Macron, Scholz and Draghi, representing the EUs three largest economies, traveled to Kyiv together on a special overnight train. They had been criticized for not visiting sooner. Soon after they arrived, air raid sirens wailed.

Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president who is now deputy head of the Kremlin Security Council, dismissed the European leaders as connoisseurs of frogs, liver and pasta and said their visit brought no benefit.

Again they promised EU membership and old howitzers, slammed down some vodka and, like 100 years ago, took the train home, he tweeted. And thats all good. Its just that this doesnt bring Ukraine any closer to peace. And the clock is ticking.  

President Klaus Iohannis of Romania, which borders Ukraine and has been a key destination for its refugees, arrived on a separate train. He said at the news conference that Romania is facilitating the transit of Ukrainian exports, including grain.

A number of other European leaders have already made the trip to show their solidarity with Ukraine, even when the fighting raged closer to the capital than it does now.

Scholz had long resisted traveling to Kyiv, saying he didnt want to join the queue of people who do a quick in-out for a photo opportunity, adding that a trip should focus on doing concrete things.

Tamara Malko, a resident of the Donetsk region, which is part of the Donbas, said Macron and Scholz had been very cold toward Ukrainians so far and hoped their visit would bring change.

We want peace very much  and have high hopes for Macron and Scholz, she said. We want them to see and understand our pain.

___

Corbet reported from Paris. Associated Press journalists David Keyton in Irpin, Ukraine, Srdjan Nedelikovic in Pokrovsk, Ukraine, Colleen Barry in Milan and Frank Jordans and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
MANAUS, Brazil  A fisherman confessed to killing a British journalist and an Indigenous expert in Brazils remote Amazon region and took police to a site where human remains were recovered, a federal investigator said after a grim 10-day search for the missing pair.

Authorities said they expected to make more arrests in the case of freelance reporter Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira of Brazil, who disappeared June 5. None had been made as of Thursday, but police said a search for the boat the two had used was restarting.

They gave no immediate explanation of a motive for the killing, but officials earlier suggested that Pereiras work to stop illegal fishing in an Indigenous reserve had angered local fishermen.

Two federal police officials in the capital, Brasilia, told The Associated Press on Thursday that a total of five people were being investigated, including the fisherman who confessed and his brother who was detained Tuesday as a suspect. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the investigation, provided no further details.

At a news conference Wednesday night in the Amazon city of Manaus, federal police investigator Eduardo Alexandre Fontes said the prime suspect in the case, 41-year-old Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, told officers he used a firearm to kill the men.

We would have no way of getting to that spot quickly without the confession, Torres said of the place where police recovered human remains Wednesday after being led there by de Oliveira, who is nicknamed Pelado.

We found the bodies 3 kilometers (nearly 2 miles) into the woods, the investigator said, adding that officers traveled about one hour and forty minutes by boat and 25 more into the woods to reach the burial spot.

Torres said the remains were expected to be identified within days, and if confirmed as the missing men, will be returned to the families of the two. A federal police plane flew the remains into Brasilia on Thursday evening, and officials said testing would begin Friday.

The suspects family had said previously that he denied any wrongdoing and claimed police tortured him to try to get a confession.

Another officer, Guilherme Torres of the Amazonas state police, said the missing mens boat had not been found yet but police knew the area where it purportedly was hidden.

They put bags of dirt on the boat so it would sink, he said. The engine of the boat was removed, according to investigators.

Pereira had been on leave from Brazils National Indian Foundation, the government agency in charge of protecting Indigenous people.

He leaves an immense legacy for the policies of protection of uncontacted and recently contacted Indigenous peoples, the agency, known as FUNAI, said in a statement, calling him one of the countrys main experts on the issue.

He was considered to be a reference for colleagues and Indigenous peoples, with whom he built a friendship relationship over the years.

President Jair Bolsonaro sent a tweet Thursday saying, Our condolences to family members and may God comfort everyones heart.

Bolsonaro has been a frequent critic both of journalists and Indigenous experts and his government was accused of being slow to act in the disappearances. Before the bodies were discovered on Wednesday, he criticized Phillips in an interview, saying that locals in the area where he went missing didnt like him and that he should have been more careful in the region.

UNIVAJA, an association of Indigenous peoples of the Javari Valley, mourned the loss of two partners in a statement Wednesday, adding they only had help and protection from local police.

Pereira, 41, and Phillips, 57, were last seen on their boat in a river near the entrance of the Javari Valley Indigenous Territory, which borders Peru and Colombia. That area has seen violent conflicts between fishermen, poachers and government agents.

Indigenous people who were with Pereira and Phillips have said that Pelado brandished a rifle at them on the day before the pair disappeared.

On Sunday, searchers found a backpack, laptop and other personal belongings submerged underwater in the Itaquai river. The find was near a spot where a day earlier volunteers from the Matis Indigenous group found a tarp from the missing mens boat.

Officials previously reported finding traces of blood in Pelados boat. The federal police said Thursday analysis of the blood showed it wasnt from Phillips but the tests were inconclusive concerning Pereira. It said further tests would be conducted.

Authorities have said a main line of investigation has pointed to an international network that pays poor fishermen to fish illegally in the Javari Valley reserve, which is Brazils second-largest Indigenous territory.

Pereira, who previously led FUNAIs local office in the region, had taken part in several operations against illegal fishing. which usually lead to seizure of fishing gear and fines for violators. Only the Indigenous can legally fish in their territories.

But police have not ruled out other motives, such as drug trafficking.

Phillips wife, Alessandra Sampaio, said late Wednesday that the discovery of bodies puts an end to the anguish of not knowing Dom and Brunos whereabouts.

Now we can bring them home and say goodbye with love, Sampaio said in a statement. Today, we also begin our quest for justice.

Pereiras wife, Beatriz Matos, expressed her grief ohursday.

Now that Brunos spirits are strolling in the forest and spread on us, our strength is much bigger, she said on Twitter.

___

Savarese reported from Sao Paulo.

___

Associated Press writer Debora Alvares in Brasilia contributed to this report.
Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

Nearly seven years ago, federal contractors breached a tunnel at the abandoned Gold King Mine near Silverton, Colorado, sending 3 million gallons of acid mine drainage into the Animas and San Juan rivers.

Now the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will pay New Mexico and the Navajo Nation a combined $63 million for the 2015 Gold King Mine disaster, according to settlement agreements announced Thursday.

During a news conference in Farmington, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recalled the spills disturbing yellow flow through our beautiful communities and rivers.

Towns and farmers along the river scrambled to find alternative water after the disaster until testing declared the waterways safe.

We cant have these environmental accidents in our waterways, Lujan Grisham said. Every drop is precious.

The EPA will pay $32 million to New Mexico and $31 million to the Navajo Nation.

The Gold King wastewater plume  with more than 500 tons of heavy metals, including arsenic, lead and copper  flowed through Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and the Navajo Nation.

Federal and state agencies found that post-spill water quality met safety standards.

But the stigma of contaminated water lingered.

That had long-term impacts for local agriculture and outdoor recreation.

Lynlaria Dickson, who farms in the Upper Fruitland Chapter of the Navajo Nation, remembers the chaos and confusion in the days after the spill.

Hers was one of the first Navajo communities to be impacted by the plume.

By the time residents received data showing the water was safe to use, it was a little bit too late.

Many communities had shut off irrigation canals. Crops died, and farmers lost everything.

Some do not farm to this day, Dickson said.

For Navajo farmers, the impact was a severe economic and cultural blow.

The confluence of the San Juan and Animas rivers has long been a hub for growing alfalfa, corn, melons and squash.

Indigenous farmers revere the river as a life-giving entity.

We sacrificed so much during that time, Dickson said. Nobody would buy our crops that did survive. I always find myself preparing for the worst if it should ever come again.

Lujan Grisham said the river has largely healed since the spill.

She credited communities and agencies for testing water and keeping residents informed.

What hasnt happened is creating a holistic investment in the community, Lujan Grisham said.

The $32 million EPA settlement for New Mexico will fund aquatic habitat projects, cropland rehabilitation and long-term water quality monitoring.

The money is also aimed at addressing economic impacts on regional outdoor recreation and tourism.

Attorney General Hector Balderas said his office wasnt afraid to get into a fistfight with the federal government to secure money and accountability for northwest New Mexico communities.

The state first filed a lawsuit in 2016.

This was as much about justice as it was about science, Balderas said.

After the Gold King incident, images of the river filled with yellow and orange sludge were international news.

But the region has a long history of mining and heavy metal pollution.

Many mines were abandoned long before environmental regulations came into play. Governments are left to clean up the hazardous waste.

Most heavy metals from the Gold King plume settled at the bottom of Utahs Lake Powell.

The EPA has spent more than $150 million on cleanup at the Bonita Peak Mining District Superfund Site.

A water treatment plant at the site treats acid mine drainage from Gold King.

EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe joined state officials in Farmington for the announcement.

New Mexico will meet with the EPA annually for the next three years to discuss the Superfund work as part of the settlement.

Thats why were here today, McCabe said, to mark this incredible progress in improving water quality in the Animas and San Juan rivers, and to reaffirm our commitment on behalf of the EPA to continuing our efforts to work with you to keep these waters safe and clean for your communities, for your health, for your economy, for your recreation, for everything that makes New Mexico what it is and makes it so special to those of you who are lucky enough to live here.

The $31 million EPA settlement for the Navajo Nation reflects the suffering endured by tribal residents, said President Jonathan Nez.

At least one Navajo community chose not to irrigate from the river for an entire season.

Some farmers on the reservation are still hesitant to grow crops with river water.

The Gold King Mine blowout damaged entire communities and ecosystems in the Navajo Nation, Nez said in a statement.

Legal claims for about 300 Navajo farmers are still pending.

The Navajo Nation also has an ongoing lawsuit against the individual contractors that triggered the spill.

Last year, New Mexico and the Navajo Nation received $21 million from a settlement with the Sunnyside Gold Corp. mining company.

That money will fund new irrigation pumps, boat ramps on the river, a farmers market pavilion in Farmington and a soil health project for area farmers.

Local and state leaders fought hard to get a settlement of this magnitude from the EPA, said New Mexico Environment Secretary Jim Kenney.

We dont want to sit on the money, he said. As soon as the money comes in, we want to get it out to communities. Thats our goal.
More than 283 miles of New Mexico roads have been cleaned of litter since April, filling 8,200 litter bags.

The initiative is part of the state Department of Transportations Clean New Mexico program, which is funded by a $10 million appropriation made during the 2022 legislative session.

Several companies have been contracted to clean the roadways, assisted by inmates from the New Mexico Department of Corrections.

In addition to the bags of litter, DOT reports that 67 animal remains were removed as well as 11 items deemed hazardous material.

Trash removal efforts focused on Interstate 25 from La Bajada to Los Lunas and from the Texas border to north of Las Cruces. The second phase, now underway, includes beautification efforts along I-10 and US 70 in Las Cruces, NM 2 and US 285 in Roswell, and along NM 117, 122, 547, and 615 in Grants.
Two months after Jeffery Bustamante stepped down from his post as chief executive officer of New Mexicos health exchange, beWellnm has announced interim leadership.

BeWellnm spokesman James Korenchen on Thursday said the health exchange has contracted with GetInsured, a provider of health exchange technology, to lead the exchange over the next 10 months. BeWellnm is currently conducting a search for a new CEO, Korenchen added.

Heather Korbulic, senior policy and strategy lead for GetInsured, will lead beWellnm over that time span.

Our goal is to ensure that beWellnm is successful in enrolling uninsured New Mexicans in affordable, comprehensive health insurance, Korbulic said.

GetInsureds contract with beWellnm includes Korbulic leading the health exchange for the next few months until a new CEO is named. Korbulics job with GetInsured is to engage local, state and federal policymakers in the development of strategies for technology-driven improvements, according to a news release.

Prior to her time at GetInsured, Korbulic served as the executive director of the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange in Nevada for six years.

The beWellnm Board of Directors is very pleased to welcome the expert interim management team from GetInsured, who will be working closely with the beWellnm team as we recruit our next CEO and maintain and operate New Mexicos state-based exchange, beWellnm Board Chairman David Shaw said in a statement.

Bustamante, who served as interim CEO in March 2019 before being named full-time CEO in November of the same year, was one of five executives who have led the health insurance exchange since its inception in 2013.

Mike Nunez served as interim CEO until 2014, before being replaced by Amy Dowd, who was previously the director for Idahos exchange.

Dowd left in 2016 for Molina Healthcare, however, and was replaced by Linda Weeden, beWellnms former director of communications and outreach. Weeden was then replaced by Cheryl Gardner in 2017.

Bustamante then replaced Gardner. The board at the time had opted not to extend Gardners two-year contract, according to previous Journal reporting, which led to Bustamantes appointment.

Bustamante didnt give a reason for his resignation.

More than 45,000 people applied for health insurance during the promoted open enrollment period which spanned from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15, according to a report from beWellnm. The next open enrollment begins in November of this year.
In an unusual move for whats been an unusual takeover bid for Twitter by the worlds richest man, Tesla CEO Elon Musk met virtually with the social platforms employees Thursday, even though his $44 billion offer has not yet been completed.

Trust is as trust does. I tend to be extremely literal in what I sayOne does not (need) to read between the lines. One can simply read the lines, Musk said in the meeting, according to a tweet from Nola Weinstein, Twitters global head of brand experiences and engagement.

Weinstein did not immediately respond to a message for further comment and she subsequently deleted all her tweets about the meeting. Twitter declined to comment.

Musk, according to multiplenews reports, also addressed possible layoffs at the company, saying that, right now, costs exceed revenue. Thats not a great situation.

He also touched on growth, saying hed like to see Twitter reach a billion users  roughly four times its current user base ) and anonymity, where he earlier created a stir when he said he wants to verify all humans on the service. At the meeting, he clarified that this does not mean he wants to have everyone on Twitter use their real names, like on Facebook, since pseudonyms can allow people to express their political views freely, according to The New York Times.

Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal announced the all-hands meeting to employees in an email on Monday, saying theyd be able to submit questions in advance.

The meeting is a clear step in the right direction towards the chances of a deal happening and a smart strategic move as Twitter employees have been left in the dark over the past few months and have many questions during this volatile period of uncertainty, said Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives.

One of Musks key points at the meeting, which started a little after 9 a.m. Pacific time, was to make Twitter so compelling that you cant live without it, Weinstein tweeted. Musk, who has more than 98 million followers on Twitter and its one of the platforms most prolific users, also said that while some people use their hair to express themselves, I use Twitter, according to Weinstein.

Musk, according to multiple reports, also praised Chinese apps such as TikTok, which he said is good at keeping people engaged and not being boring, and WeChat, which he said could be a good model for what Twitter could be.

Transforming Twitter into a WeChat-like super app would be a massive undertaking for Musk, said Jasmine Enberg, principal analyst at Insider Intelligence. Changing consumer behavior is hard  something that Meta (then Facebook) quickly discovered during its own super app ambitions.

While Musk, through Tesla. already has ties to China, Enberg noted that the media landscape, perceptions of privacy, and shopping behaviors are markedly different in China than in the Western world, and Musk would not only have to overcome the hurdle of convincing consumers to change how they behave online, but also that Twitter is the place to do it.

Musk reached a deal to acquire Twitter in April, but he has clashed with the company repeatedly since then over the number of bots, or fake accounts, that exist on the social media platform. Musk said he was putting the deal on hold on May 13, although it seems unlikely that he can do that on his own. Musk said he needed more data from the company about those bot accounts, despite the fact hat Twitter has reported its bot estimates  and its admission that they may be too low  to investors for years.

Twitter employees could have other reasons to be nervous about Musks impending takeover. The irascible billionaire has levied a barrage of criticism at the company, from its moderation and safety policies, which he terms a threat to free speech, to its anonymous user accounts, which he would like to eliminate, to its ban of former President Donald Trump, which he has pledged to reverse.

If there are 2 sides to an issue its important to represent multiple opinions. Most issues in the world are complex, Weinstein quoted Musk as saying.

Harry Kraemer, a former CEO Baxter International and professor at Northwestern Universitys Kellogg School of Management, pointed out that the deal is not a guarantee until it is done and there are still plenty of steps left in the process before the purchase can be completed.

In my experience it is very unusual and almost bizarre for someone who has not purchased the company to speak to current employees of the company he is looking to purchase, Kraemer said.

Musk has also targeted Twitters work-from home policy, having once called for the companys headquarters to be turned into a homeless shelter because, he said, so few employees actually worked there. The comment also served as a thinly veiled jab at San Francisco, which has a large homeless population. He said during Thursdays meeting that he strongly favors working in person, according to Weinstein.

Its not clear if this weeks meeting means that the two sides have come closer together on resolving their issues. Shares of Twitter have been trading well below the $54.20 per share that Musk has agreed to pay amid Wall Street doubts that the deal will be consummated.
Copyright  2022 Albuquerque Journal

A Tuskegee airman and other airmen who died in Afghanistan and Vietnam are now memorialized on dormitories at Kirtland Air Force Base.

The base last week held a ceremony to name the dorms after the airmen who epitomize Air Force Core Values. All four of the individuals had ties to the base in Albuquerque.

Memorialization of a building on an Air Force base is no small matter, Col. Jason Vattioni, the 377th Air Base Wing and installation commander at Kirtland, said during his prepared remarks at the ceremony. So important is this recognition, once accomplished it is etched as a permanent and lasting honor for as long as the base is active.

Here's a brief description of the four individuals memorialized at Kirtland:

 Master Sgt. John Allen. He was drafted into the Army Air Forces out of high school and was assigned to the Tuskegee Airmen of the 332 Fighter Wing, who were the country's first Black military pilots. Allen served 27 years as a pilot and munitions technician. After his retirement, he worked at Kirtland in the Weapons Safety Office with the 377th Air Base Wing. After his retirement he often spoke publicly about the historic Tuskegee Airmen.

 Airman 2nd Class George Bevich Jr. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1963 and was assigned to the 377th Air Police Squadron at an air base in Vietnam with his working dog, Rex. On a night in December 1966, he spotted a force of Viet Cong soldiers attempting to enter the base. He sounded an alarm and started fighting the Viet Cong. Bevich died when his jeep was hit by a mortar, and he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. He was the first dog handler to die in Vietnam.

 Senior Airman Jason Cunningham. A Farmington native, Cunningham served in the Navy before enlisting in the Air Force as a pararescueman, where he underwent a vigorous two-year training program before graduating from the Guardian Angel Pararescue Schoolhouse at Kirtland. He died March 4, 2002, during the Battle of Roberts Ridge in Afghanistan. The helicopter carrying Cunningham and his Ranger team was struck and crashed on a mountainside. Cunningham stayed in the burning fuselage to treat the wounded, repeatedly moving them to safer locations under enemy fire. He ultimately suffered fatal wounds and continued to provide treatment and direct patient care as he was dying. He was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross. Cunningham was the first New Mexico native to die in the War on Terror.

 Staff Sgt. Anissa Shero. She enlisted in the Air Force in 1992 and trained as a loadmaster. She was trained in special operations at the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland. She became the first woman airman killed in the War on Terror when her aircraft crashed during a nighttime mission to pick up a Special Forces team. But the Air Force credited Shero with saving the lives of two soldiers.
Mary Blumenscheins impact in art is impressive.

Not only did she work in illustration and jewelry design, but was part of the Taos Society of Artists.

University of New Mexico graduate student Marcy Botwick will study Blumenscheins life as she is in the inaugural scholar to be supported by the Steve Wimmer Southwest Historical Research Fund.

Botwick will also broaden understanding of the women and artist communities of New Mexico.

The Steve Wimmer Southwest Historical Research Fund was established in 2021 to honor the memory of Steve Wimmer and his abundant enthusiasm for New Mexico history and cultural tourism.

Wimmer was the head concierge at La Fonda on the Plaza, and spent 26 years enthusiastically helping visitors feel at home away from home.

Steve was one of a kind, says Jenny Kimball, chairwoman of the board of La Fonda on the Plaza, in a release. We adored him even when he drove us crazy, because he had such an amazing mind and talent. Creative beyond belief and always penniless  no matter what his budget was, he overspent it  Steve spent all his own money on our guests and his friends.

Botwick is currently a candidate for a Master of Museum Studies degree at UNM and has a Master of Library and Information Science degree from Rutgers University.

Botwick has been interested in Mary Blumenschein for several years, describing her as a quietly strong person who did her own thing and didnt shout about it.

She will be able to do in-depth research on Blumenschein with original archival materials in the FACHL collection.

The New Mexico History Museum and the Fray Angelico Chavez History Library collaborate with the program.
RAMALLAH, June 16 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden is following the same "crude and hostile" foreign policy of his predecessor Donald Trump in dealing with Middle East issues, a Palestinian writer wrote on Thursday.

"The truth is that Biden's foreign policy so far didn't show any difference from Trump's crude and hostile policy, especially in the Middle East," Rajab Abu Sariya, a Palestinian political analyst and columnist, wrote in an opinion piece published in the Al-Ayyam newspaper.

Biden has neither cancelled the sanctions imposed by Trump on Iran, nor delivered the promise to reopen the U.S. consulate in the occupied East Jerusalem, while failing to open any clear horizon for a political process between the Palestinians and Israelis, Abu Sariya said.

"So far, Biden is still content with words only, without translating them into actions," he opined.

The U.S. is similar to Israel where the change of government always fails to bring about a change in the foreign policy, he said.

The article was in response to the recent announcement by the White House about the planned Biden's visits to Israel and Palestine in July, the first since he took office.

To prepare for Biden's visit, senior U.S. diplomats arrived in the West Bank earlier this week and held talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye, and other officials in the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

During the meetings, the Palestinian officials urged the U.S. government to remove the PLO from the U.S. list of terrorism, reopen the closed office of the PLO in Washington, and reopen the U.S. consulate in East Jerusalem that was closed during Trump's era.

But Biden's visit to Israel aims primarily at trying to persuade Israel to move beyond its neutral stance toward the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Abu Sariya noted.

Therefore, Biden will try to calm the inflamed Palestinian front by preventing the Palestinian leadership from escalating its position against Israel, Abu Sariya said.

He concluded that as Biden adopts the slogan of "money for peace," all that the U.S. president can offer to the Palestinian side is to help the Palestinian Authority to pay the salary bills. 
Infomo Global Limited (Infomo) is emerging as a major player, and key disruptor, in the rapidly expanding digital marketing, advertising and data monetization marketplace following the announcement of a partnership with one of the worlds largest telecommunications providers.

Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi) provides access to more than 243 million subscribers in India- and has signed a multi-year partnership with Infomos subsidiary TorcAI to launch a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) enabled AdTech and data distribution platform known as Vi Ads.

Vi Ads provides marketers with a programmatic media-buying platform that targets consumers and delivers unprecedented levels of insight, transparency and real-time analytics. Vi Ads clearly illustrates campaign performance and provides unparalleled value for money for marketers, advertisers and publishers. Commenting on the launch of Vi Ads, Avneesh Khosla, Chief Marketing Officer at Vodafone Idea said, This critical partnership will ensure our programmatic platform  Vi Ads address two of the biggest challenges faced by marketers today  authentic insights and enhanced reach. Firstly, it offers marketers the benefits of unique audience segments, interest groups and targeting parameters derived using Vis deep insights of our consumers, built on opt-in data.

Secondly, it allows advertisers to reach their chosen audiences across a range of Vis own digital media as well as external third-party programmatic media and traditional channels, like SMS and IVR calls. This is a simple, easy to use and highly efficient solution for marketers to effectively reach the right people at the right time with the most relevant message, added Avneesh Khosla.

The Vi Ads platform has been built in partnership with TorcAI (a member of the Infomo Global group), a provider of audience infrastructure and programmatic solutions. TorcAI leverages data science, AI and ML to stitch together legacy marketing and advertising platforms with cutting edge technology.

Ananda Rao, Group CEO of Infomo said, The signing of this critical partnership with Vodafone Idea in India, one of the largest markets in the world, cannot be understated and reinforces the leadership position Infomo is taking as a global player in the digital advertising and programmatic market.

Furthermore, Infomo is on target to sign up several key partnerships across multiple markets in the coming weeks. We also expect to join forces with more than 30 substantials media companies over the coming months. In total, those agreements translate into 500 million mobile device connections and more than 4 billion page views, per month.

Weve also challenged ourselves to double those numbers through 2023 and are on track to reach an astonishing advertising audience of more than 1 billion people worldwide.

Infomo was founded in 2018 by ex-Infosys Australia Head, Ananda Rao and corporate and investment veteran and M&A strategist, Peter Jermyn. The Company has grown rapidly over the past 18 months with offices across Australia, Singapore, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam with aggressive plans for expansion into the US, Brazil, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines.
Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance today announced companys rebranding and renamed itself as Canara HSBC Life Insurance and launched its first brand campaign Promises Re-imagined aligned to its new positioning - Powering India to re-imagine their dreams and aspirations. The campaign is conceptualized by Companys creative agency Leo Burnett.

Promises Re-imagined, a new campaign by Canara HSBC Life Insurance beautifully depicts a distinct message of how our promises changes overtime, but with such evolution of time our promises should ideally be met. Such promises dont need to be mixed with uncertainties bothering the financial situations of life.

Change has always been a part of everyones life. However, sometimes it is also about adjusting financial goals in line with children's career objectives, while at others it is about giving oneself the flexibility to retire early and enjoy the golden years of life. It is also about sticking to any life goals that one may have set for themselves, especially if one has the financial means to do so.

Canara HSBC Life Insurance understands these modern facets of promises and believes that promises can be kept with good planning, regardless of life's changes. With this campaign, Canara HSBC Life Insurance reassures Indians that it will be their partner in meeting financial commitments and supporting their dependents and loved ones in difficult situations of life. The Companys commitment to assisting customers in keeping their promises has been conceptualized in the form of a subtle but expressive story where the protagonist urges to re-imagine their promises made to their loved ones.

Canara HSBC Life Insurance has launched three TVCs to extend the proposition of its offerings covering Retirement, Child Future and Savings Plan under the 360-degree brand campaign.

The 3-film campaign takes the audiences on an emotional journey as we see how people have reprioritised their lives over the past two years and how Canara HSBC is partnering them to fulfil their dreams that were lost amongst other priorities.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Anuj Mathur, MD & CEO, Canara HSBC Life Insurance said, We have had customer-centric approach since inception and have always believed in the ethos of making and fulfilling promises. Gloriously completing 14 years of Companys business, we are proud to launch our new holistic campaign #PromisesKaPartner. The Company will continue to firmly stand its ground to accomplish its dreams and aspirations with the new avatar. With our renewed promise of protection and customer service, we will continue to reinforce our core brand ethos and grow our digital and network presence, allowing customers to access our innovative products and best-in-class services on-the-go.

We have always strived to be enablers of our customers in keeping their word to their loved ones. Now, when a different world requires them to rethink these promises and work towards new ones, we want to assure them that their #PromisesKaPartner in doing so hasnt changed. While our customers rejig their priority list, we revamped our style to portray the renewed enthusiasm and flexibility we have to fulfill these new promises. We reflected on our dreams and the promises we had on our minds and adapted them to what we felt was now of importance. We have come back with a fresh look and energy for our customers. Customer centricity and agility are at the core of our organizational philosophy, so it comes naturally to us to pivot along with the changing promises of our customers added, Ms. Tarannum Hasib, Chief Distribution Officer, Canara HSBC Life Insurance.

Mr. Saarthak Dutt, Executive Creative Director, Leo Burnett adds, The last two years opened up a new world of opportunities and rediscovered bonds. And with that we also saw a huge reordering of our priorities for both ourselves and our loved ones. With this insight at heart, we wanted to reassure audiences that Canara HSBC Life Insurance will be partnering with you in this journey of new promises

The 360-degree multimedia campaign cuts across broadcast, digital, and social media platforms and will be aired on the national and regional television. The company hopes to reach million customers and insurance intenders with this pan-India campaign which is being promoted across various high-impact media properties

The companys new brand identity and its positioning embodies the promise to its customers that the company will provide financial assurance to them and their loved ones by focusing on product innovation, customer centricity and digital capability. Continuing with the legacy and the new identity, Canara HSBC Life will continue its transformational journey by bringing more thrust on customer touch points and introduce host of innovative products and digitally enabled services. All existing policy holders will continue to maintain the benefits with no change in the policy terms and conditions under the new brand identity.
GENEVA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese diplomat on Thursday stressed that the United States should be responsible for the current situation in Afghanistan and should take meaningful steps to compensate the Afghan people for their sufferings.

Many innocent Afghan civilians have been killed by the U.S. military or as a result of war, and tens of millions of Afghan people have become refugees, said a representative from the Chinese Mission to the United Nations (UN) in Geneva when speaking at the ongoing 50th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

The United States hastily withdrew its troops from Afghanistan, leaving the Afghan people in a severe humanitarian crisis that continues to this day, the Chinese diplomat said.

Instead of taking the responsibility to relieve the crisis, the U.S. has openly looted Afghan national assets and exacerbated the Afghan people's suffering, the diplomat added.

"China urges the United States to immediately and comprehensively lift its unilateral sanctions against Afghanistan, unconditionally return the Afghan people's assets, and compensate them with concrete actions," the diplomat noted.

According to the Chinese diplomat, although the Afghan interim government has made headways in some aspects, it still faces many challenges, including humanitarian, economic and security difficulties.

The diplomat called on the international community to maintain communication and dialogue with the interim government, encourage it to set up a broader, more inclusive political framework as well as a moderate and stable domestic policy, resolutely combat terrorism in all its forms, and provide Afghanistan with the necessary emergency humanitarian aid and anti-epidemic assistance. 
Criteo, the commerce media company, has announced plans to launch its first regional Technology Operations and Analytics Center in Hyderabad City in Telangana, India. With the goal of strengthening its support for its clients and partners, the development of this center is part of Criteos strategic plans to expand and scale its operational capabilities across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region and beyond. To achieve this, Criteo plans to hire around 150 engineers, data analysts, and solution architects over the next two years.

Hyderabad was selected as the headquarters of Criteos regional technology center given the locations strategic connection to the information technology (IT) industry and its concentration of talent, robust IT infrastructure, and long-term growth potential. This center will support Criteos operations in India, Southeast Asia, Australia-Pacific, Greater China, South Korea, and Japan. Its digital advertising services (AdOps) function will also support Criteo globally, including EMEA and Americas.

By expanding its talent pool to scale operations and accelerate co-innovation of AdOps solutions with regional customers and partners, Criteo progresses on its commitment to power the worlds marketers and media owners with trusted and impactful advertising.

We are thrilled to announce our plans to launch Criteos first Technology Operations and Analytics Center in Hyderabad. Over the past few years, Hyderabad has transformed into a global tech hub, with its immense growth potential and vast talent pool. With the development of this center in a strategic location, Criteo remains committed to supporting our regional customers and partners by scaling our operational capabilities and ensuring that they can innovate with leading AdTech solutions created for the fair and open internet, said Kenneth Pao, Executive Managing Director, APAC at Criteo.

Apart from the development of this center, Criteo has also been ramping up its investments and product expansion in the APAC region  including the expansion of its Retail Media offerings and efforts to help marketers and media owners activate first-party, privacy-safe data through its Commerce Media Platform strategy.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2022, Criteo will continue to prioritize integration, scale, and with our APAC infrastructure investments, product innovation, and partnerships. Ultimately, strengthening our leading position in commerce media, said Pao.
Adgully launched IMAGEXX Summit and Awards in 2021, a premier event for the Public Relations and Communications industry, which turned out to be a roaring success. The second edition of IMAGEXX Summit and Awards 2022 is even bigger and mounted on a larger scale. The spotlight will be on several pertinent topics and issues the PR industry is facing today. We all know that the industry is evolving, but the pandemic has made the industry more robust and forward looking, even as the challenges have increased. Thus the need for innovation and creative thinking has become the prime focus.

Click here to attend IMAGEXX 2022

Last year, what really stood out was the power of storytelling. And we see that trend carry over in 2022 and beyond. While media relations will continue to be a key component in the India market, agencies will need to bring in more dynamism in creatively communicating to their audiences. To make IMAGEXX 2022 more lively and knowledge driven to the PR community, some of the best minds will share the platform and present and share their insights and experience. There will be an equal focus on the emerging trends & opportunities, as well as the many challenges that the industry is facing.

We at Adgully are driven by the goal of bringing in the best views and opinions across various categories  be it PR, Marketing, Advertising, Media. IMAGEXX will now become an annual feature and our ultimate goal is to closely work with the PR and communications industry to raise the bar, be proactive, creative and match the global standards in this business. IMAGEXX 2022 will be the right platform for the PR professionals and students from the PR world who are aspiring to scale this profession.

There will be over 40+ speakers and 9 power-packed knowledge sessions that will drive the Summit.

Click here to register today.
While the Indian salty snacks category continues to see increased consumer demand for flavour buckets like cheese and masala, PepsiCo India's internal research revealed that this flavour combination has untapped potential in the extruded snacks category for consumers looking for distinct flavour combinations. Kurkure offers its latest fusion product, Kurkure Chatpata Cheese, across the country as a brand that always captures the pulse of the nation.

Kurkure Chatpata Cheese has been localised from the globally iconic and widely loved platform, Cheetos Cheddar Cheese & Jalapeno, to create the perfect jugalbandi of cheddar cheese, jalapeno, and Kurkures classic masaledaar flavour that aim to create curiosity among the youth to try an irresistible new dairy flavour that is just two much fun.

Kurkure continues to transform the landscape of salty snacks with its novel product formats and flavour profiles, including Kurkure Chatpata Cheese, which is available at key retail and e-commerce platforms across the nation for Rs 5, Rs 10, and Rs 20. Kurkure will stick to its unique yet true representation of current Indian family circumstances in the TVC that debuted in June, followed by a full 360-degree digital campaign that spans several platforms for this launch.

In conversation with Adgully, Neha Prasad, Associate Director & Brand Lead, Kurkure, PepsiCo India, shares the idea behind the campaign, brand ambassador preference and engagement strategy, collaboration with influencers, and more.

What is the idea behind the latest campaign  Kurkure Chatpata Cheese perfect jugalbandi?

This has become a concretised kind of category because all of us are playing in the same format  only masala flavours  and it is really important to keep ourselves differentiated to stay ahead of the curve and for that we know that we need to give a differentiated experience. Something which is different from what we have been offering or what the rest of the competition has been offering and thats why we are doing this never-heard-before kind of a launch. There are two reasons  one is the fact that consumers are looking for a different experience. The other thing is that the flavour bucket, which is having a significant mix in the overall flavour basket, is also growing in double digits.

Its in a very healthy momentum right now. What makes this unique is obviously riding on the bucket, which is doing well, and the other is taking inspiration from a player which is globally successful, like the cheddar jalapeno flavour. We applied all our R&D brains and really customised the flavour for our local palette; the cherry on the cake has been the rigorous consumer research for this flavour that we adopted and has come out as a very dark green winning flavour. We launched this flavour on May 4. We have actually achieved more than what we had taken as our ambitious target. We received a great traction before launching the campaign, along with physical outlet distributions and on different online platforms. The response from the consumers till now has been amazing.

A lot of thought has gone into this and we are seeing the results. When we were working on this product and on the concept, we knew that there is a lot of magic when two different things come together. This product, which is a jugalbandi of an international cheese coming together with Kurkure ka masala and chatpatapan, is a magic in fusion; that is what we have layered in our concept and proposition as well. The way we are building it out is Videshi Main Deshi Chatpatapan, which is the jugalbandi of two different worlds coming together.

You have roped in Akshay Kumar to endorse the brand. Why did you choose him as the brand ambassador and how does he connect well with the brand Kurkure?

Akshay Kumar is an entertainer, and he is somebody who even at this age has a great appeal to the youth of the country. He is also very diverse and is known as a comic icon with over-the-top humour, which is also the way we have been telling stories of Kurkure. If you look at the past campaigns and the different launches that we have done, we have always taken a tonality of saying very important and relevant examples from this society, but with a very light-hearted, over-the-top humour tonality. Thats the DNA of Kurkure and Akshay Kumar is the god of comedy; he uplifts the storytelling on Kurkure. He was a perfect face. All the campaigns that we have done with him have obviously given great results. Its never a celeb out on Kurkure, we always think about what the brand wants to say through the offerings that we are doing. Then we search for a celeb or cast an actor that will uplift the story.

Whats going to be your engagement strategy with your audience? What was your media strategy to create a good impact for the campaign?

The proposition is around the magic of fusion, because its so true at the product level. Its a very important launch because its a permanent flavour, and we have launched it pan-India. Obviously, certain markets are more important from a Kurkure trademark point of view, and hence, we see that kind of skew happening in terms of the plan, and strategy. Its true for Kurkure as a brand and not for a launch. We always plan the campaign from its inception keeping our target audience in mind, and how they are engaging. We will have a proper media mix to cater to the audience at different touchpoints that they have been engaging. Furthermore, we will launch our TVC along with the digital campaign.

We also had a micro-influencer activity because we know the millenials today like to follow certain influencers; they have been really trying to engage, and they really click with this kind of audience. Apart from that, we know that different digital platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram are something that the youth is really spending time on. So, we have been activating those with the idea of Videshi Main Deshi Chatpatapan. We will have different creative elements to trigger those platforms, and we will be engaging with our customers.

How do you plan to measure the effectiveness of this campaign? What kind of goals have you set to evaluate the campaign?

It depends on everything that we are doing, For example, the first and most important KPI is always business. Everything that we do needs to finally translate into business. We have KPIs right from availability to business performance and also in terms of reach and engagement with our audience. When we launched our campaigns, we have KPIs benchmarked to industry standards, and we have already seen our early traction in terms of availability; our target and business performance are way ahead of what we set out for ourselves. This product is clicking in the market; we are expecting a great reach and engagement targets as well.
Network18 has launched Phase 2 of the Netra Suraksha Initiative  India Against Diabetes. The 3-month long initiative is committed to protecting the eyes of the loved ones of Indias Defense Forces. The initiative was flagged off at the launch event held in Dharamshala BSF War Memorial, Kutch, Gujarat on 14th June 2022.

Honble Smt. Dr. Nimaben Acharya, Speaker, Gujarat Assembly was the chief guest at the event. Besides, Mr. Sanjay Srivastav, DIG, BSF, Kachchh Sector, Mr. Sanjay Avinash - Commandant, 74 Battalion BSF, Mr. Yashvir Hooda - Officiating Commandant 3 Battalion BSF, Mr. Saurabh Singh, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Bhuj, Ms. Vaishali Iyer, Country Head, Communications and CSR, Novartis India, Dr. Manisha Agarwal, Head of Vitreoretina & Clinical Research Services at Dr. Shroff's Charity Eye Hospital, New Delhi, Secretary of VRSI, and Mr. Rito Maitra, Co-founder of Radical Health graced the event amidst other dignitaries.

Joining the event virtually, Dr. Mahipal Sachdev, Chairman & Medical Director of Centre for Sight Group of Eye Hospitals, and Dr. Vijay Viswanathan, National Vice President, RSSDI shared insights on the Diabetic Retinopathy and urged people to go for early detection.

The event successfully flagged off the Netra Suraksha awareness camp. Mr. Sanjay Avinash - Commandant, 74 Battalion BSF inaugurated the testing facility at the location, and Mr. Yashvir Hooda - Officiating Commandant 3 Battalion BSF along with Mr. Saurabh Singh, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Bhuj were the first ones to get their eyes tested. The event also hosted panel discussions on raising awareness around Diabetes & Eye Health: Timely Prevention & Need for Cohesive Policy Change.

Honble Smt. Dr. Nimaben Acharya, Speaker, Gujarat Assembly, said I congratulate the team of Network18 to start this campaign from the border. Netra Suraksha is very important for BSF Jawans. Diabetes is a hidden enemy and people need to do regular check-ups to find out whether they have diabetes and need to be cautious of its adverse effect on the eyes."

She further added, Prevention is better than cure. Diabetes is not completely curable, it is a chronic disease, but timely treatment and preventive measures can surely help in avoiding the severe complications of diabetes, and Diabetic Retinopathy is the one among those."

India is home to as many as 70 million diabetes patients and every one of them is at the risk of Diabetic Retinopathy impacting the vision and eventually leading to blindness. The discussion highlighted the fact that majority of the people are unaware of diabetes and its complications. However, it is a preventative disease and calls for early detection. If not treated timely, it could lead to blindness. The early stage of Diabetic Retinopathy is a-symptomatic. If the timely and early check-ups are done then one can avoid the severe loss of vision.

Mr. Sanjay Srivastav, DIG, BSF, Kachchh Sector said This is an excellent initiative. Serving in the Kutch region is very difficult due to severe temperature, and scorching sunlight also impacts eye health. Diabetic Retinopathy leads to blindness and it is important to be aware of eye health and preventive measures. If our soldiers are aware of it then only, they can protect their eyes and can give the best service. Soldiers must get their eyes tested every 2 to 3 months. As our jawans are far away from their families, its every individual's duty at home to ensure eye checkups for family members and go for prevention measures.

Standing tall in various grueling locations and conditions, the Defense Forces are doing immense service in protecting the country. In an endeavor to serve the families of these brave hearts by protecting their eyes, the initiative is aimed at caring for the families of those who protect us. The initiative drives awareness of Diabetic Retinopathy and avoidable blindness and urges family members of the armed forces to get their eyes checked every six months to a year by a Retinologist.

Puneet Singhvi, CEO-Digital & President-Corporate Strategy, Network18 Group, said "Our soldiers put their heart, body, and soul into protecting the country and its citizens. We are extremely proud of our defense forces and equally of their families. Thus, phase 2 of the Netra Suraksha initiative is devoted to the families of defense personnel. It is a small gesture from our end to the families of soldiers serving our country day and night. Through them, we wish to encourage the masses to adopt regular eye check-ups and be aware of the eye disorders related to diabetes.

Families of Indian soldiers take great pride in their army men for their fighting spirit in any odd case scenario, they are also advised to equally take care of themselves as they can lead by example and inspire people across the country to get themselves regularly tested to save their vision from Diabetic Retinopathy.

Ms. Vaishali Iyer, Country Head, Communications and CSR, Novartis India said - At Novartis, it is our purpose to improve and extend peoples lives by reimagining medicines. This chapter of Netra Suraksha is of utmost importance as it is dedicated to our defense forces and their families. We are happy to have partnered with Network18 for this much-needed initiative, launched by them last year. A movement such as this needs the collective force of several stakeholder groups including the Government, Medical associations like VRSI and RSSDI, Media, Diagnostic and healthcare providers. And it is truly heartening to see that Netra Suraksha has garnered the support of each of these groups. With this shared purpose of raising awareness about Diabetic Retinopathy, I am confident that people living with Diabetes will get their eyes tested regularly.

The 3-month-long initiative intends to spread awareness message across the country. The eye test screening would be conducted across the length and breadth of the country, especially for the Jawans and their families.
PepsiCo India has announced the appointment of Garima Singh as Head of Government Affairs and Communications. Singh takes over from Viraj Chouhan, who is elevated to the role of Vice President, Global Market Communications.

Prior to the new appointment, Singh was Head of Corporate Affairs at Hero MotoCorp and as part of her rich experience of over 20+ years has led public affairs mandate for companies like Mondelez, Apple, Mahindra & Mahindra amongst others. In her new role at PepsiCo India, Singh will be a key business partner managing long-term policy risks and opportunities to shape public policy decisions for sustainable, responsible business growth of the company.

Viraj Chouhan, on the other hand, will take up a global role, with him being a focal point for all global marketcommunications teams outside the US, covering both internal and external communications. He will serve as the head of the Markets Center of Excellence, providing support and guidance to teams and drive positive outcomes around key themesincluding pep+, Diversity, Engagement & Inclusion, Digital Transformation and Community.

Chouhan has 25+ years of work experience and had joined PepsiCo India in November 2018. He has been an integral part of the India leadership team. As Chief Government Affairs and Communications Officer, Chouhan has been instrumental in building a world class, cohesive function that has had some major wins across all areas of work. He has lent active support to some of the most historic brand PR campaigns for PepsiCo India, including Pepsi Swag, Lays Smiles and Heartwork.

On the sustainability side, he has been instrumental in driving the PepsiCo ecosystem in India to collect and dispose 100% of post-consumer plastic waste by December 2021. He has also been front and center on advocacy and government relations, most significantly through the first Covid wave where he ensured business continuity by engaging with multiple levels of Government and sought permissions to manufacture, stock, sell, distribute company products within a few days of the nationwide lockdown.

More recently, he has led the 360-degree stakeholder engagement plan for the execution of the UP Greenfield Foods manufacturing plant in Kosi Kalan, Mathura. The effort also included land purchase and securing hundreds of approvals from the UP state Government.
An innovative out-of-home campaign by Samsung for its brand-new Split ACs with WindFree technology is executed by Cheil India in association with Platinum Outdoor, a unit of Madison World. The new technology which is the highlight of this innovation, delivers powerful yet gentle cooling with 23000 micro holes. Following a two-year pandemic- mandated lockdown, the objective of the activity was to capitalize on bringing out the best through OOH innovation and a huge revival of outdoor commute by placing large hoardings and branding at high traffic areas. The idea of driving massive visibility and reach for the brand this summer comes out really well through this flawlessly planned campaign by Cheil India.

The campaign covers four cities across India, including Jaipur, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata. Samsung's bright and eye-catching billboards have been placed in prominent, high traffic locations in each city, targeting high footfall locations and commuter areas.

To creatively impact consumers, a large scale backlit cut out of AC was executed with a magnifying lens that magnifies the micro holes in the AC. The magnifying lens and AC were both backlit. Samsung WindFree powerful gentle cooling" was highlighted with acrylic letters. With the use of blue ice as a backdrop in the creatives, the campaign intended to depict a cool environment because of the ACs.
ZEE Ganga, one of the leading Bhojpuri GECs, presents the third edition of Yoga Futurefit, an award-winning program on Yoga and healthcare, as a digital-first initiative celebrating International Yoga Day on 21st June 2022. Helping its valued Bhojpuri audience lead a healthy life, Zee Ganga will stream the program first on its official Facebook page at 7am on 21st June, followed by broadcasting it in its channel at 8 a.m.

Successful in conveying the message of an anxiety-free lifestyle, Yoga Futurefit has received over dozens of awards such as ACEF, National Awards for excellence in digital marketing, CMO Asia awards, and Adgully Mobexx Awards to name a few. This time, the two-hour-long program will feature renowned Yoga guru Suneel Singh and Bhojpuri acting sensation and Yoga enthusiast Nidhi Jha. Suneel Singh is globally known as a Yoga expert and teaches Yogasana, Pranayama, Bandha, Mantra, Mudra, meditation, cleansing Kriyas and Japanese Tao Yoga.

Welcoming a morning of fitness and well-being for better health, the session will have Singh demonstrate highly effective yet simple asanas that the viewers can practice at the comfort of their homes. Nidhi will accompany the yoga expert in the demonstration of these asanas. The duo will also share valuable tips for the viewers to choose a smarter, healthier lifestyle, by explaining the endless benefits of Yoga in staying fit forever.

This International Yoga Day, grab the chance to begin a healthier lifestyle with expert guidance from the Yoga guru and the Bhojpuri beauty. Tune in to ZEE Ganga at 8AM on 21st June, International Yoga Day.
Paying a heart-warming tribute to all the fathers and their selfless deeds for their children and also marking the World Music Day, Zee Telugu is all set to present a highly entertaining and star-studded show  Thank You Dil Se  this Sunday at 6 PM. Hosted by Sudheer and Sreemukhi, the show will feature noted film personalities like Rana Daggubati, Suresh Babu, Sai Pallavi, Gopi Chand, Rashi Khanna, Maruti, Akash Puri, Gehna Sippy, Rajeev Kanakala, amongst others. A fun- filled show, Thank You Dil Se, will surely make you and your family rejoice together

this Sunday.



Thank You Dil Se will have two teams  Daddies Army led by Sudheer and Singers Army led by Sreemukhi, and both the teams will make your weekend entertaining through their soulful and entertaining performances. But thats not it! Thank You Dil Se will see budding actor Sohail take part along with his father, while Rajeev Kanakala will pay a tribute to his father, late Devadas Kanakala, recollecting his fathers fantastic contribution to cinema through his acting school. Dance performances of actors Prabhakar, Racha Ravi, Ravi Kiran, Venu, Kaushal with their children will also be the ones to watch out for.



The show will also witness a soulful rendition to thank ace music director Ilayaraja by singer Smitha and other playback singers on the occasion of World Music Day. From a rap tribute to fathers by Roll Rida and Sreemukhi to an entertaining skit on Sa Re Ga Ma Pa by Saddam and others, the show will have a lot of pleasant surprises.



Thank You Dil Se will also mark 33 years of togetherness of singer Sailaja and senior artiste Subhalekha Sudhakar. A funny banter between the couple, and lyricist Ananth Sree Rams witty comments will truly make all of you ROFL.



The entertainment quotient will certainly peak when the star cast of Virata Parvam (Rana Daggubati & Sai Pallavi), Chor Bazar (Akash Puri Gehna Sippy), and Pakka Commercial (Gopi Chand, Rashi Khanna, & Maruti) arrive on the stage. While Akash Puri leaves everyone in splits with his English translation of Puri Jagannaths dialogues, Rana and Sai Pallavi will stir a laughter riot with the helium balloons task. A funny spoof of KBC with the team of Pakka Commercial and a dance competition between Sudheer- Rashi Khanna and Gopi Chand-Sreemukhi pairs will certainly stand out.



Gear up for a fun-filled Sunday! Tune in to Thank You Dil Se on 19th June at 6 pm, only on Zee Telugu
NAIROBI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has called for an immediate ceasefire in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where fighting has led to the loss of lives and property.

Kenyatta, the co-convener of the Inter-Congolese consultations under the Nairobi Process, urged all armed groups, both foreign and local, to lay down arms immediately and unconditionally and to commit to a political process.

In a statement released Wednesday, he called for the declaration of Ituri, North Kivu (Bunagana, Bugusa, most parts of Petit Nord, Masisi, Lubero and the Beni-Kasindi main axis) and South Kivu provinces as weapons-free zones, where any individual or group carrying weapons outside legally deployed and mandated forces in the country will be disarmed.

The Allied Democratic Forces, an armed group linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, is considered the deadliest of dozens of armed militias that roam the mineral-rich eastern DRC.

Kenyatta said a meeting of regional commanders scheduled for Sunday in Nairobi should finalize preparations for the deployment of a regional force.

He called for the activation of the East African Regional Force, which he said should be deployed to the Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces immediately to stabilize the zone and enforce peace in support of the DRC security forces.

He also called on the political leadership in East Africa to remain committed to strengthening political and military efforts in the DRC to ensure lasting peace and stability in the country. 
BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday held a phone conversation with Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Raychelle Omamo, with both sides pledging to further promote bilateral cooperation.

Noting that Kenya is China's comprehensive strategic and cooperative partner, Wang said under the guidance of the two heads of state, China-Kenya relations have entered the best period in history, with political mutual trust deepening and practical cooperation leading the way in China-Africa cooperation.

China appreciates Kenya's strong support on issues concerning China's core interests and is ready to work with Kenya to speed up the implementation of the outcomes of the eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Wang said, adding that he hopes Kenya will ensure the safety of Chinese institutions, projects and personnel in the African country.

The world is facing various severe challenges and even the danger of division, Wang said, noting that some countries are practicing unilateralism and hegemony in the name of multilateralism and democracy, and undermining existing mechanisms and the international order.

Kenya, as a major African country with significant influence, has always played a constructive role in the international arena, he said.

China is ready to work with Kenya to firmly advocate and practice multilateralism, safeguard the common interest of developing countries, and uphold the basic norms governing international relations, he said, adding that the Chinese side looks forward to Kenya's participation in the Global Development Initiative (GDI).

Omamo said Kenya-China relations are of strategic significance and have set a model of mutual benefit and win-win results.

China is an important strategic partner of Africa, Omamo said, adding that Kenya and other African countries are willing to work with China to implement the consensus reached at the eighth Ministerial Conference of the FOCAC.

Kenya supports the GDI and stands ready to work with China to make greater contributions to world development and prosperity, she said.

Kenya sincerely appreciates China's support for Kenya's economic and social development and will continue to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions, projects and personnel in Kenya, she said.

Omamo also said Kenya believes that the international community should strengthen solidarity and cooperation, especially in helping developing countries overcome the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as soon as possible and promote economic recovery. 
Over the past two decades, far too many citizens of the United States have willingly surrendered their rights and freedoms and now they are on the cusp of being unrestorable. This erosion and voluntary forfeiture have empowered the ruling elites/radical left. Ominous societal conditions have been created that risk national dissolution or a civil war.

Three events in the past twenty-one years have been the primary catalysts that have accelerated and exacerbated this seemingly irreversible outcome. The first: the reaction to the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001; the second: the election of Barack Obama; and the third: the lockdown and medical tyranny of the Chinese Coronavirus Pandemic.

After the events of September 11, 2001, Congress, with no outcry from the populace and near unanimous agreement from both political parties, passed the Patriot Act and other legislation. These laws expanded the definition of terrorism and the governments ability to define, at their whim, what terrorism is. Further, the government was granted near unlimited power to combat whatever was defined as terrorism. Within less than ten years that power was turned against the American people and new catch phrases began to be used by the ruling class: white supremacy and domestic terrorism.

A new era was spawned which allowed the government to use its newly acquired powers to spy on and intimidate innocent Americans at home and abroad. Thus, the post-September 11, 2001 era began an accelerated erosion of these freedoms:

Freedom of Speech: as the definition of terrorism and the governments power to confront it expanded, any non-violent civil disobedience can lead to a terrorist label and potential prosecution depending on the whim of the party in power. Additionally, the government can also coerce conventional and social media companies into censoring, on behalf of the party in power, speech they consider to be disinformation or sedition. Equal Protection Under the Law: in direct violation of the 14th Amendment the government can and does routinely surveil Americans and can choose to, unbeknownst to those persons, place them on watch or no fly lists because of their political affiliation. Freedom of Association: the government has the power to monitor and infiltrate (under the guise of fighting domestic terrorism) any domestic political or religious group solely on the basis of political activism. Whether that group has a been convicted of a crime in the past or not is immaterial. Freedom From Unreasonable Searches and Seizures: the government can conduct searches and wiretaps without probable cause, coerce private communication companies into surrendering their users data and seize property without any initial due process.

Barack Obama, the most malevolent president in American history, greatly accelerated the process of eroding American freedoms. Obama and his henchmen set out to deliberately fan the flames of race and identity politics in order to divide an essentially undivided citizenry. In 2010 only13% Americans were greatly concerned or worried about the state of race relations in the country (it skyrocketed to 42% by the end of Obamas second term). Their goal was to foment racial animosity and riots with the objective of enhancing the power of the central government by further diminishing the rights of the people.

Obama unabashedly and falsely claimed that racism is permanently embedded in Americas DNA (i.e., systemic racism). He rarely missed an opportunity to pour gasoline on potentially volatile occurrences even if the facts were unknown or totally fabricated. He effectively espoused blatant racism and discrimination against the white population by promoting radical racist doctrines such as Critical Race Theory.

It is not an overstatement to say that Obamas treachery has been successful in convincing far too many Americans to foolishly accept the lie that this nation is irredeemable because of systemic racism therefore radical transformation of society is necessary.

This ongoing transformation includes: censorship of what leftists define as hate speech or misinformation, the de facto elimination of the Second Amendment, the eradication of freedom of association, the nullification of equal protection under the law, and the purging of economic and religious freedom.

The third event that hastened the loss of freedoms was the deliberate overreaction to the Chinese Coronavirus and the attendant lockdowns and medical tyranny. Like 9/11, a crisis created new opportunities to restrict freedom in the name of protecting the people from a so-called existential threat.

A lone surfer was arrested on April 2, 2020 dfor violating Covid restrictions

YouTube screengrab (cropped)

Freedom of speech, the right of bodily autonomy, freedom to worship or travel or associate were abrogated by political leaders using unlawful emergency powers. Unconstitutional governmental mandates covering virtually all aspects of daily life and medical treatment with unproven vaccines that did not work were enforced. With little or no push back from the citizenry, governments unnecessarily shuttered schools, forced businesses to close and to dismiss or fire employees for disobeying government mandates, and passed new coercive laws while spending trillions on their favored causes.

Far too many Americans, preconditioned to willingly surrender their rights and freedoms over the past two decades, have submissively acquiesced to this evolutionary process which has brought about a deeply unhealthy society with a dysfunctional albeit powerful government dominated by the totalitarian left. Forces have been created that are pushing us toward dissolution or a civil war:

Tribalism: As the nation splits into implacable factions, animosity grows, making dialogue or cooperation virtually impossible. It has become a zero-sum war wherein the dominant tribe (the ruling elites/radical left) claims they are preordained to rule, and all other tribes must, therefore, unconditionally surrender, an ultimatum that risks inciting violence and upheaval. The Lack of a Shared Culture: An increasingly sizable portion of the American populace believes this nation is not exceptional and in fact it is irredeemable. Its founding is flawed and its history rife with atrocities that are due to the Judeo-Christian underpinning of its founding documents. The rest of the citizenry passionately does not agree, and there is no middle ground. Gun Confiscation: The ruling elites/radical left knows that it would be a logistical impossibility to confiscate guns in the United States, but they are convinced that the time is at hand to force de facto confiscation through red flag laws, taxes, additional regulations, gun registration, and using liability lawsuits to shutter gun and ammunition manufacturers. Confiscation by overt or devious means could of itself risk an end this republic. The Federal Government is an Overbearing Leviathan: The United States is a nation of 330 million people the size of the continent of Europe. It cannot be unilaterally governed by a central power. Federalism is the safety valve on the American pressure cooker as the citizens of fifty different states can, for the most part, decide for themselves how they want to live. When people are forced to live under laws they find oppressive because a left-wing federal government has become an octopus that has inserted its tentacles into every crevice of American life, it creates discontent that grows. A Lack of Societal Morality: In their pursuit of shallow hedonism and online fame, an ever-growing number of Americans and their leaders have abandoned morality and respect for others born and unborn. They unabashedly promote the sexual exploitation and indoctrination of children and justify any duplicitous means to achieve their ends. As a society, Americans are increasingly becoming a soft and decadent people that will not be able to successfully confront the challenges the future will inevitably bring. When the citizenry faces challenges larger than the nation can handle because of ideologically bound and self-absorbed politicians and a majority hedonistic populace, then this nation as presently constituted will not survive.

Unless and until the ruling elites/radical left are bludgeoned into waking up to the stark reality facing this nation and abandon their ideologically driven authoritarian mindset, this nation will, in due course, risk either dissolution or a potential civil war.
The Uvalde, Texas school massacre did not happen because an 18-year-old had access to guns. Instead, it was a walking testimony to the moral bankruptcy of modern America and the hollowing out of the American home. A broken home, no father or father figure in his life, a mother who reportedly struggled with drug addiction, no church or community of any kind, no real friends except those he met through social media. We found such profiles in the school shootings at Parkland, Sandy Hook, and many other places.

This is more than a profile of a school shooter; it's an indictment of our entire culture. America has become an immoral society caused by "liberal policies that encourage out of wedlock child birth, divorce, single-parent households, and amoral values that undermine respect for life." John Adams, one of our Founding Fathers, understood the consequences of immorality: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

In my childhood, we always had guns in our house, as did my relatives. My father and young brother would head out to the woods in Tennessee on Saturday mornings to hunt. As an adult, I carried a gun to protect myself because I had been robbed twice.

Until more recent decades, boys as young as nine or ten were able to buy guns COD through mail order to hunt with their friends. High school students, who brought trucks to school, carried rifles on racks in the back. Yet we didn't have school massacres. What has changed?

For decades, Communists have been working underground to take down America. This was documented in the 1958 book, The Naked Communist, by FBI special agent W. Cleon Skousen. He provided research showing the rise of communist powers and presented the communist agenda for America. His list of 45 goals has become legendary, to the point of being officially read and recorded in the 1963 congressional hearing.

Nearly all of the goals have been achieved. Let's look at those that have more directly affected our children.

Because education is always a key vehicle for totalitarians to instill left-wing ideology early, Goal #17 calls for gaining control of schools and dumbing down the curriculum. Although subversion has been going on subtly for decades, it is now front and center with Common Core, Critical Race Theory, and the 1619 Project.

Goal #19 calls for student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations under communist attack. Public school students are taught how to become America's "Red Guards." Following the Parkland school shooting in Florida, teachers encouraged students to publicly advocate for gun control. Student negativity toward guns and our Second Amendment is not surprising. They are taught that there is no God and, therefore, there are no God-given rights, such as those enshrined in the Second Amendment.

Goal #42 is to create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition  that students and special interest groups should rise up together to solve economic, political, or social problems. We see this played out across the nation, with teachers encouraging students to protest gun ownership and youth engagement in the violent protests of Black Lives Matter and Antifa.

Goal #25 breaks down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity. The origins of radical sex education date back a century to a Marxist program implemented in Hungarian public schools to destroy Christianity in Western Europe. Continued exposure to atheism, radical sex education, and rebellion against authority turned Hungarian students into bullies, thieves, murderers, sex predators, and sociopaths who disrespected authority.

The graphic instructional materials found in Texas government schools are considered illegal porn on the street. Despite Texas law and parents' furor, the school library at the elementary Blackshear Fine Arts Academy in Austin hosted a drag queen who had been convicted of prostitution charges. American public schools are churning out students who exhibit the characteristics found in the Hungarian youth  violent, murderers, sociopaths, sex predators, and God-haters.

Goal #26 is normalization of homosexuality, degeneracy, and promiscuity. For America to fall, the traditional family structure  the foundation of civilization  must be destroyed. Homosexuality is the vehicle. Students are taught that being gay or transgender is normal.

Goal #27 discredits the Bible, while Goal #28 eliminates prayer and any religious expressions in schools. Secularism has replaced Christianity in public schools. Until the 1960s, common behavioral problems among students were minor, like tardiness, talking in class without permission, and chewing gum. After the 1980s and the ban of religion in public schools, there were worse problems, like excessive drinking, drug abuse, fornication, pregnancy, suicide, gang activity, and even indiscriminate shootings.

It's okay to teach the five pillars of Islam and take a field trip to a local mosque. Yet trips to a Christian church or synagogue, bringing a Bible to class, reading one's Bible during free time, praying, or mentioning Jesus can get a kid in serious trouble.

Goal #39 calls for domination of the psychiatric profession and the use of mental health laws against dissenters. In 2015, a Republican-led Congress passed the Every Student Succeeds Act, which codified Common Core and replaced academic learning with Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) as the primary purpose of public schools. Texas schools now have mental health clinics on campus to address the problems that government schools are causing. Through SEL programs, students are being mentally assessed and then referred for treatment, including prescription drugs.

Goal #40 discredits the family. Teachers tell students not to tell their old-fashioned parents what they're learning or that they're pretending to be the opposite sex or insisting on opposite-sex pronouns. Schools discredit the Christian values of parents. Consequently, after leaving high school, 7585% of students from Christian families leave the church and cancel out their parents and their beliefs.

Goal #41 takes children away from the "negative influence of parents." UNESCO, the education arm of the communist U.N., was created in 1945 to secure government control over children. Even though President Trump withdrew the U.S. from UNESCO, its pernicious tentacles were already deeply embedded in the fabric of our schools. So now we see government school boards telling parents they have no rights over their own children's education. Government pre-K and kindergarten are another communist tactic to gain control of children at an early age.

A red wave in 2024 is not going to save America. The moral decay and destabilization is already in place. An immoral nation can never hire enough police to keep its people safe. We can arm teachers and teach them to defend their classrooms. We can arm guards and "harden" the schools. We can add more mental health services.

We can bring in loads of experts for strategic planning. Yet none of these will eliminate the causes of school shootings.

To solve the cause of school shootings and myriad other problems engulfing our nation, the American people will have to turn the ship of state back toward its founding principles.

Carole Hornsby Haynes, Ph.D. is an education policy analyst.

Image via Pxhere.
David Hogg was trying to thrust himself into the media spotlight long before the infamous 2018 shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. His first brush with fame came in 2017 when he recorded a friend having a minor confrontation with a lifeguard at Redondo Beach in California. Hoggs video went viral. As a result, he tasted his first thirty seconds of fame.

In an interview with CBS Los Angeles, Hogg claimed his friend put his wakeboard on top of a trashcan because he didnt want it to get sandy (at a beach!) and the confrontation took place after the friend removed the boardand then mouthed off to the lifeguard. The lifeguard responded by getting in the teens face andit is Californiaultimately faced some unknown form of discipline, even though it was painfully obvious the kid had provoked him and only words were exchanged.

Less than twelve months later, Hogg became a media rock star after recording interviews with classmates at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas while the shooting was allegedly still in progress. Thats also when the rumors began that Hogg was some sort of a crisis actor because he always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.

However, Hoggs migration from California to Florida appears to coincide with his fathers retirement as an FBI agent. The fact that Hogg lived in California for one year and recorded a viral video before moving to Florida the next year is far less interesting than the fact his father is a former FBI agent. Historically, the FBI were the good guys. In recent years, my opinion shifted to the rank-and-file FBI are the good guys, but senior leadership had become corrupt. The recent arrest of Peter Navarro has eroded my confidence in the bureau even further.

Anyway, Hogg makes it on television again. This time hes not just a one-interview wonder. Hes become a full-fledged media rock star. As an MSD survivor, Hogg found a golden ticket to media credibility, and his fame grew exponentially. He became the de-facto leader of the March for Our Lives gun control movement and recently celebrated the news that a bipartisan group of senators had agreed to some new (unconstitutional) gun control legislation. In between those two career milestones, David parlayed his social media fame into his new career as a student activist enrolled at Harvard University.

In March 2021, Hogg decided to launch a new company called Good Pillow with progressive entrepreneur William LeGate, ostensibly to compete directly with Mike Lindell and MyPillow as a punitive measure after Lindell led several efforts to investigate 2020 election fraud. The company literally started as a joke, as Hogg and LeGate were kidding around about starting a pillow company that doesnt try to overthrow the government and, before you know it, the mainstream media was conducting fawning interviews with Hogg to promote the fledgling company.

The dynamic duo was not ready for prime time and soon began making rookie mistakes, such as publicly announcing the name of the company while forgetting to trademark the name beforehand. As a result, Hogg and LeGate found themselves in the embarrassing position of having created a buzz about the company when they didnt even own the name.

Image: David Hogg (edited). YouTube screen grab.

By the middle of the following month, Hogg apparently realized that starting a company was actual work and resigned from the company, relinquishing his ownership. He released a statement saying that he needed to focus on his studies and his work in the gun violence prevention movement, namely March for Our Lives.

LeGate somehow managed to resolve the copyright issue, perhaps by changing the company name from Good Pillow to GoodPillow (which is more like MyPillow anyway.) The business has an official website that looks like it was built by a high school kid who flunked out of web design class. With an amateurish website and a launch date coming in less than a month, GoodPillow appears doomed before it officially launches.

By comparison, the website for March for Our Lives looks likewell, every bit as professional as the website for MyPillow. David Hogg is listed as a board member but its clear hes just a minor cog in the much bigger machine laser-focused on the conflicted liberal goals of both ending gun violence by suing gun manufacturers out of existence while somehow simultaneously achieving peace without police. Hogg likes to present himself as a leader of the movement in front of the camera but, behind the scenes, hes more like a minnow swimming in a school of sharks.

Recently David made news by publicly alleging that Senator Marco Rubio had refused to meet with him, claiming Rubio was afraid because his physical presence might trigger the senator from Florida. Unfortunately for Hogg, Rubios office kept receipts showing that Rubio had a meeting scheduled with Hogg that was canceled only after Hogg lied to the media and made false claims about Rubio. David was forced to issue a public apology. Anyone else would have had their credibility utterly destroyed by such a buffoonish gaffe, but Hogg just seemed to shrug it off like water off a ducks back before going on to his next interview.

My problem isnt that Rubio canceled the meeting. My problem is that the interview was even scheduled in the first place. What makes David Hogg newsworthy? Why should one of the one hundred most important people in America waste his time on a self-aggrandizing nitwit?

Not only did an egregious public lie about Marco Rubio fail to destroy Hoggs career as a public activist, but less than a week later, Time magazine fawningly described him as older, wiser David Hogg for his willingness to accept a compromise that totally guts the Second Amendment. This segues nicely into my real question: Who is David Hoggs P.R. guy behind the scenes?

Search for David Hogg using Google and youll get roughly 16.3 million hits. Even more impressive, the entire first page of search results is all about him. Heck, if you search for Greta Thunberg youll get 17.3 million hits, only one million more for an international media rock star, as opposed to a domestic U.S. wannabe.

We know the secret identity of the brains behind the Trayvon Martin scamRyan Julison. Attorneys Benjamin Crump and Natalie Jackson hired the Orlando-based public relations executive to craft an alternative narrative to the official ruling in the case of self-defense. His company website also boasts of doing work for the families of George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, and Ahmad Arbery but gives no mention of Hogg.

So, who is the evil genius behind David Hogg? Someone is propping up the kid. PR Week named Hogg Communicator of the Year in 2019. He claimed to throw away his notes before giving his acceptance speech in order to speak from the heart, but it sure sounded scripted to me.

Hogg is only a marionette. Who is the puppeteer?
We have not seen an Abbott vs. O'Rourke poll in a month. Maybe the pollsters prefer spending their resources elsewhere. Last night, I saw this one via Newsweek:

A new poll published on Monday found that Abbott, a Republican, leads O'Rourke by 19 points among likely Texas voters but also found widespread support for new restrictions on gun purchases. The BluePrint Polling survey found that 48.5 percent of respondents said they would definitely vote for Abbott, while 7 percent were leaning toward the Republican. A further 32.9 percent said they would definitely vote for O'Rourke and just 4.3 percent said they were leaning toward the Democrat. While 7 percent of those surveyed said they were unsure who they would vote for, the figures show aggregate support for Abbott now stands at 56 percent and O'Rourke enjoys just 37 percent support  a gap of 19 points.

The poll is a bit different because it gives you a couple of potential scenarios: definitely and leaning.

To be sure, I had never seen a poll by BluePrint Polling. It could be a new agency or an old one with a new name.

The "definitely" vote is similar to the current RCP average of Abbott plus 7. The leaning vote of 56-37% could be correct, but there is no other poll showing a gap like that. We will have to wait for the next one. A margin of 19 reminds us of 2014, when Governor Abbott was elected by defeating Wendy Davis by 20. The governor won by 13 the year of the Beto wave of 2018.

This poll is the first one since "The Beto Show" in Uvalde, Texas. Remember when Robert Francis interrupted a press conference to blame the school shooting on Governor Abbott? It does not appear he scored any points from that performance.

On another note, congratulations to Mayra Flores for flipping Texas #34. Her victory confirms that voters in that district reject President Biden's border disaster and more importantly, do not recognize the Democrat party that their parents and grandparents used to vote for.

PS: Check out my videos and posts.

Image: Gage Skidmore.
Many Americans are hopeful that the instigators of the gain-of-function, human-engineered COVID-19 virus and experimental vaccines will be held accountable for their actions that have caused millions of deaths and widespread suffering worldwide. Punishing these people for their actions is essential to hopefully serving as a deterrent to prevent future human engineered viruses, such as an extremely lethal "weaponized" bird flu, from being inflicted upon the peoples of the world.

Whereas the COVID-19 virus has a worldwide mortality rate of less than three percent, bird flu's mortality rate among the extremely small number of humans who have contracted it in its natural state is as high as 50 percent! The effects of the monkeypox virus currently being reported may be very mild in comparison with a pandemic caused by a highly lethal, weaponized bird flu.

Unlike a recent United Kingdom filing to the International Criminal Court (see below), no action has yet been taken by any American prosecutor to seriously investigate and, if warranted, convene a grand jury to hear evidence that could result in criminal indictments against numerous officials for their actions prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Depending on the evidence produced and applicable criminal code, criminal charges could range from criminal negligence and/or involuntary manslaughter to murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Because it is highly unlikely that the federal government will seriously investigate, much less prosecute, any high-ranking individual for his actions, it falls to state attorneys general and local county and municipal prosecutors to undertake such investigations and prosecutions on behalf of injured citizens (victims) living in their respective states, counties, and municipalities.

However, unless a prosecutor is extremely brave and willing to act on his own initiative, regardless of intense adverse criticism sure to happen, such a prosecutor needs to be heavily buttressed and supported by numerous well known individuals and organizations, all seeking justice for the victims of COVID-19-related crimes.

A COVID-19 victim is defined as 1) next of kin of a family member killed by the COVID-19 virus, 2) a person who has suffered an adverse reaction or died due to a COVID-19 experimental inoculation, or 3) a person who contracted the COVID-19 virus and survived. As of June 8, 2022, there were nearly 87 million reported cases of people in America contracting the COVID-19 virus, with over a million attributed deaths.

Additionally, there have been thousands of reported cases in America of serious adverse reactions to COVID-19 experimental vaccines and many deaths attributed to the vaccines.

It is a safe assumption that few Americans know about the December 6, 2021 filing with the International Criminal Court (ICC) accusing 16 high-ranking individuals of genocide and other related crimes against humanity due to their actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ICC filing is on behalf of the people of the United Kingdom (U.K.) who have suffered over 160,000 COVID-19 deaths and serious adverse reactions to mandated experimental vaccines.

Regarding the ICC filing, it should be noted that one of the "plaintiffs" in the filing is none other than the former vice president and chief scientific officer at Pfizer's Global Allergy and Respiratory Research Department, Dr. Michael Yeadon. Ostensibly, Dr. Yeadon could be an expert witness before a grand jury and trial convened by a state attorney general to present evidence of COVID-19-related criminal activity according to the states' criminal code.

Absent meaningful punishment, the diabolical people causing the COVID-19 virus and pandemic undoubtedly will be emboldened to cause greater devastation and suffering among the peoples of the world. They view their actions as justified in order to achieve a "great reset" and new world order where through fear of infection, the so-called "elites" of the world (including members of the World Health Organization and World Economic Forum) will be able to control peoples thoughts, speech, and actions.

America truly needs a courageous state or local prosecutor to step up and begin to seriously investigate the criminality of numerous high ranking officials regarding their actions prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the Florida attorney general could start or base an investigation on the testimonies of numerous next-of-kin family members of COVID-19 death victims who have been identified in various publications. Once the investigation becomes public knowledge, many additional Florida victims will most likely come forward seeking justice for their injuries and losses.

It has been established that the gain-of-function COVID-19 research performed by the Chinese communist government at the Wuhan Laboratory was a reckless, clandestine activity authorized, sponsored, and funded by Fauci, Collins, Daszak, and other officials. The U.S. Department of Defense refused to perform this research as it was deemed unsafe and violated a moratorium on such research. This gain-of-function research led either directly or indirectly to the suffering and deaths of hundreds of thousands of American citizens and residents.

It is truly time to punish criminal behavior that has inflicted so much suffering and death on Americans and peoples of the world. America needs a bold and courageous prosecutor, having strong public support, to bring about justice for the victims of COVID-19 related crimes!

Paul S. Gardiner is a retired Army officer, Vietnam veteran, and graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Alabama, and the United States Army War College. He is hopeful that the contents of this article will stimulate one or more American prosecutors to begin a thorough investigation (leading to criminal indictments) of numerous officials regarding their actions prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Image: qimono via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
The Biden administration was left with egg all over its face when, after embracing a phony leftist narrative about Border Patrol agents "whipping" migrants illegally crossing into the U.S., it quietly dropped the matter and hoped no one would notice.

They should have apologized to the agents.

Instead, they're coming for the agents a second time.

According to Fox News:

The Department of Homeland Security is preparing to discipline "multiple" horseback Border Patrol agents involved in the infamous "whipping" incident of Haitian migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border back in September. A federal source told Fox News an announcement on the matter is expected within the coming days.

That is disgusting.

It was pretty obvious that a photographer's image of migrants attempting to break into the country illegally and overworked Border Patrol agents trying to stop them in the midst of a surge was all that was going on.

But the left had its narratives to promote. The illegal crossers were black Haitians. The Border Patrol agents were Hispanic, which, to leftists, was close enough to white. White Hispanics, see? The parallels to slavery with whips and black people were just what the left wanted to promote, first thing that got leftists' interest on the bigger story, which was the border surge.

But all they were were long reins.

So the Bidenites smeared the agents doing their jobs, claiming outrage, claiming they saw whips. The Department of Homeland Security placed the agents on administrative leave. Joe Biden himself declared there would be swift punishment, and "those people will pay." They vowed to get to the bottom of it  swiftly, which, having nothing to prosecute, was not swift. Turned out there were no whips whatsoever, and the agents were just doing their jobs. The crisis was entirely media-driven by ignorant Beltway reporters unfamiliar with horseback riding and the rough terrain of the U.S. border badlands.

You'd think the Biden administration would want to make it right with the agents and quietly drop the matter.

But nooooo. Joe is coming back for a second swing at the agents. Seems there are some promises he actually keeps.

So now we have this sorry spectacle of the Department of Homeland Security vowing to punish the agents some new way since they couldn't get a criminal prosecution going.

The source said that DHS will be putting forth proposals to discipline the agents who will have a chance to respond to the charges. The charges, Fox News is told, are "administrative violations," and do not amount to criminal conduct  of which the agents were previously cleared.

It smacks of spite, revenge, and politicized payback, an extended persecution, given that they couldn't get the agents the first time and still owe them an apology. Can't get them the first time? Got egg all over your face for your idiocy? Well, then, time to pin something else on them. Perhaps they will pin on them that they talked rudely to the illegal entrants in the act of breaking U.S. law, instead of acted as customer service agents giving them a helping hand in.

They've got to try to save face. And you can bet that the locals notice.

It goes to show that the Bidenites are indeed at war with the men and women who serve their country guarding and protecting the U.S. border under dangerous, dirty conditions, often with significant heroism.

But that doesn't matter to Team Biden. Everything they do is from the perspective of succoring the illegally entering migrants' comfort and convenience. Migrants can see that, and that's encouraging them to keep coming over, wreaking havoc on Texas and other borderland communities.

It doesn't help that Border Patrol agents, who saved an entire elementary school from being massacred in Uvalde, Texas less than a month ago, were given the back of the hand by the Biden administration, with no real acknowledgment of their heroism at all. When Joe Biden visited Uvalde, he studiously ignored the guys who charged the shooter and stopped his killing of kids.

While the left tried to racialize the incident with the phony "whips" narrative, a more authentic racism was starting to get obvious from the heroism in Uvalde as the Bidenites sought to punish the border agents. That Border Patrol agents are largely Hispanic-Americans, well integrated with the border communities seeing the influx of crime and disorder from the migrant surges as well as crime in general, and are heroes in these communities. The Bidenites still don't notice that.

Now that Biden has a revenge thing going on against the Hispanic-American agents, it seems pretty obvious that Hispanic voters in those communities can see that the target is they. This is why we are seeing defensive "challenge coins" like these turning up.

With the punishment/revenge drive relentless, expect these Hispanic voters in these Hispanic communities to create a bigger swing toward the Republican Party in coming elections. Mayra Flores's surprise win in this week's vote for the Texas 34th Congressional District was just the beginning.

The Bidenites, as usual, are asleep, but it hasn't stopped their venal instincts to save their pathetic faces. Spite and revenge are all they have left.

Image: Screen shot from video posted by Al Jazeera via shareable YouTube.
by Ronald Ssekandi

KAMPALA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who currently chairs the East African Community (EAC), has summoned army commanders in the East African region for a meeting to finalize preparations for deploying a force in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) which has faced decades of war.

The commanders, according to President Kenyatta's statement issued on Wednesday, will meet on Sunday in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, which is also working on a political solution in DRC, the latest member of the EAC. The EAC regional bloc brings together Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and now DRC, which joined this year.

Before the Sunday meeting, Kenyatta called for an immediate cessation of all hostilities in eastern DRC. He said all armed groups, both foreign and local should lay down arms immediately and unconditionally and to commit to a political process.

"I further call for the declaration of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces as a weapons-free zone, where any individual or group carrying weapons outside the official and legally deployed and mandated forces in the country will be disarmed," he said.

Kenyatta said he made the call after consulting with his counterparts in the region by telephone on June 14-15.

Uganda, which has troops in DRC fighting the Allied Democratic Forces, an affiliate of the Islamic State in central Africa, took heed of Kenyatta's call and instructed all its troops to hold their positions and wait for further instructions.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, through Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Commander Land Forces said there should be no troop movement until there is a regional decision.

Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye on Thursday tweeted, welcoming the call by Kenyatta saying the move aims at stabilizing eastern DRC for the well-being of all the population of the region.

Regional leaders met in Nairobi on April 21 and agreed to deploy a regional force in eastern DRC among other measures to promote peace and stability in the mineral-rich country and the greater East African region.

The EAC moves to deploy its troops into the restive region where the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in DRC (MONUSCO) has also been deployed since 1999.

Currently, there is also a diplomatic clash between Rwanda and DRC, with the latter accusing Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels who are responsible for the latest fighting that has forced thousands of people to flee to Uganda. Observers say the EAC force is likely to face an uphill task to pacify the vast forested region that has many rebel groups with different interests.

POLITICAL TRACK

The EAC is handling the Congo crisis with a multi-pronged approach. At the heads of state meeting in Nairobi on April 21, the leaders agreed that all armed groups in the DRC participate unconditionally in the political process to resolve their grievances.

"Failure to do so, all Congolese armed groups would be considered as negative forces and handled militarily by the region," a communique issued at the end of the meeting said.

President Kenyatta as the convener of the Inter-Congolese (DRC) consultations of the Nairobi Process on Wednesday said the political process is backed by the international community including the United Nations and the African Union.

He warned that the recent fighting is a threat to regional efforts including the promotion of outcomes of the ongoing consultations between armed groups and the Congolese government. 
The resolution adopted by the overwhelming majority of the International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors on June 8 put an end to a chapter that was long overdue. Three years after President Donald Trump ditched the 2015 nuclear deal and more than 16 months after a new candid transatlantic effort was initiated to restore the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Tehran proved itself untrustworthy and is rapidly taking more steps to bury hopes for any agreement with this regime.

During eight rounds of Vienna Talks, the United States and the European trio came up with the most delicate set of concessions, and IAEA chief Rafael Grossi traveled thousands of miles to give diplomacy a chance.

But in practice, Tehran kept throwing wrenches at the negotiating table by insisting on demands it knew could never be met. It also failed to cooperate with the U.N. nuclear watchdog and violated an official Joint Statement that was agreed between vice president of Iran, also the president of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Mohammad Eslami, and the IAEA director general.

Conceitedly certain that its ties with Russian and China will protect it from a United Nations Security Council resolution, Iran's regime continues to be defiant and announced that it has removed 27 IAEA surveillance cameras at its sites while installing two new IR6 cascades at its underground Natanz nuclear facility. Taking these steps, coupled with the Iranian regime president Ebrahim Raisi's denouncing the BoG resolution, the clerical dictatorship is testing the waters. Choosing the fate of Kim Jong-il over Moammar Gaddafi's, the regime's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, will certainly take more steps if his regime remains unpunished for the path taken.

But Tehran is making a big mistake. The stakes for China and Russia are much higher than a UNSC resolution.

There is now major bipartisan resolve in the U.S., a transatlantic consensus in the West, and a pervasive coalition in the Middle East that wants to make sure that this regime will never acquire a nuclear weapon.

Russia, the veto power that Tehran is mainly betting upon, is heavily sanctioned by the West because of the Ukraine invasion and has now become the regime's main rival competing for the global energy market, even China's. Moscow might be willing to challenge the West on many fronts, but not when it's risking more sanctions for a southern neighbor strolling on the nuclear threshold.

China has become a major player in Iran's market, but Beijing is definitely more in need of Iran's Middle Eastern adversaries than it needs Tehran. Saudi Arabia is even willing to sell oil to China in yuans, and the trade value of the European Union with China in 2021 was about 700 billion euros, compared to the Iran-China trade, worth $14.8B in the same year.

If the world decides to end the two-decades-long cat-and-mouse game with Tehran and hold the mullahs to account for their nuclear belligerence that is mounted on top of a global terror network, there are 80 million Iranians supporting the move. The total cost of the regime's nuclear project and secret facilities, first exposed by the Iranian Resistance, has reached about $2 trillion, which is one of the most important causes of the terrible poverty ailing and failing the Iranian people.

According to the Washington-based Arms Control Association, "the UN Security Council Resolution 2231 that was drafted to ensure that no veto-wielding Security Council member could block the re-imposition of sanctions, grants named JCPOA participants the right to call for a resolution to continue the lifting of sanctions on Iran which could subsequently be vetoed by the United States, France, Russia, China, or the United Kingdom. Resolution 2231 still names the United States as a participant because the text was never amended to reflect U.S. withdrawal from the deal in May 2018."

Europe has now a historic role to play. Whether it decides to yield to indecision or collects the will to rise to the occasion will matter today as it will for generations to come. If an axis of tyrants wants to render and extort the United Nations useless, it takes an allied free world to get it back where it belongs.

Jim Higgins is an Irish former Fine Gael politician. He served as a member of Seanad Eireann, Dail Eireann, and was an EPP member of the European Parliament for the North-West constituency from 2004 to 2014.

Image: Pixabay.
An American Enlightenment? The very idea of an American Enlightenment is surprising to many Americans. Yet the editor of The Enlightenment Reader, a collection of writings from the Enlightenment Era, wrote that "America was the embodiment and natural home of the Enlightenment." The Enlightenment Reader, like other collections of writings from the Enlightenment Era, features the great documents of the American founding  the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, The Federalist Papers  but Americans usually don't think of the founding documents in that way. Wasn't the Enlightenment about the ideas of the Voltaire and his followers in France and elsewhere in Europe?

Actually, there was more than one Enlightenment, and the French Enlightenment was only one of them. Consequently, when people refer to "the Enlightenment" it is often wise to ask, "Which one?"

To get clear about the various Enlightenments, Gertrude Himmelfarb's The Roads to Modernity: The British, French, and American Enlightenments is a great place to start. Her discussions of the French and the American Enlightenments especially are models of brevity, clarity, and scholarly command of the subject.

Professor Himmelfarb brilliantly contrasts the French Enlightenment, which she terms "the Ideology of Reason," and the American Enlightenment, termed by her "the Politics of Liberty." Although the French thinkers and the American Founders were contemporaries, they were working in very different directions on very different projects. The French did not have the Founders' laser-like focus on political liberty. The differences in these two Enlightenments are reflected in the differences in the nations that emerged from their revolutions. The American Revolution gave us George Washington, the elected leader of a limited government with a written constitution; the French Revolution gave the world Napoleonic France, the prototype of the modern war-making totalitarian state, the full potential of which was to be realized in the twentieth century.

When people discuss "the Enlightenment" and leave out the American Enlightenment, they leave out the crowning achievement of the Era of the Enlightenments.

But America does get left out of those discussions. America is a problem for experts on the Enlightenment Era because America simply does not fit into the paradigm they prefer. Experts like to refer to the Enlightenment Era as the Age of Reason, implying that the Enlightenment was about the ideas of Voltaire and his followers. If America provided the favored paradigm, the alternative name for that era would have to be the Age of Common Sense. In addition, experts will tell you that the Enlightenment Era lasted from around 1685 until around 1815, but the American Enlightenment was still going strong until late in the nineteenth century.

When Lord Acton visited Harvard in 1853, he found that the philosophy taught there was the commonsense realism of the American Founders. It would have been the same if he had visited Princeton or Yale or Columbia or any other college in America. In those days, American colleges were teaching young Americans to think like the American Founders  that is, to think like Americans. In the words of the distinguished American historian Allen Guelzo: "Before the Civil War, every major [American] collegiate intellectual was a disciple" of commonsense realism. Although the Enlightenment Era was over and done with in Europe, the American Enlightenment was alive and well in academia in America for long after Acton's visit to Harvard. For example, James McCosh, president of Princeton from 1868 until 1888, continued to advance commonsense realism, published prolifically, and was influential in America throughout his long academic career.

The appointment of Woodrow Wilson in 1902 to the presidency once held by McCosh marks the final end of commonsense realism in American higher education, and Wilson's election to the presidency once held by George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in 1912 marks the beginning of the rise of Progressives in American politics. Wilson was a follower of the German philosopher GWF Hegel. Hegel idolized Napoleon and inspired Karl Marx; his thinking was profoundly at odds with commonsense realism. Wilson in his turn rejected the self-evident truths of the Declaration and scorned the Constitution.

The best way to understand the project of the Progressive left in America is to realize that the Progressives are the dedicated enemies of the achievements of the American Enlightenment. The American left is the declared enemy of the American founding and all its works  and of common sense and the philosophy of commonsense realism the Founders relied on in carrying out the work of the founding. Leftists have only contempt for the American Founders. That is what explains their determination to get rid of the Electoral College, to do away with the First and the Second Amendments, to make war on common sense, and to press on until no trace of the American founding remains.

Robert Curry serves on the Board of Directors of the Claremont Institute. He is the author of Reclaiming Common Sense: Finding Truth in a Post-Truth World and Common Sense Nation: Unlocking the Forgotten Power of the American Idea. Both are published by Encounter Books.

Image via Pixy.
Every time I get excited thinking about the elections in November 2022, my rapture is checked by the prospect that Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy are in line to lead the Republican Party in the Senate and the House of Representatives. That's not the change we need.

If the Republicans win the House, Kevin McCarthy will become the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. Kevin is photogenic and amiable, but what are his views, and can he cast a vision for conservatives? I am not sure he is a conservative. I fear he is a RINO. I fear he is a Paul Ryan wannabe. In terms of presidential succession, the speaker of the House is third in line. Is Kevin McCarthy qualified to be POTUS? We live in dangerous times, and I wonder if it is wise to give the speaker's gavel to a Ken doll.

Kevin McCarthy is 57 years old, but Mitch McConnell is 80 years old. McConnell is a RINO. Except for keeping Merrick Garland off the Supreme Court (for which he deserves thanks), he was mostly a thorn in President Trump's side. McConnell has business connections with Chinese shipbuilding interests. (Why do "we the people" allow any of the politicians serving us to have any foreign business connections?) When the controversies arose about the 2020 election, McConnell sided with Biden and the mainstream media. With friends like McConnell, who needs enemies?

Sure, I get excited about showing Schumer and Pelosi the door, but will McConnell and McCarthy get us where we want to go?



Image: McCarthy and McConnell (edited). YouTube screen grab.

We need McChange! Whom would I prefer over McConnell? Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana comes to mind with his homespun sense of humor and memorable one-liners. He can string words together and sounds thoughtful. I have seen him question members of Biden's Cabinet, and he is a fighter. Like Reagan, Kennedy once was a Democrat. Like Reagan, he knows how the donkeys think. If you prefer someone younger than Kennedy, who is 70 years old, Senator Rand Paul, aged 59, possesses a record of independent thinking, which commends him as an alternate candidate.

Either Jim Jordan of Ohio or Steve Scalise of Louisiana would also make good speakers.

When Donald Trump announced his candidacy in 2015, he gave us a slogan that expresses the desire of many citizens: Make America Great Again. Politicians in Washington quietly adhere to another slogan: Make China Great. According to the New York Post, Biden and his family have collected 31 million dollars from China. McConnell is also heavily invested in China.

November 2022 offers us a chance to correct the damage done by Biden/Harris. We need "America first" leaders. It is time for McChange.

Ned Cosbys new novel is OUTCRY, exposing the refusal of Christian leaders to discipline clergy who sexually abuse our young people. This work of fiction addresses crimes that are all too real. For more info, visit www.nedcosby.com.
The allegation that Western countries are rife with systemic discrimination appears in virtually every discussion of race and ethnicity, especially in the United States. While there is no question that there has been discrimination in the United States, the days of it being a consequence of institutionalization by government are in the distant past. There is but one exception today: the indoctrination of students by activists who are supported by powerful teachers' unions and administrators.

In particular, there is a move to teach students an ethnic studies curriculum designed by the same people who promote the boycott, divest, and sanction movement. This credo wrongfully (and unlawfully) alleges that Jews are white supremacists who have colonized distant lands in violation of the rights of indigenous populations.

I am the son of a Holocaust survivor, and most of my mother's family was slaughtered in Europe. Our presence in Europe was the direct result of thousands of years of discrimination and ethnic cleansing by, among others, European and Arab invaders who conquered and occupied our homeland of the land of Israel. The idea that we are white supremacists is the ultimate expression of blaming the victim and ignoring documented history.

More important, though, is the damage done to Jews by antisemitic activists who have successfully brainwashed a significant swath of America that Jews are equivalent to Nazis and Klansmen. Worse, progressive activists in populous states like California are now indoctrinating young minds with Marxist ideology, teaching students that Jews are a monolithic people who have stolen land from an indigenous population in the Middle East. These impossibly illogical claims even circulate among members of Congress.

I recently finished a law review article, to be published in a peer-reviewed journal in the near future, titled "The True History and Legal Meaning of Colonialism in the Holy Land: The 2042 B.C.E. Project," as a counterpoint to the disinformation and abject historical revisionism being pushed on students by progressive activists. This article explores the history of Jews and Judaism in the Middle East and provides a detailed examination of how Jews are the sole surviving indigenous population in the land of Israel. In researching this article, I was surprised to discover the extensive history of cultural appropriation of Jews, primarily by Muslims but also by other foreign populations.

For example, I learned that when Mohamed founded Islam, hundreds of years after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, he chose the Jewish city of Yathrib to start his religion.



The Western Wall in Jerusalem is a remnant of the Second Temple and now has a mosque built on top of the holiest site in Judaism.

Yathrib, a historic Jewish city that was home to Jews who were displaced from the land of Israel during the Roman invasions, was chosen specifically because of its large and longstanding Jewish population. Today, Yathrib is called Medina in Saudi Arabia.

From Yathrib, Mohamed and his forces began an imperialist campaign to conquer other Jewish communities and sites, ultimately resulting in the occupation of Jerusalem and the desecration and appropriation of the most holy of Jewish sites and the genocide of Jewish populations across the region. In fact, the practice of setting up garrison settlements in foreign lands (Amsar), a classic example of colonialism, became common and was instrumental in the rapid spread of Islam. As Islam matured in the years following the death of Mohamed, it became a more distinctly colonial system, uprooting the traditional social and political structure of numerous small, sovereign tribes and replacing it with a centralized structure where the caliph, and his affiliates, were the primary source of governance and control.

Will students who are forced to learn ethnic studies be taught of this history? As it stands now, not only will students not be taught about the history of the Jewish people and our homeland, but they will also, instead, be taught a series of lies that strip Jews of our history and rights and deem the occupiers (Palestinian Arabs) as the occupied. If the proposed ethnic studies programs are implemented, an entire generation of young people will be taught that Jews are modern-day Nazis, and Jewish students will be forced to repeat propaganda that undermines their entire ethnicity.

So not only will Jews have been subjected to ethnic cleansing in their homeland, but we will also have our ethnic identity erased. For those who say "there should be a law against that," there is: the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. History shows that Jews are the indigenous people of the land of Israel, and the current attempt to deny us our inherent rights is nothing less than the continuation of the ethnic cleansing campaign that originated with the Babylonians and continues today with Palestinian Arabs and their supporters.

That positive treatment of the historic ethnic cleansing of Jews, and overt incitement to continue it today, will now be part of the curriculum for many American students is an even greater crime.

Photo credit: Golasso, CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Unions serve their members, and society in general, when they advocate for fair wages and safe working conditions. It's when they venture outside this traditional role into controversies like abortion; gun control; and boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) that it's time to think, "Who ya gonna call?

Unionbusters!" There are in fact attorneys who specialize in decertification of unions. I found this one via a Google search; his web page looks self-explanatory. I also found the Labor Relations Institute, which has a page on how to decertify a union. The Professional Staff Congress at City University of New York (CUNY) and the Seattle Education Association (SEA) are, among others, poster children for union-busters.

Six CUNY professors have sued PSC-CUNY for alleged anti-Semitic behavior  namely, support for the anti-Israel boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement. PSC-CUNY admits that dozens of members have resigned, which is an easily foreseeable consequence of bringing a controversy like this under the roof of an organization whose mission relates solely to collective bargaining. Numerous members complained, "Over the past five years, the PSC has addressed only one other foreign policy issue: a statement in support of China which opposed a U.S. policy of a 'Cold War' against China. This despite China's well-documented human rights abuses." Another professor complained, "I cannot financially support a union that is at odds with my security and that of my Jewish colleagues and students."

PSC-CUNY: Shill for Hamas and Communist China

PSC-CUNY plays the race card to shill for Communist China's murderous regime under color of protecting Chinese-Americans who probably immigrated to get away from the regime in question. "[I]t is our duty to join in solidarity with Chinese fellow-workers, educators and scholars to oppose US military spending for a Cold War in China, which leads to further racism at home[.]" Woke pigeon chess is when the pigeon knocks over the pieces, calls its opponent a racist, and says it has won. On another note, PSC-CUNY, as you claim to have such deep concern for people of Chinese ethnicity, what do you have to say about the human rights of Hong Kong Chinese and Taiwanese? No? I thought not.

My position is that any person or organization that supports BDS is a stooge, dupe, or enabler for Hamas even if the person or organization does not condone Hamas's violent behavior. I refer to them as the Hamas-American Bund. Hamas's charter calls openly for genocide of Jews: "The time will not come until Muslims will fight the Jews (and kill them); until the Jews hide behind rocks and trees, which will cry: O Muslim! there is a Jew hiding behind me, come on and kill him!" The same charter calls for apartheid treatment (dhimmitude) of Christians, and "Palestine civil society" also engages in often-violent discrimination against peaceful Muslims, women, and LGBT people. If PSC-CUNY is going to serve as an enabler of or apologist for Hamas and also the Communist Chinese regime, it should be treated with the same revulsion we accorded the German-American Bund in the early 1940s.

The question is therefore as to what nonviolent and lawful means are available with which to dismantle PSC-CUNY, SEA, and similar BDS-supporting unions. While complaints to the Internal Revenue Service for ultra vires (outside the organization's charter and scope) activities have been tried for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities like the American Studies Association, and also 501(c)(5) unions similar to PSC-CUNY, I have yet to see a tax exemption revoked on these grounds. Even though the IRS says, "An organization must pursue the exempt activities it promised in its IRS application for exemption," its Exempt Organizations Division is shorthanded, and ultra vires is clearly not its top priority.

The most effective way to take down a 501(c)(3) organization is, on the other hand, a Form 13909 complaint for "involved in a political campaign" because this apparently goes to the top of the IRS's list. The Political Activity Compliance Initiative (PACI) appears to fast-track these complaints; numerous 501(c)(3)s, such as the Church at Pierce Creek, have had their tax exemptions revoked for political involvement. Black Lives Matter Global Networks, whose founder denied the right of Israel to exist, and which campaigned openly against President Trump in 2020 before it established a political action committee, no longer claims, for whatever reason, to be able to accept tax-deductible contributions. The group was still listed as 501(c)(3) on the IRS's website when I last checked, but the group no longer claims to be tax-exempt.

Citizens United Protects 501(c)(5) Unions

PSC-CUNY's website also attempted to influence the 2020 presidential election, which would have once been a violation but is now acceptable due to the Citizens United decision. "[O]ur country cannot survive another four years of a racist and deceitful Trump Administration. We need an undeniable election in favor of the Biden/Harris ticket to get Trump out of the White House" would be cause for the rapid revocation of a 501(c)(3)'s tax exemption, and similarly explicit content on BLM's website, such as comparison of Trump to a Nazi with a neck tattoo, will hopefully get BLM's exemption pulled. The issue is not what anybody thinks of Donald Trump, because comparison of Joe Biden to a house plant also would probably violate the Johnson Amendment if done prior to an election, so conservative 501(c)(3)s need to steer clear of this sort of thing as well.

This does not mean, however, that PSC-CUNY's political involvement cannot be used as a wedge to turn members against the union, encourage them to undermine the union at every possible opportunity, and call for decertification. A lot of members clearly do not like BDS, and some have sued the union as a result. PSC-CUNY's Facebook page also advocates gun control, which probably goes over well in New York City. Support for abortion is, on the other hand, likely to be very offensive to PSC-CUNY's Catholic and other pro-life members. Catholics and other pro-life people have every right to take exception to a collective bargaining organization that supports abortion regardless of what you, I, or anybody else thinks about the issue in question.

Treat PSC-CUNY and SEA as the Enemy

The German-American Bund shilled for the odious Nazi regime during the 1930s, and now we have Russian trolls who shill for Vladimir Putin on social media. Not only do PSC-CUNY and the Seattle Education Association support BDS, but PSC-CUNY also seems to be an enabler for Communist China. If this organization has been hijacked by political ideologues who use it as a vehicle for their own agendas, as opposed to its actual mission of collective bargaining, the proper course of action is to dismantle it with whatever nonviolent and lawful means are at hand. If PSC-CUNY's members see a need for union representation afterward, they can create new unions whose rules forbid absolutely any activity unrelated to collective bargaining.

In the meantime, employees are in fact free to refuse to pay any portion of union dues unrelated to collective bargaining. "Known as objectors, they are no longer union members, but are still protected by the contract."

Civis Americanus is the pen name of a contributor who remembers the lessons of history and wants to ensure that our country never needs to learn those lessons again the hard way. The author is remaining anonymous due to the likely prospect of being subjected to "cancel culture" for exposing the Big Lie behind Black Lives Matter.

Image via Max Pixel.
Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas, directed state agencies last February to investigate the use of "gender-affirming care" for transgender children.

This directive came shortly after Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general, stated that "gender-affirming" regimens and procedures for transgender children, such as surgery to reconstruct breasts and genitals and puberty-blocking medications, legally constitute child abuse.

President Biden described the investigation as "government overreach at its worst." On June 8, 2022, parents of trans children filed a lawsuit against Texas in order to stop these investigations, as they claim that these medical procedures are necessary for treating gender dysphoria and therefore are not child abuse.

Child abuse as defined by federal law is "any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker, which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation" or "an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm."

How is permanently altering a child's body based on the child's "feelings" not child abuse? So if a child "feels" like jumping off a cliff, do we let him? What if he "feels" like cutting off his fingers? Do we let him do that? What if the child feels, not pretends to be, but feels, like a cat? Do we allow him to use a litter box? Do we allow him to ignore reality? Or do we help him to face reality? And when we don't help him, when we actually aid him in placing his feelings above reality, such as damaging his body, how does that not result in serious physical or emotional harm? Especially a few years later or during adulthood, when he hates and resents what was done to him?

The role of a parent is to protect his child from harm, teach him how to think and make good choices, identify reality, help him understand long-range consequences, and help him to understand that his feelings are not superior to reason. The parents of children wanting to transition to the opposite sex are doing none of these things. Instead, they are teaching their child that their whims are superior to reality by caving into the influence and pressure of the transgender movement. Why are they doing that?

Ideas have consequences, and there are some pretty bad ideas about raising children that have caught on in our culture thanks to John Dewey.

Dewey (18491952) was a social determinist and the father of progressive education, the dominant educational system in our country. He did not think objective truth exists: "[the] quest for certainty that is universal, applying to everything, is a compensatory perversion." He also thought the teacher is not an authority and should not control the educational process. Instead, children should control it. His ideas have led to the present day childrearing practice of permissiveness, based on the notions that the child should have unlimited freedom and that the child should not be told "no" when he wants to do something he shouldn't do.

Therefore, when a child says he feels like the opposite sex, his parents do not tell him that feelings are not facts because they think there is no such thing as objective reality. And anyway, the adult is not an authority, so how can parents say no to a child who should have unlimited freedom?

The ultimate consequences will be children who grow up and carry on with a demented view of reality. It will be mutilated adults who have been robbed of their own bodies when they were innocent and trusting children. They were robbed of puberty, a time in their lives when children learn how to accept their changing bodies and emotions. As adults, they have been robbed of the ability to have children without unnatural, man-made complications. There is more going on here than just physical harm. Don't think that lack of self-autonomy won't create psychological and emotional harm.

We are now witnessing the horrifying results of Dewey's ideas. Transgender transformations are a firm slap at reality allowed by pathetically weak parents. Yes, it is child abuse, brutal child abuse, and if not stopped, children and our culture will suffer for it.

Charlotte Cushman is a Montessori educator who taught for over 40 years and co-owned and operated two Montessori schools. She authored Montessori: Why It Matters for Your Child's Success and Happiness, Effective Discipline the Montessori Way, and Your Life Belongs to You. She has been involved in the study of Ayn Rand's philosophy since 1970. Her book website is Cushmanbooks.com, and her opposition to social justice in Montessori website is authenticmontessorieducation.com.

Image: Andre Koehne via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
The tech world runs on internet browsers and so do businesses. With the news that Microsoft officially killed support for Internet Explorer, people are having to switch up. This process is easier said than done for some markets, however. It turns out that many Japanese businesses actually still use Internet Explorer.

After nearly 30 years of being on the market, Microsoft finally made the decision to retire Internet Explorer. The program was released back in 1995, and it rose to be the most used browser before Google Chrome swooped in. Yesterday, Microsoft officially pulled the plug on most user versions of Windows. Some versions are still going to receive updates for Internet Explorer until they reach the end of their life cycles.

A high percentage of Japanese businesses still use Internet Explorer

According to Nikkei Asia, there are many Japanese businesses that still use Internet Explorer. A report from Keymans Net gives us an idea of how many businesses were talking about. As per the report, about 49% of the respondents still use the browser. Thats a significant amount of businesses that will need to make the switch to another browser.

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Obviously, Microsoft recommends that they switch over to Edge, but it seems that a fair number of businesses are going over to Google Chrome. Thats to be expected, however.

Another shocking discovery from the report is that about 20% of the respondents dont know how to make the switch. That makes sense, as transferring everything from a browser (history, bookmarks, saved pages, cookies, settings, etc.) is tough. It gets more complicated when its an entire business making the switch.

This will definitely make things complicated for these companies and others that still use Internet Explorer. There is, however, some good news. For starters, the transition to Microsoft Edge isnt happening all at once. Its taking place over the next couple of months, so these businesses have time.

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Also, Microsoft is showing popups to users who use Internet Explorer. These help the users with the transition process, so the business owners will have some guidance.
Photo taken on June 15, 2022 shows people at a peaceful demonstration against rebels of the March 23 Movement (M23) in Goma, northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). (Photo by Zanem Nety Zaidi/Xinhua)

KINSHASA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) decided late Wednesday to ask its government to "suspend all protocol agreements, agreements and conventions" concluded with Rwanda, a new episode of the diplomatic spat between the two neighboring countries, provoked and fueled by Kigali's alleged support for the March 23 Movement (M23).

As rebels of the M23 have been on the offensive in northeastern DRC since late March and reportedly occupied a key town since Monday, Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta, also Chairperson of the East African Community, called Wednesday for the immediate deployment of a new regional military force to try to stop rebel violence in the eastern DRC.

TIME OFF

Kinshasa made the decision to "suspend all protocol agreements, agreements and conventions" concluded with Rwanda, according to an official statement, released after a national defense meeting held late Wednesday chaired by the Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi.

This is the second national defense meeting chaired by Tshisekedi since M23's resurgence in late March. At the last meeting in late May, DRC classified the M23 as a terrorist group and decided to suspend all flights of RwandAir, the flag carrier airline of Rwanda, to the DRC soil.

Stemming from a former Congolese rebellion, the M23, created in April 2012, quickly gained international notoriety when it occupied the city of Goma, capital of North Kivu, for ten days in November 2012. After its defeat by the army in 2013, the M23 signed a peace accord with the government in December 2013, in which it agreed to demobilize its fighters and transform itself into a political party. However, M23 now accuses the Kinshasa authorities of not respecting the commitments.

Since late March, M23 has been on the offensive in the North Kivu province, with thousands of civilians displaced by still ongoing fighting. Bunagana, a key strategic town bordering Uganda, reportedly fell into the hands of rebels on Monday.

Besides the haunting nightmare of the M23, Kinshasa now faces a diplomatic tug of war with Kigali, with the latter having been accused of supporting the M23 rebels. In early June, Felix Tshisekedi publicly claimed that there was "no doubt" that Rwanda was backing the M23 on the Congolese territory.

Rwanda has denied the charge and instead accused the Congolese army of allying with Rwandan rebels of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), active in eastern DRC, whose elements are blamed for the 1994 genocide against Tutsi.

On Wednesday, the DRC also demanded Rwanda "proceed with the withdrawal of its troops on Congolese soil".

There has been no immediate comment from Rwanda on Kinshasa's latest decisions.

REGIONAL SPILLOVER

On Wednesday, Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta, who currently chairs the East African Community (EAC), called for the immediate deployment of a new regional military force to try to stop rebel violence in the eastern DRC, where dozens of armed groups have been active for over two decades.

"The East African Regional Force shall be deployed to the Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces immediately to stabilize the zone and enforce peace in support of the DRC security forces and in close coordination with MONUSCO (UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC)," Kenyatta said in a statement, referring to the joint force that the seven EAC members agreed to form at a summit in April.

Kenyatta said that a meeting of regional commanders would be held in Nairobi on Sunday, which "should finalize the preparations to undertake the deployment of the regional force", without providing further detail. Kinshasa, which has become this year EAC's latest member, has not yet commented on Kenyatta's decision.

The eastern DRC, troubled by decade-long insecurity, has prompted regional military operations and deployment, given its proximity to multiple countries that share borders. Since late November 2021, the armed forces of DRC and Uganda have officially launched joint military operations in northeastern DRC against rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

In an exclusive interview with Xinhua last year, Major General Kayanja Muhanga of the Ugandan army stated his determination to destroy "once and for all" the rebels of the ADF, a nightmare for the African Great Lakes region.

PENDING PEACE SUMMIT

The relations between Kinshasa and Kigali have seen signs of thawing under the current administrations as the two countries have been trading verbal blows on different levels and on different occasions.

DRC last Thursday accused Rwanda of sending 500 commandos in disguise into its territory. The two countries have also accused each other of firing rockets across their shared border.

It is already an open secret that Kinshasa has been upset about Kigali's alleged support of M23, as Kigali, while denying all allegations of backing M23, also accused the Congolese army of supporting the FDLR remnants, responsible for the 1994 genocide.

The two neighboring countries share complicated and tangled relations since the tragic genocide in 1994, as Rwandan Hutus accused of slaughtering Tutsis during the 1994 Rwanda genocide arrived in eastern DRC.

However, besides all the tiffs and tit-for-tat, the two countries have also counted on regional mediation and possibly a tete-a-tete between the two presidents in Angola, attempting to bury the hatchet and restore the fragile peace in eastern DRC.

But to this day, the meeting is still pending as neither of the two countries has yet confirmed or announced any detail of the rendezvous.

"We also welcome the nomination of President Joao Lourenco of Angola by the African Union to defuse tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. The UN fully supports these political efforts," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a recent note to correspondents, noting that the UN supports ongoing national and regional political efforts to accompany the disarmament of armed groups, including the Nairobi process launched by the DRC and Kenya. 

Photo taken on June 15, 2022 shows people at a peaceful demonstration against rebels of the March 23 Movement (M23) in Goma, northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). (Photo by Zanem Nety Zaidi/Xinhua)
Google Maps will soon let you add a home screen widget for nearby traffic. Launching in the coming weeks, the widget will enable you to quickly check the traffic information for your current location right from the home screen of your Android smartphone. You wont even need to open the app.

Google recently shared a preview of the upcoming Maps widget. Its a rounded square that shows a map of your nearby location. Your current location is marked by a blue dot at the center. The widget notes the traffic state on all major routes with green, orange, and red lines, similar to the full app.

At the bottom-left corner of this widget is the Google branding while theres a FAB (floating action button) on the other corner. The latter lets you zoom in and out on the map. The FAB supports Googles Material You Dynamic Color theming. So, it can automatically adapt the color scheme of your devices wallpaper for a consistent look.

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By the looks of it, the Google Maps home screen widget is 2 x 2 in size. Its unclear whether the widget will be resizable. The company didnt provide more information on it yet, nor did it share the precise release date. It simply said the widget will roll out to Android users in the coming weeks. If youre about to leave home, work, school, or anywhere else, youll know at a glance exactly what local traffic might be like, Google says explaining the Maps widget (via).

The company already offers a Maps widget to Quickly find nearby places. Its a resizable widget that was launched a few months back. It also supports Dynamic Color theming.

Google now offers 35 home screen widgets on Android

With the launch of the new nearby traffic widget for Maps, the total number of official Google widgets on Android will reach 35, the company has revealed. It offers widgets for various apps and services including Maps, Gmail, Photos, Calendar, Weather, to-do-list, Drive, Search, Chrome, Google Translate, and many more.

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Googles At a Glance widget on Pixel, meanwhile, has been picking up one after another new capability lately. Earlier this week, it gained the ability to show the live feed from your Nest Doorbell whenever someone is at the door. You dont need to open the Google Home app when the doorbell rings. You will be able to check whos at the door right from the lock screen or home screen. Tapping the widget will pull up the full view in the app. This feature should reach all supported Pixel devices within a few days.
The Galaxy S21 FE is the latest Samsung smartphone to receive the June 2022 Android security patch. It follows the other three Galaxy S21 models as well as a dozen other Galaxies in receiving the latest security update.

As usual, the June SMR (Security Maintenance Release) for the Galaxy S21 FE isnt available all over the world at once. The update is first rolling out to users in Taiwan. Other regions will follow in the coming days. The new firmware version for the phone is G990EXXU2CVF1.

The build number for the new OTA (over the air) software package for the Galaxy S21 FE may vary by market, depending on the devices model number in the region. But the content will largely remain the same. Samsung has already confirmed that this months security update fixes over 70 vulnerabilities. These include a few critical ones too.

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All of these fixes will roll out to the Galaxy S21 FE globally over the next few days or weeks. Additionally, the phone is also picking up some system stability and reliability improvements. Samsung doesnt go into detail but it may have made some optimizations for improved user experience.

Theres no new feature coming to the Galaxy S21 FE with the latest update, though. After months of delay, the device arrived early in 2022 as Samsungs newest affordable flagship. It came running Android 12-based One UI 4.0 out of the box. It received the One UI 4.1 update a few months after launch. The Android 13 (One UI 5.0) update should be the next big feature update for it. Samsung is also working on another minor One UI version based on Android 12. But One UI 4.1.1 appears to be focused on foldables and tablets, i.e. big-screen devices. Regular smartphones may not benefit much from it.

Nonetheless, if youre using the Galaxy S21 FE, the June SMR should be headed to your phone anytime now. Be on the lookout for a notification about the OTA release. You can also manually check for updates from the Settings app.

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The Galaxy Note 10 Lite is also receiving the June update

Samsung has also recently released the June SMR to the Galaxy Note 10 Lite. The rollout for this phone has begun in France. The new update comes with firmware version N770FXXU8GVF2. Users in other regions can look forward to receiving the latest security update in the coming days. Note that the Galaxy Note 10 and the Galaxy Note 10+ have already picked up the June update.
Samsung has landed in yet another benchmark manipulation controversy. This time, the company has been caught cheating on TV benchmarks. Multiple sources have confirmed some of its best TVs to be exaggerating colors and brightness in benchmark results. The S95B QD-OLED and the QN95B Neo OLED LCD are among the affected TVs.

YouTube channel HDTVTest first reported Samsungs benchmark manipulation on the S95B QD-OLED TV in April. They found the device to be falsely reporting color accuracy and luminance during measurement. The same level of accuracy isnt available to users with real content.

Following this report, FlatpanelsHD checked and confirmed the discrepancy in the benchmark results. Moreover, the publication also discovered similar behaviors with Samsungs QN95B Neo OLED LCD. They further found that the TV momentarily boosts the peak brightness by up to a staggering 80 percent when a benchmark software is run. The peak brightness during these tests goes all the way up to 2300 nits, from just 1300 nits in normal usage.

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According to the report, this is possible because the power supply can send short bursts into the miniLED backlight. However, the screen cannot sustain such high peak brightness without damaging pixels.

Samsung denies any wrongdoing

The new reports suggest that Samsung may have employed algorithms to identify benchmark platforms and artificially boost color accuracy, luminance, and peak brightness on its TVs to mislead users. HDTVTest and FlatpanelsHD could bypass that algorithm by using a non-standard window such as 9% during tests. The cheating algorithm focuses on the standard 10% window that reviewers, calibrators, and certification agencies usually use.

However, the company has something else to say. In a statement to FlatpanelsHD, it suggested the results shown on the standard 10% window are accurate. Instead, those on the non-standard window are inaccurate. It plans to fix the issue with a software update for the affected TVs.

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Samsung remains committed to relentless innovation to provide the best picture quality to our consumers, the statement read. To provide a more dynamic viewing experience for the consumers, Samsung will provide a software update that ensures consistent brightness of HDR contents across a wider range of window sizes beyond the industry standard.

Samsung also separately released a statement to The Register denying any wrongdoing. Samsung Electronics does not use any algorithm for the purpose of yielding specific test results, it said.

Nonetheless, the latest allegations of benchmark manipulation come shortly after Samsung got out of the massive GOS (Game Optimizing Service) controversy. The company was artificially limiting the performance of its devices in the name of thermal management and power efficiency. Several of its devices were banned from benchmark platforms for this. The company CEO also issued a public apology over the matter. The Korean giant cant seem to catch a break.
ABUJA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- At least nine people were killed and 11 others injured when a truck experienced brake failure and crashed into other vehicles late Wednesday on a busy road in Nigeria's northeastern state of Gombe, said the road safety police on Thursday.

The truck, laden with gallons of vegetable oil, crashed into 20 other vehicles, including tricycles and motorcycles, further wreaking havoc around Bomala junction bye-pass in the city of Gombe, the state capital, said Felix Theman, a sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Gombe, while briefing reporters in Gombe city.

Theman said that the driver was at high speed at the time of the incident, noting traffic had already built up in the area when the truck's brake failed.

Nine victims died on the spot, he said, adding that the injured sustained various degrees of injury.

The FRSC official cautioned drivers against speeding, especially in built-up areas, adding that the speed limit for such areas must not exceed 40km per hour.

Deadly road accidents are frequently reported in Nigeria, often caused by overloading, bad road conditions, and reckless driving. 
NAPLES - With three technical preparatory sessions dedicated to culture as a factor of peace and security, an element of sustainable growth, green transition and evolution, the first conference of culture ministers of the Mediterranean kicked off in Naples, in Palazzo Reale.



While waiting for Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio and Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, as well as 2022 art Biennale curator Cecilia Alemani who are expected late in the afternoon for a ceremony to inaugurate the summit, representatives and experts from the delegations of 30 countries in the region worked together with representatives of international organizations operating in the sector.



The objective is to design a cultural diplomacy in a strategic region for global stability, as well as reaching joint strategies to preserve and valorize culture as a common heritage and launch "the initiative of Naples" for cultural cooperation in the Mediterranean.



In the three panels opened this morning, participants spoke about protecting cultural heritage from the damages generated by international crises and illegal trafficking as well as fighting climate change and the role of culture in sustainable development and in reaching the objectives of the UN's 2030 Agenda. Also on the agenda were the education of artists and cultural professionals. Objectives include the creation of new programs of the European Union dedicated to supporting culture in the Mediterranean, based on the strategic objectives of the New European Agenda for Culture and the New Agenda for the Mediterranean. The themes will then be included in the final statement to be signed on Friday afternoon at the end of the plenary session.



The preservation of the cultural heritage and fight against illicit trafficking, recalled on Wednesday Franceschini inaugurating in Rome the new Museum of rescued art, "are areas on which Italy has exercised for decades a role of international leadership, and it is right to claim it".
ROME - For the first time, a drone with a 7.30-meter wingspan and with advanced sensor technology is used to gather data on cetaceans, turtles and sharks, among others, in the Pelagos sanctuary, a protected marine area in French, Italian and Monaco's territories.



The aircraft is a Tekever AR5 Evolution, a drone that the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has again placed at the disposal of Italian coast guards for the 2022 summer campaign, this time however not only to allow to better monitor maritime traffic and surveillance but also for the surveillance of large marine invertebrates in the area.



A first objective of the new project, called 'An eye in the sky', conducted in cooperation with research institute Tethys, will be to test the potential of this remotely piloted aircraft, which will be based at the coast guards' air command in Sarzana, in the northwestern Liguria region. From the city, the drone will fly for over 100 km to reach the area under study, which spans a square of approximately 40 x 40 km in front of Imperia.



The area, which will be monitored starting at the end of June, is in the heart of the Pelagos sanctuary, a marine zone safeguarded thanks to an agreement between Italy, France and the Principality of Monaco, which hosts all species of regular cetaceans of the Mediterranean, set up for its strategic importance and for the safeguard of fin whales, sperm whales, beaked whales and different species of dolphins.




ROME - The number of people forced to flee their homes has increased every year over the past decade and stands at the highest level since records began, according to UNHCR's annual Global Trends report published on Thursday. It stressed that, by the end of 2021, those displaced by war, violence, persecution and human rights abuses stood at 89.3 million, up 8% compared to 2020 and well over double the figure of 10 years ago.



Since then, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other emergencies including in Africa and Afghanistan pushed the figure over the dramatic milestone of 100 million in May 2022.



The number of refugees rose in 2021 to 27.1 million, explained the report, while 4.4 million Venezuelans fled abroad.



Regarding these two figures, 83% were welcomed by low or middle-income country; least developed countries gave asylum to 27% of the total and 72% lived in countries bordering with their home country.



The number of asylum seekers reached 4.6 million, an 11% increase. Last year also recorded the 15th consecutive annual increase of people displaced inside their country due to conflicts, reaching 53.2 million. The report said that the number of refugee arrivals increased, among other countries, in Uganda, Chad and Sudan. Last year, Turkey welcomed almost 3.8 million refugees, the highest number on a global scale, followed by Uganda (1.5 million), Pakistan (1,5 million) and Germany (1.3 million). Colombia welcomed 1.8 million Venezuelans who fled abroad. Lebanon hosted the highest number of refugees pro capita (one in eight), followed by Jordan (one in 14) and Turkey (one in 23).



The document reported that last year was particularly remarkable for the number of conflicts that escalated and new ones that flared: according to the World Bank, 23 countries with a combined population of 850 million, faced medium- or high-intensity conflicts.



Speaking about the internally displaced, the UN agency's report said that in some areas, for example Myanmar, an increase of the figure was caused by intensifying violence or conflicts.



The war in the Ethiopian region of Tigray and in other regions led millions of people to flee inside the country.



Uprisings in the Sahel led to new internal displacements, in particular in Burkina Faso and in Chad. UNHCR highlighted that, if departures gained pace and a higher number of people were involved, the solutions available - voluntary return, resettlement or local integration - continued to diminish.



"Every year of the last decade, the numbers have climbed", said the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi.



"Either the international community comes together to take action to address this human tragedy, resolve conflicts and find lasting solutions, or this terrible trend will continue", he added.
BELGRADE - All Serbian schools in Kosovo received bomb threats on Thursday morning, local media reported. Kosovan police reportedly evacuated schools and were checking to make sure there were no bombs. The threats affected 70 schools attended by children and youths of Serbian nationality.



Media reports added that the situation of tension is monitored with attention by Kfor troops, NATO's force in Kosovo.



It is the first time that bomb threats affect Serbian schools in Kosovo.



The alarm started with threatening emails that reached Thursday Serbian schools in some 30 areas of Kosovo. "We will not hide. We will kill. We will destroy. We are sincerely sorry that innocents are suffering. But there is no other way. We will topple Serbia's government. Our eyes are on the president of Serbia and his circle of people. We will kill them all", according to the message in threatening emails, written in Serbian and Cyrillic letters.



Bomb threats were issued on Thursday morning against dozens of other schools across Serbia, in a spate of threatening messages that has been ongoing for weeks and also involves public offices, tribunals, malls, hospitals and airports. Two tribunals in Sarajevo also received similar threats on Thursday morning. So far, these bomb threats, with unavoidable tensions, fears and difficulties for the population, were false.




TUNIS - Many activities in Tunisia were closed on Thursday due to a general strike in the public sector proclaimed by the powerful Ugtt union. A total of 159 administrations and public companies were affected and three million workers involved. Public transport, ports, airports, postal offices and public companies ground to a halt, although the union assured that some public agencies would guarantee a minimum of services and the government threatened to order people back to work.



The most important union in the country highlighted in a statement the reasons for the strike, asking for the start of negotiations with social actors to restore the purchasing power, the cancellation of the extraordinary contribution of 1% in favor of state coffers for employees and the start of reforms involving public companies. The proclamation of the general strike by Ugtt is part of a strong arm opposing it to President Kais Saied, after the union refused to participate in the type of "national dialogue" promoted by the head of State, because considered "formal, unilateral and preordered". Initially, Ugtt backed extraordinary measures launched by Saied in July 2021 but, with the passing of time, it became more critical. The union asked for a new agreement to increase public salaries, including retroactively for last year, despite steep public debt.



While its opponents claim the union is ignoring the country's deep financial problems, the Ugtt's power is strengthened by the fact that the government needs its support to access a rescue plan of the International Monetary Fund.



The government has presented to the institute of global credit a reform plan that includes freezing public sector salaries, progressive cuts and the restructuration of public companies.



However, Ugtt, which has warned against "painful reforms" to please the IMF, has asked for guarantees that public companies will not be privatized.




The Duchess of Cambridge is to host a round-table event on the importance of early childhood development as research reveals that 70% of people think it should be prioritised more.

Kate will host the discussion on Thursday, which is expected to focus on findings by The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood showing that nine in 10 (91%) agree that early years are important in shaping childrens lives but less than a fifth (17%) recognise the unique importance of childrens development from birth to the age of five.

The findings show that seven in 10 (70%) people believe early years development should be more of a priority for society, while over half (55%) of the public recognise that future mental health is the most likely part of adult life to be affected by ones early years, followed by the ability to create and maintain relationships (51%) and future happiness (40%).

Alongside The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, the duchess will meet Health Secretary Sajid Javid, families minister Will Quince, representatives from the early years sector and officials from the Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care.

The research also shows that informal groups are the key source of support for parents, with more than half of parents of children aged 0 to five stating their family or friends were the best source of information on their childs emotional and social development.

Parents are also more likely to seek out information and advice on their childs physical health than they are on their social or emotional development, with 35% asking for advice on nutrition, while just 21% seek advice on the development of social skills.

Kate said: Our experiences in early childhood fundamentally impact our whole life and set the

foundation for how we go on to thrive as individuals, with one another, as a community and as a society.

The findings published today present us with a huge opportunity and demonstrate there is real appetite from the public to bring this issue up all of our agendas.

There is more we can all do  every member of society can play a key role, whether that is directly with a child or by investing in the adults around them  the parents, the carers, the early years workforce and more.

Kelly Beaver, chief executive of Ipsos UK and Ireland, which carried out the polling of over 4,000 UK adults from April 21 to May 5, said: Although the majority of us agree that the experiences people have in childhood can have a significant impact on their future, a minority of Britons recognise the unique importance of the first five years of a childs life.

These formative years are crucial in the emotional, social and physical development of every child and this critical new research, for The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, provides the opportunity for society to ignite a discussion about how parents and children can be better supported during this period.

The duchess has previously visited Denmark to learn more about their investment in early childhood development, having launched The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in June 2021, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of early years experiences in shaping society over the long term.
Archaeologists working on an HS2 site have discovered a burial ground containing nearly 140 graves, including a skeleton with a weapon still embedded in it.

The site, in Wendover, Buckinghamshire, contained 138 graves, with 141 regular burials and five cremation burials, which makes it one of the largest Anglo-Saxon burial grounds ever uncovered in Britain.

A skeleton, thought to be male, was found with a sharp iron object embedded into its spine, which experts believe may have caused or factored into his death.

The man was thought to be between 17-24 at the time of death and was examined by specialist osteologists who believe he was stabbed with the weapon from the front, before it embedded in his spine.

A possible male skeleton, aged 17-24, found with a iron spear point imbedded into the thoracic vertebra (HS2 Ltd)

Items from the 5th and 6th century were found, including 89 brooches, more than 2,000 amber beads, 51 knives, 40 buckles, 15 spearheads, and various other metals and raw materials used to make the artefacts.

The discoveries have been filmed for historian Dan Snows streaming service History Hit.

Speaking on his podcast, the presenter said: By studying the things our forebears have left in the ground, their glass, jewellery, weapons and even their bodies, we can build a rich picture of a dynamic and vital period of our history.

This stunning set of discoveries on the HS2 route can tell us more about how our predecessors lived, fought and ultimately died.

It is one of the best and most revealing post Roman sites in the country and it was thrilling to join the team as they uncovered their wonderful finds.

A team of around 30 field archaeologists from INFRA JV, working on behalf of HS2s Enabling Works Contractor, Fusion JV, completed field work at the site in 2021, and also found evidence of Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman activity.

Historian Dan Snow with spearhead uncovered in HS2 excavations in Wendover (HS2 Ltd)

Of note, a pair of small square-headed brooches were excavated, which are a miniature form of the great square-headed brooch, such as the famous Chessell Down Brooch on display at the British Museum.

Two glass cone beakers that would have been used for drinking liquids such as wine were also found and suggest those buried may have had access to fine beverages from abroad.

The beakers have decorative trails in the glass which are comparable to the Kempston type cone beaker, uncovered in Bedfordshire in 1891, with one currently on display in the British Museum.

A female body was found buried with a vast array of high quality goods, such as a complete ornate glass bowl made of pale green glass, multiple rings made of copper alloy, a silver zoomorphic ring, brooches, discs, iron belt fittings and objects made of ivory.

A set of copper alloy small square headed brooches, decorated with gold gilt, from the 5th or 6th century, uncovered during HS2 archaeological work in Wendover (HS2 Ltd)

A number of items likely used for grooming were also found, including toiletry sets with ear wax removers and toothpicks, tweezers, combs and even a cosmetic tube that may have been used as eyeliner or similar.

Mike Court, lead archaeologist for HS2 Ltd, said: As we near the end of our archaeology field work on Phase One of HS2, we are just at the beginning of our understanding of how the discoveries will improve our historical knowledge of Britain.

The archaeological finds made at this site in Wendover will not only be of interest to the local community but are of national importance, providing a valuable insight into life in Anglo-Saxon Britain.

Dr Rachel Wood, lead archaeologist for Fusion JV, said: This significance of this site for our historical and archaeological understanding of Anglo-Saxon Britain is huge.

It is not a site I would ever have anticipated finding  to have found one of these burials would have been astonishing, so to have found so many is quite unbelievable.

The discoveries will be featured in a programme on Dan Snows History Hit released on June 16.

A programme of assessment and analysis will be carried out over the next few years at the location to attempt to find more insight into the stories of the people buried at the site.
Photo taken on June 14, 2022 shows assault rifles seized by Afghan security forces in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan. Afghan security forces have seized 48 assault rifles including AK-47 in the eastern Nangarhar province, the state-run Bakhtar news agency reported on Thursday. In the operation, security personnel also discovered a large quantity of other weapons and ammunition including anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, the report said. (Photo by Hamidullah/Xinhua)

KABUL, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Afghan security forces have seized 48 assault rifles including AK-47 in the eastern Nangarhar province, the state-run Bakhtar news agency reported on Thursday.

In the operation, security personnel also discovered a large quantity of other weapons and ammunition including anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, the report said.

In another development, security forces have seized a cache of arms and ammunition including U.S.-made M16 rifles in the neighboring Paktia province, according to a statement of the province's information and culture department released Thursday.

Afghanistan's Taliban-run administration has vowed to recover weapons from individuals as part of an effort to ensure law and order in the war-torn Asian country. 

Photo taken on June 14, 2022 shows assault rifles seized by Afghan security forces in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan. Afghan security forces have seized 48 assault rifles including AK-47 in the eastern Nangarhar province, the state-run Bakhtar news agency reported on Thursday. In the operation, security personnel also discovered a large quantity of other weapons and ammunition including anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, the report said. (Photo by Hamidullah/Xinhua)

Photo taken on June 14, 2022 shows weapons seized by Afghan security forces in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan. Afghan security forces have seized 48 assault rifles including AK-47 in the eastern Nangarhar province, the state-run Bakhtar news agency reported on Thursday. In the operation, security personnel also discovered a large quantity of other weapons and ammunition including anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, the report said. (Photo by Hamidullah/Xinhua)
Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey is due to appear in court charged with sexually assaulting three men.

The Hollywood star, 62, is expected to attend Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday to face four counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

The allegations relate to three men, now in their 30s and 40s, in London and Gloucestershire between 2005 and 2013, while Spacey was artistic director of the Old Vic theatre in London.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised charges against him last month, but the American could only be formally charged once he had travelled to the UK earlier this week.

The charges are: two counts of sexual assault on a man, who is now in his 40s, in March 2005 in London; sexual assault on a man, who is now in his 30s, and causing him to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent, in August 2008 in London; sexual assault on a man, who is now in his 30s, in April 2013 in Gloucestershire.

Spacey, a two-time Oscar winner who is known for starring roles in American Beauty, The Usual Suspects and House Of Cards, had previously said he would travel to the UK to face the charges, which he is expected to deny.

In a statement released to Good Morning America after the CPS announcement, he said: While I am disappointed with their decision to move forward, I will voluntarily appear in the UK as soon as can be arranged and defend myself against these charges, which I am confident will prove my innocence.

The most serious charge of causing a man to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent is an indictable-only offence, meaning it can only be tried in Crown Court.

Spacey, whose address in court documents is given as an apartment in Waterloo, central London, was artistic director at the Old Vic between 2004 and 2015.
Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey strenuously denies allegations that he sexually assaulted three men, a court has heard.

The 62-year-old former Hollywood star was not asked to enter pleas to four counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent when he appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Deputy District Judge Tan Ikram granted him unconditional bail ahead of his next appearance at Southwark Crown Court on July 14.

Actor Kevin Spacey was mobbed as he arrived at Westminster Magistrates Court (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Patrick Gibbs QC, defending, said: Mr Spacey strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case.

Spacey was mobbed by photographers as he arrived at court wearing a blue suit with teal suede brogues and a dark patterned tie.

He was ushered into the building surrounded by members of his legal team and two police officers after getting out of a silver Mercedes.

Spacey made no comment but smiled as he was rushed past a queue of other court attendees and through the entrance before passing security.

He stood in the dock to confirm his name as Kevin Spacey Fowler, his London address at a flat in Waterloo, and date of birth.

The media gathered outside Westminster Magistrates Court to await the arrival of Kevin Spacey (Jonathan Brady/PA)

The allegations relate to three men, now in their 30s and 40s, in London and Gloucestershire between 2005 and 2013, while Spacey was artistic director of The Old Vic theatre in London.

The charges, which were read out by the courts legal adviser, include two counts of sexual assault on a man, now in his 40s, in London in March 2005; sexual assault on a man, now in his 30s, and causing him to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent, in London in August 2008; and sexual assault on a man, now in his 30s, in Gloucestershire in April 2013.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised charges against Spacey last month, but the American could only be formally charged once he had travelled to the UK earlier this week.

Mr Ikram withdrew an arrest warrant issued weeks ago after the court heard that Spacey arrived in London on Monday to receive a postal requisition.

Security was tight ahead of Kevin Spaceys arrival at Westminster Magistrates Court (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Spacey, a two-time Oscar winner who is known for starring roles in American Beauty, The Usual Suspects and House Of Cards, had previously said he would travel to the UK to face the charges.

In a statement released to Good Morning America after the CPS announcement, he said: While I am disappointed with their decision to move forward, I will voluntarily appear in the UK as soon as can be arranged and defend myself against these charges, which I am confident will prove my innocence.

Spacey was artistic director at The Old Vic between 2004 and 2015.
British ministers must hold talks with the Taliban in a bid to influence Afghanistans future, a Labour frontbencher has said after she made a heart-rending trip to Kabul.

Shadow international development minister Preet Gill said such engagement is not about recognising the Taliban but trying to build an understanding and shape what happens.

The Labour MP urged the Government to visit the country after returning from her trip with shadow foreign secretary David Lammy to see first-hand the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Afghanistan almost a year after the Talibans takeover.

They were the first senior British politicians to visit the country since a coalition of international forces, led by the US, completed their withdrawal from Afghanistan at the end of August last year.

Mr Lammy and Ms Gill did not meet Taliban officials or representatives.

Speaking to the PA news agency after her trip, Ms Gill accused the Government of not being interested in what is happening in the Islamic republic.

The Birmingham Edgbaston MP said visiting a hospital in Kabul was the most heart-rending thing to see, with most of the beds taken by children with malnutrition.

She blamed the controversial merger of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office with the Department for International Development as the reason behind Afghanistan not being on the Governments radar.

David Lammy and Preet Gill went to see the work done by the UN World Food Programme in Kabul (PA)

Ministers have been clear that, as a matter of policy, the UKs engagement with the Taliban should be through officials only  and that has been the shared approach of all G7 partners.

However, Ms Gill insisted it is absolute nonsense because the EU are there and so are other countries.

She said: The EU are there. Sweden is there. So many other countries are still there. And of course, the Qataris, and they have their embassies there. And they are engaging and there are regular visits. There was a delegation from India.

The big takeaway from Afghanistan, from every single person that I met, whether it was an organisation or whether it was the public, is that you must have dialogue with the Taliban. That does not mean you are recognising them, but you are engaging and talking, so you build understanding.

Preet Gill listens to stories from women in Kabul (PA)

She added: The thing that Britain has got to understand is if you dont have dialogue, how on earth are you ever going to understand or shape and influence what actually happens? That is just an absolute nonsense. The fact of the matter is that its not on their radar.

Ms Gill said she would absolutely urge ministers to visit Afghanistan, adding: You would expect a Government minister to have already done this. The fact of the matter is Labour is leading and not the Conservatives.

On the departmental merger, Ms Gill said it has taken too much of their time, adding: They are still restructuring the department (FCDO) and they still dont know what theyre doing.

And the reason why they are not going there is because they are not really interested. And theyre not engaging because they admitted themselves, when they made those cuts of 3 billion, and then they reduced the budget to 0.5%, they didnt carry out any impact assessments.

And what has come out now is that that has cost lives, and who bore the brunt of that? It was disproportionately women and girls programming.

British nationals and Afghan evacuees depart a flight from Afghanistan at RAF Brize Norton (Jacob King/PA)

I went to an hospital, and it was the most heart-rending thing to see because it doesnt have the kind of equipment that we have here.

All of the beds were being occupied, mostly children facing malnutrition. So even though theyre getting food, theyre not getting the nutritional value.

On a visit to a hospital that helps women with maternity rights, she added: Our Government cut the funding for UN family planning, which helps prevent maternal deaths by 85%.

So imagine me going to see programmes that I see that are actually saving womens lives and their babies, providing really important support, being cut back by a government that just doesnt understand how important some of these basic services are.

Labour said the trip was facilitated by the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Asked why no minister has visited Afghanistan since the fall of Kabul, an FCDO spokesman insisted the UK is taking a leading role in the humanitarian response to support the people of Afghanistan.

The spokesman added: We doubled our aid to 286 million last year and have matched that again this year.

We also co-hosted an international conference with the UN in March this year, which raised 2.5 billion dollars to respond to the humanitarian crisis.
A woman who has been left with facial paralysis and no tear function in her right eye after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour following 18 months of misdiagnosis hopes a simple test will speed up the process for others.

Heather Dearie, 35, from Ayrshire, visited her GP more than 10 times with symptoms over an 18-month period before being diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma brain tumour.

Now, a simple language test devised by researchers at a Scottish university could help diagnose brain tumours earlier.

The Noahs Ark task asks participants to name as many animals as they can in 60 seconds and could help GPs identify patients with common symptoms such as headaches who are most likely to have a brain tumour, the study from the University of Edinburgh suggests.

By the time Ms Dearies tumour was diagnosed, she required emergency surgery to relieve pressure on her brain from a build-up of fluid.

She said: This could be a really significant advance. We urgently need to find new tools to support GPs and I really hope this test will help speed up the diagnosis process and help enable more people to get the treatment they need as quickly as possible.

Having my brain tumour diagnosed earlier could have changed my life completely and meant I would have had little to none of the lifelong side effects I have now.

I was misdiagnosed for 18 months before my tumour was finally discovered and by then it was too late for any alternative treatment to surgery, which caused facial paralysis, 50 per cent deafness, balance and vision issues, fatigue, nerve damage, muscle spasms.

Ive had to have four corrective surgeries which I wouldnt have needed had the tumour been found earlier. Im in constant pain and its affected every aspect of a normal life.

Funded by The Brain Tumour Charity, the study involved 270 people. Those with brain tumours were found to have significantly lower scores than those presenting with headaches but did not have a tumour.

The test is already used in assessing cognitive function for patients with neurological conditions  including brain tumours  but researchers say this is the first time it has been investigated as a way to speed up the diagnosis of brain tumours.

This could reduce diagnosis times for people with brain tumours and enable prompt access to treatments and maximising their quality of life, but further research is needed to validate and optimise the test.

Dr Paul Brennan, a consultant neurosurgeon at Edinburghs Western General Hospital who led the study, said the first symptoms experienced by those with brain tumours are often non-specific.

He said: The first symptoms experienced by patients with a brain tumour are often non-specific, such as headache, where a non-tumour diagnosis is much more likely.

For example, for every 1,000 people presenting to a GP with headaches, just one or two will have a brain tumour.

Our study showed that a simple language test, which can be quickly and easily administered, could help GPs decide who is most likely to have a brain tumour.

Symptomatic patients with low scores could be prioritised for rapid imaging whilst other patients with high scores could be monitored as they are more likely to improve.

Our findings are important in demonstrating proof-of-concept and we now need to validate this test in a larger group of patients to prove whether it could help guide referral for suspected brain cancer.

Reducing time to diagnosis for people with a brain tumour remains critical as it means more rapid access to treatment, which is crucial to maximising patients quality of life.

Around 1,000 adults in Scotland are diagnosed with brain tumours annually.

Just 12% survive the first five years following diagnosis and life expectancy for those with brain tumours is reduced by around 27 years on average.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex are to visit Cyprus and the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia next week.

Edward and Sophies official three-day trip aims to celebrate the ties of friendship between the UK and the Mediterranean island, and show support for British armed forces based overseas.

The couple will meet President Nicos Anastasiades and First Lady Andri Anastasiades and attend a reception to mark the Queens Platinum Jubilee.

President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades and his wife, Andri Anastasiades, during an audience with the Queen in 2019 (Yui Mok/PA)

They will also hear about the UKs contribution to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and visit the UN Buffer Zone to learn about the wider UN mission in Cyprus.

Sophie, a champion of the UNs women, peace and security agenda, will meet a diverse range of women and young people from across Cyprus, including Cypriot members of the Women Mediators Across the Commonwealth network.

The Countess of Wessex, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at Royal Ascot (Aaron Chown/PA)

Edward will meet students working towards their Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburghs Awards.

The couple will also gather with UK services personnel and their families who are stationed at the Akrotiri and Dhekelia military bases  which form a British Overseas Territory.

Edward and Sophies trip will take place from June 20-22.
A summit is being held in London to establish how the UK can help rebuild Ukraine once the Russian war concludes.

Representatives from Ukraine and businesses will join International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan on Friday to discuss how UK businesses can help with reconstruction efforts in areas including digital and services, water and sanitation, energy, power and transport.

Ms Trevelyan will also sign a memorandum of understanding with Ukraine confirming support for future reconstruction efforts.

Latest update on civilian casualties in context of Russias armed attack against #Ukraine: 4,481 killed, incl 284 children; 5,565 injured, incl 462 children, mostly caused by shelling & airstrikes. Actual toll is much higher. More  https://t.co/eDcwFV30fI pic.twitter.com/epZX7cG009  UNHumanRightsUkraine (@UNHumanRightsUA) June 16, 2022

The memorandum also recognises a new joint task force, which will help build partnerships between UK and Ukrainian businesses to assist the reconstruction of infrastructure in Kyiv.

Ms Trevelyan said: We have all seen the heart-wrenching images of the destruction to the great city of Kyiv, and the thousands of homes, buildings and critical infrastructure across Ukraine that have been destroyed.

Throughout this, the great people of Ukraine have shown immeasurable strength and courage, and we stand with them in hope of a brighter future.

That is why it is important to talk about a post-conflict Ukraine, and today we are making our commitment clear to help it rebuild in peace.

Our world-class infrastructure and energy companies, along with businesses in fields like transport, healthcare and agriculture are not just well-placed to support the immediate humanitarian response, they are in a strong position to play a part in Ukraines longer-term reconstruction too.

Together, we can help Ukraine to build back better, stronger and greener.

(PA Graphics)

Manuela Gatto, director at Zaha Hadid Architects, said: Informed by the nations long history and unrelenting optimism in its future, our projects in Ukraine enrich the public realm and prioritise the environment.

Working with the countrys local talent on its reconstruction, we hope to continue delivering architecture for the people of Ukraine that sets new benchmarks for innovation, resilience and efficiency.

Ukraine has faced significant damage to several of its towns and cities after Vladimir Putins army launched an invasion in February.

According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, 10,046 civilian casualties in the country have been recorded so far. A total of 4,481 people have been killed while 5,565 have been injured.
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Major airline chief executives and other senior leaders will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on the busy travel season and recent flight disruptions, sources told Reuters.

Two U.S. senators recently raised concerns about flight delays and cancellations over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Buttigieg wants to discuss with regional and large airline leaders "plans to ensure safe and reliable service this summer, including their plans to ensure this service over" the July 4 holiday, the sources said.

Travelers are bracing for a difficult summer as airlines expect record demand and are still rebuilding staff after thousands of workers left the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Friday, the U.S. airline industry told Congress the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must ensure the nation's airspace can handle rising air travel demand, according to a letter obtained by Reuters earlier this week.

Trade group Airlines for America said that "airlines are aggressively pursuing several options to align schedules with workforce availability" but added "the FAA must also work to ensure that the air traffic control system is capable of meeting demand."

Last month, Democratic Senators Richard Blumenthal and Edward Markey asked A4A, which represents American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and others for answers after more than 2,700 Memorial Day weekend flights were canceled.

The senators said "while some flight cancellations are unavoidable, the sheer number of delays and cancellations this past weekend raises questions about airline decision-making."

The FAA declined to comment on whether it will take part in Buttigieg's meeting but in May said it would boost authorized air traffic control staff at its Jacksonville, Florida, center after bad weather and space launches have snarled flights.

The FAA noted that flight operations at many Florida airports have exceeded prepandemic levels and will meet with users of Florida airspace "throughout the summer."

The senators separately asked Buttigieg to detail steps his office was "taking to hold airlines accountable for serious disruptions and to ensure consumers are wholly and justly compensated.

"The flying public deserves the same safety and reliability as before the pandemic, especially since American taxpayers invested $48 billion to keep aviation workers employed so the nation could maintain its high standard of air service," USDOT's Annie Petsonk wrote airlines last week in a June 8 email inviting them to a meeting, seen by Reuters.

"The department stands ready to support your work to address these challenges. In May, the FAA began making changes to its air traffic controller staffing to support the increased demand in the country. The agency is also working with airlines to expand the use of underutilized routes, especially in Florida."

(Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Jason Neely and Chizu Nomiyama)
Update: Police said Thursday that Bam Margera is no longer missing. Read the most recent story here.

Authorities in Florida are looking for Bam Margera after he fled a rehab facility on Monday, according to a police report from the Delray Beach Police Department obtained by CBS News.

On Monday, the manager of a rehab facility called police because Margera left, even though he was at the facility under a court order and he was not authorized to leave. The manager told police Margera said he was unsatisfied with the facility's treatment and that he was going to check himself into a different one.

The former MTV "Jackass" star, whose real name is Brandon Cole Margera, left in a black Honda sedan, the manager said.

He was brought into the facility earlier this year under the court ordered Marchman Act, which provides emergency assistance and temporary detention for individuals requiring substance abuse evaluation and treatment in the state of Florida, the manager told police.

Margera did not appear to harm himself or others, but the staff was concerned that he left the facility while under the court order. The manager of the facility could not provide further information on Margera's whereabouts, and police were unable to find him.

On Tuesday, Margera posted a photo of himself and another man, who he claimed to be his new alcohol anonymous sponsor.

Margera, who was a professional skateboarder, often posts videos of his skateboarding and his family on Instagram. In May, he posted that he completed a year of treatment in Florida. Earlier this month, he posted that he broke his wrist while skateboarding.

Delray Beach is a coastal city located in southeast Florida, just north of Boca Raton.

Analysis of Day 3 of House Jan. 6 hearings on the pressure and threats to Mike Pence

Jan. 6 committee hears powerful testimony from former Pence legal advisers

Lawmakers have a plan to boost Social Security payments by $2,400 per year
Remember the outrage when a handful of U.S. oil refineries closed in 2020?

If you dont, thats because there wasnt any outrage. Oil and gasoline prices were blissfully low and the COVID-19 pandemic dominated the news. Hardly anybody noticed.

Energy investors certainly did, however, because 2020 was one of the worst years in history for energy producers. Exxon Mobil notched the first loss in its history, a gigantic $22 billion write-off. The five biggest U.S. oil refiners  Marathon Petroleum, Valero Energy, Exxon Mobil, Phillips 66, and Chevron  lost a combined $43 billion as COVID shutdowns worldwide produced an epic plunge in oil prices and energy demand.

This data on expected global demand for oil versus the actual demand shows how badly the oil industry crashed in 2020:

Source: International Energy Agency

These days, many Americans blame President Biden for soaring gasoline and household energy prices because he has trash-talked fossil fuel energy as part of his push for a green energy transition. But economics, not politics, explains most of the current price surge, and the 2020 energy wipeout set the stage for painfully high prices now.

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Biden himself seems to lack a solid understanding of the economic fundamentals determining prices now. On June 15, he sent strongly worded letters to seven big oil refiners  the five biggest plus BP and Shell  complaining about the record profits they are now notching in addition to a tripling of profit margins during recent months.

Your companies and others have an opportunity to take immediate actions to increase the supply of gasoline, diesel and other refined product, Biden wrote. Your companies need to work with my administration to bring forward concrete, near-term solutions that address the crisis.

Exxon issued a terse statement in response to Bidens inquiry, saying it has continued modest investments in refining capacity. It also said Biden could ease some regulations on an emergency basis, which would make it easier to move fuels around in the refining process. Exxon also encouraged clear and consistent policy on energy resources, a reference to permitting, leasing, and regulatory policies that change from president to president and discourage investors who dont want to get trapped in a stark policy shift.

It's possible the energy industry and the government could figure out ways to temporarily boost production and bring down gas prices without enraging shareholders who feel entitled to some profit after a spate of devastating losses. But both sides are also dancing around each other.

Biden is basically asking energy firms to restart refineries deemed to be money losers during the depths of 2020 while also asking those firms to invest in more capacity with no guarantee prices will stay high in a way such that theyll earn a return on that investment. In fact, Biden is implicitly asking energy producers to add capacity at the expense of their own profitability, because more capacity would bring prices down. If the government could guarantee prices would stay above a certain level, guaranteeing profits, the industry might produce more. But guaranteeing high prices wouldnt solve Bidens problem with voters  and would probably make it worse.

The American Petroleum Institute senses an opportunity to push back on Bidens green energy push. On June 14, the industry group sent the White House a 10-point list of actions it says would ease the current crunch. At least half of them would upend Bidens green energy goals, putting Biden at war with the progressive wing of his party. Theres little overlap, at the moment, between what Biden is asking for and what the industry is offering. And Biden is generally opposed to executive actions that might bypass negotiations but fail to hold up in court.

In his letter to the seven refiners, Biden correctly noted that global refining capacity has fallen by 3 million barrels a day since 2020, which is about a 4% decline. In the United States, refining capacity has fallen by about 1 million barrels per day, or roughly 6%. With global demand for oil and oil products nearly back to pre-pandemic levels, that marginal refining shortfall is enough to create bottlenecks and jack up prices.

It's also indisputable that Russias invasion of Ukraine has triggered what may be the most serious globally energy crisis since the 1970s. Sanctions on Russia will probably remove about 2 million barrels of oil per day from markets, about 2% of the total. Many Americans think that U.S. energy independence means the United States doesnt depend at all on foreign oil, but thats not true and has never been true. Virtually every country in the world must accept oil prices set by supply and demand in the global market.

And while Biden has overused the phrase Putins price hike, he does have a point. From Bidens first day in office to Feb. 23, 2022, gas prices rose from $2.45 a gallon to about $3.60 a gallon. Thats a gain of $1.15 during a period of 13 months. Since Russias invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, prices have soared to about $5.10, a gain of $1.50 during a period of four months. Soaring prices come from actual reductions in oil supply and from fear that an adverse turn in the war could cause a much more acute supply problem. Nothing else has happened during the last four months that would explain those dramatic price hikes.

An end to Russias war against Ukraine would be the fastest way to bring energy prices down  and energy producers surely realize the war will end someday, denting profits. But prices may drift down as the Russia-Ukraine war drags on. The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects U.S. refiners to be operating at nearly full capacity for the rest of 2022, with gasoline and diesel prices drifting down during the summer and fall. In the EIAs latest forecast, it expects gas prices to fall back below $4 in 2023.

U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks aboard the Battleship USS Iowa Museum at the Port of Los Angeles on June 10, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Biden still has a monstrous political problem, because from his time as a 2020 president candidate onward, he has called for an eventual end to fossil fuel use and the adoption of renewable energy that isnt close to meeting the nations current needs. Voters associate his rhetorical hostility to the energy industry with the high prices we have now. To a lesser extent, its probably also true that Bidens favoritism toward green energy is a signal to fossil fuel investors that their future returns are likely to be limited, so dont over-invest, and get your money out quickly.

But the actual capacity reductions that are boosting prices now took place in 2020, when Donald Trump was president. Trump was a champion of fossil fuels and the kind of deregulation that the industry is requesting from Biden now. Yet the U.S. energy industry struggled with profitability during Trumps tenure, in part because over-investment and overproduction kept prices  and profits  low.

Biden will never convince voters that $5 gas is Trumps fault. And in reality, it has been economic forces all along that determine oil and gas prices. We only pay attention, however, when they hit the family budget.

Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman.

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Special economic zones to play vital role in Pakistan's development: PM

Xinhua) 08:50, June 16, 2022

ISLAMABAD, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that the special economic zones (SEZs) under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will play a vital role in the country's economic development and prosperity.

The Pakistani government has been focusing on establishing SEZs across the country which would boost industrialization and exports while generating employment, Sharif said during his visit to the Rashakai SEZ, which is being developed under CPEC in the country's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

A total of nine economic zones have been identified under CPEC where joint businesses and ventures from Pakistan, China and other countries will be set up to boost industrial progress and uplift the national economy.

"The government of Pakistan is committed to promoting industrial development to make Pakistan an economically-progressive country," Sharif said.

With CPEC entering the most crucial second phase of implementation, the prime minister said that it is important to focus on the establishment of SEZs to make them the model of development.

Emphasizing the sharing of expertise between Pakistan and China, Sharif said the affordable and skilled labor of Pakistan and modern Chinese technology could jointly benefit both sides and help the economic development grow at a vigorous pace.

The prime minister also suggested organizing financial roadshows and other activities in China to promote Chinese investment which would result in a win-win cooperation.

Launched in 2013, CPEC is a corridor linking Pakistan's Gwadar Port with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which highlights energy, transport and industrial cooperation.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
NAIROBI, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The East African Business Council (EABC), a regional apex body of the private sector, on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding with Africa Higher Education Research Institute (AHERI) to boost the region's competitiveness.

John Bosco Kalisa, CEO of EABC told journalists in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that the agreement provides a roadmap for participation in joint research projects that will improve East Africa's innovation of new products and services that meet continental and global market requirements.

"Through the partnership, we will advocate for appropriate legislation on intellectual property rights and address skills mismatch in order to enhance academia and industry collaboration in East Africa," Kalisa said.

He revealed that the cooperation is hinged on production of innovations that will enhance the productive capacity and competitiveness of regional businesses.

Robert Owino, Executive Director of AHERI said that the ultimate goal of the partnership is to turn ideas into action through commercialization of research projects.

He noted that under the agreement the two parties will also collaborate on joint resource mobilization and development of the education sector to increase the pool of talent required to power economies in the region.

"We will also convene platforms with relevant stakeholders which will contribute to the growth and development of east African business," Owino added. 
Big Macs still sold in Russia despite McDonald's exit The McDonalds logo is covered by fabric at a restaurant run by a franchisee at Finlandskiy railway station in Saint Petersburg

(Reuters) -Big Macs remain on sale at some of McDonald Corp's franchise locations in Russia despite most of its restaurants reopening on Sunday under new branding and ownership.

McDonald's sold most of its 850 restaurants in Russia to one of its local licensees in May. Some of those reopened Sunday under the new name Vkusno & tochka, or "Tasty and that's it," offering a new menu without the flagship burger.

But other franchisees have kept their locations open, selling authentic McDonald's meals in restaurants adorned with barely concealed McDonald's branding.

Their lingering presence highlights the challenges Western companies face in extricating themselves fully from the Russian market over Moscow's actions in Ukraine.

The McDonald's name and logo was covered with transparent, white fabric at train stations in Moscow and St Petersburg, and the Big Mac burger was available, though renamed to Bolshoi Burger, or Big Burger.

In Moscow's Leningradskiy Station and St Petersburg's Finlandskiy Station, McDonald's logos were used on takeaway bags and the U.S. company's branding was still visible on other packaging and electronic menus.

Rival Burger King halted corporate support for its Russia locations in March but the restaurants remain open and thriving in locations such as central Moscow. Burger King has struggled to break a complex franchise arrangement

The nuance with McDonald's also concerns franchises. One franchisee, Rosinter Restaurants, is keeping its locations at airports and train stations in Moscow and St Petersburg until 2023, saying it has a "unique agreement" with the American corporation, TASS reported last week.

"EVERYTHING IS CHANGING"

Though the Big Mac has been removed from the menu at Rosinter's outlets, in St Petersburg it was possible to order one directly. Diana, the cashier, explained that fries, however, were unavailable due to no deliveries, with potato wedges for sale instead.

The same was true for soft drinks from the soda gun. The restaurant was selling Coca-Cola products by the bottle. Coca-Cola has suspended sales in Russia. Coca Cola HBC, which bottles and distributes the soft drink in several countries, has not provided products to the new restaurants and has no plans to do so, it told Reuters.

The Big Mac was served in a "Chicken Premier" box and appeared to lack the signature sauce.

Store manager Valentina smiled and said: "Everything is changing," when asked whether there was less sauce than usual.

Rosinter said it was facing delivery issues due to supply chain disruptions. "This is a temporary problem which will be resolved as the logistics situation normalises," it said.

Astoria, part of NMGK, could not be reached by phone and did not respond to emailed comments.

McDonald's declined to comment on the details of Reuters' reporting. The company said it fully exited the market when it finalised the transfer of its Russian business to Govor.

(Reporting by Reuters; Additonal reporting by Hilary Russ and Jessica DiNapoli; Editing by Matt Scuffham, Alexandra Hudson and David Evans)
Orlando, Fla. (Reuters) - A group of SpaceX employees derided flamboyant billionaire Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk as a "distraction and embarrassment" in an internal letter to executives.

Musk, also head of electric automaker Tesla Inc, has been in headlines and late-night comedy monologues in recent months for a tumultuous quest to buy social media giant Twitter, a reported allegation of sexual harassment that Musk has denied as well as crude comments online and a foray into political discourse.

"Elon's behavior in the public sphere is a frequent source of distraction and embarrassment for us, particularly in recent weeks," read the letter, which does not single out any controversy in particular. Reuters was provided a copy of the letter. "As our CEO and most prominent spokesperson, Elon is seen as the face of SpaceX - every tweet that Elon sends is a de facto public statement by the company."

SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The open letter, earlier reported by The Verge, was drafted by SpaceX employees in recent weeks and shared as an attachment in an internal "Morale Boosters" group chat, which contains thousands of employees, according to a person familiar with the matter.

It was not clear who authored the letter or how many employees were involved in its drafting.

In a list of three demands, the letter says "SpaceX must swiftly and explicitly separate itself from Elon's personal brand." It added: "Hold all leadership equally accountable to making SpaceX a great place to work for everyone" and "define and uniformly respond to all forms of unacceptable behavior."

Elon Musk gestures as he speaks during a press conference at SpaceX's Starbase facility near Boca Chica Village in South Texas on February 10, 2022. (Photo by JIM WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)

On Twitter, Musk denied and mocked the reported accusation that he sexually harassed a flight attendant on a private jet in 2016. Some of his tweets displayed the crude levity that embarrassed and had some SpaceX employees cringing, according to three people familiar with private discussions among staff.

"He often doesn't realize how something he says could affect others," one SpaceX employee said of Musk. "The letter is a collective 'Hey! We're getting some heat for things that are unrelated to us.'"

Many SpaceX employees are frustrated by Musk's controversies, the SpaceX employee said, yet "remain as focused as ever and excited for the future."

Musk, also the company's chief engineer, has been viewed as a central figure in many of SpaceX's high-profile successes, such as pioneering reuse of orbital rocket boosters and returning routine human spaceflight from U.S. soil after a nine-year hiatus.

Much of the company's day-to-day business operations are led by SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell. After past workplace dust-ups she has vowed to enforce SpaceX's "zero tolerance" standards against employee harassment.

In a talk about leadership at Stanford University in May, Shotwell, asked how she manages crises, said "employees were screaming to hear from me" about the reported sexual harassment allegations about Musk and that she addressed their concerns in a company-wide email.

"I have to speak to my employees," Shotwell said. "Theyre the reason SpaceX is what it is, and I care deeply about them."

(Reporting by Joey Roulette; Editing by David Gregorio)
A fully functioning Stormont Executive is needed to agree the investment to transform the health service, Michelle ONeill has said.

Health Minister Robin Swann earlier unveiled a major plan for hospital services, described as a significant step toward reconfiguring the regions under-pressure health service.

Northern Ireland currently has the longest hospital waiting lists in the UK and experts have warned that the current structures are not sustainable.

Sinn Fein Stormont leader Michelle ONeill warned later that without a fully functioning Executive, the spending power of ministers is hampered.

Ministers are currently in position in caretaker role while the DUP refuses to nominate new ministers following last months Stormont election.

They cannot make major policies or agree the planned first multi-year budget in recent years.

The DUP is calling for action from the UK government addressing their concerns around the Northern Ireland Protocol before re-entering the Executive.

Ms ONeill said the lack of an Executive is having real-life consequences.

She pledged to see a new Executive and to invest an extra 1 billion in health over the next three years that will help to tackle lengthy waiting lists, hire more doctors and nurses and fund vital health services; and to also work with RCN to address the very real concerns of nurses

Ms ONeill made the comments while addressing the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Nurse of the Year Awards.

She told those gathered she appreciated the strain and pressure of working through the coronavirus pandemic, the impact on their families, and thanked them for their efforts.

She also welcomed the call by the RCN for the immediate restoration of the Executive, adding she is willing to do so without further delay.

No Executive is having real life consequences, she said.

It is hampering the spending power of ministers to deal with the rising cost-of-living crisis and agreeing a three-year budget to fund our health service.

As nurses on the front line, you know better than most that our health and social care system is under huge strain and pressure.

Your concerns and indeed those of the broader health and social care workforce, have been articulated clearly and consistently.

Ms ONeill said she is committed to seeing progress on the Nursing and Midwifery Task Group recommendation, progress on the recent Department of Health nursing and midwifery retention report recommendations and progress on the safe staffing legislation which the previous Executive committed to.

She also said she wants to see progress on the delivery of a workforce plan to begin to address existing staff vacancies in the system and to build a workforce to meet the future health needs of people here.

She said: These are all key elements in dealing with the challenges facing health services and will be key metrics that will be determine progress.

As First Minister designate  I am absolutely committed to getting an Executive established without further delay so that we can get down to business and invest an extra 1 billion in health over the next three years that will help to tackle lengthy waiting lists, hire more doctors and nurses and fund vital health services; and to also work with RCN to address the very real concerns of nurses.
More than 150 men who worked at the British embassy in Afghanistan have yet to be relocated to the UK, it has been reported.

The BBC has reportedly seen and verified a list of the more than 150 men who worked at the embassy and still live in the country, with some claiming to have been beaten by the Taliban because of their previous occupations.

The broadcaster says the men had worked for the global security company GardaWorld.

The Government announced this week it was opening the two remaining parts of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS), with the new pathways allowing at-risk British Council and security contractors to be resettled in the UK and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to also refer refugees for resettlement.

Handout photo issued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of a full flight of 265 people supported by members of the UK Armed Forces on board an evacuation flight out of Kabul airport under Operation Pitting (LPhot Ben Shread/MoD/PA)

Up to 20,000 refugees are expected to arrive under the ACRS, with individuals and families who were brought to safety under Operation Pitting, the initial British military rescue mission, prioritised in the first part of the scheme.

Sarah Magill, director of the human rights charity Azadi, told the BBC there had been no explanation why it had taken so long to begin the next process.

Through their inaction the government has caused incalculable trauma, she said.

It is a deeply inhumane way to treat a body of staff entrusted to keep British ministers and civil servants safe.

A UK government spokesman said: Our staff worked tirelessly to evacuate over 15,000 people to safety from Afghanistan within a fortnight in the biggest and fastest emergency in recent history.

We are still working hard to assist the people of Afghanistan, having already helped over 4,600 individuals to leave the country since the end of the military evacuation.

We have opened the Afghanistan Citizen Resettlement Scheme, one of the most ambitious resettlement programmes in the world and the first bespoke scheme in Europe to begin resettling evacuees and individuals.
California's high court denied a request by Amazon's lawyers to review a lower court ruling that said Amazon violated the state's Proposition 65. (Richard Vogel / Associated Press)

The California Supreme Court on Wednesday left intact a ruling that allows customers to sue Amazon.com for failing to warn buyers that some products it sells may contain hazardous substances such as mercury.

The court denied a request by Amazon's lawyers to review a lower court ruling that said Amazon violated the state's Proposition 65, which requires companies to warn consumers about products they make or sell that contain chemicals known to cause cancer, reproductive harm or birth defects.

The case involved a lawsuit filed in Alameda County that said the online retail giant knowingly allowed skin-lightening creams to be sold on its website for years despite being aware of concerns about toxic mercury levels in such creams.

Mercury can harm pregnant women and their fetuses. The suit alleged that some of the products produced by third parties but sold on Amazon contained mercury levels that were thousands of times the U.S. federal legal limit.

Amazon didnt immediately comment on the Supreme Courts action, which allows the previous court ruling to be used as precedent in state courts.

However, California has such a large market share that any actions Amazon takes to comply with Proposition 65 could have a much wider effect on consumers, Rachel Doughty, a plaintiff's attorney, said in the suit.

That could look like removal of products containing carcinogens or reproductive toxins from Amazons site, or Amazon taking measures to ensure that a warning is provided ... so consumers can take steps to avoid exposure to such chemicals, Doughty said in an email.

The lawsuit was dismissed in 2019 by a judge who found that Amazon was protected by a section of the federal Communications Decency Act that shields websites from liability for content posted by other parties.

In March, however, a state appeals court said Amazon doesn't merely act as a place for retailers to list their available merchandise but actively stores, sells and ships them.

A drugstore that sold the same creams would be required to issue Proposition 65 warnings, the ruling said.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
FILE - Michael Avenatti speaks to members of the media after leaving federal court on Feb. 4, 2022, in New York. Incarcerated lawyer Michael Avenatti says he plans to plead guilty to charges in a federal court case in Southern California. Avenatti didn't specify which charges he wants to plead to in a brief filing Sunday, June 12, 2022. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP)  Incarcerated lawyer Michael Avenatti pleaded guilty Thursday to four counts of wire fraud and a tax-related charge in a federal court case in Southern California accusing him of stealing millions of dollars from his clients.

Avenatti, who is in federal custody and representing himself in the case, made the plea during a court hearing in Santa Ana where he acknowledged cheating his clients but disagreed with federal prosecutors on how much.

I misappropriated and misused certain of their settlement funds, Avenatti told the court, but added he believes the amount owed in restitution is drastically less than the $9 million stated by the government.

Prosecutors said the plea  which the the 51-year-old lawyer offered without a deal  subjects Avenatti to as many as 83 years in prison. They said they will decide by Monday whether to try him on the remaining charges in a 36-count indictment accusing him of swindling clients by negotiating and collecting settlement payments on their behalf and funneling the money to accounts he controlled in addition to bank and bankruptcy fraud.

Michael Avenatti finally admitted what the IRS criminal investigation and the U.S. attorney's office has been saying for several years now: that he committed audacious acts to steal money from his clients to line his own pockets, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Sagel told reporters.

Today is step one before the government decides what to do on the remaining counts, and he will now be sentenced at least on his conduct of violating his duties to his clients and his duties as a taxpayer."

A sentencing hearing was set for Sept. 19, but will be delayed if the government pursues the other charges.

The plea came after Avenatti, who is suspended from practicing law in California, filed papers with the court this weekend saying that although he didn't reach a deal with federal prosecutors he wanted to change his plea to be accountable and spare his family further embarrassment.

Avenatti is serving five years in prison at a federal facility in California for convictions in two cases in New York. He was convicted of stealing book proceeds from Stormy Daniels, the porn actor who catapulted him to fame as he represented her in court and cable news programs during her legal battles with then-President Donald Trump. He also was convicted of trying to extort Nike if the shoemaker didnt pay him up to $25 million.

Avenatti rose to fame after he represented Daniels in her lawsuit to break a confidentiality agreement with Trump to stay mum about an affair she said they had. He became one of Trumps leading adversaries, attacking him on cable news programs and Twitter, and at one point considered challenging him in the 2020 presidential election.

In the California case, a mistrial was declared last year after the judge found prosecutors failed to turn over to Avenatti key financial evidence. He was expected to stand trial on some of the counts next month, with a trial on the remainder to follow.

Prosecutors said Avenatti collected millions of dollars in payments from clients and used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle rather than paying them what they were due. They also accused him of failing to pay personal income taxes and business taxes and pocketing millions of dollars in payroll taxes from a coffee chain he owned.

In one instance, they said Avenatti collected $4 million from Los Angeles County for a man who suffered in-custody injuries and was left paraplegic after a suicide attempt, but denied the settlement was received and paid the man smaller amounts ranging from $1,000 to $1,900 that he called advances on the broader settlement.

In another instance, prosecutors said Avenatti collected a $2.75 million settlement payment for a client and used much of the money to buy a private airplane.

Before the criminal charges, Avenatti faced numerous legal problems including a hefty civil judgment and his law firms bankruptcy proceedings.

U.S. District Court Judge James V. Selna said the question of how much restitution is owed by Avenatti has yet to be determined. He asked Avenatti if anyone made promises to him in exchange for his plea and noted he can sentence him to anywhere from zero to 83 years in prison.

No one has given me any guarantees, Avenatti, who acknowledged he was nervous, told the court, because there are not guarantees, Your Honor.
President Nixon's White House counsel John Dean, as he was sworn in during the Senate Watergate committee hearings. Republicans, not just Democrats, sought truth and accountability in 1973. (Associated Press )

Friday is the 50th anniversary of the Watergate burglary that would end Richard M. Nixons presidency two years later. By then, his vice president and successor, Gerald R. Ford Jr., would tell Americans, Our long national nightmare is over.

Little could Ford or his audience have imagined the nations current nightmare, one thats far from over. Were enduring the biggest presidential scandal since Watergate, or ever: Donald Trumps continued assault on democracy, following his unprecedented refusal to accept the 2020 election result and allow for the peaceful transfer of power to the winner.

When it comes to presidential disgrace, Don the Con tops even Tricky Dick. Trump, however, has had much more help achieving his ignominy.

When Nixon resigned and helicoptered away from the White House, the often uttered consensus was that the system worked. All three branches of government had done their part: Congress, the courts and even the executive branch once Nixons henchmen were out of the way and prison-bound. Finally Nixon himself  a believer in constitutional governance, despite his many flaws, and a patriot compared to the traitorous Trump  accepted that the jig was up.

In Trumps case, the system hasnt worked. So far. He walks free as the Justice Department dallies, has raised hundreds of millions of dollars from his marks, er, supporters (The 'Big Lie' was also a big ripoff, as San Jose Rep. Zoe Lofgren said), and says he plans to run for president again. Its far from clear whether the system will  or can  bring him to justice before that happens.

Yet weve gained some hard-won knowledge: Its not the system that must work to preserve our 246-year-old nation. Its the people whom we entrust to operate the machinery of government who must act.

And those people, chiefly the Republicans among them, continue to fail us. Led in Congress by Sen. Mitch McConnell and Rep. Kevin McCarthy, theyve enabled Trumps worst abuses for years by their acquiescence and by their opposition to his impeachment, first for extorting from a foreign country for political dirt and then for inciting an insurrection to remain in power.

In February 2021, the Senate voted 57 to 43 to convict Trump for incitement, but the majority  all 50 Democrats and seven principled Republicans  was 10 votes shy of the two-thirds margin needed under the Constitution. Had McConnell and just nine additional Republicans voted to convict, they wouldnt have to worry that Trump might well be their partys 2024 nominee. They could have barred him, post-conviction, from running for federal office.

Nixon, too, had his Republican enablers initially, including Sen. Howard H. Baker Jr. of Tennessee. That helps explain why it was more than two years from the election-year burglary of the Democratic Party headquarters in the Watergate building to Nixons resignation under threat of impeachment and Senate conviction.

Yet back then, the truth had a common meaning to both parties. Baker and many other Republicans in Congress not only were swayed by the evidence that mounted against Nixon, they also helped force that evidence into the light during the House impeachment hearing and, especially, the Senates special Watergate committee hearings.

What did the president know, and when did he know it? Baker, the Senate panels vice chair, famously asked.

Other Republican leaders, including conservative icon Sen. Barry Goldwater of Arizona, went to the White House and persuaded Nixon to resign rather than be forced from office by Congress.

That reflects another difference between then and now: Most Republicans of that era put country above party and rewarded those politicians who acted accordingly.

Following Bakers starring role against Nixon, he would become the Senate majority leader and then Ronald Reagans White House chief of staff. Contrast his fortunes with the partys treatment of Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, also the vice chair of a committee investigating a Republican presidential scandal.

Just for condemning the condemnable Trump, Cheney was ousted from the House Republican leadership team (with McCarthys support), excommunicated by the Wyoming Republican Party (its chair belongs to the Oath Keepers militia group), censured by the Republican National Committee and likely faces defeat for reelection to a Trump-endorsed rival.

Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger, the only other Republican to similarly stand up to Trump and to serve on the House committee investigating the attempted coup, has been treated likewise. He chose not to seek reelection.

The Republican Party is Trumps party: radicalized, tribal, cultish. Most congressional Republicans wouldnt even vote to create a committee to investigate the attack on the legislative branch by the head of the executive branch, an attack that threatened their lives. Those who did are being punished by Trumpian voters in party primaries.

Yes, Republican voters are as much to blame as the partys politicians for failures of the system. In recent primaries, including in four states Tuesday, the voters have chosen scores of state and federal candidates who ascribe to Trumps Big Lie that the 2020 election was stolen from him.

Driving in rural Ohio on Sunday after a visit with family there, I passed a sign on a farm fence: "Biden didnt defeat Trump. Election fraud did.

That sums up the Republican litmus test these days, and its a lie. State and federal politicians stoke the lie or at least tolerate it. Until they stop, the system cannot work as it once so proudly did. And our national nightmare not only persists, it threatens to get worse.

@jackiekcalmes

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A former DWP customer whose lawsuit ultimately led to a FBI raid has lost his subsequent lawsuit against the city. (Richard Vogel / Associated Press)

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit against the city by a Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customer whose utility bill ultimately led to a tangled legal scandal and an FBI raid of City Hall.

U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips sided with the city of Los Angeles on Tuesday in DWP customer Antwon Jones' lawsuit, which claimed a violation of his civil rights. The lawsuit was filed in December 2020.

Jones first sued the city in 2015 after he received a $1,374 DWP bill, far higher than what he normally paid for service at his Van Nuys apartment.

Jones hired New York attorney Paul Paradis, and ultimately became the lead plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit against the city over the DWPs faulty billing system. He received $5,000 for his role as class representative after the case was settled.

Federal investigators now say that city officials and Paradis took part in a scheme to quickly settle the class-action lawsuit on terms that were favorable to the city. Paradis and a top attorney who worked for City Atty. Mike Feuer have pleaded guilty to crimes connected to the lawsuit scheme and are awaiting sentencing. Two DWP officials, a former general manager and a cybersecurity chief, have already been sentenced.

Jones, who isn't accused of wrongdoing, alleged in his 2020 lawsuit that the city attorneys office concealed its knowledge of Paradis role in the scheme. He alleged that the attorneys covered up their misconduct, thus preventing the illicit behavior from coming to light until 2019.

The cover-up deprived Jones of his constitutional right to access to the courts, Jones' lawsuit said.

"Because of the cover up, Mr. Jones was unaware of Paradis and the citys malfeasance until after his claims were barred by the statute of limitations and the Government Claims Act. Thus ... by the time Mr. Jones discovered that he had been used to procure a collusive settlement and commit a fraud on the court, it was too late for him to exercise his right to access the courts and bring legal actions against them," Jones' complaint said.

The city argued in court filings that Jones claims lacked merit because the city didnt cause Jones to lose his right to bring an underlying claim against Paradis and the city in state court.

"Plaintiff had plenty of time to bring his state-law causes of action. He just missed the deadline. The city did not cause plaintiff to lose his right to access the courts  plaintiff did," city attorneys wrote in their motion for summary judgment.

Rob Wilcox, spokesman for the city attorney's office, said Wednesday that the office is "pleased the court has dismissed this baseless and malicious lawsuit."

"We respectfully disagree with the courts decision and believe it is fundamentally wrong," said Jeff Isaacs, attorney for Jones. "Were considering our next steps."

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A Colorado man killed his teenage co-worker after she rebuffed his romantic advances, police said.

Joshua Johnson, 28, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Riley Whitelaw, according to arrest papers obtained Tuesday by Colorado Springs CBS affiliate KKTV.

Whitelaw was found dead Saturday on the floor of the break room in a Walgreens in northern Colorado Springs where both she and Johnson worked, police said.

Last year, Whitelaw reported to her manager that Johnson made her uncomfortable and made advances toward her, according to the cops. Whitelaw asked to work different hours than Johnson, and the managers allowed it.

Joshua Johnson was charged with first-degree murder.



Joshua Johnson was charged with first-degree murder. (Colorado Springs Police Department/)

More recently, Whitelaw had asked for more hours. Her bosses warned her that would mean working with Johnson, but she agreed, the managers told police.

Additionally, the same Walgreens hired Whitelaws boyfriend about three months ago. A manager told police that Johnson appeared to be jealous of the boyfriend.

On June 11, the day of the killing, Johnson was caught on surveillance video stacking boxes to block a camera in the break room, police said. Shortly before 7 p.m., Whitelaws body was found in a gruesome scene on the floor of that same room. Witnesses said there was blood everywhere.

Whitelaws official cause of death has not been determined, but police said she suffered significant trauma to her neck area.

Johnson was found walking along Interstate 25. In an interview with police, he told the cops he fell in the blood and went home to change. He didnt mention why he never alerted police that there was a dead girl in the break room.

Johnson is due back in court June 21.
A man receives a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot during the launch of a vaccination center at Kenya Medical Training College in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, June 16, 2022. Kenya's ministry of health on Thursday launched an accelerated COVID-19 vaccine booster shot campaign amid rising infections. (Photo by Joy Nabukewa/Xinhua)

NAIROBI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's ministry of health on Thursday launched an accelerated COVID-19 vaccine booster shot campaign amid rising infections.

Susan Mochache, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health told journalists in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya that research conducted on the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine has revealed that immuno-compromised people might need a third dose.

"In addition, over time, the immunity, even for healthy people, starts to go down necessitating the booster shot for increased immune response. Further, the booster dose is critical in responding against emerging variants," Mochache said.

The ministry of health said that it is committed to safeguard the health of Kenyans and will also take concerted efforts to ensure that the gains made in the fight against COVID-19 are not lost.

Mochache observed that a big part of the youthful population under the age of 18 have yet to undergo the full COVID-19 vaccination.

Mochache revealed that Kenya is determined to reach the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation that all countries reach the 70 percent vaccination rate for the general population but 100 percent for those aged over 60 years, health workers and those with underlying health conditions.

According to the ministry of health, the positivity rate in the country currently stands at 12.5 percent.

"This only means that we cannot, and we must not, relent in ensuring that a huge population is fully vaccinated against the virus," Mochache said.

She observed that even though the country has done relatively well having 31.3 percent of adults above 18 years being fully vaccinated, more needs to be done. 
Police officers carry a bag with human remains found during a search in Atalaia do Norte, in the Brazilian Amazon. (Edmar Barros / Associated Press)

A fisherman confessed to killing a British journalist and an Indigenous expert in Brazil's remote Amazon and took police to a site where human remains were recovered, a federal investigator said, after a grim 10-day search for the missing pair.

Authorities said Wednesday night, without giving any details, that they expected more arrests would be made soon in the June 5 disappearance of British freelance reporter Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira of Brazil.

At a news conference in the city of Manaus, the capital of Brazil's Amazonas state, a Federal Police investigator said the man who had been the prime suspect confessed Tuesday night and detailed what happened to Phillips and Pereira. Investigator Eduardo Alexandre Fontes said Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, 41, told officers he used a firearm to kill the men.

We would have no way of getting to that spot quickly without the confession, Fontes said of the place where police recovered human remains Wednesday after being led there by De Oliveira.

Fontes said the remains were expected to be identified within days and, if confirmed as the missing men, will be returned to the families of the two.

We found the bodies three kilometers [nearly two miles] into the woods, the investigator said, adding that officers traveled about an hour and 40 minutes by boat on a river and 25 minutes overground in the woods to reach the burial spot.

De Oliveiras family had said previously that he denied any wrongdoing and alleged that police had tortured him to try to extract a confession.

Another officer, Guilherme Torres of the Amazonas state police, said that the missing men's boat had not been found yet but that police knew the area where it purportedly was hidden by those involved in the crime.

They put bags of dirt on the boat so it would sink, he said. The engine of the boat was removed, according to investigators.

The news conference at Federal Police headquarters in Manaus also included military leaders, who joined the effort to find Phillips and Pereira a few days after their disappearance was reported.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a frequent critic of journalists and Indigenous experts, has drawn criticism that the government didn't get involved fast enough. Earlier on Wednesday, he criticized Phillips in an interview, saying without evidence that locals in the area where he went missing didn't like him and that he should have been more careful in the region.

The efforts to find the two were started by Indigenous residents in the region. UNIVAJA, an association of Indigenous peoples of the Javari Valley, mourned the loss of two partners in a statement Wednesday, adding that they had help and protection only from local police.

As the Federal Police announced they would hold a news conference, colleagues of Pereira held a vigil outside the headquarters of the Brazilian government's Indigenous affairs agency in Brasilia, the national capital. Pereira was on leave from the agency.

Pereira, 41, and Phillips, 57, were last seen on their boat in a river near the entrance of the Javari Valley Indigenous Territory, which borders Peru and Colombia. That area has seen violent conflicts among fishermen, poachers and government agents.

Developments began happening Wednesday when Federal Police officers took a suspect whom they did not identify at the time out on the river toward search parties looking for Phillips and Pereira.

An Associated Press photographer in Atalaia do Norte, the city closest to the search zone, witnessed police taking the suspect, who was wearing a hood.

On Tuesday, police said they had arrested a second suspect in connection with the disappearance. He was identified as Oseney da Costa de Oliveira, 41, a fisherman and a brother of the chief suspect.

Police investigators said Wednesday that Oseney da Costa de Oliveira had not confessed to any participation in the crime but that they had evidence against him.

Indigenous people who were with Pereira and Phillips have said that Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira brandished a rifle at them on the day before the pair disappeared.

Official search teams concentrated their efforts around a spot in the Itaquai River where a tarp from the boat used by the missing men was found Saturday by volunteers from the Matis Indigenous group.

Authorities began scouring the area and discovered a backpack, laptop and other personal belongings submerged underwater Sunday. Police said that evening that they had identified the items as the belongings of the missing men, including Pereira's health card and clothes. The backpack was said to belong to Phillips.

Police previously reported finding traces of blood in De Oliveira's boat. Officers also found organic matter of apparent human origin in the river that was sent for analysis.

Authorities have said a main line of the police investigation into the disappearance has pointed to an international network that pays poor fishermen to fish illegally in the Javari Valley reserve, which is Brazils second-largest Indigenous territory.

Pereira, who previously led the local bureau of the federal Indigenous agency, known as FUNAI, took part in several operations against illegal fishing. In such operations, as a rule, the fishing gear is seized or destroyed, while the fishermen are fined and briefly detained. Only the Indigenous can legally fish in their territories.

While some police officials, the mayor of Atalaia do Norte and others in the region link the disappearance of Phillips and Pereira to the fish mafia, Federal Police have not ruled rule out other lines of investigation, such as narcotrafficking.

After the news of the recovery of human remains, Phillips' wife, Alessandra Sampaio, said the find puts an end to the anguish of not knowing Dom and Brunos whereabouts.

Now we can bring them home and say goodbye with love," Sampaio said in a statement. Today, we also begin our quest for justice."

Pereira's wife, Beatriz Matos, paid tribute to him Thursday.

Now that Bruno's spirits are strolling in the forest and spread on us, our strength is much bigger, she said on Twitter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
George Washington University is officially dropping its Colonials nickname, the school announced Wednesday.

Citing the recommendation of the Special Committee on the Colonials Moniker, the GW board of trustees said it decided to discontinue the moniker because it "it can no longer serve its purpose as a name that unifies," due to "division among the community."

The nickname has been used since 1926.

From the statement:

The board recognizes the significance of changing the universitys moniker, and we made this decision only after a thoughtful and deliberate process that followed the renaming framework and special committee recommendation that considered the varying perspectives of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and athletics community, said Board Chair Grace Speights, J.D. 82. A moniker must unify our community, draw people together and serve as a source of pride. We look forward to the next steps in an inclusive process to identify a moniker that fulfills this aspiration.

The Colonials nickname will continue to be used until a new moniker is determined, which is expected by the 2023-24 academic year "after a broad university community engagement process."

Students at George Washington circulated a petition in 2018 to change the nickname, citing the history of systemic oppression associated with colonialism:

We, as students, faculty, and staff of the George Washington University, believe it is of great exigence that the university changes the official nickname for its affiliates. The use of Colonials, no matter how innocent the intention, is received as extremely offensive by not only affiliates of the university, but the nation and world at large. The historically, negatively charged figure of Colonials has too deep a connection to colonization and glorifies the act of systemic oppression.

A year later, the GW student body voted 54 percent in favor of a referendum calling for the name to be changed. The school announced months later it would consider changing the name, leading to the special committee to make a decision on a potential name change.

George Washington is getting a new nickname. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Why 'Hippos' could be the new George Washington nickname

The 2018 petition mentioned "Hippos" and "Riverhorses" as potential nicknames.

The former comes from a bronze hippopotamus statue purchased by then-GW president Stephen Trachtenberg at an antique store and installed on campus as a gift to the class of 2000. The statue has since become a new campus tradition, with students rubbing its head or putting coins in its mouth for good luck.

It has even involved into an unofficial mascot, with a student attending games in an inflated hippo costume, according to the school. That recent history could give the nickname an inside track as a replacement, especially among the student body.
In the opening public hearings of the select committee investigating the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol, the most damning evidence that former President Donald Trump conspired to overturn a lawful election has come from the people Trump himself appointed or hired.

Former Trump Attorney General William Barr, for instance, told the committee that his former boss had "become detached from reality" on the subject of his election loss, adding that Trump had no "interest in what the actual facts were. Barr described as "bulls***" and "complete nonsense" what he called Trump's "crazy" assertions that fraud had cost him the election, and said he had let the president know it.

In response to Barr's testimony to the committee, Trump predictably lashed out at the man he chose to be his attorney general, saying in a statement last week that "he sucked!"

A video of former Attorney General William Barr plays at a hearing on Capitol Hill on June 13. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

It's well-known that many of the people who were willing to go to work for the former president have since revised their opinion of him. Trump's four years in the White House saw the highest turnover rate of any administration in U.S. history, and many of those who moved on appear to have left with a bitter taste in their mouth.

As Trump eyes another presidential bid, it is worth considering the people whose opinions of Trump deteriorated as a result of having worked for him. The following is a list of Trump aides and administration officials who have spoken out against their old boss.

Mike Pence

Video of former Vice President Mike Pence plays at a hearing June 9 of the Jan. 6 select committee. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Trump's pressure on his vice president, Mike Pence, to send the Electoral College results back to the states is at the center of the Jan. 6 select committee hearings. Pence's refusal to do so earned him the wrath of Trump and his supporters, who chanted "Hang Mike Pence!" as they ransacked the Capitol.

In a speech to the Federalist Society in February, Pence publicly disclosed his thinking about Trump's request.

President Trump is wrong. I had no right to overturn the election, Pence said, adding, The presidency belongs to the American people, and the American people alone. And frankly, there is no idea more un-American than the notion that any one person could choose the American president.

Bill Stepien

A screen on June 13 plays the testimony of Bill Stepien, former campaign manager for Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign, to the Jan. 6 select committee. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

In his testimony to the Jan. 6 committee, Bill Stepien, Trump's 2020 campaign manager, said that the dishonest campaign by Trump and his underlings to convince the American people that the election had been "stolen" inspired him to resign.

I didnt think what was happening was necessarily honest or professional at that point in time, so that led to me stepping away, Stepien told lawmakers.

B.J. Pak

Former U.S. Attorney for Georgia, B.J. Pak, testifies at a select committee hearing on June 13. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump's former U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, B.J. Pak, told the Jan. 6 committee that he had investigated claims of voter fraud in Georgia, including ones made by Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani about voting improprieties in Fulton County, and found them all to be "false." After learning that Trump planned to fire him over that finding, Pak resigned as U.S. attorney.

Eric Herschmann

Eric Herschmann, former White House attorney, in a video deposition played on June 13 on Capitol Hill. (House Select Committee via AP)

In his testimony to the committee, former White House lawyer Eric Herschmann described conversations he had with right-wing attorney John Eastman, the author of an infamous memo imploring Pence to try to reverse the 2020 election results. Wyoming Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, the vice chair of the Jan. 6 committee, has said Eastman plotted with Trump to try to overturn the election results.

When Eastman pressed Herschmann to pursue a challenge to the results in Georgia, the White House lawyer said he replied, "Are you out of your f***ing mind?" Herschmann, who had no patience with Trump's claims that the election had been rigged against him, said he then offered Eastman some free legal advice: "Get a great f***ing criminal defense lawyer. You're going to need it."

Betsy DeVos

Education Secretary Betsy Devos listens during a briefing on the COVID-19 pandemic at the White House on Aug. 12, 2020. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

One of Trump's most loyal Cabinet members, former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, said she lost faith in her former boss the day his supporters stormed the Capitol to try to block the certification of Joe Biden's victory.

"When I saw what was happening on Jan. 6 and didn't see the president step in and do what he could have done to turn it back or slow it down or really address the situation, it was just obvious to me that I couldn't continue," DeVos said in an interview published June 9 in USA Today.

DeVos said she also spoke to other Cabinet members and Pence about invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office.

John Bolton

Former national security adviser John Bolton speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington on Sept. 30, 2019. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP

Throughout his 17-month tenure as national security adviser, John Bolton clashed with Trump over how to handle U.S. policy toward North Korea, Iran, Afghanistan and Ukraine. A year after Trump fired him, Bolton made clear that he would not be casting a vote for Trump in the 2020 election.

I hope [history] will remember him as a one-term president who didnt plunge the country irretrievably into a downward spiral, Bolton said in an interview with ABC News.We can get over one term. I have absolute confidence.  Two terms, Im more troubled about.

James Mattis

U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis listens to President Donald Trump at the White House on Oct. 23, 2018. (Leah Millis/Reuters)

In his 2018 resignation letter to Trump, former Defense Secretary James Mattis made clear that he strongly opposed the foreign policy decisions of his boss. "Our strength as a nation is inextricably linked to the strength of our unique and comprehensive system of alliances and partnerships," Mattis wrote.

While remaining mostly silent about his issues with Trump, Mattis issued a stinging rebuke in 2020 of the president's approach to handling civil unrest stemming from police misconduct against African Americans.

"Donald Trump is the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people  does not even pretend to try," Mattis wrote in the Atlantic. "Instead he tries to divide us. We are witnessing the consequences of three years of this deliberate effort. We are witnessing the consequences of three years without mature leadership."

John Kelly

Then-White House chief of staff John Kelly listens as President Donald Trump speaks at a lunch with governors in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on June 21, 2018. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, who left the White House in 2019 after repeated clashes with Trump, reportedly called him "the most flawed person" he had ever met.

Kelly shared Mattis's assessment of Trump published in the Atlantic, and essentially told his interviewer, Trump's short-lived communications director Anthony Scaramucci, that the country had made a mistake in electing him.

I think we really need to step back," Kelly said. I think we need to look harder at who we elect.

Richard V. Spencer

Then-Acting Defense Secretary Richard Spencer listens during a Cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House on July 16, 2019, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP)

Trump fired Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer in 2019 over his objections to Trump's insistence that a member of the Navy SEALs charged with war crimes and murder be allowed to retire with full benefits and with his military rank restored. In an op-ed in the Washington Post, Spencer said Trump's intervention was "a reminder that the president has very little understanding of what it means to be in the military, to fight ethically or to be governed by a uniform set of rules and practices."

Gary Cohn

Gary Cohn, former director of the U.S. National Economic Council, speaks at a Reuters Newsmaker event in New York on Sept. 17, 2018. (Jeenah Moon/Reuters)

Picked by Trump to serve as a senior adviser and director of the National Economics Council, Gary Cohn left after little more than a year in those roles after a dispute over the president's plan to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum. Months after leaving his job, Cohn was quoted in Bob Woodward's book "Fear: Trump in the White House," calling Trump "a professional liar."

Tom Bossert

Tom Bossert, homeland security adviser to President Donald Trump at the time, holds a press briefing at the White House on Dec. 19, 2017, to blame North Korea for unleashing the so-called WannaCry cyberattack. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Trump's homeland security adviser Tom Bossert said that in early 2018 he informed the president that the conspiracy theory that Ukraine, not Russia, had interfered with the 2016 presidential election had been "completely debunked." That didn't stop Trump from embarking on a pressure campaign to convince the government in Kyiv to come up with damaging information on his political rival, Joe Biden. Bossert resigned in April of 2018 and vented months later in an interview with ABC News.

I am deeply frustrated with what he and the legal team is doing and repeating that debunked theory to the president. It sticks in his mind when he hears it over and over again, and for clarity here. ... Let me just again repeat that it has no validity.

Omarosa Manigault Newman

Omarosa Manigault Newman, former assistant to President Donald Trump and director of communications for the White House Office of Public Liaison, appears on "Meet the Press" in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 12, 2018. (William B. Plowman/NBC/NBC Newswire/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

The former "Apprentice" contestant hired by Trump as a political aide fell out with her boss after serving nearly a year in his administration. After she was fired, she published one of the first tell-all books about working in the Trump White House.

"Donald Trump, who would attack civil rights icons and professional athletes, who would go after grieving black widows, who would say there were good people on both sides, who endorsed an accused child molester; Donald Trump, and his decisions and his behavior, was harming the country. I could no longer be a part of this madness," she wrote in her book.

Trump fired back at the reality TV star turned politico, calling her "wacky" and "vicious."

Stephanie Grisham

Stephanie Grisham, former spokesperson for first lady Melania Trump, arrives for a campaign rally with President Donald Trump in Orlando, Fla., on June 18, 2019. (Carlos Barria/Reuters)

Stephanie Grisham, former White House press secretary and communications director, says she began to sour on Trump before she resigned on Jan. 6, 2021.

In her tell-all book "I'll Take Your Questions Now," she detailed Trump's regular verbal abuse and compromising requests.

I knew that sooner or later, the president would want me to tell the public something that was not true or that would make me sound like a lunatic, Grisham wrote.

Grisham has predicted that if Trump were to win a second term, "He will be about revenge."

Alyssa Farrah Griffin

Alyssa Farah, then White House director of strategic communications, speaks to the media at the White House on Oct. 9, 2020. (Erin Scott/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Former White House Communications Director Alyssa Farrah Griffin left her post in the Trump administration shortly before the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol, because she said the president knew full well that he had lost the election but continued to peddle false claims about voter fraud.

He knew, Farrah said in an interview with CNN's Pamela Brown. He told me shortly after that he knew he lost, but then folks got around him. They got information in front of him, and I think his mind genuinely might have been changed about that, and thats scary, because he did lose, and the facts are out there.

Griffin has emerged as a persistent critic of the former president, telling Vanity Fair in May that she is trying to reach those who, like her, "drank the Kool-Aid" and once supported him.

The people Im most hoping to reach and convince that Trump is terrible for our country, are people who, like I once did, support him," she said.

H.R. McMaster

Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster listens as U.S. President Donald Trump announces his appointment as national security adviser on Feb. 20, 2017. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Reported to have mocked Trump at a private dinner party as having the intelligence of a "kindergartener," former national security adviser H.R. McMaster left his White House post in 2018, little more than a year after he accepted the post. The two men had often clashed on subjects such as how to end the war in Afghanistan, but McMaster kept his criticism of the president mostly hidden until a month before the 2020 election.

Asked if Trump was as big a threat to election integrity in the U.S. as Russia, McMaster was unequivocal.

He is aiding and abetting Putins efforts by not being direct about this, McMaster said of Trump in an interview on MSNBC.

McMaster theorized that if Trump did not confront Russian President Vladimir Putin over his 2016 election meddling directly, "he'll inadvertently draw his own election into question."

Anthony Scaramucci

Anthony Scaramucci, former White House communications director, appears on "Meet the Press" in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 21, 2018. (William B. Plowman/NBC/NBC Newswire/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Anthony Scaramucci served in the Trump administration as White House communications director for all of 11 days, but that apparently was enough to dramatically change his view of Donald Trump.

Amid criticism of Trump's response to mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio, and Trump's responses to it, Scaramucci diagnosed the fate of all Trump critics.

For the last 3 years I have fully supported this President, Scaramucci tweeted in 2019. Recently he has said things that divide the country in a way that is unacceptable. So I didnt pass the 100% litmus test. Eventually he turns on everyone, and soon it will be you and then the entire country.

Nikki Haley

Nikki Haley, former U.S. envoy to the United Nations, addresses the Republican National Convention from the Mellon auditorium on Aug. 24, 2020, in Washington, D.C. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump's former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, took aim at the former president a week after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

"We need to acknowledge he let us down," Haley, once a steadfast Trump loyalist, told Politico. "He went down a path he shouldn't have, and we shouldn't have followed him, and we shouldn't have listened to him. And we can't let that ever happen again."

Especially galling to Haley was Trump's tweet attacking Pence, as a mob of his supporters roamed the Capitol chanting that he should be hanged.

"When I tell you I'm angry, it's an understatement," Haley said. "Mike has been nothing but loyal to that man. He's been nothing but a good friend of that man. ... I am so disappointed in the fact that [despite] the loyalty and friendship he had with Mike Pence, that he would do that to him. Like, I'm disgusted by it."

Haley softened that criticism in the months that followed, however.

Michael Cohen

Michael Cohen, former trusted aide and lawyer to President Donald Trump, testifies before the House Oversight and Reform Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 27, 2019. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post)

The longtime Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, who also served as the vice president of the Trump Organization, pleaded guilty in 2018 to criminal counts that included campaign finance violations, tax fraud and bank fraud. Known as Trump's "fixer," Cohen quickly turned on his former boss, arguing in court that he had broken laws at Trump's direction.

Since his conviction, Cohen has spoken out regularly about his relationship with Trump, and has helped federal and state investigators in their probes of the former president. In a YouTube series posted following the second public hearing of the Jan. 6 select committee, Cohen summarized his attitude toward Trump.

"You may all remember when I testified before the House Oversight Committee and I stated emphatically that Donald Trump is a racist, he's a liar, he's a con man, he's a cheat," Cohen said.

"And over the course of the years, I've called Donald Trump what? The grifter-in-chief. And today what did we learn? That right after they lost the election, the campaign  with, of course, Donald's approval  puts out this massive request for people to donate to the legal fund to challenge the big lie, to challenge the electoral vote and the theft that he keeps claiming took place. Well, they raised a ton of money. None of that money ended up getting spent, so where did that money go?"

Rex Tillerson

Outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrives to deliver farewell remarks at the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C., on March 22, 2018. (Yuri Gripas/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Trump fired his Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in March 2018 in a tweet after a year that the two men had spent disagreeing on the role of U.S. allies and whether to pursue another nuclear deal with Iran. In the months that followed, Tillerson, the former chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil, let it be known that he did not have an elevated opinion of Trump's intelligence or attention span.

Tillerson said he found it challenging "to go to work for a man who is pretty undisciplined, doesnt like to read, doesnt read briefing reports, doesnt like to get into the details of a lot of things, but rather just kind of says, This is what I believe, he told CBS News in December 2018.

By 2021, his view of Trump had further dimmed.

"His understanding of global events, his understanding of global history, his understanding of U.S. history was really limited. It's really hard to have a conversation with someone who doesn't even understand the concept for why we're talking about this," Tillerson told Foreign Policy.

Deborah Birx

President Donald Trump listens on April 22, 2020, as Dr. Deborah Birx, then White House coronavirus response coordinator, speaks about the coronavirus in the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House. (Alex Brandon/AP)

in her memoir, Silent Invasion: The Untold Story of the Trump Administration, Covid-19, and Preventing the Next Pandemic Before Its Too Late, former Trump White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx describes the former president's efforts on COVID-19 a "tragedy, on many levels."

Recounting the famous April 2020 briefing during which Trump suggested treating COVID-19 by injecting disinfectant, Birx wrote, I looked down at my feet and wished for two things: something to kick and for the floor to open up and swallow me whole.

Birx said she demanded that guidance be immediately reversed, and Trump quickly pivoted to saying he had only been joking.

Anthony Fauci

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, addresses a press briefing at the White House on April 13, 2021. (Patrick Semansky/AP)

Like Birx, Dr. Anthony Fauci also quickly ran afoul of Trump in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic for questioning his judgment on how to deal with rising infections and deaths and publicly correcting him at news conferences.

Fauci, who had declared prior to the 2020 election that he would not stay in his job if Trump were to win, has described the "liberating feeling" of working for Biden. That's not surprising given that Trump and his allies have often attempted to blame the pandemic on Fauci.

In an interview with the New York Times, Fauci said he realized that his relationship with Trump was likely to go south as he continued to appear at daily coronavirus briefings with the president.

"He would say something that clearly was not correct, and then a reporter would say, 'Well, lets hear from Dr. Fauci.' I would have to get up and say, 'No, Im sorry, I do not think that is the case.' It isnt like I took any pleasure in contradicting the president of the United States. I have a great deal of respect for the office. But I made a decision that I just had to. Otherwise I would be compromising my own integrity, and be giving a false message to the world. If I didnt speak up, it would be almost tacit approval that what he was saying was OK," Fauci said.

"Thats when I started to get into some trouble."

Cover photo: Peter Casey/USA TODAY Sports via Reuters

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The rioters got within 2 doors of Vice President Mike Pence's office. See how in this 3D explainer from Yahoo Immersive.
People attend Juneteenth celebrations in Harlem in New York last year. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez / Associated Press)

Recognition of Juneteenth, the effective end of slavery in the U.S., gained traction after the police killing of George Floyd in 2020. But after an initial burst of action, the movement to have it recognized as an official holiday in the states has largely stalled.

Although almost every state recognizes Juneteenth in some fashion, many have been slow to do more than issue a proclamation or resolution, even as some continue to commemorate the Confederacy.

Lawmakers in Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and other states failed to advance proposals this year that would have closed state offices and given most of their public employees paid time off for the June 19 holiday.

That trend infuriates Black leaders and community organizers who view making Juneteenth a paid holiday as the bare minimum state officials can do to help honor an often overlooked and ignored piece of American history.

Juneteenth marks the date of major significance in American history. It represents the ways in which freedom for Black people [has] been delayed, Connecticut state Rep. Anthony Nolan, who is Black, said while arguing in favor of making Juneteenth a paid holiday on Connecticut House floor. And if we delay this, its a smack in the face to Black folks.

Juneteenth commemorates when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, in 1865, two months after the Confederacy had surrendered in the Civil War and about 2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in Southern states.

Last year, Congress and President Biden moved swiftly to make Juneteenth a national holiday. It was the first time the federal government had designated a new national holiday since approving Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983. Yet the move didnt result in an automatic adoption by most states.

In Alabama, Republican Gov. Kay Ivey issued another proclamation marking Juneteenth as a state holiday earlier this week after state lawmakers refused to take action on a bill during their legislative session even after she voiced strong support for making it a permanent holiday back in 2021. The state closes down for Confederate Memorial Days in April.

Similarly, Wyoming's Republican Gov. Mark Gordon issued a statement in June of last year saying he would work with lawmakers to make it a state holiday, but no legislation was filed during the 2022 session.

In Tennessee, Republican Gov. Bill Lee quietly tucked enough funding  roughly $700,000  to make Juneteenth a state paid holiday in his initial spending plan for the upcoming year.

Despite the bill gaining traction in the Tennessee state Senate, GOP legislative leaders maintained that there wasnt enough support for the idea, even as state law currently designates special observances for Robert E. Lee Day, Confederate Decoration Day and Nathan Bedford Forrest Day.

I asked many people in my district over the last few days, well over 100 people, if they knew what Juneteenth was and only two of them knew, said Republican Sen. Joey Hensley, who is white and voted against the proposal. I just think were putting the cart before the horse making a holiday that people dont know about.

In South Carolina, instead of working to approve Juneteenth as a holiday, Senate lawmakers unanimously advanced a bill that would allow state employees to choose any day they want to take off instead of the Confederate Memorial Day currently enshrined as a paid holiday in state law. However, the House sent the bill to a committee where it died without a hearing when the Legislature adjourned for the session.

At the same time, many of these Republican-led areas have advanced bills limiting what can be taught in classrooms about systemic racism and spiked proposals aimed at expanding voting rights and police reform.

This year, nearly 20 states are expected to close state offices and give most of their public employees time off. At least six states officially adopted the holiday over the past few months, including Connecticut, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, South Dakota, Utah and Washington. A bill introduced in California passed the Assembly and moved to the Senate this month, and individual cities such as Los Angeles have already issued proclamations making Juneteenth official.

Becoming a state holiday will not merely give employees a day off, it will also give residents a day to think about the future that we want, while remembering the inequities of the past, said Andrea Harrison, a Democratic state lawmaker who sponsored the Juneteenth legislation in Maryland this year. It will help us to reflect how far weve come as a nation, how much more we need to do as humankind.

Attempts to give Juneteenth the same deference as Memorial Day or the Fourth of July didnt begin to gain traction until 2020, when protests sparked a nationwide push to address race after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the deaths of other Black people at the hands of police officers.

George Floyd protests against police brutality brought awareness to Juneteenth because there were people of all races learning about its significance for the first time following a public push to self-educate and learn more about Black history, culture and injustices, said Tremaine Jasper, a resident and business owner in Phoenix who has attended Juneteenth celebrations across Arizona with his family.

Some cities in Arizona, including Phoenix, have declared Juneteenth an official holiday, paying city employees and closing municipal buildings. However, lawmakers are not currently considering statewide recognition.

There are so many other important issues that we need to tackle  education, political issues, reparations  before we prioritize making Juneteenth a statewide holiday, Jasper said, noting that those looking to celebrate know where to go.

Jasper, who was born and raised in Arizona, said it would be an uphill battle to get the state to recognize Juneteenth because there is not a large enough Black population outside of its biggest cities to make the push.

Arizona was also slow in recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day, not doing so until 1992. It was one of the last states to officially recognize the civil rights leader.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Southwest suffered through another intense heat wave over the weekend, with Denver, Las Vegas and Phoenix all posting record high temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday. Death Valley, in California, reached a record high for June 11 of 122 degrees. In Las Vegas, the mercury rose to a record-setting 109 degrees two days in a row. Then the heat dome moved eastward, with a high temperature of 96 degrees in the Twin Cities of Minnesota.

Now the heat dome is languishing over the Tennessee Valley and bringing highs of 95 to 100 degrees from the Corn Belt to the Carolinas, with exceptional humidity in the Midwest exacerbating just how sultry it feels, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday afternoon. High humidity levels are contributing to heat index values pushing 115 degrees in spots.

This dramatic heat wave before summer has even officially begun isnt a freak occurrence; its an increasingly common, and dangerous, condition due to climate change. A 2019 study found that severe heat events per year in Las Vegas increased from an average of 3.3 events per year from 2007-2009 to 4.7 per year from 2010-2016. Since 2017, 570 people have died of heat-related causes in Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, up from 241 heat-related deaths in the previous five years, according to the Southern Nevada Health District.

Residents of some of the hottest cities say extreme heat is having a devastating impact, especially on the most disadvantaged residents.

Jose Rivera, a 21-year-old resident of Las Vegas, said he has seen a change in his own short lifetime. Rivera goes door-to-door to help his mother sell homemade bunuelos, a fried dough fritter from Latin America.

I grew up in Las Vegas, and years ago, it was tolerable to be outside, regardless of what you were wearing, regardless of what time of day, regardless of what area you lived in, he told Yahoo News. But when it comes to today, the impacts have changed. ... Its not tolerable anymore. I can spend maybe 30 minutes walking door-to-door, but Im going to need to take a break, head inside, before I collapse, before I feel like I want to faint.

A sign with the warning Heat kills, at Capitol Reef National Park outside of Torrey, Utah, on June 14. (George Frey/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Our whole life of living in this region, its been only hotter, said Shaina Oliver, a tribal member of the Navajo Nation who lives in Denver and works with Moms Clean Air Force, an environmental advocacy organization. We keep breaking our own record every year. Of the 15 years with the most 100-degree-plus days in Denver, 11 are in the 21st century.

The heat is especially hard on lower-income residents, who may lack air-conditioning.

Ive met a couple of street vendors  for example, Mary, who washes cars  I was talking to her about how do you deal with the heat? Rivera said. She said, We splash ourselves with water so we dont pass out. (He didnt share her last name.)

But Mary doesnt have a working air conditioner. She said, Its been two years that our air conditioner has been broken down. We can barely make rent, and now we have to fix our air-conditioning, which is not possible, Rivera recounted. She has to work outside all day and then go home to a house with no AC.

Those who lack air-conditioning are often unable to go about their regular activities due to the extreme heat. People that are brown, Indigenous, Latino, Black, most of the households we occupy are old buildings that were never renovated, never updated, Oliver said.

So youre constantly fighting with your energy, because you have no energy in extreme heat, so youre constantly trying to survive through the heat, she added. Youre like walking zombies because youre trying to survive through the heat.

A view of the Las Vegas Strip. (Gabe Ginsberg/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

I dont know whether youve been in over-110-degree weather, but its like walking into your oven, Hazel Chandler, a Phoenix-based field coordinator for Moms Clean Air Force, told Yahoo News. Many cant afford to turn [air-conditioning] on because they just cant afford the bills, especially on houses that have substandard insulation and lack decent windows, the bills are just horrendous for air-conditioning.

Lower-income neighborhoods also tend to have a more severe urban heat island effect due to lack of shade and green space.

A lot of our communities, we dont have that much greenery, OIiver said. Theres a lot of dirt more than grass.

The heat also creates other problems. Since ground-level ozone, also known as smog, forms more in warmer weather, air pollution is worst on hot days.

In Colorado, we have a bad issue with ozone pollution, and it increases as the heat rises, Oliver told Yahoo News. We have many days of ozone alert, where we have to stay inside due to excessive heat and, due to that heat, our ozone pollution standards are off the charts.

The air quality has been terrible these recent days, Rivera said. I notice the difference from years back.

This is especially true in poorer neighborhoods, which tend to have worse air quality, as they are frequently near highways or polluted industrial sites.

Our communities are placed near Superfund sites, Oliver said, referring to sites contaminated with hazardous waste. Theyre placed near the highway, theyre placed next to these refineries. Thats where our affordable housing [developments] are.

A gauge measures water levels on the Rio Nambe in New Mexico amid extreme drought conditions in the area on June 3. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Higher temperatures and drier foliage are also leading to earlier and more widespread wildfires throughout the West. By April 23, there were more than 20 wildfires burning in 16 of New Mexicos 33 counties. The smoke from wildfires also worsens air pollution, and  in a vicious feedback loop  it intensifies climate change by destroying plants that otherwise would absorb carbon dioxide.

All of these problems are only set to get worse if climate change continues unabated. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, additional warming will mean more frequent and severe heat waves. Historically, there have been an average of 12 days per year in Nevada with a heat index above 90 degrees, but a study from the Union of Concerned Scientists found that this number could jump to 39 days per year by 2050 and 68 by the end of this century.

Activists in the Southwest say both mitigating climate change and adapting to it are necessary to prevent more heat-related deaths.

Weve got to tackle climate change, Chandler said. We need bold climate action to happen and funding from the federal government to help us start to transition to a sustainable energy system. But the second thing weve got to do is weve got to fund programs that will help us bring these homes up to standard: cooler roofs, insulation, heat pump air-conditioning that can help keep those [energy] bills lower.

_____

Global temperatures are on the rise and have been for decades. Step inside the data and see the magnitude of climate change.
U.S. soldiers in Syria. (AFP via Getty Images)

BEIRUT (AP)  U.S.-led coalition forces captured a senior Islamic State leader in a military operation in northern Syria on Thursday, the coalition said.

In a statement, it said the captured leader was an experienced bomb maker and operational facilitator, describing him as one of the top leaders of the extremist groups Syria branch.

The statement did not identify the individual nor say where the raid took place. It said the operation was successful with no civilians harmed nor any injuries to coalition forces.

A Syria war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said the operation began with two helicopters landing near the targeted area in the village of al-Humaira, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the Turkish border.

It reported clashes unknown gunmen hiding in houses in the village in the northern Aleppo countryside, as they were chased by members of the coalition. The Observatory is Britain-based and maintains a network of activists on the ground in Syria.

The U.S.-backed forces declared victory over the Islamic State in March 2019 after retaking the last piece of territory held by the group in Syria. But ISIS continues to operate and carry out deadly attacks in both Iraq and Syria through sleeper cells and maintains several affiliates in various countries.

The coalition has conducted raids in the past to take out leaders of the violent group. In February, the groups leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi blew himself up along with members of his family as American forces raided his Syria hideout.

His predecessor, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, died similarly along with his family in 2019 by detonating a suicide vest in a tunnel in northwest Syria as a military operation unfolded during the Trump administration.

The ISIS group at the height of its power controlled more than 40,000 square miles stretching from Syria to Iraq and ruled over 8 million people. Its attacks in the region included a major assault last month to seize a prison in northeast Syria holding at least 3,000 IS detainees.
LONDON (Reuters) -Britain on Thursday said it had sanctioned Russian Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova and the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, as part of a new wave of sanctions against Russia over the Ukrainian crisis.

The Foreign Office said it had sanctioned Lvova-Belova for the forced transfer and adoption of Ukrainian children, while Kirill was targeted for "his prominent support of Russian military aggression in Ukraine".

The statement added that four senior military officials from a unit "known to have killed, raped, and tortured civilians" in the Ukrainian town of Bucha were also sanctioned.

"We are targeting the enablers and perpetrators of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's war who have brought untold suffering to Ukraine, including the forced transfer and adoption of children," Britain's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said in a statement.

The government said the sanctions also targeted Putin's allies, military commanders and Russian and Myanmar arms dealers.

Major western countries have announced massive sanctions against the former Soviet republic in recent months over what they say was an invasion of Ukraine in February. Moscow has termed it a special military operation, claiming its aim was to disarm and "denazify" its neighbour.

(Reporting by Muvija M, Editing by Kylie MacLellan)
Ukraine and Russia: What you need to know right now FILE PHOTO: A man holds his baby inside Azot chemical plant in Sievierodonetsk, Ukraine,

(Reuters) - Ukraine said it urgently needed more weapons to fend off Russian advances in the south and the east, an appeal aimed at the West as the leaders of Germany, France and Italy are expected to visit Kyiv.

FIGHTING

* The head of Ukraine's military said Russia had concentrated its main strike forces in the north of Luhansk region and were trying to attack simultaneously in nine directions.

* Russia's defence ministry accused Ukrainian forces of disrupting efforts to allow civilians to escape from a chemical plant in Sievierodonetsk, scene of a weeks-long battle. Reuters was unable to verify the claim.

* Two U.S. citizens who travelled to Ukraine as volunteer fighters against Russian forces have been missing for a week and are feared captured, family members said. A White House national security spokesperson said if the reports are true, the United States "will do everything we can" to get them back.

* U.S. President Biden announced another infusion of $1 billion in weapons for Ukraine that includes anti-ship rocket systems, artillery rockets, howitzers and ammunition. Russia's U.N. ambassador denounced Western countries for supplying weaponry.

DIPLOMACY

* The leaders of the European Union's three biggest countries, Germany, France and Italy, are expected in Kyiv to show their backing for Ukraine.

* The European Union's executive is expected to propose on Friday that Ukraine become a formal candidate for membership of the bloc, diplomats and officials say.

* Russia and the United States must discuss the extension of the START nuclear arms reduction treaty, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the RIA news agency in an interview.

ECONOMY

* Russia said it has offered "safe passage" for Ukraine grain shipments from Black Sea ports but is not responsible for establishing the corridors and Turkey suggested that ships could be guided around sea mines.

* A food security crisis stoked by the Ukraine war is set to push more people to flee their homes in poorer countries, driving record levels of global displacement even higher, the head of the U.N. refugee agency said.

* Russian people and companies are using entities in Georgia to bypass Western sanctions, a group of Ukrainian lawmakers said on a visit to Washington, but they did not provide further details or specific examples. The Georgian embassy in Washington said the accusations were "completely false".

(Compiled by Grant McCool)
Two U.S. veterans who volunteered to join the effort against Russia in Ukraine have been reported missing by their families.

Alabama residents Alex Drueke and Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh have not been heard from since last week, the families said Wednesday, and relatives said they are worried about what may have happened to the duo.

Drueke, 39, is a former U.S. Army service member from Tuscaloosa who served two tours in Iraq, his family told NBC News.

His mother, Lois, said she got a phone call Monday from one of his friends, who told her that a mission had gone bad and that two men, including her son, did not return.

Alex Drueke. (Facebook)

She said that in their most recent communication last Wednesday, her son wrote to her that he would be going dark for a few days. She wrote back: Stay safe. And I love you, to which he replied: I love you too, she said, fighting back tears. She has not heard from him since.

Lois Drueke said her son was not in Ukraine to fight, but was there in more of an advisory capacity as a civilian with army training, so she did not know why he was included on the mission.

When he saw what was happening in Ukraine, he said, 'Mom, I have to go and help train those soldiers so that Putin cant get the confidence that he can just roll over Ukraine and other countries, because eventually hell tackle us,' she said.

'And I feel like if we can stop him there in Ukraine, then Im helping to keep Americans safe,' Lois Drueke recalled her son saying of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

She expressed fears the pair had been captured but said that had not been verified. NBC News reached out to the Kremlin, as well as to the Russian defense and foreign ministries for comment.

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Thursday that Washington had not yet contacted the ministry in connection with the media reports about two American mercenaries detained in the suburbs of Kharkiv, the state news agency Ria reported.

Lois Drueke said the family doesnt know if Drueke was captured, and its possible he and Huynh were still out there evading the enemy. The possibility that he is in Russian custody has her worried, she said, but she knew Ukraine and the U.S. government were actively searching for the pair.

If worst comes to worst, I know he was doing something he truly believed was good and noble, she said, her voice breaking again.

Rep. Terri A. Sewell, D-Ala., tweeted late Wednesday that Druekes mother reached out to her office after losing contact with her son, and that they are doing everything in our power to assist in locating him and finding answers for his family.

Meanwhile, Huynhs family reached out to Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., he said in a statement Wednesday. Aderholt said the family told him they had not been in contact with Huynh since June 8 when he was in the area of the city of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine. He said Huynh, 27, volunteered to go fight with the Ukrainian army against Russia. As you can imagine, his loved ones are very concerned about him, Aderholt said.

Andy Huynh. (Facebook)

Huynh is originally from Orange County, California, but had recently been living in the Alabama community of Hartselle and was engaged to be married, his fiancee's brother, Zachary Polk, said.

He met her online, Polk said. Hes from California. Hes a former U.S. Marine. He came over here to Alabama, and joined our church, and met my sister after he got out.

He felt he needed to help them, so he went over there to see what help he could provide, Polk said.

Darla Joy Black, the mother of Huynhs fiancee, posted on Facebook that the pair were unaccounted for.

Nothing else is officially confirmed, she said. Please keep Andy, and Alex, and all of their loved ones in prayer. We just want them to come home.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said Wednesday he could not confirm the reports of the two missing Americans. He reiterated that the United States discourages Americans from going to Ukraine and fighting there.

It is a war zone, he said. It is combat. And if you feel passionate about supporting Ukraine, theres any number of other ways to do that, that are safer and just as effective. Ukraine is not the place for Americans to be traveling.

Joe Cirincione, distinguished fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft in Washington, D.C, told NBC News that Americans who want to aid Ukraine, whether by fighting or helping to train its soldiers on how to use U.S.-supplied weapons, should be allowed to go. But, he added, the incident highlights the risks created when they do.

I am afraid that they are going to be used as pawns by the Russians now in their effort to try to get the U.S. and the west to back off on sanctions. Any release of these Americans will be undoubtedly conditioned to American loosening of the sanctions on Russia, Cirincione said.

Earlier Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Department of State said it was aware of the reports of two U.S. citizens captured in Ukraine and was monitoring the situation closely.

U.S. officials are in contact with the Ukrainian authorities, the spokesperson said, who declined to comment further, citing privacy considerations.

Ukraine put out a call early on in the war for trained fighters from around the world to volunteer and join its foreign legion.

Last week, two British citizens and a Moroccan, whom Russian officials have labeled mercenaries, were sentenced to death by pro-Moscow separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine.
Boris Johnsons plans to unilaterally scrap parts of Northern Irelands Brexit deal are politically driven and very damaging to EU-UK relations, the European Commission vice-president has said.

Maros Sefcovic said the European Union was not here for political point scoring after the bloc launched fresh legal action against the UK in retaliation over the Prime Ministers just laid Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, which will effectively rip up key parts of the deal signed by Mr Johnson and the EU in 2019.

Tabling the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill was 'politically driven', suggests Maros Sefcovic.@BethRigby talks to the vice-president of the European Commission on the UK's proposed changes to the protocol.  Watch Beth Rigby Interviews tonight at 9pm Sky 501 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/S8lvAWLvex  Sky News (@SkyNews) June 16, 2022

Mr Sefcovic told Beth Rigby on Sky News: I cannot resist the impression that the tabling of the Bill is politically driven, but its not our role to comment on internal politics in the UK and therefore our doors for the negotiations will always be open.

We are here for the results, not political point scoring We are in a fixing business, but I am afraid to say what was tabled on Monday is very much nixing.

It is very much ripping up the protocol and I dont think that is good for anyone.

In the deal, both sides agreed to put checks on goods, plant and animal products crossing from Great Britain to Northern Ireland in order to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland.

The UK has insisted that its unilateral approach is the only option left to resolve the issues baked in to the protocol if the EU maintains its refusal to fundamentally rewrite the terms of the deal.

The European Commission vice-president said Brexit difficulties were bleeding into other areas of co-operation.

European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic, pictured with Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, has called for more political will from London to find a joint solution to problems caused by the protocol (Rob Pinney/PA)

While he praised remarkable EU-UK co-operation on Ukraine and other global challenges, he said it was a pity that we have to spend so much time discussing Brexit issues when we need to build and consolidate this western unity.

Mr Sefcovic added: What is indeed very damaging for our relationship is this constant breaching of the international law, and thats something what weve been not used to from the UK.

The dispute could ultimately lead to a trade war, with tariffs or even the suspension of the entire Brexit deal between the UK and European Union.

Vice-President of the European Commission @MarosSefcovic tells @BethRigby that #Brexit is bleeding into other areas of cooperation, and says "constant breaching of international law" is "damaging" to the EU-UK relationship.#Rigby https://t.co/RScrly206R  Sky 501 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/Jt0KT91mSr  Sky News (@SkyNews) June 16, 2022

Mr Sefcovic declined to rule out a trade war, saying: We have to keep all options on the table.

But he emphasised the EUs preference to find a negotiated resolution to the problems caused by the protocol, lamenting the radio silence from London since February.

He added: We would very much appreciate more of a political will to work on these issues jointly.

Asked if the issue can be resolved, he said he would hope for the best, be prepared for the worst.
LUWEERO, Uganda, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The Ugandan military on Thursday burst an Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) training center in the central Ugandan district of Luweero.

The ADF is an affiliate of the Islamic State in central Africa and is also blamed for the bombings in the Ugandan capital Kampala last November that left six people dead and 33 others injured. The outfit is based in the jungles of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Felix Kulayigye, Ugandan military spokesperson, said the facility had an underground tunnel whose walls were riddled with bullets holes and had punching bags.

Kulayigye said the owner of the facility was the mastermind of the two bombs in Kampala in November.

"He was arrested after the two bombings and given amnesty. Now he has abused amnesty by going back to the activities he had been doing," Kulayigye said.

The military spokesperson said more suspects were still at large and security agencies were apprehending them.

He said the suspects had bought a car which they were going to load with explosives and detonate it at a public place.

"They were assembling a bomb which would be taken by that car to a public place," Kulayigye said. 
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YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. The leadership of Armenia moves on the path of the exercise of rights and the guarantee of the security of the people of Artsakh, and negotiations are taking place around this, and the status must derive from the guarantees that will be for ensuring the security and protecting the rights, Members of Parliament from the ruling Civil Contract faction said at a press briefing today.

Commenting on Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans speech of yesterday in the Parliament relating to the status of Artsakh, Arusyak Julhakyan said: The Prime Minister yesterday said the following over the status of Artsakh that it should not be a goal for us, but a mean to ensure the security and rights of Artsakh-Armenians. And I claim that he is not the first person in Armenia who made that statement, noting that the Artsakh issue has been initially and always considered by Armenia as an issue of right, a security issue, not as an issue of right to self-determination.

According to her, the Artsakh issue remains as an issue of ensuring the protection of rights and the security of Artsakh-Armenians. The lawmaker assured that there couldnt be a step back on this matter.

Artur Hovhannisyan highlighted the PMs speech in a sense that with these statements the leadership is trying to close the gap existing between the public and the entire negotiation process. In fact, the public has not been aware of the negotiation processes. We move on the path of the exercise of rights and the guarantee of the security of the people of Artsakh. Negotiations are taking place around this. And in fact, the status should be derived from the guarantees that will be for ensuring the security and protecting the rights, he said. Negotiations are taking place for the exercise of rights and the security guarantees of the people of Artsakh, and the status should be derived from this. Negotiations are underway to ensure the security of the people of Artsakh and their right to live in their homeland, he added.
YEREVAN, 16 JUNE, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 16 June, USD exchange rate up by 3.11 drams to 427.53 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.08 drams to 444.67 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.07 drams to 7.56 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 3.25 drams to 516.29 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 256.73 drams to 25068.19 drams. Silver price up by 5.22 drams to 294.98 drams. Platinum price stood at 16414.1 drams.
Opposition leaders will again meet on June 21 to finalise their common candidate for the Presidents post

New Delhi: Several Opposition parties held consultations in New Delhi Wednesday, at the initiative of West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, to evolve a consensus on a joint candidate for next months presidential election. Insiders claimed after NCP supremo Sharad Pawar refused to be the candidate, the names of former J&K chief minister and National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah and Mahatma Gandhis grandson and former diplomat Gopalkrishna Gandhi cropped up. But some Opposition leaders who were present said that these names were floated in passing and not seriously. In the last election held in 2017, Mr Gandhi had unsuccessfully contested for the vice-presidents post. It was learnt that the Opposition leaders will again meet on June 21 to finalise their common candidate for the Presidents post. This meeting is likely to be held in Mumbai and will be convened by Mr Pawar.

Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Jairam Ramesh and Randeep Singh Surjewala, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, NCs Omar Abdullah, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav DMKs T.R. Balu, Shiv Senas Priyanka Chaturvedi, RJD leaders Manoj Jha and some others attended the meeting held at New Delhis Constitution Club to discuss possible common Opposition candidates. The notable absentees at the meeting were the Aam Aadmi Party, Telangana Rashtra Samiti, YSR Congress, Akali Dal, Biju Janata Dal and Sikkim Democratic Front of Mr Pawan Kumar Chamling. Around 17 parties attended the meeting called by the West Bengal CM.

The meeting passed a resolution to field a common candidate in the next presidential poll. In the forthcoming presidential election which is being held on the 75th anniversary of Indias Independence, we have decided to field a common candidate who can truly serve as a custodian of the Constitution and stop the Narendra Modi government from doing any further damage to Indian democracy and India's social fabric, the resolution said.

Addressing the press, Ms Banerjee said: One or two parties did not attend the meeting and they must have their reasons. All the members in the meeting unanimously backed Sharad Pawars name. If Mr Pawar is ready, it is okay. If not, then other names will come from the political parties. It (name) will be discussed and decided. Today is the beginning and I think after so many months, we sat together and we will do it again (given) the bulldozing going on in the countrys democratic system. Every institution is (being) totally misused politically and it is necessary that we must sit together.

Congress Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, said: The Congress Party will play a constructive role in ensuring that the parties assembled here this afternoon arrive at a consensus candidate in the next few days. Let us be proactive and not be reactive. The Congress Party has no particular candidate in mind. It will sit together with all of you and arrive at a candidate acceptable to all. At the next meeting, the parties are likely to come up with the names of leaders who could be widely acceptable, some leaders said.

The decision by some key regional parties like the BJD, TRS and AAP to skip Wednesdays meeting called by Ms Banerjee has cheered the ruling BJP as it believes that their absence has only highlighted the fault-lines and one-upmanship among its rivals.
by John Ai

Under the zero-Covid policy, without a health code it is impossible to travel or access public places. Current account holders at four banks in Henan have filed complaints after discovering they cannot withdraw their money. Many uarantined after their Qr code turned red. However, antigen tests show they are negative for the virus.

Rome (AsiaNews) - Hundreds of current account holders have taken to the streets in Zhengzhou, Henan, since May, demanding that authorities ensure the withdrawal of billions of yuan in savings from four banks under investigation for financial scams. Protesters in front of the local Banking Regulatory Authority were soon dispersed by police.

But the crackdown did not end there: after filing their grievances, the victims and their family members discovered that their "health Qr code" for tracking Covid-19 had turned red. This means mandatory quarantine, with a ban on access to transportation services, hotels and other public places.

In April, the four indicted banks blocked their online services without warning and customers were denied access to their accounts. Official media say the four institutions, controlled by Henan Xincaifu Group Investment Holding Co. are involved in illegal fundraising operations through online platforms. The investigation is still ongoing and it is unclear whether the funds have disappeared.

According to press reports, hundreds of current account holders have traveled to Zhengzhou in recent days to petition local authorities to withdraw their savings from banks. Upon getting off the train and plane, they discovered on their smartphone app that their health code had turned red, while that of other passengers remained green.

Local police banned the victims from going to the banks and regulators. With their health code red, they could not take public transportation or stay in hotels. Chinese media report that protesters were asked to remain quarantined in the hospital for 14 days, stay at the authorities' designated hotel, or leave Zhengzhou immediately escorted by police officers.

Affected account holders say some underwent repeated swab tests. Although they tested negative, their codes remained red. Zhengzhou authorities refused to reveal which government department imposed the health code red on the protesters, while allowing them to take the train back to their hometown-in violation of the strict zero-Covid policy.

Criticism of the authorities for using the Covid tracking system for the purpose of restricting citizens' freedom of mobility and maintaining so-called social stability has circulated on the web. Human rights activists have complained that the government uses the health code as a surveillance tool. Last November, activist Xie Yang had planned to visit blogger Zhang Zhan's mother regardless of police warnings, but his health code turned red at the airport. Zhang Zhan has long been detained for shedding light on the pandemic in Wuhan. This is the first time Chinese media, including the nationalist Global Times, have exposed the authorities' exploitation of health measures for social control purposes.

The incident highlights the risks of Chinese financial institutions, which attract funds through partnerships with innovative web platforms. In 2018, the massive collapse of these online financial instruments had sparked a series of protests across the country that ended in police crackdowns. The insolvency of real estate giant China Evergrande Group also sparked conflict between investors and law enforcement after the crisis broke out.

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by Mathias Hariyadi

The head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Indonesia addressed a national meeting of lay pastoral workers. "Work does not only mean making a living, said the prelate. Catholics should strive to create a better social structure in society. An example to follow is The economy of Francesco, a template for a fairer economy promoted by Pope Francis and young people.

Jakarta (AsiaNews)  Jakarta Archbishop Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo spoke at a recent meeting of the Lay Apostolate Commission of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Indonesia.

In his address to the participants, the cardinal said: As lay people in the Catholic Church of Indonesia, you are called to contribute through your work and professional expertise to improve the world in socio-political and economic terms, to give life to a more equitable society.

The four-day gathering brought together scores of pastoral workers from all 37 dioceses of the country, along with the leaders of 12 lay associations.

"Work does not only mean making a living, said the prelate, who also heads the Bishops Conference. It is also a mission whereby Catholics are expected to participate in Gods noble works to bring about his Kingdom and politically create a better social structure in society.

He cited the example of the young economists who heeded the popes call and gathered online inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi for The Economy of Francesco conference.

In Indonesia, Catholic civil society groups have always made a significant contribution to the growth of society.

Indonesias Catholic Youth organisation (Pemuda Katolik) was one of the groups of young Indonesian nationalists, from various religious backgrounds, that took part in the Youth Pledge (Sumpah Pemuda) in 1928.

The pledge itself said: We the sons and daughters of Indonesia, acknowledge one motherland, Indonesia. [. . .] one nation, the nation of Indonesia and the language of unity, Indonesian.

As the cardinal likes to say, that pledge was made at a meeting held at Jakartas Catholic Cathedral.

After independence in 1945, lay Catholics continued to make their contribution. Many Catholic groups are still active in many areas, from outreach to education.

Fr Hans Jeharut, secretary of the Lay Apostolate Commission, hopes that the meeting will give rise to "a roadmap for all Catholic activists, to face together the challenges of our society.

Justina Rostiawati, president of the Indonesian Catholic Women organisation (Wanita Katolik Republik Indonesia), was also present at the meeting.

For her, The cardinals inspiring presentation strongly motivates me to have the guts to leave our conform zone to seek new challenges for the sake of our society.

The meeting was also a source of motivation for Karina, a journalist with the weekly Hidup Katolik, to be more accurate and wiser when writing about sensitive issues, including the coverage of the next general election in 2024.
YAOUNDE, June 16 (Xinhua) -- At least six civilians have been killed in raids carried out by terror group Boko Haram in Cameroon's Far North region, according to local and security sources.

The militants attacked two localities in Darak, a town in the region, by 8 p.m. local time on Wednesday.

"The terrorists also torched about 30 houses, leaving the villagers homeless and devastated. Funerals were held for those killed this morning," an army official who asked not to be named told Xinhua.

The army is stepping up security measures in the region following incessant attacks on civilians by the terrorists, the official said.

The terror group has raided at least five civilian communities in the region in the last one week, killing at least five people, according to security reports. 
by Melani Manel Perera

In a statement released at the end of its Plenary Assembly, the Bishops' Conference calls for urgent government action to help people left to fend for themselves. The prelates demand the repeal of an amendment to the constitution that concentrated too many powers in the hands of the president. They urge fellow Sri Lankans to stay away from violence in any form.

Colombo (Asia News)  The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Sri Lanka (CBCSL) issued a statement at the end of its recent plenary assembly warning that violence is a real danger as the countrys economic crisis worsens.

To cope with the situation, the bishops urge the government to immediately change its policies and amend the constitution to limit the powers of the president.

We earnestly urge the government to take drastic steps to address these issues and bring about justice, equity and open the way for our children and youth to have a country to live with dignity, reads the CBCSL statement.

People are stranded [. . .] without basic needs such as food, fuel and domestic and industrial gas. Patients are left in the lurch without the medicine needed to sustain their life. Parents are yearning to find milk food for infants and children, the statement goes on to say.

For the CBCSL, The tragedy that has struck our nation is in no uncertain terms the worst of our times." Hence, they demand the caretaker government in power address these issues and free the population from daily suffering.

There should be a relief package to provide basic food items to the poorest of the poor. The unbridled rise in prices of basic necessities, shortages and hoarding seriously affect the day-to-day lives of people who are forced to stay in long queues.

The statement also notes that, It is so unfortunate that our leaders have allowed the 20th Amendment to be passed in parliament; in fact, the CBCSL is very concerned that the changes to the constitution have concentrated too many powers in the hands of the president.

The Catholic bishops reiterate the need for the absolute independence of the judiciary" and all other commissions, subject only to the guidance of the parliament." Only "This way, true democracy can be re-instituted in the country.

To reach this goal, everyone should desist from violence, and insist that the government respect the legitimate right to freedom of expression and movement guaranteed by the constitution.
Today's headlines: climate change behind the spike in Dengue cases in Singapore; in North Korea, Covid is joined by an 'unspecified' intestinal epidemic; Israel to reopen Taba crossing with Egypt on 3 July; 20 times more Afghan child workers in Iran under Taliban; Western sanctions lead to lack of super-technological lifts for skyscrapers in Russia.

HONG KONG - CHINA

Hong Kong's new school textbooks state that the territory was never a British colony. On the contrary, it is emphasised that London 'only exercised colonial rule', endorsing Beijing's thesis of a sovereignty that was never broken. Hong Kong was reunited with mainland China in 1997, after 150 years of British rule with the sole exception of 1941 to 1945.

NORTH KOREA

In North Korea, an 'unspecified' intestinal epidemic has broken out in an agricultural area, adding to Covid-19 in a poor nation lacking adequate health resources, starting with medicines and vaccines. Seoul is monitoring the situation, according to a Unification Ministry official it could be cholera or typhus.

AFGHANISTAN - IRAN

Afghan child workers in Iran have increased 20-fold since the Taliban came to power in Kabul in August 2021. A never-ending stream of families has crossed the border to escape violence and insecurity; in the Islamic Republic they resort to any expedient to collect money, including the exploitation of children. In addition to Afghanistan, there are those from Pakistan and Iraq.

SINGAPORE

Climate change is responsible for the escalation of dengue cases recorded in Singapore this year. An exceptionally hot and humid season favoured the breeding of mosquitoes carrying the haemorrhagic fever. In 2022, there were about 15,000 cases, three times the 5,258 in early 2021. If left untreated, the disease has a mortality rate of up to 20%.

ISRAEL - EGYPT

Israel is ready to reopen the Taba crossing with Egypt. The date is set for 3 July, the border point will be accessible 7/7 and h24; it will reduce overcrowding and strengthen the link with Cairo. The crossing point was closed two years ago with the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2019, half a million Israelis had crossed it on their way to the Sinai Peninsula.

RUSSIA

One consequence of Western sanctions in Russia is the shortage of super-technological lifts for the highest buildings, the 'towers' with the penthouses of the rich oligarchs. The US company Otis and the Finnish company Kone have completely ceased business relations with Russia. In an attempt to curb the problem, the builders are looking for new producers in Turkey and China.

KYRGYZSTAN

Kyrgyzstan intends to lease a 25-hectare plot of land in Biskek to Russia for 49 years, according to an agreement signed on 13 June by the International Affairs Committee of Zogorku Kenes, the parliament. Buildings will be constructed on the two plots for the Federal Border Service, which has already acquired the land through a 1999 agreement on customs cooperation.
by Shafique Khokhar

Saba was kidnapped in May by two Muslim men who wanted to force her to convert to Islam. Christian groups thank the police, but asks for a special committee to deal with the problem. Protests by civil society groups help secure the girls release.

Faisalabad (AsiaNews)  On behalf of the local Christian community, the National Minorities Alliance of Pakistan (NMAP) expressed satisfaction for the release of Saba, a 15-year-old Christian girl kidnapped on 20 May by two Muslim men.

The girl returned safely home to her family last week. But her case is not unique. As is often the case in Pakistan, many girls and women from religious minorities are kidnapped in order to be converted to Islam and then forced to marry Muslim men.

Christians and other minority religious groups have repeatedly spoken out against such conversions and forced marriages, which disproportionately affect girls and young women from their communities.

They stress that the biased behaviour of the police and legal authorities is an obstacle to overcoming the problem.

In a letter of thanks to the Faisalabad police for contributing to Saba's release, the NMAP urges the agency to abandon the traditional way in which cases of child abduction are treated.

In most situations, courts drop the case and hand over the victims to their tormentors, disregarding the law, such as the Child Marriage Restraint Act, which imposes severe penalties on adults who marry minors.

Often the kidnappers are drifters or men with a criminal record; some of them are already married, and the goal of the kidnapping is sexual in nature.

Speaking to AsiaNews, NMAP president Robin Daniel suggests that police set up a special committee at the district level under court supervision to address the issue.

The NMAP held a series of sit-ins to secure Saba's release, as did Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP).

The latters president, Naveed Walter, pointed to successful HRFP campaigns to get young women back to their families, like Sheeza Maqsood in 2020, Shahnaz Bibi in 2019, and Nida Sohail in 2017.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

The Russian parliament adopts strict rules on freedom of expression: they want to strike at 'foreign agents'. It would be a return to the times of Stalin and Brezhnev. In Gorbacev's Soviet Union there was more freedom than in today's Russia.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - The National Duma has approved a new bill that would return freedom of expression to the concept of "freedom of demonstration" of Soviet times. A group of deputies and senators, Andrej Klimov, Vasilij Piskarev, Andrei Lugovoj, Maria Butina, Rosa Cemeris and Andrej Alsevskikh, considered "the cream of parliament", have proposed to "perfect the regulation on the status of foreign agent".

The draft envisages banning 'inoagenty' from carrying out any kind of educational or training activity, from publishing children's content, from working in state and regional institutions of public education, and a number of other prohibitions. And above all, to avoid any form of contamination, an absolute ban on any form of public display.

It will be forbidden for people on the 'black list', on which all those who criticise the government, the army and state policy now end up, to organise public meetings, street demonstrations, processions and gatherings at station and bus stop buildings, airports, buildings and territories related to educational, health and social welfare institutions, places of worship and any religious organisation. And as icing on the cake, it will be forbidden to gather at the buildings of public administration bodies and in the territories adjoining them: basically everywhere.

Citizens will thus be prevented from demonstrating any form of dissent in front of the palaces of power, parliament and government, where decisions are made that often cause the population's discontent, and where they would like to express their dissent, while they will only be able to do so deep in the woods. And to think that the Russian Constitutional Court had ruled in 2019 that 'insurmountable barriers cannot be raised to the satisfaction of citizens' right to freedom of peaceful assembly at public administration bodies', in a ruling concerning the republic of Komi in northern European Russia.

The same Court also ruled in 2020, recalling that inconveniencing citizens who do not wish to participate in them 'cannot constitute an objection to deny the right to peaceful actions of expressing one's will'. According to the Consulta, the organs of power 'are required to take all measures entrusted to them to ensure the possibility of organising demonstrations in agreed venues, without trying to find on every occasion causes that justify the impossibility of realising the right to organise public meetings in the formats provided for by law'.

All this brings back memories of the Soviet procedure for organising public demonstrations, when the Stalinist Constitution of 1936, and the Brezhnevist Constitution of 1977, proclaimed the 'freedom to organise street processions and other demonstrations'. The Stalinist charter explained that this freedom must 'correspond to the interests of the workers and the aims of strengthening the socialist system', and to this end workers' associations were guaranteed 'buildings and social spaces'. Similar conditions appeared in the 1970s, limited to the 'interests of the people'.

Soviet dissidents used to gather without permission next to statues of poets, of Pushkin and Majakovsky, to read new freethinking poems, eventually ending up in the lagers and psychiatric asylums of Brezhnevian memory.

The regime allowed freedom of public assembly for the first time during Gorbacev's perestroika. In 1987, the Soviet leader promoted the transparency of glasnost, which was affirmed by a ruling of the local government in Leningrad, later also adopted in Riga and Moscow. A year later, the Presidium of the CCP Central Committee then approved a norm 'on freedom of assembly, demonstration, street parades and demonstrations' throughout the USSR, to which it would be nice to return 34 years later.
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NAIROBI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The Russia-Ukraine conflict has disrupted supply of wheat, maize, fertilizer and oil seeds in Kenya, leading to sharp rise in prices of the commodities and aggravating the hunger situation, the Food and Agriculture Authority (AFA) said in a situational report on Thursday.

The AFA noted that Kenya imported oil seeds worth 1 billion shillings (about 8.5 million U.S. dollars) from Ukraine in 2021 and from Russia maize worth 8.5 million dollars and wheat worth 136 million dollars, supplies that have been disrupted by the conflict.

"The country suffers an acute wheat shortage after Russia suspended exports of some agricultural commodities, including wheat. With the reduction in the quantity of wheat imported into the country due to the conflict, wheat prices have more than doubled," said the AFA.

The government agency noted that Kenya depends on oilseed imports from the two countries, particularly from Ukraine.

"One of the key oilseeds imported is sunflower seeds, that makes sunflower oil. Kenyan households have been severely affected by the high oil prices that have nearly tripled due to supply chain disruption of this commodity," said the agency, adding fertilizer prices have equally increased in Kenya due to shortage making farmers plant without the input.

The impacts of the conflict, according to the AFA, are expected to severely decrease local agricultural production and is expected to increase food insecurity in Kenya, where some 4.1 million people are facing hunger due to prolonged drought. 
When plenty of rust and missing parts are involved, the whole thing becomes super-challenging, in which case donor cars end up playing an essential role.Someone on eBay has the full package, as theyre selling not only a 1965 Impala that looks restorable but also two extra donor cars to help with the project.Thats right, the deal includes not one, not two, but three different Chevrolet Impalas, and theres hope at least one of them would eventually return to the road.Clearly, this isnt by any means a father-son project, as this Impala seems to be appropriate for someone with solid experience in the restoration business.Probably the biggest problem of the 1965 model thats supposed to be restored is the compromised frame. The rust has wreaked havoc on this Impala, so a new frame is pretty much the only way to go.Seller mbuchli85 , however, says the donor cars come with good frames, so in theory, fixing the 1965 brother is totally possible. The two donors, however, dont have a title, were being told, and this is the reason they should only be used for parts.The trio isnt being sold as part of an auction, as the seller hopes they can get $4,500 for all three cars. However, the Make Offer button has also been enabled, just in case someone else is interested in another deal.All three Impalas are currently located in Lincoln, Nebraska, so if you want to inspect them in person, you know what you have to do. Nevertheless, checking out the cars live is highly recommended, especially because the seller hasnt included essential tidbits, including on the engine front and how original the main 65 Impala continues to be.
Airbus announced for the first time the A321XLR , an Xtra-long-range version of the popular A320neo, at the Paris Air Show 2019. Since then, the company has moved quite fast with the development of its new aircraft. Last year, it started the assembly process, and now, it successfully conducted the first test flight.The engine and aerodynamic advancements delivered on the A321neo provide the foundation for the A321XLR's Xtra Long Range capabilities. Thanks to the modified landing gear, it has a bigger takeoff weight, which, combined with additional fuel capacity, allows the jetliner to cover impressive distances of 5,408 miles (8,700 km).To put it into perspective, that's 11 hours of non-stop flight. The A321XLR will be able to fly between routes such as New York-Rome, London-Vancouver, or Sydney-Kuala Lumpur. And that's not all. It will be more cost-efficient since it will burn 30% less fuel per seat compared to the aircraft in the previous generation.Recently, Airbus put the first A321XLR to the test. The aircraft took off at 11:05 CEST from Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport and flew for four hours and 35 minutes. During this time, the crew onboard checked the aircraft's flight controls, engines, and primary systems."This is a major milestone for the A320 Family and its customers worldwide. With the A321XLR coming into service, airlines will be able to offer long-haul comfort on a single-aisle aircraft, thanks to its unique Airspace cabin," said Philippe Mhun, Airbus EVP Programmes and Services.Airbus says that the A321XLR blends "single-aisle economics with long-haul widebody cabin comfort," with single-class configurations for up to 244 passengers. For premium classes, the aircraft offers full flat seats and even suites. The A321XLR is expected to enter service in early 2024.
FSD

EV

I think Tesla has a lot of value in its EV biz (& ESS). However, when I hear the companys CEO say they value the part that I see only as downside risk as the main (only) thing propping it up& not the core biz towards which I assign majority valueit terrifies me as an investor. https://t.co/mC4B9Jj2YF  Taylor Ogan (@TaylorOgan) June 15, 2022

2/2

Explanation: the point is simple; for most classes of probability distributions, you get to the tail by increasing the variance (or the scale) rather than raising the expectation.  Nassim Nicholas Taleb (@nntaleb) June 7, 2022

That happened in his interview with the Tesla Owners Silicon Valley YouTube channel. Thanks to people with enough patience to watch two hours of stuttering and yeah, we have learned how little regard the CEO has for what his company has achieved so far.If we are to take him seriously, we should believe that the Supercharging network is worth basically zero. The fact that it is the single thing that made electric cars remotely comparable to combustion engine vehicles in terms of convenience. Before this network, range anxiety was real. Yet, it represents nothing to him, even if competitors are still so far behind the reach that the Supercharging network offers to its customers.Yes, there will be a time when other charging companies will offer as many Supercharging stations as Tesla or even more. We may even see other carmakers adopting more convenient battery swapping systems such as NIO , CATL, and GAC Aion developed. Until that happens, Tesla has an asset it is not using or praising as it should.In Portugal, Tesla has suspended at least two Supercharging locations: MarShopping, Matosinhos, and Castelo Branco. All because Tesla has not followed the rules to have public chargers in private parkings with public access. What should be a pretty straightforward process to follow is taking the company ages, harming more than 6,000 Tesla owners in the country. Treating one of its more obvious trump cards like this helps explain why Musk said Tesla is worth basically zero.If we were to believe the Tesla CEO, wed throw in the garbage allegations that the company is more than a car manufacturer. Musk recently said his main competitor is Saudi Aramco. In other words, Tesla is an energy company, correct? Why does an energy company need to solve? Couldnt it just invest in more competent solar installations, which would not leave people without their roofs, as we have already reported here What about the stationary power storage systems that Tesla sells, such as the Powerwall, Power Pack, and Mega Pack? They are worth basically zero, in Musks words. Would it be because of the issues the company has already had with them, such as the fire in the Victorian Big Battery If Tesla sees no value in being an energy company, why did Musk personally work to buy SolarCity ? The investors that sued him said he did that to avoid personal losses if the solar company went bust. If that was not the case, how can the Tesla CEO say that the company is worth nothing without FSD?Tesla used to have a service that was comparable to that offered by Lexus. After the company decided to go for high production volumes with the Model 3, it almost died in the process, making it completely ignore Tesla Service Centers. Customers now complain of long waiting lines and lousy service. Meanwhile, independent shops like The Electrified Garage flourish by focusing on the customers who Tesla fails to serve.By saying Tesla is worth basically zero if it does not solve FSD, Musk is pretending he did not promise big things for the 4680 cells , mega castings, Cybertruck, and Semi. The batteries and the giant cast parts would give Tesla a manufacturing edge that other companies would only equate years after it revealed them. What happened to these upper hands?Curiously, the Twitter user jaberwock shared images of dozens of scrapped Model Y bodies at Giga Grunheide . They should use front and rear massive castings with a structural battery pack built around 4680 cells in the middle. That suggests these bodies are having issues. Although 4680 cells are allegedly in some production vehicles, Teslas silence around that is concerning. Have they been sufficiently tested before being put into these EVs?If they were, Musk would have more reasons to be wrong in saying Tesla is worth basically zero if it does not solve FSD . Even if they did not go as expected, there is plenty more to make Tesla valuable, even if not more valuable than all other companies combined.Themaker has customers in the most important car markets in the world: China, the U.S., and Europe. It has two mature factories and two more ramping up, a direct-sales model that works well in most places, and software expertise that is still superior to that offered by its largest competitors. Thats got to be worth something, especially for an executive that knows what he has in his hands. Elon Musk seems not only to ignore those strengths but to be bored by them, preferring the promises he likes to make.As Taylor Ogan tweeted, that is a very worrying sign. He said that it is terrifying that Musk praises what is now more of a liability than a competitive advantage instead of what allows Tesla to offer a lot of value. Had Elon Musk paid attention to everything that made Tesla unique right at the beginning, with proper planning and real business management, the company would be in much better shape than it currently is.To be honest, we have no idea in what shape Tesla is because were not sure we can trust what Musk says about that. He once made an April Fools Day joke about going bankrupt when Tesla really faced that danger. If the companys investors did not take notes about that, thats a concerning demonstration of blind faith.According to Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Elon Musk illustrates the point he made in his book Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets. The mathematician argues that solid financial success is largely the result of skills, hard work, and wisdom. That would not apply to Musk and Tesla: both experienced wild success  in the far tail of that concept.For Taleb, that is more likely to be the result of reckless betting, extreme luck, and the opposite of wisdom: folly. Lying about a bankruptcy threat to make the truth sound ridiculous is an excellent example of folly. So is saying your entire company depends on a promise you repeat every year to deliver 12 months from that. Tesla deserves better, and so do those who decided to trust it by buying any of its products or its shares.
EV

The new manufacturing technologies would reach other Tesla factories as a separate production line added to the existing facilities. In time, all Tesla production would be transitioned to the new revolutionary design. But first, the revolution will get to Giga Berlin, where Tesla has already started experimenting with the megacastings and structural battery packs.According to Drive Tesla , citing sources familiar with the project, a secondary production line has been established in Gruenheide to test the new manufacturing process. Only three test vehicles were built on the new line to prove that Giga Berlin is ready to embrace the future. None of them is drivable, though, as they were assembled just for testing the machines and the assembly line. Tesla Model Y test cars were built with single-piece die-cast structures front and rear. Since no Giga Press machines were installed at Giga Berlin to create the front castings, they must have been shipped from Giga Texas. The same goes for the 4680 cells, but instead of bringing them from Texas, Tesla opted to use dummy cells to fill the structural battery packs. This essentially made the crossovers undrivable, but this is not the point. They can still be used for internal testing and crash tests.With the test builds successful, Tesla can move on with implementing the new manufacturing process. To do that, themaker must install the necessary Giga Presses and complete the battery factory on the grounds of Giga Berlin. This is not expected to come online before the years end, so Giga Texas remains the only manufacturing place for the 4680 cells. Of course, some 4680 cells are also built in Fremont, but Tesla has there only a battery research center rather than a full-fledged battery production line.
????BREAKING: Russian superyacht detained.



I have worked closely with @NCA_UK & the @UKBorders Maritime investigation Bureau to intercept the 38m - Phi.



This Government will continue to take robust action against anyone benefiting from connections to Putins regime. pic.twitter.com/enp9M2tmBB  Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) March 29, 2022

PHI is a very new build, delivered by Royal Huisman to its mystery owner in 2021. With an estimated price tag of $50 million, it measures 58 meters (192 feet) in total length, which makes it small compared to other Russian-owned superyachts that have made headlines in recent months. That said, it boasts ample interior volume, a striking silhouette that resembles a sportscar, and outrageous amenities, and this puts it on par with bigger and more expensive vessels.The peculiar thing about PHI is that it didnt even get to sail too long before it was arrested: the superyacht was detained in London by the National Crime Agency and the British Ministry of Transport at the end of March, and it remains there to this day. This isnt a hooray for the forces of good, though  at least, not according to Captain Guy Booth, who tells Sky News that PHI is the victim of a PR stunt.The direct beneficiary of PHI is either Sergei Georgievich Naumenko or Vitaly Vasilievich Kochetkov, neither of whom are on any sanctions list . PHI itself is not among the vessels included on the same lists, though its arrest was made in the name of unspecified ties the supposed owner had with President Vladimir Putin.The way Captain Booth sees it, the costly arrest (PHI is incurring expenses of more than $11,500 a month just by sitting docked at Canary Wharf ) is a PR stunt by the British authorities: the owner has no ties with Putin or is involved in any capacity in the war, and all documentation proving this has already been presented. Still, the ship remains docked, barred from leaving, and shrouded in a veil of obstinate silence on the part of authorities.It's headline-grabbing, clickbait, attention-seeking, Captain Booth says. PHI is low-hanging fruit, she's the only Russian boat around here. It was easy pickings done for social media. Hes referring to the tweet from Secretary of State for Transport of the United Kingdom Grand Shapps, posted minutes after NCA agents boarded the vessel in March and available below.Contacted for comment by the same media outlet, the Department of Transport refuses to detail the considerations for the arrest or address the claim that documentation has been provided, proving its illegality. The official stance is that the war in Ukraine is wrong, that PHI satisf[ies] both the scope and purpose of sanctions, and that the secretary of state will continue to act within his available powers to ratchet up the economic pressure on Russia and make life harder for Russian elites. We have reached out to the DfT for more clarification on the PHI situation, and will update the article when and if we hear back.
In this edition, James May is "Our Man in Italy," and he travels to the most gorgeous parts of the country. As Amazon notes, May will travel from the mountains of the Alps to the shores of Sicily, and he will explore the "two millennia of culture" that lie between them.Since we are writing about The Grand Tour, this new show starring James May will not be just about food and culture, but also about vehicles. Italy has several iconic vehicle manufacturers, and the country is packed with passion for things on wheels.Since May is also a motorcycle enthusiast, he is bound to make a few stops along the way. We can think of a couple of museums that could be featured, along with many brands. If you followed our Italian Month , you might have a couple of brands in mind.The show will be available exclusively on Prime Video, and it is accessible to viewers in over 240 countries and territories, as Amazon notes. On top of food, scenery, beautiful cars, Nutella, and fashion, the show will also put a lens on the country's infrastructure, which has seen better days.Initially, James was supposed to be "Our Man in the USA," but that was canceled due to the pandemic. We got Italy instead, so we will not see James trying to follow the route of the settlers and prospectors of old. Moreover, nobody will supersize James' coffee in Italy, so at least we know a couple of things about the show even before watching the trailer.James May has been quite involved with Food Tribe, so we are bound to learn something about Italy, as well as Italian cuisine if we follow the show, which some of us have already scheduled to do once we have enough time on our hands.
ADAS

NHTSA

FSD

The truth is that NTSB asked for such a standard in 2017 after investigating the first fatal crash involving Tesla Autopilot . On May 7, 2016, Joshua Brown was on his 2015 Tesla Model S 70D traveling eastbound on US-27A west of Williston, Florida. It went underneath a 2014 Freightliner Cascadia with a refrigerated semitrailer. The truck made a left turn from westbound US-27A across the two eastbound travel lanes onto NE 140th Court, a local paved road. Brown was the only occupant of the Tesla, and he died immediately.Autopilot was active, and its detractors said it should have detected a semitrailer right before it. Tesla investors and advocates blamed the driver because Teslas disclaimer says they should always be in control. NTSB concluded that the truck driver failed to yield the right of way to the car, overreliance on Autopilot, and issues with the softwares operational design, which allowed the driver to disengage from the driving task. The phenomenon of believing something is autonomous when it is not was classified as autonowashing by Liza Dixon.On September 28, 2017, NTSB released the safety recommendation H-17-37 up to H-17-403. This document asked the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to define the data parameters needed to understandcrashes. Among the other recommendations, it also askedon H-17-40 to use such parameters to define a standard format for reporting automated vehicle control systems data, and require manufacturers of vehicles equipped with automated vehicle control systems to report incidents, crashes, and vehicle miles operated with such systems enabled.If this recommendation were adopted by 2017 or 2018, NHTSA would have received comparable information from all automakers. As disclosed, Jennifer Homendy classified it as a good start, but it doesnt provide an apples-to-apples comparison of advanced vehicle safety. NTSBs board chair also said that this fruit bowl of data came with a lot of caveats, making it difficult for the public and experts alike to understand what is being reported.An old-time critic of Tesla and the way the company deals with Autopilot and, Homendy went in its defense of the way the data seems to frame the company. She said that "Tesla collects a huge amount of high-quality data, which may mean theyre overrepresented in NHTSAs release. Tesla also receives information in real-time, something other carmakers are yet to do.With that in mind, NTSBs chair said that the last thing we want is to penalize manufacturers that collect robust safety data. What we do want is data that tells us what safety improvements need to be made. For that to happen, there must be a standard for the necessary data and how it is gathered. Curiously, NHTSAs report ended up being more about the work U.S. authorities have ahead than exactly about ADAS  for now.
Check out our Vision 60 swimming! Thanks to the talented team at Onyx Industries for creating the Nautical Autonomous Unmanned Tail (NAUT) for us. #defensetechnology #robotics #ugv #teamwork pic.twitter.com/B1Ek4y7fq3  Ghost Robotics (@Ghost_Robotics) June 13, 2022

Boston Dynamics Spot may be famous for grabbing beer cans and other fun stuff, but the machine dog developed by Ghost Robotics was meant to be a troopers best friend  it can tackle challenging terrain, inspect dangerous areas, and even carry a weapon. Starting now, it will also be able to cross small bodies of water, making it the animal-inspired version of a military vehicle.Thats possible due to a brand-new tail for the Vision 60 dog. Its called Naut (Nautical Autonomous Unmanned Tail), and it was developed by Onyx Industries for Ghost Robotics. As Popular Science explains, this is basically an underwater propulsion system that helps Vision 60 move with vectored thrust in a body of water.This autonomous tail can operate for approximately 35 minutes using a dedicated power source and then continue to function using the robot dogs internal power source. Dont imagine the Vision 60 dog cutting through the waves like a professional swimmer  Naut can only propel the robot dog at about 3 knots (3.4 mph/5.4 kph). But thats enough to enable the QUGV to make its way through streams and calm waters.If watching a four-legged robot climb terrains or move around with agility isnt impressive enough, seeing the Ghost Robotics dog swim is pretty mind-blowing. This skill will turn Vision 60 into an even better scout, making sure that an area is safe before the troops arrive. It could also make it a powerful patrol asset for coastal areas.It sported a rifle (which freaked everyone out), it now boasts a tail, and there are still things to come for the Vision 60. The versatility of this robot dog hasnt met its limits so far.
NAIROBI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Robust investments in green energy should inform the quest to achieve net-zero emission targets in Africa where communities and ecosystems are reeling from negative impacts of the climate crisis, senior policymakers said Thursday.

Speaking at Africa's first Sustainable Energy Conference held in a hybrid format in Naivasha, a resort town located 90 kilometers northwest of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, the policymakers and experts said the continent's green energy transition hinged on innovative financing and friendly regulations.

Monica Juma, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for energy noted that Africa's vulnerability to climate change had worsened, adding that leveraging clean energy solutions could boost resilience, unleash new jobs.

"For Africa to achieve carbon neutrality targets set by the Paris Agreement, the continent must invest in green energy and avert irreversible damage to ecosystems and livelihoods linked to temperature rise," said Juma.

Convened by the Kenyan government in conjunction with industry and multilateral partners, the Africa's inaugural sustainable energy conference brought together policymakers, business leaders, financiers and experts to discuss novel ways to hasten the continent's green transition.

Juma called for reconfiguring the multilateral climate finance regime to ensure African countries had greater access to funds and technologies that can be channeled towards renewable energy projects.

Kevin Kariuki, the vice president for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth at African Development Bank (AfDB) said the continent's net zero targets were within reach, subject to policy reforms and adequate investments in clean energy solutions.

According to Kariuki, African countries should incentivize the private sector to invest in green energy in order to hasten low carbon growth besides improving health outcomes for local communities.

Kariuki said that Pan African lenders had prioritized investments in off-grid solar solutions and mini-grids in order to expand energy access in rural areas, boost inclusive growth. 
It seems no car maker is safe from the semiconductor shortage. At the beginning of the chip crisis, Tesla and Toyota enjoyed seamless production, and that was thanks to a large inventory of the chips.But this year, the Japanese giant cut production in its domestic plants more than twice owing to the elusive microchips caused by harsh lockdown restrictions in China.Tesla, which consistently increased production while other automakers shut down, is suffering the same fate after reports showed it started building cars with missing chips.According to the statement, Toyota will suspend operations at some of its local plants from June 17 (Friday) due to low attendance caused by a COVID-19 outbreak at one of its suppliers and a shortage of parts supply caused by equipment defect at another supplier.During Toyotas annual general meeting on Wednesday, part of the key questions raised by investors was the companys strategy on solving the chip crisis. Thursdays announcement is the third time the automaker has adjusted June production plans.Toyota now says it will produce 750,000 units (initially 800,000) worldwide for June and will announce July figures later. It also noted that it is difficult to look ahead due to components shortage and the spread of COVID-19, indicating there was a possibility the production plan might be lower.The largest automaker by sales was under fire during its annual general meeting on Wednesday after its European Pension Fund Investors criticized it for its lobby activities and its stand on electrification. Toyota hit back, saying itheir consumers will determine its course of action and that they plan to continue developing their hybrid models along with BEVs.
The talk about the international sanctions against Russian oligarchs also brought to the forefront the inevitable question regarding why and how only some of these wealthy magnates were targeted. Iskander Makhmudov is one of the names that were infamously missing from the U.S. Treasury Departments blacklist.Owner of the Ural Mining giant company, this billionaire does have close ties to Kremlin, according to experts, and was even accused in a U.S. lawsuit, years back, together with the sanctioned Oleg Deripaska. However, he was mysteriously excluded from all sanctions lists. In an earlier article, Forbes discussed this issue, with experts stating that the reason is a combination of political, economic and geostrategic considerations.Whats certain is that Makhmudovs yacht also went dark, even though it was not targeted. According to maritime tracking platforms, it hasnt communicated its whereabouts for months, and its last known location was somewhere between Turkey and Greece. But this superyacht can hardly go unnoticed. Built by Feadship in 2008, the 238-footer (73 meters) broke several records, boasting the tallest engine room, the largest draught, and the longest uninterrupted interior views.Its most striking feature is the knife-shaped silhouette  it was Feadships first yacht with an ax-bow, highlighted by the unusual red, white, and blue color scheme. It boasts all the typical opulent amenities of a superyacht, but what makes it mind-blowing is the four-engine propulsion system, unprecedented at the time. This enables it to hit an incredible speed of over 28 knots (32 mph/51.8) which justifies its name.It seems that the high speed achieved through conventional propulsion was the owners personal request. The Dutch engineers combined custom-made Rolls-Royce propellers with custom-made gearboxes from a German military contractor and four MTU engines. This incredible system could only be fit inside a split-level engine room, which the manufacturer aptly described as a temple of technology.Most of the times however, Predator quietly cruises at 20 knots (23 mph/37 kph) using just two of its engines. With no sanctions threatening it, it shouldn't be in a hurry anyway.
Armenias leadership must give up attempts to rewrite history, Aliyev told an international conference in Baku. History has already been written and there is oral agreement that nobody will talk about the status. Unfortunately, there is talk about that, which could lead to very serious consequences.

If Armenia continues to call into question Azerbaijans territorial integrity then Azerbaijan will have no choice but do the same [against Armenia,] he said.

In that context, Aliyev again described Armenias southeastern Syunik province as a historically Azerbaijani territory.

Baku has been pushing for a peace treaty with Yerevan that would commit the two sides to recognizing each others territorial integrity. Yerevan says that issues relating to the future of status of Karabakh and the security of its population should also be on the agenda of planned talks on the treaty.

Aliyev already ruled out any discussions on Karabakhs status and threatened to lay claim to Armenian territory late last month. The Armenian Foreign Ministry deplored his bellicose statements. It said that negotiations on the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan should be held on the basis of proposals of both sides.

Aliyev on Thursday also reiterated his demands for a corridor that would connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhichevan exclave through Syunik. He said it should be similar to the existing Russian-controlled Lachin corridor connecting Karabakh and Armenia.

Aliyev implicitly threatened to resort to military action if the Armenian side continues to oppose such an overland link for Nakhichevan.

If they dont ensure that link for us it will be very hard to speak about peace, he warned.

Armenian leaders have repeatedly rejected such demands. They maintain that Armenian-Azerbaijani agreements brokered by Russia and the European Union call for only conventional transport links between the two South Caucasus states.

Visiting Yerevan last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov insisted that Armenia will control the planned road and railway that will connect Nakhichevan to the rest of Azerbaijan. Lavrov said the Armenian side will only simplify border crossing procedures for Azerbaijani cargo and travellers.
Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

Sunny. High near 105F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low around 75F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
"Weird Al" Yankovic

With special guest Emo Philips, part of "The Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour"

When: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Fox Theater, 2001 H St.

Admission: $56 to $106, available at axs.com, by calling 661-324-1369, or at the Fox box office from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays
QALA-E-NAW, Afghanistan, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Security forces have arrested six people on charge of illegally digging historical sites in the western Badghis province, provincial head of Information and Culture Baz Mohammad Sarwari said Thursday.

Sarwari said the suspects have been digging the archeological sites and monuments in Kariz area of Qadis district recently when law enforcement personnel captured them.

The security personnel have also seized three assault rifles and two detectors from their possessions, the official said.

Law enforcement agencies have arrested 20 people on charge of illegally digging historical sites and smuggling relics in Badghis province over the past few months.

The Taliban-run administration has strengthened supervision of the extraction of mines and digging of historical sites, vowing to properly tackle the issue if anyone violates the law. 
You can reach Ishani Desai at 661-395-7417. You can also follow her at @_ishanidesai on Twitter.
Organizers of a signature campaign that seeks to institute term limits for the Kern County Board of Supervisors dropped off petitions at the l
A semester that concluded with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis speech at Commencement also saw the launch of a major online resource for Greek literature that was largely developed at Boston College.

The CENSUS of Modern Greek Literature, which provides references to all English-language translations of modern Greek literature and all modern Greek-related studies in English as far back as the 12th century, was formally unveiled last month at an event featuring remarks from the Consul General of Greece in Boston Stratos Efthymiou. Through CENSUS, researchers will be able to search for free for information and to access texts and original sources directly, where copyright allows.



CENSUS was conceived in 1981 and originally housed at Harvard University but underwent most of its development at BC from 1986-2018. From 2016 to 2018, CENSUS collaborated with Boston College Libraries on the initial development of the website, and a workshop of BC undergraduates engaged in data entry and correction. Since 2020, CENSUS has worked in collaboration with the University of Amsterdam.

Dia Philippides, professor emerita in the Classical Studies Department, has directed the project since its inception.



First posted on the CENSUS website is the Greek Authors 19th-21st centuries section available via Open Access. It includes references to 800 Greek literary authors (approximately 7,000 entries). This most recent phase of the project was completed with the support of the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation.

"CENSUS is truly a big bridge between BC and Greece," said Philippides, who taught in BC's Classical Studies Department from 1985 to 2013 and later held a research professorship from 2013 to 2018. She noted that the project has attracted the notice of many interested parties in Greece, including the National Library of Greece.

Philippides's collaborator is Wim Bakker, professor emeritus in the Department of Byzantine and Modern Greek Philology at the University of Amsterdam. Benjamin Florin, senior applications developer at BC Libraries, is the developer of the CENSUS website.



The projects core team also includes BC Philosophy graduate student Peter Klapes (project manager) and three University of Amsterdam-based researchers appointed by Professor Maria Boletsi, Marilena Laskaridis Chair of Modern Greek Studies, University of Amsterdam: Ph.D. candidates Anthi Argyriou and Yiorgos-Evgenios Douliakas and Haralampos Passalis, a guest lecturer in the Department of Modern Greek Studies.

Significant collaboration in recent years has been provided by the Boston College Libraries Digital Scholarship Group and researchers Michaela Karambini-Iatrou in Athens and Dr. Alfred Vincent in Sydney.

University Trustee Drake Behrakis 86, Daphne Hatsopoulos M.T.S. '73 and her late husband George, and the Greek Ministry of Culture were among those who provided significant support to the project during its years at BC, according to Philippides.

University Communications | May 2022
A local burger joint is seeing increased traffic after launching a new website about a month ago.

Willy Burger, a diner owned by the Neches Restaurant Group with locations in Beaumont and Katy, launched eatwillyburger.com after ownership changed hands.

Neches Restaurant Group Chief Marketing Officer Lance LaRue said the company likes the performance they have been seeing -- directly and indirectly -- since the site went live.

"Directly, we're seeing a lot of activity on our menu page, which is strategic for us as we're introducing some new salads and other menu items," LaRue said. "We've seen a nice uptick in our sales, both in-store dining and the online to-go or delivery orders. It's tempting to just attribute that to summer and changes in folks' schedules, but we see the correlation in menu item sales and the social feedback."

The website works as a hub for hungry customers -- sending them to-and-from the company's social media and providing a place for restaurant advertisements to direct future patrons, LaRue said.

"We started out from being nonexistent on Google search results to suddenly, quickly popping up on page four, then page three, and making good traction in one week," LaRue said. "The previous owner's old website for Willy Burger is still out there. So, we have to compete with that sort of legacy traffic, but we're already making a dent."

RELATED: Willy Burger looks to next chapter

Since the launch, the Willy Burger's Beaumont and Katy Facebook pages have a seen an increase in engagement and clicks. In addition, LaRue said there has been "good quality traffic" between the site and business' Google and Yelp pages, especially the Katy location's.

The restaurants also have gained new customers from broader online visibility.

LaRue said he recently met a married couple from Seattle who had recently moved to Galveston and Google-searched for the best burger around, knowing nothing about Beaumont.

"Fortunately, all of our reviews, credentials, and our digital properties aligned pointing to Willy so they ventured out to this corner where Phelan and Calder MEAT," LaRue said. "They had two of our most famous burgers and liked them so much that they ordered two more for their road trip back. Days later, we saw their glowing review on a third-party site declaring it was the best burger they've ever had."

RELATED: Texas Monthly says this is best burger in Beaumont

For CEO and owner Dallon James, the new website and visibility is just a stepping stone to growing the chain.

"Weve wanted to do this ever since we bought the restaurants a year ago, especially to accommodate for easy online mobile views and ordering," James said. "Were a growing company with lots of fun things going oneyeing new locations, more developments, the 10-year mark of Willy and more community endeavors ahead. So, the branded content has to be engaging as well as flexible in that it has to grow with us, and more importantly, with our customers."
The first season of "The Kardashians" on Hulu explored the origins of Kim Kardashian's relationship with comedian Pete Davidson, the challenging baby journey of Kourtney Kardashian and husband Travis Barker, and the aftermath of Tristan Thomspon cheating on Khloe Kardashian. However, seemingly missing from the narrative was the Nov. 5 tragedy at the Astroworld Festival, an event that was created by Kylie Jenner's boyfriend Travis Scott, and which multiple family members attended .

The show's finale premiered Wednesday evening with still no mention of the deadly crowd surge at Houston's NRG Park that left 10 people dead and hundreds of others injured. In fact, some social media users have accused the family of creating a false storyline to avoid mentioning Astroworld.

While the Houston festival was taking place, part of the family was in Calabasas, Calif. celebrating the birthday of Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner, coincidentally also on Nov. 5. Visibly absent from the celebration were sisters Kylie Jenner and Kendall Jenner, who photos and video show were both attending Scott's Astroworld Festival at the time.

However, according to Wednesday's episode, the two missed Kris's birthday because Kendall was on vacation in Miami with her friend Hailey Bieber and Kylie was busy.

"I love these little trips that we do, I'm just sad that I'm missing my mom's birthday," Kendall said in a scene allegedly from Miami that was shown immediately after Kris's party. "I'll be back to give her a nice birthday hug in a couple of days."

In a subsequent scene, Kendall calls her mom to ask how her birthday went. However, she doesn't explicitly say she was in Miami. The episode that follows focuses on Kim passing her "baby bar" exam.

Writer, editor, and self-described "social-media pot stirrer" Sophie Ross suggested that the Hulu show may have been delayed for two months because of the Astroworld content that needed to be cut. "The reason the Kardashians Hulu show premiere was delayed 2 months is [because] they chose to edit out every single thing about astroworld and fudge the storylines like pretending Kendall was in 'Miami,'" Ross tweeted, adding the family would have likely faced criticism for trying to exploit the tragedy on the show.

Videos from the night of Astroworld posted on social media by Kendall and Kylie Jenner show their view of the stage from a VIP section located at the rear of the audience.

In one of the most controversial posts of the night, Kylie shared a video of an ambulance driving through the crowd. The video remained up for several hours until news of the deaths broke.

Other videos shared the weekend of the concert show Kylie and Scott's daughter Stormi was also watching alongside the sisters.

Some eagle-eyed fans called out the family on social media for trying to gloss over the tragedy. "Were not stupid #TheKardashians we know Kendall was with Kylie and Travis in Houston during the Astroworld accident on kriss birthday," wrote one Twitter user. "Dont play it off like Kendall was in Miami the whole time."

"#TheKardashians really faked the Kendall in Miami during Kris birthday plot bc Kendall was in Houston w Kylie at the astroworld travesty...," wrote another Twitter user. "Like they saythe devil works hard but Kris Jenner works harder."

Despite skipping mention of Astroworld on the show, Kendall publicly acknowledged the tragedy in a message posted to Instagram in the days following the festival, writing, "Im still at a loss for words over the news from Astroworld. Im truly broken for the families that have lost loved ones and my prayers go out to everyone involved. Sending everyone who has been affected all of my love and wishing them strength during this incredibly devastating and sensitive time."

In a message shared on her Instagram stories, Kylie denied knowing about the deaths and injuries while she was filming videos from the festival and defended Scott, saying he deeply cares about his fans. She wrote: "Travis and I are broken and devastated. My thoughts and prayers are with all who lost their lives, were injured or affected in any way by yesterday's events."
ANDERSON, Ind. (AP)  A central Indiana school district that adopted a Native American mascot nearly a century ago has dropped a basketball pregame routine where students dressed as American Indians performed a peace pipe" ceremony.

The Anderson Community Schools' athletic teams will continue to use the Indians name and logo, but the pipe routine performed before Anderson High School's basketball games is being eliminated immediately under recommendations unanimously approved Tuesday by the district's school board.

Superintendent Dr. Joe Cronk proposed the changes, which include moving toward initiating a formal partnership with the Delaware Tribe of Indians to modernize some of the districts most visible traditions.

The district formed a task force this year to review how it represents the Native American history of the city of Anderson, which is named after William Anderson, a former chief of the Delaware (Lenape) Tribe.

That review came after a widely-viewed video posted to TikTok in February showed the pregame routine, where a student dressed as the school's American Indian mascot and another dressed as an American Indian maiden perform a dance and a peace pipe is passed among the teams cheerleaders.

The video prompted hundreds of people to contact the school and school board to share concerns, support, and feedback, according to the school's internal review, WXIN-TV reported.

Really, all the comments that we had cluster around the dance and the peace pipe ritual, Cronk said.

The district's review states that, From the start in 1925, the intention behind the Indian symbol at Anderson High School has been to honor Native Americans.

But Cronk said Native Americans had told the district that the pregame pipe ceremony was inappropriate.

The Delaware tribe of Indians and most Native American tribal members have made it clear through this process that having students or any non-native individuals dressing up in native regalia and performing routines and ceremonies that they hold as a sacred component of their culture is in no way honoring them, he said.

Members of the American Indian Movement who attended Tuesdays meeting said that eliminating that pipe routine wasnt enough, The Herald Bulletin reported. They spoke in favor of abandoning not only the pregame routine but also the Indians name and logo.
ULAN BATOR, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia will bolster the participation of women in the United Nations peacekeeping operations, Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh said Thursday.

Khurelsukh made the remarks during the opening ceremony of an international conference of female peacekeepers under the theme of "Women, Peace and Security" here.

"To promote the UN's goal of full gender parity in peacekeeping operations, Mongolia aims to increase women's participation to at least 15 percent by 2027," said Khurelsukh.

Hundreds of representatives and female peacekeepers from more than 30 countries and several international organizations, such as the United Nations, are participating in the three-day online-offline hybrid conference to discuss challenges facing countries in achieving gender equality in the UN military and police missions.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first deployment of Mongolian peacekeepers to UN peacekeeping operations.

Since then, Mongolia has sent over 20,300 military personnel, including more than 900 female peacekeepers, to UN peacekeeping operations around the globe, according to the Mongolian Armed Forces. 
PHOENIX (AP)  A telecommunications outage over the weekend left swaths of rural northeastern Arizona without internet or phone connections, knocking out credit card processors and, in some cases, easy access to emergency services.

The outage caused by sabotage of a Frontier Communications fiber line left local officials in Navajo and Apache counties fuming about what they called a pattern of problems that leave people out of touch and potentially vulnerable.

You go from 2022 to the 1800s, said Lance Spivey, police chief in St. Johns, a small town near the New Mexico border that lost services.

A spokesperson for Frontier says the company worked to restore service as quickly as possible.

The troubles began around 3 p.m. on Saturday, when someone shot a crucial fiber line in three places across 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) near Woodruff in Navajo County. The outage knocked out internet and cellphones that use Frontier's infrastructure across much of the area. Service returned intermittently until being fully restored on Monday, Spivey said.

The outage left many people temporarily out of touch. First responders kept their radios on at home in case they had to be called into service, Spivey said.

Spivey said St. Johns and other rural communities have struggled for years with prolonged communication failures that he blames on Frontier. He has asked state regulators at the Arizona Corporation Commission to begin proceedings that could lead to sanctions against the company. The company agreed in March to take a variety of steps to improve reliability after the commission determined 911 services were out in Frontier territory for a cumulative 66 hours during the year ending in April 2021.

Its just tragic that Frontier will put dollar signs before peoples lives and are jeopardizing police police, fire and EMS personnel, ambulance personnel, paramedics, Spivey said. We take an oath and we live by that oath to protect our communities, and when our partner has a key component and doesnt keep up, we lose sleep at night."

Chrissy Murray, a spokeswoman for Frontier, said its customers lost 911 access for only 1 hour and 3 minutes on Sunday while crews were repairing the broken line. But she said other service providers, such as cellphone companies, had longer outages.

We have long been committed to providing this critical infrastructure to St. Johns, Murray said. She said the company has offered to discuss network redundancy with regulators and the industry to improve reliability.

The company is offering a $10,000 reward for help convicting the person who shot the lines, she said.

The Navajo County Sheriff's Office used two dedicated cellphones to field 911 and non-emergency calls, along with radio links to other 911 centers, said Chief Deputy Brian Swanty. That restricted dispatchers to one 911 call at a time and cut off services like call recording and geolocating the caller, he said.

On the first day of the outage, Navajo County dispatchers fielded at least 60 calls from people seeking welfare checks when they couldn't get ahold of their loved ones, Sheriff David Clouse said.

Crews running the Coronado Generating Station struggled to reach on-call experts when the coal fired power plant experienced a moderately common equipment failure on Saturday, said Erica Roelfs, a spokeswoman for Salt River Project, which operates the plant.

We were able to resolve the issue relatively quickly, however the equipment repair process would have happened faster and smoother if we had ease of communication, Roelfs said.

Breonna Ellington said the lack of phone service prolonged an already stressful situation Sunday when her 5-year-old daughter was injured while playing. She drove a half-hour to the nearest hospital, where she waited four hours for staff to figure out how to get in touch with Phoenix Children's Hospital and find out if the pediatric medical center could treat the injuries.

With the internet down, gas stations were unable to accept credit card payments. Fortunately, she said, her husband had cash to buy gas for the four-hour drive to Phoenix.

It's scary, and this shouldnt be a problem that we have, Ellington said. It shouldnt be happening. I just hope they get it fixed. I'm so glad that my little girl was OK. I hope they get it fixed so this doesnt happen to any other parent who isn't as lucky to have her be OK.

Rep. Tom O'Halleran, a Democrat who represents the area, asked the Federal Communications Commission to investigate.

The agency received the letter and is reviewing it but doesn't disclose whether specific matters are under investigation, said Katie Gorscak, a spokeswoman.

"However, the Commission under Chairwoman Rosenworcel has been especially focused on investigating and enforcing violations of our 911 and outage reporting rules," Gorscak said.
Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD has named a new director of bands.

But he'll be a familiar face to LC-M students.

Israel Castaneda, who has served as LC-M's associate band director since 2019, said in an announcement that he's excited to keep working with students in his new role.

"I know these kids," he said. "I know what they can do. I'm excited to see the LC-M band program grow and I can't wait to get in there and get working."

Castaneda is taking the role over from Jose Ochoa.

Castaneda has already proven a successful leader as associate director, being involved in sweepstakes performances with the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Concert Band. He's also worked with the Mauriceville Middle School band.

Under his tenure, the Battlin' Bear Marching Band went to Area Finals in 2020 and 2021.

"We absolutely believe there is no one better to carry on the tradition of excellence we have worked so hard to cultivate here at LC-M," Superintendent Stacey Brister said in the announcement. "Israel has proven his dedication to preparing our students for success and we trust that under his leadership, our band program will continue to be one of the finest in the state."

Castaneda, a longtime Southeast Texas resident, graduated from Lamar University in 2019 where he served as section leader for the LU Marching Band and as Drum Major in 2017.

In the summers of 2016 and 2017, he marched with the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, a World Class competitive drum and bugle corps.

olivia.malick@hearst.com

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NEW YORK (AP)  Revlon, a cosmetics maker that broke racial barriers and dictated beauty trends for much of the last century, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The company has been a mainstay on store shelves since its founding 90 years ago in New York City, overseeing a stable of household names, from Almay to Elizabeth Arden.

But Revlon failed to keep pace with changing tastes, slow to follow women as they traded flashy red lipstick for more muted tones in the 1990s.

In addition to losing market share to big rivals like Procter & Gamble, newcomer cosmetic lines from Kylie Jenner and other celebrities successfully capitalized on the massive social media following of the famous faces that fronted the products.

Already weighed down by rising debt, Revlons problems only intensified with the pandemic as lipstick gave way to a new era in fashion, this one featuring medical-grade masks.

Sales dropped 21% in 2020, the first year of the pandemic, though they rebounded 9.2% in the company's most recent reporting year with vaccines widespread. In the latest quarter that ended in March, Revlon's sales rose nearly 8%, but still lag pre-pandemic levels in excess of $2.4 billion a year.

The global supply chain disruptions that are hobbling hundreds of international companies in recent months were too much for Revlon, which barely escaped bankruptcy in late 2020 by persuading bondholders to extend its maturing debt.

There may be more corporate restructurings in the consumer products sector ahead with the threat of a recession and the rising costs of borrowing money.

Revlon said Thursday that upon court approval, it expects to receive $575 million in financing from its existing lenders, which will allow it to keep its day-to-day operations running.

Today's filing will allow Revlon to offer our consumers the iconic products we have delivered for decades, while providing a clearer path for our future growth, said Debra Perelman, who was named Revlon president and CEO in 2018.

Her father, billionaire Ron Perelman, backs the company through MacAndrews & Forbes, which acquired the business through a hostile takeover in 1985. Revlon went public in 1996.

Perelman said that demand for its products remains strong, but its challenging capital structure" offered limited ability to navigate.

During its heyday in the 20th century, Revlon trailed only Avon in sales. It now holds the 22nd spot among cosmetics makers, according to a recent ranking by fashion trade journal WWD.

Revlon became the first beauty company to feature a Black model in 1970, Naomi Sims. In the 1980s, the company energized the cosmetics industry by putting both famous and yet-to-be-discovered models like Iman, Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington front and center, promising to make all women unforgettable.

Perelman, in an interview with The Associated Press last year before global supply chains locked up, said she was optimistic about the future. The company doubled-down during the pandemic to get more online with services like one-on-one virtual consultations through its Elizabeth Arden line, she said.

Perelman also said that the company was learning from celebrity launches to be more nimble and that Revlon had regained market share.

None of Revlons international operating subsidiaries are included in the proceedings, except for Canada and the United Kingdom. The filing was made in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York,

The company listed assets and liabilities between $1 billion and $10 billion, according to its bankruptcy filing.

_____

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The South Carolina Senate approved a proposal on Wednesday calling for the convention of states to pass constitutional amendments that restrain the federal government's power  but the state House failed to act on the bill before the session ended.

Gov. Henry McMaster in April signed into law a bill making South Carolina one of about 18 states joining the call for a constitutional convention -- just over halfway to the 34 states necessary for Congress to make such a convention. Proponents of the movement want to add amendments establishing a federal balanced budget and congressional term limits.

The folks in Washington don't seem to be able to control themselves and control their spending, said Rep. Bill Taylor, one of three House members appointed to the conference committee. So it's up to us states.

Passed 24-14 by the state Senate on Wednesday, the bill has the same intent with different language as the one signed by McMaster, according to Taylor. He said the language brings South Carolina's convention application closer in line with those of other states.

The proposal calls for amendments that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of congress. The proposal also outlined the criteria for selecting delegates.

Opponents have raised concerns that existing constitutional amendments protecting civil rights, gun rights and freedom of speech might be jeopardized if the convention were to meet.

The state House had added conditions to the proposal clarifying that the Reconstruction amendments -- constitutional amendments Nos. 13, 14 and 15, which sought to abolish slavery, grant equal protection and give Black men the right to vote -- could not be altered at a potential convention.

Speaking Wednesday on the floor, Sen. Margie Bright Matthews asked why the state House found it necessary to add the conditions.

Sen. Chip Campsen dismissed concerns that members of any constitutional convention would successfully roll back those protections.

The chance of anyone ever proposing that and it actually prevailing is nil, zero, Campsen said. We all know in reality it would be off limits.

Campsen added that the inclusion of those conditions would have turned South Carolinas request into an application separate from the other states calling for a convention.

The state Senate passed a version of the bill without the House conditions, a decision Campsen said the joint committee made unanimously.

Because the state House failed to act on it Wednesday, Taylor said the bill will have to be reintroduced next session.

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James Pollard 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. Follow James Pollard on Twitter.
I left my balcony door open both nights at Marram Montauk last week, with only a screen and a shade separating my room from the roar of the surf. If theres a better white noise machine than the East End on a misty weeknight Id love to hear it. Sleep arrived gently, like just about everything else at the monastic, four-star retreat, which recently reopened its doors for the 2022 season after some light renovations.

Before there was Marram there was Atlantic Terrace, a yellow, family-run motel with a shuffleboard court. It was built in the 1960s  a time when the year-round population of the town was less than a grand, the town was only serviced by New England local news stations, all shops were closed on Sundays and interested buyers could purchase a home in town for $12,000at Macys in Herald Square.

Atlantic Terrace had easy panache with surfers, for its access to Terrace, a sand-covered reef that regularly tubes riders and is considered one of the best south-facing breaks in all of Long Island, especially during hurricane season. But those swells didnt go anywhere when hospitality group Bridgeton Holdings purchased Atlantic Terrace in the summer of 2018. And neither did the propertys proximity to Montauks downtown; Marram is a two-minute walk to the villages panini shops and famous brewhouse, while only a five-minute drive from The Surf Lodge and the train station.

When reimagining 21 Oceanview Terrace, the new owners, who just last month sold the place to ever newer owners (turning an apparent $40 million profit) clearly prized the propertys convenient perch. Marram doesnt feel like a resort that happened to Montauk, so often the case on Americas precious coastlines. Its thematically of it.

Look to the name (marram refers to Ammophila arenaria, the native beach grass of the region), the free bikes stationed outside the lobby (which attendants encourage for exploration around town and Shadmoor State Park next door), or, perhaps most on the nose, the real, physical dunes separating one room from the next, which line the pathway from the parking lot to the ocean. In the Atlantic Terrace era, these dunes were grass lawns.

On the wall: a piece by Rhode Island-based painter Sean W Spellman, which more or less sums up the Marram experience. Read McKendree

The design heads at Marram couldve gutted the old place, painted the interiors a fresh coat of light blue, hung up some maritime paraphernalia and called it a day. Or they mightve leaned into Old World, country club grandeur  the sort of fare found at stodgier, westerly resorts. They elected for neither. Marrams guest rooms, suites, outdoor seating and common areas revel in an updated currency of cool: geometric paper lanterns, canvas directors chairs, stone floors that wont balk at a bit of sand, rainfall shower heads, handwoven rugs and white oak ceiling beams.

The mid-century motel architecture remains (its having a renaissance here, like everywhere else), but the exterior of the buildings is now covered in cedar siding. There is nothing overtly opulent about the boutique hotels pitch  theres no room service, nor watching TV from bedif your teams got a big game, head to a pub in town  but thats precisely the point. Recurring art pieces by Sean W Spellman, a Rhode Island-based painter, perhaps best encapsulate the smores and flip-flops brand of zen on offer at Marram. The prices are steep, for both the paintings and the rooms that house them, but the stakes couldnt be lower. Most of Spellmans artwork features the sun, a wave and some squiggles where the clouds meet the horizon.

Breakfast is taken extremely seriously at Marram. Go back for croissants after you finish the healthy stuff. Heidi Bridge

Hours pass by without much fanfare at Marram. During one of my full days at the resort, I woke up at half past seven and made my way over to Marrams daily yoga session, where six of us spent an hour working on moves to ease low back pain. After that: some reading by the pool, some reading on the sand and a run to the Montauk Point Lighthouse, where I followed some surfboard-fitted Jeeps on a path down towards the water. I technically needed a New York State permit to be on the path, but no one gave me any trouble.

Later, a small symposium with Amanda Merrow, of Amagansett farm Amber Waves, and Amanda M. Fairbanks, author of The Lost Boys of Montauk, as they riffed on life in the East End: how they made lives here, why they stayed, what its like in the winter, who qualifies as a local in a place where family names date back hundreds of years. Merrow talked about the low-schist soil that makes the areas harvests so bountiful (in the summer, theyll grow everything from kale to sweet peppers to beach plums) while Fairbanks spoke on Montauks proud fishing tradition.

That uncommon confluence of land and sea is best represented at Mostrador Marram, the on-site South American cafe, which, in my opinion, represents the very best of what Marram has to offer. The term mostrador translates to counter, and thats really all Mostrador is, a window to pick up breakfast, lunch, an aperitivo, or dinner, to be eaten at a picnic table or on the beach.

There is such love in these plates, prepared by a team of Southern Hemisphere cooks chasing their own version of endless summer. They are Argentinian and Uruguayan, working under the banner of the Martin Pittaluga and Fernando Trocca, who have three globally-renowned restaurants in Uruguay. This kitchen flies in for the summer, living off-campus, and finds time to surf Terrace in the hours between meal prep and clean-up. Good luck anointing a favorite dish, especially if you make time for all three meals of the day. Im still thinking about those clams in red sauce (with a side of fluffy-crunchy potatoes), a row of fluke in olive oil and sea salt, the roasted carrots and their summer squash. Breakfast mightve topped it all: a perfect serving of scrambled eggs, plump cherry tomatoes, dressed Brussels sprout and sourdough toast.

Marram Montauk is located directly in front of Terrace, a surf break thats popular with locals. The hotel has world-class surf instructors on staff who offer lessons whenever the waters safe. Read McKendree

The Argentinians and Uruguayans brought their wine, too, thank god, though it was touch-and-go for a while there on whether Marram was ever going to get its liquor license. Marram was BYOB every year until this season (it officially opened back in August 2019), and its former owners faced a literal injunction from its irritated neighbors across the street, who claimed that the property had not once served alcohol in its 50-plus years of history.

Because Marram is in a part of town zoned for residential use, the crustiest of the locals felt justified in blocking Marrams bid for cocktails, and warned that the hip hotel would soon become a party destination in line with Gurneys, The Crows Nest and all the other late-night spots that now compel Uber drivers to loiter in a hamlet three hours away from New York City. But Marram, its manager told me, was able to produce photographic evidence that the address had once sold drinks  and besides, the property predated the latest zoning laws. Its it a preexisting business.

Its also not the sort of business that letter-writing types think it is; perhaps at the close of this summer, after the new drinkery has spent four months serving caipiroskas, mojitos and watermelon vodkas, the rest of town will understand that this place isnt interested in hosting DJ sets or summer interns spending a weekend with their parents American Express. Marram mixes modest (yet delicious) end-of-day drinks. Theyre best enjoyed with a sunset or a bonfire, and theyre meant to ease ones bones before another wave-crashing eight hours in bed.

Theres a comment that stuck with me from my time at Marram, made by Captain David Ryan, who hosts visitors for sails on his beloved Mon Tiki Catamaran with his wife Amelia. They cruise around Lake Montauk all summer. I asked him about the influx of newcomers over the years, the many headlines about partygoers, the perception that Montauk is veering away from its roots. He acknowledged the changes; hes lived there with his family for 25 years. But he insisted: Id rather live somewhere people want to come to, than somewhere everyones trying to move away.

Marram is an expensive stay, make no mistake about it. A three-night package in the summer starts at $2,000. But the property deserves credit for the ease of operation its brought to a situation where its simply impossible to please everyone. Theyve championed homegrown talent, goods and expertise at every turn. (One experience I unfortunately missed out on, due to dangerous rip curls, was a private surfing lesson with the legendary Engstrom siblings, who operate a surf shack on the Marram grounds).

It took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out what the emblem that dots Marrams keycards, signs and the caps of workers was in reference to. On my second day, during an hour-long walk from the hotel up to Ditch Plains Beach, another surfing haunt, which passes a stretch of coastline where Shadmoor meets the ocean, I figured it out. Beachgoers in the area like to make little piles of rocks, with the biggest at the bottom coning to a small spire at the top. (Theyre called cairns.) Once I found them out near the water, I spotted them everywhere around Marram. Theyre calming to look at, in a quiet, enchanting way. And of course, they mean something to the area. Little wonder thats what the hotel chose for its logo.

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SYDNEY, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Australian scientists believe they are on the path to uncovering the cause of "brain fog", which is a common symptom of people with long COVID.

The researchers from Australia's La Trobe University said their study reveals similarities between the effects of the coronavirus and the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.

Their report, published in Nature Communications and revealed on Thursday, provides the first indications that some long-COVID symptoms are being caused by amyloid clumps in the brain that are similar to those found among sufferers of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Those toxic clumps are comprised of hard protein plaques that interfere with nerve cells in the brain.

Biophysical chemist Dr. Nick Reynolds from La Trobe University's Institute for Molecular Science said the protein clumps may be responsible for some of long-COVID's most debilitating symptoms.

Long-COVID, which has been estimated to have impacted more than 100 million people since the pandemic began, is marked by inflictions such as memory loss, sensory confusion, severe headaches, and even stroke.

However, the researchers cautioned that the implications of the changes were unclear and did not necessarily suggest people might have lasting damage or that the changes might profoundly affect thinking, memory, or other functions.

Reynolds said if further studies confirmed the clumps were contributing to that "brain fog", then drugs already used to combat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's may prove effective.

"It may be possible that existing drugs may be used to treat the brain fog that affects a significant portion of people experiencing long-COVID having been infected with SARS-CoV-2," he said.

Speaking to Xinhua on Thursday, Reynolds said there had been an "enormous amount of research" into those disorders over the past 30 years which could eventually also provide invaluable insights into battling long-COVID.

During their research, the scientists investigated if similar amyloid clumps could be formed from fragments of SARS-CoV-2 protein, and found two such protein fragments ORF6 and ORF10, which were highly toxic to brain cells grown in their laboratory.

The researchers said that while there was evidence that the virus could enter the brain of infected people, the precise mechanisms causing the neurological symptoms remained unknown.

Reynolds told Xinhua the next step in their work would be to partner with Australian and international medical researchers to confirm their hypothesis. 
Police escort suspected Abu Sayyaf Group member Abuhair Kullim Indal (center) to a car after presenting him to reporters at Philippine National Police headquarters at Camp Crame, in Metro Manila, Philippines, April 15, 2019.

The Philippine government has officially branded five suspected Muslim militants and six suspected members of the outlawed communist party as terrorists, saying the move will allow authorities to freeze financial assets that could be used for funding attacks.

Among official resolutions made public on Wednesday and Thursday, the governments Anti-Terrorism Council said it had added the names of five Abu Sayyaf Group militants to its list of designated terrorists.

All five are ASG sub-leaders with links to Daulah Islamiyah, the name for the Philippine branch of the Islamic State extremist group, officials alleged.

Both of these militant groups are concentrated in the southern Philippines, where their fighters have been blamed for terrorist acts. These have included suicide bombings, beheadings of hostages, and a five-month siege of the city of Marawi in 2017.

The council also designated six suspected members of the Communist Party of the Philippines as terrorists, including Luis Jalandoni, a former Catholic priest-turned-rebel leader who led peace negotiations with the central government before they were scrapped in 2017.

The CPPs military wing, the New Peoples Army, has been fighting the Philippine government in various regions of the country since 1969. The conflict is Asias longest-running active insurgency.

The Abu Sayyaf and CPP suspects, who were named in the resolutions for committing, conspiring, planning, preparing for the commission of terrorism and recruitment to and membership in, and providing material support to terrorist organizations or groups organized for the purpose of engaging in terrorism, the council said.

The five ASG suspects were identified as Basaron Arok/Basarun Aruk; Ellam Sajirin/Ellam Nasirin/Ellam Nasarin/Illam Nasirin; Madjid Said/Majid Said; Mura Asgali Kayawan; and Tawakkal Bayali.

Apart from Jalandoni, who is known to the Philippine public, the five other CPP members were identified as Simon Naugsan, Afrecia Rosete, Maria Luisa Purcray, Maria Gigi Ascano-Tenebroso and Walter Alipio de Asis Cerbito.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council, according to the council, has also issued a freeze order against their assets as a consequence of their designation.

Without doubt, the designation, in coordination with the AMLC [Anti-Money Laundering Council], serves as an effective tool to deny terrorists from obtaining financial and material support for their terrorist activities. It is also part of the legal means as an important component of the countrys comprehensive approach in counterterrorism, the anti-terrorism body said.

The government had already branded both Abu Sayyaf and the communist party and its various wings as terrorist organizations.

Commenting on the councils action against the Abu Sayyaf suspects, Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., head of the Philippine militarys Western Mindanao Command, said a lack of operational funds had kept the group from staging new abductions.

The last kidnapping perpetrated by ASG was in January 2020, when five Indonesian crew members of a fishing boat were seized in the waters off Lahad Datu in Sabah, Malaysia, and taken as captives to the Sulu Islands, a chain in the far southern Philippines.

The victims were rescued one after the other more than a year later in Tawi-Tawi, the countrys southernmost island.

Rosario said those who were designated had been tagged as being involved in cross-border kidnapping incidents and other terror activities.

It is a welcome development because it will strengthen the legitimacy of our military operations against the ASG not only in Sulu but also in Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga Peninsula and in other parts of the country, Rosario told reporters here, in reaction to the ATF move.

Jeoffrey Maitem and Mark Navales contributed to this report from Davao City and Cotabato City, Philippines.
HANOI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The 15th National Assembly (NA) of Vietnam, the country's top legislature, concluded its third session here on Thursday, with important transport projects approved for investment.

The top legislature gave the green light to a number of national transport projects, including a 117 km expressway running from the central coastal Khanh Hoa province to the central highlands Dak Lak province, and a 188 km expressway in the Mekong Delta region.

Other projects approved for investment include a 112 km road connecting the capital Hanoi and other localities in the northern region, and a 76 km belt road connecting the southern Ho Chi Minh City and other localities in the southern region.

During the session, the NA deputies discussed the country's social-economic and financial situation.

They passed five laws including one on revising and supplementing the Law on Intellectual Property, one on the amendment to the Law on Insurance Business and one on mobile police.

The NA passed 17 resolutions, gave their opinions on six bills, and also discussed other issues.

Speaking at the closing meeting, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue said the session was held successfully and fulfilled all the set agenda.

He asked relevant authorities to effectively and promptly implement laws and resolutions passed during the session.

The session, which kicked off on May 23, was the 15th NA's longest session so far. 
Experts say more intense storms driven by climate change are boosting contamination risks for privately owned drinking water wells. While estimates vary, studies say roughly 53 million U.S. residents rely on private wells that draw groundwater. Flood waters pick up bacteria and other contaminants that can seep into wells and cause illnesses. Tests have detected elevated levels of E. coli in some wells after Hurricane Harvey and other major storms. Even ordinary rainfall can be a threat. Private wells are largely unregulated and many owners dont regularly test their water. Scientists say regular sampling and simple maintenance can help protect those who drink well water.
MOUNT WASHINGTON  In the search for Giuseppe Musto amid the wilds of southwestern Massachusetts, no potential lead has gone unfollowed.

The problem is, there arent any new clues.

The family continues to look for him. Apart from a grueling search through rugged terrain, Mustos family has talked to mediums, one of whom stayed for days, hiking and camping out with one of Mustos sons so they could go deeper into the woods.

Theyve heeded dreams. One placed Musto near water. Another, amid Mount Washingtons famous blueberry fields. They follow up on every promising scent picked up by a search dog.

Theyve had the support of a seventh-generation outdoorsman who knows these woods cold. From the beginning, Dave Whitbeck, the towns constable and senior police officer, has been at their side. Hes still trying to help.

Others remained in Boston, where Musto lived, working the phones. Many went to the mountains to search for this family man who was retired from construction work, and for 50 years traveled here to hunt and fish and clear his head.

We listened to every hunch we had, exhausted every option, said Marco Musto, one of Giuseppe Mustos sons. Its such a large area, so we dont know.

Musto, 75, left Boston early on Sunday, May 8, and hasnt been seen since. His pickup truck was found that afternoon in a state forest parking lot here. The family does not believe the elder Musto, a hunter, brought a gun with him.

His wife and son said he had been struggling with grief over a series of family tragedies, including the death of a grandson, and that this is what appears to have driven him into the woods.

The family continues to search when possible. So do volunteers with dogs. Its more difficult now since the forest has leafed out.

A piece of clothing or some other clue could set off another massive police search, Marco Musto said.

Were trying to stay positive and hopeful and doing the best we can, he said.

Musto said while his father loved to hunt off the Ashley Hill trail at Alander Mountain, family and community were more important than anything.

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There was nothing he loved more than sitting down and eating a good meal with people, and a nice barbecue, and his grandchildren, Musto said. One of his greatest prides is sharing a birthday with his grandson.

At the outset, this extended family searched alongside police while in the throes of anguish.

You had nephews looking for their uncle, you had kids looking for their father, you had grandchildren looking for their grandfather, you had a lot of relatives  you had brothers out there and cousins and longtime friends, Musto said.

Some had traveled here from the city for the first time. You had people whove never stepped foot in the woods their entire lives, Musto said.

Musto wants to relay thanks to everyone who has helped and acknowledge just how hard they all had to work  whether they were in Boston or the Berkshires.

It could take you two hours to hike up the area of Ashley Hill trail, and when you get there, youre exhausted, he said.

Family, friends and volunteers would also make sure search parties were fed and had water.

There were the people at home, taking care of Giuseppe Mustos wife, Caroline, feeding the searchers information and contacting state officials to speed approvals to cut and remove fallen trees from state forest trails. This way, state police could get vehicles, equipment and people up the mountain.

The day after he went missing, police had to stop the search to wait for the go-ahead. Family and friends continued pushing on through the forest. They brought four-wheelers and dirt bikes and trucks.

During this time they worked with Whitbeck and others. Whitbeck could not be reached for comment.

Musto said the family is grateful to the town for all its support. Select Board Chair and Acting Police Chief Brian Tobin offered buildings and Wi-Fi, since connections and cell service are sketchy here.

The family is grateful to state police, who searched for days by air and on foot. The Department of Conservation and Recreation used its equipment to carry people up to the woods to help the search parties conserve energy.

Marco Musto recalls a different kind of time spent in these woods, back when they were teeming with hunters. That was more than two decades ago. It was time spent with his father, uncles and cousins.

Now they are searching for their link to all this and all of them  the man who held this land sacred and came here for solace.

It is a familiar hunting ground for a lot of us, Musto said. Weve covered in great detail the areas that we knew that he was familiar with, but he was familiar with more than we knew because hes been going there so long.
Cindylou Molnar, head of conservation at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, speaks about a 1796 portrait of George Washington. "The story of Washington and his inability to tell a lie is another about how to be an American. Truth is indispensable to a liberated people," writes Carole Owens.
BOSTON  Legislative action to create a new public authority that would oversee an east-west passenger rail expansion into Western Massachusetts would be very premature, House Speaker Ronald Mariano said Wednesday.

Casting some doubt on a priority of both Gov. Charlie Baker and one of the most influential Democrats in Congress, Mariano on Wednesday passed on an opportunity to express support for a new east-west rail authority and said state lawmakers want more information before we move forward.

We have the chairman of [the] Transportation [Committee] and some of the Western Mass. folks working on requests for some information, some expanded information, that were going to need before we move forward on any rail, Mariano told reporters after Democrats met in a private caucus.

The jurys not in on what this is going to cost and what the federal component is going to be and what the state commitment has to be, Mariano added when asked if he supports creation of a new rail authority to govern the potential expansion. Its very premature.

Running regular passenger train service west of the MBTA commuter rails endpoint in Worcester would connect the state and open up new economic and housing opportunities, according to supporters of east-west rail, who have faced questions about the cost of the expansion and how it would be paid for.

In April, Baker and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, announced they agreed to a path forward for east-west rail, relying in large part on federal funding available in a new infrastructure law.

Neal, who chairs the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee that has significant power over federal dollars flowing to Massachusetts, said at the time that the agreement pivoted on the Legislature using an infrastructure bond bill to create an east-west rail authority.

The Joint Committee on Transportation and Joint Committee on Bonding both opted against adding a new authority to redrafts of the more than $9.7 billion infrastructure bond bill.

State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield, said the expansion was extremely important for economic development in Berkshire County, and she remained committed to seeing it through.

Theres many different pathways to get to that, she said. If one pathway doesnt seem viable at the time then were going to continue to explore other pathways.

And contrary to Marianos characterization of it being premature to form a rail authority, Farley-Bouvier said the time to act is now.

There is some urgency around the availability of federal funds at this time and we want to do whatever we can to have access to those federal funds, she said. So if its not the language of having a Western Mass rail authority in place, we want to make sure we pursue the funding in another way.
Hong Kong: CE backs Nansha plan

Chief Executive Carrie Lam today welcomed the central governments promulgation of the Overall Plan for Deepening Globally Oriented Comprehensive Co-operation amongst Guangdong, Hong Kong & Macao in Nansha of Guangzhou.

The Nansha plan sets out five key development directions for the area, which include industry co-operation in innovation and technology, co-operation in youth innovation and entrepreneurship, high standard opening up, regulatory interface and connectivity, and high-quality urban development.

These directions correspond to policy areas which Hong Kong enjoys comparative advantages in and is determined to develop further, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said.

It added that as stated in the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Nansha, positioned as a high standard gateway for opening up, is one of the major co-operation platforms in the bay area. With a clear perspective on Hong Kong, Macau and the wider world, the Nansha plan will become a key medium and provide strong support for the enhanced integration of Hong Kong and Macau into the overall national development.

Mrs Lam supplemented: Based on new policies to be introduced by the governments of Guangdong Province and Guangzhou Municipality in Nansha, the Hong Kong SAR Government will support various sectors of the community in seizing the opportunities brought by the development of the bay area and the Nansha plan.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong will leverage our advantages, especially our international networks and connections, as well as our outstanding professional services, to fully support Nansha in developing as a high standard gateway for opening up within the bay area, whilst expanding the scope of development for ourselves and our industries.

This story has been published on: 2022-06-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Chinas Yellow River Delta sees ecological improvement

People's Daily) 08:50, June 16, 2022

The Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve, located at the river's estuary in east China's Shandong Province, has constantly enhanced its eco-compensation efforts in recent years, diverting nearly 360 million cubic meters of water from the river to the wetlands.

Black-headed gulls lead their young to feed, May 27, 2022. (People's Daily Online/Zhao Yingli)

The nature reserve has effectively prevented saltwater intrusion from destroying the wetland ecosystem and alleviated the salinization of soils.

The Yellow River, Chinas second largest river, flows into the Bohai Sea in Shandongs Dongying. The deposition of huge amounts of sand and mud from the great river makes the Yellow River delta, which generates extensive wetlands.

The wetlands there, retreating from the sea, are extremely vulnerable. They once shrank in the 1980s and 1990s due to saltwater intrusion, coastal erosion, droughts and other factors.

To protect the wetland ecosystem and the rare birds living there, the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve was established in 1992. Covering 1,530 square kilometers, the nature reserve boasts the world's most complete and the youngest wetland ecosystem in warm temperate zone.

Sporobolus alterniflorus, commonly known as smooth cordgrass, hinders the stability of the wetland ecosystem, said Wang Jinhe, head of a Dongying institute that studies the development of the marine economy.

"The plant is very prolific and has a strong root system. It has severely encroached on the growing space of local plants such as Suaeda salsa and Chinese tamarisk. Its presence in the nature reserve had led to a sharp decline in the biological density of benthos in the tidal flat and reduction in the foraging and inhabiting space for birds. It is a threat against the biodiversity in the nature reserve," Wang explained.

Photo taken on May 27, 2022 shows young black-headed gulls. (People's Daily Online/Zhao Yingli)

Since 2016, Dongying, in collaboration with scientific institutions such as the Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has used geographic information systems and remote sensing technology and launched field investigations to learn the distribution and intrusion mechanism of the smooth cordgrass in the Yellow River Delta.

As a result, it has developed multiple treatment technologies and carried out management projects that have effectively contained the expansion of the plant and restored the biotic population in the intertidal zone.

The nature reserve has also launched 16 wetland restoration projects with a total investment of nearly 1.08 billion yuan ($160.65 million), restoring 72,500 mu (4,833 hectares) of wetlands and flat from farmlands, connecting 241 kilometers of water channels, and recovering 47,000 mu (3,133 hectares) of Suaeda salsa and seagrass beds.

The unique restoration model has achieved remarkable progress that reaches long-term stability of natural succession with one treatment, and a compound ecosystem that includes river, land, flat and sea is taking shape. The integrity of the river estuarys new wetland ecosystem is further enhanced.

Black-headed gulls, known as "elves on wetlands," are quite "picky" when choosing their breeding places, said Zhao Yajie, senior engineer of the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve's management committee, adding that the birds are an indicator of the ecological changes taking place on wetlands. The nature reserve has put the habitats of black-headed gulls, oriental white storks, cranes and other species under key protection, according to the engineer.

Over the years, the nature reserve has seen a prominent increase in the variety and number of bird species. Now, it is home to 371 bird species, up from 187 when it was just established.

Known as an "international airport for birds," the nature reserve has become an important stop, wintering ground and breeding place for birds migrating along the East Asia-Australasia and the West Pacific flyways. It is also an important breeding place for oriental white storks, the world's second-largest breeding place for black-headed gulls and the world's second-largest wintering ground for white cranes.

Photo shows the Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve. (People's Daily Online/Zhao Yingli)

Dongying is currently working to build the Yellow River Estuary National Park, which will span 3,523 square kilometers, including 1,371 square kilometers of land area and 2,152 square kilometers of sea area. It will set a new sample for the protection of river and delta ecology as Chinas first integrated landsea national park.

"There must be more birds coming to and settling around the Yellow River estuary in the future," said Zhao.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
by Raheela Nazir

ISLAMABAD, June 16 (Xinhua) -- As Pakistan's agriculture sector remained crucial for the country's economic growth, experts and scientists said that enhanced cooperation with China under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) can help revitalize the country's agriculture sector and combat the challenge of food insecurity.

A seminar titled "Pak-China Agriculture Cooperation under CPEC" was held Thursday by the CPEC-Agriculture Cooperation Center at Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi and the Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development to explore ways to boost agricultural development, and understand opportunities offered by agricultural cooperation under CPEC.

Muhammad Azam Khan, director of the CPEC-Agriculture Cooperation Center, said that China has made notable progress over the years in the modernization of the agriculture sector, having enhanced productivity while focusing on quality yield.

He noted that Pakistan has a lot to learn from the Chinese experience for the growth of its agriculture sector, highlighting that harsh weather, unscientific farming systems and expensive inputs have marginalized the sector, which resulted in food insecurity in Pakistan.

"Currently in Pakistan, farmers have started high-density planting of fruits trees which need highly efficient technologies for practices like pruning, spraying, harvesting ... we can work out with Chinese companies to learn about the latest technologies for the betterment of local farmers," Khan said.

The expert said that agricultural cooperation under CPEC will further enhance value addition processing to help more Pakistani products meet the international standards.

He added that Pakistan and China need to work together in the fields of seed technology, agricultural material and machinery, agricultural product processing and supporting service systems to promote the transformation and upgrading of the agriculture sector.

Qamar Uz Zaman, vice chancellor of Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, said that science and technology-based advancements have breathed new life into China's agriculture sector, stressing the need for Pakistan to strengthen mutual exchanges with Chinese counterparts and facilitate Chinese companies to work in Pakistan to bring green revolution and give impetus to the economic and social development.

Being one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, Pakistan needs to adopt climate-smart agriculture techniques as the challenges posed by climate change have not only gravely affected the production and quality of crops, but also created numerous problems for farmers, he said.

"We (Pakistan and China) have a long history of agricultural cooperation. We have been able to achieve milestones in many areas and the cooperation needs to be enhanced further to produce quality products to be exported to other countries including China to earn valuable foreign exchange," he added.

China's new agricultural technologies, machinery and crop varieties are continuously being introduced in Pakistan under CPEC, which have greatly improved the most important sector of Pakistan, said Gu Wenliang, agricultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan.

He said cooperation in the field of modern agricultural equipment, seed industry, food processing and storage, and animal and plant disease control has greatly improved the quality and production of various valuable crops and livestock products in Pakistan.

The counselor suggested enhancing people-to-people exchanges, exporting Pakistani agricultural products with comparative advantage to China, and developing policy research to promote agricultural industrialization cooperation between the two countries. 
With polls as the weapon of choice, the Second Amendment Foundation and the Northwest Progressive Institute are dueling over the issue of whether or not Washingtonians favor a ban on what have been called "assault weapons."

On Wednesday morning, the Bellevue-based Second Amendment Foundation pointed to a recent Quinnipiac University poll showing public support for such a ban to be at an all-time low. According to the poll, support for a ban has fallen to 50%, while 45% oppose it.

This is the lowest level of support among registered voters for a nationwide ban on the sale of assault weapons since February 2013 when the question was first asked by the Quinnipiac University Poll, the poll states.

Four years ago, 67% supported a ban and 29% opposed a ban.

Alan Gottlieb, founder and president of the SAF, questioned the rationale for banning assault weapons, a political term describing various types of semi-automatic rifles with a detachable magazine, a pistol grip, and other features such as a flash suppressor or barrel shroud.

Semi-automatic rifles have been around for more than a century, and the popular AR-type rifles have been owned by private citizens for at least 60 years, he noted in a press release. Their use in crime is statistically minimal, so to blame their availability and demonize their technology is a false flag that borders on fraud.

The challenge of firearm violence goes beyond the firearms themselves, according to Gottlieb.

Increasing numbers of people realize there is far more to this dilemma than firearms, he said. For example, the same Quinnipiac poll shows a 40% plurality of voters think the real problem is rooted in mental health issues, more than twice the 19% who think the availability of firearms is at the core of the current crime spike.

The federal governments own crime statistics belie the notion that semiautomatic rifles are the problem, Gottlieb pointed out.

The annual FBI Uniform Crime Report has consistently shown that rifles of any kind are involved in a fraction of all homicides in any given year, he said. Only 2 to 4% of all murders are committed with rifles, so this push to demonize and ban an entire class of rifles is not simply wrong, it borders on being delusional, and it is certainly dishonest.

Last week, Redmond-based Northwest Progressive Institute touted its own polling data showing that a majority of Washingtonians support an assault weapons ban.

Now today NPI is pleased to stand with elected leaders, with our attorney general, with advocacy leaders to announce that a majority of Washingtonians strongly support a ban on assault weapons, Andrew Villeneuve, NPI founder and executive director, said during a Friday press conference. This is a policy that our attorney general has requested for many years, but it hasnt been adopted yet by the Legislature.

According to NPIs polling, 56% of 1,039 voters surveyed said they supported a ban, with 52% strongly supportive of such a measure and 4% somewhat supportive.

A total of 38% of respondents were against the ban, with 31% strongly opposed and 7% were somewhat opposed.

Just 6% were unsure of their position on the issue.

I dont think were shocked by the poll results, Attorney General Bob Ferguson said at the press conference. Its been my feeling  and I think thats shared by everybody here  this is one of those issues where the people are way ahead of the politicians.

Calls for government to ban assault weapons have been renewed in the aftermath of two recent highly-publicized mass shootings that shook the nation.

On May 24, an 18-year-old man fatally shot 19 students and two teachers at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Ten days prior, a gunman killed 10 people at a Topps Friendly Markets store in Buffalo, New York.

In both cases, the attacks were carried out using semi-automatic rifles.




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

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This week, as South Africans commemorate Youth Day and as African Americans commemorate Juneteenth, residents of the world's largest city will wake up to a billboard loudly heralding the arrival of Amapiano on the global stage with one of its innovative Godfathers as its face.

The artists innovating the scene

Amapianos spread across the world

Inspiration in the genres history

Allegorically, Kabza De Small, his latest album KOA II Part 1 and the genre widely accepted as the voice of young South Africans today, are going transatlantic in a full circle moment.Throughout musical history, the innovation and themes central to music across the African content have inspired the development of new genres and subcultures worldwide. Jazz, blues, and gospel music all have roots in Africa - and in the modern day with the advent of streaming services like Spotify, music from Africa has once again seen an explosion in its influence and global popularity. One such international African music sensation is the popular South African genre, Amapiano.Amapiano has been the word on everyones lips since South African music fans and party-goers saw it emerge in 2012. A musical movement entrenched in the experiences and culture of the South African youth, it is the product of the evolution of South African sound that, for many, originally began with Kwaito music in the 90s. And, like Kwaito, Amapiano acts as a keen view into the ethos of its time, despite not being expressly sociopolitical. And, as a musical movement, it isnt only speaking to the South African zeitgeist - it has seen massive popularity worldwide, with a transcendental impact within, and beyond, the African diaspora.With consistent chart-toppers, Amapiano musicians are dominating the South African music landscape. Kabza De Small, Mellow and Sleazy, DBN Gogo, and Focalistic are only a handful of the dozens of South African Amapiano musicians headlining the scene.Rising stars like Uncle Waffles, Kamo Mphela, and Pabi Cooper are quickly coming onto the musical radars of more listeners. The top Amapiano artist on Spotify, DJ Maphorisa (who is no stranger to the industry, having worked as a producer for artists like Drake and Wizkid) consistently amasses millions of Spotify streams both in South Africa and globally. Its a genre thats shaping the culture - and, further to this, female artists like Lady Du and Boohle are pioneering the scene in big ways by breaking through the male majority in dance music spaces.Amapiano artists arent only seeing prominence on their home turf, with massive international audiences making up a significant chunk of the genres listenership. Millions of Amapianos Spotify streams come from countries such as the UK, the US, and Nigeria - evidence of the genres widespread popularity.The distinctly South African sound speaks not only to the South African diaspora but also to other African diasporas across the globe, establishing Amapiano as a dance movement sweeping cross-cultural dancefloors.As mentioned, Amapiano is the great-grandchild of generations of popular South African music genres. Kwaito preceded the emergence of South African Deep House, which gave rise to Gqom, and most recently, Amapiano. Each genre uses tangible inspiration from its predecessors, with Amapiano utilising distinctly Kwaito rhythms and basslines, and stylistic inspiration from Gqom.An example of this is the 2022 Amapiano track Love I Need by Uncle Waffles, Tony Duardo, Dinky Kunene, BoiBizza, Yedda, Nvocho - which pays homage to the South African classic Destiny by Malaika through a beautifully incorporated sampling of the tracks iconic melody.African musical innovation is taking the world by storm. With dedicated listeners and acclaim from international industry giants, the Amapiano genre has seen South African musicians finding new access to overseas audiences. With the widespread use of streaming platforms such as Spotify, these international listeners are exposed to music that they may otherwise not have come across. From this, the ability to connect with potential fan bases all over the world has been building new roads for South African musicians to take centre stage.In its emergence as a genre of party anthems and dance music staples, Amapiano particularly captures the youths contribution to the South African musical zeitgeist. And as the innovative musicians of the genres before it provided the foundation for the next South African musical evolution, the next generation of musicians will look to Amapiano for their own unique musical inception and inspiration.
HANOI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam recorded 774 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, down by 92 from Wednesday, according to its Ministry of Health.

All the new infections were domestically transmitted cases, reported in 44 provinces and cities.

The Vietnamese capital Hanoi was the pandemic hotspot with 145 new cases recorded on Thursday, followed by the central city of Da Nang with 48 and the central Nghe An province with 45.

The newly registered COVID-19 infections brought the total tally to 10,734,925, with 43,083 deaths. Nationwide, a total of 9,583,105 COVID-19 cases, or about 89 percent of the infections, have recovered.

More than 224.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the Southeast Asian country, including nearly 201.6 million shots on people aged 18 and above, according to the ministry.

Vietnam has by far gone through four coronavirus waves of increasing scale, complication, and infectivity. As of Thursday, it has registered more than 10.7 million locally transmitted COVID-19 cases since the start of the current wave of infections in April 2021, said the health ministry. 
DHAKA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Bangladeshi government on Wednesday signed agreements for a 143-million-U.S. dollar loan to improve the volume, efficiency, predictability and security of cross-border trade in Bangladesh.

Secretary of Economic Relations Division Fatima Yasmin and Country Director of ADB Edimon Ginting virtually signed the agreement on behalf of Bangladesh and ADB, said the Manila-based lender in a statement Thursday.

"Aligning with Bangladesh's policies and strategies, ADB is helping enhance export diversification and competitiveness for accelerating growth with industrialization and trade, and expanding subregional trade and commerce," said Ginting.

"ADB assistance will help increase the volume of imported and exported cargoes at the Akhaura, Sonamasjid, and Tamabil border crossing points (BCP) by 50 percent by 2027, while reducing average customs clearance and cargo transshipment time by 50 percent," Ginting added.

Bangladesh has been carrying out trade facilitation reforms to enhance export diversification and competitiveness by improving the quality of exports, signing bilateral trade and investment cooperation agreements, and promoting trade through better coordination among border agencies and private stakeholders.

The ADB assistance package includes a 90-million-U.S. dollars policy-based loan, which will support reforms in areas including bringing the country's customs legal frameworks in compliance with international standards, improving cargo clearance processes, and strengthening the capacity of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Ministry of Commerce.

To complement the policy reforms, 53 million U.S. dollars will be used to construct integrated land customs stations and land ports of NBR and the Bangladesh Land Port Authority (BLPA) at Akhaura, Sonamasjid, and Tamabil border crossing points (BCPs).

Facilities and equipment for customs clearance and cargo transshipment operations will also be installed. 
HANOI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A total of 176,681 units of automobiles were sold in the Vietnamese market in the first five months of this year, up 39 percent year on year, according to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers' Association.

Sales of domestically-assembled automobiles surged 47 percent to 105,022 units, while those of imported ones rose 29 percent year on year to 71,659, according to the association's monthly sales report released Thursday.

The shortage of semiconductor chips and the disruption of the supply chain of components have affected the automobile sector in Vietnam, according to the daily newspaper Thanh Nien.

In May, the last month of the country's registration fee slashing policy, the number of cars sold in Vietnam still grew but not significantly, according to the report.

In 2021, 304,149 units of automobiles were sold in Vietnam, up 3 percent year on year, said the association.

The country spent nearly 8.7 billion U.S. dollars importing completely-built automobiles and components for assembly last year, posting a year-on-year surge of 36.2 percent, according to Vietnam's General Statistics Office. 


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Children attend a class at a moblie school in Kabul, Afghanistan, June 12, 2022. Inspired by teachers of a mobile school run in the countryside of south Afghanistan's Kandahar province, nine-year-old Bashir Ahmad has recently decided to become a doctor in the future. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Inspired by teachers of a mobile school run in the countryside of south Afghanistan's Kandahar province, nine-year-old Bashir Ahmad has recently decided to become a doctor in the future.

"The mobile school comes at the right time and brings necessary books to students and teachers who teach us very well," Ahmad said, adding that he can have a two-hour class every day in the square in front of his village.

For Mohammad Daud, a teacher of the mobile school, after finishing his class at Ahmad's village in the morning, he has to leave for another immediately under the scorching sun. "We travel about 10 to 15 km from one village to another every day."

"The mobile school operates in four villages in turn in one day, with 40 to 60 male and female students in each turn," Daud said. "We teach subjects from the first grade to the sixth grade, as well as science, math and social science."

The mobile school, according to its founder Matiullah Weesa, has been covering 1,200 students including boys and girls by eight teachers voluntarily in Kandahar's remote rural areas to help the children get proper education.

"In addition to providing textbooks we also provide literature books such as novels and stationery for poor children in villages and encourage them to study," Weesa added.

There is no fixed teaching building for at least 5,000 primary and secondary schools in Afghanistan, where students have to attend classes in the open air, said an official, who declined to be named, from the ministry for education of the Afghan caretaker government.

Afghan children do not have enough access to books, which has prevented them from gaining the ability of critical thinking, said Ahmad Seyyam Barkakati, deputy director of a mobile school in Kabul.

More than 3.5 million children including school-aged girls reportedly cannot go to school due to various reasons such as poverty, security threats and cultural barriers in the war-torn Afghanistan, where many people, mostly in the countryside, believe in old-fashioned traditions, opposing girls in school and women working outside.

"We aim to promote literacy, book reading culture, and critical thinking," said Barkakati, who is trying to change his compatriots' conservative mode of thinking by running the mobile school. "It is necessary for their brain to promote and it is very important for children to think outside the box."

Nahida Moradi, a teacher of the mobile school in Kabul, asserted that many people want their children to attend such schools, expressing her wish to increase the number of mobile schools in far-flanged areas.

"I have very happy memories of working with children," Moradi said. "We inspire children and tell them to always come and read books to build the future of the country." 

Photo taken on June 12, 2022 shows a moblie school in Kabul, Afghanistan. Inspired by teachers of a mobile school run in the countryside of south Afghanistan's Kandahar province, nine-year-old Bashir Ahmad has recently decided to become a doctor in the future. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

A teacher gives a lecture at a moblie school in Kabul, Afghanistan, June 12, 2022. Inspired by teachers of a mobile school run in the countryside of south Afghanistan's Kandahar province, nine-year-old Bashir Ahmad has recently decided to become a doctor in the future. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

Children attend a class at a moblie school in Kabul, Afghanistan, June 12, 2022. Inspired by teachers of a mobile school run in the countryside of south Afghanistan's Kandahar province, nine-year-old Bashir Ahmad has recently decided to become a doctor in the future. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
SOFIA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A newly formed majority fired the speaker of the Bulgarian National Assembly Nikola Minchev here on Thursday.

In the 240-seat parliament, Minchev was dismissed with the votes of 125 deputies from GERB-UDF, Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF), There Is Such A People, and Revival party.

The dismissal was demanded on Wednesday, a few hours after GERB-UDF, the largest opposition force in Bulgaria's parliament, filed a no-confidence motion against the four-party coalition government led by Kiril Petkov, and one week after There Is Such A People declared to exit the ruling coalition.

Minchev, who was elected last December, was formally accused of systematic and gross violation of the Rules of Organization and Procedure of the National Assembly.

"We all know that the real reason for demanding my dismissal is the same as those behind the no-confidence motion against the government -- there is a new majority in the parliament," Minchev told the legislators.

Mustafa Karadayi, leader of the MRF, admitted that "the debate here is not about Mr. Minchev's personal qualities. The debate is political."

According to Karadayi, Minchev's dismissal was a "natural political move", "and then the other natural political move will take place" -- the dismissal of the government.

According to the rules of the parliament, until a new election is held for a speaker of the National Assembly, it shall be presided over by the vice-speaker, nominated by the largest parliamentary represented party or coalition.

As to the no-confidence motion against the government, it has to be discussed not earlier than three days and not later than seven days after the receipt, and voted not earlier than 24 hours after the closure of the debate. To be passed, the motion must be supported by more than half of all members of the National Assembly.

Petkov's government was elected last December, backed by 134 members of the parliament from Continue the Change, BSP for Bulgaria, There Is Such A People, and Democratic Bulgaria.

However, There Is Such A People declared last week to exit the coalition, so the remaining three parties have a total of 109 deputies. 
Representatives are seen during the meeting of NATO Ministers of Defense in NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, June 16, 2022. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will strengthen its battle groups along its eastern flank, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday following a meeting of the alliance's defense ministers. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

BRUSSELS, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will strengthen its battle groups along its eastern flank, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday following a meeting of the alliance's defense ministers.

Addressing a press conference at the end of two days of preparations for a NATO summit scheduled to be held in Madrid, Spain on June 29-30, Stoltenberg said the ministers had discussed the organization's future posture and how it can step up practical support for the allies by substantially strengthening its presence, capabilities and readiness.

"This will mean more NATO forward deployed combat formations to strengthen our battlegroups in the eastern part of our alliance," Stoltenberg said. "More air, sea and cyber defenses, as well as pre-positioned equipment and weapon stockpiles. And a new force model, with more forces at higher readiness, and specific forces pre-assigned to the defense of specific allies to enable much faster reinforcement."

Stoltenberg said the ministers had also discussed resourcing. He recalled that defense investment has been rising across the European allies and Canada for seven consecutive years now and that the allies continue to contribute to NATO deployments and invest more in high-end capabilities.

"Now is the time to keep up the momentum. So we can continue to preserve peace, prevent conflict and protect our people," he said.

"We made clear that all countries have the right to choose their own path without outside interference. ...Russia's aggression is a game-changer. So NATO must maintain credible deterrence and strong defense," he said.

The allied ministers met with Ukraine's defense minister and said that it was crucial for NATO to deliver continued support to Ukraine.

The NATO summit in Madrid will be "transformative, Stoltenberg said, "with important decisions in key areas, such as strengthening NATO's deterrence and defense capabilities and sustaining support for Ukraine and other partners at risk. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky will participate in the summit. 

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks during a press conference after the meeting of NATO Ministers of Defense in NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, June 16, 2022. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will strengthen its battle groups along its eastern flank, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday following a meeting of the alliance's defense ministers. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

Representatives pose for a group photo during the meeting of NATO Ministers of Defense in NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, June 16, 2022. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will strengthen its battle groups along its eastern flank, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday following a meeting of the alliance's defense ministers. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks during a press conference after the meeting of NATO Ministers of Defense in NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, June 16, 2022. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will strengthen its battle groups along its eastern flank, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Thursday following a meeting of the alliance's defense ministers. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)
LONDON (AP)  Kevin Spacey strenuously denies allegations of sexual assault, his lawyer said Thursday, as the Oscar-winning actor appeared in a London court to face five charges of offenses against three men.

Actor Kevin Spacey arrives at the Westminster Magistrates court in London, Thursday, June 16, 2022. Spacey is appearing in a court in London on Thursday after he was charged with sexual offenses against three men. The 62-year-old Spacey is accused of four counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.(AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

LONDON (AP)  Kevin Spacey strenuously denies allegations of sexual assault, his lawyer said Thursday, as the Oscar-winning actor appeared in a London court to face five charges of offenses against three men.

Photographers and television camera crews thronged Spacey, 62, as he arrived at Londons Westminster Magistrates Court for the preliminary hearing, walking into court accompanied by members of his legal team and two police officers.

Spacey sat in the glass-fronted dock during the half-hour hearing, standing to give his full name  Kevin Spacey Fowler  as well as his birthdate and a London address.

He was not asked to enter a formal plea, but his lawyer, Patrick Gibbs, said: Mr. Spacey strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case.

He has returned to the U.K. in order to establish his innocence," Gibbs said. "He needs to answer these charges if he is to proceed with his life.

Actor Kevin Spacey arrives at the Westminster Magistrates court in London, Thursday, June 16, 2022. Spacey is appearing in a court in London on Thursday after he was charged with sexual offenses against three men. The 62-year-old Spacey is accused of four counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent. (AP Photo/David Cliff)

Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram granted Spacey unconditional bail until his next appearance, a plea hearing scheduled for July 14 at London's Southwark Crown Court. He is free to return to the U.S. in the meantime.

The former House of Cards star is accused of four counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

The alleged incidents took place in London between March 2005 and August 2008, and one in western England in April 2013. The victims are now in their 30s and 40s.

Actor Kevin Spacey arrives at the Westminster Magistrates court in London, Thursday, June 16, 2022. Spacey is appearing in a court in London on Thursday after he was charged with sexual offenses against three men. The 62-year-old Spacey is accused of four counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent. (AP Photo/David Cliff)

In a statement issued last month, Spacey said he would travel to Britain to face the charges and was confident he would prove my innocence.

Spacey was questioned by British police in 2019 about claims by several men that he had assaulted them. The two-time Academy Award winner ran Londons Old Vic theater between 2004 and 2015.

Spacey won a best supporting actor Academy Award for the 1995 film The Usual Suspects and a lead actor Oscar for the 1999 movie American Beauty.

But his celebrated career came to an abrupt halt in 2017 when actor Anthony Rapp accused the star of assaulting him at a party in the 1980s, when Rapp was a teenager. Spacey denies the allegations.
This image released by Apple TV+ shows Leslie Mann, from left, Cooper Raiff and Brad Garrett in Cha Cha Real Smooth, premiering June 17, 2022. (Apple TV+ via AP)

The glow sticks. The neon lanyards. DJs playing wildly inappropriate songs. The mocktails, the tipsy grown-ups, the awkward adolescent kisses in photo booths.

Finally, a feature film set on the suburban bar mitzvah party circuit.

But theres more than just cleverly observed cultural comedy at play in Cha Cha Real Smooth, the second feature by writer-director Cooper Raiff, who also stars in this poignant and accomplished coming-of-age tale about the years right after college  when youre trying to figure out not just what to do, but who to be.

And its not just Raiffs character, a newly minted college grad who earns money as a party starter at bar mitzvahs, whos coming of age. With a lovely, touching turn by Dakota Johnson as a troubled young mother, the film is a twofer, looking at two people grappling with change at vastly different stages of life. Can they help each other? Do they even belong together?

Certainly the chemistry is there. Johnson, who seems to be getting better with each film, adds depth to the recent work weve seen and also, deliciously, gets to play the older woman. (Shes also a producer on the film). As for Raiff, with his rakish yet goofy good looks and Donny Osmond smile, he's so natural in his own words that it seems he must be channeling his own life as main character Andrew. But then we recall that while Andrew can barely hold down a fast-food job, Raiff is winning Sundance prizes (this film won the festival's audience award.)

The title, by the way, comes from the 2000 party anthem Cha Cha Slide, that infectious line dance number thats a reliable staple at bar or bat mitzvah parties, proms and more (Cha cha now yall.). Raiff himself, though not Jewish, spent almost every weekend on the bar mitzvah circuit when he was 13 and growing up in Dallas, and lets just say the man knows his way around a candle-lighting ceremony.

We begin with a flashback to a 13-year-old Andrew, at a bar mitzvah of course, who develops a deep crush for the adult female party starter  the one who gets kids dancing  and declares his love in the parking lot, only to be left heartbroken: Im old, she says.

Ten years later, Andrews just graduated Tulane, and trying to answer the question every onscreen graduate has been asked since, well, The Graduate: What now? His girlfriend has a Fulbright to Barcelona but doesnt seem keen for him to tag along.

So hes living at home with his supportive mom (a perfectly cast Leslie Mann) and her annoying husband (Brad Garrett), working at a fast-food joint called Meat Sticks, and sharing a room with his middle-school brother who's smack in the middle of bar mitzvah season. Accompanying his brother to a party one night, he finds a way to get all the kids dancing, and soon the moms are drafting him to become an official party starter.

More importantly, Andrew also meets Domino (Johnson), a young mom with an autistic daughter, Lola (Vanessa Burghardt). Resigned to watching her 14-year-old daughter play with a Rubiks Cube while the other kids party, Domino is delighted when Andrew finds a way to get Lola dancing, too.

The next party doesnt go so well  Andrew gets drunk on vodka, throws around some inappropriate cuss words and ends up getting kicked out. Lola and Domino, too, have a very bad night, and Andrew ends up at their house later, deepening the connection with both mother and daughter.

But Domino is engaged to Joseph, a lawyer with a gruff exterior who spends a lot of time out of town. Andrew is convinced that Joseph is wrong for Domino and that he, despite the decade in age difference, is her soul mate  even her rescuer. For Domino, whos clearly drawn to Andrew, it isnt quite so simple. Her life has long been defined by the needs of her daughter, and always will be. A new soul mate won't change that.

Raiffs writing and direction keep the action moving crisply, and he knows his world  set not in Dallas but in Livingston, New Jersey  very well. The film is also beautifully cast, from the adults down to the adorable, mop-headed Evan Assante as younger brother David. As Lola, the talented Burghardt, who is autistic herself, is a wonderful find.

A bar mitzvah is the time when tradition says one becomes a man. For Andrew, the symbolism is obvious  caught somewhere between childhood and adulthood, what kind of man will he choose to become? The movie has some unexpected answers. Whether they work for you or not, there's charm and talent to spare and some very appealing performances to ease the way. Real smooth, as the song says.

Cha Cha Real Smooth, an Apple release, has been rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for language and some sexual content. Running time: 107 minutes. Three stars out of four.

MPAA definition of R: Restricted. Under 17 requires parent or adult guardian.

Follow Jocelyn Noveck on Twitter at http://twitter.com/JocelynNoveckAP
Heavy rain battered parts of Westman late Monday and much of Tuesday, resulting in washed-out roads, flooded basements and waterlogged fields throughout the region.

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Heavy rain battered parts of Westman late Monday and much of Tuesday, resulting in washed-out roads, flooded basements and waterlogged fields throughout the region.

Brandon alone was hit with around 40 millimetres of precipitation, according to Environment Canada, causing the Assiniboine Rivers water level to rise from 357.6 metres Monday afternoon to 358.3 metres around that same time on Wednesday.

This is why public spaces near the river such as Dinsdale Park, Queen Elizabeth Park and the Riverbank Discovery Centre grounds all endured a significant amount of flooding, said City of Brandon emergency manager Tobin Praznik.

All of our retention ponds are quite full  and were trying to maintain them as much as possible, Praznik said. But over the next 24, 48 hours, were going to continue to pump those areas in anticipation for any future rain events.

Praznik admitted that Brandons infrastructure wasnt nearly as impacted as other areas of Westman  the municipalities of Elton, North Norfolk and Riverdale all declared states of emergency due to the rain.

That gives us the power to close roads and to detour traffic to access private property if need be, said Laura Gill, municipal emergency co-ordinator for Riverdale. This is just to have those options available to us because of the extensive road closures that we had to do yesterday.

Work is done to shore up erosion from recent heavy rain at Kirkhams Bridge northwest of Brandon on Wednesday. The deluge of rain this week caused extensive damage to rural infrastructure. (Photos by Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun)

As of Wednesday afternoon, Gill said the municipality had closed at least 15 roads within the municipality, although most of the main arteries and highways in that region remain intact.

Meanwhile, RM of Elton officials had closed at least 18 roads in their municipality as of Wednesday afternoon and used social media to implore local residents to drive safe and consult with resources like Manitoba 511 before travelling.

One of the worst hit communities in the region was Austin  located approximately 80 kilometres east of Brandon  which received more than 100 millimetres of rain within a 24-hour period, resulting in some culverts being washed away.

While these wet conditions are bad news for residents who live within these communities, theyre an absolute nightmare for rural residents like Bill Campbell, the president of Keystone Agricultural Producers, who runs a farm near Minto.

Following the massive downpour earlier this week, Campbell told the Sun that around 30 per cent of his seeded acres are now underwater, which spells trouble for the forthcoming harvest season.

When that water is on the soil, it deprives the seeds of oxygen, he said. So if it lasts for very long, the overland flooding, it will essentially kill those seeds and they will not grow.

This situation is especially frustrating for producers like Campbell, who just emerged from Manitobas second-wettest spring on record, which significantly delayed their ability to plant their crops in a timely fashion.

Husband and wife Chris McKay and Signed Deathe mend a cattle fence on their farm south of Brandon after it was damaged by flooding Tuesday.

And after spending many extra hours trying to play catch-up, Campbell is disheartened to see all this hard work washed away because of some unwanted rain, knowing this years seeding deadline falls on Monday.

Weve played our cards, and weve got nothing left to play, he said, explaining that some producers will have to think about either letting their land lay idle for the year or seeding alternative crops.

Manitobas most recent crop report, for the week ending June 14, stated the provincial seeding progress sits at 87 per cent, which is a markable step down from the 99 per cent completion rate from the same time last year.

The province is also estimating that more than 250,000 acres will be unplanted by the June 20 seeding deadline.

In terms of the forecast, Environment Canada is predicting that conditions will clear up Friday, with Saturday and Sunday being defined by a mix of sun and cloud.

However, Praznik implores Westman residents to remain vigilant as these flooded areas begin to recede, since the water levels for bodies like Assiniboine River are still concerning.

For those out and about, realize that the river is quite high and the flow rates are quite high as well after receiving this rainfall over the past couple days, he said.

So please, be careful. Keep your pets away from these areas and just be mindful that these conditions are not favourable.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @KyleDarbyson
Volunteers rallied together Wednesday to sweep debris from the streets of Brandons downtown and dust off their community spirit.

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Volunteers rallied together Wednesday to sweep debris from the streets of Brandons downtown and dust off their community spirit.

Starting in Princess Park, volunteers cleaned their way through downtown neighbourhoods with support from the City of Brandon environment, solid waste, parks and recreation services as well as community housing and wellness departments.

The downtown needs to have the whole community come together and help out where we can, said Shannon Saltarelli, the citys community housing and wellness co-ordinator. We thought as a city, we would help to support the organizations that have done some community cleanups already.

A cleanup crew newly contracted by the Fresh Start program out of the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation will also be working in the downtown area every day for a few hours.

Anybody of any ability can come and help us out. There is no job too small or too big that we cant find for somebody to do, Saltarelli said.

For those who were comfortable and trained, needle boxes were provided for the disposal of sharps. Those who were not trained or comfortable with picking up needles were able to report locations to Saltarelli for pickup and disposal by city staff.

Once they completed cleaning, volunteers returned to Princess Park for refreshments, treats and music.

Saltarelli was impressed by the number of community volunteers who participated in the event, including those who work, live or play downtown.

Seeing people come downtown and helping us out is very inspiring, and Im so appreciative.

She hopes to see the downtown cleanup become a regular event. Another community cleanup is planned for the fall.

Brandon has always been very supportive of community events, and lots of volunteerism is in this city, Saltarelli said.

Mayor Rick Chrest, who was on hand for the community cleanup, praised city employees for helping out.

Its a good thing to do. Its that old adage that many hands make light work, he said.

It has been at least two years since the city organized a cleanup like this, the mayor said. There have been various smaller efforts led by individuals and organizations in Brandon, he said, and the event Wednesday served as a way to support them.

There are people that just do this. They do this every day in any neighbourhood, and its kind of amazing, Chrest said.

In his experience of serving as mayor over the last eight years, events like the community cleanup warm his heart the most.

People are proud of their community and they are pleased to step up and pitch in.

It was a successful day because the cleanup also helped to build community spirits. He could see the outpouring of care and consideration for the community, something Brandonites are known for.

People have missed these opportunities to connect during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chrest said, and that enhanced the spirit of the event.

Its giving people an outlet, Chrest said. Our community is craving this kind of engagement thats coming back in full force, and its just great to see.

 ckemp@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @The_ChelseaKemp
Grandview Health Centres emergency department closed again over the weekend  a situation likely to repeat itself until nursing vacancies are filled.

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Grandview Health Centres emergency department closed again over the weekend  a situation likely to repeat itself until nursing vacancies are filled.

The health centre posted a notice on its emergency department doors last week stating there would be no emergency services from 8 a.m. on June 10 to 8 a.m. on June 13. The notice said anyone needing emergency department services should call the health centre to find the nearest open emergency department, or call 911.

The closure was due to staffing shortages and the region doesnt have on-call staff that can fill vacancies on short notice, a spokesperson from Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) stated in an email.

Grandview has been dealing with a shortage of health-care personnel and as a result, emergency department closures, said Mayor Dwayne Bomak.

This is a problem across the province, he said, but for small communities like Grandview, it means residents must leave the town for medical emergencies. Most of those people end up going to Dauphin, about 45 kilometres east, he said.

This has been going on for a month or two now, and our health centre has been quite stable with doctors and nurses before this, he said. Its a great hardship for many of our residents to leave for medical treatment, but Grandviews isnt much different than most facilities. We are having shortages with nursing staff, which causes the ER to be closed from time to time.

He added there wasnt much notice of the closure given, but PMH does what it can to keep them informed. Sometimes it comes down to a staff member phoning in sick, meaning the hospital is unable to fill the vacancy on short notice.

Smaller facilities like the Grandview Health Centre have a harder time staying open because they have fewer staff. When one or two nurses call in sick or are called away by PMH to fill a vacancy elsewhere, it means they are now short-staffed and must close due to a lack of service.

Closing the emergency department is a threat to the communitys overall health, so like many communities, Grandview is trying to recruit nurses. Bomak said they are working with PMH to attract more nurses to Grandview.

The community also added an incentive program, which includes a signing bonus of $20,000 split over two years for any registered nurse who signs a two-year, full-time contract. A licensed practical nurse receives a $10,000 bonus split over two years.

One issue nurses had with working in Grandview was a lack of housing, so as part of the incentive, Bomak said the town purchased a home for nurses to rent while they are stationed there.

These incentives have worked, with some nurses choosing to stay in the community because the incentives helped them settle there, he said.

I think its helped because weve had a number of nurses that have stayed past their two-year period.

The recruitment efforts dont wait for the nurses to come to them. Bomak said he and PMH have reached out to the University of Manitoba and University College of the North to talk directly with nursing students about job offers.

Having more nurse training spots added to schools is great to see, he said, but that doesnt help them in the short term. All they can do now is keep working with what they have.

It isnt just shortages that are causing periodic closures, said Sue Stirling, co-ordinator of Grandview Healthcare Solutions. The system itself is not serving the health-care needs of communities. It has become too centralized, and many of the decisions are being made unilaterally, including moving staff to other locations with little notice, leaving gaps in other areas.

Whatever solutions we are coming up with, they need to have everyone at the table: union reps, doctors, community members, nurses, she said.

The system is being run on a business-type model, said Stirling. If PMH wants to do that, she suggested business-type solutions. Pointing to international companies like Tim Hortons, they have policies to run the whole system, but franchises are run locally by owner-managers. This would help communities have more control over their own health-care decisions because they are actually in the community.

Another suggestion that came from doctors is having a physician fill in when a nurse is unable to come for a shift. Doctors told her they would rather have two doctors and no nurses for the sake of keeping the emergency department doors open.

These problems have been years in the making, she said, and they wont be fixed overnight.

This isnt about fixing everything all at once. Its about getting us to a better place than where we are now, Stirling said. Weve had some success with recruiting and retention and that has helped, but we need to think about the system itself.

 kmckinley@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @karenleighmcki1
Before he was sentenced to six and a half years in prison Wednesday morning, a man was deemed by a Crown attorney as a distributor of chaos for his role in meth trafficking in Brandon.

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FILE The Brandon courthouse.

Before he was sentenced to six and a half years in prison Wednesday morning, a man was deemed by a Crown attorney as a "distributor of chaos" for his role in meth trafficking in Brandon.

"Methamphetamine in particular is a drug that Mr. [Mitchell] Livingstone dealt in extensively [and] is a particular scourge on many communities in the province of Manitoba," said Crown attorney Hugh Crawley during the sentencing hearing for Livingstone.

"Its a drug that has a disproportionately negative impact on the community  it is a drug that is simply inducive to chaos wherever it is distributed and that means that Mr. Livingstone was a mid-level, sophisticated distributor of chaos within Brandon."

Livingstone previously pleaded guilty in Brandon provincial court to conspiring to traffic cocaine and methamphetamine between Oct. 19, 2020, and April 20, 2021, and possessing a stun gun and a firearm contrary to a prohibition.

He was previously charged as part of Project Debris, which was a joint investigation by the Manitoba RCMP, the Brandon Police Service and the Rivers Police Service.

The investigation was launched to probe drug trafficking by one of Livingstones co-accused, who is accused of bringing large quantities of drugs into Brandon from British Columbia to sell them, Crawley told the court.

Livingstone operated a trafficking network as a "mid- to street-level" seller in the operation, Crawley said, and sold methamphetamine and cocaine his co-accused brought in.

Police used wiretaps to intercept communications between Livingstone and other people, the Crown said. While the accused did make some transactions, he was mostly supplying drugs to street-level traffickers.

"He is a very busy drug trafficker at the mid level within Brandon, Manitoba," Crawley said, adding at some points he had up to half a kilogram of drugs.

In other incidents, Crawley said Livingstone would give a different co-accused thousands of dollars, which the man would then take to Winnipeg to buy drugs for Livingstone to sell locally in Brandon.

"He was obtaining multi-ounce quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine and distributing them out in the Brandon centre. He was doing it for a commercial basis, its quintessential mid-level trafficking in both of these drugs," he said.

Livingstone also pleaded guilty to possessing a stun gun and a firearm, which the Crown described as "tools of the drug trade."

While the charges are serious, defence lawyer Andrew Synyshyn said Livingstone led a "straightforward" life before he got into drugs. He was a productive member of society, but his life turned around in the drug scene.

Since being arrested, Synyshyn said Livingstone has made a choice to be sober and realizes the importance of it. He has sworn off drugs for the last 422 days.

Livingstone has improved his education since going to jail and has good prospects for rehabilitation, he said.

"He obviously had made some very poor decisions, some decisions he will now have to pay for and ultimately they are his past and they dont have to be his future," Synyshyn said.

Synyshyn also pointed out Livingstone is only accepting responsibility for his own actions in the case.

He jointly recommended a total six-and-a-half-year prison sentence with Crawley.

Speaking to the court via video, Livingstone said he is excited to move on in life and continue with his education.

Judge John Combs endorsed the joint recommendation from the Crown and defence, but underscored how big of an impact meth has had on Brandon.

"The obvious ultimate concern is with the scourge of methamphetamine in Brandon," he said.

"Brandon has a huge issue with the effects of methamphetamine in this community. All of our resources are tapped to the maximum because of the involvement of methamphetamine on our hospitals, our jails, all of the institutions where people are dealt with, who are suffering are feeling the effects of methamphetamine."

Combs said it is "evident" Livingstone was involved in the amount of meth found in the city of Brandon.

He sentenced Livingstone to six years in prison for the conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance charge and six months consecutive for the weapons charges, minus time served. He also banned Livingstone from owning firearms for life and ordered him to provide a DNA sample to police.

The charges for other individuals accused in Project Debris are still before the court and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

 dmay@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @DrewMay_
OTTAWA - Michelle Rempel Garner, a longtime Conservative MP from Calgary, says she's stepping back from the federal Conservative leadership race to consider running for Jason Kenney's job.

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Conservative member of Parliament Michelle Rempel Garner holds a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, to discuss her Private Member's Bill, Bill C-249, the Encouraging Growth of the Cryptoasset Sector Act. Michelle Rempel Garner, a longtime Conservative MP from Calgary, says she's stepping back from the federal Conservative leadership race to consider running for Jason Kenney's job.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

OTTAWA - Michelle Rempel Garner, a longtime Conservative MP from Calgary, says she's stepping back from the federal Conservative leadership race to consider running for Jason Kenney's job.

Rempel Garner was serving as co-chair on Patrick Brown's leadership campaign when Kenney stunned many last month by announcing he was resigning as premier of Alberta and leader of the United Conservative Party after narrowly surviving a leadership review.

Rempel Garner's name soon started to circulate as a potential successor to Kenney.

She confirmed on Twitter she has been encouraged to run and is giving "serious consideration" to mounting a UCP leadership bid.

Rempel Garner says she will step back from the federal Conservative leadership race to focus her attention on a potential leadership run.

"I will make my decision based on the conversations I have with the people I represent  Albertans."

In his own statement on Twitter, Brown thanked Rempel Garner for contributing to his campaign and wished her well in her deliberations.

Announcing that Rempel Garner, who was first elected in 2011, would serve as one of his national campaign co-chairs was seen by some to be a key get for Brown, whose political roots lie in Ontario.

Her departure follows a decision by two MPs to forgo their endorsement of Brown and instead back his main rival, longtime Ottawa-area MP Pierre Poilievre.

At the time, a spokesman for Brown's campaign brushed off the decision by Ontario MPs Kyle Seeback and Dan Muys to switch sides, saying they only represent two votes.

A spokesman has not yet responded to a question of whether Brown will name a replacement to the role Rempel Garner filled as a campaign co-chair.

Almost since the race began, Poilievre and Brown, as well as their wider teams, have taken to attacking one another back and forth, which continued Thursday with Poilievre tweeting Brown's leadership bid was in "free fall."

Recently, the party opened an investigation into Brown's campaign based on a complaint lodged by Tim Uppal, a Conservative MP from Edmonton who is helping chair Poilievre's campaign.

In a letter sent last week to Ian Brodie, chair of the party's leadership election organizing committee, Uppal alleges that Poilievre's campaign has been made aware of "concerning membership sales practices" by Brown.

Uppal details how the Poilievre campaign "received repeated reports" that organizers working for Brown "were arranging to reimburse the membership fees paid by individuals who agreed to join the party using the Brown campaign's web portal."

In a statement, party executive director Wayne Benson confirmed that it had received the complaint from Poilievre's campaign about Brown and is investigating the allegations.

He added the party wouldn't say more until the investigation was over.

Brown's campaign has dismissed the allegations, with spokesman Chisholm Pothier saying it looked forward to "debunking their delusions."

When it comes to Rempel Garner's departure, Pothier said the campaign still enjoys her support and that she left to fulfil other obligations.

He added her leaving doesn't change anything about the campaign's organization.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 16, 2022.
MANAUS, Brazil (AP)  A federal police investigator said Wednesday night a suspect confessed to fatally shooting an Indigenous expert and a journalist in a remote part of the Amazon and took officers to where the bodies were buried.

A federal police officer escorts a suspect towards a river in the area where Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira and freelance British journalist Dom Phillips disappeared, in Atalaia do Norte, Amazonas state, Brazil, Wednesday, June 15, 2022. Federal police said in a statement Tuesday night that they had arrested a second suspect in connection with the disappearance of Phillips and Pereira in a remote area of the Amazon. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)

MANAUS, Brazil (AP)  A federal police investigator said Wednesday night a suspect confessed to fatally shooting an Indigenous expert and a journalist in a remote part of the Amazon and took officers to where the bodies were buried.

Police said at a news conference in the Amazon city of Manaus that the prime suspect in the case confessed Tuesday night and detailed what happened to the pair who went missing June 5. They said other arrests would be made soon in the case, but gave no details.

The federal investigator, Eduardo Alexandre Fontes, said Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, 41, nicknamed Pelado, told officers he used a firearm to kill Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira of Brazil and freelance reporter Dom Phillips of Britain.

We would have no way of getting to that spot quickly without the confession, Torres said of the place where police recovered human remains Wednesday after being led there by Pelado.

Torres said the remains are expected to be identified within days, and if confirmed as the missing men, will be returned to the families of the two.

We found the bodies three kilometers (nearly two miles) into the woods, the investigator said, adding that rescue teams traveled about one hour and forty minutes on the river and 25 more into the woods to reach the burial spot.

Pelados family had said previously that he denied any wrongdoing and claimed police tortured him to try to get a confession.

Another officer, Guilherme Torres of the Amazonas state police, said the missing men's boat had not been found yet but police knew the area where it purportedly was hidden by those involved in the crime.

They put bags of dirt on the boat so it would sink, he said. The engine of the boat was removed, according to investigators.

The news conference at Brazil's federal police headquarters in Manaus also included military leaders, who joined the effort to find Phillips and Pereira a few days after their disappearance was reported.

President Jair Bolsonaro, a frequent critic of journalists and Indigenous experts, has drawn criticism that the government didn't get involved fast enough. Earlier on Wednesday, he criticized Phillips in an interview, saying without evidence that locals in the area where he went missing didn't like him and that he should have been more careful in the region.

The efforts to find the two were started by Indigenous peoples in the region. UNIVAJA, an association of Indigenous peoples of the Javari Valley, mourned the loss of two partners in a statement Wednesday, adding they only had help and protection from local police.

As federal police announced they would hold a news conference, colleagues of Pereira called a vigil outside the headquarters of the Brazilian government's Indigenous affairs agency in Brasilia. Pereira was on leave from the agency.

Pereira, 41, and Phillips, 57, were last seen on their boat in a river near the entrance of the Javari Valley Indigenous Territory, which borders Peru and Colombia. That area has seen violent conflicts between fishermen, poachers and government agents.

Developments began moving Wednesday when federal police officers took a suspect they didn't identify at the time out on the river toward search parties looking for Phillips and Pereira.

An Associated Press photographer in Atalaia do Norte, the city closest to the search zone, witnessed police taking the suspect, who was in a hood.

On Tuesday, police said they had arrested a second suspect in connection with the disappearance. He was identified as Oseney da Costa de Oliveira, 41, a fisherman and a brother of Pelado, who police already had characterized as their main suspect.

Police investigators said Wednesday that de Oliveira had not confessed to any participation in the crime, but added they had evidence against him.

Indigenous people who were with Pereira and Phillips have said that Pelado brandished a rifle at them on the day before the pair disappeared.

Official search teams concentrated their efforts around a spot in the Itaquai river where a tarp from the boat used by the missing men was found Saturday by volunteers from the Matis Indigenous group.

Authorities began scouring the area and discovered a backpack, laptop and other personal belongings submerged underwater Sunday. Police said that evening that they had identified the items as the belongings of both missing men, including a health card and clothes of Pereira. The backpack was said to belong to Phillips.

Police previously reported finding traces of blood in Pelado's boat. Officers also found organic matter of apparent human origin in the river that was sent for analysis.

Authorities have said a main line of the police investigation into the disappearance has pointed to an international network that pays poor fishermen to fish illegally in the Javari Valley reserve, which is Brazils second-largest Indigenous territory.

Pereira, who previously led the local bureau of the federal Indigenous agency, known as FUNAI, took part in several operations against illegal fishing. In such operations, as a rule the fishing gear is seized or destroyed, while the fishermen are fined and briefly detained. Only the Indigenous can legally fish in their territories.

The crimes motive is some personal feud over fishing inspection, Atalaia do Nortes Mayor Denis Paiva speculated last week to reporters without providing more details.

While some police, the mayor and others in the region link the pairs disappearances to the fish mafia, federal police have not ruled out other lines of investigation, such as narco trafficking.

Torres, the federal police officer, reiterated that point Wednesday night, saying he could not discuss specifics of the investigation.

We are working with several lines of investigation, he said.

After the news of the recovery of human remains, Phillips' wife, Alessandra Sampaio, said the find puts an end to the anguish of not knowing Dom and Brunos whereabouts.

Now we can bring them home and say goodbye with love," Sampaio said in a statement. Today, we also begin our quest for justice."

____ Maisonnave reported from Manaus and Savarese reported from Sao Paulo.
Sydney has yet to assess the planes take-off noise level. This cannot be gauged until Tuesday when two demonstration flights are scheduled. On Tuesday noise experts will measure its decibel output with equipment recently imported. Recording devices will be installed in a boat in Botany Bay off General Holmes Drive. The supersonic airliner flew a dog-leg course from Darwin to Sydney in 2hr 51min. The Concorde flown here is a prototype or experimental model. Concorde touches down for the first time in Sydney. Credit:Alan Purcell

It flew supersonic over remote parts of the Northern Territory and South Australia for 56 minutes. For 36 minutes it flew at about 1,400 miles an hour. Technicians stationed beneath and on each side of its supersonic corridor recorded the intensity of its boom, and station personnel sent reports to the Flying Doctor Service by pedal radio. Brian Trubshaw, the British Aircraft Corporations chief test pilot, told me that the supersonic section was flown at 53,000 feet. When the plane was slowed the altitude was reduced, to 33,000 feet. Special reports were received from Sun-Herald observers stationed along the supersonic corridor. Some said, they heard nothing. Others said livestock and fauna were not disturbed. GUN SALUTE

One said that the sonic boom sounded like a salute by a battery of 25-pound-ers. It only lasted a fraction of a second, then it was gone, he said. Another said the boom sounded like the discharge of a .303 rifle. After a perfect landing at Sydney Airport the magnificently streamlined aircraft was taxied to a position in the international terminals parking area. When passengers and crew disembarked, the plane was fenced off by barriers and placed on exhibition. Engineers and technicians who arrived in a specially chartered VC10 immediately began their inspections of the airframe and engines.

Whoosh! Its the Concorde, page 1 of The Sun-Herald, June 18, 1972. Credit:Alan Purcell, The Sun-Herald The VIP passengers included Earl and Countess Jellicoe, Sir George Edwards and Sir Geoffrey Tuttle. Earl Jellicoe is Britains Lord Privy Seal and the Heath Governments Leader in the House of Lords. Sir George Edwards is chairman and managing director of the British Aircraft Corporation, joint builders of the Anglo-French Concorde. Sir Geoffrey Tuttle is vice-chairman and a director of the commercial division of BAC. Lady Jellicoe stepped off the airliner and drove to town for a hairdo. Her husband said that during the flight from Britain to Japan and Sydney she read, wrote postcards to her children, and slept.

The pilot, Brian Trubshaw, and his co-pilot, Johnnie Walker, wore bright orange test pilots overalls. The British High Commissioner in Australia, Sir Maurice James, Mr Cotton Minister for Civil Aviation, and the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Sir Donald Anderson, were among the welcoming party. GLISTENING Concordes silver, red and blue livery glistened in the bright sunshine. Its British registration letters are G-AXDA. Accompanied by a crew member, I inspected the passenger compartment and flight deck. The Concorde flown here is a prototype or experimental model. It is fitted with only 16 passenger seats.

The rest of the cabin space is filled with 12 tons of electronic and recording gear, including instruments which sample conditions in the upper air. One telescopic instrument gives a 180-degree view of the whole of the bottom structure of the aircraft while it is in flight. The test instruments and gear in the cabin are valued at about $10 million. The seats are arranged two abreast as they will be in the production, or passenger carrying, models. The passage between the seals on each side is narrow compared with the aisles in 707, DC8 and Jumbo jet configurations.

Loading It is powered with four Olympus 593-3B engines each developing 34,7301b of thrust for take-off. The combined power of the four engines equals that of 10,000 Mini Minor cars. An improved engine has been developed and is equipped with silencers which are used during the fly-over phase to reduce noise levels. The improved engines are being fitted to the production models now being assembled in Britain and France. Earl Jellicoe said Concorde was a normal aircraft and not at all kinky. It was normal to fly in and could use any standard international runway.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to hold his first National Cabinet meeting today

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A case involving Brisbane City Council taking one of its councillors to court could spell legal trouble for a piece of council legislation that protects the Queen Street, Brunswick Street and Chinatown malls.

Greens councillor Jonathan Sri was put before a magistrate by council lawyers charging him with one count each of failing to get consent for a protest, and undertaking a prohibited activity.

Cr Sris five-person protest in Queen Street Mall on September 25, 2020, as captured by mall security cameras.

Sri and four others carried out a 15-minute protest in the heart of Queen Street Mall, at the junction with Albert Street, about 1pm on September 25, 2020.

They were demonstrating against the rollout of the federal Liberal governments cashless welfare card. The new Labor government has already started work to abolish the scheme.
Queenslands flu jab drive appears to have lifted the states vaccination rate, but experts are calling for more to be done to ensure as many people get the jab as possible.

As of June 13, more than 1.6 million people had received their flu vaccination in Queensland, through the standard federal program for vulnerable people or the new state-based push.

Queenslands free flu vaccine program has lifted coverage, but experts say were still some way off where we need to be.

The state government announced last month it would provide free flu vaccinations to all Queenslanders not already eligible through the federal program.

After some initial confusion due to the speed of the announcement, more than 450,000 people have come forward. This is in addition to those who had already received one.
Turkish national Gokhan Can has been identified as the man who died at Yongah Hill immigration detention centre after being stabbed in his sleep at midnight on Wednesday.

The WA Police riot squad were deployed to the centre near Northam, 100 kilometres east of Perth, on Thursday morning following the fatal stabbing of the 32-year-old and a fire inside the facility.

Another man detained in the facility told Nine News Perth that people in the centre were terrified.

I can see the fear in their eyes, people die in here, he said.
Cherry said the state government had made a large investment in the early childhood workforce but this would have to be turbo-charged as early childhood educators were leaving the sector for higher wages in schools. Theyll have to pay people more to get them to stay, he said. Kate Griffiths, budgets and government deputy program director at the Grattan Institute, said making early education and care more affordable was a win-win policy as it relieved the cost-of-living pressure for families and aided workforce participation. But, Griffiths said workforce shortages were a huge issue for the sector and the reforms created a catch-22 dilemma.

Making childcare more affordable boosts demand for care, so it does boost the need for more carers and that puts pressure on the workforce, she said. Ashlea MacDonald, centre director at Goodstart in Melbourne Central, said it had been a really difficult time to keep early childhood educators in the centre and in the sector more broadly. Goodstart Melbourne centre manager Ashlea MacDonald is worried about staffing levels. Credit:Jason South We are relying a lot at the moment on agency staff, but we are finding even that has a shortage, she said. MacDonald said further support was needed from the state and federal governments to staff the increased programs.

They like to introduce new funding and places, which is great to support families, but at the moment, it doesnt support people working in the sector  it puts extra stress on us, she said. Parent Bec Bennett said the reforms were bloody amazing, while Amy Moriarty, a mother of three from Sunshine, said she was stoked with the changes as she spent a large amount of her income on childcare costs. Amy Moriarty is delighted with the early learning reforms, saying her son spent nine months on a waiting list for a daycare centre. Ive finally gone back to work this year, and it was such a logistical, stressful, money nightmare because Im only bringing home $150 a week, Moriarty said. Moriartys son spent nine months on a waiting list for a Sunshine day-care centre due to a lack of places.

Researchers from the Mitchell Institute for Education and Health Policy at Victoria University identified Sunshine as having some of the lowest access to childcare in the state. Parents are also concerned with how staff would cope with the increased demand. Emily Stow said the kindergarten her child attended in Cardinia Shire in Melbournes outer-east was already struggling with staffing. Its going to put more strain on the system, she said.

Its a good idea and a good concept but we are almost at the point of pulling my child out of kinder because there are not enough teachers and enough support. Rachael Hedger, a lecturer in early childhood education at Flinders University, said the initiative would be a financial boon for parents and help more children in their early development ahead of school. But she said it would be difficult to attract the thousands of extra early learning educators the scheme would need unless pay rates are increased. The biggest issue for early educators is the lack of pay, Hedger said. There is a significant difference between what a teacher would earn in a school versus in a birth-to-five setting.

Loading The changes are expected to encourage more parents to enrol their children in four-year-old kindergarten, which will be renamed pre-prep. The proportion of Victorian children attending kindergarten in the year before school went backwards every year between 2016 and 2020, declining from a high of 96.2 per cent in 2016 to 89.1 per cent in 2020. The decrease figure in 2020 was attributed to the impacts of the pandemic in the Department of Education and Trainings latest annual report. The department has a target of 96 per cent of children attending kindergarten in the year before school.
French President Emmanuel Macron said massacres and war crimes had been committed by Russian forces in Irpin, as he and other European leaders visited the town on Thursday before meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Its a heroic city, marked by the stigmata of barbarism, Macron told reporters.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, left, and French President Emmanuel Macron in Irpin on Thursday. Credit:Ludovic Marin/AP Pool

Macron denounced the attacks that devastated the town and praised the courage of residents of Irpin and other Kyiv region towns who held back Russians forces from attacking the capital.

Irpin, which had a pre-war population of about 62,000, was one of the main hotspots of fighting with Russian troops before they pulled back from Ukraines northern regions to intensify their offensive in the east.
London: Kevin Spacey strenuously denies allegations of sex offences, his lawyer said on Thursday as the Oscar-winning actor made his first appearance at a British court to face charges dating back almost 20 years.

Spacey is accused of five offences in Britain - four counts of sexual assault by touching, and a more serious charge of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent. Prosecutors say Spacey forced a man to have oral sex.

Actor Kevin Spacey arrives at the Westminster Magistrates court in London on Thursday. Credit:AP

Spacey, wearing glasses and a light blue suit, was met by a mass of media as he arrived at Londons Westminster Magistrates Court, with security guards forced to battle their way through TV crews and photographers.

Inside, he spoke only to confirm his name as Kevin Spacey Fowler and his London address when he appeared in the dock. Spacey showed little emotion during the short hearing.
Washington: Donald Trump put his own vice presidents life at risk by embracing an elaborate plot to overturn the 2020 election, despite knowing the plan was unlawful, a Congressional hearing on the US Capitol attack has been told.

On the third public hearing into last years riots, the January 6 committee focused on the pressure put on then vice president Mike Pence to stop Joe Bidens election victory from being certified. It zeroed in on just how close Pence came to being attacked by angry Trump supporters.

Donald Trump and rioters on January 6. Credit:AP

Chilling video played during the hearing showed the rioters  some of whom had erected makeshift gallows  chanting Hang Mike Pence as they stormed the Capitol.

At 2.24pm on the day of the attack, about 10 minutes after protesters breached the first window, Trump tweeted: Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our country and our constitution USA demands the truth!
Russia has announced it's blacklisting more Australian citizens

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Sixteen startup companies from SETsquared Bristol, the University of Bristols acclaimed tech incubator, will exhibit and demo their innovative products at the flagship Tech-Xpo 2022 showcase on 29 June.

The companies shortlisted to compete for Best Elevator Pitch award are: Corus, Grand Bequest, Hope Tech, Inclued, Lurnable, Metasonixx, Milbotix, Optect and Voltric.

Seven other companies will exhibit at the event but are not involved in the Best Elevator Pitch award. See below for a full list.

The annual showcase will take place at St Georges Bristol with an invited audience of over 200 investors, business leaders and potential partners. The event will also be livestreamed for a wider audience.

Winner of Tech-Xpo 2021, Jenny Bailey of Ferryx, a University of Bristol biotech spinout, will be speaking at this years event. She said of their win:

"Tech-Xpo gave us a great opportunity to share our plans to improve the lives of millions of people suffering from gut inflammation and to network with people who may be able to join us on our journey. We have since closed our first investment round and been able to progress product development, getting our product closer to the hands of those who need it."

Previous winners of Tech-Xpos prestigious award also include KETS Quantum Security, world leaders in quantum cryptography hardware solutions, and LettUs Grow, a pioneering aeroponic technology provider for indoor and vertical farms.

Voltric, an awardee of SETsquared Bristols Breakthrough Bursary 2022, will be among nine pitching for this years prize.

Julian Mensah, CEO and Founder of Voltric, the all-inclusive subscription service for electric cars, said:

Having just recently closed our oversubscribed pre-seed of nearly 300K, Im looking forward to engaging with potential partners who could either help us grow our fleet or support us in our next raise as we prepare for our seed round. More importantly, Im excited to create more awareness of our brand at Tech-Xpo.

Marty Reid, SETsquared Bristol Director, said:

Were thrilled to bring our startup community together again for the highlight of our year, shining a spotlight on some of the UKs most exciting tech innovations, from createch to healthtech. Id like to say a huge congratulations to our pitching and exhibiting companies; this event wouldnt be possible without their talent and dedication.

SETsquared Bristols Lawyer in Residence, VWV, are the headline sponsor for the 12th successional year. Other sponsors are SIEMENS, OnePLM, FD Works and Rocketmakers.

The winner of Tech-Xpo 2022 Best Elevator Pitch will be announced on 29 June. Watch the recording of last years Tech-Xpo and join the conversation using #TechXpo22.

If you are an investor interested in attending the event, please email bristol@setsquared.co.uk for an invite.
The University of Bristol will receive significant funding to maximise the impact and translation of cutting-edge research which promises to have far-reaching benefits for society.

The UKRI has awarded a total of 118 million to research organisations across the UK through its Impact Accelerator Account (IAA) to support critical, early-stage translation and impact of UK research.

Bristol will receive 4.27 million over three years for new projects, bringing researchers together with organisations including businesses, public sector bodies, policymakers and NGOs. An important feature of the scheme is that it empowers research organisations to use the funding creatively and responsively to react to emerging opportunities.

The funding will support pilot and proof-of-concept projects and allow the University to provide a pipeline of new technologies, disruptive ideas and creative content that are ripe for development and scale-up. By providing the catalyst that allows projects to grow to the next level, the funding promises to maximise the benefits the Universitys world-leading research brings to society and the economy.

Previous Bristol-led IAA success stories include the leading haptics and hand-tracking firm Ultraleap, renal gene therapy company, Purespring Therapeutics, and IRISi, an award-winning social enterprise which is improving the healthcare response to gender-based violence.

Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the University of Bristol, Professor Phil Taylor, said: This funding will make a profound contribution to the Universitys mission is to make a positive impact locally, nationally, and globally by addressing societys greatest challenges through our innovative research and the value we place on excellence, inclusivity and partnership.

UKRI Chief Executive Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser said: "Research and innovation has the potential to improve peoples lives and livelihoods, rejuvenating communities across the UK and tackling global challenges. It is imperative that we harness that potential.

The path between discovery and impact is not simple and so it is vital that we provide flexible support that allows talented people and teams, and world-class institutions to connect discovery to prosperity and public good.

Our impact acceleration funding has a fantastic track-record in providing support that helps brilliant ideas become realities that make a real difference.
Latest News Investors warm to long-touted sale of Suncorp's banking arm The prospect has been raised for decades, and recently, a review into the bank sale was confirmed by Suncorp

NSW suffering worst labour shortage in 50 years Industry body wants federal government to help businesses

In early 2021, Macquarie Business Banking established a dedicated commercial property lending team to support its commercial broker network in meeting accelerated commercial property lending demand.

Brian Steele, Macquarie Business Bankings head of commercial broker channel, explained how the bank is supporting its broker partners so they can meet the needs of their clients and grow their businesses in an evolving lending landscape.

Read more: Driving commercial property loans through broker partnerships

Ultimately, we want to make it easier for brokers to do business, Steele said. So, weve invested in our business capabilities to better meet the needs of both commercial brokers and their clients.

Macquarie offers its broker partners support at every stage of the business life cycle  from growth, mergers and acquisitions, to working capital, property purchase, and succession planning. They are also provided with strategic insights to support client conversations, while networking events provide them with opportunities to continually learn and connect.

Macquarie invests in digital capability, including tailor-made deposit, lending and payment solutions, as well as diagnostic tools, to improve broker and client experience. By creating an ecosystem of support and growing its commercial property lending solutions, the bank enables brokers to meet the needs of a wider range of clients.

In response to the increasing demand for specialist commercial lending, the bank has grown its flexible commercial property loan solutions to support acquisition and refinancing investments. These are also ideal for mixed-use property portfolios and can be tailored to different tenancy profiles. It also offers pure residential lending for borrowers with more than four investment properties.

Our offering is very competitive in terms of flexibility and pricing, and our approach of getting to know the client and their business well ensures we are effective in helping them succeed and grow, Steele said.
Latest News Investors warm to long-touted sale of Suncorp's banking arm The prospect has been raised for decades, and recently, a review into the bank sale was confirmed by Suncorp

NSW suffering worst labour shortage in 50 years Industry body wants federal government to help businesses

The latest 2022 MFAA State Excellence Awards has celebrated the best brokers and lenders in South Australia and the Northern Territory.

Thursdays in-person event, which featured 18 categories, was held at Adelaide Oval following two years of virtual ceremonies. The South Australia and Northern Territory awards are the fourth of five MFAA state award events this year.

MFAA CEO Mike Felton said the awards recognised those members who had excelled in areas including customer service, professionalism, ethics, growth and innovation.

Its great to be in Adelaide once again and to celebrate the great work of our members, and our industry which is going from strength to strength, Felton said.

Read more: MFAA celebrates Victoria and Tasmania State Excellence Award winners

With mortgage broker market share at another record high of 69.5%, our industry can look up and look ahead after safely navigating an extended period of reviews with flying colours, there certainly is much to celebrate.

The MFAA Excellence Awards are audited by Hall Chadwick and are judged equally based on excellence and professionalism across all areas of business.

Read more: MFAA reveals Western Australia Excellence Award winners

The winners of the MFAA State Excellence Awards in South Australia and Northern Territory will automatically become finalists in their respective categories in the MFAA National Excellence Awards to be held on 27 July in Sydney.

The 2022 MFAA State Excellence Awards South Australia/Northern Territory winners are:
Latest News Investors warm to long-touted sale of Suncorp's banking arm The prospect has been raised for decades, and recently, a review into the bank sale was confirmed by Suncorp

NSW suffering worst labour shortage in 50 years Industry body wants federal government to help businesses

Commonwealth Bank now has a new team of specialised bankers to assist past and present members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and their families who are seeking to start or grow their own business.

CBAs specialised business bankers will provide tailored support to help the veteran community transition from service to entrepreneurship. This includes discounts and offers on business support materials and technology to help veterans manage their business operations.

Clare Morgan, CBA EGM of small business banking, said the team of specialised bankers, called Veterans Business Bankers, includes employees who are part of the veteran community, including Reservists in the ADF as well as family of service members, Asia-Pacific Defence Report reported.

Some of our team have walked the same path and understand how best to help veterans pursue their next endeavours in life, Morgan told APDR. Veteran entrepreneurs will be able to access practical advice about how to create a successful and sustainable business as well as support to build connections with others in the veteran business community.
Korean auto giant is looking to up its ante as competition in the segment becomes fierce. The automaker, which is the market leader with around 24 per cent share of market--the most popular one in Indias auto market, will look to repackage its most popular variants with more features to increase their appeal among millennials.

Today, the carmaker introduced the facelift of its popular model in the sub-4m compact SUV--Venue in the Indian market. There are massive changes in the looks that ensure that the new Venue stands out compared to the pre-facelift model.

has been facing tough competition from a revived Tata Motors for the second spot in the domestic passenger vehicle industry. It is counting on its continuous focus on new product launches and the introduction of new technologies to maintain its leadership in the market.

Simultaneously, market leader Maruti Suzuki, which has been a laggard in the segment, is looking to recoup its share in the segment with a slew of launches this year. It has already launched upgraded Celerio, and mid-cycle refresh of Baleno as well as XL6. Going forward, would be launching new models with four new SUVs, platform upgrade (Alto) and mid-cycle refresh (Brezza).





ALSO READ: After 3 yrs of challenges, auto sector may see double-digit growth in FY23

Hyundais sister unit has also made big inroads in the SUV segment with the Sonnet and Seltos.

In the past two years, there has not been any let-off in new model launches, or on the upgradation of models. So, we have never let the foot off the accelerator and I believe we will continue to bring in solutions for the customers, said Tarun Garg, Motor India Ltd (HMIL) Director-Sales, Marketing, Service.

From the time we entered the country with Santro, we have always believed in raising the bar and bringing global technologies to India, whether it was the engines, ventilated seats and features, which were only seen in the high-end cars. It is because we believe that customers deserve such features, Garg added.

Hyundais India unit has become one of the star performers for its global headquarters driving on the leadership of the SUV segment. The company, which now gets half of its volumes from SUVs, plans to launch a new version of premium SUV Tucson and an electric SUV adding to the portfolio of five  Venue, Creta, Alcazar, Tucson and Kona EV to further fortify its position.

In a segment where there have been more than 50 new launches in the last three years, Creta from the Hyundai stable has been the bestseller this year with sales of 1,25,437 units.
New airline on Thursday took delivery of the first 737 Max aircraft from Boeing in Seattle, USA, a statement said.

Three months after Indian aviation regulator DGCA gave the green light to Max planes, had on November 26 last year signed a deal with Boeing to purchase 72 Max aircraft.

Commenting on the successful delivery of first aircraft on Thursday, Vinay Dube, Founder, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Akasa Air, said, This is indeed a symbolic milestone in the journey of Akasa Air, bringing us one step closer to the process of obtaining our Air Operator's Permit (AOP) and leading to our commercial launch."



The airline, which is backed by ace investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala and aviation veterans Vinay Dube and Aditya Ghosh, received the no-objection certificate from the Ministry of Civil Aviation in August 2021 to launch commercial flight operations.

In a statement, the airline said, "With a strong commitment to democratise the skies, the airlines' total order of 72 aircraft includes an initial delivery of 18 aircraft by March 2023, followed by delivery of the remaining 54 aircraft over the course of the next four 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.)
AlphaSense, the market intelligence and search platform, turned a unicorn after it raised $225 million in a Series D financing round led by the growth equity business of Asset Management and Viking Global Investors. It plans to use the funds to grow offices globally, including its innovation hubs in India, located in Pune, Mumbai, and Delhi.

The New York-based firm has been valued at $1.7 billion. This is nearly double the valuation, from its $180 million Series C funding in September 2021 which was also led by and Viking Global. The firm said the new funding round includes a substantial debt investment from funds or accounts managed by BlackRock earlier this year.

We recently doubled our India presence to over 325 people with the recent addition of our Delhi office, said Raj Neervannan, chief technology officer and co-founder of AlphaSense. With our hiring efforts underway to recruit the talent, we expect our employee count to continue to grow substantially in the coming months.

AlphaSense has a base of 3,500 customers. These include asset management firms and banks, and in wide-ranging industries such as energy, industrials, consumer goods, and technology.

The firm did not reveal the share of business it gets from the Indian market, the number of customers it has here, and its top clients in the country. However, it said over 30 per cent of its employees are based in India now.

AlphaSenses platform leverages proprietary search technology powered by AI and NLP (natural language processing) to extract insights from an extensive universe of public and private content. These include company filings, earnings transcripts, expert call transcripts, news, trade journals, and equity research.

The firm said its annual recurring revenue (ARR) now exceeds $100 million.

Holger Staude, a managing director within the growth equity business at Goldman Sachs, said the firm is demonstrating a focus on building an enduring business in a large market.

John Doyle, director of venture lending at BlackRock, said AlphaSense is enabling smarter data-driven decisions for users across industries and roles.
Ahead of the merger with its subsidiary bank, mortgage financier Ltd is in the final stages of selling four large distressed accounts to Assets Care and Reconstruction Enterprise (ACRE), a media report said on Thursday.

The four distressed accounts include Subhash Chandra-promoted .

According to an Economic Times report, ACRE has given Rs 270 crore upfront to acquire HDFC's Rs 577-crore portfolio of the four corporate accounts. Its offer equates to a recovery of 47 per cent for India's biggest home financier.

BSE-listed is the biggest of the four accounts in this portfolio, at Rs 198.5 crore. The report reports that the other three accounts are MEP Infrastructure Developers, with a principal loan of Rs 125 crore, Hotel Horizon at Rs 163 crore, and Sterling Urban Development at Rs 90 crore.

ACRE's offer has triggered a Swiss Challenge auction wherein ACRE will have the first right to match any counteroffer receives for the distressed loan portfolio.

HDFC's counteroffer will have to be at a mark-up of 10 per cent over the base price of Rs 270 crore. Thus, the counteroffer has to be Rs 297 crore or above.

Siti Networks, a digital cable television service provider, and MEP Infrastructure are the two attractive accounts, ET reported.

In April, and announced plans for an all-stock merger deal, for which all the regulatory approvals were expected in 15-18 months.

HDFC has a gross loan book of Rs 5.68 trillion, of which Rs 1.3 trillion is a corporate loan book.

Banks must maintain a CRR of 4.5 per cent and an SLR of 18 per cent. In addition, commercial banks have to extend 40 per cent of their loans to sectors which are classified as priority sectors. And within the priority sector, 18 per cent of the adjusted net bank credit (of the previous fiscal) needs to be extended to the farm sector.

For HDFC Bank, meeting all these regulatory requirements from day one of the merger, given the loan book size of HDFC, would be highly challenging. This is the reason the lender has asked for a glide path to fulfilling the regulatory obligation.
Company (TPCL) plans to buy worth some Rs 12,000 crore from its Indonesian miner this financial year, saying the deal will give it the fuel without interruptions.

The company owns a 30 per cent stake in the mine and as the order will be a related-party transaction, it has sought its shareholders approval in the forthcoming meeting after its audit committee cleared the agreement. The is priced at an arms length basis and the transaction has been valued by an independent valuer.

Coastal Gujarat Power, which merged with in April, signed an agreement with PT Kaltim Prima (KPC) in 2008 for long-term coal supply. The agreement includes all amendments for sourcing coal from KPC on the basis of price linked to the Indonesian government notified monthly benchmark.

The transactions between the two not only help smoothen business operations for both the companies, but also ensure consistent flow of desired quality and quantity of goods and services without interruptions and generation of revenue and business for both the to cater to their business requirements, said in a notice to its shareholders. The tenure of the coal sales agreement between Tata Power and KPC is valid till financial year 2032-33 (FY33) but the shareholders nod is being sought only for the ongoing fiscal, it said.

Tata Power has also sought approval to give construction contracts worth Rs 2,930 crore to Tata Projects (TPL), an associate company. Tata Power holds 47.78 per cent stake in TPL, while the rest is owned by its promoter Tata Sons. The company said, after competitive bidding, it placed orders with TPL for execution of flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) projects at its 4,150 Mw Mundra Thermal Power Generation plant and 447 MW Jojobera plant.

The project will be executed between FY23 and FY25 and the orders were placed after the audit committee cleared the transactions. In the rest of the ongoing fiscal year, Tata Power also intends to enter into other construction projects with TPL.

Tata Power has signed several transactions with Tata Steel, a listed associate company.

Tata Power sells power to Tata Steel for its manufacturing facilities and distribution. Tata Power also sells and stores spares for use in their manufacturing processes. At the same time, Tata Power provides tolling services to TSL whereby coal is provided by TSL for conversion into power. The company said its audit committee has recommended entering into related-party transactions (RPTs) with TSL worth Rs 2,630 crore to be signed during the ongoing fiscal.
Four men were arrested for allegedly duping people on the pretext of redemption of credit card reward points and providing other services by creating fake bank websites and toll-free phone numbers, the said on Wednesday.

The accused were identified as Ankit Gujral (26) and Himanshu (28), residents of Delhi's Uttam Nagar, and Ashish (23) and Faizan, residents of Uttar Pradesh, they said.

The fake of a private bank was created and calls were made to customers through a mobile application. Links to the fake were sent to the customers, who were persuaded to provide their credit card details, police said.

So far, the accused have been found involved in cheating several people across the country to the tune of Rs 50 lakh, they added.

Police said according to a complainant, he received an anonymous call and the caller told him that a service was activated on his credit card and the charges for the same were Rs 2,400.

The complainant requested the caller to stop the service, after which he received a link. After clicking on the link, he was directed to provide his credit card details and subsequently, an amount of Rs 37,420 was deducted from his credit card, police said.

During investigation, it was found that the accused were operating from various locations in west Delhi. Raids were conducted and Ashish was arrested. Several mobile phones and SIM cards were seized from his possession, a senior police officer said.

Subsequently, Gujral, Himanshu and Faizan were also arrested, police said.

The accused told the police that they were involved in calling the credit card holders of a particular bank on the pretext of discussing reward points, limit increase and other services. The accused also used to send links of fake bank websites to the gullible customers, police said.

The accused told the police that they used an app for calling from a phone number that was similar to the one mentioned on the credit cards to gain the trust of the victims. After receiving the details of the credit cards and the one-time passwords (OTPs), money was transferred to various wallets and bank accounts. Later, it was withdrawn and handed over to Gujral, police 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.)
Online platforms connect intangible cultural heritage and modern life in China

09:02, June 16, 2022 By Zheng Haiou ( People's Daily

The burgeoning online platforms in China have brought intangible cultural heritage (ICH) closer to people across the country, especially young people, who watch documentaries about ICH, buy ICH-related products, visit exhibitions of ICH, and enjoy the fun of handicrafts on online platforms.

Children enjoy sugar painting, a form of traditional Chinese folk art and a snack in China, at an intangible cultural heritage-themed fair held at a square in Sucheng district, Suqian city, east Chinas Jiangsu province, June 10, 2022. (Peoples Daily Online/ Xu Jianghai)

On June 11, this years Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, ICH-themed activities were held across the country under the guidance of Chinas Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT), during which traditional food, handicrafts, music, among other types of ICH, attracted more peoples attention to and enhanced their knowledge about the colorful ICH-related cultures and distinctive practices in the protection of ICH.

Given their popularity among young people, online platforms were utilized extensively at these events to demonstrate and promote ICH.

In celebration of this years Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, a total of over 6,200 ICH-themed activities were held, among which more than 2,400 took place online, according to an official with the ICH department of the MCT.

This year, Chinese short-video sharing platform Douyin launched a thematic activity named the adventures of intangible cultural heritage. The online activity attracted many participants, including ICH inheritors, Internet influencers and representatives of ICH associations, who shared stories about ICH, unique ICH techniques, and ICH-related traditional cultures.

During a livestreaming show on Douyin, an inheritor of Kouji (oral stunts), a type of performing art and national-level ICH in China, imitated various sounds with his mouth and received widespread applause from netizens. Some commented that the inheritor himself can function as a dubbing team.

An inheritor of the craft of making wooden combs showed netizens his outstanding skills via online platforms and rose to fame on the Internet.

Kindergarten children in Zhongshan township, Qianxi city, southwest Chinas Guizhou province, learn dragon dance, May 23, 2022. (Peoples Daily Online/ Zhou Xunchao)

Video platforms in the country also created a special section for public-benefit resources of ICH-related works, gathering more than 2,300 images and videos of the inheritance of ICH and documentaries about ICH.

Besides getting a better knowledge about the wisdom and skills of ICH inheritors through livestreaming and other online activities, people can also buy ICH-related products via e-commerce platforms to share the fruits of ICH protection.

In an effort to promote the protection of ICH and help ICH inheritors and companies engaged in ICH-related businesses overcome the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for the purpose of winning the battle against poverty, relevant departments and bureaus of Chinas MCT, Ministry of Commerce, and the National Rural Revitalization Administration have supported e-commerce platforms in holding an ICH-themed shopping festival on the Cultural and Natural Heritage Day since 2020.

During this years online ICH shopping festival, an inheritor of a city-level ICH item, traditional beef cooking techniques of Yilong county, Nanchong city, southwest Chinas Sichuan province, introduced special homemade products to Internet users via livestreaming. The livestreaming show attracted nearly 22.47 million viewers and helped sell 8.36 million yuan (about $1.24 million) worth of products within one day.

Tapping into the influence of the ICH shopping festival, the local governments have ramped up efforts to promote the development of beef-related industries. Four beef processing companies, four beef cattle production bases, and a Sichuan pepper production base have been set up in the locality, helping 375 people from 137 families shake off poverty and enjoy prosperity.

Other provinces have also taken measures to stimulate the consumption of ICH-related products during the online ICH shopping festival. Focusing efforts on Internet-famous ICH inheritors, Zhejiang province in eastern China has encouraged ICH-related businesses to increase their online popularity by inviting netizens to virtual tours of their stores through livestreaming. In north Chinas Hebei province, citizens were offered high discounts, more than 100 types of goods, and offline experience activities and were encouraged to go shopping for ICH-related products and take part in ICH-themed activities near their homes.

A girl in Hanfu, traditional clothing of Chinas Han ethnic group, watches an exhibit in China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum and China National Arts and Crafts Museum, June 2, 2022. (Peoples Daily Online/ Du Jianpo)

As an important event held on Chinas Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, ICH shopping festival aims to consolidate the results of poverty alleviation and facilitate rural revitalization. It has attracted more than 7,500 stores and online e-commerce platforms selling ICH products and covered over 4,000 ICH items. The diversified activities held during the ICH shopping festival across the country have yielded important social and economic benefits.

Over the past two years, ICH shopping festival has become a popular signature event for boosting cultural consumption. It can not only promote the inheritance of ICH, but also increase the respect and appreciation for the wisdom and talents of ICH inheritors and help people develop a stronger sense of cultural identity, said an official with the ICH department of the MCT.

China sees a growing trend toward ICHs integration with the Internet. While the emergence of online platforms and the rapid development of livestreaming shows have explored new channels for the promotion and sale of ICH products and effectively increased the income of ICH inheritors, various types of ICH products, such as food, artworks, and shows, are becoming an increasingly important part of peoples life.

In recent years, many ICH items which used to be neglected have started to gain increasing popularity in the country. At the same time, a good number of young people have not only become fans of ICH, but voluntarily joined the efforts to protect and inherit ICH and buy ICH products.

Thanks to these positive changes, Chinas centuries-old ICH is brimming with renewed vitality and vigor in the modern world.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
NEWS PROVIDED BY

Catholic League

June 15, 2022



NEW YORK, June 15, 2022 /Christian Newswire/ -- Catholic League president Bill Donohue comments on President Biden's latest policy on transgender youth:

For the first time in American history, we have a president who is championing the cause of child abuse. On June 15, the White House released a statement saying President Biden is issuing an executive order seeking to ban "conversion therapy," the practice that allows someone who has "transitioned" to the opposite sex to reverse the process. He is putting the Department of Health and Human Services in charge of his policy.

In classic Orwellian doublespeak, the White House is saying Biden is taking multiple actions to "protect children across America," falsely claiming that children who undergo "conversion therapy" face "higher rates of attempted suicide and trauma." The facts are otherwise.



Six Swedish scientists studied those who had "transitioned" to the opposite sex and the findings were not auspicious. Their paper, "Long-Term Follow-Up of Transsexual Persons Undergoing Sex Reassignment Surgery: Cohort Study in Sweden," found that in the course of 30 years, from 1973 to 2003, those who had "transitioned" had "considerably higher risks for mortality, suicidal behaviour, and psychiatric morbidity than the general population."



A British study done by Birmingham University's Aggressive Research Intelligence Facility, examined more than 100 studies on post-operative transgender persons and found that "none of these studies provides conclusive evidence that gender reassignment is beneficial for patients."

What Biden is doing is worse. He said when he was running for president that he supports eight-year-olds who want to change their sex. Those are third graders. Yet if they were left alone, most would conclude that they do not want to switch their sex. Studies from Vanderbilt University and London's Portman Clinic found that 70-80 percent of children who had expressed an interest in changing their sex ultimately decided not to do so.

The data on suicide are just as persuasive in undermining what Biden is saying.

The suicide rate among those who undergo surgery to change their sex is 20 times higher than those who do not. Another study found that minors who "transition" to the opposite sex without parental consent are associated with "higher risk of suicide." Furthermore, a study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that 80 percent of gender minority students report having mental health problems, nearly double that of normal children.

There needs to be a national moratorium on the pernicious practice of allowing children to switch their nature-assigned sex. Instead of affirming.

Biden is spinning out of control in many areas, but his pathological obsession with encouraging little kids, who obviously have mental issues, to switch their sex (which technically cannot be done anyway) is simply off-the-charts.

Adults who counsel children to consider changing their sex, or otherwise facilitate sex-reassignment surgerycomplete with hormone blockers and genital mutilationare a threat to their psychological and physiological well-being. This is child abuse. Astonishingly, President Biden is leading the way.

Contact the White House Press Secretary: Karine.Jean-Pierre@who.eop.gov
Samajwadi Party president on Thursday hit out at the central government over the Agnipath scheme, calling the move negligent and potentially fatal for the country's future.

As announced, 'Agnipath' or 'Agniveer' is a scheme for recruiting soldiers in the Army, Navy and Air force, to be hired for a term of four years on contract.

The scheme was announced by Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday.

"The security of the country is not a short-term or informal issue; it expects a very serious and long-term policy. The negligent attitude that is being adopted regarding military recruitment will prove to be fatal when it comes to the protection of the future of the country and the youth, Akhilesh said in a tweet.

Agnipath se path per agni na ho (Agnipath' must not set the path on fire)," he added in the same tweet.

(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 students' protests over the Agnipath scheme for recruitment into the armed forces, Union ministers and chief ministers of the BJP-led states defended the step on Thursday, saying it will open new avenues for youngsters, and urged them to keep away from those inciting them.

Union minister Ashwini Choubey, a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Bihar where the protests started on Wednesday, claimed that some people are using students for their own political gains, an apparent reference to the opposition parties that have criticised the scheme for short-term contractual employment in the armed forces as soldiers.

In a statement, Choubey said Prime Minister always thinks and works for the welfare of the country.

"We assure you that this programme is a constructive step to bring in long-term positive results. Lakhs of youngsters will not only benefit from this, but the nationalistic sentiments within them will also be strengthened," he said.

Those selected under the scheme will get priority in central and state government jobs, he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the scheme is a grand campaign for developing skilled manpower in the country.

Describing the scheme as "historic", Tomar said, "It will open new avenues for youngsters and pave the way for their better future."



Similarly, and Pushkar Singh Dhami, the chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, also assured the students that they will give "preference" to "Agniveers" for selection in their respective state police forces and other jobs.

"Agnipath Yojana will give a new dimension to youngsters' lives. It will lay a golden base for their future," Adityanath said in a tweet, while urging young people not to be deceived.

Underlining that the Uttarakhand government is committed to providing employment opportunities to youngsters, Dhami urged them to stay away from any kind of misleading news.

(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.)
Pilgrims of will get an insurance coverage of Rs 1 lakh if they meet with an accident on the premises of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

The to the pilgrims will be provided by United India Insurance Company Ltd on behalf of Manav Utthan Seva Samiti, a spiritual institution founded by Tourism and Culture Minister Satpal Maharaj, Kedarnath-Badrinath Temple Committee's media in-charge Harish Gaud said.

The insurance coverage will be provided to pilgrims if they meet with an accident on the premises of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, he said.

Confirming the development, the minister said the insurance coverage to Char Dham pilgrims in case of accident is being provided in the sacred memory of his father Hans Ji Maharaj and mother Raj Rajeshwari Ji.

Kedarnath-Badrinath Temple Committee Chairman Ajendra Ajay has expressed his gratitude to the minister and the Manav Utthan Seva Samiti for the kind gesture.

Since the beginning of on May 3, more than 110 pilgrims have died mainly due to various ailments.

(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.)
In the backdrop of the questioning of leader by the (ED) for the three consecutive days, the All India Committee (AICC) on Wednesday called for massive protests in front of Raj Bhavans and the Central government offices across the country for the next two days.

In the letter signed by General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, it was stated that without any evidence and facts, the ED is being misused for seeking personal revenge and political vendetta.

"For the last three days, the Central government has turned the AICC headquarters into a fortress without allowing the office bearers and senior leaders to enter there. The police have been brutally manhandling the leaders, party functionaries, and workers and detaining them in different remote stations without citing any reason," mentioned the letter.

"Most shockingly, today, the police forcefully entered the AICC headquarters and mercilessly beat up our workers and leaders inside the premises. The regime at the Centre is desperately using brutal force to crush all peaceful demonstrations and solidarity with this battle for truth," the letter read.

Further, the letter directed all the workers to in solidarity with the fight for justice, calling for massive demonstrations in front of Raj Bhavans on Thursday at 11 a.m.

It also called for protests in front of all district headquarters and Central government offices across the country on Friday.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The on Wednesday filed a complaint at a local police station against the officials who allegedly manhandled the party members during a on Wednesday. The complaint was lodged at the Tughlak Road Police Station in New Delhi district.

A delegation of senior leaders including Avinash Pande, Harish Choudhary, Pranav Jha and Challa Vamshi Reddy met the ACP and Station House Officer and presented a detailed written complaint highlighting the alleged illegal actions of officials regarding allegedly entering party HQ and attacking workers.

Earlier on Wednesday, the party had alleged that personnel entered the premises of the party headquarters and baton-charged the workers.

Infuriated over the development, party's spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala, conducted a special media briefing soon after the incident.

"This is blatantly criminal trespass. The Goondaism and Delhi Police has reached its zenith. We are protesting in a democratic way but this goondaism will not be tolerated. It will be accounted for. Let all the police officers who are acting as puppets of the Narendra Modi government in order to please their masters know this will not go unpunished, we will remember and a suitable action both civil and criminal will be taken," he said.

He also demanded an FIR be lodged against all officers of Delhi police who have committed criminal trespass by forcibly entering the headquarters of the .

"We demand their suspension and an inquiry into the matter," he said.

Denying all such allegations, the Delhi Police said that it is untrue and false news and no such incident took place.

(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.)
workers on Thursday held a protest in the Civil Lines area with a march to Lieutenant Governor's house, led by state president Anil Kumar.

workers carried out a march from Sushrut Trauma Centre near Chandgiram Akhara to the LG's house decrying the Police for entering the headquarters and thrashing the party leaders inside.

The Congress workers alleged police tried stop them from marching to the LG's house and resorted to water cannons to throw their protest in disarray.

On Wednesday, the Congress had alleged that the Police forcibly entered their headquarters in New Delhi and thrashed their workers and leaders.

Addressing the media after the incident, Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala had said, This is blatantly criminal trespass. We have been protesting peacefully in a Gandhian way but this 'goondaism' is unacceptable. It will not be tolerated.

The party leaders have also demanded an FIR against all police officers thrashed the party workers inside their office.

Several leaders, including Anil Kumar, KC Venugopal, and Indian Youth Congress chief Srinivas B V, have been detained and released for protesting against the for questioning in connection with Herald case. Gandhi's questioning by the central agency, which began Monday, has brought the party rank and file together in protest against the police and the government.

(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.)
Delegations from China, and other member nations of the (SCO) are attending a meeting of the grouping being hosted by India that is expected to deliberate on pressing security challenges, including threats of terrorism.

The three-day meeting in New Delhi that began on Wednesday is expected to witness extensive deliberations on regional security scenarios, including the situation in Afghanistan, people familiar with the development said.

Senior officials of the border management forces of the SCO member countries, including those from and Pakistan, are attending the meeting, they said.

The participation of the Chinese delegation came in the backdrop of a military standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh for over two years.

The meeting is deliberating on a variety of security challenges, including combating terrorism, the people cited above said.

India is hosting the meeting in its capacity as chair of the SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS).

India assumed the chair of SCO-RATS on October 28 last year for a period of one year.

India has shown keen interest in deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO-RATS, which specifically deals with issues relating to security and defence.

Last month, India hosted a meeting of counter-terror experts from the SCO countries.

A similar conference was organised by India in December last year, in which all the SCO member states participated.

The SCO is an influential economic and security bloc and has emerged as one of the largest transregional international organisations.

The member states of the SCO are Russia, China, India, Pakistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan is among the observer states of the SCO.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The on Wednesday rejected as "totally false" the allegations that its personnel forcibly entered the headquarters here and beat up party workers and leaders on a day they staged protests against the questioning of Rahul Gandhi by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The said despite its suggestion to hold the at Jantar Mantar, the leaders, showing "utter disregard to Supreme Court guidelines", tried to create public disturbances in the area.

Police said some leaders and workers pushed and manhandled the on-duty police personnel and damaged barricades.

"The allegations are totally false and we have denied them strongly," a senior police officer said. The Congress, however, shared video clips on social media platforms purportedly showing police personnel entering its office premises.

"We tried to stop them and close the gates of the AICC (All India Congress Committee) headquarters in order to prevent a procession from being taken out.

"In this process, there might have been some scrimmage, but police did not try to enter the AICC headquarters and they had no reason to do so either," the officer said.

The Congress staged vociferous protests in Delhi on Wednesday, the third day of Gandhi's questioning by the ED in a money-laundering case.

"They (Congress workers and leaders) were not listening to the police. We had been telling them for three days that no procession would be allowed. We had been giving them a chance to hold their at the designated place at Jantar Mantar.

"Adequate force has been deployed in the New Delhi area and near the ED office. Senior officers are also present at the spot. We told the Congress leaders that we will facilitate them, but they were bringing other people also in the form of a procession and we stopped them and told them that the procession will not be allowed," the officer said.

According to a police statement, for the last three days, senior Congress leaders were repeatedly informed that any kind of procession and is allowed only at designated areas in accordance with the Supreme Court's guidelines.

Police said orders under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) are also in force, prohibiting such gatherings in the New Delhi area, and banners to this effect have been placed at various conspicuous places.

According to the statement, various sources informed the police that the Congress party was again planning to take out a procession from its headquarters at 24, Akbar Road to the ED office on Wednesday by mobilising a large number of people from Delhi and neighbouring states.

"Despite the suggestions of the to have the protest at Jantar Mantar, the INC leaders, with utter disregard of the Supreme Court guidelines and our suggestions, have again and again tried to create public disturbances in the area.

"Today, again some workers of the INC tried to take out a procession from the party office and were prevented by the police personnel present there from assembling unauthorisedly. Some of the miscreants burnt tyres and damaged police barricades, which led to traffic congestion and inconvenience to the commuters," the statement said.

"Police tried to prevent the situation from deteriorating while maintaining utmost restraint," it added.

According to the statement, some Congress leaders and workers pushed and manhandled the on-duty police personnel and damaged barricades.

"However, their movement was subsequently checked and as per the information received so far, around 240 functionaries and workers of the INC, including four members of the Lok Sabha and one member of the Rajya Sabha, have been detained under section 65 of the DP Act for violation of lawful directions of police," the statement said.

A total of 33 woman protesters were detained and subsequently released. Intimation regarding the detention of the MPs and MLAs is being sent to the respective competent authorities, police said.

Some police personnel also sustained injuries during the mob-controlling exercise but they maintained utmost restraint and preserved peace by effectively handling the situation. Some miscreants also burnt tyres near the "Q" point, which created panic among the public and caused traffic snarls on the busy road. Suitable legal action is being taken for such illegal acts of the Congress leaders and supporters, the statement said.

The Congress has demanded that an FIR for "criminal trespass" be registered, the erring police personnel suspended and disciplinary action initiated against them.

"In an act of absolute goondaism perpetuated by the Delhi Police at the instance of the (Narendra) Modi government, the police on Wednesday forcibly entered the national headquarters of the Congress here and beat up party workers and leaders. This is patently criminal trespass. The goondaism of the Delhi Police and the Modi government has reached its zenith," Congress's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told reporters.

He said the party's state units would gherao Raj Bhawans across the country on Thursday morning against the police action.

Gandhi appeared before the ED for the third consecutive day on Wednesday to answer questions in connection with the agency's probe in the National Herald money-laundering case.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
on Thursday said government granted one-time waiver in the upper age limit for 'Agnipath' scheme by extending it to 23 years from 21 years. The decision has been taken as no recruitment had taken place in the last two years, the ministry said at a time when nationwide protests against the scheme were seen in north India.

The government had unveiled the scheme on Tuesday that will overhaul the decades-old selection process to bring in fitter and younger troops to tackle future security challenges facing the nation.

Around 46,000 will be recruited this year between the ages of 17 and a half years and 21 years (23 years for 2022) into the Army, Navy and the Air Force.

The Army will recruit 40,000 under this scheme, and the process would commence within three months.

The BJP-led government at the Centre on Wednesday announced a raft of post-retirement employment possibilities for 'Agniveer' like priority in recruitment to the central armed police forces (CAPF) and Assam rifles.

However, it failed to assuage the concerns of the opposition Congress which warned the scheme will reduce the operational effectiveness of the armed forces.

The main opposition party had on Tuesday expressed concern about the future of the youth once they have completed the four-year contractual service under the scheme.



"After four years, at the age of 22 to 25, how will these youths build their future without any additional qualifications? Isn't it right that when a regular soldier also returns home after 15 years of service, most of the time he gets only a job as a guard or security guard in a bank? So what will this 23 to 25 year old youth do after four years of contract service," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had asked.

"Will his life not be in a limbo and will he be attracted towards some wrong path in search of livelihood and good life? Will the Modi government respond to these concerns," he had said articulating the displeasure of his party over the scheme.

The Army, Navy and Air Force will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IGNOU for implementation of the scheme.

"The degree programme will recognise in-service training received by Agniveers as credits for graduation and will open up opportunities for them to pursue civilian careers of their choice. Under the programme, 50 per cent of the credits required for a graduate degree will come from skill training -- both technical and non-technical, received by the Agniveers," the MoE official said.

The remaining 50 per cent credits will come from a basket of courses that cover a wide variety of subjects like languages, Economics, History, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, Mathematics, Education, Commerce, Tourism, Vocational Studies, Agriculture, 'Jyotish' and ability enhancement courses on Environmental Studies and English Communication Skills.

The programme is aligned with the norms of (UGC), the Credit Framework and Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) as mandated under the new Education Policy (NEP). The framework of the programme has been duly recognised by the regulatory bodies -- All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) and UGC.

"The Indian Army will recruit 25,000 'Agniveers' in the next 180 days and the process for recruitment of the remaining 15,000 will begin a month after that," Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt General B S Raju had told PTI.

He said the recruitment drive will be conducted in all 773 districts across the country.

Protests erupted in Bihar over the 'Agnipath' scheme, which envisages recruitment of for a short four-year period and retirement of most without pension.



Army aspirants disrupted rail and road traffic in several parts of the state, including in Buxar district, where more than 100 young men stormed the railway station and squatted on the tracks, blocking the onward journey of Patna-bound Janshatabdi Express for nearly 30 minutes.
The Russian military said it used long-range missiles Wednesday to destroy a depot in the western Lviv region of Ukraine where ammunition for NATO-supplied weapons was stored, and the governor of a key eastern city acknowledged that Russian forces are advancing in heavy fighting. The battle for Sievierodonetsk in Ukraine's eastern Donbas area has become the focus of Russia's offensive in recent weeks. Russia-backed separatists accused Ukrainian forces of sabotaging an evacuation of civilians from the city's besieged Azot chemical plant, where about 500 civilians and an unknown number of Ukrainian fighters are believed to be sheltering from missile attacks. It wasn't possible to verify that claim.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Wednesday reviewed the preparations for the two-day visit of Prime Minister scheduled for June 16 in Dharamshala. The Chief Minister presided over the review meeting and directed the concerned authorities to ensure proper arrangements as per protocol. Jai Ram also reviews the preparations for the roadshow. He said that various cultural folk groups will be present at the venue of the roadshow in their traditional attires and with musical instruments.Mumbai on Wednesday reported 2,293 new Covid-19 cases, up by 569 from a day ago and the highest daily count registered since January 23, while one more patient succumbed to the infection, the city civic body said. With these additions, the tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 10,85,882, while the death toll increased to 19,576, said a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) bulletin.
Companies have asked the government to reconsider its ban on home delivery of liquor, claiming reversing a pandemic-time policy will cause job loss.

International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI), which represents the industry, has made representations to the state government. allowed home delivery of during the coronavirus pandemic under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It withdrew the permission from June 3.

Many retailers had put in investments to set up home delivery mechanisms like making an app, hiring staff to process orders etc. They also hired locals as delivery boys. Hundreds of jobs would also be lost if home deliveries are stopped. They (retailers) had started witnessing a steady rise in the number of orders, said an industry executive who requested anonymity.

The executive said many states allowed home delivery during the pandemic. was ideal for business, recording over 50 lakh deliveries (May 2020 to May 2022). It gave home delivery licenses to many retailers, facilitating people to get at their homes and helping with social distancing.

Excise department figures for West Bengal and Maharashtra on the number of orders placed during the pandemic validate the argument for home delivery, said Nita Kapoor, CEO of ISWAI.

West Bengal recorded a total order count of 1.91 lakh home deliveries with a registered buyer count of around 1.5 lakh. Maharashtra recorded close to 60 lakh home deliveries between May 15, 2020, and March 31, 2021.

Given the demand among citizens in all the states, we believe that if the home delivery model is regularised with all the necessary regulations in place, going forward, this could become a potential channel for encouraging responsible drinking besides the growth of revenue for states, Kapoor said.

Allowing home delivery will address the problem of the low retail density of outlets, which minimises the reach of brands. It will restrict the sale of counterfeit liquor through informal supply chains and curb underage consumption, she said.
The Narendra Modi government is taking a number of steps for the development of northeastern states including Nagaland, BJP National ST Morcha president and Rajya Sabha MP Sameer Oraon said.

He was speaking at a function marking the eight years celebration of Modi government organized by the BJP unit here on Tuesday.

Unlike the previous governments, it is the Modi government which is seriously concerned for the welfare and development of the North East Region to put it at par with the rest of the world, he said.

being a tribal state, all the BJP karyakartas (workers) should make effort to take forward the programme and schemes of the Modi government, the BJP ST Morcha president said.

Under the Modi government the North East is witnessing immense developmental works, including road and rail connectivity, Information Technology, women empowerment and others, he said.

BJP organisational general secretary in-charge of Manipur and Nagaland, Abhay Giri said Union Ministers are now regularly touring region because of the commitment of the Prime Minister.

BJP president Temjen Imna Along described Modi as a tall leader with visionary strategies to build India into a strong and developed nation.

(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 much-awaited is likely to advance into parts of Gangetic bringing down high day and night temperatures and humidity in the region and also into the entire sub-Himalayan within a day, the Met department said on Thursday.

Widespread thundershowers with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in the sub-Himalayan districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar during the next five days owing to strong southwesterly winds from the Bay of Bengal, the weatherman said.

The is likely to advance into parts of Gangetic and in all the northern districts of the state by Friday, the Met said.

It said that rainfall is likely to increase gradually in the south Bengal districts with the possibility of isolated heavy downpour on Friday and Saturday in the region.

Purulia recorded 30 mm rainfall in 24 hours till 8.30 am on Thursday as other parts of Gangetic West Bengal largely remained dry, the Met said.

Day and night temperatures were appreciably below normal in the northern districts owing to cloudy conditions and isolated rain, it said.

The weatherman forecast thunderstorms in some areas of Kolkata on Thursday with day temperature likely to hover around 33 degrees Celsius.

(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.)
Soon after the government launched the Agnipath scheme for recruiting soldiers in the Indian armed forces, the defence aspirants preparing for a job came to the streets in protest.

On Thursday, protests against the Agnipath scheme for hiring jawans on a short-term contractual basis continued across Bihar for the second consecutive day, disrupting railway and road traffic in Jehanabad, Buxar and Nawada districts.

Protestors blocked the movement of trains on the Patna-Gaya and Patna-Buxar routes by lying down on the railway tracks in Jehanabad and Buxar districts. However, Bihar police and their railway counterparts immediately removed the protestors from the tracks.

Hundreds of agitators blocked National Highway 83 in Jehanabad and burned tyres demanding the scrapping of the scheme.

In Uttar Pradesh, students blocked the GT road in Bulandshahr and raised slogans demanding the withdrawal of the scheme.

Students and unemployed youth protested in Gonda and Unnao, too, demanding restoration of the traditional recruitment process.

Hundreds of young people took to the streets against the scheme in Bilaspur and Sidhrawali areas of Gurugram and Rewari in Haryana as well.

The protesters laid a virtual seize on bus stands and roads, crippling traffic on the Gurugram-Jaipur highway and held a protest at Bilaspur Chowk. Protests also erupted in Uttarakhand as thousands gathered demanding the withdrawal of the scheme.

Aspirants slashed the posters and banners put up by the BJP government in various parts of the state and raised slogans.

On Wednesday, around 150 people blocked the Ajmer-Delhi highway for more than an hour, leading to 2 km-long traffic jams on both sides, much to the dismay of the commuters.

To cut down on salary and pension bills, the government launched a tour on duty scheme, Agnipath, on June 14.

The three forces will recruit 46,000 youth (male and female) aged between 17.5 and 21 years under the scheme. They will be referred to as Agniveers.

The scheme faced criticism from the political opposition too.

ALSO READ: How will Agnipath affect the army's modernisation drive?

Attacking the government over the scheme, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi warned it would reduce the operational effectiveness of the armed forces, whose dignity and valour must not be compromised.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also hit out at the government and asked why it was making recruitment in the army its "laboratory".

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav called the move negligent and potentially fatal for the country's future.

Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda requested the government reconsider and rationalise the scheme by ensuring permanent jobs for soldiers who complete their four-year term in the armed forces. BSP supremo Mayawati also termed it unfair to rural youth.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan welcomed the scheme and said those who serve in the Army under the Agnipath scheme would be given priority in the Madhya Pradesh Police recruitment after they complete their four years of service.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also said the government would prioritise Agniveers in recruitment to police and related services in the state.
More than a dozen defence force aspirants on Thursday stopped a train at Nangloi in outer by lying down on tracks protesting against the centre's Agnipath' scheme that seeks to recruit soldiers on short term contract.

According to police, around 15-20 people people gathered at Nangloi around 9.45 am to protest against a delay in railway recruitment examinations and against the Agnipath Scheme.

They stopped a train which was bound for Old from Jind in Haryana, police said.

Police reached the spot immediately where GRP staff was also present, asked the protesters to vacate the railway track peacefully, they said.

The protesters said they had applied for some government jobs two to three years ago, but the examinations for the recruitment have not been conducted yet, and they have crossed the minimum eligibility age now, Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer) Sameer Sharma said.

At present the situation is under control and all the students have been dispersed from the railway track, he said.

The central government on Tuesday announced Agnipath' scheme for the recruitment of soldiers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force on a short-term contractual basis, apparently to cut the ballooning salary and pension bills and carve out a youthful profile of the armed forces.

The move has drawn the ire of defence force aspirants, who have taken to streets at a number of places, especially in Bihar.

Protests against the scheme continued across Bihar for the second consecutive day on Thursday as demonstrators disrupted railway and road traffic in Jehanabad, Buxar, and Nawada districts.

People blocked the movement of trains on Patna-Gaya and Patna-Buxar routes by lying down on the railway tracks in Jehanabad and Buxar districts. They were removed from the tracks by the police.

(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 Vishva Hindu Parishad and its youth wing Thursday staged demonstrations here against the recent violence in parts of the country over the controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad by two now-removed BJP functionaries.

The said the demonstrations have been organised outside at least 10 sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) offices in the national capital against the "growing extremist incidents by Islamic Jihadi fundamentalists".

The demonstrators have demanded strict action against those who "instigated" people that led to violent protests after Friday prayers on June 10.

The VHP- protestors outside the Nand Nagri's SDM office raised slogans like 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', Vande Mataram and vowed "attacks on Hindus will not be tolerated".

"We have gathered here to against the last week's protests across India by some elements. We demand strict against those who tried to instigate people," President Surendra Gupta said.

The statements of former BJP office-bearers Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal on Prophet Muhammad sparked a massive controversy which led to violent protests in several parts of the country.

Asked whether the supports Sharma's statement, Gupta said, "I don't want to comment on that. We are here to against the last week violence."



Sharma was suspended by the BJP and Jindal expelled from the party.

(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.)
Defence Minister is arriving on Thursday on a two-day visit to during which he will review the overall security situation in the union territory.

Official sources said that the Defence Minister will also visit various forward areas and review the preparedness of the army deployed on the country's defence.

Senior commanders of the army will brief him about the overall security situation in the hinterland and the Line of Control (LoC).

Following recent innocent killings by the terrorists in the Valley, security forces have intensified anti-terror operations.

"The defence minister will be apprised about the situation along the LoC and the International Border (IB). He will also review the implementation of the ceasefire agreement signed by the two armies (India and Pakistan) in 2003 and renewed at the DGMOs meeting between the two countries in February last year," sources 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.)
An audit of flying training schools in India has revealed serious violations such as false logging of hours, operation of with faulty instruments, deficiencies in training procedures among others.

The Directorate General of (DGCA) has cracked the whip on the schools after its audit. It has suspended approval to one school, issued warning letters to two managers and suspended seven chief flight instructors for three months to one year. An assistant flying instructor and a student were suspended for three months.

The action comes in the backdrop of a spate of accidents involving from flying schools. An audit was carried out to assess safety standards and check for deficiencies in operations, maintenance and training. Thirty of the 32 schools in the country have been inspected in the audit beginning March.

The audit also revealed non compliance of requirement for conduct of breath analyser tests.  False logging was observed. In a few cases dual flight has been logged as solo flight and in other cases taxi time was calculated towards the flying time of the student pilot, the said in a press release.

It also found that students are not properly trained or brief on emergencies before being released for solo or cross country flights. Trainers are being frequently changed thereby impacting the learning experience of students. It also found that facilities at the airfield/training organization are also not being maintained as per requirements.
Judge Justice M R Shah was being airlifted to Delhi after falling sick in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, according to sources.

Justice Shah suffered some discomfort in the chest, they said. Chief Justice of India N V Ramana was in touch with Justice Shah and the Ministry of Home Affairs to bring him to Delhi for treatment, said the sources. Later, in a video message, Justice Shah said he is stable and reaching Delhi.

By the grace of God. I am Ok and stable. Nothing to worry (about). I am reaching Delhi and you can see me. You can watch. By the grace of God I had the darshan' (in some temple) yesterday (Wednesday) and the day before and thereafter, I am leaving with all blessings to me and my family. God bless everybody and me also, Justice Shah said in the video circulated within the legal fraternity.

Justice Shah had presided over a vacation bench in the top court last week.

Justice Shah, born on May 16, 1958, was enrolled as an Advocate on July 19, 1982, and practiced in the Gujarat High Court before being appointed as an Additional Judge of the same high court on March 7, 2004.

He became a Permanent Judge on June 22, 2005, in the Gujarat High Court and was later appointed as the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court on August 12, 2018.

He was elevated as a Judge of the of India on November 2, 2018, and is due to retire on May 15, 2023.

(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.)
Mild tension prevailed near Raj Bhavan here on Thursday, after scores of leaders and workers staged a protest against grilling of top party leader by (ED) in connection with a money-laundering case pertaining to the National Herald-AJL deal.

Police foiled the attempts by the protesters to lay seige to the Raj Bhavan, as part of a "Chalo Raj Bhavan" call given by Congress' Telangana unit. Telangana Pradesh Committee (TPCC) President and party MP A Revanth Reddy, Legislature Party leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and several others were taken into preventive custody by police as they were proceeding towards Raj Bhavan. The protest caused traffic jam on Khairtabad Circle and surrounding areas.

A two-wheeler was set on fire and some protesters were seen climbing on a state-run city bus even as window panes of the bus were smashed allegedly by an agitator.

The demonstrators raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the police.

(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 Trinamool Congress MPs will call on the Thursday to submit a memorandum in connection with the recent incidents of violence in Tripura, the party said in a statement.

The state is set to vote in bypolls to four assembly segments -- Agartala, Town Bardowali, Surma and Jubarajnagar -- on June 23.

The Trinamool Congress, which has no electoral presence in the state, is contesting all the four seats and its candidates have started campaigning.

The six-MP TMC delegation which will meet the ECI on Thursday comprises Saugata Roy, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Jawhar Sircar, Pratima Mondal, Luizinho Faleiro and Nusrat Jahan Ruhi.

"A six-MP delegation of AITC will visit the today at 3.30 PM to submit a deputation in connection with the horrific violence in unleashed by BJP-sponsored goons," the party said in its statement.

The delegation will brief the media after the meeting.

The state has witnessed incidents of clashes and violence over the past few days.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Civil Aviation Minister on Thursday said that his ministry is looking into the incident pertaining to the protest against Chief Minister on IndiGo's Kannur-Trivandrum flight.



On Monday, two Youth workers had allegedly raised slogans against Vijayan, who was also on the Kannur-Trivandrum flight, after which a senior LDF leader allegedly pushed the duo, sources said.



Vijayan heads the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in .



On Thursday, MP Hibi Eden said on Twitter: "This video clearly shows LDF Convener EP Jayarajan manhandling and pushing two passengers who raised slogans. Why is it that IndiGo, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Aviation Minister are not registering an FIR against him? Is justice selective in the new India?"



Responding to Eden, Scindia tweeted: "We're looking into this and will take action soon."



on Thursday indicated that the airline is investigating the incident under the aviation regulator DGCA's "unruly flyer" regulations, which allow the airline concerned to deem a passenger's behaviour as unruly and ban the individual from flight for a specific period of time.



Responding to Eden's tweet, the airline said on Twitter: "Sir, on June 16, 2022, referred this matter to the Internal Committee (an independent committee comprising of a retired judge, a representative from another airline, and a representative of the passenger/consumer association)."



The matter will be decided by the Internal Committee in accordance with the applicable regulatory guidelines, the airline added.



According to the sources, the two Youth workers allegedly raised slogans against Vijayan who was also on the plane on Monday. The cabin crew members tried to calm the workers down but the situation aggravated.



The senior LDF leader then allegedly pushed the two Youth Congress workers, they said.



The airline - after it completes its investigation into the incident - will inform the about the action it has taken, the sources said.



The two men and another Youth Congress member have been booked for attempt to murder, according to police.



The FIR by the police in Thiruvananthapuram says due to political enmity, the three accused, namely Farzeen Majid, Naveen Kumar and Suneeth Kumar, conspired to kill Chief Minister and boarded the flight from Kannur to Thiruvananthapuram.



A case was registered against three Youth Congress workers under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 120B (conspiracy), 307 (attempt to murder) and 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servant from his duty), the police said.



Besides, the YC workers were also charged under Section 22 of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, Section 11A of the Aircraft Act and Section 3(1) (a) of the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The on Friday asked government discom to pay Rs 1,408 crore to by June 28 to clear part of dues the private company estimates to be at Rs 3,835 crore.

Adani was entitled to a sum equivalent to 50 per cent of the outstanding it claims, the court said on February 1. The case was tagged along with a similar matter of Maharashtra State Distribution Company versus Maharashtra Limited (APML) and other petitions.





ALSO READ: Discoms' dues to gencos touch Rs 1.19 trillion amidst coal-power crisis

Lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who argued for APML, disputed the amount of Rs 1,408 crores and said the remaining due was Rs 3,835 crore.

For the present, it is directed that the due amount of Rs 1,408 crores should be paid to the respondent within two weeks from today, the court told the discom. .

The matter has been slated for hearing after the court summer vacation. The court, in hearings earlier, has warned discoms to pay their dues, failing which the distribution plants would be shut.

The Union Power Ministry has asked six states to clear their dues to power generating stations.

According to government data, Tamil Nadu is the biggest defaulter, with Rs 20,842 crore dues to gencos. It is followed by Maharashtra with Rs 18,000 crore dues to generating copies or gencos. Uttar Pradesh owes Rs 9,000 crore to gencos.
The Supreme Court on Thursday asked Allianz to submit before it Rs 200 crore in six weeks, responding to petitions filed by Maharashtra seeking relief from the insurance company for crop loss.

A bench comprising Justices J K Maheshwari and Hima Kohli stayed a Bombay High Court order that asked the company to compensate 3.5 lakh in Osmanabad district of Maharashtra for soybean crop damaged by heavy rains in 2020.

The Supreme Courts notice said if Allianz does not deposit the amount the stay will be vacated. The High Courts Aurangabad bench had earlier said if the company does not pay, the Maharashtra government should compensate the . The company has to comply with the states directives in such a case, the High Court had said.

The petitioners lawyer claimed that the insurance company was collecting profits on the premium pooled in from the farmers, the central government, and the state.

The court was told that the company received nearly Rs 500 as premium under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) from farmers, the state, and the centre but had released only a quarter of the amount towards claims. It is submitted by the learned counsel for the petitioners that the agriculturists had paid a premium amount of Rs. 32.49 crores and the State Government had paid their share of Rs. 276.17 crores; the Central Government paid their share of Rs. 227.43 crores. The Insurance Company has received a total premium of Rs. 436.10 crores and distributed Rs. 84.68 crores to the poor agriculturists, said the petition by farmers.

Allianzs lawyer said under the PMFBY farmers were required to intimate the company within 72 hours for compensation. The High Court rejected the argument. In our view, the petitioners have thus made out a case for relief, it held.
The 164 members of the (WTO) are close to finalising a trade deal at the 12th Ministerial Meeting in next couple of hours, an Indian trade negotiator said on condition of anonymity.

The four-day MC12, supposed to end on June 15, got extended by a day as an agreement could not be reached within the stipulated time frame. Trade ministers negotiated through the night at the headquarters overseeing Lake Geneva and negotiations continued on Thursday morning.

Negotiations on fisheries are going on and members are quite close to a deal with carve-outs for India and other developing countries. Talks on TRIPS waiver are progressing well. In agriculture, it is possible that there may not be any agreement which can be considered a good outcome for India. This would mean no fresh work programme on agriculture reforms will be agreed as proposed by the developed countries though we would have to live without an agreement on our proposal to allow exports from public stockholdings. The moratorium on customs duty on e-commerce transactions could be extended as a concession for agreeing to our demands in some other areas, the official said.

If an agreement is reached at Geneva, it will be WTOs first trade deal in a decade. In 2013, at the Bali Ministerial, members signed WTOs first trade deal on a peace clause on public stockholding for food security purposes and trade facilitation agreement. The consensus driven rule making process at the multilateral trade organization means even one member could thwart a deal at the last moment.


The Thursday refused to entertain the pleas seeking directions to the Centre and others including the Director-General of Health Services to conduct another mop-up round of counselling for admissions to NEET super-specialty courses for 2021.

A vacation bench of justices A S Bopanna and Vikram Nath did not agree to the submissions of two doctors that one more mop-up round be conducted for admissions in the super-specialty courses as 92 new seats were added later which were not available for them in the first two rounds of counselling.

At this stage, we see no reason to alter the order (of May 9), the bench told senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan.

Sankaranarayanan said extra 92 seats were added suddenly in the mop-up round and as a result people with ranks below us were allotted seats that were not available to us.

However, the bench said at this stage, we do not want to modify it. Sorry.

On May 9, the top court had refused to lower the cut-off percentile for admission to the NEET super-specialty courses, saying doctors have to deal with a patient's life and merit cannot be disregarded.

The bench had said that a decision has been taken not to lower the percentile which is a matter of academic policy and it cannot be faulted.

It had said the reasons put forth by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare cannot be regarded as extraneous and arbitrary as doctors have to deal with a patient's life and merit cannot be disregarded.

Candidates are sufficiently available for undertaking the counselling of vacant seats but the decision to not reduce the percentile is based on not compromising the merit. Question of whether the percentile should be reduced further is a matter of academic policyin the circumstances, it is not possible for the court to entertain a plea for directing the reduction of the percentile, it had held.

Some of the doctors, who had wanted the cut-off to be lowered, had submitted that 940 seats are still vacant for the academic year 2021-22. If the cut-off is not lowered, these seats will go to waste at a time when the country needs doctors, they had contended.

The bench had said the court will have to take note that these doctors were not able to obtain the 50 percentile cut-off and they will be handling the patients in super-specialty categories.

This court will not like to interfere unless there is manifest arbitrariness, the bench had asserted.

(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.)
. faces a lawsuit that could seek hundreds of millions of pounds in compensation for users after it was accused of misleading customers on a controversial power management tool.

Justin Gutmann, a market researcher, has applied to the Competition Appeal Tribunal for approval to bring a collective action on behalf of users, according to a statement Thursday. The suit could sweep up as many as 25 million people who bought the models from 6 through to the X if successful.

The suit alleges that Apple abused its dominant market position by informing customers that software updates from late 2016 improved the battery life of the devices when in fact, it quietly throttled it. Gutmann says Apple concealed a power management tool in the updates to hide that the phones batteries couldnt handle the new softwares processing demands, which caused shutdowns and glitches.

We have never  and would never  do anything to intentionally shorten the life of any Apple product, or degrade the user experience to drive customer upgrades, a spokesperson from Apple said.

In order to progress the collective action will need to be approved by the CAT and the amount of compensation is yet to be determined. Gutmann and his lawyers estimate the total compensation could be as much as 768 million ($927 million).
The foreign ministers of the nations on Thursday called on Prime Minister and discussed the ongoing cooperation between the two sides.

The foreign ministers are in New Delhi to attend a two-day conclave being hosted by India to mark the 30th anniversary of its relations with the 10-nation grouping.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is considered one of the most influential groupings in the region, and India and several other countries including the US, China, Japan and Australia are its dialogue partners.

"A milestone in India- friendship! India is hosting the Special ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting (SAIFMM) to mark 30 years of our dialogue relations & 10 years of our Strategic Partnership. SAIFMM participants called on PM @narendramodi this morning," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar were present in the meeting between Modi and the ASEAN foreign ministers.

The ASEAN-India dialogue relations started with the establishment of sectoral partnership in 1992 which graduated to full dialogue partnership in December 1995 and summit level partnership in 2002.

The ties were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2012. The ASEAN is central to India's Act East Policy and its vision for the wider Indo-Pacific.

The ASEAN comprises Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Brunei, the Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia and Myanmar.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Australia's new government on Thursday formally committed to a more ambitious greenhouse gas reduction target of 43 per cent by the end of the decade in fulfillment of a key election pledge.

The previous conservative government was dumped by voters at the May 21 election after it stuck to a seven-year-old pledge to reduce Australia's emissions by only 26 per cent to 28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had written to U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change executive secretary Patricia Espinosa Cantellano to inform her of Australia's new 2030 target.

Albanese said legislation to enshrine the new target in law would be introduced to the new Parliament which will sit for the first time on July 26. However the target did not depend on Parliament's approval.

Investment in Australia's energy sector had been held up during the previous government's nine years in power due to the administration's failure to agree on a climate policy, Albanese said.

What businesses have been crying out for is investment certainty, Albanese said. The certainty that they need to invest over a longer time frame than the political cycle of three years.

is one of the world's largest exporters of coal and liquified natural gas which makes reducing dependence on fossil fuels a politically vexed issue. The previous government was widely considered a laggard among wealthy countries in combating climate change.

The United States has committed to reductions of between 50 per cent and 52 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. Britain has pledged to cut emissions by 68 per cent below 1990 levels.

Albanese's government could face pressure in a new, greener Parliament to adopt an even more ambitious target.

Several seats have yet to be declared as counting continues following the election.

The center-left Labor Party administration will likely hold a narrow majority of 77 seats in the 151-seat House of Representatives where a majority of lawmakers is needed to form government.

A record 16 lawmakers in the House will not be aligned with either the government or opposition.

The minor Greens party is on track to secure four seats, up from a single lawmaker in the last Parliament. The Greens want a 2030 reduction target of 75 per cent. Newly elected independent lawmakers have called for a 60 per cent target or at least 50 per cent.

Greens senators could hold a balance of power in the upper chamber where major parties rarely hold a majority and need support from outside government to pass laws.

The 2030 commitment comes as much of Australia's population faces soaring electricity and gas prices due in part to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Large parts of southeast face the threat of blackouts for a range of reasons including an unusually cold start to the Southern Hemisphere winter and unscheduled outages of aging coal-fired generations that will be shut down within years and are not being adequately maintained.

(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 global bid to deliver a package of agreements on issues ranging from food security to tariff-free digital commerce headed into an extended session with hopes fading that a final push for compromise will yield 11th-hour breakthroughs.



On the final full day of the WTOs 12th ministerial conference in Geneva, officials from the worlds largest economies were only a few words away from an agreement to waive intellectual-property rights for Covid-19 vaccines. But India remained a key holdout in negotiations expected to end by mid-afternoon on Thursday.

The future success of a trade body that has not concluded any multilateral agreements in almost a decade hinges on members making sufficient compromises in the coming hours in order to overcome a veto by any of its 164 members.

There are three roads out of here, Chamber of Commerce Secretary-General John Denton said in video statement. The first is compromise, which will provide relevance for the WTO. The second is muddling together something that looks acceptable. The third is the dead end.

It looks like the 100 ministers present in Geneva are condemning the WTO to a dead end, he said. Were going to work like hell to find ways through that.

Green Room Meeting



WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala sought to close the remaining gaps in the negotiations and produced a series of draft texts that aimed to resolve disagreements that have persisted in the WTOs negotiations for years.

On Wednesday evening, Okonjo-Iweala convened a closed-door meeting with more than a dozen trade officials to determine their willingness to approve the following:

a framework to expand global access to vaccines and help mitigate the global food crisis

a process to reform how the WTO functions

a renewal of the WTOs ban on e-commerce duties

an agreement to curb harmful fishery subsidies, and

a work program to improve the WTOs agriculture rules

The European Union, which has been an active contributor to all areas of the the WTOs ministerial negotiations, said it was broadly supportive of the proposed texts, including the IP waiver, according to an account of the deliberations from a person close to the WTO.

Meanwhile, the Chinese delegation said that with a little more work it may be in a position to support the WTOs proposal to waive IP rules -- indicating that negotiators may be close to resolving a key disagreement with the US over its ability to benefit from the proposal.

But prospects appeared more bleak for a deal to curb harmful government fishing subsidies, a rollover of the WTOs e-commerce moratorium and a package to help alleviate the looming food crisis, according to the readout.

The US delegation urged members to press forward and indicated that US Trade Representative Katherine Tai plans to depart Geneva on Thursday morning at 9 a.m., after which point any agreements may prove elusive.

Vaccine Waiver



India reiterated Commerce Minister Piyush Goyals view that any WTO vaccine agreement must also waive IP rights for Covid-19 diagnostic tests and therapeutic drugs, according to the readout.

On Tuesday, Goyal told ministers there is no way we are going to yield on its demand and for the first time acknowledged that not a single plant to make manufacturing of vaccines will come with this agreement.

India blamed powerful nations for dragging out the negotiations for so long that it finally lost its relevance as pharmaceutical manufacturers were ultimately able to produce an oversupply of vaccines.

What we are getting is completely half-baked and it will not allow us to make any vaccines, Goyal said in a statement posted on his ministrys website. Vaccines have already lost relevance, he said. Its just too late; there is no demand for vaccines anymore.

E-Commerce Moratorium



If governments fail to roll over the WTOs digital duty ban, it could open a new regulatory can of worms that could increase consumer prices for cross-border Amazon.com purchases, Netflix movies, Apple music, and Sony PlayStation games.

India, which previously proposed ending the ban, said it wont concede its ability to impose digital tariffs and wanted policy space to help develop its own domestic e-commerce industry, according to the readout. Likewise, South Africa said a rollover of the WTO e-commerce ban was not yet ripe for adoption.

Most other delegates at the meeting -- including the EU, US, UK, China, Brazil -- favored renewing the WTOs e-commerce moratorium as a means to reduce poverty, support small businesses and help women entrepreneurs. India separately rebuffed a Chinese proposal to allow nations to voluntarily opt out of the waiver.

If they cant do this then the WTO, as they convene it, will be officially broken, Denton said.
The authorities in China's capital have warned that a COVID-19 surge due to the bar-related outbreaks was critical and the city is gripped with the most serious outbreak since the pandemic began.

Due to the latest outbreak in Beijing, millions of people are facing mandatory testing and thousands are under targeted lockdowns, just days after the city started to lift widespread curbs that had run for more than a month to tackle a broader outbreak since late April.

The authorities announced over the weekend a "ferocious" COVID-19 outbreak linked to the Heaven Supermarket Bar, which had only just re-opened after curbs were eased last week.

A health official last week said that the outbreak that started at a bar in is at a rapidly spreading stage and the transmission risk remains high, as per Global Times.

More cases are expected to be discovered among visitors to the bar and their close contacts, deputy director of disease control and prevention center Liu Xiaofeng had said during a press conference.

Meanwhile, Beijing reported 14 confirmed locally transmitted COVID-19 cases and four local asymptomatic cases in the last 24 hours, the municipal health commission said Thursday.

The outbreak has raised new worries about the outlook for the world's second-largest economy.

The economic impact of the zero-COVID strategy has also dented income. Fiscal revenue fell 4.8 per cent on the year for the four months through April, according to the Finance Ministry, owing mainly to tax refunds aimed at supporting businesses.

Borrowing had already been on the rise at the local level to fund growth-boosting infrastructure investment.

With Xi appearing intent on sticking to the zero-COVID policy, balancing control measures with economic stimulus will be a difficult task.

Beijing's extreme lockdowns have led to protests and clashes between authorities and residents forced to stay home for weeks without normal access to food and medical supplies.

The harsh lockdowns look set to depress economic growth to lows last recorded in the early 1990s.

(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.)
Canadian Defence Minister Anita Anand has announced that will provide with 10 replacement barrels to enable the sustainment of M777 howitzer artillery guns.

In a news release, the defence minister said this military aid, valued at approximately 9 million Canadian dollars ($7.2 million), complements Canada's previous donation of M777 howitzers, over 20,000 rounds of compatible artillery ammunition, and the Canadian Armed Forces' training of Ukrainian Forces in the use of this equipment.

Anand made the announcement during her participation in the US-led Defense Contact Group meeting after discussing with Ukraine's Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov during a bilateral meeting, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the news release, this military assistance expands on the military aid that has pledged to since February 2022, which includes the contribution of M777s from Canadian Armed Forces stocks and commitment to financing over 20,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition sourced from the US.

The purchase of 10 immediately-available replacement barrels will ensure that the M777 howitzers maintain their distance range and accuracy, as worn barrels require regular replacement, the release said.

Since February 2022, has committed 274 million Canadian dollars ($219 million) in military assistance to Ukraine.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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The 1/6 committee is set to plunge into Donald Trump's last-ditch effort to salvage the 2020 election by pressuring Vice President to defy historical precedent and reject the electoral count in the run-up to the U.S. Capitol riot.

With two witnesses Thursday, the House panel intends to show how Trump's false claims of a fraudulent election left him grasping for alternatives as courts turned back dozens of lawsuits challenging the vote.

Trump latched onto conservative law professor John Eastman's obscure plan and launched a public and private pressure campaign on Pence days before the vice president was to preside over the Jan. 6 joint session of Congress to certify Joe Biden's election victory.

A federal judge has said it is more likely than not Trump committed crimes in his attempt to stop the certification.

What President Trump demanded that do wasn't just wrong, it was illegal and it was unconstitutional, Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., committee co-chair, said in her opening statement last week.

The committee will hear from Greg Jacob, the vice president's counsel who fended off Eastman's ideas for Pence to carry out the plan; and retired federal judge Michael Luttig, who called the plan from Eastman, his former law clerk, "incorrect at every turn. In prepared opening remarks for the committee obtained by The Associated Press, Jacob said that Pence studied the law and the history before Jan. 6 and concluded that the Constitution's framers could not possibly have intended to empower the vice president to reject duly ascertained electoral votes, or to unilaterally suspend the constitutionally mandated vote counting proceedings. The law is not a plaything for presidents or judges to use to remake the world in their preferred image," Jacob said in the statement. When leaders break, twist and fail to enforce our laws in order to achieve their partisan ends, or to accomplish frustrated policy objectives they consider existentially important, they are breaking America, he said.

Luttig, in his remarks, refers to Jan. 6 as a war on America's democracy in his written statement to the committee.

In the statement published Thursday by CNN, he said that if Pence had adhered to Trump's demands to overturn the election, America would immediately have been plunged into what would have been tantamount to a revolution within a paralysing constitutional crisis. Thursday's session is also expected to divulge new evidence about the danger Pence faced that day as the mob stormed the Capitol shouting hang Mike Pence! with a gallows on the Capitol grounds as the vice president fled with senators into hiding. Nine people died in the riot and its aftermath.

The panel aims to show that Trump's pressure on Pence directly contributed to the attack on the Capitol.

The illegality of the plan was obvious, the committee said in a court filing against Eastman.

Ahead of the hearing, Pence's former chief of staff, Marc Short, said his boss was determined to stay at the Capitol that night and finish the job, despite the threats.

He knew his job was to stay at his post, Short said on CNN on Wednesday.

Short said Pence didn't want the world seeing the vice president leaving the Capitol when "a hallmark of democracy was under siege.

He thought it was important that he stay there and make sure the work of the American people was completed that night, said Short, who testified under subpoena to the committee for eight hours, but has not yet appeared as a live witness.

The panel is reconvening for a third hearing this month after a blockbuster prime-time start last week, followed by logistical setbacks in recent days. Monday's key witness, former Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien, abruptly declined to appear in person because his wife was in labour with their child.

Wednesday's scheduled hearing with witnesses from the Justice Department who tried to convince Trump that his claims of voter fraud were just not true was postponed.

Nevertheless, the panel's yearlong investigation is showcasing Trump's final weeks in office as the defeated president clung to the big lie of a rigged election even as those around him  his family, his top aides, officials at the highest levels of government  were telling him he simply lost the election.

Former Attorney General William Barr, who resigned at the end of 2020 rather than be part of Trump's plans, testified earlier that the president was becoming detached from reality if he believed the lies. He said he told the president his claims of voter fraud were bull-. With 1,000 interviews and reams of 140,000 documents, the committee is connecting the dots, showing how Trump's false claims of election fraud became a battle cry as he summoned thousands of Americans to Washington for a Jan. 6 rally and then sent them to Capitol Hill to fight like hell for his presidency.

More than 800 people have been arrested in the Capitol siege, and the panel is considering whether to send a referral for criminal charges against Trump to the Justice Department.

No president or former president has ever been indicted by the Justice Department, and Attorney General Merrick Garland has said he and his team are following the proceedings in Congress.

For now, the panel is pressing ahead with its hearings, with more scheduled for next week.

Thursday's will unpack the Eastman plan to have the states send alternative slates of electors from the five or seven states Trump was disputing, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. With competing slates for Trump or Biden, Pence would be forced to reject them, returning them to the states to sort it out, under the plan.

Pence refused the plan, believing the founding fathers would not have left it to one person, the vice president, to decide the outcome, Jacob told the panel in previous testimony. Jacob said the idea was utterly against some 130 years of precedent in American history, entirely made up. The committee in hearings ahead will be delving into the roles of extremist groups and others who heeded Trump's call to Washington.

Leaders and others from the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys face rare sedition charges over their roles in the Capitol attack.

Several members of Congress are also under scrutiny, including Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., whom the committee has asked for an interview to discuss a Capitol tour he gave that included basement tunnels to a group of people the day before the attack.

The panel is also probing several candidates for elected office, including the Republican nominee for governor in Pennsylvania, who were among the rioters.

The panel, which is expected to deliver a final report on its findings later this year, intends for its work to be a record for history of the most violent attack on the Capitol since the War of 1812.

Unlike other national traumas that have pulled the country together, the Jan. 6 Capitol attack appears to have left many Americans divided. Congress splintered over forming the committee, which most Republicans opposed.

The panel's two Republicans, Cheney and Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, have been shunned by the GOP for their work with Democrats leading the investigation into Trump and his role in the Capitol attack.
Boris Johnsons ethics adviser said he resigned because the prime minister had placed him in an impossible and odious position by considering a deliberate breach of the UKs ministerial code.



In his resignation letter, Christopher Geidt didnt give details about the issue Johnson had asked him to advise upon. In his reply to Geidt, the prime minister alluded to a planned decisions on trade tariffs that might be seen to conflict with our obligations under the WTO, again without giving details.

A deliberate breach, or even an intention to do so, would be to suspend the provisions of the code to suit a political end, Geidt said in his letter to the prime minister. I can have no part in this.

The exchange of letters raises questions about what exactly the UK is planning on trade, but also why it was this specific issue that led Geidt to conclude his position was untenable. In a parliamentary hearing on Tuesday, the ethics adviser lamented that Johnsons various scandals had led to a large workload and that the option of resigning was always on the agenda.

Yet Geidt also gave no hint that he was about to do so. During the hearing, he said it was reasonable to say Johnson may have breached the ministerial code by taking part in a rule-breaking party in Downing Street during the Covid-19 pandemic that led to the premier being fined by police.

His performance was widely criticized and ridiculed in the British media, and the government announced his resignation late Wednesday.

For Johnson, the events put the spotlight firmly back on Johnsons conduct, and threatens to stymie his efforts to move on from the Partygate saga that saw him become the first sitting prime minister found to have broken the law.

Police fined Johnson for attending a gathering for his birthday in Downing Street in June 2020, in breach of the Covid lockdown rules his own government brought in. Last week, the premier vowed to bash on after narrowly winning a vote on his leadership, in which 41% of Tory MPs opposed him.

Geidt is the second Independent Adviser on Ministers Interests to quit under Johnson in less than two years. The former holder of the office, Alex Allan, resigned in 2020 after Johnson refused to rule that Home Secretary Priti Patel had breached the ministerial code -- despite Allan concluding Patel had not consistently met the high standards expected of her.

For the prime minister to lose one adviser of ministers interest may be regarded as misfortune, but to lose two looks like carelessness, Tory MP William Wragg, a longstanding critic of Johnson, told the House of Commons, quoting from Oscar Wilde.

Opposition Labour MP Fleur Anderson said the resignation of a second ethics adviser to the prime minister is a badge of shame for the government.
Meta, Alphabet-unit Google, and Microsoft agreed on Thursday to take a tougher line against disinformation under an updated EU code of practice that could hit them with hefty fines if they fail to do so. More than 30 signatories, including advertising bodies have committed to the updated Code of Practice on disinformation, the European Commission said.

The signatories agree to do more to tackle deep fakes, fake accounts and political advertising, while non-compliance can lead to fines as much as 6 per cent of a companys global turnover, the EU executive said, confirming a Reuters report last week.

The companies, which include TikTok and Amazons live streaming e-sports platform Twitch, have six months to comply with their pledges and will have to present a progress report at the beginning of 2023.

The new code is a testimony that Europe has learned its lessons and that we are not naive any longer, Commission Vice-President Vera Jourova told a news conference. She said Russias invasion of Ukraine, the Covid-19 pandemic and Britains withdrawal from the European Union accelerated the EUs crackdown on .

Sanctions may include banning from Europe, EU industry chief Thierry Breton said. If there is consistent flouting of the rules, we can also think about stopping their access to our space of information, he told the news conference.

Critics such as the Association of Commercial Television and Video on Demand Services in Europe (ACT) said there were grave shortcomings in the revised Code.

The Review does not offer concrete commitments to limit impermissible manipulative behavior. Commitments go no further than a blanket statement to follow the law, which is obvious and does not require a Code, it said.

Silicon Valley firms have been facing close scrutiny from EU antitrust watchdogs in recent years. Apple was fined a record 1.1 billion euros ($1.3 billion) in 2020 over anti-competitive agreements with two distributors by the French regulator.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday made a strong pitch for re-engaging with India, saying cutting ties with New Delhi would not serve the country's interests as Islamabad was already internationally isolated and disengaged.

Addressing the Founding Day ceremony at the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, Bilawal said: We have our issues with India. Pakistan and India have a long history of war, conflict. Today, where we have serious disputes, the events of August 2019 cannot be taken lightly.

The ties between India and Pakistan nose-dived after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019.

India's decision evoked strong reactions from Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled the Indian envoy.

On the Kashmir issue, Bilawal said it has formed a cornerstone of any conversation that I've had since becoming the foreign minister.

Bilawal, 33, assumed charge as Pakistan's top diplomat in April.

In May, we had the delimitation commission and then just recently, the Islamophobic remarks of officials create an environment in which engagement is very difficult for Pakistan, if not impossible, the minister said, referring to re-engaging with India.

Bilawal asked those present at the think tank event whether cutting ties with India was serving Pakistan's interests, be it on Kashmir, be it on the rising Islamaphobia or the emphasis on Hindutva narrative in India.

"That I, as foreign minister of Pakistan, as the representative of my country, not only don't speak to the Indian government but I also don't speak to the Indian people. Is that the best way to communicate or achieve Pakistan's objective? the minister explained.

India has repeatedly told Pakistan that Jammu and Kashmir "was, is and shall forever" remain an integral part of the country.

India has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence.

The minister added that the country was at its crossroads and the current government has inherited a country "wherever you look there is a crisis."



He blamed the previous Imran Khan-led government's flawed policies because of which Pakistan "is internationally isolated and internationally disengaged."



Turning to the issue of bilateral trade with India, Bilawal said: "We don't have a trading relationship with the east (India) and many will argue absolutely we should not. The environment is not as such, given these outrageous assaults on our principles it would be inappropriate for Pakistan to take such a step."



Bilawal referred to the first term of his mother and former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 1988, arguing that it was the time when Pakistan could have created the kind of economic engagement with India that might have compelled both sides not to resort to extreme measures.

(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's Gazprom announced a reduction in flows through a key European pipeline for the second day in a row on Wednesday, hours after Germany's vice chancellor said its initial move appeared to be political rather than a result of technical problems.

The state-owned energy giant said on Twitter that deliveries through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany would be cut again Thursday, bringing the overall reduction through the undersea pipeline to 60%.

The new cut came a day after Gazprom said it would reduce flows by 40% after Canadian sanctions over the war in Ukraine prevented German partner Siemens Energy from delivering overhauled equipment. It blamed the same issue for the additional reduction.

Gazprom also told Italian gas giant Eni that it would reduce gas through a different pipeline by roughly 15% on Wednesday. The reason for the reduction has not been made clear, and the Italian company said it was monitoring the situation.

The reduced flows follow Russia's previous halt of supplies to Bulgaria, Poland, Finland, Netherlands, Denmark as Europe works to reduce its dependence on Russian energy amid the war in Ukraine. Gas demand has fallen after the end of the winter heating season, but European utilities are racing to refill storage ahead of next winte r with prices high and supplies uncertain.

While gas storage is refilling well, the cutoffs and reductions come on top of an explosion at a liquefied terminal in Texas whose exports were largely going to Europe, adding another squeeze to the tight natural gas market, said Simone Tagliapietra, an energy expert at the Bruegel think tank in Brussels. He urged Europe not to be complacent and urgently scale-up coordination" so the continent is prepared for a possibly difficult winter ahead."



Siemens Energy said after Tuesday's initial announcement about Nord Stream 1 that a gas turbine that powers a compressor station on the pipeline had been in service for more than 10 years and taken to Montreal for a scheduled overhaul. But because of sanctions imposed by Canada, the company has been unable to return the equipment to the customer, Gazprom.

German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, who is also the country's economy minister and responsible for energy, told reporters in Berlin that he had established with the European Union's executive Commission that the maintenance of Siemens compressor stations on the pipeline isn't subject to EU sanctions.

He said officials are in contact with Canada to check what is possible under Ottawa's sanctions. But he added that, as far as German officials know, the first relevant maintenance session isn't due until the fall, and because there are several such installations, that wouldn't explain a 40% reduction.

So I also have the impression that what happened yesterday is a political decision, and not a decision that is technically justifiable, Habeck said. What effect it has on the European and German gas market, we will have to wait and see. As a rule, suppliers have always succeeded in getting hold of gas from other sources.

He said there's no supply problem in Germany, which gets about 35% of its natural gas to power industry and generate electricity from Russia, and it should be able to keep filling up reserves.

The EU has outlined plans to reduce dependence on Russian gas by two-thirds by year's end. Economists say a complete cutoff would deal a severe blow to the economy, consumers and gas-intensive industries.

If you have the feeling that all your homework is done and everything is going well, you're wrong, Habeck said. It isn't over yet. It may only just be beginning ... making ourselves independent from fossil energy and Russian fossil energy must be advanced at high pressure.

(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 leaders of France, Germany, and Romania arrived in Kyiv on Thursday in an apparent show of collective European support for as it tries to resist Russia's invasion.

The French president's office said President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Premier Mario Draghi had traveled to Kyiv together, and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis will join them in the Ukrainian capital.

The European leaders are expected to meet with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the highest-profile Western visit to Kyiv since Russia sent in troops to Feb. 24.

The visit comes as EU leaders prepare to make a decision June 23-24 on Ukraine's request to become a candidate for EU membership, and ahead of an important NATO summit June 29-30 in Madrid.

Also Thursday, NATO defense ministers are meeting in Brussels to weigh more military aid for . On Wednesday, the U.S. and announced more aid, as America and its allies provide longer-range weapons they say can make a difference in a fight where Ukrainian forces are outnumbered and outgunned by their Russian invaders.

On Tuesday, during a trip to Ukraine's neighbours Romania and Moldova, Macron said a message of support must be sent to Ukraine before EU heads of state and government have to make important decisions at their Brussels meeting.

We are in a moment where we need to send clear political signals we, Europeans, we the European Union toward Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, he said.

Macron is deeply involved in diplomatic efforts to push for a cease-fire in Ukraine that would allow future peace negotiations. He has frequent discussions with Zelenskyy and has spoken on the phone several times with Russian President Vladimir Putin since Putin launched the invasion in late February.

Scholz had long resisted traveling to Kyiv, saying he didn't want to join the queue of people who do a quick in-out for a photo opportunity. Instead, Scholz said a trip should focus on doing concrete things.

on Wednesday announced that it will provide Ukraine with three multiple launch rocket systems of the kind that Kyiv has said it urgently needs to defend itself against Russia's invasion.

Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said will transfer three M270 medium-range artillery rocket systems along with ammunition to Ukraine.

Germany said the transfer, which echoes similar moves by Britain and the United States, will be accompanied by training and will have a swift and significant battlefield impact.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
is discussing with to amend the terms and conditions of the USD 1.5 billion deal with Beijing so that it can be used for imports amidst an unprecedented economic crisis in this island nation, a media report said on Thursday.

According to the terms and conditions stipulated in the agreement signed with for the swap arrangement, the amount cannot be used unless has foreign reserves sufficient for three months. The swap deal was signed last year.

The deal is on hold because has run short of the required amount of reserves. The swap deal enables Sri Lanka to borrow Chinese currency for payment of imports, the Daily Mirror newspaper reported, quoting a source.

However, the Sri Lankan authorities have now requested the Chinese side to amend the particular clause of the agreement to make use of this currency facility extended to Sri Lanka, the report said.

According to the source, the Sri Lankan side informed that the amendment of the clause would be beneficial for since it would be used for the imports of Chinese products, it said.

Sri Lanka signed a 10 billion yuan (about USD 1.5 billion) deal with China for a three-year period to be used for promoting bilateral trade and direct investment between the two countries, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka announced in March last year. The deal was signed between the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and the People's Bank of China (PBoC).

The deal came as Sri Lanka was undergoing a difficult time with COVID-19, dealing a severe blow to its economy, especially its USD 4.5 billion tourism industry which was already hit by the Easter Sunday terror attacks in 2019.

Sri Lanka is currently facing its worst economic crisis since independence from Britain in 1948.

The economic crisis has prompted an acute shortage of essential items like food, medicine, cooking gas and other fuel, toilet paper, and even matches, with Sri Lankans being forced to wait in lines lasting hours outside stores to buy fuel and cooking gas.

Meanwhile, China has reaffirmed its continual and concrete support including grants, trade and investment to Sri Lanka to help the debt-ridden country tide over its worst economic crisis.

The Chinese embassy in Sri Lanka said on Twitter that Chinese banks were ready to negotiate with Sri Lanka to properly handle matured debts.

"On June 14, Ambassador Qi Zhenhong called on PM Ranil Wickremesinghe and reaffirmed China's continual and concrete support including grant, trade and investment to Sri Lanka during the present crisis. Chinese banks also ready to negotiate with Sri Lanka to properly handle matured debts," the embassy tweeted.

Sri Lanka is also in negotiation with several Chinese companies to purchase chemical fertilisers on credit for the next Maha season. The Agriculture Ministry is now required to come out with the quantity of requirements.

India has provided a USD 55 million Line of Credit to Sri Lanka for the import of fertilisers, in a bid to help the island nation tide over its food scarcity, the Indian High Commission said last week.

Addressing Parliament recently, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka will need USD 5 billion to ensure that the people's daily lives are not disrupted for the next six months.

The nearly bankrupt country, with an acute foreign currency crisis that resulted in foreign debt default, announced in April that it is suspending nearly USD 7 billion foreign debt repayment due for this year out of about USD 25 billion due through 2026.

(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.)
Toshiba, and on Thursday lost their court fight against an EU cartel fine levied seven years ago for colluding in procurement tenders for optical disc drives.

The European Commission in 2015 fined five firms 116 million euros ($120.5 million), with the biggest fine of 41.3 million euros going to Samsung Storage Technology, a joint venture of and . Hitachi-LG Data Storage was fined 37 million euros.

Other sanctioned were Sony; Optiarc, which is a joint venture between and NEC; and Quanta Storage.

Philips avoided a fine as it alerted the cartel to the EU competition enforcer.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania walked amid the ruined buildings of the Ukrainian town of Irpin on Thursday in a show of support which the Kyiv government hopes will be followed by concrete action to help it in the war with Russia.



Irpin, which had a pre-war population of about 62,000, was one of the main hotspots of fighting with Russian troops before they pulled back from Ukraine's northern regions to intensify their offensive in the east.



Standing by gutted, burnt-out buildings, France's Emmanuel Macron, Germany's Olaf Scholz, Italy's and Romania's Klaus Iohannis, looked stern as they listened to a Ukrainian official explaining what had happened there.



Ukraine says Russia committed large-scale atrocities in Irpin. Russia denies the allegations.



"It's a heroic city...marked by the stigma of barbarism," Macron told reporters.



The leaders, dressed in suits but not wearing any visible protective equipment, were surrounded by heavily armed soldiers.



Kyiv has accused France, Germany and, to a lesser extent, Italy, of foot-dragging in their support for Ukraine, saying they have been slow to deliver weapons and have put their own prosperity ahead of Ukraine's freedom and security.



Asked about that criticism, Macron pointed to arms deliveries and financial support.



"France and Europe have been standing by Ukraine and its population since the beginning," he said.



Ukraine's bid to join the 27-nation European Union, and its demand for more weapons to fight off Russia, are expected to be two main themes of the EU leaders' talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy later in the day. Zelenskiy did not accompany them to Irpin.



Shown a slogan on a wall of a damaged building in Irpin that said "Make Europe not war," Macron said: "It's very moving to see that. This is the right message."



EU CANDIDACY, WEAPONS

The EU executive is expected to propose on Friday that Ukraine become a formal candidate for membership, diplomats and officials say. That would be a significant political gesture to the country as it resists Russia's invasion but is also something EU leaders are very divided on.



"A balance has to be found between Ukraine's natural aspirations to (join) the EU at a very special time, and attention to all the countries which already have candidate status and are stuck in the negotiation chapters," an Elysee official said.



Macron, who had been criticised at home and abroad for not travelling to Ukraine earlier, had repeatedly said he would only go if and when the visit could be "useful" and not be just a symbolic show of support.



Zelenskiy is expected to push his visitors to send more arms to help his hard-pressed army withstand the Russian invaders.



Oleksiy Arestovych, an adviser to Zelenskiy, said this week he was concerned the three leaders would put pressure on Kyiv to accept a peace deal favourable to Russian President Vladimir Putin.



Addressing this concern, Draghi said on Tuesday it was important for peace talks to open as soon as possible, but added they had to be "on terms that Ukraine deems acceptable".



Ukraine has been particularly critical of Germany's military aid and the country's ambassador to Berlin, Andrij Melnyk, told German broadcaster NTV he expected Scholz to hand over heavy weapons that had been long-promised but not yet delivered.



Scholz has dismissed allegations he has held back much-needed military support, saying Germany was one of the biggest military and financial backers of Ukraine, and that it was taking time to train Ukrainian soldiers to use the sophisticated artillery systems that it was offering.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
French President said Thursday that there are signs of war crimes in a Kyiv suburb following massacres by Russian forces.

He spoke in the town of Irpin while on a visit with other European leaders to show support for Ukraine. He denounced the barbarism of the attacks that devastated the town, and praised the courage of residents of Irpin and other Kyiv region towns who held back Russians forces from attacking the capital.

The leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania arrived in Kyiv on Thursday in a show of collective European support for the Ukrainian people as they resist Russia's invasion, marking the highest-profile visit to Ukraine's capital since Russia invaded its neighbour.

The French president's office said that President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Premier Mario Draghi, representing the three largest economies in Europe, had travelled to Kyiv together on a special overnight train provided by the Ukrainian authorities.

President Klaus Iohannis of Romania which borders Ukraine and has been a destination for many Ukrainian refugees arrived on a separate train, tweeting on arrival: This illegal Russian aggression must stop!



After getting off the train in Kyiv, Macron said he and the other leaders would visit sites where attacks occurred.

It's a message of European unity for the Ukrainian people, support now and in the future, because the weeks to come will be very difficult, Macron said.

The visit comes as the Russian forces press their offensive in the eastern Donbas region, slowly but steadily gaining ground on the badly outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian forces, who are pleading desperately for more arms from Western allies.

Several air raid sirens rang out while the European leaders were in their hotel preparing for the rest of their visit, and Kyiv authorities urged people to seek shelter. Such alerts are a frequent occurrence.

As he left the hotel, Macron, putting his hand on his heart, said in English: I want to show my admiration for the Ukrainian people.

German news agency dpa quoted Scholz as saying that the leaders are seeking to show solidarity but also their commitment to keeping up their financial and humanitarian help for Ukraine, and their supply of weapons.

Scholz added that this support would continue for as long as is necessary for Ukraine's fight for independence."



Scholz said that the sanctions against Russia were also significant and could lead to Moscow withdrawing its troops, according to dpa.

The European leaders are to meet with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The visit carries heavy symbolic weight given that the three Western European powers have often faced criticism for not providing Ukraine with the scale of weaponry that Zelenskyy has been begging them for, and for their willingness to keep speaking to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Many leaders and regular people in the Baltic and Central European nations, which were controlled by Moscow during the Cold War, believe that Putin only understands force, and have viewed the efforts by Macron and others to keep speaking to Putin following his invasion as unacceptable.

Hopes were high among Ukrainians that the visit could mark a turning point by opening the way to significant new arms supplies.

The visit comes as EU leaders prepare to make a decision June 23-24 on Ukraine's request to become a candidate for EU membership, and ahead of an important NATO summit June 29-30 in Madrid.

Also Thursday, NATO defense ministers are meeting in Brussels to weigh more military aid for Ukraine. On Wednesday, the U.S. and Germany announced more aid, as America and its allies provide longer-range weapons they say can make a difference in a fight where Ukrainian forces are outnumbered and outgunned by their Russian invaders.

On Tuesday, during a trip to Ukraine's neighbours Romania and Moldova, Macron said a message of support must be sent to Ukraine before EU heads of state and government have to make important decisions at their Brussels meeting.

We are in a moment where we need to send clear political signals we, Europeans, we the European Union toward Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, he said.

Macron is deeply involved in diplomatic efforts to push for a cease-fire in Ukraine that would allow future peace negotiations. He has frequent discussions with Zelenskyy and has spoken on the phone several times with Russian President Vladimir Putin since Putin launched the invasion in late February.

Scholz had long resisted travelling to Kyiv, saying he didn't want to join the queue of people who do a quick in-out for a photo opportunity.

Instead, Scholz said a trip should focus on doing concrete things.

Germany on Wednesday announced that it will provide Ukraine with three multiple launch rocket systems of the kind that Kyiv has said it urgently needs to defend itself against Russia's invasion.

Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said Germany will transfer three M270 medium-range artillery rocket systems along with ammunition to Ukraine.

Lambrecht, speaking on the sidelines of a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, said that training of Ukrainian soldiers in Germany on advanced howitzers whose delivery Berlin had already announced will soon be completed.

She said the multiple launch rocket systems can be delivered in late July or early August following training on that equipment.

Lambrecht has said that Germany expects the systems to have a swift and significant battlefield impact.

(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 Russian military said it used long-range missiles Wednesday to destroy a depot in the western Lviv region of Ukraine where ammunition for NATO-supplied weapons was stored, and the governor of a key eastern city acknowledged that Russian forces are advancing in heavy fighting.

The battle for Sievierodonetsk in Ukraine's eastern Donbas area has become the focus of Russia's offensive in recent weeks.

Russia-backed separatists accused Ukrainian forces of sabotaging an evacuation of civilians from the city's besieged Azot chemical plant, where about 500 civilians and an unknown number of Ukrainian fighters are believed to be sheltering from missile attacks. It wasn't possible to verify that claim.

Russian officials had announced a humanitarian corridor from the Azot plant a day earlier, but said they would take civilians to areas controlled by Russian, not Ukrainian, forces.

The Ukrainian governor of Luhansk, Serhiy Haidai, told The Associated Press that heavy fighting in Sievierodonetsk continues today as well. The Luhansk and Donetsk regions make up the Donbas.

The situation in the city is getting worse, Haidai said, because Russian forces have more manpower and weapons. But our military is holding back the enemy from three sides at once, he added.

In the Lviv region near the border with NATO member Poland, Russian forces used high-precision Kalibr missiles to destroy the depot near the town of Zolochiv, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said. Konashenkov said shells for M777 howitzers, a type supplied by the United States, were stored there. He said four howitzers were destroyed elsewhere and that Russian airstrikes also destroyed Ukrainian aviation equipment at a military aerodrome in the southern Mykolaiv region.

Ukrainian officials did not immediately comment on the Zolochiv strike.

While focusing most of their attacks on eastern Ukraine, where they are trying to capture large swaths of territory, Russian forces have also been hitting more specific targets elsewhere, using high-precision missiles to disrupt the supply of weapons and destroy military infrastructure. Civilian infrastructure has been bombarded as well, even though Russian officials have claimed they're only targeting military facilities.

NATO members are pledging to send more and longer-range weapons to Ukraine.

President Joe Biden said Wednesday the US will send an additional USD 1 billion in military aid, the largest single tranche of weapons and equipment since the war began. The aid will include anti-ship missile launchers, howitzers and more rounds for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems all key weapons systems that Ukrainian leaders have urgently requested.

is providing Ukraine with three multiple launch rocket systems of the kind that Kyiv has said it urgently needs to defend itself against Russia's invasion. Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said Wednesday that will transfer three M270 medium-range artillery rocket systems along with ammunition.

said the transfer, which echoes similar moves by Britain and the United States, will be accompanied by training and will have a swift and significant battlefield impact.

In recent days, Ukrainian officials have spoken of the heavy human cost of the war, with Kyiv's forces outgunned and outnumbered in the east.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Biden for the new aid package.

The security support of the is unprecedented, he said, reporting on a phone call the two leaders held earlier Wednesday.

It brings us closer to a common victory over the Russian aggressor.

Zelenskyy said he has accepted invitations to speak at the NATO and Group of Seven summits at the end of the month.

During the 112 days of this war, the Ukrainian army has proved that courage and wisdom on the battlefield, together with the ability to tactically outmaneuver the enemy, can have a significant result, even despite the Russian army's significant advantage n number of soldiers and equipment," he said in his nightly video address.

"Of course we are doing everything we can to overcome this advantage. Every day I fight for Ukraine to receive the weapons and equipment we need.

Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chair of Russia's Security Council, ominously suggested that Russia is intent on not just claiming territory but eliminating Ukraine as a nation. In a Telegram post, he wrote that he saw Ukraine wants to receive liquefied natural gas from its overseas masters with payment due in two years.

He added: "But there's a question. Who said that in two years, Ukraine will even exist on the map?



Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelenskyy, responded on Twitter: Ukraine has been and will be. Where will Medvedev be in two years? That's the question.

(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.)
may not be able to regain its role in helping maintain global unless damage done to the country's agriculture sector during Russia's invasion is repaired, Ukrainian experts said on Wednesday.

An analysis by the Kyiv School of Economics Institute's Center for Food Research and Land Use in cooperation with the agriculture ministry said 2.4 million hectares of winter crops worth $1.435 billion would not be harvested because of the war.

The agriculture sector has so far suffered losses of $4.292 billion because of the invasion and the war has killed about 42,000 sheep and goats, 92,000 cows, 258,000 pigs and more than 5.7 million heads of poultry, it said.

"Russia's aggression affects not only the ability to freely export our agricultural products and feed about 400 million people a year around the globe," said Roman Neyter, an expert at the Center for Food and Land Use Research.

"Damage to land, infrastructure, and agricultural machinery directly affects the production of agricultural products in . Without the restoration of lost assets, will not be able to return to its place in global .

Damage assessment is the first element in assessing the need for restoration."

Ukraine is usually a major global grain and oilseed grower, but its exports have fallen sharply since Russia's invasion on Feb. 24. Because of a Russian blockade of Ukraine's Black Sea ports, Kyiv is trying to export by road, river and rail.

The fall in production and in exports has stoked fears of a global food crisis and the war, together with Western sanctions against Russia, has sent the price of grain, cooking oil, fertiliser and energy soaring.

Agriculture Minister Mykola Solskyi said this week the invasion could create a global wheat shortage for at least three seasons by keeping much of the Ukrainian crop from markets, pushing prices to record levels.

(Reporting by Pavel Polityuk and Natalia Zinets, Editing by Timothy Heritage)

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Four leaders say they support fast-tracking Ukraine becoming an official candidate to join the bloc.

That came as the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania visited Kyiv on Thursday.

French President Emmanuel Macron told a news conference that the leaders "are doing everything so that Ukraine alone can decide its fate.

Macron also promised six more powerful truck-mounted artillery guns.

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Over a decade ago, scoffed at the idea that Chinas BYD Co. was a legitimate competitor. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.



Now, Warren Buffett-backed BYD is set to wash out its closest rival in China, Inc. Last week, a BYD executive said that his company was preparing to supply batteries to very soon. The potential deal will catapult BYD to become one of the worlds most prominent and largest EV and battery manufacturers.

Its a smart move. BYD has upped its game over the past two years with a range of EVs and higher-technology lithium iron phosphate batteries, allowing it to grab global market share. The company plans to sell 1.5 million units this year, pushing it to almost a third of the China EV market by the end of 2022. In April, BYD ranked among the top electric vehicle makers by sales and became the third largest carmaker by market value in the world. The same month, it sold over 46,000 EVs  compared to Teslas 1,728  and announced it had stopped making fuel combusting vehicles, a first by any manufacturer. In May, even with Shanghai locked down, its EV sales rose 250% from a year earlier.

BYDs arrangement with hasnt been outlined clearly yet, but the Chinese company is likely to supply Teslas with its Blade battery  an innovative take on the decades-old lithium-iron-phosphate formulation. It has focused on this chemistry, instead of the nickel-cobalt-manganese variety used by several peers, because it is more efficient in terms of space, energy density and range. Its safer, too, with a newly introduced cell-to-body structure. Meanwhile, the EV and battery maker has largely been able to circumvent supply chain issues because of its tight relationship with suppliers, and has consistently rolled out a line of cars. As part of its vertically integrated business model, BYD has been actively looking to secure resources like lithium.

BYD is doing what Tesla wants to do: make batteries and secure resources up and down the supply chain. It's also already achieved its rivals goal of becoming one of the biggest EV makers in the world. Musks firm has had a tough time getting its in-house 4680 battery off the ground and is still scouting out locations across the world. While thats prescient, BYD is further ahead. Sure, its cars may not be as snazzy as Teslas yet, but they are selling. Now their batteries are in Teslas, too.

For Tesla, its about ensuring its cars are powered and that it avoids getting caught up in Chinas supply chain snarls, especially after enduring a tough lockdown in Shanghai. Diversifying its supplier base makes sense, even though one of its existing partners is the worlds largest battery maker, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., or CATL.

Between its carmaking capacity and its batteries, BYD is set to corner the worlds largest auto market. For now, the only thing standing in its way is CATL, which has charged ahead in NCM and LFP technology. BYD could fall behind if CATL and South Korean manufacturers manage to boost adoption of the higher energy density batteries. The Chinese company continues to expand its customer base, supplying the likes of BMW AG with cylindrical battery cells  the same as the ones used by Tesla  veering away from the square-type cells it has typically focused on.

Even with CATL closing in, BYD benefits from a farsighted and well-executed strategy. Thats what will keep it ahead of Tesla.
For the first time in a decade, the members of the (WTO), a 164-nation body, have finalised a historic deal at the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12), an Indian negotiator said.

However, an official statement was awaited till the time of going to press. The four-day MC12 was extended by a day as trade ministers negotiated through the night at headquarters, next to Lake Geneva, and negotiations continued till Thursday morning.

India has agreed to the proposal of no export restrictions on the World Food Programme. But internal food security concerns will take precedence. There is no work programme on agriculture, which could be considered as a good outcome for India as our agri subsidy will not face any further scrutiny, the official said.

On TRIPS (trade-related intellectual property rights) waiver, an agreement could be reached only on vaccines. The official said negotiations for diagnostics and therapeutics would start in six months as demanded by developed countries.

This means Indias demand to include diagnostics and therapeutics in the agreement didnt find favour with developed countries. In October 2020, India, South Africa, and 63 co-sponsors had made the TRIPS waiver proposal to help middle- and low-income nations get access to Covid-19 vaccines and drugs.

However, the discussions reached a deadlock in the TRIPS Council, the body responsible for monitoring the operation of the agreement. The draft agreement fell short of the original proposal and includes only vaccines.





ALSO READ: WTO provisionally agrees to extend e-commerce tariff moratorium: Report

India had called for a TRIPS waiver for vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics to fight Covid-19 and future pandemics. India had held it was too late in the day if only vaccines were included because the pandemic had run its initial course. On a moratorium on Customs duty on e-commerce transactions, countries agreed to extend it by another two years.

India was officially opposed to extending the moratorium, citing loss of revenue to developing countries. On fisheries subsidies also, an agreement is likely with carve-outs for India and other developing countries.

But over-fishing by China will face discipline, the official said.

Another official said India was at the centre of negotiations at the MC12.

India put forth aggressive draft texts in all pillars of WTO negotiations rather than being reactive, as in the past. India brought the members together to a unanimous agreement on fisheries, health, the future of WTO reforms, digital technology, food, and environment. The voice of the poor and the vulnerable got strengthened globally by Indias principled stand at the WTO, he added.

An agreement at Geneva makes it the first trade deal since the 2013 Bali Ministerial, where members signed the WTOs first trade deal on a peace clause on public stockholding for food security purposes and a trade facilitation agreement. The consensus-driven, rule-making process at the multilateral trade organisation means even one member could thwart a deal at the last moment.
Shares of aviation companies were under pressure as InterGlobe Aviation, which operates airlines, and slipped up to 6 per cent on the BSE in Thursdays intra-day trade amid concerns of weak earnings due to rising fuel prices and falling rupee against dollar.

hit a two-year low of Rs 41.60, down 6 per cent on the BSE in Thursdays trade on the back of heavy volumes. The stock of the aviation company was trading lower for the fourth straight day, down 12 per cent during the period. It was quoting at its lowest level since June 2020.

At 11:13 am; was trading 4 per cent lower at Rs 42.10, as compared to a 0.17 per cent rise in the S&P BSE Sensex. The trading volumes on the counter nearly doubled with a combined 2.9 million equity shares having changed hands on the NSE and BSE.

was down 4 per cent at Rs 1,662 on the BSE. The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 1,556.25 on March 8, 2022.

Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices have been hiked to Rs 141,232.87 per kilolitre in Delhi, an all-time high. ATF prices typically account for 40 per cent of an airlines cost. But since the beginning of this year, jet fuel prices have increased every fortnight.

In the nine hikes since January 1, ATF prices have increased by Rs 49,017.8 per kl (Rs 49 per litre) or nearly 55 per cent.

SpiceJet boss Ajay Singh on Thursday pitched for an increase in airfares as jet fuel prices have been hiked by almost 16 per cent.

The sharp increase in jet fuel prices and the depreciation of the rupee have left domestic airlines with little choice but to raise fares immediately, and we believe that a minimum 10-15 per cent increase in fares is required to ensure that cost of operations are better sustained, Business Standard reported quoting Ajay Singh. CLICK HERE FOR MORE



Meanwhile, SpiceJet is yet to announce its January-March quarter (Q4FY22) results. The company has postponed its quarterly results and board meeting scheduled on May 30, due to ransomware attack on the companys IT systems which has affected the completion of the audit process within the stipulated time. The company had said it is taking the corrective measures with assistance of cyber experts and authorities on the issue.

Besides, analysts at Elara Capital remain positive on IndiGo, given the companys strong balance sheet, market leadership with a 55 per cent domestic share that would help it to capture most domestic demand growth, strong GDP support and ramp-up of high margin international travel, which is expected to be around 40 per cent of IndiGos capacity after five years vs 25 per cent during FY20.
Shares of hit a one-year low of Rs 1,012.50, down 1 per cent on the BSE in Thursdays intra-day trade. The stock price has almost halved from its 52-week high level of Rs 1,838 after the company reported weak margins during Q4FY22.

The stock of the information technology (IT) company traded at its lowest level since June 2021. It has corrected 45 per cent from its 52-week high, touched on December 30, 2021.

Brokerage firms have slashed both target PE multiples as well as FY24 earnings estimate for the IT sector amid margin concerns.

IT companies saw some moderation in revenues in January-March quarter (Q4) in constant currency (CC) terms after witnessing strong growth in Q3. Tier I companies reported average constant currency growth of 19.9 per cent on YoY basis. However, global growth is expected to moderate from 6.1 per cent in 2021 to 3.6 per cent in 2022, driven by withdrawal of monetary accommodation in major economies, continued supply side shortages and economic damage from the war in Ukraine.

In Q4, Tech Mahindra's earnings before interest tax margin (EBITM) declined by 160bps QoQ to 13.2 per cent due to lower utilization (due to recruitment for growth and higher fresher intake), supply-side issues (skill-based salary hikes and retention costs), higher D&A charges (additional hardware/software spends and higher amortization charges on account of acquisitions) and the absence of one-off benefits in SG&A expenses of last quarter.

"Wage hikes (to be done in tranches with a significant tranche in July), visa costs (25-30bps impact in Q1FY23) and expected normalization of travel costs and SG&A expenses are the potential headwinds for FY23, which management expects to be partly offset by revenue growth-led operating leverage, employee pyramid rationalization, subcontracting costs, optimization, increase in utilization (85-88% targeted range), higher pricing, and offshore shift," analysts at Emkay Global Financial Services said in a result update.

indicated that they would pause acquisitions in FY23 and focus on integration of assets acquired. The company indicated that amortization costs would largely be similar in FY23 and would taper down from FY24 onwards.

"The company also indicated that they are not seeing any issues as far as current macro headwinds are concerned. said it may give an opportunity for the clients to re-align their cost structure but they do not see any knee-jerk reaction in client spending," analyst at ICICI Securities said in their result update.

Tech View

Outlook: Negative

Downside target: Rs 928

Shares of Tech Mahindra seem to be in bears' grip as all technical indicators point towards more pain. With today's low of Rs 1,008, the stock of the IT company has breached the lower end of the Bollinger Bands on the daily charts, placed at Rs 1,011. A decisive close below this level may drag the stock towards Rs 928, as per the monthly Fibonnaci charts.
Bank of Baroda announced that Fitch Ratings has revised the Outlook to Stable from Negative on the Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDR) of Bank of Baroda, while affirming IDR as BBB-.

Fitch has also affirmed the Government Support Rating (GSR) as bbb- for Bank of Baroda.

The Long Term Issuer Default Rating (LT IDR) of BOB is BBB- (Stable).

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Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd is quoting at Rs 312.1, down 0.61% on the day as on 13:19 IST on the NSE. The stock tumbled 34.56% in last one year as compared to a 1.45% slide in NIFTY and a 18.8% spurt in the Nifty Auto index.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd is down for a fifth straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 312.1, down 0.61% on the day as on 13:19 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is down around 1.45% on the day, quoting at 15464.55. The Sensex is at 51778.25, down 1.45%.Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd has eased around 8.86% in last one month.Meanwhile, Nifty Auto index of which Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd is a constituent, has eased around 7.66% in last one month and is currently quoting at 24877, down 1.8% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 23.65 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 51.62 lakh shares in last one month.

The benchmark June futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 311.9, down 0.81% on the day. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd tumbled 34.56% in last one year as compared to a 1.45% slide in NIFTY and a 18.8% spurt in the Nifty Auto index.

The PE of the stock is 7.72 based on TTM earnings ending March 22.

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IRB Infrastructure Developers announced that Meerut Budaun Expressway, wholly-owned subsidiary of the company (SPV), has achieved financial closure for the Project of development of Access Controlled Six Lane (Expandable to Eight Lane) Greenfield 'Ganga Expressway' [Group-I, from Km. 7+900 (Village: Bijoli, Distt: Meerut) to Km. 137+600, (Village: Nagla Barah, Distt: Budaun), Design length 129.700 Km] in the State of Uttar Pradesh on DBFOT (Toll) basis under PPP.

Project Cost - Rs 6538 crore Viability gap funding - Rs 1746 crore Means of finance - Total Senior Debt of Rs. 2,659 crore has been tied up with the Senior Lender, and with necessary approvals, Equity contribution of Rs. 2,133 crore will be made by the Company and/ or its associate, i.e., IRB Infrastructure Trust.

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Punjab & Sind Bank is quoting at Rs 13.85, down 2.12% on the day as on 13:19 IST on the NSE. The stock tumbled 16.42% in last one year as compared to a 1.45% slide in NIFTY and a 0.59% fall in the Nifty Pharma index.

Punjab & Sind Bank is down for a fifth straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 13.85, down 2.12% on the day as on 13:19 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is down around 1.45% on the day, quoting at 15464.55. The Sensex is at 51778.25, down 1.45%.Punjab & Sind Bank has lost around 8.28% in last one month.Meanwhile, Nifty Pharma index of which Punjab & Sind Bank is a constituent, has eased around 4.61% in last one month and is currently quoting at 2453.35, down 1.85% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 94956 shares today, compared to the daily average of 3.41 lakh shares in last one month.

The PE of the stock is 9.28 based on TTM earnings ending March 22.

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Reliance Industries Ltd is quoting at Rs 2571.15, down 0.97% on the day as on 13:19 IST on the NSE. The stock jumped 16.04% in last one year as compared to a 1.45% slide in NIFTY and a 18.8% spurt in the Nifty Auto index.

Reliance Industries Ltd is down for a fifth straight session today. The stock is quoting at Rs 2571.15, down 0.97% on the day as on 13:19 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is down around 1.45% on the day, quoting at 15464.55. The Sensex is at 51778.25, down 1.45%.Reliance Industries Ltd has added around 1.66% in last one month.Meanwhile, Nifty Auto index of which Reliance Industries Ltd is a constituent, has eased around 7.66% in last one month and is currently quoting at 24877, down 1.8% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 52.15 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 84.2 lakh shares in last one month.

The benchmark June futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 2561.9, down 1.46% on the day. Reliance Industries Ltd jumped 16.04% in last one year as compared to a 1.45% slide in NIFTY and a 18.8% spurt in the Nifty Auto index.

The PE of the stock is 44.94 based on TTM earnings ending March 22.

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The pharma company said its biologics arm, Stelis Biopharma, received the EU-GMP compliance certificate for two of its manufacturing facilities.

Stelis received the European Union Goods Manufacturing Practices (EU-GMP) compliance certificate from the National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Hungary for both for the flagship facility and small-scale commercial & clinical batch manufacturing facility.

Stelis' flagship facility (Unit 2, Bengaluru, India) offers integrated microbial and mammalian platforms for biologics development and commercial manufacturing, along with the capability to convert drug substance to stable formulations and fill and finish in all injectable formats.

Stelis' small-scale cGMP manufacturing facility (Unit 1, Bengaluru, India) is suited for early-stage clinical trial material generation and commercial manufacturing, including initial technology transfer activities across multiple modalities.

Arun Kumar, founder, said: "The approval from EU-GMP is a significant first step in our journey to build a global biologics CDMO platform that offers end-to-end solutions across the modalities. Our facilities are designed to meet global regulatory standards, and as the other global inspections also come through, we would have all the necessary approvals to cater to global players. The last few quarters for our CDMO business have been eventful as we concluded various major contracts. These contracts have added new service revenues to our business and resulted in a commercial sales value of over $85 million in the peak year. The Global Biologics CDMO space remains exciting, and we are confident of delivering better financial outcomes for Stelis as we progress."

Stelis is an emerging global biopharmaceutical CDMO with a complete and integrated end-to-end offering. It is equipped with world-class Process Development (PD) and manufacturing infrastructure for both drug substances (mammalian and microbial-based therapeutic proteins and other emerging modalities) and drug products (lyophilized vials, liquid vials, pre-filled syringes, cartridges, and devices).

Bengaluru-based Strides Pharma Science is a global pharmaceutical company. It mainly operates in the regulated markets and has an "in Africa for Africa" strategy and an institutional business to service donor-funded markets. The company focuses on "difficult to manufacture" products sold in over 100 countries.

The drug maker reported a 36.6% decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 29.22 crore on a 4.7% fall in net revenue from operations to Rs 866.02 crore in Q4 FY22 over Q4 FY21.

Shares of Strides Pharma Science jumped 5.53% to Rs 326.10 on Wednesday.

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Shares of the IT major slipped 3.73% to Rs 423.80, extending its losing run to fifth consecutive trading session.

Shares of Wipro slumped 10.8% in five trading sessions from its previous closing high of Rs 475.10 on 9 June 2022. The stock hit its 52-week low of Rs 422.55 today. The counter has corrected 42.71% from its 52-week high of Rs 739.80 hit on 14 October 2021.

On the BSE, 3.64 lakh shares were traded in the counter so far compared with average daily volumes of 5.78 lakh shares in the past two weeks.

In last one month, the stock has fallen 9.48%, underperforming the Nifty 50 index which shed 2.54% in the same period.

In daily chart, the stock is trading below its 50, 100 and 200 days simple moving average (SMA) placed at 496.11, 537.56 and 600.27 respectively. These levels will act as crucial resistance zones in near term.

On the technical front, the stock's daily RSI (relative strength index) stood at 28.043. The RSI oscillates between zero and 100. Traditionally the RSI is considered overbought when above 70 and oversold when below 30.

Wipro first established itself in Norway and the Nordics in 2006. Since then, Wipro has supported some of the region's largest companies by transforming their business through technology.

Wipro is a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company. The IT major reported 4% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 3,087.3 crore on a 3% increase in revenue to Rs 20,860 crore in Q4 FY22 over Q3 FY22.

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After massive protest over the Agnipath scheme, Chirag Paswan, the president of (Ram Vilas) wrote to Defence Minister and demanded immediate withdrawal of the same.

Paswan pointed out that such a move of the Centre will increase unemployment in the country.

"The Agnipath scheme will make the future of the youths bleak. The job aspirants are preparing for the examination as per the older format. After the introduction of new scheme, the youths are agitated. Hence, violent protests are taking place in several states including Bihar," Paswan said in the letter.

"The Agnipath scheme will increase unemployment in the country. It will spread dissatisfaction among youths, which will be a big concern. I request the Defence Minister to rethink the decision and withdraw it," Paswan said.

Bijendra Prasad Yadav, a cabinet Minister in the Nitish Kumar government, also put a question mark over the new scheme.

"The students are protesting against the Agnipath scheme. In this case, the Centre should talk to youths and their unions. The government should take suggestions from common people," Yadav said.

Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) chief Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav said the Agnipath scheme could prove suicidal for the defence forces.

"Such a move can break the morale of the defence personnel. The Indian Army is our pride and over it would not be tolerated," Pappu Yadav said.

"The BJP government came with one rank one pension promise in 2014 Lok Sabha election and now it is implementing no rank no pension in the country," Pappu Yadav said.

--IANS

ajk/skp/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The on Thursday appointed as the AICC general secretary in-charge of communication, publicity and media, replacing .

A party statement said Surjewala has been relieved of his current responsibility as the general secretary in-charge of communication and will continue as the general secretary in-charge of Karnataka.

Ramesh, a former Union minister and Rajya Sabha MP, has been appointed by party chief as the general secretary in-charge of communication, publicity and media, including social and digital media, with immediate effect, according to the release issued by general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal.

The party had resolved to revamp its communication and media department at its three-day brainstorming session in Udaipur last month.

In the changing environment, the jurisdiction, scope and structure of the media and communication department of the should be expanded and made more effective with the help of subject-matter experts, and by connecting media, social media, data, research, etc. to the communication department, the party had said in its Udaipur Nav Sankalp Declaration.

All the media, social media, research departments of the states should be placed directly under the communication department of the All India Committee (AICC) so that the message of the party can be spread in every nook and corner of the country every day, the party had said.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Amid protests against the Centre's Agnipath scheme, Congress leader on Thursday urged Prime Minister to listen to the voice of unemployed youths and don't take 'agnipareeksha (trial by fire)' of their patience by making them walk on 'Agnipath'.

Protests against the Centre's 'Agnipath' scheme for hiring jawans on a short-term contractual basis were reported from various parts of the country on Thursday.

"No rank, no pension, no direct recruitment for 2 years, no stable future after four years, no respect shown by the government for the army," Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi, attacking the Centre over the scheme.

"Listen to the voice of unemployed youths of the country, don't take 'agnipareeksha' of their patience by making them walk on 'Agnipath', Mr. prime minister," the former Congress chief said.

Attacking the government over the 'Agnipath' scheme, Gandhi had warned on Wednesday that it will reduce the operational effectiveness of the armed forces whose dignity and valour must not be compromised.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had also hit out at the government and asked why it was making recruitment in the army its "laboratory".

The government unveiled "Agnipath" on Tuesday -- calling it a "transformative" scheme-- for the recruitment of soldiers in the Army, Navy and the Air Force, largely on a four-year short-term contractual basis, in a major overhaul of the decades-old selection process to bring in fitter and younger troops to deal with future security challenges facing the nation.

Under the scheme, around 46,000 soldiers will be recruited this year between the ages of 17-and-a-half years and 21 years into the three services, the defence ministry said.

The recruitment will be based on an "all India, all-class" basis that is set to change the composition of several regiments that recruit youths from specific regions as well as castes such as Rajputs, Jats and Sikhs.

After the completion of the four-year tenure of the recruits, the scheme provides for retaining 25 per cent of each specific batch for regular service, based on organisational requirements and policies promulgated by the armed forces from time to time.

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has set a record for itself by producing 137.28 lakh tonnes of sugar in 2021-22, which is nearly 31 lakh tonnes more than the previous year, a senior official said on Thursday.

The state also broke another record of crushing 1,320.31 lakh tonnes of sugarcane this year, he said.

"The state has produced 137.28 lakh tonnes of sugar this year, which is 30.88 lakh tonnes more than the previous year. With this, the crushing season in the state has now ended," state Sugar Commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad told PTI.

The sugar produced in this year is so much that it stands next to Brazil in terms of the production, he said.

"The crushing season of lasted longer this year after an all-time high production of sugarcane. The sugarcane crushing season which used to be around 90-120 days, went up to 240 days in some parts of the state this year. The average crushing season went up to 173 days, which was 140 the previous year," he said.

This year, around 200 sugar mills were involved in crushing sugarcane across the state. With the crushing capacity of 8 lakh tonnes a day, these mills crushed 1,320.31 lakh tonnes of sugarcane this year. Last year, this figure stood at 1,013.64 lakh tonnes. So this year, the mills crushed nearly 306.67 lakh tonnes more sugarcane than the previous year, Gaikwad said.

The total of the state last year (2020-21) was 106.40 lakh tonnes. This year nine additional sugar mills (total 199) were involved in the process vis-a-vis 190 the previous year, the top official said.

The region-wise of the state (in lakh tonnes) this year is as follows: Kolhapur 30.04, Pune 29.12, Solapur 28.43, Ahmednagar 20.07, Aurangabad 12.92, Nanded 15.32, Amravati 0.96, Nagpur 0.38.

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The government has held discussions with a number of countries, including and Germany, for future exports of from India, Union power minister said on Wednesday.

Singh, who is also the minister for new and renewable energy, informed that India is aiming to produce 20 million tonne (MT) of green by 2030.

"We are the largest and fastest growing renewable energy capacity in the world and that is what is necessary for green ...We have already discussed with a number countries who are going to import hydrogen like Japan, etc. Our objective is that by 2030, we should be producing 20 MT green hydrogen," he told reporters on the sidelines of an event here.

The minister exuded confidence that India will emerge as a leader in green hydrogen.

With Germany, India has signed a joint declaration of intent on Indo- German hydrogen task force.

The agreement was signed between power minister Singh and Germany's minister for economic affairs and climate change in May 2022.

Under the agreement, both countries will establish an Indo-German green hydrogen task force to strengthen mutual cooperation in production, utilisation, storage and distribution of green hydrogen through building enabling frameworks for projects, regulations and standards, trade and joint research and development projects.

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Putting yet another status quo to rest, the government announced a big structural reform in the armed forces this week. The consequences of this shake-up will take a few years to manifest, but the radical move has taken even defence experts off the guard.

On Tuesday afternoon, fresh from a meeting of -- which was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- a beaming Rajnath Singh dwelled into the details of the project before media persons. He was flanked by chief of three Services  who head the worlds second largest standing defence force.

Under the scheme, named Agnipath, Defence Minister Singh said that patriotic and motivated youth will be given the chance to serve the three forces for a brief period of four years. Starting this year, about 45,000 youths between the age of 17.5 and 21 years will be recruited. They will almost hit the ground running after a basic training of six months.

After completion of their four years of service, 25% of the Agniveers will be selected for regular cadre, where they will serve for another 15 years before retiring with pension and other benefits.

The remaining 75% Agniveers will be demobilised with an exit package of about 12 lakh and a certificate. About half of the exit package money will come from their own contributions as a portion from their salary which will be between Rs 30,000 to 40,000. Those who join the services after Class 10 will get the certificate of 12th standard after the job completion. But they will not be entitled to any pension or other post-retirement perks which regular soldiers avail. Currently there are about 1.4 million personnel on active duty.

In their first year, Agniveers will be paid a customised package of Rs 30,000 per month, rising incrementally each year to Rs 40,000 in the fourth year. In addition, they will be paid risk and hardship allowances on a par with the three services. Throughout their service, 30 percent of their salary  a sum of Rs 9,000 per month in the first year, rising incrementally to Rs 12,000 per month in the fourth year  will go into Agniveer corpus fund.

So why did the government take this step?

In this years Union Budget, India allocated 5.25 trillion for military spending. And in this 1.19 trillion went towards paying the pensions of ex-servicemen. According to experts, over 70% of the defence expenditure goes into salary and pension. As of 2020, India has about 32 lakh defence pensioners and every year this number goes up by 55,000. It leaves little room for the army to spend on capital expenditure, including buying of big-ticket weapons, modern military systems, fighter jets etc.

In 2015, the government gave the nod to implement one-rank-one-pension scheme. It ensured equal pension to military personnel retiring from the same rank with the same years of service, irrespective of the date of their retirement. The then defence minister Manohar Parrikar had said that it added a huge fiscal burden on the state. So through the Agneepath scheme, the government obviously wants to cut the pension budget in the long run.

Another benefit of the scheme, cited by the government, was that it will bring down the average age of the army. India has the worlds largest youth population. About 40% are between 13 to 35 years. Rajnath Singh said that with the scheme, the average age of soldiers will gradually come down to 24-26 years from the existing 36.

But the scheme drove a wedge between defence experts. Some are favouring it, while others saying that it may hit the combat effectiveness of the armed forces.

Meanwhile, according to some reports, there was a sense of gloom among army aspirants across the north Indian towns. Most of them asked what they would do after four years of service. In rural belts of UP, Haryana, Punjab, Bihar etc. an army job is tied to honour. Job security and pension after retirement offered youth some solace even as job avenues in other sectors are coming down.

Several ex-army men were also critical. They said that bonding was the core of any combat. And it is built over the years. The Agniveer cadets may be treated as guest, or worst tourists. They also said that comparison with other countries was not right. Some nations have short tours of duty because there is a shortage of recruits there. While in others, there is voluntary enlistment.

So only time will tell if the government scheme is able to turn the into a more professional and better equipped force.
In what appears to be a setback for telcos, the Notice Inviting Application, or NIA, issued on Wednesday showed that the Cabinet has left the reserve price of 5G airwaves unchanged. In May, the Digital Communications Commission had approved the auction of 5G airwaves. Mobile service providers had asked for a 90 per cent cut in the base price. However, accepting the suggestion of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, it only recommended a 36 per cent reduction.

The department of telecom has notified that the auction of 5G airwaves will begin on 26th July. The government said that the payments for spectrum can be made in 20 equal annual installments, which will be paid in advance at the beginning of each year. The government said that it is expected to significantly ease cash flow requirements and lower the cost of doing business in the sector. The bidders will also be given the option to surrender the spectrum after 10 years with no future liabilities with respect to balance installments.

Singhal explained that at present, the SUC paid by operators varied between 3-5 per cent of the Adjusted Gross Revenue depending on the year of acquisition. Thus, according to him, the zero per cent SUC would be a welcome relief to operators and enable a faster 5G rollout.

However, there was one piece of good for . Prashant Singhal, the EY Global TMT Emerging Markets Leader, said that one of the key highlights of the 2022 spectrum auction NIA was abolishing the spectrum usage charges, or SUC, for this auction.

Another setback for the was the government move to allow private network. Leading up to the Cabinet nod, had opposed any move to set aside spectrum for captive private networks at an administered price. On the other side of the fence were the likes of the Tatas, ITC and the Broadband India Forum, which had argued that assigning spectrum directly to enterprises was the only way to enable .

The Cellular Operators Association of India, or COAI for short, had recently sent a letter to Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The letter said that there would be "no business case for rollout of 5G networks by telcos if captive private 5G networks were to be permitted. COAI is the apex body of telecom operators with Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea as its key members.

The COAI letter also said that in regions where 5G had been rolled out, there had hardly been any gains in revenue from the retail segment. Instead, revenue and efficiency enhancement could only happen in the enterprise segment. Telcos have argued that based on global trends, 40 per cent of the revenues from 5G come from the enterprise segment.

On Wednesday, the Broadband India Forum hailed the Cabinet's decision to enable private 5G networks as a step that would give a boost to Digital India. It noted that all the four methods of allocating spectrum for private 5G networks as recommended by TRAI, including the option of enterprises obtaining spectrum directly from the DoT, have been permitted.

Thus, the Forum said that enterprises would be able to develop private 5G networks for specialised captive use and march towards . It added that private networks would further provide an additional source of revenue for the government through the license fees and administrative costs paid for the spectrum allocated to them. On the balance of things, it appears that telcos lost out on some key demands. However, they were also provided some measure of relief. This leaves us with one key question. Will the telcos reassess their previous stand that captive private networks would do away with their business-case for 5G?
Chinese entrepreneurs, professionals and their families are flocking to Singapore in droves. Photo: VCG

When Chen Xi and her family searched for their first home in Singapore after relocating from Beijing, they realized their budget for the right kind of property would need to be a lot higher.

The impact of the pandemic meant new housing developments in Singapore were on hold, and with the reopening of the border, foreigners were arriving en masse to work and study, which meant demand far exceeded supply in the island state.
Photo: Brendan Kergin Police were called to Killarney Secondary in South Vancouver after a bear spray incident.

Police say a bear spray incident at a Vancouver high school was targeted.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) was called Wednesday, June 15 by staff at Killarney Secondary at East 49 Avenue and Killarney Street after there were reports of a noxious gas in the school.

"Investigators believe two teenaged suspects, who do not attend Killarney, entered the school just after 9 a.m. and attempted to assault a male student," the VPD says in a press release. "The suspects deployed bear spray then fled in a vehicle."

The school had to evacuate 2,000 students and those who were sprayed had to be decontaminated by firefighters and paramedics.

"A number of students were taken to hospital as a precaution," note police.

Police are investigating the incident and have identified suspects.
Photo: The Canadian Press FILE - Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr stops to talk with a resident, on Aug. 12, 2015, in Grand Rapids, Mich. Schurr, charged with second-degree murder in the death of Patrick Lyoya, a Black man who was shot in the back of the head in April, has been fired, officials said Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (Emily Rose Bennett/The Grand Rapids Press via AP, File)

A Michigan police officer charged with murder after shooting Patrick Lyoya in the back of the head has been fired, officials said Wednesday.

Christopher Schurr, a Grand Rapids officer for seven years, waived his right to a hearing and was dismissed, effective last Friday, said City Manager Mark Washington.

Schurr's dismissal was recommended by police Chief Eric Winstrom after a second-degree murder charge was filed Thursday.

Washington declined further comment, noting the criminal case and a likely lawsuit over Lyoya's death.

Schurr's attorney, Matt Borgula, said he wasn't representing the officer in the labor matter and had no comment.

Lyoya, a Black man, was killed at the end of a traffic stop on April 4. He ran and physically resisted Schurr after failing to produce a driver's license.

Schurr, who is white, claimed Lyoya had control of his Taser when he shot him. Defense lawyers said the officer feared for his safety.

The confrontation and shooting were recorded on video. Schurr, 31, had been on leave while state police investigated the shooting and prosecutor Chris Becker decided whether to pursue charges.

Lyoya's parents had long called for Schurr to be fired.

Two words: about time. What took so long? the family's attorney, Ven Johnson, said. They knew this was excessive force and they put him on paid leave while the family buried their son in the middle of the rain.

Schurr's personnel file shows no complaints of excessive force but much praise for traffic stops and foot chases that led to arrests and the seizure of guns and drugs.

He spent a night in jail before being released on $100,000 bond Friday.

Grand Rapids, population about 200,000, is 160 miles (260 kilometers) west of Detroit.
Photo: The Canadian Press A federal police officer escorts a suspect towards a river in the area where Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira and freelance British journalist Dom Phillips disappeared, in Atalaia do Norte, Amazonas state, Brazil, Wednesday, June 15, 2022. Federal police said in a statement Tuesday night that they had arrested a second suspect in connection with the disappearance of Phillips and Pereira in a remote area of the Amazon. (AP Photo/Edmar Barros)

A federal police investigator said Wednesday night a suspect confessed to fatally shooting an Indigenous expert and a journalist in a remote part of the Amazon and took officers to where the bodies were buried.

Police said at a news conference in the Amazon city of Manaus that the prime suspect in the case confessed Tuesday night and detailed what happened to the pair who went missing June 5. They said other arrests would be made soon in the case, but gave no details.

The federal investigator, Eduardo Alexandre Fontes, said Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, 41, nicknamed Pelado, told officers he used a firearm to kill Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira of Brazil and freelance reporter Dom Phillips of Britain.

We would have no way of getting to that spot quickly without the confession, Torres said of the place where police recovered human remains Wednesday after being led there by Pelado.

Torres said the remains are expected to be identified within days, and if confirmed as the missing men, will be returned to the families of the two.

We found the bodies three kilometers (nearly two miles) into the woods, the investigator said, adding that rescue teams traveled about one hour and forty minutes on the river and 25 more into the woods to reach the burial spot.

Pelados family had said previously that he denied any wrongdoing and claimed police tortured him to try to get a confession.

Another officer, Guilherme Torres of the Amazonas state police, said the missing men's boat had not been found yet but police knew the area where it purportedly was hidden by those involved in the crime.

They put bags of dirt on the boat so it would sink, he said. The engine of the boat was removed, according to investigators.

The news conference at Brazil's federal police headquarters in Manaus also included military leaders, who joined the effort to find Phillips and Pereira a few days after their disappearance was reported.

President Jair Bolsonaro, a frequent critic of journalists and Indigenous experts, has drawn criticism that the government didn't get involved fast enough. Earlier on Wednesday, he criticized Phillips in an interview, saying without evidence that locals in the area where he went missing didn't like him and that he should have been more careful in the region.

The efforts to find the two were started by Indigenous peoples in the region. UNIVAJA, an association of Indigenous peoples of the Javari Valley, mourned the loss of two partners in a statement Wednesday, adding they only had help and protection from local police.

As federal police announced they would hold a news conference, colleagues of Pereira called a vigil outside the headquarters of the Brazilian government's Indigenous affairs agency in Brasilia. Pereira was on leave from the agency.

Pereira, 41, and Phillips, 57, were last seen on their boat in a river near the entrance of the Javari Valley Indigenous Territory, which borders Peru and Colombia. That area has seen violent conflicts between fishermen, poachers and government agents.

Developments began moving Wednesday when federal police officers took a suspect they didn't identify at the time out on the river toward search parties looking for Phillips and Pereira.

An Associated Press photographer in Atalaia do Norte, the city closest to the search zone, witnessed police taking the suspect, who was in a hood.

On Tuesday, police said they had arrested a second suspect in connection with the disappearance. He was identified as Oseney da Costa de Oliveira, 41, a fisherman and a brother of Pelado, who police already had characterized as their main suspect.

Police investigators said Wednesday that de Oliveira had not confessed to any participation in the crime, but added they had evidence against him.

Indigenous people who were with Pereira and Phillips have said that Pelado brandished a rifle at them on the day before the pair disappeared.

Official search teams concentrated their efforts around a spot in the Itaquai river where a tarp from the boat used by the missing men was found Saturday by volunteers from the Matis Indigenous group.

Authorities began scouring the area and discovered a backpack, laptop and other personal belongings submerged underwater Sunday. Police said that evening that they had identified the items as the belongings of both missing men, including a health card and clothes of Pereira. The backpack was said to belong to Phillips.

Police previously reported finding traces of blood in Pelado's boat. Officers also found organic matter of apparent human origin in the river that was sent for analysis.

After the news of the recovery of human remains, Phillips' wife, Alessandra Sampaio, said the find puts an end to the anguish of not knowing Dom and Brunos whereabouts.

Now we can bring them home and say goodbye with love," Sampaio said in a statement. Today, we also begin our quest for justice."
Photo: The Canadian Press Supreme Court Chief Justice Richard Wagner.

Canada's chief justice says the legal system must continue to modernize and innovate, warning it cannot return to pre-pandemic ways of doing business.

At a news conference today, the Supreme Court of Canada's Richard Wagner says all players in the justice system are reassessing what they do, how they do it, and how effectively they meet the needs of the people they serve.

Wagner insists access to justice is not just a fundamental right or a service, but above all a basic human need and an essential ingredient of democracy.

He acknowledges meeting the expectation of timely justice is a big task, especially with so many courts facing backlogs and delays.

Wagner says this is why a committee on court operations in response to COVID-19 continues to meet even as the pandemic eases.

The committee recently drafted a document for judges and court administrators with practical suggestions to deal with matters faster and more effectively.
Incoming HKSAR chief executive hails LegCo's passage of gov't reorganization proposal

Xinhua) 09:06, June 16, 2022

HONG KONG, June 15 (Xinhua) -- John Lee, the newly-appointed sixth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), on Wednesday welcomed the passage of the resolution on the proposed reorganization of the government structure for the sixth-term HKSAR government by the HKSAR Legislative Council (LegCo).

"I am grateful to LegCo for its careful scrutiny and passage of relevant legislative and funding proposals for the proposed reorganization of the government structure, so that when the sixth-term government takes office on July 1, it can operate under the new structure with three secretaries of departments and 15 policy bureaux," Lee said.

The addition of deputy secretaries of departments will also help strengthen coordination and implementation of government policies, facilitating effective governance of the HKSAR government, he said.

The passage of the proposal displays a positive interaction between the executive and the legislature, under which the LegCo not only monitors the work of the HKSAR government, but also supports the HKSAR government in enhancing governance efficiency, said Lee.

The HKSAR LegCo passed the resolution on Wednesday. Lawmakers believe the new government structure is in line with the policy priorities of the HKSAR government for the next five years, allowing Hong Kong to seize the economic opportunities under China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for national socio-economic development and address the livelihood issues of public concern in Hong Kong.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
Photo: The Canadian Press

A California doctor who is a leading figure in the anti-vaccine movement was sentenced on Thursday to two months in prison for storming the U.S. Capitol, where she delivered speeches to rioters during the mob's attack.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper in Washington, D.C., also sentenced Dr. Simone Gold to 12 months of supervised release after her 60-day prison term and ordered her to pay a $9,500 fine. She can report to prison at a date to be determined.

Gold, a former emergency room physician, said she deeply regrets entering the Capitol during the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, and didn't intend to get involved in an event that was so destructive to our nation.

It's the opposite of who I am, she told Cooper.

Gold founded Americas Frontline Doctors. a group known for purveying COVID-19 misinformation. The Beverly Hills-based doctor, a Stanford Law School graduate, has over 480,000 followers on Twitter. She has condemned COVID-19 lockdowns and promoted the use of unproven and potentially dangerous drugs as coronavirus treatments.

The judge told Gold that her anti-vaccine activism wasn't a factor in her sentencing. Cooper said Gold wasn't a casual bystander on Jan. 6.

The judge also said Gold's organization has misled supporters into believing her prosecution was politically motivated and trampled on her free speech rights. Cooper called it unseemly that Americas Frontline Doctors has invoked the Capitol riot in raising money, including for her salary.

I think that is a real disservice to the true victims of that day, he said.

Gold pleaded guilty in March to entering and remaining in a restricted building, a misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison.

More than 800 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the riot at the Capitol. Over 300 of them have pleaded guilty, mostly to misdemeanors, and nearly 200 have been sentenced.

After the riot, Gold told The Washington Post that she followed a crowd into the Capitol, didnt witness any violence and didnt think she was breaking any laws.

I can certainly speak to the place that I was, and it most emphatically was not a riot, she said. Where I was, was incredibly peaceful.

But prosecutors say she entered the Capitol immediately after a law enforcement officer was assaulted and dragged to the ground in front of her. Gold also joined a mob that was trying to break into the House chamber and later ignored police commands to leave Statuary Hall so she could finish giving a speech, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors had recommended 90 days of imprisonment, one year of supervised release and 60 hours of community service for Gold.

Gold spent two days in jail after her January 2021 arrest. Her lawyers had requested a sentence of time served and 60 hours of community service. Gold agreed to pay $500 in restitution.

Prosecutors said Gold hasn't shown remorse or accepted responsibility for her actions. They accused her of trying to profit from her crime, saying Americas Frontline Doctors has raised more than $430,000 through its website for her legal expenses.

It beggars belief that Gold could have incurred anywhere near $430,000 in costs for her criminal defense: after all, she pleaded guilty  in the face of indisputable, readily identifiable evidence  without filing a single motion, prosecutors wrote in a court filing.

Defense attorney Dickson Young said Gold has paid her lawyers out of her own pocket. Young said America's Frontline Doctors has kept the donated money for itself.

Gold told the Post that she had traveled to Washington to speak at a Rally for Health Freedom on the East side of the Capitol on the afternoon of Jan. 6.

Gold was charged with John Strand, the communications director for Americas Frontline Doctors. Prosecutors also described him as Golds boyfriend.

Strand has pleaded not guilty to the charges again him and has a trial scheduled to start on July 18. Prosecutors say Strand rejected their offer for a plea agreement.

Strand was filming as Gold gave a speech in Statuary Hall about her opposition to coronavirus vaccine mandates and government-imposed lockdowns. After police escorted her out of Statuary Hall, Gold delivered another speech in the Rotunda using a bullhorn while standing on a statue of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Gold and Strand spent nearly an hour inside the Capitol before leaving.

The Medical Board of Californias database shows Gold remains licensed to practice medicine in the state. However, Gold's lawyers say the board sent her a letter threatening to revoke her medical license for an instance of misinformation."

My reputation has been utterly shredded, Gold said Thursday.

Gold moved from California to Naples, Florida, after her arrest. Defense attorney Kira West said Gold has received threats and travels with a bodyguard.
Photo: The Canadian Press

One of the most compelling personal dynamics of the Donald Trump era will be on display today as the Jan. 6 hearings focus on the man at the centre: Mike Pence.

The committee exploring last year's Capitol Hill riots is delving into Trump's relentless effort to convince his vice-president to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Trump was convinced, at least outwardly, that Pence had the power that day to reject the findings of the Electoral College and prevent certification of President Joe Biden's victory.

Members of the Jan. 6 committee, meanwhile, hope to demonstrate that Trump's scheme was at best an existential threat to American democracy, and at worst, against the law.

They are hearing today from Greg Jacob, counsel to the former vice-president, who sat in on meetings with Trump and constitutional law professor John Eastman two days before the riots.

Eastman is the one who proposed challenging the process for counting electoral votes  a scheme that hinged on Pence rejecting votes from states where Trump falsely claimed the election had been stolen.
Photo: RCMP

Canada's top court has sent the case of two men convicted in the slayings of three family members back to the Alberta Court of Appeal.

Last year, the Alberta court imposed consecutive parole eligibilities for Jason Klaus and Joshua Frank of 50 years in prison before they could apply for release.

Last month, the Supreme Court, calling it unconstitutional and cruel, struck down the federal law that allowed consecutive parole eligibilities.

Today, the high court ordered the Appeal Court to deal with the two men's sentencing in light of the recent ruling.

Klaus and Frank were each convicted of three counts of first-degree murder after the bodies of Klaus's father and sister were discovered in their burnt-out farmhouse near Red Deer, Alta., in 2013.

His mother's body was never found.
Photo: Pixabay

British Columbians planning summer getaways can expect to continue to pay record high gasoline prices this summer, no matter where they go, unless, of course, they drive an electric car.

If you are planning a trip to Alberta or the U.S., you will pay less than in Vancouver for gasoline, but even in the U.S. gasoline prices are at an all-time high, and are likely to stay that way for the rest of this summer.

Gasoline prices are currently in the $2.25 to $2.30 per litre range in Metro Vancouver.

Gas prices in the U.S., meanwhile, have breached the US$5 per gallon mark in recent weeks for the first time ever. At the average current price of US$5.19 per gallon, that translates to $1.76 per litre Canadian.

The reason for the record high gas prices is mainly high oil prices, although strained refining capacity in North America and globally is also a contributing factor.

Oil and refined fuels are highly fungible, so what happens in one part of the world affects oil and gasoline prices elsewhere, even in countries like Canada and the U.S. that have an abundance of oil.

Some marginal refiners, notably in the Mediterranean, shut down permanently during the pandemic, said Raoul LeBlanc, vice president of energy for S&P Global Commodity Insights.

Also, China, which had exported large volumes of refined fuels, has cut back on exports, he said.

Between Russia, China and the shut down of the spare capacity from the pandemic, all of a sudden the world doesnt have enough refining capacity, LeBlanc said.

In Canada, crude oil inputs account for about half of the price of gasoline at the pump -- 40% to 55%, according to Shell Canada, with taxes accounting for 25% to 35%.

Also, gasoline prices almost always go up in the summer, relative to the rest of the year, simply because demand for gasoline increases. The summer of 2020 was an exception. Gasoline prices dropped below $1 per litre in the summer of 2020 in Metro Vancouver, as travel ground to a halt, due to pandemic restrictions.

The North American benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), is currently at $US117 per barrel, and was at US$120 a barrel less than a week ago. The last time WTI was that high was in 2008. Prices then plummeted, during the great recession of 2008-2009.

Another recession may be the only thing that tempers high oil prices, since there continues to be a global mismatch between how much oil is produced globally compared to demand -- a mismatch exacerbated by the war in Ukraine and the loss of some Russian oil exports.

Dan McTeague, president of Canadians for Affordable Energy, doesnt see any easing of high oil and gasoline prices over the next few weeks.

Oil will pick up steam in July, keeping pressure on fuel prices, he said.

The International Energy Agency (IEA), in its monthly oil report, notes that Russia shut in 1 million barrels per day of oil production in April, deepening a supply shortage.

The IEA forecasts that Middle Eastern OPEC producers and the U.S. will increase oil production by 3.1 million barrels per day between now and December. So high oil prices can be expected to continue for the rest of 2022, before increased supplies begin to temper prices.

But there are wild cards that could either push prices down, or up, LeBlanc said.

One is China. Severe pandemic lockdowns muted global demand for oil, and are now being lifted. A fast rebound in Chinas economy could add another spike to oil prices. Russia is another wild card. Should more Russian oil get boycotted, that would also add pressure.

That fear is already in the price, LeBlanc noted. Its one of those deals where, if that doesnt happen, frankly, prices could go back down because theres a big fear premium thats embedded in the price right now.

Even if oil producers can quickly ramp up the supply of oil, there is a refining capacity issue.

B.C., which once hosted several oil refineries, is down to one medium-sized refinery in Burnaby and a smaller one in Prince George. Much of the gasoline and diesel British Columbians consume actually comes from Alberta refineries by train or via the Trans Mountain pipeline.

And that limit in refining capacity is playing out in other developed countries as well.

There has been only one new refinery built in the U.S. since 1977, and in Alberta the new Sturgeon refinery, which opened in 2017, produces diesel, but not regular gasoline.

Globally, refiners are running at capacity. According to the IEA, global refining capacity fell in 2021 by 730,000 barrels a day. The strain on refiners to keep up with the demand for gasoline, diesel and jet fuel adds to price at the pumps.

In an era when the IEA is forecasting the demand for fossil fuels to plateau in 2030, and then start declining in OECD countries, its unlikely anyone is going to invest billions in a new refinery anywhere in North America.

As Mike Wirth from Chevron said, he doubts there will ever be another refinery built in the United States, LeBlanc said.

The same could be said for Canada. Ten years ago, B.C. newspaper barron David Black proposed a $22 billion refinery, Kitimat Clean, that would bring bitumen from Alberta for refining. The project was shelved. Former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley also tried to raise interest in a new refinery in Alberta, but nothing ever came of it.
"They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.

Don't it always seem to go,

that you don't know what you got 'til it's gone.

They took all the trees, and put them in a tree museum

And they charged the people a dollar and a half just to see them"

Way back in 1970, a songwriter named Joni (Mitchell) had a vision, but not a good one. So does Canadian Horizons, a Surrey developer that feels the need to pave paradise.

I am one of many who are opposed to CH's mega subdivision development plan for the Naramata Bench. The bench is not Surrey, nor do we want it to be.

Why have tourists been coming to the bench for years? The ambiance, the beauty and the green spacenot for sub-divisions, clear-cutting and loss of wildlife.

Discover Naramata's description of the Naramata and Bench is: The journey to Naramata begins with sinuous curves in the road, a growing sense of well-being as you leave behind city life and delve into the heart of wine country. You leisurely make your way along the Naramata Bench, meander through vineyards and orchards, past wineries and charming bed and breakfasts, all the while bathed in sun and overlooking shimmering Okanagan Lake".

The bench is also described for its "tranquil ambiance, artisans, quiet streets surrounding the heart of Naramata Village, scenic patchwork of working farms, orchards and vineyards that roll up the gentle slopes of the Bench, all steeped in an idyllic village lifestyle."

Neither tourists nor residents describe the bench for its mega subdivisions, or throngs of vehicles. It's the Jewel of the Okanagan.

Do we want this developer gouging our hillsides like with Vista, deterring and displacing wildlife, adding volumes of vehicles to our only road, and impeding traffic flow? I think not.

Do the math. If CH proposes 112 residential homes on half-acre lots, which could also accommodate either a carriage house or suite within the home, think about the number of vehicles that would be added to our two-lane road from Naramata to Penticton112 homes multiplied by two vehicles plus 224. (For additional suites or carriage houses, add another approximately 224 vehicles.) There was also an indication to provide mobile home sites at one point, and not Im sure if a zoning change would allow that. That could mean another 100-plus vehicles.

That's more than 500 vehicles and that's only based on half of the 163 acres Canadian Horizons has purchased. There is also a designated future growth area on the site.

Once this type of development is approved, the second half of this development will be next, like Stonebrook/Vista. There are many more vehicles daily, and not just during tourist season, on our only two-lane road.

There are valid and good reasons why Kelowna turned down these developers to reduce carbon emissions, limit urban sprawl, concerns about the expense of infrastructure maintenance costs associated with hillside development, homes that are not affordable and major traffic congestion.

Let our voices resound loud and clear. Don't ruin the bench! Don't destroy our prized possession, our valuable gem and (dont) pave paradise.

Barbara Smallwood
Photo: The Canadian Press The RCMP logo is seen outside Royal Canadian Mounted Police "E" Division Headquarters, in Surrey, B.C., on April 13, 2018. British Columbias police watchdog says an officers use of force during the arrest of a drunken man in Prince George was reasonable, but the torture he later received in the jail by a civilian guard could be seen as criminal.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

SURREY, B.C. - British Columbias police watchdog says an officers use of force during the arrest of a drunken man in Prince George was reasonable, but the torture he later received in jail by a civilian guard could be seen as criminal.

A report issued by Ronald MacDonald of the Independent Investigations Office says the man's hip was broken when he pulled out a weapon and was thrown to the ground during the arrest in May 2019.

On his way to jail, he complained of a broken leg, but was placed in a cell without getting health care.

MacDonalds report says a civilian witness said the man screamed in pain all night but when he asked the female guard for care, he was told it wasn't her problem.

His report says they found evidence the guards attitude toward prisoners was motivated by revenge of some sort, and her failure to provide care could be considered torture under the Criminal Code.

MacDonald passed the results of the investigation onto RCMP, but the report says a subsequent police investigation was completed and no criminal charges against the guard would be referred to the Crown.

The evidence shows the guard was aware the man thought his leg was broken and he spent the night on the floor crying, shouting or screaming in obvious distress, the report says.

"Her significant antipathy toward prisoners, towards (the man) specifically, was demonstrated by her own responses in the (investigator's) interview.
Photo: The Canadian Press FILE - Michael Avenatti speaks to members of the media after leaving federal court on Feb. 4, 2022, in New York. Incarcerated lawyer Michael Avenatti says he plans to plead guilty to charges in a federal court case in Southern California. Avenatti didn't specify which charges he wants to plead to in a brief filing Sunday, June 12, 2022. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

Incarcerated lawyer Michael Avenatti pleaded guilty Thursday to four counts of wire fraud and a tax-related charge in a federal court case in Southern California accusing him of cheating his clients out of millions of dollars.

Avenatti made the plea during a court hearing in Santa Ana. Prosecutors said the plea subjects Avenatti to as much as 83 years in prison

The 51-year-old lawyer who is representing himself in the California case said earlier this week that although he didn't reach a deal with federal prosecutors he wanted to change his plea to be accountable and spare his family further embarrassment.

Federal prosecutors accused Avenatti of cheating clients out of millions by negotiating and collecting settlement payments on their behalf and funneling the money to accounts that he controlled. He was charged in a 36-count indictment in 2019 of crimes including wire and tax fraud.

A sentencing hearing was tentatively scheduled for Sept. 19, but, if the government decides to try him on any of the remaining counts, that date will likely be vacated so he can be sentenced on all counts after trial. The government said it expects to be able to inform the court of its plans on Monday.

The government estimated that the appropriate amount of restitution to victims affected in the schemes related to the wire fraud counts is $9 million. Avenatti said he believes it is drastically less than that. The judge said that would be an issue he would consider for sentencing.

Avenatti is serving five years in prison in a federal facility in California for convictions in two cases in New York.

He was convicted of stealing book proceeds from Stormy Daniels, the porn actor who catapulted him to fame as he represented her in court and cable news programs during her legal battles with then-President Donald Trump. Avenatti was previously convicted of trying to extort Nike if the shoemaker didnt pay him up to $25 million.

Avenatti, who is suspended from practicing law in California, rose to fame after he represented Daniels in her lawsuit to break a confidentiality agreement with Trump to stay mum about an affair she said they had.

He became one of Trumps leading adversaries, attacking him on cable news programs and Twitter, and at one point considered challenging him in the 2020 presidential election.

Avenatti was charged in federal cases in New York and California. He was convicted in New York and a mistrial was declared last year in California after the judge found prosecutors failed to provide him key financial evidence.

Avenatti was scheduled to stand trial on some of the California counts in July, with a trial on the rest to follow.

Prosecutors said Avenatti collected millions of dollars in payments from clients and used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle including a private jet rather than paying them what they were due.

Authorities said Avenatti collected $4 million from Los Angeles County for a man who suffered in-custody injuries and was left paraplegic after a suicide attempt, but denied the settlement was received and paid the man much smaller amounts ranging from $1,000 to $1,900, which he called advances on the broader settlement.

In another instance, prosecutors said Avenatti collected a $2.75 million settlement payment for a client and used much of the money to buy a private airplane.

Prosecutors also accused Avenatti of failing to pay personal income taxes and business taxes and pocketing millions of dollars in payroll taxes from a coffee chain he owned.

Before the criminal charges, Avenatti faced numerous legal problems including a hefty civil judgment and his law firms bankruptcy proceedings.
Photo: Rob Kruyt/BIV A cell tower in B.C.

The first wave of premium 5G spectrum from Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX:RCI) is set to blanket parts of B.C. ahead of other provinces.

The Toronto-based telecom giant has revealed it began rolling out 3500 MHz spectrum  MHz being a measure of frequency  in Nanaimo on Wednesday.

The 3500 MHz spectrum is considered to be a key band that offers a mix of speed and capacity due to its wide channels, and can also travel far distances while passing through solid structures.

Rogers was the first telecom company to begin rolling out the initial wave of 5G offerings in B.C., launching first in Vancouver in January 2020.

Bell [BCE Inc. (TSX:BCE)] followed suit in June of that year and Vancouver-based Telus Corp. (TSX:T) did so one week after Bell.

Telus announced last month it was earmarking $17.5 billion towards filling out its own network infrastructure in its home province over the next four years, including more internet and 5G coverage.

It has previously said it would begin deploying its own 3500 MHz 5G holdings, which it paid $1.95 billion to Ottawa to acquire in 2021, later this year.

So far 5G deployment has moved in fits and starts in Canada due to significant uncertainty about access to equipment.

Only last month did the federal government ban Chinas Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and ZTE Corp. technology from the countrys 5G networks.

Canadas closest intelligence allies  the U.S., U.K., Australia and New Zealand of the Five Eyes alliance  had previously banned the equipment over espionage concerns.

But Canada had been proceeding with a long-running security evaluation before making a decision, leaving its own domestic telecom companies unsure about whether it would be able to tap the Chinese equipment.

Now, any companies that had deployed 5G equipment manufactured by Huawei or ZTE are required to remove it at their own expense.

Telus had long been aligned with Huawei on its 5G ambitions, but Telus and Bell eventually left the Chinese company in the dust in June 2020 when they announced they were tapping European vendors Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson and Nokia Corp. to build out their 5G networks.

Telus is also currently deploying equipment from Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. support its 5G network.
Photo: The Canadian Press Evidence bags containing fentanyl are displayed during a news conference at Surrey RCMP Headquarters, in Surrey, B.C., on Sept. 3, 2020. A British Columbia man has been indicted on U.S. federal charges for allegedly trafficking fentanyl over the dark web that resulted in the deaths of two American navy sailors. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

A British Columbia man has been indicted on U.S. federal charges for allegedly trafficking fentanyl over the dark web that resulted in the deaths of two American navy sailors.

RCMP say in a news release they began their investigation in 2017 as part of joint crime probe into an internet drug trafficking operation operated by a person with the online name Canada1.

Mounties say an American investigation into separate fentanyl overdose deaths of the sailors led authorities to discover packaging material allegedly linked to Canada1.

Police say they went to a home in West Vancouver in March 2018 to arrest a B.C. man and a British resident, and seized a large quantity of fentanyl.

Police say since the most serious offence is alleged to have happened in the United States, it was decided the prosecution would take place in the state of Georgia and both men are in custody awaiting extradition proceedings in their countries.

The American indictment alleges the men conspired to import drugs from China and Hungary to distribute across the United States, and they have been charged with trafficking and money laundering.

Thomas Cannizzo, a special agent in charge of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, says the importation of illicit narcotics into the United States poses a significant threat.

Upon initiating this investigation, NCIS quickly recognized the incredible benefit of our valued collaboration with U.S. and international law enforcement partners. We are grateful for their extraordinary efforts to bring to justice those responsible for importing and distributing the illicit narcotics that led to the tragic overdose deaths of two U.S. Sailors, Cannizzo says in a statement issued by the Department of Justice in Georgia.
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Are you scared yet is an apt question. My age gives my sentiments away but let me linger just a bit regarding the past and still present but so much noise. Percentages now suggest that the country is moving eerily close to the loss of the democratic process.

Our "dear" Rep. Fleischman spins the usual nonsensical 2nd Amendment and allegiance to Donald Trump that eludes understanding and intelligence. The on-going hearings point to corruption at the highest levels of our government and members of the Me Too club cling to dishonesty.

The will of the people seems now an antique representative of the so-called good old days. What has happened to the government for the people, etc?

Robert Brooks

* * *

What scares me is the same gang along with leftists posing as journalists who said Russian collusion was real now tell us a riot was an insurrection caused by Donald Trump.

What else? We are told to believe 81 million actually voted for a man who cant walk up a flight of stairs and what he says has to be corrected by his handlers.

What else? The fact criminals can buy guns freely while progressives using tax money for private security vote to stop us from buying them.

What else scares me? The fact that AOC and her cronies boast about voting against security for Supreme Court Justices but vote $1.9 billion to enhance security for themselves (CNBC, Jacob Pramuk, May 20, 2021).

Fortunately Rep. Chuck and Rep. Greene dont believe this progressive baloney and that is why they will be re-elected by thousands of us who dont believe it either.

Ralph Miller

* * *

I would direct Mr. Brooks to my response to the "no one can make a difference" opinion piece. I agree the country is moving close to the loss of democracy and the corruption at the highest level of government. One needs look no farther than Pelosi and Schumer and the rest of the corrupt Democrats to see that. Why do you think they postponed the dog and pony show J6 hearings today?

As I said, "Democracy is not dead but it very well will be if the democrats succeed in destroying the 2nd Amendment. Make no mistake, they want to destroy it because they realize it's the last defense against a tyrannical government. And we are well on our way to just that."

Dennis Wooden

* * *

Dennis Wooden posted a reply that "Democracy is not dead but it very well will be if the Democrats succeed in destroying the 2nd Amendment. Make no mistake, they want to destroy it because they realize it's the last defense against a tyrannical government. And we are well on our way to just that."

Mr. Wooden, democracy is already dead. Why?

Democracy is dead because too many people believe your hate-mongering, sophist argument.

Democracy is dead because too many people listen to Fox, OANN, NewsMax, Parler et.al., and don't listen to any other opinions. They vote as they have been told, or vote their prejudices. As Trump said, he loves the uneducated.

Democracy is dead because Republicans control 35+ state legislatures and governorships.

Democracy is dead because Republican nominated justices were not the best and brightest; they lied during confirmation. Republican dogma controls the Supreme Court.

Democracy will continue to be dead if Republicans secure complete control of both Houses of Congress and the Presidency. It won't be a tyrannical government to them. It will be a government of the Republicans, by the Republicans, and for the Republicans. There will be no room for any other opinion.

There will be no stopping of anything Republicans want to do.

Republicans will pass any laws they want; enact and ratify Constitutional Amendments they want; vote the Bible and remove protections for gays, lesbians, and transgender; vote the Bible and regulate the exercise of faith by Muslims; restrict the right to peaceful assembly because blacks have rioted; enact more Jim Crow type voting laws; decrease or eliminate social security benefits; repeal the Affordable Care Act (only because it was enacted during the Presidency of a black President); file more suits against existing laws, knowing SCOTUS will disregard stare decisis and rule as Republicans want. That means more Republican control, assuring the only national laws are the laws they like.

There will be naysayers like Mr. Wooden that believe Democracy is not dead.

To them, I ask are you willing to vote Democratic if it is best for the country? Will you vote in favor of common sense instead of the notion of an infallible, sacred Second Amendment? Will you put aside your Bible and allow anyone to believe as they want, even if it's not Christianity? Will you put aside your Bible to allow gays, lesbians, and transgenders to live as they choose? Will you put aside your Bible to allow a woman to choose her future? Will you put aside your beliefs that Democrats are godless, evil, and always wrong? Will you realize that Republicans are not always right? Will you listen to all opinions with an open mind? Will you put aside your prejudices of anyone who is not white, poor and black, or is well educated?

Democracy is dead because most Republicans will not answer "yes" each of these questions. Instead, they will reply that I am describing Democrats. Changing the subject is done when a person has no answer or can't defend his or her opinion. It shows a person's ignorance and contempt of a differing opinion. Many replies to many topics on this forum show ignorance, prejudice and contempt, not opinions supported by facts.

Are you scared yet?

Joe Warren


The nations largest Black-owned pizza chain, Slim + Huskys Pizza, is set to make its mark on the River City with the grand opening of its Chattanooga location on Thursday, June 23, at 11 a.m. The Chattanooga restaurant is symbolic as it marks the opening of the chains tenth location, and aligns with the chains Pizza (and Progress) Rules Everything Around Me (PREAM) mantra.

Located at 401 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Nashville-based Slim + Huskys is known for its tasteful blend of artisan pizza, hip-hop/R&B and art. Chattanooga residents, the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga community and tourists are invited to visit the MLK location to enjoy an array of signature and custom-built artisan pizzas, made to order salads and cinnamon rolls, all staples of the Slim + Huskys brand.

The restaurant will feature a full service bar, a live performance stage, and a late night window, which will begin operations in the coming weeks. The Chattanooga restaurant will also be the first Slim + Huskys equipped with multiple kiosks offering digital ordering capabilities to customers. In addition to enjoying Slim + Huskys award-winning pizza, customers can view artwork throughout the restaurants interior, curated by artists Julius Hubbard (Chattanooga), Jasmine Strickland (Miami), and LeXander Bryant (Nashville). A S+H Flavors Wall featuring Nike and Slim + Huskys inspired shoe designs by Bexclusives (Oakland) will be on display as well as an exterior mural tribute to the late Off White founder, Virgil Abloh, designed by artist Gallery Symf (Atlanta).



Co-founders Clint Gray, Derrick Moore and EJ Reed, construct each Slim + Huskys location with community top of mind. The 800th block of MLK and Mable St. proved to be an ideal location to connect with the community, especially considering its proximity to downtown, UTC and the citys Urban corridor. The S+H team is proud to bring our homegrown, artisan pizza brand (infused with music, art and fashion) to the Chattanooga community, shared Chief Marketing Officer Clint Gray.

To celebrate the grand opening and the trios commitment to public education, Slim + Huskys will offer Chattanooga educators 50 percent off during a Teacher Soft Opening event on Tuesday, June 21, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Proof of school ID is required to obtain the promotion. (Chattanooga location only).

Slim + Huskys Chattanooga hours of operation are Sunday-Thursday (11 a.m.-9 p.m.) and Friday-Saturday (11 a.m.-11 p.m.). In addition to dine-in and carry-out, delivery options will be available through Uber Eats and DoorDash. Slim + Huskys encourages customers to order carry-out.

The restaurant has counter service and will use scanners for age verification. It will have a TABC license and can sell both beer and alcohol.

SK Food Mart at 3440 was approved by the Beer Board for a carry-out beer permit. The store at 3440 Wilcox Blvd. has had change of name from Joseph Food Mart because of a change in ownership.
The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer hosted its second annual Bubbles of Fun Run presented by U.S. Xpress at the Tennessee Riverpark.

The morning consisted of a 5K, 10K and one mile Fun Run on a course filled with bubbles right next to the Tennessee River. 141 men and women of all ages spent the morning running and walking to raise money for the Austin Hatcher Foundation, which directly impacts and provides services to children and families facing the effects of pediatric cancer. Over $34,000 was raised for the foundation through participant sign-ups, event fundraising and sponsorships.

This years event was presented by U.S. Xpress. Coincidentally, two U.S. Xpress employees grabbed the first-place finishes in the two timed events. Ryan McGinnis finished first in the 5k and Adam Veron had the fastest time in the 10k.



My family and I wanted to come out and support the foundation, the families, and represent my company U.S. Xpress, said Mr. McGinnis. It was great to see my son and wife here waiting on me as I crossed the finish line, and it was good to come out and get some exercise to support the foundation.

Mr. McGinnis finished with a 5k time of 19:58. Mr. Veron grabbed first for the 10k with his time of 36:28.

"This is an outstanding event, and Im so thankful that U.S. Xpress was a sponsor for this, said Mr. Veron. We couldnt miss it. I mean theres beautiful weather, but ultimately, we came out for the great cause.

The Austin Hatcher Foundation created the Bubbles of Fun Run last year to celebrate joy and hope as runners help raise funds to provide a brighter future for families with pediatric cancer. In keeping with the foundations logo, bubbles were blown at various stations throughout the course and at the finish line to fill the race with an uplifting and fun atmosphere.

We had a wonderful morning at the second annual Bubbles of Fun Run, 5k and 10k, said Amy Jo Osborn, president and CEO of the Austin Hatcher Foundation. We could not have done it without all the love and support from our runners, staff, volunteers and sponsors. It was a fantastic time to be with such a great team in such a beautiful, hope-filled setting.

The Austin Hatcher Foundations mission is to erase the effects of pediatric cancer and optimize quality of life through essential specialized intervention beginning at the time of a childs diagnosis and continuing through survivorship. Families of the foundation are provided with services such as Mental and Behavioral Health Therapy, Occupational Therapy, NeuroPsych Testing, Family Programs and more at absolutely no cost to them.

To learn more about the Austin Hatcher Foundation, visit www.HatcherFoundation.org today.




The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is investigating an incident involving a black bear that scratched a woman sitting on her porch on Atwood Road in Sevierville Wednesday afternoon.

At around 4:30 p.m., a 90-year-old woman was sitting on a porch swing when she was surprised by a sow bear with three yearlings that came onto her porch. The woman began shaking a lawn chair in an attempt to scare them when the sow scratched her on the arm and the bears fled the area. The woman then drove herself to the hospital and is being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Area residents have not reported any prior nuisance issues with this group of bears. Because the sow bear caused human bodily injury, it has been euthanized but wildlife officers are monitoring the behavior of the yearlings.Area residents have not reported any prior nuisance issues with this group of bears.

If possible, always make your presence known while in bear country and defend yourself when confronted by a black bear.

Learn more about living responsibly with black bears at Bearwise.org




Two people were shot Wednesday evening in separate incidents.

Chattanooga Police responded at 8:25 p.m. to the 400 block of Tacoa Avenue on a shooting. Police located a man, 23, suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound.

The victim advised police he was walking in the area when he was shot. No suspect information was immediately available.

Investigators with the Violent Crimes Unit responded to conduct an investigation. Hamilton County EMS responded and transported the victim to a local hospital.Investigators with the Violent Crimes Unit responded to conduct an investigation.

In the second incident, Chattanooga Police responded to the 7000 block of McCutcheon Road on a shooting.

Police located a woman, 24, suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Details are still unclear on the manner of assault.

Hamilton County EMS responded and transported the victim to a local hospital.

Investigators with the Robbery Division responded to conduct an investigation.
The Cleveland/Bradley 911 Center received a call on Thursday at 12:20 a.m. in reference to a man threatening suicide.

Deputies of Bradley County Sheriffs Office were dispatched to a Blue Springs Road address in Cleveland, to check on the man.

Just after 1 a.m., deputies made contact with the man in his home. The deputies were confronted with a threat on scene. The man was then shot by law enforcement. Life-saving efforts were performed by deputies; however, the man was later pronounced dead by medical professionals.

Sheriff Steve Lawson contacted the 10th Judicial District Attorneys Office and requested an independent investigation be conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Per standard protocol, the officers involved will be on administrative leave. This is an ongoing investigation.

No further information will be released by the Bradley County Sheriffs Office. Any inquiries about this case should be directed to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Chancellor Pam Fleenor has dismissed the case in which a Chattanooga attorney was suing the two daughters of Chattanooga Choo Choo founder B. Allen Casey Jr. in connection with his estate.

The suit was brought by James L. Henry Jr.

The wife of Mr. Casey, Emma Patten "Emmy" Casey, died May 15, 2020 and left an estate of about $15 million.

The suit said Mr. Casey died six weeks later and left no real estate and almost no personal property. He did have a number of creditors, including attorney Henry. Total claims of the creditors against Mr. Casey's estate exceed $4 million.

Attorney Henry said as a surviving spouse of over nine years of marriage, Mr. Casey had the right under Tennessee law to "an elective share" of Emmy Patten's estate equal to 40 percent of the net estate. He said that would have been about $6 million. The Caseys had been married since 1963.

Attorney Henry said if Allen Casey had gotten his share of his wife's estate there would be more than enough to pay off all the creditors, including himself.

Chancellor Jeff Atherton earlier had appointed attorney Jennifer Kent Exum to represent the Allen Casey estate and she declined to seek the elective share. The suit said she did so at the last minute, not giving attorney Henry and other creditors time to respond.

The complaint was against Elizabeth and Lynn Casey (daughters of the Caseys), Cartter Patten III, attorney Exum and the Chambliss Bahner and Stophel law firm.

The suit said Elizabeth Casey was named to oversee the estate of her father. Attorney Henry said she had a conflict in that if Mr. Casey got his elective share of the estate then that money would go to creditors and not to her and her sister.

The suit asked for compensatory damages of at least $6 million as well as punitive damages.

Cartter Patten III, brother of Emmy Patten Casey, was named due to his being a representative of her estate.

Chancellor Fleenor said the surviving spouse may elect to take the spouse' s elective share. She said the word in the law is "may" but is not "shall."
I enjoy Soddy Daisy. Truly I do. But over the past six years or so, everything in the town has been going downhill, and quite fast. There is simply no place to eat in Soddy Daisy that offers any nutritional value or variety. Burger King, McDonald's, Sonic, KFC, Taco Bell, Wendy's, Bojangles. This is what we have to feed our children. Now a couple people may say what about ... (click for more)

In the last years of my mothers blessed life, she would watch two or three TV preachers in the afternoons. She adored it and darn near memorized the messages. Of course, I would kid her, asking how many of the viewers did she imagine would sip on a glass of communion during the telecasts. Oh, mother would never over-imbibe, not in a million years, but the combination of a great ... (click for more)
United States Senator Bill Hagerty, a member of the Senate Banking Committee, along with Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Mike Rounds (R-SD), sent a letter to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler raising their concerns regarding the agencys recent attempt to circumvent the rulemaking process required under the Administrative Procedure Act by issuing staff guidance concerning the accounting of and disclosures relating to the custody of digital assets.

We write to express concerns regarding the Securities and Exchange Commissions issuance of Staff Accounting Bulletin 121 (SAB 121 or Bulletin). The Bulletin provides interpretive staff guidance from the Division of Corporation Finance and the Office of the Chief Accountant regarding the accounting of, and associated disclosures relating to, a platform holding digital assets on behalf of consumers, the senators wrote.

Out of line with the intent of Staff Accounting Bulletins, which is to clarify accounting interpretations, the SAB 121 establishes regulation disguised as guidance, evading legal requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act that are designed to ensure transparency and allow for input from those affected by federal rulemaking.

Agencies must conduct rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act, which incorporates process and transparency designed to ensure that the public and all affected by a proposed rule have the opportunity to provide comment, resulting in sound, well-designed regulations. The SEC's approach to the emerging crypto market has not promoted process, transparency, or public engagement, the Senators continued.

The senators went on to call out the SECs history of targeting the cryptocurrency industry and sidestepping agency procedures. The Commission has led with enforcement and relied on staff guidance, citing purported increased risks presented by crypto. The SEC's job is to mitigate these risks first by developing a knowledge base through engagement with the industry and market participants, then by proposing rules, and, once the risks and rules are clear, only then ensure compliance through enforcement Investor protection is a core obligation of the Commission and should not be left to a back-door staff-led approach that creates more questions than answers.

The senators are requesting a withdrawal of SAB 121 and for the SEC to provide any economic analysis done on the potential impact of the Bulletin.

We hope you will withdraw SAB 121 and follow the proper procedure for such a significant accounting change Regardless of your next steps, please provide any economic analysis done on the potential impact of this bulletin  including the effect on capital requirements and retail investor protections  as well as a description of any stakeholder feedback and interagency review, the senators concluded.

A copy of the letter to Chair Gensler is here:

Dear Chair Gensler,

We write to express concerns regarding the Securities and Exchange Commissions issuance of Staff Accounting Bulletin 121 (SAB 121 or Bulletin). The Bulletin provides interpretive staff guidance from the Division of Corporation Finance and the Office of the Chief Accountant regarding the accounting of, and associated disclosures relating to, a platform holding digital assets on behalf of consumers.

Although the underlying interpretation may or may not be appropriate, as currently drafted, the SAB 121 is regulation disguised as staff guidance. As you know, staff typically only provide interpretive guidance on existing regulations. Here, there is no underlying regulation being interpreted. Moreover, the Bulletin leaves no doubt that staff expects regulated entities to comply  indicating the Bulletin is enforceable. Staff guidance cannot create enforceable obligations. The SEC should not be taking steps that could invite litigation, which undermines the American peoples confidence in the agency, and in our shared desire to promote strong protections for investors.

Agencies must conduct rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act, which incorporates process and transparency designed to ensure that the public and all affected by a proposed rule have the opportunity to provide comment, resulting in sound, well-designed regulations. The SEC's approach to the emerging crypto market has not promoted process, transparency, or public engagement. Instead, the Commission has led with enforcement and relied on staff guidance, citing purported "increased risks" presented by crypto.1 The SEC's job is to mitigate these risks first by developing a knowledge base through engagement with the industry and market participants, then by proposing rules, and, once the risks and rules are clear, only then ensure compliance through enforcement. A comprehensive custody regime, tailored to the unique properties of digital assets, could provide a clear regulatory framework and legal protections for investors. Investor protection is a core obligation of the Commission and should not be left to a back-door staff-led approach that creates more questions than answers.

Staff should not make policy. We hope you will withdraw SAB 121 and follow the proper procedure for such a significant accounting change. If the Commission agrees the goals of SAB 121 are appropriate, we welcome a rulemaking to be issued through the proper notice and comment regime to allow for proper stakeholder engagement.

Regardless of your next steps, please provide any economic analysis done on the potential impact of this bulletin  including the effect on capital requirements and retail investor protections  as well as a description of any stakeholder feedback and interagency review.
The Tennessee RiverLine, North Americas next regional trail system, has published an official report detailing the estimated economic impacts and associated health benefits of the Tennessee RiverLine water trail for communities along the Tennessee River in Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee.

According to the report, the anticipated increase of an additional 808,000 paddlers to the Tennessee RiverLine each year and their associated expenditures is estimated to generate up to $104 million in annual impact to GDP, create almost 2,000 new jobs, increase personal income by $65.5 million and increase local and state sales tax revenue by $2.6 million in Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee. In turn, the health-related cost savings due to flatwater paddling on the Tennessee River are estimated to be nearly $24 million per year, to be accompanied by a reduction in both workers compensation costs and lost productivity costs. Ultimately, these anticipated outcomes and additional economic impacts identified but not quantified in this study will enhance the overall quality of life for residents of river communities and across the Tennessee River Valley, positioning river communities to attract and retain skilled workers and businesses, said officials.

The report also identifies 10 key components of water trail success. Together, these components will help guide the activities and investments of the Tennessee RiverLine and Tennessee River communities as they work toward realizing the full economic potential of the Tennessee RiverLine in the years to come.

There are so many ways that the Tennessee RiverLine catalyzes economic development, inspires entrepreneurship and enhances overall quality of life in Tennessee River communities and across our region, said Brad Collett, Tennessee RiverLine director and associate professor in the University of Tennessee, Knoxvilles, Herbert College of Agriculture and College of Architecture and Design. This study begins to quantify these potential benefits and helps us communicate the Tennessee RiverLines potential economic impact to community partners and other stakeholders. It also provides a roadmap for collaborative, purpose driven effort and investment that positions all partners to grow river utilization and maximize economic impacts while upholding our shared commitment to safe river use and stewarding the health of our regions most valuable natural and cultural resource: the Tennessee River.

Conducted in partnership with the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development, the studys analysis relied on 15 existing analyses of comparable water trails in the United States to estimate the number of annual visitors to the Tennessee RiverLine trail and associated visitor spending. The study also examined case studies of seven existing long-distance water trails in the US to establish the ten key components of river trail success that will be used to help guide communities toward realizing these potential impacts.

This study and the potential economic impacts estimated therein are made possible through the generous support of the Tennessee RiverLines principal partners, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Tennessee Valley Authority.

The Tennessee RiverLine is a testament to what can be achieved when we bring together communities and partners that share both their resources and their leadership with a shared mission of making life and lives better for the people of the Tennessee River Valley, said Donde Plowman, chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. We are proud to put our land grant mission to work and collaborate with partners across the Valley, like TVA, to help make this transformational vision and the benefits it promises our region a reality.

Much of our work at TVA revolves around economic development and the environment. This impressive, estimated economic impact study from the Tennessee RiverLine is what TVA had envisioned when we became a supporter in 2017, said Allen Clare, vice president of River and Resources Stewardship at Tennessee Valley Authority. Additionally, this project will positively affect the health of Valley residents, as well as the environmental health of the river itself, making life better for the people of the Tennessee Valley.

For more details on the studys key findings and to read and download the full report, visit the Tennessee RiverLine News Page.
Crye-Leike Real Estate Services has named Garrett Cox sales manager of the Crye-Leike Chattanooga  East Brainerd office. Mr. Cox will assist Managing Broker Jennifer Grayson with recruitment, training and management of office sales associates.Mr. Cox joined the real estate industry five months ago after leaving an automotive finance and insurance position for a local General Motors dealership. "He quickly found success in his new career, building meaningful relationships throughout the Chattanooga community, growing his business and earning a spot in Crye-Leikes Multi-Million Dollar Club within those short months," officials said. "He faced challenges that many new agents in this competitive industry are tasked with, but with the support of Crye-Leike, he overcame those obstacles and rose to the top."I left a fantastic job not knowing if I had made the right choice, said Mr.Cox. However, the support Ive received from Crye-Leike, my broker, friends Ive made and clients Ive worked with have more than confirmed that I made the right choice.Mr. Cox is licensed in Tennessee and Georgia and is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors. In the future, he plans to continue his real estate education and earn the Certified Residential Specialist designation.My goal is not only to be the best agent I can be, but to help other agents, especially those who are newer to the field, learn and grow in this business, said Mr. Cox. Real estate is rewarding in many ways, and I look forward to continuing to grow and learn alongside my fellow agents.Sales Manager Garrett Cox may be reached at 423-718-7613 or via email at g@garrettcoxrealtor.com.
Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union is hosting a career fair on June 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The BX  Brainerd Baptist Churchs multi-use meeting facility.

A variety of both entry and high-level positions are available including personal tellers, branch manager, digital marketing specialist and others. These roles come with competitive pay, 100 percent employer-paid medical and dental insurance for individuals and other benefits and perks.

One of our highest priorities is creating an excellent experience for our members and consumers, said Todd Fortner, president and CEO of TVFCU. The first step in that process is taking care of our employees and maintaining an enjoyable and productive work environment. At TVFCU, we treat both members and employees like family.

Entry-level openings include personal teller positions with the tvfcuLIVE Studio and tvfcuLIVE Line and other customer service jobs in branches across southeast Tennessee and north Georgia. Positions requiring industry experience include branch manager, senior programmer, analyst, recruiter and digital marketing specialist.

Entry-level positions start at $16/hour, more than doubling the minimum wage in Tennessee. TVFCU offers all full-time individual employees 100 percent employer-paid medical, dental, basic term life and long-term disability insurance with very affordable vision coverage and other low-cost options. The credit union also offers a 401k with employer match, a success sharing annual bonus program, tuition assistance and a student loan repayment program.

TVFCU employees enjoy great work-life balance with paid vacation time and 11 paid holidays. The credit union maintains a friendly, inclusive workplace with regular opportunities to be involved in internal and community-wide events and community service opportunities.

In 2021, Forbes named TVFCU the nations best credit union and the Best-In-State Credit Union in Tennessee. The Chattanooga Times Free Press has awarded TVFCU as Best Credit Union for the past 14 years, and EDGE Magazine listed TVFCU as a Best Place to Work in 2020 and 2021.

Job fair attendees will participate in a one-on-one introductory interview with a TVFCU recruiter. This will provide job-seekers the opportunity to learn more about open positions, connect with TVFCU personnel and take the first step toward a new career at the largest credit union in southeast Tennessee.

Attendees may bring a resume, but it is not required. Job-seekers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with TVFCU, dress and present themselves professionally and exhibit a positive, dependable and motivated attitude.

Job seekers will be asked to complete an online application at the event using their smartphone. They may also browse current openings and apply beforehand at TVFCUs online Career Center.

Attendees should arrive at The BX, 4011 Austin St., at any point between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29.

For more information about TVFCU, please visit tvfcu.com.
Miranda Perez has been named executive director of the Morning Pointe Foundation. Ms. Perez will be responsible for the strategic growth and development of the nonprofit coordinating caregiver support programs, funding for scholarships, and community outreach.

Since its creation in 2014, the Morning Pointe Foundation has awarded over 65 scholarships through 12 community colleges and universities. The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living founded by senior healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and Franklin Farrow. The 501(c)3 nonprofit public service organization provides caregiver support programs, educational awareness events, and funds clinical scholarships to advance the care of seniors.

As the Morning Pointe Foundation continues to partner with more universities and community colleges through nursing scholarships and grows its Morning Pointe Seniors Got Talent showcase series, I could not be more excited about this appointment and the work of the Foundation, says Mr. Vital, president of Morning Pointe Senior Living.

Ms. Perez has long-term ties to Hamilton County and is past executive director of the Ooltewah Harrison Education Foundation, also known as D9, as well as a small business owner, event planner, and marketing specialist. She owned the boutique Owl Cove from 2019-2022, and as the owner, Ms. Perez worked with various schools and nonprofits giving back to community.

Ms. Perez has a history of community involvement and raising monies for public schools, nonprofits, and families in need. I am thrilled to accept this leadership role and build on the amazing framework of the Morning Pointe Foundation," said Ms. Perez. "I love community and making a difference and this is the perfect opportunity for the next phase of my professional career.

Morning Pointe Senior Living, a Chattanooga-based senior healthcare services company, owns and manages 36 Morning Pointe assisted living, personal care and Alzheimers memory care communities in five southeastern states. Morning Pointe was founded in 1997 and is celebrating 25 years of service this year.

Ms. Perez is married to Marcus Perez and they have two children, Aiden and Autumn. She enjoys being involved in community events and cheering for her children at their sporting events. Ms. Perez graduated in 2011 from Kennesaw State University with a bachelor of science degree in communications. She is a Marietta, Ga., native who is a huge fan of the Georgia Bulldogs but, with pride, calls Ooltewah home.

For the latest on the work of the Morning Pointe Foundation including upcoming bi-monthly virtual educational Caregiver Cafes and to tryout or attend a Seniors Got Talent showcase near you, visit www.morningpointefoundation.com
June 20, Ribbon Cutting for Bragg Weight Loss

4-4:30 p.m.

Bragg Weight Loss: 6736 Executive Oak Ln.

Join the Chattanooga Chamber for a ribbon cutting event for Bragg Weight Loss.

June 21, Ribbon Cutting for Riverfront Medical Center

4-4:30 p.m.

Riverfront Medical Center: 1247 Riverfront Pkwy.

Join the Chattanooga Chamber for a ribbon cutting event for Riverfront Medical Center.

June 21, Southside Council June Happy Hour Networking

5-7 p.m.

Flying Squirrel: 55 Johnson St.

Please join us for our monthly networking and happy hour at the Flying Squirrel.

Register here.

No cost.

June 21, International Business Council Annual Meeting

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Miller & Martin Chattanooga: 832 Georgia Ave.

This networking and learning event will offer drinks and heavy hors d'oeuvres and a panel discussion with:

1. Alnoor Dhanani, president of Double-Cola Company

2. Jon Poehnelt, chief commercial officer, Steam Logistics

3. Jim Richardson, executive vice president of Supply Chain at US Stove

Register here.

$40 per person.

June 22, Red Bank/Signal Mountain Council Meeting

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Red Bank Community Center: 3653 Tom Weathers Dr.

Please join us Wednesday, June 22 at 11:30 at the Red Bank Community Center for our monthly meeting and networking. After networking and grabbing lunch, Amy Donahue, senior director of marketing at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, will lead a social media workshop. Our impact of the month is White Oak Bicycle Co-Op and our business of the month is Ace Hardware.

Register here.

$15

June 23, Dining Out For Life

All-day

Various restaurants

Restaurants in our area are opening their doors to Cempa Community Care & The Chattanooga CARES Foundation to support the fight against HIV in the Tennessee Valley.

Participating restaurants found here.

June 23, Enterprise Gateway Council Meeting

8-9:30 a.m.

Chattanooga State Community College (CETAS #107): 4501 Amnicola Hwy.

We are excited to announce the next Enterprise Gateway Council of the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce networking and education event. We will have a panel discussion addressing Chattanooga's Food and Housing crisis. Panelists are Melissa Blevins, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank and Wendy Winters, executive director of Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition. Ron Lowe, executive director of Every Valley Leadership Academy, will moderate the discussion. As a member, you are invited to attend this next event and we encourage you to invite others to the Enterprise Gateway council meeting.

Register here.

$10

June 23, Breaking Into Tech

5:30-7 p.m.

INCubator: 100 Cherokee Blvd.

Join CO.LABs new entrepreneur-in-residence James Chapman as he offers insight into how to use technology to better your business. Mr. Chapman, who is also the founder of Plain Sight, a networking mobile app platform, will join CO.LAB Capital Access Manager Lya Kimbrough to talk about everything from code-free software solutions to access to funding.

Register here.

No cost.
Southern Charm is available to stream on just about any platform you can think of. From the Bravo app to Peacock, to Hulu and YouTube TV. Its even available at BravoTV.com and their VOD service. But just because the reality show is so easily accessible, that doesnt mean fans can revisit every scene from every episode. Heres why Southern Charm had multiple episodes missing.

The cast of season 4 of Southern Charm | Rebecca Miller/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

A Southern Charm fan noticed episodes were missing

Southern Charm premiered in 2014, and it follows the lives of a group of socialites in Charleston, South Carolina. The earlier seasons included former state treasurer Thomas Ravenel in the cast, a controversial figure who ended up getting the ax from Bravo due to sexual assault allegations against him.

Fast forward to the racially-charged summer of 2020  which included BLM riots across the country  and TikTok user @thetalkofshame posted videos about missing episodes of Southern Charm when she attempted to re-watch the show.

In a three-part video series, the TikToker pointed out that Season 1, Episode 2 was missing from Bravos on-demand services. She noted that it was an episode that featured a scene with Ravenel and his father, ex-Congressman Arthur Ravenel Jr.

Bravo pulled four episodes in the summer of 2020

In part two of her video series, @thetalkofshame shared the scene from the missing episode where Arthur tells Thomas  while smirking at the camera  that he likes to get rid of $5 bills because Abraham Lincoln is pictured on them.

This was aired! Primetime! Bravo!, the TikToker says in the post..

The next day, she discovered that three more Southern Charm episodes were missing from Bravos VOD services: Season 3, Episode 1, Season 4, Episode 1, and Season 4, Episode 8.

A Bravo spokesperson later confirmed that those four episodes of Southern Charm were temporarily taken down from their VOD service because they allegedly featured racially charged moments.

Per Variety, the spokesperson explained that removing those episodes was part of a network review to flag potentially offensive content in the wake of the cultural reckoning prompted by BLM.

The network later put back three of the episodes that were deemed OK on the Bravo app, BravoTV.com, and VOD. Followed by the cable and satellite-on-demand services. When the fourth episode returned, it was missing a scene that featured Kathryn Dennis giving a tour of her familys plantation.

What happened in the Southern Charm missing scene?

The missing plantation scene was also featured in the TikTok video series from @thetalkofshame. In the clip Kathryn and guest star K. Cooper Ray were casually discussing the slave cemetery on the property.

Is it the casual reference to you living on a plantation on top of a slave cemetery, before you sit down to drink mint juleps with your friend? Is it that every plantation really is just a giant slave cemetery? the TikToker asked.

Bravo agreed that this scene was inappropriate and removed it before the episode returned to streaming on VOD services.

Southern Charm Season 8 premieres June 23 on Bravo.

RELATED: Southern Charm Star Kathryn Dennis Dumped AgainBy Yet Another Lawyer
High-Tech Grunderfonds (HTGF) is launching its fourth fund and has already secured a total of over 400 million in commitments at first closing. More than 130 million of this amount will be provided by private investors, who are investing in HTGFs fourth fund alongside the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, and KfW Capital. The volume of commitments secured has exceeded expectations by far.

Operating as a public-private partnership, HTGF is ushering in the next generation of successful collaboration between public and private fund investors: Second closing is set to take place before the end of the year, and thus much faster than the previous funds. Forty companies from an extremely wide range of industries are investing in HTGF IV, including medium-sized Mittelstand firms in particular, along with numerous major companies and family offices.

The new fund will provide early-stage financing to support young companies active in the areas of digital tech, industrial tech, life sciences and chemicals. The analysis and selection methods employed will be geared even more strongly towards the aspect of sustainability.

"Many private investors were attracted by what we have to offer: access to innovation, returns and impact for our fund investors and society. Were delighted by the high level of interest weve received, and are further expanding our network of innovation drivers in Germany. HTGF has been active for 17 years  we know the positive feedback effects that can boost the innovation capabilities of our fund investors. Together, we will continue to provide initial investment to around 40 innovative tech start-ups each year, and thus make an important contribution to bolstering Germanys position as a business hub", Dr. Alex von Frankenberg, Managing Director of High-Tech Grunderfonds.

"The high number of forward-looking medium-sized companies, leading corporations and major family offices on board sends out a fantastic signal for entrepreneurs. After providing more than 670 seed investments through our previous three funds, we know the market very well and are aware of just how much potential there is for start-ups here in Germany. Were pleased to be able to continue financing young tech-driven companies", Guido Schlitzer, Managing Director of High-Tech Grunderfonds.

HTGF regards itself as a platform that connects corporations, medium-sized firms and family-run companies with start-ups. Since its foundation in 2005, Europes most active seed investor has provided financing for over 670 high-tech start-ups. HTGF has successfully sold more than 150 companies, including a billion-euro exit and four IPOs. HTGFs funds have attracted investment from corporate investors from the very beginning. HTGF III currently comprises investments from 33 industrial corporations and medium-sized companies, with the number of private investors in Fund IV rising to 40. HTGF III had a volume of 319.5 million after second closing, while the volume of Fund IV is now increasing to over 400 million.
CHENEY - A West Virginia University student has joined Free Press Publishing as a summer intern.

Brenton "Brent" Johnson, 26, of Morgantown, W.V., is interning on an International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors program; his first day was June 6.

"Brent will contribute extensively this summer to our Cheney and Ritzville publications," Co-owner and Publisher Roger Harnack said. "He comes highly recommended and enjoys small-town life.

"I grew up in Weaverville, North Carolina. It's a suburb of Asheville," Johnson said. "It's probably about the size of Cheney honestly."

Johnson started his education at College of Appalachian State University in North Carolina.

After two years, he decided to enter the Marine Corps, where he served for four years.

"When I was in Okinawa, Japan, I was reading a lot of news because I knew world events were going to affect me," Johnson said. "I kept following the news and kept updating my buddies about what was going on and I started seeing articles that were super sensationalized."

That, Johnson said, is what led him to pursue a degree in journalism.

Following his discharge, Johnson transferred his credits to West Virginia University in January 2021, where he began his journalism journey.

"It was looking at bad journalism that made me want to contribute to better journalism," he said. "I wanted to come to Cheney because working in a small-town newspaper is my best shot of building a portfolio of work-and I know I'm going to move a lot in my career, so why not start now?"

Johnson said big cities are not his favorite scene. He intends to stay in a small-town market.

"I'm open to anything with multimedia but it all comes down to what opportunities I land," he said.

Johnson is ready to blend into the community; his first goal is to cover the Cheney Rodeo.

"I want to see a rodeo-I've never been," he said. "I'm looking forward to getting involved in the community and telling people's stories because that's what this job is about."
Lyllyann Howard, a recent second grader at Tenkiller School in Welling, was selected at the 2022 Cherokee Phoenix Student Art Contest winner. COURTESY
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This photo provided by the Trust for Public Land shows the L Bar Ranch on Dec. 9, 2021 near Mount Taylor, adjacent to the Marquez StateWildlife Area, N.M. A national conservation group has acquired the sprawling ranch near a New Mexico mountain peak held sacred by Native American tribes. The Trust for Public Land announced Thursday, June 2, 2022 that land managers will be able create New Mexico's largest state-owned recreation property, near Mount Taylor.
Cherokee Nation Emergency Utility Assistance Program is open to eligible Cherokee Nation citizens living within the tribes reservation and counties contiguous to the Cherokee Nation Reservation.
I was never taught about Juneteenth growing up.

I was born and raised in Philadelphia, the cradle of liberty, in Pennsylvaniawhich was the first state to end slavery with the Gradual Abolition Act of 1780. Philly was one of the major stops on the Underground Railroad, thanks to the abolitionism of the Quakers, and the home of Richard Allens Free African Society.

And while slavery was abolished in Pennsylvania more than 80 years before the Civil War began, I always thought of the Emancipation Proclamation as the document that ended slavery in America.

It wasnt until years later when I heard of a woman named Ms. Opal Lee, who walked halfway across the country at 89 years old to advocate for Juneteenth to become a national holiday, that I discovered a history I had never learned in school.

Over two and a half years passed between President Abraham Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation and when the first of those enslaved in Texas tasted freedom: 900 more days of being separated from family and forced to work under the threat of violence and death.

But the question remains, why does Juneteenth matter to the church?

The times set aside to celebrate and reflect reveal what matters to society then, now, and in the future. For instance, Pilgrims in early America set apart days of thanksgiving to express gratitude to God for his providential gracea tradition that was formalized into the national calendar in 1863 with Abraham Lincolns official proclamation of Thanksgiving Day to heal the wounds of the nation divided by war.

But an even earlier civically inspired sacred tradition was inadvertently established less than a year prior on December 31, 1862when congregations of Black Christians gathered for Watch Night services on what they called Freedoms Eve.

Black churches across the country met to worship, pray, and thank God for the freedom that came to their brethren on January 1, 1863, when the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect. But it would be another two years after the first Watch Night service before this proclamation of freedom became a reality in the last holdout state of Texas.

The arrival of Union troops in Galveston, Texas, was a watershed moment in the nations history and included thousands of Black soldierssome recently freed themselveswho had joined the military unit. The next day, General Gordon Granger announced General Order No. 3: an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves.

The news spread like wildfire, and nicknames for the day proliferated as well: Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Juneteenth, and so on. When I discovered that one of the first names given to the commemoration was Jubilee Day, the significance for the church was brought home like a preacher dramatically coming to the sermons conclusion.

Like the national healing sought through the tradition of Thanksgiving, Juneteenth would likewise provide a day of healing to millions of Americans who had much reason to give thanks: those who were set free and those allies of abolition who fought for their freedom.

Described in Leviticus 25, Jubilee was an Old Testament festival to be observed every 50 years to honor the Lord by forgiving debts, releasing fellow Israelites from bondage, and even restoring tribal lands. The name came from the exultant joy that naturally accompanies such a momentous occasion.

That these newly emancipated Americans referred to the day as Jubilee meant they understood their deliverance not only in a physical sense but also in a spiritual senseno doubt seeing connections between their liberation and Gods deliverance of Israel from over 400 years slavery in Egypt.

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They also perceived that marking time to honor Christian virtues has value even if the dates originate in secular and civic contexts. Jesus instruction for his disciples to pray Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10) was an invitation for them to participate in Gods advancement of the kingdom of heavens appearance on earth.

It is always good for Christians to celebrate freedom. The end of the evil institution of slavery in our midst is valuable and valid no matter how messy and incomplete it is. Theres a renewal possible with a celebration such as Juneteenthits a reminder of where weve been and hopefully where were going.

The apostle Paul instructed the church in Rome to rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn (Rom. 12:15), and Juneteenth provides a unique national moment to do both. We can rejoice with those who rejoice because freedom is a good gift from God that honors the image-bearing nature of humanity.

We can celebrate with those who point to that day as the beginning of their families making a life for themselves.

And yet its also an invitation to mourn with those who mourn because it provides an opportunity to reflect on the tragedy of American slavery that ensnared millions and denied the dignity and worth of untold numbers of fellow human beings who perished while under its oppression.

Expressing both jubilation and lament reminds us of Pauls admonition in Romans 14:56: One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord.

Celebrating Juneteenth is not a mandate, but it is a meaningful moment for us to experience together, just as Thanksgiving and Watch Night arent mandates but opportunities.

Many African Americans like me dont know a specific date when our ancestors were freed. Although our nations population includes millions of people whose descendants are just a few generations removed from those who were enslaved or enslavers, we have not previously made time in our civic calendar of traditions to collectively reflect on the history of slavery and emancipation and its importance today.

Juneteenth gives us that opportunity. It is a historical reminder that invites us to continue to proclaim freedom for the captives (Isa. 61:1; Luke 4:18)just like the apostle Paul encouraged the church in Corinth to reflect on Israels history: Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did (1 Cor. 10:6).

If we let it, Juneteenth is a time to learn from stories we dont typically hear and seek understanding about how our past has impacted our present circumstances.

Juneteenth can also deepen our theological understanding that God cares about the soul and the body. In a moment when the church is so divided about the future, we can find common ground and understanding.

We learn from our national holidaysWatch Night, Thanksgiving, and Juneteenththat God still gives us much to rejoice, lament, and learn as we gather year after year. And as we reflect on our journey together as Americans and followers of Jesus, we gain a heart of wisdom, understanding, and joy.

When Jesus read from Isaiah 61, he declared that he had come to proclaim the year of the Lords favor (Luke 4:19)that in him, the Jubilee promises of holistic deliverance were fully manifest.

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Jesus demonstrated this by healing the body and soul of the poor, the captives, the blind, and the oppressedbut he ultimately revealed it in his death and resurrection, promising to raise to life whoever believes in him. Jesus himself is our Jubilee.

The connection between faith and freedom is what led me recently to journey to Texas and learn more of the history of Juneteenth on a personal level. The result is a new documentary titled Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom.

Likewise, many of those emancipated in Texas in 1865 saw God as the ultimate source of their deliverance. In fact, after talking to the descendants of those emancipated on the first Juneteenth, I discovered that many of them still serve in the same churches where their forebears first celebrated their newfound freedom.

I believe Juneteenth is something for which the whole church can say Amen!and I pray we continue to experience more of the freedom and faith Jesus offers us as we celebrate.

Rasool Berry is the content developer and partnership liaison at Our Daily Bread Ministries and is a teaching pastor at the Bridge Church in Brooklyn, New York. You can watch his journey in the new documentary Juneteenth: Faith & Freedomhere.
In this episode Heather and York discuss his own testimony as well as his incredible story of his own conversion into Christianity. York grew up an atheist and remained so into adulthood, but he had an incredible experience of being called by God, and then surrendering his life to not just faith, but also evangelism while in College.

York shares with us what he believes the next generation is looking for, how we can be more effective in reaching them, as well as what the voice of God sounds like.

Guest Bio

York Moore is the National Evangelist for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship USA. He has a massive TIK TOK presence with over 200k followers. He is the author of Growing Your Faith by Giving it Away and Do Something Beautiful: The Story of Everything and a Guide to Finding Your Place In It. He also recently co-authored Seen Known Love with Gary Chapman.

Moore is a frequently sought-after speaker and modern-day abolitionist who has given the invitation for faith at the last two Urbana Missions Conferences and has led over 10,000 students to faith in Christ through his teaching and preaching ministry coast to coast.

Mentioned in This Episode

When Americans Say They Believe in God, What Do They Mean? by Pew Research Center

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of seven books, including Its Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today



Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day



Producer: Loren Joseph



Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath



Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper



Associate Producer of CT Podcasts: Azurae Phelps
Retiring megachurch pastor Rick Warren stood up among a crowd of Southern Baptists to address the convention for what could be his last time. The 68-year-old leader referred to his remarks as both a love letter to the denomination and his dying words.

Are we going to keep bickering over secondary issues, Warren asked, or are we going to keep the main thing the main thing?

Last year, some claimed Warrens Saddleback Church no longer belongs in the convention and proposed ousting the biggest church in the SBC for ordaining female pastors. The popular preacher and author has since named as his successor a leader whose wife holds a teaching pastor position.

The credentials committeethe Southern Baptist body tasked with recommending whether to disfellowship a particular churchended up not making a decision about Warrens church, whose main campus is just a 30-minute drive from where the denomination gathered in Anaheim this week.

But the discussion around Saddleback raised questions that extend beyond the California megachurch and beyond the annual meeting: What is a pastor? And what makes a church Southern Baptist?

The Baptist Faith and Message (BF&M), the statement of faith adopted by the SBC in 2000, addresses gender roles in church leadership: While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.

But the credentials committee concluded that it wasnt clear if the statement restricted women from any position doing pastoral work or holding a pastoral title, or if it just applied to the senior pastor, chair Linda Cooper told the 2022 convention.

And that wasnt the only issue where things arent currently clear. Even if Saddleback violated this principle, SBC-affiliated congregations dont have to follow everything in the BF&M. Theyre only required to closely identify with it.

We know our entities must align with BF&M2K. How closely must our churches align to be in friendly cooperation? asked Virginia pastor Adam Blosser, in a Twitter thread. To this point, churches have been given a great deal of latitude on a number of issues in the BF&M2K. Disfellowshipping Saddleback would certainly be a move away from such latitude. Maybe tightening our boundaries is needed. But if so, it's worth studying. It's not an emergency.

The credentials committee asked if the SBC would allow them to study the office of pastor definition further.

The proposal was laughable to some Southern Baptists, including Southern Seminary president Albert Mohler, who came to the mic to say Baptists didnt need another study or committee to tell them that pastors are male. Tom Ascol, head of Founders Ministries, also spoke up to emphasize the Bibles clear position on it. Both got vocal support from the 8,000-messenger crowd. It was one of the most raucous and memorable moments in the two-day meeting.

Another seminary president, Adam Greenway from Southwestern, suggested that rather than studying the pastor line, the committee look at the bigger question of how much affiliating churches need to comply with the beliefs set out in the SBC statement of faith.

Greenways proposal failed in a ballot vote. But several Southern Baptist pastors said they wish it hadnt.

The smartest amendment of the day failed today. Adam Greenway pinpointed the real issue, said Texas pastor Andrew Hebert, a messenger at the meeting.

Even if we clarified that the BF&M indeed means anyone holding a pastoral title of any sort must be a man, Article 3 of the SBC constitution states that cooperating churches must only hold to a statement of faith that closely identifies with the BF&M. Weve never demanded churches to affirm every jot and tittle of the BF&M to cooperate. Until Article 3 changes, we are going to keep running into this issue.

Hebert and Todd Benkert, an Indiana pastor who spoke in favor of Greenways suggestion, both brought up that a sizable minority of Southern Baptist churches do not require baptism as a prerequisite for taking communion, even though thats what the Lords Supper section of the BF&M says.

When he spoke from the convention floor hours later, Warren did not defend Saddleback or debate the intricacies of the faith statement.

I could talk to you all about what I believe about the gift of pastorate as opposed to the office of pastorate, but Im not here to talk about that, he said, and went on to speak of his gratitude to the convention, including for the autonomy it affords local churches.

Sociologist Gerardo Marti referenced this hands-off autonomy as a reason the SBC celebrated Saddlebacks massive growth and baptisms, even though the church didnt go out of its way to identify as Southern Baptist and Warrens positions sometimes clashed with other leaders in the denomination.

When Saddleback celebrated the ordination of three women from the stage in May 2021, those clashes seemed, to some, unbearable.

There are a variety of people whove worked in Southern Baptist churches who have essentially been ordained without being called pastor, so what would be different is for them to be publicly acknowledged with the same role and title of being a pastor, Marti told CTs Quick to Listen. That, I think, might be distinctive.

On Tuesday, one messenger asked if the BF&Ms office of pastor only applied to senior pastors, would that also restrict the use of the title for non-senior pastor roles, such as youth pastor and music pastor. The committee wasnt charged with studying the question further and has yet to decide a recommendation on Saddleback.

The questions around cooperation come years into the reconfigured work of the credentials committee, which took on the responsibility of hearing reports about churches whose response to abuse violated SBC convictions. The effort had a rocky and largely ineffective start, as evaluated by the recent investigative report. But it has drawn more attention to how Southern Baptists draw boundary lines while attempting to maintaining independence.

We need clarity on what does it mean to be in cooperation with Southern Baptists, said Benkert.

Like Warren, several Southern Baptists referenced the importance of shared mission and evangelism as the main thing that unites a body whose beliefs and church practices can varyeven as leaders disagree on how much leeway they get.

Youre never going to find another Baptist that agrees with you on everything, Warren said.
Georgia megachurch to pay $13.1 million to leave UMC, end litigation

A megachurch in Georgia has agreed to pay $13.1 million to leave the United Methodist Church with its property, ending litigation between it and the mainline Protestant denomination.

The Marietta-based Mt. Bethel Church, which boasts around 10,000 members, recently announced that it had settled with the UMC North Georgia Conference.

According to the settlement agreement, approved in Cobb County Superior Court on June 3, Mt. Bethel will pay $13.1 to keep its property and assets, while being officially allowed to leave the UMC.

We are thankful that we have reached a settlement with the Trustees of the North Georgia Conference that puts an end to litigation and enables us to move forward in faith as an independent church, stated Mt. Bethel.

We praise God for His provision and offer gratitude for all the parties involved in reaching this peaceful resolution. We extend abundant thanks to our members, faith community, and partners who have been praying for a God-honoring outcome.

For its part, the conference released a statement on Monday saying it was appreciative of the Cobb County Superior Court for giving final approval of the mediated settlement agreement.

We anticipate full resolution in the next 120 days, the conference added. As stated in the agreement, we are all part of one universal church and look forward to moving ahead in service to Jesus Christ.

In April 2021, Mt. Bethel's 50-member administrative council unanimously voted to begin a discernment process for leaving the UMC, citing the reassignment of their lead pastor and the general direction of the denomination as reasons.

Last July, the conference announced that it had seized control of Mt. Bethel's assets, citing "exigent circumstances" to justify its actions and saying it was done "out of love for the church and its mission."

For its part, Mt. Bethel denounced the seizure and took issue with North Georgia Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson and the conference claiming "exigent circumstances."

The church pointed to contrary examples, such as having a growing congregation, financial stability and adhering to UMC Book of Discipline rules regarding the appointment of clergy.

"Mt. Bethel has not violated the Discipline by hiring its' preaching pastor,' nor has it allowed uncredentialed use of the Pulpit," stated Mt. Bethel at the time.

Mt. Bethel filed an injunction request in county court last October to try and stop the conference from interfering with a congregation-wide vote over seeking dismissal from the UMC.

Mt. Bethel is not the only congregation leaving the North Georgia Conference, as the overall UMC is experiencing schism over their years-long debate on homosexuality and gay marriage.

Earlier this month, the conference announced that 70 congregations representing 9% of the regional bodys churches would be officially leaving the UMC by the end of the month.

Many, if not all, of these departing congregations plan to join the newly created Global Methodist Church, which was launched as a conservative alternative to the UMC.
Born-again Congresswoman Lauren Boebert tells wives to chase after God and husbands will follow

Born-again Christian Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, who said she prayed to God for years before her husband joined her in the church, told a group of Christian women in a recent sermon that if they chase after God their husbands will chase after them too.

Ladies, it was years before I had my husband sitting in the pew next to me, Boebert explained in an impassioned sermon at the Charis Christian Center, a nondenominational church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Saturday.

For years I interceded, wanting my husband [Jayson Bobert] by my side, praising God, living out this God kind of life that I knew was far better than anything else that was going on. But ladies, if you chase God with everything that you have, your husband will chase after you chasing God, she said.

The Republican congresswoman from Colorado and mother of four, who said she became a born-again Christian 12 years ago, is facing down online rumors that she had two abortions in her past and worked as an escort.

On Saturday, however, the 35-year-old was focused on the transformative power of Christ in her life.

It has been such an incredible journey to watch that transformation. Ive seen it in so many other marriages. But we serve a God of life, a God of resurrection, so when things seem dead, praise the Lord! Because He is amazing at bringing things back to life, she said.

Boebert, who is a member of New Creation Church in Glenwood Springs, also urged women to value their role in their families and not doubt their self-worth.

I speak with so many women who feel they dont have a purpose because they are not on an elevated platform. And I look back on my life and some of the greatest purpose  was in my own home, she said.

Influencing my children, influencing my husband, showing him forgiveness when there shouldnt have been any in the natural. Showing him honor when my flesh wanted to dishonor him. Respecting him when that wasnt the natural course, she continued.

The Republican congresswoman who is a strong gun rights advocate owns Shooters Grill in Rifle, where waitresses carry firearms openly while serving customers, also told her audience that when God asks them to forgive, its because He has given them the power to do it.

God doesnt tell us to do those things because its easy. God tells us to do those things because He has graced us to do them. Grace isnt just something sloppy that just covers up your sin. Grace empowers you, grace strengthens you. This is the divine reflection of God in your heart that other people see.

This is what grace is for. It is amazing grace, she said.

God doesnt tell you to forgive people, to honor people, to respect people because He wants you to be a doormat. He knows that you cant do that on your own and that youll have to tap in to what He has for you. None of us can do what God has called us to in our own strength, she added. We need that grace. We need the Holy Ghost. We need that anointing because anything that God has called us to is much bigger than ourselves, and if we can do it in our own strength then its not God.
Pastor warns SBC against using 'politics,' 'social justice' or 'music' to grow churches

A pastor has warned attendees of the Southern Baptist Conventions Annual Meeting against using things like politics, social justice and music to grow their congregations instead of the Gospel.

Juan Sanchez, senior pastor of High Point Baptist Church in Austin, Texas, gave the Convention sermon on Wednesday morning in Anaheim, California.

Sanchez preached about Ephesians 4:11-16, noting that in the Bible passage, Paul of Tarsus writes about the foundational importance of prophets and apostles.

The foundation of the Church is the apostles and prophets because that is the group to whom the Father revealed that Jesus is the Christ, Sanchez explained. The foundation of the Church is this revelation of the Father that Jesus is the Christ. He is King, He is Lord. It is through Jesus that God will bring together all that has been broken.

Sanchez then warned against using other means to increase membership numbers, telling those gathered that we cannot build the Church on any other foundation.

If our primary end is merely church growth, said Sanchez, we will be tempted to build on other foundations. Were tempted to build our churches on a foundation of music styles, or age-graded ministries, or even politics or social justice or even our own personalities.

Growth that comes by something other than the Word of God about Jesus is not lasting, nor is it God-glorifying. As a friend of mine says, what you win people with is what you win them to.

In keeping with this reasoning, Sanchez said that if you win them with music, youve won them to music. If you win them with childrens ministry, youve won them to childrens ministry. If you win them with politics, youve won them to politics. If you win them with your personality, youve won them to you, but not to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sanchez also focused on verse 14 of the passage, which talks about no longer being tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.

If this does not describe the Church in the last two years, I dont know what does, said Sanchez. The Church has been tossed about by every wind of doctrine, by human philosophies, by conspiracy theories, by worldly opinions.

And is it possible that the reasons our congregations have been so thrust by the winds and the waves, is because we have not ground them in the Word of God?

Sanchez saw healthy spiritual growth as being a corporate effort, noting people in his life who, while not being famous or prominent, nevertheless helped his faith development growing up.

I heard the Gospel, I saw the Gospel, I repented of my sins, I trusted in Christ, all through the ministry of people that you have never heard of, he said. Thats what I love about the Church of Jesus Christ.

Sanchezs sermon took place on the second day of the SBC's Annual Meeting, held June 14-15 at the Anaheim Convention Center, with the theme of Jesus: The Center of it All.

On Tuesday, the SBC messengers voted to elect Pastor Bart Barber of First Baptist Church in Farmersville, Texas, to be the new president of the SBC following a runoff ballot.

Barber will succeed Pastor Ed Litton, who was elected last year and made headlines when he announced that he would be the first SBC president in decades to not seek reelection.
SBC committee delays decision on whether to expel Saddleback Church over female 'pastors'

The Southern Baptist Convention has delayed a decision on whether to remove Rick Warren's Saddleback Church from the denomination in light of the California megachurch's ordination of three female pastors last year.

Saddleback Church's ordination of the three pastors last May in what the church called a "historic night" drew the ire of many in the largest Protestant denomination in America in light of the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message statement's ban on female ordination.

Some called for the congregation to be disfellowshiped from the convention over the ordination of  Liz Puffer, Cynthia Petty and Katie Edwards.

The SBC Credentials Committee, tasked with handling concerns about whether churches that cooperate with the convention are abiding by the SBC standards of faith and practice, announced Tuesday at the SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California, that it would delay a decision on Saddleback's standing.

"Based on the information available to us currently, including direct communication with Pastor Rick Warren, ... we have concluded that we are not yet prepared to make a recommendation regarding Saddleback Church, recognizing there are differing opinions regarding the intent of the office of pastor as stated in the Baptist Faith & Message 2000," Committee Chair Linda Cooper told meeting attendees.

"We feel it is very important for you to know that it is the unanimous opinion of the Credentials Committee that the majority of Southern Baptists hold to the belief that the function of lead pastor, elder, bishop or overseer is limited to men as qualified by Scripture."

But Cooper noted that the committee "found little information evidencing convention beliefs regarding the use of the title of pastor, for staff positions with different responsibilities and authority than that of lead pastor role."

Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Al Mohler was among the critics of the ordination, writing in a 2021 column that he considered it "contrary to Scripture."

"This is no longer a point of tension and debate. These moves represent an attempt to redefine and reformulate the convictional foundation of Southern Baptist faith and cooperative ministry," wrote Mohler.

"The theological issues have not changed since the year 2000 when Southern Baptists spoke clearly and precisely in the Baptist Faith & Message. More importantly, the Holy Scriptures have not changed and cannot change."

At last year's SBC annual meeting, a motion was offered to break fellowship with Saddleback over the ordination, with the measure being referred to the SBC Credentials Committee.

Warren, the popular author of The Purpose Driven Life who had recently announced his retirement from Saddleback Church, addressed the convention floor. He said that he would not defend himself at that time.

Instead, Warren focused his Tuesday remarks on how he believed the SBC had positively influenced his ministry over the decades and warned against divisiveness.

"As Western culture grows more dark, more evil and more secular, we have to decide are we going to treat each other as allies or adversaries?" Warren stated.

"Are we going to keep bickering over secondary issues, or are we going to keep the main thing the main thing?"

The Credentials Committee initially recommended that the SBC messengers vote during the meeting this week to create a study committee that would report to the 2023 SBC Annual Meeting a "recommendation to provide clarity regarding the office of pastor."

Some leaders, including Mohler, voiced opposition to the idea of creating a study committee.

"If we eventually have to form a study committee over every word of our confession of faith, then we are doomed and we are no longer a confessional people," Mohler said to applause from the crowd.

The Credentials Committee rescinded its recommendation for a study committee after Warren addressed the meeting. It's unclear when the committee will make another recommendation regarding the original motion.
Tim Keller 'dealing with side effects' of stage 4 cancer treatment: 'We deeply covet your prayers'

Theologian Tim Keller is dealing with the side effects of an immunotherapy treatment that he is undergoing amid his ongoing battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, his family announced in a social media post asking supporters for their prayers.

Dad is currently dealing with the side effects of an immunotherapy treatment that he is undergoing, the pastors son, Michael Keller, wrote on Facebook late Monday. We ask that you continue to pray for Dads healing and for the decisions of his doctors and medical team who continue to provide excellent, compassionate care. Thank you for the outpouring of love and support. We deeply covet your prayers at this time.

Keller, the founder of Redeemer Presbyterian Church and City to City, was diagnosed with cancer in May 2020. Last month, he announced he would be undergoing an immunotherapy trial at the National Cancer Center in Bethesda, Maryland, in June.

This has shown great promise in potentially curing cancer, though it is a rigorous and demanding month-long program (that will need updates up to six months), Keller said at the time.

Requesting prayers for him and his family, the pastor shared that he and his wife, Kathy, would be displaced from our home and separated from one another, as I will be an inpatient.

He asked his followers to continue to pray for truly miraculous effects of the procedure and minimal side effects.

Following the latest update, Christ Presbyterian Church Pastor Scott Sauls, who has described Keller as his mentor, took to social media to urge his followers to pray for the ailing pastor.

Friends, please pray for Tim Keller as he contends with some serious health complications. Pray also for Kathy, their three sons, and their grandchildren, for the Lords comfort and care, he wrote.

Keller is also a survivor of thyroid cancer, which he had in 2002.

In an April 2021 interview with The Christian Post, the bestselling author explained that pancreatic cancer is a particularly aggressive disease that typically claims its victims within a year  and its usually a very difficult year."

But last month, Keller celebrated two years since his diagnosis, adding: God has seen it fit to give me more time.

The pastor previously shared with CP how he learned of his diagnosis while writing Hope in Times of Fear, a book focusing on the transformative power of the resurrection.

Here I am, writing a book about the resurrection, and I realized I only half-believed I was going to die. I went back and realized that in some ways, I also only half-believed in the resurrection  not intellectually so much, but all the way down deep in my heart. I realized I needed to have a greater, a deeper faith in the resurrection, both intellectually and mentally, he recalled.

It took several months in which I had to take my abstract belief down into my heart to existentially and experientially know it and grow in assurance, and it worked, he said. If you are willing to embrace the truth of God's Word and immerse yourself in it day in and day out, and then ask the Holy Spirit to make it real to your heart, He will.

He also told CP that regardless of what happens, he was ready for anything.

What the future holds, I dont know. Pray that I would have years and not months left and that the chemotherapy would continue to be effective. But we are ready for whatever God decides for me. Were spiritually ready.

I do know, he added, that the resurrection of Jesus Christ really happened. And when I die, I will know that resurrection too."
Megachurch reveals Bruxy Cavey wasnt only pastor involved in sexual misconduct, cites 38 cases

The Meeting House, one of Canada's largest megachurches, has revealed that its former teaching pastor, Bruxy Cavey, who was recently arrested and charged with sexual assault of a former parishioner, was not the only pastor to engage in sexual misconduct.

In a town hall meeting with the congregation on June 7, the church named at least three more former pastors involved collectively in at least 38 reports of misconduct.

"To date, our victim advocate Melodie [Bissell] has received 38 inquiries. She's documenting each story and is committed to advocating on their behalf," Jennifer Hryniw, member of the church's overseers board, said during the meeting.

Hryniw named former youth pastors Kieran Naidoo and David Churchill and Tim Day, who served as senior pastor at The Meeting House for 14 years, among the other offending clergy.

Naidoo was arrested and charged as part of a large-scale child pornography investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police in 2012. Last year, he was again arrested and charged with sexual exploitation.

In 2014, Churchill was charged with sexual assault and sexual exploitation.

"The inquiries are not all unique or separate, but they do represent allegations, disclosures and concerns related primarily to clergy sexual misconduct, harassment and abuse by Kieran Naidoo, Dave Churchill, Bruxy Cavey and Tim Day," Hryniw said.

"The cases of Kieran Naidoo and Dave Churchill have gone to court, and convictions were laid. And as you are aware, we are currently underway with two investigations where Bruxy Cavey and Tim Day have been named."

Hryniw noted that other disclosures involving previous leaders and staff at the church engaged in "sexual misconduct, adultery and troubling emotional abuse" were also reported.

"In almost all of the responses, individuals have suffered spiritual harm," she said.

The church also received reports of "brave individuals who have tried to address the culture of immorality in the past, and they felt shut down and alienated by the church."

"Each story we've read causes us deep grief. But we know it's only a fraction of the pain that the victims, both men and women, have experienced," she said. "These aren't new or recent incidences of harm and they do come as a surprise to the overseers and to many in this church family. We're thankful that for many of us, this hasn't been our experience of the church. But that doesn't mean that any of us can afford to ignore them."

Police in Hamilton, Ontario, announced in a statement that they arrested the 57-year-old Cavey on May 31 after an investigation into reports of a sexual assault that occurred while he served as primary teaching pastor at The Meeting House from 1996 to 2021.

The church is headquartered in Oakville and has multiple campuses in the Greater Toronto area.

"Hamilton Police believe that there may be more victims and encourage anyone with information to come forward," the police statement reads. "Hamilton Police want all survivors of sexual violence to know that we believe them and we will respect their choice when and how they report an incident."
Southern Baptist Convention overwhelmingly passes 2 reforms on sexual abuse: 'We are in a Kairos moment'

Messengers at the Southern Baptist Conventions Annual Meeting overwhelmingly approved a series of abuse reform recommendations in the wake of a report detailing how some SBC leaders mishandled allegations of abuse and mistreated abuse victims.

On Tuesday, over 8,000 Southern Baptists gathered in Anaheim, California, where messengers approved two sets of recommendations, both of which contained subsections, proposed by the SBC sexual abuse task force.

The first main recommendation is to create an abuse implementation task force, while the second is to create a ministry check database to keep track of church leaders accused of sexual abuse.

Both recommendations came after a May 22 report from Guidepost Solutions detailing the results of an investigation into allegations that SBC leaders intimidated whistleblowers and exonerated churches with credible claims of negligence of sexual abuse victims.

At a press conference following the session, attorney and sexual abuse survivor Rachael Denhollander said the passing of the recommendations is the result of the tireless efforts of the survivors who didnt give up.

We really hope history shows is that survivors look back on this moment, and they see every single ballot raised in the air, and they know that was me being believed; that was the impact that I made because I didn't give up, and that the survivors who come after them look at those ballots and they say, I have a place to speak up now. My voice can now be heard because of what the generation before me did. And I think that is the biggest takeaway today is the tireless effort of the survivors."

Because they didn't give up, those ballots went up today, she said. Today is the tireless effort of the survivors.  [I hope] every survivor looks back and goes, That's me being believed and that's the impact my voice can have.

The messengers voted after 40 minutes of deliberation, with a few opposing the measures due to concerns the recommendations would contradict the Southern Baptist "belief in church autonomy. Others criticized Guidepost Solutions for its recent tweet in support of Pride month.

Ahead of the votes, Bruce Frank, chair of the SBC sexual abuse task force, told messengers, We are in a kairos moment.

We are in a seminal moment, right now, he said. Today, we will choose between humility or hubris. We will choose between genuine repentance or continually being passive and our approach to sexual abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention. We will choose between doing the best for the glory of God and for the good of people. Or we will choose again business as usual.

The SBC Executive Committee had announced in June 2021 that Guidepost Solutions would review allegations made by the former leader of the SBC's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, Russell Moore, that SBC leaders intimidated whistleblowers and exonerated churches with credible claims of negligence of sexual abuse victims.

The investigation, funded by allocations from the Cooperative Program, covered the period from Jan. 1, 2000, to June 14, 2021, and included a review of actions and decisions of staff and members of the Executive Committee.

The report released last month found that, among other misdeeds, for the last 20 years, the SBC sought to protect the interests of the denomination above alleged sexual abuse victims even as they fielded credible claims of abuse.

In his message, Frank lamented to SBC leaders gathered at the meeting that the incidents of sexual abuse happened on our watch.

This is our denomination that closed our eyes and our hearts to survivors; closed our eyes and hearts to sexual abuse reform initiatives, and in some cases, allowing serial predators to quietly move from church to church. Loved ones, we are a people of the Book. We should know better than this, he said.

Frank urged messengers to pass the recommendations, calling them the "bare minimum.

It will take a few years to change the culture and direction, he said. But without action to act differently, there is no repentance."

He acknowledged that carrying out the recommendations would cost a lot of money, adding: But its not going to cost nearly as much as survivors have paid.

Following the votes, Frank praised messengers for passing the recommendations: You could sense the room wanted to do the right thing, he said. Kairos just means opportunity, and this was an opportunity for us to take a step down the right road, and proud of the messengers that did.

He said that as important as the day was, the coming days will be even more important as the SBC seeks to implement the recommendations.
'Disgraceful attack on Christianity': Calif. city councilman criticizes LGBT flag-raising at city hall

A California city council member has denounced the raising of an LGBT pride flag at City Hall as a "disgraceful attack on traditional Christianity," prompting many to demand that he be removed from office.

Fresno Councilman Garry Bredefeld told EyeWitness News 47 that he believes a pride flag shouldn't have been raised outside City Hall.

I dont think the flag should be flying outside city hall. Ive been very clear about that. I think it should only be the United States government, and the state of California and the city of Fresno flag that should be flying out there, but I feel that way about all flags, Bredefeld said.

"If youre a follower of Jesus Christ, I dont know how you would refer to Jesus Christ as the 'scandalous one' and the 'queer of nations' and all of that. There are people who want to take that and say, 'Well youre against people who are homosexual,' which is false and not true. But the fact is when you attack Jesus in what you call a prayer, Im going to speak up about it and I did."

During the ceremony, the Rev. Raygan Baker of Fresnos Big Red Church gave a prayer in which he said that You, queer one, oh queering one, reveal the gifts of falling outside the lines."

Bredefeld tweeted Sunday morning that he considered the prayer delivered by Baker at the pride flag-raising event to be a disgraceful attack on traditional Christianity.

"Ill continue to speak out against these attacks on Christianity & never accept this kind of perversion of God and what God truly stands for as revealed in the Bible. Never," he added.

A Change.org petition, with an aim to have Bredefeld removed from his position for various reasons, including his recent comments, has garnered nearly 800 signatures as of Thursday afternoon.

Garry Bredefeld has proven time and time again to show his true colors when it comes to blatant disrespect of the people of Fresno. He is a stain on the community and should not represent the interests of its citizens, the petition reads. He ran uncontested and that means he won by default. He is anti-mask and pro-trump, which should tell you what you need to know about his character.

Bredefeld said, however, that even with the active petition, he isn't worried because he believes there's nothing wrong with his viewpoints opposing the pride flag-raising and against the prayer that Baker delivered.

"As far as Im concerned, hes attacking Christians and Christianity, and I thought it was very inappropriate, Bredefeld added.

In response to Bredefeld, Baker told Eyewitness 47 that he didn't find anything wrong with his prayer and believes it was justified because it mirrors what he typically preaches at his church.

I was just surprised at first. Its never the prayer as the part that people focus on, Baker said, referring to the council member's response. I mean, Im a Christian too."

"The thing is you know, he and I are both Christians even if were in different churches. Im a gay Christian, and Im sorry, I get to [pray] from my perspective too.

The flag-raising ceremony is progress, according to Baker, adding that when "queer people see it, they say, Oh, Im safe here. That Im a part of Fresno, too.
Georgia megachurch, UMC conference enter mediation amid threat of separation, asset seizure

A Georgia megachurch seeking to leave the United Methodist Church and the regional church body that recently seized its assets have begun a mediation process to resolve the tenuous situation.

Mt. Bethel UMC of Marietta, which has about 10,000 members, and the UMC North Georgia Conference jointly announced Wednesday that they are looking to resolve their differences.

Mt. Bethel UMC and the UMC's North Georgia Conference have jointly agreed to use their best efforts to resolve an ongoing dispute through a mediation process and will refrain from public comment on this matter until the mediation process has concluded, reads the statement.

The joint statement also explained that Mt. Bethel Christian Academy, a private school overseen by the megachurch that serves kindergarten through 12th grade, will also be included in the mediation process.

In April, Mt. Bethel leadership unanimously voted to begin a process of discernment for leaving the UMC, citing as reasons the reassignment of lead pastor Jody Ray and what they considered the overall direction of the mainline Protestant denomination.

UMC pastors are usually assigned to a congregation for one year at a time, with the possibility of being sent to another congregation or a different role occurring annually.

Given the recent actions of our bishop and the direction of the United Methodist denomination, both the leadership and members of Mt. Bethel Church strongly believe it is time for us to part ways with the denomination, a church spokesperson told The Christian Post in April.

We believe this process could be accomplished in a matter of months if the Bishop and the North Georgia Annual Conference are willing to enter into an amicable and orderly disaffiliation.

The church went on to state that its members simply want to continue serving in this great community and making our church a beacon of hope for all Gods people.

Mt. Bethel also filed a complaint before the UMC Southeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops. The church accused North Georgia Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson and a local district superintendent of Disobedience to the Order and Discipline of The United Methodist Church and Haupert-Johnson of Relationships and/or Behaviors that Undermines the Ministry of Another Pastor.

Haupert-Johnson wrote a pastoral letter defending the decision to reassign Ray to another position, saying it was not done out of spite.

The placement of a pastor is not done as a form of punishment. The reassignment of a pastor is not designed to persecute, wrote Haupert-Johnson in April.

Instead, the process is begun with the goal of matching the gifts and graces of a particular pastor with the ministry needs of a particular congregation and community in a particular season.

Ray maintained that he wasn't consulted about the reassignment to a position in the conference on racial reconciliation.

On July 12, the conference announced that it had seized control of the church's assets, explaining in a statement that it did so out of love for the church and its mission." The conference cited exigent circumstances for the decision.

Given this determination, all assets of the local church have transferred immediately to the Conference Board of Trustees of the North Georgia Conference, stated the conference at the time.

These conference agencies have taken action to preserve the legacy of the Mt. Bethel church and its longstanding history of mission and ministry.

Mt. Bethel leadership disputed the claims of exigent circumstances, pointing to examples of the contrary, such as the church having a vibrant congregation, financial stability and adhering to Book of Discipline rules on clergy.

Despite an unresolved formal complaint, Mt. Bethel has agreed to accept appointed clergy under protest given that said proposal has been approved by the North Georgia Conference and is now official, stated the church on an FAQ page entry.

Mt. Bethel has not violated the Discipline by hiring its preaching pastor, nor has it allowed uncredentialed use of the Pulpit."
Georgia megachurch votes to disaffiliate from UMC after lead pastor was reassigned

A United Methodist megachurch based in Georgia has filed a complaint against regional church leadership as part of its effort to leave the denomination for multiple reasons.

The leadership of Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, a Marietta-based congregation with approximately 10,000 members, voted earlier this month to begin the process of disaffiliation.

One issue was the decision of the UMC North Georgia Conference, the regional body that Mt. Bethel is part of, to reassign lead pastor, Jody Ray, to another position within the conference.

In the UMC, pastors are typically assigned to a congregation for one year at a time, with the possibility of being assigned to a different congregation or another role occurring on an annual basis.

A spokesperson for Mt. Bethel told The Christian Post in an email that the Mt. Bethel Administrative Council voted unanimously to enter into the disaffiliation process on April 18.

Given the recent actions of our bishop and the direction of the United Methodist denomination, both the leadership and members of Mt. Bethel Church strongly believe it is time for us to part ways with the denomination, the spokesperson wrote.

We believe this process could be accomplished in a matter of months if the Bishop and the North Georgia Annual Conference are willing to enter into an amicable and orderly disaffiliation.

The church went on to state that they simply want to continue serving in this great community and making our church a beacon of hope for all Gods people.

Mt. Bethels complaint, filed with the leadership of the UMC Southeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops, was announced via an emailed statement sent to media outlets.

The complaint accuses North Georgia Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson and a local district superintendent of Disobedience to the Order and Discipline of The United Methodist Church and accuses Haupert-Johnson of Relationships and/or Behaviors that Undermines the Ministry of Another Pastor.

At a press conference on Monday, Ray explained that he was surrendering his credentials as a UMC pastor. Mt. Bethel intends to keep him on as a lead preacher, however.

I will not engage in trying to read the Bishops mind for why she has taken this hasty and ill-conceived action, stated Ray at the press conference.

 but I do know she has undermined her credibility with the people of Mt. Bethel Church and jeopardized the health and vitality of this great congregation that is a beacon of hope and light in this community and beyond.

A spokesperson for the North Georgia Conference directed CP to a pastoral letter by Bishop Haupert-Johnson posted Monday defending the decision to move Ray to another congregation.

The reassignment of a pastor is not done out of spite. The placement of a pastor is not done as a form of punishment. The reassignment of a pastor is not designed to persecute, wrote Haupert-Johnson.

Instead, the process is begun with the goal of matching the gifts and graces of a particular pastor with the ministry needs of a particular congregation and community in a particular season.

The bishop also said that Mt. Bethel and Ray were uncooperative with the Conference leadership, purportedly refusing to discuss any alternative solutions.

When the district superintendent and the assistant to the bishop met with church leaders to further consult about the projected appointment, they refused to have any meaningful conversation, she continued.

When asked to further the consultation by submitting written concerns to the Cabinet, they gave no missional reasons against the appointment. The leaders wrote that they would withhold compensation, benefits and any reimbursement for a new pastor.

Ray had served with Mt. Bethel for over five years but was reassigned to an "evolving conference position having to do with racial reconciliation." An online petition against the decision to reassign Ray has amassed over 4,700 supporters.

Ray and the church argue that the conference didn't follow the expected process for new appointments.

"Many people know my heart for this very important issue and timely matter [of racial reconciliation]. So had the Bishop come to me last December or earlier this year to engage me in productive conversation about this emerging position, invited me to help shape it, and then given me some time to pray about it, then we would likely be in a very different

place today," Ray stressed. "But instead, there was no conversation or consultation at all."
House passes bill giving Supreme Court justices added security, 27 Democrats oppose it

The United States House of Representatives has passed a bill that would increase security for U.S. Supreme Court justices as tensions mount ahead of a ruling on a Mississippi abortion case after a man drove from California to Maryland with plans to assassinate Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

The Democrat-controlled House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the Supreme Court Police Parity Act on Tuesday, more than five weeks after the Senate approved the bill unanimously. The legislation now awaits a signature from President Joe Biden.

The bill expands police protection to any member of the immediate family of the Chief Justice, any Associate Justice, or any officer of the Supreme Court if the Marshal determines such protection is necessary. A total of 396 members of the House voted for the measure, while 27 opposed it. All of the no votes came from Democrats.

While most of the opposition to the Supreme Court Police Parity Act came from the most progressive members of the Democratic Party, including the group of lawmakers known as the Squad, a group of six Democrats representing New Jersey voted against the measure as well. One of the lawmakers, Rep. Tom Malinowski, represents a swing district that political handicappers such as the Cook Political Report and the University of Virginia Center Politics predict will flip to Republicans in the 2022 midterm elections.

Two others, Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill, represent districts that the handicappers anticipate could become competitive if the political environment continues to deteriorate for Democrats. The three lawmakers representing very or somewhat competitive districts, along with Reps. Bill Pascrell, Albio Sires and Bonnie Watson Coleman issued a joint statement elaborating on their decision to vote against the bill.

We fully support expanding security for Supreme Court Justices and their families. We also firmly believe that those expanded protections should also apply to federal judges and their families, who face similar threats, with less protective resources, they said. We stood alongside our friend Judge Esther Salas and voted no today because we could not support passing legislation that continues to ignore the pleas of all federal judges for greater security.

As the lawmakers explained, On July 19, 2020, a man who had appeared before Judge Esther Salas in her court came to her door dressed as a FedEx delivery man after finding her address with an easy online search. The 20-year-old son of the federal judge who sits on the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey answered the door of her home and was shot 3 times and killed while her husband was shot and is still recovering.

The push to pass the Supreme Court Police Parity Act in the House follows the thwarting of an assassination attempt on Kavanaugh last week. Nicholas Roske of Simi Valley, California, showed up in the middle of the night outside Kavanaughs home in Chevy Chase, Maryland, armed with multiple weapons including a gun, knife and pepper spray. He called 911 before he could follow through with his plans and was arrested shortly thereafter.

The Washington Post reported that Roske texted his sister after expressing concern about the presence of U.S. marshals outside Kavanaughs home and she convinced him to call 911 and turn himself in. A federal grand jury indicted Roske for the attempted murder of a Supreme Court justice Wednesday and he now faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The safety of Supreme Court justices has become an increasing concern following Politicos publication of a draft opinion in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health on May 2. The draft opinion reveals that a majority of Supreme Court justices, including Kavanaugh, have expressed support for overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

The prospect of overturning Roe has led to outrage among pro-abortion activists that has turned violent in some cases. Roske cited concern about the overturning of Roe as the motive for his assassination attempt.

In the days following the publication of the Dobbs draft, the pro-abortion group Ruth Sent Us published the home addresses of the six justices appointed by Republican presidents, five of whom signed on to the draft opinion. The group has illegally held protests outside the homes of the six justices on a weekly basis.

A final decision in the Dobbs case is expected by the end of the month. If the Supreme Court overturns Roe as expected, the issue of abortion will be decided on a state-by-state basis. While 21 states will either ban or restrict abortion more severely than they do right now in the absence of Roe, 16 states will continue to allow abortion throughout most or all of pregnancy because the right to abortion has been codified into state law.

An additional 10 states will likely continue to enforce existing abortion laws and/or restrictions and the remaining three could put abortion policy in the hands of voters in the form of ballot referendums.
Nearly naked pro-abortion protester disrupts Catholic Mass

A nearly naked pro-abortion protester disrupted a Catholic Mass in Michigan over the weekend as Americans await the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on an abortion case that's expected to overturn Roe v. Wade and return abortion laws to the discretion of each state.

A TikTok video captured a nearly naked female protester and two other pro-abortion demonstrators disrupting Mass at St. Veronicas Church in Eastpointe, Michigan, on Sunday. The unclothed young woman with strategically placed dark green leaves covering her private parts chanted abortion without apology while another protester waving a green bandana exclaimed, Overturn Roe? Hell no!

Video footage documented ushers at the Detroit-area church removing both protesters who continued to shout pro-abortion slogans as they were escorted out of the building. Another woman holding a green bandana was standing at one of the pews at the front of the church before an usher escorted her out through a side exit.

The incident in Eastpointe comes just one week after pro-abortion protesters interrupted a church service at Joel Osteens Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. One of the protesters at Lakewood stripped down to her bra and underwear decorated with green paint handprints over their chests and red paint on their underwear to symbolize blood from an abortion, and screamed, Its my body, my [expletive] choice. She and other protesters, who also removed their clothes, continued to shout pro-abortion slogans such as Overturn Roe? Hell no! as security guards escorted them out of the church building.

The protests at St. Veronicas and Lakewood come as the Supreme Court is expected to release its ruling in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health by the end of the month. A draft opinion in the case, published by Politico on May 2, reveals that a majority of Supreme Court justices have agreed to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

After Politico published the draft opinion in the Dobbs case, which is not final, the pro-abortion group Ruth Sent Us encouraged pro-abortion protesters to descend on Catholic churches on Mothers Day. The organization cited outrage that six extremist Catholics set out to overturn Roe as the justification for disrupting Catholic Masses.

While Ruth Sent Us maintained that six extremist Catholics signed on to the draft opinion in Dobbs, only five justices expressed support for the idea that Roe must be overruled. Four of the five justices who signed on to the draft majority opinion in Dobbs are Catholic and the fifth, Neil Gorsuch, is an Episcopalian. The sixth justice derided by Ruth Sent Us as an extremist Catholic, Chief Justice John Roberts, did not sign on to the draft majority opinion but was appointed to the bench by a Republican president like the other five.

In recent weeks, many churches in the U.S. have found themselves subject to acts of hostility that extend far beyond disruptive protests. Churches in Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Texas and Washington state have been vandalized, primarily consisting of pro-abortion messages spray-painted on their exterior walls. Additionally, a Catholic Church in Texas had its tabernacle stolen.

If Roe is overturned as expected, abortion would not automatically become illegal in all 50 states. Instead, each state will determine the legality of abortion going forward. Pro-abortion activists in Michigan, where St. Veronicas is located, are working to gather the signatures required to get a ballot measure codifying the right to abortion into state law before voters in the November election. Michigan is one of three states where voters could weigh in on abortion laws in the near future.

Twenty-one states will either completely ban or more severely restrict abortion than they do now if Roe is overturned. An additional 16 states that have already codified the right to abortion into state law will continue to allow abortions throughout most or all of pregnancy. The remaining 10 states will likely continue enforcing existing abortion laws.
Bart Barber: Complementarianism, decentralized polity not to blame for sex abuse crisis in SBC

Newly elected Southern Baptist Convention President Bart Barber has rejected claims that the complementarian theology of the denomination was a major factor in its sex abuse scandal.

At a press conference held Wednesday, Barber gave opening remarks in which he addressed the issue of holding sexual predators within Southern Baptist congregations accountable.

Some have argued that the complementarian theology that is prevalent in the Southern Baptist churches  which, among other things, says that men and women have distinct roles in society and prohibits the ordination of women  has contributed to the SBCs sex abuse scandal.

Barber rejected this view, stating that our problem is not with our theology or our polity; indeed these things are among our strengths and that it is because we are convinced that our theology is right that we are convinced that our actions have been wrong.

Barber noted that while sexual predators have used our decentralized polity to try to turn our churches into a hunting ground, he also believed that the same decentralized organization of the SBC can be used against predators.

Where there is no diocesan bishop to fire a local pastor, there is also no diocesan bishop to protect him. Where there is no regional presbytery to defrock a pastor, there is also no presbytery to reassign him while covering up his villainy, he said.

Predators have realized the vulnerabilities of our system; it is time for Southern Baptists to realize how nimble and resilient our Baptist polity can be to put sexual predators on notice that Southern Baptist churches are a dangerous place for them.

During the question and answer segment, The Associated Press asked about how some of the female abuse victims interviewed by Guidepost Solutions for their report had said that they would have felt better to be able to report this to women in leadership roles.

Barber responded that within an SBC member church with true congregational polity, then any member of the congregation, male or female, can be a reporting point.

And you have female reporting points, Barber claimed. In our churches, in these churches where the members come together and their vote is able to determine what the church does, almost all of those churches have more women in them than they do men.

We can hold to complementarian theology about the office of pastor and still have a lot of places for people who are not pastors but still have genuine freedom to speak into the life of the church and create reporting points for abuse.

A reporter for The Houston Chronicle asked Barber his opinion about the presence of right-wing politics in the SBC, citing conservative activist Charlie Kirk speaking at a breakfast event hosted by the Conservative Baptist Network.

Barber replied that while he definitely identified with Reagan Conservatism, he nevertheless said that his faith informs my politics, rather than my politics informing my faith.

I do believe that we have seen some unhealthy ways recently that secular politics have dominated the conversation here in the Southern Baptist Convention, Barber added.

Christians need to have opinions about politics, and we need to be engaged in politics. We just need to make sure that in the dance between theology and politics, theology leads.

In 2019, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Albert Mohler Jr. gave a speech in which he looked into the question of whether complementarianism was a cause of the abuse of women and girls.

For his part, Mohler concluded at the time that while complementarian theology can be and sometimes is used by abusive men to justify their mistreatment of women, when complementarianism is properly understood, it produces husbands who love their wives as Christ loves the church, and they love their wives as they love their own bodies.

Weve received a wake-up call that we be very aware that there are those who will use any doctrine to their sinful advantage, he continued. So do I believe that complementarianism leads to the abuse of women? I will tell you that yes, it can and it has, but thats not the source of the problem.

The source of the problem is human sinfulness  pride and arrogance. And yes, there are patterns of male pride and male arrogance and male terror that haunt us.
Supreme Court tackles religious freedom in foster care case

Yesterday, as most of America continued to process a razor-thin presidential race, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in what could be a momentous religious freedom case.

Fulton v. City of Philadelphia is a case that began in 2018, when Catholic Social Services (CSS), a charitable arm of the Church that dates all the way back to 1797, was barred by the city of brotherly love from placing foster children, unless it changed its policy on same-sex households. Rather than compromise, CSS took the city to court, claiming a violation of the First Amendments guarantee of freedom of speech and, even more importantly, the free exercise of religion.

The reason that the outcome of Fulton v. City of Philadelphia is so potentially important goes back to another Supreme Court decision from 1990. In Employment Division v. Smith, Justice Antonin Scalia determined that a state or locallaw could restrict religious freedom, as long as it does so in a way that equally applies to everyone. The only way such a law can be challenged under the Free Exercise Clause is if it violates some other right. In a way, Employment Division v. Smith turned religious freedom into a subset of the freedom of speech, rather than the first freedom it truly is.

Yesterday, the lawyers for Catholic Social Services not only asked the Court to rule in their favor but, also to overturn Employment Division. This would force state and local governments to abide by the same standard as the federal government, justifying any infringement on religious freedom by showing that a compelling interest is being served in the least restrictive way possible.

So, there are two things at stake here. First, there is the question of whether or not a religious charitable organization can operate according to its faith convictions. Second, there is the question of whether this case would put an end to the most problematic part of Justice Scalias legacy. (Adding to the drama, this is the first major case heard by Amy Coney Barrett, an advocate of religious freedom and also a former protege of the late Justice Scalia).

Lawyers for Catholic Social Services pointed to incidents in which Philadelphias Department of Human Services waived its anti-discrimination requirements when it comes to foster care. For example, in certain instances, the department had discriminated on the basis of disability or had clearly taken race into account in its fostering decisions. Thus, CSS attorneys argued, even if Employment Division wasnt overturned, it shouldnt be applicable in this instance.

Why then, Justice Coney-Barrett asked, should the court even consider overturning Employment Division if it wasnt applicable? Barrett, along with a majority of the Justices, seemed sympathetic to Catholic Social Services but hesitant about overturning Employment Division.

To be clear, attempts to predict Court decisions from oral arguments is about as reliable as predicting election outcomes from polls. (Well, its not quite that bad). But, here goes: A ruling for CSS in Fulton that didnt fully overturn Employment Division would be disappointing but would still be a win for religious freedom. After all, the case was argued almost entirely on religious freedom grounds, not on freedom of speech, and both Justices Kavanaugh and Alito clearly spoke of the need to address imbalances in the growing number of cases that pit LGBTQ rights vs religious freedom.

As both pointed out, we were assured in decisions like Obergefell that anyone holding traditional views of marriage would be respected. We were told their rights would be upheld. They havent been. Philadelphia, Justice Kavanaugh said, created a clash with a group that had been taking care of children there for two centuries simply because it was looking for a fight.

Justice Alito said it even more bluntly. After observing that no same-sex couple had ever approached CSS and, if they had, would have been referred to another agency, Alito concluded that the case was never really about ensuring that same-sex couples in Philadelphia have the opportunity to be foster parents. Instead, the city cant stand the message that Catholic Social Services and the Archdiocese [of Philadelphia] are sending by continuing to adhere to the old-fashion view about marriage.

Given the perceived animus towards Catholic Social Services, the majority probably will not need to overturn Employment Division to send a strong message on behalf of religious freedom. At the same time, weve already had, in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case, a ruling about government animus toward religious conviction. What we need now is a ruling that protects the rights of religious organizations and individuals to operate according to those convictions, while limiting the governments ability to trample on them.

Originally published at BreakPoint
Trinity Church Wall Street awards $4.6M in grants to seminaries, churches and Christian orgs

Trinity Church Wall Street in Lower Manhattan, the richest Episcopal church in the world, which boasts a diverse investment portfolio worth $6 billion, has awarded more than $4.6 million in grants to Christian organizations across the United States, Africa and Latin America.

The grants, ranging from $40,000 to $750,000, are being made to 25 organizations, including seminaries and churches committed to advancing "leadership development and building sustainable financial capacity in the Episcopal Church, the Anglican Communion and beyond," the church announced in a release Tuesday.

Trinity continues our mission of helping churches create ministries that will not only impact their communities immediately but continue to help in years to come, the Rev. Phillip A. Jackson, priest-in-charge of Trinity Church Wall Street, said in a statement. We also believe in the importance of training the next generation of leaders in the Episcopal Church and are excited to announce almost $2 million in grants targeted to this purpose.

Union Theological Seminary, which received $750,000, was the top grantee among all the organizations. Other seminaries that received grants were: Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, $150,000; Wesley Theological Seminary, $100,000; Princeton Theological Seminary, $100,000; and Auburn Theological Seminary, $100,000.

The church also granted $90,000 to The Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy for the first time to help train young people for leadership in Christian communities.

The goal is to create a pipeline of Episcopal Latinx faith leaders from high school to their ministries, both ordained and lay, Robert Garris, managing director for leadership development at Trinity said in a statement. The Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy is in a unique position to engage this work because of its 17 years of experience training and mentoring young Latinx faith leaders.

In addition to providing funding to several projects in Africa and Latin America, the church also expanded its work in the affordable housing through its work with St. Lukes Episcopal Church in Seattle, Washington.

The church is a participant in the inaugural Gift of Place cohort of churches launched by Trinity in partnership with the CEEP Network in 2020.

St. Lukes, according to the release, will use a $200,000 grant to fund predevelopment costs for an affordable housing project in the "rapidly gentrifying Ballard neighborhood."

While the neighborhood includes very affluent residents, there is still a significant shortage of affordable housing as evidenced by the 40 tents set up just across the street from the church entrance. This grant is an important first step in a project that will transform an entire city block with multiple new buildings encompassing affordable and mixed-income housing as well as space for community services; revitalizing the neighborhood and strengthening the church both missionally and financially," the Rev. James Clark, managing director of Mission Real Estate Development at Trinity, said.

Trinity Wall Street is one of New York Citys most influential players in the real estate market. It boasts a diverse investment portfolio worth $6 billion thanks in large part to a gift of 215 acres of land from Queen Anne in 1705. The church still owns about 14 acres of that grant and has evolved into a big time developer itself.

In an interview with The Christian Post last year, Bea de la Torre, managing director of the housing and homelessness team at Trinity Wall Street, said the church has always been concerned about homelessness in the city from a race-equity standpoint.

Were really looking at addressing the intersection of racial justice and homelessness. A lot of people with justice involvement coming out of state prisons or jails have a very, very hard time securing housing. And many of them end up finding themselves revolving around these two systems, Torre said.

She said Trinity Wall Street is very much in support of organizations that are investing in affordable housing development and that they have been involved with a new Down Payment Assistance Fund, launched in 2019, to speed the production of supportive and affordable housing across New York.

When asked how much of Trinity Churchs real estate had been dedicated to affordable housing, Torre was quick to highlight St. Margarets House, a 20-story apartment building that features 251 rental apartments strictly for older adults, ages 62 and older, and mobility-impaired people, ages 18 and older, who all receive Section 8 rent subsidies.

Thats a development that we are very proud of and committed to continuing, she said, while noting that Trinity Wall Street is also looking at different ways they can do more, including supporting faith-based institutions that want to leverage their properties to create affordable housing.

I do think theres great opportunities with faith-based [organizations to balance the slant toward the luxury market by developers] with land air rights, owned by faith-based institutions. Its one of the reasons why we want to ensure that those organizations are well-equipped in terms of analyzing and assessing what they can do, Torre said.
UMC conference seizes assets of Georgia megachurch trying to leave denomination

A regional body of the United Methodist Church has seized control of the assets of a Georgia megachurch trying to leave the mainline Protestant denomination.

The leadership of the UMC North Georgia Conference unanimously voted to approve the seizure of assets belonging to Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, a Marietta-based congregation with approximately 10,000 members.

In April, Mt. Bethel voted to begin a process of discernment for leaving the UMC due to the conferences decision to remove its senior pastor from his position and what they viewed as the overall direction of the denomination.

An announcement Monday explains that the conference undertook the measure out of love for the church and its mission, citing exigent circumstances for the decision.

Given this determination, all assets of the local church have transferred immediately to the Conference Board of Trustees of the North Georgia Conference, the statement reads.

These conference agencies have taken action to preserve the legacy of the Mt. Bethel church and its longstanding history of mission and ministry.

The regional body quoted from the UMC Book of Discipline. The book lists that among the responsibilities of the Conference Broad of Trustees is to intervene and take all necessary legal steps to safeguard and protect the interests and rights of the annual conference anywhere and in all matters relating to property and rights to property whether arising by gift, devise, or otherwise, or where held in trust or established for the benefit of the annual conference or its membership.

The Trustees will assume management of the church, the announcement continues. Employment, instruction, activities, and worship at the church and Academy will continue, but under the direction and control of the Conference Board of Trustees.

In response, Mt. Bethel UMC posted a denunciation of the decision on their FAQ page, taking issue with the claim by North Georgia Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson and the conference of there being exigent circumstances."

The church pointed to examples of the contrary, including them having a vibrant and growing congregation, financial stability and adhering to Book of Discipline rules regarding clergy.

Despite an unresolved formal complaint, Mt. Bethel has agreed to accept appointed clergy under protest given that said proposal has been approved by the North Georgia Conference and is now official, stated the church.

Mt. Bethel has not violated the Discipline by hiring its preaching pastor, nor has it allowed uncredentialed use of the Pulpit. Moreover, any prior unauthorized or uncredentialed use of the Pulpit could not constitute future exigent circumstances now that Mt. Bethel has accepted the appointment of Senior Pastor Dr. Steven Usry.

The church's website reports that the bishop's claim of "exigent circumstances" has been "refuted in complaints that are presently under review by a higher authority within the Southeast Jurisdiction College of Bishops of the United Methodist Church."

"As such, her actions are in disobedience to the order and discipline of the UMC," the FAQ page argues.

On April 18, the Mt. Bethel Administrative Council voted unanimously to enter into the disaffiliation process after the conference reassigned lead pastor, Jody Ray, to another position.

In the UMC, pastors are typically assigned to churches for one year at a time, with the likelihood of being assigned to a different congregation or another role happening on an annual basis. Ray served with Mt. Bethel for over five years but was reassigned to an "evolving conference position having to do with racial reconciliation."

Given the recent actions of our bishop and the direction of the United Methodist denomination, both the leadership and members of Mt. Bethel Church strongly believe it is time for us to part ways with the denomination, a church spokesperson told The Christian Post in April.

We believe this process could be accomplished in a matter of months if the Bishop and the North Georgia Annual Conference are willing to enter into an amicable and orderly disaffiliation.

Mt. Bethel also filed a complaint against the North Georgia Conference before the UMC Southeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops, accusing the conference of interfering with the church's ministerial efforts.

The conference has defended the decision to reassign Ray, providing CP with a copy of a pastoral letter by the bishop justifying the action.

The reassignment of a pastor is not done out of spite. The placement of a pastor is not done as a form of punishment. The reassignment of a pastor is not designed to persecute, wrote Bishop Haupert-Johnson.

Instead, the process is begun with the goal of matching the gifts and graces of a particular pastor with the ministry needs of a particular congregation and community in a particular season.
'God doesn't need the SBC': Voddie Baucham warns 'judgment' falling upon the Church, secular culture

Two of Evangelical Christianity's most recognizable preachers are warning the nation's largest Protestant group to resist compromise amid a wave of internal disputes and controversies.

Pastors Voddie Baucham and John MacArthur were on hand for an event hosted by the Conservative Baptist Network in the runup to this week's annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Anaheim, California.

In addition to messages from Baucham and MacArthur, Sunday's event had around 2,000 attendees and featured a panel discussion with candidates endorsed by CBN who are running for SBC offices.

The CBN is described as a "partnership of Southern Baptists where all generations are encouraged, equipped, and empowered to bring positive, biblical solutions that strengthen the SBC in an effort to fulfill the Great Commission and influence culture." It was formed in 2020 amid growing concern that the denomination is drifting from biblical orthodoxy towards more "social justice" theology and "woke-ism."

Baucham, who lost a bid Tuesday to become the next president of the SBC Pastor's Conference to a relatively unknown North Carolina pastor, touched on several topics that have roiled the SBC ranks, including critical race theory (CRT) and new revelations about sexual abuse and coverup within the SBC.

He issued a stark reminder about the sovereignty of God in building His kingdom, adding that "we recognize that God doesn't need the Southern Baptist Convention."

"I love the SBC. I've been trained and educated and nurtured in the Southern Baptist Convention. I praise God for the Southern Baptist Convention," said Baucham, according to Church Leaders. "But hear me when I say [that] God does not need the Southern Baptist Convention. Now, we pray that God will continue to use the Southern Baptist Convention, amen?"

Baucham, 52, currently serves as dean of theology at African Christian University in Zambia. He was nominated for president by Founders Ministries, a conservative group within the SBC for which he also serves as a board member.

But while his election loss didn't occur until the following day, Baucham indicated that the conference was grappling with a decades-long history of abuse within the SBC due to God's "judgment" falling upon both the Church and the culture outside its walls.

"I recognize that God doesn't need America. ... What I'm worried about is that there is this judgment that is happening simultaneously," he said. "There's this judgment that we're seeing in our broader culture that is also being reflected in a kind of judgment that we're seeing within broader Evangelicalism and a judgment we're seeing within the Southern Baptist Convention."

Baucham also cautioned against emphasizing benevolence and social justice over the Gospel in a country where Christianity is increasingly demonized and despised as an "enemy in the culture."

"One of the things that happens when the Gospel becomes an enemy in the culture is that we want to appease the culture by doing the good without the name," he said. "The work that we do is known as work that is social in nature [and] that has absolutely nothing to do with the Gospel. It's work that anyone else can do, and you don't need the name of Jesus in order to do it. And we do this because we recognize the animosity that the culture has toward the Gospel."

"They've gone [from] arguing that we're wrong to arguing that we're evil," he added.

Baucham specifically cited social justice ideology, which he said "argues that there is not only this sort of oppressor-oppressed paradigm but that the oppression is ultimately rooted and grounded in Christianity."

Speaking later in the day Tuesday, MacArthur, who pastors the non-denominational Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, encouraged his fellow laborers in ministry to worry less about cultural trends and focus instead on the Word of God.

"All effective, uncompromising ministry starts with an understanding [that the Kingdom of God is not of this world]," MacArthur said. "The world provides nothing for you to advance the Kingdom of God  not politically, not in terms of power, not in terms of influence, not in terms of alliances, not in terms of connections. It offers you nothing."

He referenced the trend of ministries and pastors working to accommodate more culturally-friendly services and sermons, saying, "You can hook yourself to the world and you can think it's only the style, but they will drag you to the bottom."

MacArthur also quoted Matthew 11:20, when Jesus denounced those cities "in which most of His miracles were performed because they didn't repent."

"I've never had any interest in providing what the children of the devil want. I don't want to design a church service for the children of the devil," MacArthur said. "I don't expect to be popular with them. I expect to be hated."

Despite the ongoing controversy over sexual abuse and other "denominational" rifts, Southern Baptists remain the largest Protestant group in the U.S., accounting for more than 5% of the adult population and nearly one-fifth of all Evangelical Protestants, according to a Pew 2014 study.

Southern Baptists, which evolved from 17th-century Baptists who settled in the American colonies, formed their own group in 1845 over disagreements with their northern counterparts regarding slavery.
Republican wins special election in Texas, becomes first Mexican-born woman elected to Congress

A Republican has won a special U.S. House of Representatives election in historically Democratic South Texas, signaling changes in the political preferences of Hispanic voters in the region and possibly previewing a strong GOP performance in the 2022 midterm elections.

Thirty-six-year-old Mayra Flores won the special election in Texas' 34th Congressional District Tuesday night, flipping a seat previously held by a Democrat Filemon Vela Jr., who resigned in March.

Unofficial results from the Texas Secretary of State's Office show Flores capturing nearly 51% of the vote in a four-way race that included two Democrats and another Republican. Flores exceeded the 50% threshold required to avoid a runoff election between the top two finishers and will serve the remainder of Vela's term until it expires on Jan. 3.

The Houston Chronicle reports that Flores will become the first Republican to represent the Rio Grande Valley-based congressional district in more than a century and a half, as well as the first congresswoman born in Mexico.

On her website, Flores has characterized herself as "pro-God," "pro-life" and "pro-family." Born to migrant farmworkers, Flores moved to the United States when she was 6. As she grew older, Flores worked with her parents in the cotton fields in Memphis, Texas, to earn extra money for school clothes and supplies. In 2004, she graduated as a respiratory care practitioner

"My Christian faith is a core part of who I am," she said. "My parents raised me to be a strong woman of faith and defending [individuals'] religious liberties will always be a priority of mine."

Vowing to "always fight for the unborn and advocate for pro-life policies in Washington," Flores identified her family as "the most important thing in my life."

"I was raised with strong family values and work to instill them in my own children," she stated. "Family values are one thing that [makes] our community in South Texas so special and so strong."

Flores addressed her win on Twitter Tuesday night: "This historic win will bring back God to the halls of Congress!"

Describing her victory as "a win for the people who were ignored for so long" and "a message that the establishment will no longer be tolerated," Flores proclaimed, "we have officially started the red wave."

This historic win will bring back God to the halls of Congress! This win is for the people who were ignored for so long! This is a message that the establishment will no longer be tolerated! We have officially started the red wave!! #TX34



God, Family, Country pic.twitter.com/pNn8UYoPor  Mayra Flores For Congress ???????????? (@MayraFlores2022) June 15, 2022

Democrat Dan Sanchez, who received about 43% of the vote, conceded to Flores in a Facebook statement posted Tuesday night.

"Based on the results, we came up short tonight despite being outspent by millions of dollars from out of state interests and the entire Republican machine," he wrote. "Too many factors were against us, including little to no support from the National Democratic Party and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee."

Flores' victory reflects the dramatic political realignment underway in South Texas.

According to the Daily Kos, a liberal blog that keeps track of presidential election results by congressional district, President Joe Biden carried the 34th District by 4 percentage points in the 2020 presidential election. Four years earlier, Democrat Hillary Clinton won the district by 21.5 percentage points. In 2012, the district supported then-President Barack Obama, a Democrat, by 22.5 percentage points.

Additionally, Flores' victory in a heavily Hispanic congressional district comes at a time when President Joe Biden, a Democrat, is suffering from record-low approval ratings among Hispanic voters.

A poll conducted by Quinnipiac University released last week measured Biden's approval rating among Hispanics at 24%, with 58% disapproving of his job performance. Exit polling from the 2020 presidential election shows that Biden won Hispanic voters by a 2-1 margin over former President Donald Trump.

In a previous interview with The Christian Post, Samuel Rodriguez, the president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, attributed Latino voters' "abandoning the Democratic Party or leftist ideologies" to "their commitment to life," referring to their opposition to abortion.

Labeling the Democratic Party as "a new progressive, socialist, anti-right, anti-Christian" party that "completely ignores the rights of individuals and that we are created in the image of God, with God-ordained rights," Rodriguez maintained that "Latinos are not going to stand for that because we are a people of faith."

Flores is running as the Republican nominee for the full two-year term that begins on Jan. 3. However, this fall's election will occur under new districts created during the decennial redistricting process.

Data compiled by Politico reveals that Texas' 34th Congressional District became much friendlier to Democrats following redistricting, jumping from a district that supported Biden by 4 points to one that favored him by nearly 16.

Flores will face Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, who currently represents Texas' 15th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in November's election. Gonzalez is running in the 34th District after redistricting transformed the 15th District from one that supported Biden by approximately 2 points to a constituency favoring Trump by nearly 3 points.

Based on statistics compiled by Rutgers University's Center for American Women and Politics, Flores' victory will bring the number of Republican women in the U.S. House of Representatives to 33.

The 117th U.S. Congress began in January 2021 with 30 Republican women serving in the House, but a special election victory in Louisiana last year, along with special election wins in California and Texas in the past week, have increased the number of GOP women in the chamber.

Democrats have 89 women currently serving in the House, outnumbering their Republican peers by a nearly 3-1 margin.

The special election in Texas' 34th Congressional District comes less than five months before the 2022 midterm elections.

Based on Biden's low approval ratings, Republicans are expected to pick up seats in Congress, especially in the House of Representatives. The RealClearPolitics average of the generic congressional ballot, which asks voters which party they want to control Congress, shows Republicans leading Democrats by 3.5 percentage points.
Catholic bishops urge gov't leaders to speak out against attacks on churches, pro-life pregnancy centers

Leaders of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops are calling for politicians to speak out against the increasing vandalism of churches and pro-life pregnancy centers ahead of an expected U.S. Supreme Court ruling on abortion.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York, who serves as the chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Religious Liberty; and Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, who serves as Chairman of the USCCB's Committee on Pro-Life Activities; released a statement in response to the wave of pro-abortion vandalism Monday.

The response comes six weeks after Politico published a leaked draft opinion in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which indicated that a majority of Supreme Court justices supported the draft opinion that would reverse the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

Vandalism directed at churches and pro-life pregnancy centers has accelerated following the draft opinion's publication. A final decision on the case is expected later this month.

"Since the leak of the draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, charities that support pregnant mothers in need have been firebombed, pro-life organizations have been attacked almost daily, and even the lives of Supreme Court justices have been directly threatened," they wrote.

"In light of this, we urge our elected officials to take a strong stand against this violence, and our law enforcement authorities to increase their vigilance in protecting those who are in increased danger."

Dolan and Lori defended the Catholic Church's "long history of service to those who are most vulnerable, including both mother and child," noting that the Catholic Church "remains the largest provider of social services in the United States."

They said the social services provided by the Church range "from religious communities to pregnancy care centers, from refugee resettlement services to foster care and adoption agencies, and from maternity homes to parish-based ministries."

"The Church consistently bears witness in word and deed to the beauty and dignity of every human life," they added. "Above all, each of us must choose the path of peace and open our hearts to the love that God has for his children. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, touch our hearts and make them like your own."

The USCCB has a running list of Catholic churches and pro-life pregnancy centers vandalized since May 2020, long before the Supreme Court said it would hear arguments about the constitutionality of Mississippi's 15-week abortion ban.

"Only rarely have the motives been clear; when they were, it was often opposition to the Church's teachings on life in the womb," Dolan and Lori insisted.

The statement comes one week before the USCCB will celebrate Religious Freedom Week, which is slated to begin on June 22 and last through June 29.

This weeklong observance will give Catholics the opportunity to "pray, reflect, and act to promote religious freedom." Each day during Religious Freedom Week will have a specific focus. Church vandalism will serve as the focus on Thursday, June 23.

On June 23, Catholics are encouraged to "pray that Christian witness in the face of attacks on our churches will convert hearts to faith in Jesus Christ."

The USCCB maintains that "attacking sacred spaces  whether through damage to physical property or by projecting pro-abortion messages on a church while people pray for an end to abortion, as activists did in Washington, DC and New York in January  harms all people of faith, for the very nature of sacred spaces is that they are set apart and treated with respect."

"Attacks on houses of worship undermine life and dignity for all," the statement stresses. "The civic peace of a pluralistic society requires that people are free to worship without fear."

The pro-abortion vandalism has extended beyond Catholic churches and pregnancy centers.

Several non-Catholic churches have also been subject to attacks in the past six weeks, including a Mormon church and two Protestant churches in Washington state.

The pro-abortion group Ruth Sent Us called for the interruption of Catholic masses on Mothers' Day. Since then, activists have regularly held protests outside the homes of the six Republican-appointed Supreme Court justices.

However, only five of the six Republican-appointed justices are Catholic, as Neil Gorsuch is Episcopalian. Although Chief Justice John Roberts is Catholic, he did not sign on to the draft opinion in Dobbs.

Most of the recent acts of vandalism against pro-life pregnancy centers and a group of churches in Washington state have come from a group of pro-abortion activists calling themselves Jane's Revenge.

Robert Evans, a journalist with the Netherlands-based news operation Bellingcat, obtained a manifesto from the group that outlined their demands for the "disbanding of all anti-choice establishments, fake clinics, and violent anti-choice groups within the next thirty days."
Hugh Martin: The persevering penman

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour

is not in vain in the Lord.  1 Corinthians 15:58



The 19th century produced a plethora of gifted preachers and writers. Many Christians are familiar with names like Charles Spurgeon and J.C. Ryle. However, there are numerous important figures from the 1800s who, by comparison, have been seemingly forgotten. Id like to introduce you to one such man, Hugh Martin, who has unfortunately flown under the radar of many modern believers. However, the usefulness of his writings and the powerful testimony of his life prove that he is worth remembering.

Martin was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1822. August 11 of this year will mark what would have been his 200th birthday. In his youth, he enrolled in what is now known as the University of Aberdeen, earning his Master of Arts before the age of seventeen in 1839. He even received the college's highest award in mathematics. Yet, despite his natural skill in

math, he decided to pursue further studies in theology.

Martin was granted a license to preach in 1843. He pastored in Panbride for 14 years and in Edinburgh for several more before having to retire in 1865 due to mental health conditions. Although this ended Martin's time as a full-time minister, he did not let it stop him from doing the Lord's work, as he decided to turn his efforts to writing.



Martin's most notable works were written in his retirement. This included a commentary on Jonah, a treatise on the atonement, and even a mathematics book called A Study of Trilinear Co-ordinates.



Martins writings are still praised by many of todays ministers for their depth and warmth. Sinclair Ferguson spoke highly of his works by saying, Hugh Martins writings should be in the hands of every Christian  and certainly of every preacher  who appreciates the importance of thoughtful biblical exposition.



Regarding the kind tone that Martin employed in his writing, Guy Davies wrote this in his review of The Shadow of Calvary, We can certainly go to Hugh Martin (1822-85) for an enriched understanding of Scripture, but he is also a fine model of warm-hearted doctrinal preaching.



Several of his works have recently been republished by the Banner of Truth, such as Christ Victorious (2019), The Atonement (2013), and Christ For Us (1998). They have also printed multiple editions of his commentary on Jonah and The Shadow of Calvary.



Imagine how the average person would have responded if they were placed in Martins situation. How many of us would have simply thrown in the towel when faced with a career-ending illness? Too often, we are quick to give up when we are met with difficulty and trials. Let us remember that even if we are suffering, we are commanded to work hard for the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Hugh Martin was a godly man who remained steadfast during times of trial. We would do well to remember his example when we face trials of our own. Let us never give up when times get tough.
At least 100 killed in Burkina Faso massacre as militants go 'shop to shop' killing men

At least 100 people were reportedly killed by an armed group in northern Burkina Faso near the Niger border over the weekend as extremist violence continues to plague the country that has seen thousands killed and millions flee from their homes in recent years.

While the attackers appeared to exclusively target men in the Saturday evening attack in the Seytanga district, there are conflicting reports on the death toll, which could be as high as 165, security sources told Reuters.

It's still not clear which group was responsible for the massacre. Al Qaeda and Islamic State militants are conducting an insurgency in the region.

As many as 3,000 people fled to neighboring Dori, where aid agencies are located, a local official said.

"The terrorists came into the town on Saturday, market day," one survivor who fled to Dori told AFP. "They opened fire as soon as they entered."

"They only aimed at men. They went from shop to shop, sometimes torching it. They opened fire on anyone who tried to run away. They stayed in the town all night," the survivor added.

AFP reported the provisional death toll at around 79 on Tuesday after 29 more bodies were discovered, but booby traps and mines have hampered search efforts.

The attack is said to be among the deadliest since the insurgency in Burkina began in 2016. The attack comes about a year after as many as 160 civilians were killed in an attack in the Yagha province of northeastern Burkina Faso.

As of early May, the United Nations estimated that 2 million had fled their homes since the insurgency began.

Government spokesman Lionel Bilgo told AFP that Monday's massacre was "retaliation for the actions of the army which caused bloodshed" among the jihadist element.

The U.N. issued a statement condemning the attack, saying the perpetrators "claimed many victims." The European Union also condemned the massacre and called for further investigation.

Although Burkina Faso was once considered relatively peaceful, the U.N. reported that a 50% rise in internal displacement in 2021 is the "highest proportions of internal displacement on the continent."

The rise of insecurity led to protests and a military coup ousting President Rock Kabore in January. The demonstrations came as nearly 12,000 people were displaced in the West African nation in just two weeks in December, according to the U.N.

Coup leader Paul-Henri Damiba was sworn in as president in February, vowing to defeat Islamic extremists.

Release International warned in its Persecution Trends 2022 report that the "situation facing Christians in Burkina Faso is now similar to Nigeria," where terror groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have killed thousands and displaced millions.

According to the report, jihadis forced churches to close and meet in secret. The group warned that violence in the region would continue in 2022, noting the drawback of French troops from the area.

Open Doors USA, which monitors persecution in over 60 countries, ranks Burkina Faso as the 32nd worst country regarding Christian persecution.

"The central government is very weak, particular in the east of the country where Islamic law is informally implemented by groups who've gained control over these areas," Open Doors warned in a factsheet. "Jihadist violence has been rapidly increasing in recent years, and extremists have exploited the government's weakness during the COVID-19 crisis to gain control of the country's infrastructure."

Jihadi violence has also impacted neighboring Sahel countries like Niger and Mali. According to government figures, in May 2021, at least 137 people, including nearly two dozen children, were killed by insurgents along the Mail border in southwestern Niger.

In February, Islamic State-affiliated militants killed at least 40 in an attack in the Tessit area of northern Mali near the borders of Burkina Faso and Niger.

Niger ranks as the 33rd-worst country on the Open Doors World Watch List, while Mali is ranked at No. 24.
Houstonians are not the only fans of the Bayou City's museums. Kylie Jenner on Wednesday shared clips on her Instagram stories of her and daughter Stormi Webster as they explored the Houston Museum of Natural Science together.

"Stormi look up there!" Jenner shouted in one of the clips, pointing to a butterfly flying above them at the museum's Cockrell Butterfly Center. Jenner then jumps in fear at the winged insect flying ever so closely. "Oh, hell no!" she yelled.

A subsequent video shows Jenner walking alongside Stormi and exploring the museum's dinosaur exhibit. "I have a fascination with dinosaurs lately," she wrote.

Instagram/@kyliejenner

Instagram/@kyliejenner

The Houston Museum of Natural Science shared one of Jenner's photos from the visit on its Instagram stories, writing, "Thank you for visiting Kylie Jenner and Stormi!"

The family was in Houston to spend time with rapper Travis Scott's family, according to videos posted by a Brazilian fan page. "Kylie Jenner and Stormi Webster were seen together with Wanda Webster, Jordan and Josh (Travis's sister and brother) at a shopping center in Houston," the post read. "Kylie traveled to Travis' hometown to spend time with his family and siblings who turned 22 yesterday."

Scott's younger brother and sister  twins Jordan and Joshua  turn 22 this week. However, the Houston native was not seen in any of Jenner's posts.

Some fans on social media expressed excitement at the star taking the time to come to Houston and lamented missing out on meeting her. "Bruh Kylie Jenner was in Houston and I could've met her, but no I stayed home," wrote one disappointed fan on Twitter.

"The one time I'm in LA, Kylie Jenner is in Houston lolol," wrote another Twitter user. Another fan claimed Jenner also made a stop at the Houston Zoo during her visit.

Jenner and Scott were previously spotted at the zoo with Stormi in September during a family outing. However, the trip angered some locals who accused the family of shutting down rides for themselves.
The John Hinckley Jr. concert in New York, an oddity that was scheduled to feature the music of a man best known for trying to kill a U.S. president, was canceled Wednesday by the venue, which cited fears of a backlash in a dangerously radicalized, reactionary climate.

Hinckley, 67, who shot President Ronald Reagan in 1981 and was found not guilty by reason of insanity, has been living in Virginia under restrictions since 2016, but was granted an unconditional release that took effect Wednesday. Hinckley has been planning to use that release to mount what he has called a redemption tour, playing his original music at venues around the country.

But that plan has hit some roadblocks as venues have reneged on his scheduled concerts, including the Market Hotel, a concert hall in Brooklyn that posted a statement to social media Wednesday saying it was canceling Hinckleys July 8 performance.

It is not worth a gamble on the safety of our vulnerable communities to give a guy a microphone and a paycheck from his art who hasnt had to earn it, who we dont care about on an artistic level, and who upsets people in a dangerously radicalized, reactionary climate, the statement said.

The venue seemed to announce the decision with regret, writing in the statement that this guy performing harms no one in any practical way.

This is a sexagenarian with an acoustic guitar, the venue said. The statement went on to say that although they believed ex-cons and people with mental illnesses should be able to earn a chance to fully rejoin society, they made the decision after reflecting on very real and worsening threats and hate facing our vulnerable communities.

In 2020, a federal judge in Washington ruled that Hinckley could begin publicly displaying his writings, artwork and music under his own name after his treatment team told the court about his frustrations around having to post his music online anonymously. Since then, Hinckley has uploaded videos of his original songs and covers to his YouTube channel, which has more than 28,000 subscribers.

By phone on Wednesday, Hinckley said this tour would be the first time he played his original songs live, and that he was disappointed by the cancellation, although he said he understood the venues concerns about safety.

I watch the news like everybody else  were living in very, very scary times, to be honest, Hinckley said. I would have only gone on with the show if I was going to feel safe at the show and feel that the audience was going to be safe.

A lawyer for Hinckley, Barry Levine, wrote that there had been mounting threats that could put Hinckley and the attendees at risk and that he agreed with the decision to cancel.

But Hinckley said that a promoter he was working with was looking for a new venue in New York City. Venues in Chicago and Hamden, Connecticut, that had previously scheduled performances from Hinckley have also canceled the concerts.

In 1981, after seeing the film Taxi Driver, in which the main character plots to assassinate a presidential candidate, Hinckley said he hatched his plan to kill Reagan in an effort to impress actress Jodie Foster. He waited outside the Washington Hilton on March 30, 1981, where Reagan was giving a speech, and fired six shots as the president left the hotel. The shots hit the president; James Brady, the White House press secretary; Timothy McCarthy, a Secret Service agent; and Thomas Delahanty, a police officer. Brady died of his injuries in 2014.

Hinckley was sent to a psychiatric hospital in Washington for more than two decades. The judge set a final June 15 release date, without any restrictions, after finding that Hinckley had met several conditions, including mental stability.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute has come out in opposition of Hinckleys release, writing that the organization was saddened and concerned that John Hinckley Jr. will soon be unconditionally released and intends to pursue a music career for profit.

Patti Davis, one of Reagans daughters, has opposed the lifting of restrictions on Hinckley, writing in an op-ed in The Washington Post last year that she feared the man who wielded that gun and almost got his wish of assassinating the president could decide to contact me.

But supporters of Hinckley see an important message in society allowing him to perform after decades of rehabilitation.

This is what the world needs to see, which is the ability to rehabilitate, said Andreas Xirtus, a podcaster from California who supports Hinckleys music. Somehow his spirit is still there and is making a positive impact with music.

Levine said in the email that his client hopes that the public understands that he has changed since the 1980s.

Although he knows his name is associated with an act of violence, Levine wrote, he hopes that people of goodwill will understand that when he committed those acts he was ravaged by mental disease  a condition from which he no longer suffers.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
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LONDON (AP)  Kevin Spacey strenuously denies allegations of sexual assault, his lawyer said Thursday, as the Oscar-winning actor appeared in a London court to face five charges of offenses against three men.

Photographers and television camera crews thronged Spacey, 62, as he arrived at Londons Westminster Magistrates Court for the preliminary hearing, walking into court accompanied by members of his legal team and two police officers.

Spacey sat in the glass-fronted dock during the half-hour hearing, standing to give his full name  Kevin Spacey Fowler  as well as his birthdate and a London address.

He was not asked to enter a formal plea, but his lawyer, Patrick Gibbs, said: Mr. Spacey strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case.

He has returned to the U.K. in order to establish his innocence," Gibbs said. "He needs to answer these charges if he is to proceed with his life.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram granted Spacey unconditional bail until his next appearance, a plea hearing scheduled for July 14 at London's Southwark Crown Court. He is free to return to the U.S. in the meantime.

The former House of Cards star is accused of four counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

The alleged incidents took place in London between March 2005 and August 2008, and one in western England in April 2013. The victims are now in their 30s and 40s.

In a statement issued last month, Spacey said he would travel to Britain to face the charges and was confident he would prove my innocence.

Spacey was questioned by British police in 2019 about claims by several men that he had assaulted them. The two-time Academy Award winner ran Londons Old Vic theater between 2004 and 2015.

Spacey won a best supporting actor Academy Award for the 1995 film The Usual Suspects and a lead actor Oscar for the 1999 movie American Beauty.

But his celebrated career came to an abrupt halt in 2017 when actor Anthony Rapp accused the star of assaulting him at a party in the 1980s, when Rapp was a teenager. Spacey denies the allegations.
Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

A Conroe man has been arrested on federal charges alleging he tried covering up having grabbed a female passengers breasts while working as a Customs and Border Protection officer at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Christopher Edwards Dowell, 34, was taken into custody Wednesday on the felony counts of violating a persons civil rights and obstruction of justice. Dowell was indicted June 9 by a federal jury, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Texas.
NORFOLK, Va. (AP)  John Hinckley Jr., who shot and wounded President Ronald Reagan in 1981, was freed from court oversight Wednesday, officially concluding decades of supervision by legal and mental health professionals.

After 41 years 2 months and 15 days, FREEDOM AT LAST!!!, he wrote on Twitter shortly after 12 p.m.

The lifting of all restrictions had been expected since late September. U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Friedman in Washington had said he would free Hinckley on June 15 if he continued to remain mentally stable in the community in Virginia where he has lived since 2016.

Hinckley, who was acquitted by reason of insanity, spent the decades before that in a Washington mental hospital.

Freedom for Hinckley will include giving a concert  he plays guitar and sings  in Brooklyn, New York, that's scheduled for July. He's already gained nearly 30,000 followers on Twitter and YouTube in recent months as the judge loosened Hinckley's restrictions before fully lifting all of them.

But the graying 67-year-old is far from being the household name that he became after shooting and wounding the 40th U.S. president  and several others  outside a Washington hotel. Today, historians say Hinckley is at best a question on a quiz show and someone who unintentionally helped build the Reagan legend and inspire a push for stricter gun control.

If Hinckley had succeeded in killing Reagan, then he would have been a pivotal historical figure, H.W. Brands, a historian and Reagan biographer, wrote in an email to The Associated Press. As it is, he is a misguided soul whom history has already forgotten.

Barbara A. Perry, a professor and director of presidential studies at the University of Virginias Miller Center, said that Hinckley "would be maybe a Jeopardy question.

But his impact remains tangible in Reagan's legacy.

For the president himself to have been so seriously wounded, and to come back from that  that actually made Ronald Reagan the legend that he became ... like the movie hero that he was, Perry said.

Reagan showed grace and humor in the face of death, Perry said. After being shot, the president told emergency room doctors that he hoped they were all Republicans. He later joked to his wife Nancy that he was sorry he forgot to duck.

When the president first spoke to Congress after the shooting, he looked just a little bit thinner, but hes still the robust cowboy that is Ronald Reagan, Perry said.

The assassination attempt paralyzed Reagan press secretary James Brady, who died in 2014.

In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Brady Bill, which required a five-day waiting period for handgun purchases and background checks of prospective buyers. The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence are named after Brady and his wife Sarah.

The shooting also injured Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy and Washington police officer Thomas Delahanty.

McCarthy told the AP last year that he didnt have a lot of good Christian thoughts about Hinckley.

But in any case, I hope theyre right, McCarthy, then 72, said of Hinckley's impending release from supervision. Because the actions of this man could have changed the course of history.

Hinckley was 25 and suffering from acute psychosis when he shot Reagan and the others. When jurors found him not guilty by reason of insanity, they said he needed treatment and not a lifetime in confinement. He was ordered to live at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington.

In the 2000s, Hinckley began making visits to his parents home in a gated Williamsburg community. A 2016 court order granted him permission to live with his mom full time, albeit under various restrictions, after experts said his mental illness had been in remission for decades.

Hinckleys mother died in July. He signed a lease on a one-bedroom apartment in the area last year and began living there with his cat, Theo, according to court filings.

Over the years, the court restricted Hinckley from owning a gun or using drugs or alcohol. He also couldnt contact the actor Jodie Foster, with whom he was obsessed at the time of the shooting, or any of his victims or their families.

One of Reagans daughters, Patti Davis, considered the possibility of contact in a Washington Post opinion piece last year.

There is no manual for how to deal with something like this.  You just have to live with the fear, and the anger, and the darkness that one person keeps bringing into your life, she wrote.

Stephen J. Morse, a University of Pennsylvania professor of law and psychiatry, told the AP last year that Hinckleys acquittal by reason of insanity means he is not to blame for what happened and he cannot be punished.

"If he hadnt attempted to kill President Reagan, this guy would have been released ages ago, Morse said.

Barry Levine, Hinckley's attorney, said in court last year that Hinckley wanted to express his heartfelt apologies and profound regret to the people he shot and their families as well as to Foster and the American people.

Friedman, the federal judge overseeing Hinckley's case, said on June 1 that Hinckley has shown no signs of active mental illness since the mid-1980s and has exhibited no violent behavior or interest in weapons.

This is the time to let John Hinckley move on with his life, so we will, the judge said.
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Foodie friends, celebrity chefs and wine makers from across the U.S. raised a glass in honor of Chef Daisuke Igataki at Saturday nights Wine & Food Week The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase in The Woodlands.

Igataki, from Shimogamo in Chandler, Arizona took top honors including a $5,000 cash prize along with the Waterford Crystal Trophy presented by GOYA Foods as he won the national Goya Foods Chef of Chefs Award judged by an esteemed chef and culinary trained food media panel.

The Saturday night soiree capped off a week full of wine and food events in The Woodlands marking the return of Wine & Food Week in its full format. The large scale event did not take place in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic in its full format but individual events did take place in 2021.

On YourConroeNews.com: More than 30 chefs spiced up Wine & Food Week

After a two-year hiatus, our 18th year was a chance for us to reunite with so many talented people whove impacted the world of wine and food in big ways while recognizing the fresh faces making their mark as well said Wine & Food Week founder Constance McDerby. We hope that guests at Wine & Food Week 2022 enjoyed all the glorious sips and tastes as much as we enjoyed reuniting with the many people who have helped this event grow to the magnitude that it has over 18 years. We are thrilled to be back in full force.

Wine & Food Week, produced by Food & Vine Time Productions, is the first multi-day, multi-faceted, comprehensive destination culinary and wine event in the Houston Metro. Owners Clifton and Constance McDerby are dedicated to showcasing the culinary talent in the Houston metro while welcoming great chefs from across the globe who share their passion for flavors. They also are committed to extending their love of wine by featuring the flavors of the winemakers, growers, and producers who bring a time-honored tradition of the flavors of the vine.

Events during the week celebrated wine from around the world, Rose wines, female winemakers, Texas wines a wine-themed game night and more.

On Saturday night of the event, The Wine Rendezvous Grand Tasting & Chef Showcase was the ultimate adult evening out where guests sipped hundreds of wines and sampled dishes like red wine braised lamb, truffle upma, with cilantro gremolata and Foie Gras tart with salmon roe, granny smith apples compote, ramps and whipped Boursin cheese.

These decadent bites were created by 32 chefs competing for the national Goya Foods Chef of Chefs Award judged by an esteemed chef and culinary trained food media panel.

Igataki offered up a reconstructed Japanese sukiyaki simmered A5 Miyazaki Japanese Wagyu Shoulder in sukiyaki style with soy, sake, and mirin. The eggshell bottom was the sukiyaki wagyu filled with dashi, egg foam topped with charcoal crisps, shiso leaf, shiso flower and salted ikura.

Born in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, Itagaki developed a passion for quality ingredients and cooking early on, which led him to the Tsuji Culinary Institute in Osaka, Japan. Upon graduating in 2001 with specialization in French and Italian cuisine, Itagaki moved to Tokyo where he spent 7 years at Milial Resort Hotels, refining fine dining techniques of French and California cuisine.

On YourConroeNews.com: Taking a trip around the world of wine

With a purpose of expanding his culinary expertise, he traveled to United States and thats when he found his love for culinary scenes in the dynamic and diverse culture. He lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his family.

First runner-up was Chef Urvin Croes with Infini Aruba for his Tuna Tartar. A tartelette made with seaweed, served with a tuna tartar, orange creme, ponzu gel, and furikake.

Second runner-up was Chef David Skinner of eculent for his 44 Farms Sirloin served with a duck fat confit potato, grilled morel mushroom and foie gras cognac morel cream sauce.

An emotional highlight of the evening was the induction of Cleverley Stone, the Diva of Dining, into the Wine & Food Week Hall of Fame. Accepting the award was Katie Stone, Cleverleys daughter who now oversees The Cleverley Stone Foundation and Houston Restaurant Weeks, which her mother founded in 2003.

The impact of Cleverleys work in the food industry will be felt forever, said McDerby. Cleverley was a great friend to Wine & Food Week presiding as a Culinary Judge for many years, and it was an honor for us to present this well-deserved award in her honor.

Wine & Food Week supports charitable organizations such as New Danville and The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council. Food & Vine Time Productions has raised well over $2 million through various channels for local charities over the years.

Make plans to attend the Platinum Wine Vault Aug. 17 at Bayway Cadillac and the H-E-B Wine Walk at Market Street on Oct. 6. Visit www.wineandfoodweek.com for more.

shernandez@hcnonline.com
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP)  Two men were found fatally wounded after an apparent shooting inside a convenience store in Virginia, police said.

News outlets report Newport News police said officers responded to a suspicious situation at a business near Fairway Plaza Shopping Center around 11:50 p.m. on Wednesday.
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MANILA - Louie Crismo remembers the day almost half a century ago when his brother was grabbed off the street by Philippine security forces and never seen again - one of more than 3,000 people killed during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. So he was appalled when the strongman's son emerged as the front-runner for president earlier this year. His horror grew when he realized Marcos's supporters included members of his own family.

On the eve of the election last month, Crismo pleaded with his cousins to reconsider.

"Let's remember his good heart and the pain that martial law brought," the 64-year-old wrote of his brother, with a link to details about the disappearance. "Hopefully you will join us in helping stop the dictator's family from returning to power."

But his message went unanswered. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., known as "Bongbong," won in a landslide. And Crismo hasn't spoken to his cousins since.

When Marcos Jr. is inaugurated on June 30, it will cap a decades-long project to rehabilitate the image of the Philippines' most infamous family with a mixture of online mythmaking, real-world alliances and messages of unity. But the family's return to power nonetheless has come as a shock to the millions who once celebrated its expulsion.

The pain and confusion has been most intense for the relatives of those killed and for the roughly 70,000 victims who survived detention, half of whom were tortured, according to journalists and human rights groups. Many feel the darkest and most formative chapter of their lives is being erased - not only by Marcos Jr., who refuses to acknowledge or apologize for his father's abuses, but also by their own families.

The issue has erupted at dinner tables and in family chat groups, splitting relatives and souring friendships. A group of psychologists who have been providing counseling for those who volunteered for Marcos Jr.'s opponent in the election campaign estimated that up to a third of them talk of politically divided households.

"A classmate from medical school told me she voted for Bongbong and said, 'it's time to move on,' " recalled Imelda Cabatuando, who was detained for three months, electrocuted in her genitals and threatened with rape during the dictatorship. "I said, 'Don't you dare tell me to move on. I was tortured under Marcos.' Then I unfollowed her on Facebook."

The election has exposed old wounds. But it has also revealed fresh frustrations with liberal democracy in the Philippines, a close U.S. military ally that has drifted toward China under outgoing president and strongman Rodrigo Duterte.

Marcos Sr. declared martial law in 1972 after a series of attacks he blamed on communist guerrillas, some of which were actually the work of his government. For the next 14 years, his forces arbitrarily arrested critics and suspected leftists, often dumping their bodies in public to suppress dissent. Marcos Sr. and his family also siphoned billions from government coffers, some of which went toward the more than 1,000 pairs of designer shoes his wife, Imelda, accumulated.

When the dictator was ousted in a popular uprising in 1986, however, the country never fully reckoned with what it had gone through.

"We didn't take stock of what happened in 1986 in any significant way," said Carlos Conde, from Human Rights Watch. Unlike some other countries that endured dictatorships, the Philippines didn't establish a truth and reconciliation committee to analyze and memorialize the abuses, he noted. It did create one of Asia's first human rights commissions and enabled victims to receive some compensation from wealth reclaimed from the Marcoses. But political elites held on to power, and little effort was made to educate younger generations about the martial law era.

"A lot of people said we needed to 'move on' in 1986," Conde said. "Now we are again suffering from the effects of this 'move on' tendency."

"It's collective amnesia," said Raissa Robles, a journalist who wrote a book on the martial law era. "After the Marcoses left, Filipinos were traumatized. And when you're a traumatized person, you'd rather forget what happened."

The rehabilitation of the Marcos name began in 1991, two years after Marcos Sr. died, when his family was allowed to return from exile to face charges of tax fraud and graft. But the family not only avoided prison; they rapidly returned to politics. Marcos Jr. was elected to Congress in 1992. His mother - who is still appealing one set of corruption convictions - and older sister soon followed suit.

It wasn't until 2016 that the family fully re-emerged as a political force. That year, Bongbong nearly became vice president thanks to a sophisticated and well-funded social media strategy that falsely painted his father's dictatorship as a "golden age" of law, order and economic prosperity.

That online effort didn't end with his candidacy but rather continues today, said Jonathan Ong, a disinformation researcher at the University of Massachusetts and Harvard University who studied the 2016 and 2022 elections.

"The Marcoses are saying they are victims of a miswritten history," he said, adding that Bongbong uses that sense of grievance to connect with ordinary Filipinos frustrated with the status quo. Much of the analysis has focused on Marcos's alleged use of troll farms and bots to attack critics, Ong said. But what the campaign did effectively was to flood social media with a "creative archive" of Marcos "folklore" that appealed to many demographics.

Mary watched the disinformation ensnare her family. The 52-year-old, who asked that her last name not be used to avoid worsening family tensions, is a "martial law baby," as they are called here, who grew up during the dictatorship. Her middle-class family was largely insulated from the violence. Like millions of Filipinos, however, she and her siblings took part in the protests that pushed Marcos Sr. out.

In the past year, however, Mary began to see her siblings post pro-Bongbong statements on social media. When she asked, one sister replied that she had "come to a different appreciation of history."

Mary campaigned for Leni Robredo, Marcos Jr.'s main opponent. When Marcos won more than twice as many votes, Mary vowed on Facebook to continue opposing him. Some of her siblings mocked her, and Mary abandoned a family group chat.

"My sisters trolled me," she said, her voice breaking. "I was so disappointed in my family. OK, you are pro-Marcos, even if I don't understand you, that's your belief, you're my family, so be it. But trolling me?"

The election pitted Cleta Monsanto against her eldest child. Now 65, she was a mother of three young children in 1985 when her husband, Ireneo, was pulled off a bus and executed by soldiers who suspected the teacher of being a communist rebel. When she recently learned that her son supports Marcos Jr., Monsanto berated him over video chat.

"I feel so angry toward my son," she said.

Cabatuando, who was detained and tortured by the Marcos regime in 1973, now lives in Australia, where few people know what she endured. But her family in the Philippines is well aware. And on a visit there before the election, she was dismayed to hear younger relatives say they planned to vote for Marcos Jr. because they felt his father's reign had been prosperous.

"It's a golden lie," Cabatuando said. "Not a golden age."

Marcos Jr., who declined through a spokesperson to be interviewed, has both distanced himself from his father's dictatorship and downplayed its abuses. But he served as a governor and vice-governor for the last six years of his father's reign.

"I hold him 100% accountable," Cabatuando said. "He knew what was being done, and he benefited from it."

"He is in no way innocent," echoed Bonifacio Ilagan, a playwright and prominent martial law victim. "He has been the chief propagandist."

Ilagan was detained for two years, tortured and then released just days before his sister was arrested and never seen again. For him, Bongbong's victory seems like a nightmare from which he can't wake.

"It's as if all of the stories we've been telling people, all the things that happened during martial law, never happened at all," he said.

Marcos Jr.'s victory wasn't only down to social media mythmaking, however. It was also due to a very real alliance with Duterte. The strongman praised the martial law era and in some ways emulated it with his bloody six-year war on drugs. Though Duterte was initially skeptical of Bongbong, his party endorsed him after Marcos Jr. struck a deal for the president's daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio, to be his running mate.

That earned the support of Jaime Barbee Olaivar. Half a century ago, he was a young Marcos Sr. supporter who initially welcomed martial law. Then his father was detained for two years after blowing the whistle on a military scam. By the time of the 1986 revolution, Olaivar had joined the protests.

Yet he and his father blamed the military, not Marcos Sr. And when another strongman came along in 2016 promising to remove drug addicts from neighborhoods like Olaivar's, he backed him. Olaivar keeps a "Duterte: Man of Action" bumper sticker on his refrigerator, much to the disgust of his two activist children.

Now the family is divided over his support for Marcos Jr., who has embraced not only the Dutertes, but also the drug war. Olaivar's son, James, 24, works for a government agency devoted to victims of human rights violations and spends much of his time helping martial law survivors. Olaivar's daughter, Jaynus, 26, directed a film about a family impacted by a drug war killing.

One recent night, the trio renewed their argument over a dinner of noodles and cheese doughnuts.

"Marcos is not our president," Jaynus said, prompting her father to accuse her and her brother of trying to "destroy" Bongbong rather than give him a chance.

"Forgive and forget," Olaivar said, making a sweeping motion with his hand. "Move on!"

"Say that to the victims of martial law," James answered.

They sat at the same dinner table but lived in alternate realities. The children read Rappler, an independent news organization whose founder faces criminal charges and won a Nobel Peace Prize after exposing human rights abuses under Duterte.

Their father felt the outlet deserved its legal troubles and that mainstream media organizations were biased against the Marcoses. He preferred to read pro-Bongbong blogs. As dusk fell outside, he dismissed the idea that Marcos Jr. would repeat his father's abuses as "BS."

"You cannot predict the future," he told his children.

"But you can look at history," his son said.
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CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  Australias new government on Thursday formally committed to a more ambitious greenhouse gas reduction target of 43% by the end of the decade in fulfillment of a key election pledge.

The previous conservative government was dumped by voters at the May 21 election after it stuck to a seven-year-old pledge to reduce Australias emissions by only 26% to 28% below 2005 levels by 2030.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had written to U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change executive secretary Patricia Espinosa Cantellano to inform her of Australias new 2030 target.

Albanese said legislation to enshrine the new target in law would be introduced to the new Parliament which will sit for the first time on July 26. However the target did not depend on Parliament's approval.

Investment in Australias energy sector had been held up during the previous governments nine years in power due to the administration's failure to agree on a climate policy, Albanese said.

What businesses have been crying out for is investment certainty, Albanese said. The certainty that they need to invest over a longer time frame than the political cycle of three years.

Australia is one of the world's largest exporters of coal and liquified natural gas which makes reducing dependence on fossil fuels a politically vexed issue. The previous government was widely considered a laggard among wealthy countries in combating climate change.

The United States has committed to reductions of between 50% and 52% below 2005 levels by 2030. Britain has pledged to cut emissions by 68% below 1990 levels.

Albaneses government could face pressure in a new, greener Parliament to adopt an even more ambitious target.

Several seats have yet to be declared as counting continues following the election.

The center-left Labor Party administration will likely hold a narrow majority of 77 seats in the 151-seat House of Representatives where a majority of lawmakers is needed to form government.

A record 16 lawmakers in the House will not be aligned with either the government or opposition.

The minor Greens party is on track to secure four seats, up from a single lawmaker in the last Parliament. The Greens want a 2030 reduction target of 75%. Newly elected independent lawmakers have called for a 60% target or at least 50%.

Greens senators could hold a balance of power in the upper chamber where major parties rarely hold a majority and need support from outside government to pass laws.

The 2030 commitment comes as much of Australias population faces soaring electricity and gas prices due in part to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Large parts of southeast Australia face the threat of blackouts for a range of reasons including an unusually cold start to the Southern Hemisphere winter and unscheduled outages of aging coal-fired generations that will be shut down within years and are not being adequately maintained.
SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP)  Incarcerated lawyer Michael Avenatti pleaded guilty Thursday to four counts of wire fraud and a tax-related charge in a federal court case in Southern California accusing him of cheating his clients out of millions of dollars.

Avenatti, who is in federal custody and representing himself in the case, made the plea during a court hearing in Santa Ana where he acknowledged cheating his clients but disagreed with federal prosecutors on how much.

I misappropriated and misused certain of their settlement funds, Avenatti told the court, but added he believes the amount owed in restitution is drastically less than the $9 million stated by the government.

Prosecutors said the plea  which the the 51-year-old lawyer offered without a deal  subjects Avenatti to as many as 83 years in prison. They said they will decide by Monday whether to try him on the remaining charges in a 36-count indictment accusing him of swindling clients by negotiating and collecting settlement payments on their behalf and funneling the money to accounts he controlled in addition to bank and bankruptcy fraud.

Michael Avenatti finally admitted what the IRS criminal investigation and the U.S. attorney's office has been saying for several years now: that he committed audacious acts to steal money from his clients to line his own pockets, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Sagel told reporters.

Today is step one before the government decides what to do on the remaining counts, and he will now be sentenced at least on his conduct of violating his duties to his clients and his duties as a taxpayer."

A sentencing hearing was set for Sept. 19, but will be delayed if the government pursues the other charges.

The plea came after Avenatti, who is suspended from practicing law in California, filed papers with the court this weekend saying that although he didn't reach a deal with federal prosecutors he wanted to change his plea to be accountable and spare his family further embarrassment.

Avenatti is serving five years in prison at a federal facility in California for convictions in two cases in New York. He was convicted of stealing book proceeds from Stormy Daniels, the porn actor who catapulted him to fame as he represented her in court and cable news programs during her legal battles with then-President Donald Trump. He also was convicted of trying to extort Nike if the shoemaker didnt pay him up to $25 million.

Avenatti rose to fame after he represented Daniels in her lawsuit to break a confidentiality agreement with Trump to stay mum about an affair she said they had. He became one of Trumps leading adversaries, attacking him on cable news programs and Twitter, and at one point considered challenging him in the 2020 presidential election.

In the California case, a mistrial was declared last year after the judge found prosecutors failed to turn over to Avenatti key financial evidence. He was expected to stand trial on some of the counts next month, with a trial on the remainder to follow.

Prosecutors said Avenatti collected millions of dollars in payments from clients and used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle rather than paying them what they were due. They also accused him of failing to pay personal income taxes and business taxes and pocketing millions of dollars in payroll taxes from a coffee chain he owned.

In one instance, they said Avenatti collected $4 million from Los Angeles County for a man who suffered in-custody injuries and was left paraplegic after a suicide attempt, but denied the settlement was received and paid the man smaller amounts ranging from $1,000 to $1,900 that he called advances on the broader settlement.

In another instance, prosecutors said Avenatti collected a $2.75 million settlement payment for a client and used much of the money to buy a private airplane.

Before the criminal charges, Avenatti faced numerous legal problems including a hefty civil judgment and his law firms bankruptcy proceedings.

U.S. District Court Judge James V. Selna said the question of how much restitution is owed by Avenatti has yet to be determined. He asked Avenatti if anyone made promises to him in exchange for his plea and noted he can sentence him to anywhere from zero to 83 years in prison.

No one has given me any guarantees, Avenatti, who acknowledged he was nervous, told the court, because there are not guarantees, Your Honor.
ALPHARETTA, Ga. (AP)  A developer is set to acquire a former school campus in an Atlanta suburb that served Black children during segregation, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Thursday.

The Bailey-Johnson School and gymnasium in Alpharetta will become an office complex, though plans show that the school's history will be reflected at the new development, according to the AJC.
A Florida teacher lost her job for hanging a Black Lives Matter flag over her classroom door and rewarding student activism. A Massachusetts teacher was fired for posting a video denouncing critical race theory. A teacher in Missouri got the ax for assigning a worksheet about privilege - and still another, in California, was fired for criticizing mask mandates on her Facebook page.

They were among more than 160 educators who were either fired or resigned from their jobs in the past two academic years for reasons related to the culture wars roiling many of the nation's schools, according to a Washington Post analysis of news reports. On average, slightly more than two teachers lost their jobs for every week that school remained in session.

The teachers included in the analysis all lost their employment when hot-button cultural, racial, political or pandemic issues intersected with their ability to teach, because the teacher sought to address controversial topics in the classroom or because administrators took issue with the teacher's views as expressed inside or outside the classroom.

"Our educators," said Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, "are being caught in the crosshairs of the culture wars."

She said many teachers were already exhausted before the wave of high-profile conflicts over what can be taught or expressed, tired out by pandemic-induced stress and the extra demands being made on their professional and personal lives. She predicted the wave of firings and resignations will only grow in months to come - and warned that in the meantime some educators will refrain from teaching sensitive topics, for fear of backlash.

"Teachers won't desire to stay in a profession where, when they're just trying to do what's right for their students, they are being verbally attacked and blamed," Pringle said. "It is already having an impact . . . in terms of a chilling effect, with teachers having to make a decision whether they can teach the curriculum."

Educators fear conditions will only worsen as lawmakers seek to regulate how teachers talk about any number of issues, including politics, race, history, gender identity and sexuality, creating a new basis to push teachers out. In some cases, the authors of education-related bills and laws have used vague, broad and unclear wording, leading to widespread concern that teachers may unintentionally run afoul of the law.

Bonnie Snyder, director of K-12 outreach for the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, said public school teachers generally do not enjoy the same free-speech rights in the classroom, where they are acting as agents of the state. FIRE opposes bans on teacher speech but also recognizes that state legislatures have the right to enact them.

"It's government speech," Snyder said, adding that teachers are hired to deliver state-approved curriculum. "When teachers veer from those guidelines, you're on thinner ice."

Some of the firings got widespread attention, such as the forced resignation of James Whitfield, a Black high school principal in Texas who was accused of promoting critical race theory - or that of Matthew Hawn, a White Tennessee teacher who lost his job for teaching White students about White privilege. Right-wing media latched onto other kinds of firings, boosting the message and grievances of teachers such as Paul Rossi in New York City, who spoke out against schools' social justice efforts; or those who refused to call transgender students by their pronouns, citing religious beliefs.

Many job losses happened far more quietly. The Post's tally is probably a significant undercount, as scores of firings and resignations go unreported in local media, and the reasoning behind them remains unclear.

Tony Kinnett's firing did not go unnoticed.

Kinnett, who was the science coordinator for Indianapolis Public Schools, waged a very public war with the district, accusing school officials of lying to parents when they denied teaching critical race theory, an academic construct that examines the consequences of systemic racism. School officials say that it is not taught in classrooms, but its underlying ideas form parts of lessons and policies in many schools.

In the fall, Kinnett posted a video in which he charged that key concepts of critical race theory were making their way into all academic subjects.

The video was viewed more than a half-million times and picked up by right-leaning news outlets. He later shared with the Daily Caller videos of an administrator talking to students over Zoom about systemic racism, accusing her of "creating racial tension through her open support of Critical Race Theory." After being placed on administrative leave, he was let go.

Kinnett, who worked as an education policy adviser for Republican Scott Walker when he served as governor of Wisconsin, said he grew frustrated in the run-up to the midterms by people who said that critical race theory wasn't being taught in schools, that "it's just this boogeyman."

While he lost his job, his vocal outrage in Indianapolis boosted his public exposure just as he was beginning his new career as an education journalist for right-leaning outlets. He has become a repeat guest on Fox News.

The Post's tally of culture-war-related educator job losses in the past two years show 74 cases in which educators were fired from their jobs and 92 in which they resigned, of their own volition or under pressure. The firings and resignations took place in at least 28 states, with California, Oregon, Texas, Pennsylvania and New York having the largest number of incidents (eight each).

Of the firings, 35 teachers lost their jobs for behaving or speaking in accordance with traditionally conservative beliefs, while 33 lost their jobs for behaving or speaking in accordance with traditionally liberal beliefs.

---

The flag read "BLACK LIVES MATTER," and it went up outside Amy Donofrio's Florida classroom in October 2020.

It was about five months after the murder of George Floyd spurred nationwide protests for racial justice. Donofrio taught at Robert E. Lee High, named for the Confederate general and with a student body that is majority-Black. The Duval County School Board was involved in a pitched fight over whether to rename the school, drawing pro-Confederate activists to meetings.

In the midst of this, Donofrio said she wanted to ensure that her Black students felt seen. She had spent much of her career helming a leadership class and organization that connected Black students with policymakers and police officers, allowing them to share their stories and perspectives. Posting the flag, with its simple refrain, felt like the right gesture.

The flag stayed up until March 2021, when administrators took it down after she declined again to remove it. In its place, she posted a piece of paper with an explanation of why it was gone. When she was barred from campus and placed on administrative leave, she sued with the help of the Southern Poverty Law Center.

The news of her firing came from an unusual source: a public speech by then-Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran at a conservative college in Michigan. In it, he said there was "an entire classroom memorialized to Black Lives Matter."

"We made sure she was being terminated," Corcoran told the audience.

To Donofrio, the flag was not political. She said there is nothing she would have done differently, even though it separated her from a job she loved.

"I don't know how any teacher cannot stand with our students and their value and their humanity," she said. "That's all that I did."

A district investigation revealed that Donofrio also violated policies by giving students extra credit for attending the contentious school board meetings where the name change was discussed, and for wearing in yearbook photos masks and sweatshirts with the "I Am Not A Gang Member" phrase of the student group she founded, according to local media reports.

The Duval County school board voted to settle the lawsuit with Donofrio in August, even though many board members believed the district had not violated its policies.

Donofrio said she's unsure whether she will ever return to teaching.

In Massachusetts, Kari MacRae, 48, was dismissed from her position teaching business to high-schoolers in Hanover in September, when school officials caught wind of a video she posted on TikTok.

In the video, which MacRae shared as part of her successful campaign to join the school board in a nearby district, Bourne Public Schools, she critiqued what she called two glaring flaws of modern-day public education.

"So pretty much the reason I ran for school board," she said, "is to ensure that students, at least in our town, are not being taught critical race theory. That they're not being taught that the country was built on racism."

MacRae added: "So they're not being taught that they can choose whether or not they want to be a girl or a boy."

The comments sparked criticism from residents, parents and students who felt the remarks were hurtful and transphobic. Administrators told her soon afterward that she was being let go for her "social media posts."

Matt Ferron, the district superintendent, confirmed by email that "an investigation was opened related to [MacRae's] social media posts." He wrote that MacRae's online activity denigrated members of "traditionally marginalized groups" and added that the decision to dismiss her was "not a result of her political views."

The Hanover district "fully understands and respects the First Amendment rights of all employees," Ferron wrote. He called MacRae's comments an example of a teacher "publicly [interfacing] with the community in a way that may negatively impact our ability to provide a positive and distraction free learning environment."

MacRae, who is suing the district, said her comments were not meant to be transphobic. She said she supports LGBTQ people and believes "people can choose and pick to be what their heart tells them" when it comes to gender - but she does not think teachers should discuss students' gender identities during lessons.

"I think the problem with things being taught," she said, "is that when children are young they're very pliable and if they're taught certain things they might end up going a certain way."

Her larger concern, though, lies with the school district. She said she never expected to lose her job in the Hanover district because of opinions she shared while campaigning for a seat on the school board in another district. She said she has read about teachers across the country losing their jobs for similar reasons - in red-leaning and blue-leaning places - and finds it alarming.

"Whatever party is dominant in the area, if you have an ideology different from the group and you share it, you get fired," she said. "I think that we have become so very much one-sided - I really think we're dividing ourselves more and more every day."

In Oklahoma, Tyler Wrynn was a little-known middle school teacher when a TikTok video he made was featured on "Libs of TikTok," a right-wing Twitter account that curates videos, many made by teachers, that often end up going viral, used as alleged evidence that educators are indoctrinating and grooming students. Many of Wrynn's followers are young members of the LGBTQ community, he said, and as someone who grew up queer in a community that did not embrace him, he wanted to comfort those who were also being shunned. So he said to his 20,000 followers: "If your parents don't accept you for who you are, f--- them. I'm your parents now."

It was a message that was not necessarily intended for his own middle school students, with whom he never shared his TikTok handle. But when his video drew the attention of administrators, he was placed on leave. In April, he was permitted to resign.

Wrynn says he fears other educators could face the same fate with the passage of new laws restricting how teachers can speak about sexuality or gender identity.

"It puts us between a rock and a hard place," Wrynn said. "I mean, you can't be a person, and you can't have any kind of presence that can be construed as anything other than neutral."

A spokesman for Owasso Public Schools, where Wrynn was employed, confirmed the resignation but said he could not comment further, because it was a personnel issue.

Kim Morrison had taught high school English in her area of White, conservative, rural Missouri for eight years when, in early February, she assigned her contemporary literature students a book called "Dear Martin." The young-adult novel by Nic Stone details the experiences of a young Black teen who is stopped by police, in an encounter that turns violent, and must grapple with racism.

Morrison had taught it before and never received a complaint. This time, to prepare her class for a chapter that dealt with the intersection of race and privilege, she gave her students a questionnaire, "How Racially Privileged Are You?"

It asked students to circle "True" or "Untrue" alongside 15 statements, including "I have never been a victim of violence because of my race" and "I can walk into any hair salon and find someone who can cut my hair."

A few weeks later, Morrison's principal called her into the office and questioned her about the worksheet, saying that parents had complained. About two weeks after that, the Greenfield R-IV School District board voted not to renew Morrison's contract. Distraught, she asked school officials for their reasoning.

They sent a sentence: "The board's actions were taken for the following reasons: Your decision to incorporate the worksheet associated with the novel 'Dear Martin' due to the content and subject matter."

The district did not respond to a request for comment about Morrison's firing.

Morrison said she knew that "White privilege" was a controversial term before she assigned the worksheet. But she wasn't using that exact phrase, she reasoned, and she wanted students to read about different experiences.

Morrison finished out the year, but she changed how she taught the rest of "Dear Martin," nixing a planned discussion of a chapter about affirmative action. Now, she is looking for new jobs.

---

The Washington Post's Chiqui Esteban contributed to this report.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP)  A former Florida congresswoman convicted of a federal tax charge in a charity fraud case wants to return to the U.S. House.

Ex-Rep. Corrine Brown filed papers Thursday to run in Florida's 10th District, which is an open seat because incumbent Democrat Val Demings is running against Republican U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.

Brown, a Democrat, served 12 terms in the House beginning in 1993 but was defeated for reelection after her 2016 indictment in the fraud case. She was initially convicted and served two years in prison but was released on humanitarian grounds due to the coronavirus pandemic.

That conviction was subsequently overturned on appeal. Last month, to avoid a second trial, Brown pleaded guilty to a single tax charge and was put on probation. The Constitution does not outright bar convicted felons from serving, but it's up to the House or Senate to decide whom to seat.

Brown said she's optimistic about running in the 10th District, newly redrawn in the redistricting process following the 2020 census  a process she said is shortchanging Blacks in the Republican-led state.

Ive represented most of the people of the new 10th District during my 24 years in Congress and I always earned huge support in this region, Brown said in a statement on her website. Now I see our hard-won gains are being taken away from us. Minorities have lost opportunities to elect candidates of their choice because of the recent gerrymandering in the State of Florida."

Brown, a former state legislator, in 1992 was one of the first three Blacks elected to Congress from Florida since Reconstruction. She faces a crowded field in the Aug. 23 Democratic primary for the new open House seat.

In the criminal case, court documents accused Brown of siphoning money from her One Door for Education Foundation for personal use. Prosecutors said the fraud included using hundreds of thousands of dollars from the foundation to pay for lavish parties, trips and shopping excursions.
Toni Corona has taken vacations before during her nearly 20 years as director of the Madison County Health Department, but her time off last week felt different.

She returned to the office on Monday knowing she had only three weeks left to work.

Corona, who has been with the MCHD since it started in 1996 and has been the director since 2003, is retiring on June 30.

Its sinking in right now, for sure, but the health department is in a really good spot, said Corona, who was the environmental health services manager for MCHD before becoming the director. The dedicated people here, from the division directors to the coordinators to all of the staff, do a tremendous job.

This job has been easy for me because of the passion and professionalism of our staff. Its time for me to do something different and Im going to take some time off.

Corona said her decision to retire wasnt made that long ago, although it had been in the back of her mind for a while.

It was probably mid-May when I started thinking about it, Corona said. I wanted to evaluate and access where we are at, and the state fiscal year starts on July 1, when youre starting grant applications and doing those types of things. The timing (to retire now) just seemed right.

Corona admits that the past two-plus years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the added stress that was placed on public health professionals, played a role in her decision to retire this summer.

Ive had a 33-year career in this field, and never did I imagine what this would be like, Corona said of dealing with the pandemic. We have 40 employees now, but at the height of the pandemic, we had 70.

The last two and a half years have been a blur, but we were so successful in the pandemic response. We led a mass vaccination clinic for a period of months and provided about 116,000 vaccines to individuals, not to mention all of the contact tracing and consultations we did with long-term care facilities and hospitals.

I dont want to indicate that COVID is over  its still present and we need people to be aware and stay up to date with their vaccinations. But compared to where we were, I think its in a good spot.

While the pandemic resulted in longer hours and a heavier workload for Corona and her staff, it also reminded her of why she chose to become a public health professional.

I absolutely love public health, Corona said. My degree is in environmental health and part of that was an internship, but at that time there was no local health department in Madison County. In 1995, the County Board voted to start a health department and it was up and running in 1996.

Im born and raised in Madison County, and I wanted to be a part of that. Its been a full circle and a fantastic ride. My career is very much my vocation and to be of use is very important to me.

Corona said that her successor as director of the health department has not yet been named.

Its up to the county administration, but they will name an interim director internally to keep things going. That should happen next week, Corona said.

I know that the job has been posted, and they will begin a search for a director of public health. State law defines the minimum qualifications for the job and there is a process to make sure that individual has the correct experience and knowledge of public health.

An Alton native, Corona is a 1985 graduate of Marquette High School. She attended Illinois State University, where she earned a degree in environmental health.

Her first job in public health was in LaSalle County and she also worked in the St. Clair County Health Department for several years.

After the 1993 flood, I left St. Clair County and went to the Illinois Department of Public Health and did a lot of post-flood recovery work with wells and private sewage systems, Corona said. By then, the Madison County Health Department was starting to form, and I left the IDPH to come here.

Corona leaves her job with high hopes for the future of public health in Madison County.

The mission of a local health department is to ensure that folks have what they need within a population of community health, Corona said. We have environmental programs but there is also the communicable disease aspect.

We do a lot of immunizations and prevention programs such as cancer screenings. Our community health plan was approved by the County Board (on Wednesday night). Last month we identified three health priorities for the course of the next four years, which are mental health, substance use and access to care.

Coronas plans for the future, after a few months of downtime, are uncertain.

Im going to relax for a while, but I have to be of use, Corona said. I will be doing something, but I dont know yet what that will be. Im excited for the opportunities and Im appreciative of what I have had here.

Leaving here is somewhat bittersweet. I love to be a part of something and know that were doing good, but I also leave here very confident in the future of the health department. I know its in good hands and I know that the staff is top-notch.
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP)  The trial of a British man charged with the premeditated murder of his ill wife in Cyprus coastal resort town of Paphos was pushed back Thursday until September, with defense lawyers arguing that David Hunter should instead be charged with assisting a suicide.

State Prosecutor Andreas Hadjikyrou said the postponement was due to a court scheduling conflict and will resume on Sept. 19. Hunter, 74, will remain in custody until then.

Justice Abroad, a group that defends Britons embroiled in legal difficulties in foreign countries, says the case against Hunter is likely the first euthanasia case to be tried on the eastern Mediterranean island nation. It comes as lawmakers debate whether to decriminalize euthanasia, amid strong opposition from conservative circles, including the influential Orthodox Church.

Hunters wife Janice, 74, died in December 2021 at the couples retirement home in Paphos, where many of the island's up to 60,000 British expatriates live.

Justice Abroad spokesman Michael Polak said Janice was on heavy medication for a type of blood cancer. He said Cyprus Attorney General George Savvides rejected a defense request to reduce the charge to assisted suicide, which would likely have kept Hunter out of jail.

No one believes Mr. Hunter should go to jail for this, Polak told The Associated Press.

Speaking to the U.K. newspaper The Mirror, Hunters daughter Lesley said that her mother had begged him for a long time (to assist her death) and was very clear about what she wanted.

But Hadjikyrou, the state prosecutor, said theres no tangible evidence  like a written note  to suggest that Hunters wife had ever asked him specifically to help her die.

He also disputed that there was a medical diagnosis proving that Janice Hunter suffered from leukemia or blood cancer. The prosecutor said defense attorneys turned down a deal to have Hunter plead guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter that would have resulted in a prison sentence of only a few years.

Polak rejected the assertion that Janice Hunter didnt suffer from blood cancer, providing the AP with a medical document that he claimed diagnosed the deceased with a type of blood cancer.

Polak also countered that the burden remains on prosecutors to demonstrate a motive as to why Hunter would want to murder his wife. The Briton had been so distraught after his wifes death that he attempted suicide, according to Polak.

___

This story was first published on June 16, 2022. It was updated on June 17, 2022 to make clear that the comments attributed to Cypriot prosecutors were made by State Prosecutor Andreas Hadjikyrou.
LONDON (AP)  The ethics adviser to Britain's scandal-hit Prime Minister Boris Johnson has quit and accused the Conservative government of planning to flout conduct rules, weeks after a separate investigation criticized the U.K. leader for overseeing a culture of government rule-breaking.

Christopher Geidt stepped down late Wednesday as Independent Adviser on Ministers Interests, a decision the government said came as a surprise.

In a resignation letter, which was published Thursday by the government, Geidt said he was put in an impossible and odious position because the prime minister had asked him to advise on measures that would risk a deliberate and purposeful breach of the Ministerial Code" that regulates government conduct.

He did not elaborate but said: I can have no part in this.

In a response, Johnson indicated the issue concerned tariffs imposed to protect a crucial industry which might be seen to conflict with our obligations" under the World Trade Organization.

The government declined to confirm reports that the industry is steelmaking, citing commercial sensitivity." Britain has imposed restrictions on imports of Chinese steel to protect its domestic industry.

Johnson's government kept most of the steel safeguard measures in place last year, overruling advice from its trade advisory body to lift some of them. Ministers are currently considering whether to extend them again.

Johnson's spokesman said no decisions have been taken" on what to do about the tariffs.

Geidt had stayed in his job as Johnson was buffeted by allegations about his judgment and ethics, culminating in the partygate scandal over parties in government buildings during Britains coronavirus lockdowns.

Johnson was one of 83 people fined by police for attending the parties, and a civil servants report said the prime minister and senior officials must bear responsibility for failures of leadership and judgment that created a culture of rule-breaking in government.

When he was quizzed by lawmakers this week, Geidt acknowledged he felt frustration in his job, noting that he was appointed by the prime minister and so not truly independent.

The resignation of his hand-picked ethics adviser is the latest blow for Johnson. He survived a no-confidence vote by his own Conservative Party last week but was left weakened after 41% of Conservative lawmakers voted to remove him.

Johnson still faces a parliamentary ethics probe that could conclude he deliberately misled Parliament over partygate  traditionally a resigning offense.

No replacement has been named for Geidt. Johnsons spokesman, Max Blain, said the prime minister was reviewing how best to carry out the ethics role.

Geidts predecessor as ethics adviser, Alex Allan, also quit, stepping down in November 2020 after the prime minister ignored his finding that a Cabinet member, Home Secretary Priti Patel, had bullied her staff and broken the ministerial code of conduct  also usually a resigning offense.

For the prime minister to lose one adviser on ministers interests may be regarded as a misfortune. To lose two looks like carelessness, said Conservative lawmaker William Wragg, a critic of Johnson.

Geidt, a former private secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, had been accused of going easy on top officials in his investigations. Last year, he cleared Johnson of breaking the ministerial code when the leader failed to disclose that a Conservative party donor had funded a pricey refurbishment of the prime ministers official residence.

In April, he cleared Treasury chief Rishi Sunak of wrongdoing over his wifes tax affairs and his possession of a U.S. permanent residents card.
LONDON (AP)  The European Union is beefing up its code of practice on disinformation by enlisting more tech companies beyond Google, Twitter and Facebook parent Meta and adding measures to prevent online purveyors of fake news from profiting.

The EU's executive Commission unveiled an update Thursday to its four-year-old voluntary code that, together with sweeping new rules in the pipeline for digital companies, will step up its efforts to fight the spread of false information in the 27-member bloc.

EU leaders are alarmed about disinformation flourishing on online platforms, notably involving the COVID-19 pandemic and Russian propaganda amid the war in Ukraine. The code shows Europes efforts to take a global lead in clamping down on fake news, while officials in the U.S. have done little to curb its spread.

Disinformation is a growing problem in the EU, and we really have to take stronger measures, Commission Vice President Vera Jourova told reporters in Brussels.

She said the update comes as Russia weaponizes disinformation as part of its war in Ukraine but also when we see attacks on democracy more broadly.

Companies that sign up to the EU code agree to commit to measures aimed at reducing disinformation. They will have to file regular reports on whether theyre living up to their promises, though theres little in the way of punishment.

The code is, however, backed by the EUs upcoming Digital Services Act, a wide-ranging overhaul of the blocs digital rulebook that includes requirements for tech giants to address systemic risks on their platforms, including the spread of disinformation, under the threat of big fines.

Some 33 online platforms, tech companies, and civil society groups have now signed up to the voluntary code, double the number from a year ago. The newest additions include Amazon-owned video game streaming service Twitch, video sharing platform Vimeo and audio-only social network Clubhouse.

Companies that previously signed up include Google, Facebook and Instagram parent Meta, Twitter, TikTok and Microsoft. Other big tech companies like Amazon and Apple are still absent. Also missing are apps like Telegram, a social media and messaging platform where Russian government disinformation is rampant.

Fact-checking and press freedom groups and ad-tech companies also have joined.

The code includes measures preventing ads from being shown next to fake news content so the material can't be used to make money.

Producers of disinformation make big money, as do online platforms and the digital ad industry, and the code will disrupt this financing model, Jourova said.

There also are requirements for more transparency on political ads, such as adding labels; reducing manipulative techniques like automated bot accounts; and giving users tools to recognize and flag up false information so it can be taken down.
Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media /

NEW HAVEN  Three Connecticut men were charged Tuesday with robbing eight convenience stores and smoke shops of cash, cigarettes and other items earlier this year, federal prosecutors announced Wednesday.

A federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment Tuesday charging the trio each with conspiracy to commit robbery and eight counts of robbery. If convicted, each man faces up to 20 years in prison for each count, according to U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  A former oil industry executive from Minnesota who co-founded a facility that loaded crude from the North Dakota oil patch onto rail cars has been convicted in a stock manipulation scheme.

A federal jury in New York on Tuesday found Michael Reger guilty of securities fraud, wrapping up a shareholder lawsuit filed five years ago against Reger and Ryan Gilbertson, the other former co-owner of Wayzata-based Dakota Plains Holdings. Reger was acquitted of insider trading.
The House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol has obtained email correspondence between Virginia "Ginni" Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, and lawyer John Eastman, who played a key role in efforts to pressure Vice President Mike Pence to block the certification of Joe Biden's victory, according to three people involved in the committee's investigation.

The emails show that Thomas's efforts to overturn the election were more extensive than previously known, two of the people said. The three declined to provide details and spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

The committee's members and staffers are now discussing whether to spend time during their public hearings exploring Ginni Thomas's role in the attempt to overturn the outcome of the 2020 election, the three people said. The Washington Post previously reported that the committee had not sought an interview with Thomas and was leaning against pursuing her cooperation with its investigation.

The two people said the emails were among documents obtained by the committee and reviewed recently. Last week, a federal judge ordered Eastman to turn more than a hundred documents over to the committee. Eastman had tried to block the release of those and other documents by arguing that they were privileged communications and therefore should be protected.

Thomas also sent messages to President Donald Trump's White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows, and to Arizona legislators, pressing them to help overturn the election, The Post has previously reported.

While Thomas has maintained that she and her husband operate in separate professional lanes, her activities as a conservative political activist have long distinguished her from other spouses of Supreme Court justices. Any new revelations about Thomas's actions after the 2020 presidential election are likely to further intensify questions about whether Clarence Thomas should recuse himself from cases related to the election and attempts to subvert it.

In January, the Supreme Court rejected a request by Trump to block the release of his White House records to the House committee investigating Jan. 6. Clarence Thomas was the only justice to dissent, siding with Trump.

Ginni Thomas did not immediately respond to requests for comment, nor did Eastman or his lawyer. A spokeswoman for the Supreme Court did not respond to questions for Clarence Thomas.

A Jan. 6 committee spokesman declined to comment.

Eastman, who once served as clerk for Clarence Thomas at the Supreme Court, outlined scenarios for denying Biden the presidency in legal memos and in an Oval Office meeting on Jan. 4 with Trump and Pence, The Post and other outlets have previously reported. Eastman has said that Trump was his client at the time.

Earlier this year, U.S. District Judge David Carter ordered Eastman to release numerous documents to the committee, rejecting privilege claims Eastman had asserted. In April and May, Eastman turned over more than 1,000 documents to the committee.

In a 26-page ruling last week, Carter addressed an additional 599 documents that Eastman sought to shield. Carter ruled that more than 400 of those documents were protected by attorney-client or other privilege and should not be released.

But he ordered the remainder, including correspondence with state legislators and documents related to alleged election fraud and the plan to disrupt the joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, be turned over to the committee last week and early this week.

Carter described some of the documents in more detail than others.

He ordered Eastman to turn over documents regarding three December 2020 meetings of a group that Eastman described as "civic minded citizens of a conservative viewpoint," including messages from a person Carter described as the group's "high-profile leader" inviting Eastman to speak at a meeting on Dec. 8, 2020. The meeting agenda indicates that Eastman discussed "State legislative actions that can reverse the media-called election for Joe Biden."

"The Select Committee has a substantial interest in these three meetings because the presentations furthered a critical objective of the January 6 plan: to have contested states certify alternate slates of electors for President Trump," Carter wrote.

It is not clear what the group is or who its high-profile leader is.

Carter also ordered the release of part of a Dec. 22 email written by an attorney he did not identify. The attorney encouraged Trump's legal team not to pursue litigation that might "tank the January 6 strategy" by making clear that Pence did not have the ability to intervene in the counting of electoral votes. "Lawyers are free not to bring cases; they are not free to evade judicial review to overturn a democratic election," Carter wrote.

And the judge ordered the release of several communications that shared news stories or tweets.

In the weeks after the 2020 election, Ginni Thomas repeatedly pressed Meadows to overturn the outcome, according to text messages obtained by The Post and CBS News. After Jan. 6, she told Meadows in a text that she was "disgusted" with Pence, who had refused to help block the certification of Biden's electoral college victory. She wrote, "We are living through what feels like the end of America."

During that same post-election period, Thomas also pressed Republican legislators in Arizona to help keep Trump in office by setting aside Biden's popular-vote win and to "choose" their own electors, The Post has reported, based on documents obtained via a public records request. Thomas sent the emails via FreeRoots, an online platform designed to facilitate sending pre-written messages to multiple elected officials.

In an email on Nov. 9, just days after media organizations called the race in Arizona and nationally for Biden, Thomas sent identical emails to 27 legislators in the Arizona House and Senate urging them to "stand strong in the face of political and media pressure." The email claimed that the responsibility to choose electors - which belongs to voters under Arizona state law - was "yours and yours alone" and claimed that the legislature had the "power to fight back against fraud" and "ensure that a clean slate of Electors is chosen."

In a follow-up email to one of the recipients, Rep. Shawnna Bolick, Thomas described the email as "part of our campaign to help states feel America's eyes."

Bolick, who provided Thomas with links she could use to report any fraud she had experienced in Arizona, previously told The Post that she received tens of thousands of emails after the election and that she responded to Thomas in the same way she responded to everyone else.

On Dec. 13, the day before presidential electors were scheduled to cast their votes and seal Biden's victory, Thomas emailed 21 of those legislators plus two others. "Before you choose your state's Electors . . . consider what will happen to the nation we all love if you don't stand up and lead," the email said. It linked to a video of a man urging swing-state legislators to "put things right" and "not give in to cowardice."

The next day, Democratic electors in Arizona cast their votes for Biden. Republican electors met separately and signed a document declaring themselves to be the state's "duly elected and qualified Electors." More than a dozen Arizona legislators signed on to a letter to Congress for the state's electoral votes to go to Trump or "be nullified completely until a full forensic audit can be conducted."
WASHINGTON - Senators left Washington on Thursday with key elements still in dispute on a delicate bipartisan deal that could significantly expand federal gun laws for the first time in three decades.

The lack of firm agreement could foil leaders' hopes of holding a Senate vote on a bill next week, and raised the prospect that a framework agreement released Sunday might not be able to be translated into an actual bill.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, the top Republican negotiator, told reporters that he was "frustrated" about the lack of progress and tempered expectations that a deal could come together.

"I'm not as optimistic right now, but we're continuing to work," he said, leaving a meeting of the top four negotiators Thursday afternoon. He added: "We don't have a deal about anything unless we have a deal about everything."

Later in the day, he left the Capitol to catch a flight back to Texas, indicating that the ball was in Democrats' court: "At some point, you've just got to make a decision and when people don't want to make a decision . . . you can't accomplish the result. And that's kind of where we are right now."

But another Republican closely involved in the talks, Sen. Thom Tillis, of North Carolina, struck a more upbeat note and said a bill could be written as soon as Friday. And Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., the top Democratic negotiator, told reporters he still expected a final deal to come together.

"It comes with a lot of emotions, it comes with political risk to both sides," he said. "But we're close enough that we should be able to get there."

Many of those involved in the talks have viewed Thursday as a deadline to come to agreement on key provisions, allowing for final drafting to occur oversight and for a final bill to be filed Friday. That would allow Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to begin the process of setting up votes for next week, allowing the legislation to be passed ahead of a scheduled two-week recess.

But with no agreement on key sticking points Thursday, and most senators not returning to Washington until Tuesday, the timeline was in question.

"We need to work through the next 24 hours but . . . we are operating as if we're bringing this bill to the floor," Murphy said.

Among the toughest issues, senators and other people familiar with the talks said, is what is often called the "boyfriend loophole." Under current federal law, domestic violence offenders who abuse their spouses or partners they have lived with or had a child with can be barred from purchasing firearms, even if the underlying offense was a misdemeanor.

The framework released Sunday proposed adding offenders who were in a "continuing relationship of a romantic or intimate nature" with their victim. But turning that broad definition into legislative language has proven difficult, senators said.

Republicans are wary of writing too general a definition out of concern that it could be used too broadly to deny people their constitutional right to bear arms. "This has got to be something other than, you know one date," Cornyn said.

GOP negotiators have also pressed for a court process that would allow those who have been denied a firearm under the domestic violence provision to petition a judge to restore their right to own a gun. But Democrats are resisting attempts to water down the language, which has been a priority of gun-control and women's advocates for years.

"Everyone who's convicted of a crime has an ability to get that expunged or set aside in state court," Murphy said. "But you know, I just - I'm of the view that if you beat the hell out of your dating partner, and you end up getting convicted for that crime, there should be consequences."

Tillis said negotiators were examining state definitions of dating relationships and expressed optimism that a compromise was within reach.

Another contentious provision - creating a federal grant program that would help states implement red-flag laws that allow authorities to keep guns away from people judged to represent a threat to themselves or others - appeared to be back on track after Cornyn on Wednesday raised concerns that the program would disfavor states who choose not to enact those laws, which have been opposed by many gun-rights activists.

"The Republicans clearly want to make sure that there's money available for states that don't move forward with red-flag laws, and we're going to find a way to do that in this bill," Murphy said.

The bipartisan framework couples several modest gun provisions - the closing of the boyfriend loophole, the federal grants for red-flag laws and expanded background checks for the youngest gun buyers - with new funding for mental health treatment and school security.

While the negotiators expressed optimism after the framework was released Sunday - with Murphy going so far as to say "the heavy lifting is done" - a final agreement was always contingent on producing draft legislation that comported with the framework.

The continuing clash Thursday over the thorny details vexed Cornyn, who said a failure to move on the bill next week would leave the fate of the entire framework in question.

"At some point, you've got to put your pens down - or at least you pick your pens up and write it and quit jawboning about it," Cornyn said.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP)  A man arrested 26 years after a brutal assault of a woman says the state took too long to charge him and his conviction should be thrown out in a case that went before the Ohio Supreme Court Thursday.

Ralph Bortree was arrested in 2019 and charged with attempted aggravated murder in the 1993 attack on the 19-year-old woman, who was abducted, raped and left for dead.

Authorities arrested Bortree using a forensic genealogy technique that traced DNA found at the scene.

The statute of limitations for rape and kidnapping expired after six years. But prosecutors said Ohio law still allowed Bortree to be charged with attempted aggravated murder. Bortree was convicted and sentenced to 11 years in prison.

The Third Ohio District Court of Appeals upheld that conviction and Bortree appealed. A decision by the Ohio Supreme Court isn't expected for weeks.

In 1999, lawmakers updated state law to indicate there was no statute of limitations for the crimes of aggravated murder or murder, and those sections included attempts of such crimes, Eric Stewart, the Logan County prosecutor, told the state Supreme Court Thursday. That law applied retroactively in most cases.

The statute of limitations for attempted burglary is 20 years, Stewart said, noting the appeals court called a shorter time limit for attempted aggravated murder an absurd result.

Bortree stalked the victim, kidnapped her at gunpoint, sexually assaulted her, slit her throat and left her for dead, Stewart said.

The only reason that shes alive is because he barely, by millimeters, missed hitting her carotid artery, he said.

Some justices appeared skeptical of Stewart's interpretation of the law at the time. Lawmakers also added the word attempted to rape cases, said Justice Michael Donnelly, who asked why they didn't do the same for aggravated murder.

If they do it in one section and they don't do it in another, we have to assume they did it for a reason, Donnelly said.

Stewart argued lawmakers did include it by making clear the change applied to the most serious crime on the books in Ohio, aggravated murder and murder.

The lawyer representing Bortree argued the opposite, Because state law doesnt specifically define a limit for attempted aggravated murder or attempted murder, the statute of limitations on that charge  six years  had expired, said attorney James Tyack.

The General Assembly has never stated that these should have any other statute of limitations than the default for a felony of six years, Tyack said.

Although some DNA tracing was done over the years on the case, authorities finally connected Bortree to the attack in 2019 using a technique known as genetic genealogy, in which relatives of a suspect are traced by uploading the suspect's DNA to public genealogy sites.

Detectives collected used cigarette butts discarded by Bortree at work and then tested them with positive results, according to court documents.
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CAIRO (AP)  Yemen's Houthi rebels are still recruiting children into their military ranks to fight in the countrys grinding civil war, despite an agreement with the United Nations in April to halt the practice, Houthi officials, aid workers and residents told The Associated Press.

Two Houthi officials told the AP that the rebels recruited several hundred children, including those as young as 10 years over the past two months. They have been deployed to front lines as part of a buildup of forces taking place during a U.N.-brokered truce, which has held since April, one official said.

The officials, both hard-liners within the Houthi movement, said they see nothing wrong with the practice, arguing that boys from 10 or 12 are considered men.

Those are not children. They are true men, who should defend their nation against the Saudi, American aggression, and defend the Islamic nation, one of them said. The two spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid friction with other Houthi leaders.

The Houthis have used what they call summer camps to disseminate their religious ideology and to recruit boys to fight. Such camps take place in schools and mosques around the Houthi-held part of Yemen, which encompasses the north and center of the country and the capital, Sanaa.

Yemens conflict erupted in 2014 when the Houthis descended from their northern enclave and took over Sanaa, forcing the internationally recognized government to flee to the south. A Saudi-led coalition entered the war in early 2015 to try to restore the government to power, waging a destructive air campaign and arming anti-Houthi forces.

The war has killed more than 150,000 people, including more than 14,500 civilians and has plunged the country into near-famine, creating one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises.

Child soldiers have been involved in Yemen's war for years. Nearly 2,000 Houthi-recruited children were killed on the battlefield between January 2020 and May 2021, according to U.N. experts. Pro-government forces have also used child fighters but to a much lesser degree and have taken greater measures to halt the practice, according to U.N. and aid officials.

Overall, the U.N. says over 10,200 children have been killed or maimed in the war, though it is unclear how many may have been combatants.

In April, the rebels signed what the U.N. childrens agency described as an action plan to end and prevent the practice. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the rebels committed to identifying children in their ranks and releasing them within six months.

UNICEF did not respond to requests for comment on the continued recruitment since, nor did spokesmen for the Houthi administration. The Houthis have in the past officially denied enlisting children to fight.

In early June, a high-ranking Houthi, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, posted a video from a visit he paid to one of the camps in Dhamar province. It shows dozens of children in uniforms standing in a military-like formation and declaring allegiance to rebel movements top leader, Abdul-Malek al-Houthi.

Soldiers of God, they shout. We are coming.

Four aid workers with three international organizations operating in rebel-held areas said they observed intensified Houthi efforts to recruit children in recent weeks. The Houthis ranks have been thinned because of battlefield losses, especially during a nearly two-year battle for the crucial city of Marib.

The aid workers spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing for their safety, and said their groups could be barred from working in Houthi-held territory. They said the rebels have pressured families to send their children to camps where they learn how to handle weapons and plant mines, in return for services, including food rations from international organizations.

One aid worker who operates in remote northern areas described watching children as young as 10 manning checkpoints along the road, with AK-47s hanging on their shoulders. Others are sent to the front line. He said children have returned wounded from fighting at Marib.

Thousands of fighters were killed in the battle for government-held Marib. The Houthis' long attempt to capture it was finally stopped in late 2021, when government forces were bolstered by better-equipped fighters backed by the United Arab Emirates.

Abdel-Bari Taher, a Yemeni commentator and former head of the countrys Journalists Union, said that the Houthis are exploiting local customs to the childrens and societys detriment. Having or carrying a weapon is a tradition deeply rooted in Yemen, especially in rural and mountainous communities, he said.

It is a source of pride and kind of manhood for the boys, he said.

The Houthis also condition crucial food aid on children attending the training camps, some say.

Two residents in Amran province said Houthi representatives came to their homes in May and told them to prepare their children for camps at the end of the school year. The residents, who are farmers, spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

They said their five children, aged between 11 and 16, were taken in late May to a training center housed in a nearby school. One father said he was told that if he didnt send his children, his family would no longer receive food rations.

The U.N. panel of experts said earlier this year that the Houthis have a system to indoctrinate child soldiers, including using humanitarian aid to pressure families.

Children are taken first to centers for a month or more of religious courses. There, they are told they are joining a holy war against Jews and Christians and Arab countries that have succumbed to Western influence. Seven-year-olds are taught weapons cleaning and how to dodge rockets, the experts found.
BUENOS AIRES (AP)  Israel praised Argentina on Thursday for holding a Venezuelan plane that included Iranian crew, saying the flight shows Tehran is trying to expand its influence in South America.

Washington also made clear it is keeping close tabs on the investigation into the Boeing 747, which was loaded with automotive parts and raised questions because its 19 crewmembers is an unusually large number for a cargo plane.

In a statement, the Israeli Embassy commended the fast action by Argentine authorities who identified in real time the potential threat posed by the aircraft, which has been grounded at Argentina's main airport outside Buenos Aires since June 8.

Israel is particularly worried about Iranian airlines that are dedicated to arms trafficking and the transfer of people and equipment for the Quds Force, which are under sanctions by the United States for being involved in terrorist activities, the embassy said.

The recent events provide evidence of the repeated attempts by the Islamic Republic of Iran, through the Revolutionary Guard and the Quds Force, to continue consolidating its influence throughout the world, including South America, as a base for terrorist acctions in the continent, the embassy added.

The top U.S. diplomat in Argentina also commented on the case.

We are following with great interest the judicial and law enforcement investigations into the crew and the plane and thank the investigative efforts of Argentine authorities to clear up the situation, U.S Ambassador Marc Stanley said in a statement shared with local media.

Argentine authorities have seized the passports of the five Iranians and 14 Venezuelan crewmembers on the plane, which is operated by Venezuelas state-owned Emtrasur line, a subsidiary of Conviasa, which is under U.S. sanctions.

Expanding the international reverberations in the case, Venezuela on Thursday evening harshly criticized Uruguay for failing to allow the plane to land in Montevideo to refuel.

The plane's crew sought to fly to Montevideo on June 8 but had to return to Buenos Aires after Uruguayan authorities refused entry into its airspace, according to a report by Argentina's Transportation Ministry. It was then that the plane was grounded by Argentine authorities.

Uruguay's regretable action could have caused a tragedy, human lives and damage to both nations, Venezuela said in a statement, adding that it demands explanations about this terrible event from the Uruguayan government.

Before it was sold to Emtrasur a year ago, the plane was owned by Mahan Air of Iran, which the U.S. government has sanctioned for allegedly aiding the Quds Force and terrorist activities.

Law enforcement offices on Tuesday searched the hotel where the crewmembers were staying under orders of Federal Judge Federico Villena, who is investigating the crew.

Argentine authorities say they have not found any irregularities in the crew.

The plane reportedly loaded automotive parts in Mexico and stopped in Venezuela before arriving in Argentina.

The large crew had earlier raised suspicions in Paraguay, where the plane landed last month in Ciudad del Este, close to the Argentina and Brazil borders, Paraguays interior minister, Federico Gonzalez, told a local radio station Tuesday. He said the plane was there May 13-16,

Gonzalez said Paraguay alerted intelligence agencies in the region about the plane and its crew.

Argentina suffered two terrorist attacks in its capital that judicial investigators have blamed on Iran  a 1992 explosion at the Israeli Embassy and a deadly bombing at a Jewish organization in 1994. Iran has denied any involvement.

___

This story has been corrected to show that the plane was grounded on June 8, rather than June 6.
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) 

___This stThe long-awaited return of passenger rail service to Vermont's largest city for the first time in nearly 70 years is set for July 29, state transportation officials announced Thursday.

Thats the date Amtraks Ethan Allen Express will begin offering service to New York City from downtown Burlington. The train will make stops in Vergennes and Middlebury before it reaches Rutland, the current northern terminus of the Ethan Allen Express, which travels to New York via Albany, with stops along the way.

The last regularly scheduled passenger rail service to Vermont's largest city ended in 1953.

Very soon, we will be able to climb aboard a train in downtown Burlington, and arrive in New York City in time for dinner," Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger said in a statement. This long-desired service will give a boost to our economic recovery at a critical time, and give travelers a new, lower-carbon connection to New York and the rest of the Amtrak system."

Vermont officials have worked for decades to restore service to Burlington, upgrading the rails, road crossings, stations and other rail infrastructure on the 75-mile run between Burlington and Rutland.

More recently, crews have been working to prepare the Burlington station on the Lake Champlain waterfront at the base of Main Street, including installing Amtrak signs.

The state says fares between Burlington and New York will start at $75. The train is scheduled to leave Burlington at 10:10 a.m. and New Yorks Penn Station at 5:45 p.m. The northbound train is scheduled to leave New York at 2:21 p.m. and arrive in Burlington at 9:55 p.m.

The Ethan Allen Express has run between Rutland and New York City since the mid-1990s. Amtrak's Vermonter runs from New York through Connecticut and Massachusetts, following the Connecticut River, before it crosses Vermont to reach St. Albans.

___ This story has been corrected to show the name of the other Amtrak service to Vermont is the Vermonter, not Vermont.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol has asked Virginia Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, for an interview, the panel's chairman said Thursday afternoon.

Thomas, a conservative activist, communicated with people in President Donald Trumps orbit ahead of the attack and also on the day of the insurrection, when hundreds of Trumps supporters violently stormed the Capitol and interrupted the certification of Joe Bidens victory.

We have sent Ms. Thomas a letter, asking her to come and talk to the committee, Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson, the Democratic chairman of the panel, told reporters after a three-hour public hearing Thursday. He didnt specify a time or date for an interview.

The chairman said her name could also come up at some point in the panels hearings that are being held throughout June.

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Earlier in the day, Thompson and committee vice-chair Liz Cheney had both said it was time for her to come in voluntarily and provide testimony with the nine-member panel after investigators discovered information that refers to Thomas  known as Ginni  in communications they have obtained relating to one of Trumps lawyers, John Eastman.

In response, Thomas told the conservative news site Daily Caller on Thursday that she cant wait to clear up misconceptions, suggesting she would comply with a request to testify.

Eastman, who was advising Trump in the weeks and days ahead of the attack, was a central figure in the committees third public hearing Thursday. Lawmakers laid out their case regarding the pressure campaign Trump waged, with a legal assist from Eastman, against then-Vice President Mike Pence to try to get him to object or delay Bidens certification on Jan. 6.

On his blog Thursday, Eastman posted a single email from Thomas on Dec. 4, 2020, in which she asks Eastman for a status update for a group she describes as grassroots state leaders.

OMG, Mrs. Thomas asked me to give an update about election litigation to her group. Stop the Presses! the headline on the blog post reads.

Eastman also said he never discussed with either Thomas any matters pending or likely to come before the Court."

Thomas did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.

It is not the first time members of the panel have said they want to talk to Thomas. In March, lawmakers on the committee said they were considering inviting her for a witness interview about text messages with White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows on the day of the attack. But she still has not spoken to the panel.

She has been critical of the Jan. 6 committee and signed a letter with other conservatives calling on House Republicans to expel Reps. Liz Cheney of Wyoming and Adam Kinzinger of Illinois from the GOP conference for joining the panel.

Thomas also urged Republican lawmakers in Arizona to choose their own slate of electors after the 2020 election, arguing that results giving Joe Biden a victory in the state were marred by fraud.

She has acknowledged she attended the Jan. 6 Stop the Steal rally on the Ellipse but left before Trump spoke and his supporters later stormed the Capitol.

Justice Thomas was the only member of the Supreme Court who voted against the courts order allowing the Jan. 6 committee to obtain Trump records that were held by the National Archives and Records Administration. The court voted in January to allow the committee to get the documents.

The court on Thursday did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the justice.

The emails between Eastman and Thomas were first reported by The Washington Post. ___

Associated Press writer Mark Sherman contributed to this report.

__

For full coverage of the Jan. 6 hearings, go to https://www.apnews.com/capitol-siege
More than 20 million people tuned in on June 9 to watch the first live-streamed hearing of the January 6 Committee, a nine-member group investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol. The committee is led by Mississippi Democrat Rep. Bennie Thompson and features six other Democratic representatives.

The two Republicans on the committee, Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney and Illinois Rep. Adam Kizinger, have both been vocal opponents of former President Donald Trump.

While no Texas elected officials sit on the committee, the group has subpoenaed multiple Texans with ties to the former president. They include Tarrant County-raised Ali Alexander, Austin-based conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, Dallas conservative Katrina Pierson, Central Texas retired Army Col. Phil Waldron and Austin-native and former Trump fundraiser Caroline Wren, according to the Texas Tribune.

Texas 19th Congressional District Rep. Jodey Arrington, who represents a large portion of West Texas, including Plainview, did not respond to requests for comments from the Plainview Daily Herald. Arrington was one of 147 total Republicans to object to the 2020 election results. Arrington said in a Twitter thread on Jan. 6, 2022, that he "condemned" the attack on the U.S Capitol while calling on Democrats to "stop politicizing everything."



"Democrat leaders have painted January 6th as the worst act of lawlessness and an affront on our civil society, yet they remained conspicuously silent throughout the riots in Seattle, Portland, and other cities across the country for months in 2020," Arrington wrote in the thread.

One Republican Texas representative, Troy Nehls, was originally appointed to the January 6 Committee by Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. When Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi objected to two of McCarthys other nominees, the Republican withdrew Nehls, as well as each of his other appointees. Nehls also voted to object to President Trump's electoral loss.

Nehls, whose 22nd District represents some Southwestern Houston suburbs like Sugarland and Pearland, said in a tweet on June 6 that the committee is a sham and claimed it is trying to injure Trump because they know they cant beat him in 2024.

These January 6th Committees hearings are a waste of Congresss time and the taxpayers money, Nehls wrote in a series of tweets. President Trump will be the nominee and they know they cant beat him. Thats what this is all about.

On June 9, before the first live committee hearing, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz told Insider that he would rather mow the lawn, comb his hair or just watch the paint dry on the walls than watch the hearings. Cruz said he considered the hearings to be Democratic campaign ads.

"From the opening gavel to the close of the hearing, 100% of their endeavor is a political Hail Mary pass," Cruz told Insider.

On Jan. 6, 2021, Cruz was one of six Senators who voted to object to the certification of Arizonas election result in the 2020 election. Cruz also at one point called the riot at the U.S. Capitol a deadly terrorist attack before walking back those comments later on Fox News.

Republican Rep. Ronny Jackson, who represents much of the Panhandle in North Texas, including Amarillo and Wichita Falls, tweeted on June 10 that the hearings are a joke and no one cares about them or is buying it. According to reporting from the Texas Tribune, Jacksons name was mentioned in a group text with members of the Oathkeepers, a paramilitary group that contributed to the violence on Jan. 6, 2021. Jackson also voted to overturn the 2020 election results

The witch hunt committee hearings are a joke. When I talk to people back home, literally nobody cares about them. Not one person, Jackson tweeted. "Democrats are trying to use this as a distraction, and no one is buying it!!

The first hearing showed never-before-seen footage from the riot and revealed that multiple Republican lawmakers sought presidential pardons for their attempt to overturn the 2020 election, according to NPR. In the second hearing, footage showed former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr calling Trump detached from reality, while testimony revealed that Trump did not listen to multiple campaign officials who told him the election was lost and his claims of election fraud were false, NPR reported.

A third hearing was scheduled for June 15 but was postponed, according to the committee. The next hearing will be on June 16.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)  A sharply divided Kentucky Supreme Court ruled Thursday that police violated a robbery suspect's constitutional protections by accessing his cellphone without a warrant, calling use of the phone as a tracking device profoundly invasive."

In the 4-3 decision, the courts majority said the robbery suspect was subjected to a warrantless search when police obtained his real-time cellphone location information. They ruled that the information was illegally acquired and should be excluded from evidence.

At issue was whether there's a reasonable expectation of privacy" regarding a person's real-time cell-site location information, also known as CSLI, under federal Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. Such information can be used to determine a cellphone's location with near perfect accuracy when the phone is powered on, the court noted.

In obtaining an individuals cell phones real-time CSLI, police commandeer the cell phone and its transmissions for the purpose of locating that individual, Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr. said in writing for the majority. We find this usurpation of an individuals private property profoundly invasive, and we liken it to a technological trespass.

The ruling stems from a case in Kentucky's Woodford County involving robbery suspect Dovontia Reed. One of his attorneys hailed it a far-reaching victory for civil liberties.

This is kind of a guarantee from the court saying that the government cant search your real-time CSLI to get your location without a warrant," said Adam Meyer, a public defender representing Reed during his appeals. "And what that means is this will protect everybody who has a cell phone now.

The state attorney general's office didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Reed had called an acquaintance on his cellphone, saying he had run out of gas and asked that they meet at a Versailles gas station. When the acquaintance arrived, Reed allegedly robbed him of $500 at gunpoint and fled in a vehicle, according to authorities. Police obtained the number of the cellphone used by Reed.

The cell service provider located the phone and authorities used the information to track Reed's movements, the opinion noted. Reed was pulled over and arrested, and a grand jury indicted him on charges of robbery, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and receiving stolen property.

Reed claimed police unlawfully obtained the cellphone location information without a warrant. A judge denied his motion to suppress the information and evidence gained from the search. He entered a conditional guilty plea to charges including second-degree robbery, reserving his right to challenge the denial of his motion. He was sentenced to prison about five years ago but has since been released on parole, Meyer said.

On appeal, the state Court of Appeals said the obtaining of Reed's real-time cellphone location information amounted to a warrantless, unreasonable search. The Supreme Court's majority agreed, sending the case back to trial court for further proceedings to suppress the cellphone data.

Today we hold that individuals have an objectively reasonable expectation that their cell phones will not be used as real-time tracking devices through the direct and active interference of law enforcement, Minton wrote.

He wrote that searching a cellphone's contents is an invasion of a person's reasonable expectation of privacy sufficient to merit Fourth Amendment protection. The Court of Appeals said the Fourth Amendment requires a warrant to search a person's cell-site location information.

We find no reason why such an expectation of privacy would not extend to data unwittingly, involuntarily transmitted by a persons cell phone to their cell-service provider regarding their location, Minton said. Police may not subvert the warrant requirement merely by going directly to the cell-service provider.

As the case was argued, attorneys for the state said the consequences would be that police always have to obtain a warrant before getting a suspect's real-time cellphone location information.

The Supreme Court's majority was unswayed. Minton noted the ease with which technology allows police to obtain warrants and the invasive nature" of searching a person's cell location information.

Joining Minton in the majority opinion were Deputy Chief Justice Lisabeth T. Hughes and Justices Michelle M. Keller and Christopher Shea Nickell.

In his dissenting opinion, Justice Laurance B. VanMeter advocated another framework: that individuals do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy involving their real-time cellphone location data while traveling on public roads, and when the information sought is limited in scope and purpose.

The dissenting opinion said the trial court's denial of the suppression motion should be reinstated. Justices Robert B. Conley and Debra Hembree Lambert joined in the dissent.
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KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Before the ceremony and the serious meetings about war, the European leaders witnessed the devastation wrought by Russia. A must. To understand Ukraine's fight for survival, they had to see it themselves, with their own eyes.

The blown up buildings. The smashed cars. And a message of hope spray-painted on a damaged building despite mounting Ukrainian deaths.

French President Emmanuel Macron spotted it immediately amid the ruins Thursday.

Look at that, Make Europe, not war, Macron said, pointing and reading the words out loud in English. Its very moving to see that.

The leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania had a walking tour of Irpin, a small city which bore the full brunt of Russias failed assault on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, in the first weeks of the war. The tour preceded a meeting in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who met them wearing army green pants, a matching T-shirt and sneakers.

If the four hadnt fully grasped the scale of the horrors inflicted by the Russian invasion, ravages like the ones visited across much of Europe during World War I and World War II, then Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Premier Mario Draghi and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis have no excuses now.

The leaders traveled by overnight train to the Ukrainian capital because flights arent possible in the wartime airspace where missiles, drones, fighter jets and helicopters have rained down death and destruction. Iohannis, whose country has been a key destination for Ukrainian refugees, traveled separately from the others.

Standing out in their suits and ties amid the heavily armed soldiers guarding them, they heard from a Ukrainian government minister how Russian soldiers fired indiscriminately at families in cars and how the blowing up of bridges had blocked escape routes, locking people in a furnace of death and fighting.

How many cities do you have in such a situation? Macron asked.

Hundreds, Oleksiy Chernyshov, Ukraine's minister for communities and territories development, replied.

They were shooting into the families, children, women as they tried to flee the fighting, the minister said. They were just deliberately killing people inside the cars.

Macron wanted to understand how troops could do such things.

How do you explain this? he asked.

Chernyshov explained that some of the killers appeared to have been ordinary young soldiers and others appeared to have been special forces from the Caucasus region, which lies between the Black and Caspian seas. Moscow has deployed fighters from Chechnya, known for their ferocity, to Ukraine.

We have hundreds of these cases, I am sorry to say. They are still going on, he said.

The devastated buildings with their innards blown out that the chancellor, the premier and the presidents walked past are just a fraction of the destruction in Ukraine after nearly four months of fighting.

The official said more than 12,000 apartment buildings have been destroyed so far. Add to that electricity substations, heating plants, roads, bridges, schools, churches.

You name it, the minister said. A lot of things to be rebuilt.

The leaders wanted to know more.

How was the Russian advance going now? Scholz asked.

Macron wanted to know whether additional forces were being massed in Belarus, posing another possible threat to Ukraine.

We think yes, Chernyshov said.

Macron was clearly moved. He called Irpin, which Ukrainian forces retook as Russian troops retreated from around Kyiv, a heroic town.

This is where the Ukrainians stopped the Russian army, he said.

The French leader said Irpin bore the traces of barbary.

Massacres were carried out. he said. We have the first traces of what are war crimes.

So now they know: With their own eyes.

___

Follow AP's coverage of the Ukraine war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP)  European Council President Charles Michel visited North Macedonia on Thursday and said efforts to start European Union membership talks with the landlocked Balkan country and neighboring Albania have become a top priority since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

EU-member Bulgaria has blocked the start of those accession talks, insisting that North Macedonia officially recognizes common aspects of the neighbors' history and language. The impasse has also tied up Albania's bid.

The war in Ukraine opened a new chapter in European history and put EU enlargement at the forefront, Michel said at the joint press conference with North Macedonias President Stevo Pendarovski in the lakeside resort of Ohrid.

The EU is firmly committed to your entry into the EU and the start of negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania to begin as soon as possible. This is a top priority and we support all efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution to the open bilateral issue with Bulgaria, Michel said.

Concerned over regional stability, the European Union has invited leaders of Western Balkan countries  including North Macedonia and Albania  to an EU leaders meeting on June 23.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the region last week to try and break the impasse, in an effort also backed by southern neighbor Greece.

At next week's meeting in Brussels, EU leaders also are expected to consider whether to make Ukraine a candidate for EU membership.

North Macedonia applied for EU membership in 2004 and received a positive assessment from the European Commission a year later.

EU leaders agreed to formal accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia after Skopje settled in 2018 a nearly three decade-long dispute with neighboring Greece over the countrys name, which saw it renamed North Macedonia.

Western Balkan countries are at different stages of EU membership talks. Serbia and Montenegro have already started negotiating some chapters of their membership agreements. Kosovo and Bosnia have signed a Stabilization and Association Agreement, the first step toward membership.

___

Follow AP's coverage of the Ukraine war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
PARIS (AP)  McDonalds France and related companies have agreed to pay over 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion) to the French state to settle a case in which the fast-food giant was accused of years of tax evasion.

A Paris court approved the settlement Thursday, the French national financial prosecutors office said. McDonald's said the settlement was the result of productive discussions with French tax authorities.
China to support private investment, take forward projects with multiple effects to boost effective investment

Xinhua) 09:08, June 16, 2022

BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- China will support private investment and take forward projects that deliver multiple effects as part of the efforts to better spur effective investment, consumption and employment, according to a decision made at the State Council's Executive Meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday.

The meeting highlighted the imperative to keep to the overall thinking and policy orientation set out at the Central Economic Work Conference and in the Government Work Report, stay committed to ensuring stable growth at the current stage, and pursue long-term goals for sustained and sound economic development.

It is crucial to grasp the window of opportunities and conduct range-based regulation. Stronger policy measures will be taken whenever and wherever needed to stabilize economic activity, without resorting to excessive money supply or compromising long-term interests. These measures are aimed at supporting market entities and jobs, maintaining price stability, and keeping a sound overall economic performance.

The meeting pointed out that efforts to expand effective investment should prioritize projects that will not only strengthen areas of weakness and facilitate structural adjustments, but also boost consumption and create jobs, hence hitting multiple targets with one shot and mobilizing more stakeholders.

As the private sector contributes more than half of total investment, it is important to work unswervingly both to consolidate and develop the public sector and to encourage, support and guide the development of the non-public sector, and step up policy support. Market-based and reform measures will be taken to spur private investment.

"The economic situation remains serious and complex. For China, steady growth is of vital importance. Swift and decisive steps must be taken, without compromising long-term development prospects. The government must not just focus on one respect of work. We need to design our policies in a way that meets various challenges at the same time, efficiently coordinate all resources to form synergy, and strive to deliver multiple effects with one policy," Li said.

"Effective investment should be fully leveraged to maintain steady growth and boost employment, and private investment and the building of underground multi-purpose utility tunnels are two important levers," Li added.

Demonstration projects to attract private investment will be selected from the 102 major programs set out in the 14th Five-Year Plan, and in identified key areas for development.

Approved transportation, water resources management and other projects must be expedited. Private investment will receive equal treatment in bidding. Specific measures for work-relief programs will be introduced as quickly as possible.

The reform of government functions will be deepened. The procedures required for making private investment will be handled more efficiently. Large projects will be included into local inventories of key projects and given greater support in land use.

All localities must protect the lawful rights and interests of private investors and earnestly honor their policy commitments. The platform economy will be supported in pursuing healthy development. Private capital will be supported in conducting start-up investment.

Financial institutions will be guided toward supporting private investment through refinance or loan renewal. Eligible projects will receive government financing guaranty. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) projects for private investment will be swiftly launched. Private businesses will be encouraged to carry out market-based debt-to-equity swaps.

"It is imperative to work unswervingly both to consolidate and develop the public sector and to encourage, support and guide the development of the non-public sector. More forceful and effective measures should be adopted to strengthen confidence and anchor expectations. Support will be given to projects with private investment in accordance with laws and regulations," Li said.

Construction of underground multi-purpose utility tunnels has great investment potential and can play a catalytic role. It is a typical project that will deliver multiple gains. Construction of underground multi-purpose utility tunnels will be advanced along with the renovation of dilapidated urban drainage networks.

Well-calibrated planning will be made, policy support stepped up and fee-based returns mechanism improved, to attract private investment. Financial institutions will be guided toward issuing long-term loans. Market-based credit-enhancement support will be provided toward the issuance of debenture bonds by project owners.

"Underground utility tunnels are about what's on the inside of a city, and they must be well-planned in the process of new urbanization. Best practices in this respect should be disseminated, and more funds could be mobilized by supporting the participation of private investment," Li said.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP)  A Missouri man pleaded guilty Thursday to participating in a scheme that transported tens of thousands of stolen catalytic converters across state lines as part of a multi-million business.

Federal prosecutors said Evan Marshall, 24, of Rogersville, pleaded guilty to transporting stolen property across state lines.

Marshall becomes the sixth of seven people indicted in the conspiracy to plead guilty. The five others who have pleaded from Springfield or Rogersville.

Theft of the emission control devices has skyrocketed across the country because they contain valuable precious metals.

Marshall admitted that he sold stolen catalytic converters, valued at $1 million or more, to a business in Mountain Home, Arkansas, from December 2019 to October 2021.

Federal prosecutors said the Arkansas company provided Marshall with hundreds of thousands of dollars a month, which he used to recruit his co-defendants to buy or steal catalytic converters.

He also purchased some of the devices directly from thieves, prosecutors said.

Under federal statutes, Marshall faces a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Each of the other defendants is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)  More households in Minnesota are qualifying for a federal program that provides assistance with food.

And, it comes at a time when inflation has caused grocery prices to rise.

The Minnesota Legislature, during its last session, increased the income limit for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, from 165% of the federal poverty level to 200%. That means households of three making $3,600 a month or less are now able to receive the food benefits.

Peter Woitock, a government relations specialist with Hunger Solutions, advocated for the change. Woitock says about 1,400 additional households in Minnesota will be eligible.

He said many people were above the income level to qualify for SNAP, but they were still struggling to put food on the table.

We saw during the early part of the (coronavirus) pandemic a lot of policies that were put into place to help put food on the table for those who are struggling. But many of those policies and waivers were temporary, Woitock said.

Food shelf operators say visits to their pantries have risen 39% since January 2022, Minnesota Public Radio News reported.

Woitock said SNAP also contributes to the local economy.

I think in 2020, it served over 412,000 individuals so that was about $780 million of federal funds that came into the state, he said.

Minnesota is the 20th state to raise the income limit, according to officials.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  North Korea reported a new epidemic" of an intestinal disease on Thursday, an unusual announcement from the secretive country that is already contending with a COVID-19 outbreak and severe economic turmoil.

Its unclear how many people are infected in what the official Korean Central News Agency said was an acute enteric epidemic in southwestern Haeju city.

The agency didnt name the disease, but enteric refers to intestinal illnesses, such as typhoid, dysentery and cholera, which are caused by germs in contaminated food or water or contact with the feces of infected people. Such diseases routinely occur in North Korea, where there is a shortage of water treatment facilities and the public health system has been largely broken for decades.

Some observers said the purpose of the announcement was not so much to report the infections themselves as to mention that leader Kim Jong Un donated medicine from his personal stock  an apparent effort to burnish his image at a moment of extreme hardship.

The official Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim donated medicine from what it referred to as his familys reserves. The country's main Rodong Sinmun newspaper carried a front-page photo showing Kim and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, looking at saline solutions and medicine that the paper said they donated.

In a country where power is concentrated is the hands of a small ruling elite and hospitals often lack even basic supplies, defectors say it's common for anyone who can to keep stocks of medicine in their homes  and senior officials are typically able to stockpile more than ordinary citizens. Observers also said the donated medicine may have simply come from state storage facilities but was distributed in Kim's name.

The outbreak of measles or typhoid isnt uncommon in North Korea. I think its true there is an outbreak of an infectious disease there, but North Korea is using it as an opportunity to emphasize that Kim is caring for his people, said Ahn Kyung-su, head of DPRKHEALTH.ORG, a website focusing on health issues in North Korea. So its more like a political message than medical one.

Last month, North Korea reported a rising number of patients with fever. At the time, South Koreas spy agency said that a considerable number of the cases included those sick with measles, typhoid and whooping cough.

KCNA said Thursday more than 4.5 million out of the countrys 26 million people have fallen ill due to an unidentified fever and 73 died. The country, which apparently lacks coronavirus test kits, has identified only a fraction of those as confirmed COVID-19 cases. Many foreign experts question the Norths death toll, saying thats likely underreported to protect Kim from any political damage.

North Korea recently claimed progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19 across the unvaccinated population, though a top World Health Organization official said this month the agency believes the outbreak is worsening.

During a ruling party conference last week, Kim claimed the pandemic situation has passed the stage of serious crisis." But the country still maintains elevated restrictions. Some outside experts have said the measures will further strain the countrys already troubled economy hit by long-running pandemic-related border shutdowns and U.N. sanctions.

Late Thursday, South Koreas Unification Ministry renewed its offer of help on health issues. After the North first announced the COVID-19 outbreak, South Korea and the United States offered to ship vaccines and other medical supplies, but the North hasn't responded.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP)  A Nebraska man pleaded guilty Thursday to posting several threats on an Instagram page associated with an election official in Colorado.

Travis Ford, 42, of Lincoln, posted the threats in August 2021. The official was not identified but U.S. Attorney Cole Finegan for the District of Colorado said in a news release the official was from that state.
In our book 100% Democracy: The Case for Universal Voting, E.J. Dionne and I make a case for universal voting  that voting should be a required civic duty for every American citizen.

Universal voting could be enacted federally or  more likely  by states or municipalities. If adopted, it would dramatically increase voting participation; make the voting electorate a complete reflection of our population; make government more responsive to everyone; improve the nature of our political campaigns; and, lessen our toxic polarization, at least to a degree.

Universal voting has not been seriously discussed in this country, but it is hardly a new or radical idea. First, the system is used in 26 democratic countries worldwide, including Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Greece, Luxembourg, Peru and Uruguay. The processes and practices vary; Australia is probably the best example for us. Mandatory participation has been in place since 1924, nearly 100 years. It is a widely accepted part of the countrys democratic process, and there have been no serious attempts to repeal it.

So how does it work?

The Australian Electoral Commission  a non-partisan, well-funded and professional agency  makes every effort to register voters, and conducts energetic public education about coming elections, as do the political parties and civil society organizations. Citizens are well aware of the elections as they get closer and of their responsibility to vote.

As of last December, 96.3% of Australians were registered, and in the election of 2019 (the figures are not yet published for the most recent election in May), 91.9% of those registered voted. It is important to note that Australians are not required to vote for any candidate; blank ballots and ballots with comments or cartoons, called donkey ballots, are acceptable.

In our recommendations for the U.S., we recommend that a none of the above option be placed on all ballots.

After the election, the rolls are examined, and people who do not vote receive a notice asking for the reason. Almost all reasons are accepted, but if there is no response from the non-voter after two attempts, a fine of $20 in Aussie currency ($15 in the U.S.), is assessed. Less than 1% of potential voters were fined; the requirement is a recognized part of the civic culture.

And speaking of culture, elections are held on Saturday and have a celebratory nature, complete with ubiquitous democracy sausage stands at almost all polling places.

For another reason, closer to home, that voting as a civic duty is not a radical idea, think of jury service. Everyone is required to serve on juries as a matter of civic responsibility. This has been the case for more than 100 years, and we accept it as entirely reasonable, even if we may wince when the summons arrives.

The reason for doing this is clear; we want the pool of jurors to be fully reflective of our society as the surest means of a fair outcome. We think the same reasoning applies to voting: we want, or should want, the public policies that affect our lives, and the choices of who will be in office to make them, to be made by all of us, fully represented. And universal voting will bring that to us.

There are other benefits as well. We think the nature of campaigns would change for the better. Right now, the currency of the realm in campaigns is to turn out your base and, in worse-case scenarios, depress the turnout of your opposition. Some call this enrage to engage. But if everyone is going to vote, then everyone is listening all the time, and parties and campaigns will have to speak to everyone and will have to persuade a true majority that their ideas are the best. Persuasion, and not hyper-turnout efforts, will be the norm. In turn, that will help to lessen our toxic and increasing polarization.

Evidence also shows that in countries with universal voting, policies that help lessen inequality get stronger governmental support, and in our view, that would be a significant benefit.

We have been gratified that the initial response to our book and the idea has had far more expressions of interest in universal voting as a potentially game-changing idea and far less of the skepticism that naturally greets any big new proposal.

Universal voting is an idea that can move American democracy a long way to our stated ideals of a fully inclusive democracy. We are putting the idea of 100% Democracy forward as a North Star goal, and we are eager for the conversation to begin.

Miles Rapoport is co-author, with E.J. Dionne, of 100% Democracy: The Case for Universal Voting. He is the senior practice fellow in American democracy at the Ash Center of the Harvard Kennedy School. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.
WESTON, W.Va. (AP)  A man with a gun on an interstate highway in northern West Virginia wounded a sheriffs deputy before being killed by law enforcement Thursday, police said.

The man stopped on Interstate 79 near the Weston exit just after 10:30 a.m. and got into a prone position with a rifle behind his vehicle, blocking both northbound lanes, said Capt. Robert A. Maddy, a state police spokesman.
MIAMI (AP)  A Florida man was fatally shot by a police officer after refusing to drop two knives during a confrontation inside an apartment, authorities said.

The man was identified by Miami-Dade County police as 21-year-old Richard Hollis. They say he was shot after police responded to a 911 calls Wednesday night about his mother screaming and sounds of a violent confrontation inside the apartment.
"Post Reports" is the daily podcast from The Washington Post. Unparalleled reporting. Expert insight. Clear analysis. Everything you've come to expect from the newsroom of The Post - for your ears.

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In this episode:

Over the weekend, Republicans and Democrats announced a monumental agreement on addressing gun violence. They had a nine-point plan that included provisions that would prevent gun sales to a broader group of domestic violence offenders (closing what is called the "boyfriend loophole"), and criminal background checks for gun buyers under 21 would require checks of juvenile justice and mental health records. A federal grant program would also encourage states to implement red-flag laws.

Leigh Ann Caldwell, who covers Congress and also writes The Post's Early 202 newsletter on politics, explains the policy proposals in the Senate framework. She shares the political calculations that led to this rare bipartisan moment and what the future could hold for more legislation on guns.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  With a possible plebiscite on statehood or independence for Puerto Rico looming, one of the island's two main parties said Thursday it will ask its members to reconsider or reaffirm its own stance on the U.S. territory's political future by holding an islandwide vote on the issue.

The announcement by Jose Luis Dalmau, president of the Popular Democratic Party, follows a proposal last month by a group of U.S. legislators to hold a binding plebiscite giving Puerto Ricans three options: Become America's 51st state, become fully independent or opt for independence with free association  possibly maintaining U.S. citizenship and other ties with the U.S.. That vote would not include the possibility of maintaining the current commonwealth status.

That choice would appear to threaten the future of Dalmau's party, founded in the 1930s, which is defined by its support for the current status, under which Puerto Ricans have U.S. citizenship but the island has quasi-autonomy from the United States.

Its main rival, the current governors New Progressive Party, advocates for statehood.

Possible statehood will not be an option in the PDP's Aug. 14 vote. Dalmau said the current status and a free association option that he did not define would be offered. Party spokesman Angel Raul Matos told The Associated Press that its too early to say whether that would be based on the free association option that U.S. lawmakers proposed as one of three choices.

Within the Popular Democratic Party, opinions vary as to what sort of commonwealth best suits Puerto Rico. Some argue for closer ties to the U.S. while others seek more independence in some areas.

For decades, this issue has divided us, Dalmau said. Since two parallel strategies and two distinct popular parties cannot exist, its up to the thousands of (party supporters) to resolve the controversy and make the final decision.

The Popular Democratic Party has roughly 400,000 supporters on the island of 2.3 million people and it got about 32% of the gubernatorial vote in the 2020 election  just behind the New Progressive Partys 33%. Support for both parties has been eroding due to frustration over corruption scandals, economic problems and mismanagement.

Dalmau, who is also the president of Puerto Rico's Senate, said he would continue to support the islands current political status, which he said was the masterpiece of the movements founder.

Political analyst Mario Negron Portillo said Dalmau is likely taking the risk of holding a historic vote because he wants to put an end to the intensifying debate within the party and believes the large majority of its supporters will uphold the status quo.

This is a gamble, he said.

Matos said that on the day of the vote, party officials in each of the island's 78 municipalities would recognize supporters and allow them to vote. If not, recognized, voters would be asked to fill out a membership statement.
The stark, dual-colored letters of the Black Lives Matter flag and the bright rainbow stripes of the Pride flag had flown above the Massachusetts Catholic school for more than a year before the local bishop registered his opposition.

The Black Lives Matter flag, Bishop Robert McManus said in April, has been "co-opted by some factions which also instill broad-brush distrust of police." And the LGBTQ flag could be used to contrast church teaching that marriage is between a man and a woman, he added.

When Nativity School of Worcester didn't budge, McManus issued a severe ruling. The tuition-free middle school, which serves boys facing economic hardship, can no longer identify itself as Catholic because the flags are "inconsistent with Catholic teaching," he declared Thursday.

"The flying of these flags in front of a Catholic school sends a mixed, confusing and scandalous message to the public about the Church's stance on these important moral and social issues," McManus wrote. "Despite my insistence that the school administration remove these flags because of the confusion and the properly theological scandal that they do and can promote, they refuse to do so."

That defiance, McManus said, left him no other choice but to strip the Jesuit-run school of its Catholic affiliation. The school also can no longer celebrate Mass or the sacraments or use diocesan institutions to raise funds. It was not included Thursday in the diocese's list of Catholic schools in its region.

The decision, which comes during Pride Month, appears to be a rare instance of a Catholic organization's affiliation with the phrase "Black Lives Matter" becoming a flash point with its diocese. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has taken a nuanced approach to the phrase, endorsing the concept of racial justice but not necessarily the organizations that attach themselves to that message. The Black Lives Matter movement describes itself as aimed at eradicating White supremacy and interrupting violence against Black communities.

Nativity School said its use of the Black Lives Matter and Pride flags was a response to a call from its students, most of whom are people of color, to make their community more inclusive. The flags symbolize that all are welcome at Nativity, the school's president said Thursday.

"Both flags are now widely understood to celebrate the human dignity of our relatives, friends and neighbors who have faced, and continue to face hate and discrimination," Thomas McKenney wrote. "Though any symbol or flag can be co-opted by political groups or organizations, flying our flags is not an endorsement of any organization or ideology, they fly in support of marginalized people."

The bishop disagrees. The Pride flag represents support for same-sex marriage and "a LGBTQ+ lifestyle," he said. And while the church teaches that all lives are sacred, McManus said the Black Lives Matter movement has used that phrase to contradict Catholic teaching on the importance of the nuclear family. (Black Lives Matter previously said on its website that it aims to "disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement by supporting each other as extended families." The page was later taken offline.)

Nativity said it will appeal the bishop's decision - but it has no plans to remove the flags, which it said show its commitment to solidarity with its students and families. McKenney said the administrators' decision was informed by the Gospel, Catholic social teaching and the school's Jesuit heritage.

The outcome follows months of dialogue between the school and the Diocese of Worcester. Around the same time that McManus took issue with the flags in March, a person tore down both flags, the school said. Two months later, the bishop warned the school that it would lose its Catholic label if it did not remove the displays.

Nativity School isn't the only educational institution to be stripped of its "Catholic" label. In 2019, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis told Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School that it could no longer identify itself as Catholic after it refused to fire a teacher who was in a same-sex marriage. The Midwest Province of Jesuits said it would appeal the decision through a church process.

To Guillermo Creamer Jr., an openly gay alumnus of Nativity School, the flags symbolize that Nativity is inclusive of Black lives - a message he said is crucial at a school with primarily Black and Latino students.

"For these young men who are witnessing what's happening around the country and seeing the Black Lives Matter flag fly, it's a very big deal," he said.

Creamer, 27, said he expects the bishop's decision to prompt other Catholic schools that align themselves with Black Lives Matter or pro-LGBTQ messages in some way to question whether that's acceptable. But he said that may not be entirely bad if it encourages Catholics to talk honestly about whether and how these causes fit into their faith.

In his letter to the community, McKenney reminded parents that Nativity School is funded by individuals and groups - not by the diocese - and that it would continue to operate as usual.

Outside the school building, he noted, the flags still fly.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP)  Abortion providers in some places where the procedure could be banned if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade are bracing for a ruling by halting scheduling for the procedure, transitioning staff to help patients travel to other states and creating networks of clinics that will span across regions of the country.

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, which operates three clinics that provide abortions in the state, is not scheduling the procedure beyond June 25 as it anticipates a late June decision reversing the landmark 1973 decision that guaranteed abortion rights nationwide. The organization in recent weeks has dedicated two staff members to help patients book appointments and figure out how to get to clinics.

Whether clinics in Wisconsin will be able to provide abortions, though, has turned into a day-to-day question.

One of the hardest aspects of this is not knowing what day this decision will come down and what it will be, said Michelle Velasquez, the director of legal advocacy and services at Planned Parenthood Wisconsin. The unknown has been difficult.

It's a window into what abortion providers and access funds are planning in more than a dozen other states across the South and Midwest. In South Dakota this week, the states only abortion clinic, also operated by Planned Parenthood, announced it had paused scheduling abortions beyond the end of the month. In Oklahoma, providers already stopped the procedure after a law was enacted to ban it.

In Wisconsin, a law banning abortion has been on the books since 1849, but Roe v. Wade overrode it. While Roe's fall would likely spark a legal tussle over whether it is valid, Planned Parenthood does not want to put its staff at risk of prosecution.

Velasquez said clinic staff wanted to provide abortions in Wisconsin up until the last minute it was legal, but also had to consider that scheduling appointments for dates when it could become illegal could create uncertainty and be distressing for patients.

Velasquez acknowledged that the Supreme Court could release its decision as soon as next week, even while Planned Parenthood has appointments on the books. She said if that happened, Planned Parenthood would help those patients book appointments for abortions in nearby states, such as Minnesota and Illinois. Patients could still get counseling, lab work and ultrasounds in Wisconsin in the meantime.

We wouldnt leave patients, like, Youre on your own, Velasquez said.

Even if we cant provide the medications or we cant do a procedure, we are absolutely able to help people find the care they need, she added.

The strategy will inevitably put more pressure on providers in states in the region where abortion will still be legal, said Caitlyn Myers, an economic professor at Middlebury College who studies abortion access.

As hundreds of thousands of women flood out of these states, it is going to enormously tax the resources of these providers, she said. I dont think they are prepared for this huge influx.

It comes as the number and rates of U.S. abortions is on the rise after a long decline. Abortions increased from 2017 to 2020, according to figures from the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights. It counted more than 930,000 abortions in the U.S. in 2020.

Clinics shuttering, like one did in Idaho recently, or halting scheduling show that a post-Roe reality has already arrived in many places. Myers said getting an appointment for an abortion may soon become "critical" across the country.

___

Follow AP's coverage of abortion at https://apnews.com/hub/abortion
GENEVA (AP)  Swiss federal prosecutors said Thursday they have issued an indictment for murder and other charges against a 28-year-old Swiss-Turkish man in connection with the jihadist-motivated homicide of a Portuguese man in western Switzerland two years ago.

If the motive is confirmed, it would be a rare occurrence in Switzerland amid a wave of violent attacks by Islamic extremists in Europe and beyond since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the United States.

The attorney general's office says the man, who was not identified, carried out the Sept. 12, 2020, attack in the town of Morges, near Lausanne, with the aim of exacting revenge for the victims of the war between the coalition states and the 'Islamic State'. That referred to a conflict linked to the armed extremist group's takeover of swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria in the mid-2010s.

The suspect, a resident of the French-speaking Vaud region of western Switzerland, was taken into custody the day after the attack and has been held in pre-trial detention ever since.

In November that year, the suspect attacked and attempted to kill a guard, and attacked an officer of the federal police, the prosecutors office said.

The indictment said the suspect was accused of several offenses prior to the stabbing death of the 29-year-old Portuguese man, including an attempt to carry out an arson attack on a gas station in the name of the Islamic State group in the town of Prilly, north of Lausanne, in 2019.

He allegedly traveled to Italy that year in an effort to reach combat zones in Syria, but turned back and returned to Switzerland.

The matter has now been handed over the Swiss federal criminal court in the southern city of Bellinzona.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  A U.N. special envoy warned Thursday that Haitis police force needs immediate help to fight crime and violence, noting that gangs have grown so powerful they recently seized control of a local courthouse.

Helen La Lime, the top U.N. official in Haiti, said insecurity is rapidly deteriorating in the country of more than 11 million people, with an average of almost seven kidnappings reported a day.

In May alone, she said more than 200 killings and 198 abductions were reported. Those kidnappings included two busloads of children and three U.N. personnel and their dependents, with one local staff member killed in a crossfire between gangs, according to a U.N. Security Council report.

The pervasive and deepening sense of insecurity, exacerbated by the (Haitian National Polices) seeming inability to address the situation and the manifest impunity with which criminal acts are being committed, is dangerously fraying the rule of law, said La Lime, who spoke at a U.N. Security Council meeting on Thursday.

The warning comes just days after a gang targeted the Court of First Instance in the capital of Port-au-Prince, looting and burning case files and pieces of evidence, she said. Authorities have identified the gang as 5 Seconds, which supposedly represents the amount of time it takes them to commit a crime. They control the Village de Dieu slum located in front of the courthouse they targeted.

Government Commissioner Jacques Lafontant told The Associated Press that he is still waiting for Haitis National Police to go to the courthouse to assess the damage and ongoing situation.

For now, its clear that the place is under the control of the gang, he said.

Lafontant added that while services at the Court of First Instance were interrupted after the gang burst into the courthouse on Friday, they have temporarily resumed at another government building in the capital.

Meanwhile, Aine Martin, who oversees Haitis association of court clerks, told the AP that the gang destroyed documents and barred lawyers and judges from reaching their offices. He said authorities are still trying to remove a huge safe from the courthouse that contains important documents and evidence including guns and money. He declined to provide details about the case files, including whether any are related to the investigation into the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moise that remains stalled.

These groups are being guided by an invisible hand to destroy sensitive documents, he said, declining to identify who he thinks might be giving orders to gangs.

Fondasyon Je Klere, a human rights group based in Haiti, said employees, lawyers, defendants and others were able to save themselves by climbing walls and receiving help from police the day the gang attacked the courthouse.

The organization added that one person was injured by a bullet as gangs stole seven cars and equipment including computers, chairs and air conditioners.

Three days later, the furniture was seen on display along a nearby street for sale, the rights group said.

It noted that the court takeover occurred days after criminals took over the nearby building of the Center for Planning Techniques and Applied Economics.

Before the gang burst into the courthouse, lawyer unions and others had been protesting what they said was a lack of security as they demanded more protection. Meanwhile, court clerks launched a countrywide strike in mid-April that lasted more than a month.

U.N. officials note that Haitian police have arrested hundreds of suspected gang members and killed more than 120 others, as well as seized several hundred firearms and increased checkpoints and patrols. They added that while various countries including the U.S. have provided training and equipment, the department remains understaffed and under resourced, with only 12,800 active police officers for a country of more than 11 million people.

La Lime, the U.N. official, said gangs are creating a state of terror in Haiti and blamed the ongoing instability on what she called a prolonged institutional vacuum.

Haiti has not had a functioning Parliament for more than two years, and it has yet to organize general elections after its president was killed at his private home. La Lime also warned that proposals to move the country forward are crumbling, and that the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti known as BINUH is trying to revive dialogue between all parties.

It is highly unlikely that elections which would usher a return to democratic governance will take place this year, she said, adding that the creation of a new Provisional Electoral Council is frustratingly still a distant prospect.

Thousands continue to flee Haiti as the countrys economy erodes and violence spikes, with gang wars displacing at least 17,000 people.

A growing number of Haitians are embarking on deadly voyages to try and find better lives in nearby Caribbean islands or in the United States. Last month, 11 Haitian women died after a grossly overloaded boat they were on capsized. At least a dozen migrants remain missing and 38 others were rescued  36 of them Haitian. Also last month, more than 840 Haitians aboard one boat landed in Cuba, the largest such single arrival in recent history.

In addition, U.N. officials said some 40,000 Haitian nationals and those of Haitian descent have been expelled from countries in the Americas region from September 2021 to March 2022, exacerbating humanitarian challenges.

___

Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
ALTON  A small boat heads for the Alton Marina this week as the hot sun begins to set in the west over the Mississippi River in Alton.

The area was still sweltering in the 100 degree heat wave Wednesday with a humid haze clinging to the horizon. The area is still under an excessive heat warning until 8 p.m. Thursday.
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Royette T. Dubar, Wesleyan University

(THE CONVERSATION) Check your phone. Are there any unanswered texts, snaps or direct messages that youre ignoring? Should you reply? Or should you ghost the person who sent them?

Ghosting happens when someone cuts off all online communication with someone else, and without an explanation. Instead, like a ghost, they just vanish. The phenomenon is common on social media and dating sites, but with the isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic  forcing more people together online  it happens now more than ever.

I am a professor of psychology who studies the role of technology use in interpersonal relationships and well-being. Given the negative psychological consequences of thwarted relationships  especially during the emerging adulthood years, ages 18 to 29  I wanted to understand what leads college students to ghost others, and if ghosting has any impact on mental health.

To address these questions, my research team recruited 76 college students through social media and on-campus flyers. The sample is 70% female. Study participants signed up for one of 20 focus groups, ranging in size from two to five students. Group sessions lasted an average of 48 minutes each. Participants provided responses to questions asking them to reflect on their ghosting experiences. Heres what we found.

The results

Some students admitted they ghosted because they lacked the necessary communication skills to have an open and honest conversation  whether that conversation happened face to face or via text or email.

From a 19-year-old female: Im not good at communicating with people in person, so I definitely cannot do it through typing or anything like that.

From a 22-year old: I do not have the confidence to tell them that. Or I guess it could be because of social anxiety.

In some instances, participants opted to ghost if they thought that meeting with the person would stir up emotional or sexual feelings they were not ready to pursue: People are afraid of something becoming too much  the fact that the relationship is somehow getting to the next level.

Some ghosted because of safety concerns. Forty-five percent ghosted to remove themselves from a toxic, unpleasant or unhealthy situation. A 19-year-old female put it this way: Its very easy to just chat with total strangers so [ghosting is] like a form of protection when a creepy guy is asking you to send nudes and stuff like that.

One of the least-reported yet perhaps most interesting reasons for ghosting someone: protecting that persons feelings. Better to ghost, the thinking goes, than cause the hurt feelings that come with overt rejection. An 18-year-old female said ghosting was a little bit politer way to reject someone than to directly say, I do not want to chat with you.

That said, recent data suggests that U.S. adults generally perceive breaking up through email, text or social media as unacceptable, and prefer a person-to-person conversation.

And then theres ghosting after sex.

In the context of hookup culture, theres an understanding that if the ghoster got what they were looking for  often, thats sex  then thats it, they no longer need to talk to that person. After all, more talk could be interpreted as wanting something more emotionally intimate.

According to one 19-year-old female: I think its rare for there to be open conversation about how youre truly feeling [about] what you want out of a situation.  I think hookup culture is really toxic in fostering honest communication.

But the most prevalent reason to ghost: a lack of interest in pursuing a relationship with that person. Remember the movie Hes Just Not That Into You? As one participant said: Sometimes the conversation just gets boring.

The consequences

Attending college represents a critical turning point for establishing and maintaining relationships beyond ones family and hometown neighborhood. For some emerging adults, romantic breakups, emotional loneliness, social exclusion and isolation can have potentially devastating psychological implications.

Our research supports the idea that ghosting can have negative consequences for mental health. Short term, many of those ghosted felt overwhelming rejection and confusion. They reported feelings of low self-worth and self-esteem. Part of the problem is the lack of clarity  not knowing why communication abruptly stopped. Sometimes, an element of paranoia ensues as the ghostee tries to make sense of the situation.

Long term, our study found many of those ghosted reported feelings of mistrust that developed over time. Some bring this mistrust to future relationships. With that may come internalizing the rejection, self-blame and the potential to sabotage those relationships.

However, just over half the participants in our study said being ghosted offered opportunities for reflection and resilience.

It can be partly positive for the ghostee because they can realize some of the shortcomings they have, and they may change it, said an 18-year-old female.

As for the ghoster, there were a range of psychological consequences. About half in the focus groups who ghosted experienced feelings of remorse or guilt; the rest felt no emotion at all. This finding is not entirely surprising, given that individuals who initiate breakups generally report less distress than the recipients.

Also emerging from our discussions: The feeling that ghosters may become stunted in their personal growth. From a 20-year-old male: It can [become] a habit. And it becomes part of your behavior and thats how you think you should end a relationship with someone.  I feel like a lot of people are serial ghosters, like thats the only way they know how to deal with people.

Reasons for ghosting out of fear of intimacy represent an especially intriguing avenue for future research. Until that work is done, universities could help by providing more opportunities for students to boost confidence and sharpen their communication skills.

This includes more courses that cover these challenges. I am reminded of a psychology class I took as an undergraduate at Trent University that introduced me to the work of social psychologist Daniel Perlman, who taught courses about loneliness and intimate relationships. Outside the classroom, college residential life coordinators could design seminars and workshops that teach students practical skills on resolving relationship conflicts.

In the meantime, students can subscribe to a number of relationship blogs that offer readers research-based answers. Just know that help is out there  even after a ghosting, youre not alone.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/when-texts-suddenly-stop-why-people-ghost-on-social-media-171932.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made another in a string of tone deaf media appearances in the wake of the Uvalde, Texas school shooting, this time telling conservative radio host Pastor Trey Graham that while its difficult for him to offer comfort to the parents of the 19 students killed at Robb Elementary School on May 24, he believes God always has a plan.

During the interview, which actually happened on May 29 but was unearthed by Salon this week, Paxton spoke for about 20 minutes with the host, detailing his faith, his beliefs in the strength of the Second Amendment and the reasons he thinks the U.S. government should shift money from defending Ukraine to defending U.S. schools. When Paxton was given the floor at the end to offer words of comfort to families of Uvalde victims, he proposed that theres a purpose in what God does.
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LIVINGSTON, Mont.  Devastating rain and mudslides that tore out bridges, flooded homes and forced about 10,000 people to evacuate will keep the northern reaches of Yellowstone National Park, one of the nations most-visited natural wonders, cut off to tourists for the rest of the busy summer travel season. And officials warned that more rain and flooding could be on the way.

By Wednesday morning, the dark skies had cleared in Livingston, a town of some 8,000 people that serves as the main northern gateway to Yellowstone. Although the chocolate milk-colored water had receded from homes, the Yellowstone River remained high, with more rain expected this weekend, and residents faced a long summer without the main driver of the local economy.

The entire park will remain closed for a week or so while authorities deal with damaged roads and collapsed bridges, Cam Sholly, the parks superintendent, said in a news conference late Tuesday. But the entrances on the northern section of the park, near Livingston and smaller tourist-dependent towns, will likely remain inaccessible until around Halloween.

Sholly described the floods and mudslides driven by four days of record rains and melting snow as a thousand-year event, whatever that means these days. They seem to be happening more and more frequently.

He estimated that at least 10,000 people were visiting when the evacuations began. Only a dozen campers remain in the parks backcountry, he added. All are safe.

Despite some harrowing moments, the only injury reported from the storm was one person suffering a fatal cardiac arrest at a campground, officials said. On Tuesday, Gov. Greg Gianforte of Montana declared a statewide disaster.

Millions of tourists are drawn each year to the wilderness and active geysers in Yellowstone, the oldest U.S. national park, which sprawls across more than 2 million acres in the northwest corner of Wyoming and into Montana and Idaho. In 2021, more than 4.8 million people visited.

Americas national parks saw a surge in visitors during the coronavirus pandemic, but they face increasing strain as climate change and other factors generate more extreme weather, including droughts, wildfires and floods. Over the next few decades, Yellowstone is expected to see an increase in fires, dying forests, expanding grasslands, more invasive plants and shallower, warmer waterways.

The storm that caused the flooding and mudslides this week began with 2 to 3 inches of rain over the weekend. Combined with warming temperatures that melted 5.5 inches of snow, the rain created a major flood, Sholly said. Officials evacuated visitors from the battered north of the park Monday, and floods were still raging late Tuesday.

Hundreds of homes were flooded in communities north of the park in Montana, including Gardiner and Cooke City, which were also cut off from supplies of food and clean water, officials said.

Ominously, some forecasts suggest more warmth and rain in four to five days, even as another foot of snow remains on Yellowstones mountains, raising the possibility of yet another series of floods, Sholly said.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
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WASHINGTON (AP)  The House committee investigating the Capitol riot plans to focus its hearing Thursday on the pressure that Donald Trump put on his vice president, Mike Pence, in a last-ditch and potentially illegal plan to stop Joe Bidens election victory.

Trump seized on the unorthodox proposal from conservative law professor John Eastman to have Pence turn back the electors when the vice president presided over Congress to certify the election results on Jan. 6, 2021.

Traditionally, Jan. 6 is a ceremonial day, a procedural step tallying the presidential vote. But Eastmans highly unusual plan  bold, he called it  was to have alternative slates of electors submitted to Congress, leaving Pence no choice but to return them to the states to sort it out. Biden would be denied a majority and Trump could win.

As the defeated Trump watched dozens of court cases challenging the 2020 presidential election collapse, he turned to the Eastman plan as a last resort to stay in office.

John (Eastman) is one of the most brilliant lawyers in the country and he looked at this, Trump told thousands of supporters at a rally near the White House before sending them to the Capitol on Jan. 6.

And he looked at Mike Pence, and I hope Mike is going to do the right thing. I hope so. I hope so because if Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election, the then-president said.

The committee viewed the actions as potentially illegal and a threat to democracy.

What President Trump demanded that Mike Pence do wasnt just wrong, it was illegal and it was unconstitutional, said the committee's vice chair Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., in opening remarks last week.

A look at the Eastman plan in the days before Jan. 6 and why it's central to the congressional investigation:

THE PLAN

Two days before the Capitol attack, Pence was summoned to the White House for an Oval Office meeting with Trump and Eastman to hear about the law professors plan to turn back the electors.

With Trumps false claims of election fraud, Eastman had been circulating what was essentially an academic proposal challenging the workings of the 130-year-old Electoral Count Act that governs the process for tallying the election results in Congress.

The six-point plan was gaining momentum among Trumps allies in Congress, including key senators, and outside activists.

BOLD, Certainly, Eastman said in a memo included in a court filing from the Jan. 6 committee. But he said such an unusual step was needed, falsely claiming this Election was Stolen.

If Pence would refuse to count some electors, then the threshold needed to certify the presidential election would drop from the regular 270-vote majority to a lesser number  one presumably that Trump could reach.

If Democrats in Congress objected, as Eastman predicted they would, then under current law the House would be called on to decide the presidency. In that scenario, because the House would vote by individual state congressional delegations, which were mostly Republican majority, the numbers would align for Trump to win.

The illegality of the plan, declared the Jan. 6 committee in a court filing, was obvious.

___

HOW COULD THAT EVEN WORK?

To set the plan in motion, Trump and Eastman convened hundreds of electors on a call on Jan. 2, 2021, encouraging them to send alternative electors from their states where Trump's team was claiming fraud.

Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and maybe even Nevada and New Mexico were on the list, according to testimony provided to the committee by Greg Jacob, who was counsel to Pence.

Jacob, who is scheduled to testify Thursday before the House committee, was at the Oval Office meeting with Trump and Pence when Eastman outlined the plan on Jan. 4. Jacob received an email from Eastman late the following night.

Major new development, Eastman wrote, attaching a letter signed by several members of the Pennsylvania legislature.

It now looks like PA Legislature will vote to recertify its electors if Vice President Pence implements the plan we discussed.

Jacob responded in lawyerly prose, asking if it is not unconstitutional."

___

HAD THIS EVER BEEN DONE BEFORE?

While the every-four-year-ritual of certifying the election results has certainly come with objections, nothing of this magnitude had been proposed since the disputed election of 1876 that led Congress to pass the Electoral Count Act.

Routinely, lawmakers from the losing side of a presidential election would wage protest votes during the ceremonial proceedings in Congress. Several Democrats, including then-Sen. Barbara Boxer of California and Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, chairman of the Jan. 6 committee, joined a challenge to Ohio's electors after the 2004 election.

But no defeated president had ever done what Trump did, mounting a wide-ranging campaign to overturn an election that included pressure on the vice president to change the outcome.

When Eastman received Jacob's probing questions, he retorted that the counsel was being small-minded.

The professor pointed to past instances in history when presidents essentially violated the letter of the law for a greater outcome, and he suggested such an action was warranted now because the Constitution was being shredded over the election.

Jacob replied that he could not believe there was a single Supreme Court justice or any judge who would agree to toss election laws that have been followed without exception for more than 130 years.

Eastman's theory, Jacob wrote, was essentially entirely made up.

___

PRESSURE BUILDS, TRUMP CALLS PENCE

Pence's instinct was there was no way the Founding Fathers would entrust a single person with this authority to determine an election, Jacobs testified.

Pence had asked questions of Eastman during the meeting, but never once did I see him budge from that view, he said.

But a day after the Oval Office meeting, the pressure intensified. Rather than just turn the electors back to the states, Eastman said Pence should just throw out the states' tallies outright.

"What Im here to ask you to do is to reject the electors Eastman said on Jan. 5, according to Jacobs testimony.

On the morning of Jan. 6, as the vice president prepared to head to the Capitol to preside over the vote, Trump called.

Trump told Pence he didn't think he had the courage to make a hard decision, according to testimony to the Jan. 6 committee by retired Gen. Keith Kellogg, a national security aide who was with Trump at the time and heard part of the conversation.

Youre not tough enough to make the call, Trump said to Pence.

___

THE COUNT BEGINS

The first objection during the joint session of Congress was raised by a Republican congressman from the Arizona, one of the states Trump most vehemently disputed was won by Biden.

Congress began working its way through the procedural matter; rioters were closing in on the Capitol.

In an email to Eastman after the attack began, Jacob closed his arguments against the plan, saying: And thanks to your bullshit we are now under siege.

At the time, Jacob was sheltering in the Capitol from the mob.

___

WHO IS JOHN EASTMAN?

A former Chapman University law professor, Eastman is known in conservative circles for having clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas on the Supreme Court.

Eastman also clerked for retired Judge Michael Luttig, who is also scheduled to testify Thursday. Luttig has called Eastman's ideas incorrect at every turn and had been providing legal counsel to Pence's team before Jan. 6.

Ahead of Thursdays hearing, the vice chair of the House committee, Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., released a video offering a glimpse of what's to come.

In the video, Eric Herschmann, a lawyer at the White House, recounts a final conversation he had with Eastman the day after Jan. 6.

I'm going to give you the best free legal advice you're ever getting in your life  get a great effing criminal defense lawyer. You're going to need it," Herschmann recalled, saying. "And then I hung up on him.

Eastman repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment rights not to testify during his interview with the committee.

___

For full coverage of the Jan. 6 hearings, go to https://www.apnews.com/capitol-siege
Gov. Greg Abbott's migrant bus initiative is reportedly costing more than $1,400 per rider, according to a recent report. Documents NBC 5 obtained through an open records request to the Texas Division of Emergency Management, which manages the program, show the buses cost more than $1.5 million in the months of April and May.

The records also suggest the state has not received invoices for all of the trip expenses yet, so the total bill may be higher, NBC 5 reports. Passenger logs show that 1,154 passengers were transported to D.C. in the first months of the program, and the approximate cost of each passenger has been at least $1,442, according to NBC. The records also indicate that Texas taxpayers could bear the brunt of the costs.

The trip expenses have been driven up largely due to the security guards the state hires to ride each bus. Security-related expenses accounted for more than $1 million in the early weeks of the program, according to NBC 5.

Costs are also high due to the fact that the buses typically travel from San Antonio to the border, then to the nation's capital, and then travel without passengers on the way back to the Lone Star State. The state is billed for the mileage along the way, NBC 5 reports.

Abbott has pledged to raise private funds to help offset the costs of the trips. However, his office's website shows only $112,842 has been raised so far, covering only about seven percent of the total cost. The website notes that unused border transportation funding will be applied to the state's border wall funding.

Many of the migrants have thanked the Republican governor for the free bus trips they took voluntarily, as it helped them more easily reach their final destinations on the East Coast.

Abbott announced the bus initiative in April to protest the Biden administration's border policies. Abbott previously stated that the intention of his bus plan, which has been heavily criticized, was to "take the border to President Biden" so that he and members of Congress could deal with migrants directly.

"We are sending them [undocumented immigrants] to the United States Capitol 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," Abbott said during a news conference on April 6.

Abbott spokesperson Renae Eze told NBC that the governor has "received an outpouring of support" for the program, pointing to private funds raised so far. Eze said the buses are putting pressure on the federal government, as they were intended to do.

"The Biden Administration has responded by slowing their dumping effortsunintentionally providing relief to those overwhelmed border communities," Eze told NBC.
WFO BINGHAMTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Southern Cayuga County in central New York...

Northwestern Cortland County in central New York...

South central Onondaga County in central New York...

Northeastern Tompkins County in central New York...

* Until 230 AM EDT.

* At 206 AM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Ledyard, or

14 miles southeast of Seneca Falls, moving east 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...

Cortland, Homer, Groton, Locke, Genoa, Ledyard, Preble, Moravia,

Scott and Sempronius.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

Heavy rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash

flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BINGHAMTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Southwestern Oneida County in central New York...

Western Madison County in central New York...

Central Cayuga County in central New York...

Northern Cortland County in central New York...

Onondaga County in central New York...

* Until 630 PM EDT.

* At 526 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line

extending from Bridgeport to near Levanna, moving southeast 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...

Onondaga, Syracuse, Auburn, De Witt, Sullivan, Oneida, Lenox,

Pompey, North Syracuse and Solvay.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for central New

York.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a

building.

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement

agency. They will send your report to the National Weather Service

office in Binghamton.

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 545 PM EDT

FOR WESTERN FRANKLIN AND ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES...

At 528 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Stark, moving

east at 55 mph.

HAZARD...Ping pong ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts.

SOURCE...Broadcast media.

IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail

damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind

damage to trees and powerlines.

Locations impacted include...

Potsdam, Tupper Lake, Gouverneur, Ogdensburg, Canton, Oswegatchie,

Lisbon, De Kalb, Bangor, Fowler, Parishville, Colton, Piercefield,

Morley, Degrasse, Carry Falls Reservoir, Richville, Hammond,

Cranberry Lake and Lawrenceville.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for northern New

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Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BUFFALO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, June 15, 2022

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SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Southeastern Livingston County in western New York...

* Until 1000 PM EDT.

* At 905 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Dansville,

moving southeast at 15 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage

to trees and power lines.

* Locations impacted include...

Dansville, Groveland, Springwater, Ossian, Ossian Center and

Sonyea.

This includes Interstate 390 between exits 4 and 6.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

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Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BUFFALO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

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HEAT ADVISORY

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE

National Weather Service Buffalo NY

804 AM EDT Thu Jun 16 2022

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Heat index values of 95 to 100 degrees expected.

* WHERE...Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Genesee, Livingston, and

Ontario counties.

* WHEN...Until 6 PM EDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat

illnesses to occur.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out

of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young

children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles

under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When

possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or

evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat

stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when

possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational

Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent

rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone

overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.

Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

* WHERE...Niagara, Northern Cayuga, Erie, Wyoming, and

Chautauqua counties.

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Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BUFFALO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

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SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Northwestern Cattaraugus County in western New York...

Southwestern Erie County in western New York...

Chautauqua County in western New York...

* Until 330 PM EDT.

* At 234 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line

extending from near Findley Lake to Cranesville, Pennsylvania,

moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage

to trees and power lines.

* Locations impacted include...

Jamestown, Dunkirk, Fredonia, Westfield, Lakewood, Gowanda, Silver

Creek, Falconer, Ashford and Mayville.

This includes the following highways...

Interstate 90 between exits 61 and 58.

Interstate 86 between exits 4 and 16.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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 these storms. 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.

Heavy rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to

localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded

roadways.

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Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BUFFALO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

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SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Western Wayne County in western New York...

Orleans County in western New York...

Northeastern Genesee County in western New York...

Monroe County in western New York...

* Until 500 PM EDT.

* At 407 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Albion,

moving east at 55 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage

to trees and power lines.

* Locations impacted include...

Rochester, Greece, Irondequoit, Chili, Brockport, East Rochester,

Albion, Hilton, Webster and Fairport.

This includes the following highways...

Interstate 390 near exit 12.

Interstate 90 near exit 46.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for western New

York.

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.

Eastern Wyoming County in western New York...

Livingston County in western New York...

Northeastern Allegany County in western New York...

Southeastern Monroe County in western New York...

Ontario County in western New York...

* Until 515 PM EDT.

* At 409 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Mount Morris,

or near Letchworth State Park, moving east at 50 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

Geneva, Canandaigua, Geneseo, Dansville, Letchworth State Park,

Newark, Williamson, Marion, Perry and Lyons.

Interstate 390 between exits 4 and 10.

Interstate 90 between exits 45 and 42.

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Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BUFFALO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

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SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

Severe Weather Statement

National Weather Service Buffalo NY

422 PM EDT Thu Jun 16 2022

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR WESTERN ORLEANS AND

NORTHWESTERN GENESEE COUNTIES HAS EXPIRED...

The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area.

Therefore, the warning has been allowed to expire.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for western New

York.

Remember, a Tornado Warning still remains in effect for the eastern

portion of Orleans County and northeast Genesee County.

The National Weather Service in Burlington has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Northwestern Franklin County in northern New York...

Northeastern St. Lawrence County in northern New York...

* Until 515 PM EDT.

* At 423 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Coles Creek

State Park, moving east at 15 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor hail damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind

damage to trees and powerlines.

* Locations impacted include...

Massena, Norfolk, Louisville, Moira, Waddington, St. Regis, Massena

International Airport - Richards Field, Madrid, Helena, Chipman,

Brasher Falls, Norwood, North Stockholm, Eisenhower Lock, Brasher

Center, Hogansburg, St. Lawrence State Park, Ironton, Rooseveltown

and Coles Creek State Park.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for northern New

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a

building.

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Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BUFFALO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

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SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT

Special Weather Statement

National Weather Service Buffalo NY

440 PM EDT Thu Jun 16 2022

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of east central

Jefferson and northern Lewis Counties through 545 PM EDT...

At 439 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near

West Carthage, or 9 miles south of Fort Drum, moving east at 30 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 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...

Carthage, West Carthage, Herrings, Denmark, New Bremen, Copenhagen,

Harrisville, Croghan, Castorland, Deferiet, Belfort, Soft Maple

Reservoir, Kirschnerville, Diana Center, Great Bend, Lake Bonaparte,

Beaver Falls, Indian River and Natural Bridge.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.

Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe

shelter inside a building or vehicle.

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.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for central New

York.

LAT...LON 4381 7575 4399 7580 4419 7538 4410 7517

4382 7514

TIME...MOT...LOC 2039Z 256DEG 24KT 4393 7570

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN

MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

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Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BURLINGTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

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SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT

Special Weather Statement

National Weather Service Burlington VT

413 PM EDT Thu Jun 16 2022

...Severe Thunderstorms Expected across the Saint Lawrence Valley

late this Afternoon...

Thunderstorms are beginning to move into the region and will

quickly become severe, capable of producing damaging winds, large

hail up to one inch, frequent lightning, and a possible tornado.

Keep aware of any warnings that are issued. A tornado watch

remains in effect until 11 PM.

NY

. NEW YORK COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ALLEGANY BROOME CATTARAUGUS

CAYUGA CHAUTAUQUA CHEMUNG

CHENANGO CORTLAND DELAWARE

ERIE FRANKLIN GENESEE

HAMILTON HERKIMER JEFFERSON

LEWIS LIVINGSTON MADISON

MONROE NIAGARA ONEIDA

ONONDAGA ONTARIO ORLEANS

OSWEGO OTSEGO ST. LAWRENCE

SCHUYLER SENECA STEUBEN

SULLIVAN TIOGA TOMPKINS

WAYNE WYOMING YATES

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

South central Jefferson County in central New York...

Oswego County in central New York...

* Until 515 PM EDT.

* At 414 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Oswego,

moving northeast at 40 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 trees and power lines.

* Locations impacted include...

Oswego, Fulton, Sandy Island Beach State Park, Pulaski, Central

Square, Adams, Redfield, Selkirk Shores State Park, Mexico Point

State Park and Adams Center.

This includes Interstate 81 between exits 32 and 42.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for central New

York.

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.

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 500 PM EDT

FOR NORTHERN ONONDAGA COUNTY...

At 415 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Plainville, or

near Baldwinsville, 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...

Syracuse, Clay, Cicero, Lysander, Van Buren, Baldwinsville, North

Syracuse, Solvay, Fayetteville and Minoa.

To report severe weather contact your nearest law enforcement agency.

They will send your report to the National Weather Service office in

Binghamton.

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Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BURLINGTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

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SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Burlington has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Southwestern Clinton County in northern New York...

Franklin County in northern New York...

Southeastern St. Lawrence County in northern New York...

Northwestern Essex County in northern New York...

* Until 645 PM EDT.

* At 538 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line

extending from Nicholville to near Lake Ozonia to near Horseshoe

Lake, moving east at 50 mph.

HAZARD...70 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Law enforcement and utilities report numerous powerlines

down in southern and central Saint Lawrence County.

IMPACT...Minor hail damage to vehicles is possible. Expect

considerable tree damage. Wind damage is also likely to

mobile homes, roofs, and outbuildings.

* Locations impacted include...

Tupper Lake, Adirondack Regional Airport, Saranac Lake, Lake

Placid, Saranac, Parishville, Wilmington, Keene, Piercefield,

Bryants Mill, Wawbeek, Lyon Mountain, Merrill, Clayburg, Carry

Falls Reservoir, Keene Valley, Cranberry Lake, Lawrenceville, Au

Sable Forks and Debar Mountain.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for northern New

York.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a

building.

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Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BURLINGTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

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SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Burlington has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Northern Clinton County in northern New York...

Eastern Franklin County in northern New York...

Northern Grand Isle County in northwestern Vermont...

Northwestern Franklin County in northwestern Vermont...

* Until 730 PM EDT.

* At 628 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Cannon

Corners, moving east at 30 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor hail damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind

damage to trees and powerlines.

* Locations impacted include...

Chazy, Mooers, Altona, Alburgh Village, Ellenburg Depot, Champlain,

St. Albans City, Swanton, St. Albans Town, South Alburgh, Alburgh,

Alburgh Dunes State Park, North Hero, Swanton Village, Highgate

Falls, Isle La Motte, Rouses Point, Highgate, Fairfield and

Sheldon.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for northern New

York.

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.

If on or near Lake Champlain, 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.

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN WAYNE AND CAYUGA

COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...

The severe 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 1100 PM EDT for central New

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 700 PM EDT

FOR SOUTHWESTERN JEFFERSON...SOUTHWESTERN LEWIS AND OSWEGO

COUNTIES...

At 629 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located 7 miles southeast of

Mexico Point State Park, or 14 miles south of Sandy Island Beach

State Park, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage to

trees and power lines.

Locations impacted include...

Oswego, Fulton, Sandy Island Beach State Park, Pulaski, Central

Square, Adams, Redfield, Selkirk Shores State Park, Mexico Point

State Park and Adams Center.

This includes Interstate 81 between exits 32 and 42.

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Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
Country singer Dallas Smith returned to the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, Thursday night, for a night of high energy entertainment. The Canadian performer had a banner year in 2021 winning the Country Music Awards entertainer of the year, as well as the single of the year. The band is cu
The backlog has grown by nearly 260,000 persons over the past month.

Canadas immigration backlog jumps to 2.4 million persons The backlog has grown by nearly 260,000 persons over the past month.

Canadas immigration backlog jumps to 2.4 million persons The backlog has grown by nearly 260,000 persons over the past month.

Canadas immigration backlog jumps to 2.4 million persons The backlog has grown by nearly 260,000 persons over the past month. Kareem El-Assal Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

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IRCCs backlog has grown to 2.4 million persons.

The backlog has grown by 257,499 persons over the past month, largely due to a significant increase in temporary residence applications.

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

The citizenship inventory stands at 394,664 applicants as of June 1, compared to 399,325 on May 2.

The permanent residence inventory stands at 522,047 persons as of June 6.

The temporary residence inventory has grown to 1,471,173 persons, also as of June 6.

CIC News submitted a request for this updated data to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on May 31. It received the data on June 15.

The backlog has progressed as follows since last summer:

Express Entry backlog continues to improve

The inventory of the three Express Entry programs has improved over the past month. It stands at 31,603 persons compared to 40,889 at the end of April.

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) inventory is 6,088 persons, compared to 7,522 persons on April 29.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) inventory is 25,081 persons compared to 32,883 persons.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) inventory is 434 persons compared to 484 persons in late April.

IRCC implemented a pause on draws to FSWP and FSTP candidates in December 2020 amid the pandemic, and did the same for CEC candidates in September 2021. In recent months it has prioritized finalizing Express Entry applications so it can resume invitations to candidates of all three programs in early July. Once these draws resume, IRCC has pledged to go back to its pre-pandemic service standard of processing most Express Entry applications within six months.

Quebec skilled worker and PNP inventory also improve

The inventory of Quebec skilled workers has declined to 27,146 persons compared to 32,130 in late April.

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) inventory has also declined to 68,221 persons compared to 72,194 persons.

On the other hand, the Temporary Residence to Permanent Residence (TR2PR) Program inventory continues to increase, and is up to 49,447 persons compared to 44,449 persons. IRCC operated the TR2PR Program between May and November 2021 to allow some 90,000 candidates in Canada to apply for permanent residence.

Family class inventory is up

The overall inventory of family class applicants is up to 112,837 persons compared to 108,863 persons.

The Spouses, Partners and Children Program is up slightly compared to late April. It stands at 67,929 persons compared to 67,102 persons.

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) has risen again, and is now at 41,802 persons compared to 38,478 persons. IRCC has yet to announce details on its plans for the PGP 2022. It recently announced that effective July 4, it is implementing reforms that will allow certain parents and grandparents to remain in Canada for up to seven years per entry under the Super Visa.

Temporary residence backlog up by over 200,000 persons

The temporary residence backlog is at 1,471,173 persons, an increase of 216,382 persons compared to April 29 (back then it stood at 1,200,791 persons).

The growth of the temporary residence inventory at this time of the year is normal to an extent. There is a significant seasonal component to temporary residence applications, primarily due to certain segments looking to come to Canada between the spring and fall. For instance, most international students submit their study permit applications at this time of the year so they can begin their studies in Canada by the start of the academic year in late August and early September. As another example, it is also common for more people to submit more temporary residence visa (TRV) applications at this time of the year as they look to visit Canada during the warmer months between the spring and autumn.

The main exception is the Canada Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), which since March has been available to Ukrainians looking to move to Canada. IRCCs website reports that 296,163 CUAET applications have been received between March 17 and June 8.

As such, the overall TRV inventory has grown to 771,482 persons compared to 621,451 as of April 29.

Meanwhile, the study permit backlog is at 173,353 persons compared to 132,280 persons.

The work permit inventory is at 236,735 persons compared to 189,061 persons.

The work permit extensions inventory has also grown to 171,998 persons compared to 144,842 persons.

What the Canadian government is doing

In late January, IRCC provided an update to the public on its efforts to manage its inventory, achieve more of its application processing standards, and modernize the immigration system. This entails making greater investments in technology and hiring more staff.

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.
Parents said that some colleges collect a seat reservation fee but do not refund the same in case their ward has not cleared the board exam.  Representational Image/DC

Hyderabad: School education department officials said that SSC Board examination results were likely to be announced by the end of the month, while principals of CBSE schools said that the Class 10 board exam results are expected in the next fortnight.

An education department official said that the correction of SSC papers was complete. The marks are being recounted and OMR sheets are rechecked so that no mistakes occur. The correction of SSC Board examinations has been completed and the results can be expected by June end, the official said.

However, parents are anxious over junior college admissions, claiming that a few of them have already started classes.

Looking ahead at admitting their children in Intermediate, parents said that many private junior colleges were claiming that they were 90 per cent full, to mint money.

My child studied very hard for the Class 10 exams in order to secure a seat in a good college. However, colleges are collecting Rs 10,000 as admission fee and promising a seat to those who are ready to pay a lot of money. What is the use of writing a board exam, said Anjana Dewadi, a parent.

Many colleges were conducting an entrance exam as well for admissions.

A student, I. Mahesh, who is preparing to give the entrance test to a private college, said, It is tiring and adds a lot of stress as most of my friends have already taken admission in other junior colleges. I do not know if I will be able to get through this. I thought Class 10 marks are enough to secure me a seat in any junior college.

Parents said that some colleges collect a seat reservation fee but do not refund the same in case their ward has not cleared the board exam. The colleges say that they already allotted a seat to the student and missed on others who were ready to pay more for the same seat, said Vaishali Oza, a parent.

P. Madhusudhan Reddy, president of the Government Junior Lecturers Association, said that junior colleges are not allowed to conduct entrance exams. Junior colleges were supposed to take admissions only through Class 10 results. The government has to take immediate action against them, he said.
Against a backdrop of disruptive global events and fast-moving technology change, a cloud-first approach to enterprise applications is increasingly critical. Thats the consensus from members of CIO.coms community of IT experts who weighed in on how a cloud-first approach to enterprise applications allow an organization to scale its business.

With a cloud-first approach, businesses can sidestep the high costs associated with on-premises deployment, installation, maintenance, and IT infrastructure upgrades with an option that scales capacity up or down based on need. Cloud-first applications support a manageable OpEx cost model, metered like a utility, as opposed to requiring significant upfront capital investments in infrastructure and software licenses.

Another upside to the cloud-first enterprise application model is standardization and lower complexity for internal IT operations, says Helen Yu (@YuHelenYu), founder and CEO of Tigon Advisory Corp. It also brings your products and services closer to more customers with faster time to value, flexibility, and better adaptation to their ever-changing needs, she adds.

At the same time, the auto-scaling nature of cloud-first applications requires no human intervention because scaling is done based on CPU and memory usage to further improve efficiency, notes Scott Schober (@ScottBVS), president and CEO at Berkeley Varitronics Systems Inc. Configurability in cloud-first strategies is key as organizations dont have to worry about hardware control, allowing for more focus on getting new services up and running faster, he says.

A cloud-first approach allows companies to focus on the business dynamics that dictate when and by how much enterprise applications need to scale, says Steve Guilford, CEO of AsterionDB. What could be worse than to plan for an event that requires the scaling of an applications infrastructure only to have it all fall flat on its face when the time comes?

Quick response to disruptions

Consider the last two-plus years of business disruptions caused by the global pandemic. Companies that not only survived but thrived amidst the myriad business challenges show why cloud-first application deployment is a critical component of a retooled IT strategy.

Those that adopted a cloud-first approach were able to shift and adapt to the impeding changes that COVID brought efficiently and rapidly as compared to businesses that delayed efforts to move off premises, notes Elitsa Krumova (@Eli_Krumova), a global thought leader and technology influencer. The cloud-first approach gives organizations a strong competitive advantage, ability to keep up with the competition, and improved roadmap for sustainable, future business growth.

A shift to cloud-first enterprise applications ensured that remote employees could work effectively during the pandemic while creating a backbone to accommodate what is fast becoming a hybrid and distributed workforce, says Sridhar Iyengar (@iSridhar), management director, Zoho Europe. A cloud-first approach provides benefits to all organizations, whether their employees are spread disparately or working in one location, Iyengar says.

The COVID-19 pandemic established that business and cloud strategy are interwoven, says Gene De Libero (@GeneDeLibero), chief strategy officer at GeekHive.com. Thats illustrated by the ability of cloud-first businesses to pivot to a remote work-from-home model with unprecedented speed and scale.

Carving out a digital transformation edge

Growth for todays modern business hinges on a variety of factors, including the ability to deliver seamless and compelling customer experiences and automate manual and cumbersome business processes, along with the crown jewels: creating a foundation for data-driven insights. By taking a cloud-first approach to enterprise applications, IT organizations free themselves up from repetitive implementation, configuration, and maintenance tasks to allow time for innovation efforts trained at promoting value for the business.

Cloud-first implementations help shift the entire organizations focus from the nuts and bolts of operating legacy systems to digital experiences, collaborative workflows, and real-time data, says Isaac Sacolick (@nyike), president of StarCIO and a digital transformation leader and influencer. Scaling the business requires these flexibilities, and leaders seek this agility to better respond to disruption, changing customer needs, and growth opportunities.

The ability to securely store, prioritize, analyze, share, and scale data is fundamental to operations, says Chuck Brooks (@ChuckDBrooks), president of Brooks Consulting International and an adjunct faculty member at Georgetown University. A cloud-first enterprise applications strategy helps make data more accessible to distributed users and workflows, he says.

This type of functionality and scale can be a game-changer for mission-critical applications such as SAP.

SAP on the cloud is no longer just an IT cost-cutting proposition, says Venkat Tatavarthy (@vattyreflects), senior partner solutions architect for SAP at AWS. It can help drive increased competitiveness, improved brand recognition, and added value to your customers. In short, it is a pathway to innovation.

More data-driven insights

The ability to tap into sophisticated machine learning, AI, and text-processing capabilities available through cloud platforms like AWS and through cloud-first enterprise applications can bolster an organizations ability to capture data-driven insights.

Whether youre a healthcare provider trying to decrease 30-day readmissions or a utility company working to tackle vegetation encroachment, having immediate access to data is paramount to digital transformations, says Peter B. Nichol (@PeterBNichol), chief technology officer at OROCA Innovations. Cloud-first makes it possible for companies to collect, consolidate, analyze, and visualize data to make intelligent decisions at the pace of todays business.

The scale of cloud provider platforms are an imperative for applications with complex AI functionality, says Sergey Alyamkin (sergey-alyamkin), CEO and co-founder of ENOT.ai.

It is often required to retrain neural networks for user data, which requires significant computing resources for a short period of time, Alyamkin says. To make it more complicated, its not only the training of neural networks that requires significant computing resources, but also their use in the inference mode. In that case, a cloud-first approach to enterprise applications is the only way to host AI-based applications.

Faster time to market

A cloud-first approach also elevates software development practices, accelerating product release cycles and allowing for testing on a wider range of product possibilities, says Nikolay Ganyushkin, CEO & co-founder of Acure. Acure, which is developing a cloud-hosted AIOps platform for automating IT operations, was able to launch a new website and set up CRM and mailing services in preparation for a new product launch in India in a matter of two weeks using only cloud-based applications as opposed to what would have taken four to six weeks or longer with traditional, on-premises software, he says.

Cloud-first organizations can also more readily shift to modern software development constructs, including embrace of the DevOps/DevSecOps model that promotes agility. This enables software development teams to achieve a delivery velocity that just wasnt possible with legacy technologies and on-premises hosting, says Will Kelly (@willkelly), senior product marketing manager for Section, an edge compute platform. This enables them to deliver security updates, new features, and applications that help grow their business operations.

Given that the global landscape is still recalibrating in response to pandemic-related disruptions, talent shortages, and economic pressures, companies need IT infrastructure that lets them quickly and easily make course corrections.

The traditional model of purchasing equipment is slow and cumbersome, says Adam Stern (@iv_cloudhosting), founder & CEO of Infinitely Virtual. The newer, better approach of simply selecting the app and provisioning the cloud server on the fly is not just more efficient; it promotes more flexible solutions. Its particularly useful from a cost perspective, preventing you from getting locked into mistakes.

Learn more about Wipro FullStride Cloud Services, industry-leading cloud capabilities and services. Contact us to know how we can fast track your business transformation journey on the AWS Cloud.

This post is brought to you by AWS and CIO Marketing Services. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of AWS.
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HYDERABAD: The Telangana High Court issued orders to the principal secretary of municipal administration Arvind Kumar to direct commissioners and authorities of municipalities and corporations to obey the due process prescribed in the Telangana Municipalities Act 2019, before removal or demolition of unapproved constructions.

The court also directed that remarks should be made in the service register against those who did not follow the procedure.

Justice Kanneganti Lalitha was dealing with a petition filed by Santhoshi, a resident of Mythri Homes at IDA Bolaram, who challenged the order passed by the commissioner of Bolaram municipality. The commissioner, without issuing notice and hearing the contentions of the petitioner, passed a removal order of an unauthorised parking shed built outside of the petitioner`s residence.

The authorities also mentioned the said construction should be removed within 24 hours, otherwise the same would be removed by the municipality and expenses would be recovered. Ch. Jayakrishna, counsel for the petitioner, brought to the notice of the court about violation of rules, whereas the authorities shall give a minimum period of time to explain the reasons.

When the court questioned it, counsel for the municipality submitted as there was an order earlier from the High Court to take action on a complaint against the said illegal construction, so the commissioner had passed the removal order.

Reacting to it, Justice Lalitha perused the earlier order in which the court directed officials to dispose of the grievance or complaint reasonably. The judge observed that it was nothing but misinterpretation of court orders.

You (municipal authorities) are reluctant to resolve the public grievances. After receiving the complaints, authorities never looked into it even after repeated requests. You are making the complainants to approach the court. When the court issues directions, you are trying to falsify the orders, the Judge observed.

Stating that these types of experiences were faced several times in the last few days, the court directed the principal secretary of municipal administration to pass directives to follow the rules before any removal of constructions.
Solicitare de oferta pentru reabilitarea toaletelor si modernizarea spatiilor de cazare al internatului pentru copiii nevazatori din Balti, Republica Moldova
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Panel: Faith in leadership

A panel of distinguished faith leaders will discuss how to engage with non-faith communities while staying true to your own faith and mission. They will share their own experience, and then delegates will be encouraged to join the debate.

Chaired by Krish Raval OBE, director, Faith in Leadership

Panellists: Rabbi Jeff Berger, other panellists tbc
RED LODGE, Mont. (AP)  The forces of fire and ice shaped Yellowstone National Park over thousands of years. It took decades longer for humans to tame it enough for tourists to visit, often from the comfort of their cars.

In just days, heavy rain and rapid snowmelt caused a dramatic flood that may forever alter the human footprint on the parks terrain and the communities that have grown around it.

The historic floodwaters that raged through Yellowstone this week, tearing out bridges and pouring into nearby homes, pushed a popular fishing river off course  possibly permanently  and may force roadways nearly torn away by torrents of water to be rebuilt in new places.

The landscape literally and figuratively has changed dramatically in the last 36 hours, said Bill Berg, a commissioner in nearby Park County. A little bit ironic that this spectacular landscape was created by violent geologic and hydrologic events, and its just not very handy when it happens while were all here settled on it.

The unprecedented flooding drove more than 10,000 visitors out of the nations oldest national park and damaged hundreds of homes in nearby communities, though remarkably no was reported hurt or killed. The only visitors left in the massive park straddling three states were a dozen campers still making their way out of the backcountry.

The park could remain closed as long as a week, and northern entrances may not reopen this summer, Superintendent Cam Sholly said.

Ive heard this is a 1,000-year event, whatever that means these days. They seem to be happening more and more frequently, he said.

Sholly noted some weather forecasts include the possibility of additional flooding this weekend.

Days of rain and rapid snowmelt wrought havoc across parts of southern Montana and northern Wyoming, where it washed away cabins, swamped small towns and knocked out power. It hit the park as a summer tourist season that draws millions of visitors was ramping up during its 150th anniversary year.

Businesses in hard-hit Gardiner had just started really recovering from the tourism contraction brought by the coronavirus pandemic, and were hoping for a good year, Berg said.

Its a Yellowstone town, and it lives and dies by tourism, and this is going to be a pretty big hit, he said. Theyre looking to try to figure out how to hold things together.

Some of the worst damage happened in the northern part of the park and Yellowstones gateway communities in southern Montana. National Park Service photos of northern Yellowstone showed a mudslide, washed out bridges and roads undercut by churning floodwaters of the Gardner and Lamar rivers.

In Red Lodge, a town of 2,100 thats a popular jumping-off point for a scenic route into the Yellowstone high country, a creek running through town jumped its banks and swamped the main thoroughfare, leaving trout swimming in the street a day later under sunny skies.

Residents described a harrowing scene where the water went from a trickle to a torrent over just a few hours.

The water toppled telephone poles, knocked over fences and carved deep fissures in the ground through a neighborhood of hundreds of houses. Electricity was restored by Tuesday, but there was still no running water in the affected neighborhood.

Heidi Hoffman left early Monday to buy a sump pump in Billings, but by the time she returned her basement was full of water.

We lost all our belongings in the basement, Hoffman said as the pump removed a steady stream of water into her muddy backyard. Yearbooks, pictures, clothes, furniture. Were going to be cleaning up for a long time.

At least 200 homes were flooded in Red Lodge and the town of Fromberg.

The flooding came as the Midwest and East Coast sizzle from a heat wave and other parts of the West burn from an early wildfire season amid a persistent drought that has increased the frequency and intensity of fires. Smoke from a fire in the mountains of Flagstaff, Arizona, could be seen in Colorado.

While the flooding hasnt been directly attributed to climate change, Rick Thoman, a climate specialist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, said a warming environment makes extreme weather events more likely than they would have been without the warming that human activity has caused.

Will Yellowstone have a repeat of this in five or even 50 years? Maybe not, but somewhere will have something equivalent or even more extreme, he said.

Heavy rain on top of melting mountain snow pushed the Yellowstone, Stillwater and Clarks Fork rivers to record levels Monday and triggered rock and mudslides, according to the National Weather Service. The Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs topped a record set in 1918.

Yellowstones northern roads may remain impassable for a substantial length of time. The flooding affected the rest of the park, too, with park officials warning of yet higher flooding and potential problems with water supplies and wastewater systems at developed areas.

The rains hit just as area hotels filled up in recent weeks with summer tourists. More than 4 million visitors were tallied by the park last year. The wave of tourists doesnt abate until fall, and June is typically one of Yellowstones busiest months.

Mark Taylor, owner and chief pilot of Rocky Mountain Rotors, said his company had airlifted about 40 paying customers over the past two days from Gardiner, including two women who were very pregnant.

Taylor spoke as he ferried a family of four adults from Texas, who wanted to do some more sightseeing before heading home.

I imagine theyre going to rent a car and theyre going to go check out some other parts of Montana  somewhere drier, he said.

At a cabin in Gardiner, Parker Manning of Terre Haute, Indiana, got an up-close view of the roiling Yellowstone River floodwaters just outside his door. Entire trees and even a lone kayaker streamed by.

In early evening, he shot video as the waters ate away at the opposite bank where a large brown house that had been home to park employees before they were evacuated was precariously perched.

In a large cracking sound heard over the rivers roar, the house tipped into the waters and was pulled into the current. Sholly said it floated 5 miles (8 kilometers) before sinking.

The towns of Cooke City and Silvergate, just east of the park, were also isolated by floodwaters, which also made drinking water unsafe. People left a hospital and low-lying areas in Livingston.

In south-central Montana, 68 people at a campground were rescued by raft after flooding on the Stillwater River. Some roads in the area were closed and residents were evacuated.

In the hamlet of Nye, at least four cabins washed into the Stillwater River, said Shelley Blazina, including one she owned.

It was my sanctuary, she said Tuesday. Yesterday I was in shock. Today Im just in intense sadness.

Whitehurst reported from Salt Lake City. Associated Press writers Amy Beth Hanson in Helena, Becky Bohrer in Juneau, Alaska, R.J. Rico in Atlanta, and Brian Melley in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

About the photo: A house that was pulled into Rock Creek in Red Lodge, Mont., by raging floodwaters is seen Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Officials said more than 100 houses in the small city were flooded when torrential rains swelled waterways across the Yellowstone region. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown)

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
For the first time in AP, a betterment chance will be given to SSC students who have appeared for board examinations. (Photo: PTI)

VIJAYAWADA: For the first time in AP, a betterment chance will be given to SSC students who have appeared for board examinations.

The government decided to hold the betterment exams along with SSC advanced supplementary exams for a maximum of two subjects for passed students who scored less than 50 marks in the subject.

It was stated that the Directorate of Government Examinations has given this option to SSC students.

The AP government school education department issued an order through the special chief secretary B Rajasekhar to this effect on Thursday. The exams will be conducted from July 6, 2022 to July 15, 2022.

To appear for one subject, a candidate has to pay an application fee of Rs 500. For two subjects, the fee is Rs 1000. Those who wish to apply for the betterment examinations shall approach the headmaster of the respective school and submit their application.

The Class 10 pass percentage fell drastically this time, compared to the previous year. Out of the 6,15,908 students who appeared for the examinations, 4,14,281 students passed with an aggregate of 67.26 per cent.

Director of Government Examinations Devananda Reddy said the students can apply for the betterment exam from June 16 to 19 online. Out of 4.14 lakh students who passed the SSC board exam, 30,519 secured less than 50 per cent in the first language, 1,29,344 in the second language, 9,614 in the third language, 72,280 in Mathematics, 55,869 in Science and 88,846 less than 50 per cent marks in Social Studies.
VIJAYAWADA: Petroleum dealers in AP have asked state government to intervene and resolve the issue of rationing fuel in the state by holding a joint meeting with government-owned oil marketing companies BPCL, HPCL and IOCL.

Otherwise, shortage of fuel may have a major impact on prices of essential commodities in the state, they warned.

Petroleum traders have written a letter to the civil supplies commissioner for the third time, seeking his intervention into this issue of priority. They have also communicated the same information to chief secretary and minister for civil supplies.

Traders contend that BPCL is imposing a cut on supply of both petrol and diesel, making several fuel stations go dry in several parts in AP, including Visakhapatnam. HPCL has stopped supply of fuel on credit basis. However, IOCL is delivering fuel as per requirement and is even offering credit.

Dealers are wondering why both BPCL and HPCL are being discriminatory while IOCL is functioning normally.

Petroleum traders have also expressed worry over the plan of HPCLs Visakha Refinery to shut down partially during June and July. They fear this may cause a drastic fall in supply of fuel in AP and neighbouring Telangana. They say though HPCL is coming up with alternate plans to supply fuel through purchases from standalone refineries, it is yet to be seen to what extent these plans work out.

Fuel dealers feel if state government arranges a joint meeting between petroleum traders and oil marketing companies along with officials, it will help sort out claims and counterclaims by both parties over short supply. Oil manufacturing companies (OMCs) are claiming loss of revenue to extent of 25 per litre on diesel and 9 per litre on petrol.

Traders are worried that if they are unable to run their fuel stations due to rationing in supply of fuels, they may lose their livelihood.

AP has nearly 3,600 fuel stations, whose sales volume is nearly eight lakh litres of diesel and about 4.5 lakh litres of petrol per day. Any disruption in regular sale of fuel for whatever reason may affect the movement of general public, essential commodities and vegetables, leading to price rise.

AP Federation of Petroleum Traders general secretary P. Ravi Kumar said, We request state government to call for a joint meeting between OMCs and traders to resolve the issues urgently and amicably before the situation goes out of control.
HYDERABAD: The Bharatiya Janata Party, in an unprecedented effort, has decided to reach out to members of different communities from various states who have made Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana their home. This outreach will get off to a flying start, the party leaders here hope, on July 1 with Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states meeting in Hyderabad with members from various groups and associations representing people from their states.

These meetings will be held a day before the partys two-day national executive conclave begins on July 2.

To meet with people from the states where the BJP is not in power, the party will press into service former chief ministers, as in the case of Devendra Fadnavis from Maharashtra, who will meet Marathi-speaking people. The party leaders from the city have been handed the task of inviting the groups for the July 1 meetings.

This was decided at a meeting of the state office-bearers on Tuesday that was chaired by Tarun Chugh , Telangana BJP incharge and the partys national general secretary.

The plan is to ensure no one is left behind and to let a message percolate that irrespective of where people came to Telangana from, they are part of the state and their interests matter to the BJP, a senior party leader said. Party leaders are expected to seek support for the BJP from the different communities for the next elections in the state.

This will be first time that the entire BJP leadership will be in Telangana and in Hyderabad and the state party unit has already set up 33 committees to look after various arrangements for its national executive meeting.
Work teams to guide flood-control efforts in Guangdong, Guangxi

Xinhua) 09:09, June 16, 2022

BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Two work teams have been dispatched to south China's Guangdong and Guangxi to assist with local flood-control efforts, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM) on Wednesday.

From Wednesday to Friday, heavy downpours are expected to lash the provinces of Guangdong, Fujian and Jiangxi, as well as the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, according to the country's meteorological authority.

In the coming week, heavy rainfall will linger over some regions in southern parts of China, said a meeting jointly held by the office of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and the MEM.

Major floods occurred in southern China's Pearl River basin, bringing about frequent geological disasters, according to the meeting. It has called for improvements to the emergency-response mechanism and the full implementation of emergency-rescue measures.

On Wednesday, the China National Commission for Disaster Reduction and the MEM jointly activated a Level-IV emergency response to floods in the provinces of Fujian and Jiangxi, and dispatched work groups to guide local disaster-relief work.

China has a four-tier flood-control emergency-response system, with Level I being the most severe.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
Congress leaders sit on a dharna outside the AICC office against summoning of party leader Rahul Gandhi by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the National Herald case, in New Delhi, Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (PTI Photo/Shahbaz Khan)

Hyderabad/New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) quizzed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for the third consecutive day on Wednesday in the National Herald case. After being questioned for nine hours, with a gap in between, he was called for questioning on Friday. He sought leave for Thursday which the ED granted.

Sources said Rahul Gandhs statement was recorded under Section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Congress leader checks the transcript of his statement minutely before submission, they said.

In Hyderabad, the Congress decided to hold a series of agitations against the EDs alleged harassment of Rahul Gandhi. The party state unit said it condemned the highhandedness of police in New Delhi on Congress activists at the AICC office. To protest against the political vendetta of the BJP, the Congress will conduct a protest rally 'Chalo Raj Bhavan' from Khairatabad PJR statue to the Governor's official residence on Thursday.

District Congress committees will conduct protests in front of Central government offices. The Congress continued its protest for the third consecutive day against the questioning of Rahul Gandhi. The protest was staged at the Gandhi Bhavan.

TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah were harassing AICC president Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The Congress would take up agitation programmes from village streets to Delhi, he said.

In Delhi, the Congress stuck to its stand of accusing the Centre of political vendetta and calling the ED the Election Department of the Centre. The questioning of Rahul Gandhi pertains to alleged financial irregularities in Young Indian Private Limited, promoted by the Congress, that owns the newspaper National Herald. The newspaper is published by Associated Journals Limited (AJL) and is owned by Young Indian.

The Young Indian Private Limited is a Section 25 company which means that no money can be taken out to benefit its shareholders. The ED is looking into the manner in which Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi were made directors in the new company Young Indian and whether there are any irregularities.

The Congress asked, Which is the 'scheduled offence' under PMLA that has triggered an investigation by ED? Which police agency has registered an FIR in respect of the scheduled offence? Where is the FIR?"

Congress president Sonia Gandhi has also been summoned for questioning she is expected to depose before the probe agency on June 23. The Congress president was admitted to the hospital on Sunday due to Covid-related issues and is said to be stable now. Earlier, Mallikarjun Kharge and Pawan Bansal were also questioned by the ED.

The day saw hectic police activity outside the Congress headquarters at Akbar Road. The Congress slammed the Centre after police and security forces allegedly entered its party headquarters and picked up party workers. Congress MP Karti hidambaram shared a video on Twitter where cops could be seen barging into the party office and carrying away a man, presumably a party worker, as a group of them raise slogans, question the police, and record the incident on their phones.

Senior leaders K.C. Venugopal, Bhupesh Baghel and Randeep Surjewala accused the Delhi police of forcefully entering the Congress headquarters.

Several Congress workers were detained from outside the party headquarters and the ED office today as well, where they held demonstrations and chanted slogans in support of Rahul Gandhi. Videos showed some of the Youth Congress and Mahila Congress workers being dragged and taken away in buses.

Among others, senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot was detained from outside the Congress headquarters. He was taken to Narela police station. He said, "The police and government have made up their minds that no Opposition leader can be allowed to do anything. Using police to lathi charge workers inside our offices is unprecedented".
The Colorado Republican Party plans to pursue criminal charges against whoever is producing fliers that claim the GOP has endorsed one of the two primary candidates running for the state's U.S. Senate seat.
The Democratic super PAC that has spent more than $1 million airing ads attacking Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ron Hanks is targeting his primary rival, Joe O'Dea, in a new TV ad debuting Thursday.

The 30-second ad highlights O'Dea's history of political donations to Democratic candidates  including U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, the Democrat O'Dea is trying to unseat  and notes the construction company owner's support for the $1.2 trillion infrastructure package signed last year by President Joe Biden.

Republicans have blasted the ad campaign as unfair meddling in Colorado's GOP primary, but a spokesperson for the Democratic group says it's attempting to educate state voters about the Republicans hoping to represent them.

"Politician Joe ODea is not who he says he is," the narrator of the ad says.

The ad describes O'Dea's campaign donation to Bennet campaign in 2010 and adds that O'Dea also contributed to Colorado's junior senator, then-Gov. John Hickenlooper, ahead of the Democrat's 2014 reelection campaign, after Hickenlooper signed controversial gun-control legislation.

"No way, ODea," the narrator concludes. "Colorado deserves a straight shooter."

Colorado Politics was first to report O'Dea's contributions to Democratic candidates, including $500 donations to Bennet and Hickenlooper, and donations to Bill Ritter and Cary Kennedy when the Democrats were running for governor and state treasurer, respectively.

A campaign spokesman told Colorado Politics that O'Dea gave Bennet a chance to live up to his pledge to bring an outsider's perspective to Washington but over time soured on what he characterized as the incumbent rigidly partisan approach.

Paid for by a recently formed committee called Democratic Colorado, the new ad joins the PAC's first ad  which blasts Hanks, a first-term state lawmaker, as "too conservative for Colorado"  in heavy rotation statewide on broadcast and cable TV. The ad aimed at Hanks began running last week as Colorado voters began receiving primary ballots in the mail.

We are an organization committed to ensuring that Colorado doesnt elect a Republican to the U.S. Senate," Alvina Vasquez, the PAC's spokesperson, told Colorado Politics.

"Both GOP candidates are totally out of step with our values and voters deserve to know the truth about whos running to represent them. Our ad exposes Joe ODeas hypocrisy as a phony who says one thing but does another, and Coloradans cant trust him to fight for their interests.

Pointing to historically high gas prices and surging inflation, O'Dea campaign spokesman Zack Roday suggested to Colorado Politics that the ads were meant to distract voters from Bennet's alignment with an unpopular President Joe Biden and Democratic polices.

"Their desperation and lust for power is still no excuse for Democrats pouring millions to support Ron Hanks," Roday said via text message, noting that Hanks voted in the legislature against a bill to make it illegal for teachers to engage in sexual activity with 18-year-old students.

Added Roday: "Voters are smart, they will not fall for the Democrats' dangerous and illegal ploy to interfere in the GOP primary."

According to media buyers, the PAC's spending on the ads could top $2 million by the time ballots are due on June 28.

The wealthy O'Dea has poured at least $630,000 into his own campaign and been on the air with radio and TV advertising for brief periods since announcing his run last fall. Hanks, who raised less than $60,000 through the end of the year's first quarter, has yet to spend heavily on advertising.

Another state-level committee is running similar ads calling Republican Greg Lopez "too conservative," citing the gubernatorial candidate's positions on abortion and gun control. Democratic Gov. Jared Polis will face the winner of the primary between Lopez and University of Colorado Regent Heidi Ganahl.

Former Republican Gov. Bill Owens characterized the Democrats' ad campaign as an attempt to boost "second-tier" Republicans by appealing to conservative GOP primary voters, potentially boosting candidates who are easier to beat in November.

"This is wrong in a democracy," Owens told Colorado Politics. "This is putting your thumb on the scales just because they have big money and no record to run on. All they have is money."
The Juneteenth flag is flying over the state Capitol building to commemorate the first official recognition of Colorados 11th state holiday.

Gov. Jared Polis and members of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus gathered at the Capitol Thursday to raise the flag in honor of the new holiday, which was officially designated last May when Polis signed Senate Bill 139 into law.

Colorado is made stronger by the diversity of our people, Polis said. "Juneteenth is a celebration of joy and one of many shining examples of what a 'Colorado for All' looks like."

Juneteenth, also called Freedom Day and Emancipation Day, celebrates the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The holiday recognizes June 19, when Major General Gordon Granger announced slaves in Texas were free in 1865. The announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln declared the end of slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation.

SB-139 passed the state legislature with bipartisan support this session, with only three lawmakers voting against it and 93 voting in favor. Three Black Democratic lawmakers  Sen. Janet Buckner of Aurora, Rep. Leslie Herod of Denver and Sen. James Coleman of Denver  championed the legislation.

I was incredibly proud of the work we did this session to ensure Colorado properly recognizes Juneteenth, Buckner said. I know that it will help educate all Coloradans about the horrors of slavery, make space to celebrate the Black community, and lift up our ongoing work to make sure we dont forget our past.

The holidays designation comes nearly 70 years after Denvers first official Juneteenth celebration held in the historic Five Points neighborhood in 1953. Denvers annual Juneteenth parade and music festival is one of the largest Juneteenth celebrations in the country, attracting around 50,000 attendees each year, according to event organizers.

The bill sponsors said this is the first time legislation has been introduced to officially recognize Juneteenth in Colorado. Local politicians and activists have been fighting for the holiday for years.

"Juneteenth uplifts the voices of the Black community and showcases our perseverance, Herod said. Im proud to recognize Juneteenth as Colorado's 11th state holiday so it can finally receive all the formal celebration and reflection it deserves.

Colorado officially designated the holiday just under one year after Juneteenth National Independence Day was made a federal holiday  the first since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983. In February 2021, the city of Denver also established Juneteenth as an official city commemorative holiday.

State offices will be closed on Monday, June 20 in observance of Juneteenth.
Some of Colorados primary candidates are pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into securing seats on the state legislature  unusually big spending typically reserved for the general election.

With less than two weeks remaining until the primary election on June 28, Colorado Politics analyzed the fundraising in each contested primary race for the state legislature, including loans and non-monetary campaign contributions, according to the latest campaign finance reports released on Monday.

The top 10 most expensive races are nearly evenly split among the parties, with Republicans holding six of the top spots compared to the Democrats four. House races are noticeably more expensive than Senate races, occupying the entire top five, and seven out of the total top 10 spots.

Here are the top 10 races, ranked from most to least funding:

1.) House District 6, Katie March vs. Elisabeth Epps  $332,345.86

The most expensive race by far is the Democratic primary between Katie March and Elisabeth Epps. In one of the most contentious and dramatic races of the election, both women are seeking to replace incumbent Rep. Steven Woodrow, who was drawn out of House District 6. The Denver district is dominated by Democrats  who make up nearly 48% of active voters  meaning the winner of the primary is all but guaranteed victory at the general election in November.

March  a former legislative aide for House Speaker Alec Garnett  has raised around $156,746, while Epps  founder of the Colorado Freedom Fund  has raised $175,599. Epps has spent $99,645 so far, leaving her with $75,954 in the bank. March has already spent $139,518, with around $17,227 remaining.

2.) House District 45, Bill Jack vs. Lisa Frizell  $129,803.04

Second place goes to the Republican primary race to represent House District 45  an open seat left by Rep. Patrick Neville, who is term limited. Christian educator Bill Jack and Douglas County Assessor Lisa Frizell are fighting for the Republican nomination as well as the seat itself, considering that 38% of active voters in the Douglas County district are Republicans, compared to 17% who are Democrats.

Jack is leading significantly in fundraising, collecting $46,038 on top of a $1,000 loan; however, Frizell has much more money overall after taking out a $65,000 loan, in addition to $17,764 from fundraising. Frizell has spent over $71,886 so far, dwarfing Jacks spending of $31,404.

3.) House District 43, Kurt Huffman vs. Robin Webb  $120,553.70

Another Douglas County district, the Republican primary for House District 43 has raked in big money from first-time candidates Kurt Huffman, an engineer and general contractor, and Robin Webb, an accounting manager. The Republican-controlled district was previously represented by Rep. Kevin Van Winkle, who left to fill a vacant Senate seat earlier this month. A vacancy committee appointed Huffman to finish Van Winkles term through January.

Huffman is responsible for the vast majority of the money in this race, taking out a $100,000 loan and raising $9,205. Webb has raised just over $11,348. So far, Huffman has spent over $65,887 and has $43,317 remaining, while Webb has spent $8,607 and has $2,741 left.

4.) House District 57, Cole Buerger vs. Elizabeth Velasco  $107,061.12

The last six-figure race is the Democratic primary for House District 57 between small business owners Cole Buerger and Elizabeth Velasco. The two Democrats are battling to decide who will face incumbent Republican Rep. Perry Will. The recently redrawn district  containing all of Garfield and Pitkin counties and part of Eagle County  now has a slight Democratic advantage, with 27% active Democratic voters and 22% active Republican voters.

Velasco has raised more money at $48,475, but Buerger has $23,624 in loans on top of his $34,962 in fundraising. Velasco has spent $32,151 so far, leaving her with $16,324. Buerger has spent $39,188 and has $19,397 remaining.

5.) House District 55, Trish Weber vs. Rick Taggart  $92,066.06

Rounding out the top five is the Republican primary for House District 55  an open seat being vacated by Rep. Janice Rich, who is running for the state Senate. The competing candidates are Trish Weber, a physician, and Rick Taggart, a member of the Grand Junction City Council. The winner of the primary is more than likely to win the general election, given that Republicans make up just under 50% of active voters in the Mesa County district.

Weber and Taggart are neck and neck for campaign fundraising, with the former collecting $33,266 and the latter raising $38,800. However, Weber also took out a $20,000 loan, giving her a funding advantage. After campaign spending, Taggart has $5,473 left over, while Weber boasts over $13,314.

6.) House District 44, Terry Dodd vs. Anthony Hartsook  $87,089.69

The third and final Douglas County district in the top 10 is the race for Republican-leaning House District 44, which will decide the replacement of long-time Rep. Kim Ransom, who is term limited. The Republican primary features candidates Terry Dodd, a real estate broker and construction manager, and Anthony Hartsook, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and director of the Future Freedom Foundation.

Hartsook has brought the bulk of the money into the race, collecting over $23,301 in fundraising and taking out a $50,000 loan. Dodd has raised $3,267 and took out $10,520 in loans. So far, Hartsook has spent $59,114 and has over $14,187 remaining, while Dodd has spent $13,202 and has $585 left.

7.) Senate District 9, Paul Lundeen vs. Lynda Zamora Wilson  $84,040.59

The most expensive state Senate race is the Republican primary for District 9 between incumbent Sen. Paul Lundeen and retired Air Force Lt. Col. Lynda Zamora Wilson. This is the first time Lundeen has faced a primary challenge during his nearly eight-year career in the Colorado legislature. Wilson won more votes than Lundeen during the Colorado Republican Partys state assembly in April to represent the Republican-controlled district in El Paso County.

Lundeen has dominated fundraising for the race, collecting $78,480 compared to Wilsons $3,884 in fundraising and $1,675 in loans. Also using over $22,623 already on hand before the race, Lundeen has spent more than $82,734 so far. Wilson has spent $4,175.

8.) Senate District 11, Tony Exum Sr. vs. Yolanda Avila  $83,145.62

The Democratic primary for Senate District 11 will decide who goes against Republican Sen. Dennis Hisey in one of the most competitive elections of the session. The Democratic candidates  state House Rep. Tony Exum Sr. and Colorado Springs City Councilwoman Yolanda Avila  are competing to represent the southeastern Colorado Springs district, which is comprised of nearly 50% unaffiliated active voters, 25% Democratic and 23% Republican.

Though both candidates have currently spent around $28,000 each, Avila has just under $10,000 more funds left over than Exum. In total, Avila has raised more than $46,756 so far, while Exum has collected $36,389.

9.) House District 34, Jenny Willford vs. Sam Nizam  $81,695.62

Another open seat, House District 34 will be left vacant by Rep. Kyle Mullica, who is running for the state Senate. The Democratic primary to replace him includes candidates Jenny Willford, program manager at Colorado Sierra Club, and Sam Nizam, a small business owner. The district  which encompasses Northglenn  leans Democratic, meaning the primary will likely decide the winner of the general election, as well.

Willford has been more successful in fundraising, collecting $48,939 to Nizams $32,756. Though Nizam has slightly more funds left to work with, having spent only $17,529 so far, compared to Willfords spending of $34,366.

10.) Senate District 27, JulieMarie Shepherd Macklin vs. Tom Kim  $77,809.42

The final entry in the top 10 is the Republican primary for Senate District 27. Redistricting left the Arapahoe County seat with no incumbent and a slight Republican advantage, though it has a significant unaffiliated population. Two Republican newcomers are battling to take on Democrat Rep. Tom Sullivan, who is currently serving House District 37. First-time candidate Tom Kim, managing director of r2 Advisors, is running against former Aurora Public Schools board member JulieMarie Shepherd Macklin.

Kim has spent more than double Shepherd Macklin so far, with the formers spending sitting at $35,962 and the latters $17,593. However, Shepherd Macklin has more than $14,772 left over after getting $24,128 from fundraising and $8,238 from loans. Kim has raised $45,443 and has $9,480 remaining.
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Security personnel keep vigil during a two-hour relaxation in the curfew imposed by administration in wake of possible communal flare-up over controversial remarks by two now-suspended BJP leaders against Prophet Mohammad, at Bhaderwah in Doda district, Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (PTI Photo)

Ignorance  that perennial source of communalism  was in operation again: Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal clearly didnt know the red line of decency that shouldnt be crossed while addressing anyone as revered as the Prophet. Its not just a religious thing. Try insulting Rabindranath Tagore: Kolkata will burn.

The Islamic etiquette is: Ba Khuda deewana bash-o/ Ba Mohammad Hoshiyar! (In plain language, take liberties with God, but be careful with Mohammed). When Chandrabhan Brahmin, Dara Shikohs prime minister, crossed the red line, the intention was not to insult the Prophet or hurt believers. To paraphrase, he said since his hand was in Gods hand, why should he worry about Mohammed? Chandrabhans verses were cited as evidence of Dara Shikohs liberal court, which showed how intellectually indebted Dara was to his great-grandfather, Akbar.

It reflected on Akbars widespread popularity that the revolt by Sheikh Sirhindi against the emperors experiment with eclecticism in the form of Deen-e-Ilahi (Religion of God) were no more than pinpricks. If he was a larger threat, it wouldnt have been possible for Jehangir to have him confined to jail in Gwalior.

The security of the empire is reflected in Daras audacious cultural experiment. He opened the way to Indology in Europe by having the Upanishads translated into Persian. His Majma-ul-Bahrain (Confluence of the Oceans) was an epoch-making effort to find common ground between Sufism and Vedantic speculation.

The clergy must have been hopping mad at such excesses. Aurangzebs 49-year rule was wobbly in the sense that he spent considerable time in the Deccan campaigns. The clergy wasted no time in climbing ladders around him. The Gyanvapi Masjid on the site of an old Shiva temple, is more a function of Aurangzebs weakness than his assertiveness. It brought cheer to the clergy burdened by the memory of the Dara years.

The promise of the great civilisational compact Akbar and Dara had given notice of survived the Aurangzeb years. There was a burst of it in Mohammed Shah Rangeelas court in Delhi, in Wajid Ali Shahs court in Lucknow until the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was dispatched to Yangon by the British where he died in the garage of John Davis, a junior officer.

This very amateurish incursion into history on my part has picked up in frequency since May 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his very first speech in Parliament. Hamein 1,200 saal ki ghulami se nikalna hai. What Mr Modi meant was, we have to come out of 1,200 years of subjugation. Most of us had parroted since 1947 that all Indians together got rid of 200 years of British rule. Mr Modis statement makes that stand on its head.

Over the years one has got used to the Muslim period being underplayed. Take for instance Unescos project for elevating Delhi to a heritage city. This story goes back a decade, way before the appearance of Narendra Modi. For years notes went up and down on the subject. An initial stumbling block was that all the seven cities of Delhi but one happen to be Muslim. The seventh is Lutyens Delhi. They all fall well within the period which Mr Modi considers the years of ghulami, but I am mixing up eras. The Unesco story belongs to the Congress era. Ultimately, after years of bargaining, the choice was narrowed down to two  Lutyens Delhi and Shahjehanbad, or Old Delhi. Dossiers were exchanged between Unesco, the Archaeological Survey of India and the Delhi Heritage Society. But on the appointed day, when the agreement with Unesco was to be signed, a mysterious hand swooped the documents away even as the assembled officials watched. Enlightenment came through the agency of a group of retired judges and their families on a guided tour of the Akshardham Temple. The guide may have exceeded his brief but he informed the stunned group that the history of Delhi starts with the Akshardham Temple.

The protests in Arab capitals over the remarks on Prophet Muhammad by BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal represent spontaneous anger, or do they also denote new affiliations in the region? Internally, a stifled Muslim community has found in the protests an opportunity to vent their anger.

Is New Delhi on notice that its anti-minority excesses will from now on be under scrutiny in the Arab world? I doubt if recent events indicate an irreversible transformation. Once the dust settles on the current protest, I expect it will be business as usual with the Arab world. For New Delhi, its a wonderful opportunity. It must dismount the tiger of communalism. This policy will give negative results because:

In my recent travels within India, I dont see much traction for high- voltage communalism outside the Hindi belt.

The BJP is already in a position to whistle, throw its cap and celebrate its status as a Muslim-mukt party. Out of 301 seats in Parliament, soon there will not be one Muslim in this galaxy. If Hindu consolidation was required to consolidate BJP votes for parliamentary elections, that has been achieved. This percentage in the Assemblies is unachievable.

Beef, halal meat, hijab, love jihad, namaz in the open, mosques as stone-pelting stations on Hindu processions  all these and more have been tried to keep the communal temperature on a simmer.

In any case these tricks, by themselves, dont galvanize the nation. All these tied to nationalism do. This entails Kashmir always on the boil and Pakistan on a permanent enemies list. Has the RSS and the BJP plugged their ears so firmly that Atal Behari Vajpayees whisper doesnt reach them: We cannot change our neighbours!
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No big change can come unaccompanied by stiff resistance and opposition. Those who lack imagination will always viscerally amplify the lacunae or dangers, real or imagined, of a radically different new idea, or disruptive innovation, without really allowing all its benefits to be discussed or understood. So it is with the Agnipath programme.

As an idea, the Agnipath, in which the Indian Armed Forces would recruit youth between the ages of 17 and 21 years for a period of four years, is a paradigm shift away from tradition. They would be recruited on an all-India level, reducing highly localised regimental recruitment, and help lower the age of various regiments, and the forces overall, giving a quick fill-up to the human resource shortage.

It would drastically cut the future salary and pension bills that would otherwise be entailed in recruiting such a large number of direct recruits at the entry level. It would give the forces a better base to choose from; a fourth of these youth, after four years of training and grooming, are to be considered for absorption on a longer-term commission basis.

It would, without the abhorrent conscription service or large-scale military school infrastructure, create a strong base of people for the forces to conduct the routine recruitment and retention of people required for the future, aligning them to our strategic defence needs.

A uniform recruitment policy, and a principled spreading of the catchment scope will augment the regional diversity in the Indian Armed Forces.

At the end of the four years, the Agniveers will have had an extraordinary training and service experience, which will yet give them the flexibility to make a choice  a more informed choice  at a more matured age, if they wish to continue in the forces for a lifetime.

Those who leave, having served, would have a plethora of opportunities ahead for them  there can be no greater university or passion school than the four years of a regimental life. It would cast them, to paraphrase in a bit of a slogan, a soldier for a term, a wonderful human being for life. From police forces, paramilitary, security to the private sector or entrepreneurship, these youth will have a better chance at life; and would always remain at hand for the country if ever such a call be needed.

The money saved on salaries and pensions, after having met the requirement for human power, could be invested for more strategic, weaponry and technological upgrade needs of the countrys fighting force. Such people will give our entire civilian society a good set of role models in every aspect of life.

The violent protests against the scheme, even without having fully understood that everyone gains and no one really loses, except the inconvenience of deviation from traditional habits and making a transformation, are political surface reactions.

It is a programme that has been discussed threadbare to its final bone during the last few years and met with the approval of the three service chiefs.

Without a doubt, while we debate its shortcomings and mitigate them with reform and tweaks along the way, the Agnipath has the firepower to last the Agnipareeksha ahead.
Wes Cronkites company, CPSI, makes software for the healthcare industry, and he has seen both health tech companies like his own and healthcare institutions grow their tech teams in recent years. That growth has created more jobs, demand for a broader spectrum of skills, and more places to work.

Roles in this field range from entry-level help desk positions to user experience designers to health informatics specialists at medical centers, physician practices, startup healthcare ventures, and vendor companies.

CPSI Wes Cronkite, chief innovation officer, CPSI

There has been tremendous growth in healthcare IT, with work moving beyond supporting legacy systems and just keeping systems up and running. There has been a lot of innovation, and as a result, there is a lot of opportunity for talented [tech workers], says Cronkite, CPSIs chief innovation officer.

For hiring managers, such growth has made the hard task of finding qualified technologists even harder. But it has created more opportunities for tech pros looking to enter or advance their careers by moving into healthcare IT.

Were in an absolute staffing crisis when it comes to technology workers, particularly in healthcare, and well take on great talent today even if they dont have healthcare experience, Cronkite says.

Job statistics focused specifically on the full range of positions that make up healthcare IT arent readily available. However, figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics provide some perspective. The BLS, which groups medical records and health information specialists together, puts job growth in this sector at 9% from 2020 to 2030. It predicts an average of 34,300 job openings annually for the decade, much of it due to workers leaving the field as they retire or transfer into other areas. The bureau also expects the fields 416,400 positions in 2020 to add 37,100 new positions over the decade, for a total of 453,500 by 2030.

Statistics related to job growth in healthcare IT from Emsi Burning Glass, a labor market analytics firm, also provide insights into the field. The firm found that data engineer positions in this industry grew 122% from 2019 to 2022, data scientist positions grew 108% in those three years, web designer jobs grew 107%, mobile app developer jobs grew 73%, and user interface/user experience positions grew 52%. All of those figures are higher than the growth seen in those positions in other industries, according to firm researchers.

Robert Half Thomas Vick, regional director, Robert Half

All of healthcare is hiring, says Thomas Vick, regional director for human resources consulting firm Robert Half. And the open positions are really all-encompassing. All the facilities are hiring, research is hiring, and with the pandemic and more money being put into developing healthcare technologies, the product companies are hiring as well.

Growing number of opportunities

The growing number of opportunities in healthcare IT is not a new trend.

The profession started to rapidly expand after the 2009 passage of the federal Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act. Better known as the HITECH Act, this law encouraged healthcare providers to demonstrate meaningful use of electronic medical records (EMRs), also known as electronic health records (EHRs). The law kicked off significant investments in EMR systems and other computer technologies.

Despite those investments, however, healthcare lagged other industries in digitalization throughout the 2010s.

That changed with the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced hospitals and other healthcare organizations to rapidly upgrade their technology stacks, transform their operations, and become digital at scale. In response, healthcare tech vendors also ramped up development and delivery of the technologies the industry started to seek en masse.

Direct Recruiters Frank Myeroff, managing partner, Direct Recruiters

Those trends created not only more healthcare IT jobs, but a wider spectrum of roles, says Frank Myeroff, managing partner with Direct Recruiters, where healthcare IT is one of its largest and busiest practice areas.

Medical centers and hospitals that several years ago were focused on deploying EMRs and integrating them with other systems have broadened their focus to include secure remote care delivery, video connections, mobile capabilities for providers and patients, more digital services, the digitalization of more medical equipment, seamless patient experiences, and more innovation overall.

And those all require different skills and different experiences from their technical workers, Myeroff adds.

This digital transformation has been expanding the skills sought in healthcare tech workers, according to healthcare CIOs, recruiters, and industry analysts. They say that healthcare IT executives are seeking professionals who can develop digital platforms, who understand ecommerce, and who can work to secure all the interactions and systems.

The most in-demand skills

Most of the roles in healthcare IT are the same as those found in IT in other industries.

They include longstanding positions that make up the backbone of technology departments  positions such as programmer, software developer, project manager, network administrator, systems administrator, security analyst, and database administrator.

Like organizations in other industries, healthcare entities are also looking to hire technologists for more recent additions to the IT department lineup, including cloud architect, data scientist, and user experience designer.

TEKsystems Matt Ehrlich, executive director for healthcare services, TEKsystems

Matt Ehrlich, executive director for healthcare services at TEKsystems, which provides consulting and managed services, says he and others are hiring for all those positions as well as for roles specializing in automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics. He says those jobs are becoming increasingly important in the industry as healthcare seeks to make both its business operations and patient care more agile, efficient, and responsive.

Others say the industry is also hiring tech pros who can design mobile apps and user interfaces, as healthcare continues to build out its digital platforms connecting patients and providers.

And they say healthcare IT leaders are looking for technologists with strong interpersonal skills, such as the ability to collaborate, lead, and communicate. They want workers who are empathetic, too, a particularly valuable trait in an industry built on providing care to others.

Prerequisites often include undergraduate, and in some settings, graduate degrees and certifications, says Donna M. Roach, CIO at University of Utah Health (U of U Health). These degrees can come from a variety of specialties, focusing on analytical skills and clinical backgrounds. In addition, some EHRs require builder certifications to develop within the system. Of course, a strong background in customer service and good communication skills are key attributes for new IT members.

Niche needs

The healthcare sector does have some unique IT positions, such as those within healthcare informatics and those who work with EMR and clinical systems. For example, healthcare institutions with research divisions, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech firms need technologists who can work on laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Theres a lot of niche needs out there, Ehrlich says.

Consequently, healthcare IT leaders have typically sought to hire candidates with experience in healthcare IT itself, Ehrlich and others say.

Emsi Burning Glass Will Markow, vice president of applied research for talent, Emsi Burning Glass

Healthcare is fairly unique in how its recruiting for IT workers: In other areas they tend to look for tech skills and then domain expertise. In healthcare they need folks who have tech skills, but theyre more commonly looking for that domain-specific experience, the healthcare expertise, says Will Markow, vice president of applied research for talent at Emsi Burning Glass.

Markow says the industry values experience because healthcare itself is such a unique field; its mission and its values vary from those in most other industries, while the rules and regulations governing it are often unlike those governing other entities.

Healthcare executives want IT workers skilled and experienced in specific domains such as EMRs, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and medical coding for insurance reimbursement, Markow says. They also often require IT workers to have earned healthcare IT-related certifications, such as those offered by healthcare software vendors or by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). And they also want technologists to have a cursory understanding of the patient care experience so they can create solutions that enhance that experience, Markow says.

For those seeking a position in healthcare IT, it takes a combination of education, skillsets, and a desire to work in a fast-paced environment that is built on teamwork, says JoAnn Klinedinst, HIMSS vice president for professional development.

Given all that, Ehrlich says its not uncommon for hiring managers to get very specific about the experience they want. Clinical research organizations, for example, have very specific regulations to follow as they go through drug discovery and then seek approval for new therapeutics from the US Food and Drug Administration. They often use niche systems to support those processes, so they seek workers experienced in the technologies being used  and sometimes even in supporting work in specific phases of the drug discovery and approval process.

Candidate-driven market

Demand for such talent continues to exceed supply, according to industry insiders. (For reference, unemployment for IT professionals is less than 2%.)

University of Utah Health Donna M. Roach, CIO, University of Utah Health

The state of the healthcare IT market is even tighter than the regular IT market, U of U Healths Roach says.

She cites a few reasons, including healthcare organizations inability to compete at the higher wages that can be provided by for-profit companies and other technology sectors that can offer stock options and generally higher wages. She herself has experienced that dynamic, saying that several analysts and technical staff were recruited away by companies offering several thousands of dollars more in annual salaries with additional benefits that she couldnt beat with counteroffers.

Roach says the industry had also been slow to offer remote work options, although mobility and flexibility are the new norm for the healthcare technology workforce.

Healthcare IT also competes with other divisions within healthcare, she adds. Professional positions also leverage clinical backgrounds  i.e., nursing, physicians, and pharmacists  as subject matter experts, clinical builders, trainers, etc., she says. With the increasing demand for these clinical positions, these individuals are being recruited back to their clinical positions, leaving a deficit in a much-needed area.

Those factors have opened doors for tech professionals and other candidates looking to enter healthcare IT, experts say.

When we work with [clients to recruit workers], the question comes up whether healthcare IT experience is required. They used to always say yes, but now they say its preferred, Myeroff says. Theyre being forced to hire less experienced people than they like. And that has opened up opportunities for people coming into the field. In the past when I was a CIO, I wouldnt hire anyone who didnt have healthcare experience. But its different today. They hire for skills and teach healthcare [industry specifics].

Markow also sees this trend. Employers are recognizing that those who have all the tech and domain experience they want dont grow on trees, he says. They need IT workers who have both tech knowledge and healthcare knowledge, but theyre willing to sacrifice one or the other to get people in seats.

Research from Emsi Burning Glass confirms that trend, showing that healthcare employers are almost twice as likely to hire someone without a bachelors degree for an IT job than other industries: 26% of health IT jobs are open to someone without a bachelors vs. 14% in the broader economy. And 28% of health IT jobs are open to entry-level workers vs. 21% in the broader economy.

Theyre willing to help workers grow, Markow adds.

HIMSS JoAnn Klinedinst, vice president for professional development, HIMSS

Klinedinst says entry-level positions in healthcare IT mirror those in other industries and include analyst, specialist, applications support, database administrator, and project assistant. (HIMSS maintains a list of health information and technology job descriptions.)

Highly desirable skillsets like those involving cybersecurity, supply chain, data analysis, change management, ERP, and specific application certifications like Salesforce, Microsoft, Cisco, or others are highly desirable in health IT, she adds.

Although healthcare IT leaders today are more open to hiring tech workers without industry-specific experience for entry-level positions and standard IT roles, Klinedinst and others say experience and industry-specific tech certifications remain crucial for landing senior and more specialized roles in the industry.

At higher-level positions within healthcare IT, it does become a little bit more niche, says Vick from Robert Half.

Even so, he and others say healthcare entities are more willing to invest in getting technologists the training they need to advance and build their careers in this field, making it an opportune time for candidates interested in healthcare IT to seek out those positions.

Its a candidate-driven market, Vick says, and so this is a good time to look at those opportunities.
I spoke with Jamf CIO Linh Lam on a recent UK visit to mark the company's 20th anniversary. The 2020 Bay Area CIO of the Year Finalist joined Jamf in 2021  and thinks Apple will be the top enterprise endpoint by 2030 as its current momentum accelerates.

The changing landscape of enterprise IT

The way the demand is growing and the expectations of younger generations joining the workforce, Apple devices will be the number one endpoint by 2030, she told me.

That's not an outlier analysis. Spurred by Apples move to adopt its own rapidly improving silicon, Gartner analyst Mikako Kitagawa recently predicted Apple will seize 10.7% of the PC market in 2026 as Windows share slips. In the enterprise, where Apple adoption has been particularly rapid, BYOD, the impact of mobility, and the renaissance of flexible and hybrid working are accelerating the trend.

Managing this fast-changing technology and cultural landscape has forced CIOs to focus on fresh challenges. For example, when during the pandemic employees brought work home with them, they brought their technology home, too.

It blended with their home technology, said Lam. But it wasnt just the workers tech, or their domestic tech. I have two children at home doing third and first grade for nearly two years together and they bought their own tech home as well, Lam said.

While providing the tech was the first challenge, CIOs soon saw the security threat implicit in distributed endpoints outside of traditional permiter controls. So, as all of these devices are connecting into our network, how do we make sure that they are not introducing more risks? Lam said.

Security  balancing protection with productivity

CIOs must strike a good balance between elegant user experiences and security, but in doing so must also understand that: If employees feel like it's overly cumbersome or bogs them down or, or even worse, if they start to feel like, Wow, this seems a little bit Big Brother, are they accessing my personal data on my device? What happens then is employees stop using your solution, you lose productivity and security.

You also end up with workers using unauthorized solutions to get things done.

There are lots of security tools out there, different tools that do different things. The challenge comes when you try to bring them together.

Some of them have varying levels of support for different OSes, so to push out policies, you need to push them out across different tools to make that one end user experience work, and it might be very inconsistent.

Lam argues that creating seamless experiences to empower employees without undermining the user experience or device performance is essential. That's where you're going to succeed on that employee experience place, she said.

Technology should enable them to do their jobs, not make their work harder for them, she said.

Eric von Hippel, professor at MIT's Sloan School of Management, calls this user innovation," and believes there is big value to be unleashed when businesses work with employees to identify and resolve the challenges workers have, rather than forcing solutions they dont need upon them.

We're all engineers at the end of the day in the field of IT. We're building things, says Lam. That's what gets us excited. But its even more exciting to see it being used. So, if you're rolling out solutions, or putting security tools on devices that make them harder to use, or make your employees or students lives harder, they're not going to use them or will find a way to get around them. That would be the worst-case scenario, because if they start doing that, then you lose visibility and control and security around those connections.

Remote work is a huge opportunity

Ultimately, employee experiences are critical.

Lam is based in California, and notes that one positive outcome from the pandemic has been a willingness to embrace remote work. She might otherwise never have been hired at Jamf, for example.

Our employees can work from anywhere. employees do have choices now, right. So, if you make it so hard for them, when you become known as the company that, Oh, man, all their devices are locked down  you can barely get your work done, you know, on the devices. People have choices and they may look elsewhere.

I feel that, you know, it's just that muscle of reminding yourself, that experience also needs to be there because  well, look at what's happening  the Great Resignation, for example.

The ability to work remotely makes it possible to build teams from a diversity of backgrounds. Employee diversity is another key tenet being rapidly embraced across enterprises, not just in line with corporate social responsibility, but also because diversity brings teams additional insight and knowledge that can help businesses succeed, even in a down period. McKinsey says there is a relationship between diversity and business success, in that the more diverse teams are more likely to experience financial outperformance.

The complexity will be rationalized

I came from a world in which I had to support Windows devices and Macs, said Lam. My breakdown was around 40% Macs and the rest Windows. I was doing zero touch deployment with Autopilot and Intune for the Windows devices. There was no chance I was going to accomplish that for the Macs, and we leveraged Jamf for it. And I will tell you the experience of doing it for the Mac devices on Jamf was near flawless from like inception to deployment to getting it out. It was a little bit of a bear on the other side, right?

As soon as a new OS shipped, everything broke because users would update and then call my help desk because apps stopped working and this happened each time an update shipped. But telling people not to update when the software ships is a terrible experience.

Jamf, of course, provides same-day support for Apple software updates, and Lam and her team use the same technology to maintain their devices. I know that all of our devices and their apps will continue to work seamlessly when updates ship.

Please follow me on Twitter, or join me in the AppleHolics bar & grill and Apple Discussions groups on MeWe.
Webappnote.com scored 43 Social Media Impact. Social Media Impact score is a measure of how much a site is popular on social networks. 2/5.0 Stars by Social Team

This CoolSocial report was updated on 27 Feb 2015, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want.

The total number of people who shared the webappnote homepage on Google Plus by a google +1 button. This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared, liked or recommended the webappnote homepage on Facebook + the total number of page likes (if webappnote has a Facebook fan page). This is the sum of two values: the total number of people who shared the webappnote homepage on Twitter + the total number of webappnote followers (if webappnote has a Twitter account). The total number of people who shared the webappnote homepage on StumbleUpon. The total number of people who shared the webappnote homepage on Delicious.

Basic Information

PAGE TITLE Sign in - Google Accounts DESCRIPTION KEYWORDS OTHER KEYWORDS google, account, portugus, sign in, google account, bahasa, english



CoolSocial advanced keyword analysis tool is able to detect and analyze every keyword on each page of a site. The URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address of the site. The keywords meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage. The title found in the head section of the homepage. The description meta-tag found in the head section of the homepage.

Domain and Server

DOCTYPE HTML 5.0 CHARSET AND LANGUAGE English UTF-8English DETECTED LANGUAGE English English SERVER GSE OPERATIVE SYSTEM

The language of webappnote.com as detected by CoolSocial algorithms. Represents HTML declared type (e.g.: XHTML 1.1, HTML 4.0, the new HTML 5.0) Operative System running on the server. Character set and language of the site. Type of server and offered services.

Site Traffic trend during the last year. Only available for sites ranked <= 100000 in the world.

Referring domains for webappnote.com by MajesticSeo. High values are a sign of site importance over the web and on web engines.

Facebook link

FACEBOOK PAGE LINK NOT FOUND

Facebook Timeline is the new layout of Facebook pages. A Facebook page link can be found in the homepage or in the robots.txt file. The type of Facebook page. The URL of the found Facebook page. The total number of people who like website Facebook page. The description of the Facebook page describes website and its services to the social media users. The total number of people who tagged or talked about website Facebook page in the last 7-10 days.

Twitter account link

TWITTER PAGE LINK NOT FOUND
The market for you and your devices location is enormous and growing. That data is collected by your network provider, by apps on your smart devices, and by the websites with which you engage. It is the holy grail of marketing, and infosecs nightmare.

Companies that produce location-tracking algorithms and technological magic are riding the hyper-personalized marketing rocket, which continues to expand at breathtaking speed. In the fall of 2021, Grandview Research estimated the U.S. market alone to be approximately $14 billion USD and expected it to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.6% from 2022 to 2030.

With growth projections of this size, the segment is no doubt considered a sweet sector in which to be engaged. Its another example of the robust, cutting-edge infrastructure that IT and security departments support presenting new challenges with regularity.

Dangers of sharing location data

The long trail of data left by your employees when aggregated may provide competitors an overt means to deduce your companys research and development efforts, identify public instances of your trade secrets and the cataloging the location of your employees and corporate assets. They may be as innocuous as who is attending the corporate customer convention, to who is working on the latest widget that will slice bread differently, or the pattern of executive engagement and movement prior or during crisis. All of the above is expected in the world of competitive intelligence.

Another challenge that engineers and those who support these apps and algorithms may not have had in the calculus is how the information can be used against individuals as opposed to for the benefit of the individual. Yet such is the case within the context of the Roe v Wade case before the Supreme Court of the United States and the various anti-abortion laws that have been passed in some of the states within the U.S.

Indeed, Vice magazines article Data Broker Is Selling Location Data of People Who Visit Abortion Clinics noted how, It costs just over $160 to get a week's worth of data on where people who visited Planned Parenthood came from, and where they went afterwards. The piece continues with the identification of the entity selling the data, SafeGraph: SafeGraph ultimately obtains location data from ordinary apps installed on peoples phones. Often app developers install code, called software development kits (SDKs), into their apps that sends users location data to companies in exchange for the developer receiving payment. While Safeguard declined to comment directly to Vice, the CEO did publish a denial via a Tweet.

Surveillance Technology Oversight Project Research Director Eleni Manis commented how the organizations report on the use of technology to track women lays out the steps that states, abortion providers, and tech companies must take to improve privacy protections for pregnant people, while also describing the steps pregnant people can take to protect themselves from digital surveillance.

The Markup did a deep dive into the industry and located 47 different companies involved in the data location sector in September 2021. Its story highlighted how data from a Muslim prayer app was sold to military contractors. A Catholic news outlet used data to track a gay priest who frequented gay bars. Another data company sold data to the U.S. government for use in support of immigration monitoring. Separately, social media was alight with warnings that apps that women use to track their menstrual periods were being harvested to identify those who may be pregnant by anti-abortion entities and law enforcement in some states.

SDKs to add location tracking to other apps

The most interesting data point drawn from the Markup piece is the clarity in its explanation on how the various data aggregators create SDKs that are available for licensing, oftentimes at no cost, for integration into an entitys application. Thus, the applications developers have the functionality provided by the SDK and the company who developed the SDK is harvesting the data for their use.

Growing pressure to regulate use of location data

The collection and use of data to identify pregnant women who may be exercising their healthcare choices was the proverbial straw that broke the camels back with respect to congressional interest. A letter addressed to U.S. FTC Chairman Lina Khan, signed by 16 senators, requested the FTC to investigate this lightly regulated sector. What measures is the FTC taking to ensure individuals have the right to review and remove their information online and assist them should their data be sold or if they become victim to a breach? Their questions:

How does the FTC plan to mitigate harms posed by mobile phone apps that are developed to collect and sell location data? How is the FTC educating individuals about how to identify apps that collect and sell their location data?

What is the FTC doing to coordinate with Department of Justice, states and localities, health care providers and private stakeholders to prevent data brokers and others from gaining access to the personal information of women and their healthcare decisions?

Does the FTC need additional resources to better protect women from having their personal location data bought and disseminated by data brokers?

While the letter requested the FTC provide answers, the questions should also serve to guide every company that engages in evolving commercial offerings or creating SDKs for embedding by others as to the focus of those who create the laws of the land.
ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. (AP)  A suburban Chicago man charged in the drowning deaths of his three young children left a note for his estranged wife saying, If I cant have them neither can you, prosecutors said Wednesday.

The note was mentioned during a bond hearing for Jason E. Karels, 35, of Round Lake Beach, who faces three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths Monday of 5-year-old Bryant Karels, 3-year-old Cassidy Karels and 2-year-old Gideon Karels.

Officers sent to his home to check on the children's welfare found the note, prosecutors said.

Jason Karels appeared before Lake County Judge Theodore Potkonjak and was ordered held on a $10 million bond. It was not immediately known if Karels had a lawyer to speak on his behalf.

The Lake County States Attorneys Office will seek to hold Karels without the possibility of cash bond, and that motion will be heard in court on July 13, prosecutor Jeff Fackham said.

Karels was arrested after leading police on a chase that ended in a crash Monday at an Interstate 80 bridge in Joliet, Round Lake Beach police Chief Gilbert Rivera said at a news conference Tuesday.

Karels was hospitalized after the crash but has since been released, prosecutors said.

Rivera said the parents shared custody of the children but did not live together. Rivera said he did not know their marital status.

After the crash in Joliet, Karels told first responders he was responsible for his children's deaths and had attempted to kill himself before fleeing the home, Rivera said. Officers found the mans blood in the house from his attempts to hurt himself, Rivera said.
DANBURY  The embattled president of Western Connecticut State University who earned a no confidence vote from faculty furious over the depletion of 99 percent of the schools reserves will step down in July in a leadership shakeup that will bring in a veteran Arkansas educator.

Thursday mornings announcement that John Clark will step down after seven years as president of the worst financially performing of Connecticuts four state universities came as no surprise to the president of the faculty union, who added that the state system of universities and colleges shared blame.

John Clark has become so unpopular that he had to get out  he had to step down, said Rotua Lumbantobing, an associate professor of economics and president of WestConns chapter of the American Association of University Professors. But the fact that (the state) chose someone from outside the state and outside our system who doesnt know anything us  without consulting with us or any faculty or union leaders shows that they still have not learned anything from this financial crisis.

Lumbantobing is referring to the appointment of Paul Beran, the former chancellor at the University of Arkansas, whose job on July 15 will be to turn around the 4,800-student Danbury university that was found in an independent auditors report to be in serious financial difficulty because of years of spending increases that depleted the institutions reserves.

I look forward to being able to build relationships with all members of the community  most especially the faculty and the administration at the university, said Beran during a brief interview Thursday from Arkansas. There are issues to overcome but I believe they are completely doable  and I need the faculty and everyone elses help.

How WestConn got into such a deep financial hole was documented in a report earlier this year that found the university operating on a structural deficit with an expenditure control problem, not a revenue problem.

The report said the COVID pandemic exacerbated already significant enrollment and financial challenges, and characterized the universitys approach to budgeting as We havent had a balanced budget for years; why start now?

That scathing report led to a faculty vote of no confidence in Clark in May, calling for him to step down.

At the time, Clark said through a spokesman that he had no plans to step down.

That changed Thursday.

I will be stepping down from the presidency at WCSU next month, Clark said in a prepared statement, which was released in conjunction with a statement from Terrence Cheng, president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system.

John Clark will be stepping down as president of Western Connecticut State University on July 14, Cheng said. Along with members of my executive team at the CSCU system office, I will work closely with (Paul) Beran, and the administration, faculty and staff at WCSU to address the challenges that lie immediately ahead of us, while building toward a strong and sustainable future.

rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342
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JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  Mississippi is violating its own constitution by directing $10 million in pandemic relief money to private schools, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday by a parents' group that supports public schools.

The lawsuit challenges the Independent Schools Infrastructure Grant Program.

In April, the Legislature passed and Republican Gov. Tate Reeves signed two bills. One creates the grant program to help private schools pay for water, broadband and other infrastructure projects. The other allocates the $10 million for the program, as of July 1.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi, the Mississippi Center for Justice and Democracy Forward filed the lawsuit in Hinds County Chancery Court on behalf of Parents for Public Schools, an advocacy group founded more than 30 years ago.

The lawsuit asks a judge to block the grant program, which would make up to $100,000 available to any in-state school that is a member of the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools and that is accredited by a state, regional or national organization. The parameters of the program exclude public schools from applying for the infrastructure grants.

During a debate April 5, Republican Sen. John Polk of Hattiesburg argued in favor of creating the grant program for private schools.

Private, independent K through 12s suffered a lot during the COVID epidemic, just as our public schools did," Polk said. And so we want to make sure that they have some ability to improve their conditions.

The lawsuit cites Section 208 of the Mississippi Constitution, which prohibits the use of public money for any school that is not a free school.

Private schools can operate only so long as students pay tuition, but public schools have an obligation to serve every child, the lawsuit says.

Infrastructure upgrades, like those challenged here, make private schools more competitive. And when students leave their public school, the public schools state funding diminishes, the lawsuit says. "This competitive imbalance is further exacerbated by public schools ineligibility to apply for grants through the challenged legislation.

Mississippi is receiving $1.8 billion from the federal government for pandemic relief. During this year's legislative session, the House and Senate made plans to spend most of that money.

The bill that created the infrastructure grant program for private schools also had other projects. It passed the Senate 50-0 and the House 116-3.

The funding bill for the private schools grant program passed the Senate 30-17, with Republicans in favor and Democrats opposed. It passed the House 90-13, but the partisan divide was not as sharp.

Legislators this year created a program to provide interest-free loans to public schools to improve buildings and other facilities, with funding coming from the state. Those loans must be repaid within 10 years. The grants to private schools do not need to be repaid.

In 2020, Mississippi legislators used $10 million from another round of federal pandemic relief funding to create a grant program for private schools to buy cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment and other COVID-19 safety items.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  A standoff between a Republican-dominated county commission and New Mexico's Democratic secretary of state over the commission's conspiracy-fueled refusal to certify election results escalated Thursday with a threat from the state's top prosecutor.

The showdown came on the eve of the deadline to certify the results of the June 7 primary. It also provided a stark example of the chaos that election experts have warned about as those who promote the lie that former President Donald Trump was cheated out of reelection seek to populate local election offices and the usually low-profile boards that certify the results.

The governing commission in Otero County refused to certify the local results of the states primary because of unspecified concerns with the equipment, even though it has identified no problems with the Dominion systems used by the county to tally paper ballots.

New Mexicos top prosecutor told the commission to follow an order from the state Supreme Court to certify the results. A spokesperson for Attorney General Hector Balderas said the Otero County commission in southern New Mexico "must comply with the rule of law or we will take legal action.

The secretary of states office had asked the attorney general to investigate the commission for possible violations of state election and government ethics laws, which can be felonies if the action is willful and result in removal from office.

At least one of the three county commissioners was unfazed. Commissioner Couy Griffin told CNN that he was not planning to vote for certification.

Why have a commission if we just get overridden by the court system? he said.

It was not immediately clear what would happen if the county refuses to certify its results, a typically ministerial duty but one that has drawn the spotlight since Trump tried to pressure some certification boards in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election.

The developments in New Mexico can be traced to far-right conspiracy theories over voting machines that have spread across the country over the past two years. Various Trump allies have claimed that Dominion voting systems had somehow been manipulated as part of an elaborate scheme to steal the election, which President Joe Biden won.

There is no evidence of widespread fraud or manipulation of voting equipment that could have affected the outcome of the 2020 election.

Dominion has filed several defamation lawsuits, including against Fox News, and in a statement earlier this week said the action by the Otero County commissioners was yet another example of how lies about Dominion have damaged our company and diminished the publics faith in elections.

Otero County Clerk Robyn Holmes, a Republican in her fourth term as the countys lead elections administrator, told The Associated Press that the June 7 primary was conducted without problems. Machine tallies at 16 voting centers each matched the number of ballots that were handed out.

The primary went off without a hitch," she said. "It was a great election.

Trump won nearly 62% of the 2020 vote in Otero County, where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats nearly 2-1. A Democrat has not won a seat on the county commission since 1994.

Defiance of the federal government and its oversight of public lands are staples of politics in largely rural Otero County, which spans an area three times the size of Delaware and includes a portion of the White Sands Missile Range, site of the first atomic bomb test.

The issue will come to a head on Friday, when New Mexico counties face a midnight deadline to certify their election results.

So far, all but six of New Mexicos 33 counties have certified their results, and no other county officials have said publicly that they intend to vote against certification.

In politically conservative Torrance County, commissioners scheduled discussions Friday about election integrity" and the potential for litigation, alongside its vote on whether to certify the primary election results.

Otero County Attorney Roy Nichols said the commission there has scheduled an emergency meeting ahead of the deadline. He said he could not speak for the commissioners and that its unclear whether they will vote to certify the results. Two of three commissioners need to vote in favor of the certification.

That's potentially important because it's not clear whether Griffin will even be in New Mexico to attend the meeting on Friday. He also is scheduled to be sentenced in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., after being convicted of entering restricted U.S. Capitol grounds  though not the building  during the Jan. 6 insurrection.

State election officials advised the sentencing judge of Griffins refusal to certify primary election results in New Mexico.

___

Bryan reported from Albuquerque. Associated Press writers Christina Almeida Cassidy in Atlanta; Scott Sonner in Reno, Nevada; and Terry Tang in Phoenix contributed to this report.
Im not flexible enough to do yoga, is just one of the many reasons why most people never even give yoga a try.

Heres a truth to blow your mind: the actual poses of yoga are only one out of eight limbs or pillars of yoga. The others are practices of self-restraint, self-observance, breath, detachment, focused concentration, meditation and spiritual connection.

So, no, you dont have to be able to touch your toes to do yoga; however, you do need to be open to practicing kindness, nonviolence, letting go and moderation.

The highest reported benefit of yoga is the overall mindfulness and inner peace it provokes. During the physical practice of yoga, many teachers instruct on the breath and lengthening the exhales of the class to induce a calmer nervous system state.

As your heart rate goes up, your teacher may gently remind you to breathe. During class you can expect to also hear physical body cues to enhance your mind-body connection while building strength and resilience in your body and mind.

Imagine being in class and the teacher guides you into a physical posture such as Crescent Lunge: a traditional lunge with your back leg straight, up high on your back toes with your arms overhead. Now imagine, as your muscles are shaking and your quads are burning, the teacher asks you to exhale and soften your faceyou may find yourself angry, Dont tell me what to do! or relieved, Ah! There goes my tension or annoyed, How long are we going to be here for? And the only question to ask yourself in that moment is, when have I felt this way before? Your yoga practice mimics life in its twist and turns, ups and downs while teaching you that you are, overall, safe even when irritated and annoyed.

Yoga offers you a preview into your subconscious mind. It allows you to slow down to listen to the chatter in your mind with the intention of releasing all that doesnt serve you. A regular yoga practice has the ability to slow your thoughts down so you can start to listen to them. The good ones that celebrate you and the bad ones that punish you day after day.

Along with decreasing your negative self-talk, research shows that yoga has been proven to decrease your resting heart rate, blood pressure and reduces time spent in sympathetic activation (aka the stress system/fight or fight). When you spend less time in fight or flight, youre able to stay fully present and even sleep better. If you struggle with sleep, invite your yoga practice to your bed:

Lay with your feet up the wall or headboard for 5-10-plus minutes while gently resting your eyes. Take one hand on your heart and one hand on your belly. Inhale for 5 seconds feeling your belly rise first, then your chest, exhale for 6 seconds while feeling your chest fall and then your belly. If youre having trouble feeling your belly activate, extend your exhale for as long as you can push the air outkeep pushingTHATS your diaphragm! Take your hand there and breathe into it! Remember, this is a practice!

The best part? Theres no right way to do yoga!

What your yoga could look like:

Sitting quietly for 5 minutes focusing on one object (hold it in your hands or gently gaze at it!)

Walking quietly (no music!) while checking in with all five senses periodically throughout the walk

Taking a power, yin, or restorative yoga class

Focusing on inhaling for 5 seconds, breathing in through your belly, into your ribs and then your chest followed by a longer 6 second exhale out your chest  ribs  belly. Repeat for a certain amount of time or cycles of breath

Whether youre a beginner or an advanced student, yoga is for everybody. And now, with the annual International Day of Yoga coming on June 21, I hope to see you on your mat!

Gabby DeLorenze is a Yoga and Meditation instructor at Prive-Swiss Fitness, an award-winning, boutique fitness studio, located at 1587 Boston Post Road, Westbrook, 757 Boston Post Road, Madison and 57 Main Street, Ivoryton; phone: 860-391-8735; website: www.priveswissfitness.com.
FAIRFIELD  A proposed apartment building downtown has several obstacles to its approval.

The application, made by developer 15 Unquowa Road, LLC, requests permission to build a 63-unit, multi-family development at the address for which it is named. The development would be known as Center Commons.

Christopher Smith, the developers attorney, said the application aligns with Fairfields affordable housing plan, citing aspects of the plans goals such as providing diverse housing stock for a wide variety of people, promoting walkability and transit-oriented development, as well as helping retain existing businesses and attract new ones.

Members of the Town Plan and Zoning Commission focused on the developments impact on sewers, drainage and groundwater, as well as the text amendment during a public hearing on Tuesday. The meeting was adjourned after a long, unfinished presentation and questioning from the commission, and will be continued June 28.

Jim Wendt, Fairfields planning director, said the developer is requesting a zoning text amendment and site plan approval from the commission. He said the property is a through-lot between Unquowa and Sanford street, adding it is adjacent to the community theater.

Town Plan and Zoning Commission Chair Thomas Noonan said there is concern that the text amendment, which would make it possible to build the housing in that zone, could lead to more multi-family residential development, thereby taking away commercial space and causing other issues.

We have more density, potentially, more impact on the sewers... same with drainage and parking, he said. With the idea that these regulations are opening the door for those possibilities, but at the same time having these future applications be 8-30g unto themselves, I would think its still proper of us to look at the impact of these regulations on the entire zone if that were adopted.

Wendt noted a proposal was withdrawn last year for that site.

Wendt said the proposal calls for a bigger building than the prior application did, with plans for 51/2 stories. There will also be parking underneath the building and around it. He said the height of the building would be taller than zoning regulations allow, but the application was filed under 8-30g, so the developer would be exempt from that rule.

State statute 8-30g allows developers to bypass municipal laws and regulations as long as a certain percentage of the project is affordable housing. Of the 63 units in this development, 19 would be restricted as affordable.

Smith said the new application removed the planned commercial area on the first floor because it is not exactly clear in 8-30g if there can be a commercial component. He said the developer would be happy to include the commercial space if the commission said it would approve it.

According to town documents, the 20,610-square-foot property would be the site of a 66,140-square-foot apartment building that would offer 16 studio, four one-bedroom and 43 two-bedroom units.

Jason Edwards, the developers engineer, said the building has been designed to be water tight and the runoff system in place would reduce runoff by more than a third.

Larry Edwards, another engineer for the developer, said the sewer design has been upgraded to allow nearly double the usage over the prior plan.

Members of the TPZ noted the developer has conditional approval from the Water Pollution Control Authority, which was originally granted approval for the prior, smaller application. The conditions required the developer to increase the size of the sewer pipe, do an additional flow analysis and get approval from the Connecticut Department of Transportation and utility company.

Its not in line with what were normally seeing, Noonan said. Its a conditional approval that, based on what youre telling me, seems likely to happen.

Smith said the standard of approval for the TPZ should be based on if there is a reasonable probability that the WPCA will approve the plans, and recommended consulting the town attorney. Larry Edwards said the increase in pipe size would keep the sewers usage at approximately 40 percent, noting the WPCA uses 80 percent as an unspoken threshold.

Commissioners showed interest in making their approval conditional to WPCA approval, which is also conditional.

joshua.labella@hearstmediact.com
SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. (AP)  A southern Arizona man accused of killing his ex-wife and her male friend and then burning their bodies in a rented SUV last year has pleaded guilty and been sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Cochise County prosecutors said 58-year-old Gregory Carlson of Sunizona admitted in court Tuesday that he fatally shot Duong Nguyen and Robert Atwell in early September.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP)  A 17-year-old Colorado Springs girl whose body was found inside the Walgreens store where she worked had expressed concerns about a 28-year-old coworker who made her uncomfortable because he had a crush on her, according to a police affidavit used to secure the man's arrest in connection with her death.

Riley Whitelaw had complained to a manager last year that Joshua Taylor Johnson had made advances towards her, and she asked for a change of work hours so she wouldn't have to work with him several weeks before her body was found inside a break room at the Colorado Springs store on Saturday, according to the affidavit obtained by The Gazette.
RALEIGH. N.C. (AP)  A caucus supporting African Americans within the North Carolina Democratic Party announced on Wednesday it's boycotting statewide party events this weekend because it said party officials overlooked Juneteenth and Father's Day.

The state party convention, State Executive Committee meeting and "Unity Dinner," all in Durham, will be held Saturday, the day before both observances.

The NCDP did not consider its magnitude of disregard for the holidays, the African American Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party said in a release. The group's statement said the concerns surfaced after last weekend's monthly meeting of the caucus, which has from 300 to 500 members.

Caucus President Collette Alston told WRAL-TV that given the pandemic this year will be the first chance many people have had to gather to observe Juneteenth, which became a federal holiday last year.

The holiday commemorates when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, in 1865, two months after the Confederacy had surrendered in the Civil War and about 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in Southern states.

Required attendance this weekend for party business instead did not sit too well with caucus members, Alston said. Gov. Roy Cooper and U.S. Senate nominee Cheri Beasley are expected to speak at Saturday evening's fundraising dinner.

Party Chair Bobbie Richardson, who is also a founding member of the caucus, didn't address the boycott in a statement Wednesday but said the party will honor and celebrate Sundays Juneteenth holiday as we conduct the business of the party.
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TRUMBULL  The display case near the entrance of SICILEat is filled with the tastes that Francesco Buscema grew up with.

The restaurant at 123 Monroe Turnpike has a heavy emphasis on what Buscema  who was born in Palermo, Sicily  calls street food. These are bready, often fried concoctions such as arancina a carna (fried rice balls stuff with meat sauce and peas), a street calzone (a brioche bun stuffed with mozzarella and ham) and spinacina (a brioche stuffed with a creamy bechamel sauce, mozzarella and spinach).

This is part of my dream, said Buscema, the restaurants owner and manager, who now lives in Trumbull. To introduce a new concept here and to bring a piece of Sicily to Trumbull.

SICILEat, which opened May 19, features an array of casual Italian offerings, including a variety of pizzas and a selection of grinders and burgers. But its the street food that Buscema perhaps is most excited to offer.

Buscema grew up in Germany, but Sicily has always been a part of his life. He ran a pizzeria there for four years before he met his wife and moved with her to Connecticut. Once he was here, he said, he had a hard time finding some of his favorite dishes at area restaurants, so he began making them himself.

When he saw the space available on Monroe Turnpike, right next to Mex on Main, it seemed like an opportunity.

We wanted to have a very casual place, said Buscema. Diners can either take their items to go, or eat at one of the tables in the small but comfortable dining room.

The center of many of Buscemas beloved street food offerings is the brioche bun, a rich and buttery bread with a hint of sweetness. For his savory items, the bun is stuffed with meats, cheese, vegetables and sauce, but theres also a brioche-based dessert on the SICILEat menu. Called Amore Mio, it features a brioche stuffed with the chocolate-hazelnut spread Nutella.

Trumbull economic and community development director Rina Bakalar applauded Buscema and SICILEat for bringing more culinary diversity to the area.

They are adding a great option, Sicilian street food, to the array of restaurants and eateries in Trumbull, she said. Their location, next to Mex on Main  a local favorite  provides more needed options for the businesses and their employees in the area as well as Trumbull, Monroe and Shelton residents nearby.

SICILEat is one of several new restaurants that have come to Trumbull over the past year, with others including the Mexican restaurant Guacamoles at the Westfield Trumbull mall, and the Italian wine bar, Ecco.

So far, Buscema said, SICILEat is starting to gain some traction among area diners, who are looking to try something new.

The best thing is for them to come here and make their own experience, he said.
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BRIDGEPORT  Juliemar Ortizs campaign as of Thursday was facing a shortfall of signatures needed for her to qualify for this summers 23rd Senate District Democratic primary.

We are currently communicating with the registrar (of voters) and hoping we can get them to fix the signatures they incorrectly invalidated, Bryan Chong, a spokesperson for Ortiz, said.

The district is mostly within Bridgeport, but includes part of Stratford along Stratford Avenue and Honeyspot Road.

According to Chong, Ortiz and her allies needed to gather 1,585 signatures from registered Democrats in the districts Bridgeport and Stratford neighborhoods for her to compete against endorsed candidate Rev. Herron Gaston and incumbent Dennis Bradley in the Aug. 9 primary.

The campaign submitted 1,905. The registrars office then validates those signatures and forwards them to the Secretary of the State. That latter agency as of late afternoon Thursday had tallied 1,547 signatures for Ortiz.

The problem, Chong explained, is that Bridgeport tossed out about 80 signatures, many of which were crucial to get Ortiz to her 1,585 threshold.

We are disputing at least 80 signatures, he said. Dozens of signatures that the registrar marked as not registered voters (that) we found simply to be wrong.

He said the registrar has also disputed the qualifications of one of the individuals who circulated the petitions.

Bridgeport Democratic Registrar Patricia Howard could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday.

Meanwhile Desmond Conner, communications director for Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, said that office only tabulates the data forwarded it by the registrars.

We dont have anything to do with the validity of the signatures once we get them, he said Thursday, adding any dispute between a campaign and a registrar would have to go to court.

We are hoping it may come to a resolution, Chong said. But, he continued, The bottom line is were prepared to fight tooth and nail to defend the peoples right to a fair and transparent election.

Bradley, a local attorney and former school board member, was elected to the state Senate in 2018 and re-elected in 2020. Then last May he was arrested on federal charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to his 2018 campaign fundraising efforts.

Gaston, who works for Mayor Joe Ganim as an assistant chief administrative officer, successfully challenged Bradley for the Democratic Town Committees endorsement at its May convention.

But Bradley  whose trial has continually faced delays  received enough delegate support to automatically qualify for the August primary. In contrast Ortiz, a former aide for state Senate Democrats and former press secretary for Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz , did not, resulting in her required petition drive.

Ortiz was also earlier this month cross-endorsed by the Working Families third party which over the years has proven to be a force in Democrat-dominated Bridgeport politics.

We did help with the petition drive, Sarah Ganong, director of the Connecticut Working Families, said Thursday. I know the campaign feels pretty confident ... they have obtained the correct signatures (and) Juliemar will be able to get on the ballot.
BRIDGEPORT  Two people were seriously hurt after the scooter they were riding Wednesday afternoon was struck by a pickup truck that fled the scene, a city official confirmed.

Scott Appleby, the citys director of emergency management, said one of the riders was revived several times following the crash. Police said the two injured victims  males 18 and 17 years old  were hospitalized with serious injuries.

The driver of the truck turned himself in after police said they tracked down his vehicle. Police did not release his name or say if he is facing any charges.

Bridgeport authorities began receiving 911 calls for a motor vehicle crash on Kossuth Street near Berkshire Avenue around 5:50 p.m., police said in a statement.

Preliminary reports indicated a pickup truck struck two juveniles on a scooter, police said. The operator and vehicle fled the scene.

Residents of the area said Thursday the collision appeared to have occurred near the intersection of Kossuth and Putnam streets, with the scooter headed across Putnam before it was hit by the truck, which was traveling south on Kossuth.

Norberto Medina Jr. said he was inside his house nearby when the collision occurred and went outside as people in the area rushed to help the injured victims.

Footage from a camera on Medinas porch did not depict the collision, but the crash can be heard  followed by what appears to be the truck dragging the scooter down Kossuth Street.

It was a crazy situation, Medina said. People screaming, yelling. It was chaos.

Jhonatan De Le Rosa said he didnt see the collision, but heard it while at his home.

I heard a boom, De La Rosa said. It was crazy.

He said the truck dragged the scooter for more than a block.

It was like a movie, he said. Ive never seen anything like that. Never.

Firefighters, police and paramedics responded to the scene, where EMS provided lifesaving medical procedures, to at least one of the victims, according to police.

Police said the conditions of the two victims were unknown as of Thursday afternoon.

It was unclear exactly what kind of scooter the 18- and 17-year-old were riding, according to police. Appleby said Thursday afternoon a report was not yet available.

According to the states Department of Motor Vehicles, scooters, mopeds or motorbikes with an engine size below 50 cc and a seat height of at least 26 inches do not need to be registered, though a person must have a drivers license to use one.

Mini-motorcycles, aka pocket bikes, are prohibited from use on public roads, according to the DMV.

This incident is still an open investigation and is being investigated by the Bridgeport Police Accident Reconstruction Team, updates will follow, police said.
Steve Mital, director of the University of Oregons office of sustainability, stood in front of a podium and acknowledged that most people were there for one thing: the goats.

Behind him, two goats named Bert and Ernie dispassionately nibbled on the blackberry bushes that fortify the Willamette rivers bank.

This is a great day to celebrate, Mital said to the crowd.

UO brought out 10 goats to graze along the Willamette Natural Area and invited four speakers to praise Campus Planning and Facility Managements new proposed plan on May 24.

This is a new opportunity for us to think through how we could steward this area, Mital said.

UO has property that reaches the banks of the Willamette River. According to Jeff Krueger, UO acquired the riverbank property called the Willamette Natural Area in 1970. Krueger, a UO instructor in the School of Architecture and Environment, was a speaker at the event. In 2018, UO received a permit designating the area as designated for future habitat restoration, Krueger said.

Its a very achievable thing to do, habitat restoration, Krueger said.

Efforts to carry out this restoration in the plan include enhancing grasslands to increase native grass diversity, expanding mixed woodland and controlling invasive species to supplement native vegetation in their place.

The Society for Ecological Restoration at UO helped facilitate the planning and preparation for the goat grazing. After the goats leave, UO graduate students and SER members Cal Penkauskas and Sarah Erskine said a grazing program could potentially be a part of the management plan.

Ideally, a herd of fenced-off, free-ranging goats would graze all week to push back the thick blackberry bushes at least twice a year, allowing native species to grow in its space and opening up the riverfront for easier access, Penkauskas said.

Reintroducing disturbances like goats and people will benefit the area, he said. Before colonization, indigenous peoples managed the area through burning and other culturally significant treatments, he said.

Without that disturbance, certain plants will then dominate the landscape, he said. But because there's nothing to push them back, the native species that evolved with that disturbance regime can't compete anymore.

Krueger said the plan would incorporate more culturally-significant plants to indigenous peoples, such as camas, tarweeds, elderberry, dogweed and hazel.

Its really important for us to acknowledge that Native Americans lived in the Willamette Valley for thousands of years, Krueger said.

The plan would also include the creation of a soft-surface universal access trail, an osprey nesting platform, native habitat art display, easier ways for people to access to the riverfront and areas to be used as outdoor classroom spaces or field studies.

One of the issues weve identified is theres really no safe way to get to the river, Krueger said. He occasionally brings his students to study the river but has trouble reaching the waters edge, he said.

Adell Amos, a UO professor and the executive director for the environment initiative at the UO, said it can be easy to be cynical about institutions but that UO is trying to be an antidote.

The possibility that we could have an outdoor classroom in this spot is really exciting to me, she said.

No firm date has been set for a decision on the proposed plans approval.

Although the goats are helping with habitat restoration, the project is really focused on restoring relationships  especially between students and their campus, Penkauskas said. He hopes students will use the space for research or just to sit and enjoy the area.

In modern culture, American culture, we think of nature being other, somewhere else and out there, he said. The reality is that it is right here, and we have to cultivate that relationship with the land again.
About to fly to Rwanda, Prince Charles should be grateful to the European Court of Human Rights for grounding the inaugural refugee flight. Already facing awkwardness at the first Commonwealth summit since Meghan made her explosive claim of royal racism, he did not need the fallout of a plane-load of asylum seekers to add to his woes. Additionally, many members of the Commonwealth are unhappy that Rwanda, with an iffy human rights record, was admitted to the Commonwealth in 2009, let alone being given the honour of hosting the summit. And its not the first time Euro law has helped the heir. The European Convention on Human Rights allowed him to marry Camilla in a register office, overriding Britains 1949 Marriage Act, which prevents senior royals from having civil weddings.

The Prince of Wales pictured during day two of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on Wednesday

Austrailia's new prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has said nice things about the Queen to mark the jubilee, renaming Canberras Aspen Island after her. But Prince Charles shouldnt rest on his laurels. Albanese has also just appointed a minister to oversee the transition to becoming a republic and a referendum is in the offing. As former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull (who ran the 1999 poll on abolishing the monarchy) observed, the end of the current reign should be the catalyst for change, adding: Shes been an extraordinary head of state and, I think, frankly, in Australia, there are more Elizabethans than there are monarchists.

The cover of AN Wilsons bestselling royal biography, Lilibet, The Girl Who Would Be Queen, wrongly describes the monarch as Her Royal Highness rather than Her Majesty. I didnt notice, says Wilson. I am very proud of the text, but I cant stand the sight of the book. La vita non e grandiosa?

Reflecting on her flourishing career, Gillian Anderson, 53, pictured, announces: Im constantly in gratitude, being so ancient as I am, for continuing to play characters that get to have sex on window sills. Onwards and upwards!

Royal connoisseur Hugo Vickers contention that the Queen is already the longest actively reigning crowned head in the world prompts the question: Is she also Queen of France? Historian Peter Pomfret claims that the 1420 Treaty of Troyes naming Henry V and his successors Kings of France has never been overturned. All English monarchs until George IV were additionally crowned Kings of France. Having seen French monarchs lose their heads, Henry declined the French title. Elizabeth is still Duke of Normandy and, in effect, Queen of France in exile. Discuss.

Curiously coiffured Tory MP Michael Fabricants close friend Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, tells GB News that despite sharing a West Wales holiday home they have merely been best friends for 30 years, adding: We dont live together, to be really clear about it. Should it all end in tears, who will get custody of Michaels hair?
Seldom has a government policy invited such howls of protest from the liberal establishment as the Rwanda deal.

At the 11th hour, a plane carrying a handful of migrants bound for the East African country remained rooted to the tarmac on Tuesday night. A Strasbourg judge's intervention on human rights grounds meant the flight never left Britain, in defiance of both a UK High Court and Supreme Court ruling that the plane could take off.

The policy was 'the opposite of the nature of God' lectured the Archbishop of Canterbury.

'Unethical' and 'un-British' cried Shadow Culture Secretary Lucy Powell, one of many Labour frontbenchers publicly kissing the badge of liberalism.

The Home Secretary Priti Patel's move was 'all wrong', criticised the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, running 'contrary to any notion of responsibility and international responsibility-sharing'. But the level of opprobrium heaped by Left-wing, EU-loving politicians and human rights lawyers is breathtaking in its hypocrisy.

Imagine a cell so thick with people there's hardly anywhere to sit. A cell lit by a fluorescent tube all night. A cell whose only source of natural light is from a small grille in the door. A cell where inmates fight over the chance to sleep under the shower as it's the only place of ventilation.

Critics of the UK policy might think this to be the fate of migrants bound for Rwanda.

But it isn't anything like the breezy, bright, newly renovated hostel accommodation in Kigali, the country's capital, arranged by the Home Office.

This awful place I have just described is the Al-Mabani detention centre in Libya. And it's the EU's inconvenient truth.

The centre is one of many that the EU helps finance across the war-torn country that detains migrants, stopping them from crossing into Europe.

It's 'offshoring', pure and simple.

Detained migrants gather at the barred entrance to their cell in a detention centre near in Libya

Illegal immigrants are forced to sleep in poor conditions in detention centres near to the Libyan capital Tripoli

Brussels won't bring these migrants to facilities in member states. It much prefers the issue be dealt with at arm's length, beyond its borders.

And this particularly horrific centre reaches appalling levels of inhumanity. Beatings were rife, according to the New Yorker magazine which interviewed migrants unfortunate enough to be picked up in the Mediterranean and thrown into its bowels.

Guards would strike prisoners with anything to hand. Corruption was endemic, warders offering their phones to inmates, encouraging them to call family members to arrange payment of $500 for their freedom.

And that is the least of the horrors. International aid agencies have documented cases of detainees being tortured with electric shocks, children being raped by guards, men and women sold into modern-day slavery.

And that compassionate lot in Brussels help fund such horrors.

Perhaps this is why the EU, which never misses a chance to disparage the UK, has kept remarkably quiet on the Rwanda policy.

The German ambassador to the UK however, has said the Rwanda deal is something that for his country would be out of the question. 'We don't do this kind of thing,' he said, without a hint of irony.

True, the migrants involved in these cases are not being deported from EU countries as they would be from Britain under the Rwanda plan.

The Libyan coastguard is incentivised to pick up migrants in international waters and return them to detention compounds (pictured: Italian coastguard ship)

But the fact is that, in an effort to offshore its responsibilities, the EU  and its biggest player Germany  have funnelled so many millions to Tripoli that the detention of migrants is a 'profitable business model' for Libya's government. So the EU admitted in a leaked internal report in November 2019.

The Libyan coastguard, heavily funded by Brussels and which Italy has largely trained and has donated boats to, is incentivised to pick up migrants in international waters and return them to detention compounds.

EU officials detailed widespread human rights violations, death, unexplained disappearances and extortion, despite the bloc renewing its deal with Libya that year.

So cynical has the EU's policy been that Libya's Minister for Justice from 2012 to 2014, Salah Marghani, sees it for what it is. 'The EU did something they carefully considered and planned for many years,' he said. 'Create a hell hole in Libya, with the idea of deterring people from heading to Europe.'

Amnesty International, the Human Rights Council and the Transnational Institute have all been scathing in their assessment of EU-funded camps in Libya. The last of these titled its April 2021 report 'Outsourcing oppression: How Europe externalises migrant detention beyond its shores'.

The bloc hasn't been blind to the problem though, and while it's near impossible to improve facilities on the ground, they have been able to evacuate some migrants.

Where to, you might ask.

To immigration centres in Bavaria, Stockholm or Amsterdam perhaps? No, you guessed it, to Rwanda. Yes, this much maligned country in sub-Saharan Africa was favoured by Brussels to accommodate its refugees.

The European Transit Mechanism was the programme by which migrants were evacuated from squalid Libyan detention centres, first to Niger in West Africa in 2017, and then to Rwanda in 2019.

The programme was the brainchild of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees  the same body so critical of the UK's policy. The EU was involved as a donor to the initiative.

Speaking to Reuters news agency, refugee Peter Nyuon agreed that conditions in Rwanda were much better than in Libya, where he had been previously after fleeing South Sudan when his father and grandfather were killed in fighting.

But the EU hasn't just been sending its asylum seekers to Africa. In March 2016, the darling of EU-remainers everywhere, Angela Merkel, spearheaded a deal with Turkey's premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan to keep EU-bound migrants firmly on the Turkish side of the Aegean.

Those caught trying to get to Greece would be returned to Turkey, rather than have their applications processed inside the EU. Up to six billion euros were offered in a bargain that should seem Faustian to those who now carp self-righteously about the UK's deal with Rwanda.

Meanwhile, EU-funded camps house migrants in Serbia, in conditions that have been described as inhumane and degrading. But Belgrade, like Ankara and Tripoli, has been bankrolled by Brussels to keep the immigration problem away from the EU's borders.

So, the next time a pious liberal castigates Priti Patel's Rwanda deal, do remind them of what the EU has been up to.
Few things have made my heart sink as much as the news that Nicola Sturgeon is starting a new campaign for Scottish independence.

Like most Englishmen, I love Scotland and I admire the Scottish people. I believe in the Union. The United Kingdom is more than the sum of its parts.

But every time the headmistress of Holyrood pops up on television to bang on about her wretched referendum, I reach for the remote. Nicola Sturgeon gets my groat.

The leader of the Scottish National Party might have learnt her lesson from her predecessor and mentor, Alex Salmond.

Had he not lost the last vote on Scottish independence just eight years ago, she would not now be Scotlands First Minister. Mr Salmond, too, was confident of victory. Instead, his credibility and his career were destroyed.

That 2014 referendum, in which the nationalists were decisively defeated by 55 to 45 per cent, ought to have been the end of the matter for at least a generation. Those, indeed, were the terms on which it was granted.

Few things have made my heart sink as much as the news that Nicola Sturgeon is starting a new campaign for Scottish independence

No sooner had the SNP lost, however, than they demanded to re-run the vote. When Ms Sturgeon was re-elected last year, she claimed a mandate for a new referendum.

So far, Boris Johnson has politely told Ms Sturgeon that her Indyref 2 (as she likes to call her vanity project) is just not going to happen. For a Scottish referendum to be legal, the UK Government would have to grant a Section 30 order, as it did in 2014. In practice, this means that the Prime Minister has a veto  and he intends to use it. Labour and the Liberal Democrats have no appetite for a second plebiscite either.

Yet this apparently insurmountable legal obstacle has not deterred her. Nicola wont take no for an answer from Boris, claiming that he doesnt respect democracy. Who is she to talk?

This week, the First Minister published a White Paper intended to navigate a way forward that delivers a lawful process. Thats about as likely as a sighting of the Loch Ness monster.

But it is clear that under her leadership the SNP is like a Scottish terrier with a particularly obnoxious bone.

Reluctantly, therefore, I am coming round to the idea that Westminster should give her what she wants  and see how she likes it.

Unionists like me have been putting up with Scot Nats demanding their North Sea oil and protesting against our nuclear deterrent for more than half a century.

Yet the oil and the nuclear base at Faslane are two sides of the same coin. Scotland benefits from the defence provided by the UK, while the costs and benefits of exploiting our natural resources are also shared.

Nicola Sturgeon has never accepted that British sovereignty has its advantages. She never has a word of thanks for the 41 billion that the Chancellor pledged to Scotland in the last Budget.

For every 100 per person spent by the UK Government in England, the Scottish Government receives 126 from Westminster for each Scot. Pretty handsome, Id say. If Scotland goes it alone, that money would not be forthcoming.

Without the unquestioning fiscal generosity of the English taxpayer, the devolved administration that has been dominated by the SNP for more than a decade would by now be bankrupt.

It is currently running a deficit of 3.5 billion, but even that figure would be far worse had it not been for Londons support during the pandemic to pay for necessities such as vaccines, or the furlough and loan schemes.

A good example of the financial incompetence of Ms Sturgeons rule is the Caledonian ferry fiasco.

In 2017, she launched the Glen Sannox, the first of two new ferries to serve the Scottish islands.

Amid the razzmatazz, observers noted that the ships windows were only painted on and that she could not, in fact, float.

Nicola Sturgeon has never accepted that British sovereignty has its advantages. She never has a word of thanks for the 41 billion that the Chancellor pledged to Scotland in the last Budget

Five years and hundreds of millions later, the Glen Sannox is still not seaworthy. She remains unfinished, moored in Port Glasgow while the islanders make do with the same old tubs as before. The final cost of this white elephant is expected to quadruple to more than 400 million.

Like Indyref2, the Caledonian ferry is yet another of Miss Sturgeons vanity projects.

But the greatest scandal of her eight years in office has been the neglect of Scotlands schools and hospitals. Once admired for the quality of its education, Scotland now has the worst results in the UK. Under the SNP, it has turned its back on knowledge-based teaching and failed a generation of pupils.

On health, Ms Sturgeons record is lamentable. Less affluent Scots can expect to spend a third of their lives in poor health.

Glasgow has long had the lowest life expectancy in Western Europe, but healthy life expectancy right across Scotland has fallen steadily for the past four years.

Instead of tackling these and other urgent issues, the SNP blames everything on the Tory Government in Westminster  yet expects it to keep bailing them out.

Meanwhile, the dire demographics north of the border mean that an even bigger pensions crisis is looming for the Scots than for the younger, healthier English. How does Nicola Sturgeon suppose the munificent public sector pensions enjoyed by people like herself would be paid for outside the UK?

It has been estimated that an independent Scotland would soon find itself saddled with a 200 per cent public debt to GDP ratio  worse than that of Greece.

When Ms Sturgeon boasts of rejoining the EU, Scots should ask themselves whether Brussels would welcome another liability.

So my guess is that if Boris gave Nicola her hearts desire, we would end up with the status quo. I certainly hope so

The vision offered by the First Minister in her White Paper on a second referendum is of a wealthier, happier, fairer society, on the Scandinavian model.

She has cherry-picked all the European countries with higher GDP than the UK to ask: Why not Scotland?

But before Miss Sturgeon fantasises about starring in a real-life Borgen, the political drama series set in Denmark, she should ask herself why Scotland resembles a backwater in the Balkans rather than a Scandi utopia.

If something is rotten in the state of Scotland, it is the tendency  hugely exacerbated by the SNP  to whinge about anything and everything, while evading responsibility for doing something about it.

Take Brexit. Yes, Scots did vote differently from the English.

But remaining in the EU in an independent Scotland would mean a hard border with England  which would be a disaster for the Scots, who do three times as much business with the rest of the UK than with Europe.

What about Nato? The Uk is its most important European member state, and it would be the height of irresponsibility to break up the union while Putin is waging war in Ukraine and China is menacing Taiwan.

Even though the polls now show Scotland pretty evenly divided on independence, my bet is that if voters were forced to decide, the result would be no again.

The key question to which Alex Salmond had no answer last time and Nicola Sturgeon sidesteps in her White Paper is: what would be the currency of an independent Scotland? The pound  or the groat?

Scots are canny people. They wont vote for an independent state that used the pound, over which they would have no control. Such Sterlingisation would be a recipe for permanent austerity  hardly the SNPs cup of tea.

Nor would they fancy a brand new currency of dubious credibility. The groat might turn out to be a grotty investment.

So my guess is that if Boris gave Nicola her hearts desire, we would end up with the status quo. I certainly hope so.

But if Nippy Sweetie (her Scots nickname) is crazy enough to go through with her Indyref 2 and if, by some mischance, she were to win, the exodus of Scottish talent to London would soon make those left behind rue the day.

Not for nothing did Dr Samuel Johnson assure his Scottish friend James Boswell: But, Sir, let me tell you, the noblest prospect which a Scotchman ever sees, is the high road that leads him to England!
A man has revealed how his former wife tried to organise a hitman to kill him in a new Channel 4 documentary set to air next week.

How to Hire a Hitman, which airs on Channel 4 at 10pm on Monday, sees presenter Yinka Bokinni investigating murder-for-hire online services, as she looks into cases where people have had hits taken out on them.

Among those she meets is Gabe Scott, from North Carolina, whose ex-wife and the mother of his two children, Kristy Lynn Felkins, 37, paid 12 Bitcoin to a stranger through the website Besa Mafia to arrange for a hitman to kill him in 2016.

The hit never came off because the site was a scam, and Kristy's attempts to organise the killing were uncovered when a hacker exposed messages from the site and sent them to law enforcement.

Appearing on the show, Gabe explained how he believed Kristy's motivation was financial, saying: 'To say this money is worth more than me to my kids? That's the line that shouldn't have been crossed.'

Gabe Scott, from North Carolina, revealed how his former wife Kristy Felkins tried to organise a hitman to kill him in a new Channel 4 documentary How to Hire a Hitman set to air next week

Gabe and Felkins had been married for 12 years and had two children. They had been high school sweethearts and grew up together, attending prom together in 2002.

Appearing on the programme, Gabe said: 'We would go down to the local swimming holes and go walk in the middle of the night and talk about everything. Then we got married young. I was so madly in love with her.'

'I think she did [love me] as much as she can.'

By 2016, the couple had grown apart and were discussing amicable divorce before the hit was ordered.

Felkins, who pleaded guilty to use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of a murder-for-hire plot, first began using the Besa Mafia site in February 2016.

In court filings, the website is described as 'a legitimate platform offering a variety of services, including murder, kidnapping, and assault, in exchange for cryptocurrency payments.'

Gabe discovered Felkins had paid 12 Bitcoin to a stranger through the website Besa Mafia to arrange for a hitman to kill him in 2016

Federal prosecutors claimed she would spend four months 'regularly communicating with the site administrator to pay and arrange for the murder of her ex-husband.'

Timeline of Felkins attempts to hire a hitman to kill her ex-husband 2002 - High school sweethearts Felkins and Gabe go to prom together 2004- Felkins and Gabe get married and go on to have two children together By 2016 - The couple had grown apart and were discussing amicable divorce February 2016 - Felkins begins using Besa Mafia site to try to pay for a hitman. She sends 12 Bitcoin as well as the address of her ex-husband, details of his vehicle, locations where he would be etc. April 2016 - Communications cease between Felkins and the site September 2020 - Felkins was indicted with the use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire March 2022 - Felkins pleads guilty. June 2022 - Felkins is due to be sentenced, with a maximum jail sentence of 10 years Advertisement

She would send over 12 Bitcoin to pay for the hit, with a message reading: 'My target is scum, I've sent just over 12 BTC. I sure hope you can take care of this issue swiftly. Thankyou for your help and time.'

Soon after that, she 'provided the home address of [her ex-husband] and other information such as the time he left for work, vehicle information, and locations at which [her ex] could be located,' according to the complaint.

The founder of the Besa Mafia site Yura replied, saying: 'Okay, we are all set. We will wait until he leaves his house and shoot him in his car. We won't stop until he's dead.'

Later, she would give further detail including ex-husband's home address, the airport he would be flying out of, and where he worked, and even the exact time and location of a Starbucks he would visit.

One message read: 'It appears he's leaving for the airport late tonight or early Tuesday morning so if the hitman cannot do it today, he might be able to do it tomorrow when he leaves the house to go to work. Take care.'

There was discussion about getting a sniper on the driveway at night, with messages from Yura saying: 'The sniper can find a good position to wait all night, with food and drink next to him.'

The hacked messages revealed a possible motivation for the murder, with user KBGMKN saying: 'This man mentally, physically, sexually and emotionally abused me.

'I ran and then he took my children away from me. He is quite the snake and master manipulator.'

In response to the accusations, Gabe said: 'She has to. What other defence does she have? She has to save her own skin.

'You can't exactly look at her as the pillar of morality who is going to say the right thing, true or not.

'You just have to throw that out the window and realise she is going to say the one thing she can, the things that are hard to say didn't happen. That's her only option.'

The user suspected to be Kristy got suspicious and requested evidence that the hitman was genuinely in Gabe's neighbourhood and ready to strike.

Presenter Yinka Bokinni was left stunned after learning about Gabe and Felkins' case on the programme

Communication ceased without the hit being carried out.

Her attempts to hire the hitman were discovered when police matched the phone number used to purchase the bitcoin in the hit with her phone number.

Meanwhile her IP address was the same as the last IP address to access the bitcoin account used to pay Besa Mafia.

And Gabe believes there was financial motive as his house and life insurance would have cashed out.

He said: 'The part that bugs me and will always bug me, is - it's not me. It's the kids. It's their parent.

Yinka investigates murder-for-hire online services on the programme, as she looks into cases where people have had hits taken out on them

'Someone they are going to lean on and get benefit from for the rest of their life.

'So to say this money is worth more to me than something incredibly valuable to my kids? That's the line that shouldn't have been crossed. That's the one I can't get over.'

Gabe said he is now determined to live life to the full, adding: 'I always do new things. But I had an epiphany that you've got to live life!

'Finding out someone hired a hit man and realising that that was there and that could happen...it seemed like...I just wanted to do more in life than just work and enjoy life later. Later might not come.'

And even though it turned out the site Kristy was using was actually a scam site, Gabe said her attempts to hire a hitman were real.

He explained: 'It just happened to be this one didn't work out. It is real to these people [who try to hire them]. They don't know they're being scammed.'

She was indicted in September 2020 and in March, she pleaded guilty to the use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

She is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley on June 16, 2022. She faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison.

She didn't respond to the programmes requests for comment.

How to Hire a Hitman airs on Channel 4 at 10pm on Monday
The mature Scottish beef was melt-in-the-mouth perfection, nestled on a bed of mushrooms and washed down with a fragrant glass of Antinori Rosso.

Reclining in his seat, eyes almost glassy with pleasure, one of my satiated guests declared the meal the best Id ever cooked, with the meat showing real depth of flavour.

I basked in the compliment. Although I was hosting a group of close  and polite  food-loving friends, and I know when theyre being kind.

Even if I say so myself, the food was gorgeous. From the succulent prawns to the homemade hollandaise sauce, cheeseboard and after-dinner chocolates and coffee, there was nothing on my table that would have looked out of place in a great restaurant.

Rose Prince (pictured) has discovered the best that wholesaler Costco has to offer from Scottish beef to petit fours

Because the thing that set this dinner party apart from my usual offerings was the sheer quality of the produce.

I didnt buy it from a farmers market, nor have I been trawling artisan grocers. And I certainly didnt go wild in Waitrose with a budget to make an oligarch blush. Nope, I bought the lot from Costco. Every item from the meat, veg, butter and coffee to the wines, seafood and petit fours.

For the uninitiated, Costco is one of those severe-looking discount warehouses you might drive past on the bypass, but dont know how to access.

A giant, windowless box with its name stamped on the side, it differs from other discount superstores chiefly in that its members only, i.e. to shop there you have to apply and fulfil certain professional criteria like at a private club.

Those allowed to apply for membership are business owners or those in certain professions such as teachers, Post Office employees and NHS workers.

Once youve been accepted, theres an annual 33.60 (26.40 for those in the retail trade) membership fee, which sounds genius  you pay the firm for the privilege of shopping there.

What it is, however, is a clever way for Costco to keep their much more cost-effective wholesaler status (with its cap on the proportion of sales to the public), keep prices low and make sure it attracts loyal customers of a certain type and spending power.

The Channel 5 TV programme Costco: Is It Really Worth It? explored the gold rush of middle-class aficionados who, facing a global cost-of-living crisis, are casting snobbery aside and making a beeline for one of its 29 warehouses around the country

Produce that Costco sells is carefully curated: buyers of its homeware, clothing  even car tyres  choose only from a small selection of top-of-the-range brands.

Im not the only one catching on to the unique Costco shopping experience. The Channel 5 TV programme Costco: Is It Really Worth It? explored the gold rush of middle-class aficionados who, facing a global cost-of-living crisis, are casting snobbery aside and making a beeline for one of its 29 warehouses around the country.

It is the third-largest retailer in the world with 815 warehouses in 12 countries. In the UK, Costco launched in 1993, and latest figures show profits rising by 32.4 per cent in 2018/19, to 19.2million.

The thing you have to appreciate about Costco is its all about bulk: its a wholesaler, after all. You buy big to save big and you need a lot of storage and freezer space  plus a good grasp of mental maths  to appreciate the savings.

As I approached my nearest branch on an industrial estate in Croydon, I immediately got a sense of the scale. I could see shoppers pushing trolleys piled with more loo roll than they can surely fit in their cars.

Antinori Rosso Red wine: COSTCO: 9.79 a bottle TESCO: 16 a bottle SAVING: 39%

As I pushed my (giant again) trolley into the centre of the warehouse  lets not be in any doubt this place is a shop  I spotted the first of the fabled middle-class shopping renegades poking around a blast freezer cupboard. The well-spoken pair were in raptures about a 70-pack of gyozas for 8.49, which doesnt sound cheap, until you work out a 12-pack will set you back 3.95 in supermarkets. Thats 12p a dumpling compared to 32p  less than half the price. If youre planning to feed a large number it is definitely worth it.

Its the same with the luxe Crosta & Mollica Margherita pizzas: 6.29 for two, it makes the Waitrose price, 5.50 for one, seem a rip-off.

Lavazza Ground coffee: COSTCO: 500g, 4.99 TESCO: 250g, 4.50 SAVING: 45% (per kg)

As I scouted the enormity of the space for my dinner party ingredients, it became obvious this was going to be an expedition. With fewer than 30 stores to choose from across the country, just getting there is a trek (eight miles for me) and once youre in, prepare to not see natural light for hours.

There are barely any signs, so you must prepare for a treasure hunt unaided by staff, who are just as difficult to locate as anything on your shopping list.

As I zigzagged around Costco, the app on my phone registered Id walked nearly two miles.

But it was worth it. I came up trumps and found a fillet of British beef costing 77.90 for nearly 2kg. A huge amount of money, I know, but considering it normally costs 60 per kilo elsewhere, it suddenly feels cheap. And luckily, I have a chest freezer with a lot of space.

Comte Cheese: COSTCO: 650g, 8.99 WAITROSE: 200g, 3.95 SAVING: 30% (per kg)

I added 750g of asparagus for 5.29, a little disappointing. But adding seafood, butter, double cream, baby new potatoes, three top-end cheeses, a huge box of strawberries, 500g smoked salmon and a 12-bottle crate of San Pellegrino sparkling water at less than 1 per 75cl bottle, the Costco experience began to make sense.

Next I went in search of booze. Costco do wine two ways, by the case or you can mix individual bottles. None of the latter is what most of us think of as cheap wine, with the minimum price being approximately 10.

But here you can benefit from huge savings. Miraval Provence Rose wine costs 12.99 but 19 in Tesco. The difference is similar with other wines whether made by Latour in France or Antinori in Tuscany. None of these is for every day, but it proves Costco is a destination for special occasions  in the same way as hosts cross the Channel to bulk buy cheaper quality champagne for parties.

The ultimate cost of my trolley was just under 400, but only half of it would be used for my dinner party that evening, the rest would be stored and eaten over time  making exact, like-for-like price comparisons a headache.

San Pellegrino Sparkling water: COSTCO: 12 pack, 8.49 WAITROSE: 6 x one litre, 6.50 SAVING: 35% (for 12)

But by my calculations, I reckon I snipped at least 30 per cent off what I would have spent on the same produce elsewhere. When I consider the quality of the food and drink, this is a serious steal.

Yet only at home, cooking and tasting my bounty, was it possible to value it. On the whole, it was impressive  the beef was tender and matured. The giant prawns were clean-tasting and untainted.

The smoked salmon was expertly cured and I loved some of the brands available  a 500ml bottle of Tabasco; a chic box of chocolates made by a tiny company in Dorset; some ever-so-traditional pure-butter Madeleines that made me think of holidays and the Comte cheese, a slab of perfection.

Not so remarkable was the fresh produce. Largely imported, bred to have a long shelf life, neither the berries nor asparagus had much flavour. Also, I did a second shop elsewhere for fresh herbs and salad which Costco dont sell.

As a money-saving mission it would be wrong to hail Costco as the answer to the cost-of-living crisis as it affects most people. But for those whod like to shave a sizeable chunk off their shopping bills, this place, given a credit card and a chest freezer, could become a money-saving shopping habit.

Would I go again? Yes, but with purpose. If I had a large family, or if I was a young mother facing the summer holidays, I would make a bi-monthly trip to fill the freezer.

Judging by the speed at which my guests scoffed their gourmet dinner, I might need to re-stock sooner than I thought!
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A Netflix documentary is set to delve into the shocking and sensational crimes of murderer and rapist Franklin Delano Floyd, and the true identity of the little girl that he kidnapped and forced to pose as his daughter for decades - eventually making her marry him, before killing her in a fit of rage.

For more than 30 years, Floyd committed a series of monstrous crimes - including robbing a bank, sexually assaulting children, numerous kidnappings, and multiple murders.

The criminal was a pro at fleeing from the law - constantly moving from state to state, changing his name and persona, and even escaping from prison on one occasion.

One of his most abominable transgressions took place over the course of more than 20 years, beginning in 1975 when he stole four children from a woman whom he had married using a fake alias.

Floyd let three of the kids go but kept one - a little girl named Suzanne - who he raised as his daughter - as he continued to commit more heinous offenses. He eventually forced her to marry him, before ultimately killing Suzanne when she tried to escape.

He was finally arrested in 1994 and sentenced to the death penalty, but it wasn't until he was behind bars on death row that police uncovered the true identity of the woman that was thought to be his daughter - and later his wife.

A Netflix documentary is set to delve into the wild tale of Franklin Delano Floyd, and the true identity of the little girl that he kidnapped and forced to pose as his daughter for decade

For more than 30 years, Floyd committed a series of monstrous crimes - including robbing a bank, sexually assaulting children, numerous kidnappings, and multiple murders

Floyd took a little girl from her home in 1975, and raised her as his daughter for more 10 years - as he continued to commit heinous offenses - before he eventually forced her to marry him

He was arrested in 1994, but it wasn't until he was behind bars that police uncovered the true identity of the woman that was thought to be his daughter - and later his wife (pictured)

Now, Netflix is lifting a lid on the Floyd's horrifying crimes and the tragic story of the girl who even believed herself she was Floyd's child in a documentary, entitled Girl in the Picture

Now, Netflix is lifting a lid on the Floyd's horrifying crimes and the tragic story of the girl who even believed herself that she was Floyd's child, in an upcoming documentary - entitled Girl in the Picture - which is set to come out July 6.

Floyd was born in Barnesville, Georgia, on June 17, 1943. He spent most of his childhood at Georgia Baptist Children's Home, where he was allegedly sexually assaulted and abused

'The jaw-dropping true crime story of a search to solve a 30-year old mystery: Who was Sharon Marshall, and why was her real identity unknown to everyone - even her?' a description of the new doc reads.

Floyd was born in Barnesville, Georgia, on June 17, 1943. His father passed away from liver failure when he was just one years old, and his mother then decided to send him and his siblings to Georgia Baptist Children's Home after she struggled to make ends meet - where he lived for most of his childhood.

According to a book written about the case, called A Beautiful Child, Floyd was sexually assaulted by the other kids at Georgia Baptist Children's Home when he was just six years old, and faced years of abuse by the staff.

After leaving the home when he was 16, Floyd tried to enter the Army and lied about his age - but was discharged after only six months when his superiors found out that he had faked his paperwork.

That same year, Floyd committed his first crime when he broke into a Sears department store and attempted to steal a gun. He was ultimately shot in the stomach by police, and rushed into emergency surgery.

Miraculously, Floyd fully recovered from the injury, and was sent to a youth institution - where he stayed for one year.

In June of 1962, Floyd sexually assaulted a four-year-old girl and was convicted of kidnapping and child molestation. However, he escaped from prison after serving one year

The criminal was a pro at fleeing from the law - using fake aliases, constantly moving from state to state, and changing his name and persona. Some of his aliases are seen

He kidnapped a little girl named Suzanne from a woman named Sandi Chapman. He kept Suzanne (pictured) and raised her as his own daughter, changing her name to Sharon Marshall

In June of 1962, Floyd sexually assaulted a four-year-old girl after taking her from an Atlanta, Georgia, bowling alley. He was then convicted of kidnapping and child molestation - and was sentenced to 10 to 20 years of prison.

However, one year later, he escaped from jail while being taken out for a 'medical errand' and fled to Macon, Georgia, where he eventually got arrested once again, this time for robbery, after he stole $6,000 from a local bank.

In November 1972, the criminal was released from prison and sent to live in a halfway house.

One week after his release, he forced a woman at a gas station to get into his car, where he attempted to sexually assault her. She was able to escape and he was arrested once again, however, after posting bail, he went on the run.

'Franklin Floyd had been a fugitive for almost two decades. He robbed a bank, he had a history of violence,' said one person, whose identity is unknown, during the preview for the upcoming documentary. 'He was an expert of at concealing his identity.'

Suzanne graduated from high school in Forest Park, Georgia, in 1986. She earned a full scholarship to the Georgia Institute of Technology, but she never attended the school

Instead, Floyd forced her to move to Tampa, Florida, with him, where she began working as an exotic dancer. After the pair relocated, the two got married

Floyd then created a fake alias - Brandon Williams - and moved to North Carolina, where he met a woman named Sandi Chapman at a truck stop. They dated for a month before getting married and moving to Dallas, Texas, together.

Floyd then became the suspect in a disappearance case of an 18-year-old woman named Cheryl Ann Commesso (pictured) - a coworker of Suzanne's who was seen arguing with Floyd before she went missing

Chapman, who had four children from previous relationships, got arrested in 1975 for using bad checks, and was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

While serving her time, she left her kids in Floyd's care - but when she was released a month later and returned home, her house was empty and her family was nowhere to be found.

She was later able to find two of her daughters at a local church group. Her son ended up getting privately adopted, and only learned of his true identity in 2019 - but Sandi's oldest daughter, Suzanne, wasn't found.

It turns out, Floyd kept Suzanne and raised her as his own daughter, changing her name to Sharon Marshall and spending years pretending that he was her father.

Suzanne graduated from high school in Forest Park, Georgia, in 1986. She earned a full scholarship to the Georgia Institute of Technology and dreamed of becoming an aerospace engineer, but she never ended up attending the school.

Instead, Floyd forced her to move to Tampa, Florida, with him after she got pregnant, where she began working as an exotic dancer.

'She wanted to go to Georgia Tech, be an aerospace engineer,' a friend of Suzanne's recalled in the trailer for the new Netflix doc.

In April 1990, Suzanne was found beaten on the side of the highway outside of Oklahoma City. She was rushed to the hospital where she later passed away

It was later reported that Suzanne had tried to leave Floyd and run away with a college student she was having a secret relationship with, named Kevin Brown

Suzanne's son, Michael (pictured), was put into foster care and later adopted. But in September 1994 Floyd walked into his elementary school with a gun and took Michael

'I remember the phone call, she said she was pregnant and, "Daddy won't let me go to college now."'

Another person said, 'This beautiful young woman was trapped in evil. She was stuck and didn't know how to get out.'

After the pair relocated to Florida, Floyd made Suzanne change her name once again, this time to Tonya Dawn Hughes, and the two got married.

She welcomed a son, named Michael, soon after their wedding, but it was later revealed that Floyd was not the little boy's biological father.

After the birth of her son, the family moved once again, this time to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Floyd became the suspect in a disappearance case of an 18-year-old woman named Cheryl Ann Commesso - a coworker of Suzanne's who was seen arguing with Floyd before she went missing.

Police searched for Floyd and Michael for weeks, and he was eventually arrested in Kentucky, after he tried to get a new license and the DMV realized who he was and alerted the FBI

He was found guilty of kidnapping Michael (pictured) and sentenced to 55 years in prison. He was later also charged with first-degree murder for killing Commesso

For years, it was unknown was happened to Michael, but in a 2015 interview with the FBI, Floyd admitted to shooting and killing the little boy on the day that he kidnapped him

Commesso's remains were found years later - in 1995 - and it was determined that she had died from two gunshot wounds in her head.

Floyd was given the death pentalty. He is now 78 years old and is currently on death row in a prison in Florida

In April 1990, Suzanne was found unconscious on the side of the highway outside of Oklahoma City. She was rushed to the hospital where she later passed away, with investigators claiming that she had been hit from behind with a car.

It was later reported that Suzanne had tried to leave Floyd to run away with a college student she was having a secret relationship with, named Kevin Brown. Police believe that Floyd killed her, but never had enough evidence to try him for the murder.

Suzanne's son, Michael, was put into foster care and later adopted. But in September 1994, when he was in first grade, Floyd walked into his elementary school with a gun and took Michael.

Police searched for Floyd and Michael for weeks, and he was eventually arrested in Louisville, Kentucky, after he tried to get a new license and the DMV realized who he was and alerted the FBI.

He was found guilty of kidnapping and sentenced to 55 years in prison. He was later also charged with first-degree murder for killing Commesso, and was given the death penalty. Floyd, now 78, is currently on death row in a prison in Florida.

For years, it was unknown was happened to Michael, but in a 2015 interview with the FBI, Floyd admitted to shooting and killing the little boy on the day that he kidnapped him, according to The Oklahoman.
Shoppers have gone from hoarding toilet paper to tissues at supermarkets as Aussies battle a cold or the flu.

Coles, Woolworths and Aldi report boxes of tissues, cold and flu tablets and painkillers have been selling fast due to a higher demand.

Many tissue brands have also completely sold out on Coles and Woolworths websites as retailers work with their suppliers to acquire more stock.

The problem has been fueled by the 'super cold' during the winter, the beginning of the flu season and the ongoing Covid pandemic.

Shoppers have hoarded up on tissues as many fight off the flu or a cold. Coles, Woolworths and Aldi have reported low tissue stock across stores as images of near empty shelves surface online

Shoppers shared images of empty store shelves that held boxes of tissues, reminiscent of when shelves were raided for toilet paper during the pandemic.

Others took to social media to express their disappointment over not being able to purchase tissues.

'I thought, 'there's a cold going around' was just a thing people said, but when I went to woolies for tissues and panadol, both sections were almost entirely empty,' wrote one.

Another commented: 'Tissues! Woolies and coles shelves empty last night...'

A third shopper said that 'many items did not exist' at Aldi including 'toilet paper, tissues, packet soup, don't think about frozen chicken, completely empty as well as chips'.

Simon Griffiths, who is the co-founder of toilet paper and tissue company Who Gives a Crap, told Daily Mail Australia that he believes tissue buying has become a state issue rather than a national one.

'This is a different situation to toilet paper as the spike is in certain states and there are other ways people can blow their nose,' he said.

Mr Griffiths revealed that Queensland had the biggest spike in sales across Australia.

'We're seeing a 20 per cent uplift nationally with a 30 per cent index in Queensland and Victoria and a 20 per cent index in New South Wales and Western Australia.'

Mr Griffiths, who still has plenty of tissue boxes available on his website, advised Australian consumers not to 'panic' as there's still plenty of stock circulating and other items to substitute for a tissue.

'Don't panic. Panic is the main cause of a lot of problems we had in the pandemic (in regards to toilet paper),' he added.

Aussies are buying up tissues and medicine amid the 'super cold' during the winter, the beginning of the flu season and the ongoing Covid pandemic

Shoppers posted pics of empty shelves, reminiscent of when toilet paper was raided during the pandemic. Others took to social media to express their disappointment

A Woolworths spokesperson acknowledged that there was a stock issue with tissue boxes in a statement.

'Given the recent cold snap and early start to the flu season, there's quite a lot of demand for a range of medicinal and paper goods products including cold and flu tablets, throat lozenges and tissues,' the spokesperson said.

'While customers might notice that the availability of some of their preferred brands might be limited, we continue to offer a wide range of alternatives across these ranges.'

Coles reassured shoppers that there will be sufficient supply of tissues during the flu season.

'Customers may notice that some stores might not have their usual brands of facial tissues in stock at the moment,' a spokesperson said.

'We want to assure customers that there will be enough stock to get them through this flu season, and encourage them to be flexible if the products they would usually purchase are not available.'

Aldi declined to comment on their tissue stock.

Woolworths confirmed to Daily Mail Australia that there was a stock issue with tissues, cold and flu tablets and lozenges. The supermarket giant said it was working with suppliers

Covid lockdowns and travel restrictions have left Australians with low immunity as the country faces a record-breaking flu season.

Chair in Epidemiology at Deakin University Professor Catherine Bennett told Daily Mail Australia Covid restrictions coupled with unseasonable weather are responsible for the 87,989 flu cases reported early this season.

'After two low flu seasons, in fact virtually no season in 2021, we don't have the usual cross immunity from recent exposure,' she said.

'We had an early start to the flu season this year, partly because as international border restrictions and isolation requirements eased, travellers brought the virus from other countries still coming out of winter.

'We also had a very wet summer along parts of the east coast which may have helped create indoor mixing conditions that lead to more local spread than usual.'

Australia's massive spike in flu cases is likely due to low immunity because of Covid restrictions and wet weather keeping people indoors

Dr Bennett added that low flu vaccination rates after mass Covid vaccination schemes could mean people will get more sick, more often.

'Some people have stopped their flu shots over the last two years,' she said.

'This means we have less immunity against infection and may experience more severe illness than in pre-Covid years.'

With flu medicine running in low supply, Dr Bennett recommends people make the most of available flu vaccines and focus on their general health.

'The main thing is to get vaccinated for the flu, if you're not already. It's a good match to the current circulating strains so it works well,' she said.

'If you get an infection you should watch you don't get dehydrated and take pain relief for headaches or sore muscles.

'If you are feeling very unwell, seeking doctor's advice early is important.'

Victorian President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Anthony Tassone said the sudden high demand for flu and pain medication has created a shortage in pharmacies.

Doctors recommend people stay on top of their flu and Covid vaccination (above) to avoid catching a severe flu as medicine shortages continue

Chair in Epidemiology at Deakin University Professor Catherine Bennett (above) said eased border restrictions saw the flu begin spreading in Australia earlier than usual

'There have been shortages for medications used for pain and fever such as paracetamol and ibuprofen - in products for children and adults,' he said.

'These shortages happened intermittently throughout the Covid pandemic and may be due to sudden increases in demand which supply cannot keep up with.'

Mr Tassone said he'd seen the shortage first-hand in his Victorian pharmacy where cases are 278 times higher than this time last year.

'Pharmacy teams are trying their best to obtain stock as soon as possible and may be able to suggest an alternative,' he said.

A Woolworths spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the supermarket giant is also experiencing a shortage of flu essentials including cold and flu tablets, throat lozenges and tissues.

The contagious 'superflu' began making the rounds in March but started to spread rapidly in late May with 47,860 cases recorded in just two weeks between May 23 and June 5.
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The Duchess of Cambridge was elegant in a 1,420 baby pink Alexander McQueen blazer as she hosted a round-table discussion on the importance of early childhood development and its links to mental health with senior government ministers today.

Kate Middleton, 40, appeared in high spirits as she arrived at the Royal Institution in London earlier this morning, where she met with Health Secretary Sajid Javid, families minister Will Quince, representatives from the early years sector, and officials from the Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care.

She donned a fitted white top for the occasion, which she paired with the blazer and matching trousers, costing an estimated 540. Meanwhile she finished her look with a dazzling jewellery set, opting for her pair of 3,750 Mappin & Webb 'Empress' Diamond Carriage Earrings and her matching 2,000 Empress Mini White Gold & Diamond Pendant Necklace.

The mother-of-three swept her hair from her face, and showed off her natural beauty with a simple make-up look, pairing a light layer of foundation with smokey brown eye and pink lipstick.

The roundtable discussion focused on forthcoming research led by the Centre into early childhood development, as well as new findings that show 91 per cent agree that early years are important to shaping a child's life.

The Duchess has championed the cause since she joined the Royal Family and was a driving force behind a landmark study on perceptions of early childhood and its societal impact in 2020.

The Duchess of Cambridge was elegant in a baby pink blazer as she hosted a round-table discussion on the importance of early childhood development and its links to mental health with senior government ministers today

The royal mother-of-three paired the elegant baby pink suit with matching suede stiletto heels (left and right) as she attended the roundtable today

Kate Middleton appeared in high spirits as she arrived at the Royal Institution in London earlier this morning, where she hosted the roundtable (left and right)

The Duchess listened attentively as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid spoke during the roundtable earlier today

Kate has a close affiliation with Alexander McQueen having worn the British fashion house's designs on notable occasions, most famously to her wedding in 2011.

Meanwhile the diamond jewellery set is among one of the Duchess' favourites, with the royal regularly wearing the jewels separately, and together, for royal engagements.

During the meeting, the Duchess appeared animated as she chatted with the government ministers about the topic, often referring to notes within the folder in front of her.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Kate said: Our experiences in early childhood fundamentally impact our whole life and set the foundation for how we go on to thrive as individuals, with one another, as a community and as a society.

The findings published today present us with a huge opportunity and demonstrate there is real appetite from the public to bring this issue up all of our agendas.

There is more we can all do - every member of society can play a key role, whether that is directly with a child or by investing in the adults around them - the parents, the carers, the early years workforce and more.

The Duchess appeared in high spirits during the event and could be seen beaming as she chatted with other attendees (pictured)

She donned a smart white t-shirt for the occasion, which she paired with the 1,420 baby pink Alexander McQueen blazer and matching trousers

The discussion was focused on new findings by her centre that show that 70 per cent of people believe early years development should be more of a priority for society (pictured, the Duchess today)

Kate, who has a close affiliation with Alexander McQueen having worn the British fashion house's designs on notable occasions, most famously to her wedding in 2011, opted for a pink suit from the brand today (left and right)

The discussion was focused on new findings by her centre that show that 70 per cent of people believe early years development should be more of a priority for society.

Meanwhile 55 per cent of the public recognise that future mental health is the most likely part of adult life to be affected by ones early years, followed by the ability to create and maintain relationships and future happiness.

The duchess set up her research centre after working with academics and professionals in the field who believe what happens to the youngest members of society has a direct affect on their lives as adults, including their mental health, addiction and social exclusion, as well as their physical wellbeing.

The Ipso research commissioned by her Centre for Early Childhood shows that informal groups are the key source of support for parents, with more than half of parents of children aged 0 to five stating their family or friends were the best source of information on their childs emotional and social development.

Despite all of this, parents are still more likely to seek out information and advice on their childs physical health than they are on their social or emotional development, with 35 per cent asking for advice on nutrition, while just 21 per cent seek advice on the development of social skills.

Kelly Beaver, chief executive of Ipsos UK and Ireland, which carried out the polling of over 4,000 UK adults from April 21 to May 5, added: Although the majority of us agree that the experiences people have in childhood can have a significant impact on their future, a minority of Britons recognise the unique importance of the first five years of a childs life.'

Kate was beaming as she chatted with government ministers, including Health Minister Sajid Javid (left and right) as well as Dr Alain Gregoire (second left) and Chief Executive of Ipsos Kelly Beaver

The royal appeared engaged as she chatted with Sajid while as she hosts a roundtable with Government ministers and the Early Years sector to mark the release of new research from the Royal Foundation Centre

Meanwhile Health Secretary could be seen gesturing as he spoke with the Duchess during the roundtable earlier today

Ahead of the roundtable today, Chief Executive of Ipsos Kelly Beaver spoke of how only a 'minority of Britons' recognise the 'unique importance of the first five years of a childs life'

The Duchess wore one of her favourite jewellery sets for the occasion, opting for her Mappin & Webb 'Empress' necklace and earrings

The mother-of-three swept her hair from her face, and showed off her natural beauty with a simple make-up look, pairing a light layer of foundation with smokey brown eye and pink lipstick

These formative years are crucial in the emotional, social and physical development of every child and this critical new research, for The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, provides the opportunity for society to ignite a discussion about how parents and children can be better supported during this period.

According to royal expert Camilla Tominey, the Daily Telegraph's royal correspondent, the Duchess knew from the moment that she married Prince William that she wanted to find a philanthropic cause she could champion as impactfully as Princess Diana's landmine campaign.

Focusing on early years development was born out of her first royal engagements in her role as patron of the charity Action on Addiction, which works with people battling drug and alcohol problems.

In October 2011 the Duchess made a series of under the radar visits to Hope House, a women-only rehabilitation centre in Clapham, south west London.

Rebecca Priestley, who accompanied Kate and worked as her private secretary for five years, said these trips played a pivotal role in her choosing early years of childhood as one of the main pillars of her public role.

In 2018 Kate created a steering group to investigate the link between childhood experiences and adult behaviour and hopes that the results of their survey and other research will encourage a 'nationwide conversation' on the subject, raising awareness of how the first five years of a child's life will impact the next 50 years.

Kate previously spoke about her personal interest in the early years during a landmark speech after her Five Big Questions on the Under Fives survey garnered over 500,000 responses.

In recent years, early years development has become a passion project for the Duchess, with much of her work and interest revolving around the area (pictured left and right today)

During the discussion, the royal appeared animated as she spoke about early years development, which has become a passion project for her ever since she joined The Firm

The mother-of-three, who is in the midst of preparing to move her family from London to Berkshire, appeared in good spirits during the meeting today

The Duchess has championed the cause since she joined the Royal Family and was a driving force behind a landmark study on perceptions of early childhood and its societal impact in 2020

'People often ask why I care so passionately about the early years,' she said. 'Many mistakenly believe that my interest stems from having children of my own.

'While of course I care hugely about their start in life, this ultimately sells the issue short. If we only expect people to take an interest in the early years when they have children, we are not only too late for them, we are underestimating the huge role others can play in shaping our most formative years, too.'

She added that the early years are not simply just about how we raise our children, but about how we raise 'the next generation of adults' and the society we will become.

Emphasising the long-term nature of her work during her keynote speech in 2020, Kate underlined the importance of early childhood in shaping the rest of our lives and broader societal outcomes, saying: 'It is a brave thing to believe in an outcome - in a world even - that might not be fully felt for a generation or more.

'But what you do isn't for the quick win - it is for the big win. It is for a happier, healthier society as well as happier, healthier children.'

During the roundtable today, Health Secretary Sajid Javid could be seen making notes as he chatted to the Duchess about her early years research

The royal (right) hosted the roundtable alongside Health Secretary Sajid Javid (left) as well as families minister Will Quince, representatives from the early years sector and officials from the Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care

Kate has a close affiliation with Alexander McQueen having worn the British fashion house's designs on notable occasions, most famously to her wedding in 2011 (pictured, wearing a pink blazer from the brand)

More than half-a-million people took part in the Royal Foundation's 'five big questions on the under-fives' poll which was carried out by Ipsos MORI and produced the largest-ever response from the public to a survey of its kind.

The research was hailed a 'milestone moment' for Kate, and will be used to shape her future focus on early years development which, sources say, will continue for the rest of her life.

Her appearance today comes as she and Prince William prepare to move their family into a four-bedroomed home on the Windsor estate this summer.

The Duke and Duchess, are reportedly set to uproot their family from Kensington, west London, to Adelaide Cottage in Berkshire in order to be closer to the Queen.

Re-erected in 1831, the Cambridge's new Grade II-listed retreat is just a short walk from St George's Chapel and Windsor Castle, and sits proudly on the 655-acre royal estate in Berkshire.

Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, said: 'The Queen needs more people like William around her. She is very often on her own apart from staff and so will be delighted William, Kate and her three great-grandchildren will be ten minutes away. The family were very restricted in what they could do during the week at Kensington Palace.'

Among those who joined the royal at the roundtable were Chief Executive of Ipsos Kelly Beaver (left) and Minister for Families Will Quince (right)

The diamond jewellery set is among one of the Duchess' favourites, with the royal regularly wearing the jewels separately, and together, for royal engagements

The mother-of-three swept her hair from her face, and showed off her natural beauty with a simple make-up look, pairing a light layer of foundation with smokey brown eye and pink lipstick

The mother-of-three hosted a roundtable with Government ministers and the Early Years sector to mark the release of new research from the Royal Foundation Centre

Sources close to the family suggest the Cambridges were keen to be closer to the Queen, 96, who has suffered episodic mobility issues in recent months and also secure a good school for their three children.

George, eight, Charlotte, seven and Louis, four, will be pulled out of their current prep school in Battersea and are all expected to start school locally when the new academic term begins in September.

The move also represents a fresh start for the senior royals and their five-strong family as they continue to cement their place among the most influential members of The Firm.

One source told the Sun: 'Kate and William were very keen for a modest home to start their new lives in Windsor. Adelaide Cottage fits the bill because it is a four-bedroom home and they do not need any more as they have no live-in staff.

'They had no other demands than a pleasant family home close to schools and the Queen.

'They were adamant they didn't want anything too showy or anything that needed renovating or extra security so as not to be a burden on the taxpayer.'
China's Digital Silk Road solution to corruption in Africa: AU experts

Xinhua) 09:29, June 16, 2022

GABORONE, June 15 (Xinhua) -- African countries have been urged to take full advantage of China's Digital Silk Road program and employ artificial intelligence in their quest in detecting and subsequently shut corruption down, experts observed Tuesday.

"Digital Silk Road is well positioned to help African nations deal with corruption through the use of artificial intelligence," said Djamel Ghrib, the Director of Economic Affairs at the African Union Commission (AUC), on the closing occasion of AUC-IMF High-Level Conference on Good Governance and the Fight Against Corruption in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana.

Digital Silk Road, launched way back in 2015, is the technology dimension of China's Belt and Road Initiative, which extends from the ocean floor to outer space that enables artificial intelligence (AI), big data applications and other strategic internet solutions.

All African countries should take advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)'s impact and wave of every element of stress that has been brought to people's lives by investing massively in artificial intelligence as well as integrated e-platform solutions, said Ghrib.

Ghrib said artificial intelligence as well as integrated e-platform solutions that provide checks and balances in all transactions in order to bridge the gap between the government and the citizens thereby shutting down corruption.

"China is more than willing to help African countries with innovation and technology," said Ghrib, adding that innovation and technology could play a significant role in helping governments in Africa deliver of many priorities including access to information.

Antoinette Sayeh, the Deputy Managing Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said innovation and technology play a big role in assisting African governments to deliver information to the citizens.

"And China is playing a big role also. If it was not for the infrastructural developments that China is making in Africa in relation digitalization, most countries would not have seen a rapid adaptation to the pandemic with innovations," she said.

Latest World Bank report suggests that the amount of goods and services that governments purchase to discharge their official business is a staggering 10 trillion U.S. dollars per year and is estimated at 10 to 25 percent of global gross domestic product.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
Kate Middleton posed alongside a children's hospital doctors in a previously unseen picture from her surprise visit to Evelina London during the Jubilee weekend.

The Duchess, 40, has been patron of the London hospital, which specialises in providing 'life-changing' treatment for children with rare and complex conditions, since 2018. She has been snapped visiting on multiple occasions since then, visiting patients and staff, and raising the profile of the hospital.

In the snap, which was shared by the hospital on Twitter, the royal can be seen wearing a 250 bright red LK Bennett dress as she put her arm around one of the doctors.

Sharing the image, the Evelina London Twitter account posted: 'Our Royal Patron, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, made a surprise visit to Evelina London over the bank holiday weekend. During the visit, The Duchess met with those unable to join in with celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee for Her Majesty The Queen.'

Kate Middleton, 40, posed alongside a children's hospital doctors in a previously unseen picture from her surprise visit to her patronage Evelina London during the Jubilee weekend

Her visit was particularly low-key. The duchess, who just hours earlier had joined senior royals at the Queen's Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral, spent time speaking to the young patients and their loved ones during the unexpected appearance.

According to the hospital's website the Duchess was greeted by delighted staff and families at the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and Sky cardiology ward.

Janet Powell, Director of Nursing, said: 'We were thrilled to welcome Her Royal Highness to the children's hospital.

'Our colleagues, children and families, were so delighted to meet The Duchess and mark The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

The hospital shared a snap of a number of cards and decorations from the Queen's Jubilee alongside the photo of the Duchess of Cambridge

In a tweet alongside the image, the hospital explained how the mother-of-three had met with those unable to join in with celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee

'Our play specialists with the children had been working hard in the run up to the celebrations to decorate all our wards, and our teams loved showing The Duchess the artwork, bunting and displays.'

News of Kate's visit first emerged over the Jubilee weekend, with the children's hospital announcing her visit on the Evelina London Twitter account.

The post read: 'We received a very special surprise last night! Our Patron, HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, dropped in for a private visit to meet our patients, families and staff unable to join in the celebrations this weekend.

'Luckily the hospital was already decked with Platinum Jubilee decorations made by some of the children and young people we are caring for. Thank you YRH [Your Royal Highness] for thinking of us.'

News of Kate's visit first emerged over the Jubilee weekend, with the children's hospital announcing her visit on the Evelina London Twitter account and sharing posts of the royal with families

Kate, who has been patron of the hospital since 2018, spent time speaking to the young patients and their loved ones in a low-key visit

The post was shared alongside two photographs of the Duchess of Cambridge meeting one family by a child's bedside.

Also shared were images of some of the Platinum Jubilee decorations decking the wards, which had been made by the patients.

Among them were strings of homemade paper bunting, featuring flags illustrated with pictures of the Queen's Guards and other royal imagery.

Another photograph showed a large paper crown decoration, stuck above a large paper sign which featured the number 70, in reference to her Majesty's seven decade reign.

A tweet by Evelina noted that the hospital was decked out in Platinum Jubilee decorations (pictured) made by its young patients

The unseen photograph emerged today as she prepares to host a round-table discussion on the importance of early childhood development and its links to mental health with senior government ministers.

The mother-of-three is due to arrive at the Royal Institution in London later this morning, where she is due to meet with Health Secretary Sajid Javid, families minister Will Quince, representatives from the early years sector and officials from the Department for Education and the Department of Health and Social Care.

The roundtable discussion will focus on forthcoming research led by the Centre into early childhood development, as well as new findings that show 91 per cent agree that early years are important to shaping a child's life.

The Duchess has championed the cause since she joined the Royal Family and was a driving force behind a landmark study on perceptions of early childhood and its societal impact in 2020.
An etiquette expert has revealed the posh way to respond to someone who asks you a question while you are chewing.

London and Berkshire-based Lucy Challenger, 38, is the founder and CEO of high-end Mayfair agency Polo and Tweed, which sources employees for uber-wealthy clients.

She is also a TikTok creator, and has garnered more than 6 million likes for her videos which teach Gen Z social media users the essential manners and etiquette they need to fit in with the upper echelons of society.

In a recent video, Lucy explained the correct steps you should take to avoid being rude, when someone asks you a question and you have a mouthful of food.

TikTokker Lucy Challenger (pictured), who is based in London and Berkshire, makes videos teaching people about etiquette

She said: 'If you're eating, and midchew, someone asks you a question, what should you do?

'Well, the most polite way to approach this is to simply cover your mouth, continue to chew [and] make eye contact with the person so they know that you have acknowledged and heard them, swallow, smile, and answer the question.'

She continued: 'It's a really easy technique to use, but it avoids you showing the contents of your mouth [and] talking with your mouth full, which is a big no-no.

'But it respectfully shows that you've heard them, and that you are ready to acknowledge and answer them as soon as you've finished your mouthful.'

Many TikTok users felt that it was rude of people to talk to someone when they are clearly eating

A number of commentators suggested that the faux pas lay with the other person, for asking a question while they could see you're eating.

One wrote: 'It's vicious and evil to ask people a question when they have just taken a bite.'

Another joked: 'I just lean forward and let everything fall out of my mouth onto the plate and answer. funny thing is they never ask anything else until I've finished.'

A third chimed in with another joke, writing: 'I'd roll my eyes and point to my chewing like "hello don't you see I'm eating?".'

Numerous commentators thanked the creator for the advice, noting that they already take the actions she recommends

But other TikTok users welcomed the video, saying the advice reflected what they already do.

One said: 'I do this so I must be Etiquette.'

Another wrote: 'Thats what i always do! Still very awkward tho.'

And a third agreed, adding: 'I've been doing this since I was like 5 glad to see i have the proper manners.'
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Glamorous racegoers showed off their finery as they arrived for day three of Royal Ascot today - as it was confirmed the Queen will not be attending.

Her Majestys colt Reach For The Moon goes for gold in the Hampton Court Stakes and the one-time Derby favourite is a warm order to deliver an Ascot victory in the Platinum Jubilee year - as such it had been hoped the monarch, 96, would make her first visit of the meeting to see him run.

However, it was confirmed on Thursday lunchtime that she will not make the trip, with the Princess Royal and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence being joined by her daughter Zara Tindall and husband Mike in the first carriage.

Guests were snapped wearing stunning outfits boasting a rainbow of colours today, as they made the most of the sunshine during Ladies Day.

The five-day society favourite event has returned to its pre-pandemic extravagance, after restrictions meant it was subdued in 2020 and 2021.

And so far, attendees have shown their appreciation for the races' return, donning high fashion finery and some show-stopping millinery for their big days out.

A rainbow of colour! Ladies went for their most vibrant attire when attending Ladies Day at Royal Ascot this afternoon

Hat's the ticket! Ladies wear eye-catching headpieces teamed with equally vibrant ensembles as they step out at the races

A sea of colourful attire! Glamorous racegoers wearing sarees place bets during Royal Ascot 2022 at Ascot Racecourse

Fashion forward racegoers showed off their personal styles in colourful outfits, including a red and blue ensemble (left) and this cream look (right) at day 3 of Ascot today

Style over comfort: With their large headgear, these Ladies Day fans appear to prioritised their look over practicality

Lovely in lemon! This group of ladies all donned various yellow dresses or accessories to make sure they are complemented each other for their big day out

Think pink! This Royal Ascot racegoer commanded attention thanks to her vibrant dress and eye-catching headgear

Hats off: Standing out from the crowd, racegoers opt for high fashion finery and some show-stopping millinery for their big days out

Many guests chose to wear bold style statements, rocking extremely attention-grabbing headgear

This year's dress code, which was more casual than in previous years, saw creative attendees don lavish Ascot looks

Winning in the fashion stakes: These glamorous ladies put their best fashion foot forward when appearing at day three of Royal Ascot

Headgear: These women showed off their eye-catching hats, making the most of Ladies Day to show off their style

Ascot attendee Victoria Grant shows off a very bold look, pairing an eye-catching green suit with a fuchsia top hat, left. Pictured right and centre, racegoers strike a pose

Stylish in yellow: more Ladies Day guests opt for what appears to be the top shade of the day - yellow

Time to party! Glamorous racegoers were pictured partying into the evening at Royal Ascot on Ladies Day

Say cheese! These friends all hugged one another when having their picture taken together after the racing action

All smiles! Racegoers let their hair down and take off their shoes to party into the evening at Royal Ascot on Ladies Day

Double trouble: Beaming friends hug one another while partying at Royal Ascot in the evening after today's races

The Queen not only has the John and Thady Gosden-trained Reach For The Moon running on Thursday, but also Saga contesting the Britannia Stakes and Tactical running in the Buckingham Palace Stakes on what is the third day of the fixture.

Her Majesty appeared at Royal Ascot just once in 2021, making the trip to watch Reach For The Moon finish second in the Chesham Stakes on the final day of the meeting.

The British royal family has been out in force this week, with the Prince of Wales, 73, and Duchess of Cornwall, 74, Princess Anne, 71, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, and Princess Beatrice, 33, and Edoardo Mapelli-Mozzi, 38, all attending.

But the Queen, 96, who has been at every Royal Meeting since acceding to the throne in 1952, apart from when it was held behind closed doors in 2020, missed the first two days, amid her ongoing mobility issues.

Hat's a look: Racegoer Anastasia Tutus went big on Ladies Day, rocking a huge hat featuring multicoloured floral roses

Friends Angela Menz and Lisa Tan attended day 3 of Royal Ascot, choosing to make the most of their day out by showing off their bold style

The day offered an opportunity to show off some fashion forward choices, and this lady donned an asymmetric, origami-style hat

True blue: For this couple, Royal Ascot provided an opportunity to show off their allegiance to the Union Jack, rocking a patriotic look

Ekaterina Zherebtsova was another of the Ascot attendees to wear yellow in her outfit for day 3 of the five-day event

Ladies Day attendees posed in their carefully chosen outfits, showing off chic dresses they'd picked for the event

Patriotic: British colours including red, white, and blue were the order of the day for this trio, who donned perfectly coordinated outfits

Meanwhile, this couple was more understated, opting for black as the key colour in their coordinating look

Guests at Ascot today showed off a veritable range of colours and style, from a rainbow hat to a simple black option

Going all out: This Ascot attendee made a statement in an all-white look, which she paired with an unusual accessory - a gold topped wooden walking cane

Another racegoer shows off their parasol, which is colour-coordinated with their yellow outfit and perfect for the June sun

Racegoers at this year's Ascot showed off a range of rainbow coloured outfits as they attended the third day of the society favourite event

This group seemed to have coordinated their look, with yellow playing a dominant role in their collective colour palette

An all-red outfit paired with statement animal print heels was the chosen look of this racegoer on day 3 of Royal Ascot

Reality TV star Georgia Toffolo attends the event in a gold, full length dress paired with black accessories including strappy sandals, black lace gloves, and a hat

British designer Amanda Wakely put her professional stamp of approval on yellow, donning a mustard-toned frock paired with black accessories as posed at the event

Take a bow: Lizzie Cundy looked patriotic in a Union Jack hat, which was designed to look like an enormous bow

Meanwhile celebrity chef James Martin opted for a more quintessentially British look, donning a top hat and tails for the da

Lady Victoria Hervey, who also appeared at Ascot today, chose an all-white suit, in contrast to some of the bright colours sported by others

Hana Cross cut an elegant figure in a cream dress featuring multi-coloured floral details with black heels and a matching hat

Katie Dadrie and Nick Knowles cut stylish figures as they attended the third day of the event, both opting for traditional looks

Fashion writer Emily Cronin (left) stayed cool in open-toed sandals, paired with a floaty dress in a pale shade of eau de nil

Vlogger Freddy Cousin Brown (left) created a vintage look for her day out at the races, while Swedish singer Mabel (right) choice a statement piece

Speaking ahead of the day's races today, which is Gold Cup Day, jockey Frankie Dettori spoke about his experience of winning the cup in previous years, and discussed Her Majesty's passion for racing.

He said: 'Today will be emotional. The Gold Cup (4:20pm) is the most prestigious race of the week, and the only one where you get to receive the trophy from The Queen. Ive been lucky enough to win it eight times and its the ultimate feeling really.

'Were very lucky to have a monarch who loves racing so much. Its in her blood, and it doesnt get much bigger than Her Majesty handing you the Gold Cup.'

Talking about Stradivarius, who he will be riding today, Frankie said: 'Win, lose or draw on Stradivarius, Im sure hell get a great reception and the send-off he truly deserves on what will be his final run at Ascot.

'Hes done a tremendous amount for racing, and no matter what happens today he will always be remembered as one of the greatest stayers weve ever seen.

'To be running in the race for a sixth time is absolutely remarkable, not to mention a 12th time at Ascot, and its just been so good to have him around.'

Crowds were pictured queuing up ahead of the day's racing schedule, as they waited to get into the Berkshire ground

Images of the queues ahead of the day's activities showed large crowds gathering, keen to get in

Guests beamed at photographers as they waited at the barriers, keen to get into the sunny Ascot grounds on Day 3

Some posed at the barriers, taking the opportunity to show off their carefully styled looks

Racegoers have returned to Ascot this year, which is back to full throttle after being restricted for the last two years due to the pandemic

And 2022's event seems to be more colourful than ever, with Ladies Day guests showing off their brightly coloured hats and dresses

Double trouble! These elegant racegoers appeared in all their finery, with both duos sporting red and white colours

Looking good! Racegoers wearing sarees pose for photographs during Royal Ascot 2022 at Ascot Racecourse

This attendee was snapped wearing an extravagant purple hat as she arrived at the famous raceground ahead of Ladies Day

Some racegoers opted for practicality, going for lower key, but still stylish, looks. One woman already seemed to have swapped her heels for flats

Fan-tastic: Canny attendees anticipated the June heat today, carrying fans to help them cool off under the hot sun

Guests arrived at the famous Berkshire racecourse for Ladies Day, showing off their extravagant outfits, donning lavish facinators and hats alongside their glamorous frocks

Speaking about his other events, he added: 'I also ride Reach For The Moon (5:35pm) and Saga (5:00pm) for Her Majesty, so it really is the most important day of the week for me. Reach For The Moon has some very good two-year-old form, and his first run back behind My Prospero at Sandown was encouraging.'

He added: 'Sagas homework has been very good but hes yet to translate that to racecourse, so weve put some headgear on him in the hope that will help him concentrate a bit more.

'Hes only had five runs so far so his hopefully yet to show his best, but the Britannia is such a hard race to win with some many lightly-raced three-year-olds.

'Like Reach For The Moon, Sagas form ties into the St Jamess Palace too as he was clear second to Maljoom at Kempton. As for Franz Strauss in the King George V Stakes (3:05pm), he remains pretty unexposed and will hopefully take a good step forward, but these handicaps are so competitive.'
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Prince William's role in stopping his uncle Prince Andrew appearing in public this week was splashed across front pages.

The Daily Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden says this was an example of how he is 'throwing his weight around more', by refusing to appear at the Order of the Garter procession alongside his disgraced uncle Prince Andrew.

'This was an example where he was saying 'enough is enough', no way am I going to be there,' he tells our programme Palace Confidential. 'It would have been a terrible look, it's good, it's reassuring that William knows that and he knows how damaging that is.'

The ongoing crisis over Prince Andrew's royal role is more serious than Megxit argues The Mail on Sunday's assistant editor Kate Mansey. She believes that the situation is 'even more interesting and more important' because Andrew's demotion has been 'foisted upon him'.

Prince William's role in stopping his uncle Prince Andrew appearing in public this week was splashed across front pages. Pictured, The Duke of Cambridge attending the Order Of The Garter Service at St George's Chapel on June 13 in Windsor

The Daily Mail's Diary Editor Richard Eden (pictured) says this was an example of how he is 'throwing his weight around more', by refusing to appear at the Order of the Garter procession alongside his disgraced uncle Prince Andrew

'This is the modernisation of the monarchy in real time because here you've got your birthright, but for the first time you don't just have to be born into your HRH, this is a totally new thing, that you have to continue to deserve it,' she says. 'Andrew feels very sore about it.'

'The Palace, the Queen, other senior royals, Charles and William are stepping in to protect the monarchy, saying 'no no, the monarchy is not something you're born into any more, this is a privilege and you have to deserve it',' she adds.

This problem isn't going away particularly quickly argues the Daily Mail's Royal Editor Rebecca English, who points out that despite not appearing at the public Order of the Garter parade, he still attended the private occasions. This stubborn attitude will mean it remains a 'running sore' for the Royal Family.

'Even though he was persuaded to step down from the ledge and not attend the public events, he attended the private lunch and the investiture at Windsor Castle,' she tells the programme.

'And I think that's really indicative of his state of mind, he is being dragged, screaming and kicking to actually take a proper step back. This is why I think it's going to be a running sore for the family certainly for the foreseeable future.'
A former Eleven Madison Park worker - who earned $15 an hour at the $335-a-person restaurant - opened up about the working conditions at the eatery, claiming he had to do 20-hour shifts with a broken ankle and that he was yelled at for scooping ice 'too loudly' in the kitchen.

Chandler Yerves dreamed of working at the acclaimed New York City restaurant - which is located on Madison Avenue, in between 24th and 25th street in Manhattan, was once named the best restaurant in the world, and has had many celebrity guests including Leonardo DiCaprio and Martha Stewart - since he was a child.

The chef was hired as a junior prep cook at the upscale restaurant, known as EMP for short, in May 2021 - around the same time that it reopened and announced it was switching to an all-vegan menu after spending 15 months closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, soon after he got the job, Yerves realized it wasn't exactly what he thought it would be - claiming that he worked long hours on very little sleep and was screamed at for things like making too much noise while getting ice from the freezer in its infamous 'silent kitchen.'

Yerves explained to Insider that he had to wake up at 4AM and would work more than 20 hours a day six days a week, often not getting to bed until midnight, and standing for hours on end - despite having a broken ankle at the time.

A former Eleven Madison Park worker (pictured left with his girlfriend) claimed he had to do 20-hour shifts with a broken ankle and that he was yelled at for scooping ice 'too loudly'

The acclaimed New York City restaurant - which is located on Madison Avenue, in between 24th and 25th street in Manhattan - charges $335-a-person for a pre-set 11-course meal

Chandler Yerves (pictured center with his girlfriend) was hired as a junior prep cook at the upscale New York City eatery in May 2021

His new job began around the same time that owner and head chef, Daniel Humm (pictured), 46, announced the acclaimed restaurant was switching to an all-vegan menu

He said he was told he wouldn't be allowed to wear his medical boot in the kitchen, since it left his toes open.

At one point, Yerves claimed that a sous-chef made him search all around the city for peppers that were exactly five inches long, which meant he had to go from store to store with a ruler, measuring the vegetables until he found enough that were the right size.

Yerves (seen with his girlfriend) said he had to work 20-hour shifts, six days a week, on very little sleep and that he was screamed at for things like making too much noise in the kitchen

After spending more than two hours gathering the perfect peppers, he said most of them ended up being thrown in the trash by the sous-chef.

He claimed he would see 'bins upon bins' of wasted produce get thrown out, despite EMP's owner and head chef, Daniel Humm, often preaching about the restaurants 'commitment to sustainability.'

Yerves quit the 'egotistical' restaurant in November, and he now works at Cut by Wolfgang Puck.

'It was definitely a huge toll on my mental health,' he told the outlet during a recent interview. 'It was definitely the most egotistical restaurant I've ever been in in my life.'

In a previous story published by Insider, more former staff members - as well as current employees - at the prestigious three-star Michelin restaurant spoke out about their negative experiences while working there, claiming that the 's**t show' eatery is more focused on appearances than making good food.

The staffers - most of whom decided to remain anonymous - said the establishment was plagued with understaffing and chaos after head chef Humm, 46, turned everything vegan during its reopening last year.

More former staff members and current employees at the prestigious three-star Michelin restaurant spoke out about their negative experiences to Insider

They claimed Humm was more committed to his status as a celebrity chef than being in the restaurant. Hum (left) is pictured with girlfriend actress Demi Moore in Paris last week

Yerves said it took 'a huge toll' on his mental health' before he quit in November, calling it 'the most egotistical restaurant he's ever been in in his life'

Following the surprise move, employees said there was a mass exodus and new hires got burned out quickly, all while Humm allegedly reveled in his status as a celebrity chef who was dating actress Demi Moore.

Eleven Madison Park's $335 11-course menu TOMATO Tea with lemon verbena Salad with strawberry and shiso Yellow tomato dosa CELTUCE In variation with rice TONBURI With peas and baby lettuce CUCUMBER With melon and smoked daikon SUMMER SQUASH With lemongrass and marinated tofu SWEET PEPPER With Swiss chard BEET With horseradish and herbs EGGPLANT With tomato and coriander Sides: summer beans with green onion, corn with juniper STRAWBERRY Marinated with thyme BLUEBERRY With elderflower SESAME Chocolate pretzel Advertisement

On top of Yerves, six other former employees said that they too ditched the restaurant due to low pay, long hours, and a lack of support.

'There were suddenly sous-chefs who were walking out of the restaurant,' one line cook, who quit in 2021, told Insider.

'There were cooks who were walking out of the restaurant. It was just, to put it very simply, a s**t show.'

A representative for the restaurant - which charges $335-a-person for a pre-set 11-course tasting meal - said in a statement that Humm was proud of his work at EMP, and that he had no plans to change anything amid the 'flat-out erroneous critiques.'

'When Daniel reopened Eleven Madison Park post-pandemic, he told the New York Times that "we couldn't go back to doing what we did before,''' the rep wrote. 'Neither the restaurant nor the plan to retreat from these necessary changes due to some mostly anonymous and flat-out erroneous critiques from former employees, competitors. and other agenda-driven sources.'

Despite Humm's vow that he was deeply committed to the restaurant, former employees told Insider that the chef rarely visited the kitchen unless it was to take VIP guests on tours.

Yerves recalled one such alleged instance, which came last year when actor Woody Harrelson stopped by the restaurant, claiming that Humm danced around the kitchen and lit up a joint, disgusting some employees.

'He acted like an idiot,' a former front-of-house said. 'We kind of felt that [Humm] had lost touch with everything.'

One of the biggest irks for the employees was Humm's alleged refusal to raise their wages from the city's $15 an hour minimum, a blow to their wallets that was only compounded by EMP's banning of tips.

An anonymous former employee told Insider that they once had to refuse a generous $1,000 tip from Chipotle founder Steve Ells, who they said seemed 'insulted' by the rejection.

The low-pay, coupled with long hours at EMP - where it's not unusual to work an 80-hour-work week - had even caused some to break down during their shifts, one staffer alleged.

Humm had announced his plans to reopen as a vegan establishment last year, a message that came to the surprise of both customers and employees alike

A representative for the restaurant said that Humm (pictured with his daughters) was proud of his work at EMP, and had no plans to change anything amid the 'flat-out erroneous critiques'

'Everyone was depressed,' the former kitchen employee said. 'Everyone was like, "This place is not OK.'''

Arielle Smith, who worked as a maitre d' from the relaunch until this past February, told the outlet that while she was grateful for her job at EMP, she saw the culture and experience at the acclaimed restaurant plummet during her short stay.

'This is the new EMP, and everybody is new, and no one really knows how to do this at the level that they've been doing it,' she explained.

Humm's restaurant fell into trouble last October after his vegan menu received a scathing review in the New York Times, with the outlet slamming the fact that those who booked a private dining room in the back of the restaurant could still order meat.

New York Times critic Pete Wells had little time for a dehydrated beetroot dish served in a clay pot that is broken open at the table, saying it 'tasted like Lemon Pledge and smelled like a burning joint.'

One of the biggest irks for the employees was Humm's alleged refusal to raise their wages from $15 an hour. Cucumber with melon and smoked daikon - a dish on the menu is pictured

It was also said the Humm banned customers from tipping employees. Eggplant with tomato and cilantro, another dish on the 11-course menu, is pictured

The vegetables, Wells said, were 'doing things no root vegetable should be asked to do,' and he accused Humm of manipulating the ingredients far beyond necessary.

A tomato dish was described by Wells as having a 'pumped-up, distorted flavor, like tomatoes run through a wah-wah pedal' - a device used by musicians to distort the sound of an electric guitar.

Eleven Madison Park won its first Michelin star in 2010. The following year - the same year it was taken over by Humm - it joined the elite group of three-starred restaurants - an accolade it has maintained until the last ranking, in May 2021.

There are only 134 three-starred restaurants in the world; France and Japan have 29 each, and there are 14 in the United States. New York City currently has five - the same number as London.
Donald Trump's former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has revealed that she is pregnant with her second child, sharing the happy news in a live Fox News broadcast on Thursday afternoon.

The 34-year-old, who has a two-year-old daughter, Blake, with her husband Sean Gilmartin, 32, opened up about her expanding family during Outnumbered - which she co-hosts - telling her fellow on-air correspondents that she couldn't be more thrilled to welcome a new addition to her brood.

'So my husband Sean Gilmartin and I are about four-months pregnant,' McEnany shared, adding: 'What a blessing, we've prayed a lot about this, and God just blessed us with a child, a second child to join baby Blake, my daughter.'

The TV host - who was the last person to serve in the role of White House press secretary before Trump's presidency came to an end in January 2021 - admitted that she has struggled to keep the news under wraps, joking that she almost blurted out she was pregnant to her co-hosts before sharing the news officially.

Donald Trump's former press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has revealed that she is four-months pregnant with her second child

The 34-year-old Fox News host, who is married to MLB player Sean Gilmartin, made the announcement on Thursday's Outnumbered, while sharing her joy over the happy news

'What a blessing, we've prayed a lot about this, and God just blessed us with a child, a second child to join baby Blake, my daughter,' McEnany said

'One day we were on the couch and someone said, "The five of us," and I said [to myself], "No the six of us, there's another one right in here!" I knew the whole time.'

She added that she will reveal the gender of her unborn child on Outnumbered in the coming weeks, and is even considering bringing her husband - who is an MLB player - onto the show in order to make the announcement with her.

'We will reveal the gender in the coming weeks, we'll do a little gender reveal here on Outnumbered,' she said, before noting that she has found it incredibly 'difficult' not to let slip the sex of her baby.

'I can't reveal the gender. It's so difficult because I do know,' she confessed.

'I'm not one of those people that can wait. I have a friend who is waiting, but I know right now and we are going to reveal here.

'Stay tuned to Outnumbered. There will be a surprise, we're going to do a gender reveal at the end of one show.'

As of her husband's reaction to the happy news, McEnany said Gilmartin is 'really excited', before noting the happy coincidence that her announcement comes 'right on the cusp of Father's Day', which takes place on Sunday.

The expectant mom then went on to gush about the 'support' she has received from her colleagues at Fox, saying: 'Thank you all for your support, and for Fox. [There is] no more supportive a workplace to be a working mom than Fox News Channel.'

McEnany's second pregnancy comes less than three years after she and Gilmartin welcomed their first child, daughter Blake, who was born in November 2019 - almost one year to the day before the 2020 election.

McEnany's pregnancy news comes less than three years after she and Gilmartin welcomed their first child, daughter Blake, who was born in November 2019

The former White House press secretary said that her husband, 32, is 'really excited' to become a father for the second time

At the time, she shared the news of her new arrival on social media, posting a sweet image of herself and Gilmartin proudly posing with their daughter, while writing: 'Sean and I are so blessed to welcome our first baby - Blake Avery Gilmartin - into the world!

'What a blessing from God she is to our family!'

Gilmartin and McEnany tied the knot in November 2017, while she was working as the national spokesperson for the Republican National Committee.

Having started her career as a producer at Fox News, McEnany went on to become a commentator at CNN, before moving to the RNC, and then taking a job as national press secretary for Trump's re-election campaign in 2019. She was appointed as White House press secretary in April 2020.

McEnany's happy news marks a bright spot in what has been a dark time for the former Trump administration amid the ongoing January 6 committee hearings.

Earlier this week, images capturing a seemingly-shell-shocked McEnany absorbing the 2020 election results were released, showing the former press secretary standing alongside other members of the former President's inner circle as the election returns came in.

The pictures appear to show the grim results sinking in for Trump's team of advisors, at least according to journalist Jonathan Karl, who published them in his book Betrayal.

They provide a visual account to supplement testimony the House January 6 committee presented Monday  including statements by key Trump advisors who said they told the then-President that his claims of election fraud were bogus.

McEnany was also featured in texts that Rep. Liz Cheney read aloud at the committee hearing on June 13 between her and Fox News host Sean Hannity.

'Key now. No more crazy people,' Hannity wrote her. 'Yes. 100 per cent,' she responded.

'No more stolen election talk,' the Fox News host responded.

McEnany's first pregnancy announcement was made on Instagram, where she posted an image of herself cradling her bump while aboard Air Force One

McEnany served as Trump's White House press secretary from April 2020 until January 2021\

McEnany made her last appearance as White House press secretary on January 7, the day after Trump supporters launched an attack on the Capitol that left five dead and interrupted the certification of Biden's victory.

She condemned the actions, saying she spoke for the entire administration in her denouncement of the violence.

'Let me be clear, the violence we saw yesterday at our nation's capital was appalling reprehensible and antithetical to the American way,' she said.

McEnany spoke for less than two minutes, reading a statement from her notebook, before fleeing the room without answering any questions.

'What we saw yesterday was a group of violent rioters undermining the legitimate first amendment rights of the many thousands who came to peacefully have their voices heard, in our nation's capital,' McEnany said.

McEnany departed the White House on January 15 to return to Florida, where her husband was living.

She was succeeded in her role as White House press secretary by Jen Psaki, the first person to take on the position under President Joe Biden.

However, while she revealed that she had left a note behind at the White House for her successor, any positive relations between them appear to have quickly cooled - with McEnany taking furious aim at Psaki in April over her criticism of the 'Don't Say Gay' bills.

During an appearance on Fox News, McEnany blasted Psaki for crying about Florida's so-called 'Don't Say Gay' legislation on a CNN podcast, saying that she should be 'crying about' aborted children instead.

'Namely, if you wanna cry about one issue in this country right now, I think the press secretary should cry about the 62 million children that do not exist, that have been aborted because of Roe v. Wade, a heinous, heinous decision in this country that has exterminated about one-fifth of the United States' population,' the ex-Trump staffer told Sean Hannity.

'If you wanna cry, don't cry about forcing sexuality on kindergartners. This is sick,' McEnany continued. 'Cry about the 62 million children who can't go to kindergarten.'
Princess Charlene of Monaco put on a sombre display in an all-black ensemble when joining her husband Prince Albert and their seven-year-old daughter Princess Gabriella today.

The former Olympian, 44, appeared alongside Albert and her daughter during a balcony appearance for the Catholic festival, Corpus Christi. It's unclear why Gabriella's twin Jacques can't be seen on the balcony with them.

The holiday is celebrated on the first Thursday after Trinity Sunday (60 days after Easter) to proclaim the truth of the transubstantiation of bread and wine into the actual body of Christ during Mass.

Charlene looked effortlessly stylish in a black shirt dress, cinched at the waist with a thin black belt, while wearing bright red lipstick.

She recently returned to Monaco following a 10-month absence in her native South Africa and was seen last month with her children and husband for the first time since November after spending time in a treatment facility for 'exhaustion'.

Princess Charlene of Monaco put on a sombre display in an all-black ensemble when joining her husband Prince Albert and their seven-year-old daughter Princess Gabriella today

The former Olympian, 44, appeared alongside Albert and her daughter during a balcony appearance for the Catholic festival, Corpus Christi. It's unclear why Gabriella's twin Jacques can't be seen on the balcony with them

The royal couple's appearance together comes after Prince Albert said he was 'hurt by the vicious rumours' peddled about his marriage following his wife's absence and said that it's the 'most beautiful thing' to have her back with him.

The outing is the third time the royal couple have been seen in public together since French media claimed she is receiving 10million a year to appear by her husband's side at public outings.

Prince Albert, 62, said the time apart was 'a test for his wife' but they 'spoke often, despite the distance.

Speaking to French Sunday paper Journal de Dimanche at the start of this month, Albert said the last year was 'a test for my wife especially, who suffered greatly and lived through difficult times, far from her family. A test also for our children and for myself.

'We missed the princess a lot. And we were obviously hurt by the malicious rumours that were peddled. But we were able to stay united despite the distance, we spoke to each other often.'

He added: 'Today, Charlene is back with us and this is the most beautiful thing which could have happened. She's better, we can finally spend time together. It is a relief and a joy for all of us'.

Prince Albert recently said he was 'hurt by the vicious rumours' peddled about his marriage following his wife's 10-month long absence from Monaco and said that it's the 'most beautiful thing' to have Princess Charlene back with him

The interview took place prior to the announcement that Charlene had tested positive for Covid.

Despite her health worries, palace sources said her diagnosis was 'not worrying' and she was self-isolating.

During appearances at Monaco Fashion Week last month, Charlene told local media her health was 'fragile' and the road to recovery was 'long, difficult and so painful'.

Charlene has rarely been seen with Albert since she spent some 10 months in South Africa last year. She contracted a serious sinus infection on a charity trip, which left her hospitalised and delayed her return to Monaco.

She returned home in November, but left almost immediately for Switzerland to receive treatment for 'exhaustion'.

It comes as French media claimed she is receiving 10million a year to appear by her husband's side at public engagements.

Charlene recently returned to Monaco and was seen with her children and husband for the first time since November after spending time in treatment facility for 'exhaustion'. The couple are pictured with Sebastian Vettel

While she use to be a regular at racing events, Charlene last attended the Grand Prix in 2019 - where she received a kiss on the cheek from Lewis Hamilton

Leading French media reported the ruler of the tax haven Mediterranean principality was doing everything possible to keep Charlene 'at his side at public events'.

Major French outlets that specialise in celebrity news said Charlene's sudden re-appearance was welcomed by all Royal watchers.

'But the Princess did not return at any price,' magazine Voici reported. 'She would have had her husband sign an ultra-confidential contract.'

Timeline: Prince Albert and Princess Charlene's year apart January 27 - Charlene is pictured with Albert for the Sainte Devote Ceremony in Monaco. March 18 - Charlene is pictured at the memorial for the late Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini at the KwaKhethomthandayo Royal Palace in Nongoma, South Africa April 2 - Charlene posts an Instagram picture of herself, Albert and their twins Jacques and Gabriella for Easter. It is unknown where the image was taken. May 8 - Albert, Jacques and Gabriella attend a Grand Prix event in Monaco without Charlene May 10 - Albert attends Monaco Gala Awards in Monaco without Charlene May 18 - Charlene shares her first picture from her conservation trip in South Africa June 1 - Prince Albert II, Jacques and Gabriella attend event at Oceanic Museum in Monaco June 3 - New photos emerge of Charlene on her conservation trip June 5- Charlene puts on a united front as she shares a photo with her family to mark her niece's fifth birthday with her brother's family and Albert and the twins in South Africa June 7 - Albert and the twins attend the World Rugby Sevens without Charlene June 17 - Prince Albert attends Red Cross Summer concert in Monte Carlo with his sister Princess Caroline of Hanover June 18 - Prince Albert appears alone Monte Carlo TV Festival June 24 - Charlene's foundation releases a statement saying the royal is unable to travel and is undergoing procedures for an ear, nose and throat infection July 2 - Charlene and Albert mark their 10th anniversary separately. 'This year will be the first time that I'm not with my husband on our anniversary in July, which is difficult, and it saddens me,' Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene said in a statement. July 3 - Albert appears with glamorous niece Charlotte Casiraghi at the 15th international Monte-Carlo Jumping event, which is part of the Longines Global Champions Tour of Monaco, July 27 - Prince Albert attends Olympics alone in Tokyo August 13 - Charlene undergoes a four-hour operation. The reason is not announced August 25 - Charlene shares photos of Prince Albert, Gabriella and Jacques visiting her in South Africa September 1 - Charlene is admitted under an alias to the Netcare Alberlito Hospital after suddenly 'collapsing' September 2 - She is discharged, with a statement from the Palais Princier reading: 'Her Highness is closely monitored by Her medical team who said that Her condition was not worrying' September 23 - Prince Albert attends the 2021 Monte Carlo Gala for Planetary Health September 29 - Prince Albert is joined on the red carpet by actress Sharon Stone for a first look at the eagerly anticipated James Bond release September 30 - Charlene releases a stylish video promoting her anti-poaching campaign from her South African bolthole October 3 - Princess Charlene shares a photograph of herself smiling in front of a bible in her first snap since being discharged from hospital following her health scare October 5 - Prince Albert attends Sportel Awards Ceremony in Monte Carlo with nephew Louis Ducruet October 6 - Albert tells RMC radio Charlene is 'ready to come home' October 8 - Princess undergoes surgery in South Africa November 8 - Charlene arrives back in Monaco. Prince Albert said within hours it became clear she was 'unwell' November 13 - Prince Albert attends Expo 2020 in Dubai without Princess Charlene Following his return from the trip, Prince Albert holds an intervention with Charlene's brothers and a sister-in-law in which Charlene 'confirmed' she would seek 'real medically framed treatment' outside of Monaco November 16 - Royal household confirms Princess Charlene will not attend National Day celebrations on November 19 - Prince Albert attends a Monaco Red Cross event without Princess Charlene November 17 - Prince Albert reveals Princess Charlene has left Monaco and is recovering in a secret location November 19 - Prince Albert reveals Charlene is in a treatment facility 'elsewhere in Europe' after a family intervention January 25 - Charlene celebrates her birthday alone outside of Monaco January 26 - Prince Albert is joined by his children and sister without Charlene at St Devote's Day February 27 - Prince Albert and his two children attend AS Monaco football match without Princess Charlene March 14 - The royal palace announced Charlene had returned to Monaco. April 17 - Palace released Easter Sunday family portrait of couple with their seven-year-old twins Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques April 30 - Princess Charlene makes first public appearance at Monaco E-Prix May 7 - Charlene joins Albert at Sainte Devote Rugby Tournament May 18 - Prince Albert takes twins to Disneyland without Charlene May 25- Charlene appears with Gabriella at fashion show while Albert attends football game with Jacques May 28 - Charlene and Albert appear together at Monaco F1 Advertisement

Conditions include Albert paying Charlene '12 million euros [10.2m] per year', the outlet claims.

The revelations were followed up by rival publication Paris Match Belgium, which writes: 'Prince Albert would himself pay a tidy sum to the princess so that she appears at his side at public events.'

Events that Charlene could now be contractually obliged to attend include the F1 Grand Prix and the Rose charity ball which has been rescheduled from March 19 to July 8.

The Royal Palace in Monte Carlo refuses to discuss specific financial arrangements, but the principality pays out some 40m a year to cover the institution's running costs.

Royals are not salaried officials, however, meaning that Charlene would be reliant on Albert  a billionaire in his own right  for her own spending money.

A Royal insider based in Monte Carlo told Mail Online: 'Of course the Princess enjoys huge perks, but ready cash is not guaranteed.

'She's been through a very difficult time, so it would make sense for Charlene to try and secure her own guaranteed income.'

Charlene first had a 10-month absence in her native South Africa, where she contracted and was hospitalised for a serious sinus infection that delayed her return to Monaco.

After her return to the principality in November, Charlene left almost immediately to receive treatment for 'exhaustion' at a Swiss clinic.

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.

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'.

A palace statement released on December 23 revealed Albert and the couple's children were planning to visit Charlene during the Christmas holidays, as well as asking for the family's privacy to be respected.

It added that the princess 'is recuperating in a satisfactory and reassuring manner, although it may take a few more months before her health has reached a full recovery.'

Princess Charlene met Prince Albert in 2000 during a swimming competition in Monaco and the pair married in 2011, before welcoming twins Gabriella and Jacques in 2014.

Charlene returned to her husband and twins Jacques and Gabriella in November following almost a year in South Africa.

While on a solo charity trip to the country, she contracted a severe sinus infection which prevented her from travelling. She subsequently needed surgery to treat the medical condition, which again delayed her return to Monaco.

In the weeks after her arrival, Charlene remained absent from public duties.

Albert later revealed the family reunion had gone 'pretty well' in the first few hours, but it then became 'pretty evident' that Charlene was 'unwell.'

He said the former Olympian 'realised she needed help', adding: 'She was overwhelmed and couldn't face official duties, life in general or even family life.'

Albert explained: 'I'm probably going to say this several times, but this has nothing to do with our relationship. I want to make that very clear. These are not problems within our relationship; not with the relationship between a husband and wife. It's of a different nature.'

He went on to tell a magazine her current state was a result of 'several factors which are private'.

Albert continued: 'She hadn't slept well in a number of days and she wasn't eating at all well. She has lost a lot of weight, which made her vulnerable to other potential ailments. A cold or the flu or God help us, COVID.'

He said it is 'not cancer-related or personal relationship issue' and later said she is suffering from 'exhaustion, both emotional and physical'.

He later confirmed Charlene has been admitted to a treatment facility for undisclosed medical issues, as she works through a period of ill health. The location of the facility was not confirmed, though several sources claim it is in Switzerland.

However friends of the princess spoke out to suggest the issues were more physical than Albert appeared to suggest.

Speaking to Page Six, a source described as the royal's friend said: 'It is unfair that she is being portrayed as having some kind of mental or emotional issue.

'We don't know why the palace is downplaying that she almost died in South Africa.'

The source explained the royal had a severe ear, nose and throat infection, which resulted in 'severe sinus and swallowing issues stemming from an earlier surgery'.

Elsewhere friends of Princess Charlene gave Tatler a rare insight into what the royal is really like, insisting that the former swimmer is a force to be reckoned with.

One source rubbished any public perception that Charlene is 'naive' and trapped in an unhappy marriage with Albert, saying: 'I don't for one second think she did not know what she was doing when she married him.'

But one warned the mother of Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, seven, is not the type to be blindly controlled by the Monaco royal household.

'Charlene is no Princess Di.' one said. 'She may come across as being extremely naive, but nothing could be further from the truth. She is very good at keeping her smarts under wraps.'

Doubts about the central relationship of Monaco's royal family are not new.

Several residents living in the narrow medieval alleys of Monaco Ville confirmed to MailOnline that before she left for South Africa Charlene was spending most of her time outside the Palace, living in a modest two-bedroom apartment above an old chocolate factory about 300m away, rather than in the 12th Century Palace itself.

'We often saw her outside the Palace and she would usually be alone or with a bodyguard,' said one source, 'but she was never with Albert - it was obvious she chose to spend most of her time in the apartment rather than the palace.'

Princess Charlene of Monaco and her daughter Princess Gabriella of Monaco attend the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco

Princess Charlene met Prince Albert in 2000 during a swimming competition in Monaco and the pair married in 2011, before welcoming twins Gabriella and Jacques in 2014.

Born in Rhodesia- a previously unrecognised state in Southern Africa colonised by the British, she relocated to South Africa aged 11.

She had a successful swimming career and went on to win three gold medals and a silver medal at the 1999 All Africa Games in Johannesburg, as well as representing South Africa at the 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games and winning a silver medal in the 4  100 m medley relay in the latter competition.

However the pair's marriage has made numerous headlines over the years, with a third paternity suit emerging in December 2020.

Soon afterwards Charlene famously shaved half her head in the style of a punk rocker. Months later she left for South Africa.

The allegations in December 2020 claimed 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 were already in a relationship.

He has also fathered two other children outside of wedlock. Jazmin Grace Grimaldi, who is now 29 and the result of Albert's affair with an American estate agent, and Alexandre Coste, 18, whose mother is a former Togolese air hostess.

Both children were struck off Monaco's line of succession in return for vast financial settlements.
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Princess Martha Louise of Norway and her fiance Shaman Durek put on a glamorous display as they joined royals attending a government party to mark Princess Ingrid Alexandra's 18th birthday this evening.

Looking effortlessly elegant, Martha Louise, 50, who is fourth in line to the Norwegian throne, commanded attention in a hot pink, floor-length gown, featuring silver shimmering detailing on the V-neckline and around her waist as she arrived at Oslo's main library Deichman Bjoervika.

The mother-of-three announced her engagement to Durek, 47, a Los Angeles-based 'spiritual guide and gifted healer' whose celebrity following includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Nina Dobrev and James Van Der Beek, last week, before making their first public appearance in West Hollywood, at a new makeup collection launch.

This evening, the loved-up couple, who held as they walked the red carpet, were joined by the star of the night, Princess Ingrid Alexandra. The 18-year-old, who reached her milestone in January but postponed any formal celebrations, oozed elegance in a gem-encrusted white gown.

Ingrid Alexandra, who tomorrow will party alongside glamorous European royals at a gala celebrating her birthday, arrived alongside her parents Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and his wife Mette-Marit, as well as her grandparents Queen Sonja and King Harald.

Princess Martha Louise of Norway and her fiance Shaman Durek put on a glamorous display as they joined royals attending a government party to mark Princess Ingrid Alexandra's 18th birthday this evening

Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who reached her milestone in January but postponed any formal celebrations, oozed elegance in a gem-encrusted white gown, left. She arrived alongside her parents Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and his wife Mette-Marit, right

Queen Sonja appeared equally vibrant in a blue gown and white cardigan, while her husband King Harald donned a smart suit

Looking just as sophisticated as her daughter, Princess Mette-Marit opted for a bright yellow dress featuring floral details, which she teamed with a bright pink clutch.

Not to be outdone, Queen Sonja appeared equally vibrant in a blue gown and white cardigan, while her husband King Harald donned a smart suit.

Tomorrow, Ingrid Alexandra is set to welcome the most glamourous European royals for her official birthday gala after it was postponed due to the pandemic.

Royal blog Gert's Royals confirmed that Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands were among the first royals to RSVP to the event, alongside their daughter Princess Amalia, who is also 18.

Ingrid Alexandra's Spanish godfather Felipe VI, and his stylish wife Queen Letizia are also due to take part in the festivities alongside a host of royal names.

Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, who are also Ingrid Alexandra's godparents, will also attend with their spouses.

Looking effortlessly elegant, Martha Louise, 50, who is fourth in line to the Norwegian throne, commanded attention in a hot pink, floor-length gown, featuring silver shimmering detailing on the V-neckline and around her waist as she arrived at Oslo's main library Deichman Bjoervika

This evening, the loved-up newly-engaged couple, who held as they walked the red carpet, were joined by the star of the night, Princess Ingrid Alexandra (pictured left)

Ingrid Alexandra, who tomorrow will party alongside glamorous European royals at a gala celebrating her birthday, arrived alongside her parents Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and his wife Mette-Marit (pictured together)

Few details have been revealed ahead of the party, apart from a few royal names making the guest-list. In addition to Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Ingrid Alexandra's other godmothers include her Highness Princess Martha Louise, and Ms Marit Tjessem, the mother of the Crown Princess.

King Felipe VI and King Harald - as well as the Queen and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark are all descended from Queen Victoria and King Christian IX, which is why the Spanish King was chosen as one of the teenage princess's godparent.

Meanwhile, Ingrid Alexandra's grandfather, King Harald, is also first cousin to Queen Margrethe of Sweden, and Crown Princess Victoria is her cousin twice removed, earning herself another spot on the list of Ingrid Alexandra's royal godparents.

Ingrid Alexandra will become Norway's first female monarch in 600 years when she ascends the throne after her father, 48.

While her parents wanted their eldest daughter to enjoy as normal a life as possible when growing up, Ingrid Alexandra has been launched into the spotlight earlier this year when she reached her milestone's birthday.

Looking just as sophisticated as her daughter, Princess Mette-Marit (pictured centre) opted for a bright yellow dress featuring floral details, which she teamed with a bright pink clutch

Tomorrow, Ingrid Alexandra (left) is set to welcome the most glamourous European royals for her official birthday gala after it was postponed due to the pandemic. Pictured, Crown Princess Mette-Marit

Marius Borg Hiby, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit attend the celebrations

On her actual birthday, she joined her grandfather, reigning King Harald V, for a cabinet meeting at the Royal Palace as she marked coming of age.

In the next few years, Ingrid Alexandra will increase her public profile and take on more responsibilities on behalf of the royal family but will continue to focus on her education, the palace said in a statement.

Crown Prince Haakon secured her place in the line of succession by changing the law to allow first-born daughters to ascend the throne over their younger male siblings. Her birthday means that, if required, she can now act as Regent of Norway.

Haakon, 48, ascended the throne ahead of his older sister Princess Martha Louise, who is now engaged to Durek, 47, having been with her partner since 2019.

Martha Louise shared her official engagement photo on her Instagram account last week - in which she showcased a dazzling emerald ring.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, King Harald, Queen Sonja, Marius Borg Hiby, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, Prince Sverre Magnus, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit attend the event

Ingrid Alexandra's (pictured with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store) Spanish godfather Felipe VI, and his stylish wife Queen Letizia are also due to take part in the festivities alongside a host of royal names

The princess was previously married to Ari Behn, who she wed in 2002 and had three children together Maud Angelica, 18, Leah Isadora, 16, and Emma Tallulah, 13. They split in 2016, and Ari took his own life on Christmas Day in 2019.

Writing on Instagram, Martha Louise said: 'I am so happy to announce that I am engaged to Shaman Durek. The one who makes my heart skip, the one who sees me and acknowledges me from my highest potential, who makes me laugh and who I can be vulnerable with.

'Love transcends and makes us grow. And I am so happy to continue to grow with this beautiful man. Thank you to all my friends and family who have stood steadfast by our side and special thanks to @hegecfossum and @stargatemusic for your generosity and making our day truly special.'

In March, the princess shared the first snap of her three children alongside her partner Shaman Durek.

In the photograph, which the mother-of-three shared to her Instagram page to mark International Woman's Day, Durek can be seen posing with the royal and her three children.

Princess Martha Louise last week revealed her engagement to her American boyfriend Durek Verrett (pictured together)

In March, Martha Louise shared the first snap of her three children alongside her partner Shaman Durek (pictured)

The group appeared to be visiting Durek's hometown of LA, where Martha Louise has spoken of moving her family to in recent years.

The Shaman was quick to share a gushing comment on the post, writing: 'I love our family. You my dear are a force in life. The way you love your children and how you nurture their minds and heart to grow.'

Sharing the snap of the five-some together, the mother-of-three wrote: 'To all the women and MEN supporting womens brilliance, resilience, bravery, vulnerability, truth, leadership and passions; Happy International Womens Day.

'In truth every day is a womans day. We need to fight for being heard, for being acknowledged, for not being taken advantage of, for equal pay every single day.

'So every day is an International Womens Day where we build and grow into equality so that the next generation might not meet the same walls we did. #happywomensday.'

The princess and her American spiritual guru boyfriend pictured with Gwyneth Paltrow

Meanwhile Durek was quick to leave a gushing comment, saying he loved 'the way [Martha Louise] loved him.'

He added: 'You are a spectacular women a true inspiration to many. Happy Womens Day darling. May all women be seen heard and respected globally.'

Earlier this year, Durek revealed he 'asked King Harald' of Norway for Princess Martha Louise's hand in marriage - but had yet to propose just then because they're in 'no rush' to get married.

In an interview in Billed Bladet he said he 'does things in a respectful way', adding: 'I'm very old-fashioned in the way I do things. Therefore, I sat down with King Harald and Queen Sonja and asked for their daughter's hand in marriage. If they had said no, I would not have gone ahead with it.'

Meanwhile he revealed how he plans to propose in an 'old-fashioned' way, adding: 'For it will take me far more time to be ready to create a marriage. I do not want to rush a wedding.

'It is a very sacred ceremony for me and the same goes for the moment when I propose. It must be perfect.'
Eagle-eyed shoppers are sharing photos from inside Chemist Warehouse's latest luxury beauty venture, with many completely unaware that the business has a separate store to sell Lancome, Diptyque, Le Labo and Olaplex.

Ultra Beauty was created in collaboration with Chemist Warehouse in 2018 with the first physical store opening at the Paramount Centre on Melbourne's Bourke St.

Since then another eight stores have opened alongside the online company, including in Chadstone and Edgecliff, Sydney, with a plan to roll out another 15 stores.

Ultra Beauty was created in collaboration with Chemist Warehouse in 2018 with the first physical store opening at the Paramount Centre on Melbourne's Bourke St

Since then another eight stores have opened alongside the online company , including in Chadstone and Edgecliff, Sydney, with a plan to roll out another 15 stores (model Dominique Elissa pictured)

Chemist Warehouse and My Chemist retail stores hold the largest market value share of the country's beauty-from-within retail, with customers trusting the discounted prices at the pharmacy to deliver the same product they can get for almost double the price elsewhere.

In 2019 Chemist Warehouse chief operating officer Mario Tascone told the Herald Sun that Ultra Beauty 'store within a store' would provide a new home for exclusive luxury fragrance and beauty products.

Brands including YSL, Lancome, Ralph Lauren, Armani and Paco Rabanne are already party of the line-up, alongside Bumble and Bumble, Elizabeth Arden, GHD and Nak.

The stores are laid out much like a Sephora or Mecca store with brands separated into different counters and try on sections filled with lipsticks and foundations.

Brands including YSL, Lancome, Ralph Lauren, Armani and Paco Rabanne are already party of the line-up, alongside Bumble and Bumble, Elizabeth Arden, GHD and Nak

One shopper who came across the Edgecliff store said she never knew Chemist Warehouse had even launched the new beauty brand

'When it comes to luxury fragrances, we understand and respect that certain brands need to be displayed and sold in an environment that reflects the luxury into which they were born,' Mr Tascone told Business Daily.

'Unfortunately, in the past this environment is at odds with a normal Chemist Warehouse store layout and fit-out.'

One shopper who came across the Edgecliff store said she never knew Chemist Warehouse had even launched the new beauty brand.

'I never knew it existed but now you all do and I urge you to go have a look for yourselves,' she said.

'The makeup stands are so easy to navigate.'

Others on Reddit questioned why they hadn't heard more about the joint venture.

'I can't wait to stock up! Le Labo, amazing,' another woman said.
An Australia mum has managed to bag a $13 cheese for just $2.50 thanks to a generous substitution in her online Woolworths grocery order.

The bargain-hunting shopper ordered a $5 Lemnos fetta block on special for half price and was surprised to find it had been substituted for the pricier Dodoni brand.

'Gotta love Woolies substitutions,' she wrote in a post to the popular Facebook group, Markdown Addicts Australia.

A Woolworths shopper ordered a $5 Lemnos fetta block on special for half price online and was surprised to find it had been substituted for the $13 Dodoni brand

'Fetta was on half price sale, I would never have paid that for the substitute. Getting a $13 cheese for $2.50 is a win.'

If an item from an online order is out of stock or unavailable, Woolworths will replace it with another products for equal or greater value.

Not only was the woman's swap better in quality, the Dodoni feta was 220g bigger than the Lemnos block she originally ordered.

Not only was the woman's swap better in quality, the Dodoni feta was 220g bigger than the Lemnos block she originally ordered

'I am on a budget, I mostly buy home brand items or specials. So my substitutions are usually good,' the woman said in the comments.

Her post drew in many impressed comments with dozens of group members sharing the lucky substitutes they've received in online orders.

'Love the substitutes! I ordered half a pineapple and got a full one!' one shopper said.

'I ordered a box of small chip variety, didnt have that particular one so they gave me two boxes with slightly different flavours - Which didnt matter at all! I always order woolies brand/cheap stuff and its a win when they dont have it in stock,' another wrote.

Seven simple tricks to save money as the cost of living soars 1. Cut back on meal delivery services by walking to get takeout or meal prep and ditch the takeout entirely. 2. Rather than having multiple streaming services at once, subscribe and binge one service every three months. 3. Consider replacing more expensive fitness memberships with cheaper alternatives or free outdoor exercises. 4. Automatically transfer money to a savings account each month to pay off credit card bills before they rack up interest. 5. Find and download apps that round up each transaction you make and automatically transfer it into a savings account. 6. Purchase normal household items where they are cheaper, which can be found by an internet search. For example, Chemist Warehouse sells cleaning products for much cheaper prices than supermarkets. 7. Holiday closer to home rather than paying fuel costs for a long trip. Advertisement

'I had similar when they didnt have 400g chicken tenders for $4.80. I got a kilo valued at over $10,' recalled a third.

Others weren't so lucky with their substitutions with one mum saying she ordered yoghurt and received sachets of tomato paste instead.

'A couple of weeks ago I was in isolation with my kids as we all had covid. I did online shopping and got family to collect. I ordered a box of spring water, which was substituted with a 24 pack of toilet paper,' another commented.

'I totally get it. I ordered super tampons and got substituted with overnight pants -not pads, pants! Lol,' a third laughed.

'I ordered dog food the large bag as I have a large dog. I got a small bag of cat food,' said a fourth.
Research being peddled by anti-vaxxers as proof that Covid jabs don't work was today branded a desperate attempt to 'legitimise quasiscience'.

The survey, based on answers from 18,500 members of an anti-vaxx group, claims hospitalisation rates were lower among the unvaccinated.

The authors suggested this was, in part, due to the usage of vitamins and largely debunked Covid 'cures' ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine.

It was hailed by anti-vaxxers online, who called it a 'vindication' of their beliefs and celebrated the publication of 'real science'.

But leading scientists today criticised the 'flawed' and 'biased' research, produced by a 'natural health' specialist, alternative healers and a doctor who runs a weight loss business.

Anti-vax movements have become more vocal in the UK, US, Australia during the pandemic, pictured here is a protestor at a demonstration in Sydney last month

Have YOU been struck by hay fever for first time ever this year? Blame Covid lockdowns and global warming, experts say If you're suffering from hay fever for the first time this year, you're not alone. There has been a surge in the number of people who report experiencing its symptoms on social media, seemingly out of the blue. Google trends for hay fever are also at a record high, with twice as many searches for the condition in the UK now compared to five years ago. There has been a gradual rise in cases in recent decades, linked to modern living, but experts say lockdowns and global warming may have sped up the trend. Known as the 'hygiene hypothesis', the idea is our immune systems are more sensitive to allergens like pollen because we are exposed to fewer germs. A lack of social contact during the pandemic may have weakened our bodies further, while there is evidence climate change has prolonged the pollen season. It comes as 'super pollen' counts are forecasted across England and Wales this weekend, due to a weather phenomenon known as 'thunder fever'. Advertisement

The global survey, which was published last week, was based on self-reported data from between September 2021 to February 2022.

It compared the self-reported hospitalised rates among its participants, who came from 175 different countries, with data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Lead author Robert Verkerk, a doctor of philosophy at Alliance for Natural Health International, claimed in a five month period the CDC reported 0.6 per cent of the US population were hospitalised with Covid.

Only 0.4 per cent of survey members reported being hospitalised with the virus, in a finding that implied jabs were ineffective.

But Professor Ian Jones, a virologist at the University of Reading, described it as an 'attempt to legitimise quasiscience'.

He criticised its reliance on self-reporting, saying members quizzed would want to highlight how mild their Covid was to justify their decision to not get jabbed.

'Self-reporting is never reliable, especially when those signed up would already be convinced of their own argument,' he said.

'Much like religion in that respect, only religious people are convinced of miracles and that god is watching over them.'

Professor Jones accepted that people were entitled to not get a vaccine but said it was clear that vaccines have helped beat the virus.

Throughout the pandemic there has been fierce debate about whether natural or vaccine-induced protection is better, with research producing mixed results.

The debate has become more complicated as time has gone on because so many people have both been exposed to the virus and had their shots.

Almost all scientists agree, however, that a combination of vaccine and 'natural' protection is the best.

Despite this, vaccines have received the bulk of the credit for blunting the threat of the virus.

Before jabs came about, Britain and other countries had little option but to adopt economically-crippling lockdowns. Letting the virus 'rip' through populations could have killed hundreds of thousands in Britain alone, Government advisers warned.

But vaccines allowed countries to build-up immunity levels safely, without exposing millions with no protection to the virus. It means the virus now poses no more of a risk than flu.

As a result, policymakers in Britain  and elsewhere  felt confident that it was the right time to return to pre-Covid life, opening up their crippled economies to tackle the damaging effects of restrictions.

Professor Jones said: 'Non-vaxxers are welcome to their choice, I am not in favour of compulsion.

'But any trial needs to be evenly matched with a control group of similar people with similar habits.

'And it is strange isn't it, that much bigger trials all over the world with the vaccines have all shown that vaccination reduces risk and its sort of obvious from where we are now compared to where we were two years ago.'

He added the danger behind this survey is that it could convince others to follow in their footsteps.

Office for National Statistics (ONS) statisticians estimate 797,500 people in England had Covid each day during the week ending June 2

'The damage done by this sort of guff is that someone vulnerable, somewhere, is led to believe that quaffing vitamin tablets and off licence drugs is going to save them, when it will not,' he said.

Dr Simon Clarke, an infectious disease expert at Reading, said it was critical to note the paper had not gone through any scientific review.

He added: 'Description of the experimental methods, controls and how the data this study leans on were arrived at, seem to be entirely missing, so it's impossible to be confident that they are valid.

'This pre-print is so weak, I'll be amazed if it ends up being accepted by any serious publication.'

Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, argued the evidence on vaccines was 'irrefutable'.

'There is absolutely no doubt the vaccines have changed the course of the pandemic by reducing severe illness, hospital admissions and deaths,' he said.

He added it was impossible for the study to be objective or unbiased, considering its participants tend to be actively opposed to getting Covid jabs.

Numerous reliable studies have shown Covid vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe disease, a key factor in enabling the UK and other countries to remove draconic restrictions on their citizens.

Analysis by the UK Health Security Agency published in February found three doses of Covid vaccines provided 95 per cent protection against dying from the virus and 90 to 95 per cent protection against severe disease.

According to the latest Government data 69 per cent of the eligible UK population, about 40million people, have had three doses of a Covid vaccine.

Fourth doses for people especially vulnerable to the virus were rolled out in the Spring, and another round of top ups are due this Autumn.

The authors of the survey said they wanted to highlight the discrimination, job losses and mental health issues the unvaccinated face from wider society.

The study also reported that the majority of participants who reported catching the virus took vitamin D and C supplements as well as the drugs ivermectin and Donald Trump-backed hydroxychloroquine.

While both drugs had initial studies suggesting they were effective treatments for Covid, scientists have since largely dismissed these as being flawed.

Numerous studies early on in the pandemic implied ivermectin, used to treat head lice and scabies, helped boost Covid survival rates. However, larger, more in-depth trials proved this wasn't the case.

Anti-malarial hydroxychloroquine was also thrust into the limelight as a potential Covid treatment in 2020 by the then-US President Trump, who called it a 'gift from God'. Claims were similarly dismissed.

The only possible upshot of the anti-vax study for scientists is that it did help reveal why people chose not to get the vaccine.

Participants listed a preference for natural medicines, a distrust of pharmaceutical companies, a distrust of government information, insufficient trial data and concerns over long-term adverse reactions as their top five reasons for opting out.

The study authors also claimed that among their participants those who never wore masks reported the lowest levels of Covid.

Evidence shows that, when worn correctly, masks can reduce the spread of particles that could carry the virus when exhaled but by how much is still contested.

The survey of Control Group members has been uploaded to ResearchGate.
Exercise's appetite-suppressing benefits may be redeemed simply by swallowing a pill in the future.

For researchers have discovered an 'anti-hunger' molecule, seemingly produced by strenuous work-outs.

Fat mice given the hunger-suppressing compound, called lac-phe, voluntarily ate 30 per cent less.

Tests showed this led to the rodents weighing less, carrying less body fat and being better able to tolerate glucose  which academics said was 'indicative of a reversal of diabetes'.

Exercise's appetite-suppressing benefits may be redeemed simply by swallowing a pill in the future

Graph shows: The bodyweight of mice given the chemical daily (red) compared to those given a control (blue) over ten days

Graph shows: The amount of food eaten by mice given the chemical daily (red) compared to those given a control (blue) over ten days

Graph shows: The amount of food eaten by mice given the chemical (red) compared to those given a control (blue) in the 12 hours after an injection

Dr Yong Xu, a pediatrician at the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, said his study could pave the way for a fat-fighting pill in the future.

He told New Scientist: 'This could lead to the development of a pill that can directly be used to suppress appetite for certain individuals who cannot easily exercise because of other conditions, ageing or bone issues.

'We just filed a patent for hopefully using this knowledge to treat human diseases such as obesity.'

The authors, involving a team from Stanford University, said the molecule could be responsible for around '25 per cent of the anti-obesity effects of exercise'.

Soaring obesity levels among children triggers a 50% rise in the number with type 2 diabetes Spiralling child obesity levels has sparked a huge rise in the number with type 2 diabetes, according to a charity. The number of children being treated at paediatric diabetes units in England and Wales jumped from 621 in 2015/16 to 973 in 2020/21. Diabetes UK today called the 57 per cent uptick, spotted over the past five years, 'concerning'. It accused the Government of 'letting our children down' as it called for concerted action to tackle Britain's bulging waistline. And Diabetes UK warned the cost of living crisis could lead to further problems in years to come. Experts described the mix of soaring obesity levels and squeeze on finances as a 'perfect storm which risks irreversible harm to the health of young people'. Figures this year showed the proportion of four- and five-year-olds who are obese jumped 46 per cent from 2019/20 to 2020/21. Rates increased from one in 10 children being obese in their first year of school to one in seven. Obesity is believed to account for 80 to 85 per cent of the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in Britain. Diabetes UK said that children in the most deprived parts of England and Wales were 'disproportionately affected' by the disease. Advertisement

The discovery is not the first time the concept of an 'exercise pill' has been floated.

Dozens of studies have delved into the chemical secrets of breaking a sweat. But none have yet hit the market, despite demand from couch potatoes.

The NHS has already approved pills and injections to help people lose weight, but these only tend to help people trim bodyfat.

'Exercise mimetics', as the pills of the future have been dubbed, also hold promise in treating conditions like dementia osteoporosis  the weakening of the bones.

Further studies are needed to understand more about how lac-phe affects the brain, with only its appetite-suppressing ability uncovered so far.

For the Nature study, scientists analysed the blood of five mice after they ran on a treadmill.

Levels of lac-phe spiked more than any other compound.

In order to investigate its effects, six obese mice were given daily lac-phe injections for 10 days.

Six other fat mice were given a salt-water injection over the same time period, to make sure it was the molecule itself that was having an effect.

Rodents given lac-phe ate half as much food as the control group 12 hours after the first injection.

Over the 10 days, they ate about 30 per cent less.

After day eight, mice given lac-phe had lost 3g of bodyfat  a statistically significant fall, given the average mouse weighs around 20g.

Dr Jonathan Long, a pathologist at Stanford University, said: 'We thought, "Wow, all these lines of evidence really suggest that lac-phe is going to the brain to suppress feeding".'

The researchers also tested lac-phe on lean mice and found it had no effect on their eating patterns.

This suggested the chemical only suppresses eating in obese mice, researchers said. The difference is still being studied by the team.

Follow-up experiments revealed lac-phe levels also spike in racehorses and humans after exercise.

Thirty-six healthy adults were asked to run on a treadmill, before having their blood collected.

Another eight men, aged 22 to 30, had the same tests done after doing weight lifting and sprinting.

The racehorses had their blood taken before and after a race.

While its appetite-suppressing effects have yet to be tested in humans, there is no reason to assume they will not be similar to the mice, the researchers suggested.

Obesity  having a body-mass index of more than 30  puts people at greater risk of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, some types of cancer and stroke.

Around 26 per cent of men and 29 per cent of women are obese in England, as of 2020. Some 41.9 per cent of adults in US were obese in the same year.
Another 12 monkeypox infections were spotted across America on Wednesday, officials revealed, bringing the national tally to 85.

The new cases marked the biggest day-on-day rise since the outbreak began a month ago, and the first time daily cases have breached double digits.

Nevada became the eighteenth state to detect the rash-causing virus, with a man in his 20s who had recently traveled to another part of the United States testing positive for the virus.

Scientists are already warning that the tropical disease may be spreading undetected in some areas, and that patients are not suffering typical symptoms.

In an update the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said some patients were facing pain or bleeding around the anus, not previously associated with the illness.

Many were also suffering fluid and pus-filled blisters at the same time, whereas previously these would not appear at the same time.

It comes after Chicago yesterday became the first city to warn people who 'feel ill' or have rashes to avoid summer festivals to limit the risk of spreading the virus.

More than 2,000 cases have been reported across 40 countries  mostly in Europe  outside the native West Africa in the current outbreak.

In today's dashboard update, Florida reported the biggest rise in infections after detecting another four  taking its tally to nine.

Two were spotted in Chicago and Massachusetts respectively.

One case each was also detected in California, Nevada, New York City and Washington D.C.

WHO investigating if monkeypox can spread through semen The World Health Organization (WHO) has said it will investigate whether monkeypox can be passed on through semen. Currently, scientists say it may spread through sex due to physical contact with infectious skin lesions on the genital area or other parts of the body. But this week Italian scientists said they had detected fragments of the virus in semen  raising the possibility it could transmit through this route. German scientists say they have also detected the virus in semen. A WHO official revealed they were looking into the reports Wednesday. The agency's monkeypox incident manager Catherine Smallwood said: 'We really need to focus on the most frequent mode of transmission and we clearly see that to be associated with skin-to-skin contact.' More than 2,000 cases have been detected globally outside of West Africa, where it is endemic. These are mostly among gay and bisexual men. But scientists warn the rash-causing virus spreads through close personal contact, and it is likely the disease could spill over into other groups. Advertisement

New York City currently has the biggest outbreak in the country with 16 cases, according to local officials. Sullivan County, in upstate New York, has reported a presumptive case as well.

Official CDC figures list the Empire state at 16 cases.

California is tied for the most infections, also at 16.

Concerns were raised this week that monkeypox was spreading undetected in Massachusetts after two cases were spotted with no links to international travel or its first infection from last month.

Today another two cases were spotted in men, although health chiefs did not say whether they were close contacts of another case or had recently traveled.

Earlier this week Dr Bill Hanage, an epidemiologist at the state's Harvard University, said infections earlier this week 'certainly indicate undetected transmission chains'.

He added: 'I noticed that [health officials in the state] have urged "vigilance". I think it is extremely appropriate.'

Florida and Chicago are yet to release any additional details about their new cases of monkeypox.

But earlier this week Chicago's health officials said people who 'feel sick' or 'have rashes' should not attend summer parties or festivals in case they have monkeypox.

It said the guidance was issued to allow residents to make 'informed choices' about where they are mixing with others.

Medical literature suggests monkeypox patients experience a fever within the first 21 days of being infected, followed by a rash that covers the face before spreading to the rest of the body.

But in an update on Tuesday the CDC said many patients it was recording were not experiencing the typical symptoms.

It said many were developing the rashes before fevers, with some never experiencing a fever at all.

Skin lesions could also appear all over the body and progress at different times, whereas medical literature suggests rashes would gradually transition to fluid-filled and then puss-filled blisters at the same time.

Rashes were also being recorded in the mouth and genital area or anus, which has not previously been associated with the illness.

Most cases are among gay and bisexual men and linked to international travel, health chiefs have said.

But at least two have now been detected in people with no links to international travel or another known case, suggesting the virus is spreading under the radar in the United States.

But CDC chiefs have so far brushed off these cases, saying they are likely contacts of people who returned from international travel but were not diagnosed.

It says they are yet to record any urban outbreaks of the tropical disease similar to those being registered in Europe.

It comes as the World Health Organization says it will rename monkeypox with a new 'non-discriminatory and non-stigmatising' term 'as soon as possible'.

As well as renaming the actual pathogen itself, strains will likely also be lettered such as A or B to remove any mention of the parts of Africa where they were first spotted.

Over 30 researchers last week signed a position paper stating there was an 'urgent need' to change its name given the current outbreak, which has mainly struck gay and bisexual men.

They wrote: 'Continued reference to, and nomenclature of this virus being African is not only inaccurate but is also discriminatory and stigmatizing.'

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the WHO, has confirmed the virus will be renamed.

He said: '[The] WHO is working with partners and experts from around the world on changing the name of monkeypox virus, its clades, and the disease it causes.

'We will make announcements about the new names as soon as possible.'
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Florida is the only state in America that has not pre-ordered shots of COVID-19 vaccines for children aged six months old to five in the wake of the jabs receiving recommendation from a panel of FDA advisors - sticking by its recommendation issued earlier this year for children not to get the shots.

The Miami Herald reports that the state missed a Tuesday filing deadline to request the shots be delivered into to roll them out starting June 21. In every other state, the jabs will be distributed to vaccine providers, pharmacies and pediatric clinics starting next week.

It comes after state health officials said in March that children and teens in the state do not need to get vaccinated because of the comparatively limited risk they face from Covid when compared to adults. According to most recent official data, children make up around 0.1 percent of U.S. deaths from the virus.

Governor Ron DeSantis reaffirmed his state's stance Thursday, blaming media hysteria for the fear some parents have of the virus, despite limited evidence children are at risk from the virus.

The shots will begin to rollout as risk from the virus recedes as well, with cases staying flat over the past week at 103,995 per day, and deaths falling 25 percent to 301 per day.

Florida is the only state in America that has not requested shots of the COVID-19 vaccines for children aged six months to five years old. It comes after the state recommended against healthy people 17 and younger getting jabbed in March. Pictured: Florida Gov Ron DeSantis speaks at an event in New York City in May

'Our department of health has been very clear, the risks outweigh the benefits.,' DeSantis said at a news briefing Thursday morning.

'Thats not the same as banning it, people can still access it if they want to, and patents can to, but if you look at when they were doing the hearing, we had one physician say parents are really really frightened and we know that the risk is low, were not sure how this is gonna work, but parents are frightened about Covid for their kids.'

He said that fear, not science, is not a reason to approve the shots for kids, and pointed at the mainstream media as the reason for budding fear among parents.

'Why would they be frightened about it? Its because of media hysteria. Its because of a lot of misinformation, thats why theyre scared,' he added.

Both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 shots for children as young as six months received clearance from a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel this week, setting them up for controversial emergency use authorization in the coming days.

After the FDA authorizes the shots, a green light from the CDC is expected soon after. The White House had targeted June 21 - the day after the Juneteenth holiday on Monday - as the day where shots will first become available nationwide.

Shots are purchased at the federal level, with the White House forking over the needed cash to acquire the shots. Then, states are to request allotments of the shots based on expected need, for which the federal government will fulfill to the best of its ability.

Floridians will not be able to access the shots unless the governor puts in an order, though the option to cross into another state and receive the shot there will exist for families that are desperate to receive it.

'The Florida Department of Health has made it clear to the federal government that states do not need to be involved in the convoluted vaccine distribution process, especially when the federal government has a track record of developing inconsistent and unsustainable COVID-19 policies,' Jeremy Redfern, said in a statement.

'It is also no surprise we chose not to participate in distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine when the Department does not recommend it for all children.

'Doctors can order vaccines if they are in need, and there are currently no orders in the Department's ordering system for the COVID-19 vaccine for this age group.'

While the move may be a surprise, it follows guidance previously laid out by officials in the Sunshine state. In March, state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo officially recommended healthy residents aged five to 17 not to get jabbed.

'Based on currently available data, healthy children aged 5 to 17 may not benefit from receiving the currently available COVID-19 vaccine,' he said in a statement.

'...in general, healthy children with no significant underlying health conditions under 16 years old are at little to no risk of severe illness complications from COVID-19.'

The guidance also says that 16 and 17 year old children may face more risk from the vaccine than from the virus, a claim that is disputed by many health experts and officials worldwide.

Florida officials do not give a blanket recommendation for children with underlying health conditions or comorbidities to get the shot either.

'For children with underlying health conditions or comorbidities, COVID-19 vaccines should be considered in consultation with your health care practitioner,' the letter reads.

'Parents are encouraged to discuss the risks and benefits with their childrens health care practitioner when evaluating whether their child should receive a COVID-19 vaccine, particularly for children with underlying health conditions or comorbidities.'

A study from the University of Utah last year found that 50 percent of pediatric Covid cases are asymptomatic. The study was performed before the more-mild Omicron variant emerged, meaning the risk for children to even feel symptoms is likely lower now.

Children may also be less likely to spread the virus when infected, with a German study finding that they release as little as only 25 percent of virus particles as adults do.

It is also not clear how much demand there will initially be for the shots. A recent survey suggests only 1 in 5 parents of young children would get their kids vaccinated right away.

Vaccines have been available since November for older U.S. schoolchildren, yet less than a third of those ages 5 to 11 have gotten the two recommended doses, according to government figures.
The CDC has issued bizarre guidance telling Americans infected with monkeypox to have sex by masturbating at least six feet away from their partner, among other recommendations.

Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says anyone who has the disease must not have sex.

But for those who ignore the advice, the agency has published a list of the dos and donts under the bedsheets.

Among its tips was also to have sex while still fully-clothed, to ensure all rashes are covered and even to avoid kissing.

Other advice was to wash hands, fetish gear and clothes immediately afterwards and even to consider having sex virtually such as over the phone.

People catch monkeypox by touching infectious skin lesions, but it can also be spread through the air during 'sustained' face-to-face contact.

It can take up to four weeks for anyone infected with monkeypox to recover from the disease, with about eight days needed from infection for symptoms to appear.

Another 12 monkeypox cases were recorded in America Wednesday, in the biggest day-on-day rise since the outbreak began taking the total to 85 cases.

Cases are currently told to isolate themselves or hospitalize, in an echo of the early Covid pandemic.

Globally, there are more than 2,000 across about 40 countries outside of West Africa.

Bizarre advice from health chiefs on how to have sex without catching a disease Health chiefs in Canada and America have issued bizarre advice on how not to catch Covid or monkeypox while having sex. June 2020: New York City on how to not catch Covid during sex Avoid casual sex and orgies where possible;

Use physical barriers 'like walls' while having sex;

Join sexy 'Zoom parties' or chat rooms. July 2020: Canadian health chiefs on avoiding catching Covid during sex. Use glory holes to stop yourself catching the virus;

These allow for sexual contact 'but prevent close face-to-face contact'. June 2022: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to avoid catching monkeypox from an infected person. Masturbate six feet away from your sex partner;

Keep your clothes on and cover any rashes;

Do not kiss eachother;

Wash yourself after having sex;

Consider using virtual sex and chat rooms if possible. Advertisement

The CDC published its guidance on having sex with monkeypox earlier this month on its page on 'social gatherings, safer sex, and monkeypox'.

'If you or a partner has monkeypox, the best way to protect yourself and others is to not have sex of any kind (oral, anal, vaginal) and not to kiss or touch each other's body's while you are sick, especially any rashes or sores,' it reads.

'[But] if you or your partner have (or think you might have monkeypox) and you decide to have sex, consider the following to reduce the chance of spreading the virus.'

The guidance carries echoes of Canadian health chiefs recommendation in the first year of the Covid pandemic that people use glory holes to have sex.

The British Columbia Center for Disease Control said people should 'use barriers, like walls (e.g. glory holes), that allow for sexual contact but prevent close face-to-face contact.'

A glory hole is a small opening cut into a wall that allows someone to have sex with as little skin-to-skin contact as possible.

In 2020 New York City health chiefs also issued advice on how to have sex without catching Covid, telling residents to 'make it a little kinky'.

In a three-page memo they told people to avoid casual sex, orgies, or sexual contact with anyone outside their household.

But in cases where this was not possible they said people should 'be creative' and use 'physical barriers' like walls.

Virtual sex in 'Zoom parties' were also recommended, as well as in chat rooms on the internet.

Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted disease, with anyone at risk of catching it from others should they touch a rash or skin lesion.

But the World Health Organization is currently looking into reports that the rash-causing virus may be spread through the semen.

Italian and German scientists say they have detected fragments of the tropical disease in the semen of patients.

It is currently unclear whether these pieces are infectious, and capable of causing the disease in another individual.

But scientists at the Spallanzani Institute, in Rome, say at least one of their patients had enough fragments in their semen to suggest another person could be infected.

Officials are urging gay and bisexual men to be aware of new lesions, rashes or scabs and get in contact with a sexual health clinic

Medical literature suggests monkeypox patients typically experience a flu-like fever followed by a rash emerging on the face before spreading to the rest of the body three days later.

But the CDC says in many cases spotted so far patients have skipped straight to suffering the rashes.

They add that these are often localized around the penis and anus  and in some cases do not spread to other areas of the body.

They would also change at different speeds, with some moving to puss-filled blisters while others still had fluid-filled ones. Medical literature suggests that generally all rashes should progress at the same speed to fluid and then puss-filled blisters.

Most infections in the outbreak are being detected among gay or bisexual men and linked to international travel.

But at least two have now been spotted among people who have not recently traveled and are not linked to a known infections, suggesting it is transmitting under the radar.

Scientists have already raised concerns that monkeypox is likely traveling undetected in some parts of the country.

Most infections are mild, and clear up on their own within four weeks. But one in 100 can prove fatal, estimates suggest.
A mother-of-one has had a fist-sized area of skin removed from her buttocks after doctors diagnosed skin cancer in one of her moles.

Jordan Lindley, 38, from Dallas, Texas, told DailyMail.com she had always had a mole slightly larger than a pencil eraser on her left buttocks.

But when the nurse went for a skin check for the first time in years, doctors raised concerns over the mole, saying it was 'very dark' and 'quite sizeable'.

Tests revealed it was stage one melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer because it could spread to other areas of the body. Figures suggest when this happens only a third of patients live beyond five years.

Three weeks later she was taken for an operation where doctors sliced off the cancerous mole as well as a large area of skin around it.

Lindley has now been cancer-free for eight months, and says she is very grateful to have had the dangerous area removed.

Jordan Lindley, 38, from Dallas, was diagnosed with melanoma on her buttocks after getting her skin checked for cancer. She is pictured above after the operation at the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center in the city

Pictured above is the mole, left, that doctors said was stage one melanoma. On the right is the scar left shortly after surgery where a 'fist-sized' area of skin around it was removed

She revealed her story alongside the American Academy of Dermatology to remind others to get their skin checked for cancer.

About 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with melanoma every year, estimates suggest.

It can appear anywhere on the body, with the first symptoms being a mole that is changing in shape, size or color.

This includes looking different from the others possibly due to a new pigment or an unusual-looking spread from the mole to other areas.

If left untreated the disease may spread to other areas of the body triggering metastatic melanoma  which is much more dangerous.

Almost everyone diagnosed with the cancer in the early stages survives, the American Cancer Society says. But for those who only have it detected in later stages this drops to about 30 percent still being alive within five years of diagnosis.

Lindley told DailyMail.com she had always had many small moles as well as freckles. The large one on her buttocks had 'always been there'.

Explaining how it got diagnosed, she said she had always known to get checked because of her healthcare background  but that during the pandemic this had slipped.

Eventually, however, she said it 'got to a point where Covid had died down and I felt I really needed to go, so that was really when I went.'

Lindley said she had noticed no changes in the cancerous mole before the diagnosis which was 'in a place where the sun don't shine'.

But when the results came back as melanoma she and her 14-year-old daughter were both shocked.

It was not clear what triggered the skin cancer, but doctors say people with fair skin, a history of sunburn and who have many moles are at higher risk.

Lindley is pictured above with her 14-year-old daughter. They were both shocked by the diagnosis

Dr Ross Radusky, a dermatologist at the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center in Dallas who carried out Lindley's tests, said they paid extra attention to her because she had more than 30 moles and fair features  putting her into the high risk category.

'We did a full skin check,' he said, 'where we look over the skin and inside the eyes, mouth, fingers, toes  and even buttocks'.

Warning signs of melanoma A is for Asymmetry. Most melanomas are asymmetrical. If you draw a line through the middle of the lesion, the two halves don't match, so it looks different from a round to oval and symmetrical common mole. B is for Border. Melanoma borders tend to be uneven and may have scalloped or notched edges, while common moles tend to have smoother, more even borders. C is for Color. Multiple colors are a warning sign. While benign moles are usually a single shade of brown, a melanoma may have different shades of brown, tan or black. As it grows, the colors red, white or blue may also appear. D is for Diameter or Dark. While it's ideal to detect a melanoma when it is small, it's a warning sign if a lesion is the size of a pencil eraser (about 6 mm, or  inch in diameter) or larger. Some experts say it is also important to look for any lesion, no matter what size, that is darker than others. Rare, amelanotic melanomas are colorless. E is for Evolving. Any change in size, shape, color or elevation of a spot on your skin, or any new symptom in it, such as bleeding, itching or crusting, may be a warning sign of melanoma. Source: American Academy of Dermatology Advertisement

'We spotted a very dark mole there about eight millimeters wide and four millimeters in diameter. It was quite sizable. There were also dark brown areas verging on black.'

They took a sample for testing in a lab, which led to the cancer being diagnosed about a week later.

Radusky explained that during the operation they needed to remove both the mole and the area around it to ensure that no cancerous cells were left behind.

'This was an area a little bit larger than a fist', he said. 'It was a big area  but the buttocks has plenty of room and we were able to close it no problem.'

Afterwards a nurse stitched the area together. It has now healed up well, but a scar has been left on the buttocks.

Lindley said she was off work for two days after the operation, but was able to carry on as normal pretty much immediately afterwards.

'The surgeon made sure that when she closed the wound I could feel normal and exercise and shower and everything again. I could even sit down.'

The tale was shared as part of the American Academy of Dermatology's mission to raise awareness of skin cancers.

This year it is running a '2022 SPOT Skin Cancer' campaign reminding Americans of the five steps to check for the condition.

Known as the ABCDE test these are to check moles for asymmetry, borders that are not irregular, coloring, diameter to ensure it is not unusual and evolving to look out for any changes to them.

Lindley also told her tale to encourage more Americans to get their skin checked for the cancer.

She said that since revealing her diagnosis at least one person has gone to get checked who also found they had melanoma. A 39-year-old friend has said she will also go for her first ever skin check.

'It's good to talk about this because people just forget,' Lindley said.

Some health insurance plans offer skin health checks for free. If cancer is detected, they will also cover most of the costs of having it removed.

But for those that don't have insurance a test can cost about $150 while removing the cancer could be anywhere between $1,000 to $2,000.
NATURE

ENDLESS FORMS

by Seirian Sumner (William Collins 20, 304pp)

Is there anyone who has a good word to say about wasps? They build sinister white nests in our attics and sheds, have a ferocious sting and ruin summer picnics.

While we love gentle, productive bees and fret about their declining numbers, hardly anybody likes a wasp.

Step forward Seirian Sumner, professor of behavioural ecology at University College London, who positively buzzes with enthusiasm for wasps.

Seirian Sumner, professor of behavioural ecology at UCL loves wasps. There are at least 100,000 known species of wasps (compared to 22,000 bees)

Far from being a pointless pest, she says, they are one of natures most secret and neglected gems, insects with a fascinating social structure including rebellions and policing, monarchies, leadership contests...

The most ubiquitous wasp is that picnic pest, the yellowjacket wasp Vespula vulgaris  the most despised insect across the globe, according to Sumner  but there are at least 100,000 known species of wasps (compared with 22,000 species of bees) and probably several million more which have yet to be classified.

All bees evolved from wasps: at some point, around 124 million years ago, the first bees stopped being carnivorous and switched to feeding on pollen and nectar rather than on other insects.

But whereas the value of bees as crop pollinators has been put at 277billion a year, no one has yet calculated the value of wasps to the world economy. Wasps are predators rather than pollinators, and much of their potential worth is due to their voracious consumption of insects. They are natures pest controllers.

Chinese legend has it that wasps  who chew wood pulp and smooth the result into wafer-thin sheets to build their nests  were the inspiration for the development of wood-based paper during the Han dynasty

Indeed, without wasps we might be overrun by other insects. In Hawaii, an experiment to remove wasp nests led to a rapid increase in the number of spiders and caterpillars.

When the cassava crop in Asia and Africa was attacked by the mealybug, it was saved by the introduction of a wasp which gobbled up the bugs.

Closer to home, tiny wasps are now used in the fight against the moths munching their way through our cashmere jumpers. These wasps are so small you wont notice theyre there and once the moths have been eaten, the wasps disappear.

We may also have wasps to thank for the invention of paper.

Chinese legend has it that wasps  who chew wood pulp and smooth the result into wafer-thin sheets to build their nests  were the inspiration for the development of wood-based paper during the Han dynasty. Even the wasps dreaded sting has its uses. Components of the venom are now widely used to treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and may even prove effective in the treatment of tumours.

One of the best sections of the book is Sumners account of the fieldwork she has carried out in her quest to understand wasps.

In an abandoned building in Panama she was elated to find herself in wasp mecca. . . a citadel of nests, over 30 in the first room and countless more beyond.

Months studying these tropical wasps, almost two centimetres in length with a monster sting to match, left her with a new appreciation for the social structure of their colonies, whose constant jostling for position reminded her of Game Of Thrones. Charles Darwin disliked one type of parasitic wasp so much it made him question the omnipotence of God. Yet Darwins neighbour, the naturalist Sir John Lubbock, spent ten years assessing the intelligence of wasps in his sitting room.

He would hand-feed them honey and patiently note how long it took each of them to return for more.

Theres no word on how many times he got stung, but his conclusion was that yellowjacket wasps were cleverer than bees. Sumner is an exuberant guide to the world of wasps and may even persuade you not to whack the next one you find in your kitchen.

A world without wasps, she says, would be just as devastating as a world without bees, or beetles, or butterflies.
FRONTLINE MIDWIFE

by Anna Kent (Bloomsbury 18.99, 320 pp)

Its called a buzz, a fellow passenger told Anna Kent as their plane plummeted towards South Sudan. The sudden dive was designed to scare cattle from the muddy runway. So she relaxed until she saw the burned-out aid plane beside the runway.

The 26-year-old British nurse was on her first mission as an aid worker with Medecins Sans Frontieres; that morning she had woken up in her flat in Nottingham. Now she was skidding into a war zone.

Within minutes MSFs first patient was aboard, a woman on a stretcher breathing with shallow rapid breaths, flies hovering around her mouth. This woman had no midwife, Kent was told. The civil war took it all from her so the baby died within her... now shes septic and maybe she will die.

Anna Kent's (pictured) first mission as an aid worker was to a war zone in South Sudan. 26-year-old nurse would treat landmine victims, malaria, and gunshot victims

Kents superficial air of confidence evaporated in a moment. I felt totally helpless. Back in the UK she would be hooked up to bleeping monitors and here she is, bundled under a few dirty sheets, her IV attached to a fraying string.

Kent knows stories like this are hard for us to read. When people ask her about aid work they expect an inspiring story, where good inevitably wins over evil. This was the story she planned to be part of when she volunteered for MSF in 2007.

As a child growing up in a sleepy Shropshire village in the 1980s, Kent had been deeply affected by the plight of the starving Ethiopian children she saw on TV. I wanted to help. Simple as that, or so I thought.

On that first placement in South Sudan, she would treat landmine victims, malaria, malnutrition, cholera and gunshot wounds in a shockingly flimsy clinic plonked in the middle of mile upon mile of baked brown earth.

Kent is direct about the way aid work made it difficult for her to fit in back home. She struggled to connect with old friends who couldnt understand the trauma of war zone life

Patients who had walked for days seeking treatment must wait under the lone tree to be examined in a rusty old dentists chair. Despite her limited experience, she found the rewards of assisting in childbirth so great that she was inspired to train as a midwife when she returned to the UK. She went on to help hundreds of women and babies in Haiti and Bangladesh.

Kent is direct about the way aid work made it difficult for her to fit in back home. She struggled to connect with old friends who couldnt understand the trauma of war zone life, and the sight of British people throwing away food and arguing over wedding arrangements made her furious.

Kent now works as a midwife in the understaffed NHS, and while she is frustrated that a country as developed as ours doesnt employ more midwives, shes also happier than she has ever been. She doesnt want readers to draw tidy conclusions from her riveting tale. But experience has taught her that the complex, harrowing reality of humanitarian crises cannot  should not  be reduced to feel-good narratives for self-congratulatory Western consumption.

She doesnt apologise for the graphic scenes she describes in her extraordinary memoir, and her frankness about them makes the many moments of joy, heroism and laughter she describes shine all the more intensely.
Harbour Energy has begun a share buyback scheme, returning cash to investors as surging energy prices accelerate a recovery in the company's finances.

Britain's largest independent oil and gas producer said it had made 'irrevocable, non-discretionary' agreements for its corporate brokers to conduct the $200million programme on its behalf.

The Edinburgh-based group has already introduced a policy to pay the same amount of money annually in dividends to shareholders, with the first $100million being handed out in May.

Energy boom: Since being formed in April 2021, Harbour Energy has benefited from skyrocketing oil and gas prices amid considerable turmoil within the energy markets

In a statement, the firm said it 'continues to employ a disciplined and prudent approach to capital allocation, balancing its three priorities of safeguarding the balance sheet, ensuring a robust and diverse portfolio and shareholder returns.'

Since being formed in April 2021 through the merger of Chrysaor and Premier Oil, the business has benefited from skyrocketing oil and gas prices amid considerable turmoil within the energy markets.

In its first-ever annual results as a listed business, Harbour reported overall revenue shooting up by nearly half from the previous year to $3.62billion as it was further boosted by higher production activity.

Thanks to lower impairment charges and operating costs increasing at a slower pace than income, the company rebounded from a 591million loss in 2020 to a profit of 76.8million last year.

Free cash flow also jumped by 21 per cent to 515million, helping net debts plunge by about $600million since the firm's merger was finalised.

Because of the strong performance, the group reduced its expected timeframe for becoming debt-free by two years. In a subsequently trading update in May, Harbour revealed debts had declined by another $600million to $1.7billion.

Harbour said it was on track to meet full-year production guidance of 195,000 to 210,000 barrels of oil equivalent each day at a cost of between $15 to $16 per barrel.

Chief executive Linda Cook hailed the company's 'strong start to the year,' adding that it would 'continue to invest in high return, infrastructure-led opportunities within our asset base to sustain production while at the same time generating material-free cash flow.'

She added: 'This, together with our robust balance sheet, provides us with significant optionality over future capital allocation.'

Yet a week later, the company's share price took a battering after Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a windfall tax would be imposed on the oil and gas industry to help British consumers with soaring energy bills.

These bills were already going up last year as the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions led to people travelling more regularly, but Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine led to a further escalation in oil and gas costs.

Analysts at Jefferies predict the new 25 per cent levy would increase Harbour's tax bills by $107million this year and $268million in 2023, even when discounting the relief earned from the new investment allowance.

Harbour Energy shares have fallen by over 19 per cent in the past month, though they closed trading 1.1 per cent higher at 363.7p on Thursday.
Up to 90 per cent of homes in some parts of Australia are set to become uninsurable because of catastrophic flooding, an environmental group fears.

The Climate Council has named the 10 areas across the nation most at risk of natural disasters including floods and bushfires, with five of them in Queensland.

A section of northern Victoria that is part of the Murray-Darling Basin was deemed the most vulnerable part of the country for flooding.

The Climate Council predicted 26.5 per cent, or more than one in four homes in the electorate of Nicholls - which covers the major regional centres of Shepparton and Echuca - would be uninsurable by 2030.

Most worryingly, a huge 90 per cent of homes in Shepparton, which sits on the Goulburn River, were expected to be impossible to insure within eight years because of the flood risk.

Shepparton hasn't had recurring floods such as those in Lismore and Brisbane, with its last major inundation in 2010.

But Nicki Hutley, an economist with the Climate Council who co-authored the report, said it was Australia's most at-risk place for flooding based on forecasts for heavy rainfall in the area which is flat.

'It's all about where we've built,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

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The Climate Council has named 10 areas of Australia, by federal electorates, most at risk of natural disasters. Shepparton hasn't had recurring floods recently like Lismore and Brisbane, with its last major inundation in 2010 (pictured) but up to 90 per cent of homes could be uninsurable by 2030

'Shepparton has yet to have the types of floods that we have seen elsewhere but this is all about risk.

'This all comes down to the level of increased rainfall that is forecast that will affect those river systems.'

Nicki Hutley, an economist with the Climate Council who co-authored the report, said Shepparton was Australia's most at-risk place for flooding based on forecasts for heavy rainfall in an area that is flat

The Nicholls electorate, previously known as Murray, had 25,801 properties regarded as high risk, putting it well ahead of the northern NSW electorate of Richmond, covering Ballina and Byron Bay, where 22,274 homes are predicted to be in danger.

Should rising global temperatures bring more frequent and devastating floods, potential home buyers would baulk at paying $30,000 a year in flood insurance, which Ms Hutley said would significantly reduce the value of homes.

'Whether they are worth nothing, it becomes a question of what the increase in the insurance premium is going to be,' Ms Hutley said.

'In some areas, the risk is much higher.

'There's a big difference if you're going to pay $3,000 a year in insurance versus $30,000 - if it's $30,000 then somebody who's going to buy that property is either going to expect to buy it for almost nothing - to take account of the fact that they can't insure the property.

'If it's a much lower rate of insurance, it might bring down the price of the property.

'If someone buys a house, if it's going to cost them an extra $5,000 a year for 10 years, does it knock it off by $50,000?'

The Southern Down region southwest of Brisbane was one of the five federal electorates in Queensland most at risk of natural disasters

Ms Hutley said the properties most at risk were those located near large river systems.

'Right across Australia the number is one in 25 but in individual areas it might be as high as nine in 10, 90 per cent of properties at risk of being uninsurable,' she told the ABC.

'Naturally, if you are very close to a large river system, and even the downstream smaller rivulets, creeks, that's where the biggest risks are except of course, now these floods are getting higher and more frequent.'

Southeast Queensland had five spots in the shortlist of the 10 worst-affected federal electorates, with two of them in Brisbane, one on the Gold Coast and two further inland.

Northern NSW had two spots, and Adelaide had one place on the danger list.

The northern Victorian electorate of Indi, which covers Wangaratta, had 10.7 per cent of homes regarded as possibly uninsurable because of flooding.

Recurring flooding in Brisbane this year helped the Greens win the seats of Brisbane and Griffith for the first time ever at the May 21 election, with both those electorates considered most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

In Brisbane, 12.5 per cent of homes were considered likely to be uninsurable by 2030, with the electorate covering the northern side of the Brisbane River.

The Climate Council predicted 26.5 per cent, or more than one in four homes, Nationals electorate of Nicholls would be uninsurable by 2030 in an area which covers Shepparton, Puckapunyal and Echuca

In the city's south side, 11.4 per cent of homes were considered to be high risk because of riverine flooding.

Tony Faulks, who lives at Rocklea in Brisbane's south with his wife Diane, pays $7,000 a year for flood insurance with Suncorp.

'The insurance policy is just over $7,000 per year and I'm 73 years old,' he told the ABC.

'We live from week to week; we don't have savings in the bank and we'd like to retire but now we've got a house that's unliveable.'

A similar proportion, or 11.9 per cent of homes in the Moncrieff electorate on the Gold Coast, which covers Surfers Paradise, were also regarded as being potentially uninsurable.

On the other side of the Queensland border, the Richmond electorate covering Ballina and Byron Bay was particularly at risk, with 14.5 per cent of homes deemed uninsurable by 2030 because of regular flooding.

On the other side of the Queensland border, the Labor-held seat of Richmond covering Ballina and Byron Bay (pictured) was particularly vulnerable, with 14.5 per cent of homes deemed uninsurable by 2030 because of the flood risk

This was significantly higher than the neighbouring Page electorate where 5.4 per cent of homes were deemed insurable by 2030 even though it is home to the badly flood-hit city of Lismore.

To the north, back in Queensland, the Maronoa electorate covering the Southern Downs area and the city of Warwick had 13.9 per cent of homes considered uninsurable due to flooding.

The Wright electorate was also the list with nine per cent of homes potentially impossible to insure because of bushfire risk.

Adelaide rounded out the top 10 list with the Labor seat of Hindmarsh deemed to have 9.5 per cent of homes with a high flood risk.

Ms Hutley said while bushfires destroyed homes, flooding was typically more devastating to more properties.

'Ultimately, what you can see is the most expensive risk comes from flooding - it tends to be closer, unlike fire which tends to happen often in areas that are uninhabited as devastating as it is,' she said.

Should rising global temperatures bring about heavier rainfall, potential home buyers would baulk at paying $30,000 a year in flood insurance, which Ms Hutley said would significantly reduce the value of homes (pictured is flooding at Shepparton)

'We have built on floodplains and we have built around those river systems.

'Anywhere that's exposed to a particularly large river system, flooding is the most expensive for damages and it tends to affect more properties so if you're close by to a large river system of any sort, then you're likely to be heavily exposed unless you're building at the top of a hill.'

Australia is now committed to reducing carbon emissions by 2030, to honour the Paris Agreement.

But Ms Hutley said flood mitigation measures, like the building of levees, was most likely in the short term to make homes more insurable.

'If we increased our spending on that adaptation, then some of those properties that won't be insurable - that should improve the position,' she said.

The Climate Council has named 10 areas of Australia, by federal electorates, most at risk of natural disasters, with five of them in Queensland
The deputy head of Russia's mission to the UN asks why foreign-controlled media is silencing Ukrainian artillery attacks on civilians in the Donetsk People's Republic.

One such target is a maternity hospital in the DPR that got hit by shelling, but the media did nothing to inform the world of the atrocities committed by the Kyiv regime.

Russia Blamed for Artillery Attack on Maternity Hospital

Dmitry Polyansky, the Russian deputy head to the UN, condemned western media for condoning and silencing news about the Ukrainian attacks on crucial civilian structures like maternity hospitals, reported RT.

On a Tuesday tweet, he demanded where is the media's reaction to the civilian attacks in Ukraine.

Furthermore, he called on the BBC, Reuters, and AFP, who were screaming about a maternity hospital used by neo-Nazis as cover for a Russian counterattack.

The DPR reports that Ukrainian forces increased the shelling of civilians in their region. Last Monday, about five people were killed and 40 injured when indiscriminate shelling of the city areas, like a market, was attacked, cited Mass News.

One of the shells struck a maternity hospital, damaged the building, and shattered windows. Hospital staff moved fast to evacuate patients to the basement that avoided any deaths and injuries, said DPR.

The Russian diplomat said the US and allies are allowing its proxy to target civilians, but they do not condemn such acts.

Where is Western Media reaction? All those @BBCWorld, @ReutersWorld, @AFP etc who were shouting about damage to maternity hospital in Mariupol used by Ukrainian nationalists as a firing position? #Ukraine is deliberately targeting civilians. Will we hear a word of condemnation? https://t.co/jPYCvqkqyX  Dmitry Polyanskiy (@Dpol_un) June 13, 2022

He posted a video from a reporter showing the damage to the hospital and patients hunkering in the basement.

Polyansky indicated in a prior tweet that no military units were in the areas attacked. Stated the west and foreign-controlled media are complicit in these shameful attacks on the Donetsk People's Republic when the weapons used are NATO weapons from western backers.

Read Also: Vladimir Putin: 3 Facts You Didn't Know About Russia's President - From His Judo Records to His KGB Pseudonym

The Western media has kept quiet about Ukraine's attack on the Donetsk maternity hospital, but Reuters barely mentioned it in the report on Monday.

Western Cover-up of Ukrainian Atrocities

According to the agency, Russian news outlets reported the shelling of the hospital in Donetsk city and how everyone inside went to the basement. Reuters allegedly did not confirm the incident or try to verify facts.

When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alleged that Russia attacked a maternity hospital in Mariupol last March 9, it was published and carried in many major Western media outlets. The fatalities were attributed to Moscow without investigation.

Russia's Defense Ministry contested Zelensky's claim that it was their fault because it was done by Ukrainians who used explosives on the building.

Marianna Vyshemirskaya, one of the pregnant women highlighted in the pictures in many major media outlets, later claimed there had been no Russian airstrike on the hospital. She also asserted that she alerted AP journalists, yet they opted not to include that in their reporting to make Moscow look more responsible.

Later Vyshemirskaya was taken to the DPR from Mariupol and gave given birth. She claimed her photos were distributed without her consent and used for western propaganda.

The Russian deputy head condemns a Ukrainian artillery attack on a maternity hospital in the Donetsk People's Republic, which the foreign-controlled media ignored instead of reporting the real thing.

Related Article: Moscow Denies the Geneva Convention Covers the UK Foreign Fighters Sentenced to Death

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Anthony Albanese has warned power companies to prioritise customers over profits as he blames the energy crisis on Scott Morrison's government.

His warning comes as energy providers opted to withdraw from the market instead of meeting shortages, with concerns others are holding back power to exploit prices.

'My message to the energy companies is that they have a responsibility to their customers, whether they be households or businesses, to do the right thing,' he said.

'If they're not doing the right thing, the regulator will take appropriate action.'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured) warned energy generators to commit to their obligations to consumers amid the country's energy crisis

The Prime Minister said that the government would monitor the situation carefully as the energy crisis continued to unfold.

'There are weaknesses, clearly, that have been exposed, and all of the lessons of what is happening will be examined.'

'My government and Chris Bowen as the (energy) minister will act in a considered, sober way to make sure that as we go into the future, anything that can be learnt from what has happened this week will be.'

Mr Albanese blamed the previous coalition government for the current shortfalls.

'What we've seen is a failure of policy that has led to a market failure and that is why AEMO has stepped in here. There were vulnerabilities that have been exposed.'

'This is what happens when you don't have investment certainty, when you don't have the transmission grid fit for purpose,' he continued.

'A decade of the former government meant a decade of lost opportunity of investment that didn't happen. We have an energy grid that wasn't made fit for purpose for the 21st century.'

Mr Albanese's comments come after The Australian Energy Market Operator suspended the electricity spot market in NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria until further notice.

It has also taken full control of directing supplies from energy generators to the east coast power grid, and is setting prices for every state in the market until further notice.

AEMO is expecting to have enough power in the system to avoid blackouts, but NSW will suffer another pressure point on Thursday night.

NSW residents are being asked to reduce non-essential usage from 6-8pm.

Pressure on the grid is expected to ease from Friday and through the weekend as more power units come back online.

AEMO has issued a level three lack of reserve notice in NSW, meaning conditions exist where energy demand is outstripping supply and controlled load-shedding will be used as a last resort.

NSW is expected to pull through Thursday night, while grid pressures in Victoria and Queensland remain in better shape.

The Australian Energy Market Operator suspended the national electricity market in NSW Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria until further notice

AEMO has taken control of directing supplies from generators to the east coast and set prices for every state

NSW Energy Minister Matt Kean says he remains cautiously optimistic, with a major generator coming back online on Thursday night.

'Supply conditions will ease,' Mr Kean told reporters on Thursday.

'At this stage, we have confidence there's enough reserve capacity in the system to ensure that we don't have to ask people to be considerate of their options tonight.'

Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen says the AEMO taking control of the market has provided the best chance of it functioning properly for consumers.

'It means that the operator is effectively determining the best way for Australia's energy to be generated and paid for and provided to consumers while the market simply wasn't functioning,' Mr Bowen told reporters on Thursday.

Mr Bowen says while the government is working on short-, medium- and long-term solutions to strengthen the grid and reduce energy prices, an under-investment in infrastructure has made the market susceptible to pressure points.

'The problem is there is not enough investment in renewable energy. There hasn't been enough investment in storage,' he said.

'Yes, you can say the wind doesn't always blow and the sun doesn't always shine. The rain doesn't always fall either, but we can store the water, and we can store renewable energy if we have the investment.'

While the market regulator has been tasked by the government to establish gas reserves to help avoid future supply constraints, Mr Bowen was less committal when asked about coal reserves as Europe seeks to increase its imports, with an embargo on Russian coal coming into effect in August.

Asked about the measure to avoid future energy supply constraints, Mr Bowen said there is currently no legislative or legal basis through which the government can force exporters to stockpile domestic reserves.

'At the moment, we are dealing with pressures because of coal-fired power outages,' he said.

'The coal market itself has been tight, but it hasn't been caused by coal shortages.'

Anthony Albanese said that shortages have exposed the weaknesses within the system and has clamed the 'policy failure' from the previous government

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said Labor was rushing into putting renewables into the system.

'You can't firm up renewable energy the way in which people would want to at the moment,' he said on 2GB radio.

'Labor at the moment is rushing towards the new system, when frankly it's not at a sensible pace.'

The crisis in New South Wales even forced Sydney hospitals to resort to stringent methods to conserve energy after being warned about possible blackouts.

In an email reportedly seen by The Daily Telegraph, Sydney hospitals were instructed on different ways to save power in the hope to reduce the likelihood of an outage.

Staff in Sydney hospitals were told to turn down the air conditioning temperature to below 20C, close windows and turn off any unused equipment and lights.

The email read: 'Please activate the above measures immediately and we will advise you when these measures can be deactivated. It is likely this protocols will stay in place until 23:59 on Friday 17 June.'
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The largest city in the state of Montana faces running out of fresh water within 36 hours after Billings' only local treatment plant was overwhelmed by the devastating flood waters that have closed Yellowstone National Park.

Billings has just a 24-to 36-hour supply of water and officials asked its 110,000 residents to conserve after water levels became too high for it to function.

The water is shown clearly destroying a red gantry that allows treatment plant employees to access the main building. Officials insisted that the water is still safe to drink, but is in low supply.

Heavy weekend rains and melting mountain snow had the Yellowstone River flowing at a historically high level of 16 feet as it raced past Billings.

Video showed raging waters that rushed through Yellowstone National Park and surrounding communities earlier this week moving through Montana's largest city, flooding farms and ranches and forcing the shutdown of its treatment plant.

The city gets its water from the river and was forced to shut down its treatment plant at about 9:30 a.m. because it can't operate effectively with water levels that high.

'None of us planned a 500-year flood event on the Yellowstone when we designed these facilities,' said Debi Meling, the city's public works director.

The water plant reopened but at an extremely low capacity late Wednesday night, according to KTVQ. Conservation orders remain in place.

This photo provided by the City of Billings shows flooding at the Billings water plant on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, forcing the city plant to shut down. The water is shown clearly destroying a red gantry that allows treatment plant employees to access the main building

Billings had a just a 24-to 36-hour supply of water and officials asked its 110,000 residents to conserve while expressing optimism that the river would drop quickly enough for the plant to resume operations before the supply ran out

The Yellowstone River flows past a washed out bridge Wednesday, June 15, 2022, near Gardiner, Mont. Yellowstone National Park officials say more than 10,000 visitors have been ordered out of the nation's oldest national park after unprecedented flooding tore through its northern half, washing out bridges and roads and sweeping an employee bunkhouse miles downstream

The Yellowstone River flows through Gardiner, Montana on Wednesday

Residents walk along the shore of the elevated Yellowstone River as the floodwaters continued to rage

Volunteers fill a trailer with debris from a flooded home Wednesday

A child's muddy bedroom that had flooded is seen Wednesday, June 15, 2022, in Red Lodge, Montana

The city also stopped watering parks and boulevards, and its fire department was filling its trucks with water from the Yellowstone River.

Cory Mottice, with the National Weather Service in Billings, said the river was expected to crest Wednesday evening and drop below minor flood stage, 13.5 feet, by mid-to-late Thursday.

The unprecedented and sudden flooding that raged through Yellowstone earlier this week drove all of the more than 10,000 visitors out of the nation's oldest park, which remains closed. It damaged hundreds of homes in nearby communities, though remarkably no one was reported hurt or killed.

It also pushed a popular fishing river off course - possibly permanently - and may force roadways torn away by torrents of water to be rebuilt a safer distance away.

A house that was pulled into Rock Creek in Red Lodge, Mont., by raging floodwaters is seen Tuesday

The roaring Yellowstone River is seen from the air sweeping over trees and near homes

Residents of Red Lodge, Montana, are seen clearing mud, water and debris from the small city's main street

Debris from floodwaters is piled up in front of a home in Red Lodge, Mont., Wednesday

Vehicles block the entrance to Yellowstone National Park, a major tourist attraction now closed due to the historic floodwaters, Wednesday

A house sits in Rock Creek after floodwaters washed away a road and a bridge

Pedestrians walk down a street washed away from Rock Creek floodwaters

On Wednesday, residents in Red Lodge, Montana, a gateway town to the park's northern end, used shovels, wheelbarrows and a pump to clear thick mud and debris from a flooded home along the banks of Rock Creek.

'We thought we had it, and then a bridge went out. And it diverted the creek, and the water started rolling in the back, broke out a basement window and started filling up my basement,' Pat Ruzich said. 'And then I quit. It was like, the water won.'

Park officials say the northern half of the park is likely to remain closed all summer, a devastating blow to the local economies that rely on tourism.

In Gardiner, Montana, businesses had just started really recovering from the tourism contraction wrought by the coronavirus pandemic, and were hoping for a good year as Yellowstone celebrates its 150th anniversary, said Bill Berg, a commissioner in Park County.

'It's a Yellowstone town, and it lives and dies by tourism, and this is going to be a pretty big hit,' he said. 'They're looking to try to figure out how to hold things together.'

In this aerial image taken with a drone, sandbags and mud covered roads are left behind after floodwaters from Rock Creek receded, Wednesday

A resident carries out damaged items from his flooded home along a washed out street in Red Lodge, Mont., Wednesday

Meantime, as the waters recede, parks officials are turning their attention to the massive effort of rebuilding many miles of ruined roads and hundreds of washed-out bridges, many of them built for backcountry hikers.

Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly said assessment teams won't be able to tally the damage until next week.

Kelly Goonan, an associate professor at Southern Utah University and an expert in national parks and recreation management, said rebuilding will be a long process.

'This is something we're definitely going to feel the impacts of for the next several years,' Goonan said.

As the Yellowstone rebuild efforts get underway, rangers will have to consider the reality of the park's altered landscape as well as potential future natural disasters.

A home is shown in flood waters Wednesday, June 15, 2022, in Livingston, Montana

Highway workers inspect a washed out bridge along the Yellowstone River Wednesday

A collapsed train bridge is shown along the Yellowstone River Wednesday

'We certainly know that climate change is causing more natural disasters, more fires, bigger fires and more floods and bigger floods. These things are going to happen, and they're going to happen probably a lot more intensely,' said Robert Manning, a retired University of Vermont professor of environment and natural resources.

Officials may also be able to rebuild in a way that's more ecologically sound than the roads and bridges built a decade or century ago, he said.

The rains hit just as area hotels filled up in recent weeks with summer tourists. More than four million visitors were tallied by the park last year. The wave of tourists doesn't abate until fall, and June is typically one of Yellowstone's busiest months.

Yellowstone officials are hopeful that next week they can reopen the southern half of the park, which includes Old Faithful geyser.

Closure of the northern part of the park will keep visitors from features that include Tower Fall, Mammoth Hot Springs and the Lamar Valley, which is known for viewing wildlife such as bears and wolves.

Highway workers build up the shoreline of a washed out bridge along the Yellowstone River

In this aerial image taken with a drone, sandbags and mud covered roads are left behind after floodwaters from Rock Creek receded

Still unresolved is how it will handle all the tourists when only half the park is open.

'One thing that we definitely know is that half the park cannot support all of the visitation,' Sholly said Tuesday.

The park will likely implement some kind of reservation or timed-entry system to let people in without sending crowd sizes sky-high.
Texas Sen. John Cornyn is warning that time and policy constraints are putting pressure on negotiators who have yet to lock in on a final deal on legislation responding to recent gun massacres  and that Democrats have 'run out of rope.'

He made the comments Thursday after earlier saying the most contentious remaining issues related to state 'red flag' laws and closing the so called 'boyfriend loophole' for gun restrictions on people that currently apply to abusive spouses.

'The challenge, of course, as you know, is to translate those principles into text,' Cornyn told conservative host Hugh Hewitt on his radio show Thursday.

'And of course, people like to come back and try to renegotiate things all the time. And I think we're about, we're about run out of our rope here, and we've got to make some final decisions today if we're going to be able to get this on the floor next week.

'We're about run out of our rope here,' Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn said amid talks on legislation responding to mass shootings

'The two issues are, really, what the Democrats like to call the boyfriend loophole, which would cover non-traditional relationships, perhaps long-standing, you know, intimate or romantic relationships that would be subject to the bar of being able to purchase a firearm if you're convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor,' he said.

'The second has to do with the distribution of the funds for crisis intervention. Of course, the whole red flag issue has gotten a lot of attention, but there's a lot of things being done in a number of other states, mental health courts, veterans courts, outpatient assistant treatment for people with mental health challenges to try to help them manage those.'

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell tasked Cornyn with negotiating with Democrats on the issue, and the team reached a framework agreement backed by 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats  signaling the ability to overcome a Republican filibuster.

Lawmakers intensified their talks after a mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas that resulted in the deaths of 19 children and two educators

President Joe Biden demanded several gun control measures, but the White House is calling the negotiated deal a first step

Cornyn made the comments on conservative host Hugh Hewitt's radio show

Senate negotiators, racing to settle details of bipartisan gun legislation, on Wednesday struggled to resolve serious disagreements over federal funding of state 'red flag' programs and the breadth of a plan for keeping guns out of the hands of those prone to domestic violence.

A string of mass shootings has prompted Democratic and Republican lawmakers to line up behind gun-violence legislation that would overcome decades of inaction.

Lawmakers hope to get it passed this month. But Cornyn has raised concerns over a provision to fund state 'red flag' laws allowing authorities to temporarily take guns away from people deemed dangerous to themselves or others.

Cornyn's home state of Texas does not have such a law and is seen as unlikely to enact one. He wants the federal funding to cover other efforts as well, such as outpatient 'crisis intervention programs' for people suffering from mental illness.

Senators and aides have not said how much federal funding it at stake.

Lawmakers are also at odds over an effort to close the so-called 'boyfriend loophole,' which allows authorities to block abusive spouses from buying firearms, but does not cover people who are not married.

Christian Heyne, a vice president at the Brady gun control organization, called that 'a loophole that defies logic.'

Lawmakers have been unable to settle on who should be included in the provision, such as two people who only had one date, for example, or only those in a longer-duration relationship.

Despite these differences, the lead Democratic negotiator, Senator Chris Murphy, told reporters that lawmakers remain committed to translating their framework deal into a bill that can be passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden.

'I have confidence well get there,' Murphy said.
The California man who was arrested outside of the home of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh has been indicted for attempting to assassinate him.

The suspect, 26-year-old Nicholas Roske, was arrested outside Kavanaugh's home in Maryland on June 8. He now faces life in jail if convicted of the alleged hit attempt.

Prosecutors say Roske traveled from California to the justice's home in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with the intent of killing Kavanaugh.

Roske pulled up near the home in a taxi shortly after 1 a.m. on June 8 carrying a suitcase with a gun and ammunition, a tactical chest rig with pepper spray and a knife, and a flashlight, a laser, a thermal monocular and other burglary tools, according to court papers.

Federal officials have said Roske said he purchased the gun to kill Kavanaugh and also planned to kill himself.

He was arrested by police in Montgomery County, Maryland, after he called 911 and told a police dispatcher he was near Kavanaugh's home and wanted to take his own life.

Roske faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Just an hour before, the suspect flew into Washington, DC, from his native California, taking a taxi directly to the conservative jurist's home.

He soon backed out of the plan, however, putting a call into cops at roughly 1:40 am that saw him confess his desire to kill the judge - as well as himself - and ask for 'psychiatric help.'

The California man who was arrested outside of the home of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh has been indicted for attempting to assassinate him

The suspect, 26-year-old Nicholas Roske, was arrested outside Kavanaugh's home in Maryland on June 8

Roske pulled up near the home in a taxi shortly after 1 a.m. on June 8 carrying a suitcase with a gun and ammunition, a tactical chest rig with pepper spray and a knife, and a flashlight, a laser, a thermal monocular and other burglary tools, according to court papers

Police stand guard as abortion rights activists protest near the house of US Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in Chevy Chase, Maryland in September 2021

Officers promptly arrested Roske outside the residence, finding him with a disturbing arsenal of weapons including a handgun, tactical gear, a knife, and zip ties.

He told cops he purchased the equipment 'for the purpose of breaking into the justice's residence and killing the justice as well as himself,' court documents show.

Roske told police he was upset by a leaked draft opinion suggesting the Supreme Court is about to overrule Roe v. Wade, the landmark abortion case.

He also said he was upset over the school massacre in Uvalde, Texas, and believed Kavanaugh would vote to loosen gun control laws, according to prosecutors.

Cops later revealed that Roske, was persuaded to nix the plot by his sister, whom he texted after he saw two deputy U.S. marshals guarding the house.

The suspect planned to murder of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh due to outrage over rumored plans to overturn Roe v. Wade, but was convinced to abandon the plot by his sister

'The suspect arrived by taxi and observed the U.S. marshals, and he turned around to contemplate his next move,' Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones told The Washington Post Monday.

The chief further revealed that upon witnessing the marshals, a spooked Roske walked a block away from Kavanaugh's home, and reportedly deliberated on whether to execute his plot for half an hour, texting his sibling for guidance.

After 30 minutes of back-and-forth, the woman, who was not named by police, convinced Roske to call off the hit.

'This is when he texted his sister and told her of his intentions, and she convinced him to call 911, which he did,' Jones said.

At that point, Jones said, Roske called 911 twice - once at 1:38am and again at 1:39am - to turn himself into authorities, in what appeared to be a cry for help from the now incarcerated suspect.

'I need psychiatric help,' he told them, admitting he'd traveled to hurt 'Brett Kavanaugh  the Supreme Court justice.'

Roske told the 911 operator that as well as his intention to assassinate the sitting Supreme Court justice, he was having suicidal and homicidal thoughts, newly released 911 call records obtained by the Washington Examiner detail.

'I've been having them for a long time,' Roske said. 'I'm from California. I came over here to act on them.'

Roske explained how he intended to hurt someone and himself.

In 911 calls, Roske (left and right) allegedly told operators that he was upset about the leak of a recent Supreme Court draft decision regarding the right to abortion as well as the recent school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. He is pictured left and right in older photos

'I brought a firearm with me, but it's unloaded and locked in the case... It's in a suitcase. It's a black suitcase... I'm standing near it, but the suitcase is zip-tied shut. I just came from the airport.'

Andrew Szekely, a federal public defender who is representing Roske, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the indictment.

He previously declined to comment on the case after Roske's first court appearance, the day of his arrest.

The indictment comes one day after the House gave final approval to legislation that would allow around-the-clock security protection for families of Supreme Court justices.

The Senate passed the bill unanimously last month, but it languished in the House as Democrats sought to broaden the measure to include protection for families of court employees.

Republicans ramped up pressure to pass the bill after Roske's arrest at Kavanaughs house.

FILE - Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh stands during a group photo at the Supreme Court in Washington, on April 23, 2021. The California man arrested near Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's house in Maryland was indicted by a federal grand jury for federal charges of attempting to murder a Justice of the United States. (Erin Schaff/The New York Times via AP, Pool)

FILE - U.S. Marshals patrol outside the home of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, in Chevy Chase, Md., June 8, 2022. The California man arrested near Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's house in Maryland was indicted by a federal grand jury for federal charges of attempting to murder a Justice of the United States. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

FBI agents are seen inside Roske's Simi Valley, California, home last Wednesday night after he was arrested for the alleged assassination plot

Roske placed two calls to 911 at first hanging up and promising to call back with his location.

'I'm standing now, but I can sit, whatever. I want to be fully compliant. So whatever they want me to do, I'll do.' Roske told the 911 operator.

Roske had travelled with tools to facilitate a burglary, including a gun and even a special pair of hiking boots with soles that allowed for quieter movement inside a house.

When police conducted a search of Roske's locked bag and suitcase, they found two magazines and ammunition together with a newly bought pistol, a black tactical chest rig, a tactical knife, and pepper spray.

Roske also had a hammer, screwdriver, nail punch, crow bar, and hiking boots together with zip ties and duct tape.

During a confession to the 911 operator, he explained how he had left his home in California while his parents were on vacation in Hawaii and stashed all of his tools and weapons into his luggage.

After being asked why he planned to hurt himself and Kavanaugh, he said: 'I didn't think I could get away with it.'

Kavanaugh is one of six justices in the court's conservative wing, against three progressives, but he is not viewed as being as hardline as Alito or some of the others on the bench.

A Catholic native of Washington, his nomination in 2018 to the high court drew particularly heated debates over his views toward women and abortion rights.

His confirmation gave conservatives a 5-4 majority on the court, which grew further when Catholic, stridently anti-abortion Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined in October 2020.

The leak of the Alito draft opinion sparked speculation that someone was hoping to push the court in one direction or another in its final ruling on the abortion case.

Some analysts believe that Roberts and Kavanaugh could occupy a moderating position on the final judgement to partially sustain the abortion protections in the original 1973 Roe v Wade decision.
Anthony Albanese has tried to buy back Australia's relationship with France by paying hundreds of millions of dollars more than was needed to axe the abandoned submarine contract.

The prime minister confirmed at the weekend that Australia is paying $835 million to French Government-owned Naval Group shipbuilders to ditch the $90 billion diesel subs deal.

But details of the contract have now been leaked that reveal Australia was only required to pay a $90 million 'break fee' to the shipyard to cancel the order.

Australia is paying $835million to French government-owned Naval Group shipbuilders to ditch the $90billion subs deal but the contract only included a $90million fee if it was axed

There was no compensation agreement written into the deal if it was scrapped - but Australia paid an additional $745 million over and above what was required.

Even if the order had moved on to the next stage of development, Australia would still only have been liable to a $250 million compensation fee, the AFR reported.

The bonus extra payment to the shipyard is believed to have been a bid to rebuild Australia's shattered relationship with France after the uproar over the axed deal.

It was ditched after the Coalition government did the secret $70 billion AUKUS deal with the UK and US for nuclear submarine technology instead of French diesel subs.

President Emmanuel Macron accused Scott Morrison of lying to him over the move that blindsided the French, which the then-PM denied.

The $745million bonus overpayment to the French government-owned Naval Group shipyard is seen as a sweetener to repair relations between France's President Emmanuel Macron (seen here with his wife Brigitte) and Australia after the fury over the secret AUKUS pact

President Macron welcomed the election of the new Labor government last month and hailed it as an opportunity to 'heal the ruptured relationship'.

Just days later, the final sweetener $835 million deal with Naval Group was confirmed.

'Australia has a new team in power, we are happy to be able to work with them,' French defence minister Sebastien Lecornu said on the weekend.

'Just because a government in the past did not keep its word, it does not mean we have to forget our strategic relationship.'

PM Anthony Albanese said the deal was value for money if it meant Australia and France could move on from the previous row and would 'rule a line under the contracts'

Mr Albanese said the deal was value for money if it meant Australia and France could move on from the previous row and would 'rule a line under the contracts'.

'This is a fair and an equitable settlement which has been reached,' he said as he announced the deal.

'It follows discussions I've had with President Macron and I thank him for the cordial way we are re-establishing a better relationship between Australia and France.

'Given the gravity of challenges we face both in the region and globally, it is essential Australia and France once again unite to defend our shared principles and interests.'

The total cost of abandoning the French deal was originally estimated by then-defence minister Peter Dutton at $5.4 billion but the final tally is now $3.4 billion.

Defence department officials said details of the deal were secret but a spokesman added: 'Australia has negotiated a fair and equitable global settlement with Naval Group to close-out the contract.

'The details of the settlement between the two parties are confidential, although the total value of the settlement, which includes all of the allowable termination costs, is 555 million  about $830 million at the agreed exchange rate.

'This will bring the total expenditure on the Attack class submarine project to $3.4 billion out of the approved $5.4 billion.

'As the Prime Minister has stated, Australias relationship with France is very important and the settlement ensures that Australia can now move forward with this relationship.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the the Prime Minister's Office, and opposition leader and ex-defence minister Dutton for comment.
Australia's mining sector is facing an 'unprecedented' shortage of workers and has responded by offering outrageous salaries and bonuses to secure talent.

In Queensland auto electricians can start at around $140,000 while a number of roles such as metallurgist, automation engineer, apprentice heavy diesel fitter and geologist all command between $100,000 and $130,000.

The worker shortage has led some companies, such as mining services firm Thiess, to offer a $10,000 sign-on bonus and a $5,000 bonus for a successful referral.

Queensland's mining sector is desperately seeking workers and offering starting salaries over $100,000 and sign-on bonuses of $10,000 for those with the right skills

Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association Chief Executive Steve Knott told Daily Mail Australia that the skills shortage in the mining industry is 'unprecedented'.

'Overwhelmingly, the biggest issue for mining, oil and gas and supply chain businesses is getting the people required to do the job,' Mr Knott said.

'This is caused by a range of factors including the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing high levels of growth across all commodity areas.

The commodity price boom, a long-time skill shortage and the Covid restrictions keeping out overseas workers, have meant miners are working hard to attract people into the sector

'Market demand has seen base rates of pay jump at extraordinary levels and companies also paying huge sign-on and retention and loyalty bonuses to try and attract and retain people.'

Recently released Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows the mining sector has the highest average full-time earnings at around $140,000 a year.

The Queensland Resources Council noted that of the 2007 mining jobs advertised on employment website seek.com.au last week 85 per cent paid over six figures.

While specialist skills such as mine engineering, geology and drilling command the highest salaries, Mr Knott noted that the current environment was 'unique' in its high demand for semi-skilled and lower skilled workers.

While mining is offering lucrative salaries and bonuses the sector's isolated, tough and sometimes high-pressure working conditions mean it is a job that requires the right attitude

'We estimate that the industry will need about 9,000 new plant operators, 3,000 heavy diesel fitters and around 1,100 other trades, such as electrical and mechanical, over the next five years,' he said.

'Most of that demand will be in the next two-to-three years.

'There is also a significant demand for the jobs required to run mine sites. Chefs, cooks, cleaners and facilities maintenance jobs, are in extremely high demand.

'For this reason the industry is accepting unprecedented levels of new entrants to the sector.'

As an example of the demand for unskilled jobs in Queensland, trainee tyre fitters are being offered a starting salary between $75,000 and $85,000.

Mr Knott said the flow of new mining jobs was likely to increase.

'Growth projections indicate the squeeze for labour is only going to get much worse,' he said.

The 350 prospective mining projects in the pipeline are projected to create 100,000 new construction and production-related jobs by 2027.

The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association estimates that mining investment in the pipeline will generate 100,000 new construction and production-related jobs by 2027

'If only a portion of these projects receive final investment approval and go ahead, the industry will see the current red hot skills market continue for at least another five years, and likely far beyond,' Mr Knott said.

In order to fill these jobs the Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian McFarlane told the Courier Mail the resources sector will target high school students and first-year university students in an attempt to persuade them into mining careers.

While Queensland and Western Australia are the states with the highest demand for workers Mr Knott said that miners in NSW, Victoria and South Australia were also desperately looking for workers.

Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association Chief Executive Steve Knott said 'having the right attitude' to enter mining can mean more than experience and qualifications

Despite the high salaries and other inducements on offer mining is not for everyone.

It typically means at least two-week blocks of working in isolated areas with sometimes fairly basic living conditions.

The 12-hour shifts often involve heavy physical labour in a high-pressure environment where mistakes can cost a company millions and so result in instant dismissal, meaning a high turnover rate of staff.

What it is like working in a mine Physically demanding work on every single shift. Intense time pressure, with expensive consequences for being slow and mistakes, including getting fired. Exhausting 12 hour shifts - including a lot of nights. Rosters are usually 14 days on then 7 days off - for at least six months. Working deep underground isn't for everyone - some people get claustrophobic and fearful. You'll spend far less time with loved ones/family than in most jobs. You need to pass regular drug and alcohol tests. Advertisement

However, Mr Knott encouraged people to consider the sector.

'In the present environment, anyone with the right qualifications and a clean safety record should have no difficulty entering the industry,' Mr Knott said.

'For those new to the industry, having the right attitude is probably more important than experience and qualifications.

'You need to understand the industry involves long hours and shift work, often on rosters where you can be away from home for many days or even weeks on end.

'You also work in pretty remote environments under very strict health and safety rules.

'For those who can work in such an environment, the reward is very significant remuneration and long-term career prospects.'
Mike Pence's former chief of staff confirmed on Wednesday that he warned the Secret Service the night before the January 6th insurrection that Pence could be in danger at the Capitol building.

Marc Short testified to the House committe investigating the insurrection for more than eight hours behind closed doors in January. Portions of that testimony are expected to be played at Thursday morning's hearing.

That hearing will focus on Donald Trump's efforts to pressure Pence to refuse to count and certify the electoral count. It is the ceremonial role of the vice president to oversee the formal certification of the presidential election.

Short confirmed to CNN that he did speak with the Secret Service on the night of January 5th.

'Thousands of people descending upon Washington with hopes of a different outcome - I think it was important they be alerted to that,' he said of his conversation with security.

'But I did not have any specific, you know, intelligence. I did not have any knowledge the capitol would be attacked the way it was,' he told Wolf Blitzer on Wednesday evening.

Greg Jacob, who served as counsel to Pence, and retired U.S. Appeals Court Judge J. Michael Luttig, who was an informal adviser, are scheduled to testify in person at the third of an expected six public hearings the committee has planned.

Committee aides told CNN that Thursday's hearing will focus on how Trump had driven the pressure campaign against Pence despite being told by lawyers in the White House counsel's office that Pence did not have the authority to unilaterally subvert the election results.

Former Pence chief of staff Marc Short confirms he warned Secret Service on January 5th of a possible threat against Mike Pence

On January 6th then-Vice President Mike Pence was evacuated from the Senate as rioters rushed the Capitol building

ABC News published never-before-seen photo of Mike Pence and his family hiding in his Senate office on January 6th

Short would not, however, confirm what New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman reported in her forthcoming book - 'Confidence Man: The Making of Donald Trump and the Breaking of America' - that Short expected Trump to turn publicly against Pence, creating a possible risk to the vice president.

He told CNN he thought Trump was ill served with advice after the election.

'I think ultimately the buck stops with the president. I also think there's people around the president I think served him very poorly and I think gave poor advice,' he said.

Short also said he wasn't convinced of the committee's finding that Trump agreed with the MAGA supporters who were shouting for Pence to be hanged.

During Thursday evening's hearing, Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, who serves on the panel investigating the insurrection, said of Trump: 'Aware of the rioters' chants to 'hang Mike Pence,' the president responded with this sentiment: 'Maybe our supporters have the right idea.' Mike Pence 'deserves' it.'

There were gasps in the hearing room at her words.

'I NEVER said, or even thought of saying, "Hang Mike Pence." This is either a made up story by somebody looking to become a star, or FAKE NEWS!,' Trump wrote in response the next day on Truth Social.

Short said he wasn't convinced that Trump wanted Pence hanged.

'I'm not even yet convinced of that. I know what the committee said. I also know the president denied that,' he told CNN's Wolf Blitzer.

He also said that Pence wasn't watching the hearings but was looking at news reports on them.

Meanwhile, new photos published by ABC News show Pence and his family hiding in the Capitol building after rioters broke in and Pence was hussled off the Senate floor.

In one picture, Pence can be seen with members of his family  second lady Karen Pence, his brother, Rep. Greg Pence and his daughter  in the vice president's ceremonial office just steps from the Senate floor.

The photo shows Karen Pence hurriedly closing the curtains in the room. A source told ABC that Karen Pence could see rioters outside the Capitol, so she closed the curtains so they wouldn't see the Pence family.

Later Pence and his family would be rushed out of the office and taken to another location in the Capitol complex when the rioters breached the Senate floor.

Mike Pence, in a ceremonial role fulfilled by the vice president, oversaw the formal certification of the electoral college results

In the days leading up to the January 6th certification, Trump delivered a string of tweets demanding that Pence use his position to prevent Congress certifying his election defeat to Joe Biden.

Pence had already told the president he had no such power.

Short told CNN that Pence was doing his constitutional duty when he oversaw thee certification of the election.

'He did his duty. He swore an oath to uphold the constitution. He swore an oath to god to uphold the constitution just as our men and women in uniform do,' he said.
Angry western Sydney residents have hit out at Malcolm and Lucy Turnbull for declaring the area needs to be more like the city's east, with the couple branded 'patronising and ignorant'.

Lucy Turnbull, supported by her husband and Liberal ex-prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, told the Sydney Morning Herald the western suburbs should be redesigned to be more 'green' and 'walkable' like the eastern suburbs.

Mrs Turnbull, who is the former City of Sydney Lord Mayor, said the west needed to create more housing, walkability to schools and shops, and more tree cover.

'I'd really like the same amenity as you get in the inner city of the eastern harbour city to be adaptively transferred to western Sydney,' Mrs Turnbull said.

Former Lord Mayor of Sydney Lucy Turnbull (right, pictured with husband and former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull) has defended her 'patronising' plans to eastern-ise western Sydney suburbs, despite criticism the plan 'undermines' the west's existing potential

Poll Were the Turnbulls' comments out of touch? Yes - western Sydney is already better and more 'liveable' than the east No - the west has been ignored by city politicians for long enough Were the Turnbulls' comments out of touch? Yes - western Sydney is already better and more 'liveable' than the east 242 votes

No - the west has been ignored by city politicians for long enough 210 votes Now share your opinion





Mrs Turnbull, who lives with her husband in a harbourside mansion in the exclusive eastern suburb of Point Piper, said the addition of medium-density housing such as terrace homes and more green spaces could help beautify western suburbs.

'If you think about terrace houses in Paddington and Glebe, they were conceived and built long before there were planning regulations but they are some of the most attractive, valuable property in Australia,' she said.

Terrace homes in Paddington and Glebe regularly sell for more than $2million.

'Proud westie' and NSW MP for Baulkham Hills David Elliott has slammed the couple's plans as 'patronising and ignorant', arguing that Sydney's west is called 'greater for a reason' and was more liveable than the city's east.

Mrs Turnbull called for more terrace homes (pictured, a Paddington terrace home) to be built in the western suburbs because they are 'some of the most attractive, valuable property in Australia'

'You can imagine my horror at the patronising commentary in the Herald today from a former Liberal Leader who is saying he wants to make western Sydney "as liveable as the east",' he said.

'Newsflash Malcolm, western Sydney is MORE liveable than your beloved 'East'!'

While the 'attractive' homes in the city's east are sought-after, they have been criticised for wasting important land space in highly-populated areas where housing is limited.

Mr Turnbull called for transport policymakers to remember Sydney's CBD is 'on the eastern perimeter of the city, not central' and not to pool amenities just into those suburbs.

New South Wales Minister for Transport and MP for Baulkham Hills David Elliott slammed Mrs Turnbull's plans as 'patronising' and said he had a 'giggle' at Mr Turnbull's claims public transport funding is concentrated in eastern Sydney

In particular he said western Sydney's transport needs to allow commuters to travel across the city, not just into the CBD.

Mr Elliott was quick to respond to the article with a online post detailing why western Sydney was already a more livable place than the eastern suburbs.

'You call for a more "leafy" environment? Well, western Sydney is surrounded by three National Parks, how many do you have over there in Potts Point?

'You want it to be "pedestrian friendly"? I suggest you visit my neighbourhood where the many footpaths are twice as wide as those you find around Vaucluse.

Mr Elliott said western Sydney is 'more liveable' than eastern suburbs and already has large green spaces and is 'pedestrian friendly' (pictured, Parramatta)

'You may like to wander around Parramatta Park if you really like walking. Fun fact, Parramatta Park was gazetted in 1858, making it 30 years older than and twice the size of your beloved Centennial Park.'

As Minister of Transport, Mr Elliott had particular criticism for the Turnbulls' opinion of western public transport.

'I did get a giggle when I saw your call for transport policymakers to remember that the Sydney CBD is "the eastern perimeter city",' he said.

'Well, as the state's chief transport policymaker I can reassure the former PM that we are not "drawing everything into the eastern harbour city".

Mr Elliott said there was more 'greenery' in western Sydney (pictured, Parramatta Lake) than the eastern suburbs and called for the Turnbulls to 'visit my neighbourhood'

'A quick look at Parramatta Light Rail, Northconnex, Metro West and Badgerys Creek is proof enough of that.

'Once again we have well-meaning media outlets and politicians trying to tell western Sydney residents how "great" we can be if we would only just listen, not realising that we're called "Greater' Western Sydney for a reason!'

Commenters on Mr Elliott's post also slammed the Turnbulls' vision for the city's west.

'Western Sydney illustrates everything that is great about Australia,' one person wrote.

The Light Rail design (above) surrounds the tracks with green areas with Mr Elliott noting western Sydney already has a 'leafy environment'

'People from diverse backgrounds, creating a cultural richness that you would never experience in more insular places like "The Shire" or eastern suburbs, and our food is way better!'

'Thank you from a Greater Western Sydney resident with wide shared paths all around me, a few playgrounds within easy walking distance, trees all around me, solar panels on my roof, recycled water and I still have access to great transport,' another said.

A spokesperson from the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils said existing issues in western suburbs need to be addressed before the region is beautified.

'While the western Suburbs of Sydney offer many wonderful attractions there are significant challenges impacting the people of western Sydney, too,' they said.

Mr Elliott said projects like the Parramatta Light Rail (above), Northconnex and Western Sydney Metro prove NSW Transport is focused on western suburbs

'The former Turnbull government's part-funding of the St Marys to Airport rail link in fact does very little in spreading transport infrastructure across the city. It really just connects the airport to the western rail line.

'Urban heat is a pressing problem. During severe heat waves, people in Greater western Sydney have experienced as much as a 13 percent increase in deaths.

'People in Sydney's western suburbs are dying because authorities don't take heat waves as seriously as other natural hazards.

'WSROC is calling for an urgent review of heatwave planning with the release of our 'Heat Smart Resilience Framework' that outlines recommendations for building resilience to extreme heat.'

Mrs Turnbull briefly addressed urban heat during her interview and called for eastern-suburb-style tree coverage to be brought to western suburbs to create more shade.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Lucy and Malcolm Turnbull for comment.
A notorious socialite has been charged with trafficking meth, cocaine, and ketamine into Australia as part of a major syndicate.

Anthony Hess, 43, was arrested in Melbourne on Tuesday afternoon as the latest to be snared in a joint Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police operation.

He appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday and will stay behind bars until at least September 6.

Hess is accused of attempting to import and possess 4kg each of cocaine and meth, and 1kg of ketamine and faces 25 years in jail if convicted.

Notorious socialite Anthony Hess, 43, has been charged with trafficking meth, cocaine, and ketamine into Australia as part of a major syndicate.

Hess' high-profile associations include his former 'best friend' Married at First Sight star Stacey Hampton (centre) and ex-Mongols bikie president Toby Mitchell (right)

Hess is accused of attempting to import and possess 4kg each of cocaine and meth, and 1kg of ketamine and faces 25 years in jail if convicted

The syndicate allegedly imports up to 15kg of drugs per shipment into Australia from the US and Europe. Hess is the sixth person to be arrested.

The police operation has so far seized 35kg, including liquid cocaine hidden markers and mini-smoker machine flown into Melbourne.

Hess has variously worked as an Instagram influencer, brand ambassador, clothes salesman, and sex worker - but not as a Bitcoin trader as he is often called.

Best known for his ill-fated friendship with Married At First Sight star Stacey Hampton and defeating Sydney PR queen Roxy Jacenko in court, fled to Los Angeles last year after a punch-up with his ex-bikie boss mate Toby Mitchell.

While in LA, he became a Covid super-spreader by accidentally infecting at least 60 people with the Delta strain in a long weekend bender in July 2021.

Hess, 40, is best known for his ill-fated friendship with Married At First Sight star Stacey Hampton

Hess claimed the liposuction surgery in 2013 left him looking like a 'freak show' for eight years and so ashamed of his body he hid or edited his abs in shirtless photos. He had the damage repaired in Colombia late last year (bottom right)

Hess pictured in Crown Towers with best friends turned mortal enemy Married At First Sight star Stacey Hampton in a photo where he Photoshopped his abs to look 'normal'

A month earlier he was fined $2,400 for spraying 'Roxy is a c**t' on Ms Jacenko's PR office in Sydney as part of a long-running feud.

Ms Jacenko took out a restraining order against him but he had it dismissed in court when it couldn't be proved he did the graffiti.

However, GoPro footage was found during a search of Sydney street artist Anthony Lister, during an unrelated rape investigation, that proved Hess was the culprit.

Hess returned to Australia in January after his US visa was cancelled when he flew to Colombia for cosmetic surgery.

Since then he has mostly lived in Melbourne while working through a slow and painstaking process to regain his right to live in the US.

Hess (pictured with a friend) while in LA became a Covid super-spreader by accidentally infecting at least 60 people with the Delta strain in a long weekend bender in July 2021.
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A fifth of all pregnancies were aborted in 2020, newly-released figures show, with 930,160 terminations taking place over the course of that year.

The newly-released statistics from progressive reproductive health think-tank the Guttmacher Institute showed that the number of terminations rocketed by eight per cent between 2017 and 2020.

Guttmacher's research shows that 862,320 terminations were carried out across the US in 2017, and a further 916,460 in 2019.

Those figures reversed a 30 year downward trend in termination numbers, with the rise between 2017 and 2020 coming as birth rates decreased by six per cent over the same period.

An exact breakdown on how advanced each of the terminated pregnancies was has not been released.

But Guttmacher researchers did determine that 54 per cent of all terminations which took place in 2020 were the result of the so-called 'abortion pill.'

It sees women take two doses of a drug which induces miscarriage during the first 10 weeks of a pregnancy.

This chart from the Guttmacher Institute shows how a 30 year decline in the number of abortions being carried out has been reversed over the last three years

This map shows which states have already enacted full or partial bans, which are on the verge of passing laws, and which continue to impose no restrictions on terminations

The South - including many of the GOP-led states now enacting total or partial bans - saw the highest number of terminations.

In 2017, they recorded 295,310 abortions, with 308,290 in 2019 and 320,410 in 2020.

Texas saw 55,440 abortions in 2018, 59,290 in 2019 and 58,030 in 2020. Its so-called Heartbeat Law, which effectively bans abortion after six weeks, is regarded as the prototype trailblazer for tough new pro-life measures being enacted across the US.

The Lone Star State's two per cent decease between 2019 and 2020 may have been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with New York also witnessing a six per cent decrease over the same period.

One in ten Empire State abortion providers shuttered at the start of the pandemic, with the next tranche of research from Guttmacher set to highlight further how COVID closures may have impacted abortion rates in 2021.

Northeastern states recorded a total of 228,100 abortions in 2020, the west saw 235,140 terminations, with 146,550 taking place in the Midwest during the same year.

Pro-life and pro-choice protesters are pictured outside the Supreme Court in Washington DC on June 13, after a leaked draft opinion indicated the conservative-majority court's plans to end Roe v Wade, which guarantees American women the right to an abortion

Republican appointed-Justices Clarence Thomas (second from bottom left), Neil Gorsuch (second from right top row) Brett Kavanaugh (top left) and Amy Coney Barrett (top right) all voted to strike down Roe with Samuel Alito (bottom left)

Guttmacher said there were 'no clear patterns' to explain why certain states saw the number of terminations increase, while others witnessed a decrease.

Some, including Illinois, began covering abortions on Medicaid. Terminations there rose from 42,080 in 2017 to 52,220 in 2019 and 52,780 in 2020.

The statistics were released almost two months after a leaked Supreme Court draft judgement indicated plans to scrap the 1973 Roe v Wade law.

It guarantees American women the right to an abortion, with multiple states now poised to impose an outright ban on terminations as the conservative majority court prepares to publish its completed opinion.

The number of abortions carried out in 1973 - the first year the procedure became legal - sat at around 750,000.

That number rose to more than one million by the late 70s, and stayed there throughout the 1980s, reaching an all-time high of more than 1.5 million abortions in 1990.

The figure dropped below one million for the first time in 2011, and now faces plummeting further as tough new laws come into place across conservative states.

The beginning of the original leaked draft opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito

Declines in the number of abortions carried out have been credited to contraception becoming both easier to obtain, and more effective at preventing pregnancy.

Abortion has become an increasingly fraught political issue in recent election cycles.

Former President Donald Trump went from being ardently pro-choice to pro-life after taking office in 2016.

His appointment of three conservative Supreme Court justices is widely-credited with the leaked draft opinion now set to end Roe v Wade.

Multiple other GOP governors have enacted their own bans aimed at eliminating terminations, and tout it as a priority in their election material.

Governors in blue states where there's no plans to restrict abortion laws have offered to help transport pregnant women there for terminations.

Advances in medical technology since Roe was published have further complicated the issue. Roe allows women to have abortions up until the point a fetus can survive outside the womb.

That is currently defined as between 23 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

But last year, an Alabama baby born at just 21 weeks went on to survive thanks to modern medicine that would not have been available in 1973, sparking further discussion about abortion time limits.

Florida has enacted a ban on abortions after 15 weeks which its Governor Ron DeSantis claims is a common-sense compromise to the issue.
The Chinese security deal said the US and its allies could not disparage the Solomon Islands Foreign Minister because they have no mandate. The government's right to decide what to reveal about the agreement and the speculation of Washington and Canberra will not pressure them to decide for the country.

Solomon Islands Prefer China

The deal with China offers more for requirements of domestic security, development, and dealing with climate change that Washington and Canberra don't want to acknowledge, said Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs Collin Beck, reported Sputnik News.

Beck mentioned the population increase is a national problem, prompting protests a year ago that got violent and caused by unemployment and frustration over government policies.

The foreign affairs secretary highlighted the country's climate change obstacles, such as sinking due to rising water levels. Arguing its impact on the economy, tourism, and other aspects of life and that the country needs a reliable partner, cited Worldakkam.

West Interfere in Local Politics of Smaller Nations

Beck is against foreign interference in its affairs with China, particularly Australia, and its biased reaction to the internal affairs of the island nation.

He stressed that security deals are typical but not when it's with Beijing, and Australia is part of the Quad group and the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. The nations involved are Australia, India, Japan, the US, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK, who are part of both organizations.

Beck added Australia can align with the US and western countries but raises a ruckus over a deal with China; furthermore, the pacific is free, not a backyard of the US or its mouthpieces.

Read also: Xi Jinping: 5 Things To Know About China's President

To ally fears, the security agreement with Beijing will not be used unless needed. The islands will not be a base for military assets was mentioned, noted the Diplomat.

According to the official, only the Solomon Islands and China decide whether or not to divulge the deal, and not US and Australia.

Draft of Beijing-Honiara Security Deal Leaks

A rumored draft of the agreement allows the Solomon Islands to ask Beijing to send police, armed police, military personnel, and other law enforcement to the islands to safeguard social order, citizens' lives, and property safety.

The US and its allies do not want Beijing to send Chinese military ships to ports for logistical resupply and stopovers when they visit. Beijing just ignored Canberra, which seems hypocritical over its concerns.

Wang Wenbin, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman, recounted that Australia recently signed the AUKUS security pact, which created a risk of nuclear conflict in the region.

The Chinese official tersely told the US ally that the Solomon Islands is a free nation not subject to the hegemony of America. No one can bully the small country on what to decide, as seems to be the case.

Signing the Chinese security deal remarked by Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Beck is their prerogative. The blatant interference of the US and Australia is against principles of democracy, or the west applies a double standard to states not pliant to its will.

Related Article: China Calls Out the US, New Zealand for Criticism Over Recent Activity in the Pacific Region

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin came out on top in a crowded open congressional primary for the late Alaska Rep. Don Young's congressional seat - besting 48 other challengers to advance to August's special election alongside fellow Republican Nick Begich and independent Al Gross.

Palin, Begich and Gross, an orthopedic surgeon, were among 48 candidates in last Saturday's special primary for the seat, which was left vacant following Young's death last march. Young had held the seat for 49 years.

The top four vote-getters in the special primary advance to a special election, set for Aug. 16, in which ranked choice voting will be used. The winner of that race will serve the remainder of Youngs term, which ends in January.

State elections officials were releasing additional vote counts on Wednesday, the first day since the special primary in which counts were conducted. Additional counts are planned for Friday and for Tuesday.

With 132,730 votes counted, Palin had 28.3%, followed by Begich with 19.3% and Gross with 12.8%. Democrat Mary Peltola had 8.7% and Republican Tara Sweeney, 5.5%.

The election was unusual in that it was conducted primarily by mail. It also was the first election under a system approved by voters in 2020 that ends party primaries and institutes ranked voting for general elections.

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin came out on top in a crowded open congressional primary for the late Alaska Rep. Don Young's congressional seat Tuesday

During the race, Palin touted endorsements from a number of national figures, including former President Donald Trump

The election went on as scheduled following a legal fight over ballot access issues, with the state defending itself against accusations that the manner in which the primarily by-mail election was held discriminated against voters with visual impairments.

Palin, the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, held significant name recognition in a field that also included current and former state legislators and a North Pole city council member whose name is Santa Claus. Many of the candidates were relative unknowns.

Begich comes from a family of prominent Democrats, including uncles Mark Begich and Tom Begich, who have both held elected office. Gross unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate in 2020 with the endorsement of state Democrats. Alaska Democratic party leaders in this race urged voters to pick a Democrat.

Peltola, who was one of six Democrats on the ballot, is a former state lawmaker. Sweeney was an assistant secretary of Indian Affairs in the U.S. Department of Interior during the Trump administration.

Palin told The Associated Press on Wednesday she felt good about the campaign she's run but wanted to see the final numbers. In a statement on election night, Palin said she was looking forward to the August special election. Palin said Wednesday she would be looking forward to it whether she had qualified for the race or not.

She said she would remain positive and "never play ... the politics of personal destruction because I've been on the receiving end of that, and I wouldn't want that to happen to my worst enemy."

The campaigns of Begich and Gross have reminded voters Palin resigned as governor and questioned her motives in running for the House.

Palin "quit on Alaska," Gross said.

"She had a chance to stay in the fight for Alaska, but she chose to chase cheap fame," Begich's campaign said in a fundraising appeal.

Nick Begich, also a Republican, advanced alongside Palin to the August special election

Al Gross, an orthopedic surgeon, also advanced to the August special election. Above, Gross on the campaign trail alongside his wife, Monica Gross

Palin, making her first bid for elected office since resigning as governor partway through her term in 2009, attributed her resignation to an onslaught of records requests and ethics complaints she said were frivolous and had become distractions.

Palin took issue with those who have questioned her ties or commitment to the state. "I'm so Alaskan I hit a moose the other night," she said, adding that her vehicle got totaled but that she was fine.

During this race, Palin touted endorsements from a number of national figures, including former President Donald Trump. Palin was an early supporter of Trump during his 2016 presidential bid, and he participated in a telerally for her.

An August primary and November general election will decide who serves a two-year House term beginning in January. Palin, Begich and Gross are running in that race. Peltola and Sweeney also are candidates.

Emails seeking comment on the special primary were sent to the Begich and Gross campaigns Wednesday.

Sarah Palin was once the Republican nominee for vice president, running alongside presidential nominee John McCain in 2008

Sarah Palin addresses supporters on the campaign trail last week in Anchorage, Alaska

Begichs grandfather, Democratic U.S. Rep. Nick Begich, had the House seat before Young. In 1972, the elder Begich was running against Young when Begichs plane disappeared on a flight from Anchorage to Juneau. Begich was nonetheless reelected.

He was later declared dead and Young in 1973 won a special election for the seat. Young held the seat until his death at age 88.

The younger Begich had ties to Young, too. He was a co-chair of Youngs reelection campaign in 2020.

He began running for the House seat last fall and cast himself as someone who could bring new energy to the role. He has been endorsed by a number of conservatives and by the Alaska Republican Party.

Begich, during a campaign forum with three other Republican candidates last month, acknowledged people might be surprised that a Begich is a Republican. He said he was raised "conservative" by grandparents in Florida.

Begich said he wants to make a "business case" for the state, including the need to develop Alaskas vast natural resources.

Gross got crosswise with some Democrats earlier this year following an interview in which he did not commit to caucusing with Democrats if elected. He later said he would.

Gross campaign has said that Gross does not plan to seek out endorsements from either the Democratic or Republican parties.

Gross on Saturday noted that the largest bloc of registered voters in Alaska identify as independents and said Alaska needs a "new leader who represents all of Alaskans, not just a part of Alaska. And I believe Im that guy."

During his 2020 run, Gross sought to play up his Alaska bona fides, notably with an ad that said he "killed a grizzly bear in self defense after it snuck up on him." His campaign also ran a cutesy ad referring to Gross as the "bear doctor."

This time, Gross is playing it differently. He has a campaign leadership team that includes Republicans, independents and Democrats, including former Gov. Tony Knowles.
Ginni Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, was in contact with lawyer John Eastman, who pushed the theory that Mike Pence, in his role as vice president, could block the certification of Joe Biden's victory.

The two exchanged emails, reported The Washington Post on Wednesday. The messages show that Thomas' efforts to over turn the election results and keep Donald Trump in office were even more extensive than known.

She was also reported to be in contact with then Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows and dozens of Arizona state lawmakers about the 2020 election.

Now the House committee investigating the January 6th insurrection is debating whether to spend part of the public hearings exploring Thomas' role.

The panel recently obtained the emails between Thomas and Eastman, the Post reported.

Last week, a federal judge ordered Eastman to turn more than a hundred documents over to the committee after the attorney tried to block their release.

Eastman, who once served as clerk for Clarence Thomas at the Supreme Court, outlined scenarios for denying Biden the presidency in legal memos and in an Oval Office meeting on Jan. 4 with Trump and Pence, according to previous reports.

Ginni Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, was in contact with lawyer John Eastman, who pushed the theory that Mike Pence, in his role as vice president, could block the certification of Joe Biden's victory, new email messages show - above the Thomas couple at the September 2019 state dinner at the White House

Attorney John Eastman, who once served as clerk for Clarence Thomas at the Supreme Court, outlined scenarios for denying Joe Biden the presidency

Reports of Ginni Thomas' activism raised questions about whether Justce Thomas should have recused himself from any Supreme Court case involving the election.

She exchanged at least 29 text messages with Meadows between November 2020 and mid-January 2021 as Trump allies worked frantically to keep him in office.

And a report last week revealed she had emailed 29 Arizona state lawmakers, urging them to choose their own electors and disregard Joe Biden's victory in that state.

Justice Thomas participated in at least nine rulings related to the 2020 election. He also has ruled on cases where Trump was fighting attempts by congressional investigators to obtain the former president's records.

But Ginni Thomas said the two keep their work separate.

'Clarence doesn't discuss his work with me, and I don't involve him in my work,' she told the conservative publication Free Bacon in March.

Meanwhile, Thursday's hearing will focus on Trump's efforts to pressure Pence to refuse to count and certify the electoral count. It is the ceremonial role of the vice president to oversee the formal certification of the presidential election.

Greg Jacob, who served as counsel to Pence, and retired U.S. Appeals Court Judge J. Michael Luttig, who was an informal adviser, are scheduled to testify in person at the third of an expected six public hearings the committee has planned.

Committee aides told CNN that Thursday's hearing will focus on how Trump had driven the pressure campaign against Pence despite being told by lawyers in the White House counsel's office that Pence did not have the authority to unilaterally subvert the election results.

The committee earlier this week teased the hearing, showing video testimony from former White House attorney Eric Herschmann saying that he had told Eastman on January 7 that he should 'get a great effing criminal defense attorney.'

In the days leading up to the January 6th certification, Trump delivered a string of tweets demanding that Pence use his position to prevent Congress certifying his election defeat to Joe Biden.

Pence had already told the president he had no such power.

Eastman, however, wrote a memo arguing Pence could overthrow the election results when he oversaw the certification of the electoral college count on January 6th.

Eastman's memo outlined a scenario in which Pence would disregard seven states' Electoral College votes - thus ensuring no candidate received the 270 Electoral College votes required to be declared the winner.

The election would then be decided by the House.

Each state delegation would then have had one vote to cast for president, and since Republicans controlled 26 state delegations, a majority could have voted for Trump to win the election.

Thursday's hearing on January 6th insurrection will focus on Donald Trump's pressure campaign on Mike Pence to overturn the election results

Constitutional scholars and Pence, himself, disagreed with Eastman's interpretation of the vice president's role in the largely ceremonial process.

Pence's former chief of staff Marc Short told CNN on Wednesday that Pence did his duty by certifying the election results.

'He knew it from the beginning, and I think he was clear with the president and so was our office clear about what we viewed his role as. I think that, you know, for any limited government conservative I don't think he'd want the notion that our founders would have thought any one person would have been bestowed with that much authority to overturn election results. So I think the they he approached this was what does the constitution say,' Short told CNN's Wolf Blitzer.

'He did his duty. He swore an oath to uphold the constitution. He swore an oath to god to uphold the constitution just as our men and women in uniform do,' he said.
Shoppers are less protected as a result of Brexit and a failure to implement food safety controls and checks at ports, a watchdog has warned.

Meanwhile, public health is under threat from plans to cut the size of the civil service workforce by 20-40 per cent.

The warnings come from the board of the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which has grave concerns about the impact of staff cuts.

The FSAs workload has massively increased following the transfer of responsibilities for overseeing food safety, science and assessments from the EU to the UK after Brexit.

The FSA warned that the Governments decision to delay import checks and controls on food from Europe until the end of 2023 means families are less protected

It warned that the Governments decision to delay import checks and controls on food from Europe until the end of 2023 means families are less protected.

One problem is that the FSA, which employs around 1,300 staff, is now cut out of the food safety alert system which operates in the EU.

FSA board member for Northern Ireland, Colm McKenna, said: We have a responsibility to ensure that we protect the UK population on food standards.

There will be parts of the civil service that will be able to reduce head counts quite safely, we will not.
A 30m army drone which has difficulties flying in poor weather conditions has crashed into the sea off the coast of Cyprus.

The Watchkeeper first entered service in 2014 in Afghanistan. But the high-tech platform has crashed at least seven times, with two lost off the coast of Wales and a number crashing on landing.

One was lost during a test flight to see how the UAV would cope with 'icing' conditions.

The latest drone to have crashed was being flown from RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus when it plummeted into the sea on May 29 during a routine training flight.

The aerial surveillance platform has been beset by problems and has seen the budget spiral from 800m to more than 1.4 million.

The Watchkeeper drone, pictured, is powered by a Wankel rotary engine and is designed to be able to monitor an area of approximately 120 miles once airborne

However, it is believed seven of the drones, pictured, have been written off, while half of the 54 ordered as a 1bn project have been placed into long term storage

According to the manufacturers Thales, the system can be deployed within two hours.

Some of the fleet has been used to monitor migrants crossing the Channel.

Tory backbencher Mark Francois expressed outrage over the latest airframe loss.

He told The Sun: 'The MoD must get a grip. This system which entered service years late, has been plagued by problems. Yet we see other drones performing successfully in Ukraine on an almost daily basis.'

The drones have been deployed to fly from Lydd Airport and will be operated by 47th Regiment Royal Artillery.

The MoD says the unmanned aircraft hosts a range of sensors including Electro-Optic and Infra-red full motion video day and night camera, Synthetic Aperture Radar and a Moving Target Indicator radar.

In one earlier crash, the operators switched off the drone's autoland function when it failed to land in poor weather conditions.

This also removed several safety protections which caused the half-tonne surveillance platform to crash.

The doomed drone was being controlled by remote control by pilots using radio signals

Several accident reports have found the 'all-weather aircraft' can become easily bamboozled in fog, rain, snow and by gusts of wind.

The 30m Thales Watchkeeper Length 6.5m Wingspan 10.9m Cruising speed 77kts Payload 150kg Power Wankel rotary engine Range 150km Altitude 16,000ft Sensor range 200km

According to an official report: 'The automatic landing system appears to work as designed in good weather but in poor weather, including low-cloud, fog, gusts, precipitation or a combination of these conditions, anomalies in the system can make the air vehicle self-abort its approach to landing; for example, wind gusts or sudden vehicle manoeuvre can cause a combination of pitch rate and acceleration sufficient for Ground Touch to be sensed or the laser altimeters can register false height due to fog or low cloud below the vehicle or reflections off wet operating surfaces.

'If the operator then wishes to force the vehicle to land, the selection of Master Override (MO) will remove the in-built safety protection which causes the abort and allows the vehicle to continue its approach unless a manual abort is commanded by the crew.

'Clearly, therefore, the decision to select MO is significant as it increases the risk of the air vehicle crashing.'

A further investigation will be launched following this latest crash.

The Watchkeeper can operate up to 150km from its controller and has a 14-hour endurance

The onboard cameras and sensors have a range of 200km
Millions of children across NSW and Victoria will receive an extra year of school in a major overhaul that will see free 'pre-Kindergarten' introduced - with parents set to save thousands in daycare fees.

Australia's biggest states will also have to find thousands of new teachers - with Victorian premier Daniel Andrews saying they'll need at least 6,000 in Victoria alone.

The additional year of classes will see children aged four attend school five days a week for free which will cost the NSW state government an estimated $5.8billion over the next decade, and Victoria $9billion.

Hardworking parents will save about $2,500 per child a year when the scheme begins in Victoria in 2025 and by 2030 in NSW.

Mr Andrews said the groundbreaking change is about admitting that 'childcare doesn't work for working people and particularly working women'.

'If you work a few more shifts or an extra day a week you are not so much working for your family you are working for the Australian tax office,' he said.

'It can actually cost you money to go back to work... That doesn't make any sense and that's holding families back, particularly holding women back.

'If we want gender equality in this state then we need to make sure women have the economic power and independence they are fundamentally entitled to.'

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (right) said the dramatic is about admitting that 'childcare doesn't work for working people and particularly working women'

The new policy aims to take pressure off families paying for childcare in the year before school by increasing free preschool from 15 to 30 hours per week.

Up to 130,000 children are expected to enroll in the the NSW pre-Kindergarten classes by 2030, which are not compulsory.

In Victoria three and four-year-olds will also be given 15 hours of free sessional kinder a week from 2023.

Up to 50 childcare government-run centres will also be set up in areas in Victoria where there aren't enough services from 2025, offering lower fees to families than private centres.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the program would see children thrive across NSW.

'This is an incredible reform that will change lives and deliver enormous educational benefits for children across the state, securing a brighter future for NSW families,' the premier said.

'We're ensuring our youngest learners thrive by introducing a full year of preschool education before Kindergarten.'

The state government will spend $54million designing a model for how the week's worth of classes will be taught to pre-Kindergarten students.

Premier Dominic Perrottet (pictured visiting an early learning centre in Sydney on Monday) said the new program would see children thrive across NSW

What does it mean for parents? The 'greatest transformation of early education in a generation' will mean parents in NSW and Victoria will have more flexibility to work before their child starts at primary school. Under the plan, kids will attend an extra year when they turn four - saving parents thousands in childcare costs. The five days a week program will consist of 30 hours a week of play-based learning is optional and free. In Victoria it will be known as 'pre-prep' and in NSW it will be called 'pre-kindergarten.' But those hoping to participate will have to wait a little longer with the scheme set to begin in Victoria in 2025 and NSW in 2030. Advertisement

In Victoria it's expected up to 90 per cent of families will take up the offer for their kids to go into pre-prep classes, which are optional.

Premier Dan Andrews said: 'These massive reforms are about setting our kids up for the future and investing in women'.

'This is all about investing to make systems that are broken and don't work so much better.

'Mums will be able to get back into the workforce, study or do whatever it is they choose to do.

'At the moment there isn't that choice. Mums are denied that choice.'

The policy will also provide five days of free childcare, an additional two to the three currently enjoyed by households in NSW (pictured, children at a early learning centre in Sydney)

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said parents across the state could expect 'intergenerational results for our kids and the economy'.

The policy is expected to be the most efficient way of boosting declining education standards with a similar model experiencing great success in Canada.

Mr Kean described the extra year of education as the closest thing to a 'silver bullet' when it came to improving NSW education.

The new policy is expected to be at the centre of next week's state budget, which the treasurer said was focused on 'investing in a better future'.

Millions of children across NSW and Victoria will receive an additional year of preschool education in a major overhaul to early childcare (pictured, preschool students in Sydney)

Education Minister Sarah Mitchell hinted the classes would be 'play-based learning' and said she had been pushing for the extra year of education since seeing its success in Canada, where 90 per cent of families enrolled.

In a joint statement, the premiers said the new policy was 'the greatest transformation of early education in a generation'.

Victorian Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt said the policy would give kids the best start to life, with 90 per cent of brain development occurring in the first five years.

'We know families are struggling with the cost of living and free kinder will help make sure no child misses out on those vital early years,' she said.
A plaque commemorating the imperialist Cecil Rhodes at Oxford University could be given listed status by the Government.

It is understood the memorial, at Oriel College, is considered vulnerable to vandalism.

Historic England says it does not merit legal protection, but this is due to be overturned by Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries. She is understood to believe that it should be protected so future generations can learn about all aspects of Oxford's heritage.

The Cecil Rhodes plaque at Oxford University could be given listed status by the Government. It is understood the memorial, at Oriel College (pictured), is considered vulnerable to vandalism

The Cecil Rhodes plaque is situated near to the famous statue (pictured) at Oriel College

Historic England says it does not merit legal protection, but this is due to be overturned by Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries. She is understood to believe that it should be protected so future generations can learn about all aspects of Oxford's heritage (pictured on Tuesday)

'The Culture Secretary believes the plaque to be of special architectural and historic interest and there will now be a standard 21-day consultation,' said a spokesman for the culture department. 'No final decision has been made.'

The plaque is near the statue of 19th century businessman and colonialist Rhodes that sparked years of protests by campaigners. Free speech advocates accuse them of trying to censor history.
Footy wag Bec Judd's neighbours complained to the cops about crime in their area more than any other time in the past decade during Melbourne's harsh 2020 lockdowns.

Judd last month Judd caused a media storm when she claimed Dan Andrews' government didn't 'seem to care' about the 'rapes, bashings and home invasions at the hands of the gangs in Bayside'.

On Thursday, the latest crime statistics showed crime in Victoria had dropped to 470,405 reported criminal offences - down 11. 5 percent.

Bec Judd (pictured) kickstarted a celebrity-led campaign against escalating violent crime making her suburb unsafe

The mean streets of leafy Brighton remain a safe place to live, statistics show

A horde of youths prowl the streets of Brighton

The fashionista's public cry for help is perhaps explained by the latest crime statistics, which reveals her neighbours made more reports to police during Melbourne's 2020 lockdowns than any other time over the past decade.

While Melburnians spent much of the year locked-up or living under harsh Covid-19 restrictions, Bayside residents were busy phoning police.

Crime reports soared in 2020 to 2986 - up 513 reports from 2,473 the year earlier when lockdowns weren't in place.

In the western suburbs municipality of Brimbank - where the population is 201,608 compared to 105,580 in Bayside, crime reports climbed by just 176 over the same period.

Judd's fears of a 'crimewave' in her well-to-do suburb were shot down in flames by the crime statistics released by Victoria Police.

In Bayside - the Melbourne municipality which includes Judd's homeland of Brighton - actual offences dropped by 807 from 5,212 in 2021 to 4,405 at the end of March this year.

Bayside had the second lowest number of criminal offences recorded of any suburb across metropolitan Melbourne.

Bayside's decline in offences is also the lowest since 2015, when crime 'soared' to 4,315 offences.

Further west, in Brimbank, crime there dropped to 16,389 offences while Hume - just a tad north - fell from 20,031 offences to a paltry 17,870.

Judd, who said she felt 'unsafe' in her $7.3million mansion, reported her fears after one of her neighbours' was involved in a terrifying home invasion.

'I personally know two women who have experienced home invasions in Brighton in the last few weeks while they were at home,' she wrote on Instagram.

Bec Judd's cry for help went viral

Bec Judd's fears of an increase in crime are not represented in the latest stats

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews had a crack at Judd following her social media outburst

She reposted CCTV footage of a group of young men lurking outside properties in her affluent suburb and claimed it made her feel 'unsafe'.

The teenagers, who were allegedly armed with knives, were filmed lurking outside several properties in the Bayside area before crashing a stolen BMW into a tree.

Victoria Police spokesman Joel Dwyer told Daily Mail Australia Bayside was one of the safest places to live in the entire state.

'While we have seen a number of serious incidents recently, Bayside remains an overwhelming safe place to live,' he said.

'In the twelve months to March this year, Bayside experienced a 15.5 per cent decrease in overall crime.'

However, the latest statistics reveal Judd has some cause for concern when it comes to burglaries, which climbed from 383 to 432.

When compared to pre-pandemic levels this was still significantly down.

Figures show there were 232 less homes broken into last year than in 2020, 162 less than in 2019, and 239 less than in 2018.

BAYSIDE CRIME AT A GLANCE Home invasions Over the last five years, there have been only 12 home invasion offences in the Bayside area, with only three recorded in the year ending March 2022 indicating it is an extremely rare offence in the area By comparison, suburbs which have recorded higher number of home invasions are seeing approximately 20  30 home invasions occurring each year Aggravated burglaries Bayside ranks the 14th highest LGA for aggravated burglaries, with 97 residential aggravated burglaries occurring in the year ending March 2022 These numbers are a slight increase of eight offences compared to the previous year, however similar to state-wide levels, when compared with the year ending March 2020, we can see a significant decrease of 10 per cent. Put simply, there were still less aggravated burglaries in the Bayside area than pre-pandemic Police note aggravated burglaries were more likely to occur during the pandemic as more people were home for longer Assaults The number of assaults in the Bayside area is very low, with 56 serious non-family violence assaults in the year ending March 2022, which is well over 600 less than the top ranking suburb. Bayside ranks as 43rd in the list of top Local Government Areas for serious assaults Rape Rape offences in Bayside have remained steady over the years, with 40 offences recorded in the year ended March 2022, which is one more than the year prior. Factors behind these statistics can include family violence, parties known and also can include multiple offences committed by the one person Advertisement

Since Judd's cry for help, Victoria Police launched Operation Ibis, with police working collaboratively with specialist units such as Victoria Police's Crime Investigation Unit, Public Order Response Team, and the Air Wing to act on real time intelligence to identify and apprehend offenders.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews hit out at Judd last month after her outburst, declaring he was 'not interested in having an argument with Ms Judd over Brighton's crime issues.

'I'm also obliged to point out though, I think there are more than 70 additional police in the Bayside area, and the most recent crime statistics released by an independent agency would not support those sweeping assessments about patterns of crime,' Mr Andrews said.

'I say this respectfully to Bec Judd, or anybody  I don't want anybody to feel unsafe,' he said. 'I'm sorry she feels that way. The data would tell a different story, but it is about personal feelings and your sense of safety.'

Former My Kitchen Rules star Zana Pali also hit Instagram

Former My Kitchen Rules star Zana Pali weighed in to support her friend Bec Judd after buying a plot of land in Brighton, Melbourne's fourth wealthiest suburb, last September

Former My Kitchen Rules star Zana Pali supported her friend Bec Judd

After some initial blowback, Judd received praise for her strong stance against crime in her area.

Among her backers was reality TV friend, My Kitchen Rules star Zana Pali, who also took top Instagram to declared there was a 'clear target' on the Bayside which was causing 'anxiety and fear among the community'.

The mother-of-two claimed 'it was only a matter of time before someone gets killed' and said she had received 'countless' messages from other worried locals who said they were scared to sleep at night in fear of being robbed.

Judd maintained crime was worsening in her neighbourhood and credited her attack on Mr Andrews with the creation of the new police taskforce.

'Im glad my voice has shone a light on the escalating aggravated burglaries in Bayside,' Judd claimed to The Australian.

'[While] we are thankful for low non-aggressive crime rates, the increasing nature of home invasion-type crimes in our local community is what makes residents, particularly women, feel unsafe.

'I welcome Operation Ibis and the extra 500 police promised to the people of Victoria.'
Payton S. Gendron, 18, the alleged gunman who killed ten people last month at a Buffalo, New York supermarket, faces multiple federal hate crimes charges and could face the death penalty, according to the US Justice Department.

The suspect is charged with ten counts of hate crime causing death, three counts of a hate crime resulting in bodily injury, ten counts of use of a firearm to commit murder during and concerning a violent crime, and three counts of use and discharge of a firearm during a violent crime, per a criminal complaint reported by CNN.

According to the complaint filed by prosecutors in the US Attorney's Office for the Western District, "Gendron's motive for the mass shooting was to prevent Black people from replacing white people and eliminating the white race, and to inspire others to commit similar attacks."

Suspect Faces A Myriad of Charges

Gendron, a white man, is suspected of shooting 13 persons aged from 20 to 86 at the Tops Friendly Market. Buffalo police said 11 of the victims of the attack were black, and two were white.

Attorney General Merrick Garland noted that the US Department of Justice investigates the shooting "as a hate crime and an act of racially motivated violent extremism."

Gendron was indicted on 25 counts by a grand jury in New York on June 1. According to court documents, he is charged with ten counts of first-degree murder, ten counts of second-degree murder as a hate crime, and three counts of attempted murder as a hate crime.

Court records show that the suspect also faces charges of domestic terrorism and weapons possession. Gendron has pled not guilty to the charges.

Read Also: Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Pope Francis Reveals 'Worried' Head of State Foresaw Cruel War

Authorities Say It Was a Planned Attack

On the afternoon of May 14, the suspect arrived at the shop fully equipped and wearing tactical gear, including a tactical helmet and plated armor. He also had a camera that was continuously filming his actions, the police said.

Gendron turned himself in as he walked out of the supermarket, per The Guardian.

Authorities have previously stated that he meticulously planned the slaughter at the store, driving more than 200 miles from his home in Conklin, New York, and selecting the Buffalo East Side neighborhood because of its significant Black population, according to a New York Times report. He is also suspected of making a series of private posts on Discord, a messaging platform, detailing his plans, which he made public just before the attack, filled with racist rants.

According to officials engaged in the probe, prosecutors decided to pursue the charges shortly after the attack, but only after local prosecutors had disclosed their charges and the FBI had completed its investigation.

Ten days after the Buffalo massacre, another 18-year-old gunman with a semi-automatic rifle attacked an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, killing 19 children and two teachers.

Subsequently, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed ten public safety legislations. The Los Angeles Times reported that the bills include one forbidding New Yorkers under 21 years old from purchasing semi-automatic rifles and another revising the state's "red flag" law, allowing courts to temporarily confiscate guns from people who may harm themselves or others.

Related Article: 1000% Tax on Semi-Automatic Weapons Proposed; Expert Reveals How Assault Rifles Destroy Human Body

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Matthew McConaughey showed off his movie-star muscles during a family break in Greece...days after calling for gun control measures following a school massacre in his hometown of Uvalde.

The Hollywood star, 52, was seen soaking in the Greek sun in the company of his Brazilian entrepreneur and New York Times-bestselling author wife Camila Alves, 40. The couple have both featured on the list, with McConaughey's memoir Greenlights making the cut for 65 weeks, while Alves first made the list with her children's book, Just Try One Bite, in March.

In photos of the pair on holiday, McConaughey, who shot to fame in the 1990s as the thinking woman's hunk, displayed his enviable physique in a pair of red shorts.

Camila donned a royal blue swimsuit and swimming goggles to indulge in some cliff-jumping, with McConaughey at one point snapped adjusting his wife's bathing suit.

He was seen frolicking with wife Camila atop a peaceful Greek cliff, with the pair also joined by their 12 year-old twins Levi and Vida, as well as their nine year-old son Livingston.

The sunshine break comes a week after McConaughey lobbied senators on Capitol Hill and joined Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, calling for gun control laws.

At the podium, McConaughey recalled how he hugged his children extra tighter after finding out about a massacre in his hometown of Uvalde, in which 19 children and two teachers were killed at an Elementary school.

McConaughey and Alves visited Uvalde after the tragedy and the actor spent time with staff at the Uvalde school district.

Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila Alves showed off their desirable physiques during a sunshine break in Greece

McConaughey, 52, was seen lovingly drying his wife's back with a towel after a swim on the paradisiac beaches.

Celebrating a bipartisan Senate framework regarding gun control last week, the Hollywood star was seen soaking in the Greek sun in the company of his wife Camila Alves, 40

The family was seen enjoying the getaway and practicing their swimming skills

It comes a week after McConaughey lobbied senators on Capitol Hill and joined Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, calling for gun control laws

In the aftermath of the shooting at the elementary school in Ulvade, McConaughey called for 'gun responsibility' but not 'control.' He visited his home town to meet with the families of the victims.

At the beginning of June, McConaughey and Alves launched a Uvalde Relief fund as a part of their Just Keep Livin' Foundation.

He also spoke about gun reform to Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, who tweeted photos and details from his sit-down with the actor.

In a highly personal 22-minute speech last week, McConaughey asked Congress to pass gun reforms that can save lives without infringing on Second Amendment rights.

McConaughey, a gun owner himself, used his star power to make an argument, offering a clear connection to the small Texas town and vividly detailing the sheer loss of the 19 children and two teachers in the second-worst mass school shooting in US history.

The couple hit the beach along with their three children, 12-year-old twins Levi and Vida, and son Livingston, 9.

Last week McConaughey recalled how he hugged his children extra tighter after finding out about a massacre in his hometown of Uvalde, in which 19 children and two teachers were killed at an Elementary school

McConaughey was spotted soaking in the Greek sun with his children

McConaughey also penned an op-ed calling for changes in laws to protect children.

'I am a father, the son of a kindergarten teacher, and an American. I was also born in Uvalde, Texas,' McConaughey had previously written in a piece published in Austin American Statesman, 'That's why I'm writing this.'

'I believe that responsible, law-abiding Americans have a Second Amendment right, enshrined by our founders, to bear arms.'

'I also believe we have a cultural obligation to take steps toward slowing down the senseless killing of our children.'

McConaughey's mother Kay, who turned 90 in January and lived with her son throughout the pandemic, was a teacher at St. Philip's Episcopal School in Uvalde.

Her school, which McConaughey attended, is only a mile from Robb Elementary, where the tragedy took place.

McConaughey specifically called on Congress to bolster background checks for gun purchases and raise the minimum age to purchase an AR-15-style rifle to 21 from 18.

'We want secure and safe schools and we want gun laws that won't make it so easy for the bad guys to get the damn guns,' McConaughey said.

McConaughey published this op-ed in the Austin American Statesman on Monday, arguing that 'gun responsibility' was the best way to protect the 2nd Amendment

McConaughey visiting Uvalde, Texas, on May 27, days after the mass shooting. He has set up a relief fund to help victims of the shooting

McConaughey (second from right) holding hands with mourners during a visit to Robb Elementary School on June3

McConaughey, who earlier this year considered a run for governor of Texas before taking a pass, met briefly in private with President Joe Biden before addressing the White House press corps from the James Brady briefing room.

McConaughey and his wife Camila were also spotted having dinner wth Manchin and his fellow Senators Amy Klobuchar, Democrat of Minnesota, and Rob Portman, Republican of Ohio, at the fancy Italian restaurant Fiola Mare.

On Sunday, the senate announced the framework of a bipartisan response to last month's mass shootings, a noteworthy breakthrough offering modest gun curbs and stepped-up efforts to improve school safety and mental health programs.

McConaughey celebrated the framework.

'For the first time in 30 years, ''something'' has happened. The Senate has agreed on a bipartisan framework of policies that can enhance gun responsibility in America and save lives,' McConaughey shared on Instagram.

'''Something'' has been done in the effort to stop some of the deranged individuals that, with every horrific act, abuse and hijack the second amendment.'

McConaughey went on to thank the bipartisan committee of senators who drafted the framework, which he said could potentially save the lives of innocent people.

Matthew McConaughey, a native of Uvalde, Texas, who has advocated for gun reform, was on Capitol Hill Monday to lobby lawmakers

Students escape through a window of Robb Elementary School after the mass shooting on May 24

Leaders hope to push any agreement into law rapidly - they hope this month - before the political momentum fades that has been stirred by the recent mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde

People leave the Uvalde Civic Center following a shooting earlier in the day at Robb Elementary School, Tuesday, May 24

McConaughey went on to thank the bipartisan committee of senators who drafted the framework, which he said could potentially save innocent lives

He highlighted the initiative by the Republican senators who worked alongside Democrats to find a middle ground in the highly politicized issue of gun control

The actor said he was hopeful that the joint effort would reverberate in the House of Representatives.

'There is still a lot of hard work for both parties, so let's continue to encourage everyone at the table to act in good faith and give them our support to get this job done.'

Biden said in a statement that the framework 'does not do everything that I think is needed, but it reflects important steps in the right direction, and would be the most significant gun safety legislation to pass Congress in decades.'
Reports of attacks by bats are on the rise in the Gold Coast with one local telling of his horror encounter as one wildlife expert claimed the mammals have no intention to hurt humans.

As many as 17 confirmed bat encounters with humans have recently occurred across the Gold Coast, with 10 in the past three weeks.

Surfers Paradise man Brian Ogibney, 41, spoke about his terrifying ordeal when he was attacked by a bat on his walk home from the grocery store.

Mr Ogibney recalls his walk being interrupted when a bat flew out of a low tree at him 'three or four times', the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.

After discovering a scratch on his hand he decided to seek medical help.

While seeking medical attention Mr Ogibney said he was joined at the clinic by another bat attack victim, with the doctor saying he had seen a bat-related injury every day for the past fortnight.

Surfers Paradise man Brian Ogibney, 41, was attacked by a bat on his walk home from the grocery store. After moving from the US he said he was warned about spiders but never bats

There has been a reported 17 bat encounters with humans across the Gold Coast, with 10 occurring in the past three weeks

Growing up in America, Mr Ogibney said he was prepared for Australian wildlife and was warned of spiders but was never told about bats.

'I'm mentally prepared for the spiders, but no one ever tells you to watch out for the bats,' he said.

'I'm never going to sleep again, but I'm okay.'

Spokeswoman for Bats Queensland Rhiannon Traish-Walker told Daily Mail Australia the idea of bats attacking people is simply not true and it is just one big misunderstanding.

'The idea bats intentionally attack people is simply not true,' said Ms Traish-Walker.

'Bats are about as brave as your average chicken.'

Ms Traish-Walker said a mix of food shortages in winter and recent wet weather washing away the bats nectar has required them to be more bold, seeking food in low lying areas.

Bats Queensland Rhiannon Traish-Walker said the idea of bats attacking people is simply not true as starving bats seek food in low lying areas as a result of the recent cold and wet weather

'What is happening is bats are going where they dont usually go. They are going into highly populated areas and putting themselves in dangerous situations which is where they can run into humans.

'Our rescue numbers have more than doubled, finding starvation bats that are weak and in need of help.'

Ms Traish-Walker said the reason humans often report bats 'swooping' is simply due to their take-off pattern, but they have no intention of hurting humans.

'Because bats struggle to fly from low ground they are more at risk of crashing into people or cars so as they come closer to us in desperate attempts to find food,' she said.

'They are terrified of pretty much everything and with their natural take-off pattern being that they are always up to down, it makes it look as if they are swooping but it simply is how they just take-off.'

Ms Traish-Walker said if you are bitten or scratched by a bat there is also no need to be alarmed, just wash your hands with soap and water for 10 minutes and then seek medical assistance.

She said to date no one has ever developed a disease following a bat scratch provided they washed the area thoroughly after contact.

A spokesperson for RSPCA Queensland said if you come across a bat, call for assistance but do not touch the bat.

'Our RSPCA Rescue Teams frequently rescue flying foxes that become entangled in fruit tree netting or fencing. If you find a sick or injured bat contact the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or your local bat rescue group for assistance.

'Don't touch the bat yourself and leave rescue to trained professionals.'
Chris Bowen has furiously dismissed suggestions that prolonging coal-fired power is the solution to Australia's energy crisis.

The Energy Minister Minister fired-up in a press conference when he was challenged by a journalist about the unreliability of renewable energy.

One of the reasons given for the National Electricity Market suspension on Wednesday was a lack of wind and solar power.

The journalist asked: 'Isn't part of the supply problem the fact that you cannot direct wind into the market?

'The only thing you can do is to keep the coal-fired generators going to their end of life and to fix the ones that you have got now and include them in the capacity market, isn't that the short-term fix?'

Minister Bowen said the solution is to rapidly invest in renewable energy and storage - not more unreliable coal power.

'The problem is there is not enough investment in renewable energy. There hasn't been enough investment in storage,' he said.

'Yes, you can say the wind doesn't always blow and the sun doesn't always shine. The rain doesn't always fall either but we can store the water and we can store renewable energy if we have the investment.

'That investment has been lacking for the last decade. That is the problem.'

Mr Bowen said the current crisis has 'largely' been caused by unexpected outages at coal-fired power stations which are nearing the end of their lifespans.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton cautioned Labor against moving into renewables too quickly, risking further power shortages down the track.

'Labor is rushing toward a new system when it's not at a sensible pace,' he told 2GB.

'They went into the election promising electricity bills would be cheaper and that is not going to happen.'

The National Electricity Market has been suspended and hospitals were ordered to reduce electricity use. Pictured is the Tomago aluminium smelter in NSW, which was forced to cut production to reduce the chance of a blackout

Last night hospitals were ordered to reduce electricity use and millions of people urged not to use basic appliances.

The potential for mass blackouts has increased with about 1800MW of coal-fired power not operating in Queensland and 1200MW of capacity offline in the states of NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

The Tomago aluminium smelter in NSW, the country's biggest electricity user, was also forced to cut production to reduce the chance of a blackout.

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean on Wednesday evening begged residents not to run dishwashers until late at night, and Sydney hospital staff were ordered to conserve power in all non-clinical settings.

'This is the result of two-and-a-half decades of policy failures by all sides of politics,' Victorian state Liberal MP Tim Smith said on Wednesday night.

'Like a third world country, we are rationing power in the two first weeks of winter.'

Former Victorian Liberal Party President Michael Kroger said Australia had become 'an international laughing stock' over the crisis.

'We've got more uranium, oil, gas, gold, diamonds, whatever. We are the most energy rich country on the globe,' he told Sky News on Wednesday night.

'We're exploding with natural resources, yet we have an energy crisis. What a farce.'

Millions of households in NSW have been urged not to use appliances such as dishwashers (pictured) in order to conserve electricity and help prevent blackouts

Mr Bowen said though power outages had been avoided up to now, the grid is still vulnerable to unexpected challenges.

'The system is under pressure,' he said.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) suspended the spot market in NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria for the first time ever at 2.05pm on Wednesday.

Why did AEMO suspend the electricity market? A large number of generation units are out of action for planned maintenance

Planned transmission outages

Periods of low wind and solar output

Around 3000 MW of coal fired generation out of action through unplanned events

An early onset of winter - increasing demand for both electricity and gas Advertisement

It blamed the crisis on planned and unexpected coal power station outages, scheduled transmission outages, the early onset of winter and periods of low wind and solar output.

AEMO will apply a predetermined pricing schedule for each state, reportedly between $300MWh and $500MWh.

The figure will be based on the past four weeks of average wholesale spot prices.

Meanwhile, Mr Albanese has written to the United to Nations to increase Australia's emissions reduction targets in the middle of an energy crisis.

The Prime Minister signed the letter to UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa in Canberra on Thursday as millions of Australians were urged to conserve power to avoid blackouts.

He was accompanied by Mr Bowen and industry stakeholders, including business groups, trade unions and energy advocates.

Mr Albanese pledged to reduce Australia's emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. The Coalition's target was 26-28 per cent.

Announcing he had sent the letter on Thursday, Mr Albanese said world leaders had welcomed Australia's more ambitious targets.

'When I've spoken with international leaders in the last few weeks, they have all welcomed Australia's changed position,' he said.

'Our changed position of 43 per cent, up by 17 to 15 per cent, from the 26 to 28 per cent target that had remained there since Tony Abbott determined it in 2015.'

Mr Albanese said his policy was solid and achievable.

'We announced last December what our policy framework would be. At the time we released the most comprehensive modelling of any policy by any opposition since federation. What we didn't do was set a target and then work out how to get there,' he said.

'What we did was work out what good policy looked like, and it happened to come out with a 43 per cent target by 2030.

'What businesses have been crying out for is investment certainty. The certainty they need to invest over a longer timeframe than the political cycle of three years, let alone the 24-hour media cycle that dominated the former government's thinking.'
Ben Fordham has blasted the NSW energy minister after hospitals and residents were told to limit their electricity use.

NSW Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean urged residents to reduce their electricity usage from 5.30pm to 8pm on Wednesday night, and Sydney hospital staff were ordered to conserve power in all non-clinical settings.

'If there is an opportunity for people to reduce their energy usage, so perhaps not using the dishwasher until you go to bed, that would help,' he said.

'What we're doing is focused on making sure that we get through tonight and the next couple of days.'

During a heated interview with the 2GB host on Thursday about Australia's worsening energy crisis, Mr Kean said there was a range of factors at hand.

The NSW energy minister has been blasted as Australia faces a major energy crisis, with demand increasing in the cold weather

He said the war in Ukraine forcing prices of commodities to skyrocket, the recent cold snap increasing demand, and the power stations being 'unreliable' old bits of equipment were all to blame.

He was then questioned by Fordham if he should take responsibility for the crisis, having been the energy minister since 2019.

'I take responsibility for putting in a plan to make sure we don't have these events in the future,' he said, adding the electricity system needed to be modernised to 'keep the lights on'.

Fordham then cut in and asked the minister: 'If you're such a genius, why are we in this mess?'.

Mr Kean pointed the finger at the huge increases in the costs to generate electricity which was a reflection of the war in Ukraine.

The war-of-words continued with Fordham asking the minister to again take responsibility.

'I didn't invade Ukraine, I didn't make the generators old bits of equipment and I certainly didn't make the weather cold so I'll take responsibility for making sure we're doing everything possible to keep the lights on,' he said.

The pair earlier argued over coal plants, with Fordham saying Mr Kean was 'demonising' them and refusing to update the existing ones.

NSW Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean was blasted by Ben Fordham who asked him 'if you're such a genius, why are we in this mess?'

The energy minister denied the claims and said he was focused on keeping the lights on and prices down.

The tense exchange comes after the national electricity market was suspended on Wednesday, as the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) said it had become impossible to operate within the rules.

AEMO said in a note it had suspended the electricity spot market in NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria until further notice.

It is the first suspension since the national energy market began in 1998, and gives the operator control of direction of supplies from generators to the grid along the east coast and will set power prices for all states.

'We're working very closely with the Australian Energy Market Operator to make sure that the system remains reliable,' Mr Kean told reporters.

Mr Kean said he was not aware of why the coal-fired plants had not come online, adding the situation was evolving.

'These are ageing bits of equipment, they are obviously less and less reliable.

'What we need to see is those plants caught online as soon as possible.'

The national electricity market was suspended on Wednesday, as the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) said it had become impossible to operate within the rules.

Mr Kean said the Vivid light show would continue throughout the Sydney CBD, Circular Quay and Darling Harbour, but he said the government was looking at options to reduce energy consumption.

Anthony Albanese and energy minister Chris Bowen will hold an emergency meeting with industry and union leaders on Thursday to discuss the growing crisis, which has been likened to the situation in 'third world countries'.

The potential for mass blackouts has increased with about 1800MW of coal-fired power not operating in Queensland and 1200MW of capacity offline in the states of NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

The Tomago aluminium smelter in NSW, the country's biggest electricity user, was also forced to cut production to reduce the chance of a blackout.

The AEMO suspended the spot market in NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria for the first time ever at 2.05pm on Wednesday.

It blamed the crisis on planned and unexpected coal power station outages, scheduled transmission outages, the early onset of winter and periods of low wind and solar output.

The National Electricity Market has been suspended and hospitals were ordered to reduce electricity use. Pictured is the Tomago aluminium smelter in NSW, which was forced to cut production to reduce the chance of a blackout

Sydney hospitals were ordered to reduce their electricity use and millions of households across NSW were urged not to use their dishwashers.

Staff in the Sydney Local Health District were sent an urgent email on Wednesday asking that electricity be conserved in all non-clinical settings.

Employees were told to bring air conditioning units down to 20C and close blinds windows to 'keep cool inside', the Daily Telegraph reported.

'Please activate the above measures immediately and we will advise you when these measures can be deactivated. It is likely this protocols will stay in place until 23.59 on Friday 17 June,' the email said.

Staff were also asked to turn off electrical equipment not being used and to stop using printers as residents across NSW were earlier issued a similar warning.

A NSW Health spokesperson said NSW Health was taking steps to conserve and reduce electricity use where possible in its non-clinical settings but there would be no impact to patient care.
A Louisiana woman whose rapist seized control of the daughter conceived during the sex attack says he's never been charged, thanks to his ties to the local police department - and has accused him of drugging and sexually assaulting their child.

Crysta Abelseth, now 32, claims that John Barnes raped her in 2005 after she accepted a ride home from him in Ponchatoula, a town of 6,000 people 50 miles north of New Orleans.

She was 16 at the time, and he was 30. The age of consent in Louisiana is 17, meaning that even if she consented the act would be considered statutory rape: a felony punishable, in the most severe cases, by life in prison.

The married mother of five told DailyMail.com that she believes her attacker has avoided imprisonment, or even being charged, because of his status in the town as a contractor for the police.

Barnes runs a graphic design company, and Ponchatoula police are among his clients.

'He has openly threatened me, saying he is well connected in the justice system and in the courts,' Abelseth told DailyMail.com.

Asked why he has escaped prosecution, Abelseth said the fault was 'within the justice system'.

'I think people can put two and two together,' she added.

On February 25, Abesleth in court documents accused Barnes of sexually abusing their daughter.

'Minor child contacted me (her mother) on February 23, 2022 with the suspicion that her father had drugged and sexually assaulted her two nights in a row,' the court documents state.

Abelseth stated that the Children's Hospital of New Orleans confirmed 'evidence of forced entry congruent with sexual assault'.

In the papers, she states: 'My daughter, minor child, was conceived as the product of the defendant raping me when I was a minor child of 16 years of age.

'I suspect drugs were used by him to sedate me as I was unable to move while he raped me.

'Now it is alleged that he has committed the same heinous crime on our 15-year-old daughter.'

On March 18, the allegations were dismissed by the court, which found that 'medical evidence does not support allegations in petition'.

On March 20, she lost custody of her daughter, and has been forced to pay Barnes, 46, child support: furthermore, she says that Barnes is blocking their court-mandated daily phone calls.

Abelseth is said to have lost custody after giving her daughter a phone, which Barnes said the teenager was using to 'sext' her boyfriend and post sexually explicit TikToks.

Asked how the teenager is faring, Abelseth replied: 'I don't know.'

Crysta Abelseth is shown with the daughter she had with Barnes in 2005. Crysta was 16 at the time - one year under the legal age of consent in Louisiana. The girl is now 16 and in full custody of her father

Abelseth said that Barnes (right) is now blocking her from speaking to their daughter. The pair will meet in court on July 15

Barnes, asked by DailyMail.com for his response, replied: 'The responses are in the court document's official record.'

He said that Abelseth told the child to invent the claims of sexual abuse, in a bid to have him arrested.

He claimed in court documents that Abelseth was allowing the teenager to have sex with her boyfriend, and that the phone was being used for the pair to 'sext' each other.

He also complained that the child was taken to see a counsellor without any need, and without his permission.

The pair will next meet in court on July 15.

Abelseth's saga began when she went in 2005 to the Pine Street bar, Ponchatoula Pub, with two of her friends, because one of her friends's brothers was in the bar. Barnes was friends with the brother, but Abelseth had never met him.

LOUISIANA'S STATUTORY RAPE LAWS: ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 17 IS AUTOMATICALLY A VICTIM Louisiana has statutory rape laws known as Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile which dictate that anyone under the age of 17 is automatically a victim if they have sex with an adult, regardless of whether or not they physically consented to it. The crime is a felony punishable by up to ten years in prison and a fine of $5,000. Not knowing whether the victim is under 17 at the time of the crime is not a defense. It's unclear why Barnes was never charged after staking claim to the child, and after DNA proved he was the father. Advertisement

'I did not know him,' she said firmly.

The person who drove them to the bar wanted to leave, and Barnes said he would drive Abelseth home.

Her friends got lifts home with other people, leaving Abelseth and Barnes alone in his car.

Abelseth said she was 'highly intoxicated'.

'John Barnes offered to take me home,' Abelseth explained, in a later police report.

'Instead of bringing me to my house, John Barnes brought me to his home.

'He proceeded to rape me.'

Abelseth did not tell anyone - not her friends or parents - that she had been raped.

'I felt people would shame me,' she told DailyMail.com. 'They'd say, you shouldn't be doing this, doing that.

'They are shaming me now. But at this point, I don't care.'

Abelseth said her family believed that her then-boyfriend was the father.

'Everyone assumed he was,' she said.

'And he just wanted to be.'

Asked if he knew the circumstances, Abelseth replied: 'I can't speak to that'.

She never considered terminating the pregnancy.

'I was terrified, but never in any doubt,' she said.

'I guess the mothering instinct kicked in.'

For the first five years of her daughter's life, Abelseth raised her child in peace.

She never saw Barnes again: despite the pair of them living in the same small town, she managed to avoid crossing paths with him.

'The only time I ever came into the same vicinity as him was when this same friend I was in the bar with wanted to stop off in the bar, and say hi to her brother. And Barnes was with him.

'Apparently he asked about me. But I have no idea what he said.'

In 2010, Abelseth's world was turned upside down when Barnes learnt he was the girl's father.

How he found out, Abelseth said, she was 'not 100 percent sure.'

She added: 'I couldn't say.'

A DNA test proved that the child was his.

Barnes then began legal proceedings, attempting to wrest custody of the girl from her mother.

'He was bringing me to court two or three times a year - he was filing and filing,' she said.

'It was exhausting emotionally - I was dragged through the wringer. All those years of legal fees and debt.'

On October 3, 2011 the court awarded the pair joint custody.

The rows over child support and raising the child continued: in January 2013, Abelseth filed court documents claiming Barnes had another custody case ongoing, as the result of fathering a child with Amiee Ball. Abelseth said that Ball filed domestic abuse charges against Barnes.

Traumatized by the proceedings, Abelseth sought out a counsellor, who told her that she was still within the statute of limitations to press charges - something she said she did not know.

The mother filed this police report in 2015 alleging that she had been raped five years earlier

'I knew the gravity of the situation,' she said.

'And the court hearings made me relive it over and over again.

'But I wanted justice. I wanted to see him behind bars.'

It remains unclear why Barnes was never charged.

Judge Jeffrey Cashe (pictured) has forced Abelseth to pay child support to her alleged rapist, in what her advocates have branded an outrageous miscarriage of justice

She believes that the sexual assault report she filed against him with Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office has not been thoroughly investigated.

'It was never assigned to a detective, and nothing was ever investigated,' Abelseth alleged, in an interview with her local TV station.

The sheriff's department told WBRZ that the investigation into Abelseth's claims was open and ongoing - but has not moved since 2015.

In April 2021 the teenager accused her father of hitting her in the face, amid the ongoing row about the cell phone.

Abelseth again filed a report at Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office, but they concluded that there were 'no marks or signs of distress'.

Sean Cassidy, an attorney with Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault, told WBRZ he had never come across a case like this.

'It seems pretty straight-forward that not only did a crime take place, but as a result of the crime, this person should not have custody of the child,' he said.

Stacie Triche, an activist who set up the Save Liv35 Foundation, has helped Abelseth navigate the legal system.

'When I found out she was a rape victim, and this rapist could potentially get full custody, that's when I stepped in and said something has to be done about this,' she told WBRZ.

'She's been forced to pay her perpetrator.

'Forced to pay her rapist child support and legal fees and give up custody of the child that's a product of the rape. It makes no sense.'

Records obtained by WBRZ show that a DNA test proved Barnes was the father of the child

Barnes has nine hunting licenses in three states. He has not commented on Abelseth's allegations

Triche told DailyMail.com she had been astonished by the 'arrogance' of Barnes, in demanding financial support from Abelseth.

Barnes was awarded joint custody in 2015; in March this year, he won full custody.

Abelseth said that he made 'accusations against me', but refused to elaborate.

'They have not been tested in court,' Triche said.

One of the reasons for losing custody, Abelseth said, was an allegation that the teenager had been given a cell phone without Barnes's consent, and which he did not have access to.

He argued that it violated their agreement.

Triche said his claim was 'a lie'.

Asked how the small, rural Louisiana community was reacting, Abelseth said that there had been 'divided responses'.

Barnes, who has nine hunting licenses across Missouri, Arkansas and Mississippi, was well known in the community.

'His friends defend him,' she said.

'But for the most part, I don't read the comments online.

'Most people have been amazing.'

Asked what she would say to Barnes, if she saw him, and Abelseth falls silent.

'I don't know,' she eventually says.

'He knows what he's done.'
CNN's new boss Chris Licht has ordered staff to stop using the phrase 'the big lie' to describe Donald Trump's 2020 election fraud claims, as it's a Democrat slogan.

The wording is a popular one for the network. According to Mediaite, the phrase has been said 168 times in the first half of June alone.

Hosts like Reliable Sources' Brian Stelter are often fond of the phrase to the point where they use it prominently in graphic packages and chyrons.

But Licht has ordered Stelter and other journalists to stop, and has suggested 'Trump's election lie' or 'election lie' as possible replacements.

He issued the edict days after warning staff over their incessant use of 'BREAKING NEWS' graphics on stories, which he said was melodramatic, and ultimately diluted the power of big stories when they did break.

Licht was asked to opine on the term during a conference call Tuesday with the network's management and the producers of various shows.

Chris Licht, the new president of CNN, is continuing his turn away from the network's prior lean toward liberals in an attempt to remake the network in the wake of its collapse under his predecessor Jeff Zucker

Licht, 50, has reportedly told his staff to no longer use the phrase 'the big lie' to refer to ex-President Donald Trump's phony claims about fraudulence in the 2020 election results

The wording is a popular one for the network. According to Mediaite , the phrase has been said 168 times in the first half of June alone

It's one of many changes being made by Licht, who took over on May 2 from the deposed Jeff Zucker

He allegedly said that he preferred staff avoid it, though was clear in saying that this was not mandatory.

A source said that Licht believes the specific phrasing of 'the big lie' - a reference to Hitler's Nazi propaganda efforts during the Third Reich - is a Democratic Party talking point.

CNN has come under fire for moving away from its well-respected news coverage towards dreary opinion programming, where hosts on seven and eight-figure salaries parrot woke talking points.

Licht is also said to be keen to move the well-resourced network back towards neutral news coverage, with CNN hailed over its coverage of the Ukraine war and other big international news stories.

CNN employees have suggested that the demand to stop saying the big lie was not met happily by people within the Atlanta-based network.

'It's worrisome that we're being told how to talk about one of the worst things that ever happened to American democracy,' a CNN insider said to Mediaite. 'We have to call lies, lies, whether they're small lies or big lies. Is there any lie bigger than that lie?'

That insider suggested that Discovery board member John Malone - now on the board of the network's parent company who has been critical of CNN under Zucker - is behind this.

'It seems to indicate where things are headed,' they added. 'We didn't have this problem until John Malone was sitting on the board of this company.'

An insider suggested that Discovery board member John Malone - now on the board of the network's parent company who has been critical of CNN under Zucker - is behind this

CNN employees have suggested that the news was not met happily by people within the Atlanta-based network

A former producer at MSNBC's Morning Joe and most recently with Stephen Colbert's Late Show, this is far from the first time Licht has tried to get the network to tone things down since he took the reins.

Licht, as part of his efforts to revamp the outlet, has been evaluating news personalities and programs that became polarizing during Donald Trump's presidency.

Those who fail to get on board with the network's new priority to become 'less partisan' could be terminated, CNN insiders told Axios.

Licht isn't reportedly looking to get rid of primetime personality programming, but he does want CNN's news staff to present information in a way that upholds the network's apparent values of unbiased reporting.

Analysts allege this could prove problematic for network correspondents Jim Acosta and Brian Stelter, among others, who have 'become the face of the network's liberal shift.'

Licht wants to give the controversial personalities a chance to 'prove they're willing to uphold the network's values' before casting anyone out, the insiders said.

Specifically, he wants on-air talent, producers and bookers to make programming decisions that are focused on 'nuance' and don't tarnish the CNN brand, which was once regarded as 'the most trusted name in news.'

He does not plan to change the tone of the network's primetime shows, but does want to ensure partisan voices don't 'dominate' programming in a harmful way.

This would be a shift from the way former CNN president Jeff Zucker ran the network, which many argue allowed for the furthering of an anti-Trump agenda.

Those who fail to get on board with the network's new priority to becomes 'less partisan' could be terminated, CNN insiders allege

Licht, who officially took over at CNN on May 2, also said in a recent memo that he agrees with criticism from 'people both inside and outside the organization' that the banners are overused on TV, Axios reported.

'It has become such a fixture on every channel and network that its impact has become lost on the audience,' he wrote. 'We are truth-tellers, focused on informing, not alarming our viewers.'

Licht said that CNN bureau chief Sam Feist had led a review to determine best practices for use of the Breaking News label, and added new rules to the network's stylebook, or internal editorial guidelines.

'It certainly will need tweaks, so we are open to feedback, but this is a great starting point to try to make 'Breaking News' mean something BIG is happening,' said Licht of the new rules.

Both fans and critics of CNN embraced the move in remarks on Twitter, with many journalists tweeting word of the change with the joking label 'BREAKING NEWS'.
An illegal online gambling website that fleeced millions of dollars from Australian punters will be banned after the communications watchdog ordered it to shutdown.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) ordered internet service providers to ban gambling website 'thepokies.net' after customer complaints revealed the extent of how much money the offshore site was taking from Aussies.

Data showed it attracted more than 30,000 Australians each month.

Many who used the website claimed they weren't being paid their winnings and the site was keeping their deposits.

The multi-million dollar, offshore site was also found to be running casino-style online games, which are illegal in Australia.

But banning providers doesn't always work with plenty of them springing up minutes or days later under different names and branding, something ACMA said was a persistent challenge.

The 'thepokies.net' website already appears to be available under a modified domain name.

Thepokies.net, pictured here is its landing page, is one of the larger offshore gambling websites banned in the ACMA's crack-down

Australia is one of the biggest gambling nations in the world and remains enticing for offshore gambling sites despite a $1.1million fine for those caught

ACMA has banned more than 500 gambling sites since it began making such requests to internet service providers in 2019.

ACMA Chair Nerida O'Loughlin said thepokies.net was one of the most troublesome sites it has ordered a ban on this year.

'We have received more complaints about thepokies.net this year than any other illegal gambling website, and it is clearly doing a lot of harm to the Australian community,' Ms O'Loughlin said.

'Complaints have ranged from people who have lost significant amounts of money through to the site refusing to honour deposits and winnings.'

Australia prohibits offshore online gambling sites from operating in Australia but regulator the ACMA still has had to order bans on hundreds of them

Ms O'Loughlin said punters were exposed to online gambling sites with little to no consumer protections.

'If one of these sites decides to keep your money, and we know that happens quite regularly, there is nothing you can do about it,' she said.

'By blocking access to sites like this we are sending a strong message that the ACMA can and will take action to stop illegal operators from targeting Australians.'

Along with thepokies.net, ACMA requested service providers ban a further eight sites: Azure Hand, Abo Casino, Betroom, 777Bay, Space Lilly, Jet Casino, Katsu Bet and Winz.

Online and mobile casino-style games (pictured) are banned in Australia, including games based on blackjack, roulette and scratchies

An online-gambling review site previously had given thepokies.net a two out of five score, listing 'pirated games', 'not paying out players', 'unlicensed site without a registered company' and 'no customer service' amongst its cons.

The site offers both pub-style poker machine simulators and casino-style online games like roulette and blackjack, which are illegal in Australia.

Online casinos in Australia risk a $1.1milliion fine for offering unlicensed, online gambling services.

Since 2017, when ACMA started enforcing offshore gambling regulations, 160 illegal gambling services withdrew from Australia.

Australians' appetite for online gambling could be enticing offshore operators to flaunt the rules.

The federal government has previously calculated that Australians lose more than $400million each year in online gambling.
Hollywood star Kevin Spacey will 'establish his innocence' over claims he sexually assaulted three men over an eight-year period on visits to Britain, a court has heard.

The Oscar-winning actor, 62, smiled as he exited a silver Mercedes and was ushered into Westminster Magistrates' Court by two police officers and his legal team.

As he sat in the dock, Spacey occasionally glanced towards the packed press bench and full public gallery during the hearing, which lasted 28 minutes, and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. He was granted unconditional bail - meaning he is free to fly home to the US - ahead of his preliminary hearing at Southwark Crown Court on July 14.

The American actor, who starred in Netflix series House of Cards and films American Beauty and The Usual Suspects, is accused of a string of sex attacks on three men in London and Gloucestershire between 2005 and 2013 while he was artistic director of the Old Vic theatre.

Patrick Gibbs QC, defending, told the court Spacey 'strenuously denies' the allegations and had returned 'voluntarily' to the UK to 'establish his innocence'.

The court heard Spacey went through four days of interviewing in New York and promised that if he was charged he would come to Britain to answer them.

Spacey pictured arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London today

Spacey was greeted by a media scrum as he arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court today

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of actor Kevin Spacey in the dock at Westminster Magistrates Court in London today

Spacey was guided through the crowd by police outside Westminster Magistrates' Court today

Actor Kevin Spacey's sex assault charges Spacey faces four counts of sexual assault and one of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent. The allegations relate to three men, now in their 30s and 40s, in London and Gloucestershire between 2005 and 2013, including while Spacey was artistic director of The Old Vic theatre in the capital. The charges include: Two counts of sexual assault on a man, who is now in his 40s, in March 2005 in London;

Sexual assault on a man, who is now in his 30s, and causing him to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent, in August 2008 in London; and

Sexual assault on a man, who is now in his 30s, in April 2013 in Gloucestershire. Advertisement

Spacey, who was wearing glasses and dressed smartly in a blue suit, teal suede brogues and a dark patterned tie, made no comment outside the courthouse as he was rushed past a queue of other court attendees and through the entrance before passing security.

Prosecutor Natalie Dawson did not give any further details of the allegations beyond the charges, which were read out by the court's legal advisor.

Mr Gibbs continued: 'Having seen the full Crown's case, pages and pages of statements and exhibits delivered to him...he has chosen, not on bail, to come to this court today and my submission is that you can have every confidence, and the judge at Southwark can have every confidence, that he will continue to attend.

'He needs to answer these charges if he is to proceed with his life.'

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ikram granted Spacey unconditional bail ahead of his plea and trial preparation hearing at Southwark Crown Court on 14 July.

He said: 'I am going to send your case to the crown court sitting at Southwark. I am going to grant you unconditional bail. Every defendant has a right to unconditional bail unless the court is of the view that there is a real risk.

'You have cooperated, I am told, and this has not been at all challenged by the Crown, with the authorities both in New York and you voluntarily attended these proceedings here today.

'Indeed I withdrew the warrant which was issued for your arrest because it was not necessary. I am not persuaded that there is a real risk, bearing in mind all that I have heard about you, that you would fail to surrender.'

Spacey nodded and walked slowly out of the dock when he was told that he was free to leave.

The actor had been interviewed under caution by Scotland Yard in 2019 after the force launched an investigation into the claims two years earlier.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised charges against him last month, but American Spacey could only be formally charged after travelling to the UK earlier this week.

Mr Ikram withdrew an arrest warrant issued weeks ago after the court heard that Spacey arrived in London on Monday to receive a postal requisition.

The charges are: two counts of sexual assault on a man, who is now in his 40s, in March 2005 in London; sexual assault on a man, who is now in his 30s, and causing him to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent, in August 2008 in London; sexual assault on a man, who is now in his 30s, in April 2013 in Gloucestershire.

Spacey, a two-time Oscar winner, previously said he would travel to the UK to face the charges, which he is expected to deny.

In a statement released to Good Morning America after the CPS announcement, he said: 'While I am disappointed with their decision to move forward, I will voluntarily appear in the UK as soon as can be arranged and defend myself against these charges, which I am confident will prove my innocence.'

Patrick Gibbs QC, defending, told the court Spacey, seen in a court sketch today, 'strenuously denies' the allegations and had returned 'voluntarily' to the UK to 'establish his innocence'

Actor Kevin Spacey smiling as he leaves Westminster Magistrates' Court in London today

Spacey pictured on a red carpet in LA. The actor is facing charges of sexual assault in London. He denies the allegations and has vowed to defend himself

Rosemary Ainslie, head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said last month when the decision to charge was announced: 'The CPS has authorised criminal charges against Kevin Spacey, 62, for four counts of sexual assault against three men.

'He has also been charged with causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

'The charges follow a review of the evidence gathered by the Metropolitan Police in in its investigation.

'It is not a finding of fact, which can only be made by a court, but rather an assessment of what it might be possible to prove to a court, in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.'

The alleged attacks are said to have take place while Spacey was artistic director at the Old Vic between 2004 and 2015.

The first two charges of sexual assault allege that on March 20, 2005 'within the jurisdiction of The Central Criminal Court he intentionally touched a man aged 16 or over and that touching was sexual when he did not consent and you did not reasonably believe that he was consenting'.

The third sexual assault charge alleges that between August 1, 2008 and August 31, 2008 'within the jurisdiction of The Central Criminal Court he intentionally touched a man aged 16 or over and that touching was sexual when he did not consent and you did not reasonably believe that he was consenting'.

The fourth charge against Spacey, of causing a male 13 or over to engage in penetrative sexual activity alleges that between August 1, 2008 and August 31, 2008 'within the jurisdiction of The Central Criminal Court with intent caused a man aged 16 or over to engage in sexual activity involving the penetration of his mouth with a person's penis when he did not consent and you did not reasonably believe that he was consenting'.

The fifth charge of sexual assault on a male on April 1, 2013 'within the jurisdiction of The Central Criminal Court intentionally touched a man aged 16 or over and that touching was sexual when he did not consent and you did not reasonably believe that he was consenting'.
A heartbroken father yelled at the two teenage boys who killed his 15-year-old son to 'rot in hell' after they were found guilty of his murder.

Angus Beaumont, 15, had been defending his friend from the attackers, both aged 14 at the time, when they plunged a 14cm knife deep into his chest in March 2020.

The boys, now aged 16 and 17, had pleaded not guilty to Angus's murder and claimed they had stabbed him in self-defence. However, they were found guilty on Thursday.

The two teenagers, now aged 16 and 17, who killed 15-year-old Angus Beaumont (above) in 2020 have been found guilty of murder

Angus Beaumont's father Ben Beaumont (right, pictured with mother Michelle Liddle) yelled to his 15-year-old son's killers to 'rot in hell you feral scum' after they were found guilty of Angus's murder

The ABC reports the the teens showed no reaction to the verdict but their supporters called to them saying: 'You're innocent, I know you are son,' and 'it's a kangaroo court'.

However Angus's father, Ben Beaumont, yelled out at the two teens to 'rot in hell you feral scum' and 'who's laughing now?' while other family members cried and hugged outside the courtroom.

A jury at the Supreme Court in Brisbane heard the two then-14-year-olds had bought cannabis from Angus's 'wannabe drug dealer' friend at a skatepark earlier the day Angus was murdered.

They cannot be named due to legal reasons.

Two 14-year-old boys stabbed Angus 14cm deep in the chest outside a McDonalds in Redcliffe (above) in March 2020

The Courier Mail reports Angus and his friend had been leaving a McDonalds at Anzac Avenue in Redcliffe, north Brisbane, when the boys attacked.

Crown prosecutor Christopher Cook said Angus had been trying to help his friend get away from the two boys when he was stabbed.

He said the 14-year-old boys then high-fived, 'congratulated each other' and ran from the scene.

Angus had also been armed with a knife and knuckle-dusters during the fight.

The two then-14-year-olds high-fived each other after killing Angus (pictured, Angus's coffin), who had been trying to protect his friend

The boys pleaded not guilty to murdering Angus.

Their defence counsel claimed they had acted out of self-defence in an 'unprovoked attack'.

The jury took less than a day to return a unanimously guilty verdict against the boys.

Angus's mother Michelle Liddle, a vocal advocate for teens aged over 14 to be tried as adults for serious crimes, told reporters outside the court that the verdict was 'bittersweet'.

'It doesn't bring our son back,' she said.

Angus's mother (above) has been a vocal advocate for children over 14 to be tried as adults for serious crimes since Angus's death

'I feel like it wasn't just a win for us, it's a win for other victims of juvenile crime.'

Mr Beaumont said juvenile justice law reforms were necessary to stop future serious youth crimes.

'No matter what the lead-up was, they robbed and killed my son,' he said.

'Concurrent sentencing does not work  anonymity does not work.

'We've had enough.'

The teenagers will be sentenced at a later date.
The biggest coal mine in NSW will close operations by 2030 after BHP was unable to find a buyer for the site, with more than 2000 jobs set to be axed.

BHP failed to secure an offer for the Mount Arthur mine in the Hunter Valley after searching for a new buyer for two years.

The open-cut mine near Muswellbrook employs about 2000 people and provides thermal coal to international customers.

It was once valued at a whopping $2billion, but that figure has been repeatedly slashed.

The Mount Arthur coal mine (pictured) in the Hunter Valley will close by 2030 after BHP failed to find a valid buyer

BHP is currently licensed to conduct operations at the mine until 2026.

But the company said it will try to acquire approval to extend operations until the end of the 2030 financial year.

'Moving to a closure in 2030 provides the optimal financial outcome when compared to alternate option,' BHP said in a statement to the ASX.

Minerals Australia President, Edgar Basto said: 'Seeking approval to continue mining until 2030 avoids closure in 2026 and enables BHP to balance the value and risk of those considerations and our commitments to our people and local communities.'

NSW Minerals Council chief executive Stephen Galilee added that the decision to seek an extension would give those who rely on the mine years to work and plan for the future.

'While the Mt Arthur mine is a large operation, it is just one of nearly 40 coal mines operating across NSW, and 17 operating in the local region.'

'Fifteen other local coal mines in the Upper Hunter either have approvals already in place or are seeking approvals to continue mining to 2035 or beyond, with several seeking extensions to operate beyond 2040.'

NSW's largest mine near Muswellbrook employs 2000 people and provides coal to international customers

BHP is only licensed to conduct operations at the mine until 2026. The company is seeking to extend that until 2030

BHP expects to spend $US700 million ($A999 million) on closing the mine and rehabilitating the site over the next 10 to 15 years, with final plans for the site yet to be determined.

'We will work with our people, local business partners, Traditional Owners and local and state governments to operate safely and productively, prepare for closure and sustainable rehabilitation of the site, and ensure the pathway to closure is managed in a way that meets community and regulatory expectations,' commented Adam Lancey, vice president of BHP's NSW Energy Coal operation.

Under pressure from investors to respond to climate issues, BHP has been divesting its thermal coal and lower-grade coking coal assets.

Mr Basto said BHP had 'thoroughly reviewed potential options' for the Hunter Valley operation, including divestment and future investment requirements.

BHP had talked about seeking an extension for the Mt Arthur mine to operate until 2045 as part of the divestment process, although it never formally applied for that extension.

The operation reported operating losses in fiscal 2020 and 2021, and BHP said its review concluded that the mine's 'commercial viability' was limited past the 2030s.

'Or certainly not secure enough to warrant the significant capital investment and effort that would be required in the near term for mining beyond 2030,' the company says on its website.

Carmel Flint, the national coordinator for the environmental group Lock the Fate, said the closure of the mine was a good sign

Lock the Gate Alliance national coordinator Carmel Flint said the environmental group was pleased that BHP was closing the mine, although it would have liked it to happen in 2026 rather than 2030.

'This is a very significant step by BHP, and the absence of buyers for the mine sends an incredibly strong message that thermal coal is in decline globally, as customer countries act on climate change.'

Harriet Kater, Climate Lead (Australia) at the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility, said that closing the mine instead of selling it was the right call.

'Use of asset divestment as a tool to lower carbon footprints and avoid responsible closure is not acceptable,' she said.

The Mount Arthur mine has been in operation since 2002.
Health experts may have found the origin of the Black Death Plague, a deadly pandemic that occurred roughly 700 years ago and lasted for almost five centuries, using DNA analysis.

The plague devastated the medieval world and has long been considered a mysterious outbreak whose source has been debated for centuries. But researchers said they had not pinpointed the source of the deadly pandemic in a region of Kyrgyzstan after analyzing DNA from remains at an ancient burial site.

Black Death Plague Origins

In the work published in the journal Nature on Wednesday, Philip Slavin, a historian and part of the study, said that his team managed to put to rest all those centuries-old controversies about the origins of the Black Death.

The deadly plague was the initial wave of a nearly five-century pandemic, and in only eight years, from 1346 to 1353, it caused the death of up to 60% of the population of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Slavin, an associate professor at the University of Stirling in Scotland, has always been fascinated with the Black Death, as per CBS News.

The expert found an intriguing clue in an 1890 work that described an ancient burial site in what is now northern Kyrgyzstan. It noted that there was a spike in burials from 1338 to 1339 and that several tombstones described people having "died of pestilence."

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Slavin said that when there are one or two years of recorded excess in mortality, it commonly means that something unusual was going on at the time. However, he noted that it was not just any year but seven or eight years before the Black Death was first recorded.

According to The Guardian, Prof. Johannes Krause at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig said that they have basically located the origin of the plague in time and space. He noted that they found not only the ancestry of the Black Death but also the ancestor of the majority of the plague strains that are circulating in the world today.

Analyzing Human Remains

The international team of experts came together to work on the puzzle and analyzed 467 tombstones dated between 1248 and 1345. Slavin traced a huge number of tombstones, 118, marking deaths between 1338 and 1339.

Further research led the team to discover that the sites had been excavated in the late 1880s with about 30 skeletons removed from their graves. After studying the diaries of the excavations, Slavin and his colleagues traced some of the remains and linked them to particular tombstones at the cemeteries.

The researchers were able to extract and sequence DNA from seven of the individuals using their teeth. In the genetic material the team analyzed, they found the DNA of the plague bacterium, which scientists call Yersinia pestis, in three of the deceased, who all had the death year 1338 inscribed on their tombstones.

The finding confirmed that the pestilence mentioned on the tombstones of the deceased was indeed the Black Death plague, which spread from rodents to humans via fleas. The plague first entered the Mediterranean in 1347 via trade ships transporting goods from territories around the Black Sea. It later spread across various countries, CNN reported.

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Up to 15,000 Australians are expected to die of Covid-19 this year, and an infectious diseases expert says that is 'way too high'.

Professor Margaret Hellard, of the Burnet Institute, has helped advise the Victorian and federal governments through the pandemic, and also advised the World Health Organisation on Hepatitis C surveillance and screening.

On Thursday she warned the country was about to see 10,000 to 15,000 Covid-19 deaths this year, which is way too high in her view.

Up to 15,000 Australians are expected to die of Covid-19 this year with an infectious diseases expert saying that figure is 'way too high' (pictured, a pedestrian in Sydney)

Infectious diseases expert Margaret Hellard (pictured) says more can be done to curb the number of Covid-19 infections and deaths across Australia

'This kind of notion going around  that there's nothing that we've got to add or to offer, and that really things can't be done is actually incorrect,' Prof Hellard told a Victorian parliamentary inquiry into the state's pandemic orders.

'The current level of vaccination is not high enough.'

She said if Australia reduced Covid-19 transmission by 20 per cent, more than 2000 lives could be saved.

Prof Hellard said rather than society accepting the new 'Covid normal', authorities still needed to pursue measures to minimise virus cases and deaths.

Those measures could be things such as introducing masks in enclosed spaces, ensuring air quality, making ongoing and concerted efforts to boost vaccination coverage, and maintaining virus testing and isolation.

'Modelling clearly shows that ongoing testing and isolation is important,' she said.

A top professor has estimated that if Australia reduced Covid-19 transmission by 20 per cent, more than 2000 lives could be saved (pictured, a healthcare worker in Melbourne in March)

Authorities have been urged to introduce masks in enclosed spaces and make efforts to boost vaccination rates to minimise deaths (pictured, healthcare workers in Melbourne in October)

'(Our) optimised study shows the public  are clearly happy to have ongoing regulation of the fact that if you have Covid, (you) need to stay at home, and if you're a contact, to have measures of testing and the like.

'She said Australia needed a clear definition of success in the context of pandemic control.

That would be initially based on case numbers, health service capacity, Covid-related deaths, and the level of social and economic disruption because of the virus.

'We need to consider whether we should have trigger thresholds,' Prof Hellard said.

'They might be nationally agreed trigger thresholds that require jurisdictions to implement public health measures that acutely reduce transmission and case numbers, and this has been effective in a number of countries.'

Prof Hellard has warned society not to accept the new 'Covid-normal' as a new study predicts up to 15,000 people will die of the virus this year (pictured, a testing facility in Ballarat)

Meanwhile, research shows about 20,000 fewer Australians were admitted to hospital with injuries during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic as restrictions curbed movement.

A report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showed injury-related hospitalisations fell by 14.3 per cent between March and May 2020, compared with the previous year.

In total, there were 120,850 injury hospitalisations in Australia over the three-month span amid nationwide lockdowns - 20,090 fewer than the corresponding period in 2019.

The number of injuries caused by drownings (35.3 per cent), electricity and air pressure (33.8 per cent), contact with living things (28.2 per cent), forces of nature (46 per cent) including natural disasters, and overexertion (30.1 per cent) fell sharply.

A top professor has stated current levels of vaccination across Australia are 'not high enough' (pictured, a woman receives the Pfizer vaccine in Melbourne in August, 2021)

Also dropping were injury types such as fractures (16.2 per cent), dislocations (21.8 per cent), soft tissue (22.7 per cent) and intracranial (23.1 per cent), as people spent more time at home.

In addition, Covid-19 restrictions changed the locations of injuries, with fewer instances of people hurt at schools (49.6 per cent), sporting areas (72.7 per cent) and industrial or construction sites (12.7 per cent).

As expected, the number of home injuries rose by 8.5 per cent over the same span, or 3350 cases.

Meanwhile, authorities in South Australia on Thursday confirmed the death of a three-year-old child who had tested positive for Covid-19.

SA Health said the cause of death was being investigated with the case referred to the state coroner.
More than 450 of the world's smallest penguins have washed up dead on the beaches of New Zealand's North Island in the last six weeks.

The little blue penguins, otherwise known as Korora, are native to New Zealand.

New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) Kaitaia Operations Manager Meirene Hardy-Birch said they had received reports of dead penguins on Northland beaches since early May and blamed the deaths on the powerful weather phenomenon.

'It is a seasonal event due to La Nina conditions. This brings increased sea-surface temperatures and onshore winds to New Zealand. These conditions can make it more challenging for korora to nest and feed,' said Ms Hardy-Birch.

New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) say La Nina is devastating the population of the world's smallest penguin

The first report was made on May 2, with more than 20 birds reported at Tokerau Beach.

Seven of those penguins were sent for necropsy which revealed signs of starvation and hypothermia as a result of a lack of blubber to keep them warm.

On June 9, the DOC received a call about a large number of deceased penguins washed up on Ninety Mile Beach.

Locals at Ninety Mile Beach last week reportedly collected a total of 183 penguins, while at the nearby Cable Bay locals discovered more than 100 decaying on the shore.

'We believe the dead penguins found off the DOC track leading to Chucks Cove, in Cable Bay, are from people picking up dead penguins on the beach and placing them there,' said Ms Hardy-Birch.

'We had a similar incident recently at Rangikapiti Pa Historic Reserve of dead penguins being collected and placed in one spot.

'We ask that people leave dead penguins on the beach where they lie, to be washed out to sea or to decompose naturally.'

More than 450 little blue penguins (pictured) have washed up dead on NZ shores in the last six weeks, with more than half washing up in the last 10 days

DOC insist it is normal for little blue penguins to die this time of year but warmer waters mean they have to dive deeper for food making it more stressful on the world's smallest penguin

Experts say this year will likely be a high mortality year for little blue penguins due to the La Nina weather system bringing warmer than average seas to northern New Zealand.

Breeding during a La Nina year is even more stressful and difficult as it brings warmer waters which means the fish that seabirds feed on stay in cooler, deeper waters as surface temperatures rise.

The penguins must therefore forage further away and dive deeper to find food.

Starvation is a risk for both themselves and their chicks and experts say there has been reports of a lack of small fish which the species depends on.

Dead penguins can start turning up on beaches as early as November, when the first chicks begin to depart the nest.

The increased stress and exhaustion can make some birds more prone to illness and increase the risk of ending up under attack from more predators as they dive deeper for food.

High juvenile mortality is natural for the little blue penguin, particularly at this time of year.

Often penguins simply need to rest, especially after a storm, however, many can not fend for themselves and die of either exhaustion or starvation.

Studies in the South Island by the DOC has revealed that typically only 30 per cent of chicks survive to adulthood.

During a difficult season when little food is available, the survival rate can be even lower.

While some chicks are found washed up on beaches, the majority are washed away by the sea currents, making the 450 figure likely a gross underrepresentation of the actual mortality rate this year.
A notorious socialite was detained with $20,000 worth of steroids months before he was charged with trafficking meth, cocaine, and ketamine into Australia.

Anthony Hess, 43, was arrested in Melbourne on Tuesday afternoon as the latest to be snared in a joint Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police operation.

He is accused of attempting to import and possess 4kg each of cocaine and meth, and 1kg of ketamine and faces 25 years in jail if convicted.

But Daily Mail Australia can reveal he was detailed for seven hours by Australian Border Force on January 10 when he landed in Sydney from the US via Canada and quizzed about a notorious former bikie.

Anthony Hess, 43, (pictured with a friend) was detained with $20,000 worth of steroids months before he was charged with trafficking meth, cocaine, and ketamine into Australia

Attached to the email was a photo of a receipt for goods form the ABF gave him showing some of the anabolic steroids that were seized

He said at the time that his phone and $20,000 worth of of human growth hormone were seized and handed to the AFP.

Hess has a prescription for the steroids, which he has used regularly for the past decade, and he was not accused of any wrongdoing.

'It was so overdramatic, they would not tell me what was going on but they ripped right through everything,' he told Daily Mail Australia days later.

'I had $20,000 of human growth hormone taken because the script was in my phone and they confiscated that phone for five days now. Ridiculous.

'They took me to the shower and searched me naked. I'm just waiting to hear back from [my lawyers].

'They (the ABF officers) we also asking questions about Toby (Mitchell). It was like they were waiting and pounced on me.'

Hess was detailed for seven hours by Australian Border Force on January 10 when he landed in Sydney from the US via Canada

Hess is accused of attempting to import and possess 4kg each of cocaine and meth, and 1kg of ketamine and faces 25 years in jail if convicted

Hess poses with an American police officer, ironic given his current legal difficulties

Hess months later wrote to the AFP demanding the return of his phone and steroid supplies as it was costing him $400 an hour in legal fees chasing them.

'I have a script from a doctor in Colombia, however it was on my phone which was permanently confiscated by Border Force,' he wrote.

'I am able to provide letter from multiple specialists to substantiate my claims as I have severe osteoarthritis and the HGH is the only way I can have a normal life.

'Without the HGH, I am completely bedridden and cannot move, I am in so much pain and the only choice of pain relief is drugs that I do not want to take.'

Hess detailed the phone calls he made in an attempt to get his property back and asked if he should 'just give up'.

Attached to the email was a photo of a receipt for goods form the ABF gave him.

The included 300 25mg tablets of stanozolol, two 10ml vials of sustanon, and 300 10mg tablets of oxandrolone - all anabolic steroids.

Hess claimed the liposuction surgery in 2013 left him looking like a 'freak show' for eight years and so ashamed of his body he hid or edited his abs in shirtless photos. He had the damage repaired in Colombia late last year (bottom right)

Hess' high-profile associations include his former 'best friend' Married at First Sight star Stacey Hampton (centre) and ex-Mongols bikie president Toby Mitchell (right)

Hess earlier this year said he was 'living a nightmare' after a 'botched' cosmetic procedure in June 2013 by controversial doctor Danny Lanzer until he finally had the damage repaired in Colombia.

Dr Lanzer when asked about the procedure claimed Hess was initially happy with the surgery but then used steroids to bulk up, which changed his body in a way that caused problems for the procedure.

'Intentionally putting on about 30kg with hormones totally changes the small liposculpture he had nine years ago on his stomach,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

Hess claimed the AFP told US immigration officials to cancel his visa due to his association with bikies, but alluded to another explanation.

'I think I'm red hot. The guy who was renting my house just was done for import export. I think that is the reason,' he said.

He also said in February his 'best friend Jeremy' was 'interrogated' by police, without explaining why.

Hess said he is 'living it up' in Los Angeles, staying in Beverley Hills and driving an expensive Porsche, until his visa was cancelled and he had to go back to Australia

Hess, 40, is best known for his ill-fated friendship with Married At First Sight star Stacey Hampton

Hess appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday over the trafficking changes and will stay behind bars until at least September 6.

The syndicate allegedly imports up to 15kg of drugs per shipment into Australia from the US and Europe. Hess is the sixth person to be arrested.

The police operation has so far seized 35kg, including liquid cocaine hidden markers and mini-smoker machine flown into Melbourne.

Hess has variously worked as an Instagram influencer, brand ambassador, clothes salesman, and sex worker - but not as a Bitcoin trader as he is often called.

Best known for his ill-fated friendship with Married At First Sight star Stacey Hampton and defeating Sydney PR queen Roxy Jacenko in court, fled to Los Angeles last year after a punch-up with his ex-bikie boss mate Toby Mitchell.

While in LA, he became a Covid super-spreader by accidentally infecting at least 60 people with the Delta strain in a long weekend bender in July 2021.

Hess pictured in Crown Towers with best friends turned mortal enemy Married At First Sight star Stacey Hampton in a photo where he Photoshopped his abs to look 'normal'

Ms Jacenko took out a restraining order against Hess but he had it dismissed in court when it couldn't be proved he did the graffiti. Hess celebrated by dancing outside the courthouse

A month earlier he was fined $2,400 for spraying 'Roxy is a c**t' on Ms Jacenko's PR office in Sydney as part of a long-running feud.

Ms Jacenko took out a restraining order against him but he had it dismissed in court when it couldn't be proved he did the graffiti.

However, GoPro footage was found during a search of Sydney street artist Anthony Lister, during an unrelated rape investigation, that proved Hess was the culprit.

Hess returned to Australia in January after his US visa was cancelled when he flew to Colombia for cosmetic surgery.

Since then he has mostly lived in Melbourne while working through a slow and painstaking process to regain his right to live in the US.
A seven-year-old boy has been hailed a hero after helping to expose the shocking crimes of a sickening sex predator who worked at a childcare centre.

Bronte John Ciracovitch, 35, was jailed for 14 years on Wednesday despite a belated groveling admission of full responsibility for his actions and begging the court for a reduced sentence.

He had worked for non-government childcare centre Child Care Services Australia, which runs two facilities in Adelaide's northern suburbs and three in regional SA, before his arrest in September 2020.

Letters were then sent to 180 clients of one northern suburbs centre alerting them of the allegations and making further inquiries, sending the families into a panic.

Bronte John Ciracovitch (pictured), 35, was jailed for 14 years on Wednesday for multiple offences when he worked at a northern Adelaide childcare centre

Ciracovitch pleaded guilty to multiple child abuse and child exploitation charges with the court hearing some offences occurred at the centre and some in his house, including abusing a four-year-old boy which was filmed on a phone.

The alarm was raised when another of his victims, a seven-year-old boy he abused on three occasions, spoke up about what happened.

'That boy's mother correctly describes him as a hero in this story, he had the courage to expose you,' Judge Tim Heffernan said, reports The Adelaide Advertiser.

'Your offending only stopped because (that boy) had the courage to tell his mother what you were doing,' he said.

The judge noted Ciracovitch had had given no apology to his victims or their families and had earlier attempted to downplay his responsibility because his ex-boyfriend was allegedly involved in the offending.

Ciracovitch attended Elizabeth Magistrates Court in Adelaide (pictured) in September last year after his arrest

'Notwithstanding your pleas of guilty, I sentence you on the basis you have only limited remorse and insight into your conduct... I regard you as a danger to the community,' he said.

He pleaded guilty to multiple charges including having maintained an unlawful sexual relationship with a child and having produced, or taken steps to produce, child exploitation material.

The judge praised police who had worked on the case and added the offending was an 'insult' to the many hard-working, dedicated and responsible childcare workers who viewed the protective aspect of their work in the highest regard.

Ciracovitch must serve at least 11 years of his 14 year sentence which was backdated to his arrest.
Parents could be banned from giving their kids a smack after a study found physical punishment led to an increased risk of anxiety.

Six in ten Aussies have said they were hit at least four times as a child, according to a study by the Australian Catholic University on 8,500 people aged between 16 and 24.

The study found that females who were hit as kids were 1.8 times more likely to have a major depressive disorder, and 2.1 times to experience anxiety.

In males they were also almost nearly twice as likely to experience depression and anxiety if they'd experienced corporal punishment in their younger years.

Parents could be banned from giving their kids a smack after a study found physical punishment led to an increased risk of anxiety (stock image)

Director of the Institute of Child Protection Studies and Australian Catholic University Professor Daryl Higgins is now leading the call for it to be made illegal for parents to hit their children.

Poll Should Australian parents be banned from smacking their kids? Yes No Unsure Should Australian parents be banned from smacking their kids? Yes 62 votes

No 117 votes

Unsure 10 votes Now share your opinion





In Australia it's currently legal for parents to smack their kids but varying states have specific rules on the matter.

In NSW the physical punishment should not be painful for more than a brief moment, and kids can't be hit on their heads or necks.

In Victoria there is no legislation surrounding parents applying physical punishment to their kids while in various other states it must be considered 'reasonable under the circumstances'.

'It's time to change the laws and to ensure that children are safe from violence in their home just as they are in childcare,' Prof Higgins, one of the study's lead researchers, told ABC Radio Melbourne.

He said children deserve equal protection from violence as adults do.

'If you want to reduce population level anxiety for women and men, don't hit them as children. There is a very real connection between corporal punishment and current and lifelong experience of mental ill health,' he told The Herald Sun.

He said parents should be using positive techniques to discipline their kids instead of physical harm.

'The only benefit is immediate compliance but we know it's clearly linked to long term harm,' he said.

Sixty-two countries around the world have made physical punishment against children illegal including Scotland, Sweden and Korea.
Pauline Hanson has made a snarky dig at a notorious painter's savage street art attack showing politicians and media giants fuelling Australia's bushfire crisis.

Morning radio show host Marcus Paul posted a photo of Scottie Marsh's giant mural on his Facebook account to hail Labor's election win.

'Finally... Australia's environment now has a fighting chance,' the 2SM star wrote.

Notorious Sydney artist Scottie Marsh's savage street art attack showing media giants fuelling Australia's bushfire crisis has come under brutal attack from Pauline Hanson

The mural shows the burning outback being hosed by firefighters while native animals like koalas and kangaroos seek shelter, while another is saved by a surfer.

It also shows a crowd of political, media, and business leaders looking down from the top of a ivory sandstone castle tower while dismissing the danger.

Columnist Andrew Bolt is shown shouting 'Alarmists' as Barnaby Joyce enjoys a schooner of beer and media magnate Rupert Murdoch screams 'Plebs'.

Radio host Alan Jones is shown making air quotes around 'Science' while Scott Morrison, wearing a Hawaiian lai, drinks an exotic cocktail.

Mining tycoons Gina Rinehart and Clive Palmer are also part of the elite mob.

Pauline Hanson weighed in to sledge the artist for apparent hypocrisy for using oil-based paint

The post was liked almost 1,700 times in a matter of hours after it was made - but then Senator Hanson weighed in to sledge the radio host for apparent hypocrisy.

'I hope theyre water colours, Marcus,' she posted.

'Paint is a derivative of oil. And the pressure packs they used contain propane and butane - again a derivative of gas.

'We cannot stop the use of hydrocarbons without sacrificing life as we know it.'

Her post was liked twice as much as the original one, with 3,200 thumbs up, laughing out loud and heart emojis from followers.

'Well said Pauline,' posted fan Dianne Bourke. 'The climate activists are not known for their brains and commonsense as you politely pointed out.'

And Shauny Bennet posted: 'Double standards for the virtue signallers. Different rules for the average Aussie.'

Other Scotti Marsh murals have shown former PM Morrison as Captain Cook and another of him in Hawaiian holiday gear wearing a Santa hat, wishing Australia: 'Merry crisis!'

Scottie Marsh also recently painted a huge mural of Australian pop star Kid Laroi and posted pictures on his instagram account of the star in front of the giant portrait in Sydney's Redfern

But another poster pointed out that murals are usually done with more environmentally-friendly acrylic paint rather than oil-based paints.

Rhi Jackson posted: 'Acrylic paint (water-based, not oil-based) is commonly used for murals, so dont worry too much.'

Scottie Marsh has painted numerous large-scale murals around Sydney and beyond, with many of them taking aim at Scott Morrison.

He called his mural 'The Ivory Tower of Australian climate denialism above a burning Australia'.

Other murals have shown former Mr Morrison as Captain Cook and another of him in Hawaiian holiday gear wearing a Santa hat, wishing Australia: 'Merry crisis!'

But he also recently painted a huge mural of Australian pop star Kid Laroi and posted pictures on his Instagram account of the star in front of the giant portrait in Sydney's Redfern.
A Riverdale actor killed his mother to spare her from witnessing his plan to assassinate Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

British Columbia prosecutors said during a sentencing hearing on Monday that Ryan Grantham, 24, fatally shot his 64-year-old mother, Barbara Waite, 'to save her' from seeing his assassination plot against the Canadian prime minister unfold.

After shooting Waite in the back of her head as she played piano on March 31, 2020, Grantham covered her body with a sheet and placed rosaries and candles around her, Canadian outlet CBC reported.

He then stored three guns, ammunition and 12 Molotov cocktails in his car and headed to Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, prosecutors claimed.

Grantham had planned to travel more than 50 hours to kill Trudeau, before changing his mind and considering committing 'an act of mass violence,' at Simon Fraser University, which he had dropped out from.

He turned himself to Vancouver police before harming anybody else and pleaded guilty in March to second-degree murder.

Grantham is most known for playing Jeffery Augustine in Riverdale, His character was written into the show as the hit-and-run killer of Luke Perry's character, after Perry died of a stroke.

Sentencing hearings for Grantham concluded Wednesday, although a judge has yet to hand down a prison term. Prosecutors have asked for him to serve at least 17 to 18 years before he can be considered for parole.

British Columbia prosecutors said during a sentencing hearing on Monday that Ryan Grantham (pictured), 24, fatally shot his 64-year-old mother, Barbara Waite, 'to save her' from seeing his assassination plot unfold

After shooting Waite (pictured) in the back of her head as she played piano on March 31, 2020, Grantham covered her body with a sheet and placed rosaries and candles around he

Grantham stored three guns, ammunition and 12 Molotov cocktails in his car and headed to Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, prosecutors claimed. Grantham had planned to travel more than 50 hours to kill Trudeau

Prosecutors told the court on Monday that Grantham's actions were 'something different than altruism.'

'Mr. Grantham was seeking to save his mother from something he was going to do,' prosecutor Michaela Donnelly said during the sentencing hearing.

The murder was described by Donnelly as a 'heartbreaking breach of trust.'

'Barbara Waite loved her son very much, was an excellent parent and in her mind had no reason to fear him,' she said.

Donnelly added that Grantham had many opportunities to change his mind, but ultimately went on with his plan to kill his mother.

He reportedly unloaded and reloaded his weapon several times before carrying out the attack.

According to CBC, Grantham had recorded GoPro video of himself secretly approaching his mother with a gun from behind before the March 2020 killing.

Two psychiatric evaluations presented by the prosecution concluded that Grantham committed the crime to spare her mother from witnessing further acts of violence he planned on committing.

According to the evaluations, Grantham exhibited cannabis use disorder, depression, self-hatred, and suicidal and homicidal tendencies months before the killing.

Grantham is most known for playing Jeffery Augustine in Riverdale, His character was written into the show as the hit-and-run killer of Luke Perry's character, after Perry died of a stroke.

After shooting Waite in the back of her head as she played piano on March 31, 2020, Grantham covered her body with a sheet and placed rosaries and candles around her

Grantham (seen in Riverdale) exhibited cannabis use disorder, depression, self-hatred, and suicidal and homicidal tendencies months before the killing

According to CBC, Grantham reportedly feared that his mother (pictured) would find out he had stopped attending classes at Simon Fraser University and was abusing marijuana

'I'm so sorry mom, I'm so sorry Lisa ... I hate myself,' a March journal entry shared by prosecutors read.

'There's a lot of media of me out there  film and TV  hundreds of hours of me that can be viewed and dissected... No one will understand.'

According to CBC, Grantham reportedly feared that his mother would find out he had stopped attending classes at Simon Fraser University and was abusing marijuana.

Waite's body was found on April 1, 2020, by her daughter Lisa, who arrived at the after Waite failed to answer her calls and texts.

'How can I trust anybody when my only sibling chose to execute my mom when her back was turned,' Lisa Grantham said in court.

After the sickening crime occurred at Waite's home in the community of Squamish, Grantham recorded a video showing the body and admitting the crime, which was played in court Monday.

Grantham reportedly feared that his mother would find out he had stopped attending classes at Simon Fraser University and was abusing marijuana. He briefly considered carrying an act of mass violence at the school, prosecutors said

He proceeded to cover his mother with a sheet, and placed candles and rosaries around her.

Grantham planned on traveling 50 hours to kill Trudeau, and had weapons, ammunition, and explosives in his car.

At one point, he considered committing an act of violence at his former university but turned himself in to police in Vancouver.

Grantham pleaded guilty in March to a second-degree murder charge in March, which carries a sentence of life in prison in Canada.

Prosecutors asked the court to not grant him parole for at least 17 or 18 years.

In addition to his Riverdale performance, Grantham is known for his appearances in Supernatural, the Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.
One of the five US Navy commanding officers fired last week was removed from his position for being caught drunk driving, it has been claimed.

Cmdr. Peter Lesaca, commanding officer of USS Preble guided-missile destroyer, was relieved from his duties 'due to loss of confidence in his ability to command,' according to a Navy statement released on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Navy spokesman Cmdr. Arlo Abrahamson told Military.com the commander's removal came after he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

The reasons for the dismissal of the other four were not given, and it remains unclear if Lesaca was convicted of the charge he faces, or what stage the case is at.

'Navy commanding officers are held to high standards of personal and professional conduct,' the Navy said.

'They are expected to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, reliability and leadership, and the Navy holds them accountable when they fall short of these standards.'

Cmdr. Peter Lesaca, commanding officer of USS Preble guided-missile destroyer, was relieved from his duties on June 14 'due to loss of confidence in his ability to command'. On Wednesday a Navy spokesman said he was caught driving under the influence

Lesaca worked on the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble before he was fired. Pictured: The USS Preble departs Naval Base San Diego in 2013

The Navy noted in a statement on Tuesday that the shakeup will have no impact to the command's mission or schedule.

Capt. Larry Repass, deputy commodore, Destroyer Squadron 23, will assume the duties as commanding officer until the permanent and qualified relief arrives, the statement noted.

The Navy did not say where Lesaca will be reassigned.

Lesaca is a native of San Diego, CA and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in History.

He has served on multiple destroyers, including USS Laboon and USS Gonzalez in Norfolk, Virginia, USS Harpers Ferry in Japan, USS Decatur in San Diego and USS Chung-Hoon in Pearl Harbor.

Lesaca has received several awards over the years, his bio states, and was the recipient of the 2012 Vice Admiral Kihune Award for Leadership. He also was given the 2013 Navy League of the United States' John Paul Jones Award for Inspirational Leadership.

The commander's firing for alleged drunken driving comes just three days after Capt. Jeffrey Sandin, commanding officer of the Navy's Recruit Training Command, was dismissed on June 11 'due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command.'

Capt. Kertreck Brooks, chief of staff of Naval Service Training Command, took over Sandin's duties.

Lesaca is a native of San Diego, CA and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in History

The other officers who have been dismissed from their posts are:

Capt. Jeffrey Sandin

Sandin, a native of Bloomville, New York, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1986. He graduated in 2003 from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business management and graduated in 2016 from Regent University with a Master of Arts degree in organizational leadership.

He was commissioned in 1997 through the Limited Duty Officer Program. He has previously served aboard the former USS Nashville (LPD-13), the former USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), according to his Navy bio.

In 2021, he assumed command of Recruit Training Command. Since his dismissal in June 2022, Sandin has been reassigned to Naval Service Training Command headquarters.

A day prior to Sandin's dismissal, on June 10, USS Bulkeley destroyer commanding officer Cmdr. Devine Johnson and Command Master Chief Earl Sanders were also both fired 'due to a loss of confidence in their ability to effectively function as a command leadership team.'

Capt. Jeffry Sandin, commanding officer of the Navy's Recruit Training Command, was dismissed on June 11 three days before Lesaca was fired

Cmdr. Devine Johnson

Johnson is a native of Timmonsville, South Carolina and joined the Navy in 2003. He became a commanding officer of the USS Bulkeley in August 2021, according to his Navy bio.

Johnson has been temporarily reassigned to the staff of the commander of Naval Surface Force Atlantic.

Capt. William 'Mac' Harkin, currently Deputy Commodore, Destroyer Squadron Two will be temporarily assigned as commanding officer until a permanent relief is identified.

On June 10, USS Bulkeley destroyer commanding officer Cmdr. Devine Johnson was fired 'due to a loss of confidence in their ability to effectively function as a command leadership team'

Command Master Chief Earl Sanders

Sanders is a native of LaGrange, Georgia and enlisted in November 1997.

He completed basic training at Recruit Training Center Great Lakes, Illinois and attended Electrician's Mate 'A' School at Naval Training Center Great Lakes, Illinois, his Navy bio states.

Sanders has previously served on the USS Mount Whitney in Norfolk, Virginia, the USS Port Royal in Pearl Harbor, and the USS WASP in Japan.

Prior to the USS Bulkeley, Sanders served as the Command Master Chief at Electronic Attack Squadron ONE THREE ZERO in Whidbey Island, Washington.

He has an Associates of Science in Electrical / Mechanical Technology from Coastline Community College.

Sanders' awards include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4 Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4 Awards) and several other unit and campaign awards.

He has served as the Bulkeley command master chief since June 2021 and will be replaced by Master Chief Petty Officer Christy Reed.

Command Master Chief Earl Sanders, who alongside Cmdr. Devine Johnson on the destroyer USS Bulkeley, was also fired from his position

Both Johnson and Sanders worked on the USS Bulkeley (DDG 84)

The string of firings began with Cmdr. Matthew McCormick, head of Electronic Attack Squadron, who was relieved of his duties on June 8 'due to loss of confidence in his ability to command.'

A Navy official told USNI News that McCormick was relieved due to inappropriate behavior that is still under investigation.

Cmdr. Matthew McCormick

McCormick, who had been commanding officer of VAQ-137 since September 2021, was temporarily reassigned to Electronic Attack Wing Pacific at Naval Station in Whidbey Island, Wash.

The Garland, Texas native has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology and was commissioned through the Officer Candidate School for flight training in June 2004.

McCormick made three deployments aboard USS RONALD REAGAN, participating in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. During this tour CDR McCormick was selected for the VAQ 139 Junior Officer Leadership award.

He has accumulated 1,039 flight hours in the EA-6B, over 1,100 hours in the EA-18G, and 457 carrier arrested landings, including 51 combat missions.

McCormick's awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various service awards and ribbons.

He currently lives in Anacortes, Washington with his wife and their three children.

Cmdr. Scott Maynes is currently serving as the acting commanding officer until a permanent replacement is assigned.

The string of firings began with Cmdr. Matthew McCormick, head of Electronic Attack Squadron, who was relieved of his duties on June 8

McCormick had been commanding officer of VAQ-137 (pictured) since September 2021

The Navy has not provided additional details as to why the officers were fired or why there were so many dismissals within a short span of time.

Back in February, the US Navy issued a similar string of firings that relieved three commanding officers of their duties citing 'a loss of confidence' in the leaders' abilities.

At the time, Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Paul Newell said that while it's unusual to relieve an entire triad at once, it's not unheard of.

'It's not unprecedented,' he told DailyMail.com.

'It's happened before. Obviously, it's not desirable but the Navy holds their leadership and triad members to the highest standards. That's not changed.'

Back in February 2022, the US Navy issued a similar string of firings that relieved three commanding officers of their duties. Pictured: Captain Jeffrey Lengkeek, Commander Master Chief Matthew Turner and Commander Michael Jarosz were all fired in February

At the time, Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Paul Newell said that while it's unusual to relieve an entire triad at once, it's not unheard of

Commanding officer Captain Jeffrey Lengkeek - a Stanford-trained civil engineer who joined the Navy's civil engineer corps in 1996 - was among the unit leaders let go on February 3.

Also fired were executive officer Commander Michael Jarosz, and Commander Master Chief Matthew Turner.

The Navy began investigating the triad last December 15, but would not say what prompted the investigation, only that the men are not facing any criminal charges, he said.
Up to 15,000 Australians are expected to die of Covid-19 this year, and an infectious diseases expert says that is 'way too high'.

Professor Margaret Hellard, of the Burnet Institute, has helped advise the Victorian and federal governments through the pandemic.

She warned the country was about to see 10,000 to 15,000 Covid-19 deaths this year.

On Thursday alone, 73 people died with the virus across the country. If the same happened every day for a year, that would mean 26,645 deaths annually.

Up to 15,000 Australians are expected to die of Covid-19 this year, and an infectious diseases expert says that is 'way too high' (pictured, medical team take a suspected Covid patient to the isolation ward in Sydney)

'This kind of notion going around that there's nothing that we've got to add or to offer, and that really things can't be done is actually incorrect,' Prof Hellard told a Victorian parliamentary inquiry into the state's pandemic orders.

'The current level of vaccination is not high enough.'

She said if Australia reduced Covid-19 transmission by 20 per cent, more than 2000 lives could be saved.

Professor Margaret Hellard, of the Burnet Institute, said if Australia reduced Covid-19 transmission by 20 per cent, more than 2000 lives could be saved (pictured, healthcare worker conducting Covid tests in Sydney)

Prof Hellard said rather than society accepting the new 'Covid normal', authorities still needed to pursue measures to minimise virus cases and deaths.

Those measures could be things such as introducing masks in enclosed spaces, ensuring air quality, making ongoing and concerted efforts to boost vaccination coverage, and maintaining virus testing and isolation.

'Modelling clearly shows that ongoing testing and isolation is important,' Prof Hellard said.

'(Our) optimised study shows the public are clearly happy to have ongoing regulation of the fact that if you have Covid, (you) need to stay at home, and if you're a contact, to have measures of testing and the like.'

She said Australia needed a clear definition of success in the context of pandemic control (pictured, healthcare worker at a drive-through Covid testing clinic in Sydney)

She said Australia needed a clear definition of success in the context of pandemic control. That would be initially based on case numbers, health service capacity, Covid-related deaths, and the level of social and economic disruption because of the virus.

'We need to consider whether we should have trigger thresholds,' Prof Hellard said.

'They might be nationally agreed trigger thresholds that require jurisdictions to implement public health measures that acutely reduce transmission and case numbers, and this has been effective in a number of countries.'

Meanwhile, research shows about 20,000 fewer Australians were admitted to hospital with injuries during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic as restrictions curbed movement.

A report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showed injury-related hospitalisations fell by 14.3 per cent between March and May 2020, compared with the previous year.

A report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showed injury-related hospitalisations fell by 14.3 per cent between March and May 2020, compared with the previous year (pictured, paramedics tending to their ambulance in Melbourne)

In total, there were 120,850 injury hospitalisations in Australia over the three-month span amid nationwide lockdowns - 20,090 fewer than the corresponding period in 2019.

The number of injuries caused by drownings (35.3 per cent), electricity and air pressure (33.8 per cent), contact with living things (28.2 per cent), forces of nature (46 per cent) including natural disasters, and overexertion (30.1 per cent) fell sharply.

Also dropping were injury types such as fractures (16.2 per cent), dislocations (21.8 per cent), soft tissue (22.7 per cent) and intracranial (23.1 per cent), as people spent more time at home.

In addition, Covid-19 restrictions changed the locations of injuries, with fewer instances of people hurt at schools (49.6 per cent), sporting areas (72.7 per cent) and industrial or construction sites (12.7 per cent).

As expected, the number of home injuries rose by 8.5 per cent over the same span, or 3350 cases.

Meanwhile, authorities in South Australia on Thursday confirmed the death of a three-year-old child who had tested positive for COVID-19.

SA Health said the cause of death was being investigated with the case referred to the state coroner.
Restaurant staff at a busy Chinese eatery have wrestled with a diner who allegedly walked out after refusing to pay his bill worth hundreds of dollars.

Dramatic video captured the moment fed-up waiters at Chinatown restaurant on Gouger Street in Adelaide, pounced on the man in a yellow hoodie about 9.30pm on Wednesday, placing him in a headlock.

Three men and a woman can be seen struggling with the diner outside the restaurant as a voice can be heard yelling 'stop it'.

Restaurant staff at a busy eatery in Chinatown wrestled with a diner who allegedly walked out after refusing to pay his bill worth hundreds of dollars (pictured)

The 33-year-old man was charged with theft and will face court later this month.

Commenters on social media largely praised the workers for standing their ground, while others slammed them for making the daring citizen's arrest.

'Family owned small business - they would be working their butts off day and night to stay in business and feed their families,' one noted.

Poll Do you agree with the actions of the restaurant staff? Yes No Do you agree with the actions of the restaurant staff? Yes 577 votes

No 93 votes Now share your opinion





'Workers should have every right to stop the man from getting away prior to paying for his meal.'

Another wrote: 'Well done to these workers'.

But others argued the staff had no right to detain him.

'Hope the workers get charged as well,' one commenter wrote.

Another added: 'Should just call the police and send in the footage. This could easily escalate to a fight or stabbing, for what, $100 in food?'

A third wrote: 'Hard to know what this man's circumstances are. He may be hungry and homeless, who knows but it's not for us to judge.'

Dramatic video captured the moment fed-up waiters at Chinatown restaurant, in Adelaide's Gouger St, pounced on the man in a yellow hoodie at about 9:30pm on Wednesday placing him in a headlock

Is it legal to make a citizen's arrest? In Australia, a person who is not a police officer is permitted to make an arrest if he or she believes on reasonable grounds someone is committing, or has just committed a criminal offence. But you in such cases you are legally required to inform the person of their Miranda rights (right to remain silent) and why you have detained them (unless the suspect's actions make it impractical to inform them). When it comes to allowable force, the person making the arrest should not use more force than is necessary and reasonable to detain the suspect. Advertisement

It's OVER for Supercheap Auto worker: Loyal employee who tried to stop a 'thief who hid stolen goods in a pram' QUITS the company - after 'struggling' with viral video fame ... and he's already got a new job

Cameron Carpenter and Tita Smith for Daily Mail Australia

A Supercheap Auto worker has quit and joined a rival after video of him confronting a woman allegedly using an empty child's pram to steal from his store went viral.

The worker was stood down from his position at the retailer on the Gold Coast after the car parts franchise conducted a review into the incident.

He has now taken a new job with local rivals Autobarn Burleigh Heads.

In the video, the woman was stopped over the contents of her pram - where she was apparently hiding three stolen items.

On Friday, the franchise issued a statement revealing the man who tried to stop the alleged thief has since decided to leave the company.

A Supercheap Auto employee has quit and taken a new job with a rival firm after an investigation into footage of him confronting an alleged thief (pictured) went viral

His departure came not long after Daily Mail Australia revealed he had been bombarded with job offers and was 'struggling' with his newfound fame.

'I can confirm that the team member involved in the incident has decided to leave the business,' a Supercheap Auto spokesman said in a statement.

'We are continuing to offer support for the team member.'

The statement said a 'comprehensive review' had been conducted into the incident - which occurred in April. It's understood the incident was reported to Queensland Police.

Supercheap Auto reiterated the company's policy that staff should not confront suspected shoplifters.

'These policies and standards, which prohibit confronting suspected shoplifters and physical contact with customers, are designed to protect our team members and customers,' the spokesman said.

Autobarn Burleigh Heads owner Michael Farrar (pictured) said the man has been 'struggling mentally' amid his ordeal

'We have extensive video surveillance in our stores and suspected cases of shoplifting are referred to the police with footage of the alleged offenders.

'The health, safety and wellbeing of our team members and customers is our highest priority and we are committed to maintaining a safe working and shopping environment.

'Our standards on health and safety are not just words on a page. They are central to the way we operate our business.'

The employee will be paid out in full following the incident.

Meanwhile, staff at Supercheap Auto have been emailed by managing director Benjamin Ward reminding them about 'the company's policies and standards on interacting with customers'.

Michael Farrar, who owns Autobarn in nearby Burleigh Heads, said the still-unnamed Supercheap Auto worker contacted him after he publicly offered him a job.

Mr Farrar said the worker admitted he has been 'struggling mentally' amid the turmoil with his employer and accidental internet fame.

The man has been in contact with Mr Farrar after the business owner offered him a position at Autobarn in Burleigh Heads (pictured)

Mr Farrar said he offered the man the position after being impressed by how he handled the situation.

He told the Gold Coast Bulletin: 'He didn't like how it all went down, but it'll be all good from now on. He starts next week, next Tuesday.'

Mr Farrar said his business had lost around $15,000 worth of goods over the past two years due to thieves.

'His actions showed to me that he is a loyal person and someone we would want on our team,' Mr Farrar said previously.

Dozens of people were threating to boycott the Supercheap Autos chain over the 'woke' decision.

'After watching the video it's crazy that Supercheap have stood him down after the commitment to them he demonstrated!'

The footage shows the frustrated employee grabbing the pram while the woman pretends there is a baby inside

How Supercheap Auto incident unfolded

Video shows the worker stopping the woman outside Supercheap Auto in Ashmore, on the Gold Coast, after she allegedly tried to flee with items stashed in the pram.

The video posted online last month showed the woman tightly gripping her decoy pram, pretending there was a baby inside, as she bickered with the employee.

The employee threatened to 'call the cops' if she didn't return the allegedly stolen items as the woman tried to move the stroller out of his reach.

'Let my baby go,' she screamed as the man took hold of its handles and looked inside.

'You haven't even got a baby in there,' the man calmly replied.

In footage of the altercation a large cardboard box falls from the woman's pram onto the pavement (pictured)

'Don't touch my baby,' the woman screamed again as the employee noticed a box stowed inside the pram that was covered with a blanket.

'Oh there's a box in there!' the man cries in mock surprise.

The woman then seemingly gave up on her ploy and told the retail worker he could have 'the f**king motor'.

She pushed a large cardboard box out of the pram and onto the pavement for the man to collect before finally calling him a 'f**khead'.

A second video later posted online showed the woman barging him out of the way and storming off down the carpark, away from the automotive supplies store.

Queensland Police said detectives were unaware of any complaints made about the incident. The alleged thief then fled.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping called Russian President Vladimir Putin about how the Ukraine crisis should be resolved with Kyiv to stabilize the turmoil in Eastern Europe.

He added that a proper solution should support global security and peace broken by the US proxy war last Wednesday.

China - Russia Agreement

The heads of state exchanged views on how to reach an acceptable and responsible solution, remarked the Chinese foreign ministry, reported SCMP.

Xi told his counterpart that Beijing wants world peace and stable economic order. After nearly four months after Russia invaded Ukraine, the global economy is suffering from energy and food prices bolstered by the war. Russians concentrating on Ukraine's eastern Donbas region prompts Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to ask the West to boost its assistance because of huge losses.

Beijing never supported sanctions against Russia but snubbed Joe Biden's threats to stop propping up Putin, even as western pressure amounts to nothing. Xi told Putin that bilateral ties are better for development despite inconsistencies of the West, cited Naija. He stated that Beijing would help with Russia's sovereignty and security concerns and work on strategic cooperation.

China will boost coordination and communication with Russia in organizations like the UN, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Also, promote solidarity and collaboration among emerging economies and developing nations, noted China Daily.

The Chinese leader and Vladimir Putin want a global order that is fairer and more reasonable than the present one, where the US is pushing its fading hegemony as one of the reasons for the Ukraine crisis.

Read Also: Xi Jinping: 5 Things To Know About China's President

Putin will back up Beijing and the new Global Security Initiative; he said the US constantly interferes in China's affairs in Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

US Pushes Opposition to China

The western alliance tries to pressure Beijing to condemn Moscow's special operation in Ukraine but ignores the demand. By boosting trade only angered the US seeking more nations to support it.

Putin met Xi in the Chinese capital last February, a few weeks before actually sending Russian troops into Ukraine, and the leaders proclaimed their countries had a partnership without limits. Xi reiterated in both phone calls that China's position on Ukraine resulted from an independent assessment of the situation.

On Wednesday, Xi said that trade and economic cooperation between the two countries were making steady progress.

Energy is a crucial collaboration area; in the first four months of this year, Russia's natural gas pipeline exports to China rose by 60%. The opening of the border bridge on the Amur River or Heilongjiang in China a week ago is a big move. During the bridge opening that links Russia's Blagoveshchensk to China's Heihe, the Chinese Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua stressed overall cooperation with Moscow.

This call between the two leaders was on the 69th birthday of Xi Jinping, and they consider themselves good friends. Xi Jinping stressed that Vladimir Putin should responsibly resolve the Ukraine crisis to stabilize the negative condition brought about by it, but China stands with Russia.

Related Article: US Officials Pressures European Nations To Challenge China

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Shocking footage has emerged of three police officers tasering a woman in the middle of a busy shopping mall.

Police were called to Rundle Mall, in Adelaide's CBD, about 11.30am on Thursday to reports a woman was wandering around with a knife.

A video posted online showed the officers surrounding the women with taser guns and screaming at her to 'get down' as she ranted at them.

The woman, who did not appear to be holding anything in her hands, then jumped towards them with a tensed fist, prompting the officers to fire.

The taser hit the woman in the chest and she dropped to the ground, clutching her arm as she writhed in pain before one of the officers demanded her to roll onto her stomach.

The clip ended with the woman lying on her stomach, arguing with the cops after they asked her to put out her arms.

Shocking footage shows a woman being tasered by police in Adelaide's CBD on Thursday

South Australia Police said the incident unfolded when the mall's security staff approached the woman and she allegedly pulled out a knife and threatened them.

'Security followed her into the mall and contacted police,' SA Police said.

'Members of SAPOLs Security Response Section were quickly on scene and subdued the woman using a taser.'

Police allege the woman had a 'box cutter and two pairs of scissors' with her when she was arrested.

The 36-year-old woman from Blackwood was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital where she will be assessed.

On her release, she is expected to be charged with carrying an offensive weapon and assault.
Tory MPs have called on Harriet Harman to consider her position on a committee which will investigate Boris Johnson over Partygate after tweets emerged of her accusing him of lying.

Labours former deputy leader was confirmed on Tuesday night to take over from Chris Bryant on the House of Commons privileges committee.

Mr Bryant was chairman of the committee and Miss Harman is now the frontrunner to take over from him, giving her huge influence over the probe into whether Mr Johnson misled the Commons over Partygate.

Tory MPs have called on Harriet Harman to consider her position on a committee which will investigate Boris Johnson over Partygate after tweets emerged of her accusing him of lying

But Conservative MPs say tweets she sent in April  which are highly critical of the PM  mean she should not become chairman, as she is at risk of prejudging Mr Johnson before the work of the committee has started.

Miss Harman sent three messages on Twitter on April 12, including one in which she said that if the PM and Chancellor Rishi Sunak accepted a fine for a lockdown breaking party then they are also admitting that they misled the House of Commons.

In one entry, she commented on a survey which found that while 75 per cent of people thought Johnson had knowingly lied about breaching Covid-19 rules, only 57 per cent said he should quit.

She asked: Whats with those who say the PM knowingly lied but dont think he should quit? Are our standards so low?

In another Twitter entry that same day, Harman commented on a post by former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell, who had written: They broke their own emergency laws. They lied. Repeatedly. They trashed the ministerial code.

Miss Harman wrote: And not just any old laws but those which were essential to protect even more people getting infected. These were laws to save lives that they broke!

Miss Harman is now the frontrunner to take over the committee, giving her huge influence over the probe into whether Boris Johnson (pictured) misled the Commons over Partygate

In a third Twitter message about possible fines for Johnson and Sunak, Miss Harman said that if PM and CX [Chancellor] admit guilt, accepting that police right that they breached regs, then they are also admitting that they misled the House of Commons. Or are they going to challenge?

Backbencher Sir Bill Cash said Miss Harman ought to reconsider her position.

He said: The fact that she accused him of lying in public puts her in the same position as anybody else who prejudges a person before they sit in judgment on them. And that is fatal.

Former Lord Chancellor Sir Robert Buckland said: As a lawyer, Harriet Harman is someone who values due process above everything else, and I am sure she would want to reflect very carefully about any potential impact of Tweets she has issued that in any way suggest that she is biased.

Another Tory, Craig MacKinlay, said: Even if a member of a district council planning committee had expressed views amounting to predetermination they would be rightly expected to recuse themselves from any planning decisions.

We are talking about something more serious so I think Harriet Harman should consider recusing herself from this committee.

The committee is expected to scrutinise Johnsons changing story about whether there were parties in Downing Street and trawl WhatsApp groups and internal emails to see what advice Johnson received before he made those statements.

If the committee finds Johnson misled the House of Commons he could be suspended for several days.
Boris Johnson is drawing up a 1billion plan to insulate hundreds of thousands more homes before winter in a bid to ease the cost of living crisis and shore up his tottering premiership.

The Tory leader has requested moving the huge funds from the Public Sector Decarbonisation scheme, which centres on improving the energy efficiency of schools, hospitals and other public buildings, to focus on insulating poorer households instead.

Dubbed the 'Great Britain Insulation Scheme', ministers could also divert money from the 450million boiler upgrade scheme that subsidises heat pumps.

The money taken will be used to top up the 'energy company obligation', which funds energy-efficiency measures for poorer households.

It has also been reported that eligibility for the scheme could be expanded to support middle-income households, if people are willing to make a contribution.

However, there are concerns about making changes to the energy-efficiency scheme at such short notice - and there are questions over whether it will apply to devolved administrations.

The PM wants the Public Sector Decarbonisation scheme to focus on insulating poorer households instead

According to The Times, one No10 official suggested the scheme could be called 'insulate Britain', before it was pointed out that is the same name as the environmental protest group that has caused widespread disruption.

More than 3.5million improvements, including loft insulation in 2.4million properties, have been installed by the energy company obligation scheme since 2013. Household gas demand has also reduced by 20%.

Energy companies administer the scheme, which is paid for by a levy on customer bills.

The announcement of the new energy company obligation scheme, which is due to run from 2022 to 2026, has already been delayed by the Government.

The necessary legislation has not been put to Parliament for a new scheme yet, despite consultations on one taking place last year. The most recent scheme ran out at the end of March.

For this winter, ministers want to double the 200,000 homes insulated a year.

A Government source told the newspaper: 'Its not as sexy as a new nuclear power station but its much cheaper and very effective.'

Boris Johnsonis focussing on the cost-of-living crisis as he attempts to shore up his position in Downing Street

Tory MP Chris Skidmore, who founded the Net Zero support group, said it was vital to prioritise schemes that reduced energy use, especially people who struggled to afford the increased cost.

He said: 'The fastest and simplest way to tackle the cost of living crisis is to invest in insulation which has the potential to save 150-400 off energy bills - an investment to permanently bring down bills year after year.'

Energy supplier E.On has argued that the failure to back insulation projects 'condemns thousands more customers to living in cold and draughty homes, wasting energy and paying more than they need'.

Labour plans to insulate two million houses within a year to cut bills and the reliance on Russian gas. It has said that it would introduce a 60billion scheme to save households 400 a year.
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Migrants landing on Britain's shores have said they will refuse to board Priti Patel's deportation flights to Rwanda, amid fears the policy will not deter people from crossing the Channel after European judges sensationally blocked the inaugural flight to east Africa.

A family of six migrants including four children today arrived in Dover this morning, with more expected throughout the day after dozens of migrants landed in Dungeness overnight and nearly 680 made the journey from France in the past two days.

Suleiman, an Afghan in his 20s who fled the Taliban and travelled through Iran and Turkey to get to the UK to join his brother in London, said the policy would not discourage would-be migrants from attempting to reach the UK.

The influx is thought to be due to low winds, calm waters and clear skies - but is likely to be viewed in some circles as evidence that the Government's flagship migrant policy is failing to deter crossings.

Yesterday, more than 230 migrants were brought ashore at Dover - the day after 444 people arrived in Dungeness, Dover and Ramsgate in 11 small boats on the biggest day of crossings this year since April 14, when 562 landed on British shores, official figures show.

Suleiman told The Times: 'I am not worried [about being sent to Rwanda] because I have family here so I should join my family. We came from Afghanistan. We came all the way through Iran and Turkey and some other countries and now we reach here to have our rights.'

It comes as the total number of migrants arriving by small boat across the Channel this year almost hits 11,000, Ministry of Defence figures show.

As ministers consider ignoring future injunctions from the European Court of Human Rights amid fury over its role in blocking the first migrant flight to Rwanda:

Attorney General Suella Braverman refused to rule out Britain quitting the ECHR, saying the public had voted to 'take back control of our borders';

Tory MPs lined up to call for full withdrawal from the ECHR, with one branding its intervention 'despicable';

Miss Patel blasted the secrecy of the European Court, which has yet to provide the Home Office with the full grounds for its bombshell decision;

Ministers voiced anger at the Court's refusal to identify the judge involved in Tuesday night's case amid rumours the decision may have been taken by a Russian judge;

Hundreds more migrants crossed the Channel in small boats, with some even landing in Devon;

Migrants who were due to be on Tuesday night's Rwanda flight were told they will be tagged so they can be removed at a later date;

Boris Johnson accused Labour of being 'on the side of the people traffickers' after it savaged the Rwanda policy but failed to produce an alternative.

A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent today

A female migrant is pictured carrying a small child as they land in Dover, Kent today

Border Force officials escort dozens of migrants to Dover in Kent today as the Channel crisis persists

UK officials accompany a group of migrants as they land in Dover, Kent this morning

Migrants wearing blankets and masks are taken ashore in Dover, Kent today as the Channel crisis continues

UK officials help migrants wearing masks and lifejackets ashore in Dover, Kent today

A woman holding a child at Dungeness lifeboat station shortly before midnight

A UK official guides migrants, including a man, woman and small child, wrapped in blankets at Dungeness last night

A migrant carrying a baby is pictured getting onto a bus after arriving at Dungeness lifeboat station last night

UK officials guide a large group of migrants who landed in Dungeness in Kent last night

UK officials search a female migrant after landing at Dungeness in Kent last night

The RNLI brought a large group of migrants to shore in Dungeness, Kent last night

Timeline of defeat: How the first flight to Rwanda failed to take off Tuesday was meant to mark the first flight of the Government's much-vaunted Rwanda resettlement scheme for UK asylum seekers. At the start of the day, just seven names remained of the 130 on the original passenger list after a series of legal challenges. So how did the day unfold? 12.42pm - The Supreme Court rejected an appeal over a judge's refusal to call off the removal of an asylum seeker due to be deported. 2.05pm - The first of four appeals before the High Court was rejected by Lord Justice Swift. 2.30pm - The second and third asylum seekers' appeals were also refused at the High Court by Lord Swift. 3.30pm - The Prime Minister admits it may be 'necessary to change some laws' in an interview with Sky News to allow the Rwanda resettlement scheme. 4.30pm - A fourth asylum seeker's claim is also rejected at the High Court by Lord Swift. 4.35pm - A Boeing 767 aircraft is spotted on the runway at MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire. 4.40pm - Rwanda government spokeswoman Yolande Maloki defends the resettlement scheme in a press conference and insists it is not a punishment. 6.10pm - Protesters from 'Stop Deportations!' block the exit routes from Colnbrook Immigration Detention Centre in Heathrow. 6.40pm - In a decisive turning point, the European Court of Human Rights passes an injunction preventing a 54-year-old Iraqi man from being transferred on the flight. 6.55pm - Around five Home Office vans are spotted at MoD Boscombe Down. 7.20pm - Speculation mounts whether the flight will go ahead after the ECHR's ruling. 7.45pm - Demonstrators gather at the front of Mod Boscombe Down waving banners. 9.30pm - There are reports of just three asylum seekers on the plane, which was due to take off shortly. 10pm - Reports emerge that there is just one asylum seeker left on the plane amid confusion over whether it will depart. 10.10pm - The final asylum seeker is removed from the Boeing 767 aircraft, at which point it is announced the flight has been cancelled. Advertisement

The majority of people brought ashore in Dover on Wednesday were men aged from their late teens to their 30s or 40s but there was also a number of women and young children. The countries of origin of the people coming ashore included Afghanistan, Iraq and Egypt.

Elsewhere, a dozen migrants were believed to have arrived at Slapton Sands in Devon just after 7am. Devon and Cornwall police received reports of a speedboat carrying 12 migrants landing on the beach and being taken to two people carriers that immediately left the area. A spokesman for the force said no arrests had been made and that those who landed on the beach had yet to have been located.

Justice Secretary Dominic Raab is examining whether ministers could simply disregard last-minute rulings from the Strasbourg court in cases which have already been considered by British judges.

Home Secretary Priti Patel was granted permission to go ahead with the inaugural removal flight to Rwanda this week by both London's High Court and Court of Appeal. The UK's Supreme Court also considered the case and refused to intervene.

But the flight was dramatically cancelled shortly before it was due to take off on Tuesday evening following the late-night intervention by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

A Government source last night noted that injunctions from the court are 'not binding'  and pointed out that many signatories to the European Convention on Human Rights routinely turn a blind eye to the court's rulings.

'Pulling out of the ECHR completely would be a massive call, but there is scope for looking again at how we treat out-of-hours injunctions from Strasbourg,' the source said.

'People talk about the UK's role in creating the court after the War and that is right. But the way that charter has been interpreted in recent years has become very elastic and taken it a long way from its original aims.'

The Home Secretary yesterday said she was 'disappointed and surprised' by Strasbourg's decision to overrule British courts but told MPs it was 'inevitable' there would be legal challenges to the policy.

One Cabinet source described the court's intervention as 'maddening'.

Miss Patel last night vowed to press ahead with the Rwanda policy  and revealed a series of further flights are already in the planning stages.

But it is understood no final decision will be made on booking a new flight until the full implications of the Strasbourg ruling are made clear. It remains unknown whether the 11th-hour ruling is broad enough to bar all migrants from being removed.

Last night Government lawyers were examining whether some people  such as those who do not claim to have suffered ill-treatment in their home countries  would not be covered by the ECHR injunction's terms and could still be put on a plane to Kigali.

In an apparent reference to the campaign groups and human rights lawyers who have brought repeated legal actions, Miss Patel told MPs that 'the usual suspects' had set out to 'thwart' the plan.

She criticised the 'very opaque' ruling by the ECHR late on Tuesday night which led to the inaugural flight being aborted.

It is understood a number of migrants were already aboard a chartered Boeing 767 at the Ministry of Defence air base at Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, when the flight was abandoned.

Miss Patel also attacked 'mobs' who staged a blockade of the A4 at Colnbrook immigration removal centre, near Heathrow, in an attempt to stop migrants being removed.

A string of Tory MPs yesterday called for the Government to withdraw from the ECHR entirely.

Sir Desmond Swayne told Miss Patel: 'We are going to have to grasp the nettle and extend the provision of taking back control to the ECHR.'

UK officials help migrants take off lifejackets at Dover Marina in Kent today

Migrants wearing blankets and masks ride a Border Force vessel at Dover Marina in Kent today

Boris Johnson and Priti Patel's Rwanda migrant policy has been dealt a blow by European judges this week

Crew members board the Rwanda deportation flight EC-LZO Boeing 767 at Boscombe Down Air Base, on June 14, 2022

A private charter jet (believed to be empty of passengers) leaves MoD Boscombe Down on June 14, 2022

Protesters gathered outside Colnbrook Immigration Detention Centre in Heathrow and lay on the ground in an effort to halt Tuesday's first flight transporting UK asylum seekers to Rwanda

What is the European Court of Human Rights? Is it linked to the EU and why does the UK have to abide by its decisions? What is the European Court of Human Rights? The European Court of Human Rights is an international court set up in 1959 to rule on individual or state applications alleging violations of the civil and political rights set out in the European Convention on Human Rights. Its judgments are binding on the 46 Council of Europe member states that have ratified the Convention. What is the difference between the Council of Europe and the European Union? The Council of Europe is the continent's leading human rights organisation, while the European Union is an economic and political partnership. While Brexit represented the UK's departure from the European Union, it is still a member of the Council of Europe and therefore bound to the European Court and European Convention on Human Rights. What is the European Convention on Human Rights? The European Convention on Human Rights was developed amid World War Two to ensure that governments would never again be allowed to dehumanise and abuse people's rights with impunity. It came into full effect in 1953 and intends to serve as a simple and flexible roundup of universal rights, which could be adapted over time. Articles listed in the Convention include the right to a fair trial, right to liberty and security, and the prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. Advertisement

Rother Valley MP Alexander Stafford urge the Home Secretary to press ahead with the policy 'despite this despicable ruling from the foreign European Court of Justice'.

Former No 10 aide Danny Kruger told a Tory MPs' WhatsApp group: 'Ultimately we do need to leave [the] ECHR or renegotiate to return to the original limited concept of human rights as drafted by Conservative Brit lawyers in the 50s to give post Nazi Europe the same rights and liberties as UK had enjoyed for centuries.'

Stoke MP Jonathan Gullis said: 'The ECHR has no place in the UK judicial system. The Government needs to free itself from it entirely.'

According to the European Implementation Network, which monitors the effectiveness of the court, almost half of its judgments in the last decade are yet to be complied with by member states.

The UK is one of the top performers, complying with 80 per cent of judgments, compared with 72 per cent for France, 63 per cent for Germany and just 39 per cent for Spain.

Russia has implemented only 10 per cent of the court's rulings in the last decade, while Azerbaijain has followed just three per cent.

But there were signs yesterday that a full withdrawal from the ECHR would split the Tory Party.

Downing Street left the door open to the move, saying 'all options are on the table'.

And Mrs Braverman told the BBC: 'We are considering our response in relation to that decision, but more broadly we are definitely open to assessing all options available as to what our relationship should be going forward with the [ECHR].'

But pensions minister Guy Opperman said leaving the ECHR was 'not policy' and 'not something I will be advocating for'.

Former justice secretary Robert Buckland added: 'I don't think it's right for us, as a party, to abandon our historic commitments to the European convention. It was British Conservative lawyers who wrote it after the war.'

Government sources expressed deep concern that authorities at Strasbourg had yet to reveal which judge ruled on the case.

The court is one of the few European institutions to retain links with Russia, despite its pariah status in the wake of the Putin's bloody Ukraine war.

Moscow's representative on the judicial panel, Mikhail Lobov, is understood to still be hearing cases at the court.

It also emerged yesterday that London's Court of Appeal issued injunctions barring the removal of three migrants in the wake of the Strasbourg case.

Senior UK judges ruled earlier this week that the legality of the Rwanda deal will be decided by a full judicial review, expected to be heard by the end of next month.
A senior ISIS leader and bomb-maker has been captured in northern Syria after a daring helicopter raid that ended in a gun battle.

US-led coalition forces said Thursday they had captured the terrorist commander in a 'successful' raid in which none of their troops or civilians were hurt.

They did not give the name of the leader or location of the raid, but sources told US media the commander is Hani Ahmed Al-Kurdi and that he was captured in the village of Al-Humaira, close to the Turkish border.

The seven-minute raid passed off 'smoothly' with only a 'few' shots fired, observer group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

A senior ISIS leader - identified by US media as Hani Ahmed Al-Kurdi, or 'the governor of Raqqa' - has been captured after a raid on the village of Al-Humaira, close to Turkey

Officials gave little information about Al-Kurdi but told the Washington Post that he is also known as 'Wali of Raqqa', which translates to 'Governor of Raqqa'.

Raqqa, a city in north-central Syria, was known as the de-facto capital of ISIS's terror-state before it was taken by Kurdish-led coalition forces backed by the US in 2017.

Al-Kurdi is thought to be a bomb-maker who rose to become one of the terror group's most-influential leaders in Syria.

Major Youssef Hamoud, a spokesperson for the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army which controls the area where the raid took place, said it involved a Black Hawk and Chinook helicopter and was the first of its kind on SNA territory.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based observer group, said a gun battle then broke out between coalition troops and local militants hiding out in houses in the Aleppo countryside.

The gunmen eventually fled, allowing coalition troops to enter the target compound and seize Al-Kurdi, who is now in custody. His current whereabouts are unknown.

At the peak of its powers, ISIS controlled a swathe of territory spanning Syria and Iraq before being worn down by US-led alliances in both countries.

In Iraq, defeat came in the Battle of Mosul in 2017 when Iraqi army soldiers backed by Kurdish militias fought a months-long campaign to retake the city.

Raqqa was once the de-facto capital of ISIS's sham terror-state (pictured) before being recaptured by US-backed Kurdish-led coalition forces in 2017

In Syria, ISIS was wiped out when Kurdish coalition forces drove the last remaining fighters out of the town of Baghouz in the east of the country in March 2019.

Though ISIS has ceased to be a territorial power in Syria - now divided between Kurds, the Russian-backed government of Bashar al-Assad, and Turkish-backed forces along the border - the group still operates as a guerilla force in remote areas.

ISIS remains a threat to regional stability, carrying out deadly attacks in both Iraq and Syria through sleeper cells and maintains several affiliates in various countries.

The coalition has conducted raids in the past to take out leaders of the violent group, though excursions into areas held by rebel groups are rare.

In February, a raid deep into western Syria ended with the death of the group's leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi who blew himself up along with his wife and children to avoid capture as US forces closed in on his compound.

His predecessor, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, died similarly along with his family in 2019 by detonating a suicide vest in a tunnel in northwest Syria as a military operation unfolded during the Trump administration.

The IS group at the height of its power controlled more than 40,000 square miles stretching from Syria to Iraq and ruled over 8 million people.

Its attacks in the region included a major assault last month to seize a prison in northeast Syria holding at least 3,000 IS detainees.
A Christian school has been compared to 'a cult' after it emerged a transgender student attempted to commit suicide after being told by a staff member that 'God doesn't make mistakes'.

The comment was made to the victim by a staff member at Bethlehem College - a New Zealand school located in the North Island's Bay of Plenty region.

The school's teachers also rejected the student's preferred name and pronouns and didn't allow her to dress in the uniform of her preferred gender, according to Stuff.

A transgender student at Christian school Bethlehem College attempted commit suicide after being told by a staff member that 'God doesn't make mistakes'

LGBTQI activist, Shaneel Lal (pictured), said the school's policies contributed to sad statistics showing young gay people are 'five times' as likely to attempt suicide than non-gay people

The student was so traumatised they tried to end their life, but survived the attempt.

A prominent LGBTQI activist, Shaneel Lal, accused the school's policies of equating to 'a crime' and contributed to sad statistics showing young gay people are 'five times' as likely to attempt suicide than non-gay people.

Paul Shakes, chair of Bethlehem College board of trustees, said the school was 'wrestling' with how to provide 'care and protection'

They also claimed a horrific incident took place at the school in which 'homophobic' Bethlehem students chanted 'kill the gays' at classmates.

A friend of the family said the student was so upset the school refused to follow their wishes - and even continued to use the name they no longer identified with - that they self-harmed.

'The kid attempted to take her life as a result,' the family friend said.

The student also suffered ongoing mental health issues over the incidents.

Bethlehem College refused to comment on the attempted suicide but was reported to be using internal guidelines that force students to be named, wear uniforms and use toilets 'according to their biological sex'.

Paul Shakes, chair of Bethlehem College board of trustees, said the school was 'wrestling' with how to provide 'care and protection'.

He questioned whether 'as Christians' it is caring to allow students to dispute their biological gender.

'God's good purposes for us include our personal and physical design as male and female, and we believe that is, including from a scientific perspective, a perfectly reasonable belief to hold.'

Bethlehem College is investigating the events leading to the student's suicide attempt.

Prominent gay conversion therapy activist, Shaneel Lal, described the school as a 'cult' and said its guidelines are discriminatory and against the law.

'Bethlehem College admits that gender-affirming care for trans people is contrary to their beliefs and will attempt to stop trans students from getting affirming care.'

'Christians are not concerned about the well-being of children when they intentionally push her children into a life of pain, suffering, misery and death.

'Why do they hate us?

Bethlehem Colleges student enrolment agreement. pic.twitter.com/wAR3XoTJgF  Shaneel Lal  (They/Them) (@shaneellall) June 11, 2022

Lal said that the Bethlehem College's policies and guidelines amount to conversion therapy - which is illegal in New Zealand

Lal said that the school's policy amounted to conversion therapy - which is illegal in New Zealand.

They called on NZ's minister of education to 'stand against bigotry'.

Lal took also issue with Bethlehem College's student enrolment agreement which states that marriage was 'created by God' and between 'a man and a woman... for life'.

They claimed 'homophobic students chanted 'kill that gays' when the queer students try to participate in the international Day of Silence against bullying'.

For confidential 24-hour support in Australia call on 13 11 14.
A married man woke up naked in a strange room miles from his home with a stranger who had drugged and sexually assaulted him following a VIP night at a Chelsea nightclub, a trial has heard.

The alleged victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, said he felt 'really panicked' when he woke up to the stranger standing at the door following a night in west London nightclub Raffles.

He had gone on a night out with colleagues the previous evening, but had no recollection of how he ended up in the unfamiliar room and only a vague memory of waking up to a sliver of light breaking through the curtains.

Luiz Da Silva Neto, 35, is charged with drugging two men, potentially with sedatives GHB or GBL, before sexually assaulting them in November and December 2021.

He is accused of two counts of administering a substance with intent, two counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent and one count of kidnapping, rape and committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence at Oxford Crown Court.

The defendant, of Wandsworth, south London, denies the offences.

In police interview, the married man spoke of having a flash of memory that was like 'tunnel vision' in which a cup of 'dark brown liquid' was held to his lips.

He also had a 'hazy memory' of the drink being given to him while he was lying on his side, but could not pinpoint more details, the court heard.

The alleged victim said that, after he woke up, the stranger in the doorway spoke with a European accent and told him that a taxi was on its way to the property.

Luiz Da Silva Neto, 35, of Wandsworth, south London, is charged with drugging and sexually assaulting two men in November and December 2021

He told police: 'I just need to get out of here as soon as I can - that's all that I thought at the time.

'I did not recognise the person and just wanted to get out as as soon as I could without appearing panicked.'

He also recalled an 'overwhelming sense of panic and confusion' before he 'bolted out' the bed, gathered his clothes and left.

The voice of the man was said to be neither aggressive nor threatening, but 'normal in tone and slightly nervous', the married man said.

One the alleged victim left the house, he repeatedly zoomed in and out of the location map on his mobile phone, which showed him he was in Oxfordshire - miles from his home.

His phone was filled with messages from his worried wife, colleagues and friends.

He was 'quite distressed and upset', but could not recall full details of his 200 taxi ride home, the jury heard.

The incident allegedly took place after a night out with work colleagues, which began at a pub where he had consumed four or five beers, the court heard.

He also shared some win at dinner and had a cocktail.

His party of four then went onto the west London nightclub Raffles, where they sat at a VIP table with a minimum spend of 900 and shared a bottle of champagne and gin.

The last thing he could remember from being inside the nightclub was his colleagues saying they may be going home.

But the married man said he remembered feeling 'strange' and 'kind of wavy and as if your lips are not working' when he spoke to a doorman at the club.

The alleged victim had been enjoying a night out with work colleagues that ended at west London nightclub Raffles (pictured)

In police interview, he added: 'In my head I knew what I was trying to say but could not really speak.'

He continued: 'I drink frequently. I know when to stop, how much I can drink and to keep in control. I know how I feel with alcohol.'

The next day, he had a blood test and did not feel any soreness to suggest that something had happened.

Da Silva Neto told police that all sexual interactions between him and the two men were consensual, the court heard.

Giving evidence behind a curtain, the alleged victim told the court he did not recall meeting the defendant at a cashpoint or booking or cancelling a taxi on the night og the incident.

Merry van Woodenberg, defending Da Silva Neto, suggested that the man had been in a flat in Bayswater, west London, with a woman and the defendant in the early hours of the morning.

There was also a journey to Oxfordshire in which the married man had been 'sexually suggestive' towards a woman called Melissa, she said.

The alleged victim said he had no memory of Melissa, but did recall being given something to drink when he was at the house in Oxfordshire.

Ms van Woodenberg told him: 'It would be strange that you cannot remember any of your other movements on that night but you can remember that moment. I suggest it was not a true memory.'

The married man insisted it was a true memory, before Ms van Woodenberg later suggested he may have been 'out all night and slept with another woman'.

He replied: 'I would suggest that you are wrong and it's a reach.'

The trial continues.
The now-dead gunman who killed two Southern California police officers in a motel shootout Tuesday was on probation for a prior gun charge, it has been revealed.

The illegal handgun sentence was handed to 35 year-old career criminal Justin William Flores in 2021, as part of a lenient plea deal made possible by lax prosecution laws from the local DA.

Flores was killed during the confrontation with the cops Tuesday, which transpired after officers responded to a call of a stabbing at the Scenic Motel in El Monte, a small suburb within Los Angeles County.

What happened next remains unclear, but a source familiar with the matter said the officers, El Monte Police Cpl. Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana, came under fire after knocking on a door to one of the motels rooms.

El Monte Police Cpl. Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana died in the shootout, which cops said occurred just after 4:30 pm local time.

It has since been revealed that Flores possessed a lengthy rap sheet for offenses stretching back more than a decade at the time of the shooting, and had been prohibited from carrying a gun since 2011.

The case has subsequently sparked outrage, with many criticizing Los Angeles' district attorney George Gascon for woke policies that saw Flores out of jail at the time of the shooting.

The illegal handgun sentence was handed to 35 year-old Justin William Flores in 2021, as part of a lenient plea deal made possible by lax prosecution laws from the local DA

El Monte Police Cpl. Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana died in the shootout, which cops said occurred Tuesday just after 4:30 pm local time

Last year, Flores - already on parole for pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, a felony charge that law enforcement sources said should have sent him back to prison for a minimum of three years.

However, because of Gascon - who was sworn into office in late 2020 as part of a wave of woke prosecutors who vowed to seek alternatives to incarceration - he received the bare minimum sentence of two years probation, and 20 days' jail time.

The plea deal also saw prosecutors drop drug charges against Flores, who was accused of possessing methamphetamine, as well as ammunition for the illegal handgun.

Flores served the 20 days in early 2021, and was out on the street by February of that year, court records reveal.

What's more, the day before the shooting, Flores was requested by his parole officer to appear in court due to a probation violation incurred after his girlfriend reported he had assaulted her last week,

Flores, however, was not taken into custody.

The hearing was set for June 27, court records show.

Los Angeles' district attorney George Gascon has been slammed as 'radical' and 'soft on crime' after it was revealed that Justin William Flores, who killed two police officers on Tuesday, was out on probation for a gun charge at the time due to his policies

Asked why Flores wasnt arrested on the violation Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Probation Department told DailyMail.com the agency was 'currently investigating the matter further.'

The sentence is in accordance with the policies of Gascon, who has been vocal about his belief that the criminal justice system needs to focus more on intervention and rehabilitation than incarceration, blasting 'tough on crime' policies as racist and a failure.

He was was recently taken to task by a state appeals court over his refusal to prosecute three-strike cases, a law that seeks to impose harsher sentences on individuals who have been convicted of certain felonies three times.

The law allowed Flores - who was facing his third strike - to plead no contest and receive a light sentence despite having a previous gun strike on his criminal record.

Flores' first strike stems from a conviction for burglarizing his grandparent's home more than a decade ago.

Sources in the district attorney's office told Fox News that if Flores had been prosecuted prior to Gascon's implementation of the policy in February 2021, he would likely have been hit with the full three years for the gun charge.

Flores was killed during the confrontation with the cops, which transpired after they responded to a call of a stabbing at the Scenic Motel (pictured) in El Monte, a suburb in LA

When asked about the sentence Wednesday, Gascon's office defended the decision not to hand Flores a harsher sentence.

'The sentence he received in the firearm case was consistent with case resolutions for this type of offense given his criminal history and the nature of the offense,' a spokesperson said in a statement.

'At the time the court sentenced him, Mr. Flores did not have a documented history of violence.'

Flores previously served two prison stints for burglary and car theft, and had been barred from carrying a gun since 2011.

Meanwhile, law enforcement sources told NBC that the Flores was so notorious in the neighborhood, that at least one of the two slain officers would have likely recognized Flores on sight and by name.

Gascon has since been slammed as 'radical' and 'soft on crime' by conservatives and fed-up liberals for the oversight.

A makeshift memorial for El Monte Police officers Corporal Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana is displayed in front of El Monte City Hall in El Monte, Calif., on Wednesday

Republican Senator Ted Cruz slammed Gascon, tweeting: 'Officers Paredes and Santana gave their lives in the service of their fellow citizens. It is outrageous the murderer was not in jail due to the reckless actions of George Gascon, a radical, soft-on-crime, Soros-backed DA.'

Lawyer Kurt Schlichter tweeted: 'Gascon flat out murdered those guys.'

In response to Gascon tweeting his 'heartfelt condolences' to the families of the murdered officers, a Twitter user wrote: 'Your condolences won't bring back the lives you're responsible for losing, nor will your condolences cover the payout these families will surely get from LA County. We, the tax payers, will be paying for that.'

One user tweeted: 'If I were you I would save this tweet as a template so you could just edit the police department name if you're going to keep dumping into our society these dangerous criminals. Sending condolences is part of the failure of your administration.'

Another tweeted: 'The killer was on probation after a plea deal with you for felon with a firearm. He went on to do this.'

It comes as Gascon faces a second recall effort in less than a year to remove him from office over his controversial policies.

Last May, Gascon's opponents organized the first, ill-fated recall effort to oust him from office.

Despite garnering more than 200,000 signatures from LA citizens in a matter of months, the campaign fell short in October, failing to amass the needed 580,000 LA County voters needed to remove Gascon.

A rash of 'flash mob'-style robberies, assaults and shootings since the have only made matters worse for Gascon, with a second recall effort launched against the DA on Monday.

The renewed recall attempt has been spurred by the string of smash-and-grab attacks and brazens shootouts, which have seen a variety of high-end retailers in the city relentlessly ransacked and hundreds dead this year.

People are being killed in the famously progressive county at a faster pace than 2021, when homicides hit a 15-year high.

So far this year, LA has seen 162 slayings - 9 more than the same time last year.

Assaults are also up nearly 5 percent from 2021, with police so far recording 8779 incidents.

Robberies, meanwhile, are up my a more marked 22 percent.

The case has sparked outrage, with many criticizing DA Gascon for being soft on criminals with his woke policies - and those policies meant Flores was not in jail at the time of the shooting

Flores' wife said her husband had previously attacked her and she warned Paredes and Santana that he had a gun inside a motel when they responded to a report of a stabbing.

Diana Flores said he had attacked her two days ago and she had moved into the motel to escape him but he tracked her down.

'I am so deeply sorry, my deepest condolences for saving me, I'm so, so, so sorry,' Diana tearfully told KCBS-TV. 'They didn't deserve that, or their families. They really didn't. They were trying to help me and I told them before they went in the room, "Don't go in. He has a gun."'

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that flags at the state Capitol will be flown at half-staff in their honor.

Paredes and Santana - one on the force for more than two decades and the other for just months - were both were raised in and worked for the city of El Monte, a suburb of 107,000 people in the San Gabriel Valley.

They became only the third and fourth officers in the El Monte Police Department's history to die in the line of duty. A vigil is scheduled for Saturday.

Mourners on Wednesday left bouquets, wreaths of flowers and candles outside the El Monte police station to honor the fallen officers.

Family members of El Monte Police Officer Michael Paredes grieve at a makeshift memorial for him and Officer Joseph Santana at El Monte City Hall and police station on Wednesday

Family members of El Monte Police Officer Michael Paredes grieve at a makeshift memorial for him and Officer Joseph Santana at El Monte City Hall on Wednesday

A woman touches a picture of officer Joseph Santana at a makeshift memorial outside the El Monte City Hall and police station on Wednesday

The county's probation department declined to comment and Flores' attorney in the case did not return a request for comment on Wednesday. But the Los Angeles Times reported that Flores had violated his probation, triggering the return to court.

Few details have emerged about what occurred during Tuesday's violence. The officers went to the Siesta Inn in El Monte, east of Los Angeles, around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, for a welfare check where a woman had possibly been stabbed.

The officers 'confronted the suspect,' Los Angeles County sheriff's homicide Capt. Andrew Meyer said Tuesday.

Gunfire erupted inside a motel room and the gunman then fled into the parking lot, where more gunfire was exchanged, Meyer said.

Meyer said he didn't know whether the officers were shot inside the motel or outside. They died at a hospital. A gun was found at the scene.

Meyer said investigators were interviewing a woman from the hotel who they believe was the suspect's girlfriend. Diana Flores, who described herself as the suspect's wife and had his first name tattooed on her chest, told KCBS that officers must have been reacting to a 'false call' because she hadn't been stabbed on Tuesday.

'I got stabbed the day before that,' she told the TV station.

The incident will likely see more criticism directed at Gascon, who is currently facing a recall over his policies. On Wednesday, the recall campaign said they had collected the number of signatures needed to proceed with a vote to move forward with the recall.

Police and emergency responders on the scene at the Siesta Inn in El Monte, east LA at 4.45pm yesterday after two cops were shot and killed

Paredes started as a cadet in the department before becoming a full-time officer in 2000, according to a news release. He is survived by his wife, daughter and son.

Santana had been with the El Monte force for less than a year when he was killed. He previously served as a deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for three years, the news release stated.

This tragic loss hits close to home for us,' the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department wrote on Twitter. 'He was a great partner and loved by all who knew him.'

Santana also worked as a part-time public works employee for El Monte for six years before turning to law enforcement. He is survived by his wife, daughter and twin sons.

El Monte interim Police Chief Ben Lowry on Tuesday called the officers heroes.

'These two men were loved,' Lowry said. 'They were good men. They paid the ultimate sacrifice, serving their community trying to help somebody.'

'They were murdered by a coward and we are grieving, and that hurts,' he said.

El Monte Mayor Jessica Ancona said the officers died 'while trying to keep a family safe.'

The killings came just one day after a California Highway Patrol officer was shot and critically wounded during a traffic stop in the Studio City area of Los Angeles.

The 27-year-old officer is expected to recover, authorities said. A bloodhound helped police track down the suspect, who surrendered to police Tuesday in a homeless encampment in the San Fernando Valley.
Dr. Web researchers discovered a half-dozen mobile applications in Google's Play Store that are really distributing information stealers apps with over two million downloads between them.

The researchers discovered five malicious apps, including PIP Pic Camera Photo Editor, a rogue program that pretends to be image-editing software and has over a million downloads. It takes people's Facebook credentials in fact, according to Tech Radar.

Apps Available in Google Play Store May Steal Personal Data

These applications were still available for download on the Play Store at the time of publication, and based on the reviews on the app repository, users aren't thrilled with them.

Aside from these five apps, the researchers discovered four others that are no longer available to the general public, including a racing game, an app that promises free access to Only Fans, a fake state compensation app for the Russian-speaking community, and a fake state compensation app for the Russian-speaking community.

These applications have been downloaded tens of thousands of times, proving that such deceptive tactics are still successful in obtaining personal information from many unknowing victims. However, some of the applications are still accessible for download on the Play Store, awaiting Google's recognition of their dangerous nature and removal, as per Gizchina.

Also included below is a list of potentially harmful Android apps that were discovered by SecneurX but never made it into the Play Store. As a result, the number of people affected is substantially less, given that they must be downloaded from external sources to be installed:

Fast PDF Scanner

Air Balloon Wallpaper

Thug Photo Editor

Anime Wallpaper

Peace SMS

Happy Photo Collage

Original Messenger

Pellet Messages

Colorful Messenger

Smart Keyboard

Special Photo Editor

4K Wallpapers

Read Also: Bitcoin Crash: Market Mayhem Leads to Major Drop in Crypto Prices

DOJ Moves To Eradicate Malware

Officials believe the trend indicates a greater embrace of tough and imaginative measures for tackling a spike in cyberattacks. The Justice Department is increasingly requesting and gaining authorization to surreptitiously reach into Americans' computers to eradicate malware.

Botnets, which are armies of hijacked computers that are used to fuel anything from email spam campaigns to denial-of-service assaults that knock down websites, are a huge danger to internet security. Over the last year, federal prosecutors and FBI agents have stepped up their efforts to combat botnets and malware outbreaks by uninstalling bad programs from infected computers without the knowledge or consent of their owners.

Per Politico via MSN, in an interview at the RSA cybersecurity conference in San Francisco, Adam Hickey, a deputy assistant attorney general for national security, stated, "We have become more comfortable as a government taking that step."

In April, US officials deleted malware from hacked computers used to run a Russian intelligence agency's botnet, stopping the botnet's administrators from transmitting orders to the thousands of infected machines.

The Justice Department used an even more extensive version of the same technology a year ago to send orders to hundreds of machines throughout the country running Microsoft's Exchange email program, eradicating spyware placed by Chinese government agents and other hackers.

Related Article: Bill Gates Mocks Crypto, NFT Trend Amid Bitcoin Price Crash: It's "100% Based on Greater Fool Theory"

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Boris Johnson is facing demands for answers today after his sleaze chief dramatically quit despite hanging on through Partygate and a series of other scandals.

Lord Geidt's surprise departure came days after an appearance before MPs in which he suggested he had decided against walking out. And he is said to have told Mr Johnson he wanted to stay on for another six months.

Mysteriously, the peer's resignation letter was not released, with only a brief statement confirming his decision last night. Cabinet Office minister Michael Ellis confirmed in a statement to the Commons that the exchange of letters will be published shortly, describing the exit as 'disappointing'.

In a round of interviews this morning, Deputy PM Dominic Raab insisted he did not know why Lord Geidt - a former private secretary to the Queen - had chosen to go. But he pointed to the 'rough grilling' he experienced at the hands of a Commons committee this week, and said the peer had also recently been asked to advise on 'a commercially sensitive matter in the national interest'.

It means that Mr Johnson is looking for his third ethics adviser in barely 18 months, with questions over who will be willing to take on the poisoned chalice now.

Mr Raab said Downing Street will give a 'further full update' later. But opposition politicians demanded to see the exchange of letters between the premier and Lord Geidt, speculating it could be 'incriminating'.

A short statement released on the Government's website confirmed Lord Geidt (right) will leave his role as the Prime Minister's Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests

Cabinet Office minister Michael Ellis confirmed in a statement to the Commons that the exchange of letters will be published shortly, describing the exit as 'disappointing'

In a round of interviews this morning, Deputy PM Dominic Raab insisted he did not know why Lord Geidt - a former private secretary to the Queen - had chosen to go

There had been weeks of speculation about Lord Geidt's future following the Partygate scandal

Harriet Harman under pressure over tweets Tory MPs have called on Harriet Harman to quit a panel probing the Prime Minister over Partygate after it emerged she had accused him of lying. Labour's former deputy leader is to replace Chris Bryant on the Commons privileges committee. One of three tweets she sent on April 12 said that if the Prime Minister and Chancellor Rishi Sunak accepted a Covid fine 'then they are also admitting that they misled' the Commons. She also wrote: 'These were laws to save lives that they broke!' Backbencher Sir Bill Cash said Miss Harman 'ought to reconsider her position'. Former Lord Chancellor Sir Robert Buckland advised that she 'reflect very carefully' on tweets suggesting 'she is biased'. Advertisement

Mr Raab told Sky News: 'First of all, he'd been engaged with the Prime Minister in Number 10 this week and discussing staying on for six months.

'My understanding was that he was committed to the role.

'I think he had a pretty rough grilling by MPs this week, I think sometimes we in the media and as politicians maybe underestimate how civil servants feel with that kind of scrutiny.

'And thirdly there was a particular issue, a commercially sensitive matter in the national interest, which he was asked to look at.

'I don't know which aspect of this  there will be an update from Number 10 later.'

When asked why the Government has not published Lord Geidt's resignation letter, he said: 'I don't know whether there's a full letter', adding that the adviser will be replaced 'as soon as possible'.

In a terse statement uploaded to the Government's website last night, Lord Geidt said: 'With regret, I feel that it is right that I am resigning from my post as independent adviser on ministers' interests.'

A No 10 source said the move came as a 'total surprise' to Mr Johnson, and claimed that as late as Monday, Lord Geidt had asked if he could stay on for another six months.

Lord Geidt becomes the second independent adviser on ministers' interests to resign during Mr Johnson's tenure as Prime Minister. Sir Alex Allan quit in 2020 after Mr Johnson refused to accept his finding that Home Secretary Priti Patel had bullied civil servants.

On Tuesday, Lord Geidt refused to deny that he considered resigning over the Prime Minister's response to being fined for attending a party in Downing Street during lockdown.

And he accepted that it was 'reasonable' to suggest the PM may have breached the Ministerial Code as a result of being issued with a fixed penalty notice by the Metropolitan Police.

'I think it's reasonable to say that perhaps a fixed penalty notice and the PM paying for it may have constituted not meeting the overarching duty of the Ministerial Code of complying with the law,' Lord Geidt said.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Lord Geidt threatened to quit after the publication of senior civil servant Sue Gray's report into lockdown violations in Whitehall unless Mr Johnson issued a public explanation for his conduct.

In response, the Prime Minister put out a letter to Lord Geidt saying he believed any breach of the Covid rules when he attended a gathering in No 10's Cabinet room for his 56th birthday had been 'unwitting'. Mr Johnson said he had acted in 'good faith' when he told Parliament that there had not been any parties and that he had since corrected the record.

Asked by MPs on Tuesday about reports that he threatened to quit, Lord Geidt acknowledged that 'the commentariat' had picked up on his 'frustration'.

'I am glad that the Prime Minister was able to respond to my report and in doing so addressed aspects of the things about which I was clearly frustrated,' he told the committee. Pressed by Labour MP John McDonnell on the reports, Lord Geidt said: 'It is important to consider what is going to work best in the interest, not of me, but preserving the integrity of the system and of the Code in making it work in advising the Prime Minister on holding ministers  including a prime minister  publicly to account. I don't think there was ever a single, direct proposition in my own mind.'

Tory MP William Wragg, committee chairman and a fierce critic of Mr Johnson, said last night: 'For the PM to lose one adviser on ministers' interests may be regarded as a misfortune. To lose two looks like carelessness.'

Lord Geidt (pictured), Boris Johnson's adviser on ministerial interests, hinted he thought about leaving his role due to the challenging year

A senior source said there had been no official reason provided for the ethics tsar's shock departure, and admitted Mr Johnson was left mystified by Lord Geidt's resignation

The Electoral Commission fined the Conservatives 17,800 for failing to properly declare almost 68,000 mostly used to pay for the refurbishment of the private quarters used by Mr Johnson, his wife Carrie and their son Wilfred. Above: The flat was designed by Lulu Lyttle in a similar style to the above

The PM previously offered a 'humble and sincere apology' to Lord Geidt for failing to disclose messages exchanged with a Tory donor over the 112,000 Wallpaper gate saga

Army veteran who served as Queen's right-hand man

By Kumail Jaffer

Boris's flat saga: a timeline January 2020: Plans are submitted for the refurbishment of the No11 flat, a month after Mr Johnson wins 2019 election. February 2020: Officials decide to set up a blind trust to fund the six-figure renovation. The system is designed to ensure the beneficiary is not aware of the source of the money, to prevent corruption. May 2020: Lord Brownlow is approached to set up and then chair the trust, and agrees. June/July 2020: The Cabinet Office, which is responsible for the Downing Street estate, pays three invoices totalling 52,801.72 for work carried out, and then bills the Conservative Party. August 2020: The Conservatives Party pays the bill. October 2020: Lord Brownlow emails the party and asks how much the bill is, and says he will make a donation to cover it. He does so. November 29, 2020: Boris Johnson contacts Lord Brownlow on WhatsApp 'asking him to authorise further, at that stage unspecified, refurbishment works'. Lord Brownlow agrees and explains that the Downing Street Trust has not yet been set up. December 18, 2020: Lord Brownlow donates a further 33,484.80 to the firm refurbishing the flat. February 2021: Lord Brownlow donates a further 13,295.30 to the firm refurbishing the flat, taking his total contribution to 112, 549.12 March 2021: The scale and cost of the renovations, and the way it was funded, is revealed by the Daily Mail. Boris Johnson repays the supplier personally and the firm then re-reimburses Lord Brownlow. May 2021: Ministerial Standards watchdog Lord Geidt clears the PM of wrongdoing. He says officials assured him that Mr Johnson was not aware that Lord Brownlow paid for the work personally until it was revealed in the media. The PM also told him the same thing directly. December 2021: The Electoral Commission fines the Conservatives Party 17,800 for failing to declare Lord Brownlow's original donation. It reveals that he received the WhatsApp messages about money from the PM. Advertisement

His highest profile role has been as the Prime Minister's ethics adviser, but Lord Geidt has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in public service.

Christopher Geidt, 60, had a gilded upbringing, studying at private schools in Oxford and Perth before going to Cambridge University.

He later attended Sandhurst Royal Military Academy and enlisted in the Scots Guards, where he was assigned to an intelligence role.

He served in Sarajevo during the Bosnian War and his duties involved liaising with General Ratko Mladic  later convicted of war crimes.

Lord Geidt joined the Royal Household in 2002 as Assistant Private Secretary to the Queen before gaining the top job of Private Secretary, where he remained between 2007 and 2017.

In the role, he was responsible for working with senior civil servants. Geidt, the Cabinet Secretary and No 10's Permanent Secretary were referred to as the 'Golden Triangle' and he helped to shape the monarch's approach to the hung parliament of 2010.

His term at Buckingham Palace ended in 2017 after he was reportedly forced out following a power struggle with the Prince Charles and Prince Andrew.

The trio are said to have disagreed on how to manage the transfer of power from the Queen to Charles  when he eventually succeeds her  with Lord Geidt's preference for a 'gentle transition' being rejected.

His 15 years of service were rewarded with a life peerage shortly after he stepped down. He was also appointed a Lord-In-Waiting in 2019.

His brief time in Downing Street  which started in April last year  thrust Geidt into the public eye.

A month after being appointed as the Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests, he published a report into the costly renovation of the flat above 11 Downing Street.

He concluded that Boris Johnson did not breach the ministerial code after allegations were made that an undisclosed loan was used to help finance the work.

However, he said it had been 'unwise' for Mr Johnson to proceed as he did.

Months later, he reportedly threatened to resign after the Prime Minister was accused of misleading him during his investigation into the flat scandal.

In his annual report this year, Geidt said there was a 'legitimate question' over whether Mr Johnson broke the code following his Partygate fine.

On Tuesday he told a parliamentary committee that resigning was 'always on the agenda' and that he felt 'frustration' over the lockdown-breaching events.

Lord Geidt, who sits as a crossbench peer, runs a farm with his wife Emma in the Outer Hebrides. They have two daughters.
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A fishmonger was dwarfed by a rare 7ft bluefin tuna so huge he had to chop it up on the floor.

The rare fish tipped the scales at a whopping 23st at Eddie's Seafood Market, Edinburgh.

It was so big it had to be cut up on the ground because it wouldn't fit on the counter - and master filleter William Elliot, 48, who stands 5ft 5in tall, looked tiny lying next to it.

The rare fish was sold for 'thousands' to a posh sushi restaurant in Edinburgh after being filleted on June 14, which took two hours.

'You can't comprehend the size of this fish until you see it in real life!' - William Elliot, 48, spent two hours filleting the enormous tuna before it was served up at posh Edinburgh sushi restaurant, where it was stored at minus 60 degrees celsius to keep it fresh

Bluefin tuna are some of the most expensive fish in the world, but catching them is largely banned in UK waters. Campbell Mickel, 51, managed to find this giant fish in Barcelona after months of searching. He added he would not normally buy the once-endangered fish but did so because it was farmed in a pen off the Spanish coast

Campbell Mickel, 51, bought the rare fish from traders in Barcelona on June 10 - and said he was so excited he couldn't sleep until it arrived.

It took four men to haul the huge tuna onto the window display at the fish market.

Campbell said he would not normally advocate eating bluefin tuna but said the 7ft fish was farmed rather than caught in the wild.

It was captured at a young age and farmed in a pen in the Mediterranean until it matured before being sold.

Campbell was asked by a sushi restaurant owner to source the bluefin - which he described as being 'lobster, caviar and champagne all in one' to sushi chefs.

Bluefin tuna - a rare catch Bluefin tuna used to be considered endangered, but their numbers have greatly improved in recent years

They can grow up to 12ft in length

Before Brexit, catching the rare fish was banned in UK waters

The UK now has a small but limited quota for catching bluefin tuna

Recreational fishers are not allowed to catch the fish and must release it back into the water if they do

Bluefin tuna are part of a catch, tag and release program in the UK to keep track of their numbers Source: Marine Management Organisation/Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas Advertisement

He spent nearly three months trying to find the fish, which he said is worth thousands.

The tuna will be super-frozen at minus 60 degrees celsius by chefs at Bentoya and Kenji sushi restaurants to protect its quality.

Campbell said: 'It took four of us to try and get it on display but we had to really wrestle with it, you can't get your arms around it at all and it's so slippery.

'You can't comprehend the size of this fish until you see it in real life.

'I bought it from Barcelona on Friday and it arrived in the UK on Monday after being transported overnight - I didn't sleep at all, I was so excited.

'It weighs 150kg [23st] and is about 7ft long.

'Bluefin tuna are highly endangered so we wouldn't normally advocate eating it.

'But this one was caught when it was young and farmed until it was mature in a pen - so it's classed as farmed as opposed to wild.

'It was farmed in the Mediterranean off the east coast of Spain.

'I bought it through traders in Barcelona and they handle everything needed to get it to the UK.

'It cost me thousands.

'It has been sold to one customer, a sushi restaurant, who will super freeze it to minus 60 degrees to protect the quality of it.

'The customer asked me to located the fish for him and I have been working on it for two or three months.

'We supply sushi restaurants in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee but we don't normally deal with bluefin tuna.

'But because this was a farmed product I wanted to try it.

'For a sushi restaurant this fish is as good as it gets, it's the creme de la creme - it's their lobster, caviar and champagne all in one meal.'
China vowed to support Vladimir Putin over Russia's 'sovereignty and security' on Wednesday, with the two countries set to step up their economic ties - prompting Washington to warn Beijing it risked ending up 'on the wrong side of history'.

President Xi Jinping spoke to his Russian counterpart in a phone call, during which he refused to condemn Moscow's massive on-going military assault on Ukraine.

Beijing has been accused of providing diplomatic cover for Moscow by blasting Western sanctions and arms sales to Kyiv, as it escalates tensions in its own region with increasing threats to Taiwan.

China vowed to support Vladimir Putin over Russia's 'sovereignty and security' on Wednesday, with the two countries set to step up their economic ties. Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, poses for photos with the Russian President in Beijing, China, on February 4

It was the second reported call between the two leaders since Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine on February 24. The pair last met earlier in February when Putin visited Beijing for the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympics.

'China is willing to push for the steady and long-term development of bilateral pragmatic cooperation. China is willing to mutually support Russia on core interests and matters of paramount concern, such as sovereignty and security, as well as [achieve] closer strategic cooperation,' CCTV quoted Xi as saying during the call.

According to CCTV, Xi praised the 'good momentum of development' in bilateral relations since the start of the year 'in the face of global turmoil and changes'.

Beijing was willing to 'intensify strategic coordination between the two countries', Xi reportedly told the Russian tyrant.

The Kremlin said the two leaders had agreed to ramp up economic cooperation in the face of 'unlawful' Western sanctions.

'It was agreed to expand cooperation in the energy, financial, industrial, transport and other areas, taking into account the situation in the global economy that has become more complicated due to the unlawful sanctions policy of the West,' the Kremlin said following the phone call.

But the United States swiftly weighed in with a frosty retort to Beijing's expressed alignment with Moscow.

'China claims to be neutral, but its behaviour makes clear that it is still investing in close ties to Russia,' a State Department spokesperson said.

Flying helicopters of the Ukrainian army are seen as Russian attacks continue, on June 15, 2022 in Lisichansk region, Luhansk oblast, Ukraine

Ukrainian servicemen fire with a French self-propelled 155 mm/52-calibre gun Caesar towards Russian positions at a front line in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas on June 15, 2022

Washington was 'monitoring China's activity closely,' including how, nearly four months into Russia's war in Ukraine, the Asian giant was 'still echoing Russian propaganda around the world' and suggesting Moscow's atrocities in Ukraine were 'staged,' the official said.

'Nations that side with Vladimir Putin will inevitably find themselves on the wrong side of history.'

Just weeks before Putin ordered his troops into Ukraine, Moscow and Beijing agreed to a 'no limits' partnership when the two leaders met.

It was reported in March that senior Chinese officials asked Putin to hold off on invading Ukraine until after the 2022 Winter Olympics.

The West has adopted unprecedented sanctions against Russia in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine, and Moscow considers that Europe and the United States have thus caused a global economic slowdown.

Moscow is also looking for new markets and suppliers to replace the major foreign firms that left Russia following the invasion.

The European Union and the United States have warned that any backing from Beijing for Russia's war, or help for Moscow to dodge Western sanctions, would damage ties.

China and India are two major economies that have not taken part in retaliatory measures against Moscow, with Putin banking on his country's relations with the pair to bail him out of the economic fallout.

Beijing is Moscow's largest trading partner, with trade volumes last year hitting $147 billion, according to Chinese customs data.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the opening ceremony of Beijing 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, 04 February 2022

The call came ahead of the leaders of France, Germany and Italy meeting in Kyiv on Thursday in a show of European support for Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi arrived in the Ukrainian capital by train from Poland, according to an AFP reporter travelling with them.

Asked by a journalist why he had come to Ukraine, Macron said: 'For a message of European unity.'

In the eyes of Chinese officials, the Europeans have allowed themselves to be sucked into backing Ukraine, at Washington's initiative, in a move contrary to their interests as Russian gas consumers.

Once bitter Cold War enemies, Beijing and Moscow have stepped up cooperation in recent years as a counterbalance to what they see as US global dominance.

The pair have drawn closer in the political, trade and military spheres as part of what they call a 'no limits' relationship.

Last week they unveiled the first road bridge linking the two countries, connecting the far eastern Russian city of Blagoveshchensk with the northern Chinese city of Heihe.

The leaders' call Wednesday fell on Xi's 69th birthday and was their first reported communication since the day after Russia launched its Ukraine invasion.

French President Emmanuel Macron, right, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, center, and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi travel on board a train bound to Kyiv after departing from Poland Thursday, June 16, 2022.

Meanwhile, One of China's largest and most capable combat ships is conducting long-distance exercises in the Sea of Japan, state media reported Thursday, in a display of China's increasing naval reach.

The Communist Party newspaper Global Times said the mission was the first for the Type 055 destroyer Lhasa since its commissioning last year.

It is accompanied by the Luyang-class Type 052D destroyer Chengdu and the Type 903 oiler Dongpinghu, the paper said, citing Japan's Defense Ministry.

The Sea of Japan lies to the north of China between the Japanese archipelago, Sakhalin Island, the Korean Peninsula and the Russian Far East mainland.

China's navy has been building ships at a furious pace and now boasts the largest naval force in the world by number of hulls.

Those ships have been growing in sophistication as well, with the Type 055, also known as the Nanchang class, featuring a stealthy design and packing air-defense missiles and anti-ship and anti-land cruise missiles, as well as torpedoes.

China is believed to have commissioned five out of a planned first batch of Type 055 destroyers.

The U.S. military categorizes the Type 055 as a Renhai-class cruiser and sees them partly as a carrier escort. China operates two aircraft carriers with the launch of a third believed to be imminent.

Citing military experts, Global Times said the destroyer was part of China's military buildup aimed at deterring a foreign intervention in the event of an attack on Taiwan, the self-governing island China claims as its own and threatens to annex by force.

Such a conflict would almost certainly draw in the United States, which provides Taiwan with defensive weapons and is legally required to treat threats to the island as matters of 'grave concern,' along with its treaty allies, the most important and closest in geographical proximity being Japan.

It is believed that Xi Jinping is watching the Western reaction to Russia's invasion of Ukraine closely to gauge what kind of response he could expect should he launch his own invasion against Taiwan.
Four Metropolitan Police officers are being investigated for gross misconduct after a 15-year-old black schoolgirl was strip-searched at school.

The teenager, referred to as Child Q, was strip-searched by female Met officers in 2020 after she was wrongly suspected of carrying cannabis at her east London school.

It sparked a wave of protests, with hundreds gathering at Hackney town hall, after it emerged the teenager was searched without another adult present and in the knowledge that she was menstruating.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that four Met officers have been served with gross misconduct notices in connection with its ongoing investigation into complaints that Child Q was inappropriately strip-searched.

Previously it was the case that the IOPC was investigating three police officers for misconduct.

A spokesman for the IOPC said: 'As with all of our investigations we continually review the evidence and lines of inquiry as the investigation progresses.

People outside Stoke Newington Police Station in London, over the treatment of a black 15-year-old schoolgirl who was strip-searched by police while on her period

The teenager, referred to as Child Q, was strip-searched by female Met officers in 2020 after she was wrongly suspected of carrying cannabis at her east London school (stock image)

'As a part of this, matters were identified which required new notices of investigation to be served on officers.

'Four constables have now been advised that they are being investigated for potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour at the level of gross misconduct, which does not necessarily mean that disciplinary proceedings will follow.

'Any conduct matters identified, and their seriousness, are kept under review throughout and can be amended in light of any evidence gathered by the investigation team.'

The IOPC said its investigation is examining whether legislation, policies and procedures were followed during the strip-search of the child.

It sparked a wave of protests, with hundreds gathering at Hackney town hall (pictured), after it emerged the teenager was searched without another adult present and in the knowledge that she was menstruating

'We are looking at complaints that her mother was not given the opportunity to be present during the strip-search, and that there was no other appropriate adult present,' the IOPC spokesman said.

'We are also considering whether the childs ethnicity played a part in the officers decision to strip-search her.'

The search of Child Q took place without another adult present and in the knowledge that she was menstruating, a safeguarding report found.

The local child safeguarding practice review, conducted by City & Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership (CHSCP), concluded the strip-search should never have happened, was unjustified and racism 'was likely to have been an influencing factor'.

The Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, Diane Abbott, told the BBC: 'I am glad the IOPC has escalated the investigation, but the community is very concerned about how long the investigation is taking.'
A 'woke' anti-racism Open University training course devised by professors as well as Labour frontbencher David Lammy is teaching academics that the English language upholds 'white superiority'.

The programme titled Union Black, which was launched last year through a 500,000 investment from Santander, claims that the idea of 'white hegemony' has been 'covertly weaved' into people's minds.

Course material studied by academics at almost 100 UK universities including Imperial College London says 'white superiority' is ingrained in the 'cultural psychology of the English language' - and that white Europeans have most 'successfully' imposed racist ideas.

Another module praises cancel culture, urging participants to 'share collective expressions of moral outrage' and encouraging them to become 'active allies' in advancing racial justice.

The course's claims about race and the English language have been blasted as 'characteristically woke', 'unhistorical', 'ignorant' and 'illiterate' by Dr Zareer Masani, historian of the British Empire.

A general view of the Open University main reception in Milton Keynes

The course has been devised by Professor Marcia Wilson (left), Dean of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Open University, and Labour frontbencher David Lammy (right)

'This is a sad reflection of woke brainwashing of our future academics. It betrays abysmal ignorance of how any language evolves, assimilating diverse influences along the way,' he told The Telegraph.

The programme was developed by leading academics including Professor Marcia Wilson, Dean of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the Open University. It also includes contributions from Mr Lammy, Sir Keir Starmer's Shadow Justice Secretary, historian and film-maker David Olusoga and Baroness Shami Chakrabarti among others.

In one module, called 'What is whiteness?', the course states: 'Along with religion, politics, laws and customs, white superiority is embedded in the linguistic and cultural psychology of the English language.

'Consequently, given the global reach of the English language, the assumption of white hegemony has been covertly weaved into the consciousness of white people, black people and people of colour.'

It calls on university staff taking the training programme to address unconscious biases which all people are either 'unaware of' or 'in denial about'.

Dr Zareer Masani, historian of the British Empire, called the programme 'characteristically woke' and 'illiterate'

An Open University spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We are proud to have worked together with Santander on developing this course which is aimed at increasing awareness of racism and building allyship to support inclusion.

'Feedback from participants on the course has been extremely positive, and we are recommending it to staff and students across all UK universities. We developed the content for the course in collaboration with leading academics in diversity and inclusion, from both inside and outside of The Open University.

'This course, through its content, is designed to increase staff and students' understanding of racism.

'Participants are encouraged to think about how they can work towards being allies and the practical steps that they can take.'

Santander previously said that the Union Black course was created in response to a report highlighting racial inequality in higher education. MailOnline has approached Santander for further comment.

The Telegraph reports that the course argues that the problem of white dominance is also political, stating: 'Historically, British politics has maintained white hegemony, making immigration an existential threat to white Britons.'

The 'Union Black' course says one of the benefits of 'cancel culture' is that it can 'hold up people or entities accountable for immoral or unacceptable behaviour'

The universities that have plugged Union Black on their websites University of Westminster

University of Liverpool

University of Sussex

University of East London

University of Birmingham

Royal Holloway

Leeds

Bristol

Imperial

Strathclyde

Bournemouth University Advertisement

It defines 'whiteness' as 'the systemic and structural domination and oppression of 'non-white' peoples', informing students that 'white' people only exist in opposition to 'black' people, both of which are socially constructed ideologies'.

Course material also claims that the majority group experiencing 'reverse racism' from the minority group is a 'mythical' idea and suggests 'some people have been improperly educated about what racism truly means'.

However, the claims go against the views of the Commission on and Ethnic Disparities, led by Tony Sewell.

The report, published last year and which split opinions, said the 'claim the country is still institutionally racist is not borne out by the evidence'.

It concluded that racism is a 'real force' but said that Britain is no longer a country where the 'system is deliberately rigged against ethnic minorities'. It suggested social class was more of barrier to social justice.

Some of the material has come under fire from some groups, including the Free Speech Union, who have described its teaching of 'cancel culture' as 'disappointing'.

Toby Young, General Secretary of the Free Speech Union, told MailOnline: 'The practice of publicly shaming your intellectual opponents and calling for them to lose their livelihoods is absolutely abhorrent and has no place in universities.

'Academics should be free to dissent from prevailing campus orthodoxies without fear of punishment.

'For Santander and the Open University to be promoting cancel culture is deeply irresponsible. Academics should be encouraged to tolerate people whose views they disagree with, not to demand their defenestration.'

The FSU's chief legal counsel, Bryn Harris, told the Telegraph: 'I am disappointed, though sadly not surprised, to learn that UK academics are being trained in the virtues of cancel culture.

'It seems instead that these materials were agitprop training materials, and that this is another sad example of UK universities' inability to be serious about academic freedom and freedom of speech.'
An award-winning Iceland store manager who tried to sue the supermarket after quitting was found to have 'coerced' colleagues into smearing his boss as a racist.

Gurpal Singh, who managed the frozen food retailer's store in Hounslow West, London, claimed he was the victim of racial discrimination, harassment and unfair dismissal after quitting his job in October 2020.

The 36-year-old, who had won a company award proclaiming him to be the 'Best Store Manager of 2019', alleged Marc Fensome called him a 'bloody liar' and that he told colleagues: `He only works with his own people'

But the father-of-two's claims were thrown out by an employment tribunal after inquiries found he had tried to influence workers at his store into backing him and edited their statements.

The employment tribunal, based in Watford, heard Mr Singh had made the discredited allegations after learning he was facing a disciplinary investigation over claims he was barely in work and only hired Punjabi people.

Gurpal Singh (pictured) claimed he was a victim of racial discrimination, harassment and unfair dismissal from his role as manager of an Iceland store

It heard that Mr Singh had joined the firm in March 2015 as a trainee store manager at its store in Edgware, London, before transferring to Hounslow.

Issues began in March 2020 when Mr Fensome who had responsibility for 14 area managers, 6,500 staff and almost 200 stores was contacted by a female colleague of Mr Singh.

She alleged staff were being paid for 'excessive hours' whilst he worked for short periods and that Mr Singh only recruited Punjabi staff, never worked late and refused to wear his uniform.

The 46-year-old dispatched another manager to investigate the claims but when two other anonymous complaints about Mr Singh arrived, he decided to to visit the Hounslow West store himself.

Mr Singh claimed that his boss, Marc Fensome (pictured) called him 'bloody liar' and alleged he said: 'He only works with his own people'. These claims were thrown out by the employment tribunal

Mr Singh was on his day off on the day of the visit, but went in after being alerted by a security guard while he went past the shop by chance.

Mr Singh claimed that during the ensuing discussion with Mr Fensome, his boss called him a 'bloody liar' when he told him he had not been called by anyone about the visit.

He also claimed Mr Fensome told a colleague words to the effect of: 'Is the claimant good because he is working with his own people.'

Mr Fensome denied making the remarks but the hearing was told other staff members at the store were 'coerced' into making statements saying they heard them.

Iceland's head of HR later spoke to Mr Singh who insisted he had been left 'humiliated' by Mr Fensome.

Mr Singh made the claims while he was being investigated by the company for how he was running the store in Hounslow West (pictured), after workers complained to the company

But his case began to unravel when an apprentice manager at the store admitted she was worried because some of the things she had originally said were 'not true' and that she had been 'influenced' by Mr Singh and another staff member.

In an interview the apprentice, known only as BR, said: 'The manager called me into the office and then he said: "tell me what happened the other day" and he started writing.

'I tell him exactly what happened the other day but he added the "bloody liar" phrases to make Mr Fensome look like a racist person.

'He wanted to make Marc out to be a racist person so he added "bloody liar" and he told me to say he looked unprofessional.

'These two things were added as extra to my statement.'

Another worker said Mr Singh and another colleague had attended her home knowing she was a witness in the investigation whilst a third retracted claims she made against Mr Fensome saying Mr Singh had 'told her to say that' and adding she was scared of what he 'will do now'.

Mr Singh was subsequently suspended pending a disciplinary inquiry into claims he 'influenced colleagues to make false statements' and 'using inappropriate or threatening behaviour.'

He quit in October 2020 accusing Iceland of a 'repudiatory breach of contract' and alleging racial discrimination before unsuccessfully taking the case to a tribunal.

At the hearing Iceland's barrister Richard Hignett said Mr Singh's case was 'unreasonably brought' and highlighted evidence showing Mr Singh had 'coerced junior members of staff to make false statements.'

Tribunal Judge Isabel Manley said: 'The claimant's income is relatively limited at the moment. He is paying the housing costs of his ex-partner and two children including paying the mortgage for a home where he no longer lives.

'He also pays some running costs for that home as well as come contribution towards groceries. He now lives with another partner and child.

'The tribunal agree that there was little or no evidence to support claims of racial discrimination, particularly in light of the fact that the comment the claimant alleged had been made by Mr Fensome was not made.

Iceland's lawyers told the employment tribunal that the discredited claims had subject Mr Fensome to a 'severe negative impact'

'We also accept that the impact of being a respondent to a race discrimination claim, particularly in relation to Mr Fensome, is relatively severe and it should have become clear to the claimant and those representing him at a very early stage, that there was very limited evidence to support a race discrimination claim.'

Iceland tried to claim back some of its legal costs for the case against Mr Singh, with its lawyers saying Mr Fensome was subjected to 'severe negative impact' but the judge refused, saying costs orders were 'not meant to be punitive.'

'The respondents' case is that we should consider a contribution towards their costs which are a little over 25,000 and it is suggested we might want to consider around a half of that,' Judge Manley said.

'We have considered this with some care but we also have considered the fact that the respondents did not provide the claimant with a costs warning which might well have assisted him with considering whether to continue with this case.

'It is possible that the claimant might have not realised there was a risk of costs being awarded against him and we are also mindful of the fact that a costs order should not be punitive. We have decided with some hesitation, not to make an order for costs.'
A man accused of raping and disfiguring a woman he held captive in his California home for six months has pleaded not guilty to 10 charges, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Peter McGuire, 59, of Chino Hills, is accused of 'putting out' one of the victim's eyes as well as 'disabling' her tongue and slitting her nose, ear and lip.

The victim, 22, moved into McGuire's home but when she decided to move out he refused to let her leave and kept her against her will, according to the LA Times.

'Very soon after moving into the house she was not allowed to leave, she was held there against her will by him and at that point was subjected to multiple assaults,' Mara Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, told ABC7.com 'We have charges of sodomy and oral copulation, mayhem, rape.'

Peter McGuire, 59, of Chino Hills, is accused of 'putting out' one of the victim's eyes as well as 'disabling' her tongue and slitting her nose, ear and lip. Pictured: The home in Placenta where McGuire was arrested after a stand off

A SWAT team tore the door off the front garage and went inside to apprehend McGuire and he surrendered after an hours-long stand off

Last Thursday night the woman was able to escape the residence and contact police.

She was found in a nearby park and rushed to hospital where she remains in a stable condition.

McGuire was arrested at 8.30am on Friday after he fled to another property in Placenta, Orange County, and barricaded himself inside.

A SWAT team tore the door off the front garage and went inside to apprehend McGuire and he surrendered after an hours-long stand off, ABC7.com reported.

McGuire, who is due back in court on Thursday, entered not guilty pleas to all charges, including kidnapping, mayhem and sodomy by use of force, the San Bernardino County district attorney's office said in a statement.

McGuire was arrested at 8.30am on Friday after he was found at another property in Placenta, Orange County, and is said to have barricaded himself inside

The aftermath of a standoff with police after authorities tracked McGuire down to an Orange County home

Five of the counts include special allegations that the crimes involved infliction of great bodily injury and administering a controlled substance during a sex crime, prosecutors said.

The victim told investigators she had been tortured, physically assaulted and raped over the course of several months, sheriff's officials said.

'The victim had visible injuries consistent with the allegations made,' a Sheriff's Department statement said.
An ally of Vladimir Putin dismissed the leaders of France, Germany and Italy as 'fans of frogs, liverwurst and spaghetti' as the trio announced their backing for Ukraine receiving 'immediate' official candidate status to join the European Union.

The three leaders are in Kyiv for a meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky for the first time since Russia launched its brutal invasion in February.

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi arrived in the Ukrainian capital by train from Poland today before touring Irpin, a battle-ravaged suburb of Ukraine's capital where horrific atrocities were carried out by Russian troops.

They appeared with Romanian leader Klaus Lohannis along-side Zelensky in Kyiv's presidential Mariinsky Palace. During a joint press conference in the palace gardens, Macron said: 'All four of us support the status of immediate candidate for accession.'

Earlier, as the four men saw for themselves the devastation wrought on the town by Putin's forces during their month-long occupation, former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev said the visit of the European leaders will be of no use.

'European fans of frogs, liverwurst and spaghetti love visiting Kyiv. With zero use,' Medvedev said on Twitter in English.

'Promised EU membership and old howitzers to Ukraine, lushed up on gorilka and went home by train,' he said, referring to Ukraine's vodka. 'It won't bring Ukraine closer to peace.'

The Kremlin also warned against new Western weapons supplies to Ukraine, which has recently received French-made self-propelled Caesar howitzers.

'I would like to hope that the leaders of these three states and the President of Romania will not only focus on supporting Ukraine by further pumping Ukraine with weapons,' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. He added that it would be 'absolutely useless and will cause further damage to the country'.

The leaders of the European Union's biggest economies are making their first trip to Ukraine since Russia sent troops to Ukraine on February 24.

Macron, Scholz and Draghi were later seen shaking hands with Zelensky before entering Kyiv's presidential Mariinsky Palace for the meeting.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) welcomes German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (left) and French President Emmanuel Macron (centre) during their meeting at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, 16 June

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shakes hands with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi as Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, France's President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz look on June 16, 2022

(From left) Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis meet for a working session in Mariinsky Palace, in Kyiv, on June 16

From left, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, France's President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attend a conference at the Mariyinsky palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, June 16

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, embraces France's President Emmanuel Macron at the end of a conference at the Mariyinsky palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, June 16

The show of European backing came as Ukrainian troops in the eastern city of Severodonetsk refused Moscow's demands to lay down their arms, and as Russia presses its brutal offensive in the east of the country.

Fears are growing for the hundreds of civilians trapped inside the city's Azot chemical factory after Putin's troops destroyed three bridges leading out of the city that could have provided an escape route.

Macron said there are signs of war crimes in the suburb following 'massacres' by Russian forces, denounced the 'barbarism' of the attacks that devastated the town, and praised the courage of residents of Irpin and other towns in the region who held back Russians forces from attacking the capital.

Scholz described scenes of 'unimaginable cruelty' and 'senseless violence'.

Asked by a journalist why he had come to Ukraine, Macron said upon his arrival: 'It's an important moment. It's a message of unity we're sending to the Ukrainians, of support, to talk both about the present and the future, since the coming weeks, as we know, will be very difficult.'

Scholz told German daily Bild that they 'want to show not only solidarity, but also assure that the help that we're organising - financial, humanitarian, but also, when it comes to weapons - will continue'.

'And that we will continue it as long as it is necessary for Ukraine's fight' against Moscow, he said.

It is the first time that the leaders of the three European Union countries have visited Kyiv since Russia's February 24 invasion. Their meeting with Zelensky comes at a time when Kyiv is pushing to be given official candidate status to join the EU.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi (2L) French President Emmanuel Macron (3L) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) visit Irpin on June 16, 2022

Ukrainian Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksiy Chernyshov walks next to French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis during their visit, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in Irpin, near Kyiv, Ukraine June 16

France's President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis visit Irpin, Ukraine June 16, 2022

French President Emmanuel Macron, center, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visit Irpin, outside Kyiv, Thursday, June 16

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi reaffirmed his strong support for Ukraine's hopes of joining the European Union.

'The most important message of our visit is that Italy wants Ukraine in the EU,' Draghi told reporters after talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

'And it wants Ukraine to have candidate status and will support this position at the next European Council.

'President Zelensky, as he just said, of course understands that the path from candidate to member is a road, it is not a point. It is a road that will have to see profound reforms in Ukrainian society.'

He hailed the 'extraordinary unity' the EU had shown in supporting Ukraine 'in every way'.

'We are at a turning point in our history. Every day, the Ukrainian people defend the values of democracy and freedom that underpin the European project, our project,' Draghi said.

'We cannot hesitate, delay this process. We must create a community of peace, prosperity and rights that unites Kyiv with Rome, Paris, Berlin and all the other countries that share this project.'

Macron announced that France would deliver 'six additional Caesar' long-range self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine to help it counter the Russian assault.

'On top of the 12 Caesars already delivered, I took the decision (to deliver) in the coming weeks six additional Caesars,' Macron said.

The three leaders have been accused of dragging their feet over providing support to the embattled country.

Macron in particular has been criticised over comments he made last week in which he said Ukraine and the West should not 'humiliate' Russia, and offer Putin a way out of the conflict through negotiations.

He said last week: 'We must not humiliate Russia so that the day when the fighting stops we can build an exit ramp through diplomatic means.' He added: 'I am convinced that it is France's role to be a mediating power.'

Ukraine and other allies rebuked Macron for what they perceived as his ambiguous backing for Ukraine in the war against Russia. Ukraine's foreign minister Dmitro Kuleba hit back, saying Macron's position 'can only humiliate France'.

The recently re-elected French president has since made efforts to strengthen his public messaging, and he appeared to take a tougher line on Wednesday.

'The Ukrainian President and his officials will have to negotiate with Russia,' he said on Wednesday during a visit to Ukraine's neighbour Romania.

An aerial view shows destroyed houses after strike in the town of Pryvillya at the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas on June 14, amid Russian invasion of Ukraine

Flying helicopters of the Ukrainian army are seen as Russian attacks continue, on June 15

France - which holds the rotating presidency of the EU until the end of this month - Germany and Italy view Ukraine's aspirations to join the bloc favourably.

But officials and leaders in the bloc caution that, even with candidacy status, membership could take years or even decades.

Despite reservations among some member states, EU leaders are expected to approve Ukraine's candidate status, though with strict conditions attached.

Other leading figures to have visited Ukraine since the start of the war include British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UN chief Antonio Guterres.

Ukraine is also expected to reiterate its pleas for allies to send more weapons, with officials saying only a fraction of what they have asked for has so far been delivered.

On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden announced $1 billion worth of new arms for Ukrainian forces.

The new package features howitzers, ammunition, anti-ship missile systems, and additional rockets for new artillery systems that Ukraine will soon put in the field.

Biden said that he told Zelensky in a phone call Wednesday that 'the United States will stand by Ukraine as it defends its democracy and support its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of unprovoked Russian aggression.'

'The bravery, resilience, and determination of the Ukrainian people continues to inspire the world.'

The leaders of France, Germany and Italy visited Kyiv arrived in the Ukrainian capital by train from Poland Pictured: French President Emmanuel Macron (centre), German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (right) and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi (left) travel on board a train bound to Kyiv after departing from Poland on June 16

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk (left) welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron as he arrives at Kyiv train station on June 16 after travelling with German Chancellor and Italian Prime Minister from Poland

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrives at the train station, in Kyiv, Ukraine, June 16

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi arrives at his hotel in Kyiv, Ukraine, June 16

Fighting in eastern Ukraine is focused on the industrial city of Severodonetsk, and the Russians appear close to consolidating control after weeks of intense battles.

Russia this week issued a 'surrender or die' ultimatum to troops defending a key Donbas city, which has been ignored by Kyiv's forces holding out in the city.

The Ukrainian defenders were ordered to stop their 'senseless resistance and lay down arms' from Wednesday morning, with Moscow's armies now controlling round 80 percent of the key strategic city.

However, The Guardian reported that the embattled troops have continued to fight back against the foreign invaders.

Sergiy Gaiday - the governor of the Lugansk region, which includes the city - said Thursday around 10,000 civilians remain trapped in the city, out of a pre-war population of some 100,000.

Kyiv's army is 'holding back the enemy as much as possible,' he said on Telegram. 'For almost four months they have dreamt of controlling Severodonetsk... and they do not count the victims.'

Moscow's forces have destroyed the three bridges spanning a river between the city and Lysychansk.

Hundreds of civilians are trapped in a Severodonetsk chemical plant, which is under constant bombardment, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Russia claimed Ukrainian authorities had on Wednesday prevented an attempt at evacuating them.

From an elevated position in Lysychansk, an AFP team saw black smoke rising from the chemical factory in Severodonetsk and another area in the city.

The Ukrainian military was using the high ground to exchange fire with Russian forces across the river.

'It's scary, very scary,' 83-year-old Lysychansk pensioner Valentina said. 'Why can't they agree at last, for God's sake, just shake hands?'

It was claimed on Thursday by a women who said she had escaped from the factory that many English-speaking volunteer fighters are hiding inside the plant.

A woman called Anna told a Russian state TV channel: 'There were lots of mercenaries, speaking English. Speaking (some) foreign languages.' He claims could not be immediately verified.

Russia has accused other foreign fighters of being mercenaries when they are in fact legitimate members of the Ukrainian military. They have used captured foreign fighters for propaganda purposes.

The woman said she had been told by Ukrainians on 9 June not to leave the shelter until evening because 'cleansing' was underway. She said: 'We left the shelter June 10. We walked from the shelter, then my husband picked us up.'

She is now in a Russian-run refugee camp.

Russia claims it expects to detain more British and US so-called 'mercenaries' as its invasion moves into Kyiv-held territory.

British fighters Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner, along with Moroccan Brahim Saadun, were convicted last week of acting as mercenaries for Ukraine by the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and sentenced to death.

Elsewhere, Russia launched a missile strike in Ukraine's northeast Sumy region, killing four people and injuring six others, governor Dmytro Zhyvytsky said on Telegram.

Ukrainian servicemen fire with a French self-propelled 155 mm/52-calibre gun Caesar towards Russian positions at a front line in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas on June 15

Smoke and dirt rise from the city of Severodonetsk during fighting between Ukrainian and Russian troops at the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas on June 14

Smoke rises after a military strike on a compound of Sievierodonetsk's Azot Chemical Plant where hundreds of civilians are believed to be sheltering, Ukraine June 10

In Brussels Wednesday, Ukrainian defence minister Oleksiy Reznikov and other officials met with some 50 countries of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at NATO headquarters asking for a surge in weapons and ammunition.

'Ukraine is really in a very critical situation and therefore, it's an urgent need to step up,' NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg told journalists.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meanwhile underscored that he was not as isolated internationally as his foes would wish with a call with China's leader Xi Jinping, their second reported call since Russia attacked Ukraine.

China has refused to condemn Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and has been accused of providing diplomatic cover for Russia by criticising Western sanctions and arms sales to Kyiv.

The United Nations warned a hunger crisis that has been worsened by the war in Ukraine, traditionally a breadbasket to the world, could swell already record global displacement numbers.

Addressing the food insecurity crisis is 'of paramount importance... to prevent a larger number of people moving,' the United Nations refugee chief Filippo Grandi told reporters.
Ministers have turned their ire on the United Nations over the failure of a plane carrying deportees to Rwanda to take off due to a European court.

Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, is said to be examining Britain's funding for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the wake of Tuesday's embarrassment.

Its opposition was cited by the European Court of Human Rights in its eleventh-hour intervention that grounded the aircraft at the MOD's Boscombe Down base.

The UNHCR has said Rwanda, whose own human rights record is under scrutiny, does not have the capacity to process the claims, and there is a risk some migrants could be returned to countries from which they had fled.

Before the flight took off, High Commissioner For Refugees Filippo Grandi told reporters: 'We believe that this is all wrong...for so many different reasons.

'The precedent that this creates is catastrophic for a concept that needs to be shared like asylum.'

Regarding funding, a Whitehall source told the Times: 'We're looking into it. It's a lot of money to give an organisation that spends so much time trying to undo our policies. They must have spent a fortune on lawyers for the role it has played in the courts over the last few days.'

It came as Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said the ECHR should not have intervened to over-rule UK court decisions.

Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, is said to be examining Britain's funding for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the wake of Tuesday's embarrassment.

Its opposition was cited by the European Court of Human Rights in its eleventh-hour intervention that grounded the aircraft at trhe MOD's Boscombe Down base.

It came as Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said the ECHR should not have intervened to over-rule UK court decisions.

Before the flight took off, High Commissioner For Refugees Filippo Grandi told reporters: 'We believe that this is all wrong...for so many different reasons.'

Channel crossings continue amid Rwanda flight row A further 233 were rescued from the Channel and brought ashore yesterday, official figures have revealed. And a family of six people has been brought ashore in Dover this morning, at least the second ship to bring people into the Kent port today. The Ministry of Defence said six boats were intercepted in the Channel on Wednesday, with at least two Border Force boats bringing approximately 150 people ashore, including around 30 children. However, Border Force and RNLI ship activity suggests some people may have been taken ashore further alogn the south coast in Dungeness or Ramsgate. The majority of people brought ashore in Dover on Wednesday were men aged from their late teens to their 30s or 40s but there was also a number of women and young children. Two boats used to attempt the crossing were brought into Dover Harbour, both appearing in poor condition and partially deflated. One of the boats contained two children's inflatable rubber rings as well as lifejackets. People carried their belongings in bin bags to shore, although some had suitcases which were brought by officers. The countries of origin of the people coming ashore in Dover included Afghanistan, Iraq and Egypt. Advertisement

The row has led to calls from some Tory MPs to pull out of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the document interpreted by the court in Strasbourg - something which No 10 and Attorney General Suella Braverman have not ruled out, although it appears unlikely the Government would want to take such a drastic step.

Ministers have been told future flights may be delayed for up to a year amid interventions by the European Court of Human Rights.

The court could use temporary injunctions to roadblock the flights for several months to come.

The Justice Secretary said the UK would stay within the convention but new laws could ensure that interim measures from the Strasbourg court could effectively be ignored by the Government.

He told Times Radio: 'In relation to the latest intervention from Strasbourg, so-called Rule 39 interim orders, which are not grounded in the European Convention, they're based on the rules and procedure, internal rules of the court.

'I certainly believe they should not have a legally binding effect under UK law.'

The Government plans to replace the Human Rights Act, which enshrines the ECHR in domestic law, with a new Bill of Rights. Mr Raab said the decision strengthened the case for reform of human rights laws.

Asked if the UK could simply ignore the European court's ruling, Mr Raab said: 'Not under the Human Rights Act, but we will address this squarely with the Bill of Rights.'

He told BBC Radio 4's Today: 'We are going to stay within the convention but make sure the procedural framework is reformed.'

The Government will 'curtail' the ability of foreign offenders to claim a right to family life as a reason for being refused deportation and 'we will stop and change the ability of the Strasbourg court to issue what amounts to effective injunction when they have no power, grounded in the European Convention, to do so'.

Last night government lawyers were examining whether some migrants  such as those who do not claim to have suffered ill-treatment in their home countries  would not be covered by the ECHR injunction's terms and could still be put on a plane to Kigali.

In an apparent reference to the campaign groups and human rights lawyers who have brought repeated legal actions, Miss Patel told MPs that 'the usual suspects' had set out to 'thwart' her plan.

A family of six people has been brought ashore in Dover this morning, at least the second ship to bring people into the Kent port today.

Defending the contrast between the Rwanda plan and the visa scheme welcoming Ukrainians, Mr Raab said refugees from Afghanistan and Syria need to be vetted in a different way from those from Ukraine because of a 'history and track record of terrorism' in the Middle Eastern countries.

Asked on ITV's Good Morning Britain whether Afghan and Syrian refugees are a greater risk to the UK than Ukrainians, the Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary said: 'Well, look, if you look at the history and track record of terrorism across these areas, clearly in Afghanistan we've got al-Qaida and all of the Taliban challenges that we've seen over many years.

'If you look at Islamic State, Daesh in Syria, of course there's a specific set of security situations which are different.

'Even in relation to Ukraine with the number of mercenaries flowing into Ukraine, we also need to be careful there.

'But the types and the way you conduct those (security) checks will differ.'
US President Joe Biden promised a $1 billion arms package for Kyiv that would include heavy weapons, with munitions and advanced missiles requested by the Ukrainians getting pummeled.

The security assistance package came after the US president spoke to Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky on the phone.

US Sends More Arms to Ukraine

Biden told Zelensky the assistance package would include the items that Ukraine needed to boost defensive operations in the Donbas, according to the White House, RT reported.

They discussed the meeting with the Brussels contact group with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to deal with support for Ukrainian forces.

For the first time, it is not just weapons that are needed, but also $225 million in humanitarian aid, including safe drinking water, critical medical supplies and healthcare, food, shelter, and cash for families to buy necessities, cited Hi India.

On Tuesday, the Pentagon's undersecretary for policy Colin Kahl revealed why Biden did not disclose specifics about the equipment sent from the UK and US, which will include guided missiles with a 70km.

Before this, the HIMARS launchers will come with ammunition with promises not to attack Russian territory.

According to Kahl, the Biden administration originally gave Ukraine over $5.3 billion in military assistance, with $4.6 billion coming as of February 24. On top of such figures, the $1 billion was confirmed on Wednesday.

A scheduled meeting of NATO leaders in Madrid had the military block sending more heavy arms to the losing Ukrainian force, with the Ukraine regime having a tenuous hold onto power and needing the $1 billion arms package from the US.

Read Also: Emmanuel Macron Facts: Interesting Info You May Not Know About The French President

Last Tuesday, Ukrainian forces attacked a village in Russia's Bryansk Region, killing six civilians. Zelensky's forces also bombarded Donetsk city in the People's Republic, the worst assault since 2015.

US Proposes Another Security Alliance

Washington is interested in supporting another alternative security alliance with the UK, Ukraine, Poland with the Baltic States, said the US envoy to NATO, noted Jellyfish News.

Julianne Smith, US Permanent Representative to NATO, mentioned last Tuesday that the White House is in on the proposal.

During a visit to Ukraine in early April, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson raised the idea of a European Commonwealth to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reported Italy's Corriere della Sera newspaper, mentioned Life News.

Based on the source, Johnson envisions the bloc to be vastly different as a political, economic, and military bloc that will exist alongside the European Union. He added that having the UK, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, or even Turkey at later stage differences with Brussels is the basis for the organization.

Another reason is Germany's slow response to Russia while the forces of Ukraine are losing ground fast and getting kicked out of a former stronghold like Mariupol. Most urgent is the alleged threat posed by Moscow to security, said the outlet.

In the brief last Tuesday, the US envoy asked if Boris Johnson could see the proposed European commonwealth as reality. She answered that it would be okay and help NATO corner Russia on the eastern flank, which the military bloc wants to achieve.

Related Article: Joe Biden, White House Staff Gets Bogged Down Due to Failure To Deal With Political Crisis

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Police have released an e-fit of sex attacker they're hunting after 22 lone women were assaulted by a man on a bike in Hackney Marshes, east London.

There have been nearly two dozen reports of victims, who were out on their own, being approached by a man who touches them sexually before making inappropriate comments.

The male suspect, who rides a bicycle, has grabbed the women's bottoms and made rude comments before riding away.

He has also reportedly touched the women's genitals during the attacks between February and June in Hackney Marshes.

Police believe that there could be even more sexual assaults from this time period that are yet to be reported.

Police have released an e-fit (pictured) of a sexual assault suspect after 22 women came forward with similar reports of a man wearing a grey tracksuit touching them inappropriately in Hackney Marshes

They have released an e-fit image of a suspect - who they believe to be around 17-years-old.

The depiction of the potential sexual attacker came about after very similar physical descriptions and actions were reported by the individual victims, police said.

He's described as light skinned mixed race, who usually wears a grey tracksuit.

Police have now urged anyone with information to come forward - and for any other women to speak up if they have received similar abuse in the Hackney area.

Detective Constable Hannah Rodericks, Central East Command Unit, is investigating. She said: 'I understand this news may cause considerable concern among the community.

'We in the Central East Command Unit share that concern and are doing everything we can to identify and bring to justice the person responsible.

'It is imperative that he is identified but we need the public's help. Anyone who has information that they think can help us is urged to make contact immediately.'

Police said that anyone who has information that could help should call 101 ref 4216097/22.

Alternatively witnesses can tweet @MetCC, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Conscripts 'kidnapped' from Ukraine's east are being thrown into battle against their own countrymen as 'cannon fodder' with little equipment, ancient weapons and almost no training, Kyiv's men have said.

Serhii, a Ukrainian soldier wounded fighting in the Donbas, said locals press-ganged into Russia's ranks are being sent on 'suicide missions' so that Kyiv's men will shoot at them, exposing their positions to watching drones and nearby artillery guns.

He described separatist fighters who appeared to be 'high on something' rushing at Ukrainian positions in front-on attacks without body armour or support from tanks, and being killed 'like pieces of meat'.

Kyiv has admitted suffering devastating losses of up to 200 men killed every day in Donbas, largely victim to overwhelming Russian artillery barrages, but insists that Moscow's forces are being similarly decimated.

As Russian losses have mounted - just under 33,000 on Thursday, according to Kyiv - Putin has been increasingly relying on conscripts to fill the ranks, with locals in occupied Donbas saying their men are being 'kidnapped' and forced into service.

A Ukrainian drone drops a bomb on Russian troops loading a truck somewhere in Donbas, as Kyiv's men say conscripts are being thrown into battle like 'pieces of meat'

A Russian armoured vehicle is struck by what appears to be a US Javelin missile, as losses mount for both sides in the battle for Donbas

The smouldering remains of a Russian armoured vehicle are seen on a battlefield somewhere in Ukraine after it was hit by an anti-tank rocket

Speaking to The Telegraph about separatist fighters he has encountered, Serhii said: 'They literally dont have helmets or armoured vests, and they are being sent to provoke us to start firing.

'We just kill them like pieces of meat ,but then the [drones] detect us and know our position and they start shelling exactly where we are at that moment.

'I really have the impression that they are high on something, because I just cant understand how people without any armour just walk straight at us.'

Though accurate Russian casualties figures are near-impossible to come by, Putin's army has certainly suffered bigger losses than it anticipated after what was supposed to be a days-long 'special operation' stretched into a months-long war.

The Russian president's framing of the invasion as an 'operation' has prevented him from mobilising the country's military reserves, or conscripting regular Russians to fight - meaning he has been forced to turn elsewhere to make up his losses.

Wagner mercenaries, Syrian fighters, Chechen special forces and conscripts from Russia's eastern regions - where impoverished locals are less likely to rebel against Moscow - have all been thrown on to the frontlines.

But Putin is also increasingly relying on men conscripted from areas of Ukraine's east that rebel groups have occupied since 2014 to go into battle.

Conscription was announced in occupied areas of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions - the so-called People's Republics - in February, shortly before fighting broke out.

Russian soldiers manning an anti-tank missile launcher somewhere in Ukraine's east are filmed swigging from spirit bottles, amid reports of drug use due to low morale

Russian conscripts from separatist areas have complained of being sent to the frontlines with little equipment and rifles that date back 200 years (pictured)

Originally it was limited to younger men with some combat experience, and they were told they were going in as support units and would not be on the frontlines.

But as Russian casualties have mounted, those parameters have changed.

Conscription has now been increased to anyone up to the age of 60, with some grey-haired soldiers seen on the battlefields.

Locals say military patrols go town-to-town looking for fighting-age men who are often taken from their workplaces to enlist, even if they have no training.

Often, their families are not told they have been taken and no word is sent back home about where they have been deployed or even if they are alive.

Meanwhile conscripted troops on the frontlines complain of being forced to fight without food, proper clothing, or equipment.

In a mutiny message last month from the commanders of the 113th rifle regiment of the DPR, they said men with chronic health conditions such as poor eyesight or tuberculosis had been drafted despite assurances they would be exempt.

Videos and pictures show how men have been armed with ancient MosinNagant rifles that date back to the 1800s, and equipped with World War II-era helmets.

One Donetsk unit leader who spoke to The Telegraph estimated that 'more than 90 per cent' of conscripts have no military experience and have never held a rifle before, and said they are being sent into a 'meat grinder'.

Conscripts from Russian-occupied areas have complained of poor conditions, no food and of people with chronic health conditions being sent to the front

Evidence has emerged that troops are resorting to drink and drugs amid rock-bottom morale, with a unit of Russian solders manning an anti-tank launcher somewhere on the frontlines swigging from bottles of spirits.

Predictably, losses have been heavy. Unlike Russia, the DPR does publish some casualty figures and said earlier this month that 2,061 troops have been killed in the past three months with 8,500 wounded.

The size of the separatists army in Donetsk was estimated at 20,000 before the war began. No figures have so far been released by separatist authorities in Luhansk.

Those in the occupied areas - many of whom consider Ukraine to be their home country - have described thousands of men going into hiding to avoid the draft.

Fighting-age men are said to be hiding in the basements and back-rooms of houses where no males are registered, since the draft is organised by address.

Residents who spoke to The Guardian last month said many come out at night, when military patrols looking for conscripts are less frequent.

'When I walk my dog at 11pm I could see the silhouettes of men smoking behind the curtains, with a window open,' said one person who asked for anonymity.

'It usually takes 45 minute to fix a problem with my tyres, and I just grab a coffee nearby,' said another woman.

'But last time I was asked to drop my car and leave it over the weekend so that they could bring a guy to fix it at night.'
Two fraudsters who told investors that money does grow on trees and conned 37million have been jailed for 11 years each.

Andrew Skeene, 44, and Omari Bowers, 45, claimed their hardwood plantations in Brazil would earn handsome returns and protect the Amazon rainforest.

The pair set up three teak tree farms, Belem Sky Plantation, Para Sky Plantation and Para Grosso Sky Plantation, and at the height of the scam their company, global Forestry Investments, had offices in Sao Paulo, London, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

But in reality the farms were making a loss, and the men were conning 2,000 families and pensioners out of their money, and living a life of luxury with the proceeds, Southwark Crown Court heard.

Omari Bowers (left) and Andrew Skeene (right), pictured here in a promotional video, scammed 37 million out of investors in a teak farm scam

They were convicted of three charges of conspiracy to defraud and misconduct in the course of winding up a company by a jury last month following a seven-year investigation by the Serious Fraud Office, and have now been jailed for 11 years each.

In a promotional video filmed while the scam was ongoing Bowers boasted: People say money does not grow on trees but it does, because each time a tree is thinned that is a tangible asset. Its actually worth something.

They promised their company, Global Forestry Investments, would build accommodation for their tree growers and a school and performing arts centre for their children.

Skeene stated: I feel very strongly about the environment, and global change.

I believe we have a moral obligation to the next generation so they can inherit the planet which is sustainable and reliable just how we inherited from our parents and grandparents.

The pair claimed their teak plantation would bring people significant returns on their investments (stock image)

Bowers (left) and Skeene (right), pictured here at a school in the Amazon rainforest in a promotional video, bragged to investors that money really does grow on trees

What is teak wood? A teak tree towers above the forest floor Teak is a type of hardwood that is found in tropical environments such as south and southeast Asia. Its natural properties - high tensile strength and high oil content - make it popular for uses that would expose it to the elements. As a result it is used for purposes such as boat building, making exterior furniture, flooring and countertops. While it is native to Asia, teak plantations have sprung up in South America, where the similar climate allows it to be cultivated. Advertisement

The victim impact statements read out in court described the mental anguish suffered by those who lost their life savings in the fraud.

One suffered emotional and psychological harm after he lost 25,000 to the fraudsters and had to delay his retirement.

Another victim said: I feel violated. I refuse to allow anyone into my house in fear of being duped again.

Andrew Trollope, QC, defending father-of-four Bowers, said: This case is a tragedy for them and will be a dreadful burden for them going forward.

Judge Jeffrey Pegden told Skeene and Bowers: You were both convicted by unanimous verdict of the jury. It has to be said you were convicted on the basis of compelling evidence.

Having heard the evidence in this case over many many weeks, I have no doubt that your schemes were fraudulent from mid 2012 at the latest.

In my judgement your culpability is high. You were the ones who lied.

You two devised, operated and controlled three Brazilian investment schemes between 2010 and 2015. Those schemes took in over 35 million and you lost most of the money.

The funds were received by you from investors. They were passed through complex companies.

You used nominees to conceal that you were the beneficiaries of the scheme... The investors believed they would get a safe and steady income but what you wrote or said were either false from the outset or became false and misleading.

After the company went into liquidation you deliberately assisted in deceiving the authorities. You made determined efforts to prolong the frauds and obtain more investor money.

There were a very large number of victims, in total 1,800 different investors and three institutional investors that doubtlessly represent numerous individuals.

The frauds had a serious detrimental impact on the investors.

The pair, pictured here in a promotional video about their scheme, conned 2,000 victims as they enjoyed a luxury lifestyle

Some lost their life savings. Prolonged distress and mental anguish had been caused to a number of victims.

Lisa Osofsky, director at the SFO, said: Our international investigation exposed an intricate web of money transfers, forged documents and invented identities used to scam pensioners and savers out of their money under the false pretence of environmental protection.

The sentencing warns fraudsters that if they choose to play fast and loose with others hard-earned savings or pensions, we will pursue them and they will be held accountable for their crimes.

This is the first of seven cases we are taking to trial this year. Over the next six months we will prosecute a further 18 defendants for alleged fraud, valued at over 500 million.

In addition to their jail terms Skeene, of Heathview Road, Croydon, south London, and Bowers, of Woolstone Road, Forest Hill, southeast London, were banned from being company directors for ten years.
Authorities in ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia have been raiding shops in the capital to seize rainbow-coloured toys and items of clothing as part of a crackdown on homosexuality, state media report.

Video broadcast by the state-run Al-Ekhbariya news channel show officials entering shops and taking objects off shelves and piling them up on the floor while they talk to the camera.

Offending items include rainbow-coloured bows, skirts, hats and pencil cases, most of them apparently manufactured for young children, according to a report broadcast Tuesday evening by the state-run Al-Ekhbariya news channel.

'We are giving a tour of the items that contradict the Islamic faith and public morals and promote homosexual colours targeting the younger generation,' says an official from the commerce ministry, which is involved in the campaign.

Gesturing towards a rainbow flag, a journalist says: 'The homosexuality flag is present in one of the Riyadh markets.'

The colours send a 'poisoned message' to children, the report says.

Authorities in ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia have been raiding shops in the capital to seize rainbow-coloured toys and items of clothing as part of a crackdown on homosexuality

Video shows officials entering shops and taking objects off shelves and piling them up on the floor while they talk to the camera

Offending items include rainbow-coloured bows, skirts, hats and pencil cases, most of them apparently manufactured for young children

The rainbow colours send a 'poisoned message' to children, according to the state media report

In a separate tweet the commerce ministry said its teams were confiscating 'products that contain symbols and signs calling for deviation and contradicting common sense'.

There would be legal penalties against shops which continued to sell the offending items, it added.

The seizures follow on from a similar campaign carried out by neighbouring - and regional rival - Qatar in December, which confiscated toys which 'went against Islamic values'.

Homosexuality is a potential capital offence in Saudi Arabia, known for its strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law which forms the basis of its entire judicial system.

The commerce ministry said its teams were confiscating 'products that contain symbols and signs calling for deviation and contradicting common sense'

There would be legal penalties against shops which continued to sell the offending items, the commerce ministry added

Homosexuality is a potential capital offence in Saudi Arabia, known for its strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law which forms the basis of its entire judicial system

However the Kingdom has something of paradoxical attitude towards homosexuality, with gay acts being a traditional if clandestine part of the culture in a country in which interactions between non-family men and women were - until recently - strictly controlled.

Sexual relations are only permitted between married men and women, with consensual same-sex sexual conduct punishable by death or flogging, depending on the perceived seriousness of the case.

In April, the kingdom said it had asked Disney to cut 'LGBTQ references' from 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness', the latest Marvel movie, but that Disney had refused.

The film ultimately did not screen in Saudi cinemas.

Disney's latest animation 'Lightyear,' which features a same-sex kiss, has also been banned in Saudi Arabia and more than a dozen other countries, a source close to Disney told AFP Tuesday, though Riyadh has not commented on that film.

Tuesday's Al-Ekhbariya report also showed stills of Benedict Cumberbatch in 'Doctor Strange' and of apparently foreign children waving rainbow flags.

The report did not detail how many establishments were targeted or items seized in the commerce ministry operation, and Saudi officials did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment Wednesday.
A former librarian accused of raping a British woman in front of her husband in Goa has been identified by the victim in a police parade.

The 42-year-old victim, from Middlesex, was allegedly attacked while she was having a massage near Arambol Beach - an area popular with foreign tourists  in Goa, India.

Before returning to the UK she was requested to take part in an identity parade, in which she correctly identified the arrested accused, according to police.

Dressed in a black Dumbo t-shirt and black jeans, 32-year-old local Joel Vincent D'Souza was photographed yesterday being taken from Pernem Police Station to court with a black bag pulled down over his head.

The accused made every effort to conceal his face from watching media and observers while sitting in the back of the police car.

Officers located and arrested D'Souza over the June 2 attack hours after the alleged victim lodged a complaint at the Pernem police station on June 6.

He was allegedly part of a criminal group illegally offering massage services to tourists in the area.

32-year-old former librarian Joel Vincent D'Souza was arrested on June 6 for the alleged rape of a British woman in front of her husband in Goa

Beach in Goa, India, is pictured. The unnamed British woman claimed she was raped by a man who offered her a massage on the beach

Dressed in a black Dumbo t-shirt and black jeans, D'Souza was photographed yesterday being taken from Pernem Police Station to court with a black bag pulled down over his head

The accused made every effort to conceal his face from watching media and observers while sitting in the back of the police car

Indian Police Station official Swati Singh said the accused is now back in custody at Pernem police station and will remain there until a charge sheet against him is filed in a few days.

He will be presented before court again at the end of June.

According to a police complaint lodged by the unnamed British woman, the accused allegedly raped her under the pretext of giving her a massage while she was lying close to Sweet Water Lake near Arambol Beach.

The alleged incident took place on June 2, but the woman only filed a complaint on June 6 after speaking to family in the UK and talking to the British Embassy.

Both the suspect and the woman were then sent to a local hospital in Mapusa near Panaji for a medical examination following the alleged sexual assault.

Singh said the victim received counselling, and her full statement was taken before she caught a flight back to the UK this week.

Footage emerged after D'Souza's arrest of the accused stood outside Pernem police station surrounded by several cops and with a black bag unceremoniously draped over his head.

The alleged rapist is posed by his police captors for the cameras after his arrest, his face concealed by a bag over his head

The alleged rapist of a British woman near Arambol beach in Goa was paraded around in public with his hands cuffed and a bag over his head following his arrest by Indian police

Police drive away with the suspect in the back seat after parading him to local media in Pernem

Within hours of the woman's complaint, police had located and arrested 32-year-old Vincent D'Souza, a former librarian who was part of a criminal group illegally offering massage services to tourists in the area close to Arambol beach (pictured)

Police posed for a photo with the alleged rapist at the top of the station steps before leading him down and into the back of a police van.

'A lady had come along with officials of the British consulate... they gave a complaint that the lady had been raped by one person who had represented himself as a masseuse and offered to give the lady a mud bath,' Pernem police official Shobit Saksena said at the time.

A Pernem police official told NDTV earlier this week the alleged victim was lounging on the shores of the Sweet Water Lake along with her partner at the time of the alleged assault, but gave no further details as to how the assault occurred.

Brits made up the second-biggest group of international tourists to Goa in 2018 - the last year of available statistics - with around 295,000 visitors.

Goa has earned a reputation among holidaymakers to India for its stunning beaches and unique atmosphere.

The region remained a colony of Portugal until the 1960s and the local culture and cuisine has been heavily influenced as a result.
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The Royal Navy's newest 1.6billion submarine HMS Audacious, equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, Spearfish torpedoes and 18,000 sausages, has travelled to the Mediterranean for its first Nato mission.

Audacious, among the most advanced and powerful nuclear attack submarine ever operated by the Royal Navy, is the fourth of seven new Astute-class subs with its sisters HMS Astute, Ambush and Artful.

The submarine was commissioned in September 2021 before undergoing two months of intensive sea training around its naval base in Clyde, Scotland, designed to test its equipment and sailors 'to the limit'.

Audacious left UK waters to head south in January, first sailing to Gibraltar to be loaded with Tomahawk missiles before joining its sister subs and spending months in the depths of the North Atlantic and Mediterranean.

The ultra-advanced warship carried out security operations and training with Greek, Turkish and US naval forces.

The training exercises 'tested Audacious' ability to evade, track and engage her foes underwater and on the surface'.

The Royal Navy's newest and most advanced nuclear attack submarine HMS Audacious has carried out Nato security patrols in the Mediterranean

HMS Audacious left UK waters from its Scotland base to head south in January, first sailing to Gibraltar to be loaded with Tomahawk missiles

From Gibraltar, Audacious then travelled to the Mediterannean to join its sister subs and spend months carrying out training and security operations with Nato allies Greece, Turkey and the US

The state-of-the-art submarine weighs 7,400 tonnes, the equivalent of 65 blue whales, is longer than 10 double-decker buses and can hold enough food on board to remain at sea with a crew of 98 people for three months

HMS AUDACIOUS' STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY KEEPING QUIET HMS Audacious has been built to include 39,000 state-of-the-art anti-acoustic tiles. The rubber tiles work by breaking up sound waves that bounce against the hull - the metal on the exterior of the submarine - to dramatically reduce noise levels. WEAPONS The design includes spearfish heavy torpedoes and 38 Tomahawk cruise missiles in the submarine's arsenal. REACTORS HMS Audacious includes nuclear reactors that boast a 25-year lifespan. It allows the crew to create air and water, reducing the need to return to the surface. SONAR SYSTEMS State-of-the-art sonar systems on board allows HMS Audacious to detect other ships from 3,000 nautical miles away - that's the distance between New York and the English Channel. CAMERAS Two masts carry low-light and thermal imaging cameras to provide a 360-degree image to the submarine captain three seconds after being activated. Advertisement

They also offered Nato allies the opportunity to carry out rare training against a nuclear attack submarine, which included attempting to hunt Audacious beneath the waves.

Commander Jim Howard, the warship's commanding officer, said: 'These exercises helped HMS Audacious to demonstrate her prowess as the newest, most capable SSN that the UK has to offer while also strengthening Nato capability and interoperability and demonstrating our resolve towards Nato Missions.'

Audacious followed the training exercises by carrying out a period of Nato operations to provide security to the region.

The Royal Navy has said the submarine has 'set a new standard in weapons load and stealth'.

Around 39,000 state-of-the-art anti-acoustic tiles make the colossal 320ft, 7,400 tonne sub move through the water without making any more noise than a baby dolphin.

On board nuclear reactors with a 25 year life create air and water, meaning the warship can circumnavigate the globe without needing to resurface.

As it is nuclear powered, the submarine has unlimited endurance, but is limited to 90 days based on food capacity. This includes 18,000 sausages and 4,200 Weetabix biscuits.

The sonar system on Astute-class subs enable them to detect ships from 3,000 nautical miles away, which is the distance between the English Channel and New York

Before its journey to the Med, Audacious carried out intensive training off the coast of Scotland, during which its crew underwent a series of mock crises on board, including fires and floods, to ensure they are ready to 'work together and respond calmly in a real emergency'.

Final trials were also completed in which its systems were thoroughly tested to ensure they can stand up to the 'stresses and strains of extended operations'.

The Astute-class submarines are said to be capable of circumnavigating the globe while submerged and produce their own oxygen to sustain the crews on lengthy deployments.

HMS Audacious, described as the 'most capable' submarine ever built for the Royal Navy, pictured during its first outing in April 2020

The submarine uses around 39,000 state-of-the-art anti-acoustic tiles to ensure it makes no more noise than a baby dolphin

The 1.6billion nuclear-powered ship is armed with an arsenal of both spearfish heavy torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles for attack

A short voyage from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, where the submarine was built by BAE Systems saw HMS Audacious return to the surface soon after at Her Majesty's Naval Base Clyde, which is the home of the UK's Submarine Service

The training exercises 'tested Audacious' ability to evade, track and engage her foes underwater and on the surface', the Royal Navy said

HMS Audacious is one of Astute-class submarines and becomes the fourth in service, with the final three still in construction

The training exercises offered Nato allies the opportunity to carry out rare training against a nuclear attack submarine, which included attempting to hunt Audacious beneath the waves

Audacious' maiden deployment also marked the completion of qualifications for many of its crew, which sees them learn the location and function of hundreds of valves aboard and 'earn their dolphins' to become fully fledged submariners.

It was joined by HMS Ambush, which recently carried out its own deployment to the Arctic to carry out a number of missions including sub-surface stealth raids with Royal Marines Commandos.

The two submarines went head-to-head in underwater battles involving a range of warfare scenarios and training together.

Audacious was officially named during a ceremony at BAE Systems' Submarines site in Cumbria, back in December 2017.

Lady Jones, Audacious' sponsor and wife of Admiral Sir Phillip Jones, the First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, chose the name.
Children are being attacked by hungry monkeys and threatened by starving warthogs in East Africa as drought, displacement and conflict ravage the region.

Ten of thousands of children in Ethiopia are suffering from the 'most deadly' form of malnutrition due to the drought in the east and south of the country, British charity Save the Children said Thursday, which is also causing animals to act 'unnaturally'.

The charity said it has received reports of families fending off starving monkeys with sticks, while warthogs have begun encroaching on people's homes in search of food.

Children are being attacked by hungry monkeys and threatened by starving warthogs in East Africa as drought, displacement and conflict ravage the region. Pictured: A two-year-old boy is seen in the Somali region on Ethiopia as his family leave their village in search of food

Save the Children said it has received reports of families in Ethiopia fending off starving monkeys with sticks, while warthogs have begun encroaching on people's homes in search of food. It said drought had caused animals to start acting unnaturally

'Monkeys never normally attack people, but the situation is so terrible that they are resorting to unnatural behaviour like this especially in Dawa and Shebelle areas, the first areas affected by the drought,' Abdirizak Ahmed, Save the Children's Operations Manager for the eastern regions of Ethiopia, told MailOnline.

'We understand the children were unharmed, but its filled people with fear about what the future will bring,' he added, before describing the situation as 'dire'.

'It's not only monkeys but even starving warthogs have been encroaching homes. What used to be wild animals that ran at the scent of people now refuse to leave.

'They pester people and enter homes to look for water and anything edible. They come to villages without fear just to survive,' he explained.

'The elders we talked to compared this to droughts during their time and this also a first time to them - Monkeys are coming down from the bush and attacking children and women who are carrying something. They think that it's water and try to drink or take belongings.'

Four consecutive rainy seasons have failed in the Horn of Africa, with a fifth also expected to fare poorly, causing the worst drought in 40 years and a major hunger crisis spanning Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia.

Over one million people need urgent food aid across the Ethiopian regions of Oromia, SNNP (Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples), Somali and South West, the charity said in a statement.

'About 185,000 children (are) now estimated to be suffering from the most deadly form of malnutrition,' the charity said. Save the Children has set up a petition calling on the British government to send aid to the country.

According to the petition, someone in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia is dying from hunger every 48 seconds.

Ten of thousands of children in Ethiopia are suffering from the 'most deadly' form of malnutrition due to the drought in the east and south of the country, British charity Save the Children said Thursday, which is also causing animals to act 'unnaturally'. Pictured: Cattle in the country are seen roaming a dusty plain, while two appear to have died

'Children - especially small children - are bearing the brunt of a harrowing and multifaceted crisis in Ethiopia,' said Xavier Joubert, the charity's country director in Ethiopia.

'A prolonged, expanding, and debilitating drought is grinding away at their resilience, already worn down by a gruelling conflict and two years of the Covid-19 pandemic,' he added.

In the Somali region - one of the worst affected - the malnutrition rate jumped 64 percent in the past year, according to Save the Children.

During the same period, more than 50,000 cases of severe acute malnutrition, which requires emergency treatment to prevent death, were recorded, the non-profit said.

Much of the region's pastoral nomadic community was on 'the brink of starvation', it said, with families reporting 'that many children are only being fed one meal per day.'

The record drought has affected about 8.1 million people in Africa's second most populous nation, which has also been suffering the consequences of a 19-month conflict in the north.

Ahmed (pictured with his children and a donkey cart), a 40-year-old father of seven who lives in the Somali region, said he had recently lost his livestock in the drought. As a result, he was forced to leave his village with his family in search of food and water

About 30 million people or a quarter of Ethiopia's population need humanitarian assistance, Save the Children said.

Insufficient rainfall has destroyed crops, killed livestock and forced huge numbers of people to leave their homes in search of food and water across Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia.

The dire conditions have been exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine, which has contributed to soaring food and fuel costs, while grain exports are being blocked by Russian warships from leaving the country that would otherwise feed millions.

Ahmed, a 40-year-old father of seven who lives in the Somali region, said he had recently lost his livestock in the drought. As a result, he was forced to leave his village with his family in search of food and water.

'I do not know how to feed my children,' he said.

'The rain failed. The grass withered. My sheep and goats died, along with hundreds and thousands of animals from our village. We packed our meagre possessions on the donkey cart and set out at midnight.'

Ahmed's name was changed to protect his identity.

Women from the internally displaced persons (IDP) camp of Guyah, 100 kms of Semera, Afar region, Ethiopia wait to have their children screened by health personnel on May 17, 2022

Meanwhile, the humanitarian response is suffering from a lack of funds, with a February appeal by the UN's World Food Programme raising less than four percent of the cash needed.

East Africa endured a harrowing drought in 2017 but early humanitarian action averted a famine in Somalia.

When a famine struck the country in 2011, 260,000 people - half of them children under the age of six - died of hunger or hunger-related disorders.

Experts say extreme weather events are becoming more common and more intense due to climate change.

Mr Joubert said: 'Sadly, in 2022, the crisis in Ethiopia grew in complexity and scale.

'In the south and the east, prolonged drought is devastating lives and livelihoods; in the north, millions of displaced families barely have access to food, health services, livelihoods; and in the southwest, a hidden conflict is displacing hundreds of thousands.

'Families who have fled drought or conflict have left with very little, some only with their children and clothes on their backs,' Joubert continued.

'Though some families are returning home, they find their houses, hospitals, and schools damaged or destroyed, and their livelihoods lost.'

Save the Children is calling on the United Kingdom and other G7 nations to commit to funding a package that would help the global hunger crisis, ahead of a meeting between the countries this month.
The man dubbed Britain's 'worst landlord' has been stopped from selling off his houses to get out of paying 250,000 legal costs.

Multi-millionaire Fergus Wilson, 73, once the biggest private landlord in the country, tried to sell properties and transfer the assets to his wife so he could plead poverty.

The property mogul, who is thought to have at one point owned around 300 homes, claimed he could not afford to pay his legal bill, a court heard.

Investigators claimed Mr Wilson and his wife, Judith, made more than 40million from the sale of 166 properties - with 35 million made in the last two years.

But a High Court injunction stopped him from disposing of the remaining assets, including five homes he owns in Ashford, Kent.

Mr Wilson has been banned from contacting Ashford Borough Council for life after aggressively abusing staff there, including telling councilors to kill themselves. He has previously been accused of racism over evicting tenants, which he denies.

Last year Mr Wilson was banned for life from contacting Ashford Borough Council after a 10-year campaign of abuse against its staff and in May this year the High Court ordered him to make a part payment in costs of 125,000 while the full amount is considered by a judge and a final figure of 250,000 was reached.

On June 13, the council secured the injunction in the High Court against Wilson, stopping him from offloading more of his assets and transferring them to his wife.

After losing a High Court battle, he was slapped with a permanent injunction last year, preventing him from contacting Ashford Council.

The buy-to-let landlord from Maidstone, Kent, repeatedly told councillors to kill themselves, and sent huge numbers of unsolicited letters and emails.

The council then took further legal action because Mr Wilson defaulted on three court judgements relating to the payment of legal costs.

But the multi-millionaire claimed he had no money and was unable to pay.

Mr Wilson began rapidly disposing of their assets and the council believed there was a risk that the costs orders of the court would go unsatisfied, and that future orders would be frustrated if a freezing injunction was not made.

Investigators allege Wilson and his wife Judith (pictured) made 35 million in the last two years. Wilson claimed the properties are owned by his wife and said he has 'never been a landlord'.

In its application to the court, the council said that while Mr Wilson portrays himself in the press as one of the wealthiest men in Britain, owning a large portfolio of rental properties, to the council and the court he claims he is a pensioner with little or no wealth, income or assets.

He claims all the properties and assets are owned by his wife.

During previous court proceedings, Mr Wilson has made repeated references to selling properties and investigations by the council shows that the couple have generated gross sale proceeds of 40.4 million from the sale of 166 properties in recent years, with over 35 million of that in the past two years.

The council was concerned Mr Wilson was planning to avoid paying court costs and was making himself immune from enforcement action by selling all his properties and transferring all his assets out of his own name.

As a result, the council has identified five properties in Ashford registered in his name and the Freezing Order prevents him from disposing of them.

The High Court heard that, when faced with possible enforcement action, Mr Wilson obtained a debt moratorium by appearing to give false information to judgement proof himself.

In exchanges with Mr Wilson, the judge asked him about a statement he made in a letter to the council where he said: 'I take more annually in salary and capital gain than the entire salary bill of Ashford Borough Council.'

David Lock QC, sitting as a deputy judge of the High Court, asked: 'When you made the statement, was it true?'

Mr Wilson, who chose to represent himself, said: 'No, it was not true.'

Addressing court costs he had previously been ordered to pay the council but defaulted on, Mr Wilson told the court: 'I do not have it... I have no money to pay.'

While properties were found to be in his name, Mr Wilson indicated he had not known about them and they had been fraudulently put in his name when in fact they belong to his wife.

Mr Wilson told the court: 'I should explain the investor is my wife, Judith Wilson, and not myself. I actually own no property and have never been a landlord.'

Judge Lock told Mr Wilson: 'I think that there is a very high chance that you are pretending to the court that you have no assets.'

The council successfully applied for the freezing order to be made permanent.

Mr Wilson was ordered not to remove from England and Wales any of his assets up to the value of 250,000, or in any way dispose of, deal with or diminish the value of any of his assets up to the same value.

In addition, Judge Lock ordered Mr Wilson to set out all his assets in England and Wales in the next two weeks, whether solely or jointly owned.

Mr Wilson was told the order would cease to have effect if he paid 250,000 to the council within 14 days.

The court also approved interim charging orders on two of his properties.

Fergus Wilson, 73, has been stopped from selling off his properties to plead poverty to dodge a legal bill. He was slapped with the 250,000 bill after a 10-year campaign of abuse against Ashford Borough Council in Kent.

Mr Wilson has also been ordered to pay for the freezing injunction application which costs 20,000 and must be paid by 4pm on June 27.

Once Judge Lock handed down the judgment, Mr Wilson said his wife Judith Wilson will pay 250,000 to the council.

The authority was not seeking damages but wants to end the campaign of harassment it has described as  relentless.

During the 10-year campaign of abuse, some workers received daily messages leading to some feeling bullied and distressed, being unable to respond to allegations and breaking down in tears.

Included in the councils hundreds of pages of evidence was a letter, sent to the local authoritys leader Gerry Clarksons home address, calling him a 'buffoon', 'an a******', 'a bag of ****' and said he should 'do all the young people in Ashford a service and commit suicide'.

Mr Wilson also referred to a female member of staff as an 'objectionable lady' and 'Michelin lady' in an email where he called for her to be sacked.

Five years ago the hated landlord gained infamy for banning tenants he described as 'coloured' because he said they smell like curry.

In 2017 this ban was overturned in a court victory for the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
The last remaining survivor of a British warship sunk by a German U-Boat during WWII who sang 'There'll Always Be An England' for 16 hours before being rescued has died aged 99.

Reg Bishop was among 568 sailors who were rescued after HMS Hecla was sunk by German torpedoes in an attack near Morocco which killed 281 of their crewmates on November 11, 1942.

He slid down a rope off the ship and clung to a liferaft when 'out of the darkness' he heard a voice sing the patriotic tune popularised by Vera Lynn.

He and his crewmates joined in with the singing to keep their spirits up before being plucked to safety by another British warship.

Reg Bishop sang 'There'll Always Be An England' for 16 hours after the the HMS Hecla was torpedoed by a German U-Boat in WWII. He was the last remaining survivor of the warship has died aged 99

Mr Bishop remained active well into his 90s, and the only thing stopping him from attending his regular Mecca Bingo nights was Covid restrictions. His daughter in law Mary Bishop described him as a 'tower of strength for the whole family'

After 16 hours Mr Bishop and his crewmates were saved by HMS Venomous, whose crew lowered a scrambling net over the side of the ship.

After climbing on board they then offered him a cup of tea and a tot of rum.

The father-of-three - described as a 'tower of strength' by his family - lived nearly 80 more years before he died earlier this month at his home in Cawston, Norfolk.

He remained an active person well into his 90s Covid restrictions eventually slowing him down by stopping his regular visits to the Mecca Bingo hall in Norwich.

Mr Bishop recalled how he was asleep in his hammock when the 11,000 ton destroyer tender HMS Hecla was struck by the first of three torpedoes off the coast of Morocco in North Africa.

He quickly got dressed up and rushed to man one of the ship's in pitch black darkness.

Mr Bishop remembered: 'My pal, Herbert Barker, had been sleeping on the upper deck when we got hit.

What is the history of the WWII warship HMS Hecla and how did it sink? The HMS Hecla was a British destroyer tender warship which was completed in January 1941

The role of the 10,850 ton ship and crew was to provide maintenance support to a flotilla of other warships

On May 15 1942, the ship hit a German mine off Capetown in South Africa causing 24 crew deaths

The ship took 18 weeks to be repaired

At 12:15am On November 12 1942 the German U-Boat U-515 fired four torpedoes at HMS Hecla which hit the engine room

The U-Boat fired three final missiles at 1:28am, 1:49am and 2:06am which caused it to sink to the west of Gibraltar

The attack killed 281 sailors but 568 were rescued by HMS Venomous and taken to Casablanca Source: uboat.net Advertisement

'He was wearing just his underwear and the water had come over the side and soaked him. I remember taking my coat off and giving it to him. I never saw him again.

'I remember everything was calm, no panic, and I slid down into the water from the starboard side on a length of rope.

'I was alongside the ship and remember swimming to get away from it.. I had my inflated life belt on and those without them perished.

'We were then hit by two more torpedoes which hit the opposite (port) side of Hecla. I just wanted to get away from the ship before she went down.'

Mr Bishop recalled how HMS Venomous and another warship HMS Marne were dropping depth chargers to try and destroy German submarines in the area.

He said: 'When they went off, it felt like being kicked in the stomach. The Marne stopped to pick up survivors and was hit in the stern by a torpedo but she didn't sink.

'We heard a voice through a loudhailer from HMS Venomous telling us they would pick us up in daylight.

'Some in the water tried to get aboard HMS Marne but I didn't attempt it in case she went down. I was desperate to get away from both ships and managed to do so.

'Although I couldn't see much in the darkness, I was in the water surrounded by other sailors.'

Mr Bishop eventually managed to grab hold of a Carley float liferaft, which became submerged in the water as there was so many men clinging to it.

He added: 'One of my vivid memories was hearing a single voice loudly sing out of the darkness 'There'll always be an England...'.

'Others joined in with the singing and I joined in too. I don't recall any panic or fear that night, just waiting to be picked up and dozing every now and then.'

Norfolk-born Mr Bishop worked on a poultry farm and in the building trade before enlisting in the Royal Navy in 1942.

He trained at HMS Ganges in Shotley, Suffolk, and then in Chatham, Kent, before joining HMS Hecla.

Mr Bishop later served on HMS Bonaventure, a midget submarine depot ship which sailed from Scotland to the southwest Pacific Ocean.

Mr Bishop was asleep when the first three torpedoes fired by a German U-Boat hit the HMS Hecla. He got dressed and quickly rushed through the pitch black darkness to man the guns. He said: 'I just wanted to get away from the ship before she went down.' The HMS Hecla (pictured) sank at just after 2am November 12 1942 after a German U-Boat fired three torpedoes

He left the Royal Navy in 1946 and went on a painting and decorating course in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, where he met his first wife, Peggy who died in 1976.

Mr Bishop married his second wife, Diane in 1982 after meeting while working at the Bernard Matthews turkey factory in Great Witchingham near Norwich.

He later worked as a painter and decorator before helping out as an MOT assistant at his son Tim's garage in Felthorpe until he was 85.

His daughter-in-law Mary Bishop described him as a 'non-judgmental and easy-going' man.

She added: 'He loved to talk. He could strike up a conversation with anyone about anything.

'He led a remarkable life and he was a tower of strength for the whole family. He would help any of them.'

Mr Bishop is survived by two of his children, eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

He also had two step-daughters, five step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren.
The Duchess of York has vowed to stand by Prince Andrew describing him as 'very good and kind' and saying 'he really understands the art of communication with me'.

Sarah Ferguson, 62, made the comments during an interview with Iain Dale on LBC following Andrew's settlement with Virginia Giuffre over sexual assault claims earlier this year.

Discussing her first historical novel, Her Heart For A Compass, she added that she was thankful their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, 'have got him'.

Asked about maintaining a good relationship with Andrew after their divorce, Ferguson said: 'He's a very good and kind man. He really understands the art of communication with me and trust.

'We really do communicate, compromised with compassion. I will stand by him. It's an incredible friendship and not just co-parenting, it's just real.

'Thank goodness the girls have got [him]. He's very Naval and "this is how it's done" and very royal life and then they have the river running by which is me.'

The Duchess of York has vowed to stand by Prince Andrew describing him as 'very good and kind' and saying 'he really understands the art of communication with me'

Referring to whether there was a fairytale ending with her former husband, she said: 'I think the happy ending is the way we are today and the way we lead by example with the ability to have a sense of understanding of each other.

'I don't think I would ever wish to go into anything where I can't just jump around and a sense of freedom. I think that is key to it. I love to be free.

'I like to go to Poland tomorrow if I wish to or if I want to go to Rwanda. I just love the way I am.'

Ferguson also spoke to Times Radio on Tuesday morning and was questioned whether she would still choose to marry the duke if she could turn back time.

Ferguson gushingly replied: 'Oh, yes - he's a very good and kind man'.

Referring their wedding day, she added: 'And it was an exceptional day, July 23 1986. And it was just extraordinary.

Sarah Ferguson, 62, made the comments during an interview with Iain Dale on LBC following Andrew's settlement with Virginia Giuffre over sexual assault claims earlier this year

While discussing her first historical novel, Her Heart For A Compass, she added that she was thankful their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, 'have got him'

'I think my life is an amazing life. I think I've been very lucky. And I am now just beginning my life again. And I think it's pretty cool to be able to say that.'

Her comments come just days after Andrew was seemingly banished during Garter Day, one of the most colourful events in the royal calendar, amid speculation he is pushing for a return to royal life.

The Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge reportedly lobbied the Queen about his participation.

The duke was apparently left 'crushed and confused' after he was banned from attending the service on Monday, Finding Freedom author Omid Scobie has claimed.

The controversial decision was clearly taken at the 11th hour, because Andrew's name was on the order of service. A source told the Evening Standard: 'The Duke of Cambridge was adamant. If York insisted on taking part publicly, he would withdraw'.

Meanwhile, a palace insider said that the decision to exclude Andrew from the public elements of today's Garter Day was a 'family decision'.

The mother-of-two later told the programme: 'And, you know, I will stand very firmly by Andrew a very good and kind man and that's what I believe.

Despite divorcing in 1996, Sarah and Andrew have remained on such good terms that they still share Royal Lodge, the Queen Mothers former home, on the Windsor estate, and regularly visit the Queen together at Windsor Castle

Her comments come just days after Andrew was seemingly banished during Garter Day, one of the most colourful events in the royal calendar, after the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge reportedly lobbied the Queen about his participation

'We are divorced. I think it's very important, Mariella, that people realise that I don't spend long here in England, because I don't wish to. I'd much prefer being out.

'I've built 156 schools in Africa and Poland. And, you know, and I just want to keep going doing my philanthropy work.'

Despite divorcing in 1996, Sarah and Andrew have remained on such good terms that they still share Royal Lodge, the Queen Mothers former home, on the Windsor estate, and regularly visit the Queen together at Windsor Castle.

She previously described them as 'the happiest divorced couple in the world', living under the same roof at Royal Lodge, Windsor, but with their own rooms.

'We support each other like pillars of strengths,' she added.

In 2014, they spent about 13 million on a chalet in the upmarket Swiss ski resort of Verbier with both of their names on the deeds.

This week it emerged a freezing order has been placed on the Duke of Yorks controversial 18million retreat in the Swiss resort of Verbier which is in the process of being sold  reportedly to help him pay off sex abuse accuser Virginia.

The legal move will guarantee that a Swiss couple, with whom the duke struck up a business arrangement, will receive the reported 1.6million owed to them by the Queens second son, sources have said.
Brazilian authorities said that a fisherman has now become the suspect of murder after confessing that he killed the two men that went missing in the Amazon, British journalist Dom Phillips and Brazilian indigenous affairs expert Bruno Araujo Pereira.

Federal police in the region identified the suspect as Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira and they noted that he confessed on Tuesday night. The suspect indicated where the bodies of veteran correspondent Phillips and Pereira had been buried.

Suspect Confesses to Murder

The day after the suspect's confession, he took police to the area where the two victims were allegedly killed, which was an area that was 100-minute away by speedboat and a three-kilometer trek into the jungle. Federal Police representative Eduardo Alexandre Fontes said that officers were now excavating the area and discovered human remains.

The official noted that the findings will be sent to Brasilia for forensic analysis on Thursday but noted that police could not confirm the deaths of Phillips and Pereira until the analysis was completed. Law enforcement personnel refused to give any further details on Amarildo or how he allegedly killed the two men, as per CNN.

Fontes was previously questioned why authorities did not mention that indigenous people were helping in the search mission. The official said that it had been a mistake not to acknowledge their "fundamental" contribution to the investigation.

Read Also: South African Boxer Who Punched Thin Air During Fight Dies Due to Brain Injury | Full Details

The two victims first went missing on June 5 during a trip in the Javari Valley, which is located in the far western part of Amazonas state. The two were last seen in the Sao Rafael community, which is a two-hour boat ride from Atalaia do Norte city. Prior to their vanishing, they were accompanying an indigenous patrol in the Itaquai river organized to prevent invasions from illegal fishermen and hunters on the Javari Valley Indigenous Land.

According to the Washington Post, the fisherman who confessed to killing the two men said that he ambushed them in an uninhabited stretch of a river leading to the city of Atalaia do Norte. Amarildo, 41-year-old, who is also known by the nickname "Pelado," said that prior to killing the two men, he made threats against Pereira.

Missing Men in the Amazon

Detective Guilherme Torres said that the priority of investigators and law enforcement officers was to locate the two men alive. However, he noted that, unfortunately, that was no longer possible, bringing sad news to the family of the victims, their friends, and the international press.

Indigenous people mourned the announcement as they collaborated with Pereira whose struggle against illegal invasions was being documented by Phillips. The local Indigenous association, Univaja, released a statement saying that the death of the victims was an "incalculable loss."

Pelado's family said that he previously denied any wrongdoing and claimed that police tortured him to try to get a confession. Torres noted that the boat of the victims was filled with bags of dirt so that it would not sink. The engine was also removed, said investigators.

Later, a news conference was held at Brazil's federal police headquarters located in Manaus that included military leaders who joined the effort to find the victims. A frequent critic of journalists and Indigenous experts, President Jair Bolsonaro, drew criticism for the government not getting involved in the investigation fast enough.

On Wednesday, Bolsonaro also criticized Phillips in an interview, saying without evidence that locals in the area where he went missing did not like him. He added that the journalist should have been more careful in the region, the Associated Press reported.



Related Article: Brutal Attack on Women in China Caught on Cam, Sparks Gender Violence Debate

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Heartbroken parents have revealed the life-changing moment they realised their son and his pregnant partner had been mowed down by a teenage driver.

Kate Leadbetter, 31, and her partner Matthew Field, 37, were about to become parents for the first time, to a son they named Miles, when they were run over in Alexandra Hills in eastern Brisbane on Australia Day last year.

Matthew's parents Russell and Ann Field have shares that they realised their son had been killed as they tuned in to the evening news 18 months ago.

Matthew's parents Russell and Ann Field (pictured) have revealed the moment they realised their son had been killed as they tuned in to the evening news 18 months ago

'We were watching the news on TV and (at) quarter past six  (there was) a news flash, you know, 'Young couple killed at Alexandra Hills while walking their dogs,'' Mr Field told A Current Affair.

'And we both looked at each other at the same time basically and Ann said, 'I think that's Matt and Kate.'

The couple were forced to wait three hours for their worst fears to be confirmed by two police officers who knocked on the door.

Neither officer has returned to work after delivering the tragic news, with Russell and Ann also unable to face returning to work since the crash 18 months ago.

The driver, who cannot be named because he was 17 at the time, ran a red light in a stolen Landcruiser and collided with a truck before rolling and hitting the couple.

He ran from the scene and attempted to steal another vehicle before he was stopped by a local resident who pinned him down.

The convicted teenager was found to have a blood alcohol content between 0.151 and 0.192 per cent at the time of the crash.

Kate Leadbetter, 31, and her partner Matthew Field, 37, were about to become parents for the first time, to a son they named Miles, when they were run over in Brisbane in January, 2021

The driver, who cannot be named because he was 17 at the time, ran a red light in a stolen Landcruiser (pictured) and collided with a truck before rolling and hitting the couple

He had been drinking and using cannabis from about 10am that day.

The 18-year-old - who was first charged with murder, pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter and a raft of other charges.

The teenager last week heard he would jailed for ten years but Justice Martin Burns ordered that he be eligible for parole after serving six years.

He said the tragedy was as an 'almost inevitable consequence' of the teen's actions in the lead up to the crash.

Justice Burns said taking into account the teen's protracted period of extremely dangerous driving that culminated in a grossly negligent final act, he regarded the manslaughter offences as 'particularly heinous'.

'No sentence will be adequate ... (and) can't do justice to the suffering you have caused,' he told the teenager.

The sentence has sparked controversy across the nation with many questioning if it was proportionate to the crime that wiped out an entire family.

Matthew's parents (pictured arriving to court last week) have slammed the 'inadequate' sentence and said putting the teen driver behind bars for life still wouldn't be enough

The couple had been 'so excited' to become parents and had named their unborn baby Miles

Mr Field has slammed the 'inadequate' sentence and insisted that putting the teen driver behind bars for life still wouldn't be enough.

'Six years for killing three people, we classify Miles as a person, is totally incomprehensible and not acceptable on any person's terms,' he said.

Mr Field warned that if the government 'sits on their hands on this' that they would be held accountable and said Queensland's justice system was flawed.

'It's a joke. In our hearts, lock him up for life. He took three lives that day. Three lives gone in an instant,' he said.

'Our lives will never be the same with this tragic loss, and has affected me, my family and friends in every possible way.'

He told A Current Affair the first word that came to mind when he heard the six-year sentence was 'bull****'.

'I just couldn't believe it, my heart was ripped out again,' his wife Ann agreed.

She said the young parents had been 'so excited' to be parents and described the crash that ended their dreams as 'unfathomable'.

Matthew's mother Ann (pictured in Brisbane last week) described the crash as 'unfathomable'

Queensland Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman (left) announced she would file an appeal on the grounds the sentence was manifestly inadequate

On Thursday, Queensland Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman announced she would file an appeal on the grounds the sentence was manifestly inadequate.

Ms Fentimen said she had sought advice from the director of public prosecutions on the day of the sentencing and had received a reply on Thursday morning.

'I can confirm the grounds of appeal are that the sentence of manslaughter was manifestly inadequate particularly as the judge had determined the offence was a heinous offence,' Ms Fentiman told reporters.

'I want to pay tribute to the family of Matt and Kate and acknowledge what they have been through and the community's frustration and anger about this case.'

Both the Field and Leadbetter families had shared their hopes the sentence would be appealed with a petition receiving over 47,000 signatures from outraged Australians.
An eight-year-old boy has died after becoming trapped between a washing machine and dryer while playing hide and seek at his relative's home in Texas.

Wrangler Hendrix was found 'wedged between a washer and dryer' by his family on Friday while playing with his cousins in Coolidge, Georgia, police said.

The boy, of Jewett, Texas, is believed to have died from positional asphyxiation, Captain Tim Watkins from the Thomas County Sheriff's Office told People magazine.

Wrangler Hendrix was found 'wedged between a washer and dryer' by his family on Friday while playing with his cousins in Coolidge, Georgia, police said

The second grader's family found him stuck between the washer and dryer and immediately began CPR.

Police officers were called to the family home at around 6.15pm on Friday after Wrangler was found 'unresponsive' and continued efforts to resuscitate him when they arrived.

Wrangler briefly responded during the resuscitation attempts - but later become unresponsive, Watkins told WCTV.

He was rushed to Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville where he was pronounced dead at 7.28pm.

'The Thomas County Sheriff's Office would like to express our deepest condolences to the family of Wrangler,' said Watkins.

He was rushed to Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville where he was pronounced dead at 7.28pm

Wrangler, the son of Rhonda White and William Andrew Hendrix, has been described as a 'sweetheart' by those who knew him.

One person paid tribute to the little boy, writing in an online tribute: 'My heart breaks for all of you... Wrangler was a sweetheart. So thankful for time I got to be his bus driver.

'He was so well-mannered and took care of his sister. They were so excited about their trip and the beach. We joked about wearing lots of sunscreen as they got off the bus. Rest in heavenly peace, Wrangler.'

Funeral services for Wrangler will be held on June 21, at 2pm at Sardis Baptist Church in Jewett, according to his obituary.
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Boris Johnson's could scrap the job of sleaze chief after Lord Geidt quit blasting him for trying to prop up the steel industry.

Downing Street refused to commit to replacing the peer after he gave a damning assessment of the PM's actions in a resignation letter - finally released after an outcry that it had been held back when the news emerged last night.

Lord Geidt, who said he had narrowly decided not to quit over Partygate, referred to a 'commercial' move planned by ministers, thought to be tariffs to protect the domestic steel industry. He insisted that would be a deliberate breach of ministerial code and put him in an 'impossible and odious position'.

'The idea that a PM might to any degree be in the business of deliberately breaching his own Code is an affront,' he wrote.

But Mr Johnson responded that he asked Lord Geidt's advice on the issue to avoid breaching rules, saying the policy related to the imposition of tariffs to protect a 'crucial industry' and had cross-party support.

Whitehall sources suggested the premier is 'happy to be judged in the Red Wall' for protecting domestic steel, and Tory MP Mark Jenkinson said: 'Imagine being the ones trying to infer that protection of our steel industry is somehow bad.'

The Trade Remedies Authority recommended last year that tariffs on Chinese steel be removed because there was no legal justification for them. The government overruled the advice and extended the tariffs for a year - but they are due to expire at the end of this month.

The peer's surprise departure came days after an appearance before MPs in which he suggested he had decided against walking out. He is also said to have told Mr Johnson recently that he wanted to stay on for another six months.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said the function of the role is 'vitally important'.

But asked whether a new adviser is being sought - potentially the third in just 18 months - the spokesman said Mr Johnson wants to 'carefully consider those and reflect on them before taking a decision on how best to fulfil that commitment about ensuring rigorous oversight and scrutiny of ministerial interests'.

Pressed if Lord Geidt will necessarily be replaced, the spokesman said: 'We haven't made a final decision on how best to carry out that function, whether it relates to a specific individual or not.

'He will carefully consider that before setting out the next steps.'

He suggested there was no plan to wait for a new adviser to be in place to go ahead with the controversial plan Lord Geidt quit over, saying: 'I don't believe that's the intention.'

Labour demanded Boris Johnson replace the departing peer, with deputy leader Angela Rayner saying: 'Lord Geidt walked out because of the odious behaviour of Boris Johnson's Downing Street. This Prime Minister has, in his own adviser's words, made a mockery of the Ministerial Code. He has now followed both his predecessor and the anti-corruption tsar out of the door in disgust.'

A short statement released on the Government's website confirmed Lord Geidt (right) will leave his role as the Prime Minister's Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests

Lord Geidt gave a damning assessment of the PM's actions in a resignation letter - finally released after an outcry that it had been held back when the news emerged last night

Harriet Harman under pressure over tweets Tory MPs have called on Harriet Harman to quit a panel probing the Prime Minister over Partygate after it emerged she had accused him of lying. Labour's former deputy leader is to replace Chris Bryant on the Commons privileges committee. One of three tweets she sent on April 12 said that if the Prime Minister and Chancellor Rishi Sunak accepted a Covid fine 'then they are also admitting that they misled' the Commons. She also wrote: 'These were laws to save lives that they broke!' Backbencher Sir Bill Cash said Miss Harman 'ought to reconsider her position'. Former Lord Chancellor Sir Robert Buckland advised that she 'reflect very carefully' on tweets suggesting 'she is biased'. Advertisement

Lord Geidt said he only narrowly believed he could continue in the role after the partygate scandal but that he could not continue after a new request.

He wrote to the Prime Minister: 'This week, however, I was tasked to offer a view about the Government's intention to consider measures which risk a deliberate and purposeful breach of the ministerial code.

'This request has placed me in an impossible and odious position.'

He said the idea that the Prime Minister 'might to any degree be in the business of deliberately breaching his own code is an affront'.

'A deliberate breach, or even an intention to do so, would be to suspend the provisions of the code to suit a political end. This would make a mockery not only of respect for the code but licence the suspension of its provisions in governing the conduct of Her Majesty's ministers.

'I can have no part in this.'

However, in his response Mr Johnson expressed bewilderment, arguing that he was trying to avoid a breach.

'You say that you were put in an impossible position regarding my seeking your advice on potential future decisions related to the Trade Remedies Authority,' he wrote.

'My intention was to seek your advice on the national interest in protecting a crucial industry, which is protected in other European countries and would suffer material harm if we do not continue to apply such tariffs.

'This has in the past had cross party support. It would be in line with our domestic law but might be seen to conflict with our obligations under the WTO. In seeking your advice before any decision was taken, I was looking to ensure that we acted properly with due regard to the Ministerial code.'

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said: 'Lord Geidt walked out because of the odious behaviour of Boris Johnson's Downing Street. This Prime Minister has, in his own adviser's words, made a mockery of the Ministerial Code. He has now followed both his predecessor and the anti-corruption tsar out of the door in disgust.

'There are now no ethics left in this Downing Street regime propped up in office by a Conservative Party mired in sleaze and totally unable to tackle the cost-of-living crisis facing the British people.

'The Government must not only appoint a new watchdog but back Labour's plan to restore standards. This Prime Minister has debased standards and rigged the rules for far too long. It is time for the Conservatives to do the right thing and remove him from office.'

Cabinet Office minister Michael Ellis was dragged to the Commons to be quizzed on what had happened, describing the exit as 'disappointing'.

Mr Raab told Sky News: 'First of all, he'd been engaged with the Prime Minister in Number 10 this week and discussing staying on for six months.

'My understanding was that he was committed to the role.

'I think he had a pretty rough grilling by MPs this week, I think sometimes we in the media and as politicians maybe underestimate how civil servants feel with that kind of scrutiny.

'And thirdly there was a particular issue, a commercially sensitive matter in the national interest, which he was asked to look at.

'I don't know which aspect of this  there will be an update from Number 10 later.'

When asked why the Government has not published Lord Geidt's resignation letter, he said: 'I don't know whether there's a full letter', adding that the adviser will be replaced 'as soon as possible'.

In a terse statement uploaded to the Government's website last night, Lord Geidt said: 'With regret, I feel that it is right that I am resigning from my post as independent adviser on ministers' interests.'

A No 10 source said the move came as a 'total surprise' to Mr Johnson, and claimed that as late as Monday, Lord Geidt had asked if he could stay on for another six months.

Lord Geidt becomes the second independent adviser on ministers' interests to resign during Mr Johnson's tenure as Prime Minister. Sir Alex Allan quit in 2020 after Mr Johnson refused to accept his finding that Home Secretary Priti Patel had bullied civil servants.

There had been weeks of speculation about Lord Geidt's future following the Partygate scandal

Cabinet Office minister Michael Ellis confirmed in a statement to the Commons that the exchange of letters will be published shortly, describing the exit as 'disappointing'

In a round of interviews this morning, Deputy PM Dominic Raab insisted he did not know why Lord Geidt - a former private secretary to the Queen - had chosen to go

On Tuesday, Lord Geidt refused to deny that he considered resigning over the Prime Minister's response to being fined for attending a party in Downing Street during lockdown.

And he accepted that it was 'reasonable' to suggest the PM may have breached the Ministerial Code as a result of being issued with a fixed penalty notice by the Metropolitan Police.

'I think it's reasonable to say that perhaps a fixed penalty notice and the PM paying for it may have constituted not meeting the overarching duty of the Ministerial Code of complying with the law,' Lord Geidt said.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Lord Geidt threatened to quit after the publication of senior civil servant Sue Gray's report into lockdown violations in Whitehall unless Mr Johnson issued a public explanation for his conduct.

In response, the Prime Minister put out a letter to Lord Geidt saying he believed any breach of the Covid rules when he attended a gathering in No 10's Cabinet room for his 56th birthday had been 'unwitting'. Mr Johnson said he had acted in 'good faith' when he told Parliament that there had not been any parties and that he had since corrected the record.

Asked by MPs on Tuesday about reports that he threatened to quit, Lord Geidt acknowledged that 'the commentariat' had picked up on his 'frustration'.

'I am glad that the Prime Minister was able to respond to my report and in doing so addressed aspects of the things about which I was clearly frustrated,' he told the committee. Pressed by Labour MP John McDonnell on the reports, Lord Geidt said: 'It is important to consider what is going to work best in the interest, not of me, but preserving the integrity of the system and of the Code in making it work in advising the Prime Minister on holding ministers  including a prime minister  publicly to account. I don't think there was ever a single, direct proposition in my own mind.'

Tory MP William Wragg, committee chairman and a fierce critic of Mr Johnson, said last night: 'For the PM to lose one adviser on ministers' interests may be regarded as a misfortune. To lose two looks like carelessness.'

Lord Geidt (pictured), Boris Johnson's adviser on ministerial interests, hinted he thought about leaving his role due to the challenging year

A senior source said there had been no official reason provided for the ethics tsar's shock departure, and admitted Mr Johnson was left mystified by Lord Geidt's resignation

The Electoral Commission fined the Conservatives 17,800 for failing to properly declare almost 68,000 mostly used to pay for the refurbishment of the private quarters used by Mr Johnson, his wife Carrie and their son Wilfred. Above: The flat was designed by Lulu Lyttle in a similar style to the above

The PM previously offered a 'humble and sincere apology' to Lord Geidt for failing to disclose messages exchanged with a Tory donor over the 112,000 Wallpaper gate saga

Army veteran who served as Queen's right-hand man

By Kumail Jaffer

Boris's flat saga: a timeline January 2020: Plans are submitted for the refurbishment of the No11 flat, a month after Mr Johnson wins 2019 election. February 2020: Officials decide to set up a blind trust to fund the six-figure renovation. The system is designed to ensure the beneficiary is not aware of the source of the money, to prevent corruption. May 2020: Lord Brownlow is approached to set up and then chair the trust, and agrees. June/July 2020: The Cabinet Office, which is responsible for the Downing Street estate, pays three invoices totalling 52,801.72 for work carried out, and then bills the Conservative Party. August 2020: The Conservatives Party pays the bill. October 2020: Lord Brownlow emails the party and asks how much the bill is, and says he will make a donation to cover it. He does so. November 29, 2020: Boris Johnson contacts Lord Brownlow on WhatsApp 'asking him to authorise further, at that stage unspecified, refurbishment works'. Lord Brownlow agrees and explains that the Downing Street Trust has not yet been set up. December 18, 2020: Lord Brownlow donates a further 33,484.80 to the firm refurbishing the flat. February 2021: Lord Brownlow donates a further 13,295.30 to the firm refurbishing the flat, taking his total contribution to 112, 549.12 March 2021: The scale and cost of the renovations, and the way it was funded, is revealed by the Daily Mail. Boris Johnson repays the supplier personally and the firm then re-reimburses Lord Brownlow. May 2021: Ministerial Standards watchdog Lord Geidt clears the PM of wrongdoing. He says officials assured him that Mr Johnson was not aware that Lord Brownlow paid for the work personally until it was revealed in the media. The PM also told him the same thing directly. December 2021: The Electoral Commission fines the Conservatives Party 17,800 for failing to declare Lord Brownlow's original donation. It reveals that he received the WhatsApp messages about money from the PM. Advertisement

His highest profile role has been as the Prime Minister's ethics adviser, but Lord Geidt has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in public service.

Christopher Geidt, 60, had a gilded upbringing, studying at private schools in Oxford and Perth before going to Cambridge University.

He later attended Sandhurst Royal Military Academy and enlisted in the Scots Guards, where he was assigned to an intelligence role.

He served in Sarajevo during the Bosnian War and his duties involved liaising with General Ratko Mladic  later convicted of war crimes.

Lord Geidt joined the Royal Household in 2002 as Assistant Private Secretary to the Queen before gaining the top job of Private Secretary, where he remained between 2007 and 2017.

In the role, he was responsible for working with senior civil servants. Geidt, the Cabinet Secretary and No 10's Permanent Secretary were referred to as the 'Golden Triangle' and he helped to shape the monarch's approach to the hung parliament of 2010.

His term at Buckingham Palace ended in 2017 after he was reportedly forced out following a power struggle with the Prince Charles and Prince Andrew.

The trio are said to have disagreed on how to manage the transfer of power from the Queen to Charles  when he eventually succeeds her  with Lord Geidt's preference for a 'gentle transition' being rejected.

His 15 years of service were rewarded with a life peerage shortly after he stepped down. He was also appointed a Lord-In-Waiting in 2019.

His brief time in Downing Street  which started in April last year  thrust Geidt into the public eye.

A month after being appointed as the Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests, he published a report into the costly renovation of the flat above 11 Downing Street.

He concluded that Boris Johnson did not breach the ministerial code after allegations were made that an undisclosed loan was used to help finance the work.

However, he said it had been 'unwise' for Mr Johnson to proceed as he did.

Months later, he reportedly threatened to resign after the Prime Minister was accused of misleading him during his investigation into the flat scandal.

In his annual report this year, Geidt said there was a 'legitimate question' over whether Mr Johnson broke the code following his Partygate fine.

On Tuesday he told a parliamentary committee that resigning was 'always on the agenda' and that he felt 'frustration' over the lockdown-breaching events.

Lord Geidt, who sits as a crossbench peer, runs a farm with his wife Emma in the Outer Hebrides. They have two daughters.
The European Court of Human Rights judge who effectively blocked the UK's migrant flight to Rwanda is either from Hungary or Liechtenstein, it is understood.

The anonymous judge signed off an urgent 11th hour injunction from the ECHR to an asylum seeker set to be flown to Rwanda - despite UK courts saying the flight could go ahead.

All migrants were removed from the plane at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire on Tuesday night after the court granted an urgent interim measure in regards to the Iraqi national.

The decision prompted fury from a number of Conservative politicians, while Home Secretary Priti Patel, described the European Court of Human Rights intervention as 'very surprising'.

Then in another surprise move - which has prompted an open justice row - The ECHR refused to reveal the identity of the judge who signed off the injunction.

A spokesman for the ECHR - which was founded by the Council of Europe and has no relation to the EU - previously told MailOnline they would not be naming the judge, claiming this was their policy on interim injunctions such as these.

Some had questioned whether Russian judge Mikhail Lobov, who remains a sitting judge on the Strasbourg court despite Russia being expelled in March from the Council of Europe, may have been the one that signed the order - something the ECHR categorically denied.

However, according to the Daily Telegraph, such measures can only be signed off by one of three judges.

One of these is British judge Tim Eicke QC from Britain, who was reportedly barred from hearing the case because the challenge was being brought against the UK Government.

According to the paper, this means the only remaining judges able to sign off the injunction was Peter Paczolay - Hungarys appointment who was a former head of the Office of Hungarys President - or Carlo Ranzoni, from Liechtenstein.

According to the Daily Telegraph, interim measures can only be signed off by one of three judges. One of these is British judge Tim Eicke QC from Britain, who was barred from hearing the case because the challenge was being brought against the UK Government. According to the paper, this means the only remaining judges able to sign off the injunction was Peter Paczolay (pictured left) - Hungarys appointment who was a former head of the Office of Hungarys President - and Carlo Ranzoni, from Liechtenstein (pictured right)

The so-far anonymous judge signed off an urgent 11th hour injunction from the ECHR to an asylum seeker set to be flown to Rwanda - despite UK courts saying the flight could go ahead. Pictured: Members of the staff board a plane reported by British media to be first to transport migrants to Rwanda, at MOD Boscombe Down base in Wiltshire

Migrants landing in Britain will 'refuse' to board Rwanda flights By Jack Wright for MailOnline A family of six migrants including four children has today landed on Britain's shores as fears mount that Priti Patel's deportation flights to Rwanda will not deter people from crossing the Channel after European judges blocked the first migrant flight to east Africa. The Border Force ship Hurricane brought the migrants ashore in Dover, Kent this morning, with more expected throughout the day. Last night dozens of migrants including small children landed in Dungeness, after nearly 680 migrants made the journey from France in the past two days. Yesterday, more than 230 migrants were brought ashore at Dover - the day after 444 people arrived in Dungeness, Dover and Ramsgate in 11 small boats on the biggest day of crossings this year since April 14, when 562 landed on British shores, official figures show. The majority of people brought ashore in Dover on Wednesday were men aged from their late teens to their 30s or 40s but there was also a number of women and young children. The countries of origin of the people coming ashore included Afghanistan, Iraq and Egypt. The influx is thought to be due to low winds, calm waters and clear skies - but is likely to be viewed in some circles as evidence that the Government's flagship migrant policy is failing to deter crossings. Suleiman, an Afghan in his 20s who fled the Taliban and travelled through Iran and Turkey to get to the UK to join his brother in London, said he thought the Rwanda policy would not discourage would-be migrants from attempting to reach the UK. 'I am not worried [about being sent to Rwanda] because I have family here so I should join my family. We came from Afghanistan. We came all the way through Iran and Turkey and some other countries and now we reach here to have our rights,' he told The Times. Advertisement

Hungary has recently faced criticism of its human rights and asylum policies. Earlier this month the country was convicted of inhuman and degrading treatment of an Iraqi refugee family.

The family, who had reportedly been forced to leave Iraq after the Kurdish father had allegedly been tortured by the national security services, was detained in the transit zone between Serbia and Hungary for more than four months in 2017.

The ECHR, in a ruling published earlier this month, criticised the treatment of the family.

They also said the use of handcuffs and leash on the husband while he accompanied his wife to hospital had amounted to inhuman and degrading treatment.

The country, whose right-wing populist party led by Viktor Orban, has also faced criticism from groups such as Amnesty and Human Rights Watch.

And it has faced a fine from the EU Court of Justice - a separate court to the ECHR which rules on EU law - over breaches.

It also faces possible action on media freedom and free expression related to LGTBQI rights.

The court has also challenged Hungry's asylum policy. Last year it ruled that large-scale pushbacks introduced by legislation in 2016 violated Hungarys obligation to ensure effective access to international protection for asylum seekers.

In 2021, more than 71,000 pushbacks took place at the Serbian-Hungarian border.

Hungary's judiciary is independent from its government and there is no suggestion Judge Paczolay supports its policies.

Meanwhile, Liechtenstein, is a principality or microstate with a constitutional monarchy. It has a population of around 38,000 - the same population as a medium UK town.

According to reports, the country takes in just a handful of asylum seekers each year and that figure dropped to 25 applications during 2020 when Covid was at its height.

The country has a 'population of concern' of 138 refugees, 23 asylum seekers and one stateless person, according to a 2021 report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR),

It comes as ministers today turned their ire on the United Nations over the failure of a plane carrying deportees to Rwanda to take off due to a European court.

Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, is said to be examining Britain's funding for the UNHCR in the wake of Tuesday's embarrassment.

Its opposition was cited by the ECHR in its eleventh-hour intervention that grounded the aircraft at the MOD's Boscombe Down base.

The UNHCR has said Rwanda, whose own human rights record is under scrutiny, does not have the capacity to process the claims, and there is a risk some migrants could be returned to countries from which they had fled.

Some had questioned whether Russian judge Mikhail Lobov (pictured), who remains a sitting judge on the Strasbourg court despite Russia being expelled in March from the Council of Europe, may have been the one that signed the order - something the ECHR categorically denied

A spokesman for the ECHR - which was founded by the Council of Europe and bears no relation to the EU - previously told MailOnline they would not be naming the judge, claiming this was their policy on interim injunctions such as these

Before the flight took off, High Commissioner For Refugees Filippo Grandi told reporters: 'We believe that this is all wrong...for so many different reasons.

'The precedent that this creates is catastrophic for a concept that needs to be shared like asylum.'

Regarding funding, a Whitehall source told the Times: 'We're looking into it. It's a lot of money to give an organisation that spends so much time trying to undo our policies. They must have spent a fortune on lawyers for the role it has played in the courts over the last few days.'

It came as Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said the ECHR should not have intervened to over-rule UK court decisions.

His comments came after Tory MP Mark Francois, chair of the Eurosceptic ERG group also slammed the decision.

He said: 'Now that we have left the EU it is deeply frustrating to see another group of European judges  sometimes even anonymous ones  telling us how to run our own country.'

Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, is said to be examining Britain's funding for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the wake of Tuesday's embarrassment.

Its opposition was cited by the European Court of Human Rights in its eleventh-hour intervention that grounded the aircraft at trhe MOD's Boscombe Down base.

It came as Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab said the ECHR should not have intervened to over-rule UK court decisions.

Before the flight took off, High Commissioner For Refugees Filippo Grandi told reporters: 'We believe that this is all wrong...for so many different reasons.'

The row has led to calls from some Tory MPs to pull out of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the document interpreted by the court in Strasbourg - something which No 10 and Attorney General Suella Braverman have not ruled out, although it appears unlikely the Government would want to take such a drastic step.

Ministers have been told future flights may be delayed for up to a year amid interventions by the European Court of Human Rights.

The court could use temporary injunctions to roadblock the flights for several months to come.

The Justice Secretary said the UK would stay within the convention but new laws could ensure that interim measures from the Strasbourg court could effectively be ignored by the Government.

He told Times Radio: 'In relation to the latest intervention from Strasbourg, so-called Rule 39 interim orders, which are not grounded in the European Convention, they're based on the rules and procedure, internal rules of the court.

'I certainly believe they should not have a legally binding effect under UK law.'

The Government plans to replace the Human Rights Act, which enshrines the ECHR in domestic law, with a new Bill of Rights. Mr Raab said the decision strengthened the case for reform of human rights laws.

Asked if the UK could simply ignore the European court's ruling, Mr Raab said: 'Not under the Human Rights Act, but we will address this squarely with the Bill of Rights.'

He told BBC Radio 4's Today: 'We are going to stay within the convention but make sure the procedural framework is reformed.'

The Government will 'curtail' the ability of foreign offenders to claim a right to family life as a reason for being refused deportation and 'we will stop and change the ability of the Strasbourg court to issue what amounts to effective injunction when they have no power, grounded in the European Convention, to do so'.

Last night government lawyers were examining whether some migrants  such as those who do not claim to have suffered ill-treatment in their home countries  would not be covered by the ECHR injunction's terms and could still be put on a plane to Kigali.

In an apparent reference to the campaign groups and human rights lawyers who have brought repeated legal actions, Miss Patel told MPs that 'the usual suspects' had set out to 'thwart' her plan.

A family of six people has been brought ashore in Dover this morning, at least the second ship to bring people into the Kent port today.

Defending the contrast between the Rwanda plan and the visa scheme welcoming Ukrainians, Mr Raab said refugees from Afghanistan and Syria need to be vetted in a different way from those from Ukraine because of a 'history and track record of terrorism' in the Middle Eastern countries.

Asked on ITV's Good Morning Britain whether Afghan and Syrian refugees are a greater risk to the UK than Ukrainians, the Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary said: 'Well, look, if you look at the history and track record of terrorism across these areas, clearly in Afghanistan we've got al-Qaida and all of the Taliban challenges that we've seen over many years.

'If you look at Islamic State, Daesh in Syria, of course there's a specific set of security situations which are different.

'Even in relation to Ukraine with the number of mercenaries flowing into Ukraine, we also need to be careful there.

'But the types and the way you conduct those (security) checks will differ.'
A 22-year-old care home worker from Aryshire who worked throughout the pandemic and took her own life just six days before Christmas was left 'traumatised' by having to wash dead bodies, her parents say.

Taylor Watterson worked in Fullarton Care Home, in Irvine, and Shalom Care Home, in Dreghorn.

She started working in the care industry when she was just 17 - and tragically took her own life on December 19 of last year.

Taylor's parents, Andi and Lana McCleave, said her job 'had a lot to do with her mental health' according to the Daily Record.

But in a statement on Facebook this morning, Lana was clear that although the difficulties of care work during the pandemic did impact her daughter's mental health, it was not because of her work that she took her own life.

The statement from her family said although Taylor was impacted by her experiences during the pandemic, she had also had mental health issues before starting to work in care.

The social media post added: 'She loved her job and would speak fondly of her residents while working in the industry.'

Taylor took her own life just six days before Christmas last year after struggling with her mental health - she had also had mental health issues before she started working in care

Taylor's mother, Lana McCleave (left), wrote on Facebook in February this year: 'Our wee family have been overwhelmed with support from our family, friends and our workplaces since the tragic loss of our beautiful daughter Taylor'

Beautiful Inside & Out - a charity which supports bereaved families - posted these pictures of Taylor and her family

Taylor had 'lost count' of the number of dead bodies of residents she washed who tragically died during the pandemic, Lana told the Record.

She added: 'I couldn't believe it when she said it.

'She was just a young girl and was having to do it regularly.

'Doing that over and over again and seeing residents she was close to regularly passing away was hard for her to take.'

Taylor tried to seek help by getting in touch with her GP prior to her death and was prescribed medication to help with her mental health.

But she took her own life just a few days before Christmas, leaving her family heartbroken.

Taylor's mother, Lana McCleave, wrote on Facebook in February this year: 'Our wee family have been overwhelmed with support from our family, friends and our workplaces since the tragic loss of our beautiful daughter Taylor.

'We will never as a family get over this however tomorrow is the day my life begins all over again.

'Let's raise awareness as it's much needed not just in our community but all over the country.

'Local charities have been inundated with requests for support from GPs, NHS, Schools even police Scotland.'

Since Taylor's death, Andi and Lana have been tirelessly fundraising for more support for grieving families.

Taylor, 22, 'loved her job' and formed a real attachment to her residents - making their deaths during the pandemic difficult to deal with, her mum said today

The family have donated 1,200 to Beautiful Inside & Out, a mental health charity based in Kilmarnock which offers counselling to bereaved families.

Lana's employer, Confida FM, also donated 1,000 to the charity.

Lana said: 'Helping others is what's keeping us going. We don't want other people in this position.'

'It's hard enough for us to get out of bed in the morning, but we want to dedicate as much time as we can to this and raising awareness,' Andi told the Daily Record.

He added: 'We will do as much as we can to stop one other family going through this, If we can help one person it's been worth it. We were lucky we had a great support network around us to help.'

He added: 'When suicide happens, it's not just the loss of that person - everybody round about is affected.

'There's very little help for the individual and there's no help for families, and that's what we are trying to change. We need to try and get more help for people.'

Andi and Lana have set up a GoFundMe page to raise money ahead of a sponsored climb of Goatfell, a mountain on the Isle of Arran.

The GoFundMe has raised more than 500 so far, with all money set to go to Beautiful Inside & Out.

The Samaritans are available for contact day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
A frail British pensioner accused of killing his terminally ill wife in Cyprus has spoken for the first time  as supporters including his daughter say they fear he will die before the case is heard.

Retired miner David Hunter, 75, is accused of smothering Janice, his wife of 56 years - but he and his family insist he only did so after she begged him to end her life following a diagnosis of blood cancer.

As he was remanded in custody for another three months this morning, tearful Hunter told MailOnline: 'I just want to get home'.

Looking frail, and dressed in a black shirt and black jeans, David told MailOnline: 'I'm coping OK but I would prefer to be at home with the family.'

Paramedics found Janice last December dead in an armchair at their home on the Mediterranean island where they retired 20 years ago, and he was rushed to hospital barely alive after taking a near fatal overdose.

Prosecutors in Paphos have since charged him with murder  despite efforts by his legal team to get it changed to 'assisted suicide'.

Retired miner David Hunter (left), 75, is accused of smothering Janice (right), his wife of 56 years - but he and his family insist he only did so after she begged him to end her life following a diagnosis of blood cancer

A prison van carrying David Hunter is shown arriving at the courthouse in Paphos on Thursday

David Hunter (pictured), who celebrated his 75th birthday in Nicosia jail two weeks ago, appeared in court on Thursday where his case was adjourned until September. If convicted, David faces life in jail. His daughter fears he could die before his case is even heard

He appeared in the resort's district court today where his case was adjourned until September. If convicted, David faces life in jail.

David, originally from Ashington, Northumberland, has been in custody at Nicosia jail since the incident at the home he shared with Janice at Tremithousa.

Although David said conditions were 'ok' his lawyers had hoped he would be bailed given his age, but judge Michael Droushiotis adjourned the case until September remanding him in custody saying other cases had precedence.

Speaking after the short hearing, he said: 'Sometimes at night I just lie in bed thinking through my mind about what happened and parts of it are still blank spaces. I still can't remember all that happened but I'm coping ok.'

Speaking before the five-minute hearing David said he was 'grateful to all the support I've had from the UK and I have some friends over who are coming to see me in jail. They brought me some dominoes and my reading glasses.

'I feel optimistic about the outcome and my legal team are doing their best. I just want to get home and the best time of day is the ten minutes on the telephone to my daughter.'

On hearing the news he was being held in custody for three more months, his daughter Lesley Cawthorne gasped. 'I'm gutted. He'll die before we get to trial at this rate,' she said. 'I know I'm a grown woman but I love my daddy and I just want him home. If he is found guilty he could get 15 years or more, so he will die in prison.'

Speaking to MailOnline Lesley, who cannot attend the trial for health reasons, said: 'This latest news makes me really worried now. I mean, September? Seriously? I won't lie, I'm really disappointed and frustrated with how it went.

'By the time the court date arrives he will have been in prison for nine months. This will be torture for him and very hard to take for me and my dad.

'He had built himself up for the case and was hoping to get things started but now we have all been left really frustrated. I'm really worried about how my dad will take all this.

'There's a real chance he could die without his trial taking place and no attempt at justice being achieved.'

Lesley, from Norwich, added: 'What really frightens me now, is a knock on the door from the police to tell me that dad hasn't made it and he has died in prison. Why can't they just let him out on bail ?

'He's a frail, sick old man. What on earth do they think he is going to do ? He loved my mum and he wanted to be with her. We haven't even been able to grieve properly together for my poor lovely mum's death yet.

'We will keep on fighting until he is home and I will let him know about all the messages of support he has from everyone.'

Following the adjournment, as he was led away clearly in tears, he was embraced by pal Kevin Barnfather, 58, who had flown out to the Cyprus for the hearing, along with Barry Kent, 66.

Barry, from Lynemouth, told MailOnline: 'It's gutting to see him like this. He looks really weak and frail. He's not a murderer and OK he said the conditions in prison were fine, but he shouldn't be there.

Prosecutors say Janice (pictured with David on their wedding day) was murdered by the former miner who then took an overdose to end his own life but survived and was found by paramedics who alerted police

Lesley Hunter (right), whose father, David Hunter (left) is to go on trial in Cyprus accused of murdering his terminally ill wife, has appealed to judges to show 'compassion' as he faces dying in jail if convicted

'He's not someone who has been on a killing spree, why can't they bail him? He looks a shell, words really do fail me, it's sad, it's desperate, it's pathetic.'

Barry added:' We will be supporting him as much as we can, we will go and see him in prison and let him know that he has the backing of a lot of people. He shouldn't be in prison.

Barry, revealed how ahead of the hearing he had placed flowers on Janice's grave and said: 'It was the least I could so. When I spoke to David on Monday before I flew out, he asked me to do it.

'He also asked me for some reading glasses and some dominoes which I will give to him. I understand they must follow the law but I'm hoping that they will accept maybe manslaughter.

'Then that way it maybe a lower sentence and he can go back to the UK and serve his time there and be near his daughter Lesley.

'We just have to hope for the best. It was David and Janice's dream to retire out here and they loved the life but then she got ill and it turned into a nightmare for them.

'Janice was the love of his life, everything he did was for Janice, he was always talking about her, he adored her.'

Barrister Michael Polak, from campaign group Justice Abroad, who is representing David, said: 'Obviously we are very disappointed it didn't go ahead but we will fight on.

On hearing the news he was being held in custody for three more months, his daughter Lesley Cawthorne (pictured) gasped. 'I'm gutted. He'll die before we get to trial at this rate,' she said

Pictured: The hunter family home is seen in Paphos, Cyprus

'Bail was always going to be difficult given the charge and that he is a foreign national. Although he is not being treated badly, he shouldn't be in prison.

'At least his friends will be going to visit him, but he has problems with his eyes and what was worrying was how thin he looked, I told him he needs to eat more.

'He has changed considerably in the two months since I last saw him. He looks devastated and he looks like a lonely old man.

The lawyer continued: 'You have to remember that David was without a translator and a lawyer present when he first spoke to police.

'At the time he was 74 and you have to question whether it was appropriate for this to be interviewed at the time so quickly, especially as he was later sectioned for ten days. Were his rights protected ? This will be part of our argument when the case gets underway.'

According to local police, David confessed to killing his wife by blocking her nose and mouth with her hands, saying he 'could not bear to see he suffer anymore'.

Fifi Georg, the owner of the house where the couple were found, was also in court and earlier told Mail Online: 'David and Janice were a lovely couple.

'They were still so in love like teenagers, they were like a young couple and he was heartbroken when she was diagnosed with the cancer.

'Every day he would take her to hospital for treatment and they moved in next door to me about four years ago.

'They had another property in town which they moved to first when they retire but they sold that to the pay for her treatment.

'We couldn't believe it when we heard what had happened. I came home and the police were at the house and I looked through the window and saw Janice sitting in a chair.

'He had taken the trouble to cover her with a blanket. He had taken some pills and written to his brother and said what he was going to do and he had called the British police who alerted Interpol.

Pictured: Family friend Barry Kent visits Janice Hunter's grave in Paphos

Pictured: The grave of Janice Hunter is seen in Paphos, Cyprus

'David should not be in jail. He's not a cold-blooded murderer, he loved his wife and he was doing what she had asked him to do and then he tried to take his own life as well.

'They had been together for more than 50 years and they anted to die together, there was no evil intention. I just hope the court sees this and lets him go home to be with his family.'

Another neighbour, German Helmut Pesting who was at court with his wife, said: 'We met them about two years ago after we moved to Cyprus.

'They were a lovely couple. They were always together, and he was very proud of her.

'David was always speaking highly of Janice. He was proud of how long their marriage had lasted and he had lots of pictures of Janice which he would always show.

'We never heard a quarrel of a bad word between them. This was the first time I had seen him since it all happened, and he looks in a bad way.'

Sarah Wootton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, said: 'Although this case is about laws in Cyprus, where David and Janice spent their retirement, it demonstrates the cruelty and lack of safety in a blanket ban on assisted dying, which is just as true of the UK. Compassion should not be a crime, but until assisted dying is a legal, regulated choice for those at the end of life in this country, it will remain so.

'Under our current laws, terminally ill people are forced to suffer against their wishes or take matters into their own hands  either alone or with illegal assistance from loved ones. The Crown Prosecution Service has recognised it is not in the public interest to pursue these cases, however assisted dying remains a crime.

'The choice over how and when we die should be a right available to terminally ill, mentally competent adults through safeguarded, compassionate healthcare. But only Parliament can make that a reality.

'Thanks to the British public, more than 140,000 of whom have signed an official government petition on assisted dying, on the 4th of July MPs will debate the issue for the first time in two and a half years. Parliament must be given the chance to examine the harm and injustice caused by the status quo, and then the time and resources to begin a long-overdue process of reform.'

Euthanasia is also currently being debated by the Cypriot parliament and a recent poll showed 60 per cent were in favour of it being legalised.

However it is unlikely that any vote will take place until early next year and there will also be strong opposition from the heavily influential Greek Orthodox church.

https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/help-bring-david-home

If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.
Britain today slapped fresh sanctions on an ally of Vladimir Putin who has been accused of overseeing a mass kidnap of Ukrainian children.

Maria Lvova-Belova, who holds the role of Russia's 'Children's Rights Commmissioner', is alleged to be involved in the forced abduction and adoption of Ukrainian children in Russia.

It has been claimed, during the course of Mr Putin's invasion, that Ukrainian orphans are being taken from Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine with plans to make them Russian citizens.

Ukraine has accused Russia of deporting more than 232,000 children to its territory, with more than 2,000 of them orphaned or separated from their parents.

Kyiv has also hit out at moves by the Russian parliament to simplify the adoption of Ukrainian children by Russians.

The new British sanctions announced today by Foreign Secretary Liz Truss also target Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church.

He has been a long-time ally of Mr Putin and become one of the most prominent supports of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Other sanctions have been placed on the head of a Russian transport company, Russian military commanders, and Ukranian separatist leaders who are accused of collaborating with Russian forces in the Kherson region.

Ms Truss has also targeted arms dealers who supply Myanmar's military junta.

Maria Lvova-Belova was pictured meeting with Vladimir Putin in early March, in the very first weeks of the Russian President's barbaric assault on Ukraine

Patriarch Kirill embraced Mr Putin in April at an Easter service in Moscow. He has previously called Mr Putin's rule over Russia as a 'miracle of God'

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss told MPs there could be no 'appeasement' with Mr Putin as his assault on Ukraine nears the four-month mark

The Foreign Office said the action would limit Myanmar's heavy reliance on Russian air assets and prevent Moscow from profiting from arms sales that fund his war machine in Ukraine.

A recent Amnesty International report exposed the role of Russian arms in war crimes being commmited in Myanmar.

The Foreign Secretary said: 'Today we are targeting the enablers and perpetrators of Putins war who have brought untold suffering to Ukraine, including the forced transfer and adoption of children.

'We will not tire of defending freedom and democracy, and keeping up the pressure on Putin, until Ukraine succeeds.'

Ms Lvova-Belova is accused of enabling 2,000 vulnerable children to be violently taken from Ukraine's Luhansk and Donetsk regions and orchestrating a new policy to facilitate their forced adoptions in Russia.

She was pictured meeting with Mr Putin in early March, in the very first weeks of the Russian President's barbaric assault on Ukraine.

They met to discuss changes to the law to allow Russians to adopt Ukrainian children.

Their meeting came on the same day that a Russian air strike devastated a maternity and children's hospital in Mariupol.

As he set out his intent to change Russian laws on adoption, Mr Putin urged people to think about 'the interests of children'.

Patriarch Kirill embraced the Russian President in April at an Easter service in Moscow.

He has previously called Mr Putin's rule over Russia as a 'miracle of God' and cited gay pride parades as part of the reason for the invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking in the House of Commons today, Ms Truss condemned the 'targeting of British citizens' by 'Russian proxies'.

It follows the sentencing to death of British nationals Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner by a Russian proxy court in eastern Ukraine.

She said: 'Russian proxies are breaching the Geneva convention on prisoners of war, including the targeting of British citizens. I utterly condemn these actions.

'And were working through the Ukrainian authorities to secure their release and hold Russia to account.'

The Foreign Secretary also dismissed suggestions that the West could begin to seek 'appeasement' with Mr Putin or even dial down support for Ukraine, as the conflict with Russia reaches the almost four-month mark.

'We are now approaching a critical moment. Russia is bombarding towns and cities in the east,' she added.

'And some outside Ukraine are questioning whether the free world can sustain its support, and claiming that some are beginning to tire of this war.

'The people of Ukraine do not have that luxury, our answer must be clear, we will never tire of defending freedom and democracy.

'Russian aggression cannot be appeased. It will be met with strength.'
Security guards 'hugged and congratulated' migrants onboard Priti Patel's first deportation flight to Rwanda after it was blocked by European judges.

The Home Secretary's inaugural removal flight to east Africa was cancelled shortly before it was due to take off on Tuesday following the 11th-hour intervention by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) - despite the Supreme Court's green light.

Mohammed, an Iranian Kurd who was being held in Colbrook removal centre near Heathrow, claimed guards onboard the private charter jet due to take off from MoD Boscombe Down celebrated upon hearing that the flight had been cancelled.

'Some of the security guards and others were actually happy. They were hugging us. They were congratulating us,' he told The Independent.

'It was clear they were just trying to obey orders. It wasn't something that even they were comfortable with. I was feeling happy and relieved. I was also still unsure of what the future holds. We couldn't share our feelings with each other. We were each feeling it on our own. I really would have loved to hug the others but I couldn't.'

Other migrants said that they felt like they were being sent for 'execution' before the ECHR's extraordinary late-night intervention.

The intervention has sparked a row over the ECHR's role in UK affairs, with Justice Secretary Dominic Raab now examining whether ministers can disregard last-minute rulings from the Strasbourg court in cases which have already been considered by British judges.

Crew members board the Rwanda deportation flight EC-LZO Boeing 767 at Boscombe Down Air Base, on June 14, 2022

A private charter jet (believed to be empty of passengers) leaves MoD Boscombe Down on June 14, 2022

Police vehicles pictured guarding the main entrance to MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire

Protesters gathered outside Colnbrook Immigration Detention Centre in Heathrow and lay on the ground in an effort to halt Tuesday's first flight transporting UK asylum seekers to Rwanda

Boris Johnson and Priti Patel's Rwanda migrant policy has been dealt a blow by European judges this week

In other developments in the migrant crisis:

Attorney General Suella Braverman refused to rule out Britain quitting the ECHR, saying the public had voted to 'take back control of our borders';

Tory MPs lined up to call for full withdrawal from the ECHR, with one branding its intervention 'despicable';

Miss Patel blasted the secrecy of the European Court, which has yet to provide the Home Office with the full grounds for its bombshell decision;

Ministers voiced anger at the Court's refusal to identify the judge involved in Tuesday night's case amid rumours the decision may have been taken by a Russian judge;

Hundreds more migrants crossed the Channel in small boats, with some even landing in Devon;

Migrants who were due to be on Tuesday night's Rwanda flight were told they will be tagged so they can be removed at a later date;

Boris Johnson accused Labour of being 'on the side of the people traffickers' after it savaged the Rwanda policy but failed to produce an alternative.

Timeline of defeat: How the first flight to Rwanda failed to take off Tuesday was meant to mark the first flight of the Government's much-vaunted Rwanda resettlement scheme for UK asylum seekers. At the start of the day, just seven names remained of the 130 on the original passenger list after a series of legal challenges. So how did the day unfold? 12.42pm - The Supreme Court rejected an appeal over a judge's refusal to call off the removal of an asylum seeker due to be deported. 2.05pm - The first of four appeals before the High Court was rejected by Lord Justice Swift. 2.30pm - The second and third asylum seekers' appeals were also refused at the High Court by Lord Swift. 3.30pm - The Prime Minister admits it may be 'necessary to change some laws' in an interview with Sky News to allow the Rwanda resettlement scheme. 4.30pm - A fourth asylum seeker's claim is also rejected at the High Court by Lord Swift. 4.35pm - A Boeing 767 aircraft is spotted on the runway at MoD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire. 4.40pm - Rwanda government spokeswoman Yolande Maloki defends the resettlement scheme in a press conference and insists it is not a punishment. 6.10pm - Protesters from 'Stop Deportations!' block the exit routes from Colnbrook Immigration Detention Centre in Heathrow. 6.40pm - In a decisive turning point, the European Court of Human Rights passes an injunction preventing a 54-year-old Iraqi man from being transferred on the flight. 6.55pm - Around five Home Office vans are spotted at MoD Boscombe Down. 7.20pm - Speculation mounts whether the flight will go ahead after the ECHR's ruling. 7.45pm - Demonstrators gather at the front of Mod Boscombe Down waving banners. 9.30pm - There are reports of just three asylum seekers on the plane, which was due to take off shortly. 10pm - Reports emerge that there is just one asylum seeker left on the plane amid confusion over whether it will depart. 10.10pm - The final asylum seeker is removed from the Boeing 767 aircraft, at which point it is announced the flight has been cancelled. Advertisement

Miss Patel last night vowed to press ahead with the Rwanda policy  and revealed a series of further flights are already in the planning stages.

But it is understood no final decision will be made on booking a new flight until the full implications of the Strasbourg ruling are made clear. It remains unknown whether the 11th-hour ruling is broad enough to bar all migrants from being removed.

The Home Secretary yesterday said she was 'disappointed and surprised' by Strasbourg's decision to overrule British courts but told MPs it was 'inevitable' there would be legal challenges to the policy.

One Cabinet source described the court's intervention as 'maddening'.

Last night Government lawyers were examining whether some people  such as those who do not claim to have suffered ill-treatment in their home countries  would not be covered by the ECHR injunction's terms and could still be put on a plane to Kigali.

In an apparent reference to the campaign groups and human rights lawyers who have brought repeated legal actions, Miss Patel told MPs that 'the usual suspects' had set out to 'thwart' the plan.

She criticised the 'very opaque' ruling by the ECHR late on Tuesday night which led to the inaugural flight being aborted.

It is understood a number of migrants were already aboard a chartered Boeing 767 at the Ministry of Defence air base at Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, when the flight was abandoned.

Miss Patel also attacked 'mobs' who staged a blockade of the A4 at Colnbrook immigration removal centre, near Heathrow, in an attempt to stop migrants being removed.

A string of Tory MPs yesterday called for the Government to withdraw from the ECHR entirely.

Sir Desmond Swayne told Miss Patel: 'We are going to have to grasp the nettle and extend the provision of taking back control to the ECHR.'

Rother Valley MP Alexander Stafford urge the Home Secretary to press ahead with the policy 'despite this despicable ruling from the foreign European Court of Justice'.

Former No 10 aide Danny Kruger told a Tory MPs' WhatsApp group: 'Ultimately we do need to leave [the] ECHR or renegotiate to return to the original limited concept of human rights as drafted by Conservative Brit lawyers in the 50s to give post Nazi Europe the same rights and liberties as UK had enjoyed for centuries.'

Stoke MP Jonathan Gullis said: 'The ECHR has no place in the UK judicial system. The Government needs to free itself from it entirely.'

According to the European Implementation Network, which monitors the effectiveness of the court, almost half of its judgments in the last decade are yet to be complied with by member states.

The UK is one of the top performers, complying with 80 per cent of judgments, compared with 72 per cent for France, 63 per cent for Germany and just 39 per cent for Spain.

Russia has implemented only 10 per cent of the court's rulings in the last decade, while Azerbaijain has followed just three per cent.

But there were signs yesterday that a full withdrawal from the ECHR would split the Tory Party.

Downing Street left the door open to the move, saying 'all options are on the table'.

And Mrs Braverman told the BBC: 'We are considering our response in relation to that decision, but more broadly we are definitely open to assessing all options available as to what our relationship should be going forward with the [ECHR].'

Priti Patel's inaugural deportation flight is seen at MoD Boscombe Down base in Wiltshire on Tuesday night

A convoy believed to be carrying migrants leaves MoD Boscombe Down on Tuesday night

But pensions minister Guy Opperman said leaving the ECHR was 'not policy' and 'not something I will be advocating for'.

Former justice secretary Robert Buckland added: 'I don't think it's right for us, as a party, to abandon our historic commitments to the European convention. It was British Conservative lawyers who wrote it after the war.'

Government sources expressed deep concern that authorities at Strasbourg had yet to reveal which judge ruled on the case.

The court is one of the few European institutions to retain links with Russia, despite its pariah status in the wake of the Putin's bloody Ukraine war.

Moscow's representative on the judicial panel, Mikhail Lobov, is understood to still be hearing cases at the court.

It also emerged yesterday that London's Court of Appeal issued injunctions barring the removal of three migrants in the wake of the Strasbourg case.

Senior UK judges ruled earlier this week that the legality of the Rwanda deal will be decided by a full judicial review, expected to be heard by the end of next month.
An ex-motel manager who has been on death row for 25 years is 'totally innocent', according to a Republican Oklahoma state representative who supports the death penalty.

Richard Glossip, 59, was twice convicted and sentenced to death for ordering the murder of Barry Van Treese - the owner of a motel where Glossip worked in Oklahoma City.

And he has narrowly escaped three execution dates, one of which occurred an hour before he was scheduled to die after the pharmacist supplied the wrong drug for lethal injection.

But Rep. Kevin McDugle said a new report by Houston law firm Reed Smith proves Glossip's innocence and is calling for a new appeals court hearing.

But Rep. Kevin McDugle (pictured) said a new report by Houston law firm Reed Smith proves Glossip's innocence and is calling for a new appeals court hearing

Richard Glossip (pictured), 59, was twice convicted and sentenced to death for ordering the murder of Barry Van Treese - the owner of a motel where Glossip worked in Oklahoma City

He said: 'We've got an individual sitting on death row that's been there 25 years and I believe he's totally innocent.'

Justin Sneed, a handyman, admitted robbing and beating Mr Van Treese to death in January 1997, but said he only did this after Glossip offered to pay him $10,000.

Sneed is serving a life sentence without parole.

But the new report finds lost or destroyed evidence, and a detective in the case who was biased against Glossip and improperly asked leading questions to co-defendant Justin Sneed to implicate Glossip in the slaying of motel owner Barry Van Treese.

'Our conclusion is that no reasonable juror, hearing the complete record, and the uncovered facts... would have convicted Richard Glossip of capital murder,' Reed Smith attorney Stan Perry said.

The evidence included financial records that were destroyed in late 1999 or early 2000, prior to Glossip's retrial after his first conviction and death sentence were overturned.

The records could have disproved the prosecution's theory that Glossip wanted Van Treese killed to hide Glossip's alleged embezzlement from the motel, where he was manager, according to the report.

Justin Sneed, a handyman, admitted robbing and beating Mr Van Treese (pictured) to death in January 1997, but said he only did this after Glossip offered to pay him $10,000

New report finds lost or destroyed evidence, and a detective in the case who was biased against Glossip and improperly asked leading questions to co-defendant Justin Sneed to implicate Glossip in the slaying of motel owner Barry Van Treese

'This loss or destruction of evidence appears to be so critical to the defense as to cast serious doubt as to the fundamental fairness of the criminal trial against Glossip,' the report stated.

'This most likely (case) was a solitary robbery committed by Sneed who pocketed whatever money he took,' estimated at about $2,800, from Van Treese to fuel a drug addiction, according to the report.

The report also cited missing security video from a nearby convenience store allegedly showing a man leaving the motel shortly after the murder.

The investigation was sought by a group of 34 Oklahoma state lawmakers, including 28 Republicans, led by McDugle.

'I do believe in the death penalty,' McDugle said, but safeguards are needed to protect the innocent.

'If we put Richard Glossip to death, I will fight in this state to abolish the death penalty, simply because the process is not pure,' McDugle said.

Glossip is one of 25 death row inmates for whom state Attorney General John O'Connor has asked the state Court of Criminal Appeals to set an execution date.

And his possible execution comes just months after he married his second wife in prison, 32-year-old Lea Rodger in Oklahoma State Penitentiary.

And his possible execution comes just months after he married his second wife in prison, 32-year-old Lea Rodger (pictured) in Oklahoma State Penitentiary

It was the second time Glossip has been married in prison after he filed for divorce from his first wife, Leighta Joy Jurasik, who he married in 2018 when she was 21. They divorced last year.

Knight, Glossip's attorney, said O'Connor should not seek an execution date in light of the report.

Glossip, who is second on the list submitted by O'Connor for execution dates, was hours from being executed in September 2015 when prison officials realized they had received the wrong lethal drug.

It was later learned the same wrong drug had been used previously to execute an inmate, and executions in the state were put on hold.

It was the second time Glossip has been married in prison after he filed for divorce from his first wife, Leighta Joy Jurasik, who he married in 2018 when she was 21. They divorced last year. Pictured: Lea Rodger

Executions in Oklahoma resumed in October with John Grant, who convulsed on the gurney and vomited before being declared dead.

Since then, three more executions were carried out without noticeable complications, most recently inmate Gilbert Ray Postelle, who was put to death Feb. 17.

Glossip was the lead plaintiff in a failed federal lawsuit that unsuccessfully challenged Oklahomas three-drug lethal injection protocol as unconstitutional. He also, in March, married anti-death penalty advocate Lea Rodger.

Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater, who took office after Glossips second trial ended with a second death sentence, said Wednesday that he was still reviewing the report and declined comment.

Prater has previously said hes reviewed trial transcripts, boxes of evidence and videotaped police interviews, and remains convinced of Glossips guilt. Prater has said he would retry Glossip for first-degree murder and again seek the death penalty.
Russia's largest gas field is ablaze after a pipe burst early Thursday, sending a huge plume of flames soaring into the sky.

Energy giant Gazprom said the blaze broke out around 2.30am at the Urengoyskoye gas field in the Yamalo-Nenets region of Siberia.

Urengoyskoye is the world's largest active gas deposit with supplies mainly destined for Europe via the Yamal-Europe pipeline.

Though Gazprom says the fire has been contained, the news will inevitably spark fears of supply disruptions and further price hikes in Europe which is already in the midst of an energy crisis.

Russia's largest gas field - Urengoyskoye, in Siberia - burst into flames today after a pipe ruptured around 2.30am, sending a plume of flames into the sky

The last time a fire struck the region - in August last year - it led to a sizable drop in production and saw prices jump.

However, that blaze took place at a processing facility through which large amounts of natural gas passes on its way to Europe.

Gazprom said it is still analysing the extent of the damage, but there was no interruption to supplies.

'The fire occurred at 2:30 am on June 16,' said a spokesman. 'There were no casualties. At 4 am the fire was extinguished.

It is the latest in a series of blazes at key Russian installations amidst the war with Ukraine, which has led to suspicions of sabotage.

Blazes have largely targeted facilities with links to the military or government, and has included at least one other which hit a pipeline supplying Europe.

Two fires broke out at the Transneft-Druzhba Oil Depot, located in the city of Bryansk, early on April 25 after suspected Ukrainian missile strikes.

The fire was extinguished by 4am and nobody was hurt, state energy giant Gazprom said, as engineers began assessing the damage

Urengoyskoye (pictured) is one of the main sources of gas which flows into Europe via the Yamal-Europe pipeline, sparking fears of supply disruptions and price rises

The Druzhba pipeline is one of the main routes for Russian oil to reach Europe, and the attack came as the EU debated an embargo on the fuel.

Ukraine has not commented on any of the fires, and it is unclear whether all of them have been coordinated from Kyiv.

However, sites close to the Ukraine border are thought to have been attacked with missiles, drones and helicopters.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian special forces are though to be operating behind Russian lines to hamper its military efforts.

And some fires are thought to be acts of Russians who oppose the war, or are fearful of being conscripted to go and fight.

More than a dozen military enlistment offices - which are used to register Russian conscripts who must serve in the armed forces for a year between the ages of 18 and 27 - have been targeted with Molotov Cocktails.
Sri Lanka receives medical equipment from UNFPA with support of China

Xinhua) 09:35, June 16, 2022

COLOMBO, June 15 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with support from the Chinese government, donated essential medical equipment and supplies worth 800,000 U.S. dollars to Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health on Wednesday.

A total of 328,660 packs of supplies were handed over to the Family Health Bureau through the Ministry of Health, which will be used to equip public health staff actively working at the grassroot level.

The UNFPA said in a statement that they aim to ensure that frontline health workers in Sri Lanka have adequate means to safely respond to patients during public health emergencies such as COVID-19.

The current socio-economic crisis faced by the South Asian country has prompted the health ministry to cut back on protective equipment requirements for frontline staff, and the donation will specifically bridge the gap in medical equipment for health staff working on maternal and child health across the island, said the UNFPA.

"We believe the equipment provided today will go a long way in protecting frontline workers, especially amid the prevailing socio-economic crisis that is endangering access to such protective equipment," said Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong at the handover ceremony.

Sri Lankan Minster of Health Keheliya Rambukwella said the personal protective equipment will help the ministry ensure the safety of its staff and strengthen the ability to respond to such emergencies in the future.

Highlighting the need for adequate equipment for maternal and child healthcare, UNFPA representative Kunle Adeniyi said the healthcare needs of women and girls must be prioritized during times of crisis and it is crucial that frontline workers are equipped to respond to their needs.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
According to federal prosecutors, Buffalo shooting suspect Payton Gendron wrote a disturbing message for his family in which he stated that he was carrying out the mass shooting that murdered ten Black individuals at a Buffalo grocery store for the future of the white race.

When FBI investigators conducted a search at the address one day after the 14 May massacre, they discovered a handwritten message inside the white supremacist's bedroom in his family home in Conklin, New York.

Hate Crime Charges Filed Against Buffalo Shooting Suspect

According to a federal criminal complaint issued on Wednesday, the white 18-year-old apologized to his family for conducting this atrocity, but stated that he did it because he worried about the survival of the White race.

As stated in the lawsuit, Gendron signed the message and addressed it to members of his family. The search also turned up a receipt from the Tops Friendly Market in Buffalo, New York, where the shooter went on a shooting rampage, killing ten people, As per Independent.

Although there is now a moratorium on federal executions, some of the federal charges brought against the gunman might result in the death sentence if the Justice Department decides to pursue it.

Attorney General Merrick Garland did not rule out the idea on Wednesday. Mr. Garland and other federal authorities at the press conference described the mass shooting as a horrific act aimed to impose panic and long-term trauma and said the suspect planned to kill as many Black people as possible.

Payton Gendron, the suspect, is an open white nationalist. According to officials, the suspect donned camouflage and body armor and had a semiautomatic Bushmaster weapon throughout the live-streamed shooting. Authorities claimed the suspect wrote a diatribe on Discord, a messaging app, describing his belief in replacement theory, a white supremacist philosophy that envisions a malicious conspiracy to replace white people with people of color.

An FBI agent, Christopher J. Dlugokinski, stated in an affidavit accompanying the criminal complaint filed on Wednesday that the suspect's motivation was to prevent Black people from replacing white people and eradicating the white race, as well as to motivate others to do similar crimes.

Authorities added that, in addition to the online rant released before the assault, the suspect authored a series of private postings on Discord about his plans, which he made public just before the shooting and were riddled with racist remarks, according to New York Times.

Read Also: 1000% Tax on Semi-Automatic Weapons Proposed; Expert Reveals How Assault Rifles Destroy Human Body

Authorities Discover Payton Gendron's Laptop With Plot of The Attack

During an inspection of the gunman's residence, federal agents discovered a laptop with a paper providing a comprehensive blueprint of the assault he reportedly planned for years. According to the lawsuit, he "really became serious" about the assault in January.

Authorities suspect he went to the business several times, including the day before the incident and again two and a half hours afterward. According to the lawsuit, he counted the number of Black persons present both inside and outside the business.

During the rampage, Gendron pointed a Bushmaster XM-15 rifle at a White grocery employee who had already been shot in the leg. According to the lawsuit, instead of shooting him, Gendron said "sorry" to the victim "before proceeding on through the rest of the store in search of additional Black persons to shoot and kill."

As stated in lawsuit, many customers and staff took refuge in a stock room, a conference room, a freezer, and a dairy cooler, while others left through a back door. The gunman fired around 60 rounds throughout the incident.

On June 1, a grand jury in New York indicted Gendron on 25 counts, including 10 counts of first-degree murder, ten counts of second-degree murder as a hate crime, and three counts of attempted murder as a hate crime. As per court papers, Gendron is also charged with domestic terrorism and possessing a firearm. He pled not guilty to the charges.

According to police, the suspect came to the shop on the afternoon of May 14 fully armed and wearing military gear, including a tactical helmet and plated armor. He also has a camera recording his every move, CNN reported.

Related Article: Missing Harmony Montgomery: Horrifying New Details Emerge as Cops Seize Refrigerator in Search of Missing Girl in Dad's Old Home

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This is the dramatic moment police opened fire as they shot a man 'armed with a knife' after he seriously injured two officers when they tried to tackle him.

The officers, from Humberside Police, have been 'taken to hospital for treatment for serious injuries' after responding to reports of a man 'carrying weapons inside an address' in Scunthorpe at around 6.30pm on Wednesday night.

The suspect was also rushed to hospital and is in a stable condition, with a cordon and large police presence around the property in Theodore Road.

In footage of the incident seen by MailOnline, three gunshots can be heard as a residents gathered outside the cordon scream in terror.

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Anderson said: 'There is currently a scene in place on Theodore Road, Scunthorpe, following a police incident yesterday evening.

'We received a call shortly before 6.30pm from a member of the public reporting concern for safety in relation to a man allegedly carrying weapons inside an address.

'Officers were quickly deployed and a cordon was put in place to ensure the safety of those nearby.

Residents gathered around the police cordon screamed in horror as three gunshots could be heard

In the footage, seen by MailOnline, gunshots could be heard from inside the cordon before some residents fled the scene

A large police presence around a property in Theodore Road, Scunthorpe, after officers shot the suspect

Armed officers at the scene in Scunthorpe on Wednesday night after a suspect was shot following a confrontation with police

Humberside Police has today confirmed a cordon remains in place following the shooting on Wednesday night

Humberside Police has confirmed three people have been injured in the incident, including two police officers

Police were called to reports of a man 'carrying weapons inside an address' on Wednesday evening

Police officers guard a cordon in Theodore Road on Wednesday night after two officers were rushed to hospital

'During the incident, the man was shot by police. He was taken to hospital where he currently remains in a stable condition.

'Two police officers were also injured whilst responding to the incident. Both were taken to hospital for treatment for serious injuries.'

Mr Anderson added: 'Those officers are being supported by their line managers, the Police Federation and our wider welfare team - as are all their colleagues who attended the incident.'

The force has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over the incident.

A spokesperson for the IOPC said: 'We can confirm we have opened an independent investigation following an incident at an address in Scunthorpe at around 9pm yesterday evening in which firearms officers were deployed.

'We were advised that a police firearm was discharged during the incident and that a man sustained non-life threatening injuries as a result.

The police cordon pictured at 9pm on Wednesday after officers initially attended a report of a concern for safety

Police cars line the residential street in Scunthorpe following the incident, where a man is said to be in a stable condition after he was shot by police

'We are also aware that two police officers were injured and we wish them a speedy recovery.

'After being informed of the incident by Humberside Police, we sent investigators to the scene to start gathering evidence and to the post-incident procedure where the officers involved provided their initial accounts.

'Our investigation is in its very early stages.'
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One of the jurors from the explosive Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard trial broke their silence on Thursday to slam Heard's claims the jury was mesmerized by her famous ex and that the verdict was unfair, insisting that they followed the evidence and were 'uncomfortable' with her emotional outbursts.

The male juror spoke anonymously to Good Morning America to say that he and the other jurors were 'uncomfortable' with how Heard stared at them throughout the trial, and that they struggled to believe her when she went from 'crying' to being 'ice cold'.

He denied her claim that it was a trial by social media, revealing that three of the jurors do not have Facebook or Twitter.

'The crying, the facial expressions, the staring at the jury...all of us were very uncomfortable,' the man, one of five on the jury, said.

Heard has repeatedly suggested that Depp only won the trial because he is more famous and likeable than she is.

However the juror on Thursday said they reached their verdict based on the evidence on the case.

'A lot of her story didn't add up... the majority of the jury felt that she was the aggressor. The crying, the facial expressions that she had, the staring at the jury. All of us were very uncomfortable... she would answer one question and she would be crying and two seconds later she would turn ice cold...

'Some of us used the expression "crocodile tears", he said.

The anonymous male juror told Good Morning America on Thursday the jury did not believe Heard's 'crocodile tears' and were all uncomfortable with how she kept staring at them throughout the trial. She is shown on the TODAY show yesterday (left)

The juror anonymously broke his silence on Good Morning America on Thursday to say the pair both abused each other but that there was 'no evidence' to support what Heard claimed

'We followed the evidence,' he said. He added that he personally did not believe Depp ever hit Heard.

One of the turning points for the jury, he said, was Heard's admission that she had not donated her $7million divorce settlement to charity, as she claimed she had publicly.

He called it a 'fiasco' and added that while Depp's legal team were 'sharp', Heard's had 'sharp elbows' and came off as abrasive.

'She goes on a talk show in the UK. 'The video shows her sitting there telling the host she gave all that money away.

The juror said they struggled to believe Heard, who went from 'crying' to being 'ice cold' in a matter of seconds. They added that they didn't like how she 'stared' at them

'And the terms she used in the video clip were "I gave it away", "I donated it", "it's gone."

'But the fact is she didn't give much of it away at all,' the juror said.

Heard said on the stand that she used the terms 'pledged' and 'donated' interchangeably.

The juror added that he thinks both parties mistreated one another.

'A lot of the jury felt what he was saying, at the end of the day, was more believable.

'He just seemed a little more real in terms of how he was responding to questions.

'His emotional state was very stable throughout,' the juror said.

'What I think is truthful is that they were abusive towards each other.

'I don't think that makes either of them right or wrong, but to rise to the level of what she was claiming, there wasn't enough evidence that really supported what she was saying.'

He added that social media did not play a part in the verdict, as Heard has claimed, and that he doesn't even use it.

'We followed the evidence. Myself and at least two other jurors don't use Twitter or Facebook. Others who had it made a point not to talk about it.'

The jury sided with Depp, ruling that Heard did defame him with her 2018 op-ed in The Washington Post in which she described herself as the victim of domestic abuse and violence.

She was ordered to pay Depp $8million in damages after deductions, but now says she can't afford it.

The juror said Depp's legal team including attorney Camille Vasquez (left) was 'sharp' whereas Amber's team, led by attorney Elaine Bredehoft (right) had 'sharp elbows' and came off as abrasive

Despite losing the trial, Heard continues to insist that she is telling the truth and always has been.

Earlier this week, she appeared on TODAY to insist that Depp did beat her, but she said she still loves him.

'To my dying day, I will stand by every word of my testimony,' she told Savannah Guthrie, adding that she 'absolutely' still loved the actor.

'I love him. I loved him with all my heart and I tried the best I could to make a deeply broken relationship work. And I couldn't. I have no bad feelings or ill will towards him at all.

'I know that might be hard to understand or it might be really easy to understand if you've ever loved anyone.'

Heard maintains that it was a trial by social media and that her ex-husband won because he is more popular than her.

When grilled by Guthrie about audio clips that were played during the six-week trial in which the actress could be heard admitting to being physically abusive towards Depp, Heard insisted that she only ever 'responded to [physical violence]' but that she 'never instigated it'.

'I never had to instigate it, I responded to it,' she claimed. 'When you're living in violence and it becomes normal - as I testified to - you have to adapt.'

Heard added that, while she 'has so much regret' over the 'horrible' and 'ugly' things she did and said to Depp, she was only acting as a 'person in extreme emotional, psychological, and physical distress' who felt that their 'life was at risk'.

Fans were furious with Heard's televised claims and said she 'sunk to a new low' by continuing to 'lie' about Depp.
The House select committee probing the January 6 Capitol attack will focus Thursday's hearing on the pressure campaign on Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the 2020 presidential election results.

One of the witnesses for the third hearing will include retired federal judge J. Michael Luttig, who was involved in advising the vice president's team against claims he had the power to single-handedly block certification of the election results.

Luttig, a Republican, will provide on Thursday condemnation of former President Donald Trump's pressure on his No. 2, who as vice president is the president of the Senate.

Trump allies insisted that Pence had the ability to stop Congress from allowing Congress from certifying the states' Electoral College votes for Joe Biden to become president.

'It is breathtaking that these arguments even were conceived, let alone entertained by the President of the United States at that perilous moment in history,' Luttig wrote in a statement for the committee's record, which CNN obtained.

Luttig said added that American democracy came to the brink last year and says Trump allies 'instigate' a war on democracy in an attempt to 'cling to power.'

The third January 6 hearing on Thursday will focus on Donald Trump's pressure campaign to get Vice President Mike Pence to stop Congress from certifying the 2020 presidential election results. Pictured: Pence sits with daughter, Charlotte (left), and brother, Greg, as his wife, Karen (right), draws the curtains in the ceremonial room off the Senate floor where he was evacuated to on January 6, 2021, as Trump supporters attacked U.S. Capitol

Retired Federal Judge J. Michael Luttig, who advised Pence's team against claims he had the power to single-handedly block certification of the election results, will testify to the committee on Thursday

'Had the Vice President of the United States obeyed the President of the United States, America would immediately have been plunged into what would have been tantamount to a revolution within a paralyzing constitutional crisis,' he continued.

Panel member Pete Aguilar, a Democrat from California, will take lead during Thursday's hearing, committee aides say.

The third hearing was supposed to take place Wednesday morning, but was postponed. The first public hearing was primetime last Thursday and the second on Monday morning. Two more are already scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday next week following the third day of proceedings.

Six days of hearings are aimed at proving that Trump conspired to undermine democracy by rejecting the will of the voters and that he was responsible for the attack on the Capitol last year.

Besides Luttig, Pence's former counsel Greg Jacob will also testify.

The Democratic-led committee  with just two Republican members appointed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi  is expected to heavily rely on pre-recorded depositions of Trump administration officials and lawyers, which was also done throughout the first two hearings.

Marc Short, Pence's former chief of staff, is likely to be included in the videotaped testimony.

He warned the Secret Service at the time that Trump's pressure campaign on Pence and efforts to overturn the election could pose a 'security risk' for the vice president as he went to Capitol Hill to oversee certification.

Pence's responsibility as president of the Senate includes overseeing the congressional confirmation of individual states' Electoral College results following a presidential election, which involves going to Capitol Hill for the certification.

The vice president's lawyer Richard Cullen called to ask Luttig for help on January 5, 2021  the day before election certification and the deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters attempting to delay Congress cementing the results.

Luttig tweeted a statement explaining the Constitution did not give Pence the power to reject electors and overturn the election  even though the vice president at the time never gave any indication that he planned to attempt to do so.

Pence cited Luttig's statement in his letter January 6, 2021 explaining why he would defy Trump and would move to certify the election.

'There were many cowards on the battlefield on January 6,' Luttig wrote. 'The Vice President was not among them.'

Trump allies insisted to the then-president that Pence could stop certification  including attorney John Eastman, who wrote a memo on the matter.

Pence, who as vice president served as president of the Senate, had the duty to oversee certification of the 2020 presidential election results as the Electoral College votes were presented

Security footage from the Capitol show Pence being evacuated from the Senate chamber as rioters breached the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The footage was shown during the second impeachment trial of Trump in February 2021

Luttig concluded January 6, 2021 'was the final fateful day for the execution of a well-developed plan by the former president to overturn the 2020 presidential election at any cost.'

Luttig publicly taking the stand against Trump on Thursday is even more significant considering his reputation as a judge in Republican circles.

Eastman was a clerk for Luttig and so was Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who was among the lawmakers who voted against certifying the election on January 6 of last year.

The Trump lawyer, who also clerked for conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, said that he would not incriminate himself by testifying to the select committee  even though the panel did win a legal ruling that gave it access to dozens of Eastman's emails.

Justice's Thomas's wife Ginni Thomas was in contact with Eastman through his arguments the election could be overturned, according to emails revealed by the Washington Post this week.

They previously reported a series of text messages that showed Ginni urged former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to 'pursue unrelenting efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.'

Thomas was the only justices to vote against efforts by the January 6 select committee to obtain Trump's White House records.

The first two days of the hearings focused on presenting evidence that the panel said proved Trump knew he lost the election but still pushed the 'Big Lie' that it was stolen by mass fraud  and that he was responsible for the riot that ensued at the Capitol.

Panel member Pete Aguilar (second from left) will take lead during Thursday's hearing. The first days sough to prove that Donald Trump knew he lost the election but still pushed fraud claims and that he was responsible for the January 6 Capitol attack
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Dramatic footage shows frothing water raging through the town of Red Lodge, Montana, as devastating floods continue to ravage the Yellowstone National Park region.

The footage, shot from a drone above the small town just north of Yellowstone National Park, shows a river rushing down what was once a mains street in the town.

Slabs of concrete streets could be seen torn away by the waters, and trees and debris piled high up against buildings and derelict bridges.

Satellite images have also captured the extent of the devastation in Yellowston National Park. The images were taken on Wednesday just south of the park's northern entrance.

The photos show the previously peaceful rivers transformed into raging torrents, and devastation along their banks. In one photo the winding paved roads are seen torn apart by the swollen river, and completely engulfed by the brown waters downstream.

In another set of before-and-after shots, a bridge can been seen to be swept away.

Meanwhile, the Billings water treatment plant restarted operations 'at a very low capacity' on Wednesday night, after it had been swamped by floodwaters. The plant is the only water treatment facility that services the city.

A spokesperson said that the plant is operating at a high enough capacity to meet the city's needs - if residents remain stringent about conserving fresh water.

News of the plant restarting comes after residents of Billings - Montana's largest city - were told they had 24-to 36-hour supply of water when the treatment plant was overwhelmed and shut down yesterday morning.

Drone footage of the floodwaters overwhelming the town of Red Lodge, Montana, was posted online on Tuesday

 Slide me  Slide for a satellite image of road in Yellowstone National Park before it was ravaged by flooding, and and a shot of the same road during the flooding on June 15

 Slide me  Slide to see satellite images of an entrance to Yellowstone National Park before the flooding, and during the flooding on June 15

On Wednesday, residents in Red Lodge, a gateway town to the park's northern end, used shovels, wheelbarrows and a pump to clear thick mud and debris from a flooded home along the banks of Rock Creek.

'We thought we had it, and then a bridge went out. And it diverted the creek, and the water started rolling in the back, broke out a basement window and started filling up my basement,' Pat Ruzich said. 'And then I quit. It was like, the water won.'

In Gardiner, Montana, businesses had just started really recovering from the tourism contraction wrought by the coronavirus pandemic, and were hoping for a good year as Yellowstone celebrates its 150th anniversary, said Bill Berg, a commissioner in Park County.

'It's a Yellowstone town, and it lives and dies by tourism, and this is going to be a pretty big hit,' he said. 'They're looking to try to figure out how to hold things together.'

Slabs of concrete streets could be seen torn away by the waters, and trees and debris piled high up against buildings and derelict bridges

Fallen trees and debris swept away by the floodwaters can be seen piled up against a ruined bridge in Red Lodge, Montana

A main street in Red Lodge, Montana, turned into a raging river by the floodwaters that have been pouring down the Yellowstone River

Cory Mottice, with the National Weather Service in Billings, said the river was expected to crest Wednesday evening and drop below minor flood stage, 13.5 feet, by mid-to-late Thursday.

The unprecedented and sudden flooding raged through Yellowstone after heavy rains and melting mountain snow drove the Yellowstone River to historically high levels.

The river overflowed, and the torrents of water damaged hundreds of homes in nearby communities, though remarkably no one was reported hurt or killed.

It also pushed a popular fishing river off course - possibly permanently - and may force roadways torn away by torrents of water to be rebuilt a safer distance away.

Fallen trees and debris can be seen piled up against homes and buildings in Red Lodge, Montana. In the background, a bridge torn apart by the flooding can be seen

Floodwaters covered nearly every street in the town of Red Lodge, Montana, severely damaging homes, roads, and bridges

Debris piled up along a flooded road in Red Lodge, Montana. The footage was shot by drone and posted online on Tuesday

A stretch of road carved up by the floodwaters in Red Lodge, Montana, after the Yellowstone River flooded the surrounding region

Park officials characterized the severe flooding tearing through the region as a once in a 'thousand-year event,' that could alter the course of the Yellowstone river and surrounding landscapes forever.

Officials say that the river's volume is flowing 20,000 cubic feet per second faster than the previous record measured in the 90s.

10,000 tourists were evacuated - including a dozen trapped campers who were rescued by helicopter - emptying the park completely of all visitors.

All entrances to the park were closed on Tuesday, and though park services say some southern roads may open in a week, they predicted that the northern roads will be closed through the fall.

This photo provided by the City of Billings shows flooding at the Billings water plant on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, forcing the city plant to shut down. The water is shown clearly destroying a red gantry that allows treatment plant employees to access the main building

Billings had a just a 24-to 36-hour supply of water and officials asked its 110,000 residents to conserve while expressing optimism that the river would drop quickly enough for the plant to resume operations before the supply ran out

The Yellowstone River flows past a washed out bridge Wednesday, June 15, 2022, near Gardiner, Mont. Yellowstone National Park officials say more than 10,000 visitors have been ordered out of the nation's oldest national park after unprecedented flooding tore through its northern half, washing out bridges and roads and sweeping an employee bunkhouse miles downstream

The Yellowstone River flows through Gardiner, Montana on Wednesday

Residents walk along the shore of the elevated Yellowstone River as the floodwaters continued to rage

Volunteers fill a trailer with debris from a flooded home Wednesday

A child's muddy bedroom that had flooded is seen Wednesday, June 15, 2022, in Red Lodge, Montana

As the waters appear to recede slightly, parks officials are turning their attention to the massive effort of rebuilding many miles of ruined roads and hundreds of washed-out bridges, many of them built for backcountry hikers.

Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly said assessment teams won't be able to tally the damage until next week.

Kelly Goonan, an associate professor at Southern Utah University and an expert in national parks and recreation management, said rebuilding will be a long process.

'This is something we're definitely going to feel the impacts of for the next several years,' Goonan said.

A house that was pulled into Rock Creek in Red Lodge, Mont., by raging floodwaters is seen Tuesday

The roaring Yellowstone River is seen from the air sweeping over trees and near homes

Residents of Red Lodge, Montana, are seen clearing mud, water and debris from the small city's main street

Debris from floodwaters is piled up in front of a home in Red Lodge, Mont., Wednesday

Vehicles block the entrance to Yellowstone National Park, a major tourist attraction now closed due to the historic floodwaters, Wednesday

A house sits in Rock Creek after floodwaters washed away a road and a bridge

Pedestrians walk down a street washed away from Rock Creek floodwaters

In this aerial image taken with a drone, sandbags and mud covered roads are left behind after floodwaters from Rock Creek receded, Wednesday

A resident carries out damaged items from his flooded home along a washed out street in Red Lodge, Mont., Wednesday

As the Yellowstone rebuild efforts get underway, rangers will have to consider the reality of the park's altered landscape as well as potential future natural disasters.

The Governor of Montana, Greg Gianforte, declared a statewide disaster.

'We certainly know that climate change is causing more natural disasters, more fires, bigger fires and more floods and bigger floods. These things are going to happen, and they're going to happen probably a lot more intensely,' said Robert Manning, a retired University of Vermont professor of environment and natural resources.

Officials may also be able to rebuild in a way that's more ecologically sound than the roads and bridges built a decade or century ago, he said.

The rains hit just as area hotels filled up in recent weeks with summer tourists. More than four million visitors were tallied by the park last year. The wave of tourists doesn't abate until fall, and June is typically one of Yellowstone's busiest months.

A home is shown in flood waters Wednesday, June 15, 2022, in Livingston, Montana

Highway workers inspect a washed out bridge along the Yellowstone River Wednesday

A collapsed train bridge is shown along the Yellowstone River Wednesday

Yellowstone officials are hopeful that next week they can reopen the southern half of the park, which includes Old Faithful geyser.

Closure of the northern part of the park will keep visitors from features that include Tower Fall, Mammoth Hot Springs and the Lamar Valley, which is known for viewing wildlife such as bears and wolves.

Still unresolved is how it will handle all the tourists when only half the park is open.

'One thing that we definitely know is that half the park cannot support all of the visitation,' Sholly said Tuesday.

The park will likely implement some kind of reservation or timed-entry system to let people in without sending crowd sizes sky-high.

Highway workers build up the shoreline of a washed out bridge along the Yellowstone River
Lisa Wilkinson has been left fuming after the metal underwire in her bra showed up during an airport scan, prompting an 'embarrassing' public pat down.

The TV host took to Twitter on Thursday to share her 'inappropriate' experience prompting dozens of women to come forward with their own security screening horror stories.

'At Brisbane Airport & Adelaide Airport the scan showed up the underwire in my bra & zip on my jeans & I had to have a full pat-down in both areas,' Wilkinson tweeted.

'Embarrassing, uncomfortable, inappropriate & should be fixed.'

Lisa Wilkinson (pictured in 2019) has been left fuming after an airport scan found metal underwire in her bra prompting an 'embarrassing' public pat down

The TV host took to Twitter to complain about the 'inappropriate' experience prompting dozens of women to share their own security screening horror stories

Her tweet came just hours after ABC journalist Louise Milligan shared her own 'uncomfortable' experience while using the new full-body scan machines.

'I'm at Sydney Airport & new full-body security screening was made to take off fitted business jacket (only had little camisole underneath),' Milligan wrote.

'Have never had this happen anywhere. Man in front, in big bulky jumper, not made to change. It was embarrassing, uncomfortable, creepy.

'I mentioned to lovely Qantas staff & they were incensed & said they have had multiple women complaining of similar security heavy-handedness this week.

'They said a woman was crying after being forced to remove her t-shirt. They've complained to airport managers.'

The journalist's experience was quickly backed-up by other women who encouraged her to make a formal complaint or record the experience next time.

ABC reporter Louise Milligan (pictured) took to Twitter to share details of an 'uncomfortable' experience she had while using the new full-body scan machines at Sydney Airport

Her experience was quickly backed-up by other women who encouraged Milligan to make a formal complaint or record the experience next time (pictured is her tweet)

Milligan said the male staff had asked her to take the jacket off because the 'new full-body scanner wouldn't be able to scan properly' (pictured is her tweet)

The journalist said the male staff had asked her to take the fitted jacket off because the 'new full-body scanner wouldn't be able to scan properly'.

Milligan also replied to Wilkinson's tweet and described her experience as 'gross'.

'Is all this on surveillance camera? Meaning, is it building up a library of footage that could be misused?' one woman asked.

'Can a formal complaint be made to the regulator AND the AFP? This is absolutely scandalous. We are too compliant & co-operative.'

'So sorry this happened to you and I cant't believe a lady had to take her t-shirt off, that's appalling!' another wrote.

'Bloody ridiculous! They would have had to hold me down and take my jacket off. No way - so so rude!' another woman agreed.

Milligan (pictured in March, 2021) said when she complained to Qantas staff she was told a woman had been left in tears after she was asked by staff to remove her t-shirt

Milligan also responded to Wilkinson's tweet and described her experience as 'gross'.

'Could it be jackets in particular that require removal for some reason such as pockets or padding?' a user asked.

'No they told me it was because it was too loose. It's not loose. It's fitted. I pointed out the loose, bulky jumper and they had nothing,' Milligan replied.

'I had this happen at Melbourne airport recently. I was wearing a t-shirt with a white unbuttoned shirt over the top and was asked to take my shirt off,' another shared.

'I was alone and it felt so weird.'

'Their reasoning is so arbitrary. I imagine this happens a lot. I'm sure many have noticed what appears to be a misuse of power whilst waiting in line,' one man said.

Sydney Airport later apologised to the journalist in the Twitter thread.

'Louise, we are really sorry this happened and are urgently following it up with our security contractor. Thank you for bringing it to our attention. If you have further details, please send us a DM,' the account wrote.

'Thank you for replying. They were rude and, frankly, sexist,' Milligan replied.

'I felt humiliated. And yes, I will DM.'

Sydney Airport's 'Passenger screening process' expectations states 'bulky outer wear clothing' like coats or jackets must be removed (pictured, a woman undergoes a full-body scan)

Sydney Airport's 'Passenger screening process' expectations found on their website states 'bulky outer wear clothing' like coats or jackets must be removed.

The same rules apply for hats and jewellery.

The Department of Home Affairs website states that while the federal government has set standards for aviation security screening, it is the responsibility of airports, airlines and contractors to uphold standards.

'Security seem to be giving a pass to men with bulky jackets, yet a fitted jacket for women is an issue,' another Twitter user suggested.
Luxury magazine editor Jason Binn has professed his innocence and claimed that he has been 'wrongly accused' of molesting a 16-year-old girl.

Binn, 54, was arrested and charged Monday with forcible touching of intimate parts, endangering the welfare of a child and sexual abuse in the third degree.

Now, speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com and for the first time since the charges were brought, the founder and CEO of the glitzy magazine DuJour has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and said that he is the victim of false allegations.

'Any of us can become victims. I was directly affected by vindictive behavior and was wrongfully accused,' Binn said Wednesday.

He claimed the allegations were made as, 'a direct result of a bitter divorce and custody battle spanning more than seven years.'

The New York-based publisher split from his wife Haley in 2016 after 13 years of marriage.

The couple sold their TriBeCa apartment the following year for $10.75million. They have two daughters and a son.

Magazine publisher Jason Binn, 54, claims he has been 'wrongly accused' of molesting a 16-year-old girl, following his arrest in New York Monday

Binn, pictured during his arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court, broke his silence in an interview with DailyMail.com, claiming he is a victim of 'false accusations' and 'vindictive behavior'

The New York entrepreneur, pictured leaving court with a black face mask, pleaded not guilty to the charges and says he will continue defending his innocence

The New York entrepreneur was previously married to wife Haley Liebermann, 46, who formerly worked in real estate. The two split in 2016 after 13 years of marriage

In the criminal complaint obtained by DailyMail.com, Binn is accused of touching a minor girl, 'for the purpose of [self-gratification] and without her consent.'

According to the document, the 16-year-old victim alleged that Binn,'placed his hand over her clothing and squeezed her buttocks.'

Binn told DailyMail.com: 'I have pleaded not guilty and look forward to being vindicated in court.'

And he revealed that shocked family members have reached out to him since news of the charges broke to express bemusement and offer their support.

For his part, Binn said, he is focused on having the claims which he described as 'meritless' dismissed.

'I ask for privacy for myself and my family during this sensitive as I work to defend my innocence and discard the meritless claims made against me,' he added.

Binn appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court Monday afternoon after being charged at New York Police Department's 5th precinct.

He wore a black face mask throughout the proceedings and appeared to avoid having his picture taken by court photographers.

He was released and made a swift getaway from the court still wearing the mask.

Criminal defense attorney Gerald Lefcourt who is now representing Binn told DailyMail.com, We have pleaded not guilty and look forward to being vindicated in court.

Over the years Binn has made luxury not only his lifestyle but his business. He is worth an estimated $50million and is the man who ushered an array of boutique magazines into existence.

Binn founded Niche Media, the former publisher of high-end magazines such as Gotham, Los Angeles Confidential, Aspen Peak, Ocean Drive, and Hamptons, to name just a few.

Binn has claimed the allegations leveled against him were made as 'a direct result of a bitter divorce and custody battle spanning more than seven years'. He and Haley have two daughters and a son

The father-of-three was charged with forcible touching of intimate parts, endangering the welfare of a child and sexual abuse in the third degree

Binn has owned properties in Tribeca, Aspen, Miami and Southampton where he is a fixture of the elite Hamptons cocktail party and celebrity scene

He has owned properties in the Tribeca district of Manhattan, Aspen, Miami and Southampton where he is a fixture of the elite Hamptons cocktail party and celebrity scene.

He has been a guest at Kris Jenner's birthday parties, posing for pictures with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian.

He has rubbed shoulders with Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, and he has partied with Lenny Kravitz and Lionel Ritchie in Miami's Art Basel.

On more low-key evenings in the Hamptons, the 54-year-old spends time with Christie Brinkley and has painted himself a homebody, in bed by 10pm.

Just last week the prolific Instagram user posted a picture of himself with smiling Katie Holmes, captioning it, 'all dressed up and places to go. Great shoot  amazing day.'

The day before he was posting pictures of himself with renowned restaurateur Giuseppe Cipriani and boasting of their 40-year friendship after meeting through their respective parents.

Ironically for the man who now is now allegedly on the wrong side of the law, he last week posted his praise for New York's law enforcement and a video collaboration between civil rights activist Al Sharpton and New York's former long serving police commissioner, Ray Kelly.

Today billed as a 'publishing legend', Binn began his publishing career at advertising agency D'Arcy Masius Benton and Bowles at the age 23 having graduated early and magnum cum laude from Boston University's College of Communications.

Binn, who founded luxury lifestyle publishing brand DuJour in 2012, has become a prominent member of the celebrity scene and just last Friday had shared a photo of himself alongside smiling Katie Holmes following a shoot

The media executive is often seen posing with celebrity friends. He is pictured with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian at a DuJour Magazine event in Miami Beach in December 2013

Binn, who is worth an estimated $50million, has also been guest at Kris Jenner's birthday parties, posing for photos with the Kardashian clan

In 1992 he moved to Miami and founded Ocean Drive Magazine. Six years later in 1998 he founded Niche and a slew of other haute society titles followed.

In 2005 he was profiled in Forbes Magazine's, 'Forbes 400,' and was named Ernst and Young's 'Entrepreneur of the Year.'

Two years later he was the only media member inducted into the American Advertising Federation's 'Advertising Hall of Achievement' and in 2008 he was listed in Crain's '40 Under 40' list of successful entrepreneurs.

In 2010 he was appointed chairman of Niche the same year that he was appointed Chief Advisor to online luxury shopping company, Gilt.

His quarterly publication DuJour Magazine unashamedly caters to a readership of clients who have a minimum net worth of $5million.

In order to receive a copy of the magazine, one has to meet five of seven qualifications.

Subscribers are required to have an average net worth of $5million and liquid assets of more than $1million, average home values above $1.5million, average income of more than $250,000, annual offline luxury purchases of more than $100,000 or annual online purchases, and philanthropic donations respectively totaling more than $10,000.

Binn's quarterly publication DuJour Magazine caters to a readership of clients who have a minimum net worth of $5million. He is pictured with left with Beyonce in 2008 and posing with Rihanna at the MTV VMAs in 2013, right

Binn and DJ Khaled attending a party for the release of the album Family Ties by Fat Joe in Miami, 2019

Binn and Ivanka Trump together at the Couture Jewelry Show in Las Vegas in 2014

Profiled by Forbes last August the magazine praised Binn for his ability to network, singling out his focus on 'connections' as lying at the heart of his success that saw his company grow from just five employees in 1992 to over 300.

But while his professional fortunes skyrocketed Binn's private life foundered.

In the first edition of DuJour he wrote: 'Without the love and support of my wife Haley, and my children, what you are about to see on these pages would not be possible. They are my partners for life.'

But it didn't work out that way and the couple quietly split in 2016 with neither commenting on the reasons.

Binn married Haley Liebermann, now 46, in December 2003 at a ceremony at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach.

Her parents Diane and Alan Lieberman own the South Beach Group Hotels in Miami.
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The families of two US fighters captured by Putin's army in Ukraine are begging the Biden administration to negotiate their release as fears grow that they will be handed death sentences like the two Brits captured earlier this year who now await death by firing squad.

Robert Drueke, 39, and Andy Huynh, 27, were captured by Russian soldiers last week as they defended the city of Kharkiv as part of a ten-man squad along with other French and US volunteer fighters.

Drueke served in the US Army in Iraq whereas Huynh was a Marine for four years. He had never been in active combat before flying to Ukraine in April to volunteer. Both of the US fighters captured yesterday are from Alabama, but it remains unclear if they knew each other before they ventured to the war zone.

Now, the families of the two men are begging the government for help as the situation in Ukraine intensifies; Russia continues to advance through eastern Ukraine, prompting military officials to concede yesterday that the numbers 'favor' Putin's forces so far. The US pledged another $1billion in weapons and aid yesterday amid criticism that the West has not done enough to help Ukrainian President Zelensky or his men.

The war has now raged for over three months and shows no signs of slowing down, with Kharkiv - where the two Americans were captured - consistently under siege.

Yesterday, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the administration would do 'everything we can' to bring them 'safely home' however he said their capture should serve as a reminder to Americans not to travel to the region.

'If true, we will do everything we can to get them safely back home. But this is an important point in time to remind that we discourage Americans from going to Ukraine and fighting. It is a warzone. It is combat. If you feel passionate about supporting Ukraine there's any number of other ways to do that that are safer.

'Ukraine is not the place for Americans right now,' Kirby said at a White House press briefing.

Huynh's fiancee, Joy Black, sobbed in an interview with Good Morning America on Thursday as she pleaded for help.

Robert Drueke, 39, (left) and Andy Huynh, 27 (right), were taken prisoner by Russian forces last week on the outskirts of Kharkiv, according to sources cited by The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday

Huynh's finacee Joy Black (left) and Drueke's mother Bunny (right) appeared on Good Morning America on Thursday to beg for their release

'We just really want him back. He's got such a big heart.

'He knew this wasn't an easy thing but this was the right thing. Even though not great things have happened, I'm still really, really proud of him.'

Drueke's mother Bunny said: 'He wanted to go over and help train Ukrainian soldiers and show them how to use the equipment that the US has been sending over there for them.'

She said he was driven by the fear that Putin would not stop at Ukraine, and that he would try to invade the rest of Europe.

We will do everything we can to get them safely back home. But this is an important point in time to remind people that we discourage Americans from going to Ukraine and fighting. It is a warzone. It is combat. If you feel passionate about supporting Ukraine there's any number of other ways to do that that are safer. Ukraine is not the place for Americans right now, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby

A State Department spokesman told DailyMail.com on Wednesday: 'We once again reiterate U.S. citizens should not travel to Ukraine due to the active armed conflict and the singling out of U.S. citizens in Ukraine by Russian government security officials, and that U.S. citizens in Ukraine should depart immediately if it is safe to do so using any commercial or other privately available ground transportation options.'

One of the men's comrades described losing sight of the pair in a battle last week as they defended Kharkiv.

The pair were part of a ten-man squad defending Kharkiv last week when they were ambushed by Russian soldiers, according to one of their comrades.

Drueke and Huynh disabled a Russian tank with a grenade but were lost in the fog of return fire. By the time it cleared, they had vanished.

'We were out on a mission and the whole thing went absolutely crazy, with bad intel. We were told the town was clear when it turned out the Russians were already assaulting it.

'They came down the road with two T72 tanks and multiple BMP3s (armored fighting vehicles) and about 100 infantry. The only thing that was there was our ten man squad,' one of their comrades told The Daily Telegraph in an interview on Tuesday.

'We suspect that they were knocked unconscious by either the anti-tank mine, or by the tank shooting at them, because later search missions found not sign of them, nothing.

'Afterwards we sent drones up and had a Ukrainian search team on the ground but we found nothing: if they had been hit by the tank shell there would have been remains of their bodies or equipment at the scene,' he said.

Russian forces claimed that night on the app Telegram to have captured two American soldiers.

The leaders of Romania, Italy, Germany and France joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Thursday in a renewed show of support from Europe. Zelensky has repeatedly asked for weapons and money from foreign allies

Russia has been building new military bases while opening gas and oil fields across the Arctic, many of them along the North-East Passage - a valuable trading route that is opening up due to melting ice which Putin hopes he will be able to monetise in the years to come, along with $30trillion in natural resources

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is shown on Thursday at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv. He thanked the US for the latest weapons package which is the largest from the Biden administration since the start of the war

The Pentagon said the last packages include two Harpoon coastal defense systems, 18 howitzers, 36,000 rounds for them, artillery rockets, secure radios and money for training.

President Biden on Wednesday pledged an additional $1billion in aid to Ukraine as Russia continued its assault

On Wednesday, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mark Milley said it was not yet an 'inevitability' that Russia would take hold of Eastern Ukraine.

'There are no inevitabilities in war. War takes many, many turns. So I wouldnt say its an inevitability.'

He conceded that the numbers 'clearly favor the Russians'.

Vadym Skibitsky, deputy head of Ukraines military intelligence, said last week that the West had only given the country 10 percent of the weapons and support it needs.

Drueke served in Iraq but had struggled to find work or reintegrate into society after returning from war, his mother said.

Huynh served in the Marines for four years, including on a base in Okinawa, Japan, for two years, but he has never been in active combat before. Huynh's family have not yet commented on his capture.

Before he flew to the region, he told a local media outlet in his hometown in Hartselle, Alabama: 'Ive made peace with the decision.

'I know theres a potential of me dying. 'Im willing to get my life or what I believe is right. For what Ive been taught is right, through really my eyes, Marine Corps, through God, and really just what is right,' he said.

He grew up in California but moved to Alabama after leaving the Marines in order to be closer to his fiancee, Joy Black, according to a local media report.

She has not commented on his capture.

Drueke (left) served in Iraq for the US Army. His mother says he suffered PTSD after the war and struggled to find work after leaving the armed forces. Huynh (right) was in the Marines for four years and spent two years on a base in Japan but he had never been in active combat before he joined the effort in Ukraine

British war prisoners Aiden Aslin (left) and Shaun Pinner (second left) were sentenced to death penalty by Donetsk court on June 9, accused of being foreign mercenaries. They were captured along with a Moroccan fighter (right) in April

This photograph taken on June 11, 2022 shows a Ukrainian BM-21 Grad, a multiple rocket launcher, firing near Izyum, south of Kharkiv, amid Russian invasion of Ukraine. The men were captured in a battle last week, around the same time

Ukrainian artillerymen prepare to fire a BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher near Izyum, south of Kharkiv, on June 11, 2022 amid Russian invasion of Ukraine

Their captured comes after two Brits were taken prisoner by Putin's army. Shaun Pinner and Aiden Aslin have been handed death sentences by a proxy court in eastern Ukraine.

They were captured in April. Now, the pair have been sentenced to death by firing squad.

British officials say they are doing everything they can to get the pair out of Russian custody before they are slaughtered.

Liz Truss, a favorite target of Russian state media, spoke out last week to condemn the sentences which she said had 'absolutely no legitimacy' while vowing 'to do everything we can to support' the imprisoned pair.

She was mocked on Russian TV by Putin's associates who said the UK has done nothing to try to intervene in their fate.
A dozen children from Alaska along with two adults were served floor sealant instead of milk during a daycare summer program, causing them to experience burning sensations in their mouths and throats.

The incident, which occurred at an Alaska elementary school, was apparently the result of containers being mixed up, said the school district superintendent on Wednesday. At least one of the children was treated at a hospital after the Tuesday morning incident in Juneau.

Serving of Floor Sealant

Superintendent Bridget Weiss said that Juneau police were leading the investigation of how the mix-up of the containers occurred. The official said that the investigation was not to label the incident as criminal or have mal-intent, but rather, to have a detailed timeline of what happened.

The incident happened while students in the daycare program at Sit' Eeti Shaanax-Glacier Valley Elementary in Alaska's capital city were served breakfast. The program was designed for children aged five to 12 years, as per ABC News.

A contractor was responsible for providing all food items including milk from a dispenser and was served by staff. The breakfast items were put on trays, which students then took to their tables to eat.

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Shortly after eating, the children began complaining that the milk tasted bad and caused burning sensations in their mouths and throats. Later, the school district and contract personnel looked at the container label and discovered the clear plastic bag of milk that was placed in the dispenser was actually a floor sealant that resembles milk.

According to The Hill, people in the area quickly contacted poison control officials and the parents of the children. Two of the kids who were picked up by their parents may have sought medical advice, the district said.

Consequential Mix-Up

Weiss noted that the milk and the floor sealant, which was also a milky, white substance, came in large plastic bags that were stored inside cardboard boxes. The pouch for the milk is removed from the box and placed inside the dispenser to serve with meals instead of in cartons.

The two products were stored at a district commodity storage site that was located outside of the school campus. The superintendent said that somehow, boxes with sealant in large pouches were "stored or moved on the same pallet as large pouches of milk that were also in cardboard boxes.

The official noted that they were unsure what exactly led to the mix-up but noted that the milk and the sealant were all put on the same pallet. That pallet then got delivered and the assumption was that it was milk because that is what the staff thought was being delivered.

The sealant gave off no odor or chemical smell but school standards dictate that any chemical used must have a low ingestion risk. The remaining sealant was later removed from the school and placed in hazardous storage.

NANA Management Services released a statement saying that after it learned of the incident, it immediately dispatched a safety team to the state capital. The company said that they were in the midst of a comprehensive investigation that will look at every contributing factor to determine exactly what happened and to identify potential safety measures, Sky News reported.



Related Article: FDA Approves Medicine to Treat Alopecia, the Hair Loss Condition Popularized by Jada Pinkett Smith

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Best-selling author James Patterson has apologized for saying that 'white older male writers' are victims of 'racism' as it's harder for them to get 'writing gigs in film, theatre, TV or publishing' nowadays.

Patterson, 75, apologized after he faced widespread criticism for his comments, with some calling him 'tone deaf'.

The author, who famously wrote 'Along Came a Spider' with a black detective before it was adapted into a film with Morgan Freeman, tweeted: 'I absolutely do not believe that racism is practiced against white writers.

'Please know that I strongly support a diversity of voices being heard - in literature, in Hollywood, everywhere.'

Best-selling author James Patterson has apologized for saying that 'white older male writers' are victims of 'racism' as it's harder for them to get 'writing gigs in film, theatre, TV or publishing' nowadays

James Patterson by James Patterson, pictured

Patterson, promoting his memoir "James Patterson: The Stories of My Life," told the Sunday Times in a story which ran last weekend that he worried that white men were having difficulties finding work in film and publishing, calling it 'just another form of racism'.

'Can you get a job?' Patterson, who is married to best-selling author Sarah Patterson, asked. 'Yes. Is it harder? Yes. It's even harder for older writers. You don't meet many 52-year-old white males.'

His comments sparked backlash online, with author Keith Boykin, who wrote Race Against Time: The Politics of a Darkening America, tweeted: 'As recently as 2020, the heads of all big publishing houses were white,' adding that around three quarters of published authors are white.

'But James Patterson thinks they're oppressed,' Boykin added.

Frederick Joseph, the author of 'The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person', tweeted: 'From a Black man who has had over 50 rejections of books (all of which are now bestsellers) because white editors don't understand them or 'already have Black male authors' shut up.'

Meanwhile, Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, author of This Is Why I Resist, described Patterson's comments as 'white supremacy personified'. She tweeted: 'He's missing good old days when White men had ALL the writing gigs?'

Author Jason Pinter tweeted: 'I've been in editorial meetings where books by Black, Indigenous, and people of color writers were turned down because "we already have one". I respect everything James Patterson has done for Indies and giving back to the industry, but his comments on race are false, hurtful and beyond tone deaf.'

The 75-year-old Patterson himself has thrived like few others, publishing multiple bestsellers each year, including novels and children's books. He is ranked with J.K. Rowling and a handful of others as among the world's richest writers.

Patterson, 75, apologized after he faced widespread criticism for his comments, with some calling him 'tone deaf'

James Patterson with his wife Susan Patterson, who is also a best-selling author, in March

During his thirties Patterson was the top of the advertising business as the youngest creative director and chief executive of J Walter Thompson in New York.

But his 'first love' Jane Blanchard, who he was with for eight years, died from a brain tumor at age 39.

He was with her, while 'fighting advertising wars' and writing as a novelist on the side.

A huge 1,500 women wrote to Patterson when they learnt he was single following her death, but it took him a decade to find love again with Sue, a former art director at J Walter Thompson, and former competitor in Olympic swimming trials.

With two books on the New York Times bestseller list: the thriller Run Rose Run, written with Dolly Parton and set to become a film; as well as a Womens Murder Club mystery with his regular co-writer Maxine Paetro, he is now working on a new project about the CIA with former president Bill Clinton.

He often works in collaboration with other writers, and has teamed up with a lot of famous names.

And he is currently working on a book on Princess Diana, Prince William and Prince Harry co-written with the journalist Chris Mooney.
A Scottish teacher accused of waving a fake penis at his colleagues claims he only picked the object up because it was in a box overflowing with mocked-up members.

Derek Turkington, who taught at Newbattle Community High School in Dalkeith, Midlothian, is accused of making lewd gestures with the fake penis between August 2017 and May 2018.

He is alleged to have made provocative movements towards colleagues with one of the prosthetic members, which are used to demonstrate how to put a condom on.

The guidance teacher, originally from Glasgow, yesterday revealed he may have picked up a couple of the demonstrators because the storage box 'at times overflowed'.

Derek Turkington, a Personal and Social Education teacher in Midlothian, could be banned from teaching following the tribunal, which is set to last three days

He is accused of making lewd gestures towards other colleagues with a fake penis and making students and staff uncomfortable in a string of incidents reported to the tribunal

He admitted that as a result he may have waved goodbye to a fellow teacher with the prosthetic phallus but remains adamant he is still 'a good teacher'.

He is also accused of shouting at a pupil at the Newbattle Community High School in Dalkeith, Midlothian, in front of a colleague in January 2018.

Mr Turkington allegedly said: 'Colleague A, can you please tell him that his dad clearly doesn't care about him and that he needs to move on and get a grip.'

He claims the pupil's mother had asked him to relay this message prior to the conversation in January 2018.

A member of staff described him as a 'kind of Benny Hill character in his regards to sexual actions or language.'

But a second staff member said he did not 'support any of the pupils in his care.'

Mr Turkington, from Glasgow, is also accused of placing his finger through the zipper of his trousers to mimic male genitals - which he denies.

He now faces being removed from the teaching register by The General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) following a three day hearing this week.

The charges state: 'Between in or around August 2017 and in or around May 2018, the teacher did whilst employed as a teacher by Midlothian Council at Newbattle Community High School, and during the course of his employment behave in an inappropriate manner towards other members of staff in that he did:

'On at least one occasion place a prosthetic penis down his trousers and through the zip and [made] suggestive and provocative movements towards other colleagues.

'[He did] place his finger, or fingers, through the zip of his trousers in an attempt to mimic male genitalia.

'In or around January 2018, on at least one occasion scream at Pupil A [and] state in the presence of Pupil A 'Colleague A, can you please tell him that his dad clearly doesn't care about him and that he needs to move on and get a grip' or words to that effect.

'In or around 2017, nail a piece of wood over a school door resulting in distress to pupils' present.

'And in light of the above it is alleged that the teacher's fitness to teach is impaired.'

Mr Turkington appeared in front of the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) panel to defend himself yesterday.

He said: 'The demonstrators were used for S4 classes to show how to put on a condom.

'They were kept in a box which at times overflowed and so you would have to carry a couple while putting a folder over the top of the box.

'This was to cause as little attention as possible and all I can think is that one of my colleagues was on the phone and I was waving to say I am off to teach.

'I would have maybe had the demonstrator in my hand but that is all I can think.'

He continued to justify his conversation with the pupil: 'I had just come off a call with Pupil A's mother and she had told me that she was giving him the same message at home.

'I sent around an email stating that we were to take a tough love approach with this boy who would wander the corridors rather than attend classes.

'I had been Pupil A's guidance teacher for four years. The phrase reported to Pupil A [came] word for word by his mum.

'I was for consistency repeating what his mum had said, I was frustrated at staff for not following advice.'

Mr Turkington was also questioned over the allegation that he nailed a piece of wood to a door and caused distress to a pupil.

He continued: 'I am a techy teacher, I have the skills and knowledge to cut a piece of wood which I did and I then went with a battery drill and carefully screwed in some screws.

'There were absolutely no nails involved as it would shatter the glass, I wish that people would give time and dates so that I could tell you exactly what I was doing.'

'It was done in a very calm and very structured manner.'

Mr Turkington taught at Newbattle Community High School, in Dalkeith and is also accused of placing his finger through the zipper of his trousers to mimic male genitals - which he denies

Mr Turkington told the hearing he only picked up the fake penis because the box 'overflowed' and denies the accusations

Mr Turkington admitted that he 'liked a laugh and to be positive and fun', adding: 'I agree that if that [allegation] was done towards a colleague that would be far too far and outside appropriate humour for the workplace.

'I would say my sense of humour is friendly, outgoing, I like a laugh and a joke.

'I wouldn't say I was slapstick as such, a sense of humour helps in the workplace.

'I certainly wouldn't want to upset anyone, I would be appalled if that were to happen.'

Teacher Eilidh Keeble joined Newbattle Community High School in late 2017 and was made aware of rumours involving Derek Turkington's alleged behaviour.

She told the hearing today that she was not shocked by his behaviour, as she had witnessed him harass other colleagues in the past.

Mrs Keeble alleges that people were uncomfortable being in the same room as Mr Turkington, and claimed that he called a colleague gay.

She said: 'It didn't really surprise me as I had seen how he was towards Martin Newcombe and saying Martin was gay, I witnessed him making comments towards Martin and towards Andrea, you could see Martin was uncomfortable.

'I can't say for sure that any pupils witnessed this but I felt uncomfortable being in the room, Derek is quite an intimidating man and nobody wanted to speak up and cross him.'

Ms Keeble added that she was left 'upset' following the shouting incident between a pupil and Mr Turkington, as she felt that he should not have screamed at the boy.

The student had been wandering the corridors when he was shouted at by Mr Turkington in front of Ms Keeble, who described him as 'ranting'.

She told the hearing: 'Pupil A used to frequent the corridors of the school, he was quite open about wanting to find his dad but when he did, his dad did not want to have contact.

'It was hard for Pupil A, he was a teenager and he felt rejected.

'Derek was getting annoyed by the situation and he banged on the door to the boy and said "Mrs Keeble can you please tell Pupil A that his dad clearly doesn't care about him and that he needs to move on and get a grip".

'The boy did not speak at all, he was quite upset with the situation, to tell his personal business is quite upsetting.'

She added that she was also upset when Mr Turkington sent round an email in the following days to all members of staff about the student  encouraging them to 'send him back to class'.

Ms Keeble said: 'I felt this was inappropriate, I could not believe that Derek was in this role as he did not care.

'Derek wouldn't turn up for guidance meetings and how little compassion he had, one minute he would be joking and playing and then he would absolutely change.

'I would witness him always winding kids up to try and get them to flip, my concern was the way he was towards pupils.

'The way he behaved towards staff and his general lack of care and compassion towards pupils, you are going deeper than just teaching them a subject.

'At no point do I feel that he tried to support any pupils that were in his care.'

However another colleague, Martin Newcombe, claimed that Turkington's actions with the prosthetic was just 'Derek being Derek'.

Mr Newcombe told the hearing: 'There was a big box of prosthetic penis in the box room just off the guidance room and people would store their coffee and tea in there.

'Derek would often play about with these [prosthetics], I took no offence to what he did, other staff laughed at it too.

'I was very rarely in contact with Derek, he would interact with pupils but he had a sense of humour that the pupils liked, he broke down barriers and pupils seemed to respond well.

'It was all just the way he was, to someone who did not know him it was probably different but that was Derek, he was a kind of Benny Hill character in his regards to sexual actions or language.

'When he was messing around it was just Derek being Derek, it meant nothing to me, if I thought he had been deliberately offensive I would have reported it.'

The hearing continues.
The ex-lover of a married businessman threatened to expose their affair if he did not pay her $150,000 after he 'ghosted' her.

Real estate agent Rachel Roche, 40, met the man, whose identity has been suppressed, on the dating site SeekingArrangements in 2019.

The pair then met up on multiple occasions but during their rendezvous he failed to mention he had a wife and children.

Roche discovered he was married when she saw a photo of him with a public figure on social media. In the picture he was wearing a wedding ring.

When she confronted the man he told her he was going to leave his wife, The West Australian reported.

Roche's defence lawyer Barrister Linda Black told Perth's District Court her client had 'stupidly believed' he would leave his wife but he then cut off all contact with her.

Feeling 'betrayed and devastated', Roche sent him nine emails demanding he pay her $150,000 in cash or she would tell his wife and business associates about the affair.

Real estate agent Rachel Roche, 40, met the man, whose identity has been suppressed, on the dating site SeekingArrangements in 2019

Roche, 40, felt 'betrayed' when her unnamed lover, a married Perth businessman, cut contact after she confronted him about being married

She then asked for $50,000 a day if her demand was not met by a certain date.

'She went through a phase of being furious with him, wanting to punish him,' Ms Black said.

She also thought he had given her a sexually transmitted infection - but later found out he did not.

The man reported the incident to Western Australian police, who charged Roche with extortion.

She pleaded guilty a month before the trial was set to begin.

Prosecutor George Brett said her actions were in part driven by 'spite, vindictiveness and greed'.

Ms Black said her client accepted her actions were 'utterly wrong and unlawful' but added the man should accept some responsibility for being unfaithful to his wife and hiding his marital status.

She added Roche believed the man had agreed to help her buy a home - a claim his legal team disputed in court.

The pair met on the dating website seekingarrangements.com.au in 2019 and Roche believed him to be single

In his victim impact statement the man said Roche's actions had impacted his wife and children, and also cost him thousands in legal fees.

Judge Fiona Vernon accepted Roche was in a state of 'anger and distress' but said this did not excuse her behaviour.

She did say she believed Roche had gained insight into her actions and was a low risk of reoffending.

Judge Vernon said handed Roche a suspended 18 month sentence, on the understanding that should Roche commit a further crime she could serve jail time.
A teenage rapper claimed that he was racially profiled in a wealthy Florida neighborhood and residents surrounded his car before smashing one of his windows after they accused him of drag racing.

Jermaine, or known as rapper BKBpole, says he was driving to his friend's house in the Maple Glen Place neighborhood in Sanford, Florida when he was approached by residents on June 14.

The 16-year-old was surrounded by multiple angry residents who began shouting at him to get out of their neighborhood.

Jermaine says things escalated quickly to the point that one of the residents allegedly smashed in a window of his white C230 Mercedes-Benz. The cost of that model runs typically up to $30,000.

That was when the young rapper began recording on his cellphone.

The video captured one man shouting that he was 'burning out racing through my f***ing neighborhood,' while taking photos of his license plate.

A woman yelled: 'Get out of this neighborhood, you don't belong here!'

Scroll down for video

Jermaine (pictured) or known as rapper BKBpole, 16, was driving to his friend's house in the Maple Glen Place neighborhood in Sanford, Florida when he was approached by residents

The teenager got out of his car vandalized car to record the damage and unfolding scene with residents of the neighborhood. Pictured is the smashed window and glass-covered backseat

Jermaine, who shared the terrifying footage on his Instagram, believes he was 'racially profiled' because they 'didnt like the way I was driving.'

'So they felt the need to hit my car with a cone, and throw a rock through my window.'

Despite being told to leave, Jermaine stayed behind until police arrived at the scene.

'All I wanted to do was de-escalate until police came, because I wasnt about to get charges pressed on me for no reason,' he explained.

CJ Jones, Jermaine's father, arrived at the scene on Tuesday after the altercation.

While police worked on the scene, Jones took a separate video that showed the damages to his son's car while the neighborhood residents he says were responsible waved in the background.

While informing his followers about the incident on Instagram, Jermaine claimed the two viewed above were arrested on Tuesday

A woman nearby was recording the incident while shouting at the rapper and telling him to leave the area while claiming he didn't belong there

One resident screamed at Jermaine while taking photos of his license plate

While police worked on the scene, Jones took a five-minute video that shows the damages to his son's car while the neighborhood residents he says were responsible sarcastically waved in the background

'That's a deadly weapon,' Jones said in reference to the rock thrown through the car window.

Jermaine claimed on his social media that the two men seen in the video were arrested for damaging his vehicle.

The Seminole County Sheriff's Office wasn't immediately available to provide comment on the occurrence.

Homes in the wealthy Florida neighborhood are currently selling for nearly $1 million on Zillow.

Meanwhile, the Jermaine's damaged car is unable to be driven as of June 16, according to his recent Instagram story.

The incident is gaining traction after the young rapper blasted the video on his Instagram and TikTok account - where he has been posting snippets of songs since 2021.

Sanford County is also known as the area where Trayvon Martin, 17, was shot and killed in 2012.
An 'arrogant' antivaxxer has been jailed for 21 months for causing 11,000 worth of damage when he smashed windows at two Covid vaccination centres with rocks.

Paul Edwards, 58, was convicted of damaging property at Mold Crown Court on June 16.

Judge Rhys Rowlands said Paul Edwards had not 'shown any insight to the harm your behaviour caused'. He handed the anti-vaxxer a 21-month sentence for the damage caused

He was arrested by North Wales Police after damaging five windows at a vaccination centre close to the police station at Llandudno on December 14, the court heard.

But prosecutor Anna Price said the following night he vandalised 25 windows at the OpTIC building in St Asaph business park.

He broke only one of the vaccination centre's windows, but caused damage to businesses in the park.

No disruption was caused to the vaccination programme.

Edwards, representing himself, denied two counts of damaging property.

Judge Rhys Rowlands said: 'Both incidents involve attacks on wider society.'

The judge said Edwards had 'Genuinely and strongly-held views which were critical of official policies and laws' to protect the population.

But he couldn't go out and break the law in order to impose his views on others who would have seen the jabs as a lifeline.

He added Edwards's conduct was 'arrogant and particularly egregious.'

Anna Price, the prosecutor in the case, said Mr Edwards had smashed windows two nights in a row as he targeted coronavirus vaccination centres because he claimed there had been 'deliberate scaremongering' and 'censorship' about Covid-19

Paul Edwards (left) arrives at Mold Crown Court where he was convicted of damaging 30 windows in an anti-vax rampage in December

Judge Rowlands told the defendant : 'You haven't shown any insight to the harm your behaviour caused, or its potential to have caused, vulnerable individuals.

'You intended to break into both premises and cause far more damage.'

A security guard was cut by flying glass during the incident.

Edwards told the jury he had been trying to obstruct the vaccination programme which was putting the public 'in danger.'

He claimed there had been 'deliberate scaremongering' and there was 'censorship' in Britain.

Communist China had a vested interest in destabilising Western society, he argued.
Peers today moaned about Boris Johnson's threat to move the House of Lords to Stoke as they furiously accused the Prime Minister of a 'power grab'.

In a two-hour debate, a string of peers hit out at ministers' suggestion they could be relocated to the Staffordshire city while Parliament is refurbished.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove recently hailed the 'formidable' attractions of Stoke as a new home for the Lords.

But peers, who can claim up to 323 for each day they attend Parliament, have reacted with anger to the proposal.

They today questioned why - if they were to move northwards from Westminster - MPs would also not be joining them.

Tory peer Lord Norton of Louth claimed the Lords needed to be 'co-located' with the House of Commons in order to help fulfil the 'essential functions of Parliament' and for the 'convenience of citizens'.

The proposal to move the Lords away from London has been framed as part of the PM's levelling up agenda, with Mr Gove having also suggested Burnley, Edinburgh, Sunderland, Plymouth, Wolverhampton or York as other possible locations for peers.

It was claimed the House of Lords needed to be 'co-located' with the House of Commons in order to help fulfil the 'essential functions of Parliament'

A string of peers today hit out at ministers' suggestion they could be relocated to Stoke while Parliament is refurbished

The proposal to move the Lords away from London has been framed as part of the PM's levelling up agenda

But Lord Norton said: 'Moving one chamber to another part of the country does not bring that chamber closer to the people.

'It detaches it from those organisations who seek to put their case.

'They will most likely remain London-based in order to lobby the House of Commons and Government.'

He also claimed that splitting the two Houses of Parliaments would constitute a 'power grab' by ministers.

'Separating the two chambers empowers Government,' Lord Norton added.

'The suggestion that the House of Lords moves to a different part of the country with the House of Commons in Westminster is essentially a power grab by the executive.

'I am not making the case against the House of Lords moving. I am making the case against the House of Lords alone moving.

'If one chamber moves, the other must do as well and so too must the executive. If Westminster decamps then so too must Whitehall.'

Lord Young of Cookham, a former Cabinet minister, joined his fellow Conservative peer in suggesting MPs should join the Lords in moving from London.

'I notice it is not proposed the Commons should join us in this exodus,' he said.

'If relocation of the Lords elsewhere would have a leading role to play in delivering the levelling-up agenda would not that impetus be magnified several times over if we were to be joined by the other place?

'Sauce for the ermine goose is surely sauce for the plebeian gander.'

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove recently hailed the 'formidable' attractions of Stoke as a new home for the Lords

Lord Fowler, the former Lord Speaker, branded the proposal as an 'empty public relations measure' with 'a range of practical drawbacks'.

'Far from increasing the influence of the second chamber with Government it will, by the policy of separation, decrease that influence,' he said.

'Out of the way, out of sight, that is the danger. It will make it much more difficult to hold ministers to account and the only people who will be happy with the result are ministers.'

Liberal Democrat peer Lord Stoneham of Droxford accused the Government of chasing 'gimmicks and PR stunts' in its levelling up agenda.

'I do find it slightly ironic that those who were telling us a few years ago about the huge extravagance and duplication of housing the European Parliament in two places are now very keen for Parliament to meet in two locations,' he said.

Lord Blunkett, the Labour peer and former home secretary, branded the proposal to move the Lords as a 'nonsense', adding: 'The constitutional issue is the centrepiece and the core of why it is a nonsense.'

He told the debate: 'Some of those who have been putting forward the notion of splitting our Parliament have a brain and understand exactly what they are doing, but are not mindful of the long-term consequences and the spin-off which would occur in terms of the way our democracy works.'
Suella Braverman has branded ITV's Robert Peston a 'Remainiac' during an extraordinary on-air clash over the Northern Ireland protocol legislation.

The Attorney General accused the presenter of 'make-believe' and pretending the EU is 'always in the right' as he grilled her about moves to scrap Brexit rules.

Told by Peston that the legislation - which she has personally signed off - 'plainly breaks the law', a furious Ms Braverman shot back: 'That's not right Robert.

'I'm afraid I've got to say this is your Remainiac make-believe if I may put it that way, that actually the EU is always in the right and the UK is always in the wrong '

Peston replied tetchily: 'No, I think there's a lot the EU does that is constantly wrong and I am definitely not a Remainiac.'

Suella Braverman has branded ITV 's Robert Peston a 'Remainiac' during an extraordinary on-air clash over the Northern Ireland protocol legislation

The Attorney General (right) accused the presenter (left) of 'make-believe' and pretending the EU is 'always in the right' as he grilled her about moves to scrap Brexit rules

The bruising exchange last night came after Ms Braverman mounted a similar attack during a BBC interview.

On Radio 4's World at One yesterday, presenter Sarah Montague asked why ministers 'keep doing things that others judge to be illegal' and whether she was 'comfortable' with the government's 'law-breaking' reputation.

Ms Braverman retorted: 'With respect, I think that's a BBC view, if you don't mind me saying, that the UK Government is somehow always malevolent and the EU is always acting as the honest broker and the good guys.'

'It was the Supreme Court that ruled on prorogation,' Montague interjected.

Ms Braverman insisted her 'preferred alternative' to the Northern Ireland protocol was negotiation.

'Listen my preferred alternative right now is negotiation and my invitation to our EU friends is to come back to the table and to engage substantively with our proposals,' she said.

'They've failed to do that for over two years now and that's why we've regrettably been left with no option but to take these measures.'

Ministers have been increasingly ready to call out what they perceive as bias in BBC interviews.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss lashed out at Today presented Mishal Hussain earlier this week for suggesting the Northern Ireland protocol Bill would prevent the UK criticising authoritarian regimes like Russia.

The full question posed to Ms Braverman was: 'This Government keeps doing things that others judge to be illegal  we can go back to prorogation, Partygate, the Northern Ireland protocol, deporting asylum seekers  I wonder how comfortable you feel with the reputation that this Government has being built up as with regard to law-breaking?'

The clash came as Brussels threatened a trade war, launching a legal battle over Boris Johnson's plans to abandon parts of the Brexit agreement to ease political pressure in Ulster.

On Radio 4's World at One, presenter Sarah Montague asked why ministers 'keep doing things that others judge to be illegal'

Attorney General Suella Braverman complained about the BBC's 'view' of Brexit wrangling as she was interviewed about the saga of the Northern Ireland protocol yesterday

The European Commission announced fresh legal action yesterday as part of a series of measures in response to the Government's move to unilaterally scrap parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

The commission is also resuming legal proceedings against the UK that were shelved last year to facilitate negotiations on post-Brexit trade.

The Government has been given two months to respond before the case goes to the European Court of Justice.

Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic warned Mr Johnson today that the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill, tabled on Monday, had 'no legal or political justification whatsoever', adding: 'Let's call a spade a spade: this is illegal.'

Downing Street has said ministers are 'disappointed' by the EU decision, with a spokesman adding: 'The EU's proposed approach, which doesn't differ from what they have said previously, would increase burdens on business and citizens and take us backwards from where we are currently.

'The infractions are related to the implementation of the protocol in our recently published Bill. It is difficult to see how scrapping grace periods and adding additional controls and checks would be the situation better.'
A UN-backed court sentenced two Hezbollah members in their absence to life imprisonment on Thursday for a huge Beirut bombing in 2005 that killed Lebanon's ex-premier Rafic Hariri, along with 21 others.

Habib Merhi and Hussein Oneissi were found guilty on appeal in March by the Dutch-based Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) over the attack.

Hariri and the 21 others were all killed when plotters detonated a truck laden with 2,200 pounds of TNT outside a hotel on Beirut's seafront as the prime minister's motorcade drove past on February 14, 2005.

The court found Merhi and Oneissi distributed a video in which a fictitious group claimed responsibility for the attack, in a bid to protect the 'real perpetrators' from a covert network in the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah.

But the pair are unlikely to ever spend time behind bars as Hezbollah has refused to hand them over, as it has refused to surrender a third man, Salim Ayyash, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2020.

Habib Merhi (left) and Hussein Oneissi (right) were found guilty on appeal in March by the Dutch-based Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) over the attack. However, the pair are unlikely to ever spend time behind bars as Hezbollah has refused to hand them over

During today's hearing, the tribunal's president, Czech judge Ivana Hrdlickova, said Merhi and Oneissi were receiving life sentences for each of their five convictions.

If they are ever captured and imprisoned, the sentences would be served concurrently.

Hrdlickova said both Merhi and Oneissi were aware that Hariri would be killed in the attack, adding that the sentences reflected the 'evil nature of terrorism'.

'The appeals chamber therefore unanimously decides to sentence Mr Merhi and Mr Oneissi to life imprisonment, the heaviest sentence under the statute and the rules for each of the five counts on which they were convicted,' she said.

The men were found guilty of conspiracy to commit a terrorist act, and of being accomplices to commit a terrorist act, accomplices in the intentional homicide of Hariri and of the 21 other people, and accomplices in the attempted homicide of the 226 injured.

The attack on Sunni billionaire Hariri, who had stepped down as Lebanon's prime minister in October 2004, triggered protests that drove Syria out of Lebanon after a 29-year military deployment.

Vehicles burn following a suicide bombing that targeted the motorcade of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, killing him and 21 others in Beirut, Lebanon, on Valentine's Day, 2005

Rafik Hariri (pictured) and the 21 others were all killed when plotters detonated a truck laden with 2,200 pounds of TNT outside a hotel on Beirut's seafront as Hariri's motorcade drove past.

The court was born in 2009 out of a United Nations Security Council resolution and eventually tried four suspects in absentia: Ayyash, Merhi, Oneissi and Assad Sabra.

The case relied almost exclusively on circumstantial evidence in the form of mobile phone records that prosecutors said showed a Hezbollah cell plotting the attack.

The STL originally convicted Ayyash and cleared the other three men.

Prosecutors appealed after the two men were acquitted nearly two years ago following a lengthy trial that found another Hezbollah member, Salim Ayyash, guilty of involvement in the Feb. 14, 2005, blast.

Ayyash, who also was tried in absentia, received a life prison sentence.

The tribunal's 2020 verdict was met with anger and disappointment in parts of Lebanon.

The trial judges said there was no evidence that Hezbollah's leadership and Syria were involved in the attack but noted the assassination happened as Hariri and his political allies were discussing calling for Syria to withdraw its forces from Lebanon.

It said the attack probably involved state actors and that the state with most to gain was Syria.

But in March it found Merhi and Oneissi guilty after the appeal by prosecutors, saying the original trial judges had 'erred' by saying there was a lack of evidence. They upheld the acquittal of Sabra.

All three convicted men remain at large as Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has refused to hand over any of the suspects or to recognise the court.

Lebanese soldiers carry away a wounded man following the massive bomb attack that tore through the motorcade of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in Beirut, on February 14

Lebanese special forces police standing guard today near the graves of those who were killed in the suicide bomb attack on Mr Hariri

The sentencing could be one of the last acts by the STL as the cash-strapped court has warned it will close imminently due to a shortage of funds.

The court is estimated to have cost between $600 million and $1 billion since it opened and has been dogged by political issues in Lebanon and controversies over its price tag.

The closure means a further trial against Ayyash in a separate case involving three attacks targeting Lebanese politicians in 2004 and 2005 is now unlikely to ever take place.

The STL draws 51 percent of its budget from donor countries and the rest from Lebanon, which is grappling with its deepest economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war.
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The streets of Portland resemble an 'open air drug market' after state officials' scheme to decriminalize hard drugs led to a surge in overdose deaths, critics claim.

Law enforcement agents say that the streets of Portland are full of homeless addicts openly buying and selling drugs and that signs of drug addiction are actually increasing statewide, Fox News reported.

Photos show the desperate situation in the liberal Pacific Northwest city, where people can be seen shooting up drugs or passed out in broad daylight.

The dreadful scene comes 16 months after Ballot Measure 110-which passed with 58.8 percent support- decriminalized hard drugs in the Democrat-run state.

Photos show the desperate situation in the Pacific Northwest city, where people can be seen shooting up drugs or passed out in broad daylight

Law enforcement agents say that the streets of Portland are full of homeless addicts openly buying and selling drugs

A man can be seen using a needle in Portland over a year after Ballot Measure 110 went into effect in February 2021

Drug overdose deaths in Oregon also hit an all-time high in 2021 with 1069, a 41 percent increase from 2020

Oregon was the first state in the United States to decriminalize possession of personal-use amounts of heroin, methamphetamine, LSD, oxycodone and other drugs after voters approved a ballot measure in 2020 to decriminalize hard drugs.

A person found with personal amounts of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and other drugs receives a citation, like a traffic ticket, with the maximum $100 fine waived if they call a hotline for a health assessment.

The state's program, which has been promoted as a way to establish and fund addiction recovery centers that would offer people aid instead of incarceration, is being watched as a potential model for other states.

Drug overdose deaths in the state also hit an all-time high in 2021 with 1069, a 41 percent increase from 2020, Fox News reported.

And of the 1,885 people who received tickets for personal possession in the first year, only 91 people, a measly one percent, called the hotline, according to its non-profit operator, Lines For Life.

Earlier this month, those behind the scheme admitted that they had underestimated the effort required to distributed the $300 million in funds for the program, and only $40 million has been spent.

'So clearly, if we were to do it over again, I would have asked for many more staff much quicker in the process,' said Steve Allen, Oregon's behavioral health director.

'We were just under-resourced to be able to support this effort, underestimated the work that was involved in supporting something that looked like this and partly we didn't fully understand it until we were in the middle of it.'

The ballot measure redirected millions of dollars in tax revenue from the state's legal marijuana industry to treatment.

The streets of Downtown Portland are filled with open drug use, with the homeless using and buying hard drugs during the day

After Ballot Measure 110 was passed a person found with personal amounts of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and other drugs receives a citation, like a traffic ticket, with the maximum $100 fine waived if they call a hotline for a health assessment

Emergency personnel carries a man away as the drug use in the streets of Portland is said to be rampant after the passing of Ballot Measure 110

A woman enters the Great Circle drug treatment center in Salem, Oregon

As the city deals with a rising homelessness problem, more than 16,000 Oregonians have accessed services through Measure 110 funding

But applications for funding stacked up after state officials underestimated the work required to vet them and get the money out the door, officials testified earlier this month before the House Interim Committee on Behavioral Health.

The health authority said $40 million in funds have been disbursed.

But about $265 million set aside for the 2021-23 biennium still hasn't been spent, said Devon Downeysmith, spokeswoman for the Health Justice Recovery Alliance.

Hundreds of providers, which screen the needs of people who use drugs, offer case management, treatment, housing and links to other services, are waiting for those funds.

New possession limits Under the new Oregon law that went into effect in February 2021, offenders caught with the following drug amounts can avoid criminal charges: Less than 1 gram of heroin

Less than 1 gram, or less than 5 pills, of MDMA

Less than 2 grams of methamphetamine

Less than 40 units of LSD

Less than 12 grams of psilocybin

Less than 40 units of methadone

Less than 40 pills of oxycodone

Less than 2 grams of cocaine Offenders caught with the following amounts of drugs will be charged with misdemeanor simple possession, rather than a felony: 1 to 3 grams of heroin

1 to 4 grams of MDMA

2 to 8 grams of methamphetamine

2 to 8 grams of cocaine Advertisement

More than 16,000 Oregonians have accessed services through Measure 110 funding, according to the Drug Policy Alliance, which spearheaded the measure.

Portland is just one of several Democratic-led cities blighted by rampant open-air drug abuse.

Recent images and videos of the streets of San Francisco show loiterers using drugs in full view, car break-ins, aggressive shoplifting, homeless encampments and fouling of pavements with human excrement.

Things began going downhill in the liberal city under ousted Democratic District Attorney Chesa Boudin.

Boudin was elected in 2019 on a platform of criminal justice reform, but the DA has been widely blamed for rising crime and homelessness in the Bay Area since the start of the pandemic - where brazen looters ransacking stores and breaking into cars has become commonplace.

So far this year, statistics show that the crime wave has worsened from last year - one of the worst crime years in decades - with the city's murder rate rising 11 percent, and rapes up by nearly 10 percent.

Boudin's time in office has also seen a marked rise in vagrancy - a stand-out issue in the Bay Area, where homelessness and brazen open drug use has increased in earnest during the pandemic.

But as infection rates plunge and restrictions continue to lessen, the city's crime and seedy underbelly has persisted - frustrating citizens to no end.

San Francisco police report 20 murders so far this year, an 11 percent increase from the 18 reported in the same time last year.

Larceny theft, meanwhile - which represents the majority of the recent 'smash and grabs' - has skyrocketed under Boudin, with 13,424 cases reported this year, a 20.4 percent rise from the 11,151 reported last year.

Assaults have also been on the rise, with 11 percent with 1,035 cases reported so far this year, with rapes also up by a concerning 10 percent.

As larceny continues to see the largest increase in crime, the Bay Area has contended with a series of smash-and-grab robberies in the past year, with brazen thieves raiding stores in the middle of day.

San Francisco has become a drug-abusing Wild West with syringes littering pavements and drug dealers, selling heroin or the deadly opioid fentanyl, easily recognisable dressed in black with matching backpacks

San Francisco is now blighted by rampant open-air drug abuse, car break-ins, aggressive shoplifting, homeless encampments and fouling of pavements with human excrement

Residents claim that DA Boudin's policies have made the liberal California enclave - which has seen vagrancy and crime rates soar in recent months - an increasingly unsafe place to live

Illicit fentanyl started appearing on San Francisco streets in 2018, and is often mixed with other drugs such as heroin and cocaine to increase potency.

Overdose deaths rose rapidly with the arrival of fentanyl and deaths connected to the drug increased from nine in 2009 to 230 in 2019, the city said in a report. In 2021, the city reported 474 deaths due to fentanyl.

The city has taken several steps to address the fentanyl epidemic, including adding new drug and mental health beds and launching the Street Overdose Response team to provide care for people at high risk of overdose, SFGATE reported.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed declared a state of emergency in the city, which streamlined the city's permitting regulations in order to quickly open the linkage center. The facility connects people living on the street and struggling with substance use and mental health issues, to services.

The state of emergency expired in April, but the mayor renewed aspects of the declaration to allow city workers to serve as disaster service workers to respond to issues in the Tenderloin neighborhood, which is particularly hard hit.

'The mayor agrees that we need to break up open-air drug dealing in San Francisco,' the mayor's office wrote in an emailed statement.

'Police officers are making arrests every day, and in the last few weeks an additional 20 officers have been added to the Tenderloin neighborhood to support our emergency response initiative. The police have seized over 10 kilos of fentanyl in the Tenderloin area this year alone, which is roughly four times more than was seized over the same time period last year. We know more needs to be done to make more arrests, but there also needs to be accountability for the people who are dealing drugs, committing acts of violence, and making our communities less safe.'

The illegal supervised drug consumption site at the linkage center, where a half-dozen people were witnesses smoking fentanyl in an outdoor area on the site, and two people passed out

The center is equipped to serve up to 100 people at a time who are suffering from drug use and mental health issues, connecting with long-term and short-term services like health care and housing

The men, sitting down with bags of filled with their belongings, injected the drugs in their arms

It comes as vagrancy and crime runs rampant in the Big Apple despite Mayor Eric Adams vow to crackdown on both

The following day, seven other men were pictured at the same spot taking drugs together

Two men were pictured on May 28 taking drugs out in the open in East Harlem's La Marqueta marketplace

Last month in New York City a group of men were pictured taking drugs out in the open outside a Harlem marketplace casually using needles to inject drugs into their arms.

The men were pictured sitting underneath a railway surrounded by bags of their belongings and an overturned Citi bike, and photos of the block the following day show even more men shooting up drugs at the site.

The scene comes despite Democratic Mayor Eric Adam's vow to crackdown on homelessness and crime in the city, which is up nearly 40 percent from last year.

New Yorkers have been growing weary over the latest spike in violence and crimes on the city streets and subways.

While murders and shootings are down 10 and roughly five percent respectively from 2021, overall crime in the Big Apple is up 39.24 percent so far in 2022.

That includes a 19 percent rise in felony assaults, a nearly 15 percent increase in rapes and a 40 percent jump in robberies.

Vagrancy has also been on the rise in the city, with Adams ordering wave after wave of officers to take down homeless encampments throughout the city since March.

City officials said police have taken down more than 300 camps throughout the five boroughs, but the homeless continue to rebuild their encampments, claiming that the city's homeless shelters are 'dangerous' and not an adequate solution to its vagrancy problem.
A male Bengal tiger who stunned residents as it roamed through a street has been seized by authorities in the western Mexico state of Nayarit.

The 440lb tiger was confiscated from its owner on Wednesday, a day after it was filmed walking down a sidewalk in the city of Tecuala.

The Federal Attorney General's Office for Environmental Protection dispatched agents who visited the property where the Bengal was kept and removed it because the owner was unable to show proof that the animal was legally owned.

The Bengal was missing its claws but its fangs were intact, and it was found to be 'in good health and without apparent physical injuries.'

'The Attorney General's Office carried out the pertinent steps to locate the specimen and carry out the appropriate actions within the framework of its powers,' the Federal Attorney General's Office for Environmental Protection said in a statement.

Federal Attorney General's Office for Environmental Protection on Wednesday was able to locate a tiger that seen on a viral video wandering the streets of the Mexican state of Nayarit and seized the wild cat because the owner failed to show a legal permit that allowed the possession of the feline

The 400-pound male Bengal stunned residents in the western city of Tecuala on Tuesday morning when it was spotted walking through the street. Authorities visited the property where the animal was being held and seized it

The removal of the wild cat comes following the death of Jose de Jesus, 23, on Tuesday after the ranch worker had his left arm bitten by the Bengal he was taking care of.

De Jesus was petting the tiger and feeding it when the animal attacked him. He refused to have both his arms, which had been mauled, amputated and later suffered a heart attack.

While the ownership of wildlife animals is legal in Mexico with a permit provided by the Federal Attorney General's Office for Environmental Protection, the Chamber of Deputies passed a bill on April 29 that outlaws purchasing such animals as pets.

They can be bought online for as little as $25.

Toluca Deputy Melissa Vargas, of the Institutional Revolutionary Party, told DailyMail.com that the measure was met with a resounding bipartisan support, receiving 463 to 0 votes with one abstention.

The Senate has yet to vote on the bill because Congress is currently in recess. But Vargas hopes it will be presented on the floor when senators return to Mexico City.

The male Bengal weighs 400 pounds and is six feet long. He was found to be in good health

Ownership of wildlife animals is currently permitted in Mexico, but the Chambers of Deputies passed a bill on April 29 that would eventually ban the ownership of wild cats, which normally are sold on social media for anywhere between $25 to $35, according to Toluca Deputy Melissa Vargas

A video of the incident shows a woman hastily walking away from the male Bengal as she films it wandering down a sidewalk in Tecuala, a town about 300 miles south west of Sinaloa with a population of more than 40,000 people, on Tuesday

Vargas said the bill also targets criminal organizations that have enriched themselves through the illicit businesses of smuggling drugs and trafficking people and are now involved in bringing wild animals to Mexico that can be found in the black market for as little as $25.

The lawmaker estimates that there are more Bengals in the states of Chihuahua, Durango and Sinaloa - known as the 'Golden Triangle' due to the presence of drug cartels - than all of the ones who are roaming freely in India.

'At the start the pandemic, animal trafficking began to increase, especially large wild cats, Bengal tigers, panthers, that is, animals that should be in the wild,' Vargas explained. 'But through the internet it is very easy to get a lion cub, a tiger cub, because it has become a status fad, but more so with the growth of organized crime in Mexico, because many of these drug trafficking groups have these (animals) for security purposes or status.'

Mexican Congresswoman Melissa Vargas told DailyMail.com that she introduced legislation to ban the ownership of wildlife animals after an African lion cub - now named Kiro - was found wandering through the streets of Ecatepec in April. The animal had been beaten and had the claws and fangs removed by its owner

Vargas introduced the bill in April after firefighters found an African lion cub wandering on a street in the State of Mexico municipality of Ecatepec.

The lion, who was named Kiro had his claws removed, was missing his fangs, was not fed well and showed visible signs of physical abuse.

Vargas said that at least eight out of 10 wildlife animals die during the process of being trafficked in Mexico and only two reached the adult stage.

She is not only worried about the dangers the these animals pose to the public, but also threats to the ecosystem once their owners decide they no longer can care after them and abandon them in forest areas.

'(The bill) is a way to protect biodiversity and reduce animal trafficking,' Vargas said.
In a call with counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping maintained his support for Moscow on sovereignty and security issues, despite the worldwide response against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

According to China's Foreign Ministry, speaking on his 69th birthday, Xi also committed to strengthening strategic cooperation between the two nations.

China Vows Support For Russia

According to a second Kremlin statement, the two presidents emphasized that their nations' ties were at an all-time high and reiterated their resolve to continually develop the comprehensive relationship. The phone contact is likely to be the two's second since Russia invaded Ukraine. They last spoke only a few days after Moscow initiated what it believes is a "special military operation."

China, too, has avoided referring to Russia's activities as an invasion, treading carefully on the matter. It has positioned itself as a supporter of peace and the global order while hesitating to condemn Russia's activities. It has also utilized its official media machinery to duplicate Kremlin positions, blaming the crisis on the US and NATO.

During the discussion on Wednesday, Xi Jinping emphasized that China has always independently assessed the situation in Ukraine and urged all parties to work for a proper resolution of the Ukraine problem, echoing words he used in a March call with US Vice President Joe Biden.

He stated that China is eager to continue to play a role in advocating a suitable settlement for Ukraine. China's failure to condemn Russia's conflict in Ukraine has weakened Beijing's already poor ties with the US and its allies.

Officials from the United States have frequently urged countries to denounce Russia's conduct and warned their Chinese counterparts against assisting Moscow. During the March call between Xi and Biden, the US President laid out the repercussions if China provided material help, citing US information that Moscow had sought Beijing for military assistance, which both deny, CNN reported.

Read Also: [Report] Vladimir Putin Urgently Needed Medical Assistance After Video Showing Russian President Uncontrollably Shaking While Presenting Medal

US Reacts to China, Russia's Cooperation Agreement

According to the Kremlin, the two presidents agreed to increase economic cooperation in the face of illegal Western sanctions. However, the United States reacted quickly with a cold reply to Beijing's stated support for Moscow.

Washington was keenly monitoring China's behavior, especially how, over four months into Russia's conflict in Ukraine, the Asian powerhouse was still repeating Russian propaganda across the world' and implying Moscow's crimes in Ukraine were staged,' according to the official.

In retribution for its invasion of Ukraine, the West imposed unprecedented sanctions on Russia, and Moscow believes that Europe and the United States have created a worldwide economic downturn.

Moscow is also seeking new markets and suppliers to replace the large foreign corporations that fled Russia in the aftermath of the invasion. The European Union and the United States have warned that any support from Beijing for Russia's conflict or assistance to Moscow in evading Western sanctions would harm relations.

China and India are the two big economies that have not retaliated against Moscow. According to Chinese authorities, the Europeans have been pulled into supporting Ukraine at Washington's insistence, which is against their interests as Russian gas users.

Former Cold War adversaries, Beijing and Moscow have increased collaboration in recent years to offset what they regard as US global domination. As part of their no boundaries connection, the two have grown closer in the political, commercial, and military arenas, as per New Age World.

The Kremlin has reason to value Beijing's support, which reflects the public mood in China at a moment of strong competition with the West in general and the United States in particular. Since the commencement of the European war, senior Russian and Chinese officials have maintained close touch.

Sergey Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, spoke with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi just hours after Putin started his "special military operation" into Ukraine on February 24. In a phone chat with his Chinese counterpart the next day, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated his intention to "avoid genocide" in the Donbas.

Xi Jinping expressed his admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin's conduct amid the present situation, according to a readout issued by the Russian Embassy in China three days later, on February 28.

To be sure, China's major trading partners in the West have been concerned by Beijing's refusal to condemn Moscow or even use the word "invasion" to describe recent events, decisions they see as providing significant political cover for Russia's actions, despite Beijing's insistence that it will not contribute materially to Putin's war, according to Newsweek via MSN.

Related Article: North Korea Suspected To Detonate Nuclear Bomb Any Time Despite West's Vow To Respond Amid Kim Jong Un's Desire to Bolster Deadly Arsenal

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The parents of a three-year-old girl who was left unconscious after she overdosed on the drug Fentanyl have been charged with child neglect in South Florida.

Parents Janett Carter, 38, and Walter Carter, 40, were arrested after their daughter Jaelynn had to be resuscitated after she is believed to have eaten half a pill of Fentanyl she found in her mom's purse.

The parents have been charged with child neglect causing great bodily harm and drug possession.

The toddler had no pulse and was not breathing when paramedics arrived at the family home in Oakland Park, southern Florida, at around 7pm on Saturday.

Paramedics intubated Jaelynn and used Narcan - a treatment for opioid overdose - to bring the girl back to life, reported WPLG-TV.

Parents Janett Carter, 38, and Walter Carter, 40, were arrested after their daughter Jaelynn had to be resuscitated after she is believed to have eaten half a pill of Fentanyl she found in her mom's purse

What is fentanyl and why is it so dangerous? Fentanyl was originally developed in Belgium in the 1950s to aid cancer patients with their pain management. Given its extreme potency it has become popular amongst recreational drug users. Overdose deaths linked to synthetic opioids like fentanyl jumped from nearly 10,000 in 2015 to nearly 20,000 in 2016 - surpassing common opioid painkillers and heroin for the first time. And drug overdoses killed more than 72,000 people in the US in 2017  a record driven by fentanyl. It is often added to heroin because it creates the same high as the drug, with the effects biologically identical. But it can be up to 50 times more potent than heroin, according to officials in the US. In America, fentanyl is classified as a schedule II drug - indicating it has a strong potential to be abused and can create psychological and physical dependence. Advertisement

A toxicology test found that the toddler had ingested Fentanyl, a powerful opioid used as a pain medication.

The drug gives users the same high as heroin and it can be up to 50 times more potent than heroin. Given its extreme potency it has become popular amongst recreational drug users.

Detectives said during separate questioning, the parents claimed they were folding laundry in their bedroom when their daughter collapsed and became unresponsive.

Janett Carter was found to have Fentanyl in her system after a voluntary drug test at the hospital. Walter Carter initially refused to take the test, but eventually did so and tested positive for Fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana, according to arrest reports seen by NBC Miami.

The mother told police she had bought two pills from a drug dealer on Friday and thought they were oxycodone.

She said she believes her daughter ate half of one of the pills on Friday.

Janett Carter told police she had kept the pills in a plastic bag within her handbag, but knew Jaelynn liked to look inside it.

She said she later put the pills in a plastic bottle and flushed the down the toilet, WTVJ reported.

Officials said they found pills and cocaine inside Janett Carter's purse and a bag of marijuana was found in Walter Carter's pocket when they were arrested on Monday.

Walter Carters bail was set at $30,000 on Tuesday whilst Janett Carters bail was set at $31,000, according to booking records.

She will be unable to post bail because of her probation violation for an unrelated grand theft charge, WTVJ reported.
Thursday's hearing on the January 6th insurrection will include testimony from a rioter, who will say if they had found Mike Pence that day they 'probably would have killed him.'

Democratic Rep. Pete Aguilar, who sits on the House committee investigating the origins of the insurrection, said the rioter is cooperating with the Justice Department and the panel plans to play a clip of his testimony.

'We'll hear from a witness who says that, if they would have found [Pence], they probably would have killed him,' Aguilar told the Los Angeles Times in an interview.

Chants of 'Hang Mike Pence' were heard from the mob of MAGA supporters who stormed the Capitol in an attempt to stop the certification of the 2020 presidential election.

Pence was pulled from the Senate floor by his Secret Service agents as rioters entered the building.

Thursday's hearing from the January 6th committee will focus on Donald Trump's efforts to pressure Pence to refuse to count and certify the electoral count. It is the ceremonial role of the vice president to oversee the formal certification of the presidential election.

Aguilar, a Democrat from California, will take lead during Thursday's hearing.

Rep. Pete Aguilar, a Democrat from California, will take lead during Thursday's hearing on the January 6th insurrection

Testimony at Thursday's hearing will include a rioter saying they would have killed Mike Pence had they found him on the day of insurrection

A central figure of committee's argument is lawyer John Eastman, who pushed the theory Pence, in his role as vice president, could block the certification of Joe Biden's victory.

Eastman, who once served as clerk for Clarence Thomas at the Supreme Court, outlined scenarios for denying Biden the presidency in legal memos and in an Oval Office meeting on Jan. 4 with Trump and Pence, according to previous reports.

Committee aides told CNN that Thursday's hearing will focus on how Trump had driven the pressure campaign against Pence despite being told by lawyers in the White House counsel's office that Pence did not have the authority to unilaterally subvert the election results.

Greg Jacob, who served as counsel to Pence, and retired U.S. Appeals Court Judge J. Michael Luttig, who was an informal adviser, are scheduled to testify in person at the third of an expected six public hearings the committee has planned.

Jacob was with Pence inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, arguing with Eastman by email during the riot.

'The 'siege' is because YOU and your boss did not do what was necessary to allow this to be aired in a public way so that the American people can see for themselves what happened,' Eastman said in an email to Jacob, according to the Los Angeles Times.

After the riot ended, Eastman again emailed Jacob to say Pence should still send the election back to the states rather than certifying it, based on what he called a 'relatively minor violation' of the procedural law.

Instead Pence returned to the House floor to certify Biden's victory.

The committee earlier this week teased Thursday's hearing, showing video testimony from former White House attorney Eric Herschmann saying that he had told Eastman on January 7 that he should 'get a great effing criminal defense attorney.'

The third January 6 hearing on Thursday will focus on Donald Trump's pressure campaign to get Vice President Mike Pence to stop Congress from certifying the 2020 presidential election results. Pictured: Pence sits with daughter, Charlotte (left), and brother, Greg, as his wife, Karen (right), draws the curtains in the ceremonial room off the Senate floor where he was evacuated to on January 6, 2021, as Trump supporters attacked U.S. Capitol

Thursday's hearing from the January 6th committee will focus on Donald Trump's efforts to pressure Mike Pence to refuse to count and certify the electoral count

In the days leading up to the January 6th certification, Trump delivered a string of tweets demanding that Pence use his position to prevent Congress certifying his election defeat to Joe Biden.

Pence had already told the president he had no such power.

Pence's office had brought in retired federal Judge J. Michael Luttig, a staunch conservative long admired by many Republicans, to help advise on the vice president's role during the election certification process.

Luttig plans to testify on Thursday that Trump and his allies 'instigated' a war on democracy 'so that he could cling to power,' according to a written statement of his obtained by CNN.

'Had the Vice President of the United States obeyed the President of the United States, America would immediately have been plunged into what would have been tantamount to a revolution within a paralyzing constitutional crisis,' Luttig will say.

He will describe January 6th as 'the final fateful day for the execution of a well-developed plan by the former president to overturn the 2020 presidential election at any cost.'

Eastman, however, argued differently. He wrote a memo arguing Pence could overthrow the election results when he oversaw the certification of the electoral college count on January 6th.

And Ginni Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, emailed with Eastman about the matter, reported The Washington Post on Wednesday.

Eastman had told Jacob, Pence's legal counsel, that Clarence Thomas would back their argument if the matter went to the Supreme Court.

Jacob, according to a report earlier this year from Politico, told the panel in previous testimony that when Eastman pushed for Pence to throw the election back to the states, he said to him: 'If this case got to the Supreme Court, we'd lose 9-0, wouldn't we, if we actually took your position and it got up there?'

Eastman told him he thought the court would vote 7-2.

Jacob noted he replied: 'And I said, 'Who are the two?' And he said, 'Well, I think maybe Clarence Thomas.' And I said, 'Really? Clarence Thomas?' And so we went through a few Thomas opinions and, finally, he acknowledged, 'yeah, all right, it would be 9-0.'

Eastman's memo outlined a scenario in which Pence would disregard seven states' Electoral College votes - thus ensuring no candidate received the 270 Electoral College votes required to be declared the winner.

The election would then be decided by the House.

Each state delegation would then have had one vote to cast for president, and since Republicans controlled 26 state delegations, a majority could have voted for Trump to win the election.

Attorney John Eastman, who once served as clerk for Clarence Thomas at the Supreme Court, outlined scenarios for denying Joe Biden the presidency

Thursday's hearing on January 6th insurrection will focus on Donald Trump's pressure campaign on Mike Pence to overturn the election results

Constitutional scholars and Pence, himself, disagreed with Eastman's interpretation of the vice president's role in the largely ceremonial process.

Pence's former chief of staff Marc Short told CNN on Wednesday that Pence did his duty by certifying the election results.

'He knew it from the beginning, and I think he was clear with the president and so was our office clear about what we viewed his role as. I think that, you know, for any limited government conservative I don't think he'd want the notion that our founders would have thought any one person would have been bestowed with that much authority to overturn election results. So I think the they he approached this was what does the constitution say,' Short told CNN's Wolf Blitzer.

'He did his duty. He swore an oath to uphold the constitution. He swore an oath to god to uphold the constitution just as our men and women in uniform do,' he said.

The days leading up to January 6th led to tension between Trump and Pence as the then-vice president made it clear he would not do as Trump asked.

But Trump denied he wanted his vice president harmed that day.

During last Thursday evening's hearing, Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, who serves on the panel investigating the insurrection, said of Trump: 'Aware of the rioters' chants to 'hang Mike Pence,' the president responded with this sentiment: 'Maybe our supporters have the right idea.' Mike Pence 'deserves' it.'

There were gasps in the hearing room at her words.

'I NEVER said, or even thought of saying, 'Hang Mike Pence.' This is either a made up story by somebody looking to become a star, or FAKE NEWS!,' Trump wrote in response the next day on Truth Social.
A Russian plot to infiltrate the International Criminal Court in the Hague with a spy posing as a 33-year-old Brazilian intern has been foiled by Dutch intelligence.

Dutch intelligence agency the AIVD (General Intelligence and Security Service) said it had refused a member of Russia's GRU military intelligence entry into the country in April as a 'threat to national security'.

The AIVD named him as Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov, 36, saying he had claimed to be a 33-year-old Brazilian citizen named Viktor Muller Ferreira in his bid to access the Hague-based ICC, 40 miles south of Amsterdam.

The ICC has been tasked with investigating war crimes in Ukraine, of which Russia stands accused of perpetrating many.

Had Cherkasov been successful, the AIVD speculate he might have been able to recruit sources to Russian intelligence, gather potentially damaging information and even influence the criminal proceedings of the ICC.

Cherkasov used his Brazilian cover identity to travel from Brazil to the Netherlands but was interdicted at the airport and sent back to Brazil on the first flight out, the AIVD said in a statement.

Russian spy Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov, 36, claimed to be a 33-year-old Brazilian intern named Viktor Muller Ferreira in a Russian plot to access the International Criminal Court in the Hague, where war crimes in Ukraine are being investigated

A prosecutor of the International Criminal Court visits a mass grave near the St. Andrew and All Saints Church in Bucha city of Kyiv, on April 13

Workers wearing protective gear exhume bodies at a site where civilians killed during Russian occupation were hastily buried

'The AIVD prevented a Russian intelligence officer from gaining access as an intern to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague,' the AIVD statement said.

'The person in question works for the Russian Military Intelligence Service GRU, but he used a Brazilian cover identity to travel from Brazil to the Netherlands.'

Cherkasov was a deep cover spy also known as an 'illegal', the AIVD said, who receives long and extensive training and can be placed in a country as a 'sleeper' agent, carefully crafting their identity and putting down roots. This makes them very hard to discover.

Covert access to the ICC would be 'highly valuable to the Russian intelligence services' as it is probing both Ukraine and the Russian war in Georgia in 2008, it said.

Cherkasov, as his alias Viktor Muller Ferreira, would have had access to the ICC's building and systems once his internship had commenced.

'The illegal was supposed to commence an internship with the ICC, which would mean he would have access to the ICC's building and systems,' the AIVD said.

Had the Russian spy succeeded 'he would have been able to gather intelligence there and to look for (or recruit) sources, and arrange to have access to the ICC's digital systems,' it added.

'He might also have been able to influence criminal proceedings of the ICC.'

The Dutch agency said it 'holds him to be a threat to national security' and alerted the immigration services before his arrival.

'On these grounds the intelligence officer was refused entry into the Netherlands in April and declared unacceptable. He was sent back to Brazil on the first flight out,' it said.

'The ICC has also been informed of this case.'

Observers claim Russians are using mass graves and mobile crematoriums to cover up evidence of their war crimes

Mass graves for the tens of thousands of Ukrainians who have died during the war are commonplace, this one near Kharkiv

A body left out to nature has been wrapped in a Mickey Mouse duvet cover awaiting burial

The AIVD released the four-page cover letter for Cherkasov's internship, which reads like a touching memoir of a difficult childhood. The AIVD said it was likely written by Cherkasov himself in order to memories the details of his cover identity (or 'legend').

Christo Grozev, who is the lead Russia investigator with open source investigation outfit Bellingcat, tweeted of the cover letter: 'Tell me you're a Russian spy without telling me you're a Russian spy. "Nationality - Brazillian."

Russian intelligence services spend years on the construction of legends for illegals in order to build credible identities that will be able to outwit Western intelligence agencies and gain access to highly sensitive and sought after sites such as the ICC.

So to have one blown in the manner of Cherkasov will come as a blow.

There was no immediate response from the ICC, which opened a probe into potential war crimes in Ukraine shortly after Russia's invasion on February 24.
Rand Paul once again had a showdown with Dr. Anthony Fauci on Capitol Hill Thursday as the senator pushed the nation's top immunologist on whether children are going to need 10 boosters against COVID-19.

Fauci, who joined the hearing virtually after announcing Wednesday he contracted COVID, said it was 'absurd' to say that children would need to continue getting vaccination boosters as long as they produce antibodies, which Paul says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is using as its reasoning for recommendation.

'The government recommends everybody take a booster over age five,' Paul saida as part of a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing on Thursday. 'Are you aware of any studies that show reduction in hospitalization or death for children who take a booster?'

Dr. Fauci, 81, replied that there have not been such studies or 'data accumulated', but said, before being cut off by the Republican senator, that the recommendation was made based on mortality rates of children who contracted the virus.

It was their latest in a string of clashes since the start of the pandemic on a range of issues including lockdowns, Wuhan lab leak theories and funding of gain-of-function research.

Even with vaccinated and boosted Fauci testifying remotely because of his COVID diagnosis, Paul took no prisoners with his nemesis and suggested there was no evidence boosters for children reduce the risk of hospitalization or death.

Both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 shots for children as young as six months received clearance from a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel this week, setting them up for controversial emergency use authorization in the coming days.

Kentucky Republican Senator Rand Paul questioned Thursday if children would need to get 10 booster shots for COVID-19 if studies showed that they continued to produce antibodies in response to vaccinations despite a lack of studies showing that boosters prevent hospitalization and death in the demographic least affected by coronavirus

'I think that is somewhat of an absurd exaggeration, Senator Paul,' Fauci shot back as he showed down with Paul at a hearing Thursday where he joined virtually after announcing Wednesday he contracted COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated and twice-boosted

'All Americans should know this  there are no studies on children showing a reduction in hospitalization or death with taking a booster,' Paul cut in.

'The only studies that were presented were antibody studies. So they say: If we give you a booster, you produce antibodies. Now, a lot of scientists would question whether or not that's proof of efficacy of a vaccine.'

'If I give you 10, or if I give a patient 10 MRNA vaccines and they make protein each time, or they make an antibody each time, is that proof that we should give 10 boosters, Dr. Fauci?' Paul questioned.

'No, I think that is somewhat of an absurd exaggeration, Senator Paul,' Fauci shot back.

'Well that is the proof that you used  your committees used that,' said the former practicing ophthalmologist for nearly three decades before becoming a senator for Kentucky.

'That's the only proof you have to tell children to take a booster is that they make antibodies,' he insisted. 'So it's not an absurdity.'

'You're already at like five boosters for people. You've had, you know, two or three boosters. It's like  where is the proof?' Paul asked.

Fauci, 81, is fully vaccinated and has been boosted twice against COVID-19.

Despite this, he announced Wednesday that he contracted the virus for the first time in the more than two-year pandemic.

The immunologist currently has mild symptoms, and will continue to isolate from other government officials in the coming days. Fauci will only return to the National Institute of Health (NIH) when he tests negative, the agency announced, and will continue to work from home in the meantime.

Fauci was last seen in public on June 3, when he served as the keynote speaker for City College of New York's graduation ceremony.

Fauci, 81, is fully vaccinated and has been boosted twice against COVID-19. Despite this, he announced Wednesday that he contracted the virus for the first time in the more than two-year pandemic
The American tourist who had his expensive watch stolen in a caught-on-camera Barcelona mugging has spoken exclusively to DailyMail.com to deny lying to Spanish police about how much the timepiece is worth, saying he doesn't remember how much he paid for it and that he is being unfairly treated as 'the bad guy'.

Seth Bernstein, 46, was mugged in Barcelona in front of four of his five children on June 2 as they walked down a street outside their five star hotel.

He filed a police report in which Spanish police say he claimed it was worth $800,000.

On Thursday, those same authorities revealed their suspicions that he had lied, after the watchmaker Hublot confirmed the piece was in fact worth closer to $45,000.

He may now be on the hook for charges for lying, with a Spanish judge set to review the police report and incident.

Now, Bernstein is speaking to DailyMail.com to insist that he never told them the watch was worth $800,000 and that he doesn't remember how much it cost.

He says he ended up telling police it cost $80,000 - not $800,000 - to satisfy their questions and that his best guess is they accidentally added an extra zero in a Spanglish error because there was no translator present when he was interviewed.

Bernstein and his wife Marie at a 2018 charity gala. He says the stolen watch is one of many that he owns and that he doesn't remember how much he paid for it when he bid for it

Seth Bernstein, 46, was mugged in Barcelona in front of four of his five children on June 2 as they walked down a street outside their five star hotel. He is shown with his wife Marie and their children. He told DailyMail.com he is being unfairly treated as a criminal when he is the victim of a crime

He says he bid for it at a charity auction six years ago for his 40th birthday, then insured it along with his 'many' other watches, but that it's unimportant to him.

Bernstein said the watch is insured as are all of his pieces, and that he'll let the insurance company decide what the real value of it is.

He maintains that the Spanish police were 'rude' to him from the beginning and that he was never considered a victim when he should have been.

'I am the victim here, I was mugged in front of my children on what was supposed to be a happy vacation.

'My kids are hysterically crying. What did I do wrong? I had my watch stolen.

'It's like I'm the bad guy here,' he said from Sweden, where he is rounding out his European vacation with his wife's family.

Bernstein says he is most frustrated with Spanish police for issuing surveillance footage of the mugging, in which his terrified kids appear.

He says he would never have lied to police about the value of the watch - something that can be easily disproven by insurance investigations - and that he is being made the scapegoat to distract from the 'embarrassment' of the Spanish police that they can't crackdown on crime.

'Nobody did anything. If this had been in England at The Dorchester, three guys would have tackled the thief.'

Bernstein, who works in private equity and also ran a private jet charter company was previously accused of misappropriating PPP loans last year.

Bernstein was walking down the street with his kids on Tuesday June 7 when the mugger approached him from behind. He says the thief produced a knife and slashed his watch off his wrist, then ran away

Bernstein says his four kids who witnessed the mugging are traumatized and haven't stopped crying

The $500-a-night Mercer Hotel in Barcelona where he was staying with his family

He told DailyMail.com it was an 'accounting error' that led to the Justice Department pursuing him, and that the matter was settled.

A Justice Department announcement from August last year reveals that he repaid the government $287,055 to settle allegations that he misappropriated funds, using the money on his lavish lifestyle instead of on his business, Jet Ready.

'It was an accounting error and it was settled civilly, I was not charged criminally,' he said.

A Hublot watch. Bernstein says he told cops his was worth around $80,000 but that he doesn't actually remember how much he paid for it at auction six years ago. Police say he told them $800,000

Earlier on Thursday, The New York Post cited a spokeswoman for the Mossos dEsquadra who said what Bernstein said about the watch's value was 'out of step' with reality.

'It would be up to an investigating judge to determine whether any further action should be taken along those lines,' the spokeswoman said.

'As far as were concerned were dealing with a violent mugging and were still looking for the person or people responsible.

'Whether or not a court decides to charge the robbery victim will possibly depend on whether he is asked to ratify his police statement and repeats his claim the watch was worth 800,000 euros.

'What this gentleman tells his insurance company, if he makes an insurance claim using his police statement, is a matter between him and his insurers,' they said.

Bernstein says he wishes they would focus on the crime itself. He says he regrets going to the police.

'They should be focusing on the crime in their city and not on trying to target tourists,' he said.
At least 35 teenage girls have been rescued from a 'baby factory' hotel where they were used as sex slaves and their babies sold on the black market, Nigerian police say.

The teenagers were rescued from the Gally Gally hotel on Monday in the southeastern state of Anambra, where they were used 'for sex slaves, prostitution and baby factory,' state police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga said late Wednesday.

Nigerian police have previously freed dozens of under-aged women and babies from illegal maternity homes known as 'baby factories' where women are forced to have children for sale on the black market.

Four of the girls were pregnant, he said, while some weapons and cash were recovered from the hotel.

Ikenga said investigations were ongoing while the girls would be handed over to the government agencies for rehabilitation.

He said the owner of the hotel was on the run, while three suspects had been arrested, accused of abducting the teenagers, engaging in sexual slavery and prostitution, and operating a baby factory.

At least 35 teenage girls have been rescued from a 'baby factory' hotel where they were used as sex slaves and their babies sold on the black market in the southeastern state of Anambra of Nigeria

This photo, from September last year, shows mothers with acute malnourished babies sitting on the floor and fences to be attended by health officials at Bini primary health clinic, Wamako district of Sokoto in northwest Nigeria

'All suspects will be charged to court at the end of investigations.'

The so-called 'factories' are usually small illegal facilities parading as private medical clinics that house pregnant women and offer their babies for sale.

In many cases, young women have been held against their will and sexually assaulted before their babies are sold on the black market.

In other cases, unmarried pregnant women are promised healthcare, only for their children to be taken away. In others, women are raped and made pregnant.

In April police raided a baby factory and two unregistered orphanages in Lagos and rescued more than 160 children, some of whom had been sexually abused.

Two months earlier in February, Lagos police told local media they had uncovered a case where a pregnant woman went to a private home to have her baby delivered - only for the baby to be taken away and sold.
GOP Representative Lauren Boebert pointed a loaded gun and mockingly took aim at a restaurant employee who expressed support for Barack Obama, DailyMail.com can reveal.

The unnerving incident took place in the kitchen of Shooters Grill, the restaurant that Boebert, 35, runs with her husband Jayson, 41, in Rifle, Colorado.

Boebert, who was elected to represent Colorado's 3rd District in 2020, is known as a staunch defender of the Second Amendment, even opening a gun-themed restaurant in 2013.

Signs all over the walls and windows of Shooters encourage patrons to bring guns into the restaurant, where servers all carry conspicuously holstered firearms.

The former employee, who spoke to DailyMail.com on condition of anonymity, recalled: 'I was in the back at the grill and there were diners in the restaurant.

'I heard her say, "Hey", and call my name, and I turned around to see she had this .380 black pistol that she always carried pointing right at me and she just started laughing.

A former employee claims Republican congresswoman Lauren Boebert pointed a loaded gun at him during a shift at her Shooters Grill restaurant in Rifle, Colorado

Boebert and her husband, Jayson, 41, are the owners and operators of the restaurant whose theme is based on protecting Americans' Second Amendment Rights. She is pictured armed with a gun at the restaurant in 2018

Waitstaff at Shooters all carry conspicuously holstered firearms and patrons themselves are encouraged to come in and dine with their guns

'I was shocked. I turned around to go back to work and I could hear her messing with the gun behind me and heard her say: 'Oh my God, there's one in the chamber,' and start laughing again.'

DailyMail.com learned about this incident independently and without any involvement from American Muckrakers PAC, the group now under threat of legal action for a string of outlandish and, Boebert's camp insists, fallacious claims about the congresswoman.

Boebert is co-chair of the House's Second Amendment Caucus. She spoke at a press conference on gun rights in Washington on June 8

Approached for comment by DailyMail.com, Boebert's spokesperson Ben Stout said: 'The congresswoman has never pointed a loaded firearm at any employee's head, past or present.

'It seems this allegation is coming from a disgruntled employee.'

According to the cook, who no longer works for Boebert, other staff members witnessed the incident which took place around 2014 and before Boebert entered politics.

At the time, he was one of the few open Democrats of Boebert's staff and had a sticker on his workstation that read, 'Obama for a third term.'

He described the working environment at Shooter's as 'toxic' and claims that he was frequently singled out and derided by Boebert for his political views.

'Working there was just a horrible experience,' he told DailyMail.com.

Boebert is infamous for having trolled actor Alec Baldwin, 64, following the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, on the New Mexico set of the movie Rust.

One day after the October 21, 2021 shooting Boebert shared a 2014 tweet from Baldwin in which he wrote: 'I'm going to make bright banana yellow t-shirts that read, "My hands are up. Please don't shoot me".'

A former cook at Shooters Grill told DailyMail.com Boebert once mockingly aimed a loaded gun at him during a shift in 2014

The restaurant is decorated with signs and plaques honoring the right to bear arms in the US

Boebert, the Republican representative for Colorado's 3rd District, has been a vocal and controversial supporter of guns

Boebert (far right) poses with waitresses carrying guns in their holsters outside Shooters Grill

Boebert was roundly criticized for reposting the tweet with the comment: '@AlecBaldwin are these still available? Asking for a movie producer'

Now, her former employee has claimed that Boebert's own adherence to gun safety was patchy at best.

'She made a big thing of how she was all about gun-safety, but she didn't practice what she preached. She pointed a loaded gun right at me. How safe is that?' he said.

He added: 'On another occasion she handed her gun to a friend and had her point it at me. She's just a horrible person and a horrible businesswoman.'

The member of staff also alleged that employees sometimes went for weeks without getting paid.

According to Boebert's congressional disclosures, Shooters lost $143,000 in 2019 and $226,000 in 2020.

With less than two weeks to go before voting closes in the primaries that will decide whether Boebert wins her party's nomination for a second term, the congresswoman for Colorado's 3rd District has found herself the target of increasing criticism and scandal.

Boebert is infamous for having trolled actor Alec Baldwin, 64, in a series of controversial tweets following the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, on the set of upcoming film Rust

Newly revealed audio shows that Washington Republican Rep Jaime Herrera Beutler angrily confronted the staunch Trumper on January 11, 2021  five days after rioters broke into the Capitol.

Boebert was among the Republicans who voted against certifying Joe Biden's 2020 electoral victory.

Boebert's restaurant is in Rifle, Colorado, a town that takes its name from a local creek

She was also accused of putting her colleagues' lives in danger by tweeting live updates about their movements as the ex-president's supporters swarmed the US Capitol on January 6.

In the audio Beutler can be heard asking Boebert if it was true that she had done this.

Boebert replied: 'Um, yes, those tweets did go out and that was something that was live and public information that was broadcast live.'

Beutler bit back: 'So don't ask us about security if you're telling the attackers where we're at.'

Last week DailyMail.com revealed that American Muckrakers PAC had called for Colorado's Department of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth and Family to investigate Boebert for reckless abuse of a child.

Their call came in response to the allegation that she 'covered up' an off-roading accident when one of her four sons was in the vehicle. The group claims the accident took place in May 2020, two weeks before Boebert won a Republican primary.

Boebert proudly boasted about her restaurant and railed against the government's order to close non-essential businesses in the early days of the Covid pandemic

DailyMail.com reported the wreck which took place when Boebert was off-roading with her sister-in-law, Tori Hooper, 28, in Moab, Utah.

Stout, her spokesperson has now confirmed that an accident did occur, but that it was several months earlier, in 2019.

Boebert's son and dog were in the back of the Jeep when she lost control and, according to Hooper, 'bailed' from the driver's seat leaving her to struggle to right the vehicle which plunged into a ravine and struck a sheet of rock.

Stout says she was 'ejected'.

DailyMail.com spoke with Hooper's mother who confirmed that Boebert, 'sorta kinda slipped' from the vehicle leaving her daughter to struggle to regain control.

Now another source has come forward to tell DailyMail.com that Boebert never paid the bill for the emergency dentistry required by Hooper whose face and teeth were 'smashed up' in the incident.

According to the source: 'The dentist who fixed Tori's teeth did so in an emergency situation where Lauren called and brought her in after the accident.

'Lauren never actually paid her bill. She never paid for [the dentist's] services and her bill was sent to collections.'

Boebert and husband Jayson share four sons. DailyMail.com previously reported that one of the boys was in an off-roading vehicle years ago when Boebert allegedly lost control and fled

Boebert's former sister-in-law, Tori Hooper, 28, who was married to her brother Benjamin Bentz (left) was left struggling to take control of the Jeep ATV as it careened down a ravine and smashed into a rock face in Moab, Utah after the congresswoman abandoned the driver's seat

Stout said: 'The congresswoman was never asked to pay this bill.'

Boebert's finances on a grander scale are also the subject of scrutiny.

Last week Colorado officials announced they were investigating whether she violated the law by reimbursing herself more than $22,000 from her campaign before paying off $20,000 in state tax liens on Shooters.

Boebert paid herself more than $22,000 in mileage reimbursements sparking questions from campaign watchdogs. The sum of money equates to more than 38,000 miles  significantly more than the 29, 901 mile circumference of the earth.
A social worker was 'confident' that a father could look after his ten-week-old daughter hours before she was rushed to hospital where she later died, a court heard today.

Lily-Mai Saint George died from a serious head injury and had also suffered 18 rib fractures, two fractures in her leg and severe bruising.

Lauren Saint George and Darren Hurrell, both 25, allegedly shook their ten-week-old daughter to death eight days after she was released into their care against the advice of hospital staff.

The parents both deny murder, manslaughter, causing or allowing the death of a child and cruelty to a person under 16 years old.

Lily-Mai was born prematurely in November 2017 and spent the first two months of her life in Barnet Hospital, before she was discharged into her parents' care on 25 January 2018.

Saint George and Hurrell had been homeless for several years and staff had tried to stop them taking Lily-Mai home, believing they were incapable of looking after her.

They were horrified when Saint George had told staff that she 'hated' the noises Lily-Mai made and wished she would 'cry instead of groaning'.

The baby died at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital on 2 February 2018, after being found unresponsive by her parents at their home in Belmont Road, Haringey, two days earlier.

Lauren Saint George, pictured arriving at court yesterday, and Darren Hurrell, both 25, allegedly shook their ten-week-old daughter to death

Darren Hurrell arrives at Wood Green Crown Court, London, where he and Lauren Saint George are charged with the murder of their baby daughter

Lily-Mai was 10 weeks and two days old and only two weeks past a normal pregnancy term.

Haringey social worker Theresa Ferguson was put in charge of the case on 12 January 2018 and visited the family on 31 January at around 3pm.

She relayed the care options for Lily-Mai following a 'legal gateway meeting' that took place earlier that day to discuss safeguarding the baby.

The panel's preferred option at that meeting was a 'residential placement' for the family which would mean that professionals could observe the parents taking care of their baby, the court heard.

Saint George was opposed to this plan, but Hurrell was willing to go into a 'father and baby' placement, jurors were told.

The father allegedly told Ms Ferguson during her visit: 'Lily-Mai is my daughter. If that is what you are asking of me then I'll do it.

'She is my only child. She is my first child. I'll do anything I have to do.'

Saint George, however, is said to have been 'very despondent' on hearing the proposed placement plan.

Lauren Saint George smiles broadly as she leaves Woodgreen Crown Court on Tuesday

Darren Hurrell arrived at Wood Green Crown Court, London, on Tuesday where he and Lauren Saint George are charged with the murder

A life just 73 days long: The tragic dates in little Lily-Mai's too-short childhood November 21, 2017 - Lily-Mai is born prematurely and spends the first two months of her life in Barnet Hospital. January 16, 2018  Staff at the hospital Staff hold meetings with the parents when they talk about the care of Lily-Mai January 21, 2018  Another meeting is held where 'concerns about the possibility of neglect' are aired. January 24, 2018  Police are called to a domestic incident at Saint George and Hurrell's flat in Haringey. Social worker Theresa Ferguson is informed and she makes a referral for a 'legal gateway meeting' which was the first step in intervening in Lily-Mai's care. January 25, 2018  Lily-Mail is released into the care of both of her parents, despite medics' concerns. Theresa Ferguson goes on holiday. January 26, 2018  Duty social worker Muriel Caboste visits the flat and decides there are not increased child protection issues. This is despite her noticing the parents were not following the feeding and medication chart that they had been provided with on discharge. January 31, 2018  Theresa Ferguson has returned from holiday and visits them at their flat to discuss the 'legal gateway meeting' and how to safeguard Lily-Mai. Saint George refuses to engage and storms out. Four hours later Saint George rings 999 and says Lily-Mail is seriously ill and she is rushed to hospital. February 2, 2018  Lily-Mail is pronounced dead at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Advertisement

'You want to take her, just take her, that's fine,' she allegedly told Ms Ferguson in a 'monotone' voice.

The social worker added that the mum left the bedroom and slammed the door behind her after hearing her partner accepting the 'father and baby' placement.

Later in her evidence, Ms Ferguson agreed that Saint George was not 'angry or threatening' during that visit, but 'utterly bolshy and childlike'.

'I just thought she needed support,' she said.

Jurors heard that, after the visit, plans to initiate the father and baby placement were to be kickstarted.

Asked how she felt about the safeguarding of Lily-Mai upon leaving the flat, Ms Ferguson said: 'I had quite a thorough conversation with Darren making it clear that he was not to leave Lily-Mai with Lauren.

'He felt he would be able to call the police if he needed to and there would be options where he could go to stay if he needed to.

'I was confident that Darren was able to safeguard Lily-Mai.'

In her statement made nearer to the time, Ms Ferguson said: 'I left the address feeling that Darren was a safeguarding influence for Lily-Mai.'

Asked about the baby's appearance during this visit, Ms Ferguson told the jurors that the baby looked slightly pale and mottled.

The witness said she spoke with Hurrell about the mottling and he explained that it looked that way because of the light in the room and because Lily-Mai was wearing white.

Saint George made the 999 call to report Lily-Mai's had collapsed hours later at around 9pm that same day, jurors have heard.

The next day, 1 February, Ms Ferguson returned a call from Saint George and learned that Lily-Mai had been taken to hospital, the court heard.

The social worker began to cry and could not read her statement aloud.

Prosecutor Sally O'Neill, QC, recited it for her and said '[Saint George] had said that Lily-Mai was struggling to breathe and had to call an ambulance and did not know what happened.

'And wished she had picked up on the signs earlier.'

Jurors also heard that Ms Ferguson was in her second year of being a social worker when she was allocated Lily-Mai's case.

At the time, she had 36 open assessments and 41 allocated cases, it is said.

'You had to be guided by your manager. Your hands were really tied weren't they?' Paul Mendelle, QC, defending Hurrell, asked.

'You wanted to do the best for the children in your care?'

'Yeah,' Ms Ferguson agreed tearfully.

Saint George, of Bonnington House, Enfield, and Hurrell, of Meadow Lane, Alvaston, Derby, deny murder, manslaughter, causing or allowing the death of a child and cruelty to a person under 16 years old.

The trial continues.
A British sailor 'who was drunk' when his cargo ship smashed into a Danish boat near Sweden, killing two sailors, was jailed today in Denmark.

A Danish court on Thursday sentenced the British seaman to 18 months in prison for his role in a fatal collision between his cargo ship and a Danish fishing vessel in the Baltic Sea.

Two crew members of the 180ft Danish-flagged Karin Hoj perished on December 13, 2021, after their freighter collided with the 295ft Scot Carrier British Scot Carrier in the Baltic Sea off southern Sweden and capsized, without sinking.

Officials said the 'particularly aggravating' factor in the crash was that the suspect was drunk on his watch.

'A 30-year-old British man, who was the officer in charge on the MV Scot Carrier, was today sentenced to one and a half years in prison by the Copenhagen district court for his role in a ship collision that claimed the lives of two Danish sailors,' the prosecution said in a statement.

Danish authorities on Tuesday charged a 30-year-old British seaman with negligent manslaughter over a fatal cargo ship collision last year that killed two people. Pictured: Divers work on the capsized Danish cargo ship Karin Hoej which collided with the British cargo ship Scot Carrier on December 13, 2021

The British cargo ship Scot Carrier (pictured) is seen with damages to the bow in December. Officials said the 'particularly aggravating' factor in the crash was that the British suspect - who have not been named - was allegedly drunk on his watch

The British seaman, who has not been named, was the duty mate on the much larger 295 ft Scot Carrier, according to Danish authorities

Two crew members of the 180ft Danish-flagged Karin Hoj (pictured capsized) were killed after the freighter collided on December 13 with the British Scot Carrier in the Baltic Sea off southern Sweden and capsized, without sinking

Rescue workers work aboard the Danish cargo ship Karin Hoej which collided with the British cargo ship Scot Carrier between Ystad and Bornholm, on the Baltic Sea December 13, 2021

The man, who was found to have been drunk while keeping watch at the time of the incident, did not contest the charges.

He was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and will be deported from Denmark after serving his sentence.

He was also banned from sailing in Danish waters.

The accident occurred at night in the Baltic Sea, between the port of Ystad in southern Sweden and the Danish island of Bornholm.

A search operation by air and sea eventually located one body. The second remains missing, according to Danish reports.

Rescuers said in December that the Scot's crew admitted they 'may have hit something' before trying to sail away from the scene and had to be stopped from leaving, Swedish news outlet Expressen reported at the time.

Ship tracking data showed the Scot did sail away from the crash site, before turning back along a meandering course and coming to a stop. The Karin was carrying no cargo at the time of the accident.

The Danish cargo ship Karin Hoej is pictured (right) after it collided in the British cargo ship Scot Carrier in the Baltic sea between the Swedish city of Ystad and the Danish island Bornholm early morning 13 December 2021. A rescue plane is seen in the skies above

Both vessels were sailing in the same direction - east to west - through the 25-mile gap between Sweden's southern tip and Bornholm island when they crashed on Monday, Dec. 13

Karin Hoej, built in 1977, was on its way from Sodertalje, just south of the Swedish capital Stockholm, to Nykobing Falster in southern Denmark

The Scot Carrier, registered in Inverness and built in 2018, was en-route from Salacgriva in northern Latvia to Montrose in Scotland when it crashed.

Karin Hoej, built in 1977, was on its way from Sodertalje, just south of the Swedish capital Stockholm, to Nykobing Falster in southern Denmark.

Both vessels were sailing in the same direction - east to west - through the 25-mile gap between Sweden's southern tip and Bornholm island when the crash happened.

The Scot caused a large hole in the side of the Karin, and caused it to take on water.

The smaller vessel capsized 'almost immediately', the head of Sweden's maritime rescue agency said at the time, with rescuers reporting 'screams' in the water around the Karin at roughly 4.45am.

A huge rescue operation was launched, involving 10 boats from Sweden's Sea Rescue and the Coast Guard, as well as planes and helicopters.

Pictures at the time showed emergency responders standing on the copper-coloured up-turned hull of the Karin as they carried out a search operation.

On the day of the crash, the search was called off after seven hours when no sign of the men was found, before divers discovered the body of one man in the ship's hull.

The other is still missing but on May 5 Copenhagen Police officially announced that both were now considered dead.
Staffers at Elon Musk's SpaceX have penned an open letter criticizing the CEO for his constant tweeting.

Posted to the companys internal communications system Wednesday, the letter, penned by unnamed workers at the spacecraft manufacturer, calls out the famously outspoken executive for his behavior on social media - Twitter in particular.

The scathing note, which slammed Musk for tweets they deemed unprofessional, was reportedly circulated on an internal SpaceX Microsoft Teams channel that contained more than 2,600 employees.

Staffers wrote that Musk tweets, especially in recent months, have 'become a source of distraction and embarrassment' for the company, and asks SpaceX brass to take action against the CEO - before he further harms the company's reputation.

'Elons behavior in the public sphere is a frequent source of distraction and embarrassment for us, particularly in recent weeks,' the letter, viewed and first reported by The Verge, reads.

'As our CEO and most prominent spokesperson, Elon is seen as the face of SpaceX  every Tweet that Elon sends is a de facto public statement by the company.'

The note, which reportedly received more than 100 comments from staffers who generally supported those sentiments, called on leadership to address Musk's behavior.

Staffers at Elon Musk's SpaceX have penned an open letter criticizing the famously outspoken CEO for his online antics - particularly on Twitter

Posted to the companys internal communications system Wednesday, the letter, penned by unnamed workers at the California-based spacecraft manufacturer, called out the famously outspoken executive for unprofessional behavior on social media

'It is critical to make clear to our teams and to our potential talent pool that his messaging does not reflect our work, our mission, or our values,' the letter reads.

Staffers went on to urge SpaceX leadership to '[P]ublicly address and condemn Elons harmful Twitter behavior' in order to 'explicitly separate itself from Elons personal brand.'

Musk, who heads both Tesla and SpaceX and is in talks to take over Twitter, has used his social media as a platform to air his own beliefs.

Just this week, Musk faced heat for publicly backing newly elected congresswoman Mayra Flores, a Republican in Texas with a history of promoting QAnon - while asserting that his political beliefs are 'moderate.'

Musk, who heads both Tesla and SpaceX and is in talks to take over Twitter, has used his social media as a platform to air his own beliefs

Musk wrote online that he was leaning toward staunch conservative Ron DeSantis, the anti-woke governor of Florida, as a potential president in 2021 Wednesday, after being asked about his preferences concerning who the next head of state should be.

Musk, who has described himself as a moderate in recent years but has shown a shift to conservatism in recent social media posts, made his political allegiance clear in a barrage of tweets.

Musk began by revealing he voted red for the first time ever, casting a ballot for Flores.

'I voted for Mayra Flores  first time I ever voted Republican,' Musk wrote.

The mogul went on predict a 'massive red wave in 2022.'

Then, when asked who he is leaning toward supporting in 2024, the tech billionaire responded simply: 'DeSantis' - a particularly polarizing figure in politics due to policies that many view as anti-progressive and harmful to the LGBTQ community.

The letter comes after SpaceX was accused last month of paying a SpaceX worker $250,000 in severance after she accused him of exposing himself to her after refusing Musk's sexual advances. Musk made light of the allegations leveled on Twitter, joking that the affair should be dubbed 'Elongate' before soliciting the co-founder of YouTube to touch his 'wiener'

Musk has also used the platform to push his preference for in-person work.

Responding to a question on Twitter from a follower about whether he thinks 'coming into work is an antiquated concept,' referring to the CEO's staffers at his other company, Tesla, Musk sniped: 'They should pretend to work somewhere else.'

Musk, a staunch libertarian and businessman who has saw his wealth swell during the pandemic, has shown a shift towards the political right, after previously being heralded by young progressives as a new, more hip breed of businessman.

On Wednesday, Musk, who has a history of backing both Democrats and Republicans, tweeted: 'I'm thinking of creating a "Super Moderate Super PAC" that supports candidates with centrist views from all parties.'

Musk's changing political views were thrust into the limelight in April, after he announced his intention to purchase a majority stake in Twitter.

Several SpaceX staffers have argued that the companys HR department improperly handled harassment complaints, which surface last month

His offer to buy Twitter for $54.20 per share was made public on April 14.

He has since said the deal is on hold, arguing, without presenting evidence, that there are too many automated accounts for the deal to move ahead.

The deal was approved in April but was put on pause due to Musk's reported concerns of the number of fake or spam accounts on the service.

By the end of the month, Musk hinted his political sentiment had shifted rightward over the past 14 years, by posting a meme showing a moderate liberal driven into the arms of conservatives.

The image depicted a stick figure labeled 'me' remaining stationary relative to another labeled 'conservative', as the figure at the 'liberal' end of the spectrum moves further and further to the left.

Musk, who has described himself as a moderate in recent years but has showed a shift to conservatism in recent months, made his political allegiance clear in a barrage of Tweets early Wednesday, where he revealed he had voted Republican for the first time on Tuesday

By the final diagram, labeled 2021, the 'me' figure is to the right of the center line - as the conservative chuckles and the liberal - now labeled 'woke progressive' - accuses the centrist of bigotry.

Many Democrats and liberals are concerned that Musk's vision for Twitter will allow for the spread of more misinformation on the platform.

It also comes after SpaceX was accused last month of paying a SpaceX worker $250,000 in severance after she accused him of exposing himself to her after refusing Musk's sexual advances.

Musk made light of the sexual misconduct allegations leveled against him on Twitter recently, joking that the affair should be dubbed 'Elongate' before soliciting the co-founder of YouTube to touch his 'wiener'.

Chad Hurley, who co-founded YouTube and once served as the company's CEO, joked about the claims in a tweet directed at Musk last month, telling him: 'Stop horsing around and close this Twitter deal. We all want a happy ending!'

Musk, who knows Hurley well from their time working together in the early days of PayPal, responded by writing: 'Fine, if you touch my wiener, you can have a horse.'

Musk has since denied the claims, which alleged that he exposed himself to a private flight attendant during a massage, rubbed her leg, and offered to buy her a horse in exchange for an erotic massage.

It came on a day of whirlwind tweeting from Musk, who called a 2016 tweet from Hillary Clinton a hoax, questioned the integrity of Business Insider, the outlet who reported the alleged misconduct, and announced plans for a new 'hardcore litigation department' at Tesla.

He went on to seemingly made light of the misconduct accusation by quoting a tweet of his own from 2021 in which he said if there was ever a scandal about him, it should be called 'Elongate.'

'Finally, we get to use Elongate as scandal name. It's kinda perfect,' he tweeted.

The world's richest man has also used the platform in recent months to lambaste rival billionaires, taking childish jabs at both Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos.

In April, he shared an image of Bill Gates and an emoji of a pregnant man, captioned 'in case u need to lose a boner fast'

In April, he shared an image of Bill Gates and an emoji of a pregnant man, captioned 'in case u need to lose a boner fast.'

Last year, he responded to a tweet about Jeff Bezos own aerospace company, Blue Origin, after the Amazon founder's company filed a protest against NASA for picking rival SpaceX to build a lunar lander.

Musk took to Twitter to tease Bezos over that lawsuit, replying to a tweet sharing a New York Times story about the space wrangle: 'Cant get it up (to orbit) lol.'

Last year, he responded to a tweet about Jeff Bezos own aerospace company, Blue Origin, after the Amazon founder's company filed a protest against NASA for picking rival SpaceX to build a lunar lander

Musk took to Twitter to tease Bezos over that lawsuit, replying to a tweet sharing a New York Times story about the space wrangle: 'Cant get it up (to orbit) lol'

Musk has asserted that if the wants to maintain users' free speech on the platform, by allowing extreme or 'outrageous' views on their social media - as long as they are within the bounds of the law.

Last month, he used the platform to label an old tweet of Hillary Cinton's a 'hoax' after a Twitter user flagged it as misleading.

The 2016 Clinton tweet, referencing claims that were later included in the Steele dossier, read: 'Computer scientists have apparently uncovered a covert server linking the Trump Organization to a Russian-based bank.'

When a Twitter user said that he had flagged the tweet as misinformation but was ignored by the company, Musk responded: 'You are absolutely correct. That tweet is a Clinton campaign hoax for which their campaign lawyer is undergoing a criminal trial.'

Musk, while outspoken, has yet to comment on the contents of Thursday's open letter.
Volodymyr Zelensky's senior adviser has urged the West to drastically increase heavy weapon delivery if Ukraine is to repel Russia's invasion.

Kyiv, according to Mykhailo Podolyak, requires 1,000 howitzers, 300 rocket artillery systems, 500 tanks, 2,000 armored vehicles, and 1,000 drones to conclude the conflict. The eye-watering shopping list amounts to an army's worth of Western equipment, significantly beyond what has been given thus far and what Ukraine has requested.

Germany Might Oppose Ukraine's Military Weapons Request

In comparison, 500 new tanks would be more than the UK and Germany combined, while 1,000 howitzers and 300 rocket launchers would be more than the US now has in service.

So far, the US has delivered little more than 100 howitzers to Ukraine, while the US and UK are estimated to have deployed seven rocket systems. Podolyak provided the list amid severe combat in Ukraine's east, where Russia gave surrender or die' order to forces defending a major Donbas city this week, and before a Wednesday conference in Brussels to discuss military shipments.

The meeting will be chaired by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, with UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace in attendance. It is the third such conference of Western defense ministers in recent months, following a gathering of 40 nations in late April to address Ukraine's security.

However, given the magnitude of Podolyak's current request, it is uncertain if the allies would be able to supply Ukraine with what it requires without depleting its stockpiles.

Not to mention the supplies of replacement parts, ammo, gasoline, and other equipment required to keep such military systems operational. Germany, which has previously objected to several of Kyiv's more modest proposals, is almost certain to veto the measures, according to Daily Mail.

Read Also: [Report] Vladimir Putin Urgently Needed Medical Assistance After Video Showing Russian President Uncontrollably Shaking While Presenting Medal

European Leaders to Visit Kyiv

On Thursday, the presidents of France, Germany, and Italy arrived in Ukraine for the first time since Russia's invasion began in February. The visit comes as European Union backing for Ukraine is called into doubt, and President Volodymyr Zelensky urges for stronger armaments to counter Moscow's artillery superiority.

President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, and Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy will join a slew of European politicians who have journeyed overland to Kyiv because of security concerns. In April, the American secretary of state, Antony J. Blinken, and the defense secretary, Lloyd J. Austin III, traveled to the region.

Before meeting with Ukrainian authorities, Macron and the other two leaders stated they were "present" and "focused" in Kyiv. Macron also stated that the leaders would pay a visit to the site of a war atrocity, although he did not explain.

Alexander Kamyshin, the head of Ukraine's national railway operator, released a photo showing the three European leaders seated, ties off, at a table in a train compartment designed as a mobile conference room. "This is my third night aboard a train in a row," Kamyshin wrote. "But I wasn't alone on the train last night," he said, implying that he had traveled by train with the three leaders overnight.

Ukraine's need for more weaponry has become increasingly pressing in recent weeks as Russian soldiers have expanded their control over the eastern Donbas area. However, the battle has posed far bigger problems for the European Union, which is debating how best to help a nation confronting the continent's largest invasion since World War II, as per New York Times.

The United Nations is warning that thousands of civilians are trapped in the Ukrainian city of Severodonetsk, with crucial supplies running low. Many are taking refuge in bunkers beneath the city's Azot chemical facility.

The city's sole exit bridge was damaged in battle earlier this week, effectively trapping its 12,000 surviving people within. Capturing Severodonetsk has been a primary military priority for Russia, which currently controls the majority of the city.

The UN hopes to offer help to people trapped in the city, but the ongoing violence prevents its agencies from gaining access or guarantees that civilians, particularly women, children, and the elderly, may be reached safely.

The warning came after Russian vows to establish a humanitarian passage to rescue villagers trapped beneath the Azot facility earlier in the day. However, there has been no proof that the planned safe path, which would have evacuated residents into the Russian-controlled area to the city's north, was followed, BBC reported.

Related Article: Russian Deputy Head Claims Media Controlled by West, Not Reporting Ukrainian Artillery Attack on Maternity Hospital in the DPR

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Montana Governor Greg Gianforte is out of the country on a personal trip, as historic flooding continues to ravage the state, and Yellowstone National Park faces 'indefinite' closure.

Exactly where Gianforte is as towns in his state are destroyed by flooding is unknown - beyond confirming that he was abroad with his wife, his office has declined to offer any details about his location.

The governor's office has said that he will be returning 'as quickly as possible,' but provided no specifics about when that would be.

Gianforte has been active on Twitter throughout the disaster, writing that he was 'closely monitoring' the situation, leading to outraged and mocking replies from users on the platform.

The governor has also received criticisms from Montana lawmakers, who have accused him of trying to hide the fact that he has been abroad while his state was in crisis.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte. He has not been seen in Montana since June 10, as seen above, and his office confirmed that he has been out of the country

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and his wife, Susan. The pair are said to be on out of the country on a personal trip as his state experiences severe flooring

Gianforte's absence comes as unprecedented flooding ravages communities throughout his state. Above, Red Lodge, Montana is washed out by floodwaters

The governor was last seen in public at the groundbreaking of a Montana State University building in Bozeman, on June 10, according to the Bozeman Daily Chronicl. The next day, the first flood warnings were issued for the Yellowstone region.

Three days after Gianforte was last seen - after flooding washed away countless Montana homes, stranded entire towns of citizens, and left drinking-water supplies in jeopardy - he signed over his powers to Lt. Governor Kristen Juras.

Juras signed a state disaster declaration the next day.

'I have declared a statewide disaster due to flooding to help impacted communities get back on their feet as soon as possible,' Gianforte tweeted that day.

Gianforte was last seen in public on June 10 during a groundbreaking event at Montana State University in Bozeman, above

Gianforte (above, middle) during an event at Montana State University, in Bozeman on June 10, the last time he was seen in public before the state disaster

As local Montana outlets began to note the governor's absence, Gianforte's office released a statement giving a vague explanation of his whereabouts.

The statement said that the governor was on 'long-scheduled personal trip with the first lady,' abroad, and that he would was 'returning early and as quickly as possible.'

The release also included a 'non-exhaustive summary' of actions taken by the state to respond to the disaster.

'Gov. Gianforte has also been in regular communication with local elected leaders (including commissioners and legislators), local law enforcement officials, and state and local disaster and emergency services personnel,' wrote gubernatorial spokesperson Brooke Stroyke, according to the Independent Record.

Despite assurances from the republican governor's office, some Montana lawmakers found his absence inexcusable.

'In a moment of unprecedented disaster and economic uncertainty, Gianforte purposefully kept Montanans in the dark about where he was, and who was actually in charge,' said executive director of the Montana Democratic Party, Sheila Hogan, 'Again, we ask, where in the world is Gov. Gianforte?'

The peanut gallery on Twitter - where Gianforte has published over 30 tweets about the flooding - have been equally unimpressed by the absence.

'Who is we??? And where in the h**l are you?' wrote one user in response to a tweet from the governor saying 'We are closely monitoring the flooding.'

'Is that the Royal We? And monitoring from where?' wrote another.

Numerous memes have also appeared in the comments of the governor's tweets, one depicting him in a Where's Waldo outfit over the question 'Where's Gianforte?'

Another put Gianforte's picture on the side of a milk carton beneath the statement 'MISSING,' and underneath a plea: 'Have you seen me? If found, contact the people of Montana.'

A third compared Gianforte to Ted Cruz, who came under fire for vacationing in Cancun while Texans froze to death during a mass power-outage in winter, 2021. The meme superimposed Gianforte's head onto a photo of Cruz walking through the airport while returning from the Mexico trip.

A home is swept away in the floodwaters that are devastating the Yellowstone region in Montana and Wyoming

Drone footage of the floodwaters overwhelming the town of Red Lodge, Montana, just north east of Yellowstone National Park

The incident is not the governor's first brush with controversy as a political figure. While running for Montana congress in 2017, he was arrested and cited with a misdemeanor for attacking Guardian journalist Ben Jacobs.

Jacobs had been at Gianforte's campaign office on the eve of house special election that May, when the politician became angry at the reporter and 'body-slammed' him to the ground.

He has also been given several fines for illegal hunting practices, killing several animals that were being monitored for research.

Gianfotre's 2017 mugshot, after he was arrested for attacking Guardian journalist Ben Jacobs

As Gianforte remains missing abroad, Yellowstone National Park officials said they don't know when they will be able to open the northern section of the park.

Park officials characterized the severe flooding tearing through the region as a once in a 'thousand-year event,' that could alter the course of the Yellowstone river and surrounding landscapes forever.

10,000 tourists were evacuated from the park during the disaster - including a dozen trapped campers who were rescued by helicopter.

Meanwhile, the Billings water treatment plant restarted operations 'at a very low capacity' on Wednesday night, after it had been swamped by floodwaters. The plant is the only water treatment facility that services the city.
British health chiefs have yet to discuss the benefits of vaccinating under-5s against Covid, it emerged today.

A panel of leading US advisers yesterday unanimously voiced support for approving jabs for infants as young as six months, and the controversial move could be signed off in the coming days.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which polices the safety of drugs in the UK, has yet to green light jabs for the youngest children.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid won't formally ask his own vaccine advisers to analyse how Pfizer and Moderna's vaccines could be used until they are cleared, it is understood.

Sources close to the current roll-out say we're 'still some way off that point'.

British health chiefs have yet to discuss the benefits of vaccinating under-5s against Covid, it emerged today. Pictured: a 7 year-old child receives their first dose of the vaccine at the Beaumont Health offices in Southfield, Michigan

WHO: 20 countries still below 10% Covid jab rate Twenty countries have still not vaccinated even 10 percent of their population against Covid, the World Health Organization's vaccine advisers warned on Monday. The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) said the speed of the Covid jab rollout had been 'unprecedented'. However, 20 mostly African countries  down from 34 in January  had still not managed a 10 per cent immunisation rate, Kate O'Brien, the WHO's vaccines chief, told reporters. 'These are countries that are working really hard to advance their programmes. Supply is no longer the issue. The legacy of all the supply constraint from 2021 - the effects of that (are) still being felt,' she said. SAGE said vaccination coverage among the groups most vulnerable to severe Covid-19 disease was not enough to give them the protection they needed. Health worker coverage is at 65 percent overall. 'That's certainly a very, very strong position to be in, but we're really carrying the message forward that it needs to be 100 percent,' said O'Brien. Coverage in the over-60s is at 69 percent - though the figure falls to 24 percent in some regions of the world. Advertisement

The MHRA told MailOnline: 'Approval applications are commercially sensitive.

'Any data or application that are received will be evaluated in the shortest time possible maintaining our high standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.'

Some countries, including China, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Cuba and Venezuela, have already started vaccinating children aged under five.

NHS jab centres began inoculating five- to 11-year-olds in April, using toys to distract them from the needles.

Children get specially-formulated doses, roughly a third of the strength of jabs given to adults.

Moderna and Pfizer's new doses for under-fives are even weaker, but concerns still exist around side effects of the jab.

One of the main fears is that the vaccines have been linked to cases of myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle.

Covid itself, however, can also cause the condition.

The complication, thought to strike 11 per million children aged under 18 after their second dose, can cause chest pain, breathlessness, a pounding pulse and nausea.

But experts insist the majority of cases are mild, and that rates of the condition in Britain are lower than ones seen in Israel and the US, where fears were first sparked.

One reason why UK jab-related myocarditis rates appear much lower is doses are spaced eight to 12 weeks apart, compared with three weeks in other major nations.

Scientists believe this might reduce the risk of injury to heart cells.

And rates are actually slightly lower in children than in young adults, with boys and men in their early 20s thought to be most at risk.

Despite this, experts still hold lingering doubts about whether it is worth vaccinating under-fives because of how little danger natural infection poses to them.

Professor Paul Hunter, an epidemiologist at the University of East Anglia (UEA), told MailOnline: 'Personally I do not think the evidence for vaccinating under-fives is that strong.

'The primary infection in this age group has always been much less severe than in older age groups.

'Furthermore, the great majority of children in this age group will already have had at least one if not more Covid infections and second infections are generally rather less severe than primary infections, so the public health benefits of immunisation in this group where there is a lot of immunity from infection will be less.'

Professor David Livermore, a professorial fellow at UEA, told MailOnline: 'There are strong objections to mass vaccination of healthy under-fives.

'First, they are at no significant risk of severe Covid, meaning that the small risk of harm from the vaccines outweighs the benefit.

'This is the polar opposite of the situation in the elderly.

'Secondly, the vaccines give only a brief protection, meaning that any notion of "vaccinating children to protect adults" doesnt hold water, irrespective of its morality.

'I sincerely hope that the JCVI  which caved in one vaccinating older children  will take these points on board and does not advocate wide, unnecessary, vaccination of this cohort.'

The move towards jabbing under-fives is moving much more quickly in the US, where the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last night recommended doses are approved for the age group.

US advisers said both brands appear to be safe and effective for children as young as six months old in analyses posted ahead of the all-day meeting.

After the FDA authorizes the shots, a green light from the CDC is expected soon after.

The White House had targeted June 21  the day after the Juneteenth holiday on Monday  as the day where shots will first become available nationwide.
A police officer accused of raping a teenager after a night out sent a blurred photograph of the pair to friends before saying 'no face, no case', a court heard.

Jamal 'Bertie' Robinson, 29, is accused of attacking the woman, now 21, at his mother's home in Worthing, West Sussex after meeting her at a Brighton nightclub on December 14, 2019.

The woman said she felt safe with the officer and agreed to go home with him, where he allegedly raped and sexually assaulted her. Robinson denies the claims.

Earlier in the evening, Mr Robinson had messaged a Whatsapp group nicknamed 'The Wolves' saying: 'OMG. I've never seen so much puss, boys', Lewes Crown Court heard.

After buying the woman a drink, Mr Robinson proceeded to send a selfie of the pair to the group chat, which he said he had been a part of for 10 years.

In the picture, the PCSO can be seen turning away from the camera while the young woman covers her face with her hand.

Mr Robinson, who told the court he had a girlfriend at the time, allegedly captioned the photograph 'no face, no case' when he sent the picture to the Whatsapp chat.

He described the tone of the message as 'boyish' and 'laddish', but defended his actions and insisted he had no intention of 'going out to meet someone'.

Jamal Robinson, pictured wearing a police uniform. He denies raping a woman in December 2019 after meeting her at a Brighton nightclub

Jamal Robinson, who is accused of rape and sexual assault. He denies the allegations

On Thursday, Mr Robinson told Lewes Crown Court of the picture and his remarks: 'The tone of the language is boyish.

'My intention wasn't go out and meet someone. My intention was to go out with my friend and have a good time.

'I shouldn't have been taking a picture. I was being laddish with my friends.'

Earlier, the court heard how the PCSO boasted about landing his 'dream job' with Scotland Yard and gave the woman his badge to hold, telling her that police could get free VIP treatment.

Robinson also allegedly bragged about being friends with YouTubers Conor Maynard and Caspar Lee, and told the woman he was sending a video of them in the club to Maynard before putting his number into her phone with a police emoji next to it.

Pictured: Robinson, who is accused of rape and sexual assault. He denies the claims

He bragged about having homes in London and Brighton before taking her back to his mother's flat in Worthing.

The woman, now 21, said she agreed to go home with the officer after saying she felt safe with policeman. In a police interview after the alleged attack, the woman claimed that Robinson did not stop after she told him no.

She said: 'I was very firm. I said it hurts, I'm in pain, I'm tired, I need to go home.'

The woman said she told her friend: 'He made me do things I didn't want to do, I'm in so much pain. I think I'm going to cry.'

The woman described Mr Robinson as intimidating, annoying and 'up himself'.

'He was so intimidating, the way he would talk  so London-ish,' she said.

'He was very up himself as well. I think he thought "Why would she not want to?" He was very cold.'

But Mr Robinson denied ever forcing himself on the teenager.

Edward Hand for the Crown asked him: 'Was the there a point you were pushing yourself on her?', to which Mr Robinson denied.

Mr Hand asked him: 'Did she say she was uncomfortable or it was hurting her?'

Mr Robinson claimed the woman made a reference about the size of his penis.

'She said she could feel I was the biggest person she had slept with,' he told the court.

Mr Hand said: 'There came a point that night when she made it clear to you she didn't want sex to carry on. Despite that, you did carry on, knowing she did not consent.'

'That did not happen,' Mr Robinson replied.

The woman said she had drunk more than she normally would have on a night out after having Christmas drinks at home with her family.

She said the officer approached her and her friend at the bar in a Brighton nightclub, before asking the women to go home with him and his friend.

'I had a chat with my friend,' the young woman said. 'She was more cautious than I was. 'She said come on they're not going to break the law.'

After consenting to sex, the woman told police she said no when Mr Robinson tried to have sex again.

'I said I'm not in the mood for sex, I'm not in the mood for any of this, I literally said no. I kept my eyes shut,' she said.

'I've been in this position so many times before. I usually just keep silent and get it over with. I thought he would listen given who he was and what he does. We've almost all been in a situation where we've not been brave enough to say no.'

File photo shows the outside of Lewes Crown Court in East Sussex

The woman reported the rape after returning to college on Monday morning, but lost faith in police after meeting Mr Robinson.

'With the way he was behaving, blagging lifts getting VIP, I was even more disappointed. At one point he made me hold and carry his police badge,' she said.

The court heard Mr Robinson's relationship ended soon after the incident in December 2019.

'I didn't feel great about cheating on my girlfriend,' he said.

'I just said that as a throw away comment really. It gives the impression of a laddish boy.'

Jamal Robinson, of Hove, denies rape and sexual assault of the woman on December 14, 2019.

The trial at Lewes Crown Court continues.
The Tory candidate for the Wakefield by-election has repeatedly made a bizarre reference to serial killer Harold Shipman as he pleaded with local voters to continue to back the Conservatives.

Nadeem Ahmed, who is hoping to win the West Yorkshire consituency at next week's contest, spoke of the GP dubbed 'Dr Death' as he dismissed claims the Tories' local reputation had been tarnished by former MP Imran Ahmad Khan.

The Conservatives are facing an uphill battle to retain the Wakefield seat in next Thursday's by-election after the contest was prompted by Khan's conviction for child sex assault.

But, in a series of media interviews, Mr Ahmed insisted local voters would understand that 'bad apples' exist in every part of society.

He suggested the public would continue to trust the Conservatives, because people still trust GPs after Shipman killed an estimated 250 victims.

Has jailed former MP Imran Ahmad-Khan tarnished the reputation of Conservatives in Wakefield?



Tory candidate Nadeem Ahmed: "The people of Wakefield understand there's bad apples... look at Harold Shipman. He committed suicide in Wakefield prison, but do we trust our doctors?" pic.twitter.com/RJ13WDaT0o  Harry Horton (@harry_horton) June 16, 2022

Tory candidate Nadeem Ahmed made repeated references to the killer GP as he sought to dismiss claims the Conservatives' local reputation had been tarnished

Imran Ahmad Khan resigned as an MP in April after he was convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy in 2008 after plying him with gin

An official inquiry concluded Harold Shipman may have killed as many as 250 patients over 23 years

'The Conservative Party is bigger than one individual,' Mr Ahmed told ITV Calendar in reference to Khan, who was last month jailed for 18 months.

'What he did was wrong - I'm saying that as a parent, as a teacher. Safeguarding is one of the biggest concerns for any teacher in a classroom.

'He's in the right place and he's had the right punishment. The people of Wakefield understand there's bad apples.'

Mr Ahmed then referred to Shipman, who hanged himself in Wakefield prison in 2004, before adding: 'Do we trust our doctors? You go to your GP, I go to my GP, we still trust our GPs.'

The ITV interview was not the only time Mr Ahmed, a local councillor, made the reference to Shipman as he faced questions about Khan's conviction.

He also told the Daily Telegraph: 'He's been convicted of that offence, and I cannot stand here and say that was right.

'It was absolutely disgusting. And the people of Wakefield know that he was one bad apple."

Mr Ahmed added: 'Harold Shipman committed suicide in Wakefield prison. He was a GP, he was a trusted professional, just like teachers and others.

'When they put a vaccine in our arms, we trust what they are putting in us.

'Have we stopped trusting GPs? No, we still trust GPs and we know that he was one bad apple in there.'

A poll of Red Wall voters revealed nearly half (46 per cent) plan to back Labour at a next general election

The Wakefield by-election has given Labour the opportunity to win back a 'Red Wall' consituency they lost to the Conservatives at the 2019 general election.

Tory chances of successfully retaining the seat have been largely written off, with Labour odds-on with bookies to win next Thursday's poll.

Boris Johnson is braced for by-election misery after a survey this week revealed Labour holds a 10-point lead in 'Red Wall' seats.

Khan resigned as an MP in April after he was convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy in 2008 after plying him with gin.

Shipman was jailed for life in 2000 for murdering 15 of his patients between 1995 and 1998, which made him Britain's biggest convicted serial killer.

An official inquiry later concluded he may have killed as many as 250 patients over 23 years.
Emmanuel Macron has copped flak in recent days from Ukrainian officials after urging them not to 'humiliate' Russia, suggesting they should negotiate with Vladimir Putin to build an 'off-ramp' from a war he started.

So the French President may not have been surprised when he was shown the cold, or rather hard, shoulder by Zelensky on a visit to Kyiv today.

Macron was joined in the Ukrainian capital by his German, Italian and Romanian counterparts this morning, before being taken to suburbian Irpin to see firsthand the devastation wrought by Putin's troops and evidence of their war crimes.

Ever the statesman, Macron denounced their 'barbarism' of the attacks and praised the courage of Irpin's residents and others in the region who helped thwart Russia's attempt to overrun the capital.

But his attempt to pull Ukraine's President into a PR-friendly embrace at a joint press conference following the tour was not warmly received.

Zelensky looked as though he'd rather be fighting in the trenches of Severodonetsk when the smarmy French leader, dressed impeccably in his trademark navy blue suit, wrapped a crisply-laundered sleeve around his torso.

And image of the pair shaking hands earlier in the event looked just as one-sided.

Macron flashed a smile at the press as he clasped Zelensky's hand and posed for their lenses, but Ukraine's Churchillian leader simply scowled at the floor, evidently displeased with his visitor's posturing.

Zelensky has in recent weeks openly accused Macron of making excuses for Putin, with whom the French leader has claimed to have a strong relationship, and has criticised his government for not providing enough weapons and support to help Ukraine's war effort.

His behaviour around Macron is a stark contrast to the warmth and enthusiasm with which he has greeted officials from the US and UK - particularly Boris Johnson - who have delivered on their promises to provide a variety of weapons and training to Ukraine's armed forces in the face of Russian aggression.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky looks awkward as he is embraced by French President Emmanuel Macron after giving a press conference in Kyiv, on June 16, 2022

Zelensky looked as though he'd rather be fighting in the trenches of Severodonetsk when the French leader's crisply-suited arm wrapped around his torso

Macron, dressed impeccably in his trademark dark suit, flashed a smile as he posed for cameras and clasped Zelensky's hand. But the Ukraine's Churchillian leader simply scowled at the floor, evidently displeased with the posturing

After arriving in Kyiv to the sound of air raid sirens, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania headed to Irpin, which was seized and briefly held by Russian troops along with other areas near the capital.

Mass graves have been unearthed in the area with the evidence of war crimes still clearly visible.

Their visit carries heavy symbolic weight given that the three Western European powers have faced criticism for not providing Ukraine with the scale of weaponry that Zelensky has been asking for.

They have also been criticised for not visiting Kyiv sooner. In past weeks and months a number of other European leaders had already made the long trip overland to show solidarity with a nation under attack, even in times when the fighting raged closer to the capital than it does now.

The French president's office said that Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Premier Mario Draghi, representing the three largest economies in the EU, travelled to Kyiv together on a special overnight train provided by the Ukrainian authorities.

'France has been alongside Ukraine since day one. We stand with the Ukrainians without ambiguity. Ukraine must resist and win,' Macron told journalists.

Surrounded by the wreckage left by Ukraine's successful but hard-fought defence of its capital in the early stages of the 113-day-old conflict, Draghi said: 'We will rebuild everything.

'They destroyed kindergartens, they destroyed playgrounds. Everything will be rebuilt,' he promised.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis attend a joint news conference

(From L) French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz look on at the horrors of war in Irpin, a suburban town near Kyiv

The Ukrainian town of Irpin near Kyiv became a battlefield site when the Russian army attacked the Kyiv region in an attempt to reach Ukraine's capital. Irpin was heavily shelled, causing death and destruction

A pile burned cars destroyed during Russian attacks in Irpin, Ukraine, 16 June 2022

President Klaus Iohannis of Romania, which borders Ukraine and has been a key destination for Ukrainian refugees, arrived on a separate train, tweeting on arrival: 'This illegal Russian aggression must stop!'

'It's a message of European unity for the Ukrainian people, support now and in the future, because the weeks to come will be very difficult,' Macron later added.

But Ukrainian officials are skeptical that the European leaders have anything to offer other than words.

Luhansk regional governor Serhiy Haidai said the visit will not bring anything if the leaders ask Ukraine to conclude a peace treaty with Russia that involves giving up territory.

He said that is something Ukrainians would never accept.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrive for a news conference in Kyiv, Ukraine June 16, 2022

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi brought a message of solidarity to the Kyiv suburb of Irpin

Left to right: Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz appear at a press conference in Kyiv after seeing war-torn Irpin

Ukrainian Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksy Chernyshov shows a wartime map to French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis (partially obscured) during their visit

Zelensky's behaviour around Macron is a stark contrast to the warmth and enthusiasm with which he has greeted officials from the US and UK - particularly Boris Johnson (pictured dated Sat, April 9)

The Ukrainian leader has strongly praised Johnson for the UK's support of Ukraine amid the war

'I am sure that our president, Volodymyr Zelensky, is not going to make concessions and trade our territories. If someone wants to stop Russia by giving them the territories, Germany has Bavaria, Italy has Tuscany, the French can concede Provence, for instance,' he said.

'Listen, this is Russia. These are wild people. Today it will be one territory, tomorrow another one, the day after tomorrow another. And another thing: many heroes of Ukraine died protecting the country as a whole. Nobody will forgive us if people die but we make concessions to the aggressor.'

The visit comes as EU leaders prepare to make a decision June 23-24 on Ukraine's request to become a candidate for EU membership, and ahead of an important NATO summit June 29-30 in Madrid.

It also comes as NATO defence ministers are meeting in Brussels to weigh more military aid for Ukraine.

On Wednesday, the US and Germany announced more aid, as America and its allies provide longer-range weapons they say can make a difference in a fight where Ukrainian forces are outnumbered and outgunned by their Russian invaders.
An armed groom-to-be tried to rob a corner shop after he lost the money he needed for his wedding to a cryptocurrency con.

Louis Crosby 'naively' converted his savings into a digital cash investment but had been the victim of an online scam and lost the lot.

Newcastle Crown Court heard within an hour of finding out all of his money had gone, the 25-year-old walked into a Premier shop in Sunderland, armed with a pistol and ordered 'give me the money, I have a gun.'

However, the store owner and the worker behind the till put up an 'astonishing' fight, knocked the weapon out of his hand and kept him there until the police arrived.

Crosby, who has never been in trouble before, has now been given a suspended prison sentence after a judge said the cryptocurrency 'disaster' plunged him into a mental 'crisis'.

Louis Crosby, 25, of Sunderland, 'naively' converted his savings into a digital cash investment but quickly found he was the victim of an online scam and had lost everything

After losing his savings, a desperate Crosby armed himself with an air rifle and attempted to rob a Premier corner shop, but was fought off by staff who called police

The court heard Crosby had put his hood up, covered his face in a scarf and slipped on sunglasses before he went into the shop at St. Luke's Road in Sunderland at around 10.50pm on November 27 last year.

Proscutor Neil Pallister told the court: 'The defendant approached the counter and the complainant saw a gun pointing towards him, through the gap at the bottom of the perspex screen.

'The defendant said 'give me the money, I have a gun'.'

The court heard instead of cowering away, the brave shop worker walked towards the armed raider, despite the gun still being pointed at him.

And when the shop owner heard the commotion, he pressed the panic alarm and then stepped in to help.

Mr Pallister said the shop owner picked up a broken broom handle to use in self defence because he 'feared for his life'.

The shop worker then grabbed at the gun and pointed it away from himself managing to knock it out of Crosby's hand.

Mr Pallister added: 'The defendant tried to escape, however they were able to detain him until the police arrived.'

Prosecutor Neil Pallister said the shop owner picked up a broken broom handle to use in self defence because he 'feared for his life'

When Crosby was arrested he claimed 'it was a joke'.

Crosby, of Portobello Road, Sunderland, who has never been in trouble before, admitted attempted robbery and possessing a firearm at the time of committing an offence.

The gun was an air pistol with a self contained gas cartridge but was not loaded at the time.

The court heard Crosby is an undergraduate who was due to marry a Singaporean national, who he met on the internet.

Nicholas Lane, defending, said Crosby sponsors a child in Mali and does charitable work with the Islamic Community at Sunderland University after converting to the faith and it is 'quite remarkable' he committed the offence.

He added: 'The explanation for why he came to offend in this way is he had somewhat naively invested his savings he needed for a wedding dowry and for his rent into cryptocurrency and he himself had been scammed, a victim of crime.

'In clearly a moment when he wasn't thinking straight he took up an air pistol, which he had bought off the internet, and committed this offence.'

Mr Pallister added: 'The defendant tried to escape, however they were able to detain him until the police arrived'

The court heard Crosby remains engaged, although the first wedding was cancelled due to covid and the second wedding cancelled due to offence.

Judge Julie Clemitson said she had read testimonials to Crosby's ordinarily positive character and generosity and said she accepted his 'shame and remorse' were genuine.

The judge said a doctor who assessed Crosby, who has a history of mental health problems, assessed the offence was an 'impulsive act in response to the loss of all of your savings'.

Judge Clemitson added: 'It is apparent, within an extremely short period of time, within an hour, you made the decision to commit this offence.

'You must have been in a state of crisis to have acted in such a desperate manner, with thoughts swinging from taking your own life to committing financial crime to get yourself out of the situation.'

Judge Clemitson said Crosby must have been in a state of 'mental turmoil' at the time of the offence, which was triggered by being a victim of crime and losing the money he had worked hard to save while a student and working nightshifts.

Crosby was sentenced to two years imprisonment, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation requirements and a 12 month 7pm to 7am curfew.
A NYC club has canceled a concert by a musician notorious for trying to shoot former President Ronald Reagan dead to impress Jodie Foster in 1981.

The Market Hotel in Brooklyn announced Wednesday that it was canceling the July 8 sold-out show by John Hinckley Jr, 67, after a series of threats made to the venue.

In a lengthy statement posted to its Instagram page, the Market Hotel said they'd canceled the booking 'after a lot of serious consideration.'

The venue said the concert had been scheduled through a third-party promoter earlier this year, and that it had 'sounded like an interesting gathering and memorable night.'

It added that 'while hosting provocative happenings for its own sake is valid...

'It is not worth a gamble on the safety of our vulnerably communities...who upsets people in a dangerously radicalized, reactionary climate.'

John Hinckley Jr, pictured in a recent YouTube upload, had a sold-out concert in Brooklyn canceled over claims he was trying to cash in on his infamy over his attempt to assassinate Ronald Reagan

The Market Hotel released a lengthy statement to justify its decision to cancel the event

The venue defended its right to host provocative acts - but said the hassle brought by the Hinkley booking had been more than it was willing to handle

The Market Hotel insisted that the now-canceled performance 'harms no one in any practical way' and that they were sure it would not inspire any copycat shootings, or glorify Hinckley's crimes because their venue is small and relatively insignificant.

But they admitted asking Hinckley to perform was a 'stunt booking' and that the quality of his music didn't merit the trouble the booking had caused.

Hinckley confirmed the cancelation on his Twitter account, and said two other planned shows in Chicago and Connecticut had also been axed, but didn't comment further.

Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the March 30, 1981, shooting of Reagan in Washington. He was subsequently committed to a psychiatric hospital, before being given conditional release in 2016.

Reagan is pictured in March 1981, moments before Hinckley shot him

The president is shielded by bodyguards after being shot by Hinckley, who wanted to impress actress Jodie Foster

Hinckley is pictured in his 1981 arrest mugshot. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity and spent 35 years in a psychiatric hospital

Hinkley shot Reagan in a bit to impress actress Jodie Foster (pictured in 1981), with whom he was obsessed

He did so to try and impress actress Jodie Foster, with whom he was obsessed.

Reagan was seriously wounded in the assassination attempt, and his press secretary, James Brady, was permanently disabled.

Brady went on to campaign for gun safety legislation until his death in 2014. The Brady Bill that passed in 1993 required a five-day waiting period for handgun purchases and background checks of prospective buyers, and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence are named after Brady and his wife, Sarah.

Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy and Washington police Officer Thomas Delahanty were also wounded in the shooting, which was motivated by Hinckley's obsession with the actor Jodie Foster.

Hinckley spent decades in a psychiatric hospital before being released to live with his mother in 2016. He was freed from court oversight as of Wednesday, writing on Twitter, 'After 41 years 2 months and 15 days, FREEDOM AT LAST!!!'

In recent years, Hinckley has released songs on Spotify and posted videos of himself singing and playing a guitar on YouTube.

Several public performances had been planned following Hinckley's release from court supervision, but venues in Chicago and in Hamden, Connecticut, had already canceled Hinckley appearances when the Market Hotel announced that the concert it had scheduled would not take place.

'There was a time when a place could host a thing like this, maybe a little offensive, and the reaction would be, `Its just a guy playing a show, who does it hurt - it's a free country,'' the Market Hotel said on Instagram. 'We aren't living in that kind of free country anymore, for better or for worse.'
Donald Trump railed against Mike Pence, calling him a 'wimp' and 'the p- word' in a heated phone call on the morning of January 6th, aides recalled as Ivanka Trump said she had never seen her father speak to his vice president like that.

In Thursday's hearing, the committee investigating the January 6th insurrection sought to show the immense pressure Pence was under from the president and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential.

The panel played a video montage of testimony from witnesses describing Trump's call on the morning of January 6 to Pence.

Trump's body man Nick Luna said Trump called Pence 'a wimp' during that conversation and Ivanka Trump's chief of staff Julie Radford said Trump used 'the p-word' when he talked to Pence.

The montage also included a bite from Ivanka Trump's closed-door testimony, where she described being in the Oval Office when Trump called Pence.

'The conversation was pretty heated,' Ivanka Trump said of the call. 'It was a different tone than I heard him take with the Vice President before.'

'The conversation was pretty heated,' Ivanka Trump said of her father's call the morning of January 6th with Mike Pence. 'It was a different tone than I heard him take with the Vice President before'

Attorney John Eastman (left), in an email, asked Rudy Giuliani (right) to put him on the list for a presidential pardon; Eastman claimed Pence had the power to turn over the election to the House

Multiple Republican officials on Thursday testified that Trump's push to get Pence to overturn the election results was 'illegal' and that then vice president withstood the pressure and didn't cave.

Thursday's hearing delved deep into constitutional law and the role of the vice president in overseeing the certification of the electoral college.

Trump and his supporters argued Pence could reject those results in his role as president of the Senate.

Pence and his legal team argued his role was ceremonial as outlined in the 12th amendment, which says: 'The President of the Senate shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates and the votes shall then be counted.'

A central figure in Trump's efforts was attorney John Eastman, who outlined a scenario in which Pence would disregard seven states' Electoral College votes to throw the election back to the House.

Pence's lawyers concluded such a move would be illegal and possibly lead to violence in the streets.

The panel on Thursday played video of Eastman's testimony to them, where he pleaded the fifth amendment repeatedly.

Democratic Rep. Pete Aguilar, who led Thursday's hearing, said Eastman pleaded the fifth a 100 times during his time with the committe.

The panel also revealed an email from Eastman to Rudy Giuliani, who was Trump's personal attorney, where he asked to be put on a list for a presidential pardon.

'I've decided that I should be on the pardon list, if that is still in the works,' he wrote.

In Thursday's hearing, the panel showed how Trump, Eastman and others essentially waged war on Pence to try and get him to overturn the election.

Retired U.S. Appeals Court Judge J. Michael Luttig, who was an informal adviser to Pence during that time, spoke slowly about the vice president's role but his words carried weight. Luttig is widely respected among conservatives for his interpretation of the consitution while he sat on the federal bench.

Luttig testified that if the then-vice president had followed Trump's orders then 'that declaration of Donald Trump as the next president would have plunged America into what I believe, would have been tantamount to a revolution within a Constitutional crisis.'

The committee showed the various theories being banded about by Trump and his supporters to try and overthrow Joe Biden's victory, including have Pence recognize slates of alternative state electors who would support Trump instead of Biden and having Pence reject the results from seven states in order to send the election back to the House.

Luttig called the theories 'constitutional mischief.'

Retired U.S. Appeals Court Judge J. Michael Luttig, who was an informal adviser to Pence during that time, testified that if Pence had followed Trump's orders it 'would have plunged America into what I believe, would have been tantamount to a revolution within a Constitutional crisis'

Donald Trump and his supporters were pressuring Mike Pence to overturn the election results despite being told it was 'illegal' and Pence himself told Trump he did not have such power

An image of former President Donald Trump and his family is displayed during the third hearing of the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol

The panel played clips of Trump's speech on January 6th pushing Pence to 'come through for us' and showed testimony from officials in Trump's White House saying Pence was being pushed to throw out the electoral results - even though he had told Trump he didn't have the constitutional power to do so.

Democratic Rep. Pete Aguilar said the original speech text 'included no mention of the VP and the president revised it to include criticism of the VP and then ad-libbed.'

The panel also showed clips of MAGA supporters marching on the Capitol on January 6th. One threatened to drag politicians through the streets because Pence 'caved.' Others chanted: 'Bring out Pence!' And others yelled: 'Hang Mike Pence!'

Aguilar revealed that on January 6th, as Secret Service moved Pence from his office by the Senate floor to a more secure location in the Capitol, there was only about 40 feet between the vice president and the rioters.

''Approximately 40 feet. That's all there was: 40 feet between the vice president and mob,' he said.

He also revealed the Proud Boys wanted to kill Pence.

The Democratic Congressman from California noteed that in a recent court filing by the Department of Justice 'explains that a confidential informant from the Proud Boys told the FBI, the proud boys would have killed Mike Pence, if given the chance.'

The rioter, who is cooperating with federal investigators and is called W1 in court documents, said the Proud Boys would have killed 'anyone they got their hands on, they would have killed, including Nancy Pelosi.'

Both Marc Short, Pence's former chief of staff, and Greg Jacob, Pence's legal counsel, testified that Pence personally told Trump he did not have the authority to overturn the results of the electoral college well ahead of January 6th.

Short, in video testimony played by the committee, said there were 'many times' Pence personally told Trump he could not make such a move.

Jacob described a meeting he attended in the Oval Office between Trump and Pence where the then-vice president 'never budged' from his stance that he could not consitutionally overturn the election.

The committee focused on two theories being pushed by Trump supporters.

One theory came from Kenneth Chesebro, an attorney advising Trump's campaign, who sent a memo to Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani.

The 'Chesebro memo' - as it became known - suggested that a handful of states that Biden won should present a set of 'alternative electors.' Pence should then recognize those alternative electors, who would support Trump.

Chesebro argued the Pence could say that 'he, and he alone, is charged with the constitutional responsibility not just to open the votes, but to count them  including making judgments about what to do if there are conflicting votes.'

Pence's team had rejected that idea.

Luttig testified that 'there was no support whatsoever in either the Constitution of the United States nor the laws of the United States for the vice president frankly ever to count alternative electoral slates from the states that had not been officially certified.'

Greg Jacob, Pence's legal counsel, testified that Pence personally told Trump he did not have the authority to overturn the results of the electoral college

Marc Short, Pence's former chief of staff, said in video testimony that Pence told Donald Trump he could not over turn the election

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Officer Michael Fanone, Metropolitan police department officer Daniel Hodges and U.S. Capitol Police Officer Pfc. Harry Dunn attend Thursday's hearing at the Capitol

Another theory came from attorney John Eastman.

His memo outlined a scenario in which Pence would disregard seven states' Electoral College votes - thus ensuring no candidate received the 270 Electoral College votes required to be declared the winner.

The election would then be decided by the House.

Each state delegation would then have had one vote to cast for president, and since Republicans controlled 26 state delegations, a majority could have voted for Trump to win the election.

Eastman pleaded the fifth amendment a 100 times during his earlier testimony to the panel, the committee said.

The panel also revealed an email from Eastman to Rudy Giuliani, where he asked to be put on a list for a presidential pardon.

'I've decided that I should be on the pardon list, if that is still in the works,' he wrote.

Jacob was with Pence inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, arguing with Eastman by email during the riot.

'The 'siege' is because YOU and your boss did not do what was necessary to allow this to be aired in a public way so that the American people can see for themselves what happened,' Eastman said in an email to Jacob, according to the Los Angeles Times.

After the riot ended, Eastman again emailed Jacob to say Pence should still send the election back to the states rather than certifying it, based on what he called a 'relatively minor violation' of the procedural law.

Instead Pence returned to the House floor to certify Biden's victory.

Jacob noted the consitutition 'is unambiguous that the Vice President does not have the authority to reject electors. there is no suggestion of any kind, that it does. There is no mention of rejecting or objecting to electors anywhere in the 12th amendment.'

Jacob said Pence's team looked at the constitution, legal precedent and American history when making their determination about Pence's role in the certification of the election.

'No vice president in 230 years of history had ever claimed to have that kind of authority - hadn't claimed authority to reject electoral votes, had not claimed authority to return electoral votes back to the States in the entire history of the United States. Not once had a joint session ever returned electoral votes back to the States to be counted,' he noted.

He also pointed out that Al Gore oversaw the certification of results for the 2020 election, where Gore was defeated by George W. Bush after a long legal battle over Flordia's votes. He noted Gore did not demand the Florida results be overturned or for the election to be sent back to that state.

And there were concerns there would be a violence in the streets if Pence tried to overturn the results.

Former White House attorney Eric Herschmann, in his video testimony, recalled he said to Eastman: 'Are you out of your effing mind?'

'I said, you're gonna turn around and tell 78 plus million people in this country that your theory is this is how you're going to invalidate their votes because you think election was stolen,' he noted. 'They're not going to tolerate that. You're going to cause riots in the streets.'

He said Eastman responded with a shrug and said: 'There's been violence in the history of our country to protect the democracy or protect the Republic.'

Thursday's hearing from the January 6th committee focused on Trump's efforts to pressure Pence to refuse to count and certify the electoral count.

MAGA supporters were heard yelling 'Hang Mike Pence' as they marched on the Capitol on January 6th - a noose was errected outside the building

The third January 6 hearing on Thursday will focus on Donald Trump's pressure campaign to get Vice President Mike Pence to stop Congress from certifying the 2020 presidential election results. Pictured: Pence sits with daughter, Charlotte (left), and brother, Greg, as his wife, Karen (right), draws the curtains in the ceremonial room off the Senate floor where he was evacuated to on January 6, 2021, as Trump supporters attacked U.S. Capitol

Mike Pence, after the insurrection, returned to the Capitol to oversee the certification of Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election

A central figure in the hearing was attorney John Eastman, who pushed the theory Pence, in his role as vice president, could block the certification of Joe Biden's victory.

Eastman, who once served as clerk for Clarence Thomas at the Supreme Court, outlined scenarios for denying Biden the presidency in legal memos and in an Oval Office meeting on Jan. 4 with Trump and Pence, according to previous reports.

In the days leading up to the January 6th certification, Trump delivered a string of tweets demanding that Pence use his position to prevent Congress certifying his election defeat to Joe Biden.

Pence had already told the president he had no such power.

Eastman, however, wrote a memo arguing Pence could overthrow the election results when he oversaw the certification of the electoral college count on January 6th.

And Ginni Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, emailed with Eastman about the matter, reported The Washington Post on Wednesday.

Eastman had told Jacob, Pence's legal counsel, that Clarence Thomas would back their argument if the matter went to the Supreme Court.

Jacob, according to a report earlier this year from Politico, told the panel in previous testimony that when Eastman pushed for Pence to throw the election back to the states, he said to him: 'If this case got to the Supreme Court, we'd lose 9-0, wouldn't we, if we actually took your position and it got up there?'

Eastman told him he thought the court would vote 7-2.

Jacob noted he replied: 'And I said, 'Who are the two?' And he said, 'Well, I think maybe Clarence Thomas.' And I said, 'Really? Clarence Thomas?' And so we went through a few Thomas opinions and, finally, he acknowledged, 'yeah, all right, it would be 9-0.'

Constitutional scholars and Pence, himself, disagreed with Eastman's interpretation of the vice president's role in the largely ceremonial process.

Pence's former chief of staff Marc Short told CNN on Wednesday that Pence did his duty by certifying the election results.

'He knew it from the beginning, and I think he was clear with the president and so was our office clear about what we viewed his role as. I think that, you know, for any limited government conservative I don't think he'd want the notion that our founders would have thought any one person would have been bestowed with that much authority to overturn election results. So I think the they he approached this was what does the constitution say,' Short told CNN's Wolf Blitzer.

'He did his duty. He swore an oath to uphold the constitution. He swore an oath to god to uphold the constitution just as our men and women in uniform do,' he said.

The committee had been in a legal battle with Eastman for months over whether his former employer, Chapman University, could turn over to the committee the contents of his university email account, which is what he used to email many Trump officials.

Eastman claimed attorney-client privilege over some of the documents. A judge reviewed the emails and ordered hundreds turned over to the committee.

The days leading up to January 6th led to tension between Trump and Pence as the then-vice president made it clear he would not do as Trump asked.

But Trump denied he wanted his vice president harmed that day.

During last Thursday evening's hearing, Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, who serves on the panel investigating the insurrection, said of Trump: 'Aware of the rioters' chants to 'hang Mike Pence,' the president responded with this sentiment: 'Maybe our supporters have the right idea.' Mike Pence 'deserves' it.'

There were gasps in the hearing room at her words.

'I NEVER said, or even thought of saying, 'Hang Mike Pence.' This is either a made up story by somebody looking to become a star, or FAKE NEWS!,' Trump wrote in response the next day on Truth Social.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Chief Medical Advisor to the President and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has tested positive for COVID-19 via a rapid antigen test, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

The 81-year-old official had not been in close contact with US President Joe Biden and other senior government officials, as per ABC News.

Fauci has mild symptoms of COVID-19 and is currently taking Paxlovid, an antiviral medication manufactured by Pfizer.

The country's top health officer will still testify before the Senate Health Committee on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. on the government's pandemic response. Fauci will now do his testimony online.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) said that Fauci "is fully vaccinated and has been boosted twice." He will also undergo necessary pandemic protocols and treatment.

"Dr. Fauci will follow the COVID-19 guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and medical advice from his physician and return to the NIH when he tests negative," the Institute said.

US Doctor Leading the Fight Against COVID-19 Gets Infected With the Virus

Fauci visited the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, on June 11, where the science center was renamed the Anthony S. Fauci Integrated Science Complex. Fauci was photographed with and without a mask.

Last month, Fauci said that he has never tested positive for COVID-19.

Fauci was noticeably absent at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in April.

Also, during that month, he told CNN: "Each of us, in our own personal way, has to make an assessment of what risk you're willing to accept about getting infected. In general, the risk is low, but I made a personal assessment. I'm 81 years old, and if I get infected, I have a much higher risk."

Read also: Alaska Children Suffer Burning Sensations in Mouth, Throat After Being Served Sealant Instead of Milk

In December 2020, Fauci got one of the first doses of Moderna's Covid vaccination on video.

NBC reported that in the early part of 2022, Fauci told J. Stephen Morrison, senior vice president of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, that the omicron strain would "ultimately find just about everybody."

Dr. Fauci has aided in the leadership of the United States' response to numerous health crises, notably the outbreak of HIV/AIDS in the 1980s. He was a COVID-19 pandemic adviser to then-President Donald Trump before becoming Biden's chief medical adviser.

Vaccines Are Still the Most Important Protection Against COVID-19, Experts Say

Boosters and Paxlovid, according to the White House, indicate that the country is in a new phase of the virus, with cases defanged to some extent.

By the end of February, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 58 % of the US population had been infected with COVID-19. According to NBC News' tally, the country is recording 109,000 new Covid cases per day on average, up roughly 13% from two weeks ago. Every day, 370 individuals die as a result of the infection.

New omicron subvariants have exhibited increased contagiousness and the ability to elude vaccines to some extent, implying that immunization against the disease is far from perfect, as per a report from The Hill. Vaccines and booster doses continue to offer important protection against serious diseases, which many experts consider to be the most important.

Related Article: WHO to Decide If Monkeypox is a Global "Public Health Emergency" Amid On-going Outbreak

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British tycoon Sir Frederick Barclay considered applying for legal aid during his high-profile 100million divorce battle against his ex-wife of 34 years, a court heard.

Sir Jonathan Cohen was told that the former Telegraph and Ritz Hotel owner had referred to legal aid while overseeing the latest stage of his dispute with Lady Hiroko Barclay.

The 87-year-old - who formed one half of Britains ultra-secretive media mogul twins - was ordered to pay lump sumps of 100million to his former wife in May last year following the breakdown of their 34-year marriage.

But Lady Barclay insists Sir Frederick has breached that order and accused him of being in contempt of court and asked the judge to consider a custodial sentence.

Sir Jonathan, who has considered evidence relating to Sir Frederick's mental capacity, is due to make decisions about Lady Barclay's application following a trial in the Family Division of the High Court in London next month.

Lawyers representing Sir Frederick have indicated that he will mount a defence to Lady Barclay's application.

Earlier this year it was claimed in court that the billionaire tycoon had been evicted from his home, and his legal costs were to be covered by his family.

The court was also told that Sir Frederick was also significantly in default of payment of legal fees.

British tycoon Sir Frederick Barclay, 87, considered applying for legal aid during his high-profile 100million divorce battle against his ex-wife of 34 years

Lady Hiroko Barclay insists Sir Frederick has breached that order and accused him of being in contempt of court and asked the judge to consider a custodial sentence

On Thursday, Sir Jonathan oversaw the latest in a number of preliminary hearings.

The judge heard that Sir Frederick had referred to a possible legal aid application during a meeting.

He was told that Sir Frederick said he had 'considered applying for legal aid'.

Sir Frederick also said, during a meeting, that he was 'worried that he is going to jail', the judge heard.

The judge was told at an earlier hearing that Sir Frederick was being financially supported by nephews.

Sir Frederick and his twin brother, Sir David, were among the UK's most high-profile businessmen. Sir David (left) died in January last year, aged 86

A barrister leading Lady Barclay's legal team told the judge on Thursday that money has not been paid - as sources indicated she had already run up legal bills exceeding 300,000

Sir Jonathan had criticised Sir Frederick, at an earlier stage of the litigation, when ruling how much Lady Barclay should walk away with.

He said Sir Frederick behaved in a 'reprehensible' fashion during the dispute.

The judge said the businessman had sold a luxury yacht and 'applied the equity for his own use' in breach of orders.

He said Lady Barclay had wanted 120 million and Sir Frederick made an offer which might have led her to getting nothing.

Sir Frederick and his twin brother, Sir David, were among the UKs most high-profile businessmen. Sir David died in January last year, aged 86.

Their business interests included the Telegraph Media Group and The Ritz hotel in London.

The family also has links to the Channel Islands and Monaco.
A US judge on Thursday asked the Biden administration to decide quickly if it will seek execution for the teenager who shot dead 10 African Americans at a supermarket in May, warning that doing so would cost taxpayers more money.

Earlier this week, authorities announced federal hate crimes against Payton Gendron, 18, saying he was motivated by racist hate when, on May 14, he took a semi-automatic assault weapon to a grocery store in a largely Black neighborhood of Buffalo, New York, and opened fire.

In his first appearance on Thursday in a Buffalo federal court, Gendron said he was unemployed, only had $16 in his bank account and asked for legal assistance.

A federal judge has asked prosecutors to decide quickly if they will seek the death penalty for Buffalo shooter Payton Gendron

Pictured: Gendron in court on May 19 where he was indicted on 10 counts of first-degree murder and domestic terrorism

Judge Kenneth Schroeder agreed to grant Gendron a public defender, but urged prosecutors to make up their minds quickly about whether to pursue the death penalty for the suspect, saying such proceedings would cost additional taxpayer funds.

'The possibility of a death penalty obviously has a greater burden in the defense of the defendant,' Schroeder said.

Prosecutors said a decision on the sentence sought for Gendron will be made after a thorough evaluation of the case.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland was in Buffalo on Wednesday to visit with families of the victims.

The federal hate crime charges could make Payton Gendron, 18, eligible for the death penalty, however it has not been decided whether that will be pursued in this case, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said.

'In the days and weeks since the attack we have all witnessed the strength of this community's bonds its resilience and love. I am humbled to have just felt that first hand in my discussion with the families,' Garland said, WGRZ-TV reported.

Garland said, in part: 'Hate-fueled acts of violence terrorize not only the individuals who are all attacked but entire communities. Hate brings immediate devastation and it inflicts lasting fear.'

Attorney General Merrick Garland visits the Tops Friendly Market grocery store in Buffalo, N.Y., on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, the site of a May 14 mass shooting

'At the Justice Department we view confronting hate crimes as both our legal and moral obligation.

'The Justice Department was founded more than 150 years ago with the first principal task of protecting back Americans and our democracy from white supremacist's violence. Today, we approach that task with the same degree of urgency as we did than.'

He said in part: 'We will be relentless in our efforts to combat hate crimes to support the communities terrorized by them and to hold accountable those who perpetrate them.

'No one in this country should have to live in fear that when they go to work or shop at a grocery store and will be attacked by someone who hates them because of the color of their skin.'

Ten people (pictured) were killed in the shooting at the Buffalo supermarket

The nation's top prosecutor spoke of Gendron's charges and detailed from the affidavit in support of the complaint quotes by the defendant as stating saying the suspect's goal was to 'kill as many blacks as possible.'

He said the shooter prepared for months to carry out the attack and selected the target in this zip code because it has the highest percentage of black people closest to where he lives, according to the affidavit.

Garland alleged that he selected the Tops supermarket because black people shop there.

He detailed how Gendron traveled to Tops Supermarket on multiple occasions to count the number of black people present and observe the presence of black security guards.

The affidavit also notes that he drew a map of the inside of the supermarket for the best plan of attack that would garner the highest chance of success.

Garland said Gendron chronicled his plan on his discord messaging account months leading up to attack writing about his acquisition of firearms.

On Wednesday, federal prosecutors filed 26 counts of hate crimes and firearms charges against Gendron. Left: Gendron is arrested outside the Tops supermarket in Buffalo on May 14. Right: People comfort each other outside the Tops supermarket after the mass shooting

The affidavit alleges that on the day of the May 14 shooting, Gendron fired off 60 gunshots, and repeatedly targeted and shot and killed black people.

'At one point he aimed his rifle at a white Tops employee instead of shooting the white employee the gunman apologized to him before continuing his attack,' Garland said.

Democratic President Joe Biden ran for office on a promise to work to abolish the federal death penalty, and his top prosecutor issued a moratorium on federal executions pending a review of the process.

Gendron also faces charges of domestic terrorism and ten counts of first degree murder from the state of New York, which abolished capital punishment in 2004.
A four-year-old boy died after falling from a motorbike he had been riding with his seven-year-old cousin and hitting a metal pole, an inquest heard.

Lennox Railton Craggs had been excited to have a go on the 50cc Yahama when he arrived home in Bishop Auckland earlier this year, Crook Coroners' Court was told.

The court heard his cousin was learning how to ride her new mini-motorbike under supervision and Lennox had asked for a turn.

He was told he would have to be wearing his protective biking gear and go on the back.

But the eager youngster, a pupil at Prince Bishops Community School in Coundon Grange, pushed his way to the front, forcing the older child to the back of the seat and pulled the accelerator lever.

His father chased after the motorbike, but was unable to catch up before the pair rode over rough ground near his home on Elliott Terrace in Eldon Lane.

Lennox Railton-Craggs, 4, of a fatal tear in his liver after losing control of his seven-year-old cousin's mini-motorbike and crashing into a metal pole by his home in Bishop Auckland

Lennox hit a metal post designed to stop cars being able to access the grassed area and suffered severe abdominal injuries.

Detective Inspector Leanne Green, the investigating police officer, said: 'Lennox was described as a little boy who liked motorbikes and liked quad bikes.

'He had been quad biking with his family the day before.

'His parents described that he was excited about the new bike and immediately asked if he could 'have a go' on it.

'He was told that he would have to wait until the time was right and that he would have to wear his protective equipment.'

The youngster had spent the previous day quad biking and his grandmother had put his protective clothing - body armour and a motorbike jacket - in the house to be washed.

Lennox's cousin understood that he had been told he could have a go and said he would have to go on the back, the court heard.

DI Green said: 'Lennox has pushed her and headbutted her in the tummy to get on the front.

'He has sort of squirmed his way between her arms. Although he was four and his cousin was seven, he is described as being very strong and she was very slight.'

Tributes were left at the scene (pictured) where four-year-old Lennox Railton Craggs died

The court heard Lennox's mother, Rachel, was in the kitchen collecting dummies for her other sons and saw he was on the bike when she came out.

She has shouted at him to get off the motorbike and that he should not be on it.

DI Green said: 'He has pulled lever to make it go faster and it has taken off.

'His father, Michael, has been alerted and he has ran after the motorbike.

'It has travelled in a diagonal direction on to the Tarmac.

'As the bike has gone over a small bump the rear wheel has been seen to wobble.

'Michael described seeing Lennox come off the bike and hit the vertical metal post.'

The court heard Lennox had been crying and been picked up and taken back to his house where the his cries quickly turned into moans and he 'changed colour'.

When his father tried to put him down his legs gave way.

Ambulance crews rushed to the scene at around 1pm on Sunday January 23 this year and Lennox was airlifted to the RVI in Newcastle.

On the way medics attempted emergency surgery, operating on his chest to give Lennox the best chance of survival, the inquest was told.

On arrival at hospital Lennox was in cardiac arrest, he died shortly afterwards.

Lennox was fatally wounded after hitting a small metal post (pictured) when he lost control of the 50cc motorbike

Home Officer pathologist Dr Nigel Cooper gave the cause of death as haemorrhage and abdominal injury.

The court heard a post mortem examination found the accident had caused a fatal tear in the boy's liver, which caused internal bleeding.

Assistant Coroner Dr Leslie Hamilton concluded Lennox, who had two older twin sisters and two younger brothers, died as a result of an accident.

The coroner said: 'Despite all of the entirely appropriate and entirely heroic efforts to save his life, none of that was successful.

'The reality is that nothing was going to make difference.

'In terms of a conclusion as a coroner, no-one intended this to happen.

'It was something that happened quickly and spontaneously before it could be prevented.'
Police have confirmed they arrested a missing rapist after an urgent manhunt was launched when he breached the terms of his release on licence.

Lee Michaels - who also goes by the name of Lee Beazley - was freed under licence in June last year after serving part of his sentence for drug-fuelled pensioner sex attacks.

Michaels broke into a 65-year-old woman's home in Marton, Middlesbrough in September 2005 and repeatedly raped her while high on drugs alongside a second man, named David Humphrey.

The pair, both 19 at the time of the incident, had drank a large quantity of alcohol, smoked cannabis and taken heroin substitute tablets before breaking into the pensioner's home armed with a knife and screwdriver.

But last week the 36-year-old was hunted by West Yorkshire Police after breaching the terms of his release.

A police spokesman commented: 'Lee Michaels, also known as Lee Beazley, who was publicised as being wanted on recall to prison was arrested in the Derbyshire area on Saturday, June 11, and has now been recalled to prison. Wakefield Police want to thank everyone who shared the appeal.'

Lee Michaels (pictured) - who also goes by the name of Lee Beazley - was released on licence in June last year after serving part of a sentence for a serious sexual offence

Michaels and Humphrey repeatedly beat and raped the grandmother at her home before stealing cash, jewellery and a mobile phone.

At a hearing, each admitted three joint charges - two of rape and one of aggravated burglary. Humphrey admitted a third rape charge.

The judge at Teesside Crown Court said the 'wicked' pair must serve at least six years behind bars.

Sentencing the pair Judge Peter Fox QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, told them: 'Your offending against this lady and in her home ranks amongst the worst crimes ever committed in Teesside.

'Obsessed by greed, lust and cruelty, you subjected her to a terrible ordeal, one of shocking and painful humiliation in her own home which you went on to plunder, ransack and defile.'

Michaels broke into a 65-year-old woman's home in Marton, Middlesbrough in September 2005 (Pictured: Michaels aged 19) and repeatedly raped her while high on drugs alongside a second man, named David Humphrey

He added: 'This court can do nothing to repair the dreadful harm you perpetrated that night.

'It can only punish you according to law and within the law seek to protect others from your wicked natures.'

He added: 'Despite your acting without any vestige of humanity towards your victim, the law remains humane.

'Many in your case would say unduly so. It is not for me to comment.'

The pair appealed their sentence but failed to get them overturned.

Mrs Justice Gloster, sitting with Lord Justice Latham and Mr Justice Henriques at the Appeal Court in London, dismissed the argument they were 'manifestly excessive'.

Detectives with West Yorkshire Police began tracing Michaels on June 10 after he was reported to have breached the terms of his release on licence.

In a plea, the force described him as being around 5'9" tall and of slim build, speaking with a 'north east' accent and with tattoos on his right arm and back.
Former President Donald Trump on Thursday condemned the work of the January 6 committee and demanded he get equal TV time to set out his case of massive election voter fraud.

Television networks as well as cable news channels and online carriers broadcast the third public hearing of the investigation into the attack on the U.S. Capitol last year, as members set out how Trump pressured Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the 2020 results.

The first hearing, last week, was held in prime time as the committee tried to get the biggest possible audience for its work.

The former president used Truth Social, his social media platform, to express his fury at the way the committee was spreading its message.

'The Fake News Networks are perpetuating lies, falsehoods, and Russia, Russia, Russia type disinformation (same sick people, here we go again!) by allowing the low rated but nevertheless one sided and slanderous Unselect Committee hearings to go endlessly and aimlessly on (and on and on!),' he wrote.

'It is a one sided, highly partisan Witch Hunt, the likes of which has never been seen in Congress before.

'Therefore, I am hereby demanding EQUAL TIME to spell out the massive Voter Fraud & Dem Security Breach!'

He posted his demand again a minute later. This time in capital letters: 'I DEMAND EQUAL TIME!!!'

Former President Donald Trump used his social media platform to demand equal time as the January 6 committee for him to set out his allegations of election fraud

The committee, led by its Democratic chairman Benny Thompson and Republican Liz Cheney, held its third hearing - of six scheduled this month - on Thursday

The committee is building a case that Trump was told he had lost the election but pressed on with an attempt to overturn Joe Biden's victory, enflaming his supporters

The committee has already presented evidence that aides repeatedly told Trump that he had lost the 2020 election and that there was no enough fraud to suggest the result had been stolen.

Since then, members have called witnesses to describe how the then president pushed ahead with plans to overturn the result.

In the third of six hearings expected this month, members laid out how Trump tried to pressure his vice president, who was tasked with overseeing ratification of the electoral college vote in the Senate.

'Mike Pence said no. He resisted the pressure,' said Democratic Representative Bennie Thompson, the committee's chairman.

'He knew it was illegal. He knew it was wrong.

'That courage put him in tremendous danger.'

Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, insisting that he was entitled to use legal challenges to overturn cases of election fraud.

But testimony laid out how Trump was told that Pence simply did not have the authority to change the result.

MAGA supporters were heard yelling 'Hang Mike Pence' as they marched on the Capitol on January 6th - a noose was built outside the building

The third January 6 hearing on Thursday focused on Donald Trump's pressure campaign to get Vice President Mike Pence to stop Congress from certifying the 2020 presidential election results. Pictured: Pence sits with daughter, Charlotte (left), and brother, Greg, as his wife, Karen (right), draws the curtains in the ceremonial room off the Senate floor where he was evacuated to on January 6, 2021, as Trump supporters attacked U.S. Capitol

Gregory Jacob, Pence's counsel, told the committee the leading proponent of that theory, outside lawyer John Eastman, admitted in front of Trump two days before the attack that his plan to have Pence halt the procedure would violate the law.

And Pence's chief of staff said Trump's pressure campaign led him to raise security concerns with the head of the vice president's protection detail on the day before the riot.

'My concern was for the vice president's security, and so I wanted to make sure the head of the vice president's Secret Service was aware that likely, as these disagreements became more public, that the president would lash out in some way,' he said in videotaped testimony.

On Monday, Trump delivered a 12-page statement accusing Democrats of seeking to distract from the Biden administration's failings with a 'kangaroo court.'

Earlier the House committee had played testimony of Trump officials and aides describing how they had told Trump he lost the 2020 election and that there was not enough voter fraud to overturn the result.

He dismissed its efforts on Monday as a 'sham.'

'The January 6th Unselect Committee is disgracing everything we hold sacred about our Constitution. If they had any real evidence, theyd hold real hearings with equal representation,' he said in an emailed statement.

Former President Donald Trump blasted the January 6 committee with a 12-page statement on Monday evening

'They dont, so they use the illegally constituted committee to put on a smoke and mirrors show for the American people, in a pitiful last ditch effort to deceive the American publicagain.'

The committee has interviewed more than 1000 witnesses and assembled hundreds of thousands of pages of documents.

'There was never an indication of interest in what the actual facts were': Top quotes from the second January 6 hearing 'The mayor was definitely intoxicated': Former Trump adviser Jason Miller on Rudy Giuliani 'I don't know that I had a firm view of what he should say': Ivanka Trump on what her father should say on election night when it was too early to call the result 'Right out of the box on election night, the president claimed that there was major fraud under way. I mean, this happened, as far as I could tell, before there was actually any potential of looking at evidence': Former Attorney General Bill Barr 'Very, very, very, very bleak': Trump's former campaign manager Bill Stepien on their chances of winning the 2020 election 'I told him that the stuff his people were shoveling out to the public was bulls***': Barr on election fraud claims 'There was never an indication of interest in what the actual facts were': Barr on Trump's attitude to fraud claims 'The 2020 election was not close': Republican campaign lawyer Ben Ginsberg Advertisement

The result, its members hope to show, places Trump at the heart of a conspiracy to topple American democracy.

But Trump, in his response, relies on the partisan support of his former adviser Peter Navarro and conservative activist Dinesh D'Souza to repeat his case that the election was stolen.

Its footnotes are riddled with references to '2000 Mules,' D'Souza's much critcized documentary that claims to show how dropboxes were abused and the election was stolen from Trump.

Yet earlier in the day Trump's former Attorney General Bill Barr snorted with laughter as he discussed the documentary.

'My opinion then and my opinion now is that the election was not stolen by fraud.

'And I haven't seen anything since the election that changes my mind on that, including the "2000 Mules" movie,' he said before laughing at the film widely criticized by factcheckers.

Trump used his statement to accuse Democrats of trying to distract from the crises facing the Biden administration.

'We have a White House in shambles, with Democrats, just this week, declaring that Biden is unfit to run for reelection,' he said.

'And what is the Democrat Congress focused on? A Kangaroo court, hoping to distract the American people from the great pain they are experiencing.'

'Seventeen months after the events of January 6th, Democrats are unable to offer solutions.

'They are desperate to change the narrative of a failing nation, without even making mention of the havoc and death caused by the Radical Left just months earlier.'

He also questioned the committees methods.

'MAGA witnesses were interrogated behind closed doors and ordered to not record their own testimony,' he said.

'Members of my staff, my friends, supporters, volunteers, donors, were subjected to hours upon hours of inquisition oftentimes having nothing to do with January 6 lives were turned upside down for obvious reasons.'

Earlier Trump's former lawyer Rudy Giuliani raged at the January 6 committee on Monday, claiming lawmakers 'have no case' as they were presenting evidence in their second of six hearings.

Rudy Giuliani appeared on former Trump adviser Steve Bannon's podcast just as the January 6 committee was holding its second hearing

Rep. Liz Cheney said during her opening statement that Trump 'rejected the advice of his campaign experts on election night' in favor of advice from 'an apparently inebriated Rudy Giuliani'

The event largely focused on Giuliani's role in pushing Trump's false claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged.

'They have no case,' the former New York City mayor said on Trump adviser Steve Bannon's War Room podcast. 'This is a follow-up to Russian collusion, Ukrainian conversation - the millions of hours theyve spent trying to find a crime on Donald Trump and cant do it.'

'They started this frame about five years ago. Its the same cast of characters - Bennie Thompson, and shifty [Adam] Schiff, you see [Eric] Swalwell, not on the committee, but in the background.'

He went on to say that the committee's Vice Chair Liz Cheney was 'hysterical' and had 'gone off the deep end' - though he appeared to confuse her momentarily with sister Mary Cheney.

Cheney said during her opening statement that Trump 'rejected the advice of his campaign experts on election night' in favor of advice from 'an apparently inebriated Rudy Giuliani' who told him to declare victory that night and insist the vote count be stopped 'to falsely claim everything was fraudulent.'

Giuliani denied the assertion that he was drunk through his lawyer - despite multiple former Trump advisers being shown to have made the claim.

'Giuliani denies all falsehoods by the angry and misguided Ms Cheney,' his attorney told CNN.
A 23-year-old woman who left for a Saturday night walk and never returned home and was listed as a 'critical missing person' has been found safe.

The missing woman, identified as Alicia Kenny, told authorities that she needed 'a couple of days to clear her head.'

She was located by Loveland Ohio police on Wednesday afternoon at 4 pm. She was unharmed and is currently in the care of family members, Loveland Ohio police said.

Sue Madsen, safety director of Loveland Police Department told DailyMail.com would not give the location of where Kenny was found, or provide any other details.

Alicia's mother, Marcia Conklin Kenny, was overcome with emotion when she learned the remarkable news that her daughter was found safe and unharmed.

She did not go into the details into what led to her daughter's mysterious disappearance, but expressed gratitude for all the outpouring of support.

'Thank you does not begin to express the gratitude I feel for all the prayers, texts, emails, posts, shares, support, and love, that I experienced in these last 4 days,' Kenny wrote on Facebook.

'It has been completely overwhelming the amount of people that have reached out and were so invested in helping to find Alicia. The words I am saying are 'thank you' but the feeling goes way beyond that!'

She also said that at this time she and her family need some time to heal.

She wrote, in part. 'We are now going to be private as we start to heal from this, so there won't be any details shared, but know that she is safe.'

A photo of the 23-year-old posing for a picture when she was a guest at a friend's wedding

Kenny was last seen leaving her grandparents Loveland house where she lives for a stroll at 8pm on Saturday, June 11.

The late night stroll was not unusual according to her mother Marcy Kenny because she loved nature and would walk to parks to draw or write.

But the young woman did not return home that night and was last spotted the following morning but investigators say they do not know who spotted her or what direction she was headed.

That Sunday morning a delivery driver turned in Kenny's backpack, which contained all her essentials, including her phone, wallet and Bible, over to police.

Montgomery police confirmed that the driver turned in the backpack assuming someone had lost it before delivering it to Kenny's home, WLWT.com reported.

Her mother Marcy said that is when her family realized she was actually missing because there was no scenario where her 'very religious' daughter would leave behind her backpack containing her Bible.

'All she has is literally the clothes on her back,' Kenny told WCPO.com Without that backpack, she has absolutely nothing. And I honestly... we can't think of any scenario where she would have put the backpack down and walked away willingly.'

On Monday Loveland police listed Kenny as a 'critical' missing person in a statement and said Kenny was last seen walking along Loveland Madeira Road in Symmes Township wearing a white shirt, dark capris and sandals. The 23-year-old's mother, who along with church members have walked the area she was last seen in hanging flyers, said that the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations has joined the investigation into her disappearance, collecting a sample of Alicia's DNA.

Alicia's mother, Marcia Conklin Kenny, was overcome with emotion when she learned the remarkable news that her daughter was found safe and unharmed. She did not go into the details into what led to her daughter's mysterious disappearance, but expressed gratitude for all the outpouring of support.

Loveland police listed Kenny as a 'critical' missing person' when she was first reported missing on Saturday, June 11 at 8pm. She was last seen leaving her grandparents home in Loveland, Ohio where she lives to go for a night time stroll. Alicia's mother, Marcy Conklin Kenny, said it was not unusual for her to be taking a solo walk due to her love of nature and would often go to parks to draw or write

Her mother Marcy said that is when her family realized she was actually missing because there was no scenario where her 'very religious' daughter would leave behind her backpack containing her Bible

'All she has is literally the clothes on her back,' Alicia's mother said through tears. 'Without that backpack, she has absolutely nothing'

Ohio police located the 23-year-old woman on Wednesday afternoon. They said she was unharmed and was currently in the care of family members

'The investigative team came today to get something that would have her DNA on it. In case she's found, they want to be prepared,' Kenny told WCPO. 'And just the thought of that takes us to a very deep and dark place that we try hard to avoid.

'The storms that hit last night, if she was out there alone ... that's a very painful thought,' the distraught mother added.

Kenny's friends have taken to social media to boost awareness and asking for help to find her

Friend Laura Messanger asked that people keep an eye out near any bike trails.

'ALICIA LOVES NATURE!!! Anybody who knows her knows she loves nature walks & hikes, she loves being by the river so pls if you are on the bike trails or anything pls keep eyes peeled. Lets bring her home!!!,' she posted on Facebook.

Another friend posted pictures of her tattoos- including one that read 'In spirit and in truth' with a cross across her forearm and a large tiger tattoo on her left shoulder- both which would be noticeable if she was wearing a tank top

'She called people asking for a ride, and to our knowledge was never picked up by one of her friends,' one post read. 'Her belongings were found in her backpack which was abandoned and picked up by a UPS driver on their route  If you see her, please call 911 immediately.

The Loveland Ohio Police Department posted the good news on their Facebook late Wednesday which garnered nearly 500 likes with many thanking law enforcement for finding the young woman safe.

The police department sent out a message thanking their law enforcement partner, including the Ohio Bureau Of Criminal Investigations, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, and the community.

'The involved law enforcement agencies worked long hours in challenging weather conditions to bring Alicia home,' officials said.
Radical pro-abortion group 'Jane's Revenge' has declared 'open season' on pro-life clinics as it described in a letter posted this week how 'easy and fun' it is to attack them after claiming responsibility for a string of vandalism and arson attacks.

The attacks, mostly lodged at Christian faith-based pregnancy crisis centers, have taken place over the past few weeks in the wake of the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion suggesting the court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Clinics have been tagged with renditions of the messages 'Jane's Revenge' or 'If abortions aren't safe, neither are you.'

In a letter dated June 14 and posted to the Jane's Revenge website on Wednesday, the group claimed responsibility for the attacks as they pointed to a supposed 30-day deadline for all pro-life groups to cease operations, warning them that 'your thirty days expired yesterday.'

Jane's Revenge, a pro-abortion radical group, has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on several Christian faith-based pregnancy crisis centers

In a letter dated June 14 and posted to the Jane's Revenge website on Wednesday, the group claimed responsibility for the attacks as they pointed to a supposed 30-day deadline for all pro-life groups to cease operations

'We were unsurprised to see thirty days come and thirty days pass with no sign of consilience or even bare-minimum self-reflection from you.'

'History may not repeat itself, but it certainly rhymes, and we've already seen such stanzas where medical autonomy is stripped away, humanity is increasingly criminalized, and merely surviving becomes largely untenable.'

The letter comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to announced their decision in a Mississippi abortion case this month.

The decision may overturn the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that recognized a women's constitutional right to have an abortion.

'We offered an honourable way out,' the letter continued. 'You could have walked away. Now the leash is off. And we will make it as hard as possible for your campaign of oppression to continue.'

The group boasted about several of the attacks, including two of the most recent ones that happened on June 7 when a Christian pregnancy center in Buffalo, New York was firebombed and a Mountain Area Pregnancy Services center in Asheville, NC was vandalized.

The letter described how 'easy and fun it is to attack' the centers as the group vowed to take 'increasingly drastic measures against oppressive infrastructures' following the deadline's expiration.

'Those measures may not come in the form of something so easily cleaned up as fire and graffiti,' the letter threatened.

CompassCare President & CEO James Harden, right, speaks to the media after an early morning firebombing at their crisis pregnancy center in Amherst, N.Y., on Tuesday, June 7, 2022

In the letter, which claims that Jane's Revenge is 'not one group but many,' and has disseminated 'communiques in locations across the country, but mainly in the Pacific Northwest.

They've claimed responsibility for various attacks in Madison, Wisconsin; Ft. Collins, Colorado; Des Moines, Iowa; Hollywood, Florida; Denton, Texas; and Washington, D.C.

They also claimed to have attacked Portland, Eugene and Gresham in Oregon, along with Olympia, Lynwood and Vancouver in Washington state, and Reisterstown and Frederick in Maryland.

'From here forward, any anti-choice group who closes their doors, and stops operating will no longer be a target. But until you do, it's open season, and we know where your operations are,' the letter reads, with the group adding that it appeals to anyone 'with the urge to paint, to burn, to cut, to jam' to commit violence.

'The infrastructure of the enslavers will not survive. We will never stop, back down, slow down, or retreat. We did not want this; but it is upon us, and so we must deal with it proportionally. We exist in confluence and solidarity with all others in the struggle for complete liberation,' the letter reads.

'Our recourse now is to defend ourselves and to build robust, caring communities of mutual aid, so that we may heal ourselves without the need of the medical industry or any other intermediary. Through attacking, we find joy, courage, and strip the veneer of impenetrability held by these violent institutions.'

The Compass Care, a Christian pregnancy center in Buffalo, New York was firebombed on June 7. The windows in the reception room and nurses' office were broken and fires lit

Compass Care's Buffalo office exterior was charred by fire

In the letter posted this week, Jane's Revenge claimed responsibility for vandalizing the Agape Pregnancy Center in Des Moines, Iowa on June 2.

Vandals broke two windows at the center and used black and red spray paint to write 'God loves abortions' and 'fake clinic' on the walls.

In the message posted to social media, Jane's Revenge said the vandalism was 'fun and easy,' the Des Moines Register reported.

The two most recent attacks claimed to have been carried out by Jane's Revenge were on June 7 in Buffalo, New York and Asheville, NC.

On June 7, the North Carolina-based Mountain Area Pregnancy Services, was vandalized

The vandals wrote the message: 'No Forced Birth' across the building's side exterior

Surge in attacks, vandalism of pro-life facilities and churches June 7: Buffalo, NY - Christian pregnancy center firebombed and vandalized June 7: Asheville, NC - Mountain Area Pregnancy Services vandalized, windows broken June 2: Des Moines, Iowa - Agape Pregnancy Center vandalized, windows broken May 27: Lynnwood, OR: Next Step Pregnancy Center spray-painted, windows broken May 26: Columbus, MS: Mt. Avery Missionary Baptist Church vandalized May 21: Olympia, WA: Four area-churches vandalized. Anarchist group, Puget Sound Anarchists, claim credit May 8: Madison, WI - Wisconsin Family Action office in Madison firebombed Advertisement

The Compass Care, a Christian pregnancy center in Buffalo, New York was firebombed on June 7.

The message 'Jane was here,' was scrawled across the building's exterior.

The same day, a North Carolina-based Mountain Area Pregnancy Services that provides counseling for pregnant women was also vandalized.

A portion of the building was defaced in red spray paint with the glaring message 'If abortions aren't safe, neither are you!' and an anarchist symbol at the front of the building.'

According to police, more graffiti was found on the side of the building stating: 'No forced birth.'

On May 8, a Molotov cocktail was thrown through a window of the headquarters of the nonprofit political advocacy group Wisconsin Family Action office in Madison, Wisconsin.

The outside of the building was graffitied with anarchist insignia, the numbers '1312' (meaning 'all cops are bastards'), and 'if abortions aren't safe then you aren't either.'

No one was hurt in the attack but, police called it an act of vandalism and arson.

An investigative reporter for the online Netherlands-based news site Bellingcat, released the first communication from 'Jane's Revenge' after the attack.

The statement read: 'This is not a declaration of war. War has been upon us for decades. A war which we did not want, and did not provoke. Too long have we been attacked for asking for basic medical care. Too long have we been shot, bombed, and forced into childbirth without consent.'

The statement also demanded 'the disbanding of all anti-choice establishments' within 30 days, and states that its first attack was 'only a warning,' but there will be future attacks until 'the inalienable right to manage our own health is returned to us.' The group claims to have a presence across the United States that could launch further attacks.'

Since then, similar attacks were carried out in cities across the country.

The group derives its name from an underground abortion network operating in Chicago in the late 1960s and early '70s called the Jane Collective.

Threatening graffiti which reads 'A 1312' is seen on the exterior of Wisconsin Family Action offices in Madison, Wis., on Sunday, May 8, 2022

Threatening graffiti which reads 'A 1312' translation 'all cops are bastards,' a report said

Some of the destruction (pictured here) of the Madison attack at the Wisconsin Family Center that was hit by the group Janes Revenge that claimed responsibility for the May 8, 2022 attack
Democrats stepped up their calls on Thursday for Justice Clarence Thomas to resign from the Supreme Court after it emerged his activist wife was in touch with one of the key brains behind Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the election.

The House January 6 committee has reportedly obtained emails between Ginni Thomas as John Eastman, who devised a plan for Vice President Mike Pence to prevent the certification of Joe Biden's 2020 victory.

It suggests Thomas' involvement in the election plot was more extensive than previously known.

Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) said it made her husband's position untenable.

'Public confidence in our nation's highest court is at its lowest levels in generations,' he said.

'The American people rightly question whether rightwing jurists in our federal courts can adjudicate the law impartially.

'Over the last few years, we have become numb to bad acts by powerful actors, but Clarence and Ginni Thomas have participated in one of the worst breaches of trust ever seen in our court system.'

Justice Thomas, he said, was not a 'neutral actor' but instead a 'corrupt jurist.'

'Clarence Thomas should have dignity and final respect for our democracy and resign.'

Democrats stepped up their calls for Justice Clarence Thomas to resign from the Supreme Court or recuse himself from election-related cases after it emerged that his wife, Ginni (pictured with her husband) was in touch with a key Trump adviser

The House committee investigating the Jan 6 riot has reportedly obtained at least one email between Thomas and John Eastman, who developed a plan for Vice President Mike Pence to reject the result of the electoral college after the 2020 election

Rep. Bill Pascrell demanded Justice Thomas' resignation from the Supreme Court. 'Clarence and Ginni Thomas have participated in one of the worst breaches of trust ever seen in our court system,' he said in statement on Thursday

Other Democratic voices said he should at least recuse himself from cases around the election.

Tommy Vietor, a liberal podcast host and former Barack Obama spokesman, tweeted: 'At this point, Ginni and Clarence Thomas are asking us to believe that she lobbied everyone she could possibly think of to overturn the results of the election except her powerful husband.

'It's an obvious lie and he has to recuse himself.'

The House committee investigating the attack on the U.S. Capitol last year is likely to request an interview with his wife, after the new evidence surfaced.

'We think its time that we, at some point, invite her to come talk to the committee,' Representative Bennie G. Thompson, Democrat of Mississippi and chairman of the committee, told Axios.

However, Eastman responded to the reports by saying that Thomas had simply emailed to ask if he could provide an election update to grassroots leaders.

'I can categorically confirm that at no time did I discuss with Mrs. Thomas or Justice Thomas any matters pending or likely to come before the Court,' he wrote on Substack.

'We have never engaged in such discussions, would not engage in such discussions, and did not do so in December 2020 or anytime else.'

A day earlier, The Washington Post revealed the committee had obtained at least one email between Justice Thomas' wife and Eastman.

Last week, a federal judge ordered Eastman to turn more than a hundred documents over to the committee after the attorney tried to block their release.

Eastman, who once served as clerk for Clarence Thomas at the Supreme Court, outlined scenarios for denying Biden the presidency in legal memos and in an Oval Office meeting on Jan. 4 with Trump and Pence, according to previous reports.

Democrats, including Barack Obama's former spokesman, cried foul over the communications

Ginni Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, was in contact with lawyer John Eastman, who pushed the theory that Mike Pence, in his role as vice president, could block the certification of Joe Biden's victory, new email messages show - above the Thomas couple at the September 2019 state dinner at the White House

Reports of Ginni Thomas' activism raised questions about whether Justice Thomas should have recused himself from any Supreme Court case involving the election.

She exchanged at least 29 text messages with Meadows between November 2020 and mid-January 2021 as Trump allies worked frantically to keep him in office.

And a report last week revealed she had emailed 29 Arizona state lawmakers, urging them to choose their own electors and disregard Joe Biden's victory in that state.

Justice Thomas participated in at least nine rulings related to the 2020 election. He also has ruled on cases where Trump was fighting attempts by congressional investigators to obtain the former president's records.

But Ginni Thomas said the two keep their work separate.

'Clarence doesn't discuss his work with me, and I don't involve him in my work,' she told the conservative publication Free Bacon in March.

Meanwhile, Thursday's hearing will focus on Trump's efforts to pressure Pence to refuse to count and certify the electoral count. It is the ceremonial role of the vice president to oversee the formal certification of the presidential election.

Greg Jacob, who served as counsel to Pence, and retired U.S. Appeals Court Judge J. Michael Luttig, who was an informal adviser, are scheduled to testify in person at the third of an expected six public hearings the committee has planned.

Committee aides told CNN that Thursday's hearing will focus on how Trump had driven the pressure campaign against Pence despite being told by lawyers in the White House counsel's office that Pence did not have the authority to unilaterally subvert the election results.

The committee earlier this week teased the hearing, showing video testimony from former White House attorney Eric Herschmann saying that he had told Eastman on January 7 that he should 'get a great effing criminal defense attorney.'

In the days leading up to the January 6th certification, Trump delivered a string of tweets demanding that Pence use his position to prevent Congress certifying his election defeat to Joe Biden.

Pence had already told the president he had no such power.

Eastman, however, wrote a memo arguing Pence could overthrow the election results when he oversaw the certification of the electoral college count on January 6th.

Eastman's memo outlined a scenario in which Pence would disregard seven states' Electoral College votes - thus ensuring no candidate received the 270 Electoral College votes required to be declared the winner.

Thursday's hearing on January 6th insurrection will focus on Donald Trump's pressure campaign on Mike Pence to overturn the election results

The election would then be decided by the House.

Each state delegation would then have had one vote to cast for president, and since Republicans controlled 26 state delegations, a majority could have voted for Trump to win the election.

Constitutional scholars and Pence, himself, disagreed with Eastman's interpretation of the vice president's role in the largely ceremonial process.

Pence's former chief of staff Marc Short told CNN on Wednesday that Pence did his duty by certifying the election results.

'He knew it from the beginning, and I think he was clear with the president and so was our office clear about what we viewed his role as. I think that, you know, for any limited government conservative I don't think he'd want the notion that our founders would have thought any one person would have been bestowed with that much authority to overturn election results. So I think the they he approached this was what does the constitution say,' Short told CNN's Wolf Blitzer.

'He did his duty. He swore an oath to uphold the constitution. He swore an oath to god to uphold the constitution just as our men and women in uniform do,' he said.
The number of Scouts has grown at the fastest rate since the Second World War because children are keen to get outdoors again after the dreariness of lockdown.

The post-pandemic boom for Scouts means there is now 90,000 young people waiting to join the movement.

Girlguiding is also booming, with a 20 per cent surge in membership over the past year and a waiting list of 56,882.

Covid and the lockdowns highlighted the health benefits of being outside. The chance to learn useful skills and have fun outdoors following months of restrictions has caused a national upturn in interest for these traditional youth activity groups.

The number of Scouts has grown at the fastest rate since the Second World War because children are keen to get outdoors again after the dreariness of lockdown

Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, lst Viscount Baden-Powell founded the Boy Scouts (1908), Girl Guides (1910) and Wolf Cubs (1916). He is seen here in Scout uniform

An undated picture of British General Lord Baden-Powell (centre-right) surrounded by the members of the Boy Scout movement in Hartfordshire during a holiday

'Lockdown was a tough period for young people,' said Scout spokesman Simon Carter. 'They couldn't go anywhere. There is now more zeal for the outdoors.

'Parents want their children to get outside, learn new skills and have fun and scouting provides the opportunities for those types of experiences.

'Adults also get a huge amount from volunteering. Being a Scout volunteer is good for their mental wellbeing, good for the young people they work with and good for local communities.'

Membership of the Scouts, not including adult helpers, has increased by 16 per cent over the past year from 362,668 to 421,852. It represents a faster growth rate than at any point for 80 years, although it did follow a 24 per cent drop the year before caused by Covid.

The resurgence in the Scouting movement, formed in 1907 by Robert Baden-Powell, also means there is a shortage of volunteers to help run groups.

Membership of the Scouts, not including adult helpers, has increased by 16 per cent over the past year from 362,668 to 421,852. The resurgence in the Scouting movement, formed in 1907 by Robert Baden-Powell (right), also means there is a shortage of volunteers to help run groups

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said recently: 'The Scouts play a fundamental role in the lives of young people, and it is fantastic to see that acknowledged through an increase in membership after a tough couple of years.

'The pandemic proved the importance of coming together and it's great to see Scouts enjoying new experiences and learning vital skills for life again.

'But, as we build back our membership, we need the help of more adult volunteers so that we can continue providing opportunities for many more prospective young Scouts.'

Scouting activities are also seen as a valuable way to pro- tect young people from mental health issues.

British General and founder of the Scout Association Sir Robert Baden-Powell (1857 - 1941) at the Scout Rally at Plashett Park, East Ham in October 1928 (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)

Lord Baden-Powell addressing the Cubs and Scouts during a Chief Scouts Rally in July 1933 (Photo by Sunday Pictorial/Mirrorpix/Getty Images)

A spokesman said research has shown that the benefits of scouting extend into adulthood. By the time Scouts reach the age of 50 they are 15 per cent less likely to suffer anxiety or mood disorders.

The Girlguiding movement, which covers a range of ages from four to 18 and includes Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers, has seen a similar trend.

Since 2021 membership of four to 18-year-olds has increased from 239,22 to 290,468. There has also been 184,000 enquiries from girls  the highest since 2015.

Angela Salt, Girlguiding chief executive, repeated the call for volunteers and said: 'After a challenging couple of years, it is really great to see the opportunities Girlguiding offers acknowledged through the significant increase in those wanting to join us.'
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Dramatic new images show National Guard aircrews rescuing citizens stranded by severe flooding around Yellowstone National Park.

The images, released by the Montana National Guard, provide a harrowing view over the shoulders of crewmen in helicopters as they fly low over the ravaged landscape and towns on June 13 and 14.

In one image, taken over the edge of a helicopter deck, a soldier is lowered by pulley to the roof of a house surrounded by a sea of brown floodwaters.

Another looks out from inside a helicopter, and down on a flooded house where people can be seen standing on the rooftop. A soldier's gloved hand can be seen clutching the pulley cable, ready to go.

The images show neighborhoods submerged in seas of floodwaters, a river valley flooded as full as a lake, and even a rainbow spilling from a rainstorm on the horizon.

The photos - several of which show mountain ranges and Montana plains rolling into the distance - also convey the might and beauty of the landscape that has been so ravaged by the elements in the past week.

The images are the latest in a run of gripping scenes to emerge from the Yellowstone National Park region, as unprecedented flooding washed away roads, homes and bridges, and led to the evacuation of thousands.

Montana has declared a state of disaster over the flooding, yet Governor Greg Gianforte's whereabouts remain unknown, as his office confirmed that he is out of the country but declined to say where, or when he would return to his beleaguered state.

A photo released by the Montana National Guard depicting an airborne rescue of people stranded in the Yellowstone region flooding

The images, released by the Montana National Guard, provide a harrowing view over the shoulders of crewmen in helicopters as they fly low over the ravaged landscape and towns on June 13 and 14

The photos - several of which show mountain ranges and Montana plains rolling into the distance - also convey the might and beauty of the landscape that has been so ravaged by the elements in the past week

Shots show neighborhoods submerged in seas of floodwaters, a river valley flooded as full as a lake, and even a rainbow spilling from another rainstorm on the horizon

The Montana National Guard shots were taken during rescue missions in the towns of Fromberg, Roscoe, Cooke City, and East Rosebud Lake.

The Guard said it has rescued over 87 people and flown over 41 hours of search and rescue missions since June 13.

The National Guard also said that it deployed 16 members to the town of Red Lodge, which was severely flooded this week.

Dramatic drone footage from Red Lodge, a small town just north of Yellowstone National Park, shows a frothing river rushing down what was once a main street in the town.

Slabs of concrete streets were torn away by the waters, and trees and debris piled high up against buildings and derelict bridges.

A valley where once a river flowed, transformed into a lake, as seen from the flight deck of a National Guard helicopter

The Guard said it has rescued over 87 people and flown over 41 hours of search and rescue missions since July 13

Satellite images taken on Wednesday just south of the park's northern entrance also captured the extent of the devastation in Yellowstone National Park.

The photos show the previously peaceful rivers transformed into raging torrents, and devastation along their banks. In one photo the winding paved roads are seen torn apart by the swollen river, and completely engulfed by the brown waters downstream.

In another set of before-and-after shots, a bridge can been seen to be swept away.

Meanwhile, the Billings water treatment plant restarted operations 'at a very low capacity' on Wednesday night, after it had been swamped by floodwaters. The plant is the only water treatment facility that services the city.

A spokesperson said that the plant is operating at a high enough capacity to meet the city's needs - if residents remain stringent about conserving fresh water.

News of the plant restarting comes after residents of Billings - Montana's largest city - were told they had 24-to 36-hour supply of water when the treatment plant was overwhelmed and shut down yesterday morning.

Drone footage of the floodwaters overwhelming the town of Red Lodge, Montana, was posted online on Tuesday

 Slide me  Slide for a satellite image of road in Yellowstone National Park before it was ravaged by flooding, and and a shot of the same road during the flooding on June 15

 Slide me  Slide to see satellite images of an entrance to Yellowstone National Park before the flooding, and during the flooding on June 15

Governor Gianforte was last seen in public at the groundbreaking of a Montana State University building in Bozeman, on June 10, according to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. The next day, the first flood warnings were issued for the Yellowstone region.

As local Montana outlets began to note the governor's absence, Gianforte's office released a statement giving a vague explanation of his whereabouts.

The statement said that the governor was on 'long-scheduled personal trip with the first lady,' abroad, and that he would was 'returning early and as quickly as possible.'

Gianforte has been active on Twitter throughout the disaster, writing that he was 'closely monitoring' the situation, leading to outraged and mocking replies from users on the platform.

The governor has also received criticisms from Montana lawmakers, who have accused him of trying to hide the fact that he has been abroad while his state was in crisis.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte. He has not been seen in Montana since June 10, as seen above, and his office confirmed that he has been out of the country

While Gianforte was on holiday on Wednesday, residents in Red Lodge used shovels, wheelbarrows and pump to clear thick mud and debris from a flooded home along the banks of Rock Creek.

'We thought we had it, and then a bridge went out. And it diverted the creek, and the water started rolling in the back, broke out a basement window and started filling up my basement,' Pat Ruzich said. 'And then I quit. It was like, the water won.'

In Gardiner, Montana, businesses had just started really recovering from the tourism contraction wrought by the coronavirus pandemic, and were hoping for a good year as Yellowstone celebrates its 150th anniversary, said Bill Berg, a commissioner in Park County.

'It's a Yellowstone town, and it lives and dies by tourism, and this is going to be a pretty big hit,' he said. 'They're looking to try to figure out how to hold things together.'

Slabs of concrete streets could be seen torn away by the waters, and trees and debris piled high up against buildings and derelict bridges

Fallen trees and debris swept away by the floodwaters can be seen piled up against a ruined bridge in Red Lodge, Montana

A main street in Red Lodge, Montana, turned into a raging river by the floodwaters that have been pouring down the Yellowstone River

Cory Mottice, with the National Weather Service in Billings, said the river was expected to crest Wednesday evening and drop below minor flood stage, 13.5 feet, by mid-to-late Thursday.

The unprecedented and sudden flooding raged through Yellowstone after heavy rains and melting mountain snow drove the Yellowstone River to historically high levels.

The river overflowed, and the torrents of water damaged hundreds of homes in nearby communities, though remarkably no one was reported hurt or killed.

It also pushed a popular fishing river off course - possibly permanently - and may force roadways torn away by torrents of water to be rebuilt a safer distance away.

Fallen trees and debris can be seen piled up against homes and buildings in Red Lodge, Montana. In the background, a bridge torn apart by the flooding can be seen

Floodwaters covered nearly every street in the town of Red Lodge, Montana, severely damaging homes, roads, and bridges

Debris piled up along a flooded road in Red Lodge, Montana. The footage was shot by drone and posted online on Tuesday

A stretch of road carved up by the floodwaters in Red Lodge, Montana, after the Yellowstone River flooded the surrounding region

Park officials characterized the severe flooding tearing through the region as a once in a 'thousand-year event,' that could alter the course of the Yellowstone river and surrounding landscapes forever.

Officials say that the river's volume is flowing 20,000 cubic feet per second faster than the previous record measured in the 90s.

10,000 tourists were evacuated - including a dozen trapped campers who were rescued by helicopter - emptying the park completely of all visitors.

All entrances to the park were closed on Tuesday, and though park services say some southern roads may open in a week, they predicted that the northern roads will be closed through the fall.

This photo provided by the City of Billings shows flooding at the Billings water plant on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, forcing the city plant to shut down. The water is shown clearly destroying a red gantry that allows treatment plant employees to access the main building

Billings had a just a 24-to 36-hour supply of water and officials asked its 110,000 residents to conserve while expressing optimism that the river would drop quickly enough for the plant to resume operations before the supply ran out

The Yellowstone River flows past a washed out bridge Wednesday, June 15, 2022, near Gardiner, Mont. Yellowstone National Park officials say more than 10,000 visitors have been ordered out of the nation's oldest national park after unprecedented flooding tore through its northern half, washing out bridges and roads and sweeping an employee bunkhouse miles downstream

The Yellowstone River flows through Gardiner, Montana on Wednesday

Residents walk along the shore of the elevated Yellowstone River as the floodwaters continued to rage

Volunteers fill a trailer with debris from a flooded home Wednesday

A child's muddy bedroom that had flooded is seen Wednesday, June 15, 2022, in Red Lodge, Montana

As the waters appear to recede slightly, parks officials are turning their attention to the massive effort of rebuilding many miles of ruined roads and hundreds of washed-out bridges, many of them built for backcountry hikers.

Yellowstone Superintendent Cam Sholly said assessment teams won't be able to tally the damage until next week.

Kelly Goonan, an associate professor at Southern Utah University and an expert in national parks and recreation management, said rebuilding will be a long process.

'This is something we're definitely going to feel the impacts of for the next several years,' Goonan said.

A house that was pulled into Rock Creek in Red Lodge, Mont., by raging floodwaters is seen Tuesday

The roaring Yellowstone River is seen from the air sweeping over trees and near homes

Residents of Red Lodge, Montana, are seen clearing mud, water and debris from the small city's main street

Debris from floodwaters is piled up in front of a home in Red Lodge, Mont., Wednesday

Vehicles block the entrance to Yellowstone National Park, a major tourist attraction now closed due to the historic floodwaters, Wednesday

A house sits in Rock Creek after floodwaters washed away a road and a bridge

Pedestrians walk down a street washed away from Rock Creek floodwaters

In this aerial image taken with a drone, sandbags and mud covered roads are left behind after floodwaters from Rock Creek receded, Wednesday

A resident carries out damaged items from his flooded home along a washed out street in Red Lodge, Mont., Wednesday

As the Yellowstone rebuild efforts get underway, rangers will have to consider the reality of the park's altered landscape as well as potential future natural disasters.

The Governor of Montana, Greg Gianforte, declared a statewide disaster.

'We certainly know that climate change is causing more natural disasters, more fires, bigger fires and more floods and bigger floods. These things are going to happen, and they're going to happen probably a lot more intensely,' said Robert Manning, a retired University of Vermont professor of environment and natural resources.

Officials may also be able to rebuild in a way that's more ecologically sound than the roads and bridges built a decade or century ago, he said.

The rains hit just as area hotels filled up in recent weeks with summer tourists. More than four million visitors were tallied by the park last year. The wave of tourists doesn't abate until fall, and June is typically one of Yellowstone's busiest months.

A home is shown in flood waters Wednesday, June 15, 2022, in Livingston, Montana

Highway workers inspect a washed out bridge along the Yellowstone River Wednesday

A collapsed train bridge is shown along the Yellowstone River Wednesday

Yellowstone officials are hopeful that next week they can reopen the southern half of the park, which includes Old Faithful geyser.

Closure of the northern part of the park will keep visitors from features that include Tower Fall, Mammoth Hot Springs and the Lamar Valley, which is known for viewing wildlife such as bears and wolves.

Still unresolved is how it will handle all the tourists when only half the park is open.

'One thing that we definitely know is that half the park cannot support all of the visitation,' Sholly said Tuesday.

The park will likely implement some kind of reservation or timed-entry system to let people in without sending crowd sizes sky-high.

Highway workers build up the shoreline of a washed out bridge along the Yellowstone River
North Korea has recorded an epidemic of an unnamed gastrointestinal disease in the country's southwest region amid its worsening COVID-19 outbreak situation.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) did not specify the number of people suffering from an "acute enteric epidemic."

KCNA reported that the North Korean leader "stressed the need to contain the epidemic at the earliest date possible by taking a well-knit measure to quarantine the suspected cases to thoroughly curb its spread, confirming cases through epidemiological examination and scientific tests."

According to the official Korean Central News Agency, Kim donated his family's reserved medicines for people diagnosed with "an acute enteric outbreak" in southeastern Haeju city on Wednesday. A front-page photo of Kim and his wife Ri Sol Ju examining saline solutions and other medicines they were going to donate was published separately in the North's major Rodong Sinmun newspaper, per a Time report.

Authorities Monitoring New Outbreak and Its Possible Impact on Food Supply

Several observers say North Korea's "enteric epidemic" refers to an infectious disease such as typhoid, dysentery, or cholera, which are intestinal ailments spread by germs through contaminated food and water or contact with infected people's excrement.

Such infections are common in North Korea, which lacks adequate water purification facilities and has had a mostly shattered public healthcare infrastructure since the mid-1990s.

Seoul is monitoring the outbreak, which is suspected to be cholera or typhoid, per a source at South Korea's unification ministry.

Read Also: New Android Malware Can Steal Your Info, Facebook Passwords | Beware of These Apps on Google Play Store

South Hwanghae province is North Korea's largest agricultural region, and the situation has prompted concerns about the impact of the new outbreak on food supplies in a country where more people are starving, per Al Jazeera.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme, 10.9 million North Koreans (42.4 % of the population) were food insecure and in desperate need of assistance in 2021.

While the risk of infection spreading through crops is minimal, Eom Joong-sik, an infectious disease expert at Gachon University Gil Medical Center, believes sanitizing water supply sources is critical because the disease is likely to be waterborne.

COVID-19 Cases Still High

The current epidemic coincides with the North's ongoing war against COVID-19.

Pyongyang announced a state of emergency over the virus after daily confirmed cases in the country's predominantly unvaccinated populace reached around 393,000. According to the Yonhap news agency in South Korea, the number of "fever" patients was just over 26,000 on Thursday.

Pyongyang has been releasing the number of fever patients daily without identifying them as COVID patients, owing to a shortage of testing tools. Experts believe that the data given by government-controlled media are underreported, Reuters reported.

On Thursday, North Korea reported 26,010 more persons suffering from fever symptoms, bringing the total number of fever patients in the country since late April to about 4.56 million. The COVID-19 outbreak has claimed the lives of 73 people.

The North has claimed that the COVID outbreak is diminishing, but the World Health Organization has raised doubt about Pyongyang's statements, claiming that the situation is worsening.

Related Article: Chinese Authorities Trace 'Ferocious' COVID-19 Outbreak to Raucous Bar, Prompt Immediate Mass Testing

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A new Bill of Rights designed to speed up the removal of Channel migrants is expected to be unveiled next week.

Dominic Raab confirmed yesterday the legislation would include measures to effectively ignore injunctions from the European Court of Human Rights.

Such orders by judges based in Strasbourg were used to ground Tuesday nights inaugural flight to Rwanda. However, peers are expected to block key reforms to the proposed major legislation.

Members of the Lords said it was likely to face lots of opposition despite it being a Government manifesto commitment.

Justice Secretary Dominic Rabb, pictured, is planning to introduce a Bill of Rights which will allow the government to ignore injunctions from the European Court of Human Rights when it comes to forcibly removing asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing

The government had chartered a Boeing 767 from a Spanish airline to take a group of men who arrived on the Kent coast so their asylum claims could be processed in Rwanda

But a last minute intervention by the Strasbourg-based court prevented the flight from taking off

Justice Secretary Mr Raabs remarks came after yesterdays Mail revealed he was examining the possibility of disregarding last-minute Strasbourg injunctions.

But he said the UK would stay within the European Convention on Human Rights, following calls from Tory backbenchers for the UK to leave the treaty. I dont think that either in this case or in general it is right for the Strasbourg court to assume a power of injunction and then apply it, said Mr Raab, who is also Deputy Prime Minister.

Its not grounded in the Convention and I dont think its right as a matter of policy. I certainly believe they should not have a legally-binding effect under UK law.

He said it would not be possible to ignore the measures while the Human Rights Act remains in force. But he added that we will address this squarely with the Bill of Rights, which will replace Labours widely-loathed law.

The Bill will also contain measures to make it easier to carry out deportations and other types of removals. For example, it is expected to curtail use of the right to private and family life by foreign offenders.

Conservative peer Lord Blencathra, a former Home Office minister, told the Mail: Im certain the Bill of Rights will face opposition in the Lords, but not from me.

With the socialists on the crossbenches, Labour and the huge number of lawyers in the Lords it is bound to face lots of opposition. The Human Rights Act was Labours mistake and yet they regard it as sacrosanct.

Mr Rabb said his Bill of Rights will remove a Human Rights Law from the statute books and make the process of removing asylum seekers easier

We must try to ensure domestic law has prominence, especially after the interference by Strasbourg this week. He predicted the Bill would ultimately be part of a ping pong between the two Houses and we will have to depend on the Commons to overturn lots of Lords amendments.

Extensive opposition in Parliament means the Bill  already unlikely to become law until next year  could take even longer to get on the Statute Book. One peer said: The Government can expect trouble. Whether it will be substantial trouble depends on how Labour responds to this, and they must be careful given attitudes to immigration in marginal seats.

The crossbencher added: The lawyers brigade in the Lords wont buy the Bill of Rights at all.

They think so-called advances in human rights law are to be preserved and anything the present Government produces is likely to be intended to undermine the present law. The Rwanda flight was grounded following a series of legal challenges in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court on behalf of the asylum seekers due to be sent on the one-way trip to East Africa. All three British courts refused to intervene. But the Home Office had to abandon the first flight after lawyers for six migrants due to be on board went to Strasbourg judges at the 11th hour.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has vowed to press ahead with the policy, which she insists is essential to deter Channel migrants risking their lives in small boats. But officials are understood to be assessing the full impact of the Strasbourg injunctions, and whether they are likely to bar all future attempts at removals

Home Secretary Priti Patel has vowed to press ahead with the policy, which she insists is essential to deter Channel migrants risking their lives in small boats.

But officials are understood to be assessing the full impact of the Strasbourg injunctions, and whether they are likely to bar all future attempts at removals.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: The Government believes that it has presented a workable solution, a legal solution, to this intractable problem and we want to get on with it.

Englands top barrister last night accused Boris Johnson of bullying lawyers after the PM claimed they were abetting the work of criminal gangs. Mark Fenhalls QC, chairman of the Bar Council, told Times Radio there had been a number of death threats against immigration lawyers and called the comments appalling.
A former prospect in the New York Mets minor league system was killed in an automobile accident in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday.

Darwyn Encarnacion, 21, was driving his Honda CRV when he crashed into a section of the Arenoso Bridge in the north central municipality of La Vega.

The impact of the crash sent the SUV into a cobblestone ditch below the bridge.

He was pulled out from the wrecked vehicle and was rushed to Juan Bosch Hospital, where doctors attempted to save his life before he was declared dead, El Diario Libre newspaper reported.

Darwyn Encarnacion, a 21-year-old former prospect in the New York Mets minor league system, was killed in a SUV crash in La Vega, Dominican Republic on Wednesday. Encarnacion was signed by the Mets in March 2019 and was assigned to the club's Rookie-level Dominican Summer League affiliate. He appeared in 35 games during the 2019 season

Residents in La Vega, Dominican Republic, stand near the site where former Mets minor leaguer Darwyn Encarnacion's SUV landed after he crashed the vehicle into the section of a bridge and landed in a ditch below on Wednesday. He was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead

Encarnacion was signed as an international free agent in March 2019 by the Mets.

"He was a great human being, very disciplined, respectful and polite. He played with us for just one year, in 2019," a team official with the club's Dominican Republic academy told MLB insider Hector Gomez.

The SUV was completely wrecked after Mets minor leaguer Darwyn Encarnacion crashed it into a section of a bridge in La Vega, Dominican Republic, on Wednesday. The 21-year-old was taken to a local hospital where he died

Residents in the Dominican Republic city of La Vega stand near the wrecked SUV driven by Darwyn Encarnacion moments after he crashed it on a bridge and landed on a ditch below. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died

Former New York Mets minor leaguer Darwyn Encarnacion with his mother

As part of his contract signing, New York also provided Encarnacion a scholarship and he was studying at a local university following his release.

Encarnacion played 35 games with the Mets' Dominican Summer League affiliate in 2019.

The outfielder hit .248 with one home run and eight RBI in the 35 games he appeared in for the two teams that the Mets fielded in the Rookie-level league.
As the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra took a bow following a last concert for the Nazi regime, boys from the Hitler Youth passed among the audience with wicker baskets filled with cyanide capsules, offering them around.

That evening, April 12, 1945, senior party officials, family and friends at Berlins Beethoven Salle had listened to the final aria from Wagners Gotterdammerung, The Twilight Of The Gods  knowing this was also the twilight of Hitlers rule.

The Red Army was powering toward Berlin and fear stalked the city. Russias army then, as now, was renowned for its ruthlessness. Who could blame those who availed themselves of those capsules, seeking a painless way out?

The authorities in Berlin turned a blind eye to the trade in cyanide; a discreet request to a sympathetic pharmacist could elicit a small glass phial, secured with a cork.

Urban myth had it that cyanide was painless, the taste of bitter almonds on the tongue leading to a calm, non-violent death. The reality for those who chose to take it was horribly different.

As the chemicals hit the stomach there was a sensation of violent suffocation. The face and flesh would turn a deep, mottled red and agonising cardiac failure would follow.

The whole process could last two to five minutes but must have felt like an eternity.

Yet many still chose to end their lives this way, some encouraged by Nazi propaganda which praised self-sacrifice and insisted there was no honour in surrender; others through exhaustion and fear.

Any period of Berlins turbulent history makes for a compelling story, but right now  with the Russians attempting to crush Ukraine  none seems more poignant than those final few weeks of spring 1945, when the Red Army threatened to raze the city.

Berlin was attacked by the Russian Red Army from the East in 1945, (pictured: a damaged Berlin street in 1946)

Ukraine now finds itself in a similar situation, with their cities (Kramatorsk pictured) being heavily bombed by Russia while the population flees

Berlin, a fascinating new book by Sinclair McKay, allows us to hear the voices of ordinary Berliners for the first time, drawing on personal accounts collected by the Zeitzeugenborse  a new bank of evidence created by German academics.

For years after the fall of Berlin, the citys survivors were reluctant to speak openly about what they endured: in the wake of Nazi atrocities, it was taboo to suggest they were also victims of Hitlers war.

The book restores the balance, offering up a rich, tragic and terrifying account of a city staring into the abyss.

By the beginning of April 1945, most Berliners were living underground, in basements or U-Bahn stations, emerging only to join food queues. Many were reduced to eating dandelions and stinging nettles.

Truckloads of refugees  in flight from the Red Army  flooded in from the East. As she stood in a queue, actress Hildegard Knef, who became internationally famous after the war, remembered one woman shouting: Clear out, the Russiansll rape you, beat your brains out. They crucified my husband, nailed him to a door: clear out!

Some 100,000 civilian dead are believed to have been strewn around the city, buried and unburied, some victims of months of bombing, others killed by their own hand.

Berlin stank of decomposition.

Death was so common that passers-by barely glanced at the corpse of a woman by the river Spree. Her belongings were on a bench: she had presumably sat down next to her handbag and taken the poison. As its effects began, she had fallen helplessly to the ground.

In suburbs where once-smart apartment blocks had been torn open by Soviet shells, a number of residents took what remained of their tattered sheets, bound them to doors and window frames and hanged themselves, their bodies sometimes dangling over the streets below.

Hitler, in his bunker, aimed a gun at his head. His partner Eva Braun, her feet tucked behind her on the sofa, broke open an ampoule of poison. Magda Goebbels, wife of the Fuhrers minister of propaganda, infamously killed not only herself but her six children.

Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and his partner Eva Braun both committed suicide before the Red Army could capture them

On the streets, children were sacrificed to the citys defence. Dorothea von Schwanenfleugel remembered seeing a boy, slight and small, no older than 12, sitting in a trench beside an anti-tank grenade and was startled to see tears running down his face. She gently asked what he was doing.

He told her he had instructions to wait until a Soviet tank rolled into view then take the grenade, run under the tank and detonate it. He had been persuaded  or forced  to take his own life.

She knew this attack would probably be futile  Russian soldiers would shoot him dead before he reached the tank. But she dared not act on her mothers instinct and take the boy home with her and hide him.

If the SS discovered he had deserted his post, his would become one of the many bodies dangling lifeless from lampposts. If she took him and he was hunted down, she and her own children would be murdered as well.

She gave him some food and walked away. The next day, the boy was gone.

In Ukraine today, we are witness to the horrors of war in real time. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians are said to have been deported from the Donbas region to so-called filtration camps in Russia.

A recording of a Russian soldier talking to his mother has revealed graphic detail of the tortures inflicted on Ukrainian prisoners, including cutting and stripping back the skin of a victims fingers like the petals of a flower.

Ukrainian civilians fleeing their homes to escape bombardment have returned to find their houses trashed and looted for valuables, including perfumes, jewellery, wine and money.

So it was in 1945: Russias conscripts were drawn from some of the poorest, most backward regions of the country and could not believe the luxury the German population enjoyed compared with the privations at home.

In one instance, Red Army troops reportedly put some potatoes into a lavatory to wash them. They did not know what a flushing toilet was: when they pulled the chain and the potatoes disappeared they accused the apartments tenants of sabotage.

To stop the Russians from getting their hands on both luxuries and simple foodstuffs, Berliners themselves resorted to looting. Hunger had relieved them of their scruples.

An iconic photo 'Raising a Flag Over the Reichstag' (colourised) shows the Red Army having conquered Berlin in April 1945

One of the most disturbing aspects of the current conflict in Ukraine is the widespread use of sexual violence as a terror tactic. This, too, reflects Berlin in 1945.

In Bucha, a town north of Kyiv, 25 girls and women, aged 14 to 24, were kept in a basement and systematically raped by Russian forces. Investigators working in Ukraine have heard stories of gang-rapes, sexual assaults at gunpoint and rapes committed in front of children.

Berlins women, too, were terrified of what would happen when the Russians arrived. Heidi Koch, a teenage member of the League Of German Girls who was helping build walls of rubble to block the Russians way, said a member of the SS had reinforced the importance of the work by shouting at her: Do you know what will happen if the Russians get here? They will probably f*** you and shoot you, do you understand?

A broadcast from the Fuhrer warned that the old men and children will be murdered. Women and maidens will be debased to the level of barrack-room harlots. The rest will be packed off to Siberia. In the face of such terror, Hildegard Knef, who had just been signed to a major studio, devised a plan that would be a credit to most screenwriters: she disguised herself as a male soldier to escape the sexual attentions of the Red Army.

Knef was tall and statuesque. In a greatcoat, sweater, trousers and cap she could look and move like a man  but she took the ruse further, joining the Volksturm, a defence force comprised members of the SS and teenage boys.

At its HQ, she was given ammunition and a target test, then directed to the basement, where she spent the next few hours listening to the incessant, distant artillery, beside a pimply 15-year-old boy, armed and frightened, ready to pull the trigger, and an old soldier who had fought at Stalingrad.

Knef was posted to the south-west of the city, where she hid in the ruins of residential buildings, caught up in artillery raids.

The explosions were one thing: the psychological impact of the screaming noise made by the rocket launchers (nick-named Stalins Organs) quite another.

The noise had been calculated to make rational thought impossible, a piercing sound that reached into the primitive corners of the brain.

The trembling starts in the feet, the shivering, the shaking, creeps up my body, takes hold of my teeth until they chatter, till my face bangs on the stones, Knef wrote later.

Actress Hildegard Knef (right) made herself appear as a man so she would avoid the attention of male soldiers in the Red Army

The street battles waged by the small platoons of rag-tag Volksturm fighters briefly held up the progress of Soviet vehicles, but inevitably, the tanks rolled in.

Hiding in a railway shed on a rainy evening, Knef heard dreadful, heart-rending screams, high, thin, shrill. She knew what it was: Russians had entered a house and had started on the women.

Everyone knew that even in war, rape was criminal, but for the Russians, there were no serious sanctions. The Russian novelist Leonid Leonov observed: Our patrols now stride through Berlin and German ladies gaze in their eyes invitingly, ready to begin the payment of reparations at once. This chilling attitude made rape a form of justice in itself, as if the women of Berlin had to redress the crimes of the Nazi forces in the east. Perhaps that is why some Soviet soldiers had no conscience about the cruelty of public rape: one young woman in a grocery shop was violated on the counter in full view of the street outside.

In desperation, young women rubbed ash in their hair and padded out their clothing to make themselves look old and unattractive.

There were an estimated 1.4 million women in Berlin; the number who were raped in April 1945 is unknowable but there have been estimates of half a million.

The stories recounted in McKays book, though, are often more subtle and complex than this frightening figure would suggest:

Jewish fugitive Marie Jalowicz-Simon embraced the first Soviet solder she encountered, so relieved was she to have survived the Nazis: he looked, she recalled, rather shocked. Nothing untoward happened, but a few days later the Soviet soldiers rampaged through the houses raping women. Naturally, I was among them.

I slept in the attic, where I was visited that night by a sturdy, friendly character called Ivan Dedoborez. I didnt mind too much.

Afterwards he wrote a note and left it on my door. This was his fiancee in here, it said, and everyone else was to leave her alone. In fact, after that no one did pester me.

If Frau Simon appeared to approach the situation with resignation, she also acknowledged the suffering of a neighbour: there was hysterical screaming and screeching from her room.

In other, harrowing, cases, women in cellars bargained with soldiers in an effort to spare younger siblings; some victims were thrown into rooms where groups of men were waiting; and others were simply murdered  even butchered  after the rape had taken place.

Sex, for some, was simply a means for survival. Journalist Marta, having been raped, was determined to stop it happening again. I need a wolf who will keep the wolves away from me, she wrote. An officer, as high as possible, Kommandant, General, whatever I can get. She found such a man: he provided protection for her whole household, as well as little luxuries like wax candles and alcohol.

As the Russians closed in, office worker Mechtild Evers broke into the company safe and took three months salary. She headed to Stralsund, a port 100 miles north, where her soldier husband was stationed, then on to Hiddensee, a small island which had been popular with middle-class holidaymakers in the pre-war years.

A lone woman on a hostile road, she eventually made it to Stralsund, where she was briefly  and blissfully  reunited with her husband. She then proceeded alone to Hiddensee, but before long the Soviets overran the whole area.

Her husband was captured and sent to a Soviet PoW camp. Evers was put to work on the mainland, first in a railway goods depot, then on a remote farm with a party of other women. To her horror, she realised that some of their guards were liberated forced labourers  men who had been kidnapped by the Germans in Poland.

Out on the flat, featureless fields, a young woman was grabbed and taken to a ditch, where she fought violently. A gunshot was heard. Evers and the other women  traumatised and terrified  were forced to continue digging beets.

When evening came, they were taken to a barn and locked in. All the women were raped  some, including Evers, several times.

But she survived the war  as did Hildegard Knef.

In Britain, May 8, 1945 brought the jubilant, floodlit celebrations of VE Day. In Berlin, it heralded the return of refugees from the countryside to the city.

Evers was once more on foot, surviving upon the kindness of those in striped concentration camp clothes or Russian soldiers uniforms, whose souls the war has not been able to kill, who shared their only piece of bread with me.

Knef had been briefly taken prisoner but had revealed her true identity and been released. She had not bathed for three months and her clothes were seething with lice as she, too, trekked along dusty roads back to Berlin.

If anyone had told these women that within a fortnight the authorities would reopen some of the citys cinemas, theatres and concert halls, they would have thought it fantasy, but such is the resilience of Berlin, that is what happened.

Knef joined a theatre troupe in the newly-created American sector of Berlin and began performing everything from light revues to Shakespeare, while suffering violent gastric pains from hunger.

For a short while, for players and audience, it was possible to forget the terrible destruction that had brought their city to the brink. But Berlins woes were far from over.

As the war gave way to a stand-off between the Soviets and the West, a new drama, a division of the city that would last more than 40 years, was about to begin . . .
Sajid Javid is prepared to wage war against gender-free language after he demanded the NHS stop dropping the word 'women' from its online health advice.

The minister, 52, has repeatedly said he does not agree with the health service removing the word from its ovarian cancer guidance webpage.

'Women' does not appear in the overview of the disease on the NHS.uk website, instead being replaced with the ambiguous and gender-neutral term 'anyone'.

The word first appears on the third page of the ovarian cancer section of the website. 'Anyone with ovaries can get ovarian cancer. This includes women, trans men, non-binary people and intersex people with ovaries,' it states.

NHS Digital bosses have been warned future changes to gendered language must be rubber-stamped by officials at Mr Javid's Department of Health, reports The Sun.

The Health Secretary previously told Sky News 'common sense and the right language' should be used to 'give people the best possible patient care'.

Sajid Javid is prepared to wage war against gender-free language after he demanded the NHS stop dropping the word 'women' from its online health advice

NHS Digital bosses have been warned future changes to gendered language must be rubber-stamped by officials at Mr Javid's Department of Health and Social Care. [File image]

Dr Karleen Gribble, a child health expert and professor at Western Sydney University, warned gender-free terms are 'less accessible' and could have deadly consequences.

'Many people do not even know if they have a cervix or prostate but they do understand men or women', she explained.

'The potential harm is people dont respond to public health messaging. It might result in a fatal delay in seeking health care.'

It comes as it was revealed the word 'women' does not appear in the overview of the disease on the NHS.uk website.

Instead it states: 'Ovarian cancer affects the two small organs (ovaries) that store the eggs needed to make babies.

'Anyone with ovaries can get ovarian cancer, but it mostly affects those over 50.'

The word 'women' first appears on the third page of the ovarian cancer section of the website.

'Anyone with ovaries can get ovarian cancer. This includes women, trans men, non-binary people and intersex people with ovaries,' it adds.

An NHS Digital spokesperson said: 'The NHS website provides information for everyone. We keep the pages under continual review to ensure they use language that is inclusive, respectful and relevant to the people reading it.'

The old version of the NHS ovarian cancer page as of December 30 2021 (left) mentions women specifically twice, whereas the new version (right) omits them

A similar change has happened with womb cancer, with both 'women' and 'female' mentioned in the older version from August 2021 (left) but omitted in the right

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF OVARIAN CANCER? The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be difficult to recognise, particularly early on. They're often the same as symptoms of less serious conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). The most common symptoms of ovarian cancer are: Feeling constantly bloated

A swollen tummy

Discomfort in your tummy or pelvic area

Feeling full quickly when eating, or loss of appetite

Needing to pee more often or more urgently than normal Other symptoms can include: P ersistent indigestion or nausea

ersistent indigestion or nausea Pain during sex

A change in your bowel habits

Back pain

Vaginal bleeding  particularly bleeding after the menopause

Feeling tired all the time

Unintentional weight loss When to see your GP See your GP if: You've been feeling bloated most days for the last three weeks

You have other symptoms of ovarian cancer that won't go away  especially if you're over 50 or have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, as you may be at a higher risk It's unlikely you have cancer, but it's best to check. Your GP can do some simple tests. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

Last month MailOnline revealed how official NHS advice about ovarian, womb and cervix cancers had also quietly removed the word 'women' from their webpages.

The term was missing from the landing pages of three sections explaining cancers only found in biological women.

Asked about reports that the NHS has dropped the word from advice pages on its website, Mr Javid said: 'Well, look, I haven't seen that particular report, but I have heard of instances like that and I don't think it's right.

'You won't be surprised to know that, as the Health Secretary, I think that your sex matters, your biological sex is incredibly important to make sure you get the right treatment, the very best treatment.'

Pressed on whether he will get the wording changed back, Mr Javid said: 'I am looking into this and you'll know, look, the NHS, there (are) many different trusts and I want to listen to why someone might have taken a different approach - I don't just want to assume - but I think I've made my views clear on this.'

He added: 'I know there's some sensitivity around this language, but we have to use common sense and use the right language so that we can give people the best possible patient care.'

It comes amid ongoing concerns about trans-inclusive language in NHS guidance, with services currently in a 'woke' storm about de-gendering language surrounding women and pregnancy by erasing terms like breastfeeding.

Some student midwives have even been taught how to help biological men give birth, even though it's scientifically impossible.

The original version of the ovarian NHS cancer page featured the line: 'Ovarian cancer, or cancer of the ovaries, is one of the most common types of cancer in women.'

It also highlights the women who may be particularly at risk, saying: 'Ovarian cancer mainly affects women who have been through the menopause (usually over the age of 50), but it can sometimes affect younger women.'

However, in an update sneaked out in January - which campaigners only uncovered this month - both lines were removed.

Instead, another line was added: 'Anyone with ovaries can get ovarian cancer, but it mostly affects those over 50.'

Experts also warned the change could actually be dangerous for women by over-complicating health messaging.

But the NHS has defended the update, stating it seeks to make the pages 'as helpful as possible to everyone who needs them'.

There about 7,500 new ovarian cancer cases in the UK each year, with around 4,200 deaths.

Similar changes have also been made to the NHS's womb cancer page, which used to open with: 'Cancer of the womb (uterine or endometrial cancer) is a common cancer that affects the female reproductive system.'

'It's more common in women who have been through the menopause.'

But the page was changed in October last year to omit these lines, with no other mention of women on the main page.

The same has happened to the NHS cervical cancer page with the previous version stating: 'Cervical cancer develops in a woman's cervix (the entrance to the womb from the vagina). It mainly affects sexually active women aged between 30 and 45.'
Robert Peston was forced into a grovelling apology yesterday after he falsely claimed Boris Johnson's ethics adviser quit over a plan to help firms linked to the Tories.

The ITV News political editor triggered a complaint from No 10 to his employers over the message posted to his 1.2 million Twitter followers yesterday.

He wrote the 'only conclusion to be drawn' was that Lord Geidt resigned after being asked to approve 'tariffs being imposed to help companies with connections to the Conservative Party or ministers'.

Mr Peston, 62, initially tweeted at 11.47am following the publication of Lord Geidt's resignation letter.

The peer said he quit as the Prime Minister's adviser on ministerial interests after being asked for advice on a 'deliberate and purposeful breach' of the ministerial code.

Robert Peston was forced into a grovelling apology yesterday after he falsely claimed Boris Johnson's ethics adviser quit over a plan to help firms linked to the Tories

Downing Street yesterday declined to comment on suggestions from Whitehall sources that this related to a plan to maintain tariffs on Chinese steel despite it possibly breaching Britain's World Trade Organisation (WTO) commitments.

Responding to Lord Geidt's letter, Mr Peston tweeted: 'The only conclusion to be drawn is that Geidt was asked to sanction tariffs being imposed to help companies with connections to the Conservative Party or ministers. Government source says what Geidt was asked to sanction had nothing to do with ministerial or party interests.

'But what the PM says, that he wanted ethics advice on whether the UK were to breach WTO rules, is puzzling, to put it mildly. The code is all about the probity... of ministers, not about whether tariffs imposed in the alleged national interest are proper or not.

'It seems as though Geidt was asked his view on whether the UK's steel industry should be protected from alleged unfair competition from China? But why on earth would Geidt's view matter. So weird.'

'Red Wall' Tory MP Lee Anderson added: 'Peston is a very poor journalist that irritates the hell out of people in areas like Ashfield (in Nottinghamshire). He is clearly out of touch on all levels but we all know he is part of the media witch hunt to get rid of Boris'

But Mr Peston was forced into an embarrassing climbdown just four hours later. He wrote: 'I apologise for my inaccurate language and getting it wrong in the tweet below. I should have said 'a possible conclusion to be drawn...', not 'the only conclusion to be drawn...'

'I made a mistake, not for the first or last time. I am sorry (not for the first or last time).'

A Whitehall source said: 'There is a question for ITV about whether they are happy putting their authority behind his pontificating on Twitter  it must be damaging to their brand.' Tory MP Mark Jenkinson said last night: 'Peston is a perfect example of the 'Remainia' that continues to prevent some journalists from simply reporting facts.'

TV journalists' posts on social media are not governed by communications regulator Ofcom but ITV and ITN's policy requires 'due impartiality'

'Red Wall' Tory MP Lee Anderson added: 'Peston is a very poor journalist that irritates the hell out of people in areas like Ashfield (in Nottinghamshire). He is clearly out of touch on all levels but we all know he is part of the media witch hunt to get rid of Boris.'

On Monday Mr Peston posted tweets accusing the PM of 'astonishing' and 'laughable' behaviour over new laws allowing Britain to override parts of the Northern Ireland protocol.

He was accused of breaching ITV's obligation to maintain political impartiality after tweeting that if Tory MPs kept the PM in office after Partygate it would make Britain look like an 'elected dictatorship'.

TV journalists' posts on social media are not governed by communications regulator Ofcom but ITV and ITN's policy requires 'due impartiality'.

A spokesman for the broadcasters declined to comment on whether they had spoken to Mr Peston or reprimanded him. But a source at ITN claimed he had 'simply amended a tweet that he could see had been misinterpreted'.

They added: 'It's not uncommon for journalists to make clarifications on Twitter and that appears to be what has happened here.'
Australian woman will become the first in the world to be offered do-it-yourself cervical cancer tests.

From July 1 women eligible for the test will be able to swab themselves in a private room under the supervision of a health professional.

The move aims to help boost testing rates among women with health professionals hoping the disease can be completely eradicated in Australia within five to six years.

The self-collection tests are also aimed at women who may find standard testing procedures embarrassing or uncomfortable.

From July 1 women eligible for the test will be able to swab themselves in a private room under the supervision of a health professional

Those opting to test themselves will be taken to a private room at a medical practice and instructed to insert a swab into their vagina which helps detect any of the 14 cervical cancer types.

The test is simple, private, quick and safe and the swab doesn't need to go as far as the cervix.

DEADLIEST CANCER TYPES IN AUSTRALIA 1. Lung cancer 2. Blood cancers 3. Colorectal cancer 4. Pancreas cancer 5. Prostate cancer Source: Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Advertisement

It can also be ordered through a telehealth appointment.

Australian epidemiologist and cancer researcher at the Daffodil Centre, Karen Canfell, said medical breakthroughs in Australia would help tackle cervical cancer.

'There are still over 900 women diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and unfortunately about 250 women lose their lives,' she told Nine News.

Professor Marion Saville, executive director of the Australian Centre for Prevention of Cervical Cancer, said she believes Australia could eliminate cervical cancer 'within the next five or six years'.

Ms Canfell said Australia was 'on track' to eradicate the disease by 2035, or sooner.

About 90 per cent of women who lose their lives to cervical cancer are either not up to date with their screening or haven't been tested, according to Healthdirect.

Screening is recommended for women aged between 24 and 74.
Furious Qantas employees and sacked workers have lifted the lid on what it's like to work for the 'Spirit of Australia' and levelled extraordinary allegations against the airline amid a bitter court battle that could result in a multi-million dollar payout.

The world's oldest continuously operating airline has quietly started moving some of its operations offshore, with a small portion of its maintenance and call centres now based overseas.

The Transport Workers Union took Qantas to court in late 2020, when it was ruled the airline illegally sacked nearly 2,000 baggage handlers, cleaners and ground staff before outsourcing their jobs to foreign-owned providers including Swissport.

The airline, which argued the outsourcing was a necessary financial measure during the Covid pandemic, appealed the ruling and lost - but has since taken the case to the High Court in a last-ditch bid to avoid paying a mammoth compensation bill.

Cost-cutting was magnified by the pandemic, with 15,000 workers laid off without pay or forced to take leave in mid-2020, while another 2,500 were stood down in August, 2021 - despite Qantas receiving $2billion in government assistance.

Qantas maintain the moves were necessary due to losing $22billion in revenue and losses in excess of $5billion over the pandemic. It also said the government handouts in part went towards continuing repatriation and freight flights during the pandemic.

Former employees now remain without work while current staff allege the airline is taking advantage of their loyalty.

'Crew are disillusioned and hurt,' a Qantas flight stewardess, who wished to remain anonymous, told Daily Mail Australia.

'We literally put our lives on the line on a daily basis. We face violence from passengers angry about masks, we run towards fire and smoke.

'It's so hard to show up and keep trying when we have nothing to give people. We're expected to work miracles with zero resources and the company knows we are all emotionally invested so we go the extra mile for our passengers because we care.'

Qantas employees and sacked workers have levelled extraordinary allegations against the airline. CEO Alan Joyce is pictured with Qantas crew in a stock photo

One disgruntled baggage handler who was suddenly sacked along with almost 2,000 colleagues who had their jobs replaced by third-party foreign companies launched a scathing attack on the airline and CEO Alan Joyce.

'Qantas is a substantial corporate octopus with long-reaching tentacles that disappear into the oceans connecting the business world,' the worker, who had been loyal to the airline for 20 years, told Daily Mail Australia.

'We took our case to our then PM Scott Morrison. The PM and his Liberal clowns stayed silent and said nothing to help thousands of Qantas workers being replaced by overseas companies on lower pay and conditions.

'As an employee group we were devastated, for generations Australians worked for Qantas "our national carrier" this wasn't just a job, this was a large family... Your loyalty to the company was never in writing. It was in the DNA of Qantas workers, you were expected to go above and beyond when asked - which we did for over 100 years. The world's "number one" airline, where is it now?'

Workers say fractures began to appear with Qantas management because of its Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, which the airline looked to change at the end of last year - a move unions say is an attempt to 'take advantage' of the pandemic.

Qantas proposed changing conditions around crews working long haul flights on previously domestic planes which it claims are 'restrictive and outdated rostering processes', but 97.4 per cent of staff recently voted against the proposed EBA.

Under their proposal, the smaller, cheaper A330 planes would be used for some international flights - but the current EBA says long haul international staff cannot work on these aircrafts because they don't have private cabins for workers.

Unions believe the move would lead to more redundancies and offshoring, but Qantas claimed that was the 'last thing we want'.

'The FAAA [Flight Attendants' Association of Australia] ran a scare campaign against the new deal, claiming it would mean redundancies and offshoring, despite the fact that we're currently hiring new crew in Australia,' Qantas International CEO Andrew David said.

'The union's default position is that the company can't be trusted and should always give more. That's simply wrong.'

In March, Qantas confirmed it had struck an agreement with workers over a new EBA, which is due to be approved by Fair Work.

But workers told Daily Mail Australia they felt they had 'no choice' but to vote yes after seeking advice from unions.

The new EBA proposed by Qantas want to see international workers aboard the A330 planes - but flight staff rejected it because the planes don't have sleeping quarters for workers

Employees were warned if they rejected the new EBA and Qantas took the issue to Fair Work to have the current agreement torn up, they would face going onto the government's award system and see their pay slashed.

'We voted no to start, 97.4 per cent. Then they applied to terminate our agreement and we would have lost probably. They said we could vote again but if it's a no they will proceed with the termination application,' a current employee told Daily Mail Australia.

'If that happened we would go onto the modern award, which is basically the government-mandated safety net.

'Not only would our rostering conditions have gone into the toilet, but my pay would have halved. For example, some senior flight attendants' pay would go from $47 an hour to $26 an hour - to manage 10 crew and 400 passengers on an A380.

'So in the second vote, most of us agreed under extreme duress, basically with a gun to our heads, figuring they would just have to start looking for a new job.'

Qantas said the new agreement was necessary to cope with post-pandemic rules around travelling and the demands of a restarting post-pandemic world.

It said all employees would be handed 1,000 shares in the company, worth about $5,500, in August next year if certain financial goals were met.

The airline also confirmed it had significantly increased the allowances for all employees which will afford them more comfortability and freedom.

'In addition to removing restrictive and outdated rostering processes, the agreement includes a six per cent pay rise over the life of the agreement and higher allowances for our crew,' a spokesperson said.

'While all of the signs are positive, there is definitely work to do to rebuild demand and navigate ongoing border uncertainty in many of our overseas destinations.

'We're expecting to be flying at 45 per cent of our pre-COVID capacity by the middle of the year and continue to look at new destinations to get more of our aircraft and people back in the air as we rebuild our network.'

A current flight attendant said the relationship has been badly damaged, with Qantas refusing to budge on working conditions.

Cabin crew onboard a flight from Brisbane to Los Angeles were forced to create makeshift shelters from blankets among passengers to sleep privately

'People were a bit p**sed off at how Covid was handled but the attitude definitely shifted around the EBA vote and leaving up to it,' the woman told Daily Mail Australia.

'There is a pretty big feeling that they presented a sh** agreement so we would vote no and they would have the ammunition they needed to go to Fair Work and apply for termination of our agreement.

'When they came to us and proposed that they were going to fly the domestic aircraft on the [Brisbane to Los Angeles] route we tried to work with them and they rejected every single suggestion - anything over 14 hours we need lie-flat rest - this is in the EBA.

'We offered to do it for an extra day of rest in LA and an extra day of rest at LAX or home after - it was rejected. We offered to have Australian onboard managers in a single business class seat while the rest of the crew have these "four-seat beds", that was rejected.'

The stewardess said she recently worked a 12-hour return flight between Sydney and Perth that had no water or rest beds for pilots and flight crew.

Alarming photos taken on board A330 Qantas airplanes show flight attendants had to create makeshift shelters from blankets to sleep while working on flights up to 14 hours long.

Red sheets and blankets were photographed hung over the backs of seats with staff sleeping across rows underneath, which Qantas workers say is taking their dignity.

'We were supposed to have a soundproof light proof curtain to protect our rest. The crew have been making cubbies out of blankets to get rest and protect their dignity and security while sleeping in the open passenger cabin,' the stewardess said.

'It's so unsafe. If an oxygen mask falls nobody will be able to reach it. Girls in skirts and dresses are having to wrap themselves so nobody can see up their skirt.

'We've always been banned from taking rest in the cabin as it's a 'brand risk', it's a complete sh** show.'

Qantas has instead turned to its Auckland-based flight crew to work aboard the A330 long haul flights, as New Zealand workers aren't protected by the same rest laws as Australian staff.

'The "spirit of Australia" is nine New Zealanders laying across passenger seats to LA,' the stewardess said.

Qantas said they were forced to use Kiwi staff because unions didn't support their staff working aboard the A330 planes.

'We have thousands of Australian based crew flying domestically and internationally. A small amount of flying is being done by New Zealand based crew because the union was not prepared to support Australian based crew working on longer routes with some of our A330 aircraft, including the Brisbane to Los Angeles route, on terms that we were able to agree to,' a spokesperson said.

'We wanted to have our Australian-based crew do this flying, but without the union's support for this to happen, we've instead had to use New Zealand based crew on some of these flights.'

A330 planes are used for flight under 14 hours and are not fitted with private sleeping cabins for the crew

Flight staff feel abandoned by the company they love so dearly, saying Qantas has used them as 'punching bags' for disgruntled travellers looking to travel post-pandemic.

'We risk the passengers losing respect for us and then becoming non-compliant to safety instructions. Violence towards crew is on the rise, we follow American aviation trends,' another anonymous stewardess told Daily Mail Australia.

'Passengers are angry at delays and what they perceive is bad customer service because we're tired and understaffed. We've got no fight left and no tools to help recover people, all we can do is listen.

'We can't even tell people to call the call centre for help (because it's hopeless and the wait times are extremely long). We're basically punching bags.'

Emeline Gaske, the Assistant National Secretary of the Australian Services Union, said Qantas has gone from being the spirit of Australia to the 'mean spirit of Australia'.

Qantas workers say being forced to erect makeshift cubby houses surrounded by passengers is taking their dignity

'It's been devastating for the work force over the past two years. They used to be sought after careers for this airline. It used to make people proud to get up in the morning,' Ms Gaske told Daily Mail Australia.

'They're devastated because it was a career you wanted to build over your whole life. You felt respected by management, and what we see now is that being completed stripped away.'

Ms Gaske believes Qantas has used Covid to introduce a series of cost-cutting measures that hurt its loyal workers.

'They have used the cover of the pandemic to make a lot of mean spirited conditions that harm its workers and customers,' the ASU assistant nation secretary said.

'Qantas have hoodwinked the government because the federal government ploughed over a billion of taxpayer dollars into Qantas during the pandemic with zero strings attached.

'They just handed over a bill cash with no plan to bring laid off people back. They're obsessed with providing services in the cheapest way possible.'

The union has been alerted to stories of Qantas offering free fruit to flight attendants as a 'welfare policy' while a lack of staff at airports means people have had to wait on hold for hours and even miss their flights as they wait for offshore call centres.

'The great shame is this is the first opportunity many have had to go on holiday, and instead of it being a reminder of why you love travelling, because of Qantas' poor service, it's a reminder of what everyone hates about travelling,' Ms Gaske said.

'Staff were so excited to be back, instead it's become an absolute disaster.'

A gold Qantas member named Lisa told Daily Mail Australia she has stopped using the airline post-pandemic because the prices are out of control and she had heard negative things about their recent service.

'I'm flying to London soon, we'd been trying to book flights for ages but premium economy was going for $7,500 return. That's more than triple what it normally costs,' she said.

'I'm a gold member and have been for a long time. I make sure I hit the points threshold to keep it every year because we've always loved flying with Qantas but I've heard nothing but bad things about them since they started moving everything overseas. The airline sucks now'.

When asked what she thought of seeing flight attendants sleeping across rows among customers, Lisa said: 'It was humiliating. I can't imagine sleeping in my office, so they shouldn't have to sleep with passengers.'

Staff feel like Qantas are 'taking advantage' of the pandemic and their loyalty to the iconic Australian company

As a part of Qantas' new EBA offer, flight staff have been offered a two-year wage freeze, before a two per cent increase per year for three years.

The company said the raise was to provide 'higher allowances', but employees believe it's insulting.

'It's not even in line with inflation,' a current worker said. 'The company told us that was the best they could offer, then they went and bought another airline and a sh**load of planes.

'This is not what the spirit of Australia is meant to be.'

Meanwhile, Qantas are dragging 1,700 former baggage handlers to the High Court as it attempts to avoid paying a monster compensation bill to the former employees.

The Transport Workers Union say Qantas illegally outsourced the jobs, however the airline argues it was necessary due to the pandemic and saved them $100million.

'Safety was out number one priority,' one sacked worker said. 'Alan Joyce and his board gave us the option of voluntary redundancy - which some workers took.

'Weeks later, the remaining employees were given notice that our jobs would be outsourced. We were given the option to put in an in-house bid - which Qantas knew would never succeed. So we all lost our jobs.'

Earlier in May the airline saw their appeal dismissed by a Federal Court, saying it had acted against the protections of the Fair Work Act when it cut the 1,680 jobs across 10 airports in November, 2020.

The court found the outsourcing of the jobs were in fact part of Qantas' ambitions to avoid industrial action.

Joyce, 55, and his husband Shane Lloyd bought a palatial 1908 Federation residence in Mosman, trading up from their inner city penthouse at The Rocks

Many of the workers were set to see their bargaining agreements expire the month after they were ultimately sacked.

'Today's judgment does not mean Qantas is required to pay compensation or penalties,' the airline said in a statement on May 4.

'Qantas has always said the decision to outsource our ground handling function was based on lawful commercial reasons in response to the unprecedented impact of the Covid crisis.'

The Transport Workers Union national secretary described Qantas' actions as 'reprehensible' and accused them of 'the largest finding by a country mile of illegal sacking and outsourcing in Australian corporate history'.

'In the face of four federal court judges saying that they acted illegally, instead of showing contrition  they've said no, let's fight our workforce in the high court,' Michael Kaine said.

The TWU said Scott Morrison's former government failed to hold Qantas accountable despite being the greatest beneficiaries of Covid support payments with $2billion in assistance.

Qantas boss Alan Joyce has splashed out on a sprawling $19million waterfront mansion overlooking Sydney harbour

Meanwhile, Qantas boss Alan Joyce has splashed $19million on a sprawling waterfront mansion overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Joyce, 55, and his husband Shane Lloyd bought the palatial 1908 Federation residence in Mosman on the city's lower north shore, trading up from their inner city penthouse at The Rocks.

The 15-room home has six bedrooms and multiple living areas, including outdoor living spaces on two massive decks overlooking the busy bay.

After being on the market for several months, it was sold by former foreign exchange dealer Alison Ethell and her sister Jane, who bought it for just $1.25million 19 years ago.

Joyce and Lloyd's new 631 square-metre home was completely rebuilt in 2015 with Seattle architect Paul Moon transforming the house into a modern classic, with the help of Lovett Custom Homes.

Now it is an enormous three-level home, set above a large three-level parterre garden that leads to a direct deep waterfront access.

At the water's edge it has a jetty that could accommodate a 7.6 metre sailing boat, which might come in handy with the Sydney amateur sailing club located directly across Mosman Bay from the property.

Joyce and Lloyd's new 631 square metre home was completely rebuilt in 2015 with Seattle architect Paul Moon transforming the house into a modern classic

It also has an valuable and rare permanent berth and its very own shark-netted sea pool.

The mansion boasts four bathrooms, a home cinema, its own wine cellar and a huge double garage.

According to designer Paul Moon, it was refurbished as 'a traditional Australian Federational Style house and update the spaces with a few American touches'.

Joyce, who takes home an estimated annual salary of $1.9million as Qantas boss, bought a $4,575,000 penthouse in 2008.

Some of his former and current employees alike say they can't even put food on the table.
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Tearful NYPD officers lined the streets of the Bronx on Thursday as the funeral was held of a young female officer who investigators say was stabbed to death by her estranged husband.

Traffic was halted along the usually busy Fordham Road as the police procession made it's way from the funeral home to the cemetery where Officer Arianna Reyes-Gomez, 31, was to be buried.

Her husband Argenis de Jesus Baez Pinzano, 34, has been charged with the murder, and is even said to have told cops that Reyes-Gomez asked him to kill her.

There were emotional scenes at the Riverdale Funeral Home both inside and out as colleagues arrived by the busload.

The funeral of Arianna Reyes-Gomez, 31, took place in the Bronx on Thursday

Officers could be seen embracing one another as the sadness of the occasional overwhelmed

Officers took a moment to hug one another as they remembered their fallen comrade

Many officers could be seen with tears in their eyes as they stood outside the funeral home

For some it was simply too much and they were unable to fight back tears any longer

Eight officers carried the casket of Arianna Reyes-Gomez at Riverdale Funeral Home

A couple of officers can be seen embracing on another outside the funeral home on Thursday

New York City Mayor Eric Adams attends the funeral of NYPD Transit Officer Arianna Reyes-Gomez at Riverdale Funeral Home

Mayor Eric Adams could be seen leaving the funeral home following the ceremony

Friends and family of Reyes-Gomez were also seen coming out of the funeral home

The NYPD-flag draped coffin was taken to a hearse which would transport it to a cemetery

Arianna Reyes-Gomez, 31, was found unconscious and unresponsive with multiple stab wounds to her body at around 2:50am on Monday. Her estranged husband Argenis de Jesus Baez Pizano, right, has been charged with the murder

Officers formed a line outside the home as they waited in silence as they paid their respects to the fallen officer who was 31-years-old.

Before heading inside the home, fellow officers greeted one another and hugged.

Many of those pictured could be seen welling up as the emotion and sadness of the occasion simply overwhelmed them.

Some of New York's Bravest could be seen wiping away tears from their cheeks as they bid a final farewell to the officer who was remembered as someone who bravely protected the public.

'A lady that protected us, she couldn't protect herself,' the Rev. Oswald Dennis said. 'We're here to pray for her. We're here to pray for her children. We're here to pray for her family members.'

NYPD officers saluted Reyes-Gomez coffin as it made its way into the street outside

Officers with the NYPD could be seen lining the road as the ceremony got underway

Officers saluted as the hearse passed by. An NYPD police helicopter hovered overhead

Police Commissioner of the City of New York Sewell Keechant L. Sewell attended the funeral

Pedestrians line the route of procession for NYPD Transit Officer Arianna Reyes-Gomez, 31

NYPD officer salutes as the procession for NYPD Transit Officer Arianna Reyes-Gomez

The cortege was flanked by police cars and motorcycles

The hearse is pictured traveling along Fordham Road on its way to the cemetery in the Bronx

Officer Reyes-Gomez joined the NYPD in April 2019 and had been assigned to patrol the New York City subway. She was recently commended for saving a man from an overdose.

Prosecutors say Reyes-Gomez was killed by her husband, 34-year-old Argenis Baez Pizano at her Grand Concourse apartment in the early hours of Monday.

Surveillance footage saw the husband struggle with Reyes-Gomez at her door to her apartment before he forced himself inside.

He left one minute later holding holding a knife and leaving a bloody footprint.

On Wednesday, Pizano said his estranged wife 'is the one who told me to kill' her.

His partner 'is the one who told me to do this. She told me what to do,' Pizano told police, Assistant District Attorney David Birnbaum said during Pizano's arraignment at Bronx Criminal Court.

'Look for him,' he said, adding, 'I can't believe I did this,' according to Birnbaum.

The defendant here is accused of murdering the victim, a New York City police officer whom he has a child in common. He stabbed her multiple times  approximately 8 times, in her breast, leg, torso and back, Birnbaum told the court.

One attendee was in tears at Reyes-Gomez's funeral as she waited outside the home

Tears roll down the cheeks of an NYPD officer who stood to pay tribute to Reyes-Gomez

One mourner closed her eyes and let the tears flow as the emotion was simply too much

Family members, friends and co-workers were all in attendance at Reyes-Gomez's funeral

Mourners closed their eyes and prayed for the fallen officer on Thursday

Officers walked alongside the hearse on Thursday afternoon during the funeral

The coffin could be seen above the heads of members of the public on Thursday

Eight members of the NYPD could be seen resting the coffin on their shoulders

He was also pictured Monday night being walked by officers to a squad car outside the precinct while in handcuffs after being taken into custody.

The couple were estranged, but had never been reported to local authorities before.

Pizano, is not believed to have a criminal history. The couple had a three-year-old son who is living in Georgia with relatives, according to NBC.

A motive for the killing has not been made clear.

'We've had far to many cases of domestic violence homicides in the Bronx,' said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson said.

Officers can be seen lined up outside the Riverdale Funeral Home as they wait for the funeral of Reyes-Gomez to begin

Officers looked tense as they arrived for the ceremony on Thursday

Officers could be seen standing in silence as they waited outside of the home

Family members and co-workers closed their eyes as the hearse passed by

Hundreds of officers from the NYPD attended the funeral ceremony on Thursday

Mourners are seen fighting back tears as the funeral procession passes by

'It can happen to anyone, even police officers, even first responders. So it just reminds us that we have to keep doing this work, we have to keep focusing on resources and programs for victims of domestic violence, giving them a safe space and an outlet to go to.'

On Wednesday night, a candlelight vigil was held outside her apartment building. Friends and family were present together with fellow domestic violence victims.

'Her heart is broken,' said Reyes-Gomez's sister, Julissa in Spanish.

'She loved her sister. She was very much loved by her sister, and that is what she is going to miss the most. Her affection and sincerity as a woman and a sister for her.'

Baez turned himself to police at the 44th precinct in the hours following the murder. He has been charged with murder, manslaughter, and criminal possession of a weapon.

If convicted, Pizano faces a life sentence, the judge said on Tuesday.

Argenis de Jesus Baez Pizano is placed into a car as he is taken into custody

Argenis de Jesus Baez Pizano, is said to have then turned himself in to the 44th precinct

Argenis de Jesus Baez Pizano is pictured in photographs given to DailyMail.com by a neighbor

An NYPD officer honors the police woman after her body was brought inside an ambulance

Medics wrapped up the victim in a body bag before taking her away on Monday

'What happens sometimes is folks forget behind that shield on the chest, even though we look strong, even though we live in your neighborhood and patrol your neighborhood, we are part of the community,' PBA President Pat Lynch said. 'And the things and the violence and the sorrow that affects you in your home, affects us in ours.'

'We don't know what was going on with them, we just knew they were separated,' Gomez's brother, Pedro Reyes, said to the Daily News. 'We can't believe it.'

'We're feeling awful about this. We are in shock. We have no words,' he added.

''She was really a single mother. [Her son] was being taken care of by his grandparents and aunts. He was going to come back to New York in September to start school. She was so helpful, she helped everybody,' her brother said. 'She loved being a police officer. She was studying to be a sergeant.

'She worked hard to become a police officer. We want justice.'

Gomez is survived by three sisters, two brother and her young son.

The NYPD Crime Scene Unit is seen at the apartment of deceased NYPD officer Arianna Reyes- Gomez
The head of Britain's Armed Forces last night insisted Russia has already 'strategically lost' the war in Ukraine  as the UK announced more backing for Kyiv and eastern Europe.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said Russia was 'a more diminished power' capable only of 'tiny' territorial gains after nearly four months of fighting.

It has effectively seized control of Ukraine's eastern regions, but at a huge cost, estimated to be a quarter of its military resources, he added. It is running out of troops and advanced missiles and would never be able to take over the remainder of the country. He spoke as the Defence Secretary Ben Wallace announced the UK has bought more than 20 M109 long-range guns to send to Ukraine. The Belgian-made weapons fire 155mm shells accurate up to 25 miles.

The head of Britain's Armed Forces last night insisted Russia has already 'strategically lost' the war in Ukraine  as the UK announced more backing for Kyiv and eastern Europe

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said Russia was 'a more diminished power' capable only of 'tiny' territorial gains after nearly four months of fighting

Admiral Sir Tony said: 'President Putin has used about 25 per cent of his army's power to gain a tiny amount of territory and 50,000 people either dead or injured'

Britain could also send more troops to Estonia and lead a brigade there, to deter Russia from invading the Baltic country, Mr Wallace said.

Admiral Sir Tony said the invasion of Ukraine was 'a dreadful mistake', adding: 'Russia will never take control of Ukraine.

'The Russian machine is grinding away, and it's gaining a couple of  two, three, five  kilometres every day. But President Putin has used about 25 per cent of his army's power to gain a tiny amount of territory and 50,000 people either dead or injured.

'Russia is failing. It might be getting some tactical successes over the last few weeks. And those might continue for the next few weeks. But Russia is losing strategically.

'One reason is that Nato is stronger, with Finland and Sweden looking to join. And we are supporting Ukraine, which has shown how courageous it really is. The UK is in this for the long haul.'

The UK is providing Multiple Launch Rocket Systems and has just delivered 120 armoured fighting vehicles. It has also provided highly-effective NLAW anti-tank missiles.

The UK is providing Multiple Launch Rocket Systems and has just delivered 120 armoured fighting vehicles. It has also provided highly-effective NLAW anti-tank missiles

A Ukrainian tank steers his way on a road in the northeastern city of Trostyanets, on March 29

Yesterday more military hardware was announced. Mr Wallace said: 'We are deploying over 20 155mm self-propelled guns (M109s). We have refurbished them and they are starting to go in.'

He told how the UK would transform its two battlegroups in Estonia into a bigger combat unit with major reinforcements on stand-by at home. The establishment of brigades  units with some 3,000 to 5,000 troops  would significantly bolster Nato's presence in the Baltic states.

 Britain last night slapped further sanctions on Putin's henchmen, including officials involved with the 'barbaric treatment of children in Ukraine'. The UN has opened an investigation into claims thousands of children have been taken into Russia and put up for adoption.

Among those sanctioned yesterday was Russian children's rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova.

Also on the list was the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said Kirill has 'repeatedly abused his position to justify the war'. The sanctions prevent those on the list from dealing with British businesses and banks, freeze any assets they have here and ban them from entering the UK.
Northern Tory MPs will today warn Boris Johnson he must cut taxes or risk losing the partys Red Wall seats.

The Prime Minister will visit Doncaster to attend a conference of the Northern Research Group (NRG) of backbench Conservatives.

In a speech, the groups chairman Jake Berry will tell him: Its time to stop talking about being the party of low tax, its time to be the Government of low tax.

He will call on devolved mayoral authorities in the North to be given the power to cut local taxes, promoting competition between regions.

The MPs met Chancellor Rishi Sunak last night to impress on him the need to cut taxes. The NRG is a group of 50 MPs who campaign for greater investment in the North. In his speech, Mr Berry will call for an end to the conservation of southern privilege.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be told that he needs to allow local authorities to lower taxes, or risk losing seats in the North by a group of his MPs

Northern Research Group (NRG) chairman Jake Berry will also speak to Boris Johnson about increasing spending in the North

He will unveil key proposals that the Government can enact to ensure the survival of Conservatism in the North, as well as the Tories majority.

Mr Berry will say the defining missions of our Government should be to level up the country and to deliver for everyone everywhere, to tackle the regional and local inequalities that unfairly hold back communities, and to encourage private sector investment across the UK.

You cant deliver radical long-term missions without radical long-term funding. This is why we propose a levelling up formula, which will deliver what the Conservative Party promised for generations to come.

The first of the NRGs proposals, the levelling up formula, will seek a fairer deal for all regions in the UK.

Highlighting that spending in London per head is 15 per cent higher than the Government average, Mr Berry will say: A levelling up formula... would benefit the whole of the UK.

It would see more money spent in the North but also, in Cornwall, in the South-West and in the Midlands. This is an idea from the North that will truly unite and level up our entire nation.

A second proposal calls for a devo-max government, a plan which would let local areas take on powers to lower taxes, dictate housing requirements and set stamp duty rates.

Mr Berry will say: We need wide-ranging fiscal freedoms  Conservative freedoms, and the freedom to lower taxes. There are almost as many people living in Greater Manchester as in Wales  yet Wales has power over tax, while Greater Manchester does not.
BlackCat, also known as the Noberus and ALPHV ransomware gangs, is now putting more pressure on their victims to extort ransom.

BlackCat has recently been closely monitored by the FBI due to the rampant exploitative activities by the malicious actors. Just recently, to extort financial gains from its victims, the ransomware gang created a specific website aiming to put pressure on them.

The threat actors launched a website wherein they intend to leak the data they illegally obtained from their targets.

The gang releases data slowly by potion on the said site or they will email customers and employees informing them of stolen data.

BalckCat's Latest Activity

BlackCat ransomware group started implementing a new method of intimidation through releasing alleged stolen data that the group claimed had been acquired from a hotel and spa located in Oregon.

Part of this new tactic is the claim by the hacking group to have stolen a vast amount of data: 112 GB, some of which included employee information for 1,500 workers, such as their Social Security Numbers.

In addition, the hacking group went one step further than simply leaking the data on their typical Tor data leak site. Instead, they established a dedicated website that allows employees and customers of the hotel to check to see if their data was taken during the attack on the hotel.

As reported by BleepingComputer, through the use of the website, employees, customers, or anyone else for that matter, can view information regarding hotel guests and their stays as well as the personal data of 1,534 employees.

The employee data contains extremely sensitive information, such as names, email addresses, Social Security numbers, phone numbers, and dates of birth, whereas the customer guest data only contains names, arrival dates, and stay costs.

Brett Callow, a security analyst for Emsisoft, told BleepingComputer, "Alphv is no doubt hoping that this tactic will increase the probability of them monetizing attacks." The hacking group went so far as to compile data packs for each employee, which consisted of the illegally obtained files pertinent to that employee's tenure at the hotel.

This website is hosted on the clear web, also known as the public internet. Search engines are able to index it. This means that the exposed information is likely to be added to search results, which could make the situation even more precarious for those affected.

Read Also: Kaiser Permanente Hack: Health Data of 69,000 People Exposed - How Did It Happen

Previous Breach of ALPHV Ransomware Gang

BlackCat has already gained unauthorized access to several commercial organizations all over the world. As previously reported here in iTechPost, networks all over the world were compromised by the Ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) organization between November 2021 and March 2022.

The ALPHV ransomware gang is notorious for demanding ransom payments in the millions of dollars and for executing hacks using Rust, a programming language that is incredibly advanced.

The group was listed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the White Flash alert warning that was released one month ago.

Forbes reported that BlackCat has demanded ransom payments totaling several million dollars from a number of prominent people after threatening them with kidnapping. In February, the organization issued a statement claiming responsibility for an attack that was carried out against Swissport, which is in the business of providing aviation services. In a letter that was written one month earlier, it had previously identified German energy businesses Oiltanking and Mabanaft as victims of the attack.

Related Article: Crime Grows With Technology as 1 Billion IoT Devices Suffered Attacks in 2021
If an unlimited amount of money sounds appealing to you, a new study suggests you may be in the minority.

Researchers have surveyed more than 7,000 people living in countries around the world, including the UK, the US, China, France, India and Australia.

They found that the majority of people don't want any more than 8.2 million ($10 million) to live an 'absolutely ideal life'.

Results suggest 'unlimited wants'  an economic principle that people want an unlimited amount of money and possessions  is untrue.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is currently the world's richest person, with a net worth of $216 billion (176 billion).

But most people would ideally like far less than this over a lifetime, possibly because they think that such a colossal amount is too greedy.

Most people don't want to be billionaires and consider 8 million the ideal amount of money for an 'absolutely ideal life', the study shows (file photo)

UNLIMITED WANTS: A PRIMER 'Unlimited wants' is an economic principle that people want an unlimited amount of money, possessions and services. The long-held economic belief that people have unlimited wants has permeated economic thinking and government policies and has shaped much of modern society, including advertising and consumerism. Following a global study, researchers claim that unlimited wants is not as widespread as previously thought. Advertisement

The new study was led by psychologists at the universities of Bath, Bath Spa and Exeter and published in Nature Sustainability.

'The ideology of unlimited wants, when portrayed as human nature, can create social pressure for people to buy more than they actually want,' said study author Dr Paul Bain at the University of Bath.

'Discovering that most peoples ideal lives are actually quite moderate could make it socially easier for people to behave in ways that are more aligned with what makes them genuinely happy and to support stronger policies to help safeguard the planet.'

For the study, the team surveyed 7.860 people across 33 countries spanning six continents to see how much money they wanted to achieve an absolutely ideal life.

In 86 per cent of countries, the majority of people thought they would achieve their absolutely ideal lives with $10 million or less, and in some countries as little as $1 million (830,000) or less.

These mounts represent a persons ideal wealth across their whole lifetime, so they are relatively moderate even though they sound a lot, according to the team.

A 'substantial' minority (between 8 per cent and 39 per cent depending on country) wanted as much money as they could obtain.

The wealth of Elon Musk, the worlds single richest person at over $200 billion, is enough for more than 200,000 people to achieve their absolutely ideal lives.

Elon Musk (pictured) is currently the world's richest person, with a net worth of $216 billion (176 billion)

The researchers point out in their paper that 'some people may have reported more limited wants to avoid being seen as greedy'.

Generally, people with unlimited wants tended to be younger and city-dwellers, who placed more value on success, power, and independence.

Unlimited wants were also more common in countries with greater acceptance of inequality and in countries that are more collectivistic, focused more on group than individual responsibilities and outcomes.

An example of a collectivistic society is Indonesia, which had the most people with unlimited wants, while the more individualistic and equality-concerned UK had fewer.

Participants were asked how much money they'd like to live an ideal life. Graph shows mean results for individual countries

However, there were anomalies like China, where few people had unlimited wants despite high cultural collectivism and acceptance of inequality.

With their study, the researchers claim to challenge the idea that unlimited wants are simply human nature, which could have important implications for the planet.

'The findings are a stark reminder that the majority view is not necessarily reflected in policies that allow the accumulation of excessive amounts of wealth by a small number of individuals,' said co-author Dr Renata Bongiorno at the University of Exeter and also Bath Spa University.

'If most people are striving for wealth that is limited, policies that support peoples more limited wants, such as a wealth tax to fund sustainability initiatives, might be more popular than is often portrayed.'
The discovery of at least two rocky 'super-Earths' orbiting a nearby dwarf star could provide vital clues in the search for extra-terrestrials, astronomers say.

While the worlds are unlikely to be habitable for life as we know it, the star and its exoplanets are among the closest multi-world systems to Earth, at just 33 light-years away.

This makes the system an excellent target for further investigation, in part because it could contain more planets, including the potential for one in the habitable zone.

'There are many multi-planet systems hosting five or six planets, especially around small stars like this one,' said astrophysicist Avi Shporer, of MIT's Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research.

'Hopefully we will find more, and one might be in the habitable zone. That's optimistic thinking.'

The discovery of at least two rocky 'super-Earths' (pictured in an artist's impression) orbiting a nearby dwarf star could provide vital clues in the search for extra-terrestrials, astronomers say

KEY FACTS ABOUT THE NEWLY-DISCOVERED 'SUPER-EARTHS' HD 260655b Average temperature: 816 Fahrenheit Orbit time: Circles star every 2.8 days Size: About 1.2 times as big as Earth Mass: Twice as massive and slightly denser than Earth Composition: Terrestrial/rocky HD 260655c Average temperature: 543 Fahrenheit Orbit time: Circles star every 5.7 days Size: About 1.5 times as big as Earth Mass: About three Earth masses but a bit less dense Composition: Terrestrial/rocky Advertisement

Even though the star HD 260655 is cooler and dimmer than our sun, the proximity of the planets to the red dwarf means the worlds would be way too hot for life.

HD 260655b has an average temperature of 816 degrees Fahrenheit (435 degrees Celsius), while HD 260655c is milder but still a fiery 543 degrees Fahrenheit (284 degrees Celsius).

'We consider that range outside the habitable zone, too hot for liquid water to exist on the surface,' said astronomer Michelle Kunimoto, of MIT's Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research.

Nevertheless, scientists are excited about this system because the proximity and brightness of its star will give them a closer look at the properties of the planets and signs of any atmosphere they might hold.

'Both planets in this system are each considered among the best targets for atmospheric study because of the brightness of their star,' said Kunimoto.

'Is there a volatile-rich atmosphere around these planets? And are there signs of water or carbon-based species? These planets are fantastic test beds for those explorations.'

The new planetary system was initially identified by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), an MIT-led mission that is designed to observe the nearest and brightest stars, and detect periodic dips in light that could signal a passing planet.

In October 2021, Kunimoto, a member of MIT's TESS science team, was monitoring the satellite's incoming data when she noticed a pair of periodic dips in starlight, or transits, from the star HD 260655.

She ran the detections through the mission's science inspection pipeline, and the signals were soon classified as two TESS Objects of Interest, or TOIs  objects that are flagged as potential planets.

The process of classifying and subsequently confirming new planets can often take several years, but for HD 260655 that process was shortened significantly with the help of archival data.

The fully integrated Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), which launched in 2018 to find thousands of new planets orbiting other stars

Soon after Kunimoto identified the two potential planets around HD 260655, Shporer looked to see whether the star was observed previously by other telescopes.

As luck would have it, HD 260655 was listed in a survey of stars taken by the High Resolution Echelle Spectrometer (HIRES), an instrument that operates as part of the Keck Observatory in Hawaii.

HIRES had been monitoring the star, along with a host of other stars, since 1998, and the researchers were able to access the survey's publicly available data.

In the end, this collaborative effort quickly confirmed the presence of two planets around HD 260655 in about six months.

The team then looked more closely at TESS data to pin down properties of both planets, including their orbital period and size.

They determined that the inner planet, dubbed HD 260655b, orbits the star every 2.8 days and is about 1.2 times as big as the Earth.

The second outer planet, HD 260655c, orbits every 5.7 days and is 1.5 times as big as the Earth.

From the archival data, researchers were then able to calculate the planets' mass and density.

They found the inner planet is about twice as massive and slightly denser than Earth, while the outer planet is about three Earth masses but a bit less dense. Both planets, based on their density, are likely terrestrial, or rocky in composition, the astronomers said.

So far, more than 5,000 exoplanets have been confirmed in our Milky Way galaxy, with experts especially interested in finding terrestrial, or rocky, worlds like Earth, Venus, and Mars.

The researchers presented their findings at the 240th meeting of the American Astronomical Society.
On Turkeys south-west coast, azure waters lap sweeping beaches of golden sand and archaeological sites stand testament to civilisations past.

Set against a backdrop of lush mountains, towns of cobbled streets and yacht-filled marinas serve up rich cuisine that reflects Turkeys position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

This is the Turquoise Coast, one of the summers hottest destinations.

At the heart of this glittering coastline are two holiday hot spots that have it all, from picture-perfect beaches to endless adventure, incredible culture to fantastic places to stay.

Bustling bazaars and old town charm have made Bodrum a long-standing favourite, while the divine natural beauty of the Dalaman region tempts holidaymakers further east.

The Turquoise Coast in Turkey is one of the summers hottest destinations

And the experts at Jet2holidays have found the best hotels and resorts on this stunning stretch of coast, packaging them up with flights and transfers to create the perfect holidays!

Book with Jet2holidays and youll fly with TripAdvisors best UK airline with 22kg of baggage included. Choose from accommodation ranging from three-star to five-star and reserve it all with a deposit of just 60 per person.*

With flexible durations beyond the usual seven, 10 and 14-day trips, convenient flight times and friendly in-resort customer helpers to give you insider tips, Jet2holidays has everything you need for the ideal summer holiday.

All you have to do is choose which Turkish beach break youd prefer. The Turquoise Coast beckons.

The delights of Dalaman

Mountains clad in fragrant pines dip down to sparkling sapphire waters in Dalaman

Mountains clad in fragrant pines dip down to sparkling sapphire waters in Dalaman. There are pristine white sands for relaxing, pretty towns to explore and the buzz of Marmaris, where the Aegean meets the Mediterannean, if youre looking for a little more action.

Beautiful beaches, from hidden coves to sandy crescents, link together the resorts strung along this coast. Youll find ancient ruins in the hills and even be able to snap up some holiday souvenirs in the bazaars.

Looking for fun? Consider lively Icmeler or the port town of Fethiye in the heart of the Turkish Riviera. Stroll the bougainvillea-filled streets of Kalkan or soak up the mountain charms of Hisaronu.

Crystalline waters

The blue lagoon in Oludeniz is one of the most photographed beaches in the world

If youre seeking silken sands, salty water, and sunkissed moments, youll love the beaches and tranquil lagoons of the Turkish Riviera.

The blue lagoon in Oludeniz near Fethiye is one of the most photographed beaches in the world thanks to its turquoise waters almost entirely protected by a sweeping sandbar.

Head out in a canoe or paddle boat to explore, go snorkelling or simply relax and enjoy the views from the golden sands.

Tombs and mud baths

These incredible ancient tombs are what remains of a 4th-century BCE necropolis and were carved directly into the cliff face

Down the road in Dalyan, head out on a boat excursion to the mysterious sulphur pools and mud baths on the other side of the vast blue lake.

Spend a morning having the skincare session of a lifetime before heading to the ancient Carian Tombs.

These incredible ancient tombs are what remains of a 4th-century BCE necropolis and were carved directly into the cliff face.

Island adventures

The stunning coastline around Dalaman provides a unique opportunity to island-hop between the islands and stunning coves of Turkey

The stunning coastline around Dalaman provides a unique opportunity to island-hop between the islands of Turkey.

Explore sea turtle beaches and hidden coves, or go white water rafting for more than a splash of excitement.

The beauty of Bodrum in the TurkAegean Region

Shades of blue on the Turquoise Coast near Bodrum

Once a sleepy fishing town, Bodrum has steadily grown in popularity to become a glitzy holiday spot without losing its authenticity. Golden beaches and sparkling waters form a delightful backdrop for the now buzzing city.

There's a glamorous marina and a charming old town, as well as oh-so-stylish restaurants, all crowned with a castle. In the Bodrum area, discover Turkeys answer to St Tropez in Turkbuku or enjoy the village atmosphere at Torba.

Colourful buildings look out to sea at relaxed Guvercinlik while Turgutreis combines shopping with beautiful sunsets. This region has it all.

Majestic ruins

The ancient city of Ephesus - a nearby historic destination

Step into the days of emperors and gladiators in Ephesus, in the nearby city of Izmir, previously the most important city in Ionaion Asia Minor, nowadays a beautifully preserved relic of the Roman past.

The ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, also lie at the same site.

Or in the centre of Bodrum, a town in the Mugla province and neighbouring city to Izmir, see how the 15th-century Bodrum Castle stands stoically looking over the marina. Its also home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

Mouthwatering cuisine

Enjoy al fresco dining under the stars

Indulge in local specialities like stuffed vine leaves

Much like the many-layered history, the influence of multiple cultures and heritages can be savoured in Bodrums gastronomical scene.

While one can certainly find global cuisine on most streets, dont miss the fresh fish, local green herbs and vegetable dishes known as zeytinyagli yemekler, cooked in olive oil, as well as delicious steaming flatbreads, stuffed vine leaves, creamy fresh hummus and sizzling meat skewers.

Better yet, opt for a meze and try it all.

Buzzing bazaars

Take in the sights and sounds at Bodrum Bazaar

Who could visit Turkey without spending an afternoon wandering the grand bazaar, tasting everything from steaming tea to glistening fruits that melt in your mouth like honey?

Peruse the intricately knotted rugs, style yourself with silk scarves in every colour and browse the local jewellery at the Bodrum Bazaar.

Or, seek shelter from the afternoon heat in one of the many modern shopping centres that have sprung up around town.

Wherever you shop you'll be guaranteed to find the perfect keepsakes from your wonderful holiday on the Turquoise Coast.

Time to explore Turkey Whether the colours of Dalaman or the flavours of Bodrum have tempted you, Jet2holidays has found the most amazing places for you to stay this summer. Your whole trip will be ABTA and ATOL-protected and there's a 24-hour emergency helpline if you need support while on holiday. With free child places* being offered by Jet2holidays this summer, book your holiday now and you can enjoy even greater value while exploring Turkeys glamorous Turquoise Coast. To discover more and book your Turkey holiday, visit Jet2holidays.com/turkey

*Terms & conditions apply
Lisa Curry has shared a heartbreaking confession about how she dealt with her late daughter Jaimi's long-term illness prior to her tragic death aged 33.

Jaimi, Lisa's eldest daughter with ex-husband Grant Kenny, died in September 2020 following an 18-year battle with alcohol addiction and anorexia.

Speaking to The Australian Women's Weekly on Thursday, the former Olympic swimmer, 59, admitted caring for Jaimi over the years was 'exhausting'.

Lisa Curry (left) has shared a heartbreaking confession about how she dealt with her late daughter Jaimi's (right) long-term illness prior to her tragic death aged 33

'There are times when you just have to find the strength, find the patience, to get through the day,' Lisa said.

'It's sad, it's tiring, it's exhausting. But you still have to live your life. You have to get up, dress up and show up. That's hard to do, but Grant and I had no choice. We just had to do it,' she added.

The gold medalist went on to emphasise the importance of maintaining 'self-care' during difficult times.

Speaking to The Australian Women's Weekly on Thursday, the former Olympic swimmer admitted caring for Jaimi over the years was 'exhausting'

'You can't live your life for one child. You have three children and they are all the world to you, and that's why I have to be really conscious of my self-care, so that I can be there for them and the grandchildren,' she said.

Lisa and Grant wed in 1984, separated in 2009 and during their marriage welcomed three children together: son Jett, 28, and daughters Morgan, 31, and Jaimi.

Almost a decade after her divorce from the Ironman champion, Lisa married Elvis impersonator Mark Tabone in 2018.

'There are times when you just have to find the strength, find the patience, to get through the day,' said Lisa, who welcomed Jaimi (centre) with her Ironman ex-husband Grant Kenny (right)

Jaimi died at Sunshine Coast University Hospital on September 14, 2020, surrounded by her family.

Announcing the sad news on social media, Lisa wrote: 'Our beautiful daughter Jaimi has lost her battle with a long-term illness and passed away peacefully in hospital yesterday morning with her loving family by her side.'

Lisa suffered heartbreak yet again in April this year after losing her mother Pat at the age of 86.

Lisa and Grant wed in 1984, separated in 2009 and during their marriage welcomed three children together: son Jett (left) and daughters Morgan (right) and Jaimi. (Pictured with Morgan's children Flynn and Taj)

Jaimi died at Sunshine Coast University Hospital on September 14, 2020, surrounded by her family

Lisa suffered heartbreak yet again in April this year after losing her mother Pat at the age of 86. (Pictured: Lisa's late mother Pat, right, and her late daughter Jaimi, left)

'Our beautiful mum slipped away peacefully this morning,' Lisa told her Instagram followers at the time, adding, 'My heart is broken again.'

Lisa explained she'd spent some tender moments with her mum in her final hours, as she and her sister Melanie awaited the arrival of their brother Scott from Berlin.

'We shared some last laughs, memories and lots of tears. Thank you for being a wonderful mother. Have a nice, long sleep mum. We love you so much and we'll all miss you.'

Lisa then poignantly touched on the earlier loss of her daughter Jaimi, writing: 'My baby girl, and now my mum.'

For confidential support in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14
A video of American tourist Megan Grass asking Robert Irwin for his phone number during a visit to Australia Zoo went viral on TikTok earlier this week.

Now, the young tourist has spoken out about her bold pick-up attempt, admitting on the Today show she still hasn't been on a date with the crocodile wrangler.

Megan told hosts Karl Stefanovic and Brooke Boney on Thursday that Robert, 18, still hasn't been in contact with her since her video made headlines.

A video of American tourist Megan Grass asking Robert Irwin for his phone number during a visit to Australia Zoo went viral on TikTok earlier this week

'Nothing much has happened other than it is blowing up on TikTok,' she said.

When asked why she wanted Robert's number, Megan said: 'I think he is literally the sweetest person ever. He is a great guy.

'I would be down to just be Robert's friend.'

Now, the young tourist has spoken out about her bold pick-up attempt, admitting on the Today show she still hasn't been on a date with the crocodile wrangler

The viral video showed Robert walking towards a crowd at Australia Zoo before Megan, from Utah, asked him for his number.

'I think you are so cool and I was wondering if I can have your number?' she said.

'Well, I'm very flattered,' he responded before asking Megan where she was from.

He added: 'The easiest way [to contact me] is on Instagram because then my people can monitor it and see when it comes through because my number is getting mixed.'

Megan told Robert she'd already sent him a DM on Instagram but he didn't reply.

'Well, I actually DM'd you last night to tell you I was coming here today,' she said.

The viral video showed Robert walking towards a crowd at Australia Zoo before Megan, from Utah, asked him for his number

'What's your name? I'll look it up!' Robert answered.

Coincidentally, Robert's older sister Bindi met her husband when he visited Australia Zoo as a tourist nine years ago.

Chandler Powell was visiting from Florida in 2013 when he caught Bindi's eye on a tour of the Sunshine Coast animal sanctuary. They are now married with a daughter.
He's turning 60 in two weeks.

And Tom Cruise is reportedly set to celebrate the birthday milestone, with not one, but two lavish parties.

The Hollywood megastar, 59, will allegedly be hosting one party in Britain and another across the pond in America.

Birthday: Tom Cruise is reportedly set to celebrate turning 60, with not one but two lavish parties

According to The Sun, Tom will first throw a party in the luxurious members club Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds

He will then fly across to the US in private jet to celebrate with his American friends, only a few days later.

The guest list for both bashes is set to be very exclusive and A-list, with the likes of David Beckham and Prince William invited.

Exclusive: The guest list for both bashes is set to be very exclusive and A-list, with the likes of David Beckham and Prince William invited

Famous friends: Tom and David's friendship goes back a long way (pictured together in 2008 in New York)

A source told the publication: 'In Britain the invite list will be a Whos Who of his circle  theyll be asking the likes of David Beckham, James Corden, his co-star Simon Pegg, and obviously his partner Hayley Atwell will be there for both.

'Itll be very A-list, but also a lot of the team who he has worked with on Mission Impossible and Top Gun because theyve become his closest friends.

'He also has such a good relationship with Prince William these days its possible he would come along too, hell be invited  but thats a bit more dependent on the royals commitments.'

MailOnline have contacted reps for Tom, Prince William, David and Simon for comment.

Hollywood: A source told the publication: 'In Britain the invite list will be a Whos Who of his circle  theyll be asking the likes of David Beckham, James Corden, his co-star Simon Pegg, and obviously his partner Hayley Atwell will be there for both' (pictured with Simon in 2015)

Despite the reports that Hayley Atwell will be coming, it has recently been reported that the couple have split for the second time.

The Top Gun: Maverick star and his Mission: Impossible 7 co-star, 40, have parted ways after recently reconciling following their first split in September of 2021, according to The Sun.

A source told the publication, 'Unfortunately it hasnt worked out for them. They have now decided they are better as friends.'

It's over: Despite the reports that Hayley Atwell will be coming, it has recently been reported that the couple have split for the second time (Pictured July 2021 in London)

The insider also revealed that the fanfare around the couple after going public was too much to handle.

'They get on really well, and have fantastic chemistry, which is why they decided to quietly give the relationship another try earlier this year.

'What was working behind closed doors didnt work out so well when it was made public, and the fanfare around them as a couple exploded again,' the source stated.

Friends: A source told The Sun: 'Unfortunately it hasnt worked out for them. They have now decided they are better as friends' (pictured May 2021 in London)

The source also insisted that the couple's romance was 'genuine', stating 'In spite of some rumours to the contrary, it was never just for the cameras.'

Hayley recently supported Tom at the Top Gun: Maverick premiere in London, on May 19, where she stunned in a black crop top and matching velvet skirt with a high slit.

A source told The Sun at the time: 'She's purely there to support him. It's a big step for them.'

The pair began dating in 2020 after meeting on set of Mission: Impossible 7, and were first reported to be an item in December.

Fanfare: The insider also revealed that the fanfare around the couple was too much to handle: 'What was working behind closed doors didnt work out so well when it was made public'; (pictured on set in Italy, November 2020)

Tom, who plays Ethan Hunt in the famous franchise, and Hayley, who portrays a character mononymously known as Grace, spent much of the last year shooting the movie across the UK, as well as in Rome, Venice, and Norway.

Though the two had never expressly confirmed their romance, they were said to have become 'fairly inseparable' after they 'hit it off from day one' on the film.

However, by September, the relationship was said to have 'run its course' for the pair.

An insider told The Sun about the breakup: 'It has been a very intense period of filming together. They really got on well  but as the latest film winds down they've decided to go back to being friends.'

Co-stars: The pair began dating in 2020 after meeting on set of Mission: Impossible 7, and were first reported to be an item in December (pictured on set in Rome, October 2020)

'Their filming schedules are very full-on, and Tom has a number of other commitments coming up and is always shooting around by private helicopter and jet so it just ran its course.

'But they're still happy to work together. It's a shame, but just one of those things. They still get on well.'

Tom hasn't had a high-profile romance since his divorce from ex-wife Katie Holmes, 43, in 2012, while Hayley was said to have split from her English doctor ex at some point in 2020.

The Hollywood icon shares daughter Suri, 16, with Katie.
Naomi Watts has revealed the shocking piece of advice she received in Hollywood.

At a preview for her new menopausal wellness brand Stripes, the 53-year-old actress said she was once told she'd become irrelevant if she got too old and was no longer 'f***able'.

'This is pretty much an ageist industry that has been branded as such,' she told a small audience at the Stripes preview in New York City earlier this week.

Naomi Watts (pictured) called out 'ageist' Hollywood at a preview for her new wellness brand Stripes, and revealed she was once told women that aren't 'f***able' are irrelevant

'And we have been told multiple times going into it that you're pretty much done by the time you hit your mid-forties,' she continued.

'If you're not f***able - that's the word I got told once - you're no longer relevant.'

The Mulholland Drive star is fighting ageism with her own beauty and wellness line which will 'address the skin and body changes of menopause'.

Naomi has just started previewing the product to influencers and members of the media, although it's unclear when it will officially launch.

A young Naomi (right) is pictured with Laura Harring (left) in her breakthrough role in 2001's Mulholland Drive

The actress wants to conquer the stigma around menopause, saying it's a phase of life that should be better represented in the mass media.

She noted in an Instagram post this week how many women experience feelings of shame as they age past the point where they can have children.

'Getting older is a privilege and a time for us to feel proud of our cumulative experiences,' she wrote alongside a makeup-free selfie.

Naomi is fighting ageism with her own beauty and wellness line which will 'address the skin and body changes of menopause'

The star said having uncomfortable conversations about topics such as menopause means the issue becomes easier to deal with.

'Let's conquer the stigma and address the secrecy and shame we've felt and help create a healthier foundation for future generations,' she wrote.

The Loudest Voice star added that when she first thought of having a family in her late thirties, the thought of menopause 'freaked her out'.

'Then the M word swiftly blew my doors down, it felt like a head-on collision with a Mack truck,' she explained.

Naomi previewed the product to influencers and members of the media at an event in New York this week

The 53-year-old posed for photos inside the yoga studio

Feeling alone with her anxiety over menopause, Naomi was confused about what she described as the 'code of silence' surrounding it.

'I was earlier to it [menopause] than my peers,' she added.

'My mentors and mum didn't seem up for discussing it, I didn't know how to ask for help and they didn't know how to provide even doctors had little to say.

'It's oddly like an unwritten code of silence: women should suck it up and cope, because that's how generations passed have done it.'

Products including tote bags branded with Naomi's wellness brand Stripes were all over the event

Naomi pointed out that by 2025 there will be one billion women worldwide who will be menopausal.

'I think its time to see women in this phase of life or this age group be well represented,' she said.

'Weve been under-served in media, stories and marketing far too long. When you spotlight uncomfortable conversations, they get easier.

'Progress is made. Why has this particular one taken so long?'
When 9pm rolls around each evening, Love Island fans cannot resist giving their take on social media using the famous hashtag.

And on Wednesday night, bombshell Remi Lambert quickly became a talking point after he performed an on-the-spot rap for his fellow Islanders.

As Luca Bish stifled his laughter, viewers took a trip down memory lane to series three in 2017, comparing Remi to the iconic Chris Hughes, who, alongside his best friend Kem Cetinay, was partial to a rap in the villa.

'Sorry you are not this guy!': Love Island fans have compared Remi Lambert's rap to that iconic Chris Hughes moment in series 3

The pair, who have gone on to build successful careers off the back of the show, even released their debut single Little Bit Leave It three months after their series wrapped up.

The moment many tweeters alluded to, however, was when 29-year-old Chris asked: 'Do you want me to rap anyone, lift the mood a little?' when Georgia Harrison ruffled feathers after coupling up with Kem, who was already in a pairing with Amber Davies.

Accompanying a photo of the ITV racing presenter during this unforgettable moment, someone tweeted: 'Rami sorry you are not this guy'.

Throwback: Viewers took a trip down memory lane to series three in 2017, comparing Remi to the iconic Chris, who, alongside his best friend Kem Cetinay, was partial to a rap in the villa

Memorable duo: The pair, who have gone on to build successful careers off the back of the show, released their debut single Little Bit Leave It three months after their series wrapped up

Reaction: The moment many tweeters alluded to was when 29-year-old Chris asked: 'Do you want me to rap anyone, lift the mood a little?'

Twitter culture: A night motion camera picture of Chris on the show lying in bed looking pensive quickly became a meme, and has remained in circulation over the last few years

A night motion camera picture of Chris on the show lying in bed looking pensive quickly became a meme, and has remained in circulation over the last few years.

Attaching the said meme to their tweet, a second Love Island fan penned: 'Chris resting peacefully knowing his love island rap crown is safe from Remi'.

'Remi that rap was awful. Leave it these boys,' a further tweet read, with a photo of Chris and Kem in the beach hut.

Gossip: In other news, Davide Sanclimenti took a knock to his ego as he watched his current partner Ekin-Su Culculoglu crack on with bombshells Jay Younger and Remi

In other news from the Mallorca villa, Davide Sanclimenti took a knock to his ego as he watched his current partner Ekin-Su Culculoglu crack on with bombshells Jay Younger and Remi.

The Italian hunk, 27, grew progressively more frustrated as actress Ekin-Su, also 27, turned on her flirt with the two newbies over a date.

'Play with Monopoly, not with me,' Davide vented to the boys, which came after antics such as Ekin-Su sharing spaghetti with Jay across the table and confirming she would like to get to know him.
Yes, having a good memory is necessary for success as a nurse. However, using mobile apps to aid in the recall of health-care knowledge will not do any harm.

Nursing students increasingly rely on technology and digital resources to handle various parts of their academic and personal lives. Finding the best applications for studying can help students cope with the pressures of school.

While Capella University, University for St. Augustine for Health and Sciences and Carson-Newman University have listed some tools for nursing students and professionals, we've sorted and hand-picked our 10 top learning applications for students, all of which we highly suggest because of their useful features.

Check them out below!

Diseases Dictionary

This medical reference app allows medical professionals to look up symptoms and descriptions of important medical diseases and disorders, as well as prescription medicine information and treatment protocols.

Available on: Android

Epocrates

This tool simplifies searches for prescription drug information, drug interactions, and pill identification. As a nursing student, you can avoid making mistakes on tests and, more significantly, give effective treatment to patients.

Available on: iOS and Android

EverNote

This note-taking app is one of the top nursing apps since it allows you to keep all of your notes in one place on your smartphone or another device. You can highlight terms or paragraphs that are important to you so you can review them later. You can also scan handouts and other in-class materials to bring everything together in one place.

Available on: iOS and Android

Human Anatomy Atlas 2021

This useful guide is one of the best nursing apps for individuals who wish to review bodily parts. This software helps users to rapidly search for and discover all of the components of anatomy thanks to its visual graphics and extensive contents.

Available on: iOS

Read More: Want To Start Living a Healthier Lifestyle? Check Out These 7 Vegan and Vegetarian Apps!

Med Mnemonics

Over 1,500 acronyms, rhymes, and memory tricks are included in this tool to assist nurses quickly learn a variety of medical illnesses, symptoms, and other medical terminology.

Available on: iOS and Android

NCLEX RN Mastery

Hundreds of practice questions and sample quizzes will help you prepare for the NCLEX RN exam. When you give an incorrect answer, the app provides a detailed explanation.

Available on: iOS and Android

Nursing Central

Nursing Central provides nurses with information about disease, drug, and tests as well as a literature search function. Among the databases available are Davis' Drug Guide, Taber's Medical Dictionary, Diseases and Disorders, and MEDLINE Search and Journals.

Available on: iOS and Android

PEPID

This software gives thorough information for all aspects of patient care and has versions for diverse professions, including nurses, EMTs, physicians, students, and others. For coursework, lab exercises, and clinical practice, students acquire a trustworthy and comprehensive resource guide.

Available on: iOS and Android

Picmonic

Thousands of quizzes and 1- to 3-minute mnemonic videos employing proven memory retention techniques are accessible through the app.

Available on: iOS and Android

Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX-RN

This tool contains rigorous study resources and over 6,000 NCLEX-specific examination questions for future nurses preparing for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Available on: iOS and Android



Related Article: Check Out These 7 Google Chrome Extensions That Will Help You Ace Your Exams!
She may be baring all on OnlyFans, but former Married At First Sight star Olivia Frazer is still 'super careful' about what she posts on the adults-only platform.

The former teaching student, 27, says she is well aware paywalled content can easily be leaked to third-party websites, which makes her think twice before posting.

Olivia spoke about her racy career during an Instagram Q&A on Wednesday while on a stopover in Malaysia en route to Scotland.

She may be baring all on OnlyFans, but former Married At First Sight star Olivia Frazer is still 'super careful' about what she posts on the adults-only platform

The MAFS villain, who filmed a racy scene for OnlyFans with her boyfriend Jackson Lonie before she left Australia, admitted she was cautious about her content because some of it 'will probably be leaked'.

She is also wary of subscribers asking her to perform acts she isn't comfortable with.

'I've been super careful with what I post since I know it will probs be leaked,' she explained.

The MAFS villain, who filmed a racy scene for OnlyFans with her boyfriend Jackson Lonie this week, said she was cautious about her content because some of it 'will probably be leaked'

'I have people trying to bully me into posting things I'm not ready to yet. Which is a bummer.'

But she added that overall OnlyFans has been an 'incredible platform where I feel so free, so loved and supported'.

Also during her Q&A, Olivia was asked if she and Jackson would ever film OnlyFans content with another person.

'Absolutely not,' she firmly replied.

On Tuesday, before jetting off to Scotland without Jackson, Olivia shared this racy photo to Instagram of herself in lingerie

On Tuesday, before jetting off to Scotland without Jackson, Olivia shared a racy photo to Instagram of herself in lingerie.

After shooting an intimate scene with her beau, she then posted an 'after' photo of the couple smiling in bed together.

Olivia revealed last month she felt stifled by the 'wholesome' teaching profession and wanted to leave it all behind to share her sexuality with subscribers on OnlyFans.

After shooting an intimate scene with her beau, she then posted an 'after' photo of the couple smiling in bed together

'I love teaching and I was a fantastic teacher, but this wholesome persona that all teachers are required to have [doesn't suit me],' she said on Instagram.

'Teachers are expected to be squeaky clean and to never have made a mistake in their life and, yeah, it's just a very unforgiving culture surrounding the profession.'

Olivia said being a school teacher 'wasn't for me' any longer and that she didn't want to live out the rest of her life being dictated by that career.

The pansexual reality star has been modelling her extensive lingerie collection on OnlyFans, while offering more sexually explicit content at a premium rate.

She first joined the adult website on May 25, and is believed to have earned more than $100,000 so far.
Pete Davidson has officially touched down in Australia.

The former Saturday Night Live comedian, 28, was spotted exploring Cairns, in Far North Queensland, on Wednesday night and even stopped to take photos with fans.

In one picture shared to Instagram, the New York-born actor posed alongside a local at the Timezone videogame arcade on Abbott Street.

Pete Davidson (second from left) was spotted exploring Cairns, in Far North Queensland, on Wednesday night and even stopped to take photos with fans. He is in Australia shooting a movie called Wizards!

Other fans claim to have spotted the King of Staten Island star venturing into a casino on the same night.

The Queensland tourist hotspot has become a hub of A-list activity recently thanks to the movie Wizards! being filmed there for the next three months.

Wizards!, which is being directed by Australian filmmaker David Michod, also stars Franz Rogowski, Orlando Bloom and Naomi Scott.

In one picture shared to Instagram, the New York-born actor posed alongside a local at the Timezone videogame arcade on Abbott Street

Pete's sighting in Cairns comes two days after his girlfriend Kim Kardashian shared photos from their recent tropical getaway together.

It is unclear if the photos from the beachside trip were taken in Australia. Kim has not yet been pictured Down Under.

The headline-making couple were overcome with passion in the holiday snaps she posted to Instagram on Monday.

The former Keeping Up with the Kardashians star, 41, highlighted her incredible figure in a skimpy black bikini.

In one photo, the pair stood in the water as they leaned together for a kiss, with each placing a hand on the other's backside.

Pete's sighting comes shortly after his girlfriend Kim Kardashian shared photos from their recent tropical getaway together

In her accompanying Instagram Stories post, Kim shared a few short clips of herself delicately stepping into the water, with a shadowy silhouette that appeared to be Pete filmed her.

'He passed the content taking boyfriend test,' Kim joked in her video caption.

'Beach for 2,' she added in the caption for her main post.

In addition to her revealing two-piece suit, Kim also had a massive pair of black sunglasses to shade her face from the sun.

Kim matched her top with black string bottoms, and the sleek look emphasized her eye-catching hourglass figure

In her accompanying Instagram Stories post, Kim shared a few short clips of herself delicately stepping into the water, with a shadowy silhouette that appeared to be Pete filmed her. 'He passed the content taking boyfriend test,' Kim joked in her video caption

She and Pete then got to enjoy the clear blue water in other photos showing them riding on a white canoe.

The Skims founder turned around from her position in front so that her boyfriend could snap a photo, but another image taken from the side showed that she was pulling her weight by paddling up front.

In addition to their canoe, the two had a larger boat, which Pete was seen relaxing on in a closeup image.

Pete covered up his short bleached-blonde hair with a black trucker cap, and he wore chunky black Prada sunglasses that were nearly as large as Kim's.

Oversize: In addition to her revealing two-piece suit, Kim also had a massive pair of black sunglasses that kept the piercing light out of her eyes, though they were so oversized that they looked ready to slide right off her nose

It takes two: The Skims founder looked angelic as she turned around from her position in front so that her boyfriend could snap a photo, but another image taken from the side showed that she was pulling her weight by paddling up front

Although she and Pete were clearly having a wonderful time at the beach, Kim didn't share where they were vacationing with her 318 million Instagram followers.

The lovebirds have been together since November, and they met a month earlier when she made her hosting debut on Saturday Night Live.

The October show included a sketch parodying Disney's Aladdin in which the two shared their first-eve kiss.

Kim's romance was initially barely shown on the first season of The Kardashians, though her family members and the show's producers noticed her wide smiles as she texted someone while filming.

Taking it easy: Pete was seen relaxing on a larger boat with his black button-up shirt left open to highlight his tattoos. He also wore a black trucker hat with chunky Prada sunglasses

In an episode from earlier this month, Kim noted that Pete was the only cast member who didn't show up to her after party, so she asked a producer for his number out of curiosity.

'I text him. I wasn't even thinking like, 'Oh my God I'm gonna be in a relationship with him,' Kim added.

'I was just thinking like, "Heard about this BDE. Need to get out there." I need to just like jumpstart my I was basically just DTF,' she admitting with a sly smile.

But even if her interests were more carnal, Kim was overwhelmed by how sweet Pete was once she got to spend more time with him.

'Pete has got to be literally the best human being I've ever met. Like the best heart. People will always say, "Oh he's so funny," and it has to do with how funny he is. That's like fourth on my list of why I like him,' she gushed in the same episode.

Missing out: Kim noted that Pete didn't come to her after party, so she got a producer to give her his number. 'I was just thinking like, "Heard about this BDE. Need to get out there." I need to just like jumpstart my I was basically just DTF,' she admitting with a sly smile

Although the billionaire noted that she was definitely still in the honeymoon phase of her relationship with Pete, she thought that he would still be just as sweet and caring further along in their romance.

In the show's eighth episode, Kim admitted she wasn't initially looking for a relationship with Pete, but she subsequently had the 'best sex' of her life with him.

Speaking to her sisters, she said, 'When I turned 40, everyone said it's the best sex of your life. And so far' she trailed off before winking at her family members, who all burst out in laughter.

It's the little things: In the latest episode of The Kardashians, Kim couldn't help but gush about the little romantic things that Pete does for her, like finding her favorite ice cream treat Dibs
Jasmine Stefanovic has an impeccable sense of style.

And the model-turned-shoe designer looked effortlessly stylish on Wednesday as she stepped out in Double Bay, Sydney.

The 37-year-old wife of Today host Karl Stefanovic teamed a beige wool coat with jeans and a white jumper while running errands.

Karl Stefanovic's wife Jasmine looked effortlessly stylish on Wednesday as she stepped out in Double Bay, Sydney

The Mara & Mine co-founder completed her ensemble with black shoes and carried her belongings in a designer bag.

Jasmine curled her short blonde locks and kept a low profile in black sunglasses.

The mother of one was seen paying for a parking ticket before heading over to a beauty spa for an appointment.

The 37-year-old wife of Today host Karl Stefanovic teamed a beige wool coat with jeans and a white jumper while running errands

Jasmine met her husband Karl in late 2016, five months after he split from his first wife Cassandra Thorburn, to whom he was married for 21 years.

The Channel Nine star previously said of their relationship: 'I certainly did not expect to meet someone five months after I broke up with my wife. That was not planned.'

He proposed to Jasmine in February 2018 with a $100,000 engagement ring.

The couple married in a lavish four-day wedding ceremony at the One&Only Palmilla resort in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, in December 2018.

The mother of one was seen paying for a parking ticket before heading over to a beauty spa for an appointment

They welcomed their first child together on May 1, 2020, at Sydney's North Shore Private Hospital.

In a statement to the Today show at the time, Karl said: 'Harper and Jasmine are doing well and dad had a great night's sleep.'

He added: 'I am in awe. Harper is absolutely perfect.'

Karl is also father to three children from his first marriage: sons Jackson and River and daughter Willow.
Married At First Sight star Susie Bradley has all but confirmed her split from former NRL player Todd Carney.

The cosmetic nurse, who has been in an on-and-off relationship with Todd since 2019, shared a cryptic Instagram post on Wednesday night hinting at heartbreak.

She posted a sombre photo of herself sitting next to a swimming pool, and simply added a broken-heart emoji.

Married At First Sight star Susie Bradley (left) has all but confirmed her split from former NRL player Todd Carney (right)

It comes after Susie raised eyebrows earlier this week by deleting all traces of her fiance from Instagram.

She also sparked concern on Tuesday by uploading a series of cryptic posts about her mental health.

One was a picture of the ocean, which she captioned: 'Numb.'

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday night, she posted this sombre photo of herself sitting next to a swimming pool, and simply added a broken-heart emoji

The ex-reality star also posted a stony-faced selfie alongside the words: 'You never know when life is going to completely f**k you.'

Meanwhile, Todd has deleted his Instagram account.

The couple were last pictured together on Valentine's Day in a loved-up Instagram post.

Alongside a gallery of images of the pair taken over their three-year romance, Susie wrote: 'Love isn't always perfect. It isn't a fairytale or storybook.

The cosmetic nurse had sparked concern on Tuesday by uploading a series of cryptic posts about her mental health. One was a picture of the ocean, which she captioned: 'Numb'

Susie also uploaded a stony-faced selfie alongside the words: 'You never know when life is going to completely f**k you'

'And it doesn't always come easy. Love is overcoming obstacles, facing challenges, fighting to be together, holding on and never letting go. It is a short word, easy to spell, difficult to define and impossible to live without.'

'Love is work but most of all, love is realising that every hour, every minute and every second was worth it because you did it together. We are real,' Susie continued.

She also hinted at a wedding date for the pair, who got engaged in December 2020, writing, 'Bring on December 3, 2022.'

The pair started dating in 2019, with Todd stepping into the role of stepfather to Susie's eight-year-old daughter, Baby.

They welcomed their first child, a boy named Lion Daryl, in April last year.

Susie and Todd were last pictured together on Valentine's Day in a loved-up Instagram post

The couple started dating in 2019, with Todd stepping into the role of stepfather to Susie's eight-year-old daughter, Baby. (Pictured: Todd and Susie with Baby and son Lion)

Susie rose to fame on the fifth season of Married At First Sight, which was filmed in late 2018 and aired the following year.

She was partnered with barista Billy Vincent, but they split before their final vows.

Todd infamously had his $3million contract with the Cronulla Sharks torn up in 2014 after he was pictured urinating in his own mouth at a Sydney pub.

He now works as a concreter.

If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14

Susie rose to fame on the fifth season of Married At First Sight in early 2019. She was partnered with barista Billy Vincent (left), but they split before their final vows
Friendly exes Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber are celebrating an important milestone for their youngest child, Kai.

The 13-year-old graduated from middle school in New York on Wednesday.

Naomi, 53, and Liev, 54, who were together for 11 years until their split in 2016, were joined by their respective new partners to celebrate Kai's achievement.

Friendly exes Naomi Watts (bottom right) and Liev Schreiber (second from left) were joined by their respective new partners, Billy Crudup (centre) and Taylor Neisen (top right), to celebrate their youngest child, Kai (centre right, on the bicycle), graduating from middle school on Wednesday. (Left: Naomi and Liev's other child, Sasha)

The Mulholland Drive actress posted a photo to Instagram of the group smiling as Kai sat in the middle on a bicycle.

Liev's girlfriend Taylor Neisen, 29, was present, as was Naomi's new partner Billy Crudup and Kai's older brother Sasha, 14.

'Congratulations to Kai  Class of 2022,' Naomi wrote in the caption, adding the hashtags #modernfamily and #graduation.

The Mulholland Drive actress also shared a photo on Instagram Stories of herself with her arms around Kai as the youngster held a small bouquet of pink tulips

Proud dad Liev posted this photo of Kai and Naomi on his Instagram

Kai posed with a graduation certificate

She also shared a photo on Instagram Stories of herself with her arms around Kai as the youngster held a small bouquet of pink tulips.

'My baby,' she wrote. 'Congrats Kai!'

Naomi and Liev announced their split in late 2016 after 11 years together. They never married.

In December, Naomi celebrated Kai's 13th birthday on Instagram with a solo shot of the teen.

'My darling Kai, 13 today! What?!' she captioned the post.

'You shine the brightest light, from the depth of your soul, we feel it. Thank you for choosing me as your mummy. I'm beyond proud of you.'

'Happy birthday baby (baby forever!) we celebrate your mind, your talent, your wit and your incredible courage today and every day.'

The Hollywood couple announced their split in late 2016 after 11 years together. They never married. (Pictured with their children on October 4, 2015, in NYC)

Back in 2019, Naomi opened up about co-parenting with Liev after their separation.

'Having a good relationship has always been our endgame, and we've put a lot of energy and effort into making that so,' she told Sunday Times Style magazine.

'It's not always a cakewalk, as they say in America. But it makes complete sense that it is an absolute priority, because it really matters to the children.

'You can see how there are so many things that can make a kid feel anxious, and knowing that their parents can be in the same room and joyfully, it means a lot to them.'

In December, Naomi celebrated Kai's 13th birthday on Instagram with a solo shot of the teen
Tom Hanks opened up on straight performers playing LGBTQ characters, saying he would not accept a role in such circumstances in current times after winning an Oscar for his performance of a gay man living with the HIV virus in the 1993 movie Philadelphia.

The Academy Award winner, 65, speaking with The New York Times Magazine Monday, said, 'Let's address, "Could a straight man do what I did in Philadelphia now?" No, and rightly so.'

Hanks in the film portrayed the role of lawyer Andrew Beckett, a gay man who is fired from his law firm after his bosses discover details about his personal life.

The latest: Tom Hanks, 65, opened up on straight performers playing LGBTQ characters, saying he would not accept a role in such circumstances in current times after winning an Oscar for his performance of a gay man living with the HIV virus in the 1993 movie Philadelphia. He was snapped in Memphis earlier this month

He said that 'the whole point of Philadelphia was don't be afraid,' and that 'one of the reasons people weren't afraid of that movie is that [he] was playing a gay man.

'We're beyond that now, and I don't think people would accept the inauthenticity of a straight guy playing a gay guy.'

Hanks added, 'It's not a crime, it's not boohoo that someone would say we are going to demand more of a movie in the modern realm of authenticity. Do I sound like I'm preaching? I don't mean to.'

Hanks, who won back-to-back Oscars in 1994 and 1995 for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performances in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump, said both films were 'timely movies, at the time, that you might not be able to make now,' as they 'would be mocked and picked apart on social media.'

Hanks won an Oscar for his portrayal in the film of lawyer Andrew Beckett, a gay man who is fired from his law firm after his bosses discover details about his personal life

Hanks appeared alongside Denzel Washington in the 1993 Jonathan Demme film

In accepting the Oscar for Philadelphia, Hanks opened up about the tragic death toll caused by HIV/AIDS.

'I know that my work in this case is magnified by the fact that the streets of heaven are too crowded with angels,' Hanks said. 'We know their names. They number a thousand for each one of the red ribbons that we wear here tonight. They finally rest in the warm embrace of the gracious creator of us all.

'A healing embrace that cools their fevers, clears their skin and allows their eyes to see the simple, self-evident, common-sense truth that is made manifest by the benevolent creator of us all and was written down on paper by wise men, tolerant men, in the city of Philadelphia 200 years ago.'

Hanks said that 'the whole point of Philadelphia was don't be afraid,' and that 'one of the reasons people weren't afraid of that movie is that [he] was playing a gay man'

Hanks, who plays the role of Colonel Tom Parker in the new film Elvis, has been on the promotional trail for the film

Hanks, who plays the role of Colonel Tom Parker in the new film Elvis, also spoke with the publication about why he hasn't posted any tweets to his Twitter page in more than two years.

'I stopped posting because, No. 1, I thought it was an empty exercise,' he said. 'I have enough attention on me. But also I'd post something goofy like, "Here's a pair of shoes I saw in the middle of the street," and the third comment would be, "F*** you, Hanks." I don't know if I want to give that guy the forum.

'If the third comment is "F*** you, you Obama-loving communist," it's like, I don't need to do that.'
Sutton Stracke made Crystal Kung Minkoff promise that she would not betray their friendship again on Wednesday's episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

'I need you to tell me that you are going to stop that,' Sutton, 50, said to Crystal, 36, during a group dinner in Mexico.

Crystal first told Sutton that she understood how she felt, but Sutton insisted she needed to make a more concrete promise in front of everyone.

Public promise: Sutton Stracke made Crystal Kung Minkoff promise that she would not betray their friendship again on Wednesday's episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

'I'm not going to do that to you again,' Crystal said. 'I just said it and it's genuine.'

Before the dinner, the hotel hosted a cleansing energy session for the women.

'I highly doubt this will cleanse the energy and we will have a good dinner, but I'm here for the try of it,' Lisa Rinna, 58, said in a confessional.

'Yeah, there is not enough sage in all the sage fields to cleanse this place,' Erika Jayne, 50, said in a confessional.

Genuine statement: 'I'm not going to do that to you again,' Crystal said. 'I just said it and it's genuine'

Kyle Richards, 53, asked Crystal and Erika what they did during the day. Erika said they talked about the fight between Sutton and Crystal.

'This is going to be a fun dinner,' Sutton said.

'You have a reputation for doing this,' Sutton said to Crystal, referencing her comment in which she accused Sutton of saying something 'dark.'

Dark comment: 'You have a reputation for doing this,' Sutton said to Crystal, referencing her comment in which she accused Sutton of saying something 'dark'

'Are you willing to say who told you?' Erika asked.

'They are not sitting at this table,' Sutton said.

'Yeah, but then why bring it up at all?' Erika said.

Erika said that Crystal felt like she was an easy target.

Garcelle encouraged Crystal to speak up for herself.

Speak up: Garcelle Beauvais encouraged Crystal to speak up for herself

'I totally understand that sometimes my choice of words is confusing,' Crystal said. 'I'm really trying.'

'I will apologize for what I said last night about hearing that and having hearsay,' Sutton said. 'That was unfair. That I will take back. But I will not take back that you have done this repeatedly to me and I need for you to stop that.'

'I do want to be friends,' Sutton said. 'I genuinely really like you.'

Really trying: 'I totally understand that sometimes my choice of words is confusing,' Crystal said. 'I'm really trying'

Crystal said she was confused because the previous night Sutton had said that she both hated and liked her. Sutton denied it but then Diana Jenkins, 49, said she also heard it.

Sutton turned to Diana and sternly told her that she was a very good person.

'I'm going to say it again until you can hear me!' Sutton said, pointing her finger at Diana.

Good person: 'I'm going to say it again until you can hear me!' Sutton said, pointing her finger at show newcomer Diana Jenkins

'You are putting your finger in her face,' Erika said. 'She's just asking.'

'Her reaction is shocking,' Diana said in a confessional. 'Embarrassing. To turn on somebody who's trying to help you is- ...it's really not normal behavior, not if you are a stable person.'

'You just screamed at me,' Diana said.

Not normal: 'Her reaction is shocking,' Diana said in a confessional. 'Embarrassing. To turn on somebody who's trying to help you is- ...it's really not normal behavior, not if you are a stable person'

'I got to take a break,' Sutton said, getting up from the table.

Erika and Lisa smiled at each other when Sutton walked off. Kyle went with Sutton to the bathroom where it sounded like she was trying to remove her wireless microphone

Looking on: Garcelle and Lis Rinna looked on as Sutton erupted at Diana

'I want a break,' Sutton said. 'No, off. No. I want a f***ing break.'

'Hold on, Sutton,' Kyle said. 'It's not even that big of a deal. Take a breath. Take a breath.'

'I'm trying to calm down because I don't want to look crazy,' Sutton said in a confessional.

Calming down: 'I'm trying to calm down because I don't want to look crazy,' Sutton said in a confessional

'Keep it together like you did last night,' Kyle said to Sutton.

Dorit Kemsley, 45, told Diana at the table that she thought that Sutton's aggression at her was very misdirected.

Diana then started crying.

Misdirected aggression: Dorit Kemsley, 45, told Diana at the table that she thought that Sutton's aggression at her was very misdirected

'It's all good, babe,' Diana said. 'It's all good. Don't worry about it.'

'I usually like to appear that I've got it together even if I don't,' Diana said in a confessional.

Sutton and Kyle then walked back to the table.

Getting emotional: 'It's all good, babe,' Diana said. 'It's all good. Don't worry about it'

'I lost it for a second but now I'm fine,' Sutton said.

'I cannot. Everybody is just way too much,' Garcelle Beauvais, 55, said.

Sutton after returning to the table apologized to both Crystal and Diana.

Too much: 'I cannot. Everybody is just way too much,' Garcelle Beauvais, 55, said

'I'm sorry,' Sutton said. 'I lost my cool.'

Lisa shared her reservations about Crystal in a confessional.

'Crystal has told me that she had a falling out with like 14 of her friends,' Lisa said to the camera. 'I mean, it's a lot to be dropped by 14 friends. I don't even have f***ing 14 friends.'

Fourteen friends: 'Crystal has told me that she had a falling out with like 14 of her friends,' Lisa said to the camera. 'I mean, it's a lot to be dropped by 14 friends. I don't even have f***ing 14 friends'

Kyle said she felt that Crystal was intentionally playing the victim card.

'Do you guys really believe that that girl, Crystal, is that manipulative?' Erika said. 'Do you believe those 14 friends over her?'

'I didn't until I saw this behavior,' Kyle said.

Victim card: Kyle Richards said she felt that Crystal was intentionally playing the victim card

In a confessional, Kyle said she typically lets comments about others slide by her.

'But 14 friends drop you like a hot potato?' Kyle said. 'You must have done a little something wrong.'

Dorit said she felt that Crystal's apology seemed genuine.

Something wrong: 'But 14 friends drop you like a hot potato?' Kyle said. 'You must have done a little something wrong'

'I'm willing to start over and really build a friendship, because I want to,' Sutton said.

'Lovely,' Lisa said.

The episode titled opened in Pun 'High Cries and Misty Demeanors' opened with Garcelle, Sutton and Erika getting ready for a day in Mexico with their glam squads. Crystal did not travel with a glam squad.

Glam squad: The episode titled opened in Pun 'High Cries and Misty Demeanors' opened with Garcelle, Sutton and Erika getting ready for a day in Mexico with their glam squads

'I can just put on some lip gloss and I'm good,' Crystal said in a confessional. 'Why spend the money? It's ridiculous.'

Everyone met on the beach for breakfast. Dorit joined the others and said she was still experiencing a lot of anxiety

Erika called for sugar in Spanish at the table and Kyle told her that she liked how she talked.

Lip gloss: 'I can just put on some lip gloss and I'm good,' Crystal said in a confessional. 'Why spend the money? It's ridiculous'

'I know these new antidepressants are really killing it,' Erika said.

In a confessional, Erika said that last year she kept waking up with a hopeless feeling.

'Every day, I woke up, and I dreaded waking up, so I called a psychiatrist and I went on Lexapro,' Erika previously told the group.

Hopeless feeling: In a confessional, Erika said that last year she kept waking up with a hopeless feeling

Lisa said she was also feeling better. She told the women that she had been speaking to a medium when her mother Lois died.

'She said,''look for a flock of birds'',' Lisa said.

Lisa said she later found a ceramic baby bird in her makeup bag.

Late mother: Lisa had mixed emotions on the trip after the recent death of her mother

'I actually feel her more now,' Lisa said.

Erika, Lisa and Crystal took a surfing lesson and struggled with their form.

Kyle, Sutton, Dorit and Garcelle went into town to go shopping., Dorit asked Sutton about where her relationship with Crystal stood.

Surfing lesson: Erika, Lisa and Crystal took a surfing lesson and struggled with their form

Wipe out: The surfing lesson included plenty of wipeouts

'She twists words sometimes,' Sutton said.

'It's something bigger than that,' Kyle said.

Kyle said she felt that Crystal was manipulative.

Crafty behavior: Kyle said she felt that Crystal was manipulative

'She threw you under the bus,' Dorit said to Sutton.

Back on the beach, Erika asked Crystal what she was going to do about Sutton. Crystal said she didn't want conflict.

'She called you a liar last night, baby,' Erika said. 'I want you to fight for yourself, Crystal. If you don't open your mouth, you allow others to fill in the story for you.'

Crystal started crying and said she was trying her best.

Tears flowing: Crystal started crying and said she was trying her best.

'You live in LA, it's not an easy city, girl you are strong,' Diana said to her. 'Stand up for yourself.'

'Crystal, she needs to grow a pair of balls,' Diana said in a confessional.

The Real Housewives Of Dubai will return next Wednesday on Bravo in the US,

All episodes of The Real Housewives of Dubai are also available to stream on Hayu.
He's the short-odds favourite to win the Gold Logie on Sunday night.

And Hamish Blake looked quietly confident on Wednesday as he jetted into Sydney Airport with his wife Zoe Foster Blake and their children.

The Lego Masters host, 40, was rugged up for the brisk winter day in a black hoodie and blue jeans.

Gold Logie nominee Hamish Blake looked quietly confident on Wednesday as he jetted into Sydney Airport with his wife Zoe Foster Blake and their children

He concealed his famous face behind a cap and face mask as he wheeled his carry-on luggage through the terminal.

Zoe, a former journalist and founder of successful skincare brand Go-To, wore a tan coat with matching pants for the family's flight.

The couple were joined by their children, son Sonny, eight, and daughter Rudy, four.

The Lego Masters host was rugged up for the brisk winter day in a black hoodie and blue jeans

The sighting comes amid speculation Hamish will win the Logies' highest honour during Sunday's ceremony on the Gold Coast.

Blake is the short-priced favourite to win the Gold Logie with odds of just $1.80.

The second favourite is Channel Seven host Sonia Kruger at $4, while MasterChef judge Melissa Leong is paying $5.50 for a win.

Zoe, a former journalist and founder of successful skincare brand Go-To, wore a tan coat with matching pants for the family's flight

The biggest outsiders are both former winners of the Gold Logie, with Tom Gleeson at $11 and Karl Stefanovic at $13.

Legendary Home and Away actor Ray Meagher has said he also thinks Hamish will walk away with the Gold Logie this year.

It is Blake's second nomination in 10 years.

The sighting comes amid speculation Hamish will win the Logies' highest honour during Sunday's ceremony on the Gold Coast

Gold Logie nominees (left to right) Karl Stefanovic, Julia Morris, Hamish Blake, Tom Gleeson, Sonia Kruger and Ray Meagher are pictured on the Gold Coast on May 15
Brittany Hockley has been struck down with the 'super flu' sweeping Australia.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, the Bachelor star-turned-podcast host, 34, urged fans to get the flu shot so they don't end up in her awful situation.

She explained her symptoms are so bad she feels like she's 'dying', adding that it's the 'sickest I've ever been'.

Brittany Hockley has been struck down with the 'super flu' sweeping Australia

'If you haven't had your flu shot, this is your reminder to go and get it,' she said.

'I'm literally the sickest I have ever been with the flu and I didn't get my flu shot in time and I feel like I'm dying.

'So yeah, go and get your flu shot so you don't end up like this.'

She added: 'Every part of my body is in agony... My head hasn't stopped pounding for two days, to the point I'm vomiting and nothing will fix it.'

Brittany said the flu makes 'you feel like you've been hit by a bus' and her throat is so sore she struggles to talk and it hurts to even cough.

Professor Catherine Bennett, Chair in Epidemiology at Deakin University, told Daily Mail Australia that Covid restrictions coupled with unseasonable weather are responsible for the 87,989 flu cases reported early this season.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, the Bachelor star-turned-podcast host, 34, urged fans to get the flu shot so they don't end up in her awful situation

Dr Bennett added that low flu vaccination rates after mass Covid vaccination schemes could mean people will get more sick, more often.

'After two low flu seasons, in fact virtually no season in 2021, we dont have the usual cross immunity from recent exposure,' she said.

Brittany hosts the Life Uncut podcast for ARN with fellow Bachelor alum Laura Byrne.
A fresh trailer for the upcoming season of Channel Seven's My Kitchen Rules gives fans a taste of what they can expect from the revamped cooking show.

Starring British celebrity chef Nigella Lawson, the preview promises a new season filled with classy, wholesome fun and treasured family recipes.

The trailer shows the glamorous 62-year-old food writer in the back of a limousine, cruising through city streets and declaring her love for home cooking.

A fresh trailer for the new season of Seven's My Kitchen Rules gives fans a taste of what they can expect from the revamped cooking show. (Picture: Manu Feildel and Nigella Lawson)

'When you think about the food you love, it's nearly always home cooking,' Nigella says.

'I'm a home cook and it's the food that I want to eat. I've come 17,000 kilometres to find Australia's best home cooks!'

Passing homes, Nigella declares: 'They could be behind that door, or that one.

'Some one could be cooking it right now - the best recipe I've ever tasted, a hidden family treasure, only they know.'

Starring British celebrity chef Nigella Lawson, the preview promises a new season filled with classy, wholesome fun and treasured family recipes

An excited Nigella then gets out the limousine and is met by co-host Manu Feildel.

Fans are then treated to a beachside park setting as the pair walk arm-in-arm greeting different teams from Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria and NSW as they cook up a storm.

The trailer ends with Nigella tasting a dish as the contestants wait in silence.

The trailer shows the glamorous 62-year-old food writer in the back of a limousine, cruising through city streets and declaring her love for home cooking

An excited Nigella then gets out the limousine and is met by co-host Manu Feildel

'Food is meant to be shared,' she says before the teams join in.

The new trailer arrives after the bestselling cookbook author was spotted filming scenes for MKR at the Sydney Opera House.

Nigella has replaced disgraced chef Pete Evans as co-host of the popular show alongside returning judge Manu Feildel.

The new trailer arrives after the bestselling cookbook author was spotted filming scenes for MKR at the Sydney Opera House

'Going to restaurants can be a treat, but for me, the true story of food is told through the cooking we do at home,' she said in a statement.

'So, to have the chance to champion home cooks and be given the intimate privilege of being invited into people's homes to eat their food fills me with gratitude and excitement in equal measure!

'I'm so looking forward to working with Manu, too. Although he's a chef and I'm a home cook, the fact is we both just want to eat good food.'

Nigella has replaced disgraced chef Pete Evans as co-host of the popular show alongside returning judge Manu Feildel

She added: 'I feel I've got a lot to learn from him, but just know we'll have a lot of fun in the process. I can't wait!'

Award-winning food journalist and TV personality Matt Preston will join MKR this season.

And celebrity chefs Colin Fassnidge and Curtis Stone will return as guest judges.

'Going to restaurants can be a treat, but for me, the true story of food is told through the cooking we do at home,' Nigella said in a statement
Bill Gates is no fan of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and cryptocurrencies, which are two of the emerging digital assets these days.

The philanthropist and founder of Microsoft, Gates, recently slammed NFTs during a Tech Crunch conference. The billionaire also sarcastically spoke about the massive NFT collection, Bored Ape Yacht Club.

Gates went on to explain why he is not into NFTs and cryptos during the climate event of Tech Crunch.

Bill Gates on NFTs

Based on the previous hot takes of Gates against cryptos, it should highly suggest that the Microsoft co-founder is not sold on one of the hottest trends out there, NFTs.

After all, as per a news story by CNN, Gates revealed that he favors a more traditional sense of investing.

The billionaire says that he prefers to invest in farming, which, he says, are asset classes that have output - like a company selling products.

Aside from Gates' obvious liking for old-school investing, he also explained why he is skipping the NFT and crypto trend.

The Microsoft founder states that these speculative digital assets are "based on greater fool theory."

Why Gates is Not an NFT, Crypto Fan

According to a recent report by CNET, Gates was trying to say that NFTs, as well as cryptos, are overvalued assets. And for investors to profit from them, the billionaire says there should be another person out there willing to pay a more hefty price tag.

If what Gates said was still unclear, he said it straight during the conference: "I'm not involved in that," pertaining to NFTs and cryptos. He also clarified that "I'm not long or short in any of those things."

CNN notes that the business magnate and investor blurted out his hot takes on NFTs while the value of Bitcoin and other top cryptos crashed. The most valued cryptocurrency now only costs roughly $23,000, as of writing.

It might be a bit lower by the time you are reading this - or higher. The news outlet also highlights that Bitcoin lost 25% of its value after nearly a week of sinking.

Previously, Gates expressed his two cents on Bitcoin, pointing out its extreme volatility.

Read Also: Bill Gates Says Cryptocurrency Isn't "Adding to Society" in Latest AMA

Bill Gates and Bored Ape

Aside from taking a swipe at NFTs in general, Gates also spoke about the Bored Ape Yacht Club.

Gates quips that the hefty-priced virtual photos of monkeys could make the world a better place.

Related Article: Bill Gates' Money Is Not Going to the Space Race; Microsoft Founder Issues Challenge for Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Billionaires
Chris Evans hit back at critics of the depiction of a same-sex couple in his upcoming film Lightyear, saying, 'The real truth is those people are idiots.'

The Boston native, 41, speaking with Reuters on Tuesday, addressed the criticism of a gay couple featured in the Pixar movie, in which he voices the titular role of Buzz Lightyear.

'Every time theres been social advancement as we wake up, the American story, the human story is one of constant social awakening and growth and thats what makes us good,' Evans said.

The latest: Chris Evans, 41, hit back at critics of the depiction of a same-sex couple in his upcoming film Lightyear, saying, 'The real truth is those people are idiots.' He was pictured in London on Monday at the film's U.K. premiere

The interview comes after Lightyear was given a ban in the United Arab Emirates over its portrayal of a same sex couple, and 13 Middle Eastern and Asian countries have not permitted Disney to show the motion picture.

In the animated film, Buzz Lightyear's friend is a female space ranger Alisha Hawthorne (voiced by Uzo Aduba) who is married to a woman, with a montage of moments showing including the same-sex kiss.

Evans said that 'there's always going to be people who are afraid and unaware and trying to hold on to what was before ... but those people die off like dinosaurs.

'I think the goal is to pay them no mind, march forward and embrace the growth that makes us human.'

In the animated film, Buzz Lightyear's friend is a female space ranger Alisha Hawthorne (voiced by Uzo Aduba) who is married to a woman

Evans voices the titular role of Buzz Lightyear in the forthcoming film

The scene was initially edited from the film, Variety reported, but restored after pushback from Disney personnel upset with the decision amid the company's well-publicized issues with the Dont Say Gay bill in Florida.

Evans earlier this week told Variety that he felt it was 'wonderful' the company decided to put the scene back in the movie.

'Its tough to not be a little frustrated that it even has to be a topic of discussion,' Evans said. 'That it is this kind of "news." The goal is that we can get to a point where it is the norm, and that this doesnt have to be some uncharted waters, that eventually this is just the way it is. That representation across the board is how we make films.'

Evans was seen signing autographs for fans at the film's London premiere

Evans said that 'every time theres been social advancement as we wake up, the American story, the human story is one of constant social awakening and growth and thats what makes us good'

The A-list actor added: 'Its an honor to be a part of something that is taking those steps, but the goal is to look back on this time and just be shocked that it took us this long to get there.'

The film's producer, Galyn Susman, questioned to Reuters why people 'don't get more upset showing failed relationships,' as the relationship in Lightyear 'lasts an entire lifetime.

'It's loving, it's supportive and it shows Buzz exactly what he doesn't have and that's the whole point,' Susman said. 'We should all be so lucky to have that kind of relationship in our life.'

Lightyear is slated to debut in theaters on Friday.
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Top Gun: Maverick action star Miles Teller and his wife of two years, Keleigh Sperry, enjoyed a glamorous date night at a screening of his new film Spiderhead at the Paris Theater in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday.

The Pennsylvania-born 35-year-old looked dapper in a cranberry-colored silk suit over a matching button-up sans necktie and black dress shoes selected by sister styling duo Wendi & Nicole Ferreira.

Groomer Marissa Machado made sure Miles' hair and complexion were camera ready for the film festivities.

Still going strong! Top Gun: Maverick action star Miles Teller and his wife of two years, Keleigh Sperry, enjoyed a glamorous date night at a screening of his new film Spiderhead at the Paris Theater in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday

The 29-year-old Orange County native looked lovely in a black caped gown and bejeweled stilettos selected by stylist Jennifer Mazur.

Keleigh rocked a red lip and brown smoky eye with her brunette locks sideswept and curled.

The Taylor Swift video stars - who dote on their French Bulldog Bugsy - originally met in May 2013 while attending a Grammy Awards afterparty for the Black Keys.

Career-wise, Sperry works for the non-profit Wells of Life and serves as ambassador for clean water and wells in Uganda.

GQ smooth: The Pennsylvania-born 35-year-old looked dapper in a cranberry-colored silk suit over a matching button-up sans necktie and black dress shoes selected by sister styling duo Wendi & Nicole Ferreira

Fist pumping: Groomer Marissa Machado made sure Miles' hair and complexion were camera ready for the film festivities

Caped crusader: The 29-year-old Orange County native looked lovely in a black caped gown and bejeweled stilettos selected by stylist Jennifer Mazur

Fully contoured: Keleigh rocked a red lip and brown smoky eye with her brunette locks sideswept and curled

Real-life leading lady: The Taylor Swift video stars - who dote on their French Bulldog Bugsy - originally met in May 2013 while attending a Grammy Awards afterparty for the Black Keys

Charitable: Career-wise, Sperry works for the non-profit Wells of Life and serves as ambassador for clean water and wells in Uganda

Miles portrays Jeff, a criminal turned emotion-altering drug tester for Steve Abnesti (Chris Hemsworth), in the dismally-reviewed sci-fi thriller premiering this Friday on Netflix.

'[Steve] is kind of half-hippie, half-mad scientist,' Teller explained on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Tuesday.

'All the inmates in this facility voluntarily go there instead of serving prison time. They're all criminals, and we are under the experimentation of Chris Hemsworth. A lot of different drugs and some are fun, some are terrifying.'

The Offer producer-star added: 'So that's kind of the premise - how we deal with inmates too and how we should deal with criminals. If it's really about reformation then why are we putting them in a prison system where they don't... I don't think they come out of prison being model citizens. I don't think that's really what our prison system is doing, so there are some larger themes.'

Premiering this Friday on Netflix! Miles portrays Jeff, a criminal turned emotion-altering drug tester for Steve Abnesti (L, Chris Hemsworth), in the dismally-reviewed sci-fi thriller

Teller explained on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Tuesday: '[Steve] is kind of half-hippie, half-mad scientist. All the inmates in this facility voluntarily go there instead of serving prison time. They're all criminals'

The Offer producer-star added: 'We are under the experimentation of Chris Hemsworth. A lot of different drugs and some are fun, some are terrifying'

Spiderhead marks Miles' third film with Joseph Kosinski, who previously directed him in Top Gun: Maverick in 2018-2019 and Only the Brave in 2016-2017.

The R-rated dystopian film is based on George Saunders' 2010 story Escape from Spiderhead in The New Yorker.

Teller also made sure to pose with his castmates Daniel Reader, Jurnee Smollett, Mark Paguio, Stephen Tongun, and Joey Vieira.

The packed screening took place at New York City's sole-surviving single-screen cinema, which has been operated by Netflix since 2019.

At the helm: Spiderhead marks Miles' third film with Joseph Kosinski (L), who previously directed him in Top Gun: Maverick in 2018-2019 and Only the Brave in 2016-2017

Group shot: Teller also made sure to pose with his castmates (from L-R) Daniel Reader, Jurnee Smollett, Mark Paguio, Stephen Tongun, and Joey Vieira

Paris Theater! The packed screening took place at New York City's sole-surviving single-screen cinema, which has been operated by Netflix since 2019

'Brains and Balls': The Sundance Jury Prize winner will next conclude his role as The Godfather producer Albert S. Ruddy in the 10th and final episode of Michael Tolkin's seventies-set series The Offer, which airs Thursday on Paramount+

The Sundance Jury Prize winner will next conclude his role as The Godfather producer Albert S. Ruddy in the 10th and final episode of Michael Tolkin's seventies-set series The Offer, which airs Thursday on Paramount+.

Emmy nominee Jurnee Smollett - who plays Lizzy - bared her back in a red crystal Alexandre Vauthier FW/22 cut-out gown and black patent leather Louboutin pumps selected by stylist Alexandra Mandelkorn.

The 35-year-old native New Yorker's disgraced big brother Jussie Smollett Instastoried his approval of her red carpet attire with the caption: 'Bye @jurneesmollett bella!'

Back it up! Emmy nominee Jurnee Smollett - who plays Lizzy - bared her back in a red crystal Alexandre Vauthier FW/22 cut-out gown and black patent leather Louboutin pumps selected by stylist Alexandra Mandelkorn

The 35-year-old native New Yorker's disgraced big brother Jussie Smollett Instastoried his approval of her red carpet attire with the caption: 'Bye @jurneesmollett bella!'

Appealing: On March 16, the 39-year-old actor was released from Chicago's Cook County Jail after serving six days of a 150-day sentence for five counts of felony disorderly conduct stemming from his 2019 hate crime hoax

On March 16, the 39-year-old actor was released from Chicago's Cook County Jail after serving six days of a 150-day sentence for five counts of felony disorderly conduct (on appeal) stemming from his 2019 hate crime hoax.

Stephen Tongun (Ray) rocked a gold brocade blazer and a black fedora while Joey Vieira (Miguel) opted for a baby-blue blazer as he FaceTimed their co-star Ron Smyck (Dave)

Daniel Reader (Ryan) looked festive in a tartan three-piece suit while Mark Paguio (Verlaine) opted for a black silk suit and Dr. Martens boots.

MIA castmate: Stephen Tongun (Ray) rocked a gold brocade blazer and a black fedora while Joey Vieira (Miguel) opted for a baby-blue blazer as he FaceTimed their co-star Ron Smyck (Dave)

Suited and booted! Daniel Reader (Ryan) looked festive in a tartan three-piece suit while Mark Paguio (Verlaine) opted for a black silk suit and Dr. Martens boots

Summer of Soul mastermind: Oscar-winning documentarian Questlove - who's also The Tonight Show's bandleader - wore a Balenciaga button-up and Crocs at the premiere

South African beauty: Triangle of Sadness actress Charlbi Dean kept it simple in a sleeveless white dress and b&w buckled flats

Millions of followers: TikTokers Maddi 'Moo' Koch (L) and Heidi Wong (R) both bared their torsos in sleeveless black and red respective looks at the premiere.

Oscar-winning documentarian Questlove - who's also The Tonight Show's bandleader - wore a Balenciaga button-up and Crocs at the premiere.

Triangle of Sadness actress Charlbi Dean kept it simple in a sleeveless white dress and b&w buckled flats.

TikTokers Maddi 'Moo' Koch and Heidi Wong both bared their torsos in sleeveless black and red respective looks at the premiere.
Hailey Bieber was a sight to behold following an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in New York on Wednesday.

The model, 25, put on a show-stopping display in a cleavage-baring dress adorned with sequins which clung to her statuesque body.

She flashed a huge smile as she left the building, where an army of fans awaited her with cell phones capturing her departure.

Sparkle and shine! Hailey Bieber was a sight to behold following an appearance on The Tonight Show on Wednesday

Hailey worked a head full of glossy hair which cascaded down her shoulder in loose, shiny waves and a face full of radiant makeup which brought out her natural features.

She strutted down the sidewalk in clear high heels which only further accentuated her toned legs.

Hailey has been busy promoting her new skincare line Rhodes in NYC today.

The model headed to Good Morning America where she also discussed her husband Justin Bieber's face paralysis.

Best tressed! Hailey worked a head full of glossy hair which cascaded down her shoulder in loose, shiny waves and a face full of radiant makeup which brought out her natural features

Hailey admitted that recent medical scares just months apart have brought her and husband closer together, days after he revealed the he is recovering from Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

Hailey, who suffered her own health struggle in March this year when she suffered a mini stroke, said that the 28-year-old Canadian pop star is 'doing really well' after suffering facial paralysis as a result of the condition.

She appeared on the show to promote her new line of skincare line, called Rhode after her middle name, and looked stunning in a clingy white ensemble for the interview.

All eyes on her! An army of fans awaited with their phones capturing the superstar

However, while promoting her new products, Hailey also offered an update on how Justin is doing - days after he revealed that his face had been partially paralyzed from the condition, which forced him to cancel several tour dates.

'He's doing really well, he's getting better every single day,' the model said. 'He's feeling a lot better. And obviously it was just a very scary and random situation to happen, but he's going to be totally okay. And I'm just grateful that he's fine.'

Talking about how she is doing after undergoing surgery to close a hole in her heart, she said: 'I feel a lot better after that situation, I feel good. You know I had a procedure done to close this hole in my heart.'

Making her entrance! Bieber dropped jaws as she appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

'And I'm just giving my body the time to heal and recover. It was a little hard for me to recover from the procedure, just giving myself the time to be able to work out again and feel like normal if that makes sense, but I am doing well now. I'm not having to be on any medication anymore so I feel good.'

When asked about how they both handled their health scares so close to one another, Hailey explained: 'I think going through it very publicly, in front of a lot of people, it kind of forces you in a way to just be upfront about what is going on.'

So that people understand what you're going through. And I think it opened up a lot of really amazing and important conversations.

'And I think that the silver lining of it honestly is that it brings us a lot closer, because you're going through it together, you're there for each other, you're supporting each other, and there's just something that really bonds you through, through these times. That is, I think the silver lining of these crazy times.'
The Bachelor star Holly Kingston is copping backlash for her disparaging comments about reality stars who make a living on OnlyFans.

The influencer, 28, sparked outage on Tuesday when she and boyfriend Jimmy Nicholson, 33, suggested that selling naked photos isn't 'empowering' and that reality stars should promote charities instead of 'grabbing money'.

Critics have since retaliated by leaving cruel comments on Holly's latest sponsored Instagram post.

The Bachelor star Holly Kingston (pictured) is copping backlash for her disparaging comments about reality stars who make a living on OnlyFans

Holly shared a video of herself trying on luxury fashion items, and some people argued that trying on clothes for money is no different to taking them off.

'Very disappointed to see you using your body like this. Next time please just spend the time donating to charity,' one troll sarcastically wrote.

'Look at you using yourself to sell a product. But OnlyFans is bad! Got it,' another commented.

Critics have retaliated by leaving cruel comments on Holly's latest sponsored Instagram post

Holly shared a video of herself trying on luxury fashion items, and some people argued that trying on clothes for money is no different to taking them off

Playing in the background of Holly's video was a cover version of Oh, Pretty Woman.

Critics couldn't help but point out the irony of Holly using the song that inspired the 1990 film Pretty Woman, which is about a rich man falling in love with a sex worker.

'Ironic song considering your stance on sex work,' one commented.

'Using Pretty Woman as the song for selling thigh-high boots straight out of a movie about female sex work is a beautiful ironic twist here,' another agreed.

Playing in the background of Holly's video was a cover version of Oh, Pretty Woman

Critics couldn't help but point out the irony of Holly using the song that inspired the 1990 film Pretty Woman, which is about a rich man falling in love with a sex worker

However, several fans rushed to defend Holly and her stance on OnlyFans.

'All the people giving Holly grief, shut up! Just because Holly and Jimmy have a different view to other celebrities who want to sell themselves online doesn't mean they deserve to be bullied by you! Grow the hell up!' one supporter wrote.

Another added: 'Thank you for being so strong to stand in your truth despite online harassment from other public figures trying to force an apology out of you.'

However, several fans rushed to defend Holly and her stance on OnlyFans

'That person judging you is not the moral compass for us all and it is refreshing to have someone with class share their views,' they added.

Jimmy and Holly shared their thoughts on OnlyFans during an Instagram Q&A on Tuesday.

The pair slammed the X-rated platform and said reality stars were just trying to 'grab money' by selling nude photos and videos of themselves online.

Jimmy and Holly slammed reality stars for joining OnlyFans on Tuesday

'We get this question a lot and we figured now is a good time to just answer it once and for all,' Holly began.

'No judgment towards anyone who does have OnlyFans, but I think there has been a little bit of a trend in people coming off reality shows and leveraging that degree of fame to then sell nudes online.'

Jimmy added that his issue with the increasing number of reality stars joining OnlyFans is that they claim they're doing it for 'female and male empowerment'.

'I think you should be a role model to the future generation,' the wholesome couple said

'I think that's a load of crap, personally,' he quipped. 'I think you should be a role model to the future generations.

'If you want to celebrate male or female empowerment, start a charity, donate to breast cancer awareness or prostate cancer awareness,' he continued.

'I think it's a way to grab money, and [you should] think about the example you're setting for the future generations, for your kids when they're in school.'

Holly then weighed in with her thoughts on the controversial subject.

The couple's commentary drew the ire of Bachelor reject Abbie Chatfield (pictured) who lashed out at the pair in a lengthy Instagram rant on Wednesday

'Our view: Normalising selling naked photos on the internet doesn't equal male/female empowerment,' she wrote. 'If this is your view, totally fine. Just won't be something we'll be doing. Thanks for coming to our TED Talk.'

The couple's commentary drew the ire of Bachelor reject Abbie Chatfield, who lashed out at the pair in a lengthy Instagram rant on Wednesday.

'The tone of voice of no judgement but here's our judgement is not ideal but no one actually asked you thought of what the morality around Only Fans or sex work was,' Abbie chided the duo.

'The tone of voice of no judgement but here's our judgement is not ideal but no one actually asked you thought of what the morality around Only Fans or sex work was,' Abbie said

She continued: 'They just asked if you would do it and to be honest I don't think anyone really cared that much. I just kind of felt like a vessel to speak about your dismissal of people who do Only Fans.'

Abbie went on to say she isn't sure how it's any different from her or Jimmy and Holly using their 'fame' to make money on Instagram or social media.

'It's the same we commodify content but obviously sex workers are very different in the way they are marginalised... and treated.'

OnlyFans has become a lucrative career option for Australian reality stars in recent years.

Married At First Sight star Olivia Frazer is the latest celebrity to join the platform, having recently revealed she earned $10,000 in her first day.

Since then, she's believed to have raked in more than $100,000, while her boyfriend Jackson has followed in her footsteps by signing up too.

Other Married At First Sight stars to launch careers on OnlyFans include Jessika Power, Alana Lister, Hayley Vernon, and even grandmother Mishel Karen.
Authorities located Bam Margera at a Delray Beach, Florida hotel Wednesday, after the Jackass alum was reported missing from a nearby rehab facility he was at.

Sources told TMZ that police and a crisis intervention team took the 42-year-old TV personality, whose full name is Brandon Cole Margera, back to the rehab facility, and that he did not resist.

The manager of the rehab facility noted that the Viva La Bam star's stay at the facility was ordered by a court, leading to police looking for him.

Bam Margera, 42, allegedly checked himself out of a Florida rehabilitation facility without prior authorization as required by a court order

Insiders told the outlet the West Chester, Pennsylvania native likely did not relapse, after he finished a year in a drug and alcohol treatment program, but it was not immediately clear as Margera has not been on his medication since his departure.

Margera was irked that he was not receiving 'special treatment' from staff at the facility, which led him to leave, sources told the outlet.

The outlet previously reported Margera was not allowed to leave his latest facility without authorization, but made the impulsive decision to leave the Delray Beach sober living facility after complaining of the rehab's restrictions.

Police records obtained by DailyMail.com show that Margera told the manager at the facility he was unhappy with the treatment he was receiving, and would be checking himself into another rehab center in the area - apparently RECO Intensive.

On Tuesday, Margera posted a photo to his Instagram fist-bumping a man he called his 'new Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor'

He also posted a photo to his Instagram Story featuring his wife, Nicole Boyd, and rapper Machine Gun Kelly - who was performing in Florida Tuesday night

Last month, Bam (born Brandon) celebrated 'one year of treatment' for drug and alcohol abuse at a Boca Raton facility, and said he plans on attending outpatient treatment classes for the next two months

The manager then reported to the police he saw Margera leaving in a black Honda Sedan at around 8 p.m. on Monday, and authorities have continued to search for him ever since.

Officials said Margera did not appear to be a danger to himself or others, and his friends and family were reportedly working hard to get him back into the facility, according to the New York Post.

Meanwhile, Margera posted a photo to his Instagram on Tuesday fist-bumping with his 'new Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor.'

'MMA fighter, chiropractor and 10 years sober Dominick, is my new AA sponsor #f-kYeah,' he captioned the post.

He also added a selfie to his Instagram Story showing him with his wife, Nicole Boyd, and rapper Machine Gun Kelly - who was performing in Florida Tuesday night.

MailOnline has contacted a spokesperson for Bam Margera for comment.

Margera first entered the Delray Beach facility in September under police escort, after authorities were called about an 'emotionally distressed person.'

He celebrated 'one year of treatment' for drug and alcohol abuse last month, and had said at the time he planned on attending outpatient treatment classes for the next two months.

Margera has had a history of substance abuse issues and checked himself into the hospital in 2019 for an edema after excessive drinking

Margera broke his right wrist 'for the 10th time' and dislocated his right elbow while skateboarding just last month, but he refused pain medication due to his sobriety

But Margera has reportedly been having problems with the facility.

After the television star broke his right wrist 'for the 10th time' and dislocated his right elbow while skateboarding last month, he refused pain medication due to his sobriety - but then blamed rehab-staffers for not setting up a physical therapy appointment.

The Pennsylvania-born star was attempting a trick that he hadn't tried in a year at a Florida skatepark during a 30-minute break at a nearby AA meeting when his arm bent backwards, according to TMZ.

Margera has long had a history of substance abuse issues, as he had to check into a hospital in 2019 to treat an edema apparently caused by excessive drinking.

More recently, Margera was kicked off the latest Jackass project for failing to abide by conditions set forth by the producers relating to his addiction issues.

They were reportedly worried about his addiction issues and erratic behavior - for which he has recently explained he suffers from manic bipolar disorder - but wanted him to be a part of the project.

In order to remain a part of Jackass Forever, sources said the producers required Margera to sign a Wellness Agreement under which he would agree to continue taking his medication, regularly blow into a breathalyzer, stay sober, see a psychologist and take routine drug tests.

Margera is currently sharing an apartment with his second wife Nicole Boyd and their four-year-old son Phoenix Wolf, but they plan on moving back to Southern California soon to buy a new home (pictured last month)

Margera has previously revealed he has manic bipolar disorder and must take a slew of medications daily

During an interview with TMZ in April 2021, he listed a host of drugs the rehabilitation ordered him to be on for his release, including Zoloft, Lexapro, Wellbutrin, and Klonopin.

'This is what the doctors say I need,' he said. 'And then it led to suicidal tendencies on all 18 medications I was on. I'm like, well what's the point of a $5 million contract that I have to walk on eggshells and jump through your hoops, which is already impossible, to obey if I'm dead?'

When asked about Jackass 4 producers demands, Bam noted: 'It was the definition of f***in torture,' he said. 'They tortured me.'

He was then fired from the project after testing positive for Adderall, though he claimed in a wrongful termination lawsuit that the producers knew he had been taking for a decade to treat Attention Deficit Disorder.

Margera claimed in a lawsuit against Johnny Knoxville, Paramount and others involved with the project, that the Wellness Agreement he signed - allegedly without a lawyer present - was unfair.

'Margera was made to endure psychological torture in the form of a sham Wellness Agreement, and then ultimately terminated for his protected class status due to his mental condition, and his complaints about Defendants' discriminatory conduct towards him,' the lawsuit read, according to the New York Post.

He ultimately settled the suit last month.

The stunt performer previously appeared in MTV's Jackass, Jackass: The Movie, Jackass Number Two, Jackass 2.5, Jackass 3D and Jackass 3.5.

Paramount+ is currently developing a reboot of the Jackass series, but it's unclear if Margera will be involved after Jackass producer Jeff Tremaine was granted a restraining order against Margera last year - after he allegedly threatened Tremaine's family.
He's best known for his lead role in the acclaimed blockbuster Jurassic Park.

And now, Sam Neill has ditched the dinosaurs for a jabot and peruke in his latest project, The Twelve.

The 74-year-old actor, who plays barrister Brett Colby in the new Foxtel series, recently revealed to Who magazine that he didn't actually finish reading the script before signing on.

Sam Neill says he didn't even read the full script before signing on to star in Foxtel's The Twelve (pictured)

'I read up to about episode six,' he admitted.

Sam explained that he found the storyline 'really compelling' and was 'interested to know what happens next.'

'Thats always a very critical thing when youre reading a project. If you want to know what happens next, then thats telling you something,' he told the publication.

'I thought, I dont want to know what happens in the end, because you dont in life, and I thought it much more interesting to just play it as someone who just doesnt know what the story is.

'So, I was just as surprised at how things turn out as the audience will be when they see the show.'

Sam explained that he didn't actually finish reading the script before signing on for the series

Sam appears alongside a star studded cast, sharing the screen with Brendan Cowell (Game of Thrones), Pallavi Sharda (Lion), Marta Dusseldorp (Wentworth) and Kate Mulvany (Lambs of God).

They are also joined by Brooke Satchwell (Neighbours) Nic Cassim (Mr Inbetween), Daniel Mitchell (The Moody), Gennie Nevinson (Muriel's Wedding), Toby Blome (Privileged), Warren Lee (Eight) and Susan Kennedy (All Saints).

The drama series premieres on Fox Showcase on June 21 and is based on the 2019 Belgian series De Twaalf.

Sam appears alongside a star studded cast, sharing the screen with Brendan Cowell (pictured), Pallavi Sharda (pictured), Marta Dusseldorp and Kate Mulvany

Based on the 2019 Belgian series De Twaalf, The Twelve tells the story of 12 jurors who, while dealing with their own personal struggles, must decide the case of a woman accused of killing a child

The Twelve tells the story of 12 jurors who, while dealing with their own personal struggles, must decide the case of a woman accused of killing a child.

Last week, a 2004 interview resurfaced of the Northern Ireland-born star revealing that he was forced to change his name when he was younger.

The actor's moniker was actually Nigel John Dermott Neill.

Kate Mulvany (Lambs of God) plays the accused in The Twelve

'My best friend at school was also called Nigel, which was confusing,' he explained during an interview on Andrew Denton's Enough Rope.

'So I called him Bill and he called me Sam.'

He also admitted his birth name made him a target for bullies.

'You know, if you're called Nigel - and if there are any Nigels out there, they know of what I speak - you're just an absolute prime target for being picked on,' Sam said.
Issa Rae looked radiant at the premiere of Nadia Hallgren's Netlfix documentary Civil during the 2022 American Black Film Festival in Miami, Florida on Wednesday.

The 37-year-old Insecure star posed for shutterbugs on the red carpet in a sparkly pink sequin polo top and matching maxi skirt.

Civil follows civil lawyer Benjamin Crump, who famously represented the families of Trayvon Martin and George Floyd in civil lawsuits, and his mission to 'root out anti-Black racism and violence by hitting perpetrators where theyre hurt most: their wallets.

Night one: Issa Rae looked radiant at the premiere of Nadia Hallgren's Netlfix documentary Civil during the 2022 American Black Film Festival in Miami, Florida on Wednesday

'Crump has been working to ensure financial accountability and raise the value that courts put on Black life,' reads the Tribeca Film Festival synopsis.

Issa - who is serving as the festival's ambassador - eagerly showed her support for the documentary by showing up to Wednesday's screening, which was held at Miami's New World Center.

The actress styled her pretty pink getup with some matching strappy heels and ballet pink manicure.

Sparkly: The 37-year-old Insecure star posed for shutterbugs on the red carpet in a sparkly pink sequin polo top and matching maxi skirt

Ambassador: Issa - who is serving as the festival's ambassador - eagerly showed her support for the documentary by showing up to Wednesday's screening, which was held at Miami's New World Center

Her raven hair was styled in bantu knots and she accessorized with a pair of silver earrings.

As for makeup, Issa amplified her already flawless complexion with a generous amount of highlighting powder to create an ethereal glow.

The Photograph actress sported a shimmery eyeshadow across her lids and her look was intensified with a pair of fluffy false lashes.

Director Nadia Hallgren directed and crafted the cinematography for the nearly two-hour documentary.

Focus: Civil follows civil lawyer Benjamin Crump, who famously represented the families of Trayvon Martin and George Floyd in civil lawsuits, and his mission to 'root out anti-Black racism and violence by hitting perpetrators where theyre hurt most: their wallets

Multihyphenate: Director Nadia Hallgren directed and crafted the cinematography for the nearly two-hour documentary; Nadia pictured on June 15

Hallgren produced the project with Kenya Barris, Roger Ross Williams, and Lauren Cioffim, while Erynn Sampson, Matthew Carnahan and Geoff Martz served as executive producers. Zoe Malhotra is listed as associate producer.

Hallgren has been showered with accolades for her directing and and cinematography during the span of her career in Hollywood.

She recently earned four Emmy Award nomination, including Best Director, for her Netflix documentary Becoming, which centers around former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Civil documents one year in Crump's life as a high-profile civil attorney, with the intent of pulling 'back the curtain on Crump as a person, and on his work,' after years of being accused of 'peddling in the grief of Black families and of exploiting these incidents for personal gain,' as per THR.
She's fashionable, no matter the occasion.

And Hailee Steinfeld did not disappoint when she was seen arriving to the Herve Leger X Law Roach collection launch party in Hollywood on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old Hawkeye star modeled a fitted white dress with a plunging neckline that was slightly obscured by a mesh panel across the chest.

Serving looks! Hailee Steinfeld did not disappoint when she was seen arriving to the Herve Leger X Law Roach collection launch party in Hollywood on Wednesday

The curve-clinging number stopped mid-calf and had strategic stitching down the front to exaggerate her natural hourglass shape.

She slipped her feet into a pair of matching white stiletto heels but gave her look a pop of color with neon pink nail polish.

Hailee accessorized by fastening a pair of shiny hoops to her ears.

Her honey toned tresses fell down her back in sleek straightened strands that were parted down the middle and tucked behind her ears.

Radiant: The 25-year-old Hawkeye star modeled a fitted white dress with a plunging neckline that was slightly obscured by a mesh panel across the chest

Pink pop: She slipped her feet into a pair of matching white stiletto heels but gave her look a pop of color with neon pink nail polish

The Pitch Perfect 2 actress exuded elegance as she posed for shutterbugs before heading inside the star-studded event.

Chantel Jeffries bared her sculpted abs in a neon yellow coord consisting of a cropped cut-out sweater top and a pair of high-waisted leggings.

She trotted along the sidewalk in a lime green slip-on heels and toted her belongings in a pale yellow purse.

Joy Corrigan took the plunge in a white blazer dress with a low-neck. She added height to her statuesque frame in a pair of iridescent heels.

Hot stuff: Chantel Jeffries bared her sculpted abs in a neon yellow coord consisting of a cropped cut-out sweater top and a pair of high-waisted leggings

Taking the plunge: Joy Corrigan took the plunge in a white blazer dress with a low-neck

The model's silky blonde hair was parted down the middle and styled in loose waves.

Draya Michele displayed her impossible curves in a skintight purple skirt and matching cropped tank top.

The 37-year-old model slipped on a pair of matching opera gloves and styled her bold toned outfit with some strappy nude heels.

Garcelle Beauvais wowed in a stylish black jumpsuit with dramatic fringe that flowed down to her ankles.

The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star's length raven hair was secured in a braid that flowed down one shoulder.

Curves for days: Draya Michele displayed her impossible curves in a skintight purple skirt and matching cropped tank top

A little drama: The 37-year-old model slipped on a pair of matching opera gloves and styled her bold toned outfit with some strappy nude heels

Bling Empire's Christine Chiu showed off her gym-honed physique in a form-fitting orange dress with a cut-out just below the bust.

Her black hair was meticulously straightened and she rocked a noticeably glow complexion.

Wednesday's event celebrated the Herve Leger x Law Roach collection, which is inspired by 'all things '80s, '90s and early Aughts,' according to WWD.

Roach, who is a stylist to the likes of supermodel Bella Hadid and Euphoria's Zendaya, produced 25 'luxe, modern looks' for the collection.

Speaking to the outlet, Roach explained that he's 'built a certain reputation with archival dressing' and so he's always had a 'real passion for the way things were, and also giving things that already exist a new life.'
Married At First Sight star Jessika Power has revealed why she will never do a sex tape for the adults-only subscription service, Only Fans.

Speaking to The Wash on Thursday, Jess said it is not something her British boyfriend Connor Thompson would consider doing online.

'I don't think I'd make a sex tape, sex with my partner is something I just want to keep with my partner,' Jess said during the interview.

Only Fans star Jessika Power, 29, (pictured) has revealed why she'll NEVER do a sex tape for the adults-only site during an interview with The Wash

'But I would probably have pictures where Connor is holding my boobs or kissing my neck. I'd probably even do a video where you see him from the waist down and I am giving head, oral sex,' she added.

Jess went on to say Connor isn't comfortable being part of sex videos which she says she is 'completely fine' with.

'I don't think I'd make a sex tape, sex with my partner is something I just want to keep with my partner,' Jess said during the interview. Pictured, Jess and Connor

'I've asked him once and he said no and I'll never push him on it,' Jess added.

She finished by saying she is happy just using 'toys' on herself for clips.

'I'm happy to just keep doing that to fake objects (sex toys), which is some of the content that I do now.'

Jess went on to say Connor isn't comfortable being part of sex videos which she says she is 'completely fine' with

The blonde bombshell explained she thought it was 'inevitable' that her children would end up seeing her racy content.

'We make a lot of money in the media industry and influencing, but I've never made the money that I'm making now off of OnlyFans,' she said.

'If it is shown to them, I would just say I had to do what I had to do to set up what we have now. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices.'

'If it is shown to them [potential children], I would just say I had to do what I had to do to set up what we have now. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices,' she said

Jess finished by saying the money was 'too lucrative' to turn down.

The former reality star has been open about the huge money she has been on following her decision to join the site.

Her OnlyFans income is estimated to be around $120,000 a month nowadays.

The reality star told KIIS FM's Summer Breakfast last year with Mitch Churi she'd earned 'well past' US$200,000 so far, which is equivalent to AU$278,000

In addition to supporting her loved ones with her earnings, Jessika recently revealed she plans to buy property in Brisbane and Greece.

The reality star told KIIS FM's Summer Breakfast with Mitch Churi she'd earned 'well past' US$200,000 so far, which is equivalent to AU$278,000.

'The amount of money I've earned is just ridiculous. I've only been on it since August [and] it's well past 200,000 US dollars,' Jessika said.
Dolph Lundgren stepped out for lunch in Beverly Hills with daughter Ida on Wednesday, days after she was granted a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend.

A judge ordered 26-year-old's former partner Jack Eaton-Morris to stay at least 100 yards away from her, Dolph, and other family members, after threatening their safety TMZ reported this week.

Rocky actor Dolph, 64, cut a dapper figure as the pair arrived at the swanky Via Allora restaurant in a $205k silver Ferrari.

Quality time: Dolph Lundgren stepped out for lunch in Beverly Hills with daughter Ida on Wednesday, days after she was granted a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend

The Swedish star layered a dark navy blazer over a striped powder blue shirt and smart jeans, teamed with running trainers.

Dolph shielded his eyes behind stylish aviator shades as he wore a large gold watch and simple silver chain.

Ida, who is The Expendables star's daughter with ex-wife Anette Qviberg, stepped out in an indigo playsuit and oversized denim jacket.

The Swedish actress kept comfortable in trainers and toted her belongings in a $4,600 Dior quilted handbag.

Smart: Rocky actor Dolph, 64, cut a dapper figure as the pair arrived at the swanky Via Allora restaurant in a $205k silver Ferrari

Casual: Ida, who is The Expendables star's daughter with ex-wife Anette Qviberg, stepped out in an indigo playsuit and oversized denim jacket

The father-daughter duo enjoyed some quality time together days after it was claimed Ida's ex partner took her phone and passport off her to stop her leaving a London hotel and grabbed her.

Police were called but by the time they got there he had left.

Ida also claimed that he once threatened to blow up her mother's car and said that he was going to kill himself.

The judge granted her a temporary restraining order ahead of a hearing on June 30.

Representatives have been contacted by MailOnline for comment.

The Aquaman star also shares daughter Greta, 20, with his ex-wife.

Protective father: The Swedish star layered a dark navy blazer over a striped powder blue shirt and smart jeans, teamed with running trainers

He is currently engaged to Emma Krokdal, 25, after he popped the question two years ago at Bank Hotel in his native Stockholm.

Dolph announced his engagement to Emma in an Instagram post on June 29, 2020.

The action star is 39 years older than the Norwegian personal trainer, whom he originally met at Equinox gym, where she worked, in July 2019.

It's believed they started dating in 2019 after meeting at the gym and they went public with their relationship in January 2020 at the Cana Dorada Film & Music Festival in the Dominican Republic.

'They say youth is wasted on the young and whilst that's not true for everybody - like Emma - it is true for me because I matured very late,' he told Muscle and Health last year.

'I feel very lucky that I have someone like Emma at this age, it's changed my life and I hope I can give her the kind of help and support that takes a lot of time to discover and amass.

'I would say that right now I'm the most balanced as an individual I've ever been.'
Two Nreal augmented reality (AR) glasses will soon be able to stream games from Steam.

Nreal recently announced it is launching a Steam beta on two of its AR glasses in late June, coinciding with a hackathon event the company will hold to attract AR developers, per The Verge.

Nreal is a Chinese AR company known for its "superior display technology and product design," per the company's official website. It is the only AR company to have launched a consumer-ready product.

Nreal AR Glasses Steam Beta Details

Nreal mentioned in its announcement it would be launching a Steam beta on its Light and Air AR glasses, which would let users stream games from a PC to a virtual equivalent of a 200-inch HD screen.

The beta is expected to be finicky, with Nreal admitting that it requires "a bit of setup effort and is not optimized for all Steam games." Nreal is the first company to bring PC games to AR glasses to date, never mind Steam games, so having the beta set up will need significant amounts of effort, per Digital Trends.

Nreal did mention that the Steam beta is compatible with DiRT Rally and the entire Halo series.

Read More: [RUMOR} Nintendo's Next Fire Emblem Game Is Ready for Release, Leaker Says

Additionally, the option of streaming Steam games from a computer to Nreal's virtual big screen will join the option to stream Xbox Cloud Gaming titles and a variety of streaming video apps through the company's Nebula platform.

Nreal's AR Glasses

Nreal's Light AR glasses, which became available in the US in 2021, are AR glasses with OLED 3840x1080 pixel display with sRGB 105% color gamut, 8-bit depth, and a perceived brightness of 280 nits. It also has 2 open-ear speakers, a dual-microphone array, and omnidirectional MEMS microphones, per Nreal's official website.

The glasses are designed to be plugged into a Samsung or OnePlus Android phone. They are not as heavily equipped when compared to AR glasses from companies like Magic Leap and Microsoft, but it is more affordable. It also has support for advanced features like AR anchoring, 6DoF head tracking, plane detection as well as image and hand tracking.

Meanwhile, Nreal's Air AR glasses have a 3840x1080 pixel OLED display with sRGB 108% color gamut, 8-bit depth, and up to 400 nits of perceived brightness. It also has the same audio specifications as the Light, but it also has Bass boost, virtual rendering, Echo and noise cancellation, beamforming, and speech enhancement. However, the Air is lighter but more limited than the Light as it is designed for streaming video, and unlike the Light, the Air only had 3DoF head tracking.

However, there is a limited amount of content that takes advantage of the glasses' features and Nreal Nebula platform, with streaming apps like Netflix not being supported on the platform.

To work around the problem, people would have to use a mirroring system to watch the videos they want to stream.

Related Article: [RUMOR] Apple's AR Glasses Will Be Available in 2024
Aaron Taylor Johnson and his wife Sam enjoyed an evening out on Wednesday to watch Jodie Comer's play at London's Harold Pinter Theatre.

The actor, 32, and his filmmaker wife, 55, put on trendy displays as they stepped out to watch the one-woman show Prima Facie, which is set to go to Broadway next year.

Aaron cut a casual figure in black jeans and a partially unbuttoned striped shirt, which gave a flash of his toned figure.

Date night: Aaron Taylor Johnson and his wife Sam enjoyed a night out at the theatre on Wednesday to watch Jodie Comer's play at London's Harold Pinter Theatre

He completed his stylish ensemble with a cream blazer and kept comfortable in a pair of white trainers as he hit the capital.

The Kick-Ass star accessorised his attire with an array of silver rings and a draping chain necklace, while he styled his brunette locks in natural waves.

His wife Sam, who he married in 2012, looked effortlessly chic in blue flared jeans and a striped shirt, seemingly coordinating her look with Aaron.

She completed her sensational outfit with a pair of chunky brown leather sandals and kept her essentials in a brown handbag slung across one shoulder.

Fun times: The actor, 32, and his filmmaker wife, 55, put on trendy displays as they stepped out to watch the one-woman show Prima Facie, which is set to go to Broadway next year

The A Million Little Pieces director styled her golden tresses in a straight fashion loosely cascading across her shoulders and framed her face with round glasses.

She accessorised her ensemble with a dainty pendant necklace, gold earrings and a watch, while she clutched a face mask in one hand.

Aaron and Sam, who have a 23 year-age gap, met on the set of the 2009 John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy, which Sam directed, when she was 42 and he was 18.

The English pair announced their engagement later that year and married in 2012 with a ceremony in Somerset, England.

Relationship: Aaron and Sam met on the set of the 2009 John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy, which Sam directed, when she was 42 and he was 18 (pictured in November 2021)

At the time of their first collaboration, Aaron went by the surname Johnson, while Sam went by Taylor-Wood, but both adopted the married name Taylor-Johnson.

The lovebirds returned to collaborating in 2018 with their adaptation of James Frey's pseudo-memoir A Million Little Pieces.

The couple wrote the film together, making it Aaron's first credited screenwriting gig.

He starred in the movie as Frey, who's sent to a rehab center after suffering a serious fall while under the influence of drugs.

Romance: The English pair announced their engagement later that year and married in 2012 with a ceremony in Somerset, England

And they seemed to be as smitten as ever as they enjoyed a date night on Wednesday to watch Jodie's play Prima Facie.

The production, which will head to Broadway next year, has had a host of celebrity guests flocking to watch it, including Anne Robinson, Jeremy Irons and Fiona Shaw.

The one-woman show sees Jodie star as idealistic young barrister Tessa, who specialises in defending rape suspects.

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 and marked Jodie's West End debut.

Show: Jodie Comer's one-woman show Prima Facie sees her play idealistic young barrister Tessa, who specialises in defending rape suspects

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.

'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.'

Acclaim: The Daily Mail's Patrick Marmion awarded Jodie's 'ferocious yet forensic performance' in Prima Facie, which will head to Broadway next year, four stars out of five

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.
She revealed earlier in the week that she's expecting her first child with her secret partner.

And Tanya Burr displayed her blossoming baby bump as she shared gorgeous snaps to her Instagram grid on Wednesday, while thanking fans for their well-wishes.

The YouTuber, 33, looked radiant in a flowing gingham dress as she made the most of the gorgeous summer weather in London.

'Feeling grateful for all the love': Tanya Burr displayed her baby bump as she shared gorgeous snaps to her Instagram grid on Wednesday, while thanking fans for their well-wishes

The social media star lovingly cradled her growing tummy in the images as she enjoyed her day out, no doubt accompanied by her partner whose identity she has chosen not to disclose.

Tanya slipped her feet into black sandals and accessorised with gold jewellery.

After revealing her pregnancy a day earlier, the aspiring actress captioned the stunning snaps: 'Feeling incredibly grateful for all the love yesterday.'

Tanya shared the happy news on Instagram on Tuesday, posting a black and white snap of her bump, which she and her mystery partner cradled.

Mum's the word: The YouTuber, 33, looked radiant in a flowing gingham dress as she made the most of the gorgeous summer weather in London

The Twist actress captioned the image: 'We love you so much already little [peanut].'

Tanya did not disclose the father's identity after previously vowing to keep her partner's name secret because she felt like she 'overshared' during her rise to fame.

The vlogger went through a very public divorce with fellow YouTuber Jim Chapman, 34, in 2019, with the pair earning a legion of fans with their joint videos.

While Tanya has shared subtle glimpses of her boyfriend on social media, she has not shown his face or shared his name.

She told the Daily Telegraph of her relationship last year: 'I'm very loved up. It's very exciting.'

Sweet: The social media star shared the happy news on Instagram on Tuesday, posting a black and white snap of her bump, which she and her mystery partner cradled

Yet she insisted that she would keep the romance private, noting: 'I overshared at the beginning [of my online career] without realising the effect it would have, so I really reined it in.

'I've been quite private for a few years now and my audience are used to it, so they don't expect anything any more.'

In November 2020, Tanya spoke of her split from Jim for the first time, saying there was 'no drama' and she hoped to always be in his life.

Tanya said: 'I've been there, where I've seen someone saying, "Ooh, have you heard so-and-so and so-and-so have split?" and then thought, "Let me look that up," it's what people do.

'I'm not angry with anyone. People are just being people. It's hard and horrible. I'll never google myself again.

'All that matters is what Jim and I think, it's boring  he's still my best friend. We've been best friends for 12 years, people will want some drama from it. We're always going to be in each other's lives, hopefully.'

Jim got engaged to model Sarah Tarleton in July 2020 after 16 months of dating.

The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Margot, in September 2021 and got married in Santa Barbara, California, in March 22.
Brittany Hockley has been admitted to hospital after being struck down with the 'super flu' sweeping Australia.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday evening, the Bachelor star-turned-podcast host shared a photo of herself wearing a patient identification band around her wrist.

In the image, captioned 'that escalated quickly', the 34-year-old is seen lying down on a hospital bed wearing a face mask.

The Bachelor's Brittany Hockley has been admitted to hospital after being struck down with the super flu. Taking to Instagram on Thursday evening, the Bachelor star-turned-podcast host shared a photo of herself wearing a patient identification band around her wrist

Brittany also shared a short video featuring a close-up of her face, where she revealed one of the downside's of being famous.

'When you're on your deathbed, but the doctor says, "Hey, I love your podcast", she says in the footage.

'I think that's supposed to make me feel better but honestly just give me morphine.'

Brittany also shared a short video featuring a close-up of her face, where she revealed one of the downsides of being famous. 'When you're on your deathbed, but the doctor says, "Hey, I love your podcast", she said in the footage

Earlier in the day, Brittany urged fans to get the flu shot so they don't end up in her awful situation.

She explained her symptoms are so bad she feels like she's 'dying', adding that it's the 'sickest I've ever been'.

'If you haven't had your flu shot, this is your reminder to go and get it,' she said.

'I'm literally the sickest I have ever been with the flu and I didn't get my flu shot in time and I feel like I'm dying.

'So yeah, go and get your flu shot so you don't end up like this.'

Brittany Hockley has been struck down with the 'super flu' sweeping Australia

She added: 'Every part of my body is in agony... My head hasn't stopped pounding for two days, to the point I'm vomiting and nothing will fix it.'

Brittany said the flu makes 'you feel like you've been hit by a bus' and her throat is so sore she struggles to talk and it hurts to even cough.

Professor Catherine Bennett, Chair in Epidemiology at Deakin University, told Daily Mail Australia that Covid restrictions coupled with unseasonable weather are responsible for the 87,989 flu cases reported early this season.

Taking to Instagram, the Bachelor star-turned-podcast urged fans to get the flu shot

Dr Bennett added that low flu vaccination rates after mass Covid vaccination schemes could mean people will get more sick, more often.

'After two low flu seasons, in fact virtually no season in 2021, we dont have the usual cross immunity from recent exposure,' she said.

Brittany hosts the Life Uncut podcast for ARN with fellow Bachelor alum Laura Byrne.
He's currently in prison serving a reduced sentence of 21 years following his conviction for trying to hire two different men to kill animal welfare activist Carole Baskin.

And Tiger King star Joe Exotic, real name, Joseph Maldonado-Passage, 59, has revealed he has split from his fellow inmate fiance John Graham.

Joe took to Instagram in a now deleted post to reveal his love had decided to end his romance with him, after John was released from federal prison in Texas.

It's all going on! Tiger King star Joe Exotic revealed he has split from his prison fiance John Graham and got back with former flame Seth Posey - who he has never met due to being incarcerated

John and Joe fell in love after they met in February 2021 while both were serving prison time at FMC Forth Worth in Texas but it's sadly all over.

But harbouring no ill-feelings, Joe revealed that he had decided to patch things up with his ex, Seth Posey, saying that he had always stood by him.

Joe had first revealed he was in a relationship with Seth during an interview in Tiger King 2 but they parted ways in November before getting back together.

He described his then lover as a 'drop f***ing dead gorgeous' man living in Arkansas.

Prison romance: John (pictured) and Joe fell in love after they met in February 2021 while both were serving prison time at FMC Forth Worth in Texas but have gone their separate ways

Joe added at the time; 'Ive never met Seth, but we talk 15 times a day, and we have a pretty strong connection.'

It's quite the turnaround for Joe who had been busy planning a wedding to John.

Back in April, he ordered custom $11,500 all-white tuxedos for himself and John Graham ahead of their prison wedding.

According to TMZ, he had tapped Odain Watson of the brand Odaingerous to design the tuxedos, which were going to be handcrafted in Italy.

The media outlet reported that each tuxedo will feature a custom silk tiger print lining.

The process of creating the tuxedos was set to take about four to six weeks.

Back on! Joe had said he was dating Seth, who he had never met, in Tiger King 2 - but they parted ways back in November, before getting back together

But as Odain wasn't able to take the incarcerated television personality's measurements in person, he was using a model of similar weight and height.

The latest news comes after another one of Joe Exotic's exes Dillon Passage filed for a prenuptial agreement in May in his ongoing divorce from from Joe.

However, an attorney for the Tiger King personality said she believed it had been filed under fraudulent circumstances.

Exotic's attorney Autumn Blackledge told TMZ that the zookeeper never signed an official document in the agreement, which would separate the assets each party brought in before and after the marriage.

Blackledge told the outlet she believes Passage filed the prenup in an effort to stretch out the divorce proceedings to capitalize off of his former relationship with Exotic who filed for the split in March.

The latest: Joe's estranged husband, Dillon Passage, filed for a prenuptial agreement in May in his divorce from the Tiger King personality, which an attorney for Exotic said she believed to be under fraudulent circumstances

Blackledge said Passage has sold many of Exotic's belongings during his imprisonment, and has yet to visit Exotic while he's in custody.

In the prenuptial agreement documents reviewed by TMZ, Blackledge said that Exotic owes more than $100 million with assets of $65,000, while annually making $7,800.

Passage has assets of $20,110 with around $20,000 in student loan debt, according to the prenuptial agreement documents.

Blackledge said that Passage has profited more than $1 million from Tiger King following its 2020 debut and the notoriety it gained.

All over: Passage and Exotic initially tied the knot December 11, 2017, months after Exotic's previous spouse Travis Maldonado died after accidentally shooting himself

Parastoo Majd, an attorney for Passage, told the outlet that 'the prenuptial agreement was entered into legally by both parties and I will have a full statement after the holiday weekend.'

Passage and Exotic initially tied the knot December 11, 2017, months after Exotic's previous spouse Travis Maldonado died after accidentally shooting himself October 6, 2017.

Exotic was sentenced in January 2020 in his native Oklahoma to 22 years in custody in connection with a 2017 murder-for-hire plot of his business rival Carole Baskin, numerous wildlife law violations in the deaths of five tigers, and infractions of the Endangered Species Act. Earlier this year, his sentence was reduced to 21 years after an appeal citing court errors.

Passage last year revealed in an Instagram post that he and Exotic had been 'seeking a divorce' amid the situation.

'This wasn't an easy decision to make but Joe and I both understand that this situation isn't fair to either of us,' Passage said in March of 2021. 'It's something that neither of us were expecting but we are going to take it day by day.

'We are on good terms still and I hope it can stay that way. I will continue to have Joe in my life and do my best to support him while he undergoes further legal battles to better his situation.'
The first image of Hollywood heartthrob Ryan Gosling as Ken in the upcoming Barbie movie has caused fans to go wild on Twitter, with fans dubbing his look 'terrifying.'

While there's no doubt that the star, 41, who is in a relationship with Eva Mendes, 48, is a handsome man - with roles in The Notebook and La La Land, his latest transformation hasn't quite cut it with some.

With short white hair, orange tan and a double denim ensemble, fans questioned how stylists had managed to make the normally stunning looking man look 'not hot.'

'This is TERRIFYING... How did they manage to make Ryan Gosling not hot?' Twitter has gone wild over hunk's 'horrendous' transformation into Ken for new Barbie role

Hollywood heartthrob: Ryan looked incredible as the shirtless hunk Jacob in Crazy, Stupid, Love in 2011

They wrote: 'Ryan Gosling as Ken is actually terrifying. Why is he in that movie?'

'That picture of Ryan Gosling for the Barbie movie is terrifying and I feel like not enough people saying how terrifying that picture of Ryan Gosling in the Barbie movie is.'

'This is terrifying how did they mange to make Ryan Gosling not hot?'

'Oh, my eyes. Why? Like seriously why? Where can I sign the Petition to get THE Ryan Gosling from Crazy, Stupid, love back?

The public have spoken: Many fans were not loving the usually stunning looking Ryan's transformation - blaming stylists for the new look

'Ryan gosling is playing ken.... he looks horrendous........'

'Ken is supposed to be cute. He's cute in the Barbie movies and the series.

'Ryan Gosling is a natural handsome man, he didn't need the orange skin and the exaggerated blond hair. Hopefully, this means his character had a huge ego and he'll change.'

'Margot Robbie looks gorgeous as Barbie. But Ryan Gosling as Ken...Ryan is a handsome man but this looks awful. Is he supposed to be silver-haired orange-skinned MAGA Grandpa Ken? What a horrid styling job! His hair looks gray, not blond!'

But one person who continued to swoon over Ryan is his partner of 10 years, Eva, who publicly shared her excitement for his upcoming live-action Barbie movie.

Love: But one person who continued to swoon over Ryan is his partner of 10 years, Eva, who publicly shared her excitement for his upcoming live-action Barbie movie (both pictured in March 2013)

'That's my Ken!': In a caption alongside the snap, Eva gushed over her partner's achievement as she revealed that she was 'so excited' for fans to see the much-anticipated Barbie movie

The stunning actress took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a first-look photograph of Ryan embodying the beloved Mattel Ken doll for the Warner Bros film.

In a caption alongside the snap, Eva gushed over her partner's achievement as she revealed she was 'so excited' for fans to see the much-anticipated Barbie movie.

In a very rare public post about her beau, she penned: 'So. F. Funny. So. F. Good. So F excited for you to see this#Thatsmyken.'

Eva and Ryan rarely post about each other on social media as they mostly keep their romance private and under wraps.

Stunning: Margot Robbie has been praised for looking absolutely iconic behind the wheel of a pink classic Chevrolet Corvette in front of what looked like the Barbie Mansion

Double take: Ryan, 41, is the spitting image of the beloved Mattel doll (pictured right) but that doesn't mean fans are impressed

The couple began dating in September 2011 after working together on the film The Place Beyond The Pines but were friends for a 'long time' before their romance.

And moreover, some fans were a huge fan of the look and hit back at claims he looked too old to take on the role.

They wrote: 'I understand Ryan Gosling is 41, 10 years older than Margot Robbie, and a bit on the older side to play Ken, but he is an amazing actor and really handsome, and I bet he will help to bring a good comedic spirit to it all.'

Question... And who didn't fall for Ryan during his role as Noah Calhoun in one of the best movies of all time, The Notebook?

Dancing to his beat: He rocked everyone's world as Sebastian in La La Land opposite Emma Stone

'Uh uh uh yeah.~ Ryan Gosling is the only famous man that I find very handsome and always have. My favorite actor, too.'

'On second thought? i love ryan gosling ken. he looks too handsome and too flawless that he ends up looking inhuman. hes like a living doll. its perfect.'

The picture of Ryan as Ken was released via a tweet simply with the film title and a release date of July 21, 2023, that was previously revealed when they shared the first image of Margot Robbie, 31, as Barbie in April.

It appears as though Ryan was dressed as the 'Earring Magic Ken' version of the doll introduced by Mattel in 1993, as a companion to its 'Earring Magic Barbie' figure.
Coronation Street star Ernst Walder has died at the age of 94, after starring on the soap as one of its original cast members.

The actor passed away in September 2021, with his death coming to light on Thursday as former writer Daran Little paid tribute.

Ernst starred as Ivan Cheveski, son-in-law of cobbles icon Elsie Tanner, on Corrie during its earliest years, and even dated the show's co-creator Tony Warren in the 1960s.

Tragic: Coronation Street star Ernst Walder has died at the age of 94, after starring on the soap as one of its original cast members

Sharing his tribute on Twitter, Daran wrote: 'Very sad to read of the passing of dearest Ernst Walder.

'An original C St cast member who quickly became Tony Warren's boyfriends before Tony caught him in bed with another cast member.

'Ernst used to send my sons chocolates every Christmas and was the loveliest man.'

RIP: The actor (pictured recently) passed away in September 2021, but his death only came to light on Thursday

Several longtime fans also took to social media to pay tribute, with one writing: 'Sad to read of the death of Ernst Walder, he played Ivan Cheveski in Coronation Street and was one of the original characters back in 1960.

'Extremely close to Pat Phoenix, he had so much charisma in those early years. Very sad to read of his passing.'

Another tweeted: 'Ernst Walder R.I.P.'

While Ernst had passed away months earlier, his death was revealed through a post on a Coronation Street blog.

He previously dated Corrie creator Tony, who passed away in 2016, and the writer detailed in his memoir how he stayed with Ernst's sister Freida during his travels around in Austria.

Tony, who made a cameo appearance in the 50th anniversary live episode of Coronation Street in 2010, was openly gay at a time in the early Sixties when homosexuality was illegal.

Sad: Former Corrie writer Daran shared the news of Daran's death after it first surfaced on the Coronation Street blog, taking to Twitter to pay tribute

Iconic: Ernst first appeared on Coronation Street's second ever episode, and was one of Weatherfield's 21 original cast members

Born in Austria in 1927, Ernst played Ivan on Corrie in two separate stints, from 1960 to 1963, and again from 1966 to 1967.

Making his debut in the soap's second ever episode in December 1960, he was one of Weatherfield's 21 original cast members, which included current star Bill Roache (Ken Barlow), Philip Lowrie (Dennis Tanner) and Violet Carson (Ena Sharples).

Ernst previously noted that Tony based his character on the many Polish nationals who were still residing in Manchester at the time, having fled their country during the Second World War.

Marriage woes: His character Ivan arrived on the Street to reconnect with his wife Linda, and the pair rekindled their marriage after she learned of her pregnancy

Blast from the past: Ernst made his final appearance as Ivan on September 27, 1967 (pictured with co-stars Pat Phoenix and Peter Dudley at the soap's 20th birthday party 1980)

He arrived on the Street keen to reconnect with his estranged wife Linda, who had returned to the Street and was staying with her mum Elsie.

The pair eventually got their marriage back on track when Linda learned she was pregnant, and even purchased Number 9 together, going onto welcome a baby boy named Paul.

Ivan's time in Weatherfield was brief, as he and Linda decided to emigrate to Canada in 1962, but made several more appearances on the soap in later years.

Ernst made his final appearance as Ivan on September 27, 1967, and in 1984 it was revealed he and Linda had split for good.

He went onto star in the short-lived soap Castle Haven, Emmerdale creator Kevin Laffan, which ran for one year, between 1969 and 1970, and also appeared in the second series of sitcom Backs To The Land in 1977 and 1978.
Amanda Holden and Davina McCall both showed off their physiques as they posed in swimwear for a new glam fashion campaign on Thursday.

TV star Amanda, 51, looked incredible in a yellow bikini as she relaxed on a sun lounger for the JD Williams shoot.

Meanwhile beside her presenter Davina, 54, put on a confident display in a flattering blue swimsuit which had a low-cut neckline.

Stunning: Amanda Holden and Davina McCall both showed off their physiques as they posed in swimwear for a new glam fashion campaign on Thursday

Amanda had her abs and ample assets on display in her bright two-piece which had tie detailing over the taut midriff.

Meanwhile Davina flaunted her lean legs in her summer outfit which she accessorised with brown sunglasses worn on her head.

In another shot from the campaign Amanda looked stylish in a green and white patterned co-ord as she posed with pal Davina who donned a pretty yellow dress.

The campaign comes after fashion-forward Amanda snapped back at critics of her typically racy ensembles.

Chic: In another shot from the campaign Amanda looked stylish in a green and white patterned co-ord as she posed with pal Davina who donned a pretty yellow dress

Talking to The Daily Star, she explained: 'They've got too much time to think - that's my opinion on that.'

She continued: 'While I've still got the figure, I do love a bodycon dress or a good, well-made pair of jeans with a T-shirt, a blazer and a nice heel.'

'I enjoy wearing clothes that show off my figure. I dress for myself and wear what makes me feel good.'

Daring: The campaign comes after fashion-forward Amanda snapped back at critics of her typically racy ensembles (pictured in 2019 on BGT)

She added: 'It's sunny - I don't think when I was in the public eye in the 90s anyone looked to me as any kind of fashion person - but I think it's assumed they do now and I'm in my 50s.

'I find it quite weird that people didn't star asking me where I got my clothes form until my 40s or 50s - which I'm really enjoying.'

Amanda has previously proclaimed she enjoys wearing latex at Britain's Got Talent auditions and said she doesn't think anyone should feel pressure to 'dress for your age'.

This comes despite a plunging outfit Amanda wore during the 2017 semi-finals prompting 663 complaints to Ofcom from viewers while a gown she wore on the 2020 series drew another 235 complaints.

Not letting the naysayers get to her, Amanda told The Mirror in April: 'I'm thinking more rubber - I enjoyed wearing latex in the auditions, so I'm thinking more latex, more sweating in the lives.'

Amanda previously laughed off viewer complaints about her fashion choices and said that her mother Judith adored her outfits.
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Tom Hanks yelled at an aggressive fan and rushed to protect his wife after she was knocked over by a crowd while out in in New York City last night.





The typically composed actor, 65, turned and yelled at fans to 'back the f**k off' after he and Rita Wilson, 65, were mobbed outside a restaurant in Midtown.

The shocking moment comes amid ongoing concerns regarding Tom's health, after he was filmed visibly shaking and unable to control his arm earlier this month.

As the pair left the eatery a large crowd formed and swarmed towards them, with one member of the public getting too close and knocking Rita, causing her to lose her footing.

As she wobbled on her feet and tried to regain her composure she shouted 'stop it!' and held up her hands.

Back the f**k off!': Tom Hanks rushed to protect his wife Rita Wilson in New York on Wednesday after an aggressive fan nearly knocked her over

After rushing to see if Rita was ok, Tom then turned to the crowds and yelled, 'my wife? Back the f**k up! Knocking over my wife?!' before the couple quickly ran into a waiting car.

While the Oscar-winning actor did not respond, a sheepish fan shouted out 'sorry about that, Tom' as the couple sped off.

Tom and Rita have been married for 34 years and have two sons, Chet, 31, and Truman, 25. They first met on the set of ABC's sitcom Bosom Buddies in 1981 and became friends before their relationship turned romantic.

The couple had grabbed dinner together after attending a screening of Elvis earlier in the evening. Tom has been kept busy on the promotional trail for the upcoming Presley biopic in which he plays Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis' manager.

Scary: The actor, 65, was quick to defend Rita Wilson, 65, from the crowds after overenthusiastic fans mobbed the couple outside a restaurant in Midtown '

Bumped: As the pair left the eatery a large crowd formed and swarmed towards them, with one member of the public getting too close and knocking Rita, causing her to lose her footing

Earlier in the afternoon Tom displayed his gaunt frame in a baggy T-shirt and baseball cap as he headed out on a solo stroll around Manhattan amid concerns over his health.

Fears were sparked when he seemed unable to control shaking in his arm during a promotional junket for his new film, Elvis.

He appeared at a screening in Brisbane alongside director Baz Luhrmann and co-star Austin Butler earlier this month and his arm visibly shook as he spoke.

'There is no better place in the world to make a motion picture than right here on the Gold Coast,' he said, microphone in his right hand, and left hand in his pocket.

Spotted: Tom had attempted to make a low-key exit from the restaurant with Rita walking out in front but he was spotted by fans who quickly rushed over to take pictures

Tensions rise: The fans got to close to the couple with one member of the public seemingly being knocked into the back of Rita, who then lost her footing

Shock: After rushing to see if Rita was ok, Tom then turned to the crowds and forced them to step away from the couple

Pushing back: Tom was quick to throw himself between the crowd and his wife

Distressed: An upset Tom yelled out 'my wife? Back the f**k up! Knocking over my wife?!'

Heading home: the couple quickly ran into a waiting car. While the Oscar-winning actor did not respond, a sheepish fan shouted out 'sorry about that, Tom' as the couple sped off

The actor has famously shed the pounds for movies in the past, including his role as a desert island dweller in Castaway, and dying AIDS sufferer in Philadelphia.

Tom is known for his grueling preparations for his films, and it was unclear whether he recent weight loss was for a new role.

His next scheduled film is the Robert Zemeckis-directed Here, which he will star in alongside Robin Wright.

'Set in one single room, follows the many people who inhabit it over years and years, from the past to the future,' the film's synopsis on IMDB reads.

Tom's most dramatic weight loss was for Castaway in 2000, when he shed 50lbs, and in the 1993 film Philadelphia, for which he lost 35lbs.

He has also packed on the pounds - most notably for the 1992 film A League of Their Own, when he gained 30lbs.

In 2013, Tom revealed he had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which he said was down to being 'lazy' and 'an idiot'.

Cute couple: The couple had grabbed dinner together after attending a screening of Elvis earlier in the evening (pictured) Tom has been kept busy on the promotional trail for the upcoming Presley biopic in which he plays Colonel Tom Parker

Out and about: The dinner date came hours after he displayed his gaunt frame on a solo stroll around Manhattan amid concerns over the actor's health

He told the then-Late Show host David Letterman: 'I went to the doctor, and he said, 'You know those high blood sugar numbers you've been dealing with since you were 36? Well, you've graduated! You've got type 2 diabetes, young man.''

The beloved actor's shaking led one doctor to tell DailyMail.com it could be an early sign of Parkinson's.

Dr Stuart Fischer, a Yale University graduate with four years' experience in emergency medicine, who is now the medical director of two nursing homes in New York City, said the Australia footage suggested the degenerative disease.

'Parkinson's would be uppermost in most physicians minds,' he told DailyMail.com, after viewing the footage.

'This trembling hand can be an early sign of the disease. One would think he would be on the path to a neurologists office now if not already.

'It could be weeks, months or years before it progresses. It could be like with the famous conductor James Levine, it did take many years for a leg tremor to evolve into a bodily manifestation.'

Concerns: Tom appeared at a Elvis screening in Brisbane alongside director Baz Luhrmann and co-star Austin Butler earlier this month and his arm visibly shook as he spoke

He said the shaking could be tremors, but given Tom's age it was unlikely.

'The other condition it could be is an essential tremor, but this usually occurs at a younger age - although it can be worsened by anxiety and stress,' he said. 'It usually affects people in their 20s and 30s.'

Asked if it could be linked to Tom's diabetes, he said: 'No link to type 2 diabetes. I've never heard of that at all.'

He also ruled out it being linked to Tom previously having COVID.

Robert H. Eckel, board member of the American Diabetes Association and a past president of the American Heart Association, told DailyMail.com that, in general, people with diabetes could shake if their blood sugar got too low.

Tom's representatives are yet to respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment.

One to watch: Tom plays Tom Parker, Elvis's manager, in the Elvis biopic, with Austin Butler starring as Elvis Presley

In several television appearances to promote the Elvis film, Tom is noticeably keeping his hands clasped together for much of the time.

On June 13, Tom and his co-star Austin appeared on GMA, talking to the hosts from Graceland after a special screening for the Presley family.

On May 31 the pair were in London, and spoke to BBC's The One Show. In Australia, earlier this month, the crowd were lapping up his tales of filming in their city.

'I've shot films in Morocco and Los Angeles and New York City and Seattle and in Berlin.

'None of them have what the Gold Coast have, and what is that? Two words. None of those other cities have Dan Murphy,' he said, referencing the chain of liquor stores, Dan Murphy's.

'What a man, who I got to know quite well,' he said, to applause.

Keeping close: In several television appearances to promote the Elvis film, Tom is noticeably keeping his hands clasped together for much of the time (pictured on The One Show on May 31)

As his hand shook, Tom tried to control it, by placing his left hand at the bottom of the microphone, below his right. He also attempted briefly to switch hands.

The audience did not appear to notice, however, as Tom delighted them by declaring: 'We had an absolutely magnificent time with you all.

'There is something about the people and the place of the Gold Coast that makes everyone walk around with a confident look on their face. We were a part of that.

'Your confidence, joy and zest for life comes through in our motion picture.'

He added: 'You have a wonderful proactive golden son in Baz Luhrmann who loves Australia more than kangaroos, more than Dan Murphy.'

Tom famously played a Second World War soldier with PTSD in Saving Private Ryan, whose hands visibly shook due to the immense stress he had endured.

At one point, Tom's character, Captain Miller, tells Sergeant Horvath that the shaking 'comes and goes.'

Horvath replies: 'You may have to get yourself a new line of work. This one doesn't seem to agree with you anymore.'

PTSD: Tom famously played a Second World War soldier with PTSD in Saving Private Ryan, whose hands visibly shook due to the immense stress he had endured

Following the Australian premier, Toms flew back to the United States, where the film was screened at Graceland on June 11.

'The only reason I'm here, it's been done right,' said Lisa Marie Presley, praising Luhrmann's and Butler's interpretations of her father's story.

'I was quite young, but I still remember my father's energy and his vibe. And Austin, he  what's the word?  he nailed it.'

She said Butler's success in the role was a contrast to previous attempts at Elvis onscreen.

'In my life, it's been one disappointment after another, in terms of people portraying my father. Bless their hearts, I'm sure they meant well.'

Elvis cast: Tom is seen on June 13 at Graceland with (from left): Olivia De Jonge, who plays Priscilla; Austin Butler, director Baz Luhrmann, and SiriusXm host Jess Cagle

Meanwhile, Tom hit headlines this week when he revealed that had he been offered his Oscar-winning role in the 1993 Philadelphia today, he would have turned it down.

In the film he portrayed the role of lawyer Andrew Beckett, a gay man who is fired from his law firm after his bosses discover details about his personal life.

Yet speaking with The New York Times Magazine Monday, Tom said, 'Let's address, "Could a straight man do what I did in Philadelphia now?" No, and rightly so.'

He said that 'the whole point of Philadelphia was don't be afraid,' and that 'one of the reasons people weren't afraid of that movie is that [he] was playing a gay man.

'We're beyond that now, and I don't think people would accept the inauthenticity of a straight guy playing a gay guy.'

He added: 'It's not a crime, it's not boohoo that someone would say we are going to demand more of a movie in the modern realm of authenticity. Do I sound like I'm preaching? I don't mean to.'

Tom, who won back-to-back Oscars in 1994 and 1995 for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performances in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump, said both films were 'timely movies, at the time, that you might not be able to make now,' as they 'would be mocked and picked apart on social media.'
Bucks Fizz star Jay Aston has shared the horrifying moment doctors told her that her daughter Josie, 19, 'may die' as she battled bacteria meningitis.

Josie was rushed to hospital in March this year after feeling unwell at home, with her mother saving her life after recognising the signs of the disease following her husband's previous near-death experience from the illness.

The Making Your Mind Up hitmaker, 61, opened up on the ordeal in which she was told Josie had just a 50/50 chance of survival, with Jay joined by the teen in her first interview since her recovery.

Heartbreaking: Bucks Fizz star Jay Aston has shared the horrifying moment doctors told her that her daughter Josie, 19, 'may die' as she battled bacteria meningitis

Detailing the heartbreaking news she received that there was a chance she could lose her daughter, Jay told Lorraine Kelly: 'She got in there [hospital] about half past 3 in the morning and by 10 o'clock later that day, they gave us the 50/50.

'They sat me in this room and said "she may die". And your ears just shut down, I was like "I beg your pardon? What did you say?" I just couldn't hear it. It was later that day that they induced the coma.

Josie also told the presenter how she initially believed she had sunstroke after having spent time in the sun, telling how she was boiling hot and shaking and that the ordeal 'happened so quickly'.

Poorly: Josie [L] was rushed to hospital in March this year after feeling unwell at home, with her mother saving her life after recognising the signs of the disease following her husband's previous near-death experience from the illness

She said: 'I started feeling a bit unwell, I was shaking uncontrollably. I thought it was heatstroke... then flu.'

However, after Jay checked over her daughter - who had spent the night in her bed - she realised it was something more serious when she noticed three red dots on her arm, which she described as 'Dalmatian spots'.

The star recognised the rash and Josie's other symptoms of a headache, neck pain and a temperature which didnt come down with paracetamol as meningitis as her husband Dave Colquhoun, Josies father, had contracted it 19 years earlier.

She rushed her to hospital, which doctors later said saved Josie's life, and within an hour Josies entire body was covered in the rash.

Chat: The Making Your Mind Up hitmaker, 61, opened up on the ordeal in which she was told Josie had just a 50/50 chance of survival, with Jay joined by the teen in her first interview since her recovery

Symptoms: The star recognised the rash and Josie's other symptoms of a headache, neck pain and a temperature as meningitis as her husband Dave Colquhoun, Josies father [pictured], had contracted it 19 years earlier

Worst nightmare: 'They sat me in this room and said "she may die". And your ears just shut down, I was like "I beg your pardon? What did you say?" I just couldn't hear it'

The following day, when her lungs began to fail, she was taken to intensive care where she was put into an induced coma, given oxygen and treated with antibiotics.

Josie remained in the coma for five days, with Jay sleeping beside her bed in a chair, until doctors took her out of the coma, but there was no improvement.

After five days Josie opened her eyes and after a day she began to speak. She was transferred to a specialist unit at Kings College Hospital in London after doctors realised her kidneys had been damaged.

Despite surviving the ordeal, Josie was left with long-term side effects of the disease, with Jay stating: 'Her kidneys aren't right yet. The last blood test that she had they were functioning at just 12%.

No idea: Josie also told the presenter how she initially believed she had sunstroke after having spent time in the sun, telling how she was boiling hot and shaking and that the ordeal 'happened so quickly'

Signs: However, after Jay checked over her daughter - who had spent the night in her bed - she realised it was something more serious when she noticed three red dots on her arm, which she described as 'Dalmatian spots' [joined by doctor Hillary Jones]

'So we are hoping that she can avoid dialysis later on or a transplant. They've started moving - it was stuck at seven and it's getting better every week.

'They'll test them at the end of the month and we're just praying we'll get her up to 20% and out of the red zone.'

Bacterial meningitis usually occurs when bacteria enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain and spinal cord.

Still suffering: Despite surviving the ordeal, Josie was left with long-term side effects of the disease, with Jay stating: 'Her kidneys aren't right yet. The last blood test that she had they were functioning at just 12%'

It is much more serious and rarer than viral meningitis, and one in 10 cases are fatal.

Possible side effects include brain damage, hearing loss and amputation of the affected limbs.

Jay has gone through her own health issues, undergoing seven operations - including having part of her tongue removed - to cure her mouth cancer in 2018 and battling Covid in 2021.
25 years on, Hong Kong SAR shines brighter with world-beating performance

Xinhua) 09:57, June 16, 2022

Editor's note: On July 1, 1997, China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was established. Since its return to the motherland, Hong Kong has been on a broad path of leveraging complementary advantages in joint development with the Chinese mainland, and the practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong has been a great success.

Hong Kong's 25-year journey since its return is extraordinary. It has fully proved that the implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle is conducive to safeguarding the fundamental interests of the country, of Hong Kong, and of the majority of Hong Kong compatriots. Starting from June 15, Xinhua will publish stories under the column entitled "HKSAR 25," focusing on the successful practice of the "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong and comprehensively showing the achievements of Hong Kong in the political, economic, livelihood, social and cultural fields.

HONG KONG, June 15 (Xinhua) -- How many top international rankings does the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) have?

The number may be much higher than you imagine.

The HKSAR, which will celebrate its 25th founding anniversary on July 1, has an array of advantages that make it unique. A non-exhaustive list of its best titles includes:

It is the world's freest economy. Since 1997, Hong Kong has kept winning the title awarded by the Fraser Institute in Canada;

It is No. 1 financial center in Asia. Hong Kong, New York and London are collectively known as "Nylonkong," an acronym of the top three financial centers in the world. In the latest edition of the Global Financial Centers Index published by British think tank Z/Yen Group and China Development Institute in Shenzhen, Hong Kong maintained its third place in overall ranking in the world;

It also has No. 1 talent competitiveness in Asia. The IMD World Talent Ranking 2021 report lifts Hong Kong to the first place in Asia, from the fourth the previous year.

Here is more: No. 1 globally in financial system, No. 1 globally in initial public offering (IPO) capital raising and corporate merger and acquisition environment, No. 1 globally in business environment, and No. 1 globally in infrastructure safety, all of which were rated by world-renowned institutions or journals in recent years.

What has made them possible for Hong Kong despite such challenges as the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the 2003 SARS epidemic, the 2008 global financial crisis and currently the lingering COVID-19 pandemic?

The practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong is the key factor.

Under "one country, two systems", which is a universally recognized success, Hong Kong is able to maintain its capitalist system while enjoying unique advantages in doing business.

The Basic Law of the HKSAR protects private property and foreign investment, provides that Hong Kong shall not be subject to foreign exchange control, maintains Hong Kong's status as a free port, and guarantees the free movement of goods, property and capital in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's return to the motherland also has brought new opportunities. The areas of economic and trade cooperation between Hong Kong and the mainland have expanded, the level of their cooperation has been raised and the convergence of their interests has broadened.

The mainland is Hong Kong's largest export market and source of imports, while Hong Kong has long been the mainland's largest source of inbound direct investment and offshore financing platform, and has also become the mainland's largest outbound direct investment destination.

It is the world's largest offshore renminbi business center. The renminbi deposit balance in Hong Kong has increased by nearly 133 times from about 6.3 billion yuan at the end of May 2004 to 841.9 billion yuan at the end of April 2022, and over 70 percent of the world's offshore renminbi payments are handled in Hong Kong.

It is also an important service platform for Chinese firms to go global, and a key offshore capital raising center. As of April 2022, 1,370 mainland enterprises are listed in Hong Kong, accounting for 53.3 percent of the total number of companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and 77.7 percent of the total market capitalization.

For the HKSAR, "one country, two systems" is its greatest advantage. New opportunities include those brought by implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, and construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

According to China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), Hong Kong will continue to be supported to consolidate its inherent strengths and foster new ones.

With stronger integration into the country's overall development, it is foreseeable that Hong Kong's top-notch titles will continue to grow in the future.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
Facebook is set to make bold moves to more effectively compete with TikTok.

Aside from the Reels short videos, the Facebook app is set for a major design overhaul to make that happen.

Facebook's main feed will heavily emphasize recommended content from pages, creators and people you don't already follow, according to a memo from a Facebook executive that quoted by The Verge.

Facebook to Transition to Become 'Discovery Engine' Based on 'Unconnected' Content Recommendations

The memo, which was issued by Meta's Facebook app head Tom Alison underscores that the company intends to transform Facebook into a "Discovery Engine," which relies on recommendations, strikingly similar to TikTok's "For You" feed. Recommendations would mainly emanate from "unconnected" content, including Reels, and, as a result, users would see fewer posts from friends and family in their feeds. This strategy will also have the Messenger inbox return to the Facebook app in an effort to encourage users to share more content from the "Discovery Engine."

It's not known when Meta will implement these changes, although some similar changes have been implemented at Instagram. This is also not the first time top Meta announced plans for big changes on Facebook's app, or even the first time we've heard about a shift to a"Discovery Engine." CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in April that the company was making a "major shift" that changes the dynamics of feeds to highlight AI-driven recommendations over users' social behavior.

Read Also: TikTok Plans to Venture Into Gaming: Vietnam Lucky To Be First Test Subject for App

Yet the memo still makes it clear just how important the overhaul is for the company, which is desperately trying to gain traction in its competition with TikTok.

Alison also admitted that Meta had been slow to recognize TikTok's competitive threat, even as it initially grew by shocking Facebook and Instagram with its ad placement volume. Currently, Meta considers TikTok as rapidly encroaching on its core service of social networking, with Alison emphasizing the prominence of private messaging in TikTok and the dedicated tab for viewing videos from friends.

Recommendations-based Pivot May Be Problematic for Facebook

However, the transition to a recommendations-based platform may likewise be problematic for the company. Facebook's present recommendation algorithms have been crticized for causing divisiveness and pushing disinformation.

And, while Alison told The Verge that Meta would enforce stricter rules for recommended content, the company has always found it difficult to impose its own rules. Alison said in his memo Alison that Meta is changing the way it perceives its obligation to lessen "negative experiences."

Read Also: Meta to Invest Heavily on Creators for AR; Original Metaverse Creator Has 'Nothing to Do' With Facebook Rebrand

"Reducing negative experiences" Alison said, "has been removed as a product priority" brecause it is now linked to the "product culture since it's more aptly tied to the "product culture" the company seeks to foster of being 'Trustworthy,' 'People-Centric,' and 'Unified." Meta's focus, he said, is to make "this this holistically across all of our products as a permanent part of our culture" and not just a short-term product priority.

Related Article: Sharing Your Passion Using TikTok
Junior Andre celebrated the release of his new single Slide on Wednesday by taking to the stage to perform it for the first time.

The budding hitmaker, 17, marked the launch of the song with a celebratory party attended by his family, though his mother Katie Price was noticeably absent.

Taking to Instagram Stories to share a glimpse of the party, his sister Princess gushed that she was 'so proud' of her sibling for finally launching his new song, while Junior's dad Peter also shared a clip proudly embracing his son at the party.

Rising star! Junior Andre celebrated the release of his new single Slide on Wednesday by taking to the stage to perform it for the first time

Princess posted a clip of Junior taking to the stage to perform Slide, along with the gushing caption: 'So proud @officialjunior_andre.'

Donning a matching red tracksuit, the teen was surrounded by thrilled fans as he performed the energetic track.

Meanwhile Junior's proud father Peter also shared a glimpse of the launch party, reminiscing on his own pop star past as his son signed posters for his fans.

Over the moon: The budding hitmaker marked the launch of the song with a celebratory party attended by his family, though his mother Katie Price was noticeably absent

Showstopping! Princess posted a clip of Junior taking to the stage to perform Slide, along with the gushing caption: 'So proud @officialjunior_andre'

Casual: Donning a matching red tracksuit, the teen was surrounded by thrilled fans as he performed the energetic track

Sharing a clip of the signing on his grid, he wrote: '30 years ago I was doing my first signings of posters.

'And now my son is hard at work. As for the girls... @officialjunior_andre @officialprincess_andre @dr_emily_official.'

Peter then shared a series of videos from Junior's launch party including a clip posing for selfies with thrilled fans.

Reflecting: Meanwhile Junior's proud father Peter also shared a glimpse of the launch party, reminiscing on his own pop star past as his son signed posters for his fans

Say cheese! Peter then shared a series of videos from Junior's launch party including a clip posing for selfies with thrilled fans

Amazing! Both Peter and Princess shared clips of Junior taking to the stage during his launch party

Another video showed Junior embracing his proud dad, which was captioned: 'You have no idea how proud I am of you tonight son.'

Alongside a video of Junior performing his song, he added: 'Born to do it.'

As well as launching his music career, Junior became a global sensation after he visited Binley Mega Chippy and filmed a TikTok video outside.

The chip shop in Coventry has been inundated with tourists pouring in from as far afield as Portugal and Australia after a catchy music video was posted on TikTok.

Where is she? While the teen performer was supported by multiple members of his family, mum Katie was noticeably absent

Family connections: Junior is following in his father's footsteps as he is starting a career in the music industry and Peter recently revealed he was managing his son

And Junior was caught up in the fanfare after he filmed himself outside showing a line of customers queuing out of the shop.

Binley Mega Chippy attracts thousands of customers from around Britain and the world after a fan raved about it on social media.

Owner Kamal Gandhi, 70, has now seen profits rocket by a whopping 30 per cent, with queues of fans regularly seen outside.

Junior was seen performing his new song Slide outside the now-famous chippy.

The video then changed to Junior standing outside the fish and chip vendor as the words 'Binley Mega Chippy' played over some plinky-plonk music.

It's gone viral! As well as launching his music career, Junior became a global sensation after he visited Binley Mega Chippy and filmed a TikTok video outside

Junior is following in his father's footsteps as he is starting a career in the music industry and Peter recently revealed he was managing his son.

In April, he appeared virtually on Wednesday's Lorraine and told host Christine Lampard that he is 'proud but also scared' for his budding musician son.

During the chat, Peter explained: 'I took him to the studio and he got in the booth and everyone was like "oh!". And I said "look, lets focus on him for right now."'

Peter revealed that he is his manager in a way, but wants to make sure he has freedom to do his own thing, saying: 'I am managing him in the sense I am there with him all the way. We want to give him some artistic freedom.'

The dad-of-four appeared on Australian singing contest New Faces at aged 16, rising to fame with his singles Mysterious Girl and Flava.
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The first teaser for the Netflix film Blonde about Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe was shared on Thursday morning.

Cuban actress Ana de Armas is seen sobbing as the blonde bombshell who says she does not want to be abandoned before her male makeup artist tells her that her friend will be coming 'soon' to help her.

Soon after she catches a look at herself in the mirror and perks up which leads to a smile and laugh, which highlights her mercurial nature.

De Armas is also seen dressed up in character for some of Monroe's biggest hit films from the 1950s, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and The Seven Year Itch.

The star, who used to date Oscar-winning actor and director Ben Affleck, was stunning as the Hollywood legend who died under mysterious circumstances in 1962.

There she is: The first teaser for the Netflix film Blonde about Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe was shared on Thursday morning. Cuban actress Ana de Armas is seen in the title role left and Marylin right

The real deal: Monroe on patio outside of her home in May 1953; she was found dead under mysterious circumstances in 1962

The Blonde clip has a haunting feel that suggests Monroe was vulnerable yet caught up in her own movie star image.

When the star is told that her friend is almost there, Marilyn goes from weeping to smiling as she looks in a mirror at her own superstar appearance, and then laughing, which hints at her erratically changing moods.

Her sudden mood swing is alarming but her big smile and laugh is intoxicating just like it is in her famous movies.

The movie goddess is also seen being mobbed by fans and the press as the police help the distressed celebrity through a crowd. Over the clip, Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend is sung in a slow, moody voice.

The movie is based on a 2000 book by Joyce Carol Oates and is directed by Andrew Dominik.

Blonde is scheduled for release in September on Netflix and will be the streaming service's first original film to garner an NC-17 rating.

There has been controversy over Netflix sharing a film with a NC-17 rating but the director blew off the uproar in February: 'It's an NC-17 movie about Marilyn Monroe, its kind of what you want, right? I want to go and see the NC-17 version of the Marilyn Monroe story.'

The film that made her a superstar: Singing her hit Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend in the movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Ana left and Marylin right)

Glory: And she smiles as she shoots a promotional campaign for The Seven Year Itch (Ana left and Marylin right)

Not a stable woman: In the teaser, Ana's Marilyn is seen as heavily morose in a glam room with a male makeup artist

Perking up all of a sudden: After sobbing, she looks at herself in the mirror then stops crying

She likes what she sees: After checking herself out, she begins to laugh a she holds her hands to her chest

So much joy all of a sudden: Her sudden mood swing is alarming but her big smile and laugh is intoxicating

Ana shared the trailer on Instagram with the caption, 'BLONDE. What a beautiful dream!

'Andrews ambitions were very clear from the start  to present a version of Marilyn Monroes life through her lens. He wanted the world to experience what it actually felt like to not only be Marilyn, but also Norma Jeane. I found that to be the most daring, unapologetic, and feminist take on her story that I had ever seen.'

The official Blonde synopsis from Netflix reads: '[The film] boldly reimagines the life of one of Hollywoods most enduring icons, Marilyn Monroe. From her volatile childhood as Norma Jeane, through her rise to stardom and romantic entanglements, Blonde blurs the lines of fact and fiction to explore the widening split between her public and private selves.'

The NC-17 rated biopic has 'something in it to offend everyone' said the film's Australian director Dominik said in May.

So close: Ana does look similar to the actress; here she is seen during a fitting with a female costume designer

Hollywood icon: Monroe is shown in March 1962 at the Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills; she would die in August of the same year

The 54-year-old New Zealand native in an interview with Vulture in May said he was surprised the upcoming Netflix film received the NC-17 rating, which does not allow anyone under 18 to watch in theaters in any circumstance.

'On the one hand, I think if I'm given the choice, I'd rather go and see the NC-17 version of the Marilyn Monroe story,' he shared.

'Because we know that her life was on the edge, clearly, from the way it ended. Do you want to see the warts-and-all version or do you want to see that sanitized version?' Dominik said.

Not easy dealing with fame: Here Ana is seen as Marilyn being rushed by the fans and press

Not all glamour for this icon: Monroe struggles as her hair falls in her face and she looks down while police try to get her through the loud crowd

Her undies were seen: Just like in real life, Monroe's undies were shown as her dress fluttered over the subway grate

Blonde has been a longtime project for Dominik with shooting first scheduled to start way back in January 2011.

Dominik said it was an 'interesting time' for Blonde to be released.

'If it had come out a few years ago, it would have come out right when Me Too hit and it would have been an expression of all that stuff. We're in a time now, I think, where people are really uncertain about where any lines are,' he said.

'It's a film that definitely has a morality about it. But it swims in very ambiguous waters because I don't think it will be as cut-and-dried as people want to see it. There's something in it to offend everyone,' Dominik added.

Longtime project: Blonde, based on the 2000 novel of the same name by Joyce Carol Oates about Marilyn Monroe (shown in a 1953 promo for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes), has been a longtime project for Dominik with shooting first scheduled to start way back in January 2011

A big life: Also in the teaser, Ana is seen in a white gown and fur as she is helped out of a car

Jessica Chastain, 45, was in talks in 2014 to play Monroe. Armas, 34, in late 2019 was cast in the lead role.

The supporting cast includes Bobby Cannavale, Adrien Brody, Julianne Nicholson, Xavier Samuel and Evan Williams.

Dominik gushed about the actress while responding to a question about his casting of Australian actor and comedian Eric Bana, 53, to portray notorious Australian criminal Mark 'Chopper' Read in his 2000 biopic Chopper.

'He could do Mark. I don't know if you've ever seen Mark 'Chopper' Read, the real guy? It's unbelievable how close Eric is to that guy. His own father thought that in some parts of Chopper, it was actually Mark. Usually, the problem with most films is they're miscast. Not most films, but it can happen,' Dominik said.

'It's the same problem with Blonde. You have to cast somebody that you buy as Marilyn Monroe. She's amazing, that girl. You've got no idea, dude. You've got no idea how good Ana is. She's as good as James Gandolfini,' he declared.
David Tennant and Catherine Tate resumed filming for Doctor Who's 60th Anniversary Special on the streets of Bristol on Thursday.

The duo, who are reprising their roles as the Tenth Doctor and his beloved companion Donna Noble, were seen chatting as they arrived on set to film more scenes for the show.

Sporting his character's signature suit, David donned a pair of round sunglasses to shield his eyes from the bright sunshine as he chatted to co-star Catherine during the filming.

The duo are back! David Tennant and Catherine Tate resumed filming for Doctor Who's 60th Anniversary Special on the streets of Bristol on Thursday

Sporting a new twist on Ten's famous striped suit and brown trench coat, David appeared to be in the midst of another tense scene during filming.

The pair did find the lighter side as they shared a laugh between takes, as the iconic duo once again joined forces for the Anniversary Special.

Also spotted on the set outside Bristol's Crown Court was the iconic TARDIS, which despite boasting a perception filter to blend in, likely caught the attention of locals.

Back to work: The duo, who are reprising their roles as the Tenth Doctor and his beloved companion Donna Noble, were seen arriving on set to film more scenes for the show

Animated: The star looked delighted to be reprising his role

Pensive: Catherine looked deep in thought on the set

Vintage: Vintage cars were seen on the set during the day

Fun: David looked to be enjoying his chat with Catherine

Relaxed: Despite the warm weather, Catherine donned a pink and red striped jumper and black jeans as he filmed the street scenes

Having fun? The pair could be seen in fits of laughter between takes as they join forces for the much-anticipated anniversary special

Blast from the past: David once again donned his character's famous suit and trench coat, this time with a new print, to film the scenes with Catherine

When is this set? Despite yesterday's filming hinting the scenes would take place in the modern day, extras dressed in period clothing suggested otherwise

Looking good: The star cut a dapper figure as she strolled on set

While much of the city's Broad Street was closed for the filming, crowds of fans still gathered to catch a glimpse of the stars.

Last month BBC bosses revealed that David and Catherine would be returning to reprise roles as The Tenth Doctor and Donna respectively.

Viewers were devastated by the heartbreaking end to Donna's story during Who's fourth series in 2008, when The Doctor was forced to wipe her memory after she absorbed his mind into her head, which was slowly killing her.

Out and about: David and Catherine were seen strolling down the street as they prepared to film the scenes

Cheeky! Reprising her role as Donna Noble for the first time since 2010, Catherine was in high spirits on the set

Bigger on the inside! Also spotted on set was the famous TARDIS, which had been placed outside Bristol's Crown Court

Here they are! Ahead of donning their costumes, David and Catherine were spotted arriving on set for the filming

Simple: Catherine donned a Scooby Doo-themed T-shirt as she arrived for filming

They're back! Last month BBC bosses revealed that David and Catherine would be returning to reprise roles as The Tenth Doctor and Donna respectively

Emotional: Viewers were devastated by the heartbreaking end to Donna's story during Who's fourth series in 2008

Upsetting: The Doctor was forced to wipe her memory after she absorbed his mind into her head, which was slowly killing her

Throwback: Extras in 1920s clothing were seen on the set

It remains to be seen whether Donna will have her memories restored, setting the stage for her reunion with The Doctor.

It comes after Who bosses announced that It's A Sin star Neil Patrick Harris has joined the cast to play the 'greatest enemy the Doctor has ever faced' and is filming scenes set to air next year.

It now appears that Neil will appear opposite David's incarnation of The Doctor, as opposed to Ncuti Gatwa, who is set to take over the iconic role.

Exciting: It remains to be seen whether Donna will have her memories restored, setting the stage for her reunion with The Doctor

Coming soon: It comes after Who bosses announced that It's A Sin star Neil Patrick Harris has joined the cast to play the 'greatest enemy the Doctor has ever faced'

Following the BBC's announcement, Russell wrote on Instagram: 'Neil Patrick Harris, welcome to Cardiff! Playing the greatest enemy the Doctor has ever faced.

'Such a great actor, such a great man, it's an honour and a hoot. Have fun! @nph @bbcdoctorwho Ha!'

Neil added on his page: 'My current gig. Never looked more dashing. Thank you for inviting me into your Whoniverse, @russelltdavies63.

'I'll try my hardest to do my worst. This Doctor has no idea what's in store. And even if he does Who cares? Ha ha ha HA ha-ha-ha!'

It comes following reports that villain Beep the Meep is set to make its show debut alongside the Wrath Warriors during the show's 60th anniversary next year.

Villain Beep the Meep, an alien which looks like a fluffy rodent, is set to battle the Doctor in the upcoming new episodes.

A source told the Mirror: 'Younger viewers will love Beep  he appears to be meek and cute, but he's as deadly as a Dalek or a Cyberman.'

Neil also joins newcomer Yasmin Finney, who is to take on the role of Rose. Yasmin recently gained recognition for her role of Elle Argent in Netflix hit Heartstopper.

The new cast are filming scenes that are due to air in 2023 as part of the show's 60th anniversary.

The name of Neil's character, and any further details about his new role, are yet to be confirmed.

Anticipated: While much of the city's Broad Street was closed for the filming, crowds of fans still gathered to catch a glimpse of the stars

Speaking about the sci-fi show's new arrival, Russell said: 'It's my huge honour to open our studio doors for the mighty Neil Patrick Harris... but who, why, what is he playing?

'You'll just have to wait. But I promise you, the stuff we're shooting now is off the scale. Doctor beware!'

Queer As Folk and It's A Sin writer Russell is returning as the programme's showrunner after departing in 2009.

Russell, who was responsible for Doctor Who's revival in 2005, will be back to celebrate the show's 60th anniversary in 2023, the BBC previously said.

He worked with Neil on hit Channel 4 mini-drama It's A Sin, in which the American star portrayed Savile Row tailor Henry Coltrane.
Sharna Burgess wants an amicable relationship with her boyfriend's ex-wife.

The 36-year-old Dancing With The Stars pro revealed that she contacted beau Brian Austin Green's ex-wife Megan Fox five months into their relationship.

Sharna appeared on Wednesday's episode of Bachelor Nation star Nick Viall's podcast The Viall Files as she explained how it all went down.

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Friendly gesture: Sharna Burgess revealed on podcast podcast The Viall Files that she contacted beau Brian Austin Green's ex-wife Megan Fox five months into their relationship

She was with her 48-year-old partner (who is seen with Fox in October 2014) - who she is expecting her first child with - when she asked: 'I was like, "Can I get Megans number?"'

She was with her 48-year-old partner - who she is expecting her first child with - when she asked: 'I was like, "Can I get Megans number?"'

As Brian shares three children - Noah, 9, Bodhi, 8, and Journey, 5 - with Megan, Sharna wanted to make sure that she was comfortable with being around them.

She explained: 'Id love to reach out and say, "Hey, Im around your kids all the time, if you ever want to know anything about me or if you ever want to get coffee, let me know. If there is any way I can support you in being part of this situation, let me know."'

'If there is any way I can support you in being part of this situation, let me know': As Brian shares three children - Noah, 9, Bodhi, 8, and Journey, 5 - with Megan, Sharna wanted to make sure that she was comfortable with being around them

It seems as if the text exchange went well as Sharna explained that Fox, also 36, 'really appreciated' the gesture and even thanked her for reaching out.

Green announced his split from Megan in May 2020 after nearly 10 years of marriage.

He went on to date Sharna seven months later after being partners on Dancing With The Stars. Megan has famously moved on with Machine Gun Kelly.

Former flame: Green announced his split from Megan in May 2020 after nearly 10 years of marriage, they are seen together in December 2019

In rhythm: He went on to date Sharna seven months later after being partners on Dancing With The Stars, the couple are pictured in September 2021

No doubt there is plenty of excitement for the couple as a week ago Sharna celebrated her baby shower with a who's who of Dancing With The Stars pros.

Sharna,celebrated her growing family with the likes of Lindsay Arnold, Peta Murgatroyd, and Emma Slater.

Lindsay posted video of the festivities to her social media channels, where guests noshed on crackers, grapes, cheese, and more.

Hey mama! No doubt there is plenty of excitement for the couple as a week ago Sharna celebrated her baby shower with a who's who of Dancing With The Stars pros

The brunch bash was hosted by Peta, Danielle DeGregory, and Kennedy Van Dyke and took place at The Vallavanda Manor in Santa Rosa Valley, California, according to People.

DWTS pros Jenna Johnson, Daniella Karagach and Sofia Ghavami also stopped by for the celebrations.

'We are here celebrating the most BEAUTIFUL mama to be @sharnaburgess,' Lindsay wrote in one of the videos.

'Every detail was stunning!!' she continued in a subsequent clip. 'And the food was SOOO GOOD,' she continued.

Look who's here! Sharna, 36, who is expecting her first child with boyfriend Brian Austin Green, celebrated her growing family with the likes of Lindsay Arnold, Peta Murgatroyd, Emma Slater, Jenna Johnson, Daniella Karagach and Sofia Ghavami

Showering her with love! Lindsay posted video of the festivities to her social media channels, where guests noshed on crackers, grapes, cheese, and more

She also gushed of Sharna as 'genuinely the most stunning mama to be!! Beyond happy for you Sharn.'

Brian and Sharna have been in a relationship since October 2020 and announced they were expecting their first child together last February.

He was married to Megan Fox, 36, from 2010 to 2021 and they have sons Noah, nine, Bodhi, eight and five-year-old Journey together.

Fun with friends: Lindsay posted video of the festivities to her social media channels, where guests noshed on crackers, grapes, cheese, and more

Yay! The brunch bash was hosted by Peta, Danielle DeGregory, and Kennedy Van Dyke and took place at The Vallavanda Manor in Santa Rosa Valley, California, according to People

Oh baby! 'We are here celebrating the most BEAUTIFUL mama to be @sharnaburgess,' Lindsay wrote in one of the videos

Brian also has 20-year-old son Kassius with former fiancee and Beverly Hills, 90210 castmate Vanessa Marcil, 53.

Sharna and Brian competed together on season 30 of Dancing With The Stars and were the third couple eliminated in October 2021.

Brian is best known for his portrayal of David Silver on Beverly Hills, 90210 from 1990 to 2000.

Australian-born Sharna revealed the pregnancy in a February 16 post on Instagram that featured Brian and his three younger sons patting her baby bump.

'And suddenly my world would never be the same,' she said. 'Forever greater, forever expanded and deeper. Forever abundant and unconditional. Baby Boy July 4th (ish) 2022.'
Miranda Kerr gave her fans a glimpse into her drama-free parenting with her ex-husband Orlando Bloom in her cover story for LuisaViaRoma's LVR magazine on Thursday.

The 39-year-old Australian model sounded determined to give her oldest son Flynn, 11, the best of both worlds as she shares parenting duties with Orlando, 45, and his wife Katy Perry, 37.

Miranda, who is now married to Snap Inc. co-founder and CEO Evan Spiegel, had only kind things to say about her ex and his new love, as she gushed that she 'adore[s]' Katy.

No issues: Miranda Kerr, 39, gushed about her co-parenting relationship with Orlando Bloom, 45, and his wife Katy Perry, 37, as she graced the cover of LuisaViaRoma's LVR magazine on Thursday

'I adore Katy and am grateful Orlando found someone he is happy with. Now Flynn has four happy parents who get along,' she said.

The brunette beauty added that she and Orlando had managed to stay good friends almost a decade after opting to end their marriage.

'When we separated, the most important thing we decided we could do is that when we make a decision, we ask, "Is this in the best interest of our child?"'

She added, 'We will be family no matter what.'

Miranda and Orlando began dating back in 2007, with an engagement following in June of 2010.

They were married just a month later, and the couple welcomed their son Flynn in January 2011.

It takes a village: 'I adore Katy and am grateful Orlando found someone he is happy with. Now Flynn has four happy parents who get along,' she said

But in October 2013, the two announced that they were divorcing and had already separated months earlier.

Miranda and Evan first met at a Louis Vuitton event in 2014.

The model recounted how former Harper's Bazaar editor-in-chief Glenda Bailey, who sat next to them at the dinner, told her out of the blue, 'I know about these things. I have a strong feeling you will get married.'

Although Miranda said she didn't expect anything to happen with Evan, who is seven years younger than her, she brought up her love of a 20th century classic piece by the popular Estonian composer Arvo Part.

Ice breaker: Miranda met Evan at a 2014 Louis Vuitton event where she tried to bond with him by mentioning her love for a classic piece that featured his name

'I told him one of my favorite songs is Spiegel im Spiegel [Mirror in Mirror] by Avro Part. We discussed our respective home construction projects, and he left before dessert, saying he was getting up at 5:30 a.m. and didnt want to stay out late.'

Although their evening came to a seemingly cold end, Miranda gave it one last shot after a night of drinking and karaoke following a modeling trip to Japan.

'I texted him to ask if he ever listened to the song, and he called me back right away,' she said, though she turned the tables on him by ending the call so that she could go back to her singing.

The two took things slowly, and Miranda noted they saw each other on and off for months before she got her first kiss with Evan, but she appreciated their deliberative approach.

'It was lovely to find someone who appreciated my kind heart and joyful spirit,' she gushed of her partner. 'We balance each other out like Yin and Yang. We complement each other.'

Happy couple: Miranda is married to Snap Inc. co-founder and CEO Evan Spiegel. They are seen here in May in LA

The lovebirds were officially dating by 2015, and they got engaged the following year before marrying in May 2017.

In 2018 they welcomed their first child together  and her second  Hart, four, and their son Myles, two, followed in 2019.

During her phone chat with LVR, Miranda had to pause the interview to take a call from a doctor over redness one of her sons developed in his eye.

'Its probably nothing to worry about, but you want to make sure its all OK,' she said.

Since then, Miranda noted how she had instilled some healthy habits in her husband, like getting him to work out, while he had help stabilize her sleep schedule.

'We will be family no matter what': Miranda shares her son Flynn with Orlando, while she also has two sons with husband Evan Spiegel; Orlando and Katy seen in September 2021

'We also love the different things we bring to the table. He is so intelligent, obviously, and thinks differently from anyone Ive met and vice-versa; its fascinating to have conversations because we both think about things and perspectives differently. He is very intellectual, and I am heart-centered,' she said.

Miranda sounded as if she was on top of the world, and she noted her upbeat attitude in the interview.

'It's our choice to choose a positive thought  like "Its great, we need that rain," versus, "oh no, its raining"  we choose which thought we gravitate toward.'
Andy Garcia not only believes in love at first sight, he lives it.

The 66-year-old veteran actor recalled the exact moment he met his now wife of 39 years Marivi Lorido Garcia and revealed that he even proposed that night.

He told People magazine on Thursday: 'It was a thunderbolt. We were very young, but she swept me off my feet.

Love at first sight: Andy Garcia recalled the exact moment he met his now wife of 39 years Marivi Lorido Garcia and revealed that he even proposed that night, the couple are seen together in April 2006

'Some people know each other a while and there's a friendship first, but when we met that night, it was very clear that this was the woman of my life.'

Andy also revealed that he was so enchanted by Marivi, now 64, that he proposed to her the evening they met.

The actor revealed that his film producer wife pokes fun of him about it to this day as he said: 'She busts my chops saying that I proposed to all the girls that night but that's not true!'

The 66-year-old actor told People magazine on Thursday: 'It was a thunderbolt. We were very young, but she swept me off my feet'

Full house: They have four children together - (pictured left to right)Alessandra, 30, Dominik, 38, Daniella, 34, and Andres, 20 - as the family spend time between Los Angeles and Key Biscayne, Florida

The Ocean's Eleven actor added: 'Those things can happen. I didn't want her to get away.'

Andy and Marivi dated for seven years before marrying in 1982.

They have four children together - Dominik, 38, Daniella, 34, Alessandra, 30, and Andres, 20 - as the family spend time between Los Angeles and Key Biscayne, Florida.

No doubt the Cuban-born actor's experience as a dad has helped him with his latest role in Father Of The Bride.

'I didn't want her to get away': Andy also revealed that he was so enchanted by Marivi, now 64, that he proposed to her the evening they met, the couple are seen in March 2017

Longtime love: Andy and Marivi dated for seven years before marrying in 1982, they are seen in May 2014

His latest project - which is a remake of the 1950 classic comedy of the same name - comes out at a very interesting time as his daughter Daniella is getting married on June 11 and son Dominik will tie the knot on July 9.

Andy explained: 'It's weird how it happened  three fathers of the bride in 30 days.

'But I couldn't pull [from his role as disapproving dad in the film] because in reality, I love my sons-in-law and they're family. I'm just going to take it all in and be festive. I want to enjoy the moment.'

Father Of The Bride is currently streaming on HBO Max.

New role: No doubt the Cuban-born actor's experience as a dad has helped him with his latest role in Father Of The Bride
Phoebe Dynevor has earned herself a cool 1million in the last 12 months following the success of Netflix phenomenon Bridgerton.

The actress, 27, who recently joined a host of stars at the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, was able to take out 400,000 from the company after her bumper year which saw the Netflix show become one of the streaming services biggest hits.

The accounts reveal: 'Within nine months of the year end, the director had repaid 220,000 of the loan by a mixture of dividend and capital repayments.'

Woweeee! Phoebe Dynevor has earned herself a cool 1million in the last 12 months following the success of Netflix phenomenon Bridgerton

Assets in the company called Phoebe Dynevor Limited hit 765,000, up from 112,000 last year.

After taking into account creditors owed money, the company was left with healthy reserves of 545,000 for the 12 months to then of January this year.

The huge earnings meant the star was landed with a monster 216,500 tax bill - dwarfing the previous year's bill of 4,750.

Smashed it: The actress, 27, who recently joined a host of stars at the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, was able to take out 400,000 from the company after her bumper year which saw the Netflix show become one of the streaming services biggest hits

This means her taxable earnings were five times that figure - around 1million.

Last month, Phoebe and her co-star Jonathan Bailey looked delighted as they met with Prince Charles at The Prince's Trust Awards.

Phoebe and Jonathan, 34, who plays Anthony Bridgerton, cut stylish figures as they chatted with the heir to the throne.

Royal moment: Phoebe and Jonathan Bailey seemed overjoyed as they met with Prince Charles at The Prince's Trust Awards

Phoebe elevated her frame in a black pointed toe pair of heels and styled her dark tresses slicked to one side in loose waves as they cascaded past her shoulders.

The beauty opted for a glamorous palette of makeup including a pink lipstick and accessorised with a gold bangle.

Phoebe shot to fame as the lead character in the first season of the Shonda Rhimes period drama.

Incredible: Phoebe elevated her frame in a black pointed toe pair of heels and styled her dark tresses slicked to one side in loose waves as they cascaded past her shoulders

Phoebe plays Daphne, the fourth Bridgerton child, in the show which debuted over Christmas 2020 and followed up with a successful second season earlier this year.

Earlier this year she made a cameo appearance in Ten Per Cent, the UK version of French drama called Call My Agent.

She began her career as a child actress with a role in BBC drama Waterloo Road, but has since had parts in Prisoners' Wives and crime series Snatch.

Phoebe is believed to be single after dating comedian Pete Davidson from March until August last year.
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Rebel Wilson proudly showed off the incredible results of her 75lbs weight loss as she flaunted her slimmer figure in a gorgeous pink bikini and a matching jacket on a sunny holiday

The 42-year-old comic actress, who came out as gay last week by revealing her relationship with her girlfriend Ramona Agruma, took to Instagram to share a slew of snaps from the sunny getaway after setting sail on a luxurious yacht.

It comes just days after Rebel broke her social media silence around huge criticism aimed at an Australian newspaper who publicly shared that they attempted to 'out' her days before she publicly shared her sexuality.

Pretty in pink: Rebel Wilson, 42, showed off her incredible weight loss of more than 75lbs by slipping into a retro pink bikini and a matching jacket while sailing on a luxury yacht on Thursday

Rebel channeled classic 1960s style with her pale pink two-piece bathing suit, which was covered in a fuzzy checker pattern.

Her strapless top emphasized her cleavage and was tied off in the center, and she paired it with a high-waisted bottom decorated with dural rows of thick white buttons.

She added some class and style to the look with a lovely short jacket in the same pink design with rolled-up sleeves.

The Pitch Perfect star blocked out the beaming sun with a cool set of rounded white sunglasses that matched the ensemble's retro vibe.

Old school: Her 1960s-style bikini was covered in a fuzzy checker pattern. It featured a strapless top tied in a bow over her chest

Modest: She paired it with a high-waisted bottom decorated with dural rows of thick white buttons

Rebel looked glamorous with her shoulder-length blond locks parted at the side and fluttering in the sea breeze.

In one playful snap, she highlighted her trim legs while leaning against a hot tub on the upper deck of the yacht.

She was bathed in shadows in other photos while hiding under a canopy and enjoying a recently opened bottle of champagne.

The Jojo Rabbit actress also brought along a wide-brimmed cream-colored hat, though she kept it off for the photo to keep her hair pristine.

Missing from the photos was her girlfriend Ramona, whom she has been dating in plain sight for months, though it was only last week that she officially came out as gay and shared her relationship with her 11.2 million Instagram followers.

Blond beauty: Rebel looked glamorous with her shoulder-length blond locks parted at the side and fluttering in the sea breeze

Solo trip? Missing from the photos was her girlfriend Ramona Agruma, whom she has been dating for months, though it was only last week that she officially came out and shared her relationship

At the time, she posted a photo of her beaming ear-to-ear while resting a hand on Ramona's arm.

'I thought I was searching for a Disney Prince... but maybe what I really needed all this time was a Disney Princess,' she wrote, referencing her short relationships with several men prior to meeting her new love.

The two have been seen together since early this year, and they even walked the red carpet together at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party in March.

Rebel still hasn't shared many details about her new love, who is an LA-based fashion designer and the owner of the sustainable fashion brand Lemon Ve Limon.

It was subsequently revealed that Rebel went public about her relationship and her sexuality in order to get ahead of a story from the Sydney Morning Herald after the Australian paper threatened to out her.

Cute couple: The two have been spotted together since early this year, and they even walked the red carpet at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party in March together

Speaking out: On Sunday Rebel took to Twitter to break her silence about an Australian newspaper who publicly shared that they tried to 'out' her

Shortly after she posted her photo, the paper's gossip columnist Andrew Hornery accused the actress of 'gazumping' his scoop by speaking out on her own terms.

'Thanks for your comments, it was a very hard situation but trying to handle it with grace,' she later wrote in a reply to a Twitter post by Channel 10's Kate Doak.

In his original piece, Hornery wrote he gave Wilson two days to respond to questioning, effectively forcing the actress' hand, yet became angry when the star chose to take control of the narrative herself.

'It was with an abundance of caution and respect that this media outlet emailed Rebel Wilson's representatives on Thursday morning, giving her two days to comment on her new relationship with LA leisure wear designer Ramona Agruma, before publishing a single word,' he wrote.

'Big mistake. Wilson opted to gazump the story, posting about her new 'Disney Princess' on Instagram early Friday morning, the same platform she had previously used to brag about her handsome ex-boyfriend, wealthy American beer baron Jacob Busch.

'Considering how bitterly Wilson had complained about poor journalism standards... her choice ignore our discreet genuine and honest queries was underwhelming.'

The article prompted a major backlash on social media with users bowled over by the newspaper's insensitivity, prompting editor Bevan Shields to pen a lengthy statement denying any wrongdoing and wishing the couple well.

Beating the news: It was revealed that Rebel went public about her relationship and her sexuality in order to get ahead of a story from the Sydney Morning Herald after the Australian paper threatened to out her

Hornery subsequently apologised for his 'tone' in the article, and he claimed he never meant to 'inflict pain' when he approached Wilson about her relationship.

'I genuinely regret that Rebel has found this hard,' Hornery said in a column that replaced Sunday's article. 'That was never my intention. But I see she has handled it all with extraordinary grace.'

He added that, 'As a gay man I'm well aware of how deeply discrimination hurts. The last thing I would ever want to do is inflict that pain on someone else.'

Rebel did reveal last month that she was dating someone, although she kept their identity under wraps, telling People that she had been set up with her partner - thought to be Agruma - 'through a friend', before spending weeks 'getting to know each other' on the phone.

'We spoke on the phone for weeks before meeting,' Wilson revealed at the time. 'And that was a really good way to get to know each other. It was a bit old-school in that sense  very romantic.'

She also shared how 'the process of finding more self-worth' had 'elevated' her standards in terms of what she was looking for in a partner, describing her romance with her new girlfriend as 'equal' and 'healthy'.

As well as their under-the-radar public appearances together, Agruma has also been a fixture on Wilson's Instagram in recent months, though she wasn't presented as anything other than a friend.
Landon Barker could not help but sing his stepmom Kourtney Kardashian's praises, one month after she wed his father Travis Barker in Portofino, Italy.

While speaking about his 46-year-old dad's new marriage, the 18-year-old musician described the reality TV star, 43, as 'amazing.'

'I love Kourt so much. I love expanding the family,' he told E! News Daily Pop at his boohooMAN clothing launch.

Happy family: Landon Barker couldn't help but sing his stepmother Kourtney Kardashian's praises, one month after she wed his father Travis Barker in Portofino, Italy

As he spoke about the lovebirds' lavish nuptials across the globe, Landon said 'it was great to go out there and see my dad super happy with his new wife.'

The performer added, 'It was honestly amazing. It was all a beautiful experience.'

Travis and Kourtney first 'became friends living in the same neighborhood' through their respective children, a source told Us Weekly when they first started dating back in January 2021.

Proud son: While speaking about his 46-year-old dad's new marriage, the 18-year-old musician described the reality star, 43, as 'amazing'

'Their kids friendship had Kourtney and Travis spending a lot of time together,' the insider added.

Kardashian shares her three kids Mason, 12, Penelope, nine, and seven-year-old Reign with her ex Scott Disick.

On Tuesday night, Landon debuted his first collection for BoohooMan, which he told DailyMail.com exclusively 'really' reflects his 'personal style.'

'I love Kourt so much. I love expanding the family,' he told E ! News Daily Pop at his boohooMAN clothing launch; seen at The Kardashians premiere in April 2021

Over the moon: As he spoke about the lovebirds' lavish nuptials across the globe, Landon said 'it was great to go out there and see my dad super happy with his new wife'

'I am so proud of the vibe we cultivated through every look,' he added. 'I've been into fashion from a very young age so its been fun to create something on my own.'

'The collection is primarily inspired by what I wear on an everyday basis, and boohooMAN really allowed me to showcase that through my creative direction,' he shared.

'I feel like when someone is wearing one of these pieces, its like they picked it straight out of my closet.'

Venturing out on his own: On Tuesday night, Landon debuted his first collection for BoohooMan, which he told DailyMail.com exclusively 'really' reflects his 'personal style' (seen with dad Travis Barker and sister Alabama)

Close bond: His sister Alabama supported him at the event as she wrote on social media, 'I love you so much'

His sister Alabama supported him at the event as she wrote on social media, 'I love you so much.'

DailyMail.com also learned that Landon and Alabama's half sister Atiana De La Hoya - whose father is boxer Oscar De La Hoya - was also at the event but was not pictured in images shared by Boohoo.

A source told DailyMail.com that Travis was a 'supportive dad' who stayed by his son's side, encouraging him.

Imprssive: The boohooMAN x Landon Barker collection, available globally on boohooMAN.com, features bold colors, chain metal details and faux-leather statement pieces. The product ranges from $19 - $67, making the range accessible

'When Landon got on stage, Travis was so happy for him, he kept clapping and saying positive things,' said a source who was at the event. 'It's clear he is a very hands-on dad and into his kids which is rare in Hollywood.'

Meanwhile, Landon's stepmother did not appear to attend the event.

The boohooMAN x Landon Barker collection, available globally on boohooMAN.com, features bold colors, chain metal details and faux-leather statement pieces. The product ranges from $19 - $67, making the range accessible.
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He absolved himself of his daughter Sami's decision to join the adult content site OnlyFans by saying she didn't live with him anymore.

And Charlie Sheen's living situation appears to be somewhat up in the air after he recently moved into a rental in beautiful Malibu, California.

The 56-year-old former Two And A Half Men star has been renting out the property  which is far more modest than some of the mansions he used to own  for around $16,350 per month.

New digs: Charlie Sheen's living situation appears to be somewhat up in the air after he recently moved into a rental in beautiful Malibu, California

The lovely house is tucked away on a hill in the coastal city and boasts an excellent view of the Pacific Ocean.

The home is painted a muted shade of gray, with a bright white deck, and its modestly sized driveway is framed by a tasteful red brick walls and posts.

The actor appears to have rented the home for at least one full month, as the listing says it can only be rented for at least 31 days.

It's unclear how long he's staying in the rental, though it appears to be available again starting on August 31.

Still pricy: The 56-year-old former Two And A Half Men star has been renting out the property  which is far more modest than some of the mansions he used to own  for around $16,350 per month; seen in 2019 in Miami, Florida

Gorgeous: The lovely house is tucked away on a hill in the coastal city

Can see for miles: The house boasts an excellent view of the Pacific Ocean

Low key: The home is painted a muted shade of gray, with a bright white deck, and its modestly sized driveway is framed by a tasteful red brick walls and posts

Brief stay: The actor appears to have rented the home for at least one full month, as the listing says it can only be rented for at least 31 days

Short-term: It's unclear how long he's staying in the rental, though it appears to be available again starting on August 31

Charlie's rental home features abundant deck space to enjoy pristine sunsets or to gaze at the shore.

The second-floor living spaces and lounges are connected to the balconies with large white sliding French doors, which offer plenty of natural light.

Just below the balconies is a cozy outdoor dining space on a brick patio, which keeps guests out of the sun and sheltered from the street by a fence.

A ceiling fan helps keep air circulating, though there's likely to be a strong sea breeze at most times.

Secluded: The house's backyard is covered in brick and kept private thanks to a tall brick wall

Fully stocked: Even though guests can easily walk down to the ocean to take a dip, the house also boasts a tasteful swimming pool in the back yard

Lovely: The sizable pool is surrounded by more red brick, and it's enlivened by several fountains pouring into the water that are hidden in batches of succulents

Let there be light: The backyard conveniently has been draped with several strands of lights to illuminate it at night without needing harsh flood lights

Cozy: There also appears to be a small square hot tub just off the main pool

Even though guests can easily walk down to the ocean to take a dip, the house also boasts a tasteful swimming pool in the back yard.

The sizable pool is surrounded by more red brick, and it's enlivened by several fountains pouring into the water that are hidden in batches of succulents.

The backyard conveniently has been draped with several strands of lights to illuminate it at night without needing harsh flood lights.

There also appears to be a small square hot tub just off the main pool.

Cooking up a storm: In addition to cool down in the water, guests can grill up a hearty meal on the other side of the back yard.There's also a convenient pool table for playing games

Relaxing: Across from the grill is a seating area that makes it easy to relax in the evening, and a built in fire pit will keep the renters warm on chilly evenings

Easy access: The front of the house includes a long balcony that appears to open into both a living area and one of the bedrooms

Options: There's also a second fire pit up top, creating even more options for relaxing outdoors at night

Great outdoors: Just below the balconies is a cozy outdoor dining space on a brick patio, which keeps guests out of the sun and sheltered from the street by a fence

In addition to cool down in the water, guests can grill up a hearty meal on the other side of the back yard.There's also a convenient pool table for playing games.

Across from the grill is a seating area that makes it easy to relax in the evening, and a built in fire pit will keep the renters warm on chilly evenings.

The front of the house includes a long balcony that appears to open into both a living area and one of the bedrooms.

There's also a second fire pit up top, creating even more options for relaxing outdoors at night.

Everything needed: The rental has a sizable kitchen that mixes classic white cabinets with stylish stainless steel appliances

Dinner time: The open space includes a dining table nearby for more formal meals, and it's next to a fireplace with cream-colored tiles and a white mantle

Goofing off: Between the living room and the dining room is a long table shuffleboard for guests looking to have a friendly competition

Low key: Just off the counter is an island-like bar with tall chair that would work for a casual meal or a simple snack

The rental has a sizable kitchen that mixes classic white cabinets with stylish stainless steel appliances.

In addition to a top-of-the-line refrigerator, the house is decked out with a large gas range, two stacked ovens and a dishwasher.

Just off the counter is an island-like bar with tall chair that would work for a casual meal or a simple snack.

The open space includes a dining table nearby for more formal meals, and it's next to a fireplace with cream-colored tiles and a white mantle.

Between the living room and the dining room is a long table shuffleboard for guests looking to have a friendly competition.

Illuminated: The main living room opens out onto the deck and gets plenty of natural light thanks to the abundant windows

Mix and match: Sheen's rental home has lovely hard wood floors, though it's decorated with plenty of rugs for a more relaxed feel

Expansive: The home includes multiple living spaces

Relaxed: The space is decorated with muted earth tones

The main living room opens out onto the deck and gets plenty of natural light thanks to the abundant windows.

Sheen's rental home has lovely hard wood floors, though it's decorated with plenty of rugs for a more relaxed feel.

Next to the living room is the master bedroom, which also opens out to the deck, though sliding drapes can also preserve privacy.

The room boasts another less-fancy fireplace, along with a queen sleeper sofa sitting area.

Sleeping arrangement: The other bedrooms are still sizable and feature plenty of windows.

Easy access: The master bedroom and a second bedroom both include en-suite bathrooms

No frills: A third bedroom uses a separate bathroom

Brilliant: Mirror closets help to brighten up the bedrooms

The fourth bedroom features two queen beds, rather than the king-size beds in the other rooms. It's more modest size makes it ideal for children

The other bedrooms are still sizable and feature plenty of windows.

The master bedroom and a second bedroom both include en-suite bathrooms, while a third bedroom uses a separate bathroom.

The fourth bedroom features two queen beds, rather than the king-size beds in the other rooms. It's more modest size makes it ideal for children.

The master bathroom includes long white cabinets with dual sinks, along with a glass-encased shower and a large white bathtub.

The other bathrooms feature more modest showers and sinks.

Elegant: The master bathroom includes long white cabinets with dual sinks, along with a glass-encased shower and a large white bathtub

Smaller: The other bathrooms feature more modest showers and sinks

News of Charlie's new living situation comes after he weighed in on his daughter Sami's recently opened an OnlyFans page.

The 18-year-old celebrity daughter  and high school dropout  announced her new account on Monday with a bikini photo posted to social media.

Charlie clarified that he didn't 'condone' the move in a statement to Us Weekly, stressing that, 'This did not occur under my roof.'

'She is 18 years old now and living with her mother,' he added, seemingly trying to shift any blame to his ex-wife, whom he was divorced from in 2006.

'I do not condone this but since Im unable to prevent it, I urged her to keep it classy, creative and not sacrifice her integrity,' he added.

Risque venture: News of Charlie's new living situation comes after he weighed in on his daughter Sami, 18, opening an OnlyFans page

Washing his hands: 'This did not occur under my roof,' Sheen stressed to Us Weekly. 'She is 18 years old now and living with her mother'; seen in 2002 in Beverly Hills

Up to her: 'Sami is 18, and this decision wasnt based on whose house she lives in,' Richards told Page Six. 'All I can do as a parent is guide her and trust her judgment, but she makes her own choices'

Richards stood up for herself while speaking to Page Six, suggesting that location wasn't an issue now that her daughter was legally an adult.

'Sami is 18, and this decision wasnt based on whose house she lives in,' Richards said. 'All I can do as a parent is guide her and trust her judgment, but she makes her own choices.'

A one-month subscription to Sami's page costs $19.99 and comes with access to all the content she has previously posted, while long subscriptions come at a discount. So far, she only two posts.

In her bio, she stated that she planned to post '23 times a week,' and she added that 'my messages are open so come talk to me!!'

On Wednesday, she posted a photo of herself from behind, posing topless against a sunset backdrop while wearing nothing but a black thong.

'Let's go skinny dipping,' the teen captioned the risque shot, while adding a water squirt emoji.

Although many content creators use OnlyFans to post nude or risque content, many celebrities and influencers  including Cardi B and Bella Thorne  also have accounts where they post suitable-for-work content for subscribers.

Sami previously went public with her family life in September 2021, when she posted a TikTok video in which she claimed she was 'trapped in an abusive household' while at Denise's home.

'1 year ago today: trapped in an abusive household, hated myself, would go days without eating or sleeping, insanely depressed, hated school, etc' she said.

In the same post, she informed her followers that she had dropped out of high school and moved over to her father Charlie's house, though her parents say she's now back with Denise.

The two showed signs of a thaw in their relationship last month, when Sami posted some cute photos of herself and her mother beaming as they celebrated Mother's Day.

'happy mothers day !! i love u so much mom. u have no idea how grateful i am to have u in my life,' she captioned the post.

Subscription plan: Sami is charging $19.99 per month and only has two posts so far. Many creators use OnlyFans to post pornographic material, though celebrities and influencers also use it for SFW material

Bad times: Sami previously went public with her family life in September 2021, when she posted a TikTok video in which she claimed she was 'trapped in an abusive household' while at Denise's home

On the upswing? The two showed signs of a thaw in their relationship last month, when Sami posted some cute photos of herself and her mother beaming as they celebrated Mother's Day

Back in February, Denise admitted the two had a strained relationship while making an appearance on SiriusXM's Jeff Lewis Live show.

'There are certain rules, and I enforce them,' she said. And [at Charlie's place], theres different rules at that house, and thats OK.'

Denise added: 'She lived with me all these years, but I think its very difficult raising teenagers these days, especially in Los Angeles.'

Denise previously signaled a thaw back in March, when she posted that she loved Sami 'unconditionally' to mark her 18th birthday.

Despite the seemingly disapproving posts from both her parents, Sami indicated her mother was 'extremely supportive' behind the scenes during a recent Instagram Live session.

The RHOBH star also shares her daughter Lola, 17, with Sheen, and she has an adopted daughter Eloise.

In addition to his daughter with Denise, Charlie shares his adult daughter Cassandra with Paula Profit. He has 13-year-old twins Max and Bob with Brooke Mueller.
Elon Musk's Boring Company has received unanimous approval from the Las Vegas City Council for the expansion of the Vegas Loop to City Limits in downtown Las Vegas.

The proposed expansion of the tunnel system would further give the Vegas Loop's operations more areas to cover for the benefit of the public, according to Tech Times.

Shuttle attendees are already utilizing the Loop to various events at the Las Vegas Convention Center. With the expansion, the Loop will extend into downtown. This will include the Strip, the Fremont Street Experience, and the City of Las Vegas.

The Boring Company Announced the Upcoming Expansion

In a tweet, The Boring Company announced that they had already gotten the approval of the City of Las Vegas to expand the existing tunnel system of Vegas Loop.

"Thanks to the entire team at the City of Las Vegas! Great discussion today, and TBC is excited to build a safe, convenient, and awesome transportation system in the City," The Boring Company tweeted.

When finished, the Vegas Loop is supposed to range 29 miles and have 51 stops.

But currently, "only 1.7-mile tunnels are operational beneath the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC)," said The Verge.

When the public boards a Tesla Model X or Y to and from its station, the airport to the convention center will only take two minutes instead of the usual 25-minute walk, said Tech Times.

To transport passenger, the tunnel system uses human-controlled Model X and Y. This is despite Musk's previous statements that sleds will be used to carry cars through the tunnels.

Since the expansion would cover more ground, it will give more transportation options in the area with more stations below the surface.

Currently, the Vegas Loop is open for public utilization. It is uncertain, however, if once it becomes commercially used in Las Vegas The Boring Company or Elon Musk will require a fee.

Read Also: Elon Musk Shows How To Avoid Traffic With This Magical Tunnel

Vegas Loop will Give the Residents a Faster Way to Travel

The City of Las Vegas approved the Boring Company's proposal to dig under Las Vegas Boulevard and up to Fremont Street, according to Teslarati. With the tunnel system, the visitors and residents will have a faster way to travel to various spots in the city.

With the expansion plan, the Convention Center will be connected to Resorts World. Stations of Resorts World are already in development.

Last October, the Vegas Loop was approved by Clark County Commissioners. It will connect 29 miles of tunnel and 51 stations.

Meanwhile, in December, a unanimous approval was issued to the Vegas Loop to connect with the LVCC Loop. This is also operated by the Boring Company.

According to those who presented The Boring Company's Vegas Loops expansion, every vehicle the Vegas Loop removes can free up more traffic capacity. Through this, roadways could be revised or improved.

Moreover, the Vegas Loop offers an additional form of transportation that costs the public nothing.

Model S, Model 3, and Model X vehicles will be used by Tesla in the Vegas Loop. Last year, they already started testing vehicles in the tunnel.

Related Article: [Video] Watch Elon Musk's Tesla Model X First Run Through The Boring Company's Tunnel: Is Humanity One Step Closer to Eliminating Traffic?
Kristin Cavallari looked to be in a summer mood this week as she spent time in West Hollywood.

The Uncommon James founder was seen in a white top with matching sandals as she added acid washed and ripped blue denim jeans as she posed in a beige bedroom.

'LA days,' wrote the reality TV star who has been visiting California for meetings. She calls Nashville, Tennessee home these days.

Summer whites: Kristin Cavallari looked to be in a summer style mood this week as she spent time in West Hollywood

The beauty wore her blonde hair down and had on heavy makeup as she modeled gold jewelry from her Uncommon James line.

She was both sitting down and standing up for her mini social media photo shoot.

This comes after the star, who shot to fame on the original run of The Hills, gave her unfiltered opinion of the upcoming reboot.

Last month it emerged that MTV is developing a show called The Hills: Next Gen with a completely new cast of young people.

An Eighties look: The Uncommon James founder was seen in a white top with matching sandals as she added acid washed and ripped blue denim jeans

While hosting E! News' Daily Pop, Kristin, 35, said that the way Next Gen was announced was 'a slap in the face' to older The Hills stars who had returned for the previous revival New Beginnings.

She shared that Next Gen felt like 'a totally different show,' saying: 'If they're getting an entirely new cast, how are you even going to call it The Hills?'

Around the time her spiky remarks went public, Kristin was spotted swinging by the West Hollywood celeb hot spot Craig's.

She cut a summery figure in a pale sea green cocktail dress that hugged her enviably trim figure and fell tantalizingly off the shoulder.

Out West: 'LA days,' wrote the reality TV star who has been visiting California for meetings. She calls Nashville, Tennessee home these days

The Hills originally ran on MTV from 2006 to 2010 as a spin-off of Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County, the show that made Kristin a star.

Kristin was a prominent figure in the original cast of The Hills, along with names like Heidi Montag, Audrina Patridge, Brody Jenner, Spencer Pratt and Lauren Conrad.

Several of the original cast members got back together for a sequel series called The Hills: New Beginnings, but Kristin was not a part of that project.

Sitting pretty: The beauty wore her blonde hair down and had on heavy makeup as she modeled gold jewelry from her Uncommon James line

A closer look: She was both sitting down and standing up for her mini social media photo shoot

At the time she was already starring on her own standalone reality series Very Cavallari, which ran from 2018 until she decided to end it in 2020.

The Hills: New Beginnings began in 2019 with original cast members like Audrina, Heidi, Spencer and Brody, but was canceled this January after just two seasons.

Four months later news broke that The Hills: Next Gen was in the works, featuring an updated cast of people in their 20s.

Kristin this week expressed her sympathies with Audrina, who had returned for New Beginnings only to see it canceled.

Audrina has revealed that MTV had not apprised her or her New Beginnings co-stars of its plans to make Next Gen before the news went public.

She sure loves white: Seen on May 29 in a white bikini and beige hat by a swimming pool

'That's definitely a slap in the face,' Kristin said while guest-hosting the Daily Pop. 'I would be a little butt hurt about that too.'

However, despite her sympathies for Audrina, Kristin was also able to grasp the reasoning behind doing The Hills with a new cast.

'We're older now, we have kids, everyone is a little bit more concerned about their image,' said Kristin, who is herself a mother of three.

Throwback: Kristin (second from right) is pictured in a publicity shot for the original run of The Hills with her co-stars (from left) Stephanie Pratt, Audrina Patridge and Lo Bosworth

'We're not going around doing what we did in our early 20s. They need a little bit more drama, a little bit more fun. You gotta bring in the young guns for that.'

A report in Deadline also said that Next Gen would have more diversity than the original version of The Hills and would tackle race, identity and class issues.

It emerged in January that The Hills: New Beginnings was being canceled, and that the cast received the news a week before it went public.

One of the issues was allegedly that the original stars of The Hills were unhappy at how manufactured they felt some plotlines were on the revival.

An insider told TMZ that multiple stars also balked when producers floated the idea of younger cast members being brought into the fold.
Kim Kardashian enjoyed a sun-soaked holiday in Tahiti with Pete Davidson before the couple found themselves at the centre of a hoax sighting Down Under.

The pair enjoyed a private beach getaway and went kayaking through crystal clear waters before the SNL funnyman, 28, hopped on a plane to Australia to film his new movie Wizards! in Far North Queensland.

While some speculated the holiday snaps were taken in Australia, it has since been confirmed that Kardashian, 41, hasn't visited the country in years.

Kim Kardashian enjoyed a sun-soaked holiday in Tahiti with Pete Davidson before the couple found themselves at the centre of a hoax sighting Down Under

It comes after a cafe in Queensland was exposed for lying about Kardashian paying a visit earlier this week with Davidson.

Matt Black, the manager of Botanica Cafe Bar Kitchen in Edge Hill, Cairns, claimed to ABC Far North that the pair had dined at the eatery on Wednesday, sparking a media frenzy across Australia.

While the King of Staten Island star is in Australia filming Wizards!, his A-list girlfriend has not joined him. She is still in Los Angeles with her children.

The pair enjoyed a private beach getaway and went kayaking through crystal clear waters before the SNL funnyman, 28, hopped on a plane to Australia to film his new movie Wizards!

While some speculated the holiday snaps were taken in Australia, it has since been confirmed that Kardashian, 41, hasn't visited the country in years

Daily Mail Australia was the first to sound the alarm over the possible hoax, pointing out how Kardashian was pictured in LA on Tuesday night - just hours before she was supposedly seen brunching 11,000km away in Far North Queensland.

Mr Black spun an elaborate yarn about Kardashian and Davidson's security team allegedly asking cafe staff to place their phones on the counter for the duration of the pair's date so no one could take photos of them while they were dining.

'We had to put our phones out on the counter,' he claimed, adding that the security detail also requested their CCTV footage remain private.

'There was just me and my barista, and to be honest, he didn't know who they were. He's really out of the loop with that sort of stuff.'

Matt Black (pictured), the manager of Botanica Cafe Bar Kitchen in Edge Hill, Cairns, claimed to ABC Far North that Kardashian, 41, and Davidson, 28, dined at the eatery on Wednesday - but it was all a hoax

Mr Black did stress, however, that the couple and their entourage were 'super cool and respectful' to all staff members.

'They were very chilled out,' he said.

However, a representative for Davidson shot down this fake account, saying: 'Pete is currently in production in Australia without Kim.'

A source close to Kardashian also confirmed she hadn't been in Australia in years.

The ABC first reported that Kardashian and Davidson dined at the eatery on Wednesday.

But it soon became clear this was not correct because she had been pictured stepping out of her $600,000 Lamborghini Urus in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.

Mr Black spun an elaborate yarn about Kardashian and Davidson's security team allegedly asking cafe staff to place their phones on the counter for the duration of the pair's date so no one could take photos of them while they were dining. (Pictured: the Botanica cafe)

Daily Mail Australia contacted the venue for comment on Friday morning but our calls were not answered. The cafe later posted a video on Instagram of television crews assembling on the street outside, writing: 'Chasing that scoop!'

Daily Mail Australia contacted the venue for comment on Friday morning but our calls were not answered.

The cafe later posted a video on Instagram of television crews assembling on the street outside, writing: 'Chasing that scoop!'

On Monday, beauty mogul Kardashian shared a gallery of racy snaps while holidaying with Pete at a secluded beach location.

'Beach for 2,' her post was captioned on Instagram.

Several Aussie fans commented on her post saying they were on the lookout for the couple in tropical Queensland.

'My eyes are peeled for you in Cairns!' one fan wrote.

It's believed the holiday photos were actually taken in Tahiti at an unspecified date.

The hoax sighting comes after Davidson (second from left) was spotted exploring Cairns - for real - on Wednesday night and even stopped to take photos with fans

The hoax sighting comes after Davidson was spotted exploring Cairns (for real) on Wednesday night and even stopped to take photos with fans.

In one picture shared to Instagram, the New York native posed alongside a local at the Timezone videogame arcade on Abbott Street.

Other fans claimed to have spotted the King of Staten Island star venturing into a casino on the same night.

In one picture shared to Instagram, the New York native posed alongside a local at the Timezone videogame arcade on Abbott Street

The Queensland tourist hotspot has become a hub of A-list activity recently thanks to David Michod's new film Wizards! being filmed there for the next three months.

The film also stars Franz Rogowski, Orlando Bloom and Naomi Scott.

Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B, is backing the film and production is expected to inject an estimated $14.7million into Queensland's economy.
Reality star Cory Wharton and his girlfriend Taylor Selfridge have welcomed their newborn daughter Maya home from the NICU after open heart surgery.

Maya, who is Cory's second daughter with Taylor and third overall, had the operation just days after birth due to a tricuspid atresia diagnosis.

Cory, 31, who appeared on The Challenge and Teen Mom, joyously posted a family photo on Tuesday that was taken in the backyard after the baby came home.

'Thank you everybody': Reality star Cory Wharton and his girlfriend Taylor Selfridge have welcomed their newborn daughter Maya home from the NICU after open heart surgery

'We have had some dark days, but today isnt one of them,' Cory wrote alongside the picture. 'MAYA got discharged from the hospital and we finally made it home. Thank you everybody for all your uplifting words and prayers over the past days.'

Taylor was holding Maya in a covered carrier, while Cory cradled the couple's elder daughter Mila, two, who in a heartwarming touch was wearing a 'big sister' shirt.

The day after Maya left the NICU, Cory posted an Instagram video montage documenting her experiences there.

Cory and Taylor frequently looked in on their baby and were able to spend some quality time with her amid her health struggle.

Terrifying: Maya, who is Cory's second daughter with Taylor and third overall, had the operation just days after birth due to a tricuspid atresia diagnosis

Looking back: The day after Maya left the NICU, Cory posted an Instagram video montage documenting her experiences there

Glimpses: Over the course of the video, Cory could be seen at various points cradling and bottle-feeding Maya, as well as brushing her hair

Concerned mother: Cory and Taylor frequently looked in on their baby and were able to spend some quality time with her amid her health struggle

Baby mine: The baby's parents had brought her a stuffed bunny, which could be seen tucked under one of her arms as she caught some sleep

Thankful: 'Real quick I want to say thank you to all the nurses who looked after Maya & everybody made us feel as comfortable as we could in this situation,' Cory wrote

Over the course of the video, Cory could be seen at various points cradling and bottle-feeding Maya, as well as brushing her hair.

The baby's parents had brought her a stuffed bunny, which could be seen tucked under one of her arms as she caught some sleep.

'Real quick I want to say thank you to all the nurses who looked after Maya & everybody made us feel as comfortable as we could in this situation,' Cory wrote: '& A big thank you to the CHD community and everyone for your positive messages I read all the stories and it just makes me feel a lot better so thank you.'

Cory had taken to Instagram last Friday to share a gallery of snaps of newborn daughter Maya while telling the story of her health crisis.

Update: Cory had taken to Instagram last Friday to share a gallery of snaps of newborn daughter Maya while telling the story of her health crisis

He explained in a lengthy caption that the congenital heart disease 'happens when the hearts tricuspid valve does not develop'

He explained in a lengthy caption that Maya's congenital heart disease 'happens when the hearts tricuspid valve does not develop.'

Cory added: 'This valve plays a part in the hearts essential function, which is to pump blood between the lungs and body.

'Maya had her first successful surgery on Tuesday and now shes in the recovery process [prayer hands emoji] She is doing very well, we cant wait to bring her home [house emoji] & show her the love that she needs.'

Cory and Taylor have a two-year-old daughter named Mila together and Cory has a five-year-old daughter with ex and fellow Teen Mom star Cheyenne Floyd.

Bond: This is the 31-year-old reality star's second child with girlfriend Taylor Selfridge as they are seen in a snap from last week before the birth

He explained: 'This valve plays a part in the hearts essential function, which is to pump blood between the lungs and body.

Cory also revealed that Maya will have additional surgeries due to the tricuspid atresia diagnosis including another one just months ago when she is four to six months old and another when she is three to four years old.

He added that the family was staying positive before sending a personal message to his daughter who was in the NICU of the hospital.

He wrote: 'My juicy girl daddy loves you so much, you are so strong, everyday visiting you in Nicu isnt easy but if thats what it takes then we are gonna do that. We are always right by your side.

'Im so proud of you for going thru all this. You have a story, and we cant wait to watch your personality blossom, and I cant wait for you to meet your sisters they have SOOOO MUCH love for you [two heart emojis] and they both are going to be incredible big sisters to you [two girls emoji].'

Tough times: Cory also revealed that Maya will have additional surgeries due to the tricuspid atresia diagnosis including another one just months ago when she is four to six months old and another when she is three to four years old

''My juicy girl daddy loves you so much.' He added that the family was staying positive before sending a personal message to his daughter who was in the NICU of the hospital

He concluded: 'We all LOVE YOU SO MUCHHH!!! We cant wait to have you home, So you just keep recovering and before you know it youll be home with us'

He concluded: 'We all LOVE YOU SO MUCHHH!!! We cant wait to have you home, So you just keep recovering and before you know it youll be home with us.'

Back in March, Cory and Taylor revealed they were expecting with adorable family snaps posted onto Instagram.

Cory, who most recently competed on MTV's The Challenge, admitted the 'excitement is unmatched' as he stood alongside his growing family to share the news that Taylor was pregnant with their second child.

Cory and Taylor first met in Hawaii in 2018 while starring together on Ex on The Beach after she was part of the MTV family through a stint on the dating show Are You The One?

Baby news: Back in March, Cory and Taylor revealed they were expecting with adorable family snaps posted onto Instagram

The gorgeous growing family stood underneath a leafy green walkway wearing off-white shades for the baby announcement where Ryder and Taylor held a sonogram.

'June 8th, We will welcome a new member to the family! I couldnt think of a better way to spend my 31st birthday,' he wrote in a lengthy caption. 'Each one of my kids have continued to push me into making me a better man, so I know youre gonna do the same.

'Throughout the years the satisfaction I get from raising my two lil girls is unmatched. The joy that they bring me, the excitement is unmatched. I truthfully feel like God has put me in a position that Im so lucky & blessed to be in.'

Lucky in love: Cory and Taylor first met in Hawaii in 2018 while starring together on Ex on The Beach after she was part of the MTV family through a stint on the dating show Are You The One?

Family forever: The 31-year-old reality star, who most recently competed on MTV's The Challenge, admitted the 'excitement is unmatched' as he stood alongside his growing family to share the news that Taylor was pregnant with their second child

Taylor's growing baby bump was proudly displayed in a tight khaki dress as she carried her nearly two-year-old daughter Mila while standing alongside Cory and Ryder.

Cory shares co-parenting responsibilities of his four-year-old daughter, Ryder, with ex-girlfriend Cheyenne Floyd, and both now star on Teen Mom OG.

The pair met while filming The Challenge: Rivals III, which aired on MTV in 2016, and had a brief fling which resulted in Cheyenne's pregnancy, but she kept the news a secret until Ryder was roughly six months old.

Cute couple: Taylor's growing baby bump was proudly displayed in a tight khaki dress to match his collared sweater and light jeans

'As a kid my dad wasnt able to be around, and I feel like thats why I try and give you girls EVERYTHING that I have. I cant wait to watch you grow with your sisters Ryder & Mila Im telling you right now both those girls love you so much,' he wrote.

'Taylor, I dont know too many people to put up with me for as long as you have, but no seriously, I love you bby & I cant wait to start this adventure with you and continue to build this family up . I also wanna say thank you to my support system those ppl know who you are just know I love you all and I appreciate it everything you do for me.'

Taylor gave birth to their first baby girl, Mila Mae, on April 22, 2020 after 22 hours of labor and during the beginning of the pandemic.
ATLANTA (AP) - The conspiracy theories about Dominion voting machines that erupted during the 2020 presidential contest flared this week in a remote New Mexico county in what could be just a preview of the kind of chaos election experts fear is coming in the fall midterms and in 2024.

The governing commission in Otero County refused to certify the local results of the states June 7 primary because of the equipment, in what was seen as another instance of how the falsehoods spread by former President Donald Trump and his allies have infected elections and threaten the democratic process.

"We are in scary territory," said Jennifer Morrell, a former election official in Colorado and Utah who now advises federal, state and local officials. "If this can happen here, where next? Its like a cancer, a virus. Its metastasizing and growing."

There is no evidence of widespread fraud or manipulation of voting equipment in the 2020 election, which Trump lost to Joe Biden. But that hasnt stopped the false claims, particularly those about Dominion machines.

"I have huge concerns with these voting machines," Otero County Commissioner Vickie Marquardt said Monday as she and her two fellow commissioners - all Republicans - voted unanimously. "When I certify stuff that I dont know is right, I feel like Im being dishonest because in my heart I dont know if it is right."

The commissioners in the conservative, pro-Trump county could point to no actual problems with the Dominion equipment.

FILE - Otero County, N.M., Commissioner Couy Griffin stands outside the federal court after receiving a verdict in his trial on March 22, 2022 in Washington. New Mexico's secretary of state asked the state's Supreme Court on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, to order the Republican-led commission of rural Otero County to certify primary election results after it refused to do so over distrust of Dominion vote-tallying machines. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe, File)

New Mexico's secretary of state asked the state Supreme Court to step in and order the county to certify the votes, and the high court did so on Wednesday. That would ensure that the nearly 7,400 ballots that were cast in Otero County are recorded as legal votes. The deadline for county certification is Friday.

In the weeks and months following the election, various Trump allies claimed that Dominion voting systems had somehow been manipulated as part of an elaborate scheme to steal the election.

On Monday, the House panel investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol presented testimony that Trump was told repeatedly that his claims of a stolen election and rigged voting systems were false and dangerous. That included pushback from his inner circle to the claims about Dominion voting systems, which are used by jurisdictions in 27 states.

Former Attorney General William Barr, in a videotaped interview with House investigators, said he spoke with Trump about the "idiotic claims" surrounding Dominion.

Barr said he found them to be "among the most disturbing allegations" because they were "made in such a sensational way that they obviously were influencing a lot of people." He added that the claims were doing a "grave disservice to the country."

Trump ignored that, and his allies persisted in attacking Dominion. According to the House panel, the day after Barr spoke with Trump, the president released a video in which he claimed without proof that "with the turn of a dial or the change of a chip, you can press a button for Trump and the vote goes to Biden."

Dominion has filed defamation lawsuits against various Trump associates and conservative media organizations, including Fox News.

The company said in a statement Wednesday that the action by the Otero County commissioners was "yet another example of how lies about Dominion have damaged our company and diminished the publics faith in elections."

Otero County, with a population of about 67,000, went for Trump by nearly 62% in 2020. One of the commissioners is Cowboys for Trump co-founder Couy Griffin, who was convicted of entering restricted U.S. Capitol grounds - though not the building - during the Jan. 6 uprising.

New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver said the commissioners were violating the law and their oaths of office in refusing to certify the vote. She said that there is a process to deal with any problems that arise with an election but that the commissioners did not specify any.

"Unfortunately, when one county decides to act completely outside the law, it gives credence to others who may want to do the same thing," she said. "We have the potential to see this spread and have a domino effect."

Numerous procedures are in place, including pre- and post-testing of voting equipment and post-election audits that ensure machines are working properly. In New Mexico, voters mark their paper ballots by hand. The ballots are then fed into a scanner to tally the results.

Vulnerabilities do exist, as with any technology, but election officials work to identify and fix them. A recent advisory issued by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency highlighted certain vulnerabilities discovered in Dominion voting systems and provided recommendations to election officials.

But those pushing false claims about voting systems want more than just paper ballots cast by hand -- they also want ballots to be counted entirely by hand. Experts say this is unreliable, time-consuming, labor-intensive and entirely unnecessary given the various safeguards.

Among the most prominent advocates for this is Jim Marchant, a former state lawmaker who on Tuesday was selected as the Republican nominee for secretary of state in Nevada. Marchant is among a group of "America First" candidates seeking to oversee elections while denying the outcome of the last one.

Election experts say the Otero County case is a warning of what could happen if candidates who repeat electoral falsehoods and misinformation gain responsibility for overseeing voting.

"This is just a taste of what we could see in the future, as election deniers are running for positions with control over elections all over the country," said David Becker, a former U.S. Justice Department attorney who leads the Center for Election Innovation and Research.
Our galactic neighbors have been found and they are just 33 light years away, scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology determined using a NASA satellite.

Tne U.S, space agency's Transiting Exoplanet Satellite Survey, or TESS, pinpointed a galactic neighborhood that is just 33 light-years away from Earth. This also has a central star, and two planets orbiting that star, and according to scientists, there are two terrestrial, Earth-like worlds in the cosmic pack.

Earth-like Planets May Not be Habitable Due to Extremely High Temperatures

The two terrestrial, Earth-sized planets may not be habitable since their orbits are relatively tight, exposing the planets to very high temperatures that may not be able to sustain liquid surface water.

The researchers also estimate that based on their short orbits, the surface of the inner planet is a roasting 710 kelvins (818 degrees Fahrenheit), while the outer planet is around 560 K (548 F).

To get there, scientists estimate that if one could travel at a tenth the speed of light, it would take around 330 years to reach to this solar system-like neighborhood in the galaxy. Realizing this may be far-fetched, obviously.

However, by using Earth-borne scientific equipment such as telescopes or space-borne spectrometers, or even the James Webb Space Telescope once it's fully operational, scientists can have a clear picture of what this neighborhood looks like.

Currently, researchers are providing comprehensive details about this solar system-like multiplanet neighborhood last Wednesday at the meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Pasadena, California, so astronomers can shortlist such new exoplanets for important exoplanet studies.

And they've already provided a sneak peek into their findings, in a press release from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Read Also: Alien Planets Discovered: Two Habitable Planets Are 'Super Earths'

According to researchers, the system's host star is dubbed HD 260655 and is relatively small, cool and categorized as an M-dwarf. M-dwarves are significantly less massive than our Sun. On the other hand, a G-type main sequence star is 10 times as numerous throughout the universe.

This galactic neighborhood is located just 10 parsecs, or about 33 light-years, away from Earth, making it one of the closest discovered multiplanet systems to our own solar system.

The team of scientists will present their discovery Wednesday at the meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Pasadena, California.

How the Discovery Was Made

The new planetary system was initially identified by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), an MIT-led mission that is designed to observe the nearest and brightest stars, and detect periodic dips in light that could signal a passing planet.

In October 2021, Michelle Kunimoto, a postdoc in MIT's Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research and a member of MIT's TESS science team, was monitoring the satellite's incoming data when she noticed a pair of periodic dips in starlight, or transits, from the star HD 260655.

The two planets in the system, Kunimoto said, "are each considered among the best targets for atmospheric study because of the brightness of their star." The team would like to determine if there is a volatile-rich atmosphere around these planets or if there are "signs of water- or carbon-based species" in these worlds.

Kunimoto ran the detections through the mission's science inspection pipeline, and the signals were soon classified as two TESS Objects of Interest, or TOIs - objects that are flagged as potential planets. The same signals were also found independently by the Science Processing Operations Center (SPOC), the official TESS planet search pipeline based at NASA Ames. Scientists typically plan to follow up with other telescopes to confirm that the objects are indeed planets.

The process of classifying and subsequently confirming new planets can often take several years. For HD 260655, that process was shortened significantly with the help of archival data.

After Kunimoto identified the two potential planets around HD 260655, fellow team member Avi Shporer determined whether the star was observed previously by other telescopes. Shporer found out that HD 260655 was listed in a survey of stars taken by the High Resolution Echelle Spectrometer (HIRES), operated by Keck Observatory in Hawaii. HIRES had been monitoring the star, along with a host of other stars, since 1998, and the team was able to access the survey's publicly available data.

HD 260655 was also listed as part of another independent survey by CARMENES, an instrument based in the Calar Alto Observatory in Spain. As these data were private, the team collaborated with members of both HIRES and CARMENES with the goal of combining their data.

In the end, this collaborative effort quickly confirmed the presence of two planets around HD 260655 in about six months.

Related Article: Star Alignment May Mean Finding Earth-like Planets in the Nearest Stellar System
Beginning on June 16, Verizon is offering a useful upgrade to subscribers of its lower cost 5G start unlimited plan. The plan will now bring to users a chance to share their 5G premium mobile hotspot data without an extra cost.

Accordingly, users that subscribe to the 5G unlimited plans from Verizon will be getting an add-on from the network, and it will not incur any additional cost.

The current plan does not offer any hotspot data, and it's the only Verizon unlimited plan that does not have it.

According to Verizon spokesperson Ashley Colette, the 5G subscribers do not need to make any changes to their end to use the data as it will be added automatically.

Verizon Adds Mobile Hotspot Data

For mobile hotspot data on all unlimited plans, Verizon will soon add an allocation. The allocation will be available even to those with the basic entry-level deals from the network.

The Verge reported that despite the massive access to data on the device in the Verizon's unlimited plans, there is a limit when it comes to sharing it with other users. But as reported, it is bound to change in the coming weeks.

According to Tech Times, at present, "the lowest plan available from the 5G unlimited "Ultra" that costs $35 per month, does not have any additional data for its mobile hotspot."

The "5G Play More" plan gives subscribers more options to share their data with others. It allocates 25 GB on its $45 program.

Verizon's update would "give the 5G Basic with 5 GB allocation," as per Tech Times. It is bound to expand further on other deals.

Subscribers may look at the current unlimited plans under Verizon's Ultra. For its connection, the plan already utilizes 5G.

Read Also: Verizon Privacy Settings: How to Stop It From Collecting Your Location, Browsing History, Other Data

Verizon Offers the Best Plans for June 2022

Although a bit pricey, Verizon is considered to offer the best nationwide coverage on its service, according to TechRadar. The network offer some rather good perks.

At $80 per month, "Verizon's Play More Unlimited" is considered to be consumer-focused postpaid plan. Sitting right in the middle cost-wise, it includes full unlimited 5G access, priority premium network access, and a full subscription to selected streaming service.

Meanwhile, for $70 per month, "Verizon Unlimited" is considered as the basic postpaid plan. It offers a straight-up lower monthly price foregoing all those free streaming service goodies.

"Verizon Do More Unlimited" is considered as a productivity-focused plan. Despite the fact that you'll eventually lose unlimited access to all those streaming services, you'll gain 600GB of Verizon cloud storage and 50% off connected device plans.

Additionally, "Verizon Get More Unlimited" is considered as the ultimate Verizon unlimited plan for it has every single feature Verizon can offer.

When it comes to shared data plans, Verizon offers 5GB allowance plan for $55 a month, and 10GB for $60 a month.

The price is quite low for the 5GB plan, but it might not go a long way. This plan does not offer any streaming service or cloud storage perks.

The 10GB option includes full 5G access on the Verizon premium network, but like the 5GB it does not offer streaming service or cloud storage perks.

Related Article: Verizon Data Breach Exposes Passwords of Visible Users: How to Secure Affected Account Immediately
VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) on Wednesday reached a milestone of turning 90 years. It was exactly 90 years ago when 27 buses owned by the state hit roads during Nizam of Hyderabads reign.

Earlier, APSRTCs buses were famous as Yerra (red) Bussu, as they had been red in colour. Subsequently, RTC adopted multiple colours.

The origin of APSRTC dates back to June 1932, when it got first established as NSR-RTD (Nizam State Rail and Road Transport Department) with 166 employees. When Hyderabad state merged with India in September 1950, the seventh and last Nizam, Osman Ali Khan Bahadur, handed over the RTC to Indian Government with an agreement that every bus number will include letter Z, which stands for Zahra Begum, Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khans mother.

Two of the 27 heritage Albion buses of those times are still existing, one at RTCs administrative headquarters in Hyderabad and the other one in Vijayawada.

In undivided Andhra Pradesh, APSRTC had a fleet of 22,628 buses, the largest anywhere in the world. Since 1999, the corporation has held a prestigious place in Guinness Book of World Records as the owner of largest fleet across the globe.

RTCs buses cover 31.59 lakh kilometres and carry 24.76 lakh people to their destinations every day within AP and neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha and Telangana. The buses connect 14,123 villages to all major towns and cities in AP, thereby running over 95 percent of the roads in the state.

Many people of the state are emotionally connected with APSRTC as it fulfils their travel needs. Senior commuter K. Ramakrishna said he has been travelling in RTC buses for the past 50 years. They have provided him safe and secure travel.

Retired APSRTC depot manager N. Venugopal said APSRTC is the icon of AP state. It merged with state government on January 1, 2020 following the demand of employees. Venugopal pointed out that with competition increasing from private travels, cabs and auto-rickshaws, RTC should start modernising its services and protect the 90-year-old organisation.

APSRTC executive director K.S. Brahmananda Reddy expressed pride that APSRTC has been serving the people for past 90 years. It is presently recovering financially after taking a hit because of Coronavirus pandemic. He pointed out that RTC collected 15.40 crore on January 17 during the Sankranti festival. On April 18, its revenue had been 18.62 crore. On June 13 this month, its collection had been 18.33 crore.
The scam was unearthed following a complaint from an executive of Epoint India, who appointed business correspondent agents for providing mini-bank services to customers of all banks with the AEPS method.  Representational image/DC

Hyderabad: Cyber fraudsters used documents accessed from the AP registration and stamps departments official website, IGRS, to fraudulently withdraw a total of Rs 14.64 lakh from 149 customers since May 5.

A gang of seven has been busted. They did the crime by cloning their fingerprints, said the cybercrimes police of Cyberabad here on Thursday. They obtained the AEPS (Aadhaar Enabled Payment System) licence to access digital payments using the information obtained from IGRS portal, an official said.

The police seized 2,500 cloned fingerprints, Rs 3.4 lakh in cash, 121 SIM cards, 20 mobiles, 13 debit cards, a PAN card, two Aadhaar cards, four biometric fingerprint scanners, three pen-drives containing downloaded land documents, one laptop and other gadgets from the arrested.

The mastermind, Nallagalla Venkateshwarlu alias Venkatesh, downloaded land registration documents from the official website of registration and stamps department of the AP government. He captured fingerprints and took customer service points using forged documents to withdraw funds from banks using cloned fingerprints, police explained.

He was assisted by Meghavath Shanker Naik and Sheik Khasim, Ratham Srinivas, Darshanam Samelu, Challa Manikanta and Vishwanathula Anil Kumar.

The scam was unearthed following a complaint from an executive of Epoint India, who appointed business correspondent agents for providing mini-bank services to customers of all banks with the AEPS method.

The complainants company had supplied the user ID and passwords to the agents to provide the bill payment services and facilitate money withdrawal and transfer through their application.

Venkatesh joined the firm on May 4 and secured an AEPS licence. He started transactions the next day. After a few days, the complainant got a notification that this agent had fraudulently withdrawn amounts from 149 bank customers without their knowledge, by cloning their fingerprints.

Explaining the modus operandi, Cyberabad police commissioner Stephen Raveendra said that the fraudsters had vast experience in the banking, lands and registration fields. By noticing the vulnerabilities in the IGRS Portal of AP, they had downloaded the states land registration documents.

From the website, they collected the name, Aadhaar number and fingerprints of customers, with which they prepared polymer fingerprints using chemicals. After preparing the fingerprints, they registered with AEPS applications and used it to go to the linked bank accounts and find out the balance in them. E-Point India applications were used for withdrawing the amounts using the prepared polymer fingerprints. In this way, they prepared more than 10,000 fake fingerprints, explained the commissioner.

In an advisory, Cyberabad police commissioner Stephen Raveendra stated:

* IGRS portal may be maintained in a secure way, where it should not allow random persons to view or download land registration documents.

* RBI is requested to issue guidelines to Digital payment Applications (AEPS) mandating proper KYC verification of agents as also multi factor authentication methods.

* Department of Telecom is requested not to allow 2 SIM activations on the same day with different modes of KYC; and citizens are requested to verify the same while taking a SIM card.

* Do not trust any mediators while opening bank accounts. Citizens may directly visit their banks.
School Education Commissioner A Suresh Kumar (left) ex- change MoUs with BYJUs Vice President (Public Policy) Susmith Sarkar in the presence of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy at the camp office on Thursday, Minister B Satyanarayana(right) and School Education Special Chief Secretary B Rajasekhar are also seen. Photo BY ARRANGEMENT.

VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh government has taken a new step towards revolutionising the education system by signing an MoU with a private online education player.

Chief Minister Jagan Reddy said the government would provide tabs for the 4.7 lakh students of Class VIII, involving a cost of Rs 500 crore to enhance the digital knowledge and learning experience of government school children.

Visual presentation and content enhancement would come through, starting from Class IV to Class X in government schools, and this would be a game-changer, he said.

The MoU was signed in the presence of the chief minister by the Commissioner of School Education Suresh Kumar on behalf of the state, while Susmit Sarkar vice-president (Public Policy) signed up for the online education company.

The chief minister said he was elated to partner with this private education player. This would change the lives of poor students and help them to learn better. Quality content will make it easier for children to learn their lessons in the visual medium, and also help them in achieving better results, he said.

The CM said the initiative is meant for the students studying between Class 4 and Class 10 in all government schools across the state.

Tabs will be provided to guide the students in Class 8, who would be appearing for the Class X exams in CBSE in 2025.

He emphasized on making digital learning methods accessible to the students and imparting training for the teachers. The government will be distributing the tabs to 4.7 lakh students in September at a cost of Rs 500 crore.

The CM said the content was not available for private schools without paying Rs 20,000-24,000 per year towards subscription, whereas the government has made it available for free to the students in government schools. He thanked CEO Ravindran for coming forward to shape a better education system.

During a subsequent review with the authorities, the CM spoke on the agreement and asked the officials to implement the programme effectively. He asked them to focus on providing the students the content in textbook format in both English and Telugu mediums. Also, install a TV in each classroom under the Nadu-Nedu programme to make visual content accessible to the students, he said.

Jagan stressed on imparting quality education especially to the students in classes VIII, IX and X for achieving good results. Tab will be given to Class VIII students every year, which can be used for their subsequent classes too.

CEO Ravindran hailed the CM for his speed and commitment in transforming the education system to provide quality education to students.
Students were not being allowed to exit the campus, while the media has been denied permission to enter. A few students claimed that parents are not being allowed to visit them.  DC Image

ADILABAD: The situation at IIIT-Basara continued to be on the boil for the third straight day on Thursday with agitating students declaring that they have no intention of letting up on their stir until their demands are met.

The students, whose set of demands that include the appointment of teaching staff, better food at the hostels, and amenities, including increased open hours for the library, were dismissed as silly by education minister Sabitha Indra Reddy which was roundly criticised by the students who stuck to their guns demanding that nothing less than a visit to the campus by Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao would change their minds, found some support from Governor Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan who on Thursday responded to Tweets from students and said she will take the issue to the notice of the state government.

Meanwhile, the students welcomed the appointment of Prof Satish Kumar Peddapalli, a professor of electrical engineering at the Engineering College of Osmania University as IIIT-Basaras new Director. The students tweeted that while they welcomed his appointment and wished to see him on campus, the appointment would not result in their letting go of their agitation.

The agitation continued to find increasing political support with BJP state president Bandi Sanjay Kumar declaring on Thursday that he would be visiting the campus on Friday, even as the police on Thursday arrested CPI national secretary K. Narayana who wanted to meet with the students. The police also took into custody several parents from Vemulawda, Luxettipet, Warangal, Karimnagar and Adilabad, and other parts of the state.

Linga Reddy of Adilabad, a parent, was sitting in a pensive mood in front of the campus gaes, said he did not initially believe his son when he complained about the poor quality of education because of the large number of vacancies among the teaching staff. He said he had now changed his mind and believed what his son had been telling him all along.

The IIIT was on Thursday under a state of lockdown with the police not allowing anyone to enter the campus, amidst rumours that water and power supply have been cut to the campus in an attempt to pressurise them to end their protest.

Students were not being allowed to leave the campus, while media has been denied permission to enter. A few students claimed that parents are not being allowed to visit them. Parents expressed concern about the health, safety, and security of their children.

Meanwhile, the student governing council of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies (RGUKT), Basara  as the institution is currently named  have launched an online campaign, detailing how the authorities were suppressing their rights.

Students took to Twitter with Visit Basar hashtag, requesting Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and IT minister K.T. Rama Rao to visit them and resolve their issues.

Students also took offence to Nirmal collector Musharraf Ali Faruquis statement that they were set to resume attending classes after successful talks, claiming it as a lie. The Collector had also tweeted: Requesting the students to get back to classes or studies and not get provoked.
Starting in the mid-1960s, intensive search and case identification was one of the eradication strategies for smallpox. Following those efforts, many countries had successfully brought down smallpox cases to zero.

However, to ensure sustained zero smallpox status, intensive field search and case investigations were carried out on a regular basis. In Zaire (a country in Africa, now known as Democratic Republic of Congo, or DRC), the last confirmed case of smallpox was reported in 1968. However, as part of eradication efforts, during an intensive search in 1970, in Zaire, a nine-year-old child with clinical symptoms and skin rashes similar to smallpox disease was identified. His sample was collected, which was tested negative for smallpox virus, but a new virus was isolated, which had never been reported to cause illness in humans. Before that, the virus was detected only once in 1958 in monkeys in a laboratory in Denmark. It was named as the monkeypox virus.

Since the 1970s, monkeypox has been reported from 11 countries in Central and Western Africa. The regular outbreaks are reported from these countries where it is considered endemic. Outside the eleven endemic countries in Africa, the virus was the first reported in the United States in 2003, where it entered through import of animals from Africa. During that outbreak, there were nearly 50 cases in humans. Since then, sporadic cases have been reported from the UK, Israel and Singapore as well.

However, in May 2022, things appear to have changed. On May 6, a laboratory-confirmed case of monkeypox disease was reported from Britain. This person had travelled to Nigeria on April 20 and returned on May 3. Since then, until June 12, nearly 1,250 cases of monkeypox have been reported in at least 28 countries across Europe, North America and Australia. Most of these had never reported monkeypox disease.

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease that spreads from animals to humans. It belongs to the family of smallpox viruses. The incubation period  the time from exposure to first appearance of symptoms  is five to 21 days. Key clinical features include fever, body aches, rashes and swollen lymphatic glands. In settings where the disease is already endemic or a confirmed case has been detected, the fever, rashes and swollen glands (lymphadenopathy) should raise suspicion of monkeypox. The disease is mild and self-limiting, but children, pregnant women and people with suppressed immunity are at a higher risk of severe outcomes. There are two clades or strains  West African and Central African (Congo Basin) Clade. The ongoing outbreak is attributable to the West African clade, which is comparatively less dangerous and with a low case fatality of zero to three per cent. In fact, no death has been reported from non-endemic countries in the current outbreak.

As with most other viral diseases, the treatment is based on symptoms. A new drug against monkeypox, Tecovirimat, was approved in early 2022 and is available in some countries. Two other antiviral drugs, Cidofovir and Brincidofovir, are in clinical trial stages.

The smallpox vaccine is known to have up to 85 per cent effectiveness against monkeypox. However, with the eradication of smallpox in 1980, vaccination for the general population was stopped. Therefore, those born before eradication who received the smallpox vaccination may have some protection against monkeypox. As immunity declines with time, it is difficult to say how much protection they have.

Currently, some smallpox vaccine stockpiles have been maintained, in the United States and some countries in Europe, to respond to any unexpected event such as an outbreak from laboratory spread or bioterrorism. However, smallpox vaccine stocks are not widely available and not available in India either. A specific monkeypox vaccine (MVA-BN; named after Modified vaccinia Ankara  Bavarian Nordic strain) was approved in the year 2019 but is not widely available. Limited stocks are available in some countries.

In todays world, the spread of a disease from one part of the world to another part is entirely possible as we have witnessed with the Covid-19 pandemic. In the ongoing monkeypox outbreak, it will not be surprising if one or more cases are reported from India as well. A number of new viruses have emerged and re-emerged in India in the past few years  including Nipah, Zika and West Nile virus. Therefore, being prepared to handle the emergence/outbreak of monkeypox is the only logical approach. The increased surveillance, tracking of the contacts and vaccination of family members and other possible contacts (the ring vaccination) are the approaches, which are proven in stopping the monkeypox transmission.

Though the ongoing monkeypox outbreak in non-endemic countries is unprecedented, most experts agree that the disease is unlikely to turn into a pandemic. The reasons include that monkeypox is not a new virus; there are known methods of prevention; it is less contagious; the disease spreads mainly from animal to humans, human to human transmission being fairly low, and smallpox vaccines having a proven role in preventing transmission are available (though supply needs to be scaled up). Therefore, we need to be prepared but there is no reason to worry.

The ongoing monkeypox outbreak, though, raises a much bigger issue. Despite being endemic in 11 countries in Africa for nearly 50 years, the lack of funding for research on drugs and vaccines against monkeypox and insufficient efforts to ensure an assured supply of the available smallpox vaccines is a reminder that diseases that affect low-income countries rarely get sufficient research and policy priority. Today, the world is paying attention to the monkeypox, arguably because the high-income countries are getting affected. Its most likely that from now on, there will be more funding for scaling up research, deployment of vaccines and other measures.

The ongoing monkeypox outbreak is another reminder that the health of every citizen on this planet is interconnected. Regardless of which country is affected, the global community should fight and tackle it together. The world has failed to share the Covid-19 vaccines with poor countries and is paying a heavy price in the form of a prolonged pandemic. We can only hope that the monkeypox outbreak in non-endemic countries will be a timely reminder for global collaboration.
Around 10,000 Muslims demonstrated in the Bangladeshi capital on Thursday in the second protest in a week over remarks about the Prophet Mohammed by an Indian official that sparked anger across the Islamic world.

Authorities in India have meanwhile ordered heightened security in several regions for coming Friday prayers after two people were shot dead in protests there last week, local media reported.

Last Friday Muslims took to the streets in huge numbers across Asia following the comments by a spokeswoman for India's ruling party on May 26.

The governments of nearly 20 countries summoned Indian envoys for an explanation of Nupur Sharma's remarks about the prophet and his youngest wife.

Shouting slogans such as "Muslims of the world unite", the Bangladeshi protesters on Thursday rallied in front of Dhaka's biggest mosque and tried to march to the Indian embassy before being blocked by police.

Also Read: Another case against Nupur Sharma over Prophet Mohammed remarks in Maharashtra

"There were around 10,000 marchers. They were peaceful," senior police official Enamul Haq told AFP.

The protest was organised by Islami Andolan Bangladesh, one of the largest Islamist political parties in Bangladesh, which is home to the world's fourth-largest Muslim population.

Around 150,000 people demonstrated last Friday in major Bangladeshi cities including 20,000 in the capital Dhaka and thousands more in towns and at universities.

Speakers at the Dhaka rally on Thursday called for a boycott of Indian products and demanded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally lodge a protest with India.

Hasina, who has been in power for 13 years, is a close ally of India and has stopped short of condemning Sharma's remarks.

Derogatory comments about Islam and the prophet on social media often trigger violent protests in Bangladesh. They often also spark riots targeting minorities.

Last year at least six people were killed when widespread anti-Hindu riots swept the southeast of Bangladesh after an alleged desecration of a Koran, Islam's holy book, in a Hindu temple.

Since coming to power in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and his Bharatiya Janata Party have been accused of championing discriminatory policies towards India's Muslim minority.

Sharma's comments sent the BJP into damage control, with the party suspending her from its ranks and insisting it respected all religions.

As largely peaceful protests raged in several Indian cities last Friday, police opened fire in eastern Ranchi, killing two people after demonstrators threw stones and bottles.

Since then the homes of several people arrested or identified as protesters have been demolished with bulldozers in the state of Uttar Pradesh, which is governed for the BJP by hardline Hindu monk Yogi Adityanath.

Amnesty International called for an immediate end to what the rights group called a "vicious" crackdown and "excessive use of force, arbitrary detention and punitive house demolitions".

Authorities in several Indian regions including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Muslim-majority Kashmir have told security personnel to tighten security around mosques on Friday, local media reported.

The Hindustan Times newspaper said a few districts in these states had banned congregations of more than four people.
The leaders of India, Israel, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates (I2U2) will next week hold a virtual summit to discuss ways to ensure food security in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict as well as ways to boost trade and economic relations among the four nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join President Joe Biden of the US, President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President Naftali Bennett of Israel for the virtual summit, which will formally launch the I2U2, a new bloc comprising the four nations.

The virtual summit will happen during Bidens visit to Israel on July 13. The US president will also visit the West Bank to hold discussions with Palestinian Authority before travelling to Saudi Arabia.

Indias move to join the US, the UAE and Israel in a new bloc reflected its keenness to take advantage of the Abraham Accords to deepen engagement with Israel without risking its ties with the UAE and the other Arab states.

The US is also keen to explore security cooperation among the four nations within the framework of the new grouping.

Each of these countries are technological hubs. Biotechnology, of course, is prominent in each of these countries as well, Ned Price, the spokesperson of the US State Department, said.

He pointed out that Israel and the UAE had deepened their relationship in recent years, including in the economic realm.

He was apparently referring to the developments after the signing of the Trump administration-brokered Abraham Accords  the pacts Israel had inked with Bahrain and the UAE in September 2020 and thus setting in motion the process of normalisation of its relations with the two nations.

India welcomed the Abraham Accords, stating that it always supported peace and stability in West Asia  a region, that is considered as its extended neighbourhood.

India, of course, is a massive market. It is a massive consumer market. Its a massive producer of high-tech and highly sought-after goods as well, he added, noting that the US and the three other nations could work together, whether its technology, whether its trading, whether it is climate, whether its fighting against Covid-19, and potentially even security as well.

A senior US official said the first I2U2 summit would also give Biden, Modi, Bennett and Zayed Al Nahyan an opportunity to discuss food security.

The I2U2 was conceived, when External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Jerusalem and, along with Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, joined the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and the UAE Foreign Minister, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in a video conference on October 18 last year. The virtual meeting ended with the decision to launch an international forum for economic cooperation to harness the unique array of capabilities, knowledge and experience of the four nations.

India has robust bilateral security cooperation with Israel, the US and the UAE. But it has not yet made it clear if it would like to explore security cooperation within the framework of the new four-nation grouping.

New Delhi has been cautious about adding military heft to the Quad, another four-nation coalition India, along with Australia, Japan and the US, forged to counter Chinas hegemonic aspirations in the Indo-Pacific region. In the past stonewalled the attempts by the US to turn the Quad into a NATO-like security alliance for the Indo-Pacific region, not only because it was reluctant to be part of a move overtly adversarial to China, but also because such a move would have had implications for Indias decades-old strategic partnership with Russia.

India insisted that the Quad should continue with its benign agenda, like supplying anti-Covid-19 vaccines to the Indo-Pacific nations, helping them build infrastructure and supporting their pursuit of economic development in order to stop their drift towards China.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi underlined the importance of tolerance as she addressed an India-ASEAN meet in New Delhi on Thursday  just days after comments by two leaders of the ruling BJP on Prophet Mohammed triggered outrage from West to South and Southeast Asia.

Marsudi tweeted that she had underlined the importance of tolerance in todays multicultural society while participating at the special ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers Meeting (SAIFMM) in New Delhi.

Her Singapore counterpart, Vivian Balakrishnan, who was also in New Delhi to attend the SAIFMM, told journalists that the episode of controversy over the remarks by the two leaders of BJP was a stark reminder why hate speeches should be strongly rejected.

Indonesia was one of the many nations which last week formally conveyed to India its condemnation over the comments made by the BJP leaders, Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal, on Prophet Mohammed. Like India's envoys to many capitals in West and South Asia, Indias ambassador to Indonesia, Manoj Bharti, too was on June 7 summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, which strongly condemned unacceptable derogatory remarks.

Marsudi stressed on the importance of tolerance during the SAIFMM, which was hosted by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

I think this episode is another stark reminder why we need to be so careful and why we need to strongly reject hate speech, incendiary speech, speech which incites or aggravates, or causes insult or division within societies, Balakrishnan was quoted by the CNA (Channel News Asia) telling journalists in New Delhi. And this is just another reminder and is an affirmation for why we take such a strict approach to this in Singapore.

The Government of Singapore recently banned screening of The Kashmir Files in the city state, citing concerns that the controversial movie based on the exodus of Hindus from the Kashmir Valley of India in the 1990s, had potential to cause enmity between different communities". The film was hailed by the BJP.
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Telangana Congress party activists went berserk in Hyderabad on Thursday during their attempt to lay siege to the Raj Bhavan protesting the Enforcement Directorate's grilling of their leader Rahul Gandhi.

A two-wheeler was set on fire at the busy Khairatabad circle near the Raj Bhavan causing a huge traffic jam in which ambulances were also stuck. Some youth activists damaged the state-run RTC buses. Police had to resort to lathi-charge to quell the mob.

Former union minister Renuka Chowdhury created a ruckus by holding the shirt collar of a male police officer on duty. She was later packed off in a police van with the help of lady police.

Read | ED summons Rahul Gandhi on June 17 again

Several TPCC leaders including their chief Revanth Reddy staged a sit-in on the main road, causing inconvenience to thousands of commuters on their way to offices and other works.

The Congress leaders were taken into custody and were detained at various police stations in the city.

The ED probe in reopened cases is to trouble our leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi and to divert attention from public issues. Our protest today was in a Gandhian manner but the police provoked our activists with a lathi charge. Renuka Chowdhury was agitated that she was handled by a male cop, Revanth said from Bolarum Police Station.

While demanding that the Congress leaders be released immediately and the cases on them withdrawn, Revanth has called for more protests on Friday at the central government offices. The TPCC chief also wants PM Narendra Modi's effigies burnt.

The TRS leaders reacted by stating that Congress should have taken their protests to New Delhi instead of targeting the Telangana public property here.

T-BJP leaders criticized the Congress party for indulging in violence. The National Herald case is not anything new and the ED is following the court orders. How is the common public in Telangana connected to the ED case? Why to damage the public transport buses? questioned BJP leader Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy.
Samsung is making it easy to keep credit cards and other sensitive data on your phone.

Wallet App Has Been Reintroduced by Samsung

The Verge reported that initially, there was Samsung Wallet first but it was eventually turned into Samsung Pay. But now, the tech giant is reintroducing its Wallet app, which combines a number of current Samsung services into a single app.

Samsung announced on Wednesday that its Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass apps would be combined into a single Wallet platform. This means, you won't have to switch between two apps to manage your digital identification. Instead, you can save your debit and credit card information for mobile payments, as well as your login credentials for websites and apps, in the company's new Wallet app.

Wallet App Features

According to TechCrunch, users will get instant access to their payment cards, loyalty and membership cards, and more with Samsung Wallet. It also interacts with Samsung Blockchain Wallet, allowing users to keep track of their digital asset portfolio by checking cryptocurrency prices. Samsung Wallet also contains Samsung Pass, which securely stores passwords and confirms users' identities using biometric data to log into apps and services.

Important documents, such as certification of COVID-19 vaccination, can also be stored in the mobile wallet. Samsung Wallet will enable official IDs such as mobile driver's licenses and student IDs from specified institutions later this year.

Read More: Samsung and Intel Bosses Hold Semiconductor Talks - Is There a Partnership Brewing?

In addition, starting with select Korean Air flights, consumers can store their boarding cards in their Samsung Wallet. When users will be able to add boarding passes from other airlines is still unknown.

The Verge noted that Samsung's digital key technology was previously only available for one vehicle: the Genesis GV60. The feature is now available on some BMW cars, including the 1-8 Series, X5, X5 M, X6, X6 M, X7, Z4, iX3, iX, and i4 models built after July 2020. Genesis GV60 models launched after September 2021, G90 models launched after December 2021, and Hyundai Palisade models introduced after May 2022 are also eligible for the feature.

Who Can Access the Wallet App?

Galaxy users in the U.S., France, Germany, the U.K., Italy, and Spain can migrate to the new Samsung Wallet by using the Samsung Pay or Samsung Pass applications on their eligible Samsung Pay-enabled Galaxy phones running Android 9 Pie or later, as per TechCrunch.

How Secure Is Samsung's Wallet App?

Samsung Wallet is protected by Samsung Knox, according to the company. To protect consumers' sensitive data, safeguards include fingerprint recognition and encryption. Samsung also mentions that certain vital essential things in Samsung Wallet are stored in an isolated environment dubbed the embedded "Secure Element" to assist prevent digital and physical hacking.

Samsung Wallet's Competitors

The Apple Wallet app, which also allows users to store financial details and personal data, including vaccination records, is a key competitor of the Samsung Wallet app. The Samsung Wallet will also compete with Google Wallet, a new Android and Wear OS app that will allow users to store credit cards, loyalty cards, digital IDs, transit passes, concert tickets, vaccination cards, and other things.

Related Article: Which Samsung Phones Will Get the Android 13?
BJP-ally JD(U) on Thursday joined hands with the Opposition parties in raising objections to the controversial Agnipath scheme of recruitment in the military, as protests erupted in several parts of the country and veterans found fault with the contours of the programme.

The JD(U) and BSP sought reconsideration of the scheme while Congress called for keeping the penny wise, security foolish scheme in abeyance to hold wider consultations. CPI(M) and CPI called for immediate scrapping of the scheme. The BJP also faced embarrassment as its MP Varun Gandhi raised doubts about the efficacy of the programme.

JD(U) national president Rajiv Ranjan (Lallan Singh) tweeted that it is clear that there is dissatisfaction, despair and anticipation of a bleak future (unemployment) in the minds of youth across the country, including in Bihar.

Read | Govt junks criticism on Agnipath; issues clarification

The Centre should immediately reconsider the scheme because this is linked to the defence and security of the country, Singh, who is a close confidante of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, added.

Top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, No rank, no pension, no direct recruitment for two years, no stable future after four years, no respect shown by the government for the army. Listen to the voice of unemployed youths of the country, don't take 'agnipareeksha' of their patience by making them walk on 'Agnipath', Mr prime minister."

Congress fielded P Chidambaram, Ajay Maken and Sachin Pilot to target the "controversial" scheme that "carries multiple risks, subverts the long-standing traditions and ethos of the armed forces" while expressing fear that there is "no guarantee" that the soldiers recruited under the scheme will be better trained and motivated to defend the country.

Chidambaram said, "given the situation on our borders, it is imperative that we have soldiers in our defence forces who are young, well-trained, motivated, happy, satisfied and assured of their future. The Agnipath scheme does not advance any of these objectives.

Asked about the criticism that the scheme would end up sending a number of weapon-trained youth into society who could create trouble, the former home minister said that one has to study the sociological and psychological aspects but the government appeared to have not done so.

When pointed out that the government has been arguing that those discharged from the military could be absorbed in paramilitary and state police, Chidambaram said there is a difference in the training of soldiers and police personnel as the former is trained to kill an enemy and the latter is trained differently. If this argument holds, there are 6.5 lakh vacancies in police forces, and why are existing ex-servicemen not recruited, Maken asked.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal appealed to the Centre to give the youth the chance to serve the country throughout their life, not just four-year.

SP president Akhilesh Yadav tweeted, "the security of the country is not a short-term or informal issue; it expects a very serious and long-term policy. The negligent attitude that is being adopted regarding military recruitment will prove to be fatal when it comes to the protection of the future of the country and the youth."

BSP chief Mayawati termed the scheme as "unfair towards rural youth" and urged the Centre to "reconsider" its decision immediately.

Strongly disapproving of the scheme that does "disservice to Indias national interests", the CPI(M) said.
Opposition leaders are open to considering names other than that of Mahatma Gandhis grandson and former Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi as well as National Conference patriarch Farooq Abdullah though their names have been mentioned in a meeting of 17 Opposition parties as a common candidate for the presidential election.

Sources said the Opposition, especially the Left, would like to project the electoral battle for the top post as one of Gandhi versus Godse in a year the country is celebrating the 75th year of independence and in such a scenario Gandhi could be the best bet.

If the Gandhi surname is an added advantage in the Opposition plans, Abdullahs nomination would be a bold statement that could be projected as a message sent to the world that the Opposition stands with Kashmir.

Also Read: Presidential election 2022: Who might be a potential candidate?

"The principal issue in this election to the President of India is to safeguard our country we were born in where all citizens are equal irrespective of caste, creed or sex. Its a Gandhi vs Godse election," CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury tweeted on Wednesday night.

At the meeting here, sources said, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a passing mention of Gandhi and Abdullah as possible candidates from the Opposition stable after NCP chief Sharad Pawar declined the offer to be the common nominee. Though there was no discussion on names in the meeting, sources said, parties would not have any problem with either of them.

This does not mean that other names could not be considered. If leaders have other names, it will be discussed and then a decision will be taken. The Opposition will also be looking at the NDA choice to finalise its nominee, a senior Opposition leader said.

There was also speculation about former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowdas name being considered but sources said the JD(S) chiefs name did not come up. Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy, a former Karnataka chief minister, attended the Opposition meet.

The CPI(M) and other Left parties had suggested Gandhis name in the 2017 Presidential polls but the mantle fell on Congress Meira Kumar after the BJP chose Ram Nath Kovind. Gandhi was later persuaded to fight the Vice President election as Opposition candidate. Sources said Yechury has been in touch with Gandhi on the matter.

The Opposition believes that a Gandhi in the fray, especially during the 75th year of independence, will be a political message. Yechury has been in touch with Gandhi, who has said that if there is a consensus, he could consider fighting the polls.

Sources said Gandhis choice could get support from all quarters as he is acceptable to Congress and Trinamool Congress as well. Gandhi had a good working relationship with Mamata when he was Governor in West Bengal and Mamata on Wednesday had a telephonic chat with him.

Also Read: Jammu and Kashmir Assembly wont be part of presidential polls for second time

Sources said Pawar had suggested the name of Abdullah during his meetings with CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury and CPIs D Raja as well as with Mamata. His reasoning was that he is one of the senior-most leaders in the country. Pawar as well as Yechury also spoke to Abdullah to know his mind.

Sources said the choice of Abdullah will be significant as it would show the Oppositions intent of seriousness in taking on the government on the present situation in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 and subsequent bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories. However, sources said, the catch is that it could make some of the parties in the Opposition a bit cagey due to their electoral compulsions.
Naresh Patel, a powerful Patidar leader from Saurashtra, on Thursday announced that he is suspending his entry into politics.

Ending months of speculation over joining a political party, Patel, a well-known philanthropist, said that he was putting his decision to join politics "on hold for the time being" and will be opening an academy to train youth in politics.

"As you all know that during the pandemic I had a lot of time to think and I realised that I could join politics. It was my personal decision and before doing that I felt I should seek opinions of others along with the Patidar community. Now, based on the feedback, I am suspending my entry into politics for the time being," Patel said at a press conference.

He said that the survey he had conducted to gauge the public mood showed that youth and women were in support of his move while the senior leaders of the community were "worried" over joining one political party. "The senior leaders thought that I would have to work for only one party. Based on their suggestions, I also felt that I should not join politics as I would like to work for everyone. I am announcing the establishment of Khodaldham Political Academy to train youths from all communities in politics," Patel added.

His decision is said to be hurting the opposition Congress which was trying to bring him into the party fold. Hailing from Rajkot, Naresh is an industrialist who is well-known for being the chairman of Shree Khodaldham Trust (SKT), which manages Khodiyar Mata Temple at Kagvad in Rajkot. Khodiyar Mata is the reigning deity of Leuva Patels, a sub-group of the influential Patidar community in the state, and to which Naresh belongs.

The Patidar community is seen as the driving force behind the BJP's ascendancy and its subsequent stranglehold over the state since 1995. Numerically strong in the Saurashtra region, which elects 48 of the 182 Assembly seats of Gujarat, the Patidar community can make or break the political fortunes of any party.

In 2017, in the wake of the sustained Patidar agitation, the Congress had won 28 seats in Saurashtra, nearly twice the number of seats it won in the previous 2012 polls.

For the past several months, Naresh Patel was the most sought-after public figure with BJP, Congress as well as AAP trying to woo him to join them. He had held several meetings with election strategist Prashant Kishor as well as Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi.
With West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee trying to bring together the opposition to field a common candidate in the upcoming Presidential elections, her party hopes to emerge as the nucleus of the alliance by shifting the spotlight from Congress.

The presence of representatives of 17 out of 22 major opposition parties at a meeting convened by the Trinamool Congress supremo in New Delhi on Wednesday brought back the focus on her national ambitions which seemed thwarted by her party's dismal show in Goa and Tripura a few months ago.

Leaders of the Samajwadi Party, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), besides those of the Congress and Left Front with whom her party has been at odds in West Bengal, attended the over two-hour-long meeting called by Banerjee.

Representatives of Shiv Sena, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML), National Conference, PDP, JD(S), RSP, IUML, RLD and the JMM also attended the meeting.

Parties such as Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM, however, skipped the meeting.

"The opposition parties discussed the need for a common candidate. In that way, the meeting was a success. Although nothing happens overnight, it was a perfect beginning," TMC chief spokesperson Sukhendu Sekhar Ray told PTI.

When asked whether the bringing together of various opposition parties would be limited to the Presidential election, Roy said, "The effort has to and will move beyond the Presidential poll."

Another senior TMC leader, on condition of anonymity, said that Banerjee had taken the initiative only after speaking with Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

"Mamata Banerjee spoke to Sonia Gandhi and only after that she had convened this meeting, and that is why senior leaders of the Congress were also present," he said.

After its emphatic victory in the 2021 West Bengal assembly polls, the TMC drew a blank in Goa assembly securing only 5.21 per cent of the votes polled. In Tripura too, it did not fare too well, but emerged as the second biggest party in the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) after the BJP.

Another senior TMC leader, said efforts to cobble up an opposition front had to be initiated by someone as the "Congress is in complete disarray".

"The numbers for the Presidential polls are in favour of the BJP. But that doesn't mean we will run away from a fight. Opposition parties have to come together not just for this election but for 2024 (Lok Sabha polls) also. Earlier, Congress used to take the initiative, but now it is in disarray," he said.

The Presidential election is conducted indirectly through an electoral college consisting of elected members of the Parliament and legislative assemblies of states and Union territories.

In an electoral college of around 10.86 lakh votes, the BJP-led alliance is estimated to have more than 48 per cent of the votes and is hopeful that non-aligned regional parties will support it.

In 2017 too, the opposition parties had come together and supported Meira Kumar of the Congress against NDA nominee Ram Nath Kovind, who won the election.

Although the Congress and the CPI(M) declined to comment on the meeting, opposition BJP mocked Banerjee's effort as an "unfulfilled dream" of emerging as the face of the anti-BJP camp by attempting to divert attention from the political firestorm caused by Birbhum killings, recent violent protests over controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad and CBI investigation into the SSC scam.

BJP national vice-president Dilip Ghosh said, "In 2019 too, Banerjee had made such an attempt but failed miserably. She has been trying to emerge as a leader of the opposition front, but there are too many contenders...it is most unfortunate that the state is on fire and the chief minister is sitting in Delhi."

Political analyst Biswanath Chakraborty, a professor at Rabindra Bharati University, said the meeting was "moderately successful" and the TMC boss's efforts are aimed at replacing Congress as the glue of the opposition front.

"The meeting has three-pointers: Firstly, it was moderately successful as many important parties such as AAP gave it a miss. Secondly, this meeting provided Mamata Banerjee a national platform, helping her to emerge as the opposition glue by replacing the Congress. Thirdly, she is trying to divert attention from the issues she is facing at home," he said.

Echoing him, another political analyst Maidul Islam, professor at Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, said it was a "good initiative".

"Given her credibility and experience as an anti-BJP force, Mamata Banerjee is trying to take the lead in bringing together opposition forces on at least this issue," he said.
The United States on Thursday condemned remarks by Indian ruling party officials about the Prophet Mohammed that have sparked an uproar in Muslim countries.

"We condemn the offensive comments made by two BJP officials and we were glad to see that the party publicly condemns those comments," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters.

"We regularly engage with the Indian government at senior levels on human rights concerns including freedom of religion or belief and we encourage India to promote respect for human rights," he said.

Also Read | Fresh protest in Bangladesh over India's Prophet remarks

Nupur Sharma, a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, on May 26 made televised remarks about the youngest wife of the prophet of Islam that have triggered demonstrations across the Islamic world.

The remarks set off diplomatic protests not only in rival Pakistan but in wealthy Arab states that usually enjoy close relations with India. In Bangladesh, protesters have demanded a formal condemnation from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a close ally of India.

In damage-control mode, the BJP suspended Sharma as well as Naveen Kumar Jindal, another figure in the party who was accused of inflammatory tweets about the Prophet Mohammed.

The United States since the late 1990s has sought to deepen ties with India, believing the world's two largest democracies have common interests, especially in the face of a rising China.

The United States, however, has several times carefully voiced concern about human rights in India as Modi faces accusations of pursuing policies that target the Muslim minority.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first global environment summit in 1972 at Stockholm - the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment. The summit led to the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which in 1973 launched World Environment Day with the intention of establishing a global forum for inspiring positive change. The goal is to engage governments, businesses, civic society, schools, celebrities, and communities in promoting environmental awareness and recognising environmental action. The theme this year is Only One Earth and campaigns for global initiatives for collective, transformative action to celebrate, protect, and restore our planet.

According to Inger Andersen, executive director of UNEP, climate change expenses and the gap between what is being spent and what is required to adapt to climate change are increasing. The annual cost of adaptation in developing nations, estimated to be $100 billion in 2014, has increased to $500 billion now. UNEP also reported that global CO2 emissions must be halved by 2030 in order to restrict the rise in global temperatures, which is driving climate change, to 1.5C. Temperatures would rise by 2.75C by the end of the century if current plans remain unchanged. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in their Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update published on May 9, 2022, predicts a 50 per cent chance that the world may temporarily breach 1.5C of warming in one of the next five years.

Environmental quality strongly depends on human behaviour patterns. The Covid-19 pandemic-induced lockdown ensued in clearer skies, lower carbon emissions and better air to breathe. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) claims that there was a 71 per cent decrease in nitrogen dioxide levels during 2020 and, air pollution levels across Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Lucknow decreased significantly during the same time. Water bodies across the country have also significantly improved. According to CPCB, the water quality of the Ganga has improved and now averages 27 points, making it suitable for bathing and propagation of wildlife and fisheries. On one hand, Covid-19 revitalised the environment but on the other, the outbreak has increased biomedical and plastic waste.

Many economists hammer the governments shifting focus on people rather than the economy and environment and suggest that economy and environment are not concepts that are to be dealt with independent of each other. As the lockdown is lifted, and life returns to normal, pollution from automobiles, industries, effluent discharge into water bodies, and excessive plastic use may affect the ecosystem as companies are forced to increase output and offset losses. The administration currently concentrates on cutting unemployment and promoting economic growth, overlooking climate change and environmental development. The current scenario can serve as a wake-up call for the government, lawmakers, businessmen and environmentalists to address climate change and construct a greener future for generations to come.

The way ahead

India is indisputably at the threshold of becoming a renewable energy giant, but there is a lot to study and learn from global precedents to construct durable and fool-proof institutional systems. We need to find a way to safeguard the environment while still allowing for sustainable development, but history reveals that governments have rarely made nature a priority. In order to make this situation any better, we need to fix the environment and forest laws, which often fail to protect the countrys unique natural heritage. It would be necessary to adopt a national perspective on land clearance and collaborate with the states, who are primarily responsible for authorizing agricultural and urban expansion as well as the cutting of native forests, in order to lessen the impact. There is also a need to place a fresh focus on the process of approving coal and gas mines across the country and, the formation of an independent environmental protection agency that includes independent oversight of compliance, to remedy serious information and monitoring gaps, rather than conservation groups hauling for advocacy.

According to Dr Brijesh Thapa, a professor at Oklahoma State University, the threats posed by environmental problems require a review of the relationship between humans and nature and improving pro-environmental behaviours. Environmental attitudes need to be fostered in order to improve peoples understanding of the necessity of environmental protection, the right to life for plants and animals, the impact of environmental degradation on individual health and social well-being, and the responsibility of various industries and businesses to observe environmental principles. Policymakers and planners need to effectively make decisions on the development of environmentally friendly practices across different social groups, particularly among the youth. Economic and social incentives can also improve individuals sense of self-efficacy and help increase the likelihood of positive environmental behaviours in society.

(The writer is Assistant Professor, Department of Media Studies, Kristu Jayanti College, Bengaluru)
The next Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI), the Limavady-born Rev John Kirkpatrick, has been awarded an honorary doctorate of divinity from the Presbyterian Theological Faculty, Ireland (PTFI).

Dr Kirkpatrick, who is minister of Portrush Presbyterian Church, was honoured in recognition of his nomination as PCIs incoming Moderator ahead of next weeks General Assembly when he takes office.

In a sign of the gradual return to the familiar routine of previous years, Dr Kirkpatrick joined family and friends of those who had studied at Union Theological College in Belfast for the annual graduation ceremony, where they received their degrees from the PTFI, together with certificates of competency for ministry.

The PTFI awards degrees by the authority of its Royal Charter, which was granted by Queen Victoria in 1881 and renewed by the Queen in 2021.

The award to the Moderator-Designate is made in recognition of their nomination to the General Assembly as Moderator.

This years citation was delivered by Dr Desi Alexander, Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies at UTC, who spoke of how his and Dr Kirkpatricks paths first crossed.

They met at Greenmount Agricultural College were where the future Moderator was on a placement studying farm management. I recall you riding a motor bike and wondering how you managed to wear a helmet because in those days you had considerably more hair than you have today, Dr Alexander said.

He spoke of Dr Kirkpatricks life growing up, how he had encountered God aged nine and how his time at Greenmount, when aged 19, his life was turned around as you discovered afresh Gods love and grace in a most personal way.

Having left the agri college in 1979 and completed a degree in Social Science and Environmental studies, Dr Alexander described how the Moderator-Designate felt Gods call on his life to full-time ministry which led him, aged 25, to Union Theological College in 1981 and his ordination as Assistant Minister Megain Memorial and Mersey Street Presbyterian Churches in east Belfast four years later.

He also spoke of his first call as a minister to Garryduff Presbyterian Church outside Ballymoney in 1987 and his move to Portrush Presbyterian six years later where he has served for nearly 30 years.

As someone who has marinated himself in Scripture, you have a burning passion that others should be steeped in the life-transforming Word of God. Your ministry has been marked by biblical teaching that seeks through the Holy Spirit to be life changing, Dr Alexander said.

All who listen to you quickly sense that you have a passion for biblical preaching that addresses the needs of contemporary people. Pastoring in Portrush is but one part of your ministry. Your vision for the kingdom has extended far beyond the strands that stretch out to the east and west of Portrush.

Dr Alexander spoke of Dr Kirkpatricks role in developing links between PCI and reformed churches in central and eastern Europe after the Iron Curtain fell.

His chairing of the European area for the World Alliance of Reformed Churches from 1995 to 2002 and his leadership of the New Horizon Christian festival for seven years, encouraging Christians to grow in their faith.

There was also Dr Kirkpatricks well-known interest in motorbikes. Most young men grow out of this, but you have remained young at heart. Howeverit is not the machines that primarily interest you, but the people, Dr Alexander said.

Since 1994, you have been Race Chaplain to the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland. Motor biking and Christianity dont always go together in the minds of most people. Yet you have sought to build a bridge to many who might not see themselves as regular church members.

In conclusion Dr Alexander spoke of the new Moderators love for his children and grandchildren  and his wife Joan, In giving thanks to God for the opportunities that have come your way, John, I know that you would want to highlight the vital role that Joan has played in shaping and sustaining your ministry.

"This honour tonight is one that you will share with Joan, your whole family and many others. All of us tonight are thankful that from an early age, John, your life was and continues to be transformed by the unmerited, dynamic grace of God.

Dr Kirkpatricks election and installation as Moderator will take place at the Opening Night of the General Assembly, which will take place on Wednesday, June 22.
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey and Dresden, Germany  June 16, 2022 -- Electronic systems research and development organization Fraunhofer IPMS and semiconductor intellectual property provider CAST have been partnered to successfully develop, deliver, and support reusable IP cores for ASICs and FPGAs since 2002. The quality and utility of the teams work were recently recognized by Elektronik Magazine, which awarded the EMSA5-FS Functional Safety Embedded RISC-V Processor the 2022 Product of the Year award in the Automotive category.

Two Decades of Better IP

The scientists and engineers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems (IPMS) focus on applied research and development in fields such as smart industrial solutions, medical & health applications, and improved quality of life. They successfully deliver innovative electronic, mechanical and optical components and integrate them into miniaturized modules and systems. One business unit develops advanced digital core modules, especially for automotive applications.

By the early 2000s, IP pioneer CAST had already built an innovative marketing, sales, and technical support organization coupled with long-term partnerships with IP developers around the world. The company was one of the few to focus exclusively on reusable IP, and also one of the few IP startups to thrive.

The two organizations found they had a symbiotic relationship, and signed their first contract together  for the CAN Bus Controller IP Core  in 2002. The joint product line grew and today features some of the industry's highest-quality, lowest-risk IP cores for the LIN and CAN buses, Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) Ethernet, and most recently the EMSA5-FS RISC-V processor. Close to 200 different customers are using this IP, many for multiple projects.

This year we celebrate 20 years of working closely with CAST to bring our leading-edge IP cores to market. Together weve successfully served customers from the automotive, aerospace, and other industrial sectors with world-class platform-independent IP cores said Frank Deicke, head of business unit WMS for Fraunhofer IPMS. Heres to the next 20 years!"

About Product of the Year EMSA5-FS

The EMSA5-FS Functional Safety Embedded RISC-V Processor is the first fault-tolerant, functional safety processor using the popular RISC-V instruction set. It has already been certified at the most stringent ISO 26262 safety level, ASIL D. This 32-bit processor is fast and efficient on FPGAs or ASICs, and it is supported by development tools from IAR and Lauterbach as well as many open-source RISC-V toolsets.

Fraunhofers vision and professional execution enable us to ship the first RISC-V embedded processor that is ASIL D certified, said Nikos Zervas, chief executive officer of CAST. This is just one example of how well our 20-year partnership works to benefit customers around the world, and we plan to continue expanding our mutual product offerings and satisfied customer base for the foreseeable future.

Celebration at Embedded World

The companies plan to celebrate their 20th anniversary  and the Product of the Year award  throughout Embedded World, June 2123, 2022, in Nuremberg, Germany. They have adjacent stands  booths 4-569 and 4-462  and on Wednesday, June 22nd at 4:00 pm CAST is hosting an open beer party on the show floor. All are welcome, for refreshments then or to stop by any time.

About Fraunhofer IPMS

The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS stands for applied research and development in the fields of industrial manufacturing, medical technology and improved quality of life. Our research focuses on miniaturized sensors and actuators, integrated circuits, wireless and wired data communication, and customized MEMS systems. Fraunhofer IPMS has years of experience in the design of IP cores for automotive communication and has a family of TSN IP cores. The multidisciplinary IP design team of Fraunhofer IPMS with expertise in domain-specific computer architectures, network structures, RTL design and implementation of electronic systems is also available as a competent development partner for application-specific adaptations of the IP cores and their integration into complex architectures. Learn more at www.ipms.fraunhofer.de.

About CAST

Computer Aided Software Technologies, Inc. (CAST) is a silicon IP provider founded in 1993. CASTs ASIC and FPGA IP product line includes RISC-V and other microcontrollers and processors; image, video, and data compression engines; interfaces for automotive, aerospace, and other applications; various common peripheral devices; and comprehensive SoC security modules. Learn more by visiting www.cast-inc.com.






Togolese regulator ARCEP has issued a formal warning to Moov Africa Togo over its network outages.

At the start of this month, ARCEP deemed Moov to have committed serious breaches of its obligation of permanent, continuous and regular availability of mobile electronic communications services. The regulator issued its decision on 2nd June, giving Moov three months to meet these service obligations before facing sanctions.

TeleGeography reports that Moov has agreed to implement the procedures, equipment, protections and redundancies necessary to guarantee the quality and availability of services under the conditions defined by the regulator.

Whether it will keep this promise remains to be seen. The regulator imposed sanctions on Moov Africa Togo in November 2020 for violating its terms of reference, and in May 2021, ARCEP fined the operator XOF593 million (US$1.1 million) over serious and lasting breaches of its obligation to provide its electronic communications networks and services on a permanent and continuous basis.

In the same month, ARCEP summoned Moov Africa Togo to a public hearing in which it demanded an explanation for network outages that lasted from June-September 2020 and March-April 2021. The issues evidently persist.

Moov Africa Togo has attributed the outages to prolonged power cuts by the CEET and damage to cables by Togocom or contracted construction firms. However, ARCEP countered that this explanation is insufficient given the operators alleged XOF113 billion investment into improving the quality of its services.




By Park Han-sol







The Korea Manhwa Contents Agency (KOMACON), which hosts the country's largest annual comic book festival, known as the Bucheon International Comics Festival (BICOF) in Gyeonggi Province, has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Lyon Comics Festival in France.







The signing ceremony was held in Lyon on June 10 during the opening event of the French festival, according to KOMACON, Wednesday.







Since its establishment in 2006, the Lyon BD Festival, or Lyon Comics Festival, has grown to be one of the largest events of its kind in France, along with the Angouleme International Comics Festival and the Quai des Bulles Festival in Saint-Malo.







Through this MOU, the two parties agreed to promote a wide range of exchanges within the comics and graphic novel industry  in terms of cartoonists, comics experts, exhibitions, as well as programs organized by the BICOF and the Lyon BD Festival.







At this year's French festival, which took place from June 10 to 12, Harvey Award-winning graphic novelist Keum Suk Gendry-Kim led a live drawing performance to create a large fresco themed under one of her newest titles, "The Rainy Season" (or "Dog" in Korean), at Trinity Church in Lyon.







At the upcoming BICOF, slated to take place from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3, there will be a special session and a conference dedicated to introducing notable French comics and graphic novels to the audience here.







"France is rising to be a hub of webtoons in Europe, with Korea's major webtoon operators expanding their business in the European country and local media companies launching their own webcomics services," KOMACON President Shin Jong-cheol said in a statement.







"Our organization will continue to provide support for domestic artists and companies to expand the presence of Korean comics content in the European market," he said.


South Africa will outright ban retailers from importing and selling 2G devices at the end of March next year as the country pushes to modernise its telecoms infrastructure.

The ban was announced as operators in South African operators upgrade their networks to 4G and 5G, to which operators need to free up spectrum in 2G and 3G.

This was revealed by communications and digital technology minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni at the 2022 World Telecommunication Development, who stated March 31 will be the latest the government will enforce the ban, with hopes to enforce within this financial year, reported Tech Central.

The minister said upgrading South Africas network is part of the government initiative SA Connect which is geared towards getting more citizens online.

The SA Connect programme will be complemented by a robust programme to modernise our networks in partnership with industry, which entails the full deployment of 4G and 5G networks by 2025, said Ntshavheni.

To enable this, we will shut down 2G and 3G networks over the same period and this financial year we will commence with the prohibition of the importation and distribution in South Africa of 2G devices.

Tech Central reported Telkom has switched off the majority of its 2G network, however MTN and Vodacom still has millions on their networks.

MTN recently announced an expansion into the Western Cape province this year with its 5G deployment which costed it US$51.5 million.
Indonesia-based investment company Sarana Menara Nusantara is reportedly considering the sale of its minority stake in tower company Protelindo, seeking as much as US$1 billion, reported Bloomberg.

The company is apparently looking to sell between 15% to 20% and is currently at the stage of discussing the potential sale with a financial advisor. The potential sale is targeting pension and infrastructure funds.

In response to Bloomberg, Sarana Menara Nusantara and Protelindo President Director Ferdinandus Aming Santoso said the company is constantly exploring alternative funding through debt and equity, and both types are currently being discussed.

Infrastructure deals have surged globally as operators seek funding to position themselves for future changes to technology, such as 5G.

Philippines-based operator Globe Telecom is reportedly mulling the sale of half its tower footprint also for US$1.5 billion, as rival PLDT succeeded in selling off its own.

Profesional Telekomunikasi which trades as Protelindo, is Indonesias largest independent tower company, with a portfolio of 29,011 sites and 54,580 tenants.

In 2021, Protelindo acquired towers from rival a 94% stake in rival Solusi Tunas Pratama for US$1.2 billion.
Your Netflix account is under threat and can be banned if you break these certain rules. Recently, Netflix announced that they are putting a ban on password-sharing features after the video streaming giant lost about 200,000 subscribers in the first quarter of 2022 there is a clampdown on repeat offenders which could lead them barred from Netflix. Reportedly, the app was testing a surcharge of $2.99 to the subscribers who were sharing their passwords with other household members. So if you are a Netflix user in the UK, you should stop sharing your password with others or else your account will be banned. But, this is not the only reason, there are certain rules in place to try and stop users from breaking them but if they're not followed customers could see their accounts locked or even banned.

Listed below are some of the things which you should stop doing, in order to continue binge-watching your favourite shows.

Do not share your Netflix passwords outside of your households:

Password sharing has already been banned, but millions of users have overlooked the rules. after the streaming platform witnessed a massive drop for the first time in the past decade. And if you do so, the company might not completely ban your account but can surcharge for the second profile. This feature has already been tested in some countries. But if you keep on doing this, your account can be banned technically, if the company people decide to do so.

Stop using a VPN for Netflix:

Usage of VPN, which stands for Virtual Private Network, has been very common over the years, it tricks the site into believing that the person using it is in another country. This means when you're using a VPN and accessing Netflix, you can watch shows and movies that have been released in other countries before their own.

However, the thing with Netflix is that it allows users to watch the content which is available in their home country.

Even Netflixs terms clearly states that, You may access the Netflix content primarily within the country in which you have established your account and only in geographic locations where we offer our services and have licensed such content. This clearly states that using a VPN to access content on Netflix is a breach of the terms and is a technical ground to ban your account. However, rather than a complete ban users will be issued with a warning to stop using a VPN.

Do not create your own copies of Netflix:

Netflix also doesnt allow its users to create their own copies. According to the terms of Netflix,  not to archive, reproduce, distribute, modify, display, perform, publish, license, create derivative works from offer for sale anything on the platform. We may terminate or restrict your use of our service if you violate these Terms of Use or are engaged in illegal or fraudulent use of the service. Modern streaming sites which witness users violating their terms of use by engaging in illegal practices will get banned from the sites.
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SEATTLE  Seattle's Museum of History & Industry announced a $10 million donation from Jeff Bezos to expand the museum's Bezos Center for Innovation.

The center explores the transformative role of innovation in Seattle history and highlights how innovation drives change that transforms the world.





. . .
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SEATTLE  Mayor Bruce Harrell has vetoed Council Bill 120325, which would have mandated landlords to provide proprietary information about their rental units to a research institution.

The mayor cited issues with funding the proposal, which would have cost $2 million to $5 million with no identified funding source, as reasons for the veto.





. . .
C&W has $193M role in Belltown high rise

Security Properties broke ground about two months ago on The Confidential, a 29-story, 212-unit project in Belltown. The developer then said MetLife Investment Management was its equity partner, and that a construction loan would soon follow for the roughly $200 million venture. Now Cushman & Wakefield has announced its recent role in arranging $193 million in financing: about $115.2 million from MetLife, and an over $65.1 loan from Bank OZK. Public records indicate that the latter deal closed this week. For the whole package, C&W's Dave Karson, Chris Moyer, Alex Lapidus and Meredith Donovan worked with all parties. Karson said in a statement, The region is still facing a significant housing shortage due to the incredible big tech job growth in area. The Confidential is going to be one of the nicest apartment buildings in the Pacific Northwest. VIA Architecture is the designer, and Exxel Pacific the builder.




gettyimagesbank



E-7 visa issuance to be expanded to high-tech industry workers



By Anna J. Park



The government has decided to fix its visa policy for foreign nationals in a bid to attract more highly-skilled professionals from abroad  a move aimed at tackling the population decline and reinvigorating the nation's growth potential.



This move is part of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's economic policy directions unveiled by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Thursday.



According to the finance ministry, specifically, the E-7 visa, which is issued to foreign professionals of special ability, will be expanded to include more high-skilled foreign workers from cutting-edge technology and science sectors.



"Currently, the E-7 visa is subject to only 86 occupations. While this classification will continue to be maintained by the government, the E-7 visa will further be allowed for various professionals of high-tech industries, regardless of their occupations, except simple manual and administrative workers," an official from the finance ministry told The Korea Times.



The government also plans to lower the income-level qualification of visas exclusively issued for employees of foreign nationality working at local small- and medium-sized companies, so that small-sized companies can hire competent foreign workers more effectively. The current visa system has often received criticism that its required income level is too high for small-sized companies, and that only large corporations can afford to meet the required level.



In addition, the government plans to introduce a new visa with the special purposes of promoting regional development and encouraging foreign employees to settle in such regions. The visa will be issued to foreign students studying at regional universities and colleges, in collaboration with each region's businesses.



The government also aims to expand the visa quota for the non-professional foreign workforce in the long-term.



The series of changes in the visa system are to spur the country's growth potential by attracting competent workers of foreign nationality into the country's economically active population.



"The economically active population in Korea is steadily on the decline, since it peaked in 2019. The government plans to address the issue by attracting competent employees from three categories of workers  senior, female and foreign workers  so that the country's growth potential is not harmed from the long-term perspective," the official explained.



The specific details of the new visa policy, along with the government's set of comprehensive policies for residents of foreign nationality, is slated to be announced by the finance ministry's population task force team during the second half of this year.


Producer Song Seung-whan gives a lecture during the Corea Image Communication Institution's (CICI) Korea CQ Forum at the Moroccan ambassador's official residence in Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of CICI



By Dong Sun-hwa



It was a pile of debt that prompted producer Song Seung-whan to bring his theatrical comedy show "Nanta" to the international market.



"More than two decades ago, I hardly made any profit by producing a show in Korea," Song, the CEO and artistic director of PMC Production, said during the Corea Image Communication Institution's (CICI) Korea CQ Forum that took place at the Moroccan ambassador's official residence in Seoul, Tuesday. The goal of the forum is to bring together opinion leaders and promote cultural exchanges worldwide.



"So I decided to bring my show to other countries, where more people were willing to watch paid performances," Song added.



The producer explained that he had to make a nonverbal performance with no language barrier to appeal to a global audience.



"I also had to incorporate various elements of Korean culture, so that it looked distinctive from other Western shows. So I fused the sounds from the kitchen that I loved  such as the sound of my mother dicing different ingredients on a chopping board  and the rhythms of 'samul nori,' which is kind of percussion-based music originated from traditional Korea music. This is how I brought life to 'Nanta' in 1997."



"Nanta" made its international debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1999 and had its Broadway premiere five years later. To date, the show, which follows three cooks preparing a wedding banquet, has been staged in 58 countries, accumulating an audience of 14 million.



"Nanta" will hit the stage again in Korea and the U.S. later this year, after more than two years on hiatus triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.



Song, who directed the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games, also revealed how he attempted to showcase the unique traits of Korean culture during the ceremonies.



"I thought 'harmony' was the defining characteristic of our traditional culture, whereas 'incorporation' best describes our contemporary culture," he said. "So I tried to visualize these two features in the ceremonies, while highlighting the two other crucial themes: passion and peace."



The Korea CQ Forum was joined by Moroccan Ambassador to Korea Chafik Rachadi, French Ambassador Philippe Lefort, U.K. Ambassador Colin Crooks, Swiss Ambassador Dagmar Schmidt, and Greece Ambassador Ekaterini Loupas, among others.




Police in Northern Ireland are aiding a Garda investigation into the ramming of a prison van in Co Monaghan.

Gardai said at around 6.45pm yesterday (Wednesday June 15) a gold-coloured BMW X5 was in collision with an Irish Prison Service van.

No injuries have been reported.

The BMW was found burnt out a short distance away on the N2.

Gardai said a number of individuals were observed leaving the scene in a grey/black Audi A4 with Northern Ireland registration plates.

The Audi was also later found burnt out.

Gardai have appealed for any witnesses to the incident on the N2 at Kilcrow, Clontribet to come forward.

An incident room has been established at Monaghan Garda Station.

In a statement the PSNI said it is assisting the Garda in its investigation.

A grey/black Audi A4 used in connection with the collision may have had Northern Ireland registration plates. Enquiries continue, a spokesperson added.
The Down Syndrome Centre North East (DSCNE) has received some great news, having been awarded 16,532 from the RTE Toy Show Appeal grants for 2022 by the Community Foundation for Ireland.

Based in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, DSCNE supports families across the North East, namely Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath.

This grant will fund their comprehensive 2022-2023 Early Intervention programme for children with Down Syndrome aged two to six years old and help to change childrens lives for good in the North East. This programme has been running in small groups since the centre opened in November 2018, but they wish for it to grow and expand to meet the growing demands and needs of the service users. This would mean, more classes available throughout the week so they can cater for more children. It also requires extra equipment and resources to enable the children, and families to get the most out of each session.

DSNCE says that the aim would be that the project grows or is maintained to a high level of numbers enrolled each year, so that they are supporting as many children as possible with Down Syndrome from the North East region, to enable them to access the pivotal Early Intervention services that they require.

The vision of DSCNEs is that all individuals with Down syndrome have access to the services & support they need to achieve their individual potential and live independent, fulfilling, and self-determined lives.

By providing Early Intervention services, they say they are supporting and empowering individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential which is the greatest attainment.

DSCNE says that Early Intervention services for children with Down Syndrome are an essential programme as it has so many developmental benefits, all of which are delivered in fun, play-based, holistic nature.

This is done, whilst also allowing the child to develop and build upon friendships with their peers, support for the whole family when the child is in the home environment and also further education and knowledge for teachers and early years educators all of which is hugely beneficial for each child.

As a small charity, that relies on fundraising, donations, and grants DSCNE have always viewed the Early Intervention programme as one of the core services and so we will always direct funds towards providing this essential service.

The project will provide an inclusive, nurturing environment to help the educational development of the children with Down syndrome that they support, allowing them to grow in confidence, accessing personalised targeted interventions and making friends with peers from their localities, through fun, play-based regular intervention in the home from home environment that the centre offers.

Receiving funding towards Early Intervention costs will enable DSCNE to ensure the charity can continue to provide free or heavily subsidised services that children and their families, professionals and local community can access.

They also currently offer Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Therapy, Music Therapy, Handwriting classes, counselling, musical sensory sessions, baby massage and hope to add a social after school club and adaptive dance in the coming months. DSCNE also provide an information service for new and expectant family members and training and information sessions for families and the professional community who require additional knowledge or support through regular workshops, talks and seminars. As DSCNE wish to continually add and improve our services, having key costs covered for this project will allow them to redirect spending to developing further supports and services accessible to all that need this.

Caitriona Crosby, Centre Manager at DSCNE said receiving this great news is yet another reward for all the work and supports and services we have provided since our opening in 2018. Each year we have grown and getting not only funding but also recognition from RTE and the Community Foundation for Ireland that programmes such as our Early Intervention services are appreciated and valued is so appreciated.

Catriona adds, were excited that RTE might link in with us over the year and would very much welcome Ryan Tubridy to our centre in Carrickmacross and show him around!
Louth and Meath Education and Training Board together with Oiliuna Limited and the Regional Skills and Training Centre in Dundalk are on the lookout for the hairdressers of the future.

They are delighted to open their state-of-the-art Hairdressing Training Salon to prospective salons interested in this new exciting apprenticeship.

This event will be held in the Hairdressing and Beauty Academy in Dundalk on Monday 27th June.

Interested salons can come and find out more about the SOLAS apprenticeship and subject matter experts and apprenticeship advisers will be available on the day to give you the most up to date information about course curricula, apprenticeship structure and available grants.

Following on from a successful intake in September 2021, enrollments for the new hairdressing apprenticeship will commence in Summer 2022 and will be strictly limited to 14 places.

Off the job training takes place in the academy on a one day a week basis.

This is an exciting new three-year programme which gives the apprentices the opportunity to earn while both on and off the job.

This apprenticeship is supported by a wide range of partners including the Hairdressing Federation of Ireland, HABIAC, the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship, local employers and SOLAS.

These partners are committed to providing high level current hairdressing training to interested parties. Apprentices are mentored throughout the 3-year programme by their employers.

Special Guest of Honour, Bridget Haren will be attending the event.

Bridget is a multi-award-winning hairdresser most recently awarded Employer of the Year at the recent Generation Apprenticeship Awards.

She is former President of the Irish Hairdressing council and describes her passion for the industry as fueled by continual learning.

She will share her apprenticeship journey and experience with salon owners on the day.

For more details on the open day or to book a place, please contact the Regional Skills and Training Centre on 0429355700 or apprenticeship@lmetb.ie

Rosie Mc Guigan, Lead Tutor with LMETB will also be there to welcome all new apprentice employers. She says:

I am looking forward to welcoming all salons interested in participating on the new apprentices intake for 2022.

This is an exciting opportunity for salons and apprentices alike.

This event is open to all salons from the North East who are interested in employing an apprentice for the 2022 class.

The apprentice may be a new or existing employee.




By Kwon Mee-yoo







The ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) is participating in NextRise 2022, a global startup fair, at Coex in southern Seoul, June 16-17.







Organized by the Korea Development Bank (KDB) in collaboration with Korea International Trade Association (KITA), NextRise is the largest startup fair in Asia attracting some 12,000 visitors last year.







The center runs a booth promoting promising startups from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and provides information on startup ecosystems in the region. It will also organize 1 on 1 business meetings to forge new business partnerships.







About 20 ASEAN startups, recommended by each country, in various fields such as artificial intelligence, e-commerce, fintech, agricultural machinery service platforms and logistics and transport platforms will take part in NextRise 2022. The AKC offers startup support programs and shares funding information and incentives for startups in Korea and the ASEAN member states.







The AKC has been hosting its annual ASEAN-Korea Startup Week since 2018 and last year's pitching contest winner Jalat Logistics from Cambodia will attend NextRise to introduce its Internet of things (IoT)-based logistics platform business model to Korean investors. The Phnom Penh-based last mile logistics company provides affordable same-day delivery through an eco-friendly business model.


Carlingford Lough Cruises, operated by the cross border ferry service Carlingford Lough Ferry, is kicking off its summer jazz cruise schedule this Saturday 18 June, with Northern Irelands distinguished jazz group The Unholy Gospel Band ready to set sail across the lough.

The two-hour cruise is set to showcase the beauty of the majestic lough, as guests relax to the sounds of smooth jazz and authentic American gospel.

The cruise will take guests along the Southern shoreline, past the medieval town of Carlingford with its picturesque marina and imposing King Johns Castle. On the Northern shoreline, enjoy panoramic views of Greencastle Royal Castle, and Rostrevor Bay, as the sun sets on the stunning Cooley Peninsula and Mourne Mountain region.

See here for more information on the Summer Jazz Cruise schedule.

The perfect evening for music fans, guests can also expect to hear the famous stories of the Legends of the Lough, and maybe even spot Finn, Carlingford Loughs resident dolphin! Food and drink services will also available onboard.

Board the cruises at the terminals at either Greenore, Co. Louth or Greencastle, Co. Down, and begin your cruise along this panoramic Lough area. The cruise is suitable for all ages and its duration is around two hours.
A man accused of a robbery in which Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe was shot dead has seen "shockingly little" of his newborn son as he has been in custody having been refused bail, a barrister has told the High Court.

Sean Guerin SC said it "offends the dignity" of his client, Brendan Treanor, to refuse him bail and keep him away from his son and family in circumstances where his trial was supposed to begin in October but has been put back to January next year. He suggested that a "strict regime" of conditions could be attached to bail.

Brendan Grehan SC for the Director of Public Prosecutions told the court that there is an objection to bail under Section 2(a) of the Bail Act. The Act allows an objection based on fears that the applicant will commit a further serious offence if released on bail. Evidence in relation to that was given by Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern but the court ordered that no details of the application should be published.

Mr Justice Michael MacGrath, presiding with Judge Gerard Griffin and Judge Cormac Dunne, deferred judgment until June 24.

Brendan Treanor (34), is charged with participating in a robbery that occurred at the Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co Louth, on January 25, 2013. He was due to go on trial at the three-judge, non-jury court in October. His trial has been put back to January next year as the DPP wants to try Mr Treanor alongside James Flynn for the same robbery. Mr Flynn, (31), originally from south Armagh, is currently awaiting an appeal against his extradition from the UK to Ireland to face the robbery charge.

Aaron Brady (30) was found guilty of the murder of Det Gda Donohoe by an 11 to one majority jury verdict at the Central Criminal Court on August 11 2020. The father-of-one with a last address at New Road, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh was sentenced to the mandatory term for murder of life imprisonment. As he had been found guilty of murdering a garda acting in accordance with his duty, the judge ordered that he serve a minimum of 40 years. Brady was also sentenced to 14 years for the robbery of 7,000 - a sentence that will run concurrently with the life sentence - at Lordship Credit Union.
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has said that he hopes RTE and Pride organisers can come together again and sort it out in relation to criticism of an on-air discussion about trans issues.

Dublin Pride announced on Tuesday the termination of its media partnership with RTE after voicing concern about recent discussions on transgender topics on the Liveline radio show.

The organisation, which organises the annual Pride programme of events in the city, said it was angered and disappointed by the content of the radio debates, claiming they had breached trust with the LGBTQ+ community and caused untold hurt.

Speaking to reporters in Dublin today (Thursday June 16), Enterprise Minister Leo Varadkar said a lot of members of the trans community are very upset about the Liveline discussion.

These are very sensitive issues, these are very personal issues. We should talk about them and debate them.

But if we are talking about issues that relate to trans people or any minority group, its important that theyre part of the debate and part of the conversation, and they felt that they were left out of that.

The national broadcaster said in a statement yesterday (Wednesday June 15) that it was disappointed that Dublin Pride was severing the three-year relationship, and that it hoped in time it would rekindle the relationship.

Standing with the LGBTQ+ community during Pride month sends an important signal that RTE is here to serve everyone and over the last three years RTE has sought to include these communities and extend understanding through a range of specially-produced content, campaigns and partnerships.

Public discussion  sometimes uncomfortable, difficult and contentious  is central to RTEs prescribed purpose.

The head of RTE Radio One Peter Woods said yesterday that he accepted and regrets that the Liveline programmes caused hurt.

He added: Everything that goes out on air on Radio One is not going to be to everybodys satisfaction all the time.

But what matters most in what we do is how we approach it and why we do it, and that we try to shine a light and we try to engage with people, and we try to express a variety of opinion across the airwaves.


Seoul and Washington have come up with "concrete cooperation measures" for the future development of their alliance, South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin said Thursday.





Park made the remarks as he wrapped up his four-day trip to the U.S., the first of its kind since he came into office last month.





"We held productive discussions on issues ranging from North Korea, the bilateral alliance, expanding the supply chain, as well as security and practical cooperation, based on the momentum of strengthening the South Korea-U.S. alliance created by their successful summit meeting on May 21," he told reporters as he arrived at Incheon International Airport.





Park held bilateral talks with his U.S. counterpart, Antony Blinken, and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, and discussed ways to boost bilateral cooperation during his trip.





During his meeting with Blinken, the two sides agreed the North Korea issue is the "top policy priority" for both Seoul and Washington. (Yonhap)


Shanghai introduces measures to promote employment of fresh graduates

Xinhua) 10:07, June 16, 2022

SHANGHAI, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai on Wednesday announced a series of favorable policies including household registration and housing to attract talents and promote the employment of fresh graduates.

The megacity in east China has eased restrictions on household registration in its suburban new areas for fresh graduates from both Shanghai and other cities while extending the application period.

In 2022, Shanghai will add 25,000 new rental housing units for talents, and provide a batch of affordable, long-term, and stable rental housing for fresh graduates working in the city.

The policies also include increasing incentives for introducing and recommending talents, reducing the rent and tax burden of talent-intensive enterprises, increasing financial support, and promoting innovation in the science and technology industries.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)




The Ministry of National Defense plans to form a government-civilian consultative body for the long-delayed environmental impact assessment of a U.S. THAAD missile defense unit deployed here to expeditiously push for its "normalization," officials said Thursday.







The ministry requested that related environmental organizations and provincial authorities recommend members of the envisioned body for the assessment of the unit in Seongju, 300 kilometers south of Seoul.







Deployed in 2017, the THAAD battery has been in the status of "temporary installation" pending the environmental assessment. It has not been running at full capacity, with access to the unit restricted due to protesters and other obstacles.







The conservative Yoon Suk-yeol administration has sought to accelerate related legal procedures to ensure the battery's full operation in the wake of North Korea's continued ballistic missile launches.







The consultative body will consist of officials from related provincial governments, environmental authorities and the environment and defense ministries as well as representatives of local residents and civilian experts, according to the ministry.







Once the body is formed, it is to deliberate on the scope and methods of the assessment, draft assessment documents, solicit public opinion through open hearings and carry out other required procedures, the ministry said.







Last month, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup said that the normalization of the THAAD unit "should have been done earlier," and pledged to expeditiously push for it. (Yonhap)






EBRD Vice President Pilloux is visiting Croatia on 8-10 June

Meetings with government representatives and businesses in Zagreb and Sisak

Bank has invested more than 4.2 billion in Croatia to date

The Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Alain Pilloux, is visiting Croatia on 8-10 June for meetings with government representatives and clients.

During his trip, Mr Pilloux will meet Prime Minister Andrej Plankovic, Governor of the National Bank Boris Vujcic, Mayor of Zagreb Tomislav Tomasevic and representatives of private and state-owned companies. He will also visit the Sisak-Moslavina county, the area most affected by the devastating 2020 earthquake.

During his visit, Vice President Pilloux will discuss cooperation in areas of strategic importance to Croatia, such as energy security, including the further development of renewable energy sources in the country, and the ongoing post-earthquake reconstruction.

The most recent EBRD project in Croatia, signed in May 2022, was also dedicated to supporting vital services in the wake of the earthquake. The EBRD and the municipality of Zagreb signed a 50 million loan to support water, transport and sanitation services in Croatias capital, which also suffered as a result of the quake. The loan will be split between two critical infrastructure providers: Zagrebacki Holding (ZGH), the utility responsible for water, waste management and road maintenance, and Zagrebacki elektricni tramvaj (ZET), the public transport provider in Zagreb and surrounding towns.

The EBRD has invested more than 4.2 billion in Croatia to date, including 176 million last year. The Bank is involved not only in project financing, but also policy reform in areas related to the continuing post-earthquake reconstruction, providing technical cooperation support to the government together with the European Union.

In 2022, the EBRD expects to invest up to 200 million in a number of projects in Croatia, with more than half of that earmarked for a number of renewable energy projects.


U.S. Force Korea (USFK) Commander Gen. Paul LaCamera hosted a farewell ceremony for South Korea's outgoing Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Won In-choul on Thursday, praising his contributions to the two countries' alliance.





The ceremony took place at Camp Humphreys, a sprawling U.S. military base in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul. Around 100 South Korean and U.S. military officials, and guests joined the event, according to the USFK.





"Gen. LaCamera expressed his gratitude to Gen. Won for his leadership and contributions to maintaining a robust combined defense posture and the ironclad ROK-U.S. alliance," the USFK said in a press release. ROK stands for South Korea's official name, Republic of Korea.





Won is set to leave office, as President Yoon Suk-yeol has tapped Army Gen. Kim Seung-kyum to succeed him. Won has led the Joint Chiefs of Staff since September 2020. (Yonhap)






JUNE 13 will be a day to remember for the Singh family from India, who have spent four and a half years in the direct provision centre on Kinsale Rd, as they received permission to remain in Ireland.

Speaking to The Echo, Raminder Singh said his solicitor video-called him and showed the letter prior to receiving the letter in the post.

Raminder, his wife Harinder, and their three adult children, Sandeep, 23, Gursewak, 21, and Gurcharan, 19, told The Echo they were surprised, relieved, and very happy to be told they could stay in Ireland.

During the pandemic, the Singh family gathered a great deal of goodwill from local Cork people when they made and donated face masks to members of the public.

The way we think is if there is any problem, and you can help, you have to help, Raminder said.

Their kindness was repaid when an electric bike, bought by Raminder for his son Gurswak was stolen, and Cork people rallied and raised over 1,600 for the family to replace the bicycle.

Raminder, who works as a tiler, said he hopes to eventually buy a home in Ireland and live here with his family.

I want to keep working, pay my taxes, and eventually buy a home.

The Singh family had a celebration at the direct provision centre on Kinsale Rd after hearing the good news. Raminder said the kids in particular were very excited.

The children were very very happy, we had a bit of a party, and a lot of people came along.

The Singh family thanked the Government and Justice Minister Helen McEntee for the decision to allow them to stay in Ireland.

I want to thank the Government and the Minister for Justice. The Irish people have been very good to me, they have supported me so much. So many people have helped me. Too many people.
Even as China has partially lifted a visa ban for Indians (which includes diplomats and those who have family in China) the one segment that is desperately waiting to get visas is the over 23,000 Indian students enrolled in universities across China.

"It's been two years since the ban and we haven't been allowed to return to our university campus in China. Most of us are enrolled in medical schools there and we need to do our practicals offline. Many of us are now clinically depressed,'' said a third-year student of medicine, Ankit.

The students say that they have been in constant touch with the Chinese embassy in Delhi, but their queries don't translate into anything and they do not have any firm answer on what lies ahead.

However, China has permitted students from Pakistan, Thailand, Solomon Islands and Sri Lanka to return to the universities. This stand-offish attitude with Indian students is due to a diplomatic standoff that exists between India and China at present.

External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, had communicated to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, when he visited India earlier this year, to facilitate Indian students who are stuck in India due to a lack of visas. No heed has been paid to that request yet. India too had, in April, cancelled tourist visas of China, citing the rising COVID. However, tourists don't get impacted by a visa ban, but students do as they have a lot at stake.

"The Chinese embassy had sought a list of students willing to return to China to complete their degree, and even though most of us have given our names we have no clue on when it would be considered,'' laments Ankit.

Mental health issues have emerged among students who worry about not being able to repay student loans until they complete their study programme. Upon completion of their degree, they must clear Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) to intern in India and get a job.

In India, there are students who have returned from Ukraine too whose fate is hanging in limbo. Combined with those who want to return to China, the problem has compounded.
PennWest leader awarded certificate from Army War College

Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson completes four-day National Security Seminar

Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, leader of the Pennsylvania Western University integration, was recently awarded a certificate of leadership development from the U.S. Army War College  a four-day national leadership symposium.

Pehrsson, who was selected among a diverse cross-section of 160 national leaders, completed the National Security Seminar (NSS) June 9 in Carlisle, Pa., with 25 colleagues from national organizations. NSS invites selected guests to examine national security issues through distinguished speakers and workshops to explore issues in society and within their communities.

During the four-day workshop, participants met with future leaders of the U.S. Armed Forces, government departments and the Army War Colleges faculty and international fellows. This culminating event featured leaders from diverse backgrounds, working with the future military leaders to discuss and provide solutions for international issues.

This program brought together an amazing confluence of thoughtful leaders and informed thinkers with whom Ive ever had the opportunity to speak, said Pehrsson, who has studied leadership since her career in nursing. Our job was to problem-solve some of the thorniest issues, using different lenses and perspectives.

Some of these issues, Pehrsson explained, include climate change and international security. Many of these topics and solutions could eventually be used to dictate Pehrssons actions as university leader.

As a result of this week, I am a much more informed leader for PennWest, said Pehrsson, who serves as president of Clarion University and interim president of California and Edinboro universities. This workshop has enriched and deepened my understanding of the complexities that we face today.

In October 2021, Pehrsson unveiled the new name of the integrated institution  Pennsylvania Western University. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an institutional accrediting agency, granted initial approval for the integration of California, Clarion and Edinboro in March.

Army Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Mary K. Eder, who earned both a bachelors and masters degree in English from Edinboro University and spent 36 years in various military positions throughout her career, nominated Pehrsson for the War College program. Eder, 75, 76, is a graduate of the Army War College and serves as a trustee for the organization.

A lifelong learner, Dr. Dale is tremendously interested in leadership programs, and I thought she would truly enjoy and be able to benefit from this program, Eder said. Ive always wanted to be able to find ways for Edinboro and now all of PennWest to have closer ties with this institution  whether in developing internships for our students or finding intersections in leadership programs and advanced strategic studies.

During the sessions, Pehrsson also met with California graduate Robert Mundell (86), who serves as an independent consultant for the Department of Commander Leadership and Management with the Army War College.

Serving as mentor and liaison with Pehrsson during NSS was Douglas Ball, 1st Armored Division chaplain, who provides spiritual support for military members in combat zones. Balls son will be attending PennWest Clarion this fall and studying library science.

With the completion of the program, Pehrsson now has the privilege to nominate a subsequent candidate for the NSS program.

Established in 1954, NSS represents the nations diversity  in occupations, geographic regions and other demographic factors  and encourages a free and frank exchange of differing views among the guests and students.

Each day of NSS features a distinguished speaker who sets the theme for the days discussions. The focus for each day is one of the instruments of national power: diplomatic, informational, military and economic.

Speakers also cover topics such as the challenges of civil-military relations, the role of domestic politics in national security, globalization, foreign policy, international security issues and the future role of the United States.




Increased demand from the UK and EU fuels Irish cattle prices



Despite more Irish cattle on the market in the first quarter of 2022, strong demand from the UK and EU has fuelled Irish cattle prices, the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board reported.

According to data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) Ireland, cattle slaughter in the country has surpassed that of 2021 in the first four months of 2022. During that time, 607,000 cattle were processed, up 13% from the same period last year.

While both prime cattle and cow slaughter has increased significantly year over year, cow slaughter has been particularly strong. In comparison to 2021, Bord Bia's forecast for all cattle for 2022 has been revised upwards from around +65,000 head to around +105,000 head. This would be about 6% higher than the 2021 kill level.

However, Irish prime cattle numbers are said to be tightening, resulting in increased competition among buyers for available supplies. Indeed, for the first time in many years, the average Irish R3 steer price, as reported by the European Commission, surpassed the overall average GB steer price in the week ending May 28.

Irish cattle are usually sold at a lower price than British cattle. Ireland is a net exporter, and it must compete on price in both the UK and continental Europe. Strong market conditions on the continent and in the UK, as well as robust demand from reopening foodservice sectors in the EU and the UK, are said to be boosting Irish prices.

CSO Ireland data showed Irish fresh and frozen beef exports increased by 41% year on year to 120,000 tonnes in the first quarter of 2022. Increased shipments to the UK, particularly boneless beef to Northern Ireland, accounted for nearly all of the increase.

Ireland also sent more beef to France and Spain, while exports to Hong Kong decreased significantly from the previous year. In comparison to a year ago, production in the EU was relatively flat, but it was significantly lower in key producing countries France and Germany.

- UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board




Malaysia partially lifts chicken export ban, permits shipments of kampung and black chicken



Malaysia has partially relaxed its chicken export ban imposed on June 1, permitting shipments of live kampung and black chicken to Singapore, The Straits Times reported.

Kee Song Food, a chicken importer, said the Malaysian authorities has permitted the company to bring in live kampung chickens from Malaysia on June 14 and black chickens from June 18.

Smaller varieties of chicken, such as kampung chicken and black chicken, are considered premium and more expensive. The ban on exports of commercial broiler chicken from Malaysia remains.

James Sim, head of business development at Kee Song, showed The Straits Times a letter from Malaysia's Department of Veterinary Services which allowed exports of live kampung and black chicken. The move to partially lift the ban was confirmed by a top Malaysian government official to the newspaper, who did not want to be named.

Sim said that Kee Song has begun taking orders for fresh kampung and black chicken. Wet market poultry vendors, chicken rice hawkers, and restaurants are among the company's clients.

Malaysia banned chicken exports on June 1 to keep domestic production and prices stable. The supply of fresh chicken in Singapore, which imports about a third (34%) of its chicken from Malaysia, dropped dramatically in the first two weeks of this month.

The majority of Singapore's chicken comes from Malaysia, where it is imported live and slaughtered in abattoirs. Singapore imports chicken from countries like Brazil and the US, but this is usually frozen.

Kampung chicken accounts for about 25% to 30% of the total chicken supply at Kee Song Food. Black chicken accounts for 3% to 5% of the total.

- The Straits Times




Malaysian farmers' organisations to expand poultry farming operations





Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the country's National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS) and Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (ANGKASA) are expanding their poultry farming operations to ensure Malaysia's food security, Free Malaysia Today reported.

The prime minister said in a statement that NAFAS and ANGKASA will also increase their corn production, which is a key component in chicken feed.

He said NAFAS plans to control 20% of the poultry market by producing 144 million chickens per year, while ANGKASA plans to produce up to 30 million chickens per year.

He also said NAFAS has identified 12,140 hectares of land in Kelantan and Terengganu for corn planting, according to Ismail. Tobacco was previously grown on that land.

ANGKASA on the other hand has identified 4,000 hectares of land across the country, capable of producing five tonnes of corn and reducing corn imports by 20% over the next five years, in collaboration with the agriculture and food industries ministry.

Last week, the Malaysian Cabinet agreed to put in place a number of short-term measures, including establishing a chicken stockpile, to address food shortages and price hikes.

Ronald Kiandee, Malaysia's Agriculture and Food Industries Minister, said the Cabinet also agreed on measures to simplify the payment process for subsidy claims.

The prime minister announced that as of July 1, the government would no longer provide subsidies to breeders, instead channelling the funds directly to those in need.

- Free Malaysia Today
A Gumi woman, center, surnamed Seok, arrives at the Gimcheon branch of the Daegu District Court in Gimcheon, southeastern South Korea, to attend a hearing in a case involving the deaths of two girls, Aug. 17, 2021. Yonhap



The Supreme Court struck down Thursday an eight-year prison term imposed on a woman found guilty in the mysterious disappearance and deaths of two 3-year-old girls, citing a lack of concrete evidence proving her culpability.



The top court sent the case back to the Daegu District Court for re-hearings on the grounds that more were necessary to illuminate the motive and methodology of the crime amid the lack of evidence.



The 49-year-old woman, surnamed Seok, was charged with attempting to dispose of the body of her 3-year-old daughter last year and abducting her granddaughter of the same age years ago in the city of Gumi, 200 kilometers southeast of Seoul.



The case dates back to February last year when the mummified body of a 3-year-old girl was discovered at the former home of Seok's 23-year-old daughter, surnamed Kim, six months after Kim moved out to remarry.



As investigations proceeded into Kim over lethal child abuse charges and Seok for alleged attempted corpse abandonment, the case took a bizarre twist.



Several DNA tests pinpointed Seok as the biological mother of the dead girl, while Kim was found to have raised her, believing the girl was her own daughter.



Based on the DNA test results, prosecutors and police added child abduction charges against Seok, suspecting she and her adult daughter gave birth to girls around the same time shortly before Seok switched the babies so that her baby daughter could be raised by her grown-up daughter.



The case made headlines for months last year for its mysterious and astonishing nature as investigators failed to come up with evidence to connect the dots in the case, including the whereabouts of Kim's missing daughter and whether she is alive or dead, in the face of stubborn denials by Seok.



In the previous rulings, the district and appeals courts had acknowledged the biological mother-and-daughter relationship between Seok and the dead girl, convicting her of switching the babies.



The courts at that time cited circumstantial evidence as the basis for the conviction, including that she watched childbirth-related videos and stopped buying feminine hygiene products during her suspected pregnancy.



Reversing the lower courts' rulings, however, the Supreme Court said the DNA test results were nothing but proof of the biological mother-and-daughter relationship and that they cannot stand as evidence for Seok's alleged switching of the babies.



The top court said more hearings were needed to find the motive and the methodology behind the crime, as well as the whereabouts of the missing child, to determine whether Seok is guilty of abduction by switching the babies.



The court also challenged the lower courts' conclusions that Seok and Kim gave birth at around the same time and that Seok switched the babies, on the grounds that there was no evidence, such as CCTV footage or witness accounts.



That Seok committed the crime merely to cover up bearing a child cannot be accepted as a sufficient motive for the crime, the court also said, adding that lingering questions about the "indirect" evidence presented in the case should be answered. (Yonhap)




Former Isle of Man resident killed in Thailand crash

A former Isle of Man resident has died in a crash in Thailand.

Keith William McVeighty was was riding along the motorway when a car suddenly pulled out from the side of the road in Chiang Mai province.

The 83-year-old died in hospital after he was involved in collision with a Mazda SUV.

The UK's Foreign Office confirmed that a man had died in Thailand and that it was supporting his family, without giving more information.
Contingency bus timetable to begin tomorrow

A contingency bus timetable will come into operation tomorrow.

The revised schedule reduces some services in line with current staffing availability, whilst maintaining our Islands key transport links.

This revised timetable will operate Monday- Saturday. The Sunday schedule will remain as per the current timetable.

Due to high levels of sickness, including COVID-19 and other issues, and ongoing recruitment challenges affected by the wider UK driver shortage, bus vannin have had to make the decision to reduce the frequency of some services in order to preserve a reliable network.

The contingency Bus Timetable is likely to run until the schools break up for summer holidays which will give bus vannin time to finalise additional recruitment and training, as well as see a return to work for some staff.

Contingency timetables are now available to view on www.bus.im or by calling 662525 with printed booklets aimed to be available from the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal in Douglas, Ramsey or Port Erin bus station by the end of next week.




A 41-year-old man was sentenced to 25 years in prison Thursday for brutally killing one of his employees by inserting a 70-centimeter rod into the victim's rectum.







The Seoul Western District Court found the man, only identified by his surname Han, guilty of murdering the employee at a children's gym in Seoul with the plastic stick, which ruptured his organs and caused his death in December of last year.







"Severe punishment is inevitable as his crime is bizarre and brutal, and he did not have any kind of respect for the victim," the court said in the ruling.







The prosecution earlier sought a life sentence for Han.







Han killed the victim in his 20s at the facility he owns in northwestern Seoul on Dec. 31, after being irritated by the employee's unspecified behavior.







An autopsy showed a perforation in the anterior wall of the victim's rectum and further ruptures in organs, including the heart and the liver. (Yonhap)






You might not have to buy a Lucid Air or Mercedes to listen to spatial audio in your car. Dolby and Swedish firm Dirac are collaborating to demo more immersive in-car audio technology. The partnership melds Dirac's optimization algorithms with Dolby Atmos support to deliver 3D sound as well as improve audio quality across the board. The combo can compensate for poor cabin acoustics (such as reflective surfaces and awkward speaker placement) while promising advanced sound staging normally reserved for home theaters.

The two companies are showcasing their teamwork in demo cars, but you may have to wait a while to hear it in a vehicle you can drive. The first car to take advantage of Dolby and Dirac tech is the Nio ET7. The electric sedan won't come to Europe until later this year, and the Chinese brand has yet to commit to a North American expansion.

Still, the efforts might go some way toward democratizing Atmos and quality car audio. You might not need to buy a luxury car (or a pricey option package) to listen to spatial sound or otherwise enjoy the quality you normally get at home. Audio performance could be a particularly strong selling point as self-driving cars rise to prominence. If your car is going to be a lounge on wheels, you'll probably want the speaker system to match.
Elon Musk's disdain for remote work doesn't fully extend to Twitter. As The New York Times and The Verge note, Musk told Twitter staff in an inaugural all-hands meeting that employees at the social network who produce "excellent" work at home should be permitted to keep their positions. While the aspiring new owner stressed that he would much rather have people working in the office, he thought it "wouldn't make sense" to fire someone who was a net positive for the company. He added he would verify with managers that those remote employees were making useful contributions.

Musk gave Tesla and SpaceX employees an ultimatum in late May, warning that they had to work at least 40 hours a week their main offices unless they had "particularly exceptional" reasons to stay remote. The executive felt it was particularly important for more senior-level members who needed an in-person "presence." This stands in sharp contrast to Twitter's existing stance allowing many employees to stay remote indefinitely, not to mention policies at Apple, Google and other tech heavyweights that allow staff to spend some or all of their workday at home.

The statements also come as Musk is facing a mounting backlash from his rank-and-file. The Verge says it has seen an open letter from SpaceX workers criticizing their CEO, accusing Musk of becoming a "frequent source of distraction and embarrassment" through his public actions. They also said the spaceflight firm wasn't living up to either its "No Asshole" mantra or a zero-tolerance policy on sexual misconduct. The letter writers wanted SpaceX to condemn Musk's behavior, hold all leaders accountable for their actions, and clarify its policies while enforcing them more consistently.

There was no mention of the exact issues that prompted the letter. Musk has drawn increasing criticism, however. A SpaceX flight attendant reportedly accused Musk of sexual misconduct, prompting a $250,000 settlement. That's on top of ongoing claims Musk's companies allow horrible behavior, including lawsuits from multiple women alleging Tesla fostered sexual harassment in the office. Musk has further been accused of posting transphobia on Twitter (such as blasting the pregnant man emoji) and supporting trucker protests in Canada that were laced with harassment and racist incidents. The entrepreneur isn't on great terms with many people at the moment, and his dislike of remote work underscores this.
Ferrari has announced at an investor presentation that it will 60 percent electrified by 2026, including the EV it promised last year. At that point, 40 percent of its cars will be combustion and 60 percent will be either hybrid or all electric. The eventual aim is to become carbon neutral by 2030, but even then, it will continue to develop internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

By 2026, Ferrari will offer "three powertrains with distinctive driving emotions," it said. It'll borrow hybrid powertrain tech from its F1 and other racing experience, while its electric engines will be "designed, handcrafted and assembled in Maranello to ensure a unique driving experience also derived from racing solutions."

Ferrari unveiled its first production plug-in hybrid, the SF90 Stradale, back in 2019. It now has four separate model lineups with the Stradale and 296 GTB plug-in V6 hybrid, along with the pure ICE 812 Superfast V12 and Roma V8 models. So in effect, half its lineup is already electrified, as Autocar points out. That mix will soon change, though. The luxury automaker also confirmed that it's much-anticipated Purosangue SUV will arrive in September as a pure ICE vehicle, to start with.

As for the EV set to arrive in 2025, Ferrari is aiming to have "strong commonalities" with its current combustion engines. "The first electric Ferrari will be rooted in our racing heritage and will draw from a broader technical reservoir while preserving all its authenticity and consistency," said CEO Benedetto Vigna, adding that it will be "really unique from many different points of view."

The batteries will also be assembled by Ferrari in Maranello in dedicated e-building facility "where electric engines, inverters, and batteries will be designed, handcrafted and assembled," the company said. It also revealed that it would limit self-driving autonomy to "Level 2/2+" and that "connectivity is first and foremost provided to enhance the ownership experience and the relationship with the client."
It took awhile, but Microsoft Defender is now generally available for all your personal devices, not just Windows PCs and businesses. The new Defender for individuals gives Microsoft 365 subscribers an online tool that bolsters the existing malware and phishing security measures you're (hopefully) using. It extends Windows' anti-malware safeguards to Android, iOS and macOS. You'll also receive security alerts, as well as solutions and tips. You can manage a whole family's security from a central dashboard, and view the antivirus systems you already use (including third-party software).

Microsoft cautioned that new malware protections aren't available when they already exist on iOS and Windows. Advice is only available on Macs and Windows systems.

Defender for individuals is included with Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans in most countries. Prices start at $70 per year for a Personal account in the US. The company vowed that this was "just the start" of its efforts, and that it planned to introduce features like identity theft protection and secure connections.

This won't necessarily replace all your other defenses. You'll still want to be on guard, particularly for fraud and other digital crimes that Microsoft's tool doesn't currently cover. It may be a useful supplement, though, and it's an easy choice if you were already using Microsoft 365.
Microsoft has been sounding the death knell for Internet Explorer for months, but many businesses in Japan seemingly did not take heed. Almost half were said to still be using the browser, for which Microsoft ended support yesterday , as of March. According to Nikkei , many of those companies have dragged their heels on switching to other browsers, which some have warned may cause chaos for months.

IT provider Keyman's Net conducted a survey of Japanese companies earlier this year and found that many were forced to use Internet Explorer because of systems their clients used to handle orders. Some were also using the browser to handle things like employee attendance and expenses. Over a fifth of the respondents didn't have a plan for how to move their businesses onto alternative browsers, such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome .

The issue extends beyond companies to government agencies, which the report notes have been especially slow to address the shift. For instance, notices related to Japan Pension Service online applications must be viewed in the IE Mode on Edge, according to the report. That mode will be supported through at least 2029, so websites that are incompatible with modern browsers should still be accessible for several more years. Here's hoping Microsoft officially ending support for IE after almost 27 years will prompt organizations to get their act together and make their services work on Edge, Chrome, Firefox and other browsers too.
Sony unveiled a new quick editing mode for PS5s Share Factory Studio today that will allow users to create shortform gameplay videos with pre-set, Tik-Tok-like formats. In a blog post , Sony explained the new editing feature  which it has deemed Bits lets gamers choose a curated Bit style for their gameplay clip, or customize their footage even further with the Quick Edit mode. Players can expect new Bits styles to roll out every week. Bits themes will be based on special events, holidays, seasons and trending content.

Our goal with Bits is to make it super easy and fun for PlayStation gamers to create and share short-form gameplay videos for sharing cool achievements, jokes, stunts, and any other type of eye-catching content, wrote the company in the official PlayStation blog.

For those who arent familiar, Share Factory Studio is PlayStations free editing app that lets players capture and edit gameplay footage right on their consoles and share to social media. The app is packed with advanced video and audio editing features, including support for HDR video and the ability to add animation, stickers, filters and voice effects. But for those who are overwhelmed by Share Factory Studios many options, Bits seems to be an easy way to churn out social media-friendly gameplay clips.

For a preview of what Bits looks like, check out the short trailer below.
The Boring Company's underground transportation system will be more expansive than what it originally planned. The Elon Musk-founded company has just received approval from the city to bring its underground transportation system called the Vegas Loop to city limits. When Clark County Commissioners first approved the Vegas Loop, it was supposed to be a 29-mile tunnel network connecting 51 stations. Now, the network will span 34 miles and have a total of 55 stations, including ones that will serve the Harry Reid International Airport and the Allegiant Stadium.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Boring Co. President Steve Davis said tunneling in downtown Las Vegas could begin in 2023: "This is step two and there are eight steps for us to be opening. There's a long way to go and a lot of work to do. But if I were to guess on the spot I would guess we'd have machines in (the ground) next calendar year." According to the publication, the downtown stations include the Strat, Fremont Street Experience, the Slotzilla attraction, the Garage Mahal at the Circa Resort and the Plaza Hotel. Boring could add other stations in the future, as well, with each one costing anything in between $1.5 to $20 million to build.

Davis also said a ride from Fremont Street Experience downtown to Reid International would cost about $12 and take around eight or nine minutes. Before Boring's monorail system could shuttle people to and from downtown Las Vegas, though, it has to secure a bunch of permits and design approvals first. As The Verge notes, only 1.7 miles of the Vegas Loop are operational at the moment underneath the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). That said, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority CEO Steve Hill said he expects more portions serving parts of the Resort Corridor to be operational sometime in 2023.
Lee, the brother of a South Korean fisheries official killed by North Korea's military near the western sea border in 2020, speaks during a press conference in Seoul, Oct. 28. 2020. Yonhap



The Coast Guard is expected to apologize for having previously presumed a South Korean fisheries official killed by North Korea's military near the western sea border in 2020 was attempting to defect to the North voluntarily, officials at the presidential National Security Office (NSO) said Thursday.



Besides the apology, the Coast Guard will also disclose its investigation documents on the mysterious death of the 47-year-old fisheries official, who was fatally shot by the North's military Sept. 22, 2020, after going missing the previous day while on duty near South Korea's Yeonpyeong Island, the officials said.



The planned disclosure is expected to create significant political repercussions, as the preceding Moon Jae-in government had been reluctant to fully disclose information on the death of the official, identified only by his surname Lee, except saying that he appeared to be trying to defect to the North. The Moon administration even defied a court order to provide undisclosed information to his family.



The planned apology and information disclosure come as the NSO said it has suspended a judicial procedure pursued by the Moon government to block the disclosure of confidential information on Lee's death.



The NSO said it and the Coast Guard have withdrawn an appeal filed by the Moon administration against the Seoul Administrative Court's order last November for the disclosure of the classified information.



The written request for the cancellation of the appeal was submitted to the Seoul court in the morning, the office added.



"It is hoped that the decision to withdraw the appeal will help correct the unfair measures of the past that restricted information even though one of our nationals was killed by the North Korean military," the office said.



The Coast Guard is scheduled to hold a news conference in the afternoon to offer an apology to Lee's bereaved family and disclose its investigation materials regarding the case. (Yonhap)




After the success of Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn, it was only a matter of time before a spin-off of one of the many anti-hero side characters would come to fruition.

Well, kids, the day has come.

Black Canary, the woman with the supersonic voice, will be making her solo film debut on HBO Max. Jurnee Smollett, who played Dinah Lance in the Margot Robbie flick, is excited to talk about the upcoming solo project.

While talking with Comicbook.com, Smollett expressed her jubilation about the role:

"I'm just so incredibly excited about a number of things that I can't talk about...I feel like we've only touched the surface with Black Canary.

"And she's one of the dopest martial artists in the DC Universe. That is something that is a real challenge in my head that I'm just excited at the possibility of being able to explore deeper and further and wider and greater."

Though the character Smollett is playing is not the original iteration, but rather her daughter, it will be interesting to see where they take her.

Black Canary has been in the Justice League, as well as had a relationship with Green Arrow - aka Oliver Queen. This could make a cool side plot - though given the female-driven film this version spawned from, it's more than likely that Misha Green, who is penning the script, will leave the male love interest out of the equation.

Any way you slice it, Black Canary was one of the coolest parts of the Birds of Prey flick, and it will be fun to see where Smollett and Green take the character.

There is no release date at this time.
Austin Butler's Elvis impression is absolutely ICONIC.

A significant amount of buzz has been building around the upcoming film Elvis. This biopic, directed by the incredible Baz Luhrmann, follows the story of the genre-changing musicians life and career. The film has already been given the stamp of approval from Presley's surviving family. Furthermore, the lengths that Austin Butler, the actor playing the iconic title role of the film, went to in order to secure the part had us all confident that we were in for a film of absolutely epic proportions. Now, we are sure of it.

Butler went on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon last night. While at the iconic late night studio, the star showed off his well crafted and carefully curated impression of Elvis Presley to Jimmy Fallon. Fallon was justifiably floored. Around the three minute mark, while Butler is discussing combing through the archives of the ever-changing voice of the King, Fallon asks him for a demonstration.

Much in the way that Julia Garner once showed off her process as she portrayed Anna Delvey in the hit Netflix series Inventing Anna, Butler explained the way he got into the mindset of Elvis in order to replicate the voice- specifically in 1954. He explains how Presley's nerves played a part in the way that he sounded, effortlessly slipping into the voice. Check out the video here. It is magical and words cannot properly capture Butler's exceptional talent.

We can't wait to see Elvis when it comes out on June 24, 2022.
It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of Jacques Villain, one of France's finest theoretical physicists and a long-time ESRF collaborator.

Jacques Villain had been a member of the French Academy des Sciences since 2000. He joined the ILL, the Institut Laue Langevin, in 1970 before moving to the CEA Grenoble in 1975, where he spent most of the rest of his career, becoming Director of research. After he left the CEA, he joined the ESRF Theory Group as a scientific visitor. The scientific exchanges the ESRF teams had with him were invaluable, particularly for the students and young scientists.



At 88 years old, Jacques Villain was still active, with a sharp mind; his intellectual vigour and his enthusiasm for science were truly fascinating, as was his passion for sharing his knowledge with others, young and old, experts and learners alike.

We will miss him greatly and send our sincere condolences to his family at this very sad time.

Picture credit: Dauphine Libere
Since the Russian army attacked Ukraine, thousands of civilians have been killed and cities reduced to rubble, while millions of Ukrainians have fled their homes.
Jasper, IndianaIn 94 action-packed pages, Kevin Schewe's Bad Love Tigers garnered Official Selection for Best Feature Screenplay and Best Original Screenplay and has Won the Award for Best Poster at the Golden Giraffe International Film Festival in Nice, France.

The Bad Love Tigers Screenplay was just released to the international screenplay circuit at the end of February 2022 and has already won 42 International Awards. It is a feel good, action-adventure, sci-fi blend of Stand by Me meets Raiders of the Lost Ark or Back to the Future meets Goonies. The strong international interest and accolades that it is generating shows its blockbuster potential to attract a global audience of all ages to the big screen.

"This represents a new 'first' for Bad Love Tigers Screenplay and has me and the Bad Love Gang jumping for joy with this honor/award??Thank you GGIFF," Kevin Schewe said @realkevinschewe.

See and Hear Kevin Schewe's Instagram Post at



https://www.instagram.com/tv/CdLu-jyDERo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kevin L. Schewe, MD (@realkevinschewe)

Bad Love Tigers has now won 42 awards including BEST SCI-FI SHORT SCRIPT at the Red Dragon Creative Awards in Dallas, Texas, BEST SHORT SCREENPLAY award at the Silver Mask Live Festival in Los Angeles, California, BEST SCRIPT WRITTEN DURING PANDEMIC award at Redwood Shorts & Scripts in Sunnyvale, California, BEST SCI-FI SCRIPT award at Mykonos International Film Festival, BEST SCI-FI SCREENPLAY at Thinking Hat Fiction Challenge in India, BEST FEATURE SCREENPLAY at South Film and Arts Academy Festival in Chili. BEST SCI-FI SCRIPT at the Gold Star Movie Awards in New Jersey, BEST SCI-FI SCREENPLAY AWARD at the BRNO Film Festival in the Czech Republic, BEST FEATURE SCREENPLAY at Filmmaker Life Awards in Hollywood, BEST STORY SCREENPLAY AWARD at The Madrid Art Film Festival, Best Feature Screenplay at the White Unicorn International Film Festival FEATURE SCRIPT AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD from the Black Swan International Film Festival, BEST SCRIPT from the New York Independent Cinema Awards, BEST THRILLER SCREENPLAY from the Adbhooture Film Festival in West Bengal, India, FEATURE SCRIPT OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD from the Royal Society of Television and Motion Picture, OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FEATURE SCRIPT award at Druk International Film Festival (DIFF) in Bhutan, BEST FEATURE SCRIPT award at Hollywood on the Tiber Film Awards in Rome, Italy, BEST SCRIPT OF THE MONTH at the Watch Out International Film Festival in Philadelphia, OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT award at the Tagore International Film Festival (TIFF) in West Bengal, India, BEST SCRIPT at the New Wave Short Film Festival in Munich, Germany, Best Screenwriter in a Feature Film at Onyko Film Awards in Ukraine, two screenplay awards at the Golden Wings International Film Awards, BEST THRILLER FEATURE SCREENPLAY and BEST SCREENPLAY OF THE MONTH, Best Feature Screenplay at the Sea of Art International Film Festival in Plock, Poland, Best Feature Screenwriting at the NYCinternational Film Festival, Best Feature Screenwriting at the Medusa Film Festival, Special Achievement Award at World Film Carnival-Singapore, Best Sci-Fi Screenplay at the Open Window International Film Challenge in India, Best Plot Award at the Beyond Earth Film Festival, Best Sci-Fi Feature Screenplay at the Karukrit International Film Festival in India, Best Script for Feature Film at the San Antonio Independent Film Festival in Ecuador, South America, Best Feature Film Screenplay at the Five Continents International Film Festival, Best Original Screenplay at the Naples Film Awards, Best Feature Script at the Cineville Calcutta Global Cinefest in India, Best Feature Screenplay at the Mumbai International Film Festival, Best Feature Screenplay and Best-Sci-Fi Screenplay at the Oniros Film Awards in New York City, Best Sci-Fi Screenplay at the New York International Film Awards, Best Feature Screenplay in London at the BIFF International Film Festival, Best Original Screenplay at the Rome International Movie Awards and Best Feature Screenplay Honorable Mention at the Florence Film Awards.

Bad Love Tigers, book two of twelve planned in the best-selling Bad Love Book Series, is about a dynamic group of young adventurers, known as the Bad Love Gang, who use a time machine to travel back to the World War II era, meet with President Roosevelt and embark on a perilous secret mission to protect an alien spaceship and defeat the Japanese in combat. Keeping America's deepest secret safe at Area-51 hinges on the success of their quest.

Schewe's screenplay adapted from the first book, Bad Love Strikes, has won 14 International Awards at prestigious film festivals all over the world. In Bad Love Strikes, the Gang of teens from Oak Ridge, Tennessee, accidently discovers The White Hole Project, a WWII era time machine created by Albert Einstein at the request of President Franklin Roosevelt in case the atomic bomb Manhattan Project failed. They learn how to use the White Hole Project and then design a time-travel mission back to WWII, Nazi-controlled Poland to save a group of Holocaust victims from certain death. The accurate history and edge-of-your-seat action has you rooting for this unlikely gang of misfit teenagers turned heroes!

Bad Love Strikes screenplay awards:



Best Sci-Fi Screenplay at the Los Angeles Film Awards; Hollywood Weekly Magazine Film Festival  Best Screenplay; Best Script at the Rotterdam Independent Film Festival; Best Script in a Feature Film at the Hollywood International Golden Age Film Festival; New York Tri-State Film Festival  Best Sci-Fi Screenplay; Florida Shorts Film Festival  Best Unproduced Script; Tokyo's Genre Celebration Festival  Best Feature Screenplay; Madrid Arthouse Film Festival  Best Unproduced Feature Script; Madrid International Short Film Festival  Best Script; the Seoul International Short Film Festival in Korea  Best Script; and in Munich, Germany at the New Wave Short Film Festival, where it was chosen as a Special Jury Screenplay Selection. It also garnered a Prix Royal Paris Silver Screenplay Award; the South Florida

International Film Festival for Best Original Screenplay for Young Adults, and a Gold Script Writing Award for Sci-Fi Adventure from the Depth of Field International Film Festival. Bad Love Strikes screenplay has also finished as a Finalist and Semi-Finalist at 23 other international film festivals.

Watch the book trailer for Bad Love Tigers at https://bit.ly/BadLoveTigers_Trailer





Each of the Bad Love series audio books are narrated by Alan Carlson, an award-winning narrator with credits in non-fiction, academic, romance fiction and many other categories. You can purchase the audio book at Amazon's Audible.

The entire four book set is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Love-Collection-Sci-Fi-Adventure-ebook/dp/B09LPPDBMM/ or www.jancarolpublishing.com.

"If history was taught this way in school, everyone would be a scholar and educating ourselves not only about our accomplishments but the horrors of the past that should awaken and give insight to the path of a better future. A rare gem!" David Holladay, MD, 5-Stars

Watch the book trailer from Bad Love Strikes at https://bit.ly/BadLoveStrikes-Trailer




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MANAUS, Brazil (AP)  Brazilian police said Wednesday night a fisherman confessed to killing British journalist Dom Phillips and Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira in the remote Amazon, ending more than a week of searching as he led officers deep into the forest to where he buried their bodies.

After night fell in the Javari Valley, near Brazils border with Peru and Colombia, search teams brought body bags to the docks at the city of Atalaia do Norte. Officials said an autopsy would be needed to confirm whether the remains are Phillips, 57, and Pereira, 41.

Police said at a news conference in the Amazon city of Manaus that the prime suspect in the case confessed Tuesday night and detailed what happened to the pair who went missing June 5. They said other arrests would be made soon in the case, but gave no details.

The federal investigator, Eduardo Alexandre Fontes, said Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, 41, nicknamed Pelado, told officers he used a firearm to kill Pereira and Phillips.

We would have no way of getting to that spot quickly without the confession, Torres said of the place where police recovered human remains Wednesday after being led there by Pelado.

Torres said the remains are expected to be identified within days, and if confirmed as the missing men, will be returned to the families of the two.

We found the bodies three kilometers (nearly two miles) into the woods, the investigator said, adding that rescue teams traveled about one hour and forty minutes on the river and 25 more into the woods to reach the burial spot.

Pelados family had said previously that he denied any wrongdoing and claimed police tortured him to try to get a confession.

Another officer, Guilherme Torres of the Amazonas state police, said the missing men's boat had not been found yet but police knew the area where it purportedly was hidden by those involved in the crime.

They put bags of dirt on the boat so it would sink, he said. The engine of the boat was removed, according to investigators.

The news conference at Brazil's federal police headquarters in Manaus also included military leaders, who joined the effort to find Phillips and Pereira a few days after their disappearance was reported. Indigenous leaders who sounded the alarm over their disapperance and made searches deep into the forest from the first day were not invited.

President Jair Bolsonaro, a frequent critic of journalists and Indigenous experts, has drawn criticism that the government didn't get involved fast enough. Earlier on Wednesday, he criticized Phillips in an interview, saying without evidence that locals in the area where he went missing didn't like him and that he should have been more careful in the region.

His main adversary in October's election, former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, said in a statement that the killings are directly related to the dismantling of public policies of protection to Indigenous peoples. It is also related to the current administration's stimulus to violence," said da Silva, who leads in opinion polls.

The efforts to find the two were started by Indigenous peoples in the region. UNIVAJA, an association of Indigenous peoples of the Javari Valley, mourned the loss of two partners in a statement Wednesday, adding they only had help and protection from local police.

As federal police announced they would hold a news conference, colleagues of Pereira called a vigil outside the headquarters of the Brazilian government's Indigenous affairs agency in Brasilia. Pereira was on leave from the agency.

Pereira and Phillips were last seen on their boat in a river near the entrance of the Javari Valley Indigenous Territory, which borders Peru and Colombia. That area has seen violent conflicts between fishermen, poachers and government agents.

Developments began moving Wednesday when federal police officers took a suspect they didn't identify at the time out on the river toward search parties looking for Phillips and Pereira.

An Associated Press photographer in Atalaia do Norte, the city closest to the search zone, witnessed police taking the suspect, who was in a hood.

On Tuesday, police said they had arrested a second suspect in connection with the disappearance. He was identified as Oseney da Costa de Oliveira, 41, a fisherman and a brother of Pelado, who police already had characterized as their main suspect.

Police investigators said Wednesday that de Oliveira had not confessed to any participation in the crime, but added they had evidence against him.

Indigenous people who were with Pereira and Phillips have said that Pelado brandished a rifle at them on the day before the pair disappeared.

Official search teams concentrated their efforts around a spot in the Itaquai river where a tarp from the boat used by the missing men was found Saturday by volunteers from the Matis Indigenous group.

Authorities began scouring the area and discovered a backpack, laptop and other personal belongings submerged underwater Sunday. Police said that evening that they had identified the items as the belongings of both missing men, including a health card and clothes of Pereira. The backpack was said to belong to Phillips.

Police previously reported finding traces of blood in Pelado's boat. Officers also found organic matter of apparent human origin in the river that was sent for analysis.

Authorities have said a main line of the police investigation into the disappearance has pointed to an international network that pays poor fishermen to fish illegally in the Javari Valley reserve, which is Brazils second-largest Indigenous territory.

Pereira, who previously led the local bureau of the federal Indigenous agency, known as FUNAI, took part in several operations against illegal fishing. In such operations, as a rule the fishing gear is seized or destroyed, while the fishermen are fined and briefly detained. Only the Indigenous can legally fish in their territories.

The crimes motive is some personal feud over fishing inspection, Atalaia do Nortes Mayor Denis Paiva speculated last week to reporters without providing more details.

While some police, the mayor and others in the region link the pairs disappearances to the fish mafia, federal police have not ruled out other lines of investigation, such as narco trafficking.

Torres, the federal police officer, reiterated that point Wednesday night, saying he could not discuss specifics of the investigation.

We are working with several lines of investigation, he said.

After the news of the recovery of human remains, Phillips' wife, Alessandra Sampaio, said the find puts an end to the anguish of not knowing Dom and Brunos whereabouts.

Now we can bring them home and say goodbye with love," Sampaio said in a statement. Today, we also begin our quest for justice."

____ Maisonnave reported from Manaus and Savarese reported from Sao Paulo.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Four European leaders expressed their support for Ukraine on Thursday while meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, vowing to back Kyiv's candidacy to eventually join the European Union and offering more weapons to fend off Russia's invasion.

French President Emmanuel Macron promised Ukraine six more truck-mounted artillery guns, the latest in a new round of Western arms pledges as the war grinds on in the Donbas region in the east.

France, Germany, Italy and Romania are doing everything so that Ukraine alone can decide its fate, Macron said at a news conference with Zelenskyy and the others.

My colleagues and I have come here to Kyiv today with a clear message: Ukraine belongs to the European family, said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Amid Ukrainian fears that Western resolve could wane, the visit carried heavy symbolism. France, Germany and Italy have all faced criticism for continuing to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin  and failing to give Kyiv the weaponry it says its needs.

With Scholz beside him, Macron defended earlier comments that riled Ukrainians about not humiliating Russia, solemnly noting how the end of World War I had sown the seeds of World War II.

We are side by side today with Chancellor Scholz. One hundred years ago, we were at war and allies helped France win. France committed a historic mistake. It lost the peace because it wanted to humiliate Germany. The question of humiliation I always placed in a context to come, not the current context, he said.

Today, this war must be won, France clearly supports Ukraine so it prevails, Macron said. Germany, like France, will never be in situations where they negotiate on Ukraines behalf with Russia. Moreover, we have never done that.

In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said it was important for him to hear that European leaders "agree the end of the war and peace for Ukraine should be as Ukraine sees them. He said Ukrainians will continue to fight for all of their land.

Ukrainians and some of their European neighbors have been afraid that Western powers might press for territorial concessions for the sake of peace.

Scholz reiterated that there is no such intent to dictate anything to Ukrainians, and that only they "can decide what is right in terms of an agreement on a peace which we are unfortunately very, very far away from.

Italian Premier Mario Draghi expressed concern about millions of tons of grain backed up in Black Sea ports by the war, saying it could bring worldwide catastrophe. Italy has been a first destination for African migrants and could find itself overwhelmed as a result of largescale hunger in the Southern Hemisphere.

We want the atrocities to stop and we want peace, Draghi said. But Ukraine must defend itself, and it will be Ukraine that chooses the peace it wants."

The leaders also visited Irpin, a Kyiv suburb that saw intense fighting and where many civilians were killed. They decried the destruction there, with Macron saying he saw signs of war crimes."

While shocking images of such devastation have rallied Western support, Ukrainian officials have expressed concern that war fatigue could eventually erode that  particularly as rising prices and upcoming U.S. elections increasingly dominating public concerns.

The U.S. and its European allies have given billions of dollars in weaponry to Ukraine, and Germany and the U.S. recently announced new arms shipments. Such arms have been crucial in preventing the Russians from taking the capital, but Kyiv has said much more will be needed.

Russia is only looking for new ways to scare Europe and seize more and more of our land, Zelenskyy said at the news conference. The goal of Russia in this war is to break Ukraine and through this break the whole of Europe.

While the European leaders were in Kyiv, NATO defense ministers were meeting in Brussels to discuss plans for strengthening the military alliances eastern borders to dissuade Russia from planning any further aggression.

Many in Ukraine hope the visit could open the way to significant new arms supplies. It also comes as EU leaders prepare to decide next week on Ukraines request to become a candidate for membership in the bloc.

The war has increased pressure on EU governments to fast-track Ukraine's candidate status, and Thursdays pledge to support candidacy status for Ukraine and neighboring Moldova pushes the whole 27-nation union closer to doing so. But the process still is expected to take years, and EU members remain divided over how quickly and fully to open their arms to new members.

European allies have sent increasingly powerful weapons and rallied around Ukraine more than many expected, approving waves of unprecedented sanctions against Russia that also are badly squeezing Europes economy.

Ukrainians say more is needed as Russia presses an offensive in the Donbas, slowly but steadily gaining ground on the outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian forces.

After the news conference, Zelenskyy made a digital appearance at technology shows in Paris, Amsterdam, London and Stockholm as what organizers called a 3D avatar, with his image on a large screen. Wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with futuristic fighters and the text Come to the Dark Side and Dominate or Die, he urged countries to support what he called a digital Lend Lease for Ukraine to bounce back from the war with a global digital revolution.

Macron, Scholz and Draghi, representing the EU's three largest economies, traveled to Kyiv together on a special overnight train. They had been criticized for not visiting sooner. Soon after they arrived, air raid sirens wailed.

Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president who is now deputy head of the Kremlin Security Council, dismissed the European leaders as connoisseurs of frogs, liver and pasta and said their visit brought no benefit.

Again they promised EU membership and old howitzers, slammed down some vodka and, like 100 years ago, took the train home," he tweeted. "And thats all good. Its just that this doesnt bring Ukraine any closer to peace. And the clock is ticking.  

President Klaus Iohannis of Romania, which borders Ukraine and has been a key destination for its refugees, arrived on a separate train. He said at the news conference that Romania is facilitating the transit of Ukrainian exports, including grain.

A number of other European leaders have already made the trip to show their solidarity with Ukraine, even when the fighting raged closer to the capital than it does now.

Scholz had long resisted traveling to Kyiv, saying he didnt want to join the queue of people who do a quick in-out for a photo opportunity, adding that a trip should focus on doing concrete things.

Tamara Malko, a resident of the Donetsk region, which is part of the Donbas, said Macron and Scholz had been very cold toward Ukrainians so far and hoped their visit would bring change.

We want peace very much ... and have high hopes for Macron and Scholz, she said. We want them to see and understand our pain.

___

Corbet reported from Paris. Associated Press journalists David Keyton in Irpin, Ukraine, Srdjan Nedelikovic in Pokrovsk, Ukraine, Colleen Barry in Milan and Frank Jordans and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Organizers and supporters of the 23rd Seoul Queer Culture Festival, which will take place at Seoul Square in July, protest the Seoul Metropolitan Government for putting unfair limitations on the festival, June 15. The signs read, "Set fire to the discriminatory administration," and "Seoul City, approve our application to use Seoul Square immediately." Yonhap



Seoul city denies the allegation, saying weeklong queer culture festival could cause inconveniences



By Ko Dong-hwan



The 23rd Seoul Queer Cultural Festival  an annual festival for LGBTQ rights and representation  is set to take place in front of the Seoul City Hall in July following two years of being held online. But despite the return of the outdoor gathering, there is a growing outcry from supporters that the Seoul Metropolitan Government put certain unprecedented limitations on the festival, downscaling its size and discouraging people from attending.



After three months of waiting, the festival's organizers received approval from the Seoul City government to use Seoul Square in front of the city government for hosting the festival, Wednesday. But the city's decision came with unusual conditions: that the festival take place on only one day, July 16, instead of as a six-day event as the organizers have planned; and that the participants don't publicly expose their bare body parts too much or sell or display lewd products, which are considered "harmful" to minors according to the country's Youth Protection Act.



The conditions were penned by a panel of 10 civic experts  architects, lawyers, professor, civic activists and city officials  representing the Seoul City government as a "civic committee" for the management of the public square. It was the committee that also gave the final approval for the festival to take place this year on behalf of the government, unanimously agreeing to allow the festival to occur, but conditionally.



The committee, an advisory group for the city government, previously approved the same festival each year from 2016 to 2019 on behalf of the government.



The organizers of the festival responded that it is discriminatory for the city government to give only conditional approval for the festival, instead of the direct and unconditional approval given to other public events held at Seoul Square, simply because the festival is an event for sexual minority group rights. They explained that the Seoul City government has always hidden behind the committee when making the decision to approve the annual event.



Kang Myeong-jin, one of the festival organizers, said that the Seoul Metropolitan Government didn't want to get its hands dirty and instead passed the buck to the committee. "It's unfair that the authority kept involving the committee in deciding whether to host the festival," said Kang.



Yang Seon-woo, the organizers' representative, said in a press conference in front of Seoul City Hall on Wednesday that the committee has "no right to judge us because freedom of assembly is a right guaranteed by Korea's Constitution as well as an international human right."



"Seoul City government must stop impeding the festival by trying to put the committee in front of it as its shield," said Yang.





In this photo from June 2019, anti-LGBTQ rights protesters demonstrate against the Seoul Queer Culture Festival held at Seoul Square. Korea Times photo
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)  A federal judge has struck down a Florida law limiting contributions to people or political committees championing ballot initiatives, ruling it violates the First Amendment.

U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor in Tallahassee on Wednesday issued a permanent injunction against the law which limited to $3,000 contributions made to people and political committees sponsoring or opposing ballot initiatives. The measure passed last year and was revised this year by the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature. It would have made it more cumbersome to pass ballot initiatives that amend the Florida Constitution.
A San Antonio mother was arrested in connection with the shooting death of her 2-year-old daughter.

Jessica Cantu, 35, is facing a child endangerment charge after her daughter, Juelz Emily Gonzalez, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in February at their South Side home in the 100 block of Dublin Avenue. Authorities believe Cantu purchased the gun the child got a hold of and accidentally shot herself.

It is the second arrest in the case. In March, Cantu's boyfriend, Joshua Ramirez, was arrested in connection with the incident by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, a federal felony.

On ExpressNews.com: 'Crisis on our roads': Texas traffic death rate is surging, among highest in the country

According to Cantu's arrest affidavit, Cantu was in a bathroom with her other daughter on Feb. 18 when she heard a loud pop from an adjoining bedroom, where the toddler was watching a movie on a cellphone.

When Cantu came out of the bathroom, she found the girl on the bed with the head wound. The toddler was rushed to the hospital, where she died on Feb. 27. Her death was ruled a homicide due to complications from a gunshot wound.

Investigators believe Ramirez was in the home at the time of the shooting and it was his gun that the toddler got a hold of. Cantu initially told police that she didn't know Ramirez had a gun in the home, according to the affidavit.

On ExpressNews.com: Man charged in fatal shooting at home near JBSA-Lackland

Ramirez had fled the scene before police arrived, but was arrested in March. According to a previous Express-News story, the man appeared in front of San Antonio police on Feb. 20 for a voluntary interview and admitted that he is a convicted felon but denied possession of the firearm.

Cantu, however, told authorities in a recorded interview that Ramirez had placed a gun inside a duffel bag he was preparing before going out that night to sell drugs at a local hotel. The bag was sitting next to the toddler, according to the affidavit.

Because Ramirez was not allowed to purchase a gun, investigators said Cantu purchased the gun from an unknown seller and was communicating with multiple people about the shooting.

On ExpressNews.com: Family seeks murder charge against San Antonio police officer who killed 13-year-old boy

Investigators said Cantu placed her daughter in imminent danger by allowing her to be in the presence of a handgun that was in the possession of a felon with a violent criminal history, the affidavit said.

According to records the Express-News previously reported on, Ramirez was convicted of aggravated assault on a public servant in 2011 and received a six-year prison sentence after his probation was revoked for a 2008 drug-possession case. He was released from the state prison system in 2015, the records said.

Cantu's bail was set at $150,000.

taylor.pettaway@express-news.net
WASHINGTON (AP)  South Koreas top diplomat said Monday that North Korea has completed preparations for a new nuclear test and that only a political decision by the countrys top leadership can prevent it from going forward.

After talks with Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin said the North would pay a price if it goes ahead, as feared, with what would be its seventh nuclear test in the coming days.

North Korea has completed preparations for another nuclear test and I think only a political decision has to be made, Park said. Prior to Monday, U.S. and South Korean officials had said only that the North was nearing completion of such preparations.

If North Korea ventures into another nuclear test, I think it will only strengthen our deterrence and also international sanctions," Park said. North Korea should change its mind and make the right decision.

Apart from sanctions, Park did not say what that price the North would pay or outline how the deterrence policy would change, but Blinken said the United States and treaty allies South Korea and Japan could adjust their military postures in response.

Were preparing for all contingencies this in very close coordination with others and we are prepared to make both short and longer-term adjustments to our military posture, Blinken said. He added that in addition, the pressure will be sustained, it will continue and, as appropriate, it will be increased.

Both Park and Blinken men stressed the door to negotiations without any preconditions remains open for North Korea. But Blinken, repeating comments from numerous U.S. officials in recent days, lamented that North Korea continues to ignore overtures for dialogue.

On Sunday, North Korea test-fired what appeared to be artillery shells toward the sea, according to South Koreas military, days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for greater defense capability to cope with outside threats.

The Norths artillery tests draw less outside attention than its missile launches, of which it has conducted more so far this year than in any previous year. But its forward-deployed long-range artillery guns are a serious security threat to South Koreas populous metropolitan region, which is only 40-50 kilometers (25-30 miles) from the border with North Korea.

The suspected artillery launches were the latest in a spate of weapons tests by North Korea this year in what foreign experts call an attempt to pressure its rivals Washington and Seoul to relax international sanctions against Pyongyang and make other concessions.

In March, North Korea test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the mainland U.S. in breach of a 2018 moratorium on big missile tests.

A possible new nuclear test by North Korea would be the seventh of its kind. Some experts say North Korea will likely use the test to build warheads to be mounted on tactical nuclear weapons aimed at hitting targets in South Korea.
A Texas House committee formed to investigate last months massacre at Robb Elementary School will meet Thursday and Friday at the Uvalde city hall to hear testimony from law enforcement authorities and others affected by the worst school shooting ever in Texas.

At the center of the committees investigation is a widely criticized law enforcement response to the May 24 mass shooting that killed 19 children and two teachers and injured 17 others. Police did not stop the 18-year-old gunman, Salvador Ramos, until more an hour after he first walked into the school through an unlocked back door toting an assault-style rifle at 11:33 a.m., then walked into classrooms 111 and 112, locking the door behind him.

House Speaker Dade Phelan established the committee to gather as much information and evidence as possible to help inform the Houses response to this tragedy and deliver desperately needed answers to the people of Uvalde and the state of Texas, he said.

On ExpressNews.com: More than a dozen DPS troopers at school during mass shooting

State Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, is chair of the three-member group. The other two members are state Rep. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, and former Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman.

Two minutes after Ramos walked into the school, three Uvalde Police Department officers pursued him into the building, followed soon after by three more officers and a deputy. After Ramos fired at them through the door, injuring two of the officers, they decided to wait for backup and tactical equipment instead of forcing their way into the classrooms.

By 12:03 p.m., as many as 19 officers from various agencies had gathered in the hallway, but they did not try to force entry into the classrooms despite 911 calls from survivors inside. Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw has said Pedro Pete Arredondo, the chief of police for Uvalde ISD, was the on-scene commander and had decided to wait for more tactical equipment before breaching the locked door.

More than a dozen DPS troopers also were at the school, at times entering and exiting the hallway during the incident, a DPS spokesman has said.

Arredondo told the Texas Tribune that he did not realize he was in charge at the scene. He described an excruciating wait to locate a master key to the locked classrooms.

On ExpressNews.com: The Express-News reconstructs the massacre at Robb Elementary

It wasnt until 12:50 p.m. that a Border Patrol tactical unit unlocked the door and fatally shot the gunman.

In the days after the massacre, Texas officials released inaccurate information about the police response that obscured mistakes made by law enforcement. McCraw has since said that waiting to breach the door to the classrooms was the wrong decision.

A raft of questions still remain. Why did DPS defer to Arredondo, who lacked radios and later said he never instructed police not to breach the door? What factors led police to wait so long to stop the gunman, even as survivors remained inside the classrooms?

DPS and Uvalde city officials have refused to provide further details, citing an ongoing criminal investigation into the massacre by Uvalde District Attorney Christina Mitchell Busbee.

The Texas Rangers, with assistance from the FBI, are investigating the police response. Separately, the Justice Department is conducting a critical incident review of the police response.

The fact we still do not have an accurate picture of what exactly happened in Uvalde is an outrage, Phelan said when he established the House committee this month. Every day, we receive new information that conflicts with previous reports, making it not only difficult for authorities to figure out next steps, but for the grieving families of the victims to receive closure.

The committee members will question witnesses out of the public eye in executive session. For now, they plan to stay mum.

This is an investigation, so we need candor from the people we question and the freedom to pursue leads without tainting the results, Moody said in a statement. Also, by law, our power to compel the release of confidential information for our use requires that we keep it confidential.
State Attorney General Ken Paxton is facing backlash after he told a conservative radio host that God has a plan for the third and fourth graders gunned down last month at an elementary school in Uvalde.

In a May 29 interview with Conservative host Trey Graham, published just five days after an 18-year-old shooter massacred 19 children and two teachers at Robb Elementary school, he said that it was difficult to give comfort to the families of the victims.

If I lost one of my children Id be pretty devastated, especially in a way that is so senseless and seemingly has no purpose, Paxton said. I would just have to say, if I had the opportunity to talk to the people Id have to say, look, theres always a plan. I believe God always has a plan. Life is short no matter what it is. And certainly, were not going to make sense of, you know, a young child being shot and killed way before their life expectancy.

The latest from Uvalde: House committee investigating Robb Elementary School shooting will meet in Uvalde

Paxtons comments did not gain wide scrutiny until the liberal website Salon published them in an article on June 14. The article was shared on social media by the families of victims of other mass shootings and gun control advocates.

Among them was Fred Guttenberg, the father of Jaime Guttenberg, one of the17 high school students killed in a mass shooting in Parkland, Florida.

How dare you justify your failures by saying god has a plan & Life is short no matter what, Guttenberg said in a tweet.

Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, the nations largest grassroots fighting against gun violence, also weighed in, tweeting in part: Republicans: Its a bummer when children are shot in class but life is short and, hey, theyll be in heaven sooner!

Paxtons comments came a week before victims, families of victims and other members of the Uvalde community asked Congress to act on gun laws in emotional testimony.

Among those who testified was Miah Cerrillo, an 11-year-old Robb Elementary School student who covered herself in her friends blood to avoid being shot. Kimberly Rubio, the mother of Lexi Rubio, a 10-year-old who was killed in the shooting, urged Congress to act.

Related: State troopers didn't wait in hallway during Uvalde shooting, Texas DPS says

We understand that for some reason, to some people  to people with money, to people who fund political campaigns  that guns are more important than children, Rubio told Congress. Somewhere out there, there is a mom listening to our testimony thinking, I cant even imagine their pain, not knowing that our reality will someday be hers. Unless we act now.

Hours later, the House passed a sweeping package of gun reforms. Only five Republicans voted for the measure. Senate Republicans have ruled out stronger gun restrictions included in the House bill and instead have proposed stronger background checks and greater scrutiny of young gun buyers.

More from Uvalde: More than a dozen DPS troopers waited in hallway during Uvalde massacre

Political leaders and lawmakers in Texas have also ruled out new gun restrictions. For example, Paxton has called for the state to arm its teachers.

"We can't stop bad people from doing bad things," he told Fox News after the shooting. "We can potentially arm and prepare and train teachers and other administrators to respond quickly. That, in my opinion, is the best answer."

Since Texas launched its school marshal program in 2013, just 84 school districts out of more than 1,200 have armed school staff, the Texas Tribune reported. Educators told the news website that the programs lack of popularity shows that teachers dont want to be the ones to defend schools from mass shooters.

timothy.fanning@express-news.net
The San Antonio Zoo announced in a tweet on Wednesday that it is retiring the Mary Barrett train after it provided rides to "millions of visitors to Brackenridge Park."

The train took its final loop around the park as part of the historic San Antonio Zoo Eagle on Tuesday and was subsequently retired, the zoo wrote in a tweet.

"We are grateful for all the memories this train helped create," the zoo wrote in the tweet.

The San Antonio Zoo Eagle, which operates three mini trains on the track, will continue operations, the zoo said in a further tweet. But the Mary Barrett train, which has operated since the 1980s, will no longer be a part of the fleet.

Cyle Perez, a spokesman for the zoo, said in the email that the train was named in honor of Mary Barrett for her long service to the zoo and its board.

Last year, the Zoo told MySA that three of its locomotives  two in the 1980s and one in the 1990s  would be retired soon because of the maintenance that comes with aging trains. The trains will be replaced by new trains with the help of donations, the zoo told MySA.

"We are currently fundraising for two more trains to complete the fleet," Perez said.

The San Antonio Zoo Eagle has been in operation at Brackenridge Park since 1956 and made headlines after it was part of the last known train robbery in Texas on July 18, 1970. The incident has come to be known as the "Great (Little) Train Robbery."

Two gunmen, who were later revealed to be soldiers stationed at Fort Sam Houston, held up the train and got away with about $500, car keys, checkbooks and credit cards.

shepard.price@express-news.net

The story was updated to correct Mary Barrett's name.
Todays San Antonio City Council agenda will be packed, as it is every week.

The council will decide whether to increase the homestead exemption, which gives homeowners some relief on their tax bills. It probably will approve new boundaries for council districts to reflect population changes documented in the 2020 Census.

Farther down on its agenda, it may settle lawsuits filed by the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation against the city, the nonprofit Alamo Trust, the trusts former CEO, Douglass W. McDonald, and Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush.

Tap Pilam, whose members are lineal descendants of the indigenous people buried at Mission San Antonio de Valero Mission, now known as the Alamo, sued the various defendants for the right to continue their annual religious remembrances in the Alamo Church. The lawsuits also sought a voice for Tap Pilam in deciding how to handle human remains discovered during excavations in Alamo Plaza, which is undergoing an expensive and contentious makeover.

Details of the legal settlement wont be made public, but the outcome is unlikely to be satisfying for Tap Pilam.

The reimagining of the Alamo isnt likely to be all it could have been, either. Its likely to cling to myth. The sites complex history is apt to remain inadequately told in a country that prefers a sanitized version of the past. In the case of the Alamo and the famous 1836 battle, its a version that omits the role of slavery, white supremacy and the seizure of lands from people who were here before European settlers arrived.

The legal settlement was still being negotiated when I sat down recently with Ramon Vasquez, a Tap Pilam tribal leader and executive director of its nonprofit, AIT-SCM.

Thats short for American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions.

Rather than rehash disputes with the city, the Alamo Trust and the state, Vasquez chose to speak of his organizations growth and promise, of how what began 27 years ago in the basement of Blessed Sacrament Academy on the South Side with volunteers is now a thriving operation with a staff of 11 employees and 10 contractors and a $1 million budget.

With its first grant, it expanded to the West Side and established its two signature programs  the Fatherhood Campaign, dedicated to domestic violence prevention, and Rites of Passage, a development program for young men based on indigenous teachings.

In 2006, AIT-SCM became the first tenant in the Avenida Guadalupe Building, next to the historic Guadalupe Theater. By 2020, it had outgrown its space and took over an entire floor. Then it set up doula birthing services across the street in the old El Parian Building.

As it fought to safeguard thousands of indigenous grave sites, the groups cultural and educational work continued.

Last July, it established the American Indians in Texas Legal Defense Fund.

The tribal community made even bigger news a few weeks ago when it purchased a $1.2 million property on East Commerce between Hackberry and Pine Streets on the near East Side.

The four buildings, 12,000 square feet in all, will house the tribal groups administrative offices, programs and a cultural center and gallery. Its former owner, the nonprofit Communities in Schools, will rent space there until its new location is ready, Vasquez said.

AIT-SCM plans to move into its new digs in August and hold a grand opening in the fall. Vasquez expressed gratitude for financial support from the San Antonio Area Foundation and the Local Initiatives Support Corp.

Opening a cultural center was a longstanding goal.

Vasquez, who has served on the boards of several national indigenous groups, says studies show Native Americans in urban areas who lack their own cultural centers dont fare as well in several key social indicators as those who do have such centers.

Census data show the Native American population in Bexar County grew by 40 percent and grew by 150 percent statewide, he said.

More Mexican Americans and others are acknowledging their Native American roots on census questionnaires.

Vasquez told me about AIT-SCMs new Heritage Food Truck, an early example of the kind of small businesses that the for-profit Tap Pilam Industries will incubate.

The idea is to be able to cultivate Native American artisans, food businesses and construction businesses, as well as lawn care and home maintenance for the elderly, Vasquez said.

Then were creating a process where well listen to what other people  especially young Native Americans with dreams of starting a business  want to do, he said.

In a country deeply divided over inclusion, diversity and even its own democratic ideals, Tap Pilam has decided to focus on expanding its reach and promoting healing.

The latter remains a common thread in its work.

Healing was an objective of Tap Pilams lawsuits, too. And the work goes on.

The best thing we can do is stay relevant, he said. What were doing is building a nation.

eayala@express-news.net
About a year ago when Isis Romero announced on Facebook that KSAT didnt renew her contract, this city was shocked.

People took to social media to share their heartbreak. On Facebook alone, more than 4,400 people commented, many demanding answers and vowing to stop watching the stations news. Why was their favorite news anchor suddenly gone? Some were so sad they cried.

Several commented about Romeros other role, as a Latina journalist. Bonnie Ortegon wrote: You are a role model for young aspiring Latinas everywhere.

As part of her Facebook post, Romero, who has more than 91,000 followers, said she enjoyed anchoring San Antonios top newscast for the past decade and took pride in representing my culture and community as the citys most tenured Latina news anchor currently on English-language TV.

RELATED: 'So much joy': Former KSAT anchor Isis Romero will join KENS 5 in June

I am an Isis Romero fan, but what stung the most was that San Antonio was losing a beloved Latina anchor. As time passed, I began to believe that if some other market didnt entice her, she wouldnt be out of the San Antonio spotlight for long. Shes too talented. Too loved.

Romero made the most of her time off. She used the extra time with her husband, Phil Anaya, KENS 5 weekend anchor, and their three young sons, ages 7, 6 and 4. She finished coursework and graduated with a masters degree from Arizona State Universitys Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

And she kept the faith.

I prayed a lot and I said, God, put me where you want me to go. Open the door you want me to walk through and Ill go, she said.

And now that Romero has landed a new job  anchoring the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts at KENS 5, the CBS affiliate  this city couldnt be happier. That Romero is delivering the news each night is a win for San Antonio  and for journalism.

Related: San Antonio KENS 5 anchor Isis Romero talks return to TV, family, life away from news

Ive only met and spoken to Romero a handful of times, but what strikes me most, other than her beauty, is her kind spirit. Its understandable that people would feel a connection  I know I do.

Romero and I have a lot in common. We are 42. We were raised in small South Texas towns  we sometimes have to generalize them as Corpus Christi because they are so small. Shes from Robstown, just a 30-minute drive from my hometown of Mathis. We both loved reading and writing, and remember watching the news, especially Lilly Flores Vela, a KIII-TV anchor in the 1980s and 90s.

When I was a kid, I watched her and remember thinking that she looked like me, Romero said. She sounded like me. I thought, I can do this some day. It planted a seed that I, too, could aspire to do something like that.

Romeros first KENS 5 newscast was June 6, and some of her first stories were about the elementary school shooting in Uvalde. I spoke to her a few days before her first newscast, and she told me she had given a lot of thought to how to pronounce Uvalde. Its something I had also considered, especially after listening to an insightful NPR story about it.

That journalists of all backgrounds care enough to attempt to get the details right is key, but Latinos have a special responsibility.

On ExpressNews.com: Preyor-Johnson: Diversity in newsrooms leads to diversity in news

Recently, Linda Cortez Camacho posted congratulations to Romero on Facebook: Great job! Finally, we have an anchor woman who pronounces Latino names correctly. You go Isis!

Most newsrooms have work to do when it comes to diversity, ensuring that their journalists are more representative of their communities is imperative. A Pew Research report released Tuesday found that while two-thirds of about 12,000 American journalists say their organization has enough gender diversity, about half as many (32 percent) say it has enough racial and ethnic diversity.

Local journalists feel similar. A San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists audit, released in May last year and endorsed by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, examined local, privately owned English language television stations, which doesnt include KLRN or Austin-based Spectrum News. Out of 55 San Antonio TV news anchors, only a quarter were Latino  and, yes, that included Romero. Thanks to KENS 5, that number includes Romero again.

May little brown girls and boys watch Romero and believe that they, too, can aspire to become journalists.

Nancy.Preyor-Johnson@express-news.net
If you want a sense of what separates much of the leadership of the Democratic Party from many of its supporters  of what illustrates their profound disconnect from younger cohorts of liberal and progressive voters  you could do much worse than to read this recent statement from Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California.

Some things take longer than others, and you can only do what you can do at a given time, she said in an interview with Rebecca Traister of New York magazine. That does not mean you cant do it at another time, and so one of the things you develop is a certain kind of memory for progress: when you can do something in terms of legislation and have a chance of getting it through, and when the odds are against it, meaning the votes and that kind of thing.

So, she concluded, Im very optimistic about the future of our country.

This comment was, in Traisters analysis, a damning example of the sanguine complacency that seems to mark much of the gerontocratic leadership of the Democratic Party.

I agree.

Whats missing from party leaders, an absence that is endlessly frustrating to younger liberals, is any sense of urgency and crisis  any sense that our system is on the brink. Despite mounting threats to the right to vote, the right to an abortion and the ability of the federal government to act proactively in the public interest, senior Democrats continue to act as if American politics is back to business as usual.

Earlier this year at the National Prayer Breakfast, to give another example, President Joe Biden praised Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell as a man of your word and a man of honor.

Thank you for being my friend, said Biden to a man who is almost singularly responsible for the destruction of the Senate as a functional lawmaking body and whose chief accomplishment in public life is the creation of a far-right Supreme Court majority now poised to roll American jurisprudence back to the 19th century.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is similarly enamored of this rhetoric of bipartisan comity in the face of a Republican Party whose members are caught in the grip of a cult of personality marked by conspiratorial thinking and an open contempt for electoral democracy.

It might come as a surprise to some of you that the president I quote most often is President Reagan, Pelosi said at the ribbon-cutting for the Washington branch of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.

Im reminded of historian Jefferson Cowies argument about the New Deals relationship to the American political order. In The Great Exception: The New Deal and the Limits of American Politics, Cowie argues for an interpretation of the United States in the 20th century that treats the New Deal era, from the administration of Franklin Roosevelt to the 1970s, as a sustained deviation from some of the main contours of American political practice, economic structure, and cultural outlook.

The Great Depression and World War II may have forced clear realignments of American politics and class relations, Cowie writes, but those changes were less the linear triumph of the welfare state than the product of very specific, and short-lived, historical circumstances.

If this is true  if the New Deal is unlikely to be repeated now or in the future  then the challenge for those committed to the notion of a government that protects and expands the collective economic rights of the American people is to forge a new vision for what that might be. The path forward is not clear, Cowie writes, but whatever successful incarnation of a liberal social imaginary might follow will not look like the New Deal, and it might be best to free ourselves from the notion that it will.

I think you can apply a similar great exception analysis to the decades of institutional stability and orderly partisan competition that shaped the current generation of Democratic leaders.

They came into national politics in an age of bipartisan consensus and centrist policymaking, at a time when the parties and their coalitions were less ideological and more geographically varied. But this, too, was a historical aberration, the result of political and social dynamics  such as the broad prosperity of the industrial economic order at home  that were already well in decline by the time Biden, Pelosi, Feinstein and others first took office.

American politics since then has reverted to a state of heightened division, partisanship and fierce electoral competition. Even the authoritarianism on display in the Republican Party has antecedents in the behavior of Southern political elites at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th.

Millions of Democratic voters can see and feel that American politics has changed in profound ways since at least the 1990s, and they want their leaders to act, and react, accordingly.

Standing in the way of this demand, unfortunately, is the stubborn  and ultimately ruinous  optimism of some of the most powerful people in the Democratic Party.
Gov. Greg Abbott:

The horrors in Uvalde force us to remember the sacred losses experienced in Midland-Odessa, El Paso, Santa Fe and Sutherland Springs, and to acknowledge that gun violence ends a life, on average, every two hours in Texas. Texas gun laws are flawed, but passing gun safety legislation is difficult when one side sees the answer as fewer guns and the other sees it as more guns.

Do we simply stay at a stalemate while innocents are slaughtered? Is the solution to a bad guy with a gun a good guy with a gun? Such thinking reverses the golden rule and leads to a quote often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, An eye for an eye  until the whole world is blind.

As we continue to pray and care for our brothers and sisters in Uvalde, we must consider additional ways to act. As one Texas pastor states, My job is to pray; now our lawmakers must do their jobs.

Your job is to listen to and serve the people of Texas.

Devout faith leaders of Interfaith San Antonio Alliance come together to find common ground. Christian Scripture teaches, In humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Sikhs teach that such humility, which is freedom from self-justifying behavior, is a formidable weapon.

As you govern, we pray that you follow the ethic shared in all world religions: Love your neighbor as yourself.

Is one neighbors right to bear arms more valuable than the life of another? More than 311,000 students have experienced gun violence at school since Columbine in 1999. Surely, this was not the intent of the framers of the Constitution.

Our systemic stubbornness on gun laws endangers everyone. Our intent is to work with you to make Texas a place where all are free to pursue life, liberty and happiness. In humility, we must stop shouting sound bites and start listening to well-founded arguments.

For instance, mental health care is vital, but we cannot pretend this is the sole solution. Are Americans vastly less mentally fit than Canadians, Australians or the British? Though these countries offer more accessible care, they also have serious gun safety laws. Both are needed. Inaction is a refusal to protect lives.

Governor, the Interfaith San Antonio Alliance implores you to call a special session, requiring legislators to:

 Listen to us, your constituents, and to each other.

 Agree on clear goals addressing the epidemic of gun violence.

 Recognize victory is only achieved in protecting the innocent.

The imperative whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity is found in both Islams Holy Quran and Judaisms Talmud.

May we work as one to save humanity. Our children are counting on us.

Respectfully,

Representatives of the Interfaith San Antonio Alliance

This was submitted by the Rev. Wyndee E. Holbrook, executive director, ISAA; Rabbi Lisa Goldstein, Congregation Shalom of San Antonio; the Rev. Mignon Jones-Spann, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, ISAA board; Sister Martha Ann Kirk, Incarnate Word Sisters; Rabbi Mara Nathan, Temple Beth-El; Mehmet Oguz, Raindrop Foundation, ISAA board; Dr. G.P. Singh, Sikh Dharamsal; and the Rev. Joshua Woods, Episcopal Church of Reconciliation.
Gender Equality Minister Kim Hyun-sook speaks during a press conference held in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Ministry of Gender Equality and Family



By Lee Hyo-jin



Gender Equality Minister Kim Hyun-sook said a task force will be launched to seek ways on how to abolish the ministry, thus moving toward fulfilling President Yoon Suk-yeol's campaign pledge.



"As I have said during the parliamentary hearing, considering the changes in the policy environment, it is clear that the ministry should be abolished," she said during a press conference, Thursday, the first such event since she took office in May.



She went on to say that an internal task force will be launched on Friday, led by a senior official in charge of promoting gender equality, in order to discuss specific ways on how to "transform" the ministry so that it can better fulfill its role and responsibilities.



"The task force will hold meetings on a regular basis and gather opinions from various experts on youth, women, and family policies. We will also look into government agencies overseas that are similar to ours and monitor their policies," she said.



After her ministry comes up with measures on how to "reform" the ministry, the Ministry of Interior and Safety will introduce revisions to the Government Organization Act which would then be reviewed at the National Assembly, she said. But she added that no timeline has been fixed yet.



Kim also said the ministry will strengthen networking with other government bodies such as the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Employment Labor and the Ministry of Health and Welfare to prevent a vacuum in the policies carried out by the ministry.



Meanwhile, Kim vowed to increase efforts in resolving gender conflict among the younger generations, which has risen as a thorny issue in recent years in Korean society.



"We plan to launch an in-depth research to figure out the reasons behind the escalating gender conflicts. Moreover, we will hold a town hall meeting with young people in July to gather their opinions, while arranging meetings with ambassadors from Germany, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand to hear how they have handled similar issues in their countries," she said.



When asked about her opinion on President Yoon's previous remarks that systemic gender discrimination does not exist currently in Korean society, Kim replied, "It does not seem appropriate to comment about the president's opinion."



She gave a short response to a query about Yoon's male-dominated cabinet, saying, "I believe the president has picked people based on their professional ability."



Currently, there are only three female ministers among 19 Cabinet members. Yoon recently nominated two more women for minister positions in education and health following criticisms over a lack of gender diversity.


A few days ago the New York Times published a report on the drying up of the Great Salt Lake, a story Im ashamed to admit had flown under my personal radar. Were not talking about a hypothetical event in the distant future: The lake has already lost two-thirds of its surface area, and ecological disasters  salinity rising to the point where wildlife dies off, occasional poisonous dust storms sweeping through a metropolitan area of 2.5 million people  seem imminent.

Whats happening to the Great Salt Lake is pretty bad. But what I found really scary about the report is what the lack of an effective response to the lakes crisis says about our ability to respond to the larger, indeed existential threat of climate change.

If you arent terrified by the threat posed by rising levels of greenhouse gases, you arent paying attention  which, sadly, many people arent. And those who are or should be aware of that threat but stand in the way of action for the sake of short-term profits or political expediency are, in a real sense, betraying humanity.

That said, the worlds failure to take action on climate, while inexcusable, is also understandable. For as many observers have noted, global warming is a problem that almost looks designed to make political action difficult. In fact, the politics of climate change are hard for at least four reasons.

First, when scientists began raising the alarm in the 1980s, climate change looked like a distant threat  a problem for future generations.

This view is all wrong  were already seeing the effects of climate change, largely in the rising frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, like the megadrought in the American West that is contributing to the death of the Great Salt Lake. But thats a statistical argument, which brings me to the second problem with climate change: Its not yet visible to the naked eye, at least the naked eye that doesnt want to see.

Weather, after all, fluctuates. Heat waves and droughts happened before the planet began warming; cold spells still happen even with the planet warmer on average than in the past. It doesnt take fancy analysis to show a persistent upward trend in temperatures, but many people arent convinced by statistical analysis, fancy or not, only by raw experience.

Then theres the third problem: Until recently, it looked as if any major attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions would have significant economic costs. Serious estimates of these costs were always much lower than claimed by anti-environmentalists, and technological progress in renewable energy has made a transition to a low-emission economy look far easier than anyone could have imagined 15 years ago.

Finally, climate change is a global problem, requiring global action  and offering a reason not to move. Anyone urging U.S. action has encountered the counterargument, It doesnt matter what we do, because China will just keep polluting. There are answers to that  if we ever do get serious about emissions, carbon tariffs will have to be part of the mix. But its certainly an argument that affects the discussion.

As I said, all these issues are explanations for inaction on climate, not excuses. But heres the thing: None of these explanations for environmental inaction apply to the death of the Great Salt Lake. Yet the relevant policymakers still seem unwilling or unable to act.

Much of the lake is already gone, and the big wildlife die-off might begin as early as this summer. And it doesnt take a statistical model to notice that the lake is shrinking.

Finally, we arent talking about a global problem. True, global climate change has contributed to reduced snowpack, which is one reason the Great Salt Lake has shrunk. But a large part of the problem is local water consumption; if that consumption could be curbed, Utah neednt worry that its efforts would be negated by the Chinese or whatever.

So this should be easy: A threatened region should be accepting modest sacrifices, some barely more than inconveniences, to avert a disaster just around the corner. But it doesnt seem to be happening.

And if we cant save the Great Salt Lake, what chance do we have of saving the planet?
Plyler v. Doe, the landmark Supreme Court case that struck down a Texas law denying public education for children who are undocumented, turned 40 this week. And this landmark decision is on Gov. Greg Abbotts mind.

As he made clear in early May, following a leaked Supreme Court draft decision that portends the likely reversal of the 1973 Roe v. Wade abortion ruling, Abbott intends to challenge the precedent of free public education for immigrant children.

When syndicated talk-radio host Joe Pags Pagliarulo asked Abbott last month about the burden of funding public education for students without remedial English skills, Abbott began by correcting him: They arent just Spanish speakers  they are from 155 countries across the globe.

Next, Abbott shared his plan to attack the precedent.

In Plyler v. Doe, the Supreme Court ruled against us on the issue about denying, or lets say Texas having to bear that burden, Abbott said. I think we will resurrect that case and challenge this issue again because the expenses are extraordinary and the times are different than when Plyer v. Doe was issued many decades ago.

Related: Gov. Greg Abbott wants to challenge SCOTUS case requiring states to educate all children

Tyler Sizemore, Staff Photographer / Hearst Connecticut Media

Such heartless nonsense. Its not up to educators to vet the immigration status of people, especially children who may not have had a choice in coming to the United States. Its also foolish to not educate immigrant children, who will then pursue careers and contribute to our nation in so many ways.

Some background. In a 5-4 decision on June 15, 1982, the Supreme Court held that Texas legislation in 1975 that allowed the state to withhold funds for educating children of undocumented immigrants from local school districts violated the equal protection clause.

Importantly, the Supreme Court reasoned, education has a fundamental role in maintaining the fabric of our society and provides the basic tools by which individuals might lead economically productive lives to the benefit of us all.

Teachers and principals havent complained about the burden of educating immigrant students, yet Abbott has, once again, manufactured a pretend problem.

Punishing children for our countrys broken immigration system is immoral. Its also economically unwise. Public education for all children benefits our state and country, as we need children to grow to be productive members of society.

Immigrants are here to stay  and spend money. According to the American Immigration Council, immigrants make up 17 percent of Texas population, and undocumented immigrants paid an estimated $2.6 billion in federal taxes and $1.6 billion in state and local taxes in 2018.

Texas American Federation of Teachers President Zeph Capo said Abbotts foolish and cruel plan would harm children, and we agree.

Who would be tasked with the burden of determining which students are legal citizens. Administrators? Front office staff? Teachers? Principals? No one wants that job.

We wonder if Abbott knows how much Texas spends on education for undocumented immigrant students. A May 2020 Rice University Baker Institute for Public Policy cost-benefit assessment study of undocumented immigrants in Texas estimated the public education cost for an estimated 160,000 undocumented Texas students in 2018-19 was $1.5 billion.

By comparison, Abbotts failed, state-funded Operation Lone Star border security operation has ballooned to about $4 billion, with no apparent end in sight.

Educating immigrant children, regardless of their status, is a much more noble and worthwhile investment.

On ExpressNews.com: Editorial: In Operation Lone Star, Abbott has created a quagmire

Public schools are not without their inequities and challenges, but they are also a safety net. Schools provide not only education but basic needs, such as breakfast and lunch, which are especially crucial for low-income students.

If our highest court overturned this decision, its effects would be devastating. In 2018, Pew Research estimated 675,000 unauthorized immigrant children were living in the United States.

We cant turn our backs on immigrant children. But some officials have never turned to face them or look deeply into their eyes.
The pain in Uvalde is impossible to bear, and the muddled understanding of the police response only adds to this burden.

It has been more than three weeks since 19 children and two teachers were murdered at Robb Elementary School, yet the public still lacks a clear understanding of the immediate police response to the nations second-deadliest school shooting.

Rather than a clear picture, what has emerged is a mosaic of contradictory statements and missteps.

It is paramount that the families who lost loved ones in Uvalde have a clear, complete and accurate picture about the police response, just as it is paramount that Texans and the nation have an accurate understanding as lawmakers discuss policies to honor the victims and prevent future violence.

The latest revelation, as the Express-News has reported, is that 13 Department of Public Safety troopers were outside the classrooms during the shooting as law enforcement officers waited more than an hour before entering the classroom and killing the shooter. State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, a San Antonio Democrat who represents Uvalde, said he learned of the presence of state troopers from DPS Director Steven McCraw.

He told me there was enough people and equipment to breach the door, Gutierrez told Express-News reporter Brian Chasnoff.

Here, we have a state senator asserting state law enforcement had the tools to enter the classroom but for reasons that remain unclear did not. The magnitude is not lost on us. These would be law enforcement officers from an agency whose leader, McCraw, has criticized local police for not immediately entering the classroom.

Ramos entered the school about 11:30 a.m. on May 24. And law enforcement arrived minutes later, taking gunfire. But a group of officers didnt breach the door until 12:50 p.m. We know 911 calls were being made from the classroom during this time as more and more officers from across agencies descended on the school.

Gutierrez also described a May 28 conversation in which McCraw was in tears and said DPS would never again stand down.

In response to Gutierrezs comments, Texas Department of Public Safety spokesman Travis Considine tweeted: This is absolutely false, saying Gutierrez was playing a game of telephone with the Express-News.

But Considine then issued a more nuanced statement for DPS: More than a dozen DPS personnel were on campus assisting with the evacuation during the course of the incident and at times entered and exited the hallway.

Law enforcement officers will take on many roles during such an emergency, but the public needs to know more about the various roles DPS officers took at Robb Elementary, when they arrived on the scene, what equipment they had and why officers did not immediately attempt to enter classrooms 111 and 112. It begins by having clarity about who was in charge.

In a press conference days after the shooting, McCraw identified Pedro Pete Arredondo, chief of police for the Uvalde school district, as the on-scene commander, saying he made the wrong decision to not have officers immediately enter the classroom.

But Arredondo, who did not bring his radios to the scene, has said he did not view himself as being in charge and never issued such an order.

I didnt issue any orders, Arredondo said, according to the Texas Tribune. I called for assistance and asked for an extraction tool to open the door.

All Gutierrez is doing is seeking the truth  and eventually we will know it.

As upsetting as the known police response to this massacre has been, lets also remember that lax gun laws and easy access to AR-style weapons have created the conditions for mass shootings and slaughter, and that we ask police to plan for and respond to horrors that should never occur and should be unimaginable.

Again, we reiterate our call for bipartisan commonsense gun reforms, just as we reiterate our call for a full and complete understanding of this police response. Both are desperately needed to honor the lives lost in Uvalde and to prevent future tragedies.
With their property values exploding this year  stirring up fears of big 2022 tax bills  San Antonio homeowners got a little relief from City Council on Thursday.

Council members voted 10-0 for a homestead exemption that will shield 10 percent of a residences appraised value from city taxation.

Thats a huge increase over the exemption the city already had in place, covering a barely noticeable 0.01 percent of a propertys value, or a minimum of $5,000 per household. Thats the smallest break allowable under state law.

District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry  a Northeast Side fiscal conservative who frequently chides his colleagues for what he portrays as their loose-spending ways  celebrated Thursdays vote.

Im as happy as can be, Perry said. Im happy not for me but for our taxpayers, our homeowners. Its not our money.

City Council also approved an increase to the citys homestead exemptions for seniors aged 65 and over and people with disabilities.

District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval, who delivered a baby girl on June 5, was absent from Thursdays meeting.

With throngs of real-estate investors and homebuyers bidding up San Antonio home prices, values jumped this year by a record-breaking average of 23.2 percent, from $250,806 to $309,118, according to the Bexar County Appraisal District.

Between 2015 and 2020, property values on average rose no more than 7 percent annually.

Residential and commercial property owners didnt take the surge in valuations well. The appraisal district fielded more than 156,000 protests this year, another record. The deadline for protests was May 16.

The city estimates $5 billion worth of home values will be shaved off taxable value just from protests.

How much youll save

At least 240,000 households could take advantage of an increased exemption.

It would save a taxpayer whose home is assessed at $100,000 about $55. For someone with a house valued of $200,000, the savings would be $109. When the assessed value rises to $300,000, a homeowner would see about $164 in savings.

The homestead exemption for seniors will jump from $65,000 to $85,000 that can be shaved off their property values. People with disabilities will be able to reduce their taxable value by $85,000 as well, up from $12,500.

Still, councils action Thursday wont put taxpayers concerns to rest.

The larger homestead exemption applies only to the citys portion of their tax bills. San Antonio property taxes represent about 20 percent of a homeowners total bill, said Albert Uresti, Bexar Countys tax assessor-collector. School district taxes make up about half of the bill, while Bexar County gets about 11 percent.

On ExpressNews.com: How much will San Antonios homestead exemption help your tax bill? The city has a plan

Last month, city officials also discussed dropping the tax rate from 55.8 cents per $100 of property value to 54.5 cents. Council members will finalize the citys rate later in September.

But a lower tax rate doesnt always equate to lower property tax bills.

In all reality, theyre still gonna pay more taxes, Uresti said.

Still, he applauded the citys work to combine a reduced tax rate with a bigger homestead exemption, saying it still makes a difference.

In one respect, City Council has little choice about easing residents tax burdens.

Apart from constituents demanding relief, council members also face a state law that caps property tax revenue growth for cities at 3.5 percent year-over-year. Anything over that threshold triggers an election.

If council members kept the tax rate at 55.8 cents per $100 property value, this years surging appraisals make it likely that the citys property tax haul would increase by more than 3.5 percent over last year.

This year, property taxes are the biggest source of revenue  at $410.3 million  for the citys $1.36 billion general fund, which pays for street repairs, police and fire protection, and other basic services.

San Antonio officials say the 10 percent homestead exemption will essentially offset any increase in city tax bills for eligible homeowners.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio may cut city property tax rate next year because of the soaring housing market

Last week, Bexar County adopted a 20 percent homestead exemption, the maximum allowed in Texas.

County commissioners adopted a $5,000 homestead break in March  the countys first  in an effort led by new Commissioner Marialyn Barnard. They also increased the University Health hospital district exemption for residents aged 65 and over from $10,000 to $30,000.

School districts also will have a larger homestead exemption after voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment in May that allows homeowners to shave $40,000 off the taxable value of their home, an increase of $15,000 from the existing school district homestead exemption.

Im excited to see all the different taxing entities making an effort because that helps keep families in their homes, Uresti said.

The increased exemption helps Mayor Ron Nirenberg deliver on the tax relief he promised to scared homeowners when the city began working on its next annual budget earlier this year. It also gives Nirenberg and council members political bragging rights.

North Side Councilmen John Courage and Perry made the initial push for a larger homestead exemption. Southwest Side Councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia had asked for a larger exemption for people with disabilities.

I think theres still work to be done, Courage said. I think its step by step. But I think this is a good step.

megan.stringer@express-news.net
This time, the once-a-decade redrawing of City Councils 10 districts wasnt supposed to come down to back-room deal-cutting, with self-interested elected officials and lawyers playing the role of political mapmakers.

As envisioned, council members would be kept out of the monthslong process of redistricting.

Instead, each one appointed residents from their district to an advisory committee that held regular meetings, all of them open to the public.

That didnt keep politics out of it.

When a draft map moved Brackenridge Park out of Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguezs District 2 on the East Side, he had no qualms publicly calling for the historic park to remain on his turf.

Soon, his committee appointees on the committee made the same request as McKee-Rodriguez  despite having kept quiet about the proposed shift for months.

After scores of East Side residents turned up at two committee meetings saying they wanted to hold onto Brackenridge Park in District 2, the councilmans wish was granted.

The squabble over the park raised the question of whether a citizens committee was able to remain truly independent from City Council members  the very officials who appointed them to do the job.

Theres things that have been going around behind the scenes, McKee-Rodriguez said. If council members were really staying out of it, I dont think this would be a problem.

He added: I have done very little in the grand scheme of things.

On ExpressNews.com: Could the highly political redistricting process be more independent? San Antonio may find out

During redistricting  conducted every 10 years soon after the latest census  district boundaries are redrawn based on the latest population numbers. The city charter gives council members the power to approve new district lines that determine who their voters will be.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg created the advisory committee of residents essentially to keep council members from engaging in power plays  away from the public eye  to get district maps to their political advantage.

When City Council casts its final vote on the map Thursday, Nirenberg has asked them to approve or reject the new district lines without making any changes. He said its a way to build trust in the resident-led process and signal that council members wont just take the committees map and do with it as they please.

That doesnt mean council members havent been working behind the scene to tweak the map before they vote on it.

Nirenberg knows questions about insider influence have come up. But he said the committee was largely able to remain independent, even if not perfectly.

As messy as this display of democracy is  and every redistricting effort that strives for transparency and independence will be messy  its a vast improvement over what has been done before, Nirenberg said.

Fight over Medical Center

Council members tangled over the South Texas Medical Center earlier this year because its one of the citys most prominent economic engines, accounting for tens of thousands of jobs.

The Medical Center currently sits at the southern edge of District 8, which stretches from the far Northwest Side and stops just before hitting Loop 410. Councilman Manny Pelaez represents the area.

He accused District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval of trying to capture a portion of the Med Center for her own district.

The battle came to a head when Pelaezs and Sandovals appointees to the redistricting committee couldnt reach a compromise and brought the issue up for a vote. To some, it appeared the council members were orchestrating the moves. Pelaez had appointed one of his staffers, Laura Garza, to the committee.

Pelaez said earlier this year he didnt promise anyone hed be neutral.

To expect me to just sit back and watch (is) not my problem, he said. My problem is making sure we maintain neighborhoods intact in District 8.

On ExpressNews.com: Shiny object looting: Panelists redrawing San Antonio council districts tangle over Medical Center

To Demonte Alexander, a political analyst and former council staff member, the key question is who benefits from representing the Med Center.

City Council will always have its hands in redistricting to some extent, Alexander said. Whats important  in protecting the redistricting committees independence  is for council members not to demand loyalty from their appointees, to allow them to do what they think is best.

Garza isnt the only committee member with City Hall experience  and the personal and political ties that come with it.

District 3 Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran appointed her sister, former Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran, as well as former city attorney Frank Garza. Sandoval appointed former assistant city manager Frances Gonzalez, who also used to work for Julian Castro. Clayton Perry appointed former District 10 Councilmen Carlton Soules and John Clamp.

Soules, who worked on redistricting 10 years ago when he was on City Council, said the committee process still allowed for conversations between council members and their appointees. And committee members met regularly outside public meetings to hash out details and negotiate.

While every proposal may not have made it to the full committee, the serious ones did.

Soules doesnt believe redistricting could ever be totally independent of council. But a committee hammering out district lines at public meetings  thats transparent, he said.

A large group of people who dont have a dog in the fight hear each side and make a decision, Soules said. That keeps it pretty independent as opposed to allies on council working together or trading favors.

A long way to go

Its hard for a group of residents drawing a new City Council map to be immune from political influence. While redistricting may occur in a more public setting, anyone can show up to plead their case  including the politically connected.

Business leaders asked the committee at the 11th hour to keep downtown in District 1 instead of carving out its west end and placing it in District 5 on the West Side. Patty Gibbons, president of the Greater Harmony Hills Neighborhood Association and former District 9 City Council candidate, pushed to keep her own neighborhood in the more conservative North Side district instead of the left-leaning District 1.

Appointees who know the community well and are aware of possible political motives are considered the strongest defense against such pushes. In the end, the committee granted the wish of the downtown business community but not of Gibbons.

Councilman John Courage, who represents North Side District 9, was aware of the battle over Greater Harmony Hills. But he said he stayed out of it  even though he carried the neighborhood in his council races. The result: he lost the area from his district.

It might have been easy for me to say, Cant we find someplace else? But they knew, because they looked at the numbers as members of the committee, Courage said. So I trusted them.

Hes happy with how the process turned out this decade. Not everyone is.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio is getting bigger. Should the City Council expand as well?

Amy Kastely, a law professor at St. Marys University School of Law, was appointed to represent District 5. She said the business communitys ability to get its way with the redistricting committee shows a lack of independence.

I think we have a long way to go to get the kind of transparency that we need to be able to genuinely exercise democratic participation, Kastely said.

Graciela Sanchez, longtime West Side resident and director of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, said the western edge of downtown holds historical value to District 5. But she was surprised at the lack of pushback from business owners earlier in the process.

Once the business community got involved  at the last minute  she questioned the immediate shift in votes on the committee.

When community shows up to speak or observe, its an illusion because things are still happening behind closed doors, Sanchez said.

She thinks the committee was a good idea that, in the end, wasnt successful.

Nirenberg said hed absolutely like to see the city handle its next round of redistricting with another citizens committee. He expects to hear improvements for the future  rules could clarify guidelines for appointing members, for example.

Voters likely will see a couple of redistricting-related amendments to the city charter down the road  one on increasing the number of City Council districts to accommodate San Antonios fast-growing population and another aimed at bolstering independence in political mapmaking.

Politics to some extent are unavoidable, Nirenberg said. But we have removed that direct influence by taking those discussions off the council dais and putting it into the hands of community members.

megan.stringer@express-news.net
While southwest Montana reels from historic flooding that has destroyed roads, homes and lives, Gov. Greg Gianforte "is returning early and as quickly as possible."

Brooke Stroyke, the governor's spokesperson, said in an email at 10:22 a.m. on Thursday that Gianforte was scheduled to return to Montana Thursday evening.

When asked where the governor has been, Stroyke said that the office "does not share the governors location while he is out of country for security reasons."

What is known is that the governor left before flooding began to go out of the country on a long-scheduled personal trip with the first lady, according to a release from spokesperson Brooke Stroyke.

The release also provided a non-exhaustive summary of actions taken by the state since the State Emergency Coordination Council was bumped up to a level three on Monday.

Gianforte verbally authorized a disaster declaration on Monday. The same day he gave express written authorization to Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras to act on his behalf.

Juras signed the executive order Tuesday morning initiating the disaster declaration as acting governor.

That order gives the governor the ability to use money from Montanas general fund to meet contingencies and needs from the flooding.

How much money could be used, and on what, is unclear.

The Montana Constitution addresses succession in Article 14.

The document states that the lieutenant governor will step in as acting governor under a variety of circumstances, like if the governor cannot communicate his inability to perform the duties of the office, dies or is out of the state for 45 consecutive days.

Or the governor can make a written request asking the lieutenant governor to step in as acting governor.

When asked for a copy of the written authorization, Stroyke said in an email that the authorization stated: "Lt. Gov. Juras, During my brief absence from the state you have my delegated authority to act on my behalf in response to the flooding in Montana."

Hannah Slusser, Juras executive assistant, did not respond to requests for a copy of the governor's written authorization putting Juras in charge by Wednesday afternoon.

State law outlines the powers of the acting governor. Juras has all the rights, duties, and emoluments of the office of governor while acting as governor, the law states.

While the governor has not been active on the ground, his Twitter account has produced 26 tweets as of 1 p.m. on Wednesday related to the historic flooding on the Yellowstone River.

In one tweet posted Tuesday at 1:53 p.m., the governor said that he was pursuing an expedited presidential disaster declaration to cover the costs of damages in communities affected by flooding.

Federal law requires that governors states affected by natural disaster make a request to the president for federal aid.

The state formally sent a request, signed by Juras on behalf of Gianforte, to President Joe Biden Wednesday.

The request outlined the conditions that led to the flooding.

The second week of June brought heavy rainfall to southwest and south central Montana ranging from 2 to 5 inches, the request stated. That rain fell on snowpack that "was very warm and therefore melted quickly."

The combination of rainfall and melted snow pack created between 5 and 10 inches of runoff over a roughly 24-hour period.

The request stated that the runoff would equate "somewhere between a 1 in 100-year event" and an "1 in 500-year event."

A list of federal aid requests was also included.

That list included a request for assessments from the Environmental Protection Agency on damage to public water and wastewater infrastructure and technical assistance from the agency on impacts to oil or gas infrastructure or hazardous spills.

Another request was to the U.S. Department of Energy to get help restoring power to affected communities. Flood fighting support was requested from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Assistance and assessments on damaged federal roadways was also made to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Requests to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for aid with damaged health care facilities and evacuation of patients and the U.S. Geological Survey for help with data collection and incident impacts rounded out the list.

Gianfortes last known public appearance in Montana was on Friday, June 10 in Bozeman for a groundbreaking at Montana State Universitys Innovation Campus.

On June 11, Gianfortes private plane flew from the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport to the Lake County Airport in Leadville, Colorado. The same day, the plane returned to Bozeman.

Arin Peters, a senior service Hydrologist for the National Weather Service, said that the Billings office began monitoring the possibility of flooding on Friday. The first flood warning was issued at 11 p.m. Saturday, June 11.

That information is sent to the Montana Disaster & Emergency Services, which communicates updates to the governors office.
(The Center Square)  Montana's marijuana industry expects to see a surge in sales this summer as tourism season is in full swing.

Montana, the 12th state in the U.S. to legalize adult recreational sales, has had $123 million in recreational and medical marijuana sales so far this year, the Cannabis Business Times reported.

Pepper Petersen, president and CEO of the Montana Cannabis Guild, a trade association, told The Center Square that summer means increased marijuana sales from tourism.

"Our population increases by about 12 million people in the summer months," Petersen said. "The tourist season is when we will have the most sales. When we designed the taxation system, it was quite frankly, to tax those people who are from out of state as much as anyone."

It has been estimated that legalized marijuana will produce $40 million annually in tax revenue from $286 million in annual sales, he said.

Montana has no statewide general sales tax, Petersen noted.

"Our property taxpayers carry the burden of paying for the infrastructure that the tourists use," he said.

Marijuana is subject to a sales tax of 4% for medical and 20% for recreational sales, according to the Montana Department of Revenue.

"We thought this would be a good opportunity to have tourists, for once, to carry their weight," Petersen said. "We don't believe in sales taxes in Montana, but we are willing to tax the marijuana smokers."

In addition to state tax revenues from marijuana, local governments may also impose their own sales taxes on the products of up to 3%, according to the state.

"Thirteen counties out of the 28 counties that have legal recreational marijuana just in this past election passed taxation," Petersen said. "There were four counties previous to this that passed taxation back in November."

In Montana, taxes are only collected at the point of sale, he noted.

"There's no taxes on wholesale, no taxes on production," Petersen said. "If you look at California's system, it's multi-tiered. They tax around 45% which causes people to go to the black market."
Northern Irish farmers have called for 'pragmatic solutions' to resolve issues surrounding the NI Protocol, as some parts of the agreement have 'created havoc' for the industry.

The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) said the protocol must be "workable for every farming sector", as while certain elements worked, it was creating 'some difficulties' within the UK internal market.

This is due to NI remaining within the EU regulatory zone, while GB is considered a third country outside the EU, creating restrictions and checks on agricultural produce, animals and plants moving from GB to NI.

The protocol - agreed by the UK and EU in 2019 - has been a source of tension since it came into force at the beginning of last year.

The UK government now wants to amend the post-Brexit agreement to make it easier for some goods to flow from Britain to NI.

However, the European Union is against the move, as going back to the deal would be a flagrant breach of international law.

The UFU said it wanted to see ongoing negotiations on the NI Protocol "settled with immediate effect to address the series of issues its creating".

The union's president, David Brown said: "The UFU represents farmers across all agri sectors in NI and while some parts of the NI Protocol are working for several commodities, it is causing havoc for others.

"Pragmatic solutions need to be found to make the Protocol work for agriculture in its entirety, and as one of NIs largest and most economically valuable sectors, its in governments best interests to deliver on this immediately.

The UFU has been raising issues about the NI Protocol for the past 18 months, and to date, the industry has brought forward numerous solutions to the problems.

However, the group said farmers were "promised the best of both worlds, sold on the idea that farmers would have unfettered access to GB and EU markets".

Mr Brown said: "In specific areas weve ended up in no mans land, unable to use products from GB and equally unable to switch to Republic of Ireland inputs as theyre not licensed in the UK."

He added: "The time for playing the blame game has long passed and its our primary producers who are paying the price for these issues going unresolved.

"The impact it is having on their farm business is getting completely forgotten. All the political parties recognise there are specific issues for agriculture that need resolved.

"Negotiated solutions are vital for our industry, and its about time both sides came together to deliver them, he said.
The Scottish parliament has passed the Good Food Nation Bill which seeks to boost local procurement, use in-season produce and reduce food waste.

The Bill, passed on Wednesday (15 June), will create links between food policy at the national and local levels, with government, local authorities and health boards all creating 'good food nation plans'.

These plans will then set out outcomes and policies across a range of areas relating to food, including how to buy more local produce from farmers and tackle waste.

A Food Commission will also be established for making recommendations in relation to the plans, as well as progress reports.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said the bill had an aim to ensure everyone in Scotland had access to healthy and nutritious food.

Organisations can play a leading role in this process," she said, "Looking at how they boost local procurement, cut down food waste and packaging and use in-season produce as well disposing of food waste in an environmentally friendly way."

In addition, food education can equip school pupils with the key skills they need to cook tasty, nutritious meals using the incredible array of world-class produce we have, and also make informed food choices when they are away from home.

The passing of this Bill lays down the foundation, and gives us a firm start, to achieving our goal of being a Good Food Nation.

David Thomson CEO Food & Drink Federation Scotland, welcomed the bill as it 'highly values the importance' of Scottish food.

The Bill will be a key element in ensuring that Scotlands critical food and drink producers are supported in their journey to a sustainable, resilient and profitable future.

It comes as the UK government introduced its national food strategy for England, which will issue more support to farmers to bolster domestic food production.

The strategy commits to 'broadly maintaining' the current level of food production, while boosting production in certain sectors, such as horticulture.
Urgent action is required 'now more than ever' to tackle the UKs energy shortages by boosting on-farm energy production, the Farmers Union of Wales has said.

The call has been made in the union's letter, sent to the UK Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng and the Welsh Minister for Climate Change, Julie James.

During the previous decade, initiatives such as the Feed in Tariffs (FiTs) scheme were instrumental in increasing levels of UK renewable energy production, the FUW noted.

Renewable energy produced on farms across the country were 'central' to this improvement in the UK's energy security.

However, due to the scheme's closure in 2019, the risks of reliance on overseas energy were now more apparent than ever, the FUW warned.

It added that urgent action was needed on both a UK and national scale in order to rapidly increase on-farm renewable energy, in a way that does not compromise food production.

FUW President Glyn Roberts said: "Urgent action is needed at all levels of government to mitigate current and future impacts of our over-reliance on imported energy.

"For example, in terms of the restrictions placed on those farming in our national parks where sources of renewable energy abound but renewable energy initiatives are obstructed.

"Or in terms of UK-wide policies that genuinely incentivise and reward those who are contributing to reductions in carbon emissions through renewable energy production.

Given such concerns, the FUW believes that barriers should be removed and initiatives enhanced in order to increase levels of renewable energy production on farms.

The union's members have highlighted that one of the barriers to such renewable energy production was the cost of connection of viable schemes to the national grid.

"The fact that such connection fees often appeared to at the best capitalise on, and at worst obstruct, such initiatives despite them being in the nations interests," Mr Roberts said.
Incheon Coast Guard chief Park Sang-choon speaks about a South Korean government official killed by North Korean military in September 2020, during a press conference at the coast guard office in Incheon, Thursday. Yonhap



Yoon administration reverses previous gov't's stance on fisheries official's death



By Nam Hyun-woo



The government on Thursday dropped its plan to appeal to a higher court about the ruling that it should disclose information related to a South Korean fisheries official killed by North Korea's military in 2020. The government expressed regrets about the previous Moon Jae-in administration's "inappropriate" explanation that the official attempted to defect to North Korea.



According to the presidential office, the legal representative of the Office of National Security has withdrawn its appeal to the Seoul High Court on the Seoul Administrative Court's decision ordering the government to reveal information related to the deceased official, surnamed Lee.



Following the withdrawal, the administrative court's decision was confirmed as the final ruling, meaning that the government has to reveal relevant information that the security office received from the Coast Guard and the defense ministry from 6:36 p.m. to 10:11 p.m. on Sept. 22, 2020, the day Lee was shot to death hours after going missing the previous day while on duty near South Korea's Yeonpyeong Island.



However, many of the key reports were designated as presidential records during the previous Moon administration. The previous administration then suggested that Lee appeared to have attempted to defect to the North due to financial difficulties



The Office of National Security said "the office cannot reveal related documents as they were designated as presidential records" and "it is regretful" that the office cannot practice due measures for the bereaved family.



"The office hopes the withdrawal will help correct the unfair measures of the past that restricted information even though a national was killed by the North Korean military," the office said in a statement.



It added that Kim Tae-hyo, first deputy director of the office had a call with the brother of Lee on Thursday morning and explained the situation on behalf of President Yoon.





Then-presidential candidate Yoon Suk-yeol talks to a bereaved family member of a South Korean government official killed by North Korean military in September 2020, at the ruling People Power Party's headquarters on Yeouido, Jan. 31. Courtesy of People Power Party
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Seoul researchers have found that a good way to keep mosquitoes away from humans doesn't involve any chemicals. Gettyimagesbank



By Ko Dong-hwan



Putting aside nasty pesticides, researchers in Seoul have concluded that one of the most effective ways to keep mosquitoes at bay is simple enough.



The Seoul Institute of Technology said Wednesday that a more effective way to keep the insects  which mostly live in septic tanks or sewage tunnels in urban environments  at bay is sealing off any cracks near manhole covers and covering open ventilation shafts connected to the tanks. Blocking these paths worked better than using pesticides against the insects, according to the researchers.



Mosquitoes find their way to the open air through cracks around manhole covers. Researchers have proposed sealing them off with polyurethane-based sealing tape  such as those that retail as window tape sealing. Holes on manhole covers  mostly where handles are  also provide a gateway through which mosquitoes can come and go. The experts suggested covering them with a fiberglass-based fishnet. The same fishnets could also effectively block the opening of ventilation shafts, through which mosquitoes frequently exit the tanks.



The researchers, funded by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, also praised the measures as more cost-effective than using pesticides. Repairing one manhole cover costs just 3,000 won ($2.30). The experts said that given some 2,900 septic tanks with a capacity for use by 200 people or less in the city need their seals repaired, it would cost about 8.7 million won  82.6 percent less than what the city previously spent on pesticides.





The researchers said sealing off openings at ventilation shafts connected to septic tanks, above, and cracks around manhole covers is more effective in keeping mosquitoes away from humans than spraying harmful pesticides. Courtesy of Seoul Institute of Technology
After a long-drawn trial over the dual defamation suits filed by Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, the jury reached a verdict on June 1. The jury found both Depp and Heard liable but awarded the former around $10 million and the latter $2 million in damages. However, after a post-trial interview in which Amber Heard said that the Pirates of the Caribbean star lied, experts believe she could be sued again.In her interview with NBC, Amber Heard revealed that she stands by her testimonies on the stand during the trial. When asked if Johnny Depp's claim of never having hit her was a lie, Amber said, "Yes, it is."Reacting to the post-trial interview, Nicole Haff, a lawyer based in New York told Daily Mail that Johnny Depp could sue Amber Heard again. She said, Yes. This interview could count as a new publication under the law, which could spur a third lawsuit."The lawyer also added that Johnny shouldn't sue a third time as Amber's lawyer had already revealed that the Aquaman actress cannot pay him $10 million in damages.Johnny Depp had sued Amber Heard over an op-ed published in the Washington Post in which she claimed to be a survivor of physical and sexual abuse. While she did not name Depp, the actor claimed he was defamed by the article and lost out on movie deals including the Fantastic Beasts franchise and the next Pirates of the Caribbean movie. The jury found that Heard did defame him and favoured the actor in their verdict.
Richmond Hill, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 15, 2022) - Notox Technologies Corp. (OTC: NTOX) ("Notox" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Kander to the Company's Medical Advisory Board.

Ms. Kander is a Senior Consultant with Wave Strategy LLC, a consulting firm focused on providing expertise on technology commercialization to clients that include leading medical centers, academic institutions and early stage biotechnology entities. She is an expert in the development of new product concepts with prior roles that include 18 years of experience with Cleveland Clinic Innovations, most recently as the General Manager of Technology Commercialization. Ms. Kander was previously a Vice President at Invacare Corporation, where she was responsible for the Home Care Products group, and held various finance roles at Procter & Gamble.

Ms. Kander received her MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her bachelor's degree from John Carroll University.

"As Notox continues its development process, I am extremely proud to announce that Mary Kander has agreed to join the Company's Medical Advisory Board," commented Zoran Konevic, the Chairman and CEO of Notox. "We had the pleasure of working with Ms. Kander during her tenure at Cleveland Clinic Innovations, and know that she has the qualifications, experience and track record to benefit Notox and its shareholders. We look forward to Ms. Kander's contributions along with the other two members of our Medical Advisory Board, Dr. Frank Papay and Dr. Tyler Kendall."

About Notox Technologies Corp.

Notox Technologies Corp. (OTC: NTOX) is in the business of developing and commercializing innovative technologies primarily through its wholly owned Nevada subsidiary, Notox Bioscience Inc. The Company is seeking to build its distribution capabilities for medical and aesthetic products around the world, and to market a credible, non-toxic alternative to Botox and subsequently develop other features of its Notox technology such as drug-free pain management, body countering, skin tightening and anti-perspiration.

For more information, please contact:

Zoran Konevic - Chairman & CEO

(519) 421-1900

info@hellonotox.com

Safe Harbor Statement and Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Given these uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, information related to: anticipated operating results; relationships with customers and strategic partners; consumer demand; financial resources and condition; the ability to list any securities for trading on a recognized exchange; changes in revenues; changes in profitability; changes in accounting treatment; changes in management; cost of sales; selling, general and administrative expenses; interest expense; the ability to produce the liquidity or enter into agreements to acquire the capital necessary to continue operations and take advantage of opportunities; and legal proceedings and claims. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/127978
PARIS, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Pescara in Italy has implemented the Biolog-id Transfusion solution in the main hospital and two remote hospitals in the Abruzzo region.



The Biolog-id Transfusion solution is based on RFID technology, and combines dedicated hardware, software, RFID tags, and data services designed to create, collect, and integrate product, process, and patient data. The solution implemented at Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Pescara supports inventory management of blood components across all three locations, as well as the transportation of blood components between them.

"To prepare our organization for the future, we decided to implement Biolog-id's technology to better track and manage all the steps of the transfusion value-chain." said Dr. Acorsi, Director of Transfusion Medicine at Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Pescara. "The data provided through the Biolog-id solution has operational value in real-time and can also support long-term process improvement."

Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Pescara has also implemented the Biolog-id Plasma Processing solution, specifically dedicated to plasma units collected for fractionation. This solution is designed to optimize the supply-chain of these valuable raw material, and further enhances blood supply digitization across the entire organization.

About Azienda Sanitaria Locale in Pescara

The Pescara Local Health Authority in Italy, established in 1994 by the merger of the pre-existing Local Social Health Units of Pescara, Penne and Popoli, guarantees a catchment area of about 300,000 inhabitants, divided into 46 Municipalities, Collective Healthcare in living and work, District Assistance, Hospital Assistance.

Testimonial video: https://www.youtube.com/ASL/Pescara



About Biolog-id

Biolog-id develops value-chain optimization solutions that create, collect, and consolidates high quality data to drive operational, commercial, and clinical impact for high-value high-impact products. Biolog-id's patented platform is used by multiple customers in the US, Europe, Middle East, India, and Asia Pacific. Biolog-id is owned by its founder and the Xerys Funds.

Company URL: www.biolog-id.com

Contact: Diane Muller, diane.muller@biolog-id.com




SEATTLE (dpa-AFX) - Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) said on Thursday that its two-day annual Prime Day event will begin on July 12 at 3 a.m. EDT for its prime members in Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, the U.K., the U.S., and for the first time in Poland and Sweden also. Later this summer, Prime Day deals events will be held in India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as in Egypt for the first time. The retailer also said that its customers will now be able to shop products from top national brands and more third-party sellers than last year's Prime Day, including many small and medium-sized businesses. Jamil Ghani, Vice President of Amazon Prime, said: '.This year, we're making it simple for members to find the best deals, from personalized deal recommendations to Alexa reminders. It's never been easier for Prime members to shop, save, and make the most of Prime Day.' The savings event includes brands including- Beats, Casper, ELEMIS, Levi's, iRobot, and SharkNinja; fashion styles from Amazon Essentials and Simple Joys by Carter's; and Amazon's lowest prices ever on select products from Sony, Bose, and GE Early deals will start on June 21, including 55 percent off select Amazon devices, up to 50 percent off Fire TV, and more deals from top brands like De'Longhi, Dove, and SodaStream. In addition, Amazon prime members can win prizes by supporting small businesses from June 21 to July 11. 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.
Ortec Finance's collaboration with ESG Book will provide clients with a one-stop shop for sustainability analysis.

ESG Book, formerly Arabesque S-Ray, combines cutting-edge technology and research to make sustainability data more widely accessible across financial markets.

Investors will gain access to ESG Book's suite of metrics and data on corporate emissions, green revenues, and regulatory solutions.

Launching later in 2022, Ortec Finance is developing an on-demand Implied Temperature Rise (ITR) analytics platform for Climate ALIGN, powered by ESG Book's market-leading climate data. The platform will allow clients to access ITR scores across multiple asset classes including public equities, credit, private markets and sovereign debt.

LONDON and ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ESG Book, a global leader in sustainability data and technology, and Ortec Finance, the leading provider of technology and solutions for risk and return management, today announced a new partnership to deliver next-generation ESG data and insights to investors.

Through the collaboration, Ortec Finance will leverage ESG Book's suite of climate and sustainability data solutions to provide clients with a one-stop shop for sustainability analysis.

Ortec Finance's partnership with ESG Book, formerly Arabesque S-Ray, will enable investors to access a wide range of metrics and data on corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and green revenues, as well as regulatory solutions addressing Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and EU Taxonomy requirements.

Launching later in 2022, Ortec Finance is developing an on-demand Implied Temperature Score (ITR) analytics platform for Climate ALIGN, which will be powered by ESG Book's market-leading climate data. The platform will allow clients to access ITR scores across multiple asset classes including public equities, credit, and private markets. ITR scores will be available for individual securities, and at an aggregate level across asset classes and portfolios.

Ton van Welie, CEO of Ortec Finance, said: "We are thrilled about the partnership between ESG Book and Ortec Finance. The financial impact of climate risk, combined with net zero alignment, are increasingly taking centre stage in investment decision-making. By combining ESG Book's sustainability data and technology with the models and methodologies of Ortec Finance, we are able to provide our clients with the analytics and insights that enable them to manage the increasing complexity of investment decision-making."

Dr Daniel Klier, CEO of ESG Book, said: "With a shared vision to empower investment decisions through transparency, we are delighted to be collaborating with Ortec Finance to accelerate client access to comparable, reliable ESG data and insights. With the growing focus on the transition to a net zero economy, investors worldwide are developing more robust approaches to climate scenario analysis, and through this partnership, we are excited to deliver the best solutions in the market".

About Ortec Finance

Ortec Finance is the leading provider of technology and solutions for risk and return management. It is our purpose to enable people to manage the complexity of investment decisions. We do this through delivering leading technologies and solutions for investment decision-making to financial institutions around the world. Our strength lies in an effective combination of advanced models, innovative technology and in-depth market knowledge. This combination of skills and expertise supports investment professionals in achieving a better risk-return ratio and thus better results. Headquartered in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, we also have offices in Amsterdam, London, Toronto, Zurich and Melbourne. www.ortecfinance.com

About ESG Book

ESG Book is a global leader in sustainability data and technology. Formerly Arabesque S-Ray, ESG Book combines cutting-edge technology and proprietary research. ESG Book's wide range of cloud-based sustainability products and solutions are used by many of the world's leading financial organisations which collectively manage over $120 trillion. The company has offices in London, Frankfurt, Boston, Singapore, Delhi and Tokyo and serves clients worldwide from offices in Asia, Europe and North America. www.esgbook.com

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New self-bag drop solution significantly speeds time passengers need to check bags

PARIS, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SITA today announced that it has signed a partnership agreement with Alstef Group, an established baggage handling specialist, to launch Swift Drop, a new self-bag drop solution that significantly speeds up the experience of checking your own bag.

Mexico City's brand new Felipe Angeles International Airport, opened in late March, has become the first airport globally to install 20 Swift Drop units.

The fast, intuitive interface means passengers can quickly check their bags, avoiding long queues at traditional check-in points. This will give passengers more time to spend airside, providing a boost to airports' retail revenues. Passengers simply print their own bag tags without need for assistance and load their baggage directly onto the accessible conveyor.

Part of SITA's awarding-winning Smart Path passenger processing portfolio, Swift Drop is comprised of SITA's TS6 Kiosk and Alstef Group's fully integrated bag processing solution. For airports and airlines, Swift Drop dramatically improves baggage handling from the minute a bag is put on the conveyor belt, identifying overweight and oversized bags in seconds. Advanced camera tag-reading technology ensures baggage will also be processed faster, with an average first-time tag read rate of 95%.

Drew Griffiths, Head of SITA AT AIRPORTS, said: "In airports globally, our Smart Path passenger solution has delivered faster, automated passenger experiences. The partnership with Alstef Group - leveraging their significant baggage handling portfolio - enriches our end-to-end offering with a fast, convenient, and reliable self-bag drop solution. This solution has the added benefit of being easily biometrically enabled."

Philippe Hamon, Sales Director, Airport Solutions, Alstef Group, said: "Taking the stress out of baggage is fundamental to any passenger's journey. Our baggage processing solutions have been successfully implemented in hundreds of airports globally to do exactly that. It is therefore pleasing that we can extend these benefits to the whole passenger journey through our partnership with SITA."

SITA photos available here: http://www.sita.aero/pressroom/image-gallery and videos and info graphics here: http://www.sita.aero/pressroom

About SITA

SITA is the air transport industry's IT provider, delivering solutions for airlines, airports, aircraft and governments. Our technology powers more seamless, safe and sustainable air travel.

With around 2,500 customers, SITA's solutions drive operational efficiencies at more than 1,000 airports while delivering the promise of the connected aircraft to customers of 17,000 aircraft globally. SITA also provides technology solutions that help more than 70 governments strike the balance of secure borders and seamless travel. Our communications network connects every corner of the globe and bridges 60% of the air transport community's data exchange.

In 2021, SITA became a certified CarbonNeutral company in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol - the leading global standard for carbon neutral programs. We are reducing our greenhouse gas emissions for all our operations through our UN recognized Planet+ program, while also developing solutions to help the aviation industry meet its carbon reduction objectives, including reduced fuel burn and greater operational efficiencies. In 2022, we announced our commitment to setting science-based emission reduction targets aligned to the Science Based Targets initiative Net-Zero Standard.

SITA is 100% owned by the industry and driven by its needs. It is one of the most internationally diverse companies, providing services in over 200 countries and territories.

For further information, go to www.sita.aero

About Alstef Group

Alstef Group designs, integrates and supports automated turnkey solutions for the airport, intralogistics and parcel markets. Its mission is to create intelligent solutions that not only meet the needs of its customers, but also provide them with the long-term benefits of a tailor-made automated system that is efficient, scalable and innovative.

With offices across more than 10 countries and with installed systems on all five continents, Alstef Group has around than 800 employees within its three business units: Alstef Automation, BA Systemes and Glidepath. The group generated revenue of 140 million in 2020.

For further information, go to www.alstefgroup.com

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Fastest growing EdTech platform wants to be the leading European marketplace for training courses by the end of 2024

ZALTBOMMEL, Netherlands, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Archipel Academy, the all-in-one learning platform for organisations, has obtained a 13 million investment from Pride Capital Partners and acquired Edubookers, the booking platform for training courses. The company is aiming to become the leading European platform in the field of training and courses. Edubookers will continue operating from Eindhoven, under the same name.

Archipel Academy is the fastest growing Dutch EdTech platform and the only one to offer all tools and services that enable organisations to offer training courses to employees on a single platform. In addition, the platform offers access to over 2,000 trainers and 70,000 training courses. The  13 million investment from Pride Capital Partners is being used for both autonomous growth as well as a buy-and-build strategy, with which Archipel Academy is setting its sights on the European market, including Germany, France and the United Kingdom.

"The growth budget and acquisition of Edubookers will help us serve our combined clients even better by offering greater economies of scale among other things. In addition, this step brings us closer to our goal of creating a European marketplace with access to the best trainers in all of Europe," says Omar Zakaria Fouab, founder and CEO of Archipel Academy.

Lifelong Development via The Learning Account

Archipel used the investment to acquire Edubookers, the booking platform for training courses. Edubookers developed into a successful mediation platform for students and trainers during the corona period. Acquisition of the Edubookers platform will enable Archipel to make the catalogue available at European level by the end of this year. Edubookers will continue to exist and will focus on LLD platforms (Lifelong Development) platforms and the The Learning Account under the same name.

"The corona pandemic has made it clear that Lifelong Development is crucial for Dutch companies and citizens. More and more initiatives that encourage this are being deployed both by governments and in collective labour agreements. Herein lies an important focus on individual learning budgets. Edubookers is putting this into practice with different LLD platforms and the Learning Account. We found the desired partner to expand our leading position in Archipel," says Paul Schrama, CEO of Edubookers.

Unlimited learning

Archipel Academy has its origins in Schouten & Nelissen, but has been entirely independent since 2020. Since then, the all-in-one learning platform has grown from 8 people to a team of over 120 employees, with clients such as Heineken, VodafoneZiggo, Philips and Unilever. In 2021, Archipel Academy acquired Conclusion's 'Conclusion Learning Centers' division.

Archipel's services now comprise an AI-driven learning platform that allows employees to focus on their development goals, as well as Learning Services, which offers organisations the ability to manage learning programmes. The company also has a Learning Consultancy department that offers custom learning advice and activation campaigns. Archipel's growth plans encompass expansion of the offering and further development of the platform. In addition, the company is working on its unique 'Unlimited learning' proposition, which gives unlimited access to learning programmes and exams. As a shareholder and financier, Pride Capital Partners will continue to support Archipel Academy in the roll-out of its growth plans in both a financial and strategic role.

"In recent years, Archipel Academy has developed a scaleable product that completely unburdens large international organisations in respect of training courses. Archipel Academy's unique proposition translates into short sales cycles and satisfied clients. Pride Capital Partners looks forward to supporting the management team in the roll-out of autonomous growth plans on one hand, and achieving strategic acquisitions on the other. We see Archipel Academy as the new Spotify or Netflix of training courses," says Lars van 't Hoenderdaal, Managing Partner at Pride Capital Partners.

About Archipel Academy

Archipel Academy has been active as a broad learning partner with their all-in-one AI-driven learning platform since 2018. Services consist of; A personal and flexible Learning Management System. An intelligent search & book content marketplace in which the demand & supply of educational content converge in no fewer than 70,000 training courses. A reliable network of high-end trainers, at least 3000 trainers. A comprehensive offering of smart Learning Services, with which Archipel not only takes over all back-office activities, but is also a fully-fledged learning partner in the field of Learning Consultancy & Development.

About Edubookers

Edubookers has been the leading independent booking platform for training courses since 2015. Over 1,300 trainers offer over 70,000 learning products. As the hub of Learning in the Netherlands, Edubookers also gives substance to The Learning Account and numerous LLD platforms (Lifelong Development). Edubookers now offers +100,000 participants an individual learning budget in which self-management is central. Edubookers has a team of 20 employees and is located in Eindhoven.

About Pride Capital Partners

Pride Capital Partners invests in growing companies active in the software and IT industry in the Benelux, DACH and Nordics. Pride Capital Partners enables entrepreneurs to achieve their growth ambitions by offering flexible capital. Typical scenarios include: growth, acquisitions and management buy-out transactions. Pride Capital Partners has made 35 investments and has 18 active portfolio businesses.
By Lee Eung-tae





The Russian invasion of Ukraine struck most people in the world as horrible beyond belief. How could this barbaric atrocity happen? The thought that Russia, a world superpower, invaded a weaker country without any justification disturbed my mind. The horrific scenes of buildings demolished by Russian missiles and grieving people wailing amid the destruction deeply saddened me.



Once peaceful cities where innocent people made their livings and enjoyed life with their families was reduced to an ugly ghostly ruin. A hospital building, its roof clearly marked with the word, "CHILDREN," was mercilessly bombed, and dozens of helpless kids murdered. More than one and a half million refugees fled across the border to avoid the war. The scene of a train jammed with people with a husband struggling to get his wife and children on board was vividly reminiscent of the Korean War. For displaced people, poignant memories of family left behind will cause lifelong sorrow.



Reflecting on this war, I feel we need to think about our own security. We cannot see the tragedy happening in Ukraine as irrelevant to our situation, given we are still technically at war. Who knows what awful events could happen on the Korean Peninsula at the whim of a dictator? Some pundits say this war occurred due to Putin underestimating and misunderstanding Ukrainians as well as Russians, but nevertheless it could be a harbinger of possible disasters yet to happen in the contemporary world.



The most horrific fact is that the likelihood of it happening in our country is very real considering the geopolitical situation. We have become so obsessed with our own parochial interests that we seem to have forgotten that we border on a very hostile country which once invaded us. We are in a state of truce, not peace.



Are we so accustomed to a comfortable life that we have no sense of the seriousness of the situation, just like a frog in a boiling pot? Or are we persuaded that there is nothing serious when it comes to the provocations of North Korea? Then whenever missiles are launched from the North, we complacently hope that they are nothing more than trivial projectiles, not missiles which would turn into formidable weapons if nuclear warheads were attached.



I realized that the strongest bonds with allies can become meaningless when one's own interest is concerned, and that no nation is willing to sacrifice its own interests. Even the United Nations, which once powerfully spoke for us, now seems to be fragile and impotent: it couldn't substantively help with defending the Ukrainian people from Russia.



So, I believe that we need a stronger military to defend ourselves without having to depend on other allies. I realize that we also need to develop a more friendly relationship with our closest neighboring country. I think we cannot dwell forever on the nightmare of our past. I insist that it's high time to give our younger generation a more peaceful vision. I was so moved by the self-sacrificial efforts of the Polish, Romanians, Hungarians and others who were helping Ukrainian refugees.



As soon as Russia invaded Ukraine, many countries willingly opened their borders to accept refugees and offered bountiful humanitarian aid. I wonder, in the event of a national emergency, if our closest neighboring country would give us such aid. If our unfriendly relationship persists, I think we cannot expect a "good Samaritan" neighbor. So, my fervent hope is that our new government will grant top priority to national security among all its pending agenda items, because if it fails, our country could be reduced to ashes in a day, just like the environment in the tragic wild fires of all too recent memory.





Lee Eung-tae (eungtae@gmail.com) is a former high school teacher who taught English for 35 years.


ZAGREB, Croatia, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- After last year's investments in Zagreb based dental clinic Arena, Solin based dental clinic Salona Dental and dental lab Vladimir Tesija, Adria Dental Group's growth continues with investment in Rident, the largest clinic in Croatia with clinics in Rijeka and Porec, and Ridental d.o.o. dental laboratory, the largest dental laboratory in Croatia.

With this investment, Adria Dental Group becomes the largest dental group in the region, with more than 350 employees, more than 60 surgeries, and over 140 dental professionals, with annual revenues of over EUR 25 million. The group consists of 4 clinics and 4 laboratories (Zagreb, Solin, Rijeka, and Porec), with additional regional expansion planned by the end of the year.

"We are pleased that Rident recognized our vision of development and decided to become part of Adria Dental Group. Joining forces will enable additional investments in the development of our Group's operations, including access to technologies and equipment that dictate new trends in dental services," said Igor Cicak, President and CEO of PCP and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Adria Dental Group.

Rident was founded 19 years ago by Dr. Zeljko Miljanic, a frontrunner of modern dentistry in Croatia, focused on top quality and service. Rident has been the leading dental clinic in Croatia for years in terms of both the number of patients and the number of procedures.

"We are proud that the largest clinic in the region has joined Adria Dental Group, making the group stronger for another outstanding clinic, all with the aim of providing our patients with the highest level of quality and service, with a team of leading experts and cutting-edge technology. We strongly believe that our patients will continue to recognize this," said Gordan Muskic, President of the Management Board of Adria Dental Group.

"I am delighted that our clinic, with an outstanding team of dental professionals, is becoming part of Adria Dental Group. Joining ADG will enable us to further strengthen our market position and continue the development path of both our clinic and the employees. Strong focus on patients, employees and quality has enabled us to become one of the best and most recognized dental clinics in Croatia, which was recognized by ADG, as well", emphasized Dr. Zeljko Miljanic, Rident's founder.

Provectus Capital Partners (PCP), an investment firm based in Zagreb, has established ASEF SCSp, the largest private equity fund from the Adria region, which owns the majority of the shares in Adria Dental Group.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1840463/Adria_Logo.jpg
LONDON, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- All indications, backed up by official reports and statements from aviation experts, point to a scenario many airlines and passengers have become increasingly familiar with since the dawning of the pandemic; inadvertent flight disruptions. The question that many would probably ask is how and why this is happening. Is it a question of unanticipated operational issues such as pilot shortages, bad weather, grounded planes causing aircraft shortages, grounded crews, or ongoing aviation restrictions due to the coronavirus?

Since the last spring and partially into the summer season, many airlines have been trying to add more flights to their schedules in an effort to balance the increasing passenger demand. Eurocontrol has estimated a 6% increase in air traffic in Europe by December 2022 from the current 90% figure due to the increasing passenger demand. An increase in air traffic would mean more operational challenges in major airports, increasing the risk of disrupted flights.

According to data by Flight Aware, Lufthansa Group, a leading airline in Europe, reported 33,000 canceled flights in January and February this year, following an optimistic fall 2021 season. This figure represents approximately 10% of all flights the airline cancelled from its winter schedule. Experts say that the scenario will likely replicate in many airlines in the coming months.

Delta Airlines canceled 4% of its operations on the memorial day weekend according to Flight Aware data. On 9th June this year, unionized employees at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris went on strike leading to cancellation of a third of the flights.

Seemingly, the increased flight disruptions that many airlines are experiencing today stem from a hazy mix of operational issues, which calls for a strategic response to mitigate their adverse outcomes on the aviation industry.

First off, the issue of inclement weather has played a significant role in the operational challenges that many airlines are currently struggling with. Usually, bad weather conditions force airlines to reschedule thousands of flights and, in the worst-case scenario, ground planes and crews altogether. For example, Storm Eunice, which occurred in February 2022, forced major European carriers like British Airways to reschedule more than 80 flights, including 36 flights at London City and 44 commercial flights to and from Heathrow. Such unexpected weather events have a cascading effect on flight operations, which, if not addressed, may result in a logistical stalemate.

The reality is that aviation companies are still grappling with employee shortages, especially airport pilots who undertake lengthy training programs and can only qualify to fly a specific aircraft at a given time.

Boeing projects that European carriers will need to recruit about 95,000 pilots to meet the increasing demand for commercial pilots by 2034. This translates to 5,000 newly recruited pilots each year. As of now, many airlines are dealing with a logjam in training and certifying pilots to satisfy this increasing demand. If anything goes haywire, it is unlikely that any of these airlines would get themselves out of the predicament.

To some, the travel chaos observed in many airports has resulted from a shortage in ground handlers and air traffic controllers, and not necessarily, an issue of low pilot supply. For example, Swissport International Limited has lost over a third of its workforce since the pandemic, resulting to a severe staff shortage problem. Markedly, the rate of return and callbacks for laid-off staff does not commensurate with the pent-up demand for passenger air travel, leading to chaotic flight schedules.

Presently, Wizz Air employs slightly over 6,000 employees from about 4,000 employees pre-COVID, yet they are still forced to cancel flights. In their view, the shortage of ground workers and air traffic controllers has made it challenging to attain the "standard & dash" requirements for a fully operational supply chain.

The remarkable growth in air cargo aviation, turbocharged by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, has also contributed to the operational challenges that have caused widespread disruptions in the aviation sector. According to IATA, European carriers reported a 2.2% increase in cargo aviation in February 2020 compared to the figure reported in February 2021. The pandemic created business opportunities for air cargo services but concomitantly exposed a lot of deficiencies in cargo handling, leading to disrupted cargo flights and increased delays.

Even with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, some airlines, most notably low-cost carriers, have struggled with a string of other problems that have made it difficult to maintain regular flight schedules. For example, EasyJet with nearly the same number of employees as it did in 2019, has announced plans to cancel over 200 flights due to shortages in ground staff and IT-related problems, disrupting air travel on its major flight routes.

While many passengers consider flight disruptions an inconvenience that is out of their control, they can still do something to help themselves and reduce the damage. One way to deal with such problems is by planning their travel schedules to ensure they have buffer time to adjust in case of unexpected turbulence and flight delays. Other than that, airline companies should address uncertainties that expose them to an increased risk of disrupted flights and turbulences that result in destabilized flight schedules.

For media inquiries:

Vilma Vaitiekunaite

+370 686 16336

vilma.vaitiekunaite@aviasg.com

About Gediminas Ziemelis:

Throughout a business development career spanning more than 24 years, Gediminas Ziemelis has established over 50 start-ups and green-field investments in various industries such as IT, media, luxury furniture, pharma, clinics, agriculture, and across other industry sectors. At present, these companies are either owned by PE "Vertas Management", or have previously been sold and are now components of other sizeable organisations.

Gediminas Ziemelis is the founder and chairman of Avia Solutions Group - a leading global aerospace services group with almost 100 offices and production stations providing aviation services and solutions worldwide.

Spanning his career to date, G. Ziemelis has received many prestigious awards and industry recognitions. In 2016, G. Ziemelis received a prestigious European Business Award in recognition of his visionary business management and development skills. The same year, under his leadership, Avia Solutions Group was named a national public champion in the category of Entrepreneurship, earning a spot in the top 110 European businesses. Twice - in 2012 and again in 2014 - Ziemelis was acknowledged as one of the top 40 most talented young leaders in the global aerospace industry by the leading USA aerospace magazine 'Aviation Week'.

Over his career, Gediminas Ziemelis has taken part in many impressive business ventures. Between 2014 - 2017, he personally supported and consulted Chinese Banks (including ICBCL, CMBL, and Skyco Leasing) concerning financing aircraft sale-leaseback transactions where the total value was more than US$ 4 bn.

Between 2006 - 2019, Avia Solutions Group Chairman executed successful IPOs of 4 companies at OMX and WSE, oversaw many public bonds issues, along with the raising of public capital worth more than US$ 400 M.

His total net worth is US$ 1.38 bn, according to local business media.

More info: www.gediminasziemelis.com

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Supply chain visibility leader builds on local momentum with new offices and veteran hires as European customers turn to digitisation

Leading real-time supply chain visibility platform FourKites today announces it has outpaced its annual growth targets in the European, Middle Eastern and African (EMEA) markets. The company achieved 148% growth in shipments over the last 12 months, exceeding its target projections of 100% growth. The number of customers tracking loads with FourKites in EMEA has grown by 59% in the last 12 months, while the number of carriers tracking shipments has grown by 55% in the same period.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005418/en/

FourKites continues unprecedented momentum in Europe, seeing 148% year-over-year growth

"Over the last year, we've invested heavily in Europe in our team, our partners, our products and our customers. Today's complex supply chains require global, end-to-end visibility, and the region is vital to global trade," says FourKites CEO and founder, Mathew Elenjickal. "We're seeing that investment reflected by our accelerated growth metrics over the last year."

Some of FourKites' most recent customer additions include Barilla Group, Beyond Meat, Cardinal Health, Haworth, LyondellBasell, McCain Foods, Roehm, Rove Concepts and Yamaha Motors.

Local investment pays off

In January 2022, FourKites acquired German supply chain visibility provider NIC-place, the market leader in supply chain visibility software solutions specifically designed for transport companies, carriers and logistics service providers. The acquisition created the largest multimodal carrier network in Europe, serving global shippers with the most comprehensive end-to-end global supply chain visibility platform.

In addition, over the last few months, FourKites has been investing in its local teams with seasoned industry veterans to build the infrastructure needed to support its growing European network. Recent senior-level hires include Katja van Trigt, Senior Director Talent Development EMEA, who comes to FourKites with an enviable record having worked at American Express, Bausch Lomb and Infoblox.

Jeroen Peijnenburg, Enterprise Account Director, Southern Europe, will lead FourKites' supply chain visibility operations across the region. He has worked for many years in leadership positions within global, asset-owning carriers and logistics service providers.

Nicu Ciontea, Carrier Manager, based in Amsterdam, will increase carrier support across Europe. Until recently, Nicu led the carrier sales team at CH Robinson in Amsterdam.

Nicholas Mellings, Enterprise Account Director EMEA will lead FourKites' UK Sales team. Nicholas brings with him 30 years of experience in the transport and logistics industry, the last five of which were spent working for Transporeon.

New offices

FourKites has also been growing its European presence with new offices. The company has opened a larger European headquarters in Amsterdam; a new office in Munich serving the pivotal German market; and an increased presence in Poland to serve the Eastern European carrier market.

"To support our growing network of European shippers and carriers, we have taken the steps necessary to ensure that we have a strong local presence, with highly specialised knowledge of the European market," says Elenjickal. Elenjickal himself is currently touring in Europe, visiting the new offices, meeting face to face with customers, and personally welcoming FourKites' new supply chain experts brought onboard to fuel organic growth.

"Europe is rapidly seizing the benefits of supply chain visibility," he adds. "European businesses are finding that FourKites' approach is a natural fit with their current needs, and that synergy is what's creating more transparency, collaboration and resilience in global supply chains."

"Digitisation is an important step in Dow's journey toward the implementation of an end-to-end supply chain visibility strategy," says Kevin Nielen, Logistics Leader, Dow Chemical. "Our strategic partnership with FourKites enables us to digitise and move away from a manual way of working to an integrated technology platform workflow."

FourKites Europe in numbers

Top five countries by load volume: Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands and Italy.

148% growth in EMEA shipments over the last 12 months

59% growth in the number of customers tracking loads in EMEA over the last 12 months

55% growth in the number of carriers tracking shipments in EMEA over the last 12 months

2.4 billion km tracked in EMEA in the last 12 months

Ports: Over the last 12 months, FourKites saw a 15% growth in the number of ports tracked in EMEA. We now cover 295 ports in the region.

Over the last 12 months, FourKites saw a 92% growth in the number of facilities tracked in EMEA. We now cover 134,000 facilities in the region.

About FourKites

Leading global supply chain visibility platform FourKites extends visibility beyond transportation into yards, warehouses, stores and beyond. Tracking more than 2.5 million shipments daily across road, rail, ocean, air, parcel and courier, and reaching more than 200 countries, FourKites combines real-time data and powerful machine learning to help companies digitise their end-to-end supply chains. More than 1,000 of the world's most recognised brands including 9 of the top-10 CPG and 18 of the top-20 food and beverage companies trust FourKites to transform their business and create more agile, efficient and sustainable supply chains. To learn more, visit https://www.fourkites.com/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005418/en/

Contacts:

Media Contacts

Scott Johnston

European PR Director, FourKites

+31 62 147 8442

scott.johnston@fourkites.com
PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Casino Group (0HB1.L, CGUIY.PK), a French food retailer, said on Thursday that it has inked a deal with Gorilla, an on-demand grocery delivery company, to extend their partnership for the Frichti, a French groceries platform. The partnership is expected to be finalized by the end of first-half of 2022. With this move, which extends the deal entered into by the both parties in 2021, Frichti will be able to distribute national brand products and Monoprix brand products shortly. Through the partnership, which follows Gorillas' acquisition of Frichti, Casino Group plans to strengthen the ties between Frichti and Monoprix, a French retailer. As a result, Casino Group will become directly involved in Frichti's value creation through its stake in the company's capital. The customers shopping with Frichti and Gorillas will now be able to access Monoprix products also. 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.
As virtual banking expands in Southeast Asia, Episode Six strikes a new deal to help build critical digital infrastructure in Vietnam.

SINGAPORE, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Episode Six, a leading global payment and banking infrastructure provider, today announced a new relationship with Galaxy FinX, Vietnam's newest fintech builder that is re-shaping the future of money and banking in the country. The deal represents two firsts for Episode Six: a partnership in Vietnam as well as with a pure-play virtual-bank builder in Southeast Asia region.

Galaxy FinX selected Episode Six to provide modern cloud-based card and payment processing, which includes consumer credit- and debit-card services as well as connections to Vietnam's domestic financial switch services. Just as Episode Six's Tritium platform helps traditional banks innovate and offer digital solutions, it is also purpose-built to deliver key capabilities to virtual and digital banks. Tritium offers a multi-asset class digital wallet management system that can open gateways to card scheme processing and transfers across bank networks, including ATMs and Point of Sale (POS) devices.

"Episode Six is proud to be working with Galaxy FinX, which is our first partnership in Vietnam and our first with an entirely virtual-bank builder in Southeast Asia," said John Mitchell, CEO and Co-Founder of Episode Six. "There is tremendous growth potential for digital-only banking in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia, where millions of consumers and small businesses remain unbanked or underbanked. Our technology is ideally suited to helping pioneers like Galaxy FinX design and deliver products that meet the needs of digitally-native customers in Vietnam and beyond."

As a virtual-bank builder, Galaxy FinX will offer financial-service products, such as savings, lending, payments and insurance, digitally to Vietnam's growing consumer base. Episode Six will provide a market-tested backbone for Galaxy FinX's card services, allowing the new company to process payments and configure products to adapt to changing market conditions. Partnering with Episode Six also gives Galaxy FinX the flexibility to grow its business and focus on customers and evolving market dynamics rather than on underlying tech developments.

"Episode Six has a proven track record of its payments technology globally and in Asia-Pacific. Vietnam is growing to become a digital economy and Episode Six's modern cloud-based card and payment processing platform will enable us to develop better digital propositions to serve the needs of the local market and our customers," said Marcin Miller, CEO of Galaxy FinX. "We look forward to exploring opportunities with Episode Six as we continue to expand our products and services in Vietnam and across other markets in Southeast Asia in the future."

Within this decade, the ongoing and worldwide shift from physical to digital represents hundreds of billions of dollars of value in the banking industry alone. Asia's emerging economies are at the cutting edge of these trends; Singapore as an advanced economy is already innovating in the space but look for even greater acceleration in neighbouring Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia as well as Vietnam. Digitalization is rapidly transforming the payments landscape for businesses and consumers. Research fromIDC predicts that by 2030, 80% of global consumer payments will transact on mobile and connected devices and will not be processed by traditional institutions. Episode Six is a provider of the payment rails that make this transition possible.

Vietnam is especially ripe for change because cloud- and mobile-based banking is quickly becoming a standard in the country, where large sections of the population have lacked access to traditional checking or savings bank accounts historically. According to data from Merchant Machine, Vietnam is the world's second-most unbanked nation. Together, Episode Six and Galaxy FinX will help change that dynamic.

Episode Six's Tritium platform provides a comprehensive set of more than 550 APIs that facilitate innovation and customization for its clients. Its natively global solution handles different languages, currencies and country-specific regulatory requirements, and is adaptable for cloud or on-premise hosting options for real-time transfer across multiple asset classes, including fiat currencies, and other value storages, such as loyalty and reward points.

About Episode Six
STOCKHOLM, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Enzymatica AB has signed a two-year loan agreement of a maximum of 20 MSEK with its three largest shareholders as well as the Chairman of the Board Bengt Baron and the CEO Claus Egstrand. The purpose is to support the company's liquidity in the periods where sales are lower due to seasonal variations or remaining effects of the pandemic.

The company's three largest shareholders - Mats Andersson, Hakan Roos and Bjorn Algkvist - have today, 16 June 2022, signed a two-year loan agreement with Enzymatica AB of a maximum of 20 MSEK, together with the company's Chairman of the Board Bengt Baron and the CEO Claus Egstrand.

"Enzymatica has a fantastic product with great potential, but it is no secret that the company is currently in a challenging period in terms of liquidity, after the low sales during the second half of the pandemic. All of us who have signed this loan agreement have made long-term investments in the company and want to contribute to financial stability for the operations", said Bengt Baron, Chairman of the Board.

Enzymatica disclosed already in the autumn 2021 that sales would be negatively affected during the first half of 2022, mainly because its main partners Sanofi and STADA have large inventories that have not been sold out during the pandemic. At the same time, agreements for new markets have been signed, and on the markets where Enzymatica manages marketing and sales (Sweden, UK, Iceland), sales increased with 56 % in the first quarter of 2022, compared to the same period the previous year.

The loan agreement has been signed on market terms (STIBOR 3 months + 7 % incl. fees) and Enzymatica can use all or part of the amount according to its need. The loan agreement is distributed as followed, with all lenders offering the loan through companies: Mats Andersson 5 MSEK, Hakan Roos 5 MSEK, Bjorn Algkvist 5 MSEK, Bengt Baron 3 MSEK, and Claus Egstrand 2 MSEK. Utilized loan amount should be repaid starting 30 September 2024 and be fully repaid on 30 March 2025 the latest.

For more information, please contact:

Claus Egstrand, CEO, Enzymatica AB

Tel: +44 7780 22 8385 | Email: claus.egstrand@enzymatica.com

Stefan Olsson, Communication Manager, Enzymatica AB

Tel: +46 708 55 11 85 | Email: stefan.olsson@enzymatica.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/enzymatica-ab/r/enzymatica-signs-loan-agreement-with-major-shareholders,c3586719

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Alexandria, Egypt /Duisburg, Germany, June 16, 2022 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Power, a power brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (MHI) signed a full turnkey contract with leading Egyptian O&G Company Alexandria National Refining & Petrochemicals Company (ANRPC) to provide advanced hydrogen fuel conversion technology solutions, supporting the company to achieve its decarbonization goals. The solution will be installed at the ARNPC refinery plant in Alexandria, which provides 30% of Egypt's gasoline supply for domestic consumption.Under the terms of the contract, Mitsubishi Power will be responsible for the design, engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning of fuel conversion solutions for the existing 100 ton/hour boiler, enabling it to fire up to 100% hydrogen by the end of 2023. This includes the installation of state-of-the-art hydrogen burner technology and advanced control solution to ensure efficient and safe operations.Commenting on the agreement, Salah Gaber, Chairman & CEO of ANRPC, said: "We are thrilled to partner with world technology leader Mitsubishi Power on innovative fuel conversion solutions that will help us to achieve our commercial goals while reducing our carbon footprint by 22,000 tons annually. Modernizing existing conventional boilers by enabling fuel conversion is a practical and important milestone to enable Egypt to deliver on its ambitious energy efficiency and decarbonization goals under the national Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy. We look forward to working together with Mitsubishi Power to achieve all milestones and deliver the project on schedule."Falk Hoffmeister, Head of Service at Mitsubishi Power Europe GmbH, said: "We are proud to partner with Egypt's leading O&G refinery ANRPC, providing them with our groundbreaking hydrogen fuel conversion technology solutions, which will enable ANRPC to lower its CO2 emissions. The addition of hydrogen, considered to be the fuel of the future to ANRPC's fuel mix will deliver the flexibility they need to support them in achieving cost efficiencies. This latest contract is part of our continued commitment at Mitsubishi Power to develop technologies that convert existing thermal power systems to hydrogen and thus support our customers in the region to achieve their decarbonization goals."Khalid Salem, President, Middle East and North Africa at Mitsubishi Power said, "The ANRPC hydrogen fuel conversion project is a landmark project for Egypt's energy industry and we are honored to partner with O&G leader ANRPC to help them fulfill the country's ambition to become a low carbon energy leader. In the lead up to COP27, the ANRPC project is especially significant as it reflects Egypt's commitment to the development of a national hydrogen industry. At Mitsubishi Power, we will continue to work with our partners in Egypt and across the Middle East and North Africa to help them achieve decarbonization and deliver a sustainable future for the region."ANRPC, which was established in 1999, is the leading refining company in Egypt working under the umbrella of Egyptian general petroleum corporation (EGPC).Mitsubishi Power's hydrogen firing technology enables thermal power systems owners to decarbonize their existing plants with minimal modifications. This is part of Mitsubishi Power's mission to work with customers to create a sustainable roadmap to reduce CO2 emissions.About Mitsubishi Power in Europe, Middle East and AfricaMitsubishi Power is a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), with a large presence across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. This includes centres of excellence in Germany, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, besides vast customer support capabilities in many countries across the region. Mitsubishi Power designs, manufactures and maintains equipment and systems that drive decarbonization and ensures the delivery of reliable power. Among its solutions are a wide range of gas turbines, including hydrogen-fuelled gas turbines and solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), and an experienced services business with an extensive reach across the entire region. Committed to providing exemplary service and working with customers, Mitsubishi Power's TOMONI intelligent solutions leverages advanced analytics, adaptive control technology, artificial intelligence and machine learning to make power plants smarter, lowering emissions, increasing flexibility and supporting decarbonization.For more information, please visit: https://power.mhi.com/regions/emea/PRESS CONTACT:Claudia WedemannMitsubishi Power Europe GmbHTel.: +49 203 8038 1368Email: c_wedemann@eumhi.comSource: Mitsubishi Power, Ltd.Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Not to publish, distribute or release, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States of America, Canada, Australia, South Africa or Japan and in any other jurisdiction in which it is unlawful to release, publish or distribute this press release.

Regulatory News:

As part of its permanent focus on optimizing its debt structure, Teleperformance SE (the "Company") (Paris:TEP), the global leader in outsourced customer and citizen experience management and related digital services, announces today its intention to issue new 7-year senior unsecured fixed rate notes due June 2029 (the "New Notes"). The New Notes will be issued in the form of "Sustainability-Linked Notes" under the Company's EMTN programme pursuant to the base prospectus dated 29 December 2021 as supplemented.

At the same time, the Company announces the launch of a partial tender offer on the following series of notes of the Company (the "Tender Offer"):

600,000,000 1.500% notes due 3 April 2024 (ISIN: FR0013248465; of which 600,000,000 are currently outstanding); and

750,000,000 1.875% notes due 2 July 2025 (ISIN: FR0013346822; of which 750,000,000 are currently outstanding).

(together the "Targeted Notes", listed on Euronext Paris), up to a maximum acceptance amount equal to 500,000,000 (subject to the right of the Company to increase or decrease such amount at its sole discretion).

The Company intends to finance the repurchase of Targeted Notes with the proceeds of the New Notes, and the balance (if any) of the proceeds remaining from the issue of the New Notes will be used for the Company's general corporate purposes. A mechanism of priority allocation of the New Notes may be applied at the sole and absolute discretion of the Company for holders of the Targeted Notes expressing their intention to tender Targeted Notes pursuant to the Tender Offer.

The New Notes are scheduled to be admitted to trading on Euronext Paris. It is also expected that the New Notes will be rated BBB (S&P).

The final results of the Tender Offer will be announced by way of press release on 23 June 2022 (subject to any extension, withdrawal, termination or amendment of the Tender Offer).

The final terms of the New Notes together with the Company's base prospectus and supplements thereto will be available on Teleperformance's website at the following address: https://fr.www.teleperformance.com/en-us/investors/publications-and-events/debt-and-bond-investors/.

About Teleperformance Group

Teleperformance (TEP ISIN: FR0000051807 Reuters: TEPRF.PA Bloomberg: TEP FP), the global leader in outsourced customer and citizen experience management and related digital services, serves as a strategic partner to the world's largest companies in many industries. It offers a One Office support services model including end-to-end digital solutions, which guarantee successful customer interaction and optimized business processes, anchored in a unique, comprehensive high touch, high tech approach. Nearly 420,000 employees, based in 88 countries, support billions of connections every year in over 265 languages and around 170 markets, in a shared commitment to excellence as part of the "Simpler, Faster, Safer" process.This mission is supported by the use of reliable, flexible, intelligent technological solutions and compliance with the industry's highest security and quality standards, based on Corporate Social Responsibility excellence. In 2021, Teleperformance reported consolidated revenue of 7,115 million (US$8.4 billion, based on 1 $1.18) and net profit of 557 million.

Teleperformance shares are traded on the Euronext Paris market, Compartment A, and are eligible for the deferred settlement service. They are included in the following indices: CAC 40, STOXX 600, S&P Europe 350 and MSCI Global Standard. In the area of corporate social responsibility, Teleperformance shares are included in the Euronext Vigeo Euro 120 index since 2015, the EURO STOXX 50 ESG index since 2020, the MSCI Europe ESG Leaders index since 2019, the FTSE4Good index since 2018 and the S&P Global 1200 ESG index since 2017.

For more information: www.teleperformance.com Follow us on Twitter: @teleperformance

Disclaimer

Offering of the New Notes

This press release does not constitute or form part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for or to sell securities and the issue of the New Notes will not be an offer to the public (other than to qualified investors) in any jurisdiction, including France.

Important Information

This press release may not be published, distributed or released, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or in any jurisdiction in which the offer of the New Notes is unlawful. The distribution of this press release may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes, should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

No communication or information relating to the offering of the New Notes may be transmitted to the public in a country where there is a registration obligation or where an approval is required. No action has been or will be taken in any country in which such registration or approval would be required. The issuance or the subscription of the New Notes may be subject to legal and regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions; the Company assumes no liability in connection with the breach by any person of such restrictions.

The New Notes will be offered only by way of a placement in France and/or outside France (excluding the United States of America, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Japan), solely to qualified investors (investisseurs qualifies) as defined in Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation (as defined below). There will be no public offering in any country (including France) in connection with the New Notes, other than to qualified investors. This press release does not constitute a recommendation concerning the issue of the New Notes. The value of the New Notes can decrease as well as increase. Potential investors should consult a professional adviser as to the suitability of the investment in the New Notes for the person concerned.

Prohibition of sales to European Economic Area retail investors

The New Notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the European Economic Area ("EEA"). For these purposes, the expression "retail investor" means a person who is one (or more) of the following:

(i.) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"); or

(ii.) a customer within the meaning of Directive 2016/97/EU, as amended, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or

(iii.) not a "qualified investor" as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017, as amended (the "Prospectus Regulation").

Consequently no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the New Notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the New Notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA may be unlawful under the PRIIPs Regulation.

Prohibition of sales to UK retail investors

The New Notes are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the United Kingdom ("UK"). For these purposes, the expression "retail investor" means a person who is one (or more) of the following:

(i.) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 ("EUWA"); or

(ii.) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the FSMA and any rules or regulations made under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the "FSMA") to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or

(iii.) not a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA.

Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the "UK PRIIPs Regulation") for offering or selling the New Notes or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the New Notes or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the UK may be unlawful under the UK PRIIPs Regulation.

France

The New Notes will only be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in France, and this press release, the Company's base prospectus, the final terms of the New Notes or any other offering material relating to the New Notes will only be distributed or caused to be distributed in France, to qualified investors as defined in Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation pursuant to Article L.411-2 1 of the French Code monetaire et financier

United States of America

The New Notes have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or with any securities regulatory authority of any State or other jurisdiction in the United States of America, and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act or such state securities laws. The New Notes are being offered and sold outside of the United States of America to non-U.S. persons pursuant to and in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act ("Regulation S"). Terms used in this paragraph and not otherwise defined have the meanings given to them in Regulation S.

Tender Offer

The Tender Offer is addressed to the Qualifying Holders (as defined in the tender offer memorandum relating to the Tender Offer (the "Tender Offer Memorandum")) of the Targeted Notes, excluding U.S. Persons, the United States of America and any other jurisdiction where the Tender Offer would be prohibited by applicable law. Neither the Tender Offer Memorandum nor any other document relating to the Tender Offer has been submitted to the Autorite des marches financiers or any other authority for approval.

No communication and no information in respect of the repurchase of the Targeted Notes may be distributed to the public in any jurisdiction where a registration or approval is required. No steps have been or will be taken outside of France in any jurisdiction where such steps would be required.

This press release does not constitute an invitation to participate in the Tender Offer or an offer to purchase the Targeted Notes in or from any jurisdiction in or from which, or to or from any person to or from whom, it is unlawful to make such repurchase or offer under applicable securities laws. The release, publication or distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Consequently, any persons in such jurisdiction in which this press release is released, published or distributed are required by the Company to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions.

The Company makes no recommendation as to whether or not the holders of the Targeted Notes should participate in the Tender Offer.

France

This press release is only intended in France for qualified investors as defined in Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation and only qualified investors in France and the EEA are eligible to participate in the Tender Offer. The Tender Offer Memorandum and any other document relating to the Tender Offer may only be distributed in France to qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation and in accordance with Article L. 341-2, 1 of the French Code monetaire et financier

United States of America

The Tender Offer is not being made, and will not be made, directly or indirectly in the United States by means of the mails, or any other means or instrumentality (including, without limitation, facsimile, telex, telephone, electronic mail, or any other means of electronic transmission) of interstate or foreign commerce, or the facilities of a national securities exchange in the United States or to any U.S. Person (US. Person, as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the "Securities Act") (each, a "U.S. Person"). The Targeted Notes referred to above may not be tendered in the Tender Offer by any such means or contest in or from the United States or by persons located or resident in the United States (U.S. Holders, as defined in Rule 800(h) of the Securities Act). Accordingly, no copy of this document, the Tender Offer Memorandum or any other document relating to the Tender Offer is being or shall be, directly or indirectly, distributed, transferred or transmitted in any manner whatsoever (including, without limitation, by custodians, agents or trustees) in or into the United States or to any such person. Any offer to sell in response to the Tender Offer resulting directly or indirectly from a violation of these restrictions will be void, and any offer to sell made by a person located in or resident in the United States, or any agent, trustee or other intermediary acting, in a non-discretionary manner, in the name of and on behalf of a principal instructing from within the United States, will be void and will not be accepted.

The securities may not be offered or sold in the United States because of absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. This press release does not constitute an offer for sale of any financial securities in the United States. The financial securities referred to in this press release have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any State of the United States or any other jurisdiction and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, in the United States or to any U.S. Person.

For purposes of the foregoing paragraphs, "United States" means the United States of America, its territories and possessions (including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Wake Island and the Northern Mariana Islands), any state of the United States and the District of Columbia.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005457/en/

Contacts:

Teleperformance
Move supports the company's multi-year growth trajectory to expand operations and further increase Asian representation in the West

Studio has started hiring designers and creative apprenticeships in the UK

Company's new office space is located in Shoreditch, London and will also function as a meetup and events space for UK partners

Social Impact-focused design studio, Hello Colour, announced today its relocation of corporate headquarters from Hong Kong, CN to London, UK, effective immediately.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005261/en/

Hello Colour Founder and Creative Director, Sravya Attaluri speaks to a group of attendees at the "Journey to Self" Exhibition in Hong Kong. (Photo: Business Wire)

Hello Colour is a creative design lab built by people of color using a multidisciplinary approach including brand strategy, illustration and design to amplify social impact initiatives. The company aims to take an active role in addressing societal issues such as mental health support, gender sensitivity and racial diversity, by seeking to change perceptions and initiate healthy dialogue through artistic initiatives.

"We are excited to strengthen our presence in the UK and make it our official global headquarters," said Sravya Attaluri, Founder and Creative Director of Hello Colour. "The Queensbury Group has provided tremendous guidance during this transition, and we are honored to be endorsed as a new, innovative, and viable business idea. Making this move will improve our relationships with key UK-based partners while providing an exceptional work environment for our employees."

London has already been a key location for the company having previously worked with organizations such as Clear Channel, Plan International UK, and Our Streets Now. Additionally, Sravya has been acting Creative Director of Our Streets Now for the past two years and led the art direction for their advertising campaign "Crime Not Compliment" to make public sexual harassment a crime in the UK.

"Sravya is a brilliant artist and a powerful asset to the Our Streets Now community as our Creative Director over the past two years," commented Gemma Tutton, Co-Founder of Our Streets Now. "Hello Colour has been a great partner to collaborate with on our public sexual harassment campaigns and produces amazing, emotion provoking artwork. We look forward to Hello Colour's continued support and are confident the expansion will create more opportunities for important social impact campaigns in the UK."

Hello Colour is committed to working with organizations with ESG initiatives and making creative services more widely accessible to underrepresented groups and organizations. The company has implemented processes to collaborate with small businesses and charities while still paying a fair wage to their creative talent by developing a sliding pay scale.

The Queensbury Group recently awarded founder Sravya Attaluri the UK Innovator Visa to make Hello Colour's expansion possible.

"We are delighted that Hello Colour has decided to make the UK its new corporate home," said Richard Naylor, Managing Partner of Queensbury. "London's reputation as a multicultural hub ripe with creative talent makes it the perfect launching pad for an innovative concept like Hello Colour. The company is primed to make a major impact on ESG initiatives in the UK, making it a business we are proud to endorse and look forward to supporting Hello Colour's growth over the next few years."

Hello Colour plans to make hires over the next few months with a focus on creative roles. The new Hello Colour corporate offices will also service as a meetup and events space for local UK partners.

To learn more about Hello Colour, please visit hellocolour.com.

About Hello Colour

Hello Colour is a multidisciplinary design studio built by people of color using brand strategy, storytelling and design to drive social impact. Demonstrating inclusivity and diversity is no longer an option but a requirement in the marketing world and Hello Colour is committed to working with organizations with ESG initiatives that otherwise would not have access to design studio services due to lack of knowledge, societal stigma, prejudice, and culture misrepresentations in the media. The company is headquartered in Hong Kong and London. For more information, visit hellocolour.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005261/en/

Contacts:

Media Inquiries:

Justine D'Addio

justine@hydeparkpr.com

(954) 297-5199
UK commercial partnership will drive expanded sales and service of Vodori's software platform across the European market

CHICAGO and LONDON, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Vodori, creator of cloud-based software that streamlines and automates how life science companies deliver critical content to key audiences, today announced its expansion into Europe in response to market demand through its long-term partnership with 3SIX Health. The newly-appointed UK team of highly experienced life science and health-tech professionals now provide dedicated resources for Vodori's growing European base of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and diagnostics customers.

Ross Grey, Co-Founder and Director of 3SIX Health, serves as Vodori's Commercial Director of UK/EU and brings over 15 years of experience within the pharmaceutical and life science industry, holding a number of director level commercial roles. Grey comments "Driving the Vodori European expansion enables us to increase market access to this innovative MLR system that will fundamentally increase collaboration and accelerate growth for life science companies."

Flynn Pharma is already a UK based customer of Vodori. James Leighton-Scott, Chief Medical Officer explains "Review and certification of promotional materials within a pharmaceutical company is a critical process. I have used several such systems throughout my career and Vodori's Pepper Flow has been the best I have encountered. Great news that Vodori is expanding operations in Europe; the team's extensive industry experience will no doubt make the operation very successful."

"We see a genuine opportunity for Vodori to expand into local markets and provide innovative software solutions to customers whose options were previously limited," says Dr. Joe DiCapite, Co-Founder and Director of 3SIX Health and Vodori's Director of Strategy of UK/EU.

"I am delighted to appoint a team of experienced individuals who will propel our momentum throughout Europe," says Scott Rovegno, Vodori Founder and CEO. "This commercial partnership will provide immense value through the team's rich backgrounds, extensive MLR review experience, and wealth of commercial expertise in the European market."

About Vodori

Vodori is transforming lives by empowering life science companies to bring vital drugs, vaccines, medical devices, and diagnostic solutions to market faster. Vodori's Pepper Cloud Product Suite streamlines and automates how life science companies get critical content to key audiences including patients, healthcare providers, and key opinion leaders. It is one connected platform that modernizes content review, sales and MSL enablement, and delivers timely analytics to optimize essential processes. For more information, visit vodori.com.

About 3SIX Health

3SIX Health is a UK based healthcare company with one vision: to simplify healthcare. 3SIX was launched through the belief that navigating healthcare can be unnecessarily complex and a strong desire to reduce this complexity. Using experience working in science, business, pharmaceuticals and disruptive technology, 3SIX provides bespoke solutions to exceed customer needs. For more information, visit 3SIXhealth.co.uk.

Contact

Annalise Ludtke

Vodori, Inc.

269.808.0012

annalise.ludtke@vodori.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1840706/vodori_UK_EU_expansion.jpg
Facts about Russia-Ukraine conflict: Canada, U.S. to provide further military aid for Ukraine

Xinhua) 10:19, June 16, 2022

BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The following are the latest developments in the Ukraine crisis:

Canadian Defence Minister Anita Anand announced on Wednesday that Canada will provide Ukraine with 10 replacement barrels to enable the sustainment of M777 howitzer artillery guns.

In a news release, the defence minister said this military aid, valued at approximately 9 million Canadian dollars (7.2 million U.S. dollars), complements Canada's previous donation of M777 howitzers, over 20,000 rounds of compatible artillery ammunition, and the Canadian Armed Forces' training of Ukrainian Forces in the use of this equipment.

- - - -

U.S. President Joe Biden said Wednesday that his country is providing Ukraine with a package of additional security assistance worth 1 billion dollars, as well as 225 million dollars' worth of humanitarian assistance.

Biden informed his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, of the decision during a telephone conversation, where the U.S. president said the security assistance will include "additional artillery and coastal defense weapons, as well as ammunition for the artillery and advanced rocket systems that the Ukrainians need to support their defensive operations" in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region, according to a statement released by the White House.

- - - -

The Ukrainian president will have to negotiate with Russia, and the Europeans will also be present at the negotiating table, bringing security guarantees, visiting French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday at a NATO base in southeastern Romania.

"We want to build peace, which means that at some point the fire must stop and the talks must resume," Macron told a joint press conference with his Romanian counterpart Klaus Iohannis after their talks at the Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base.

- - - -

The United States has provided 4.6 billion dollars worth of military assistance for Ukraine amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Ukrainian government-run Ukrinform news agency reported on Wednesday, citing data from the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine.

Since the start of the conflict, U.S. President Joe Biden has announced 11 tranches of military support to Ukraine, the embassy tweeted.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)
By Moky Makura





JOHANNESBURG  There is a well-known story about two footwear salesmen who traveled to Africa in the early 20th century to look for new markets. Within days of arriving, the first salesman concluded that there was no potential for shoe sales because everyone was barefoot. His colleague, by contrast, saw a huge untapped market to explore.



That tale reminds me of how the rich world, arguably for well-intentioned reasons, has chosen to talk about climate change, especially with regard to Africa. NGOs, donors, and governments in the Global North have packaged climate change as a single story of disaster. The pessimism extends to the language used, such as "climate emergency," "climate crisis," and "climate refugees."



We are constantly reminded that Africa will be the region hardest hit by climate change. The narrative, reinforced by images of drought, famine, and floods, consistently portrays our farmers, fishermen, and villagers as victims.



But this disaster narrative has done little to catalyze climate action, so we need a new script. The starting point should be that the climate crisis  despite appearances to the contrary, and despite the warnings of activists like Greta Thunberg  is not all doom and gloom. Like the COVID-19 pandemic, it is an opportunity for a global reset that could greatly benefit Africa.



Such a reset would allow for the focused development and scaling of climate adaptation and mitigation innovations, which could spur Africa's economic development. We have everything it takes to build the renewables sector  starting with wind, hydro, solar, and geothermal energy. We also have the cobalt, graphite, lithium, and manganese needed to produce electric batteries, and the steel, zinc, and aluminum required to build wind turbines and other low-carbon technologies. Green industries can create jobs, nurture businesses, and stimulate economies in Africa while saving the planet  and not enough people are selling it.



For example, the Japanese carmaker Toyota recently announced that it will invest $624 million in India to manufacture electric-vehicle components, creating 3,500 jobs. This is the sort of project that could and should be coming to Africa.



In the past two decades, Africa has attracted only 2 percent of the billions of dollars of global renewable-energy investment and less than 3 percent of the jobs generated in this growing sector. Increasing these numbers will require African governments to create an investment-friendly environment, negotiate more effectively to attract firms, and insist that they create local jobs and offer technical assistance to build the continent's clean-energy capacity.



Likewise, young Africans demonstrating for change should be holding up placards calling on their governments to provide "climate jobs" and "climate opportunities" rather than expecting them to "save the planet." They should be pushing policymakers to attract the large-scale investments needed to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions significantly and create the conditions for environmental entrepreneurship to flourish.



A robust green sector can give Africa the economic levers it needs to help more people live better, not just in economic terms but also in terms of energy access. We won't need to rely on outdated energy-distribution systems owned by governments that lack the finances or the incentive to invest in extending the grid to everyone. Renewables provide the continent with the opportunity to leapfrog old systems and embrace new, decentralized ways of providing cheap, reliable energy for all.



Africa has made a similar leap forward in mobile telecommunications. The first mobile call on the continent was made in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1987. Today, Africa is the world's fastest-growing mobile-telecom market and the second-largest mobile market behind Asia. In just 35 years, the sector has connected over a half-billion people, created thousands of jobs, and given rise to successful indigenous companies. Thanks to new technology, cheaper infrastructure and handsets, competitive markets, an enabling regulatory environment, and business models designed for the mass market, Africa avoided the challenge of building fixed-line infrastructure.



What mobile technology did for Africa can be replicated in the climate sector, and we do not need to wait for the continent's cash-strapped governments and the private sector to find the money. Instead, we should push the climate-reparations agenda harder. There is money available, and the countries that have repeatedly broken their promises to provide financial assistance  the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and most European Union member states  should pay their debts.



So, let's not talk about climate disaster or crises anymore, but rather about climate opportunities in the forms of jobs, entrepreneurship, and financing. And, like the shoe salesman who saw massive opportunity where his colleague saw none, let us rethink our approach to marketing climate action to Africans.





Moky Makura, a former deputy director of communications for Africa at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is executive director of Africa No Filter. This article was distributed by Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org).


Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - Stratabound Minerals Corp. (TSXV: SB) (OTCQB: SBMIF) ("Stratabound" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has appointed Keith Boyle, P.Eng., MBA as Fremont Gold Project Director effective immediately.

Mr. Boyle is a mining engineer with over 37 years of international mining experience including 14 years as a Chief Operating Officer for junior mining companies where he has successfully led these organizations through the stages of feasibility, mine development, and successful operations while increasing and upgrading mineral resources, optimizing efficiencies, and increasing net present value. In his early career, Mr. Boyle held progressive positions with Cominco Ltd (now Teck), Aur Resources Inc., Placer Dome Ltd., Inco Ltd., and Dynatec Corp., before assuming his senior executive positions. Mr. Boyle's specific focus will be on bringing the Company's advanced-stage flagship Fremont Gold Project through to production.

Mr. R. Kim Tyler President and CEO of the Company stated, "We are extremely pleased to have Keith Boyle spearheading the development of Fremont towards production. His considerable North American and international experience successfully guiding the development of mining projects through to operations includes the United States most particularly. We have enjoyed working together in the past and look forward to successfully collaborating again."

Annual General Meeting ("AGM") Voting Results

Stratabound is also providing results of its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders that was held on June 15, 2022 in Toronto. A total of 90,857,450 common shares representing 51.23% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares were voted for the meeting. Shareholders approved all items of business before the AGM including the election of the seven Company-nominated Directors as follows: R. Kim Tyler, Scott Rasenberg, Hashim Ahmed, Gary Nassif, Chad Tappendorf, Jonathan Hill, and Ron Tomlinson. Shareholders also voted for the re-appointment of the Company's auditors, BDO Canada LLP, Chartered Accountants, and for the approval of the Company's stock option plan.

Stratabound to Participate in the Mining Investment Event in Quebec City

Stratabound will be participating in THE Mining Investment Event of the North ("THE Event"), Canada's First Tier I Mining Investment Conference to be held on June 19-21, 2022, at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac and Voltigeurs de Quebec Armoury in Quebec City, Canada. Management will also be participating in one-on-one investor meetings throughout the event. Investors are urged to sign up in advance of THE Event in order to take part.

Full details regarding THE Event including investor registration details, a list of participating companies, panelists and keynote speakers and a preliminary agenda can be found at: https://vidconferences.com/conferences-events/in-person/canadas-first-tier-1-mining-conference/.

THE Event will showcase the best of Canadian mining to a global audience and will feature a mix of exploration, development, royalty companies and producers representing all commodities. Select invitations have been sent to investors and once registered, they may commence booking private one-on-one meetings via MeetMax with participating companies. Scheduled keynotes and panels at THE Event include:

ABOUT STRATABOUND

Stratabound Minerals Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company that is developing its advanced-stage flagship Fremont Gold Project in the Mother Lode Gold Belt of California. The Project includes the Pine Tree/Josephine Deposit hosting an NI 43-101 Mineral Resource estimate of 526,000 ounces at an average grade of 1.60 g/t Au in the Indicated, plus 452,000 ounces at an average grade of 1.29 g/t Au in the Inferred Mineral Resource categories, respectively1). Additionally, Fremont also hosts three undeveloped gold occurrences across four kilometres of strike along the prolific Mother Lode Gold Belt.

The Company is also advancing its pipeline of other early-stage gold exploration projects including the Golden Culvert, YT and McIntyre Brook, NB in Canada. Additionally, the Company holds two other projects both of which feature NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimates. These include a significant land position in the Bathurst camp of New Brunswick including the Captain Cobalt-Copper-Gold Deposit.

Mr. R. Kim Tyler, P.Geo., President and CEO of Stratabound, and a "Qualified Person" for the purpose of NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the contents and technical information of this news release.

For more information, please visit the company's website at www.stratabound.com or contact: R. Kim Tyler, President and CEO 416-915-4157 info@stratabound.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.

WARNING: The Company relies upon litigation protection for "forward-looking" statements. The information in this release may contain forward-looking information under applicable securities laws. This forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking information. Factors that may cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, inaccurate assumptions concerning the exploration for and development of mineral deposits, currency fluctuations, unanticipated operational or technical difficulties, changes in laws or regulations, failure to obtain regulatory, exchange or shareholder approval, the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits, changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets and the inability to raise additional financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update this forward-looking information after the date of this release or to revise such information to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.



1) (Technical Report on the Fremont Gold Project, Central California, USA. Report for NI 43-101 Stratabound Minerals Corp. SLR Project No: 233.33360.R0000 September 30, 2021, SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. Filed on SEDAR.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/127999
The company's first European data centre enables EMEA customers to go beyond GDPR requirements to meet stringent data residency requirements including ISO 27701 data privacy certification

LONDON, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Outreach , the sales execution platform helping revenue organizations deliver efficient, predictable growth, opened a dedicated EU data centre in Dublin, Ireland, to support its EMEA customers go beyond GDPR requirements to meet stringent data residency requirements. This cements Outreach's commitment towards helping its global customers adhere to tight privacy regulations.

The new data centre helps Outreach achieve customers' data residency within the European Union. Hosted in Amazon Web Services' (AWS) regional data centre in Dublin, it stores customer-owned data associated with Outreach instances. These include prospects, accounts, organisations, and workflow data such as sequences, calls, and meetings contained within the EU infrastructure, all of which are processed using Outreach.

Outreach EMEA customers who opt in to the new data centre will be able to use Outreach Engage , Outreach's sales engagement platform that enables organisations to maximise prospecting productivity and continuously optimize their sales execution. With proven engagement workflows that turn insights into actions, Outreach Engage helps sellers make the best decisions to advance their deals across every moment of the sales cycle.

Outreach plans to introduce additional features and services, including Outreach Insights reports, Outreach Commit and Outreach Guide , to its new data centre to optimize sales execution across its customer base in EMEA. This will enable salespeople all over EMEA to capitalise on sales automation and buyer sentiment to deliver tailored services to their prospects.

"Our new data centre allows European sales leaders and their teams to drive growth with an intelligent system that meets the most rigorous data security and privacy requirements in the world," said Manny Medina, chief executive officer and co-founder at Outreach. "Over the past two years, we opened our UK office and Prague innovation centre , and launched a series of EMEA-focused features , including support in 18 languages and multiple currencies, as well as local schedule-based sequence setup to allow for different workweek configurations and holiday support. Our new data centre is the latest addition to our ongoing support for our European customers so they can capitalise on the full potential of our sales execution products and services."

Outreach is committed to meeting rigorous data security and data privacy requirements as supported by key independent third party certifications. The Outreach Sales Execution Platform already meets key requirements of the EU and UK GDPR. Outreach is also one of the first within its category to meet ISO 27701 data privacy certification to demonstrate compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations. The additional provision of a data centre within the EU ensures that businesses operating in the EU that require data residency within the same geography as part of the security and privacy policies can do so using Outreach Engage.

About Outreach
STOCKHOLM, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lindab acquires the ventilation company R-Vent and gains a strong position in the Netherlands. R-Vent is the leading manufacturer and distributor of ventilation products, with annual sales of SEK 500 million.

Lindab's products are sold today in the Netherlands by R-Vent, the leading distributor of ventilation products. R-Vent also have an extensive in-house production of circular and rectangular ventilation ducts with accessories. Sales and distribution take place at four locations in the country. With the acquisition, Lindab establishes its own operations in the Netherlands and will thus be present in 21 countries.

R-Vent sells to installers and wholesalers. They also provide complete ventilation systems as a service, where produced and purchased components are combined.

"R-Vent is a valued partner to Lindab and we are very pleased to welcome them as a natural part of the Lindab Group," says Ola Ringdahl, President and CEO of Lindab. "The Netherlands has a strong and well-developed ventilation market and it is strategically important for us to have our own presence in the country. R-Vent fits very well with our other operations. They have high quality products and high knowledge of ventilation. We also look forward to continuing to work with Jeroen Rook as Managing Director of the company."

"There are good development opportunities for R-Vent together with Lindab. We have had a good relationship for a long time and look forward to being able to take advantage of Lindab's strong purchasing channels while contributing our knowledge and local presence," says Jeroen Rook, Managing Director of R-Vent.

R-Vent is today part of Bergschenhoek Group's ventilation division. Lindab acquires the Bergschenhoek Luchtcomfort, Spiraliet and Vespi operations. R-Vent is based in Bergschenhoek outside of Rotterdam. The company has annual sales of approximately SEK 500 million and 140 employees. The operating margin is currently in line with Lindab's operating margin in Business area Ventilation Systems.

Read more about R-Vent on their website: https://www.r-vent.com/

This disclosure contains information that Lindab is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU nr 596/2014). The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person, on 16-06-202211:45 CET.

Contacts:

Ola Ringdahl

President and CEO

E-mail: ola.ringdahl@lindab.com

Phone: +46 (0) 431 850 00

Catharina Paulcen

Head of Corporate Communications

E-mail: catharina.paulcen@lindab.com

Mobile: +46 (0) 701 48 99 65

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/lindab/r/lindab-becomes-market-leader-in-the-netherlands-with-the-acquisition-of-r-vent,c3586579

The following files are available for download:
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Calibre Mining Corp. ("Calibre" or the "Company") (TSX: CXB; OTCQX: CXBMF) is pleased to announce that the Company has been granted the key environmental permit for development and production of the Pavon Central open-pit mine from the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources in Nicaragua.



Darren Hall, Chief Executive Officer of Calibre, stated: "The approval of Pavon Central marks a significant milestone in the Company's efforts to organically grow production, utilizing a portion of the installed excess capacity at our Libertad mill. We are excited to introduce Pavon Central into the development profile fueling grade driven production growth in 2023 and 2024 from the 6.49 g/t gold reserve. See news release dated Feb 23, 2022 or Libertad Technical Report available on calibremining.com or sedar.com (https://www.calibremining.com/news/calibre-increases-nicaraguan-mineral-reserves-to-i-4079/)). We will continue to work closely with regulatory authorities, local communities, and all stakeholders to ensure safe and responsible development and mining at Pavon Central."

During 2021 Calibre initiated mining at Pavon Norte, the first of three known gold deposits hosting mineral resources in the district. Calibre is advancing development of Pavon Central with the objective to commence production in the first quarter of 2023. Combined 2021 end-of-year mineral reserves for the Pavon Norte and Central open-pit mines total 165,000 ounces at an average gold grade of 5.07 g/t. Pavon Central hosts an average reserve grade of 6.49 g/t gold, notably higher than the average 3.28 g/t gold grade at Pavon Norte and is expected to contribute to the Company's 2023 and 2024 production growth. See Calibre news release dated March 22, 2022 (https://www.calibremining.com/site/assets/files/7023/20220321_pavon_development_and_exploration_update_final.pdf) for details on recent highlight drill results, including:

Highlight Pavon Central Drill Results

5.08 g/t Au over 7.6 metres estimated true width ("ETW") from 72.7 metres in hole PVC-21-046;

4.21 g/t Au over 6.5 metres ETW from 32.0 metres in hole PVC-21-062;

4.46 g/t Au over 9.8 metres ETW from 94.6 metres in hole PVC-21-078; and

8.58 g/t Au over 4.0 metres ETW from 145.3 metres in hole PVC-21-081.

Highlight Pavon South Drill Results

11.56 g/t Au over 12.4 metres ETW from 37.6 metres in hole PVS-21-004;

4.08 g/t Au over 2.3 metres ETW from 49.4 metres in hole PVS-21-002;

3.04 g/t Au over 28.4 metres ETW from 26.2 metres in hole PVS-21-006; and

11.75 g/t Au over 3.9 metres ETW from 81.2 metres in hole PVS-21-014.

Calibre has identified the potential for resource expansion along strike and at depth at the Pavon vein system and at new vein targets within the overall 32km2 land package, where two rigs are currently operating.

Since the beginning of 2021, Calibre has continued to progress development at Pavon Central, working closely with our environmental consultant and the 'Centre for an Understanding with Nature' in Nicaragua, to ensure quality engineering designs with minimal impact to the environment. Calibre has advanced engineering studies, mine plans, road construction designs, and socio-environmental initiatives focusing on community resilience, water conservation, and sustainable forestry and ranching. With road construction to the project underway, Calibre is well-positioned to commence production from Pavon Central in the first quarter of 2023.

Alan Bolt, Director General of the Centre for an Understanding with Nature ("CEN"), stated: "Having been approved by the population through public consultation and confirmed by the Ministry of the Environment, execution of Pavon Central will allow the local communities, CEN and Calibre to continue working together on the strengthening of native bee populations, forest and water restoration, and socioeconomic initiatives such as women's entrepreneurship and healthier homes with smokeless stoves and access to clean water. Calibre's continued presence enables us to improve the local economy, contributing to a life without violence or poverty, and generating the necessary resilience to successfully face climate change."



Qualified Person

Darren Hall, MAusIMM, President & Chief Executive Officer, Calibre Mining Corp. has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Darren Hall"

Darren Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Ryan King

Senior Vice President, Corporate Development & IR

T: (604) 628-1012

E: calibre@calibremining.com (mailto:calibre@calibremining.com)

W: www.calibremining.com

About Calibre Mining Corp.

Calibre is a Canadian-listed, Americas focused, growing mid-tier gold producer with a strong pipeline of development and exploration opportunities across Nevada and Washington in the USA, and Nicaragua. Calibre is focused on delivering sustainable value for shareholders, local communities and all stakeholders through responsible operations and a disciplined approach to growth. With a strong balance sheet, no debt, a proven management team, strong operating cash flow, accretive development projects and district-scale exploration opportunities Calibre will unlock significant value.

Notes

Estimated True Widths ('ETW') for reported vein intercepts are based on empirical 3D models of the individual veins. Estimates are determined in cross-section by measuring the modelled vein thickness perpendicular to the vein margins and through the midpoint of the drill hole intercept. Percentage based differences between individual ETW's and down-hole interval lengths will vary between drill holes depending on drill hole inclination, variations in vein strike and dip, and overall geometries of the different vein systems.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond Calibre's control. For a listing of risk factors applicable to the Company, please refer to Calibre's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2021, available on www.sedar.com. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect Calibre's forward-looking statements.

Calibre's forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. Calibre does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.
MADRID, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, the global leading inverter and energy storage solution supplier for renewables, introduced the latest product solutions tailored to residential, commercial and utility-scale applications at Genera 2022 exhibition during June 14-16, solidifying its presence in Spain's solar market.

Spain has shown strong leadership on clean and equitable energy transitions. By adding more than 3.3 GW in 2021, Spain remains in the Top 3 solar markets in Europe. The forecasts for future development remain promising.

Residential solutions for emerging solar rooftops

As Spain's rooftop solar increases, Sungrow introduced its residential hybrid solutions made up of a residential hybrid inverter, either 1-phase or 3-phase, and its own battery storage system during the exhibition. Sungrow's single-phase series (SHRS) will be rated at 3 kW and 6 kW, while the three-phase series (SHRT) will be rated at 5-10 kW. Both solutions stand out for being compact and streamlining installation. The level integrated into the wall bracket and the plug & play external connectors reduce and facilitate the installation time.

In addition, the wide voltage range and the low starting voltage mean that the inverter operates longer during the day, together with the high efficiency of the product, contributing to a high yield for the solar system. This equipment has a 10-year warranty.

In terms of the battery, the new Sungrow SBR, with a modular design, is composed of three to eight battery modules and its power range reaches from 9.6 kWh to 25.6 kWh. Due to its plug & play design, the practical handles of each module and wireless features allow one person to complete installation.

In addition to the hybrid solutions, Sungrow exhibited its 1-phase and 3-phase residential solutions (SGRS, SGRT) rated at 2-6 kW and 5-20 kW respectively. These inverters are embedded with PID Recovery technology to minimize the polarization of the modules, an AFCI protection system and the WiNet dongle which combines Ethernet and WiFi in a single port. This communication device provides plant information every 10 seconds. The single-phase series has a convenient LED display to monitor daily performance, AC power, or inverter status.

Advanced commercial solutions

Designed for commercial applications, the Sungrow SG125CX is a new addition to the Sungrow Commercial Extreme series. As a result of its 12 MPPTs, it allows greater flexibility and therefore a better yield. With 15A per string in DC, this new inverter is compatible with high current PV modules.

The SG125CX stands out for its patented movable sealing plate. This patented feature greatly facilitates the installation of AC wiring; thus, reducing the operation time and significantly improving on-site installation efficiency. In addition, the meter can be connected directly to the inverter for installations with SG125CX.

The SG125CX is also equipped with advanced AFCI 2.0 and IV curve analysis functions. The AFCI 2.0 system analyzes the signal and its energy to detect arcs with 99.9% accuracy. The accuracy of the new IV curve scanning reaches 95% and can analyze up to 17 different types of power plant issues.

SG350HX for utility-scale installations

Spain, dominated by the ground-mounted utility-scale market, is the largest subsidy-free PPA PV market in Europe. The latest Sungrow 1500V string inverter SG350HX is optimized to utility-scale installations, further minimizing LCOE and streamlining O&M for power plants.

The SG350HX won the 2021 PV Magazine Award in the inverter category, featuring a maximum output power of 352 kW -- redefining high powered string inverters. It is highly compatible with 182 mm and 210 mm large-format high-efficiency bifacial modules. In addition, it supports a single block design as large as 8.96 MW for the European market and supports a high DC/AC ratio of up to 1.8, an ideal solution for higher yields. With unparalleled features and innovations, it guarantees an incomparable return on investment for stakeholders while ensuring compatibility and safety.

Spain's 2050 objective for national climate neutrality calls for renewables to provide 100% of electricity and 97% of the total energy mix. The country's energy policies are centered on massive deployment of renewable energy, energy efficiency, electrification and more.

Since entering the PV market in Spain a decade ago, Sungrow has established a comprehensive local team offering sales, technical support and after-sales service. Landmark projects the Company supplied include a 400 MW project spanning six provinces throughout the country. Sungrow is poised to provide more products and services to help Spain navigate its path toward a clean and efficient energy system and a net zero future.

About Sungrow

Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. ("Sungrow") is the world's most bankable inverter brand with over 224 GW installed worldwide as of December 2021. Founded in 1997 by University Professor Cao Renxian, Sungrow is a leader in the research and development of solar inverters with the largest dedicated R&D team in the industry and a broad product portfolio offering PV inverter solutions and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) for utility-scale, commercial & industrial, and residential applications, as well as internationally recognized floating PV plant solutions, NEV driving solutions and EV charging station solutions. With a strong 25-year track record in the PV space, Sungrow products power installations in over 150 countries. Learn more about Sungrow by visiting: www.sungrowpower.com.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1841397/Sungrow_Booth_at_Genera_Expo.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1344575/Logo.jpg
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - Thesis Gold Inc. (TSXV: TAU) ("Thesis" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of a fully-funded exploration program that will include up to 50,000 metres of core drilling at the Company's flagship 178km2 Ranch Gold-Copper Project (the "Property"), located in the Golden Horseshoe of north-central British Columbia, Canada.

The Company is now completing camp upgrades that will increase exploration efficiencies and streamline core processing to accommodate an increase to four core drilling rigs and additional personnel for substantial follow-up surface work.

Ewan Webster, President and CEO, commented, "We are extremely excited to begin this major 50,000-metre drilling campaign. Our group has evaluated all datasets collected last year and the technical team has developed many prospective targets that will be drill-tested in the coming months. Given the successes of last year's maiden drill program, we are confident that additional discoveries are probable this season and we look forward to communicating our progress as the program advances and sharing results as they become available."

Planned exploration program highlights:

Fully funded for 50,000 metres of diamond drilling , including: Expansion drilling targeting 2021 discovery zones and along-strike extensions at the Thesis II, Thesis III, Bingo, and JK areas, as well as extending other areas of known mineralization at Bonanza and Ridge. Exploration drilling targeting anomalous areas generated during the 2021 surface exploration program, including kilometre-scale epithermal and porphyry targets at the Alberts Hump and Patti-Steve zones (Figure 1).

, including: Detailed ground magnetic surveys to expand strike lengths of known mineralized northwest- and northeast-trending structural corridors. 8.7km 2 planned over two survey areas at 100-metre line spacing.

to expand strike lengths of known mineralized northwest- and northeast-trending structural corridors. An expansive bedrock lithology and alteration mapping program is planned to contextualize known anomalies and delineate favourable stratigraphy coincident with mineralization indicators in other datasets. The mapping campaign will also include a robust structural mapping component to better understand relative timing of faults and structural controls on mineralization.

program is planned to contextualize known anomalies and delineate favourable stratigraphy coincident with mineralization indicators in other datasets. Sizeable soil and rock grab sampling programs are planned to generate new target areas and extend open anomalies. Up to 4,000 soil samples planned to expand on existing anomalies and generate additional epithermal and porphyry drill targets. ~500 rock grab samples anticipated in a large prospecting program occurring in conjunction with detailed bedrock mapping.

are planned to generate new target areas and extend open anomalies.

Figure 1: 2021 Ranch Property major planned drilling areas.





To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2191/128008_7568b084945538e4_001full.jpg

The Company is also pleased to announce that it received shareholder's approval at the Company's annual general and special meeting of shareholders on June 9, 2022 of its updated stock option plan (the "SOP") and the form of restricted share unit plan (the "RSU Plan"), subject to adoption by the Company of the RSU Plan, as and when determined by the board of directors of the Company. The Company has adopted the SOP subject to final acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), but has not yet adopted the RSU Plan which remains to be adopted as and when determined by the board of directors of the Company and remains subject to final acceptance of the TSXV.

The Company renewed its 10% rolling SOP, under which the Company may grant a number of stock options equal to up to 10% (presently 3,359,832 common shares) of the Company's issued and outstanding shares. The Company also considered an update to the form of its 10% fixed RSU Plan in accordance with the recent new policies of the TSXV, under which up to 3,359,832 common shares (10% as at the date of its shareholder approval) would be issuable under the RSU Plan.

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc, P.Geol., P.Geo., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Thesis Gold Inc.

"Ewan Webster"

Ewan Webster Ph.D., P.Geo.

President, CEO and Director

For further information or investor relations inquiries, please contact:

Dave Burwell

Vice President

The Howard Group Inc.

Email: dave@howardgroupinc.com

Tel: 403-410-7907

Toll Free: 1-888-221-0915

Nick Stajduhar

Director

Thesis Gold

Telephone: 780-701-3216

Email: nicks@thesisgold.com

About Thesis Gold Inc.

Thesis Gold is a mineral exploration company focused on proving and developing the resource potential of the 17,832-hectare Ranch Gold Project located in the "Golden Horseshoe" area of northern British Columbia, approximately 300 km north of Smithers, B.C. For further details about the Ranch Gold Project, please refer to the Company's current geological Technical Report dated September 18, 2020 available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.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 press release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's recently completed financings, and the future plans or prospects of the Company. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management's discussion and analysis which is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/128008
Tectia Quantum Safe Edition released with next-generation encryption algorithms

SSH Communications Security announces the release of Tectia version 6.6, The Quantum Safe Edition. Tectia Quantum Safe Edition tackles new rising cyber threats and ensures future-proof data security. A related Edition, Tectia Zero Trust, was already implemented in Tectia version 6.5 in March 2022.

These new additions to the Tectia product family will ensure that SSH's secure remote access solutions are futureproof and meet the challenges posed by quantum computing and cloudification.





A new rising threat to cybersecurity

The new threat customers face is recording attacks on current cryptography. Quantum Computers are not yet usable for breaking encryption, but data traffic can be recorded and decrypted later in a short period of time, compromising secrets with long-term value.

With Tectia 6.6, organizations can prepare for new threats and ensure the safety of critical data. Tectia Quantum Safe Edition protects critical remote access, file transfers, and tunneling connections against the quantum threat already today.





SSH by SSH Communications Security

Secure Shell (SSH) protocol enables online connections and file transfers between applications handling critical data. Tectia is the original commercial implementation of the SSH protocol.

"Tectia Quantum Safe Edition 6.6 is now available to our customers. Supported by our Zero Trust access control platform, the product efficiently combats new threats against traditional encryption. Quantum Safe addresses the next challenge in cybersecurity and guarantees the safety of critical data," says Dr. Teemu Tunkelo, SSH CEO.

"Some of our customers, like some distinguished banks, are deploying the solution in the first wave because they want to remain futureproof. The cybersecurity landscape is becoming increasingly challenging, which causes our customers in many other market segments to respond," Teemu concludes.

Tectia Quantum Safe Edition is available to customers from June 15, 2022. You can request a demoor a quote on the product by contacting the SSH team or visiting our website.

For more information on Tectia Quantum Safe Edition, please visit: Tectia SSH Client/Server Quantum Safe Edition

Learn more about Tectia: Tectia SSH Client/Server





For further information, please contact:

Teemu Tunkelo, CEO, tel. +358 40 5499605, email Teemu.Tunkelo@ssh.com

Jussi Rautio, Tectia Product Manager email Jussi.Rautio@ssh.com





Distribution:

Major media

www.ssh.com





About SSH

SSH helps organizations safeguard their mission-critical digital assets at rest, in transit and in use. We have 5,000+ customers worldwide, including 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies, and major organizations in Finance, Government, Retail, and Industrial segment.?We are committed to helping our customers secure their business in the age of?hybrid cloud?and distributed IT and OT solutions. Our Zero Trust solutions offer safe electronic communications, secure access to servers and between servers. Our teams in North America, Europe, Asia along with a global network of certified partners ensure customer success. The company's shares.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - Puranium Energy Ltd. (CSE: UX) (FSE: 2DK) (the "Company" or "Puranium") is pleased to announce that the Company has appointed two key technical advisors with deep knowledge and expertise in Namibian uranium exploration and project development.

Dr. Roger Laine and Mr. Duane Parnham will drive Puranium's exploration focus across the Company's seven uranium properties covering 93,514 hectares in Namibia and enhance Puranium's ability to make an impact in the ever-evolving clean energy sector in one of the world's top three uranium producing countries.

Founding Forsys Metals Corp. ("Forsys") in 2004, Mr. Parnham played a key role in the discovery and development of the Valencia Uranium Deposit ("Valencia"). He brought on Dr. Laine who subsequently discovered the Namibplaas Deposit for Forsys. Puranium's uranium property, EPL-7337 completely surrounds Valencia and is on strike with Namibplaas.

"When we set out to create a company in the clean energy sector, we knew that a major driving force for value creation was going to come from the location of the properties and the team behind the company. We are fortunate and thrilled to team up with these two esteemed gentlemen. Based on their expert knowledge of Namibian uranium and their consistent ability to unlock value, there is no doubt that Mr. Parnham and Dr. Laine are the right advisors to help us make an impact on uranium exploration in the region," stated Puranium President and CEO, Jason Bagg.

Dr. Roger Laine: Dr. Laine is a geological engineer with over 40 years of experience in advanced mineral exploration projects, specializing in geo-statistics and reserve estimating, copper, copper-gold porphyry, gold and uranium deposits, underground and open-pit mines, grade and quality control using advanced computerized information systems. During his extensive career, he has held senior executive positions with several mining exploration companies working in the Americas, West and Central Africa and Europe. He was also Vice President of Exploration for Amok Ltd. (a subsidiary of COGEMA, now part of AREVA).

Mr. Duane Parnham: As Founder of Forsys, Mr. Parnham was involved in every aspect of the progress of Valencia from prospect to developed uranium deposit. to become a licensed uranium producer. Under his leadership, Forsys, a C$45,000 exploration start-up in Namibia, grew to a licensed uranium producer with a market cap of C$860,000,000. He has spent his over 30-year career developing and founding several resource-focused companies, including Temex Resources, UNX Energy, Giyani Metals, Canoe Mining Ventures and Broadway Strategic Metals. To date, he has created over C$1.2 billion in shareholder value for companies in which he has been directly involved.

These two technical appointments are as a result of the signing of a technical partnership between Puranium and Madison Metals Inc. (CSE: GREN), a Namibian uranium exploration company based in Canada, as the two companies agree to share resources in Namibia in an effort to efficiently explore and develop their respective property packages.

On behalf of the Board,

Jason Bagg,

President & CEO, Director

About Puranium Energy Ltd.

The Company is focused on the uranium exploration of its 85% interest in seven EPLs (the "Estate Uranium Properties") totaling 93,514 hectares in the Erongo Province of Namibia, which accounts for approximately 8% of the world's uranium production. The Company also has an option to purchase a 100% interest in 35 mineral claims in Ontario, and owns the Cobalt Mountain poly-metallic project near the town of Smithers in British Columbia.

For more information, please contact investor relations at investors@puraniumenergy.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release

This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based on are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/128017
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.
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - Vanstar Mining Resources (TSXV: VSR) (OTCQX: VMNGF) (FSE: 1V8), a mining exploration company focused in Quebec, is pleased to announce that it will be participating in THE Mining Investment Event of the North, which will be held IN PERSON and will take place on June 19-21, 2022, at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac and Voltigeurs de Quebec Armoury in Quebec City, Canada.

JC St-Amour, President & CEO will be presenting at 8:00 am ET on June 20th. Management from Vanstar Mining Resources will also be holding one-on-one investor meetings throughout the three-day conference. Interested parties should contact Nancy Larned at nlarned@vidconferences.com to inquire about registering to attend.

THE Event, Canada's First Tier I Mining Investment event is committed to bringing a global audience to Quebec to showcase the best of Canadian mining. THE Event will feature a mix of exploration, development, royalty companies and producers representing all commodities. CEOs will be asked to present in a unique "THE Talk" format, be part of a panel, or be interviewed. THE Event will also feature keynotes and panels with well-known industry thought leaders.

Information regarding THE Event including investor registration details, a list of participating companies, panelists and keynote speakers and a preliminary agenda can be found at https://vidconferences.com/conferences-events/in-person/canadas-first-tier-1-mining-conference/.

About Vanstar Mining Resources

Vanstar Mining Resources Inc. is a gold exploration company with properties located in Northern Quebec at different stages of development. The Company owns a 25% interest in the Nelligan project (3.2 million inferred ounces Au, NI 43-101 October 2019) and a 1% NSR. The Nelligan Project won the "Discovery of the Year" award at the 2019 Quebec Mineral Exploration Association Xplor Gala. Vanstar is also earning 75% into the Bousquet-Odyno project located along the Cadillac Break and owns 100% of the Felix property in the Chicobi Group (Abitibi mining camp, 65 km East of Amex Perron property), the Amanda property, a 7,306 ha property located on the Auclair formation with historic gold showings up to 12.1 g/t Au over 3 meters, and the Frida and Eva properties located in the James Bay area.

About The Event Series

THE Event Series Conferences creates and develops unique, invitation only, premier investment conferences focused on providing participants and investors the best in investor conference experiences. THE Event Series Conferences planned for 2022 and beyond will be focused on other industry sectors and will be announced soon. To find out more about THE Event Conferences, please visit our website at https://vidconferences.com/.

For further information:

JC St-Amour

CEO & President

+1 647 296 9871

jc@vanstarmining.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/127947
By Joseph S. Nye, Jr.





CAMBRIDGE  When Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, he envisaged a quick seizure of Kyiv and a change of government analogous to Soviet interventions in Budapest in 1956 and Prague in 1968. But it wasn't to be. The war is still raging, and no one knows when or how it will end.



While some observers have urged an early ceasefire, others have emphasized the importance of punishing Russian aggression. Ultimately, though, the outcome will be determined by facts on the ground.



Since it is too early to guess even when the war will end, some conclusions are obviously premature. For example, arguments that the era of tank warfare is over have been refuted as the battle has moved from Kyiv's northern suburbs to the eastern plains of the Donbas.



But even at this early stage, there are at least eight lessons  some old, some new  that the world is learning (or relearning) from the war in Ukraine.



First, nuclear deterrence works, but it depends on relative stakes more than on capabilities. The West has been deterred, but only up to a point. Putin's threats have prevented Western governments from sending troops (though not equipment) to Ukraine.



This outcome does not reflect any superior Russian nuclear capability; rather, it reflects the gap between Putin's definition of Ukraine as a vital national interest and the West's definition of Ukraine as an important but less vital interest.



Second, economic interdependence does not prevent war. While this lesson used to be widely recognized  particularly after World War I broke out among the world's leading trade partners  it was ignored by German policymakers such as former Chancellor Gerhard Schroder.



His government increased Germany's imports of, and dependence on, Russian oil and gas, perhaps hoping that breaking trade ties would be too costly for either side. But while economic interdependence can raise the costs of war, it clearly does not prevent it.



Third, uneven economic interdependence can be weaponized by the less dependent party, but when the stakes are symmetrical, there is little power in interdependence. Russia depends on revenue from its energy exports to finance its war, but Europe is too dependent on Russian energy to cut it off completely.



The energy interdependence is roughly symmetrical. (On the other hand, in the world of finance, Russia is more vulnerable to Western sanctions, which may hurt more over time.)



Fourth, while sanctions can raise the costs for aggressors, they do not determine outcomes in the short term. CIA Director William Burns (a former U.S. ambassador to Russia) reportedly met with Putin last November and warned, to no avail, that an invasion would trigger sanctions.



Putin may have doubted that the West could maintain unity on sanctions. (On the other hand, Chinese President Xi Jinping has offered only limited support to Putin despite having proclaimed a "no limits" friendship with Russia, perhaps owing to his concerns about China becoming entangled in U.S. secondary sanctions.)



Fifth, information warfare makes a difference. As RAND's John Arquilla pointed out two decades ago, the outcomes of modern warfare depend not only on whose army wins, but also on "whose story wins."



America's careful disclosure of intelligence about Russia's military plans proved quite effective in "pre-debunking" Putin's narratives in Europe, and it contributed greatly to Western solidarity when the invasion occurred as predicted.



Sixth, both hard and soft power matter. While coercion trumps persuasion in the near term, soft power can make a difference over time. Smart power is the ability to combine hard and soft power so that they reinforce rather than contradict each other. Putin failed to do that.



Russia's brutality in Ukraine created such revulsion that Germany decided finally to suspend the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline  an outcome that U.S. pressure over several years had failed to achieve.



By contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a former actor, used his professionally honed dramatic skills to present an attractive portrait of his country, securing not just sympathy but also the military equipment that is essential to hard power.



Seventh, cyber capability is not a silver bullet. Russia had used cyber weapons to intervene in Ukraine's power grid since at least 2015, and many analysts predicted a cyber blitz against the country's infrastructure and government at the start of the invasion.



Yet while there have reportedly been many cyberattacks during the war, none has determined broader outcomes. When the Viasat satellite network was hacked, Zelenskyy continued to communicate with world audiences through the many small satellites provided by Starlink.



Moreover, with training and experience, Ukrainian cyber defenses have improved. Once the war had begun, kinetic weapons provided greater timeliness, precision, and damage assessment for commanders than cyber weapons did. With cyber weapons, you do not always know if an attack has succeeded or been patched. But with explosives, you can see the impact and assess the damage more easily.



Finally, the most important lesson is also one of the oldest: War is unpredictable. As Shakespeare wrote more than four centuries ago, it is dangerous for a leader to "cry 'Havoc!' and let slip the dogs of war." The promise of a short war is perilously seductive.



In August 1914, European leaders famously expected the troops to "be home by Christmas." Instead, they unleashed four years of war, and four of those leaders lost their thrones.



Immediately following America's 2003 invasion of Iraq, many in Washington predicted a cakewalk ("Mission Accomplished" read the warship banner that May), but the effort bogged down for years.



Now it is Putin who has let slip the dogs of war. They may yet turn on him.





Joseph S. Nye, Jr., a professor at Harvard University and a former U.S. assistant secretary of defense, is 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).






Val-d'Or, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - Vision Lithium (TSXV: VLI) (OTCQB: ABEPF) (FSE: 1AJ2), a junior exploration company focused on exploring and developing high quality mineral assets including lithium and copper in Canada, is pleased to announce that it will be participating in THE Mining Investment Event of the North, which will be held IN PERSON and will take place on June 19-21, 2022, at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac and Voltigeurs de Quebec Armoury in Quebec City, Canada.

Yves Rougerie will be presenting at 1:20 PM ET on June 20th. Management from Vision Lithium will also be holding one-on-one investor meetings throughout the three-day conference. Interested parties should contact Nancy Larned at nlarned@vidconferences.com to inquire about registering to attend.

THE Event, Canada's First Tier I Mining Investment event, is committed to bringing a global audience to Quebec to showcase the best of Canadian mining. THE Event will feature a mix of exploration, development, royalty companies and producers representing all commodities. CEOs will be asked to present in a unique "THE Talk" format, be part of a panel, or be interviewed. THE Event will also feature keynotes and panels with well-known industry thought leaders.

Information regarding THE Event including investor registration details, a list of participating companies, panelists and keynote speakers and a preliminary agenda can be found at https://vidconferences.com/conferences-events/in-person/canadas-first-tier-1-mining-conference/.

About Vision Lithium

Vision Lithium Inc. is a junior exploration company focused on exploring and developing high quality mineral assets including lithium and copper in Canada. The Company is led by skilled and qualified mineral exploration experts and business professionals with a deep understanding of the battery materials market, which is driven by lithium-ion batteries. Vision Lithium is committed to discovering new, world-class assets and bringing these assets to production, starting with the Godslith lithium property located in Manitoba; the Cadillac Lithium property, Decelles lithium, Sirmac lithium property and the Dome Lemieux porphyry/skarn copper-zinc property, all located in Quebec; its skarn and breccia polymetallic Red Brook and Benjamin properties in Northern New Brunswick and its St. Stephen nickel-copper-cobalt property in Southern New Brunswick.

About The Event Series

THE Event Series Conferences creates and develops unique, invitation only, premier investment conferences focused on providing participants and investors the best in investor conference experiences. THE Event Series Conferences planned for 2022 and beyond will be focused on other industry sectors and will be announced soon. To find out more about THE Event Conferences, please visit our website at https://vidconferences.com/.

For further information:

Yves Rougerie

President & CEO

+1 819 316 0474

yrougerie@visionlithium.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/127949
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - Danavation Technologies Corp. (CSE: DVN) (OTCQB: DVNCF) ("Danavation" or the "Company"), a Canadian-based Internet of Things ("IoT") technology company and provider of micro e-paper displays, is pleased to provide an update for shareholders on the progress made to date with existing installations of our Digital Smart Labels and Platform-as-a-Service ("PaaS") technology, as well as share insights into the pipeline of future opportunities.

"Looking back over the past 18 months, I am proud of the markets we have accessed, the partners we have secured and the incredible brands that we are working with - and Danavation is just getting started," said John Ricci, CEO of Danavation. "As retailers and other clients realize returns on their investment from using our solution, we look forward to continuing to launch additional multi-location roll-outs, while also attracting new clients and brand families. We look forward to reporting on our progress with the robust pipeline of identified business and numerous potential opportunities being targeted over the coming months."

Setting the Stage for Additional Multi-Store Roll-Outs

Since going public in early 2021, Danavation has continued to actively penetrate new markets and new verticals for our Digital Smart Labels, while capturing further market share. Our sales team is constantly introducing Danavation's innovative offering to new potential clients, locations and brands, which is reflected in our reach that today spans across North America, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Outlined below is a quick snapshot of our success with various brands, which provides clear validation of our strategy, and helps set the stage for future installations. With many of the brands below, there are multi-store arrangements in the pipeline, and we anticipate being able to launch additional roll-outs into new locations in the coming months.

Brand / Client Name # Locations

Installed Future Potential Opportunities ACE Hardware (US) 5 Ace Hardware has >5,000 independently owned stores around the world True Value Hardware (US) 2 True Value has >4,500 stores in 60+ countries globally & 13 regional distribution centers LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) (ON) 3 Building on relationship with LCBO, one of the world's largest buyers and retailers of beverage alcohol Uniprix (QC) 3 Subsidiary of McKesson Canada, and a major retail pharmacy player in Quebec with hundreds of pharmacies under the same umbrella Cataldi (ON) 2 Cataldi installations provide local examples of Danavation's platform in action Sobeys Wholesale (ON) 300 Provided custom software roll-out of an end-to-end IoT solution to automate & streamline Sobeys' wholesale operations

Other Notable Market Wins

In addition to contracting for multi-location installations with the brands mentioned above, Danavation has also completed numerous individual Digital Smart Labels installations for recognized retailers in North America such as Toys 'R' Us, Pharmasave, Petro-Canada, Macadoodles and City Cannabis, to name a few. Further, we have established preferred vendor partnerships with retail focused organizations such as Circle the Wagons, a purchasing group for independent retailers in the US whose membership includes the Independent Grocers Alliance ("IGA"), representing approximately 1,300 locations, and another 100 additional retailers who collectively operate approximately 1,000 further locations. Leveraging such partnerships affords Danavation reach into new retailers that is exponentially greater than we otherwise would have.

How Danavation is Different

Our ground-breaking Digital Smart Labels and PaaS system deliver advanced software, hardware, analytics, and intelligence tools for complete plug-n-play deployment. Information is wirelessly transmitted to the labels for pricing, promotions and inventory management, product specs, and customer reviews. This eliminates paper usage aligning with ESG-friendly initiatives, ensures accurate pricing to avoid costly errors at the till, and avoids the need for physical contact, streamlining operations and freeing up staff members to focus on customer service. Further, due to the capabilities of our software and systems, we have the ability to leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to dynamically impact product pricing at the shelf by aggregating data such as sales velocity, weather conditions, current events, stock levels, and price elasticity of demand. This data is invaluable for both retailers and the products or brands available in store.

While Danavation is not the only provider of Digital Smart Labels globally, we are currently the only provider who was founded and is based in North America. Our management team, board and head office are located in Canada, and we can service our US and Canadian clients quickly and easily from the same hemisphere. Further, our platform and Digital Smart Labels offer broad utility across multiple verticals, so our expertise and product offering are not limited to retail applications. We deployed our Digital Smart Labels for clients such as the Ensign Group, a health care facility and a home delivery meal prep kit company who needed a solution to track product through the manufacturing and packaging line.

About Danavation

Danavation Technologies Corp. is a Canadian-based, Internet of Things (IoT) technology company, providing micro e-paper displays to organizations across North America. The Company's Digital Smart Labels, powered by IoT automation technology and software Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), enables companies across various sectors to automate labelling, price, product, and promotions in real-time, enhancing data accuracy and improving performance by removing high labour costs and low productivity associated with traditional labour-intensive workflows. By empowering the adoption of smart retail, smart cities and industry 4.0, our goal is to create a sustainable and profitable business for shareholders while advancing sound environmental, social and governance practices, including by significantly reducing paper usage. Danavation has introduced its solution to retailers across North America, including big box and boutique grocers, while also targeting new markets including healthcare providers, manufacturing, and logistics companies. Learn more about the background of Danavation and our vision for the future on our website. As well, follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube for more updates on how we are transforming the retail landscape.

For further information, please contact:

John Ricci

President & Chief Executive Officer

hello@danavation.com

Cindy Gray

5 Quarters Investor Relations, Inc.

Tel: 1-403-705-5076 | investors@danavation.com

Investor Relations - United States

Trevor Brucato, Managing Director

RBMG - RB Milestone Group LLC

New York, NY & Stamford, CT

danavation@rbmilestone.com | www.rbmilestone.com

For media relations / management interview requests:

Mr. Nelson Hudes

Hudes Communications International

Tel: 1-905-660-9155 or nelson@hudescommunications.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking 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 forward-looking statements or information. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating, the future business of the Company, potential roll outs of the Company's products and services, further business from the Company's clients, industry outlook and potential and other matters. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct.

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 forward-looking 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 forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking 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 forward-looking 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 CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/127990
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 16, 2022 / Goodbody Health Inc. (CSE:GDBY)(OTCQB:GDBYF) ("Goodbody Health" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that following its application for registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) last year, the Company has successfully passed the registration criteria and now provides all its testing services under the regulated activity diagnostic and screening procedures. CQC is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England.

This enables our customers and other stakeholders to be confident that Goodbody will provide safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care, and can be reassured that the Company will be monitored and inspected to make sure that standards of quality and safety continue to be achieved. This in turn helps to drive customers into our network of clinics to benefit from our expanding range of products and services.

The Goodbody CQC registration demonstrates:

We comply with CQC regulatory standards which ensures our customers receive safe, caring, effective, responsive, and well-lead health services.

Our health services are high-quality, effective, compassionate, and delivered by competent and dedicated staff who are subject to a robust recruitment process and trained to the nationally recognised standard.

Our staff feel valued and secure, and our customers have the confidence in the health service provided to them or to their families.

Through the CQC registration, the Company ensures that Goodbody's competent and professional team are fit to provide and manage good quality health services that meet the needs of people and are authorised to do so.

Geremy Thomas, Executive Chairman, said: "Achieving this registration is great news for Goodbody customers and stakeholders as it demonstrates Goodbody's commitment to providing the best quality products and services to its customers. It is a real milestone on the Company's journey to give customers confidence in the tests they are taking. There has never been a better time to take control of your current health and to 'Know More, Live Better'"

The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Marc Howells

Chief Executive Officer

Goodbody Health Inc.

+44 (0) 20 7971 1255

enquiries@goodbodyhealth.com

www.goodbodyhealth.com

Anne Tew

Chief Financial Officer

Goodbody Health Inc.

+44 (0) 20 7971 1255

enquiries@goodbodyhealth.com

www.goodbodyhealth.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Goodbody Health's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes" "plan is" or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur", "will be achieved" or "shortly". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to: the registration will help to drive customers into our network of clinics.

Although Goodbody Health believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. In particular, there is no guarantee that the registration will enable customers and other stakeholders to be confident that Goodbody will provide safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care or that customers will be reassured knowing that that the Company will be monitored and inspected to make sure that standards of quality and safety continue to be achieved; achieving this registration demonstrates Goodbody's commitment to providing the best quality products and services to its customers; that the registration will give customers confidence in the tests they are taking; or that there has never been a better time to take control of one's current health.

Goodbody Health does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

SOURCE: Goodbody Health Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/705233/Goodbody-Health-Granted-Care-Quality-Commission-Registration
Growth of the drone market, surge in demand for improved surveillance, and increase in product launches and partnerships drive the growth of the global unmanned traffic management market.

PORTLAND, Ore., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research recently published a report, titled, "Unmanned Traffic Management Market by Component (Hardware, Software), by Application (Agriculture and Forestry, Logistics and Transportation, Surveillance and Monitoring), by End User (Drone Operators or Pilots, Recreational Users, Airports, Emergency Service and Local Authorities): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031". As per the report, the global unmanned traffic management industry was accounted for $0.78 billion in 2021, and is expected to reach $3.1 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 15.7% from 2022 to 2031.

Drivers, restraints, and opportunities

Growth of the drone market, surge in demand for improved surveillance, and increase in product launches and partnerships drive the growth of the global unmanned traffic management market. However, strict drone regulations, technological challenges in implementation of UTM hinder the market growth. On the contrary, rise in demand for drones in commercial applications and support of government would unlock new opportunities in the future.

Download Report (261 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, Figures) at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/7534

Covid-19 scenario:

The Covid-19 pandemic forced governments to implement strict lockdown and ban on import-export of raw material items. This led to sudden fall in the availability of important component for manufacturing unmanned traffic management component.

The prolonged lockdown forced manufacturing facilities to completely shut their operations. Moreover, this resulted in delays in initiatives and activities regarding development of advanced unmanned traffic management services.

Request for Customization at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/7534

The software segment held the largest share

By component, the software segment held the largest share in 2021, accounting for more than 90% of the global unmanned traffic management market, due to high demand for unmanned traffic management software that can enable the development of future-centric unmanned traffic management system across the globe. However, the hardware segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 17.4% during the forecast period, owing to rise in demand for the installment of superior sensing, communication, and data transfer devices in UAVs globally.

The surveillance and monitoring segment dominated the market

By application, the surveillance and monitoring segment held the lion's share in 2021, contributing to nearly three-fourths of the global unmanned traffic management market, due to high demand for systems that can ensure accurate surveillance and monitoring of UAVs. However, the agriculture and forestry segment is estimated to manifest the highest CAGR of 18.9% from 2022 to 2031, due to rise in demand for the UAVs to be deployed in agriculture sector globally.

Interested to Procure the Data with Actionable Strategy & Insights? Inquire here at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/7534

North America held the largest share

By region, the global unmanned traffic management market across North America dominated in 2021, holding nearly two-fifths of the market, due to increase in R&D activities; technological developments by key players; and increase in government support. However, the market across Asia-Pacific is projected to portray the highest CAGR of 17.9% during the forecast period, owing to rise in adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles or drones across several Asian nations, for instance, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, among others.

Major market players

Airbus

Altitude Angle

Droniq GmbH.

Intelligent Automation (IAI)

Leonardo S.p.A.

One sky

PrecisionHawk Inc.

Thales Group

Terra Drone

Unifly NV.

Buy Complete Report Now!https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/e56eeb5b8dc15f4b2bc7d788c1e4904b

Similar Reports We Have on Traffic Management Industry:

Air Traffic Control Market by Airspace (ARTCC, TRACON, ATCT, and Remote Tower), Application (Communication, Navigation, Surveillance, and Automation), Offerings (Hardware, Software & Solutions, and Services), and Airport Size (Large, Medium, and Small), and Sector (Commercial, and Military & Defense): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2030.

Air Traffic Management Market by Component (Hardware and Software), Air Space (Air Traffic Services, Airspace Management, Air Traffic Flow Management and Aeronautical Information Management), Investment Type (Greenfield and Brownfield), and End Use (Tactical and Commercial): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2030.

Vessel Traffic Management Market by Component (Equipment, Solutions, and Service), Systems (Port Management Information Systems, Global Maritime Distress Safety Systems, River Information Systems, and Aton Management & Health Monitoring Systems), End User (Commercial, and Defense), and Investment (Brownfield, and Greenfield): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2030.

Integrated Traffic Systems Market by Function (Traffic Monitoring, Traffic Control, and Information Provision), Hardware Type (Display Boards, Sensors, Radars, Interface Boards, and Surveillance Cameras), Sensors (Infra-red Sensor, Weigh in Motion Sensor, Acoustic Sensor, and Others), and Application (Urban Traffic and Expressway): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030.

Traffic Monitoring Market by Solution (Traffic Analysis and Smart Surveillance), Hardware (Display Boards, Sensors, Surveillance Cameras and Others) and Service (Consulting, Deployment, Integration, Support and Maintenance): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030.

UAS Traffic Management (UTM) System Market by End Use (Agriculture, Logistic, and Surveillance), Solution (Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance), Component (Hardware, Software, and Service), and Type (Persistent, and Non-Persistent): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030.

Space Traffic Management Market by Application (Communication, Earth Observation, Navigation, Global Positioning System, and Surveillance, Technology Development and Education, Others), by End Use (Civil and Government, Commercial, Military), by Orbit (LEO, MEO and Elliptical, GEO), by Activity (Space Situational Awareness, Space Debris Remediation, Space Orbit Management, Launch Vehicle Operations): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2030.

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.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

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CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / June 16, 2022 / Southern Energy Corp. ("Southern" or the "Company") (SOU:TSXV; AIM:SOUC), a U.S.-focused, growth-oriented natural gas producer, is pleased to announce that Paul Baay has agreed to join the Company's board of directors (the "Board") as a Non-Executive Director, subject to the completion of customary due diligence required in accordance with the AIM Rules for Companies. Mr. Baay previously acted as a special advisor to Southern, and brings over 25 years of experience leading oil and gas exploration and production companies to the Board.

All of the nominees listed in the Company's management information circular dated May 2, 2022 (the "Information Circular"), were elected as directors of the Company until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are elected or appointed.

Mr. Baay has over 30 years of experience leading energy companies and is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Touchstone Exploration Inc., which he established in July 2010. Prior thereto, Mr. Baay was Managing Director of Abacus Energy, part of Abacus Private Equity from 2007 through 2010 and was a Senior Officer of True Energy Inc. from 2000 through 2007. From 2005 to 2012 he was the Chair of the Board of Directors of Vero Energy Inc. From 1998 to 2000 he was the Chair of the Board of Directors of Request Seismic Surveys Ltd. and served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Remington Energy Ltd. from 1991 to 1999.

Mr. Baay is a Director of the Board of Directors of Octavia Energy Corporation, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Art Gallery of Canada. He is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors and is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, with a BA in administrative and commercial studies.

All other items of business put forward to shareholders at yesterday's annual general and special meeting of shareholders were approved. For further details, please review the Information Circular under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

Bruce Beynon, Non-Executive Chairman, commented:

"The Board and I are thrilled that Paul has agreed to join the Board as a Non-Executive Director of the Company. Paul's experience across the oil and gas industry and capital markets has been of significant value in his role as an advisor to the Company and we look forward to working even closer with him in the near future.

This is an important period for our company, and we are pleased to be adding further expertise to our already strong board."

About Southern Energy Corp.

Southern Energy Corp. is a natural gas exploration and production company. Southern has a primary focus on acquiring and developing conventional natural gas and light oil resources in the southeast Gulf States of Mississippi, Louisiana, and East Texas. Our management team has a long and successful history working together and have created significant shareholder value through accretive acquisitions, optimization of existing oil and natural gas fields and the utilization of re-development strategies utilizing horizontal drilling and multi-staged fracture completion techniques.

For further information, please contact:

Southern Energy Corp.

Ian Atkinson (President and CEO) +1 587 287 5401

Calvin Yau (VP Finance and CFO) +1 587 287 5402

Strand Hanson Limited - Nominated & Financial Adviser +44 (0) 20 7409 3494

James Spinney / James Bellman

Hannam & Partners - Joint Broker +44 (0) 20 7907 8500

Samuel Merlin / Ernest Bell

Canaccord Genuity - Joint Broker +44 (0) 20 7523 8000

Henry Fitzgerald-O'Connor / James Asensio

Camarco +44 (0) 20 3757 4980

James Crothers / Billy Clegg / Hugo Liddy

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Southern Energy Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/705375/Southern-Energy-Corp-Announces-Appointment-of-New-Director
Internet City, Dubai--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - LBank Exchange, a global digital asset trading platform, will list TGK GOLD (TGK) on June 17, 2022. For all users of LBank Exchange, the TGK/USDT trading pair will be officially available for trading at 16:00 (UTC+8) on June 17, 2022.





Figure 1

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8831/128009_b4ba2300b4de0a97_001full.jpg

Aiming firmly and honestly to go one step forward by watching the future, TGK GOLD (TGK) focuses on being a corporation that contributes to humanity. It brings blockchain technology into the gold mining market, and introduces gold consumers and enthusiasts to the TGK cryptocurrency. The TGK token will be listed on LBank Exchange at 16:00 (UTC+8) on June 17, 2022, to further expand its global reach and help it achieve its vision.

Introducing TGK GOLD

TGK Gold LLC is an Alaska Marine Gold Mining Company located in Alaska Nome City. It has the right to operate the Gold Mine field 23,000 acres (93 million square meters) in the Nome City Ocean, licensed by the state of Alaska. The founder of TGK, which began in 2006, is said to be one of the most successful miners in the recent history of Nome City, Alaska. Based on his experience and expertise, TGK plans to become the most powerful of the top five mining operators in Alaska by 2025.

However, finding funding for a mining operation can be difficult, buying gold is expensive, and selling gold in small quantities is time consuming. To solve these existing issues in the industry, TGK Gold Coin, a company based in Singapore, issued cryptocurrency called TGK GOLD (TGK) on blockchain in partnership with TGK Gold LLC. The TGK coin will provide Alaska Nome City's TGK Gold LLC with expansion funds faster than other companies to increase the production of gold.

TGK GOLD (TGK) is a cryptocurrency for consumers and lovers of gold, it allows them to purchase gold within the amount of their own coin ownership. In addition, the company will use cryptocurrency to invest in stable gold and offer deep trust and supply schedules to consumers and enthusiasts who own gold with high prices at future asset values. For the TGK holders, it will provide them with a gold supply contract for physical delivery.

With TGK GOLD, gold buyers may purchase gold at a corresponding discount on delayed delivery if gold's supply and demand is delayed on a future date due to production schedules or device equipment issues (except for natural disasters and weather changes). They can also purchase gold directly from mining operations without the cost of bulk trading or transportation of gold, pay the supplier the average purchase cost of gold to purchase gold, and then receive it when the gold mining process is completed.

Furthermore, for those who own TGK GOLD coin and purchase gold, the gold miner will provide and track the overall gold production records, and supply large or small amounts of gold directly to consumers and enthusiasts without much time.

About TGK Token

TGK GOLD (TGK) token aims to benefit consumers and enthusiasts by expanding the gold mining and gold market for consumers and enthusiasts. Based on BRC-20, TGK has a total supply of 300 million (i.e.300,000,000) tokens.

The TGK token will be listed on LBank Exchange at 16:00 (UTC+8) on June 17, 2022, investors who are interested in TGK GOLD investment can easily buy and sell TGK token on LBank Exchange by then.

Learn More about TGK Token:

Official Website: https://www.tgkgold.net

About LBank Exchange

LBank Exchange, founded in 2015, is an innovative global trading platform for various crypto assets. LBank Exchange provides its users with safe crypto trading, specialized financial derivatives, and professional asset management services. It has become one of the most popular and trusted crypto trading platforms with over 7 million users from now more than 210 regions around the world.

Start Trading Now: lbank.info

Community & Social Media:

l Telegram

l Twitter

l Facebook

l LinkedIn

l Instagram

l YouTube

Contact Details:

LBK Blockchain Co. Limited

LBank Exchange

marketing@lbank.info

business@lbank.info

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/128009
This is RMF's first time being named to the prestigious list, coming in at No. 8 among the best small and medium companies to work for in New York state

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 16, 2022 / Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC (RMF) today announced it has been honored by Great Place to Work and Fortune Magazine as one of this year's Best Workplaces in New York. The ranking is based on employee feedback collected through America's largest ongoing annual workforce study. In that survey, 95% of RMF's employees said RMF is a great place to work. This number is 38% higher than the average U.S. company.

The full list of winners is available at GreatPlacesToWork.com.

"We are honored to be named among Fortune's Best Workplaces in New York for 2022. As a company, we're committed to helping older Americans live the retirement lifestyle they imagined and deserve. Our ranking among this year's Best Workplaces in New York is a testament to the entire RMF community and their dedication to our clients and each other," says David Peskin, President of RMF.

RMF has a distributed workforce, with full-time remote employees as well as those with hybrid work schedules. To foster connectivity in the virtual world, RMF has implemented a variety of solutions, including an employee experience intranet site that promotes engagement and greater efficiency online for the company's 580-plus employees. The site is not only a place for sharing company news and important information, but it's also used to celebrate birthdays and work anniversaries and to announce promotions. The site also hosts several company clubs that encourage camaraderie and personal development outside of working hours.

RMF also promotes engagement among its distributed workforce through quarterly gifts, team building activities and opportunities for peer-to-peer recognition. The company sets the stage for transparent communication each quarter with its town hall meetings and opportunities for employee suggestions.

"At RMF, we strive to ensure that every team member feels as connected as they would in any in-person office environment. Our workforce community is stronger than ever, and as such, we are more effective in serving our clients, supporting our loan officers across the country and strengthening our relationships with industry stakeholders," adds Peskin.

"As employee demands and expectations have dramatically changed over the past year, these companies have risen to the occasion-and it's not been easy," says Kim Peters, executive vice president of global recognition, research & strategic partnerships at Great Place to Work. "Their hard work and dedication to listen to and care for the well-being of every employee, and support them in a way that's meaningful to all, is the standard all organizations will be held to."

The Fortune winners list is generated by using proprietary technology, For All, provided by their partner, Great Place to Work. For All methodology evaluates and certifies thousands of companies in America's largest and ongoing workforce survey that includes qualitative and quantitative data from over 6.1 million employees. This data is based on feedback defined by the company's high levels of trust, respect, credibility, fairness, pride, and camaraderie. In addition, companies provide organizational data like size, location, industry, demographics, roles, and levels.

To learn more about Reverse Mortgage Funding, please visit ReverseFunding.com

About Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC

Established in 2012, Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC (NMLS ID #1019941) is one of the nation's largest GNMA issuers of reverse mortgages and a recognized industry thought leader. RMF focuses on originating, acquiring, investing in, and managing reverse mortgage loans and securities backed by reverse mortgage loans. The company is headquartered in New Jersey, with corporate offices in New York and California and field offices throughout the U.S. RMF is a wholly owned subsidiary of Reverse Mortgage Investment Trust Inc. (RMIT), a specialty finance company in the reverse mortgage sector. RMIT is an affiliate of Starwood Capital Group, a global private investment firm and an innovator in non-agency mortgages. The relationship with Starwood Capital affords RMF the unique ability to develop new product lines and create strategic partnerships within the Starwood Capital family of companies.

RMF is proud to continually earn high praise from their customers-receiving a 98% customer satisfaction1 rating; a4.7-star / Excellent score on Trustpilot;24.8 out of 5 stars on LendingTree;3 and anA+ rating with the Better Business Bureau4.

# # #

1Source: RMF Customer satisfaction survey, December 2021

2Source: Trustpilot, as of January 2022

3Source: LendingTree Ratings and Reviews, as of January 2022

4Source: Better Business Bureau as of January 2022

This material has not been reviewed, approved or issued by HUD, FHA or any government agency. The company is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of or at the direction of HUD/FHA or any other government agency.

NOT FOR CONSUMER USE. 2022 Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC, 1455 Broad Street, 2nd Floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003, 1-888-494-0882. Company NMLS ID: #1019941. For licensing information, go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Arizona Mortgage Banker License #0927682; Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act; Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law license; Georgia Mortgage Lender Licensee #36793; Massachusetts Mortgage Lender License ML1019941; Licensed by the New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance; Licensed Mortgage Banker-NYS Department of Financial Services -in-state branch address 700 Corporate Blvd, Newburgh, NY 12550; Rhode Island Licensed Lender. For California consumers: For information about our privacy practices, please visit https://www.reversefunding.com/privacy. Not all products and options are available in all states. Terms subject to change without notice. Certain conditions and fees apply. This is not a loan commitment. All loans subject to approval. L4635-Exp062023

Media Contact:

Jean Noble, (631) 270-3214 or jnoble@reversefunding.com

SOURCE: Reverse Mortgage Funding, LLC

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/705320/Reverse-Mortgage-Funding-Is-Named-One-the-Best-Workplaces-in-New-YorkTM-in-2022-by-Great-Place-to-WorkR-and-Fortune-Magazine
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 16, 2022 / 01 Communique Laboratory Inc. (the "Company") (TSXV:ONE); (OTCQB:OONEF), one of the first-to-market, enterprise level cybersecurity providers for the quantum computing era, is pleased to report the Company's second quarter fiscal 2022 results, which ended April 30, 2022.

Andrew Cheung, CEO of 01 Communique, stated, "I am pleased with the progress we made during the second quarter. We increased revenue by 20% allowing us to increase the investment in our product development specifically to accelerate our position in the area of quantum-safe blockchain facilitating quantum-safe tokens, NFTs, smart contracts, etc. We are close to completing the product development of our IronCAP X business edition, which we expect will be the world's first commercial-ready quantum-safe email security product. We strengthened our board of directors, entered into an agreement with Talent Summit, filed a new patent application based on exciting new technology and to help us get better value for our shareholders we retained the services of Hybrid Financial Ltd. for investor relations. I look forward to the rest of this year as we get ready to launch new products in conjunction with our partner, Talent Summit. We will keep our investors posted on the progress."

Highlights:

Increased revenue by 20% from Q2 2021 to $357,594.

The increase in revenue allowed for the increase in investment in product development which was increased by $51,335 to $190,212. These investments allow us to create a new generation of blockchain that is safe against attacks from quantum computers so that it can facilitate quantum-safe tokens, NFTs, smart contracts, etc. transactions while having high throughput that is comparable with that of credit card in the traditional world of finance. A PoC (proof-of-concept) is scheduled to be ready by the end of August and everything is going according to schedule. A separate announcement is expected when the PoC has been completed.

The loss for the third quarter 2022 was $82,879 and the Company completed the quarter with $849,375 of cash. The adjusted loss was $40,315 which excludes stock-based compensation and depreciation which are non-cash expenses.

Entered into an agreement with a consortium of highly successful crypto experts that selected the Company as their technology partner and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) provider. The consortium (Talent Summit) is aggressively pursuing a new blockchain and commissioned the Company to develop the World's First Quantum-Safe Blockchain designed for Tokens, NFTs, Smart Contracts for the Metaverse, De-centralized Finance (DeFi). It is expected that this best-in-class quantum-safe blockchain will be resilient against cyber adversaries, including quantum attacks.

The Company has taken a minority position in Talent Summit and in addition will be compensated for the development project by way of a payment of $250,000 cash payable over the course of development of the project plus a 10% royalty for the ongoing share of the "Tokens" per transaction.

Strengthened the board of directors with the addition of Mr. Tyson Macaulay CISA, LEL CIE, who brings with him over twenty-five years of engineering and management experience in network, cloud and IoT security solutions.

Retained Hybrid Financial Ltd. ("Hybrid") to provide investor relations services to the Company. Hybrid has been engaged to heighten market and brand awareness for the Company and to broaden the Company's reach within the investment community both in Canada and the United States. Hybrid Financial has offices in Toronto and Montreal.

Filed an international patent application for quantum-safe steganography technology which allows covert hiding of sensitive data in any ordinary digital media. This revolutionary technology can be applied to a broad range of applications including NFTs, digital wallets, digital proof of ownership, etc. The ancient application of steganography technology is to "watermark". Other applications include subliminal messages in media such as audio and video clips. What 01 has created is a quantum-safe steganography method to hide large amount of digital data in pictures, audio, or video clips utilizing the Company's patent-protected IronCAP cryptographic technology.

Grant of Stock Options

The Company granted stock options pursuant to its stock option plan to directors and executives of the Company to purchase up to an aggregate of 900,000 common shares in the Company. The options were granted on June 15, 2022 and are exercisable at a price of $0.14 per share for a period of four years from the date of grant. The options vest over a period of two years, with 25% vesting on each of December 15, 2022, June 15, 2023, December 15, 2023 and June 9, 2024. The options, and the shares issuable upon exercise, will be subject to applicable securities and regulatory laws.

Conference Call Reminder and Information:

01 Communique will host a live teleconference allowing for questions and answers later today at 10:00AM EST (June 16, 2022) to discuss the Company's results as well as providing an update on the business prospects for IronCAP and IronCAP X.

Browser (please cut-and-paste the following link into your browser):

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83272630612?pwd=K1ZmRGhYKy9xaVE4UUVRMzJYTUFyQT09

Passcode: ironcap22

Dial-in:

Within Canada (647) 374-4685 or (647) 558-0588

Within the USA (646) 558 8656 or (669) 900 9128

Webinar ID when prompted is 832 7263 0612

Passcode: 066489703

About 01 Communique

01 Communique (TSX-V:ONE); (OTCQB:OONEF) is one of the first-to-market, enterprise level cybersecurity providers for the quantum computing era. Its IronCAP technology, protected in the U.S.A. by its patent #11,271,715, is a cryptographic system incorporating advanced post-quantum cryptographic technology that can be implemented on classical computer systems as we know them today while at the same time can also safeguard against attacks in the post-quantum world of computing. The Company's remote access business unit provides its customers with a suite of secure remote access services and products under its I'm InTouch and I'm OnCall product offerings. The remote access offerings are protected in the U.S.A. by its patents #6,928,479 / #6,938,076 / #8,234,701; in Canada by its patents #2,309,398 / #2,524,039 and in Japan by its patent #4,875,094. For more information, visit the Company's web site at www.ironcap.ca and www.01com.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release may constitute "forward-looking" statements which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, such statements use such words as "may", "will", "expect", "believe", "plan", "intend", "are confident" and other similar terminology. Such statements include statements regarding the commercial success of IronCAP X, the future of quantum computers and their impact on the Company's product offering, the functionality of the Company's products and the intended product lines for the Company's technology and the potential licensing of the Company's technology. These statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed under "Risk and Uncertainties" in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis document filed on SEDAR. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") 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.

INVESTOR CONTACT:

Brian Stringer

Chief Financial Officer

01 Communique

(905) 795-2888 x204

Brian.stringer@01com.com

01 Communique Laboratory Inc. SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION Consolidated Statements of Financial Position As at April 30, 2022 and October 31, 2021 Unaudited 30-Apr-22 31-Oct-21 Assets Current assets Cash $ 849,375 $ 994,924 Accounts receivable 146,552 205,527 Prepaid expenses and other assets 51,089 31,743 1,047,016 1,232,174 Plant and equipment 114,793 125,584 Investment in Talent Summit 31,500 - Total assets $ 1,193,309 $ 1,357,758 Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 242,111 $ 182,354 Deferred revenue 6,578 6,502 Lease liability 45,051 42,532 293,740 231,388 Non-current liabilities Lease liability 42,809 66,915 CEBA loan payable 40,000 40,000 Total liabilities 376,549 338,303 Shareholders' deficit Share capital 43,963,582 43,963,582 Contributed surplus 5,978,122 5,890,297 Warrants 93,533 93,533 Deficit (49,218,477) (48,927,957) 816,760 1,019,455 Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit $ 1,193,309 $ 1,357,758



01 Communique Laboratory Inc. SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income For the 3 and 6 month periods ended April 30, 2022 and 2021 Unaudited

three months ended six months ended 30-Apr-22 30-Apr-21 30-Apr-22 30-Apr-21 Revenue $ 357,594 $ 297,231 $ 546,625 $ 510,493 Expenses: Selling, general and administrative 226,782 194,208 428,284 362,492 Research and development 190,212 138,876 365,761 276,105 Withholding taxes 22,734 29,207 41,123 49,991 439,728 362,291 835,168 688,588 Loss before other income and expense (82,134) (65,060) (288,543) (178,095) Interest income 459 839 645 1,415 Interest expense (1,204) (561) (2,622) (836) Loss for the period and comprehensive loss $ (82,879) $ (64,782) $ (290,520) $ (177,516) Loss per common share Basic $ (0.00) $ (0.00) $ (0.00) $ (0.00) Diluted $ (0.00) $ (0.00) $ (0.00) $ (0.00) Weighted average number of common shares Basic 94,451,221 91,818,973 92,788,400 91,806,056 Diluted 94,451,221 91,818,973 92,788,400 91,806,056

01 Communique Laboratory Inc. SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Unaudited For the 3 and 6 month periods ended April 30, 2022 and 2021 three months ended six months ended 30-Apr-22 30-Apr-21 30-Apr-22 30-Apr-21 Cash provided by (used in): Operating activities: Comprehensive loss for the period $ (82,879) $ (64,782) $ (290,520) $ (177,516) Adjustments to reconcile loss for the Period to net cash flows from operating activities: Depreciation of property and equipment 1,639 1,804 4,025 3,654 Amortization of right-of-use asset 11,219 12,018 22,438 23,079 Stock-based compensation expense 40,925 44,577 87,825 65,764 Change in non-cash working capital 75,412 (167,471) 99,442 (110,197) 46,316 (173,854) (76,790) (195,216) Financing activities: Exercise of stock options - - - 1,750 Exercise of debenture warrants - - - 52,000 Proceeds from loan - - - 60,000 Lease payments made (11,015) (10,455) (21,587) (22,113) (11,015) (10,455) (21,587) 91,637 Investing activities: Proceeds from guaranteed investment certificate - 60,000 - 60,000 Investment in Talent Summit (31,500) - (31,500) Purchase of property and equipment (15,672) (2,510) (15,672) (4,701) (47,172) 57,490 (47,172) 55,299 Decrease in cash (11,871) (126,819) (145,549) (48,280) Cash, beginning of period 861,246 1,040,876 994,924 962,337 Cash, end of period $ 849,375 $ 914,057 $ 849,375 $ 914,057



SOURCE: 01 Communique Laboratory, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/705347/01-Communique-Provides-Update-on-Business-Developments-and-Second-Quarter-Fiscal-2022-Results
Program offers grants and additional resources to empower all entrepreneurs and reduce obstacles as they start and build companies.

BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / June 16, 2022 / Shoobx , the company that fully automates all startup equity management operations and financings in a single collaborative hub, has expanded its Underrepresented Founders Grants Program , an initiative that offers grants and additional benefits to entrepreneurs across the startup landscape.

The program was born out of Shoobx's mission to make equity management more equitable, and involves grants that cover subscription fees for the company's software platform and other resources. Shoobx invites companies to apply for their program if founding members identify as underrepresented in the startup community - whether because of gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, or other factors.

Grant recipients can qualify in one of two categories based on their fundraising history. Startups that have raised less than $1 million in funding are eligible to apply for a grant toward their first-year Shoobx subscription, with no onboarding fees. Companies that have raised between $1 million and $5 million can apply for a grant of up to 50% toward their first-year subscription fee, also with no onboarding cost.

Eligible startups will also receive additional benefits from the program, including:

Brand exposure : Feature in Shoobx press releases, content, and newsletters.

: Feature in Shoobx press releases, content, and newsletters. Partner offers : Receive Shoobx-only offers from partners & service providers.

: Receive Shoobx-only offers from partners & service providers. Expert insights: Access insights from community experts - investors, founders, lawyers, accountants - through Shoobx's robust event calendar.

Access insights from community experts - investors, founders, lawyers, accountants - through Shoobx's robust event calendar. Community enrichment & training: Network with companies and organizations that, partnered with Shoobx, are committed to providing resources and workshops to the underrepresented founder community.

Shoobx's team, led by Founder & CEO Jason Furtado, aims to knock down obstacles that underrepresented founders often face when starting companies and raising money. "I can't speak for the experience of others, but as the son of immigrants, I saw what it was like for my parents to be surrounded by people that seemed to know a secret set of norms that they were trying to decipher without a guide," Furtado said. "There are a lot of parallels to the startup ecosystem. As I spent time talking to founders, attorneys, and investors, I realized that there were some pretty wild explanations given of how people judge founders, how they should act, and what they should know. Shoobx's Underrepresented Founders Grants Program can provide resources to founders to demystify how to get started - and educate them on what to expect."

Recipients of the Underrepresented Founders Grants Program will gain access to Shoobx's entire suite of equity management solutions, designed to automate all equity management operations and financings, bring together startup leaders, lawyers and investors into a single, collaborative hub, ultimately enabling them to fundraise faster and stay financing-ready. The platform automates the updates and organization of important data and documentation, with capabilities such as a dynamic cable table linked to company documents, an automated data room, and scenario modeling.

A community of diverse founders and startup leaders have already participated in the Underrepresented Founders Program. The network includes entrepreneurs from companies such as healthcare platform Antara Health , behavioral healthcare company Clay , and sexual wellness retailer Unbound .

Christina Logsdon, Head of Marketing at Shoobx, added, "We've already seen some incredible entrepreneurs and companies incorporate Shoobx into their journey to startup success. The roadmap for underrepresented founders isn't always clear, but having access to the right tools and expertise is a great way to start. I'm proud to be part of an organization that wants to make an impact in the startup community, and I'm looking forward to meeting more game-changing entrepreneurs through the expansion of this program."

Visit Shoobx.com to apply for and get involved in the Shoobx Underrepresented Founders Grants Program.

About Shoobx

Shoobx is an equity management company that is reshaping how private companies get started, raise capital, and exit. By focusing on data integrity and risk reduction, Shoobx's flexible platform streamlines everything from employee onboarding to issuing equity grants to maintaining a dynamic cap table, enabling companies to grow rapidly while staying financing-ready. Thousands of startup leaders, investors, and attorneys rely on Shoobx to get paperwork right the first time and make legal diligence fast and easy.

Automate your next round at shoobx.com .

Media Contact:

Cassandra Cattabriga

York IE

cassandra@york.ie

SOURCE: Shoobx, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/705033/Shoobx-Expands-Underrepresented-Founders-Grants-Program-to-Make-Equity-Management-More-Equitable
By Joe Guzzardi





Meta Platforms, until October 2021 known as Facebook, is in turmoil. Infamous for its commitment to employing H-1B workers, and simultaneously undermining qualified U.S. tech workers' careers, the Silicon Valley titan is finally getting its just rewards.







Sheryl Sandberg, a Facebook fixture for 14 years and the No. 2 behind Mark Zuckerberg, will be leaving this fall. Some analysts have been long critical of Sandberg, net worth $1.6 billion, and have pushed for at least two years for her ousting. Zuckerberg and Sandberg disagreed over Metaverse's vision.







Since Sandberg's replacement, Julian Oliver, has been named, her departure is unlikely to have further measurable negative effect on Meta. But, Oliver will have to assume the responsibility for pulling Meta out of the steady, deep decline the company is struggling with.







Meta Platform's key Facebook products have grown old. The number of young people actively using Facebook and Instagram has drifted to TikTok, which users see as more compelling. Today, TikTok, dominates the social media industry in screen time, and Amazon has become a leading player in the advertising industry.







Then, to the dismay of its shareholders, the Meta stock price's plunge in recent weeks has slashed the market cap by about 50 percent to $529 billion from an all-time high, and has cut Zuckerberg's net worth to about $84 billion. As of June 7, Meta stock has stabilized at $196 per share, 14 percent above its low for the year.







In February, Facebook agreed to pay $90 million to settle a privacy lawsuit which claimed that it impermissibly tracked users after they logged out, and sold their personal information to enrich the company. Along the same lines, in January, the British watchdog group, Financial Conduct Authority, sued Meta for $3.2 billion on behalf of individuals who used Facebook in the U.K. between 2015 to 2019. The lawsuit claims that Facebook made its users submit personal data in order to access the platform and thereby earned billions of dollars from the tactic, Reuters reported.







For Meta, the bad news keeps piling up. Qualified Black applicants have charged Facebook with shutting them out of key positions because they aren't a "culture fit," a possible reference to the large number of Chinese and Indian H-1B visa employees on the staff. Multiple reports allege that hiring managers confirmed to black candidates during interviews that they "could do the job" before using the "culture-fit" excuse to reject the candidate.







Facebook pledges to add 30 percent more people of color in leadership positions by 2025, but it has a long way to go. Despite incessantly touting the company's commitment to diversity, Facebook's 2020 Diversity Report showed little progress. Blacks and Hispanics in key technical roles increased year-over-year, from 1 percent to 1.7 percent for blacks and from 3 percent to 4.3 percent for Hispanics.







Moreover, since last summer, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is investigating bias claims against Facebook and has recently upgraded its inquiry into a systemic probe that could lead to broader charges.







Meta not only denies middle-management jobs to Blacks and Hispanics. The company prefers cheaper, more subservient foreign-born H-1B workers to U.S. tech graduates, a constant in its hiring practices. Zuckerberg, both directly through his congressional testimony and also through FWD.us, the pro-amnesty group he created, staunchly supports higher immigration.







Last year, the Department of Labor and the Department of Justice settled employment discrimination suits against Facebook. Although the settlement sums were paltry for the tech giant, $4.75 million, a civil penalty payable to the federal government and, from the DOJ, up to $9.5 million due the injured parties, Facebook should assume that the charges against it are a warning to clean up its anti-U.S. tech worker bias.







Meta needs a public relations overhaul. An easy place to begin would be to hire U.S. tech workers. Figuratively, Facebook's image has taken a bigger hit than its net worth. With more than a half-trillion current net worth, even after the stock market blood bath, Meta Platforms/Facebook can afford to hire skilled U.S. tech workers.











Joe Guzzardi ( jguzzardi@pfirdc.org ) is a Progressives for Immigration Reform analyst who has written about immigration for more than 30 years. His article was distributed by Cagle Cartoons newspaper syndicate.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 16, 2022 / Sassy Resources Corporation ("Sassy" or the "Company") (CSE:SASY)(FSE:4E7)(OTCQB:SSYRF) is pleased to provide the following corporate update:

Highlights:

Through a series of transactions, Sassy has completed the purchase of 5,273 mining claims ( 1,318 sq. km ) in Newfoundland for 4,260,000 shares of the Company and $500,000 cash. Sassy then sold these claims through a subsidiary to privately-held Galloper Gold Corp. ("Galloper Gold") for 8 million shares of Galloper Gold and $700,000 cash;

mining claims ( ) in Newfoundland for 4,260,000 shares of the Company and $500,000 cash. Sassy then sold these claims through a subsidiary to privately-held Galloper Gold Corp. ("Galloper Gold") for 8 million shares of Galloper Gold and $700,000 cash; The deal with Galloper Gold (applying to list on a Canadian stock exchange) is the culmination of a process that started in early 2021 that gave Sassy and its investors a strategic stake in the Newfoundland Gold Rush with major share positions in Gander Gold (35.3 million shares) and now Galloper Gold, with Sassy also having optioned its Nicobat Property to CSE-listed MAX Power Mining in exchange for 5 million shares of MAX Power;

Sassy's primary focus going forward is its 100%-owned Foremore Project in Northwest B.C.'s prolific Eskay Camp. The Company is commencing a new drill program next month to follow up on the early-stage Westmore high-grade gold discovery and the potential for a gold-silver-rich VMS-style discovery along the adjacent More Creek Corridor, 45 km north of the Eskay Creek mine.

Mr. Mark Scott, Sassy President and CEO, commented: "Sassy has made great strides since early last year at creating a foundation for long-term financial success with strategic ownership positions in three exciting entities, each with a bright future in our view. We're now laser focused on our #1 priority of building out the high-grade gold discovery that successfully launched Sassy as a public company nearly two years ago. We've been diligent at protecting our share structure to give us maximum flexibility to build shareholder value in multiple ways."

Mark Scott continued, "We will soon be unveiling a new web site for Sassy as we rebrand around the Eskay Camp and a value proposition that's more compelling than ever for this young Company. We're looking forward to an exciting summer at the Foremore Project where the last five drill holes at Westmore each intersected shallow, high-grade mineralization (refer to March 3, 2022 news release).

Properties

In purchasing Rocky Island Gold, Galloper Gold acquired 100% ownership of 5,273 mining claims including the Glover Island claims and the Triple Point Project in southwest Newfoundland, and Mint Pond (previously known as Gander East) on the eastern flank of the Gander Gold Belt.

This acquisition by Galloper Gold, combined with its claims including Wolf Mountain acquired from prospector Shawn Ryan late last year, makes Galloper one of the largest landowners in the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt (see attached map) with over 2,000 sq. km. All properties are prospective for gold and have undergone only limited historic exploration. Galloper will make public additional details on the properties as it progresses its intent to list on a Canadian exchange this year.

Galloper Gold Newfoundland Properties

Transaction Details

The deal for 8 million shares of Galloper Gold and $700,000 for 5,273 mining claims involved a series of transactions in which Sassy first acquired private company Rocky Island Gold Corp. ("Rocky Island Gold") and its Golden Lynx Project in Newfoundland for the sum of $250,000 cash and 1,260,000 Sassy shares. Rocky Island Gold, as a subsidiary of Sassy, then acquired three properties from Vulcan Minerals ("Vulcan"), one of which was contiguous to the Golden Lynx Property. Sassy paid Vulcan $250,000 cash and 3 million Sassy shares to acquire 100% ownership of these three properties. In total, the combined Rocky Island and Vulcan properties acquired by Sassy comprise 5,273 mining claims along very favorable structure in Newfoundland.

Sassy subsequently entered into a share purchase agreement with Galloper Gold dated May 23, 2022 (the "Agreement"), whereby Galloper Gold agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of Rocky Island Gold. As consideration for the transaction, Sassy has received 8,000,000 common shares in the capital of Galloper Gold, in addition to a cash payment of $700,000. The 5,273 claims include a large land package on Glover Island in southwest Newfoundland contiguous to an historic gold resource.

Galloper Gold is well-financed and has been carrying out exploration across its portfolio of properties since late last year and has plans to apply for public listing on a Canadian Exchange this year.

Related Party Matters

As Galloper is a non-arm's length party to the Company due to an overlapping executive, the Transaction is considered a "related party transaction" under MI 61-101 - "Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions" ("MI 61-101"). The Company will rely on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements of MI 61-101, in respect of the Transaction, pursuant to Section 5.5(a) and Section 5.7(a) (Fair Market Value Not More Than 25% of Market Capitalization) of MI 61-101. The Transaction was agreed with reasonable commercial terms between the Company and Galloper as if it were on an arm's length basis.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Ian Fraser, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for Sassy. Mr. Fraser is the Qualified Person responsible for the scientific and technical information contained herein under National Instrument 43-101 standards.

About Sassy Resources Corporation

Sassy is an exploration stage resource company currently engaged in the identification, acquisition and exploration of high-grade precious metal and base metal projects in North America. Its focus is the Foremore Project located in the Eskay Camp, Liard Mining Division, in the heart of Northwest B.C.'s prolific Golden Triangle, and its newly acquired Highrock uranium project in the Key Lake region of Saskatchewan.

Contact Information:

Mark Scott

Chief Executive Officer & Director

info@sassyresources.ca

Terry Bramhall

Corporate Communications/IR

1.604.833.6999 (mobile)

1.604.675.9985 (office)

terry.bramhall@sassyresources.ca

Michael Adams

Managing Director - Star Finance GmbH

info@star-finance.eu

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "continues", "projects", "potential", "budget" and similar expressions, or are events or conditions that "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved. This news release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to: the closing of the Transaction and the ability for the Transaction to enhance shareholder value.

Although the Company believes that the material factors, expectations and assumptions expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable based on information available to it on the date such statements are made, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurances that such statements and information will prove to be correct and such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties.

Actual performance and results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to known and unknown risks, including those set forth in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis (a copy of which can be found under Sassy's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com). Accordingly, readers should not place undue importance or reliance on the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that the list of factors is not exhaustive. Statements, including forward-looking statements, contained in this news release are made as of the date they are given and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect the Company's operations and financial results are included in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Sassy Resources Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/705307/Sassy-Resources-Acquires-Equity-Stake-in-Newfoundland-Exploration-Company-Galloper-Gold-Corporation
Travelodge, the UK's largest independent hotel brand, unlocks insight into over 590 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain

Medallia, Inc., the global leader in customer and employee experience, today announced that Travelodge, the UK's largest independent hotel brand, has implemented Medallia's experience management platform to power its new Voice of the Customer programme.

Medallia's technology has been rolled out across 590 Travelodge hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, providing the hotel brand with a consolidated and real-time view into the customer experience.

Travelodge (UK) has deployed the full suite of Medallia's experience management platform implementing a combination of data analytics, artificial intelligence, and active listening. The platform also offers real-time integration with Travelodge's social channels and review sites, such as Tripadvisor and Google Reviews, as well as its hotel management tools, allowing it to cross-check customer feedback with quality processes such as room checks. Medallia's platform provides Travelodge with a comprehensive view into the customer voice across all channels in real-time, allowing its hotel managers and leadership team to proactively identify early warning signals.

The new programme will enable Travelodge to secure increased customer feedback through 'in-the-moment' surveys. The 10,000 customer surveys completed each week, alongside the weekly, monthly and quarterly reports generated by Medallia, will deliver actionable insights at scale, allowing its hotel managers and leadership team to track performance results against targets. This will drive quicker decisions and quality improvements to service across the brand's entire hotel footprint.

Claire Good, Travelodge Chief Operating Officer, said: "Delivering excellent customer service sits at the heart of our business and we are constantly looking at innovative ways to listen to our customers' feedback so that we can deliver the best level of service. Utilising Medallia's vast experience and expertise, we have jointly created our 'Voice of the Customer' programme. This sophisticated and flexible customer experience programme will provide real-time customer feedback and will play a fundamental part in our customer experience strategic planning going forward."

Eduardo Crespo, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the UK, Ireland, and the Middle East, at Medallia said: "Travelodge came to us with ambitious plans for its revamped Voice of the Customer programme, demonstrating its drive to place the customer at the heart of operations. Since beginning work with the team, it has been clear that this is a customer committed to embracing change for the benefit of customers and staff. We look forward to working with Travelodge as it continues on this significant journey."

In the future, Travelodge will look to expand its partnership with Medallia by extending the programme to incorporate advanced customer experience capabilities such as an enhanced close-the-loop process, including in-the-moment remedies such as customer call-backs based on feedback.

About Travelodge

Travelodge is the UK's first budget hotel chain and opened its first hotel in 1985 on the A38 Burton under Needwood. Today the UK's second largest hotel chain operates over 590 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain. Room rates start from 32 and can be booked at www.travelodge.co.uk

About Medallia

Medallia is the pioneer and market leader in customer, employee, citizen, and patient experience. The company's award-winning SaaS platform, Medallia Experience Cloud, is becoming the experience system of record that makes all other applications customer and employee aware. The platform captures billions of experience signals across interactions including all voice, video, digital, IoT, social media, and corporate-messaging tools. Medallia uses proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning technology to automatically reveal predictive insights that drive powerful business actions and outcomes. Medallia customers reduce churn, turn detractors into promoters and buyers, create in-the-moment cross-sell and up-sell opportunities, and drive revenue-impacting business decisions, providing clear and potent returns on investment. For more information visit www.medallia.com.

2022 Medallia, Inc. All rights reserved. Medallia, the Medallia logo, and the names and marks associated with Medallia's products are trademarks of Medallia. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005140/en/

Contacts:

Jenny Zehentner

press@medallia.com

Travelodge Press Office

E: pressoffice@travelodge.co.uk
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced that it will showcase its latest workflows and solutions at Analytica 2022, being held 21 to 24 June 2022 in Munich, Germany.

"We are delighted to be back in person at Analytica to meet our customers face to face," said Maria Angeles Diaz, vice president and general manager of EMEA and India sales at Agilent. "We are eager to have the opportunity to highlight recent technological innovations, including new mass spectrometry products launched at the beginning of June. These intelligent mass spectrometry instruments incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to enhance lab productivity. They also all carry the My Green Lab Accountability, Consistency, Transparency (ACT) label."

At Analytica 2022, Agilent will highlight recent launches, including:

6475 Triple Quadrupole LC/MS: the next evolution in sensitive, rugged, and robust mass spectrometers for routine quantitative analysis

5977C GC/MSD: the latest in trusted single quadrupole GC/MS instruments along with the new HydroInert source to explore hydrogen as a viable alternative to helium as a carrier gas for GC/MS

7000E and 7010C Triple Quadrupole GC/MS: representing the latest iterations in Agilent GC/MS products, providing optimal operational efficiency for high-throughput labs

InfinityLab Bio LC portfolio: a range of fully biocompatible and bio-inert LC systems and solutions, including the recently released Bio 2D-LC, that enable robust, accurate bioanalysis from drug discovery and development to QA/QC

1260 Infinity II Prime Online LC system: a critical tool that enables automated process monitoring, providing real-time data, key to implementing continuous manufacturing

Agilent XF Pro Analyzer: featuring new pharma-oriented workflow solutions that incorporate advanced experimental design and analysis tools

Agilent MassHunter BioConfirm 12.0 Software: introducing enhancements to existing capabilities for protein analysis and added support for oligonucleotide analysis

Agilent can be found in Hall A2, Booth 201 showcasing all its innovations from lab informatics to chromatography, mass spectrometry, and atomic, Raman, and molecular spectroscopy.

Agilent will also have a Cell Analysis booth at 201A in Hall A3, dedicated to the full range of cell analysis offerings. The booth will include the Seahorse XF Pro Analyzer, BioTek Cytation C10, BioStack microplate stacker, AssayMAP Bravo platform, and an array of microplates.

Technical experts will be available at both booths to provide information regarding the latest Agilent innovations and portfolio of intuitive workflows and solutions.

Agilent will also host a series of forum talks throughout the week at Analytica in the Biotech Forum, Analytica Forum, and Forum Digital Transformation. Please click here for more information.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in the life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets, delivering insight and innovation that advance the quality of life. Agilent's full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers' most challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $6.32 billion in fiscal 2021 and employs 17,000 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com. To receive the latest Agilent news, please subscribe to the Agilent Newsroom. Follow Agilent on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005462/en/

Contacts:

Catherine Kaye

European PR Manager

Agilent Technologies

T: 07775 410632
Global Media Platform will be first to natively offer attention measurement and creative optimization for brands across every screen

Teads' unique approach incorporates all 4 key drivers of attention; Creative, Quality of Media, Relevancy and Ad Experience

Industry leading partners, Adelaide, Lumen and Realeyes join Teads to deliver robust, creative and cross-screen, attention measurement for campaigns

Teads, The Global Media Platform, is advancing its leadership in attention measurement by launching the Teads Attention Program. The program will arm brands with optimal multi-screen reporting of attention metrics within Teads Ad Manager. Through Teads' global scale within quality publishers and connected TV providers, and integrations with industry-leading attention measurement partners, this pioneering program will accelerate the understanding of attention for media buyers and media owners allowing them to plan, buy, optimize and report on attention to ultimately drive a better return on media investment for brands. Attention is proven to be 3x more effective at predicting outcomes than viewability with the key drivers identified as Creative, Quality of Media, Relevancy and Ad Experience. As digital investments are fluidly allocated across channels, brands are looking for better ways to measure this new metric across every screen.

"We are proud to be stewarding the evolution of attention measurement with the launch of our attention program as we know the differentiated impact attention has on campaign outcomes and in turn, a brand's business." said Caroline Hugonenc, SVP Research Insights at Teads, "This is a huge step forward for the industry, and we'll continue working with all of our publisher, agency and advertiser partners to guide them on how to work with this new metric and align it to their business goals."

Now, omnichannel attention measurement will be made possible with Teads in conjunction with Adelaide and Realeyes. With more than 2,000 creatives measured, Teads' long-standing facial coding measurement with Realeyes means the platform can combine both creative and media quality metrics from Adelaide to provide sophisticated solutions for brands. This partnership will enable brands to pre-test creative by screen type to capture attention levels ahead of campaign launch. Advertisers can leverage these unified attention insights to optimize live campaigns, connecting the right creative with the right screen resulting in greater impact, higher outcomes and increased efficiency.

"We're excited to partner with Teads to deploy attention metrics on a global scale for better planning, optimization, and most importantly, advertiser outcomes," said Marc Guldimann, Co-founder CEO of Adelaide. "Teads' rigorous approach to attention metrics is exemplified by their work to understand the nuances of how media and creative influence attention."

In addition, Teads is breaking new grounds in partnership with Lumen by now offering native reporting of attention metrics within Teads Ad Manager, alongside in-context creative testing tools, which allow advertisers to optimize their asset. It is the first time a 3rd party attention company integrates with a technology platform, enabling brands to more accurately and robustly report on the level of attention their ads have received for a campaign. By connecting Lumen attention data with Brand Pulse, Teads' in-house brand lift solution, Teads will also be able to advise brands on the level of attention they require for a specific campaign.

Mike Follett, Managing Director, Lumen Research added; "We're really excited to extend our relationship with the Teads team. Teads and Lumen have led the debate around the Attention Economy, so it's great to see how initial research projects have now turned into business tools".

By integrating with leading attention measurement vendors, Lumen and Adelaide, and ad-testing leader Realeyes, Teads is building out a robust set of tools enabling brands to drive greater media effectiveness and business results. As the program evolves, Teads will integrate additional partners and capabilities.

"We're excited to expand our longstanding partnership with Teads and other best-in-class partners to advance the advertising industry's adoption of attention metrics," said Mihkel Jaatma, co-founder and CEO, Realeyes. "The advertising industry is moving from tonnage to quality, bringing together creative and media attention metrics to make smarter decisioning, drive higher ROI and create better consumer experiences."

The pioneering program will be available in Beta mode in July, and released later in 2022.

-ENDS-

About Teads

Teads operates a leading, cloud-based, end-to-end technology platform that enables programmatic digital advertising across a global ecosystem of quality digital media. As an end-to-end solution, Teads' modular platform allows partners to leverage buy-side, sell-side, creative, data and AI optimization technologies.

For advertisers and their agencies, Teads offers a single access point to buy the inventory of many of the world's best publishers. Through exclusive global media partnerships, Teads enables advertisers and agencies to reach 1.9 billion unique monthly users in brand safe, responsible advertising environments, while improving the effectiveness and efficiency of digital ad transactions.

Teads partners with the leading marketers, agencies and publishers through a team of over 1,200 people in 30 countries. For more information, visit: www.teads.com

About Adelaide

Adelaide is the leader in the rapidly growing field of attention-based media quality measurement. Adelaide's metric, AU, helps advertisers make better media investment decisions. AU is an omnichannel metric that evaluates thousands of signals to predict attention and drive more efficient outcomes. Since 2019, Adelaide has helped the world's top brands understand media quality across their entire media spend and uncover valuable optimization opportunities to reduce waste and drive better results. Named after the global epicenter of evidence-based marketing in southern Australia, Adelaide is headquartered in New York City. For more information, visit adelaidemetrics.com.

About Lumen

Lumen is the leading attention technology company in the world, with large scale permanent panels in the US and the UK, and temporary panels across many other global markets. Lumen's eye tracking technology converts the webcam on a users' phone or desktop computer into a high quality eye tracking camera, capturing not only what users could see, but also what they do in fact look at. Lumen's eye-tracking panels are recruited to be nationally representative and fully GDPR compliant.

About Realeyes

Realeyes is a leading attention data platform. Using front-facing cameras and the latest in computer vision and machine learning, Realeyes measures attention of opt-in participants as they watch video content online. This empowers brands, publishers and technology platforms to predict response and optimize their content, as well as target the right content to the right audiences. Founded in 2007, Realeyes has offices in New York, London, Tokyo and Budapest. Partners include brands such as Mars Inc, Church Dwight, Hershey's and Expedia, agencies Ipsos, Dentsu and Publicis, and platforms such as Google, TikTok, WarnerMedia and Teads. Visit realeyesit.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005465/en/

Contacts:

Zoe Baptie, Senior Account Director, Bluestripe Group

zoe.baptie@bluestripegroup.co.uk

+44 (0)7796 406899

Graham Alexander, Global Communications PR Director, Teads

graham.alexander@teads.com

+447799320275
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - Altamira Gold Corp. (TSXV: ALTA) (FSE: T6UP) (OTC Pink: EQTRF) ("Altamira" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an exploration update on its 3 main project areas Cajueiro, Apiacas and Santa Helena covering a surface area of 163,000 hectares in the Alta Floresta Gold Belt in Northern Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Highlights

Results have been returned on all thirteen of the diamond drill holes completed at the Mutum target on the Apiacas project. Nine of the thirteen holes returned significant intervals of low-grade disseminated gold mineralization including 30.5m @ 0.52g/t gold in DDMUT007 and 62m @ 0.32g/t gold in DDMUT013

The drill results at Mutum define an east-west trending zone of low grade disseminated gold mineralization of over 2km in strike length, which is open both to the west and east

Drilling is in progress at the Cajueiro project which hosts an Indicated resource of 5.66Mt @ 1.02 g/t gold (185,000oz) and an Inferred resource of 12.66Mt @ 1.26 g/t gold (515,000oz) for total contained gold of 700,000 oz. The Baldo target is being tested initially where previous trenching returned values including 28m @ 3.0 g/t gold and 7m @ 5.5 g/t gold

Following the completion of six holes at the Baldo target at Cajueiro, the rig will move to the previously untested Maria Bonita target which is a very strong gold-in-soil anomaly with values in excess of 1g/t gold in soils

A total of 23 diamond drill holes have been completed at the Santa Helena project where porphyry-style alteration has been identified and results are pending

Michael Bennett, President and CEO of Altamira Gold, commented, "The initial drill results at Mutum (Apiacas) have provided significant encouragement regarding the potential for a large disseminated gold system extending over at least 2km strike length. Whilst we wait for drill results from 23 holes at the Santa Helena Project , the rig is currently testing several highly prospective targets at Cajueiro including the previously untested Maria Bonita gold-in-soil anomaly where gold values in soils exceed 1g/t gold. This is an exciting time for Altamira with more work planned at Mutum (Apiacas), drill results pending on Santa Helena, and drilling in progress at Cajueiro."

Figure 1: Regional Map showing the location of the Apiacas, Santa Helena (drill results pending) and Cajueiro projects. Cajueiro which contains an Indicated resource of 5.66Mt @ 1.02 g/t gold (185,000oz) and an Inferred resource of 12.66Mt @ 1.26 g/t gold (515,000oz) for total contained gold of 700,000 oz.



To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/128024_dd9111d664391875_001full.jpg

Apiacas Project- Mutum target

The Mutum target, located within the Apiacas project (Figure 1), measures approximately 6km by 1km and is the site of former major alluvial workings conducted since 1980 by both organised companies, using scalable dredging, plus artisanal garimpeiro operations that continue to the present day. Approximately 1 million ounces of gold is inferred to have been recovered historically from alluvial and eluvial sources at Mutum. To date there has been only minimal hard-rock (primary) extraction in the area. Primary gold mineralization is poorly exposed, particularly in the large areas of former alluvial workings.

To date, drilling has been confined to 4 environmental permits totaling just 250 hectares within the central zone of the former Mutum alluvial workings. Several highly prospective targets have not yet been accessed and await the grant of further environmental permits.

Altamira has completed 13 diamond drillholes at Mutum (Apiacas) totaling 2,056m. This widely spaced drilling has outlined wide zones of hydrothermal alteration and mineralization within the host rock granites and syenogranites. Nine of the 13 holes intersected significant zones of low-grade gold mineralization (See Table 1) including;

DDMUT001 131.75m@ 0.15g/t Au from 50.25m depth DDMUT002 2.0m@ 0.45g/t from 43m depth DDMUT004 0.9m@ 1.57g/t Au from 41.5 m depth DDMUT006 7.0m @ 0.98g/t Au from 48m depth DDMUT007 14.0m @ 0.32g/t Au from 10m depth DDMUT007 30.5m @ 0.52g/t Au from 27.5m depth DDMUT009 6.8m @ 0.60g/t Au from 47.2m depth DDMUT011 13.4m @0.62g/t Au from 96m depth DDMUT011 9.1m @ 0.45g/t Au from 120m depth DDMUT012 11.0m @ 0.70g/t Au from 98m depth DDMUT013 62.0m @ 0.32g/t Au from 50.5m depth

The initial drill results at Mutum define an east-west trending zone of low grade disseminated gold mineralization +2km in strike length (Figure 3), which is open both to the west and east.

Magnetic susceptibility logging of core has confirmed that the alteration is associated with destruction of magnetic minerals (most likely magnetite) in the host intrusives. This results in relative magnetic lows which will be used to more accurately map the trend of alteration zones. A drone magnetometer survey is scheduled to commence during mid-June and is expected to map magnetite depletion in altered intrusive rocks and therefore better define likely trends of hydrothermal alteration associated with gold mineralization.

Figure 2: Schematic cross section showing drill hole DDMUT-0007 in Mutum.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/128024_dd9111d664391875_002full.jpg





Figure 3: Apiacas project, Mutum target photos of visible gold in the drill core from hole DMUT0013 at 102.3m depth and hole DMUT0007 at 34,80m depth.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:

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Figure 4: Apiacas project, Mutum target, drill hole locations with significant results.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/128024_fig4en.jpg

Mutum assay result summary (50g fire assays) Hole Depth From To Metres g/t Au DDMUT0001 276.7 69 72 3 0.67 102 108 6 0.33 118 120 2 0.38 125 127 2 0.68 137 165 28 0.14 173 182 9 0.26 50.25 182 131.75 0.15 DDMUT0002 126.9 43 45 2 0.45 DDMUT0003 186.88 No intervals >0.1g/t Au DDMUT0004 178.0 7 10 3 0.25 41.5 42.4 0.9 1.57 53.3 55 1.7 0.31 74 77.8 3.8 0.33 143 145 2 0.31 DDMUT0005 235.05 No intervals >0.1g/t Au DDMUT0006 130.5 48 55 7 0.98 DDMUT0007 146.5 10 24 14 0.32 27.5 58 30.5 0.52 84.5 88.5 4 0.77 91 93 2 0.39 103.5 104.5 1 0.84 DDMUT0008 114.00 No intervals >0.1g/t Au DDMUT0009 130.0 47.2 54 6.8 0.60 DDMUT0010 144.48 No intervals >0.1g/t Au DDMUT0011 129.1 96 109.4 13.4 0.62 120 129.08 9.08 0.45 DDMUT0012 111.35 98 109 11 0.70 DDMUT0013 175.46 50.5 112.5 62 0.32

Table 1: Apiacas Project, Mutum target drill results.

Drone magnetometer surveys will be used to map magnetite depletion in altered intrusive rocks so as to better define likely trends of hydrothermal alteration associated with gold mineralization.

Elsewhere within the Apiacas district, extensive soil sampling by Altamira totaling 10,642 samples, has defined new targets for trenching and drilling at the Chaveta, Joao de Barro, Nelson Rocha and Mutum East prospects. The Chaveta target is of particular interest in showing coherent gold and copper values over an area of approximately 13km2, indicating a different style of underlying bedrock mineralization to that tested to date at Mutum. These targets will be progressed to drill testing during Q3 2022.

Cajueiro Project

A limited number of diamond drill holes are currently being drilled at Cajueiro (Figure 1) to test potential extensions of the current resource. The Cajueiro gold project currently hosts an Indicated resource of 5.66Mt @ 1.02 g/t gold (185,000oz) and an Inferred resource of 12.66Mt @ 1.26 g/t gold (515,000oz) for total contained gold of 700,000 oz.

Figure 5: Map showing Cajueiro project area and distribution of placer gold workings, gold-in-soil anomalies and area of current resources.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 5, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/128024_fig5en.jpg

The majority of the planned holes will be the first drill tests on previously identified trench intercepts as listed in Table 2.

Trench From To Interval (m) g/t Au TCBL-010 233 239 6 2.3 TCBL-019 30 39 9 1.8 43 44 1 13.3 TCBL-028 32 39 7 5.5 TCBL-026 57 85 28 3 TCBL-029 73 80 7 1.8 TCBL-038 46 50 4 8.4 TCBL-040 11 17 6 2.2

Table 2: Surface trench results at the Cajueiro project from zones which are now being drill tested.

These mineralized zones form part of the existing mineral resource from surface to approximately 50m depth. The current drilling aims to test the continuation of this mineralization at depth and thus, potentially extend the current resource blocks associated with the surface intercepts.

Following the completion of this drill programme, the rig will move to the previously untested Maria Bonita target (Figure 4). Trenching is currently underway at Maria Bonita where previous soil sampling defined an open-ended soil anomaly of 700 by 600m with coherent gold values over 150ppb and peak values in soils of +1g/t Au. The trenching will assist with characterising the style of mineralization and the controlling structures and is expected to aid drillhole orientation.





Figure 6: Gold-in-soil anomaly at Maria Bonita target at Cajueiro showing planned trench locations.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 6, please visit:

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Santa Helena Project

A total of 23 diamond drillholes totalling 3631.9m have been completed at Santa Helena (Figure 1). Drilling has largely focused on vein-style Au (Cu) occurrences associated with historic garimpo workings. This follows the recent identification of porphyry-style alteration in the three initial diamond drill holes STH-001to STH-003 (see press release 1st December 2021).

The main copper-in-soil anomaly has been further defined by more detailed soil sampling, confirming a target measuring 1000 by 650m with Cu values in soil up to 448ppm (see Figure 5), and remains untested. An IP survey will shortly commence over the main copper-in-soil anomaly prior to defining targets for drill testing in H2 2022.

Results from all 23 initial diamond drill holes at Santa Helena are pending.

Figure 7: Santa Helena copper-in-soil anomaly with planned IP survey lines.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 7, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/4500/128024_fig7en.jpg

Qualified Person

Guillermo Hughes, FAIG and MAusIMM., a consultant to the Company as well as a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, supervised the preparation of the technical information in this news 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.

About Altamira Gold Corp.

The Company is focused on the exploration and development of gold projects within western central Brazil. The Company holds 8 projects comprising approximately 190,000 hectares, within the prolific Juruena gold belt which historically produced an estimated 7 to 10Moz of placer gold. The Company's advanced Cajueiro project has NI 43-101 resources of 5.66Mt @ 1.02 g/t gold for a total of 185,000 oz in the Indicated Resource category and 12.66Mt @ 1.26 g/t gold for a total of 515,000oz in the Inferred Resource category.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

ALTAMIRA GOLD CORP.

"Michael Bennett"

Michael Bennett

President & CEO

Tel: 604.676.5660

Toll-Free:1-833-606-6271

info@altamiragold.com

www.altamiragold.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this document which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. It is important to note that actual outcomes and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we do not undertake to update these forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/128024
LONDON, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Thermoplastic Pipe Market Size, Share, And Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipes, Thermoplastic Composite Pipes) By End-Use Industry (Oil And Gas, Water And Wastewater, Mining And Dredging, Utilities, And Renewable) By Polymer Type (Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyvinylidene Fluoride, Polyvinylchloridede) By Application (Onshore, Offshore) Based On Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2028 Report Published By Brandessence Market Research.

Key Highlights

Thermoplastic Pipe Market is valued at USD 3.04 Billion in 2021.

in 2021. Thermoplastic Pipe Market Size is expected to reach USD 4.34 Billion by 2028.

by 2028. Thermoplastic Pipe Market is Growing at CAGR of 5.2% over the forecast period.

Increasing application of thermoplastic composite pipes in offshore and onshore production activities and growing adoption of thermoplastic pipes across the sectors like municipal corporations, mining, and dredging are some of the major factors driving the growth of the Global Thermo Plastic Pipe Market.

Get Sample of Report@https://brandessenceresearch.com/requestSample/PostId/1971

Thermoplastic pipe market: Competitive Analysis

The major players in the global thermoplastic pipe market are NOV, Wienerberger, TechnipFMC, Georg Fischer, Advanced Drainage Systems, Chevron Philips Chemical Company, Prysmian Group, Strohm, and Baker Hughes Company. These companies are trying to get the contracts in emerging countries in the Asia Pacific area.

NOV

Wienerberger

TechnipFMC

Georg Fischer

Advanced Drainage Systems

Chevron Philips Chemical Company

Prysmian Group

Strohm

Baker Hughes

Others.

Thermoplastic pipe market: Market Scope

The global thermoplastic pipe market all over the world has been growing in the past few years and is going to grow in the coming years too as the applications for this market increase continuously. The increase in the applications of composite pipes as well as the reinforced thermoplastic pipes in the offshore production activities as well as the onshore production activities have grown the global thermoplastic pipe market size.

Thermoplastic pipe market: Key Drivers

The global thermoplastic pipe market forecast shows that the oil and gas industry is one which uses the steel as a major material in the manufacturing of different kinds of pipes and tubes. When it comes to the onshore industries, steel is right now the dominant component where the products are made of coiled tubing as well as flow lines. Though, when it comes to the offshore applications, the thermoplastic composites are mainly used. The properties of the thermoplastic components like the wear resistance and corrosion resistance, strength and bitter stiffness when it comes to the temperature changes and deformation because of stress is something that makes it really effective for the underwater applications.

The offshore drilling as well as the production activities has been touted to increase in the coming few years at a pace which will be greater than the onshore activities when it comes to the increase in importance of the ultra deepwater and deep oil and gas production as well as exploration activities while the demand for the fossil fuels intensifies. Therefore, the application of thermoplastic pipe in the offshore products like the risers and flowlines will be driving this market. In the oil and gas industry, the reinforced thermoplastic pipes or the RTPs are used for the oil and gas industry where they are used for the replacement of the medium-pressure steel pipes. Many significant companies, which have been certified and have been used for the onshore applications. Furthermore, the wholly plastic pipes have been used for the parts which are ideal for the onshore applications.

The thermoplastic pipes which are made from the engineering thermoplastic grades like the Polyethylene and PVC are used extensively because of them being cost-effective and exhibiting great properties of chemical resistance. The higher grades of thermoplastics like PEEK etc have limited applications in seals as well as wire lines because they are expensive. The pipes provide the good abrasion resistance, reduced emission and low flammability, good abrasion resistance, toxic gases but also have a higher fabrication cost and raw material. In comparison with the steel, composite pipes made of the PPS and PEEK because they cost a lot more which make the application impossible for the products like pipes because they are becoming a lot more common for the global thermoplastic pipe market.

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Recent News:

GF Piping Systems Launched HEAT-FIT at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, Debuting a Lightweight, Corrosion-Free, and Efficient Thermoplastic Piping System: On April 27th, 2022; GF Piping Systems launched HEAT-FIT at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, debuting a lightweight, corrosion-free, and efficient thermoplastic piping system. With the HEAT-FIT Jacket System, GF Piping Systems provides a solution that introduces thermoplastic piping systems into essential applications (L3) onboard cruise ships, offshore platforms and merchant vessels. HEAT-FIT is well-suited with the ecoFIT range of polyethylene pipes & fittings intended for industrial applications and water & wastewater treatment. The new pipe jacket system consists of two layers of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) which enclose a high-temperature fibreglass fabric and an intumescing coating.

Strohm to Develop Thermoplastic Composite Pipes for Brazil'sPre-Salt Fields: aOn August 25th, 2021; Strohm signed an agreement with Petrobras and Shell to work on a thermoplastic composite pipe (TCP) flowline and riser solution for use in Brazil's offshore pre-salt territory. Strohm, previously known as Airborne Oil and Gas, has won a four-year contract esteemed at between 10 million and 50 million (US$11.7 million and US$58.8 million) to expand a corrosion-free arrangement with a 30-year design life for profound water fields. Petrobras in the past definitely experienced issues with flexible risers utilized for natural gas injection at a couple of pre-salt fields and has chosen to change to a rigid-riser-based design for its most recent improvements in the region.

Thermoplastic pipe market: Key Trends

The global thermoplastic pipe market analysis shows that the outbreak of the pandemic has caused a negative impact on global economy as the government worldwide had been forced for the implementation of lockdowns for the prevention of the virus spread. Due to this, the operations of the oil and gas transport had been hampered. The impact immediately which was felt was the lower demand for the crude oil, causing lower demands of thermoplastic pipes, which have been used for the transportation of oil and gas to the site of the end user. Furthermore, the coronavirus pandemic has also interrupted the water treatment sector too, of which the thermoplastic pipes are a very integral part.

The implementation of the stringent lockdown measures whether full or partial have caused a halt of the operations in industry. Further, because of the unavailability of the workforce and declining logistical operations, the functioning of thermoplastic piping system has been affected. Furthermore, because of the pandemic, among the ongoing projects of many companies had been suspended in a temporary sense. This has hampered in the growth of the market in the recent past. The thermoplastic pipe market 2022 looks bright though as the markets are back to normal and businesses are about to open up.

Thermoplastic pipe market: Segmentation Analysis

In terms of segmentation, global thermoplastic pipe market has couple of variants HDPE and PEX. The crosslinked structure of the polyethylene enhances the toughness and the resistance temperature of this material. This is going to enable the content to be specified for usage in harsher environments at both the lower and higher temperatures, PEX is supposed to lead the market because of its lightweight. The segment of oil and gas has been using the thermoplastic pipes for different applications like the high-pressure water injection pipelines, distribution and water transport along with the efficient disposal of water, temporary surface lines, seawater intake, discharge lines and well interventions.

The developed countries have started the installation of the TCPs due to their cost, light weight advantages and durability over the steel pipes which in all likelihood be fostering their demand. The segment of asset performance management has been touted to dominate the thermoplastic pipe market because of their use in the onshore industry for different applications including the high-pressure injection pipelines of water and transportation in addition to the others.

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Global Thermoplastic Pipe Market Segmentation:

By Product Type:

Reinforced thermoplastic pipes

Thermoplastic composite pipes

By End-Use Industry:

Oil and gas

Water and wastewater

Mining and Dredging

Utilities and Renewable

By Polymer Type:

Polyethylene

Polypropylene

Polyvinylidene Fluoride

Polyvinylchloridede

By Application:

Onshore

Offshore

Thermoplastic pipe market: Regional Analysis

Until the thermoplastic pipe market 2028, it is expected that the region of Asia Pacific is going to be the highest growing region in the coming years for the thermoplastic pipe market. The growth of this market is going to take place because of the industrialization and urbanization which is happening rapidly and the mining activities is going to happen in the coming years in Australia, China and also in India. This will drive the global thermoplastic pipe market in the coming years.

On Special Requirement Thermoplastic Pipe Market Report is also available for below region:

North America

U.S, Canada

Europe

Germany , France,U.K., Italy, Spain, Sweden, Netherland, Turkey, Switzerland, Belgium, Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

South Korea, Japan, China, India, Australia, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Rest Of APAC

Latin America

Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Rest of Latin America

Middle East and Africa

Saudi Arabia , UAE, Egypt, South Africa, Rest Of MEA

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NEW YORK CITY (dpa-AFX) - Advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended authorizing Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines for children as young as 6 months, reports said.



All 21 members of the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee voted in favor of the decision for both companies' vaccines, stating that the benefits outweigh their risks.



The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine will be administered as a 3-dose series, with 3 micrograms in each dose, for use in infants and children 6 months through 4 years of age.



Further, the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine will be administered as a 2-dose series, with 25 micrograms in each dose, for use in infants and children 6 months through 5 years of age.



The FDA, which generally follows advisers' recommendations, is expected to take a decision soon. The vaccines also require the recommendation by the advisers of U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC. A committee of CDC advisers is expected to meet Friday and Saturday for the decision, which needs to be signed off by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky.



Children younger than 5 years are the only age group who are not eligible for vaccination against Covid-19 in the U.S. As per reports, there are about 17 million kids under this age group, who will become eligible for Covid-19 vaccines, if approved. The FDA noted that at least 442 children younger than 4 have died from COVID-19 during the pandemic.



Both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are already authorized for people aged 18 and older. Pfizer's vaccine has been available to children between 5 years and 17 years since last year.



The FDA advisers has recently recommended to authorize Moderna's two-dose COVID-19 vaccine for children and teens aged 6 to 17 years. Moderna asked the FDA to authorize its vaccine for teenagers 12 to 17 in June 2021, and for the 6 to 11 age group in March this year.







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MOSCOW (dpa-AFX) - The United States has announced $1 billion in additional security assistance to support Ukraine's armed forces in their fight against Russia in the ongoing war.



President Joe Biden conveyed this to his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a call Wednesday.



President Zelenskyy gave an update to Biden on what is going on on the battlefield and on the ground, and apprised him about Ukraine's security requirements and capabilities going forward.



The two leaders also discussed US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's efforts in Brussels to coordinate additional international support for the Ukrainian armed forces, according to the White House.



The military asistance will include additional artillery and coastal defense weapons, as well as ammunition for the artillery and advanced rocket systems that the Ukrainians need to support their defensive operations in the Donbas.



Biden has also announced an additional $225 million in humanitarian assistance to help people inside Ukraine, including by supplying safe drinking water, critical medical supplies and health care, food, shelter, and cash for families to purchase essential items.



This is the 12th tranche of presidential drawdowns to help Ukraine defend itself against the Russian onslaught. And that brings the total amount of security assistance that the Biden administration provided to Ukraine to approximately $5.6 billion since Russia launched its assault in late February.



Meanwhile, The leaders of France, Germany and Italy arrived in Kyiv on a high-profile trip amid criticisms over their lukewarm support for Ukraine in their fight against Russia.



French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi on Thursday visited Irpin, a town near Kyiv which Russian troops brutally occupied at the beginning of the war.



Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said he believes tens of thousands of Ukrainians have been killed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24.



Russian forces say they will reopen a humanitarian corridor for civilians to leave the Azot chemical plant in Severdonetsk after its planned evacuation on Wednesday failed to materialize, Interfax news reports.



10,000 civilians are trapped in the embattled eastern city, according to Luhansk regional governor Sergei Haidai.







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ATLANTA (dpa-AFX) - American Express (AXP) and Delta Air Lines (DAL) announced Thursday the launch of the first-ever credit card design made with the metal from a retired Delta Boeing 747 aircraft. The limited-edition card design is available exclusively for Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business Card Members from June 16 through August 3, 2022. The card comes with exclusive content via an augmented reality experience created especially for Card Members, which includes Boeing 747 history, interviews with Delta pilots and crew members, and an up-close look at Delta Ship #6307's transformation from a passenger plane into the card design. The limited-edition card design was created with 25% metal from Delta Ship #6307, a retired Boeing 747-400, as a way to honor the history of aviation travel. Known as the 'Queen of the Skies,' the iconic Boeing 747 was the first wide body jet and led to many significant advancements in air travel. 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.
ABU DHABI, UAE, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of healthcare in the emirate, signed a Declaration of Collaboration with Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC to support Abu Dhabi's vision in developing a regional hub for clinical research and data generation. The new strategic collaboration seeks to bring innovative treatments and breakthrough solutions to the UAE and the MENA region as well as exchange knowledge and experiences across the healthcare sector.

Witnessed by HE Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), the signing ceremony happened during the BIO International Convention 2022 which took place between June 13-16 in San Diego, California, U.S. The Declaration of Collaboration between the parties was signed by Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director, Research and Innovation Centre at DoH and Jamie Phares, Managing Director of Janssen GCC, one of the pharmaceutical companies of Johnson and Johnson.

An Abu Dhabi delegation is participating at the BIO International Convention 2022 to showcase the domestic growth and economic development of Abu Dhabi's biotechnology industry. Headed by HE Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), the Abu Dhabi delegation comprised of government officials is visiting the United States of America this month to explore prospects of joint collaboration within the framework of healthcare at large and life science in specific.

Through these strategic collaborations, DoH and Johnson and Johnson Middle East, FZ LLC will explore key potential areas of interest to develop short and long-term projects in the generation of Data and Real-World Evidence (RWE). Through international collaborations, Abu Dhabi seeks to lead research groups supported by global partners to establish the strength and sustainability of the healthcare sector as well as provide quality care to patients.

Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director, Research and Innovation Centre at the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: "We are pleased with all that we have achieved during the Abu Dhabi Life Science Mission thus far. Our collaborations with leading healthcare companies echo Abu Dhabi's ongoing efforts to position itself as a leading life science destination as well as an incubator for innovation. Through our collaboration with Johnson Middle East, FZ LLC, we aim to further improve the resilience and sustainability of the healthcare sector as well as provide quality care to patients in Abu Dhabi and worldwide."

Powered by a solid infrastructure, and an advanced healthcare ecosystem, collaboration opportunities across the biopharmaceutical and healthcare value chain in Abu Dhabi continue to emerge because of the sector's robust growth potential. Through international collaborations, Abu Dhabi seeks to lead research groups supported by global partners to explore the resilience and sustainability of the healthcare sector worldwide as well as provide quality care to patients.

A high-profile Abu Dhabi delegation arrived in the United States of America last week to explore prospects of joint collaboration within the framework of healthcare at large and life science in specific as part of the Abu Dhabi Life Science Mission.

The Abu Dhabi Life Science Mission to USA is expected to see meetings and agreement signings with leading partners to explore and activate collaborations in life science and real-world evidence, digital health, research and development, supply chain and many other areas. The visit aims to lay down sustainable mechanisms that empower the healthcare sector in both countries as well as showcase Abu Dhabi's distinguished healthcare ecosystem.

The Abu Dhabi delegation to the US witnessed the participation of ten key entities in the life science ecosystem in Abu Dhabi including the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Mubadala Health, G42 Healthcare, Abu Dhabi Ports, ADQ, Etihad Cargo, Khalifa University, Hayat-vax and Pure Health.

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Yoon must not name key officials without confirmation hearing again?



President Yoon Suk-yeol appointed Kim Chang-ki as the commissioner of the National Tax Service (NTS), skipping his required National Assembly confirmation hearing, Monday. It was Yoon's first appointment without going through a hearing procedure since the government expanded the confirmation hearing system to the tax chief and three other heads of powerful organizations in 2003. "I was forced to make the appointment not to let the tax administration drift any longer," Yoon said. However, there are also many voices of concern about the move, which violates the system itself.



Yet, the National Assembly should also take responsibility for the matter. The parliament had even failed to set the hearing date three days before the deadline, with the two rival parties locking horns over who should chair key committees during the latter half of the 21st Assembly. The final verification of government personnel and maintaining checks and balances with the executive power is the core responsibility of the legislative branch. That explains why the Assembly must reflect on itself as well before criticizing the unilateral appointment.?



However, this situation hardly means Yoon can justify his one-sided appointment without waiting for the normalization of the Assembly and confirmation hearing procedure. If the establishment allows one or two exceptions, it could shake the very foundation of the confirmation hearing system. The deadline for Education Minister nominee Park Soon-ae and Health-Welfare Minister nominee Kim Seung-hee is Saturday. President Yoon said he would "wait for a considerable time" before appointing them, and we want to interpret this as his willingness to undergo the procedure. But, the Assembly must first verify various suspicions raised against the two.



NTS Commissioner Kim should be the first  and the last  case of an appointment without a confirmation hearing. The parliament should complete its setup to hold hearings as soon as possible. The Assembly must be prepared to discard the Confirmation Hearing Act as useless if it fails to verify the allegations and abilities of the nominees and simply lets them start their jobs without a hearing. The government also should watch with patience as the Assembly fills essential posts for the next two years.?














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CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / June 16, 2022 / Navion Capital Inc. (TSXV:NAVN.P) (the "Company" or "Navion"), a capital pool company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), is pleased to announce that it has entered into a letter of intent dated June 15, 2022 (the "LOI") with NOA Lithium Brines S.A. ("NOA"), with regard to the acquisition by the Company of all of the issued and outstanding securities of NOA (the "Transaction").

The Transaction is intended to constitute the Company's qualifying transaction (the "Qualifying Transaction") pursuant to Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies ("Policy 2.4") of the TSXV Corporate Finance Manual (the "TSXV Manual"). The Transaction is subject to due diligence reviews, the approval of the TSXV, execution of a definitive agreement and other closing conditions customary for a transaction of this nature. The resulting issuer of the Transaction will carry on the business of NOA ("Resulting Issuer") and it is anticipated that the common shares of the Resulting Issuer (the "Resulting Issuer Shares") will be listed for trading on the TSXV.

About Navion Capital Inc.

Navion is a capital pool company listed on the TSXV (TSX.V:NAVN.P). The Company's principal business activity is to identify and evaluate opportunities for the acquisition of assets or businesses. The Company was incorporated on October 18, 2017 and has its registered office in Calgary, Alberta.

About NOA Lithium Brines S.A.

NOA is a limited liability company (formerly Explormin S.A) that was incorporated in Argentina and registered with the Public Register of Commerce on February 2, 2015. NOA has its registered office in Buenos Aires, Argentina. From incorporation until Q4, 2021, NOA was a company with no active business. Since Q4, 2021, NOA changed its name to NOA Lithium Brines S.A. and began to actively identify and acquire lithium projects for future exploration and development.

NOA's core project, Rio Grande, is located in the Salar de Rio Grande basin (the salar) in the Salta province in the Puna Region of northwest Argentina (the "Project"). The salar is an evaporite basin with demonstrated brine in the subsurface that is enriched with lithium. Salar de Rio Grande is in the Central Andes of Argentina and within the area referred to as the "Lithium Triangle" of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. As part of the current surface exploration activities at the Project, camp facilities with a capacity of 50 to 60 people were acquired to cover tasks related to exploration on the Project. The Project area has excellent infrastructure, including access to a natural gas pipeline, water, all-weather roads and local communities. The Project has been subject to exploration by previous owners and, more recently, by NOA, who conducted certain geophysics and sampling in some of the mining properties composing the Project. A NI 43-101 report (technical report) on the Project is in progress and is estimated to be finished by the end of June 2022. The Project is currently composed of 15 mining properties (including mines, vacant mines and discovery claims) which in the aggregate covers approximately 22,809 hectares in the salar and its surroundings. NOA has acquired certain of these mining properties, while others of these mining properties, NOA has entered into option to purchase agreements.

NOA has also entered into option to purchase agreements for three other non-core properties, totaling approximately 30,223 hectares, in three Salta salars. These properties include approximately 20,423 hectares in Arizaro Salar, approximately 7,200 hectares in Salinas Grandes Salar and approximately 2,600 hectares in Pocitos Salar. The non-core properties are at an early stage of exploration and are not a material focus of NOA at this time.

In Q1 2022, NOA was recapitalized by its founders and in Q2 2022 the completion of a seed round financing took place. The founders capital round raised approximately CDN $500,000 and the seed round raised approximately CDN $2,500,000. This capital has been primarily used to pay acquisition costs (in some cases full purchase prices and in other cases, option payments) for the Project and the non-core properties described above. Additionally, the capital raised to date has been used for exploration and general and administrative costs. NOA currently has approximately CDN $1,000,000 in cash on hand. NOA's capital expenditure for the remainder of 2022 are estimated to be approximately CDN $1,000,000, which it anticipates will be used to pay the annual option payments on certain properties acquired and the exploration costs of the Project.

NOA plans to have financial statements prepared for the years ended December 31, 2021 and interim financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2022.

NOA's current share structure consists of 5,179,673 outstanding registered non-endorsable common shares in the capital of NOA (each a "NOA Share"). Upon subscription of the NOA Shares, the NOA shareholders were also granted 51,796,730 units of NOA ("NOA Units"), with each NOA Share entitling the holder to acquire 10 NOA Units. Each NOA Unit was acquired at a price of CDN $0.10 per NOA Unit and each NOA Unit consists of one NOA Share and one NOA Share purchase warrant ("NOA Unit Warrant"). Each NOA Unit Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one NOA Share at a price of CDN $0.20 per NOA Share and is exercisable at anytime within twenty-four (24) months from the date the shares of the Resulting Issuer are listed on the TSXV. The NOA Units will be issued to the NOA shareholders upon completion of the Transaction and will be exchanged for securities with the same economic terms, subject to adjustments in the Resulting Issuer.

Terms of the Transaction

The Transaction is expected to be effected pursuant to a business combination agreement (the "Business Combination Agreement") to be entered into between the Company, the shareholders of NOA (the "NOA Shareholders"), and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("SubCo"), to be incorporated under the laws of Argentina in connection with the Transaction. The Business Combination Agreement is expected to include the terms of the Amalgamation (as defined below) and the Share Exchange (as defined below), as well as other terms and conditions customary for a transaction of this nature.

Three-Cornered Amalgamation

Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, it is anticipated that the Company and NOA will combine their businesses by way of the Amalgamation and the Share Exchange. At the effective time of the closing of the Transaction and pursuant to the amalgamation agreement to be entered into between the Company, NOA and SubCo: (i) SubCo will amalgamate with NOA to form one corporation ("AmalCo") (the "Amalgamation"); (ii) SubCo and NOA will both cease to exist as separate entities from AmalCo; (iii) the property of SubCo and NOA will continue to be the property of AmalCo; (iv) AmalCo will continue to be liable for the obligations of SubCo and NOA; (v) each shareholder of NOA will receive one Resulting Issuer Share in exchange for each NOA Share held by such holder and the NOA Shares will be cancelled; (vi) the Company will receive one share in AmalCo in exchange for the one share in the capital of SubCo held by the Company and the shares in the capital of SubCo will be cancelled. On closing, AmalCo will be a wholly owned subsidiary of the Resulting Issuer and it is anticipated that AmalCo will continue as the operating company of the lithium mining properties in Argentina for the Resulting Issuer.

Share Exchange

Pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement, the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding securities of NOA ("Company Shares") so as to maintain a share proportion of ten (10) NOA Shares to one (1) Company Share held in the Resulting Issuer by the respective shareholders (the "Share Exchange") at a deemed price of $0.25 per share, being 51,796,730 NOA Shares (assuming the 10 for 1 NOA Unit issuance on completion of the Transaction) and 51,796,730 share purchase warrants (the "Company Share Purchase Warrants") where each Company Share Purchase Warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one Company Share at a price of CDN $0.20 per Company Share and shall be exercisable at anytime that is twenty-four (24) months from the date the shares of the Resulting Issuer are listed on the TSXV. If the Concurrent Financings (as defined below) modify this Share Exchange proportion, the parties hereto have agreed to further adjust the share exchange ratio in order to ensure that a final ten (10) to one (1) proportion for NOA and Company shareholders exists in the Resulting Issuer.

Name Change

In connection with the closing of the Transaction, it is anticipated that the Company (Resulting Issuer) will change its name to "NOA Lithium Brines" (the "Name Change"), or such other name as determined by NOA and the Resulting Issuer Shares will be listed on the TSX, subject to the approval of the applicable regulatory authorities and the TSXV. On closing of the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer anticipates meeting the TSXV's initial listing requirements for a Tier 2 mining company.

Filing Statement

A filing statement in respect of the proposed Qualifying Transaction will be prepared and filed in accordance with Policy 2.4 of the TSXV on SEDAR at www.sedar.com prior to the closing of the Qualifying Transaction. A press release will also be issued once the filing statement has been filed as required pursuant to the TSXV Policies.

Summary of Concurrent Financings

NOA Private Financing

NOA is currently carrying out and plans to complete, prior to completion of the Share Exchange, a non-brokered private placement (the "NOAPrivate Financing") of approximately 320,327 NOA Shares, which represent 3,203,270 units of NOA ("NOA Private Unit") at a price of CDN $0.10 per NOA Private Unit for gross proceeds of approximately CDN $320,327. Each NOA Private Unit will consist of one common share of the Resulting Issuer and one common share purchase warrant of the Resulting Issuer ("NOA Private Warrant"), with each NOA Private Warrant being exercisable into one common share of the Resulting Issuer at a price of CDN $0.20 at anytime within 24 months from the date of issuance. If the NOA Private Financing is fully subscribed for, NOA will have 5,500,000 NOA Shares and 55,000,000 NOA Units issued and outstanding.

NOA Subscription Receipt Financing

In connection with the Transaction, the parties anticipate completing a brokered and/or non-brokered private placement of between 20,000,000 and 30,000,000 subscription receipts of NOA (the "NOA Subscription Receipts") at a price of CDN $0.25 per NOA Subscription Receipt, subject to market conditions, for aggregate gross proceeds of between CDN $5,000,000 and CDN $7,500,000. Each NOA Subscription Receipt is anticipated to be comprised of one NOA Share and one NOA share purchase warrant (the "NOA Subscription Receipt Warrant"), with each NOA Subscription Receipt Warrant being exercisable at a price of CDN $0.50 at any time with twenty-four (24) from the date of issuance (the "NOA Subscription Receipt Financing" and collectively with the NOA Private Financing, the "NOA Private Placements"). Upon completion of the Transaction and satisfaction of the escrow release conditions in accordance with the terms of a subscription receipt agreement, and without any further action on the part of the holder or payment of any additional consideration, each NOA Subscription Receipt will automatically convert and be exchanged for one Resulting Issuer Share and one Resulting Issuer share purchase warrant with the same economic terms as set forth above, subject to adjustments.

In connection with the NOA Subscription Receipt Financing, it is anticipated that compensation may be provided (i) as a cash commission to be negotiated on a percentage of the aggregate gross proceeds raised under the NOA Subscription Receipt Financing, and/or (ii) the issuance of such number of broker warrants of NOA (each, a "NOA Broker Warrant") to be negotiated on the basis of the number of NOA Subscription Receipts issued pursuant to the NOA Subscription Receipt Financing. Upon completion of the Transaction, the NOA Broker Warrants will be exchanged for broker warrants of the Resulting Issuer (the "Resulting Issuer Broker Warrants").

In connection with the NOA Subscription Receipt Financing, it is anticipated that certain finders may receive a cash commission to be negotiated on a percentage of the aggregate gross proceeds raised and/or a number of securities to be negotiated on the basis of the number of NOA Subscription Receipts issued pursuant to the NOA Subscription Receipt Financing.

Company Subscription Receipt Financing

Concurrently with the NOA Private Placements, the Company anticipates completing a non-brokered private placement of up to 1,500,000 subscription receipt (the "Company Subscription Receipt Financing") of the Company (each, a "Company Subscription Receipt") at a price of CDN $0.10 per Company Subscription Receipt for aggregate proceeds of up to CDN $150,000, with each Company Subscription Receipt consisting of one Company Share and one common share purchase warrant ("Company Subscription Receipt Warrant") of the Company. Each Company Subscription Receipt Warrant is exercisable into one Company Share at a price of CDN $0.20 at anytime within 24 months from the date of issuance. Upon completion of the Transaction and satisfaction of the escrow release conditions in accordance with the terms of a subscription receipt agreement, and without any further action on the part of the holder or payment of any additional consideration, each Company Subscription Receipt will automatically convert and be exchanged for one Resulting Issuer Share and one Resulting Issuer share purchase warrant with the same economic terms as set forth above, subject to adjustments.

Use of Proceeds of the Concurrent Financings

The NOA Private Placements and the Company Subscription Receipt Financing (collectively, the "Concurrent Financings") are intended to raise aggregate gross proceeds of between CDN $5,520,000 and CDN $8,020,000.

Net proceeds of the NOA Subscription Receipt Financing and Company Subscription Receipt Financing will be held in escrow pending completion of the Transaction. Net proceeds from the NOA Private Financing will not be held in trust as it will be used by NOA to pay capital expenditures and certain property option payments.

It is anticipated that net proceeds of the Concurrent Financings will be used: (i) to fund the business plan of the Resulting Issuer; (ii) for expenses related to the Transaction; and (iii) for general corporate purposes and future working capital of the Resulting Issuer. Although the Resulting Issuer intends to use the net proceeds of the Concurrent Financings as described herein, the actual allocation of proceeds may vary from the uses set forth herein, depending on future operations or unforeseen events or opportunities.

Finders Fee for Transaction

In connection with the Transaction, a finder's fee is payable by the Company in the amount of $25,000 to a non-arm's length party. This finder's fee will be paid in securities of the Resulting Issuer on the same terms as the Company Subscription Receipt Financing, is subject to applicable laws and the Policies of the TSXV and shall only be provided if the Transaction is completed.

Capitalization of the Resulting Issuer

The following table summarizes the proposed pro forma capitalization of the Resulting Issuer following completion of the Transaction and the Concurrent Financings:

After Giving Effect to the Transaction Designation of Security Number Percentage (undiluted) Percentage (fully-diluted) Resulting Issuer Shares Shares Issued Company Shares 4,000,000 4.4% 2.3% Company Subscription Receipts 1,500,000(1) 1.7% 0.8% NOA Shares 55,000,000(2) 60.8% 31% NOA Subscription Receipts 30,000,000(3) 33.1% 16.9% Subtotal 90,500,000 100% 51% Dilutive Securities Reserved for issuance: Company Options 400,000 0.5% 0.3% Company IPO Agent Options Nil(4) Nil Nil Company Subscription Receipt Warrants 1,500,000(5) 1.7% 0.9% NOA Unit Warrants 51,796,730(6) 59.6% 29.1% NOA Private Warrants 3,203,270(7) 3.7% 1.8% NOA Subscription Receipt Warrants 30,000,000(8) 34.5% 16.9% Subtotal 86,900,000 100% 49% Total 177,400,000 100% 100% Notes: (1) Assuming the issuance of an aggregate of 1,500,000 Company Shares as part of the Company Subscription Receipt Financing. (2) Assuming the issuance of an aggregate of 3,203,270 NOA Shares as part of the NOA Private Financing for an aggregate of 55,000,000 NOA Units on completion of the Transaction. (3) Assuming the issuance of an aggregate of 30,000,000 NOA Shares as part of the NOA Subscription Receipt Financing (4) 200,000 Agent Options were issued by the Company to Canaccord Genuity Corp. as part of the Company's initial public offering but these Agent Options have now expired and been terminated. (5) Assuming the issuance of an aggregate of 1,500,000 Company Subscription Receipt Warrants as part of the Company Subscription Receipt Financing. (6) Assuming the issuance of an aggregate of51,796,730 NOA Unit Warrants on completion of the Transaction, excluding those 3,203,270 NOA Units granted in relation with the NOA Private Financing. (7) Assuming the issuance of an aggregate of 3,203,270 NOA Private Warrants as part of the NOA Private Financing. (8) Assuming the issuance of 30,000,000 NOA Subscription Receipts Warrants as part of the NOA Subscription Receipt Financing.

To the knowledge of the directors and executive officers of the Company and NOA, the only persons who currently beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, or exercises control or direction over more than 10% of the NOA Shares are as follows: (i) Hernan Miguel Zaballa, an individual resident in Argentina who currently owns approximately 20% of the outstanding NOA Shares; (ii) Manuel Cesar Benitez, an individual resident in Argentina who currently owns approximately 12% of the outstanding NOA Shares; (iii) Carlos Eugenio Ponte, an individual resident in Argentina who currently owns approximately 12% of the outstanding NOA Shares; and (iv) Simon Perez Alsina, an individual resident in Argentina who currently owns approximately 12% of the outstanding NOA Shares.

Proposed Management and Directors of the Resulting Issuer

It is the intention of the Company and NOA to establish and maintain a board of directors of the Resulting Issuer with a combination of appropriate skill sets that is in compliance with all regulatory and corporate governance requirements, including any applicable independence requirements. Upon completion of the Transaction, the board of the Resulting Issuer is expected to be comprised of four individuals. The following are brief descriptions of the proposed management and directors of the Resulting Issuer.

Hernan Miguel Zaballa - Chairman of the Board of Directors

Hernan Zaballa is a senior partner at Zaballa Carchio Abogados in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with over 30 years of legal experience focused primarily on the mining industry. Mr. Zaballa has served on the local Board of Directors for companies such as Barrick Gold, Pan American Silver, Northern Orion, and Penoles. Over the past 5 years, he has successfully co-founded Huayra Minerals Corp. and Abrasilver Resource Corp. Mr. Zaballa is the former Executive Chairman and currently a Board member at AbraSilver Resource Corp., and is currently a Vice-President and Board member at Minera Exar SA.

John Miniotis - Director and Interim Chief Executive Officer

John Miniotis is a mining executive with approximately 20 years of experience in various roles focused primarily on mergers & acquisitions, equity capital markets, investor relations and corporate finance. He is currently the President and CEO of AbraSilver Resource Corp. which is an advanced-stage silver and gold exploration company with assets in Argentina. Mr. Miniotis holds the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst and received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, with high distinction, from the University of Toronto.

Gabriel Rubacha - Director

Gabriel Rubacha has over 30 years of professional Engineering and Construction experience. Over the past 5 years, Mr. Rubacha has been CEO at Minera Exar SA and President of South American Operations at Lithium Americas. Mr. Rubacha holds an International MBA, a Masters in Strategic Management, and Aeronautical Engineering degree. Mr. Rubacha also undertook executive programs at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and at Harvard Business School.

Charles Chebry - Interim Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary

Mr. Chebry is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 30 years of experience in the public markets sector. He has worked in a variety of senior executive roles with companies listed on the TSXV primarily in the mineral exploration sector. He is currently, a Director and President of Pilar Gold Inc., a mining company with projects in Brazil.

Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction

If completed, the Transaction will not be a Non-Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction (as defined in Policy 2.4) and would constitute the Company's Qualifying Transaction. No Insider, Promoter or Control Person of the Company (as such terms are defined in the TSXV Manual) are also insiders of NOA. No Insider, Promoter or Control Person of the Company has any material interest in NOA prior to giving effect to the Transaction.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship of the Transaction, as the Qualifying Transaction of the Company, is required by the TSXV unless an exemption from this requirement can be obtained in accordance with the policies of the TSXV. The Company intends to apply for an exemption to the sponsorship requirement. There is no assurance that an exemption from this requirement will be obtained.

Trading Suspended

In accordance with the policies of the TSXV, trading in the Company Shares is currently suspended and will remain suspended until completion of the Transaction. The Company does not intend to apply to the TSXV for reinstatement of trading of the Company Shares at this time.

Further Information

The Company will provide further details in respect of the Transaction in due course by way of subsequent news release(s), however, the Company will make available to the TSXV all information, including financial information, as may be requested or required by the TSXV.

All information contained in this news release with respect to the Company and NOA was supplied by the respective party, for inclusion herein, without independent review by the other party, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party.

The completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to the entering into of the Business Combination Agreement, completion of the Concurrent Financings, satisfactory due diligence reviews, approval by both boards of directors, approval of the NOA Shareholders, regulatory and TSXV acceptance, and if applicable pursuant to TSXV Requirements, and majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.

Neither the TSXV nor the TSX has in any way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. 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

Navion Capital Inc.

Peter Hughes

Director

Telephone: (604) 802-7372

Email: petehughes@me.com

NOA Lithium Brines S.A.

Hernan Miguel Zaballa

Representative

Telephone: +54.9.11.5328.8980

Email: hzaballa@zclegal.com.ar

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to: the entering into and the terms and conditions of the Business Combination Agreement and completion of the transactions contemplated therein; the Concurrent Financing, including amounts anticipated to be raised thereunder, the use of net proceeds from the Concurrent Financing; receipt of TSXV approval; the details of any securities issuances, conversions, exchanges or cancellations; the anticipated directors, officers and insiders of the Resulting Issuer; and the closing of the Transaction. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information.

With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, the Company and NOA have made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about general business and economic conditions of NOA and the market in which it operates. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

Although management of the Company and NOA believe that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks relating to the Concurrent Financing; risks relating to the receipt of all requisite approvals for the Transaction, including the approval of shareholders and the TSXV; risks associated with the business of NOA; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of technology or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; changes in laws; risks related to the direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 including, but not limited to, its impact on general economic conditions, the ability to obtain financing as required; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time. The Company and NOA do not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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.

SOURCE: Navion Capital Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/705323/Navion-Capital-Announces-Proposed-Qualifying-Transaction-With-NOA-Lithium
Elektros (OTC PINK:ELEK), an Emerging Leader in the Electric Vehicle Industry, Today Announced That the Company Has Signed a Reseller Agreement with EV Connect, Which Operates One of the Largest Charging Station Networks in North America.

SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FL / ACCESSWIRE / June 16, 2022 / Elektros Inc. is pleased to announce that the company has officially signed a reseller agreement with one of North America's premier charging station networks, EV Connect. With EV Connect being based out of California, Elektros looks forward to using its connections in the electric vehicle industry to help expand EV Connect's charging points across the nation, starting in Florida.

EV Connect, recently named to TIME's list of the TIME100 Most Influential Companies in March, has saved drivers over 1,350,000 gallons of gasoline, powered over 56 million electric miles, and reduced more than 12 million kilograms of greenhouse gasses since the company's inception in 2010. Elektros and EV Connect see synergy in providing disruptive electric mobility solutions to consumers that aid in supporting a cleaner planet and sustainable future.

Both companies understand that now is the time to advance the nation's energy infrastructure in order to meet consumer demand and provide a reliable future for all-electric transportation. These charging points, or modern-day gas stations, are crucial to the future of electric mobility, and Elektros looks forward to continuing to build valuable relationships and playing a key role in EV Connect's expansion nationwide.

About Elektros, Inc.

Elektros is an American electric transportation company that innovates mobility solutions for consumers and businesses. The automotive landscape faces existential disruption over the next decade to reach carbon neutrality. Elektros addresses this paradigm shift with mobility technologies that support sustainability for a transformative user experience. Elektros aims to present a compelling and completely new electric vehicle experience known as Elektros Sonic to consumers beginning as early as 2023.

About EV Connect

EV Connect is on a mission to build a better planet by enabling electricity as a transportation fuel. Through its innovative and open charging platform, EV Connect simplifies the set-up, management, and optimization of charging stations with premium customer service, from installation to driver support. EV Connect guides companies of all sizes in managing networks of chargers and delivers a seamless EV charging experience that empowers drivers.

Website: https://www.evconnect.com

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains "forward-looking statements" that include information relating to future events and future financial and operating performance. The words "may," "would," "will," "expect," "estimate," "can," "believe," "potential," and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which that performance or those results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time they are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause these differences include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in demand for Elektros, Inc.'s products, the introduction of new products, the Company's ability to maintain customer and strategic business relationships, the impact of competitive products and pricing, growth in targeted markets, the adequacy of the Company's liquidity and financial strength to support its growth, and other information that may be detailed from time to time in Elektros Inc.'s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Examples of such forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding future sales, costs, and market acceptance of products as well as regulatory actions at the State or Federal level. For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting Elektros Inc., please refer to the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which are available at www.sec.gov. Elektros, Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT:

Elektros, Inc. IR and Media Inquiries

Email: ElektrosInc@gmail.com

Website: https://elek.world/

SOURCE: Elektros, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/705373/Elektros-Inc-OTCELEK-Elektros-Signs-Reseller-Agreement-with-Premier-Charging-Station-Network-EV-Connect
Saturized brings key relationships and a proven track record in digital user experience and creative design with some of the world's best-known brands

Devtech, a global digital innovation services company, today announced the acquisition of Saturized a creative agency focused on transforming ideas into digital experiences. The acquisition further accelerates Devtech's organic growth of more than 60% YoY annual recurring revenue (ARR) and extends the company's global leadership position in empowering technology businesses to accelerate digital innovation. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005271/en/

"As every business transforms into a technology business, winners will be those that take a holistic digital innovation approach through a customer-centric lens-with business outcomes always in mind," said Milovan Milic, founder and CEO of Devtech. "We are thrilled that Saturized is now part of Devtech, as the company's proven capabilities in creating modern omni-channel user experiences and cutting-edge creative design complements our capabilities in holistic end-to-end digital innovation."

Saturized helps leading brands drive new sources of revenue and increase brand loyalty through digital user experience, brand strategy, visual and motion design, and virtual and mixed reality. During the last 15 years, the company has partnered with some of the world's most recognizable brands including Google, HBO, Coca-Cola, Toshiba, 20th Century Fox and others.

Commenting on the acquisition, Saturized's founders Goran Bajazetov and Zoran Usancevic said, "Creating world-class digital experiences that help businesses disrupt industries has been Saturized's mission since our inception 15 years ago. We are delighted that we are now part of Devtech, as we share the same passion and hunger for excellence and an inextricable alignment in our core values. Saturized's expertise in delivering exceptional UX and design for some of the world's leading brands, combined with Devtech's proven expertise in digital innovation, enables us to help our clients digitally transform and scale with user experience at the center."

The acquisition is the latest milestone reflecting Devtech's fast growth under Milovan's leadership. In addition to notable YoY revenue growth, the company is adding significant talent in core areas of expertise across Europe and the US to support a 50% growth in new customer engagements in the last 12 months. The acquisition of Saturized further extends the depth and breadth of Devtech's global team.

About Devtech

Devtech provides outcome-driven digital innovation services and helps companies better respond to change. With a multi-disciplinary team of experts across North America and Europe, Devtech partners with leading software vendors, telcos, cloud service providers, and managed service providers. The company's services span up-front IT and digital strategy and digital user experience underpinned by deep domain expertise in cloud native transformation, R&D and roadmap development, channel and marketplace enablement, and system and platform migration. Clients include Nokia, Telecom Italia, dogado, Mimecast, and other global leaders. More information can be found at devtechgroup.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005271/en/

Contacts:

Katherine Waite

Devtech

pr@devtechgroup.com
TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 16, 2022 / GreenBank Capital Inc. (CSE:GBC)(OTCMKTS:GRNBF)(FRA:2TL) ("GreenBank" or "the Company") reports on an announcement by its ~20% owned portfolio company Ubique Minerals Limited ("Ubique") (CSE:UBQ) .

Ubique announced on June 14th, 2022 that it has received the first field report from Resource 500 V Ltd ("R500"), an Irish exploration company that holds 6 mineral exploration licenses and applications for 2 more licenses in Namibia, Africa. Ubique Minerals Ltd owns 25% of the issued shares in R500.

Ubique has been delivered "REPORT ON RESOURCE 500 V Ltd LICENCES IN NAMIBIA AND WORKPLAN FOR EVALUATION" prepared for R500 by SRK consulting (UK) Ltd ("The Report"). The report covers exploration license EPL7167 in Namibia and is dated 6th June 2022.

Vilhjalmur Thor Vilhjalmsson CEO of Ubique Minerals Limited commented on The Report "The initial results are very encouraging, and Ubique is working closely with the management team at R500 to decide on the next steps of the exploration and looking forward extend the work on the license this year."

Terry Pullen, CEO of GreenBank, commented "Members of the GreenBank management team recently accompanied Ubique in Toronto at PDAC , the world's premier mineral exploration and mining event. We are extremely pleased to share this exciting news and remain confident that Ubique's strong management team coupled with the geological expertise present on their Board make them well-positioned to capitalize on their existing as well as any future mining opportunities."

Draft from the Executive Summary of The Report on Exploration License EPL7167 in Namibia

License EPL7167 as of June 2022 is under renewal for a period of three years. The R500 main focus in the license area focused on three trends in the license area with anomalies in uranium and possibly massive sulfide base metal (massive sulfide) mineralization.

SRK consider sufficient information exists to undertake work on the ground and this should focus on the identified trends with surface geochemical sampling then drilling

The Erongo Licence EPL7167

Single license in the Erongo region to the east of Swakopmund. The license contains evidence of Damara aged granite pegmatite- and palaeochannel hosted uranium mineralization and possibly massive base metal sulfide mineralization in Proterozoic metamorphosed sediments and volcanics. The area has current and historic mines for all three including the world class Rossing mine to the immediate west (390 Mt grading 0.022% U3O8) and Husab mine to the south west (446Mt at 0.048% U3O8 in Zone 1 and an additional inferred resource of 102Mt at 0.054% U3O8 in Zone 2). In addition the operating palaeochannel hosted uranium mine at Langer Heinrich is to the immediate south (71 Mt @ 0.06% U3O8).

Geochemical survey

Minimal geochemical surveys have been completed to date over EPL7167. The results of two grab samples collected by SRK provided confirmation of uranium anomalies (Table 2-3).

Table 2-3: Portable XRF analysis of two 5 kg channel samples collected February 2022 (all concentrations in ppm) Element

Element U Th Cu Pb Zn Fe Mn W Alaskiite 558 28.9 22.4 12.3 <1 129 107 12.3 Calcrete 117 3.2 8.7 9.9 <1 545 1340 6.5

The combined results of the remote sensing and geochemical surveys to date suggest that there are two types of uranium mineralization present on the EPL:

Rossing style alaskiite hosted uranium

Calcrete or palaeochannel hosted uranium

Figure 1 Location of EPL7167 and Base Geological map

For further information, please contact:

Terry Pullen, CEO GreenBank Capital

Email: Terry@GreenBankCapitalInc.com

Tel: +44 (0)7831 402 388

About GreenBank

GreenBank is a next generation merchant banking business that has a flexible low-cost overhead structure designed to maximize profitability. Our management are based in Toronto, Dallas and London and are used to working across borders remotely. Our model of remote working, dynamic space and flexible contracts -rather than large, fixed costs - establishes GreenBank as a global merchant bank for the future, both during and after COVID19.

GreenBank is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange, the Frankfurt Boerse and on the OTC Markets in the USA. GreenBank invests in undervalued exponential growth companies focused on building consistent capital appreciation for its shareholders.

SOURCE: GreenBank Capital Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/705397/GreenBank-Portfolio-Company-Ubique-Minerals-Reports-on-Uranium-Mineralization-Discovery-in-Namibia
HOHHOT, China, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- From June 14-16, the 15th Global Dairy Congress was hosted in Laval, France. Dr. Zhanyou Yun, Assistant President of Yili Group, attended the "Innovation for the Future" session, delivering a keynote speech with the theme "Create Value through Innovation." Dr. Gerrit Smit, Managing Director of Yili Innovation Center Europe, attended the roundtable discussion.

The World Dairy Innovation Awards was held simultaneously with the Congress. Leveraging strategic synergies and resource integration, Yili Group and its subsidiary Ausnutria topped the tally with six awards, covering segments of packaging design, infant nutrition, intolerance-friendly dairy products, ice cream, cheese and dairy snacks.

One of the judges commented that, "Yili have their finger on the pulse when it comes to identifying gaps in the market and creating brilliant innovative products that both taste and look great while simultaneously serving a purpose."

Dr. Yun explained how Yili has focused on building a globally integrated innovation network, which helped the company win worldwide recognition. "Integrating talent and intelligence resources, we have currently set up a total of 15 innovation centers scattered around the world, and a 'global intelligence chain' has now been established."

Developing health products through consumer-centric innovation

"Guided by our New Vision for Value Creation, Yili pursues development as an innovation-driven company. We are dedicated to launching health products to meet the full life-cycle, all-scenario needs among all types of consumers." said Dr. Yun.

For consumers to freely enjoy cheese without storage limitations, Yili developed the "Best Cheese" winner-the ambient cheese lollipop, which is rich in nutrition and can be safely stored at room temperature. Revisiting traditional Chinese aesthetics, the Xujinhuan 3D Fresh Milk Ice Cream has been designed into the elegant shape of a Chinese fan, featuring traditional painting carved on the surface. Developed with global high-quality milk and ingredients, the beautiful look is also accompanied by good flavor and nutrition. For middled-aged and the elderly men, a group more focused on bone health and physical fitness, the Shuhua Lactose-Free Milk for Dad includes 50% more natural calcium, vitamin D and taurine. Applying Yili's patented technology of LHT lactose hydrolysis, the product also addresses the problem of lactose intolerance that is common among Asian consumers.

At the Congress, Dr. Yun also shared the company's progress in building a "Dairy Silicon Valley." In June, four key projects of Yili's Future Intelligence and Healthy Valley will be put into operation in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, including a liquid milk production base, a milk powder production base, the Chilechuan Ecological Smart Farm, and the Yili Intelligent Manufacturing Experience Center.

Commitment to building a net -zero carbon future

Talking about dairy's role in addressing climate change, Dr. Yun said, "Embracing the tide of sustainable development across the globe, Yili has rolled out net-zero carbon products and factories, issued the Roadmap to a Net-Zero Carbon Future, and joined hands with our partners throughout the industrial chain to build a net-zero carbon future."

In April, Yili took the lead in China's food industry to launch time-bound targets on carbon reduction, aiming to realize industrial chain-wide carbon neutrality before 2050.

On June 5, Yili also introduced the packaging featuring "no printing, less ink." Applying the technology of ink reduction printing, the packaging is able to save ink consumption by 60%. The outer carton is 80% made up of recycled paper. By upgrading into paper handles, every 100,000 outer cartons will reduce plastic usage equating to 260 kg.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1841564/image_1.jpg
BERLIN, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avascent, the leading strategy consultancy for aerospace, defense and government-driven industries, is pleased to announce the opening of a Berlin office to better serve Avascent's defense, aerospace, and government clients in Germany. Dr. Lars Miethke will lead Berlin operations for the firm in close coordination with Avascent's Paris and London units.



"We have seen great success and growth since opening offices in London and Paris, delivering outstanding client service to the European market," said Steve Irwin, Avascent President. "We have been fortunate to serve German industry for some time from our London office. With a team in Berlin, we anticipate being even better positioned to address the needs of current and future clients."

Joseph Walsh, head of Avascent's London office, noted, "Germany has long been a leading player in Europe's aerospace and defense industrial base. With the changes triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, we expect Germany to become even more important, both as a market and a producer."

Dr. Miethke joined Avascent's DC office in 2013 and has worked in the London office since 2016 liaising with German and international private equity and corporate clients and directing project teams to develop and implement clients' organic and inorganic growth strategies. He received his B.Sc. in Business Administration from the Humboldt University Berlin, graduated from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service in Washington, and received his PhD at the London School of Economics with a research-focus on German foreign & defense policy.

"As the largest economy in Europe, Germany has always been an important market for Avascent's corporate and private equity clients alike," said Lars Miethke. "Having a presence in the German capital will allow us to better serve our growing client base in Germany and those looking to invest in one of the most dynamic A&D markets in Europe."


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Joe Biden has signed an executive order on advancing equality for LGBTQI+ individuals in the United States. The order will take historic steps to support LGBTQI+ people, especially children and families, according to the White House.



President signed the order while hosting a White House reception on Wednesday, in celebration of Pride Month. He was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris, First Lady Jill Biden, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, members of Congress, including the leaders of the Equality Caucus; and hundreds of LGBTQI+ leaders.



The President was introduced by Javier Gomez, an 18-year-old Floridian high school graduate who helped to organize the statewide student walkouts over the 'Don't Say Gay' bill that bans teachers from discussing LGBTQI+ people and families.



The President condemned the discriminatory attacks on the LGBTQI+ children and families across the country.



More than 300 anti-LGBTQI+ laws were introduced in U.S. state legislatures this year, many of which specifically target transgender children and their parents.



Biden talked about how these bills are worsening the mental health crisis that LGBTQI+ youth are facing, putting them at greater risk of suicide.



The President's executive order will protect LGBTQI+ youth from so-called 'conversion therapy,' a dangerous and discredited practice that increases the risk of youth suicide and has been condemned by every major medical association.



A senior Biden administration official quoted nearly half of LGBTQI+ youth as saying that they were seriously considered committing suicide last year. Nearly 40 percent of all youth experiencing homelessness are LGBTQI+, he said at a news conference Wednesday.



Biden has entrusted HHS with leading an initiative to reduce the risk of youth exposure to this dangerous practice, and directed the Secretary of State to promote an end to conversion therapy around the world. He urged the Federal Trade Commission to consider whether conversion therapy constitutes an unfair or deceptive act or practice and whether to issue consumer warnings on notices about it.



The executive order will also address the LGBTQI+ youth mental health crisis and help prevent LGBTQI+ suicide by expanding access to suicide prevention resources that meet the needs of LGBTQI+ youth.



The EO will launch a new initiative to address the discrimination that children and parents face in the foster care system. LGBTQI+ children are over represented in the foster care.



The order will also strengthen federal data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity, address LGBTQI+ homelessness and housing insecurity, and protect healthcare access for LGBTQI+ youth and families.







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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Manufacturing activity in the Philadelphia region saw a modest contraction in the month of June, according to a report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia on Thursday.



The Philly Fed said its current general activity index dropped to a negative 3.3 in June from a positive 2.6 in May. The negative reading indicates the first contraction in regional manufacturing activity since May of 2020.



The decrease came as a surprise to economists, who had expected the current general activity index to rise to a positive 5.5.



The unexpected decline by the headline index came as the new orders index plummeted to a negative 12.4 in June from a positive 22.1 in May.



The shipments index also plunged to 10.8 in June from 35.3 in May, indicating a substantial slowdown in the pace of growth.



On the other hand, the number of employees index rose to 28.1 in June from 25.5 in May, suggesting a continued increase in employment.



The report also show decreases by both the price paid and prices received indexes, although they remained elevated.



Looking ahead, the Philly Fed said expectations for growth over the next six months deteriorated, with the diffusion index for future general activity slumping to a negative 6.8 in June from a positive 2.5 in May. The index turned negative for the first time since December 2008.



'Slower manufacturing growth shouldn't come as a surprise as services spending takes the baton from goods, but the pace at which some of the recent data point to a slowdown is concerning,' said Oren Klachkin, Lead U.S. Economist at Oxford Economics.



'Overall, we believe the fundamental backdrop will support additional manufacturing gains in the month ahead, though there's a non-negligible risk that growth could stumble,' he added. 'The window for avoiding a recession is narrower today, but a downturn isn't unavoidable.'







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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Joe Biden has named former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms as his Senior Advisor for Public Engagement.



In this role, Bottoms will oversee the White House Office of Public Engagement, which works at the local, state, and national levels to ensure community leaders, diverse perspectives, and new voices have the opportunity to inform the work of the President in an inclusive, transparent and responsible way.



Keisha Lance Bottoms is a CNN Political Commentator, based in Atlanta. She is a visionary leader in bringing equitable outcomes to the forefront of government and commerce. Keisha became the first Mayor in Atlanta's history to have served in all three branches of government, having previously served as a Judge and a City Councilmember. As Mayor, she committed herself to realizing her vision of 'One Atlanta' - an affordable, resilient, and equitable Atlanta.



Sworn in on January 2, 2018, Keisha served as Mayor during one of the most challenging times in the history of Atlanta. After dealing with a cyberattack that nearly crippled city operations, and in the midst of a global pandemic and a racial justice movement, Keisha became a leading spokesperson regarding the challenges and opportunities facing cities and leaders across America.



While navigating these unprecedented challenges, the Bottoms Administration was able to remain focused on the resilience of Atlanta, negotiating and closing the largest real estate redevelopment transaction in the history of Atlanta, and one of the largest in the Southeast United States, delivering millions of dollars in community benefits to people across the city.



The Bottoms Administration made historic strides related to criminal justice reform. Under her rule, Atlanta became a model city for LGBTQ affairs, and reclaimed its title as running the world's busiest and most efficient airport.



Biden said in a statement that Keisha is 'bright, honorable, tough and has the integrity required to represent our Administration to the American public'.



Biden announced additional promotions to his senior team ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.



The President announced that Stuart Delery will become the next Assistant to the President and White House Counsel. He will step into the role next month after Dana Remus departs the White House.



Stuart Delery currently serves as Deputy Counsel to the President, where he has advised on key Administration priorities including the COVID-19 response, the American Rescue Plan, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework.



The President has promoted Julie Chavez Rodriguez to Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President. Simultaneously, she will continue serving as the Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.



Julie Rodriguez currently serves as Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Prior to joining the Biden Administration, she served as a Deputy Campaign Manager on the Biden-Harris presidential campaign.







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NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- As per Zion Market Research study, The global benzoic acid market attained revenue growth of 1.22 billion in 2021 and it is projected to reach around USD 1.72 billion by 2028, growing at a 5.58% CAGR. Benzoic acid is a white and crystalline aromatic carboxylic acid. Benzoic was first made from the resin of trees belonging to the genus Styrax. Benzoic acid is widely used to preserve items in the food and beverage sectors. It aids in the control of bacterial and fungal development. Benzoic acid is employed as a chemical reagent as well. Because of the rise in working-class people and rising urbanization, demand for packaged foods and drinks has propelled the market for benzoic acid.

Key Industry Insights & Finding of the Benzoic Acid Market Reports:

As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the Benzoic Acid Market is expected to grow annually at a CAGR of around 5.58 % (2022-2028).

(2022-2028). Through the primary research, it was established that the Benzoic Acid Market was valued approximately USD 1.22 Billion in 2021 and is projected to reach to roughly USD 1.72 Billion by 2028.

Billion in 2021 and is projected to reach to roughly Billion by 2028. Rising per-capita disposable income and a steady move toward packaged goods, the use of benzoic acid has gradually increased across Asia Pacific during the last few years.

during the last few years. India and China are the two highest contributors in this area. During the forecasted period, North America is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR after Asia Pacific .

and are the two highest contributors in this area. During the forecasted period, is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR after . Developments in preservation methods that use benzoic acid are introducing new alternatives of ready-to-go meals, ranging over a wide spectrum of dairy products, bakeries, snacks, meals, poultry, confectionery, ready meals, and others.

Zion Market Research published the latest report titled as "Benzoic Acid Market By End User (Food & Beverage, Chemical Industry, Pharmaceutical Industry, & Others), By Application (Benzoates, Benzoate Plasticizers, Alkyl Resins, & Others) And By Region - Global And Regional Industry Overview, Market Intelligence, Comprehensive Analysis, Historical Data, And Forecasts 2022 - 2028." into their research database.

Benzoic Acid Market: Overview

The global benzoic acid market is growing in response to the rising global supply of processed foods and drinks. To prolong the shelf life of such items, benzoic acid is used. Because the capacity to create intended impact is dependent on the pH of food, benzoic acid is often used to preserve acidified food items such as pickles, effervescent beverages, and fruit juice.

Benzoic acid is used in a variety of sectors, including polymers, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and others. Animal feed, color compounds, and medicinal applications are all possible uses for benzoic acid. Athlete's feet, ringworm, tinea, and other fungal skin infections are treated with benzoic acid. As a disinfectant, benzoic acid is used extensively in the cosmetics industry. Benzoic acid is found in toothpaste, antiperspirants, mouth rinses, and other products.

Get a Free Sample Report with All Related Graphs & Charts (with COVID 19 Impact Analysis): https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/sample/benzoic-acid-market

Our Free Sample Report Includes:

2022 Updated Report Introduction, Overview, and In-depth industry analysis

COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak Impact Analysis Included

190 + Pages Research Report (Inclusion of Updated Research)

Provide Chapter-wise guidance on Request

2022 Updated Regional Analysis with Graphical Representation of Size, Share & Trends

Includes Updated List of tables & figures

Updated Report Includes Top Market Players with their Business Strategy, Sales Volume, and Revenue Analysis

Zion Market Research methodology

Industry Dynamics:

Benzoic Acid Market: Growth Drivers

Increased demand for processed food items to drive market growth.

To satisfy their daily meal requirements, customers are moving their approach towards processed food and beverage goods such as appetizers, fruit drinks, processed meat, and others. In several European nations, the popularity of omitting breakfasts or lunch has led to consumers' increased desire for packaged and processed food and beverage goods. Because preservatives, such as benzoic acid, are an essential component in packaged food and beverage products, end-user sectors are constantly searching for benzoic acid advancements, which has given producers great opportunities to acquire a substantial market placement by diversifying their product profile and introducing new products.

Benzoic Acid Market: Restraints

Fluctuating price of toluene to restrain the market growth.

The variation in crude oil prices is the most recent market pattern gaining traction. The aromatic chemical toluene is a key element to make benzoic acid. Gasoline is a major component in the production of toluene, which is produced during the production of coke from coal. The price of crude oil influences the price of raw materials, which influences the cost of producing toluene, in turn affecting the global benzoic acid market.

Directly Purchase a Copy of the Report @ https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/buynow/su/benzoic-acid-market

Global Benzoic Acid Market: Opportunities

Increased variety of preserved and processed food items to provide opportunities for market growth.

Developments in preservation methods that use benzoic acid are introducing new alternatives of ready-to-go meals, ranging over a wide spectrum of dairy products, bakeries, snacks, meals, poultry, confectionery, ready meals, and others. Several regional, traditional and local meals are now available in ready-to-go packs, which are affordable for the middle working-class community, offering opportunities for growth of the global benzoic acid market.

Global Benzoic Acid Market: Challenges

Strict regulation of food additives and preservatives to affect market growth.

The expansion of the benzoic acid industry has been hampered by strict regulation in emerging nations, which has hampered the rise of alkyd resins. However, unfavorable health concerns connected with benzoic acid may stymie the industry in the next years. Furthermore, constant exposure and usage might harm the gastrointestinal system and lungs.

Global Benzoic Acid Market: Segmentation

The market is bifurcated based on applications, end-users, and region.

The market, by application is divided into benzoates, benzoate plasticizers, alkyd resins, and others. Due to the increasing consumption of non-plasticizers, which also include benzoate plasticizers in varied uses such as wires & cables, flooring & wall coverings, and consumer products, among others, the benzoate plasticizers industry is estimated to exhibit the highest growth over the forecast period.

The market, by end-user is segregated into food & beverages, chemical industry, pharmaceutical industry, and others. In the given period, the food & beverage category held the largest market share of the entire market. Growth of the market for processed foods is being driven by growing urbanization and lifestyle changes of the population.

Get More Insight before Buying@: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/inquiry/benzoic-acid-market

List of Key Players of Benzoic Acid Market:

The Chemical Company

Merck KGaA

Chemcrux Enterprises

Emerald Performance Materials

IG Petrochemicals Ltd.

Key questions answered in this report:

What are the growth rate forecast and market size for Benzoic Acid Market?

What are the key driving factors propelling the Benzoic Acid Market forward?

What are the most important companies in the Benzoic Acid Market Industry?

What segments does the Benzoic Acid Market cover?

How can I receive a free copy of the Benzoic Acid Market sample report and company profiles?

Report Scope:

Report Attribute Details Market size value in 2021 USD 1.22 Billion Revenue forecast in 2028 USD 1.72 Billion Growth Rate CAGR of almost 5.58 % 2022-2028 Base Year 2020 Historic Years 2016 - 2021 Forecast Years 2022 - 2028 Segments Covered By Product Type, By Application, and By End Use Forecast Units Value (USD Billion), and Volume (Units) Quantitative Units Revenue in USD million/billion and CAGR from 2022 to 2028 Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa, and Rest of World Countries Covered U.S., Canada, Mexico, U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, GCC Countries, and South Africa, among others Companies Covered The Chemical Company,Merck KGaA,Chemcrux Enterprises,Emerald Performance Materials,IG Petrochemicals Ltd. Report Coverage Market growth drivers, restraints, opportunities, Porter's five forces analysis, PEST analysis, value chain analysis, regulatory landscape, market attractiveness analysis by segments and region, company market share analysis, and COVID-19 impact analysis. Customization Scope Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/custom/3306

Free Brochure: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/requestbrochure/benzoic-acid-market

Recent Developments:

In 2021, Lanxess (German-based chemicals giant), acquired the Emerald Kalama (American chemicals business) brand to increase its reach in benzoic acid manufacturing, strengthening its position in the market.

In 2021, Tata Consumer Products acquired Tata SmartFoodz, a brand of ready-to-eat meals and processed food items, strengthening its grip over the Asian food market. Tata SmartFoodz was known to use innovative technologies to preserve taste, texture, and nutritional value of processed foods.

Regional Dominance:

Asia Pacific to lead global market due to increased preference for packed foods in India and China .

Because of rising per-capita disposable income and a steady move toward packaged goods, the use of benzoic acid has gradually increased across Asia Pacific during the last few years. India and China are the two highest contributors in this area. During the forecasted period, North America is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR after Asia Pacific.

Global Benzoic Acid Market is segmented as follows:

Benzoic Acid Market: By End-User Outlook (2022-2028)

Food & Beverage

Chemical Industry

Pharmaceutical Industry

Others

Benzoic Acid Market: By Application Outlook (2022-2028)

Benzoates

Benzoate Plasticizers

Alkyl Resins

Others

Benzoic Acid Market: By Region Outlook (2022-2028)

North America

The U.S.

Canada

Europe

France

The UK

Spain

Germany

Italy

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

South Korea

Southeast Asia

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

GCC

South Africa

Rest of Middle East & Africa

Press Release For Benzoic Acid Market: https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/news/global-benzoic-acid-market

Browse Other Related Research Reports from Zion Market Research

Picric Acid Market - Global Industry Analysis : The global picric acid market was worth around $3300 billion in 2021 and is predicted to grow around $7200 billion by 2028 at a CAGR rate of 8% over the forecast period.

The global picric acid market was worth around in 2021 and is predicted to grow around by 2028 at a CAGR rate of 8% over the forecast period. Ammonia Market - Global Industry Analysis : The global Ammonia Market accrued earnings worth approximately 55.4 (USD Billion) in 2020 and is predicted to gain revenue of about 89.4 (USD Billion) by 2028, is set to record a CAGR of nearly 5.8% over the period from 2021 to 2028.

The global Ammonia Market accrued earnings worth approximately 55.4 (USD Billion) in 2020 and is predicted to gain revenue of about 89.4 (USD Billion) by 2028, is set to record a CAGR of nearly 5.8% over the period from 2021 to 2028. Propylene Market - Global Industry Analysis: The global Propylene Market accrued earnings worth approximately 91.2 (USD Billion) in 2020 and is predicted to gain revenue of about 138.01(USD Billion) by 2028, is set to record a CAGR of nearly 6.1% over the period from 2021 to 2028.

Browse through Zion Market Research's coverage of the Global Chemical & Materials Industry

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Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the client's needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to us-after all-if you do well, a little of the light shines on us.

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Asahi beers / Korea Times file



Asahi to air first advertisement after Boycott Japan campaign in 2019



By Kim Jae-heun



Japanese brewers are staging a comeback in the Korean market after a three-year hiatus, as they advertise new products ahead of the peak summer season, company officials said, Thursday.



Asahi Breweries said it will air its online commercial for Asahi Super Dry beer on YouTube and several other social media platforms from June 17 to the end of August. The company hopes to win back its former Korean customers, who have been boycotting Japanese products since Japan removed Korea from a preferential trade list in 2019.



At the time, Korea's top court had ordered Japanese firms to compensate Korean victims of Japan's wartime forced labor. Subsequently, the Japanese government retaliated by restricting Korean firms from importing some key industrial materials. This led to Korean consumers deciding to boycott all Japan-made goods in return.



Japanese breweries such as Asahi, Sapporo and Kirin were the main victims of the Boycott Japan campaign and as such, stopped advertising their products in 2019. Even HiteJinro, the country's largest liquor firm and an importer of Kirin beers, had to avoid promoting Japanese beer products in Korea.



However, local consumers' anger towards Japanese firms has waned and imports of Japanese alcohol beverages here have increased significantly recently.



According to the Korea Customs Service, Japanese beer imports amounted to $2.66 million (3.43 billion won) in the first quarter of this year, up 22.6 percent from a year ago.



This increase encouraged Japanese firms to make their presence in the local market felt by advertising their products again.



"This year marks the 35th anniversary of beer brand Asahi Super Dry's birth. We have launched promotional campaigns to communicate with consumers around the world," a Lotte Asahi official said. Lotte Asahi is a local importer of Asahi beers.



Meanwhile, Asahi was once the best-selling imported beer in Korea. However, after the Boycott Japan campaign prevailed in Korea, Lotte Asahi's sales plunged from 124.8 billion won in 2018 to 17.3 billion won last year, down by 86.2 percent in three years.


Kitchener-based unicorn is leading student recruitment globally

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / June 16, 2022 / CIX (Canadian Innovation Exchange), announced today that edtech platform ApplyBoard has been named CIX'S 2022 Innovator of the Year.





The CIX Innovator of the Year Award is given annually to a Canadian company that disrupts and transforms an industry in profound ways. Past recipients of the Award have included Trulioo, Miovision, Lightspeed, ecobee, Real Matters, Wattpad, Shopify, Vision Critical and Desire2Learn.

ApplyBoard is the world's largest online platform for international student recruitment. The company has built partnerships with over 1,500 primary, secondary, and post-secondary schools, and works with over 10,000 recruitment partners to drive diversity on campuses across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

At the core of ApplyBoard's mission is to make education more inclusive by breaking down barriers for international students.

ApplyBoard was founded by three brothers, Martin, Massi and Meti Basiri, all of whom travelled to Waterloo Region from Iran for their post-secondary education. Based on their own experiences, they saw an opportunity to streamline the search, application and acceptance processes for students wanting to pursue their high school and post-secondary education in a foreign country.

"This is a tremendous honour and vote of confidence from the Canadian tech and innovation community." said ApplyBoard's co-founder and CEO Martin Basiri. "Every single day ApplyBoard is dedicated to our mission to educate the world as we develop new ways to serve the millions of students around the world who are searching for a better education. The trajectory of my brothers' lives and I changed drastically thanks to the power of education and the world of opportunity that it opened up. We can't wait to create more positive change as a proudly Canadian company."

"ApplyBoard was recognized as a CIX Top 10 Growth company in 2019 and we have been proudly following ApplyBoard remarkable growth," said Lauren Linton, Executive Director of CIX. "Martin and the ApplyBoard team absolutely deserve this recognition and are role models for our industry."

The Honourable Mary Ng, Canada's Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, has been invited to present the award to Martin Basiri at CIX on November 1 in downtown Toronto, followed by a keynote fireside chat.

ABOUT CIX CANADIAN INNOVATION EXCHANGE

In its 15th year, CIX is Canada's largest nationally curated awards program and investment conference. Due to the high concentration of curated startups, CIX attracts North American VCs, corporates, private equity investors and provides the tools to network, build new relationships and increase deal flow. CIX takes place Nov 1-2, 2022 in downtown Toronto.

LinkedIN : Facebook and Twitter

ABOUT APPLYBOARD

ApplyBoard empowers students around the world to access the best education by simplifying the study abroad search, application, and acceptance process to more than 1,500 institutions across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. ApplyBoard, headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, has helped more than 300,000 students from more than 125 countries along their educational journeys since 2015. To learn more, visit: www.applyboard.com

If you would like more information, or to set up an interview, please contact

Alessandra Manieri, Manager, Public Relations, ApplyBoard alessandra.manieri@applyboard.com

John Whalen, Director, Marketing CIX jwhalen@brunico.com

SOURCE: Brunico Communications Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/705225/Applyboard-Named-CIXs-2022-Innovator-of-the-Year
- The agency alliance announces new board chair, Brian Whipple , and acquisition of creative agency, Mekanism -

QUEBEC CITY, 16 June, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Plus Company announced today the expansion of its global growth plan, with the addition of Brian Whipple as Chair of Plus Company's Board and the acquisition of the U.S. based creative agency, Mekanism.

Plus Company, established in August 2021, was born with the idea that modern day agency networks need to be built with diversity of talent, culture and technology. Working in a new interagency model, Plus Company's distinct complementary teams deliver tech-enabled ideas that deliver tangible value to the human experience and success of its clients and customers alike.





"When we first launched Plus Company, we set our sights on expanding our capability and international footprint as our first priority, and today's announcements represent the continuation of our ambitious plan and will help to build on our momentum," said Brett Marchand, Plus Company's CEO.

Whipple, former CEO of Accenture Interactive, has joined Plus Company as an independent board member and Board Chair to support the company's continued investment in senior leadership and its commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration and technology, all with the intention to deliver industry firsts.

"As one of the most successful leaders in our industry, Brian will be an invaluable asset to the future of Plus Company because he understands how to build and grow a new kind of global marketing services company, " Marchand added.

Effective 1 June, 2022, Whipple joined the six existing board members and will aid in supporting the company's ambitious growth targets.

"With Plus Company, I can see the ambition, intelligence and creativity within one alliance, and these traits reflect my own commitment to authenticity in leadership and the human experience, for clients, their customers, and our global team members. I decided to join as the board Chair to work with the great Plus leaders and to continue my small role in the continued evolution of this fascinating market space," says Whipple

Marchand also announced the acquisition of Mekanism, an award-winning, creative agency with 200 employees across offices in San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Seattle. The Mekanism team is led by Co-Founder & CEO, Jason Harris, and blends creativity and performance to build great brands.

"Mekanism has found the perfect partner. Plus Company wants to lift up our culture, creativity and clients. The vision of bringing creativity and technology together lines up with our Soul & Science focus," says Harris. "We are thrilled to join the talented group at Plus Company in this new interagency model made for the modern era of world-class marketing solutions."

About Plus Company:

Plus Company, founded in 2021, is a 21st century alliance of best-in-class creative brands focused on collaboration and synergy through an integrated service model. With over 20 agencies that deliver creativity fueled by an innate understanding of culture, technology, and data. Plus Company agency brands include: We Are Social and its sister agencies, Socialize, Hello, Kobe and Metta; fuseproject; All Inclusive Marketing (AIM), Aperture1, Camp Jefferson, Citizen Relations, Cossette, Cossette Media, Eleven, Gene, Impact Research, Jungle Media, K72, Level Eleven, Magic Circle Workshop, Magnet, Middle Child, PathIQ, Septieme, and The Narrative Group (TNG). Plus Company has more than 3,000 employees, across 12 countries and 22 offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

About Mekanism:

Mekanism is a full-service ad agency that blends creativity and performance to build great brands. They call this approach Soul + Science. With offices in San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Seattle, they serve as collaborative business partners to some of the world's best brands including Quaker, Amazon, Jose Cuervo, Stitch Fix, Alaska Airlines, Charles Schwab and OkCupid, among others. Mekanism has been named to Ad Age's A-List and twice to their Best Places to Work. Most recently, Mekanism was named Independent Agency of the Year and Jason Harris named CEO of the Year by The Drum. Named a Top 10 Most Effective Independent Agency in the US by the Effie Index, Mekanism has been profiled by The New York Times, Fast Company and ABC's Nightline. Our campaign methodologies are studied by Harvard Business School.

Download Head Shots Here .





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Transition from current one-tier Board of Directors to a two-tier board structure to be effective after the Annual General Meeting of Europcar Mobility Group and subject to its approval

Five members of bidder consortium to join the newly created Supervisory Board

Volkswagen's Holger Peters to become Chairman of the Supervisory Board

Current CEO of Europcar Mobility Group, Caroline Parot, to leave the company to pursue new professional interests

Regulatory News:

Green Mobility Holding S.A., a bidder consortium consisting of Volkswagen, Attestor and Pon Holdings, today announced intended changes to the governance of Europcar Mobility Group (Paris:EUCAR). As announced in the press release dated June 8, 2022, the current one-tier Board of Directors shall be replaced by a two-tier structure with a Supervisory Board and a Management Board. The change in governance is subject to the approval of Europcar Mobility Group's Annual General Meeting on June 29, 2022, and would be then effective after this meeting.

With yesterday's initial result of 87.38 percent of Europcar share capital tendered into the offer (corresponding to at least 87.36 percent of the voting rights), the consortium will become the controlling majority shareholder of Europcar Mobility Group. As a result, the consortium will propose at the Annual General Meeting of Europcar Mobility Group the appointment of five candidates for the newly created Supervisory Board: Imelda Labbe and Holger Peters of Volkswagen, Jan-Christoph Peters and David Alhadeff of Attestor as well as Janus Smalbraak of Pon Holdings. Independent members of the current Board of Directors (Sylvie Veilleux, Martine Gerow and Carol Sirou) and the employees representative (Adele Mofiro) will pursue their functions within the newly created Supervisory Board.

Following the election at the Annual General Meeting, it is planned that Holger Peters will be appointed as Chairman of the Supervisory Board.

"Europcar Mobility Group is facing a major transformation from a traditional rent-a-car business to a tech company in the field of future mobility. With the support of the consortium, the Group will have to continue its transformation and invest hundreds of millions to upgrade its infrastructure, increase its agility and enhance its overall offering over the next couple of years. I am looking forward to working closely with the future management team of Europcar Mobility Group on this major challenge," said Holger Peters, designated Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Europcar Mobility Group.

Following yesterday's announcement that the bidder consortium will become the majority shareholder of Europcar Mobility Group, Caroline Parot, the current CEO, has announced her intention to leave the company after the Annual General Meeting. Caroline Parot joined Europcar Mobility Group in 2011 and was appointed CFO in March 2012. In 2016, she became CEO and led the company's transformation which is still ongoing.

Caroline Parot declared: "I am delighted to have led this transformation over the last years, driven by the Group's purpose to offer attractive alternatives to vehicle ownership in a responsible and sustainable way -, and constantly adapting to various unprecedented situations and market conditions which developed the company's resilience. I will be leaving the Group with a sense of fulfillment, as it is now perfectly positioned, with its new reference shareholder, to make the most of rapidly reshaping mobility ecosystems. I would also like to praise the Europcar Mobility Group's teams, whose commitment and customer dedication made and will continue to make a decisive difference.

Christian Dahlheim, CEO of Volkswagen Financial Services and project lead for the Europcar Mobility Group transaction, added:

"Caroline Parot played a decisive role in kicking off Europcar Mobility Group's transition into a modern provider of mobility solutions and services. She has navigated the company safely through very difficult times, dealing with financial stress, the COVID pandemic and, most recently, the impacts of the war in Ukraine. We thank Caroline for her extraordinary achievements for the Group, her outstanding commitment and her willingness to support the transition to a future Management Board."

In addition to the CEO, current Chairman Alexandre de Juniac as well as Carl Leaver and Simon Franks will leave their functions of members of the Board of Directors of Europcar Mobility Group after the two-tier board structure is implemented. The consortium stated that it will announce further management changes in due course.

As a reminder, shareholders of Europcar Mobility Group who have not yet accepted the bidder consortium's offer to tender their shares for EUR 0.50 per share have the opportunity to do so for another ten trading days during an additional acceptance period. As communicated by the AMF, the tender offer is reopened from June 16 until June 29, 2022 (inclusive). If more than 90 percent of the share capital and voting rights are tendered into the offer, the offer price will increase to EUR 0.51 per share.

All of the information and documentation relating to the tender offer are available as follows:

Green Mobility Holding's offer document having received from the AMF the visa no. 21-499 on November 23, 2021 and the other information relating to the legal, financial, accounting and other characteristics of Green Mobility Holding can be consulted on the websites of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and Volkswagen (https://www.volkswagenag.com/en/InvestorRelations.html); and

Europcar Mobility Group's reply document having received from the AMF the visa no. 21-500 on November 23, 2021 and the other information relating to the legal, financial, accounting and other characteristics of Europcar Mobility Group can be consulted on the websites of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and Europcar Mobility Group (https://investors.europcar-group.com/fr).

Important notice: The information contained herein about Green Mobility Holding's tender offer is exclusively intended for persons who are not residents of the United States or in any other jurisdiction where this would constitute a violation of applicable laws and regulations and who are not physically located in the United States or in such other jurisdictions. Such information does not constitute an offer to acquire securities in the United States or in any jurisdiction in which such an offer would be unlawful.

About Europcar Mobility Group

Europcar Mobility Group is a major player in mobility markets and listed on Euronext Paris. Europcar Mobility Group's purpose is to offer attractive alternatives to vehicle ownership, in a responsible and sustainable manner. With this in mind, the Group offers a wide range of car and van rental services be it for a few hours, a few days, a week, a month or more with a fleet equipped with the latest engines, and which will be increasingly "green" in the years to come.

Customers' satisfaction is at the heart of the Group's ambition and that of its employees. It also fuels the ongoing development of new offerings in the Group's three service lines Professional, Leisure and Proximity which respond to the specific needs and use cases of both businesses and individuals. The Group's 4 major brands are: Europcar the European leader of car rental and light commercial vehicle rental, Goldcar the low-cost car-rental Leader in Europe, InterRent 'mid-tier' car rental and Ubeeqo one of the European leaders of round-trip car-sharing (BtoB, BtoC). Europcar Mobility Group delivers its mobility solutions worldwide through an extensive network in over 140 countries (including wholly owned subsidiaries 18 in Europe, 1 in the USA, 2 in Australia and New Zealand completed by franchises and partners).

Regulated information related to this press release is available on the website:

https://investors.europcar-group.com/results-center

www.europcar-mobility-group.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005745/en/

Contacts:

Investor Relations

Caroline Cohen caroline.cohen@europcar.com

Press Relations

Valerie Sauteret valerie.sauteret@europcar.com

Vincent Vevaud vincent.vevaud@europcar.com
16 June 2022

Rightmove plc

Share buy-back programme

Rightmove plc - Transaction in own shares

Rightmove plc ('Rightmove') announces that today it purchased 100,000 of its 0.1p ordinary shares at a volume weighted average price paid per share of 531.322p. The highest price paid per share was 542.800p and the lowest price paid per share was 526.800p. Rightmove purchased these shares through UBS AG London Branch.

The number of shares purchased represented 0.0119% of the voting rights attributable to the total ordinary shares in issue prior to such purchase. The purchased shares will be cancelled.

Since announcing a share buy-back programme on 28 December 2007, Rightmove has purchased in aggregate 468,254,229 ordinary shares.

The total number of ordinary shares in issue (excluding treasury shares) following this announcement is 838,332,677. Rightmove holds 12,467,174 shares in treasury.

In accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation) as amended by The Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (the "UK MAR"), the schedule below contains detailed information about the purchases made by UBS AG London Branch on behalf of the Company as part of the buyback programme.

Contact Michelle Palmer, Assistant Company Secretary CompanySecretary@rightmove.co.uk

Schedule of Purchases - Individual Transactions
Regulatory News:

ORPEA (Paris:ORP) filed today, its 2021 Universal Registration Document (document d'enregistrement universel) with the French Autorite des Marches Financiers ("AMF").

The 2021 Universal Registration Document, filed in xHTML version, is made available to the public under the conditions provided for by the regulations in force.

It includes:

The annual financial report including the 2021 management report, approved by the Board of Directors on 13 June 2022, as well as ORPEA's individual accounts and the Group's consolidated financial statements approved by the Board of Directors on 1 June 2022;

individual accounts and the Group's consolidated financial statements approved by the Board of Directors on 1 June 2022; The declaration of extra-financial performance;

The report of the Board of Directors on Corporate Governance;

The Statutory Auditors' reports dated 14 June 2022.

The 2021 Universal Registration Document provides up-to-date information, including on pages 54-56, on the current situation and outlook of the Group as a result of recent events.

The 2021 Universal Registration Document is available (in French) on the website of the AMF (www.amf-france.org) and on the Company's website www.orpea-corp.com/en/, Section Publication Universal Registration Document. It can also be sent by e-mail upon request sent to finances@orpea.net; it is available free of charge and upon request at the ORPEA headquarters, Investor Relations Department, 12 rue Jean Jaures 92 800 Puteaux.

Furthermore, the Universal Registration Document is also published in European Single Electronic Format ("ESEF"), with the five consolidated accounts tables (primary financial statements) marked up with XBRL tags.

An English version will be available on the Company's website in July 2022.

Financial schedule 2022

The following dates are subject to change. Press releases will be published after the market closes.

20 July 2022: H1 2022 revenue

28 July 2022: Annual General Meeting 2022

21 September 2022: 2022 half-year results

8 November 2022: Q3 2022 revenue

The final conclusions of the firms Grant Thornton and Alvarez Marsal on the themes of care for EHPAD (nursing homes in France) residents and social matters will be made public as soon as possible after they have been communicated to the Company, at the latest by the end of June.

About ORPEA (www.orpea-corp.com)

Founded in 1989, ORPEA is one of the world leaders in Dependency care (nursing homes, assisted living, post-acute and rehabilitation hospitals, mental health hospitals, home care services)

ORPEA is listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN code: FR0000184798) and is a member of the SBF 120, STOXX 600 Europe, MSCI Small Cap Europe and CAC Mid 60 indices.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005751/en/

Contacts:

Investor Relations Director

ORPEA

Benoit Lesieur

Investor Relations Director

b.lesieur@orpea.net

Investor Relations

NewCap

Dusan Oresansky

Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94

orpea@newcap.eu
Regulatory News:

ORPEA (Paris:ORP):

At its meeting on June 13, 2022, upon the recommendation of the Appointments and Remuneration Committee, the Board of Directors adopted the following decisions regarding the remuneration of corporate officers for the financial year 2022.

These decisions remain subject to the approval by the 2022 Shareholders' Meeting of the remuneration policies applicable to them, which are detailed in the Company's 2021 Universal Registration Document.

The elements of remuneration of Mr. Yves Le Masne, Chief Executive Officer of the Company until January 30, 2022, and in particular the financial conditions of his departure, are the subject of a separate publication.

1. Chairman of the Board of Directors

The remuneration package for the Chairman of the Board of Directors applies to Mr. Philippe Charrier in respect of his term of office as Chairman of the Board of Directors up to and including January 30, 2022, and will apply as of the return to a governance structure separating the roles of Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer on July 1, 2022.

Fixed remuneration

The Board of Directors has decided to renew, for the year ending December 31, 2022 (for the fifth consecutive year), the gross annual fixed remuneration of the Chairman of the Board of Directors at 260,000 euros.

Remuneration for directorship

The Chairman of the Board of Directors receives remuneration for attending meetings of the Board of Directors, calculated in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in section 5.3.3 ("Director Remuneration Policy for financial year 2022") of the Company's 2021 Universal Registration Document.

Annual or long-term variable remuneration

The Chairman of the Board of Directors does not receive any annual or long-term variable remuneration for his duties.

Other remuneration

The Chairman does not receive any other remuneration or benefits in kind in respect of his duties.

2. Mr. Philippe Charrier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (from January 30 to June 30, 2022)

Fixed annual remuneration

Mr. Philippe Charrier will receive, prorata temporis for the period from January 30, 2022 to June 30, 2022, a fixed annual remuneration of 760,000 euros, unchanged compared to the amount received in respect of fiscal year 2021 by Mr. Yves Le Masne, Chief Executive Officer of the Company until January 30, 2022.

He does not receive any benefits in kind.

Variable remuneration

Mr. Philippe Charrier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from January 30 to June 30, 2022, will not receive any annual or long-term variable remuneration (in particular no stock options or performance shares) in respect of his duties.

Exceptional remuneration

The Board of Directors may decide on the proposal of the Appointments and Remuneration Committee, to grant Mr. Philippe Charrier exceptional remuneration in view of very specific circumstances justifying it under the following cumulative conditions:

The grant of exceptional remuneration, which would take the form of shares, could not represent more than 100% of his fixed annual remuneration on the date of grant;

The granting of exceptional remuneration should be motivated by very specific circumstances and its characteristics and justification should be made public at the time it is determined, even in the event of staggered or deferred payment.

In accordance with Article L. 22-10-34 of the French Commercial Code, the payment of such exceptional remuneration would be subject to the shareholders' approval.

Remuneration for directorship

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer also receives remuneration for his duties as a director, calculated in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in section 5.3.3 ("Director Remuneration Policy for financial year 2022") of the Company's 2021 Universal Registration Document.

3. Chief Executive Officer

This remuneration policy will apply to the new Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Laurent Guillot, as of July 1, 2022.

Fixed Remuneration

The Chief Executive Officer will receive, prorata temporis, a gross fixed annual remuneration of 760,000 euros.

Annual Variable Remuneration

The Chief Executive Officer 2022 annual variable remuneration will be 100% of his annual fixed remuneration (prorata temporis) if the objectives are achieved at a level of 100% or more, with no guaranteed minimum and without additional payment in case of overperformance.

The performance conditions applicable to this 2022 annual variable remuneration are constituted of quantifiable and qualitative performance criteria, the quantifiable criteria being predominant, in accordance with the recommendations of the AFEP-MEDEF Code.

The predominance of quantifiable CSR and strategic objectives over financial objectives is intended to take into account the particular situation of the Company following the publication in January 2022 of a book containing allegations of dysfunctions and the challenges it will have to face in the coming years given its sector of activity.

The table below sets out the objectives underlying the calculation of the Chief Executive Officer's variable annual remuneration for 2022 (calculated prorata temporis), it being specified that they have been established precisely but are not made public for reasons of confidentiality (for most of them, they will be made public at the time of the assessment of their level of achievement) and that the Board of Directors reserves the right, considering the crisis faced by the Group and its stakeholders since the publication of a book containing allegations of dysfunctions, to modify these objectives or to assess their level of achievement taking into consideration the impact of this crisis and the company's strategic plan for improvement and transformation:

Target/Maximum Bonus Target (in %) Target (in ) Quantifiable CSR objectives (40% of total annual variable remuneration) Systematization of pre-reports or direct reports of undesirable events in accordance with the regulations in force and internal procedures 10% 38,000 Treatment of calls received on the listening platform 10% 38,000 Establishment of an external mediator for the main countries 10% 38,000 Implementation of an action plan for medicalized retirement homes with a satisfaction score below 7/10 10% 38,000 Total Quantifiable CSR Objectives 40,00% 152,000 Qualitative Strategic Objectives (30% of total annual variable remuneration) Component 1: strategic plan for the New ORPEA (in particular, definition of the timetable and milestones until adoption of the status of "Societe Mission" mission-driven company under French law) 10,00% 38,000 Component 2: financial plan (including financing plan for the company) 10,00% 38,000 Component 3: Operational plan focused on improving resident care in the three business lines, reorganizing the Company and overhauling processes 10,00% 38,000 Total Qualitative Strategic Objectives 30,00% 114,000 Quantifiable Financial Objectives (30% of total annual variable remuneration) Organic revenue growth in the second half of 2022 10,00% 38,000 Level of EBITDAR 10,00% 38,000 Real estate disposals before December 31, 2022 10,00% 38,000 Total Quantifiable Financial Objectives 30,00% 114,000 Total Annual Variable Remuneration 100,00% 380 000 

The Board of Directors will decide on the amount of his variable remuneration for financial year 2022 based on the achievement of these performance conditions.

Payment of this remuneration will be subject to the approval of the 2023 General Shareholders' meeting, in accordance with Article L. 22-10-34 of the French Commercial Code.

Long-Term Remuneration

The Board of Directors may grant the Chief Executive Officer a long-term incentive plan for a period of three years in the form of a free allocation of shares, subject to performance and presence conditions, in an amount representing, at the date of allocation, 160% of his fixed remuneration (prorata temporis), it being specified that the corresponding number of shares will be calculated by reference to the three-month trailing average as of July 27, 2022, and rounded down to the nearest whole unit.

The characteristics of the free share allocation plan are as follows:

vesting period: from July 28, 2022, to July 28, 2025;

final vesting date: July 28, 2025;

condition of presence which will be lifted by the Board of Directors in case of forced departure of Mr. Laurent Guillot before December 31, 2022 due to a disagreement between Mr. Laurent Guillot and the Board of Directors on one or several essential components regarding the ORPEA's improvement and transformation plan;

performance conditions precisely established in advance as follows:

1st performance condition (Stock market) (40% of the definitive allocation):

Evolution of ORPEA share price including dividends (TSR) compared to the evolution of the SBF 120 including dividends paid in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

100% of the shares granted will vest if the ORPEA share price performance including dividends (TSR) exceeds the SBF 120 performance by 80 points or more;

No shares granted will vest if the ORPEA share price performance including dividends (TSR) is 20 points lower than the SBF 120 performance;

Between 20 points and 80 points, 25% and 60% of the shares granted will vest if the performance of ORPEA's share price, including dividends (TSR), is at least equal to 20 points and 50 points respectively compared to the performance of the SBF 120;

Between the different thresholds, the number of vested shares will be calculated by linear interpolation.

Reference periods: average ORPEA share price over the period from February 1, 2025, to July 27, 2025, to which will be added the dividend paid in 2022, 2023 and 2024, compared to this same average over the period from February 1 to July 27, 2022. These reference periods will also be used to calculate the average performance of the SBF 120 index, including the dividends paid (TSR) in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

2nd performance condition (Internal) (20% of the definitive allocation):

Change in net profit per share (excluding exceptional items) this condition has been established precisely but is not made public for reasons of confidentiality (it will be made public at the time of the assessment of its level of achievement).

3rd performance condition (CSR) (40% of the definitive allocation), composed of six sub-criteria:

Decrease in the frequency rate of work-related accidents with work stoppage; percentage of sites certified by an external organization; percentage of sites/countries that have set up a system of enhanced dialogue with relatives; decrease in the employee turnover rate; percentage of significant and regular suppliers who have signed the responsible purchasing charter; and percentage of new construction projects with the HQE (or equivalent) label.

Obligation to hold a number of shares corresponding to 30% of his annual fixed remuneration for the year of acquisition, calculated on the basis of the acquisition stock market price and rounded up to the next unit, for the duration of his term of office.

Execution of a letter of commitment not to hedge his risk on the performance shares until the end of the holding period set by the Board of Directors, in addition to the commitment contained in the plan terms and conditions.

Severance Payment1

The Board of Directors has granted Mr. Laurent Guillot, in certain cases and subject to specific performance conditions, a severance payment.

Other benefits

The Chief Executive Officer will receive the following benefits in kind: (i) a company car and (ii) the application of the collective personal protection and health insurance schemes in force within the Company under the same conditions as those applicable to the category of employees to which he is assimilated.

In accordance with the recommendations of the AFEP-MEDEF Code, the Chief Executive Officer will not have an employment contract.

The Chief Executive Officer will not receive any other remuneration, in particular exceptional remuneration, other than that described above. In particular, he will not receive any remuneration for the start of his duties as Chief Executive Officer of ORPEA, nor any remuneration if he is appointed Director.

About ORPEA (www.orpea-corp.com)

Founded in 1989, ORPEA is one of the world leaders in Dependency care (nursing homes, assisted living, post-acute and rehabilitation hospitals, mental health hospitals, home care services)

ORPEA is listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN code: FR0000184798) and is a member of the SBF 120, STOXX 600 Europe, MSCI Small Cap Europe and CAC Mid 60 indices.

1 Detailed in the French version of the press release of 10 May 2022, INFORMATION RELATIVE A LA REMUNERATION DU NOUVEAU DIRECTEUR GENERAL M. LAURENT GUILLOT ".

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005767/en/

Contacts:

Investor Relations

ORPEA

Benoit Lesieur

Investor Relations Director

b.lesieur@orpea.net

Investor Relations

NewCap

Dusan Oresansky

Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94

orpea@newcap.eu

Media Relations

Image 7

Charlotte Le Barbier

Tel.: +33 (0)6 78 37 27 60

clebarbier@image7.fr



Caroline Simon

Tel.: +33(0)6 89 87 61 24

Caroline.simon@image7.fr
Over 45% of land assets of AgroGeneration are not operated due to Partial occupation by Russian Federation troops Location at the frontlines



High life safety risk is in place as the war is undergoing and shelling and bombing in Kharkiv and in the Kharkiv region occur daily

No chance at the moment to accurately assess the total value and amount of damages and losses Preliminary current estimate of the Company's losses, built on the basis of available for the Group's management information, amounted to around 19M USD, including lost crops, inventories, machinery, inputs, etc.



Paris, June 16th, 2022

AgroGeneration, a Ukraine based grain and oilseed producer, provides an update on the current company's performance and gives an overview of the impacts of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine launched on 24 February 2022.

Reporting

Taking into account the continued Russian military invasion of Ukraine, AgroGeneration will not be able to publish the Group's 2021 audited financial accounts in the nearest future. A new date will be determined in due course followed by further announcement. Meanwhile, the convening of the shareholders general meeting to review and approve such financial statements has been already postponed by the Commercial Court in Paris through September 30th, 2022.

Fixed assets and stocks

The Kharkiv region, where all the land assets managed by the Group are located, is among those territories where active military conflict is underway. Shelling and bombing in Kharkiv and in the Kharkiv region occur daily numerous times during the day. As of the early June 2022, over 30% of territory of the Kharkiv region was occupied by Russian Federation troops. Up to 7,500 buildings on non-occupied territory of the region are destroyed or significantly damaged. Up to 4,000 civils in the Kharkiv region were injured and over 1,500 civils were killed.

Following these events, as of the date of this press release, out of total farmlands operated by AgroGeneration as of the beginning of Russian invasion of Ukraine:

Almost 20% of the farmlands are currently located in territories not controlled by Ukraine. All operational activities in such areas were suspended by the Group.

Around 27% of the farmlands are located in the zone of the intense military activities, affected by regular air raids, artillery and rocket attacks, thus all operations were temporarily suspended in such areas as well for safety reasons.

On around 53% of the farmlands, managed by the Group, all operations are continued close to the plan.

To the date, the Group lost around 26k hectares of operated lands for 2022 crop, including both farmlands engaged with winter wheat sowings (sown in autumn 2021) and those lands prepared for spring sowing campaign but where it was not executed due to war. Total incurred costs on mentioned lands are preliminary estimated at 6.4M USD.

Approximately 40% of all machinery, equipment, buildings and other infrastructure is in occupied zone or is destroyed / heavily damaged during air raids, artillery and rocket attacks. No access to the majority of the assets located on the temporarily occupied area raises concerns about the future condition of those assets and the security of the inventory stored there. Besides, the management of the Company is already aware about the facts of stolen machinery and equipment by Russian troops, which was moved from temporarily occupied territory in Ukraine to Russian Federation. Due to the rocket attacks, damages of the Group's critical facilities and infrastructure, located in areas controlled by Ukraine, in the zone of active military activities and 30-40 km beyond it, took place to the date.

Still, for the moment it is impossible to evaluate accurately the amount and value of total damages and losses of machinery fleet (including spare parts) and infrastructure due to limited access to the farms on the back of regular shelling. According to the Group's internal preliminary estimates, the book value of considered to be lost machinery came to around 6M USD. Replacement value of mentioned assets may come to over 20M USD.

To date, approximately 8.1k tons of commodity stocks of 2021 crop (with an estimated value of around 3.4M USD), stored in the regions partially controlled by Russia or at the frontlines, were destroyed, stolen by Russian troops, or considered to be lost.

Operations

The condition of winter wheat, sown in autumn 2021, in the area controlled by Ukraine and operated by the Group is good. Still, the cases of damaged fields are in place as well as the risks of burning of the sowings on the back of shelling are very high. In May 2022, the Group conducted the spring sowing campaign in the regions controlled by Ukraine and not seriously affected by military activities. Around 13k hectares were sown, which is two times below plan, with mainly sunflower. Minor amount of farmlands were engaged with other crops (corn and soy).

All in all, to the date, the Group has sown around 30k hectares with crops of 2022 harvest, 47% below plan. It should be noted that out of this area almost 18k hectares are located only 10-30 km away from the intense military activities zone, thus in case of frontline movement by 15-30 km the risk of inability to harvest such lands or their burning / damages is very high.

Sales of the Group have been almost suspended since the beginning of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine due to closed seaports, minimal railroad capacity and destroyed infrastructure all over Ukraine followed by the absence of demand and oversupply in the country. Export capacity through the western borders of Ukraine is sharply limited. To the date, the Group slowly sells the stocks of 2021 harvest with crop prices significantly lower as compared with before the war period values due to the Group's inability to export as well as due to local oversupply of grains, which puts pressure on the selling prices in Ukraine. Approximate estimation of losses in revenues come to 2.7M USD.

Employees & Headquarters

To the date of this release, over 50% of Group's staff, have been evacuated or have left their homes since the beginning of war. Key personnel and top managers continue working but remotely.

The Group's corporate office in Kharkiv was hit by explosion in early March 2022. Significant damages, absence of electricity, continuous shelling in the center of city, where the office is located, make it impossible to renew the presence of employees at the office.

Nearest Prospects Overview

AgroGeneration continues to undertake all steps necessary to ensure a full scope of operations, which can be resumed once the situation stabilizes or improves. For the moment, the war is ongoing in Ukraine and, in particular, intense military activities are held on the territory, where AgroGeneration's assets are located, thus new challenges in the course of coming harvesting campaign are to be faced.

In addition, taking into account significant up to 15-20M tons of stocks of 2021 harvest locked in Ukraine since the beginning of war, there are high risks of further oversupply in the country after 2022 crop harvesting campaign start followed by shortage of storage capacities and further local crop prices deterioration. The risk of difficulties with storage of new 2022 crop for AgroGeneration is very high due to both mentioned expected shortage of storage capacities in the country and non-sufficient own storage infrastructure, also affected by the military activities.

The group will keep the market informed on further significant changes in its activity. More information on the Company's performance could be found on the corporate website of the Group.

About AGROGENERATION

Founded in 2007, AgroGeneration is a large-scale producer of grain and oilseed. Following its merger with Harmelia, AgroGeneration today is ranked amongst some of the largest agricultural firms in Ukraine. The company's core business is grains and oil commodity crop farming, operating near 60,000 hectares of high quality agricultural lands in the East of Ukraine.

All information on AgroGeneration's website: www.AgroGeneration.com

Receive all AgroGeneration's financial information by e-mail for free by registering at: www.actusnews.com





AgroGeneration

+33 1 55 27 38 40

investisseurs@AgroGeneration.com

www.AgroGeneration.com



Actus Finance

Anne-Pauline Petureaux, Investor Relations

+33 (0)1 53 67 36 72

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Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-75031-pr_agg_ukraine_def.pdf
Portabl, a Belgium-based startup, and creators of the triple screen extension for laptops, is proud to be the first startup to hire for real full-time position jobs in the Metaverse.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220615005756/en/

Portabl proud to be the first startup ever to hire full-time real jobs in the Metaverse. (Photo: Business Wire)

The Metaverse may not be established at the moment, but over the past year, the concept has received immense boosts from executives and creatives in the tech industry. The opportunities offered by the Metaverse are endless, especially in commerce. Technology company Wildbytes estimates that 70 percent of major brands will have a presence in the Metaverse in the next five years. However, the three visionary minds behind Portabl are not waiting. They are bringing the future to today.

"We are already living in a world that is becoming more and more virtual. Letters have become emails, stores have become e-shops, we've deserted travel agencies and book our flights from our couch, and we evaluate people based on their social network profiles before offering them a job interview or dating them. That's without even mentioning the mass adoption of Cryptocurrency', said cofounder Charlee Jeunehomme.

Portabl's metaverse-based employment is set to match the virtual experiences that employees, have learned to anticipate from technology in their consumer lives. This is why the company is developing tomorrow's devices for tomorrow's world. And it all started with 'The Slide', the world's first device that adds two slide-out extra monitors on any laptop, endorsed by 1000+ press articles worldwide and over 200 million views.

According to co-founder, Laurent Wery: "Working in the Metaverse is just one more step, and we are proud to be pioneers and leading the way. The good news is that the more we evolve towards the virtual, the more it becomes inevitable to use the laptop as support. All these virtual worlds have one common physical interface: the screen".

The Portabl triple screen extension for laptops was designed to basically add two slide-out monitors to any laptop on a single USB cable. Portabl made its world premiere during the CES of Las Vegas in January 2022. The company pre-sold over 10 million dollars' worth of their triple screens before the first product was even delivered.

"Our startup builds next-gen devices for laptop users in real life (IRL) and the Metaverse. It's a unique opportunity for us because we offer two additional monitors, on any laptop, on a single USB cable-an immersive experience like never before", said co-founder, Thomas Castro.

Portabl's full-time position jobs in the Metaverse guarantee an average of 40 hours a week in the Metaverse. The company's ideal applicant is a natural-born commercial crypto enthusiast overflowing with creativity that loves customer contact and dreams of being a pioneer in new areas.

All info and job application here: https://www.portabl.com/metaverse

Presskit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/0htev89lr4s4z9t/AACebE3_iCjSvAyoArx9MOJOa?dl=0

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220615005756/en/

Contacts:

Charlee Jeunehomme charlee@portabl.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) -Golden Share Resources Corporation (TSXV: GSH) ("Golden Share" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the results from its Annual and Special Shareholder's Meeting (the "AGM") held on June 16, 2022 in Markham, Ontario.

A total of 20.77 million common shares, representing approximately 51.04% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares, were voted in connection with the AGM. Golden Share shareholders voted strongly in favour of each item of business put before the AGM, with over 99.97% of the votes being cast in favour of each of the appointment of Kreston GTA LLP as auditors, the approval of the Company's rolling stock option plan and the election of each of Zhen Huang, Wes Roberts, David Graham, Nick Zeng, Caitlin Carpe and Demin (Fleming) Huang as directors for the ensuing year.

About Golden Share

Golden Share is a natural resource company exploring in Ontario, Canada. Golden Share plans to commence drilling the best primary targets of the Ogoki Project for diamonds, and the Kagiami Project for base metals, mainly copper and nickel, key materials for clean energy development. The carefully developed drilling program, which could potentially lead to exciting discoveries, provides the possibly best rewards for exploration dollars in a short term.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For more information, please visit www.goldenshare.ca or contact:

Golden Share Resources Corporation

Fleming Huang, President

E-mail: info@goldenshare.ca

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/128068
Grant of Incentive Stock Options

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - Canadian Manganese Company Inc. (NEO: CDMN) (OTC Pink: CDMNF) ("CDMN" or the "Company") reports that it held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders yesterday via webcast at which all resolutions were approved and passed.

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

All of the nominees for election as director, being John Kearney, Matthew Allas, John Allan, Janis Byrne, Labi Kousoulis, Aiden Carey, John Hurley and Danesh Varma, were elected to serve until the next meeting of shareholders.

The voting results were as follows:

Director Votes For % of Votes For Votes Withheld John F. Kearney 49,484,513 99.43%

282,042

Matthew Allas 49,766,555 100%

Nil

John Allan 49,736,555 99.94%

30,000

Janis Byrne 49,766,555 100%

Nil

Labi Kousoulis 49,736,255 99.94%

30,300

Aiden Carey 49,766,555 100%

Nil

John Hurley 49,736,555 99.94%

30,000

Danesh Varma 49,253,890 98.97%

512,665



RE-APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS

McGovern Hurley LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants were re-appointed as auditors for the current year and the directors were authorized to fix the remuneration of the auditors.

GRANT OF INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS

The Company also announces the Board of Directors approved a grant under the Company's Stock Option Plan of a total of 300,000 incentive stock options, to the two newly elected directors, Janis Byrne and Labi Kousoulis.

All of the stock options granted are exercisable at a price of $0.25 per share, with an expiry date of June 30, 2026 and will vest quarterly over a period of two years.

ABOUT CANADIAN MANGANESE

CDMN is a Canadian mineral development company aiming to become a supplier of high-purity manganese metal products for the rechargeable battery industry. CDMN holds the Woodstock Project in New Brunswick.

For further information:

investors@CanadianManganese.com

Matthew Allas: President and CEO +1 647 338 3748

The NEO Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release and accepts no responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Additional information on CDMN is available at www.CanadianManganese.com.

Notice regarding forward-looking statements:

This news release includes forward-looking statements regarding CDMN, and its respective businesses, which may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the timing of additional assay results and the ability to provide a Mineral Reserve, the expected plan to become a supplier of high-quality manganese metal products. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "is expected", "expects", "scheduled", "intends", "contemplates", "anticipates", "believes", "proposes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such statements are based on the current expectations of the management of each entity. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections, or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct, and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited, risks regarding the mining industry, economic factors, the equity markets generally, risks associated with growth and competition as well as those risks and uncertainties identified and reported in the Company's public filings under its SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although CDMN 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 to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and CDMN undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/128090
Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun, second from left, poses with psychiatrist Oh Eun-young, red shirt, and the company's employees during a talk concert held at its headquarters in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group



By Baek Byung-yeul



Hyundai Motor Group hosted a talk concert Thursday, inviting prominent psychiatrist Oh Eun-young with an aim to take care of the mental health of its employees.



Chung Euisun, the chairman of the automotive group, also attended the event and shared his workplace concerns, telling the doctor that he has been mulling over what would be a good way to improve communication between generations.



"It is my job to help all members of the group work well in good health. I will do anything to help you achieve your goals with positive thoughts," Chung told Hyundai Motor Group employees at the end of the event. "My goal is to make each of you happy both at home and workplace."



Known as Korea's Dr. Phil McGraw, the psychiatrist is a famous TV personality in Korea for listening to people's worries and giving counseling advice.



The automotive group elaborated that the event was designed to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and empathy by opening a space for employees to share their worries at work, home and in daily life at this time when people's lives have changed a lot due to the COVID-19 pandemic.





Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun, center, speaks with psychiatrist Oh Eun-young, left, during a talk concert held at the company's headquarters in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT AN OFFER, WHETHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN AUSTRALIA, CANADA, HONG KONG, JAPAN, NEW ZEALAND, SOUTH AFRICA OR SWITZERLAND OR IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER PURSUANT TO LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS IN SUCH RELEVANT JURISDICTION WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW. SHAREHOLDERS NOT RESIDENT IN SWEDEN WHO WISH TO ACCEPT THE OFFER (AS DEFINED BELOW) MUST MAKE INQUIRIES CONCERNING APPLICABLE LEGISLATION AND POSSIBLE TAX CONSEQUENCES. SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD REFER TO THE OFFER RESTRICTIONS INCLUDED IN THE SECTION TITLED "IMPORTANT INFORMATION" AT THE END OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND IN THE PROSPECTUS AND THE OFFER DOCUMENT PUBLISHED ON NEOGAMES' WEBSITE (IR.NEOGAMES.COM/OFFER-PAGE). SHAREHOLDERS IN THE UNITED STATES SHOULD ALSO REFER TO THE SECTION TITLED "SPECIAL NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS IN THE UNITED STATES" AT THE END OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

LUXEMBOURG, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On 17 January 2022, NeoGames S.A.1 ("NeoGames") announced a recommended public offer to the shareholders of Aspire Global plc2 ("Aspire Global") to tender all their shares in Aspire Global to NeoGames for a consideration consisting of a combination of cash and newly issued shares in NeoGames in the form of Swedish depository receipts (the "Offer").

After the end of the acceptance period on 25 May 2022, NeoGames announced that in total 45,860,537 shares in Aspire Global had been tendered in the Offer (including late but approved acceptances), corresponding to 98.25 percent of the shares and votes in Aspire Global on a non-diluted basis. Considering that the Offer had been accepted to such extent that NeoGames had become the owner of shares representing not less than 90 percent of the total number of outstanding shares in Aspire Global, and as all other conditions for completion were met, NeoGames declared the Offer unconditional in all respects and announced that it would complete the acquisition of the shares in Aspire Global tendered in the Offer.

NeoGames further announced that the acceptance period of the Offer was extended until and including 14 June 2022. At the end of the extension of the acceptance period on 14 June 2022, in total 492,995 additional shares in Aspire Global had been tendered in the Offer, corresponding to 1.06 percent of the shares and votes in Aspire Global on a non-diluted basis. Consequently, NeoGames now owns a total of 46,353,532 shares in Aspire Global, corresponding to 99.31 percent of the shares and votes in Aspire Global on a non-diluted basis. Settlement for shares in Aspire Global tendered in the Offer during the extension of the acceptance period is expected to commence on or around 30 June 2022.

Furthermore, NeoGames announced that it would initiate compulsory acquisition of the remaining shares in Aspire Global. NeoGames has since initiated such compulsory acquisition and the process is expected to be completed on or around 11 August 2022.

As previously announced, the acceptance period of the Offer will not be further extended, and late acceptances will not be accepted. Accordingly, the Offer is now closed.

______________________________

1 A Luxembourg societe anonyme (reg. no. B186309), domiciled in Luxembourg.

2 A Maltese public limited company (reg. no. C 80711), domiciled in Malta.

Contacts and information about the Offer

Mr. Raviv Adler, CFO

ir@neogames.com

+972 73 372 3107

Information about the Offer is made available at NeoGames' website: ir.neogames.com/offer-page

For administrative questions regarding the Offer, please contact your bank or the nominee registered as holder of your shares.

Important information

NeoGames discloses the information provided herein pursuant to the Swedish Corporate Governance Board's Takeover rules for certain trading platforms. The information was submitted for announcement at 10:15 p.m. (CEST) on 16 June 2022.

This press release has been published in Swedish and English. In the event of any discrepancy in content between the two language versions, the Swedish version shall prevail.

The Offer is not being made, directly or indirectly, in or into Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa or Switzerland or in any other jurisdiction where such offer pursuant to legislation and regulations in such relevant jurisdiction would be prohibited by applicable law, by use of mail or any other communication means or instrumentality (including, without limitation, facsimile transmission, electronic mail, telex, telephone and the Internet) of interstate or foreign commerce, or of any facility of national securities exchange or other trading venue, of Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa or Switzerland, and the Offer cannot be accepted by any such use or by such means, instrumentality or facility of, in or from, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa or Switzerland. Accordingly, this press release or any documentation relating to the Offer are not being and should not be sent, mailed or otherwise distributed or forwarded in or into Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa or Switzerland.

This press release is not being, and must not be, sent to shareholders with registered addresses in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa or Switzerland. Banks, brokers, dealers and other nominees holding shares for persons in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa or Switzerland must not forward this press release or any other document received in connection with the Offer to such persons.

The Offer and the information and documents contained in this press release are not being made and have not been approved by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the "FSMA"). Accordingly, the information and documents contained in this press release are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of the information and documents contained in this press release is exempt from the restriction on financial promotions under section 21 of the FSMA on the basis that it is a communication by or on behalf of a body corporate which relates to a transaction to acquire day to day control of the affairs of a body corporate; or to acquire 50 percent or more of the voting shares in a body corporate, within article 62 of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the expected settlement date for shares tendered during the extension of the acceptance period and assumptions underlying such statements, as well as statements that include the words "expect," "intend," "potential," "plan," "believe," "project," "forecast," "estimate," "may," "should," "anticipate" and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including the factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in NeoGames' Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2021, as such factors may be updated from time to time in NeoGames' other filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. In addition, NeoGames operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment, and new risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for NeoGames' management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements that NeoGames may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release are inherently uncertain and may not occur, and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Furthermore, the expected settlement date for shares tendered during the extension of the acceptance period, as well as the completion of the Offer and closing of the combination between NeoGames and Aspire Global, is subject to various conditions and there can be no assurances that the transaction will be consummated or that any of the expected dates will be met. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. In addition, the forward-looking statements made in this release relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this release. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Special notice to shareholders in the United States

The Offer described in this press release is made for the issued and outstanding shares of Aspire Global, a company incorporated under Maltese law, and is subject to Maltese and Swedish disclosure and procedural requirements, which are different from those of the United States. Shareholders in the United States are advised that the shares of Aspire Global are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange and that Aspire Global is not subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "U.S. Exchange Act"), and is not required to, and does not, file any reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") thereunder.

The Offer is made in the United States pursuant to Section 14(e) and Regulation 14E of the U.S. Exchange Act, subject to exemptions provided by Rule 14d - 1(c) under the U.S. Exchange Act for a Tier I tender offer (the "Tier I Exemption") and Rule 802 under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (the "802 Exemption"), and otherwise in accordance with the disclosure and procedural requirements of Swedish law, including with respect to withdrawal rights, the Offer timetable, settlement procedures, waiver of conditions and timing of payments, which are different from those applicable under U.S. domestic tender offer procedures and law. Holders of the shares of Aspire Global domiciled in the United States (the "U.S. Holders") are encouraged to consult with their own advisors regarding the Offer.

Aspire Global's financial statements and all financial information included herein, or any other documents relating to the Offer, have been or will be prepared in accordance with IFRS and may not be comparable to the financial statements or financial information of companies in the United States or other companies whose financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Offer is made to the U.S. Holders on the same terms and conditions as those made to all other shareholders of Aspire Global to whom an offer is made. Any information documents, including the prospectus and offer document, are being disseminated to U.S. Holders on a basis comparable to the method pursuant to which such documents are provided to Aspire Global's other shareholders.

As permitted under the Tier I Exemption, the settlement of the Offer is based on the applicable Swedish law provisions, which differ from the settlement procedures customary in the United States, particularly as regards to the time when payment of the consideration is rendered. The Offer, which is subject to Swedish law, is being made to the U.S. Holders in accordance with the applicable U.S. securities laws, and applicable exemptions thereunder, in particular the Tier I Exemption and the 802 Exemption. To the extent the Offer is subject to U.S. securities laws, those laws only apply to U.S. Holders and thus will not give rise to claims on the part of any other person. The U.S. Holders should consider that the price for the Offer is being paid in SEK and that no adjustment will be made based on any changes in the exchange rate.

It may be difficult for Aspire Global's shareholders to enforce their rights and any claims they may have arising under the U.S. federal or state securities laws in connection with the Offer, since Aspire Global and NeoGames are located in countries other than the United States, and some or all of their officers and directors may be residents of countries other than the United States. Aspire Global's shareholders may not be able to sue Aspire Global or NeoGames or their respective officers or directors in a non-U.S. court for violations of U.S. securities laws. Further, it may be difficult to compel Aspire Global or NeoGames and/or their respective affiliates to subject themselves to the jurisdiction or judgment of a U.S. court.

To the extent permissible under applicable law or regulations, NeoGames and its affiliates or its brokers and its brokers' affiliates (acting as agents for NeoGames or its affiliates, as applicable) may from time to time and during the pendency of the Offer, and other than pursuant to the Offer, directly or indirectly purchase or arrange to purchase shares of Aspire Global outside the United States, or any securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for such shares. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices, and information about such purchases will be disclosed by means of a press release or other means reasonably calculated to inform U.S. Holders of such information. In addition, to the extent permissible under applicable law or regulation, the financial advisors to NeoGames may also engage in ordinary course trading activities in securities of Aspire Global, which may include purchases or arrangements to purchase such securities as long as such purchases or arrangements are in compliance with the applicable law. Any information about such purchases will be announced in Swedish and in a non-binding English translation available to the U.S. Holders through relevant electronic media if, and to the extent, such announcement is required under applicable Swedish or U.S. law, rules or regulations.

The receipt of cash pursuant to the Offer by a U.S. Holder may be a taxable transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes and under applicable U.S. state and local, as well as foreign and other, tax laws. Each shareholder is urged to consult an independent professional adviser regarding the tax consequences of accepting the Offer. Neither NeoGames nor any of its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees or agents or any other person acting on their behalf in connection with the Offer shall be responsible for any tax effects or liabilities resulting from acceptance of this Offer.

NEITHER THE U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY U.S. STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE OFFER, PASSED ANY COMMENTS UPON THE MERITS OR FAIRNESS OF THE OFFER, PASSED ANY COMMENT UPON THE ADEQUACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THIS PRESS RELEASE OR PASSED ANY COMMENT ON WHETHER THE CONTENT IN THIS PRESS RELEASE IS CORRECT OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE IN THE UNITED STATES.




Vancouver, British Colombia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - Sprout AI Inc. (CSE: BYFM) ("Sprout AI" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has signed an agreement as of June 8, 2022, to partner with Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama on their Rice, Beans and Greens initiative. Through this partnership, Sprout AI will be growing a combination of crops that will provide the produce for the "greens" portion of this vital program that currently feeds over 10,000 vulnerable Panamanians each year. Each Sprout AI Habitat can hold up to 400 plants. Based on a 30-day growth cycle, the average output would be 5,000 lbs per habitat, per year. Assuming 0.5 lbs of "green" per serving, each habitat would be able to provide approximately 10,000 servings per year, thus providing 14 people, 2 servings per day for a full year.

Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama was founded in 1989 and the mission of the association has remained unchanged; to provide young adults with an opportunity for personal growth, friendships, and leadership development while improving the quality of life for the special needs of children in their community.

Federico Cotter Taylor, President of Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama notes, "For us, Active 2030 is a way of living, because young adults can truly work with the community. We make a huge difference in places you never heard about. Our yellow-vested members, have committed themselves to the people, the cause and their country. Our motto is "One never stands so tall as when kneeling to help a child." In Panama North alone 33% of the population is low-income children, thus 66,000 children are in need food. Our goal is to provide food for 25,000 people this year and Sprout AI is going to play an important role in helping us."

To learn more about Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama, please click:

Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama Website

Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama Twitter

Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama Instagram

Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama Facebook

To commemorate this partnership, Sprout AI will be hosting an exclusive Sponsorship event at our Centre of Excellence (COE) in Panama on July 9th, 2022. The purpose of the sponsorship is to expand the number of Sprout AI grow chambers (Habitats), of which each sponsorship ranges from $18,597 for a single centrally located habitat to $344,997 for an entire rack. The company is pleased to introduce its first sponsor, Allied Steel Buildings.

Allied is one the world's most trusted Steel Structure Providers. Having manufactured and delivered over 5,500 buildings in over 74 counties they have developed a reputation for their high focus on quality and client experience. Through collaboration and outside-of-the-box thinking, Allied offers their clients an answer to the world's most complex building challenges. From commercial to industrial and aviation to cold storage, with clients such as Microsoft, Nestle, and 3M, each structure is built to exceed the clients' needs with the most efficient, innovative, and cost-effective design. Sprout AI is proud to have its Centre of Excellence currently located within an Allied building, and to have worked with Allied to plan, design, manufacture, and deliver the prefabricated building that is currently being erected in Zimbabwe that will house up to 1440 Sprout AI Habitats.

Michael Lassner, President of Allied, notes, "We are honored to be the first sponsor of this event. It's about the clients and about the future. We believe in the future that Sprout AI see's and we are honored to continue to be a supportive partner to do what it takes to see it through because the world is counting on it."

To learn more about Allied Steel Buildings please click:

Allied Steel Buildings Website

Allied Steel Buildings Instagram

Allied Steel Buildings Facebook

Allied Steel Buildings LinkedIn

Allied Steel Buildings Youtube

The partnership with the Rice, Beans and Greens program could not be timelier as Panama recently reported concerns about food insecurity as Latin America nears a food crisis. Proactively, in February 2021 the government of Panama enacted a law for the establishment of Agroparks through the creation of a new government department called The National Directorate for Agribusiness, hereinafter DINAGRON. DINAGRON's purpose is to encourage investments, research and to promote agricultural production, processing, and distribution from purpose-built, sustainable high-tech buildings in Panama. As a result, companies such as Sprout AI are well-positioned to take advantage of this application process. This initiative is entirely aligned with Sprout AI's own mandates and has been a catalyst in their application to become a licensed producer, processor, and distributor of produce in Panama. Participating in this program will provide Sprout AI with:

The ability to distribute produce directly to Panamanian grocery stores.

The ability to distribute produce through community programs such as Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama direct to recipients.

In conjunction with our application for Panama's Agropark program, The Company is also pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on May 25th, 2022, with the Institute of Agricultural Innovation of Panama (IDIAP). IDIAP is a government organization whose main function is to study, adapt, validate, and disseminate agricultural knowledge and technologies, framed within the policies, strategies, and guidelines of the agricultural sector in Latin America. IDIAP was currently exploring indoor cultivation aeroponic technologies for purpose of assisting the establishment of facilities within multiple LATAM cities. In the following weeks IDIAP and Sprout AI will be defining a multi-year research and development (R&D) project purposely designed to further develop indoor vertical cultivation using Sprout AI's fogponic system, as a better alternative to aquaponic, hydroponic, and aeroponic technologies. Results will be published in peer-review papers to further advance this relatively new sector relating to the understanding of plant root agricultural science. The intellectual property developed by Sprout AI will remain the property of Sprout AI.

Chris Bolton, CEO and Chairman of Sprout AI, notes, "With ongoing reports of pending food shortages, and need to address critical food security issues, Sprout AI has taken a leadership position to showcase how countries, and municipalities, can provide solutions through the adoption of indoor vertical cultivation technologies. By bringing DINAGRON, Allied Buildings, IDIAP, and Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama together utilizing Sprout AI's leading-edge indoor vertical cultivation technology, Sprout AI has demonstrated a repeatable, economic, practical, repeatable, scalable, safe and secure model to address Food Security Issues that can be replicated globally. By showcasing how this can be done to benefit both the direct consumer, as well as the socially disadvantaged, and in a way that is both sustainable, environmentally conscious and demonstrates good corporate governance, Sprout AI has once again proven itself to be a path-setter. Together we look forward to a whole new level of validation of our technology that will set us above our competitors and provide new pathways to relationships throughout Latin America, and the World."

The mentioned programs and partnerships represent many prospects for Sprout AI. With the support of local officials and businesses, in addition to the backing of these programs, Sprout AI will have the opportunity to demonstrate its ability to implement and deliver local produce to high-risk neighborhoods/communities. The success of this initiative will further provide a path for entry to provide a vertical farming solution to foreign governments also facing food insecurities.

For non-material updates and to learn more about Sprout AI and the vertical farming industry, please follow Sprout AI on:

Sprout AI Twitter

Sprout AI LinkedIn

Sprout AI Facebook

Sprout AI Instagram

About Sprout AI

Sprout AI is a technology company in the business of planning, designing, manufacturing and/or assembling scalable AI-controlled vertical cultivation equipment for international urban farming. The adaptive technology produces an environment with improved growing parameters and early detection of adverse conditions resulting in consistent and repeatable crops, with shorter cultivation cycles, independent of geographic climates. The self-contained multi-level rolling rack technology increases the cubic cultivation area while mitigating the risk of outside and cross-contaminants.

For more information about Sprout AI, please visit http://sproutai.solutions.



Chris Bolton

Chief Executive Officer

Sprout AI Inc.

Phone: +011 (507) 6384-8734

E-mail: mainweb@sproutai.solutions

Investor Relations Contact

Colleen McKay

Tel: (289) 231-9026

E-mail: cmkay@sproutai.solutions

Website: http://sproutai.solutions

Address: International Business Park, Unit 5B, Building 3860

Panama Pacifico, Republic of Panama

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE, NOR HAS OR DOES THE CSE'S REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, with respect to the Company. The forward-looking information included in this news release is not based on historical facts, but rather on the expectations of the Company's management regarding the future growth of the Company, its results of operations, performance, business prospects, and opportunities. This news release uses words such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions to identify forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information reflects the current beliefs of the Company's management, based on information currently available to them.

This forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements relating to: the intentions, plans and future actions of the Company; statements relating to the business and future activities of the Company and anticipated developments in operations of the Company. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of the experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate and are subject to risks and uncertainties.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect, and there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Given these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, prospective investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Whether actual results, performance, or achievements will conform to the expectations and predictions of the Company is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors, including: global or national health concerns, including the outbreak of pandemic or contagious diseases, such as COVID-19 and including the evolution of new variants of COVID-19, the duration and effect thereof and delays relating to vaccine development, procurement and distribution; risks relating to the effective management of the Company's growth; liabilities and risks, including environmental liabilities and risks associated with the Company's operations; the Company's ability to attract and retain customers; the competitive nature of the industries in which the Company operates; and the other risk factors described in the Company's final long-form prospectus dated May 31, 2021.

If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results might vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Information contained in forward-looking statements in this news release is provided as of the date of this news release, and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or results, except to the extent required by applicable Canadian securities laws. Accordingly, potential investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, or the information contained in those statements.

All of the forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/128059
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - iMining Technologies Inc. (TSXV: IMIN) (the "Company" or "iMining") is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Metaverse Advisory Group ("MAG") has worked alongside Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation ("Glenrose Foundation") to launch Glenrose Foundation's first ever NFT project as part of the Shining A Light event. This one-of-a-kind event will feature art and light installations that highlight the many dimensions of rehabilitation and will be showcased on June 16th, 2022 to June 19th, 2022 in Edmonton, Alberta at the EPCOR Tower.

During this event, various artwork and light installations will be on display. One of the most unique pieces on display is called "Brain Storming". Brain Storming is a beautiful art piece, created by Olivia, a 13-year-old patient at the Glenrose Hospital. Olivia created this art using the Brain Computer Interface ("BCI") technology. BCI allows Olivia and other young patients at the Glenrose Hospital the opportunity to express themselves using only their minds.

BCI works by interpreting brain signals and turning them into actions. Pediatric patients who have limited mobility or communication challenges can use BCI to interact with their environments, including playing video games, driving a remote-controlled car or creating art.

Olivia and her family have generously gifted Brain Storming, an invaluable piece of art, to the Glenrose Foundation so it can be converted into a Non-Fungible-Token ("NFT") by iMining. The artwork will be used for auction purposes to assist the Glenrose Foundation in raising the required funds so the foundation may continue to push boundaries and explore innovative ways to assist patients with mobility and communication challenges.

"We're excited to demonstrate the potential of BCI and other technologies to help reimagine human ability. With iMining's support, people around the world have the opportunity to view and purchase Olivia's artwork," says Mark Korthuis, President and CEO of the Glenrose Foundation.

Metaverse Advisory Group, a fully owned subsidiary of iMining, has been instrumental in strategizing on how the art work may be converted into an NFT. The NFT has been minted and is on showcase at the Glenrose Foundation's NFT Gallery in the Decentraland Metaverse (parcel number -43, -97) and is also displayed on Opensea at the following address:

https://opensea.io/assets/ethereum/0x495f947276749ce646f68ac8c248420045cb7b5e/37857005056366768101367193488388950994989182441212648303865846267028715864065

"Non-fungible tokens help to corroborate the ownership of a unique image through the deployment of information on the blockchain. At the same time, the NFT market offers some of the best conditions for the sale and purchase of digital art today. The loss of hope is a path to nowhere. It is a pleasure and an honour to support Glenrose in this one-of-a-kind NFT project, which has become for many patients the hope for a joyful future" said Mr. Shroff the Chairman and CEO of iMining.

iMining and Glenrose Foundation continue to work closely together to create innovative opportunities to raise funds, to promote artists of the future and to find innovative ways of how technology may be used to assist patients with mobility and communication challenges.

For any questions, please contact info@imining.com

About the Glenrose Foundation

The Glenrose Foundation is the largest free-standing, comprehensive tertiary rehabilitation hospital in Canada, serving patients of all ages who require complex rehabilitation to enable them to participate in life to the fullest.

The Glenrose Foundation provides innovative equipment, programs and technology to help patients at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital recover, relearn life skills and rediscover their full potential. They work with the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital to identify what patients and staff need to enhance the rehabilitation journey through equipment, technology and research priorities. With almost 80,000 patient visits each year, the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital is the largest tertiary rehabilitation hospital in Canada.

For more information on the Glenrose Foundation, visit www.glenrosefoundation.com

About Shining a Light event:

The Shining a Light event takes place June 16-19 at EPCOR Tower in downtown Edmonton. Featuring captivating art and light installations, the event focuses on the impact of technology on rehabilitation.

More information can be found at https://shiningalight.ca/

About Metaverse Advisory Group Inc.

Metaverse Advisory Group is a virtual NFT based real estate company that develops and manages a portfolio of Virtual properties in major blockchain-based Metaverses including Decentraland and The Sandbox. It operates unique services including virtual property development, property management, and assisting companies with future of work, virtual events and meetings, marketing and advertising in the Metaverse.

About iMining Technologies Inc.

iMining is a publicly listed Web3.0 technology company developing technology for Crypto Mining, Decentralized Finance ("DeFi") and Non-Fungible Tokens ("NFT"). iMining also owns BitBit Financial Inc., an ATM Network and crypto OTC Trading Platform for individual and institutions.

iMining investments are directly linked to the Bitcoin Mining, Crypto Trading, Decentralized Finance ("DeFI") and Metaverse Non-Fungible Tokens ("NFTs"). With diverse blockchain investment and infrastructure solutions, iMining looks to be a leader in accelerating the growth of Web3.0 for the enterprise market. The Company's operations include secure and sustainable cryptocurrency payments, staking, mining and digital asset investment designed for the scale and compliance requirements of institutional clients. iMining is committed to building strong global blockchain ecosystems and supporting inclusive access to digital tools and technologies.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Signed "Khurram Shroff"

Khurram Shroff, President & CEO

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, please contact:

iMining Corporate Offices:

Saleem Moosa, Director

Email: investor@imining.com

Telephone: +1 (844) IMININC (464-6462)

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance, and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions, 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 activities, future cryptocurrency prices, operating risks, and other risks in the cryptocurrency 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/128095
Ramez Nasser explains how the vast amount of data we produce on energy usage can help us reshape our cities, habits, and policy on the Conversations on Climate podcast

DOUGLAS, Isle of Man, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rapidly addressing the scale of climate change could be made more simple, effective and efficient by tapping into the wealth of data we generate, according to Ramez Nasser. Appearing on Conversations on Climate, the podcast from United Renewables and London Business School, he outlined how the Internet of Things and smarter technology can help reduce emissions, enable better energy usage and set better targets for regulators.



'With the development of IoT we're equipping buildings, we're equipping cities, factories with a whole host of electronic components and people to measure their efficiency, including IoT data, SCADA systems, BMS (Building Management Systems) data, contract data and meteorological data which is all very heterogeneous and increasingly complex. Making sense of that as scale is a challenge we have to meet if we are to go towards net zero and be able to measure our progression towards net zero.'

In order to leverage this data, Ramez outlines several key challenges to solve, including:



Data scientists spend 80% of their time looking for data, cleaning up data, making it available and clean enough to be used for their algorithms. We need to refine all of the data that we're accumulating in order for it to be used or usable by data scientists.

By 2035, the world will generate over 2500 zettabytes of data, requiring new technologies to be able to make use of that data, especially in the energy space, which is one of the areas that accumulates the most amount of data.

Data storage and servers will need to be increasingly efficient so account for exponential growth in volumes.



The volume of data available will be essential to track and optimise energy performance from buildings and businesses, manage power usage in cities (for example by turning off lights in unused streets) and guiding new technology development.

Ramez Nasser is the latest guest on the Conversations on Climate podcast, which explores the diversity of solutions to the global climate and why they matter. Previous guests include Professor Michael Jacobides, a global expert on ecosystem economics.

The latest episode will be released on Friday 17th June 2022 via all major podcast platforms with full video of the interview available on YouTube at https://bit.ly/3O12PgX

You can find out more about United Renewables and the Conversations on Climate podcast/video at our website: https://bit.ly/3xWM4hz

Contact details for news release

Isabella Hawke

Email: enquiries@mexitalconsulting.com

Registered email address for this account: hunterandhawke@gmail.com

Company Name: United Renewables

Company Address: 50 Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man,

Telephone number: 07624457139

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/50ff8b40-3b13-4bbd-9e24-1452fedc295a
BURBANK (dpa-AFX) - Conglomerate Walt Disney's (DIS) Adventures by Disney has announced a new around-the-world trip for its deep-pocketed fans, with a starting cost of $109,995 per adult. 'Disney Parks Around The World -- A Private Jet Adventure' will take 75 Disney fans around the world in July 2023 for a 24-day trip. The trip which covers 6 countries, includes visits to all the 12 Disney theme parks worldwide, as well as 3 iconic landmarks: the Taj Mahal, Pyramids of Giza and Eiffel Tower. According to a statement, the 'bucket list adventure' also includes a 'rare opportunity to be a guest at Summit Skywalker Ranch,' founded by 'Star Wars' creator George Lucas outside San Francisco. 'You'll travel in luxury via a VIP-configured Boeing 757, operated by Icelandair, with long-range capabilities that allows for direct flights to maximize your time in each destination. You'll also enjoy personal access to experts and staff, who provide fun and fact-filled stories enabling you to be immersed in every location you visit,' it adds. The $109,995 per person price tag is based on two people sharing, with those who travel solo facing an additional surcharge of at least $10,995. 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.
A platform where start-ups earn an accredited status to meet investors, industry experts and fellow entrepreneurs

Monaco, French Riviera--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - Monaco Foundry, an impact focused global start-up incubator and brain trust of leaders and industry experts, is launching a platform which consists of a community, a mobile application and web-based dashboard for entrepreneurs.

The Entrepreneur's Club

During May 2022, the Monaco Foundry launched "The Entrepreneur's Club", a community to be the first informed on any future development of the platform. The Community is divided into two sections: a public server anyone can join and a private one with all senior partners of the Monaco Foundry only accessible to Access Key Holders.

Shanka Jayasinha, Senior Partner at Monaco Foundry, said, "The Entrepreneur's Club aims to help bridge the gap between the corporate world and young entrepreneurs."

MyFoundry App

With the mission of increasing the success rate of early-stage companies, the first MVP of the "MyFoundry" App will be released on June 30th, 2022. The App connects start-ups and investors with its proprietary accreditation to assess and support a start-up in its journey. This accreditation process helps start-ups progress, increase transparency and facilitate investors' decision-making. Once accredited, the platform will provide a range for the company's valuation, its investor prospectus and fact sheet and put them in front of the investors with matching criteria.

The Monaco Foundry's plan is to build the largest ecosystem of accredited start-ups where entrepreneurs can connect with the right stakeholders seamlessly. The Company's vision in launching the first MVP of their app is to create a global ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors, industry experts, and service providers. This ecosystem aims to increase the success rate of innovative start-ups by offering insights into SMEs.

The Monaco Foundry's commitment to inclusion and diversity is illustrated by having a significant amount of portfolio companies having either a female founder or co-founder.

Fabrice Marquet, co-Founder of Monaco Foundry, said, "Our model is solely focused on long-term value creation, we share the risks and the rewards with all the entrepreneurs through our partnership. Our primary mission and passion are to improve both the lives of others and the condition of our planet."

About Monaco Foundry

Headquartered in Monaco, Monaco Foundry is a creative brain trust of leaders and industry experts across the world. We share a common goal of increasing the success rate for early-stage companies with founders who demonstrate generosity of spirit and with sustainable innovations that can positively impact the lives of people and our planet.

Created by a team of serial entrepreneurs, former senior government advisers and Fortune 500 executives, businesses and investors can access a wider net of investment opportunities via a community with an integrated proprietary accreditation process.

monacofoundry.com

For media enquiries:

Celine Brill

celine@monacofoundry.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/127959
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - BnSellit Technology Inc. (CSE: BNSL) ("BnSellit" or the "Corporation") is pleased to provide an update to its operations related to the launch of its BNSL-Concierge Platform (the "Platform") in February, 2022. As of June 16, 2022, the Corporation has placed the Platform in over 30 hotels, representing over 2,900 rooms. The hotels using the Platform include high-end boutique hotels in New York City and Miami and also include properties connected to well known hotel brands throughout Florida, New York State, New Jersey and Southern Ontario.

"In the face of many challenges including staffing issues and competition, hotel operators have expressed their urgent need to improve the guest experience while adding incremental revenue to their operations. We have listened and adapted our technology, business models and processes to seize the opportunity. We believe our Hotel division will have a significant impact on revenue growth in the coming months as more and more hotels turn to BnSellit for the answer. BnSellit will continue to earn revenue from transaction fees on guest purchases and experience bookings and plans to earn additional monthly per room usage fees for BnSellit maintenance, housekeeping and virtual concierge services," says Tony Comparelli - CEO, BnSellit Technology Inc.

Announcement of New Directors and New Chief Financial Officer

The Corporation also announces that effective June 16, 2022, Mr. Evan Baergen and Ms. Charlotte Janssen have been appointed as directors of the Corporation, and Mr. Corey Heerensperger has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, following the resignation of Mr. James Chepyha as a director and Ms. Sian Bolton as the Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation.

Evan Baergen is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a director and CFO of Axiom Capital Advisors Inc. and has been active in a broad spectrum of enterprises encompassing various business sectors, including manufacturing, technology, consulting and service industries and specifically with the implementation of leading-edge technology projects.

Charlotte Janssen is a practicing lawyer specializing in the provision of commercial advice to business owners worldwide and was previously a director of the Corporation. Ms. Janssen serves as a director of numerous private companies and community organizations and is past chair and council member of the International Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association and Ontario Bar Association.

Corey Heerensperger has held chief financial and executive positions for public and private companies for over forty years, providing financial reporting, oil and gas forensic investigations and general consulting services to public and private clients in the energy and hospitality industries. Mr. Heerensperger holds a B. Comm. degree from the University of Alberta and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

The Corporation thanks Mr. Chepyha and Ms. Bolton for their valuable contributions, and wishes them well in their future endeavours.

For further information, please contact:

Antonio Comparelli, Chief Executive Officer

Email: tc@bnsellit.com

Tel: 416-720-8677

https://bnsellit.com/

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/128110
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Off-price department store chain TJX Companies Inc. (TJX) has recalled about 30,600 Nest Swing Egg chairs due to risk of falling. The chairs, which were sold at Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods and Homesense Stores, can tip over or collapse when a consumer is seated in the chair, posing a fall hazard. The recall involves nest swing egg chairs sold under the Tommy Bahama and Martha Stewart brands. The chairs have a metal circle base that attaches to a metal pole, from which the oval-shaped wicker chairs hang by hook and chain. The chairs were sold with a round cushion for seating and a hangtag with the brand name 'Martha Stewart' or 'Tommy Bahama.' The company has asked its customers to immediately stop using the recalled egg chairs and return them to any Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, or Homesense stores for their choice of either a full refund or a refund in the form of a store gift card. TJX has received 27 reports of the chairs collapsing or tipping over, including 19 reports of injuries, including cuts, scrapes, soreness and one report of broken ribs and a collapsed lung. 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.
Altrio, a Toronto, Canada-based provider of software and data solutions to the global real estate investment and lending industries, raised CAD$8m in Series A funding.

The round was led by Whitecap Venture Partners with participation from Mantella Venture Partners, Alate Partners, and Colliers. Concurrent with the funding round, Shayn Diamond, partner at Whitecap Venture Partners, will join the Altrio board of directors.

The company intends to use the funds to double its headcount from 26 today to more than 50 by the end of 2022, and to accelerate the development of its product roadmap.

Led by Raj Singh, CEO, Altrio is a provider of software and data solutions to the global real estate investment and lending industries. The companys data-driven deal management platform, Origin, helps investors and lenders of all sizes harness proprietary and market data, along with process automation, to build winning portfolios.

The deal management solution is used by customers with combined assets under management of more than $1 trillion, including two of the worlds three largest real estate investors. Origins users manage equity and debt transactions in every sector, across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

FinSMEs

15/06/2022
Canditech, a Tel Aviv, Israel-based startup enabling companies to accurately assess job candidates with an online job-simulation platform, raised $9m in seed funding.

The round was led by global software investor Insight Partners and StageOne Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate expansion into new markets.

Co-founded by Guy Barel, Knaan Braz and Nir Dovrat, Canditech helps companies hire people, faster, while giving every candidate a fair chance to showcase their skills. Using work-sample tests that are tailor-made to simulate any position within the company, candidates can get a glimpse of the company and their future role, which allows them to experience day-to-day work scenarios such as writing code, analyzing data in Excel, writing emails to clients, optimizing a marketing campaign and pitching customers.

Canditechs solution presents a win-win situation for both the company and its candidates. The platform allows hiring managers to tailor simulations to their specific roles and invest their precious time on the candidates with the highest chance of excelling in the role, using advanced technology that reviews tests objectively and automatically. At the same time, candidates are given the opportunity to sample the positions at an early stage in the process, which dramatically reduces the chances for poor hiring decisions and turn-over.

FinSMEs

16/06/2022




President Yoon Suk-yeol, front center, listens to how a liquid nitrogen freezer works to store blood, cells and Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) at National Biobank of Korea under the Korea National Institute of Health in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, May 26. Korea Times file
Ceipal, a Rochester, NY-based AI-powered talent acquisition platform, closed its $21m Series B funding round.

The company, which secured $16.5 million in its Series B round with an additional $4.5 million in debt financing for a total of $21 million in funds, plans to use the funding to accelerate its regional market expansion, particularly within the US, UK, and India, to enhance its product capabilities and to grow its customer base among staffing businesses, systems integrators, and corporate organizations.

The round was led by Camden Partners. Topmark Partners, Evergreen Mountain Equity Partners joined this round along with existing investors, Mistral Venture Partners and Resolve Growth Partners. Jason Tagler, Managing Partner of Camden Partners, will join CEIPALs board of directors as part of this investment.

Led by Founder and CEO Sameer Penakalapati, Ceipal is an AI-powered SaaS platform that provides full-lifecycle management of the talent acquisition process. Its system leverages advanced technology to analyze vast amounts of candidate and employee data, providing actionable insights for meeting hiring goals and executing talent strategies. With solutions for pipeline curation, candidate engagement & marketing, applicant tracking, and workforce management, Ceipal helps staffing firms, MSPs, and corporate hiring teams of all sizes to attract and retain the best available talent. Founded in 2015, the company served 2,000+ customers and 120,000 recruiters globally. It has a global team of 450 employees with leadership teams in the U.S. and India with plans to grow to more than 1000 global employees in the next 12 to 18 months.

FinSMEs

16/06/2022
DataStax, a Santa Clara, CA-based real-time data company, raised $115M in funding.

The round was led by Goldman Sachs Asset Management, with participation from RCM Private Markets fund advised by Rokos Capital Management (US) LP, Singapore-based global investor, EDB Investments Pte. Ltd. and DataStaxs existing investors including Crosslink Capital, Meritech Capital Partners, OnePrime Capital and other current investors.

Led by CEO Chet Kapoor, DataStax allows any enterprise to mobilize real-time data and build the smart and scalable applications required to be a data-driven business.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate global expansion and development of its Astra DB multi-cloud database and its Astra Streaming streaming service, which are part of its open data stack for building and running real-time applications on any cloud, at massive scale, anywhere in the world, with zero downtime.

Astra DB, which is built on the powerful open source Apache Cassandra database, simplifies cloud-native application development and delivers pay-as-you-go pricing with the freedom and agility of multi-cloud and open source.

Hundreds of the worlds leading enterprises, including Verizon, Audi, ESL Gaming and many more use DataStax to power real-time data to create the in-the-moment digital experiences.

FinSMEs

16/06/2022


This is the third in a series of interviews with senior executives of Korea's promising biotechnology companies to search for key elements of a bio-policy framework as the new government looks to promote the bio industry. _ ED.



Company 'very near' rolling out monkeypox virus test kits



By Kim Yoo-chul



It's the middle of June and there is a chance that the country's new COVID-19 cases will surge again because of a rise in Omicron sub-variants currently being detected in the U.S. and Europe.



The U.S. recently lifted its mandatory COVID testing for overseas travelers arriving by plane, which means that visitors no longer need to show negative test results or proof of recovery to enter the country. While the move is based on a high vaccination rate and widespread immunity, U.S. officials say testing requirements could return at some point.



In Korea, the number of deaths came down to a nine-month low, according to data provided by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), even though the confirmed number of COVID cases bounced back. Earlier efforts by the government to implement organized strategies, including quick diagnostic testing, strengthened social distancing and wearing masks nationwide to reduce the fatality rate from COVID, have been effective.



While it's fair to say that hospitalizations have remained relatively low during the current wave, some disease experts said the unpredictability of the virus could lead to a resurgence in infections this summer. Already, the country's health authorities said they will put monkeypox patients under quarantine because of rising concerns over the quick spread of the virus around the world.



"Because of eased restriction rules and the influx of new variants, there is a possibility that the country will see an increased number of COVID-confirmed cases," KDCA spokesman Ko Jae-young said.





Seegene Chief Executive Chun Jong-yoon poses at the company's head office in Songpa District, southeastern Seoul. Courtesy of Seegene



Under these circumstances, Seegene, a Kosdaq-listed biotechnology company, which is also the leader in the production of test kits to identify various infectious diseases, aims to recapture the glory it enjoyed during the "COVID peak." Before the outbreak of COVID-19, Seegene was not well known. However, annual sales surged ten-fold to $1.2 billion, due to the rapid spread of COVID infections.



Its Chief Executive Officer Chun Jong-yoon said the COVID-19 pandemic was an opportunity that let the public learn about PCR tests, how it works and why it matters.



"By recalling memories over the last two years, the pandemic awakened in people's censoriousness the significance of PCR tests as the public doesn't know, I think, that PCR tests have been applicable in terms of detecting various diseases before the pandemic. Now, it's the right time to embed PCR tests into our routines," the CEO said in a recent interview.



Seegene's in-house and flagship Allplex 2019-nCoV-Assay kits were approved for commercial use by the country's health authorities in February 2020. Five days before Korea's authorization for emergency use of this product, Seegene received the CE-IVD mark from the EU.



The top executive said wearing masks has been useful in protecting against COVID-19 and influenza. "But wearing masks is no longer required in a lot of places. As life is returning to normal, we can't rule out the possibility of the influx of the flu, respiratory viruses and even the resurgence of COVID-19, all at once, which could have grave consequences on citizens. Globally, lines are blurring between diseases and that means respiratory diseases, for example, could occur in the winter and summer seasons. The Monkeypox virus was first reported in Africa. However, it's been advancing, globally. I am confident the only way to protect against future pandemics is PCR testing," according to the chief executive, who added that people have no huge physiological barriers to getting tested.



Regarding the details of its plans in promoting the "PCR test into our routine" campaign, which the company also dubbed as "In-life PCR campaign," Chun said Seegene plans to collaborate with hospitals and labs to test people at schools, churches, kindergartens and senior healthcare clinics for the early detection of diseases. Plus, the top executive said his company plans to significantly slash the cost of the test in an effort to be more accessible to people wishing to be tested.



"We are on track to let Seegene's domestic and overseas sales offices advance talks with hospitals and labs in an effort to provide affordable PCR tests that would cost as little as $12 from today's price of up to $100. PCR test's affordability will increase if Seegene lessens the cost burden. We are also ready to help those interested in joining the campaign by providing them with PCR equipment and other types of support but upon need," Chun said, adding that Seegene is in discussions with hospitals and institutions in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. "Seegene is ready to share technology expertise with countries and cities if they want to join the campaign."



According to the top company executive, Seegene is the only firm to apply "3 Ct" technology, allowing laboratories to test lots of viruses all at once. He said this technology will help the industry cut its huge reliance on Taqman-based PCR test technology which was introduced in the early 1990s.



More investment in US, M&A plans



As seen by its amazing corporate growth in terms of revenue over the last two years, Seegene's stock price once soared on the tech-savvy Kosdaq exchange thanks to a sharp spike in demand for testing kits in Asia, Europe and the United States because these countries had been grappling with shortages.



But data given by the Korea Exchange (KRX), the country's main bourse operator, showed Seegene shares were being traded in the low 40,000 won range because governments have a chance to classify COVID-19 from being a pandemic to an endemic, which means that the disease is still around but that it's at a level that is not causing huge disruptions in daily lives.





A health worker gets a swab sample from a man to test for COVID-19 at a swab collection site in Beijing, June 14. AFP-Yonhap
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin talk to each other during their meeting in Beijing, China, Feb. 4. AP-Yonhap



Chinese President Xi Jinping assured his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin of Beijing's support for Moscow on "sovereignty and security" during a call Wednesday, according to state media.



China is "willing to continue to offer mutual support (to Russia) on issues concerning core interests and major concerns such as sovereignty and security," Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported Xi as saying.



This was the second reported call between the two leaders since Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine, Feb. 24.



Beijing has refused to condemn Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and has been accused of providing diplomatic cover for Russia by blasting Western sanctions and arms sales to Kyiv.



According to CCTV, Xi praised the "good momentum of development" in bilateral relations since the start of the year "in the face of global turmoil and changes."



Beijing was willing to "intensify strategic coordination between the two countries," Xi reportedly said.



The Kremlin said the two leaders had agreed to ramp up economic cooperation in the face of "unlawful" Western sanctions.



"It was agreed to expand cooperation in the energy, financial, industrial, transport and other areas, taking into account the situation in the global economy that has become more complicated due to the unlawful sanctions policy of the West," the Kremlin said following the phone call.



The West has adopted unprecedented sanctions against Russia in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine, and Moscow considers that Europe and the United States have thus caused a global economic slowdown.



Moscow is also looking for new markets and suppliers to replace the major foreign firms that left Russia following the invasion.



'No limits' relationship



The European Union and the United States have warned that any backing from Beijing for Russia's war in Ukraine, or help for Moscow to dodge Western sanctions, would damage ties.



China as well as India are two major economies that have not taken part in retaliatory measures against Moscow over its invasion.



In the eyes of Chinese officials, the Europeans have allowed themselves to be sucked into backing Ukraine, at Washington's initiative, in a move contrary to their interests as Russian gas consumers.



Once bitter Cold War enemies, Beijing and Moscow have stepped up cooperation in recent years as a counterbalance to what they see as US global dominance.



The two countries have drawn closer in the political, trade and military spheres as part of what they call a "no limits" relationship.



The two sides last week unveiled the first road bridge linking the two countries, connecting the far eastern Russian city of Blagoveshchensk with the northern Chinese city of Heihe.



The call Wednesday between the two leaders fell on Xi's 69th birthday and was their first reported communication since the day after Russia launched its invasion of its European neighbor.



Xi, who has described Putin as an "old friend," also invited his Russian counterpart to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics in early February.



Beijing is Moscow's largest trading partner, with trade volume last year hitting $147 billion, according to Chinese customs data, up more than 30 percent on 2019. (AFP)


The people of Albany now have local access to the sweet, sugary goodness of Crumbl Cookies, 2504 Santiam Highway SE. The cookie chains soft opening in Albany is Thursday, June 16, followed by a grand opening Friday.

The people of Albany have been excited about it, said Austin Tews, who co-owns the store with his wife, Karina Tews. Were trying to spread Crumbl Cookies everywhere.

The Albany location is the Tews fourth store, with a Bend location opening later this summer. Crumbl Cookies opened October 2021 in Corvallis, and Tews said that location has been successful thanks to loyal, cookie-loving college students.

The Tews also own Crumbl stores in Eugene and Roseburg.

The franchise started in Logan, Utah, in 2017, and there are now hundreds of stores nationwide. The business has a rotating menu, with five new flavors announced on their website, www.crumblcookies.com, each week. The popular milk chocolate chip cookie has a permanent spot on the menu, however.

For the week of the Albany grand opening, customers can choose from the soft milk chocolate chip cookie, original sprinkled with M&Ms, peanut butter swirled with melted peanut butter and Reeses cups, chilled peach sugar with a candy peach gummy ring, classic gooey Rice Krispy bar with marshmallow and a buttery caramel shortbread topped with caramel, milk chocolate and Twix.

Crumbl also sells their own ice cream Crumbl cream in brownie fudge, cookie dough crunch, peanut butter brittle, raspberry cheesecake, snickerdoodle and vanilla bean, served with a cold glass of milk.

Other specialty Crumbl cookies include cornbread, key lime pie, caramel popcorn, buttermilk pancake and galaxy brownie. Customers can check Crumbls website each Monday to find out which cookies they can expect to see on display that week.

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Customers can order in person or on their phones using the Crumbl app.

Crumbl Cookies is open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. until midnight Friday and Saturday.

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_.

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Tearing down to build back up is viewed as the best path proposal for Albany regarding the vacant, city-owned Wells Fargo building and property downtown.

The Albany Revitalization Agency, which consists of City Council members in a different governmental role, voted unanimously Wednesday, June 15 to investigate the cost and timeline of demolition, which would make the site shovel-ready for developers.

The urban renewal district agency also voted 5-2 against providing a $545,000 loan to Sybaris Bistro for renovations at the Oregon Electric Railroad Station.

Councilors Dick Olsen and Matilda Novak voted in favor of the loan. Other members said they wanted to stick to the plan and move forward with revitalization projects still earmarked for nearly $20 million: the Waterfront Improvement Project, which is allocated $16 million; the St. Francis Hotel, which has $1.5 million reserved; and the Wells Fargo building and property, which has $2.5 million allocated.

Wells Fargo building

The decision to consider razing the Wells Fargo building by the Albany Revitalization Agency followed a 9-1 vote on the matter earlier that night by the Central Albany Revitalization Area board, an advisory group consisting of city councilors and appointed members.

Councilor Ray Kopczynski was the lone no vote, as he wanted to proceed with demolition. CARA board member Camron Settlemier abstained, as he didnt want to decide one way or the other without knowing if historic aspects could be salvaged from under the buildings Brutalist cladding, which was added about 50 years ago.

Seth Sherry, Albany economic development manager, said he could have demolition details next month.

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City councilors and CARA board members showed no love for the minimalist, concrete Wells Fargo building.

Its ugly. Super ugly, Novak said.

Sherry led a discussion on the future of the building during the meeting, presenting the CARA board with two options: look for a buyer to reuse the property as-is, or, if higher density downtown was a priority, leveling the structure and rebuilding from the ground up.

Adding stories to the existing building is technically challenging, making demolition and starting new less expensive with more possibilities, he said.

Tearing it down and having a clean slate of land is probably the best option, Sherry advised. He added that developers have expressed interest in the property, if the building was leveled.

CARA board member Bill Ryals, an architect, said there were plenty of unknowns and risks for developers with the building, and removing them would optimize the value of the land.

Sherry reminded the CARA board that a parking structure could be part of a public-private partnership for the Wells Fargo property.

The Wells Fargo building has been vacant since 2018.The Albany Revitalization Agency purchased the building and lot at 300 W. First St. for $1.5 million in February 2019. Plans to redevelop the structure have stalled amid ballooning costs.

Sybaris Bistro, with Ryals advising, was once involved in a partnership to renovate and move the restaurant into the Wells Fargo building, but its owners withdrew from the plan in 2020. That plan would have sited Sybaris on the first floor and apartments on second and third floors.

Sybaris request

Sybaris owners have purchased the Oregon Electric Railroad Station, 133 Fifth Ave. SE, and plan to move the acclaimed restaurant into that 1912 building.

In May, owner Matt Bennett and Ryals came before the Albany Revitalization Agency and asked for a low-interest loan of $800,000 or more.

On June 10, Bennett and his wife Janel Bennett made a new loan request, asking for only $545,000.

But the Albany Revitalization Agency rebuffed those request, even while officials expressed support for the business and the Bennetts.

Appointed CARA board members in attendance were split on the idea of redistributing money to Sybaris.

CARA board Chairperson Mark Spence said there was no wow factor for the waterfront project. If theres no wow factor, whats the point? he asked, and suggested that money be diverted to Sybaris, which now possessed one of the best historic structures in town.

Settlemier said he was more interested in scaling back the waterfront and reopening CARA to small projects.

Russ Allen and Cye Larson wanted to stay the course and keep the door closed, however. Larson said all residents would be able to use the revitalized riverfront, and brought up Corvallis Willamette River frontage and the popular Corvallis Farmers Market held there every Saturday.

There are people in Albany who are leaving to go to the Corvallis waterfront, she added.

During the Albany Revitalization Agency meeting, Olsen said that Sybaris proposals was one of the best that the city had seen for a long time.

Councilor Bessie Johnson, the agency chair, disagreed with changing plans made in 2018.

This would be going against what we already decided. Other people came forward (requesting funding), but they were turned down for this reason, she said.

You take this, youre taking money away from something youve already dedicated funding to, Johnson added.

Councilors Marilyn Smith and Ray Kopczynski and Mayor Alex Johnson II said Albanys waterfront would be an attraction when finished, and it was hard to picture how much the atmosphere would improve by looking at the drawings.

Waterfront improvement efforts were initially opposed in Corvallis and Independence, Mayor Johnson said, and Albany was the only city of its size on the Willamette River that hasnt capitalized on its river frontage.

We have to have vision  Were sitting on a goldmine, he said.

Sherry stressed that developers are interested in Albanys waterfront because of the revitalization plans.

Some councilors and CARA board members expressed interest in having leftover funding, if that materializes, be allocated to Sybaris.

If we open it back up, we have to be willing to accept public bids for those dollars, Johnson said. Other projects will come in. We have to be willing to consider all of them.

Kyle Odegard can be contacted at 541-812-6077 or Kyle.Odegard@lee.net Follow him on Twitter via @KyleOdegard.

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In New York City, a woman opens her laptop to a bar graph showing the number of COVID-19 deaths nationwide each month in 2021 and fixes her gaze on April. She tells a researcher: My mother is one of them. The graph helps her see that her mother is part of something bigger happening to the country, she says.

In the nations capital, a man kneels on a patch of grass near the Washington Monument to place a white flag in honor of his brother. He gestures to the field of 700,000 flags around him  each representing someone who, like his brother, died of COVID  and asks: How can people not see that this is a national tragedy?

With the rollback of mask mandates and increased demands for a return to normal, survivors feel left behind, their grief unseen. Worse yet, many face the outright denial of their loss, especially when they read social media posts that claim the death rates are exaggerated or that the virus is nothing but a hoax. Or that age, infirmity or some other disease besides COVID is to blame.

Last summer, the U.S. surgeon general issued an advisory regarding the urgent threat to public health posed by misinformation about COVID. Despite that, counterclaims and falsehoods have continued relatively unchecked, compounding the grief of families and hindering an already incomplete mourning process.

Soon after the pandemic hit in 2020, our research team at George Washington University began to study how people mourn the dead when they cannot gather. We spoke with dozens of families who, due to pandemic restrictions, never got to say goodbye to their loved ones and then had to delay or forgo funerals or other rituals altogether such as wakes, post-funeral repasts, sitting shiva and giving eulogies.

We also spoke with funeral directors, grief counselors, members of the clergy and hospice workers who told us of how they and their clients had been forced to improvise, especially in the first few months of the pandemic when funeral and memorial rites shifted to virtual spaces. One minister introduced a funeral service by saying, Your love for Agnes will come through across the pixels and Wi-Fi connections, and the space between us is sacred ground.

But we discovered another burden, one that changed the very content of these improvised rituals: an ongoing struggle for recognition of the loved ones who died from COVID in a country where masks, vaccines  even death itself  are politicized and partisan. Mourners said they felt compelled to use their words of remembrance to combat misinformation. During a eulogy, one person was moved to say, Mother, I will miss you always. Your death was needless, caused by those who refused to follow science.

Even as the number of COVID deaths in the U.S. has exceeded 1 million, Americans as a whole cannot agree on  or refuse to acknowledge  the scale and severity of the pandemic.

Of course, death by illness is harder to see than death from war or natural disaster. This is one reason why grassroots organizations, activists and artists are putting effort into translating pandemic statistics into visible human experience. These include Marked By COVID,WhoWeLost.org, FacesOfCOVID and Ramis Heart, to name a few. Each, in its own way, insists that the 1 million dead are not just a number.

During the Civil War, the visibility of the dead helped the nation to begin to reconcile its divisions, according to historian Drew Gilpin Faust. Shared suffering and the clear presence of death, she wrote, would in time override persisting differences about the meanings of race, citizenship, and nationhood to establish sacrifice and its memorialization as the ground on which North and South would ultimately reunite.

Mourning in war, like mourning everywhere, can bring people together to repair and reaffirm the social fabric, including on a national scale.

One way to start healing is for Congress and the Biden administration to set up a national commission to explain how the pandemic death toll in the U.S. reached 1 million and counting in the first place. By documenting how we got here, the country would be holding itself accountable  ultimately an act of healing for survivors.

Another way forward is for the federal government to memorialize COVID with an annual day of remembrance. If a national memorial day were established, it would say to the millions of bereaved: We see your loss. It would give people the grace and space, in the words of writer Ed Yong, to mourn in the manner they choose  whether in person or online, through vigils, art, activism, moments of silence or public demonstration.

Resolutions have been introduced in the House and the Senate that would designate the first Monday in March as COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day. By our count, only 93 members of these chambers have signed on so far, all Democrats except for one Independent.

A designated national memorial day would make the pandemic visible for decades to come  and have the potential to lessen divisions by reinforcing our shared values and experiences.

Sarah E. Wagner, Roy R. Grinker and Joel C. Kuipers are professors of anthropology at George Washington University.

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Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021.
Commuters hang on an overcrowded train amid a fuel shortage in Colombo, Sri Lanka, June 15. Sri Lanka faces its worst economic crisis in decades due to the lack of foreign exchange, resulting in severe shortages in food, fuel, medicine and imported goods. EPA-Yonhap



Sri Lanka's fuel stocks will last for about five more days, its power and energy minister said on Thursday, as the island nation awaits official confirmation from the Indian government for a new $500 million credit line for fuel.



The country of 22 million people is caught in its worst financial crisis in seven decades after its foreign exchange reserves dwindled to record lows, with dollars running out to pay for essential imports including food, medicine and fuel.



Chronic fuel shortages have worsened this week with kilometers-long lines at some gas stations countrywide, leading to sporadic protests as vehicle owners wait, sometimes overnight, for petrol and diesel.



The stocks cover fuel for vehicles, some industries and essential services. A month ago, the prime minister said there was only enough petrol for one day.



Sri Lanka is unable to make $725 million in overdue payments to suppliers and also struggling to open letters of credit for future shipments, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said.



"We are struggling to get fuel supplies due to our forex issues and the government is working to manage existing stocks of diesel and petrol until 21 June," he told reporters. "We are finding it very difficult to meet demand and stocks could run out faster if we do not cut back on non-essential travel and stop hoarding fuel."



"We are expecting a petrol shipment within the next three days and another two shipments in the next eight days," he added.



Sri Lanka is waiting for official confirmation on a $500 million credit line from the India government's Exim Bank, which Wijesekera said would be used to fund fuel shipments for the next few weeks.



India has been a key supporter during the financial crisis, having poured in about $3 billion in assistance, including a $1 billion credit line for essential imports and a $400 million swap.



Sri Lanka has reached out to multiple countries, including Russia, to discuss fuel import options that would provide supplies worth several months, Wijesekera said.



The country is also in talks with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout package and a delegation from the lender is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka on 20 June. (Reuters)




By Nathan Kamal | 19 seconds ago

In a disturbing story, Canadian actor Ryan Grantham has pled guilty to both second-degree murder and plotting to kill Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The actor had appeared on the hit CW show Riverdale in 2019 as well as 2010s Diary of a Wimpy Kid and the 2009 Terry Gilliam movie The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. Ryan Grantham pled guilty before the British Columbia Supreme Court, which will decide his sentence; in Canada, a second-degree murder in Canada in primarily defined as being without premeditation and has a minimum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for ten years. It may be as long as life in prison without the possibility of parole for twenty-five years for Ryan Grantham.

Ryan Grantham in Riverdale

According to CBC News, Ryan Grantham killed his mother Barbara Waite on March 31, 2020, shooting her in the back of the head while she played piano in their home. His sister, Lisa Grantham, discovered the body the next day after not being able to contact either the actor or his mother and later read a statement in court. After the murder, Ryan Grantham reportedly packed a car with three guns, ammunition, a number of Molotov cocktails, and accompanying paraphernalia. According to his confession and journal, he intended to drive to Ottawa to assassinate Justin Trudeau. At some point during the journey, he tested one of the Molotov cocktails and then later turned back to turn himself in to the Vancouver police.

While Ryan Grantham confessed to the second-degree murder of his mother, the Crown prosecutors initially sought to describe the killing as closer to first-degree murder, which is to say, pre-meditated. According to the actor, Grantham killed his mother to spare her having to find out about the other violent acts he planned to do, which at one point reportedly included a possible mass shooting at Simon Fraser University, which he had formerly attended. Canada has had two major incidents of mass shootings in recent history and swiftly reacted with gun legislation after them. Currently, the United States has been experiencing a tragic and horrifying series of mass shootings that do not seem to have an end in sight.

Two psychiatric examinations of Ryan Grantham concluded that he was experiencing intense clinical depression in the period leading up to the murder of his mother. He was also experiencing recurrent violent urges and self-hatred. During this period, he apparently purchased one of the three guns he packed in the vehicle and was outwardly well-functioning.

The plans of individuals like Ryan Grantham to commit mass shootings and assassinate politicians have become a hot-button topic in recent years, as they have quickly increased in number and severity. While Grantham, fortunately, turned himself in before reaching Ottawa, it was also tragically not enough to have saved his mother. The overlap between gun ownership and mental health is also much discussed in Canada and the United States, with hopefully more action being taken across the world to help prevent events like this in the future. RIP Barbara Waite.
South Africa: Youth urged to rally together to confront, overcome challenges facing SA

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated governments commitment to intensify the countrys investment drive and removing the red tape that holds back business growth and greater employment creation.

Alongside these measures, President Ramaphosa said that his administration is harnessing the capacity of the state to respond to the immediate needs of young people.

The President was giving a keynote address on Thursday at the Youth Day commemorations in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, held under the theme, Promoting sustainable livelihood and resilience of young people for a better tomorrow.

This year marks 45 years since the uprising by school students against the mandatory use of Afrikaans as a medium of instruction and the violent response of the apartheid government.

As the country rebuilds from the pandemic, the President said that government remains focused on growing the economy and creating jobs.

Now more than ever, we need young people to rally together to confront and overcome the massive challenges facing our country.

The fact that millions of young people are not in employment, education or training is the greatest challenge facing our country today, he said.

President Ramaphosa said the apartheid legacy of poverty, unemployment and inequality has, in recent times, been compounded by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the July 2021 unrest and the devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal, North West and here in the Eastern Cape.

He said that government remains focused on far-reaching economic reforms and creating conditions for the expansion of businesses throughout the country.

Presidential Youth Employment Intervention

It is for this reason that we announced the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, which is a comprehensive response to the youth unemployment challenge.

We have also launched the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which supports public and social employment, and which has created close to 880 000 job opportunities since it was established, he said.

A flagship initiative of the employment stimulus is the school assistants programme, which has placed 287 000 young people in schools across the country.

The statesman said that these young people are accessing meaningful employment while supporting teachers and contributing to positive learning outcomes in schools.

The latest programme to be launched through the employment stimulus is the Social Employment Fund.

The programme has begun to recruit 50 000 participants in community safety, food and nutrition, digital inclusion, and sports, arts and recreation.

We have just launched a new dashboard for the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention on the State of the Nation website. Members of the public are now able to track detailed progress with implementation and receive up-to-date information about the intervention, the President said.

Governments National Pathway Management Network, which links young people to opportunities for earning, learning and support, has now signed up over 2.9 million users.

The President called young people to join the network through an online platform, SAYouth.mobi, which is data free on all mobile networks.

Since SA Youth was launched, it has placed more than 600 000 young people in earning opportunities and provided support to many more, including interview preparation, job search and entrepreneurship training.

Removing barriers to entering Public Service

As part of governments commitment to remove the barriers that young people confront when trying to enter the public service, the President said that government is reducing the cost and effort of applying for positions.

For example, applicants for public service positions are no longer required to submit certified copies of their educational qualifications and other relevant documents.

This simple change will significantly reduce the cost of applying, improve turnaround times and reduce the administrative burden on departments, he said.

New Programmes to be launched



At the beginning of next month, the President announced that government will be launching the Future of Work Ambassadors programme.

This programme will focus on improving and modernising the recruitment and retention of youth in the public service.

We are pursuing innovative new ways of linking learning with earning. For example, the National Skills Fund is pioneering the pay-for-performance skills development model that will create 8 000 job opportunities for young people in digital skills, he said.

President Ramaphosa further announced the official launch of the revitalised National Youth Service.

Youth service can contribute to civic responsibility, a common identity, development and nation building.

This is a passionate generation that sees the need in our country and wants to serve those around them.

There is a great deal of work for them to do in public schools, in tackling social problems such as alcohol and substance abuse and gender based violence, and in building social solidarity in their communities, the President said.

The President said that government looks to the National Youth Service to inculcate in young people the habits of work, the value of community service and a sense of duty to democracy.

Young people who want to participate in the National Youth Service should join SAYouth.mobi and create their profile.

President Ramaphosa further touched on the Youth Employment Service  known as YES  which is another important initiative that has reached key milestones over the last year.

Through its partnerships with the private sector, YES has created nearly 82 000 quality work opportunities for young South Africans.

He said that this has injected over R4.6 billion into the economy through salaries alone.

Corporate partners use the Youth Employment Service to build their own workforces by creating work experiences for youth in industries of the future.

These include industries such as digital, drones, green economy, urban farming, mining, global business services, creative industries and many more, he said.

The President lauded the young people of South Africa who are imbued with a great entrepreneurial spirit and energy. He said the task is to support them to unleash their potential.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, for example, is establishing a fund that will support an enabling ecosystem for young people to engage in forms of enterprise and self-employment.

We will continue to provide young entrepreneurs with the capital and networks to grow their start-up businesses, the President said.

In the past financial year, 7 500 young people have received financial enterprise support and over 30 000 young people have received other enterprise support from the National Youth Development Agency and the Department of Small Business Development.

At this moment in the life of our nation, we need visionary young people who are united and focused on improving our communities and building our economy.

We need young people who have discovered their generational mission and who are determined never to betray it, he said.

The President called on young people to take the lead in building a more humane society  a society that treats people with disabilities with dignity.

He said government is deeply concerned about the number of young people falling into depression and taking their own lives.

President Ramaphosa said that government is committed to improving the lives of the youth of South Africa and further called upon the private sector to open more opportunities for the youth.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2022-06-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Team monitors environmental air quality with nothing but their sense of smell in E Chinas Jiangsu

People's Daily Online) 14:23, June 16, 2022

An odor smeller smells a bag containing a sample of odor-filled air. Science and Technology Daily/Jin Feng

Sitting inside a special office, Wang Junfei opened up a bag which contained a sample of odor-filled air. Then, he stuck his nose into the bag to catch a whiff of the sample, after which the man identified it and recorded all of the relevant information about the smell before calculating the odor concentration.

It has been a regular routine for Wang Junfei, a senior engineer with the Jiangsu Environmental Monitoring (JEM) team, taking up his duty to determine whether the odor concentration in each of his samples surpasses a normal pre-determined level based on his own sense of smell, having engaged in this work over the course of seven years.

In east Chinas Jiangsu Province, there are nearly 200 professional odor smellers just like Wang Junfei who have contributed themselves to local environmental monitoring efforts.

Wang Hui is head of the analysis and testing department with the JEM, as well as serving in his role as a senior odor smeller. According to Wang Hui, complaints about odors have been increasing in recent years, as chemical factories, commonly regarded as the source of odor emissions, are often located not far away from residential buildings and given that citizens in China have an increasingly greater demand for a higher environmental quality.

To collect odor samples, the odor smellers will first choose a monitoring site, which is located downwind of chemical factories, according to Song Xingwei, head of the in-situ monitoring department of the JEM. Meanwhile, when collecting odor samples, the speed of the wind must be slower than 8 meters per second because if the wind is too strong, the airborne pollutants will become diffuse too quickly and in this case the odor samples wont be representative, Song introduced.

According to Wang Junfei, there are six degrees of odor intensity (from level zero to level five) and sampling is needed only when the odor concentration is assessed to reach level three.

When calculating the intensity of the odor samples, the staff members will first distinguish between air samples that dont contain odors and air samples that contain diluted odors by smelling all the samples several times in a row. The odor concentration will serve as evidence of environmental pollution and based on these findings the environmental monitoring departments will punish those enterprises that are causing such environmental pollution accordingly.

In the second half of 2021, the JEM carried out five sessions of odor monitoring activities and discovered that the odor samples at two monitoring sessions exceeded the normal level.

Why are odor smellers needed for odor concentration detecting when there are a variety of advanced monitoring technologies available? Wang Junfei explained that professional odor smellers have the ability to express how they feel about the odors they smell. Wang Hui expressed that while there are other odors that are not on the monitoring list, the odor smellers can still work out their concentrations as well.

Wang Junfei introduced that an odor smellers sense of smell should not be too sensitive, but should be at the same level as normal people. This is because when their sense of smell is too sensitive, the monitoring results they provide will not be representative. He added that people aged between 18 and 45 years old are eligible to apply for the job.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Chicago, June 15, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chicago, Illinois -

IV Solution & Ketamine Centers of Chicago is happy to announce that they are the first private facility in Chicago to offer clinically proven intravenous (IV) ketamine therapies to help with the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other ailments, such as treatment resistant depression (TRD), chronic pain, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and fibromyalgia.

Ketamine is a drug that was synthesized in 1962 and has gained FDA approval for use as an anesthetic drug in 1970. Studies have shown that it blocks the cellular NMDA receptor, which is a neural receptor for glutamate that has been found to play a vital role in chronic pain syndromes, major depression, fibromyalgia, and other conditions. It has also been observed to have potent anti-inflammatory characteristics and can stimulate synaptogenesis, neuronal growth, and neuroplasticity. It is a Schedule III drug that can only be used and administered by a trained physicians, nurse anesthetist, and a licensed anesthesiologist.

As a Schedule III drug, ketamine is considered to have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence, which means that it can be abused. However, it is a very safe drug when administered for anesthesia or as a treatment of chronic pain and depression as they do at the IV Solution & Ketamine Centers of Chicago. The doses used at the ketamine center are much lower compared to the dosage used for anesthesia and the patients are monitored closely during the IV infusion, which lasts for about 45 minutes. Most patients have noted that they felt free and very relaxed during the IV infusion session but these effects fade in approximately one hour or so after the session. They also carefully evaluate the patients medication list and medication history before the treatment. They will also talk to the patients primary care physician or mental health professional if they think there is a need for it.

In an article in the IV Solution & Ketamine Centers of Chicago website regarding the use of IV ketamine therapy for depression, it was observed that this drug has a much faster antidepressant effect when compared to the traditional antidepressants, like serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which typically require six weeks to provide the full antidepressant effect. It has been noted that just a single ketamine infusion may have lasting antidepressant effects of up to two weeks or even longer. In contrast, taking one pill of an SSRI or a serotonin and norepinephrine uptake inhibitor (SNRI) rarely has any significant antidepressant effect. SSRIs and SNRIs will have to be taken everyday in order to achieve relief from depression. But it has been observed that ketamine may be able to relieve depression within minutes to hours after initiating an IV infusion in patients who respond to the treatment. It should be noted, however, that not all patients will respond to ketamine, and ketamine also has a number of side effects and risks.

IV Solution & Ketamine Centers of Chicago was launched to offer advanced and effective intravenous (IV) medical treatment for anxiety, TRD, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, PTSD, OCD, and other disorders. Dr. Bal Nandra, M.D., who was trained at the University of Chicago Hospitals Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care and has around 20 years of experience in a clinical environment, leads the team of health professionals in the IV ketamine clinic. His team of health professionals is composed of licensed therapists and technicians who work with primary care physicians, who ensure optimized treatment and continuity of care, registered nurses who are knowledgeable and experienced in ketamine infusion, and mental health professionals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQjVkoqDjwk

People who are interested in learning more about the IV ketamine therapy as a possible treatment for PTSD and other ailments and also in getting the latest news about this can visit the IV Solution & Ketamine Centers of Chicago website, or contact them through the telephone or via email. They are open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturdays.

###

For more information about IV Solution & Ketamine Centers of Chicago, contact the company here:



IV Solution & Ketamine Centers of Chicago

Bal Nandra, M.D.

(844) 948-6337

b.nandra@chicagoivsolution.com

712 N Dearborn St

Chicago, IL 60654
DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla., June 15, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Commonwealth Institute Florida (TCI-FL), a network of successful business and professional women driving the community, came together on June 14th to honor Florida's Top 100 Women-Led Businesses at its 17th annual luncheon. The event, which took place at the Hyatt Regency Miami, celebrated the achievements of women who are leading the charge to the top of their industries in companies across the state.

"The organizations on this year's diverse list are driving innovation across Florida and beyond. We are honored to recognize these 100 companies and the remarkable women who lead them," says Jacqui Kiviat, Executive Director, TCI-FL.

Attendees of the event enjoyed networking, messages from honorees and special guests, and of course the announcement of the winners by position on the list. Over 200 businesses across Florida were nominated, and AshBritt was named as the #2 business by TCI-FL.

"This award recognizes AshBritt's expansive capabilities, our innovative public-private-partnerships, and, most importantly, our commitment to the people that make it all happen - our team," said AshBritt CEO Brittany Perkins Castillo.

"Supporting communities impacted by crisis - the people, small businesses, and organizations - is our work, and we are proud that work is being honored alongside other great Florida-based companies," said Castillo.

ATCI-FL has been hosting the Florida-based event for 17 years, however, this was the first year that factors like innovation, customer service and employee programs were added to revenue to come up with the list and rankings.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Brittany Perkins Castillo, please contact Hannah Stone (225) 329-3497 or visit www.AshBritt.com.

About AshBritt

Now in its 30th year, AshBritt is a rapid-response, emergency logistics and emergency management contractor based in Broward County, Florida, with offices across the county. AshBritt has led response efforts following 60 federally declared disasters and has conducted more than 400 missions for over 600 clients. The firm partners with the government and the private sector to plan for and respond to emergencies and crisis events. AshBritt has been at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic, building and staffing field hospitals, treatment centers and vaccination sites across 22 states. For more information, visit ashbritt.com.

About The Commonwealth Institute (TCI)

The Commonwealth Institute (TCI) is a non-profit organization that works with women CEOs, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, sole proprietors, and the rising generation of women leaders to help them build successful businesses, organizations, and careers in Florida and Massachusetts. In short, TCI helps women in business achieve greater success! For 25 years, The Commonwealth Institute has provided insights, mentoring and inspiration to help women succeed on personal and professional levels, while propelling their organizations forward.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 15, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plant Veda Foods Ltd. (CSE:MILK) (OTC:PLVFF) (XFRA:A3CS6B) (the Company or Plant Veda), an award-winning dairy-alternative food manufacturer, announces its newest product addition, PlantGurt was awarded the Best in Show in the snack category at Planted Expo on June 5, 2022.



Planted Expo was Canadas largest plant-based event of the year where over 200 vegan edible and lifestyle businesses gathered in one place along with a stage packed with insightful, informative, inspirational speakers from around the world. This years event attracted over 10,000 attendees.

As the highlight of the event, attendees sampled hundreds of products and cast their votes for the Best in Show Awards in 5 categories including lifestyle, snack, sip, savoury and sweet. Plant Vedas mango version of the spoonable yogurt (with real mango chunks) took home the award in the snack category. PlantGurts are formulated with a combination of oats, cashews, peas and coconut agave and real fruit to bring the wholesome nutrition and taste without adding refined ingredients.

The PlantGurt will soon be available to consumers in certain Whole Foods Market locations in British Columbia.

Developing plant based yogurts which have the right texture and taste is very difficult and I am very thankful to our team for working hard to constantly improve the formulation, stated Sunny Gurnani, CEO of Plant Veda. I am looking forward to a successful launch of our yogurts at Whole Foods.

"I really liked Plant Veda's new mango yogurt with real mango chunks. Congratulations to team Plant Veda on winning the best in show snack and bringing their best to the show," added Stevan Mirkovich, Co-owner of Plant.

The Company also announces that Michael Yang has tendered his resignation as a Director and President of the Company, and the Companys Chief Executive Officer, Sunny Gurnani, will fill the vacancy on the board and assume the role of President. The entire Plant Veda organization thanks Mr. Yang for his past service and commitment to our vision. The Company is pleased to advise that Mr. Yang will continue to advise Mr. Gurnani during the transition period as he takes responsibility for his new roles.

About Plant Veda (CSE:MILK) (OTC:PLVFF) (XFRA:A3CS6B)

Plant Veda Foods Ltd. has a mission to accelerate humanitys shift to a plant-based lifestyle. We remain clear in our goals: to improve the environment and humanitys overall health through plant-based consumption. Our Company has succeeded in creating award-winning plant-based dairy alternatives, continuing to shake up the dairy-free market by creating unique, one-of-a-kind products that leave our customers forgetting about dairy all together.

Learn more at www.PlantVeda.com .

To subscribe to updates about Plant Veda, visit www.PlantVeda.com/pages/investors .

To find Plant Veda products at a location near you, visit www.PlantVeda.com/pages/store-locations .

Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , YouTube

Company Contact:

Aaron Wong, Director

Email: Aaron@PlantVeda.com

Number: 778-840-9664

Investor Relations:

Email: Investors@PlantVeda.com

Media Contact:

Email: Media@PlantVeda.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and information can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, estimates, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur, or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the anticipated launch of PlantGurt products in Whole Foods Market locations. The forward-looking information reflects managements current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include: (i) adverse market conditions; (ii) changes to the growth and size of the dairy-alternative markets; and (iii) other factors beyond the control of the Company. The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

As each individual is different, the benefits, if any, of taking the Companys products will vary from person to person. No claims or guarantees can be made as to the effects of the Companys products on an individuals health and well-being. The Companys products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This news release may contain trademarked names of third-party entities (or their respective offerings with trademarked names) typically in reference to (i) relationships had by the Company with such third-party entities as referred to in this release and/or (ii) client/vendor/service provider parties whose relationship with the Company is/are referred to in this release. All rights to such trademarks are reserved by their respective owners or licensees.
Did you lose money on investments in Tupperware Brands? If so, please visit Tupperware Brands Corporation Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@bernlieb.com to discuss your rights.



NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bernstein Liebhard LLP announces that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of Tupperware Brands Corporation (Tupperware or the Company) (NYSE: TUP) between November 3, 2021 and May 3, 2022, inclusive (the Class Period). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Tupperware operates as a consumer products company worldwide. The Company manufactures, markets, and sells design-centric preparation, storage, and serving solutions for the kitchen and home, as well as a line of cookware, knives, microwave products, microfiber textiles, water-filtration related items, and an array of products for on-the-go consumers under the Tupperware brand name.

Plaintiff alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Companys business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants allegedly made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Tupperware was facing significant challenges in maintaining its earnings and sales performance; (ii) accordingly, Tupperwares full year 2022 guidance was unrealistic and/or unsustainable; and (iii) all the foregoing, once revealed, was likely to have a material negative impact on Tupperwares financial condition.

On May 4, 2022, Tupperware announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2022. Among other items, Tupperware reported adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations and net sales that fell well short of consensus estimates, withdrew its full year 2022 guidance, and named a new Chief Financial Officer. The Company attributed the poor performance to the conflict in Russia and Ukraine. However, when pressed by analysts on a conference call, the Company acknowledged that Russia and Ukraine only accounted for 2% of its revenue.

On this news, the Companys stock price fell $5.76 per share, or over 32%, to close at $12.15 per share on May 4, 2022.

If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 15, 2022 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesnt require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.

If you purchased or acquired TUP securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Tupperware Brands Corporation Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@bernlieb.com.

Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journals Plaintiffs Hot List thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for ten consecutive years.

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.  2022 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

Contact Information:

Peter Allocco

Bernstein Liebhard LLP

https://www.bernlieb.com

(212) 951-2030

pallocco@bernlieb.com
Hong Kong Island, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong -

Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong - Pogi's Pet Supplies, a Hong Kong-based online retailer of eco-friendly pet care products, is proud to announce that it has recently received another five-star review for its Compostable Poop Bags with Handles. Each box of this product contains 32 rolls for a total of 480 bags, with each bag measuring 9 inches by 13.5 inches. The poop bags have been made large enough to accommodate even the biggest dogs and they are also sufficiently thick and strong enough to ensure that there will be no messes. Learn more about these compostable poop bags from Pogi's Amazon page at https://www.amazon.com/Pogis-Poop-Bags-Earth-Friendly-Leak-Proof/dp/B07RLYHX5S?th=1

In a recent five-star review, customer Richard L. said, Trying to do my part regarding plastics. Other compostable bags contain PLA and are not home compostable. Contacted Pogi's and received this email stating they are in fact free of PLA's. It's a small world, thank you Pogi's for helping our environment.

In response to the review by Richard L., the owner said, Were truly grateful for Richard taking the time to provide our compostable poop bag with a five-star review. Were really excited when we receive feedback from our customers, whether good or bad, because it allows us to gauge how we are doing in our goal of keeping our customers fully satisfied. Rest assured that we will continue to do our best to provide our customers with the best eco-friendly products for their pets. To date, this particular compostable poop bag from Pogi's Pet Supplies has received almost 850 customer reviews and has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

Pogis compostable poop bags are certified to be backyard compostable. This means that they can be composed at home since they are plant-based and contain zero plastic. Specifically, they have been certified to be in compliance with ASTM D6400, which are the standard US specifications for solid material biodegradation by composting, a requisite for the labelling of plastics designed to be aerobically composted in industrial or municipal facilities.

As previously announced, the bags are also certified compostable by European standards. Specifically, they have been certified under the European Bioplastics Standard EN 13432 for products made of compostable materials. The bags have also been certified under the TUV Rheinland Standard AS 5810 for plant-based materials suitable for home composting.

In addition, even the packaging is sustainable; the cardboard cores and the rest of the packaging are all made from recycled materials. The box is also easy to open, each bag detaches smoothly from the roll, and the opening is clearly marked. The rolls are fragrance free, fit inside all standard sized dispensers, and are estimated to provide more than six months supply of compostable poop bags. Besides the 32-roll variant, the compostable poop bags are also available in 9 rolls for a total of 135 bags or 18 rolls for a total of 270 bags.

The founders of Pogi's Pet Supplies wanted to offer the best products for pets while also ensuring that the items were eco-friendly. They got their inspiration from their pet dog Pogi. The products can be obtained via a one-time purchase or through a subscription, which can easily be set up. The first step is to determine the product to buy. The next step is to indicate how frequently the deliveries will be made - once a month, every two months, every three months, and so on. Each subscription order enjoys a 10% discount.

Those who would like to know more about Pogis pet products can visit the companys Amazon store: https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/0552F1EB-7F25-4EA0-85BE-FB22F5D9101F.

###

For more information about Pogi's Pet Supplies, contact the company here:



Pogi's Pet Supplies

Dar Ghafourpour

+852-9300-3570

dar@pogis.com
Maranello (Italy), June 16, 2022  Ferrari N.V. (NYSE/EXM: RACE) (Ferrari or the Company) will host today its Capital Markets Day in Maranello (Italy).

A live webcast will be available on the Companys corporate website, commencing today at 9:00 a.m. BST / 10:00 a.m. CEST / 4:00 a.m. EDT. The webcast details and the presentation delivered during the event will be available in the Investors section of the Ferrari corporate website ( https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/corporate/capital-markets-day-2022 ). For those unable to participate in the live session, a replay will remain archived on the corporate website.

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Dublin, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Vietnam Telecom Market, By Type, By Service Type, By Equipment, By Deployment, By Application, By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2017-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Vietnam Telecom market is anticipated to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period. The market growth can be attributed to the rising penetration of smartphones and increasing demand for fixed broadband subscribers.

Growing demand for high-speed connectivity by the customers and increasing spending on the deployment of 5G infrastructure are anticipated to positively influence the growth of the Vietnam Telecom market.

A shift in consumers' preferences for the adoption of next-generation technologies and the growing need for real-time data from customers are supporting the growth of the Vietnam Telecom market in the forecast period.

The rising adoption of smartphone devices and rising demand for high-speed data connectivity are some of the factors driving the growth of the Vietnam Telecom market during the forecast period. Rapid urbanization practices and better living standards are creating a greater need for faster internet connectivity, which is anticipated to propel the growth of the Vietnam Telecom market.

An increasing number of mobile subscribers and expanding demand for value-added managed services are other factors fueling the growth of the Vietnam Telecom market. Continued technological advancements leading to better broadband connectivity and a growing number of OTT solution providers that offer video, audio, and other content over the internet are driving the growth of the Vietnam Telecom market.

Furthermore, increased use of IP networks, sophisticated business intelligence technologies, and the emergence of key players in the telecom market is also propelling the growth of the Vietnam Telecom market.



Vietnam Telecom market is segmented into type, service type, equipment, deployment, application, regional distribution, and company. Based on deployment, the market is divided into on-premises and cloud. The cloud segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. The rapid transition of organizations to work from remote locations and the growing need for digital transformation are aiding the dominance of the cloud segment.

Objective of the Study:

To analyze the historical growth in the market size of Vietnam Telecom market from 2017 to 2021.

To estimate and forecast the market size of Vietnam Telecom market from 2022E to 2027F and growth rate until 2027F.

To classify and forecast Vietnam Telecom market based on type, service type, equipment, deployment, application, regional distribution, and company.

To identify dominant region or segment in the Vietnam Telecom market.

To identify drivers and challenges for Vietnam Telecom market.

To examine competitive developments such as expansions, new services, mergers & acquisitions, etc., in Vietnam Telecom market.

To identify and analyze the profile of leading players operating in Vietnam Telecom market.

To identify key sustainable strategies adopted by market players in Vietnam Telecom market.

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in Vietnam Telecom market.

AT&T

EVNTelecom

Viettel Group

Vietnam Mobile Telecom Services

Vinaphone

Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group

GTel Mobile JSC

FPT Corporation

NamVietNet Telecommunication Service Joint Stock Company

Saigon Post and Telecommunications Services Corporation

SaoBacDau Technologies

NetNam

VMG Media JSC

VTC Telecommunications JSC

METUB Network

Key Topics Covered:



1. Service Overview



2. Research Methodology



3. Executive Summary



4. Impact of COVID-19 on Vietnam Telecom Market



5. Voice of Customers

5.1. Commonly used Telecom service providers

5.2. Factors while choosing Telecom Services

5.3. Customer Satisfaction Level

5.4. Challenges faced while opting Telecom services



6. Vietnam Telecom Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.1.1. By Value

6.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.2.1. By Type (Wireless Telecommunication Carriers, Wired Telecommunication Carriers, Communication Hardware, Satellite and Telecommunication Resellers)

6.2.2. By Service Type (Managed Data Center, Managed Network Services, Managed Data & Information Services, Managed Mobility Services, Managed Communications Services and Managed Security Services)

6.2.3. By Equipment (Networking Equipment, Transmitting Device, End Point Device)

6.2.4. By Deployment (On-Premises, Cloud)

6.2.5. By Application (Household, Commercial)

6.2.6. By Region (North Vietnam, Central Vietnam, South Vietnam)

6.2.7. By top 10 Provinces

6.2.8. By Company (2021)

6.3. Market Attractiveness Index



7. North Vietnam Telecom Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.1.1. By Value

7.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.2.1. By Type

7.2.2. By Service Type

7.2.3. By Equipment

7.2.4. By Deployment

7.2.5. By Application



8. Central Vietnam Telecom Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.1.1. By Value

8.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.2.1. By Type

8.2.2. By Service Type

8.2.3. By Equipment

8.2.4. By Deployment

8.2.5. By Application



9. South Vietnam Telecom Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.1.1. By Value

9.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.2.1. By Type

9.2.2. By Service Type

9.2.3. By Equipment

9.2.4. By Deployment

9.2.5. By Application



10. Market Dynamics

10.1. Drivers

10.2. Challenges



11. Market Trends & Developments



12. Policy & Regulatory Landscape



13. Competitive Landscape

13.1. Competition Outlook

13.2. Company Profiles



14. Strategic Recommendations

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9nss9y
Dublin, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Rodenticides Market - Forecasts from 2022 to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Rodenticides market was valued at US$1,004.70 million in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.45% over the forecast period to reach a total market size of US$1,363.04 million by 2027.



The term "rodenticide" refers to pesticides used to control rodents such as mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks, woodchucks, and others that cause crop damage, food contamination, disease transmission, and economic damage. Thousands of dollars' worth of food is wasted every year due to rodent infestations as well as violations of housing codes across the globe.

Aside from that, they leave dirt in food and spread bacteria. India reports food grain losses ranging from 2.4 million tonnes per year to 26 million tonnes per year caused by rodents.

A rapidly growing rodent population is a prime reason behind the increase in transmittable diseases like plague, hantavirus, and Lassa fever, which, in turn, affect the ecosystem, wildlife, and humans. Commercial, residential, and industrial facilities have started using rodent control products to get rid of these pests.



Various pest control agencies use rodenticides widely in order to reduce rodent populations in the cities. Due to this, rodent-resistant products are in demand across the country. A growing population worldwide has resulted in an increased demand for grains, and the need for more food storage capacity has resulted in a growing concern over food security, driving rodenticide markets worldwide. A United Nations report says that number will rise to 8.6 billion by 2030, 9.8 billion by 2050, and 11.2 billion by 2100. Demand, however, is likely to be restricted by concerns about the use of chemicals and their harmful effects on humans and other living creatures. Because of this, product applications are highly regulated under stringent laws.



Growth Factors:

Economic Losses and Growing Concern over Diseases

Rodents are increasing in numbers continuously. In the United States, 30 percent of all food, worth $483 billion, is thrown away each year. A remarkable number of rats are adapted to eating human food and reproduce rapidly. Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) can have up to 12 pups in a litter if sufficient food is available. (Source: UNEP and thecounter.org). Consequently, food waste also contributes to the population increase of rodents.

It is expected that rodent populations will increase in temperate areas due to climate change. This could pose a higher risk of human disease transmission in urban areas, particularly as a result of human contact with rodents. The damage rats cause to crops is estimated to be 3-5% in developing countries and more than 1% in developed countries. (knowledgebank.irri.org). This leads to diseases such as the plague, Lassa fever, and Hantavirus infections that can affect humans, animals, and the environment.

As a result, rodenticides are heavily used in rodent control products in industrial, commercial, and residential settings. Rodenticides are being launched by companies to combat this problem. The 19th China Animal Husbandry Expo will be held in Nanchang, Jiangxi, in May 2021.

BASF launched its new rodent bait for livestock farmers, Lei Miao rat bait. By using Lei Miao rodent bait, livestock producers are able to combat even the worst rats and mice infestations while saving valuable time and money. Alphachloralose is a new rodenticide used to control mice in homes and buildings. The EPA invited public comments in October 2019 regarding its proposal to register it. The active ingredient in the new rodenticide alphachloralose is significantly less toxic to humans than most rodenticide alternatives.



Restraints

The Government ban and stringent regulations

The market has suffered from a number of stringent regulations and a subsequent recommendation to ban rodenticides. The consumption of poisoned carcasses by birds of prey and other scavenger species is a leading cause of the deaths of these species. Additionally, rodenticide exposure exposes humans to intoxication risks. In 2013, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) restricted the sale of long-acting anticoagulant (LAA) rodenticides such as Brodifacoum and Bromadiolone.

In addition, the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) enforces rules that apply to most rodenticides across Europe, which spawned the Rodenticide Stewardship Regime that is to be observed by the rodenticide companies and pest control companies. According to the Office for National Statistics (UK) and HM Revenue and Customs, UK rodenticide exports from EU and non-EU markets declined significantly from US$43.66 million in 2013 to US$4.7 million in 2018. This is expected to impact the demand-supply ratio and pricing of rodenticides used, thereby restricting the market's growth.



COVID-19's Influence on the Rodenticides Market:

As a result of government-imposed lockdowns across many regions, the supply chain has been disrupted. Despite relatively stable demand, there is a limited supply of the product available to distributors and retailers, which leads to the product being unable to reach consumers. Labor shortages and reduced raw material supplies are major issues due to the restrictions on people and vehicles. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many restaurants and other businesses have closed, which has led to rats walking the streets during the daytime, despite their normal nocturnal habits. During the pandemic, rodenticides are likely to see increased demand due to these factors.



Key Topics Covered:



1. INTRODUCTION



2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY



3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



4. MARKET DYNAMICS

4.1. Market Drivers

4.2. Market Restraints

4.3. Porters Five Forces Analysis

4.3.1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers

4.3.2. Bargaining Powers of Buyers

4.3.3. Threat of Substitutes

4.3.4. Threat of New Entrants

4.3.5. Competitive Rivalry in Industry

4.4. Industry Value Chain Analysis



5. RODENTICIDES MARKET, BY TYPE

5.1. Introduction

5.2. Anticoagulant

5.3. Non-Anticoagulant



6. RODENTICIDES MARKET, BY PRODUCT

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Pellets

6.3. Blocks

6.4. Powder and Spray



7. RODENTICIDES MARKET, BY END-USERS

7.1. Introduction

7.2. Pest Control Companies

7.3. Warehouses

7.4. Household

7.5. Agriculture



8. RODENTICIDES MARKET, BY GEOGRAPHY



9. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT AND ANALYSIS

9.1. Major Players and Strategy Analysis

9.2. Emerging Players and Market Lucrativeness

9.3. Mergers, Acquisition, Agreements, and Collaborations

9.4. Vendor Competitiveness Matrix



10. COMPANY PROFILES

10.1. BASF SE

10.2. Bayer AG

10.3. Neogen Corporation

10.4. Liphatech, Inc.

10.5. Impex Europe sl

10.6. Bell Labs

10.7. Ecoclear Products

10.8. Syngenta

10.9. SenesTech, Inc

10.10. JT Eaton



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9t5gt9

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New York, US, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a comprehensive research report by Market Research Future (MRFR),  Marine Engine Market Analysis by Power, by Application (Commercial Vessels, Offshore Support Vessels), by Fuel and By Region - Forecast till 2028 valuation is poised to reach USD 17.23 Billion by 2028, registering a 4.82% CAGR throughout the forecast period (20212028).

Marine Engine Market Overview

The global marine engines market is estimated to witness a rapid revenue rise. Continually growing maritime operations create a significant need for increasing numbers of ships and goods-carrying vessels.

Marine Engine Market Report Scope:

Report Metric Details Market Size USD 17.23 Billion (2028) CAGR 4.82% (2021-2028) Base Year 2020 Forecast Period 2021-2028 Historical Data 2019 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Power, Application and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW) Key Vendors Caterpillar Inc. (US), GE Transportation (US), Cummins Inc. (US), Man Diesel & Turbo Se (Germany), Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG (Germany), Wartsila Corp (Finland), Brunswick Corporation (US), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Japan), AB Volvo (Sweden), Scania AB (Sweden), Yanmar Co., Ltd. (Japan), John Deere (US), Dresser-Rand Group, Inc. (US), Daihatsu Diesel MFG. Co. Ltd. (Japan), and Deutz AG (Germany) Key Market Opportunities Rising demand for double fuel motors Key Market Drivers Growth in international marine freight transport

Get Free Sample PDF Brochure

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1988

Rapid economic growth and excessive demand for various commercial vessels have spurred the marine engine market growth. Approved & certified OEM service providers substantiate market growth. Marine engine sales are growing with the increasing production of major cargo & cruise ships, commercial & small-scale fishing ships, military & government boats, modern auxiliary ships, landing crafts, patrol boats, and several search-and-rescue vessels.

Additionally, with their favorable government policies for engine manufacturing, emerging regions worldwide present untapped opportunities for market players. Currently, many researches are ongoing to develop next-generation solutions to enable engine manufacturers to significantly shorten the production timeline for new vessels and ensure visibility on the supply of fast crew boats and crew transfer vessels.

Marine Engine Market Segments

The market is segmented into power, fuels, applications, and regions. The power segment is sub-segmented into Up to 1000 HP, 1001 HP to 5000 HP, 5001 HP to 10000 HP, 10001 HP to 20000 HP, and Above 20,000 HP. Among these, the 1001 HP to 5000 HP segment accounts for the largest market share due to the rise in manufacturing small and medium-sized vessels.

The fuel segment is sub-segmented into heavy fuel, intermediate fuel, marine diesel, marine gas, and other fuels. Among these, the heavy fuel segment accounts for the largest market share due to the vast availability of these fuels.

The application segment is sub-segmented into commercial, offshore support, and other vessels. Of these, the commercial vessel segment accounts for the largest market share due to the rise in commercial sea-borne activities and the commercial shipbuilding industry. The region segment is sub-segmented into Europe, Asia Pacific, Americas, and rest-of-the-world.

Browse In-depth Market Research Report (188 Pages) on Marine Engine Market:

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/marine-engine-market-1988

Marine Engine Market Regional Analysis

The Asia Pacific region dominates the global marine engines market. Growing shipbuilding and maritime activities, especially in Japan, South Korea, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, drive the marine engines market growth. These countries offer lucrative opportunities to marine engine manufacturers to explore and expand their operations across the region.

Moreover, increasing investments in developing technologically advanced engines and cargo & cruise ships boost the region's marine engines market shares. Besides, the strong presence of major industry players and massive availability due to the rising oil & gas activities increase the region's marine engines market size.

Industry Trends

The marine engines market outlook appears promising, witnessing continually growing maritime operations. As the COVID 19-led complications subdue a little, maritime trades and industrial operations are increasing again, impacting the market demand. The market is rapidly returning to normalcy as various business & industrial activities and marine trades are gradually picking up.

Considering growing opportunities, engine manufacturers are forming strategic partnerships with major financing partners involved in the refinancing and the shareholders. Major industry players are also investing substantially in developing innovative products and improving the efficiencies of their existing product lines. All these factors are boosting the marine engine market value.

Ask To Expert:

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/ask_for_schedule_call/1988

Moreover, rapid & excessive growth in marine trades worldwide is a major driving force behind the rising marine engines market value globally. Product standardization and enhanced research & innovation are significant trends in marine engine market growth. Substantial R&D investments made by industry players in developing efficient engines influence the market shares.

Growing initiatives to test the feasibility and performance of commercially viable alternatives to traditional fuels for line-haul rail and marine vessels positively impact the market growth. Emission regulations in the marine sector are becoming ever more stringent. The rising adoption of flexible engine technology towards achieving compliance with greenhouse gas targets offers significant growth opportunities.

Marine Engine Market Competitive Analysis

Dominant Key Players in Marine Engine Market Covered are:

Caterpillar Inc. (US)

GE Transportation (US)

Cummins Inc. (US)

Man Diesel & Turbo Se (Germany)

Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG (Germany)

Wartsila Corp (Finland)

Brunswick Corporation (US)

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (Japan)

AB Volvo (Sweden)

Scania AB (Sweden)

Yanmar Co. Ltd. (Japan)

John Deere (US)

Dresser-Rand Group Inc. (US)

Daihatsu Diesel MFG. Co. Ltd. (Japan)

Deutz AG (Germany)

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The marine engines market is witnessing several strategic approaches, such as mergers & acquisitions, collaboration, expansions, and product launches. Key market players are investing strategically in research and development activities and fostering their expansion plans.

For instance, recently, on June 15, 2022, Winterthur Gas and Diesel (WinGD) announced a collaboration with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) engine machinery division to develop a two-stroke engine that can run using ammonia. The project aims at exploring ammonia concepts for dual-fuel liquefied natural gas (LNG) X-DF engines and diesel-fuelled WinGD X-type engines.

Ammonia is a hydrogen-based zero-carbon fuel produced with no greenhouse gas emissions using renewable electricity. Ammonia is likely to play a causal role in the decarburization of deep-sea shipping space, which faces limited options of net-zero carbon fuels with the required energy density for feasible onboard storage.

The development of emissions reduction, fuel supply, and relevant safety solutions for ammonia engines with a focus on the local market. The collaboration will open growth opportunities for all-new two-stroke engine technology applicable to many cargo vessels. The companies aim to deliver their first engine by 2025, aligning with WinGD's previously announced plan to bring an ammonia engine to market.

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New York, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Artificial Intelligence For IT Operations Platform Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Offering, By Application, By Deployment Mode, By Organization Size, By Vertical, By Region And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06251026/?utm_source=GNW



Artificial Intelligence For IT Operations Platform Market Growth & Trends



The global artificial intelligence for IT operations platform market size is expected to reach USD 33.82 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 17.7%. Rapid digital transformations in global business organizations have brought about increasingly complex datasets. Businesses spend a significant amount of time, cost, and effort on processing large volumes of data. IT operations are also on the edge of this transformation, wherein IT teams are required to manage complex datasets to sustain their business. Besides, there has been a considerable increase in data loads over the last few years due to the distributed architecture and dynamic nature of business applications and services.



With the increasing IT agility requirement, the artificial intelligence for IT operations (AIOps) platform has emerged as a way for IT operations teams to keep up with business demands, trends, and aggressive digitization of IT infrastructure.AIOps platform refers to the AI platform for IT operations that combines human intelligence with automated algorithms to provide full visibility into IT systems performance.



For instance, in March 2022, HCL Technologies, a leading global technology company, announced a center of excellence in collaboration with IBM. This Center of Excellence will assist CSPs in modernizing their network infrastructure, simplifying operations, and transforming service delivery.



The COVID-19 outbreak has created significant challenges and uncertainties for several businesses.AIOps platform can align with the industries, operating in the digital environment amid such a challenging era of business infrastructural transformations.



The increasing digital transformation during the pandemic has led to various challenges concerning user experience, security, and the downfall of the industries. Organizations are restructuring operational infrastructure as security-related vulnerabilities in the digital environment have increased, significantly.



Under such highly dynamic circumstances, the AIOps platform helps businesses to take vigilant security measures.For instance, security teams can benefit from AIOps for cybersecurity, where they can gain data security visibility and intelligence.



These devices can perform various vital tasks, such as surveillance, threat response, and engagement.



The adoption of cloud computing has been increasing rapidly in recent years. Cloud-hosting services such as Microsoft Azure (Microsoft), AWS (Amazon Web Services, Inc.), and Google Cloud (Alphabet Inc.) appeal to many enterprises, owing to features such as the ability to scale up or down based on usage, pay-per-use, self-service, and high resiliency. These advantages, in turn, lead to lower IT expenditure, better service quality, and faster time-to-market than traditional IT offerings.



AIOps solutions enable new IT operations efficiencies by offering centralized visibility across all environments, which helps diagnose and resolve IT issues, faster. For instance, in February 2022, Deloitte, a consulting and advisory services company, has announced the launch of AIOPS.D. This "AI-fueled, plug-and-play modular" micro-services platform automates business functions such as procurement, supply chain, and finance.



Artificial Intelligence For IT Operations Platform Market Report Highlights

 Organizations are deploying AIOps platforms specifically for real-time analytics and network & security management

 Most AIOps platforms focus on providing enriched company data over data about individuals, called intent data. Intent data is collected behavioral information about an individuals online or digital activities

 The rising adoption of machine learning for infrastructure management in IT environments is one of the major factors driving the market growth

 Key players are leveraging AI and machine learning technologies to improve resilience and enhance productivity in IT operations

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06251026/?utm_source=GNW



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ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



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Dublin, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Retread Tire Market (2022 Edition) - Analysis By Product Type, Vehicle, Retread Process, By Region, By Country: Market Insights and Forecast with Impact of COVID-19 (2022-2027)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Global Retread Tire Market was valued at USD 9.38 Billion in the year 2021. The rising demand for cost-effective and economical tires, growing logistics market, and rising demand for retread tires in light commercial vehicles are driving the growth of the market. Also, retread tire is environment friendly and technologically developed which is seen as an opportunity for market investments. The Retread Tire market is growing due to growth in commercial vehicle sales and usage in a large number of upcoming construction projects and mining activities coupled up with the availability of retread tires at effective prices.



Based on the Product segment, Radial retread tire is expected to hold the largest share in Retread Tire Market. This is due to an increase in the number of buses and a rise in demand for medium transportation buses worldwide. In addition, as technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the transportation and logistics sector has witnessed consistent developments over the past couple of decades.



The Asia Pacific had the highest retread tire demand in 2021 and it is expected to remain the largest consumer base for the next few years. High demand is attributable to the growing construction sector, infrastructural investments and government initiatives in various countries, including China and India. Additionally, demand for retread tires is increasing in the commercial vehicle sector generating numerous opportunities for manufacturers and distributors in the retread tire market.



Furthermore, ever-expanding automotive markets in Europe and China are further opening a window of opportunities for retread tire manufacturers in these regions. Moreover, leading tire manufacturers in the automobile industry are introducing techniques to develop retread tires that are fairly similar to their original tire in terms of quality. In recent years, increasing demand for retread tires in the motorsport industry has encouraged leading market players to launch retread tires with unique characteristics.



Scope of the Report

The report analyses the Retread Tire Market by value (USD Billion).

The report analyses the Retread Tire Market by Product (Radial, Bias).

The report analyses the Retread Tire Market by Vehicle (Passenger Vehicles, Commercial Vehicle, OTR (Off the Road)).

The report analyses the Retread Tire Market by Retread Process (Hot Process, Cold Process).

The Retread Tire Market has been analysed by countries (United States, Canada, Brazil, United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany, China, Japan, India, South Korea).

Also, the attractiveness of the market has been presented by region, by Product Type, by Vehicle, and by Retread Process.

Also, the major opportunities, trends, drivers and challenges of the industry has been analysed in the report.

The report tracks competitive developments, strategies, mergers and acquisitions and new product development. The companies analysed in the report include Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Bridgestone Corporation, Michelin, Continental AG, Pirelli, Hankook Tire, Sumitomo Rubber Technologies, Nokian Tyers, Kal Tires, Oliver rubber.

The report presents the analysis of Retread Tire market for the historical period of 2017-2021 and the forecast period of 2022-2027.

Key Topics Covered:



1. Report Scope and Methodology



2. Strategic Recommendations



3. Global Retread Tire Market: Product Overview



4. Global Retread Tire Market: An Analysis

4.1. Global Retread Tire Market

4.2. Market Size, By Value, 2017-2027

4.3 Global Retread Tire Market: Growth and Forecast

4.4 Impact of COVID-19 on Global Retread Tire Market



5. Global Retread Tire Market: Segmental Analysis

5.1 Global Retread Tire Market Segmentation, By Product Type

5.2 Competitive Positioning of Retread Tire Market: By Product Type (2021 & 2027)

5.3 By Radial, By Value (USD Billion), 2017-2027

5.4 By Bias, By Value (USD Billion), 2017-2027



6. Global Retread Tire Market: Segment Analysis

6.1 Global Retread Tire Market Segmentation, By Vehicle

6.2 Competitive Positioning of Global Retread Tire Market, By Vehicle (2021 & 2027)

6.3 By Passenger Vehicle, By value (USD Billion), 2017-2027

6.4 By Commercial Vehicle, By Value (USD Billion), 2017-2027

6.5 By OTR (Off The Road), By value (USD Billion), 2017-2027



7. Global Retread Tire Market: Segment Analysis

7.1 Global Retread Tire Market Segmentation, By Retread process

7.2 Competitive Positioning of Global Retread Tire Market, By Retread Process (2021 & 2027)

7.3 By Hot Process, By value (USD Billion), 2017-2027

7.4 By Cold Process, By Value (USD Billion), 2017-2027



8. Global Retread Tire Market: Regional Analysis



9. Americas Retread Tire Market: An Analysis (2017-2027)



10. Europe Retread Tire Market: An Analysis (2017-2027)



11. Asia-Pacific Retread Tire Market: An Analysis (2017-2027)



12. Middle East and Africa Retread Tire Market: An Analysis (2017-2027)

13. Global Retread Tire Market Dynamics

13.1 Global Retread Tire Market Drivers

13.2 Global Retread Tire Market Restraints

13.3 Global Retread Tire Market Trends



14. Market Attractiveness and Strategic Analysis

14.1 Market Attractiveness Chart of Global Retread Tire Market - By Product Type (Year 2027)

14.2 Market Attractiveness Chart of Global Retread Tire Market - By Vehicle (Year 2027)

14.3 Market Attractiveness Chart of Global Retread Tire Market - By Retread Process (Year 2027)

14.4 Market Attractiveness Chart of Global Retread Tire Market - By Region (Year 2027)



15. Competitive Landscape

15.1 Recent Developments

15.2 Market Share of global leading companies



16. Company Profiles (Business Description, Financial Analysis, Business Strategy)

16.1 Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

16.2 Bridgestone Corporation

16.3 Michelin

16.4 Continental AG

16.5 Pirelli

16.6 Hankook Tire

16.7 Sumitomo Rubber Industries

16.8 Nokian Tyres

16.9 Kal Tires

16.10 Oliver Rubber



17. About the Publisher



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ynabuo

Attachment
Dublin, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Endocrine Testing Product Market, by Product Type, by Technology, by Test Type, by Disease Indication, by End User and by Region - Size, Share, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2022 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Market players are engaged in launching new products for endocrine testing products, this is expected to increase the growth of the global endocrine testing products, over the forecast period. For instance, in July 2018, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics launched VITROS XT 7600 Integrated System, at the 2018 American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo, held in U.S. It has applications in cardiology, infectious diseases, and endocrinology.



Key players are focusing on inorganic activities such as partnerships, this is expected to increase the growth of the global endocrine testing products market, over the forecast period. For instance, in 2020, Hackensack Meridian Health, an integrated health care network in New Jersey, U.S. and Quest Diagnostics, entered into a partnership, in order to increase the quality and value of diagnostic services provided to patients and their doctors. Under the partnership agreement, Quest Diagnostics will look after all the laboratory operations and also perform reference testing for around 11 Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals under the long-term full laboratory management partnership agreement.



Moreover, in 2016, Sysmex Corporation and Siemens Healthcare Laboratory Diagnostics extended their partnership through the year 2020. Both the companies are indulged in supply, distributorship, and sales and partnership agreement for hemostasis products including analyzers.



Key features of the study:

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the global endocrine testing products market, provides market size (US$ Million), and compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) for the forecast period (2022-2030), considering 2021 as the base year

It elucidates potential revenue opportunities across different segments and explains attractive investment proposition matrix for this market

This study also provides key insights about market drivers, restraints, opportunities, new product launches or approval, regional outlook, and competitive strategies adopted by the leading players

It profiles leading players in the global endocrine testing products market based on the following parameters - company overview, financial performance, product portfolio, geographical presence, distribution strategies, key developments and strategies, and future plans

Insights from this report would allow marketers and the management authorities of the companies to make informed decision regarding their future product launch, technology up-gradation, market expansion, and marketing tactics

The global endocrine testing products market report caters to various stakeholders in this industry including investors, suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, new entrants, and financial analysts

Stakeholders would have ease in decision-making through various strategy matrices used in analyzing the global endocrine testing products market

Company Profiles

Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

Company Overview

Product Portfolio

Financial Performance

Recent Highlights

Strategies

Abbott Laboratories

Agilent Technologies

BioMerieux S.A.

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

Siemens Healthineers

Danaher Corporation

DiaSorin S.p.A.

Immunodiagnostic Systems

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LabCorp)

Fujirebio, Inc.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Quest Diagnostics

Sysmex Corporation

MP Biomedicals

Ortho Clinical Diagnostics

Meridian Life Science, Inc.

Detailed Segmentation:

Global Endocrine Testing Products Market, By Product Type:

Instruments/Analyzers

Consumables

Global Endocrine Testing Products Market, By Technology:

Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Immunoassay

Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibody

Electrochemical/Biosensor (Sensor)

Clinical Chemistry

Global Endocrine Testing Products Market, By Test Type:

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Calcitonin

Calcium

Cortisol

Catecholamine

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S)

Estradiol

Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Growth Hormone

Luteinizing Hormone

Prolactin

Progesterone

Testosterone

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

Vitamin D

Others

Global Endocrine Testing Products Market, By Disease Indication:

Adrenal Insufficiency and Addison Disease

Bone Disorders

Cancer (Tumor)

Infertility

Renal Diseases

Metabolic (Including Diabetes) and Gastrointestinal Disorders

Pituitary Disorders

Thyroid Disease

Others

Global Endocrine Testing Products Market, By End User:

Hospitals & Clinics

Diagnostic Laboratories

Satellite Laboratories

Commercial Labs

Home Care Settings

Ambulatory Care Centers

Global Endocrine Testing Products Market, By Region:

North America

U.S.

Canada

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Argentina

Rest of Latin America

Europe

U.K.

Germany

Italy

Spain

France

Russia

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

Australia

India

China

Japan

ASEAN

South Korea

Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle East

GCC

Israel

Rest of Middle East

Africa

South Africa

Central Africa

North Africa

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4358i6





Attachment
CHICAGO, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading real-time supply chain visibility platform FourKites today announced that it has outpaced its annual growth targets in the European, Middle Eastern and African (EMEA) markets, achieving 148% growth in shipments over the last 12 months. The number of customers tracking loads with FourKites in EMEA has grown by 59% in the last 12 months, while the number of carriers tracking shipments has grown by 55% in the same period.



Over the last year, weve invested heavily in Europe  in our team, our partners, our products and our customers. Todays complex supply chains require global, end-to-end visibility, and the region is vital to global trade, says FourKites CEO and founder, Mathew Elenjickal. Were seeing that investment reflected by our accelerated growth metrics over the last year.

Some of FourKites most recent customer additions in the region include Barilla Group, Beyond Meat, Cardinal Health, Haworth, LyondellBasell, McCain Foods, Roehm, Rove Concepts and Yamaha Motors.

Local investment pays off

In January 2022, FourKites acquired German supply chain visibility provider NIC-place , the market leader in supply chain visibility software solutions specifically designed for transport companies, carriers and logistics service providers. The acquisition created the largest multimodal carrier network in Europe, serving global shippers with the most comprehensive end-to-end global supply chain visibility platform.

In addition, over the last few months, FourKites has been investing in its local teams with seasoned industry veterans to build the infrastructure needed to support its growing European network. Recent senior-level hires include:

Jeroen Peijnenburg, Enterprise Account Director, Southern Europe, will lead FourKites supply chain visibility operations across the region. He has spent several years in leadership positions within global, asset-owning carriers and logistics service providers.





Nicu Ciontea, Carrier Manager, based in Amsterdam, will increase carrier support across Europe. Until recently, Nicu led the carrier sales team at CH Robinson in Amsterdam.





Nicholas Mellings, Enterprise Account Director EMEA will lead FourKites UK Sales team. Nicholas brings 30 years of experience in the transport and logistics industry, and spent the last five years working for Transporeon.





Katja van Trigt, Senior Director Talent & Development EMEA, comes to FourKites with an enviable record having worked at American Express, Bausch & Lomb and Infoblox.



New offices

FourKites continued building its European presence with the addition of new offices. The company has opened a larger European headquarters in Amsterdam; a new office in Munich serving the pivotal German market; and has increased its presence in Poland to serve the Eastern European carrier market.

To support our growing network of European shippers and carriers, we have taken the steps necessary to ensure we have a strong local presence, with highly specialized knowledge of the European market, added Elenjickal. Europe is rapidly seizing the benefits of supply chain visibility. European businesses are finding that FourKites approach is a natural fit with their current needs, and that synergy is whats creating more transparency, collaboration and resilience in global supply chains.

Digitization is an important step in Dows journey toward the implementation of an end-to-end supply chain visibility strategy, said Kevin Nielen, Logistics Leader, Dow Chemical. Our strategic partnership with FourKites enables us to digitize and move away from a manual way of working to an integrated technology platform workflow.

About FourKites

Leading global supply chain visibility platform FourKites extends visibility beyond transportation into yards, warehouses, stores and beyond. Tracking more than 2.5 million shipments daily across road, rail, ocean, air, parcel and courier, and reaching more than 200 countries, FourKites combines real-time data and powerful machine learning to help companies digitise their end-to-end supply chains. More than 1,000 of the worlds most recognised brands  including 9 of the top-10 CPG and 18 of the top-20 food and beverage companies  trust FourKites to transform their business and create more agile, efficient and sustainable supply chains. To learn more, visit https://www.fourkites.com/ .

Media Contacts

Marianna Vyridi

Big Valley Marketing for FourKites

(650) 468-3263

mvyridi@bigvalley.co

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6519424a-dab9-4be6-a176-7d929381a6fc

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/23c7d695-b94b-47ac-8bce-f3cab342db3a
English French

Monarch has received additional high-grade assays from its 2021-2022 underground drilling program in the Q Zone, which include 122.0 g/t Au over 1.4 m, 20.74 g/t Au over 3.3 m, 83.2 g/t Au over 0.5 m and 18.87 g/t Au over 1.2 m.

These results are from the underground drilling program currently being carried out in the lower and upper parts of the mine, with a focus on the Q Zone.

MONTREAL, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MONARCH MINING CORPORATION (Monarch or the Corporation) (TSX: GBAR) (OTCQX: GBARF) is pleased to announce additional results from its 2021-2022 underground drilling program on its wholly-owned Beaufor Mine gold project, located 20 kilometres east of Val-dOr, Quebec. The recently received results are from the Q Zone located in the lower level of the Beaufor mine, and include 122.0 g/t Au over 1.4 m, 20.74 g/t Au over 3.3 m, 83.2 g/t Au over 0.5 m and 18.87 g/t Au over 1.2 m. The Q Zone has been mined through much of Beaufors recent history and has proven to be both continuous along strike and at depth and of considerable width. Other holes drilled in the area throughout 2021 and 2022 also returned positive results. These holes have been incorporated into the new geological model, which includes all recent and historical data and is based on BBAs geological interpretation as seen in their 2021 NI 43-101-compliant resource estimate. These positive results have encouraged Monarch to continue drilling the Q Zone at depth, while strategically extending holes to reach the deeper R and S zones, which have yet to be mined.

The Beaufor Mine initially began commercial production in the early 1930s and over the years has produced over 1.1 million ounces of gold. In June 2020, the Corporation initiated a 42,500-metre diamond drilling program to test two types of targets: the areas around historical high-grade intersections near the existing underground infrastructure, and isolated resource blocks, which are typically defined by a single drill intersection. Both of these near-mine targets can often be tested from the existing underground workings, generally by holes less than 200 metres long. However, the depth and position of newer targets has required Monarch to drill longer holes with underground electric drill rigs and, as a result, exploration drifts for diamond drilling are being developed to allow deeper drilling and optimal interception angles and reduce overall exploration costs. Since June 2020, 335 holes totalling 54,723 metres have been drilled during the exploration and definition drilling programs. Given the positive results, additional holes are now being drilled to allow the zones in question to be converted into reserves and included in a future mine plan. Monarch is continuing to drill, with five drill rigs underground.

Underground development and rehabilitation are ongoing in the W and 350 zones, which are easily accessible from the surface ramp located 100 metres from the main Beaufor shaft, and presently extends to a vertical depth of 180 metres.

This underground drilling program continues to return very encouraging results, said Jean-Marc Lacoste, President and Chief Executive Officer of Monarch. We are pleased to have confirmed the high-grade nature and significant width of the Q Zone to the west. Additional drilling will definitely focus on expanding this zone.

Drill results are obtained by sawing the drill core into equal halves along its main axis and shipping one of the halves to ALS Canada in Val-dOr, Quebec, or AGAT Laboratories in Mississauga, Ontario, for assaying. The samples are crushed, pulverized and assayed by fire assay, with atomic absorption finish. Samples exceeding 10 g/t Au are re-assayed using the gravity method and samples containing visible gold are assayed using the metallic screen method. Monarch uses a comprehensive QA/QC protocol, including the insertion of standards, blanks and duplicates.

The technical and scientific content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Christian Tessier, P.Geo., the Corporations qualified person under National Instrument 43-101.

About Beaufor

The Beaufor Mine is located within the Bourlamaque Batholith at the eastern contact with the Dubuisson Formation. The Bourlamaque Batholith, a synvolcanic intrusion, is a major geological feature of the Val-dOr mining camp. It is a quartziferous granodiorite cut by fine-grained diorite dykes. Gold mineralization occurs in veins associated with shear zones dipping moderately south. Mineralization is associated with quartz-tourmaline-pyrite veins resulting from the filling of shear and extension fractures. Gold-bearing veins show a close association with mafic dykes intruding the granodiorite. A National Instrument 43-101 resource estimate for the Beaufor Mine property was prepared for Monarch Mining and amended on October 13, 2021 by Charlotte Athurion, P. Geo., Pierre-Luc Richard, P. Geo., and Dario Evangelista, P. Eng., BBA Inc. The mineral resource estimate is listed in the table below.

Table 1: 2021 mineral resource estimate for the Beaufor Mine

Category Tonnage (t) Grade (g/t Au) Ounces Au (oz) Measured 328,500 5.7 59,900 Indicated 956,400 5.2 159,300 Total Measured and Indicated 1,284,900 5.3 219,200 Inferred 818,900 4.7 122,500

Mineral resource estimate notes:

The independent qualified person for the 2021 MRE, as defined by National Instrument (NI) 43-101 guidelines, is Charlotte Athurion, P.Geo., of BBA Inc. The effective date of this MRE is July 23, 2021. These mineral resources are not mineral reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability. The mineral resource estimate follows CIM definitions (2014) for mineral resources. Results are presented diluted and considered to have reasonable prospects for economic extraction. Isolated and discontinuous blocks above the stated cut-off grades are excluded from the mineral resource estimate. Must-take material, i.e. isolated blocks below cut-off grade located within a potentially mineable volume, was included in the mineral resource statement. The resources include 166 mineralized zones with a minimum true thickness of 2.4 m using the grade of the adjacent material when assayed or a value of 0.00025 when not assayed. High-grade capping varies from 20 to 65 g/t Au (when required) and was applied to composited assay grades for interpolation using an Ordinary Kriging interpolation method (ID2 for 96_01, 96_02, 20 zones, 21_01, 140, 367 and 350 zones) based on 1.5 m composite and block size of 5 m x 5 m x 5 m, with bulk density values of 2.75 (g/cm3). A second capping was applied for the second and third passes in order to restrict high-grade impact at greater distance. Inferred Mineral Resources were defined for blocks within the units that have been informed by a minimum of two drillholes within 50 m of a drillhole (100 m of drill spacing); Indicated Mineral Resources were defined for blocks within the units that have been informed by a minimum of three drillholes within 12.5 m of a drillhole (25 m of drill spacing); Measured Mineral Resources were defined for blocks within the units that have been informed by a minimum of three drillholes within 5 m of a drillholes (10 m of drill spacing) or 3 m around voids. Measured Mineral Resources were only defined for zones with a good reliability of the geological continuity or supported by underground workings. The estimate is reported for potential underground scenario at cut-off grades of 2.8 g/t Au (>=45 degree dip) and 3.2 g/t Au (<45 degree dip). The cut-off grades were calculated using a gold price of US$1,550 per ounce, a USD:CAD exchange rate of 1.32 (resulting in C$1,914 per ounce gold price); mining cost C$125/t (>=45 degree dip); C$150/t (<45 degree dip); processing cost C$35/t; G&A C$16/t; metallurgical recovery of 97%; royalties of US$37.52 per ounce; and refining and transport cost of US$1.50 per ounce. The number of metric tonnes and ounces were rounded to the nearest hundred and the metal contents are presented in troy ounces (tonne x grade/31.10348). Rounding may result in apparent summation differences between tonnes, grades and contained metals content. BBA Inc. is not aware of any known environmental, permitting, legal, title-related, taxation, socio-political or marketing issues, or any other relevant issues not reported in this Report that could materially affect the mineral resource estimate.





About Monarch

Monarch Mining Corporation (TSX: GBAR) (OTCQX: GBARF) is a fully integrated mining company that owns four projects, including the Beaufor Mine, which has produced more than 1 million ounces of gold over the last 30 years. Other assets include the Croinor Gold, McKenzie Break and Swanson properties, all located near Monarchs wholly owned 750 tpd Beacon Mill. Monarch owns 29,504 hectares (295 km2) of mining assets in the prolific Abitibi mining camp that host a combined measured and indicated gold resource of 478,982 ounces and a combined inferred resource of 383,393 ounces.

Forward-Looking Statements

The forward-looking statements in this press release involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Monarchs actual results, performance and achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied therein. Neither TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Jean-Marc Lacoste 1-888-994-4465 President and Chief Executive Officer jm.lacoste@monarchmining.com Mathieu Seguin 1-888-994-4465 Vice President, Corporate Development m.seguin@monarchmining.com Elisabeth Tremblay 1-888-994-4465 Senior Geologist  Communications Specialist e.tremblay@monarchmining.com





www.monarchmining.com





Table 2: Beaufor Mine assay results and significant intervals (underground drill holes)

Hole From (m) To (m) Width (m)* Au (g/t) BEU-21-30-023 39.7 41 1.3 10.70 BEU-21-30-023 66 67.4 1.4 122.00 BEU-21-30-023 77.2 78.3 1.1 7.31 BEU-21-30-033 110.5 112.6 2.1 4.80 BEU-21-30-038 221.5 224.2 2.7 1.37 BEU-21-30-038 222.9 223.4 0.5 7.11 BEU-21-30-038 234.1 234.6 0.5 1.26 BEU-21-30-039 58.2 58.7 0.5 5.06 BEU-21-30-039 151.9 152.4 0.5 83.20 BEU-21-30-040 227.5 228.1 0.6 3.53 BEU-21-30-041 224.5 225.64 1.1 5.23 BEU-21-30-053 72.9 74.1 1.2 3.70 BEU-21-30-053 77 77.5 0.5 4.47 BEU-21-30-064 99.5 102 2.5 1.86 BEU-21-30-065 86.4 89.2 2.8 0.25 BEU-21-30-070 27.6 30 2.4 1.27 BEU-21-30-070 56.4 58.5 2.1 1.49 BEU-21-30-086 10 12 2.0 1.76 BEU-21-30-087 147.7 150 2.3 0.08 BEU-21-30-088 34.4 36.55 2.2 9.69 BEU-21-30-088 38 42.3 4.3 6.67 BEU-21-30-088 101.8 105.05 3.3 20.74 BEU-21-30-088 133.55 134.25 0.7 3.20 BEU-21-30-088 135.6 136.1 0.5 3.32 BEU-21-30-088 144 145 1.0 9.96 BEU-21-30-090 123 125.7 2.7 5.30 BEU-21-30-091 30.9 32 1.1 6.37 BEU-21-30-091 104.9 105.7 0.8 17.60 BEU-21-30-091 127 129 2.0 2.98 BEU-22-30-045 217.3 217.8 0.5 11.90 BEU-22-30-119 70.5 71.3 0.8 2.88 BEU-22-30-126 5.8 6.3 0.5 0.01 BEU-22-30-128 18.5 19.7 1.2 18.87

*The width shown is the core length. The true width is taken into account in the mineral resource estimate.





Table 3: Beaufor Mine drill hole location

Hole Mine_E (m) Mine_N (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth () Dip () Length (m) BEU-21-30-023 2050 3310 2163 3 -21 85.0 BEU-21-30-033 1942 3194 2344 319 -46 259.0 BEU-21-30-038 1942 3194 2344 329 -56 234.0 BEU-21-30-039 1942 3194 2344 336 -39 238.0 BEU-21-30-040 1942 3194 2344 339 -59 228.0 BEU-21-30-041 1942 3194 2344 340 -52 225.0 BEU-21-30-053 2275 3182 2148 312 -67 74.0 BEU-21-30-064 2050 3310 2163 9 -5 98.0 BEU-21-30-065 2050 3310 2163 15 -15 87.0 BEU-21-30-070 2115 3349 2172 341 -12 58.0 BEU-21-30-086 2171 3341 2148 331 -53 21.0 BEU-21-30-087 2231 3381 2220 147 41 131.0 BEU-21-30-088 2231 3381 2220 157 38 124.0 BEU-21-30-090 2231 3381 2220 167 58 100.0 BEU-21-30-091 2251 3372 2222 151 55 111.0 BEU-22-30-045 1942 3194 2344 348 -46 225.0 BEU-22-30-118 2048 3358 2179 335 -13 72.0 BEU-22-30-119 2048 3358 2179 347 -17 70.0 BEU-22-30-126 2214 3345 2159 37 -10 7.0 BEU-22-30-128 2214 3345 2159 1 23 32.0 BEU-22-30-129 2214 3345 2159 68 10 17.0









Table 4: Monarch combined gold resources

Mineral resource estimates Tonnes

(metric) Grade

(g/t Au) Ounces Beaufor Mine1 Measured Resources 328,500 5.7 59,900 Indicated Resources 956,400 5.2 159,300 Total Measured and Indicated 1,284,900 5.3 219,200 Total Inferred 818,900 4.7 122,500 McKenzie Break2 In-pit Total Indicated 1,441,377 1.80 83,305 Total Inferred 2,243,562 1.44 104,038 Underground Total Indicated 387,720 5.03 62,677 Total Inferred 1,083,503 4.21 146,555 Swanson3 In-pit Total Indicated 1,864,000 1.76 105,400 Total Inferred 29,000 2.46 2,300 Underground Total Indicated 91,000 2.86 8,400 Total Inferred 87,000 2.87 8,000 TOTAL COMBINED4

Measured and Indicated Resources

Inferred Resources 478,982

383,393 1 Source: NI 43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate for the Beaufor Mine Project, October 13, 2021, Val-dOr, Quebec, Canada, Charlotte Athurion, P. Geo., Pierre-Luc Richard, P. Geo., and Dario Evangelista, P. Eng., BBA Inc.

2 Source: NI 43-101 Technical Evaluation Report on the McKenzie Break Property, October 14, 2021, Val-dOr, Quebec, Canada, Alain-Jean Beauregard, P.Geo., Daniel Gaudreault, P.Eng., of Geologica Groupe-Conseil Inc., and Merouane Rachidi, P.Geo., Claude Duplessis, P.Eng., of GoldMinds GeoServices Inc.

3 Source: NI 43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate for the Swanson Project, January 22, 2021, Val-dOr, Quebec, Canada, Christine Beausoleil, P. Geo. and Alain Carrier, P. Geo., InnovExplo Inc.

4 Numbers may not add due to rounding.





Historical mineral resource estimate Tonnes

(metric) Grade

(g/t Au) Ounces Croinor Gold1,2 Measured Resources 80,100 8.44 21,700 Indicated Resources 724,500 9.20 214,300 Total Measured and Indicated 804,600 9.12 236,000 Total Inferred 160,800 7.42 38,400 1 Source: Monarch Gold prefeasibility study (January 19, 2018). This resource was completed for Monarch Gold and has not been reviewed by a qualified person for Monarch Mining as required under National Instrument 43-101 and is thus considered as an historical estimate. Furthermore, a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves; and therefore, Monarch is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves.

2 Numbers may not add due to rounding.








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TORONTO, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Water Ways Technologies Inc. (TSXV: WWT) (FRA: WWT) ("Water Ways" or the "Company"), a global provider of Israeli-based agriculture technology, providing water irrigation solutions to agricultural producers, announces that its Israeli subsidiary, Irri-Al-Tal Ltd., has signed a representation and distribution agreement in the Asian country of Georgia. According to the agreement the Georgian company will receive exclusive right to sell Water Ways' products and projects in Georgia and will promote the brand "WWT Georgia".

Ohad Haber, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "We are expanding our business and brand to other countries in Asia following our success in Uzbekistan. After the Covid supply crisis many governments in the region are supporting local agriculture and we will market our smart irrigation technology as part of these efforts in Georgia."

About Water Ways Technologies Inc.

WWT through its subsidiaries, is a global provider of Israeli-based agriculture technology, providing water irrigation solutions to agricultural producers. WWT competes in the global irrigation water systems market with a focus on developing solutions with commercial applications in the micro and precision irrigation segments of the overall market. At present, WWTs main revenue streams are derived from the following business units: (i) Projects Business Unit; and (ii) Component and Equipment Sales Unit. WWT is capitalizing on the opportunities presented by micro and smart irrigation, while also making a positive mark on society by making these technologies more widely available, especially in developing markets such as Africa and Latin America and developed markets such as China and Canada. WWTs irrigation projects include vineyards, Cotton fields, Apple and Orange orchards, Blueberry, Medical Cannabis growers, fresh produce cooling rooms and more, in over fifteen countries.

For more information, please contact

Ronnie Jaegermann Dor Sneh Dr. Eva Reuter Director CFO Investor Relations - Germany T: +972-54-4202054 T: +972-54-6512500 +49 69 1532 5857 E: ronnie@waterwt.com E: dor@irri-altal.com E: e.reuter@dr-reuter.eu

https://www.water-ways-technologies.com/

https://www.hg-wwt.com/

Twitter: @WaterWaysTechn1

Neither the 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.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. The words "may", "would", "could", "should", "potential", "will", "seek", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to Water Ways Technologies Inc. (Water Ways). All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Such statements reflect Water Ways' current views and intentions with respect to future events, and current information available to Water Ways, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Material factors or assumptions were applied in providing forward-looking information. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information to vary from those described herein should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize. Should any factor affect Water Ways in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, Water Ways does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and Water Ways undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law. Water Ways' results and forward-looking information and calculations may be affected by fluctuations in exchange rates and its own share prices. All figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Dublin, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Dodecanedioic Acid Market - Size, Share, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2022-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Dodecanedioic acid is a chemical compound made from butadiene through a chemical reaction in multiple stages. Butadiene is first transformed into a cyclotrimerisation cycle into cyclododecatriene. It is then transformed to dodecanedioic acid by process of hydrogenation led by air exposure to a combination of ethanol and ketone in the existence of boric acid at high temperatures. In the final step, this mixture is oxidized further by nitric acid.

A new yeast-based method for generating dodecanedioic acid is being developed. This would be a low-cost method. Dodecanedioic acid is a solid with a slight odour at room temperature. It is utilized in the production of compounds like polyester.

There are no consumer applications for the chemical. It is employed in the manufacture of toothbrushes, cosmetics, adhesives, coatings, paints, lubricants, automotive parts, fragrances, pharmaceuticals, fuel line tubing, etc. The chemical also has laboratory usages. Dodecanedioic acid is used as a raw material for synthetic musk fragrances and a variety of organic synthesis processes. It is also used as a rust preventive agent in cutting oil.



In addition, rise in automotive industry across the globe is driving the global dodecanedioic acid market growth. For instance, according to a data published by India Brand Equity Foundation, an Indian Government export promotion agency, in December 2021, Indian automotive industry (including component manufacturing) is expected to reach Rs. 16.16-18.18 trillion (US$ 251.4-282.8 billion) by 2026.



Market Dynamics

Bio-based DDDA is predicted to replace a significant part of the demand for and use of petroleum-derived DDDA in the forthcoming years. Nonetheless, resin production is expected to remain the main application area for bio-DDDA in the forecast period. The rise of the U.S. and Canada as textile centers is expected to accelerate the penetration of resin production bases, resulting in profitable potential for dodecanedioic acid.



Furthermore, increase in demand for zero volatile organic compounds paints is expected to offer lucrative growth opportunities to the market players over the forecast period.



For instance, according to data published by the American Coatings Association (ACA), a voluntary, nonprofit trade association, in February 2020, the Asia Pacific region represents 53% of the volume and 47% of the value of the global coatings industry. China represents 60% of the entire coatings volume of APAC, which is clearly the most important coatings producer and user in the region, with India (18% of regional volume) being the second.



The market in Europe is expected to grow significantly throughout the forecast period owing to growing powder coatings production in economies such as Russia, Italy, etc. Europe is a prominent region for the dodecanedioic acid market. An increase in the use of dodecanedioic acid in nylon, engineering plastics, and painting materials is contributing to the market growth in Germany.



Key features of the study:

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the global dodecanedioic acid market, and provides market size (US$ Million and Kilotons) and compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) for the forecast period (2022-2030), considering 2021 as the base year

It elucidates potential revenue opportunity across different segments and explains attractive investment proposition matrix for this market

This study also provides key insights about market drivers, restraints, opportunities, new product launches or approvals, regional outlook, and competitive strategies adopted by key players

It profiles key players in the global dodecanedioic acid market based on the following parameters - company overview, financial performance, product portfolio, geographical presence, distribution strategies, key developments and strategies, and future plans

Key companies covered as a part of this study include BEYO Chemical Co., Ltd., Cathay Biotech Inc., Chemceed, Evonik Industries AG, Haihang Industry, Selleck Chemicals, Serena Chemicals, TCI Chemicals (India) Pvt. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., and UBE Industries, Ltd.

Insights from this report would allow marketers and management authorities of companies to make informed decision regarding future product launches, technology up gradation, market expansion, and marketing tactics

The global dodecanedioic acid market report caters to various stakeholders in this industry including investors, suppliers, extruded aluminum profiles manufacturers, distributors, new entrants, and financial analysts

Stakeholders would have ease in decision-making through various strategy matrices used in analyzing the global dodecanedioic acid market

Key Topics Covered:



1. Research Objectives and Assumptions

Research Objectives

Assumptions

Abbreviations

2. Market Purview

Report Description

Market Definition and Scope

Executive Summary

Market Snippet, By Application

Market Snippet, By Country/Region

Opportunity Map

3. Market Dynamics, Regulations, and Trends Analysis

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Restraints

PEST Analysis

PORTER's Five Forces Analysis

Market Opportunities

Regulatory Scenario

Key Developments

Market Trends

Market Attractiveness Analysis

Market Opportunity Assessment

4. Global Dodecanedioic Acid Market - Impact of Coronavirus (Covid-19)Pandemic

Overview

Factors Affecting Global Dodecanedioic Acid Market - COVID-19

Impact Analysis

5. Global Dodecanedioic Acid Market, By Application, 2017-2030 (US$ Mn & KT)

Introduction

Market Share Analysis, 2021, 2025, and 2030(%)

Y-o-Y Growth Analysis, 2022 - 2030

Segment Trends

Resins

Introduction

Market Size and Forecast, and Y-o-Y Growth, 2022 - 2030, (US$ Mn & KT)

Powder Coatings

Introduction

Market Size and Forecast, and Y-o-Y Growth, 2022 - 2030, (US$ Mn & KT)

Adhesives

Introduction

Market Size and Forecast, and Y-o-Y Growth, 2022 - 2030, (US$ Mn & KT)

Lubricants

Introduction

Market Size and Forecast, and Y-o-Y Growth, 2022 - 2030, (US$ Mn & KT)

Others (Pharmaceutical, Fragrance, etc.)

Introduction

Market Size and Forecast, and Y-o-Y Growth, 2022 - 2030, (US$ Mn & KT)

6. Global Dodecanedioic Acid Market, By Region, 2017-2030 (US$ Mn & KT)

Introduction

Market Share Analysis, By Region 2021, 2025, and 2030(%)

Y-o-Y Growth Analysis, For Region 2022 - 2030

North America

Market Share Analysis, By Country, 2021, 2025 and 2030(%)

Y-o-Y Growth Analysis, By Country, 2022 - 2030

Market Size and Forecast, By Application, 2017 - 2030 (US$ Mn & KT)

By Country

U.S.

Canada

Latin America

Market Share Analysis, By Country, 2021, 2025 and 2030(%)

Y-o-Y Growth Analysis, By Country, 2022 - 2030

Market Size and Forecast, By Application, 2017 - 2030 (US$ Mn & KT)

By Country

Brazil

Argentina

Mexico

Rest of Latin America

Europe

Market Share Analysis, By Country, 2021, 2025 and 2030(%)

Y-o-Y Growth Analysis, By Country, 2022 - 2030

Market Size and Forecast, By Application, 2017 - 2030 (US$ Mn & KT)

By Country

U.K.

Germany

France

Italy

Spain

Russia

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

Market Share Analysis, By Country, 2021, 2025 and 2030(%)

Y-o-Y Growth Analysis, By Country, 2022 - 2030

Market Size and Forecast, By Application, 2017 - 2030 (US$ Mn & KT)

By Country

China

India

Japan

South Korea

ASEAN

Australia

Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle East

Market Share Analysis, By Country, 2021, 2025 and 2030(%)

Y-o-Y Growth Analysis, By Country, 2022 - 2030

Market Size and Forecast, By Application, 2017 - 2030 (US$ Mn & KT)

By Country

GCC

Rest of Middle East

Africa

Market Share Analysis, By Country, 2021, 2025 and 2030(%)

Y-o-Y Growth Analysis, By Country, 2022 - 2030

Market Size and Forecast, By Application, 2017 - 2030 (US$ Mn & KT)

By Country/Region

Northern Africa

Central Africa

South Africa

7. Competitive Landscape

Heat Map Analysis

Market Share Analysis

Company Profiles

BEYO Chemical Co., Ltd.

Company Overview

Key Developments

Product Portfolio

Recent Developments/Updates

Cathay Biotech Inc.

Company Overview

Key Developments

Product Portfolio

Recent Developments/Updates

Chemceed

Company Overview

Key Developments

Product Portfolio

Recent Developments/Updates

Evonik Industries AG

Company Overview

Key Developments

Product Portfolio

Recent Developments/Updates

Haihang Industry

Company Overview

Key Developments

Product Portfolio

Recent Developments/Updates

Selleck Chemicals

Company Overview

Key Developments

Product Portfolio

Recent Developments/Updates

Serena Chemicals

Company Overview

Key Developments

Product Portfolio

Recent Developments/Updates

TCI Chemicals (India) Pvt. Ltd.

Company Overview

Key Developments

Product Portfolio

Recent Developments/Updates

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Company Overview

Key Developments

Product Portfolio

Recent Developments/Updates

UBE Industries, Ltd.

Company Overview

Key Developments

Product Portfolio

Recent Developments/Updates

8. Section

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/5w9gv

Attachment
Phase 2 ready assets transform Bioasis into a clinical stage company with a multi-asset pipeline focused on rare and orphan drug indications

Unique approach to neurodegeneration targeting remyelination

Initial indications Chronic Inflammatory Degenerative Polyneuropathy, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and Multiple Sclerosis related Optic Neuritis

Complements Bioasis differentiated xB3TM platform for delivering therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier

NEW HAVEN, Conn., U.S.A., June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BIOASIS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (TSXV:BTI.V; OTCQB:BIOAF), (the Company or Bioasis) a biopharmaceutical company developing its proprietary xB3TM platform technology for the delivery of therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier (the BBB) announced today that it has entered into an asset purchase agreement with the owners (the Sellers) of Cresence AS of Oslo, Norway.

This transaction is transformational for Bioasis, bringing Phase 2 ready assets aligned with our focus in rare disease and orphan drug indications. EGF1-48 comes with a full IND package and clinical experience indicating that it is safe and well tolerated in humans. The molecule has a unique dual mechanism of action, stimulating myelination and downregulating neuroinflammation, thus offering neuroprotective properties that support development in Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Chronic Inflammatory Degenerative Polyneuropathy and certain clinical manifestations related to onset and/or progression of multiple sclerosis including optic neuritis and relapses of the disease, said Dr. Deborah Rathjen, Executive Chair of Bioasis.

This transaction follows a number of recent partnering deals, with a growing list of pharmaceutical and biotechnology collaborations already established for our xB3TM technology, Dr Rathjen added.

The transfer of these assets to Bioasis will speed up the development of EGF therapeutics for the treatment of certain rare neurodegenerative disorders, Professor Francois Curtin, co-founder and Vice-Chairman of the Cresence Board observed.

We are thrilled by this agreement with Bioasis as it will progress the development of new therapeutic solutions based on EGF peptides for the treatment of rare neurodegenerative disorders where there is still significant unmet medical need. In addition, the combination of Bioasis xB3TM platform with our EGF technology is anticipated to improve the brain delivery of our neurotherapeutic molecules, he added.

Professor Ferdinando Nicoletti, Cresence CSO and co-founder, added, We believe that adding our EGF technology to the Bioasis platform will create new synergies allowing rapid development of innovative drugs in neurology. We expect these synergies will ultimately lead to tailored delivery of our molecules to the central nervous system and possibly broaden the therapeutic areas of their application within immunoinflammatory and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system.

Members of the Cresence team have entered into consultancy agreements with Bioasis and will be involved in preparations for the Phase 2 clinical trials of EGF1-48.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Company purchased all right, title and interest in the intellectual property owned by the Sellers related to their epidermal growth factor (EGF) platform. The Company believes that such EGF assets could be key in treatment of Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, among other indications.

The addition of this key intellectual property provides Bioasis a Phase 2 clinical stage ready molecule that is synergistic with Bioasis existing technology and therapeutic areas of interest. It is also providing the Company with a chance to complete rapid proof of concept clinical trials in multiple rare and orphan indications.

In exchange for this intellectual property, Bioasis has agreed to issue 6.5 million common shares to the Sellers upon completion of the transaction as well as up to an additional 6.0 million common shares subject to the achievement of additional milestones as follows: 3.0 million shares are issuable to the Sellers upon the Companys initiation of a pivotal clinical trial in the U.S. for the first product and 3.0 million shares are issuable to the Sellers upon the U.S. FDA approval of any Bioasis application for the first product. Milestone payments of US$1.0 million each will be made upon attaining the second and third FDA approved indication in neurology for a product. A running royalty of 1% of net sales is payable for any product until the expiration of a specified royalty period.

The Sellers have agreed that they will not sell any of the common shares issued to them for a period of two years from the closing of the transaction. Thereafter, sales will be subject to certain volume limitations.

The transaction and the issuance and listing of the shares issuable to the Sellers remains subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.

You are invited to the Bioasis Technologies Inc. Zoom webinar.



When: June 20, 2022, 11:00 Pacific Time (US and Canada)

How: Register in advance for this webinar by accessing the link below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_o-mm84T0RX6MWTIhIqrCWQ After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.





On behalf of the Board of Directors of Bioasis Technologies Inc.



Deborah Rathjen, Ph.D., Chair & Chief Executive Officer

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About Bioasis

Bioasis Technologies Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company developing the xB3TM platform, a proprietary technology for the delivery of therapeutics across the BBB and the treatment of CNS disorders in areas of high unmet medical need. The delivery of therapeutics across the BBB represents the final frontier in treating neurological disorders. Bioasis internal pipeline programs are focused on treatments for certain brain cancers and rare diseases, including Gauchers Disease Type II, neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinsons disease and Lewy Body Dementia and neuroinflammatory conditions including pain, epilepsy and Multiple Sclerosis. Bioasis trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol BTI.V and on the OTCQB under the symbol BIOAF. For more information about the Company, please visit www.bioasis.us.

About Cresence

Cresence AS, Oslo, Norway, is a private company dedicated to the discovery and development of neuropeptides, in particular EGF derivatives, which have the potential to treat rare neurodegenerative disorders where there is a high unmet medical need.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation that may not be based on historical fact along with other statements containing the words believe, may, plan, will, estimate, continue, anticipate, intend, expect and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements or information include statements regarding the Companys proposed acquisition of EGF related intellectual property and the potential benefits that the Company expects to receive from its ownership of such assets and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, events or developments, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, events or developments express or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such factors include, among others, our stage of development, lack of any product revenues, additional capital requirements, risk associated with the completion of clinical trials and obtaining regulatory approval to market our products, the ability to protect our intellectual property, dependence on collaborative partners and the prospects for negotiating additional corporate collaborations or licensing arrangements and their timing. Specifically, certain risks and uncertainties that could cause such actual events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from any future events or results expressed or implied by such statements and information include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties that: products that we develop may not succeed in preclinical or clinical trials, or future products in our targeted corporate objectives; our future operating results are uncertain and likely to fluctuate; we may not be able to raise additional capital; we may not be successful in establishing additional corporate collaborations or licensing arrangements; we may not be able to establish marketing and the costs of launching our products may be greater than anticipated; we have no experience in commercial manufacturing; we may face unknown risks related to intellectual property matters; we face increased competition from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies; and other factors as described in detail in our filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedar.com. Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements and information, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All forward-looking statements and information made herein are based on our current expectations and we undertake no obligation to revise or update such forward-looking statements and information to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as 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.

Contacts:

Bioasis Contact:

Deborah Rathjen, Ph.D., Executive Chair & Chief Executive Officer

deborah@bioasis.us

+1 203 533 7082

Cresence Contact:

Francois Curtin, MD, Vice-Chairman & acting Chief Executive Officer

francoiscurtin@bluemail.ch

+41 78 936 50 85

Bioasis Investor Contact:

Graeme Dick

Colwell Capital Corp.

graeme@colwellcapital.com

+1 403 561 8989
HOPEWELL JUNCTION, N.Y., June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- eMagin Corporation (NYSE American: EMAN), a leader in the development, design and manufacture of high-resolution OLED microdisplays for AR/VR and other near-eye imaging products, today announced it has been awarded a $2.5 million contract from the U.S. Army for a high-brightness, full-color OLED microdisplay prototype project, including manufacturing process technologies. The prototype will be used in AR systems that provide both sensor and tactical data to soldiers, thereby enhancing situational awareness and mobility in a range of military applications.



We are honored that the Department of Defense has recognized eMagins OLED manufacturing and technical capabilities and appreciate the grant award, which will support our continuing efforts to provide a U.S. supply chain solution for these critical military components, said Andrew Sculley, CEO of eMagin Corporation. eMagin is the sole U.S. manufacturer of OLED microdisplays and we have proudly supplied to U.S. defense programs of record since 2006.

This project will support the governments need to secure a U.S. source for a high-performance microdisplay that provides high brightness and exceptional visual acuity with high information content, even in bright daylight conditions," said Amal Ghosh, eMagins chief operating officer. We will further improve the efficiency, brightness and lifetime of our proprietary direct-patterned, full-color OLED microdisplays by incorporating additional technological advancements.

As part of this project, eMagin will deliver high-brightness color OLED microdisplay prototypes for testing and evaluation within 24 months. It is anticipated that upon the successful completion of the prototype, a follow-on production agreement may be issued without the need for a competitive process.

About eMagin

eMagin is the leader in OLED microdisplay technology, enabling the visualization of digital information and imagery for world-class customers in the military, consumer, medical and industrial markets. The Company invents, engineers, and manufactures display technologies of the future and is the only manufacturer of OLED displays in the United States. eMagin's Direct Patterning Technology (dPd) will transform the way the world consumes information. Since 2001, eMagin's microdisplays have been used in AR/VR, aircraft helmets, heads-up display systems, thermal scopes, night vision goggles, future weapon systems and a variety of other applications. For more information, please visit www.emagin.com.

Important Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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, including those regarding eMagin Corporation's expectations, intentions, strategies and beliefs pertaining to future events or future financial performance. Actual events or results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including those described in the Company's most recent filings with the SEC. For a more complete description of the risk factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our current expectations, including impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, please see the section entitled "Risk Factors" in eMagin's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, and in any Form 10-Q filed or to be filed by eMagin, and in other documents we file with the SEC from time to time.

Contact:

eMagin Corporation

Mark Koch, Chief Financial Officer

845-838-7900

investorrelations@emagin.com

Sharon Merrill Associates, Inc.

Nicholas Manganaro

617-542-5300

eman@investorrelations.com
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QUEBEC CITY, Quebec., June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The unveiling of a new provincial memorial monument, etched with the names of 48 Quebecers killed in impaired driving crashes, will take place on Monday, June 20, 2022.



Families will join MADD Canada to unveil the Quebec Provincial Memorial and light candles in honour of their loved ones.



Media are invited to attend the unveiling ceremony:



Date & Time: Monday, June 20, 2022 at 11 a.m. Location: Parc de lAmerique latine, Jean-Lesage Blvd., Quebec City Special Guests: Sylvain Levesque, Member for Chauveau, Deputy Government Whip Dawn Regan, COO and Interim CEO, MADD Canada

MADD Canadas Provincial Monuments give victims families and friends a special place to remember and pay tribute to their loved ones. The Quebec Memorial consists of three columns set on a broken line to represent a broken road and the broken lives of those touched by impaired driving. The names of the victims will be etched on the translucent columns.

MADD Canada thanks the Commission de la capitale nationale du Quebec for its support in creating this special monument.

MADD Canada also recognizes the families who played such a crucial role in the installation of the monument. Odette Lachance and Eric Dion worked tirelessly to have this monument created in memory of Thomas Ratte  Odettes son and Erics godson  who was killed by an impaired driver in 2018. Additionally, the Lemieux, Fletcher and Fortin families organized a fundraiser in memory of Shellie Fletcher-Lemieux, Emma Lemieux, Jackson Fortin, and James Fletcher, who were all killed in a horrific impaired driving crash in Beauport in 2021. The funds raised are being used for Victim Services in Quebec and for the annual ceremonies that will be held at the Provincial Memorial.
New York, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Contact Lenses Market Research Report by Model, Design, Material, Color Variation, Application, Distribution Channel, Region - Global Forecast to 2027 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06259555/?utm_source=GNW



The Global Contact Lenses Market size was estimated at USD 7,686.51 million in 2021 and expected to reach USD 8,317.57 million in 2022, and is projected to grow at a CAGR 8.38% to reach USD 12,462.14 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 Contact Lenses to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets:



Based on Model, the market was studied across Daily Wear Contact Lenses, Extended Wear Contact Lenses, and Traditional Contact Lenses.



Based on Design, the market was studied across Cosmetic Contact Lenses, Monovision Contact Lenses, Multifocal Contact Lenses, and Spherical Contact Lenses.



Based on Material, the market was studied across Gas-Permeable Contact Lenses, Hybrid Contact Lenses, Polymethyl Methacrylate Contact Lenses, and Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses.



Based on Color Variation, the market was studied across Enhancers/Tinted Contact Lenses, Opaque Contact Lenses, and Visibility Tinted Contact Lenses.



Based on Application, the market was studied across Conventional Contact Lenses, Decorative Contact Lenses, and Orthokeratology Contact Lenses.



Based on Distribution Channel, the market was studied across E-Commerce, Hospitals & Clinics, and Retail Stores.



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 Contact Lenses 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 Contact Lenses 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 Contact Lenses Market, including Bausch Health Companies Inc., Benq Materials Corporation, Essilor International SA, Haohai Biological Technology, Himalaya Optical, Hoya Corporation, Hubble Contacts, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc., Menicon Co., Ltd., Novartis AG, Optical.com, Seed Co., Ltd., SynergEyes Inc., The Cooper Companies Inc, and Zeiss Group.



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 Contact Lenses Market?

2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Contact Lenses Market during the forecast period?

3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Contact Lenses Market?

4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Contact Lenses Market?

5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Contact Lenses Market?

6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Contact Lenses Market?

7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Contact Lenses Market?

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06259555/?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.



__________________________
Charleston, South Carolina, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Its amazing what can result from a small flash of inspiration. For Nicole Birnbaum, a rising senior at the College of Charleston whos majoring in communication, such a moment took place early in her freshman year. It was an epiphany that led to the creation of a successful commercial venture  FlipRings  and to her winning Student Entrepreneur of the Year for 2021-22.

Back in the fall of 2019, when the College was shuttered due to Hurricane Dorian, Birnbaum spent that week at home in New Jersey with her parents. Her father happened to have a black silicone ring that he used in place of his wedding band when working out or doing other activities. The younger Birnbaum wondered if rings like that were available in a range of colors.

I found myself playing with that thing, she recalls, because silicone is stretchy and its just fun to play with. That made me wonder if I could find the same product available in other colors. I went online, but couldnt find anything like that. At least it didnt appear that anyone was making and marketing such products to people my age. So, I started thinking, What if you could just have a ring with some fun, expressive words on it, kind of like those bracelets that used to be so popular a few years ago? Thats where it all started.

When Birnbaum refers to it all, shes being more than modest. Launched in the winter of 2020, her venture steadily gained popularity after the first models appeared. By the end of 2021, FlipRings had exceeded $500,000 in gross sales.

Our first model had the word coffee engraved on the outside and tequila on the inside, she explains. Flip rings, right? You can reverse them inside or out. I love graphic design and designing things in general, so at that stage, I was just playing around. Eventually, I found a supplier and ordered some samples. I showed those to the women who were my roommates, but I didnt tell them that I had created these things. They instantly loved the concept, and it just took off after that. The photos of them wearing the rings were the first elements of our marketing collateral for FlipRings.

Birnbaum, who partnered with her dad to get FlipRings off the ground, has made effective use of social media  primarily Instagram  to promote the rings. She now has over 36,000 followers on that platform and some 30-plus student ambassadors at universities across the U.S. And all the while, shes managed to keep a low profile.

Initially, I wanted to create a kind of community around FlipRings, she says, and I wanted to get it out there that the person behind this was 19. But I didnt really want people to know that it was me. So, I worked to make our Instagram presence personal and interactive. I think that was the right formula because were still doing really well with sales. And most of that is because our outreach speaks in the right tone to people my age. Essentially, what were offering is about self-expression and having fun, and I think that resonates.

Just as FlipRings was getting off the ground, Birnbaum set up an account with the e-commerce platform Shopify.

Thats right when a lot of people were spending a tremendous amount of time on the web because of the COVID-19 lockdown, she explains. The timing really helped a lot because the business just exploded at that point. I also think its important that my company puts a big emphasis on empowerment and moods. The whole idea is to help people show that moods change all the time, and thats OK. FlipRings help people express themselves through an accessory.

Last fall, to augment her business skills and pursue a minor in entrepreneurship, Birnbaum enrolled in the CofC course Introduction to Entrepreneurship. Over the initial weeks of that class, she grew to know the professor  David Wyman  fairly well. It was Wyman who recommended she enter the Colleges Student Entrepreneur of the Year competition.

I really wasnt interested, she recalls. When he told me that Id have to make a presentation in front of the judges and about 60 other people, I knew I didnt want to do it. I have anxiety around public speaking, but Dr. Wyman insisted. He said the experience would be good for me. And, he was right. I learned that I cant be nervous. I mean, FlipRings is my business and I know it thoroughly, so I just had to speak about it in a way that connected with the judges and the audience.

Ultimately, Birnbaums presentation prevailed and she won top honors in that annual competition, walking away with the $1,000 prize. But more valuable to her are the lessons she learned and the connections she made in the process.

Ive learned a lot by running my own business and finding ways to promote it, she says. The contest was another aspect of that learning journey. And Ive learned that there are lot of students at the College who are running small businesses. In fact, along with Billy Barlia and Oliva DeSisto (two other students in the Introduction to Entrepreneurship course), weve started a new club to support and encourage this  the Founders Club. Weve only been active since January, but weve got about 15 members and everyone seems keen to keep it going next year.

In the interim, Birnbaum will spend the summer dividing her time between Charleston and her home in New Jersey. Shell continue to manage FlipRings, but says she doesnt want to focus solely on that.

Ill also be doing a remote internship this summer, she offers. Its a creative consulting role with an advertising agency based in California. Ill help them with designs for events and ads for clients, doing things like picking color schemes and helping orchestrate events.

And, what about her future as an entrepreneur?

I dont really have a plan, Birnbaum says. I dont know if thats good or bad; Im just enjoying the moment. Im expanding to other products. Were now doing skull caps or flip beanies for winter and flip bucket hats for summer. But my business is so new. Its only been two years, and I just want to see where it can go. I can do whatever I want with this enterprise, and thats what I love about it.

Attachments
New York, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Temperature Sensor Market Research Report by Product Type, Connectivity, Technology, Output, End-user Industry, Region - Global Forecast to 2027 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06253543/?utm_source=GNW



The Global Temperature Sensor Market size was estimated at USD 6,970.51 million in 2021 and expected to reach USD 7,547.67 million in 2022, and is projected to grow at a CAGR 8.53% to reach USD 11,394.16 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 Temperature Sensor to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets:



Based on Product Type, the market was studied across Contact Temperature Sensors and Non-contact Temperature Sensors. The Contact Temperature Sensors is further studied across Bimetallic Temperature Sensors, Resistive Temperature Detectors, Temperature Sensor ICs, Thermistors, and Thermocouples. The Non-contact Temperature Sensors is further studied across Fiber Optic Temperature Sensors and Infrared Temperature Sensors.



Based on Connectivity, the market was studied across Wired and Wireless.



Based on Technology, the market was studied across Fiber Optic, Infrared, Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTD), Temperature Transmitters, Thermistor, and Thermocouple.



Based on Output, the market was studied across Analog and Digital.



Based on End-user Industry, the market was studied across Advanced Fuel, Aerospace & Defense, Agriculture, Automotive, Cement, Chemicals, Consumer Electronics, Energy & Power, Food & Beverages, Glass, Healthcare, Metals & Mining, Oil & Gas, Pulp & Paper, Telecommunications, and Water & Wastewater Treatment.



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 Temperature Sensor 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 Temperature Sensor 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 Temperature Sensor Market, including ABB Ltd, Denso Corporation, Endress+Hauser Management AG, Fluke Process Instruments GmbH, Gunther GmbH Temperaturmesstechnik, Hans Turck GmbH & Company KG, Infineon Technologies AG, Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, Melexis NV, Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., NXP Semiconductors N.V., Omron Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, Robert Bosch GmbH, Siemens AG, STMicroelectronics NV, TE Connectivity Ltd., Waters Corp., WIKA Instrument Corporation, and Yokogawa Electric 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 Temperature Sensor Market?

2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Temperature Sensor Market during the forecast period?

3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Temperature Sensor Market?

4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Temperature Sensor Market?

5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Temperature Sensor Market?

6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Temperature Sensor Market?

7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Temperature Sensor Market?

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06253543/?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.



__________________________
Los Angeles, California, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blackbird Collective, a flexible work and wellbeing membership space designed to connect and gather in community to support and advance women of color and their allies, will be opening its doors to a Juneteenth Grand Celebration on Sunday, June 19, 2022. From 2:00-8:00 PM PT, attendees can enjoy a suite of on-site offerings and activities ranging from panel discussions, curated art installations, gourmet food, rest and relaxation stations, DJ plus live music, and more. Special guests are slated to include Debra Lee, Yvette Nichole Brown, Iris Rideau, and Rick Garzon.

Born out of Founder and CEO Bridgid Coulter Cheadle's own experience looking for a location for her interior design business, she was drawn to spaces owned by women, but they were few and far between. Her exploration led her to create a niche space specifically designed to inspire women of color and their allies to propel their lives and careers.

Weve spent a great deal of time curating the Blackbird space to feel comfortable, empowering, and a reflection of our ethos as a business, says Coulter Cheadle. Were excited to open our doors to the community on Juneteenth and allow the world to experience that first-hand.

Throughout the event, attendees can hear from top industry professionals in a variety of sectors. Panel themes include female entrepreneurship, blockchain, women in media, and more. Other activities such as community acupuncture, planting activities, wine, and food tastings, and art installations will be available for all to enjoy.

Blackbirds flagship location houses an array of amenities such as a communal workspace, 6 private offices, conference rooms, a Flyness Podcast studio, the Nest main event stage, and the Seeds Cafe. Other features include smart guest check-in and security, a mothers room and shower, a meditation BirdLoft, outdoor terraces and patios, and several nooks and lounges to perch from. Digital Membership is $299/year or $35 per month. Floating Flagship Membership options are $195 per month and $495 per month. Private offices start at $2,500 per month.

To learn more, please visit www.blackbird.house. To RSVP to Blackbirds upcoming event, please visit here.

About Blackbird

Blackbird is a private hybrid digital and physical work + wellbeing community for ambitious women of color and allies to create positive social and economic change for each other and the world. Designed to create a community and gathering place that supports and advances women of color and their allies located in Culver City. Founded in 2018 by activist, entrepreneur, philanthropist and designer Bridgid Coulter Cheadle, Blackbird was established on four pillars: productivity, wellbeing, creativity and advocacy, which echoes throughout their extensive member programming and onsite vendors.

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INDIANAPOLIS, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Majestic Stone Imports is creating a new look for customers when they visit their redesigned website, which features a more user-friendly experience.

The new website features similar aspects of the old version but with a new, updated appearance. When visitors first open the new site, pictures and videos of residential and commercial projects the company has done are featured, as well as contact information for those wanting to get a project in their home done. Customers can also see a "Meet the Team" page, where all employees of Majestic Stone Imports will be featured, which is a new addition to the website.

"Our website was outdated. We're hoping that having more information, a new look to the website and having more pictures will be a better user experience," says Audrey Collier, account manager at Majestic Stone Imports. "Overall we want it to be easy for customers to navigate the website, find exactly what they're looking for and to be able to contact us."

Majestic Stone Imports is a stone fabrication and installation company and works on projects ranging from kitchen countertops, bathroom showers and vanities, basement bar tops and fireplace surrounds, and outdoor spaces.

Majestic Stone Imports lends a helping hand for those wanting to redo any countertop project in their home. The company currently offers stones such as granite, quartz, marble, soapstone, as well as quartzite, porcelain for customers to choose from.

To begin the process, customers visit Majestic Stone's warehouse and begin looking at the selection of materials they have. Once they choose the color and type of stone they want for their project, they have a professional team member go out to take measurements for the project. Majestic Stone Imports will then draw up a draft of the countertop design for the client to approve. After sending the customer a quote and having them approve the drawing, the slab of material is cut with a jet saw that Majestic Stone Imports has in the back of their warehouse. Finally, the material is polished and sent for installment by a trusted team of workers.

The whole process can vary depending on the time it takes, but usually customers can see their new countertops installed in about a month.

"It just depends on the schedule," Collier adds.

Visit Majestic Stone Imports online at majesticstoneimports.com, or visit them on social media at @majesticstone_ on Instagram, Majestic Stone Imports on Facebook, or their local listing on TownePost.com. You can give them a call today at 317-237-4400. The main facility is located at 1100 East Maryland Street in Indianapolis, IN. They also have a second location at 3126 Roanoke, Kansas City, MO.

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Image 1: Majestic Stone Imports





Majestic Stone Imports Countertop Fabricators









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ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, Md., June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Roger Hebden officially announced that Joseph Pruett will serve as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Livanta LLC ("Livanta"). After proudly serving in the United States Air Force during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Mr. Pruett joins Livanta with 25 years of experience serving in senior financial leadership positions, including CFO, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Controller, and Vice President of Finance, in both privately held and publicly traded businesses.

Mr. Pruett's responsibilities have included the direct oversight of financial and administrative functions, including board of director presentations, analyst communications, controllership functions, and human resources. His experience includes risk management, financial planning and analysis, and strategic planning. He also has significant experience managing mergers and acquisitions as well as supply chain management.

Mr. Hebden stated, "Mr. Pruett's contribution to Livanta's team includes leadership skills, industry knowledge, risk assessment, and significant experience in business growth. Livanta is pleased that Joe will oversee financial operations and help us continue to grow."

Mr. Pruett added, "I am honored to join Livanta and foresee exciting new opportunities in the firm's future." Envisioning Livanta's growth as a leading healthcare technology company, Mr. Pruett continued, "Through ensuring proper financial analysis and planning, Livanta can continue the important work we do for our present and future customers."

With broad experience in a range of companies, Mr. Pruett's extensive background includes start-up, small, and large businesses. He has worked for West Communications, QinetiQ (formerly Westar Aerospace & Development), and AT&T. During his time at these companies, Mr. Pruett gained significant mergers and acquisition experience, including fundraising, target selection, due diligence, and integration, as well as assisting his employers through initial public offerings, private placements, sell-side due diligence, and integrations.

Mr. Pruett is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of California State University, where he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a focus on accounting.

About Livanta LLC

Livanta LLC, established in 2004, is a privately held firm headquartered in Annapolis Junction, MD. Livanta's success lies in its team of knowledgeable professionals committed to providing excellent service and quality products powered by exceptional Information Technology (IT) solutions and data analytics.

CONTACT:

LNovak@Livanta.com

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Image 1: Joseph Pruett





Joseph Pruett









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NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP (Scott+Scott), a national securities and consumer rights litigation firm, continues to investigate whether certain directors and officers of General Mills, Inc. (General Mills) (NYSE: GIS) breached their fiduciary duties to General Mills and its shareholders. If you are a General Mills shareholder, you are encouraged to contact attorney Joe Pettigrew with Scott+Scott for additional information at (844) 818-6982 or jpettigrew@scott-scott.com.



Scott+Scott is investigating whether members of General Millss board of directors or senior management failed to manage General Mills in an acceptable manner, in breach of their fiduciary duties to General Mills, and whether General Mills and its shareholders have suffered damages as a result.

On April 18, 2022, the New York Times reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was investigating reports that thousands of people had become ill after eating Lucky Charms cereal. According to the article, the FDA stated that its own reporting system had received more than 100 submissions related to Lucky Charms in 2022 thus far.

What You Can Do

If you are a General Mills shareholder, you may have legal claims against General Millss directors and officers. If you wish to discuss this investigation, or have questions about this notice or your legal rights, please contact attorney Joe Pettigrew toll-free at (844) 818-6982 or jpettigrew@scott-scott.com.

About Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP

Scott+Scott has significant experience in prosecuting major securities, antitrust, and consumer rights actions throughout the United States. The firm represents pension funds, foundations, individuals, and other entities worldwide with offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Connecticut, California, and Ohio.

Attorney Advertising

CONTACT:

Joe Pettigrew

Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP

600 W. Broadway, Suite 3300, San Diego, CA 92101

(844) 818-6982

jpettigrew@scott-scott.com


Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States

TORONTO, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PIMCO Canada Corp. (PIMCO Canada) today announced the 2022 June cash distributions for the ETF series (ETF Series) of the PIMCO Canada mutual funds that distribute monthly (Funds). Unitholders of record of the ETF Series, at the close of business on June 23, 2022, will receive per-unit cash distribution payable on or about June 30, 2022.

Details of the per-unit cash distribution amount are as follow:

Fund Name Ticker Cash Distribution per Unit PIMCO Monthly Income Fund (Canada) PMIF $0.05857 PIMCO Monthly Income Fund (Canada) US$ PMIF.U US$ 0.06241 PIMCO Investment Grade Credit Fund (Canada) IGCF $0.05566 PIMCO Global Short Maturity Fund (Canada) PMNT $0.02700 PIMCO Low Duration Monthly Income Fund (Canada) PLDI $0.04755

The Manager, PIMCO Canada administers and manages the PIMCO Canada ETFs, and retains Pacific Investment Management Company, LLC (PIMCO), to provide sub-advisory services to the Funds.

About PIMCO

PIMCO was founded in 1971 in Newport Beach, California and is one of the worlds premier fixed income investment managers. Today we have offices across the globe and 3,000+ professionals united by a single purpose: creating opportunities for investors in every environment. PIMCO is owned by Allianz S.E., a leading global diversified financial services provider.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, those identified by the expressions expect, intend, will and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Funds. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect the Funds, PIMCO Canadas and/or PIMCOs current expectations regarding future results or events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations, including, but not limited to, market factors. Although the Funds, PIMCO Canada and/or PIMCO believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. The Funds, PIMCO Canada and/or PIMCO undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement or information whether as a result of new information, future events or other factors which affect this information, except as required by law.

No offering is being made by this material. Interested investors should obtain a copy of the prospectus, which is available from your Financial Advisor.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

All investments contain risk and can lose value. For a summary of the risks of an investment in a specific fund, please see the risks of mutual funds section of the prospectus.

Investments made by a Fund and the results achieved by a Fund are not expected to be the same as those made by any other PIMCO-advised Fund, including those with a similar name, investment objective or policies. A new or smaller Funds performance may not represent how the Fund is expected to or may perform in the long-term. New Funds have limited operating histories for investors to evaluate and new and smaller Funds may not attract sufficient assets to achieve investment and trading efficiencies. A Fund may be forced to sell a comparatively large portion of its portfolio to meet significant shareholder redemptions for cash, or hold a comparatively large portion of its portfolio in cash due to significant share purchases for cash, in each case when the Fund otherwise would not seek to do so, which may adversely affect performance.

Funds can offer different series, which are subject to different fees and expenses (which may affect performance), having different minimum investment requirements and are entitled to different services.

The products and services provided by PIMCO Canada may only be available in certain provinces or territories of Canada and only through dealers authorized for that purpose.

PIMCO Canada has retained PIMCO LLC as sub-adviser. PIMCO Canada will remain responsible for any loss that arises out of the failure of its sub-adviser.

PIMCO as a general matter provides services to qualified institutions, financial intermediaries and institutional investors. Individual investors should contact their own financial professional to determine the most appropriate investment options for their financial situation. This material contains the current opinions of the manager and such opinions are subject to change without notice. This material has been distributed for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but not guaranteed. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission. PIMCO is a trademark of Allianz Asset Management of America L.P. in the United States and throughout the world. 2022, PIMCO

PIMCO Canada Corp. 199 Bay Street, Suite 2050, Commerce Court Station, P.O. Box 363, Toronto, ON, M5L 1G2, 416-368-3350

Contact:

Agnes Crane

PIMCO  Media Relations

Phone: +212 597.1054
NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gainey McKenna & Egleston announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Tupperware Brands Corporation (Tupperware or the Company) (NYSE: TUP) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of those who purchased or acquired the securities of Tupperware between November 3, 2021 and May 3, 2022, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.



The Complaint alleges that the Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Tupperware was facing significant challenges in maintaining its earnings and sales performance; (ii) accordingly, Tupperwares full year 2022 guidance was unrealistic and/or unsustainable; (iii) all the foregoing, once revealed, was likely to have a material negative impact on Tupperwares financial condition; and (iv) as a result, the Companys public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On May 4, 2022, Tupperware announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2022. Among other items, Tupperware reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations and net sales that fell well short of consensus estimates and withdrew its full year 2022 guidance and named a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Company attributed the poor performance to the conflict in Russia and Ukraine. However, when pressed by analysts on a conference call, the Company acknowledged that Russia and Ukraine only accounted for 2% of its revenue.

On this news, Tupperwares stock price fell $5.76 per share, or 32.16%, to close at $12.15 per share on May 4, 2022.

Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares of Tupperware during the Class Period should contact the Firm prior to the August 15, 2022 lead plaintiff motion deadline. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. If you wish to discuss your rights or interests regarding this class action, please contact Thomas J. McKenna, Esq. or Gregory M. Egleston, Esq. of Gainey McKenna & Egleston at (212) 983-1300, or via e-mail at tjmckenna@gme-law.com or gegleston@gme-law.com.

Please visit our website at http://www.gme-law.com for more information about the firm.
TORONTO, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Food For The Poor Canada builds its 36th school in Jamaica in honour of three Fathers.



Out of many one people is the Jamaican motto that G. Raymond Chang, Keith Golding and Joseph Mahfood embody. These three Jamaican fathers of Chinese, African and Lebanese heritage are being honoured next month by their daughters Brigette Chang, Audrea Golding and Samantha Mahfood. The three Jamaican-Canadian women are the lead donors for a new early-childhood school, in honour of each of their dads in partnership with Food For The Poor Canada.

Food For The Poor Canada and a group of 15 Canadian volunteers will spend a week in July building Valley Christian School in Spanish Town, Jamaica. The new school will serve 90 students ranging from 2 to 6 years old and will provide them with safe, spacious classrooms, contributing towards their early growth and development, setting the foundation for their long-term success.

"The desire to give back to others is a value that my parents instilled in my brother and I from an early age. Dad held Jamaica close to his heart, and he was a passionate believer that education was a great equalizer. Sponsoring this school with Food For The Poor, as well as having my children participate alongside me, feels like the perfect way to honour his legacy", said Brigette Chang, the daughter of G. Raymond Chang. Raymond Chang was a co-founder of the company that is now CI Financial, a philanthropist and a former Chancellor of Ryerson University. Brigette Chang serves on several boards and is the President of the Raymond Chang Foundation.

Keith J.C. Golding was born in Manchester, Jamaica. He was raised by a single mother, grandmother and community who ensured that he had the best education possible, despite limited circumstances. Keith worked for the Jamaican Ministry of Health and State Trading Corporation. He helped build Cornwall Regional Hospital, the first major hospital on the west coast of Jamaica. Keiths children Jonelle, Audrea and Keith, Jr., and grandson, Christian, are all participating in the Food For The Poor Canada build in honour of Keiths enduring commitment to giving back. To whom much is given, much is expected. Jamaica has given our family so much, it is our time to give back , said Keiths daughter, Audrea Golding, a Partner at the global immigration law firm, Fragomen.

Joe Mahfood is remembered for his open heart and open door by his family and all who were lucky enough to know him. Joe and his brothers built the family business, WISYNCO, which today provides jobs for over 2,000 Jamaicans. He also helped develop Food For The Poor in Jamaica, by creating the housing program and increasing the scope of the organizations work. His love for Jamaica and its people will continue to make an impact across the island , said his daughter Samantha Mahfood, Executive Director, Food For The Poor Canada, who will be volunteering along with Joes youngest grandchild Martin Barry.

The Principal of the school, Hortense Grant, shared It is through education we can be a force to help change and reshape the community, starting with young children as we help set their foundation.

All the volunteers are looking forward to hammering and painting and giving the community a brand new, beautiful early childhood school, with three classrooms, a kitchen, principals office and a playground for the children. This is the 36th early childhood school that Canadians have built in underserved communities in Jamaica with Food For The Poor" If you would like to help support education projects in Jamaica, you can make a gift https://foodforthepoor.ca/support/donate/donate-to-jamaica/

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 $40,000,000 in educational and medical supplies and provided over 20,000,000 meals 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/c0f5b2c0-4a53-4a13-a0cc-e42d42bb7d10

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/53c3dafb-9e2e-46ce-a9a3-65ce7507affc
CINCINNATI, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BEST Surgery & Therapies welcomes Janet L. Carlson, MSN, BSN, RN, CRN, NE-BC, to the practice. She began her new position as President of BEST Surgery & Therapies on June 13, 2022.

Janet's core responsibilities at BEST are to push the practice forward from an operational perspective while upholding its core values as a patient-centric ASC.

Janet's contributions will elevate the operations at BEST due to her rich experience, business acumen, and medical background. Previously, she was Chief Executive Officer at The Surgery Center at Midlands Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery, contributing to her experience and knowledge within orthopaedic and spine care. She has over 24 years of experience as an RN in direct patient care and has earned the 1st ASC BCBS Blue Distinction designed for Spine Surgery in South Carolina. Additionally, she led the ASC in South Carolina to be awarded by Newsweek in 2021 and 2022, as well as the #3 Orthopaedic ASC in the nation in 2002.

When asked about what drew her to BEST, Janet responded, saying that the surgeons and staff were "like-minded professionals who have a mission, vision, and values that are aligned with the personal values I hold. When I was first introduced to the team, I immediately knew it was the right fit for me because they worked well together. They uphold values and qualities that will lead to a successful ASC."

Her goal is to promote a patient-first integrated ecosystem for spine and orthopaedic care. The patient-first support model focuses on dedicated clinical teams going the extra mile to achieve quality and provide high patient outcomes. Her role is to support the ASC mission to meet each patient where they are in their health and wellness journey, using an interdisciplinary, individualized care plan that integrates all services and treatments a patient may need. BEST is excited to have an experienced nurse, ASC expert, and distinguished professional on their team.

BEST is a world-class facility that offers patients the most advanced medical care for spine, orthopaedic treatment, and minimally invasive surgery. As a single-solution, outpatient ambulatory facility, BEST focuses on conservative treatments for chronic pain affecting the back, neck, shoulder, hip, knee, and upper and lower extremities.

Patients can make an appointment to see an expert at our BEST office by calling 513-790-3810. BEST Surgery & Therapies is located at 2001 Gilbert Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202, open between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. The team looks forward to connecting with new patients in the Cincinnati area who are looking for the treatment they deserve.

About BEST Surgery & Therapies

Established in 2020, BEST Surgery & Therapies provides access to state-of-the-art minimally invasive orthopaedic and spine treatment and surgery. BEST upholds a unique care model that has transformed the outpatient experience by providing patients with a better alternative to hospital-based procedures. At BEST, patients can utilize spine and orthopaedic treatment, conservative therapy, imaging & diagnostics, pain management, or surgical procedures. BEST is here to help.

For more information, visit https://www.bestsurgery.com/.

For media inquiries, contact NewGen Marketing at 513-613-4618.

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TORONTO, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alkaline Fuel Cell Power Corp. (NEO: PWWR) (OTCQB:ALKFF) (Frankfurt: 77R, WKN: A3CTYF) (AFCP or the Company), a diversified investment platform developing affordable, renewable, and reliable energy assets and cleantech, is pleased to announce the appointment of Carmine Marcello to the role of Advisor.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/49619771-fe17-4039-8543-cbfe538a0245

From 2013 to 2015, Carmine served as Chief Executive Officer of Hydro One Inc., one of Canadas largest transmission and distribution companies, with a market cap of over $20 billion and over $23 billion in assets. He served in numerous executive roles from 2003, including Asset Management and Strategy and Planning. Carmine currently advises governments, utilities and cleantech startups across the Middle East, North America and the Caribbean.

In his role as Advisor, Carmine brings extensive asset development and management expertise to guide AFCP as the Company establishes the development and operations of energy assets.

As AFCP embarks on the growth of PWWR Flows development, ownership and operations of combined heat and power assets, we are thrilled to include the extensive capabilities of Mr. Marcello to advise us on how we scale and optimize, commented Frank Carnevale, Chief Executive Officer. Carmine brings hands-on operational experience with business scale-ups, international micro-grid involvement, and the optimal level of mentorship required for us to succeed.

Concurrently, the Company also confirms the resignation of one of its early Advisors, Gerard Sauer, effective June 13, 2022. Mr. Sauer was instrumental in the development of the Companys fuel cell since 2021 and AFCP thanks him for his contributions.

Corporate Update

Pursuant to a consultant agreement dated June 13, 2022 (the Consulting Agreement), the Company also announces that it has granted 600,000 stock options to an arms length consultant (the Consultant) (Stock Option). Each Stock Option is exercisable for a period of five (5) years at an exercise price of $0.15 per common share of the Company.

The Stock Options vest as follows:

100,000 6 months from the date the Consultant accepts the position and the Consulting Agreement is executed by the Company 100,000 12 months from the date the Consultant accepts the position and the Consulting Agreement is executed by the Company 200,000 18 months from the date the Consultant accepts the position and the Consulting Agreement is executed by the Company 200,000 24 months from the date the Consultant accepts the position and the Consulting Agreement is executed by the Company

ABOUT ALKALINE FUEL CELL POWER CORP. (NEO: PWWR)

AFCP is a diversified investment platform developing affordable, renewable, and reliable energy assets and cleantech. We bring Power to the People today, combining a stable revenue stream with a future-forward vision to commercialize our advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology to meet the massive global market need, and ultimately generate compelling returns for investors.

AFCP operates through two global entities: Fuel Cell Power NV, a wholly owned subsidiary in Belgium, and PWWR Flow Streams (PWWR Flow), an AFCP brand in Canada.

Fuel Cell Power NV is focused on the development, production and commercialization of micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) systems based on advanced alkaline fuel cell technology that generates zero CO 2 emissions. Fuel Cell Power NV is working through milestones to deliver a commercialized alkaline fuel cell in 2024.

is focused on the development, production and commercialization of micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) systems based on advanced alkaline fuel cell technology that generates zero CO emissions. Fuel Cell Power NV is working through milestones to deliver a commercialized alkaline fuel cell in 2024. PWWR Flow is focused on the development, ownership and operations of combined heat and power (CHP) assets. PWWR Flow assets deliver efficiency improvements of over 20% with reduced costs to customers in multi-residential and commercial applications. PWWR Flow has contracted existing CHP assets in Toronto, Canada, and has an additional pipeline of potential contracts valued at over $50 million currently in development.

AFCP is well positioned to deliver Power to the People in the global energy transition while offering a diversified cleantech growth platform for investors.

Further information is available on the Company website at https://www.fuelcellpower.com/, and the Company encourages investors and other interested stakeholders to follow it on:

LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Common shares are listed for trading on the NEO Exchange (NEO) under the symbol PWWR, the OTC Venture Exchange OTCQB under the symbol ALKFF 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

fcarnevale@fuelcellpower.com

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.
FREEHOLD, N.J., June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UMH Properties, Inc. (NYSE:UMH) (the Company) today announced that it will redeem all 9,884,000 issued and outstanding shares of its 6.75% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (the Series C Preferred Stock) (CUSIP 903002400) on July 26, 2022 (the Redemption Date). The Series C Preferred Stock will be redeemed at a redemption price equal to the $25.00 per share liquidation preference of the Series C Preferred Stock plus accrued and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the Redemption Date in an amount of $0.2578 per share, for a total payment of $25.2578 per share (the Redemption Price).

After the Redemption Date, the Series C Preferred Stock will no longer be outstanding and all of the rights of the holders of the Series C Preferred Stock will terminate, except the right to receive the Redemption Price, without interest. Series C Preferred Stock held through the Depository Trust Company will be redeemed in accordance with the applicable procedures of the Depositary Trust Company.

Because all of the issued and outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock are being redeemed, trading of the Series C Preferred Stock on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) will cease after the Redemption Date. The Series C Preferred Stock currently trades on the NYSE under the symbol UMH.PRC.

The notice of redemption and related materials are being mailed to holders of record of Series C Preferred Stock on June 16, 2022. As specified in the notice of redemption, payment of the Redemption Price will be made only upon presentation and surrender of the certificates representing the Series C Preferred Stock to the redemption agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC. Questions regarding the redemption of the Series C Preferred Stock, or the redemption procedures, may be directed to American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC at:

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC

Operations Center

Attention: Reorganization Department

6201 15th Avenue

Brooklyn, New York 11219

(877) 248-6417

ABOUT UMH PROPERTIES, INC.

UMH Properties, Inc., which was organized in 1968, is a public equity REIT that owns and operates 130 manufactured home communities with approximately 24,400 developed homesites. These communities are located in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Alabama and South Carolina. UMH also has an ownership interest in and operates one community in Florida, containing 219 sites, through its joint venture with Nuveen Real Estate.

# # # # #

Certain statements included in this press release which are not historical facts may be deemed forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any such forward-looking statements are based on the Companys current expectations and involve various risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, the Company can provide no assurance those expectations will be achieved. The risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from expectations are contained in the Companys annual report on Form 10-K and described from time to time in the Companys other filings with the SEC. 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.

Contact: Nelli Madden

732-577-9997
MASSAPEQUA, N.Y., June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Israels & Neuman, PLC, a national securities and investment fraud law firm, announces that it is investigating allegations made by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) related to Vincent Camarda, James McArthur, and A.G. Morgan Financial Advisors. The SEC claims that Camarda and McArthur were involved in selling $75 million in unregistered securities with a lending company called Complete Business Solutions Group, which did business as Par Funding. The SEC has further alleged that A.G. Morgan and Camarda violated their fiduciary duties by failing to disclose conflicts of interest.



Complete Business Solutions Group, a/k/a Par Funding, has been placed in receivership in the Southern District of Florida. It is believed that investors have lost significant amounts of money in Par Funding and its associated entities.

Vincent Camarda was affiliated with a number of brokerage firms while he was alleged to have sold investments in Par Funding. Securities brokerage firms have legal obligations to reasonably supervise all representatives registered with their firm. When brokerage firms fail to adhere to their supervisory responsibilities, they can be held liable for investor losses. Israels & Neuman, PLC is investigating whether Par Funding investors may be able to recover some of their investment losses through securities arbitration with Mr. Camardas former brokerage firms.

If you or someone you know lost money investing with Vincent Camarda, James McArthur, or Par Funding, please call Israels & Neuman for a free consultation. Our attorneys will personally discuss all of your rights as an investor and the remedies you have related to investment or securities losses.

For more information or for a Free case evaluation, CONTACT ISRAELS & NEUMAN at 720-599-3505 or visit us at www.israelsneuman.com.

Israels & Neuman, PLC

Phone: (720) 599-3505

Fax: (720) 230-5455

Email Aaron Israels: aaron@israelsneuman.com

Email David Neuman: dave@israelsneuman.com

Website: www.israelsneuman.com




BASEL, Switzerland, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myovant Sciences (NYSE: MYOV), a biopharmaceutical company that aspires to redefine care for women and for men through purpose-driven science, empowering medicines, and transformative advocacy, today announced that it approved equity awards for 23 new employees with a grant date of June 15, 2022 pursuant to Myovants 2020 Inducement Plan. The equity awards were granted to the employees joining Myovant in accordance with NYSEs Listed Company Manual Rule 303A.08.



The new employees received, in the aggregate, restricted stock units (RSUs) to purchase 231,800 common shares of Myovant. One-fourth of the shares underlying each employees RSU will vest on the one-year anniversary of the grant date, with the balance of the common shares vesting in twelve equal quarterly installments thereafter, in each case, subject to each such employees continued employment with Myovant on such vesting dates. The RSUs are subject to the terms and conditions of the 2020 Inducement Plan and the applicable RSU agreements.

ABOUT MYOVANT SCIENCES

Myovant Sciences aspires to redefine care for women and for men through purpose-driven science, empowering medicines, and transformative advocacy. Founded in 2016, Myovant has executed five successful Phase 3 clinical trials across oncology and womens health leading to two regulatory approvals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for men with advanced prostate cancer and women with heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine fibroids, respectively. Myovant also has received regulatory approvals by the European Commission (EC) for women with symptomatic uterine fibroids and for men with advanced hormone-sensitive prostate cancer. Myovant has supplemental New Drug Applications under review with the FDA for endometriosis-associated pain, and for updates to the United States Prescribing Information (USPI) based on safety and efficacy data from the Phase 3 LIBERTY randomized withdrawal study (RWS) of MYFEMBREE in premenopausal women with heavy menstrual bleeding due to uterine fibroids for up to two years. Myovant also is conducting a Phase 3 study to evaluate the prevention of pregnancy in women with uterine fibroids or endometriosis. Myovant also is developing MVT-602, an investigational oligopeptide kisspeptin-1 receptor agonist, which has completed a Phase 2a study for female infertility as part of assisted reproduction. Sumitovant Biopharma, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., is Myovants majority shareholder. For more information, please visit www.myovant.com. Follow @Myovant on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Investor Contact:

Uneek Mehra

Chief Financial and Business Officer

Myovant Sciences, Inc.

investors@myovant.com

Media Contact:

Noelle Cloud Dugan

Vice President, Corporate Communication

Myovant Sciences, Inc.

media@myovant.com
DOUGLAS, Isle of Man, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rapidly addressing the scale of climate change could be made more simple, effective and efficient by tapping into the wealth of data we generate, according to Ramez Nasser. Appearing on Conversations on Climate, the podcast from United Renewables and London Business School, he outlined how the Internet of Things and smarter technology can help reduce emissions, enable better energy usage and set better targets for regulators.



With the development of IoT we're equipping buildings, we're equipping cities, factories with a whole host of electronic components and people to measure their efficiency, including IoT data, SCADA systems, BMS (Building Management Systems) data, contract data and meteorological data which is all very heterogeneous and increasingly complex. Making sense of that as scale is a challenge we have to meet if we are to go towards net zero and be able to measure our progression towards net zero.

In order to leverage this data, Ramez outlines several key challenges to solve, including:



Data scientists spend 80% of their time looking for data, cleaning up data, making it available and clean enough to be used for their algorithms. We need to refine all of the data that we're accumulating in order for it to be used or usable by data scientists.

By 2035, the world will generate over 2500 zettabytes of data, requiring new technologies to be able to make use of that data, especially in the energy space, which is one of the areas that accumulates the most amount of data.

Data storage and servers will need to be increasingly efficient so account for exponential growth in volumes.



The volume of data available will be essential to track and optimise energy performance from buildings and businesses, manage power usage in cities (for example by turning off lights in unused streets) and guiding new technology development.

Ramez Nasser is the latest guest on the Conversations on Climate podcast, which explores the diversity of solutions to the global climate and why they matter. Previous guests include Professor Michael Jacobides, a global expert on ecosystem economics.

The latest episode will be released on Friday 17th June 2022 via all major podcast platforms with full video of the interview available on YouTube at https://bit.ly/3O12PgX

You can find out more about United Renewables and the Conversations on Climate podcast/video at our website: https://bit.ly/3xWM4hz

Contact details for news release

Isabella Hawke

Email: enquiries@mexitalconsulting.com

Registered email address for this account: hunterandhawke@gmail.com

Company Name: United Renewables

Company Address: 50 Athol Street, Douglas, Isle of Man,

Telephone number: 07624457139

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/50ff8b40-3b13-4bbd-9e24-1452fedc295a
Complementary and highly strategic acquisition of leading gathering and processing (G&P) system in the Delaware Basin

Increases Targas size and scale in the Delaware Basin

Long-term fixed-fee contracts increase Targas overall fee-based margin

Underpinned by long-term high-quality producer dedications

$3.55 billion acquisition price represents approximately 7.5 times estimated 2023 adjusted EBITDA multiple

Near and longer-term synergy potential reduces acquisition multiple over time

Targa now estimates standalone 2022 adjusted EBITDA to be between $2.675 billion and $2.775 billion and year-end leverage ratio of about 2.7 times

Fully cash and debt-financed transaction; expect pro forma year-end 2022 leverage ratio around 3.5 times and improving thereafter

HOUSTON and DALLAS and NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE: TRGP) (Targa or the Company) and Lucid Energy Group, a leading privately held natural gas processor in the Permian Basin, announced today a definitive agreement under which a wholly-owned subsidiary of Targa will acquire Lucid Energy Delaware, LLC (Lucid) from Riverstone Holdings LLC (Riverstone) and Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Goldman Sachs), for $3.55 billion in cash.

Lucid provides natural gas gathering, treating, and processing services in the Delaware Basin, including approximately 1,050 miles of natural gas pipelines and approximately 1.4 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of cryogenic natural gas processing capacity in service or under construction located primarily in Eddy and Lea counties of New Mexico. Lucids Delaware Basin footprint overlays some of the most economic crude oil and natural gas producing acreage in North America. Current rig activity supports over 20 years of drilling inventory on Lucids greater than 600,000 dedicated acres, which are further supplemented by significant volumes subject to minimum volume commitments. Lucids assets are anchored by long-term, fixed-fee contracts and acreage dedications from a diverse set of high-quality customers. Approximately 70 percent of current system volumes are sourced from investment grade producers.

Targas standalone 2022 financial and operational outlook has continued to improve given the strength of commodity markets and producer activity levels. The Company now estimates full year standalone adjusted EBITDA to be between $2.675 billion and $2.775 billion and reported year-end leverage ratio of about 2.7 times. Targas updated financial expectations assume natural gas liquids (NGL) composite prices average $1.05 per gallon, crude oil prices average $100 per barrel and Waha natural gas prices average $6.00 per million British Thermal Units (MMbtu) for the remainder of 2022.

The strength of Targas standalone financial position has afforded us the flexibility to consider attractive opportunities to grow our business through acquisitions, as evidenced by our ability to finance the purchase of Lucid utilizing available cash and debt with estimated pro forma year-end 2022 leverage around 3.5 times, well within our long-term leverage ratio target range, said Matt Meloy, Chief Executive Officer of Targa. Lucids management team has developed an attractive position in the Delaware Basin and we look forward to continuing to provide value added services to the producer customers. This is an exciting acquisition that aligns with our integrated strategy as we are expanding and diversifying our Permian Basin footprint with Lucids complementary presence at an attractive investment multiple that we expect will further enhance the creation of shareholder value and continue to drive more volumes through Targas downstream businesses.

The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to distributable cash flow per share. This acquisition further supports our already strong cash flow profile and ability to return an increasing amount of capital to our shareholders through common dividend increases and common share repurchases, added Meloy.

Over the past several years, Lucid has firmly established itself as a leading midstream processor in the Delaware Basin, with a talented team, sophisticated operations and infrastructure, and strong customer partnerships, said Mike Latchem, CEO of Lucid Energy. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved, as todays transaction is a testament to the commitment and expertise of our team members and our strategy of growing the business for the benefit of all stakeholders. On behalf of Lucid, I want to express our gratitude to our sponsors, Riverstone and Goldman Sachs, whose partnership was instrumental in building the platform and helping to position the company for its next chapter of success.

We congratulate Mike Latchem and the entire Lucid team on todays milestone, said Baran Tekkora, a Partner at Riverstone and Co-Head of Private Equity. The transaction with Targa will position Lucid for its next stage of growth, while creating enhanced opportunities for its employees, customers and communities. Riverstone is pleased to have executed its strategy of partnering with Goldman Sachs and Lucids exceptional management team, where the combination of our capital and industry expertise resulted in strong returns for all stakeholders. Since the joint acquisition of Lucid in 2018, Lucid has significantly grown volumes and EBITDA and has differentiated itself as a highly sought-after midstream operator with a best-in-class safety and environmental track record.

We are pleased to have partnered with Lucid and Riverstone over the last several years, as the company has continued its growth as a leading gas gathering and processing platform in the Delaware Basin, said Scott Lebovitz, Partner and Co-Head of the Infrastructure investing business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management. We believe Mike and the team have done a great job of expanding customer relationships with high quality producers in the basin while continuing their commitment to the environment, safety, and the communities they serve.

Additional Information and Advisors

Completion of this transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2022. Targa has available liquidity, including cash on hand, its existing $2.75 billion revolving credit facility, and committed debt financing to fund the acquisition.

Evercore and Mizuho Securities USA LLC are serving as Targas financial advisors and Vinson & Elkins LLP is acting as Targas legal counsel on the transaction. Jefferies LLC is serving as financial advisor, and Latham & Watkins, LLP and Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP are acting as legal counsel to the seller group.

The Lucid Acquisition investor presentation has been posted to the Investors page of the Company's website, in the Events and Presentations section, or by going directly to www.targaresources.com/investors/events.

About Targa Resources Corp.

Targa Resources Corp. is a leading provider of midstream services and is one of the largest independent midstream infrastructure companies in North America. The Company owns, operates, acquires and develops a diversified portfolio of complementary domestic midstream infrastructure assets and its operations are critical to the efficient, safe and reliable delivery of energy across the United States and increasingly to the world. The Companys assets connect natural gas and NGLs to domestic and international markets with growing demand for cleaner fuels and feedstocks. The Company is primarily engaged in the business of: gathering, compressing, treating, processing, transporting, and purchasing and selling natural gas; transporting, storing, fractionating, treating, and purchasing and selling NGLs and NGL products, including services to LPG exporters; and gathering, storing, terminaling, and purchasing and selling crude oil.

Targa is a FORTUNE 500 company and is included in the S&P 400.

For more information, please visit the Companys website at www.targaresources.com.

About Lucid Energy Group

Lucid Energy Group is the largest privately held natural gas processor in the Permian Basin, providing the full range of gas midstream services to more than 50 customers in New Mexico and West Texas. Lucid is supported by growth capital commitments from a joint venture formed by Riverstone Global Energy and Power Fund VI, L.P., an investment fund managed by Riverstone Holdings LLC, and investment funds managed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Please visit www.lucid-energy.com for more information.

About Riverstone Holdings LLC

Founded in 2000 by David Leuschen and Pierre Lapeyre, Riverstone Holdings LLC is an asset management firm that invests in the private markets primarily within energy, power and infrastructure. Since inception, the Firm has raised $43 billion of capital to invest across the capital structure and in all major components of the industrys value chain. This includes nearly $8 billion in investments in renewable infrastructure and decarbonization, where Riverstone has partnered with or established industry leading companies.

About Goldman Sachs Asset Management

Bringing together traditional and alternative investments, Goldman Sachs Asset Management provides clients around the world with a dedicated partnership and focus on long-term performance. As the primary investing area within Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS), we deliver investment and advisory services for the worlds leading institutions, financial advisors and individuals, drawing from our deeply connected global network and tailored expert insights, across every region and marketoverseeing more than $2 trillion in assets under supervision worldwide as of March 31, 2022. Driven by a passion for our clients performance, we seek to build long-term relationships based on conviction, sustainable outcomes, and shared success over time. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

This press release includes the Companys non-GAAP financial measure: adjusted EBITDA. The following table provides reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP measure.

The Company utilizes non-GAAP measures to analyze the Companys performance. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to this non-GAAP measure is Net income (loss) attributable to Targa Resources Corp. This non-GAAP measure should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP measures and has important limitations as analytical tools. Investors should not consider this measure in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Companys results as reported under GAAP. Additionally, because the Companys non-GAAP measure exclude some, but not all, items that affect income and segment operating margin, and are defined differently by different companies within the Companys industry, the Companys definitions may not be comparable with similarly titled measures of other companies, thereby diminishing their utility. Management compensates for the limitations of the Companys non-GAAP measures as analytical tools by reviewing the comparable GAAP measures, understanding the differences between the measures and incorporating these insights into the Companys decision-making processes.

Adjusted EBITDA

The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as Net income (loss) attributable to Targa Resources Corp. before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other items that the Company believes should be adjusted consistent with the Companys core operating performance. The adjusting items are detailed in the adjusted EBITDA reconciliation table and its footnotes. Adjusted EBITDA is used as a supplemental financial measure by the Company and by external users of the Companys financial statements such as investors, commercial banks and others to measure the ability of the Companys assets to generate cash sufficient to pay interest costs, support the Companys indebtedness and pay dividends to the Companys investors.

The following table presents a reconciliation of estimated standalone net income of the Company to estimated standalone adjusted EBITDA for 2022:

2022E (In millions) Reconciliation of Estimated Net Income attributable to Targa Resources Corp. to Estimated Adjusted EBITDA Net income attributable to Targa Resources Corp. $ 1,350.0 Interest expense, net 350.0 Income tax expense 300.0 Depreciation and amortization expense 865.0 (Gain) loss on sale of assets (440.0 ) (Gain) loss from financing activities (1) 50.0 Equity (earnings) loss  Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates and preferred partner interests, net 45.0 Compensation on equity grants 55.0 Risk management activities 170.0 Noncontrolling interests adjustments (2) (20.0) Estimated Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,725.0 ___________ (1) Gains or losses on debt repurchases or early debt extinguishments. (2) Noncontrolling interest portion of depreciation and amortization expense.





Forward-Looking Statements



Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, factors and risks, many of which are outside the Companys control, which could cause results to differ materially from those expected by management of the Company. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, weather, political, economic and market conditions, including a decline in the price and market demand for natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil, the impact of pandemics such as COVID-19, commodity price volatility due to ongoing conflict in Ukraine, actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC oil producing countries, the timing and success of business development efforts, the completion of the acquisition of Lucid, which may not be completed on a timely basis or at all, expected benefits relating to the acquisition of Lucid and their impact on the Companys results of operations, and other uncertainties. These and other applicable uncertainties, factors and risks are described more fully in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Company does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts:

For Targa

InvestorRelations@targaresources.com

(713) 584-1133

Sanjay Lad

Vice President, Finance & Investor Relations

Jennifer Kneale

Chief Financial Officer

For Lucid & Riverstone

Daniel Yunger / Daniel Hoadley

Kekst CNC

daniel.yunger@kekstcnc.com / daniel.hoadley@kekstcnc.com

For Goldman Sachs Asset Management

Avery Reed

avery.reed@gs.com




HOLLYWOOD, Fla., June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Monday, Ohel Childrens Home and Family Services announced the launch of the Brecher Family South Florida Trauma Services in Hollywood, Florida, allowing the organization to share its decades of trauma and crisis expertise with the area. An intimate event was held at Rabbi Mark Rosenbergs residence and included local officials, community stakeholders, first responder leaders, clergy and school principals who gathered in support of the announcement. These new services expand the footprint for Ohels Zachter Family National Trauma Center which offers nationwide trauma-based services and specialized training and programs for individuals, workplaces, community groups, and schools.



Dr. Norman Blumenthal, Ohels Director of Trauma Services and a leading expert in bereavement and trauma response oversees the Ohel Zachter Family National Trauma Center and Brecher Family South Florida Services in collaboration with Tzivy Reiter, L.C.S.W., Ohels Director of Trauma and Childrens Services. The two have a long-standing partnership providing trauma services for events including the Surfside condo collapse, Malibu fires, Houston Floods, the Jersey City and Pittsburgh shootings, among others.

The Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Daniella Levine-Cava, spoke about the need for trauma services in the area. She then referenced the upcoming first anniversary of the Surfside condo collapse and how Ohel was present onsite to comfort families during the tragedy. She also stated, Residents throughout Miami-Dade County were deeply affected by the tragic collapse of Champlain Towers South. Community leaders, first responders, and everyday citizens alike were forced to grapple with the trauma that ensued. Together, with partners like Ohel, weve been able to support community members as they recover from the heartbreaking event and with the launch of Ohels new trauma services, we hope to provide more healing services to more residents across our region.

The Ohel Zachter Family National Trauma Center continues Ohels legacy of providing support in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic event, including counseling for individuals and families, pre-bereavement efforts, and community education. Families and individuals receive support through grief and trauma groups and case management efforts, among other offerings. In addition to reactive support, the Ohel Zachter Family National Trauma Center develops trauma-informed and resilience-based building services, including training for first responders, workplaces, synagogues, and schools.

David Mandel, Chief Executive Officer of Ohel, shared his gratitude with Mayor Levine-Cava, the Brecher family, Rabbi Mark Rosenberg, and all in attendance, stressing the importance of their critical roles in the community. Mandel said, While Ohel has offices in New York and South Florida, trauma, as we know, is based wherever it may occur; it is a mobile operation. We are proud to provide national services for trauma and continue Ohels 52-year legacy of supporting local communities.

Learn how to work with the Ohel Zachter Family National Trauma Center by visiting www.ohelfamily.org .

About Ohel Childrens Home and Family Services

For more than 50 years, Ohel has provided transformative social services and mental health services to communities in the New York metropolitan area. Beginning as a small foster care agency for Jewish children, today Ohel cares for thousands of individuals through a broad range of programs including mental health services, housing and programs for people with disabilities, older adult services, outpatient counseling for everyday people with everyday problems, trauma resources for communities in New York and across the country, and Camp Kaylie. To help us continue our essential services, donate at www.ohelfamily.org/donate .

Media Contact

Tammy Kornfeld

Tammy_Kornfeld@ohelfamily.org




Chicago, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Arizton latest research report, the Latin America data center market is growing at a CAGR of 3.18% during 2022-2027. The market is expected to witness the adoption of hydrotreated vegetable oil powered generator sets as some global data center operators have started testing the use of this fuel over diesel generators. Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is synthesized from vegetable oils. Although it is 25% more costly than regular diesel, HVO fuel generates 90% lower emissions compared to regular diesel.



Latin America Data Center Generator Market Report Scope

Report Attributes Details MARKET SIZE (2027) $146.0 Million MARKET SIZE BY POWER CAPACITY (2027) 285.5 MW GENERATOR CAPACITY BY >3 MW (2027) 18.6 MW GENERATOR CAPACITY BY 1.5-3 MW (2027) 96.9 MW GENERATOR CAPACITY BY 0-1.5 MW (2027) 30.5 MW BASE YEAR 2021 FORECAST YEAR 2022-2027 MARKET SEGMENTS System Capacity, System Type, Tier Standards, and Country COUNTRIES COVERED Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Other Latin American Countries

Click Here to Download the Free Sample Report

Modular data center construction is emerging as a major market trend and is a driving factor in meeting the growing demand for additional data centers in the future years. Generator vendors provide modular generator solutions that lead to easy installation and maintenance and thus reduce CAPEX and OPEX. The modular solution also includes mobile generators that can be extended depending on the demand for data center facilities. The installation of modular generator sets also helps in reducing the OPEX for data center operators, and these infrastructure solutions require less maintenance and less space for installation. Many infrastructure providers have entered partnerships to offer modular data center solutions. For instance, Generac Power Systems provides modular generator systems for data centers that provide benefits such as power, redundancy, scalability, and safety.

Key Highlights

The Latin America generator market is led by factors such as growing data center investments by colocation and cloud service providers, unreliability in power across many countries and resulting risk of downtime, and various innovations in generator technology.

Brazil led data center generator investment, accounting for over 50% of the overall market in 2021. Other major contributors included Mexico, Chile, and Columbia. Other Latin American countries, including Uruguay, Peru, and Argentina are expected to contribute to a higher share of the market in coming years.

Innovations in generator technology include the adoption of fuel cells, already gaining traction in Latin America, and other innovations such as hydrotreated vegetable oil powered generator sets, which are expected to enter the market over the next few years.

Automation and remote monitoring of generator systems has become increasingly important, with downtime due to power unreliability being the biggest reason for data center outages over the last few years. Some generator monitoring systems include Kohlers Decision-Maker, and Caterpillars EMCP 4, among others.

Modularity in generators is also a trend that is garnering attention, as they are mostly plug-and-play and are less expensive because they are made up of standardized components. Latin America will witness a growth in generators with a capacity of <1 MW owing to modular data center deployment.



Market Segmentation

System Capacity

01.5 MW

53 MW

>3 MW



System Type

DRUPS

Diesel & Gas & Bi-Fuel Generators

Tier Standards

Tier I & II

Tier III

Tier IV



Country

Latin America Brazil Mexico Chile Other Latin American Countries





Competitive Landscape

Most suppliers are working on improving their systems by lowering carbon dioxide emissions from generators, which will be fueled by governments around Latin America enacting carbon taxes. Rolls Royce and ABB are already involved in R&D initiatives to offer fuel cell generators to data centers. It is expected that other vendors will also test the feasibility and efficiency of these systems as a pilot project across data centers in the next 1-2 years. To gain traction in the Latin America data center generator market, generator vendors are supplying systems outfitted with own engines as well as engines manufactured by other sources like as MTU, Perkins, and Mitsubishi.

Prominent Vendors

ABB

Aggreko

Bruno

Caterpillar

Cummins

Detroit Diesel

Eaton

Generac Power Systems

Kohler

Mitsubishi Electric

Rolls Royce

YANMAR HOLDINGS

Table of Content

1 Research Methodology

2 Research Objectives

3 Research Process

4 Scope & Coverage

4.1 Market Definition

4.2 Base Year

4.3 Scope of The Study

4.4 Market Segments

4.4.1 Market Segmentation by System Capacity

4.4.2 Market Segmentation by System Type

4.4.3 Market Segmentation by Tier Standards

4.4.4 Market Segmentation by Geography

5 Report Assumptions & Caveats

5.1 Key Caveats

5.2 Currency Conversion

5.3 Market Derivation

6 Market at a Glance

7 Premium Insights

7.1 Key Highlights

7.2 Segmentation Analysis

7.3 Key Trends In 2022

7.4 Geographical Analysis

7.5 Vendor Analysis

8 Introduction

8.1 Generator Selection Criteria

8.2 Electricity Reliability in Latin America

8.3 Electricity Pricing in Latin America

8.4 Power Architecture in Data Centers

8.5 Data Center Site Selection Criteria

8.5.1 Key

9 Market Opportunities & Trends

9.1 Innovations in The Market

9.2 5g Deployments Fueling Edge Data Center Investments

9.3 Automation and Remote Monitoring of Infrastructure

9.4 Rating Standards for Generators

9.5 Modularity in Generators

10 Market Growth Enablers

10.1 Growing Data Center Investments

10.2 Power Outages in Data Centers

10.3 Growing Digital Economy in The Region

10.4 Cloud, Ai, Big Data, And IoT Adoption

11 Market Restraints

11.1 Supply Chain Challenges

11.2 Carbon Emissions from Data Centers

11.3 Lack of Skilled Data Center Professionals

12 Market Landscape

12.1 Market Overview

12.2 Investment: Market Size & Forecast

12.3 Power Capacity: Market Size & Forecast

12.4 Generator Capacity: Market Size & Forecast

12.5 Five Forces Analysis

12.5.1 Threat of New Entrants

12.5.2 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

12.5.3 Bargaining Power of Buyers

12.5.4 Threat of Substitutes

12.5.5 Competitive Rivalry

13 System Capacity

13.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

13.2 01.5 Mw

13.2.1 Market Size & Forecast

13.3 1.53 Mw

13.3.1 Market Size & Forecast

13.4 >3 Mw

13.4.1 Market Size & Forecast

14 System Type

14.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

14.2 Drups Systems

14.2.1 Market Overview

14.2.2 Market Size & Forecast

14.3 Diesel, & Gas & Bi-Fuel Generators

14.3.1 Market Overview

14.3.2 Market Size & Forecast

15 Tier Standards

15.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

15.2 Overview of Tier Standards

15.3 Tier I & II

15.3.1 Market Overview

15.3.2 Market Size & Forecast

15.4 Tier III

15.4.1 Market Overview

15.4.2 Market Size & Forecast

15.5 Tier IV

15.5.1 Market Overview

15.5.2 Market Size & Forecast

16 Latin America

16.1 Investment: Snapshot & Growth Engine

16.2 Power Capacity: Snapshot & Growth Engine

16.3 Brazil

16.3.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

16.3.2 Market Overview

16.3.3 Investment: Market Size & Forecast

16.3.4 Power Capacity: Market Size & Forecast

16.4 Mexico

16.4.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

16.4.2 Market Overview

16.4.3 Investment: Market Size & Forecast

16.4.4 Power Capacity: Market Size & Forecast

16.5 Chile

16.5.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

16.5.2 Market Overview

16.5.3 Investment: Market Size & Forecast

16.5.4 Power Capacity: Market Size & Forecast

16.6 Other Latin American Countries

16.6.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine

16.6.2 Market Overview

16.6.3 Investment: Market Size & Forecast

16.6.4 Power Capacity: Market Size & Forecast

Explore our data center knowledge base profile to know more about the industry.

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Lee's Summit, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lee's Summit, Missouri -

Mighty Dog Roofing of South Denver, Colorado, is pleased to offer their expertise and services to homeowners and businesses in their community. The company takes pride in maintaining an excellent team that provides top-notch roof repair, roof replacement and similar services, giving their customers a beautiful, safe and comfortable place to live for over 3 decades in South Denver and the neighboring areas.

Locally owned-and-operated, the residential and commercial roofing contractor is able to tackle virtually every problem a customer might bring them. Regardless of the home improvement roofing needs a customer might have, for instance, the company will always offer a quality solution that will ensure that their customers have a safe, beautiful home. The company only works with the best manufacturers in the roofing industry as well, and this contributes to their ability to deliver a long lasting and high-quality installation.

One or two decades of exposure to sun, wind, rain, snow and even hail is enough to wear down any roof, no matter where someone lives in the South Denver area. In some cases, a simple repair will not be enough; a brand-new roof installation or roof replacement is better, both for a customers safety and budget. No matter the situation, fortunately, Mighty Dog Roofing of South Denver is capable of handling it.



Whether the company recommends repairing a small leak or replacing the entire roof of a house, a licensed residential roofing contractor will review the options available to the customer and provide them with a detailed roofing estimate. The honesty and integrity demonstrated during the detailed inspection of a property is what customers have long come to appreciate and expect from the Mighty Dog company. The team takes pride in their quality materials and customer service-focused Mighty Dog Team Members  for their dedication, attention to detail, compassion and personal, neighborly advice when a customers safety may be on the line. The companys customers can rest easy in a fix, knowing that the best residential roofing company is coming to the rescue.



The company is more than just a trusted local roofing contractor. They also provide the best rain gutter installation services to help prevent roofing issues from turning into bigger problems, thereby preventing their customers from having to face unnecessary expenses in the future. The South Denver roofing company will install sturdy, dependable and visually appealing seamless gutter systems. They have found this to be the most cost-effective and sturdy solution, with less opportunity for leaks due to poor maintenance, storm damage or breakage. This helps prevent the need for constant gutter repairs and an over-zealous gutter cleaning schedule.

The company also installs siding for houses. A customer can refresh the look of their home with maintenance-free siding. Updating a home's exterior is an investment that increases its curb appeal. On the other hand, high winds can wreak havoc on sub-par siding and cause unexpected expenses in the future. Mighty Dogs siding installers can save the day when called, and each member of the team has many years of experience at their disposal.

The company also handles window installations. Windows are an essential part of a home and having new ones installed helps ensure that a house is more secure, more energy-efficient and increases the property value overall. Old windows may be prone to breakage, but the high-quality windows installed by Mighty Dog will remain strong and durable in any season. Not only are new windows aesthetically pleasing, but they are also custom-designed and low maintenance, making them a worthy addition to any home.

Mighty Dog offers a full range of the best commercial roofing services to businesses in and around the South Denver area, including roof inspection, roof repairs, replacement and maintenance. The team can tackle commercial roofing projects no matter how big or small the job may be, using only the highest-quality roofing materials.

https://youtu.be/sQQS4rvS8Po

The company was founded by Brenda and Augi Chavez, who both hold Engineering degrees from the University of Colorado. Augi also holds a Masters in Business and Telecom Management from Webster University. With their 50 years of combined experience, they have worked hard to build up the Mighty Dog customers have come to rely on today.



To learn more about the Mighty Dog Roofing Company, a customer may visit the companys official website. Mighty Dog Roofing can also be reached via phone or email, and customers are welcome to reach out via their preferred social media platform.

###

For more information about Mighty Dog Roofing of South Denver, contact the company here:



Mighty Dog Roofing of South Denver

Augi Chavez

303-917-1900

achavez@mightydogroofing.com

8925 S Ridgeline Blvd, Suite 108 Highlands Ranch, CO, 80129
Boulder, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boulder, Colorado -

Mighty Dog Roofing of Northern Colorado is happy to announce that they are offering detailed home inspections in Boulder, CO, and surrounding areas, free of charge. The company is a provider of high quality roofing services and they are ready to conduct a thorough inspection of a property, which they will treat as if it is their own. Through this detailed inspection, they will be able to determine if the roof will just need some repair or whether there is a need for a total roof replacement. They will offer transparent guidance to the homeowner on what will be required and make an offer based on the customers specific needs and budget.

Their roofing professionals are some of the best with excellent knowledge and experience, serving the residents of Northern Colorado for more than 20 years. Regardless of whatever home improvement roofing requirements the customer may have, they will always provide a quality solution that ensure peace of mind and a safe home. They will collaborate with the best manufacturers in the roofing industry and home improvement to provide a quality roofing installation that is designed to last for years.

Michael Graham, owner of Mighty Dog Roofing of Northern Colorao, says, Twenty or more years of sun, wind, rain, snow, and even hail are enough to wear down any roof, no matter where you live in the Northern Colorado area. And sometimes, a simple repair won't do; a brand-new roof installation or roof replacement is better, both for your safety and budget. Whether we recommend repairing a small leak or replacing the entire roof on your house, a licensed residential roofing contractor will review the options available to you with a detailed roofing estimate as if we were the homeowners involved. It is this honesty and integrity during our detailed inspections that our homeowners love and come to expect from Mighty Dog Roofing of Northern Colorado.

They offer various kinds of services, such as: residential roofing, commercial roofing, gutters, sidings, and windows. They will provide reputable roofing services for the home, whether the need is a simple repair of a small leak or the replacement of the whole roof. They take pride in the quality of the materials they use and the kind of customer service that they provide to homeowners.

And they provide a comprehensive range of commercial roofing services for buildings in a near the Northern Colorado area, including roof inspection, replacement, repair, and maintenance. Their team can handle all kinds of commercial roofing projects, whether large or small, while using only top quality roofing materials.

They also offer gutter installation services to help avoid roofing problems in the future. They will install strong, dependable, and attractive seamless gutter systems, which offer the most cost-effective solution for minimizing the possibility of leaks because of poor maintenance, breakage, or storm damage.

They are also ready to install maintenance-free sidings that will increase the value of the home or property. It is important to have high quality sidings because sub-par siding can result into unexpected costs in the future.

And finally, they offer window installation services. This is important because old windows can easily break, while the high quality windows that they install will continue to be strong and durable for a long period of time.

Mighty Dog Roofing of Northern Colorado is a locally owned and operated residential and commercial roofing contractor based in Boulder, Colorado. Michael Graham wants to point out that they are bringing a high level of sophistication, quality, and a special emphasis on customer service into their community and surrounding areas. All of their projects are handled by experienced and certified roofing experts and they always take an advanced and technologically centric approach towards roofing, such as drone-assisted evaluations and other innovative tools.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDT34Kf9y0E

Those who are interested in getting the services of a reliable Northern Colorado roofing company can check out the Mighty Dog Roofing of Northern Colorado website, or contact them on the phone or through email. They are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm, at any day of the week.

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For more information about Mighty Dog Roofing of Northern Colorado, contact the company here:



Mighty Dog Roofing of Northern Colorado

Michael Graham

571-212-1950

mgraham@mightydogroofing.com

4699 Nautilus Ct S Suite 305, Boulder, CO, 80301
In Defence of Marxism is committed to safeguarding your privacy. At all times we aim to respect any personal data you share with us, or that we receive from other organisations, and keep it safe. This Privacy Policy (Policy) sets out our data collection and processing practices and your options regarding the ways in which your personal information is used.

This Policy contains important information about your personal rights to privacy. Please read it carefully to understand how we use your personal data. We may update this Policy from time to time without notice to you, so please check it regularly.

The provision of your personal data to us is voluntary. However, without providing us with your personal data, you will be unable to (as appropriate): contact us; subscribe to our mailing list; subscribe to any of our publications; or receive information about In Defence of Marxism.

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You may give us your personal data in order to subscribe to a newsletter or publication, when you contact us by phone, email or post, when you sign a petition / statement, and/or when you donate money to us.

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We may collect, store and use the following kinds of personal data:

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Applicable law recognises certain categories of personal information as sensitive and therefore requiring more protection, including political opinions and trade union membership. In limited cases, we may collect sensitive personal data about you. We would only collect sensitive personal data if there is a clear reason for doing so; and will only do so with your explicit consent.

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Personal data, however provided to us, will be used for the purposes specified in this Policy or in relevant parts of the website.

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Please note that some countries outside of the EEA have a lower standard of protection for personal data, including lower security requirements and fewer rights for individuals. We may transfer and/or store personal data collected from you to and/or at a destination outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Such personal data may be processed by agencies and/or suppliers operating outside the EEA. If we transfer and/or store your personal data outside the EEA we will take reasonable steps to ensure that the recipient implements appropriate measures to protect your personal data.

Otherwise than as set out in this Privacy Policy, we will only ever share your data with your informed consent.

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Where we rely on your consent to use your personal information, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time. This includes the right to ask us to stop using your personal information for direct marketing purposes or to be unsubscribed from our email list at any time. You also have the following rights:

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Personal information is processed on the basis of a persons consent Personal information is processed on the basis of a contractual relationship Personal information is processed on the basis of legal obligations Personal information is processed on the basis of legitimate interests

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We will ask for your consent to use your information to send you electronic communications such as newsletters and and fundraising emails, and if you ever share sensitive personal information with us.

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Sometimes we will be obliged to process your personal information due to legal obligations which are binding on us. We will only ever do so when strictly necessary.

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Applicable law allows personal information to be collected and used if it is reasonably necessary for our legitimate activities (as long as its use is fair, balanced and does not unduly impact individuals rights).

We will rely on this ground to process your personal data when it is not practical or appropriate to ask for consent.

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When we use your personal information, we will consider if it is fair and balanced to do so and if it is within your reasonable expectations. We will balance your rights and our legitimate interests to ensure that we use your personal information in ways that are not unduly intrusive or unfair in other ways.

Data retention

The length of time each category of data will be retained will vary depending on how long we need to process it for, the reason it was collected, and in line with any statutory requirements. After this point the data will either be deleted, or we may retain a secure anonymised record for research and analytical purposes.

In the event that you ask us to stop sending you direct marketing/fundraising/other electronic communications, we will keep your name on our internal suppression list to ensure that you are not contacted again.

Policy amendments

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Contact

We are not required by law to have a Data Protection Officer  however we have a Data Protection Manager.

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
For years there has been the question of when Formula One will return to the African continent. In particular, a Grand Prix in South Africa, a race that was on the Formula One calendar until 1993. With the arrival of Liberty Media, those plans seem to have been resurrected and the likelihood is growing by the day that F1 will travel to South Africa in 2023.

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Speaking to South African news station eNCA FIA Senate member Anton Roux let us know what the current state of affairs is. "There are numourus discussions taking place at the moment. The prospect are looking really good, but there are a multitude of parties involved. We need to get agreement from all of them and then get a date on the calendar and then a formal announcement can be made."

Clarity within weeks

Should a race be organized at the Kyalami circuit, it would be the first time since 1993 that Formula 1 would travel to South Africa again. That would be exactly after thirty years, but Roux warns that it is not yet certain. The plan is for F1 to add South Africa to the calendar as early as 2023, but he does not rule out organizing the race again in 2024.

That's all to do with setting the calendar. So Roux does expect South Africa to be allowed to host an F1 race again within a few years, which will be a huge boost for the country. "Well, we're keeping our fingers crossed for 2023, but let's wait a couple of weeks and then some more announcements can be made."
Ferrari made a bad turn in Azerbaijan, both Charles Leclerc's and Carlos Sainz's cars crashed out during the race. According to Ferrari engineer Inaki Rueda, the disappointment is very big, because Leclerc would probably have beaten Verstappen by a wide margin.

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Things first went wrong for Sainz in Baku with a hydraulic problem. In a debrief on LinkedIn, Rueda explains that Sainz was on a reverse strategy to his three front runners. Ferrari and Red Bull Racing are very evenly matched, which is why the races are often decided in the DRS zones this season, according to the engineer. The team had therefore taken measures in Baku and improved the rear wing of the Ferrari F1-75. The improvements were of no use when it turned out that Leclerc too had to abandon his race due to engine problems.

'Leclerc had won well over Verstappen'

During the Virtual Safety Car that was set after Sainz's elimination, Leclerc managed to gain a lot of time with the pit stop. Rueda says that stop to the hard tyre would have been the only one for Leclerc, putting the Monegasque on course for victory. "Red Bull tried to continue on the medium tyre as long as possible, but it quickly declined sharply. Perez lost a lot of time by just going through and staying in front of Leclerc."

The Ferrari technician is extra bummed by Leclerc's retirement after the eleventh lap. Rueda: "Our simulations show that without that retirement - and if there had not been another Virtual Safety Car - Leclerc would have won the race comfortably from Verstappen."
Pan-African multilateral finance institution, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), is calling for an increase in intra-African trade and financing on the back of the continents youth and technology resources.

Speaking during the 29th Annual Meetings of Afreximbank on June 15 in Cairo, Prof. Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, made a strong case for increasing intra-African trade, providing insight into the challenges restricting trade and providing clear solutions as to how the continent can resolve them. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org), as the voice of the African energy sector, commends the organization for this drive, and will support Afreximbank as it moves to awaken Africas full developmental potential.

Prof. Oramahs suggestions come at a time when Africa is well positioned to become a highly competitive trade hub. In January 2021, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) was implemented, ushering in a new era of simplified trade in Africa. A year on, the continent has been slow to unlock the full potential of this agreement, leading to an accelerated push by the Afreximbank to promote intra-African trade and finance in Africa.

While the problem was identified decades ago, it is only now that Africa can boast of possessing a combination of factors that can resolve it. These consist of visionary and committed leadership, the youth, and digital technology. Our leadership has done the courageous work of giving us the AfCFTA. A lot now hinges on our youth. It is for this reason that Afreximbank dedicated this years Annual Meeting to the theme, Realizing the AfCFTA Potential in the Post-COVID-19 Era: Leveraging the Power of The Youth, stated Prof. Oramah in this opening remarks.

Africas youth represent the key to accelerating strong and sustainable economic growth. Representing one of the youngest and fastest growing populations worldwide, the continent has all the ingredients to create highly attractive domestic markets on the back of improved intra-African trade and commerce. The Afreximbank, as a trade-finance focused development bank, is not only an advocate but key driver of Africas economic growth, and the AEC recognizes the contributions of the bank to Africas developmental future.

As Prof. Oramah stated, It is our view that the youth will be the catalytic force to the realization of the continental agenda. Indeed, the youth have always been the catalyst to economic transformations and at the base of every industrial revolution in advanced economies. It is no coincidence that at the height of each Industrial Revolution, youth constituted the largest proportion of the labor force and population.

Therefore, by focusing on capacity building, skills transfer and the upliftment of the domestic workforce, while at the same time injecting capital into small to medium enterprises and African startups, the continent will see intra-African trade expanded and market growth realized.

We believe that Afreximbanks demonstrated drive for enhanced intra-African trade will only strengthen Africas socioeconomic development. Frameworks such as the AfCFTA have made it possible to increase trade within and across the continent, and now, everyday Africans need to capitalize on the opportunities presented by this framework and develop an Africa that we are proud of, an Africa that everyday Africans deserve, stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, adding that, Going forward, it is important for us to de-risk African investments and drive commercial opportunities within African countries. Afreximbank has been one of the main drivers of energy transactions across the continent and have been willing to drive up things including solar, wind and other renewables, as well as oil and natural gas. Whats more, in a post-COVID-19 era, Afreximbank stood with Africans, assessing communities that are at risk and made sure vaccinations were provided, Ayuk continued.

Whether a youth-powered AfCFTA will trigger a continental economic explosion or whether the next decades will become Lost Decades for Africa will depend on how we creatively deploy the energies and talents of the continents youth to implement the AfCFTA, Prof. Oramah concluded.

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News24 has for the fourth consecutive year been named as South Africas most trusted news source, according to the 2022 Digital News Report by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford. The report was released recemtly

The annual report surveyed 93 432 people in 46 countries and ranked South Africa second overall in terms of trust in media. It found that between 2019 and 2022, trust in media grew from 49% to 61% in the country.

Of the people surveyed in Africa, the report found that 61% of South Africans trusted most news, most of the time. This was compared to 58% in Nigeria and 57% in Kenya.

News24 scored 85% on the trust barometer, followed by eNCA on 84%. The rest of South Africas top ten trusted news brands are: BBC News, SABC News, Sunday Times, Mail & Guardian, TimesLive, The Citizen, EWN and regional or local newspapers.

In terms of growth, the report found that City Press, Sowetan and Daily Sun had grown by as much as six percentage points in 2022.

The report found that South African news publications were increasingly emphasising the importance of trust as part of their journalistic brand value. The institute acknowledges News24s recent decision to change its slogan from Breaking News. First to Trusted News. First.

This move followed News24s introduction of a subscription service for its premium investigative journalism, opinion and analysis in August 2020. In the 18 months after launch, News24 managed to convert 50 000 readers to paying subscribers.

News24 editor-in-chief Adriaan Basson said he was extremely proud of his team for again grabbing the top spot in this survey. Trust is to golden metric. Over the past year, we have exposed countless corrupt officials, unscrupulous businesspeople, sex offenders and dodgy politicians who abuse power and mislead the public. It is incredibly satisfying and a massive vote of confidence to know the public sees and appreciates this.

In its global analysis of the 46 countries surveyed, the Reuters Institute found that much of the public was either turning away from important stories or selectively avoiding them. This included stories about the pandemic, the Russia/Ukraine war as well as the cost-of-living crisis. It also found that there was a general decline in trust and an overall declining interest in the news, although South Africa bucked the trend.

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Alcoa Corporation announced a $51-million project to increase the production capacity at its Mosjen smelter in Norway by 14,000 metric tons per year (mtpy). Alcoas Mosjen location currently has a nameplate capacity of 200,000 mtpy, and the investment is expected to increase that capacity to 214,000 mtpy by the end of 2026.

Amperage to the sites two potlines will be increased via improved electrical infrastructure, including the installation of new high voltage cabling and switching equipment. The planned investment will also improve the sites existing anode production processes.

We continue to build on our positive history of increasing the capabilities and output of our existing assets through process improvements and capital investments. Mosjen is already a top-performing asset in Alcoas global system, and this investment reflects its operational excellence, the dedication of our employees, and the strong support from our many customers and community stakeholders. John Slaven, Alcoas Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer





The Mosjen smelter is fully powered by renewable energy and produces rolling ingots and foundry alloys, including metal for Alcoas Sustana line (earlier post), which is the most comprehensive offering of low-carbon products in the aluminum industry.

In that brand family, Mosjen produces EcoLum aluminum, which offers less than 4.0 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (scope 1 and 2) from bauxite mining, alumina refining, and aluminum smelting and casting. It also produces EcoDura aluminum, which includes at least 50% recycled content.

Induction furnace. Alcoa also recently announced that its Mosjen facility is now operating a state-of-the-art induction furnace that uses renewable energy to melt and recycle scrap aluminum.

The project stems from a collaboration between Alcoa and MMG Aluminium, a German-based metals trading company that supplies Mosjen with clean aluminum chips and shavings that have been compressed into briquettes.





Induction Furnace Operator Serban Baci inspects the aluminum inspects aluminum alloy briquettes that were once scrap and will soon be sustainably recycled.

The induction furnace efficiently melts those briquettes and then pours out the recycled aluminum for blending with the smelters low-carbon aluminum and various alloying materials, depending on the end-use applications.

Most plants across the world remelt scrap using furnaces powered by natural gas burners located on the walls and roofs, radiating heat onto material placed in the center. Mosjens induction furnace, however, runs on electricity sourced from wind and hydropower and uses alternating current that runs through a resisting coil, creating heat. That heat melts the scrap and any impurities are removed before pure aluminum is poured off via the furnaces tilting mechanism.

By melting aluminum through renewable-powered induction, approximately 4,400 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year are avoided by not using a traditional furnace with natural gas.

Alcoas induction furnace was Alcoas single largest return-seeking capital project in 2021, and it was built in a record 10 months.

In the past three years, Alcoa Corporation has invested approximately $50 million in sustaining and return-seeking capital projects at the location.
The Sweetwater County Sheriffs Office is disputing a claim by the Wyoming ACLU that the office is among the most egregious on civil rights violations of undocumented immigrants at the Sweetwater County Detention Center.

According to a media release from the sheriffs office, the office was falsely accused of ranking in the top 54 law enforcement agencies nationwide an ACLU report claims are the most egregious in civil rights violations. The actual list does not include the SCSO, or any Wyoming law enforcement agency.

The claim focuses on participation in the 287 (g) Program established through the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. The program creates agreements between law enforcement agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that aim to reduce the number of criminal offenders that are released back into the community without being screened for immigration violations, according to the ICE website.

Commenting on the allegation made by ACLU Wyoming Communications Director Janna Farley, SCSO spokesperson Jason Mower claims a press release issued by Farley misrepresented findings of a report issued by the ACLU.

Ms. Farleys claim in her press release (June 8) is patently false, Mower said. Its defamatory, and its a gross misrepresentation of the actual findings in the report.

Mower said the sheriffs office participates in the program, saying that participation isnt a secret.

Sheriff John Grossnickle, also cited in the media release, said the office has had limited participation in the program for more than 12 years.

It saves taxpayers money, he said. The extent of our involvement is to temporarily house undocumented immigrants who have been convicted of serious, felony-level crimes while they await transport to immigration centers in Utah and Colorado.

Grossnickle also said he is unaware of any allegations regarding civil rights violations to an undocumented immigrant at the Sweetwater County Detention Center.
A little-known chapter of Sweetwater County history is the subject of a new article at WyoHistory.org, according to a recent media release from the Sweetwater County Historical Museum.

"The Wyoming March of Coxey's Army," by Brigida (Brie) Blasi of the University of Wyoming's American Heritage Center and the museum's former executive director, is the story of the movement that came to be known as "Coxey's Army," named for its leader, an Ohio businessman and labor activist named Jacob Coxey.

By the spring 1894, the four-year nationwide economic depression that became known as the Panic of 1893 was well underway. Unemployment was extremely high, and many protesting workers from around the country, loosely organized by Coxey and others, began traveling east by rail in what would become the first political march on Washington, D.C.

Courtesy of the Sweetwater County Historical Museum Under guard by federal troops, Coxeyites boarding the train in Green River for the return to Idaho to stand trial.

Most "Coxeyites" were peaceful and often welcomed by sympathizers as they traveled, but others were not. One contingent, numbering about 250, stole a train in Montpelier, Idaho, and wound up in Green River in May of 1894, where they were detained under guard in a tent camp by U.S. Marshal Joe Rankin and local law enforcement volunteers until troops could arrive to escort them back to Idaho, where all were found guilty and given minor sentences.

Coxey himself made it to Washington, but his demands that the federal government assist workers by employing them in public works projects were refused and he was arrested, charged with trespassing on public property. When he was taken into custody, his "army' dispersed.

WyoHistory.org, an outstanding resource Wyoming history, is the online platform for the Wyoming State Historical Society. Blasi's article can be found at https://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/wyoming-march-coxeys-army.
Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP

LONDON (AP)  Britain announced a new round of sanctions Thursday against Russia, targeting the head of the Russian Orthodox Church for his prominent support for the war in Ukraine as well as Russia's children's rights commissioner, who Britain said is responsible for the forced transfer and adoption of hundreds of Ukrainian children into Russia.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, has repeatedly abused his position to justify the war" on Ukraine. Kirill is a longtime ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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WASHINGTON (AP)  One month ahead of President Joe Bidens trip to Saudi Arabia, the District of Columbia is renaming the street in front of the Saudi embassy Jamal Khashoggi Way, trolling Riyadh for its role in the killing of the dissident Saudi activist and journalist in 2018.

With members of the D.C. Council in attendance, a Jamal Khashoggi Way sign was unveiled directly in front of the embassys main entrance.

We intend to remind the people who are hiding behind these doors ... that we hold them responsible and we will hold them accountable for the murder of our friend, said Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of DAWN, the pro-Arab world democracy organization founded by Khashoggi prior to his death.

Whitson also criticized what she called the shameless capitulation of the Biden administration for seeking improved relations with the Saudi government and scheduling an official presidential visit to the kingdom.

Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist, entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018, seeking the necessary documentation for a planned marriage with his fiancee waiting outside for him. The 59-year old never emerged.

The Saudi government initially denied any wrongdoing. But under mounting international pressure, Riyadh eventually admitted that Khashoggi had been killed inside the consulate in what the Saudis characterized as a repatriation effort gone wrong. The CIA later released a report concluding that Khashoggi was killed and dismembered on the orders of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

The Saudi regime has consistently denied that connection. Several lower-level Saudi officials and agents received jail sentences over the killing.

The D.C. Council unanimously voted late last year to rename a one-block stretch for Khashoggi.

I'm very proud that we did this, said D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson. The Saudi government cannot forget what happend, what it did. This is a constant reminder.

The renaming is ceremonial, as signified by the brown street sign instead of the usual green, and it won't impact the embassy's mailing address. But the sign will remain indefinitely. An email to the Saudi Embassy seeking comment did not receive a response.

Khashoggi's Turkish fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, could not attend the ceremony, but a statement from her was read aloud.

In it, she bitterly criticized the Biden administration for putting oil over principles and expediency over principles.

Cengiz also directly requested of Biden, when he meets with the crown prince, Can you at least ask, Where is Jamals body?'

Karine Jean Pierre, the White House press secretary, would not say whether Biden would raise the issue of Khashoggis murder when he meets with Bin Salman next month.

The president is a straight shooter. This is not something that hes afraid to talk about, she said. But she didnt confirm if the killing would be a topic of conversation.

The D.C. government has a history of such public moves to troll or shame foreign governments. In February 2018, the street in front of the Russian embassy was named Boris Nemtsov Plaza, after a Russian activist shot dead while walking on a bridge near the Kremlin in 2015.

At the previous site of the Russian embassy, a street was renamed for longtime Russian dissident Andrei Sakharov.

Wednesday's street renaming was essentially a formalization of an independent activist-driven campaign that had been going on for years. Shortly after Khashoggi's death, local activist Claude Taylor started placing realistic-looking Jamal Khashoggi street signs around the city, including outside the embassy. Taylor said he had as many as 10 signs in different places at one point, including one near Dupont Circle that lasted for two years before being vandalized.

It's just a form of public protest with a performance art aspect to it, Taylor said.

Although he noted with a laugh that he wasn't invited to Wednesday's ceremony, Taylor said, I'm glad the city did the right thing and I'm glad he's being recognized this way.

___

Associated Press writer Chris Megerian contributed to this report.
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WASHINGTON (AP)  The House committee investigating the Capitol insurrection used its latest public hearing on Thursday to focus on the pressure that then-President Donald Trump put on his vice president, Mike Pence, to delay or reject the certification of Joe Bidens election victory on Jan. 6, 2021. The committee is trying to show how that pressure incited a violent mob to lay siege to the Capitol that day.

Pence, presiding over the certification in the vice presidents traditional ceremonial role, did not give in. He declared Biden the next president early the next morning, after the congressional session resumed and the rioters were cleared.

Lawmakers on the nine-member panel, and the witnesses who testified at the hearing, described Pences decision as having averted a constitutional crisis.

Takeaways from the committee's third public hearing this month:

A VICE PRESIDENT UNDER PRESSURE ...

Greg Jacob, a counsel to Pence who fended off pressure to carry out the plan, said in live testimony at the hearing that the vice president first summoned him to his West Wing office in early December 2020 to seek clarity about his role in the certification of the election results.

Jacob said it was clear to the vice president that the founding fathers did not intend to empower any one person to affect the election results.

And our review of text, history  and frankly, just common sense  all confirm the vice presidents first instinct on that point, there is no justifiable basis to conclude that the vice president has that kind of authority, Jacob said.

But in the coming weeks, the committee laid out, Pence would come under pressure from Trump to invalidate Bidens win and find a way to keep the president in power. While many White House aides made clear that they didnt agree with the scheme, a conservative law professor named John Eastman increasingly had the ear of Trump. He wrote multiple memos suggesting Pence could reject electors or simply declare Trump the winner.

... AND IN DANGER

In video testimony, Pences former chief of staff, Marc Short, said that the vice president told Trump many times that Pence did not agree with the idea. But Trump kept up the pressure anyway.

On the morning of Jan. 6, as Pence issued a public statement making clear that he would certify the legitimate results of the election, Trump told thousands of his supporters in front of the White House that he hoped Pence would reconsider. The committee showed video from that rally in which Trump said that if Pence doesnt come through, I wont like him as much.

Trump's continued pressure, the committee asserts, put Pence in immediate danger after rioters marched down to the Capitol and chanted for his death.

In one video played by the committee, a Trump supporter said he had heard reports that Pence had caved, and if he did they were going to drag politicians through the streets. As Pence evacuated the Senate and hid in the Capitol, rioters in front of the building chanted bring him out! A fake guillotine was constructed on the National Mall, and people breaking into the building chanted  Hang Mike Pence! Hang Mike Pence! 

Trump continued to pressure Pence even as his supporters stormed the building, tweeting that Pence lacked courage."

Donald Trump turned the mob on him," said Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson, the chairman of the panel.

A CLOSE CALL IN THE CAPITOL

As the rioters broke in, Pence hastily evacuated his post presiding over the Senate. California Rep. Pete Aguilar, a Democrat on the committee who led Thursday's hearing, told Jacob that the group was at one point only 40 feet from the rioters.

Jacob, who was with Pence at the time, said they had heard the din of the violent mob as they evacuated but that he didn't know they were that close.

The committee also showed never-before-seen photos of Pence after he had evacuated to a secure location in the Capitol, including one photo in which he was reading one of Trump's tweets.

Jacob said that Secret Service agents wanted them to leave the building but Pence refused to get in the car.

The vice president didnt want to take any chance that the world would see him leaving the Capitol, Jacob said.

A HEATED PHONE CALL AND A PRESIDENT'S THREATS

The committee shed some new light on a phone call between Trump and Pence the morning of Jan 6. In videotaped testimony, Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump, said the conversation was pretty heated and had "a different tone than I had heard him take with the vice president before.

In other taped interviews, aides described snippets of the conversation. Trump's personal aide, Nicholas Luna, said he heard the word wimp. Ivanka Trump's chief of staff, Julie Radford, said she was told the president called Pence the p-word.

Jacob said he was there when Pence returned from taking Trump's call. The vice president was steely, determined, grim, Jacob said.

In the following hours, Trump went to the rally stage and criticized the vice president to his thousands of supporters. Aguilar said the committee found that Trump had revised the speech to include criticism of Pence.

AN ILLEGAL SCHEME

Aguilar called Eastmans scheme, which was amplified by lawyer Rudy Giuliani and others, a legally and morally bankrupt idea.

After writing memos challenging the nations election laws in December, and convening state electors on a call, Jacob said that Eastman laid out his theory at a Jan. 4 meeting with Trump, Pence and a small group of aides.

Eastman said Pence, as the presiding officer, could reject the votes outright. Alternately, he could suspend the proceedings and declare essentially a 10-day recess during which the results would be sent back to certain state legislatures. Eastman said he preferred the second option, Jacob said.

The next morning, on Jan. 5, Eastman had changed his mind, Jacob said. He walked into a meeting and said, Im here to request that you reject the electors.

Pence never wavered, Jacob said.

Retired federal judge Michael Luttig, who had spoken to Pences staff ahead of the insurrection, also testified at the hearing. He said that if Pence had declared Trump president, it would have plunged America into what I believe would have been tantamount to a revolution within a constitutional crisis.

DISTRUST OF EASTMAN

As Eastman gained the president's favor, several White House aides grew increasingly concerned about the possible ramifications of what he was proposing. But Trump did not listen to their advice.

The committee played videotaped testimony from Eric Herschmann, a White House lawyer, expressing incredulity at Eastmans legal theory that a vice president could overturn an election. Are you out of your effing mind? Herschmann said he told the professor, adding that he should get a good lawyer.

Trump campaign aide Jason Miller said colleagues had told him they thought Eastman was crazy.

Eastman was subpoenaed by the committee, but he repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment rights during his closed-door interview with the panel last year. He has also sued to block the panel from obtaining many of his communications from the time.

TURNING TO THEIR FAITH

Pence is a deeply religious man, and Jacob's testimony recounted the vice president's faith  and his own  as the events unfolded.

In one discussion, Jacob said, Pence told him: I cant wait to go to heaven and meet the framers, and tell them the work that you did in putting together our Constitution is a work of genius.

Pence and his aides started Jan. 6 at the vice presidents house, saying a prayer together. And as they hunkered in the undisclosed location later in the day, Jacob said he pulled out a Bible, reading a verse about a second in command who defied an order he could not follow. He said he took great comfort in the passage.

Short said in his videotaped interview that he texted Pence a Bible verse at the end of the day.

I fought the good fight, I finished the race, Ive kept the faith, the passage read.

___

Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro and Farnoush Amiri contributed to this report.

___

For full coverage of the Jan. 6 hearings, go to https://www.apnews.com/capitol-siege
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SANTA ROSA, Calif. (AP)  Pacific Gas & Electric Co. is working on an ambitious project to bury thousands of miles of power lines in an effort to prevent igniting fires with its equipment and avoid shutting down electricity during hot and windy weather.

PG&E announced last year that it planned to bury 10,000 miles (16,000 kilometers) of power lines in the next decade at a projected cost of $15 billion to $30 billion. The announcement came just days after PG&E informed regulators that a 70-foot (23-meter) pine tree that toppled on one of its power lines ignited a major fire in Butte County, the same rural area about 145 miles (233 kilometers) northeast of San Francisco where another fire sparked by its equipment killed more than 80 people and destroyed thousands of homes in 2018.

Since 2017, the aging equipment of the nation's largest utility has been blamed for more than 30 wildfires that wiped out more than 23,000 homes and businesses and killed more than 100 people. In 2019, PG&E filed for bankruptcy after facing billions of dollars in wildfire fines and lawsuits.

In addition to preventing wildfires, PG&E says burying power lines underground will lead to fewer disruptive public safety power shutoffs, which have become more frequent in the last few years due to dry weather and high wind events linked to climate change.

PG&E previously has buried power lines as systems are rebuilt in the wake of destructive wildfires, such as the massive blaze that wiped out most of the town of Paradise in 2018. This month, it started work on a plan to place 175 miles (280 kilometers) of power lines underground this year in central and Northern California, said Deanna Contreras, a PG&E spokeswoman.

The company has said it plans to bury as many as 1,200 miles a year to meet its goal.

Undergrounding reduces ignition risk by 99% so we are starting in the areas of the highest fire risk, high fire threat district areas, and also prioritizing areas where we can reduce the number of public safety power shutoffs, she said.

She said burying power lines costs $3.75 million per mile.

As we increase the line miles every year and we scale up, we expect those costs to come down to about $2.5 million a mile by the end of 2026, she added.

But some critics of PG&Es plan say its too expensive and will take too long to complete. The plan calls for ratepayers to finance the project through higher utility bills.

The Utility Reform Network, or TURN, a consumer advocacy organization, questions whether PG&E will be able to continue properly maintaining its power lines while it focuses on the burying power lines, which will take at least a decade to complete.

This would take years upon years and we need to be sure that the company is focusing on its compliance in the meantime, said Katy Morsony, a TURN staff attorney. By also trying to engage in this huge capital investment program at the same time, its unclear that they can both properly manage compliance in the meantime, as well as successfully and efficiently complete the undergrounding program.

PG&E, a 117-year-old company, generates about $20 billion in revenue annually while serving a 70,000-square-mile (181,300-square-kilometer) service area in the northern and central part of California that includes farmland, forests, big cities and the worlds technology hub in Silicon Valley.

One of the places where lines are currently being buried is near the Sonoma County site of the 2017 Tubbs wildfire that killed at least 22 people and destroyed thousands of homes in and around Santa Rosa.

Supporters say burying the lines also provides a more aesthetically pleasing California landscape.

Tom Sullivan, who rebuilt after losing his home in the 2017 Tubbs wildfire, said hes willing to pay a little more for his power if it means theres less chance of another devastating wildfire.

"Its something that has to be done, so were just all going to have to pay for it. Either that or were going to end up with more fires," Sullivan said.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Senate on Thursday approved a sweeping expansion of health care and disability benefits for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in response to concerns about their exposure to toxic burn pits.

Passage of the bill by a vote of 84-14 sets a course that could help millions who served after Sept. 11, 2001, and caps years of advocacy work by veterans groups and others who liken burn pits to the Agent Orange herbicide that Vietnam era veterans were exposed to in Southeast Asia.

The bill is projected to increase federal spending by about $283 billion over 10 years and does not include offsetting spending cuts or tax increases to help pay for it. The House in March approved similar legislation that would have cost more than $320 billion over 10 years.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said after Senate passage that the House would move swiftly to take up the legislation and send it to President Joe Biden to be signed into law. Biden has encouraged the effort. In a statement after the vote, Biden said the bill makes good on our sacred obligation to care for veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors." He urged the House to act quickly so I can sign it into law right away."

The military routinely used open burn pits set ablaze with jet fuel to dispose of tires, batteries, medical waste and other materials during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill would expand military veterans' eligibility for medical care through the Department of Veterans Affairs by extending coverage for 10 years after discharge instead of the current five years.

The legislation would also presume that certain respiratory illnesses and cancers were related to burn pit exposure, allowing the veterans to obtain disability payments to compensate for their injury without having to prove the illness was a result of their service. Currently, more than 70% of disability claims related to burn pit exposure are denied by the VA due to lack of evidence, scientific data and information from the Defense Department.

The legislation would also benefit many Vietnam War-era veterans by including high blood pressure in the list of conditions presumed to have been caused by exposure to Agent Orange. And, it would extend Agent Orange presumptions to veterans who served in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Guam and American Samoa.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., described the bill as the greatest advance in veterans health care in decades." He said scores of America's veterans went off to serve their country in perfect health only to come back and get sick from toxic exposure, and, when they applied for disability benefits, oftentimes found out they didn't qualify.

It's a confounding indignity for our nation's heroes to sacrifice everything for our country only to come home, get sick and discover the VA is not there for them," Schumer said.

A 2020 study from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine found that health studies provided insufficient evidence to determine whether exposure to burn pit emissions is linked to 27 adverse respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis and lung cancer. The authors of the study said the uncertainty doesnt mean that there is no association  only that there was insufficient data to draw definitive conclusions.

But lawmakers said that stories from constituents tell a different and more definitive tale, and they are reluctant to wait for an irrefutable link between veterans' maladies and their exposure to toxic burn pits.

Whenever you have to make that connection airtight, that's difficult on many things," said Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind. In this case, I think the evidence is such that there's some causal relationship. I hear from so many that were over there and got the symptoms fairly close after their service was over. That's not now and then. You hear it fairly often."

Most Republicans voted for the bill, but some opposed it because of fiscal concerns. All 14 of the no votes came from Republicans.

That's way too much money," said Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., of the projected $283 billion price tag.

An expansion of health care and disability benefits could also tax an already stressed VA system, which lawmakers sought to address by authorizing 31 new medical clinics in 19 states and boosting investments in computer systems for the processing of disability claims.

The Senate version trimmed some of the costs early on by phasing in certain benefit enhancements. Sen. Jon Tester, the chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, said the bill was about righting a wrong that has been ignored too damn long."

There's always cost of war," Tester said, and that cost is never fully paid when the war ends."
You definitely want the dried pineapple. Photo: Lanna Apisukh

Early last year, when China banned the importation of pineapple from Taiwan, Lisa Cheng Smith saw an opportunity to help. Shed been looking for a chance to work with Lillian Lin, an acquaintance with experience in the restaurant industry. The idea, Smith says, was to create a new channel of business for Taiwanese farmers who would now be left with unsold crops  and to introduce American audiences to a world of dried-fruit snacks beyond Trader Joes apricots. And so Lin, who was living in Taiwan at the time, agreed to take on the project, sampling nearly 30 sources of dehydrated pineapple at the time. Once they had landed on a few finalists, Lin contacted one farmer who answered the phone call by saying his product wouldnt work because it didnt have any additives. Thats when I knew he was the one, Lin says.

Now, that dried pineapple is the marquee product at Yun Hai, a new Taiwanese general store in Williamsburg. Smith points to some text on the pineapples packaging that explains how the idea came about as a response to rising cross-strait tensions. People are so familiar with Japan or Singapore, but I feel like even people Im close to arent fully aware of Taiwans self-sovereignty, Smith says. She hopes her store will change that. If people can become familiar with the products and culture of a place, theyre more likely to identify it when the time is needed.

To acquaint more Americans with the islands culture and food, Yun Hais brick-and-mortar location  which opens on Saturday at 170 Montrose Avenue  will function as an experimental lab where shoppers can interact with pantry goods and housewares, many made by young Taiwanese people taking over generations-old family businesses. Its also, of course, meant to be a place where someone can get the ingredients necessary to reverse-engineer their moms zhajiangmian or the lu rou fan from Main Street Imperial Taiwanese Gourmet. The store is evolving, Lin and Smith say, but the main goal is to get immediate feedback on limited drops of items before adding them to Yun Hais online inventory.

Smith (who has worked in product design at Herman Miller and Hay) started Yun Hai in 2018, mostly as a hobby when she would bring jars of Su Chili Crisp back to the States for her friends and family. As demand rose, she began importing the condiment and set up a website. Now she is the CEO and Lin has become COO, and Yun Hais inventory has grown to include other makers, like Mama Nnonyas garlic vinegar chili sauce and Maestro Wus cooking knives forged from salvaged artillery shells collected on Kinmen. Meanwhile, designers like Hyphen Works have been brought on to create Yun Hais distinctive packaging.

Early shoppers inside the space. (Note the ga ji dai market totes hanging on the wall.) A vintage Taiwanese cookbook from Smiths personal collection. Su Chili Crisp, the product that helped launch Yun Hai. Custom shelving houses dried fruit, artisanal soy sauces, and ceramics curated by Mogutable. A Taiwan-printed postcard going into a letter box. A Maestro Wu cleaver, which is forged from scrap metal and bombshells that mainland China fired on Taiwan. Lin and Smith bagging a customers purchases, including a package of grass jelly. Photographs by Lanna Apisukh

To make their move into physical retail, the duo took over an unused storefront from Win Son owners Josh Ku and Trigg Brown, whod signed the lease during the pandemic. The duo started work on the space in February, and thanks to contributions from friends  as were speaking, artist Bryan Metzdorf applies carmine paint to a scaled-down replica of a wooden bench that Smith sourced upstate  the scrappy 300-square-foot shop on the Taiwanese American corner of Montrose Avenue came together in a matter of months, Lin says.

Yun Hai will mostly act as a distributor of Taiwanese products in a city where its still much easier to find authentic balsamic vinegar than top-shelf, naturally fermented soy sauce, but it will also help  Smith and Lin hope  educate New Yorkers about Taiwan and its history. As a first-gen, American-born Taiwanese, theres this impulse to shout out about Taiwan all the time, Smith says. This is my way of shouting out about Taiwan all the time but in a way that makes me feel productive, where I can contribute in a very tangible way. (Further down the line, the duo has loose plans to grow Taiwanese vegetables, offer prepared foods, and host pop-up events by visiting chefs.)

Both Smith and Lin say the larger community has been supportive as well  including other small businesses who are also trying to serve the Taiwanese diaspora. Were all building the category together, Lin says. If you only have one ramen shop in New York, you dont really notice it, but if you have ten ramen chains, ramen becomes a thing  were riding that wave all together.
Back in 2020, Samsung released its first ever Fan Edition smartphone, the Galaxy S20 FE. And it came in two versions: a 4G one with the company's own Exynos 990 SoC, and a 5G variant with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865. Fast forward to this January, and the Galaxy S21 FE finally arrives, but in one iteration only, with the 5G capable Snapdragon 888 at the helm.

We assumed that there wouldn't be a 4G-only version of the S21 FE, since 5G networks are ever more prevalent throughout the world these days, and even mid-rangers now pretty much all have 5G support as standard. But Samsung wants to surprise us, it seems, so it's working on a 4G version of the Galaxy S21 FE.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G

While the 5G version has the model number SM-G990B, the folks over at Galaxy Club have dug up an upcoming SM-G990B2 which is in the making, complete with its own separate firmware. That model was recently certified by the Bluetooth SIG, and it has Bluetooth 5.2 on board, whereas the G990B, a.k.a. the S21 FE 5G, only has Bluetooth 5.0.

The S21 FE 4G will be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 720G chipset, according to multiple listings in Scandinavian online stores, as well as stores in Belgium and the Netherlands.

That SoC was used by Samsung in the Galaxy A52 from last year, and by Xiaomi sub-brand Redmi in a multitude of devices too. It's much lower-end than the Snapdragon 888 found inside the S21 FE 5G, which means the S21 FE 4G must also be cheaper. It's unclear if there will be any other hardware differences between the two.

Source (in Dutch)
Every June, millions of Filipinos look forward to celebrating the anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence. This year marks the 124th anniversary of that significant event.

One of the annual traditions throughout the globe is for the Philippine Consulate Generals offices, in their respective locations, to host a reception for leaders of the local Filipino communities, elected government officials, the business community and more.

On Guam, Patrick John U. Hilado, Consul General, hosted the local celebration at the Rihga Royal Laguna Guam Resort on June 8 in the hotels outdoor atrium. The event was by invitation only.

As to be expected, dozens of guests showed up in traditional Filipino attire. Men wore the Barong Tagalog, or simply called Barong, which is the national costume for men in the Philippines. The fabric for the shirt is often made with a lighter, see-through material such as pina fabric made from pineapple leaves or jusi fabric made with banana silk. An undershirt is required to be worn with the Barong. This distinctive shirt is usually worn at ceremonial events, weddings and official business functions.

As for the fairer gender, they likewise came dressed in the official national costume for women called Barot Saya, more commonly known as Filipiniana.

This style originated from the Spaniards and was worn throughout the 400-year Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The female ensemble has several variations including the Maria Clara Dress and Mestiza with stiff, rounded butterfly sleeves.

At the event, there were several examples of this attire ranging from more traditional-looking pieces to modern twists of flair.

Colors for the Barong and Filipiniana are usually kept in the fabrics natural beige, however, they may also be dyed for pops of color depending upon the wearers preference. The embroidery on both the mens and womens clothing may range from minimalist to highly intricate. If the embroidery is done by hand, the cost of the piece will rise significantly.

Incidentally, the Filipino Community of Guam, the umbrella organization for over 20 Filipino associations, will be hosting its Philippine Independence Ball this Saturday evening at the Rihga Royal Laguna Guam Resort. Annually, the event typically attracts a wide audience which means the array of fashion expected to be on display will likely be vibrant and colorful. Look out for my fashion review from this event which comes out next Friday. Stay tuned!
Yang Jiechi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, chairs the 12th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security via video link, June 15, 2022. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Yang Jiechi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Wednesday called on BRICS countries to inject more stability into a turbulent world.

Yang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks when chairing the 12th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security via video link. The meeting took place ahead of the 14th BRICS summit.

BRICS is an acronym for the five major emerging countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. China holds the rotating presidency of BRICS this year.

The grouping was born in the historical tide of the collective rise of emerging markets and developing countries and represents the direction of the evolution and adjustment of the world pattern and international order, Yang said.

He called on the five members to follow the trends of the times, respond to changes of the times and inject more stability and positive energy into the turbulent international situation.

The 12th Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security is held via video link, June 15, 2022. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

Yang called on BRICS countries to practice true multilateralism, address both traditional and non-traditional security threats in a coordinated manner, advocate solidarity, and coordinate security and development to realize "common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security."

Amid various risks and challenges, the Global Security Initiative put forward by China has contributed Chinese wisdom to solving the current dilemma of global security and provided an important guideline for building a world of lasting peace and universal security, he said.
Members of the islands youth community, many accompanied by their parents, are assisted with their application process into the Governors Summer Youth Employment Program at Adelup on June 6, 2022. Summer employment with various government agencies, at 30 hours a week, were being offered to applicants between the ages of 14 to 17.
The search for a new superintendent began Thursday as the Guam Education Board discussed the official posting for the superintendents job.

We will put the job announcement up  actually have it up and advertised (today), said Vice Chairwoman Mary Okada. Were counting on and hoping everyone spread the word and encourages all interested parties to apply. We need a good pool of candidates so we can select the most qualified candidate that is going to move the education department forward.

In May, Superintendent Jon Fernandez announced he was resigning. Since then, the board has been ironing out the details for the position announcement.

Interested applicants must have a masters degree in business or public administration to qualify for a higher-up education leadership role.

Board member Robert Crisostomo believes that this is a disservice, and recommends that the board should meet with the Legislature to change that requirement.

I understand its a business, but its an educational institution. First and foremost, I think, Mary (Okada) and I argue politely about this, I think it should be an educational leader with an education background rather than keep going back to bean counters, said Crisostomo. Yeah, money is important but if our scores suck and we keep sucking up money, were doing something wrong.

Although he disagrees with Crisostomo, board member Ron McNich said its an important discussion.

I think thats a healthy approach, and we should simply follow the law, until the law has been changed, he said.

The board will also address the job position and candidate qualifications in another meeting this afternoon.
On the same day Eric Salone agreed to testify in co-defendant Nicholas Moores trial connected to a shooting in Agana Heights, a bench warrant was issued for Moore.

Salone and Moore were charged in connection to the shooting of two men near the Agana Heights gym on Oct. 15, 2020.

According to court documents, Moore was accused of shooting at the men while driving a black Ford F-150. A man then told police he was with Moore on the night of the shooting and he sat in the passenger seat and fired shots towards the ground.

Salone, who was named as Moores co-defendant in a superseding indictment earlier this year, appeared in the Superior Court of Guam to enter a deferred plea and admitted to his actions in the case.

I retrieved a .45 caliber pistol from the floor of a truck and used it to scare off people who I thought were attacking, said Salone who added the men were carrying pipes and machetes.

As part of the deal, Salone pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm without a valid firearms ID as a third-degree felony and discharge of a firearm as a misdemeanor. However, the guilty plea will be expunged from Salones record if he agrees to cooperate in with the government by testifying in Moores trial, which is expected to begin next week.

If Salone does not cooperate, he could be sentenced to up to four years in prison.

The plea deal also dismissed two charges of aggravated assault and terrorizing with the special allegation of a deadly weapon used in the commission of a felony.

Moore

Prior to Salones change of plea hearing Thursday afternoon, a bench warrant was issued for Moores arrest after he failed to show up for the second day of jury selection.

Moore was seen being escorted by a marshal in handcuffs about an hour after the warrant was issued.

According to court documents, a bail hearing took place where Moore paid $5,000 to be released from custody.

Moore was later seen leaving the court parking lot in the passenger seat of a white Unitek truck.

Moores father, Leroy Moore, is the owner of Unitek Environmental Group.

In addition to Moores charges in the Agana Heights shooting, he faces murder charges in the death of Michael Castro, which is believed to have happened two weeks after the shooting, and criminal sexual conduct charges connected to having sex with a minor under the age of 16.
Despite earlier reports of a potential decrease in the number of graduating seniors, Guam Department of Education officials announced that students have exceeded expectations.

While officials expected fewer than 1,700 students to graduate this academic year, there were 1,860 graduates.

Were really happy at the number of graduates that actually graduated versus the original projections. I can attribute this to the students, the teachers working really hard during the fall and spring semesters, said Deputy Superintendent Joe Sanchez.

The reason the department expected a lower graduation number this year was because of the increased number of Eskuelan Puengi and summer school students who were identified as being one or two years behind schedule.

Sanchez credits the commitment of the students, their teachers and the Eskuelan Puengi Program for being able to make that progression.

Previously, the after-school program that helped high school students earn more credits was offered only during the spring semester. However, to address learning loss issues, the education department made the program available during the fall.

By spring, there were about 1,500 students participating in both semesters.

Keep in mind, (students) had to do well during the regular school day, earning their full six credits, and then earning whatever credits they missed during the after-school Eskuelan Puengi Program, he said.

Sanchez said the department also is expecting to graduate more than 170 students as part of the Rainbow graduation class of 2022.

Although they are exceeding expectations, we dont want to be naive and think that everything is perfect and back to normal, said Sanchez. There are definitely impacts that were still trying to work through. And although students are improving, we still want to make sure that were able to pick up the pace and accelerate learning  making sure that students are graduating with the skills necessary to succeed in adult life.
Japan with USA want to produce cutting-edge 2-nm chips as soon as 2025

Japan and the US have signed a bilateral chip technology partnership. This could end up as a joint venture between Japanese and US firms, or a wholly Japanese-owned setup. Semiconductors could be used for everything from quantum computers to smartphones.

TOKYO -- Japan will work with the U.S. to launch a domestic manufacturing base for 2-nanometer semiconductors as early as fiscal 2025, Nikkei has learned, joining the race for commercializing the next-generation chip technology.

Tokyo and Washington will provide support under a bilateral chip technology partnership. Private companies from the two countries will pursue research on design and mass production.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is ahead in developing mass production technology for 2-nm chips. Japan seeks to secure a stable supply of semiconductors by realizing domestic production of the next-generation chips.

Japanese and U.S. businesses could jointly establish a new company, or Japanese corporations could set up a new manufacturing hub. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will partially subsidize the cost of research and development as well as capital expenditures.

Joint research will start this summer at the earliest, and a research and mass production center will be formed between fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2027.

TSMC, the world's largest contract chip manufacturer, is building a chip fab in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture, but the plant will only produce less-advanced semiconductors scaled from 10nm to the 20nm range.

Smaller semiconductors lead to miniaturization and improved performance of devices. The 2-nm chips will be used in products such as quantum computers, data centers and cutting-edge smartphones. Those chips also reduce power consumption, shrinking carbon footprints.

The size can determine the performance of military hardware as well, including fighter jets and missiles. In that light, 2-nm chips are directly linked to national security.

In early May, Japan and the U.S. signed basic principles on semiconductor cooperation. The two sides will discuss the finer points of the cooperative framework during an upcoming "two-plus-two" meeting of cabinet economic officials.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's "new capitalism" agenda, approved by the cabinet last week, outlines the formation of a design and manufacturing base this decade through a bilateral public-private collaboration with the U.S.

IBM, which is strong in 2-nm R&D, developed a prototype last year. Fellow U.S. company Intel also is proceeding with R&D on the 2-nm process.

In Japan, a research lab in Tsukuba city run by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology is hosting a collaboration to develop manufacturing technology for advanced semiconductor lines, including those for 2-nm processes. Chipmaking equipment makers like Tokyo Electron and Canon are taking part in the collective, along with IBM, Intel and TSMC.

Japan is home to strong chip materials makers such as Shin-Etsu Chemical and Sumco, while the U.S. has the chipmaking equipment giant Applied Materials. This cooperation between chipmakers and key suppliers is intended to put mass production tech for 2-nm chips within reach.

TSMC sits at the forefront of mass production of next-generation chips. The company is expected to break ground this year on a 2-nm fabrication facility and expects to begin large-scale manufacturing of 3-nm chips later this year.










Haiti - Insecurity : The last 5 Turkish hostages released





After the release at the beginning of June https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36865-haiti-news-zapping.html for health reasons, of 3 Turkish missionary women who were part of a group of 8 Turks, members of an educational and religious association, kidnapped on May 8 in Haiti by members of the "400 Mawozo" gang during a bus hijacking of the Dominican company Metro Tours where there were 12 passengers, 3 Haitians, 8 Turkish missionaries plus a Dominican driver https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36617-haiti-flash-the-400-mawozo-gang-hijacks-a-metro-tours-bus-with-12-passengers.html ; the kidnappers released on Tuesday June 14 the 5 remaining Turkish missionary hostages.



The circumstances of this release have not been disclosed, but the young Turks, aged 20 to 26, are apparently in good physical condition according to our information, after 37 days of confinement.



Let's recall that the two employees of the transport company Metro Tours, a Haitian hostess and the Dominican driver, had been released less than a week after the hijacking of the bus. The two other Haitian passengers were later released by the Gang, against payment of a ransom.



See also:

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36865-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-36617-haiti-flash-the-400-mawozo-gang-hijacks-a-metro-tours-bus-with-12-passengers.html



S/ HaitiLibre


















For many Jews today, pets are beloved household members who are often considered part of the family. That is despite the commonly held perception that Jewish observance and pet ownership are incompatible.

There is no Jewish prohibition against owning pets. And while we know of no studies on Jewish pet ownership, anecdotal evidence suggests that pet ownership is not uncommon among Jews, even in the Orthodox community.

Today, some Jews have even created Jewish life cycle rituals and mourning rites for pets.

In addition, numerous articles about the halachic implications of pet ownership have been published, presumably in response to growing interest in pets among traditionally observant Jews.

Below are some common questions about Jews and pets:

Is it true that Orthodox Jews don't have pets? And what's the origin of the perception that Judaism is averse to pets?

While there are no studies on Jewish pet ownership, anecdotal reports do suggests that pet ownership is less common among Orthodox Jews than among the general Jewish population. One possible explanation for this may be that Orthodox Jews on average have more children than do other Jews, leaving them with less time and money available to care for pets. Another factor may be the perception that pet ownership is frowned upon or will get in the way of ritual observance.

The idea that observant Jews are averse to keeping household pets may derive, in part, from the fact that dogs are the subject of numerous derogatory statements in the Torah and Talmud. Additionally, keeping pets poses a number of challenges for the Sabbath-observant, although none of them is insurmountable. One other factor that has discouraged some Jews from owning dogs is an association with the Holocaust: Natan Slifkin, an Orthodox rabbi who has written extensively about Judaism and animals, has suggested that some European Jews have a "hang-up about dogs" born of the Nazis' fondness for and use of the animals.

Can Jews own pets and still comply with traditional Jewish laws?

According to many Jewish sources, pet ownership is permissible provided the animals do not pose a danger to people or property.

As biblical sources attest, the Jewish patriarchs were shepherds and kept livestock. Jewish laws concerning treatment of animals - in particular the injunction against animal cruelty and the requirement that kosher animals be slaughtered by hand rather than hunted in the wild - clearly imply that Jews kept domestic animals.

The question of keeping pets for reasons of pleasure, companionship or because they serve some useful purpose is of more recent vintage. Contemporary authorities who have considered the permissibility of keeping pets have looked to talmudic sources that offer somewhat conflicting views about the propriety of keeping animals for non-agricultural purposes. One source in the Talmud (Bava Kamma 80a) states the permissibility of raising certain types of dogs and cats because they keep the house free of vermin - implying that animals may be kept if they perform a useful function. Yet elsewhere, the Talmud stipulates that dogs must be kept chained, which would clearly limit their usefulness. Another talmudic opinion states that those who keep dogs are cursed.

The requirement of chaining dogs persisted in later Jewish legal codes. Maimonides (the 12th-century scholar) reaffirmed that requirement and noted that dogs cause damage that is "substantial and frequent." The Shulchan Aruch (a 16th-century code of Jewish law) rules that it is forbidden to own an "evil dog" unless it is kept tied up; if one lives in a border town one can keep a dog (presumably for protection) provided it is let loose only at night - a reflection of the earlier talmudic principle of keeping animals if required for a particular function.

Rabbi Moshe Isserles (a 16th-century Polish rabbi), in his commentary on the Shulchan Aruch, takes a slightly more permissive stance, noting that since Jews live dispersed among non-Jews, it's permitted to own a dog if that's the common practice of the surrounding culture, but an animal that is liable to harm people must be kept chained.

Rabbi Howard Jachter, who reviewed these precedents in a 1992 essay for the Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society, asserts that the attitude toward dogs can be extended to all pets and concludes that the prevailing opinion is that pet ownership is permissible so long as the animal does not endanger people or property.

Can I spay or neuter my pet?

Not according to Jewish law. This prohibition is explicit in Leviticus 22:24, which states (regarding male animals): "You shall not offer to the Lord anything [with its testes] bruised or crushed or torn or cut. You shall have no such practices in your own land." The Shulchan Aruch codifies this rule explicitly. Isserles, in his commentary on the Shulchan Aruch, notes that neutering a female animal is also prohibited.

Over the centuries, rabbinic authorities have proposed various leniencies in this prohibition, but none have been universally accepted. Some permit sterilization if done to alleviate suffering or to save an animal's life; however in this case the procedure should be done by a non-Jew. In cases where non-sterilization would lead to financial loss, some decisors permitted it if the animal were first sold to a non-Jew and then another non-Jew was designated to perform the procedure. The Israeli Orthodox Rabbi Shlomo Aviner has permitted Jewish veterinarians to spay female animals in case of therapeutic need on the grounds that neutering of females is considered a less serious infraction than neutering males. However neutering merely for convenience or for population control - the most common reason pets are usually neutered - remains forbidden. In 2015, Israel's agriculture minister floated the idea of suspending a government program to neuter the country's population of feral cats, apparently out of concern for the injunction against neutering. However, the proposal was not enacted and the program was not suspended.

Today, most pets adopted from animal shelters are already neutered. Since owning a neutered animal does not pose a problem from the perspective of Jewish law - only taking the active step of performing the procedure or ordering someone else to do it - traditionally observant Jews can avoid the issue by adopting pets that have already been neutered.

Can one care for a pet while observing traditional Shabbat laws?

Shabbat laws pose a number of issues for pet owners. The Talmud declares that animals are muktzeh, the term for items that cannot be handled on the Sabbath because they are used for prohibited activities (such as farming), and the Shulchan Aruch states that one should not move an animal on the Sabbath. However, this does not mean it's forbidden to feed or play with animals on Shabbat, and in addition, there is some dispute as to whether the muktzeh designation applies to household pets.

The Torah, in Exodus 20:10, requires that an owner allow his animals to rest on Shabbat and Jewish holidays. This ruling is understood to prohibit an animal from performing any act prohibited to a Jew on the Sabbath. (If dogs could turn on lights or cook, for example, an observant Jew would not be able to order their dog to perform these tasks on Shabbat.) Since carrying is prohibited on the Sabbath, this would clearly prohibit having a dog fetch the morning newspaper. Whether a dog may "carry" identifying tags around its neck hinges largely on whether the tags are considered a benefit for the dog or for its owner. Holding a leash while walking a dog is not considered carrying, according to several sources. However, both the Shulchan Aruch and Maimonides rule that the leash must be kept no more than three inches below the hand of the person holding it.

A final concern regards capturing a pet that has gotten loose on the Sabbath. The Mishnah states that one who traps a domesticated animal on the Sabbath is exempt from punishment; however there is some debate over whether that means it is permitted to do so or merely that a violator would not be liable. According to Jachter, if an animal offers only limited resistance to an owner's attempt to capture it, there are grounds for allowing its capture. However, if an animal offers significant resistance, it cannot be recaptured on the Sabbath. As a result, it's good practice on the Sabbath not to remove an animal from a leash, or release a bird from a cage, to avoid the problem altogether.

Can you feed your pet non-kosher food?

Yes, with two exceptions. According to the Shulchan Aruch, one cannot derive benefit from a biblically proscribed mixture of milk and meat. Consequently, it is forbidden to feed a pet any food that includes milk and meat. This law applies only to biblically proscribed milk/meat mixtures, which are limited to ingredients from kosher domesticated animals. Non-kosher animal meat mixed with milk, for example, would not be prohibited.

The other exception is Passover, when it is forbidden not only to eat leavened grains, but even to own them or benefit from them. There are a number of possible workarounds for pets, including selling the pet to a non-Jew for the duration of the holiday, making your own pet food, or purchasing kosher-for-Passover pet food. Some kosher certifying agencies, such as Star-K, publish annual lists of kosher-for-Passover pet food brands.

Are there any Jewish laws governing how you treat your pet?

Yes. While Jewish tradition permits human beings to make use of animals, acts of cruelty toward them are expressly prohibited - a principle known as tza'ar baalei chayim. General principles of how Jews ought to treat animals show concern both for the physical suffering of animals - Maimonides forbids using an animal to thresh a field if a thorn is stuck in its mouth, for example - as well as their emotional pain, as evinced by the law barring the taking of eggs from a nest while the mother bird is present. Jewish tradition also dictates that one feed one's animals before feeding oneself. According to some authorities, this principle may not apply if the animal is capable of securing its own food. According to Slifkin, the permissibility of declawing a cat or removing a dog's tail is not discussed explicitly by Jewish legal authorities; however the general principle is that causing pain to animals for the benefit of humans is permitted provided the benefit is not trivial and the pain is not too great.

Are there any Jewish rituals for mourning a pet?

The idea of mourning a pet in the way one mourns a relative is deeply controversial, with authorities from even the liberal Reform movement maintaining that reciting Kaddishor performing a Jewish burial rite for a pet is inconsistent with Jewish tradition. In a 1984 responsum, Reform Rabbi Walter Jacob wrote that it would be wrong to recite the Kaddish prayer for a deceased pet - not due to any explicit violation of Jewish law, but because of propriety. "We should not use a prayer which is dear to the heart of every Jew to commemorate a dead animal," Jacob wrote. A separate Reform responsum rejected burying a pet in a Jewish cemetery, again not citing any explicit legal precedent, but rather asserting that "the whole mood of tradition" counsels against it.

Nevertheless, some rabbis do perform pet burials and a number of Jewish rituals for pet loss have been developed. In 1998, the journal of the Reform movement's rabbinical association published a ritual for pet loss by veterinarian Ruth Chodrow that includes readings from the Bible, among them several psalms. Other Jewish pet rituals have been published by Rabbi Susan Schein and Rabbi Janet Offel. Some rabbis who perform such rites say that they should not mimic human funerals.

Are there any other Jewish rituals for pets?

In recent years, some Jewish leaders have developed public rituals for pets. Some synagogues now have pet-friendly Shabbat services while others have created opportunities to bless pets in synagogues. There has also been some effort to revive the practice of Rosh Hashanah LaBehema, the Jewish new year for animals, on the first day of the Hebrew month of Elul. Some contemporary Jewish animal advocates have sought to re-establish the holiday as a time for prayer and reflection on the proper relationship between humans and animals.

Learn more about Jewish rituals and practices related to honoring or caring for animals here.

Do pets (and other animals) have souls?

According to the creation story in Genesis, God blew into Adam the breath of life (nishmat chayim) and he became a living being (nefesh chayah). Both nefesh and neshama are Hebrew terms used for "soul." From here, some understand that human beings have two types of soul - a nefesh, that equates to one's animal instincts, and a neshamah, a higher level of consciousness capable of connection with the divine.

Both the Midrash and Maimonides reject the idea that animals have an afterlife in the world to come, the implication being that they do not possess higher immortal soul of human beings. However, the Jewish mystical tradition associated with Rabbi Isaac Luria believes in the transmigration of souls between humans and animals. A human soul that requires further rectification could be reincarnated in the body of an animal. For this reason, Hasidic Jews historically were often exceedingly careful about the kosher slaughter of animals for fear they might house the souls of repentant sinners.

Can I euthanize my pet?

Jewish law prohibits cruelty to animals, but does not prohibit killing them. Virtually all Jewish authorities agree that euthanizing an animal that is suffering is permitted. In, "Man and Beast: Our Relationships with Animals in Jewish Law and Thought," Slifkin writes:

According to some authorities there is no restriction on killing animals, provided that one kills them in a painless manner. However, it seems that all would agree that if an animal is suffering, it is permissible to kill it in order to put it out of its misery.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas failed to show up for a press conference in Ramallah on Wednesday morning, where he was expected to make a public appearance in order to dispel rumors that he is dead or very ill.

Although the reports cannot be independently confirmed, the Palestinian street is buzzing with rumors that the wildly unpopular octogenarian, whom the vast majority of his constituents believe should resign, is in poor health.

Last week, Arabic-language media reported that Abbas had assigned emergency powers to a trusted adviser, Hussein al-Sheikh, N12 reported. The move was seen as paving the way for al-Sheikh to succeed him as head of the PA and sparked anger among some members of his Fatah party.

Although al-Sheikh blasted Arabic media for spreading rumors about Abbas' death, calling the reports "yellow news" and insisting that he's in good health, the president's absence from the press conference has not quelled suspicions about his condition.

Abbas did address the conference via a phone call but notably did not connect through a video link that would have allowed the public and journalists to see him.

On social media, Palestinians were vocal about their doubts that Abbas is doing well. Some demanded that he post a picture holding today's newspaper in order to prove that he's still alive, according to a report from security blogger Abu Ali Express.

Because Abbas has never assigned a deputy or vice-president role that would streamline the succession process, infighting within Fatah over who will take over after the 87-year-old dies has intensified in recent weeks.

According to a TPS report, some believe the reports about Abbas' ill health were deliberately spread in order to sow chaos both within the Fatah party and PA-controlled areas.

"This is the work of the Israeli Shin Bet," a senior PA official told TPS.

But others believe that the source of the rumors may be Abbas' political rival, Muhammad Dahlan, who has a long-standing spat with al-Sheikh.

Another PA official confirmed to the outlet that Abbas' health is "unstable" and that he recently traveled to Germany for specialized medical care.

The potential power vacuum that will be left behind by Abbas' death is of great concern to Israel, as the Hamas terror group surpasses Fatah's popularity throughout the PA.

Hamas defeated Fatah in a landslide during the Birzeit University student council election, and opinion polls find that the majority of Palestinians prefer Hamas to the establishment party.

In 2021, Abbas cancelled national elections that would have likely seen him unseated by a member of Hamas or Islamic Jihad. He attributed the postponement of the vote to Israel refusing to allow voting to take place in eastern Jerusalem, but most believe the move was a way for Abbas to preserve power.
WASHINGTON (JTA)  A bipartisan slate of 25 Congress members, including a number who are close to the pro-Israel community, called on the Biden administration to pressure the Palestinian Authority to release the bullet that killed a Palestinian reporter for an independent investigation.

We urge you to ask the Palestinian Authority to provide access to the forensic evidence in [Shireen] Abu Aklehs death for an independent investigation so that all parties can reach a definitive conclusion about the events leading to her death, and hold all parties accountable, said the letter sent Friday and spearheaded by Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a Jewish New Jersey Democrat.

The signatories, 14 Democrats and 11 Republicans, include lawmakers known for their close ties to the center-right pro-Israel community, among them Democrats Gottheimer and Donald Norcross of New Jersey; Virginia Democrat Elaine Luria; and Democrat Juan Vargas and Republican Young Kim, both from California.

Israel wants to jointly investigate the May 11 killing of Abu Akleh, a venerated Al Jazeera journalist, with the Palestinian Authority, and have the United States acting as an observer. The Palestinian Authority rejects any Israeli role in the investigation and has called on the International Criminal Court to launch a case against Israel.

Abu Akleh was an American citizen. Israel contends that it has narrowed the likely source of the gunfire to two sources: Israeli soldiers or Palestinian militants. It says it needs to test the bullet against the Israelis rifle to render a more definitive conclusion.

Last month, 57 Democrats sent a letter to Blinken and to the FBI pressing for a U.S. investigation. The letter appeared to place more credence in versions of events that blamed Israeli soldiers for the shooting. Two major media outlets, CNN and the Associated Press, said Israeli soldiers were the likely culprits.

The Gottheimer letter said an investigation was critical to resolving an issue that impinged on press freedoms.

Ms. Abu Akleh was one of eighteen journalists who have lost their lives this year in the course of their work, it said. A free press is vital to an accountable, democratic government. No journalist should face threats or violence for doing their job.
In an emergency vote Monday evening, the Knesset voted against a bill that would extend Israeli law to Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria for another five years.

Fifty-eight MKs voted against the bill, including coalition MKs Mazen Ganaim of the Islamist Raam party and Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi of the extreme-left Meretz, versus 52 who voted in favor.

Ever since the 1967 Six Day War  when Israel liberated Judea and Samaria, which had been under Jordanian rule for 19 years  successive Israeli governments have renewed the law every five years. The law enables Israeli citizens living in Judea and Samaria to receive the same benefits, such as social security, as those living in pre-1967 Israeli territory, and to be prosecuted in Israeli criminal courts.

This is the first time in 55 years that the Israeli government voted against the extension of the law. For several days ahead of the vote, Justice Minister Gideon Saar, head of the right-wing New Hope party  which is part of the diverse coalition  threatened to bring down the government should the bill not pass.

Next week there will be a test of whether the coalition wants to exist or does not want to exist, he told Kan News last week. This vote will see it.

During a five-hour heated debate ahead of the vote, Saar warned: On July 1, elementary school and kindergarten students will go on summer vacation. Will 3,500 security prisoners who are currently in Israeli prisons also walk free? The answer to this question largely depends on whether this bill that the Knesset is voting on tonight passes.

This is very elemental, comprehensive legislation and the approval of the bill is critical to maintaining public and legal order in Judea and Samaria, he continued. This is not just another law  it is a law that enables governance in Judea and Samaria. These regulations are essential in order to regulate the legal status of half a million Israeli citizens living in Judea and Samaria.

But not only that. The regulations contain other critical arrangements that are essential for the functioning of the State of Israel and the security of Israeli citizens. Every single aspect of life in Judea and Samaria hinges on this legislation.

The right-wing Likud opposition, which ideologically supports the bill, also voted against it, as its first priority is to bring down the government. We will do everything to topple this bad government, Likud MK Keti Shitrit told World Israel News. Its not possible to be in the Opposition and be a rubber stamp for them when they send billions to the Islamic Movement.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennetts Yamina party slammed the Likud lawmakers for voting alongside the anti-Zionist Arab Joint List party, which is also in the opposition, against the residents of Judea and Samaria. Housing and Construction Minister Zeev Elkin (New Hope) also blasted Likud for betraying its principles.

Following the vote, Likud released a statement that read: Bennett  go home. Its over. Its time to return Israel to the right.
(JNS)  If the West does not stop Irans nuclear program in its tracks then the mullahs will soon get the bomb, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told The Telegraph in an interview on June 11.

So, where do negotiations stand and how close is Iran to crossing the nuclear threshold?

In March, efforts to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, more commonly referred to as the Iran nuclear dealfrom which the Trump administration withdrew in 2018appeared within reach. Our view is that we are close. We have been close for some time now, then-White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said on March 10.

Then negotiations stalled. On April 4, Iran announced it would not send representatives back to Vienna to continue talks with counterparts from Britain, France, Germany, Russia, China and, indirectly, the United States.

Efforts to revitalize the process hit a low point when, on June 8, the International Atomic Energy Agency condemned Iran over its failure to explain traces of uranium at three undisclosed sites.

The next day, Iran denounced the resolution as political and unconstructive, and IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi revealed that Iran had removed 27 of the U.N. watchdog groups surveillance cameras from nuclear sites around the country (about 40 remain in place). Grossi said at a June 9 press conference that Irans move posed a serious challenge and could constitute a fatal blow to the prospect of resuming negotiations.

Grossi also informed IAEA members that Iran intends to install two new IR-6 cascades (a series of linked centrifuges that enrich uranium) at its Natanz nuclear facility. An IR-6 centrifuge spins uranium 10 times as fast as the first-generation centrifuges that Iran was once limited to under its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, according to the Associated Press. Iran has already been operating nearly 100 IR-6s at its Fordo underground nuclear facility, the IAEA reported.

Some Israeli officials believe the West has given up on an agreement. Eytan Gilboa, professor of political science and a senior fellow at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, told JNS: The West concluded that Iran is not interested in a deal and that the negotiations, as some of them suspected, were designed just to buy time in order for Iran to continue with its nuclear project at an accelerated speed.

Others are less confident that negotiations are at an endpoint. Eyal Zisser, vice rector of Tel Aviv University and a lecturer at its Middle East History department, said that the IAEA resolution should not be interpreted as a sign that the West has given up on talks. I would argue that there is no immediate connection, he told JNS.

The IAEA is a professional organization. These are not politicians. It could be theyre trying to put pressure on Iran, or theyve come to a point where they cant handle it and figure its better to leave it to the U.N. Security Council or the United States, Zisser said.

He said its impossible to know whether recent events signal a disintegration of negotiations or simply an effort by both sides to gain leverage. The negotiations are not new, were speaking about the last decade. Iranians leaving and then coming backits part of their tactics, Zisser said.

Eyal Pinko, an expert on Israeli national security and intelligence and a researcher and lecturer at Bar-Ilan University, is convinced Iran is playing the long game. In every negotiation, you want to create some crisis in order to get better results, he said.

Pinko told JNS he believes that Iran and the West will reach an agreement because both sides are keen for a deal. The Europeans want access to Iranian oil and to penetrate Iranian markets and Iran wants to free itself from economic sanctions. Europe sees a lot of opportunities in Iran and Iran is losing a lot of opportunities in Europe and with other economies. The population in Iran is starting to feel hungry and theyre protesting, and the Iranian leadership has a lot of internal problems as a result, Pinko said.

Europe is pretty much occupied with the Ukrainian war, he added, but in the next few months, one to three months, they will go back and revive the negotiations with Iran.

Iran considers itself in an excellent position, Pinko said, as it views Europe as desperately in need of fossil fuels and the U.S. as vacillating. In Muslim culture, if youre not demonstrating power, youre weak, he said, providing several recent examples of Americas failure to act. He noted, for example, the five Iranian oil tankers sent to Venezuela despite U.S. warnings. The tankers arrived without interference and unloaded some $45 million in oil and other products between May and June of last year.

America did nothing. Its like the Biden administration is threatening via Twitter. Iran, the Russians and the Chinese are seeing this as a source of weakness, Pinko said.

How close to a bomb?

Israel has been advocating for concerted action against Iran for years, warning of the danger of a nuclear-armed Islamic Republic to the entire world. Other countries in the region share that view, including the United Arab Emirates, whose leader invited Bennett to his country for a meeting on June 9 that observers say was driven by concern over events surrounding Iran.

Most recently, Bennett told The Telegraph, Without pressure from the West, the Islamic regime in Iran could get their hands on a nuclear bomb very soon. The world must take a firm stance  Irans nuclear program wont stop until its stopped.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz on May 17 confirmed that Iran has 60 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, about double the 33 kilograms the IAEA reported in March. According to the Wall Street Journal, Iran would need about 40 kilograms of 60%-enriched uranium to produce enough weapons-grade nuclear fuel for a weapon.

It can take Iran 12 weeks to three months once it makes the decision, University of Tel Avivs Zisser said of Irans current position.

Pinko agrees that Iran already has the capacity to build a nuclear weapon, especially when considering an IAEA report from May 2021. It said that they have the full capabilities for enrichment to a military degree, he said.

Noting that Iran is receiving help from China and North Korea, Pinko postulated that they have the full capacity for the bomb, including the missiles to carry it and the weapon system to operate the nuclear warhead. Theyve had it for at least one year. This is my assessment.
(JNS) - International Atomic Energy Agency director-general Rafael Grossi said on Monday that Iran was "very close" to crossing the nuclear threshold, and that it "cannot be avoided" at this point.

Speaking at the IAEA's Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, which runs until June 10, Grossi said, "Having a significant quantity [crossing the uranium enrichment threshold] does not mean having a bomb, but ... this idea of crossing the line, it's going to happen."

According to an unnamed Israeli official, Grossi presented a report to the board showing that Iran effectively already has sufficient enriched uranium for three bombs.

"The report examined the original nuclear agreement. It shows a disturbing trend of uranium enrichment in large quantities, at high levels of 60 percent and 20 percent, and in large quantities. The total enriched material is defined as 3-SQ, which means a quantity sufficient for three nuclear bombs," he said.

The IAEA's weeklong conference is expected to result in a resolution against Iran, which would be the first in two-and-a-half years. France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States have been discussing such a resolution, while China and Russia have warned this could upset negotiations designed to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, according to Iran International.

While such a resolution will not automatically result in the United Nations Security Council taking action, Grossi said on Monday that the IAEA must act, because there are too many questions Iran cannot or will not answer.

"Iran has not responded to questions posed by the IAEA - it can't do it without blatantly lying and without being caught," he said. For example, he continued, Iran has failed to provide credible explanations regarding past nuclear activity at undeclared sites.

"Iran has not provided explanations that are technically credible in relation to the Agency's findings at three undeclared locations in Iran," he said, according to Iran International.

"Nor has Iran informed the Agency of the current location, or locations, of the nuclear material and/or of the equipment contaminated with nuclear material, that was moved from Turquzabad in 2018," he added.

Following a Mossad raid on Iran's nuclear archives in 2018, the IAEA began asking Tehran for answers regarding nuclear activity at three previously undeclared sites. Subsequent visits by IAEA inspectors found traces of uranium at the sites.

Grossi told the board that he could not confirm Iran's adherence to its "safeguards agreement" as a signatory of the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty "unless and until" Tehran provided "technically credible explanations for the presence of uranium particles of anthropogenic origin at Turquzabad, Varamin and Marivan, and informs the Agency of all current locations of the nuclear material and/or of the contaminated equipment."

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Tuesday that Israel "cannot accept" a situation in which Iran enriches uranium to 60 percent with impunity.

Addressing the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Bennett said, "In recent years, Iran has crossed a series of red lines, especially in enriching uranium at a level of 60 percent - without a response, and the world goes on. Israel cannot - and will not - accept such a situation."

He had clarified Israel's position on the matter to Grossi during the IAEA director-general's visit to Israel last week, said Bennett.

"Last Friday, I met with ... Grossi and we discussed this. He came for a snap visit and I clarified Israel's position, which is that we are acting, and will continue to reserve the freedom to take such action against the Iranian nuclear program as may be necessary, at any time, with or without an agreement. Nothing will tie our hands," said Bennett.

"We are not just saying this but are also upholding it," he added.

"We expect that the IAEA Board of Governors will send a clear warning signal to the regime in Iran and clarify to it that if it continues with its policy of defiance in the nuclear sphere, they will pay a painful price for it," Bennett said. "The days of immunity, in which Iran attacks Israel and spreads terrorism via its regional proxies but remains unscathed are over."
(JNS)  Jewish organizations are responding with outrage over what they consider a flawed and biased report on the 2021 conflict between Israel and the Hamas terrorist organization in the Gaza Strip after the reports release by the U.N. Human Rights Councils Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday.

The report blames the root of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians on the occupation of Palestinian territory and discrimination against Palestinians.

Other contributing factors identified by the report include forced displacements, threats of forced displacements, demolitions, settlement construction and expansion, settler violence and the blockade of Gaza.

In a news release for the 18-page report, commission chairperson Navi Pillay, noted its focus on Israel, despite briefly acknowledging that the firing of indiscriminate rockets towards Israel. The report does mention that the indiscriminate rocket fire towards Israel violated international law.

The findings and recommendations relevant to the underlying root causes were overwhelmingly directed towards Israel, which we have taken as an indicator of the asymmetrical nature of the conflict and the reality of one state occupying the other, she wrote.

The COI, which was not supported from its creation by either the government of Israel or the United States, was criticized by the U.S. State Department on Tuesday, which noted in a statement that despite its commitment to human rights in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the report demonstrated the one-sided, biased approach of the COI that does not advance the prospects for peace.

While the United States believes the HRC plays a crucial role in promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms globally, this COI and report do not advance this goal, U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price said in the statement.

Israel is the only country subject to a standing agenda item at the HRC and has received disproportionate focus at the HRC compared to human-rights situations elsewhere in the world, he continued. While no country is above scrutiny, the existence of this COI in its current form is a continuation of a longstanding pattern of unfairly singling out Israel.

Price cited the bias against Israel as one of the flaws that the Biden administration believed it could help fix by having rejoined the council after the United States withdrew under former President Donald Trump.

A baseless and biased attack

For Jewish organizations that roundly rejected the COIs creation last year, the contents of the report were not unexpected.

Bnai Brith International pointed out that much of the report was a rehash of ongoing motifs that have slandered Israel for more than a half-century and whose appointed board members had records of taking public positions against Israel.

Israels enemies open, violent rejection of the Jewish states right to existwithin any boundariesapparently is not a root cause of the conflict, nor of the defensive efforts repeatedly necessitated by fanatics attacks on Israeli civilians from among Palestinian and other Arab civilians, wrote Bnai Brith president Seth J. Riklin and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin in a joint statement.

Notwithstanding decades of unparalleled Israeli overtures, risks and sacrifices for peace, including profoundly painful territorial concessions after repeated wars launched by Israels adversaries, the commission further concluded that Israel has no intention of ending the occupation, has clear policies for ensuring complete control over the Occupied Palestinian Territory. No mention at all is made of Palestinian intention to finally discontinue terrorism and endemic incitement, recognize the equal rights and legitimacy of Israeli Jews and embrace negotiated compromise rather than confrontation on the ground and in international settings, they wrote.

In response, Bnai Brith is releasing a series of video testimonials by victims of Palestinian terror attacks in Ashdod, who have experienced physical and psychological trauma, from being targeted.

The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations released a joint statement on Wednesday from chair Dianne Lob, CEO William Daroff and vice chair Malcolm Hoenlein strongly condemning the report, saying that it blatantly ignored the actions of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other groups in last years conflict which saw more than 4,000 rockets launched into Israel.

Their statement also commended the State Department for its opposition to the report.

The COI, headed by commissioners whose anti-Israel bias has been firmly established by years of quotes and writings, has opportunistically applied its inappropriate mandate and disproportionate budget to condemn Israels defensive military action to protect its civilian population from existential threats, they wrote. The report distorts and minimizes the threats facing Israel, particularly violence by Hamas, which it refuses to label as a terror organization. Additionally, it ignores the countless instances in which the Palestinian Authority has operated in bad faith at the negotiating table, including repeated incitement of violence against Israel and its civilians. [P.A. leader Mahmoud] Abbas and other P.A. officials have directly encouraged violence, murder and hatred directed against Jews, particularly through pay-for-slay schemes that promote the killing of Jews and Israelis for profit.

AIPAC called the report a baseless and biased attack on Israel in a series of tweets on Tuesday.

The report rehashes more than 50 years of discriminatory and one-sided U.N. reports, commissions and resolutions that inaccurately blame the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the Jewish statelaying the groundwork for future boycotts against Israel and justifying terrorism against Israeli citizens, tweeted AIPAC. The authors of the COI refuse to accept Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people, and they ignore the historic and ongoing refusal of the Palestinians to accept Israel as a Jewish state as the root cause of the conflict.

AIPAC called on Congress to pass the bipartisan COI Elimination Act, which would prevent American taxpayers funds from going to the commission.
WASHINGTON (JTA)  A bipartisan slate of lawmakers launched a bill that would establish an integrated air and missile defense capability joining the United States, Israel and Arab countries in a bid to deter Iran.

Senate and House members of the Abraham Accords Caucus rolled out the bill, called the DEFEND Act, in a press conference Thursday outside the Capitol and described it as means of advancing the U.S.-brokered normalization agreements between Israel and four Arab countries that collectively bear that name.

The full potential of the Abraham Accords, economic cooperation, education exchanges, trade agreements between Israel and our Middle Eastern partners, cannot be achieved without a commitment to collective security, said Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iowa Republican who is the lead co-sponsor of the bill with Sen. Jacky Rosen, a Nevada Jewish Democrat. Americas role in activating and networking our allies and partners in the Middle East must evolve as violent extremists, like Iran, change their tactics and onboard new systems capable of catastrophic damage against civilian targets.

Its not clear from the bill how formal the arrangement would be. The bill tasks the secretary of defense with establishing an architecture and acquisition approach for an integrated air and missile defense system to counter threats from Iran.

Israel has traditionally been wary of formal defense pacts with even its closest allies, wishing to preserve its right to act unilaterally. However, Israeli officials have in recent years signaled that less formal arrangements that preserve Israels agency are acceptable.

The bill also designates as participants in the arrangement the four countries signed onto the Abraham Accords  Morocco, Sudan, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain  as well as countries that still have no relations with Israel, including Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

Saudi Arabia looks closer than ever to formalizing what has been for years a secret relationship with Israel, and reportedly are near an agreement that would allow Israeli aircraft to fly through Saudi air space. But Iraq is openly hostile to Israel.

Ernst said that the United States should coax those countries into participation. She noted that the U.S. consulate in Erbil, Iraq, came under drone attack on Wednesday, an area that has in the past come under fire from Iran and its proxies.

We understand they are not part of the Abraham Accords, she said of Iraq and Saudi Arabia, but it is extremely important that we continue the discussions with them as well as wrap them into this agreement as part of the DEFEND act. We have to continue those conversations with them. We just saw the attack in Erbil yesterday.

In a press release, Ernst named an array of Jewish and pro-Israel organizations that back the bill, but there was no institution linked to any of the Arab countries named in the bill. The lead quote was from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

By directing a strategic approach to cooperative missile defense and counter-UAV coordination, this legislation strengthens the U.S.-Israel partnership as it enhances regional cooperation against common security threats, the powerhouse pro-Israel lobby said.

Hadassah said the bill, should it become law, would strengthen cooperative defense across strategic allies in the Middle East to protect Israel and its neighbors against growing threats from Iran and its proxies.

Lawmakers leading the push for the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives include Rep. Brad Schneider, a Jewish Democrat from Illinois, and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Washington Republican.

Ernst expressed confidence at the outset that the bill would sail through Congress, given its bipartisan backing in both chambers, but it may hit some roadblocks. Progressive Democrats have in recent years grown increasingly wary of delivering arms to the Middle East, to Israel and also to authoritarian Arab countries like Saudi Arabia.

The bill could also be seen as an irritant to Biden administration endeavors to reenter the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

Lawmakers at Thursdays press conference suggested that deterring Iran was made urgent by the apparent failure those talks, which are currently stalled in Vienna over Irans insistence that Biden removes Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps from the list of designated terrorist groups. The Trump administration quit the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, in 2018, and Biden wants back in because he sees the deal as the best means of keeping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

As we realize as the administration works to revive the JCPOA from the dead, Iran continues to not only bolster its breakout time to build a nuclear weapon, but it is also doubling down on its ballistic missile program as well as its regional troublemaking in the Middle East, said Rep. Jimmy Panetta, a California Democrat.
A map of purported connections between Jewish groups and other organizations in Massachusetts created by progressive activist group The Mapping Project, which says its goal is to map 'institutional support for the colonization of Palestine."

(JTA) - A Jewish arts group. A Jewish high school. A Jewish newspaper. A synagogue network. A major Jewish philanthropy that directs funds to mental health, homelessness prevention and refugee resettlement initiatives.

These are a few of the locations on a dense interactive map of "Zionist leaders and powerhouse NGOs" in Massachusetts created by an activist group that says it aims to expose "local institutional support for the colonization of Palestine" and reveal how support for Zionist causes is a nexus point for various "other harms" in society, ranging from gentrification to the prison-industrial complex to ableism.

The Mapping Project, a Boston-area pro-Palestinian activist collective aligned with the local Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement targeting Israel, is using its map (which includes addresses of the organizations and names of their staffers) to draw literal links between dozens of area Jewish groups, universities, foundations, police departments and other organizations.

The group says its goal is to demonstrate that "institutional support for the colonization of Palestine is structurally tied to policing and systemic white supremacy here where we live, and to U.S. imperialist projects in other countries."

Jewish groups in the state say The Mapping Project's efforts amount to little more than an attempt to catalogue and intimidate area Jews.

"They are choosing, in their desire to be intersectional, to essentially point the finger at the Jewish communal infrastructure of Greater Boston as responsible for every evil under the sun that they can think of," Jeremy Burton, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, told JTA. "They make no bones about it."

Burton said he was especially concerned that the map was amplified and praised on Twitter by the nonprofit activist group Massachusetts Peace Action, which he said has a lot of sway in progressive circles and often sits down with local politicians.

The project's map includes the addresses of most of the major Jewish-affiliated organizations and donor funds in the state: political groups spanning the aisle, from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and the Zionist Organization of America to J Street, along with the nonpartisan Anti-Defamation League; charities like the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston and the Jewish Teen Foundation of Greater Boston; private foundations headed up by Jews; religious organizations including the Synagogue Council of Massachusetts; and academic research centers like the Harvard Center for Jewish Studies.

Sometimes its links are accompanied by dollar amounts of financial support drawn from tax forms. Sometimes they're simply demonstrating agency partnerships, or what the group says is behavior "normalizing" Israel. (The Jewish Journal, a Jewish Telegraphic Agency syndication partner based in Salem, is one of the links.)

"Our goal in pursuing this collective mapping was to reveal the local entities and networks that enact devastation, so we can dismantle them," the group, which does not list its members, said in a statement on its website. "Every entity has an address, every network can be disrupted."

The map was posted late Friday, shortly before Shabbat, and became a topic of concern among Jewish groups coming back online late Monday after the Shavuot holiday.

In a joint statement, Boston's communal Jewish organizations say that the map and its creators' stated goal amount to little more than an effort to "dismantle" the city's organized Jewish community writ large.

"As a Jewish community, and one that has made allyship and outreach the cornerstones of our work, we condemn this demonization of the Boston Jewish community and attack on its relationship with others," CJP, the New England ADL and the Boston JCRC said Wednesday. "This is no thinly veiled attempt to target the Jewish community - it is an explicit one that is keeping lists and naming names."

The map was also condemned by Lior Haiat, spokesperson for Israel's Foreign Ministry, who tweeted that it "is reminiscent of a dangerous antisemitic pattern of activity known from antiquity through the horrors of the 20th century: a pattern which has led to violence against Jews and their institutions."

The Mapping Project did not return multiple requests from JTA for comment.

In an interview with the pro-Palestinian website Mondoweiss, the group identified certain Jewish organizations like the ADL and CJP as "super-oppressors," saying they "have tremendous influence" by linking the foundational and nonprofit world with "overtly repressive forces" like police and weapons developers.

The joint statement from the CJP, ADL and JCRC said the map "draws on age-old antisemitic tropes that are all too clear to our community: Jewish wealth, control and conspiracies."

Much of the Mapping Project's focus is in line with broader trends in anti-Zionist discussions. The focus on police departments follows a recent claim by some progressives that U.S. police have picked up abusive tactics during fact-finding trips to Israel sponsored by Jewish groups - an allegation denied by the groups that run the trips and many of the officials who took part.

The project classifies J Street, a liberal political advocacy group that calls for a two-state solution, as one that "stops short of challenging the fundamentally ethnocratic and settler colonial foundations of the Zionist state." That follows a recent trend of pro-Palestinian groups shunning J Street, which has in the past comfortably occupied a space among Jewish progressives. Earlier this year in the Boston area, a student-led pro-Palestinian campaign at Tufts University also urged students not to join the campus J Street chapter, citing similar objections. (The BDS movement has also made inroads at another prominent Boston-area university, as Harvard's student paper recently endorsed the cause.)

Similarly, the group's focus on the ADL as an organization that causes "harm" is in line with a recent trend of progressive groups shunning the civil rights group that tends to lean liberal on domestic affairs. The ADL has responded in kind, most recently with CEO Jonathan Greenblatt equating left-wing anti-Zionism to right-wing antisemitism.

Greenblatt's comments were criticized by many Jewish liberals and progressives at the time, but his own fierce denunciation of the Mapping Project put him on the same side as progressive Jewish leaders including T'ruah founder Rabbi Jill Jacobs, who also condemned the map.

"You can protest Jewish organizational policies/positions have [sic] vis-a-vis Israel all you want (or even boycott Israel), but once you call for dismantling the basic Jewish communal infrastructure, you've crossed the line to antisemitism," Jacobs tweeted.

"We won't be intimidated by @BDSBoston's dangerous call for action against Boston's Jewish community or their attempt to target Jewish schools, institutions, and organizations, including @ADL," Greenblatt tweeted in response to the map of Jewish organizations, amplifying a statement from the ADL's New England branch.

Greenblatt added, "This project plays directly into #antisemitic myths of Jewish power and control."

Burton says The Mapping Project, which published the names of even junior staffers at organizations like the JCRC, is inviting violence and physical intimidation against Jews.

"I have no question that, in this particular case, these radical anti-Zionist activists are deliberately choosing to put a target on the bodies of the Jewish community in Boston," he said.
(JTA)  Massachusetts two Democratic Senators have joined at least four Democrats in Congress, including one vocal critic of Israel, in speaking out against a Boston pro-Palestinian activist groups initiative mapping local institutional support for the colonization of Palestine, saying the map, which includes the names, addresses and staff members of many Jewish organizations, could incite violence against the Jewish community (See page 1 article).

At this moment of rising antisemitism, racist attacks, and political violence, this mapping of the Jewish community is dangerous and irresponsible, Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey said in a joint statement over the weekend condemning the Mapping Project. We strongly condemn antisemitism and will continue working for the safety of all vulnerable people at home and abroad.

Warren and Markey are two of the politicians the project includes in its web of supposed Zionist influence.

Reps. Ayanna Pressley, Jake Auchincloss, Seth Moulton and Ritchie Torres have also each separately condemned the Mapping Project in statements. Pressley, Auchincloss and Moulton represent districts in Massachusetts; Torres represents a New York congressional district.

Their statements followed a denunciation of the map by Bostons largest communal Jewish organizations.

There is no doubt that antisemitism and organized, violent white supremacy are at a boiling point in this nation and threaten our communities, Pressley said in her statement. She added, It is not acceptable to target or make vulnerable Jewish institutions or organizations, full stop.

Pressleys statement was notable because she is a member of the progressive Squad of representatives who include Israels strongest critics in Congress, Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar. Pressley herself voted in 2019, shortly after being elected, to condemn the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement targeting Israel. But since then, she has expressed increasing solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Last year, during Israels deadly conflict with Hamas in Gaza, she delivered a speech on the House floor condemning U.S. aid to Israel and saying that the funds create conditions for oppression and apartheid. She also was one of nine members of Congress, along with Tlaib and Omar, to vote against sending funds to replenish Israels Iron Dome missile defense system.

Without referring to the mapping project directly, Pressley in her statement cited last years stabbing attack on a Boston-area rabbi as evidence for the need to be vigilant when it comes to keeping each other safe.

Auchincloss told Jewish Insider this week that the Mapping Projects actions have the potential to incite violence, especially in a moment of heightened antisemitism and gun violence. Moulton tweeted that the project is an anti-Semitic enemies list with a map attached.

Torres, a progressive who has often defended Israel in public statements, said the project was an example of scapegoating, which is a common symptom of antisemitism.

The Mapping Project draws what it says are lines of influence between Zionist leaders, running the gamut from Jewish political organizations and foundations to Jewish day schools and synagogue groups, and other harms, including local police departments and pharmaceutical companies. In a statement on its website, the anonymous group  which has connections to Boston BDS  says its goal is to dismantle these institutions.

Other Democratic political figures who have criticized the project include Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, state Sen. Becca Rausch and Chip Goines, a former organizer for Pressley.

BDS Boston continued to defend the project on social media, retweeting messages of support from figures including Black Jewish author and theoretical physicist Chanda Prescod-Weinstein. The vast majority of organizations on the map are not Jewish, Prescod-Weinstein said, adding that JewishBoston dot com and Google Maps will literally tell you where all the Jewish orgs are, much more efficiently than this map does.
(Israel Hayom via JNS)  Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas hosted a U.S. delegation on Saturday led by Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf.

Her three-day visit comes amid a degree of uncertainty surrounding U.S. President Joe Bidens first trip to the region, scheduled for July.

Leaf met with Abbas to discuss the U.S.-Palestinian relationship, U.S. assistance to Palestinians, deepening ties, and how Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve equal measures of freedom, security, and prosperity, the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

In...
(JTA) - Amid controversies concerning the Vatican's Holocaust-era record, Pope Francis and the head of Israel's state museum on the Holocaust, Yad Vashem, met for a first-of-its-kind talk.

Yad Vashem Director Dani Dayan met with the pope Thursday at his office in the Vatican. During their 30-minute talk, they spoke about ways to "bolster collaborative activities" in areas of "Holocaust remembrance, education and documentation, and to discuss efforts to fight antisemitism and racism worldwide," Dayan's office wrote in a statement.

Dayan thanked the pope for his 2020 decision to open the Vati...
(JNS) - A U.S. State Department report on June 2 features research by a Jerusalem-based monitor of educational material in Palestinian Authority textbooks and their systematic messaging regarding the promotion of violence, martyrdom and jihad.

Research by the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Culture Tolerance in School Education found that textbooks made for "all grades and subjects" in Palestinian schools contained such incitement.

The report also discussed IMPACT-se's critique of the Georg Eckert Institute report on Palestinian Authority textbooks, "which ambiguously classify the curric...
Jewish man beaten and allegedly called dirty Jew while campaigning for his political candidate wife in France

By Cnaan Liphshiz

(JTA)  A group of men violently assaulted a Jewish man while he was putting up campaign posters for his wife, who is running for a legislative seat in Strasbourg, France, the victim told police.

Initially, two men who approached Liron Rozenhaft, 41, on Thursday called him a dirty Jew after reading the name of his wife, Audrey Rozenhaft, on the posters, Le Parisien reported on Friday. She is running as a candidate for the center-right Republicans part...
(JNS)  A Knesset vote to renew a law, set to expire on June 30, that applies Israels legal system to citizens in Judea and Samaria, and has been in force as emergency regulations since the Six-Day War of 1967, went down in defeat on Monday night. Although these regulations have been extended without fanfare every five years, this time the government failed to muster the required votes and the bill failed to pass, 58 to 52.

The law failed despite the opposition party led by former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supporting it in principle. Netanyahus Likud Party voted agai...
(JNS)  It was in 1896 that Theodor Herzl published his groundbreaking book, The Jewish State, which launched the modern Zionist movement. Though his project was, as he noted in his book, very old and indeed rooted in the prayers of Jews for nearly 2,000 years, it would only be 52 years later that his vision was brought to life with the birth of modern-day Israel in May 1948.

That state turned 74 years old this week, and as Israelis observe Yom Haatzmaut  Israel Independence Day  they have much to celebrate. The country that came to life in 1948 had few assets and ha...
(Jewish Journal via JNS)  Zionism is racism is indeed a pernicious lie. Propagation of this lie has led to both random and organized violence against Jewish people and the marginalization of Jews in their respective nations, from the Soviet Union to Great Britain. Should the claim that Zionism is akin to racism, white nationalism and Nazism penetrate mainstream American circles, it would be a crisis for our community. It would be used to justify hatred against us, isolate us from progressive movements and imperil our status as protected citizens of the United States.

We crossed int...
(JNS)  The United Nations has declared an existential war on the state of Israel. Last year, the U.N. Human Rights Council contrived a unique Commission of Inquiry after Israel responded to another round of Hamas rocket attacks. The Inquiry has just issued its first report. Now emanating from the U.N.s top human-rights body is a brazen attempt to resurrect the old 1975 lie that a Jewish state is a racist state. The reports allegation that discrimination by Jews against non-Jews lies at the core of the Arab-Israeli conflict is actually at the core of modern anti-Semitism.

The...


MORE than 20 families are now homeless, businesses are still counting losses and schools have been shut down after CCC activists went on a rampage in the dormitory town of Chitungwiza on Tuesday night.

Tuckshops and vehicles were also destroyed after CCC supporters ran amok, indiscriminately attacking residents of Nyatsime, an offshoot suburb of Chitungwiza.

According to the police, the trail of destruction by the opposition activists left 20 houses destroyed, 13 shops and six tuck-shops windowless and ransacked at Chibhanguza Shopping Centre.

The marauding mob also torched a gazebo at the shopping centre where four cars were not spared the wrath of the activists who had been incited by Zengeza West legislator Job Sikhala to avenge the death of Moreblessing Ali, a victim of gender-based violence.

In a statement yesterday, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the police are still on the ground looking for other suspects implicated in the disturbances.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified investigations into the Nyatsime public violence incident which occurred on June 14, 2022. Besides the arrest of Job Sikhala last (Tuesday) night, the police have arrested (Chitungwiza North MP) Godfrey Sithole for inciting public violence, he said.

Both legislators were yesterday still in custody and assisting with investigations. The two are expected to appear in court once investigations have been completed.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that comprehensive inquiries are underway to account for suspects whose vehicle registration number plates were captured whilst they were openly dropping some political activists to engage in violence.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms that a two-roomed house was burnt in Nyatsime, while 20 others were destroyed by violent activists with 13 shops and six tuckshops windows smashed, shattered, and destroyed at Chibhanguza Shopping Centre, said Asst Comm Nyathi.

A gazebo at the shopping centre was also set ablaze while a pre-school was destroyed. Seven complainants have made reports to the police on assault and damages to their property during the orgy of public violence in Nyatsime. The Zimbabwe Republic Police has established that four vehicles which were parked at Chibhanguza garage were destroyed.

He said they had deployed adequate police officers to continue monitoring the situation and ensure law and order prevails in Nyatsime.

The police advises owners of vehicles with registration number plates listed below to urgently report to the Zimbabwe Republic Police CID Law and Order section in Harare for interviews: AFD 3636, AEN 7607, ADZ 1128, AFE 9836, and AEJ 0651, said Asst Comm Nyathi.

The Herald yesterday visited the area and observed a trail of destruction at homes, business centres, and schools left by the CCC activists and supporters.

At Chibhanguza shopping Centre, houses around the area had all windows smashed and doors destroyed.

As of yesterday, people were still counting losses with some using sacks and metal sheets to cover up the broken windows.

A garage at Chibhanguza had several vehicles smashed, including a Toyota Hiace commuter omnibus, Mark II and a Ford Bantam that was being repaired. The vehicles had their windows, back and side screens smashed.

An affected resident, Mr Hilton Makaikai, said the CCC activists used knives, wooden sticks and axes to destroy properties.

The first group stole a hoe that was here. We thought the disturbances were over and stayed indoors fearing attacks.

There was another group that came and it started smashing windows. I had a visitor who had come who was injured on his leg. We are still unsettled, this is scary, he said.

A woman who only identified herself as Mrs Chirau said life was slowly getting back to normal.

We were only advised to shut our shops as we headed towards the Gokwe (Nyatsime) area. Upon arrival, we were advised to return to Chibhanguza.

They were carrying dangerous weapons and we had to seek shelter in our homes. We later heard noises as they destroyed property, she said.

CCC activists embarked on their orgy of violence after Sikhala, who is CCC vice-chairperson, openly instigated the party supporters to take the war to Zanu PF in the wake of the unfortunate murder of Ali, in a case that police are currently investigating and which witnesses and friends have said was a case of gender-based violence.

The violence that erupted in Nyatsime also comes as the opposition, civic society and some Western embassies have been trying to score cheap political points through baseless claims that a Zanu PF activist is behind the murder of Ali. Herald
BEIJING, June 16 -- Recently, an aviation brigade of the PLA 79th Group Army has organized round-to-clock live weapon firing drills for days in Horqin Grassland, China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region.
The 363-room locally inspired hotel will become the first international airport hotel close to Haneda Airport.

Accor, a world leading hospitality group, has signed a management agreement with Samty K.K., bringing to life the first international airport hotel within close proximity to Tokyo's Haneda Airport with the opening of Mercure Haneda. The newly built hotel is slated for completion in 2023.

Haneda is a gateway to Japan with several international and domestic flights daily. It is close to downtown Tokyo and offers convenient access to Yokohama. Tokyo Mercure Haneda will be strategically located within 10-minute drive from Haneda Airport and within a few hundred metres away from Otorii Railway Station. The hotel is a short stroll to Anamori-inari Shrine, Haneda Innovation City, and local eateries.

Mercure Haneda will feature 363 keys and a variety of offerings, including a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, three meeting rooms, and lounges for guests and crews, which will appeal to both business and leisure travellers. The hotel will awaken the thrill of discovery with its array of locally inspired experiences. The overall design will take visitors through the evolving periods of Tokyo from the past to the future with the concept of Tokyo Electric. The design elements will highlight the delicacy of tradition and handicraft, the history of the Haneda neighbourhood, and Japanese sub-cultures.

Mercure is a reputed international midscale hotel brand. With a warmth yet dynamic atmosphere, each Mercure hotel creates a stimulating sense of place by providing immersive locally inspired experiences. Guests will feel the neighbourhood's spirit upon entering the hotel. There are over 810 Mercure hotels across 60 countries.

Accor is one of the leading international hotel operators in Japan. Mercure Haneda will join Accor Japan's network of 18 hotels and become the eighth Mercure hotel in the country.

Hotel website
Elevating the traditional airport hotel experience at Germany's busiest airport, Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel & Conference Center has been transformed following a three-year renovation with enhancements to its premium guest rooms and suites, and Sheraton Club.A captivating new arrival experience greets guests as they walk from the airport terminal through the doors of the hotel. A new atrium bar, The Eatery, in the heart of the hotel lobby, serves up a taste of a US-inspired menu from morning to evening in a vintage-style, laid-back, and welcoming atmosphere.

Additionally, the new public spaces at the hotel feature the brand's Community Table and Studios, and as one of the main airport hotels in Europe, the 58 meeting rooms are ideal for conferences or events of up to 1,200 people. As part of the property's phased transformation, the exclusive Sheraton Club offers a new look, experience, and service style. The nearly 3,000 square feet of gathering space is welcoming and transitions from morning to evening offering complimentary food and beverage.

Hotel website
Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star award winner, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, is pleased to announce the promotion of Roberto Riveros from Executive Sous Chef to Executive Chef. In his new role, Riveros will oversee all the resort's culinary operations, including its restaurants, banquets, and in-room dining.

As a matter of fact, Chef Riveros has already made a big impact on the resort's culinary offerings prior to his recent promotion. For example, he is very focused on including local and seasonal products, prepared with his vanguardist technique that has been acquired over the course of his career.

Prior to joining the culinary team at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, Roberto was previously the Chef de Cuisine for Ozone at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong - the illustrious bar that is one of the highest in the world.

With a passion for food and cooking since childhood, Chilean-born Roberto brings with him over 18 years of international culinary experience at world-renowned restaurants in Santiago, Barcelona and Hong Kong. As Chef de Cuisine at Ozone at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong - named one of the "10 Best Rooftop Bars in the World" by Conde Nast Traveler - Roberto's acclaimed tapas menus celebrated Asian, Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines. Inspired by his experience at Michelin star dining establishments, Roberto launched a chef-led Private Kitchen concept at Ozone, where guests enjoyed a personalized seven-course menu that matched the bar's exceptional city views.

Prior to taking the helm at Ozone, Roberto spent six years at Three Michelin-Star Lasarte Restaurant in Barcelona, working under one of his greatest mentors Martin Berasategui, a Spanish Chef with 12 Michelin Stars in Spain, who taught him to respect and take special care of ingredients and that the guests should always leave happy. This evolved into Roberto's own food philosophy of crafting dishes that are so well balanced and distinguished that they become a lasting memory for a guest. Roberto's early culinary career also included Chef de Partie at Hotel Arts Barcelona and The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago.
Bangkok, Thailand - Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailands leading hotel operator, announces a partnership with Thai Vietjet, bolstering its growing airline partnership network which already includes Thai Airways and Singapore Airlines.

The partnership comes at a time when Thailand has broadly relaxed entry rules for travellers arriving from overseas. Foreign nationals are now only required to provide passport and vaccination details, as well as a USD 10,000 health insurance policy to apply for the Thailand Pass which is automatically issued usually within 24 hours. Fully vaccinated travellers are then free to start exploring Thailand on arrival. If unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, proof of a negative RT-PCR or ATK test issued within 72 hours before departure are required, then travellers can simply start their journey right away.

As more passengers return to the air, we are excited to partner with Thai Vietjet to welcome travellers back to Centara, The Place to Be. With six distinct brands ranging from luxury beachfront retreats to family resorts and affordable lifestyle hotels, we are able to meet and exceed the needs of travellers of every age and lifestyle, and we are delighted to offer exciting benefits to Thai Vietjets customers through their communications network said Tom Thrussell, Vice President  Brand, Marketing & Digital of Centara Hotels & Resorts.

The new marketing partnership offers Thai Vietjet passengers a great way to travel, with an exclusive 19% off the lowest publicly available online rates at all participating Centara hotels and resorts.

Travellers have a choice of 13 beach and urban destinations across Thailand, including Phuket, Krabi, Samui, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Trat, Koh Chang, Rayong, Chiang Mai, Mae Sot, Udon Thani, Hat Yai, and Bangkok.

Guests can also enjoy a tropical escape to an overwater villa in the Maldives, or take a family holiday at a themed resort with water parks and playgrounds park in Dubai or southern Vietnam. Travellers also have a choice of participating hotels in Qatar Oman, and Sri Lanka.

With the uplifting of travel restrictions in many countries, Thai Vietjet is more than ready to welcome our passengers back to the skies, with the latest establishment of partnership with Centara, offering extra benefits and special deals exclusively for Thai Vietjets passengers to travel and discover the ultimate beauty of various destinations in the region said Pinyot Pibulsonggram, Director of Commercial of Thai Vietjet.

Under the Centara x Thai Vietjet promotion, guests will receive over 19% discount when logged in as a CentaraThe1 member. This is lower than any publicly available rate and exclusive to Thai Vietjet customers. Travellers who are not yet members of Centaras loyalty programme can sign up for free in less than a minute, and immediately start enjoying benefits and earning points.

To take advantage of all CentaraThe1 membership privileges, sign-up or sign-in now at www.CentaraThe1.com.

To book or learn more about Centara x Thai Vietjet offer, please visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/vj-offer.

About Centara Hotels & Resorts

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand's leading hotel operator. Its 90 properties span all major Thai destinations plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China, Japan, Oman, Qatar, Cambodia, Turkey, Indonesia and the UAE. Centara's portfolio comprises six brands  Centara Reserve, Centara Grand Hotels & Resorts, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Centara Boutique Collection, Centra by Centara and COSI Hotels  ranging from 6-star hotels and luxurious island retreats to family resorts and affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. It also operates state-of-the-art convention centres and has its own award-winning spa brand, Cenvaree. Throughout the collection, Centara delivers and celebrates the hospitality and values Thailand is famous for including gracious service, exceptional food, pampering spas and the importance of families. Centara's distinctive culture and diversity of formats allow it to serve and satisfy travellers of nearly every age and lifestyle.

Over the next five years Centara aims to become a top 100 global hotel group, while spreading its footprint into new continents and market niches. As Centara continues to expand, a growing base of loyal customers will find the company's unique style of hospitality in more locations. Centara's global loyalty programme, Centara The1, reinforces their loyalty with rewards, privileges and special member pricing.

Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com

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Pornchanok Thongrungrot (Pao)

Corporate Assistant Manager of Public Relations  International, Centara Hotels & Resorts

+66 2769 1234 Ext. 6733

Centara
TigerTMS and Fetch Group have partnered to bring to the market an unrivalled solution for the hospitality sector.

TigerTMS has selected Fetch as its best of breed partner to provide a Food and Beverage ordering module within its leading mobile guest services solution, iPortal.

Fetch is a unified guest experience platform for food and beverage businesses, providing the hospitality industry with a next-gen guest engagement solution. The platform offers a complete package of solutions, including the QR Code scan order and pay module that has been integrated into iPortal.

iPortal is the affordable, no development, app-less solution that provides branded hotel information, services and superior guest engagement simply by scanning a QR-code. Once scanned, guests gain access to a rich set of features, including secure messaging, speed dials to hotel departments, automatic checkout, hotel directory information, and now an F&B ordering option.

Combined, the two leading brands, both accredited with a strong footprint and longevity in the industry are geared to offer this next generation mobile guest services solution, thats able to do everything an app can do  and more!!

This is a mutually beneficial partnership that will serve the sector well, with both parties offering iPortal with the integrated Fetch F&B order and pay solution, to hotels worldwide.

The first projects are currently being worked on for a number of leading hoteliers, and will be go live imminently.

FETCH is the brainchild of CEO and Founder, Jason Jeffreys, who comments: With FETCH, were looking to revolutionise not just the guest experience, but also how the back-end of hospitality operates. In the post-pandemic world, hospitality businesses still face several challenges, with labour management, supply chain chaos and soaring utility bills being chief amongst them. We see iPortal with our FETCH solution as a guiding light, helping business navigate and handle these issues, incorporating the technology into our customers networks using our advanced, plug and play metrics. Were looking forward to the challenge ahead and future-proofing the industry, making sure operators remain ahead of the curve and continue to meet consumers evolving needs.

John Owen, CEO at TigerTMS, comments: Selecting FETCH as our preferred F&B module integrated within iPortal provides a unique offering to hoteliers and hospitality sector. It is a game-changer, backed by a team of experts who understand hospitality. iPortal with Fetch F&B ordering will give guests an enhanced experience and alleviate unnecessary stress on the hospitality workforce. The partnership blends the best-in-class food and beverage solution from Fetch, with our ground-breaking fully featured iPortal solution for hotels.

About FETCH

FETCH is a brand-new unified guest experience platform for food and beverage operators, providing them with plug and play solutions such as order and pay, staff tipping, guest sentiment tracking, pre-order capabilities and much more.

FETCH was founded by a team of hospitality technology experts, who recognised a gap in the market to deliver an all-encompassing platform that incorporates a vast selection of solutions, all available on a bespoke level to ensure the customer is getting exactly what they need.

The platform offers a complete package of solutions, enabling FETCH customers to provide their guests with the ultimate experience before, during and after their visit.

For more information about FETCH, to book a demo and talk to the sales team, please visit https://fetchmybill.com/.

For more information, please drop the team at Fleet Street an email at [email protected].

About TigerTMS

TigerTMS is a leading developer of applications and middleware solutions for the global Hospitality market.

With over 40 years industry experience, TigerTMS is probably the world's largest single supplier of communications and guest management systems, integrated voice and data solutions, as well as BYOD solutions to the Hospitality industry. They provide world-class technology solutions to some of the largest and most prestigious hotel groups as well as hundreds of independent hoteliers.

For more information on TigerTMS go to http://www.tigertms.com or see our Linked In page https://www.linkedin.com/company/tigertms/.

TigerTMS is headquartered in the United Kingdom, with regional satellite offices in the USA, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

Tanya Gardiner

Marketing Manager
WASHINGTON  Less than two years ago, Chris Romers startup Project Canary was still a novelty, a small Colorado firm aimed at certifying the states natural gas operations as low on methane emissions and generally environmentally friendly.

Today, hes got a long list of oil and gas clients such as Chevron touting their relationship with Project Canary to investors. This week, the German power giant Uniper announced it had signed a deal with one of Romers clients, Woodlands-based Southwestern Energy, to buy responsibly sourced gas  a term Romer says he coined  for its U.S. pipeline network.

With regulators cracking down on emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and more investors clamoring for companies to prove their sustainable bonafides, oil and gas executives are lining up to get their natural gas wells certified as having minimum methane emissions.

The sudden boom in business for Project Canary and similar companies is drawing skepticism from some scientists and policy makers, wary that the certification firms are underreporting emissions to make oil and gas companies seem less environmentally risky than they are. But that skepticism has done little dampen the enthusiasm of Romer, a former Colorado state senator, who said he sees a day in the not-too-distant future when certified natural gas becomes the global standard.

The momentum is growing. We now have clients in every major oil and gas basin in the United States, he said. Will there be a market for non-certified gas in five years? Probably, but I predict it will sell at a discount.

What might sound like the overly optimistic statements of a startup CEO reflect an incredible surge in natural gas certification over the past two years. By the end of 2022, some 20 billion cubic feet of daily U.S. natural gas production is expected to have been certified as low on methane emissions, primarily from gas fields along the Appalachian Mountains and the Haynesville Shale in Louisiana and Texas, where burning off excess gas, or flaring, is minimal, according to analysis by S&P Global Platts.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Oil companies 'likely' underreporting methane leaks, House committee finds

The boom comes as nations worldwide move to address climate change, seeking to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases like methane, which has a stronger warming effect than carbon dioxide. And while governments outside the European Union and Canada have so far been reluctant to place a fee on those emissions, companies anticipate that day is coming soon.

Within basically a year, were already at 20 percent of U.S. gas production being certified, said Eunji Oh, an analyst at the research firm Wood Mackenzie. (The certification companies) are focusing not just on the domestic market but are looking to expand to international markets, particularly Europe. We havent seen (a certified gas purchase) from the Asian countries yet, but I would expect some to emerge soon.

Three primary firms providing certifications are Project Canary, MiQ, a not-for-profit partnership between the environmental group Rocky Mountain Institute and the consulting firm SystemIQ, which counts Exxon Mobil as a client, and Equitable Origin, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit.

Jury still out

All three claim their certification processes are based on best scientific practices, designed to accurately estimate the amount of methane that escapes from leaking equipment during the production and transportation of natural gas.

But Andrew Baxter, director of energy transition at the Environmental Defense Fund, said none of those certification firms employ the direct measurement techniques considered the most accurate way of measuring escaping methane, which requires the use of infrared cameras and aerial drones and satellites.

Instead, he said, the firms rely on oil companies own estimates of methane releases, based on the published leak rates of their equipment, and monitoring equipment on which the jury is still out.

There is a swarm towards (certification), but do we square that with the observations of methane emissions showing much higher leak rates, he said. The concern is the methods they use leads to underreporting of emissions.

MiQ CEO Georges Tijbosch disputed that analysis, saying his certification process relied on infrared cameras and other direct measurement techniques. Asked why his methodology was facing criticism, he said "we are in a similar camp of thinking, but in some specifics, we might be slightly different," adding that less "credible" firms in the industry were sullying others' reputation.

"There is bit of not all certifications are created equally," he said. "We need to follow a very high standard."

A spokesman for Project Canary said all its clients used on-site methane sensors tested by scientists at Colorado State University. Heather Jones, program director for Equitable Origin, said the nonprofits intent is to certify that companies are using good practices on methane leaks, not to verify companies claims on methane emissions.

The program is really about continuous improvement," she said.

Oil and gas companies' emissions reporting has been under scrutiny for years, with the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology releasing a report last week finding that methane emissions from U.S. oil and gas wells are likely far higher than what is reported to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Already, an effort is underway to establish a more stringent certification process. The Oil and Gas Methane Partnership, a United Nations backed organization whose membership includes Royal Dutch Shell, BP and Occidental Petroleum, has called for direct measurement of methane emissions.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Is Texas oil and gas entering its final boom cycle?

Cheniere Energy, the Houston LNG company, is working on establishing its own certification process. One of the scientists with whom Cheniere is working is the University of Texas Arvind Ravikumar, an engineer and vocal critic of existing certification processes.

In a Twitter post last week, he said how certification companies determine the rate of methane leak, isn't entirely clear.

Worse than coal

Even as oil companies increase production, demand for gas certified as low methane remains relatively low, with supply far outpacing demand, said Kelsey Hallahan, a senior editor at S&P. The belief is that as governments worldwide start to crack down on methane emissions and investor pressure grows, more energy users will make the switch to certified gas.

The Environmental Protection Agency is already working on a new standard for methane leaks for U.S. gas wells. The European Union is considering draft legislation to standardize methane reporting.

Unless harmful methane pollution is addressed the climate impacts of gas can be worse than the coal it may replace, Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla., chair of the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, said at a hearing Tuesday. Plugging methane leaks is low hanging fruit.

For PureWest Energy, a Denver-based company operating in Wyoming, the decision to certify was easy, said Kelly Bott, senior vice president for ESG, or environmental, social and corporate governance.

Because the company primarily drills for gas on federal lands, where emissions rules are stricter, it had taken steps to limit emissions and damage to the surrounding wilderness.

(Getting certified) was about improvement and finding a way to take credit for the things weve done, she said. We can see the horizon and being a leader on methane puts us in a great position.

james.osborne@chron.com
Q: I had an MRI that showed three of my four rotator cuff tendons have complete tears. I can only lift my right arm midway. I cannot comb my hair, and Im right-handed. I cannot lift a glass or coffee cup to put on a shelf in kitchen cabinets. I have some pain if I move my arm too much, but Advil helps. Can you tell me what to expect after surgical repair?

V.K.

A: The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles (subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus and teres minor) that attach the arm to the torso. Any movement of the arm or shoulder needs to be balanced by the rotator cuff for the shoulder to work properly.

Shoulder cuff issues are the most common cause of shoulder pain. But the most common rotator cuff problem is not a tear but damage to the tendons without a complete tear. This is usually treated by physical therapy and sometimes joint injection.

An acute, full-thickness tear in a person with an otherwise normal shoulder is usually treated with immediate surgery to prevent muscle atrophy and further joint degeneration. Full-thickness tears in a person with existing rotator cuff disease and who have new limitations in shoulder movement are also usually treated surgically.

The goal of surgery is to restore as much function to the shoulder as possible, and my experience with my own patients who undergo shoulder surgery is that most function can be restored. However, it can be a long road to get there, with physical and sometimes occupational therapy after surgery.

Some older patients with full-thickness tears nonetheless have pretty good function of the shoulder. Conservative therapy (with the very same experts in physical and occupational therapies) can be effective. Surgery should be considered only in those who dont respond to therapy and medication.

Q: A friend of my 31-year-old daughter has just been diagnosed with visual snow syndrome. He is devastated, since his profession depends heavily on being able to see clearly. I understand that the disease is not physiological but rather neurological. Is this disease incurable? Is there a genetic link? Do you know of any studies underway?

C.S.

A: Visual snow syndrome is new to me. It is a rare disorder where people notice snowlike dots throughout the visual field. It can sometimes begin in childhood, and apparently there are adults who can never recall having vision without those kinds of dots, which can cause significant loss of visual acuity (and psychological consequences, as you might well imagine).

A 2017 review of the condition identified this as related to, but distinct from, migraine with aura. They proposed two treatments: one medicine normally used for seizures, lamotrigine, and another used for migraine (among other conditions), verapamil. The authors noted that this does not cure the disease but can improve vision significantly enough to make a real impact on peoples lives.

A second review from 2020 suggested medication therapy is unfortunately not effective much of the time, and it also suggested the wearing of colored glasses (blue-yellow) as being helpful in some people with this condition.

I did find a trial in Colorado recruiting patients for transcranial magnetic stimulation for this condition. You can find it at clinicaltrials.gov.

Q: I am now 78 years old. My mothers two brothers died of heart attacks at 55 and 65, so when I was in my 50s, I had a calcium scan of my heart. Since then, I have been taking 10 mg of atorvastatin along with blood pressure medication.

Last year, I had my aortic valve replaced, and an angiogram showed about 30 percent blockage in my coronary arteries. This makes me believe a statin drug is a good preventative for artery blockages. Do you think that anyone with a family history of heart disease should get a calcium scan?

R.S.

A: A calcium scan is a special kind of X-ray that identifies calcium-containing plaque in heart arteries. It is not a direct look for blockages.

Its possible to have a normal calcium score and still have blockages. Most blockages in the arteries are a combination of cholesterol plaque and calcium, but not all have calcium. Further, some people have calcifications with no blockages.

Doctors use specialized calculators that can help predict 10-year risk of a coronary event. If a person has high-enough risk to be on treatment anyway, a calcium score isnt necessary to recommend treatment. A person with very low risk is unlikely to have coronary calcium, and even if they do, it might not mean blockages. For those who fall into the middle, the coronary calcium score provides additional useful information that can help a doctor decide whether medication therapy is appropriate.

The joint guideline from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology recommends against the use of coronary calcium screening for people of otherwise low risk with a family history. The calculators do not take family history into account (there are other risk factors as well that are not in the calculators), so a doctor must exercise individual judgment. I have certainly ordered diagnostic testing in people who have low calculated risks but who have other risks not in the calculators (such as a patient of mine with a twin brother who needed a bypass).

A wise doctor doesnt make decisions based on only one risk, whether its cholesterol or family history. The whole person  all their risk factors and protective factors, their ability to improve lifestyle, and their tolerance for medication  must be taken into account before making a truly personalized recommendation.

Q: I read about a 92-year-old man who said he followed an exercise program that needs only 10 minutes per day to maintain fitness. I would like to know where to find this program, since I need to get back into a fitness regimen at age 82, after knee surgery and arthroscopic procedures.

M.D.

A: There is evidence that high-intensity workouts of even short duration can have significant benefit for cardiovascular fitness. However, that is not the kind of exercise program I would recommend to a person who is recovering from surgery, which is a slow and gradual process.

Muscles, connective tissue and bone all get stronger slowly. It requires time to build them up, and trying to do a 10-minute high-intensity workout would be an extremely bad idea. A physical therapist can help design an exercise program that can help you recover from surgery and get you more fit. As you get more cardiovascularly fit, as well as stronger in muscle and connective tissue, you can certainly explore more high-intensity workouts.

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or send mail to 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803.
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MISSION, Kan. (AP)  What Karla Arango says started as a dorm-room sexual assault got even worse as word spread around campus. Her attackers fraternity brothers snubbed her, she says, whispering about her in the cafeteria, blocking her phone number and unfriending her on social media. Soon her grades were slipping.

Arangos experience in her first year at Northern Kentucky University highlights what experts see as deep-seated problems with Title IX, the 1972 federal civil rights law that prohibits sexual discrimination in education. It turns 50 this month.

Heralded as a gamechanger for female college athletes, the law also is supposed to protect sexual assault and harassment accusers like Arango, giving them options like moving dormitories or even getting their attackers removed from the school.

In practice, the laws protections fall short, accusers and advocates say.

Polarizing regulations finalized under former President Donald Trump have discouraged students from coming forward with abuse allegations. Those who do face a live hearing and cross-examination by a person of their alleged attackers choosing. The rules also narrowed the definition of sexual harassment and allowed colleges to ignore most cases arising off campus.

President Joe Biden and other critics say the rules, finalized in 2020 by then-Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, fail to adequately protect sexual assault victims, deter them from reporting misconduct and go too far in shielding the accused. Biden is expected to announce new rules as soon as this month.

In the meantime, many students have opted out entirely, never reporting the abuse. Or theyve chosen to go an informal route, in which the accused might be asked not to take classes with the accuser, or to switch schools  often with no mark on their record.

Arango ultimately decided not to pursue her case, and nothing happened to the other student.

I felt like my identity was beginning to form, and then it was completely stripped away, said Arango, now 21 and heading into her senior year. Everyone just saw me as this girl that was lying about being sexually assaulted. And I was spiraling really bad.

The Associated Press typically doesnt identify people who say they have been sexually assaulted, but Arango allowed her name to be used. She serves on a caucus of survivors for End Rape on Campus, a national advocacy group.

Sexual assault is commonplace on college campuses. Thirteen percent of college students overall and nearly 26% of undergraduate women reported nonconsensual sexual contact, according to a 2019 Association of American Universities survey of 181,752 students on 27 campuses. Rates were nearly as high for students who are transgender, nonbinary or otherwise gender nonconforming.

Only about one-third of the female accusers reported what happened, according to the survey. Doing so often ends badly, according to Know Your IX, an advocacy group that has found students who report abuse often leave school, at least temporarily, and are threatened with defamation lawsuits.

The current process is not really working for anybody, said Emma Grasso Levine, the manager of Know Your IX.

At some universities, the Trump administration rules have been followed by a decrease in the number of complaints addressed by Title IX offices, according to records provided to The Associated Press.

At the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 204 Title IX complaints were logged in 2019, but just 12 in 2021, records show. The number of cases that met the criteria for formal investigations fell from 27 to zero in the same period. No student has been found responsible for a Title IX violation at the university since 2020.

At Michigan State University, the number of Title IX complaints dropped from more than 1,300 in 2019 to 56 in 2021. School officials say the drop is the result of narrowed definitions in the 2020 regulations. Complaints that fall outside the scope of the federal rules now go through a similar but separate disciplinary system, officials said.

Arangos nightmare began in August 2019, when she blacked out after playing a drinking game with her new fraternity friends.

She recalls waking on an air mattress, a male student on top of her, although she had given no consent for the sex. She grabbed her belongings and headed to class, acting like nothing had happened.

She kept quiet until that October, when she told a fraternity friend but swore him to secrecy.

A few days later, she received an email from the Title IX office saying her name had been included in a sexual assault misconduct report. Her friend had shared her secret with the fraternitys president, who was a resident adviser and required to report it.

The accused student soon found out. His fraternity brothers shunned her as she weighed whether to pursue a Title IX investigation. People were calling her a liar, she said.

Arango asked Title IX officials if the other student would be suspended or sanctioned if she filed a formal complaint. The coordinator told her the process was lengthy and that, if nothing else, she probably could get a no-contact order.

She was skipping two classes to avoid the student and his friends, on track to receive the first two Cs of her life  grades that could threaten her scholarship. Then there was the isolation. The thing is, no one is talking to me anymore, she realized.

She put the investigative process on hold. By the time she revisited it in the spring, the pandemic was slowing everything down. Then DeVos new regulations were announced.

Byzantine is the word attorney Russell Kornblith uses to describe them. He is representing three Harvard University graduate students in a lawsuit alleging that the Ivy League school for years ignored complaints about sexual harassment by a renowned professor.

He said pursuing the cases can be time intensive, distracting students from their classwork. Income disparities often play out, with affluent students able to pay for attorneys and others represented only by themselves. In some cases, accusers find themselves being questioned about their sexual past.

A process that already had seemed rough became overwhelming to Arango.

I just saw the words cross-examination and freaked out, she recalled. I was like, I cant. I cant put myself through that.

As more complaints fall outside its scope, experts have raised alarms that colleges are increasingly judging cases in parallel campus discipline systems that dont guarantee accusers the same rights as Title IX.

Justin Dillon, a Washington-based lawyer who has defended dozens of students accused of sexual misconduct, called the cross-examination process created under DeVos an unparalleled success, but criticized the overall handling of sexual misconduct cases under Title IX.

Its just sort of created this kind of sexual police state on college campuses that I think goes far beyond making sure that men and women get equal access to education, he said.

Students are filing fewer sexual misconduct cases and the bulk of them  upward of 90%  are now being handled informally, said Brett Sokolow, president of the Association of Title IX Administrators. Sometimes the accused will simply agree to transfer so their new school wont know anything happened, he said.

For all the difficulties colleges have had adjudicating sex assault cases, Title IX at least holds them accountable for protecting the rights of accusers who can otherwise sue, said Maha Ibrahim, a staff attorney with Equal Rights Advocates, a nonprofit that represents survivors.

What if it wasnt there? Then what? she said. You know, college campuses are just a free for all, a very dangerous place for women and for queer folks. And then what?

___

Associated Press reporter Collin Binkley contributed from Boston.

___

The Associated Press education team receives support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
The hot dog war in the small city of Montgomery might be over  but not before it left a restaurant owner more than 1,000 miles away wondering why negative reviews began appearing on his Facebook page.

Rewind to June 11, when 16-year-old Lake Creek High School student Jacob Irving hosted the grand opening of his hot dog food truck, Pop Pops Dandy Dogs, at 404 Caroline St. in Montgomery. The young entrepreneur has worked for years to launch the business in honor of his grandfather, called PopPop, who originally launched the Dandy Dog brand in Lewisville, Texas, in 1985.

Unknown to Jacob, the owner of the nearby Old Montgomery Steakhouse, Wayne Kung, decided to add hot dogs to his menu on the same day that Pop Pops Dandy Dogs opened. The steakhouse even put up a large banner at its restaurant, 204 McCown St., advertising its new culinary offering for sale at $1.50 per hot dog.

They didnt have (hot dogs) on their menu, it was something they added because they knew I was opening, Jacob said. I didnt take it to heart, I didnt feel hurt by it at all. Obviously, we arent in competition at all. No one is going to a steakhouse for a hot dog.

On HoustonChronicle.com: First Juneteenth cookbook, featuring traditional red dishes, embodies the healing comforts of food

Social media firestorm

Nonetheless, a social media firestorm ensued as Jacobs supporters went on Facebook to call out Kung.

Kung, who didnt return calls to the Courier of Montgomery County, told KPRC he had received several threats.My point on the thing is to basically tell the kids in life its never fair. If you want to be in competition, theres competition everywhere, he said, adding food truck patrons were coming into his restaurant to use the restrooms. Its frustrating because Im cleaning up their mess, so they are making me be the bad person, but this building has been here for more than two decades and theyve been here for one week.

As the Texas hot-dog fracas mushroomed on social media, it drew in a third player: Montgomerys Steakhouse  in Spiceland, Indiana. That apparently happened because people were searching for the term Montgomery Steakhouse on Facebook and potentially other online platforms, leading to confusion between the Indiana steakhouse  owned by a restaurateur named Matt Montgomery  and the similarly named steakhouse in Texas.

Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Lake Creek High School student Jacob Irding (top left) opened his food truck, Pop Pops Dandy Dogs, in Montgomery. (Jason Fochtman / Houston Chronicle)

Matt Montgomery said he was none too pleased about the confusion, which led to a string of negative reviews on his Facebook page. Initially, he had no idea what sparked those comments.

We have been getting negative reviews, he said. We just want to know whats going on in Texas.

Matt Montgomery, whose steakhouse has garnered hundreds of four-plus star reviews on Google during its existence, said he hoped the situation in Texas worked out the best for both business owners ... and that Jacob's supporters knew they had the wrong steakhouse.

City of Montgomery Mayor Byron Sanford said it was unfortunate the issue between Jacob, who has the correct permit to operate the food truck, and Kung escalated into what he called a frenzy that impacted the Indiana restaurant.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Popeyes is selling signature two-piece chicken for just 59 cents but you have to pay $5 to get it

Smiling and being kind

But it appears for now that both Jacob Irving and Wayne Kung are trying to put the issue behind them.

They have reconciled and the owner of the steakhouse has offered to provide restrooms, Sanford said, adding his hope is that people support both businesses. Let peace prevail.

Jacob acknowledged meeting with Kung.

The only thing you can do in the face of something like that is to smile and be kind, Jacob said. I would never wish his business any harm. Im in total support of all the small businesses in Montgomery because, obviously, Im just like them.

And in the end, the controversy hasnt necessarily been all that bad for Jacob, who had to close early Thursday after selling out of food in the wake of all the attention.

Hell be back open on Friday.

cdominguez@hcnonline.com
PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Eight Philadelphia government employees lied that they were unemployed in order to recieve pandemic jobless benefits, prosecutors said in announcing criminal charges Thursday.

The attorney general's office said the city workers collectively were paid more than $300,000 in pandemic unemployment assistance in 2020. Individuals collected between $17,000 and $63,000, prosecutors said.

They were accused of theft, receiving stolen property and tampering with public records in charges filed Wednesday in a Harrisburg district court.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro said prosecutors do not believe the eight defendants are connected. They worked for the city as asphalt rakers, roadwork laborers, social work services managers and for the parks and recreation department.

A city spokesperson said seven of them are currently employed but the process of firing them is underway.

These individuals didnt just apply for (the) assistance once and got the money, Shapiro said at a Philadelphia news conference Thursday. Instead they had to go online, week after week, and reaffirm that they were unemployed due to COVID-19.

Only two of the defendants answered calls to phone numbers listed in court records  one denied the allegations and the other declined to comment. Messages were left for three and the other three numbers were not working.

State prosecutors have so far charged 63 people in Pennsylvania with pandemic unemployment fraud worth about $3.1 million.

The attorney general's office received a referral to investigate the allegations from the city's inspector general in October 2021.
Houston Chronicle

A Houston man who said he was supposed to smuggle 10 pounds of fentanyl hidden in the battery of his SUV to someone waiting at the Galleria was sentenced Thursday to federal prison, authorities said.

Juan Alvarado-Vargas, 22, pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl, about six months after he was stopped at a South Texas checkpoint, federal authorities said.
Metro Video

An 18-year-old man was killed and one of his suspected attackers injured in gunfire after what authorities believe was an attempted robbery Wednesday night outside of a convenience store in southeast Houston, police said.

The two were shot about 9:55 p.m. outside the store on the 12900 block of Nyack Drive, near the Gulf Freeway and Scarsdale Boulevard in the Southbelt/Ellington neighborhood, the Houston Police Department said
Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Texas Childrens Hospital is opening up appointments for children as young as 6 months old to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday unanimously recommended for emergency use authorization for millions of infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

The agencys recommendation centers on Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months to 4 years old, and Modernas COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months to 5 years old. The hospital is still waiting on official FDA authorization, then a recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, followed by an official sign-off from CDC Director Rochelle Walensky. If that happens, the shots could be available as early as next week.
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Conservationists dont usually think to look near Texas inland waters for the critically endangered Kemps ridley sea turtle. That made a sighting of the reptiles on Monday near Matagorda Bay all the more surprising.

The discovery led to the rescue and guiding of 45 turtles to the bay. They hatched on Magnolia Beach in Calhoun County, southeast of Port Lavaca, during International Sea Turtle Week.

Now Playing: A group of Kemps ridley sea turtles got a hand in getting to the water of Matagorda Bay this week. (Courtesy Texas A&M) Video: Courtesy Texas A&M

This has been the best sea turtle week ever, said Pamela Plotkin, director of the Texas Sea Grant College Program at Texas A&M University. It was one of those totally unexpected things that may only happen once in a lifetime.

On HoustonChronicle.com: 107 eggs of worlds most endangered sea turtle species discovered at Galveston Island State Park

Sea turtles usually nest on barrier island beaches. Thats because the terrain is more suitable for digging, and the beaches are more accessible to the Gulf of Mexico, where the turtles swim and meet their mates, the marine biologist said. The female turtle who laid her eggs at Magnolia Beach had to work through shells and vegetation to build her nest  not an easy task.

Eggs left on the beach only have a 45 percent chance of hatching  and thats mostly in the more favorable gulf-side conditions, according to Texas Sea Grant. They are also susceptible to predators. The trek to water is a critical time, and the Magnolia Beach turtles had a hand from passersby.

Two maintenance workers with Calhoun County Precinct 1 Commissioners Office spotted about 25 of the Kemps ridleys hatching and heading the wrong direction, toward the shiniest horizon they could see: concrete.

I thought, We better help them because its a good ways to the water! one of the workers, Zach Padron, said.

More from this author: UH students are hiding cameras across Houston to capture wildlife close to the city

He and coworker Jason Gonzalez began turning them around, and Commissioner David Hall, called the countys marine extension agent for help. The agent, RJ Shelly, arrived and excavated the turtle nest with Plotkin guiding him over the phone, according to a news release.

Another 20 turtles emerged from their birthplace, which was within 10 feet of a roadway. The Kemps ridleys had to be actively monitored, but they all made it to the bay, Plotkin said.

Kemps ridley sea turtles arent often found in Matagorda Bay, but green sea turtles are, Plotkin said. Conservation efforts are ongoing in the body of water, and a recent study found that an abundance of green sea turtles live and feed there after decades of endangerment. A commercial sea turtle fishery located at the bay had nearly decimated the population by the early 1900s.

The Kemps ridley is the official state sea turtle.

samantha.ketterer@houstonchronicle.com
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How did investigators find Holly Marie Clouse?

It all came down to a question about spelling  and a birth certificate.

In January, genealogists identified the bodies of Harold Dean Clouse and Tina Gail Linn, a young couple murdered and whose bodies were dumped in the woods east of Houston back in early 1981.

It was a significant break in a decades-old cold case. But that discovery led to a question -- what had happened to the couple's infant daughter?

The answer would come much more quickly. Last week, six months after the identities of the couple were made public, officials from the Texas Attorney General's Office announced they'd found Holly, safe and well, living in Oklahoma.

During a brief news conference on June 9, First Assistant Attorney General Brent Webster provided some of the information officials had about what had happened to Holly, saying that two women who identified themselves as "members of a nomadic religious group left Holly at a church in Arizona.

That meant the child hadnt been killed alongside her parents and was probably still alive.

FOUND: 42 years later, a murdered Texas couple's missing baby has finally been found

Making the connection between the meeting at the church and Hollys present-day whereabouts in Oklahoma came down to a question about spelling, people familiar with the case said.

After two genealogists identified the remains found in east Harris County as belonging to Dean and Tina, authorities in Lewisville opened up a missing persons case related to Holly. It would eventually include investigators in Houston, Florida and Arizona.

As investigators and genealogists continued digging back into the case, they werent sure of how to spell Holly's name: relatives had spelled it both as Hollie and Holly.

That confusion prompted genealogist Allison Peacock and one of Hollys aunts to request the (now-grown) woman's birth certificate from the Florida Department of Vital Records.

But when they asked for the birth certificate, officials in Florida declined their request, saying they werent entitled to the document.

They turned to a detective with the Lewisville Police Department, the agency investigating the missing persons case of Holly. He too, was denied access to the birth certificate. He ended up seeking help from a senior prosecutor at the Texas Attorney Generals Office new Cold Case Unit who had just taken on the case. Another detective in Florida working with the AGs office also requested the records, but also came up dry.

After that, investigators enlisted the help of judges and attorneys general in three states to finally obtain a copy of the birth certificate. Thats when they saw the sealed record of an adoption  the reason theyd had so much difficulty obtaining it in the first place.

Detectives tried to get that birth certificate, but they couldn't because it had been sealed, Debbie Brooks, Hollys aunt, told CNN shortly after the announcement Holly had been found. They had to go through lot of red tape to get it unsealed - then they saw an adoption attached.

In an emailed statement, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said the work by law enforcement agencies in Texas and Florida to get the birth certificate was a key component in finding Holly.

The birth certificate is what led our investigators in the right direction, he said. After attaining this vital document, a great deal of investigative work still had to be completed in order to identify and locate certain individuals to ensure that they, in fact, had the right person.

PAST COVERAGE: After 40 years, a murdered Houston couple has finally been identified. Where is their missing baby?

Detectives ultimately tracked down Hollys adoptive parents -- and then found her in Oklahoma.

Holly  whose last name has changed  has not yet spoken publicly about her experiences. Her adoptive parents are not suspects in her birth parents killings, authorities have said.

Peacock, one of the two genealogists who investigated the mystery of Dean and Tinas identity, said the saga showed the importance of seeking out documents and reviewing the record.

In our wildest dreams we couldnt have had any idea Hollys birth certificate was attached to a legal adoption, she said. And certainly that a quest for the proper spelling of Hollys name  and being a stickler for details  would end up leading to her being found alive and well.

While two mysteries related to the murders of Tina and Dean have been solved, significant questions remain unanswered: who killed them and what did the killers have to do with the baby being left at a church in Arizona? Or did other people rescue the child and take her to safety?

One significant avenue of investigation that cold case detectives are examining is the group whose members gave Holly up at the church and other contacts the slain couple might have had with a cult or religious group.

A SOMBER VISIT: Family of couple from 1980s cold case travels to Houston crime scene, sparking memories along the way

Authorities have provided few other details about the women or the cult they appeared to have belonged to. The women were barefoot and dressed in white robes, First Assistant Attorney General Brent Webster told reporters at the June 9 press conference. At the time, the women said their religious beliefs included the separation of the sexes and abstaining from eating meat or wearing leather. They are believed to have traveled around southwestern United States, including Arizona, California and possibly Texas, and had been spotted around Yuma, Ariz., in the early 80s, sometimes asking for food. The women also said they'd left another baby at a laundromat, previously, Webster said.

The other connection of possible cult members to the case came through Hollys family.

In the months after Dean and Tina went missing, Deans mother, Donna Casasanta received a call from a man  who never identified himself  saying that he had Deans car, in California, and would drive it back to her if she agreed to pay $1,000.

Casasanta agreed, meeting the driver late one night sometime in 1981 at the Daytona Speedway.

In past interviews with the Chronicle, Casasanta said she met three women, who were all dressed in robes. One of the women went by Sister Susan. The women told her the couple had joined a cult, renounced their worldly possessions, and no longer wanted any contact with their relatives. Officials have been trying to track down a police report made at the time.

The description, while vague, tracks with the behaviors of several cults known to be operating at the time. The next step in unlocking what happened to Holly and her parents could be finding people who were involved with such groups at the time.

st.john.smith@houstonchronicle.com
Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Houston gun violence researchers and law enforcement officials will gather next Tuesday to discuss better ways to address firearm injuries and deaths at an event hosted by Rice Universitys Baker Institute for Public Policy.

The American Medical Association declared gun violence a public health crisis in 2016. Since then, firearms have surpassed car crashes as the leading cause of traumatic death among children, and the CDC released data showing a 35 percent increase in firearm homicides from 2019 to 2020.
Harris County is making a $48 million foray into child care, a move County Judge Lina Hidalgo said will help child care providers recovering from the pandemic.

Hidalgo said the measure also is intended to boost wages for child care workers and help women who left their jobs during the pandemic get back to work. The three-year program is expected to create 1,000 new child care slots for Harris County kids.

YOUTH GUN VIOLENCE: Hidalgo, Harris County commissioners call for special session to address Uvalde school shooting

The county will pay for it with federal American Rescue Plan Act funding, which is intended to help communities recover from the pandemic. In 2021, the Biden administration announced $39 billion of ARPA funds to address the child care crisis caused by COVID-19.

Harris County created a $4.7 million COVID-19 child care assistance program in 2020, but the county traditionally has not ventured into child care services. The funding marks another expansion of the courts scope under Hidalgo, a departure from previous decades when the court largely limited spending to public safety, roads, parks and flood mitigation. Under Hidalgo, the county has taken on additional policy areas, such as housing  distributing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal rent relief to prevent evictions during the pandemic and creating a Harris County community land trust in hopes of boosting long-term affordable housing options.

Harris County Commissioners Court approved the plan Wednesday. The vote was 3-2, with the three Democrats in favor and two Republican members opposed.

Commissioner Cagle is a strong supporter of education, Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagles spokesperson Joe Stinebaker said, but he does not believe early childhood education is a proper function of county government, such as public safety, parks and transportation.

The program will prioritize creating child care slots in parts of the county considered child care deserts, where there are few options available to families.

More from Jen Rice: Harris County officials narrow search for new elections administrator to two candidates

Providers that receive funding through the program will be required to pay staff at least $15 an hour.

Child care costs are the second most expensive item in families budgets  only housing costs are higher, according to Hidalgo, who is running for re-election in November.

Early childhood programs have one of the strongest returns on investment of any type of public program, the judge said. Those positive effects also endure throughout the childs life, increasing their graduation rates and future earnings while reducing any possible contact with the criminal justice system.

Half of infants and toddlers in Harris County who have working parents do not receive formal child care, according to Hidalgo. She added that many of those children are taken care of by relatives in informal child care arrangements. The goal of the program is to close that gap and support families, Hidalgo said.

Alexandra del Moral Mealer, Hidalgos Republican opponent in the November election, issued a statement criticizing the county judges priorities.

Early childhood education is critically important and we know that it sets children up for academic success but crime in Harris County, which has stolen many young lives, is an immediate and critical concern, the statement read. Spending $48 million of ARPA funding on 1,000 slots while ignoring our core duty of protecting those same students by investing more in public safety is irresponsible. The last county budget denied 82 percent of law enforcement budget requests, which included funding to eliminate the 135,000-case backlog in our courts. If we truly want to set kids up for success, we have to foster a safe environment that enables them to thrive.

The Texas Workforce Commission, using federal relief funding, has authorized $3.4 billion to boost child care services across the state.

jen.rice@chron.com
NASA astronauts Barry Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will fly on Boeings first crewed mission to the International Space Station, NASA announced Thursday.

Wilmore and Williams should launch inside Boeings CST-100 Starliner spacecraft later this year or early next year. Theyre expected to spend about two weeks on the space station, though NASA said it could extend that mission to up to six months and add a third crew member if needed.

MORE ON STARLINER: Boeing's Starliner spacecraft completes crucial mission Wednesday with New Mexico landing

It was great to see Starliners successful journey to the International Space Station during the Orbital Flight Test-2 (OFT-2) mission last month, Reid Wiseman, chief of NASAs Astronaut Office at the Johnson Space Center, stated in a news release. We are all looking forward to cheering on Butch and Suni as they fly the first crewed Starliner mission."

The uncrewed OFT-2 mission was an opportunity to check out Starliners systems before flying astronauts. It was the companys third attempt at reaching the space station. The first attempt launched in December 2019 and reached orbit, but a software error prevented Starliner from docking with the station. The second attempt in August 2021 never left the launch pad due to corroded valves that would not open.

Last months mission was a success, paving the way for Wilmore and Williams mission  dubbed CFT for Crew Flight Test. This is the final test required before Boeings spacecraft can receive NASA certification, which will enable the company to ferry astronauts to the International Space Station for six-month rotations as part of NASAs Commercial Crew Program. SpaceX is also part of the Commercial Crew Program and received NASA certification in 2020.

Starliner and the Atlas V performed well during all phases of OFT-2, and now we are taking a methodical look at each system to determine what needs to be upgraded or improved ahead of CFT, just as we do with every other crewed flight, Steve Stich, manager of NASAs Commercial Crew Program, stated in the news release. Butch, Suni, and Mike (Fincke) have been instrumental in the development of Starliner on the path to having a second space station crew transportation system.

Over the years, a number of astronauts have been slated to fly this first crewed test flight. NASA also considered flying three people rather than two. Wilmore, Williams and Fincke were the latest contenders as other potential crew members were moved to another mission or bowed out for personal reasons.

Wilmore, Williams and Fincke all graduated from military test pilot schools before becoming astronauts, and they have all previously flown to the space station.

Fincke has spent the past nine years helping Boeing prepare for its first space station missions. He will retain his position as flight test lead and will train as the backup pilot for the CFT mission. Williams, the pilot, has spent seven years working on Starliner, and Wilmore, the commander, joined the team in 2020.

EARLIER THIS YEAR: NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei didnt shy away from Ukraine talk with Russian cosmonauts in space

NASA said it should have a launch date by the end of July, though news conferences held last month suggested the CFT mission could fly later this year or early next year.

Starliner will launch from Floridas Cape Canaveral Space Force Station atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

andrea.leinfelder@chron.com

twitter.com/a_leinfelder
Brendon Derr

Juneteenth, the celebration of the end of slavery in the US, became the 12th federally recognized holiday one year ago, however in the last couple of decades states have also pushed to give Juneteenth its overdue place on the calendar.

One hundred and fifteen years after Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston to announce the end of slavery within the former confederate states on June 19th, 1865, Texas was the first state to recognize it as an official holiday in 1980.
As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content.

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After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS!

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The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those.
How Seven Kingdoms has crowdfunded every release (and you can too)

Floridian metal band Seven Kingdoms has made a career out of fan-backed releases, but that level of support didnt happen overnight.

by James Shotwell of Haulix

We live in an age where the barriers to creating high-quality content are unbelievably low. You can do more with your smartphone to build and manage a music career than a team of people could accomplish just thirty years ago, and you can do most of it without leaving your bed. The problem is figuring out how to pay for it, but if you ask Florida metal band Seven Kingdoms, theyd tell you thats why fans matter.

Seven Kingdoms knew early on that they had a sound that people wanted to hear and, like most groups, believed a label would be the best path to widespread success. The band found a deal early on and used the added benefit of a promo team to build their reputation on a global scale. More releases followed, and the band continued to work its way through the metal hierarchy, but in the mid-2010s realized a change was needed.

You can find every episode of Music Biz on Spotify!

Now, as we all know, every group is different, and so is every career. What works for one artist will not work for others and vice versa. Thats the nature of the business. In 2016, after spending their first decade in the label system, Seven Kingdoms chose to go independent with the first of several crowdfunded releases. The group did not know how much support fans would offer, but the results speak for themselves. More than perhaps any American heavy metal band in the scene right now, Seven Kingdoms are beholden only to themselves and their audience. The only people they have to please are those who want to hear from them, and thats where all musicians hope to find themselves.

We knew we had to speak with them when we caught wind of Seven Kingdoms long streak of successful crowdfunding efforts. Music Biz host James Shotwell called the band last week, and they were happy to share the secrets to their success. Check it out:

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Pittsfield City Council Puts Verizon Cell Tower Litigation to Rest

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The City Council has put the possibility of litigation against Verizon over the cell tower at 877 South St. to rest.

On Tuesday, the panel voted to file a petition that requested $84,000 of city funds to hire legal counsel against the telecommunications company. It was previously sidelined when the council was informed that Verizon filed a case against the city of Pittsfield in federal court.



Early this year, the Board of Health voted to issue a cease-and-desist order for the tower after hearing of negative health effects from Alma Street resident Courtney Gilardi since it was erected in August 2020.



In early April, the board voted to act on the order nearly two months after first approving it. This vote was conditioned on the order being withdrawn without prejudice if the board was unable to retain legal counsel prior to an administrative or judicial proceeding.



Last month, Verizon, operating as Pittsfield Cellular Telephone, asked for a declaratory judgment from the U.S. District Court in Springfield against the city. The company claimed that the board violated Section 332 of the federal Telecommunications Act (TCA) of 1996 that prohibits state and local governments from regulating a personal wireless service facility because of perceived health effects from radiofrequency emissions that comply with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.



Early this month the board voted to rescind the order, stating that litigation is not the solution right now.

The company on June 2 filed for dismissal of the case in U.S. Court because the Board of Health had not filed an answer or motion. Verizon's filing noted that the board had rescinded its cease-and-desist order "thereby making this action moot."

The next day, Judge Mark G. Mastroianni denied as moot Gilardi and others' request to be accepted as intervenors in the case and added the notation that "The clerk of the court is respectfully requested to close the case."

The City Council's filing of the petition indicates that no further action will be taken on the matter. Once a matter is placed on file, it cannot be filed again for consideration in the same calendar year.



Gilardi said she came to this meeting a different kind of awake because she realized that help was never really on the way. She saw the cease-and-desist order as a beacon of hope.



"We were deprived of justice and we were deprived of the opportunity to go home each and every one of these people here," she said, referencing the community members who joined her at the meeting.



Gilardi's testimony went beyond the three-minute limit for open microphone and President Peter Marchetti called a five-minute recess for the meeting, visibly frustrated.



Eight other people, including Gilardi's daughter Amelia, spoke on the cell tower at the meeting.


Pittsfield Dentist Named Among '10 Under Ten'

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Dr. Neha Das, a pediatric dentist, practicing in Pittsfield, has been recognized by the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) as one of the "10 Under Ten" for 2022.

Established in 2005 by the MDS, the annual recognition highlights the diversity of new dentists in Massachusetts and their impact on the dental profession.

To qualify, dentists must have graduated from dental school within the past ten years, be an MDS member, and made significant contributions to the profession, their community, and organized dentistry.

"When I was a junior in college, I went back to my parents' hometown in India to do some volunteer work in a medical van; however, when I got there, I found out the physician I was supposed to be shadowing was out on maternity leave. They put me in a dental van instead, and I was fascinated. I loved the combination of science and art, and there was a true sense of gratification whenever we could help someone. When I got back home, I knew my plans had changed. I didn't want to be a physician anymoreI was going to become a dentist," Dr. Das said.

An At-Large Trustee with the MDS, Dr. Das is inspired by the work of the dentists active in the society and dedicated to the profession.

Currently, a resident of Lenox, Dr. Das earned her Doctor of Dental Science (DDS) and did her residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of California in San Francisco. She credits her husband and her colleague dental practice owner Dr. Lisa Gamache with helping her maintain a healthy work-life balance.

The dentists are featured in the Spring 2022 issue of the Journal of the Massachusetts Dental Society, and they were honored earlier this year at Yankee Dental Congress 2022. Yankee is New England's largest dental meeting and is presented by the MDS in cooperation with the dental societies of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
One journalist is missing, and two others have been arrested by Taliban authorities since the beginning of June amid mounting attacks on Afghanistans media. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its Afghan affiliates, Afghanistans National Journalists Union (ANJU) and the Afghan Independent Journalists Association (AIJA), condemn the Talibans increasing arbitrary arrests of journalists and media workers and call for an investigation into the disappearance and arrests of the three journalists.

Pajhwok Afghan News correspondent and AIJA provincial deputy, Abdul Hanan Mohammadi, was reported missing on Sunday 12 June. His family said he was last seen leaving his home with friends in the Hisa-e-Awal district of the Kapisa province.

Mohammadis brother, Ishaq Mohammadi, said the journalist was detained by the Islamic Emirate security forces. According to his family, the journalist had previously been threatened by the Taliban.

In a statement on June 13, IFJ affiliate AIJA said that they are investigating the case. President of AIJA, Hujatullah Mujadidi and Vice President, Farhad Behrooz, met with the Deputy Governor of Kapisa Province Sheikh Asadullah Sinan, and the Director of Information and Culture to advocate for Mohammadis release.

The reason for Mohammadis disappearance is unknown. According to the AIJA, Kapisa officials said the arrest was not in connection with his work as a journalist. His family has received no further information regarding his disappearance.

In a separate incident, Taliban officials arrested Panjshiri journalist Farhad Amiri while he was working in Kabul. Amiris family says that they have received no information regarding the reason for his arrest or his current place of detainment.

In early June, journalist and human rights activist Maiwand Wafa was arrested by the Taliban. His family have also received no information regarding his arrest and Taliban officials have refused to comment on the case.

The arrest and disappearance of the three journalists is the latest example of escalating media rights violations in Afghanistan. In the latest South Asia Press Freedom report, the IFJ documented 75 media rights violations, including 12 killings and 30 arrests, in Afghanistan from May 2021 to April 2022. An estimated 1,000 journalists have fled the country since the Taliban takeover, with threats, harsh restrictions, and economic collapse leading to mass closures of media outlets.

The ANJU said, The Taliban claimed that they are all criminal cases. There is no case to prove that it is criminal unless for the purpose of being journalists and free media. This is the approach they are implementing, and we need to investigate more about such cases and reflect the reality of their actions to the world and take actions for the safety and impunity of Afghan journalists.

The AIJA said: The [AIJA] leadership has travelled to Kapisa province to clarify the destiny of Abdul Hanan Mohammadi. Following this trip, it was cleared that Mr. Mohammadi has been arrested by the security forces of Islamic Emirate in Kapisa province... Although local officials in Kapisa province said at the meeting that the detention of Abdul Hanan Mohammadi had not been in connection with media activities, the leadership of AIJA is trying to release him.

The IFJ said, Since the Talibans takeover in 2021, journalists and media workers in Afghanistan have experienced frequent persecution and human rights violations. The IFJ calls for an investigation into the disappearance of journalist Abdul Hanan Mohammadi, and the immediate release of journalists Farhad Amiri and Maiwand Wafa.
GCash, the Philippines leading fintech company, has begun partnering with local government units (LGUs) nationwide to help them adopt safe and convenient digital financial solutions, in line with its goal of making government transactions faster and safer for millions of Filipinos.

Recently, GCash partnered with the City Government of San Fernando, Pampanga, through its Treasurers Office to enable digital payments and educate its employees and constituents on the features and benefits of using e-wallets such as GCash.

Our partnerships with the public sector are geared towards reaching out to the unbanked and underserved communities and equip them with digital financial solutions that can make everyday transactions safer, more secure, and convenient. We are always open to working with more LGUs to help Filipinos have better lives, said Martha Sazon, President and CEO of GCash.

Under the initial stage of the partnership, citizens of San Fernando are now able to pay their business and real property taxes through the Pay Bills feature inside the GCash app. Public market vendors can also easily pay their monthly stall rent anytime, anywhere via GCash using the same feature.

Mas pinadali at pinabilis na ang pag collect namin ng mga payments for real property, business tax at market stall rentals at malaking pasasalamat po natin sa oportunidad na maka-partner ang GCash sa ganitong adhikain, lalo na ngayong panahon ng pandemya, said Mary Ann Bautista, City Treasurer of San Fernando.

In support of the city governments digital transformation, GCash held a week-long Express Lane program that educated and promoted cashless payments via GCash Pay Bills to users in the city. GCash booths and roving ambassadors were deployed in the San Fernando City Hall to assist the public and answer any queries.

To further promote digital payment adoption, GCash also conducted financial literacy (FinLit) programs to local government employees, market vendors, and heads of Tricycle Operators and Drivers' Associations (TODA). Through the Everyday Wais Tips FinLit sessions, GCash taught consumers about the different everyday transactions that they can do using the GCash app  including access to financial services such as savings and credit. The attendees also learned how to better secure their accounts and prevent being scammed to promote trust in using financial technology.

Another module of GCashs FinLit program is the Palaguin ang Negosyo with GCash. The public market vendors and TODA heads of San Fernando were informed about the convenience and safety of receiving payments from their customers through the GCash QR payment feature.

The opportunity to earn extra by becoming a GCash Pera Outlet (PO) was also introduced. GCash POs offer customers in their community convenient access to various GCash services such as Cash-in, Cash-out, Pay Bills, and Send Money. By being a GCash PO, micro-entrepreneurs like sari-sari store owners, have the opportunity to earn as much as Php10,000 a month through fees charged on transactions. They can also have an increased wallet size of up to P500,000 and free Cash-in via GCash agents.

We are truly excited to partner with the City of San Fernando in making our purpose of financial inclusion a reality to various communities and the public sector at large. At GCash, we ensure that these communities gain access to financial literacy programs and that we work with them in building a reliable digital ecosystem to promote sustainable adoption, said Cathlyn Pavia, AVP and Group Head for Public Sector and Partnerships.

There are currently 364 market vendors and 38 TODA heads ready to accept payment via GCash QR, and 270 active GCash POs in San Fernando City. Tricycle drivers in the city will also begin receiving their fuel subsidy from the government via GCash.

Through partnerships with LGUs like the City Government of San Fernando, more Filipinos will now have access to safe, secure, and convenient digital financial products and services, empowering communities across the nation and helping GCash achieve its goal of Finance for All.

The GCash app is available for free on Google Play or App Store.

For more information, visit www.gcash.com. For LGUs and other government agencies who want to explore potential partnerships, send an email to publicsector@gcash.com.
Whenever a company experiences a moment of major public backlash, Luvvie Ajayi Jones always asks the same question: "Who was in that meeting who did not say something?"

The founder and CEO of Chicago-based content strategy company Awe Luv Media, Ajayi Jones says that whether it's a marketing campaign that missed that mark or a failed product launch, chances are that a few people around a conference table (or on a Zoom call) thought it was a bad idea but didn't raise their concerns with the rest of the team. Why? According to Ajayi Jones, who has lectured on company culture at Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter, and Nike, most corporate missteps can be traced to one thing: fear in the ranks. Employees are often afraid to have honest, difficult conversations with their colleagues or managers because their first instinct is to think: "What happens if somebody doesn't like what I just said?"

To avoid this, Ajayi Jones recommends recruiting and cultivating a team of what she calls "professional troublemakers" who feel comfortable challenging others and disrupting company protocol. The best workplaces, she says, are those that root out prioritizing harmony over discomfort. This prevents the wasting of time and money on bad ideas that come to fruition only because no one felt empowered to object.

"We will lie our way through the world," said Ajayi Jones, speaking Tuesday at the Tory Burch Foundation Embrace Ambition Summit in New York City. "It's not that we're bad people ... It's just that it's easier sometimes to lie."

Chiming in during a meeting with a question or criticism can be difficult, however, especially for newer or younger workers. Instill in the team that their opinions will not be met with punishment, Ajayi Jones says. And encourage employees to think about what's at stake if they don't speak up by asking themselves the question: "Will my silence convict me?"

Ultimately, those disagreements can lead to breakthroughs. "The world that we live in was built by troublemakers," Avayi Jones says.

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Lydia Evans has come a long way since her appearance on Shark Tank in 2014. On episode 11 of season 6, the business owner and medical aesthetician approached the show's celebrity investors with a handmade skin care item she was certain would be a hit: the SW&G bar, a $15 soap made with extracts and other natural ingredients that can cleanse, exfoliate, and disinfect the skin at the same time.

Evans asked for $125,000 in exchange for 20 percent equity in her Houston-based company, Soaps, Washes & Grooming Essentials, a.k.a. SW&G Essentials. The Sharks liked the idea, but ultimately she left the show without an offer.

Although the investors felt it was too early to invest, Evans had in fact been making body scrubs and creams for years, motivated in part by her longtime battle with eczema. She founded SW&G Essentials in 2008 with the intention of turning it into "a baby Bath & Body Works." A core element of the business was to help others who needed skin care products that either didn't exist or were difficult to find. The idea for the SW&G bar, suggested by her barber brother, resonated with that goal. "When I looked at what was out there, they were primarily chemically exfoliating products," Evans, 42, says. There wasn't anything made for men with natural ingredients that provided manual exfoliation. Word began to spread and eventually she had nine local barbershops demanding to have the bar.

A need for emotional self-healing also provided part of the impetus for becoming an entrepreneur. "As a chocolatey, thick girl, I grew up with the projection of other people's insecurities onto me, which then became my insecurities, and I didn't feel like I was enough in my natural state," she says. The eczema that doctors couldn't seem to remedy contributed to those insecurities. Over the years, she learned to create her own regimen to improve the appearance of her skin.

Evans worked as a sales manager for a wholesale fragrance manufacturer until getting laid off in 2006. She then began selling her handmade body butters and scrubs out of her home, and opened a skin boutique in Houston, called Urban Sugarbaby, two years later. By 2012, she could no longer sustain the expense of the brick and mortar; still committed to making and selling her products, she resumed working from her home. She also enrolled at the Institute of Cosmetology, Esthetics & Massage to get a thorough understanding of the chemistry of skin care, receiving her medical aesthetician's license that year.

SW&G's sales reached close to $55,000 in 2013, and her Shark Tank appearance generated more than $100,000 in sales in just the 30 minutes after the show aired. Since then, Evans has been able to secure promotional collaborations with the likes of Cedric the Entertainer and has booked public speaking engagements. Her soaps, eye masks, and other products--which the company now sells through online retailers including Amazon and Alrossa--have been featured on Good Morning America and the Today show. She says the company's valuation peaked at $2 million prior to the pandemic.

Evans still has no investors but hasn't totally given up on the idea, especially since the pandemic forced her to give up the 3,000-square-foot lab she secured two weeks after her television debut. She has downsized from eight employees to three and moved into a shared lab and workspace with other beauty brand manufacturers. Like many other manufacturers, she's also facing supply chain challenges. SW&G had $300,000 in revenue in 2021, a decline from pre-pandemic levels, and she's now looking for other ways to keep the company solvent.

"As with many small businesses, we are constantly assessing ways to pivot and direct our energies, to thrive and bounce back from unforeseen events such as Covid setbacks," Evans says. She's added beauty consultant to her credentials, tapping into her 15 years of experience in the business to advise other entrepreneurs interested in creating their own beauty line.
Unveiled at Apple's June developer conference, Apple's new passkey relies on biometric identification systems (think Touch ID or Face ID) to authenticate a special digital code. Apple devices create a unique public-private pair of keys for a given account, similar to the end-to-end encryption used with services like iMessage. Passkeys sync across devices through Apple's iCloud Keychain, which stores everything from credit cards to usernames to, you guessed it, passwords.

So rather than typing out a given password, users would use their passkey and biometric authentication to access their accounts. Apple says that it's a replacement for the password--one that's more secure, efficient, and convenient.

Many lauded the announcement, with some even saying that Apple's passkey could be the death of the password.

But a password-less future is not necessarily the case ... at least for now.

Though we may be moving toward a password-less world, NordPass's Gerald Kasulis, the vice president of business operations for North America at the digital security company, doesn't anticipate a password cemetery in the near future.

"Because of the legacy applications and integrations into small or even big companies, I don't think a complete password-less environment will be around anytime soon," Kasulis says.

Still, small businesses could use help in the password department--especially as cybersecurity risks continue to rise. The number of ransomware attacks spiked by a third in the past year, research from the Boston-based cybersecurity company Cybereason shows. Remember that a single compromised password was sufficient to launch the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack, which fueled widespread gas shortages across the East Coast last year.

But before rushing to adopt passkeys, small businesses should first understand the strength of their biometric capabilities, says Alon Nachmany, chief information security officer at AppViewX, a New York City-based software company. He adds that it's important to invest the time to understand how passkeys work and what happens if their personal devices are unlocked or compromised, as a business would when adopting any other new technology.
A new report by the Institute for Justice highlights the excessive regulatory obstacles in the way of starting new businesses in cities across the United States. The report--titled "Barriers to Business"--is a remarkably detailed study that quantifies the regulations restricting new businesses in 20 U.S. cities. It should be a wake-up call for all of America and spark an essential discussion this year.

While the report focuses on 20 cities, those cities are not unique. Rather, they are emblematic of a regulatory problem nationwide. In addition, regulatory barriers exist at all levels of government, not just in our cities.

That's why candidates for local, state, and federal offices in this election year should be asked specifically, "What will you do to make it easier for Americans to start and grow new businesses?" It's especially important in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has devastated so many small businesses and downtown business districts. Let's invite those candidates, too, to meet entrepreneurs at coffee shops, maker spaces, and other places where entrepreneurs are building America's economic future. The candidates need to understand the obstacles that are in the way.

The American Dream is besaddled by byzantine regulations. As the report shows, for example, opening a restaurant in Boston is a 92-step process. In Detroit, it's 77 steps. In Atlanta, it's 76.

Opening a barbershop takes 81 steps in Boston, 68 in Atlanta, and 66 in Jacksonville, Florida. Opening a bookstore takes 74 steps in Newark, New Jersey, 46 in Atlanta, and 44 in Indianapolis, New Orleans, and Seattle. How much protection does the public need from a bookstore? What would be the public harm if there were too many?

The report goes into great detail. That 92-step process to open a restaurant in Boston requires that 22 forms be completed, 17 in-person visits be made to government offices, 12 fees be paid, and nine government agencies be involved, at a total cost in government fees of $5,554. Opening a restaurant in San Francisco requires that 17 government fees be paid at a total cost of $22,648.

These costs don't include the hours wasted by entrepreneurs. They don't include the opportunities lost. They don't reflect the difficulty for most people of raising that kind of money--before a business is even "in business."

One of the most obstructive steps that governments impose is requiring new businesses to pay fees to the government before they have revenue. In San Francisco, for instance, building permits required to open a restaurant cost $7,600 in review fees and $2,423 in issuance fees. In Pittsburgh, fees to open a bookstore total $2,105.

Similarly, licensing requirements impose a burden that often seems more designed to prevent competition than to protect the public. Atlanta, for instance, licenses 82 categories of business activities, complicating the red tape that entrepreneurs must navigate. In Birmingham, Alabama, barbershop owners must visit agencies in person seven times, in addition to undergoing their state-level barber educational and licensing requirements. In New Orleans, bookstore owners must complete 11 requirements in person. Government officials nationwide should review licensing requirements and demand evidence that such requirements are needed for public protection.

Right to Start, the national nonprofit movement that I lead, urges that all government registration costs and licensing fees be eliminated for new businesses at the start and in their early years. Government should be facilitating new business growth, not thwarting it. The current system is not even in the government's interest, as the government benefits most if the business thrives--and becomes a growing taxpayer--and not if the business is stopped before it can start.

America, the world's quintessential startup nation, has made entrepreneurship a sport for elites. Ordinary citizens need not play. When 51 percent of our fellow citizens have less than three months of emergency savings, this red tape is making the American Dream an impossibility for at least half the nation. And we're limiting job prospects, as new businesses generate almost all net job growth.

The report by the Institute for Justice, a nonprofit public interest law firm that relies solely on individuals and charitable foundations to support its work, is especially timely. Every community, big or small, can find ways to strengthen its entrepreneurial environment.

Communities should not just look at the obstacles examined in this report. They should explore the full 360-degree range of conditions affecting their entrepreneurs. Other barriers include, for instance, lack of access to capital, tax hassles, and barriers to government contracts.

Right to Start's Field Guide for Policymakers provides a list of barriers at each level of government. It offers a road map for every community to boost entrepreneurship.

Communities don't have to conduct extensive research. To identify barriers, one can simply talk with local entrepreneurs and the organizations that champion them. Barriers to entrepreneurship are not deep secrets. They are already evident to entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurs are not hard to find. While many work from home, many others gather at well-known locations where they share insights, make connections, and problem-solve. The program 1 Million Cups, launched by the Kauffman Foundation 10 years ago, for instance, holds weekly meetings of entrepreneurs in more than 160 communities nationwide. I helped grow that initiative in my previous role as vice president of entrepreneurship at the Kauffman Foundation, and it's also a venue where policymakers can meet entrepreneurs and hear their concerns.

Making it easier for everyone to start businesses boosts entire communities--not just aspiring business owners. It revitalizes local economies. It creates jobs that will remain in-town. It adds distinctiveness to cities and towns. It diversifies wealth creation.

The pandemic has taught us all how much we depend on entrepreneurs, especially those close by. As much as we may appreciate the convenience of Amazon deliveries from afar, local businesses define our communities, provide places to gather, raise incomes, and enliven our neighborhoods.
According to a statement, the new airline Akasa Air received the first 737 Max aircraft from Boeing on Thursday in Seattle, USA. Akasa Air sealed a deal with Boeing on November 26 last year to purchase 72 Max planes, three months after the Indian aviation regulator DGCA granted the planes the green light.



In August 2021, the airline, which is funded by ace businessman Rakesh Jhunjhunwala and aviation veterans Vinay Dube and Aditya Ghosh, acquired the Ministry of Civil Aviation's no-objection certificate to begin commercial flight operations.



"With a strong commitment to democratizing the skies," the airline stated in a statement, "the airlines' total purchase of 72 aircraft comprises an initial delivery of 18 aircraft by March 2023, followed by delivery of the remaining 54 aircraft over the next four years."






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Air India Ltd. is polling pilots to see if they want to be trained to fly Airbus SE A350 jets, signaling that the company plans to operate the model as part of its widebody fleet renewal under new owner Tata Group.



By the first quarter of 2023, the airline might be flying the A350. Pilots must react by June 20 to the offer, and those who accept will be ineligible for two years of training on another aircraft type.



Air India plans to acquire roughly 20 A350s. One alternative is to take on planes that were originally slated for Russian carrier Aeroflot but that Airbus can no longer deliver due to sanctions, as well as planes that Qatar Airways isn't taking because of a paint quality issue with the manufacturer.



The airline, which was formerly famed for its premium services and commercials featuring Bollywood stars, still has lucrative landing slots at most major airports, but it is up against foreign airlines that fly nonstop to India and carriers that fly through Middle Eastern hubs. Tata, currently owns four airline brands, including Singapore Airlines Ltd. and AirAsia Group Bhd. affiliates are largely expected to merge the companies. Air India has already received antitrust approval to acquire AirAsia India.



According to its website, Air India currently owns 153 planes. They include 49 Boeing widebodies and 79 Airbus narrowbodies, as well as 25 Boeing 737s at Air India Express's low-cost affiliate.




Reaffirms the Cultural Rights of All Indigenous Peoples

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN  A signing ceremony was held in the afternoon of June 3rd, 2022, at the residence of Mexican Ambassador to Sweden Francisco del Rio Lopez formally authorizing the transfer of the sacred Maaso Kova back to the Yaqui Nation and its cultural leaders, the culmination of a 19-year struggle by the Yaqui and the International Indian Treaty Council (IITC) to achieve its repatriation. The document was signed by representatives of the Swedish and Mexican Governments, the Yaqui Traditional Authorities, the Maaso Kova Cultural leaders committee, and the International Indian Treaty Council, as well as the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Francisco Cali Tzay as an international witness. The Maaso Kova will be accompanied by a collection of other cultural items which were acquired in Mexico in the 1930s by the Swedish Museums of World Culture.

The Maaso Kova (ceremonial deers head) was found on August 11, 2003, on display in the Museum by IITC Executive Director Andrea Carmen, member of the Yaqui Nation, following an event hosted by the Sami Council of Sweden commemorating the International Day of Indigenous Peoples. The Yaqui cultural leaders and the IITC, with the support of the Sami Council and Parliament of Sweden immediately begin a campaign to bring the Maaso Kova home.

The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, as well as Indigenous Peoples from around the world supported this repatriation effort and the Rights of the Yaqui to repatriation of this item of highest spiritual and cultural significance, based on Articles 11 and 12 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Swedish government announced on May 5th, 2022, its agreement to support the repatriation, following the Museums agreement in March 2020 as a result of a country engagement carried out by the EMRIP, as requested by the IITC and the Yaquis in 2019.

Juan Gregorio Jaime Leon, representative of the Traditional Authorities of Huirivis Pueblo, Rio Yaqui, member of the Kolensia (the Yaqui spiritual society related to the deer dance) and a Board member of IITC was one of the Yaqui delegates who participated in the signing of the document of agreement on behalf of the Yaqui Traditional Authorities. He stated the Maaso Kova which has been used in the deer dance is a living being for us of highest spiritual value. The Yaqui Traditional Authorities have stated that it must be returned to the Yaqui Traditional Authorities and cultural leaders directly, not through any intermediaries including the Mexican Institute of Anthropology. They have also stated that it should not be displayed again in any museum or university. We are very pleased that the Mexican Secretary of International Relations has agreed to support these positions.

Also attending in representation of the 8 Yaqui Pueblos of Sonora Mexico were the second governor of Yaqui Vicam Pueblo, Dolores Gonzalez Buitimea and Felipe Alvarez Garcia, Vasario (Elder advisor) of Potam Pueblo. Juan Luis Humo of Pascua Yaqui Pueblo in Arizona, Co-chair of the Maaso Kova Committee, and Andrea Carmen, focal point for communications with the States and United Nations for the Yaqui Authorities and the Maaso Kova Committee, were also designated to attend. Saul Vicente Vazquez, Director of International Affairs for the Mexican National Institute of Indigenous Peoples, accompanied the delegation in a support capacity. Representatives of the Sami Parliament and Sami Council of Sweden, who have offered unwavering support to the call for repatriation of the Maaso Kova from the beginning, also attended the signing ceremony.

The Yaqui delegation accepted the offer by the Mexican Secretary of External Relations to send the items, which were packed by the museum in two large metal cases, directly to Rio Yaqui in Northern Mexico by diplomatic envoy to ensure that they will arrive safety without being opened by anyone or inspected by customs. This process will be underway in the coming days. Representatives of the Yaqui Authorities will meet the Maaso Kova and other items when they arrive in Mexico City in the coming days and will accompany them home to Rio Yaqui.
Dom Phillips, a regular contributor to The Guardian, and Bruno Araujo Pereira, an employee with the Brazilian Indigenous Affairs agency, went missing in the Javari Valley, a major indigenous territory located in the western Amazon near Peru and C...
Camille Vasquez, the surprise performer of the legal team that fought Johnny Depp's defamation case against Amber Heard, will represent the star in court once again.



Mr. Depp and Brown Rudnick partner Randall Smith will represent Mr. Depp in a personal injury lawsuit filed against him by Gregg "Rocky" Brooks, location manager for the movie City of Lies.

Web Screen Grab

Johnny Depp vs. Gregg Rocky Brooks:

Johnny Depp

Gregory Brooks, a location manager in Depp's 2018 film City of Lies, had filed an assault lawsuit against Depp.

Mr. Brooks claims Mr. Depp "maliciously and forcibly" punched him in the ribs twice before offering him $100,000 to punch him in the face.

Johnny Depp claims the guy who sued him for assault after an incident on a movie set, asked for a selfie and then hugged it out with the actor. We have a copy of the photo, and it clearly shows Depp was telling the truth.

As you can see, both Johnny and Rocky are smiling and pic.twitter.com/SRiGCDkNgV  Congratulations Johnny Depp  (@FrozenInScream) October 8, 2019

Mr. Brooks alleges the actor's actions were "deliberate and malicious" and intended to make him "suffer humiliation." The incident took place in April 2017.

AFP

Mr. Depp's "intoxication and fury" allegedly "created a hostile, abusive, and unsafe work atmosphere." Mr. Brooks claims he was fired from the movie because he declined to sign a release waiving his right to sue in the aftermath of the incident.



AFP

According to legal documents, Mr. Depp's attorneys do not admit that the actor or his co-defendants hit Brooks but argue that his injuries were caused by "self-defense" or "defense of others," and that Mr. Brooks "provoked" the actions that resulted in his own injuries.



Judge Holly Fujie will preside over the trial, which will begin on July 25 in Los Angeles County Superior Court.



Reuters

Camille Vasquez, the California lawyer who helped actor Johnny Depp win $15 million in his defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, received a promotion after the trial win.

AFP

Law firm Brown Rudnick elevated Vasquez to partner. The announcement came less than a week after a Virginia jury returned a verdict for Depp in the high-profile lawsuit.



Reuters

Historically, we have reserved this announcement for the end of our fiscal year, said William Baldiga, chairman and CEO of Brown Rudnick, in a statement. But Camilles performance during the Johnny Depp trial proved to the world that she was ready to take this next step now.

Vasquez, who focuses on plaintiff-side defamation suits, joined Brown Rudnick as an associate in 2018 from Manatt, Phelps & Phillps.

Depp sued Heard over an op-ed the actor wrote in the Washington Post. Heard claimed to be a survivor of domestic violence in the op-ed but didnt specifically identify Depp as the abuser. She later accused Depp of abuse during the defamation trial.



(With PTI inputs)

(To get the latest updates from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.)
Eminent literary critic and Urdu scholar Gopi Chand Narang passed away at the age of 91 in his North Carolina residence in the United States. The prominent critic was in the US with his son for a while now.



I have known him since he first asked me to translate his book chapter Urdu Ghazal and the Indian Mind around 2004-2005, I found it to be an extremely erudite piece of writing. All His writings engaged with unexplored subjects like those in his book Karbala- Ek Sheri Istiyara, I pray for his soul. Rest in Peace Professor Narang, said Prof. Nishat Zaidi, Narangs colleague and co-author, Urdu Ghazal and the Indian Mind.

Why Narangs contribution to Urdu is so significant?

Aajtak

Credited with incorporating modern theoretical and epistemological concepts like stylistics, structuralism and post-structuralism to Urdu literary criticism, Narang has been extremely instrumental in establishing or retaining literary theoretical influences in the language through his dedicated research orientation and thorough understanding of the language.



Defining Urdu beyond the superfluous obsession with metrics, rhetoric and prosody, Narang managed to cite the language within an intellectual and philosophical discourse and academic vigour, pushing for its realisation with modern concepts like human consciousness, subjectivity and cognition.

His awareness of the new literary situations, ideas and ideologies is essential to the development of the language in its present form. Besides, creative command over the language, he stressed extremely for control over the narrative strategies and styles and that is reflective in his large body of work in Urdu language.

Narang dedicated his life to retract Urdu from the shackles of conventions and communalisation and establish it as a language greater significance.

How Narang was introduced to the world of Urdu?

HT

Born in Dukki, Balochistan, in 1931 to Dharam Chand Narang, a scholar of Persian and Sanskrit. His father inspired his interest in literature, who actively encouraged Narang to be a serious reader. Narang was then introduced to Ghalib, Iqbal, Mir and other greats of the Urdu language earning a bachelors degree in Urdu following a bliss, he said he found in Urdu and, later in my life, in the broader field of linguistic and cultural studies.



Narang then obtained a master's degree in Urdu from the University of Delhi with a research fellowship from the Ministry of Education for his doctoral thesis.

What were his major works?

An author of more than 60 scholarly and critical books on language, literature, poetics and cultural studies. His trilogy on Urdu's contribution to Indian culture and Freedom Movement is exemplar in many ways. From the defining work in Urdu Ghazal aur Hindustani Zehn-o Tahzeeb in manifesting the roots of the origin of Ghazal apart from the romanticisation within a philosophical realm to the substantiation of the rich socio-political in the development of Urdu prose and poetry in Hindustani Qisson Se Makhooz Urdu Masnaviyan and Hindustan Ki Tehreek-e-Azadi aur Urdu Shayari.

Ambassador of Urdu

Veethi

Narang travelled extensively around the world participating in discussions on Urdu and promulgating the language at every possible forum. After completing his research Narang taught Urdu at St. Stephens College till 1958 before moving to University of Delhi in 1961. He then moved to University of Wisconsin, where he befriended Nobel Laureate Hargobind Khorana. Teaching further at University of Minnesota and University of Oslo, Narang eventually moved back to India in 1974 where he taught at Jamia Millia Islamia, until moving back to University of Delhi in 1986.



In 1995, he was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for his pioneering work Sakhtiyat, Pas-Sakhtiyat aur Mashriqui Sheriyat (Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, and Eastern Poetics).

Narang then received the Padma Shri in 1990 and Padma Bhushan in 2004 with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2012. He is the only Urdu writer to be honoured by the presidents of both India and Pakistan. His served as the president of the Sahitya Akademi from 2003 to 2007, the Akademi then conferred its highest honour the Sahitya Akademi fellowship in 2009.

His colleagues and patrons deeply remember his legacy and contributions to the Urdu language and the man who rejected all efforts to communalise and politicise the language and dedicated his life for the sheer love of the language.





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Sikkim is recognised as the worlds first organic state by the World Book of Records London. World Book of Records London is an organisation that catalogues and verifies extraordinary records across the world.

This recognition implies that the state has become the first state in the world to implement a 100% organic policy.

AFP/Representational Image

The citation reads, Sikkim state (India) has been included for being the first organic state in the world and crime-free state with the best governance.



With the Green Revolution in the 1960s, India increased its crop production and produced enough food grains for the country, but chemical fertilizers and pesticides too arrived in Indian farming. They are affecting our agriculture including water, air and land.

Recognising its adverse impact on the environment, organic farming is being promoted. Sikkim is the first state in the world that is 100% organic and sets an example for the whole world. For this immense success, Sikkim has also been awarded the Oscar Award for Best Policies by the United States.

Lets understand what is organic farming? How did Sikkim make itself a 100% organic state?

What is Organic Farming?

Organic farming is an evergreen ancient method by which the environment remains pure and the natural nature of the land is also maintained. Due to its use, the soil remains fertile and drought-like situations are very less likely to arise.

Unsplash/Representational Image

Further, fossil fertilizers are used instead of chemical fertilizers and organic fertilizers are used instead of insecticides during organic farming.

In organic farming, cow dung, compost manure, green manure, bio-pesticide, earthworm manure, neem cake, lemon grass and fruit residues are used. It follows bacterial culture.

How did Sikkim become an Organic State?

To make Sikkim an organic state, 75,000 hectares of land were converted into organic. The emphasis was laid on the use of organic instead of chemical i.e. chemical pesticides.

In this action plan, the Sikkim government prohibited the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Also, violation of this law leads to the imprisonment of three months including a fine of one lakh.

AFP/Representational Image

The then Chief Minister Pawan Chamling had formed the Sikkim State Board. A partnership was also initiated with many agricultural development and research organizations in the country and abroad including biological research from Switzerland.

The government focused on developing village panchayats in the form of clusters for organic farming. Organic farming was done on 8 lakh 35 thousand hectares of land in Sikkim, which benefited about 4 lakh farmers. The target was set to cover 50 thousand hectares of land, and about 2.5 thousand farmer interest groups were formed, through which about 45 thousand farmers were associated with the organic scheme.

Concept of bio-village

Interestingly, Sikkim was witnessing a decline in income and production, after which the state had decided to shift to organic farming. People were made aware of organic fertilizers by visiting organic farms, organic schools and even homes. In addition, nutrition management, techniques, pest management and laboratories for farming were also introduced.

There were many awareness campaigns organised on acidic soil treatment, organic packing etc.

The road to transition to a fully organic state was not an easy one. The state government first adopted the villages and resolved to convert them into bio-villages. The quota being given for manure was closed and organic manure was made available to all. Along with this, organic certificates were also given to the people for farming.

After taking all these steps, the scope of cultivation of Sikkim has increased and more than 22 lakh hectares of production was recorded.

What are the benefits of organic farming?

Presently, organic farming is becoming increasingly popular as it protects the environment and increases food production.

Organic farming protects farm-friendly insects. This increases the groundwater level. It reduces the cost of agriculture and increases the quality of production. Further, ecology works well due to organic farming.



thinkstock/Representational Image

Crops are rotated so that they get proper nutrition. According to one figure, a farmer is able to use only 25 to 40 per cent of his cultivated crop. At the same time, they burn 600 billion tons of agricultural residues to prepare their fields to grow new crops again.

United Nations honoured Sikkim

In 2003, the Sikkim state government pledged to convert it into an organic state and Sikkim was declared the first organic state in the world in 2016 with its policies and efforts.

The United Nationss Fertilizer and Agriculture Organization (FAO) gave Sikkim the Oscar Award for its best policies to acquire 100% organic farming. The UN provided this title to Sikkim, leaving behind about twenty-five nominated states. The United Nations, while giving this award, described it as a step in Sikkim to fight hunger and poverty and protect the environment.

thinkstock/Representational Image

Organic farming resulted in an increase of over 50 per cent in tourism (between 2014 and 2017) and over 66,000 farmers benefited from it.

By the year 2025, organic farming in India is estimated to have a business of about Rs 75,000 crore. In such a situation, along with the use of modern techniques, there is a need to train people about organic farming.

Since when it starts to happen on a large scale then the selling and buying associated with it in the market is also likely to increase.





For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News.
Just imagine you've returned back to your house after a day out and saw someone stealing your car from your own property. What will you do? Well, an Aussie had a pretty cool response.

A man from Queensland identified as Brendan Mills stopped the alleged woman stealing his car by using his forklift to trap her inside the vehicle.

YouTube

The man spoke to Sunrise, about the incident and said: "I gave the person or persons [plenty of chances to run]. I didn't know who was in the car - there could have been five blokes in there - [but] I asked them many times to get out of the car. You know, 'were home, ya busted'."

He added that the person who was stealing his car wouldn't get out of it, so he had to find another way. He immediately grabbed the keys and picked up the car.

The man had his forklift parked beside the car so he simply drove the machine forward and lifted the Volkswagen Polo off its wheels. The woman became trapped inside and Mills then called the police.



Youtube

The alleged thief got trapped after she couldn't open the car doors due to the positioning of the forklift prongs which were blocking the doors from opening.

Police video captured at the scene showed an officer opening the door of the car after it was lowered by Mills, saying 'out you get' to the woman inside. Mills put his quick thinking down to the rush of adrenaline and the need to protect his daughters, who were with him.



"I had to act as safely as possible for me and my family," he told the Channel 7 programme. "Im quite comfortable on me trusty forklift here, so what better way to do it?"



According to the police, the woman was wandering on the street where the house was. She went into the house while the family was out, showered, and helped herself to the clothes she found inside.

According to the Queensland police statement, the 24-year-old was arrested at the property and charged with burglary and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

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Are kids safe in their own house? What if the one who is supposed to be protecting the child becomes the cause of their distress?

While the world outside is scary enough, imagine the plight of a helpless 4-year-old who died because her father almost choked her by feeding her 'sindoor' and 'turmeric'.

Unsplash

On Thursday, a four-year-old girl died in Perareddipally village near Atmakur in the Nellore district due to a lack of oxygen after her father allegedly performed bizarre rituals to fend off bad luck.



CBC/Representational Image

The 4-year-old Punarvika was rushed to a private hospital in Nellore and then to a corporate hospital in Chennai for better treatment by her distressed neighbors who heard her cries.



However, the girl, unconscious since Wednesday, died of asphyxia, according to Atmakur Sub-Inspector Siva Shankar.

How did tragedy claim the life of a helpless 4-year-old toddler?

Unsplash

The incident occurred on Wednesday in Perareddypalle village. Punarvika was one of Kandra Venugopal and Yamini's twins, according to the police. Yamini and the twins left a few days ago for her parents' home in Kupparapadu to take care of a standing crop on land her parents had given her.



According to police, Venugopal went to Yamini's family house on Tuesday night and brought the children.

A Deccan Chronicle report claims that the father started an odd ritual on Wednesday morning by dusting "sindoor" and turmeric all over the house. After suffering financial losses, the father sought advice from a local 'Tantrik.'

According to the Atmakur police, the father first put vermillion and turmeric in his daughter's mouth, causing her to gasp for breath and pass out.

Representative Image

Venugopal shoved "sindoor" and "turmeric" into her mouth and forced her to swallow them. The girl screamed as the father choked the back of her neck.



Police arrested Venugopal after the hospital informed them about the bizarre case. According to neighbors, Venugopal has been conducting strange rituals at his home for the past three days. The Atmakur police have initiated a detailed inquiry.

A report in The Hindu confirmed the news of Punarvika's death.

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With the country neck-deep in debt, cash-strapped Pakistans minister has come forward with a request to its citizens. He has urged Pakistani citizens to cut down the consumption of tea to help reduce the import bill eating into the country's depleting foreign exchange reserves.

The appeal from Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal came after it emerged that Pakistan consumed tea worth Rs 8,388 crore(USD 400 million) in the fiscal year 2021-22, The News International newspaper reported.

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He said that Pakistan, one of the biggest importers of tea in the world, has to borrow money to import it.



I appeal to the nation to cut down the consumption of tea by 1-2 cups because we import tea on loan," Iqbal said while speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, as per PTI.

The federal budget document for the outgoing fiscal year showed that Pakistan imported Rs 1,300 crore(USD 60 million) worth of more tea than the last fiscal year.

In the fiscal year 2020-21, Rs 7,082 crore (USD 340 million) was spent on the import of tea, the News Network International news agency reported.

Minister Iqbal's appeal to cut down the consumption of tea by one to two cups did not go down well with people as they started criticising him on Twitter.

The planning minister reportedly also said that the traders' community has also been asked to close markets by 8:30 PM to conserve energy.

Iqbal said this will help the country cut the import bill of petroleum products, as per the PTI report.

Earlier in February this year, the Pakistan government had reportedly planned to borrow gold from people. This was aimed to increase Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves which were continuously on a downfall despite already taking over USD 5 billion as loans from bilateral and multilateral creditors in the past months, according to a media report in PTI.

Recently, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail had reportedly warned that Pakistan's economy could be in a similar position as that of Sri Lanka if tough decisions were not taken.

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Also Read: Imran Khan Says 'I Didn't Join Politics To Know The Prices Of Tomato & Potato'



How Twitterati Reacted To The 'Cutting' Chai Request

Pakistan minister announced to drink less tea - (reducing 2-3 cups) so I hope you are following it 

I feel next announcement would be not using vehicles and use horses , camel ,or donkeys to go from home to office or to travel  Anil Bhatt (@AnilBhatt2511) June 16, 2022

This is shameful!!!! We always make the news for wrong reasons. Amazing how happy Western media is when Pakistan is in the gutter!!! When IK was PM, we were hardly mattered.https://t.co/Fp70Lm6nCt

Pakistanis urged to drink less tea to help the economy. pic.twitter.com/DE5Nw16kyg  Ahmad Khwaja (@ahmad_khwaja) June 15, 2022

The previous government was telling us to eat less rotis and put less sugar in tea. This government is telling us to drink less tea. I feel sorry for people of Pakistan. Meanwhile dollar is increasing every day. All of these politicians are making sure Pakistanis do not survive  Irfan (@Irfan_2022_) June 14, 2022

@betterpakistan



Tea import bill $500 if we drink 2 less cups = $100m/yr saving=$273200/d=25paisa/person/day



Bought fighter jet last year costing $3.5Bn=$9.58m/d



People can shower with tea twice a day if we stop buying fighter jets to get them rusted https://t.co/iHmITNS1ro  Salman E Ahmed (@salman_ejaz) June 15, 2022

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Also Read: Amid Crisis, Pakistan Govt Planning To Borrow People's Gold For Help



For the latest and interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here.
After more than 11 months since putting the ban, Indias central bank RBI has today lifted the business restrictions imposed on Mastercard. The regulator said MasterCard had achieved satisfactory compliance, as per an ET report.

In view of the satisfactory compliance demonstrated by Mastercard Asia / Pacific Pte. Ltd. with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) circular dated April 6, 2018, on Storage of Payment System Data, the restrictions imposed, vide order dated July 14, 2021, on on-boarding of new domestic customers have been lifted with immediate effect, RBI reportedly said in a statement.

For the uninitiated, last year on July 14, 2021, RBI had imposed restrictions on Mastercard from onboarding new domestic customers including debit, credit or prepaid onto its card network due to non-compliance with the RBI circular on Storage of Payment System Data.

As per this rule, all foreign payment operators storing card and customer-related data must do so in servers physically present in India. This rule was introduced by the RBI through a circular issued in April 2018, over two years ago. As per RBIs rules, foreign payment processors can transfer card storage data abroad for smoothing flow provided this data is deleted within 24 hours, the report stated.

Mastercard is registered as a Payment System Operator (PSO) authorised to operate a card network in the country under the PSS Act. Other leading card networks in India include US-based Visa and National Payments Corp of Indias RuPay.

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Also Read: Attention! RBI Announces New Guidelines For Debit & Credit Cards Effective From July 1st 2022

RBI's Stricter Rules

As per the rules introduced by RBI in March, all PSOs from FY22 were mandated to submit detailed compliance certificates to the central bank twice a year signed by the respective chief executives or managing directors, confirming adherence to all RBI regulations around security and storage of payment data

These requirements are over and above the ones mandated by the RBI in April 2018 where it had asked all PSOs to submit board-approved annual System Audit Report (SAR) by CERT-empaneled auditors.

These companies were also asked to submit a one-time compliance report with data localization norms which mandate the data relating to payments in India will be stored in a server physically present in the country, by December of 2018, as per an ET report.

For the latest financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here


The European Unions top aviation safety regulator said on Tuesday that he is very worried about the safety of Western-made aircraft continuing to fly in Russia without access to spare parts and proper maintenance.

The European Union and the United States have moved to restrict Russias access to spare parts following its invasion of Ukraine. Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a special operation.

This is very unsafe, Patrick Ky, executive director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), told reporters on the sidelines of a conference, adding regulators do not have good data on many of the planes flying in Russia or if any have experienced safety issues in recent months.

Ky said regulators should consider requests for exemptions from Russia on a case-by-case basis, what would be the justification, why do you absolutely need to operate this type of aircraft.

Ky added he was in favor of reviewing specific cases if it were needed for humanitarian reasons  but then it should not become the norm.

Ky said as time goes on the risks grow. In six months  who knows? In one year  who knows? He said there were reports Russia will be forced cannibalize airplanes to keep others operating.

In early March, Boeing Co. and Airbus SE said they suspended the supply of spare parts to Russian carriers.

In April, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded its air safety rating for Russia, saying the countrys Federal Agency for Air Transport was not complying with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards.

The United States in March banned Russian carriers from American airspace, joining the European Union and Canada.

The U.S. Commerce Department in March added more than 150 Boeing airplanes operated by Russia airlines to a list of aircraft believed to violate U.S. export controls.

The planes were Russian passenger and cargo carriers including flag carrier Aeroflot, AirBridge Cargo, Utair, Nordwind, Azur Air and Aviastar-TU in a move that the department said would effectively ground the planes from traveling outside Russia.

The department said any refueling, maintenance, repair, or spare parts or services for those planes violates U.S. export controls and subjects companies to U.S. enforcement actions that could include substantial jail time, fines, loss of export privileges.

Earlier this month, the department added 70 Russian entities to its trade blacklist including several aircraft factories.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Leslie Adler and Christopher Cushing)

Topics Russia Europe Aviation
This edition of International People Moves details appointments at three insurance brokers: Miller, Howden and Aon.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Miller Names Markels Duda as Head of ILS in Bermuda

Miller, the London-based independent specialist re/insurance broker, announced the appointment of John Duda as head of ILS Development & Capital Management Products, as the firm continues to build out its capabilities in Bermuda and the ILS market.

Duda joined the team on June 1, 2022.

Duda joins from Markel, where he led the retrocessional portfolio management team and was a key figure in the launch of Lodgepine Capital Management, Markels retrocessional ILS fund. Prior to Markel, Duda was a portfolio manager for Logic Reinsurance in Toronto and held roles at Guy Carpenter, Benfield (then Aon Benfield) and Zurich Insurance Group. In his new role, Duda will focus on developing Millers business in the Bermudian market.

The appointment continues Millers investment in the region and follows the recent launch of its Bermuda platform in March 2021 and subsequent hires, including Charlie Simpson as head of Bermuda and Erik Manning as head of ILS.

***

Howden LatAm Hires Hernandez as Regional General Counsel, Brazil Exec Chair

Howden, the London-based insurance broker, announced the appointment of Andoni Hernandez as regional general counsel for Howdens Latin America region, and executive chairman in Brazil, effective June 1.

Hernandez brings more than 20 years of experience to this role as an M&A adviser and governance expert in several jurisdictions, enabling Howden to continue to grow across LatAm, which currently consists of operations in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia and Chile.

Most recently, Hernandez was co-head of the Iberoamerican Practice at Demarest Advogados.

Andoni joins Howden after spending several years acting as outside counsel and trusted adviser in strategic matters for Howden LatAm, helping us to achieve our growth aspirations in the region, commented Sonia Caamano and Pablo Bores, co-CEOs of Howden LatAm.

We already have solid foundations across LatAm, and will continue to grow organically while pursuing targeted M&A, they continued.

***

Aon Appoints Parsons as Strategic Growth Leader of UK Capital Advisory

Insurance broker Aon plc named Joanna Parsons as strategic growth leader of UK Capital Advisory within the firms Reinsurance Solutions.

Based in London, Parsons brings a wealth of experience as a corporate broker and equity analyst, having held senior roles at banks RBS, ABN Amro and HSBC, while gaining significant experience in the insurance sector  particularly with regard to Lloyds of London. She joins Aon from Claypole Partners, where she was founder and director, advising firms on strategic planning, process improvement and investor relations to help ensure their sustainable business growth.

In her new role, Parsons will use her expertise and experience to help understand the equity valuation impact of different growth, capital and reinsurance strategies and drive a wider strategic dialogue with clients beyond transactional considerations. She reports to Ben Love, UK strategic growth leader for Reinsurance Solutions.

Our Capital Advisory business model is evolving to enable us to deliver an even greater range of client services to drive growth. Our central focus is to structure our business around our clients and to position ourselves as their trusted, strategic partner, helping them make better decisions. In this regard, we believe that Joannas expertise and experience will bring new insights and play a major role in helping to drive and develop the process, commented Love.

Topics Aon
Ukraine has suffered $4.3 billion in damage to farmland, machinery and livestock as a result of Russias invasion, according to the Kyiv School of Economics.

About half of the already immense destruction from the war comes from pollution caused by mines and unharvested crops, according to a report by authors Roman Neyter, Hryhorii Stolnikovych, and Oleg Nivievskyi. Almost a quarter of the total  $926 million  accounts for damage done to farm machinery due to military activity and occupation, they write.

Russia is using food security as an economic weapon, according to Tymofiy Mylovanov, a former minister and a president of Kyiv School of Economics. They are trying to take over farmland for people to collaborate, he said in an interview. They are moving crops away. They are taking food which otherwise would have been consumed in those areas and theyre moving it to Russian areas.

Satellite Images Reveal Extensive Damage at Major Ukraine Crop Port

Russias attacks on key agriculture infrastructure hubs have destroyed large quantities of food. Meanwhile, its blockade of Ukraines ports has strangled the countrys exports, cutting off a key source of revenues and worsening a global food crisis that may spur millions of people to migrate. Moscow denies targeting civilian installations and infrastructure, despite widespread evidence to the contrary.

Global food prices are near record highs, with millions of tons of grain and vegetable oil stuck in Ukraine. Efforts to reopen the ports are stumbling, with no sign of progress on a deal, while removing sea mines could take months, according to a UN agency.

Removing Russian Sea Mines Near Key Ukraine Ports Could Take Months: U.N.

Farmland in frontline and formerly occupied areas has a high risk of pollution caused by mines which imposes a mortal threat to Ukrainian farmers during the field works, the report said, estimating that $436 million may be needed for demining.

Ukrainian grain shippers have carved out new export routes via the Baltic Sea to send their crops abroad, but sales remain well short of their normal pace, and the country is expected to run out of room to store coming harvests.

The authors calculate that 5.7 million poultry have died due to the war, while $613 million worth of grain has been stolen from occupied regions of Ukraine and sent to Russia.

Farm animals are dying directly because of the hostilities and because of the farmers inability to either access the farm or get animal feed and provide animals with needed veterinary support and care, the report said.

With assistance from Megan Durisin.

Photograph: Corn lies scattered in a grain warehouse damaged by Russian tanks on May 14, 2022 in Cherkska Lozova, Ukraine. Russian forces destroyed the warehouse and farm equipment while occupying territory outside of Kharkiv. Photo credit: John Moore/Getty Images.

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Russia Agribusiness Ukraine
BMS, the London-based independent specialist insurance and reinsurance broker, announced the acquisition of SRG Group, the Australian corporate retail broker with operations in Perth and Queensland.

Founded in 2005, SRG is a mature, multi-award winning insurance brokerage that provides high quality brokerage services to many clients in Australia. BMS has acquired SRG in full, with staff transferring to BMS. The acquisition complements BMS existing operations across Australia and brings additional scale.

Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.

We are very pleased to welcome the SRG team to BMS. We have significant growth ambitions in Australia and will continue to expand our operations in the short and medium term with additional people, teams and businesses that bring expertise and shared values, commented Andrew Godden, chief executive of BMS Australian business.

This is the seventh acquisition made by BMS in the past two years, further accelerating the expansion of our international network. SRG brings additional strength to our operations in Western Australia and balances our existing strong eastern presence, said Nick Cook, CEO of BMS.

SRGs values align perfectly with those of BMS with great emphasis placed on the professional and personal development of people which leads to a strong client-focused ethos and a spirit of common purpose. I am very pleased to welcome our new colleagues to the global BMS team, Cook added.

Our decision to partner with BMS stems from the clear alignment between our two cultures and shared ambition that is so important to success in this market. We are excited by the opportunity that being part of BMS brings, according to Rod Fitzgerald, managing director SRG.

Source: BMS

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Agencies Australia
A federal judge in Nebraska removed a major obstacle for activists who want to legalize medical marijuana via a ballot campaign, ruling that petition circulators no longer have to gather signatures from at least 5% of voters in 38 or more counties.

U.S. District Judge John Gerrard issued an order Monday to temporarily bar the state from enforcing the requirement, which is enshrined in the Nebraska Constitution to guarantee at least some buy-in from rural voters before an issue can appear on a statewide ballot.

The ruling comes at a critical time for medical marijuana supporters, who have until July 7 to submit at least 87,000 valid signatures on each of two petitions to Nebraskas secretary of state. The campaign began with strong prospects but has struggled a bit since one of its biggest donors died, forcing organizers to rely primarily on volunteers.

In a lawsuit, Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana and the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska argued that the requirement violates free speech and equal protection rights by making some voters signatures more valuable than others. They argued that, for signature gathering purposes, one voter in sparsely populated Arthur County is equal to 1,216 voters in Douglas County, which includes Omaha.

The state of Nebraska is absolutely free to require a showing of statewide support for a ballot initiative _ but it may not do so based on units of dramatically differing population, resulting in discrimination among voters, Gerrard wrote in his ruling, which will remain in effect until a final decision is made.

Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen said hell appeal.

Nebraskas population is heavily concentrated in its largest and medium-sized cities. The smallest of its 93 counties are among the least-populated nationally, with several having fewer than 500 residents.

Nebraska state Sen. Anna Wishart, a leader of the campaign, said she and others still intend to gather signatures in all 93 counties, but that striking the constitutional restriction is a big win for Nebraskans who want legal access to the drug for medicinal use.

Nebraskans across the state support this issue because they know a loved one, friend or neighbor, who is sick and would benefit from having access to medical cannabis, she said.

ACLU attorney Jane Seu said the ruling will help protect direct democracy in Nebraska for all residents, regardless of where they live.

The 5% requirement has faced legal challenges before, including in 2014 when a federal judge declared it unconstitutional. An appeals court later overturned the decision on a technical, procedural matter but didnt rule on the merits of the case.

The ACLU said courts have struck down similar requirements in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana is circulating two complementary petitions and said it has collected a combined total of more than 80,000 signatures. The group needs 87,000 valid signatures on each petition by the deadline to qualify.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Legislation Cannabis Nebraska
A child and two men were missing Tuesday after they were swept away in a Milwaukee drainage ditch a day earlier following severe thunderstorms that brought heavy rain and damaging winds to a wide swath of the Midwest and parts of the South, authorities said.

Crews resumed their search Tuesday morning for an 11-year-old boy, as well as two men, ages 34 and 37, who entered the water in an attempt to rescue the child Monday evening.

Firefighters focused their search Tuesday on three connected tunnels that carry water to the Kinnickinnic River. Search crews did not enter the tunnels Monday night because of dangerous conditions and instead sent a drone inside in an attempt to locate the three, officials said. Names of the missing werent immediately released. Police said all three knew each other, but didnt elaborate.

The water was deep and fast-flowing following the severe storms, which also caused damage in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. And the storms also packed a punch early Tuesday as they rolled into West Virginia, where numerous roads were closed by downed trees and power lines.

According to the website PowerOutage.us, which tracks outages nationwide, more than 400,000 electric customers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia were without service Tuesday afternoon.

The storms came as high temperatures and humidity settled in over states stretching from parts of the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes and eastward to the Carolinas. More than 100 million people were facing combination of heat advisories, excessive heat warnings and excessive heat watches through Wednesday following record weekend temperatures in parts of the West and the Southwest.

In Illinois, a supercell thunderstorm with winds in excess of 80 mph (129 kph) toppled trees and damaged power lines Monday evening as it left a trail of damage across the Chicago area and into northwestern Indiana, the National Weather Service said.

Numerous reports of wind damage were reported along the storms path, with Chicagos OHare International Airport recording an 84 mph (135 kph) wind gust, the weather service said. Tornado sirens sounded in Chicago as the storm rumbled in, and crews were assessing the damage Tuesday to determine if any twisters touched down.

In Bellwood in Chicagos west suburbs, village officials said winds stripped the roof off an apartment building, injuring a young woman who was hospitalized after being hit by falling debris but was expected to be fine.

We just heard people screaming that the roof was off, get out, get out, resident Larhonda Neal told WLS-TV.

In northwestern Indiana, the weather service reported storm damage in Ogden Dunes and said hail 1.5 inches (3.8 centimeters) in diameter pummeled the Lake County town of New Chicago on Monday night.

In northeastern Indiana, the weather service said a 98 mph wind gust was recorded at Fort Wayne International Airport, the strongest wind the airport has ever recorded, eclipsing the previous record of a 91 mph gust recorded on June 30, 2012. Extensive storm damage and downed trees were reported in Fort Wayne, where winds ripped siding and insulation from the hangar of SkyWest, an aircraft maintenance company southwest of the Fort Wayne airports terminal and runways, exposing the planes inside, WANE-TV reported.

Thunderstorm clusters in the lower Great Lakes region met the criteria to be considered a derecho, the National Weather Service tweeted Tuesday. A derecho is a widespread, straight-line wind storm that is associated with fast-moving severe thunderstorms.

In northern West Virginia, three firefighters were taken to a hospital for evaluation after responding to an electrical fire early Tuesday in Wheeling, the city about 30 miles southwest of Pittsburgh said in a news release. Two firefighters were shocked by a power line that fell on the roof of a building which had caught fire during the storm. The third firefighter was injured in a fall.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Windstorm Wisconsin
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Ford Motor Co F.N is recalling more than 3.3 million vehicles in North America that could roll away because a damaged or missing part may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear.

In a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford said Wednesday the recall covers various 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles, the agency said in a notice on Wednesday.

The recall includes just over 2.9 million U.S. vehicles and 394,000 in Canada.

A damaged or missing shift cable bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, or the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the Park position.

Ford said it was aware of six reports alleging property damage and four reports of injuries potentially related to the recalled vehicles.

This is Fords fifth recall over the issue since 2018, it told the agency. Ford previously recalled about 1.4 million vehicles worldwide in an earlier shift cable part recalls.

Ford declined to say how many vehicles worldwide were part of the latest recall.

After an April recall linked to the same issue, Ford continued to hold talks with NHTSA over field reports related to vehicles that were not included in previous recalls.

Although claim rates and projected failures remained low, Ford recommended a safety recall for the remaining vehicles in North America with the specific shift cable bushing.

Ford said from April 2015 through March 2022, it had identified 1,630 warranty reports and 233 other reports attributed to this concern.

To address the issue, dealers will replace the under-hood shift bushing and add a protective cap. The new parts will be manufactured from a different grade material.

On Tuesday, the No. 2 U.S. automaker said it was recalling about 49,000 Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles because a part could overheat and result in a loss of propulsion power. The automaker will update vehicle software to address the issue. Ford said since July, it has receive 286 warranty claims in North America related to the recall.

On Wednesday, Ford also recalled 53,103 four-door 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles because the passenger-side rear door may be opened from inside the vehicle when the child-safety lock is in the ON position.

Dealers will inspect the passenger-side child safety lock and latch, and replace them if needed. Ford said it was not aware of any crashes or injuries tied to the Bronco or Mach-E recalls.

Ford leads all automakers in the United States this year, with 38 recall campaigns covering 6.6 million vehicles.
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Liberty Mutual Name Foley, Ughetta to New Posts

Liberty Mutual Insurance announced that Melanie Foley has been named executive vice president and chief administration officer, effective July 2022.

Foley previously served as executive vice president and chief talent and enterprise services officer, leading the talent; procurement; brand and communications; diversity, equity and inclusion; sustainability; real estate; and workplace services functions. In this expanded role, she will maintain her current responsibilities in addition to overseeing the companys corporate administration departments and community and philanthropic investments beginning January 2023.

Foley, who has been part of the insurers executive leadership team since 2011, will report to Tim Sweeney, who was appointed CEO of Liberty Mutual beginning in January 2023.

Foley has been at Liberty Mutual for 25 years and has held positions in sales, marketing and as distribution. She also is actively involved in the community with a focus on philanthropy, education and well-being.

Jen Ughetta will become chief people officer of Liberty Mutual Insurance, effective July 2022. Ughetta, who will continue to report to Foley, has been at the company since 2018. In her new position, she will have responsibility for all talent-focused teams, including talent acquisition, total rewards, employee relations, leadership learning and talent, and the business-embedded talent advisor communities, among other areas of focus.

Previously, Ughetta was executive vice president and chief talent officer of global retail markets. Prior to joining Liberty Mutual, she spent 20 years at Munich Reinsurance in human resources.

Former Regulator Joins Lemonade

Lemonade has appointed former New York insurance regulator Scott Fischer as its first head of government relations. He will provide strategic counsel regarding laws and regulations and guide strategy around relationships throughout the insurance regulatory community. Fischer will also serve as co-general counsel alongside Bill Latza, who plans to retire at the end of the year.

Scott played a make-or-break role in Lemonades early days, as the regulator who scrutinized our business, gave us a hard time and ultimately gave us our license, said Daniel Schreiber, Lemonade CEO and co-founder. He was a thoughtful, fair minded and exacting regulator, and his deep familiarity with insurance regulation on the one hand, and Lemonade on the other, make him the ideal leader of our government relations efforts.

Most recently, Fischer was a partner at global law firm DLA Piper, where he represented international, national and local insurers and producers in their regulatory and compliance activities. He also spent 10 years at the New York State Department of Financial Services, ultimately serving as the executive deputy superintendent for insurance.

I spent years regulating an industry thats been operating the same way because, simply put, thats the way its always been done. Not with Lemonade, said Fischer. Theyve been challenging this orthodoxy since day one when I granted their license to operate in New York. Now things have come full circle, and I get to be part of the fun, helping Lemonade grow and reimagine the industry in a tech-first world.
United States Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that Ishais Price, age 41, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, before United States District Court Judge Sarah S. Vance, arising out of a staged automobile accident with a tractor-trailer occurring in New Orleans.

According to documents filed in federal court, Price, along with her co-defendants, Doniesha Gibson (Gibson), of New Orleans, Louisiana; and Chandrika Brown (Brown), of Harvey, and a co-defendant driver conspired to commit mail fraud in connection with a staged accident with a co-defendant driver. Thus far, the total number of defendants convicted in Operation Sideswipe is thirty-seven (37).

Price claimed that on October 15, 2015, she was a passenger in a 2014 Dodge Avenger owned and driven by Gibson that was hit by a Hotard bus while traveling on the I-10 near the flyover of the I-510. Also in the vehicle was defendant Brown. In truth, a co-defendant asked Gibson to recruit Brown and Price to ride along as passengers and he then intentionally sought out a commercial vehicle to intentionally hit. After the staged accident, the co-defendant driver switched seats with Gibson, and they called the N.O.P.D. Gibson, along with the passengers, falsely stated that the Hotard bus illegally changed lanes and caused the accident. Thereafter, Brown, Gibson, Price, and the co-defendant driver each retained counsel and made demands against Hotards owner and insurer for personal injury damages. As a result of the claims, the insurer utilized the U.S. mails to send the settlement drafts to Brown, Gibson, Price, and the co-defendant drivers counsel. The total settlement for the Hotard bus accident was approximately $677,500.

U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced Price to one (1) year and one (1) day imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

Source: DOJ

Topics Auto Louisiana
Power demand in Texas will likely set new all-time highs on Thursday and Monday after breaking the prior record on June 12 as economic growth boosts overall use and homes and businesses keep air conditioners cranked up to escape a lingering heatwave.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which operates the grid for more than 26 million customers representing about 90% of the states power load, has said it has enough resources available to meet demand.

Extreme weather is a reminder of the February freeze in 2021 that left millions of Texans without power, water and heat for days during a deadly storm as ERCOT scrambled to prevent a grid collapse after an unusually large amount of generation shut.

High temperatures in Houston, the biggest city in Texas, will mostly rise from 99 Fahrenheit (37.2 Celsius) on Thursday to 101 F on Sunday, according to AccuWeather. That compares with a normal high of 92 F for this time of year.

After power use soared to 74,917 megawatts (MW) on June 12, which topped the prior all-time high of 74,820 MW in August 2019, ERCOT forecast demand would reach 76,495 MW on Thursday and 76,662 MW on Monday.

One megawatt can power around 1,000 U.S. homes on a typical day, but only about 200 homes on a hot summer day in Texas.

Despite record-setting demand, power prices at the ERCOT North Hub EL-PK-ERTN-SNL, which includes Dallas, eased to a near two-week low of $86.50 per megawatt hour for Thursday from $87 for Wednesday. That compares with an average of $63 so far this year.

ERCOT forecast economic growth would boost peak demand to 77,317 MW this summer. The grid expects new wind and solar power plants added over the past year will increase resources available this summer to 91,392 MW.
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Wright National Flood Insurance Co. has announced it will take over United Property & Casualtys flood insurance book of business, starting in the third quarter of this year.

The move, still subject to review by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, comes six months after United stopped writing new homeowner business in Florida. St. Petersburg-based Wright will take on UPCs flood policies in Florida, Texas, Louisiana and South Carolina, said Robert Langrell, senior communications officer for Wright.

The terms of the transaction were not disclosed and Langrell said he did not know how many policies are included in the plan. At one time, United was one of the largest homeowners insurance carriers in Florida with more than 180,000 policies in force.

All new policies and renewals will now go through Wright, the company said in a statement.

For retail agents accessing flood coverage through UPC Insurance, there will be minimal change in the process to continue to provide NFIP coverage for policyholders, Wright said. Together, Wright and UPC Insurance representatives will be in contact with their agents.

Wright, in business for 40 years, noted it is well-versed in the FEMAs Risk Rating 2.0 system, which has significantly altered the flood risk rating for properties across the country.

Topics Flood Property Casualty
Calmer winds and cooler temperatures Tuesday allowed firefighters across the U.S. West to get a better handle on blazes that have forced hundreds of people from their homes.

As red flag warnings expired and winds died down in northern Arizona, firefighters took advantage of the weather changes to attack a 31-square-mile blaze by air and at the fires edges

Theyre optimistic to make some headway, fire information officer Cathie Pauls said.

The forecast for later this week called for a chance of showers, which could dampen the blaze but might bring the chance of new fires from lightning strikes.

Meanwhile, authorities downgraded evacuations for the larger of two wildfires burning on the outskirts of Flagstaff, Arizona.

That fire made a run into a wilderness area and reached a lava dome to the northeast, away from most neighborhoods. One home and a secondary structure had burned, the Coconino County Sheriffs Office said. About 350 homes remained evacuated Tuesday.

Another 280 homes were evacuated because of a smaller wildfire that burned about 6 square miles in a more remote area.

Sandra Morales planned to return home Wednesday, a day after evacuations for her neighborhood were lifted.

Still, she worried about the smoke, potential wind shifts and the risk of flooding later in the fire area.

Next thing you know, we have to be worried about the monsoons and all that, she said. That debris, if it gets severe, its going to come down the mountain.

Climate change and an enduring drought have fanned the frequency and intensity of forest and grassland fires. Multiple states had early starts to the wildfire season this spring.

The number of square miles burned so far this year is more than double the 10-year national average, and states like New Mexico have already set records with devastating blazes that destroyed hundreds of homes while causing environmental damage that is expected to affect water supplies.

Nationally, more than 6,200 wildland firefighters were battling nearly three dozen uncontained fires that had charred over 1,780 square miles, much of it in the U.S. Southwest, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

In southwest Alaska, favorable winds shifted the progression of a fire thats burned 202 square miles of dry grass and brush, fire managers said Tuesday. No one had been evacuated, and no structures were damaged or lost.

In California, firefighters reported significant progress against a wildfire near the San Gabriel Mountains community of Wrightwood, but evacuation orders and warnings remained in place. The blaze has scorched about 1.5 square miles since erupting over the weekend and was 27% contained.

In Northern Californias Tehama County, firefighters gained 30% containment of a fire that destroyed 10 buildings, damaged four others and threatened about 160 structures, fire officials said.

In a wildfire-related situation, a 50-mile stretch of State Route 70 in Northern California remained closed indefinitely after mud, boulders and dead trees inundated lanes during flash floods along a burn scar.

Associated Press writers John Antczak in Los Angeles and Mark Thiessen in Anchorage, Alaska, contributed to this report.

Related:

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Arizona
The Maricopa County Sheriffs Office in Arizona reached an $11.75 million settlement in a lawsuit involving a jail attack that seriously injured an inmate more than two years ago.

The countys Board of Supervisors approved the settlement for the family of Brian Ortiz, who was 18 at the time and jailed for violating probation by not paying a fine.

The attack was captured on jail video.

A lawsuit said Ortiz was hit or kicked nearly 50 times by another inmate and it took more than two hours before he was taken to a hospital.

Ortiz was unconscious, seizing and bleeding from his head, but the lawsuit said emergency care wasnt provided and no one from the jail called for an ambulance.

According to the lawsuit, Ortiz was in a coma for more than two months and is learning to walk again and in a 24-hour extended living facility, but is severely cognitively disabled and will need medical treatment for the rest of his life.

Ortizs mother filed a lawsuit four months after her son was beaten.

In a statement, county Sheriff Paul Penzone apologized to the Ortiz family but said the officers involved didnt violate any MCSO policy.

Unfortunately, jails are inherently dangerous given many of those incarcerated are violent criminals, like the inmate who attacked Mr. Ortiz, Penzone added. Although MCSO meets or exceeds national best practices, the subsequent delay in our recognition of the event and engagement to provide aide occurred due to human and operational shortcomings. This is not an excuse, yet it is a reality in the complex environment that exists within the jail setting.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Global 3D printing metal powder market trend 2025-2030 Scientists Use 3D Printing to Print Non-magnetic Metal Powders into Magnetic Alloys by Newsintegra927

Wholesale gas prices in the Netherlands and the UK have risen 20 percent recently amid concerns about Russian supplies.

The EU plans to cut its dependence on Russian gas by two-thirds this year and stop importing Russian fossil fuels by 2027. Russia exported about 155 billion cubic meters of gas to the EU in 2021.

The US recently said it would try to supply 15bn cubic meters of LNG to the EU this year. U.S. LNG plants are running at full capacity, and analysts say much of the extra gas the U.S. sends to Europe comes from what should have been exported elsewhere.

The German government called Russia "an unreliable energy supplier". Even though the German government claimed that they have been preparing for the situation for a long time that Russia may stop sending gas one day, experts say it is hard for the EU to replace all of Russia's gas exports any time soon.

The supply and prices of many 3D printing metal powder will continue to be influenced by international situations.





Scientists at Skoltech University in Russia used a 3D printer to create an alloy of two materials whose composition ratios varied from one region of the sample to the next, and the resulting alloy had gradient magnetism, even though none of the initial materials were magnetic.



3D printing, a rapid prototyping method, is maturing for aircraft parts, medical implants and prosthetics, jewelry, custom shoes, and more.



The main advantage of 3D printing is the ability to create objects with very complex shapes that are either too expensive to produce or completely impossible to produce using traditional casting, rolling, stamping, or machining methods. 3D printing speeds up prototyping time and offers greater flexibility in product personalization and the number of batches. Another significant advantage of 3D printing is its low waste.



However, 3D printing has its limitations, requiring objects to be made entirely of homogeneous materials or mixtures. If the composition is different in different parts of the product, it is possible to obtain samples with changing characteristics. For example, A bar made of an alloy of two metals has A variable ratio of composition: one end starts with 100 percent of metal A, then 50 percent of each, then 100 percent of metal B, and so on. Thus, the properties of the obtained materials (including magnetic materials) can vary in a gradient, which makes them potentially useful for the manufacture of motor rotors, magnetic encoder strips, transformers, etc.



Skoltech scientists have researched and made such a kind of material, with the original ingredients A and B being two alloys: aluminum-bronze (copper, aluminum, and iron) and austenitic stainless steel (iron, chromium, and nickel, among others). Both alloys are paramagnetic, which means they are not attracted by magnets. But if you mix them, you get what's called a "soft magnetic material" ferromagnet, which is attracted to a permanent magnet.



The researchers used the two paramagnetic materials to create a gradient alloy. They used an InssTekMX-1000 3D printer, which works by depositing material using directional energy action, feeding a powdery material, and melting it with a laser at the same time. The resulting materials exhibit varying degrees of ferromagnetic properties, depending on the proportions of the components.



The researchers also theorized that the atomic structure of the alloy contributes to the expression of ferromagnetism in the alloy: although both materials have so-called face-centered cubic crystal structures, the combination results in a magnetic body-centered cubic structure.



Gradient soft magnetic alloys can be used in mechanical engineering, for example, in the production of electric motors. The results also show that the method of surface treatment of materials using directional energy action can not only obtain gradient materials using 3D printing but also discover new alloys. The technology is efficient and suitable for the rapid production of large parts.



3D Printing powder Price

The price is influenced by many factors including the supply and demand in the market, industry trends, economic activity, market sentiment, and unexpected events.

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In 2021, Russia's palladium, nickel and aluminum exports will account for 24.6%, 21.9% and 9.9% of the global total, respectively. Russia exported 2.819 million tons of palladium, accounting for 43.37% of global 3D printing metal powder with low price fluctuation range and excellent quality, click here will be a good choice.



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Global zinc stearate emulsion market trend 2024-2028 What is Zinc Stearate Emulsion Used For? by Newsintegra927

Sweden is in talks with Turkey on joining NATO and looks forward to strengthening cooperation with Turkey in security and counter-terrorism, Swedish Prime Minister Anders Andersson said recently.

Andersson held a joint press conference with visiting European Council President Michel in Stockholm on the same day. Andersson said Sweden is in dialogue with Turkey on joining the TREATY and looks forward to strengthening bilateral relations with Turkey, including cooperation in the areas of security and counter-terrorism. She said Sweden would study a number of issues raised by Turkey.

Speaking at a news conference, Mr. Michel said he believed the Swedish government was taking positive action and taking the necessary steps to reach a solution.

Sweden and Finland formally submitted their applications to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg a few days ago. According to protocol, NATO must admit new members by the "unanimous consent" of 30 members.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said His country would agree to start NATO talks with Sweden and Finland only if they reach written agreements to stop supporting terrorism and lift restrictions on exporting defense equipment to Turkey, Turkish media reported.

Affected by the ever-changing international situation, the supply and prices of international bulk zinc stearate emulsion are still very uncertain.

What is Zinc Stearate Emulsion?

The aqueous emulsion of zinc stearate is called zinc stearate emulsion.



Zinc stearate is a kind of organic matter, chemical formula is C36H70O4Zn. White powder, insoluble in water, soluble in hot ethanol, benzene, toluene, turpentine, and other organic solvents; Decomposition of acid to stearic acid and corresponding salt; In dry conditions have fire risk, spontaneous ignition point 900; Hygroscopicity.

Mainly used as a lubricant and release agent of styrene resin, phenolic resin, and amine resin. At the same time, in rubber it also has the function of the vulcanizing agent, softener. Zinc stearate can be used as a heat stabilizer; Lubricant; Grease; Accelerator; Thickening agent, etc.

For example, it can be used as a heat stabilizer for PVC resin. For general industrial transparent products; Can be used for non-toxic products with calcium soap, generally, this product is used for soft products, but in recent years has begun to use hard transparent products such as mineral water bottles, water pipes, and other products, this product is good lubricity, can improve the phenomenon of scale precipitation, but also as a lubricant, release agent, and paint smooth agent, coating additives.



What is Zinc Stearate Emulsion Used For?

1. mainly suitable for water-based alkyd, water-soluble polyurethane, water-soluble acrylic acid, acrylic emulsion, and other systems. It is an excellent transparent putty filler, easy to grind, and anti-sediment effect.



2. water-based coating: used for high-quality water-based coating, good transparency, defoaming fast, good stability, anti-sedimentation good, fast-drying, easy to disperse, easy to wear, improve the surface of the coating hydrophobicity, improve the feel of the paint film has outstanding performance.



3. water-based ink: economical, has properties of good filling, stability, antisettling, and waterproof, and can be used as a flatting agent.



4. textile products: can be used as a glazing agent, improving the surface of hydrophobicity.



5. cosmetic products: can be used as a lubricant to improve the smoothness of the surface.



6. paper industry: can be used as waterproof, anti-stick agent, used for specific paper, thermal paper coated paper, adhesive paper and other surface waterproof coating, has good lubrication, stability effect.



7. grinding sandpaper: can be used as grinding aid, improving the surface of grinding, wear resistance, and water resistance.



Why Zinc Stearate is Used in Cosmetics?

Zinc stearate is probably the most commonly used binder in makeup products such as powders or eye shadows. It provides very good adhesion, which means it helps the powder stick together in the pan and stick to the skin when applied.



Zinc Stearate Emulsion Price

The price is influenced by many factors including the supply and demand in the market, industry trends, economic activity, market sentiment, and unexpected events.

If you are looking for the latest zinc stearate emulsion price, you can send us your inquiry for a quote. ([email protected])



Zinc Stearate Emulsion Supplier

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 zinc stearate emulsion, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry. ([email protected])



New Delhi: India's Oil Ministry recently conveyed its intention to five national oil companies including Indian Oil Corp and Bharat Petroleum Resources LTD to assess the possibility of buying shares in Russian oil projects sold by European and American oil majors.

Bp announced it would give up its 19.75% stake in Rosneft, the Russian oil company. ExxonMobil said on March 1 that it would exit about $4 billion in assets and terminate all of its Russian operations, including the Sakhalin-1 project in Russia's far East.

India's oil ministry has asked the overseas investment arm of India's Oil and Gas Corporation to consider buying ExxonMobil's 30 percent stake in the Sakhalin 1 project in Russia's far East. ExxonMobil is the operator of the project and Indian companies already have a 20 percent stake in the project.

Because of the ever-changing international situation, the supply and prices of international bulk zinc stearate emulsion are still very uncertain.

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By Zhang Jieyu

The 9th Summit of the Americas, the first major home court diplomatic event hosted by the Biden administration, wrapped up in doom and gloom recently. Americas bullying behaviors both before and after the summit were widely criticized and rejected by Latin American countries, and the summit ended up having the least state leaders ever. That more and more Latin American countries are saying no to the US tolls the knell for its Neo-Monroe Doctrine.

Before the summit began, the US arbitrarily excluded the leaders of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela on the excuse that they were non-democratic leaders, prompting widespread doubts and objection from the Latin American and Caribbean countries. Presidents of Mexico, Bolivia, Honduras and Guatemala refused to attend, and members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) issued a joint statement to boycott this "imperialist event". Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said in public that he refused to attend the summit because this is to continue the old interventionist policies. He asked the US to immediately stop sanctions, blockade, discrimination and other interventionist actions, and called on all American countries to stand together against exclusion. During the summit, leaders including Argentine President Fernandez and Prime Minister of Belize Briceno condemned Americas discriminatory practices on the issue when giving their speeches.

The theme for this summit is Building a Sustainable, Resilient, and Equitable Future, but the host country that practices Monroe Doctrine seemed only interested in achieving its own diplomatic goals, and didnt present any substantial plan to address what people in the Latin American region are most urgently concerned about, such as COVID-19 vaccines and economic development. The Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity that Washington announced at the summit vowed to strengthen our supply chainsfoster innovation in both the public and private sectorstackle the climate crisisand give rise to high-quality jobs. This glittery proposal, however, is neither backed by any data nor contains any details or commitments, and the part on the so-called immigrant protection is generally regarded as an attempt to pass the buck to Latin American countries. On the other hand, the US has spared no effort in smearing and blocking whats really good for Latin Americas development and prosperity, such as the regional integration plan and the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Biden administration claimed to take the western hemisphere as vital in its national interests, stressing the Americas as the US core interest, whereas in his eyes, there is only the United States of America, instead of the states of America. A brief look back at history would show that the US, in the nearly 200 years after it put forth the Monroe Doctrine, made military interference in Latin American countries more than 30 times, forced its American-style democracy upon them, went about economic plundering without scruple, and even planned to overthrow their regimes. The piles of US-Latin American cooperation agreements are really just intended to turn the region into Washingtons strategic backyard, source of raw materials, destination of exports, and cultural colony. During the summit, Biden announced a US$ 645 million package to help Latin American countries ensure food security in the region and better enable them to cope with natural disasters and waves of immigrants and refugees. The figure posed a sharp contrast to the US$ 40 billion aid to Ukraine that quickly got through the US Congress. Such a huge gap between the strategic position and the promise of aid reflects the hypocrisy of US policy toward Latin America.

The structural conflict between the US and Latin America  the former trying to control the latter and the latters rejection of it  dates back a long time. Latin America entered a new election cycle in 2021. If leftist leaders win in the upcoming elections in Columbia and Brazil, the seven most populous Latin American countries will all be led by leftist governments, and that may forecast a period of major adjustments in the US-Latin American relations judging from Washingtons habit of drawing ideological lines. In the meantime, the mid-terms are also coming up in the US, and whether Biden administration is willing to up the ante to maintain its relations with Latin America is a big question mark.

The global situation is going through profound changes. The USs attempt to take the summit as an opportunity to manipulate Latin America and reshape its hegemony in the western hemisphere met head-on blows. There are growing signs of the declining leadership and credibility of the US in the Latin American region, where its self-centrism and flagrant bullying just dont work anymore.

(The author is from the Department for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, China Institute of International Studies)
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Global MnO2 powder market trend 2023-2029 What is Manganese Dioxide MnO2 Used For? by Newsintegra927

The US President recently said the conflict between Russia and Ukraine had driven up the prices of all the world's major food staples, including wheat, corn, barley, oilseeds and edible oils, and that Russia and Ukraine together supplied more than 25% of the world's wheat exports and about 20% of its barley exports.

To address the food shortage, the Biden administration says it plans to increase the number of counties eligible for insurance for double cropping. Double cropping is when farmers grow two different crops a year on the same field.

Under Biden's plan, the number of counties eligible for two-season crop insurance would increase by 681, for a total of 1,935.

The UN has warned that up to 1.7bn people are "highly exposed" to the domino effect of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on the global food, energy, and financial systems. The agency says conflict could increase hunger in countries where people are already suffering from malnutrition.

Even countries where food is less scarce are being hit by rising prices. U.S. grocery prices rose 1% in April, compared with a 10.8% increase over the past 12 months, the Labor Department said recently.

According to the White House, global food prices have risen nearly 13 percent since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Besides, affected by the ever-changing international situation, the supply and prices of international bulk MnO2 powder are still very uncertain.

What is Manganese Dioxide MnO2?

Manganese dioxide is an inorganic compound with the molecular formula MnO2. This black or brown solid is the natural mineral pyrolusite, the main ore of manganese and a constituent of manganese nodules.

The main use of MnO2 is in dry batteries such as alkaline batteries and zinc-carbon batteries. Manganese dioxide is also used as a pigment and a precursor of other manganese compounds, such as potassium permanganate. It is used as a reagent in organic synthesis, for example, for the oxidation of allyl alcohol.



What is Manganese Dioxide MnO2 Used For?

Used as a dry cell depolarizer.

Used as catalysts and oxidants for the synthetic industry.

Used as colorants, bleaching agents, and iron removal agents for the glass industry and enamel industry.

Used for manufacturing manganese metal, special alloy, ferromanganese castings, gas masks, and electronic materials such as ferrite.

Used in the rubber industry to increase the viscosity of rubber.



Organic synthetic use:

Manganese dioxide is very useful in organic chemistry. Manganese dioxide is used as an oxide in different forms, because manganese dioxide has multiple crystalline forms, the chemical formula can be written as MnO2x(H2O) N, where x is between 0 and 0.5, and n can be greater than 0. Manganese dioxide can be formed from the reactions of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and Manganese sulphate (MnSO4) at different pH values.

One chemical reaction specific to manganese dioxide is the conversion of alcohols to aldehydes. Even if the alcohol has a double bond, it will not be oxidized by manganese dioxide: cis-RCH=CHCH2OH + MnO2  cis-RCH=CHCHO + H2O + MnO

No matter how active the product is, it doesn't get oxidized again. Diols can be oxidized to dialdehyde by manganese dioxide. Other reactions of manganese dioxide are very many, and can be used in the oxidation of amines, aromatic substances and triols.



Laboratory use:

Used as a catalyst for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to produce oxygen; Used as a catalyst for the decomposition of potassium chlorate to produce oxygen; Manganese was prepared by aluminothermic reaction with elemental aluminum powder. Used as pigment, yellow glass, etc. Reaction with hot concentrated hydrochloric acid to produce chlorine gas; Reaction with molten potash (potassium hydroxide) in the air to prepare potassium manganate; In the decomposition reaction of potassium permanganate, manganese dioxide acts as self-catalyst of potassium permanganate.



Is MnO2 Explosive?

It reacts violently with combustible and reductive substances. This creates fire and explosion hazards.



Is Manganese Dioxide Harmful?

Strong oxidant. Contact with other materials may cause a fire. Harmful by inhalation or swallowing. May cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation. May cause central nervous system effects. Inhalation of smoke may cause metal smoke fever. According to animal studies, it may cause adverse reproductive effects.



MnO2 Price

The price is influenced by many factors including the supply and demand in the market, industry trends, economic activity, market sentiment, and unexpected events.

If you are looking for the latest MnO2 price, you can send us your inquiry for a quote. ([email protected])



MnO2 Supplier

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 MnO2, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry. ([email protected])



Recently, Russia's deputy prime minister said that the number of countries buying Russian oil is increasing, including Asian countries. Russia will use the "East Siberia-Pacific" pipeline system to increase exports to Asian countries and promote the diversification of oil output.

He also said that Russian oil MnO2 powder are expected to continue to increase in the future.

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Global water reducer,water reducing agent ,concrete admixtures market trend 2023-2029 The formula and production method of water reducer for concrete by Newsintegra927

Europe's largest economy, Germany, recently activated an emergency plan to manage gas supplies that the natural gas could be rationed if supplies are disrupted or disrupted by a stand-off over Russian demands to pay for fuel in rubles.

German Vice-Chancellor, minister of economy and climate protection, said Germany's gas supplies were secure for now, but he urged consumers and businesses to reduce consumption, saying "every kilowatt of electricity counts."

Germany's gas network regulator can ration gas if supplies run short. Plants would be the first to be affected. Special treatment will be provided to private families, hospitals, and other important institutions.

Half of Germany's 41.5 million households use natural gas for heating, and industry consumption accounts for a third of the country's 100 billion cubic meters of gas demand in 2021.

The price of many energy and commodities like the water reducer,water reducing agent ,concrete admixtures could be affected.





The application of various concrete admixtures can not only improve the performance of concrete, but also promote the development of new concrete technologies, promote the application of industrial by-products in cementitious material systems, and also help save resources and protect the environment. , has gradually become an essential material for high-quality concrete. Among them, the water reducing agent is a kind of concrete, and the water reducing agent is a concrete admixture that can reduce the mixing water consumption under the condition that the concrete slump is basically unchanged. Most of them are anionic surfactants, such as lignosulfonate, naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde polymer, etc. When we add the concrete mixture, it has a dispersing effect on the cement particles, which can improve its workability, reduce the unit water consumption, and improve the fluidity of the concrete mixture; or reduce the unit cement consumption, effectively saving cement.





The specific operation method of the water reducing agent formula for concrete:

1. Maleic anhydride is prepared into a 5-7% solution according to the required amount and recorded as the head material.

2. The initiator is prepared into a 5-10% solution for later use.

3. Add the required amount of APEG or TPEG, heat to liquefy it, and then add the headstock.

4. Nitrogen replacement;

5. When the temperature rises to 75-85C, the initiator is added dropwise, and the dropwise addition is completed at 80C for 1.5-2 hours.

6. After the dropwise addition of the initiator is completed, keep the temperature at 80-90 C. for 4-4.5 hours to complete the reaction and cool down.

7. When the temperature drops to 40-50, add 50% KOH solution to neutralize to PH: 7-8.

8. After measuring the solid content, add the measured soft water according to the required solid content.

9. After the solid content is determined to be qualified, discharge the material.





After the above experiments, we can get the basic formula of water reducer for concrete:

Concrete water reducer formula 1:

Hydroxyethyl acrylate: 25g, acrylamide: 5g, allyl polyoxyethylene ether: 175g, sodium persulfate: 10g, neutralized by sodium hydroxide.

Concrete water reducer formula 2:

Allyl polyoxyethylene glycol ether: 40 g, acrylic monomer: 30 g, 10% ammonium persulfate aqueous solution 40 g, neutralized with triethanolamine.

Concrete water reducer formula 3:

Allyl polyoxyethylene glycol ether: 100 g, methacrylic acid: 70 g, acrylic acid: 20 g, 10% aqueous ammonium persulfate solution: 50 g, neutralized with sodium hydroxide.

Concrete water reducer formula 4:

Methacrylic acid: 25g:, allyl polyoxyethylene ether: 175g, sodium persulfate: 10g. , neutralized with sodium hydroxide.

Concrete water reducer formula 5:

TPEG: 180 g, hydrogen peroxide: 0.63 g, thioglycolic acid: 0.56 g, ascorbic acid: 0.3 g, acrylic acid: 182.3 g, neutralized with sodium hydroxide.

Concrete water reducer formula 6:

APEG: 180 g, hydrogen peroxide: 10 g, thioglycolic acid: 2.07 g, itaconic acid: 10 g, methacrylic acid: 21.23 g, neutralized with sodium hydroxide.





The above is for reference only. If you need more, you can find a professional concrete water reducer formulation and component analysis and testing agency to provide concrete water reducer, concrete additive formula reduction, concrete polyacid water reducer component analysis, concrete water reducer Formula analysis, proportion of concrete water reducing agent, decryption of water reducing agent formula, composition analysis of concrete water reducing agent, composition test of concrete water reducing agent, identification of concrete water reducing agent raw materials, etc. Analyze the chemical name and approximate content ratio of each raw material in the sample, provide technical assistance for your production, and even develop the preparation method of the sample for you.





TRUNNANO is a concrete additives supplier with over 12 years experience in nano-building energy conservation and nanotechnology development. 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.

If you are looking for high quality concrete admixtures, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry.

sales@cabr-concrete.com









New Delhi: India's Oil Ministry recently conveyed its intention to five national oil companies including Indian Oil Corp and Bharat Petroleum Resources LTD to assess the possibility of buying shares in Russian oil projects sold by European and American oil majors.

Bp announced it would give up its 19.75% stake in Rosneft, the Russian oil company. ExxonMobil said on March 1 that it would exit about $4 billion in assets and terminate all of its Russian operations, including the Sakhalin-1 project in Russia's far East.

India's oil ministry has asked the overseas investment arm of India's Oil and Gas Corporation to consider buying ExxonMobil's 30 percent stake in the Sakhalin 1 project in Russia's far East. ExxonMobil is the operator of the project and Indian companies already have a 20 percent stake in the project.

Because of the ever-changing international situation, the supply and prices of international bulk water reducer,water reducing agent ,concrete admixtures are still very uncertain.

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Get used to the term green hydrogen, because youre going to be hearing a lot more about it over the coming years.

From being a mere conceptual clean energy possibility just a few short years ago, the enthusiasm for the possibility of producing energy through the electrolysis of water, while eliminating emissions, is growing rapidly.

Even previous skeptics are fully on board.

Earlier this year, former skeptic turned enthusiastic supporter, Cork renewable energy expert Dr Cian Desmond, said in a Wind Energy Ireland-commissioned report that "the potential for the domestic green hydrogen market is enormous".

Mr Desmond, of specialist geotechnical engineering consultancy Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions (GDG), told the Irish Examiner that he was now a "complete convert" as technology improved and associated costs plummeted.

Its supporters say it could completely revolutionise clean energy, while its detractors have said that it is too cumbersome and costly to achieve on a mass scale.

That skepticism seems to be turning, with countries all over Europe developing green hydrogen strategies.

Cork is well-suited to becoming a leading green hydrogen region because of its geographical and climate advantages, experts have said, with major private investment already being made in recent months.

However, Ireland needs to get moving if it is to join the green hydrogen revolution.

Renewable energy expert Dr Cian Desmond says the potential for the domestic green hydrogen market is enormous.

A Sinn Fein private members Green Hydrogen Strategy Bill 2022 launched in February would compel the Minister for the Environment to draft and publish a Green Hydrogen Strategy, including a consultation, within six months.

It followed a declaration by Junior Minister at the Department of Environment, Ossian Smyth, that a public consultation on a green hydrogen strategy would be launched in the first half of the year, after first examining where the burgeoning form of renewable energy will be needed most.

It is not before time, because Ireland is lagging behind fellow European nations as one of the only countries currently without a national strategy for hydrogen, and the public consultation has still not been finalised.

Last month, Environment Minister Eamon Ryan told the Dail that a hydrogen strategy for Ireland is a key priority, with a target date of the third quarter of this year 2022 for its delivery.

The hydrogen strategy will outline the pathways towards the production of green hydrogen and its use in Irelands energy mix. My Department is finalising preparations for a public consultation to gather the views of stakeholders and interested parties which will inform the development of this strategy.

Wind Energy Ireland has called for significant resources for research and development around floating wind energy, the development of green hydrogen and emerging offshore renewable energy technologies.

In its comprehensive report on green hydrogen from earlier this year, it said that the national strategy was vital The concept of a hydrogen-based economy was first suggested by General Motors in 1970. The idea has seen renewed attentionin recent years driven by the increasing pressures of climate change and a lack of suitable low carbon alternatives in difficult to decarbonise sectors.

Long term hydrogen strategies have now been published by Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the EU. Following COP26, the green hydrogen targets in several of these strategies are now being revised upwards. With Irelands own strategy currently in development, a review of the national situation is timely.

Bus Eireann driver and training supervisor Simon Byrne putting the finishing touches to the first hydrogen-powered bus to enter public service in Ireland in 2020. The hydrogen fuel cell electric bus trial hosted by Hydrogen Mobility Ireland (HMI) in Dublin. This bus, powered by a 60KW Toyota fuel cell stack, was the first ever Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) put into public service operation on the island of Ireland. The zero emissions Caetano H2.CityGold pre-production bus runs on green hydrogen (H2) produced in Dublin by BOC Gases Ireland Ltd using renewable electricity and water. The fuel cell electric bus is refuelled in minutes.

The experts employed to carry out the report found a definite role for green hydrogen, Wind Energy Ireland said.

However, early developments will be constrained by a lack of an existing domestic market for large quantities of hydrogen. We are at a disadvantage to countries such as Germany and Norway where there is the availability of both low-cost renewable electricity to produce, and significant existing industrial demand to consume, large quantities of hydrogen.

There are two distinct opportunities for the stimulation of near-term domestic hydrogen demand in Ireland. Such early markets are vital if we are to be positioned to supply future high demand sectors such as power generation, aviation fuel, shipping fuel and a potentially vast export market. Cork will play a massive role once green hydrogen is established, as well as the entire renewable energy industry, the report said.

The first domestic opportunity is hydrogen injection into existing natural gas pipelines where a blend of up to 20% is considered technically achievable. Meeting this demand in Ireland would require c. 4.2 GW of wind energy generation dedicated to the production of green hydrogen.

Whilst long term it is projected that natural gas demand will fall due to increased electrification, pipeline injection is our leading option to rapidly stimulate a domestic hydrogen market.

Secondly, increased demand can be achieved at the only significant existing domestic user of hydrogen, the Whitegate refinery in Cork. This facility processes c. 40% of national liquid fuel demand and has been both producing and utilising hydrogen in the refining process since 1959. Part of the facilitys existing hydrogen demand is for the production of hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) and Fatty Acid Methyl Este (FAME), biofuels which can replace or be blended with fossil diesel. The importance of Cork as a green hydrogen region is bolstered by the Environment Minister.

Eamon Ryan told the Irish Examiner in an extended interview that Munster would be centres of power for ramping up offshore wind and green hydrogen, with Cork Harbour and the Shannon Estuary at the forefront of the renewable revolution.

Look at the Shannon Estuary, look at Cork Harbour, both are world-class deep-water ports. Some of our biggest energy infrastructure like Whitegate, Aghada refinery and power generation, all the big biopharma plants  will all be looking for clean energy sources. If we have that offshore power coming ashore there, if we can convert it to hydrogen, and use that as an energy stock. We used to make fertiliser in Cork Harbour, net nitrate. With ammonia, does that not give us the ability to convert that wind into the likes of those sort of products and export them or use them for ourselves? he said.

Wind Energy Ireland says that in order to increase green hydrogen demand at the Whitegate facility, close consultation with the operators is critical to overcome technical and regulatory barriers.

This would allow the rapid increase of biofuel production up to and beyond the Climate Action Plan target of 20% by 2030, it said.

Low carbon transport fuels are the first markets where hydrogen can compete directly with fossil fuels. As such, the Whitegate facility is expected to be central to the early development of Irelands green hydrogen economy and it is important that existing expertise and infrastructure are leveraged.

Whilst focusing on the domestic market pre-2030 may be seen as lacking ambition, Wind Emergy Ireland said, it should be noted that the potential scale of this market is significant.

If just heavy goods vehicles and buses were to switch from diesel to green hydrogen it would require at least 1.4GW of dedicated wind energy generation. Synthesising just 50% of shipping and aviation fuels would require a further 6.6 GW. The construction of the required wind farms and the electrolysis alone would require an investment of c. 18.4 bn, resulting in the generation of approximately 16,000 direct and a further 32,000 indirect jobs.

Currently, talent gaps and employment opportunities related to green hydrogen are primarily related to energy systems modelling, planning and the analysis of energy/carbon regulations. Our stakeholder survey indicates that as the industry develops, we will see significant employment opportunities in construction and skilled technical roles.

Long-term employment opportunities will be found in the operation of facilities along with the provision of services and expertise to the global green hydrogen industry. By focusing on near-term opportunities and working with the existing hydrogen expertise at our disposal, Ireland has the potential to be a leader in green hydrogen utilisation. Reducing our carbon footprint, building energy security, and providing long-term sustainable employment opportunities.

Green Party TD, Ossian Smyth, is promoting a public consultation on a green hydrogen strategy will first examine this promising renewable energy option and suggest the areas of society and industry where it will be most useful. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

However, this bolsters the need for Ireland to get out of the starting blocks. Just looking at other European nations tells you they are foraging ahead while we wait.

In Europe, Germany is at the forefront of green hydrogen research, with the difficulties that the country has experienced in accommodating wind energy (losing 5.5TWh of power in 2017, which cost an estimated 1 bn) providing additional motivation.

Germany recently approved a further 10 years worth of research funding (totalling 1.4 bn), which includes subsidies for public hydrogen refilling stations, fuel cell vehicles, fuel cell home appliances, and support for the first commercial operation of a hydrogen-powered train. These developments are set to be supported by an additional 2bn in private investment, the Wind Energy Ireland report warned.

What exactly can be powered by green hydrogen? Lots, according to the experts.

Although it is unlikely that hydrogen will play a role in the Irish home heating or passenger car market, there are many other sectors where green hydrogen technology can be utilised, Wind Energy Ireland said.

Take Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), which currently account for 15% of transport energy demand and are almost entirely reliant on diesel.

HGVs are also an increasing source of emissions and their energy demand is set to double by 2050. Despite a lack of specific emissions reduction target, it is clear that a low-carbon solution to the HGV problem is urgently required.

For the largest vehicles, which typically have much greater daily mileage which makes them much more difficult to electrify, hydrogen has several key advantages: It can offer refuelling practices similar to diesel and natural gas, with similar range and performance.

Buses are also an intriguing possibility, the report said This is also true for buses, for which centralised hydrogen refuelling can match existing practices and hence replace the current system with less resistance to change, even potentially achieving cost parity in Dublin by 2030.

There are currently three hydrogen fuel cell buses operating in Belfast, and a successful trial has also been performed in Dublin in what could be the first steps toward a wider rollout of the technology.

For just one large HGV, the hydrogen required to complete a return trip from Dublin to Cork would require 0.7MWh of electrolysis. At present, there are approximately 25,000 such vehicles on Irish roads, a number which is growing rapidly and, as such, the scale of the hydrogen opportunity in this sector is substantial.

The expertise is there, the will is there, and the enthusiasm growing  it's now time for the political sphere to match that and see where the green hydrogen revolution takes us.
With increased focus on the importance of renewable energy in both Irelands and Europes energy portfolio, more and more opportunities are arising for those interested in embarking on a rewarding career at the forefront of innovation in the environmental sector.

Although energy prices continue to dominate headlines, along with the need for renewable energy projects to be fast-tracked to both alleviate this crisis as well as the climate emergency, one thing remains certain  the industry needs more highly skilled professionals eager to engage in careers in the renewable energy space.

Just recently, speaking before an Oireachtas committee, the EU energy commissioner Kadri Simson remarked how ideal Ireland is as a location for renewable energy jobs. By utilising the Atlantic Ocean in the right way, Ireland could deliver huge opportunities for renewable energy positions along the west coast and, by extension, across the rest of the country.

There are few places in the world better suited for offshore renewables than Ireland, for sure, she told TDs and Senators on the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action.

Ireland's Climate Action Plan sets a target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030.

Here, on the edge of the windy Atlantic, gives you a great potential to produce more renewable electricity. From our side, I believe that our guidance on permitting is giving you the opportunity to boost the domestic industry massively. Ms Simson added that this brings the potential for job creation in communities all along the Wild Atlantic Way, as well as around the country.

Under proposals yet to be agreed, the EU will aim to take 45% of its energy consumption from renewables by 2030. That will be an increase from the present 32 per cent target and more than double the 22 per cent share in 2020.

DP Energy is committed to being at the centre of this transformation of Irelands energy industry and being a significant employer for the countrys most talented and innovative individuals.

DP Energy entered into a Joint Venture with Iberdrola in February 2021 for a 3GW pipeline of offshore wind projects. As one of the worlds largest renewable energy producers, Iberdrola has substantial experience in offshore wind development and importantly, shares DP Energys commitment to a sustainable and ethical approach to development.

Once operational, the three off-shore wind projects will generate enough green energy to power the equivalent of 2.8 million Irish homes a year. Delivery of these schemes, hoped to be operational between 2028 and 2030, will significantly contribute to Irelands Climate Action Plan target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030. Supporting post-2030 Government aspirations of 30GW of offshore renewables, the DP Energy / Iberdrola joint venture will also be responsible for developing future offshore wind pipelines in Ireland.

In order for these projects to be successful, DP Energys will continue to add to its already well-qualified and enthusiastic team of people through a variety of different roles including Grid Managers, Project Managers, Community Liaison Officers and Project Engineers.

Job creation in Offshore Wind Industry

Green skills are clearly becoming increasingly important in Irelands journey towards achieving its Climate Action targets. Offshore wind has enormous potential for investment and job creation in Ireland through the development, construction and operation and maintenance of offshore wind farms.

There are few places in the world better suited for offshore renewables than Ireland.

Research in a recent document entitled Skills for Zero Carbon: The Demand for Renewable Energy, Residential Retrofit and Electric Vehicle Deployment Skills to 2030 produced by the National Skills Council in November 2021 details current skills availability and identifies skills gaps that we have in Ireland in terms of electricity production, heat, and transport.

This comprehensive overview can now be used to inform the curriculum development of our Universities and Technical Colleges. In tandem with the new graduate programmes, skills transition with the right training and investment can form a vital part of the workforce needed for these major infrastructure projects.

With the correct transitional training, terrestrial expertise in logistics, supply chain and engineering have the potential to form a crucial part of the offshore work force. Investment in these areas is key and a long-term outlook is also crucial to create home-grown local supply chain content.

Ireland Inc. has re-invented itself repeatedly over the years and has become a global leader in Pharma, IT and finance. Now is a prime opportunity for the country to once again position itself as a serious contender in the offshore renewables space.

In the governments latest acceleration of renewable energy focus in its Renewable Electricity Support Scheme, it states that the area will be a major hub of employment in the coming years. For Ireland to be on track to achieve the ambitious 80% renewable electricity target by 2030, it will need to create roughly 7,020 jobs. However, with a strong workforce and joined up thinking by Government, there is no reason we cant achieve the targets set by government.

This also underpins Irelands contribution towards an EU-wide 2030 renewable energy target and to Irelands own target of a 51% reduction in its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and related carbon budgets.

Inspiring Irelands future generations

Earlier this year, as part of their offshore wind portfolio joint venture with Iberdrola, DP Energy joined forces with STEAM Education Ltd to launch a series of Green Energy and Climate Action Education Programmes to inspire the next wave of climate scientists, engineers, artists and active citizens.

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths and the mission of the organisation is to inspire children to love STEAM subjects, with the help of its partners and community.

The Green Energy & Climate Action Education Programmes engage 4th to 6th class students in approximately 20 local schools along the South Coast and East Coast. Through a range of participatory activities and creative and scientific processes, children are supported to understand the key issues about the climate crisis and are encouraged to engage in positive climate action in their schools, homes and wider communities.

STEAM aims to inspire children to fall in love with Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths subjects.

Speaking recently, Adam Cronin, Head of Offshore at DP Energy, stated that: The importance of engaging younger generations at an early stage will hopefully inspire them to consider STEAM related careers in the future. The energy transition taking place in Ireland will offer a wide range of career opportunities that will support the fight against climate change.

By engaging with students so young, they can be excited about the prospects of the renewable energy sector, and encourage them to become a part of a rewarding and innovative industry that will change how we think about the environment forever.

To find out more head to www.dpenergy.com.
Germanys vice chancellor is stepping up an appeal for the countrys residents to save energy after Russias Gazprom announced significant cuts in natural gas deliveries through a key pipeline.

State-owned Gazprom announced on Tuesday that it was cutting gas flows through the undersea Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany by 40%, then, a day later, announced a further cut that brings the overall reduction to about 60%.

In both cases, it cited a technical problem, saying that Canadian sanctions over the war in Ukraine prevented German partner Siemens Energy from delivering equipment that had been sent for overhaul.

The German government rejected that reasoning, saying that maintenance should not have been an issue until the autumn and the Russian decision was a political gambit to sow uncertainty and push up prices.

Russian president Vladimir Putin is doing what was to be feared from the beginning: He is reducing the volume of gas, not in one go but step by step, German vice chancellor Robert Habeck said in a video posted by his ministry on Twitter on Wednesday night.

He pointed to earlier Russian moves to cut supplies to Bulgaria, Denmark and others.

The reduction in gas flows comes as Germany and the rest of Europe try to reduce their dependence on Russian energy imports. Germany, which has Europes biggest economy, gets about 35% of its gas to power industry and generate electricity from Russia.

Habeck, who is also the economy minister, already had launched a campaign for people to save energy last week. After the Gazprom announcements, he hammered home the message in Wednesday nights video.

Gas is coming to Europe  we have no supply problem, but the volumes of gas must be acquired on the market and it will get more expensive, Habeck said.

He said the government is prepared, and noted that it has enacted legislation requiring gas storage to be filled.

He lauded the willingness of Germans and business to save energy and store gas.

Now is the time to do so, he said. Every kilowatt hour helps in this situation. It is a situation that is serious, but not a situation that endangers supply security in Germany.
Burma Democracy Activists on Death Row Deserve Execution: Myanmar Junta Press Chief

Ko Jimmy (left) and Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw (right)

The spokesperson for Myanmars military regime has reiterated that the death sentences handed down to democracy activists Ko Jimmy and Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw are irreversible and that the two men deserve them.

Earlier this month, the junta confirmed the execution orders for the men, who were sentenced to death in January by a military tribunal on terrorism charges. The regime has accused them of masterminding armed resistance against the junta in Yangon.

The execution orders have attracted local and international condemnation and appeals to halt them.

On Tuesday, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet called on the regime to refrain from such a regressive step, warning that going ahead with the countrys first judicial executions since 1990 would violate the right to life.

However, junta media chief Major General Zaw Min Tun said on Thursday that there was no prospect of the regime reversing the execution orders, when asked during a press conference about international appeals not to carry out the death sentences.

We have to do it for the sake of rule of law. Their actions have killed more than 50 people who are not security forces. You cant say the sentences [against them] are unjust, he said. The missions run by the two men claimed to attack regime targets, including people working as junta informants.

Last week, Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Sen, one of coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaings allies, urged the regime not to proceed with the executions as that would trigger a very strong negative reaction from the international community, while having a devastating effect on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Cambodias efforts to help Myanmar return to normalcy. However, the regime has dismissed Hun Sens appeal.

Since the confirmation of the execution orders, Zaw Min Tun has told the media that the executions will definitely happen and that there will be no mercy for Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw and Ko Jimmy. His statement on Thursday was the first official confirmation that the orders are irreversible.

Ko Jimmy is a veteran democracy activist who took part in the 1988 uprising against the then junta. Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw is an elected lawmaker from the ousted National League for Democracy government.

Last week, Ko Jimmys wife Ma Nilar Thein said that the regime will be held responsible for her husbands death if his execution goes ahead. Ko Phyo Zeya Thaws wife Ma Thazin Nyunt Aung has urged the international community not to stand by and let the regime kill her husband.

A total of 114 people, two of them minors, have been sentenced to death by the regime since last years coup, including students and anti-junta activists.

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An 11-year-old lost a leg and a women was injured by artillery in the township last month.

A CDF spokesman said: This is deliberate shooting at innocent civilians. We will respond strongly.

Despite a lack of fighting junta troops fire artillery at civilian villages everyday, according to the Chin Defence Force (CDF) in Mindat.

A man in his 70s, a woman in her 60s and a woman in her 30s from Moei Twei village were farming near the village when the Mindat-based Light Infantry Battalion 274 fired shells.

Three civilians from Mindat Township in Chin State were killed by Myanmar junta artillery on Thursday.

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Burma Myanmar Regime Troops Torch Villages and Hold Civilians Hostage in Sagaing

Lin Sar Kyet Village in Salingyi Township. / CJ

Myanmar junta troops used civilians as human shields against Peoples Defense Forces (PDF) while torching houses in rural areas of Sagaing Regions Salingyi Township earlier this week, according to local sources.

Around 80 regime soldiers torched houses in three villages from June 12-13, said locals. The troops raided Ngwe Thar Village on Sunday before raiding Yin Maung Taing and Lin Sar Kyet villages, taking almost 100 residents hostage and torching houses.

A resident of Lin Sar Kyet Village said: They showed up all of a sudden while there was no clash. Perhaps it was an operation intended to drive out resistance fighters. We fled as they entered the village. All those who stayed were detained.

Lin Sar Kyet Village has some 300 households, and more than 200 houses were burned down. With nearly 100 villagers held hostage, resistance fighters were unable to attack the junta soldiers, said a PDF fighter from Salingyi Township.

We could do nothing to them as they were holding nearly 100 hostages. And our weapons did not match theirs, he said.

Another resident of Lin Sar Kyat Village told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday that they have not been able to return to their homes.

Two resistance fighters who were trailing junta troops were killed at Lin Sar Kyet Village and their bodies were set on fire, said a PDF fighter.

The two were arrested as they were tracking the movement of junta troops. They were tortured before being killed. We dont know if they were burned alive or burned after being killed. Their hands were tied, he said.

Military regime forces left the village on Tuesday, taking over 10 residents with them as hostages.

Also in Sagaing, junta soldiers in Khin-U Township killed two residents after taking them hostage following a mine attack by resistance groups. Their dead bodies were found last Saturday and showed signs of torture.

Last Sunday, junta troops also raided Lelti and Maunghtaung villages in Sagaings Budalin Township, killing three civilians and taking 60 others hostage.
Burma Myanmar Regime Using Mytel SIM Cards to Track its own Soldiers

Myanmar military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (second, left) attends Mytel's launch at the Pullman Yangon Centerpoint hotel in Yangon in June 2018. / Senior General Min Aung Hlaing

Myanmars junta is using the Mytel telecommunications operator  part-owned by the Myanmar military  to track and eavesdrop on its own soldiers by monitoring their communications and locations in an effort to halt the growing number of defections from regime forces.

In their latest investigation released on Tuesday, Justice for Myanmar (JFM), a group of covert activists campaigning for justice and accountability, said that before Mytels public launch in June 2018 coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing allowed Mytel access to data that lists the name, rank and military identity numbers of soldiers. The decision was made with the support of base commanders as part of a promotion to increase the number of Mytel subscribers.

The sales campaign was named Aung Ta Khon, or banner of victory, and gave out free SIM cards with the prefix 0969 personalized with soldiers military identity numbers, so allowing senior officers to easily identify their troops by their phone numbers.

Mytel is operated by Telecom International Myanmar and the shareholders are Viettel Global Investment, a holding company owned by Vietnams Ministry of National Defense, and the Myanmar military-owned conglomerate, Myanmar Economic Corporation.

Nyi Thuta, a military defector, told The Irrawaddy that he used to have a Mytel SIM card personalized with his military identity number.

We used it to contact with our superiors as even commanders use Mytel SIMs, he said.

JFM warned soldiers who want to defect not to use Mytel SIMs, as their conversations could be tapped and their identities and locations easily traced because their phone numbers are personalized with their military identity numbers.

Former captain Nyi Thuta, who abandoned the army after last years coup and now helps fellow soldiers to defect through his Facebook page Peoples Goal, formerly known as Peoples Soldier, said troops trying to defect had been arrested after contacting him using their Mytel SIM cards.

Two soldiers connected with us via their Mytel SIM cards because they cannot buy another SIM card at the frontline. Later, they were arrested while on their way to us, he said.

He suggested not even turning on phones with Mytel SIM cards because the military can trace the location of defectors through Mytel telecom towers.

As part of its promotion campaign, Mytel also gave free SIM cards to now detained State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint, as well as others in the then government and leaders in the business sectors, including those competing with Vietnam-owned companies operating in Myanmar, JFM said.

Since the coup, Mytel has been boycotted by the Myanmar people for its affiliations with the military and the junta and to deprive the regime of revenue.

Last November, Mytels Chief Financial Officer, U Thein Aung, was gunned down by an anti-regime resistance group in Yangons Mayangone Township. The 56-year-old was a former navy lieutenant commander.

Mytel telecom towers nationwide have also been blown up by resistance groups.

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Burma Myanmar Resistance Strike Back After Junta Atrocities

Army equipment and ammunition seized by people's defense forces during ambushes in Chaung-U Township, Sagaing Region, on Tuesday. / Chang-U PDF

Eighteen Myanmar regime troops were killed in peoples defense forces (PDFs) attacks in Magwe and Sagaing regions within two days.

On Wednesday morning several PDFs ambushed around 150 regime soldiers near Pauk Taw Kyun village in Yesagyo Township, Magwe Region, according to the groups.

An aerial video shows at least seven fallen soldiers after blasts.

A shootout followed, according to the KNT Guerilla Force, which took part in the attacks.

The group claimed to have killed five soldiers and injured eight others in the ambushes.

Another intense firefight broke out in Budalin Township, Sagaing Region, on Wednesday afternoon when several PDFs from Tabayin, Ayadaw, Kani and Budalin townships raided Kudaw police outpost in the township.

Seven regime troops were reportedly killed, according to the Voice of Kani news page.

Three out of seven civilians being detained at the police outpost since June 10 were released by the resistance forces, the Voice of Kani said, quoting a PDF leader.

On Tuesday, at least six pro-regime Pyu Saw Htee militia members were killed when resistance forces used mines against around 150 troops in three locations in Chaung-U Township, Sagaing Region.

The Chaung-U PDF representative told The Irrawaddy on Thursday that the ambushes were in response to the junta arson attacks and the arbitrary killing of four civilians at Taw Kyaung Lay village in the township on Tuesday.

On Sunday, troops and militia members occupied the village for two days and detained around 60 villagers. They burned down approximately 150 houses out of the 400 in the village on Tuesday before leaving.

The corpses of four villagers were found shot and burned after being tied up. Another 18 villagers are still missing, said the PDF. More than 2,000 villagers fled their homes.

Chaung-U PDF attacked the troops as they were returning from Taw Kyaung Lay.

Photos show ammunition, army uniforms, weapons, two vehicles and 500,000 kyats in cash seized by resistance forces after the ambushes.

Six Pyu Saw Htee members were confirmed killed but the regimes casualties were unknown, said the PDF spokesman.

We are not satisfied because we wanted more revenge for the junta atrocities. But we will try hard to protect our villages and attack them, he said.

Myanmars junta faces daily attacks from PDFs and many ethnic armies across the country.

Meanwhile, regime troops commit atrocities, including arbitrary torture and the killing of civilians, burning alive, using civilian detainees as human shields, airstrikes and artillery on residential areas and looting and burning houses, especially in Sagaing, Magwe and Mandalay regions and Chin, Kachin, Shan, Kayah and Karen states.

More than 1,950 people have been killed by the junta while around 14,122 have been detained, including government leaders, since last years coup, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.
Analysis Ex-Military Officers Books Offer Distorted History of Myanmar

A collaged picture of the covers of the books and their authors who cover up the military's bloody history of Myanmar

Many books have been written on the contemporary history of Myanmar. It is impossible to exclude Myanmars military and its generals if you are to write a book on Myanmars history since her independence. Some ex-military officers have told their side of the story in books. But are they credible?

To put it simply, history is much distorted in their books, which give the military praise and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy criticism, while blowing their own trumpets and boasting of the achievements of their colleagues. Such books have continued to come out after the military coup.

Despite their different ranks, the authors of those booksSoe Thane, Khin Nyunt, Ye Htut, Tun Kyi and so onhave one thing in common. They all defend the regimes, previous and current, in their books. Here are some of the bookswhich you should neither place on your book shelves nor invest your time and money in.

Second Democratic Government and Myanmar

by former Vice Admiral Soe Thane

This book is not publicly available, and only distributed among military personnel and members of the militarys proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party.

The first volume of Second Democratic Government and Myanmar, referring to the term of the NLD government under Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from 2016 to 2020, was published in October 2020, and the second volume was published in August 2021, seven months after the coup.

State Administration Council members Thein Nyunt and Padoh Mahn Nyein Maung wrote forewords for the book. The SAC is the current juntas governing body.

Soe Thane, a former Navy chief and vice admiral who was widely regarded as a reformist minister in U Thein Seins quasi-civilian government, revealed his true colors when he wrote Our Myanmars independence was restored on Feb. 1, 2021. His book disparages the NLD government from whom the military seized power and is not short of personal attacks against Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Surprisingly, the books feature many examples of hate speech and incendiary posts shared by anti-NLD individuals, nationalists and military supporters on their Facebook pages, reflecting Soe Thanes grudge against and jealousy of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Even U Ye Htut, the former information minister in U Thein Seins government, agrees with that fact.

Overall, the books argue that the NLD cant continue to hold office, and the military must take power. He is reportedly lobbying for Min Aung Hlaings regime from behind by reaching out to international diplomats he knows while discrediting pro-democracy forces.

It was widely believed that the 73-year-old had influence on former President Thein Sein. One of the few other books he has authored is New Democratic Government and President U Thein Sein, in which he showers praise on the ex-general.

Myanmars Political Transition and Lost Opportunities

by former Lieutenant Colonel Ye Htut

Ye Htut expressed his gratitude to U Thein Sein, who appointed him as his spokesman and information minister, by writing Myanmars Political Transition and Lost Opportunities (2010-2016).

The English-language book was published by Singapore ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute and comes with a foreword by Robert H. Taylor, who was known as a defender of military regimes. Retired Navy chief Thura Thet Swe, who was a classmate of Ye Htut at the Defense Services Academy, translated the book into Burmese.

The book features less-known facts about the Thein Sein administration, and the power struggle between Thein Sein and Lower House Speaker Shwe Mann, both of whom joint-chaired the USDP. The book draws on Ye Htuts experiences as a Thein Sein cabinet member and on extensive interviews with other cabinet members.

In a word, the book is an encomium for ex-general Thein Sein, who was hailed by Ye Htut as a one-in-a-million reformist president who transformed Myanmar while enduring the attacks of Shwe Mann and some USDP leaders.

Reading the books of Soe Thane and Ye Htut together, readers may be deceived into feeling that Thein Seins political ups and downs are more touching than the story of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi who was and is still unfairly detained, having been persecuted by successive military regimes.

While Ye Htut portrays Shwe Mann as the villain always attacking Thein Sein, Shwe Mann, in his book She, I and Myanmars Politics, which is about the relationship between him and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, wrote that he had to put a handgun below his pillow at night amid the feuds.

It is fair to say that through his book Ye Htut urges the USDP to take lessons from the partys defeat in the 2015 general election, which he thinks was caused by the rift between the generals and the party leadership. The book was published a few months before the 2020 general election.

As Ye Htut was a military officer himself and his book draws heavily on interviews with former ministers and former generals including the former military intelligence chief Khin Nyunt, it is not surprising that the book doesnt highlight the crimes committed by the military against civilians.

Today, Thein Sein leads a life of ease at his palatial mansion in Naypyitaw, planting trees and drawing pictures. The ex-general was last seen in public when he consecrated a pagoda in May in Naypyitaw.

Ye Htut was part of the 22nd intake of the Defense Services Academy together with deputy junta chief Soe Win, SAC member General Yar Pyae and regime Information Minister Maung Maung Ohn. He is therefore widely regarded as close to the current regime.

Though some observers call him a moderate, Ye Htut is nothing more than an ex-military officer who is heavily attached to the military, which has only destroyed the country in successive periods.

When asked by The Irrawaddy following the NLDs electoral victory in the 2015 general election if he would accept a position in the NLD governments cabinet, Ye Htut replied he would not play for another team, showing that he will remain loyal even if he is playing for the wrong teamjust as he defended his former institution, the army, in his book.

Willing to Risk My Life and Soul

by former Defense Minister Lieutenant-General Wai Lwin

This book is an autobiography by former Lieutenant General Wai Lwin who is currently a senior figure in the USDP and served as the defense minister in the Thein Sein administration. It was published by the military-owned Myawady Publishing House after the 2021 military coup. He wrote the book under the pseudonym Wai Lwin Maung.

Ex-Lieutenant Colonel and current regime minister Chit Naing and ex-Lieutenant Colonel Ohn Maung, who concurrently chairs the Myanmar Press Council and Myanmar Writers Association, wrote forewords for Wai Lwin.

The chairman of the Naypyitaw USDP, who organized pro-military rallies before and after the coup in the administrative capital, expresses his support for the coup in his book. He calls the NLD a state-destroying government under the thumb of the Central Intelligence Agency and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He echoes Min Aung Hlaings claim of vote-rigging by the NLD in 2020 general election. His disapproval of the NLDs appointment of foreign advisers and his accusations against the NLD about the OIC and Rohingya are similar in tone to Soe Thane in his book Second Democratic Government and Myanmar.

While the junta troops were gunning down civilians in street protests, Wai Lwin writes that he sympathizes with and praises the Tatmadaw (Myanmars military) members who have to engage in more tiring work than before. Wai Lwin expresses his gratitude to former military dictator Than Shwe and his deputy Maung Aye, while slamming the NLD and praising the current regime.

Wai Lwin served as the deputy of Lieutenant General Myint Swe (the acting president of the current regime) when he was the commander of Yangon Region Command. He was also a follower of Than Shwe, who appointed him the chief of Naypyitaw Command. He became the defense minister under the Thein Sein administration.

Wai Lwin is the classmate of USDP chairman former Brigadier-General Than Htay and regime International Cooperation Minister U Ko Ko Hlaing, who a graduate of the 18th intake of the Defense Services Academy.

My Life Experience

by former Military Intelligence Chief General Khin Nyunt

This is the two-volume autobiography of former military spy chief Khin Nyunt. My Life Experience covers the former generals rise through the countrys armed forces to the head of Military Intelligence (MI), his role in negotiating peace with the disparate ethnic armies and drug lords, and his rocky tenure as prime minister of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), which ended in his unceremonious dumping and detention in October 2004.

Neither book mentions a word about how he masterminded deadly interrogations of democracy and human rights activists or how he condemned many dissidents to deaths in remote prisons after the 1988 pro-democracy uprising. Instead, in self-promoting fashion, the books tell how he facilitated the peace process, what he has done to promote health, education and cultural standards and fight drugs, and last but not least, how many pagodas he has built or consecrated to promote Buddhism.

The crackdown on nationwide democracy protests in 1988, which ushered in 22 years of military rule, was not a military takeover but an action by the army to ensure the safety of the people, he writes in the first volume published in 2015.

He also shifts responsibility to Lt-Gen Soe Win for the Tabayin Massacre, which happened in 2003 when a convoy transporting NLD leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was attacked by a pro-junta militia, leading to the deaths of up to 70 of her supporters. He was at the time Secretary-1 of the SPDC and Soe Win was Secretary-2.

He also shifts the blame for his own evil actions onto Than Shwe. The Secretary-1 has to follow the orders of the head of state, writes Khin Nyunt, who was once dubbed the Prince of Evil.

Khin Nyunt said he wrote the autobiography so that younger generations can know the true history. But his books are full of distorted history and nothing more than an attempt by a purged general to evade responsibility for all the crimes and rights violations his regime committed.

Min Aung Hlaing visited Khin Nyunt at his house in Yangon in December last year. The 82-year-old former military spy chief is suffering from Alzheimers disease.

Over 50 years of My Life Experiences

by former Lieutenant General Tun Kyi

This is the five-volume autobiography by Lt-Gen Tun Kyi, who served as the chief of Mandalay Command and commerce minister under the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) and its successor the SPDC.

The lieutenant general, who was notorious for corruption, graduated from the Defense Services Academy as part of its first intake. He was a classmate of Than Shwes deputy Maung Aye. He was also present when Min Aung Hlaing paid respects to retired military generals at an event to mark Armed Forces Day in March, showing solidarity with the junta chief.

The first volume of his book was published before the Thein Sein administration came to power, and the fifth volume came out before the NLD government took office in 2016.

I could lead a proper life thanks to the Tatmadaw [Myanmar military], writes Tun Kyi. His books are nothing more than a medium he uses to blow his own trumpet and praise the Myanmar military.

About the 1990 general elections in which the NLD won a landslide victory, Tun Kyi justified the militarys refusal to hand over power to the party, citing its ties with Western countries.

In his fourth book, Tun Kyi admitted that he raised funds by any means. He was sacked in 1997 together with his contemporaries Maj-Gen Kyaw Ba and Maj-Gen Myint Aung amid a corruption scandal. Anawmar Art Group, which won the rights to restore the Secretariat Buildingthe historic site where General Aung San and his colleagues were assassinated in 1947and preserve it as a long-term venue to host the arts, with a cultural center and a museum, is owned by Daw Thi Thi Tun, a daughter of Tun Kyi.

In the preface to the first volume of his book, Tun Kyi urges younger generations to take lessons from his folly, but Min Aung Hlaing took a cue from Tun Kyi on how to make money, and the junta chiefs family had amassed enormous wealth within one year of the coup.

Unexpected Journey of Prime Minister General Soe Win

This book is a biography of General Soe Win, who served as the prime minister of the SPDC regime. The book authored by Myint Thu draws on extensive interviews with more than 100 individuals close to Soe Win. It was published by Myanmar Heritage Publishing House in 2014 under the Thein Sein administration.

Soe Win succeeded Khin Nyunt after his purge. He was earmarked by Than Shwe and Maung Aye as the president after the democratic transition. As he died prematurely of cancer, Thein Sein, who succeeded him, became the president.

Soe Win, who said Myanmar would have collapsed without the Tatmadaw, oversaw the brutal crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in front of Yangon City Hall on Aug. 8, 1988 known as Four Eights in Myanmar. Though many people were slaughtered in the crackdown, Soe Win said no one died, and claimed that some people might have injured themselves while fleeing. The author describes him as a hero regarding the way he handled the Buddhist monks involved in the pro-democracy protests in 1988.

The SPDC Secretary-2 and USDP patron was widely regarded as the mastermind behind the Tabayin Massacre when junta-backed thugs and USDP members attacked a convoy transporting NLD chairwoman Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Tabayin Township, Sagaing Region. At the instruction of SPDC chairman Than Shwe, he flew to Monywa and made real-time reports to Than Shwe and regime leaders about the attack.

In the book, the Tabayin Massacre is simply referred to as a riot. Soe Win defended himself by saying he acted to avoid conflicts for the safety of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. The then regime said four people died and 70 others were injured in the attack, which was far from the truth. Overall, the book conceals the truth about the 1988 pro-democracy uprising and the Tabayin Massacre while praising the military.

Myanmars Current Political Landscape and My View 1988-2014

by former Colonel Hla Min

This book is authored by military intelligence officer former Colonel Hla Min. He was from the Strategic Studies Department of the Defense Ministry and was the previous junta spokesman. He was jailed when the Military Intelligence was dissolved, and many MI chiefs were locked up following the purge of MI chief Khin Nyunt in 2004.

He spent seven years behind bars and was released in 2011. The book was published in 2014 and is the amended and supplemented version of the book he wrote as an MI official. Throughout the book he defends the SLORC and SPDC, and criticizes Western countries, especially the US.

He offers the defense that the military took power in 1988 to save the country from collapse, and supports the militarys refusal to hand over power to the NLD after the 1990 general elections. He opposes the proposed amendment to Article 59(f) in the army-drafted constitution, which bars Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from the presidency. About the 25 percent of seats held by the military in national and sub-national legislatures, he calls it a pre-emptive action to prevent politicians from harming the national interest.

The book is no better than other propaganda books written by the current regimes International Cooperation Minister U Ko Ko Hlaing under the SLORC and the SPDC. The book does not mention a single word about how the MI persecuted political dissidents in the aftermath of pro-democracy protests in 1988. The book was also published in English.

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Guest Column When Think-Tanks Get Terrorism Wrong: The IEP and Myanmar

Relatives raise three-finger salutes as they mourn around the body of Saw Lwin Moe, who was killed during a military crackdown on March 29, 2021 at an anti-coup protest, during his funeral in Yangon the following day. / AFP

Providing new conceptual frameworks to define peacefulness is one of the goals of the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), a (in their own words) well-regarded nonprofit organization with headquarters in Sydney. One of IEPs reports to achieve this goal is its Global Terrorism Index (GTI), a comprehensive study analyzing the impact of terrorism for 163 countries.

And, indeed, the 2021 edition of the GTI, released at the end of April this year, lived up to the promise of offering new conceptual frameworks, albeit not in the way the IEP presumably intended. In its (now redacted) discussion and presentation of Myanmar in the GTI, the IEP presented the country as one of the 10 countries most impacted by terrorism, alleging a 2,071 per cent increase in deaths as a result of terrorism in 2021 compared to 2020. Armed anti-junta groups were identified as the main culprit. This depiction of the situation in Myanmar is highly questionable, problematic and even harmful for several reasons.

A deeply flawed report

To begin with, it is analytical nonsense. The IEP seemingly applied a definition of terrorism to Myanmar that contradicts most common definitions (there is no universally agreed version as such), including their own: terrorism is the systematic threat or use of violence whether for or in opposition to established authority, with the intention of communicating a political, religious or ideological message to a group larger than the victim group, by generating fear and so altering (or attempting to alter) the behavior of the larger group (emphasis added). Importantly, the IEP excludes acts of warfare, either irregular or conventional from falling under this definition.

Such a reassessment of Myanmar must include a look at the military as its conduct much more fits the IEPs own terrorism definition.

Neither of these elements applies to the armed resistance in Myanmar: the resistance forces attacks are not intended to strike fear in the general public (on the contrary, there is very strong support for them) and their attacks are legitimate acts of warfare. At the very least since last September, but arguably already since early summer 2021, the situation in Myanmar constitutes a Non-International Armed Conflict (NIAC) regulated by International Humanitarian Law (IHL), specifically Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, as well as Additional Protocol II. For the Ethnic Resistance Organizations (EROs) cited in the report, this has been the case for decades. In such NIACs, attacking a convoy of junta soldiers is a legitimate attack under IHL. Yet, the IEP cites one such attack that killed 40 junta troops (but zero civilians) as the most devastating [terrorist] attack of 2021 in Myanmar. The only conclusion we can thus draw is that the IEP applied a different definition of terrorism than they claim to do, one which sees non-state actors as terrorists, but never state actors, irrespective of the actual conduct and acts.

Such a definition would completely overhaul our understanding and international regulation of internal armed conflicts. IHL exists so that (especially civilian) suffering during a war is somewhat limited by defining rules that every actor in a war has to follow. If we were to call every non-state armed actor terrorist irrespective of their actual conduct, the incentive for such groups to adhere to IHL would be much lower and civilians would suffer even more. Similarly, state actors would be even more ruthless as they would be seen as fighting terrorists. IHL would thus become almost obsolete in NIACs. Unfortunately, it is impossible to find out in detail how the IEP came to its conclusions on Myanmar, as the database they useTerrorism Tracker by risk intelligence and data company Dragonflyis not publicly accessible, making the GTI very non-transparent. Previous editions of the GTI used the Global Terrorism Database (GTD), which is publicly accessible.

Whats actually happening

Besides these general analytical flaws, the GTI presented an incredible lack of understanding of the specific situation in Myanmar. It talked about the declaration of a state of emergency instead of a military coup; claimed that it was political instability following the February 2021 elections (which actually took place in November 2020) that has led to violent clashes and not the militarys deadly clampdowns on peaceful protests; and called the junta the new military government (something not even China has done explicitly) while referring to the former civilian government as the former regime.

The IEP thereby inadvertently took over the juntas narrative and framing of the situationand this is where the whole issue becomes even more harmful. The people of Myanmar are in an open battle, a revolution against the generals and their coup. They have shown immense resilience and willpower in this battle and have made substantial gains, both politically and militarily. However, they have so far received close to zero concrete support from other countries. Most foreign policymakers already have a very low understanding of Myanmar. If a reputable institution, like the IEP, essentially parrots the juntas narrative and depicts the resistance as terrorists, they are even less likely to receive the support they deserve and desperately need. It is thus commendable that the IEP has redacted the section on Myanmar from the GTI after receiving criticism. However, its reaction to the criticism is still unsatisfying. In its responses, the IEP failed to properly address the issues raised in an open letter signed by over 100 Myanmar experts. Responsibility is essentially shifted onto the data providers at Terrorism Tracker, and the IEPs non-partisan status is used as an excuse to not question that data, thereby ironically ending up partisan on the juntas side, intentionally or not.

The only error admitted so far is the misdating of the election; unsurprisingly, an apology to the Myanmar resistance seems out of the question for the IEP. Rather, the IEP seems more concerned about its own reputation and complains about the signatories of the open letter, claiming to be open to constructive dialogue while still not properly addressing the issues raised. It also remains unclear whether the IEP will reassess the situation in Myanmar, or how it will approach it in its next GTI. Such a reassessment of Myanmar must include a look at the military as its conduct much more fits the IEPs own terrorism definition. In its entire history, but especially since Feb. 1, 2021, the military in Myanmar has been using acts of terror. It shoots peaceful protesters, executes prisoners of war, tortures and murders political prisoners, and burns thousands of civilian homes to strike fear into the general public to break its opposition and impose its own rule and political, ideological and religious vision of the country.

Unfortunately, this seems out of the question for the IEP, as they have made clear in their answer that state-sponsored terror has always been excluded from the GTI. This also shows a general problem with reports like the GTI: quantitative data is used to systematically compare different parts of the world and track developments. However, this comes at the expense of including case-specific aspects in the analysis, leading to gross misrepresentations. Especially when it comes to politically sensitive topics like terrorism, this can be very harmful, as the example at hand shows. We can thus only hope that the IEP finally apologizes to the resistance in Myanmar, properly and transparently addresses the issues raised, and reassesses its overall methodology in the GTI. After all, we should surely all be working towards the same goal around these issues, and seeking to create meaningful change in the world, as the IEP put it.

Georg Bauer is a university assistant and PhD candidate in the history of human rights and democracy at the Department of History at the University of Vienna, where he teaches and researches nationalisms and historical narratives in the Union of Myanmar. He lived in Myanmar from 2018 to 2020, working on human rights issues and the civil war for the EU Delegation and later the Australian Embassy.

This article first appeared at 9DASHLINE.com. All views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of the 9DASHLINE.com platform.

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June 15, 2022



An Idaho State University researcher is taking home one of the National Science Foundations most sought-after awards.

Recently, the NSF announced that Devaleena Pradhan, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, is one of the 2022 recipients of their Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award. The grants are awarded in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization. Pradhan will receive $867,632 over five years to further her research on the Bluebanded goby, a fish that lives in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The small fish can rapidly switch sexes in response to changes in their environment.

Bluebanded gobies are remarkable because they can naturally change sex during adulthood, and their entire body rewires itself to be the opposite sex, said Pradhan. The research will help us find out which hormones help modify behavior such as aggression, courtship, and parenting due to sudden changes and how those hormones can affect gene expression and protein function in the future. Hormones involved in these dramatic processes are very similar in all vertebrate animals - including humans.

This award will not only support Pradhan's research but will also provide numerous opportunities for students to work on cutting-edge research projects with her as their mentor, said Janet Loxterman, Professor and Biological Sciences Department Chair. We are fortunate to have Dr. Pradhan as a member of our department.

Receiving the CAREER grant is the culmination of over a decade of work for Pradhan that started while she was working on her Ph.D. at Georgia State University in Atlanta.

I knew what I wanted to write for my CAREER grant proposal and how I wanted to write it, but I needed all the dots to connect: preliminary data generated by my current students and demonstrating we have the potential to carry out a research program for the next 10 to 15 years, Pradhan said. Thank you to everyone who supported this project through its many phases.

Pradhan plans to allocate a portion of her funding to training the next generation of scientists through summer research opportunities. She also aims to increase the number of Native American students majoring in one of the sciences at ISU by hosting biology open houses for youth and their parents, providing information on internship opportunities, and more.

One thread that ties together the four countries I have lived in is that indigenous and native people are underrepresented in STEM fields, Pradhan said. I am determined to do what I can to help increase the number of native and indigenous students who seek a STEM degree at ISU. The education program component of the CAREER grant is a mechanism that will help me dedicate time and resources to this important endeavor.

An NSF CAREER Award to Dr. Pradhan is an accomplishment that the College of Science and Engineering and all of ISU can take great pride in, said Scott Snyder, Dean of the College of Science and Engineering. NSF CAREER Awards are among the most prestigious grants that NSF provides and are given to a very select group of the nation's best early-career scientists and engineers. Dr. Pradhan is a shining example of the world-class faculty who call ISU home.

Previously, ISU Geosciences Professor Sarah Godsey received an NSF CAREER Award in 2017.
Splunk Enterprise 9.0 has reached general availability, meaning its out right now for Splunk cloud and on-premises users alike. The product includes more than 40 major new features and over 100 additional enhancements. This includes federated search across non-Splunk data and strong unification of security and observability.

Splunk president and CEO Gary Steele announced the new release on the stage at Splunk .conf 2022 in Las Vegas this week. Splunk 9.0 enterprise comes with the theme of see, act, extend and this focus stands out through the rich new feature set that has been unveiled - features that shine a light on issues, allow teams to identify the root cause, remediate the problem, and potentially automate these actions.

Steele said "three realities shape today - unpredictability, digital domination, and complexity, before adding these three realities shape tomorrow also. Splunk has risen to the challenge of helping customers tackle these realities now and tomorrow.

"We've become the unified security and observability platform pioneering the industry, Steele said. If an application goes down in the middle of the night alerts go off left and right. Is it a denial of service issue, an API issue, or simply real demand from customers?

No matter whether you're a SOC analyst, NOC engineer, SRE, or developer  you have a set of actions you need to follow, Steele said. And, to achieve these, you need the power of Splunk. All this starts with visibility. Only Splunk gives end-to-end visibility.

It's a fundamentally different approach that Splunk takes from other vendors, Steele says, who only give you access to parts of the data, or who require sampling.

With this vision of providing NOC and SOC teams alike to share data, collaborate on incident resolution, and work with your data without limitations, Splunk highlighted several new features in particular:

Federated Search for AWS S3

Splunk enhances and simplifies investigation and search across hybrid cloud environments by providing users and administrators of the Splunk Platform a unified, single-pane view of their entire Splunk ecosystem to enable quicker actionable insights.

Previously, Splunk has enabled search across multiple Splunk installations - such as Splunk on-premises and Splunk cloud. However, this announcement now gives the ability to search in a non-Splunk repository, with AWS S3 the first cab off the rank.

Splunk senior vice president and chief product officer Garth Fort spoke with iTWire, explaining this fit into Splunks philosophy of no data left behind.

"What Splunk did uniquely in its early days was schema-on-read. The best diagnostic source of data was logs, and Splunk had no foreknowledge of the schema it was going to ingest. It worked this out on the fly as it ingested event logs.

However, today, Fort explained, there are huge volumes of data everywhere. Companies are using data lakes, data warehouses, data lakehouses, and all kinds of unstructured storage too. For example, the most common pattern of dealing with application logs is to dump them into AWS S3 buckets and deal with it later. Every customer has some strategy in place around that, Fort said. Its useful to put a lot of data into Splunk for correlations and insights, but its impractical to put all data into Splunk at this point.

Splunk senior director product management Faya Peng demonstrated an example: you receive a Jira ticket stating an account has been flagged due to suspicious activity, and you need to pull out all the transactions from this account in the last four years. And, because this is serious, you need to respond in 24 hours.

In this scenario, the retail logs are massive volumes of JSON data, stored in S3 buckets, one per calendar year. Its archived data with a low signal-to-noise ratio. It would take hours to download and ingest into Splunk.

However, instead, Splunk demonstrated how easily Federated Search for AWS S3 allows you to set up a federated search provider for AWS S3 and use regular SPL to query it -

sdselect timestamp, user, statusCode, padder, method, url, message from federated:retail-logs where user = "lbosq" and url = /retail/purchase

This demonstration searched 20TB of JSON data in S3, providing the specific purchases that should be investigated - in minutes.

Data Manager for Splunk Cloud Platform

Data Manager delivers a scalable data onboarding experience across Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure today, with Google Cloud Platform support available later, providing an easy-to-manage hybrid cloud control plane of data flowing into Splunk within minutes.

What this means is you can effortlessly onboard data from hundreds of cloud-based services, for example, you select Azure, then Azure AD logs or Azure activity logs, or any one of a numerous array of options from different cloud providers.

The workflow has clearly undergone heavy customer experience review and displays a wizard-like flowchart of steps you will go through, highlighting exactly where you are in the flowchart at each step, and explaining the actions or commands that need to be executed within either Splunk or the cloud provider. There may be commands you need to run in Azure, for instance, but Splunk holds your hand the entire way through. Within moments you have data ingestion configured, and data flowing into Splunk from your chosen cloud-based source. A data management page shows the ingestions, daily volume, and other metrics.

Splunk Log Observer Connect

Log Observer Connect allows customers to visualise all their data in one place by combining the power of Splunk Cloud Platform and Splunk Observability, enabling site reliability engineers and DevOps engineers to access their metrics, traces, and Splunk Cloud logs in a single interface for faster, in-context debugging.

The feature connects infrastructure with the applications that run on it, delivering an integrated portfolio that is easy to drill down from the big picture into logs and information you need to fix the issue fast. It gives end-to-end visibility for NOC and SOC teams alike, displaying logs in context with metrics, traces, and end-user interactions. Its easy to use, with no coding required.

Anomaly Detection Assistant

Anomaly Detection Assistant simplifies investigation and helps security analysts, IT operations and DevOps engineers find potential problems by using machine learning to craft a perfectly tuned query quickly in order to identify anomalies in time-series datasets.

Splunk has long allowed you to detect anomalies on time-sensitive data within SPL, but it's a high cost to tune it. Instead, the Anomaly Detection Assistant will automatically write a query for you to tune the lower and upper boundaries of an acceptable range to identify outliers. It creates auto-tuned queries and flags detected anomalies using clear highlights, also giving you the SPL code to copy and use. It helps drive faster investigation by auto-generating the right query.

Synthetic monitoring integrated into Splunk observability cloud

Splunk's synthetic monitoring allows you to create tests - choosing an application, a device type, a location, and frequency - to simulate load. Once configured, synthetic tests collect a host of metrics on performance and availability. These synthetic tests have already been part of Splunk but whats new in Splunk Enterprise 9.0 is the ability to jump into test run data to identify the root cause of a problem, such as high latency. You can view the problem, view a trace to see the APM causing the issue, down to the exact line of code or database query, or whatever else it might be.

The connection between synthetic tests and Splunk's observability cloud mean operators can identify and troubleshoot critical user-impacting problems - the old needle in a haystack - and trace the problem down to its root.

Risk-based alerting

Risk-based alerting in Splunk Enterprise Security, combined with risk-notable playbooks from Splunk SOAR, allows customers to enforce a zero-trust approach, prioritise high-fidelity incidents and ensure rapid time to action by automating containment and response tasks in seconds.

Zero trust is a concept many security professionals strive toward, and Splunk's new risk-based alerting combined with Splunk SOAR playbooks allows you to automate containment when an event exceeds a risk threshold, giving you time to investigate the root cause.

Splunk SOAR reports on all the containment activities it performed so this playbook pack drastically reduces the implementation time for any company that wants to implement zero trust. Over 350 technology partners are supported, so the visual playbook editor lets you integrate actions across Okta, ZScaler, Carbon Black, and many others - all taking effect for you when triggered.

The SOAR console further allows analysts to leave notes as they work through the incident, all on one page, helping teams collaborate, and enforce zero trust at scale.

Splunk Incident Intelligence

Incident Intelligence, now in preview, helps DevOps teams investigate incidents and take action to ensure better system resilience by providing event correlation, incident response and on-call routing, collaboration, and automation - all within a unified workflow.

Ingest Actions

Ingest Actions helps customers get data to the right places, in the right shape, and at the right time with granular controls to take action on data through filtering, masking, and routing of data in motion within the Splunk Platform or to external AWS S3 storage.

Splunk Assist

Splunk Assist is a new fully managed cloud service within Splunk Enterprise 9.0 that provides customers with deep insights into their security environment, leveraging insights from cloud deployments for a richer administrative experience.

Splunk Cloud Developer Edition

Now in preview, the Splunk Cloud Developer Edition lets developers easily create and test their applications, reducing time-to-value for enterprises building on, for, and with the Splunk Cloud Platform.

This free developer edition can be applied for via dev.splunk.com, but does require an existing Splunk account for authentication.

What features stand out to Splunk executives?

iTWire strives to understand what drives IT leaders, what their vision is, and what keeps them up at night. I ask company executives to identify the standout feature, for them, based on the challenges they see customers facing, or that align with their directions.

Splunk president and CEO Gary Steele said for him, it was the federated search across AWS S3, giving results in a single Splunk console. One of the important strategic directions of the company is to get access to the data wherever it lives. Starting with AWS S3, this allows customers to leave data where it may be, he told iTWire.

Splunk senior vice president and general manager APAC and Japan Simon Davies pointed to two; the first was risk-based alerting. In isolation, an event might not be something you should put a human on like a failed login, but a failed login in four different pieces of equipment with the same credentials is, he said to iTWire. The risk-based engine looks at events in aggregate and scores them and considers what is the right time to investigate them. You dont want to get caught up in alert storms, so Splunk brings AI and ML and tolerances to the environment and maps into the Mitre attack framework and response framework to remediate and orchestrate. This feeds back into time-saving and efficiency and its something that will grow and evolve over time.

Additionally, Davies told iTWire he is "fascinated by Web 3.0 and blockchain and the business applications, explaining Splunk for Blockchain has been released and has customers using it. Its not about cryptocurrency or NFTs, but supply chain and a high level of transparency around contracts and verifying ownership, he said.

iTWire also tried its luck with senior vice president and chief product officer Garth Fort, though it was perhaps fanciful - or maybe foolish and cheeky - to ask the chief of product which of his children was his favourite. "Splunk 9.0 is the most significant release since 2019, he told ITWire.

"Splunk was founded on a simple concept. The challenge with any really complex software system is the difficulty in understanding its internal state and troubleshooting. Splunk made searching through logs super easy and was a breakthrough for IT teams, he said.

"Splunk was designed for enterprise-scale and flexibility from the get-go," Fort said.

Splunk pre-dated the cloud, and the environment users pointed it at back then were all on-premises and all using logs. Todays apps are different, Fort said. They run on the cloud as micro-services and are infinitely more complex.

"We've been asked to do more," Fort said, explaining that Splunk had evolved to complement logs and events with metrics and traces, that its users expanded beyond security and IT to all manner of industries and business teams, and that Splunk had become a leader in security and over six acquisitions have built an observability cloud.

All this combines to deliver the "see, act, and extend" theme of Splunk Enterprise 9.0, and the features detailed above, and more, can make this happen in your business.
Telecommunications provider Telecom Italia has secured 725 million ($1 billion) worth of government contracts for the deployment of 5G networks, Italy's ministry for technological innovation and digital transition announced on Monday.

The financing coincides as earlier this year, the EU Commission approved a two billion-euro Italian scheme to support the rollout of 5G mobile networks through the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), according to Reuters.

The government tender includes six geographical lots. It will fund 90% of the total cost of works. The ministry also added that other operators would get wholesale access to the financed infrastructure.

Light Reading reports that the six geographical lots comprises a number of areas that have been traditionally underserved.

The largest share of Telecom Italia's grant worth 135 million ($213 million) was allocated to the lot covering Abruzzo, Molise, Campania, Basilicata, and Puglia.

It added that the 5G fibre backhaul links will connect more than 11,000 base stations by 30 June 2026.

This first appeared in the subscription newsletter CommsWire on 15 June 2022.
Germany's competition body has launched proceedings to investigate Apple's rules on tracking third-party apps, casting doubts whether it gives the US tech giant preferential treatment or hinder other companies, according to reports.

App Tracking Transparency (ATT), a major privacy feature Apple launched last year, which requires third-party apps to request permission from iOS users to track their digital activity for advertisements, will be examined by the Bundeskartellamt, Germany's Federal Cartel Office or regulatory body.

According to TechCrunch, Apple is facing probe for its framework as it is alleged that Apple could be breaching competition rules by self-preferencing or creating unfair barriers for other companies.

Advertisers or app publishers use tracking to display targeted advertising on websites and apps. It's more crucial if the apps are free or charge and rely on advertising.

The Financial Times reports that the new tracking rules brought significant changes for big tech companies. Citing adtech company Lotame, the report said in October 2021, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Snapchat lost 12% of its revenue in 3Q and 4Q 2021 worth US$9.85 billion ($14 billion).

Preliminary findings suggest Apple was not subject to the rules of the framework, according to Mobile World Live.

"A corporation like Apple which is in a position to unilaterally set rules for its ecosystem, in particular for its app store, should make pro-competitive rules. We have reason to doubt that this is the case when we see that Apple's rules apply to third parties, but not to Apple itself," said Bundeskartellamt president Andreas Mundt.

This is not the first time Apple faced probe. In June 2021, Germany sought a separate investigation against the tech body, accusing the company of digital dominance and creating an ecosystem centred around its iPhone and iOS.

This first appeared in the subscription newsletter CommsWire on 16 June 2022.
A new report sponsored by enterprise software giant Oracle, has revealed a deep malaise affecting almost half of Australians in the wake of the Covid 19 pandemic. The report claims that the answer to the problem might be found in introducing more humour to advertising.

While the past two years has changed what people value and prioritise, many Aussies are in pursuit of happiness, longing for the good old days and looking to brands to make them smile and laugh, according to the Happiness Report from Oracle and Gretchen Rubin, five-time New York Times bestselling author and podcaster.

The research report of more than 12,000 people across 14 countries, including 1,212 Australians, found that people are searching for new experiences to make them smile and laugh and will reward brands that embrace humour with loyalty, advocacy, and repeat purchases and walk away from those that dont.

According to the report, it has been more than two years since many Australians last felt true happiness and they are searching for ways to be happy again.

The report found that 69% of people said the pandemic changed what it means to be happy and 48% have not felt true happiness for more than two years.

In other findings:

32% of Australians have forgotten what it means to feel truly happy, the second highest in the world after the UK (35%).





63% said it is harder to feel happy now versus before the pandemic.





To feel just an hour of true happiness, many people would give up friends (55%), part of their income (53%), showering (50%), food (38%) for a week





At 77%, Australians are the least likely to look for new experiences to make them smile and laugh





People are prioritising personal connections (81%) and health (71%) to gain happiness





More than half (56%) wish money could buy happiness, with 73% willing to pay a premium for true happiness. This is the third lowest compared to other countries, perhaps indicating that Australians still love a discount  even when it comes to their own happiness





Despite this, Australians were the least likely to prioritise financial wellness over happiness (27%)





80% of Australians attempted to find happiness in online shopping during the pandemic, least in the world





Only 38% reported not purchasing when shopping online, indicating that Australians are the least likely to window shop and are likely to convert into paying customers at checkout

Weve all been through some very tough years, and happiness around the world is lacking. Were starved for experiences that make us laugh and smile, but brands can help, said Gretchen Rubin, five-time New York Times bestseller author and podcaster.

For brands looking to contribute to the happiness of their target audience, it starts with data and knowing your customers. Only then, can you bring the appropriate mix of humour, personality and brand experience that will drive loyalty and brand advocacy.

People are ready to embrace the funny side of life and find joy and laughter in the world around them, which includes brand experiences, said Christian Ludlow Hyland, senior director Customer Engagement Oracle APAC.

As our research shows, most business leaders want to make consumers laugh more but are fearful of getting it wrong. With the right technology, leaders can harness data and the insight to contextually deliver a happier experience that can then drive lifelong loyalty.

Detailed findings of the report can be found here.
In one weeks time, on Thursday 23 June, Victorias business and community leaders will sleep out together at The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne on one of the coldest nights of the year to raise money for the St Vincent de Paul Society Victorias (Vinnies Victorias) homelessness services.

After two years of attending online events and sleeping out in their backyards or cars for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout,the Melbourne participants will join hundreds of other CEOs on the same night around the country in a bid to raise nearly $9 million.

This year our theme in Victoria is #ChangeStartsHere to highlight the beginning of our three-year journey to build $78 million worth of affordable housing in Melbourne and Bendigo through our partnership with the Victorian Governments Big Build project, making real inroads into the states critical shortage of affordable housing. We are seeing the current cost of living crisis is resulting in an increased demand on our services, especially our Soup Vans, as people skip meals to pay their rent.

This year our new Group CEO Julia Cambage will also be sleeping out for the first time. Earlier this year, I joined this wonderful organisation and I already have seen first-hand our ready, compassionate response in meeting the need for immediate assistance. However, I know there is much work ahead of us still to be done.

The media is invited to attend the event, which will include a speaker with lived experience of homelessness, video case studies of people Vinnies has assisted out of homelessness, and a panel discussion about what needs to be done to end the social housing shortage.

The panel, convened by Cambage, will feature Danny Tilkeridis, who runs our frontline service Ozanam House in North Melbourne; Council to Homeless Persons (the peak body representing organisations and individuals in Victoria working to end homelessness) CEO Jenny Smith; and Peter Mares, from the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership and author of the book No Place Like Home: Repairing Australias Housing Crisis.

CEOs will begin arriving from 6.00pm, but formalities will begin at 7.30pm. The panel discussion is scheduled for around 8.00pm. CEOs are given three pieces of cardboard to use for bedding and are only permitted to bring a sleeping bag and a pillow. A light dinner of soup will be served from our new Inner City Soup Van hub. Media can attend on the night or early morning on Friday 24 June to see if the CEOs got any sleep and to reflect on their experience.

What: Vinnies Victoria CEO Sleepout 2022

When: 6.00pm Thursday 23 June  7.00am Friday 24 June

Where: The Timber Yard, 351 Plummer Street, Port Melbourne.



Our long-time highest fundraiser, Vedran Drakulic AOM, of the Gandel Foundation, has again topped the donation board with $340,000 so far  taking his amazing total raised to $1.1 million after participating in eight events.

Where the money will go:

The money raised this year by CEOs  target $1.5 million  will fund three areas of Vinnies homelessness services:

1. 48 extended stay beds in our frontline accommodation and homelessness resource centre Ozanam House, including wrap-around support services;

2. Three new mobile kitchens providing food deliveries to people in need locally but can also be mobilised to an emergency anywhere in Victoria if need be;

3. And our ongoing volunteer work throughout Victoria delivering food and financial assistance to pay for rent or utility bill arrears, medical, educational and other cost of living expenses  helping one household at a time.

Vinnies is calling on the community to visit ceosleepout.org.au and support a CEO they know or simply donate directly to the event to support our vital homelessness services.

No one wants or chooses to experience homelessness or poverty, and its important for us to be aware of the stereotypes that so commonly hold these individuals back from a full recovery and to give generously of the resources we have to help, said Ms Cambage.

Tonight, almost 25,000 people will be experiencing homelessness in Victoria. How do you even begin to wrap your head around that number? I believe one way is to join an event such as the Vinnies CEO Sleepout.

For more information about this event or to arrange an interview with Julia Cambage, please contact our media office:

PR and communications coordinator Dee Rudebeck dee.rudebeck@svdp-vic.org.au 0438 804 023 or communications manager Jen Vuk jen.vuk@svdp-vic.org.au 0418 863 719 or 03 9895 5877.

About the St Vincent De Paul Society

The St Vincent de Paul Society and its wide network of members and volunteers provide practical frontline support, advocacy and friendship for the most vulnerable members of our community. Key services include home visitation; Vinnies Shops; youth programs; soup vans; assistance for asylum seekers and refugees; education and tutoring; and professional accommodation and health services through VincentCare. The St Vincent de Paul Society in Victoria has more than 13,000 members and volunteers, and more than 45,000 across Australia. Internationally, the Society operates in 149 countries and more than 950,000 members. To find out more visit www.vinnies.org.au.
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Bill Cosby arrives for his sexual assault trial in Norristown, Pa. on April 20, 2018, left, and Judy Huth appears at a press conference outside the Los Angeles Police Department's Wilshire Division station in Los Angeles on Dec. 5, 2014. Eleven months after he was freed from prison, Cosby, 85, will again be the defendant in a sexual assault proceeding, this time a civil case in California. Huth, who is now 64, alleges that in 1975 when she was 16, Cosby sexually assaulted her at the Playboy Mansion.
Johnson City, TN (37604)

Today

A few clouds. Low around 55F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low around 55F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
The Syrian conflict has been at the center of a number of justice efforts in the past decade, leading to the creation of an international mechanism to collect evidence on international crimes and the opening of trials under the universal jurisdiction principle in European countries, in addition to a call for the establishment of an international mechanism for the disappeared.

The prioritization of international justice venues has been justified by the absolute resistance of the Syrian regime to address its crimes. Still, it has also led to justice actors overlooking domestic developments as irrelevant to the justice struggle. However, recent developments tell us that it is crucial to monitor how the Syrian regime is trying to insert itself within the transitional justice discourse for Syria in the international arena.

A good entry point is given to us by the regime with its response to the Tadamon massacre, in which a Syrian military intelligence member, Amjad Youssef, was recorded executing around 41 civilians in the Damascus suburb of Tadamon back in 2013. In May, reports from inside Syria disclosed that Amjad Youssef had been put under custody by the regime. The information available at this stage claims that Youssef has not been arrested according to a judicial warrant, nor was he referred to the judiciary, but he is detained with an absolute blackout of information on his case and status. While it is not sure whether Amjad Youssef will be charged with any crime in the long run, it is clear that the regime is interested in portraying itself as willing to hold perpetrators accountable.

Syrias new post-conflict narrative

The alleged arrest of Amjad Youssef is only the most recent action taken by the Syrian regime to hijack transitional justice language and deploy it in an authoritarian context to further consolidate its power. While transitional justice is mainly understood within paradigmatic contexts of transition from conflict or authoritarian settings, it is not rare for authoritarian regimes to utilize the same language for their interests, ranging from regime consolidation to re-writing the countrys history to furthering the persisting impunity in the country.

In the case of Syria, the regime is hijacking transitional justice and human rights language to introduce and impose a new narrative about the Syrian case within the international arena. Since the beginning of 2022, it has continuously made reference to Syria turning into a post-conflict situation in its public statements. This trajectory had its peak during the recent Universal Periodic Review of Syria before the UN Human Rights Council in January, as the regime presented a national development plan for a post-conflict situation in Syria until 2030, which outlined a set of reforms aimed at supporting and empowering women, promoting gender equality, providing reparations and rehabilitation services to specific categories of victims, and rehabilitating child victims of recruitment.

The regime's imposition of this narrative and its restoration of control over most of the Syrian territory portends the imposition of the victorious justice model on Syrians through which it will not hold its ranks accountable but will retaliate against those who oppose it.

A anti-torture law for public relations purposes

While 2022 was the first instance in which the regime introduced the concept of post-conflict to characterize the present situation in Syria, it immediately took steps to portray a change in their heart, ranging from legislation reforms to amnesty for political detainees. These steps focused on addressing the key issues for which Syria has been under scrutiny: the widespread and systematic use of torture and arbitrary detention, and enforced disappearance.

This new pathway of addressing the detainees and disappeared issue started with enacting the anti-torture law. For the first time in Syria, this law defined torture per the Convention against Torture and adequately criminalized acts of torture in domestic law. Or at least that is what the Syrian regime is trying to convey. On the contrary, while the law is on paper criminalizing torture, it is clear that its intended outcome is not what we would typically expect in a genuine transitional justice process. In truth, instead of leading up to ceasing the use of torture by intelligence sectors, guaranteeing its non-recurrence, and holding accountable state officials responsible for such acts, the law has been primarily enacted for public relations reasons and to further the branding of the Syrian regime as reforming.

Indeed, the new anti-torture law remains one of the many domestic laws that has no impact on the actions of the Syrian intelligence apparatus. The multitude of Syrian security sector forces is immune from investigations and prosecutions for acts committed while on duty, giving them the green light to commit international crimes. No investigation or prosecution can be initiated against any member of the military, police, or the many other security forces  including Amjad Youssef  without the approval of their superiors, including President Bashar al-Assad himself. Additionally, while state officials are immune from prosecution, the law criminalizes acts of torture committed by non-state actors and sanctions them with a more severe form of punishment. This discrepancy of scrutiny between state crimes and abuses by non-state actors sums up the regimes policies on victimhood, where victims of non-state actors are given access to justice and remedy, while victims of the governments crimes are prevented from doing so and persecuted for asking for fundamental rights.

What amnesty?

In April, Bashar al-Assad issued Legislative Decree 7/2022, granting a general amnesty to detainees accused of terrorism crimes. The amnesty led to the release of around 470 individuals and was dangerously praised by the UN Special Envoy Geir O. Pedersen for its potential. Through such amnesty, the Syrian regime is trying to convey that the detainees and disappeared issue has reached a turning point and is being solved.

For it to be a genuine amnesty decree aimed at remedying the unlawful detention and restoring the political and civil rights of these individuals, the amnesty decree should have covered all charges attributed to the regimes opponents, in addition to annulling laws used against political opponents and leading to the unilateral release of all individuals arbitrarily detained and unlawfully convicted. Instead, the amnesty decree led to the release of only a handful of the tens of thousands of individuals still detained and disappeared by the Syrian regime and failed to cover all the other charges related to state security, usually used as legal weapons against political opponents.

The fact that the Syrian regime does not intend to genuinely address the unlawful, arbitrary detention of individuals has been confirmed by the recent reforms of the Cyber-crimes Law 20/2022 and amendments to the General Penal Code by Law 15/2022, which have received little attention amidst the exaggerated welcoming reserved to the anti-torture law and the amnesty. Instead, these reforms paint a clearer picture that the Syrian regime is in no way ready to ease its fist on political opponents. Indeed, the new laws have created new charges against individuals who, through their actions, aim to overthrow the regime or undermine its prestige and morale. Such charges have been purposely defined in a vague manner to guarantee the regime to deploy an array of charges and accusations against any person perceived not to be loyal enough to them.

The ongoing disdain for victims rights to truth, justice, and remedy

The recent steps taken by the Assad government confirm that any reform or action addressing human rights issues in Syria will continue to be in contempt of victims rights to truth, justice, and remedy. The ongoing impunity enjoyed by state officials, the lack of access to remedy through civil and criminal courts caused by the obstacles to investigating perpetrators, and the selective approach to victimhood by the regime remind us that none of its human rights actions, no matter how good on paper, will ever be taken in the interest of victims.

This approach has been once again demonstrated by the way the regime released detainees through the amnesty in May. The amnesty announcement and the release procedures only created more pain and confusion for families who have been waiting for more than a decade. Rather than releasing a public list of names of individuals to be released or informing family members, the authorities transported detainees to the middle of Damascus and left them there. The released detainees had no knowledge of how or means to contact their families, while families had no way to know if their loved ones were among the crowd of individuals dropped off in the capital city. It is clear that the amnesty was not the result of the Syrian regimes intention to respect and fulfil the right to the truth of families but to score a point in its race to normalization and re-engagement with the international community. The announced arrest of Amjad Youssef must be viewed in the same light.

Recommended reading Caught killing on camera in Deir ez-Zor
In a darkened hall in the capital Bamako, people are telling their own, personal horror stories from Mali's longrunning conflict, even as the country weathers a renewed wave of unrest.

Mali's truth and reconciliation process is helping nearly 30,000 victims of violence to share their testimony and seek closure.

Last week a woman shrouded in a veil to conceal her identity took to the stage to recount her ordeal to the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission.

"I was raped by seven people, in front of my 15-year-old child," she said.

The attack happened in 2012 in the northern city of Gao, the first major northern city to fall into the hands of pro-independence rebels and jihadists who had united to seize the territory.

Ten years on, Gao has been recaptured by government forces but Mali is still in turmoil.

Her disclosures, broadcast live on national television and social media, shocked many in the room, which was silenced by her testimony.

Abdoulaye Toure, a 32-year-old member of a local NGO, said he "did not know what to say in the face of such horrors".

"I cried a lot, I was in pain," said Fabiola Wizeye Ngeruka, an expert in the issue of gender-based violence with the UN.

"I was in pain when I heard these housewives who have nothing, who have lived through 10 years of suffering, and it's only today that we can listen to their voices.

"All the victims said 'we want a peaceful Mali', that's really all we can ask: peace in Mali," she said.

- Violence spreading -

The commission was set up in 2015 when pro-independence insurgents in the north signed peace accords with the government they had fought against.

It is one of a number of mechanisms meant to help reconcile Malians.

But the jihadists have continued their expansion and the violence has spread further south and into neighbouring countries.

In public hearings over the past two years, the commission has heard from victims of a litany crimes committed since independence in 1960.

Mali's modern history has been marred by coups, military dictatorships, Tuareg rebellions and since 2012 a spiral of violence in which jihadists affiliated to Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State group have created chaos.

Civilians have borne the brunt of the unrest with a recent UN report raising the alarm that recent months were the deadliest in years for ordinary Malians.

The commission's investigators, who are scattered across the country, collected testimony from 28,877 victims.

"At each, before we started, we asked if they were ready for forgiveness and reconciliation," said Ousmane Oumarou Sidibe, the commission's head.

"We were surprised, everyone said yes. But the question remains about the conditions of this forgiveness.

- The 'conditions of forgiveness' -

"The process of catharsis is long-term work that should not be carried by the commission alone," said Sidibe.

The most important thing, he added, was "that everyone finds their place in the country".

The commission will serve as a basis for further efforts.

The idea of financial reparations is being studied, Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga has said.

The question of justice for perpetrators of crimes is ever-present, as it was at similar commissions elsewhere in Africa with its head stressing it "is not a court".

The commission is "a formidable tool that has done important work," said Ibrahim Maiga, a Sahel researcher at the International Crisis Group.

"We have to see how to capitalise on this work, what role the structure that will take over from (it) could play," he said.

And some of those involved in the process believe that peace is impossible without engaging the jihadists themselves.
When Russia sent troops into Ukraine in late February, Georgian lawmaker Aleko Elisashvili did not hesitate to rush to the country's defence, and within days was fighting in the battle for Irpin.

For the 44-year-old father-of-two, the war in Ukraine is about more than just defending one country from Russian aggression.

"We are fighting alongside Ukrainians against our common enemy -- (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's imperialism," Elisashvili told AFP in his office in Georgia's parliament, a Ukrainian flag hanging behind him.

"The likelihood of Russia attacking Georgia again is very high... That's why it's even more important to us that Russia be defeated in Ukraine, that's why so many Georgians are now fighting there."

Hundreds of Georgians like Elisashvili have gone to Ukraine to fight in volunteer units such as the Ukrainian Foreign Legion and the Georgian Legion, which are integrated into the military.

Their enthusiasm for the fight is hardly surprising, given Georgia's long and difficult history with Russia and the pro-Western aspirations it shares with Ukraine.

The South Caucasus country was annexed by Russia twice in its history -- in 1801 and 1921 -- and last saw Moscow's troops invade its territory in August 2008

The five-day war in 2008, which claimed some 700 lives and ended with an EU-mediated truce, left Georgia partitioned after Russia recognised two separatist regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, as independent states and stationed military bases there.

- 'Georgia's fate' at stake -

Mamuka Mamulashvili, the commander of the Ukrainian army's Georgian Legion, told AFP that up 1,000 Georgians have gone to Ukraine to fight and at least 13 are known to have died.

"Georgia's fate is being decided today in Ukraine. We are fighting both for Ukraine and Georgia. If Ukraine falls -- which will not happen, I am confident -- the very existence of Georgia will be under serious threat," Mamulashvili told AFP by phone from Ukraine.

Elisashvili fought in Ukraine for some 40 days in a reconnaissance unit of the Foreign Legion consisting of several hundred volunteer fighters from around the world.

In the battle for Irpin, a suburb of Kyiv, he said he witnessed "Russian war crimes" as he spent four days in a partially ruined apartment block at the frontline.

"Russian troops were deployed across the street. A Russian sniper was killing passers-by, civilians. I saw several civilians killed in a car, a family, and another dead civilian, a man."

The battle began on February 27 as part of a massive Russian offensive on Kyiv. Russian forces took partial control of Irpin but were pushed out by Ukrainian troops, who fully retook Irpin on March 28.

Elisashvili said that after Russian forces abandoned the town local residents began to emerge from cellars where they had spent days sheltering.

"I've never seen people so scared," he said. "The next night, the Russians were bombing residential areas there, incessantly, with 122-millimetre artillery."

He said Russian forces in the town appeared unmotivated and confused and were only there "to loot and plunder".

"That's why it's inconceivable they could win in Ukraine," he said.

"I have never seen anyone as motivated as the Ukrainians, because they know exactly what they are fighting for -- they are protecting their homeland, their families."

- 'Strategic mistake' on NATO -

Back in the Georgian capital Tbilisi with his family, Elisashvili returned to work in parliament, where he leads a small, centrist opposition.

Georgia's government positions itself as strongly pro-Western, though the opposition has accused it of being pro-Russian.

It has condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but avoids harsh criticism of the Kremlin, saying this would only add to Georgia's problems.

Elisashvili called on the United States and European capitals to step up arms supplies to Ukraine, so that military superiority shifts to Kyiv.

He said the West made a "strategic mistake" by not admitting Ukraine and Georgia into NATO, under pressure from the Kremlin.

"This war would just not have happened if Ukraine was a NATO member, Putin would not have dared to attack a NATO country."

At a 2008 summit in Romania, months before Russia's invasion of Georgia, NATO leaders undertook to admit both countries to the 30-member bloc sometime in the future, but refused to put them on a formal membership path.

Elisashvili said the West, which was at the time wary of alienating an increasingly assertive Russia, "is now facing a war on NATO's doorstep and Putin will not stop just as Hitler didn't stop until he was defeated".

Putin's next targets "will be Poland, the Baltic states", he said.

"If Russia is not defeated in Ukraine, if it fails to reinvent itself as a state, it will remain a constant threat to international peace."
French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi arrived in Kyiv on Thursday for their first visit to Ukraine since the Russian invasion.

The leaders arrived on a special train from Poland, with AFP images showing them descending onto a platform in the Ukrainian capital.

It is their first trip to Ukraine since the Russian invasion of the country launched on February 24.

Macron said they will meet President Volodymyr Zelensky and go to "a war site where massacres have been committed."

The French leader has called alleged Russian atrocities in towns near Kyiv "war crimes".

"This is a message of European unity addressed to Ukrainian men and women, of support," Macron said as he descended from the train.

He said he came "to talk about both the present and the future since the coming weeks, we know, will be very difficult."

The visit comes as Ukraine is pushing to be given official candidate status to join the European Union.

The trio had travelled onboard a special train that left Poland in the early hours of Thursday.

German media said they had met "in the night" in Poland's south-eastern city of Rzeszow, which has an international airport.

They arrived separately and met on board shortly after the train's departure.

The French leader had just finished a visit to Moldova, one of Ukraine's neighbours.

Romanian leader Klaus Iohannis is due to join his French, German and Italian counterparts in Kyiv later on Thursday.

Other Western leaders have also visited Kyiv in recent weeks, after the Russian army retreated from its advance on the Ukrainian capital at the start of the invasion.
French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi became the latest Western leaders to show their support for Ukraine by visiting the country Thursday.

Macron, whose country holds the rotating EU presidency, had been particularly criticised for delaying his trip, which comes over two months after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the visit.

- The first visitors -

On March 15, the prime ministers of the central European countries of Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovenia are the first Western leaders to visit Ukraine, just three weeks after the Russian invasion.

They make the risky journey by train from Poland. During their talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Kyiv is under curfew and explosions can be head from fighting on the western outskirts of the capital.

"It is here that freedom fights against the world of tyranny," says Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, who calls for Ukraine to be given fast-track EU membership.

- Johnson acclaimed as hero -

Britain's Johnson is the first leader of a G7 country to visit on April 9, two weeks after Russian troops had been driven back from the suburbs of Kyiv.

Johnson is filmed on a walkabout in the deserted streets of Kyiv with Zelensky, acclaimed by residents for his show of solidarity.

Zelensky says Britain's support for Ukraine will "remain forever in history".

- EU leader dodges strikes -

Johnson arrives a day after European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, who tells Zelensky that Ukraine "is marching towards a European future".

On April 20, European Council president Charles Michel calls for justice for the war crimes committed in Ukraine during a visit to the war-scarred Kyiv suburb of Borodianka.

Both EU leaders visit Ukraine twice. Michel's second trip on May 9 takes him to the blockaded Black Sea port of Odessa, where he has to break off a meeting and take shelter after missiles strike the city.

- UN leader 'shocked' -

Russian missiles also fall on central Kyiv on the day UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres visits. Ten people are injured in the strikes. The UN team escapes harm but a spokesman for Guterres says he was "shocked".

- Jill Biden and Justin Trudeau -

US President Joe Biden has yet to visit Ukraine but his wife Jill makes a surprise appearance on May 8 -- Mother's Day in the United States -- meeting Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska in a school close to Ukraine's border with Slovakia that is now sheltering people displaced by the war.

On the same day, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visits Kyiv where he says Russian President Vladimir Putin is "responsible for heinous war crimes" and must be held to account.
Israeli police said Thursday they had concluded an internal investigation into violence at the funeral of slain Al Jazeera TV journalist Shireen Abu Akleh -- without however releasing any findings.

The police launched the probe following an international outcry after the veteran reporter's coffin was almost dropped when police attacked the pallbearers during her funeral last month.

Thousands had attended the service in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, and images of the unrest were broadcast live on TV. Israeli authorities blamed Palestinian protesters for the ugly scenes.

Police commander Kobi Shabtai said Thursday that "we cannot remain indifferent to these harsh images and we must investigate so that sensitive events of this order are not violently disturbed by rioters.

"The police under my instructions investigated to assess the action of its forces on the ground in order to draw conclusions and improve the operational progress in this type of event," he said in a statement.

The results of the probe were presented to the minister of public works, said a police spokesperson.

Abu Akleh was shot and killed last month while covering an Israeli army operation in Jenin camp in the occupied West Bank.

A Palestinian probe said that an Israeli soldier shot her dead in what it described as a war crime.

Israel has denied the allegations, arguing that she could have been killed by a Palestinian gunman.

Abu Akleh's brother Anton rejected out of hand the police probe into the unrest at her funeral.

"We don't care what Israel says or does, everything is clear from the photos. The police are the aggressors," he told AFP. "They are trying to cover up their actions and mistakes."

Abu Akleh also held US citizenship and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticised the Israeli police actions at the funeral.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said the United States was seeking more information about the probe into the funeral.

"Certainly, to us, typically these investigations -- the findings of them -- are released publicly," Price told reporters in Washington.

Price reiterated that the United States believed the funeral had "disturbing intrusions into what should have been a peaceful procession".
The extent of death and destruction in Ukraine's port city of Mariupol suggests serious international law violations, the UN rights chief said Thursday, warning the horrors would mark future generations.

Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Michelle Bachelet painted a grim picture of one of the bloodiest chapters so far in Russia's war in Ukraine.

"Between February and the end of April, Mariupol was likely the deadliest place in Ukraine," she said, in an update on the situation in the strategic port city, now held by Moscow.

"The intensity and extent of hostilities, destruction and death and injury strongly suggest that serious violations of international... law have occurred," she said.

Russia declared victory in May in its months-long operation to capture Mariupol, after Ukraine ordered the last of its troops holed up in the city's steelworks to lay down their arms.

The three months of battles sent hundreds of thousands of people running for their lives and caused untold suffering and death.

Bachelet said her staff, who did not have access to Mariupol, had verified 1,348 civilian deaths in the city, including 70 children.

She acknowledged though that "the actual death toll of hostilities on civilians is likely thousands higher."

- 'Forcefully transferred' -

Ukrainian government representative Tetiana Lomakina meanwhile maintained that "at least" 22,000 people had been killed during the siege.

Another 47,000 have been "forcefully transferred" to Russia or other occupied territories, she said via video message.

Moscow's offensive on Mariupol has drawn multiple accusations of war crimes, including over attacks on a maternity ward and a theatre, where hundreds of mainly women and children were sheltering.

The UN rights office assesses that up to 90 percent of residential buildings in Mariupol had been damaged or destroyed and an estimated 350,000 people were forced to leave the city.

Russian ambassador Gennady Gatilov argued there was no need to focus on Mariupol.

"The city of Mariupol has been fully liberated," he told the council, insisting that "peace is returning... We see no point in the meeting today."

Bachelet however insisted that the current situation in Mariupol remained "dire".

While the shelling has now faded, she warned that residents left behind are "struggling daily with limited access to basic utilities and social services, such as medical care."

She voiced particular concern over how a "so-called filtration process of civilians was and is being carried out", reportedly involving intimidation and humiliation.

And she warned of possible abuse of some of the more than 2,000 Ukrainian troops from Mariupol now held as prisoners of war.

Death sentences handed down to three foreign-national fighters "may amount to a war crime", she said.

The UN rights chief warned that "the horrors inflicted on the civilian population will leave their indelible mark, including on generations to come."

"On the parents who had to bury their own children, on people who witnessed their friends commit suicide, on families ripped apart, on all those who had to leave a much-loved city with uncertain prospects of ever seeing it again."
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi reaffirmed his strong support Thursday for Ukraine's hopes of joining the European Union, on a trip to Kyiv with the French and German leaders.

"The most important message of our visit is that Italy wants Ukraine in the EU," Draghi told a news conference after talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"And it wants Ukraine to have candidate status and will support this position at the next European Council.

"President Zelensky, as he just said, of course understands that the path from candidate to member is a road, it is not a point. It is a road that will have to see profound reforms in Ukrainian society."

He hailed the "extraordinary unity" the EU had shown in supporting Ukraine "in every way".

"We are at a turning point in our history. Every day, the Ukrainian people defend the values of democracy and freedom that underpin the European project, our project," Draghi said.

"We cannot hesitate, delay this process. We must create a community of peace, prosperity and rights that unites Kyiv with Rome, Paris, Berlin and all the other countries that share this project."

With French President Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Draghi visited the war-torn Kyiv suburb of Irpin.

The Italian premier called it a "place of massacres committed by the Russian army", which he condemned "without hesitation", adding that international investigations into potential war crimes had his full support.

Draghi said the EU leaders wanted peace, but said Ukraine must be able to defend itself -- and must choose the peace it wants.

He also addressed fears of a global crisis caused by Russia's blockade of ports in Ukraine, which before the conflict was considered one of the world's breadbaskets.

"Safe corridors for grain transport must be created as a matter of urgency, because the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine must not turn into a global catastrophe," he said.

He added: "This is Europe's moment. We must meet the challenges in front of us with courage, with the same courage that President Zelensky has shown, with determination, with unity."
A year ago, former president Laurent Gbagbo returned to his native Ivory Coast after being acquitted abroad of war crimes, to a reception where triumph mixed with dread.

To many poorer Ivorians, Gbagbo was their champion, a hero who had been wrongfully put through the grinder at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Others had different thoughts.

They nursed memories of Gbagbo's traumatic decade in power, which culminated in a conflict that claimed several thousand lives after he refused to accept electoral defeat.

Regardless of their viewpoint, many Ivorians expected Gbagbo to leap back onto the political stage, benefiting from a crisis that beset President Alassane Ouattara, his former adversary.

But to widespread surprise, the 77-year-old has stayed in the wings.

"Apart from two or three public sorties during trips to the provinces, we haven't seen the thunder and lightning (from Gbagbo) that we expected," said Arthur Banga, a political analyst.

In a statesman-like move that won him much praise, Gbagbo met with Ouattara -- the man who forced him from power and sent him to The Hague -- in a show of reconciliation.

- Hurdles -

Gbagbo and Ouattara are among the handful of ageing men who have shaped Ivory Coast over nearly three decades, in the footsteps of the first post-independence president, Felix Houphouet-Boigny.

Gbagbo has a reputation as a relentless, dyed-in-the-wool politician.

Many take it as a given that this crowd-pleasing warhorse of the left wants to stay in politics rather than retire.

In October, Gbagbo abandoned the party he had founded, the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), and launched the African Peoples' Party (PPA-CI) -- a leftwing pan-African group.

Most of the senior members of the FPI have followed Gbagbo, but there are two heavy-hitters who have not.

They are his wife Simone Gbagbo, whom he has asked to divorce, and former prime minister Pascal Affi N'Guessan, with whom he is politically at odds.

"People thought that he would get a boost from getting out of jail but it hasn't been as easy as that," said Banga. "He hasn't been able to unify the Ivorian left."

Gbagbo has been careful not to take aim at Ouattara since his return, other than throw a few barbs over his successor's bid for a third term -- a plan that led to scores of deaths in pre-election violence in 2020.

Indeed, his MPs this month even voted in favour of the government's candidate for speaker of the National Assembly, Adama Bictogo.

"There's no incompatibility in working for reconciliation and in being an opponent," said the PPA-CI's spokesman, Justin Kone Katinan.

"Laurent Gbagbo is a man of the opposition, and we differ with the government on many issues," he said, pointing to the country's debt, development programme and foreign policy, among others.

- Legal threat -

Some commentators suggest Gbagbo's moderate stance may stem from the fact that his legal clouds have still not completely dispersed.

He was acquitted last year by the ICC for alleged war crimes committed during the 2011 civil conflict, but remains under the threat of prison at home.

An Ivorian court handed him a 20-year term in absentia in 2018 over the looting of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) during the country's post-election crisis.

"The sentence forces him to keep a low profile. The government can launch the judicial process (against him) any time it likes," said analyst and writer Geoffroy Kouao.

Gbagbo could be playing a longer game and have an eye on the presidency in 2025, say some. A key gauge of his chances will come in municipal and regional elections next year.

But, cautioned Kouao, "his advanced age is a political handicap in a country where young people and public opinion are more and more against ageing rulers.

"Politically, today, Laurent Gbagbo is more a name, a symbol, rather than a reality."
The Dutch intelligence service said Thursday it had stopped a Russian spy posing as an intern from infiltrating the International Criminal Court, which is investigating war crimes in Ukraine.

The man, identified as Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov, 36, travelled to the Netherlands in April using a carefully constructed deep cover as a Brazilian citizen to take up his internship at the Hague-based tribunal.

But the Russian was unmasked as an agent of Moscow's GRU military intelligence service and refused entry to the Netherlands before being put on the next available flight back, the Dutch said.

Had he not been stopped, Cherkasov could have accessed "highly valuable" intelligence on the ICC's probe into war crimes in Ukraine or even influenced criminal proceedings, they added.

"The threat posed by this intelligence officer is deemed potentially very high," the Dutch AIVD, or General Intelligence and Security Service, said in a statement.

The head of the Dutch intelligence service, Erik Akerboom, said it was "very rare" to catch a Russian agent "of this calibre".

"The GRU has spent years creating this fake identity. It's an enormous effort," he was quoted as saying by the Dutch ANP news agency.

- 'Cover identity' -

The Russian was a so-called "illegal" -- spy parlance for an agent who has lived abroad under a fake identity for years and is therefore "difficult to discover", the Dutch intelligence service said.

He travelled to the Netherlands under the name of a 33-year-old Brazilian citizen named Viktor Muller Ferreira, using a "well-constructed cover identity by which he concealed all his ties with Russia in general, and the GRU in particular".

But the Dutch pinpointed him as a "threat to national security" and notified the immigration service.

"On these grounds the intelligence officer was refused entry into the Netherlands in April and declared unacceptable. He was sent back to Brazil on the first flight out," the AIVD said.

The Russian's internship would have given him access to the ICC's building and systems at a time when it is probing war crimes in Ukraine, including alleged Russian crimes since the February 24 invasion.

"For those reasons, covert access to International Criminal Court information would be highly valuable to the Russian intelligence services," the AIVD said.

Had the Russian spy succeeded "he would have been able to gather intelligence there and to look for (or recruit) sources, and arrange to have access to the ICC's digital systems," it added.

"He might also have been able to influence criminal proceedings of the ICC."

- 'Important operation' -

In scenes that could have come from a spy novel, the Dutch even released a four-page document setting out the Russian spy's "legend" or cover identity.

They said it was likely written by Cherkasov himself in Portuguese in around 2010.

The highly detailed document includes stories about his background, including his supposedly troubled relationship with his parents, his hatred of fish, his crush on a teacher, the fact that he was nicknamed "Gringo" because he "looked like a German".

It even includes full addresses of a restaurant in Brasilia with the "best brown stew in town" and a trance music club, in an apparent attempt to back up his cover story.

But the Dutch commentary with the document notes drily: "The Portuguese text contains several (grammar) mistakes, presumably because Portuguese is not Cherkasov's native language," it says.

The ICC thanked the Dutch for exposing the spy but gave few other details of the incident.

"The International Criminal Court was briefed by the Dutch authorities and is very thankful to The Netherlands for this important operation and more generally for exposing security threats," spokeswoman Sonia Robla said in a statement to AFP.

There was no immediate reaction from Russia.

The Dutch have a history of exposing Russian intelligence operations on their soil, and particularly in The Hague where dozens of international courts and organisations are based.

In 2018 the Netherlands expelled four alleged Russian GRU spies whom it accused of trying to hack the global chemical weapons watchdog while it was investigating attacks in Syria.
The Netherlands said Thursday it had stopped a Russian spy posing as a Brazilian intern from infiltrating the International Criminal Court, which is investigating war crimes in Ukraine.

The Russian, identified as Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov, 36, flew to the Netherlands in April using an elaborate deep cover story that he had built up over the past 12 years.

But Dutch authorities said they saw through his fake identity as 33-year-old Brazilian citizen named Viktor Muller Ferreira, and unmasked him as an agent of Moscow's GRU military intelligence.

Cherkasov was put on the next flight back to Brazil, where police said he was arrested for identity fraud.

The Dutch said Cherkasov could have accessed "highly valuable" intelligence on the ICC's probe into war crimes in Ukraine or even influenced criminal proceedings at the Hague-based tribunal.

The head of the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service, or AIVD, said it was "very rare" to catch a Russian agent "of this calibre".

"The GRU has spent years creating this fake identity. It's an enormous effort," Erik Akerboom was quoted as saying by the Dutch ANP news agency.

- 'Cover identity' -

Cherkasov was a so-called "illegal" -- spy parlance for an agent who has lived abroad under a fake identity for years -- whose "well-constructed cover identity" hid all ties with Russia, the AIVD said.

In scenes that could have come from a spy novel, the Dutch even released a four-page document setting out Cherkasov's "legend" that was likely written by Cherkasov himself in around 2010.

The highly detailed document in Portuguese -- but with grammatical mistakes -- includes stories about his background, including his supposedly troubled relationship with his parents, his hatred of fish, his crush on a teacher.

It also tries to cover up doubts about his Brazilian heritage, saying that he was nicknamed "Gringo" because he "looked like a German" and includes full addresses of a restaurant in Brasilia with the "best brown stew in town" and a trance music club, in an apparent attempt to back up his cover story.

The Dutch intelligence service however pinpointed him as a "threat to national security" and notified the immigration service.

"On these grounds the intelligence officer was refused entry into the Netherlands in April and declared unacceptable. He was sent back to Brazil on the first flight out," the AIVD said.

The Russian's internship would have given him access to the ICC's building and systems at a time when it is probing war crimes in Ukraine, including alleged Russian crimes since the February 24 invasion.

"For those reasons, covert access to International Criminal Court information would be highly valuable to the Russian intelligence services," the AIVD said.

Had the Russian spy succeeded "he would have been able to gather intelligence there and to look for (or recruit) sources, and arrange to have access to the ICC's digital systems," it added.

"He might also have been able to influence criminal proceedings of the ICC."

- 'Important operation' -

Brazil's federal police said they had arrested a man, whom they did not name, in April after he was refused entry to the Netherlands because he was using fake ID.

"Using a sophisticated falsification scheme, he assumed the forged identity of a Brazilian whose parents are already dead," the police said in a statement, adding that he remains in detention pending trial.

The Russian had entered Brazil in 2010 and also lived in Ireland and the United States, before returning to Brazil to prepare for his move to the Netherlands.

He was due to start a "six-month trial period at the International Criminal Court as a junior analyst in the Preliminary Examinations Section", they said.

The ICC thanked the Dutch for exposing the spy.

"The International Criminal Court was briefed by the Dutch authorities and is very thankful to The Netherlands for this important operation and more generally for exposing security threats," spokeswoman Sonia Robla said in a statement to AFP.

There was no immediate reaction from Russia.

The Dutch have a history of exposing Russian intelligence operations on their soil.

In 2018 the Netherlands expelled four alleged Russian GRU spies whom it accused of trying to hack the global chemical weapons watchdog while it was investigating attacks in Syria.
Rebels killed seven villagers in the northwest of the war-torn Central African Republic, local sources told AFP on Thursday.

Armed men from the 3R group, one of the most powerful of many militias that terrorise local populations, attacked the village of Ndanga near the border with Chad on Wednesday night, local police official Jean-Ulrich Sembekpanga said.

"They opened fire on the population and killed seven people. Six others were injured," Bernard Dillah, an MP for the nearby town of Ngaoundaye, told AFP, also pointing the finger at the 3R.

Sembekpanga corroborated the death toll and said the attackers also took a man hostage as they fled when soldiers arrived.

One of the world's poorest countries, the Central African Republic has been torn apart by civil wars for much of the past nine years.

In 2013, a Muslim-dominated rebellion overthrew president Francois Bozize, sparking reprisals from predominantly Christian and animist self-defence militias.

The fighting peaked in intensity in 2018 and rebel groups controlled two-thirds of the country's territory until early 2021.

A rebel coalition tried to oust President Faustin-Archange Touadera in late 2020 by launching an offensive on the capital Bangui, but Russian mercenaries helped the army to repel it.

However, the state still struggles to establish its authority in many remote areas of the vast nation.

The United Nations and NGOs have accused all sides of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Every week, new series are making their debut on primetime, may it be on weekdays or weekends. Furthermore, fantasy-romance K-dramas "Alchemy of Souls" and "Jinxed at First" are about to hit the small screen starting this week.

'Jinxed at First'

Na In Woo is back with a new lead role this June with "Jinxed at First." He will play the character Gong Soo Kwang, a 'jinxed' fish seller. Opposite him is Girls' Generation member and actress Seohyun, who takes the role of Seul Bi, a lady with a special power to see a person's future whenever she touches them.

Also known as "The Jinx's Lover," it is a webtoon-based drama with fantasy romance genres that will foretell the story of a poor and unlucky guy who unexpectedly meets the goddess of fortune, who just appeared out of nowhere to fix the curse surrounding the unfortunate man.

KBS introduces its newest K-drama that will definitely give viewers a good time binge-watching. "Jinxed at First" is about to hit the small screen on June 15 and will have its regular episode broadcast every Wednesday and Thursday at 9:50 p.m. (KST).

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Seohyun, Na In Woo Guarantee To Show THIS With Upcoming Romance Drama

Other stars to anticipate in the series are Ki Do Hoon, Jeon Kwang Leol, Yoon Ji Hye, Choi Jung Woo, Woo Hyeon, Hong Seok Cheon, Yun Yoo Sun, and more.

'Alchemy of Souls'

tvN is taking their time in producing top-notch dramas every year, may it be in comedy, romance, thriller, melodrama, or fantasy. Following the conclusion of "Shooting Stars" and "Our Blues," the famous broadcasting company is excited to release new fantasy-romance series starring some of the brightest stars in the industry namely, Jung So Min, Lee Jae Wook, Hwang Minhyun, Ko Yoon Jung, Arin, Shin Seung Ho, and more.

"Alchemy of Souls" is set in the backdrop of the fictional nation of Daeho, it is a country that does not really exist in the maps or even in the history. The story will revolve around the characters whose fates got twisted due to a magic that swaps people's spirits.

Lee Jae Wook is Jang Wook, a young man from the famous Jang clan and a troublemaker. Though he comes from a noble family, he has an unpleasant secret about his birth, which most of the people in their village talk about.

He then meets Mu Deok, the character of Jung So Min. She is a professional warrior, whose soul is trapped in a physically weak body. Due to an unexpected twist of fate, she becomes Jang Wook's servant.

Meanwhile, NU'EST member Minhyun takes the role of Seo Yool, a perfect young man who is handsome, genius, and has impeccable skills in martial arts. He also comes from a noble family.

Shin Seung Ho, on the other hand, will play the character of Go Won, a crown prince of Daeho, who desires to become a generous king of his nation.

The star-studded drama is slated to air this June 18 and will occupy the 9:10 p.m. (KST) Saturday and Sunday slots.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Hwang Minhyun Flaunts Luminous Beauty in New Drama With Jung So Min

Which of these K-dramas are you looking forward to watching? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at Kdramastars.

Kdramastars owns this article.

Shai Collins wrote this.
Kim Young Dae is starring in back-to-back K-dramas this 2022.

Following the success of the rom-com series "Shooting Stars" with Lee Sung Kyung, the rising star is set to appear in his first-ever historical Kdrama.

Kim Young Dae Transforms as the King in 'Joseon's Ban on Marriage'

According to Newsen, the South Korean heartthrob confirmed his appearance in the upcoming MBC series.

After being in talks to headline the Kdrama, Kim Young Dae officially accepted the offer to play crown prince turned King of Joseon.

From being a top star in "Shooting Stars," the rising star transforms into the Joseon ruler named King Lee Heon in "Joseon's Ban on Marriage."

The upcoming historical Kdrama follows the story of the heir to the throne whose beloved wife died during his reign as the crown prince.

After seven years, due to the loss of a loved one, he couldn't easily move on despite the royal family and the government pushing the King to remarry.

As a result, the nation implemented a "geumhonryung" edict which basically means banning all single women from getting married, while King Lee Heon stayed single.

However, his life turned different when he met a woman named Ye So Rang. She claimed the spirit of his late wife lives within her.

Joining Kim Young Dae in the "Joseon's Ban on Marriage" cast is Park Ju Hyun from "Love All Play" as Ye So Rang.

In addition, Kim Woo Seok, Giriboy, and former IZ*ONE's Minju will be joining as supporting characters.

From 'The Penthouse' to Lead Star Material

Best known for his role as Joo Seok Hoon, Joo Dan Tae (Uhm Ki Joon) and Shim Soo Ryeon's (Lee Ji Ah) son and Joo Seok Kyung's twin (Han Ji Hyun) in "The Penthouse," Kim Young Dae now stars in back to back series being the male lead.

During his recent interview, as noted by an outlet following the finale of "Shooting Stars" he confessed that he had some apprehensions about playing the main character.

He said that he feels pressure since he plays top star, Gong Tae Sung. For the actor, he shared that it might be because he "didn't have the experience yet" and was "awkward to act rather overbearing and brazen."

Thankfully, he was surrounded by his seniors, who helped him portray the character.

"Fortunately, the atmosphere on the set was so good that synergy was created. Thanks to the help of the people around me, I was able to adjust and act comfortably," he said.

Interestingly, he also mentioned that playing Gong Tae Sung would be a remarkable role for him because he was able to play "a light character" in "Shooting Stars."

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Kim Young Dae Names Which Character of Lee Sung Kyung Resembles Her Real Personality

KDramastars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
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Members of the Canadian Armed Forces march during the Calgary Stampede parade in Calgary on July 8, 2016. Ottawa is facing calls to act amid a growing number of privacy breaches involving military members who experienced sexual misconduct while in uniform.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Nathalie Provost, a survivor of the Ecole polytechnique shooting in 1989, reads a poem during an event in Montreal, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, on the 31st anniversary of the murder of 14 women in an anti-feminist attack at the university on Dec. 6, 1989. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
SALEM LAKES The 22-year-old swimmer who went missing on Silver Lake on Thursday afternoon has been identified by Kenosha County authorities.

The Kenosha County Sheriffs Department indicated it was Philip Shwaiko, a resident of Kenosha. His body was recovered from the water at 7:10 p.m. Thursday at a depth of 25 feet by area dive teams.

The Kenosha County Sheriffs Department was called to the lake at 12:37 p.m., along with Salem Lakes Fire and Rescue, for a report of a missing swimmer in the water.

Initial reports indicated that a 5-year-old female child and a 22-year-old male were swimming after jumping into the water from a boat on the lake, according to Kenosha County Sheriffs Department media release. The male, who was not wearing a flotation device, went underwater and did not resurface.

The child was wearing a personal flotation device and was picked up by another boat that was also on the lake.

Dive teams from southeast Wisconsin and northern Illinois were called in to assist in an attempt to locate the missing male.

At about 2:40 p.m. Salem Lakes Fire Chief James Lejcar no longer considered the incident a rescue, and at that time turned into a recovery mission.

Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact the Kenosha County Sheriffs Department at 262-605-5100.

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The Vietnam War is also known as the Living Room War, for people can witness the bloody battlefield through videos and photos in their living rooms, and feel the intensity, chaos, and cruelty of the war in person. When it comes to the most famous photo of the Vietnam War, it's no doubt for people to think of the one featuring Phan Thi Kim Phuc, a Vietnamese girl informally referred to as the Napalm girl in the photo ever since, which is believed to have changed the course of the war.

In 1972, Phan Thi Kim Phuc, who lived in Trang Bom County, Vietnam, was a 9-year-old girl. What happened on June 8 changed her life forever. In order to escape the attack by the US military and South Vietnamese troops, Kim Phuc together with many villagers took shelter in a temple near the village, where many civilians were subsequently killed by the explosion or burning of multiple napalm bombs thrown. Kim Phuc and some other villagers were burned.

According to Kim Phuc, when finding she found that her left arm and back were on fire, she beat slapped them desperately, in an attempt to wipe out the flames. However, it only spread the fire. While running and screaming, she tore off her burning clothes withand part of her skin.

Thats the evilness of napalms. The word "Napalm" literally refers to the viscous ingredient in the bomb, which can stick to objects and burn for a long time, causing lasting and incurable damage or injury. Its thereby also known as "Satan's Saliva" given its inhumanity.

Naked Kim Phuc kept running and screaming all the way. The scene happened to be snapped by a photojournalist and went public to become one of the most famous anti-war pictures in history.

The picture soon hit the headlines of major media around the world, arousing indignation from people of various countries over the war launched by the US, and also triggering an unprecedented wave of anti-war momentum within the US. People are more accustomed to referring to the picture as "Napalm Girl", instead of its official name "The Terror of War".

17 surgeries

Right after taking the picture, the photojournalist applied first aid measures to Kim Phuc and other injured children and sent them to a nearby hospital for further treatment. Little Kim Phuc, who suffered 1/3 burns of her entire body, was treated in the hospital for 14 months and underwent 17 surgeries including skin grafting. Luckily, she survived.

The burns left a large area of scars on Kim Phuc's body, which has made her suffer both physically and mentally for many years. When she was a child, she had to face discrimination and repulsion from other children; and as much as she loves wearing dress, long sleeves and pants were her only choice. Decades later, she still felt that her skin was like buffalo skin, with no hair, no perspiration, and no feeling when being touched...

In an interview by famous photographer Joe McNally in Canada in 1995, Kim Phuc agreed to take a picture of her body covered with scars: Kim Phuc, who has become a mother at that time, turned to another side while holding her son in arms, to let the photographer take a photo of her profile full of scars. Thus, another classic picture was born.

Voice from the victim

Kim Phuc was designated a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 1997, and she also established the International Kim Foundation aimed to provide medical and psychological assistance to children who are victims of war. She often travels around the world to deliver speeches, denouncing the evils of war and calling for world peace.

On June 8, 2022, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the famous picture, Kim Phuc wrote: "That picture will always serve as a reminder of the unspeakable evil of which humanity is capable. Still, I believe that peace, love, hope and forgiveness will always be more powerful than any kind of weapon."

Editor's Note: This article is originally published on wordl.huanqiu.com, and is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information, ideas or opinions appearing in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn.
Twenty-six hours into the shakes, sweats, crawling anxiety, and gripping nausea of opioid withdrawal, Faye caves in and takes a couple of fentanyl tabs. She knows that she must tough out a couple of days without fentanyl to start Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) through a medication-assisted treatment program, but the sickness gets the better of her. Those couple of tablets reset the clock on her withdrawal.

Starting buprenorphine  an evidence-based lifesaver for opioid-dependent individuals  traditionally requires a substantial withdrawal period so that the tightly binding partial agonist does not quickly displace the pure opioid and cause sudden severe precipitated withdrawal. However, as far back as 2010, researchers in Switzerland experimented with a technique that came to be known as the Bernese method, where patients continue their opioid of choice while starting microdoses of buprenorphine that gradually increase over the span of a week, eventually displacing the opioid and leaving the patient on buprenorphine alone.

As fentanyl arises as a cheap replacement for bulkier products like oxycodone and heroin, this method has become ever more crucial as many patients are simply unable to tolerate fentanyl withdrawal long enough to initiate even a couple of milligrams of buprenorphine. Microdosing induction allows people to start buprenorphine while continuing their lives without stigmatizing interruptions to work, school, childcare, and life at large that are often caused by the opioid withdrawal period. It is entirely possible that forcing people through prolonged withdrawals to start buprenorphine was never necessary, perhaps even a needlessly cruel barrier to those trying to enter into recovery. Microdosing induction might have been the better tactic all along.

At the same time, microdosing induction to buprenorphine underlines a contradiction inherent in drug war-era rules and regulations. While avoiding the intensive withdrawal period, this induction technique requires that individuals continue their opioid of choice for approximately seven days while titrating buprenorphine to an effective dose. Unless the patient has an opioid prescription for pain, these continued opioids must come from illicit sources due to a law called the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act. The mundane language of the act  that doctors only prescribe opioids within the course of their usual practice  was interpreted by courts to mean that doctors could not prescribe opioids to assist an addicted patient, as addiction was not classified as a disease but a moral failing and thus not within the physicians purview. As such, American physicians cannot prescribe safe, pharmaceutical-grade opioids to assist patients during the seven-day microdose transition to buprenorphine. Patients must secure their own opioids, which raises predictable barriers: paying to obtain more illicit opioids when individuals may have diverted funds to pay for treatment itself, reaching out to a dealer they have already tried to dislodge from their lives, engaging in the triggering behavior of continuing illicit substances when they have decided to quit, and risking overdose from an increasingly unpredictable and contaminated street supply.

This legal framework arose before nearly all modern understandings of substance use disorders, predating the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous by two decades, preceding the approval of methadone for opioid use disorder (OUD) by thirty years, and antedating the legal approval to use buprenorphine in the treatment of OUD by over eighty years. Indeed, the foundational legal structure under which addiction medicine operates today was passed by congress the same year that Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated on the streets of Sarajevo.

Compounding the problematic legacy of the 1914 law is the comparatively youthful Controlled Substances Act, passed under President Nixons guidance in 1970. Among its crowning achievements is the classification of cannabis as a Schedule I substance with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, setting the stage for the mass incarceration wave that continues today even as a plurality of states moves to legalize the substance. To write buprenorphine, providers are granted an exception to the Controlled Substance Act with the X-waiver, a bureaucratic innovation that simultaneously defies the spirit of the Harrison Act and limits buprenorphine provision to a set number of patients per provider in a manner never applied to problematic substances like prescribed benzos and stimulants.

Under a saner and more humane legal regime, Faye (a fictional composite of everyday cases) would enter into treatment with a provider who can assess her current dose and then prescribe sufficient pharmaceutical-grade oral opioids under close supervision to stave off withdrawals. Microdoses of buprenorphine would be initiated and cautiously increased over whatever time period is needed for the buprenorphine to exert its dominance at the opioid receptor while she remains comfortably free from withdrawal symptoms. To accomplish this humane end, American drug policy would require a revamp that honors a hundred years of discovery on the biochemistry of receptor-ligand dyads, the neurobiology of adverse childhood events, and the innovation of statistical methods to evaluate evidence and formulate best-practice recommendations. Most of all, Americans deserve the freedom and autonomy to choose the medical pathway most appropriate to their needs without the punishing risk of overdose while making the transition to recovery.

Julie Craig is an addiction medicine specialist.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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I cry often enough that my kids almost gleefully expect it, checking me for tears during movies or shows, shaking their heads in mock dismay when they see that their prediction is correct. Ive cried many times at home, watching screens, reading books, talking on the phone, and at work, where I am a doctor who cannot always suppress my emotions. And Ive cried in front of health care providers as a patient or family member, something that I have the most trouble admitting because the tears were virtually involuntary and unwelcome in a health care space that did not feel safe to me. In that setting, there is shame.

Patient safety is about preventing medical error.

If I dont feel emotionally safe in a health care encounter, is that also a violation of patient safety? Does that lead to medical error if a patient doesnt feel emotionally safe enough to express how they really feel to me as a doctor?

Reflecting on my own various health care experiences as a patient and patient advocate, I would say absolutely and emphatically, yes. There is a strong element of fear in my instinctual reactions to difficult things that I dont understand. When I first thought that my son was deaf at nine months of age (and he was misdiagnosed for over a year), it was fear that disallowed the proper diagnosis to be officially rendered much earlier at 13 months of age. The doctor told me my son had typical hearing while sitting down. As she was stepping out, my doorknob question caused her to say that fluctuating hearing can be a sign of a rare disorder called auditory neuropathy. Fast forward to almost two years of age, which was my sons ultimate diagnosis. At 13 months of age, she said it, I heard it; neither of us fully processed my fear and anxiety and lack of understanding of that medical term. I wanted my son to have typical hearing. I wanted to believe her. I wanted to lay my fear to rest. And I did for half a year until my latent fear could no longer be ignored, and we started auditory testing again.

How many times does this happen to my patients? How many times are there fears or worries that are not outright expressed? While I used to assume there was not anything lying below the surface unless the patient told me outright, I have started to assume that there always is fear or anxiety or worry or stress. Even if it is small. Why else would the patient be there? Rather than a chief complaint, there is likely a chief concern, and I need to elicit it. I am a better doctor if I can create a safe space for the patient to express it.

Nine years after my sons diagnosis of auditory neuropathy, my sons vision acutely deteriorated. Medical professionals did not believe him or me as he was testing blind on various ophthalmologic tests in an inconsistent manner, and various diagnoses were tossed around, including hysteria.

From Wikipedia, hysteria is a term used colloquially to mean ungovernable emotional excess and can refer to a temporary state of mind or emotion. In the 19th century, hysteria was considered a diagnosable physical illness in women.

Seeing my son fail at so many visual tasks, to us very much suddenly, acutely, unexplainably (he could no longer read), I would say that I was internally hysterical. Hysteria is no longer considered an acceptable medical diagnosis in women. I wonder, given the ungovernable emotional excess of fear that I was feeling, how could the medical providers we were seeing not sense my overwhelm? I think that, of course, they could. And it was ignored or included as part of my sons issue that the mothers hysteria was being transmitted to the son and manifested with an inability to see the world clearly. The latter was suggested to me off-hand that stress-induced by me was a factor in my sons visual loss. While I instinctively armored up to remain impassive at the moment, I decided instead to confront the issue immediately and stated outright that I didnt think the provider really knew enough about the relationship between my son and me to insinuate something like that. I wasnt defensive, but I involuntarily showed that he had upset me; my eyes filled with tears, and I felt shame. Not at what he had implied because I knew it was not true. But at showing vulnerability, which felt like weakness, in front of someone who seemed to be judging me unfavorably.

He was taken aback. And he backtracked. And he sat with me. And he asked if I knew of dayenu, which I did not. And he tried to explain it as, Let this be enough. I couldnt understand that my sons vision loss was still quite severe  was I supposed to accept the current level of retained visual function as enough?

He confused me enough that I tried to research the concept. Dayenu is a Jewish song that is generally sung at Passover, a song in 15 stanzas with a chorus of it would have been enough for each event that preceded full release from slavery; a balance of the present reality with future hope when you dont know yet what the future holds. Dayenu: that in case you dont get your hearts desire, that what you hold in your heart right now is enough.

More and more, I sense that the health care system is broken. Doctors, including me, are trying to fix patients  to document symptoms, signs, lab abnormalities, and diagnoses; and then cure them to perfection. Its not enough because perfect is truly the enemy of the good, and good health care is needed. Patient safety is not enough without patients and patient advocates feeling safe enough to express their thoughts and feelings. What the patient is experiencing is important to getting the diagnosis right, getting patients what they really want and need, and promoting health. Without such an understanding of patients, health care will never be enough.

For my son and me, while his vision is not 100 percent back to normal yet, it is close, thankfully. And in writing this, I realize that it was meaningful that the person who saw them sat with me in the moment of my tears. It wasnt perfect, but it was enough.

Christine J. Ko is a dermatopathologist.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
Fianna Fail TD for Kilkenny John McGuinness has welcomed the launch of a 56m Fodder Support Scheme to provide support to Irish farmers.

The new measure was launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue today.

Easing the burden on our farm families as a result of the disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine has been a key priority of Fianna Fail in Government," he said.

"Our response to the increase in agricultural input costs, in particular for chemical fertiliser and the impact that will have on the quantity of fodder produced and conserved for the coming winter, I am delighted to see the launch of the Fodder Support Scheme today. This is a crucial scheme which will assist grow fodder stocks in the country to ensure we have adequate stocks for the winter ahead."

The Scheme aims to incentivise farmers, in particular drystock farmers to grow more fodder (silage and/or hay) for the coming winter to ensure Ireland does not have any animal welfare issue over the coming winter and next spring. Recent survey results by Teagasc show that half of all drystock farmers have spread no chemical Nitrogen fertiliser at all on their silage ground.

The budget for the Fodder Support Scheme is 56 million with a payment rate of up to 100 per hectare. The scheme will be rolled out as a matter of urgency and I hope there will be strong uptake from farmers," said Deputy McGuinness.

This is the latest support measure the Minister has put in place for farmers to deal with the impact of the war in Ukraine on input prices. In March, a 12m Tillage Incentive Scheme was launched to encourage the growing of tillage crops as well as Red Clover and Multi-Species Sward. Two separate supports packages worth 20m for the pig sector have delivered while a targeted package worth almost 3m has been put in place for the horticulture and veg sector.

The details of the scheme will be notified to the European Commission in accordance with the Temporary Crisis Framework (TCF) and approval of applications under the measure will be subject to Commission decision on the scheme.

The application system for the scheme will be 'live' in the coming days and farmers wishing to apply can do so either themselves or through their advisor up to August 2, 2022.

Minister McConalogue said: I urge eligible farmers to apply on time and to ensure they read the Terms and Conditions of the scheme in particular that the areas entered for the scheme must be cut and conserved by September 5, 2022."
Darren Donohue has been announced for the 2022 Platform 31 scheme for Kilkenny.

Following the success of the inaugural Platform 31 programme in 2021, this innovative scheme has returned for 2022, showing the commitment of Local Authority Arts Offices, together with the Arts Council, to supporting the continued development of artists throughout Ireland.

PLATFORM 31 is designed to support 31 artists  one from each Local Authority area in Ireland  to reflect on and develop their practice or make work in a new way, while being connected with and supported by peer practitioners, advisors and mentors.

Developed by the Association of Local Authority Arts Offices (ALAAO with the Arts Council, PLATFORM 31 offers two elements of support - financial and developmental - for mid-career artists across all disciplines.

Speaking about the announcement, Platform 31 artist for Kilkenny, Darren Donohue, said:

Its an incredible honour to represent Kilkenny on the Platform 31 scheme. And, Im sure, the support this scheme offers will prove invaluable to my development as an artist.

Mary Butler, Arts Officer, Kilkenny County Council added: Kilkenny Arts Office is delighted to be part of this national programme enabling us to continue to play our role in supporting the development and progression of artists careers. We were very impressed with the breadth & quality of the applicants and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Darren on his success.

For over 35 years Local Authority Arts Offices have worked directly with artists to ensure the arts thrive in all communities. Working in a grass roots and foundational way has allowed Arts Officers to identify and to respond to the needs of artists, keeping the arts and cultural agenda focused and relevant in changing environments.

PLATFORM 31 is managed by Wicklow County Council on behalf of The Association of Local Authority Arts Officers, in collaboration with the Arts Council.


The script writing skills of the Acquired Brain Injury Group Kilkenny are in a Business Class of their own judging by their most recent project, which was screened earlier this month.

In 2020, Kilkenny Acquired Brain Injury group made a documentary which focused on the camaraderie of the group. Following this, they members decided to turn their skills to comedy and over a series of months devised and wrote the script for business class a comedy set in the eighties. Their unorthodox teacher Mr. Brennan teaches his subject in a very interesting way. The group worked with drama tutor, Gillian Grattan and over a number of months the characters were brought to life.

The short film was shot and edited by the participants of the Young Irish Film Makers Local Training Initiative Multimedia course. The entire initiative was overseen and funded by the Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board. The screening which took place on June 1 highlights the power of collaboration and the fine fettle of the creative arts in Kilkenny City.

Siobhan OBrien, Community Education Officer with the Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board, explains,

We are delighted to support and nourish the creative talents of all ages in Kilkenny.

The Young Irish Filmmakers are now recruiting for their Visual Communications and Multimedia Production course.

This course is an excellent grounding in all things Multimedia and an excellent progression route to higher levels of education, says Gareth Hanlon the course Coordinator.

Last year 90% of our learners received their full level 5 QQI major award.

Subject choices range from digital media technology, web design, graphic design, multimedia production/authoring and work experience.

The course is very practical from day one, with the first video creations happening in the first week. Drama, comedy, music and documentary workshops are peppered throughout the programme. Learners can also expect a number of road trips to exhibitions, film festivals and college open days.

The student-centred team at YIFM work with each learner to define their personal project, which will include video, audio, text, imagery and design. Where possible other students help you with productions, photography and other creative services. You feed into their portfolios and they into yours. Its like a creative family scenario, we even have a wellbeing officer on the team to ensure learners have their best experience.

The Kilkenny City based course runs full time for 44 weeks and begins in September 2021. The course is a full time foundation in all things media. Every September, 20 creative people aged 16+, sign up for 44 weeks of video production, music production, podcasting, photography, graphic design, performance and video editing.

Explaining the entry requirements, Gareth states, It is usually Level 4 or equivalent to join us, however, the real requirement is a passion for media, film making, photography or film editing.

With commitment learners will build a significant portfolio, and a solid foundation in the Adobe Creative Suite, including Premiere Pro, Photoshop and InDesign, explains Gareth. The feedback we get from our students is excellent, one student in particular, forwarded this message to the staff upon completion of the course Thank you all so much guys the best year Ive ever had.

Also, there is generally payment for attending the course. You will need to be signed on to Intreo, on Disability payment or be an early school leaver to qualify. There is also assistance with travel costs where appropriate.



Places go fast, to be on the list, go to Fetchcourses.ie (Search Multimedia. Location Kilkenny) visit YIFM.COM or contact gareth@yifm.com directly for more information.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 58F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 58F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.
Parts of Yellowstone National Park may stay closed for 'substantial length of time' after severe flooding
MISSOURI  Nearly 50 Missouri Republican lawmakers sent a letter to Sen. Roy Blunt Wednesday requesting he withdraw support for a bipartisan gun control deal he helped create.

Over the weekend, Sen. Blunt joined nine other Republican U.S. Senators and 10 Democrats in the bipartisan agreement on a series of gun violence measures, which comes in response to the mass shootings in Ulvade, Texas and Buffalo, New York.

The letter, written by Rep. Tony Lovasco (R-O'Fallon), requests Blunt immediately and publicly withdraw support from the proposed legislation.

The legislation would give incentives to states to set up red flag laws that allow courts to take guns away from people who are distressed or pose a harm to either themselves or someone else.

It would also prevent domestic violence offenders from purchasing guns and would set up a mandatory review of juvenile and mental health records for gun buyers under the age of 21.

It still faces Congressional approval.

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Lovasco said though the Missouri General Assembly has voted not to pass such laws before, "other states will not have such resolve."

"If this measure comes into fruition, a vote for it will directly enable the spread of confiscation laws throughout the country, and further normalize support for the eventual disarmament of this nation," Lovasco wrote.

Blunt's key point of support in the legislation are the investments in mental health, suicide prevention and school safety. His office issued a news release after the deal was negotiated to promote the mental health provisions that would fund community mental health and addiction treatment centers.

Earlier this month, members of the Missouri Moms Demand Action group hand-delivered a stack of petitions calling for gun safety legislation to Blunt's Columbia office.

The petitions, which were signed by nearly 5,000 Missourians, broadly asked for more gun safety legislation, like the expansion of background check regulations and implication of red flag laws.

Lovasco said Blunt should not allow any bill to advance that contains gun control or firearm confiscation of any kind, "no matter how small or indirect it may seem."

The letter was signed by mid-Missouri Republicans including Rep. Chuck Basye (Rocheport), Rep. Cheri Toalson-Reisch (Hallsville), Rep. Sara Walsh (Ashland), Rep. Travis Fitzwater (Fulton), Rep. Dave Griffith (Jefferson City) Rep. Brad Pollit (Sedalia). It was also signed by four members of the state Senate.
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By Donald Kirk





Can we really be sure Korea's relations with Japan are improving under the newly installed conservative government? The answer is we can't be sure of anything. We can only hope they can work together in the context of trilateral cooperation.



The common denominator of the arrangement is the United States, which has separate historic alliances forged in blood with both Korea and Japan. No one should have any illusions about an actual trilateral alliance.



You can't blame Koreans for hating the idea. The Japanese not only colonized Korea, forcing people to learn their language, adopt their names, and bow to their emperor but also took over farmland, barred Koreans from many types of business and imprisoned, tortured and executed dissidents.



Oh, and then there are those other long-running, irreconcilable issues, beginning with that of the thousands of Korean girls forced to serve as "comfort women" (sex slaves) for the Japanese.



The practice wasn't just a wartime phenomenon. It began before the war when many girls were offered jobs thinking they would serve as waitresses or housekeepers, only to discover the Japanese had other ideas for them.



We've had no end of apologies from the Japanese. I saw and heard Junichiro Koizumi, their prime minister two decades ago, bow and say how sorry he was about the past during a visit to the former Seodaemun prison, now a historical site with graphic displays of the ways in which the Japanese brutalized Koreans. Japanese leaders, after apologizing, somehow provoke demands for still more apologies.



No end of apologizing will heal the wounds of the colonial era. How can mere words redress the suffering and humiliation of thousands of comfort women? All but a few of them are long since gone.



And who believes Korean and Japanese scholars are ever going to agree on the texts of history books for students in both countries to read? It would be unrealistic to imagine that Koreans and Japanese, officially or personally, can come to terms with those and other hyper-sensitive historical issues.



Still, somehow it should be possible to look ahead as President Yoon Suk-yeol is trying to do. It's not clear how he hopes to get around deep historical differences, but at least he's able to recognize the need to work with the Japanese against a common menace in the form of North Korea's undying drive to impose its rule over the entire Korean Peninsula by flaunting its nukes and missiles.



No, certainly Kim Jong-un is not so foolish as to dream of invading the South as his grandfather did 72 years ago this month, but his strategy is obvious. He thinks that by staging periodic missile tests and possibly a seventh nuclear test, he can get politicians and diplomats running around looking for dialogue and compromise, maybe in the form of relief from sanctions.



Ultimately, Kim dreams of persuading the U.S. and South Korea to give up their military alliance, with the U.S. finally withdrawing its forces.



President Yoon, by looking to improve relations with Japan, has already rejected the appeasement policy of his predecessor, Moon Jae-in. Moon, no doubt, had the best of intentions. He believed that if he could maintain the dialogue that began amid such optimism with his three summits with Kim four years ago, he could bring about a rapprochement with the North.



Hopes were high after the American president, Donald Trump, was loving it up with Kim during their first summit in Singapore four years ago, on June 12, 2018.



Since that halcyon period, Kim Jong-un has made amply clear he's not going to follow through on anything, notably the pledge that he and Trump signed for "complete denuclearization" of the Korean Peninsula. Not even the pandemic, for which North Korea was totally unprepared, is going to bring him to his senses.



Under the circumstances, it's vital for South Korea and Japan to set aside historical grievances. That's not to say Koreans should forget the iniquities of the colonial era. For mutual survival against a common foe, however, they have to recognize the benefits of military cooperation if not alliance.



It's not just North Korea that South Korea needs to worry about. The North is backed up by two of the world's biggest, most authoritarian, aggressive powers, China and Russia, both of which are eager to expand their influence in the region.



South Korea and Japan have too much at stake, too much in common, to let the tragedy of the past jeopardize the promise of the future.





Donald Kirk (www.donaldkirk.com) writes from Seoul as well as Washington.




By Grant Golub



Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February, a debate within the U.S. foreign policy community has reignited over how far Washington would go to defend Taiwan if China launched a similar assault on the island. These questions acquired a new level of urgency last month when President Joe Biden seemed to suggest he would use military force to protect Taiwan if Beijing ever decided to attack it.



Although Biden administration officials quickly clarified the United States had not abandoned its historic policy of "strategic ambiguity" toward Taiwan's defense, the president's comments came only days before Secretary of State Antony Blinken gave a speech outlining Washington's approach to China: Beijing is the greatest challenger to the American-led international order, and its global behavior must be constrained through shaping the "strategic environment" around it.



Despite U.S. officials insisting they don't want a "new Cold War," the Biden team is making a mistake in applying the Cold War-era U.S. strategy of containment as a means of managing its increasingly hostile relationship with China. Indeed, Washington already fought a cold war once with Beijing while engaging in superpower competition with Moscow  it was a catastrophe not only for American foreign policy but also for all of East Asia.



During the first 25 or so years of the Cold War, Asia represented a blood-soaked albatross for U.S. policymakers.



Months after his domestic critics accused him of "losing China" to leader Mao Zedong and his Chinese Communist Party (CCP), President Harry Truman authorized a military intervention on the Korean Peninsula in 1950 to halt North Korea's invasion of its southern neighbor. "If we were to let Asia go," he warned after Pyongyang's forces attacked, "the Near East would collapse and no telling what would happen in Europe."



This early formulation of the "domino theory," which Truman cited to justify U.S. involvement, helped transform the Cold War from a political and economic competition into a militarized confrontation that led to a series of fiascoes in Asia.



Washington's early victories in reversing North Korea's invasion triggered Chinese intervention in the Korean conflict, leading to a costly stalemate. By the time a cease-fire was reached in July 1953, there were an estimated 5 million casualties, including 2 million to 3 million civilians. South Korea had been saved, but Mao's China exacted a terrible cost.



At two points during the 1950s, U.S. officials found themselves on the nuclear brink when Mao attacked Taiwanese-held islands off the coast of mainland China. Looking to avoid using American ground forces, the Eisenhower administration threatened atomic retaliation to defend Taiwan. Beijing ultimately relented both times, but the crises convinced Chinese policymakers to build their own nuclear deterrent, raising the stakes in a volatile region.



The U.S. soon found itself sucked into another ferocious quagmire in Indochina. France's inability to quell a communist insurgency there pushed Washington to deeply engage, first by aiding Paris' military campaigns and then by deploying American troops in what became known as the Vietnam War. Covertly assisted by Beijing, North Vietnam consistently frustrated U.S. efforts to defeat it, leading to an approximate 3 million deaths. By the war's end, American leaders had achieved none of their objectives, and the CCP scored a significant victory in pushing U.S. forces out of Vietnam.



Across Southeast Asia, Chinese-U.S. competition caused significant destruction and violence. In Indonesia, Washington abetted a wave of mass killings of suspected communist sympathizers that led to roughly 500,000 deaths and decades of authoritarian rule. In neighboring Malaysia, U.S. officials supported counterinsurgency campaigns against Beijing-sponsored communist revolutionaries that resulted in two decades of civil war. Fears of CCP influence spreading produced a succession of American misadventures in the Pacific that hardly advanced U.S. goals.



As U.S.-China relations further decline to lows not seen in decades, America's previous cold war with China should give policymakers pause. Washington's past attempt to contain Beijing in East Asia accomplished little and precipitated wanton regional devastation and ruin. This all occurred while China was a low-income nation with hundreds of millions living in poverty.



After decades of setbacks, an earlier generation of U.S. cold warriors finally learned a militarized approach to China would only continue to end in failure. With China currently rising as a peer competitor and expanding its nuclear arsenal, the risks of miscalculation are even more fraught than before.



On its current trajectory, Chinese-U.S. great power competition in the Pacific will leave the region less secure and more prone to instability and conflict. Biden's increasingly hawkish advisers must realize the Cold War is not a recipe for success but a formula for disaster.



The 21st century requires a fresh framework for tackling an unstable world  comprehensive diplomacy and cooperation are a good place to start.





Grant Golub is a contributing fellow at Defense Priorities and an Ernest May Fellow with the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School. The article was produced for the Chicago Tribune and distributed by Tribune Content Agency.




By Arvinder Singh Lamba





Nowhere in any region of the world are there as complex a maze of conflict-prone situations, policies and initiatives that intersect at cross purposes as they appear in the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula, the Indian Ocean and their allies' relationships with its neighbors and extended neighborhood.



The geopolitics of this region have tossed smaller nations' foreign policy formulations toward the U.S. or China, at the cost of a blind spot or deferring relations with other countries.



Under then President Moon Jae-in's New Northern Policy, South Korea's unprecedented outreach to North Korea and China, with a focus on improving relations and even unification with North Korea and heavy tilt toward China, was a gross contradiction of strategic interests between not only South Korea and U.S., but also South Korea's relations with Japan and India.



Moon's foreign policy focus on North Korea has shown little interest in actual disarmament and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. The intense commitment toward normalization with North Korea and China over the first two years relegated the focus of other major powers, but drew situations that showed Moon's skewed approaches toward the desired objectives.



With Yoon Suk-Yeol from the conservative People Power Party (PPP) taking over as the new president of South Korea on May 10, fundamental changes in South Korea's foreign and security policies are widely expected. Yoon has been described as a political maverick unbeholden to political bosses and factions.



Under his leadership, developing closer ties with the Indo-Pacific region is expected to be a priority area of the new administration. Gone are the days when the South Korean government was heavily focused on developing closer ties with North Korea and China.



A long-time U.S. treaty ally and a rising power, a global economic dynamo with leading state-of-the-art military systems and advanced technologies, South Korea is set to emerge from being a geopolitical anomaly, largely marginal in shaping the geopolitical landscape in its own Asian neighborhood, to a global player.



Describing his country as a "global pivotal state," Yoon has vowed to help like-minded powers, especially the U.S., jointly advance "freedom, peace, and prosperity through liberal democratic values and substantial cooperation."



Bilateral partnership



India and South Korea have emerged almost simultaneously as politically and militarily strong nations that can add immensely to stability and peace in the region.



With India positioned as a strong emerging power with its new leadership and a foreign policy that has proven its outreach and impact in face of multiple and extremely complex challenges to its security and national strategy vis-a vis China, India's leadership could work with Yoon's call to reset South Korea's place in the broader Indo-Pacific and India's geopolitical landscape.



While the transformation of the Asia-Pacific concept to an Indo-Pacific framework clearly reflected India's position as a powerful core dynamic toward an effective security strategy in the Indo-Pacific region, India and South Korea can add immensely to strengthen the Indo-Pacific region and the Quad.



South Korea can best relate to China becoming a serious challenge for India, by its posturing dangerously and in full combat mode, attempting to resolve its boundary dispute in its own characteristic way of altering geography and history. The standoff between India and China on the Leh border and China's forward posturing and intensifying buildup to near conflict readiness on either side is indeed worrisome.



Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has echoed a similar statement, arguing, "India's approach should be guided by our national beliefs and values, by our national interest, and by our national strategy." India and South Korea could now push to integrate India's "Act East" strategy, and the ROK (Republic of Korea) Northeast Asia Peace and Cooperation Initiative (NAPCI) to bringing peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.



Defense industrial cooperation



South Korea's rapid emergence as a defense and strategic partner among Asian countries, exporting defense equipment such as submarines and combat aircraft to Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, including a variant of the FA-50 fighter jet and T-50 to the Philippines, open avenues of joining India in its defense industrialization and self-reliance.



The Indian government is working on setting up two defense industrial corridors in the country, one in Uttar Pradesh and another in Tamil Nadu, with an aim to ensure connectivity among various defense industrial units. It is expected to open up many new opportunities in defense collaborations with South Korea.



South Korean exports of Hanwha's K9 self-propelled artillery to NATO nations including Estonia, Finland, Norway, Poland and Turkey, as well as Australia and India, the KF-21, Boramae Fighter under evolution and for exports, will mark a historic chapter in their aviation industry.



Space cooperation



The Indian Space Research Organization and the (South) Korea Aerospace Research Institute allow both sides to explore commercial opportunities with each other, deep space cross tracking and communication support for South Korean and Indian deep space missions; sharing of data of lunar surface and radiation data collected by Chandrayan1, and collaboration in GAGAN-KASS interoperability and sharing experience in GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation system) and KASS (Korea Augmentation Satellite System). This program is likely to take off soon.



Building credible deterrence



The war in Ukraine reflects the world facing a Eurasian threat belt that includes China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. Each poses different risks and military challenges. North Korea's accelerating nuclear weapons and ballistic missile capabilities require a regional resetting of countermeasures and North Korea policy.



While the need for a strong trilateral security and defense cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Japan is being considered as a key step, India and South Korea could lead and formulate a multilateral strategic partnership with Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam, and willing members of ASEAN, toward a credible deterrence.



From South Korea's New Asia Initiative of 2003 through then President Moon's New Southern Policy and India's very significant Act East Policy, relations between India and South Korea have evolved into a very special strategic partnership.



India and South Korea's strategic partnership may be at a point of creating a new dynamic, continuously adding new elements in ever growing multilateral strategic partnerships to ensure not only a free Indo-Pacific but also enabling focus on larger challenges in the region.





Lt. Gen. Arvinder Singh Lamba, Ph.D., former vice chief of army staff, Indian Army, is a well-known analyst in strategic affairs, security strategy, military diplomacy and international relations. The views expressed in the above article are the author's own and do not reflect the editorial direction of The Korea Times.




By Kim Sang-woo





The pandemic had raised questions about the world's reliance on an economic model that has broken trade barriers but made countries heavily reliant on each other as production was de-localized.



But now companies have been struggling to cope with major bottlenecks in the global supply chain. Russia's war in Ukraine has raised fears about further disruptions, with everything from energy supplies to auto parts to exports of wheat and raw materials under threat.



Shortages of surgical masks at the outset of the pandemic became a symbol of the world's dependence on Chinese factory goods.



The conflict between Russia and Ukraine raised concerns about food shortages around the globe as the two countries are among the major breadbaskets of the world.



It also put a spotlight on Europe's  especially Germany  heavy dependence on gas supplies from Russia.



"A number of vulnerabilities" have emerged that show the limits of having supply chains spread out in different locations, the former director general of the World Trade Organization Pascal Lamy said.



The goal now is to redirect strategic dependence toward allies, which Ferdi De Ville, professor at Ghent Institute for International and European Studies, termed as "friend-shoring" instead of "off-shoring."



Immediately after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the West and its partners have come together in the most dramatic set of coordinated economic sanctions in modern history.



The European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan, the United States, Canada, Australia, South Korea, and even Switzerland have worked in the most seamless fashion to isolate and punish Russia.



While the measures have not been enough to persuade Putin to cease his offensive in Ukraine, Western countries have shown an extraordinary capacity to shake off decades of economic policy lethargy.



This may show the way toward a future economic order: not a U.S.-led system with others often reluctantly following, but a far more active joint management of the global economy. The U.S. on its own no longer has the capacity or willingness to lead the global economic system without robust support.



Putin's Russia has provided strong motivation for the West to put its fraternal differences aside and come together in an unprecedented way.



While the international community strongly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and came together against Russia, the South Korean government among them, the politicians in Seoul seemed indifferent, oblivious even.



During the presidential election campaign Lee Jae-myung, the candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, used the Russia-Ukraine conflict to take a swipe at his opponent Yoon Suk-yeol's inexperience. Lee said that Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was "a political novice" who "became president and openly called for NATO membership, which provoked Russia and resulted in a military conflict."



The People Power Party responded in kind by criticizing the Moon Jae-in administration's opposition to South Korea becoming a nuclear power, claiming that Ukraine had been attacked because it gave up its nuclear weapons.



When Zelenskyy delivered a virtual address to South Korea's legislature at the National Assembly library on April 11, less than 60 lawmakers were present. This marked a stark contrast to the attendance of lawmakers in the U.S., Japan, the U.K., Germany, France and the European Parliament, which were completely packed, and gave Zelenskyy a standing ovation.



Foreign media noted that South Koreans, who experienced war only 70 years ago, now seemed more interested in the falling price of Russian king crabs than the horrors of the conflict in Ukraine.



The Yoon Suk-yeol government's foreign policy team appears to be aware of the rapidly changing global geopolitical undercurrents and is taking necessary steps to address them. And although president Yoon's challenges abound, it still begins at home with a divided society and National Assembly.



Nevertheless, a new international order is in the making and South Korea must wisely choose the best course for its future.



It is important to consider South Korea's economic interests with China and take into account the unique aspects of inter-Korean relations.



However, South Korea's foreign policy should be based on international norms practiced by democratic countries  values such as human rights, democracy and sovereignty.



South Korea should criticize Russia's imperialistic behavior. Because it knows very well what it means for the right to self-determination to be trampled upon by a great power.



The unprecedented sanctions by the West and its partners were a clear message that they are united in preserving democratic values.



As a result, the 11th largest economy in the world was pushed to the edge of a sovereign default. More than 300 global companies have pulled their operations out of Russia.



The international community's strong support has raised Ukrainian morale as its people rally around President Zelenskyy. International public opinion is firmly behind Kyiv as more and more people around the world seek to help Ukrainians in their struggle against the Russian dictator.



While China is currently engaged in a relatively looser form of cooperation with Russia, Putin and Xi could join forces in earnest to upend the international order if they so choose.



Although Europe and China have clashed in recent years over the repression of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, and bans on Chinese technology, there was an underlying consensus about maintaining friendly economic relations. Russia's invasion has seriously altered Europe's calculus.



Since its liberation in 1945, South Korea has been the beneficiary of the post-World War II liberal international order. Now the time has come for South Korea to defend the democratic norms that have served it so well and help uphold the rules-based international order.



As the 10th largest economy in the world, South Korea's economic standing carries certain responsibilities. If democracy is defeated by authoritarianism, South Korea will also suffer the consequences.



As George Bernard Shaw said, "The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react."





Kim Sang-woo (swkim54@hotmail.com), a former lawmaker, is chairman of the East Asia Cultural Project. He is also a member of the board of directors at the Kim Dae-jung Peace Foundation.




Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Clear skies. Low 48F. N winds at 10 to 15 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Low 48F. N winds at 10 to 15 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.
Two people in this 2001 Chevrolet Malibu escaped with minor scrapes after the vehicle swerved to avoid a collision with a semi and struck a guardrail on Interstate 69 near exit 340 Thursday morning.
As China's close neighbor, Japan clearly needs to maintain relatively harmonious relations with China, as robust economic ties and frequent people-to-people exchanges are mutually beneficial.

Even if high-ranking Japanese officials such as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi may feel obliged to push Japan into playing a part in the United States' contain-China rodeo, they cannot ignore the dire consequences of harming bilateral cooperation by being an overly enthusiastic wanna-be cowboy.

So while Kishida and Kishi both played up China-related issues in their speeches at the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Kishi also agreed in his talks with Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe on the sidelines of the regional security forum that the two militaries should promote dialogue and exchanges.

The necessity of improving their military-to-military ties and properly handling the differences between the two countries is beyond doubt. But given Japan's recent provocations in relation to the Taiwan question, the Japanese side needs to show its sincerity by matching these words with deeds.

Both at the Shangri-La Dialogue and on other occasions, Japan has followed the US' lead in accusing China of aggression, coercion and rules-breaking behavior. In his speech addressing the Singapore forum, Kishida even tried to inflate the spurious allegations of a wolf in the fold by raising the alarm that China's actions are the precursors of war in the region. "Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow," he cautioned.

Given how that conflict was provoked and is being prolonged, he would have been more on the money if the wolf he was warning of was the US, but let's not digress. Let's keep the focus on Tokyo's tin-star ambitions.

If Tokyo pursues its desire to play deputy sheriff in Washington's Wild West show, it will only sow the seeds for a strategic misjudgment.

Tokyo should not let Kishi's remarks in his talk with Wei be nothing more than a courtesy of the hour. It should endeavor to substantiate them not only by strengthening military-to-military communication but also by making efforts with Beijing to build greater mutual trust.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan diplomatic ties. The two countries should take it as an opportunity to make joint efforts to forge a stable relationship that meets their own requirements and those of the region.

The wisdom of bitter experience is highlighted in the old curse "may you live in interesting times", an apt descriptor of today.

But a benevolent lesson has also been learned from such times, which is encapsulated in the adage that good-neighborly relations are something to be treasured.

Better relations would enable the two neighbors to play a joint and constructive role in regional peace and stability and join hands with countries in the region to accelerate the mutually beneficial momentum of regional economic integration.

Conversely, by letting itself be marshaled into the US' friction-and-confrontation bulldogging strategy, Japan will only play havoc with the region's hard-won peace and stability.
ROCHESTER  There ain't any mayo in this tuna salad. And there's no boring store-bought ham and sliced cheddar cheese on the sandwiches.

At Scungilli's, western Racine County's newest sandwich shop at 207A W. Main St., Rochester, the dishes are all about family. Three of the main dishes are named after the children of the owners, and the meals are inspired by homemade picnics the owners  Paul and Dana Dagostino  remember from their childhood trips to Lake Geneva.

Eating here is like being cooked for by an Italian grandma who still has all of her family's recipes from Sicily.

Family is important in the Dagostino household. Thats why Paul and Dana hang a photo of themselves with their three kids/employees  18-year-old Dominic, 14-year-old Gina and 9-year-old Vito  on the way to the kitchen.

Paul previously had worked in a kitchen for six years, and Dana always cooked for her family and had memories of cooking with her mother and grandmother growing up; her great-grandparents had owned a restaurant.

When we were young, at least for my family, we never ate takeout food. Our parents cooked for us all the time ... Thats just how they were. Its just what they did, Paul said.

The recipes featured on the menu of Scungillis are what Paul and Dana had grown up with, but with their own personal twists. Paul created every sauce from scratch in his kitchen, aside from a sweet mustard recipe inherited from Danas aunt Deb.

That was important to us: a majority of our food on the menu was all either created by us or inspired by family," Dana said. "It was important to us to bring our recipes and traditions to the community to experience us and what we do and how we cook. A lot of those sandwiches are sandwiches we grew up on, and we just put a twist on them.

From balls to sandwiches

Paul and Dana used to make arancini, Sicilian rice balls, for their local farmers' market.

When it came to setting up a business on their own, arancini proved to take too much time to prepare every day. Pizza and pasta also could have been a way to go, but time and budgetary factors again caused an issue  since they just started out and don't currently have a pizza oven. They needed something quick and easy (but still delicious and unique) to make for the menu; that's when they fell on the idea of a sandwich shop.

Paul says the best representation of this is The Don sandwich on the menu. It includes three meats  salami, mortadella, capicola  provolone, house-marinated tomatoes, and roasted garlic mayo served on focaccia bread.

Both being from Illinois originally, Paul and Dana would go to Lake Geneva as kids on day trips. The picnic lunches their families would pack are the main inspiration of the restaurant's menu.

Another example is the tuna salad served at Scungillis. While a traditional American tuna salad is made with mayo, the Italian recipes call for oil and vinegar. Not many places in the area offer tuna salad this way, but the Dagostinos say that they have people who prefer it the way they make it, being much lighter than the mayo-based options.

"There have been people who will come right out and tell you 'I don't know that that is, but I want to try it,' and they end loving it," Paul said. "That's probably a good message: just give it a try."

The food is prepared in-house at Scungilli's. From slicing the meats to preparing the daily batch of minestrone and even the fillings for the cannoli and the sheets of eclair cakes for desserts. Eclair is staple of both Paul and Dana's childhoods.

All in the family

Paul and Dana have special menu items named after and inspired by their children.

Dominic , the oldest of the children and a recent graduate of Burlington High School, has a stromboli named after him. The Domenico is filled with his favorite ingredients, like meatballs and provolone in crusty pizza dough.

, the oldest of the children and a recent graduate of Burlington High School, has a stromboli named after him. The Domenico is filled with his favorite ingredients, like meatballs and provolone in crusty pizza dough. Gina , the middle child and only daughter, has the nickname pazza, which is Italian for crazy girl. On the menu, pazza is used to designate the grilled cheese paninis, Gina's favorite sandwiches.

, the middle child and only daughter, has the nickname pazza, which is Italian for crazy girl. On the menu, pazza is used to designate the grilled cheese paninis, Gina's favorite sandwiches. Vito, the youngest, has the sandwich Ducci Boy named after him. Being his nickname as well, the Ducci Boy is his favorite sandwich  a Nutella and banana sandwich served on a brioche roll.

Its a comforting feeling knowing that the work that I'm doing (at Scungilli's) is benefiting myself in the long run. It benefits my parents and my family, Dominic said. "Instead of when I was working in a different place, feeling like my work wasnt so much appreciated or I'll never see the result of the work, compared to now, I pretty much get to see and live the results of the hard work my parents and I put in.

New items, namely pasta, will likely be added to the menu in the near future.
A season of dramatic metamorphosis and verdant, burgeoning beauty, spring promises new life and new hope, rebirth and renewal.

This spring season is no exception at Bloomfields McKay Park & Nature Trails, which is sporting a fresh face thanks to two Genoa City teen brothers and a host of supportive youth and adult helpers.

Located on the corner of Lake Geneva Highway and Manor Terrace near Star Center Elementary School, land for 13.7-acre McKay Park was donated to the Town of Bloomfield by Gene Snow in 1995. The park now lies in the Village of Bloomfield.

Its looping wetland boardwalk, inclusive of two small shelter pavilions with bench seating, was installed in 2003 and is accessed opposite N1458 Manor Terrace.

Eagle Scout projectsThanks to two separate but coordinated Eagle Scout projects spearheaded by Tristan and Kason Klabunde, members of Lake Geneva-based Boy Scout Troop 239, McKay Park & Nature Trail has been significantly rehabilitated and upgraded this spring.

Eagle Scout service projects provide an opportunity for Boy Scouts to demonstrate their leadership of others while performing a project to benefit their local community. Projects must benefit an organization other than the Boys Scouts of America (BSA) and cannot be performed for a business or individual and cannot be commercial in nature. A culmination of a scouts leadership training and formation, the successful completion of an Eagle Scout service project is one of the requirements to attain Eagle Scout stature, the highest rank awarded.

Among the many Eagle Scouts of note include astronaut Neil Armstrong, actor Harrison Ford, and former U.S. Presidents John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Tristan said he drew inspiration for the Eagle Scout project from his participation in Future Farmers of America (FFA) and agricultural classes at Badger High School in Lake Geneva, as well as other prior Eagle Scout projects within his troop.

Kason was encouraged by Kenneth Monroe, owner of Monroes Auto Service in Pell Lake and District 10 supervisor on the Walworth County Board. Monroe was Town of Bloomfield supervisor from 1992-2002, town chairman from 2002-10 and Village of Bloomfield president from 2011-16. He is also a longtime citizen member of the Joint Ad-Hoc McKay Park Committee, which includes members from both the town and village of Bloomfield.

Kason said Monroe suggested that the scope of rehabilitating McKay Park would make the endeavor suitable for an Eagle Scout Project and be of great benefit to the community.

The brothers appeared before the Bloomfield town and village boards on April 11 to outline their proposed Eagle Scout project plans, with village president Dan Aronson thanking the boys and wishing them luck. Their uncle is Bloomfield Highway Department Supervisor Fred Klabunde.

A lot to do

Tristan, an incoming senior at Badger High School, oversaw a variety of intensive overhaul activities as part of the Eagle Scout project.

The project included the replacement of broken or rotted boardwalk planks, re-elevation of the boardwalk where needed, and the clearing and hauling of a significant amount of overgrowth that had come to overrun the boardwalk and make it difficult to traverse in numerous areas.

Litter  even discarded tires  was removed from the wetland area as part of the project.

Tall grass overgrowth was also removed from around the McKay Park sign fronting Lake Geneva Highway.

As part of his Eagle Scout service project, Kason, an incoming sophomore at Badger, covered graffiti, repaired broken benches in the two boardwalk shelter pavilions, rehabilitated the parks four existing birdhouses and installed an additional four, doubling the number of nesting boxes to eight.

The spring-long Eagle Scout project, which included numerous after-school work sessions for the Klabunde brothers, culminated in a major 9 a.m.-8 p.m. work session at the park May 22. Over the course of the day, the brothers were joined by 11 scout peers and a half-dozen parent helpers, including Tristan and Kasons parents, Trent and Cyndi Klabunde.

This was a very large project, said Trent Klabunde. There was a lot to do.

The brothers are pleased with the end results.

I thought it came out really well, said Kason. Theres been people commenting on Facebook about how nice of a job we did.

Tristan agreed.

I feel it came together all nice and well, he said. Overall, its a good project.

Cyndi Klabunde said the Eagle Scout project has made a night-and-day transformation in the appearance and functionality of McKay Park, making it a more pleasant and user-friendly facility to visit.

Im proud of the work they did,  she said. There is a huge difference in the way that the park looked before they started to what it looks like now. I think its nice out here, to sit and enjoy nature and take a walk. I enjoy coming out here. Its peaceful.

The Eagle Scout project has renewed local interest in McKay Park & Nature Trail, as well as improved its overall visibility in the community, where the 27-year-old park remains something of a hidden treasure.

Its really made people aware theres a park over here, Trent Klabunde noted. A lot of people didnt know this was out here until my wife posted before and after pictures on Facebook (community group Bloomfield News Uncensored). Theyre like, Wheres that at? I want to check it out. And then people came and checked it out and said, Hey, awesome. You guys did a nice job on that.

The Eagle Scout project has also spurred an interest in the park by wildlife, with birds already nesting in the four newly-installed birdhouses.

The birds and other wildlife are starting to return, Tristan said.

Added Trent, The birds were everywhere, having a blast out here. You come out here and sit in the pavilions, its amazing all the birds that are out here now, flying around and doing their thing. They were all excited.

Local official are pleased with the end result of the Eagle Scout service project at McKay Park & Nature Trail and expressed appreciation for the leadership and community service efforts spearheaded by the brothers.

Aronson thanked and congratulated Tristan and Kason on how much work they put into the project.

We have had multiple projects completed in our community by Boy Scouts as part of their journey to achieve Eagle Scout and are thankful for them, said Aronson. The village wishes these young men the best in their future pursuits.

Also appreciative was Monroe, who noted that the latest initiative is the third Eagle Scout project to be undertaken at McKay Park over its history.

They did an excellent job  far above and beyond, he said.

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YORKVILLE  A touch of Hispanic culture could be vanishing from Racine County after neighbors persuaded village officials that a wedding barn brought noise and congestion to a peaceful countryside.

The Yorkville Village Board voted Monday night against granting a permit for Rancho La Promesa and its Hispanic-themed wedding celebrations and other musical events.

Barn owner Maria Sandoval and her supporters had voiced concerns about anti-Hispanic attitudes and facing racist slurs from neighbors as they sought to overcome neighborhood opposition.

But members of the Village Board expressed support for neighbors who wanted to shut down Rancho La Promesa because, they said, it was too disruptive in the neighborhood along Braun Road.

Several neighbors opposed the wedding barn Monday night during a joint meeting of the Village Board and Plan Commission to consider issuing a permit for the venue, which began hosting events without the required permit last year.

Neighbor Martin Haas compared the music and noise to a megaphone, saying he and others are disturbed by changes that Sandoval and her wedding barn have brought to a quiet rural area.

We like the quiet, Haas said. We dont want the development. We dont want the changes.

Sandoval, who pledged to make any adjustments necessary to accommodate neighbors, found support among others at the village meeting.

Racine County Board Supervisor Melissa Kaprelian, who represents the area in county government, urged Yorkville village officials to keep an open mind about Rancho La Promesa. Saying that new home construction and businesses development frequently changes a communitys appearance and character, Kaprelian said wedding barns, too, have enjoyed success in similar settings in the area.

Kaprelian described Sandoval and her family as respectable people who are willing to cooperate with their neighbors.

Were asking to bring forth diversity. Were asking not to be stagnant, Kaprelian said.

Village Board members, however, found that the wedding barn events were too disruptive for neighbors and were too inappropriate for the rural countryside of western Racine County.

The Village Board and Plan Commission both voted unanimously to deny Sandovals request for a conditional use permit that would have allowed her to legally continue hosting events on her agricultural-zoned property.

Village Trustee Cory Bartlett compared Rancho La Promesa to a gravel mine proposal that the village blocked a few years ago because of neighborhood opposition.

This is very, very similar, just a slightly different flavor, Bartlett said.

Sandoval and her husband, Gerardo Sandoval, purchased a 7-acre farm property five years ago at 14800 Braun Road. The former Milwaukee-area residents of Mexican heritage, who have two college-age children, wanted to live in a more rural area.

The couple said they invested about $30,000 in converting an old barn into a venue for banquet-style events of up to 300 people. Rancho La Promesa has hosted many weddings and quinceanera parties, which are traditional celebrations for Hispanic girls marking their 15th birthday.

The events began last year before village officials said they started hearing complaints from neighbors about noisy music, heavy traffic, late-night hours and roadside trash.

Neighbors either declined to comment or denied that their opposition was driven by anti-Hispanic attitudes or racism.

The Village Board voted April 11 to deny a permit for Rancho La Promesa, but officials later agreed to reconsider and put the matter up for another public hearing.

Sandoval and her family members appeared Monday night with an attorney, Nick Wanic, who assured village officials that Sandoval was willing to comply with any laws or rules that would allow her to maintain the wedding barn. Wanic said the villages guidance on the matter had been unmanageable and contradictory.

Shes trying, he said of his client. Shes trying to build a business.

Neighbors told village officials that the event venue does not fit into the area along Braun Road. Some questioned what other types of businesses would be permitted, while several said the noise from the weddings and other events was intolerable.

The noise level is just out of control, neighbor Vicky Lange said. Its too much.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, held meetings with the President of the Human Rights Council (HRC), the Coordinator of the Non-Aligned Movement (Geneva Chapter) and the Permanent Representative of Brazil in Geneva on 14 June 2022, on the sidelines of the 50th Session of the HRC.

During the meeting with the President of the Human Rights Council, and Permanent Representative of Argentina, Federico Villegas, the Foreign Minister briefed on the current socio-economic situation in Sri Lanka and the need for empathy and understanding of the international community. Whilst stressing the need for space for the country to deal with the present socio-economic issues, he reiterated the political will and resolve to deal with obligations and move ahead.

In this respect, the Foreign Minister highlighted the measurable and verifiable progress made, including with regard to amending the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the proposed 21st amendment to the Constitution, as well as strengthening independent commissions, the work of the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation, the Office on Missing Persons, the Office for Reparations and engagement with civil society. He also briefed on the substantial progress by Sri Lanka on the Sustainable Development Goals, with the UN Sustainable Development Report 2021 placing Sri Lanka at the 87th position, with an overall ranking of 68.1, which is above the regional average and an increase by 7 positions out of 165 countries.

Noting that all countries go through difficult periods in their history and that each specific case requires a different approach, the President of the Human Rights Council expressed his willingness to assist Sri Lanka in this respect. He added that his role as the President of the HRC was one of bridge  building and to promote dialogue with every country and every mandate. Sri Lanka could avail of the assistance and expertise of the HRC Presidency as well as the experience of Argentina from which South Africa too had benefitted.

During the meeting with the Coordinator of the Non  Aligned Movement (Geneva Chapter), the Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan, Galib Israfilov, where he referred to Sri Lankas longstanding and robust relations with the Non-Aligned Movement, the Minister stressed the continued relevance of NAM values and solidarity in order to face contemporary challenges. He requested greater revitalizing of the Non-Aligned Movement and assured of Sri Lankas continuing and active support to the Movement.

Ambassador Israfilov briefed on the NAM activities over the last few years, including on equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics during the pandemic, on post pandemic recovery efforts, in the security sector, parliamentary dialogue through the Inter Parliamentary Union and to foster dialogue in the Human Rights Council on matters such as the Right to Development. Outlining future initiatives, he re-iterated Azerbaijans commitment and continuing efforts to raise the profile of NAM with the active support of Member States.

During the meeting with the Permanent Representative of Brazil, Tovor da Silva Nunes, Foreign Minister Peiris emphasized Sri Lankas eagerness to engage more actively with countries in Latin America and explained in detail the current economic and political issues in Sri Lanka. Ambassador da Silva Nunes shared with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister the experiences of Brazil.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

15 June, 2022

Read more: www.mfa.gov.lk


Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris met the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Minister for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the UK and the Ambassadors/ Permanent Representatives of the United States, Canada, India and France, on the sidelines of the 50th session of the Human Rights Council.

During the bilateral meeting with Miyake Shingo, Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, the Foreign Minister referred to the longstanding and mutually supportive friendship between the two countries and observed that the relationship with Japan is vital for Sri Lanka. He noted that, over the decades, Japan has been a close partner of Sri Lanka, and expressed appreciation for the assistance provided, particularly in the areas of skills development, computer technology, the construction of the Sri Jayawardenepura Hospital, assistance to the Rupavahini Corporation, the significant assistance provided recently for medical and pharmaceutical items, as well as Japans supportive stance on Sri Lanka. He also recalled the support extended by Sri Lanka to Japan at the San Francisco Conference at the conclusion of World War II. Sri Lanka wished to expand cooperation with Japan in the areas of digitalization, carbon credit, and ocean related activities including coast conservation, fisheries and global warming. Reference was also made to exploring cooperation in areas coming under the purview of the World Trade Organisation.

The Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan noted that Japan, too, wished to deepen and strengthen cooperation with Sri Lanka in international fora. He added that Sri Lanka and Japan were marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and expressed the hope that long before the 100 year celebration, the relations between the two countries would be elevated to an even higher level. He expressed interest in furthering cooperation with Sri Lanka in the areas mentioned.

At the meeting with the Ambassador / Permanent Representative of the USA to the Human Rights Council, Ms. Michele Taylor, the Foreign Minister explained the issues faced by Sri Lanka, and the socio-economic situation in the country.

Meeting Lord Ahmed of Wimbledon, Minister for South Asia, North Africa, the United Nations and the Commonwealth at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Foreign Minister discussed the upcoming Commonwealth Summit to be held in Kigali, Rwanda. The Foreign Minister observed that Sri Lanka considered the Commonwealth as an institution that can do much good in the present context. He also briefed Lord Ahmed on the situation in the country.

The Foreign Minister also had bilateral meetings with Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Permanent Representative of India, Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont, Permanent Representative of France and Ambassador Leslie E. Norton, Permanent Representative of Canada.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

16 June 2022

Read more: www.mfa.gov.lk
New Delhi, Jun 16 (PTI)

Of 57 newly elected Rajya Sabha members, 23 (almost 40 per cent) have declared criminal cases against them in their poll affidavits with nine of these MPs coming from the BJP and four Congress, according to a report released by ADR-National Election Watch on Thursday.

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Six of these Rajya Sabha MPs have been elected from Uttar Pradesh, four each from Maharashtra and Bihar, three Tamil Nadu, two Telangana and one each from Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Haryana, the report said.

The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch said the report was based on the analysis of self-sworn affidavits of all 57 MPs who were elected to Rajya Sabha this month.

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"Out of the 57 MPs analysed, 23 MPs have declared criminal cases against themselves," the report said.

According to a party-wise break up given by the report, nine out of 22 newly elected Rajya Sabha MPs of the BJP have criminal cases against them. Out of nine newly elected MPs of the Congress, four have declared criminal cases against them in their poll affidavits.

The report said both of the newly elected TRS MPs as well as two members elected to Rajya Sabha from RJD have declared criminal cases against them

"One MP each from YSRCP, DMK, AIADMK, SP, SHS (Shiv Sena) and an Independent have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits," the report said.

A total of 12 MPs have declared "serious criminal cases".

Analysing the movable and immovable assets of the 57 newly elected MPs, the report said 53 of them are 'crorepati' (millionaire) and placed TRS MP Bandi Partha Saradhi on the top of the list with his total assets being worth over Rs 1,500 crore.

On the second spot, the report placed former Congress leader Kapil Sibal, who was elected to Rajya Sabha as an Independent candidate with support of the Samajwadi Party from Uttar Pradesh, with his total assets being worth over Rs 608 crore.

The report placed the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Vikramjit Singh Sahney on the third position with the total assets of the newly elected Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab being worth over Rs 498 crore.

"The average assets value of the newly elected MPs to the Rajya Sabha, 2022 is Rs 154.27 crore," the report said. PTI PK

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Bengaluru, June 16: The ruling BJP continues to have a majority in the Karnataka Legislative Council, as the party managed to win one teachers' and graduates' constituency each in the recently held biennial elections, while the Congress too managed to win one each.

The results are seen as a setback for the JD(S) as the party lost both the seats it represented last time and did not win any fresh seat; while for Congress it is a two seats gain, as none of the four seats that went to polls were held by the party before going for polls.

Though the ruling BJP has managed to win two of the four seats that went for poll and maintain its majority in the upper house of the state legislature, the party faced a setback with the defeat of its MLC Arun Shahapur, who was seeking re-election from one of the teachers' constituencies.

While the results for both the teachers' constituencies were announced on Wednesday night, two graduates' seats' poll results were announced on Thursday after the conclusion of the counting process.

North-West Graduates', South Graduates', North-West Teachers', and West Teachers' constituencies went for polls on Monday, witnessing an overall voter turnout of 71.01 per cent.

The elections to the four seats were necessitated as the term of BJP's Nirani Hanamant Rudrappa (N-W Graduates') and JD(S)' K T Srikante Gowda (S-Graduates'), BJP's Arun Shahpur (N-W Teachers') and JD(S)' Basavaraj Horatti (W-Teachers') are coming to an end on July 4.

With the outcome of poll results, the 75-member Legislative Council will have 39 BJP members, 27 Congress and eight JD(S), and one independent member.

Of the two seats for which results were declared today, the North-West Graduates' seat witnessed a direct fight between BJP and Congress, with JD(S) not in the fray.

BJP's Nirani Hanamant Rudrappa, who was seeking reelection, has won the N-W graduates' seat by securing 44,815 votes, while his opponent Congress' Sunil Annappa Sank obtained 10,122 votes.

In the South Graduates' constituency, Congress' Madhu G Madegowda won by securing 46,082 votes against former MLC M V Ravishankar of the BJP, who got 33,878. H K Ramu of JD(S) has got 19,630 votes.

On Wednesday, Basavaraj Horatti, who was Chairman of the Legislative Council until recently and had resigned from the post to join the BJP ahead of polls, was declared victorious from West Teachers' constituency as a candidate of J P Nadda-led outfit. He had secured 9,266 votes.

His nearest rival Basavaraj Gurikar of Congress got 4,597 votes, while Shrishail Gadadinni of JD(S) secured just 273 votes. Horatti, who recently ended his long association with the JD(S) by joining BJP, created a history of sorts in the country, with this result, by getting elected to the Upper House of the legislature for a record eighth term. He has been an MLC since 1980.

Considered to be among the senior-most MLCs, the 76-year old is seen as a prominent Lingayat face from north Karnataka. He had been education minister in the state, and was elected as the Chairman of the Legislative Council in February 2021.

In the North-West Teachers' constituency, Arun Shahpur of BJP, who was seeking re-election was defeated by Congress' former MLA and MP Prakash Hukkeri. They secured 6,405 and 11,460 votes respectively, while Chandrashekhar Esappa Loni of JD(S) secured 544 votes.

(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, Jun 16 (PTI) A complaint has been lodged with the National Human Rights Commission, alleging "manhandling" of a few Congress women workers by some security personnel during a protest held on Jun 15 against the questioning of party leader Rahul Gandhi by the Enforcement Directorate.

According to the details available on NHRC's website, the complaint has been filed by advocate Amrish Ranjan Pandey, a Congress worker and advocate Ambuj Dixit, national co-coordinator, legal cell, Indian Youth Congress.

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The two party workers have alleged that male security personnel deployed by Delhi Police on Wednesday had forcibly entered the Congress headquarters here and beat up party workers and leaders.

A few male personnel of the Rapid Action Force unit, which was also deployed, had "manhandled a few female Congress workers", Pandey alleged, and said, "our complaint has been registered by the NHRC today."

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Mahila Congress workers were "unlawfully and without any authority" prevented from exercising their right to protest, the complaints wrote to the rights panel.

RAF comes under the Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF) and deployed by authorities as a situation warrants to control the law and order situation.

The Congress had on Wednesday alleged that Delhi Police personnel forcibly entered its headquarters and beat up party workers and leaders on a day the party staged vociferous protests against Gandhi's questioning by the ED in a money laundering case.

The police had, however, rejected as "totally false" the allegations that its personnel forcibly entered the Congress headquarters here and beat up party workers and leaders during the protest.

The Delhi Police had said despite its suggestion to hold the protest at Jantar Mantar, the Congress leaders, showing "utter disregard to Supreme Court guidelines", tried to create public disturbances in the area.

(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, Jun 16 (PTI) The Congress has sought action against Enforcement Directorate officials who "selectively leaked" to some media houses information related to Rahul Gandhi's questioning, as the party also served a legal notice on three Union ministers over the issue.

In the notice to Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, the Congress MP and legal cell head Vivek Tankha has asked them to stop using the ED as a tool to settle political scores, and desist from "spreading false narratives" about the former Congress chief.

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The notice comes in the wake of media reports claiming that Gandhi has told the ED that he has no knowledge about the dealings of Young India with Associated Journals, which publishes the National Herald, and that it was done by the late party treasurer Motilal Vora.

The notice also calls upon the ministers to fix responsibility on such officers of the Enforcement Directorate who have resorted to such "illegalities".

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"This is a judicial proceeding and selective leaks by the ED to malign Rahul Gandhi's image is a criminal offence and an attempt to interfere with an ongoing judicial proceeding which is a second crime," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.

"We have demanded that the responsibility of the ED officers be fixed and if not, the Congress party will be constrained to prosecute ED officers for fixation of officers and crimes by them," he told PTI.

The notice asks them to ensure the Enforcement Directorate immediately stops spreading "false narratives about Rahul Gandhi for ulterior political motives and as a tool to settle political scores".

"I also call upon you (the ministers) to fix responsibility on such officer of the Enforcement Directorate who has resorted to such illegalities by causing the leaks," Tankha said in his notice.

Explaining why he served the legal notice on the ministers, Tankha said the ED is clearly acting at the "behest of its political masters" and is carrying out political vendetta against Rahul Gandhi.

"It is appropriate (then) that this letter be addressed to the finance minister, the minister of law and the home minister jointly," he said.

"It is deplorable that the Enforcement Directorate is being used as a tool of political vendetta against Rahul Gandhi, the former president of the Congress, which happens to the principal opposition party to the BJP," the notice said.

He said the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi will never bow down to this kind of abuse of process and threats, and will fight to protect the constitution and the freedoms enshrined in it till the last breath.

Political battles have to be fought between political parties and using the Enforcement Directorate to settle political scores and harass the opposition leadership is an assault on the Constitution, Tankha said in his notice.

The entire country knows that Rahul Gandhi is being summoned at this juncture as he is the most vociferous and credible voice against the BJP, he noted, adding that "the case that has been foisted is utterly hopeless and has no basis in law".

It appears the Enforcement Directorate is selectively divulging false information at the behest of its political masters to certain media houses in order to create a completely false political narrative with malafide motive and to misrepresent the actual facts as to what transpired before the ED during the questioning, he said.

"If the government is allowing this, it is complicit in this exercise and this is happening at its behest," the notice alleges.

Trashing reports that Gandhi is not cooperating the with the probe agency, Tankha asked under what law the ED is authorised to leak what has transpired during the investigation.

"I believe that because it is clear by now that there is no criminality involved and that eventually Enforcement Directorate's case will collapse, therefore there is a deliberate attempt on the Enforcement Directorate's part to create a false political narrative.

"That the ED should be used to muzzle the voice of the opposition is a grave threat to democracy itself," the Rajya Sabha MP said in his notice.

Citing recent court orders over media coverage to create sensationalism through leaked information, Tankha said the government should show respect for courts and the law.

The Enforcement Directorate and the government should stop this charade and sham investigation, he said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi [India], June 16 (ANI): The Congress said on Thursday that the Agnipath scheme to recruit soldiers into the three defence forces, is "controversial, carries multiple risks, subverts the long-standing traditions" and demanded that it should be held in abeyance.

Addressing a press conference here, senior Congress leader and former Finance Minister P Chidambaram said the announcements by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Education on post-discharge opportunities of Agniveers appear to be after-thoughts and show that the scheme is "poorly conceived and hastily drawn up".

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He urged the government to hold wide consultations and address issues of quality, efficiency and economy.

"It is our duty to warn the country of the consequences of a hastily drawn up scheme. We would urge the government to keep the Agnipath scheme in abeyance, hold wide consultations with serving and retired officers, and address the issues of quality, efficiency and economy without compromising on any of the three considerations," he said.

Also Read | National Herald Case: Rahul Gandhi Seeks Time From ED Citing Mother Sonia Gandhis Illness.

Referring to the situation in the borders, Chidambaram said it is imperative that "we have soldiers in our defence forces who are young, well-trained, motivated, happy, satisfied and assured of their future. The Agnipath scheme does not advance any of these objectives".

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved Agnipath recruitment scheme for Indian youth to serve in the armed forces. The selected youth under this scheme will be known as Agniveers. They are to be enrolled under respective Service Acts for four years. Recruitment rallies will commence in 90 days and 46,000 Agniveers to be recruited this year. Chidambaram said it appears that the scheme "makes a mockery of training; inducts into the defence forces an ill-trained and ill-motivated soldier and discharges a disappointed and unhappy ex-soldier into the society".

"It is a matter of great concern that the government has announced a scheme called Agnipath to recruit 46,000 soldiers to the three defence forces. The Agnipath scheme is controversial, carries multiple risks, subverts the long-standing traditions and ethos of the armed forces and there is no guarantee that the soldiers recruited under the scheme will be better trained and motivated to defend the country," Chidambaram said.

"We have read and heard the views expressed by retired defence officers. Almost unanimously, they have opposed the scheme and we believe that many serving officers share the same reservations about the scheme," he added.

Chidambaram, who was accompanied by some other party leaders including Ajay Maken and Sachin Pilot, said the party's first concern is that the Agnipath soldier will be trained for six months and will serve for another 42 months when 75 per cent of the recruits will be discharged.

"The age of recruitment -- 17 to 21 years -- raises numerous questions. A large part of our youth will be totally excluded from serving in the defence forces."

He said the stated objective of savings on the pension bill is a weak argument and has not been established beyond doubt.

"On the other hand, the short period of training (6 months) and the unusually short period of service (42 months) may have negative consequences on quality, efficiency and effectiveness. We fear that the scheme may turn out to be a case of 'penny wise and security foolish'," he said.

The Congress leaders asked the government to heed the warnings of officers.

"Several distinguished defence officers have pointed out that a fighting soldier must take pride in his unit; must be willing to lay down his life for his country and comrades; must not be risk averse; and must be capable of exhibiting leadership. They fear that each one of these objectives will be in jeopardy under the scheme," Chidambaram said.

He said a major change in recruitment policy should have tried and tested as a pilot scheme.

"The announcements by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Education on post-discharge opportunities appear to be after-thoughts. They show that the scheme was poorly conceived and hastily drawn up. A major change in the mode of recruitment should have been examined thoroughly and a pilot scheme should have been tried and tested. Nothing of that sort has been done," the minister said.

"Several experts have suggested alternative models to address the issues of inadequate recruitment to the defence forces. There is no indication that the alternatives were examined," he added. (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], June 16 (ANI): Alleging that the Delhi Police barged into the Congress headquarters and attacked the party leaders in a 'pre-planned' manner, Leader of the Congress party in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Thursday accused the Centre of 'vendetta and violent politics'.

Chowdhury's remarks came after a delegation of Congress MPs led by him held a meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday over the treatment meted out to the party's legislators by the Delhi Police during their protest over the Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe against the party leader Rahul Gandhi.

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"We told the Speaker in detail, the manner in which we have been subjected to atrocities and violence. Speaker listened to us attentively. We spoke about Delhi Police officers who barged into the AICC office and attacked our MPs and workers in a pre-planned manner," Chowdhury told reporters after the meeting.

"Even at police stations, Delhi Police behaved with Congress MPs as if our MPs and workers are terrorists. Rahul Gandhi was called for three consecutive days for 10-12 hours long questioning. We do not object to it. We just want to say that do not use vendetta and violent politics," he added.

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Prior to meeting Birla, the Congress MPs held a meeting at the Congress Parliamentary Party office to discuss the issue.

Later on Thursday, Congress leaders, general secretaries and AICC in-charges will meet at party headquarters today to discuss future strategies over the current political situation.

Congress on Wednesday filed a complaint against the Delhi Police for entering and attacking party workers, without provocation, at 24 Akbar Road.

The complaint was registered at Tughlak Road Police Station, New Delhi.

A delegation of senior Congress leaders including Avinash Pande, Harish Choudhary, Pranav Jha and Challa Vamshi Reddy met with the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and Station House Officer (SHO).

The senior leaders presented a detailed written complaint highlighting "the brazen and illegal actions of officials of the Delhi police in entering and attacking workers of the INC, without provocation," at 24 Akbar Road during a conference held on Wednesday.

Senior Congress leaders Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, KC Venugopal and others were detained by Delhi Police and taken to Tughlak Road police station on Tuesday while they were protesting over Enforcement Directorate's (ED) probe against party leader Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case.

The leaders were protesting outside Congress headquarters, Akbar Road in the national capitalThe leaders detained by Delhi Police include Gaurav Gogoi, Deepender Singh Hooda, Ranjeet Ranjan, Imran Pratapgarhi and others.

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi has been asked to rejoin the probe on Friday by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in connection with the National Herald case, said sources.The Congress leader left the ED office after 9 pm on Wednesday.

The former Congress chief appeared before the ED for the third consecutive day on Wednesday for questioning.

Regarding his questioning by ED on Monday, as per official sources, the Congress leader, a Z+ category protectee of the Central Reserve Police Force after the Union government withdrew the Gandhi family's Special Protection Group cover in 2019, was confronted with several documents collated by the ED as evidence recovered so far in the case to get his version.

Rahul Gandhi was questioned in detail about the ownership of Young Indian Private Limited (YIL) by the Gandhi family and its shareholding pattern in Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the company that runs the National Herald newspaper, said sources.

Investigators in the ED, sources said, have also asked Rahul Gandhi to describe the circumstances under which AJL was acquired by YIL in 2010, making it the owner of all assets owned by the National Herald newspaper.

The National Herald, started by India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, was published by the AJL. In 2010, the AJL, which faced financial difficulties, was taken over by a newly-floated YIL with Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda as directors, both of them Gandhi loyalists.

In a complaint in the Delhi High Court, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy accused Sonia Gandhi and her son, Rahul Gandhi, and others of conspiring to cheat and misappropriate funds. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Panaji, Jun 16 (PTI) The Goa government on Thursday unveiled the draft Goa Industrial Growth and Investment Promotion Policy, 2022 which aims to strengthen the single window system and improve ease of doing business.

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Speaking to reporters here, state Industries Minister Mauvin Godinho said the policy aims to simplify the role of the Investment Promotion Board (IPB) as the single window system and create common application for all pre-establishment clearances, including land allotment through the Goa Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC).

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The draft policy highlights simplification of online systems and application process, re-engineering of all department services to reduce timeline and simplify forms.

The policy will create transparency and predictability in the GIDC's land allotment and the application made through the IPB, the minister said, adding that the entire land bank will be made available online and allotted through the corporation.

The permission process will be made time bound, with three months for bigger industries and two months for smaller set ups, he said.

The policy has its focus sectors including  IT and ITes, high-end hospitality, niche tourism, food and agro-processing industries, Godinho said.

The minister further said that the policy focuses on fiscal and non-fiscal support for local businesses and private players.

The government will also conduct training programmes for skill and entrepreneurship development, he added.

GIDC chairman Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco was also present for the press conference.

(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], June 16 (ANI): The central government on Thursday debunked "myths" concerning Agnipath' recruitment scheme and responded with "facts" to avoid the spread of any misinformation.

With opposition parties raising questions on the new recruitment scheme for armed forces, the government said that extensive consultations were held for its formulation and listed the benefits of the new recruitment scheme for the armed forces and the youth.

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The government said it is being spread that Agniveers will have an insecure future but the fact is that the ones aspiring to be entrepreneurs will get a financial package and bank loan scheme.

The ones who desire to study further will be given a certificate equivalent to the class 12 certificate and a bridging course for further studies, whereas the ones who wish to obtain jobs will be given priority in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the state police. Several avenues are also being opened up for them in other sectors.

Also Read | National Herald Case: Rahul Gandhi Seeks Time From ED Citing Mother Sonia Gandhis Illness.

The government said another myth is that the opportunities for youth will decrease as a result of Agnipath but the fact is that the opportunities for the youth to serve in armed forces will increase.

It said that in coming years, the recruitment for Agniveers in the armed forces will be around three times the current recruitment.

Referring to claims that the regimental bonding will be affected, the government said that the fact is that no change is being done to the regimental system. Rather, it will be further accentuated because the best of Agniveers will be selected, further boosting the cohesiveness of the unit.

The government said another myth that prevailed is that the 'Agnipath' recruitment scheme will harm the effectiveness of the armed forces but the "truth is that such a short-term enlistment system exists in most countries and hence is already tested out and has been considered 'best practice' for the youthful and agile army".

The numbers of Agniveers to be recruited in the first year would only make up three per cent of the armed forces. Additionally, the performance of the Agniveers will be tested before re-induction in the army after four years. Hence, Army will get only the tested and tried, and well-trained personnel for the supervisory ranks, it said.

The government said it has also been rumoured that people of the age of 21 years are immature and unreliable for the Army but the fact is that most of the armies in the world depend upon their nation's youth. At no point in time will there be more youngsters than experienced people.

The present scheme will only bring about a right mix of 50-50, slowly in a very long run, of youngsters and experienced supervisory ranks.

The government also dismissed apprehensions in sections of social media about the possibility of some Agniveers getting astray and said it is completely incorrect and is an insult to the ethos and values of the Indian armed forces.

Youngsters who have worn the uniform for four years will remain committed to the country for the rest of their lives, it said. Even now, thousands who exit the armed forces, have retired with skills and there has been no instance of them joining anti-national forces, the government said.

It said there was another myth among people that there the former armed forces officers have not been consulted but it has been clarified that extensive consultation was undertaken with the serving armed forces officers for the last two years, before implementing the scheme.

The proposal of 'Agnipath' has been framed by the Department of Military Officers staffed by Military officers. The department itself is a creation of this government. Many former officers have recognized the advantages of the scheme and have welcomed it, the government said.

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Agnipath recruitment scheme which provides an opportunity for Indian youth to serve in the regular cadre of the Armed Forces for a period of four years.

The selection will be the exclusive jurisdiction of the Armed Forces. A total of 46,000 Agniveers will be recruited this year.

During this period of service to the nation, the Agniveers will be imparted with various military skills and experience, discipline, physical fitness, leadership qualities, courage and patriotism.

The government had said that the recruitment rallies under the scheme will commence in 90 days. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kolkata/Guwahati, Jun 16 (PTI) Heavy rain lashed large swathes of northeastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, worsening the flood situation in several places as the Met department forecast more downpour in the next five days in the region.

Two children were crushed to death when a landslide led to a house collapse in Azad Nagar area of Goalpara district in Assam, and two persons drowned in floodwater in Dima Hasao and Udalguri, raising the toll due to floods and landslides in the state this year rose to 46, officials said.

Also Read | Delhi Weather Forecast: Moderate Rain, Thundershowers Predicted for National Capital Today.

The two deceased children were identified as 11-year-old Hussain Ali and eight-year-old Asma Khatoon.

Extremely heavy rain was recorded at isolated places in Meghalaya, Assam, sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim and heavy to very heavy downpour in Nagaland and Tripura, an official of the Met department said.

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The weatherman forecast widespread thundershowers with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over all the northeastern states and adjoining sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim during the next five days. "Isolated extremely heavy rainfall is also likely over Assam and Meghalaya from June 16 to 18," the Met department said in its forecast.

The southwest monsoon, which has covered all the northeastern states and parts of sub-Himalayan West Bengal, is likely to advance further in another two to three days into the remaining areas of sub-Himalayan West Bengal, some parts of Gangetic Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha, the Met office said.

Isolated heavy rainfall is also likely in Bihar and Jharkhand till June 19 and in Odisha till June 17, it said.

Sohra in Meghalaya recorded the highest rainfall in 24 hours till 8.30 am of Thursday at 70 cm, followed by Kokrajhar (32 cm), Gosaingaon (32 cm), Goalpara (23 cm) and Nalbari (23 cm) in Assam, Jalpaiguri (23 cm), Hasimara (22 cm) and Alipurduar (21 cm) in sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Bhalukpong (10 cm) in Arunachal Pradesh, the Met department said.

The downpour caused injuries to three persons in Noonmati area of Guwahati, as multiple landslides were reported across the city during the day.

In several areas, including Joypur in Kharguli area, Bonda Colony, South Sarania, Amayapur in Geetanagar and 12 Mile, debris pileups led to road blockades.

At least 18 districts in Assam are experiencing heavy rain, with the inundation of fresh areas reported from Kamrup, Nalbari and Barpeta districts.

Nearly 75,000 people have been affected by floods in the 18 districts. Water level in river Brahmaputra and its tributaries are on the rise, while river Manas was flowing above the danger mark in some places.

Normal life in Assam's largest city Guwahati has been largely affected due to waterlogging in most parts for the third consecutive day with areas such as Anil Nagar, Nabin Nagae, Zoo Road, Six Mile, Noonmati, Bhootnath, Maligaon figuring among the worst-affected.

The administration has urged people not to venture out of their homes unless necessary.

Deputy commissioners in Lower Assam districts have also issued directives to educational institutions to suspend classes till Saturday.

District authorities have opened seven camps and nine relief distribution centres for assisting locals. A total of 1,224 people have taken shelter in the relief camps  of which 677 are in Kamrup Metropolitan area.

According to a bulletin issued by Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), 13 embankments were breached, and 64 roads and a bridge were damaged due to the deluge.

(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, Jun 16 (PTI) Israel is keen on further expansion of its already close cooperation with India in areas of agriculture and water, a senior Israeli diplomat said on Thursday, describing them as the two "most significant pillars" of growing bilateral ties.

Ambassador Eynat Shlein, the head of Mashav, Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation, made the comments before concluding her seven-day visit to India.

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The Israeli embassy said Shlein's visit was aimed at further strengthening Israel-India strategic partnership and development cooperation in the fields of agriculture and water.

"India is a strong, strategic partner of Israel. The two most significant pillars of our growing relations are cooperation in agriculture and water, which was the focus of my visit to India. These two fields are so important that out of the six resident experts that Mashav posted around the world, two are based in India," she said.

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Shlein said Israel is keen to continue and expand its cooperation with all its partners in India in the two areas as part of an overall aim to enhance the bilateral strategic partnership.

"Currently we have 29 fully-active Indo-Israeli Centers of Excellence in different parts of India, which are benefiting millions of Indian farmers on a daily basis. Thirteen more such centers are in the pipeline," she said.

"Gradually these centers will be expanded into Villages of Excellence in partnership with local state governments, which will further prove beneficial for larger populations," the diplomat said.

During her trip, Shlein visited Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan and met with senior government officials and farmers.

In Uttar Pradesh, Shlein met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and held an extensive discussion about enhancing the existing cooperation.

The Israeli embassy said one of the main highlights of the visit was the signing of a joint declaration between Israel and the Haryana government for cooperation in the field of integrated water management and capacity building.

As part of this joint declaration, Mashav will share knowledge, capacity building and Israeli technologies for the development with Haryana in the water management sector.

In Delhi, Shlein held discussions with economic relations officials at the Ministry of External Affairs about continuing dialogues between both nations on development cooperation, the embassy said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kulgam (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 14 (ANI): Two terrorists involved in the May 31 killing of a school teacher Rajni Bala in the Gopalpora area of Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir have been killed in an encounter on Thursday, the Inspector-General of Kashmir Police, Vijay Kumar informed.

"Terrorists neutralised in Kulgam encounter today were involved in the killing of school teacher Rajni Bala (in Gopalpora area of Kulgam on May 31)," IGP Kashmir said.

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The police said that two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district today.

"#KulgamEncounterUpdate: 01 more #terrorist killed (Total 02). Search going on. Further details shall follow. @JmuKmrPolice," Kashmir Zone Police tweeted.

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Earlier on Tuesday, an encounter broke out in the Mishipora area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam, said the Kashmir zone police.

A school teacher from the main minority community in Jammu and Kashmir was killed by terrorists in the Kulgam district of the Kashmir region on May 31.

Rajni Bala, a resident of Samba in the Jammu region, sustained injuries when terrorists fired at her in the Gopalpora area of Kulgam where she was posted as a teacher, police said.

According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, the incident took place at the High School Gopalpora area of Kulgam. She was taken to the hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

Earlier, two civilians, including Kashmiri Pandit employee Rahul Bhat and three off-duty policemen, were killed in Kashmir by the terrorists earlier this month.

A bank manager from Rajasthan who was working in Kashmir's Kulgam was also shot dead by terrorists on June 2. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kochi (Kerala) [India], June 16 (ANI): Kerala gold smuggling case accused Swapna Suresh has alleged that state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan sought help from the visiting Sharjah ruler in September 2017 for his daughter's bid to open an IT business in the emirate. Suresh made this claim in an affidavit filed before the Ernakulam District Sessions Court which came out in the public domain on Wednesday. Responding to Vijayan's claim that he doesn't know her, Suresh said she will remind the CM of her presence at his official residence very soon through the media.

In the affidavit, which she filed in the Ernakulam District Sessions Court, she alleged that the Sharjah ruler held a discussion with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family. She also revealed that CM's daughter Veena Vijayan has expressed interest in starting an IT venture in Sharjah.

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She further said to media persons on Wednesday, "In 2017, the ruler of Sharjah visited Cliff House (official residence of the CM) during his visit to Kerala. During the meeting with the Chief Minister, his family informed the ruler of Sharjah of a business interest. Chief Minister's daughter Veena Vijayan has expressed interest in starting an IT venture in Sharjah. But the project was abandoned following some dissents from Sharjah. I came to Cliff House to teach the Chief Minister's family the steps and communication required when the ruler of Sharjah arrives. CM's family had requested a private meeting in addition to the official meeting and had arranged for it. Nalini Netto IAS (former Chief Secretary) and M Sivasankar (former principal secretary to CMO) were also present at the meeting held at Cliff House."

"The Consul General and the Chief Minister had close ties. Based on this, biryani vessels went from the Consul General's house to the Chief Minister's residence. These biryani vessels arrived at Cliff House under the consul general's Mitsubishi contract. The vessels, which are larger than usual, is wrapped in foil paper so it is not clear to the carrier what is in it. The vessel was held by four people," she said.

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She added, "Sivasankar led the way in bringing the biryani vessels to Cliff House without any clearances. The Consul General was upset until it arrived."

Swapna Suresh, in her affidavit filed in 2021 before the Customs, had given all this information with regards to Vijayan and his family members' involvement in the gold smuggling case.

Former Leader of Opposition and veteran Congress legislator Ramesh Chennithala days ago said the revelations are just the tip of the iceberg. Meanwhile, senior BJP leader Shoba Surendran demanded that the central agencies question the Chief Minister and his family in connection with the gold smuggling case. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Chennai, June 16: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to facilitate placing Bills of national importance before the Inter-State Council ahead of its introduction in Parliament. Writing to Modi, Stalin requested that at least three Inter-State Council meetings be held every year and expressed his happiness over the re-constitution of the council, last month.

"I strongly suggest that every Bill of national importance that is likely to affect one or more States should be placed before the Council before it is introduced into Parliament, and the views of the Council are also tabled before the Parliament at the time of introduction of such Bill," Stalin said in his letter.

The agenda for the next meeting may include matters such as this for discussion to strengthen the spirit of co-operative federalism, he requested.

Without such a platform, there is no scope for effective and interactive communication between the Union and States on issues of common interest. Gujarat Gaurav Abhiyan: PM Narendra Modi To Inaugurate, Lay Foundation Stone for Projects Worth Rs 21,000 Crore in Vadodara on June 18.

"We have seen instances where many Bills affecting the rights and interest of the States, are passed in Parliament without proper opportunity being given to the opposition to debate its merits and voice the concern of the States." As a consequence, the views, concerns and constructive suggestions of States are not properly heard by the Union during the process of decision making for the nation as a whole.

"What could be settled amicably among the executive branches is often taken to the doorsteps of the judicial branch. Many a time, this leads to unpleasant and vexatious litigations involving States and Union, that are easily avoidable. Therefore, if the Council meets regularly, I am sure that it would serve as a bridge between the Union and the States and would be mutually beneficial to all its members."

Since the purpose of the Council is to strengthen, advance and support the spirit of co-operative federalism, the Chief Minister said that the meetings are organised regularly. The Council would provide a common platform for the Chief Ministers to put forth their views of the people of the State on the policies, legislations and actions of the Union Government.

A permanent Inter-State Council was established in 1990 by the Centre and as per the mandate, meetings should be conducted thrice a year. "But over the last six years, this meeting was conducted only once, i.e. on 16-7-2016 at New Delhi."

(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], June 16 (ANI): Apart from Delhi, the Congress on Thursday held protests in several parts of the country including Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan over the Enforcement Directorate investigating former party president Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case.

Congress workers held a protest march in Bengaluru on Thursday over the questioning of Rahul Gandhi by ED.

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Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar, CLP leader Siddaramaiah and other leaders and workers of the party were detained by police during their protest in Bengaluru.

"The protest is our right. We will fight for justice. They (ED) are not taking cases of any BJP leaders. They are harassing only Congress people," Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar told ANI.

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Bangaluru witnessed traffic snarls ahead of another Congress protest march. An ambulance was also seen stuck in the traffic.

Starting from the Congress office, the march is going to end at Raj Bhaven. The Karnataka Congress will give a memorandum to Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot over the matter. The party delegation will also hand over a complaint letter against Bharatiya Janata Party.

Bengaluru Police said the Congress protest was against the High Court's order.

"High Court had earlier ordered that protests will not be held anywhere except Freedom Park. We conveyed it to them. They gave us in writing about protest but we rejected it. We conveyed it to them in the morning too. If they proceed, we will take them into preventive custody," Bheemashankar S Guled, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru East told ANI.

Meanwhile, Congress workers also held a protest in Chandigarh against the questioning of Rahul Gandhi by ED. Several workers of the party were detained by police.

"I cannot understand what has Rahul Gandhi done that he has been called for 3 days? Yesterday, Delhi Police barged into AICC office and beat up our MPs. Such vendetta politics has never been seen before. Government should not try to suppress voices," Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Warring

"We will continue protesting. We were going to Raj Bhavan. Congress party stands with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. We will not step back. We will not be scared," said a Congress worker.

Congress workers also staged a demonstration in Hyderabad, Chennai and Jaipur.

"They want to suppress Rahul Gandhi's voice. They can't scare Indira Gandhi's grandson with lathis. Congress will be the reason behind BJP's end," said Rajasthan Minister P Khachariyawas.

Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse Congress workers protesting in Thiruvananthapuram over the ED probe against party leader Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case.

Pertinent to mention, Rahul Gandhi has been asked to rejoin the probe on Friday by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in connection with the National Herald case, said sources.

The Congress leader left the ED office after 9 pm on Wednesday.

The former Congress chief appeared before the ED for the third consecutive day on Wednesday for questioning. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Patna, Jun 16 (PTI) Leaders and workers of the Congress party in Bihar held a demonstration outside Raj Bhavan here to protest against Rahul Gandhi's questioning by the Enforcement Directorate in the National Herald money-laundering case.

A delegation of Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee leaders and the party's in-charge of the state Bhakta Charan Das submitted a memorandum to Governor Phagu Chouhan.

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Talking to reporters outside Raj Bhavan, Das said, "The BJP-led central government is playing divisive politics and misusing various central probe agencies to target the opposition parties. The saffron camp is trying to throttle democracy in the country".

Gandhi has been questioned by the ED for three consecutive days in the case, with the agency seeking answers about his "personal role" in taking decisions regarding the media organisation and its owner Young Indian.

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He spent almost 30 hours with the ED sleuths over the last three days, where he was quizzed and his statement recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

After a day's break, the central agency had summoned him again on Friday. Later it agreed to Gandhi's request to defer his questioning in the National Herald money-laundering case from June 17 to June 20 owing to personal reasons.

The Congress MP wrote to the investigating officer of the ED to allow him exemption from the questioning scheduled on Friday as he wants to remain with his ailing mother, Sonia Gandhi.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi has been admitted to a private hospital in Delhi due to COVID-19-related issues.

(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], June 16 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Thursday sought the response of the Uttar Pradesh government on pleas by Jamiat-Ulama-I-Hind and others seeking directions to state authorities to ensure that no further demolitions of properties are carried out without following due process.

A vacation bench of Justices AS Bopanna and Vikram Nath said it cannot stay demolition but a process of law must be followed for demolition of alleged unauthorised structures.

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The Apex Court asked the Uttar Pradesh government to file an affidavit in three days.

The hearing over the matter will be held next week.

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Hearing the matter, the Supreme Court observed that "the government will get time to file their objections. We should ensure their safety in the meantime. They are also part of society. When someone has a grievance they have a right to have it addressed. Such demolitions can only happen as per Act. We will hear the case next week."

Senior advocate CU Singh, appearing for petitioners, told Supreme Court that the reason cited for demolition was that the action is being taken against protestors who had indulged in violence.

Singh argued that "demolition keeps happening again and again. It is shocking and appalling. This was not during the Emergency, not during the pre-independence era. These are houses standing for more than 20 years and sometimes not even belonging to the accused but their aged parents."

Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind moved the Supreme Court seeking to issue directions to the State of Uttar Pradesh that no precipitative action be taken in Kanpur District against the residential or commercial property of any accused in any criminal proceedings as an extra-legal punitive measure.

The application by the organization Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind has also urged the Court that any demolition drive that the authorities are planning to carry out in Kanpur District should be stayed during the pendency of the instant writ petition.

The development had come after the UP government conducted a demolition drive at the "illegal properties" of two "masterminds" of the violent protest that erupted on June 10, as outrage at the controversial remarks of suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma on Prophet Muhammad.

Earlier on Sunday, the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) issued a demolition notice at the residence of the main conspirator Javed Ahmed, asking him to vacate the house by 11 am as it was "illegally constructed".

During the demolition drive, posters and flags were taken out of the residence of the Prayagraj violence accused Javed Ahmed.

According to Prayagraj Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Kumar, the names of the people linked with AIMIM have surfaced and there could be more masterminds of the violence.The SSP said that there are 70 others who are named as accused and over 5,000 people unnamed in the violence. "Action will be taken under the Gangster Act and NSA," he added. (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], June 16 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Thursday sought the response of the Uttar Pradesh government on pleas by Jamiat-Ulama-I-Hind and also asked the administration to follow the process of law for carrying out the demolition of alleged unauthorised structures.

The bench of justices AS Bopanna and Vikram Nath also observed that the Court cannot stay demolitions but the process of law must be followed for the demolition of alleged unauthorised structures.

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The bench of justices AS Bopanna and Vikram Nath asked the Uttar Pradesh government and others to file a reply on the Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind application against the demolition drive seeking to issue directions to the State of Uttar Pradesh.

The Supreme Court was hearing the Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind application seeking to issue directions to the State of Uttar Pradesh that no precipitative action be taken in the state against the residential or commercial property of any accused in any criminal proceedings as an extra-legal punitive measure.

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The Apex Court asked the Uttar Pradesh government to file an affidavit in three days and said that the hearing on the matter will be held next week.

Hearing the matter, the Supreme Court observed that "the government will get time to file their objections. We should ensure their safety in the meantime. They are also part of society. When someone has a grievance they have a right to have it addressed. Such demolitions can only happen as per Act. We will hear the case next week."

During the hearing that went for half an hour, the Court also made various observations. The Court remarked that how do we ensure safety in meantime. "We have a duty. We should ensure safety in meantime. If this court doesn't come to rescue, that wouldn't be proper, " the Court said.

During the hearing, Senior advocate CU Singh, appearing for petitioners, told Supreme Court that the reason cited for demolition was that the action is being taken against protestors who had indulged in violence.

Singh argued that "demolition keeps happening again and again. It is shocking and appalling. This was not during the Emergency, not during the pre-independence era. These are houses standing for more than 20 years and sometimes not even belonging to the accused but their aged parents."

Petitioner's counsel said that Section 27 of the Uttar Pradesh Municipality Act provides for notice to be given in line with urban planning acts across the country. Notices are given to themselves to remove the illegal construction. In Uttar Pradesh, atleast 15 days have to be given for this and 40 days wait is mandatory. They can appeal to the chairman, which gives a window before demolition action can be taken, the petitioner's counsel submitted.

"Ordinarily, notices are given and you don't just come knocking on doors with a bulldozer, " he said.

Countering his submission, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who was appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government apprised the Court that none of the affected parties filed a plea in the Jahangirpuri demolition issue in the Supreme Court and the same is here as it's filed by Jamiat-Ulama-I-Hind. He remarked that no legal structure or building was demolished and everyone has their agenda as one political party has filed a petition.

However, the Court remarked not to take this as adversarial as who has approached.

Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for Uttar Pradesh authorities, took the Court through three instances. "In Prayagraj notice was issued in May much before the riot and on May 25 demolition order was passed, he submitted, it and also pointed out another of Kanpur for the demolition of the boundary wall. In proceedings in the third case, the first show-cause notice was given on August 17, 2020. Two more notices were given, the property was sealed and FIRs filed," he said adding that they will put it on affidavit and sought three days time to file an affidavit in this regard.

"Media picks this up and hypes to say blanket order should be passed. The court should give us time to place this on affidavit. Why should a generic order be passed," asked Salve.

Solicitor General said in the Jahangirpuri area structures were removed not looking at which community owns the property. "Their fundamental argument is law is not for them. Such proceedings have been going on with the due process and the latest demolition was an instance of the same. Due procedures were followed," Solicitor General added.

Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind moved the Supreme Court seeking to issue directions to the State of Uttar Pradesh that no precipitative action be taken in Kanpur District against the residential or commercial property of any accused in any criminal proceedings as an extra-legal punitive measure.

The application by the organization Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind has also urged the Court that any demolition drive that the authorities are planning to carry out in Kanpur District should stay during the pendency of the instant writ petition. (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], June 16 (ANI): Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar on Wednesday declined the Opposition leaders' proposal to become the candidate for election of President of India.

Taking to Twitter, he wrote, "I sincerely appreciate the leaders of opposition parties for suggesting my name as a candidate for the election of the President of India, at the meeting held in Delhi. However, I like to state that I have humbly declined the proposal of my candidature."

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Leaders of several opposition parties met here on Wednesday to discuss forthcoming presidential elections and urged Sharad Pawar to be the joint candidate but the senior NCP leader declined the offer.

In another tweet he added, "I am happy to continue my service for the well-being of the common man."

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The meeting adopted a resolution to field a common candidate in the election slated for July 18.

The meeting was called by Trinamool Congress leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The meeting was attended by leaders from 17 opposition parties. It coincided with the date of notification for the presidential polls.

"In today's opposition meeting, all parties proposed the name of Sharad Pawar for presidential poll, but he said he cannot take this up now due to his health. All parties requested him to reconsider his decision," CPI leader Binoy Viswam told ANI.

Sudheendra Kulkarni said opposition parties are keen on a candidate "who can truly serve as custodian of the constitution and stop Modi government from doing further damage to Indian democracy and India's social fabric".

Congress participated in the meeting along with 16 other political parties. Apart from TMC, Congress and NCP, the parties which attended the meeting included CPI, CPI(M), CPIML, RSP, Shiv Sena, RJD, SP, National Conference, PDP, JD(S), DMK, RLD, IUML and JMM. They participated in the meeting held at the Constitution Club of India here. The polling for the presidential election is slated for July 18 and votes will be counted on July 21. (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], June 16 (ANI): The Department of School Education and Literacy of the Union Ministry of Education welcomed the Government of India's initiative to induct young men and women into the armed forces through 'Agnipath', to develop a vibrant defence force and disciplined skilled youth with military ethos in civil society, the Union Ministry of Education informed on Thursday.

"To support this initiative, the Department of School Education and Literacy-- through its autonomous institution National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)-- is instituting a special programme in consultation with the Defence Authorities to enable the Agniveers, who have passed 10th class, to further their education and obtain a 12th class passing certificate by developing customized courses that are not only current but also very relevant to their area of services," said the ministry in an official statement.

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According to the Education Ministry, "Open schooling system of NIOS is extremely user-friendly and is accessible to everyone, anywhere and at any time as it opens the doors for all Agniveers under the Agnipath Scheme."

It further said, "this certificate is recognised for both employment and higher education purposes in the whole country. This will benefit the Agniveers to gain adequate educational qualification and skills to take up a productive role in the society later in life. This special programme of NIOS will facilitate enrolment, development of courses, student support, provision of self-learning material, accreditation of study centres, personal contact programme, evaluation and certification."

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The Union Ministry of Defence on Tuesday unveiled the 'Agnipath' scheme. This is a pan-India merit-based recruitment scheme for enrolling soldiers, airmen and sailors in the Armed forces of the country.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan took to Twitter on Thursday stating, "The customised programme by @niostwit (NIOS) will be relevant to the spirit of the Agnipath scheme. This certificate will equip Agniveers with relevant knowledge and skills and enable them to pursue jobs and higher education across India."

"@EduMinOfIndia (The Education Ministry of India) is committed to support the Agnipath scheme. Best of our talent in the best of our services is a matter of pride and a win-win for all," Pradhan said in another tweet.

According to the ministry, it is a transformative initiative that will provide a youthful profile to the armed forces. Under the said scheme, young persons will be provided with an opportunity to serve in the armed forces as 'Agniveer'.

The recruitment scheme will provide an opportunity for the youth to serve in the regular cadre of the armed forces for a period of 4 years including, the training period. Agniveers shall be recruited between the ages of 17.5 to 21 years. Anyone who has passed class 10th or 12th can apply for the recruitment. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kolkata, Jun 16 (PTI) Sanitaryware major Roca India has planned to pump in Rs 50 crore as capital expenditure in its greenfield plant in Rajasthan and is aiming at doubling revenue to cross the Rs 4,000-crore mark over the next four years, a top company official said on Thursday.

The wholly-owned subsidiary of Spanish Roca Group is setting up its maiden pipe manufacturing facility at Alwar under its flagship brand 'Parryware' and expects that the plant would be operational by mid of 2023, he said.

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Despite economic headwinds and cost pressure, we remain optimistic about India's growth story and will continue to invest here. Our capital expenditure will be around Rs 50 crore in our maiden pipe manufacturing facility in Rajasthan, Roca India managing director KE Ranganathan told PTI.

He was here to launch the company's pipes and fitting products in the city and the northeast market.

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The company has already covered Odisha and Bihar in the east, while it has strengthened its footprint in South India.

Over the next few months, it will cover the north and western regions of the country, he said.

The company currently has seven manufacturing facilities across the country. Roca took over Chennai-based 'Parryware' from the Murugappa Group in 2006.

We currently have annual revenue of around Rs 2,000 crore. With our growth strategy and focus on pipes, we will be able to grow at 25 per cent CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) and will cross the Rs 4,000-crore mark in the next four years, Ranganathan said.

The size of the organised market for pipes meant for plumbing (excluding agriculture) is worth Rs 15,000 crore, almost three times that of the sanitaryware market, which is Rs 5,500 crore per annum, he said.

We believe, in the long run, pipes business has potential to overtake the revenue from sanitaryware which currently contributes 75 per cent. But in the next three years, its share will come down to 55 per cent, while pipes will contribute at least 25 per cent by then, Ranganathan said.

The contribution of the pipe business to its overall revenue is just five per cent now, he said.

Roca India forayed into the pipes segment in a bid to increase its revenue share to 15 per cent in the next five years from the current nine per cent contribution to its global sales.

Roca India contributes nine per cent of the group's global turnover. India is the third largest market after Spain and Mexico. We have set a target to expand this share to 15 per cent in the next five years, Ranganathan said.

Speaking about margins, he said it has been impacted by 20 per cent due to cost pressure arising out of increasing commodity prices and rupee devaluation.

We hope margin pressure will remain till 2022 but we will continue to grow, Ranganathan said.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
By Naveen Kapoor

Geneva [Switzerland], June 16 (ANI): In a major breakthrough, an outcome is expected at the ongoing 12th WTO Ministerial Conference on some key negotiation issues including those relating to World Food Programme (WFP) and e-commerce, sources said.

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In fisheries, some of India's concerns are likely to be addressed with no restriction on subsidies to fishermen and women. Restriction on illegal fishing and deep fishing is expected in the outcome.

Sources said on TRIPS, it has been agreed that one can manufacture without patent transfer and can also export and no export restrictions are expected.

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Sources said India played a key role in joining the voice of the developing world in the grouping. The conference is expected to end with WTO's first major outcome in seven years.

The sources said developed countries like the US, UK and EU tried blocking the outcome but India did not.

According to the sources, hectic back-to-back negotiations led by Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and his team with stakeholders from the developed and developing worlds paved the way for the outcome.

Sources said that in the expected agreement on the WFP, the members would agree that in case of a deficit in the country, it can stop export under WFP.

India had reservations about some of the provisions in the draft decisions on texts relating to agriculture, trade and food security brought by the DG-WTO last month.

"In fisheries, there is no restriction on subsidies to fishermen and women. Restriction on illegal fishing and deep fishing is expected in the outcome, a source said.

The sources said agreement is also expected on e-commerce.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal told reporters that most people had almost written off the conference and India took the lead to try and bring together everyone to start talking on specific issues in smaller groups. He said the Director General of WTO played a very important role.

"Most people had almost written off this Ministerial Conference and we were all in the room with DG and the mood was really crestfallen. India took the lead to try and bring together everyone to start talking on specific issues in smaller groups. The DG played a very imp role. Wonderful negotiator and helped to bring people together," Goyal said.

"The collective wisdom of the entire WTO leadership, all the ministers... all the membership in different forms represented in the room, and everyone enthused into working to find a solution. We have been right out there at the front working as a friend, working as a team," he added.

Goyal led the Indian delegation at the 12th WTO Ministerial which was extended by a day, till June 16.

Sources said the meeting went in a positive direction on the last day of the conference, and the Indian delegation led by Goyal held a series of negotiations till early morning.

Piyush Goyal had said on Wednesday that India strongly supports robust WTO reforms and a modernisation agenda but the multilateral rule-making processes of the organisation must not be diluted. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Rio De Janeiro [Brazil], June 16 (ANI): Brazilian police have found human remains in their search for a missing British journalist and an Indigenous expert after a suspect confessed to killing them in the Amazon forest, according to media reports.

One of two men arrested over the disappearance of a British journalist Dom Phillips and an Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira in the Amazon confessed to having buried the pair in the forest, Al Jazeera reported citing police.

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According to reports, the man took investigators to the place where the bodies were buried.

The suspect, a fisherman who had reportedly clashed with Pereira over his efforts to combat illegal fishing in the Indigenous territory, led police to a remote burial site where the remains were unearthed, detective Eduardo Fontes said at a press conference, Al Jazeera reported.

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"We found the bodies three kilometres (nearly two miles) into the woods," Fontes said.

On Wednesday, the Brazilian justice minister said that police had reported finding human remains in the area where the two men had disappeared, and that they would be "submitted to forensics".

The announcement marks a grim conclusion to a case that had raised the global alarm, hanging over

According to Al Jazeera, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Wednesday afternoon that he expected the case to be resolved "in coming hours." (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Beijing, Jun 16: Top security officials of the BRICS countries have held an in-depth exchange of views and reached a consensus on issues such as strengthening multilateralism and global governance and responding to new threats and challenges to national security.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Wednesday attended via video link the 12th Meeting of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) National Security Advisers and High Representatives on National Security. | Facebook's Advertising Tools Are Tracking People Seeking Abortion Services: Reports.

Doval called for bolstering cooperation against terrorism without any reservations as he addressed a virtual meeting of the five-nation grouping BRICS.

The meeting also discussed strengthening and improving governance in new frontiers, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Monkeypox Outbreak: US Reports Over 70 Monkeypox Infections.

All parties expressed their readiness to work for fruitful outcomes of the 14th BRICS summit, it said.

The meeting reviewed the work of the working group on counter-terrorism and cyber security, agreed to jointly promote plans and roadmaps for international counter-terrorism and cyber security cooperation, and uphold the central coordinating role of the United Nations in the global counter-terrorism cause.

The officials called for a more inclusive, representative and democratic global Internet governance system.

China, which is this year's chair of the BRICS grouping, is due to host the summit of the five-member bloc. The BRICS virtual summit is scheduled to be held on June 23 and June 24.

In his address, Yang Jiechi, the director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC), highlighted the Global Security Initiative (GSI) forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping to address the current global security issues.

Yang said the BRICS was born in the historical tide of the collective rise of emerging markets and developing countries and represents the direction of the evolution and adjustment of the world pattern and international order.

He called on the five countries to follow the trend of times, respond to changes of the times and inject more stability and positive energy into the turbulent international situation.

He also called on BRICS countries to practice true multilateralism, address both traditional and non-traditional security threats in a coordinated manner, advocate solidarity, and coordinate security and development to realise the "common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security."

South Africa's Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele, Brazil's Minister of Institutional Security Augusto Heleno, and Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Nikolai Patrushev attended the meeting.

Doval also spoke about the need for continuing cooperation against the challenges of pandemics and climate change.

He called for giving importance to cooperation in the areas of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), outer space and maritime security.

He said there is a need to prevent the use of ICT by terrorists.

Doval also delved into the importance of having "trusted and resilient supply chains".

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
By Sahil Pandey

New Delhi [India], June 16 (ANI): Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett may visit India later this year but the final dates are yet to be decided, said Ambassador Eynat Shlein, head of MASHAV, Israel's international development Center.

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"Prime Minister Bennett is very interested and keen on visiting India. Hopefully, if everything goes well, he would probably be here sometime this summer. We can't set the date as some of the political issues are keeping him close to Jerusalem. However, he feels strongly about the relationship between Israel and India and I know that he looks forward to travelling here," Ambassador Eynat Shlein told to ANI.

She also stressed that Israeli PM has great admiration for India, and he also sees the huge importance of the strategic alliances between the two countries.

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Earlier, the Israeli Prime Minister was scheduled to visit India in April but it was postponed after being tested positive for Covid-19.

US President Joe Biden will host a virtual summit of the I2-U2 grouping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Israel PM and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his visit to West Asia from July 13 to 16.

Earlier, the Israeli envoy also spoke about the I2-U2 grouping and said that it is an important initiative and reflects new dynamics in the Middle East and the world.

"I believe that this is a very important initiative. I think it reflects the new dynamics in the Middle East and the world, the creation of new alliances and the creative thinking of how can countries come together to tackle global problems such for example food security," Eynat Shlein told ANI.

She also mentioned that these four countries can come together to offer solutions to the growing issues. Shlein also believes that I2-U2 countries with their qualities can bring a change.

"Israel has been a good and a close ally of the US for many years. India is a strong strategic partner of Israel. And the UAE, since the signing of the historical Abrahamic accord is becoming a very strong partner and ally of Israel. These four partners together can bring in their unique qualities to create change, a very needed change," she 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)
Ulaanbaatar [Mongolia], June 16 (ANI): The Union Law and Justice Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday met the Mongolian President, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukhand said that Khurelsukhand expressed gratefulness to India and PM Modi for getting Lord Buddha Holy Relics to Mongolia.

Taking to Twitter, the Union Minister said, "President of Mongolia, HE Ukhnaa Khurelsukh has high regard for Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji and the people of India. Long Live India-Mongolia Friendship."

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The Union Minister, who arrived in Ulaanbaatar with the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha on Monday, met his Mongolian counterpart Khishgeegiin Nyambaatar and discussed enhancing the existing cooperation in various fields including the exchange of legal experts.

Taking to Twitter, Union Minister stated, "My bilateral meeting with Mongolia's Minister of Justice and Home Affairs HE Mr Nyambataar was very cordial and fruitful. We discussed about enhancing our existing cooperation in various fields including exchange of legal experts for understanding of each other's existing laws."

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"Thank you Minister of Justice and Home Affairs of Mongolia HE Mr Nyambataar for being the wonderful host and for the warm reception accorded to our Indian Delegation," he added.

The four Holy Relics - known as the 'Kapilvastu Relics' have been put on display for 11-days at the Ganden Tegchenling Monastery, where devotees, both old and young gather in large numbers from Wednesday morning.

The relics are being displayed in India's 'spiritual neighbour' Mongolia, a Buddhist majority nation. Lord Buddha lived in India and attained Mahaparinirvana or ultimate salvation in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh.

The display of sacred `Kapilavastu relics' at Ganden Tegchenling Monastery is being termed a historic milestone in India-Mongolia relations and aimed at further boosting cultural and spiritual relations between the two countries.

India's relations with Mongolia got a boost after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Mongolia in 2015. He had visited the Ganden Monastery, where the relics are being displayed for the common people. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Kyiv, Jun 16 (AP) Four European Union leaders say they support fast-tracking Ukraine becoming an official candidate to join the bloc.

That came as the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania visited Kyiv on Thursday.

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French President Emmanuel Macron told a news conference that the leaders "are doing everything so that Ukraine alone can decide its fate.

Macron also promised six more powerful truck-mounted artillery guns. (AP)

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(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Abuja, Jun 16 (AP) At least 35 teenage girls held captive and forced to work in a prostitution ring in southeastern Nigeria have been rescued after police raided a hotel where they were being held, police said.

The girls between the ages of 14 and 17 were found by police acting on a tipoff in Nkpor town in Anambra state, according to a statement issued by Tochukwu Ikenga, Anambra police spokesman.

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The girls were being used for prostitution and some were impregnated so their babies could be sold, said the statement. Four of the girls rescued are pregnant, police said.

Three suspects were arrested in connection with the incident, the police statement said. Rifles and 877,500 naira ($2,112) cash were also recovered, police said.

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The suspects arrested are being interrogated with a view to eliciting information on their involvement and unmasking other gang members, said the police spokesman. The suspects arrested will be charged at the end of investigations, he said.

The girls freed will be handed over to Nigeria's National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for their care while, said the statement.

This is not the first time that police in Nigeria's southeast have freed young girls who were being held captive and were sexually exploited and forced to have babies that were then sold.

A child trafficking syndicate was uncovered last month in Ebonyi state after it was discovered that a baby had been sold for 355,000 naira ($855), police said. Some babies have in the past been sold for as low as 70,000 naira ($168), police said. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Manaus (Brazil), Jun 16 (AP) A fisherman confessed to killing a British journalist and an Indigenous expert in Brazil's remote Amazon region and took police to a site where human remains were recovered, a federal investigator said after a grim 10-day search for the missing pair.

Authorities said ON Wednesday that they expected to make more arrests in the case of freelance reporter Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira of Brazil, who disappeared June 5.

Also Read | Australia: Victoria and New South Wales Introduce Extra Year of Early Education.

None had been made as of Thursday morning, but police said searches for the boat the two had used were about to restart.

At a news conference in the Amazon city of Manaus, a federal police investigator said the prime suspect in the case confessed on Tuesday night and detailed what happened to Phillips and Pereira.

Also Read | Fiji Reopens International Border to Cruise Ships Following 2-Year Ban Over COVID-19.

Investigator Eduardo Alexandre Fontes said Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, 41, nicknamed Pelado, told officers he used a firearm to kill the men.

We would have no way of getting to that spot quickly without the confession, Torres said of the place where police recovered human remains on Wednesday after being led there by de Oliveira.

Torres said the remains were expected to be identified within days, and if confirmed as the missing men, will be returned to the families of the two.

We found the bodies three kilometres into the woods, the investigator said, adding that officers travelled about one hour and forty minutes by boat and 25 more into the woods to reach the burial spot.

The suspect's family had said previously that he denied any wrongdoing and claimed police tortured him to try to get a confession.

Another officer, Guilherme Torres of the Amazonas state police, said the missing men's boat had not been found yet but police knew the area where it purportedly was hidden.

They put bags of dirt on the boat so it would sink, he said. The engine of the boat was removed, according to investigators.

Military leaders also had joined the effort to find Phillips and Pereira a few days after their disappearance was reported.

President Jair Bolsonaro, a frequent critic of journalists and Indigenous experts, has drawn criticism that the government didn't get involved fast enough.

Before the bodies were discovered on Wednesday, he criticised Phillips in an interview, saying that locals in the area where he went missing didn't like him and that he should have been more careful in the region.

Efforts to find the two were started by Indigenous peoples in the region. UNIVAJA, an association of Indigenous peoples of the Javari Valley, mourned the loss of two partners in a statement on Wednesday, adding they only had help and protection from local police.

Colleagues of Pereira called a vigil outside the headquarters of the Brazilian government's Indigenous affairs agency in Brasilia from which he was on leave.

Pereira, 41, and Phillips, 57, were last seen on their boat in a river near the entrance of the Javari Valley Indigenous Territory, which borders Peru and Colombia. That area has seen violent conflicts between fishermen, poachers and government agents.

On Wednesday morning, journalists saw federal police officers take a hooded suspect they didn't initially identify out on the river toward search parties looking for Phillips and Pereira.

On Tuesday, police said they had arrested a second suspect in connection with the disappearance and identified him as Oseney da Costa de Oliveira, 41, a fisherman and a brother of the initial suspect.

Indigenous people who were with Pereira and Phillips have said that Pelado brandished a rifle at them on the day before the pair disappeared.

Official search teams concentrated their efforts around a spot in the Itaquai river where a tarp from the missing men's boat was found on Saturday by volunteers from the Matis Indigenous group.

They found a backpack, laptop and other personal belongings submerged underwater on Sunday.

Police previously reported finding traces of blood in Pelado's boat.

Authorities have said a main line of investigation has pointed to an international network that pays poor fishermen to fish illegally in the Javari Valley reserve, which is Brazil's second-largest Indigenous territory.

Pereira, who previously led the local bureau of the federal Indigenous agency, had took part in several operations against illegal fishing, which usually lead to seizure of fishing gear and fines for violators. Only the Indigenous can legally fish in their territories.

But police have not ruled ruled out other lines of investigation, such as drug trafficking.

Phillips' wife, Alessandra Sampaio, said the discovery of bodies puts an end to the anguish of not knowing Dom and Bruno's whereabouts.

Now we can bring them home and say goodbye with love," Sampaio said in a statement. Today, we also begin our quest for justice."

Pereira's wife Beatriz Matos expressed her grief on Thursday.

Now that Bruno's spirits are strolling in the forest and spread on us, our strength is much bigger, she said on Twitter. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Baghdad, Jun 16 (AP) US-led coalition forces captured a senior leader of the extremist Islamic State group in a military operation in northern Syria on Thursday, the coalition said.

In a statement, it said the captured leader was an experienced bomb maker and operational facilitator, describing him as one of the top leaders of the militant group's branch in Syria.

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The statement did not identify the individual nor say where exactly in northern Syria the raid took place.

It said the operation was successful with no civilians harmed and no injuries to the coalition forces. The coalition did not respond to queries from The Associated Press.

Also Read | Fiji Reopens International Border to Cruise Ships Following 2-Year Ban Over COVID-19.

Three Iraqi intelligence officials, however, identified the man as Ahmad Hani al-Kurdi, a Syrian national who rose through militant ranks to become one of the most senior and dangerous IS leaders and an expert on manufacturing booby-traps and explosives.

For a while, he was the IS leader in charge of the Syrian city of Raqqa, when it was the de facto capital of the group's so-called Islamic caliphate that stretched across much of Iraq and Syria.

The Iraqi intel officials spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to give out the information.

The US-backed forces declared victory over the Islamic State group in March 2019 after retaking the last piece of territory held by IS in Syria.

But the militants continue to operate and carry out deadly attacks in both Iraq and Syria through sleeper cells; the group also maintains several affiliates in various countries.

A Syria war monitor, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said the operation began with two helicopters landing near the targeted area in the village of al-Humaira, about 4 kilometers from the Turkish border.

It reported clashes with gunmen hiding in houses in the village in the northern Aleppo countryside as they were chased by members of the coalition.

The Observatory has a network of activists on the ground in Syria.

The coalition has conducted raids in the past to take out IS leaders.

In February, the group's leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi blew himself up along with members of his family as American forces raided his Syria hideout.

His predecessor, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, died similarly along with his family in 2019 by detonating a suicide vest in a tunnel in northwest Syria as a military operation unfolded during the Trump administration.

The IS group at the height of its power controlled more than 40,000 square miles stretching from Syria to Iraq and ruled over 8 million people.

Its attacks in the region included a major assault last month to seize a prison in northeast Syria holding at least 3,000 IS detainees.'' (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
London, Jun 16 (PTI) British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's independent ethics adviser Lord Christopher Geidt has resigned in the wake of the partygate scandal of COVID lockdown-breaching parties at Downing Street.

Geidt, the Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests who reported directly to the Prime Minister in an advisory capacity, handed in his resignation to Johnson on Wednesday evening.

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Amid pressure to reveal the exact reason behind the resignation, Downing Street published his resignation letter to Johnson, which claims he was put in an impossible and odious position over another matter since the partygate scandal.

I was tasked to offer a view about the government's intention to consider measures which risk a deliberate and purposeful breach of the Ministerial Code. This request has placed me in an impossible and odious position, Geidt said in his resignation letter.

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My informal response on Monday was that you and any other minister should justify openly your position vis-a-vis the Code in such circumstances. However, the idea that a Prime Minister might to any degree be in the business of deliberately breaching his own Code is an affront This would make a mockery not only of respect for the Code but licence the suspension of its provisions in governing the conduct of Her Majesty's ministers. I can have no part in this, he said.

In response, Johnson's letter sought to highlight that he was simply seeking Geidt's "advice on the national interest in protecting a crucial industry".

His letter indicates the advice relates to trade matters which were in line with domestic law but might be seen to conflict with our obligations under the WTO.

In seeking your advice before any decision was taken, I was looking to ensure that we acted properly with due regard to the Ministerial Code, said Johnson.

Earlier, Geidt had issued just a brief resignation statement saying that he felt it right to step down from the post of Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests.

The resignation took Downing Street by surprise and followed the 2020 exit of Sir Alex Allan, his predecessor in the role, and the resignation of the British Prime Minister's anti-corruption champion, John Penrose, last week.

Geidt's resignation letter also makes a reference to the contentious partygate issue, expressing his disappointment that Johnson's response on the matter had not been fuller.

He also took note of Johnson's reference to miscommunication between their offices in the matter and indicated that he was prepared to resign at the time but stayed on by a very small margin.

Meanwhile, the Opposition parties renewed their partygate attack on the government over this latest development.

"The Prime Minister has now driven both of his own handpicked ethics advisers to resign in despair. If even they can't defend his conduct in office, how can anyone believe he is fit to govern," said Labour's Deputy Leader Angela Rayner.

"When both of Boris Johnson's own ethics advisers have quit, it is obvious that he is the one who needs to go," questioned Liberal Democrat chief whip Wendy Chamberlain.

Last month, in an annual report on ministerial interests, Geidt had noted that a legitimate question has arisen as to the fixed penalty notice issued by the Metropolitan Police over a COVID lockdown-breaching birthday party at Downing Street in June 2020. His report called on Johnson to set out his case in public.

"I did not consider that the circumstances in which I received a fixed-penalty notice were contrary to the regulations," Johnson said in a letter of explanation to Geidt, which was made public.

"I have accepted the outcome and paid it in compliance with legal requirements. Paying a fixed-penalty notice is not a criminal conviction," he said.

Geidt was also critical in his report about having repeatedly counselled the Prime Minister's advisers that he must offer a public comment on his obligations under his own Ministerial Code, a breach of which usually leads to a minister's resignation.

It had been reported at the time that Geidt had threatened to quit after the publication of the Sue Gray report into lockdown breaches in Downing Street unless Johnson issued a public explanation for his conduct.

(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, June 16: A group of people on Thursday protested against delay in Railway recruitment exams and the newly launched Agnipath scheme and subsequently stopped a train in the national capital, an official said.

Around 15-20 people gathered at railway station Nangloi and staged a protest against delay in Railway recruitment examinations and the recently introduced Agnipath Scheme."During the protest they stopped one train at Nangloi Railway Station bearing train number 04424 (Jind to old Delhi)," Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer district) Sameer Sharma said. Agnipath Scheme: Army Aspirants Jam Delhi-Jaipur Expressway in Protest (Watch Video)

After this, Nangloi police station's Station House officer immediately reached the spot and requested the protester to vacate the railway track peacefully.

"They were heard peacefully wherein they stated that they had filled some govt examinations 2-3 years before but the examinations for the recruitment has not been conducted yet, and they have become over-aged now," DCP Sharma said.

However, the police were able to pacify the protestors and the crowd was dispersed. "The situation is now under control and all the students have dispersed from the railway track," Sharma added.

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved 'Agnipath' recruitment scheme for Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces. The youth selected under this scheme will be known as 'Agniveers'.

About 46,000 of them will be recruited this year.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the scheme is a transformative initiative and under it Indian youngsters will get an opportunity to serve in armed forces. "The scheme will increase employment opportunities and aim to create a youthful profile of the Armed forces," Singh said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 16, 2022 02:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New Delhi, June 16: Stating that "everything should be fair" and authorities should strictly follow the due procedure under the law, the Supreme Court Thursday gave the Uttar Pradesh government and its authorities three days to respond to pleas which alleged that the houses of those accused in last week's violence were illegally demolished.

There must be a sense among the citizens that the rule of law prevails in the country, a vacation bench of Justices A S Bopanna and Vikram Nath said and urged the authorities to ensure nothing untoward happens until it hears the matter on June 21.

Everything should be fair. We expect the authorities to strictly follow the due procedure under the law, it said. The bench added, How do we ensure their safety in the meantime? We have a duty towards them. We should ensure their safety in the meantime. Let us be clear, they (accused) are also part of society.

Ultimately, when someone has some grievances, they should get a chance to address them. If this court does not come to their rescue, that would not be appropriate. Everything should look fair. Bulldozer Row: Supreme Court Seeks Affidavit From Uttar Pradesh Government on Plea Against Bulldozer Action.

The bench clarified that it cannot stay the demolitions but can only say that such action should be strictly under the due process of law. Justice Bopanna said, We as judges are also part of the society. We also see what is happening. Sometimes, we also form our impressions.

The top court was hearing pleas filed by the Muslim body -- Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind --- seeking directions to the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure that no further demolitions of properties of alleged accused of recent violence are carried out in the State.

The Muslim body in its plea has said that no demolitions of properties be carried out without following due process and such exercise is done only after adequate notice. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, and senior advocate Harish Salve, representing the Kanpur and Prayagraj civic authorities, said the due process of law was followed and notice in one instance of demolition was given way back in August 2020.

Mehta said none of the affected parties are before the court and the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind has approached the court seeking a generic order that there should not be any demolition.

Senior advocates C U Singh, Huzefa Ahmadi, and Nitya Ramakrishnan, appearing for the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, said statements are being made by the highest constitutional authorities, including the Uttar Pradesh chief minister, and demolitions are subsequently being carried out without giving an opportunity to the alleged riot accused to vacate their houses.

Singh said that on April 21, in a matter related to demolitions in the Jahangirpuri area here, this court had passed a status quo order and restrained the authorities from carrying out the demolition till further orders.

Since the status quo order was only in connection with Jahangirpuri, the state authorities in Uttar Pradesh have acted and demolished properties of persons accused of rioting, protesting, and criminal activities. This action of demolition of houses of the alleged accused is appalling and has never been seen in this country even during the emergency period. More so members of a particular community are targeted, Singh said.

The bench asked Singh whether there were any prior proceedings pending before the demolition took place. He added section 27 of the Uttar Pradesh Urban Town Planning Act says that at least 15 days' notice should be given before the demolition of properties so that the alleged encroachers can approach appellate authorities for remedy but in all of these cases, no notice has been given.

The bench said, We are aware of the fact that demolitions cannot take place without notices." Salve, who appeared for municipal authorities of Prayagraj and Kanpur, said that the petition points out three instances of demolition but in all the three cases prior notices were given much before the riots took place and in one of the instances it was given in August 2020.

These properties are valuable, so these people are not those who could not approach the court, he said, adding that authorities be allowed to file an affidavit giving exact details of the three incidents within three days. The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind had earlier filed the plea on the issue of demolition of buildings in the Jahangirpuri area of the national capital.

The fresh applications in the pending petition said that after the last hearing in the matter some new developments have taken place that requires the attention of this Court.

"Some objectionable and offensive remarks were made by two political leaders a few days ago which led to communal tension in numerous parts of the country. Following the remarks of the two political leaders, a bandh was called for by a group of people in the district of Kanpur in protest. Uttar Pradesh on Alert Ahead of Friday Prayers After Recent Incidents of Violence.

"On the day of the protest, a scuffle broke out between the Hindu and Muslim religious communities, and stone-pelting took place between the two communities. After the violence in Kanpur, a number of persons in authority have stated in the media that the properties of suspects/accused would be confiscated and demolished. Even the Chief Minister of the state has said in the media that the houses of accused persons would be razed using bulldozers," one of the pleas said.

The plea alleged that the adoption of such extra-legal measures is clearly in violation of the principles of natural justice, especially when the apex court is hearing the present matter.
New Delhi, June 16: Former BJP leader Naveen Jindal has lodged a fresh complaint with the Delhi Police against unknown persons for threatening him over his controversial remarks on Prophet Muhammad through emails.

Jindal allegedly received four emails containing threats from unknown senders. He immediately lodged a complaint with DCP East Delhi office.

"They have threatened to kill me. They wrote that they might take time -- one year or two years -- but will kill me for sure. They have threatened that if they fail to kill me, their grandchildren will kill me," said Jindal in the complaint. Prophet Muhammad Remarks Row: Strict Action To Be Taken Against Offenders, NSA Ajit Doval Assures Iran.

One of the threat mail senders has written that Jindal would meet the same fate as Kamlesh Tiwari and that no power can save him.

The former BJP leader said that the accused have dared him to come out of the home alone.

Jindal was dismissed from the BJP after controversy erupted over his remark against Prophet Muhammad which was in support of suspended party BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma's statement.

The dismissed leader had also alleged that a few persons had followed him few days ago when he went to meet someone.

He had informed the police about the same.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 16, 2022 04:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
The Food and Drug Administration advisers have allowed the recommendation of both Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children, which closes the final challenge to getting young Americans vaccinated.

NBC News reported that the Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee had a vote for each vaccine during its Wednesday meeting. The recommendations were unanimous, 21-0.

The votes will now set in motion a process expected to be completed by Tuesday, which can be a relief to parents who have waited for more than a year-and-a-half to vaccinate their children.

FDA will now decide to grant emergency use authorization to the vaccines in the coming days.

In addition, an advisory panel to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to vote on whether to endorse the shots on Friday and Saturday.

The final stage of the approval of the COVID-19 vaccines will be a signoff from CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky.

Dr. Ofer Levy, the director of the Precision Vaccines Program at Boston Children's Hospital, said he is really pleased that they have reached this kind of milestone.

READ NEXT: Free COVID-19 Test Kits Can Be Ordered Online for the Second Time Around: Here's How to Get Yours

COVID-19 Vaccine For Children

FDA's review noted that COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths for children six months to four years old are higher than for children in other age groups despite the babies, toddlers, and preschoolers only making up about three percent of cases in the U.S.

Fox News noted that the health agency said that children who received Pfizer's shots during clinical trials developed high levels of virus-fighting antibodies seen to provide protection against COVID-19.

Pfizer's vaccine was given in three doses and appeared 80 percent effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19. However, the data was based on just 10 cases diagnosed among study participants. It could change as Pfizer's study continues.

Moderna's two-dose vaccine, on the other hand, was only about 40 percent to 50 percent effective at preventing milder infections.

The two companies' vaccines were tested at different points during the pandemic, with different variants spreading at the time of the study.

Pfizer and Moderna

No vaccine has been authorized for children younger than five in the U.S. more than two years into the pandemic.

Dr. Jay Portnoy, a professor of pediatrics at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo., said that the death rate from COVID and young children may not be extremely high, but it is "absolutely terrifying to parents to have their child be sick."

Portnoy noted in a New York Times report that parents should be given the choice to vaccinate their children.

Regulators and company officials discussed the side effects caused by Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. The huge majority were mild and tolerated by children in clinical trials. The side effects include irritability and crying, sleepiness, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

Smaller numbers of trial participants experienced fevers. However, those were consistent with the side effects of other pediatric vaccines.

Dr. Peter Marks, the F.D.A.'s top vaccine regulator, said at the meeting that the need to "protect these children from COVID is great."

READ MORE: COVIDtests.gov: More Free COVID-19 Test Kits Available on Federal Government Website | Here's How You Can Order

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: FDA advisers recommend Moderna's Covid vaccine for children ages 6 months through 5 - from CNBC Television
One of the suspects arrested in Brazil regarding the case of missing British journalist Dom Phillips and Brazilian Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira has confessed to the crime.

New York Post reported that the suspect has admitted to killing and dismembering Phillips and Pereira as human remains were found on Wednesday in the Amazon area.

The Amazon area was the last location the two had disappeared on June 5. They were last seen passing through a remote part of the Amazon rainforest by boat.

Brazil's federal police arrested two suspects Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira and Oseney da Costa de Oliviera, concerning the two person's disappearance.

READ NEXT: Brazil: Pele Calls to 'Intensify' Search for Missing British Journalist, Brazilian Expert in Amazon

British Journalist and Brazilian Indigenous Expert Missing Case

Detective Eduardo Fontes noted that the suspect, Amarildoda, took investigators to a site where human remains were dug up, according to a BBC News report.

Police would work with Interpol to confirm the bodies' identities.

The suspects who were arrested were reportedly brothers. Law enforcement officials said they expect to carry out further arrests.

Federal police said in a statement that Oseney was the fisherman, whom they said was "suspected of participating in the affair."

Amarildo, also known as Pelado, was arrested last week in the riverside village of Sao Gabriel, where the two missing men were last seen on June 5.

Police seized some ammunition on Tuesday and an oar during a search in the village, according to a statement.

It did not detail why the items were confiscated, who they belonged to, or where they were found.

The suspects are being held at the police station in Atalaia do Norte, the nearest town, where the second suspect was arrested, according to an Aljazeera News report.

Indigenous people who were Pereira and Phillips said that Pelado brandished a rifle at them on the day before the two men disappeared.

The arrest of the second suspect came after ramping up the search, which was led by Indigenous people and Brazilian security forces.

British Journalist Dom Philips and Brazilian Indigenous Expert Bruno Pereira

Phillips had been living in Brazil for more than a decade and was known to be a long-time contributor to the Guardian newspaper. He was also working on a book about the Amazon.

The two missing men's belongings, including clothes and a laptop, were found on Sunday.

Indigenous groups noted that Pereira was threatened for campaigning against illegal fishing in the area.

Phillips' sister, Sian, earlier said that she thinks it is likely they have been ambushed by some illegal criminal activity there, adding that it would possibly do with illegal fishing.

The pair went missing in the Javari Valley as they were going by boat on the Itaquai River to Atalaia do Norte.

The valley is a remote jungle region home to 26 different Indigenous peoples, many of whom live in isolation.

Authorities noted that the region is "complex" due to the presence of rogue fishermen, miners, and loggers invading protected indigenous lands.

READ MORE: Brazil: Human Remains Found in Area Where British Journalist and Brazilian Indigenous Expert Were Last Seen

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Dom Phillips: Suspect reportedly confesses to killing British journalist and his guide in Brazil - The Telegraph
The Yellowstone National Pak flood has been affecting nearby towns in Montana, as it swamped scores of homes in surrounding communities when the waters moved downstream on Wednesday.

According to Associated Press, residents from Red Lodge, Montana utilized shovels and wheelbarrows on Wednesday to pump and clear the thick mud and debris from a flooded home along the banks of the Rock Creek.

Red Lodge is known to be a gateway town to the Yellowstone National Park's northern end.

Businesses in Gardiner, Montana were also shuttered by the flood.

"It's a Yellowstone town, and it lives and dies by tourism, and this is going to be a pretty big hit... They're looking to try to figure out how to hold things together," Park County Commissioner Bill Berg underscored.

Berg added that businesses in the said area were just starting to recover from the tourism contraction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Park County's disaster emergency services manager, Greg Coleman, told CNN on Wednesday that at least two homes collapsed in Gardiner. Coleman added that numerous homes and businesses in the area were flooded.

The Montana National Guard on Monday and Tuesday sent soldiers to Red Lodge for search and rescue efforts. The state's national guard also said in a statement that they used helicopters to rescue 87 people in south-central Montana since Monday.

Laura Jones from Rocky Mountain Rotors also confirmed that at least 40 people were flown out of Gardiner by a Montana helicopter.

READ NEXT: Yellowstone National Park Flood: Tragedy Closes All Park Entrances, Destroys Roads

Montana's Drinking Water Affected by the Yellowstone National Park Flood

The Yellowstone National Park flood also affected the drinking water of Montana after a water treatment plant was forced to shut down after the tragedy, Newsweek reported.

The City of Billings announced that its water plant closed on Tuesday night after water levels exceeded 16 feet. A Wednesday news release from the agency claimed that the closure of the plant is down because the facility cannot operate properly when the water level is higher than 15 feet.

The affected water treatment plant's existing water supply will last the city at least a day, prompting officials from Billings to urge their residents to conserve water.

Officials from Park County in Montana claimed that extensive flooding made water in some areas "unsafe for drinking."

Gardiner community was instructed not to drink the local water, but that order was replaced with a boil water advisory by Tuesday evening.

Yellowstone National Park Remains Closed Over Floods

All park entrances in the Yellowstone National Park remained closed on Wednesday after the flood damaged several roads and bridges in the famous tourist spot.

Park officials announced on Tuesday that the northern portion of the national park may remain closed "for a substantial length of time," as many of the roads in the said portion of the park will require time to be reconstructed.

Previously, Park Superintended Cam Sholly noted that more than 10,000 people have left the Yellowstone National Park since Monday.

"There will be no inbound visitor traffic at any of the five entrances into the park, including visitors with lodging and camping reservations, until conditions improve and park infrastructure is evaluated," a release from the Yellowstone National park reads.

READ NEXT: Batman in Mexico? Here's Everything You Need to Know About the Dark Night Heading to Latin America

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written By: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Yellowstone National Park Closed 'Indefinitely' Following Flooding - From TODAY
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy slammed President Joe Biden over reports of punishing the horse-mounted Border Patrol agents who were falsely accused of "whipping" Haitian migrants.

Speaking with the Daily Mail on Wednesday, McCarthy noted that Biden's Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was "simply wrong" to move forward in disciplining the agents who were absolved of "whipping" claims. The Republican lawmaker said the agents deserve a better leader.

"Border patrol agents deserve a president who will support them, not smear them - which is exactly what President Biden did when he promised, without knowing the facts, that agents would 'pay' for the false allegations of 'whipping' migrants," McCarthy told the outlet.

With the DHS reported to go forward in handing out the punishments, the House Minority leader accused the president of "targeting" the agents and "smearing" those in the agency who were wrongly accused of whipping the migrants.

Biden was outraged by the alleged whipping incident. He previously promised that those responsible would be brought to justice and "make them pay."

READ NEXT: Yellowstone National Park Flood Affects Nearby Montana Neighborhood After Destroying Roads in the Tourist Spot

Border Patrol Agents 'Furious' After Reports About Punishment Over 'Whipping' Claims Came Out

Some Border Patrol agents expressed outrage at reports that the DHS will punish multiple agents for the debunked "whipping" claims.

"I am through being surprised," one agent told Fox News. Another described the DHS plan as a "f****** bulls****," adding that the border patrol agents in question did nothing wrong.

Some agents also told the outlet that they are either retiring early or know fellow agents who also plan to retire early due to how the job is now. They noted that many agents were also pushed into processing migrants rather than being out in the field.

National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd told Fox News that the executive branch was weaponizing the Customs and Border Protection's Office of Professional Responsibility (ORP) to go after what Biden perceives as political opponents.

Judd noted that the president does not like the Border Patrol and its mission.

"And now he is going after these agents because he panders to open border activists. This should never happen in this country," he told the outlet.

Representative Tony Gonzales tweeted that the Border Patrol agents put their lives on the line every single day to make the migrants and Americans safe.

Gonzales added that he would not stand for the "false and politicized" narrative against Border Patrol agents who were cleared of criminal wrongdoing.

Our BP put their lives on the line every day to ensure the safety of all-Americans & migrants alike.



I will not stand for this false & politicized narrative against our agents who have been cleared of criminal wrongdoing after a thorough investigation. https://t.co/i0ero0Jhxq  Rep. Tony Gonzales (@RepTonyGonzales) June 15, 2022

DHS Wants to Punish Horse-Mounted Border Patrol Agents Accused of 'Whipping' Haitian Migrants

A federal source told Fox News that the DHS would offer proposals to discipline the Border Patrol agents, who will have a chance to defend themselves. The source noted that the announcement on the matter is expected in the coming days.

The charges will be "administrative violations" and not criminal, which the border agents were cleared of earlier this year.

In September, horse-mounted Border Patrol agents were photographed chasing Haitian migrants along the Rio Grande in Texas. The agents were trying to stop the migrants from entering the country.

In one case, an agent on horseback grabbed onto a migrant's shirt. The photo sparked different opinions and speculations from U.S. officials.

Many Democrats and media outlets falsely described the border agents' long reins, which they use to control their horses, as "whips."

Some administration officials quickly condemned the agents even before an investigation had been undertaken. But witnesses and other officials defended the agents in question, with some saying that the whipping did not occur.

The photographer of the said images, Paul Ratje, earlier said he never saw the agents whipping anyone, although he saw some agents swinging the long reins of their horses. The DHS declined to press criminal charges last November.

The ORP has spent the intervening months reviewing photographs and interviewing agents and witnesses. The OPR noted that the agents whose behavior is in question would be awarded "due process" and given a chance to respond.

READ MORE: Amber Heard Reveals True Feelings for Johnny Depp After Defamation Trial Loss: "I Love Him"

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Images of Border Agents on Horseback at Mexico-Texas Border Have Drawn Rebuke - Here's Why - From KHOU 11
U.S. forces caught a senior ISIS leader during a raid in Syria on Thursday. Officials said the ISIS leader is an experienced bomb maker.

According to Fox News, Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS, said in a statement that the mission was "meticulously planned" to decrease the risk of collateral damage, particularly any harm to civilians.

The coalition noted that no civilians were harmed during the operation, nor damaged any Coalition aircraft or assets.

The coalition said their forces will continue to search for the remnants of ISIS, also known as Daesh, wherever they hide to ensure their enduring defeat. Defense officials did not immediately release the captured ISIS leader's identity.

READ NEXT: U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin Meet With Ukraine Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv

ISIS Leader Captured in Helicopter Raid in Syria

A spokesperson for a separate Turkish-backed Syrian rebel group told Reuters that the coalition forces had carried out a helicopter raid in the village of Al-Humaira just south of the Turkish border, which is the first operation of its kind in the area.

Major Youssef Hamoud, a Turkey-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) spokesman, said U.S.-made Chinook and Black Hawk helicopters were involved but did not provide details on the exact circumstances.

Hamoud noted that it was the first U.S. helicopter landing operation in areas under the SNA's control. A source close to rebels in the area said clashes erupted during the operation.

In February, U.S. special forces undertook a helicopter raid in Syria's Idlib province, which is controlled by jihadist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) that led to Islamic State leader Abu Ibrahim Al-Hashemi Al-Quraishi's death.

ISIS was militarily defeated in Syria in 2019, and since then, its leaders have gone into hiding to prevent being targeted by U.S. forces

However, ISIS fighters still have a low-level insurgency in Iraq and Syria, with the group continuing to inspire followers in the West to commit violent attacks.

ISIS launched its largest operation since its military defeat in January, with hundreds of ISIS fighters trying to free thousands of terrorist fighters detained at a prison in Hasakah in northeast Syria.

U.S. Response to ISIS Attacks

President Joe Biden said in February that the leader of the ISIS died during a raid by U.S. Special Operations commandos in Syria, with rescue workers noting that women and children were among at least 13 people killed during the operation, according to New York Times.

Biden said the "bravery of our troops" resulted in the disappearance of the terrorist leader. He added that the operation is a "testament to America's reach and capability to take out terrorist threats no matter they try to hide.

The president said all the troops from the operation had safely returned. The helicopter-borne assault was done by about two dozen American commandos, supported by helicopter gunships, armed Reaper drones, and attack jets.

American forces have supported a Kurdish-led militia in northeastern Syria as it battled for more than a week to oust Islamic State fighters from a prison they had occupied.

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: Pentagon Says ISIS Leader Killed During Syrian Raid - From ABC News
Emma Coronel Aispuro, the wife of Sinaloa Cartel boss Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Loera, could be an influencer once she regains her freedom in January 2024.

According to La Opinion, even with only five images on Instagram, El Chapo's wife is close to having a million followers. So once she finishes serving her prison sentence, she could make money from her social media networks.

According to the Influencity platform, El Chapo's wife could make deal proposals worth up to $10,000 for each post on Instagram.

An Infobae analysis of the data revealed by Influencity showed that Coronel Aispuro has only published five images on her official Instagram account but already has more than 712,000 followers and a total of 93,000 likes.

Based on the calculation of the mathematical algorithm on user interactions, such as likes and comments, the Influencity platform said the Instagram profile of El Chapo's wife is worth $18,931.

However, she could still raise its value if she dedicated herself to being an influencer, uploading more content daily, and getting sponsors.

Since she was included in a group with between 500,000 and a million followers on Instagram, some brands could offer Coronel Aispuro up to $10,000 for each post she made.

Borderland Beat reported that the lawyers of El Chapo's wife have not said what and how she will live when she gets out of jail.

READ NEXT: Sinaloa Cartel Founder 'El Guero' Is Still in Custody of Mexican Authorities

El Chapo's Wife Emma Coronel Aispuro Moved to Texas Prison

Emma Coronel Aispuro was transferred to a minimum-security federal prison last February as she continues to serve her three-year prison sentence.

El Chapo's wife will be spending the remainder of her sentence in Forth Worth, Texas. Coronel Aispuro was sentenced to three years in prison on November 30 for helping her husband run his multibillion-dollar drug empire.

At her sentencing hearing in a Washington court, Judge Rudolph Contreras has also ordered El Chapo's wife to forfeit $1.5 million tied to her criminal activities and serve four years of supervised release when she leaves prison.

Coronel Aispuro was also directed to find work after her release from prison and work at least 30 hours per week. El Chapo's wife has been incarcerated in a jail in Virginia since February last year when she was arrested at Dulles International Airport.

Emma Coronel Aispuro Pleads Guilty in Engaging in Financial Dealings With Sinaloa Cartel

Emma Coronel Aispuro pleaded guilty to conspiring to launder money and engage in financial dealings with the Sinaloa Cartel in June last year.

She also admitted to conspiring to distribute heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana for import into the U.S. for several years. She also confessed to helping her husband escape from a Mexican prison.

As part of her plea agreement, El Chapo's wife admitted acting as a courier between his husband and other members of the Sinaloa Cartel while El Chapo was being held in Altiplano prison in Mexico following a 2014 arrest.

When her case was presented in court last year, Judge Robin Meriweather said if El Chapo's wife is found guilty, she could face a maximum sentence of life in prison with a $10 million fine.

U.S. prosecutors initially asked the court to sentence Emma Coronel Aispuro to four years in prison in relation to the drug distribution and money laundering charges. But the prosecutors later agreed to a shorter sentence after she expressed remorse.

READ MORE: El Chapo's Wife Emma Coronel Could Dismantle Sinaloa Cartel by Cutting Deal With U.S.: Report

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Wife of El Chapo Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking Charges | Emma Coronel Aispuro - From WION
The Department of Agriculture "has failed to support young people who want to enter farming", says Macra President, John Keane.

Mr Keane was commenting on the recently published EU Commission summary observations on the proposed CAP Strategic Plans for 27 Member States.

"The EU Commission observes that Ireland is one of only three Member States that allocates the minimum amount of 3% of their initial direct payments to young farmers," said John Keane.

"The remaining 22 other Member States allocate a higher amount. The EU Commission also outlines that 26 members states plan to fund young farmers through support for setting up their farming enterprise, all but one Member State has chosen to support young farmers through this route, with the outlier being Ireland.

"In Ireland's own observation letter the EU Commission observed a lack of direct support in addressing the issue of access to land for young farmers.

"What this demonstrates is a complete lack of interest and support for young people in Ireland who want to enter farming. Once again, the Department of Agriculture has failed to support young people. All other EU Member States are doing more to support generational renewal," stated the Macra President.

"Macra na Feirme has consistently been advocating for more supports for young farmers, but it has fallen on deaf ears in Ireland.

The only option left for Irish young farmers and young people thinking of entering farming is to seek intervention from the EU Commissioner to reject the plans for generational renewal and to set a target for the number of young farmers actively farming by 2027.

"This will be a results and performance-based approach in sharp contrast to the status quo which is being proposed by Irelands CAP Strategic plan in its current form, concluded John Keane.


Complex issues around building and financing new social and affordable homes on council land in Portlaoise mean it will be years before construction can start.

Laois County Council has estimated that it will be at least 2025 before shovels hit the soil in Tyrrells Land, a full six years since they bought it.

However one of their housing aims will eventually give relief to some 'squeezed middle' workers.

The council wants to supply some of the homes under the Cost Rental scheme, which would be rented at a 25% discount to households earning under 53,000.

An update was supplied to the June meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, after Cllr Thomasina Connell tabled a motion seeking one.

Angela McEvoy Director of Services, estimates that it will be "2025 onwards".

She said that the rent rate in Portlaoise is under consideration with national advice sought on how to overcome issues.

"The housing section has been progressing this site with the commissioning of the Housing Agency to provide technical assistance with the tendering of a design team and Stage 1 submission to the Department for the housing element of the site.

"The design options however are fundamental to indicating how the different tenures of housing can integrate and work together on the site. Cost rental tenure is being explored with the Housing Finance Agency to ascertain how this can be worked through give the current levels of rent being experienced in Portlaoise. Once a design team has been appointed and options have been developed, consultation with the MD members will be progressed.

"It is anticipated that development on this site will not happen until 2025 onwards given the design, planning and financial approval stages that have to be overcome," the Director said.

The 26 acre parkland site off the N80 Stradbally Road was bought by Laois County Council for 1.4 million in 2019.

Only a small section of the land is zoned for housing on the part nearest the Stradbally road. Much of the land is designated as parkland for leisure and nature use.

The council first revealed plans to build 87 high density homes, in blocks up to five storeys tall, as well as some terraced town houses town houses. The plans went on public display last autumn, but councillors opposed all four and five storey blocks and urged a redesign.

Cllr Connell said the timescale is disappointing.

"It was important to let the public know where this is at. We saw the potential designs last summer, this is a bit disappointing. It has gone back to consultants to get finance from the Department of Housing. I have been vocal is wanted a mix of different tenures including affordable housing to ensure we build a thriving community in Portlaoise.

"It is wonderful that the council bought this, it is important we make the most of it. 2025 is disappointing but I think Angela is being realistic. I know there is a query on whether cost rental would work in Portlaoise," she said.

Cllr Noel Tuohy supported the motion.

"This could be one of the jewels in Portlaoise's crown. It's a pity we can't advance it more than that. Glendowns residents also have concerns," he said.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley said that she had requested a mix also of cost rental, affordable to purchase and social homes.

"I was at a meeting recently with Cluid. One thing that came out of it is their concern at the rollout of cost rental outside Dublin. They take the full hit of the build. It is not feasible outside Dublin. Government policy needs to have a look at that. It will be three years before we get any sort of development on that site. The President of Ireland has been completely critical of the policy regarding houses. It's a fact that local authorities pulled back for years from building their own houses. Cluid say clearly that they don't see cost rental being a runner," she said.
More funding is needed for primary schools due to population increases and the impact of Covid, a Laois TD has said.

Deputy Brian Stanley said funding for the primary schools in Laois/Offaly needs to be increased.

Deputy Stanley said:This week I met with the heads of the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) and also the Laois/Offaly union representatives. They outlined a cogent case where significant improvements need to be made in resources to schools.

The issue of large class sizes continues to be a problem at primary level. Its a well-established fact that children in small class sizes perform better. The latest OECD Education at a Glance report outlines very clearly the negative effects of large classes, he pointed out.

According to Deputy Stanley, the average EU class size is 20, however, in Laois the figure is in excess of 23 and in Offaly in excess of 22. Added to this is the fact that one in seven children in Irish primary schools are in classes of over 30. This needs to be addressed.

On staffing issues, INTO are looking to have the 2009 assistant principal cuts reversed. A total of 4,500 assistant principal posts have been lost since 2009. And while 1,300 of these were restored in 2017, schools are left short of these middle management positions. The cuts have left schools without supports in curricular, pastoral and administrative areas, claimed Deputy Stanley.

https://www.ireland-live.ie/news/laois-live/836872/light-very-important-at-laois-crossroads-where-school-children-are-picked-up.html

He said: The capitation grants, i.e., the funding for running schools, for primary schools stands at 183 per student. Up to 2010, this was at 200 per annum. In the past 12 years, energy prices have soared, as well as insurance, and many other costs that schools have to cover. This has left many schools in a situation where they are caught in an endless cycle of fundraising. School principals have informed me that they regularly require overdrafts from the bank to keep things ticking over.

The other main concern for the INTO is the need for increased funding for childrens mental health services. Covid has worsened this situation. It is widely accepted that early intervention is essential where children are showing signs of challenges in relation to their mental health and well-being. Teaching staff are looking for adequate funding to provide therapy and on-site school counselling, he explained.

In conclusion, Deputy Stanley said: The total cost of the INTO proposals would be 72m per annum. This I believe is a worthwhile investment in our primary school sector and our children.
An intoxicated uninsured driver reached speeds of between 170 and 190kph while being followed for 13km on the motorway was fined 750 and disqualified from driving for three years.

Nicolae Gorobceanu, 34, of Beech Avenue, Brindle Hill, Charleville, Cork appeared before Portlaoise District Court on charges related to the incident on February 20 this year. The defendant was charged with dangerous driving at Trumera, Mountrath, drink driving at Clonadacasey on the M7 and having no insurance.

State Solicitor Donal Dunne said gardai were performing a speed check at 2.25pm when they spotted the vehicle. He said gardai followed the vehicle on the motorway for 13km as it was driven at speeds of between 170 and 190kph while tailgating vehicles along the way. Once stopped, the driver admitted he had no insurance and he failed a roadside breath test, Mr Dunne said. He gave a reading of 75mgs per 100mls of breath. He said the man has no previous convictions.

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald admitted the facts make for bleak reading noting the defendant tried to evade the clutches of gardai. He said his client was a Moldovan national who works in construction and had been travelling between Dublin and Cork for the airport on the day in question. He said the man has a Moldovan licence but never regularised it here and instead took the lazy and reckless option of proceeding to drive. Mr Fitzgerald said he accepts his guilt and he accepts the penalties.

Judge Patricia Cronin said the nature of the driving on the day most certainly constitutes dangerous driving. Describing the speed, she said, this was exceptionally high in this courts view. She fined the man 750 and disqualified him from driving for three years for drink driving, two years for dangerous driving and two years for not having insurance. She said the driving bans would run concurrently.
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A prison officer attacked in prison has told a court that convicted murderers can attack prison staff with impunity because it won't affect their sentences.

Dublin man Laurence Murphy (44) received a three year prison sentence on Thursday at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for an offence of assault causing harm to Kieran Maher at Wheatfield prison on July 10, 2019. He had pleaded guilty to the offence.

In 2002 a Central Criminal Court jury convicted Murphy, with a last address at Swilly Road, Cabra of murdering Thomas Brady (22) in Mountjoy Prison, on April 23 2001. It was reported at the time that Brady and Murphy shared a cell for just two-and-a-half weeks before the attack when Murphy stabbed Brady with "a butter knife" he had sharpened and hidden in the cell.

First-time prisoner Brady, of Rowlagh Crescent, Neilstown, Dublin, had been jailed for stealing from his family. After the trial his family said they had had him arrested because they could not get help for his heroin habit anywhere else.

Derek Cooney BL, prosecuting, outlined to the court how Officer Maher had just gone into Murphy's cell when with no warning Murphy launched an unprovoked attack.

Murphy headbutted the prison officer, connecting with his nose. He then began punching him repeatedly. The court heard the victim suffered injuries to his nose, had a bruised and swollen face and bleeding gums and trauma to his teeth.

He also suffered injuries to his back, medical reports handed into court showed. In a victim impact report he said he has suffered flashbacks of the attack and was out of work for ten months.

He said he continues to have breathing difficulties which affect his sleep. In his statement, read into court by Mr Cooney, he said that prison officers should be able to carry out their job without being subjected to assaults and that prisoners serving life sentences can carry out such assaults with impunity because it won't affect their sentence.

The court heard the attack lasted three to four minutes before it was stopped.

Murphy has previous convictions for assault and had previously worked in security. Since going into custody he had worked with the Open University to educate himself, defending counsel Luigi Rea BL told Judge Melanie Greally.

Judge Greally said the offence was aggravated by it's ferocity and by the fact that it took place while the victim was doing his job.

She reduced a four year sentence to three years in consideration of Murphy entering a guilty plea. Mr Murphy attended on screen via video-link from prison.
Over 1 million children and families are set to benefit from 6.6million donated by the public during the 2021 Toy Show.

All counties across Ireland will receive funding from the Toy Show Appeal Grant, with 154 charities and community groups securing the money.

It marks an 180% change from the 55 charities which received grants last year.

Speaking about the news, host of The Late Late Show, Ryan Tubridy said, "The Irish public has simply blown us away with their generosity and kindness of spirit. The donations given will enrich the lives of children across our island who need it most to give them the support, care, and encouragement that they need.

"We want to offer a huge thank you to every single person who donated. We were truly overwhelmed with the response."

Charities secured the grants after applying under three thematic pillars, such as addressing essential needs from food to medical equipment, improving well-being including hospital and medical care, mental health supports and grief counselling, and creativity and play.

Four charities will receive "transformative" grants of more than 300,000 each.

This includes Exchange House Ireland in Limerick, which promotes equal opportunities for Travellers, Baboro International Arts Festival for Children in Galway, which inspires all children regardless of background to engage with creative arts, and Spraoi agust Sport in Donegal, which provides affordable and inclusive experiences for children, families, young people and adults.

The remaining donations will be split among other charities, including the likes of the Jack and Jill Foundation, Barnardos, ISPCC, the Irish Wheelchair Association, and Children's Books Ireland.

Local projects and organisations in every county of Ireland will also receive grants to help with a diverse range of needs including homelessness in Galway, migrant supports in Cork, sexual abuse victims in Carlow, and the mental health of young people in Wicklow.

Speaking about the impact of the RTE Toy Show Appeal, The Late Late Show producers Katherine Drohan and Jane Murphy said, "We are constantly inspired by children and with the unwavering generosity of TV viewers, RTE will continue to work to bring the magic of the Toy Show to every child in Ireland in order to change their lives for good".

Director-General of RTE, Dee Forbes said, "The Late Late Toy Show is an evening where generations unite, and the country celebrates some incredible and inspirational children. Viewers once again responded to the call to give with extraordinary generosity, and those donations will make an enormous difference to the work of so many organisations.

"The fact that this money will impact the lives of over 1.1 million children is phenomenal and we are very grateful to everyone who gave, which is what makes all these grants possible."
One of Newbridge's most well known businesses is to close its doors at the end of the month.

The Kiosk flower shop is run by the Doyle family, who have decided to step away from the business after 35 years.

In a Facebook post, they gave a special thanks to all their customers and friends.

"After 35 years of business in Newbridge, the Doyle family will close the Kiosk on Thursday, 30 June 2022. We would like to thank all of our customers, many of whom have become friends, for their continued support throughout the years. Thank you for all of the great stories and memories, laughter and tears we have shared. Many of you started business with Mrs. Brid Doyle R.I.P. in George's street, where the Kiosk journey began," said Frances and John Doyle.

"Thank you to all of our suppliers who have looked after us so well over the years, and a special thank you to our staff for their loyalty and hard work. Though we are sad to be leaving the Kiosk, we are delighted that Flowerz Newbridge will be opening up here soon. We wish them every success in their new venture."
All roads lead to Kiltyclogher this Friday and Saturday, June 17 & 18 where the Sean Mac Diarmada Summer School 2022 takes place.

This is the first physical event since June 2019 because of Covid. In 2020 and 2021, the school successfully went to a virtual platform where we had an audience from the UK, America, Dubai, Switzerland, France and Australia.

The committee is really looking forward to people coming in the physical sense to the village for what promises to be a very stimulating and educational event.

Live streaming will take place again this year in conjunction with the actual event taking place in the Holiday Centre. This will be a feature of the summer school going forward and was one very positive outcome for the event after two long and twilight years of lockdown and semi-lockdown during the pandemic.

The event theme for June 2022 is 'Reflections on the Irish Civil War'. Having reached seminal milestones in Irish history, (the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence), the event now finds itself in year seven in the decade of centenaries.

Now it will examine perhaps the most significant and divisive episode in our history - the Irish Civil War of June 1922 - May 1923; a twelve month war that would impact on Irish life for the next 100 years to date.

The opening of the summer school will take place this Friday, June 17 with the customary event at the Mac Diarmada homestead in Corranmore.

Direct descendants of Sean Mac Diarmada - Padraig Mc Dermott, Maura Mylonas and Patricia Walsh, will perform the opening ceremony on the doorstep of their grand-uncles ancestral home.

The opening lecture of the weekend, the Orla Parkinson Memorial Lecture, will be delivered by Dr Jackie Ui Chionna (NUIG), her presentation title being, Miss Ryan, she who in all probability, had I lived, would have been my wife: Min Ryan, Love and Loss in the Revolutionary Period.

Prin Duignan, a former director of the summer school, will offer a presentation on a specific Leitrim event in the Irish Civil War - The Dennison Murders, Drumkeerin; A North Leitrim Episode in the Irish Civil War.

Irish Times journalist, Ronan Mc Greevy, will give the final presentation on Friday, 17th with Irelands Sarajevo: The Assassination of Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson MP, started the Irish Civil War and changed the course of Irish history. Why was he shot and what role did Michael Collins play in this event?

Saturday, June 18 sees a five speaker line-up beginning with Danny Morrison (former national director of Sinn Fein) analysing The Consequences of Signing.

Tom Elliott (former leader of the UUP) will consider The disastrous impact of the Irish Civil War on Unionists and Protestants of the Irish Free State.

The Cathaoirleach of Seanad Eireann, Senator Mark Daly, will focus on the Seanad with his presentation entitled, The Centenary of Seanad Eireann - Minority Voices, Major Change - Past, Present and Future.

An analysis of how we as a nation have commemorated our significant historical centenaries, will be offered by Catriona Crowe (former lead archivist at the National Archives of Ireland) in her presentation Civil War: how are we doing at the end of the decade of centenaries?

Finally, Tommie Gorman (former RTE Northern Editor) will assess the political landscape, North and South, following the recently held Northern Ireland Assembly elections in his presentation entitled: Now that Northern Irelands Assembly elections are over, what next?

Details of the event may be found on www.seanmacdiarmada.ie or by calling (083) 184 7432 and texting (085) 160 5327.
The final of Irelands first national digital skills competition, Irelands Future is MINE, is scheduled to be televised TODAY on RTE2 at 5pm and will be delivered through a collaboration between Microsoft Ireland and RTEjr, the competitions final will see St Hugh's National School from, Dowra, Co Leitrim and Moyvore Primary School from Co Westmeath battle it out for first place.

Launched in September 2021, the 'Ireland's Future is MINE' digital skills competition challenged primary school students to use Minecraft: Education Edition to think creatively, collaborate, problem-solve and shape Irelands sustainable future

Since its launch, schools across Ireland have entered the competition and students have explored fun challenges such as building their own NASA rover and coding their very own polar ice hut.

These challenges, made possible through Minecraft: Education Edition, are aligned to both the Republic and Northern Irish curriculums covering subjects from English, Maths, Science, Geography, SPHE and more.

Having successfully progressed through the various stages of the competition, which saw participation from 130 other primary schools across Ireland, St Hughs National Primary School and Moyvore Primary School will compete in the final phase of the digital skills challenge. The winner will receive the grand prize of laptops for the classroom plus a charging trolley for their school.

Good luck to the class in St Hugh's NS, Dowra!
ChangeX, the community engagement platform, has launched an 80,000 play-focused community fund, with support from the LEGO Foundation, to enable communities across Leitrim to start proven learning through play projects and empower community groups, parents and caregivers to create more playful experiences for children.

The LEGO Foundation is dedicated to ensuring children globally are given opportunities to learn through play which develops in them essential skills to thrive in life and reach their full potential. Its Build a World of Play campaign, part of the LEGO brands 90th anniversary celebrations, is a global initiative to raise awareness of the importance of playful learning.

As a proud partner to the LEGO Foundation, ChangeX is supporting the Build a World of Play campaign in Ireland with the launch of the Ireland Community Play Fund to activate more learning through play projects in communities, mobilise local community changemakers and scale proven play innovations.

The Ireland Community Play Fund aims to support up to 35 teams across Ireland to start new community projects. Groups can choose from a carefully-curated portfolio of 13 proven ideas that have already had a positive impact in other communities around the world.

The ideas on offer include a mix of local ideas and proven innovations from around the world, including FIRST LEGO League, a programme that allows students of all ages to develop STEM skills in a hands-on, fun way, and Urban Thinkscape, which empowers communities to transform public spaces into joyful learning opportunities by, for example, installing a puzzle wall at a local bus stop.

Also included in the diverse and exciting portfolio of ideas is Playful Streets, an initiative of A Playful City, Irelands first not-for-profit focused on creating more playful, engaging and inclusive cities with and for communities. Playful Streets is an easy, social and low cost way to create child friendly play spaces on your street by opening it to play and temporarily limiting traffic. Play can bridge gaps - with different generations mixing, teaching others games they play or played and bringing outdoor fun into the fabric of your neighbourhood, said Neasa Ni Bhriain, creative director at A Playful City.

Groups who apply for funding to start one of the 13 projects on offer in the Ireland Community Play Fund will have 30 days to build a small team and design an action plan. On completing these steps, they will be eligible for seed funding of up to 5,500.

Euan Wilmshurst, Head of Advocacy and Communication at the LEGO Foundation, said: Through the Build a World of Play campaign, we want to make a real difference to the lives of children across the world. We are excited to continue our partnership with ChangeX, which will support more communities to provide opportunities for children to learn through play. Play is an essential part of a childs learning and development. Our research has shown that learning through play develops holistic skills in children that are critical for tackling lifes challenges. 

For more details see: Community Play Fund (changex.org)

As part of the wider Build a World of Play campaign, ChangeX and the LEGO Foundation are also working with other Irish organisations to support playful learning. For example, Street Feast, an initiative that aims to build neigbourhood and community networks, will host its 2022 event on Sunday June 26. It is providing 200 Playful Street Feast PlayBoxes containing games, activities and resources to involve people of all ages in the festivities.
THE first full in-person conferring ceremony has taken place at UL where graduates could also invite their families to attend since the pandemic began.

More than 700 students were conferred from the faculties of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Education and Health Sciences and Science and Engineering.

They join the more than 117,000 University of Limerick alumni based all around the world.

In total, there was 723 students conferred, including 13 PhDs. These included large cohorts of graduates from the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (BMBS) and the Postgraduate Diploma in School Leadership programmes.

Speaking to graduates during the ceremony, UL President Professor Kerstin Mey congratulated the students for their success in spite of the challenges thrown up by Covid-19.

Your journey through education has been exciting, challenging and indeed not without a great deal of effort and commitment, but today you are celebrating the fact that you have excelled academically and all while we faced some of the darkest and most challenging days in recent history, she said.

Professor Meys remarks to the new graduates also reflected that UL is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a year of events to mark the anniversary of the establishment of the university in 1972 as the National Institute of Higher Education.
ALMOST half of assault victims in Limerick do not make a formal complaint to gardai even when they have sustained serious injuries, the head of the Limerick garda division has revealed.

The number of assault incidents, particularly late at night, has risen substantially across the city and county this year  in line with the re-opening of the night time economy.

Assault incidents, many of which are related to alcohol use, increased by 95% in the Limerick garda division during the first five months of this year compared to the same period in 2021.

The number of assaults more than doubled (+123%) in the Roxboro Road district while there was a 98% increase in the Henry Street district.

Assaults have also increased significantly in the Bruff and Newcastle West districts but the number of incidents in both areas is considerably lower than in the city (23 in Bruff and 39 in Newcastle West).

Briefing members of the Limerick Joint Policing Committee on the latest crime trends Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche said a significant number of victims, including some who have been stabbed, do not co-operate with the subsequent garda investigation.

An awful lot of what we call Section 3 assaults, which involve somebody getting punched or having teeth knocked out or getting hit or whatever, we are not getting complaints, he said.

At least 40 or 50% of people who are reporting it on the night dont follow up with a complaint  even ones where we have stabbings and even ones where there have been very serious assaults with weapons, he added.

Chief Supt Roche told the quarterly meeting the trend of non-reporting was discussed by local garda management recently and that a number of reasons have been identified for complaints not being made.

Sometimes its between individuals who may have resolved things themselves and there are others who, for one reason or another, just dont follow up, he said.

While gardai do not receive complaints from a large number of assault victims, investigation files are compiled and retained in each case while the Victim Service Office will also make contact with and liaise with those who have been attacked and who may have sustained injuries.
THERE was a buzz of activity in Limerick as a major manufacturing expo took place in the city today.

More than 150 export businesses were at the Technological University of the Shannon (Tus) campus in Moylish for the first Manufacturing Solutions Ireland conference since lockdown.

Companies came from Britain, while many firms in Limerick and the Mid-West were also present for the event, which provided an opportunity for company owners to network and discover new markets.

The expo is taking place today and yesterday, and features technology demonstration, an exhibition of the manufacturing supply chain and an opportunity to meet the various manufacturers among other things.

Among those present were the British ambassador to Ireland Paul Johnston.

While at the #MSI2022 conference, Ambassador @PJohnstonFCDO met with @TUS_ie President, Prof. Vincent Cunnane to discuss the future of TUS and further research collaborations with institutions pic.twitter.com/RNhR2SXXyT  British Embassy (@BritEmbDublin) June 16, 2022

He said: I think it's an exciting time to be here. There are great opportunities available to Limerick companies. There are opportunities available through partnerships, through exploring the British market to see where they can be developing their products and services.

Despite Brexit, he pointed out trade between Ireland and Britain still generates 1bn a week.

Day 2 of Manufacturing Solutions Ireland 2022 on our Moylish campus in Limerick city #MSI2022 #Engineering #Manufacturing @gtma1 pic.twitter.com/exIawPKGlt  Technological University of the Shannon (@TUS_ie) June 16, 2022

Julia Moore, the chief executive of the GTMA trade association which organised the event added: Events like this bring innovation and new ideas. When you are in a regional environment, similar to companies in the UK, it's good toget people from other parts to bring their knowledge into it.

Despite the lockdown, which saw plans for an in-person expo put on ice until now, she said interest never waned.

People who had booked in for 2020 automatically pledged to come back when it returned. So we started off with a full order book if you like, and gradually more people were added, she explained, We see very positive signs for running it again next year and thats very important.

As part of the event, Mr Johnston addressed a black-tie dinner of delegates at the Radisson Blu Hotel in the Ennis Road on Wednesday night.
THE issue of self defence will have to be considered in the trial of a 41-year-old man who admits killing but denies murdering another man in County Clare over two years ago, the State has told a Central Criminal Court jury.

The 12 jurors were also told it is the prosecution case that the deceased man had three injuries to his body which were consistent with stab wounds after he was struck by the accused.

Nassar Ahmed of The Mews, Kilrush Road, Ennis has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Eoin Boylan (32) at Gordon Drive, Cloughleigh, Ennis, on April 14, 2020.

Mr Ahmed offered to plead guilty to manslaughter in advance of the trial but the Director of Public Prosecutions has refused to accept the plea.

Opening the prosecution case this Thursday, Lorcan Staines SC said that Mr Ahmed, who is originally from Sudan in North Africa, came to Ireland in the mid 2000's and settled in Ennis, County Clare.

Outlining the facts of the case, Mr Staines said that the accused met a local woman, got married in 2007 and had three children.

The jury will hear, said Mr Staines, that ultimately their marriage broke down and it ended completely in November 2018.

Around Christmas 2019, Mr Staines said that Mr Ahmed's former partner met Eoin Boylan and they started a relationship together.

Counsel also told the jury that Mr Ahmed's former partner had been friends with Mr Boylan when they were in school together years earlier but had fallen out of touch.

"Around summer 2019 they bumped into each other and a romantic relationship started between them around Christmas 2019," he added.

Mr Staines said the evidence will be that Mr Boylan moved into the woman's house "quite quickly" after their relationship commenced.

In March 2020, the lawyer said that Covid-19 hit Ireland quite significantly and there was a "very hard first lockdown".

There will be evidence, Mr Staines said, that Mr Ahmed's former partner was living in her house with Mr Boylan and his mother. "They all effectively stayed together," he said. The woman's cousin was also living in the same house, he said.

On the day of the incident, Mr Staines said there was phone communication between Mr Ahmed and his former partner as the accused wanted to come to the house, over which a dispute arose.

Mr Boylan, who was in the house at the time, left and "words" took place between him and the accused man. "There are a number of eye witnesses to what actually took place, what was said and done between the accused and Mr Boylan. There is also CCTV footage of some of it but not all of it," said counsel.

In relation to the evidence against the accused, Mr Staines said that ultimately Mr Ahmed hit Mr Boylan three times. Mr Boylan very quickly fell to the ground after being hit and he had three injuries to his body which were consistent with stab wounds, he said.

Outlining the circumstances of the deceaseds death, Mr Staines said that Mr Boylan bled out at the scene and had a collapsed lung. A pathologist formed the view that he had been stabbed to death, he said.

The barrister further stated that the accused has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, which meant that he admitted killing Mr Boylan.

Mr Staines said the court will hear that the issue that will ultimately arise in the case is self-defence and the jury will have to consider this in due course.

The trial continues before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury of seven men and five women. It is expected to last three weeks.
The HSE National Ambulance Service (NAS) is delivering 150 defibrillators (AEDs) to volunteer Community First Responders across Ireland for off-duty use.

The initiative means NAS staff will, for the first time, have an AED immediately to hand when a life-threatening emergency occurs in their communities.

AEDs (or Automatic External Defibrillators) - portable devices which use an electric shock to restart the heart - can be used by people with no medical training.

NAS Director, Robert Morton, said off-duty volunteers deserve "great praise".

He said, "This is a great initiative which has been funded by the Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Strategy for Ireland. NAS staff who volunteer as CFRs when off duty in their local communities deserve great praise. These new AED kits will be a great asset for them as they will have immediate access to an AED when a cardiac emergency occurs.

"The AEDs fit into a specially-designed backpack which makes them easily transportable when someone is rushing to the scene of an emergency. They are being delivered to 150 staff around the country."

CFR groups linked to the NAS National Emergency Operations Centre can provide medical assistance within minutes of a 112/999 call.

This immediate response can drastically improve outcomes for patients in cardiac arrest by providing life support through CPR and defibrillation.

The more links in the 'Chain of Survival' a patient receives - including early paramedic intervention - the higher their chances of survival.

NAS Lead, Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Strategy & Associated Specialist Programmes, Bridget Clarke, said, "The Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Strategy was very pleased to be in a position to provide the funding for this initiative. We have no doubt that it will be of great benefit to local communities and we are all very grateful to the NAS staff members who participate in it.

"Those who volunteer as CFRs in their communities are making a real difference. We would ask if people are interested in the work of a CFR to come forward and volunteer, there are lots of opportunities in local communities around the country to get involved. Full training and support will be provided."

For further information on becoming a Community First Responder please click here.
THE Minister for Justice is to fully contest a High Court challenge brought by the mother of murdered Limerick boxer Kevin Sheehy aimed at preventing her son's killer from being transferred to a UK prison.

Mr Justice Charles Meenan was told this Thursday that the Minister is contesting the application brought by Tracey Tully, whose 20-year-old son was killed at Hyde Road Limerick on July, 2019, for permission to bring her judicial review action.

Anne Marie Lawlor SC, also told the court that the Minister also wants the matter to be heard as soon as possible.

The Irish champion boxer died after being repeatedly struck by a vehicle driven by Logan Jackson of Longford Road Coventry, England.

Jackson was convicted of Mr Sheehy's murder by a jury at the Central Criminal Court last December and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Following his conviction 31-year-old Jackson successfully applied to the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee for a transfer from Ireland to a prison in the UK, where he will serve out the remainder of his sentence.

When the matter returned before the court on Thursday Mr Justice Meenan was told that the contested leave application should take about an hour to hear.

Lawyers for Jackson, who was made a notice party to the proceedings by the Court, said their client is currently detained in solitary confinement within the Irish prison system, also wants the matter to be determined by the High Court as soon as possible.

The judge fixed July 15 as the date for the hearing of the action.

He also made directions regarding the exchange of legal submissions between the parties, which he said, are to be done in advance of July 6 next.

In her judicial review proceedings against the Minister for Justice Ms Tully has challenged that decision and seeks an order from the court quashing the transfer.

She claims that if the transfer goes ahead, she fears she will not have any say, nor be able to make any submissions to the UK authorities when Jackson applies for parole.

She also claims any decision on a parole application by her son's killer would be in the hands of the authorities in another jurisdiction.

Ms Tully, represented by Arthur Griffin BL instructed by Mark Murphy Solicitors, claims that the Minister's decision to allow the transfer to go ahead is unconstitutional and an "abdication of the Irish state's responsibility to determine when a person serving a life sentence may be paroled."

She also seeks declarations including that the proposed transfer breaches her rights under the 2017 Victim of Crime Act and was made outside of the Minister's powers under the 2019 Parole Act.

She further seeks a declaration that the decision to transfer Jackson is unconstitutional as it removed the jurisdiction for sentencing Jackson from the Irish state and handed it over to another state.
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After a two-week trial, a plaintiffs attorney urged jurors on Wednesday to hold Bill Cosby financially responsible for sexually molesting a 16-year-old girl at the Playboy Mansion 47 years ago.

Nathan Goldberg argued that Cosby should be forced to pay millions of dollars for the assault on Judy Huth, who is now 64.

He hasnt paid for what he did. Hes gotten away with it, Goldberg argued. Its your job to hold him accountable.

The 12-person jury is scheduled to begin deliberating on Thursday in Santa Monica Superior Court. Huth filed the suit in 2014, but her case was delayed for several years by Cosbys criminal proceedings. The 84-year-old comedian was freed last year after serving nearly three years in prison, when his conviction was overturned by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

In her closing argument, Cosbys attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, alluded to the slew of other allegations that have been made against him. But she urged the jurors to set that aside and focus on Huths credibility, arguing that Huth simply had failed to prove her case.

Doing what is right isnt always popular, and doing what is popular isnt always right, Bonjean said. I am not going to credit someones story simply because we live in times when if she says it, it must be true. No.

Gesturing toward the reporters in the audience, she added, The media can do that, and they do.

Cosby did not attend the trial, and jurors saw only a brief glimpse of him in portions of a videotaped deposition.

The case instead focused on the accounts of Huth, her friend Donna Samuelson, who accompanied her to the mansion, and two supporting witnesses, Marjorie Shapiro and Kimberly Burr, who testified about their own sexual assault allegations against Cosby from the same time period.

Huth and Samuelson testified that Cosby brought them to the mansion after a chance encounter at a park. Huth alleged that Cosby lured her to a bedroom, and then tried to force himself on her. When she resisted, saying she was on her period, he then pulled down his sweatpants and forced her to masturbate him, she testified.

Huth was allowed to bring her lawsuit so many years after the fact under a California law that allows victims of childhood sexual abuse to file suit once they become fully aware of its psychological effects.

Huths age at the time of the incident has been a critical issue in the case. Initially, she claimed she was 15. But on the eve of trial, she said she had reviewed evidence and had concluded that she must have been 16.

In her argument, Bonjean argued that Huth had shaped her story in hopes of scoring a financial windfall. She also maintained that the plaintiffs had not proven that Cosby knew at the time of the incident that Huth and her friend were underage  a key element of the offense.

These are young women that didnt present as children or even young teenagers, Bonjean said, showing photos from the time. They looked like a lot of other young women at the Playboy Mansion.

Goldberg countered that Samuelson had recalled Cosby telling them both at the mansion that if anyone asked, they should say they were both 18  suggesting he knew that they were not.

Goldberg also showed the jury a photo of Huth from 1975 in which she appeared quite young, as well as two photos of Cosby with Huth at the mansion.

What is the reason that he brought her there? he asked. Was he looking for new friends to make? They were there because he wanted to engage in sex and he didnt care whether they were minors or not.

He also argued that while memories have faded a bit over the years, Huth has always been consistent about what happened to her.

Shes never varied from that, he said.

Bonjean argued that Huth and Samuelson had coordinated their stories, noting that both Huth and Samuelson separately claimed to have seen a Donkey Kong arcade game at the mansion, even though Donkey Kong was not released until the early 1980s.

This came to be known as the Donkey Kong defense, and Bonjean referenced it at the end of her argument, displaying an arcade-style GAME OVER logo for the jury.

In his rebuttal, Goldberg took offense at that.

Game over? he asked. Is this what its about for the defense? A game?

The two lawyers sniped at each other at several points during closing arguments. Bonjean objected when Goldberg said that a defense expert seemed like a nice lady and had a nice smile  arguing that she was a doctor and he was being disrespectful to her.

Bonjean also took issue when Goldberg displayed photos of each of the accusers at a young age, juxtaposed with Cosby at 37  his age at the time of the accusations. Goldberg eventually objected to Bonjeans objections, and accused her of being as rude to the witnesses as you are to me.

Is this about me? she asked. Why dont you put my picture up there?

Yeah, Ill put your picture up there with game over,' Goldberg shot back.

Earlier in the day, jurors saw a videotaped deposition of Hugh Hefner from 2016, taken about a year before he died. Hefner, the last witness of the case, testified that he was close friends with Cosby in the 1970s, and he never saw Cosby with underage girls at the mansion. He was also asked if minors were ever allowed at the mansion.

That would be very unusual, Hefner said.

Nine of the 12 jurors must agree to reach a verdict. The plaintiffs must prove their case by a preponderance of the evidence  not the higher beyond a reasonable doubt standard in criminal court.

Goldberg suggested they should award $1 million to $2 million of damages for each of four years of emotional suffering  or $4 million to $8 million total  though he said it would be up to the jurors to decide what is fair.

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Kevin Spacey has made his first appearance in a U.K. criminal court on charges of sexual assault.

Last month the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), similar to a District Attorney in the U.S., authorized charges to be brought against the actor, whose full name is Kevin Spacey Fowler. He has been charged with four counts of sexual assault in the U.K. against three men between 2005 and 2013. He was also charged with causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent. The alleged victims are now in their 30s and 40s.

On Thursday morning, Spacey appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court in London to acknowledge the charges. He did not enter a plea.

The actor, who was once the toast of Hollywood, appeared calm as he was led through Courtroom 1 and into the glass-panelled dock, dressed in a dark blue suit, white shirt and black tie with glasses. He spoke only to give his name, date of birth and U.K. address and nodded as the charges were read.

Initially, deputy chief magistrate Tan Ikram referred to Spacey as Mr Fowler until the his barrister, Patrick Gibbs QC, explained to the court he would refer to his client as Mr Spacey. When the deputy chief magistrate asked Spacey directly how he would prefer to be known by the court, the actor indicated he preferred Mr Spacey.

The first matter the court dealt with was withdrawing a warrant for Spaceys arrest, as Mr Ikram acknowledged the actor had voluntary submitted himself to be charged.

Much of the subsequent hearing was taken up with discussing bail conditions, with the CPS asking that bail be granted only on condition Spacey surrendered his travel documents, promised not to apply for any other travel documents, slept at his London address and did not contact the prosecutions witnesses except via lawyers where necessary.

In particular, prosecutor Natalie Dawson said that while she understood Spacey wanted to return to the U.S. to work, and that the CPS did not want to prevent Spacey from working, the agency was concerned about the actor travelling outside the U.K. as the trial approached. Given the potential sentence if convicted, it was reasonably foreseeable Spacey would not return to the U.K. to stand trial, Dawson said.

She also added that if the court was considering requesting a security or bail bond from Spacey to prevent him from absconding, it would need to be commensurate with the defendants wealth to be a reasonable deterrent because the CPS believes Spacey to be a man of significant means (a British euphemism meaning the CPS believes Spacey is wealthy).

However, Spaceys barrister argued strongly that the bail conditions regarding travel were excessive.

No doubt mindful of the public gallery behind him packed with press, Gibbs began his address to Mr Ikram by saying Spacey strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case. He then went on to set out a number of reasons why the actors bail terms should be unconditional, including the fact that he had co-operated fully with the case so far, for example submitting to four days of questioning by police in New York in 2019, voluntarily attending a meeting to be charged this week, and voluntarily attending the court that morning.

One of the obvious reasons why he will [not abscond] is he needs to answer these charges if is he to proceed with his life, Gibbs said. His face is well known. What is he going to do? Where is he going to hide?

Gibbs also stressed that because Spaceys life and family remain in the U.S.  including a 9-year-old dog he has apparently homed in a kennel while he is in the U.K.  preventing him from travelling would be an excessive punishment as he waited to stand trial. What is he to do? Gibbs asked the court. Is he to be in effect incarcerated in his flat in London, unable to work, unable to see his family, unable to audition for work?

All his belongings are in the USA.

The barrister then honed in on his argument regarding Spaceys ability to work. In his line of business working requires him to audition, working requires him to go to meetings and have face-to-face discussions with writers, directors, casting agents, Gibbs said, stressing the actor may need to fly to France, Italy or more likely USA with little or no notice for work.

Gibbs also said that Theres some many in the bank account if the court did want Spacey to submit to a bail bond but that No request has been made to his friends in the performing arts to stand surety  a mechanism for a third party to pay the court in the event a defendant breaches their bail conditions  because doing so would be to invite an absolute hailstorm on social media.

No doubt to the actors relief, Mr Ikram accepted Gibbs argument. You have co-operated with the authorities in New York and voluntarily attended here today, the deputy chief magistrate said to Spacey, who nodded in response. Ive not been persuaded there is a real risk [of absconding], bearing in my mind all I have heard about you.

After granting unconditional bail, Mr Ikram set a date for the next hearing, which is likely to be a case management hearing, at Southwark Crown Court on July 14. But he warned Spacey: If you were late, if you didnt attend, a warrant would be issued for your arrest.

Youre free to leave the dock, Mr Ikram concluded, at which point Spacey walked out followed by his legal team, which included one U.S. lawyer, two British solicitors and Gibbs, as well as a woman who declined to give her name or role.

Spacey and his team immediately headed for a conference room down the hall before making their way to the foyer, where they waited for a few minutes before exiting the building. Spacey then walked through a phalanx of photographers and camera crews lined up all the way from the court entrance to a waiting car, which whisked the actor away.

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MEXICO CITY (AP)  While reviewing the photo archives left by Nobel Prize-winning Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, one of his granddaughters came across a mysterious plastic box with the word grandchildren written on its label.

At first, Emilia Garcia Elizondo was afraid to open the box but curiosity overcame her. Inside were 150 unpublished letters that he received from Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Cuban President Fidel Castro and actor Robert Redford, among others.

Forty of the letters will be exhibited for two months starting June 16 in the colonial house in the southern part of Mexico's capital where Garcia Marquez lived with his wife, Mercedes Barcha, from the 1980s until his death in 2014.

The exhibition is part of celebrations for the 40th anniversary of his winning the Nobel literature prize. Another event, which includes the exhibition Gabriel Garcia Marquez: The Making of a Global Writer, will open June 18 in Mexico's Museum of Modern Art.

Im 32 years old and all this continues to impress me, Garcia Elizondo, who is director of the Garcia Marquez foundation, told The Associated Press, describing her shock at finding the box in a cabinet on the second floor of her grandparents house. She had passed the cabinet many times wihtout paying much attention to it.

Garcia Marquez's granddaughter said the discovery was a surprise for the family because they thought all his letters and personal correspondences were in the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin, which possesses the largest collection of the writers documents.

One never expects to find this kind of thing even though one already knows who Gabo is ... I will always think that Gabo does everything like magic, she said. Garcia Marquez is know affectionately in Latin America as Gabo.

Among the letters that will be exhibited are five from Castro, one from Neruda, two from Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes, two from Mexican guerrilla leader Subcomandante Marcos, one from Redford, one from director Woody Allen and seven from Clinton.

In one of them, dated Dec. 28, 1999, Clinton told the Colombian writer the emotion he and his wife, Hillary, felt at a concert of Colombian vallenato music given by young people at the White House. He described the music as a treasure and a wonderful counterpoint to the negative images often associated with your beautiful country.

Also included is a letter that Castro wrote by hand, dated Dec. 10, 2007, in which he writes: I am subject to a rigorous exercise regimen that I must not fail to comply with if I intend to continue being useful to the revolution.

Gonzalo Garcia Barcha, the writers youngest son and Emilias father, said the family misses Garcia Marquez very much. Garcia Marquez has four grandchildren.

"Thats why we do these kinds of activities. We want to keep this house alive, he said.
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Skip City International D-Cinema Festival, a leading launching pad for emerging Japanese and world filmmakers, has unveiled the line-up for its 19th edition, which will be held July 16-24, 2022, at venues in Kawaguchi, a Tokyo suburb. In addition to its first physical screenings in three years, the festival will present an online segment July 21-27.

The president of the international competition jury is Terajima Shinobu, winner of the best actress silver bear at the 2010 Berlinale for her performance in Wakamatsu Kojis WWII drama Caterpillar. The president of the Japanese film competition jury is cinematographer Ashizawa Akiko.

The opening film is Deadly School, a coming-of-age ensemble drama about high school girls prepping for their school festival, directed by three-time Skip City winner Isobe Teppei and adapted from Asakusa Kaorus hit play.

The festival will also screen two Ukrainian films from past editions: Alina Gorlovas This Rain Will Never Stop and Maryna Er Gorbach and Mehmet Bahadir Ers Love Me. Proceeds will go to support humanitarian aid activities in Ukraine.

Launched in 2004 to showcase films shot in the then-new digital format, Skip City has since shifted its focus to features and shorts by up-and-coming filmmakers. Among past winners who moved on to major careers are three-times Cannes best director honoree Nuri Bilge Ceylan, as well as Japanese directors Shiraishi Kazuya (Blood of Wolves), Nakano Ryota (The Asadas) and Ueda Shinichiro (One Cut of the Dead).

This year the festival also will present two films by recent Skip City award winners: Kayano Takayukis humanistic comedy Hoarder on the Border; and Sanada Mikiyas Princess of Euglena, the second in his Euglena comedy series about a female parking inspector. Both are world premieres.

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Sticking to the thriller genre thats been his stomping ground on both the big and small screen, Stephan Ricks second English-language film The Good Neighbor is a remake of his 2011 German-language debut feature of the same title. The setting has changed (to Latvia, presumably for financing reasons), but the story remains largely untouched. Now Luke Kleintank and Jonathan Rhys Meyers play new acquaintances whose shared complicity in an accidental death creates increasingly unsavory conflict.

Competent performances and a slick veneer make this revamp go down easily enough. Still, one wishes Rick had placed more emphasis on Hitchcockian suspense, rather than trusting the slow-moving tale will hold us via plot and character complexities that really arent particularly evident.

American journalist David (Kleintank of the series FBI: International and Man in the High Castle) has accepted a job with the European Press Network in Riga in the wake of a bad relationship breakup. While he gets settled, his editor Grant (Bruce Davison) is letting him stay at a house he owns outside town. Thus he meets next-door neighbor Robert (Rhys Meyers), who proves helpful in getting a stubborn car started. In thanks, David invites the Latvian-British man out for a drink. They end up at a club where the new guy meets another Brit, vivacious Janine (Ieva Florence), striking sparks enough that they exchange numbers before she pedals off home.

Alas, on the tipsy drive back to their own abodes, the two men plow right into a bicyclist riding down the middle of a dark lane  one who is unmistakably Janine, and now unmistakably dead. Robert persuades stricken David theres nothing they can do for her, and that contacting the police would only land them both in prison. So a cover-up commences that the local seems to hope will bind him to his new best friend.

But Davids allegiance has a queasy edge, as do his actions whenever it appears they might be found out. Inevitably that begins to imperil others, not least Janines sister Vanessa (Eloise Smyth), with whom David becomes involved once she seeks his help  because, awkwardly, hes been assigned to report on the case of her siblings death. (Never mind asking why an international news service would bother covering a local hit-and-run story.) Needless to say, that new attachment threatens the increasingly possessive, creepy Robert.

An occasionally inspired actor who can also be wholly off in the wrong role, Rhys Meyers is in good form making Robert pleasant enough to lure in unwary David, but also nuts enough to trigger the viewers alarms early on. Of course, with its echoes of everything from Strangers on a Train to Single White Female, the basic dynamic between the two leads is a familiar one. Robert is given almost no backstory, and the script isnt really shocking or clever enough to make him a memorable villain, so the actor can only take it so far. (The movie does not explicitly venture into retro Crazy Homicidal Gay Usurper territory, though theres a suggestive whiff of that.) Kleintank is OK in his more colorless protagonist part, while Smyth gets some grit into the grieving sister, and Davison is good as usual.

This kind of slippery-slope narrative can hardly help holding our attention, even if Rick does little to maximize its tension, keeping violence mostly off-screen and maintaining a pace thats far from taut. The film has a widescreen look that flatters Riga, but its handsome brightness doesnt stir much suspenseful atmosphere. (Nor does Enis Rotthoffs original score.)

These things would matter less if The Good Neighbor were sufficiently ingenious in its twists or devious in psychological nuance. But its not  in fact, there are some sloppy details that diminish intended big moments, like a kayaking mishap that doesnt make much sense, or a false alibi Vanessa improbably sees through before the police do.

In the end, this second Good Neighbor (not to be confused with an unrelated interim film of the same name, starring James Caan) is polished and well-acted enough to provide a reasonably entertaining 90 minutes or so. But its not original, tense, or even plausible enough to prevent a feeling of moderate letdown once that span has passed.

The Good Neighbor opens June 17 on 10 U.S. screens, simultaneous with on demand launch.

Reviewed online, June 14, 2022. MPA rating: R. Running time: 105 MIN.

Running Time: Running time: 105 MIN.

MPAA Rating: R

Production

(U.S.-Latvia) A Screen Media release of a Highland Media Group presentation of a Forma Pro Films, Dean Altit production. Producers: Dean Altit, Yulia Zayceva. Executive producers: Kimberly Hines, Rami Jaber, Kia Jam, Jeff Kranzdorf, Ross Partridge, Max Pavlov, Igor Pronin, Gilad Regev, Svetlana Punte, Qais Qandil, Patrick Rizzotti, Stephan Rick, Jim Steele, Alexey Dokuchaev, Denis Smirnov, Emils Jakrins, Janis Stepanovs, Gerhard Ammann, Andris Riekstins, Marta Ivaninoka-Cjina, Qin Gang, Arianne Fraser, Delphine Perrier, Henry Winterstern, Jungle Group.

Crew

Director: Stephan Rick. Screenplay: Stephan Rick, Ross Partridge, based on an original screenplay by Silja Clemens, Stephan Rick. Camera: Stefan Ciupek. Editor: Robert K. Lambert. Music: Enis Rotthoff.

With

Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Luke Kleintank, Eloise Smyth, Bruce Davison, Ieva Florence-Viksne, Guna Zarina, Ieva Seglina, Regina Razuma.

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The Laredo Independent School Districts Fixed Assets and Custodial Department will host a surplus auction on Saturday, June 18, at the LISD Fixed Assets Warehouse located at 2201 Santa Isabel St.

The viewing of items will start at 9 a.m. with the auction starting promptly at 11.
Despite Laredo currently ranking last among border encounter increases among the nine total U.S. Customs and Border Protection Southwest Land Border sectors in Fiscal Year 2022 compared to FY21, Texas' attorney general has singled out the Laredo sector demanding the construction of a border wall in the area.

Laredo was seemingly the next area up for a border wall under President Donald Trump. But after Joe Biden was elected president, one of his major executive orders regarding the border was to stop its construction, as building plans readying for the Gateway City were halted.

The City of Laredo has long argued against the border wall, citing a virtual wall as a superior choice to a physical barrier. Local leaders have shown concerns over the wall itself due to its construction potentially disrupting trade for the No. 1 land port in the U.S., hurting the Rio Grande and nearby wildlife, cutting through property owners' land and separating the city from Nuevo Laredo. The latter specifically is a reason the area was chosen for the Binational River Park project by the United Nations, which is set to celebrate the relationship between the Sister Cities with a unique area compared to San Antonio's River Walk. It had early price estimates of over $100 million as talks remain ongoing.

But this week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas explaining why he felt the sector  comprised of Webb and Zapata counties  was "disproportionately impacted by the negative consequences of an open border."

"A border barrier is critical to protecting Texans," Paxton said. "The crisis on Texas southern border remains ongoing  illegal (migrant) encounters at the southwest border are currently up to 1,295,900 for this fiscal year alone. The massive influx of illegal (migrants) has inflicted and continues to inflict serious costs on the state of Texas as well as Texans. A border wall is an essential tool in halting this influx."

It's important to note that encounters are not representative of the unique number of immigrants apprehended. If one individual was stopped trying to cross illegally five times, it would be counted as five encounters.

Specifically, encounters are made up of expulsions under Title 42 and apprehensions under Title 8.

Among the criticisms some have made of Title 42  the public health order created by the CDC during the Trump administration to quickly expel migrants from the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic  is that it can lead to multiple crossing attempts per day as migrants are sent across the border within hours of being apprehended with no real consequences as they can keep trying to cross. Previously, they would be returned to Mexico while facing much more serious consequences, including harsher penalties for repeat offenders.

CBP's statistics show repeat crossers, or recidivism, have increased significantly since Title 42 was implemented. FY20 and FY21 featured a 26% and 27% recidivism percentage, respectively  well above the 7% from FY19 and 11% during FY18. So far from October through May of FY22, nearly half of the border's encounters have been from Title 42 (751,795) compared to Title 8 (785,104).

In total, CBP has nine Southwest Land Border sectors. Among them, Laredo has had the smallest increase in encounters compared to the previous fiscal year. So far during the seven available months of FY22, Laredo has had a 2.2% increase, with 65,590 encounters compared to the same time period of FY21 at 64,587. The vast majority of these are single adults as they total 61,733 individuals, compared to 2,653 unaccompanied children or minors and 1,604 family units.

As for the rest of the Southwest Land Border sectors, Yuma, Arizona has had the highest increase at 401.5% while Del Rio is second at 161.2%. No other area is nearly as high as those two, as the remaining seven (California's San Diego and El Centro, Arizona's El Paso and Tucson, and Texas' Laredo, Rio Grande Valley and Big Bend) average out at slightly below a 30% increase so far this fiscal year.

Paxton cited Webb and Zapata County both seeing "a significant increase in the number of illegal (migrants) trespassing on private property and inflicting harm." He specifically quotes Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina, citing his history of growing up on ranches and seeing border crossers, as Tijerina said in March "for the most part, almost all of them do not mean us any harm" but "nowadays, theres a lot of changes that have happened. You have a lot of people who do have malintent."

Paxton specifically cites the Laredo sector's "encounters increase by up to 165% from October 2020 through March 2021 as compared to the same period a year earlier." Although this would be comparing FY21 to FY20, and not the current data from FY22.

The CBP does not keep data online specific to individual sectors before FY21. But as for the entire southwest border's figures, FY22 so far has 1,216,173 encounters in eight months. FY21 finished with 1,734,686 encounters while FY20 had 458,088. The latter included the very beginning of the pandemic when many were staying home out of fear for the virus, and Title 42 had not started until halfway through that fiscal year. FY19 featured 977,509 encounters.

Paxton also cited in his letter "a significant increase in organized crime and drug cartels."

"These thugs continue to prey on migrants and unaccompanied children through human and drug trafficking, violence, extortion, sexual assault and exploitation," Paxton said.

Laredo has been routinely praised for years for its safety record. Less than one month ago, Laredo police celebrated the announcement that the city was ranked as the No. 13 safest city in the United States by SmartAsset.

Paxton further cited ranchers paying "tens of thousands of dollars to repair cut fences and gates" due to smugglers, but he did not provide data to show these figures or costs from previous years.

Narcotics were also cited as a reason for the wall to be built. Paxton said during FY21, "CBP officers at eight South Texas ports of entry noted a 1,066% increase in fentanyl seizures, totaling 588 pounds. The resulting increase in illegal drugs flowing across the border has spurred an opioid epidemic in the United States, with ghastly, if predictable consequences."

Paxton, however, cites these narcotics seizures at ports of entry, not those seized by those using the land the border wall would be built to stop.

Rep. Henry Cuellar has previously expressed doubts about a wall impacting both migrants coming to the area or narcotics crossing the border. As the wall would not extend to the riverbanks' edge, migrants could still reach land before the border wall was placed, thus they would still be able to make an asylum claim the moment they touched U.S. soil. And Cuellar also noted previously that 90% of cocaine, for example, enters the country through the various ports of entry, not via the land the border wall would be built on.

Paxton also stated that "Americans and illegal (migrants) are being enslaved by human traffickers" and that "the increase in the number of illegal (migrants) crossing the border has inflicted serious and substantial costs on Texas" which include "housing, educating and providing health care and other social services for trafficking victims, asylum seekers or illegal (migrants)."

The attorney general's letter comes as the Biden administration is conducting an "environmental assessment" of the wall, the construction of which was directed by Congress in 2020 and has since been stalled. This assessment will likely be used as a pretext to halt any ongoing construction.

Paxton went on during his letter criticizing the Biden administration for not wanting to construct a border wall despite the fact the Trump administration sought for it to be built by allocating funds for it.

"Despite these troubling realities for Texas communities, they are still waiting for the already funded border barrier to be built," Paxton said. "... Until the Biden administration uses the congressionally-allotted funds to build the border wall in the Laredo sector, our law enforcement community and the people of this great state will see no end to this crisis."

Through Paxton, Texas is also part of a lawsuit against Biden along with the state of Missouri for his administrations cancelation of border wall contracts, which was filed in October 2021. That suit continues to be litigated in federal court.
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KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Four European leaders expressed their support for Ukraine on Thursday while meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, vowing to back Kyiv's candidacy to eventually join the European Union and offering more weapons to fend off Russia's invasion.

French President Emmanuel Macron promised Ukraine six more truck-mounted artillery guns, the latest in a new round of Western arms pledges as the war grinds on in the Donbas region in the east.

France, Germany, Italy and Romania are doing everything so that Ukraine alone can decide its fate, Macron said at a news conference with Zelenskyy and the others.

My colleagues and I have come here to Kyiv today with a clear message: Ukraine belongs to the European family, said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Amid Ukrainian fears that Western resolve could wane, the visit carried heavy symbolism. France, Germany and Italy have all faced criticism for continuing to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin  and failing to give Kyiv the weaponry it says its needs.

With Scholz beside him, Macron defended earlier comments that riled Ukrainians about not humiliating Russia, solemnly noting how the end of World War I had sown the seeds of World War II.

We are side by side today with Chancellor Scholz. One hundred years ago, we were at war and allies helped France win. France committed a historic mistake. It lost the peace because it wanted to humiliate Germany. The question of humiliation I always placed in a context to come, not the current context, he said.

Today, this war must be won, France clearly supports Ukraine so it prevails, Macron said. Germany, like France, will never be in situations where they negotiate on Ukraines behalf with Russia. Moreover, we have never done that.

In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said it was important for him to hear that European leaders "agree the end of the war and peace for Ukraine should be as Ukraine sees them. He said Ukrainians will continue to fight for all of their land.

Ukrainians and some of their European neighbors have been afraid that Western powers might press for territorial concessions for the sake of peace.

Scholz reiterated that there is no such intent to dictate anything to Ukrainians, and that only they "can decide what is right in terms of an agreement on a peace which we are unfortunately very, very far away from.

Italian Premier Mario Draghi expressed concern about millions of tons of grain backed up in Black Sea ports by the war, saying it could bring worldwide catastrophe. Italy has been a first destination for African migrants and could find itself overwhelmed as a result of largescale hunger in the Southern Hemisphere.

We want the atrocities to stop and we want peace, Draghi said. But Ukraine must defend itself, and it will be Ukraine that chooses the peace it wants."

The leaders also visited Irpin, a Kyiv suburb that saw intense fighting and where many civilians were killed. They decried the destruction there, with Macron saying he saw signs of war crimes."

While shocking images of such devastation have rallied Western support, Ukrainian officials have expressed concern that war fatigue could eventually erode that  particularly as rising prices and upcoming U.S. elections increasingly dominating public concerns.

The U.S. and its European allies have given billions of dollars in weaponry to Ukraine, and Germany and the U.S. recently announced new arms shipments. Such arms have been crucial in preventing the Russians from taking the capital, but Kyiv has said much more will be needed.

Russia is only looking for new ways to scare Europe and seize more and more of our land, Zelenskyy said at the news conference. The goal of Russia in this war is to break Ukraine and through this break the whole of Europe.

While the European leaders were in Kyiv, NATO defense ministers were meeting in Brussels to discuss plans for strengthening the military alliances eastern borders to dissuade Russia from planning any further aggression.

Many in Ukraine hope the visit could open the way to significant new arms supplies. It also comes as EU leaders prepare to decide next week on Ukraines request to become a candidate for membership in the bloc.

The war has increased pressure on EU governments to fast-track Ukraine's candidate status, and Thursdays pledge to support candidacy status for Ukraine and neighboring Moldova pushes the whole 27-nation union closer to doing so. But the process still is expected to take years, and EU members remain divided over how quickly and fully to open their arms to new members.

European allies have sent increasingly powerful weapons and rallied around Ukraine more than many expected, approving waves of unprecedented sanctions against Russia that also are badly squeezing Europes economy.

Ukrainians say more is needed as Russia presses an offensive in the Donbas, slowly but steadily gaining ground on the outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian forces.

After the news conference, Zelenskyy made a digital appearance at technology shows in Paris, Amsterdam, London and Stockholm as what organizers called a 3D avatar, with his image on a large screen. Wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with futuristic fighters and the text Come to the Dark Side and Dominate or Die, he urged countries to support what he called a digital Lend Lease for Ukraine to bounce back from the war with a global digital revolution.

Macron, Scholz and Draghi, representing the EU's three largest economies, traveled to Kyiv together on a special overnight train. They had been criticized for not visiting sooner. Soon after they arrived, air raid sirens wailed.

Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president who is now deputy head of the Kremlin Security Council, dismissed the European leaders as connoisseurs of frogs, liver and pasta and said their visit brought no benefit.

Again they promised EU membership and old howitzers, slammed down some vodka and, like 100 years ago, took the train home," he tweeted. "And thats all good. Its just that this doesnt bring Ukraine any closer to peace. And the clock is ticking.  

President Klaus Iohannis of Romania, which borders Ukraine and has been a key destination for its refugees, arrived on a separate train. He said at the news conference that Romania is facilitating the transit of Ukrainian exports, including grain.

A number of other European leaders have already made the trip to show their solidarity with Ukraine, even when the fighting raged closer to the capital than it does now.

Scholz had long resisted traveling to Kyiv, saying he didnt want to join the queue of people who do a quick in-out for a photo opportunity, adding that a trip should focus on doing concrete things.

Tamara Malko, a resident of the Donetsk region, which is part of the Donbas, said Macron and Scholz had been very cold toward Ukrainians so far and hoped their visit would bring change.

We want peace very much ... and have high hopes for Macron and Scholz, she said. We want them to see and understand our pain.

___

Corbet reported from Paris. Associated Press journalists David Keyton in Irpin, Ukraine, Srdjan Nedelikovic in Pokrovsk, Ukraine, Colleen Barry in Milan and Frank Jordans and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  The Russian military said it used long-range missiles Wednesday to destroy a depot in the western Lviv region of Ukraine where ammunition for NATO-supplied weapons was stored, and the governor of a key eastern city acknowledged Russian forces are advancing in heavy fighting.

The battle for Sievierodonetsk in Ukraine's eastern Donbas area has become the focus of Russia's offensive in recent weeks.

Russia-backed separatists accused Ukrainian forces of sabotaging an evacuation of civilians from the city's besieged Azot chemical plant, where about 500 civilians and an unknown number of Ukrainian fighters are believed to be sheltering from missile attacks. It wasn't possible to verify that claim.

Russian officials had announced a humanitarian corridor from the Azot plant a day earlier, but said they would take civilians to areas controlled by Russian, not Ukrainian, forces.

The Ukrainian governor of Luhansk, Serhiy Haidai, told The Associated Press that heavy fighting in Sievierodonetsk continues today as well. The Luhansk and Donetsk regions make up the Donbas.

The situation in the city is getting worse, Haidai said, because Russian forces have more manpower and weapons. But our military is holding back the enemy from three sides at once, he added.

In the Lviv region near the border with NATO member Poland, Russian forces used high-precision Kalibr missiles to destroy the depot near the town of Zolochiv, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said. Konashenkov said shells for M777 howitzers, a type supplied by the United States, were stored there. He said four howitzers were destroyed elsewhere and that Russian airstrikes also destroyed Ukrainian aviation equipment at a military aerodrome in the southern Mykolaiv region.

Ukrainian officials did not immediately comment on the Zolochiv strike.

While focusing most of their attacks on eastern Ukraine, where they are trying to capture large swaths of territory, Russian forces have also been hitting more specific targets elsewhere, using high-precision missiles to disrupt the international supply of weapons and destroy military infrastructure. Civilian infrastructure has been bombarded as well, even though Russian officials have claimed theyre only targeting military facilities.

In the northeastern Sumy region, the governor said two helicopters flying in from nearby Russian territory fired five missiles late Wednesday around the city of Hlukhiv. A residential building was hit, killing one person and wounding six, and other infrastructure was damaged, Gov. Dmytro Zhyvytskyy said on Telegram.

Early Thursday, loud explosions were heard in the city of Sumy while air raid sirens were going off, and the mayor urged residents to remain in bomb shelters and not to publicize any information about what was hit.

NATO members are pledging to send more and longer-range weapons to Ukraine.

President Joe Biden said Wednesday the U.S. will send an additional $1 billion in military aid, the largest single tranche of weapons and equipment since the war began. The aid will include anti-ship missile launchers, howitzers and more rounds for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems  all key weapons systems that Ukrainian leaders have urgently requested.

Germany is providing Ukraine with three multiple launch rocket systems of the kind that Kyiv has said it urgently needs to defend itself against Russias invasion. Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said Wednesday that Germany will transfer three M270 medium-range artillery rocket systems along with ammunition.

Germany said the transfer, which echoes similar moves by Britain and the United States, will be accompanied by training and will have a swift and significant battlefield impact.

In recent days, Ukrainian officials have spoken of the heavy human cost of the war, with Kyivs forces outgunned and outnumbered in the east.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Biden for the new aid package.

The security support of the United States is unprecedented, he said, reporting on a phone call the two leaders held earlier Wednesday. It brings us closer to a common victory over the Russian aggressor.

Zelenskyy said he has accepted invitations to speak at the NATO and Group of Seven summits at the end of the month.

During the 112 days of this war, the Ukrainian army has proved that courage and wisdom on the battlefield, together with the ability to tactically outmaneuver the enemy, can have a significant result, even despite the Russian army's significant advantage n number of soldiers and equipment," he said in his nightly video address.

"Of course we are doing everything we can to overcome this advantage. Every day I fight for Ukraine to receive the weapons and equipment we need.

Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chair of Russias Security Council, ominously suggested that Russia is intent on not just claiming territory but eliminating Ukraine as a nation. In a Telegram post, he wrote that he saw Ukraine wants to receive liquefied natural gas from its overseas masters with payment due in two years.

He added: "But theres a question. Who said that in two years, Ukraine will even exist on the map?

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelenskyy, responded on Twitter: Ukraine has been and will be. Where will Medvedev be in two years? Thats the question.

___

MORE STORIES ON THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR:

 Mines are killing people in Ukraine even after the fighting leaves their areas

 U.S. sending $1 billion more in military aid

 Two U.S. veterans reported missing in Ukraine

 Russia again cuts natural gas exports to Europe

 Russia's economic forum takes place but with fewer participants

__ French president suggests he will visit Kyiv to show support for Ukraine

__

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS:

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said it may be possible to create secure corridors to transport Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea without the need to clear sea mines near Ukrainian ports.

Cavusoglus comments Wednesday came a week after he discussed with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov a U.N. plan to open up Odesa and Ukraines other Black Sea ports to allow millions of tons of grains to be shipped to world markets.

Russia has demanded that Ukraine remove mines from the Black Sea before grain exports can resume by ship. Ukraine rejects the proposal, insisting it would leave its ports vulnerable to Russian attacks.

Cavusoglu told reporters that since the location of the mines is known, it would be possible to establish secure corridors that avoid them. Turkey, Russia and Ukraine have appointed military officers and set up a telephone hotline to try to overcome hurdles over crop exports.

U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric welcomed Cavusoglus comments as extremely positive but declined to discuss the plan.

___

A U.N. delegation investigating war crimes in Ukraine has visited areas of the country that were held by Russian troops and found evidence that could support war crimes allegations.

The delegation chaired by Erik Mse, a Norwegian judge, visited sites including the Kyiv suburbs of Bucha and Irpin, where Ukrainian authorities have accused Russia of mass killings of civilians.

At this stage we are not in a position to make any factual findings or pronounce ourselves on issues of the legal determination of events, Mse said.

However, subject to further confirmation, the information received and the visited sites of destruction may support claims that serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, perhaps reaching war crimes and crimes against humanity, have been committed in the areas, he said.

With Ukrainian and international organizations investigating war crimes cases, Mse expressed concern at the risk of investigations overlapping or causing witnesses more trauma by probing the same events repeatedly.

___

Karmanau reported from Lviv.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP)  Alex Drueke and Andy Huynh are both military veterans from Alabama, so it was natural that they formed a bond once they met in Ukraine, where each traveled separately with the intention of helping defend democracy against Russian invaders.

They became buds, Dianna Shaw, Drueke's aunt, said in an interview Thursday.

Both men are now missing after their group came under heavy fire in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine near the Russian border on June 9, leaving loved ones at home anxiously awaiting information about their whereabouts. The two families are in touch.

The waiting is the hard part, but we always knew this was a possibility, Shaw said.

The U.S. State Department said it was investigating unconfirmed reports that Russian or Russian-backed forces captured two American citizens and possibly a third. Anyone captured should be considered a prisoner of war and protected by guarantees of humane treatment and fair trials, said spokesman Ned Price.

Anyone who is fighting with Ukraines armed forces should be treated as a POW even if Russia refuses to do that, Price said.

If the unconfirmed reports are true, they would be the first Americans fighting for Ukraine known to have been captured since the war began.

Shaw said it's possible the two could just be lying low: She noted that the 39-year-old Drueke had extensive training and experience during two tours in Iraq, while Huynh, 27, served four years in the U.S. Marines.

They know how to evade, she said. They might be doing just that.

Russia hasn't confirmed any information about the men. The president of the separatist Donetsk Peoples Republic, Denis Pushilin, said Thursday that as of now, I dont have such information and I cannot comment, according to the Interfax news agency. Pushilin spoke while attending the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Huynh's fiancee, Joy Black, said she got a message from a soldier telling her that both men had missed their rendezvous point and were in an area that was hit pretty hard. Black, speaking in an interview with WAAY-TV, said she ran to her mother's room and fell on the bed sobbing.

I am trying to stay strong for him to get this word out and to try to get him back home. I am not going to lie and say that it has not been really, really hard, Black said.

It's unclear how many Americans have traveled overseas to assist Ukraine since fighting began in February but the number is believed to be in the hundreds, if not more.

Army veteran Harrison Jozefowicz, who quit his job as a Chicago police officer and traveled to Ukraine soon after Russia invaded, is now helping place volunteers in combat positions and coordinating supplies as head of a group called Task Force Yankee. Several hundred Americans serve in the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine, he said, and still more are assisting outside the force.

In the volunteer world, the people who are here for the long haul are digging in and getting serious  buying warehouses, establishing permanent routes of logistics with dedicated drivers, he said Thursday.

Shaw said her nephew joined the Army at age 19 after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and he believed he could help Ukrainian fighters because of his training and experience with weapons. Drueke pondered whether to go for a few weeks, she said, and then made up his mind.

He approached me and said, Im going to go to Ukraine.' I told him, 'For you, that makes sense, she said. He is really compelled to defend democracy wherever that meant going."

Huynh moved to north Alabama two years ago from his native California and lives about 120 miles (193 kilometers) from Drueke. Before leaving for Europe, Huynh told his local newspaper, The Decatur Daily, he couldnt stop thinking about Russias invasion.

I know it wasnt my problem, but there was that gut feeling that I felt I had to do something, Huynh told the paper. Two weeks after the war began, it kept eating me up inside and it just felt wrong. I was losing sleep. ... All I could think about was the situation in Ukraine.

Drueke doesn't have a wife or children, his aunt said, and he liked the idea of traveling to help Ukraine so someone with more familial connections wouldn't have to. He left in mid-April and entered Poland legally before going to the border and being allowed into Ukraine, she said.

Now, Drueke's loved ones are in touch with the U.S. State Department, congressional offices or anywhere else that can help them find out what's going on.

And they're waiting.

It was how we lived while he was in Iraq, and its how we live now, Shaw said.

___

This story has been edited to correct the aunt's last name to Shaw, not Williams.

___

Associated Press News Researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York City and diplomatic writer Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.
The Salvation Army helping people in need with the rising temperatures
Two Americans fighting alongside Ukrainian forces north of Kharkiv have been missing and there are fears that they may have been captured by Russian forces, according to their families and a fellow fighter. CNN's Anderson Cooper speaks to families of the two missing Americans.
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Longford played host to a whistle stop tour of the county town last week from the President of the Pakistan-administered state of Azad Kashmir, Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry and the Pakistani Ambassador to Ireland Shuja Alam.

President Chaudhry and Ambassador Alam fulfilled a number of engagements during their visit on foot of an invitation from Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Peggy Nolan.

Both men held talks at Longford County Councils Aras an Chontae headquarters where they were shown around the Council Chamber with Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon also in attendance.

Following this, the President and Ambassador visited St. Mels Cathedral, which included a tour led by Father James Mc Kiernan.

The President and Ambassador were given an overview of the history of the Cathedral including details of the restoration works carried out after it was destroyed by fire in 2009.

Afterwards, the President and Ambassador held discussions with Fianna Fail Longford-Westmeath TD Joe Flaherty in the Council offices where they sought support for Jammu and Kashmir highlighting the occupation and treatment of Kashmiris.

One of the key themes that emerged from the discussions included the many Pakistani people that have contributed to county Longford. This included the proud and recent appointment of Aughancliffes Shairaz Hussain as Honorary Advisor to President Chaudhry.

Speaking following the visit, Cathaoirleach Cllr Peggy Nolan said she was incredibly happy to welcome the President and Ambassador to Longford.

This visit allows for us to celebrate the contribution of Pakistani people in our county and for strengthening our ties with Pakistani people in our communities. I want to pay tribute to President Chaudhry and the Ambassador for sharing their time with us. I hope to welcome them again to Longford in the future, she said.

In a statement, Longford County Council heaped praise on the Pakistani community who, it said, went above and beyond to ensure the President and Ambassador Alam were treated to a warm Longford welcome during their visit.

Ambassador of Pakistan Shuja Alam, Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Peggy Nolan; President of the Pakistan-administered state of Azad Kashmir Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry; Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon
Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Health & Wellness

By Chris Boyle Published: June 16 2022

I thank the Second Precinct for working with my office to make this a great success, Legislator Drucker said.

Nassau County Legislator Arnold W. Drucker (D - Plainview) recently partnered with the Nassau County Police Departments Second Precinct to host a successful Shed-The-Meds event at the Syosset Public Library. During the event, residents had an opportunity to dispose unwanted and expired prescription medication safely and securely.

By giving residents a convenient opportunity to securely dispose of their unwanted medication, Shed the Meds events make it easy for all of us to protect the environment and prevent prescription drug abuse and misuse, Legislator Drucker said. I thank the Second Precinct for working with my office to make this a great success.
Looking to stay up to date about all of the news stories and local headlines that are important to Long Islanders? We've rounded up the top coverage for all of the important topics from multiple sources around Long Island, so you can be sure you've got the most recent update on the top stories for Long Island. Have an idea for a news story? Email us at news@longisland.com

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Bens Creek Group PLC - London-based mining company focused in North America - Reports updated reserve base evaluation undertaken by Marshall Miller & Associates Inc of its coal properties in Mingo County, West Virginia.

According to the report, the properties contain an estimated in-place reserve base of 92.7 million tonnes, of which 33.6 million is estimated to be recoverable.

"We are delighted that the work undertaken by Marshall Miller has confirmed our expectation of improved coal reserves as a result of our recent coal lease agreements with MGC Inc and Star Ridge combined with our original property. The identified estimated in-place reserve base of 92.7 million tonnes, with an estimated recoverable tonnage of 33.6 million, should ensure that our mining targets are able to extend the life of our mining operations to meet the global demand for metallurgical coal," says Chief Executive Officer Adam Wilson.

Current stock price: 69.20 pence

12-month change: up sharply at 10.50p since Oct 19

By Dayo Laniyan; dayolaniyan@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is considering not replacing Christopher Geidt as the ethics adviser who rules on whether ministers, including the prime minister, break the rules.

Downing Street said on Thursday he would instead conduct a review into the "vitally important" function after the peer resigned over a plan risking a deliberate breach of the Ministerial Code.

Geidt clung onto the role despite suggesting Johnson may have broken the rules by being fined over partygate and having considered the controversial funding of the Downing Street flat refurb during an "especially busy year".

But he ultimately quit as ministerial interests adviser over a plan, thought to involve Chinese steel tariffs, that may breach British obligations to the World Trade Organisation.

"This request has placed me in an impossible and odious position," the peer wrote to the prime minister.

Labour demanded a direct replacement for Geidt after he became the second man to resign from the role during Johnson's premiership, and a union representing civil servants warned that the code is the only way workers can raises complaints of misconduct, bullying or sexual harassment against ministers.

But the prime minister's official spokesman said he would take time to "carefully consider" how best to fulfil the role of ensuring "rigorous oversight and scrutiny of ministerial interests" as he raised the possibility of it being axed.

"We haven't made a final decision on how best to carry out that function, whether it relates to a specific individual or not," the official said.

"He (Johnson) will carefully consider that before setting out the next steps.

"It could continue as it was before, but he hasn't made a final decision on it."

The review will delay finding a replacement, with the post having been empty for five months before Geidt succeeded Alex Allan.

Allan resigned in 2020 after the prime minister refused to accept his finding that UK Home Secretary Priti Patel had bullied civil servants.

Johnson's spokesman suggested there was no plan to wait for a new adviser before going ahead with the controversial plan that provoked Geidt's resignation.

The official suggested the proprietary and ethics team in the Cabinet Office might oversee the Ministerial Code in the meantime, but this Government team would lack any semblance of independence that the adviser had.

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said: "There are now no ethics left in this Downing Street regime propped up in office by a Conservative Party mired in sleaze and totally unable to tackle the cost-of-living crisis facing the British people.

"The government must not only appoint a new watchdog but back Labour's plan to restore standards. This Prime Minister has debased standards and rigged the rules for far too long. It is time for the Conservatives to do the right thing and remove him from office."

Dave Penman, the general secretary of the FDA union that represents civil servants, said: "The Ministerial Code is the only mechanism a civil servant can use to raise a complaint of misconduct, bullying or sexual harassment against a minister.

"Confidence in that process has already been severely damaged by the prime minister's refusal to accept that the Home Secretary had breached the code, despite being found to have bullied staff.

"If the prime minister does not intend to replace Lord Geidt, then he must immediately put in place measures that ensure a civil servant can, with confidence, raise a complaint about ministerial misconduct."

source: PA

Copyright 2022 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
Spain's health minister, Carolina Darias, confirmed on Thursday that the public health commission has given the go-ahead for the fourth dose of coronavirus vaccine "for the entire population".

Darias added that the timing of this fourth has yet to be decided, but indications are that it will become available in the autumn.

Last week, the commission recommended a fourth dose - a second booster dose - for the most vulnerable population, such as care home residents. But it has now been decided to offer it generally and when there will be new vaccines adapted to variants. The autumn is likely as this is when new vaccines are expected "under contracts that we have signed via the European Union with pharmaceutical companies".

The suitability of extending this second booster jab to the entire population has been in doubt. In May, the World Health Organization said that, for the moment, it was in favour of only giving the fourth dose to the elderly and to people with weakened immunity.
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FRUITPORT  A request by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians to build an off-reservation casino was denied by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday.

The governors decision could signal the end of an over 12-year effort by the tribe to open a casino resort at the site of the former Great Lakes Downs Racetrack in Fruitport Township.

Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Ogema Larry Romanelli stated that tribal members are absolutely devastated by the decision not to approve the proposed $180 million development.

This project would have created and supported 3,000 jobs for tribal members and families in the community, along with providing funds for healthcare and housing, Romanelli stated in a press release.

Romanelli also noted the tribe had bipartisan support for the project.

The project has been supported by the Obama, Trump and Biden presidential administrations, along with the Granholm and Snyder gubernatorial administrations, Romanelli said. We received approvals from the Department of Interior and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. We met all the criteria required for approval.  For now, the Muskegon Casino Project has concluded.



Two state legislators representing the area also voiced opposition to Whitmers decision.



Today is a sad day for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, Muskegon residents and those of the surrounding area as their governor regrettably chose to deny a long-suffering casino project that had virtually unanimous support from here all the way to Washington, D.C., said 34th State Sen. Jon Bumstead (R-Newaygo) in a press release.



A statement from 92nd State Rep. Terry Sabo, (D-Ravenna) echoed that of his Republican counterpart.



The tribe did all that was asked of them by local, state and federal governments over the last 12 years. I have been supporting them in their efforts for 10 of those years in my role as an elected official, Sabo said.

Whitmer had requested information from the U.S. Department of the Interior on the status of another west Michigan tribe, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, which is currently seeking federal recognition.

The governor requested in a series of letters to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland t hat the department resolve the Grand River Bands petition by June 1, or approve an extension.

Should the Grand River Bands obtain federal recognition, they may wish to open a gaming facility of their own in the same general area as the Little River Bands proposed project, Whitmer wrote.

Without this information, Whitmer said she could not approve the Little River Bands request.

The Little River Band has invested a significant amount of time and money into its proposal, following the process prescribed by law and regulation, and secured the support of many stakeholders, Whitmers statement read. Despite the strength of the proposal, however, I am unable to concur in the Little River Bands two-part determination because of the remaining uncertainty created by the Grand River Bands pending acknowledgment petition.

Ron Yob, chairman of the Grand River Bands, applauded the governors decision in a statement posted on the tribes website.

We applaud Gov. Whitmer for her thoughtfulness and for doing the appropriate due diligence to make this important decision, Yob stated. With this decision now made, the Grand River Bands will finalize our federal recognition with the potential of pursuing economic development activities in the Muskegon area.

Romanelli questioned both Yob and Whitmers rationale in a May 26 letter posted to the Little River Bands website.

Grand River Band has been seeking federal recognition from the Department of the Interior for decades, Romanelli wrote. They are saying that our project can impact their efforts for recognition; not true. We have never opposed their efforts and this project has no bearing on their ability to get federally recognized.

Romanelli added that the Little River Band has never opposed other tribes' attempts at opening a casino.

A February 2021 resolution by the Michigan House of Representatives requires off-reservation gaming to be approved by the tribes, state and the U.S. Department of Interior.

The Little River Band purchased the 86-acre former race track in 2007.

A nearly 10-year environmental impact analysis was conducted before being approved by the Department of Interior on Dec. 16, 2020, giving the governor one year to concur with the departments decision.

Whitmer had previously received an extension on Dec. 16, 2021, setting a new deadline for her to approve or deny the request by June 16. In a June 6 letter released by the governors office, the Department of Interior stated it could not issue a second extension.

Whitmer left the door open for reconsidering the request, once the Great River Bands petition is settled.



Once DOI has acted on the Grand River Bands acknowledgment petition, I would welcome the opportunity to revisit this question and ask that you to find a way for me to do so.
MANISTEE  They only make up 6% of the existing housing stock in the city of Manistee but they are also the topic of frequent discussion: short-term rentals.

The topic was taken up again Tuesday during a Manistee City Council work session.

No action was taken during the work session, but the possibility of limiting or creating a codified ordinance regulating short-term rentals in Manistee is not off the table.

Pros and cons

Mike Szokola, Manistee County Planning director, gave a slideshow presentation to the council on both the pros and cons of short-term rentals in the city of Manistee, but also discussed issues that other areas in northwest lower Michigan are facing in regard to short-term rentals.

Szokola said short-term rentals have a number of positive benefits.

"They can generate additional jobs in the community through property management cleaning services, supporting the tourism economy by providing additional logic to the first and then provide landowners with an opportunity to generate income with their properties," he said.

However, much more time at the meeting was spent on the cons, and even among the city council, there has been growing concern about short-term rentals.

"We see inequality within the lodging sector. There are concerns for a lack of fire safety  you see some losses in properties for long-term renters," Szokola said.

Watch the meeting A replay of the city council work session can be found online with this story at manisteenews.com See More Collapse

He said there are other also concerns.

"And we can sometimes see a loss of community character as (the properties can be) developed by out-of-towners that arent familiar or don't understand some of the laws and the way that things work,"Szokola said. "Short-term rentals can make it so current residents can no longer afford to live in our homes and they find that they have to find additional places for long-term renting."

Manistee Mayor Lynda Beaton also noted a problem, particularly when prices go up for long-term rentals.

If we're losing families that are selling their homes and moving away, they had children that we're losing. We're losing students in the schools and with the child funding that's provided from the state for the schools (we can lose quite a bit of money)," Beaton said. We know it's close to $10,000 per pupil, so that can be a significant deal-breaker, or really, a very nice perk for the schools that get those 20 students when the extra students are $200,000 basically.

Beaton noted that issue was not included in Szokola's slides about the cons of short-term rentals and she felt it was another issue that she had been seeing.

The actual funding per pupil is $10,534 per student in Manistee, according to last year's state budget.

More every year

The number of short-term rentals has increased in Manistee from 31 in 2016 to 185 in 2019, according to Szokola. He noted that the city is currently below the 2018 number, but in general there's an increase in the number of short-term rentals within the city every year. The presentation also only included two companies: Airbnb and VRBO.

The presentation was intended to be educational.

Beaton noted during the study session that the topic has been brought up before.

We've had several discussions about this, but they've been pretty intense," she said. "But, I think we did agree on some main things: letting the condo associations regulate their own short-term rentals and the amount we also talked about (Air)Bnbs with an owner (that) stays in the house and we didn't have a problem with unlimited situations like that. The other consensus that we had on short-term rentals was the (Manistee) Downtown Development District would be the perfect spot  on the upper floors (for allowing short-term rentals).

The topic is scheduled to be brought up again in a future study session at a date yet to be determined.

Other city council members were concerned about not fully dealing with the issue immediately.

We can't just put it off forever either because we ... have a shrinking amount of long-term rentals and it's not going to get better unless we intervene, said council member Mick Szymanski. "... Young people coming into this community  I know, they're living in Ludington, they're living in Onekama, they're living wherever they can and then try to fare the way to Manistee for a job.
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New drinking water health warnings for four per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS have been announced by the Environmental Protection Agency in a move to reduce exposure to these chemicals.

PFAS, called "forever chemicals" because they last so long in the environment, have been associated with serious health conditions, including cancer, reduced antibody responses to vaccines, reduced birth weight and possibly more, according to the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

"People on the front-lines of PFAS contamination have suffered for far too long," EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a statement. "Thats why EPA is taking aggressive action as part of a whole-of-government approach to prevent these chemicals from entering the environment and to help protect families from this pervasive challenge."

The EPA is strengthening drinking water advisory levels for four chemicals part of the larger group referred to as PFAS including PFOA, PFOS, GenX and PFBS.

The bonds in these man-made chemicals are strong enough that they dont degrade or do so only slowly in the environment and remain in a persons bloodstream indefinitely, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. They are known for being used in non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, some cosmetics and some firefighting foams.

There are 219 sites contaminated with PFAS in the state of Michigan with more than 11,000 sites where PFAS may have been used, according to the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel urged the Senate to take action on PFAs at the federal level last November, arguing that the state will be strengthened by congressional action to regulate these harmful chemicals and fund needed research and study of their effects.

EPA has never before addressed safe drinking water levels for the compounds PFBS and GenX.

The new advisory levels set a strong baseline for monitoring drinking water for these chemicals and will guide the EPA and local environmental agencies to better protect communities health, according to the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network in a Wednesday press release.

"Under the Presidents leadership, the Environmental Protection Agency has now confirmed that there are effectively no safe levels of PFOA or PFOS and it has shot down the notion that newer PFAS chemicals, like GenX, are harmless," Tony Spaniola, co-chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network said in the release.

In 2016, the EPA set health advisories for PFOS and PFOA at 70 parts per trillion. In light of new science, and the growing understanding of the dangers of these chemicals, the EPA set a new level of .02 ppt for PFOS and .004 ppt for PFOA, affirming that these chemicals are not safe even at the lowest levels of detection.

The EPA also set lifetime health advisory limits for GenX at 10 ppt and PFBS at 2000 ppt. The advisory for Genx establishes that newer forms of PFAS are not safe and pose threats to our health and drinking water.

Though the drinking water advisories are not enforceable, they could have significant impacts on communities suffering from PFAS contamination.

"These new health advisory limits are a strong step in the right direction to begin addressing the PFAS crisis and protecting our health," Sandy Wynn-Stelt, co-chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network, said in the release. "Importantly, these advisories send a strong message to polluters, especially industries that use these chemicals that there is no such thing as a safe amount."

The EPA also announced $1 billion in grant funding for "small and disadvantaged communities" dealing with PFAS contamination, according to the agency's release. The funds stem from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. That money represents the first allotment of a total of $5 billion over five years to be used for efforts like technical assistance and water quality testing.
Saleh Rifai/AP

LEIDSCHENDAM, Netherlands (AP)  Appeals judges at an international tribunal sentenced two members of the militant Hezbollah group to life imprisonment Thursday for their roles in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and the deaths of 21 other people in 2005.

Neither of the convicted men, Hassan Habib Merhi and Hussein Hassan Oneissi, has been arrested and sent to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in the Netherlands. They were tried in their absence and remain at large.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a coalition of 31 other state attorneys general to urge the United States Food and Drug Administration to reject marketing authorization for non-tobacco nicotine products, also called synthetic nicotine products.

Synthetic nicotine products are sold without regulatory constraints on their contents, manufacturing, health effects or marketing claims. As a result, they are being sold in a variety of fruit and other flavors and have become increasingly popular with young people, according to the state in a Tuesday press release issued by Nessel's office.

Should the FDA grant marketing authorization to such products, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the coalition say the FDA should impose the same restrictions required of tobacco-derived nicotine products, according to a letter written by the coalition to the FDA commissioner.

This would include a ban on all products that include a flavor other than tobacco and strict regulatory requirements regarding their contents, manufacturing and effect on users health.

The coalition also maintains products should carry warnings concerning their addictiveness, and manufacturers should be required to validate health claims made about their products, such as claiming that a product is safer than tobacco.

"The fact that the nicotine in these products does not come from tobacco does not make them any less harmful," Nessel said in the release.

A new law signed in March by President Joe Biden gives the FDA jurisdiction to regulate these products and requires that manufacturers now seek FDA approval to sell them.

Due to tobacco product regulations, manufacturers have turned to nicotine products derived from substances other than tobacco including chemicals with potential health impacts. These products are less understood than their tobacco-derived nicotine counterparts, according to the state.

In their letter, the coalition argues that these products currently fail to satisfy the FDAs public health standard and that public health should not be gambled on the unknown effects.

Additionally, the attorneys general argue that there is no justification for regulating non-tobacco nicotine any differently than tobacco-derived nicotine.

"If anything, synthetic nicotines obscure origins, unexplored chemical characteristics, and use in flavored products that appeal to youth, call for heightened vigilance," the letter read.

The full letter is available here.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Michigan will invest $13 million to build 529 affordable apartments, townhomes and housing units to increase affordable housing options -- including a new apartment complex in Midland.

Midland's housing project Lincoln Park Residences, at 221 East Patrick Road and 400 Arbury Place, will contain 50 units. Project developer DeShano Development Corp. was awarded $876,938.

The Midland City Council approved a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) program for the complex in March. Council member Diane Brown Wilhelm said the development was needed to help address an affordable housing shortage in the city.

Other projects are located in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Nashville, Traverse City, and Wyoming. The investment from these projects is expected to add approximately $151 million to the states economy and create 1,000 jobs.



"Michigan should always be a place where everyone can afford to live, work, and raise a family," Whitmer said in a press release. "As rent and home prices increase across the country, we are moving forward with an aggressive plan to build more quality affordable housing. This will help put money back in peoples pockets, and give them a place to call home."

Through the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, developers that receive awards can claim credits against their tax liability annually for up to 10 years  an important initiative that helps incentivize investments in affordable housing in local communities across the state, according to the press release This current round of funding will enable the creation or preservation of 561 total units including market rate apartments.



"We know that creating affordable housing benefits everyone in the state by stimulating local economic growth, but it also creates opportunities for Michiganders to have equitable access to safe, quality, affordable housing for their families, making for stable and secure living and upward mobility," said Chad Benson, Michigan State Housing Development Authority rental development director.
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Two Saginaw Valley State University faculty members have earned highly competitive awards from the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program for the 2022-23 academic year from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

Andrea Frederick, professor of nursing, plans to spend three months at Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland. There she will develop, pilot, implement and evaluate an interprofessional educational simulation for students and faculty of the School of Health & Social Care.

Interprofessional education improves student awareness of the importance of interprofessional respect, communication and cooperation in achieving improved patient outcomes, Frederick said. Frederick, of Midland, joined SVSUs faculty in 2010. She has traveled to Guangzhou, China, and Geneva, Switzerland multiple times, leading study abroad trips with SVSU students and conducting workshops and making professional presentations. In 2018, Frederick received the Franc A. Landee Teaching Excellence Award, SVSUs highest faculty honor. She holds a Doctor of Health Administration degree from Central Michigan University.

Fredericks project will be the first international implementation of an educational format in use at SVSU. Frederick was instrumental in developing the Interprofessional Education Mega Simulation at SVSU, which challenges groups of professionally diverse students to work together to resolve a complex health care problem. Along with her colleagues from other academic departments within SVSU, she has presented the effectiveness of the simulation at multiple conferences in the U.S. and abroad.

Natalia Knoblock, associate professor of English, has been invited to teach at the National University of Colombia in Bogota from August until January. Knoblocks project, A Teaching Connection, aims to establish a professional connection with the Colombian university. Knoblock, who specializes in socio-linguistics, will teach three linguistics courses, two undergraduate and one graduate. She also will fulfill public speaking engagements, serve as a graduate thesis advisor and, possibly, conduct research.

A resident of Kinde, Michigan, Knoblock said her family was introduced to Colombia by her daughter, who spent several months working with children in a small mountain community. The family vacationed there a year later and has continued visiting.

It would be a privilege to develop a deeper connection with a local university through intellectual and professional cooperation, and to contribute positively to the scholarly life and educational activities of the country's tertiary institutions, Knoblock said.

Knoblock joined the university in 2010. In March of this year she was awarded SVSUs Braun Fellowship to study modern political discourse. She has been widely published in academic journals.

Knoblock holds a Ph.D. from Tambov State University in Russia.
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MANAUS, Brazil (AP)  A fisherman confessed to killing a British journalist and an Indigenous expert in Brazils remote Amazon region and took police to a site where human remains were recovered, a federal investigator said after a grim 10-day search for the missing pair.

Authorities said they expected to make more arrests in the case of freelance reporter Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira of Brazil, who disappeared June 5. None had been made as of Thursday, but police said a search for the boat the two had used was restarting.

They gave no immediate explanation of a motive for the killing, but officials earlier suggested that Pereira's work to stop illegal fishing in an Indigenous reserve had angered local fishermen.

Two federal police officials in the capital, Brasilia, told The Associated Press on Thursday that a total of five people were being investigated, including the fisherman who confessed and his brother who was detained Tuesday as a suspect. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the investigation, provided no further details.

At a news conference Wednesday night in the Amazon city of Manaus, federal police investigator Eduardo Alexandre Fontes said the prime suspect in the case, 41-year-old Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, told officers he used a firearm to kill the men.

We would have no way of getting to that spot quickly without the confession, Torres said of the place where police recovered human remains Wednesday after being led there by de Oliveira, who is nicknamed Pelado.

We found the bodies 3 kilometers (nearly 2 miles) into the woods, the investigator said, adding that officers traveled about one hour and forty minutes by boat and 25 more into the woods to reach the burial spot.

Torres said the remains were expected to be identified within days, and if confirmed as the missing men, will be returned to the families of the two. A federal police plane flew the remains into Brasilia on Thursday evening, and officials said testing would begin Friday.

The suspects family had said previously that he denied any wrongdoing and claimed police tortured him to try to get a confession.

Another officer, Guilherme Torres of the Amazonas state police, said the missing men's boat had not been found yet but police knew the area where it purportedly was hidden.

They put bags of dirt on the boat so it would sink, he said. The engine of the boat was removed, according to investigators.

Pereira had been on leave from Brazil's National Indian Foundation, the government agency in charge of protecting Indigenous people.

He leaves an immense legacy for the policies of protection of uncontacted and recently contacted Indigenous peoples, the agency, known as FUNAI, said in a statement, calling him "one of the countrys main experts on the issue.

He was considered to be a reference for colleagues and Indigenous peoples, with whom he built a friendship relationship over the years.

President Jair Bolsonaro sent a tweet Thursday saying, Our condolences to family members and may God comfort everyones heart.

Bolsonaro has been a frequent critic both of journalists and Indigenous experts and his government was accused of being slow to act in the disappearances. Before the bodies were discovered on Wednesday, he criticized Phillips in an interview, saying that locals in the area where he went missing didn't like him and that he should have been more careful in the region.

UNIVAJA, an association of Indigenous peoples of the Javari Valley, mourned the loss of two partners in a statement Wednesday, adding they only had help and protection from local police.

Pereira, 41, and Phillips, 57, were last seen on their boat in a river near the entrance of the Javari Valley Indigenous Territory, which borders Peru and Colombia. That area has seen violent conflicts between fishermen, poachers and government agents.

Indigenous people who were with Pereira and Phillips have said that Pelado brandished a rifle at them on the day before the pair disappeared.

On Sunday, searchers found a backpack, laptop and other personal belongings submerged underwater in the Itaquai river. The find was near a spot where a day earlier volunteers from the Matis Indigenous group found a tarp from the missing men's boat.

Officials previously reported finding traces of blood in Pelado's boat. The federal police said Thursday analysis of the blood showed it wasn't from Phillips but the tests were inconclusive concerning Pereira. It said further tests would be conducted.

Authorities have said a main line of investigation has pointed to an international network that pays poor fishermen to fish illegally in the Javari Valley reserve, which is Brazils second-largest Indigenous territory.

Pereira, who previously led FUNAI's local office in the region, had taken part in several operations against illegal fishing. which usually lead to seizure of fishing gear and fines for violators. Only the Indigenous can legally fish in their territories.

But police have not ruled out other motives, such as drug trafficking.

Phillips' wife, Alessandra Sampaio, said late Wednesday that the discovery of bodies puts an end to the anguish of not knowing Dom and Brunos whereabouts.

Now we can bring them home and say goodbye with love," Sampaio said in a statement. Today, we also begin our quest for justice."

Pereira's wife, Beatriz Matos, expressed her grief ohursday.

Now that Bruno's spirits are strolling in the forest and spread on us, our strength is much bigger, she said on Twitter.

___

Savarese reported from Sao Paulo.

___

Associated Press writer Debora Alvares in Brasilia contributed to this report.
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SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  Overturning its predecessors assessment, South Koreas new conservative government said Thursday there is no evidence that a South Korean official slain by North Korea near the rivals disputed sea boundary in 2020 had intended to defect to the North.

The killing of the fisheries official has been a major source of domestic divide in South Korea, with conservatives accusing then-President Moon Jae-in's liberal government of failing to strongly respond to North Korea in the hopes of better ties. About a week after his killing, South Korean officials announced the man had gambling debts and swam to resettle in the North.

Disclosing confidential South Korean documents about the mans death was a campaign promise by current President Yoon Suk Yeol, who won the March 9 election on the platform of taking a tougher stance on North Korean provocations.

On Thursday, coast guard and Defense Ministry officials said in a joint news conference that they havent found any evidence showing the official attempted to defect to North Korea voluntarily.

Yoon Hyeong-jin, director of the South Korean Defense Ministry's policy planning division, said that causing public confusion by suspecting the fisheries official tried to defect and failing to fully disclose related information to the people was regrettable."

Senior coast guard officer Park Sang-chun said authorities have suspended an investigation on the unidentified North Korean soldier who allegedly killed the official, and plan to disclose relevant information on the incident.

Yoons presidential office separately said Thursday itll withdraw the Moon governments appeal to a court ruling that ordered the disclosure of some government documents on the mans death.

In September 2020, South Korea accused North Korea of fatally shooting the fisheries official before setting his body on fire, apparently in line with its tough anti-coronavirus measures. South Korean officials said the 47-year-old had disappeared from a government ship that was checking on unauthorized fishing in the area.

Moons government had sharply condemned the Norths action initially, but its criticism eased gradually after receiving a North Korean message that it said contained leader Kim Jong Un's apology over the case.

According to the North Korean message disclosed by South Korea, the North shot the official because he attempted to flee after refusing to answer questions and that it burned the object he was floating on, not his body.

To resolve some discrepancies, Moons government proposed a joint probe, but the North has ignored it.

During a parliamentary committee meeting at the time, then-South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wook said they believed the official was attempting to defect because he left his shoes on the ship, put on a life jacket and boarded a floating object. The coast guard later said he swam against unfavorable currents with the help of a life jacket and a floatation device and conveyed his intention of resettling in North Korea.

At the conference Thursday, Yoon said, I can clearly tell you that there is circumstantial evidence that North Koreas military fatally shot one of our nationals and burned his body.

The statement comes amid heightened animosities over North Koreas series of missile and other weapons tests this year. South Korean officials also said the North has completed preparations for its first nuclear test in about five years.

North Korea hasnt immediately responded to the new South Korean assessment on the dead official, but its state-run Uriminzokkiri website on Thursday launched insults at Yoon, calling him an idiot and a pro-U.S. flunkeyism maniac over reports that he suggested an English name for a new Seoul park.

North Korea has a reputation for attacking U.S., South Korean and other foreign leaders with bombastic and derogatory rhetoric.

Yoon has offered an audacious plan to improve North Koreas economy if it abandons its nuclear program. North Korea has previously rejected similar overtures by some of Yoons predecessors that linked support plans to North Koreas denuclearization.
Tribune File Photo

A line of thunderstorms that moved across the Lower Peninsula downed trees and knocked out power to southwestern Huron County, including large portions of Bad Axe, early Thursday.

Huron County Emergency Manager Randy Miller said reports of damage had been limited to downed trees and power outages in an area from Bad Axe to Sand Point south, as well as northern Tuscola County and eastern Bay County.
CROMWELL  A large number of residents voted Tuesday during a referendum for a $58.6 million project to build a new middle school to replace the aging structure.

The final tally was 970 to 231. Town Council members had earlier earmarked $100,000 for an architect to draw up plans.

Our committee reached out  a lot of people did a lot of advocating for this building, which included an open house and tour, Superintendent of Schools Enza Macri said Wednesday. Its exciting for Cromwell and a project of this nature.

Hartfords Tecton Architects was tasked with drawing up plans for an updated facility at the existing building, which was constructed in the 1950s.

Like many others in the state, the middle school, a hand-me-down, was the site of the original high school, Macri explained. The more than 70-year-old building no longer meets current standards, which include up-to-date technology and social/emotional support, she said.

A 2016 study of the middle school identified bathrooms that are non-compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, undersized classrooms, asbestos and plumbing and electrical deficiencies.

Board of Education Chairwoman Celina Kelleher said members are thrilled.

I am not surprised it passed, considering how many people want this for our students and town. The need is evident due to the conditions and age of the building, along with changes to the curricular needs and aging facilities, she said.

She credits Macri and her fellow school board members, whose efforts continued the work that began in 2016.

After many delays and presentations, the Town Council selected a building committee, expertly led by Rosanna Glynn, which has taken this project on and worked continuously to make this happen in a tight deadline.

Kelleher said the group was instrumental in getting information out to residents throughout the process on social media, through information sessions, and other means.

The new school will be built on the existing fields, and the current one eventually razed. The timeline will allow students, who have experienced distress during the pandemic, to make a much easier transition to their new quarters, the superintendent said.

The district will submit an application to the state by June 30 for a grant, and the results will be known in December, Macri said.

If the state approves the project, she added, the reimbursement would be 39.8 percent of the total cost.
MIDDLETOWN  Members of the Middletown Elks Lodge 771, as well as other clubs throughout the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Panama Canal, have been marking Flag Day in June since 1908.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is the only fraternal organization to require a formal observance of Flag Day, according to a press release.
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BRIDGEPORT  Dan Onofrio, head of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, received some unexpected but extremely welcome guests Wednesday in his 14th floor Middle Street office.

Two senior couples  tourists from around Albany, New York  arrived unannounced seeking information and suggestions for their week-long visit to Connecticuts largest municipality.

They didnt have a set agenda other than just exploring, Onofrio said, recalling their conversation. I asked, Is there something that brought you here? No. We havent been to this part of Connecticut. We were interested to see Bridgeport.

Onofrio and other community leaders believe Bridgeport has plenty to offer casual visitors and vacationers. And, coincidentally, this week the city launched its latest marketing initiative aimed at luring more people and investors to the area.

The first television, radio and online advertisements for the Bridgeport, a New Buzz, a New Beat campaign focus on harborfront redevelopment, the University of Bridgeport and Housatonic Community College, then pivot to a pair of much-ballyhooed recent attractions  the amphitheater that opened last summer and Septembers Sound on the Sound musical festival at Seaside Park organized in part by that venues backers.

In fact just about half of the 1-minute-long video released this week is about those two live music attractions.

Phase 2, planned for summers end, will, according to Mayor Joe Ganims office, be about local businesses, arts and restaurants with the third phase featuring parks and outdoor recreation planned for next spring.

Tiadora Josef, hired in April as Ganims communications director, said the city is spending $75,000 on the first round of advertising. She did not yet have the costs of the remaining phases, but the municipal budget that takes effect July 1 set aside $275,000 for marketing services.

This is hardly the first time city officials have sought to promote Bridgeport.

Perhaps most famously Ganim during his first tenure as mayor in the 1990s launched an aggressive advertising blitz that critics complained was more about promoting him as a contender for higher statewide office. This weeks Phase 1 video does not identify Ganim by name, though he is included in a couple of very brief scenes of a group cutting a ribbon.

In 2015 then-Mayor Bill Finchs administration had its $225,000 Better Every Day campaign, a portion of which focused on Finchs efforts to transform this former industrial center into a leader in the green economy.

By 2020 Ganim was back in office and his then communications chief, Rowena White, was preparing a $200,000 marketing effort focused in particular on downtown when the coronavirus pandemic struck that March. The administration then shifted to promoting public health precautions, though once vaccines became available in early 2021 an effort was made to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the town that eventually grew into Bridgeport.

Onofrio said his organization was not involved in the current marketing campaign but he praised City Hall for taking the initiative.

Theres a lot to celebrate, he said. We dont always hear about all the good stuff happening. Sometimes we have to be a little bit selfish (and) toot our own horn and highlight all the things that can get people excited about coming here.

Josef said Lennie Grimaldi, who worked for Ganim during his first administration and for several years has operated the Only in Bridgeport blog, volunteered his services. Grimaldi, a former journalist, author and political and advertising consultant, Wednesday promoted the New Buzz, New Beat initiative, but wrote no paid media buys will appear on Only in Bridgeport.

Although the Ganim administration believes it has plenty of subject matter for the advertisements, the timing is little awkward. Early this year Bridgeports only major hotel  the downtown Holiday Inn  closed and is being renovated into mostly furnished apartments, with some extended stay suites.

Onofrio noted that is a challenge when the city is encouraging people to visit.

We have a great public transportation network, but still, you dont have a place to stay, he said.

He hoped that later this summer the Christophs, the father/son development team who brought Bass Pro Shops, a new marina and the Boca Oyster Bar to the Steelpointe site on the East Side situated between Interstate 95 and the waterfront, will announce details about their planned hotel. The developers could not be immediately reached for comment Wednesday.

During the just-concluded spring municipal budget season some council members complained the city needed to do more marketing.

We do a terrible job in promoting, said Councilman Ernie Newton, a budget committee co-chairman.

Councilman Matthew McCarthy had also at the time urged the economic development office to do more marketing. But on Wednesday McCarthy, who, though a fellow Democrat is often critical of Ganim, also questioned the timing of the New Buzz, New Beat effort as the mayor campaigns for re-election next year.

Its funny that were doing it right before an election year, McCarthy said. We needed that (marketing) last year or the year before.

Ganim hosted his first fundraiser in late April and so far does not have an announced opponent.

Lauren Coakley Vincent, who runs the Downtown Special Services District, which promotes that neighborhood, said during a recent survey of members that there is a big demand for a coordinated, citywide marketing effort  something that is customizable for your business.

Vincent said DSSD was not involved in the current initiative by the Ganim administration. But she said as the new head of the mayors communications office, Josef is bringing a lot of good, new energy.

Im excited to see how we can collaborate with them, Vincent said.
NEW YORK (AP)  James Patterson is apologizing for saying that white male writers are being subjected to just another of form of racism, comments the best-selling author had made during an interview with The Sunday Times in London.

Facing widespread criticism on social media, Patterson tweeted this week that I absolutely do not believe that racism is practiced against white writers. Please know that I strongly support a diversity of voices being heard  in literature, in Hollywood, everywhere.
PORTLAND  A 46-year-old Middletown man has been charged with operating an unlicensed repair facility.

Joseph Walden, of McKenzie Street, was arrested and charged by Portland police Jan. 10. Walden was released after posting $10,000 bail. He is due to be arraigned in Superior Court in Middletown Jan. 22.

Walden pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed repair facility in Middletown in May 2018, after he was arrested in August of the prior year. At the time, he was regional president of the Ruthless for Life Motorcycle Club and ran an unlicensed shop under the name Walden Enterprises on Walnut Street.

The Middletown Police Department Street Crime Unit and Connecticut State Police Auto Theft Task Force conducted a three-month investigation at the time that led to Waldens arrest.

Walden was issued a six-month suspended sentence with one year conditional discharge in that case, judicial records show. He was also ordered to pay a $500 fine.
WATERBURY  Police found 7,000 bags of heroin while searching two homes in Waterbury Tuesday.

The drugs stemmed from search and seizure warrants at a home on Clover Street and an apartment on Gilyard Drive. Police had an additional search warrant for a man who resided at the Clover Street home, 23-year-old Elvin Santos, the police department said in a news release Wednesday.

During the searches, officers found a motorcycle that had been reported stolen out of Waterbury, three loaded firearms, 7,000 bags of heroin, 600 grams of marijuana, 40 grams of crack cocaine and $2,300 in cash. Officers with the Waterbury Police Departments Vice and Intelligence Division and the state polices Violent Crimes Task Force executed these warrants Tuesday, police said.

Police found Santos as well as three others: Anthony Parra, 21, of Waterbury; Rahmel Reid, 21, of New York, N.Y.; and Stewart Quaran, 18, of Waterbury. All four were arrested.

Santos was charged with possession of an ounce or more of heroin, possession of half an ounce of more of crack cocaine, operation of a drug factory, possession of narcotics with intent to sell and interfering with a search warrant. Police held Santos on $1 million bond pending his arraignment Wednesday.

Quran was charged with two counts of possession of narcotics with intent to sell, two counts of illegal sale or transfer of a firearm, two counts of weapons in a motor vehicle, failure to declare possession of a large capacity magazine, third-degree larceny and criminal attempt at escape from custody.

Parra was charged with two counts of possession of narcotics with intent to sell, two counts of illegal sale or transfer of a firearm, two counts of weapons in a motor vehicle and failure to declare a large capacity magazine.

Police said Reid is a convicted felon, making it illegal for him to have a gun or ammunition. Reid was charged with two counts of possession of narcotics with intent to sell, two counts of illegal sale or transfer of a firearm, two counts of criminal possession of a pistol or revolver, two counts of criminal possession of firearm or ammunition, two counts of weapons in a motor vehicle, failure to declare possession of large capacity magazine and third-degree larceny.

Police held Quran, Parra, and Reid each on $750,000 bond pending their arraignments Wednesday.
Two U.S. veterans were reportedly captured by Russian troops in Ukraine last week, with their families and lawmakers now working to find out what happened and whether they are in Russian custody.

The U.S. State Department confirmed that it is aware of media reports that two American citizens and veterans who were volunteers in Ukraine have been captured.

Military.com, in speaking to government officials and family members, has been able to confirm that both men, Alexander Drueke, 39, and Andy Huynh, 27, were veterans who traveled to Ukraine in April. Their families now say both have since gone missing.

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The Telegraph first reported that a pair of American volunteers with a regular Ukrainian army unit were taken prisoner near the city of Kharkiv.

The reports of their capture come on the heels of the news that two captured British volunteers in Ukraine were sentenced to death by a high court in the Russian-backed Donetsk People's Republic. Both British and U.N. officials sharply condemned those sentences.

Lois Drueke, Alexander's mother, told Military.com that her son is an Army veteran, left the military as a staff sergeant, and volunteered to train Ukrainians starting in April.

Local media in Huynh's home state of Alabama reported that he was a Marine veteran who left to fight in Ukraine in April after seeing images of Ukrainian teenagers battling Russian forces.

The Army and Marine Corps confirmed the service of the two veterans. Drueke was a "chemical operations specialist" with a deployment to Iraq and one to Kuwait. He was in the Army Reserve for 12 years, according to the service. Huynh was an engineer equipment operator who left the Marines after four years at the rank of corporal. His last duty assignment was Camp Pendleton, California, according to the service.

Congressman Robert Aderholt, R.-Ala., released a statement saying that Huynh's family reached out to his office after not hearing from him "since June 8, 2022 when he was in the Kharkiv area of Ukraine."

'Going Dark' for a Day or Two

Drueke's mother said that her son left the U.S. in April for Ukraine without intending to join any specific volunteer group and emphasized that he went to train, not fight in any "military capacity."

"He met up with some other Americans that had been traveling together searching for a unit that could use their expertise in training," Lois Drueke said. "He was not there to fight. He was just there to train."

"Alex did not reenlist after his second tour in Iraq," she added. "He came home with severe PTSD, and he has been searching for a purpose in life."

She continued, "And when this happened in Ukraine, he studied the situation for quite a while and finally said, 'I've got the ability and the knowledge to help train the Ukrainian soldiers.'"

Lois Drueke said the last time she spoke to her son was over text on June 8, when he said that he'd be "going dark" for a day or two -- the same day that Huynh's family told their congressman they last heard from their son.

"On June 13, one of those close friends called me and said that they had been out on a mission and that it had gone bad," Lois Drueke said. "Everyone made it back to camp except Alex and the soldier that I knew only as 'Care Bear,' because they all use code names." She said she later learned that the other volunteer was Huynh.

Drueke's mom said she was contacted by someone going by the name of "Pip" who claimed to be in her son's volunteer unit. Pip told her that her son was missing and presumed captured based on an "intercepted Russian communique that talked about having captured two Americans near the area where Alex and Andy went missing," she said.

Lois Drueke gave Military.com the contact info for "Pip," who responded to an inquiry via an encrypted communication app. Pip said he was also a U.S. military veteran but declined to provide his name, and Military.com could not independently confirm his identity or his claims. Pip said that the mission "gone bad" occurred on June 9 and sent Military.com a Telegram message of the alleged Russian communication claiming the capture of two Americans and a map of the area that the American volunteers were allegedly operating in northeast of Kharkiv. Military.com did confirm that Lois Drueke received the information she relayed about the two Americans from this individual.

She added that she has been in contact with the State Department and the Red Cross.

Staff from the offices of Sens. Richard Shelby and Tommy Tuberville, both R-Ala., and Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., said that they were aware of Drueke's situation and were working to assist the family. An aide from Sewell's office noted that they haven't been able to confirm details of Drueke's disappearance or whether he has been captured. They also noted that they've been in touch with Aderholt, who has been advocating for Huynh and his family.

Aderholt's statement noted that his office has reached out to the State Department and the FBI for more information. The State Department, in its statement, said that it is closely monitoring the situation and is in contact with Ukrainian authorities.

"I am so proud of him," Drueke's mother said. "He said 'Mom, if I die over there, I have died doing something I truly believe is a good thing; I'm over there for purpose, and it'll be a warrior's death. Just know that I did what I believed was right to do. I believe that I am helping to save American lives, not just Ukrainian lives.'"

The Law of War

Military.com has previously spoken to experts who explained that volunteering to serve in Ukraine's foreign legion is risky because Russia has expressed an unwillingness to abide by the laws of armed conflict.

Claire Finkelstein, the founder and academic director of the Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law, told Military.com in an email Wednesday that, assuming a former U.S. service member was taking orders from the Ukrainian military, wearing their uniforms, and carrying their arms openly, they would be "entitled to full POW treatment under the Geneva Conventions."

"This means among other things that they have 'combatant immunity,' and thus cannot be punished or held criminally liable for joining the fight," she added.

However, the reports of the two men's capture come less than a week after death sentences were handed down to two British men who were captured by the Russian-backed Donetsk People's Republic while fighting for Ukraine. The U.K.'s Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, called the sentences "a sham judgment with absolutely no legitimacy" in a statement issued Thursday, while asserting both men were "prisoners of war."

Finkelstein pointed out that, "from statements the Russians have made, there is already a suggestion that Russia will not accord foreign fighters POW treatment and will be unlikely to respect their human rights and the law of armed conflict."

Russia's position on the volunteers has been clear: It considers them mercenaries rather than combatants.

"None of the mercenaries the West is sending to Ukraine to fight for the nationalist regime in [Kyiv] can be considered as combatants in accordance with international humanitarian law or enjoy the status of prisoners of war," Russian defense ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in March, according to TASS, Russia's state-run news agency.

"Any mistreatment of the U.S. servicemen or a decision to execute them -- which Russia is threatening -- would be a violation of the law of armed conflict and a violation of the Geneva Conventions," Finkelstein said, though she is quick to note that invoking the conventions could put the U.S. government in an awkward position.

"The U.S. has a doleful track record when it comes to respecting the law of war in the treatment of wartime prisoners."

Editor's Note: After publication, the Army confirmed Drueke's service, but said that he had served 12 years in the Army Reserve rather than the eight Lois Drueke had described to Military.com. The Army also said that he deployed twice, once to Iraq and once to Kuwait, rather than two deployments to Iraq that Mrs. Drueke described to Military.com, though it is unclear whether Alex Drueke entered Iraq as part of his Kuwait deployment. In addition, after publication, the Marine Corps confirmed Huynh's service. The article has been updated accordingly.

-- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin.

-- Drew F. Lawrence can be reached at drew.lawrence@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @df_lawrence.

Related: Despite Russian Threats About Treatment of POWs, American Veterans Look to Help Ukraine
At least five members of the white supremacist group Patriot Front who were arrested near an Idaho Pride event last week had a military background -- one is a current member of the National Guard -- continuing the disturbing trend of military members and veterans playing key roles in extremist groups and being charged with crimes.

Winston Durham was among the 31 members of the far-right group authorities say were packed inside a U-Haul truck, wearing their signature khakis, blue shirts, beige hats and white masks and allegedly planning to disrupt the Pride event. The men had shin guards, riot shields and a smoke grenade. All were charged with conspiracy, a misdemeanor.

Durham serves as a cadet in the Idaho Army National Guard's 1-148 Field Artillery Regiment. He enlisted into the National Guard in February 2019 and became a cadet in January 2020 through Washington State University's Reserve Officers' Training Corps, or ROTC, program. He has been placed on leave pending the outcome of his criminal case, an Army spokesperson told Military.com.

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Cadets in the National Guard often attend a unit's training events, which range from administrative tasks, to firing weapons and training combat tactics. Those events are traditionally one weekend per month, with cadets effectively serving as interns for a unit's officers, on top of their full-time cadet military training and schooling.

Cadets have limited military training, but even understanding the basics of weapons, tactics and the military's planning process can be difficult for law enforcement to combat and has been a key concern as radical groups increasingly seek to recruit members with military backgrounds.

The other four Patriot Front members arrested were veterans with relatively short service histories.

Lawrence Norman, 32, and Wesley Van Horn, 34, were both Navy veterans, the service confirmed to Military.com. Norman served as a gunner's mate for four years, rising to the rank of petty officer third class before his separation in 2015. Van Horn served as a builder with the SeaBees for nearly four years before leaving the Navy in 2010 as a seaman.

The awards for the two men suggest both deployed with the Navy, and Van Horn earned the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

Forty-year-old James Johnson served in the Air Force, the service confirmed, though it was not able to offer any details beyond a separation year of 2005. Johnson said he was a "U.S. Air Force Spanish linguist and trainer of future airmen leaders" in a biography written when he ran for the Cheyenne, Wyoming, City Council in 2020.

Patriot Front, along with other groups such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, seeks those with a military background to fill its ranks, even if that experience is minimal, because of the inherent social credibility those recruits potentially bring. And those recruits are frequently social outcasts, often unsatisfied economically and romantically or frustrated with other aspects of their lives, and are starved for belonging, according to Kristofer Goldsmith, senior fellow with the Innovation Lab at Human Rights First.

"They promise camaraderie and brotherhood that these guys are not getting," Goldsmith, an Army veteran who studies extremism, told Military.com. "It's white rage. They feel they were owed something for being a white male and were denied it. They don't have good jobs, generally speaking. Some are easily manipulated; others are well off and intelligent who recognize that being a part of a group makes them powerful."

Patriot Front, an organization led by Thomas Rousseau, got its start out of the ashes of the deadly "Unite the Right'' rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017. Rousseau led a contingent of Vanguard America members and other white supremacists to that rally. Following Rousseau during his march was James Alex Fields Jr., the man who would go on to murder anti-racist protester Heather Heyer by driving his car into a crowd of protesters.

According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the Patriot Front formed when Rousseau, driven in part by a disagreement on how to best promote their cause to the greater public, broke off from Vanguard America.

Goldsmith noted that the group's current uniform of khakis and white masks is "an evolution of the khakis and blue polo shirt uniform that they used when they were Vanguard America at Charlottesville."

Rousseau favored a kind of American nationalism that leans heavily into symbols and icons rooted in Americana instead of Nazi-era imagery. The group often rallies with modified American flags that feature a bundle of sticks with an ax, the original symbol of fascism, encircled by 13 stars instead of the usual 50 white stars. Their website and manifesto are adorned in red, white and blue symbols with quotes from figures like George Washington, Alexander Hamilton and Gen. George Patton.

Both the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the ADL categorize the group as a white supremacist organization, and the SPLC notes that Patriot Front's manifesto calls for the formation of a white ethnostate.

Service members and veterans becoming radicalized into far-right groups has gotten more attention on Capitol Hill following the Jan. 6 attack meant to stop the certification of President Joe Biden's victory, with those groups playing a central role in the riot.

Military leaders are still grappling with determining how many in their formations are falling into extremist ideology while still in uniform, or joining the ranks with sympathy toward those movements. In addition, advocates have been pushing for the military services to do more to prepare service members when they separate to rebuff recruiting pitches from extremist groups.

But even when troops are found guilty of participating in extremist plots, removing them from the force can take a long time, especially in the National Guard.

Pfc. Abram Markofski, an infantryman in the Wisconsin National Guard's Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment, pleaded guilty to his role in the violence on Jan. 6, 2021, when he was part of the mob that stormed the Capitol in an attempt to keep then-President Donald Trump in power.

However, the National Guard has allowed him to continue his military training, potentially granting him access to weapons and ammunition, while his case played out in the civilian courts. Six months after his guilty plea, he continues to serve, according to Maj. Gretel Weiskopf, a Guard spokesperson. He is in the middle of being separated, but it is unclear what is holding that process up.

Markofski was not known to be part of any radical groups before the riot, only traveling to Washington, D.C., with a friend shortly after he washed out of Special Forces Assessment and Selection after failing the Army's standard physical fitness test.

Cpl. Jacob Fracker, an infantryman with the Virginia National Guard, is also in the midst of being separated from the service component. But his state did not allow him to continue training with his unit.

Following the attack on the Capitol, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a so-called extremism stand-down for units to discuss combating radicalization within the ranks. However, multiple sources told Military.com at the time that their respective units did not even do the mandatory stand-down, or that it was mostly an afterthought.

-- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon.

-- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin.

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The Department of Justice filed an appeal last week in an effort to overturn a judgment that found the Air Force 60% responsible for the events surrounding a 2017 church shooting in which a service veteran killed 26 people and injured dozens of others. It was the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history.

The ruling ordered that the federal government pay victims and their families $230 million in compensation for not flagging the shooter to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) after he made threats of violence to his Air Force superiors, assaulted his wife and child, attempted to smuggle firearms onto Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, and escaped from a behavioral health facility while awaiting court-martial in 2012.

The judge in the trial, Judge Xavier Rodriguez, wrote in a July 2021 ruling that "had the Government done its job and properly reported [the shooter's] information into the background check system -- it is more likely than not that [the shooter] would have been deterred from carrying out the Church shooting."

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The shooter purchased weapons between 2014 and 2017, according to CNN, two years after he was court-martialed for the assault.

Shortly after the shooting, the Air Force also acknowledged that "had his information been in the database, it should have prevented gun sales to [the shooter]."

Now, in the wake of the Uvalde shooting that killed 21 at a school, 19 of whom were elementary-age children, the DOJ is fighting the ruling that found the government culpable for the 2017 shooting that took place at the Sutherland Springs church, according to court documents, though it is unclear whether the appeal is aimed at reducing the compensation or disputing the government's overall culpability.

Some of the survivors of the shooting continue to struggle through medical consequences today. Military.com reached out to one of the victims' parents, Chancie McMahan. McMahan is the mother of Ryland Ward, who was severely wounded during the shooting.

McMahan could not speak at length with Military.com because she was with her 10-year-old as he prepared for surgery to attempt to fix injuries sustained during the shooting.

Ward, who was five years old at the time of the shooting, sustained four gunshot wounds, with one wound causing severe blood loss. Among other severe injuries, his femur was fractured in several places, an injury that required extensive surgery.

"Even after extensive physical therapy, [Ward] cannot make full use of his left arm or leg," Rodriguez's ruling said, "because the injuries to his hip and femur destroyed his growth plate, [Ward's] leg will not grow from the hip."

Last week's legal filings gave no indication as to what argument the Department of Justice planned to make in its appeal or what issue it had with the way the case was initially tried. However, coverage of the trial from November 2021 -- before the judge's ruling was issued -- suggests that the government's lawyers were balking at the possibility of having to pay the $400 million the families felt they were owed. Instead, they offered about $31 million.

A Justice Department spokesperson, Dena Iverson, confirmed that the department filed the appeal, adding "by filing this notice, the government continues its close review of the legal issues presented."

"The Department is dedicated to doing everything in its power to prevent senseless gun violence that continues to take countless innocent lives," she told Military.com via email. She also noted that the DOJ will work with courts to reach a resolution, "including possible mediation or settlement."

The February ruling issued by Rodriguez allocated a collective $230 million to victims and their families after the shooting and said that "the Court concluded that the Government failed to exercise reasonable care in its undertaking to submit [the shooter's] criminal history to the FBI," adding that the government was 60% responsible for the incident.

Then-Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson acknowledged the service's failings in response to the shooter's threats and domestic violence while he was still in the service.

In a hearing at the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2017, she said, "It was clear very early that [the shooter's] criminal history was not reported. And it should have been," adding that the failure to report these crimes was not an anomaly for the Air Force. Wilson also referenced a 2015 Department of Defense Inspector General report that found that between 2010 and 2012 hundreds of fingerprints were missing from the Air Force and Navy's convicted offenders list meant to be shared with the FBI. The IG could not determine the Army's compliance due to "data validation limitations."

The shooter received a "bad-conduct" discharge, was jailed for one year, and reduced to the rank of E-1 after assaulting his wife and child in 2012.

The FBI states that, under the NICS program, firearms cannot be sold to "a person convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime which includes the use or attempted use of physical force or threatened use of a deadly weapon and the defendant was the spouse  by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common." Other prohibitive categories include, in part, being "involuntarily committed to a mental institution" or the subject of a protective order against a spouse or child.

The shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the attack.

Rodriguez awarded more than $10 million to Ward for "disfigurement," as well as physical and mental anguish sustained during the shooting, accounting for any pain he may feel in the future.

McMahan told San Antonio's KSAT television station that the cost of medical bills and time needed to take off work to care for the 10-year-old during his extensive recovery was taking a financial toll on the family.

"You know I'm panicking because I don't know what I'm going to do because I'm not getting any help," McMahan said.

-- Drew F. Lawrence can be reached at drew.lawrence@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @df_lawrence.

-- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin.

Related: Air Force Ordered to Pay More Than $230M in Church Shooting
At 95 years of age, Carl Elmer Jenkins is one profane Marine. His mordant memories of serving as a CIA paramilitary trainer in the combat zones of Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos and Cuba are salted with F-bombs and S-words about the A-holes he worked for. "What do you really think, sir?" is not a question a visiting reporter needs to ask Carl Jenkins.

I first caught up with Jenkins in April 2021, having been drawn in by his legendary reputation. Over the next year, I wound up spending several days with him, spellbound by his stories. We sat at his dining room table, occasionally taking a break to stand on his patio. He trudged about the house with a cane, complained good-naturedly about the trials of old age, and did not hesitate to answer questions about his role in an infamous CIA plot to assassinate Cuban ruler Fidel Castro that fell apart five decades ago.

Jenkins grew up in a shack without indoor plumbing near Shreveport, Louisiana. After signing up for the Marines at age 17, he served in the Pacific during World War II, rising from private to staff sergeant. Upon his return, he went back to school and graduated from Centenary College. In 1950, he finished first among 372 officers in a Marine Corps training program at Quantico, Virginia. He joined the CIA in 1952 as a survival, evasion, resistance and escape instructor.

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Among his first assignments was training small teams for maritime infiltration of Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. Then, he served as chief of a CIA base in Guatemala, where he trained the leaders of Brigade 2506, the U.S.-backed invasion force that was defeated at the Bay of Pigs in Cuba in April 1961. In his bedroom, Jenkins has a plaque from the brigade commending him "for outstanding services beyond the call of duty."

In Vietnam, Jenkins served in Danang, organizing U.S. Special Forces to carry out sabotage attacks on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Later, he served as a top counterinsurgency adviser to governments in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. In 1971, he became chief of a CIA base in southern Laos, where he guided and trained 10,000-plus regular and guerrilla forces, while calling in the occasional B-52 Stratofortress strike. In retirement, he debriefed Cuban militants for the CIA and served as an unpaid consultant to President Ronald Reagan's State Department during the Iran-Contra affair.

"I was one of the handful of people in the agency that was trained and experienced in paramilitary operations," he told me. "I could indeed bring down a government. Or I could protect the government by getting rid of the insurgents. Either way. And the word goes around. 'Hey, if you need a dirty job done, call Jenkins.' And they did. And I went."

Marine Corps veteran Carl Elmer Jenkins served as a CIA paramilitary trainer in the combat zones of Vietnam, Indonesia, Laos and Cuba. (Photo courtesy of Carl Elmer Jenkins)

Jenkins still swaggers in his war stories. He recalled how he and his first wife ran a U.S. military guesthouse in Danang while his Vietnamese girlfriend ran a bar across the street. "You never knew who was a communist in that city," he sighed.

But he is no braggart, occasionally waxing doleful about his career in covert action. "I've had maybe three major successes," he muttered, "and a hell of a lot of failures."

I showed Jenkins a file of declassified cables about the AMLASH affair, a notorious CIA plot to kill Castro in the early 1960s. Jenkins' name appeared in dozens of documents. As far as I knew, he was the last living American who participated in a covert operation whose disclosure led to fundamental changes at the CIA.

The revelation of the AMLASH plot in a 1976 report of Senate investigators proved to be a pivotal moment in the CIA's history. Coming directly after the Watergate scandal, the disclosure that the agency had plotted to kill Castro -- on the very day that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas -- was a sensational news story, triggering public outrage, conspiratorial suspicions, and multiple investigations.

The CIA saw its secrets laid bare, its budget slashed, its reputation tarnished, and, as a result, congressional oversight of the agency was imposed. While Castro gloated, the agency's public image took a hit that the men and women of Langley have always preferred to downplay, if not bury.

When I showed Jenkins the declassified file, first made public in 2018, he opened up with a colorful choice of words.

"Eisenhower did not want the Bay of Pigs and neither did I," he scoffed, referencing the CIA's ill-fated invasion plan in 1961. "I was chief of base on that f---ing operation." President John F. Kennedy was "a loser," he said, adding his brother Attorney General Robert Kennedy was worse. "Everything he touched, turned to s---."

With the paper trail in front of him, Jenkins recalled the plot to kill Castro in fine detail, laying to rest any lingering historical controversy about who actually orchestrated the unsuccessful conspiracy to end the life of the Cuban communist leader who later died of natural causes in 2016 a few months after his 90th birthday.

Richard Helms, the gentlemanly CIA director with a reputation for keeping the darkest of secrets, insisted in his memoir and on Capitol Hill that the AMLASH operation was playing at tilting domestic politics in Cuba by fomenting political opposition.

"It was not an assassination operation," Helms testified under oath to Congress. "It was not designed for that purpose. I think I do know what I'm talking about here."

Historians have tended to take Helms' denials at face value.

"When people wanted to invade Cuba or kill Castro, his attitude was, 'Oh, God,'" Helms' biographer Thomas Powers told Chris Whipple, author of "The Spymasters: How the CIA Directors Shape History and the Future," a much-lauded 2020 profile of CIA directors.

"He just was so against it all," said wife Cynthia Helms of the plots to kill Castro. "He said to me one day, 'I was never going to do it. We were never going to do it.' But they made his life miserable over it."

Was AMLASH an assassination operation? I asked Jenkins.

"Of course," snorted the retired Marine.

The AMLASH saga began late one night in October 1956 in the Montmartre, Havana's swankiest nightclub. Two young men in the crowd pulled out pistols and shot dead Col. Antonio Blanco Rico, the chief of the Cuban military intelligence service, outside the club's elevators.

One of the gunmen was Rolando Cubela, a medical student at the University of Havana who had taken up arms against the dictatorship of President Fulgencio Batista. After Castro and allied forces ousted Batista in 1959, Cubela assumed a series of senior positions in the new government. As a Catholic and nationalist, Cubela loathed Castro's hard left turn toward one-party socialism.

The CIA men, who knew of Cubela's armed exploits, targeted him for recruitment under the code name AMLASH. (All Cuba operations were identified by the AM diagraph, followed by a chosen noun; Castro was known as AMTHUG).

Helms sent an up-and-coming CIA officer, Nestor Sanchez, to Brazil to take over the handling of Cubela, who continued to have personal access to Castro. Sanchez was handing a poison pen to Cubela in a CIA safehouse in Paris on Nov. 22, 1963, when Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas. Sanchez, who would go on to hold senior positions in the CIA and Pentagon, was "a good friend," Jenkins said.

When Jenkins returned from Vietnam to the Cuba program in early 1964, he was cleared into the AMLASH operation. Sanchez, he explained, was replaced as Cubela's contact by Manuel "Manolo" Artime, a foe of Castro's with a knack for charming U.S. officials. "Manolo was a perpetual juvenile  a guy who loved everybody and just assumed that everybody loved him," Jenkins said.

In our interview, Jenkins reviewed five memos that he wrote about the AMLASH project in 1964, recalling that he had dictated them but never seen the paper copies. Another declassified memo showed that the CIA's National Photographic Interpretation Center supported Jenkins on a "plan to assassinate Castro at the DuPont Varadero Beach Estate, east of Havana. Castro was known to frequent the estate and the plan was to use a high-powered rifle in the attempt."

Jenkins said he voiced doubts about whether Cubela could be trusted. Having trained two former Castro bodyguards for Brigade 2506, "I knew pretty well what his habits were ... what his intimate daily routine was like," Jenkins said. He recalled asking Artime, "Who is this guy and what is he up to? You know, just exactly what are we dealing with here? Is this real or is this a trap of some sort?"

Jenkins' caution was ignored and, when Artime and Cubela met in Madrid in December 1964, Cubela reiterated his demand for a weapon to kill Castro, specifically a Belgian-made FAL rifle.

"The FAL was the NATO rifle," Jenkins explained. "It was easy to get ammunition for it. That was something I could do."

Thanks to Jenkins' arrangements, Artime delivered the weapon to Cubela in Cuba. When Cubela was arrested in March 1966 and charged with plotting to kill Castro, the FAL rifle was found in his possession. Cubela was sentenced to a 25-year jail term, of which he served only half.

Some have speculated that Cubela was a double agent for Castro all along. Castro denied that, and so did Helms. It was just about the only thing the revolutionary and the spymaster ever publicly agreed upon.

"I don't accept the fact that he was working for anybody except Cubela," Jenkins told me.

In any case, Jenkins' first-person account of supplying the murder weapon, corroborated by CIA files, extinguishes Helms' claim that AMLASH was not an assassination conspiracy.

"Just another busted operation," the ex-Marine shrugged. As for Helms, "he was an a--hole as far as I'm concerned," he growled.

-- Jefferson Morley is author of "Scorpions' Dance: The President, The Spymaster, and Watergate" (St. Martin's Press), from which this article is drawn.

Related: American Veteran William Morgan Rose to the Highest Rank in Fidel Castro's Army
KYIV, Ukraine  Four European leaders expressed their support for Ukraine on Thursday while meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, vowing to back Kyiv's candidacy to eventually join the European Union and offering more weapons to fend off Russia's invasion.

French President Emmanuel Macron promised Ukraine six more truck-mounted artillery guns, the latest in a new round of Western arms pledges as the war grinds on in the Donbas region in the east.

France, Germany, Italy and Romania are doing everything so that Ukraine alone can decide its fate, Macron said at a news conference with Zelenskyy and the others.

My colleagues and I have come here to Kyiv today with a clear message: Ukraine belongs to the European family, said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Amid Ukrainian fears that Western resolve could wane, the visit carried heavy symbolism. France, Germany and Italy have all faced criticism for continuing to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin  and failing to give Kyiv the amount of weaponry it says its needs.

With Scholz beside him, Macron defended earlier comments that riled Ukrainians about not humiliating Russia. He solemnly noted how the end of World War I had sown the seeds of World War II.

We are side by side today with Chancellor Scholz. One hundred years ago, we were at war and allies helped France win. France committed a historic mistake. It lost the peace because it wanted to humiliate Germany. The question of humiliation I always placed in a context to come, not the current context, he said.

Today, this war must be won, France clearly supports Ukraine so it prevails, Macron said. Germany, like France, will never be in situations where they negotiate on Ukraines behalf with Russia. Moreover, we have never done that.

Ukrainians and some of their central European neighbors also have been afraid that Western powers might press for territorial concessions for the sake of peace with Russia.

Scholz reiterated that there is no such intent to dictate anything to Ukrainians, and that only they "can decide what is right in terms of an agreement on a peace which we are unfortunately very, very far away from.

Italian Premier Mario Draghi expressed concern about the millions of tons of grain backed up in Black Sea ports by the war, saying it could lead to a worldwide catastrophe. Italy has been a first destination for African migrants and could find itself overwhelmed in the case of largescale hunger in the Southern Hemisphere.

We want the atrocities to stop and we want peace, Draghi said. But Ukraine must defend itself, and it will be Ukraine that chooses the peace it wants."

The leaders also visited Irpin, a Kyiv suburb that saw intense fighting early in the war and where many civilians were killed. They decried the destruction there, with Macron saying he saw signs of of war crimes."

While shocking images of such devastation have rallied Western support, Ukrainian officials have expressed concern that war fatigue could eventually erode that  particularly as rising prices and upcoming U.S. elections increasingly dominating public concerns.

The U.S. and its European allies have given billions of dollars in weaponry to Ukraine, and Germany and the U.S. recently announced new arms shipments. Such arms have been crucial in preventing the Russians from taking the capital, but Kyiv has said much more will be needed.

Russia is only looking for new ways to scare Europe and seize more and more of our land, Zelenskyy said at the news conference. The goal of Russia in this war is to break Ukraine and through this break the whole of Europe.

Many in Ukraine hope the visit could mark a turning point by opening the way to significant new arms supplies. It also comes as EU leaders prepare to decide next week on Ukraines request to become a candidate for membership in the bloc.

The war has increased pressure on EU governments to fast-track Ukraine's candidate status, and Thursdays pledge to support candidacy status for Ukraine and neighboring Moldova pushes the whole 27-nation union closer to doing so. But the process still is expected to take years, and EU members remain divided over how quickly and fully to open their arms to new members.

European allies have sent increasingly powerful weapons and rallied around Ukraine more than many expected, approving waves of unprecedented sanctions against Russia that also are badly squeezing Europes economy.

Ukrainians say more is needed as Russia presses an offensive in the Donbas region, slowly but steadily gaining ground on the outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian forces.

After the news conference, Zelenskyy made a digital appearance at technology shows in Paris, Amsterdam, London and Stockholm as what organizers called a 3D avatar, with his image on a large screen. Wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with futuristic fighters and the text Come to the Dark Side and Dominate or Die, he urged countries to support what he called a digital Lend Lease for Ukraine to bounce back from the war with a global digital revolution.

While visiting Irpin, Scholz said officials must keep the scenes of destruction in mind in all their decisions.

"Innocent civilians have been hit, houses have been destroyed; a whole town has been destroyed in which there was no military infrastructure at all, he said. "And that says a great deal about the brutality of the Russian war of aggression, which is simply out for destruction and conquest.

Macron, Scholz and Draghi, representing the EU's three largest economies, traveled to Kyiv together on a special overnight train provided by the Ukrainian authorities. They have been criticized for not visiting sooner. Soon after they arrived, air raid sirens wailed.

President Klaus Iohannis of Romania, which borders Ukraine and has been a key destination for its refugees, arrived on a separate train. He said at the news conference that Romania is facilitating the transit of Ukrainian exports, including grain.

A number of other European leaders have already made the trip to show their solidarity with Ukraine, even when the fighting raged closer to the capital than it does now.

Scholz had long resisted traveling to Kyiv, saying he didnt want to join the queue of people who do a quick in-out for a photo opportunity, adding that a trip should focus on doing concrete things.

Germany announced Wednesday it will provide Ukraine with three multiple launch rocket systems of the kind that Kyiv has said it urgently needs.

Tamara Malko, a resident of the Donetsk region that is part of the Donbas, said Macron and Scholz had been very cold toward Ukrainians so far and hoped their visit would bring change.

We want peace very much ... and have high hopes for Macron and Scholz, she said. We want them to see and understand our pain.

___

Corbet reported from Paris. Associated Press journalists David Keyton in Irpin, Ukraine, Srdjan Nedelikovic in Pokrovsk, Ukraine, Colleen Barry in Milan and Frank Jordans and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed.
BAGHDAD  U.S.-led coalition forces captured a senior leader of the extremist Islamic State group in a military operation in northern Syria on Thursday, the coalition said.

In a statement, it said the captured leader was an experienced bomb maker and operational facilitator, describing him as one of the top leaders of the militant groups branch in Syria.

The statement did not identify the individual nor say where exactly in northern Syria the raid took place. It said the operation was successful with no civilians harmed and no injuries to the coalition forces. The coalition did not respond to queries from The Associated Press.

Three Iraqi intelligence officials, however, identified the man as Ahmad Hani al-Kurdi, a Syrian national who rose through militant ranks to become one of the most senior and dangerous IS leaders and an expert on manufacturing booby-traps and explosives.

For a while, he was the IS leader in charge of the Syrian city of Raqqa, when it was the de facto capital of the groups so-called Islamic caliphate that stretched across much of Iraq and Syria. The Iraqi intel officials spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to give out the information.

The U.S.-backed forces declared victory over the Islamic State group in March 2019 after retaking the last piece of territory held by IS in Syria. But the militants continue to operate and carry out deadly attacks in both Iraq and Syria through sleeper cells; the group also maintains several affiliates in various countries.

A Syria war monitor, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said the operation began with two helicopters landing near the targeted area in the village of al-Humaira, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the Turkish border.

It reported clashes with gunmen hiding in houses in the village in the northern Aleppo countryside as they were chased by members of the coalition. The Observatory has a network of activists on the ground in Syria.

The coalition has conducted raids in the past to take out IS leaders. In February, the groups leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi blew himself up along with members of his family as American forces raided his Syria hideout.

His predecessor, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, died similarly along with his family in 2019 by detonating a suicide vest in a tunnel in northwest Syria as a military operation unfolded during the Trump administration.

The IS group at the height of its power controlled more than 40,000 square miles stretching from Syria to Iraq and ruled over 8 million people. Its attacks in the region included a major assault last month to seize a prison in northeast Syria holding at least 3,000 IS detainees.''
A historic expansion of veterans benefits for millions who were exposed to toxins during their military service is on a glide path to becoming law after it cleared the Senate on Thursday.

The Senate voted 84-14 on Thursday to approve the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act, which would extend health care and disability benefits to an estimated 3.5 million veterans exposed to burn pits and other airborne hazards. All of the "no" votes came from Republicans.

The bill must still pass the House and be signed by President Joe Biden before becoming law. But the Senate was seen as the biggest hurdle to the bill making it into law after some lawmakers in that chamber balked at the price tag of an earlier version of the bill, meaning it is now expected to sail to the finish line.

Read Next: Two US Vets Reportedly Captured by Russian Troops in Ukraine as Families Scramble to Learn More

The bill, which is named in honor of a veteran who died of lung cancer after being exposed to burn pits in Iraq, would designate 23 diseases as presumed to be linked to military service, including hypertension, brain cancer, chronic bronchitis and more.

The bill is "about righting a wrong that has been ignored for too damn long," Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, D-Mont., said during floor debate on the measure. "There's always a cost of war, and that cost is never fully paid when the war ends."

The Department of Veterans Affairs already treats asthma, rhinitis, sinusitis and nine types of respiratory cancers as presumed to be linked to military service. But for any other ailment, veterans must prove the disease is linked to their time in uniform, an effort that is often futile because of spotty Defense Department recordkeeping or what the VA says is a lack of scientific data proving a disease is caused by burn pits.

In addition to expanding the list of presumptive diseases, the PACT Act would create a streamlined process to add more illnesses to the list in the future, something lawmakers hope will prevent the need to pass more legislation should other toxic exposure-related ailments emerge.

While much of the bill is focused on post-9/11 veterans exposed to the massive trash fires known as burn pits that were a staple in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, there are also several provisions to help prior generations exposed to other toxins, including broadening coverage for veterans exposed to radiation during nuclear waste cleanup in the 1960s and for Vietnam-era veterans exposed to Agent Orange.

The Congressional Budget Office, or CBO, estimates the bill could cost $278.5 billion over a decade.

Republicans had previously balked at the high price tag of expanding benefits for toxic-exposed veterans. But most GOP senators came on board after a compromise by Tester and Senate Veterans Affairs Committee ranking member Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., shaved off some of the cost when compared to a similar, House-passed bill.

"This country is good at recognizing the physical wounds of war. And we are getting better at recognizing the mental wounds of war," Moran said on the Senate floor last week. "No longer can we ignore the wounds of war from toxic exposure -- the wounds, like Agent Orange before it, that may not arrive until years later."

The Senate bill has a lower cost than the House's $321.7 billion bill in part because it would take longer to phase in some benefits and presumptive illnesses, pushing some costs to outside the 10-year window covered in the CBO's estimate. The Senate bill would also expand options for veterans to seek care at non-VA facilities.

The bill would also add claims processor and health care staff to the VA to address Republican concerns that expanding the pool of veterans eligible for benefits would overwhelm an already stressed system and delay care for all veterans.

Asked at a Senate hearing Tuesday about the department's ability to implement the PACT Act, VA Secretary Denis McDonough expressed confidence the agency is in a "good position" to handle changes in the first year but acknowledged full implementation could be hard.

"I think it could be very difficult to implement," he said. "But oftentimes, the most important things are difficult."

The bill will now bounce back to the House, which passed the similar, slightly more expensive legislation by 256-174 in March.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has promised her chamber will take up the bill "as soon as the Senate passes this legislation." Biden, who suspects his son Beau's fatal brain cancer was caused by burn pits in Iraq and Kosovo, has also vowed to sign it "immediately" after it gets to his desk.

-- Rebecca Kheel can be reached at rebecca.kheel@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @reporterkheel.

Related: Estimated Cost of Toxic Exposure Bill More Than One-Quarter Trillion Dollars But Bipartisan Backing Holds
In addition to improving access to benefits for post-9/11 veterans exposed to burn pits, the sweeping toxic exposure legislation approved 84-14 by the Senate on Thursday will add two new conditions to the Department of Veterans Affairs' list of Agent Orange-related illnesses and expand benefits for veterans sickened by radiation or poisoned water in certain geographic locations.

The bill adds hypertension and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, or MGUS, to the list of illnesses linked to Agent Orange exposure, allowing affected veterans to apply for health care and disability benefits with the VA without having to prove that their condition was caused by their service.

The legislation, expected to pass the House next Wednesday and be signed by President Joe Biden, also expands the geographic areas and service dates for eligibility for benefits, including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Guam and American Samoa and their territorial waters, and Johnston Atoll or any ship that called on the atoll, on certain dates.

Read Next: 'Forever Chemicals' Linked to Hundreds of Military Bases Are Unsafe at Any Level, EPA Warns

The move follows four years of lobbying by advocacy groups to add hypertension to the list of Agent Orange presumptive conditions, following a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine 2018 announcement of proving a link between high blood pressure and the herbicides used during the Vietnam War and elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

Under the new legislation, more than 490,000 Vietnam War veterans may be eligible for disability compensation, at a cost of up to $15 billion of the estimated $278.5 billion Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act.

"The days of ignoring wounds from toxic exposures, wounds not seen until years after, are gone," said Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, speaking on the Senate floor before the bill passed Thursday.

"The cost of taking care of our veterans is high, but the truth is, freedom is not free," said Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., also speaking in the Senate on Thursday.

Other senior veterans also may be eligible for expanded benefits as a result of the legislation.

In addition to naming 23 illnesses as presumed to be related to exposure to the burn pits used to dispose of waste in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, the bill addresses several lesser-known episodes of military exposures responsible for sickening thousands of veterans.

These include service members who cleaned up a nuclear waste site at Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands, as well as nuclear aviation mishap sites in Palomares, Spain, and Thule, Greenland.

The legislation also includes the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which allows victims of contaminated water -- or their survivors -- at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to file lawsuits for illnesses caused by more than 30 years of exposure to chemicals in their drinking water.

The bill expands the geographic region for Persian Gulf War and post-9/11 veterans to include service in Somalia for those who served between 1990 and Sept. 11, 2001, and adds Afghanistan, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Uzbekistan after Sept. 11, 2001.

It also allows veterans who served in a combat zone -- as proven by having an Armed Forces Expeditionary or service-specific Expeditionary Medal, campaign-specific medal or campaign theater award -- and were exposed to burn pits to be eligible for VA health care, phased in between 2024 and 2032, depending on when they served.

It also stipulates that veterans affected by MGUS or hypertension who are older than 85, are terminally ill, homeless or have an extreme financial hardship may apply now, while all others with MGUS may file a claim beginning Oct. 1, and with hypertension, Oct. 1, 2026.

The phase-in was included in the legislation to ensure that the VA health system does not become overwhelmed with the influx of patients. The VA currently provides health care to more than 6 million veterans.

The bill also instructs the VA to review Dependency and Indemnity Compensation claims related to the changes that have been submitted or denied that would have been evaluated differently under the new provisions.

-- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Military.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime

Related: Young and Dying: Veterans Are Getting Brain Cancer and Struggling to Get Benefits
In 1940, just more than 11 million women were employed outside the home. By the end of World War II, that number had spiked to more than 20 million women. Part of the reason for the jump was the "Rosie the Riveter" campaign from the Office of War Information, which was determined to get more women to work and free men to fight.

After all, somebody had to make the weapons, tanks and aircraft the menfolk were using to fight the war, and those were the WOWs: Woman Ordnance Workers. To encourage women to get to the factories while keeping morale high, a slew of propaganda was created by both the government and corporations to keep women coming to work and their spirits high.

The "We Can Do It" poster many of us think about when someone mentions Rosie the Riveter was just one in a long line of war production posters, but ...

1. The "We Can Do It" poster was not the original Rosie the Riveter.

I know, half of the people reading this are already emailing me to tell me I'm full of it. The other half are just silently hating me. But the woman featured on the "We Can Do It" poster originally had nothing to do with "Rosie the Riveter" at the time.

The poster was produced internally for Westinghouse Electric by J. Howard Miller in 1943. The WOWs didn't see it unless they worked at Westinghouse, on the factory floor, making helmet liners.

2. "Rosies" became a social movement.

The original Rosie was the start of a movement that began in 1942, shortly after the United States entered the war. That year, bandleader Kay Kyser released a song called "Rosie the Riveter." It aired on radio networks across the country, and audiences thought it absolutely slapped.

The song inspired Norman Rockwell to paint a depiction of Kyser's Rosie for an issue of the Saturday Evening Post. Rockwell's painting was then used by the Treasury Department for war bond drives throughout the war. There was even an official WOW bandana, made by the War Department for female ordnance workers. It featured white Army ordnance logos on a red background.

Miller's "We Can Do It" poster was never part of the drive and faded away until it was rediscovered in 1982 for a Washington Post article.

3. There is no single inspiration for Rosie.

Songwriters Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb were inspired to write "Rosie the Riveter" by Rosalind P. Walter, a woman working on an assembly line riveting Vought F4U Corsair fighters.

Rockwell's Rosie was clad in blue overalls, with a rivet gun on her lap and a boot on "Mein Kampf." His model was 19-year-old telephone operator Mary Louise Doyle.

As for the Westinghouse poster, the subject was then-20-year-old Naomi Parker, who was photographed while working at Alameda Naval Air Station, California, in 1942. Titled "All This And Overtime, Too," Parker was seen wearing a bandana and coveralls, just like the woman in the Westinghouse poster.

4. "We Can Do It" was not a famous slogan during the war.

After its rediscovery, the "We Can Do It" poster garnered worldwide fame, which naturally led many to speculate about its origins. In many cases, the origin was outright fabricated. Even The New York Times wrote it became "a worldwide symbol of women in the defense industry in World War II."

Except that it was not. Westinghouse Electric paid for the ad campaign, which had a print run of about 1,000, according to Westinghouse historian Charlie Ruch. That kind of circulation would severely limit its spread in the U.S., let alone the entire world.

5. Not everyone loves Rosie the Riveter.

After its rediscovery, the "We Can Do It" poster became a worldwide feminist symbol, replicated on everything from T-shirts to postage stamps. Whether it's Miller's or Rockwell's depiction, Rosie is seen as an empowering icon, a revolutionary moment where women left the home to help win the war of good versus evil.

But not everyone sees it that way. Researchers Karen Anderson, Susan M. Hartmann and Maureen Honey argue that Rosie is more of a tragic figure. They say that the "Rosies" weren't all married housewives; instead, most were single women who were already in the workforce. They went to work in war production jobs to face prejudice while earning lower wages than men, all to be pressured to give those jobs up when veterans returned.

Most of all, they argue, the Rosie the Riveter campaign served to reinforce the stereotypes about American women at the time.-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at blake.stilwell@military.com. He can also be found on Twitter @blakestilwell or on Facebook.

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The Yankees are releasing outfielder Ender Inciarte from his minor league contract, reports Conor Foley of the Scranton Times-Tribune (on Twitter). Hell hit the open market and seek out additional opportunities elsewhere.

Inciarte signed with New York over the offseason, hoping to crack the big league roster after a rough 2021 season. He didnt break camp with the team and was sent to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he ultimately appeared in 34 games. Inciarte hit .252/.336/.408 across 116 plate appearances, collecting four home runs and stolen bases apiece. The 31-year-old walked a strong 11.2% clip while only punching out in 14.7% of his plate appearances.

It was a respectable showing, but the Yankees nevertheless determined there wasnt room on the active roster at this point. Aaron Judge is hitting at an MVP-level and has taken over as the primary center fielder, while both Joey Gallo and Aaron Hicks have started to heat up after slow starts to the year. With Giancarlo Stanton and Marwin Gonzalez also capable of rotating into the outfield as needed, the 45-16 Yankees werent in a rush to shake up their position player group.

Since being released by the Braves last July, Inciarte hasnt cracked the majors on successive minor league pacts with the Reds and Yankees. Nevertheless, hes likely to attract interest from teams looking for non-roster depth. Inciarte is no longer the elite defender he was at his Gold Glove peak, but hes still a solid gloveman at all three spots on the grass. Hes hit .200/.267/.277 in 220 plate appearances at the major league level since the start of 2020.
Co-Chief Executive Officer of the People Foundation for Health and Education Development (PeFHED) has presented 120 plastic tables and chairs to Kukuruzua Basic School in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region.

Dr Major Batamiya Aseno, a native of Zebilla and a Ghanaian-based in USA visited the school last year and saw the unhealthy condition under which the pupils study especially some were lying on the bare floor, improvised desks and dilapidated classroom blocks studying.

After seeing the severity of the situation, Dr Major hurriedly intervened by providing some 120 plastic tables and chairs to the school.

The headmistress of the school, Serah Imoro, who received the furniture on behalf of the School, expressed gratitude to him for coming to their aid.

According to her, the problem of lack of desks was not peculiar to the school alone but other clusters and appealed to the district assembly to come to their aid.

She appealed to the Assembly to consider constructing a new classroom block for the school.

In his response, Dr Major Batamiya Aseno promised to do something about the dilapidated structure which is at the verge of collapse.
The Coalition of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS) has taken an action against government for the lack of safe drinking water and improved toilet facilities (with changing rooms) in public and private basic schools.

The petition is against the government through the Ministry of Education (MOE), Ghana Education Service (GES), National Schools Inspectorate Authority, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and any relevant agency.

Chairman of CONIWAS, Mr. Yaw Attah Arhin, who presented a petition on behalf of the Coalition to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) explained that petition is to enable the Commission to investigate and establish the number of public and private basic schools without access to safe drinking water, toilet facilities and urinals across the country.

Mr. Attah Arhin said CHRAJ as a national human rights institution, should take all legally necessary steps to ensure the appropriate State agencies including MOE, GES, NASIA, and MMDAs collaborate to provide safe drinking water, improved toilet facilities, and urinals in all public and private basic schools within acceptable timelines.

He called on the Commission to make a declaration that no new public or private basic school infrastructure may be constructed without access to safe drinking water, improved toilet facilities, and urinals.

He said to make the school environment conducive for girls, who have reached the age of puberty, and to ensure that menstruating girls did not miss school, all school toilet facilities should have changing rooms

The group also wants CHRAJ to widen its scope to include Senior High Schools and tertiary institutions as it may deem fit.

The Chairman of CONIWAS, presenting the petition to the Registrar of the Commission, said the Coalition, under its Rights to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene services Advocacy Project conducted a desk study into the Education Management Information System (EMIS).

He said the information system compiled data on all public and private basic schools with and without safe drinking water, and improved toilet facilities and urinals.

Mr. Attah Arhin hinted that even in private basic schools, where the situation was a little better, 17 percent (1,966) lack access to safe drinking water; 11 percent (1,273) do not have access to toilet facilities, while 16 percent (1,840) have no urinals.

The Chairman of CONIWAS explained that their study of the EMIS 2020 revealed that 25 percent (5,471) of public basic schools lack access to safe drinking water; 26 percent (5,725) do to have toilet facilities, while 31 percent (6,843) lack access to urinals.

According to him, the Coalitions research revealed that the lack of access to these basic school infrastructures promotes absenteeism, truancy, loss of teaching and learning time, and generally poor academic performance.

Mr. Attah Arhin said sadly, even some public basic school infrastructure, which was recently constructed were without safe drinking water, toilet facilities, and urinals.

Indeed, nine out of 10 girls in Ghana regularly miss school during menstrual periods, he added.

He said this was because such girls who reached the age of puberty did not find the school environment safe or conducive.

It is our considered opinion and belief as a coalition that this is at the core of the right to education and dignity, he added.

The Chairman of CONIWAS was of the opinion that the lack of access to these basic facilities violates the fundamental human right to education and dignity of the thousands of children who are affected by this unfortunate situation.

He said it was their firm contention that the government, acting through MOE, GES, Inspectorate Authority and any other relevant body, was violating their rights to health and life.

According to him, when children were in school and had no water to drink, no toilets to empty their bowels, and no water to wash their hands, their health and wellbeing were obviously compromised, and their life is equally threatened.

Mr. Arhin said this was against Article 13(1) of the 1992 constitution, which reads no person shall be deprived of his life intentionally except in the exercise of the execution of a sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offense under the laws of Ghana of which he has been convicted.
Some Africans in the creative sector including IFFAC and Nineteen57 is set to use their services to aid in the dissemination of African culture to the rest of the world.

They made these claims during a roundtable discussion on Thursday, June 9, 2022, hosted by the Impact Fund for African Creatives (IFFAC) and featuring U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Akunna Cook at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.

The event was moderated by Kweku Okyere-Darko, Creative Director of Nineteen57 with 50 participants drawn from the fashion, film, music, and art sectors, as well as representatives from government agencies and banks.

According to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Akunna Cook, the creative industries help change the narrative foreigners have about Africans and attract investors to the various countries through their creativity.

He further indicated that some foreigners fear coming to Africa for the reason that Africa is full of diseases, deaths and disasters.

He said through music, architecture, drawings and movies, such negative perception foreigners have about Africa is changing.

Creative industries are not only able to build a sustainable economy, but youre also able to change the images people have in their minds about Africa, and drive further trade and investment.

If death, disaster, and disease are the ideas you have in your mind about Africa and Africans, then you are not likely to take the kinds of risks to take advantage of all the opportunities that we see here on the continent, Akunna Cook said.

The Impact Fund for African Creatives (IFFAC) also assured the creatives of their support towards salvaging them from the financial predicament they face that is distracting the effective flow of their work.

There is no shortage of creativity on the continent. But many creatives lack financing, infrastructure, and the management skills to turn their ideas into a successful business. This is where IFFAC comes in, with a combination of capacity building, grants, and early-stage investment, said IFFAC.
The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that Sergeant Lotsu Agbeko, a police officer arrested for possession of substances suspected to be Indian hemp will be prosecuted as soon as he is released from the hospital.

This was sighted by this portal in a press release issued by the police on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, signed by the director of public affairs, Chief Superintendent Grace Ansah Akrofi.

According to the release, in the late hours of Tuesday, June 14, the suspect refused instructions from his colleagues to stop at Have police barrier near Kpeve in the Volta region of Ghana.

He was pursued by two officers, Inspector Justice Azumah Komlah and Corporal Felix Diamey, to a point where he was involved in an accident and fractured his left hand.

He was arrested and sent to the police hospital for treatment.

The police report also highlighted that the two officers who risked their lives to hunt the suspect till he was arrested have been promoted to higher ranks for their show of patriotism and vigilance toward the discharge of their work.

The driver who made his vehicle available to the two police officers was also commended for his assistance.

Read full statement below:

POLICE PROMOTE TWO OFFICERS FOR ARRESTING ONE OF THEIR OWN WHO WAS IN POSSESSION OF SUBSTANCES SUSPECTED TO BE INDIAN HEMP

1. The Police Administration has promoted two officers, Inspector Azumah Komla Justice and No. 52543 G/L/CPL Felix Diameh for their role in effecting the arrest of No. 45638 G/Sgt Lotsu Agbeko, a Police officer stationed at the Formed Police Unit (FPU) in Accra.

2. The suspect, G/Sgt Lotsu Agbeko failed to stop at the Have Police barrier when he was signaled by the officers on duty to do so. He was therefore given a chase and on reaching a section of the road on the Kpeve Mountain, he was involved in an accident and had a fracture on his left hand.

3. He was arrested and sent to the hospital for treatment. He has since been transferred to the Police Hospital for further medical attention where he is under guard.

4. The Police retrieved 84 parcels of compressed dried leave suspected to be Indian hemp from his car.

5. The exhibits have been retained and investigation continues.

6. The suspect will be put before the court as soon as he is discharged from the hospital.

7. We commend the driver who availed his vehicle to the Police to chase and arrest the suspect.

8. We once again commend the Police officers for their patriotism, vigilance and dedication to duty.
15.06.2022 LISTEN

The Aspiring National Youth Organiser for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Prince Kamal Gumah has outlined ten (10) key points to help the party 'break the 8.'

The aspirant said its time to re-energise the youth to fulfil the 'break the eight' agenda for victory in 2024.

He said the NPP requires a person of his experience, capabilities, character and integrity to help the party win the 2024 election if he becomes the youth organiser of the party.

"Looking at my track records, my capabilities, my integrity, I prince Kamal Gumah can say I'm the best person fit to be the National Youth Organizer for our great party. I have what it takes to mobilise the grassroots which will enable my part to break the eight (8) the 2024 general election", he started.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, he said the NPP government has created about 2.2 million jobs for Ghanaians in the last 6 years.

Below are the Ten points Prince Kamal Gumah Outlined:

i. Institute a programme to ensure that jobs go directly to the Constituency Youth Organizers for the benefit of registered youth and youth groups at the grassroots level.

ii. Advocate and Lobby for Youth organizer's representation on decentralized systems for the benefit of registered party youth.

iii, Make budgetary allocation for regional and constituency youth wing programmes and activities.

iv. Profile all youth organizers and deputies as priority persons for opportunities.

v. Institute an Annual Youth Dialogue platform with youth organizers and deputies as part of measures to run a transparent and accountable administration.

vi. Institute measures to make TESCON and other Youth Volunteer Groups more vibrant with a focus on Recruitment, Training and Capacity Building as well as Volunteerism.

vii. Facilitate the construction of a permanent National Youth Secretariat.

viii. Facilitate the construction of a model Regional Youth Secretariats in all 16 regions.

ix. Set Up a National Call Centre at the National Secretariat of the youth wing for collating direct feedback and ensuring inclusiveness.

x. Institute a National Welfare Programme for Youth Organizers, Deputies and TESCON Executives and by extension the youth wing with an officer in charge appointed at the National secretariat. Regional Welfare Officers will also be appointed for effective operation.
Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, Thomas Ampem Nyarko has launched an educational program dubbed "Let's Read Together" at Senchi-Ferry Methodist Primary School.

This reading program is aimed at developing the interest of pupils in reading across the district, according to the lawmaker.

In his speech, the MP revealed that he will visit selected schools every Monday to read a passage with pupils after which questions will be asked for the pupils to answer both orally and in writing.

Hon. Ampem Nyarko also distributed school Bags, books, crayons, pencils and other learning materials donated to him by "Heaven's Relief" Foundation to support the educational program.

Pupils in Kindergarten, lower and upper primary totalling about 200 benefited from the materials.

The MP was very grateful to the District Education Directorate, the Nifahene of Akwamu, Heaven's Relief Foundation, the Headmistress of Senchi Methodist Primary School; Madam Susana Debrah and all teachers for their continued support in shaping the lives of our future leaders.

Dignitaries who were present at the launch are; Chief of Senchi and Nifahene of Akwamu Traditional Area; Nana Ofei Addo Agyeman II and his Sub-chiefs, the District Director of Education; Madam Augustina Owusu and the resident Reverend Minister of the Presbyterian Church; Rev. Elijah Foh Amaning.

Meanwhile, all dignitaries took turns to read a passage titled "Champion Runner" with Primary Five (5) pupils after which the pupils were allowed some time to read themselves before answering questions.
Former President John Agyekum Kufour and the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Professor Osman Nuhu Sharubutu last Friday defied the heavy rains to join the Chiefs and people of the Gomoa Central District to celebrate the Green Ghana Day at Gomoa Nsuem.

They stressed the need for every Ghanaian to join the Green Ghana campaign aimed at fighting global warming due to climate change.

Former President Kufuor observed with concern how natural resources God created under the sun to protect mankind were being destroyed without thinking about its consequences.

He therefore urged Ghanaians to embrace the Green Ghana policy introduced by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo led NPP Government to reduce environmental related issues.

The Central Regional Minister, Hon. Mrs. Justina Marigold Assan tasked Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to ensure that the region achieve its target of planting over 1.6 million trees by the end of the year.

The Regional Minister disclosed that the Regional Coordinating Council was poised to ensure that Green Ghana programme becomes sustainabile adding there were enough tree seedlings to be planted in every corner of the region.

"As it has been said 'When the Last Tree Dies, the Last Person Dies', it therefore behoves on us as Ghanaians to plant more trees. We were able to achieve our last year's target of Four Hundred Thousand (400,000) seedlings and we are going to plant more than our set target.

"I want to task MMDCEs to take tree planting exercise seriously in their areas. Monitoring team are there monitoring every activity relating to Tree Planting," she stated.

Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Mrs. Mavis Hawa Koomson also disclosed that trees play important role in the survival of mankind in the provision of oxygen.

She therefore urged the fishing communities to take the Green Ghana exercise seriously by planting more trees along the coastline.

Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Hon Naana Eyiah commended the Chief Executive Office (CEO) of Richie Plantation and R&B Farms, Mr. Richard Ekow Quansah for single handedly supporting farmers in the Gomoa Central Constituency and beyond with thousands of different types of seedlings freely long before the introduction of the Green Ghana Project.

She assured that she would work hand in hand with DCE for Gomoa Central, Hon. Benjamin Kojo Otoo to ensure that every tree planted survives.

The Chief Executive Officer of Richie Plantation and R & B Farms, Mr. Richard Ekow Quansah expressed his gratitude to the former President and the National Chief Imam for gracing the Green Ghana Day in the Gomoa Central District.

"One of my priorities after returning from Germany was to plant trees. In collaboration with the Forestry Commission, I planted 1 Million seedlings in the then Brong Ahafo Region for the Government, that pave the way for me to involve myself in the HIPC plantation introduced by Former President John Agyekum Kufour.

"Later Anglogold Ashanti contacted me for reforestation project. I did it for 8 solid years to revamp the top soil before I started over 7 acres of land for tree plantation. I have been on the 'war' front to ensure sustainability of Ghana's Afforestation project.

"Since then I have been in the tree planting industry. This year's target of planting over 20 million trees by the end of the years is even too small. I have nursed over 20 million seedlings and are being planted in my plantation.

"I have supplied free seedlings including Oil Palm and Coconut to various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies for distribution to farmers. Am sure by the end of the year, we will be able to plant over 30 million seedlings. It is an ongoing project so let all put our hands together to fight climate change which is becoming a health hazard apart from its consequences on the economy," Mr. Richard Ekow Quansah noted.

Earlier in the day, the Gomoa Central District Chief Executive, Hon. Benjamin Kojo Otoo led staff of the Assembly to plant different species of seedlings at the site of they ongoing 'Agenda 111 District Hospital at Gomoa Afransi.

He ask joined the Chiefs and People of Gomoa Abonyi to plant similar species of seedlings to mark the Green Ghana Day.

Chief of Gomoa Abonyi, Nana Osuan Asare VI lauded His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo led NPP Government for the introduction of the Green Ghana Project.
Dr Freda Prempeh, the Member of Parliament for Tano North constituency in the Ahafo Region has presented a 52-seater bus to the Yamfo Vocational Training Institute to facilitate the movements of students outside campus.

The MP also, the Minister of State in charge of Works and Housing explained she lobbied for the bus following an appeal by the school.

Dr Prempeh pledged her commitment to ensuring that deficits in educational infrastructure in the constituency were tackled to facilitate effective teaching and learning to enhance the performance of students.

She said she was already aware of the numerous challenges confronting the school, and commended the teachers and non-teaching for their selfless services, despite the challenges.

Earlier, Dr Prempeh interacted with the schools Parents Teachers Association (PTA) and asked the association to support the schools infrastructure development.

Mr Philip Effah Atakorah, the Manager of the Institute expressed appreciation to the MP for her numerous support towards the growth and development of the institute.

He said a mechanised borehole constructed by the MP had greatly helped address the perennial acute water shortage in the institute but added the institute required more classrooms as well as standard workshops, tools and logistics to facilitate practical studies.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) widely credited as the longest-serving tradition in Ghana and founded on an important principle of rule of law, freedom and respect for human rights; has set down rules and guidelines for electing new national officers to steer their affairs in the next four (4) years. The Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (Y.E.A) Lawyer Justin Koduah has openly declared his intention to contest the General Secretary position of the NPP. Justin Koduah is seen in pictures campaigning with what has been described by sections within the NPP as "state resources."

Constitutionally, per article 190, all civil servants are a subset of Public servants. Indeed, the NPP has effectively restricted Ministers, deputy ministers, MMDCES etc from this exercise via a directive. But, why would the NPP expressly restrict these government officials from its inter-party jostling? The NPP must have been prompted by the provisions in the 1992 constitution. In an earlier case of Kwadjoga Adra V. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) & 5 Others (Writ No. J1/13/2014), the Supreme Court of Ghana refused the plaintiff's action. The court in narrowly distinguishing the two defendants from being members/employees of civil service must have adopted a literal rule of interpretation in establishing that the two defendants( employees of GES, Ghana Highway Authority) were members of article 190 and excluded from the effectiveness of article 94 (3) b. However, article 55, 8 conclusively states the characteristics of persons who cannot be executives of a political party in Ghana and that should be read together with article 94(3)b. Thus far, the NPP ought to update its exclusionary list of members disqualified from holding party positions with immediate effect.

However, in its later ruling of Writ No. : J1/16/2016) [Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOSSAG) v. The Attorney-General & 2 Others]; the Supreme Court of Ghana, on the true and proper interpretation of article 12(2), article 21(3), article 21(1) (a) and (d), article 35(6)(d), article 55(1), (2) and (10) and article 284 of the 1992 Constitution, held that, while employees of the civil service and local government service have a right to join any political party; they cannot be seen as or openly engage in any political activities while maintaining their employee status with the civil or local government service.

The establishment of Y.E.A is governed by the Youth Employment Agency Act 2015, Act 887) and regulated under the Youth Employment Agency Regulations 2016, L.I. 2231. Indeed, on 8th August, 2019; the Public Services Commission (PSC) issued a directive No. AB677/678/01. Per this directive a Public Officer who intends to take part in active political activities, whether directly or indirectly, should first resign from the Public Service before taking the proximate step towards the realization of the ambition to be a Member of Parliament or engage in open party Politics.

Accordingly, this directive from the Public Service Commission appears to have duly acknowledged the Supreme Court's ratio in its later and recent case of the 'Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOSSAG) v. The Attorney-General & 2 Others' decided in 2017. The worthiness of this directive from the Public Service Commission applies effectively to the Y.E.A. What makes it unpardonable is that, Justin Kodua is a lawyer who ought to have known better that his actions fly in the face of the established laws of Ghana. Indeed, his ignorance of same cannot suffice as an excuse.

In the same vein, as a lawyer, Justin Kodua is expected to have a firm appreciation of what fiduciary duty he owes to Y.E.A as its CEO. Indeed, the comfortably factual or possible use of 'state resource' by Justin Koduah to contest the General Secretary position of NPP cannot be brushed aside. With the growing unemployment rate among the youthful population in Ghana, isn't it unconscionable and morally wrong for a CEO of Y.E.A who is tasked to mitigate the growing unemployment be seen as diverting 'STATE RESOURCES' into the pursuit of his personal ambition? It should put Justin Koduah in a very conflicting position which goes contrary to the intention of parliament and the public service commission in excluding persons such as Justin Koduah from engaging in party politics.

The NPP, its elders and its delegates cannot pretend to not see the consequences of these plain wrongs by persons like Justin Koduah. Indeed, it seems that, because Justin Koduah as the CEO led the way to this wrong action, his subordinates such as an NDC turn coat who joined the NPP recently and was made the P.R.O of Y.E.A, a certain Awal Mohammed feels emboldened to abandon his important role as P.R.O to contest for another National Position of NPP. How can the NPP accept this recklessness from employees of a serious institution which was set up to solve the growing unemployment rate in Ghana? Is the NPP not shocked at these plain disregard for the rule of law and the disrespect to the ordinary Ghanaian?

By: Nana Kwaku Dua.
It is estimated that by close of year 2022 post Covid, about additional nine million children will be pushed into child labor bringing the total figure to 66 million girls and approximately 104 million boys worldwide, according to World Vision.

Even though boys are more likely to be engaged in child labor than girls, the figures keeps rising to the extent that one in three children in child labor are out of School. In a report captured in 2013 by the International Labor Organization indicates in its latest World Report on Child Labor that there are around 265 million working children in the World.

Although Ghana is not amongst highly rated countries with child labor issues like Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sudan, Myanmar and Yemen it is a matter to discuss as a few issues are being recorded around the coastal and middle belt of the country.

In an event to educate and create awareness, the Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with Education Directorate of the Ledzokuku Municipal Assembly in partnership with the Bonabear Foundation Ghana and Dream Africa Care Foundation Ghana have organised a community programme.

The resource persons were Madam Elizabeth Akabonbire Assistant Chief Labour officer, DOVVSU Municipal Director of Education.

The Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Mordecai Quarshie who delivered the closing remarks said the Assembly is doing all it can to stop all forms of child labour and child abuse.

He said the Assembly had taken a decision to support girls who were raped by paying their hospital bills.

He appealed to parents to provide for their children and not to engage them in harmful child labour.

In an interview, the founder of the Bonabear Foundation Ghana Amb Bernard Kofi Bonarparte also reiterated his NGO's commitment to work hand in hand with various stakeholders in interventions through policy frameworks and advocacy in tackling child abuse. He said the core mandate of the organization is to help address the UN-SDG 3 and 17 being the reason for the partnership.

He stated that the current poverty rate amidst poor access to decent work, natural disasters like the current flooding that displaces people from their place of sbode and limited understanding of child labor issues should be addressed mainly by authorities.

According to him, the NGO is putting in various social interventions and programs to benefit the masses most especially single parents and widows with limited financial capabilities to venture into small and medium skills jobs.

The host of the years event, Teshie Presby Cluster - Aboma with other neighbor schools took part in a 2 km walk to climax the event and also create awareness within the community.
16.06.2022 LISTEN

Torgbi Katsekpor IV, Dufia of Ayitikope in the Akatsi South Municipality of the Volta region has called on the Ghana Police Service led by lnspector General of Police (IGP) Dr George Akuffo Dampare to as a matter of urgency deploy more security to the residents of Ayitikope.

Togbi Katsekpor IV, in an exclusive interview with Evans Worlanyo Ameamu of ModernGhana News said he will be meeting with the unit committee members, Assembly member and the leadership of Ayitikope township to see the way forward to address the rampant robbery attacks on the residents.

He noted that they will be sending a letter to the security agencies to boost security in the town.

"I can't just sit and watch my own people robbed and kill by unknown assailants just like that," he stated.

He said this on Wednesday June 15 after some unknown gunmen invaded and robbed Makafui and Sons Lotto Company at Ayitikope and took away huge sum of money on Monday June 12,2022.

Many workers sustained various degrees of injuries with some receiving treatment at hospital from the serious beatings suffered from the robber. One person was shot and killed.

He said, "just less than one year, we lost three persons in three robbery cases with Makafui and Sons Lotto Company alone been robbed two times within the period, how?"

Togbi said he is counting on police to continue their investigations to bring the perpetrators to book.

He also urged the residents of Ayitikope to keep calm and have hope in the police to bring life back to normalcy.
Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu is expected to appear and testify in court tomorrow (Thursday) in the matter of the Republic against a former Deputy Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson.

Currently, the Ranking Member on Parliament's Finance Committee, and Minority spokesperson on Finance, Mr. Ato Forson is accused of wilfully causing financial loss to the state in the purchase of some ambulances in the erstwhile Mahama Administration.

He is standing trial together with a former Chief Director at the Health Ministry, Sylvester Anemana, and a businessman, Richard Jakpa.

The three (3) are said to have caused the state a loss of 2.37 million.

The Health Minister will be the 3rd witness for the prosecution in this trial and is expected to further the case of the state against the accused persons.

The country is said to have lost $2.4 million after 30 ambulances procured in 2014 by the Ministry of Health were deemed to be faulty or not fit for purpose.

By Citi Newsroom
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Wednesday launched a novelty electronic payment platform, known as the "GhanaPay", to enhance financial services and promote financial inclusion, especially in the informal sector.

The GhanaPay is a mobile money service, the first bankwide solution in Ghana, providing an opportunity for users to have access to unlimited banking services in addition to existing mobile money services.

The novelty platform was developed through a collaborative efforts by the Ghana Interbank Payments and Settlement System (GhiPSS) and the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB) under the supervision of the Bank of Ghana.

At the unveiling of the GhanaPay in Accra, Vice President Bawumua said everyone with access to a mobile phone could register for the service, with or without a bank account.

Transactions on the platform are free, only e-levy charges apply, he added.

The GhanaPay services are being provided by the universal and rural banks as well as the savings and loans companies to individuals and businesses nationwide.

Interested persons and businesses can register by dialling USSD Code *707# or download the app from the Google Play or Apple Store. One has to provide his or her personal details along with the Ghana-Card to facilitate registration.

Any bank branch or designated GhanaPay Service agent can help with the registration, with a valid Ghana-Card.

Users can send and receive money on GhanaPay and other mobile money networks, bank accounts, undertake cash-in and cash-out, as well as pay a GhQR merchant, buy airtime and data.

"It is heart-warming to know that the banking sector is increasingly looking for ways to extend financial inclusion to all Ghanaians," Dr Bawumia said.

He said the Ghanaian economy was undergoing a transformation from analogue to digital, which was benefiting the entire nation.

"It is clear that in the near future almost every part of our lives will be driven by digitalisation," Dr Bawumia added.

"Let me, therefore, commend the Ghana Association of Banks GHIPSS, the Central Bank and all institutions that, from the very beginning, believed in this vision and have supported it through to this point.

The Vice President was of the belief that the GhanaPay would take care of the bottlenecks associated with the opening of bank accounts and significantly reduce the traditionally unbanked population.

He expressed the optimism that the platform would provide healthy competition to the mobile money space, leading to enhanced services and lower the cost of financial transactions.

"As a government, we will continue to create the enabling environment for such innovative products to be rolled out.

"It is in anticipation of the Government and I firmly believe that this whole digitalisation drive is going to be the next job and wealth creation avenue for our teeming youth.

Dr Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Central Bank, said the launch of the GhanaPay Wallet was another milestone in the digitalisation of the financial system.

He said banks in Ghana were re-inventing themselves and continuing to respond positively to the competitive nature of the payment systems characterised by the increased consumer preferences for convenience and frictionalist payment systems.

"The banking sector demonstrated its resilience with the ability to offer critical support to businesses and households during the recent pandemic, he said.

"The sector's push for electronic payments, especially during the critical lockdown time, enabled businesses and the public to make and receive payments inspite of the restrictions.

Ghana's progress in migrating to electronic payments had been horrible, he noted, adding that in less than a decade, its instant pay transactions, valued at GHc 420, 000 in 2016, surged exponentially to GHC31.4 billion in 2021.

In addition, Ghana's cheque usage per capita, which was 95.67 per cent in 2016, declined to 18.9 per cent in 2021.

The emergence of new business modules in the banking sector, together with partnerships with FINTECH technology companies offering payment related services, had also helped to close the financial inclusion gap.

GNA
The National Women Organisers contest of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is becoming an uphill task for the incumbent, Kate Gyamfua following the filing of Nomination by one of the most vociferous and vibrant National Communications team members, Ellen Ama Daaku to lead the womens wing of the party.

Ellen Ama Daaku officially filed her Nomination at the partys headquarters in Accra on 15th June, 2022 to contest for the prestigious position with the aim of mobilizing more women for the partys victory in the 2024 general elections.

The form which was presented personally by the aspirant, was received by the National Officers of the NPP who appreciated her effort to contribute to the internal party democracy.

Ellen Ama Daaku who is the Captain of the NPPs Loyal Ladies in the Bono East Region has already received massive endorsement from some key party people and most especially the various women groups within the party due to her deep involvement in grassroots politics, her special communication and lobbying skills; and her unwavering commitment towards party activities.

In a media briefing after the filing of Nomination, the National Women Organiser hopeful expressed her appreciation to the NPP National officers for the warm reception.

She was of the view that the leadership of the party in entrenching the internal democracy in the party would create a level playing field for all the aspirants before and during the election.

According to Ellen Ama Daaku, who is a final year law student at the GIMPA, she would embark on a clean, healthy and fair campaign devoid of insults, personality attack and character assassination.

She told the media that it is part of her vision to restructure the womens wing of the party from polling station to national level in order to address the needs of women; build the capacity of women in politics from polling station to national, including TESCON with the aim of increasing the numbers and activating their real potentials.

Elle Ama Daaku said that she would rebuild the image of the NPP Women's Wing, acknowledge the past women leaders, raise more new women leaders, ensure that their voices and contributions are respected and recognised by the party.

The NPP National Women Organiser hopeful said that she will also create socio-economic opportunities for all women officers from polling station to national who mostly suffer great losses and neglect in spite of their contributions to the party; and will also embark on massive recruitment drive to attract more women to the NPP, especially floating and first-time voters.
New York, US (PANA) - The Women, Peace and Security agenda is one of our best hopes for a more peaceful future and a liveable planet, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council on Wednesday
Speaker of Parliament, Alban. S. K. Bagbin, has stated that many citizens have lost faith in democracy's ability and promise to improve their lives.

In addressing the future of Ghana's Parliament, the Speaker stated that "the wave of disillusionment that has affected many countries, including Ghana, should be reversed to restore hope in the power and promise of democracy. The role of Parliament is critical in this reversal effort.

He was speaking at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA), Accra, on the occasion of the 'Third Eminent Guest Lecture Series' on the topic "The Future of Parliament in Ghana's Democratic Governance."

The Speaker emphasised the importance of strengthening Parliament's oversight drive, acknowledging that while Parliament is endowed with broad powers under several Articles of the 1992 Constitution (103, 69, 82, 181, and so on), the Legislature's oversight mandate has been the weakest link during the Fourth Republic.

He believes that the only way to effectively implement this oversight function in order to improve accountability and transparency is for both sides of the House to take a bipartisan and neutral approach in how Parliament monitors the management of the State and its resources. "The economic incentives and carrots that can be gained for siding with the executive, facilitated by extreme loyalty and strict party discipline," he said, "have all contributed to the weakening of Parliament's position and oversight power."

He noted that in the future, Parliament will need to achieve financial autonomy in order for the Legislature to be fully equipped with the power to oversee the Executive. He emphasised that "despite the design of the Constitution, Parliament has the power of the purse, and approval from the Consolidated Fund can only be given by Parliament for government to undertake their projects."

He said ironically, the executive approves Parliament's budget, giving the executive enormous and overbearing powers over the Legislature. The current arrangement, in which the Executive approves Parliament's own budget, has the potential to undermine the legislature's oversight capacity, he indicated.

Under the shadow of a hung parliament, Mr Bagbin called for strategic engagements, consensus building, and conflict resolution, which will provide a channel for both sides of the House to approach societal issues with a single goal in mind: the interests of the Ghanaian people.

He emphasised the importance of including traditional and religious leaders, as well as civil society organisations (CSO) in the work parliament, in order to improve parliament-citizen relations even further.

"One such initiative will be the 'Citizen Bureau,' which will be Parliament's partnership with CSOs," he said.

This he explained will enable such civil society actors to legislate using residual powers in order to establish a governance organ. By doing so, Mr Bagbin believes that Parliament will become more aware of its shortcomings and the gaps that need to be filled in order for the Legislature to improve.
16.06.2022 LISTEN

The Asogli State Council has described Paul Adom-Otchere as a great termite and an enemy of the Council.

The Good Evening Ghana host on Accra-based Metro TV recently attacked the integrity of the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State and President of Asogli Traditional Area, Togbe Afede XIV, after the latter had rejected some GHS365,000 paid to him as ex gratia for serving on the Council of State from 2017 to 2020.

The former president of the National House of Chiefs explained in a statement that he was not in support of such payments  even though he was an intended beneficiary.

I did not think the payment was made to trap me, as is being speculated. I believe it was paid to everybody who served on the Council of State. However, I thought that extra payment was inappropriate for a short, effectively part-time work, for which I received a monthly salary and was entitled to other privileges. So, I was very uncomfortable with it, the chief clarified in a media interview following the brouhaha that followed his rejection of the ex gratia.

Following the traditional leaders widely-praised gesture on social media, Mr Adom-Otchere, in an editorial, considered it mischievous, since, in the broadcaster's view, it was a constitutional provision that Council of State members be paid an ex gratia.

He also claimed Council of State records showed that the chief attended only 16 per cent of meetings.

After failing to retract his claims and render an apology to the chief, as demanded by the youth of Asogli a few days ago, the Council of the traditional area said in a statement: Paul Adom-Otchere has publicly admitted knowing Togbe Afede XIV for some time now, visiting him from time to time and asking for financial and other favours from him. What a great friend Paul had in Togbe Afede XIV.

We the people of the Asogli State have tracked Pauls attitude, his beliefs and style and identified him as a great termite working on the roots of our beloved tree, Ghana.

The Asogli State is a respected traditional area and will not allow evil-hearted people like the kind of Paul Adom-Otchere to denigrate our king and the Rising Star of this country, the Council noted.

We are, therefore, declaring Paul Adom-Otchere, as a result of his recalcitrant behaviour, an enemy to Asogli State, the statement noted.

The Asogli Council also tackled the Council of State for referring its emissary to Metro TV for records of the meetings of the presidents advisory body after officially making a request through the Right To Information law.

The Council of State, in their letter dated 13th June 2022, signed by Mr. Stephen Blay, the Director of Finance and Administration, to Dr Elikem Apetorgbor, Special Aide to Agbogbomefia Togbe Afede XIV, indicated that Dr. Apetorgbor reaches out to Metro TV for the information regarding the latters request for the Council members attendance register and others.

The Asogli Council said referral to Metro TV by the Council of State is embarrassing and not supported by the law.

This shows that the Council of State is biased and want to tarnish the high earned reputation of Togbe Afede XIV, the Aasogli Council noted.

We have been wondering in the past days what Pauls agenda, beliefs and convictions concerning Togbes rejection are. Two questions arose out of these ponderings:

1 Did HRM Togbe Afede XIV ask other members of the Council of State to REJECT and RETURN what was paid them?

2. What will Paul Adom-Otchere be doing now if Togbe hadnt taken this position and did not return the money?

His Royal Majesty Togbe Afede XIV has exhibited good, qualities of nation building at different levels in this country. He is a true businessman who looks out for thoroughness and due diligence in his approach to work. He believes that Ghana could have been better than what it is now if all of us will stop behaving like a termite at the woodwork eating the very foundation of our development. Dont be a termte.

Togbe has been admired by good meaning Ghanaians for his contributions when he served on various boards of some State Owned Institutions and has been noted to be a man of principle. Notable men and women of great measure have before time with-held principles that led greatly to nation-building.

HRM Togbe Afede XIV. Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, to the best of our knowledge did not either accuse his colleagues for taking the Ex-gratia or asked them to return the payment to government chest. Knowing very well that personal beliefs and principles should be the guiding light, every member of the council of State must walk his/her talk. Togbe Afede has walked his!

Source: Classfmonline.com
16.06.2022 LISTEN

Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has accused the government of failing to compensate companies whose properties were demolished for the construction of the National Cathedral.

Mr. Ablakwa said the government's failure to fulfil its financial obligations has compelled the affected companies to resort to the court for justice.

The private developers whose properties were demolished have not been compensated, so where is the money? Ablakwa asked on Eyewitness News.

He wondered what the seed money set aside for the construction of the cathedral was being used for.

They have terminated the appointment of all their workers since 14th March this year and when we thought that perhaps the 200 million cedis has gone into compensating those whose properties have been developed, here we are. Where is the sum of the colossal sum of monies withdrawn unconstitutionally, in flagrant and blatant violation of the 1992 constitution?

The National Cathedral project was proposed by the government in March 2017 as a physical embodiment of national unity, harmony, and spirituality.

The $350-million inter-denominational cathedral will have an auditorium capable of seating 5,000 people, as well as chapels, and a baptistery.

Critics including Mr. Ablakwa have questioned the essence of the project, saying there is a lack of accountability from the government.

Recently, the MP alleged that the government had spent GHS 200 million on the project.

citinewsroom
The General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Dr. Cyril Fayose, has said even though the Church supports President Nana Akufo-Addo and his governments national cathedral project, the administration must come clean on the entire project.

Well you know this is the baby of the government and the President; we should not lose sight on that very important part of this whole process.

Even though the churches had willingly come on board, its still dear to the heart of the President and the government. So, if things are not moving on well, they may support.

I dont think theres anything wrong if government supports a religious activity. And I know that in the past previous governments have supported religious activities severally.

What is important is if government does so, to come clean to put everything on the table and let the whole world know that this is what government is doing to help Christians or to help the nation in its quest for the divine.

And we do that in several other ways so I dont think theres anything wrong with that but they must first come clean, Dr Fayose told Accra-based Joy News.

Let us be transparent about some of these things and there will be no problem, he said.

A few days ago, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta revealed that the project, which was initially designed to cost $100 million now will cost $350 million.

Mr Ofori-Atta also wondered if using state funds to build the national cathedral that President Nana Akufo-Addo promised to put up for God, if he won the presidency, was too much.

At any point in time when these buildings were built in Europe, was it ever the right time? How do we fund it will become the question, he asked in an interview on state-owned GTV on Sunday, 12 June 2022.

Is the executive mindful of the current situation? We shouldnt snuff out our religiousness or spirituality because we are poor, he noted.

The Lord will understand if we put our widows mite in there, Mr Ofori-Atta noted.

That question being asked is that: Are we spending money from state coffers? Is that too much to do because we are politicising it? Do we really want to stop it? That is going to be my question.

He said: As a minister of finance, we are looking at resources and how much we put in there at every point in time that is sensible and, so, as we speak, we have spent less than one-thousandth of our expenditure on that.

I am very confident of raising revenue to be able to fund this and then, more importantly, if I want to look into the economics of it, I truly see an overwhelming capacity that this will pay off.

Typically, I am looking at an internal rate of return, so, we should put this in mind, the presidents cousin noted.

The Christian Council is not the first to call for transparency on the project.

Recently, Prophet Dr Kofi Oduro of the Alabaster International Ministry, said President Nana Akufo-Addo is redeeming his personal national cathedral pledge to God through lies and deception.

According to Prophet Oduro, the President and the government said no national funds would be used for the cathedral but that has turned out not to be the case now.

Prophet Oduro, who supports the idea of a national cathedral, however, told OB Nartey on the maiden edition of No.1 FMs mid-morning show on Monday, 13 June 2022 that the way the president and the government are going about it is wrong.

Anybody who will say there is no need for a national cathedral has missed the point because we have a national mosque. The essence and the need for a national cathedral is 100 per cent perfect but the way we are going about it, if we are not careful, even Christians will say it offends God, he said.

The way government is going about this whole thing; let me use the national mosque for example: not a cedi of this nation was used for the construction of the national mosque. It was built by the Turkish government and the Muslim community in Ghana. Why cant we do the same with the national cathedral? Why are we going to tax this on the nation?

There are certain things that are not right. The president made a personal vow to God. That vow must be redeemed but not this strategy, not this method.

The purpose is perfect. We need a national cathedral [but] your methodology is wrong, he told the president, insisting: Absolutely wrong.

You told us that state fund would not be used. Now state funds are required. Thats deception. Thats a lie. You are building something for God, he said.

In his view, President Akufo-Addo could have just invited businessmen and women to the Jubilee House and put his funding request before them and would be surprised that just one person would have given $100,000,000 toward the construction of the national cathedral.

But the way we are going about it, we are going to drag the names of all these men of integrity on the board of the national cathedral into the mud.

Well destroy their reputation with this national cathedral, he warned.

The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, also alleged that on the 29th of October 2020, a few weeks before the national elections, Mr Ofori-Atta, acting on a request by President Akufo-Addos Chief of Staff, authorised the release of GHS142,762,500.00 for national cathedral planned activities.

According to Mr Ablakwa, contrary to legal requirements, the government concealed this ginormous GHS142.7 million from Parliament as they deliberately failed to disclose this item as part of their expenditure returns of 2020 during the 2021 budget consideration in Parliament.

This 2020 cathedral expenditure, the opposition MP noted, was also kept away from the Auditor-General in his 2020 audit.

In a Facebook post, the lawmaker said so far, adding this latest expose to his previous leaks, the Akufo-Addo government has spent GHS199,832,603.00 of taxpayer funds on a cathedral which was originally presented to Ghanaians as a personal pledge to God that will not be executed with taxpayer funds.

Digging into the tonnes of documents, Mr Ablakwa stated that many more millions have been paid illegally which we shall continue to put out to the glory of God and in the overall national interest. On a further scarier note, the figures we are currently reviewing do not look like anything near a seed capital.

He said this GHS200 million cathedral gate has turned out to be the biggest presidential scandal in Ghanas entire history.

He described as terribly shocking, how President Akufo-Addo and his men could engage in such ungodly, illegal and insensitive conduct.

In the name of a cathedral project, Mr Ablakwa again alleged that a corrupt slush fund has been created to siphon taxpayer funds from the suffering masses on the blind side of Parliament, the Auditor-General, CSOs and other accountability systems.

Instructively, these illegal diversions took place when the government was engaged in massive vote-buying to win the 2020 elections; it was also the period COVID-19 had peaked and placed enormous pressure on our health delivery as many Ghanaians died, and yet President Akufo-Addo claimed he couldnt find the resources to fulfill his Agenda 111 pledge of building new hospitals, he stated.

Source: Classfmonline.com
16.06.2022 LISTEN

A Deputy Energy Minister, William Owuraku Aidoo has said the Russia-Ukraine war and the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi should be blamed for the surge in petroleum prices in Ghana.

Mr. Aidoo said the government is unable to do much about the prices due to the deregulated regime for pricing petroleum prices in the country.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, the Deputy Minister said the government will do its permissible best to mitigate the plight of Ghanaians.

Sanctions and boycotts on petroleum exports from Russia, a major exporter especially to Europe, are reducing availability even further and intensifying upward pressure on fuel prices. Under the current deregulated regime in Ghana where govenrment is not responsible for determining the prices of petroleum products, prices on the global market and the depreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar are passed on directly to the end-consumer, he said.

Meanwhile, the price of petroleum products is tipped to increase by about 12 percent in the next pricing window of June 2022.

This would mean that the average price of fuel is likely to increase by about GH1.33 per litre.

While petrol prices are projected to go up by GH1.24/litre which is an 11.41% increase, the price of diesel may increase by GH1.43/litre depicting a 12.93% increase.

Current Crude prices are at $124.96/barrel, resulting in processed Petroleum Products of $1,451.25/MT of petrol and $1,289.97/MT for diesel, coupled with further depreciation of the exchange rate of $1:GH8.0483 and the government's applicable tax rebate of 15 pesewas per litre still in place till the end of June 2022, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers said in a statement.

The average price of petrol and diesel at the pumps currently stands at GH12.282 after selling at about GH6.5 in January.

This was after petrol and diesel crossed the GH10 and GH12 per litre marks this month.

citinewsroom
The repair works on a faulty bridge on the Tema motorway has been completed.

This was after Akwasi Amoako Atta, the Roads Minister, together with his team supervised the repair works at midnight as part of the measures to expedite the maintenance of the Accra-Tema motorway.

Report sighted on Thursday, June 16, 2022 indicated that the minister was at the site with the contractor and workers around 12:45 am overseeing the work.

At 12:45 am, the Roads Minister was still on the grounds monitoring repair works on the defective bridge along the Accra-Tema Motorway. Repair works are fully completed, the post reads.
16.06.2022 LISTEN

The Military Police has caused the arrest of three military personnel as well as one other civilian in connection with a robbery that occurred at Nsakina near Amasaman.

The robbery incident according to information gathered occurred on June 4, 2022.

The suspects include Yinsabilik Gabriel [ 208183 G/CPL], Elikem Adams [ 280252 G/L/C], and Asiedu Stanley [ 209016 L/CPL].

The civilian identified as Malik. The soldiers were arrested after a thorough Police investigation into the reported robbery.

Information gathered from a Police report indicates that the arrested suspects scaled a wall into the residence of the complainant and robbed him and his friends of 8 different mobile phones.

The robbers also forcibly made the victims transfer an amount of Eight Hundred and Fifty Ghana Cedis (GHS850.00) to a registered MTN number bearing the name Gabriel Yinsabilik.

Subsequent investigations led the Police to identify the three military personnel who were arrested by Military police.

The military personnel has been handed over to the Amasaman District CID with investigations currently ongoing.

The civilian accomplice, Malik is said to have confessed to the crime after he was arrested and interrogated.
The Minister in charge of Finance, Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta will in the coming weeks visit Parliament to account for how the government has spent Covid-19 funds, this has been disclosed by Mrs. Akosua Manu, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA).

Speaking to TV3 on the New Day programme, the NYA Deputy Executive Director stressed that it is false if anybody says the Finance Minister is running away from accounting for the Covid-19 funds.

According to him, Ken Ofori-Atta has nothing to hide and is ready to provide answers on the expenditure on Covid-19.

Covid funds, the Minister of Finance has not hidden anything. In a couple of weeks, he is going to appear before parliament and we will see the expenditure, Mrs. Akosua Manu shared on Thursday, June 16, 2022.

Although a definite date has not been given, it should be good to know that Ghanaians will soon have information on how the government has spent the Covid-19 funds.

In the past year, the Minority in Parliament has ben calling on the government to account for how it has used the funds.

The Minority shares the view that the Covid-19 funds have been misused by the government led by the Minister of Finance, Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta.
Twenty-three departments across France have been put on high alert with temperatures expected to hit over 40C by the weekend.

The mercury reached between 30C and 35C in the southern half of France as a heatwave that arrived from Spain makes its way across the country.

However, the worst is yet to come with temperatures expected to go over the 40C mark by Friday.

Forecaster Meteo-France has activated the orange "heatwave alert" for 23 departments across the south-west, from Anjou to the Pyrenees, including a "heat dome" in the Drome/Ardeche regions.

A heat dome occurs when an area of high pressure remains over the same region for days or weeks, trapping very warm air underneath, like a lid on a pot.

In the wake of the hot air mass that came from the Maghreb via Spain, maximum temperatures have been fluctuating between 30 and 35C in the south of the country.

Earliest heatwave

"This is the first time that the heat wave has reached a peak [so early], with temperatures of 35C to 39C across much of the country, from the Garonne to the north-east, including the Rhone Valley, the Paris region and the Centre Val-de-Loire," according to Tristan Amm, a forecaster with Meteo-France.

Attributed to global warming, heatwaves are multiplying around the world including in France, where this latest episode is the earliest on record.

The heatwave is also having a devastating effect on the dryness of the soil after a particularly dry spring and winter, driving up the risk of forest fires.

Read also:
The Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has indicated that he believes the actions of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo towards the National Cathedral Project will redefine electioneering campaigns forever.

According to him, Ghanaian voters will now be more interested in the pledges made by Presidential candidates to God to influence their votes.

Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa shared this thought in a post on his Facebook page on Thursday, June 16, 2022.

President Akufo-Addo may have redefined Ghanaian electioneering campaigns forever.

Ghanaian voters would now be more interested in the personal pledges made to God by politicians in their closets than what is contained in their published party manifestos. We are in big trouble, the North Tongu MP stressed.

This comes after allegations from Mr. Ablakwa that President Akufo-Addo is committing millions of Ghana cedis to the cathedral project at a time citizens are left to suffer.

In a series of revelations on his Facebook page in the last few weeks, the MP has shared that President Akufo-Addo has committed GHS200 million to the Cathedral project although there is nothing to show for it on-site and contractors have not been paid.
Gary Frishman, MD To add a reproductive endocrinologist of Dr. Frishmans vast experience to the Boston IVF physician team is substantial and truly great news for our patients.  David Stern, MBA  CEO of Boston IVF.

Boston IVF, a worldwide leader in reproductive healthcare, research, and education, is pleased to announce the addition of award-winning and internationally recognized reproductive endocrinologist Gary Frishman, MD to its growing fertility treatment practice.

A mainstay in the Providence reproductive medicine community since 1991, Dr. Frishman has been selected as a Top Fertility Doctor by Rhode Island Monthly Magazine in every issue since its inception.

He is now accepting telemedicine visits for new patients  while Boston IVF completes construction on its new Rhode Island IVF center and laboratory.

Double board-certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, Dr. Frishman joins Boston IVF from Women and Infants Hospital in Providence, RI. He brings with him a full range of expertise in fertility treatments and family building services, including IUI, IVF, genetic testing, egg freezing, LGBTQIA+ options, oncofertility, single parenting, and more.

Alongside Dr. Frishmans significant clinical experience and mission to optimize clinical outcomes for individuals and couples who wish to build families through assisted reproductive technologies, he is also a passionate educator and researcher. Since 1991, he has held an appointment at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, where as a Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, he teaches the next generation of fertility doctors. Additionally, Dr. Frishman served a six-year term on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACMGE) and is the only physician in the United States to hold working group roles for both the Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Fellowship Milestones.

To add a reproductive endocrinologist of Dr. Frishmans vast experience to the Boston IVF physician team is substantial and truly great news for our patients, said David Stern, MBA  CEO of Boston IVF. As both a talented clinician and passionate educator, he is a quintessential fit for Boston IVF.

As Boston IVF continues to expand its national network in response to increasing patient demands, Dr. Frishman joins an award-winning team of fertility specialists who deliver industry-leading care for patients who wish to build a family through assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Established in 1986, Boston IVF has assisted in over 125,000 babies born and offers access to over 30 reproductive endocrinologists across New England, New York, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Ohio, North Carolina, and Utah.

I was drawn to Boston IVF for countless reasons  but what truly impresses me is the organizations ability and dedication to treating each individual or couple uniquely and based on their specific circumstance, said Gary Frishman, MD. As a reproductive endocrinologist, researcher, and educator  I understand how instrumental each of these components are to creating both a clinical and scientific ecosystem that maximizes the success of each patient. To join a practice like Boston IVF and work alongside so many experts who embrace this vision and flourish in such an environment is a perfect match.

A former President of both the Society for Reproductive Surgeons (SRS) and the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL), Dr. Frishman continues to be recognized in both North America and abroad for his contributions to Womens Health. He regularly contributes to medical literature and has been invited to present numerous lectures throughout North America and four other continents across the world. He was the American representative of the International Advisory Board for The Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and currently serves as Deputy Editor for the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology.

Dr. Frishman received his undergraduate degree from The University of Pennsylvania, his medical degree from Columbia University, and a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Connecticut.

ABOUT BOSTON IVF

Boston IVF is one of the largest and most experienced fertility networks in the world, with more than 125,000 babies born since 1986. Founded as one of the nation's first private practice IVF centers, the Boston IVF network has grown to include 30 fertility centers and more than 30 reproductive endocrinologists across New England, New York, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Ohio, North Carolina, and Utah. A renowned innovator of reproductive technologies, advanced protocols, and cutting-edge research, Boston IVF has achieved numerous "firsts" in the field of reproductive care. Its scientific and research arm continues to pave the way for breakthroughs in fertility care and its accredited REI Fellowship Program has graduated numerous reproductive endocrinologists as part of its mission to train the next generation of fertility experts. In 2019, this leading provider of fertility services in the United States was acquired by Eugin, one of the largest IVF networks in the world, with centers throughout Europe and South America. For more information, please visit http://www.bostonivf.com/
The Ukraine Russia conflict has exposed Africa leaders of not having strategic plans for the development of Africa. The west and Ukraine leaders are all saying that africa is going to face good crisis because grains from Ukraine can't be transported out of Ukraine.

The war may continue for many years and the grains may never get out from Ukraine or when it manage to get out of Ukraine it be may be sold out to the west.

But why Africa with a population of 1.2 billion with 30.7 million square kilometers and very good fertile land on earth can't feed it population? Ukraine has a population of over 40 million with 600 000 square kilometres of land so who should be feeding who or worried about grain of Ukraine of course that should not be africa yet it seems is Africa because Africa is still sleeping.

AU leader traveled to Russia to meet Putin and Africa union stated "we do not have access to fertiliser. The situation was bad and now it has become worse, creating a threat to food security in Africa"

So I ask myself why should Africa be disgracing it youth populations? Why don't we have generational leaders in Africa?

To answer these questions I have this suggestions both to address the issues and also try to be a generational leader as the freedom fighters of Africa independence.

The duration for grain or cereal crops to mature is between 3-6 months, wheat is grow in Africa and can be grown throughout Africa, so since the start of the war in AU had put on measures to cultivate wheat grains in Africa by now we will have been harvesting the wheat to feed and sell to other countries.

the wheat crop take between 90 to 110 days from planting to harvesting.

Africa also complained about fertilizer but Africa can produce fertilizer both organic and inorganic fertilizer so we should not depend on Russia or Ukraine fertilizer.

Africa wake up from your sleeping and think out of the coconut head to find solution for the growing youth.
As presidential candidates for major political parties, you spend your days and nights worrying about your potential vice president. To you, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Atiku Abubaka of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party, the initial and the final say about who becomes the vice-presidential candidate is solely yours. It must not reside with any of your party leaders, the current President, governors, kinsmen/women, or clerics, even native doctors.

Certainly, it is vital you take into consideration geopolitical zone factors, in terms of numbers, the nations unity aspects, regional calculations, and input from your partys hierarchy and power brokers. However, make sure you like the person, and he or she appeals to the party members.

Choose someone who is not too cool or hot-headed in a society that encourages unnecessary complexes and full of self-inflicted wahalas (problems), so that the person does not directly or indirectly over-project themselves over you, causing silent or knocking headaches or provoking stress-related death in you.

In a country full of people who are known to show juju, Islamic, or Christian sentiments and commitments, you must choose a VP who you will be less suspicious of, as you do not want to be the type who spends so much time watching your cup of water, tea, or coffee as well as your food. President Muhammadu Buhari was super lucky that he settled with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo with his professorial, pastoral, and non-threating physical outlook and imagery.

Even at that, you want to take into calculation a VP that will yield the highest votes from a region, as for Tinubu and Obi, he or she must be a Christian from the north, and a Christian southerner in the case of Atiku.

Even at that, in order to inject regional balance and religious fairness, especially in a stubbornly divisive place like Nigeria, listen to what your gut tells you.

Three of you are not new to Nigeria's type of politics, so let your instinct and your experience help you figure out who will be a good fit for you and who will not be.

You do not want the type of Olusegun Obasanjo-Atiku relationship, as what matters most is what your gut tells you about your potential VPis he or she decent, honest, likeable, intelligent, sturdy, loyal, and predictable? You may not be as concerned with people's needs, but does this person genuinely care about ordinary people, and can he or she be trusted when times are tough?

Nigerian leaders are known for intimidating and promising each other, you must not fall to any sort of political intimidations, as the Almighty will be your constant guide.

As a presumptive presidential nominee of your party, who ever fills the vice-presidential nomination, make sure you have checked their family and public records, in regard to their speeches and finance as you do not want any surprises nationally and internationally. You do not want to end up with someone who the people see as prone to more corrupt or less corrupt ways that they may feel about you. Remember to choose that person whom your guts tell you will broaden and improve your chances to win in the general election. You have nothing to lose by going with your guts. Good luck.

Prof. Oshodi wrote in via [email protected]
16.06.2022 LISTEN

Since August 2017, rampant persecution and violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state has pushed hundreds of thousands of Muslim minority people, known as 'Rohingyas,' to abandon their homes and seek sanctuary in Bangladesh. According to UN estimates, 200,000 Myanmarese civilians have already sought refuge in Bangladesh following prior displacements. Many more have travelled to Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, frequently with the assistance of human traffickers.

In Myanmar, civilian and military authorities deny targeting Muslims in Rakhine and suggest that the international world is misrepresenting the severity of the violence, a viewpoint shared by extreme nationalists.

The number of individuals living in Bangladeshi camps has risen to over 1.1 million, leading ASEAN to consider a meaningful reaction. The safe and voluntary return of refugees currently residing in Bangladeshi displacement camps was a topic of discussion during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in January 2019. They finalized preparations for the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) to analyze Rakhine's needs. This would enable them to have a better understanding of the areas of collaboration that ASEAN may help in the repatriation process in order to increase refugee confidence and trust in returning home.

ASEAN is working to create a secure and sustainable environment for refugees to return home. Cambodias Asean Chairmanship a great opportunity for Rohingya repatriation. Cambodian Chairmanship of Asean provides a great opportunity to facilitate safe and dignified return of the Rohingyas, now sheltered in Bangladesh, to Myanmar. There are a potential security risks to Bangladesh, Myanmar and to the greater region if the Rohingya crisis is left festering for a much longer period of time and vulnerability of the displaced people to radicalism, extremism, terrorism, cross-border crimes, etc. As chair and an active member of Asean, Cambodia can help resolve this crisis by being a mediator. Cambodia can play a holistic, significant and strategic role. It can raise the issue within the Asean platform. Cambodia can negotiate with Myanmar diplomatically and bilaterally as it has good relations with Myanmar.

However, ASEAN was compelled to postpone the AHA Centre needs assessment due to recent escalation of hostilities between Myanmar's government armed forces and the banned Arakan Army, an insurgent organization in Rakhine. At the 33rd ASEAN Summit in Singapore, ASEAN issued a statement expressing profound concern over the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Myanmar.

This is a great start toward acknowledging that Myanmar's humanitarian catastrophe necessitates immediate regional response and informing Myanmar's administration that more needs to be done. To address the Rakhine situation, ASEAN must exhibit its inventive spirit and practical problem-solving abilities.

Member states must be prepared to collaborate bilaterally and via ASEAN with the afflicted nations. They can also interact with the UN and other foreign organizations working in Bangladeshi refugee camps independently. The safety of their families and their livelihoods were the two main concerns raised by refugees during Dr Vivian Balakrishnan's (Singapore's Foreign Minister) visit to a refugee camp in November 2018. By continuing to engage Myanmar and encouraging conversations on long-term peace options, ASEAN can address these issues. It is vital that solutions not only address the concerns of individuals returning to Rakhine from displacement camps, but also those of minority communities who are now living in deplorable conditions in the state.

To ensure long-term peace and security in Rakhine, ASEAN can provide direct assistance in some sectors. Building schools, vocational training, and community healthcare facilities are all possible approaches.

To alleviate suspicion, anxiety, and hostility among diverse groups, a reconciliation process must be implemented. Reconciliation is a long and laborious process, as seen in numerous countries with internal conflicts. Although there have been no systematic reconciliation efforts, the Myanmar government has established an Independent Commission of Inquiry. It remains to be seen if the process will be conducted professionally and fairly, and whether those guilty for the violence will be held accountable.

Setting up a judicial redress system, akin to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, which was set up to pursue the Khmer Rouge's atrocities, might be very helpful in the reconciliation process. A nation or organization that has not been involved in the war, such as ASEAN, may be seen as a reliable partner in establishing such a tribunal.

ASEAN may begin this process by compiling lessons learned from the war, forming support groups on the ground to better understand the problems of the state's residents, and bringing diverse communities and the government together to transcend the past.

ASEAN's devotion to the principle of non-interference is its most significant impediment to taking a more active role in Rakhine. It comes up anytime ASEAN tries to talk about a significant issue in one of its member states. The importance of the non-interference rule in crisis situations has to be re-calibrated for ASEAN to work more successfully.

A revision of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response would be the clearest indication of ASEAN's willingness to help (AADMER). AADMER only authorizes ASEAN to intervene in a humanitarian crisis if the afflicted member state requests it.

Because Africa has endured several guerrilla wars and pandemics such as the Ebola outbreak, African experiences might be beneficial in establishing systems to deal with complicated humanitarian situations.

Because ASEAN is Southeast Asia's only regional organization, leaders cannot turn a blind eye to any sort of human misery. The task of establishing a strong and obvious humanitarian mandate under the AADMER will only get more difficult in the future.

By Samina Akhter

Samina Akhter is a Dhaka-based freelance writer and women and human rights activist.
16.06.2022 LISTEN

Bangladesh has recently been depicted by some in the international media saying there will be no Hindus left in Bangladesh in the next 30 years if the current rate of exodus continues and Hindus are fleeing to India. However, this understanding is completely incorrect. Bangladesh is being depicted unfairly and without evidence as a country that discriminates against its minorities, particularly Hindus. There is no doubt that Bangladesh has seen a steady outflow of Hindus since Partition. Minorities accounted for 23.1% of the population in 1951, but only 9.6% in 2011.A recently published book has predicted that there will be no Hindus left in Bangladesh in the next 30 years if the current rate of exodus continues. According to the book, 11.3 million Hindus were either forced to leave the country or migrated between 1964 and 2013. The author of the book, said the rate of exodus over the last 49 years paints a grim picture for the Hindu minority in Bangladesh where their population remains just 8.2 percent according to the last census.

The book, perhaps, is unable to make understand of the real situation in Bangladesh. The author has failed to depict the real scenario of Bangladesh. For example, Priya Saha a Hindu minor rights activist, participated in the Second Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom held at the US Department of State in Washington, DC on July 16-18, 2019. In a video clip that went viral on social media, that Priya Saha was heard telling Trump: "Sir, I'm from Bangladesh ... 37 million Hindus, Buddhists and Christians are disappeared. Please help us - for the Bangladeshi minor people. We want to stay in our country. In a video message, Priya Saha explained her position and tried to defend her remarks tagging Abul Barkat's research findings. Then the[u1] author said in 2019 Priya Saha has distorted his research findings by her comments during an interaction with US President Donald Trump that 37 million Hindus, Buddhists and Christians have disappeared in Bangladesh. However, the authors works sparked a controversy in Bangladesh. On the other hand, during the eruption of communal violence in Bangladesh against Hindu minorities in 2021, a countless arguments and numerous criticisms had been brought to light. Some claimed that Bangladesh has become quite a case of ethnic cleansing- subtly but forcefully ousting Hindu minorities across the border. Some even went further claiming that Bangladesh has failed to form a state where different religious and ethnic groups can coexist based on the principle of secularism- one of the four fundamental pillars of the liberation war in 1971. To cast evidence to those criticisms, most of them point fingers to the continuous decline of Hindu minority population in Bangladesh- a case drawn to demonstrate Bangladesh as a prolific ground of persecution against Hindu. But an objective discernment to those allegations, especially through comprehensive statistical appraisal, relative systemic endeavors and broader political landscape, makes them, in most part, lose their grounds.

Statistics and Apparent Assumptions

According to the BBS (Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics) data, the percentage of Hindu community to total population was 13.5% in 1974, on Bangladeshs first population census, which, as of the latest census in 2011, stands at 8.5%, and again increases to 10.7% in 2015. Ostensibly, these statistical figures, continuous decline in percentage, seem to confer voice to predominant arguments about the decline of Hindu population. But mere percentage estimation tells only the half truth about the broader demographic landscape of Hindu minority in Bangladesh. If we take the increase in total number, other than mere percentage, over the years along with other factors that have contributed to decline, into account, it will substantially clarify the whole picture and weaken the predominant narratives about the decrease of the number and persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.

Taking the total number into account, in 1974, the number of Hindu populations was 10.31 million which hit slightly above 12.7 million in 2011 and 17 million in 2015. It is seen that the total number has remained increasing whereas percentage to total Muslim population, due to relatively higher growth in the number of Muslim populations from 65.24 million in 1974 to135.4million in 2011, has kept decreasing. It is true that growth in numbers is a little slow among Hindu population and could hit 22 million by 2011 only if it increased linearly in terms of percentage as reported in 1974 (13.5%). But that is not because of any systematic persecution against the minority rather, in most part, of international economic migration, relatively lower birth and high mortality rate among Hindu population, higher rate of contraceptive use and particular political reality in the history of Bangladesh.

According to the study paper prepared by researchers from ICDDR, Bs Health Systems and Population Studies Division and the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill), studying the population data of 1989-2016 of Matlab Upazila in Chadpur to find out why Hindus have lower population growth than Muslims, the birth rate of Hindu populace in every thousand falls short by 3 points comparing to Muslims. While the probability of having a child among the Muslim women is 35, it is 32 among Hindu women.

The study found that the tendency to late marriage and having not more than 2 children and relatively higher use of contraceptives also contribute to the low birth rate among Hindu populace. Even higher numbers of deaths, 4 more than that of Muslims in every ten thousand, can also be subscribed to the decrease in percentage. Finally, researchers concluded that 71 percent of low growth rate may be attributed to the the low rates of fertility and 23 percent to the international out-migration by Hindus.

In the report, they also observed that, since 2006, more Hindus have been opting for countries other than India for out-migration. Only 36 percent of the migrating Hindus of Matlab went to India between 2005 and 2012, but the bigger portion of them went to the states other than India for better living- a countervailing evidence against predominant propaganda that more Hindus have been leaving for India due to persecution.

Political Upheaval and Systemic liability

To be true, the percentage of Hindu minority comparing with that of Muslim has declined over last 50 years. But this estimation has overlooked a subtle but solid point: a fundamental political upheaval and constitution of Bangladesh from 1975 to 1991. Just take the number into account, from 1974 to 1991, percentage of Hindu minority to total population came down from 13.5 to 10.5 in 16 years. But, after the end of anti-secularism fueled military rule in 1991 and installation of constitutional democracy, percentage decline got little slower- 10.5 in 1991 to 8.5 in 2011 within 20 years of time span. In 2011, after the 15th amendment of Bangladesh constitution, secularism was restored which especially which has contribution to increase of percentage of Hindu people to total populace to 10.7% point in 2015. Unlike, its two bordering states- Myanmar and India, the former denying Muslim Rohingya minority of citizenship since 1982 out of pathological hatred and the latter rendering Muslims stateless through anti-Muslim laws, Bangladesh has never, particularly since 1991, intended to promote any discriminatory policy, be it in practice or by laws. Praiseworthy and prompt action taken by the Government of Bangladesh against the menace of recent Durga Puja incident, is a glaring example of this.

Minority is such a phenomenon which every country must possess, be it ethnic or linguistic or religious. But state sanctioned discriminatory policy, inherent ethnic or religious tension or historical schism mobilized by for political score usually contribute to violence against minorities. However, in Bangladesh mostly politically cornered vested groups have played out on minority to stoke crisis and tame the situation to their end. Besides long cherished pluralistic sentiment in Bangladesh is, rather in times, menaced by spill-over effect of politics and policies in proximate neighbors, of course by political fringe groups.

By Samina Akhter

Samina Akhter is a Dhaka-based freelance writer and women and human rights activist.
Bangladesh is made up of 160 million people who are multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and multi-lingual. The Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees all citizens the freedom to freely and peacefully practice their chosen religions. Religious minorities make up roughly 12% of Bangladesh's present population, according to conservative estimates. Hindus account for 10% of the population, Buddhists for 1%, Christians at 0.50 percent, and ethnic minorities for less than 1%.

As an example of how people of different religions can live together, cooperate together, and simply be together, Bangladesh is regarded. Bangladesh is a country that values religious liberty, harmony, and tolerance. Bangladesh's population is made up of a diverse spectrum of religious groupings and ethnic groups. Such communities and groups live in harmony, putting aside their differences and learning to embrace and respect the diverse and diversified culture that has contributed to Bangladesh's equality.

Bangladesh stands out as a shining example of a country with unwavering social and religious peace. This country is an example of social harmony because of its rich culture of tolerance and respect among everyone regardless of their views and viewpoints. Their liberal attitudes have contributed to the nation's synchronization.

The Sheikh Hasina government has reached out to minority populations and assisted Dhaka's famous Dhakeshwari temple in reclaiming property that it had previously lost. Bangladesh is also constructing a Buddhist pilgrimage center in Lumbini, Nepal, to serve Buddhist pilgrims from throughout the world.

The administration of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina maintains a Ministry of Religious Affairs. All mosques, temples, churches, pagodas, and Gurdwaras in Bangladesh are under the Ministry's jurisdiction.

Can anyone imagine a Muslim country constructing a Buddhist monastery in Nepal (a religiously Hindu country)? Recently, it established a clear example for all countries in the world that Bangladesh is the global role model of communal harmony. The Bangladesh government is interested in and intends to maintain Bangladesh as a non-communal Bangladesh.

For example, for more clarification, according to media reports, two men of different faiths - in Bangladesh's Khulna division, a Hindu and a Muslim taught communal harmony via acts of compassion toward one other's religion.

In Bagerhat district, a Hindu man contributed property for the construction of a mosque, and a local Awami League leader (9Muslim guy) handed aside a section of his land to be utilized as a cremation site. Hindus can use this space to foster communal harmony in their community.

Hundreds of Muslim men, women, and children queue every day during Ramadan in front of a Buddhist monastery in Dhaka to receive iftar, the feast with which Muslims break their fast at dusk during the holy month.

The initiative by Dharmarajika Buddhist monastery to distribute food to poor and destitute Muslims is a shining example of social harmony between two groups from two different religions in this South Asian country.

Bangladesh can be regarded as the world's champion and role model for communal harmony. People have lived here with long-term intercommunal peace and confidence. The world is well aware of and admires Bangladesh's inter-communal harmony. Bangladeshis adhere to the policy of "religion is everyone's festival; everyone has equal respect for all religions."

Bangladesh, as a secular state, strives to protect the rights of all ethnic and religious groups. Inter-communal harmony is synonymous with Bengali culture. It is one of the few countries in the world where Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and various ethnic tribes coexist peacefully.

The government of Bangladesh, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, believes in inter-communal harmony. She makes every effort to participate in religious and cultural programs. Anyone can see that she is dedicated to protecting the rights of all groups. Sheikh Hasina's regime is committed to ensuring this.

Various religious holidays such as Eid of the Muslim community, Pujas of the Hindu community, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day of the Christian community, and Buddha Purnima are held simultaneously in Bangladesh during Mangal Shobhajatra or Mangal Jatra at dawn on the first day of the Bengali New Year. Muslim festivals such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Azha, Milad al-Nabi, Muharram, Chand Raat, Shab-e-Baraat, and BishwaIjtema; Hindu festivals such as Durga Puja and Janmashtami; Buddhist festival of Buddha Purnima; Christian festival of Christmas; and secular festivals such as Pohela Boishakh, Nabanna, Language Movement Day, Independence Day, Rabindra Jay in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region, Bengalis and non-Bengalis celebrate tribal holidays such as Biju, Sangria, Baisabi, and others together. Bangladesh has no religious or racial boundaries. Everyone is there for everyone else. In Bangladesh, people of all religions and nationalities are united.

"I usually say that religion is a personal matter, but festivals are open to everyone." Peace, friendship, and peace are our pride," said Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, adding that the communal harmony that has existed here for thousands of years must be preserved at all costs.

Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity are the four major religions in the country. Muslims account for around 88.3 percent of the population. The majority of Muslims in Bangladesh are Sunnis; however, Shia Muslims make up roughly 3% of the Muslim population. About 10.5 percent of the population is Hindu. Buddhists and Christians make up the majority of the others.

Durga Puja, observed by Hindus, Christmas, observed by Christians on December 25, and Buddha Purnima, observed by Buddhists, are some of the other holidays observed by other communities. These celebrations reflect not only the imprint of religion, but also the imprint of the society and the nation.

The Sheikh Hasina -led Awami League slogan Dhormo Jaar Jaar, Utsob Shobar, (Religion as per ones own, but festivals common to all as a testimony of its secular values has set a precedent in international community and is an asset for establishing a shining example in South Asia on regarding communal harmony.

As a result, the government has given enough security for religious minorities' celebrations, such as the Durga Puja. Over 30,000 Durga Pujas were held across the country in 2017, all of which went off without a hitch. In Bangladesh, 31,272 Durga Pujas are being held this year. This reflects the general sense of security in the country, not just among the Hindu minority.

Despite the historic liberal Bengali culture and the country's secular underpinnings, which were established following the Liberation War of 1971, the fortunes of religious minorities have changed depending on which political dispensation is in power.

The AL-led government has taken a number of substantial steps to maintain and improve the country's secular underpinnings. In the country's 1972 Constitution, the Awami League, which led the Liberation War under Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, integrated secularism as a guiding principle of the state alongside democracy, nationalism, and socialism.

After that, whenever the AL was in power, it tried to protect these ideals as well as the interests and welfare of religious minorities. The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord, signed by PMSH in 1997, marked a turning point in the region's peace efforts.

Everyone in Bangladesh has equal rights, and no one is labeled as a religious minority. Attacks on the Buddhist community in Ramu upazila of Cox's Bazar and attacks on different temples in Cumilla were some separate incidents in Bangladesh. Those mentioned how social media could sometimes play a negative role, as fake Facebook IDs were previously used to instigate communal attacks.

There are some misconceptions, misinformation, propaganda regarding the decreasing of number and persecution of minority in Bangladesh that is not absolutely true. However, this perception is entirely false. Unfairly and without basis, Bangladesh is portrayed as a nation that discriminates against its minorities, especially Hindus. The separate incidents can't and dont symbolize the mindset of the whole Bangladeshi people. Senior government officials visit regularly a number of the impacted locations and given the Hindu community members assurances that they will receive proper protection and reimbursement for any losses.

There are also many ways to realise religious harmony in Bangladesh. Needless to say, Bangladesh has been winning admiration and appreciation worldwide as a moderate Muslims dominated country.

Community harmony abounds in Bangladesh. People from all faiths interact together in this place. Since the dawn of time, this custom has persisted. Muslims make up 90% of the population, however there are also peacefully coexisting Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. For the people of Bangladesh, this is surely a source of pride in South Asia.

Dr. Abantika Kumari is an Assistant Professor at the History Department of Allahabad College, Uttar Pradesh, India. She is also a researcher particularly focused on South Asia. She can be contacted at [email protected]
On Wednesday, the special criminal court trying Paris attacks suspects got into the red zone, with final presentations from the defence lawyers representing Muhammad Usman and Adel Haddadi. They are would-be terrorists who admit they were part of the Islamic State machine in Syria, and who returned to Europe as IS combatants, destined to die.

Usman and Haddadi have been the Laurel and Hardy of this trial. Without the laughter.

These are the guys who got lost along the way. They left Syria with the two Iraqis who would blow themselves up at the Stade de France on 13 November 2015, launching a night of terror which would cost 132 people their lives.

The Greek border guards were not impressed by the fake Syrian identity cards carried by Usman and Haddadi. The pair, mercifully for all concerned, missed their date with destiny. They were subsequently arrested in Austria. Another fine mess.

Last Friday, the French attorney general rejected the Laurel and Hardy image, saying that these were two ideologically determined jihadists, committed to the terrorist cause, calling for them both to serve the maximum sentence of 20 years.

"We are not going to ask you to set our client free," Muhammed Usman's lawyer, Karim Laoufi, assured the court, to general amusement. I couldn't see if Muhammed Usman understood the joke. Born in Pakistan, he speaks the French he has learned in prison. He has an Urdu-speaking court translator.

A dramatic change in outlook

Accepting that Usman's background and education in a traditional Muslim family in rural Pakistan had inclined his client to some dark and dangerous ideological positions, Maitre Laoufi asked the court to see Usman as he is today, changed by his observation of the French prison and judicial systems. In six years, he has seen nothing else.

But he has had the time to reflect, to change.

"And that change has been dramatic," Karim Laoufi assured the judges. "Muhammad Usman has learned to smile.

"The human spirit is reversible."

The forgotten man of this trial

Muhammad Usman's second lawyer, Edward Huylebrouck, called his client "the forgotten man of this trial".

He sits in the same corner of the box every day. He has not been heard since 25 January. He didn't have a lot to say then.

He was not a planner, not a co-author, not a bomb-maker, not an arms supplier, not a counterfeiter, not a renter or driver of cars. Not this, not that, not the other.

He is a negative man.

"He could have, he might have, if, if, if, if, if . . . the conditional indicates a doubt, which normally leads to acquittal. Here, it has become the sole basis of accusation.

"Before the law was changed during the Algerian war of independence," Maitre Huylebrouck reminded the court, his client would not have been charged at all because, "before 1960, intention was not regarded as a crime". It was a risky reference.

"He was not a late arrival. He never showed up at all. In the light of what Muhammad Usman actually did in the November attacks . . . nothing . . . we ask for a reduced sentence."

The absolute poverty of a lost prisoner

Mohammed Usman has a third defender. His name is Merabi Murgulia, a lawyer attached to the Paris bar.

He spoke, without notes, without sentimentality, with passion, about French prisons and the conditions under which his client is detained.

"Three years in solitary confinement. No visits, no friends, no family. He does not know where he is. He suffers from what we call 'absolute poverty', a condition he shares with five percent of French prisoners.

In six years in the French capital, Mohammed Usman has glimpsed just one of the sights of Paris, "a huge arch" which he saw while being transferred from a broken-down prison vehicle on the Champs Elysees.

"At this trial we have tasted the sadness of the accused, the sadness of the victims. We have drained that cup to the dregs.

"You, the judges, are asked to set an example. That does not mean you have to be severe."

The prisoner who helped the prosecution

"Adel Haddadi occupies a special position at this trial," said his first defender, Maitre Simon Clemenceau.

"He has spoken freely, he has cooperated. His evidence has enabled the investigation to proceed. He has helped to give this case a structure.

"He has made an enormous contribution to the establishment of the facts.

"Adel Haddadi was the one who identified Oussama Atar as the mastermind of the attacks.

"Paradoxically, we have never stopped asking him about things he could not have done.

"There are plenty of hypotheses about my client, but no proof.

"He is accused of having been an Islamic State fighter? In one thousand pages of evidence, there is not a word, not a photo, which will prove that.

"He has broken the pact of silence. That is proof of his disengagement from Islamic State. You hold his destiny in your hands."

A real nowhere man

Maitre Lea Tordilly then spoke of Adel Haddadi's personality.

She sketched an image of immaturity, of submission, an individual easily influenced by others. Someone manipulated, not manipulative.

"We don't know everything," said Maitre Tordilly, "and certainly not about the inner workings of Adel Haddadi.

"But he clearly had a problem with powerful authority, with the men who drove Islamic State's projects.

"In calling for the maximum penalty permitted, the prosecution is punishing a character weakness as if it was a sign of rabid determination.

"What is the point of all this? The questions, the experts, the reports. The prosecution swept it all aside. Why are we here?

"There is no violence in the character of Adel Haddadi," Lea Tordilly continued. "He is working on his personality structure with psychological specialists in prison.

"In his own expression, he is trying to become a real person.

"You cannot let this man disappear."

The trial continues.
On a huge hill, Cragged and steep, Truth stands and hee that will Reache her, about must, and about must goe. - John Donne (English Poet: AD 1600)

You may like or hate Togbe Afede. Free speech enhances democracy. You must give room for others to express their view, like you. Evelyn Beatrice Hall (28th September, 1868 to 13th April, 1956), writing under the pseudonym Stephen G. Tallentyre, scripted The Friends of Voltaire (the biography of Voltaire) and the phrase: I disapprove of what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it, insisting that the phrase was one of the 18th century philosopher Voltaire's beliefs  the principle of freedom of speech. John Fitzgerald Kennedy used to quote Edmund Burke: All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. So, principle remains principle, sans politics, sans personal biases.

Discount the fact that Togbe Afede, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, is a Vandal, and so are we. For, at that level, we must have assimilated (consciously or unconsciously) the Commonwealth Hall's motto: Truth Stands). And Arthur Kennedy, who thought of chasing the elephant into the bush will fiercely resist and proclaim: Regardless of Togbui Afede's motives for returning the ex-gratia, it is a thing we should celebrate. We do not support good acts only because whoever did these acts has always been a saint  This will inspire more soul searching  by others who served on the Council of State with him  soul searching by Parliamentarians who have gotten ex-gratia five or six times, something you are supposed to get for only one retirement  lead to an honest re-examination of Article 71 benefits and the fact that it is becoming organized stealing 

Global Old Vandals would posit: We support you and we are not surprised you took that stand Your act has brought you lots of praise from all manner of right-thinking people which you deserve. Council of State positions are for people who have made it financially in life but intend to serve their nation to give something back to society, but have become an avenue for those who serve on it to make money and one such way is the payment of ex-gratia  The amount you returned, GH 365,000.00 for one-term of 4-year service and for a non-full time position is very huge as compared to other government workers whose pension for working their entire life is nowhere near that amount 

Discount the fact that we were invited once to the Asogli Te Za (Yam festival) at Ho sponsored by tall, handsome Francis Stephenson and we savoured the close inter-personal relationship with Togbe Afede and the gyrations of the beautiful ladies in the Borborbor and Agbadza dances.

Then, we recalled: An agency working under one revenue collection institution came to our office carrying a huge Ghana Must Go bag, and offered us an envelope and said we should sign for receiving the envelope. How much was in the envelope? Just sign. No, we can't. The messengers were shown the exit. No kudos for this: rather, it was the too-known attitude that was blamed. Or think about resigning from the Confiscated Vehicles Allocation Committee. Of course, the mens rea and actus reus were both intact. Honesty and patriotism would not allow us to seize vehicles when the importer (and shipper) is ready to pay duty and penalty, and allocate the same to family and friends.

We recalled our write-up in the Daily Guide of July 29, 2021: A Noble Deed by Noble Ladies and our usual catch-phrase was: Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people by Eleanor Roosevelt, U.S. First Lady (1933-1946). We could not understand why people, including Lawyer Amanliba were criticising the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo Addo for taking her allowances. To spite her critics, the First Lady issued a cheque for GH 899, 097.84 to give back to the State, and Samira Bawumia was getting ready to refund all allowances paid to her since she assumed her position. Professor Kwaku Asare (Azar) had reminded Ghanaians that the payments to the First and Second Ladies violated the 1992 Constitution. The concluding part of our write-up was:  For us, whether Lordina Mahama refunded her allowances or not, we stand at attention to salute the beautiful Rebecca and the dazzling Samira for the noble gesture. They have plastered the mouths of the against people. There is everything noble about what they have done -and nothing ignoble.

Then, when the Council of State offered to cut their salaries by 20%, following the President's announcement of cutting the Ministers' salaries by 30% we said Halleluiah. And a taxi-driver, Kwesi Ackon, was hailed to the heavens when he returned a fish-monger's GH 8,400 she had left in his car. Of course, Asiedu Nketia would wade into the controversy: Some of the people criticizing Togbe Afede for returning the ex-gratia and the taxi-driver who returned the fish seller's money, what's the difference? Or are we saying when it is an individual's money you've done well, but when it is the State's money, it is no news? It affirms the posture and perception of some people that state properties must be looted

Paul Adom-Otchere, host of Metro TV's Good Evening Ghana, the one whom Rockson Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi would not call lawyer cannot understand why Togbe Afede would return the ex-gratia: It is not corruption and those who are congratulating him (Togbe Afede) have shown misunderstanding of the super-structure under our democracy, the constitution  it was wrong for Togbe Afede to have described ex-gratia as inappropriate payment  and paint the picture of other people who have collected it as if they are bad, corrupt people. You don't occupy a moral high ground and say I am some clean guy haunted by his conscience for only attending 39 out of the 242 meetings,  representing 16% but took salaries throughout the four-year period Article 89 makes it clear that the President or any senior member is unable to vary it. You cannot go to the Council of State and later say you were surprised you got ex-gratia Does Adom-Otchere mind his words?

We thought the idiom what is sauce for the goose is good for the gander (Not: what is good for the goose is good for the grander) literally meaning the sauce is used for both sexes of animals. We thought that just by praising the First and Second Ladies for returning their allowances, we should hail Togbe Afede for returning his ex-gratia (whatever the Constitution says). But Paul Adom Otchere thinks we don't think; we can't reason; we lack understanding. We will leave him (Paul Adom Otchere) to gloat over his self-esteem.

We are happy, though, that Togbe Afede's act has generated hot debate, not only on ex-gratia, but to the general salary structure of CEOs and top executive officers vis-a-vis those down the ladder.

Professor Baffour Agyemang-Duah, says the Council of State should be entirely scrapped, for the creation is redundant. And who speaks for the Council of State? Who speaks for the House of Chiefs? Their role in Ghana's stability! Let those who know talk.

Africanus Owusu-Ansah

[email protected]
Introduction

About two weeks ago, after reading the Vienna Convention on International Relations, the Police Chief decided to test his knowledge in international diplomacy, as he understood it. As it turned out, Chief did not appear to have read the domesticated version of the Convention, that is, the Diplomatic Relations Act of 1962. So he set out to look for an international victim on whom to test his new-found knowledge in public international law. And he was pretty lucky in that endeavour. A female diplomat of the Western stock committed the unpardonable crime of tweeting about a gentleman who had been arrested by the Police for a traffic offence. Her Excellency tweeted her thoughts in 27 words or so. The time was just right for Chief to show his might and intellect in a humungous four- page letter swollen with veiled threats and patent sexism.

Of course, when such issues of no direct bearing on the political class come up, all hitherto quiet, I-whisper-my-criticism, I-have-retired-from-politics types emerge from the doldrums to dance on the fringes of the issue and enjoy some time in the media. They know no political babies with shiny teeth will remind them to shut up or else, they will retrieve the V8 4X4, status-enhancing cars the Presidency has given to them. People will make cacophonous noise and disturb us with their ugly English till another issue crops up and the previous one dies a natural death, without any final obsequies. And true to form, after the Police Chiefs faux pas, another Chiefs story came in to fill the media void.

Travel and see

On 9th September, 2002, almost twenty years ago, I had the rare opportunity of starting my post-LL.M internship in the famous Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Internship of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine in Washington, DC. I was lucky to be part of the Fall 2002 cohort of post-graduate science and technology interns selected from all over the United States. So, what was a lawyer doing in the midst of scientists? Well, I had been selected after an interview to join the programme because of my background as an African-trained lawyer, and especially because I had taken a course in International Human Rights Law during my LL.M studies and also worked at CHRAJ as a national service person. I was placed as an intern with the Human Rights Committee of the Policy & Global Affairs Division of the National Academies. Just one month into the internship, the Executive Director of my Committee, Carol Corrillon, called me into her office and offered to give me a permanent full time position beyond the internship. I took up the offer gladly and worked for an additional 9 months after the internship and returned home to Ghana, my motherland in 2003.

The one year I spent at the National Academies remains one of the most fulfilling and adventurous times of my life. I had opportunity to see at firsthand how policies are formulated on Capitol Hill and the role played by the Academies as advisors on science and technology to the US Government. The diligence with which Senators carried out their duties on the Hill was phenomenal. Their well-resourced staff were helpful. Aside the weekend forays into downtown Washington, DC with my new friends (Chinese, African-Americans, whites, etc.) for sightseeing and chilling around Adams Morgan, Foggy Bottom, Georgetown University, and so on, one of the most lasting impressions I carried with me was how citizens contributed to the development of the United States. Lets put this in perspective; the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine boast of members elected in recognition of outstanding achievements. Membership is considered one of the highest professional honours and the members are among the world's most distinguished scientists, engineers, and health care professionals. I was glad to have met the likes of Dr. Feinberg, the then President of the Academy of Engineering and Dr. Bruce Alberts, the then President of the Institute of Medicine. They were truly world-class accomplished scientists who were nice, modest and carried themselves as regular human beings. Are members of the Academies paid for the great work they do? No. Very few members assume full-time positions within the Academies and receive salaries (nor are their institutions reimbursed for the time that they devote to Academy work). Membership and participation in Academy activities are voluntary. Reimbursement of travel costs and subsistence support is the only compensation provided.[1] The subsistence support refers to how they are accommodated when they travel to carry out Academies duties.

Now, when I joined the Academies, my unit, the Committee on Human Rights was chaired by Dr. Torsten Wiesel (pronounced Viesel), a neurophysiologist. He received the 1981 Nobel Prize in Medicine, for discoveries concerning information processing in the visual system  I forgot to get Dr. Wiesel to explain that to me in English. He was also the President of the Rockefeller University in New York. In 2002, when I had the rare privilege of meeting a Nobel Laureate for the first time in my life, Dr. Wiesel (we called him Torsten when he wasnt around, can you imagine?), I was star-struck! Sensing that I was in awe and tensed, he gave me a firm handshake with a genuine smile and said, Francisca, I have heard so much about you from Carol. Keep up the good work, to calm my nerves. Dr. Wiesel was then 78 years old and volunteered his time on several causes in several countries around the world free of charge every year, except his travel costs and subsistence support. He took no monthly salary from the National Academies. He did not buy a car tax-free and share the cost 60/40 with the Academies. And above all, he did not receive ex-gratia payment every 4 years. Dr. Wiesel is 98 years old now and still alive, according to Wikipedia. How I wish I could visit him on his 100th birthday.

The return of the bride prize

As the diplomatic feud between Chief and Her Excellency was coming to its certain end, another issue came to occupy our collective consciousness to fill the media space and keep the virtual cycle of media banter in full motion. As it emerged in the days following, a certain Chief, (this time, not the Chief of Police but a traditional chief) had reportedly learned from the tax collector that an amount of GH365,000 had been paid to him as ex gratia for his part-time work as a member of the Council of State. From the report, the amount seemed so small that when it hit Chiefs account, he received no notification by SMS or email as those of us in humble circumstances do. But then as soon as the tax collector told him about it, he screamed that the money was too big  in fact, he reportedly described it as gargantuan - and wrote a cheque to return the money to the Council. How the return of the cheque that was issued in private came to be public remains an unsolved mystery.

Since stories that appear, on the face, to have no political flavouring go rancid too soon, political applause started coming in thick and fast, praising Chief for his candour, patriotism, selflessness, humility, love-for-Ghanaians, mercy-on-the-public-purse, etc. etc. At the height of the eulogies and praises, a citizen politico-journo-board-chair from the ruling party decided to furnish the populace with facts, purportedly procured pursuant to the Right to Information Act. The facts included attendance sheets, Ho-Accra-Ho travel reimbursement chits, 40/60 Chief/Government of Ghana car loan-cum free import tax and duty, free fuel, front-row seating at 6th March parades, etc. Chief was livid when he heard of these facts and decided to shear Board Chair to the skin. Chief insinuated that the man lives through his stomach and reminded him of his la borrow BMW 7 series for his Scottish-themed nuptials donkey years ago, which wed have forgotten about but for the memorable kilts. At that point, the political flavouring that was not so obvious to many citizens when Chiefs kind gesture was first announced or leaked came to the fore. Once the banter took on full political hue, others also sought to have a bite at the juicy cherry. Some even suggested that had it been some other chiefs, the reaction would have been different. Of course, it would have been different because the issue wouldnt have arisen in the first place. This is because some other chiefs will never sit on state and parastal boards and bodies, no matter which governments turn it is to plunder (sorry, protect) the public purse.

This reminds me of an incident that happened a few years ago during President Mahamas time. One Chief from the Western Region had developed a latent talent in criticizing the government. After one of his critiques, a brazen baby-with-sharp-teeth jumped on air and dared the chief to return the Toyota Land Cruiser the Presidency had dashed him. Nana had to make the difficult choice between returning his beloved and freely gotten SUV and silencing his critical, aristocratically-affected voice. Nana chose the later. So, when chiefs go and play with politicians at night and come and join the rest of us in our favourite national pastime  complaining - (also known as whining by the Ahomka Dictionary), small boys and girls will yank their rich kente clothes off their shoulders.

So, once the ex gratia discussion resolved itself into who paid whose semi-law school fees and who scored 16% on attendance at school Morning Assembly, the main issue of Council of State duties, remuneration and perks and its overall relevance in our democracy was buried in the noise. Chief was candid enough to admit that he took salaries for the Councils work which he admitted was part-time. He also admittedly enjoyed the 40/60 car loan on a duty-free car and all other perks. What Chief didnt say was how much was his monthly salary. Was the total salary less or greater than the rejected ex gratia? For the four years he took the salary (mind you, not allowance), did Chief realize he was fleecing Ghanaians with the rest of the Council members? If Chief had had the fortune of sitting on the Council for another 4-year term, will he have blown the whistle? When Chief was on the Council, didnt he ever learn of ex gratia payments to previous members? What steps did he take to register his distaste for such wanton pillage as he seems to find the practice now? It is for some of these reasons that some hold the view that Chiefs motive for the return of the money couldnt have been simply altruistic.

The new frontier

I take the view that, whatever motivated Chief  politics, politricks, propaganda or none of the above - to acknowledge receipt of the ex gratia payment and return it to public chest, is good omen for Ghana. This is arguably the first time such an action has been taken since Chief started sitting on state-owned Boards under almost every government in this 4th Republic. I am happy this singular gesture has exposed the waste in our democracy. Our political class, elites (many of us fall into this category) and academics, chiefs and priests, all appear to have conspired to divide up and share the nations resources whiles the rest of our citizens look on. We are afraid to be tagged as doing politics. We are afraid of insults from people we expect to honour and kowtow to us because we borrowed them our plush houses for their honeymoon, attended their graduation ceremonies, gave them handouts to save their dying mothers, stood in as their uncles when they went to ask for their future wifes hand in marriage because their own blood relatives were not fit for the purpose. Now, it is clear to all and sundry that, those we catch young and nourish will not always be ready to sing our tunes in future when we expect them to return the favour in kind.

The new meaning of volunteerism: Council of State

As I stated earlier, I was introduced to the idea of distinguished people who have excelled in their fields of endeavour giving of their time, knowledge and expertise to help in national policy formulation and development through my work at the National Academies. I bear witness to the fact that it was truly free. One can only be a member of the Academies by going through rigorous elections. So the members are people who literally fight to get to serve their nation. It is the ultimate national pride like no other. But what do we see in our own constitutionally created Council? People fight bitter elections to go to Council of State. Even chiefs stand elections to go to Council of State; some win and some lose. There is no educational qualification for membership so Presidents pick their friends and cronies to populate the Council. Those with automatic membership are also cooling off on the Council. Every retired Chief Justice is an automatic member and so are retired IGPs. For instance, retired CJs retire with their full salaries as Article 71 office holders. Do they also take salaries and ex gratia on the Council? And how about retired IGPs? How do the Council members influence government policy and advise governments? Why are their reports and work shrouded in secrecy when we are paying them salaries? In the final analysis, the narrow question that should agitate our minds is this: what is the social, economic, political, cultural, religious and judicial relevance of the Council?

Conclusion

At my age, I cannot be easily convinced that patriotism and altruism were the only propelling factors for Chiefs return of the money and the leak in the media. Usually underlying such actions are embers of peeves and piss. But there is a silver lining somewhere in this ex grata rainbow. The story affords us a great opportunity to have a second look at the composition, duties, and most importantly, allowable costs for the Council of States existence. We do not have to reduce the discussion to who fed who Hausa koko in their youth and who claimed GH1 million as private jet expenses to attend meetings. The bigger issue is whether we should continue to have the Council in its current moribund form, where some people automatically get there by virtue of their previous occupations to further feed fat on state resources when they are already enjoying mouth-watering state pension under the elites siphoning scheme called Article 71 and other laws. Some members also brow-beat Presidents, to the point of blackmail, to get them appointed onto the Council. Once there, they become political commentators. They spew invectives on citizens and judges and collect ex gratia after four years and continue in office for another four years, and collect another ex gratia, provided their Presidents remain in power. There are others who, in their private lives, one may never associate with advising kindergartners, but they are Council members who are supposed to be advising Presidents. Many people have been agitating for the scrapping of the Council. With the story as we know it now, I doubt if there will be any opposition to that school of thought. The question is: Who will bell the cat? Will it be the Judiciary when all Chief Justices and those yet-to-be-appointed are licking their lips in waiting to join the Council? Or, will the lot fall on Parliament to amend the Constitution and scrap the Council, knowing that the President will punish them by not increasing their salaries and cause their double-salary taking members to be prosecuted and jailed? Or, will the Executive bite the bullet and make the Council truly voluntary without salary and ex gratia, knowing very well that the Council is every Presidents incubator for their aged friends and political allies? I ask again: Who will bell the cat?

Photo: Taken in November, 2002 during the Annual General Meeting of the National Academies in Washington DC with some Academies members of the Committee on Human Rights. With Dr. Siad and his wife from Egypt.

Footnotes

[1] https://www.nationalacademies.org/about/members
The Metro Chief Executive for Kumasi, Mr Samuel Pyne has promised to prudently use funds and revenue generated by the Assembly for development.

In a sessional address delivered Tuesday to the Assembly, Mr Pyne noted the Assemblys finances lately has dwindled but was committed to the judicious use of same to address pressing issues in the Assembly.

He disclosed that revenue generation had dipped while expenditures were rising.

The Assembly, he also mentioned before his tenure, had been bedeviled with judgment debts and huge costs in the management of waste and sanitation.

The KMAs financial position in recent years has not been the best with revenue generation dipping while expenditure rises with rising cost of things. We also know that the Assembly continues to have judgment debts and huge costs in the management of waste and sanitation nonetheless I and the Assembly are determined to control expenditure and ensure that we do not exceed our budget for the year, no matter what, Mr Pyne stated firmly.

COMMITMENTS

Making some commitments to ensure he protects the public purse, Mr Pyne said he would prioritize areas that needs spending and strictly adhere to the annual action plan and the accompanying budget, as required.

Furthermore, the Mayor noted the decision to sanitize and reduce costs related to protocol, fuel and lubricants, among others.

To achieve this, he said he had instructed that all intended expenditure related to hotels and protocol be submitted to his office or that of the Coordinating Director before spending.

In addition, the Mayor stated that there would be periodic internal auditing checks guided by the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (ACT 921), adding that regulations would be intensified to monitor the situation in order to reduce wastage.

To ensure that these measures instituted by me and management work perfectly I would take feedback from these exercises and use the same to improve financial controls and ensure the judicious use of the ever scarce financial resources, the Mayor posited.

COMMENDATIONS:

Earlier, the Kumasi Mayor expressed his appreciation to the President Akufo-Addo for reposing confidence in him as a worthy person for the Office of the Metropolitan Chief Executive for Kumasi.

Mr Pyne also thanked the Overlord of Asanteman, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II as well as other Chiefs in the metropolis for their support and counsel.

The Metro Chief Executive also thanked the General Assembly for their support and confirmation of his nomination, which he noted was unprecedented.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa for the confidence reposed in me as a worthy nominee for the Office of the Metropolitan Chief Executive for Kumasi and to the Overlord of Asanteman, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Nananom, thank you would be an understatement for I am extremely grateful for your support and to my general assembly members of Kumasi, I thank you for your support and it is my hope that we continue to dwell in unity and work towards the development of Kumasi, Mr Pyne stated.
There will be a sharp rise in prices of petrol and diesel for the rest of June 2022, the Institute for Energy Security (IES) has projected.

The IES said petrol price will increase by about 10 per cent to sell above GhS11 per litre and diesel by about 15 per cent to sell above GhS14 per litre.

The price of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) is however projected to fall further by 5 per cent from its current price, the Institute added.

Mr Fritz Moses, Research Analyst, IES, told the Ghana News Agency that the increment will take effect at the various pumps by Monday, June 20, 2022.

He attributed the expected increment to the continuous depreciation of the cedi against the US Dollar and the rise in the international market prices for petrol and diesel.

He said the cedi depreciated by 0.86 per cent in the just-ended pricing window (June 1 to 15, 2022) while the international market price for petrol and diesel shot up by 14.81 per cent and 17.67 per cent, respectively.

Prices of fuel on the local market increased more than 4 per cent on average terms in the just-ended pricing-window. The price of petrol and diesel increased by 5 per cent and 3 per cent respectively.

The IES said all the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) it monitored in the window under review increased their prices at the pump.

Per the IES Marketscan, the current national average price is pegged at GhS10.00 per litre, and GhS12.15 per litre for Gasoline and Gasoil respectively.

This is an increase of 2.5 per cent on the previous average per litre price of GhS9.75 for Gasoline and a 3.75 per cent increase over the previous Gasoil average price of GhS11.71 per litre, it said.

GNA
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16.06.2022 LISTEN

The Bangladeshi NGO Odhikar has been deregistered by the Prime Minister's Office's NGO Affairs Bureau. The company's registration renewal application was denied on June 12 due to a bureau application.

The license of the private voluntary organization Odhikar has not been renewed, according to NGO Bureau Bangladesh, due to financial irregularities, foreign grants, moving money into personal accounts other than designated bank accounts, and other inconsistencies.

Despite the government's claim that Odhikar is required to send regular information on operations, working people, and a list of ongoing projects to the NGO Bureau, Odhikar has not done so in the last seven years. The Bangladeshi NGO Odhikar has been deregistered by the Prime Minister's Office's NGO Affairs Bureau. On Judgment Day, the agency submitted an application. The registration of 'Odhikar' has been canceled, according to an order issued by the NGO Bureau, for a variety of reasons, including engaging in actions that degrade the country's image in the international arena. The information required for registration and non-payment of additional fees and VAT imposed by the new law, as well as no response or explanation for objections to the eight financial audit reports of foreign-funded projects, are among the reasons listed on the Odhikar.org website (odhikar.org). Making accusations against Bangladesh and failing to respond adequately to security agency reports on money transaction discrepancies in three projects.

The information that Odhikar has posted on its own website concerning suspected extrajudicial killings, including purported disappearances and murders, has harmed Bangladesh's reputation overseas, according to the NGO Bureau. To verify the information, the NGO office requests the person's full name and address. The cause of the case, however, was not disclosed by the company.

Odhikar, a non-governmental voluntary organization in Bangladesh, has been operating without renewing its license for the past seven years. However, the organization is pathetically failing to provide information regarding its actions to the NGO Affairs Bureau. Detailed information on any NGO's activities, such as the source of finances for conducting activities, updated information about the activities, information about the working individuals, a list of ongoing projects, and so on, must be given to the Bureau of Regular NGOs, according to the concerned. This rule has not been followed by Odhikar.

But, under the guise of a court writ suit, Odhikar is carrying out its activities without informing the NGO Bureau. Officials who are concerned have labeled the situation as illegal.On March 25, 1995, Odhikar, a non-governmental volunteer organization, was registered with the NGO Bureau. Odhikar has made declarations and comments on a number of contentious topics. However, the report's transparency and the reliability of the data have been questioned at times.

From October 2001 to May 2006, Adilur Rahman Khan, the founder and main leader of Odhikar 7, served as the Deputy Attorney General. By publishing a list of people slain in skirmishes between law enforcement and Hefazat protestors in Dhaka's Motijheel on May 5 and 6, 2013, the Odhikar NGO generated a big controversy. According to a report released on Odhikar's website on June 10 of that year, the fighting claimed the lives of 61 Hefazat activists. The report had substantial inaccuracies, according to a preliminary examination by law enforcement. For instance, having the names of five persons on the list many times, adding 11 fictional names to the list, adding the names of those who died of natural causes due to physical disease, adding the names of six people who died outside of Dhaka, and so on.

The Ministry of Information requested a report detailing the list under the Right to Information Act on July 10, 2013, to clear up the uncertainty, but Odhikar refused.Under the guise of confidentiality, the agency refused to submit information to the NGO bureau. In this case, a case was brought under the Information Technology Act against Adilur Rahman Khan, Odhikar's General Secretary, and Nasir Uddin Allan, Director. The Dhaka Cyber Tribunal is hearing the case.

According to media sources, the NGO Bureau's rights have discovered several severe anomalies in the NGO's actions. In violation of the law, the corporation operated eight accounts, including two personal accounts. The NGO had eight audit objections when it applied for re-registration.The NGO bureau was warned by the government's security agency about bad activity and discrepancies in financial transactions in Odhikar's three initiatives. The bureau later demanded an explanation several times, but Odhikar was unable to produce one that was adequate. Odhikar failed to submit the project report to the local administration every year and at the end of the project time, despite the fact that it was required.

Many people believe the Bangladeshi government would remove Adhikari's license if it continues to hide its human rights abuses from the international community. That is not the case, however. The United States has sanctioned RAB and its top seven officers. The United States may rely on unsourced statistics from the human rights organization. Bangladesh, on the other hand, has been warning the NGO about its negative operations for years. The organization, on the other hand, did not believe it was necessary to hear the proper authority's procedural orders. However, if the group's license is removed as a result of the RAB sentence, it's possible that the incense will be canceled as well. On the other hand, that's a very different tale. As a result, tying the RAB sentence to the Odhikar situation is inexcusable and irresponsible.It is a Bangladeshi human rights organization that has been aiming to damage Bangladesh's image by supplying and disseminating misleading, erroneous, and unjustified facts to the Bangladeshi people and the rest of the world.

Even the money's origins are unknown. Some powerful interests in Western countries may be able to donate money to human rights groups. The group spreads false information regarding the human rights situation to international human rights groups. As a result, it's easy to deduce that it promotes the interests of people with vested interests. As a result of recent US sanctions against RAB and its seven executives, some speculate that Odhikar could be pursued by Bangladeshi authorities.They should keep in mind, however, that the human rights organization has been working in Bangladesh for several years without their license being renewed. Every organization and individual has the legal right to work in the country, but the government must legalize it. Odhikar, being a company, is required to follow the country's standards, rules, and laws. Many people believe Bangladesh is powerless to cancel the organization's license. But why is it the case? Is Odhikar operating in defiance of Bangladesh's legal system? Odhikar will not be able to do so if he follows the proper protocol. Authorities have issued many warnings. Isn't seven years sufficient? On the other hand, no one, even organizations, has the authority to deliberately smear a country's image by supplying and disseminating false information.

Has the organization right to tarnish the image of the country by disseminating misinformation about the human rights issue in the country?

Since they are funded by donors, they naturally feel loyal towards whichever group is providing the funding. Because these NGOs are funded by donors, they feel driven to gather negative information, thinking that if only positive information is collected, their funding will be cut off. Politics might or might not play a role here.

Because they are financed by contributors, they are naturally loyal to the organizations that supply the funds. Even huge non-governmental organizations rely on donations, and they struggle if they don`t get the cash they need. This is exactly what happened throughout the pandemic.

NGOs were largely inactive throughout the outbreak. The NGOs were unable to offer much funds because the western world was also suffering from the pandemic`s effects. There is a limitation in this sense.

The methodology utilized to collect this data has been questioned. The procedures utilized by data collectors are not accurate. They employ an ineffective methodology. They must produce and share the data with the appropriate authority if they are truthful in their data collection method. That, however, was not the case. This is also a stumbling block. What are the stumbling blocks? I believe they have a nefarious motivation. Critics must remember that the Bangladeshi authority did not make a mistake in this regard. The group`s license is revoked for legitimate reasons.
The ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme Regional Service for Africa (UNDP-RSCA) and the AU-Office of the Special Envoy on WPS with the support of the Government of Canada, successfully opened a three days regional training workshop on Women, Peace and Security on 13th June 2022 in Accra, Ghana. The regional training, which attracted over 40 delegates from relevant ECOWAS Institutions, Directorates, Specialized Agencies, Member States and Network of regional CSOs, aims to enhance the knowledge and understanding of participants on the rollout and implementation of the African Union Continental Result Framework (AU-CRF) for Monitoring and Reporting on the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in Africa and the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and other subsequent resolutions on Women, Peace and Security (WPS). The training also aims to enhance participants capacity on the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting on Action Plans on UNSCR 1325 on WPS.

The regional training is organized within the framework of a four-year regional project on Advancing Gender Equality and Womens Empowerment in Africa (2020-2024) funded by the Government of Canada. This project aims to strengthen the capacity of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and other regional partners (CSOs) to have increased evidence-based knowledge and capacity to advocate for and support their member states to meet their commitments to gender equality and women's empowerment in the context of achieving Agenda 2063.

While opening the training, Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources and Caretaker Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, of the Republic of Ghana, in her key note address, reiterated that  there is need to increase and promote womens representation and meaningful participation in peace operations, peace processes, post-conflict reconstruction, civilian protection, and military deployments She added that, when women participate in peace negotiations, the quality and durability of peace agreements is guaranteed

Dr. Siga Fatima Jagne, Commissioner for Social Affairs and Gender of the ECOWAS Commission in her opening statement, said that the regional training was very timely and relevant in building the foundations for a more robust regional and national response to the challenge of placing women, peace and security high on the development agenda of ECOWAS Member States through the effective implementation of NAPs on 1325 and the roll out of the African Union Continental Results framework on Women, Peace and Security

In her opening statement; Dr. Angela Lusigi, the UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, emphasized that we have moved from the adoption of resolutions to the development of action plans. We now need to focus on achieving speed and scale in the implementation and tracking of these action plans so that no one is left behind. This she said will not be possible, without the right knowledge, capability and networks; a reason for which the training is both timely and very essential.

Ms. Catherine Njeru, the Gender Monitoring Specialist, who represented the AU-Office of the Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, emphasized that it is critical that all see the CRF as their own commitment and contribution to the advancement of the rights of women to peace as enshrined in Article 10 of the Maputo protocol. This will truly make a difference and pave the way for an inclusive and peaceful Africa

It is hoped that participants at the end of the workshop will build the required knowledge and skills as key actors in their respective countries to influence the direction and impact of the implementation of Women, Peace and Security (WPS) commitments, including the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan, the CRF as well as support their Member States in developing and implementing their National Action Plans (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security.
A 25-year-old businessman has been remanded into police custody by an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly stealing boxes of containers valued at GHS336,327.00.

The complainant who was unwell entrusted the items to the accused person but Richard Yevugah rather stole them, according to Prosecution.

The accused person used the containers to package his own products and sent same to Nigeria to be sold without the consent of the complainant, Police Chief Inspector Samuel Ahiabor has said.

Yevugah pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Court presided over by Mr Emmanuel Essandoh, adjourned the case to June 29, 2022.

Chief Inspector Ahiabor, prosecuting, told the court that the complainant, Abdul Mumuni Ahmed, a herbalist, used moringa snuff as part of his herbal medicine whilst the accused person, a businessman, was the complainant's employee. Both resided at Nima.

The Prosecution said the complainant employed the accused person to assist him in his moringa snuff production.

Chief Inspector Ahiabor said the complainant imported 277 boxes of containers valued at GHS336,327.00 to be used for packaging the moringa products.

A few days after the importation of the boxes of containers, the complainant became sick and was unable to continue with production.

The Prosecution said the complainant before his sickness, rented a two room-apartment at Nima where the accused person assisted him to pack the said boxes into the rooms and kept the key.

On June 11, 2022, at about 1915 hours, the complainant received information from one Mr Suraj Alhassan Ahmed, a witness in the case, that the accused person brought in a vehicle and loaded all the boxes away.

Chief Inspector Ahiabor said the complainant rushed to the rooms and realised that all the boxes of containers were taken away and the room was empty.

The Prosecution said the complainant quickly rushed to meet the accused person in his house and subsequently brought him to the Nima Police Station where he made an official complaint.

During the investigation, the accused person admitted the offence in his investigation caution statement and told the Police that he took 100 boxes of the complainant's containers and produced his personal snuff and used the containers to do the packaging.

The accused person used the containers for the packaging and sent same to Nigeria to be sold without the consent of the complainant, the Prosecution said.

GNA
16.06.2022 LISTEN

MTN Ghana Foundation congratulates voluntary blood donors as the company joins the world to commemorate World Blood Donor Day.

To draw attention to the role that voluntary blood donations play in saving lives and enhancing solidarity within communities, this years World Blood Donor Day is being commemorated under the theme Donating blood is an act of solidarity: Join the effort and save lives. World Blood Donor Day is celebrated each year on 14th June to raise awareness on the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank blood donors for their life saving gift of blood.

Blood is a critical component in the health care delivery system, especially for both planned and emergency medical conditions. Yet blood is not always available in a timely manner, the records always indicate the lack of blood in blood banks across Ghana. It is against this background that MTN Ghana Foundation has over the years organized its annual blood donation campaign dubbed Save a Life to support efforts in restocking blood banks across the country and help create awareness on the need for safe blood. To date, over 20,000 pints of blood have been collected since the inception of the initiative in 2011.

In addition, the Foundation in 2021 constructed and handed over a blood bank for the Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit of the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital which is reported to have contributed in reducing maternal and infant mortality by 20%.

Commenting on the Celebration, the Acting Chief Corporate Services Officer of MTN Ghana, Nana Kofi Asare said As we celebrate World Blood Donor Day, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all the individuals who over the years voluntarily donated blood with the sole objective of saving lives. We appreciate your contributions.

As the world celebrates World Blood Donor day, I am calling on all eligible blood donors to donate blood at regular intervals to help save lives.

In recognition of its efforts, the MTN Ghana Foundation continues to win plaudits for its corporate social initiatives
On 16 June, French spy agency the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DRM) celebrates its 30th anniversary. Born during the first Gulf War in 1992, it reports directly to the French President and the Chief of Staff. But the agency is struggling with the increased complexity of cyber warfare in a multiplication of conflicts.

According to the website of the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), which monitors intelligence agencies worldwide, the DRM was created to "solve intelligence shortcomings observed during the Gulf War" at the instigation of the then interior minister Pierre Joxe.

The agency was a merger of the French Military Intelligence Exploitation Centre (CERM), the Centre for Information on Electromagnetic Radiation (CIREM) and inter-army agencies such as the French Army branch responsible for Europe's military optical reconnaissance satellite system, Helios.

Its main task is to collect and centralise military intelligence for France's armed forces. Its overseas counterparts include the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), the UK's Defence Intelligence (DI) and the Russian Main Directorate of the General Staff (GRU).

Too weak?

The DRM reports directly to French President Emmanuel Macron, who is also the supreme commander of the French military.

But 30 years after its conception, the DRM is not celebrating. According to French daily Le Monde, Russia's invasion into Ukraine highlighted the agency's "weakness" and its need to increase capabilities.

The article describes personnel "turnover problems: "France has military is spread all over the world, and with it, its need to gather intelligence.

"Military are stationed in France's overseas territories in the Caribbean, in Africa (Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon), in the Middle East (Djibouti, the UAE, Syria and Iraq), in Europe (Baltic States and Romania, as part of NATO) and in the Pacific (New Caledonia, French Polynesia).

The article also cites a "multiplication of conflicts" with China's increased assertiveness in the South China sea and beyond, as well as Beijing's recent signing of a security agreement with the Solomon Islands that border French New Caledonia; continuing unrest in West Africa and, since February, the Russian invasion as a result of which Macron decided to move French troops closer to the EU borders with Ukraine.

The increasing complexity of cyber warfare and the fast-growing technological capabilities of adversaries such as China add to the agency's woes.

According to its official website, the DRM employs some 2100 people. It is headed by General Jacques Langlade de Montgros.
Minister of Health Kwaku Agyeman-Manu was unable to show up when the Financial Court 3 of the Accra High Court called for the Prosecutions third witness in the case against Former Deputy Minister of Finance Casiel Ato Forson, on Thursday June 16.

Director of Public Prosecution, Yvonne Attakorah Obuobisa told Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe that the minister had communicated at the last minute that he had been called into an emergency COVAX meeting for which reason he would not be able to come to court.

This was after lawyer Israel Ackah was forced to hold brief for counsel for the third accused, Ampah Korsah after he did not show up to cross-examine the Prosecutions second witness.

Justice Asare-Botwe expressed displeasure at the turn of events.

The court noted that the case has been adjourned to June 28 to allow the Prosecutions 3 witness to show for cross examination.

Prosecution was cautioned that it should not be repeated adding that in the event the Minister failed to show up, the state would have to call another witness.

The Ranking Member of the Finance Committee of Parliament and two others, had been dragged to the High Court on five counts of willfully causing financial loss to the state .

According to the facts of the case, Dr Ato Forson, when he was a Deputy Finance Minister under the Mahama administration, executed a contract by the government of Ghana to purchase some 200 ambulances for the National Ambulance Service .

Despite the granting of a medium term loan facility of 15.8 million for the 200 ambulances, only 10 were shipped to Ghana in 2014.

A post-delivery inspection of the first batch of 10 ambulances revealed that same were without any medical equipment in them.

Other fundamental defects included defects on the body of the vehicles and the patient compartment of the ambulances, the writ noted.

Source: 3news.com|Ghana
A former member of the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament, Inusah Fuseini has appealed to Ghanaians to push for the establishment of Public Vigilante Organization to ensure government officials comply with the asset declaration regime of the country.

The former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Tamale Central Constituency in the Northern Region was of the view that it is the only way to ensure government officials comply with the countrys asset declaration regime.

The organization, he stressed, will be responsible for ensuring public officer holders adhere to the tenets of the countrys asset declaration regime.

He narrated that it is worrying the way and manner the Section 286 of the Public Officer Holders Article 98, Act 550 has been grossly violated.

We need to be doing more to hold those who violate the tenets of the Constitution to order, he said.

He noted that there is the need to sanction the violators of the Constitution while citing the case of the Electoral Commissioner, Jean Mensah who he claims has failed to declare her asset upon assumption of office.

The former Legislature and a lawyer by profession made this suggestion on the 505 evening news analysis programme hosted by Korku Lumor on Accra based Class 91.3 on Wednesday, June 15, 2022.

He was supporting the decision of some five Ghanaians who have petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to ensure compliance with the Constitutional requirements.

He emphasized that it is a requirement of the Constitution for public officers to declare their assets and anything that falls short of that is a serious breach of the Constitutional requirements.

Source: Classfmonline.com
The Tanzanian Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Hon. Mashimba Mashauri Ndaki, has declared a ban on donkey slaughter for the skin trade.

In a budget speech to Parliament, the Hon. Minister noted that Tanzanias current donkey population is estimated at 650,000[1] but recognised the risk of donkeys becoming extinct. He has advised investors in the donkey trade to use current infrastructure to trade in other livestock animals instead.

Ian Cawsey, Director of Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: Its not often we have good news to share about the donkey skin trade but this is a major victory.

The rejection of donkey slaughter by Tanzania adds a powerful voice to the growing number of countries declaring their donkeys are not for sale for slaughter. It means that the 650,000 donkeys in a country, which support millions more people, will no longer be at risk of slaughter for their skins.

Since 2016 The Donkey Sanctuary has been working with partner organisations in Tanzania in East Africa[2] to help communities protect their donkeys from theft for the trade and also to expose the truly horrendous animal welfare issues around their slaughter  some of the worst cases we have ever seen.

Tanzanias stand against the trade mirrors action by Kenya, Nigeria and a number of West African countries to prohibit the slaughter of donkeys for their skins. Nigeria has gone so far as to declare its donkeys an endangered species owing to their unsustainable slaughter.

A report by The Donkey Sanctuary published in May 2022 highlighted the increasing evidence of criminal involvement in the donkey skin trade, with online traders selling donkey skins alongside wildlife items such as ivory, rhino horn and drugs.

Ian Cawsey added: I hope that other African countries, including South Africa, Botswana and Egypt, who allow the trade to operate, will reconsider their support for donkey slaughter and make similar moves to protect their national donkey populations for the benefit of their citizens.

For more information about The Donkey Sanctuarys Stop the Slaughter campaign, please visit: https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/end-the-donkey-skin-trade.
Six people died overnight after torrential rain triggered a landslip in Ivory Coast's economic capital Abidjan, the emergency services said Thursday.

Four adults and two children were killed, and two people were hospitalised with injuries, the fire brigade said in a statement posted on social media.

Prime Minister Patrick Achi visited the site of the accident, which occurred in Mossikro, a neighbourhood in the western district of Attecoube.

Landslips during the rainy season are a notorious risk in Abidjan, a fast-growing city of five million people.

The authorities earlier this month launched an operation to destroy shanty dwellings built in vulnerable areas.

Those forced out of their homes under this programme are temporarily rehoused, the government says.

"Mossikro... has been identified as a zone at risk, and since March and April, people there have been advised that they should leave without fail," the ministry of water works said in a statement.

Failure or delay in heeding the warning is "suicidal", it said.

Previous accidents claimed 18 lives in June 2018 and 13 in June 2020.
16.06.2022 LISTEN

What is ex-gratia for parliamentarians, the judiciary, executive office holders and other public servants in Ghana? Do they all deserve ex-gratia? What category of public servants deserve ex-gratia?

Parliamentarian get thank you (Ex-Gratia) from the Ghanaian tax payers every four years regardless of whether they are re-elected or not. A member who served for 20 years get five times ex-gratia.

Record shows that the longest serving Member of Parliament during the fourth republic served for 28 years which translates to seven times ex-gratia.

Whiles the Headmaster of Kadjebi-Asato secondary school, public servant who impacted knowledge and produces intellectual properties for many years and produces Ministers states, Justices, Doctors and other public servants goes home as retired educationist with no ex-gratia.

The executive branch has one term of four years or two terms of eight years and can only get maximum 2 ex-gratia. On the other Judiciary and all other public servants have one time ex-gratia if any.

The parliamentarians are there to protect the abuse of public expenditure and to protect the tax payers money as well are the public purse. Who then approves the benefits of ex gratia for the parliamentarians, the executive, the judiciary and all other public servants?

How many times do we hear that parliament is divided political (partisans) over members benefits? When it comes to sharing V 8s, Housing loans every 4 years no member of parliament is against that. My humble concern here is why should a country like Ghana provides its laws makers all this luxuries and at the end of 4 years add ex-gratia?

When will parliamentarians shows financial prudency by example. My seven gunshot to Togbe Afede XIV, I salute you. Parliamentarians turns to political self-enrichment no long service to the people or the nation.

What is the current home delivery value V8s times 270 in Ghana? The people of Ghana went to the poll to elect the parliamentarians by voting the candidates of their choice to help in developing their community every four years but what the people get in returns that the parliamentarians in luxuries and forget the very people that put them there.

How can one tell the road condition when parliamentarians are riding in V8s forgotten the very people (Ghanaian tax payers) that bought them the v8s are still riding Tico, Okada, Pinto and like?

It is believed that the purpose of paying ex gratia to parliamentarians is because they devote their time fully to making laws that benefit the country Ghana. However, the issue of absenteeism in parliament is of concern to the Ghanaian tax payer whose tax money are used to pay them. It is an open secret that most parliamentarians absent themselves from parliament to attend to their private businesses. Ex-Gratia should not be automatic, ex-gratia should be given to a well deserving members of parliament, not for people that just take up the mantel and doing nothing in formulating policies that they took oath of office.

Ex-Gratia should be capped at maximum of 2 times. Ex-gratia should be structure prudently to eliminate life time re-election such as members who are career Member of Parliament can only draw benefits maximum 2 times.

Author: Dr. Faith Ababio-Twi

Financial Consultant and CEO, Fab Consult - USA

[email protected]
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The Speaker of Parliament (MP), Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin has warned Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta that other requests from his Ministry will not be attended to until he reports to the house to account for Covid-19 expenditure.

Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta was scheduled to appear before Parliament last week to answer questions relating to Covid expenditure but he defaulted after giving good reason.

He was rescheduled to report to Parliament this week but has failed to comply once again.

Unhappy with the actions of the Finance Minister, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin while speaking in Parliament today, Thursday, June 16, 2022, stressed that all businesses of the Ministry will be on hold until Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta reports to parliament to answer questions.

The Minister spoke to me why he is not available today but before today, I had given a directive and that directive was to the effect that the Minister should appear before this House to account for monies that we approved for him to use to lead the country as a ministry for us to see how we respond to the Covid-19 pandemic.

A lot of questions have been raised in respect of that so he should come to account to the good people of how that state resources have been applied by his Ministry to the benefit of the people. I did indicate that until that is done, the motion that requested the approval of this house, for more monies to be given him, that is his ministry, for the purpose of Covid-19 be on the hold until he answers the questions, I think that still holds, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin shared.

The Speaker of Parliament continued, I will go further to say that until the answer is provided, until he goes through the accountability process, we will not take that motion. With respect to the questions, well, today he has another request before us, that will also be affected, until he comes to respond to the questions and to submit the statement, given explanation, as to how that money has been applied, we will not entertain any business from that ministry, mark my words.

The Minority in Parliament with critical questions for the Minister has cautioned that he can ride but he cannot hide.

They have in the past accused Ken Ofori-Atta and the government of misusing the Covid funds.

It is unclear when the Finance Minister will finally report to Parliament to go through the accountability process to bring finality to the matter.
June 16, 2022 Trudeau Is Lying - Canadian Air Patrols Near China Are Not On 'UN Mission' Canada falsely claims that it is implementing international law when its airplanes are in fact spying on China. On June 2 the Canadian Globe & Mail reported of a Chinese interdiction of a Canadian reconnaissance aircraft: Canadian military accuses Chinese warplanes of harassing its patrol aircraft on North Korea sanctions mission Canadas military has accused Chinese warplanes of harassing its patrol aircraft as they monitor North Korea sanction evasions, sometimes forcing Canadian planes to divert from their flight paths. On several occasions from April 26 to May 26, aircraft of the Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) approached a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft, the Canadian Armed Forces said in a statement on Wednesday.

...

Such interactions are of concern and of increasing frequency, the Canadian military said, noting that the missions occur during United Nations-approved operations to implement sanctions on North Korea. The Canadian aircraft were part of Ottawas Operation NEON, which sees military ships, aircraft and personnel deployed to identify suspected sanctions evasions at sea, including ship-to-ship transfers of fuel and other supplies banned by United Nations Security Council resolutions. Did the United Nations really give Canada a mission or even a right to identify sanction evasions at high sea or near North Korea? I would find that astonishing. Four days later the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was asked about the incidents. His answers came after China had explained its position: Chinas foreign ministry is warning Canada that provoking Beijing could bring grave consequences after the Canadian military last week accused Chinese warplanes of harassing its aircraft, which are monitoring North Koreas compliance with United Nations sanctions. Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Zhao Lijian suggested during a media briefing in Beijing on Monday that these patrols by Canadian and allied aircraft are illegal. The UN Security Council has never authorized any country to carry out military surveillance in the seas and airspace of other countries in the name of enforcing sanctions, he told reporters. Trudeau's response to that is somewhat muddled: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in response, defended the patrols, which he said are part of a multinational effort to enforce UN sanctions. He warned Beijing that pilots on both sides are in danger of behind hurt or killed by Chinas behaviour. Chinas actions are irresponsible and provocative in this case, and we will continue to register strongly that they are putting people at risk while at the same time not respecting decisions by the UN to enforce UN sanctions on North Korea, he told reporters during a press conference in Ottawa with Chiles President on Monday. Chinese fighter pilots have recently stepped up aggressive behaviour against Canadian military aircraft flying in international airspace near North Korea. A "a multinational effort to enforce UN sanctions" is something different than a "United Nations-approved operations to implement sanctions on North Korea" which the Canadian military claimed. Since 2019, Canada has from time to time dispatched a naval frigate or long-range patrol aircraft to help monitor ocean approaches to North Korea as part of a multinational approach, with the United States and other allies, to enforce sanctions against Pyongyang over its nuclear weapons program. The area under patrol includes the contested East China Sea, above which China established an aircraft defence identification zone in 2013. The 'multinational' behind the effort are the U.S. and its usual proxies. But if that were a UN or UN approved mission China and Russia must have agreed to it at the UN Security Council. They never did. Still Trudeau insists on the UN smoke screen: Canada is participating in a UN mission designed to interdict and intercept and ensure the respect of sanctions on North Koreas murderous regime, the Prime Minister said. Canada continues to stand up for the rule of law. We continue to stand up for multilateralism. We continue to stand up for the principles of the UN Charter. I find no news of formal paper that says the UN has ever designed or asked for any such mission. There are a total of nine UN Security Council resolutions against North Korea. The relevant here is UNSCR 1718 from 2006. In paragraph 8 it asks member countries to implement certain sanctions: Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, and taking measures under its Article 41 ...

...

8. Decides that: (a) All Member States shall prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to the DPRK, through their territories or by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, and whether or not originating in their territories, of: [... a list of certain weapon systems and materials.] That paragraph restricts any measure countries can take with UNSC agreement to territory, nationals or vessels under their control. It does not authorize to do anything to other territories, nationals or to foreign flagged vessels or to act against such vessels at high sea. Paragraph 8d, which is about financial sanctions, has similar restrictions: d) All Member States shall, in accordance with their respective legal processes, freeze immediately the funds, other financial assets and economic resources which are on their territories at the date of the adoption of this resolution or at any time thereafter, ... UNSC resolution 2094 from 2013 added additional sanctions but included the same territorial restrictions: 11. Decides that Member States shall, in addition to implementing their obligations pursuant to paragraphs 8 (d) and (e) of resolution 1718 (2006), prevent the provision of financial services or the transfer to, through, or from their territory, or to or by their nationals or entities organized under their laws (including branches abroad), or persons or financial institutions in their territory, ... In fact all UNSC resolutions I am aware of, except those few which directly allow for a war, have similar restrictions. Orders or request to UN member countries for implementing sanctions or to take other measure are always restricted to those things or persons the country legally controls. The reasons for that are obvious. It would breach the rights of other countries if the UN would allow Canada or anyone else to interfere outside of their own legal realm. The Canadian military's claim that its planes are on a "United Nations-approved operations" is false. There is no UN approval for such operations. The Canadian Prime Minister's claim of participating in a "UN mission" is false. There is no such mission with regard to the DPRK. The Canadian spy planes flying near the Chinese border are not implementing international law. That is simply a subterfuge of their real mission which is in fact spying on China. Trudeau should be reminded of the 2001 incident near Hainan Island where a Chinese jet collided with a U.S. spy plane which then had to make an emergency landing in China: The 24 crew members (21 men and 3 women) were detained for 10 days in total, and were released shortly after the U.S. issued the "letter of the two sorries" to the Chinese. The crew was only partially successful in their destruction of classified material, and some of the material they failed to destroy included cryptographic keys, signals intelligence manuals, and the names of National Security Agency employees. Some of the captured computers contained detailed information for processing PROFORMA communications from North Korea, Russia, Vietnam, China and other countries. The plane also carried information on the emitter parameters for U.S.-allied radar systems worldwide. The fact that the United States could track PLAN submarines via signal transmission was also revealed to China. The U.S. now largely avoids such missions. It instead ordered Canada (and Australia) to do these, passing the risk to them. Pissing off China by making false claims of flying these in support of international law will only up the risk for another serious incident. Posted by b on June 16, 2022 at 12:28 UTC | Permalink Comments next page  next page 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  As the Supreme Court appears on track to overturn the constitutional right to abortion, progressive prosecutors around the U.S. are declaring they won't enforce some of the most restrictive and punitive anti-abortion laws that GOP-led states have waited years to implement.

The move is sure to rankle Republican lawmakers and governors, with about half the states poised to ban abortion if Roe v. Wade  the 1973 decision establishing a constitutional right to abortion  is weakened or overturned. Many of those Republican-led states have abortion clinics nestled in the large metro areas represented by Democratic district attorneys.

Anti-abortion laws in the U.S. largely shy away from explicitly punishing pregnant women and instead tend to target physicians, who could face loss of their medical license and lengthy prison sentences for performing the procedure illegally. But some abortion restrictions would penalize those who assist in an abortion and others could require women who secured the procedure to testify against those who helped her.

Yet enforcement of these laws will fall largely onto the shoulders of district attorneys, who wield wide discretion over whom to charge with crimes. Currently, it's not unusual for prosecutors elected in Democratic counties to voice their resistance to bringing charges under various GOP-backed mandates ranging from voting restrictions, limits on certain protest activity, laws aimed at LGBTQ people, and restrictions on mask requirements throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.

In 2020, more than 70 prosecutors from blue districts around the country publicized that they wouldnt bring charges under increasingly stringent laws that states have passed against abortion because they should not and will not criminalize healthcare decisions.

And so far, a growing number of prosecutors elected in Democratic counties are promising they wont pursue the criminal charges that have been tucked inside the harshest of abortion restrictions.

Michigan has become a particular battleground over who will enforce the state's abortion laws. Seven Democratic prosecutors there have vowed they won't enforce the state's long-dormant ban on the procedure, while two Republican prosecutors have joined abortion opponents in seeking to overturn the recent suspension of the 1931 statute.

The law, which makes it a crime to assist in an abortion, has had no practical effect for decades since abortion was legalized nationwide.

Those archaic statutes are unconstitutionally and dangerously vague, leaving open the potential for criminalizing doctors, nurses, anesthetists, health care providers, office receptionists  virtually anyone who either performs or assists in performing these medical procedures. Even the patient herself could face criminal liability under these statutes, the prosecutors from the Detroit, Lansing, Flint and Ann Arbor areas wrote in a letter.

In GOP-controlled Tennessee, Nashville's Democratic District Attorney Glenn Funk issued a statement just hours after the leaked draft opinion was published in early May. Funk promised he would stand by his previous position not to prosecute medical practitioners who perform an abortion nor any pregnant woman seeking the procedure.

I am appalled that this assault on a womans personal health decisions is in jeopardy. I stand by my prior statement," Funk said, a day before he won the Democratic primary election against two opponents who declined to state whether they would charge doctors.

Funk's longtime resistance to enforcing the state's abortion laws, as well as several others, has already sparked pushback from Tennessee Republican leaders. Late last year, the General Assembly passed a law allowing the attorney general to intervene in local cases  which includes abortion charges. The law permits the states legal chief to ask the Tennessee Supreme Court to appoint a temporary prosecutor when the district attorney has peremptorily and categorically refused to charge a case.

To date, the attorney general's office says it has not exercised the new law. Meanwhile, the state's top Republican leaders  who oversee every major political office  have remained mum on Funk's defiant stance, and his office has declined to answer follow up questions.

The National Right to Life Committee, which advocates for abortion restrictions, has developed model legislation in the event Roe is overturned that would, among things, authorize state attorneys general to file charges in abortion cases if local prosecutors refuse.

Chief prosecutors who represent some of Texas' most populated counties recently released a joint statement urging elected prosecutors to resist advancing charges that would criminalize personal healthcare decisions.

Like Tennessee, Texas is among the 13 states that have so-called trigger laws  measures that would ban most abortions and take effect almost automatically, should the nations highest court overturn the Roe. That ruling is expected to be released by late June or early July.

Many of these enactments have the potential to fuel attempts by some to criminalize patients, medical professionals, healthcare providers, and others who assist in these medical procedures, the prosecutors wrote, whose reach include Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and parts of Houston.

The statement came just weeks after a Texas woman was arrested after a grand jury indicted her for murder for allegedly causing the death of an individual ... by self-induced abortion. Starr County District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez quickly moved to dismiss the charges, pointing out the woman hadn't violated any state laws. Still, the incident only further cemented abortion rights advocates' warnings that prosecutors will be key in how anti-abortion laws are exercised on the local level.

Such decisions come as these lawyers must often win elections in order to take over the top prosecutorial role in their community. While many Republican hopefuls have publicly stated their intention to fully enforce the strictest anti-abortion laws, Democratic candidates are hoping their resistance will be enough to woo enough voters in key states.

In Arizona, Democrat Julie Gunningle quickly announced that she would not prioritize prosecuting doctors or pregnant women in her bid to become Maricopa County attorney, which encompasses the metro Phoenix area. Kris Mayes, the only Democrat running for Arizona attorney general, has also promised she wouldnt prosecute abortion cases in a state that has both a pre-statehood law that makes all abortion illegal and a new law signed by Republican Gov. Doug Ducey that bans abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Both seats were previously held by Republicans.

In Missouri, which has just one clinic  based in St. Louis  that provides abortions for the entire state, progressive prosecutors have shied away from issuing public statements promising to defy anti-abortion laws enacted by Republican state lawmakers. Instead, they warn that the state's trigger law will cause a "slippery slope.

If Roe v. Wade is struck down, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell, a Democrat, said its going to be open season and its going to have a disproportionate effect on poor folks  Black and brown but even poor white folks."

___

Associated Press writers Bob Christie in Phoenix and Jim Salter in St. Louis, Missouri contributed to this report.
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ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP)  The head of the Russian Central Bank warned Thursday that the country's economy faces pressure from abroad that could persist indefinitely, dampening hopes that conditions could return to what they were before Russia sent troops into Ukraine.

It seems to me that it's obvious to everyone that it won't be as it was before, Elvira Nabiullina said at a session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, an annual showpiece gathering aimed at investors.

External conditions have changed for a long time indeed, if not forever," she said.

Russia was hit by a wide array of sanctions after the start of the Ukraine military operation, including major banks being cut off from the SWIFT international payment system and Western bans on flights. Hundreds of foreign companies have suspended operations in Russia or pulled out entirely.

The consequences of those actions have yet to be fully assessed.

Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov told the same session that the prognosis is for Russia's gross domestic product to fall by 7.8% this year, but in the last month, there's been a wave of improving assessments and prognoses.

Many Russian officials have tried to brush off sanctions by contending that Russian enterprises can step in to take over.

Government funding could help those efforts, but Finance Minister Anton Siluanov warned that such measures could be overdone.

Now we hear, Lets get more funding, let's invest more there' ... such budget medicine should not turn into a narcotic," he said.

After the ruble lost as much as half its value in the first weeks of the Ukraine conflict, Russia took significant measures to support it, leading to a rebound that boosted it to levels not seen in years. However, that has made Russian exports more expensive. Many countries, meanwhile, are moving to lessen their dependence on Russian oil and natural gas.

Nabiullina called for Russia to reduce its emphasis on exports overall in favor of domestic production.

It has always been believed that exports are our intrinsic value, she said. We need to rethink and, finally, think about the fact that a significant part of production should work for the domestic market, more processing, more creation of final products."

___

Heintz reported from Moscow.
WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz on Tuesday weighed in on the bipartisan Senate gun deal that is being championed by fellow Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn.

Cruz told reporters on Capitol Hill that he was waiting for the details of the legislation before making up his mind. But he expressed concerns about aspects of the proposal that would encourage states to pass red flag laws, while calling efforts to boost school safety a natural avenue for bipartisan agreement.

Weve seen consistently whenever there is a horrific criminal event that Democrats top priority is not stopping the bad guys, not stopping the criminals, but rather disarming law-abiding citizens, he said. If thats what they try to push with this proposal, I think that would be a serious mistake.

The tentative deal, for which Cornyn was the lead negotiator, includes a mix of modest gun control proposals and funding for mental health services. It would incentivize states to pass red flag laws, which are designed to keep guns out of the hands of individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others; boost funding for mental health services, telehealth resources and more school security; permit juvenile records to be incorporated into background checks for purchasers under the age of 21; and crack down on the straw purchase and trafficking of guns.

Cornyn started mobilizing in the Senate around the legislation after the horrific school shooting last month in Uvalde, where an 18-year-old gunman killed 19 elementary school students and two teachers.

So far, the legislation has been outlined only in broad strokes.

Cruz was most skeptical about the red flag provision of the legislation.

I have real concerns about the Democrats efforts to push so-called red flag laws, he said. They have the potential to be a vehicle to disarm law-abiding citizens without protecting due process. So the statutory text on that topic will be particularly important.

He said he could envision some bipartisan support on school hardening provisions, even as he took a swing at Democrats.

Enhancing school safety would be a natural avenue for bipartisan agreement, he said. The political problem for Democrats is it wouldnt further their partisan agenda of undermining the Second Amendment.

Cruz is one of the top recipients of NRA donations in the Senate and consistently fights off attempts to limit gun access. Cornyn, Texas senior senator, also touts an A+ rating from the NRA, but in recent years hes positioned himself as willing to cross the aisle for very limited legislation in response to mass shootings.

Cornyn already has lined up nine other Republican senators who have signaled support for the deal  enough to break through a filibuster.

On Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, lent support to the deal.

Im comfortable with the framework and if the legislation ends up reflecting what the framework indicates, Ill be supportive," McConnell told reporters Tuesday at his weekly press conference.

Democrats are signaling that nearly any Senate-passed gun bill  even a modest one  will receive a positive reception in the House. On Sunday afternoon, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi released a statement confirming as much.

Eric Neugeboren contributed to this story.

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This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2022/06/14/ted-cruz-senate-gun-bill/.

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DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP)  Thousands of people marched in Bangladeshs capital on Thursday to demand the governments of Bangladesh and India officially condemn comments by two Indian governing party officials deemed derogatory to Islams Prophet Muhammad.

The march began at the countrys main Baitul Mukarram Mosque but was blocked by police as it headed toward India's Embassy, a few kilometers (miles) away.

The protesters demanded that Muslim-majority nations boycott Indian products and cut off ties with New Delhi, and that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina publicly condemn the comments made earlier by the two officials in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party.

Hasina has maintained warm relations with India. Information and Broadcast Minister Hasan Mahmud told a group of Indian journalists that the dispute is an internal Indian matter, according to reports by Indian media.

As they marched, the protesters chanted Down with Modi and Insult to Islam, will not tolerate. Many carried placards reading We love Muhammad.

After police stopped the march, a group of five people was allowed to head toward the Indian Embassy, according to Shahidul Islam Kabir, a spokesperson for the sponsors of the protest, Islami Andolon Bangladesh. The group vowed to continue its demonstrations.

India's governing party has suspended one of the officials and expelled the other, but protesters say the actions are not enough.

At least five Arab nations have condemned the remarks and lodged official protests against India. Pakistan and Afghanistan also reacted strongly to the comments by the two party officials. They follow increasing violence against Indias Muslim minority by Hindu nationalists who have been emboldened by Modis silence about such attacks since he was elected in 2014.
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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  The United Arab Emirates on Monday banned the upcoming Pixar animated feature Lightyear" from showing in movie theaters after its inclusion of a kiss between two lesbian characters.

The decision by the UAE comes as Malaysia also reportedly will ban the film, raising the possibility other Muslim-majority nations could follow suit on one of Disney's biggest animated films of the year as the film industry comes out of the depths of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Emirates, home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, announced through its Media Regulatory Office of the country's Ministry of Youth and Culture that the film would not be opening in the country this Thursday.

The film is not licensed for public screening in all cinemas in the UAE, due to its violation of the countrys media content standards, the office said in a tweet. The office confirms that all films screened in cinemas across the country are subject to follow-up and evaluation before the date of screening to the public, to ensure the safety of the circulated content according to the appropriate age classification.

The office did not elaborate on the tweet and did not immediately respond to questions from The Associated Press. The tweet included an image of the film's poster, with the profile image of its main character Buzz Lightyear with a no symbol over it in red.

Movie theaters in the UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula, had already advertised showtimes for the film. But over the weekend, a social media campaign with the Arabic hashtag Ban Showing Lightyear in the Emirates, caught the attention of conservative Emiratis. They described showing a lesbian couple on screen as being against their culture and religion.

The movie, with actor Chris Evans voicing the inspiration for the Buzz Lightyear action figure from the Toy Story films, includes a female character voiced by actress Uzo Aduba kissing her female partner.

The UAE, many other countries in the wider Mideast, is a Muslim-led nation that criminalizes same-sex relationships. The U.S. State Department warns that Islamic, or Shariah, law in the UAE can include the death penalty for same-sex conduct, while Dubai can levy a 10-year prison sentence and Abu Dhabi allows for up to 14 years.

However, such prosecutions are rarely reported and LGBTQ individuals do live in the skyscraper-studded city-state of Dubai, home to the long-haul carrier Emirates.

The $200 million Lightyear is expected to be a major draw for Disney, with analysts estimating it could gross over $100 million in its first weekend.

Studios have allowed censors to cut films in global distribution for content in the past, including in the Mideast market. Recently, Disney has faced protests from activists and its own staff over what they described as CEO Bob Chapeks slow response in publicly criticizing Florida legislation that opponents dubbed the Dont Say Gay bill.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in late March signed the bill, which forbids instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade.

The moment had been earlier cut from the film but was restored after Pixar employees protested Disney's response to Floridas bill.

The movie also may be banned in Malaysia as well. The Star, the countrys top English-language newspaper, cited an anonymous, nongovernment source as saying that Lightyear will not be shown in Malaysian cinemas. No reasons were given. A newspaper in the Persian Gulf island kingdom of Bahrain similarly has speculated the film wouldn't be shown there.

Officials from Malaysia's Film Censorship Board and the Home Affairs Ministry, as well as The Walt Disney Co., could not be immediately reached for comment.

___

Associated Press writers Malak Harb in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, contributed to this report.

___

Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellAP.
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EL MONTE, Calif. (AP)  The wife of a man who killed two Southern California police officers Tuesday in a shootout told a television station that her husband had previously attacked her and she warned the officers that he had a gun inside a suburban Los Angeles motel.

The gunman, identified as Justin William Flores, was shot and killed at the scene. His wife told KCBS-TV that he had attacked her two days ago and she had moved into the motel to escape him but he tracked her down.

I am so deeply sorry, my deepest condolences for saving me, Im so, so, so sorry, Diana Flores tearfully told the TV station. They didnt deserve that, or their families. They really didnt. They were trying to help me and I told them before they went in the room, Dont go in. He has a gun.

The officers  Cpl. Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana, who were identified Wednesday  were patrolling their shared hometown when both were slain while investigating a possible stabbing at a motel in El Monte.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that flags at the state Capitol will be flown at half-staff in their honor.

Paredes and Santana  one on the force for more than two decades and the other for just months  were both were raised in and worked for the city of El Monte, a suburb of 107,000 people in the San Gabriel Valley. They became only the third and fourth officers in the El Monte Police Departments history to die in the line of duty. A vigil is scheduled for Saturday.

Flores was on probation for a gun charge at the time of the shooting, which occurred a day after his probation officer requested that he return to court later in the month, court records show.

The coroners office has not yet released the name of the suspect but the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office identified Flores to The Associated Press.

Mourners on Wednesday left bouquets, wreaths of flowers and candles outside the El Monte police station to honor the fallen officers.

Corporal Paredes and Officer Santana paid the ultimate sacrifice, the city of El Monte wrote in a news release, while in performance of a noble profession, serving the community they loved.

Flores, 35, served two stints in state prison for vehicle theft and burglary, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and was most recently released in 2012.

In March 2020, Flores was arrested and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and for possession of narcotics for personal use. He pleaded guilty last year to being a felon in possession of a firearm, a felony charge that could have sent him back to prison for three years.

Instead he was sentenced to two years of probation and 20 days in jail and LA County District Attorney George Gascon, who is facing a recall effort for his progressive policies, is facing criticism for Flores' plea deal.

The sentence he received in the firearm case was consistent with case resolutions for this type of offense given his criminal history and the nature of the offense, the DA's office said in a statement Wednesday. "At the time the court sentenced him, Mr. Flores did not have a documented history of violence."

Court records obtained by AP do not specify why Flores' probation officer had requested Monday that he return to court; records show that a hearing was scheduled for June 27.

The county's probation department declined to comment and Flores' attorney in the case did not return a request for comment on Wednesday. But the Los Angeles Times reported that Flores had violated his probation, triggering the return to court.

Few details have emerged about what occurred during Tuesday's violence. The officers went to the Siesta Inn in El Monte, east of Los Angeles, around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, for a welfare check where a woman had possibly been stabbed.

The officers "confronted the suspect, Los Angeles County sheriffs homicide Capt. Andrew Meyer said Tuesday.

Gunfire erupted inside a motel room and the gunman then fled into the parking lot, where more gunfire was exchanged, Meyer said.

Meyer said he didnt know whether the officers were shot inside the motel or outside. They died at a hospital. A gun was found at the scene.

Meyer said investigators were interviewing a woman from the hotel who they believe was the suspects girlfriend. Diana Flores, who described herself as the suspects wife and had his first name tattooed on her chest, told KCBS that officers must have been reacting to a false call because she hadn't been stabbed on Tuesday.

I got stabbed the day before that, she told the TV station.

Paredes, 42, started as a cadet in the department before becoming a full-time officer in 2000, according to a news release. He is survived by his wife, daughter and son.

Santana, 31, had been with the El Monte force for less than a year when he was killed. He previously served as a deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for three years, the news release stated.

This tragic loss hits close to home for us," the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department wrote on Twitter. He was a great partner and loved by all who knew him.

Santana also worked as a part-time public works employee for El Monte for six years before turning to law enforcement. He is survived by his wife, daughter and twin sons.

El Monte interim Police Chief Ben Lowry on Tuesday called the officers heroes.

These two men were loved," Lowry said. They were good men. They paid the ultimate sacrifice, serving their community trying to help somebody."

They were murdered by a coward and we are grieving, and that hurts," he said.

El Monte Mayor Jessica Ancona said the officers died while trying to keep a family safe.

The killings came just one day after a California Highway Patrol officer was shot and critically wounded during a traffic stop in the Studio City area of Los Angeles.

The 27-year-old officer is expected to recover, authorities said. A bloodhound helped police track down the suspect, who surrendered to police Tuesday in a homeless encampment in the San Fernando Valley.

___

Dazio reported from Los Angeles. News researcher Rhonda Shafner contributed from New York City.
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NEW DELHI (AP)  Violence erupted in parts of India on Thursday with thousands of angry youths setting train coaches and vehicles on fire, blocking highways and attacking police with rocks to protest a new short-term government recruitment policy for the military.

Police used batons and tear gas to disperse the protesters in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan states where they took to the streets and damaged government buildings.

Nearly 25,000 police were deployed in the worst-hit Bihar state, where the protests spread to a dozen towns in eight districts, said S.K. Singhal, a police officer. The protesters blocked highways and disrupted train service for several hours.

Under the new job program announced by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh this week, the armed forces this year can recruit 46,000 men and women in the age group 17.5-21 but only for four years. Seventy-five percent of them will be compulsorily retired after four years with no pension benefits.

A full-time recruited soldier serves for over 35 years.

Singh defended the program, saying it's aim is "to strengthen the security of the country. With 1.4 million active personnel, India's military is the world's second largest after China, and the third-largest spender.

The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is facing national elections in 2024, is under pressure to provide jobs as India's economy recovers from the pandemic slump. One idea behind the short-term military recruitment is that those trained by the armed forces can later seek jobs with police or the private sector.

The government faced criticism from some retired soldiers and opposition leaders.

I thought initially it was a trial being done on a pilot basis. This is an across-the-board change to convert Indian armed forces to a short tenure quasi-conscript force, G.D. Bakshi, a retired army general, tweeted.

Rahul Gandhi, a key opposition Congress party leader, urged the government to "listen to the voice of the unemployed youth of the country.

In Gwalior, a city in central India, a railroad station was ransacked, some trains vandalized and trash cans set on fire.

In the northern town of Rewari, police used wooden sticks to disperse protesters who blocked a bus station and parts of a key highway linking Rajasthan state with New Delhi, the Hindustan Times newspaper reported.

A crowd gathered in Uttar Predesh state's Bulandshahr and Ballia districts but dispersed after officials assured them that their demand would be conveyed to authorities.
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BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP)  The white man who killed 10 Black people at a Buffalo supermarket made his first appearance in federal court on hate crime charges Thursday, and the judge urged prosecutors to quickly decide whether to pursue the death penalty given the substantial cost of those cases.

In a brief proceeding, presiding Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder said Payton Gendron was eligible to be represented by public defenders based on his financial situation. Fielding a series of questions from the judge mostly with yes or no responses, Gendron said he had not been employed in a year, had $16 dollars in a bank account, had no car and two shares of Disney stock.

Gendron has been held without bail since his arrest shortly after the May 14 attack at a Tops Friendly Supermarket, which also left three people wounded.

He appeared in U.S. District Court on a criminal complaint charging him with 10 counts each of hate crime resulting in death and using a firearm to commit murder. The complaint also includes three counts each of hate crime involving bodily injury and attempt to kill, and using a firearm in a violent crime.

Gendron wore an orange jump suit, shackles and a black mask covering a scruffy beard. He leaned forward slightly in his chair with his head down when the judge read the charges.

No plea was entered during the proceeding.

It's hard being here. It's hard being in a courtroom with a terrorist," said Zeneta Everhart, one of about two dozen relatives of victims who were in the courtroom. "Seeing the man who tried to kill my son sitting there, sharing the same space with him, is hard.

Everhart's 21-year-old son, Zaire Goodman, a Tops employee, was shot in the neck as he helped a customer in the parking lot but survived.

She called being in court part of my healing process.

Gendron's parents were not in the courtroom.

Attorney General Merrick Garland, who met with the victims families in Buffalo on Wednesday, has not ruled out seeking the death penalty against Gendron.

In calling for prosecutors to make a quick decision on the death penalty, Schroeder noted such cases typically require expert testimony from psychiatrists and medical examiners.

Federal prosecutor Joseph Tripi said the next step in the process involves an indictment. At that point, it will be the attorney generals sole decision whether to seek the death penalty.

Im a Christian person, I dont wish death on anyone, a niece of 62-year-old victim Geraldine Talley said after the hearing, but this right here I have to work with it, because I would rather see him dead.

The niece, Tamika Harper, vowed to be at every court appearance for my aunt and the other nine victims.

I'm angry, very, very angry, said Harper, who wore pins on her top with the victims pictures. He has not shown a lick of remorse.

The federal hate crimes case is based partly on documents in which Gendron detailed his plans for the attack, including the semi-automatic rifle he would use, clothing and body armor he would wear and the portable camera that would allow him to stream the massacre live on the internet.

The writings included statements that his motivation for the attack was to prevent Black people from replacing white people and eliminating the white race, and to inspire others to commit similar racially-motivated attacks, according to the complaint.

Gendron was already facing a mandatory life sentence without parole if convicted on previously filed state charges, including hate-motivated domestic terrorism and murder. He has pleaded not guilty.

His lawyer in the state case declined to comment on the federal charges.

Gendron drove more than 200 miles (320 kilometers) from his home in Conklin to a predominantly Black part of Buffalo. There, authorities say, he fired approximately 60 shots at shoppers and workers.

The complaint details his path through the store's aisles in search of victims as customers and employees ran to take cover in a stock room, conference room, freezer and dairy cooler.

Gendron surrendered to police as he exited the supermarket.

-

Associated Press writer Michael Hill contributed from Albany, N.Y.
A planned retail marijuana dispensary in Jacksonville should be open by the end of 2022.

"We will have a license in hand by Aug. 5," said Kenny Pleasant, a real estate investment broker and strategic consultant of Kush21, which is opening the local dispensary. "We were in the group that was cleared last week to receive licenses.

"Were kind of in a holding pattern until early August," Pleasant said, "but we definitely will be open by the end of the year."

The number of recreational marijuana shops in Illinois should more than double after the state announced plans last week to issue 185 new dispensary licenses. Gov. J.B. Pritzker gave the go-ahead after a federal court judge lifted a ban on issuing the licenses while litigation continues.

Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer refused to issue a temporary restraining order against the new licenses in a lawsuit by two plaintiffs claiming the states residency requirements violate federal law. The judge ruled plaintiffs lacked standing to challenge the previously allotted licenses because state officials have proposed alternatives to state residency.

The judge freed the state to issue the previously allotted 185 licenses, including Kush21's, but said it must hold off on additional dispensary licenses until she makes further rulings.

The state plans to issue licenses in three waves. The first wave, for the Chicago area, is to be issued by July 22. The next wave, for other regions with multiple licenses, is due by Aug. 5, with the third wave, for districts with one license, due by Aug. 19.

After issuing the conditional licenses, the state will conduct background checks of principal officers. Licensees will have 180 days to select a physical storefront location and obtain the operating license. The pace of licensing will be determined by how quickly applicants compliance checks can be verified.

The Jacksonville store will be Kush21's first location outside of Washington state, where it now has 10 stores. The company has secured a building at 1112 Veterans Drive.

Pleasant estimates it will take 10 people to staff the store and said a few of those positions will be full time.

"The city has been amazing to work with," Pleasant said. "It's inspiring to me to be welcomed this way. I'm looking forward to being an integral part of the community."

Cannabis dispensaries are not new to west-central Illinois. Springfield has six, while Quincy has three. The next-closest locations from Jacksonville are Williamsville, about 50 miles to the northeast, and Litchfield, about 70 miles to the southeast.

By an 8-1 vote, Jacksonville City Council approved a zoning change in March to bring the retail marijuana dispensary to the city. Recreational marijuana has been legal in Illinois since Jan. 1, 2020, although it remains strongly regulated and licensed. Buyers must be at least 21 years old.

Recreational marijuana sales continue to break records in Illinois, with more than 2 million products sold in May, amounting to more than $100 million in sales.
Farmers Market: 7 a.m.-noon, Pathway Plaza, 1905 W. Morton Ave. Prices vary. | Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through Oct. 31. Link cards accepted.

Produce and Bakery Giveaway: 9 a.m.-noon, Jacksonville Food Center, 316 E. State St. Free | For Morgan County residents.

Center for American Archeology Eco Adventure Day Camp: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., McCully Heritage Project, Crawford Creek Road, Kampsville. $25 a student per day. | For children entering grades 2-4. Each day includes a hike and activities. For registration or more information, go to caa-archeology.org.

HCE Annual Meeting: 9:30 a.m., Morgan County Cooperative Extension Office, 104 N. Westgate Ave. Free | Representatives from Ameren Illinois will discuss green energy. Registration with breakfast treats 9-9:30 a.m. Business meeting at 9:30 a.m., followed program. For more information, call 217-243-7424.

Free Noon Meal: 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., The Salvation Army, 331 W. Douglas Ave. | Meals in to-go containers can be picked up at side door.

Walking for Wellness: 12:30-3 p.m., First Christian Church, 2106 S. Main St. Free | Indoor walking program offered year-round Monday-Thursday. For more information, call 217-243-6445.

Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen: 3:30-4 p.m., Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen, 105 E. Dunlap St. Free | Serving meals to go for anyone in need.

Crime Stoppers of Morgan, Scott and Cass Counties: 6 p.m., Golden Age Center, 111 W. Third St., Beardstown. | Concerned citizens encouraged to attend. There will be an open forum question-and-answer session at conclusion of the meeting.

Friday

Produce and Bakery Giveaway: 9 a.m.-noon, Jacksonville Food Center, 316 E. State St. Free | For Morgan County residents.

Summer Bookmobile for Kids: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., various locations, Jacksonville. | The library is coming to various locations in Jacksonville every Friday. Anyone from age 2 to seniors in high school can check out two books a week. Library card not required, no late fees and no registration. For more information, call 217-243-5435 or email bspradlin@jaxpl.org.

Archaeology Fridays: 10-11:30 a.m., Old Kampsville Grade School. Free | For children Kindergarten through third grades. Sessions held each Friday through Aug. 8. Make-and-take craft activity and game. Register by email at education@caa-archeology.org or call 618-653-4316.

Free Noon Meal: 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., The Salvation Army, 331 W. Douglas Ave. | Meals in to-go containers can be picked up at side door.

Produce and Bakery Giveaway: 12:30-1 p.m., The Salvation Army, 331 W. Douglas Ave. Free.

Scott and Karl: 6 p.m., The Loading Dock, 401 E. Front St., Grafton. | Live music.

Jacksonville Main Street Downtown Concert Series: 7-9 p.m., Central Park, downtown Jacksonville. | Elisha Israel and AZOne perform. Refreshments on sale 6 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Morgan County Audubon Society Firefly Walk: 7:30 p.m., Emma Mae Leohnard Wildlife Sanctuary, 1050 E. Vandalia Road. | Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts or jackets. Do not put insect repellant on hands if you intend to catch fireflies, as it will harm and possibly kill them. For more information, email Allen Yow at aryow@irtc.net.

Catfish Willie: 8 p.m., The Bloody Bucket, 201 E. Main St., Grafton. | Live music.

To submit items to the calendar, go to myjournalcourier.com and select calendar, or email jjcsocial@myjournalcourier.com. Items must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance.
The best advice for those who plan to work outside during periods of excessive heat is: "Dont."

That advice from Phil McCarty, Jacksonville-Morgan County Emergency Management director, comes as west-central Illinois has sweltered this week under hot and humid conditions with temperatures in the upper 90s and heat indexes hovering around or above 105 degrees.

"Be careful if you work outside," McCarty said. "Heat exhaustion is a compiling event. You need to recover and stay hydrated. Drinking water and Gatorade is important. If you work outside, take breaks. Take care of yourself. Summer is upon us."

The short-term good news is the area will get a respite from the heat as the weekend approaches. The National Weather Service in Lincoln said a cold front would move into the region Wednesday night, bringing with it scattered thunderstorms. Additional storms are possible late today.

Today will remain hot, with a heat advisory in effect until 8 p.m., the weather service said. Weekend temperatures will be in the mid-80s, followed by highs Monday and Tuesday in the upper 90s with a return of dangerous heat indexes.

While McCarty was not aware Wednesday of a current demand for cooling centers, there are several places where people can cool off, he said.

"Typically, the New Directions facilty provides a cooling center, as does the Municipal Building and Jacksonville Public Library," McCarty said. "The downtown Department of Human Services office does, too. Those are our designated public buildings for seeking shelter from the heat."

The demand may not be large now, but all of those locations will be available throughout the summer for people to find relief from the heat, McCarty said.

If someone doesnt have air conditioning, or its broken, McCarty ssuggested relying on friends and neighbors who have working air conditioning.

"Use fans, use friends and other social services to work through those circumstances," he said.

Individual health is not the only strain caused by hot weather. The heat also is creating stress on consumer finances. Ameren Illinois spokeswoman Marcelyn Love said now is a good time to plan and take advantage of programs that can help customers manage their energy bills.

One financial resource available to Ameren customers, Love said, is budget billing that allows consumers to spread energy costs over a longer period. Bills are calculated using the average monthly bill amount based on the past 12 months.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) grants also are available to income-qualified customers. For information about LIHEAP eligibility and how to apply, call MCS Community Services in Jacksonville at 217-243-9404, or visit the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Utility Assistance page at bit.ly/39iGXfG.

Some Ameren Illinois customers also may be eligible to receive assistance through Warm Neighbors Cool Friends, a program funded primarily through the contributions of Ameren employees and customers. Warm Neighbors Cool Friends provides energy bill payment support to those who generally do not qualify for federal or state heating assistance. Information is available at warmneighborscoolfriends.org.
James Patterson sorry for saying white writers face racism View Photo

NEW YORK (AP)  James Patterson is apologizing for saying that white male writers are being subjected to just another of form of racism, comments the best-selling author had made during an interview with The Sunday Times in London.

Facing widespread criticism on social media, Patterson tweeted this week that I absolutely do not believe that racism is practiced against white writers. Please know that I strongly support a diversity of voices being heard  in literature, in Hollywood, everywhere.

Patterson, promoting his memoir James Patterson: The Stories of My Life, told the Times in a story which ran last weekend that he worried that white men were having difficulties finding work in film and publishing, calling it a just another form of racism.

Can you get a job? he wondered. Yes. Is it harder? Yes. Its even harder for older writers.

The 75-year-old Patterson himself has thrived like few others, publishing multiple bestsellers each year, including novels and childrens books. He is ranked with J.K. Rowling and a handful of others as among the worlds richest writers.
MoNique, Netflix reportedly settle her suit alleging bias View Photo

LOS ANGELES (AP)  MoNique and Netflix reportedly have settled her lawsuit that accused the streaming service of racial and sexual discrimination for allegedly making her a lowball offer for a proposed comedy special.

The matter has been amicably resolved, Michael Parks, an attorney representing MoNique in the suit, told The Hollywood Reporter.

The terms of the settlement between the streaming giant and the comedian and Oscar-winning actor werent disclosed Wednesday, when they jointly filed in a Los Angeles federal court for the cases dismissal.

Netflix didnt respond to a request for comment, and the law firm representing the company in the suit declined comment.

MoNiques lawsuit said Netflix officials warmly praised her work before they offered her $500,000 in early 2018 for a comedy special and refused to negotiate further. Her suit said that reflected a company tendency to underpay Black women.

In contrast, the suit claimed, Netflix was willing to negotiate with other comics and made deals reportedly worth tens of millions of dollars for comedy specials from Chris Rock, Ellen DeGeneres, Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais.

Netflix denied the main allegations of the suit, filed in November 2019, in a statement made at the time.

We care deeply about inclusion, equity, and diversity and take any accusations of discrimination very seriously, Netflix said then. We believe our opening offer to MoNique was fair  which is why we will be fighting this lawsuit.

The suit alleged that Netflix violated Californias fair employment and civil rights laws and is representative of the major pay inequity in all employment for Black women.

I had a choice to make, MoNique said in a post on her Instagram account after the filing. I could accept what I felt was pay discrimination or I could stand up for those who came before me and those who will come after me. I chose to stand up.

MoNique, whose birth name is Monique Angela Hicks, first gained fame as one of stand-ups Queens of Comedy and starred in the UPN series The Parkers. She won an Academy Award for best supporting actress for the 2009 film Precious.
Details of new military aid for Ukraine from US, allies

Details of new military aid for Ukraine from US, allies View Photo

WASHINGTON (AP)  The $1 billion package of military assistance the U.S. announced for Ukraine on Wednesday is aimed at bolstering the countrys ability to push back Russian advances in the eastern Donbas region. Several European nations added their own contributions, as U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin wrapped up a meeting of more then 45 nations in Brussels to discuss Ukraines security needs.

The aid reflects Ukraines needs for longer-range rocket and missile systems that will allow it to target Russian troops and locations from farther away, thus making strikes less likely for Ukrainian forces.

The $1 billion package is the largest single tranche of aid provided by the U.S. since the war began on Feb. 24. It includes $350 million in rapid, off-the-shelf deliveries by the Pentagon and $650 million in other longer-term purchases. All combined, the U.S. has now committed about $6.3 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden Administration, including approximately $5.6 billion since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.

The U.S. military aid announced on Wednesday includes:

 18 howitzers and 36,000 rounds of ammunition for them.

 18 tactical vehicles to tow the howitzers.

 Ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) that the U.S. previously agreed to send,

 Four tactical vehicles to recover equipment.

 Spare parts and other equipment.

 Two Harpoon coastal defense systems.

 Thousands of secure radios, night vision devices, thermal sights and other optics.

 Funding for training, maintenance, sustainment, transportation, and administrative costs.

Austin said other countries also agreed to send more aid:

 Germany will send three Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, which are very similar to the HIMARS. and guided munitions for the systems.

 Slovakia will send helicopters and urgently needed rocket ammunition.

 Canada and Poland will send artillery.

By LOLITA C. BALDOR

Associated Press
2 US veterans from Alabama reported missing in Ukraine View Photo

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP)  Two U.S. veterans from Alabama who were in Ukraine assisting in the war against Russia havent been heard from in days and are missing, members of the states congressional delegation said Wednesday.

Relatives of Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh, 27, of Trinity and Alexander Drueke, 39, of Tuscaloosa have been in contact with both Senate and House offices seeking information about the mens whereabouts, press aides said.

Rep. Robert Aderholt said Huynh had volunteered to go fight with the Ukrainian army against Russia, but relatives havent heard from him since June 8, when he was in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine, which is near the Russian border. Huynh and Drueke were together, an aide to Aderholt said.

As you can imagine, his loved ones are very concerned about him, Aderholt said in a statement. My office has placed inquires with both the United States Department of State and the Federal Bureau of Investigation trying to get any information possible.

Rep. Terri Sewell said Druekes mother reached out to her office earlier this week after she lost contact with her son.

The U.S. State Department said it was looking into reports that Russian or Russian-backed separatist forces in Ukraine had captured at least two American citizens. If confirmed, they would be the first Americans fighting for Ukraine known to have been captured since the war began Feb. 24.

We are closely monitoring the situation and are in contact with Ukrainian authorities, the department said in a statement emailed to reporters. It declined further comment, citing privacy considerations.

John Kirby, a national security spokesman at the White House, said Wednesday that the administration wasnt able to confirm the reports about missing Americans.

Well do the best we can to monitor this and see what we can learn about it, he said.

However, he reiterated his warnings against Americans going to Ukraine.

Ukraine is not the place for Americans to be traveling, he said. If you feel passionate about supporting Ukraine, theres any number of ways to do that that that are safer and just as effective.

A court in Donetsk, under separatist control, sentenced two Britons and a Moroccan man to death last week. The Britons and Moroccan were accused of being mercenaries and seeking the violent overthrow of the separatist government in the Donetsk region. The Russian military has said it considers foreigners fighting with Ukraine to be mercenaries and claims they are not protected as combatants under the Geneva Convention.

Huynhs fiancee, Joy Black, posted publicly on Facebook that his family was in contact with the Drueke family and government officials, and that nothing had been confirmed other than that the two were missing.

Please keep Andy, and Alex, and all of their loved ones in prayer. We just want them to come home, she wrote.

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger tweeted that the Americans have enlisted in the Ukrainian army, and thus are afforded legal combatant protections. As such, we expect members of the Legion to be treated in accordance with the Geneva convention. It was unclear whether Kinzinger, an Illinois Republican, had any further information about the men.

He was commenting on a tweet sent earlier Wednesday by Task Force Baguette, a group of former U.S. and French servicemen, saying that two Americans fighting with them were captured a week ago. The group said Ukrainian intelligence confirmed the information.

Early in the war, Ukraine created the International Legion for foreign citizens who wanted to help defend against the Russian invasion.

Huynh spoke to his local newspaper, the Decatur Daily, shortly before flying to Eastern Europe in April.

He explained that he was studying robotics at Calhoun Community College but couldnt stop thinking about Russias invasion.

I know it wasnt my problem, but there was that gut feeling that I felt I had to do something, Huynh told the Decatur Daily. Two weeks after the war began, it kept eating me up inside and it just felt wrong. I was losing sleep.  All I could think about was the situation in Ukraine.

He said he decided to fly out once he learned that young Ukrainians were being drafted into service.

Right when they turned 18, they were forced to enlist in the military to defend their homeland, Huynh said. Honestly, that broke my heart. I would say that is probably the moment where I decided that I have to do something.

According to the newspaper, Huynh enlisted in the Marines when he was 19 and served for four years, though he did not see active combat.

He was born and raised in Orange County, California, to Vietnamese immigrants and moved to northern Alabama two years ago to be closer to his fiancee, the newspaper reported.

___

Associated Press writers Lynn Berry in Washington and Chris Megerian in Washington contributed to this report.

By JAY REEVES

Associated Press
Haiti mourns 11 women from fatal voyage near Puerto Rico View Photo

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  The caskets were rolled in one by one, lined up in front of friends and family who had no idea that many of the 11 Haitian girls and women they were preparing to bury had decided to flee their country.

They were teenagers, mothers, students, university graduates, all aboard a grossly overloaded boat that capsized last month in the open waters northwest of Puerto Rico.

It was one of the deadliest voyages in the region in recent months. The boat was carrying an estimated 60 to 75 migrants, of which 11 were found dead, at least a dozen are still missing and 38 were rescued  36 of them Haitians fleeing a deeply unstable country fighting a surge in poverty and violence.

Mourners held aloft their phones at the church and rainy cemetery Wednesday as they live streamed the Mass and burials on social media. They zoomed in on certain caskets for families back in Haiti who couldnt afford to fly to Puerto Rico and for Haitian migrants living illegally on the U.S. mainland who feared being arrested if they traveled but longed to say goodbye to the victims, including two girls, ages 15 and 16.

Today we bury their remains, but not their lives and hope, said one of five priests officiating the ceremony as one man attending the service closed his eyes tightly before tears began to form.

That man, Pierrot Samedi, lost his 23-year-old sister as well as six cousins on the voyage who were never found. He flew to Puerto Rico from West Palm Beach at the urging of local Haitian leader Leonard Prophil, who helped identify the bodies and who has housed and fed all those who arrived for the funeral.

If youve never lived in Haiti, you dont know what hardship is, you dont know what misery is, Prophil said.

The country of more than 11 million people is fighting a 180% increase in kidnappings and a 17% rise in homicides in the past year, according to the United Nations. Dozens of people, including women and children, have been killed and raped in recent months as gangs fight over territory and gain more power following the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

Tens of thousands of Haitians have lost their homes amid gang battles that also have shut down access to the countrys northern and southern regions, the latter still trying to recover from a magnitude 7.2 earthquake last August that killed at least 2,000 people.

Haitis worsening situation has prompted thousands to flee their country despite the dangers of illegal human smuggling trips that often turn deadly. Some pay to cross the treacherous Mona Passage to reach Puerto Rico from the neighboring Dominican Republic, while others are dropped off in Cuba, the Bahamas or the Turks and Caicos Islands in their quest to reach the U.S.

In late May, more than 840 Haitians aboard one boat landed in Cuba, the largest such single arrival in recent history. Meanwhile, hundreds of Haitians have reached Florida in recent months after swimming ashore.

U.S. authorities also have reported a big spike in the number of Haitian migrants detained throughout the Caribbean in comparison with previous years. The vast majority of those traveling are men, which makes the death of the 11 women even more unusual.

Those mourning them said its inevitable that other fatal voyages will occur in upcoming months.

This is not going to end, said Samedi, who lost seven relatives in the most recent deadly voyage. Its not the first one nor will it be the last one.

Most migrants who die at sea and whose bodies are recovered are cremated, but Prophil, the local Haitian leader, said he and others fought for a proper burial because Haitians dont believe in cremation and the bodies couldnt be repatriated because of what they criticized as government bureaucracy. They thanked embalmers, funeral homes and a clothing designer in Puerto Rico for donating their time and resources to help the womens families in what turned out to be a farewell rarely seen after a deadly migrant voyage.

Part of Wednesdays Mass was held in Haitian Creole, with the countrys flag draped over each casket and a framed picture of each girl or woman balanced on it. Some were selfies and others were pictures of them posing, one of them with her hands on her hips, a wide smile and a bright pink scarf tied around her head.

Two of the women were 31 years old. One had a son and was studying law and the other was studying accounting. Another victim was a 28-year-old university graduate who had studied business administration and had two sons, family members said.

Once at the cemetery, mourners braved heavy rain and stepped through thick, red mud to bury the women as they held each others hand, clutched moist tissues or put a palm on the casket before it was lowered into the ground. One woman wailed until others surrounded her and began singing a hymn to calm her.

Weve been suffering for centuries, and no one has been listening, said one woman adding that she hasnt lost hope. I believe that before I close my eyes, I will see a better Haiti.

By DANICA COTO

Associated Press
Letters sent to Garcia Marquez to be shown in Mexico City View Photo

MEXICO CITY (AP)  While reviewing the photo archives left by Nobel Prize-winning Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, one of his granddaughters came across a mysterious plastic box with the word grandchildren written on its label.

At first, Emilia Garcia Elizondo was afraid to open the box but curiosity overcame her. Inside were 150 unpublished letters that he received from Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Cuban President Fidel Castro and actor Robert Redford, among others.

Forty of the letters will be exhibited for two months starting June 16 in the colonial house in the southern part of Mexicos capital where Garcia Marquez lived with his wife, Mercedes Barcha, from the 1980s until his death in 2014.

The exhibition is part of celebrations for the 40th anniversary of his winning the Nobel literature prize. Another event, which includes the exhibition Gabriel Garcia Marquez: The Making of a Global Writer, will open June 18 in Mexicos Museum of Modern Art.

Im 32 years old and all this continues to impress me, Garcia Elizondo, who is director of the Garcia Marquez foundation, told The Associated Press, describing her shock at finding the box in a cabinet on the second floor of her grandparents house. She had passed the cabinet many times wihtout paying much attention to it.

Garcia Marquezs granddaughter said the discovery was a surprise for the family because they thought all his letters and personal correspondences were in the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin, which possesses the largest collection of the writers documents.

One never expects to find this kind of thing even though one already knows who Gabo is  I will always think that Gabo does everything like magic, she said. Garcia Marquez is know affectionately in Latin America as Gabo.

Among the letters that will be exhibited are five from Castro, one from Neruda, two from Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes, two from Mexican guerrilla leader Subcomandante Marcos, one from Redford, one from director Woody Allen and seven from Clinton.

In one of them, dated Dec. 28, 1999, Clinton told the Colombian writer the emotion he and his wife, Hillary, felt at a concert of Colombian vallenato music given by young people at the White House. He described the music as a treasure and a wonderful counterpoint to the negative images often associated with your beautiful country.

Also included is a letter that Castro wrote by hand, dated Dec. 10, 2007, in which he writes: I am subject to a rigorous exercise regimen that I must not fail to comply with if I intend to continue being useful to the revolution.

Gonzalo Garcia Barcha, the writers youngest son and Emilias father, said the family misses Garcia Marquez very much. Garcia Marquez has four grandchildren.

Thats why we do these kinds of activities. We want to keep this house alive, he said.

By FABIOLA SANCHEZ

Associated Press
Washington, DC  Mother Lode Republican Congressman Tom McClintock gave a speech on the US House Floor about the logistics of the January 6 committee hearings.

He noted that what happened on January 6 was an affront to the Constitution and a national disgrace, and those trying to disrupt the count of electoral votes should be denounced and prosecuted.

In addition, he says, Questions involving the authority of Congress to refuse to count electoral votes, or why adequate security was not present to protect the capitol, or whether there were conspiracies to break into the capitol, are all important to resolve to ensure this never happens again.

However, he calls what is taking place, A sick mockery in the principles of fairness and due process that this house is founded upon.

He said both parties should have been allowed to select their participants, debate the facts, and offer conflicting evidence.

He says House Speaker Nancy Pelosi picked the members from both parties, knowing that they all share a common view. McClintock says it is impossible to test the accuracy of facts and the truth of the narratives. He refers to it as a Soviet-style show trial.

McClintock also criticizes using the term insurrection to describe what happened. Noting, The constitutional process immediately resumed once these yahoos were kicked out of this building. Do Democrats actually expect us to believe that some lunatic wearing buffalo horns was moments away from seizing our government. The narrative cannot survive in open debate and the Democrats know it. Thats why they are not permitting one.

McClintock made the comments on the House Floor, yesterday.
BAGHDAD (AP)  U.S.-led coalition forces captured a senior leader of the extremist Islamic State group in a military operation in northern Syria on Thursday, the coalition said.

A statement from the coalition said the captured IS leader was an experienced bomb maker and operational facilitator, describing him as one of the top leaders of the militant groups branch in Syria. It said the operation was successful, with no civilians harmed and no injuries to the coalition forces. The coalition did not respond to queries from The Associated Press.

An updated statement later in the day identified the captured militant as Hani Ahmed al-Kurdi, known as Salim, and said that he was taken in Syrias Aleppo province.

According to a defense official, al-Kurdi is currently in U.S. custody and was being questioned. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to provide information not yet made public.

The mission to capture al-Kurdi was meticulously planned to minimize the risk of civilian harm or collateral damage, the updated statement said. He was instructing others on making explosive devices, supporting the construction of improvised explosive device facilities, and facilitating attacks on U.S. and partner forces.

Earlier, three Iraqi intelligence officials said al-Kurdi is a Syrian national who rose through militant ranks to become one of the most senior and dangerous IS leaders and an expert on manufacturing booby-traps and explosives.

For a while, he was the IS leader in charge of the Syrian city of Raqqa, when it was the de facto capital of the groups so-called Islamic caliphate that stretched across much of Iraq and Syria. The Iraqi intel officials spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to give out the information.

The U.S.-backed forces declared victory over the Islamic State group in March 2019 after retaking the last piece of territory held by IS in Syria. But the militants continue to operate and carry out deadly attacks in both Iraq and Syria through sleeper cells; the group also maintains several affiliates in various countries.

A Syria war monitor, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said the operation began with two helicopters landing near the targeted area in the village of al-Humaira, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the Turkish border.

It reported clashes with gunmen hiding in houses in the village in the northern Aleppo countryside as they were chased by members of the coalition. The Observatory has a network of activists on the ground in Syria.

The coalition has conducted raids in the past to take out IS leaders. In February, the groups leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi blew himself up along with members of his family as American forces raided his Syria hideout.

His predecessor, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, died similarly along with his family in 2019 by detonating a suicide vest in a tunnel in northwest Syria as a military operation unfolded during the Trump administration.

The IS group at the height of its power controlled more than 40,000 square miles stretching from Syria to Iraq and ruled over 8 million people. Its attacks in the region included a major assault last month to seize a prison in northeast Syria holding at least 3,000 IS detainees.

___

Associated Press writer Lolita Baldor in Washington contributed to this report.

By QASSIM ABDUL-ZAHRA

Associated Press
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP)  A man acquitted at retrial after his conviction and death sentence for raping and murdering a woman was overturned was almost certainly the actual killer according to new DNA tests, a Florida prosecutor announced Wednesday.

Retesting shows DNA found in Pamela Albertsons vagina came from Robert Earl Hayes, who was convicted but then acquitted of her 1990 strangulation and rape, Broward County State Attorney Harold Pryor said in a statement.

The attorney who won his acquittal disputed Pryors conclusion, saying Wednesday the evidence is not that clear cut.

Prosecutors used DNA evidence 30 years ago to originally convict Hayes of murdering Albertson at a horse track near Fort Lauderdale where they both worked as groomers and he was sentenced to die. She had also expressed fear of Hayes to others before the killing, he had a history of violence and was seen with her shortly before her slaying, prosecutors said.

But DNA testing was then new technology and his conviction was overturned a few years later by the Florida Supreme Court, which said the method then used was scientifically unreliable.

Hayes, now 58, was acquitted at a 1997 retrial in the death of Albertson, 32. The court ruling limited how prosecutors could link DNA evidence to Hayes and experts said tests showed that hairs Albertson was clutching came from an unidentified white person. Hayes is Black. His attorney, Barbara Heyer, pointed to a white track worker as the killer and told jurors that any DNA test linking Hayes to the slaying was flawed.

They were getting ready to execute an innocent man, Hayes told reporters immediately after the not guilty verdict. His case was subsequently featured in a 2002 play, The Exonerated, which was made into a Court TV movie.

The evidence lay dormant until late 2020, when the Innocence Project of New York requested its retesting to possibly help exonerate Hayes in another case. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter in that state in 2004 for the 1987 death of Leslie Dickenson, a woman he worked with at Vernon Downs racetrack  an investigation that was reopened after his Florida charges were brought. He is serving a 15- to 45-year sentence and is up again for parole in 2025, but supporters questioned his guilt in that case.

Hayes claimed to have found Dickenson hanging from a rope in her burning dorm room. Her death was originally ruled a suicide despite her body having multiple stab wounds.

The retest of the Broward evidence was conducted by a California lab picked by the Innocence Project. It concluded that not only did the DNA found on Albertsons body come from Hayes but at least some of that hair in her hands was her own. None of it came from the man that Heyer, his attorney, had accused.

Heyer in an email Wednesday said there remains untested hair and that Hayes admitted to having sex with Albertson that night, so of course his DNA was found on her body. She said other DNA was inconclusive.

Because of the U.S. Constitution bar on double jeopardy, Pryors office cannot retry Hayes for Albertsons murder. Pryor recently wrote to the New York parole board and prosecutors to advise them of the findings in hopes it will prevent his parole.

We believe it is just as relevant to speak the truth about what happened in this case and try to hold Mr. Hayes accountable  to the extent possible, Pryor said.

The Innocence Project did not return a phone call Wednesday seeking comment. Heyer did not immediately respond to a phone message left at her office or to an email.

David Weinstein, a Miami defense attorney and former prosecutor not involved in the case, called the new result unusual.

More often than not current DNA testing exonerates individuals who had been convicted in the past, he said. Still, he said todays testing is more reliable than it was in the past.

If (the jury) had the test results from today, the chance of an acquittal would have been less likely, he said.

By TERRY SPENCER

Associated Press
New SBC President commits to move sex abuse reforms forward View Photo

ANAHEIM, California (AP)  The new president of the Southern Baptist Convention said Wednesday he will accelerate sex abuse reforms in the nations largest Protestant denomination.

Texas pastor Bart Barbers first priority: to assemble a panel of people  Southern Baptist leaders and experts  to shepherd this work for the whole convention as mandated by thousands of representatives from local SBC churches.

The day after his victory in a run-off race against Tom Ascol, a Florida pastor who vowed to take the conservative denomination further right, Barber reiterated his desire to lead by being a unifier and peacebuilder. The SBC has seen deep divisions and a steady drop in membership for more than a decade.

During a news conference Wednesday, Barber voiced his commitment to forming a new action group to help carry out the recommendations of the Sexual Abuse Task Force, which delegates overwhelmingly approved Tuesday. Delegates at the SBCs national meeting also agreed to create a way to track church workers credibly accused of sex abuse.

Those recommendations came after a blistering 288-page report from outside consultant, Guidepost Solutions. The firms seven-month independent investigation found disturbing details about how denominational leaders mishandled sex abuse claims and mistreated victims.

On the final day of the two-day annual meeting, the convention also overwhelmingly approved two sex abuse-related resolutions. One apologized for the harm our actions and inactions have caused to survivors of sexual abuse, and for not heading survivors warnings. The other called for all states to criminalize sexual relationships between pastors and those in their care.

Survivor and longtime advocate for reform, Christa Brown, said the convention did the bare minimum this week, and renewed her call a government investigation into abuse in the SBC.

On Wednesday, Barber said sexual predators have used the conventions decentralized polity to turn congregations into a hunting ground. But with systemic changes and reforms, Barber hoped sexual predators will be put on notice.

The hunters are now the hunted, he said.

While he was reluctant to provide a timeline for action, he promised to appoint the new task force swiftly.

Barber repeatedly called for Southern Baptists to find common ground despite their differences over issues such as race and gender roles.

I do believe we have seen some unhealthy ways recently that secular politics have dominated the conversation here in the Southern Baptist Convention, Barber said. As Christians, we need to be engaged in politics. We just need to make sure that in the dance between theology and politics, theology leads.

Barber said the coarseness and crass discourse out there has crept into the SBC and into peoples social media feeds. Expressing anger on Twitter and trying to own people instead of solving problems has only deepened divisions among Southern Baptists, he said.

Every way Ive served SBC has left scars, he said. But this family of churches is worth it.

However, the SBC, despite its size and political influence, has yet to figure out a way to stem long-term declines in membership or in baptisms  their key metric for religious vitality  that began long before the pandemic disruptions.

Annual baptisms stood at 154,701 in 2021, down 63% from their 1999 peak. Membership stood at 13.7 million, down 16% from its 2006 peak, according to statistics from the SBCs affiliate, Lifeway Christian Resources.

Barber said tracking membership is complicated and results can be skewed, but noted the SBC president has little influence over it. Its the local churches that are going to carry the gospel forward and help us grow, he said.

By any measure of the nations political and religious spectrum, the SBC is staunchly conservative. But groups such as the Conservative Baptist Network and Founders Ministries, which Ascol has long led, have mobilized to pull the SBC further to the right, claiming that its leaders and seminaries are being influenced by liberal trends and wokeness.

Candidates aligned with these groups were defeated for SBC president, chair of its Executive Committee and president of the influential Pastors Conference, held each year just before the annual meeting. But at least one of their preferred candidates prevailed in a narrow vote  Victor Chayasirisobhon, pastor of First Southern Baptist Church of Anaheim, for first vice president.

But throughout the meeting, hardline Southern Baptists voiced a slate of criticisms from the convention hall floor. They derided the hiring of Guidepost for the investigation following a recent pro-Pride tweet, pushed back against allowing Saddleback Church to remain in the convention despite ordaining women pastors and more.

A report by the Credentials Committee, which reviews if churches are in good standing, said it wasnt clear whether the denominations official opposition to women pastors applied only to lead pastors or also to other ministry roles.

Rod Martin, a co-founder of the Conservative Baptist Network, vowed to continue its efforts, tweeting I dont think people realized wed reached the point where an ostensibly conservative Credentials Committee cant define the word pastor. 

He predicted a different result in next years annual meeting, in New Orleans, which unlike Anaheim is in the Southern Baptist heartland.

Delegate Scott Dunford, executive director of church planting at Redeemer Church in Fremont, California, said he voted for Barber because he sees him as a strong conservative who is also compassionate toward other groups. Coming into the convention, Dunford said the sex abuse crisis was foremost in his mind.

(Barber) really seemed compassionate to the concerns of the sexual abuse victims  in a way I didnt hear from the other candidates, he said.

But Dunford doesnt believe appointing women as pastors will help alleviate the problem.

Every denomination has a sexual abuse problem  even those that have women pastors, he said. Anywhere you have a large group of people interacting, youre going to have wolves trying to manipulate the situation.

The Rev. Clint Sullens, pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Monroe, Georgia, said he cast his vote for Tom Ascol because he is scripturally focused, which is needed now.

But, Im not discouraged or disappointed at where we are right now, he said. We had great men to choose from.

Sullens is hopeful the denomination will come together especially to prevent abuse and better care for survivors. He believes uniting on critical issues is possible.

The delegates also defeated a proposal to defund the conventions public-policy arm, which has long been a target of critics complaining it isnt conservative enough. Supporters said the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission will be needed more than ever given the anticipated state battles if the Supreme Court overturns the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion.

___

Smith reported from Pittsburgh.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

By DEEPA BHARATH and PETER SMITH

Associated Press
Feds indict Calif. man found with gun near Kavanaughs home View Photo

WASHINGTON (AP)  A federal grand jury has indicted a California man who was found with a gun, knife and pepper spray near the home of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh after telling police he was planning to kill the justice, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Nicholas John Roske, 26, of Simi Valley, Calif., was charged in a single-count indictment with attempting to murder a Justice of the United States.

Prosecutors say Roske traveled from California to the justices home in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with the intent of killing Kavanaugh. Roske pulled up near the home in a taxi shortly after 1 a.m. on June 8 carrying a suitcase with a gun and ammunition, a tactical chest rig with pepper spray and a knife, and a flashlight, a laser, a thermal monocular and other burglary tools, according to court papers.

Federal officials have said Roske said he purchased the gun to kill Kavanaugh and also planned to kill himself. He was arrested by police in Montgomery County, Maryland, after he called 911 and told a police dispatcher he was near Kavanaughs home and wanted to take his own life.

Roske told police he was upset by a leaked draft opinion suggesting the Supreme Court is about to overrule Roe v. Wade, the landmark abortion case. He also said he was upset over the school massacre in Uvalde, Texas, and believed Kavanaugh would vote to loosen gun control laws, according to prosecutors.

When he got out of the taxi, Roske was spotted by two U.S. Marshals who are part of round-the-clock security provided to the justices following the leak of the draft opinion last month. But Roske was only apprehended after he called 911 and said he was having suicidal thoughts and planned to kill Kavanaugh, having found the justices address online. Roske was still on the phone when Montgomery County police arrived on the scene.

Andrew Szekely, a federal public defender who is representing Roske, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the indictment. He previously declined to comment on the case after Roskes first court appearance, the day of his arrest.

The indictment comes one day after the House gave final approval to legislation that would allow around-the-clock security protection for families of Supreme Court justices.

The Senate passed the bill unanimously last month, but it languished in the House as Democrats sought to broaden the measure to include protection for families of court employees. Republicans ramped up pressure to pass the bill after Roskes arrest at Kavanaughs house.

By MICHAEL BALSAMO

Associated Press
BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj has said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the country and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh, a new page is being added in the history.

He said, "For the first time, it seems, that India is India. History is being rewritten."

Sakshi Maharaj's statement gives "credence" to the Opposition charge that the BJP governments were rewriting history.

"What is wrong if we are correcting something that was not right?" he asked.

The BJP MP, said late on Wednesday night, that the Left has influenced the history of India.

"People have been misled from the truth. Those who had a government for 75 years did a great betrayal of history. Now the record of 500 years is being broken. Somewhere, the record of 75 years is being broken. Under the leadership of Yogi in Uttar Pradesh and under the leadership of Modi in the country, a new page is added in the history. For the first time it seems that India is now India," he stated.

A day earlier, Sakshi Maharaj had said that the stone pelting in Kanpur and other districts was an attempt to set Kanpur on fire in a planned manner.

He said that if stones are pelted on Friday in Uttar Pradesh, then the bulldozer will definitely run on Saturday.

Sakshi Maharaj added that in these eight years, Prime Minister Modi has done so much development that all the political parties are not able to stand anywhere in the race.
NEW DELHI (AP)  A special meeting of foreign ministers from India and Southeast Asian countries opened Thursday with co-chairs India and Singapore calling for a strengthening of ties amid Russias war in Ukraine and a heightened rivalry between the United States and China that threaten peace and stability in the region.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations face geopolitical headwinds from the war in Ukraine and its impact on food and energy security, prices and supply chains.

"India fully supports a strong, unified, prosperous ASEAN whose centrality in the Indo-Pacific is fully recognized," he said.

Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said Russias actions have "upended the international system of rules and norms.

Balakrishnan added that the rivalry between the U.S. and China has direct implications for all of Asia.

"These developments, if unchecked, can threaten the sole system of peace and stability which we have depended on for the basis of our growth and development and prosperity over many decades, he said.

Jaishankar emphasized the need for strengthening land and sea connectivity among ASEAN member states. An upgrade of the India-Myanmar-Thailand highway is part of the ASEAN-India Connectivity initiative.

The two-day meeting in New Delhi marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of formal dialogue partner relations between India and ASEAN.

It is being attended by the foreign ministers of Singapore. Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, and by representatives of the foreign ministers of Laos, the Philippines and Thailand, India's External Affairs Ministry said.

It did not explain why there was no representative from Myanmar, which also belongs to ASEAN. Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said last week that India had invited Myanmar to the meeting.

Representatives of Myanmar's military-installed government have been excluded from recent ASEAN meetings because of disagreements over their lack of cooperation in implementing measures agreed upon by the 10-member group last year to help ease the countrys violent political crisis.

Trade between India and the ASEAN region surpassed $78 billion in 2021.

India mainly exports organic chemicals, minerals, ships and boats, iron and steel, pharmaceuticals, cotton and tobacco to ASEAN countries, according to Indias Commerce Ministry. India's top imports from ASEAN include coal, palm oil, telephones, light vessels and electronic circuits.
In an unusual move for whats been an unusual takeover bid for Twitter by the worlds richest man, Tesla CEO Elon Musk met virtually with the social platforms employees Thursday, even though his $44 billion offer has not yet been completed.

"Trust is as trust does. I tend to be extremely literal in what I say...One does not (need) to read between the lines. One can simply read the lines, Musk said in the meeting, according to a tweet from Nola Weinstein, Twitter's global head of brand experiences and engagement.

Weinstein did not immediately respond to a message for further comment and she subsequently deleted all her tweets about the meeting. Twitter declined to comment.

Musk, according to multiplenews reports, also addressed possible layoffs at the company, saying that, right now, costs exceed revenue. Thats not a great situation.

He also touched on growth, saying he'd like to see Twitter reach a billion users  roughly four times its current user base ) and anonymity, where he earlier created a stir when he said he wants to verify all humans on the service. At the meeting, he clarified that this does not mean he wants to have everyone on Twitter use their real names, like on Facebook, since pseudonyms can allow people to express their political views freely, according to The New York Times.

Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal announced the all-hands meeting to employees in an email on Monday, saying theyd be able to submit questions in advance.

The meeting is a clear step in the right direction towards the chances of a deal happening and a smart strategic move as Twitter employees have been left in the dark over the past few months and have many questions during this volatile period of uncertainty, said Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives.

One of Musk's key points at the meeting, which started a little after 9 a.m. Pacific time, was to make Twitter so compelling that you can't live without it, Weinstein tweeted. Musk, who has more than 98 million followers on Twitter and its one of the platform's most prolific users, also said that while some people use their hair to express themselves, I use Twitter," according to Weinstein.

Musk, according to multiple reports, also praised Chinese apps such as TikTok, which he said is good at keeping people engaged and not being boring, and WeChat, which he said could be a good model for what Twitter could be.

Transforming Twitter into a WeChat-like super app would be a massive undertaking for Musk, said Jasmine Enberg, principal analyst at Insider Intelligence. Changing consumer behavior is hard  something that Meta (then Facebook) quickly discovered during its own super app ambitions."

While Musk, through Tesla. already has ties to China, Enberg noted that the "media landscape, perceptions of privacy, and shopping behaviors are markedly different in China than in the Western world, and Musk would not only have to overcome the hurdle of convincing consumers to change how they behave online, but also that Twitter is the place to do it.

Musk reached a deal to acquire Twitter in April, but he has clashed with the company repeatedly since then over the number of bots, or fake accounts, that exist on the social media platform. Musk said he was putting the deal on hold on May 13, although it seems unlikely that he can do that on his own. Musk said he needed more data from the company about those bot accounts, despite the fact hat Twitter has reported its bot estimates  and its admission that they may be too low  to investors for years.

Twitter employees could have other reasons to be nervous about Musks impending takeover. The irascible billionaire has levied a barrage of criticism at the company, from its moderation and safety policies, which he terms a threat to free speech, to its anonymous user accounts, which he would like to eliminate, to its ban of former President Donald Trump, which he has pledged to reverse.

If there are 2 sides to an issue its important to represent multiple opinions. Most issues in the world are complex, Weinstein quoted Musk as saying.

Harry Kraemer, a former CEO Baxter International and professor at Northwestern Universitys Kellogg School of Management, pointed out that the deal is not a guarantee until it is done and there are still plenty of steps left in the process before the purchase can be completed.

In my experience it is very unusual and almost bizarre for someone who has not purchased the company to speak to current employees of the company he is looking to purchase, Kraemer said.

Musk has also targeted Twitters work-from home policy, having once called for the companys headquarters to be turned into a homeless shelter because, he said, so few employees actually worked there. The comment also served as a thinly veiled jab at San Francisco, which has a large homeless population. He said during Thursday's meeting that he strongly favors working in person, according to Weinstein.

Its not clear if this weeks meeting means that the two sides have come closer together on resolving their issues. Shares of Twitter have been trading well below the $54.20 per share that Musk has agreed to pay amid Wall Street doubts that the deal will be consummated.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP)  Alex Drueke and Andy Huynh are both military veterans from Alabama, so it was natural that they formed a bond once they met in Ukraine, where each traveled separately with the intention of helping defend democracy against Russian invaders.

They became buds, Dianna Shaw, Drueke's aunt, said in an interview Thursday.

Both men are now missing after their group came under heavy fire in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine near the Russian border on June 9, leaving loved ones at home anxiously awaiting information about their whereabouts. The two families are in touch.

The waiting is the hard part, but we always knew this was a possibility, Shaw said.

The U.S. State Department said it was investigating unconfirmed reports that Russian or Russian-backed forces captured two American citizens and possibly a third. Anyone captured should be considered a prisoner of war and protected by guarantees of humane treatment and fair trials, said spokesman Ned Price.

Anyone who is fighting with Ukraines armed forces should be treated as a POW even if Russia refuses to do that, Price said.

If the unconfirmed reports are true, they would be the first Americans fighting for Ukraine known to have been captured since the war began.

Shaw said it's possible the two could just be lying low: She noted that the 39-year-old Drueke had extensive training and experience during two tours in Iraq, while Huynh, 27, served four years in the U.S. Marines.

They know how to evade, she said. They might be doing just that.

Russia hasn't confirmed any information about the men. The president of the separatist Donetsk Peoples Republic, Denis Pushilin, said Thursday that as of now, I dont have such information and I cannot comment, according to the Interfax news agency. Pushilin spoke while attending the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Huynh's fiancee, Joy Black, said she got a message from a soldier telling her that both men had missed their rendezvous point and were in an area that was hit pretty hard. Black, speaking in an interview with WAAY-TV, said she ran to her mother's room and fell on the bed sobbing.

I am trying to stay strong for him to get this word out and to try to get him back home. I am not going to lie and say that it has not been really, really hard, Black said.

It's unclear how many Americans have traveled overseas to assist Ukraine since fighting began in February but the number is believed to be in the hundreds, if not more.

Army veteran Harrison Jozefowicz, who quit his job as a Chicago police officer and traveled to Ukraine soon after Russia invaded, is now helping place volunteers in combat positions and coordinating supplies as head of a group called Task Force Yankee. Several hundred Americans serve in the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine, he said, and still more are assisting outside the force.

In the volunteer world, the people who are here for the long haul are digging in and getting serious  buying warehouses, establishing permanent routes of logistics with dedicated drivers, he said Thursday.

Shaw said her nephew joined the Army at age 19 after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and he believed he could help Ukrainian fighters because of his training and experience with weapons. Drueke pondered whether to go for a few weeks, she said, and then made up his mind.

He approached me and said, Im going to go to Ukraine.' I told him, 'For you, that makes sense, she said. He is really compelled to defend democracy wherever that meant going."

Huynh moved to north Alabama two years ago from his native California and lives about 120 miles (193 kilometers) from Drueke. Before leaving for Europe, Huynh told his local newspaper, The Decatur Daily, he couldnt stop thinking about Russias invasion.

I know it wasnt my problem, but there was that gut feeling that I felt I had to do something, Huynh told the paper. Two weeks after the war began, it kept eating me up inside and it just felt wrong. I was losing sleep. ... All I could think about was the situation in Ukraine.

Drueke doesn't have a wife or children, his aunt said, and he liked the idea of traveling to help Ukraine so someone with more familial connections wouldn't have to. He left in mid-April and entered Poland legally before going to the border and being allowed into Ukraine, she said.

Now, Drueke's loved ones are in touch with the U.S. State Department, congressional offices or anywhere else that can help them find out what's going on.

And they're waiting.

It was how we lived while he was in Iraq, and its how we live now, Shaw said.

___

This story has been edited to correct the aunt's last name to Shaw, not Williams.

___

Associated Press News Researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York City and diplomatic writer Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.
HBO via Youtube

Batman is as bankable as any movie star, really  enough so that a recent meme lampooned how each generation's Batman movie is portrayed as being dark and gritty. But in the case of the newly announced Batman movie on HBO Max, it's a whole new spin on the Dark Knight: His origin story transports back 600 years and involves indigenous gods and the fight against invading Conquistadors.

According to Variety, the feature film Batman Azteca: Choque de Imperios takes place during the Aztec Empire and the invasion of the Spanish Conquistadors. It follows the story of a young boy named Yohualli Coatl, whose father, the local village leader, was murdered by Conquistadors. Yohualli seeks find refuge with King Moctezuma and, more specifically, uses the temple of Tzinacan, the bat god, as a lair to train and prepare.
MERIDEN  Meriden Public Library Director Clevell Roseboro II has stepped down to accept a new role in an academic setting in his home state of North Carolina.

Roseboros last day was Thursday. Library staff were joined by Library Board of Trustees President Joan Edgerly along with City Manager Timothy Coon during a send-off for Roseboro at the librarys temporary location in the Meriden Mall.

Roseboro will oversee library services at the North Carolina School of Science & Mathematics new campus in Morganton. The residential public high school with a curriculum focused on science, technology, engineering and math, serves academically gifted students in a collegial living and learning environment, according to the schools website.

At the same time staff and officials were sending off Roseboro, they were marking the promotion of Becky Starr, a long-time city librarian, who becomes acting library director.

Starr will serve in that role until at least the time when a $13 million project to renovate and expand the librarys home on Miller Street is complete. Construction is expected to wrap up by early spring.

Roseboro was named Meridens library director in mid-2020, after having held a similar role in Willington. The move back to North Carolina will afford Roseboro the opportunity to launch an innovative academic program, he said. It will also afford him the opportunity to be closer to his family, in particular his children.

While acknowledging it is difficult to leave in the middle of an ongoing project, Roseboro described the opportunity he will take on as a dream job.

Roseboro described the transition to the mall space as one of his biggest accomplishments during his tenure in Meriden.

He sees the use of former commercial spaces, like malls, as the start of a new trend for libraries across New England.

I think a lot of libraries that struggle should look at mall spaces for a potential supplement, Roseboro said.

Moments before he spoke with the Record-Journal, Roseboro motioned to Starr when he addressed library staff and city officials in saying he believed the library will be left in good hands.

During the exchange, Edgerly, the library board president, told Roseboro the board wishes him well in his new role.

It sounds like it is going to be exciting, Edgerly said.

Coon praised Roseboro for his leadership during the renovation project and maintaining library services throughout the pandemic.

I enjoyed your energy. I enjoyed your vision, Coon said.

He thanked staff for hanging in during what he called a once in a century event and having the library open for almost all of it.

Coon also recited a saying he learned during his time as an Army officer assigned to a Navy unit.

They say, I wish you fair winds and following seas, Coon said.

For Starr, the new acting director, the appointment appears to be a natural next step during her 25-year tenure with the Meriden Public Library.

Starr joined the librarys staff in 1997, after having previously worked in the city managers office as a budget analyst. Starr said she became familiar with the citys department heads at the time, including then library director Marcia Trotta. Starr said it was Trotta who first suggested she should consider becoming a librarian.

Starr said she took a class, loved it, and then pursued a masters degree in library science. She started as a part-time librarian one, and was eventually promoted to librarian four  the level just below director.

Starr, a Berlin resident, said what drew her to the library profession was the fact it combines two loves: customer service and research.

Starr said in her first career as an accounting manager, she loved working with people. She also enjoyed the management side  encouraging staff members to develop their own skills.

So when I got to the library, I could use those skills to help the public, Starr said. ...You can make a big difference in a library. You can help people who really absolutely need your help.

For example, helping people in their searches for new jobs.

Theres also the research aspect. And Meriden has a fascinating history, Starr said. The library houses a large collection of artifacts detailing that history.

I love the learning environment. We promote lifelong learning. Ive always been interested in that, she said.

Roseboros salary at the time he stepped down as Meridens library director was $102,000. Starr, meanwhile, will see a 5% increase in her current and future salary as acting director, in accordance with the citys supervisors union contract, according to Josephine Agnello-Veley, the citys director of human resources.

Thomas Welsh, who chairs the library building committee and serves as vice president of the Library Board of Trustees, said the renovation project is so far on schedule.

Starr is well-positioned to assume leadership of the library with virtually no hiccups, Welsh said.

Even before Starr was named acting director, she had been an active participant during building committee meetings, Welsh said.

Starr described the renovation as a big challenge. But as a veteran staff member who knows the business of library services, shes committed to ensuring the library continues to serve the community.

Starr sees the library increasing its program offerings. She is also focused on collaborating with other mall tenants, businesses and other libraries to bring a diverse range of programs. For example, the library recently hosted a job fair in which attendees could speak with hiring managers representing the Meriden Malls other tenants.

Starr said she has learned a lot working closely with Roseboro over the past few years. The pair have collaborated on reports, assessing everything from library finances, to staff and programming.

Starr said Roseboro promotes learning  for staff to learn as much as they can learn, to grow and to be able to grow into their career.

So preparing for the library, which is currently downsized staffing wise for a full move back into a renovated building is a challenge, but one Starr said she is geared up for.

It will be exciting, she said.

Reporter Michael Gagne can be reached at mgagne@record-journal.com.
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WASHINGTON (AP)  The U.S. announced it will send an additional $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine, as America and its allies provide longer-range weapons they say can make a difference in a fight where Ukrainian forces are outnumbered and outgunned by their Russian invaders.

President Joe Biden and his top national security leaders said Wednesday the U.S. is moving as fast as possible to get critical weapons to the fight, even as Ukrainian officials protest that they need more, faster, in order to survive.

The latest package, the U.S. said, includes anti-ship missile launchers, howitzers and more rounds for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) that U.S. forces are training Ukrainian troops on now. All are key weapons systems that Ukrainian leaders have urgently requested as they battle to stall Russia's slow but steady march to conquer the eastern Donbas region.

Gen. Milley and I have been in a number of fights. And when youre in a fight, you can never get enough, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said at a press conference in Brussels, referring to Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

I certainly understand where the Ukrainians are coming from, and were gonna fight hard to give them everything they need.

The HIMARS and anti-ship systems are the kinds of longer range capabilities that over time can make a difference in the fight, Milley said. He said Ukraine will have trained HIMARS crews in the fight in a few weeks.

If they use the weapon properly and its employed properly, they ought to be able to take out a significant amount of targets and that will make a difference, he said. But he also noted that the numbers clearly favor the Russians.

"In terms of artillery, they do outnumber, they out-gun and out-range the Ukrainian forces.

The aid is the largest single tranche of weapons and equipment since the war began. Biden, who spoke by phone with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for about 40 minutes Wednesday, also said the U.S. will send $225 million more in humanitarian assistance to provide safe drinking water, medical supplies, food, health care, shelter and money for families to buy essential items.

The U.S. remains committed, Biden said in a statement, to supporting the Ukrainian people whose lives have been ripped apart by this war.

The aid comes as Austin convened a meeting in Brussels of more than 45 nations to discuss support for Ukraine. At the start of the meeting, he warned that the West must step up weapons deliveries to Ukraine and prove its commitment to helping the country's military fight along a 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line in a grinding war of attrition with Russia.

He told the participating nations, "We cant afford to let up and we cant lose steam. The stakes are too high.

Overall, since the war began in late February, the U.S. has committed about $5.6 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, including this latest package. Officials said that about one-third of the latest $1 billion will be from presidential drawdown authority, which means the Pentagon will take weapons and equipment from it's own stock and ship them to Ukraine. The remaining two-thirds would be equipment and weapons purchased from industry by the U.S. and then transferred to Ukraine.

Austin's meeting, also attended by Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, came on the opening day of a two-day gathering of NATO defense ministers at the alliance headquarters.

Increased arms supplies cant come too soon for the Ukrainian forces battling to keep Russia from taking control of their countrys industrial east after more than 3 months of war. In his nightly address to the nation, President Zelenskyy pleaded Tuesday for more and faster deliveries of Western arms, specifically asking for anti-missile defense systems.

Allies are committed to continue providing the military equipment that Ukraine needs to prevail, including heavy weapons and long-range systems, said Jens Stoltenberg, NATO secretary-general.

Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar said Tuesday that without help from the West, we will not be able to win this war. She said Ukraine uses 5,000 to 6,000 artillery rounds a day, while Russia uses 10 times that many.

The defense ministers also planned to discuss moves to beef up forces along NATOs own eastern flank and elsewhere, which have gathered strength since Russia invaded Ukraine.

This will mean more presence, more capabilities and higher readiness, with more NATO forward deployed combat formations to strengthen our battlegroups in the East, more air, sea and cyber defenses, pre-positioned equipment and weapon stockpiles, Stoltenberg said.

On a separate but related subject, he wouldnt commit to a timeframe for Sweden and Finland joining NATO. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is blocking the membership bids, accusing the Nordic nations of supporting Kurdish militants deemed by Turkey to be terrorists.

My aim is to solve this issue as soon as possible, but since we are several nations involved in this process, there is no way to tell you exactly when we will solve it, Stoltenberg said.

Because of Turkeys concerns, this will take some more time than we originally expected, he said.

Erdogan signaled Wednesday he wont back down.

We will most definitely not change our stance until Sweden and Finland take clear, concrete and determined steps in the fight against terrorism, Erdogan said in an address to his ruling partys legislators.

All 30 NATO members must agree to admit new members.

___

Corder reported from The Hague, Jan M. Olsen in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Here's the buzz: Nekter Juice Bar opened its first location in San Antonio. The Southern California-based chain of acai and juice bars is fresh to the city. The location opened in Alamo Heights in early June.

The juice bar, which prides itself on being the first company to introduce acai bowls as a full-menu category, replaces San Antonio's sole TCBY location.

While the frozen treats are out, Nekter is offering an array of healthy snacks that are just as gum-chilling.

Here's a taste of what to expect.

How it works:

Madalyn Mendoza, MySA.com

Unlike local acai bowl spots I've visited, such as Juice Joint and Rise Up, customizing or building your snack is a little trickier. Rather than a buidable, the juice bar offers four handcrafted bowls and three functional bowls (protein-focused, immunity, and superfood). Each blend is made fresh, with cashew milk, so I was still able to customize my Acai Banana Berry and asked for no blueberry, add green apple on top. I also added almond butter for an extra protein boost.

First impressions:

Madalyn Mendoza, MySA.com

The 16-ounce, ice cold serving is generous with the perfect fruit to blend ratio. The granola was more flaky than crunchy, but added a nice consistency to the mix. The acai blend was lighter in color than most bowls I've tried, but was thick enough to keep each layer distinguished. All of the fruit in my bowl  strawberries, banana, and apples, were ripe and fresh. My order had two bowls, both of which were ready in about 10 minutes.

Nekter's staff was friendly and ready to explain the menu and my add-on and substitute choices in a way that made it seem as if I was still able to customize my bowl with my favorite fruit.

More to know:

Madalyn Mendoza, MySA.com

Each bowl is $9.75 before add-ons, like the almond butter, which was a $1. Nekter also offers seven "superfood smoothies

and four functional smoothies which are packed with up to 40 grams of protein. Fresh juices, like a "Toxin Flush" and "Green Apple Detox" are also available.

Nekter is offering a free bowl, juice, or smoothie for new rewards members who download the company's app.

You can find the new San Antonio juice bar at 5920 Broadway. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tom Reel / Staff

The Fourth of July celebrations are returning to Woodlawn Lake Park, including the firework show despite the ongoing Texas drought. Other cities, like Comal County and Bastrop County, have banned Fourth of July fireworks because of the dry weather.

In San Antonio, festivities will remain as planned at Woodlawn Lake Park. The free outdoor event is slated to be from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. with the firework display starting at 9 p.m.
TikTok is loving a Texas dad who cheered on more than 400 students at a high school graduation in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Mario Ortiz, 60, was everybody's dad during his granddaughter's graduation from Colleyville Heritage High School on May 26.

Melinda Leal, the daughter of the proud papa, told MySA that her father has been cheering on every student at the graduations he attends since his oldest grandson received his diploma in 2017. When Leal asked her father why he does it, he told her it was because he didn't have someone there to root for him at his graduation when he was younger.

"It wasn't really a thing for students to invite their families to gradations back then," Leal said. "The only person at his graduation was his sister, who was graduating with him. He said he wants others to know that you may not have family here, but there is someone out there rooting for you."

Leal said a family member filmed her dad cheering and then later posted it on TikTok, which the video-sharing app loved. The clip had more than 736,000 views and about 128,000 likes after her sister, Marlaina, published it on May 29. Humankind, a brand that shares pure things, posted the video on its TikTok as well, receiving more than 74,000 views.

In the comments, many are stating how Ortiz's actions are sweet and amazing. Lydia Hernandez wrote, "This is so sweet. Everyone deserves to be cheered for."

"What a wonderful, kind, and sweet man. Your dad is one of the good ones," iammisswanda commented in the TikTok.

After the video reached a viral level, Leal said they told their "old-school" dad about the love he's getting by sending him links and screenshots of the sweet messages from people. She said, "We've been keeping him in the loop, and he's been really excited."

Leal said she and her family are proud to share their father with the TikTok world, saying cheering people on is just a small piece of how her father really is.

"We call him a saint because he would do anything for anybody," Leal said, adding how her father has a triumphant story after overcoming an addiction to drugs and becoming sober in 2007. "He's a drug and alcohol counselor now and does a lot of work for homeless shelters. Anybody who may be in need, my dad would help."

You can watch the pure clip below:
Civilization will never see the sun till the civilians reject their gun.

by Anwar A. Khan

Brobdingnagian protestation against US gun violence is going on in the country. This problem is, heartbreakingly, uniquely American!

Every day, more than 110 Americans are killed with guns and more than 200 are shot and wounded. The effects of gun violence in America extend far beyond these casualtiesgun violence shapes the lives of millions of Americans who witness it, know someone who was shot, or live in fear of the next shooting.

Guns are the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States.And every week there's a new mass shooting in this country.

Outside the Capitol in Austin, relatives of Jackie Cazares, 9, and Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez, 10, two of the 19 students killed at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, tearfully addressed a crowd.

Standing outside of the Tarrant County Courthouse on Saturday last in 100-degree heat, a pair of mothers compared notes on whether to add a new item to their childrens school supply lists next year: bulletproof backpacks.

Elizabeth Brown, a veterinarian, said she started shopping online for such backpacks for her three children, ages 4, 10 and 12. She saw one that cost US$200 each. Jamie Martin, a high school chemistry teacher, said she saw one for US$150 that she considered for her 8-year-old daughter.

Both mothers doubted whether the backpacks could stand up to a round from an AR-15  the weapon used by the gunman who killed 19 students and two educators at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde on May 24 last. They said they were exasperated by the thought of having to equip their children to survive an encounter with a gunman in the halls of their school and despaired those 23 years after the Columbine High School massacre, school shootings and active-shooter drills have become routine.

They were among tens of thousands of protesters who marched on the Mall in Washington and in cities across the United States and Texas in a nationwide demonstration convened by March for Our Lives, the political movement created after a gunman killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on Feb. 14, 2018. Saturday's protests were a sequel to demonstrations held on March 24, 2018.

Along with Fort Worth, demonstrations were held in Texas largest cities  Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and El Paso  and in Amarillo, Longview, Lubbock, Pharr, Rockwall, Wichita Falls and The Woodlands.

In Fort Worth, Barbara Gerke, a 58-year-old gun owner, held a cardboard sign that called for raising the age limit for assault-rifle purchases, expanding background checks and instituting a waiting period for the purchase of firearms.

Nobody's saying banishes all guns, she said. Nobody's asking for that. We're asking for common-sense, actual legislation, laws on the books that will do something.

Brown, the veterinarian, wants to see the state enact red flag laws which would allow a court to confiscate firearms from those who appear to be a danger to themselves or others. The idea of arming and training teachers to confront shooters baffled Martin, the high school teacher, who held a sign outside of the courthouse that read NO MORE.I'm just a science nerd, Martin said. I'm not a military officer.

After the Uvalde shooting, Brown and her husband considered keeping their children home from school during the last week of the year, but it didnt feel fair to leave them out of fun end-of-year activities. Brown noted that shootings have happened at day care centers, churches and grocery stores, so nowhere feels safe.

Days after the Uvalde massacre, Brown attended her daughters fourth grade graduation. I was crying because those kids should have been doing that, Brown said. I shouldnt have to fear sending my kids to school. I shouldnt have to think that they're not going to come home after I just dropped them off on the way to work every morning.

There were counter-protesters in Fort Worth, too: Some gun rights advocates waved Dont Tread on Me flags and argued with gun safety proponents.

In Austin, protesters marched at the Capitol, trying to sway a Legislature that has repeatedly loosened gun laws over the past decade. A relative of two cousins killed in Uvalde  Jackie Cazares, 9, and Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez, 10told supporters of gun safety legislation about their grief and anger.

Jazmin Cazares, 17, sister of Jackie Cazares, 9, one of the victims in the school shooting in Uvalde, spoke at the Austin March for Our Lives rally on Saturday last. Jacinto Cazares, father of Jackie Cazares, cries during the rally.

While I was fearing for my own life, I didnt know that my sister had lost hers, said Jackies older sister Jazmin, 17, referring to a school-district-wide lockdown that was imposed amid the chaos at Robb Elementary. I am unbelievably angry, but Im not going to turn my anger into hate. Im going to channel that anger, and Im going to create some real change.

Jazmin said she and her sister had hoped to spend the weekend after the massacre practicing to audition for a summer arts academy. She said of the gunman, That 18-year-old guy, youll never catch me saying his name. He doesnt deserve to be remembered. Jackie does. I walked past him in the halls, probably waved at him. And he took her from me. He took her friends, my cousins.

Protests were also held in cities across the nation, including Atlanta; Boston; Brooklyn, New York; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago; Cincinnati; Detroit; Los Angeles; Louisville, Kentucky; Minneapolis; Nashville; Orlando; Philadelphia; Phoenix; Portland, Maine; Providence, Rhode Island; San Francisco; St. Louis; and Salt Lake City. There were also protests at statehouses in Iowa, Michigan, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Vermont, Wisconsin, and elsewhere.

David Hogg, who helped organize the March for Our Lives movement after surviving the Parkland shooting, told the crowd in Washington that some 200,000 people have died of gun violence in the United States since then.

All Americans have a right to not be shot, a right to safety, he said. Nowhere, nowhere in the Constitution is unrestricted access to weapons of war a guaranteed right. Weve seen the damage that AR-15s does, when we look at the innocent children of Uvalde. Tiny coffins filled with small mutilated and decapitated bodies. That should fill us with rage and demands for change  not endless debate but demands for change, now.

He continued, If our government cant do anything to stop 19 kids from being killed and slaughtered in their own school, and decapitated, its time to change who is in government. As we gather here today, the next shooter is already plotting his attack, while the federal government pretends it can do nothing to stop it. Since the shooting in Texas, the Senate has done only one thing: they have gone on recess.

Already this year, America has experienced more than 250 mass shootings, according to the Gun Violence Archive, including 34 since Uvalde.

Stay tuned to those working for change. David Hogg continued, We can decide were no longer willing to accept the violence. We can turn our pain into action. What you decide to do today can save a life  maybe your child's, maybe your own.

Civilization will never see the sun till the civilians reject their gun. American diplomatist to Bangladesh - Mr. Peter Haas, should work with full of variety or interest for ending Brobdingnagian gun violence in the USA, but do not try to meddle into the internal affairs of Bangladesh (he has been relentlessly trying tointerfere unwantedly into the nationalaffairs of Bangladesh)or any other independent and sovereign states.

-The End-

The writer is an independent political analyst based in Dhaka, Bangladesh,who writes on politics, political and human-centred figures, current and international affairs
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The first COVID-19 shots for U.S. infants, toddlers and preschoolers moved a step closer Wednesday.

The Food and Drug Administration's vaccine advisers gave a thumbs-up to vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer for the littlest kids.

The outside experts voted unanimously that the benefits of the shots outweigh any risks for children under 5  thats roughly 18 million youngsters. They are the last age group in the U.S. without access to COVID-19 vaccines and many parents have been anxious to protect their little children.

If all the regulatory steps are cleared, shots should be available next week.

This is a long-awaited vaccine, said one panel member, Dr. Jay Portnoy of Childrens Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. There are so many parents who are absolutely desperate to get this vaccine and I think we owe it to them to give them a choice to have the vaccine if they want to.

Dr. Peter Marks, FDAs vaccine chief, opened the meeting with data showing a quite troubling surge in young childrens hospitalizations during the omicron wave, and noted 442 children under 4 have died during the pandemic. Thats far fewer than adult deaths, but should not be dismissed in considering the need for vaccinating the youngest kids, he said.

Each child thats lost essentially fractures a family, Marks said.

While endorsing the vaccines, some panel members said they believe chances are minimal for severe illness and death in young children.

Risks from vaccination are very low, but so are risks from COVID-19 for the youngest kids," said Dr. Cody Meissner of Tufts University.

FDA reviewers said both brands appear to be safe and effective for children as young as 6 months old in analyses posted ahead of the all-day meeting. Side effects, including fever and fatigue, were generally minor in both, and less common than seen in adults.

The two vaccines use the same technology but there are differences. In a call with reporters earlier this week, vaccine experts noted that the shots haven't been tested against each other, so theres no way to tell parents if one is superior.

You cant compare the vaccines directly," said Dr. Jesse Goodman of Georgetown University, a former FDA vaccine chief.

If the FDA agrees with its advisers and authorizes the shots, there's one more step. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide on a formal recommendation after its own advisers vote on Saturday. If the CDC signs off, shots could be available as soon as Monday or Tuesday at doctor's offices, hospitals and pharmacies.

Pfizers vaccine is for children 6 months through 4 years; Modernas vaccine is for 6 months through 5 years.

Modernas shots are one-quarter the dose of the companys adult shots. Two doses appeared strong enough to prevent severe illness but only about 40% to 50% effective at preventing milder infections. Moderna added a booster to its tests and expects to eventually offer one.

Pfizer's shots are just one-tenth its adult dose. Pfizer and partner BioNTech found that two shots didnt provide enough protection in testing, so a third was added during the omicron wave.

Pfizers submitted data found no safety concerns and suggested that three shots were 80% effective in preventing symptomatic coronavirus infections. But that was based on just 10 COVID-19 cases; the calculation could change as more cases occur in the companys ongoing studies.

Several advisers, noting that protection is low after two Pfizer doses, worried that some parents might end up skipping the third shot, or mistakenly thinking their kids are better protected between shots, leaving them vulnerable.

Educating parents must be done very very carefully so that they are not misled about what the vaccines actually provide, said Dr. Archana Chatterjee of Rosalind Franklin University.

The same FDA panel on Tuesday backed Moderna's half-sized shots for ages 6 to 11 and full-sized doses for teens. If authorized by the FDA, it would be the second option for those age groups. Currently Pfizer vaccine is their only choice.

The nations vaccination campaign started in December 2020 with the rollout of adult vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, with health care workers and nursing home residents first in line. Teens and school-age children were added last year.

Moderna said in April that it is also seeking regulatory approval outside the U.S. for its little kid shots. According to the World Health Organization, 12 countries already vaccinate kids under 5, with other brands.

In the U.S., it remains uncertain how many parents want their youngest vaccinated. By some estimates, three-quarters of all children have already been infected. And only about 29% of children aged 5 to 11 have been vaccinated since Pfizers shots opened to them last November, a rate far lower than public health authorities consider ideal.

Dr. Nimmi Rajagopal, a family medicine physician at Cook County Health in Chicago, said shes been preparing parents for months.

We have some that are hesitant, and some that are just raring to go, she said.

___

Follow AP Medical Writer Lindsey Tanner at @LindseyTanner.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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Residents of the West Texas city of Odessa improvised emergency water supplies after a water system outage left them high and dry for days amid scorching heat, even as utility crews scrambled Wednesday to restore normal service.

The city said taps in 165,000 homes and businesses lost pressure or went completely dry after a 24-inch (61-centimeter) main broke Monday afternoon. Odessa's water treatment plant was back online by about 8 a.m. Wednesday, but a recharging process was taking place during which workers slowly add water back into the system to ensure there are no more leaks.

I want to assure you that were utilizing every resource at our disposal to ensure that we get this community back to the way it was before this massive line break, City Manager Michael Marrero said in a Facebook video posted Wednesday afternoon.

Public Works Director Thomas Kerr said a small leak had been detected Wednesday afternoon, which he described as manageable. He said he hoped the system would be fully recharged by Thursday but added that residents should continue to boil their tap water to kill any bacteria before consuming it. The boil-water notice was likely to continue until Friday, he said.

Temperatures approached 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in Odessa Wednesday as Texas and much of the United States faced extremely hot and humid conditions. And while the city typically sees hot weather in June, the timing of the break made dealing with this weeks heat more difficult.

Resident Nikki Friday told The Associated Press that the city was providing bottled drinking water and that people with wells were offering neighbors water from hoses. She also said tanker trucks had been parked around town to fill buckets with water.

"Drinking water has not been an issue, Friday said. We just need water to return to our daily lives and within the community.

Lifelong Odessa resident Lynda Wright said water service had not been lost across the city in the more than five decades that she has lived there. She said she picked up water and ice from Midland, a 15-minute drive from her home.

Wright said she had drinkable water stored in jugs for washing hands and brushing teeth, and that her family hooked her house up to a well on her property to provide water to flush toilets.

We just dropped a hose in the (water) line, she said.

Wright said she noticed water began running again around noon but that the pressure did not immediately return to regular strength.

The city, which is located about 330 miles (530 kilometers) west of Dallas, planned to distribute water to residents at Ector County Coliseum as well as deliver water to nursing homes. Water tankers were placed strategically around the city to respond to any fires, said Deputy City Manager Phillip Urrutia.

Its an aging infrastructure that were seeing. Its a cast iron pipe, and so those are typically more susceptible to breaks than other new technologies like PVC pipe thats going in the ground, he said.

Wright said the city must act to prevent another water emergency.

I just hope that they kind of learned we need to get in there, we need to check these lines and repair those that show signs of age and wear and tear, she said.

___

Associated Press writer Ashley Duong in Chicago and Todd Richmond in Madison, Wisconsin, contributed to this story.
In addition to potentially approving a resolution to raise the minimum wage to $22 for city employees, Austin City Council could adopt a resolution to ban or restrict the sale of AR-15-style weapons and semi-automatic rifles to those under 21 years of age.

The resolution follows a June 8 gun-violence prevention event at David Chapel in East Austin led by Austin Mayor Pro Tem Alison Alter and County Judge Andy Brown. This week, Alter announced that she would sponsor the resolution to raise the minimum age to 21.

It is incomprehensible that an 18-year-old cannot purchase alcohol, tobacco or a handgun (if nonmilitary) legally in Texas, but an 18-year-old can purchase an AR-15 or similar semi-automatic rifle in our city and endanger the lives of our neighbors," Alter said in a statement.

The resolution is co-sponsored by Council Member Kathie Tovo, Mayor Steve Adler, Council Member Leslie Pool, and Council Member Paige Ellis.

The resolution addresses Texas democrats' calls for stricter gun laws following the shooting in Uvalde that left 21 people dead at Robb Elementary School, of which 19 were children.

While democratic candidate for governor Beto O'Rourke has called for a total ban on assault weapons, the party's candidate for lieutenant governor Mike Collier has advocated for the minimum age  for all gun purchases  to be raised to 21.

State officials, however, have introduced measures that address everything except stricter gun laws in the wake of Uvalde.

On June 1, Gov. Greg Abbott sent a letter to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan requesting that they convene a special legislative committee to address school safety, mental health, social media, police training, and firearm safety.

This week, Patrick proposed allocating $50 million for bulletproof shields for school police departments, which Phelan said he supported. Phelan also proposed re-allocating $100 million in state funds to mental health services and school safety programs before the beginning of the next school year.

MySA is following this story and will update accordingly.
(Bloomberg) -- Texas Governor Greg Abbotts lead over Democratic challenger Beto ORourke has narrowed in the three weeks since the Uvalde elementary-school massacre renewed a national debate over gun control.

Abbott, a Republican seeking a third term in November, has a lead of five percentage points over ORourke, according to a Quinnipiac University poll published Wednesday. In a December poll by the same institution, the incumbent had a 15-point lead.

The June 9 to June 13 survey of 1,257 Texans registered to vote has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percentage points.

The fresh poll suggests that ORourke, a former US representative, is gaining momentum as he calls out Abbotts ardent support of gun rights in the wake of the Uvalde shooting. An 18-year-old with a rifle fatally shot 19 children and two teachers before he was killed by police.

Just last year, Abbott further relaxed Texas gun laws, saying the moves would protect the rights of law-abiding citizens and ensure that Texas remains a bastion of freedom.

Since the Uvalde shooting in late May, the governor has put the focus on hardening school security and getting Texans mental health support. He has not publicly discussed implementing any legislation to tighten gun policy.

Abbott led ORourke 48% to 43% in the latest Quinnipiac poll. In December, he led 52% to 37%. In a separate survey released in early May by the Dallas Morning News-University of Texas at Tyler, Abbott was ahead by seven points -- 46% to 39%.

In the Quinnipiac poll, 51% of voters said they think stricter gun laws would prevent mass shootings. Thats an increase from 42% in a Quinnipiac poll a year ago. Still, just 17% listed gun policy as the most urgent issue facing the Lone Star state.

Abbott was perceived as doing a better job on handling five of six top issues, including gun policy, the economy, the Texas-Mexico border situation, the pandemic response and election laws. ORourke was seen more favorably on the topic of abortion.

2022 Bloomberg L.P.
The Bricton Group, a Chicago area-based hotel development and management company, embarked on its first project in Texas in 2019 when it bought a nearly 30-year-old Holiday Inn near the airport and closed it with plans to transform it into a new hotel.

In April, the 11-story building reopened as the Marriott San Antonio Airport  after the company spent $25 million on renovations and after the COVID-19 pandemic put construction on pause for 10 months.

It now features a spacious lobby with swanky furniture and generous amounts of sunlight and colorful artwork, as well as a cocktail bar with a wall of windows that can be retracted at the touch of a button to let in the breeze from an outdoor swimming pool.

The hotel also boasts a new fitness center and coffee shop, refurbished guest rooms and a VIP lounge reserved for frequent guests of Marriott hotels. The guest rooms on the buildings second floor were replaced with meeting space. The hotel now offers 15,000 square feet of meeting space, including two ballrooms.

This was all gutted, completely gutted, down to studs. Walls were taken out. The ceiling was taken out, said Mark Vilagi, the hotels general manager. To me, this lobby experience rivals any of the hotels in the downtown market that I can remember.

On ExpressNews.com: Two hotels near SeaWorld San Antonio to undergo renovations

Vilagi got his start in the hospitality industry as a 20-year-old parking cars at a River Walk hotel. After working his way up through management positions at various local hotels, he joined Bricton in January 2020 to lead the Marriott San Antonio Airport. He is chair-elect of the San Antonio Hotel and Lodging Association, a local group that advocates for the industry.

The hotel recently launched a collaboration with SAY Si, a local arts nonprofit focused on children and young teens, in which it will display high school students artwork, including a mural in its outdoor terrace.

Vilagi recently sat to discuss the hotels history, the industrys ongoing staffing problems, and the hotels performance since it reopened. The following has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Q: Did you set out to have a career in the hospitality industry?

A: No. I got the first job. I ended up having a passion to serve, and went on from there. At the Hotel and Lodging Association, we really are trying to help bring that educational aspect to the schools that have hospitality programs  to understand that you dont actually have to have a degree to get in this business to be successful. You just have to want to be able to do what you gotta do to be successful. It is a sacrifice. Its long hours. Its hard work. But for some of us, its been very rewarding.

(The association) has whats called adopt a school. Now that were open,  my next target is to find a school to adopt, and then find those graduating seniors that want to consider a job in the hospitality field.

Q: What pitch would you make to students?

A: Every day is an exciting day. Every day its something different. You name it, Ive seen it, whether it be good or bad, right? But at the end of the day, its always been fun for me. Ive been able to grow a career and work through all different aspects of a hotel. I dont think people really realize that, especially in a full-service (hotel), youve got all these different departments you work in. You have a front office, you have accounting. You have housekeeping. You have culinary. You have an event team. You have a banquet team. You have an engineering team. All these teams together make the hotel work.

Q: How old is this hotel?

A: The hotel was built in 81. In 84, they added on what was called the North Tower. It was basically 90 rooms they added on. That put them over 400 rooms, and 400 rooms in this market is kind of a tough amount of rooms to have, because you need a lot of demand.

On ExpressNews.com: New downtown Menger Hotel restaurant Mengerita Tacos offers Alamo views, queso and margaritas

Q: Was that part of the reason Bricton replaced the second-floor guest rooms with meeting space?

A: Yeah, I think so. I mean, being a hotelier and being from San Antonio, you dont have a huge number of hotel rooms in this market. It gets hard to fill up that many rooms consistently. Its great to have it when that peak time hits, but you want to consistently fill up that hotel, maximize your revenue.

Q: Did you bring in your staff members from other hotels, or are they new to the industry?

A: My executive committee all had hotel experience. We together have over 450 years of hotel experience, which is great. To me, that was key, because from my experience, new hotels typically have a lot of turnover, especially in the first six months. I wanted to try to reduce that as much as possible and create better retention. By hiring leaders that have strong experience in the market, I feel they also have strong experience with their associates and can create a better work environment, better retention.

Q: Is it still hard to find staff?

A: I think its very tough for all of us. I think its gotten better in a sense that post-COVID, right up the chute, they were still getting benefits from the government, so nobody wanted to work. Once that went away, slowly but surely, its been coming back. And thats been great. I say weve been fortunate. I have almost 100 employees. Originally, if I was a full hotel, Id have maybe 120. So that 100 right now is great. Now, its a matter of just keep training them, keep retaining them and keep our guests happy.

Q: What do you do to attract employees?

A: Weve used all avenues. We can post jobs on Marriott.com, and thatll translate to Indeed. Theres Craigslist, theres flyer program, whatever we can do to get out there and get visible  word of mouth, chamber meetings, association meetings. You know, were all vying for the same thing. How many hotels do you have just on this side (of Loop 410)? You got from Pear Tree to Drury to Drury Plaza, Holiday Inn Express. The list just keeps on going. On the other side, you have another six hotels. So were all trying to do the same thing. Then it becomes more of ensuring that your pay is competitive for the market. And what kind of benefits do you offer as a company? Do you have any sign-up bonuses, referral bonuses, things like that.

Q: How do you feel about the state of the hospitality industry?

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio hotel business is rebounding, but still not back to pre-pandemic 2019 levels

A: From a labor standard, its been tough, but I think its getting better out there. Its great for the associates because you see an increase in wages throughout everything, not just hospitality. From a travel aspect, Im just excited because in San Antonio, and Texas, you wouldnt think were going through COVID at times. People were still traveling, still getting out. Compared with other states and other markets, were doing really well. Our hotels just opened up, so were starting to see our occupancies grow with word of mouth. So were excited. We know were going to have some strong results here.

Q: Youre happy with the demand so far?

A: I think everybody wants a little bit more, but I will say that on Memorial Day weekend, we hit about 85 percent occupancy, which is great. So we know its there. We know its coming.

Q: Do you know what portion of your guests are business travelers versus tourists?

A: We are mainly a business traveling hotel during the week. We kind of have two stages. The Monday-through-Thursday is more of the business traveler stage, and then Friday and Saturday comes the family-leisure travel stage, checking out on Sunday. Now, do you get some leisures during the week? Of course you do. Do you get some business on the weekends? Sure you do. But predominantly, during the week, it is our business traveler, which is great to see that piece coming back  especially the corporate aspect, because in the hospitality field, the one area that has been the hardest to come back has been your corporate field because theyve learned to work from home. Theyve learned how to use Zoom. Theyve learned to use (information technology) versus travel.

Q: What about hotels in the airport region versus in other regions, such as downtown? How do their performances compare?

A: I dont have the detailed metrics on that. Downtown will always fare a little bit better because its downtown. But what we saw post-COVID was, until the group dynamics started coming back, they only fared better in the weekends and they were dying during the week to get business in. Whereas with us, we were kind of faring better throughout, because people can stay here and not pay the $50 a night for parking. And the accessibility you have from this location to downtown, to La Cantera, to the Rim, to (Six Flags) Fiesta Texas, its a pretty easy location. And to think you can get back and within five minutes, youre back at the airport.

Q: Tell me about your partnership with Say Si.

A: In the hotel business, community outreach is important. We always want to help the community. In different hotels Ive had, weve done it different ways. Marriott is a big supporter of the Childrens Miracle Network.

For us, we wanted to go to another level, and Say Si was something we thought was really cool because it can help promote the artwork of the children. We have some areas that were gonna designate where were going to put their artwork up in the building.

Q: Why is community outreach important for a hotel?

A: You know, were not just here to serve guests; we want to be able to be a staple for our community and let them know that we care. Were going to create the jobs. Were going to support community outreach efforts and then take care of our guests who come in. We want to be good ambassadors to everyone. We want them to feel like theyre important to us.
By Lambert Strether of Corrente

Patient readers, I beefed up the Capitol Seizure section.

Bird Song of the Day

Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. A chorus.

Sparrow ID Guides from Macaulay Library and Bird Academy [The Cornell Lab of Ornithology]. Free downloads. Sparrows are a challenge to birders of all skill levels because theyre often skulky and hard to see. At first they seem like dull brown birds, but when you get a good look, they show beautiful and intricate patterns on their feathers. Because many species are hard to see, they are sought after by avid listers and those who appreciate the beauty of birds. Whether youre at home or out in the field, these helpful four-sheet sparrow reference guides have full-color photos of eastern, central, western and widespread sparrows.

* * *

Politics

But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? James Madison, Federalist 51

They had learned nothing, and forgotten nothing. Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord

When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. Hunter Thompson

Capitol Seizure

Exclusive: Read Judge Luttigs statement to January 6 committee [CNN].  I give credit to Luttig for telling Pence that the Eastman Memo on how the Vice President can throw out electoral votes was cray cray (and to Pence for following through). However, Luttigs statement is fustian bombast. Its worse than Thompsons opener, which I would not have thought possible, not least because its longer. Just give me the theory of the case. This one, for example, fits on a postcard: A blueprint for a coup

Written by a former clerk

of a conservative Justice

Whose spouse corresponds

with the former clerk

and WH chief of staff

A push to use the vice presidency

as an unprecedented tool

to block the certification

of an election

All as others plan

an attack  Robert Costa (@costareports) June 16, 2022 However, I dont think, unless Ive missed the memo, which is entirely possible, that a possible role for Ginny Thomas is part of the House hearing. Jan. 6 Committee Day 3 Rundown: How to Watch Mike Pences Lawyer, Chief of Staff and More Take the Stand [Variety]. [H]ere will be four main sections of the third hearing: the first will explore the theory brought by lawyer John Eastman [the Eastman Memo] that Pence could reject electors, the second will focus on the testimony of Trumps lawyers who will refute that theory, the third will focus on the campaign from Trump to pressure Pence and the fourth will focus on the dangers that still exist regarding the number of people who believe the election was rigged.  First coup organized by crooked lawyers. Lenin must be rolling in his grave. (The Republicans dont seem to be able to work through cutouts like Perkins-Coei; its weird. A Democrat would never have contacted Pence directly.) UPDATE Chuck Grassleys Last Act [Vanity Fair]. [O]n January 5, 2021, Grassley suggested he didnt believe that Mike Pence would preside over the certification of Joe Bidens electoral victory, that if Pence didnt show up, he, as president pro tempore of the Senate, would preside over the process, and that it would be really wrong for me to say I have my mind made up about the election results. (At the time, Grassleys team clarified the senator was mistaken, and that there was every indication Pence would presidethat the Iowa senator was merely explaining the Senates procedure if the vice president had to step away. Grassley and his campaign have repeatedly said they had no knowledge of a plan to overturn the election.)  Grassley would have presided over the electoral vote certification if Pence had gotten in the car. UPDATE Devastating piece of evidence: Filing reveals a Proud Boys plan to storm buildings Jan. 6 [USA Today]. A document allegedly given to Proud Boys Chairman Henry Enrique Tarrio prior to the Jan. 6 insurrection lays out detailed plans to occupy more than half a dozen buildings surrounding the U.S. Capitol and describes tactics to be used by occupiers as they Storm the Winter Palace.' Which they did not do, although the dude in fur hat and horns did. The full document titled 1776 Returns, attached as an exhibit in a court filing Wednesday by Tarrios co-defendant Zachary Rehl, was described by one former federal prosecutor as an absolutely devastating piece of evidence. Tarrio, Rehl and three other members of the extremist group the Proud Boys face multiple felony counts, including seditious conspiracy, the most serious charge resulting from the Jan. 6 insurrection. The defendants are in jail in Washington, D.C., awaiting trial. Patrick Cotter, a former federal prosecutor in Chicago who has practiced criminal law for 40 years, said the 1776 Returns document is a bombshell for prosecutors, assuming it can be verified.  Lets remember that Tarrio was also a prolific FBI infomer, and the FBI has form. (Unless Ive missed the memo, again entirely possible, the Proud Boys prosecution is proceeding along a parallel and unconnected track to the House hearing. UPDATE How the testimony of Trump aides differs from their public statements [The Hill]. The House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol has built its argument that former President Trump is responsible for attack largely through video of his own former aides saying they told Trump his claims of election fraud were baseless. Former Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien, former Attorney General William Barr and Trumps own son-in-law Jared Kushner are among the figures who told the Jan. 6 panel that they privately raised concerns to Trump about his behavior in the aftermath of the 2020 election. Yet their statements have also underscored another truth: While they have insisted they pushed back at Trump behind the scenes after the election, they largely avoided any public breaks with Trump and stood by him at the time. Barr told NBC in an interview in March to promote his new book that he hoped the GOP would move on from Trump and that he would support a different candidate. But if Trump prevailed in a Republican primary in 2024, Barr indicated he would still vote for the same man whose election claims he found to be bullshit. Its hard to project what the facts are going to turn out to be three years hence, but as of now, its hard for me to conceive that I wouldnt vote for the Republican nominee, Barr said. UPDATE Will the Jan. 6 Hearings Change Anyones Mind? [ProPublica]. The question that hangs over the Jan. 6 hearings is whether the emergence of similarly damning facts or documents would move either the Republican base or its leaders in Congress. The prevailing wisdom says no, and there are plenty of reasons to argue that a strikingly large portion of former President Donald Trumps base will dismiss any disclosures by the media or members of Congress as fake news.' Why ignore independents? Or disaffected Democrats? More: All of this is to say one should be cautious in predicting the effect congressional investigations will have on public opinion. Learning that Trumps advisers were divided between Team Crazy and Team Normal, and that Team Crazy clearly had the upper hand, might disturb a fair number of voters. Ive seen congressional hearings change minds, including my own.  Clearly, the normal Repubicans should becone Democrats. Clinton/Cheney 2024!

Biden Administration

Bidens New Pandemic Plan Could Shift Control From the CDC to the White House and Disease Experts Arent Happy [Politico].  With researchers predicting theres an approximately a 50 percent chance the U.S. will experience another Covid-like pandemic in the next 25 years, the Biden administration is working out the details of a new National Biodefense Strategy it hopes will do a better job at containing dangerous germs than the last time around.. here are hints that there will be a restructuring that will shift management for a crisis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the White House in an attempt to avoid the power struggles between agencies that gummed up the governments Covid response. It wasnt a power struggle between agencies that caused CDC to butcher its test kit rollout. Thats on CDC alone. More: Its the shifting of power away from the CDC and to the White House that worries pandemic experts. The bottom line is its not a good idea, said Peter Hotez, a professor at the Baylor College of Medicine and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine.  This sends a vote of no-confidence in the CDC.' So? More: Hotez is most concerned about the possibility the White House ends up in charge of pandemic responses. I think weve seen what happened with the Trump White House, he said. It allowed political influence to affect the pandemic response. Thats one reason you want this based anywhere but Washington, DC.'  Well, we do elect Presidents for a reason VP Harris to launch task force on online harassment after shootings [Reuters].  Another project for Harris not to go anywhere with (unless its cutting a deal on antitrust in exchange for censorship, which wont be Harriss decision anyway).

2022

* * * GA: Herschel Walkers campaign acknowledges second son after report [The Hill].  Two? Typical American extravagance. TX: Texas Gov. Greg Abbots lead tightens over Democrat Beto ORourke, new poll shows [Houston Chronicle]. Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts lead over Democrat Beto ORourke has plummeted since December, a new poll released by Quinnipiac University shows. Abbott is leading ORourke 48 percent to 43 percent according to the poll of 1,257 Texas registered voters taken between June 9 and June 13. In December, a Quinnipiac University poll showed Abbott up by 15 percentage points, leading 52 percent to 37 percent. It is one of the first major polls in the race since the mass shooting in Uvalde last month, in which 19 children and two adults were killed.. Abbotts lead is largely due to white men where he is winning 69 percent to just 26 percent for ORourke. And among independents, Abbott is winning 46 percent to 40 percent for ORourke. UPDATE TX: Latino Democrats vent their fury after foreboding special election loss in Texas [Politico]. Republicans blew up more than a century of almost uninterrupted Democratic control in that region Tuesday night, earning a special election win in a heavily Latino border district they had rarely even contested since its creation in 2012  but where the GOP has made rapid gains in the last few years. That trend has been on Democrats minds since former President Donald Trump cut deep into the partys margins in the Rio Grande Valley in 2020. But national Republicans poured money into the special election in this 85 percent Latino district from the beginning. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and its allies, meanwhile, only made a small investment at the end, despite requests from members to get involved earlier.

2024

Betting markets favor DeSantis over Trump for 2024 Republican presidential nomination, as Elon Musk voices support for Florida governor [MarketWatch (Re Silc)]. DeSantis has a 38% chance, ahead of Trumps 36% and 7% for Nikki Haley, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Vice President Mike Pence is at 6%, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina gets 4%, and other Republican politicians are at 3% or lower. Trump had the edge over DeSantis in March, April and May. The former presidents prospects have edged down from 38% on June 8 in the wake of public hearings held by the House committee probing the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The hearings have featured searing charges against Trump, painting a portrait of him as at the center of a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election that was won by President Joe Biden.

Democrats en Deshabille

I have moved my standing remarks on the Democrat Party (the Democrat Party is a rotting corpse that cant bury itself) to a separate, back-dated post, to which I will periodically add material, summarizing the addition here in a live Water Cooler. (Hopefully, some Bourdieu.) It turns out that defining the Democrat Party is, in fact, a hard problem. I do think the paragraph that follows is on point all the way back to 2016, if not before: The Democrat Party is the political expression of the class power of PMC, their base (lucidly explained by Thomas Frank in Listen, Liberal!). It follows that the Democrat Party is as unreformable as the PMC is unreformable ; if the Democrat Party did not exist, the PMC would have to invent it. If the Democrat Party fails to govern, thats because the PMC lacks the capability to govern . (PMC modulo class expatriates, of course.) Second, all the working parts of the Party reinforce each other. Leave aside characterizing the relationships between elements of the Party (ka-ching, but not entirely) those elements comprise a network  a Flex Net? An iron octagon?  of funders, vendors, apparatchiks, electeds, NGOs, and miscellaneous mercenaries, with assets in the press and the intelligence community. Note, of course, that the class power of the PMC both expresses and is limited by other classes; oligarchs and American gentry (see industrial model of Ferguson, Jorgensen, and Jie) and the working class spring to mind. Suck up, kick down. * * *

Republican Funhouse

Where the 10 House Republicans who impeached Trump stand [The Hill]. In all, 10 House Republicans moved to impeach the former president, and while half of them have chosen not to seek reelection, others are taking their chances with voters this year.  Pretty high mortality rate. Holy Lord, the Mercatus Center? .@NarrativesProj creates short, accessible, and thorough breakdowns of divisive news stories that people can use to support healthy conversations and supplement their normal news diet. https://t.co/bfpSRQlDei  Mercatus Center (@mercatus) June 15, 2022 Healthy conversations, brought to you by the Koch Brothers.

Clinton Legacy

Hillary Clinton: I dont think the media is doing its job (interview) [The New Statesman]. Clinton: I dont think the media is doing its job to be honest. I think youve got a right-wing media machine led by Fox and others, and a very potent right-wing presence on social media, and the so-called mainstream media hasnt yet caught up to the reality we live in. They are much too reluctant to stand up for the truth in the face of massive lying  to call a lie a lie  to be on record as saying that we are in a struggle between democracy and authoritarianism, and it cant just be business as usual.  Holy Lord, RussiaGate?

Realignment and Legitimacy

Trump wasnt the only one who spoke the quiet part out loud: Our country has lost its power to respond to an emergency & we're dealing with multiple ones.

The govt doesn't respond effectively because the corporations-1st mentality that dominates govt (both parties) IS the emergency. A perspective that creates a problem can't solve it.  Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) June 15, 2022 Elephant In The Zoom [The Intercept]. The deck: Meltdowns Have Brought Progressive Advocacy Groups to a Standstill at a Critical Moment in World History.  I ran this yesterday, but this additional commentary rings true: People who got where they are through decades of relentless careerism being like how dare they prioritize their careers over the institutional mission we all share?!?  Marshall Steinbaum  (@Econ_Marshall) June 15, 2022

#COVID19

Lambert here: In order to focus more on variants and rising watewaster, Ive removed the MWRA wastewater chart, and the world cases chart. Today, frustratingly, my main source for case data, 91-DIVOC, has moved and changed to a new format that doesnt work for what I want to do. I suppose this is a consequence of Covid being over.

I am but a humble tape-watcher, and Im perplexed about the current state of play. Case data is showing the fiddling-and-diddling behavior characteristic of a peak; on the other hand, the South (home of Abbot and DeSantis) is rising. Further, nothing I hear in anecdotal case data tells me theres any relief. Hospitalization data (trailing) is easing (and so the hospital-centric public health establishment probably thinks Covid is done). Positivity data (leading) has been fiddling and diddling as it too does at peaks (latest, down). Then again, waste-water data (leading) is up everywhere but the Northeast. The wild card is variants BA.4/5 (and I thought we were supposed to be giving names to these things). All the variant sources I have say BA.4/5 are up, but they differ as to how much and where, and the data is two weeks behind (hat tip, CDC; who could have known wed need to track variant data?). I am reminded of the stairstep (see the Case count chart below: I muttered about this at the time) that marked the Delta/Omicron transition, just before Omicrons amazing take-off. Perhaps a BA.4/5 transition will exhibit the same behavior. OTOH, I could be projecting patterns into clouds.

* * *

Mastravaganza (1):

1st maskless day update: There is a sense of joy in the air that I seldom see at work. People are happy and smiling and everyones saying how happy they are with no mask on! Its so so nice to see peoples smiles!! Everyone is so happy to breathe freely  1/2  Nurse Jem  (@JemNicoleRN) June 13, 2022

A nurse shouldnt be applauding the spread of an airborne pathogen, especially in a hospital.

Mastravaganza (2):

HIS SMILE WAS SO BIG UNDER THAT MASK https://t.co/oMsO1giwLU  mari (@filmsatellite) June 16, 2022

What? You can tell?!

Are face masks a problem for emotion recognition? Not when the whole body is visible. [psyRxiv]. From 2021, still germane. From the Significance Statement: Face masks have become a ubiquitous part of daily life in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. This has caused a sudden and stark change in our social interactions, not only limiting face-to-face contact with others, but also creating a physical barrier to seeing the entire face of the person with whom you are interacting. Several pieces of research have explored this issue in terms of the impact of a face mask on emotion recognition, social connectedness, memory and trust. The conclusion has been that face masks pose a potentially serious issue for cohesive social interaction, with emotion recognition in particular being affected by masks. However, these studies have shown pictures of the face in isolation, which is something one is rarely going to see in real life. Here by including the rest of the body and showing that emotion recognition remains largely unchanged by face-masks we hope to alleviate some of these fears arising from these previous studies.  From this long thread which includes other studies:

Studies on kids of masked emotion recognition typically contrast masked accuracy with unmasked. If masked accuracy is less, those against masks declare victory, "Kids can't learn with masked teachers!"

Here are some replies:

1. "Good thing a teacher isn't a photograph."

 pic.twitter.com/jCpzpwm4yi  Loretta Torrago (@Loretta_Torrago) February 15, 2022

* * *

Another PMC supersoreading event:

Dr. Anthony Fauci tests positive for COVID days after visiting Worcester, College of the Holy Cross [MassAlive (antidlc)]. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and President Bidens chief medical adviser, has tested positive for COVID-19 just four days after traveling to Worcester to attend a ceremony at his alma mater, the College of the Holy Cross, officials said. Fauci attended a building rededication ceremony at Holy Cross on Saturday, where the schools Integrated Science Complex was renamed in his honor. Over a thousand people crowded into a tightly packed atrium for about 30 minutes to hear Fauci and college officials speak. Few attendees donned masks. Fauci wore a KN95 mask at certain points throughout the ceremony, but removed it to give a speech and talk with reporters .  I wondered aloud if Fauci was infected at a superspreader event. And lo and beholdl!

If you missed it, heres a post on my queasiness with CDC numbers, especially case count, which I (still) consider most important, despite what Walenskys psychos at CDC who invented community levels think. But these are the numbers we have.

* * *

Air purification  Luchtreiniging  Purificaton dair  HEPA [Carl Van Keirsbilck, Medium]. In this document you will find an overview of studies on the effectiveness of air cleaning to remove SARS-COV-2 from the air in different settings (schools, gym, hospitals, ) and thus greatly reduce the chance of infection.  A big round-up.

* * *

NOT UPDATED 91-DIVOC has moved and I dont like the new charts; for example, I cant get a US total on the same chart as the regional subtotals. Case count by United States regions:

More or less level. Remember that cases are undercounted, one source saying by a factor of six, Gottlieb thinking we only pick up one in seven or eight.) Hence, I take the case count and multiply it by six to approximate the real level of cases, and draw the DNC-blue Biden Line at that point. Yesterday, the count was 100,800. Today, its 106900, and 100,800 * 6 = a Biden line at 641400. At least we have confirmation that the extraordinary mass of case anecdotes had a basis in reality. (Remember these data points are weekly averages, so daily fluctuations are smoothed out.) The black Fauci Line is a counter to triumphalism, since it compares current levels to past crises.

 Florida undercounted COVID cases and deaths, failed to get test results, state audit says [Miami Herald]. Floridas COVID-19 data was so inaccurate, incomplete and delayed during the first months of the pandemic that government officials and the public may not have had necessary information to determine the effectiveness of the states COVID-19 precautions and the best plan to fight the virus, according to a state report released Monday. Covering the states pandemic response from March to October 2020, the yearlong analysis by the Florida Auditor General found missing case and death data, unreported ethnic and racial details, and incomplete contact tracing as the coronavirus spread across the state. In addition, the report concluded that state health officials did not perform routine checks on the data to ensure accuracy and did not follow up on discrepancies.

NOT UPDATED As above. Here are cases for the last four weeks:

More or less level.

From the Walgreens test positivity tracker:

Down 2.8%. This tracker fiddles and diddles at peaks, but also not at peaks. (Im leaving the corporate logo on as a slap to and check on the goons at CDC.)

NOT UPDATED Wastewater data from Biobot Analytics:

NOT UPDATED Variant data, regional (Biobot), May 25:

NOT UPDATED Variant data, national (Walgreens), May 28:

NOT UPDATED Variant data, national (CDC), May 28:

From CDC Community Profile Reports (PDFs), Rapid Riser counties:

Better on the West Coast, worse in the Southwest, status quo in the South and Midwest, quiet in the Northeast.

The previous release:

NOTE I shall most certainly not be using the CDCs new Community Level metric. Because CDC has combined a leading indicator (cases) with a lagging one (hospitalization) their new metric is a poor warning sign of a surge, and a poor way to assess personal risk. In addition, Covid is a disease you dont want to get. Even if you are not hospitalized, you can suffer from Long Covid, vascular issues, and neurological issues. For these reasons, case counts  known to be underestimated, due to home test kits  deserve to stand alone as a number to be tracked, no matter how much the political operatives in CDC leadership would like to obfuscate it. That the green map (which Topol calls a capitulation and a deception) is still up and being taken seriously verges on the criminal. Use the community transmission immediately below.

Here is CDCs interactive map by county set to community transmission. This is the map CDC wants only hospitals to look at, not you:

West Coast, and Midwest are all red. Seeing some orange (substantial) on the East Coast. Great Plains speckled with yellow and blue. Go Vermont!

Hospitalization (CDC Community Profile):

Very volatile.

Death rate (Our World in Data):

Total: 1,037,664 1,036,483 . I have added an anti-triumphalist Fauci Line.

Stats Watch

Manufacturing: United States Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index [Trading Economics]. The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index in the US dropped to -3.3 in June of 2022, well below forecasts pointing to growth of 5.5, signaling the first contraction in factory activity since May of 2020.

Employment Situation: United States Initial Jobless Claims [Trading Economics]. The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits decreased by 3K to 229K in the week ended June 11th, below market forecasts of 210K pointing again to the exceptionally tight labor market.

* * *

Tech: YouTubes new corrections feature lets creators fix the record more easily [YouTube]. YouTube is introducing a new feature named corrections that lets creators easily add more obvious corrections. After a video has been uploaded, creators can add corrections that will appear as infocards in the top right-hand corner of a video at the relevant timestamp (but only, it seems, for the first correction in any given video). Viewers can then click on the card to expand the correction notes in the videos description.

* * *

Todays Fear & Greed Index: 14 Extreme Fear (previous close: 20 Extreme Fear) [CNN]. One week ago: 31 (Fear). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Jun 16 at 1:25 PM EDT.

Zeitgeist Watch

Andreessen on Learning to Love the Humanities (Ep. 152) [Conversations with Tyler]. Without understanding the deep patterns of human behavior, how can you know what to build, or who should build it, or how? For Marc, that means reading deeply in the humanities: I spent the first 25 years of my life trying to understand how machines work, Marc says. Then I spent the second 25 years, so far, trying to figure out how people work. It turns out people are a lot more complicated. Marc joined Tyler to discuss his ever-growing appreciation for the humanities and morel  If Andreessen truly loves the humanities, hed be defending blogging and RSS with his dying breath, which he does not do. Change happens at the margins. The margins of Walled Gardems. are walls.

The Zen Playboy [The Nation]. After the [Whole Earth Catalogs] success, [Stewart Brand] committed himself to realizing a new ideal: the Zen playboy. In 1986, while he vacationed on a colonial ranch in Kenya and dreamed of a book called Sleeping With Lions, the remainder of the Whole Earth team sent him a letter saying the project was broke and they would have to cut him off. Well into his 40s, Brand could still count on a check from Mom. But how to spend his time? What role could history offer him?mBefore he knew it, Brand was on a Shell oil platform, helping the companys managers find an innovative way to restructure the workforce, despite the labor unions objections. In the second half of his life, Brand betrayed everything hed ever embraced in the first half, with the notable exception of capitalism, of which hes remained in favor. Soon he and several others who worked for Shell began their own consultancy firm. From the mind that created the Whole Earth Catalog came the Global Business Network. Brand charged more than $100,000 a year to show up at the occasional meeting, where he was known for falling asleep.  Ouch.

Book Nook

Joyces Ulysses takes place on June 16. This is Bloomsday:

Joyce's sketch of Leopold Bloom. Thanks to producer Susan Kenyon for today's brilliant Bloomsday sequence @BBCRadio3 Breakfast. pic.twitter.com/psQvxwcHHo  Petroc Trelawny (@PetrocTrelawny) June 16, 2022

Wall art?

This Bloomsday, and for those who fear their notes are too messy, here are some of Joyces handwritten drafts of Ulysses pic.twitter.com/VyXW4B7Usb  David Hering (@hering_david) June 16, 2022

I can generally hear Ulysses as spoken while reading. Im sure Im not alone:

A happy #Bloomsday to all! Hear Joyce reading from Ulysses and Finnegans Wake in two rare recordings from the 1920s: https://t.co/4GVIVoHTqt #Bloomsday2022 pic.twitter.com/gDdffg9NfH  Public Domain Review (@PublicDomainRev) June 16, 2022

Class Warfare

West Coast port union, employers say no plan for strike or lockout [Hellenic Shipping News]. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) employer group have been in negotiations since May. They said they do not expect to reach a deal before the high-stakes labor agreement, which covers workers at key ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach, expires on July 1. In a joint statement released Tuesday, the ILWU and PMA said that at a meeting in Los Angeles on Friday, they shared with U.S. President Joe Biden their commitment to reaching a deal. Neither party is preparing for a strike or a lockout, they said. The news came just hours before the nations busiest ocean trade gateway in Los Angeles, which employs the lions share of West Coast port workers, reported near record imports for May. Import volumes at the Port of Los Angeles are easing from the levels seen during the throes of the pandemic, when home-bound shoppers binged on everything from exercise equipment to garden supplies. Still, they remain about 20% above normal  stoking shipper anxieties that any breakdown in the often-contentious labor talks could spawn work slowdowns, gum up cargo flows and send inflation-fueling transportation costs even higher.

Have any readers seen notes like this?

Poignant times at the pancake house pic.twitter.com/APbEb8TqFk  Sun Destroyer 999 (@bombsfall) June 15, 2022

News of the Wired

If youre renting, chances are your home is cold. With power prices soaring, heres what you can do to keep warm [The Conversation].  Winter is coming, unless youre Australian, in which case its already here.

My crafting makes me a better engineerbut it took me a while to realize [Science]. Soon I was seeing more examples of connections between engineering and craft that I had previously overlooked. When working on the wheelchair project, I put my sewing skills to use creating cushioned grips for the handles. The engineering design kitchen where my undergrad classmates and I tested our ideas was stocked with inexpensive tools including felt, pipe cleaners, and popsicle sticksmaterials that would not be out of place in a craft bin, I now realized. I saw how crafting taught me to persevere when my product didnt match my initial vision and to consider the failed creation a learning and prototyping experience, just as an engineer must.

Watercolor Basics [tombetthauser]. Some personal stuff that I observed help frustrated and talented art students over the past 10+ years making, learning and teaching art professionally for no reason. Geared towards developing an everyday open-ended watercolor practice for expressive observational painting more than old-school illustration. Put together for a dev friend who bought some paints.  This looks like a really, really good list (maybe could use some simplification for a beginner). Maybe something to do outside in the summer and fall?

* * *

Contact information for plants: Readers, feel free to contact me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, to (a) find out how to send me a check if you are allergic to PayPal and (b) to find out how to send me images of plants. Vegetables are fine! Fungi and coral are deemed to be honorary plants! If you want your handle to appear as a credit, please place it at the start of your mail in parentheses: (thus). Otherwise, I will anonymize by using your initials. See the previous Water Cooler (with plant) here. From AG:

AG writes: I remembered to take a photo of the first Humboldts Lily bloom in our garden, and here it is. Grass Valley, CA, 2700 ft elevation.

If you eat a lot of lemons (guurst):

Kasta inte dina citronskal  pic.twitter.com/gWZhjwZDa0  Iren Ilska (@IlskaIren) June 4, 2022

* * *

Readers: Water Cooler is a standalone entity not covered by the recently concluded and  thank you!  successful annual NC fundraiser. So if you see a link you especially like, or an item you wouldnt see anywhere else, please do not hesitate to express your appreciation in tangible form. Remember, a tip jar is for tipping! Regular positive feedback both makes me feel good and lets me know Im on the right track with coverage. When I get no donations for five or ten days I get worried. More tangibly, a constant trickle of donations helps me with expenses, and I factor in that trickle when setting fundraising goals:







Here is the screen that will appear, which I have helpfully annotated:

If you hate PayPal, you can email me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, and I will give you directions on how to send a check. Thank you!
Yves here. Yesterdays press had a fair bit of upset over the fact that Gazprom had cut gas shipments to Germany over Nord Stream 1 by about 40%. That plus the news that the second biggest US LNG exporting plant would be out of commission for months, as opposed to weeks, due to a fire, led European gas prices to rise 13%.

Russia at least had what appears to be a good excuse for reducing gas flows to Germany. Siemens was contracted to repair some Gazprom equipment in St. Petersburg. According to RT (hat tip Rev Kev) Five out of eight pumping units had not been returned on time and then some malfunctioned when reconnected. Reader Polar Socialist added:

The reason to drop throughput from 167 million cubic meters to 100 was that Siemens sent the pump to Montreal for repairs, and Canada refuses to deliver it back  because sanctions. Meanwhile Gazprom took another pump offline today due to delayed maintenance, thus dropping the throughput to 67 million cubic meters per day. So now apparently only 40% of the max capacity is in use. Whoopsie.

If thats the real reason, it could conceivably get sorted out, although it seems probable that it would take a the very least a month. Recall also that the EU has been muttering about a gas embargo in its next round of sanctions, to the degree that Hungary is again being forced to play bad guy and object strenuously.

In the meantime, as youll see, German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck has been harrumphing that the Russia cuts are obviously political. Even if true, so what? Russia has been astonishingly restrained in not doing much in the way of counter sanctions, despite Gilbert Doctorow reporting what would seem to be obvious: the general public in Russia is frustrated that Putin hasnt punched back, as guests on Russian political shows make clear.

However, remember Russias retaliatory economic sanctions? The ones that seemed like a as if they had turned out to be a damp squib? From a May 12 post:

Russia published its initial list of parties subject to its retaliatory special economic measures. Putin established the program by decree on May 3, designed to address the unlawful taking of property and property rights by unfriendly parties. The order tasked officials to come up with targets in ten days and develop additional criteria. We speculated that Germanys seizure of Gazprom operations, which included storage facilities, would be a prime initial target. We were correctTASS gives an overview: The list includes 31 companies from Germany, France and other European countries, as well as from the USA and Singapore. In particular, it includes former European subsidiaries of Gazprom, traders and operators of underground gas storage facilities. In particular, Russian authorities, legal entities and citizens will not be able to conclude transactions with the sanctioned entities and organizations under their control, fulfill obligations to them under completed transactions, and conduct financial transactions in their favor. This includes the concluded foreign trade contracts. Now so far this is all very entertaining, but what does it mean? It appears Europeans in the gas and possibly also electricity business wont know for sure until Russia counterparties tell them their contracts are cancelled or they otherwise wont be doing business with them. Remember that the sanctions are sweeping in terms of subjecting all Russian individuals and legal persons to them. And their application goes beyond the entities listed to include organizations under their control.

It looks like Russia knew exactly what it was doing. Consider the impact of the most obvious step Russia would take under these sanctions, of no longer supplying gas to the stolen Gazprom businesses. From reader vao:

But there is more on the gas front in Germany, and costs for the German State are piling up. Remember that story with Gazprom Germania taken over by the Bundesnetzagentur as trustee? Well, 1) After being placed under the administration of the Bundesnetzagentur, Gazprom embargoed supplies to its former German unit, i.e. Gazprom Germania and its host of subsidiaries storing and delivering gas in Germany. This means that GG has not yet managed to re-fill its storage tanks. 2) Furthermore, since GG had contracts to fulfil, it had to acquire gas elsewhere at much higher prices  which proved totally unprofitable, so much so that GG is nearly bankrupt. 3) The German government is now embarking on a reorganization to avoid the cessation of activities by GG. GG will be lent up to 10bn through the KfW to ensure the continuity of operations. 4) It is not yet certain whether the government will back the loan with a State guarantee, or whether it will convert it to equity (in which case the German State will become a shareholder of GG). 5) The trusteeship will be converted from October onwards to a permanent administration, and Gazprom Germania renamed to Securing Energy for Europe GmbH. 6) In another step, the Bundesnetzagentur has decided to grant a 40% rebate on the fees to be paid when feeding the German gas distribution networks from LNG supplies. So it is not just the German industry and households that are feeling the pain because of high gas prices  the State budget is getting directly hammered as well because of the consequences of the spat with Russia.

Perhaps I am thinking too much like an American who has done time in finance, but Germany should have realized as soon as Russia announced the retaliatory special economic measures against all former Gazprom entities and joint-venture partners in Europe, that theyd be getting no more gas when they were still on the hook for deliveries. They should have put the German companies in receivership immediately so as to get out of the obligation to perform on the supply agreements. Admittedly this would have shifter the pain somewhere else, but at least German taxpayers would have been spared.

And now to Italy. We had pointed out that some of the Gazprom entities listed in the retaliatory countersanctions were Italian or had customers in Italy, such as Gazprom Schweiz AG, which trades natural gas in Italy, and PremiumGas SpA. So one wonders if the gas cutback to Italy is due at least in part to the retaliatory special economic measures.

By Julianne Geiger, a veteran editor, writer and researcher for Oilprice.com, and a member of the Creative Professionals Networking Group. Originally published at OilPrice

Eni: Gazprom reduced gas flows to Italy without a reason.

Italy gets 40% of its imported gas from Russia.

News of Tuesdays reduced gas flows to Germany said natural gas prices soaring by 13%.

Russias Gazprom has reduced the flow of gas to Italy, an Eni spokesman has said, according to Reuters. Gazprom did not give a reason for the reduction.

Eni confirms that Gazprom has communicated a limited reduction in gas supplies for today, amounting to approximately 15%, the spokesman for Eni said, adding that the company was constantly monitoring the situation.

On Tuesday, Gazprom announced that it was cutting natural gas flows to Germany via the Nord Stream pipeline by 40% due to needed equipment repairs that had been delayed. Gas supplies via Nord Stream would therefore be limited to 100 million cubic meters per day, compared to the planned volume of 167 million cubic meters per day, Gazprom said.

News of Tuesdays reduced gas flows to Germany said natural gas prices soaring by 13%. Nord Stream flows rose slightly on Wednesday. But in July, Nord Stream is scheduled to undergo planned maintenance for two weeks. During this time, there will be no gas flow via Nord Stream to Germany, Gundesnetzagentur said earlier this week.

Italy gets 40% of its imported gas from Russia, equivalent to 29 billion cubic meters, according to Reuters.

Italy is already working on sourcing gas from alternative suppliers, including from Algeria, Azerbaijan, the DRC, Angola, and Qatar. Eni is also in talks with Egypt about boosting LNG imports. Eni has already struck a deal with EGAS to increase nat gas imports by 3 billion cubic meters per day. The new agreement would boost capacity to send even more LNG to Italy, but this would likely take up to two years to complete.

Both Germany and Italy told companies last month that they could open ruble accounts, which would allow them to continue gas purchases from Russia without running afoul of sanctions.

While no reason was given for Wednesdays gas disruption to Italy, Germanys Economy Minister Robert Habeck said Gazproms Tuesday decision to reduce gas flows to Germany was politically motivated and not due to technical issues like Gazprom said.
Dear readers:

Temporarily changing our note at the top of this page to a query

Yves is doing more research on her short list of candidate countries for her hoped-for future expat life. One of the fast ways to get tips and learn about possible pitfalls is expat message boards. However, these seem to be substantially if not entirely on Facebook and Yves is allergic to Facebook. Lambert thinks this is not entirely paranoid since even when he uses a VPN, Facebook recognizes him.

Do readers have any suggestions as to how to set up a FB account and keep it well away from your real world identity?

Thanks!

* * *

When Cats Chew Catnip, It Works as a Bug Spray Smithsonian

Happy the Elephant is not a human, according to N.Y. Court of Appeals. But has a legal precedent been set for cases on behalf of nonhuman animals? Bronx Times (which doesnt come up on Googles front page, even though Happys residence is the Bronx Zoo, because Google is trying to strangle local news rooms, good job).

Fed Meeting Live Updates: Interest Rates Raised 0.75 Percentage Point WSJ

So Now We Have Clarity. The World Has Changed Bloomberg

Remember what happened last time The Reformed Broker

The Fed is forcing markets to flush crypto speculators: Strategist Yahoo

Climate

Shortage of radio technicians may have compromised safety on Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Wildfire Today

On probabilism and statistics Lars P. Syll. From a statistics course Syll gives to life scientists working in the pharmaceutical industry.

#COVID19

Scientists use ancient DNA samples to explain Black Death origins FT Original.

China?

Myanmar

Please Dont Call Myanmar Military Tatmadaw The Irrawaddy. Use sit-tat instead. Usage example: I once heard a story of a fascist general saying during a public meeting, "if sit-tat have to kill 40m ppl, we will kill them all. We will continue with the 10m remaining ppl who are with us".

That's what they really said.

That's the true nature of the fascists.  Nicholas (@nicholas6284) June 15, 2022 Clarifying!

Protecting and restoring Indonesias mangroves Straits Times

India

In the Hottest City on Earth, Mothers Bear the Brunt of Climate Change The Wire

Syraqistan

UK/EU

New Not-So-Cold War

Biden Administrion

Inside the U.S. government project to create tiny nuclear reactors like batteries CNBC

Capitol Seizure

Who is Greg Jacob, Pences lawyer who testifies Thursday before Jan. 6 panel The Hill. So what happens when Pence doesnt get in the car?

Big Brother Is Watching You

The Groves of Academe

Imperial Collapse Watch

Class Warfare

Why Rural Americans Keep Waiting for Fast Internet, Despite Billions Spent WSJ

Agents in the Ether Inference Review. Cable telegraphy and electrical physics in the Victorian British Empire.

Antidote du jour (@IainHLeach):

Bonus antidote:

The Pin-tailed Whydah's courtship dance, a mid air ballet where the male exerts extreme effort and energy for the affections of the female, serenading her as he hopefully displays his nearly 8inch long tail feathers (20cm)pic.twitter.com/5v9iQYOnhV  Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) June 12, 2022

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
My Nashville Post role has evolved since 2000 when I joined the now-defunct The City Paper. TCP became a Post sister publication in 2008 (when I began doing some Post work) and folded in 2013. I have been managing editor of the Post since late 2011.

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Our country is currently facing an unprecedented economic and political crisis. Fathers and mothers are spending hours and hours in queues for fuel, gas and other basics of life.

Joint Op-ed by:

Rev. Mahawela Rathanapala Thero, Member of Supreme Sangha Council, Malwatta Temple

Rev. Sheikh M Arkam Nooramith, General secretary, All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama

Rev. E. J. T. Noel Fernando, Clergy Person, Anglican Church, Diocese of Colombo

Rev. Swami Gunatitananda, Resident Swami, Chinmaya Mission

We just returned from a workshopin Kathmandu organized by UNICEF, which brought together religious leaders from different faiths from across South Asia. From Sri Lanka, our delegation consisted of all our faiths: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam.

The theme of the workshop was Faith and Positive Change for Children, Families and Communities. The timing and theme of the workshop couldnt have been more relevant to Sri Lanka, given the economic and political crisis that is affecting our people, with the burden disproportionally falling on children and vulnerable families.

Across all faith traditions, children are considered as precious gifts to mankind. They represent a blessing to the family and the community. They represent the future. Religion teaches us that adults are to be the guardians of the children in our midst. This means that adults have a role to protect and care for children and to support them not only to survive, but togrow to their full potential.

Our country is currently facing an unprecedented economic and political crisis. Fathers and mothers are spending hours and hours in queues for fuel, gas and other basics of life. Prices of essential commodities are rising daily. This has triggered protests, which unfortunately in some cases have degenerated into violence. In all these, children, the precious gifts from the Lord are the most affected. A threat to children is a threat on the very foundation of mankind. This should concern every believerBuddhist, Christian, Hindu, and Moslem.

Today, we make the joint appeal to all believers across our faiths to remember the role of the guardian for children that is placed on each of us. In every action you take at your appropriate level, prioritize the needs of children. Listen to them and consider their opinions.

Avoid violence against children and watch over them, like the good shepherd does for his flock. In these times of crisis, do not let negative emotions take control of you. This is the time, more than ever to exercise the tenets of your faith to be kind. Do not vent any frustration on anyone, including children. You will not only be breaking the law but drifting away from your faith.

In the midst of despair, the good always triumphs. During this current crisis we have all seen or heard of uncountable heartwarming gestures of kindness, unity, and love. This is what the holy scriptures demands of usto be each others keepers. These values are rooted in our cultures and cemented by faith. We pray that this demonstration of such core values serves to renew your faith and continue.

Extend love and emotional security to the children. Its the duty of individuals, society, and the state to create the conducive environment for children. These include, providing them with the basic needs, including adequate nutrition, education, and a safe environment. The children of Sri Lanka are currently deprived of their rights. Many go to bed hungry, dont go to school or access healthcare. Poverty in the households is biting hard on children. The future of Sri Lanka is being threatened.

During the workshop in Kathmandu, as Religious Facilitators and Faith Based Entities, we emphasized the need to use the mind, faith and heart to bring out the best for children. If the heart and mind speak to each other, guided by genuine faith, it will lead to the best results for children.

Once again, we would like to remind all adults, society, and the state that Faith without action is in vain. The children are crying for your action. We are calling on you to heed their voice.

--End--
When Asphalt Beach Skate Shop owner Steve Larios realized Nashvilles deadly March 2020 tornado hit his store, his first reaction wasnt worrying about the inventory or even the building itself  all he could think about were his shop cats.

Larios arrived as soon as he could after the tornado passed. The wreckage on Woodland Street was so bad that he couldnt drive up to Asphalt Beach. He had to get out of his car and walk to the shop  or what was left of it. The building was in ruins. A wall was blown out, and in some places, skate racks were the only things holding up the fallen ceiling.

At first, Larios and his employees couldnt find either of the shops two cats, Duzy (aka Duzy Jr.) and Fabiola (aka Fabby). They searched and called for hours with no response. Eventually, around 5 or 6 a.m., Duzy appeared from under one of the remaining skate racks.

She was freaked, says Larios.

After more searching, they still couldnt find Fabby. They called it and took Duzy home. When Fabby didnt show up after additional searching, they asked neighbors to keep an eye out for their other shop cat. Later, about 19 hours after the previous nights tornado, Larios returned with a cat carrier and a flashlight.

It was quiet, he says. I started calling to [Fabby]. And I heard a little something, I thought it was the wind.

Larios followed the sound to a pile of rubble, with gridded racks used to display skating accessories. It was full of these fat roller-derby knee pads that had fallen on top of her, and then the wall [of] cinder blocks fell on top of that, so she was buried. But [the kneepads] kept her alive.

The shop and most of its inventory were destroyed. But unlike beloved pets, skates can be replaced, and these good girls had been a fixture at Asphalt Beach for years. They even lived at the temporary Elm Hill Pike iteration of the skate shop while Larios was rebuilding the East Side location.

Duzy, a white shorthair, came to Asphalt Beach first  after a customer told Larios she had some kittens up for grabs. The hardware store down the street had cats, and I thought, Hey, we could have a cat.  Duzy was named after a former employee and skater.

Fabby, named after Brazilian skating champion Fabiola da Silva, arrived at the shop later. A tiny, feral tortoiseshell kitten, Fabby had climbed up into a customers car in the heat of August. They eventually found her and brought her into the shop  Larios wrapped her in a towel and skated her down to the vet.

At first, the vet wasnt sure she would make it. She had everything wrong with her a feral kitten could have, says Larios. But Fabby is a survivor  she pulled through and has been with the shop ever since. In the old building, she would get up in the ceilings joists and swat ping-pong balls that people would toss up to her. Nowadays the ceiling is too high for that, but you can usually find Fabby lounging in the corner on her beach chair, surrounded by plants and overlooking East Nashville.

Though Duzy survived the tornado, sadly you wont find her patrolling Asphalt Beach anymore  she died from oral cancer last year. Larios says Fabby felt the loss; Duzy was like a mother to Fabby, and once she was gone, Fabby lay in all of Duzys old spots.

Despite her absence, Duzy is still a part of the shop, now reopened in its original location. There are pictures of her all over the place and art that she inspired, and Larios still keeps her toys, couch and ashes in his office. Theres also the Tornado Cats mural that immortalizes both Duzy and Fabby in the front entrance. You may notice that Duzy looks a bit chonkier than Fabby in the mural, and that probably isnt an accident. She was very food-oriented, says Larios. [At] dinner time, she would come get me and I would sing Duzy Dinner Time,  says Larios. A poster reading Its Duzy Jr. Dinner Time commemorates the ritual.

Along with the new shop, Larios also acquired a new shop cat. They call him Biggie, named after both another skater and The Big Lebowski. Larios wife took Biggie in when his former owner almost took him to the pound. Hes at least part Maine Coon, and though he started off living downstairs, hes upstairs on the day the Scene visits, checking himself out in the mirror and lounging on skate boxes. Larios says hes a sweetheart, but his and Fabbys relationship is a work in progress.

Asphalt Beach is a gem for many reasons. Its a longtime local fixture. The staff is welcoming, and will answer all your questions whether youre a novice or a longtime skater. But its the cats who make the shop extra special  it wouldnt be the same without them.
Tennessee is one of 14 states that will see a near total ban on abortion in the event of the rollback of Roe v. Wade. But its still unclear how exactly the states trigger law will be enforced.

Davidson County District Attorney Glenn Funk stands by his 2020 statement that he would not prosecute anyone who decides to have a medical procedure to terminate a pregnancy or any medical doctor who performs this procedure at the request of their patient. Even so, theres room in the law for Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery to petition the state Supreme Court to appoint a special prosecutor in a district where a DA has said they will not prosecute certain crimes. The Metro Nashville Police Department declined to comment on the matter of enforcing a trigger law.

This year, the state legislature passed a law adding repercussions for physicians prescribing a medication abortion via telehealth. The state also attempted to pass legislation similar to a notorious Texas law that would have allowed any individual to sue another who aids or abets someone looking to obtain an abortion. That effort failed in Tennessee, but similar laws have already passed in Oklahoma and Idaho. Additionally, bills prohibiting a local government from providing assistance to an elective abortion provider, requiring a pregnant person to complete a consultation with the department of health prior to an abortion, and giving a father of an unborn child the right to prohibit an abortion were introduced this year, but failed.

Stella Yarbrough is the legal director for ACLU of Tennessee. She sat down with the Scene to evaluate what the 2019-passed trigger law, also known as the Human Life Protection Act, means as it is written.

What effect could this trigger law have on physicians?

A lot of people use the phrase that theres an exception to the abortion ban for the sake of the pregnant persons life or mental condition. And its really truly not an exception. Legally speaking, its an affirmative defense, and thats how its described in the statute. An affirmative defense is something that a defendant could raise after theyve already been arrested and charged and are being prosecuted for a crime. It functions in a very similar way to a self-defense claim.

They would have to show that in their good-faith medical judgment, [and its] unclear exactly what that would mean or how you would show that, that the abortion was necessary to prevent the death of the pregnant person  or woman, as the statute says  and prevent serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function.

At that point, some harm has already occurred to the physician, which is theyve already been arrested and charged with a [class] C felony. They may ultimately be acquitted if theyre able to show this affirmative defense. But thats something that a physician who is maybe less risk-tolerant might be unwilling to undertake.

From a law perspective, what would need to change to protect the right to abortion in Tennessee?

Some states have state constitutional protections of this right. So in those states that right would be protected under the state constitution. Others have statutory protections of the right. And in places like Tennessee, we actually have a constitutional amendment that says that nothing in our constitution could be interpreted as providing a right to an abortion.

If we wanted to have a statutory right, this constitutional amendment doesnt prohibit the creation of a statute that allows it, but we would have to repeal a number of statutes on the books, including the trigger ban and the six-week ban.

So abortion restrictions are deeply enshrined in Tennessee law.

Thats a good way of putting it.

How does the threat of a class C felony add intensity to this?

Its hugely relevant that its a felony charge in the sense that a felony conviction carries with it so many more collateral consequences than a misdemeanor conviction would.  Temporary or permanent loss of the right to vote, denial of a lot of access to public services, like public housing, or loss of school loan funding. Obviously a felony criminal conviction could affect your ability to get a job or be enrolled in a school. A felony conviction has permanent, lifelong consequences in a way that a misdemeanor simply wouldnt. And especially for abortion providers and physicians, a felony conviction could mean the loss of their license, so it could mean a loss of their livelihood. In addition, theres obviously fines and jail time on the line as well.

Although the law states that it wont prosecute those who are receiving the abortion, could there still be fallout for a pregnant person?

The trigger ban does expressly say that this section doesnt subject the pregnant woman upon whom an abortion is performed or attempted to be performed, so it doesnt subject them to criminal conviction or penalty. Theres an explicit carve-out.

Theres tension in the context of how to interpret the word performed, particularly in the context of, lets say, medication abortions, where the pregnant person is administering medication to themselves. Theres some tension there. But again, I do want to emphasize that ultimately, the law does say on its face that the pregnant woman will be excluded from criminal conviction or penalty.

Where does the abortion pill fall in this?

Whats going to be more important is what the Supreme Court does with Roe, and thats going to control any analysis of medication abortion post-Roe. Its hard for me to speculate about how medication abortion, how that puzzle piece will fit in when the most basic right to an abortion is up for grabs. I cant really necessarily go into different hypotheticals there.

Anything else you want to add?

Attacks on abortion care have been so enshrined in Tennessee law and in our constitution that it would be it would be incredibly difficult if Roe was overturned and the federal right is lost. Its going to be a tremendous uphill battle to regain those rights for Tennesseans. The ACLU of Tennessee is committed to doing so, and were going to do everything in our power to continue to fight for these rights.
Folks, were well past the point at which writing to U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty is a worthwhile endeavor. Our state legislators have carved up the Democratic stronghold of the 5th Congressional District, so our representation in the U.S. House is a big unknown. Its time to get on the ground and find the grassroots organizations that have been preparing for this fight. Donating money to national organizations is nice, but if you want to see progress in your own community and in the South, here are some options.

Healthy and Free Tennessee is a nonprofit made up of agencies, organizations and individuals promoting reproductive justice in our state. Theyve been active in the state legislature, working with lawmakers to view law through a reproductive lens. HFTN was behind the bill that bans the shackling of pregnant women in Tennessee jails, which passed in March. In May, HFTN steering-committee member Briana Perry told the Scene that the organization will also start to provide training around self-managed abortion and respond to a potential uptick in criminalization of abortion, potentially providing legal and bail funds.

Even if Roe v. Wade is overturned, state laws will still matter as we navigate the criminalization of abortion. We need advocates at the state Capitol, and you can help. HFTN is looking for volunteers to guide the strategy for the coalitions priorities. With the 2022 legislative session wrapped and state lawmakers at ease for the rest of the year, this is the perfect time to get involved and prepare to fight the criminalization of abortion during the next session. HFTN also arranges meetings with representatives and constituents, so you can help inform our state leaders why reproductive choice matters to Southerners. The organization also lists opportunities for story sharing, tabling at events, hosting gatherings and more  and theyre always looking for monetary donations to stay afloat. Check out healthyandfreetn.org/volunteer to get involved.

Abortion Care Tennessee, which typically funds abortions by giving money to clinics, is looking to pivot their model to helping with travel costs for out-of-state abortions. Follow their work at abortioncaretn.org to stay up to date on this process.

Planned Parenthood does not only provide abortions  the clinics across the U.S. provide mammograms, STI testing and treatment, hormone therapy, prenatal care and a host of other services. Planned Parenthood is an indispensable institution that will still need funding in a potential post-Roe era. Ashley Coffield, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi, said at a May press conference that the organization is starting a patient navigator program to help people plan and pay for out-of-state abortions. You can get involved by joining the Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood and taking part in its Rapid Response Team next legislative session. By showing up on Capitol Hill, you not only tell your representatives what matters to you but also buoy the folks who have dedicated their lives to this cause.

Its easy to despair  to feel like were at the mercy of nine federal overlords who make decisions that impact every American from the cradle to the grave. Its hard to take action. But there are smart, strategic folks who are determined to stay active and hold up lanterns in the smog. Do the hard thing. This fight aint over.
Learning how to perform an abortion is not ubiquitous across medical education.

A 2020 study from Stanford University found that half of medical schools in the U.S. offer just one lecture or include no formal training on abortion-related topics. And while offering abortion training is required by national accreditation boards, schools sometimes disobey that requirement  and students can opt out of the training, which could affect access to other needed procedures.

At Meharry Medical College, students can opt out of abortion education, which happens in the four specialized OB-GYN residency years following medical school. Vanderbilt University refused to comment on the matter, though the presence of a Ryan Residency program (an abortion curriculum provider) at the school suggests that its not a part of the curriculum, and must be sought out by students.

This falls in line with the American Association of Medical Colleges Accreditation Councils stance  requiring access to abortion training for all obstetrics and gynecology residency programs, noting that students can choose not to participate in the training.

Dr. Howard Herrell is incoming chair of the Tennessee Chapter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He says its important that students learn the dilation and evacuation procedure, because its the same procedure used for a fetus that is no longer alive, a termination to save the life of the mother, or in some cases, to treat excessive bleeding or take a biopsy from the uterus. These scenarios for the termination of a pregnancy are frequently referred to university settings where residents can provide the services, he adds.

Even if they morally object to doing them, theyll still learn how, because enough women suffer pregnancy losses that need completion, at all gestational ages, says Herrell. A graduate from a residency program should be able to terminate a pregnancy.

Pending the overturn of Roe v. Wade and Tennessees abortion trigger law going into effect, Herrell is concerned that gynecologists could face criminal charges for performing the dilation and evacuation procedure at all  causing a chilling effect on instruction as well.

Thats a huge, vast gray area that on one hand has things like ectopic pregnancies  am I allowed to  do a surgery to remove an ectopic pregnancy before it ruptures and kills you? he says. To grayer areas like babies who are missing their brain, or mothers who have cardiac defects that if they choose to carry the pregnancy will give them a 50, 60, 70 percent chance of death.

If their fetus has died, a pregnant person will still be able to get an abortion no matter the gestation, Herrell says. Even so, its hard to prove what the outcome would have been for a pregnancy with medical complications  plus, pregnant people all have different risk tolerance. This puts physicians in a precarious position, at the mercy of how their local district attorney interprets the law. He hopes to see state legislatures leave this decision up to the patient and the physician.

Obstetrics is unique in that were balancing two interests, Herrell says. We have the health of the pregnancy, of the fetus, and we have the health of the mother. Sometimes those are at odds, and sometimes we make decisions that favor one party over the other, and we do that in a very gray murky area. That also needs to include your own desires and wants and beliefs.
(Natural News) Rather than gun control, America needs prescription drug CONTROL to ban these violent, psychotic-episode-inducing ADHD drugs. Introducing Qelbree (Viloxazine), the first non-stimulant prescription drug for ADHD approved by the FDA in over a decade. These extended release capsules are produced by Supernus Pharmaceuticals. The box warning states this medication can be prescribed to children diagnosed with ADHD as young as 6 years old.

New Qelbree ADHD drug for 6-year-olds linked to suicidal thoughts and homicidal actions

Qelbree is known to INCREASE suicidal thoughts AND actions, meaning the drug influences the childrens brains to actually carry out killings they were only imagining or worried about before. Did your child get caught during class looking at the mobile phone you gave them for emergencies? Time for some suicide-thought-provoking medication, according to American modern psychiatry. Does your child play wild games inside the house? Time for some homicidal-thought-inducing pharmaceuticals to treat that.

So heres how it works. A 6-year-old child is wiggling his/her feet and hands during class, and doesnt pay close attention to the whole 45-minute instruction period where the teacher explains division, so the kid is recommended by the teacher, the school psychologist, and the pediatrician for some psychiatrist-led (drug-slinger) evaluations.

Next comes prescription drugs for ADD and ADHD. Get ready for some horrific day-mares that can easily be accompanied by violent acts of homicide and/or suicide. Thats right, because Qelbree can increase thoughts of suicide and murder, especially within the first few months of treatment, or when the dose is changed. Really? Pediatricians and psychiatrists change the doses of prescriptions for their patients about as often as new mothers change their babys diapers. Good luck with all of that.

Qelbree can increase heart rate and blood pressure, just like COVID-19 vaccines do to so many millions of people, including children and teens. Qelbree can cause manic episodes for teens and children with bipolar disorder. Wait, isnt the medicine supposed to get rid of this, not worsen it? Maybe the child should also wipe feces on open wounds, and see if that helps them heal. The insanity of these prescription drugs is mind-boggling.

Rather than gun control, America needs prescription drug CONTROL to ban these violent, psychotic-episode-inducing ADHD drugs

Nearly every mass shooting event over the past 20 years has one concurrent theme besides the Democrats vying for gun control (confiscation) immediately afterwards. Nearly every active shooter was experiencing INCREASED thoughts and feelings of suicide and homicide due to the prescribed SSRI anti-anxiety and anti-depression drugs they were taking. Now, even ADD and ADHD drugs like Qelbree cause these side effects and adverse events to occur, and its so common that the drug manufacturers list these horrific events right on the WARNING BOX of their insane drugs.

Guns dont kill people. Sane kids and teens dont shoot up schools and movie theatres just because they got bullied and played some violent video games. Young males taking SSRIs and ADHD drugs that CAUSE dark, evil thoughts about suicide and murder, well, those DO cause mass shootings, and there needs to be legislation to confiscate these drugs from the open market and suspend all prescription writing capabilities until they are scientifically proven safe and effective. Right now, they most certainly are not.

Watch the new Qelbree commercial warn you about increased thoughts of suicide and murderous acts. This ad is being blasted across all mainstream media and streaming services right now.

Dont feed your child or teen to the suicide squad (doctors who sling Qelbree and other SSRIs). Research everything you consider consuming, including food, medicine, and water. Be sure its natural and not lab-made. Do your own research and dont use Google. Try the search engine Brave BETA and get more truth news and real information. Bookmark Censored.news to your favorite websites for truth news thats being censored from the rest of media as you read this.

Sources for this article include:

Supernus.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) The White House is already filling orders for Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines for babies after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published fraudulent data suggesting the shots are safe and effective for little ones.

In order to justify approval for this demographic  it is actually just another emergency use authorization (EUA) that shields both the government and Big Pharma from liability for injuries and deaths  the FDA is greatly exaggerating the risk of COVID for infants and toddlers while simultaneously exaggerating the alleged safety and effectiveness of the injections.

The truth is that children have zero risk of dying from the Fauci Flu. They also have a virtually zero risk of ever testing positive and getting sick from the alleged disease  meaning they do not need any experimental chemical injections.

According to the FDA, though, babies need to be jabbed because of reasons, and the Biden regime agrees. Big Pharma agrees as well because this means more cash flow straight into the coffers.

Infants and toddlers (and children in general) do not get COVID-19; they do not (yet) die from COVID-19, wrote James Lyons-Weiler. All that can change when antibody-dependent enhancement kicks in for the vaccinated.

He continued: For the entire population of children in the U.S. (73,000,000), the risk of COVID-19 infection since the onset of COVID is 10,700,000/73,000,000 = 0.14657. The risk of a child dying if they have a diagnosis is 1,086/10,700,00 or 1086/10700000 = 0.00010149532. The risk of any child dying of COVID-19 over this time period is 1,086/73000000 = 0.00001487671.

FDAs collusion with Big Pharma will kill many children

Another major flaw in the FDAs data is the ever-shifting definition of the word vaccinated. According to Lyons-Weiler, the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and both Moderna and Pfizer are constantly redefining the word vaccinated to suit their agenda.

In this case, the trials cited by the FDA as proof that Fauci Flu shots are suitable for young children define the word vaccinated as someone who received both doses and who did not test positive for COVID before two weeks passed after the second exposure to the injection. (Related: Covid jabs are linked to autoimmune hepatitis in children.)

In fact, that means that people who developed COVID-19 due to disease enhancement were dropped from the study calculations, Lyons-Weiler explained.

First, this is the first time people were dropped from a vaccine trial for getting infected with the pathogen targeted by the vaccine up to 13 or 14 days after being vaccinated, he added.

Second, its actually five entire weeks  one month and one week  after the first exposure. ALL of the vaccine efficacy being cited by the FDA is suspect.

The FDA and Big Pharma also tampered with the concept of vaccine efficacy to puff up the data and make it appear as though the injections reduce the rate of transmission in children, as well as rates of infection, hospitalization and death.

Lyons-Weiler said that all of this, as well as data on neutralizing antibodies and other factors, is used and cited in the FDAs report whenever convenient, all in an ad-hoc manner.

Its more than irritating, he lamented. Its moving the goal post and represents reckless (and ineffective) attempts to manipulate public perception.

All in all, the FDAs assessment of the data is incomplete at best, and disingenuous and flat-out wrong at worst. But who cares, right? Just so long as the needles get into childrens arms, the regime and its Big Pharma bed buddies are all good.

The latest news about the continued Fauci Flu shot push by the Biden regime can be found at ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources include:

TheBurningPlatform.com

FDA.gov

NaturalNews.com
The Leader of the Opposition should be the authority overseeing the reform program.

by Victor Ivan

At this point, Sri Lanka is lying on the verge of falling into a more dreadful abyss than what it is now in. So much so, the country will inevitably fall into a state of primitivism not easy to recover from unless appropriate and prompt measures are taken to prevent it from sinking further down from the present abyss it is now in. But, the aggressive forces and the society that demand and advocate for a change of the political system and the current regime do not seem to realize the horrible reality facing Sri Lanka. The extraordinary political situation that prevails at the moment is such that it would not be possible to change the ruling party immediately. Also, it is not the right time to refrain from supporting it branding it as a corrupt and unprogressive force. It can be viewed as a special moment to join hands with the ruling party regardless of its corrupt and awesome image in order that the country is rescued from the present abyss it is now in while preventing it from falling into the next layer, the consequences of which could be worse. Under the circumstances, anything like systemic change and regime change should take place within a legitimate constitutional framework that Sri Lanka could tolerate at this particular moment without compromising the basic objective outlined above.

The "People's Movement for Reform" has designed and framed its reform program after taking into consideration the particular stage of the crisis we are currently in. It has been designed in a manner that all parties represented in Parliament could be brought under an all-party interim framework so that they could work together to resolve the balance of payments crisis while a reform program aimed at making a profound change in the system could be implemented in two phases.

Better bid for the next move?

The proposed reform program has been designed to be implemented in two phases considering that holding an early election would be an essential condition for resolving the crisis. Accordingly, after the determination of a suitable system of governance for the country, the most important element to be included in the first phase of the program would be to make the necessary electoral laws required for ensuring the conduct of free and fair elections and then hold an election to elect public representatives to the legislature. It should also be an election to elect representatives to the Constitution Formulation Committee as well.

The Constitution Formulation Committee, consisting of 50 Members of Parliament and 100 Members of the public will act as the authority on the planning of the entire reform program, formulation of necessary drafts and the reforms to be introduced until the end of the first phase. The same committee will also be assigned the responsibility of planning and drafting the reform program for the second phase. It will be enacted as a compulsory statutory obligation to be fulfilled by the Government and Parliament coming into power after the elections. The first phase of the reform program should be completed in no more than one year, and the other reforms to be introduced in the second phase, including the "participatory constitution-making" should be completed in less than three years. Whatever may be the government that comes to power there should be an all-party government until the end of the reform program.

Making it a reality

The proposals of the reform program have been included only as a specimen for understanding the length, breadth and depth of the reform program that Sri Lanka needs and not with the view to stress that implementation of the proposals contained therein is essential. This is a reform program of Public participation. Therefore, the people have the right to make proposals. The entire program will be implemented in a transparent manner and in such a way that the public can be actively involved in it. This program

(a) provides a solid foundation for the formation of an all-party government to resolve the crisis facing Sri Lanka.

(b) This reform program also provides Sri Lanka with a solid foundation for securing international assistance at this time.

(c) It also provides a strong constitutional framework to bring about a profound change in the system that is rotten and stinks.

(d) It will provide space for holding an early election that can be contested without black money.

(e) it provides a solid foundation for integrating the divided nation and building a modern nation based on the principle of equality.

(f) It will provide the opportunity to develop a new system of governance based on the rule of law and a modern constitution based on public participation.

The proposed reforms program was approved by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa first, and later by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. At a discussion held with Sajith Premadasa, the Opposition leader on June 10, not only that he accepted the reform program, but also called for a broader discussion on June 13 to raise awareness of it.The June 13 meeting was attended by a group of parliamentarians representing the official hierarchy of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and a group of political leaders and parliamentarians representing the opposition alliance.

Of the opposition parties represented in Parliament, only the ones led by Champika Ranawaka and the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna were not present. The discussion lasted for nearly four hours and it went on enthusiastically. The reform program and the need for having such a program was accepted by all. Several views expressed the need for having an all-party government formed without delay.

Sri Lanka seems to be moving toward recognizing the importance of directing the country for adopting a comprehensive program of structural reforms that will bring about a profound and positive transformation of the political system. Needless to say that this is a very important trend. We look forward to discussing about this with the JVP, the 43rd Senankaya (Brigade), the SLFP and various groups representing the ruling party. An all-party consensus must be reached without delay. In my opinion, the President, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition should be made the three main pillars of the country in the face of this crisis. The President as the Head of State should be the authority who oversees all affairs of the state. The Prime Minister should be the authority that oversees the balance of payments crisis and the affairs of the government. The Leader of the Opposition should be the authority overseeing the reform program.

Such a combination will not only help unite the country but also provide a solid foundation for the country to emerge from its present abyss preventing it from falling into the next stage of it which could be a worse scenario. Eventually, the demands of the younger generation will become something that the country could achieve, not through harsh means, but through a smooth constitutional framework.
(Natural News) Two experts claimed that the ongoing food shortages in different parts of the world could be as deadly as the next pandemic.

Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Executive Director Peter Sands remarked that food shortages could prove to be the next worldwide health crisis.

Its not as well-defined as some brand new pathogen appearing with distinctive new symptoms. But it could well be just as deadly, he told Reuters.

Food shortages work in two ways. One is you have the tragedy of people actually starving to death. But second is you have the fact that often much larger numbers of people are poorly nourished, and that makes them more vulnerable to existing diseases.

According to the banker, governments now have to prepare for an even more complicated challenge after more than two years of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Wealthy governments risk making the classic mistake of concerning themselves only with crises similar to COVID-19. Sands thus remarked that governments need to bolster their health systems in preparation for the health issues that may occur as a result of food shortages.

The remarks from the Global Funds executive director aligned with those of Australian expert Ro McFarlane from the University of Canberra. McFarlane previously said that the global supply chain vulnerabilities seen in non-food products have extended to the food sector.

Weve centralized, commodified and simplified all the foods we eat. That make it incredibly vulnerable to the extremes in weather  in Canada, the U.S. and Australia. The ability to absorb a conflict like that between Russia and Ukraine just isnt there, McFarlane said.

Weve been talking about these very scenarios for 50 years. But for various reasons, weve not been taken particularly seriously. It goes beyond conflict and social unrest. Its also a national health issue. (Related: Bank of England governor warns of coming apocalyptic global food shortage.)

Australia, other countries bearing the brunt of food shortages

McFarlanes home country, Australia, is already starting to bear the brunt of food collapse. Following the floods in some parts of the country, lettuce prices have hit a record high of $12 per head.

The high lettuce prices coupled with shortages and reduced crops have forced some restaurants to ditch the vegetable. In fact, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurants Down Under have opted to use a mix of lettuce and cabbage for their burgers and wraps. The company cited floods in the states of New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland as a factor in their decision.

Due to the recent floods in NSW and Queensland, were currently experiencing a lettuce shortage. So, were using a lettuce and cabbage blend on all products containing lettuce until further notice, KFC Australia wrote on its website. It urged customers who do not prefer the new vegetable blend to remove the lettuce option from their order via the Customize option on the website.

While restaurants were forced to scrap certain ingredients, some farmers opted to discard their produce  as in the case of avocado growers in Queensland who chose to dump their harvest at a landfill. One Queensland resident expressed disappointment over the dumped fruit, alluding to tons and tons and tons of avocados going to waste.

Jan De Lai, another Queensland resident, said the discarded fruit was perfectly fine, but was left there to rot. She added that it was not the first instance of surplus fruit harvests being sent to landfill.

Two trucks came in and just dumped big mounds of avocados. And Id noticed that thered also been a lot dumped there previously.

The excess avocados would have helped alleviate the countrys food shortages, had they been sent to food banks.

Watch this video below about meat shortages in Australian supermarkets.

This video is from the ZGoldenReport channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Shortage of key fertilizer ingredient threatens Aussie food supply chain.

Food shortage around the world may have been engineered to control populations.

Global food shortage caused by war in Ukraine serves globalist Great Reset agenda.

Shortage Down Under: Aussie KFC fast food chains now substituting CABBAGE for lettuce.

Thousands of pounds of fresh avocados dumped in landfill as Australia accelerates global food destruction.

Sources include:

NYPost.com

Reuters.com

News.com.au

BBC.com

FreeWestMedia.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) If our mainstream media journalists were reporting issues that really matter, Joe Biden would not have gotten within 100 feet of the Oval Office.

We wouldnt have a dementia patient as president and his son, Hunter Biden, would have been indicted already and standing trial for multiple charges, including tax fraud, lying on a federal firearms background check form and failing to register as a foreign agent.

But we dont have an honest, unbiased media, so Donald Trumps reelection was allowed to be stolen and Hunter continues to be exposed as a craven, depraved, drug-addled basket case of a human being.

We got another glimpse into this clown show of an elite Democrat family this week amid reports detailing a newly surfaced audio recording by Hunter that was found on his scandal-filled laptop.

Hell talk about anything that I want him to, that he believes in, Hunter said in reference to his father in the Dec. 3, 2018, recording. If I say its important to me, then he will work a way in which to make it a part of his platform. My dad respects me more than he respects anyone in the world, and I know that to be certain, so its not going to be about whether it affects his politics.

All those fears you think that I have of people not liking me or that I dont love myself  I dont fear that. You know why I dont fear that? Because the man I most admire in the world  thinks Im a god, Hunter Biden added in the 77-minute recording, which was made some five months before Joe Biden launched his successful 2020 presidential campaign in late April 2019. And my brother did, too. And the three of us, it was literally  I had the support to know I can do anything.

The Washington Examiner added: The recording was located on a copy of Hunter Bidens abandoned laptop within a password-protected backup of his iPhone XS. Konstantinos Gus Dimitrelos, a cyber forensics expert commissioned by the Washington Examiner, located the password during his examination of the hard drive.

In the recording, Hunter Biden bragged to his friend, British artist Phillipa Horan, that he was better than anybody you know as the pair discussed matters ranging from Joe Bidens presidential aspirations, Hunter Bidens struggles with addiction, an art project the two were working on together, and philosophical musings on how to live a fulfilling life.

The conversation was taped at a house in Plum Island, Massachusetts, amid the throes of Hunter Bidens addiction to crack cocaine.

Everyone thinks it, talks about how  How can you be as good as your dad? Im better than my dad, Hunter Biden said. You know why Im better than my dad? Because my dad tells me Im better than him since I was two years old.

Have you ever thought about this: Maybe this is the greatest thing that f***ing ever happened to me, Hunter Biden said to Horan regarding his addiction to the narcotic drug. Maybe this is literally the continuation and the continuum of what is going to be the thing that makes me the person that my father believes I am.

At one point, Horan asked Hunter what his dad thought about his crack addiction.

He says f***ing stop, Hunter Biden responded. Hes scared to death.

Horan also asked Hunter if his father would address drug reform if he becomes president.

Hes going to talk about drug reform and any other things that I want him to, Hunter Biden responded.

Joe Biden hasnt talked about drug reform  guess its not important to Hunter  but he has worsened the drug problem in the U.S. by reversing Trumps immigration and border security policies, which has led to record smuggling of deadly fentanyl.

Sources include:

WashingtonExaminer.com

CitizenFreePress.com
(Natural News) Last month, mainstream corporate outlets accused the pontiff of dabbling in conspiracy theories after he noted it was others who created the conflict and that NATO had provoked Russias military operations in Ukraine by barking at Russias door.

(Article by Wyatt Reed republished from SputnikNews.com)

Prominent anti-Russian media personalities exploded on Monday, comparing Pope Francis to a dog and accusing him of parroting Putins talking points after the Holy Father suggested, in a newly-published interview in Vatican News, that the West provoked the special military operation being waged by Russia in Ukraine.

We have to get away from the common mindset of Little Red Riding Hood: Little Red Riding Hood was good and the wolf was the bad guy, Francis reportedly implored. Here there are no metaphysical good guys and bad guys.

Francis inspired further Western consternation by explaining that he had previously met with a head of statewhose identity he did not disclose but who he described as a wise manwho informed the Pope that he was very concerned about the way NATO was acting prior to the initiation of Russias special military operation in Ukraine. When the pontiff asked him why, the unnamed head of state reportedly replied that Western powers were barking at the gates of Russia.

The pontiff went on to allege what he called brutality on the part of the Russian forces, although he did not elaborate on any specific actions. But the danger, he said, is that we only see this and miss the whole drama that is unfolding behind this war, which was perhaps somehow either provoked or not-prevented. Francis also noted with apparent alarm the interest in testing and selling weapons which has surged in recent months.

Situation in Ukraine

Pope Francis Warns Against Using Grain as Weapon in Ukraine Conflict

The Holy Fathers analysis acknowledging NATOs role in inciting Russia puts him starkly at odds with most powerful Western governments and media outlets. NATO , the US Department of Defense, and the European Union frequently describe the ongoing situation in Ukraine as an unprovoked war in which Russia is the indisputable aggressor. This diagnosis is largely shared by widely-cited US-based sources like the New York Times, which classifies the conflict as  President Vladimir V. Putins unprovoked war .

While a number of notorious Russophobes made their feelings known, Louise Menscha Catholic former British Parliament member who earlier penned an op-ed on Russiagate offered a scathing assessment of the man who Catholics regard as being infallible in matters of faith and morals.<

Stick to matters of faith and morals, the latter of which you need to acquire, Mensch went on to demand of Francis, who, according to doctrine, is viewed by Catholics as having full, supreme, and universal power over the whole Church.

Mensch, perhaps thinking better of lashing out at the Pope, clarified hours later that she was not disputing the Holy Father in any matter of faith and morals.

Read more at: SputnikNews.com
(Natural News) It is becoming increasingly difficult for the corporate-controlled media, which now includes Big Techs social media platforms, to keep a lid on Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine injuries and deaths.

The body count is mounting and all the propaganda mouthpieces can do is continue to scream safe and effective! whenever someone points out the facts. How much longer will this tactic work?

The answer is not for long because even people who formerly approved of the shots and even got jabbed themselves are beginning to ask serious questions that the establishment cannot answer. So, the establishment is just screaming the same false answer louder in the hope that it will stick.

Post-injection death tolls have reached levels that are making it very difficult for the powers-that-be to keep the lambs sleeping and the vaxx zealots enthused, reported the Covid Blog.

Thus, they are resorting to the oldest, tried-and-true tricks in the book, particularly the if you tell a lie enough, it becomes the truth method.

Politifact, as one example, republished the same article the other day that it previously published declaring that both messenger RNA (mRNA) and viral vector DNA injections are in no way related to the massive uptick in sudden deaths that has been occurring ever since the launch of Operation Warp Speed.

Reuters, which is owned by Pfizer, is similarly regurgitating the same tired propaganda articles about how there is no evidence that Fauci Flu shots are killing people.

Then we have FactCheck.org, which published an article back in early March claiming that COVID injections are somehow preventing deaths rather than causing them, and telling people to ignore a misleading graphic on social media that suggests otherwise.

These three fake news outlets, along with USA Today, have been very busy lately churning out the same parroted lies about Fauci Flu shots that we have been hearing since the beginning.

When enough jabbed people die, perhaps the world will finally wake up  but itll already be too late

Try as they might to deflect from the truth, the fake news brigade cannot hide the fact that fully vaccinated people all around the world are developing extreme illnesses or dropping dead for no apparent reason.

This was not a thing before Operation Warp Speed, by the way. Only since Donald Trump unleashed the jabs, followed by Joe Biden mandating them, has Sudden Adult Death Syndrome magically become a reality.

Those who have developed a serious health condition themselves post-injection, or who know someone else who did, are unlikely to continue buying the fake news headlines telling them that the jabs had nothing to do with it.

Even so, the jab zealots are showing no signs of stopping with the propaganda, and are instead doubling and tripling down on their false narratives. Zionist of the Year Albert Bourla, the current CEO of Pfizer, continues to make the rounds at elitist functions like World Economic Forum (WEF) gatherings to tout the merits of getting injected.

Bourla is also making routine appearances on fake news networks like CNN to push for more jab mandates, and to vilify the unvaccinated whom he believes are criminals  even as jabbed people everywhere continue to drop dead.

The foregoing propaganda campaigns keep vaxx zealots engaged, despite many of them now suffering from various adverse effects from the injections, the Covid Blog reported.

Those are the unlucky ones. Its becoming crystal clear that all vaxxed people will suddenly drop dead of a heart attack or cardiac arrest, or die in their sleep, at any moment. And its happening all over the world.

To keep up with the latest news about COVID jab injuries and deaths, be sure to check out VaccineDeaths.com.

Sources include:

TheCovidBlog.com

NaturalNews.com 1

NaturalNews.com 2
(Natural News) Parts of the Chinese capital Beijing have been put on lockdown after 74 cases of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), driven by the more infectious B11529 omicron variant, were recorded within a span of 24 hours.

Authorities locked down several areas in the city, including various residential neighborhoods. COVID-19 testing efforts were also intensified, with individuals who return a positive test result being hauled to quarantine centers.

The Sanlitun area in Beijing  known as a popular shopping and nightlife area  was not spared. All bars in the area were shut down, while restaurants were ordered to offer take away services only. Furthermore, 123 non-essential establishments in Sanlitun were ordered to cease operations in line with the lockdown.

The Chaoyang district where Sanlitun is located would continue to test its 3.5 million residents for COVID-19 until at least June 15, Sky News reported.

Beijings newest lockdown followed five days of the capital being devoid of restrictions. The city had emerged from a five-week lockdown that began in late April. Parks, schools, shopping centers and restaurants were closed at that time and public transport services throughout Beijing were suspended. (Related: First Shanghai, now Beijing: China goes on another lockdown spree.)

The more than 300 recently recorded COVID-19 cases  including the 74 ones are all connected to one super-spreader event. The source of the outbreak was a man who visited a 24-hour bar called Heaven Supermarket alongside several other nightclubs.

Heaven Supermarket, which is located in Sanlitun, became popular among young Beijingers after the lockdown for cheap alcohol and large crowds. Patrons can grab a wide selection of spirits and enjoy these inside the establishment. The bar eventually gained a reputation for its tables covered in empty bottles and people falling asleep on sofas after midnight.

Another round of medical martial law in the Chinese capital

Authorities have warned that the current omicron-driven COVID-19 outbreak in Beijing is ferocious. However, they have not yet announced city-wide lockdown measures. Locals, meanwhile, fear a never-ending cycle of lockdowns  and assurances of a more targeted approach have failed to allay their fears.

The Chinese capitals draconian approach to addressing COVID-19 lines up with the Chinese Communist Partys continued adherence to zero-COVID. Other countries that initially espoused lockdowns during the early days of the pandemic have subsequently dropped most restrictions and adopted a living with COVID approach.

China, however, has not  explaining that a more relaxed approach could overwhelm its healthcare system.

State-backed tabloid Beijing Evening News denounced the outbreak at Heaven Supermarket in a commentary piece, attributing the omicron-driven infections to loopholes and complacency in epidemic prevention. It warned that if the outbreak continues, consequences could be serious, and would be such that nobody would want to see.

At a time when normality in the city is being restored, the fall of Heaven Supermarket means the hardship and effort of countless people have been in vain, stated the tabloid.

Mac Slavo of SHTFPlan.com, however, begs to differ.

There is still an obvious attempt to panic the masses into compliance and acceptance of concentration camps  aptly named quarantine camps  and the domination and control of their lives by a sociopathic bunch of tyrants who want everyone to roll over and willingly accept their slavery, he wrote on June 14.

Sadly, most have. [But] many are beginning to understand that there is to be a never-ending cycle of lockdowns, compliance, and control leading to permanent enslavement of humanity under a Chinese-like system.

Slavo concluded his piece by saying that the ruling class will continue locking people down and tossing them in camps until people stand together and refuse to comply.

Watch this G News report about the lockdown in Beijing.

This video is from the Chinese taking down EVIL CCP channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Chinese city implements harshest lockdown yet as Beijing aims for zero-COVID.

Beijing using the coronavirus pandemic to expand internet surveillance apparatus.

Beijing residents stockpiling food and other essentials as new LOCKDOWN orders loom.

Beijing lashes out against its own population using authoritarian measures amid coronavirus resurgence.

China implements strict lockdown, claiming they have to stop the spread of COVID the supply chain will be impacted.

Sources include:

SHTFPlan.com

News.Sky.com 1

News.Sky.com 2

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) A recent study from the University of Hawaii and Johns Hopkins University indicated how pricey the costs might actually be for taxpayers and those paying for private insurance on the free Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) tests that Americans get. The research also hinted how the private laboratories conducting the tests are likely collecting millions of dollars per year.

The misconception most people have is, I dont pay out of pocket. We are literally witnessing the government channel money from taxpayers, from patients, from (insurance plan) sponsors to labs, said Ge Bai, a Johns Hopkins University professor of accounting and health policy and management.

Bai stated that the study, published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine on June 9, includes mounting costs of COVID-19 testing paid by taxpayers through federal health programs or consumers and employers who purchase private insurance.

During the early months of the pandemic, Congress wanted to ensure access to testing. Medicare, the federal health program for older adults and some disabled people, spent $51 for one COVID-19 test. Insurance companies needed to pay the amount labs charge without making consumers pay when taking the test.

The study inspected the revenue collected by 21 independent Hawaiian labs when the researchers got hold of the figures from the states department of taxation. They found that from March 2020 to November 2021, the labs conducted 2.8 million tests. The labs revenues increased from an estimated $19 million to $22 million, one month before the pandemic. After November 2020, revenue is $28 million to $36 million per laboratory.

Bai, whose previous work showed some private labs charged as much as $14,750 for tests, stated that labs that process large volumes of tests can do so for less than $20 a test.

The professor added that even though the studys data was limited to labs in Hawaii, the findings may apply throughout the country, where labs are collecting revenue and profit from continual testing.

We are bearing all the costs without even knowing it, Bai pointed out.

Biden administration wont say how much the taxpayers are actually spending

Earlier this year, the government announced that Americans will be able to order free COVID-19 tests online from the Biden administration, making the tests more accessible to all.

White House officials declared that insurance companies and health plans were required to cover eight free over-the-counter at-home tests per covered individual per month.

We are requiring insurers and group health plans to make tests free for millions of Americans. This is all part of our overall strategy to ramp up access to easy-to-use, at-home tests at no cost, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a press release on January 10.

The Department of Defense held a bidding and announced in mid-January that three companies were awarded contracts totaling nearly $2 billion for 380 million over-the-counter antigen tests, to be delivered by March 14.

But the government never disclosed the amount they are paying per test and the terms of agreement.

The prices in government contracts should not be secret, according to the Department of Justice website. Government contracts are public contracts, and the taxpayers have a right to know  with very few exceptions  what the government has agreed to buy and at what prices.

The White House last month published on their website a fact sheet announcing that the COVIDTests.gov is open for a third round of ordering. U.S. households are now able to order an additional eight free at-home tests at COVIDTests.gov  bringing the total number of free tests available to each household since the start of the program to 16.

The release also said that the administration has delivered approximately 350 million free tests to mailboxes and doorsteps across the country, in U.S. territories and at overseas military bases, with most tests delivered by the U.S. Postal Service within 48 hours of shipping. (Related: Smart device that gives COVID test results in 20 minutes also sends data to CDC and other government agencies.)

Visit Pandemic.news for more news related to the governments lies on free COVID-19 tests.

Watch the below video that talks about how getting the COVID test is the same as getting the vaccine.

This video is from the channel A Walk With the Lord End Times on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Bidens at-home covid test kits funded by blacklisted Chinese company that was praised for obeying communist officials.

Bidens $137 million Covid test strip factory deal reveals scary truth about pandemic expectations.

Biden regimes free at-home COVID test kits are coming from China, proving again first familys ties to Beijing run deep.

Lateral flow covid test kits in UK sent out to millions of schoolchildren with wrong instructions.

Sources include:

Medicalxpress.com

Link.Springer.com

NewsRoom.cap.org

NPR.org

News-Medical.net

Justice.gov

WhiteHouse.gov

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) A lengthy Twitter thread posted by a user called Charles Wing-Uexkull unveiled remarkable details about a post-World War II program to bring former Nazi scientists to the United States where they were put on U.S. government payroll to help America develop then-nascent missile and nuclear weapons technology.

The program called Operation Paperclip was a secret program in which more than 1,600 Nazi German scientists, engineers and technicians were purportedly brought to the U.S. in the months and years after the war ended in Europe. Largely carried out by agents of the U.S. Armys Counterintelligence Corps, many of the German personnel were former members or leaders of the Nazi Party.

The web of interconnections between Nazi V-2 rockets, American nukes and missile tech are more spiritually significant and esoteric than the conventional narrative of Operation Paperclip. This thread is about my grandfathers role in this story and his search for the truth, the thread began.

The conventional story is that in the final weeks of WW2, the U.S. Army found Dr. Wernher von Braun, the lead V-2 rocket scientist, and took him, hundreds of technicians and V-2 rockets to the United States, where they founded the U.S. space program, Wing-Uexkull continued. WvB, a Prussian aristocrat and aerospace engineer, designed the V-2 rocket, which climbed to 55 miles in altitude before landing more than 200 miles away and detonating a 1,000-kg warhead.

He noted that more than 1,400 of what were the worlds first ballistic missiles struck England during the war, while some 590 hit Antwerp, Belgium, the Allies main port.

WvB, a Prussian aristocrat and aerospace engineer, designed the V-2 rocket, which climbed to 55 miles in altitude before landing more than 200 miles away & detonating a 1,000 kg warhead. In 1944-5, approximately 1,400 V-2s hit England and 590 hit Antwerp, the Allies main port. pic.twitter.com/yA79RCO8N4  Charles Wing-Uexkull (@CWingUexkull) June 11, 2022

After the war, von Braun went to Fort Bliss near El Paso, Texas, to build the first operational & guided surface-to-air missile, the Nike Ajax. The Nike Ajax was designed to hit high-flying strategic bombers and played a crucial role in strategic air defense in the 1950s, the thread continued, noting that von Braun met Wing-Uexkulls grandfather at the military installation.

His grandfather had earned a bachelors degree in chemistry and was training U.S. Army soldiers in how to fuel, de-fuel and arm Nike missiles by 1954.

A few years later and out of the Army, Grandpa W got into nuclear energy. He worked at Argonne National Lab in Chicago, an early government site for nuclear energy built around Fermis Chicago Pile-1, the worlds first nuclear reactor that went critical in 1942, he added.

His grandfather then started to specialize in industrial hygiene, or identifying the dangers, stressors and risks to workers in industrial settings. He dismantled CP-1 in Chicago before transferring to nuclear weapons manufacturing sites in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

In Oak Ridge, grandpa became an expert in detecting and mitigating the byproducts of nuclear weapons manufacturing, especially uranium enrichment. He worked with stockpiles of waste that were stored for decades, and figured out how to maintain their integrity and eventually transport them, Wing-Uexkull noted further.

At one point, his grandfather met Paul Tibbets, the pioneering pilot of the Enola Gay, the specially-modified B-29 Superfortress that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

Tibbets crew for the Hiroshima mission included his best friends, navigator Ted Dutch Van Kirk and bombardier Tom Ferebee, with whom hed flown for years. Tibbets pulled a hard manuever, a 155 degree turn, to put the Enola Gay tangent to the blast and get away in time. pic.twitter.com/jNvUqo41R7  Charles Wing-Uexkull (@CWingUexkull) June 11, 2022

My grandfathers network and projects showed how the worlds of nuclear weapons and missile technology were connected, going back to the 1950s and perhaps before, the thread continued. Thats what made his trips to Peenemunde and Antarctica in the 1990s, after his retirement, so mysterious.

From there, grandpa went to Peenemunde and poked around for a few weeks, going to the Museum and the ruins of test launch sites and assembly plants. I still dont know what he was looking for, noted Wing-Uexkull.

Again, Im not sure what he was looking for, these were supposedly tourist trips, but he hated nature. I know that he knew that it was possible to mass-produce large rockets underground  he had studied the V-2 Mittelwork factory, where 60,000 slaves had built von Brauns weapon, the thread added.

Again, Im not sure what he was looking for, these were supposedly tourist trips ,but he hated nature. I know that he knew that it was possible to mass-produce large rockets undergroundhe had studied the V-2 Mittelwork factory, where 60,000 slaves had built von Brauns weapon. pic.twitter.com/UAPZj7Gwfj  Charles Wing-Uexkull (@CWingUexkull) June 11, 2022

I do know that my grandfathers dark, terrifying reverence for rocketry and his awe of atomic weapons and their destruction power consumed his life even after his retirement, he wrote, adding that like von Braun who went seamlessly from the SS to the Kennedy admin, he was never re-educated post-WW2.

Later, Wing-Uexkull noted that von Brauns dissertation was classified until 1960, but he was publishing about reaching Mars as early as 1948, adding: Im determined to find out what my grandfather learned about German rockets, atomic energy, and Antarctica at the end of his life. Theres a strange, mystical brotherhood that existed between these obsessives who aimed for the stars, no matter the human cost. Almost a secret society.

So when I say I dont know what my grandfather was looking for in Peenemunde or in Antarctica, Im not sure if it was evidence of atomic energy  or energy of an even more fundamental kind, the thread concluded.

Sources include:

ThreadReaderApp.com

NaturalNews.com

Twitter.com 1

Twitter.com 2
(Natural News) Ukraines prospects for victory in the war against Russia are growing dimmer by the day. The situation is compounded by the fact that its military is quickly running out of ammunition.

As the grinding war depletes Ukraines domestic stores of ammunition, the Ukrainian military is being forced to rely more and more on ammunition provided to it by its Western allies. (Related: Russian political scientist warns nuclear war is coming if the West keeps escalating conflict in Ukraine.)

But these promised Western munitions are arriving too slowly and in insufficient quantities for the Ukrainian military to put up a proper defense against Russias incremental gains in the eastern Donbas region, which is now the focus of the war.

The Russians are also losing a lot of equipment in the war, but at a far lesser rate than in the first months of the conflict.

Furthermore, the overall trajectory of the war has unmistakably shifted away from one where Ukraine could have gotten a favorable peace deal with Russia and tilted heavily in Russias favor as it proves itself to be the demonstrably stronger force in the conflict.

The strategies and tactics of the Russians are completely different right now. They are being much more successful, said Oleksandr Danylyuk, an adviser to the Ukrainian government on issues of defense and intelligence. They have more resources than us and they are not in a rush. Theres much less space for optimism right now.

Ukraines military relies almost entirely on artillery due to lack of bullets for their guns

Vadym Skibitsky, deputy head of Ukraines military intelligence, has admitted that Ukraine is losing against Russia and is now reliant almost entirely on weapons systems supplied to the country by the West, specifically artillery.

This is an artillery war now, said Skibitsky. And we are losing in terms of artillery.

Everything now depends on what [the West] gives us, he added. Ukraine has one artillery piece to 10 to 15 Russian artillery pieces. Our western partners have given us about 10 percent of what they have.

Russia is firing as many as 50,000 artillery rounds per day into Ukrainian positions. The Ukrainian military can fire back, but with only around 5,000 to 6,000 rounds per day.

We have almost used up all of our [artillery] ammunition and are now using 155-caliber NATO standard shells, said Sibitsky. Europe is also delivering lower-caliber shells, but as Europe runs out [of ammunition to give], the amount is getting smaller.

The United States has committed to deliver 220,000 rounds of ammunition to Ukraine. If the military wanted to match Russian firepower, this would be enough to put Ukrainian artillery on par but only for around four days.

These artillery rounds will be used for American M777 howitzer artillery guns, of which Ukraine has about a hundred pieces, most of which are already in use on the battlefield, according to the Department of Defense.

Skibitsky himself has emphasized the need for the West to supply Ukraine with long-range missile systems. These can destroy Russian artillery batteries from afar. Presidential Adviser Oleksiy Arestovych claimed that Ukraine needs at least 60 multiple rocket launcher systems.

The West has only promised a handful of these systems to Ukraine. The U.S. has pledged to provide Ukraine with four long-range HIMARS light multiple rocket launcher systems, while the U.K. has promised three similar systems.

These systems will take weeks to reach Ukraine, and the military will then have to be trained on how to use them.

The Russians are using these long-range artillery systems against us, often without any response, because we dont have the means, said Danylyuk. They can attack from dozens of kilometers away and we cant fire back. We know all the coordinates for all their important targets, but we dont have the means to attack.

Compounding Ukraines supply problems is the fact that it is suffering casualties at a far higher rate than in the initial stages of the war. As many as 1,000 Ukrainian fighters are being taken out of the fight every day, with around 200 of them being killed and the rest injured.

Manpower is less of a problem for Ukraine than the shortages of ammunition and equipment, said Danylyuk. He put the number of men who have signed up to potentially fight at around six million  as much as 15 percent of the pre-war population of 41 million.

But Ukraine will not be able to bring these potential soldiers to the frontlines without the necessary equipment, including guns, personal protective gear and artillery systems.

We would be sending them to their deaths without equipment, said Danylyuk.

Learn the truth about what is happening in Ukraine at UkraineWitness.com.

Watch this clip from Fox News as anchor Laura Ingraham speaks with former Hawaii Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard about how President Joe Biden is pushing Ukraine further into conflict with its weapons packages.

This video is from the News Clips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related articles:

ENDLESS LIES: Top Ukrainian official admits to lying about Russians raping Ukrainians in effort to obtain more weapons from West.

Biden agrees to send longer-range missiles but warns Ukraine not to strike Russia.

ARMING CRIMINALS: American weapons sent to Ukraine are ending up for sale on dark web.

Ukrainian soldiers angry at losses, lack of supplies as war against Russia continues.

Europol fears that weapons sent to Ukraine will end up in the hands of criminals.

Sources include:

Stripes.com

TheGuardian.com

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) Ark of Grace Ministries co-founder Amanda Grace is confident that the diabolic plans of the World Health Organization (WHO) will be exposed for all to see.

I, the Lord, am cornering you, you who think you are the whos who, and the veil shall be pulled back in the one who sits. The ones who sit behind the veil together in operation shall be exposed, she told program host Clay Clark during the June 10 episode of Thrive Time Show on Brighteon.TV.

And says the Lord of hosts: O America, they are attempting to bind you with fetters once again. They are attempting to bind you up for good this time. However, says the Lord, a wrench in their plans shall break the gears  and there shall be a sputter, and then a hard stop, as they think they are oppressing the people enough to activate the third part of this wicked plan. Derail, says the Lord, watch and see.

Grace was alluding to the WHOs plan to control the world in guise of curbing health epidemics, including the current monkeypox outbreak.

According to the Thrive Time Show host, the monkeypox outbreak was perversely prophesied by the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI). The initiative established by media mogul Ted Turner had received funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The NTI, in conjunction with the Munich Security Conference, held a tabletop exercise on reducing high-consequence biological threats back in March 2021.

Participants of the fictional exercise scenario were informed that the simulated biological disease was a deadly, global pandemic involving an unusual strain of monkeypox virus that first emerged in the fictional nation of Brinia and spread globally over 18 months.

The supposedly hypothetical timeframe for this simulation was mid-May 2022, incidentally just a few days short of the day the global health body reported the monkeypox outbreak occuring in the real world. (Related: In 2021, Bill Gates, Big Pharma and the WHO all participated in a monkeypox plandemic simulation.)

Grace: The number 21 has connections to monkeypox

The Reawaken America Tour founder said experts in the U.S. are now shifting into all-out fear mode. He cited a report from the New York Times saying that monkeypox can be airborne and Americans will need to probably put their face masks back on. Furthermore, Harvard University remarked that the only way America can possibly stop the monkeypox outbreak is by conducting the so-called ring vaccination strategy.

Meanwhile, the Ark of Grace Ministries co-founder associated the monkeypox outbreak with the number 21. She said it all goes back to the Prophet Daniels vision as he was standing by the Tigris River (Daniel 10:13). The passage talked about the prince of Persia opposed the Archangel Gabriel in 21 days, until the Archangel Michael came to the latters aid.

Grace incidentally pointed to the WHO first reporting the monkeypox outbreak on May 21. She also mentioned that the quarantine period for monkeypox takes up to 21 days.

Moreover, she mentioned that back in May 21, 2021, the European Commission hosted a global health summit in preparation for future pandemics. The Health21 framework adopted by the WHOs European Region was the product of this summit. It outlined 21 goals, which included ways to address infectious disease outbreaks such as monkeypox.

Follow Outbreak.news for more news about the monkeypox outbreak.

Watch the full June 10 episode of Thrive Time Show below. Thrive Time Show airs Monday to Friday at 3:30-4 p.m. and Saturday at 12-12:30 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

More related articles:

Official health authorities caught lying about monkeypox.

Bishop Benjamin: Something evil behind recent events in America  Brighteon.TV.

Dr. David Martin: Monkeypox planned release is domestic terror operation against humanity.

Jonathan Cahn prophesies Americas future on the Thrive Time Show  Brighteon.TV.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

NYTimes.com

BibleHub.com
(Natural News) The only people left to speak for the dead who perished due to Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination seem to be those in the independent media who are not influenced by a corporate agenda. This includes Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, who during a recent guest hosting of The Alex Jones Show on Infowars conducted a live microscopy analysis of the jab-induced clots that formed in the now-deceased fully vaccinated  be sure to watch below.

Keep in mind that what you are about to see is highly disturbing, and those with sensitivity to gross medical imagery should take caution while viewing. You should also know that the clots shown and analyzed by the Health Ranger are not blood clots, but rather engineered biostructures that appear to have self-assembled inside the bodies of the now-deceased.

Ive got a vial of clots that were removed from the deceased, the Health Ranger explained during the segment. These dead human beings are going to be, in essence, speaking to the world through these images and this microscopy that were doing here today. We have become, in essence, speakers for the dead.

And what is the message from the dead today? It is a warning for humanity. It is a warning that says we must halt immediately all of these experimental covid vaccines on a global basis. We must halt them now or many millions more may die. And what youre about to see will be absolutely shocking. Youre going to be blown away by what is being pulled out of these people. And some of it is so large that it is the diameter of one of your fingers.

The Health Ranger was joined by Infowars Harrison Smith, who provided context and reaction to what the microscope revealed about the engineered biostructure clots  the live microscopy analysis begins at around the 14:00 minute mark in the segment below, which is part one of three of the entire show:

Can you believe foreign structures this large are forming inside the bodies of the fully vaccinated?

According to the embalmers the Health Ranger spoke with, they have never seen these types of clots before in a deceased human body. This is an entirely new phenomenon that came about following the unleashing of these injections under Operation Warp Speed.

One of these embalmers, and the one who provided the Health Ranger with the samples for analysis, is Richard Hirschman. These samples were then stained with iodine, prepared on slides, and looked at through a lens that magnifies up to 1,500 times.

An urgent care physician who chose to remain anonymous by using an altered voice also participated in the segment, offering input for viewers and listeners as to what was being seen on the slides and how these engineered biostructures impact the body.

The vial that Mike is holding looks like little tiny earthworm looking things, Smith stated upon seeing what the Health Ranger picked up before placing it under the microscope. Its really pretty gross, and that came out of a human being.

The Health Ranger responded by explaining that these are among the smaller samples. Other engineered biostructure samples pulled from fully jabbed cadavers are the size of a human finger.

These are blocking femoral arteries, theyre blocking carotid arteries, some people are having to have femoral artery bypass surgery in order to not die, the Health Ranger explained.

And when these lodge near your hands or toes, they will cut off circulation to your extremities, which is called peripheral cardiovascular disease typically, and they can cause your fingers and toes to turn black.

Be sure to watch the segment above!

The latest news about injuries and deaths caused by Fauci Flu shots can be found at ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources for this article include:

Brighteon.com

NaturalNews.com
ITUs ham radio station celebrates 60 years on air Did you know that the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies owns and operates its very own radio station?



It started broadcasting on 10 June 1962 and was officially inaugurated the following month by then UN Secretary-General U Thant and ITU Secretary-General Gerald Gross  himself a ham radio enthusiast known by the personal callsign W3GG.



Recognized as a unique country in the ham radio community, 4U1ITU operates in accordance with privileges extended by ITU and the Government of Switzerland. It has also earned the DXCC (or ham radio century club) award from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), confirming air contacts with 100 or more countries.



From its long-time home on the 5th floor of the Varembe Building in Genevas international district, this unique broadcasting outlet still today serves as a model for the highest standards of amateur radio station operation everywhere.



Read the full ITU story by Nick Sinanis SV3SJ, President of the International Amateur Radio Club (IARC), and Attila Matas OM1AM, Vice-president and Station Manager, IARC

https://www.itu.int/hub/2022/06/4u1itu-ham-radio-amateur-station-60-years/



What is Amateur Radio?

http://www.essexham.co.uk/what-is-amateur-radio



Free UK amateur radio Foundation Online training course

https://essexham.co.uk/train/foundation-online/
(Natural News) Runs on banks, which is essentially the economic point of no return for a financial institution, have not happened very often in modern history, but when they do and are widespread, the fallout can last for years.

The U.S. experienced a massive bank run following the stock market crash of 1929 followed by the Great Depression. A few years earlier, in 1927, bank runs in Japan led to the collapse of dozens of institutions. There was a banking crisis in Myanmar in 2003 from which the country has never really fully recovered.

But unbeknownst to most is that there is a budding bank-run crisis now building in China as that country experiences a major economic and financial upheaval that is unparalleled in recent history, according to a report by Asia Markets:

Multiple sources contacted by Asia Markets, have confirmed deposits at the following six banks have been frozen since mid-April.

Yuzhou Xinminsheng Village Bank (located in Xuchang City, Henan Province)

Zhecheng Huanghuai Bank (City of Shangqui, Henan Province)

Shangcai Huimin Rural Bank (Zhumadian City, Henan Province)

New Oriental Village Bank (City of Kaifeng, Henan Province)

Huaihe River Village Bank (Bengbu City, Anhui Province)

Yixian County Village Bank (Huangshan City, Anhui Province)

The bank runs come on the heels of the collapse of China Evergrande, the former top-selling developer in the country, which led to rare public protests as ordinary Chinese citizens faced the prospect of losing their life savings that they used for deposits on housing.

Asia Markets reported that the banks and branches in the provinces of Henan and Anhui issued announcements in April that said the institutions were suspending online and mobile banking in order to upgrade their systems. But at the same time, bank customers reported that they could not withdraw or transfer funds via online access, mobile apps or third-party banking platforms.

That led customers to rush to those local bank branches to secure their money, only to be told they could not access it.

By late last month, images began to emerge on Chinese social media accounts of some demonstrations and rioting in front of several bank branches; Asia Markets reported having verified the images as genuine via local contacts.

The report noted: According to one user on the Chinese social media platform WeChat, the protests are ongoing but are rarely mentioned in Chinese press.

It has caused widespread concern on the internet but the media attention is not high, the highest degree of concern is the four banks in Henan, one noted.

#Chinas Zhengzhou City, Henan Province (deadly flooding occurred in 2021), massive protests carried out after many lost all their savings in a Bank Run, chanted w/ slogans Give me back my money,' one tweet with video noted.

?1/2 #Chinas Zhengzhou City, Henan Province (deadly flooding occurred in 2021), massive protests carried out after many lost all their savings in a Bank Run, chanted w/ slogans Give me back my money. pic.twitter.com/iA9pFUglOW  Northrop Gundam (@GundamNorthrop) May 21, 2022

In response from their communist government, what they got wasnt the returns of their money, but another massive polices violent crackdowns & arrests. Global communities are not supported to see this, another tweet with a video showing Chinese police cracking down added.

?2/2 In response from their communist government, what they got wasnt the returns of their money, but another massive polices violent crackdowns & arrests. Global communities are not supported to see this. pic.twitter.com/j5tLgmOKqF  Northrop Gundam (@GundamNorthrop) May 21, 2022

The Peoples Bank of China (PBOC) responded to the rural bank run, issuing a statement on April 25: The Peoples Bank of China is highly concerned At present relevant departments have launched an investigation, the Peoples Bank of China will cooperate with the relevant departments, to protect the rights of financial consumers.

China appears to be on the verge of economic implosion.

Sources include:

AsiaMarkets.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) A leftist congressman warned of a potential civil war in the U.S. in the event that Republicans win the November 2022 midterm elections.

Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) issued this warning on June 11, during an appearance on the MSNBC program The Cross Connection. Bowman, a member of the Squad composed of progressive Democratic lawmakers, told program host Tiffany Cross that a GOP victory would embolden some groups and put an end to the House Select Committee on the Jan. 6 attack.

The Jan. 6 [House committee] would cease to exist. [Its] findings would be completely suppressed and would not be admitted into any further investigations while the GOP will be in power, he said.

Bowman added that a GOP victory in the polls would also embolden Republicans, the far-right and white nationalists across the country to begin to believe that it is their time to not just take power in the House [of Representatives]  but [also] the Senate, the White House and state houses across the country. This would then pave the way for them to impeach President [Joe] Biden as quickly as possible, and they will continue to find ways to impeach him going forward.

Weve got to understand that this is a group  radicalized by the Great Replacement myth and many other things. [They] have been pushing for violence  [and] even civil war. So that is whats at stake right now in terms of this election. (Related: CIVIL WAR ALERT: Leftists openly plot mass executions of conservatives as Democrats release home addresses of Republican Senators.)

The progressive congressman is one of the six members of the Squad, which are known for their far-left views in the lower chamber of Congress.

The Squad originally consisted of four Democratic congresswomen elected to the House in 2018: New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Presley. Bowman and Missouri Rep. Cori Bush later joined the Squad when they were elected in 2020.

Conservatives rebuke Bowman, Dems on social media

Following Bowmans comments, conservatives took to social media to rebuke the far-left congressman and the Democratic Party. Some zeroed in on the Democrats fears of a wipeout in the upcoming midterm elections.

Bowman  is now threatening that civil war is at stake if Republicans win control of Congress in the midterms, Townhall.com Managing Editor Spencer Brown wrote in a tweet. When this is [the Democrats] case to voters, its clear they have nothing to run on.

Brown subsequently debunked the possibility of civil war floated by the New York congressman in a June 14 piece. Unsurprisingly, Democrats dont have much of a case to make ahead of the midterms, he pointed out. When two-thirds of Americans are living paycheck-to-paycheck, what case is left for Democrats to make? Vote for us or there will be civil war?

It was radical leftists who laid siege to American cities, destroying lives, homes and businesses. It was the Democrats  including Biden  who treated entire swaths of the country as the enemy for choosing not to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Brown added that Bowman falsely painted that Americans who want their neighborhoods and country to be safe from lawless individuals and who are looking to install a check on Bidens power and agenda as racist bigots.

Matt Vespa, Townhall.com senior editor, tweeted that the Democrats smell defeat and cant handle it.

Keith and Kevin Hodge, also known as the Hodgetwins, meanwhile, wrote: Theyre [going to] keep this up because theyre afraid of losing. Nobody in their right mind wants a civil war.

Watch Owen Shroyer of InfoWars discussing Bowmans remarks about a potential civil war below.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

How can honest Americans have any faith in elections when Democrats REFUSE to play by the rules?

Democrats rely so much on racism hysteria to win elections theyve begun faking it.

Mid-Term Elections: The fight for the FUTURE of America.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

Twitter.com 1

Townhall.com

Twitter.com 2

Twitter.com 3

Brighteon.com
(Natural News) The worlds richest person is slamming Twitters bias against half the country and demanding answers after Twitter allegedly did not remove accounts of users who made death threats against a conservative user.

(Article by Gary Bai republished from TheEpochTimes.com)

A platform cannot be considered inclusive or fair if it is biased against half the country, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wrote on June 13, in response to another Twitter users post on the same day saying, On a just platform, everyone would be treated equally. As it is, you can be banned [on Twitter] for merely criticizing (not even threatening) woke progressives, but they can send conservatives death threats without any repercussions.

Musks comments came after a dozen Twitter users allegedly directed death threats against Twitter user Libs of TikTokshort for Liberals of TikTok.

I have now received about a dozen death threats after radical leftists accused me of being a domestic terrorist extremist, Twitter user Libs of TikTok wrote. Twitter has not removed any of the accounts of those who sent the threats.

In reply to the post, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk tagged Twitter and asked, Why?

Libs of Tiktok, a Twitter page with more than 1.2 million followers and operated by Chaya Raichik, regularly posts content criticizing liberal, left-wing, and LGBTQ events and ideas.

For example, Libs of Tiktok wrote in a post on June 13, A childrens hospital in Nebraska is co-hosting a childrens pride event. They advertise there will be a booth where attendees can make an appointment for gender affirming care such as puberty [email protected] receives millions in funding.

Raichiks stance has drawn hostility from some on the left, including a Twitter user with the handle @thisisironicfr who claimed to have sent her a pipe bomb on June 13.

In response to Musks post, Raichik posted on June 13 receipts of Twitter users who sent death threats against her.

Elon Musk, who is negotiating a multi-billion dollar deal with Twitter, said Twitter has a strong left-wing bias in May. The billionaire also called censorship on Twitter a civilization risk in April and suggested in May that he will lift the ban imposed on former U.S. President Donald Trump after he takes ago.

According to conservative commentator Jack Posobiec, the exchange between Musk and Raichik will be interesting considering Raichik is one of the first people who obtained internal discussions of Twitter employees about banning her page.

We received our third Twitter suspension just last week for posting fliers of pride events, wrote Libs of Tiktok in a June 14 article on its website, within an hour of Musks reply to the post about death threats. I had created a mega drag thread which documented the sharp rise in drag events for kids. Its a disturbing trend; the Left has become obsessed with ensuring your 4-year-old has access to men dressed as women while dancing provocatively for cash.

The fact that I was noticingand drawing attention to how widespread this trend really isseemed to trigger the Left. the article reads. The below Slack conversation between Twitter employees occurred today against this backdrop, and echoes some of the charges leveled at us by far left activists.

As you can see, theyre weighing the pros and cons of banning us, the article added. But again, you dont need leaked messages to know just how biased and agenda-driven these people are.

It only confirms what we already see with our own eyes every day.

One of the Twitter users who made a death threat against Libs of TikToks operator, @thisisironicfr, said their message was actually satirizing similar death threats Libs of TikTok received, according to screenshots of the users tweets published by Mashable reporter Matt Binder on June 13.

Read more at: TheEpochTimes.com
(Natural News) Undercover footage from a whistleblower revealed that a laboratory in Mount Vernon, Indiana had been conducting tests on monkeys and beagles.

An undercover investigator working at the behest of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) recorded the footage at Inotiv Inc.s Mount Vernon facility. For seven months, he was assigned to work on more than 70 toxicity studies commissioned by more than 12 pharmaceutical firms. The studies involved more than 6,000 animals.

According to the HSUS investigator, staff members of the lab restrained beagles and monkeys so tubes could be forced down their throats. Monkeys were held by the neck in restraint chairs, with their hands and feet restricted. Chemicals were then pumped into their stomachs, he added.

The investigator alleged that in one instance, a monkey was continuously administered chemicals even though it had already suffered serious adverse effects from a drug. The labs veterinarian told the technician to dose the monkey with the same drug. Im so sorry, maybe this will be your final dose. I kind of hope it is because its torture at this point, said the investigator.

In another instance, at least 80 beagle puppies were forced to ingest the chemicals via a stomach tube every day for months. The dogs were later filmed in their cages whimpering and staggering in pain. According to HSUS, one puppy even collapsed on the floor.

The Inotiv lab also conducted tests on other animals aside from monkeys and beagles, added the animal welfare group. Pigs were recorded with bloodied skin on their backs due to having chemicals directly applied to them. Rats were also squeezed into plastic tubes to immobilize them during the testing phase.

According to the investigator, the animals are euthanized at the end of the tests. After culling, the animals are then autopsied to examine how the chemicals damage their organs. (Related: The truth about animal studies: Do they really model human health?)

Dr. Anthony Fauci funding horrific lab tests on beagles

The disturbing findings at this facility cannot be ignored, said HSUS President and CEO Kitty Block. We are calling for the release of beagles we know are suffering in the lab today and soon to be euthanized, but that is just the start of our work.

Meanwhile, Inotiv answered the accusations thrown by HSUS  arguing that its research is legally required in the U.S. for developing lifesaving medicines, medical devices and biologics. The drug firm did say in a statement that it is reviewing the animal welfare groups claims of animal torture.

The revelations of animal testing  specifically on beagles  followed the reported involvement of White House Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci in horrific animal experiments. The infectious disease expert, in his capacity as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), bankrolled several institutions inside and outside the U.S. for this purpose.

Quoting documents obtained under a Freedom of Information Act request, the White Coat Waste Project (WCWP) said Fauci approved the release of $424,455 to a U.S. research institution for a study that utilized beagles. Healthy dogs were given an experimental drug, and then intentionally infested with flies that carry a disease-causing pathogen that affects humans. According to WCWP, some of the dogs were vocalizing in pain throughout the experiment.

The WCWP later revealed that Fauci again approved the release of $375,800 for another study involving beagles. This time, the money has gone to a laboratory in Tunisia where researchers drugged the dogs and put their heads inside mesh cages filled with sand flies. They also exposed the beagles mesh cages to the intense temperatures of the Sahara desert.

WCWP ultimately described Fauci as sentencing beagles to death on taxpayers dime with his bankrolling of studies involving beagle torture.

Watch this video of linking Fauci and the NIAID in the lab torture of beagles.

This video is from the harrier808 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Watchdog report: Fauci spent nearly half a million in taxpayer dollars on abusive experiments on dogs.

Beagle Freedom Project calls out Dr. Anthony Fauci, demands end to criminal torture of beagles.

Fauci under fire for funding inhumane experiments that tortured beagle puppies to death.

Fauci-run NIAID spends almost $500k to run cruel medical experiment on beagles.

Photos: Fauci funded $375K Beagle torture overseas, too.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Blog.WhiteCoatWaste.org 1

Blog.WhiteCoatWaste.org 2

Brighteon.com
Thursday, June 16, 2022 by: Ethan Huff Tags: academia , corruption , Data , deception , fraud , research , science This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author

(Natural News) A major controversy at Harvard University could lead to the take down of the schools scientific mafia  if only a PhD or two would file a formal complaint.

The matter has to do with a study that was published in the American Journal of Political Science (AJPS) falsely claiming that different races in America are afraid of each other. A tenured professor named Ryan Enos is behind the paper, which Chris from Karlstack exposed three months ago for fraud.

He fabricated data and this is one of the worst data fabrication scandals of the decade, Chris writes, adding that he believes Enos is worse than Michael LaCour, a graduate student from UCLA who similarly fabricated a paper which in that case pushed an LGBT agenda.

In Enos case, his paper tried to claim that white people feel threatened by minorities  white people are actually a minority group in terms of world population figures. It turns out that Enos completely made up the data in his paper to push an anti-white agenda.

This is a seminal paper in the sub-field of racial threat theory, and it is 100% fraudulent! Chris further writes.

Enos manipulated his observations to racebait and stoke racial tensions! Enos inflammatory anti-white rhetoric based on fabricated data contributes to crimes like the one perpetrated in the Seth Smith case.

Seth Smith, in case you are unfamiliar with that name, was a double major in economics at UC Berkeley who was shot in the back of the head executioner style, presumably for being white.

Berkeley issued a cold and callous statement completely disregarding Smiths murder while claiming to be sorrowful over the death of drug abuser and pregnant-woman basher George Floyd.

AJPS refuses to investigate fraudulent Enos paper, says one has to have a PhD to lodge a complaint against it

The reason why the Smith case is significant is that fraudulent papers like Enos contribute to anti-white hate crimes like the one that befell Smith. And yet parts of society have already been so indoctrinated into anti-white dogma that they no longer feel empathy or concern over white victims of violence, as was demonstrated by UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Stephen C. Sutton, and Assistant Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students Sunny Lee.

Chris attempted to petition the AJPS to investigate Enos clearly fraudulent and easily debunked paper, only to have the journal tell him no because he does not personally hold a PhD.

Does this make sense to you? he asks. Do journals normally refuse to accept ethical complaints unless the complainant has a PhD? Of course not  that would be insane!

Normally, journals are even required to accept credible anonymous complaints. So this we only accept complaints from PhD holders line is a totally made up rule because they know if they investigate Enos, they will have no choice but to find him guilty. So they are obfuscating.

Many of Chris readers, on the other hand, do have PhDs, which is why he is encouraging them to lodge complaints instead. Our own readers with PhDs are encouraged to do the same if this piece and its contents compel them to do so.

Here are eight email addresses for key contacts at the AJPS:

AJPS Lead Editors:

Kathleen Dolan, University of Wisconsin  Milwaukee: [email protected]

Jennifer L. Lawless, University of Virginia: [email protected]

Generic inbox: [email protected]

AJPS Associate Editors:

Frederick J. Boehmke, University of Iowa: [email protected]

Elizabeth Cohen, Syracuse University: [email protected]

Maggie Penn, Emory University: [email protected]

Dan Reiter, Emory University: [email protected]

Graeme Robertson, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: [email protected]

More related news about the plague of anti-white hatred that has infiltrated higher education can be found at Evil.news.

Sources for this article include:

Karlstack.substack.com

FiveThirtyEight.com

Karlstack.substack.com
A record-breaking heat wave has swept the United States, raising concerns among medical professionals that excessive heat is wreaking havoc on public health.

Summer Heat

Over the weekend, summer heat scorched the arid Southwest and sections of the Western United States, shattering temperature records and leading government officials to issue extreme heat warnings for 53 million Americans. The National Weather Service described the heat as "oppressive," predicting hazardous fire weather throughout most Southwest and Rockies through Monday.

More than 25 major U.S. cities tied or broke maximum heat records on Saturday. The temperature in Las Vegas, Nevada, reached 109 degrees Fahrenheit, a record high for the city since 1956. The temperature in Death Valley, California, hit 122 degrees. The temperature in Phoenix, Arizona, reached 114 degrees, the highest in over a century. On Monday, winds began to drive the heat east, bringing scorching temperatures and heat advisories to the upper Mississippi Valley, western Great Lakes, and Ohio Valley by midweek.

Also Read: After Suffering from Scorching Heat, US Southwest to Experience a Major Cooldown

Temperatures in Triple Digit

Temperatures in the triple digits are not uncommon in the United States. Due to climate change, people from the Southwest arrive earlier and more often throughout the summer. According to climate scientists, above-average temperatures persist during the night due to global warming. Nighttime temperatures in the locations where officials issued extreme heat warnings this weekend continued over 75 degrees, meaning residents did not receive relief from the heat at night.

Medical professionals worldwide are increasingly worried that the 24/7 nature of recent heatwaves is taking a toll on public health, becoming increasingly dangerous. Excessive heat already kills more people in the United States than any other weather-related tragedy. According to government estimates, intense heat kills up to 1,300 people in the United States annually. Independent research found that the number of heat-related deaths is several times higher. Heat-related mortality is also rising: between 1980 and 2016, such deaths increased by 74% in nine nations worldwide.

Extreme heat affects everyone; studies show that emergency hospital visits increase across all groups during heat waves. Young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with impaired immune systems are particularly vulnerable. Heat raised children's risk of blood, immunological, and neurological system disorders, according to critical research released in January on increasing temperatures and children. Long-term heat exposure in senior individuals, who, like children, have trouble regulating their body temperature, can cause hyperventilation, dehydration, and cardiovascular problems, leading to mortality. People with immunological diseases are more vulnerable to the effects of heat.

An analysis of the influence of heat on adults with multiple sclerosis published last year indicated that periods of hot weather were linked to an increased incidence of inpatient and emergency department visits in MS patients.

People might be prone to heat due to societal reasons as well. People who are jailed, live in areas with little green space, work outside, are homeless, or cannot afford air conditioning are particularly vulnerable.

Danger Season

Summer has a new name: "danger season," according to some experts. "Climate change has pushed a lot of these sorts of occurrences into a new domain that is considerably more deadly," Kristy Dahl, a climate scientist with the Union of Concerned Scientists, told Grist's Kate Yoder recently.

Temporary Solution

Taking cold showers or baths, avoiding physical exertion as much as possible throughout the day, and using an air conditioner if you have one will help you and your loved ones stay safe during a heat wave. Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as nausea, profuse perspiration, and a quick pulse might also help.

Related Article: Utah Faces an Environmental Catastrophe as the Great Salt Lake Continues to Dry Up

For more environmental news, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
The rising temperatures, according to the Brazos River Authority, contribute to an increased risk of Naegleria fowleri, a deadly microbe that can be found in freshwater, pools, and springs.

The infection starts when the microbe enters the body through the nose, usually while swimming or diving. The brain-eating amoeba can then travel up the nose and reach the brain, where it destroys tissue.

Rare but Fatal

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infections are rare with only 33 people infected in the US from 2011 to 2020. Infections, on the other hand, have a high fatality rate of more than 97 percent, meaning that almost everyone infected with the amoeba dies.

The Brazos River Authority said last week that people who live in hot states like Texas should assume that getting into any warm freshwater body poses a risk. The river authority added that knowing about the deadly microbe does not automatically mean people should be afraid of visiting their favorite water spots like the Brazos River or the Possum Kingdom Lake.

Safety Measures

The river authority suggests that people should be wearing nose clips or holding their noses when getting in the water, and avoid submerging one's head in the water. Other safety measures, as cited by CDC and Texas Health and Human Services, include avoiding stirring up underwater sediment while swimming, since the microbe can be found in soil.

The experts have also warned against water activities in warm freshwater where the water level is low or in stagnant water. Taking "No Swimming" signs seriously is also a way for people to avoid infection.

Triple-Digit Threat

Bill Sullivan, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the Indiana University School of Medicine explains that deep inhalation up the nose allows the microscopic organism to travel to the brain. Once it reaches the brain, it begins to feed, triggering a powerful immune response that results in dangerous brain swelling, as well as severe headaches and nausea.

Sullivan goes on to say that as the brain swells, it interferes with communication with the spinal cord, preventing signals from reaching the lungs and heart. In about five to seven days, the infection kills 97% of those infected.

Read also: Child Infected With Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba After Swimming in California Lake

The professor stated that, while infections are very rare, there is growing concern that the brain-eating amoeba may become more common in other locations in the northern states as the temperature of bodies of water rises due to climate change. The naturally occuring brain-eating amoeba can be found in nearly every country on the planet.

Cases have been linked to waterparks, public fountains, and tap water on rare occasions. While tap water does not cause infection, it has been linked to several cases of brain-eating amoeba when used in nasal-flushing neti pots.

In recent days, Texas has been receiving triple-digit temperatures. As residents turn on air conditioners to stay cool during the heat wave, power demand in the state has reached new highs, Newsweek reports.

Related Article: Rare Brain-Eating Amoeba Caused the Death of Two U.S. Children This Month
In a bipartisan vote Tuesday evening, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to ensure the survival of U.S. fish and wildlife conservation funds.

The Wildlife Society applauded the House's landmark move in a news statement announcing the passing of the "Recovering America's Wildlife Act" (H.R. 2773).

Recovering America's Wildlife Act

The Recovering America's Wildlife Act will provide much-needed funding to wildlife specialists entrusted with preserving America's natural species variety. These funds will go toward multi-stakeholder initiatives to protect and monitor these endangered species, identified as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in some states, to reverse population reductions.

Also Read: At What Cost? Expert Discusses the Environmental Impact of Irresponsible Spending Behavior

A Proactive Move

The Wildlife Society's president, Gordon R. Batcheller, said, "This law would permit proactive protection of all fish and wildlife species with a focus on preventing population decreases." "We are one step closer to ensuring that state and tribal natural resource experts have the tools they need to protect the complete array of fish and wildlife diversity because of bipartisan action in the House of Representatives."

The Wildlife Society's Conservation Affairs Network participated in several grassroots lobbying initiatives leading up to the vote, with over 100 TWS members calling and over 460 TWS members emailing their U.S. representatives to express their support. These efforts come after years of support for the law from TWS headquarters and organization units.

Modifications

Several modifications were accepted for further discussion in the Senate, with the majority concentrating on expanding the bill's permissible uses and improving the monitoring of funds provided. A language that expands allowable activities under the legislation's federal endangered species funding title to include invasive species and disease management, language that imposes additional administrative fee caps and language that authorizes nonprofit eligibility for competitive grant funding were all approved as amendments.

Many opponents of the measure abstained from voting in the House owing to uncertainties over a financing source, which is now being investigated by legislative leadership. Despite this, the bill got bipartisan support, with some lawmakers praising the legislation's urgency and cost-effectiveness.

At a House Rules Committee hearing on Monday, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), the bill's initial co-sponsor and proponent, stated, "The longer we delay addressing this issue, the more resources we will eventually need to defend our nation's wildlife and environment."

The House's passage shifts the spotlight on the Recovering America's Wildlife Act, which is awaiting a vote on the Senate floor. If enacted, the measure will be referred to a conference committee by both chambers of Congress to reconcile discrepancies between the House and Senate versions before moving further.

Wildlife Conservation

The economic, ecological, and spiritual worth of American wildlife is immense. Wildlife helps us form meaningful ties with our natural world by providing jobs through outdoor recreation, sustaining food and water sources, and creating meaningful occupations. Unfortunately, many of our animal species have suffered significant declines during the last century due to quick and large-scale changes to their habitats and ecosystems. We're attempting to increase animal populations by changing how we think about conservation.

Related Article: Conservation or Preservation: What's the Difference?

For more Animal Conservation and Preservation news, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
According to an investigation into the horrific conditions in which farm animals are carried throughout the country, tens of millions of farm animals in the United States are dying before they can be butchered.

A publicly accessible data, around 20 million chickens, 330,000 pigs, and 166,000 cattle are killed at abattoirs in the United States each year. On arrival, an estimated 800,000 pigs would be unable to walk.

Official records of the animals' deaths are not available. Still, veterinarians and animal welfare experts told the Guardian that heat stress, especially during the summer months, as well as cold temperatures and trauma, were the most likely reasons.

Exhausting Travels

The enormous distances some animals are compelled to travel, and the increasing frequency with which they are transported are believed to have increased the number of deaths.

In August of last year, a truck transporting pigs w32as monitored for 32 hours continuously throughout the United States, with the animals locked inside for the whole.

Animals moving across the border to or from Mexico and Canada have been documented to travel even greater distances. One trucker informed an animal welfare investigator that he had hauled livestock nearly two days from Quebec, Canada, to Mexico.

Another driver said it took him 48 hours to transport livestock from a tiny stockyard on New York's east side to Chihuahua, Mexico. During the trek, the cattle had no access to water, food, or rest.

Legislative Safety Net

Only one piece of legislation regulating animal transportation in the United States: the 1873 28-hour statute. If the travel is longer than 28 hours, the animals must be unloaded, rested for five hours, and provided food and drink, according to the legislation. It does not apply to birds.

According to Piper Hoffman, legal director for the NGO Animal Outlook, the rule initially included animals carried by train. "The US government just recognized the legislation also protects animals carried by truck in 2006, in response to pressure from NGOs," she added.

Despite Animal Outlook investigations in 2005, 2012, and 2021, which recorded what the NGO said were legal infractions, no convictions have occurred.

Animal transport by road is ostensibly limited to eight or nine hours in Europe. However, exceptions and implementation flaws mean that some journeys take much longer.

Also Read: Pigs Cut While Still Alive: Hidden Cam Showed Extreme Animal Cruelty in Slaughterhouse

Transport-Related Fatality

The Guardian's transportation-related fatality numbers for hens were determined by translating USDA data on the weight of poultry flesh rejected before slaughter.

The number of pigs is based on USDA slaughter estimates for 2021 and an investigation that indicated an average of 0.26 percent of pigs died after transport from 2012 to 2015, with 0.63 percent unable to walk. The livestock statistic is also based on USDA slaughter figures and an investigation that indicated that between 2003 and 2007, 0.49 percent of cattle were rejected after transit.

The final results were not corrected by a USDA statistician who examined the Guardian's investigation.

According to research, the leading causes of death in cattle were "heatstroke, trauma, and respiratory disease... [and] the main reason in pigs is hyperthermia (overheating), especially during the summer," according to Gwendolen Reyes-Illg, a veterinarian with the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), a US non-profit.

Hoffman said that other dangers included falling in pee and excrement, weariness, hunger, and thirst.

Additional Data

Dena Jones, an AWI director, stated that the meat industry's consolidation, with larger and fewer enterprises, increased the lengths animals had to travel before slaughter. Animals were transported from growing regions to fattening areas and eventually to slaughter as the isolation between the various production phases increased.

Jones predicted that infractions of the 28-hour rule would be prevalent, involving "maybe 10% or more of agricultural animals transferred between states."

The USDA, as well as the agricultural lobby groups the National Pork Producers Council and the American Farm Bureau Federation, did not reply to requests for comment on the number of transport-related animal deaths.

Related Article: Ike Jime: Japan's Traditional Execution Method is "Most Respectful Way" for Fish to Die

For more animal news, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
A survey claims that by 2050, over 200,000 houses in England will have to be abandoned owing to increasing sea levels.

It investigates where water will inflict the most harm, as well as whether or not defenses are technically and financially possible.

Decades of Sea Level Rise

Scientists agree that decades of rising sea levels are unavoidable, and the government has said that not all properties can be spared.

According to the research, sea-level rise will put pressure on about a third of England's shoreline.

"It will simply not be viable to hold the line around the coast," says Paul Sayers, the report's author and a flood and coastal risk specialist, adding that difficult choices would have to be made about what is realistically protected.

"These are the locations we're going to hold, and these are the places we're not going to hold," she says. "We need an open and honest discussion about how we're going to do it and help the affected people."

The research was published in Ocean and Coastal Management.

Also Read: Sea Level Rise to Affect New Zealand Sooner than Expected

Studying the Assessment

According to Sayers' assessment, the South West, North West, and East Anglia have the largest number of flood-prone houses in England. Rising sea levels not only raise the risk of coastal flooding and estuarine flooding but also hasten coastal erosion by causing larger, more forceful waves.

For the first time, the study looks at areas where upgrading defenses would be prohibitively expensive or technically unfeasible. It was discovered that by 2050, assuming a conservative 2C rise in sea level caused by temperature increases by 2100, up to 160,000 properties may need to be relocated. This is on top of the 30,000 to 35,000 homes previously recognized as vulnerable.

"There's no real engineering limit to how effectively we can defend ourselves," Sayers told BBC News on the beach at Happisburgh in North Norfolk. "For London, for example, the Thames barrier and all the walls and embankments continue to be increased in reaction to sea-level rise."

"Under existing financing criteria, there won't be enough money to safeguard everyone."

Happisburgh, a little charming ancient Anglo-Saxon settlement with a distinctive red-and-white-striped lighthouse, is unlikely to receive any more funding for sea defenses. And its coastline is rapidly eroding.

In 2013, the ground beneath Bryony Nierop-home Reading's collapsed into the sea, and a safety barrier was installed across her street, which suddenly terminates at the top of the cliff.

The red-and-white sign reads, "Road Closed." The 77-year-old has been chronicling the eroding pavement for the past six months with scribbled dates and numbers.

"It was eight meters in December 2021, and now it's 3.4 meters," she sighs.

Bryony has cause to be concerned about the erosion. When her cottage was demolished, she opted to relocate just 50 meters up the road to a home similarly on its way to the sea. She estimates that it will persist until 2030.

Bryony disagrees with the district council's decision that additional sea defenses should not protect Happisburgh. She cites a 20 million operation close up the coast, where vast volumes of sand were deposited on the beach to safeguard a gas station.

She says, "It's simply such a pathetic and unpatriotic mentality." "I believe we should be stating that our nation, our land, our agricultural land, is vital enough that funds should be diverted to it."

Bryony has started an organization hoping to rekindle interest in some new marine defenses.

"It's the Save Happisburgh Action Group," she explains. "The term Shag is a seabird that needs to struggle for existence against terrible circumstances, which is suitable for Happisburgh."

Everyone does not share Bryony's viewpoint in Happisburgh. And her campaign isn't the only one.

Malcolm Kirby, one of the founders of Happisburgh's Coastal Action Group, says, "The water is incredibly strong. Even more powerful than Boris Johnson."

Pathfinder Project

The Pathfinder project in Happisburgh is now being studied as a model for how the rest of the UK should adapt. North Norfolk, along with East Yorkshire, has been selected to participate in a 36 million Coastal Transfer Accelerator Programme, which will investigate concepts such as creating "green buffer zones" between settlements and supporting the "managed transition of populations off high-risk territory."

Related Article: Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt Against Global Warming Remain High Despite Pressing Evidence

For similar news, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
New York (United Nations) 16 June 2022 (SPS) - The Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste to the UN, H.E. Mr. Karlito Nunes, reiterated his country's call for the "acceleration of the decolonization process of Western Sahara under UN supervision," in his statement before the UN substantive Session of the Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24) 76th Session of the UN General Assembly, held on Monday 13 June, 2022 in New  York.

He further called on all parties to support the peace process to protect the Saharawis human rights and respect their right to self-determination.

Following is the ful text of the Statement, of which SPS received a copy:

Statement by H.E. Karlito Nunes, Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the United Nations.

Special Committee on Decolonization (C-24) 2022 resumed session, 13-24 June 2022 Agenda Item: The Question of Western Sahara, 13 June 2022, Conference Room 2, New York

I thank you Madam Chair.

Timor-Leste welcomes your re-election as the Chair of this Special Committee and the election of other members of the Bureau. We place our full confidence in your chairmanship, and we assure our full support for your stewardship of this Special Committee.

Madam Chair,

Western Sahara is the last Africas colony that remains a Non-Self-Governing Territory under this Special Committee since it was first listed in 1963. As we have achieved our right to self-determination and independence within the first international decade for eradication of colonialism through the contribution of this Special Committee, we believe that this Special Committee can also contribute much to help the people of the Western Sahara to enjoy their inalienable right to self-determination and independence within this fourth decade for the eradication of colonialism.

Having gone through the same journey and eventually reaching the glorious end, which is our independence, we share the view that the only viable, realistic, and enduring solution to the decolonisation of Western Sahara is the solution that fully respects the sovereign will of the Saharawi people to determine their own future through a free and fair referendum on self-determination.

In this connection, we wish to join several delegations here in calling for the acceleration of the decolonisation process of Western Sahara under the supervision of the United Nations, which will immediately allow the people of Western Sahara to freely decide their own future in line with relevant General Assembly resolutions.

Madam Chair,

Given that there have been growing tensions in the territory during the last two years, we wish to take this opportunity to urge all parties to actively support the UN peace process in Western Sahara and take concrete measures to protect the fundamental human rights of our Sahrawi brothers and sisters which will allow them to reach their most desirable objective which is the exercise of their inalienable right to self-determination." (SPS)





062/SPS
An overcrowded and overloaded ship bound for Saudi Arabia capsized in the Red Sea off the coast of Sudan, drowning nearly 16,000 sheep. An official pointed out that the vessel can only carry 9,000 sheep.

The Sudanese exporters' association reported that on Sunday morning, the livestock-carrying vessel sank not long after leaving the eastern Sudanese port of Suakin.

According to the Sudan Tribune, which cites unidentified officials, the incident has cost the country an estimated 5 million Saudi riyals, or $4 million.

Badr 1 Ship

The ship, Badr 1, sank early Sunday morning, as recounted by an unnamed senior Sudanese port official. The ship was carrying 15,800 sheep, which exceeded its carrying capacity.

Saleh Selim, the head of the association's Livestock Division said that only about 700 sheep were recovered by livestock owners; however, the sheep were found to be very sick and were not expected to live long. He also confirmed that the sheep had been loaded onto the ship in Suakin.

The incident prompted Selim to open an investigation into the operations of the port.

A second official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, expressed concern about the horrific event's potential economic and environmental consequences.

According to the official, the sunken ship will undoubtedly have an impact on port operations, as well as the environment due to the death of a large bulk of livestock that the ship was supposed to transport.

Omar al-Khalifa, the head of the National Exporters' Association, noted that the ship took several hours to sink at the pier, leaving open the possibility that it could have been rescued.

The port is already under investigation to identify what caused a massive fire in the cargo area the previous month that lasted for several hours and caused significant damage, Newsweek reports.

Sudan has one of Africa's most populous livestock. Cattle, goats, sheep, and camels provide milk and meat for domestic use, as well as meat and live animals for export.

Sheep are Sudan's most important live animal export, with the majority heading to Saudi Arabia. Yemen and the Gulf states receive only a small amount of cattle.

Read also: UK: 55 Sheep Disappear in the Isle of Lewis, Sheep Theft Increased by 15% Since the COVID-19 Pandemic

Suakin: Historic Port Town

Suakin, Sudan's historic port town, is no longer the country's main foreign exchange hub; that honor now belongs to Port Sudan, located 60 kilometers away along the Red Sea coast.

Although plans to redevelop Suakin port have been made, a 2017 deal with Turkey to restore historic buildings and expand the docks was put on hold after longtime president Omar al-Bashir was deposed.

Sudan has one of Africa's largest livestock populations, which it regularly exports to countries such as Egypt and Gulf states, among other destinations. However, after the previous year's coup, the country is still mired in a financial and economic crisis.

Effects of The Coup

The military takeover in October shattered the democratic transition of Sudan and threw the country into chaos.

Sudan's chronic economic crisis has worsened since last year's military coup led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The military takeover prompted punitive measures from western governments, including aid cuts, in exchange for the restoration of the transitional administration installed after Bashir was toppled.

Related article: Petroleum Carrying Boat Sinks Near the Environmentally Fragile Galapagos Island
Yellowstone National Park was also struck by an earthquake swarm prior to a flooding, mudslide, and landslides due to heavy rain and snowmelt earlier this week, which led to its indefinite closure.

While the Yellowstone is situated above a seismically active region in the United States, the swarm may have posed a potential risk to the recent climatic danger the site faced.

Moreover, latest reports indicated that local authorities have warned communities near the Yellowstone that the local drinking water has become unsafe in the area.

This makes both water and food rationing a challenging task for both residents and officials.

In addition, the authorities issued an alert to the public for displaced wildlife at Yellowstone. In particular, the alert pertains to being cautious when it comes to roaming wild animals and smaller species.

The advisory serves as both a protection to both people and animal in the area.

The recent Yellowstone flooding has been deemed to be a very rare natural phenomenon, which led to the destruction of infrastructure, including bridges, roads, and houses.

Flash floods washed away small cabins and led to localized power outages affecting nearby towns.

The catastrophic event also pave the way for a declaration of a state of emergency. Thousands of people have also been evacuated from the area as the Yellowstone will be closed until further notice.

In spite of the widespread damage, there were no reported fatalities or injuries from the flooding.

Earthquake Swarm

A 24-hour earthquake swarm hit the Yellow Stone National Park on Sunday, June 12, even before the closure and widespread flooding.

Details regarding the small earthquakes emerged on Tuesday, June 14, based on a data from the seismograph stations by University of Utah, according to Newsweek.com.

The data shows that dozens of quakes with a 2.4 magnitude struck the area of Grizzly Lake in different time of the day and in varying depths.

The US-based news outlet also cited an assessment from the Michigan Technological University, indicating that magnitudes 2.5 or lower are not usually felt and are can only be detected by a seismograph.

Also Read: Extreme Weather Causes Intense Heat, Flooding, and Severe Storms; Nearly 500,000 Power Outages Reported in the Midwest

Water and Food Rationing

Since the Yellow National Park is not likely to open soon, people in the area are facing an arduous task of rationing necessary resources and supplies.

This comes after the drinking water in Gardiner continued to be unsafe and forced local businesses to adapt, according to the National Public Radio, an American non-profit media organization.

A local cafe owner in the area reportedly said that the current water temperature is not ideal to make it as a safe water to drink.

Meanwhile, Cooke City and the Red Lodge town remain cut off from safe drinking water.

Furthermore, floodwaters disrupted a water treatment plant in Billings, Montana, making water filtration from its raw state into a clean one ineffective.

With this, authorities are urging the public to conserve water for the meantime.

Latest updates as of Wednesday evening, June 15, show that Yellowstone is still closed and may take a week to reopen again, while northern entrances will remain this summer season.

Road closures are starting to open and evacuated residents in Park County were allowed to come back home, according to USA Today.

Related Article: Yellow Stone National Park Closed Due to Intense Flooding and Mudslides
The Black Death, or the bubonic plague pandemic, was a worldwide outbreak during the Medieval Age that lasted for 500 years from the 14th century to the 18th century.

The plague initially spread from Europe and other continents of the world.

History and conventional literature tell us that the immediate origin of the Black Death started when it entered the Mediterranean via trade ships that landed on the European continent in 1347.

The vessels were transporting goods from the Black Sea.

Prevailing literature also showed that some of these ships docked at the Sicilian port of Messina, stating that locals were horrified to find a number of sailors were dead with survivors having black boils throughout their body.

Caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, the Medieval pandemic was responsible for killing a large number of the human population at that time.

The symptoms included the notorious swollen lymph nodes called a bubo, as well as fever, headache, chills, and fatigue.

Black Death Origins

In a study published in the journal Nature on Wednesday, June 15, scientists unraveled the origins of the source strain of the Black Death, indicating it has its origins from an ancient plague strain in Central Asia, specifically in what is now Kyrgyzstan.

The study led by the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology used a multi-disciplinary approach and collaborations of researchers from the fields of history, archaeology, and genetics.

The international research team arrived at their conclusion after analyzing ancient DNA of human remains from two sites with the word "pestilence" inscribed on them.

The team discovered the bacteria or strain of the bubonic plague originally infected rodents only.

However, succeeding mutations of the strain led to the emergence of Yersinia pestis, which was capable of infecting humans and causing the lethal symptoms, as summarized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Also Read: Plague Strain as Deadly as Black Death Could Emerge Again [VIDEO]

Worst Pandemic in History

The Black Death or the second bubonic plague was a multi-century pandemic which started from 1347 to 1351, sweeping through Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, which left around 25 million dead.

It had aftershocks felt until early 1700s, according to the Ohio State University (OSU).

Conflict data showed that pandemic occurred between 1346 and 1353.

Prior to the new study, there were initial accounts and perspective of the bubonic plague, which resonated from an era even before the Medieval Age.

The Medieval pandemic had its origin on its first outbreak in Central Asia and China during the 13th century.

However, when tracing the ancient origins of the plague, the OSU stated the Black Death was a descendant of the same ancient plague which ravaged Rome from 541 to 549 CE.

Bubonic Plague Transmission

The OSU cited the approach of historians toward the bubonic plague transmission, indicating it was initially believed to be carried by bacterium-infected fleas from wild rodents, and then passed to the common household black rat.

However, a newer theory of its spread involve zoonotic transmission involving a direct contact between human and rodents.

From this, human fleas and head lice carried the deadly bacteria along trade routes throughout Eurasia and even sub-Saharan Africa, the university explained.

Related Article: Is Black Death Back? Officials Confirm the two Newest Cases of Bubonic Plague in China
Giant dwarf crocodiles have been found by scientists to be a new species of reptiles that lived from the Miocene period and late Cenozoic in East Africa, particularly in present-day Kenya between 18 million and 15 million years ago.

The massive crocodiles suddenly disappeared with no immediate, plausible explanation provided.

However, they were believed to be extremely ferocious and have hunted ancient humans, who will be our ancestors along the evolutionary line.

Previous studies suggested that humans also encountered other large predators such as prehistoric giant birds and leopards in Africa.

However, the said crocodile species were incomparable to other predators that humans have ever faced.

Giant Dwarf Crocodiles

The new paper was published in the journal The Anatomical Record on June 8, wherein researchers from the University of Iowa led the study to discover two new crocodile species named Kinyang mabokoensis and Kinyang tchernovi, which could grow up to 12 feet long.

The said ancient crocodile species were far greater in terms of size and capabilities compared to their modern cousins called dwarf crocodiles, which can still be found in Central Africa and West Africa.

The modern version of the ancient predators rarely exceed four or five feet.

Christopher Brochu, a professor at Iowa University and a lead author of the study, stated the giant dwarf crocodiles were the largest predators that ancient humans have encountered, as cited by Phys.org.

Brochu described the ancient reptiles as opportunistic predators similar modern crocodiles of today.

Also Read: The Great Predator: Facts About Florida's New 'Man-Eating' Invader, Nile Crocodile

African Habitats

The Iowa university professor postulated that the giant crocodiles lived in the East Africa Rift Valley, which a portion of it is under Kenya.

15 million years ago, the crocodiles disappeared likely due to climate change, which led to decreased rainfall and forest retreat.

The landscape then transformed into grasslands and mixed savanna woodlands, which the predators did not prefer, the professor added.

Largest Prehistoric Crocodile

In June 2016, a separate study published in the journal Cretaceous Research discovered that the largest prehistoric sea-dwelling crocodile 130 million years ago was found in a region of what is now located in the Tunisian desert in North Africa.

Paleontologists named the crocodiles species Machimosaurus rex, which grew to more than 30 feet long and weigh three tons.

The researchers claimed the prehistoric marine crocodile was unknown to the scientific community before and was finally found in a rarely explored area in southern Tunisia.

The 2016 discovery confirmed previous evidence that North Africa, or the region where the Sahara Desert is situated, was once submerged in water.

Modern Crocodiles

In modern times, freshwater crocodiles are the largest reptile species in the world.

In Africa, the descendants of the giant dwarf crocodiles have an approximate population of 25,000 to 100,000 and has been placed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) under its so-called Red List of Threatened Species.

In 2009, the IUCN said the dwarf crocodiles, also called African dwarf crocodiles, are facing a high risk of extinction due to habitat reduction and overexploitation caused by humans.

Related Article: Ancient DNA Reveals Horned Crocodile From Madagascar Is Closely Related to Today's Crocodile
If the UL captain had climbed to the requested height, the aircraft would have faced a mid-on collision with the British Airways aircraft which was flying at a faster speed than the UL flight.

by Dr. Ruwantissa Abeyratne in Montreal

Flying the airplane is more important than radioing your plight to a person on the ground incapable of understanding it.

A mid air collision is by far the worst nightmare in aviation. As reported by Daily Mirror (Online) of 15 June 2022 this possibility nearly transcended from the surreal to the real when SriLankan Airlines Flight 504 operating from London to Colombo nearly missed banging into a British Airways Flight operating at an altitude of 35,000 feet. The terrible tragedy in the making was avoided due to a combination of vigilance, competence, astuteness, and integrity of the flight crew of UL 504. For this the 275 passengers on board must be deeply grateful.

UL Flight

According to Daily Mirror : Sources familiar with the incident said that the flight carrying 275 passengers on board and a crew, had entered the Turkish Airspace of Ankara after leaving Heathrow en route to Colombo when Ankara air control informed the UL pilot to climb to 35,000 feet from the 33,000 feet they were flying at. The UL pilot and crew who had been vigilant had detected a British Airways flight just 15 miles away from them flying at 35,000 feet and informed the air traffic control at Ankara that there was a flight already above[A]fter checking, the Ankara air traffic control had informed the UL Captain that they had not detected any flight at 35,000 feet on their radar and the UL flight was cleared to climb. The pilot who by that time had detected the British Airways flight on the flight's radar had not climbed and informed the Ankara air traffic control once again to check. It was only minutes later that the air traffic had responded urgently informing the UL flight not to climb as there was already a flight right above at 35,000 feet.

If the UL captain had climbed to the requested height, the aircraft would have faced a mid-on collision with the British Airways aircraft which was flying at a faster speed than the UL flight. Upon landing at the BIA the passengers safely disembarked from the flight along with the crew but a report on the incident was filed.

Air Traffic Control

It is curious that the Ankara air traffic control center was unable to see the British Airways aircraft on their radar (particularly after the UL captain had advised the former) and consequently took the risk of directing the UL aircraft to climb up to the altitude occupied by the British airways aircraft. The Aircraft Incident Report filed on arrival in Colombo by the UL crew indicates that the crew did not execute the climb as advised by air traffic control as the TCAS on the aircraft had indicated the presence of the British Airways aircraft at 35,000 feet travelling at a speed greater than the UL aircraft.

Article 28 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention)  the constitutional treaty of international civil aviation  places a legal obligation on the State over which an aircraft operates to inter alia to undertake, so far as it may find practicable, to: provide, in its territory, airports, radio services, meteorological services and other air navigation facilities to facilitate international air navigation, in accordance with the standards and practices recommended or established from time to time, pursuant to the Convention; and adopt and put into operation the appropriate standard systems of communications procedure, codes, markings, signals, lighting and other operational practices and rules which may be recommended or established from time to time. Although it must be noted that this is not an absolute obligation as the State is called upon to provide such services only in so far as it finds practicable to do so, this qualifier does not apply to basic element of air navigation services such as the one provided by Turkish air traffic control in this instance.

Standard 3.7.1.1 of Annex 11 (Air Traffic Services) to the Chicago Convention provides that an air traffic control clearance must indicate: aircraft identification as shown in the flight plan; clearance limit; route of flight; level(s) of flight for the entire route or part thereof and changes of levels if required. The Turkish Air Traffic Control Centre is known to be one of the most efficient in the world (and reputed to be the best in Europe) and provides air traffic services to all aircraft over Turkish Airspace. This makes it all the more surprising that it had taken an unnecessary risk regarding the clearance of the UL aircraft to a higher altitude. Air traffic controllers have a duty to exercise ordinary care in the exercise of their duties. They have a duty to warn pilots of hazards and not ignore possible hazards.

SriLankan Airlines Flight Crew

The UL flight crew had displayed excellent airmanship and control of the flight. Standard 4.5.1 of Annex 6 (Operation of Aircraft) to the Chicago Convention provides that the pilot-in-command is responsible for the safety of all crew members, passengers, and cargo on board when the doors are closed. The pilot-in-command must also be responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft from the moment it is ready to move for the purpose of taking off until the moment it finally comes to rest at the end of the flight and the engine(s) used as primary propulsion units are shut down.

It is incontrovertible that the pilot in command of the SriLankan Airlines flight showed good airmanship which is defined by (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Associations) - AOPA as exercising good command. As pilot in command, you are the captain of your ship. It really doesn't matter whether you're the captain of a Cessna 152 or a Boeing 777; your command authority is the same. As PIC, you are directly responsible for, and the final authority regarding, the safe operation of your aircraft. In an in-flight emergency requiring immediate action, you may deviate from any general operating or flight rule to the extent required to meet that emergency.

Had the pilot in command of UL 504 wavered and taken the risk of not being circumspect and safety conscious in this instance, any hint of negligence on the part of the pilot, whether resulting in an incident or an accident, would have ascribed to the pilot the highest standard of gross negligence, which is attributed to other categories of persons such as surgeons, bus drivers and ships captains who take charge of persons whose safety they claim they can assure by dint of the special competence they profess to have.

The Statement issued by SriLankan Airlines that Contrary to news reports, SriLankan confirms that UL 504 was not at risk of a mid-air collision with another aircraft at any point. The vigilance of the pilots and the state-of-the-art communication & surveillance system onboard the aircraft enabled safe passage for UL 504 is incorrect in the first sentence but factual in the second. The aircraft was certainly at risk. It was the clever humans in the cockpit and he communications and surveillance system that saved the persons on board. The pilot in command had followed the golden rule in a dangerous situation in flight : aviate; navigate; communicate always remember you fly an airplane with your head, not your hands. A good landing is one you walk away from.

Dr. Abeyratne is the author of Air Navigation Law (Springer: 2012).
IT vendors typically race to deliver incremental improvements to existing product lines, but occasionally a truly disruptive technology comes along. One of those disruptive technologies, which is beginning to find its way into enterprise data centers, is High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM).

HBM is significantly faster than incumbent memory chip technologies, uses less power and takes up less space. It is becoming particularly popular for resource-intensive applications such as high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI).

However, mainstream adoption for running routine business applications is still a ways off because HBM is expensive, could create heat management issues, and might require that certain applications be rewritten.

How does HBM work?

HBM is the creation of US chipmaker AMD and SK Hynix, a South Korean supplier of memory chips. Development began in 2008, and in 2013 the companies turned the spec over to the JEDEC consortium, the standards body for the semiconductor industry. The HBM2 standard was approved in 2016, and HBM3 was officially announced in January. The primary manufacturers of HBM memory chips today are South Koreas Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron Technology.

HBM was designed to address the lagging performance and power of standard dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), compared to central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) performance. The original solution was to throw more DRAM at the problem and populate motherboards with more dual in-line memory module (DIMM) slots, also known as RAM slots.

But the problem was not with the memory itself, but with the bus. The standard DRAM bus is from 4- to 32-bits wide. The HBM bus is 1,024-bits wide; up to 128 times wider, according to Joe Macri, corporate vice president and product CTO at AMD, as well as co-developer of HBM memory. To use an auto analogy, which can handle more cars, a one-lane road or a 16-lane road?

In addition to widening the bus in order to boost bandwidth, HBM technology shrinks down the size of the memory chips and stacks them in an elegant new design form. HBM chips are tiny when compared to graphics double data rate (GDDR) memory, which it was originally designed to replace. 1GB of GDDR memory chips take up 672 square millimeters versus just 35 square millimeters for 1GB of HBM.

Rather than spreading out the transistors, HBM is stacked up to 12 layers high and connected with an interconnect technology called through silicon via (TSV). The TSV runs through the layers of HBM chips like an elevator runs through a building, greatly reducing the amount of time data bits need to travel.

With the HBM sitting on the substrate right next to the CPU or GPU, less power is required to move data between CPU/GPU and memory. The CPU and HBM talk directly to each other, eliminating the need for DIMM sticks.

The whole idea that [we] had was instead of going very narrow and very fast, go very wide and very slow, Macri said.

Paresh Kharya, senior director of product management for accelerated computing at Nvidia, says standard DRAM is not well suited for HPC use. DDR memory can come close to the performance of HBM memory, but youll have to have a lot of DIMMs, and its not going to be optimal in terms of energy efficiency.

Where is HBM being used?

The first vendor to use HBM for HPC was Fujitsu, with its Arm-based A64FX processor designed for HPC tasks. The Fugaku supercomputer powered by the A64FX debuted at the top of the Top 500 list of supercomputers in 2020 and has remained there since.

Nvidia is using HBM3 on its forthcoming Hopper GPU, while the upcoming Grace CPU uses LPDDR5X technology, a DDR derivative. AMD uses HBM2E on its Instinct MI250X accelerator (based on its GPU technology) and Intel plans to use HBM on some of the Sapphire Rapids generation of Xeon server processors, as well as the Ponte Vecchio GPU accelerator for the enterprise.

Will HBM be used for mainstream applications?

Technologies have a history of starting at the bleeding edge and working their way into the mainstream. Liquid cooling started out as a fringe concept, mostly used by gamers trying to squeeze as much performance out of the CPU as possible. Now every server vendor offers liquid cooling for their processors, particularly AI processors.

So can HBM memory go mainstream? Macri estimates the price difference between HBM and DDR5 at the same capacity is more than 2 to 1. In other words, 1 GB of HBM costs twice as much as 1 GB of DDR5. So, he reasons, if youre going to pay that premium for memory, youre going to want a return on investment.

In a TCO equation, performance is in the denominator, all the costs are in the numerator. So if you get double performance, you improve the TCO by double. So performance is what really is the best way to improve TCO, he said. He adds that for simplicity of argument, this assumes costs are flat.

Daniel Newman, principal analyst with Futurum Research, doesnt expect HBM to go mainstream for two reasons, the first being the cost. Youve got a chicken and egg thing there that if its costly to build, then its not going to be widely used in a broad market. And so thats going to reduce the volumes that ship, he said.

The other problem is heat. Now, in addition to a CPU that needs to be cooled, you have five or more memory chips that share the same cooler. That means that the processor is dissipating gobs of power, all in a little tiny package, so youre going to have a heat problem. Every processor that uses HBM has to have extraordinary heat management, said Newman.

The bottom line is if you deploy these accelerators for AI and HPC, expect both results and costs in acquisition and operation to match.

Will HBM require that applications be rewritten?

With this new memory paradigm, the question then becomes, do HPC and AI automatically utilize the full extent of HBM memory or is a re-architecture required? It all depends on how you build your applications the first time, say the experts.

Often application developers would work around the limitations of what the system can offer. So sometimes youll have to redesign, or have to update your applications to account for the new capabilities that are available, said Kharya.

Macri said if an application is memory-bandwidth bound, then it will just go faster with no rewrite needed. If it is memory-latency bound, then it will not go faster other than the intrinsic latency delta between HBM and the memory you are comparing it to. This application would need to be rewritten to remove the dependencies that are causing it to be latency bound.

Also, he said if the system is loaded down with many applications simultaneously then the HBM system will likely have better performance even if the applications are latency-bound. This is due to the fact that the loaded latency will be lower for HBM.

Kharya agrees that it will depend on how apps were written. If the existing apps worked around various limitations, like memory or latency, then developers will have to redesign or update their applications to account for the new capabilities that are available, which is usual for when any new computing architecture comes along, he said.

Does HBM require a shift from CPUs to GPUs?

Another issue is processor architecture. Jim Handy, principal analyst with Objective Analysis, notes that HBM is used with single-instruction, multiple data (SIMD) processors, which are programmed altogether differently than a normal server processor. X86 and Arm are not SIMD, but GPUs are.

Any program that already ran on a normal processor would have to be reconfigured and recompiled to take advantage of a SIMD architecture. Its not the HBM that would change things, but the processor type, he said.

HBM technology continues to advance

The current version of HBM on the market is HBM2E, but in January, JEDEC released the final spec for HBM3. HBM3 runs at lower temperatures than HBM2E at the same level of operating voltage.

HBM3 also doubles the per-pin data rate over HBM2 with data rates of up to 6.4Gb/s. It also doubles the number of independent channels from eight to 16, and there are other performance enhancements as well.

All of the major memory playersSK Hynix, Samsung, and Micronare working on HBM3, and products will slowly start coming to market this year, beginning with Nvidias Hopper GPU. For now, HBM usage seems to be staying at the high end of performance use cases.

There are a range of workloads that weve designed this CPU [Grace] for and its not designed to run Excel and Microsoft Office for example, but to shine in the data-center applications space, said Kharya.
The $6 million in new assistance is part of a much larger package of foreign assistance from the American people to meet the current need.

The United States announced today that it will provide $6 million in emergency assistance to address the needs of marginalized and vulnerable communities impacted by Sri Lankas economic crisis. This new funding will also provide technical assistance to the Government of Sri Lanka as it implements economic and financial reform measures to stabilize the economy, in line with an anticipated International Monetary Fund (IMF) package.

The U.S. is committed to supporting the Sri Lankan people as they face todays economic and political challenges, said Julie Chung, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka. As a longstanding development partner, we will continue to champion efforts that promote sustainable economic growth and good governance.

This emergency funding through the U.S. governments development arm, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), responds to emerging or unforeseen complex crises overseas. Part of this funding will go to USAIDs social cohesion and reconciliation project (SCORE) to support small-scale agricultural productivity and microenterprises in communities that traditionally experience high poverty rates and are especially impacted by the crisis. This funding will also support public sector efficiency and resource management through USAIDs project to accelerate results in trade, national expenditure, and revenue (PARTNER).

The $6 million in new assistance is part of a much larger package of foreign assistance from the American people to meet the current need. That support is part of a shared history that has seen the United States provide over $2 billion in economic and humanitarian support since 1956. The U.S. will continue to add to its significant ongoing investments and assistance projects in Sri Lanka to help meet the immediate and long-term needs of the people of Sri Lanka.
The rate of community COVID-19 spread throughout Illinois is shown Wednesday. Green means low, yellow is medium and orange is high. Kankakee County, where the Manteno Veterans Home is located, is at a medium level.
USAIDs Sri Lanka Energy Program is one component of the United States ongoing commitment to the prosperity of the Sri Lankan people.

The United States continues to promote sustainable energy and economic growth in Sri Lanka. On June 15, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung attended a signing ceremony for an agreement that will provide technical assistance to VEGA Innovations to help them further develop Sri Lankas electric vehicle sector. The agreement, to be funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will support VEGA Innovations efforts to promote the adoption of electrical vehicles, including electric tuk tuks. It will also help pilot a charging network for electric vehicles and support the manufacturing of locally designed batteries and inverters. USAID Sri Lankas Energy Program was launched in 2021 to help the countrys power sector become market-based, secure, reliable, and sustainable.

Ambassador Julie in Action: Diplomatic Excitement

The U.S. supports innovators and researchers around the world to test new ideas, take strategic risks, build evidence of what works, and advance the best solutions to some of the world's most intractable development challenges. In Sri Lanka, we are excited to partner with VEGA and other key private sector firms to support innovation and growth in the renewable energy sector," said Julie Chung, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka.

Dr. Harsha Subasinghe of VEGA Innovations stated: We are delighted with this opportunity to collaborate with the USAID Sri Lanka Energy Program, especially when alternative energy sources are being sought after in the country. At VEGA Innovations, our multi-disciplinary teams have been able to transform many industries through the years while taking our homegrown brands to the world. Now, through this shared vision, we look forward to supporting our motherlands journey towards development while paving the way for a sustainable future for the generations to come.

VEGA Innovations is a Sri Lanka-based electric vehicle automobile manufacturer of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, supercars, and electric vehicle chargers. It provides Electric Vehicles (EV) research and development services to clients throughout the world, as well as designing and manufacturing EV components such as high-performance inverters, drivetrains, and battery packs.

Rick Whitaker and Dr. Harsha Subasinghe signed and witnessed the agreement on behalf of the USAID Sri Lanka Energy Program and VEGA Innovations, respectively.

USAIDs Sri Lanka Energy Program is one component of the United States ongoing commitment to the prosperity of the Sri Lankan people. Since 1961, USAID has provided more than 350 billion LKR ($2 billion) to programs in support of economic development, entrepreneurship, womens empowerment, and environmental conservation, as well as other sectors, in Sri Lanka.
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).
'He would have been more impressed with the mayor of Sidney than the president of the United States. Thats just the way he was.'
Monticello is always in my heart, says Brett Winterbottom, who currently works for MICA Guides providing tours northeast of Anchorage, Alaska.
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, scientists and clinicians have struggled to understand why some people with the infection become seriously ill or die while others have few, if any, symptoms. Age, body mass index and pre-existing health problems account for some of the disparities, but genetics is known to play a significant role.

Now, researchers from Stanford Medicine and the University of Sheffield in the U.K. have identified more than 1,000 genes linked to the development of severe COVID-19 cases that required breathing support or were fatal. The team was also able to identify specific types of cells in which those genes act up. It's one of few studies to link coronavirus-associated genes to specific biological functions.

The researchers used a machine learning tool named RefMap, which can find patterns in vast amounts of data, to help identify the genetic basis for complex and poorly understood diseases.

We mapped the genetic architecture of coronavirus infections and found that these 1,000 genes account for 77% of the drivers of severe COVID-19." Michael Snyder, PhD, professor and chair of genetics

A paper describing the research published online June 14 in Cell Systems. Snyder, the Stanford W. Ascherman, MD, FACS, Professor in Genetics, and professor of medicine Philip Tsao, PhD, are co-senior authors. Genetics instructor Sai Zhang, PhD, and neuroscientist Jonathan Cooper-Knock, PhD, a Stanford visiting scholar and lecturer at the University of Sheffield, share lead authorship.

Fishing for answers

The researchers used two large data sets to unpack the genetics behind severe COVID-19. The first data set contained genomic information from healthy human lung tissue. The data helped identify gene expression in 19 different types of lung cells, including epithelial cells that line the respiratory tract and are the first defense against infection. (Gene expression is the process by which certain genes are switched on to make RNA and proteins.)

Other data came from the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative, one of the largest genome-wide studies of critically ill coronavirus patients. The researchers looked for genetic clues in the data  DNA mutations, called single nucleotide polymorphisms  that might indicate if someone is at a higher risk for severe COVID-19. They tracked whether some mutations occurred more or less often in COVID-19 patients with severe disease.
New data from the School Infection Survey (SIS) showed that 1.8% of primary school pupils and 4.8% of secondary school pupils experienced long COVID following their most recent COVID-19 infection (since March 2020).

The SIS project, which is jointly led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Office for National Statistics (ONS) and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), used the 'parent and pupil' questionnaires (covering 15 March to 1 April 2022) and headteacher questionnaires (covering 23 March to 1 April 2022) to explore potential impacts of COVID-19 on the health and wellbeing of pupils in primary and secondary schools.

2,966 pupils and parents on behalf of 7,448 children responded, alongside 111 headteachers.

Analysis of mental health used parent-reported measures for primary school-aged pupils (years reception to year 6) and self-reported measures for secondary school-aged pupils (years 7 to 13).

Long COVID and mental health

The questionnaire data found that more secondary school age pupils who had a positive COVID-19 test since March 2020 experienced loss of smell or taste, cardiovascular symptoms or systemic symptoms (fever or high temperature) than those who reported not having had COVID-19 at all.

Responses also indicate that secondary school pupils who experienced long COVID following their most recent COVID-19 infection were significantly more likely to have a probable mental disorder (28.1%) than those who had not (12.3%).

We still have a lot to learn about long COVID in children. While it is reassuring that it appears less frequent in this young population compared to adults, this report reminds us that it does exist and the variety of manifestations, so should not be neglected. It is also crucial to listen to the need of schools about the importance of academic catch-up and mental health promotion in this recovery period, for which they need to be supported." We would like to renew our thanks to the schools, pupils and parents who have made these surveys possible. The data they shared with us will help improve our understanding of the impacts of COVID-19 on children and young people's health and wellbeing, and how to better support them as we recover from the pandemic." Dr Patrick Nguipdop-Djomo, co-chief investigator of the study at LSHTM

Dr Shamez Ladhani, Consultant Paediatrician at the UK Health Security Agency and the study's chief investigator, said: "Since March 2020, more than 98 per cent of primary school pupils and more than 95 per cent of secondary school pupils surveyed that had COVID-19 did not experience persistent symptoms lasting 12 weeks or more from their last COVID infection.

"Most children and young people with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms and a short period of illness, and those with persistent symptoms will improve with time.

"We welcome similar studies for other viruses, with follow-up over a longer period to help us to understand how COVID-19 is different to other viruses in children and young people.

"Anyone concerned about ongoing symptoms or mental health for themselves or their children should contact their GP for support and advice."

Long COVID, physical activity and eating behaviors

The parent and pupil questionnaires found that primary school pupils were more physically active than secondary school pupils, with 24.7% of primary school pupils reporting to be physically active for the recommended 60 minutes each day compared to 17.5% of secondary school pupils.

The team found no different in physical activity between those who had experienced long COVID and those who had not.

However, 41.4% of secondary school pupils who had experienced long COVID following their most recent COVID-19 infection answered 'Yes' to at least 2 of the 5 questions about experiencing eating difficulties. Of these, 41.9%, of female secondary school pupils answered 'Yes' to 2 or more questions about experiencing eating difficulties, compared to 17.5% of male secondary school pupils.

Professor Punam Mangtani, co-chief investigator of the study at LSHTM, said: "The full impact of long COVID is still relatively unknown. These findings add to our understanding of the possible indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of children and young people.

"It is concerning that the majority of students in this study reported less daily physical activity than recommended for a healthy lifestyle, and a relatively high proportion reported behaviors associated with eating disorders.

"Further investigation is needed to provide appropriate support to children, their families and schools as we recover from the pandemic. We are grateful to the students, parents and schools who have volunteered for these surveys."

Andrea Lacey, Senior Statistician at the Office for National Statistics, said: "Nearly a quarter of pupils in primary school reported getting the recommended 60 minutes a day of physical activity, compared to secondary school pupils, where just over 1 in 10 reported the same.

"Though we found no relationship between reported long COVID and physical activity, nearly half of secondary school pupils with long COVID reported experiencing eating difficulties.

"These insights would not have been possible without all the pupils and parents who completed our in-depth questionnaires, thank you for all your hard work."
University of Queensland researchers are calling for an urgent review of low influenza vaccination rates for pregnant women and whooping cough vaccinations for young and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander mothers-to-be.

The figures were revealed by researchers from the multi-jurisdictional Links2HealthierBubs study, who analysed the largest observational cohort of mothers with babies born in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory from 2012-2017.

Lead UQ School of Public Health investigator Dr Lisa McHugh said researchers looked at vaccination rates for almost 600,000 pregnant women.

"Only 15 per cent of the group received the influenza vaccine overall, while 27 per cent were vaccinated against whooping cough," Dr McHugh said.

"And just 12 per cent received both."

Whooping cough vaccinations in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander pregnancies were 20 per cent lower than non-Indigenous pregnancies, with a similarly lower uptake of the 'flu vaccine.

We also found pregnant women younger than 20 years of age were less likely to receive vaccines. These results are concerning, especially since we have a potentially bad influenza season this year." Dr Lisa McHugh, Lead Investigator, UQ School of Public Health

Influenza vaccines have been recommended, and free, for pregnant women in Australia for decades, as they protect both mothers and newborn babies from severe infection, and whooping cough vaccines were introduced in 2015 to protect babies under 6 months of age.

Dr McHugh said the likelihood of women receiving both vaccines during pregnancy increased if they attended antenatal care in the first trimester.

"Australia's whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy program has been a key driver of influenza vaccine uptake in pregnancy - except among First Nations women," she said.

"First Nations mothers were more likely to have had an influenza vaccine in pregnancy before the antenatal whooping cough vaccine program, but showed a declining trend following the introduction of whooping cough vaccine

"Women who are less likely to be receiving the flu vaccine in pregnancy need information about its importance early in pregnancy, so they are equipped with the knowledge to make that choice.

"Offering the flu vaccine from a trusted health care provider is a key factor to increasing that uptake.

"An urgent updated review of these data and vaccination strategies is needed before the next influenza pandemic or whooping cough outbreak occurs."
The cost of brand-name drugs for epilepsy increased by 277% from 2010 to 2018, according to a study published in the June 15, 2022, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The cost of generic drugs for epilepsy decreased by 42% over the same period.

Brand-name drugs made up 79% of epilepsy drug costs even though they made up only 14% of pills, according to the study of people on Medicare.

The costs for brand-name antiseizure medications have consistently increased since 2010, particularly boosted by increased prescriptions for the drug lacosamide in addition to a steep increase in the cost per pill, with brand-name drugs costing 10 times more than their generic counterparts. Previous studies have shown that drugs are the most expensive part of neurologic care, and antiseizure drugs were the second highest category of costs among drugs prescribed by neurologists." Samuel Waller Terman, MD, MS, study author, University of Michigan, and member of the American Academy of Neurology

For the study, researchers looked at records for a random sample of 20% of Medicare beneficiaries with coverage from 2008 to 2018. There were 77,000 to 133,000 people with epilepsy each year.

The cost of brand-name drugs rose from $2,800 per year in 2008 to $10,700 per year in 2018, while the cost of generic drugs decreased from $800 to $460 during that time.

An increased number of prescriptions for the drug lacosamide was responsible for 45% of the total increase in brand-name costs, Terman said.

Brand-name drugs represented a smaller proportion of pills over time, from 56% in 2008 to 14% in 2018. Terman said the decrease in prescriptions for brand-name drugs over time likely corresponded to the increasing availability of generic equivalents. He noted that the expiration of the patent for lacosamide in March 2022 and other changes will affect prescribing patterns.

Many new drugs for epilepsy have been introduced in the last several decades. Doctors must tailor the drug selection to the individual, and there is no single best drug. Many drugs for epilepsy can have interactions with other drugs as well as side effects such as cognitive problems.

The study found that use of epilepsy drugs introduced earlier, called first-generation drugs, as well as enzyme-inducing drugs with many drug interactions, decreased from 2008 to 2018.

"Doctors should consider the societal cost when judging whether the increased expense of brand-name drugs is worth the possible benefits," Terman said. "While newer generation drugs have potential advantages such as limited drug interactions and different side effect profiles, there have been conflicting studies on whether they are cost effective."

A limitation of the study was that only Medicare prescription claims were included, so the results may not apply to a younger population with private insurance.
Heat waves are getting hotter and becoming more frequent because of rising rates of air pollution, putting children's health at risk, a wide-ranging new report finds.

A June 15 article in the New England Journal of Medicine reviews current research to take a sweeping inventory of how air pollution and climate change interact to adversely affect people's health, especially that of kids. It examined the link between fossil fuel emissions and a variety of consequences of climate change  including extreme weather events; wildfires; vector-borne illnesses such as malaria, Zika, and Lyme disease; and heat waves, a topic at the forefront of many people's minds.

This month, for example, record-high temperatures have been reported across the United States, affecting more than 100 million people and touching locations from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes, the Southwest, the mid-Atlantic, and the Midwest.

In Texas, Austin has already experienced an eight-day streak of temperatures above the 100-degree mark in June, according to the Austin American-Statesman.

These patterns are an important reality to note, said Frederica Perera, the article's lead author. "My concern is that the threats are rising as temperature is rising," Perera, a professor at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, told KHN. "Temperatures are rising because greenhouse gas emissions are rising, and that's a great concern for everyone's health  but especially the most vulnerable."

Children fit into this category, wrote Perera and her co-author, Dr. Kari Nadeau, because their ability to regulate temperature, known as thermoregulation, is not fully developed.

They are also more susceptible to heat-related stress because they're smaller and need to drink and eat more frequently to stay healthy, said Perera. But because "young children are dependent on parents to provide, sometimes their needs go ignored," she said.

The authors noted that heat-related illness is "a leading and increasing cause of death and illness among student athletes" in the U.S. In addition, they cited studies suggesting that "the heat associated with climate change" takes a toll on the mental health of children and adolescents, as well as their ability to learn.

The review article pointed to previous research that associated in utero exposure to heat waves with "increased risks of preterm birth or low birth weight; hyperthermia and death among infants; and heat stress, kidney disease, and other illnesses" among kids.

"Being pregnant is very physiologically demanding in itself, and then heat places additional stress on a pregnant woman," said Dr. Robert Dubrow, a professor of epidemiology at Yale's School of Public Health who was not associated with either study. "And the fetus can experience heat stress as well, which could result in adverse birth outcomes."

And these heat-related risks are across-the-board greater for "low-income communities and communities of color," wrote the authors of the new article.

Carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels have risen sharply in the past 70 years, according to the article. "Modeling indicates that some heat waves would be extraordinarily unlikely to occur in the absence of climate change," it says.

The authors briefly outline solutions that they describe as "climate and environmental strategies" that "should also be seen as essential public health policy." Beyond big-picture efforts to mitigate fossil fuel and greenhouse gas emissions, they offered various ways to protect children  steps they term "adaptation measures"  which included providing clean water to children and families facing drought or water contamination and creating shaded areas where children play, live, and go to school.

Separately, Austin-based research highlighted why this step could be meaningful.

Researchers tracked the physical activity levels and location of students ages 8 to 10 during recess at three elementary schools in 2019. They compared children's activity at recess during two weeks in September, the hottest full month during the school year, to a cooler week in November. "We wanted to understand the impact of outdoor temperatures on children's play in schoolyard environments," said Kevin Lanza, the study's lead investigator, to inform the design of "future school-based interventions for physical activity in the face of climate change."

During the hotter periods, he said, "children engaged in less physical activity and sought shade."

As temperatures continue to rise, he said, schools must be flexible in making sure students are getting the daily exercise they need. "Schools should consider adding shade, either by planting trees or installing artificial structures, that cover spaces intended for physical activity," said Lanza, an assistant professor at UTHealth's School of Public Health. He also noted that school policies could be updated so that recesses are scheduled during cooler times of the day and moved inside during periods of extreme heat.

But the overall need to protect kids from scorching weather patterns requires action beyond such steps, Perera said, and more climate and clean air policies must be enacted.

"Governments have the responsibility to protect the population and especially those most vulnerable, which especially includes children," Perera said. "Action must be done immediately because we're absolutely heading in the wrong direction."
An interview with Kwesi Pratt Jr., a journalist and leader of the Socialist Movement of Ghana.

by Vijay Prashad

In April 2018, the president of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, said that Ghana has not offered a military base, and will not offer a military base to the United States of America. His comments came after Ghanas parliament had ratified a new defense cooperation agreement with the United States on March 28, 2018, which was finally signed in May 2018. During a televised discussion, soon after the agreement was formalized in March 2018, Ghanas Minister of Defense Dominic Nitiwul told Kwesi Pratt Jr., a journalist and leader of the Socialist Movement of Ghana, that Ghana had not entered into a military agreement with the United States. Pratt, however, said that the military agreement was a source of worry and was a surrender of our [Ghanaian] sovereignty.

A Ghanaian soldier greets a U.S. soldier from the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, during a field training exercise for the United Accord exercise at the Bundase Training Camp in Ghana in 2018.

In 2021, the research institute of Pratts Socialist Movement producedalong with the Tricontinental: Institute for Social Researcha dossier on the French and U.S. military presence in Africa. That dossierDefending Our Sovereignty: U.S. Military Bases in Africa and the Future of African Unitynoted that the United States has now established the West Africa Logistics Network (WALN) at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, the capital of Ghana. In 2019, then-U.S. Brigadier General Leonard Kosinski said that a weekly U.S. flight from Germany to Accra was basically a bus route. The WALN is a cooperative security location, which is another name for a U.S. military base.

Now, four years later after the signing of the defense cooperation agreement, I spoke with Kwesi Pratt and asked him about the state of this deal and the consequences of the presence of the U.S. base on Ghanaian soil. The WALN, Pratt told me, has now taken over one of the three terminals at the airport in Accra, and at this terminal, hundreds of U.S. soldiers have been seen arriving and leaving. It is suspected that they may be involved in some operational activities in other West African countries and generally across the Sahel.

U.S. Soldiers Dont Need Passports

A glance at the U.S.-Ghana defense agreement raises many questions. Article 12 of the agreement states that the U.S. military can use the Accra airport without any regulations or checks, with U.S. military aircraft being free from boarding and inspection and the Ghanaian government providing unimpeded access to and use of [a]greed facilities and areas to United States forces. Pratt told me that this agreement allows U.S. soldiers far more privileges than those prescribed in the Vienna Convention for diplomats. They do not need passports to enter Ghana. All they need is their U.S. Army identity cards. They dont even require visas to enter Ghana. They are not subject to customs or any other inspection.

Ghana has allowed the United States armed forces to use Ghanaian radio frequencies for free, Pratt said. But the most stunning fact about this arrangement is that, he said, If U.S. soldiers kill Ghanaians and destroy their properties, the U.S. soldiers cannot be tried in Ghana. Ghanaians cannot sue U.S. soldiers or the U.S. government for compensation if and when their relatives are killed, or their properties are destroyed by the U.S. Army or soldiers.

Why Would Ghana Allow This?

The U.S.-Ghana agreement permits this disregard for Ghanas sovereignty. Pratt told me that the political ideology of the Ghanaian government that is in power now has been to adhere to a long history of appeasement toward the demands made by colonial and Western states, beginning with Britainwhich was the colonial power that ruled over the Gold Coast (the former name for Ghana) until 1957and leading up to providing unimpeded access to the United States troops under the defense deal.

The current president of Ghana, Akufo-Addo, comes from the political ideology that the former prime minister of Ghana (1969-1972) Kofi Abrefa Busia also conformed to. In the early 1950s, Pratt told me, those following this ideology dispatched a delegation to the United Kingdom to persuade the authorities that it was too early to grant independence to the Gold Coast. This led to a coup in Ghana, where those supporting this ideology collaborated with the Central Intelligence Agency to overthrow the [then-President of Ghana] Kwame Nkrumah government on February 24, 1966, and resisted [imposing] sanctions against the South African apartheid regime in 1969, Pratt said. The current government, Pratt added, will do anything to please the United States government and its allies.

Why Is the United States Interested in Ghana?

The United States claims that its military presence on the African continent has to do with its counterterrorism campaign and aims to prevent the entry of China into this region. There is no Chinese military presence in Ghana, Pratt told me, and indeed the idea of Chinese presence is being used by the United States to deepen its military control over the continent for more prosaic reasons.

In 2001, then-U.S. Vice President Dick Cheneys National Energy Policy Development Group published the National Energy Policy. The contents of this report show, Pratt told me, that the United States understood that it could no longer rely on the Middle East for its energy supplies. A shift to West Africa for [meeting the] U.S. energy needs is imperative. Apart from West Africas energy resources, Ghana has huge national resources. It is currently the largest producer of gold in Africa and [is among the top 10 producers] of gold in the world. It is the second-largest producer of cocoa in the world. It has iron, diamond, manganese, bauxite, oil and gas, lithium, and abundant water resources, including the largest man-made lake in the world. Apart from these resources, Ghanas location on the equator makes it valuable for agricultural development, and its large bank of highly educated English-speaking professionals makes it valuable for meeting the demands of the Wests service sector.

Apart from these economic issues, Pratt said, the United States government has intervened in Ghanaincluding in the coup of 1966to prevent it from having a leadership role in the decolonization process in Africa. More recently, the United States has found Ghana to be a reliable ally in its various military and commercial projects across the continent. It is toward those projects, and not the national interest of the Ghanaian people, Pratt said, that the United States has now built its base in a part of Accras civilian airport.

This article was produced by Globetrotter.

Vijay Prashad is an Indian historian, editor and journalist. He is a writing fellow and chief correspondent at Globetrotter. He is an editor of LeftWord Books and the director of Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research. He is a senior non-resident fellow at Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China. He has written more than 20 books, including The Darker Nations and The Poorer Nations. His latest book is Washington Bullets, with an introduction by Evo Morales Ayma.
In a recent study posted to the medRxiv* pre-print server, researchers examined a clinical cohort of severely obese people vaccinated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines to determine the relationship between an individual's body mass index (BMI) and COVID-19-related hospitalization and mortality. They demonstrated that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine-induced humoral immunity waned more quickly in people with severe obesity.

Study: Accelerated waning of the humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in obesity. Image Credit: Suzanne Tucker / Shutterstock

Background

Studies have demonstrated the impact of obesity on the increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 and how obese people exhibit impaired immune responses to vaccines against other pathogenic infections, including influenza, rabies, and hepatitis. However, few studies have investigated the efficacy of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines or the waning of vaccine-induced immune responses in obese people.

About the study

In the present study, researchers used the Early Pandemic Evaluation and Enhanced Surveillance of COVID-19 (EAVE II) surveillance platform to collect healthcare data for 5.4 million individuals in Scotland, United Kingdom. They made two study cohorts comprised of 41 normal-weight people and 28 severely obese people and performed longitudinal immunophenotyping.

The team filtered data of 3,522,331 adults who had received a second or third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. They examined the impact of BMI on COVID-19-related hospitalization and mortality starting 14 days after receiving the second dose of either the BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. The team recorded BMI for 49.2% of the screened individuals in total.

The researchers followed up on these individuals until hospitalization, death, or the culmination of the study. They also investigated the specific impairment in humoral immunity associated with severe obesity using high dimensional spectral flow cytometry, which enumerated and phenotyped SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) and spike (S)- binding B cells. Lastly, they performed an interaction test to evaluate whether vaccine effectiveness differed over time in people with severe obesity.

Study findings

Between September 2020 and March 2022, 0.3% of the screened study participants, i.e., 10,983 people, had severe COVID-19, of which 9,733 and 2,207 individuals were hospitalized and died due to COVID-19, respectively. Although the levels of anti-S and anti-RBD immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were similar in people with severe obesity and normal-weight people, these antibodies neutralized SARS-CoV-2 at a much-reduced rate in people with severe obesity. Further, vaccinated people with BMI over 40 kg/m2 were more likely to experience COVID-19-related hospitalization or death, and the risk increased over the time since vaccination. Accordingly, they had an adjusted rate ratio (aRR) of 1.76 after adjusting for age, gender, and socioeconomic status.

Furthermore, six months after the second vaccination, severely obese people had undetectable neutralizing antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2. In addition, they had decreased frequencies of antigen-experienced SARS-CoV-2 S-binding B cells and a clear dissociation between the magnitude of antibodies and their neutralizing potential. Furthermore, the study data suggested that the extrafollicular pathway of anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody production induced after vaccination was preferred in obese people, whereas the germinal center (GC) pathway was not. Consequently, they did not have memory B cells and long-lived antibody-secreting plasma cells that could persist and confer long-term immune protection.

The interaction test results indicated vaccine effectiveness differed across BMI groups, with more rapid waning in those with increased BMI. Although the booster dose restored the anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers in people with severe obesity, the titers again declined more quickly in obese people compared to people with normal weight. Regardless of vaccination, people with type 2 diabetes were independently associated with an increased risk of a severe COVID-19, aaR=1.13; however, the risk was much less than that associated with severe obesity. After adjusting for BMI, the aRR for type 2 diabetes was reduced to 1.06.

Conclusions

In summary, the results of this study suggested that severe obesity impaired the maintenance of humoral immunity following the vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, increasing the risk of severe disease progression. As obesity is highly prevalent worldwide, the study findings have serious public health implications. The authors, therefore, emphasized the need to acknowledge the severely obese as a high-risk group and prioritize them for additional or more frequent booster doses to maintain protection against breakthrough infections from emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Moreover, further studies should determine how hyperglycemia modulates the risk associated with severe obesity. Likewise, further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms by which obesity affects the response to immunological challenges such as vaccination to devise ways to reduce such effects.

*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.
People living in South Asia could lose about five years of their lives on average unless air quality improves to WHO-prescribed levels, according to a new assessment.

Released Tuesday by the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute, the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report for 2022 says that air pollution is the biggest threat to human life globally. The Index finds that particulate air pollution takes 2.2 years off global average life expectancy comparable to that of smoking, and far exceeding that of alcohol use, unsafe water, HIV/AIDS and terrorism.

Despite ambitious schemes to control aerial pollutants, some 510 million residents of the Indo-Gangetic plains of northern India stand to lose as much as 7.6 years of life expectancy, if the current high levels of pollution persist, according to a media release on the report.

The title of the world's most polluted country now falls to Bangladesh where air pollution shortens average life expectancy by 6.7 years with the most polluted districts showing lives shortened by 8.1 years. All of Bangladesh's 161 million people live in areas where the annual average particulate pollution level exceeds the WHO ideal as well as the country's own national standard.

While the air over Bangladesh is 15 times worse than the WHO standard, two other countries along the Indo-Gangetic plains, Nepal and Pakistan, have air quality that is nine times worse than the WHO-prescribed safe limit of five micrograms per cubic meter.

Air quality scientists like Bhupendra Das, director of Nepal Energy and Environment Development Services, Kathmandu, lays the blame on the increase in all kinds of combustion in the region as part of development.

"The rapid increase in combustion technology [such as in transport], open burning sources [such as agricultural fields and forests]  and trans-boundary air pollution, are all contributing to the rise in air pollution in South Asia," says Das.

Residents of India's Delhi stand to gain 10 years of life expectancy if levels of PM 2.5 (particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns) are brought down to the five micrograms per cubic meter target.

The latest Air Quality Life Index sends out an important policy message that if we, in the Indo-Gangetic plains, including northern India and the adjacent countries, clean up the air we will live longer and improve overall wellbeing and productivity." Anumita Roy Chowdhury, executive director of research and advocacy at the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi

In 2019, the Indian government launched the ambitious National Clean Air Programme, to improve air quality in over 100 cities across the country, but three years down the line the situation in Delhi and most other cities appears to have only worsened. Since 2013, according to the AQLI, about 44 per cent of the world's increase in pollution has come from India.

"Delhi shut down coal-fired power plants, banned dirty fuels, scaled-up use of natural gas for industry and for public transport but the ever-worsening situation shows that the time has come for even more difficult and inconvenient solutions," explained Roy Chowdhury.

Michael Greenstone, creator of the Air Quality Life Index and director of the Energy Policy Institute, said strong policies, "supported by an equally strong willingness for change", had successfully reduced air pollution in many countries, such as the US.

According to the report, despite the pandemic lockdowns, there was barely any improvement in pollution levels during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the long-term persistent health threats.

Almost all of South-East Asia is now considered to have unsafe levels of pollution. Residents living in the most polluted parts and in the surrounding cities of Mandalay, Hanoi and Jakarta are expected to lose three to four years of life expectancy on average.

Similarly, almost all of Central and West Africa are considered unsafe, with those living in the most polluted areas expected to see their lives shorten by an average of five years.

China, among the top five most polluted countries for the last two decades, has reduced its PM 2.5 pollution by 28 per cent so that its people can expect to live 1.4 years longer, according to the AQLI. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area saw a 33 per cent reduction in pollution, translating into a gain of 2.6 years of life expectancy for some 109 million residents.

Despite the significant improvements, China still ranks as the world's tenth most polluted country assessed by AQLI.
A recent article posted to the medRxiv* preprint server assessed whether host traits like immunosuppression aids severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutational drift.

Study: Immunosuppression as a hub for SARS-CoV-2 mutational drift. Image Credit: NIAID

Background

Recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) play a considerable role in the endurance of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The persistent emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 VOCs is a continuing worldwide health threat. While these VOCs are notorious for their incredible evolutionary jumps and ability to evade priorly acquired immunity, their origins are mostly unclear.

Spillover infections in vulnerable animals, extended infection in an immunocompromised human host, or a combination of the two are the current hypotheses regarding the mysterious origin of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants. During the infection course, intra-host SARS-CoV-2 mutations arise and accumulate. While most mutations are random, recent research has found different mutational trends influenced by the clinical characteristics of the host.

SARS-CoV-2 is exposed to positive selection during infection, resulting in numerous, significantly nonsynonymous mutations. The virus undergoes purifying selection during transmission, and many nonsynonymous intra-host single nucleotide variants (iSNVs) are not passed on to subsequent hosts. Furthermore, immunocompromised SARS-CoV-2 hosts are vulnerable to long-term viral shedding, which can continue for months and accrue mutations that aid immune evasion.

About the study

In the present study, to evaluate the impacts of immunity and host clinical factors on the intra-host SARS-CoV-2 evolution, the investigators coupled electronic health data of COVID-19 patients with whole-genome SARS-CoV-2 sequences in Israel.

The team retrieved anonymized electronic health data from Maccabi Healthcare Services (MHS) centralized computerized database. MHS is a state-mandated, non-profit health organization in Israel that covers and offers healthcare to 26.7% of the population. The study included the MHS members with a COVID-19-positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay result, plus viral sequencing data from that test.

The demographic data collected include age, sex, and a coded residential socioeconomic, geographical statistical region allocated by the Central Bureau of Statistics of Israel. The acquired SARS-CoV-2-related information comprised COVID-19 vaccination dates and the reports of any COVID-19 PCR testing. Additionally, the scientists procured SARS-CoV-2-related death and hospitalization records.

The COVID-19-related data also comprised the viral sequencing of some PCR assays chosen by MHS at random. Further, the procured information consisted of data on immunocompromised conditions, hypertension, cardiovascular illnesses, obesity (described as a body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or greater), diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic renal disease from automated registries of the MHS.

Results

The team discovered slight but substantial changes in SARS-CoV-2 intra-host heterogeneity, influenced by host factors like smoking, age, and COVID-19 vaccination status. The lack of a strong link between host factors and intra-host mutation rate was in line with prior findings. However, the current analysis shows a positive association with age, whereas Li and companions' longitudinal investigation indicated a minor negative correlation.

The scientists believe the intra-host disparities in mutational rate were likely suggestive of changes in host-pathogen connections. Nonetheless, robust purifying selection possibly limited the transmissibility and influence of these variations on total viral evolution. Nonsynonymous iSNVs were nearly unique at the lower part of allelic frequency. Besides, the team found no indication of any iSNV fixation in the group across the broader viral population.

Surprisingly, SARS-CoV-2 genomes from immunosuppressed individuals were substantially identical to those from immunocompetent individuals. Only one of 31 immunosuppressed patients, a newly vaccinated female aged around 70 with a history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, had a noticeable difference in viral genomes during the early COVID-19 course. The authors emphasize that the viral genome procured from this female was unusually mutated, with near-complete truncating of the accessory protein, open reading frame 3a (ORF3a).

On the whole, the present findings show that host factors have only a minimal impact on the intra-host evolutionary pace and trajectory of SARS-CoV-2, with even the bulk of immunosuppressed people carrying rather typical viral genomes. According to the investigators, significant evolutionary leaps, such as those seen in SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, were thought to be uncommon, even in immunodeficient hosts.

Conclusions

Collectively, the study findings suggest that host clinical factors such as smoking and COVID-19 vaccination status have a minor impact on intra-host SARS-CoV-2 variety. The analysis revealed that the appearance and fixing of high-effect SARS-CoV-2 mutations in immunosuppressed individuals were uncommon and were not limited to COVID-19 patients with protracted periods of viral shedding.

Nevertheless, the researchers speculated that significant SARS-CoV-2 evolutionary alterations could occur early in infection. Interestingly, in an immunosuppressed lady recently vaccinated against COVID-19, they discovered a unique stop-gain mutation that resulted in the near-complete truncation of ORF3a.

Furthermore, the team concluded that the link between the fundamental clinical characteristics and intra-host evolution was still unknown and needs additional investigations.

*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.
In a recent article posted to the medRxiv* preprint server, scientists assessed the efficacy of the primary and boosted regimens of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccinations in preventing SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-linked hospitalizations in the United States (US).

Study: Vaccine Effectiveness of Primary Series and Booster Doses against Omicron Variant COVID-19-Associated Hospitalization in the United States. Image Credit: Skylines / Shutterstock

Background

The significantly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, initially discovered in South Africa in November 2021, had become the dominant viral variant in the US at the end of December 2021. The surges in SARS-CoV-2 cases caused by Omicron and its emerging BA.1 and BA.2 lineages were the greatest ever encountered in the US, with a peak of above 400,000 patients per day.

Mounting evidence on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine protection against Omicron infection is equivocal. Furthermore, uncertainties exist about the efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine booster doses and whether COVID-19 booster doses help particular demographic and at-risk groups the most. Moreover, determining the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccinations against serious illnesses caused by the Omicron mutant and its lineages has been difficult, which may explain the wide range of recent results.

About the study

In the current study, the researchers compared the efficacy of a primary SARS-CoV-2 vaccine regimen and a booster dose versus a primary vaccination regimen alone in preventing the COVID-19 hospitalization linked with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. The team used a test-negative strategy to examine vaccine effectiveness (VE) in the present multicenter observational case-control research in 21 hospitals across the US.

The authors aimed to determine the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses and the interaction between immune escape and declining immunity in the Omicron surge. Additionally, they assessed serum antibody titers in healthy adult participants to evaluate anti-SARS-CoV-2 reactions pre- and post-receipt of booster doses as a complementing laboratory investigation to these clinical VE studies.

The study consisted of 3,181 adults admitted to the hospital with an acute respiratory disease between 26 December 2021 and 30 April 2022, a period of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 variant predominance. There were 1,572, i.e., 49%, case-patients with laboratory-verified SARS-CoV-2 infection and 1,609, i.e., 51%, control individuals who tested negative for COVID-19.

The key outcome measure, VE against SARS-CoV-2-associated hospitalization, was estimated for a primary vaccination series followed by a booster dose and a primary vaccination regimen only by comparing the chances of being vaccinated with each series relative to being non-vaccinated between cases versus controls. VE analyses were segregated based on immune status, i.e., immunocompetent or immunocompromised since the recommended vaccination schedules for these populations varied. The core analysis assessed all COVID-19 vaccine kinds merged, whereas supplementary investigations evaluated individual vaccine products.

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lineage by admission week among 1,572 COVID-19 case-patients enrolled during December 26, 2021April 30, 2022 (with a pause in enrollment January 2531, 2022). Sequenced Omicron variants were grouped into BA.1 (B.1.1.529, BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.1.15, BA.1.17) and BA.2 (BA.2, BA.2.1, BA.2.3) lineages. Non-Omicron case-patients (Delta variant, B.1.1.519) confirmed through sequencing were excluded from the analysis (n=64) and not displayed in this figure. Of 444 patients with a sequence-confirmed Omicron variant infection, 396 (89%) had BA.1 and 48 (11%) had BA.2. Low sequencing totals in late January reflect a pause in IVY network enrollment during January 2531, 2022 during a protocol update.

Results

The study results demonstrated that the median age of the study volunteers was 64, 21% were immunocompromised, and 48% were women. In addition, 798, i.e., 25%, were immunized with a primary COVID-19 vaccination series plus booster dose; 1,326, i.e., 42%, were vaccinated with a primary vaccination regimen only; and 1,057, i.e., 33%, were non-vaccinated.

VE against Omicron-linked COVID-19 hospitalization in immunocompetent individuals was 77% for a primary vaccine regimen combined with one booster dose of any vaccine product and 44% for a primary series only. The VE for a primary series of any vaccine formulation versus Omicron-related COVID-19 hospitalization was 60% in immunocompromised individuals. Inadequate sample size prevented estimation of boosted schedules effectiveness among immunocompromised participants.

Boosted vaccination schedules of the two messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines administered in the US had higher VE than a primary regimen alone. The VE of the SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 vaccine primary series plus booster dose was 80%, whereas VE for the primary series alone was 46%. Further, while the COVID-19 mRNA-1273 vaccine primary series plus booster VE was 77%, the primary series alone VE was 47%.

Besides, SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines (mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2) gave better protection than the Ad26.COV2 vaccine in both boosted vaccine regimes and primary series alone. Further, serology data showed significantly greater anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels after booster vaccination doses, confirming the clinical VE results.

Overall, the findings suggested that receiving a COVID-19 primary vaccine regimen plus a booster dose gave better protection from COVID-19-related hospitalization than receiving only a primary vaccine course. This elevated immunity by booster vaccine dose was observed in all age categories and for all three vaccine formulations employed in the US.

Conclusions

The study findings depicted that a booster dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine conferred extra benefits above a primary vaccine series alone in reducing Omicron-linked hospitalization in US populations. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines, both as booster regimens and a primary series, outperformed the Ad26.COV2 vaccine. Serology results reveal significant hikes in anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels after booster vaccine doses, especially with mRNA vaccines, corroborating the findings.

Collectively, the present findings back up the advice that all eligible people in the US aged 18 years or older receive an mRNA vaccine booster dose to protect them from the Omicron variant's severe illness.

*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.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine are conducting a longitudinal study to track neurological symptoms in COVID-19 "long-haulers."

The first round of results, published June 15, 2022 in Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, revealed the prevalence of various short- and long-term symptoms and found that, while many patients showed improvement, the majority still had some neurological symptoms after six months. A subset of individuals also exhibited significant coordination and cognitive issues, which had not been previously described.

Following mild-to-moderate SARS-CoV-2 infections, 56 persons with neurological symptoms were recruited to the study between October 2020 and October 2021. They completed a neurological exam, cognitive assessment, self-reported questionnaires and an optional brain scan. Baseline measurements were taken a few months after their initial infection and repeated three and six months later.

At the time of their first visit, 89 percent of participants were experiencing fatigue and 80 percent reported headaches. Other common neurological symptoms included memory impairment, insomnia and decreased concentration. Eighty percent of participants said these symptoms impacted their quality of life.

When participants returned for their six-month follow-up, only one-third reported complete resolution of symptoms. The other two-thirds of participants reported persistent neurological symptoms, though most had diminished in severity. The most prevalent symptoms at six months were memory impairment and decreased concentration.

The authors noted that none of the individuals with persistent symptoms at six months had any history of pre-existing neurological conditions prior to their SARS-CoV-2 infections.

It's encouraging that most people were showing some improvement at six months, but that wasn't the case for everyone. Some of these participants are high-level professionals who we'd expect to score above average on cognitive assessments, but months after having COVID-19, they're still scoring abnormally." Jennifer S. Graves, MD, PhD, senior author, associate professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine and neurologist at UC San Diego Health

Researchers were also surprised to find a novel phenotype within the cohort. Seven percent of participants displayed a previously unidentified set of symptoms that included cognitive deficits, tremor and difficulty balancing. The authors labeled the phenotype Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 infection with Tremor, Ataxia and Cognitive deficit (PASC-TAC).

"These are folks who had no neurological problems before COVID-19, and now they have an incoordination of their body and possible incoordination of their thoughts," said Graves. "We didn't expect to find this, so we want to get the word out in case other physicians see this too."

Researchers are still investigating how much the SARS-CoV-2 virus directly invades the brain, but Graves said it is more likely that these delayed neurological symptoms are caused by the infection triggering an inflammatory autoimmune response in the brain.

The team plans to continue monitoring participants' symptoms annually for up to 10 years. Additional efforts will evaluate how different COVID-19 variants and vaccines affect long-term neurological symptoms.

"To have people's cognition and quality of life still impacted so long after infection is something we as a society need to be taking a serious look at," said Graves. "We still need to know how common this is, what biological processes are causing this, and what ongoing health care these people will need. This work is an important first step to getting there."
(Newser)  Update: A federal judge on Wednesday convicted a Confederate flag-toting man and his son of charges that they stormed the US Capitol together on Jan. 6, 2021, to obstruct Congress from certifying President Biden's electoral victory. US District Judge Trevor McFadden, a Donald Trump appointee, delivered the verdict after two days of testimony without a jury, the AP reports. Kevin Seefried and his adult son, Hunter, were both found guilty of a felony: obstruction of an official proceeding. The judge also convicted the two of misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and illegally demonstrating inside the building. Hunter Seefried was acquitted of other misdemeanor charges. Sentence hearings are scheduled for September. Our original story from Jan. 14, 2021, follows:

Kevin Seefried succeeded last week where Confederate troops had failed in at attack on the US Capitol in 1864. Facing less resistance than the rebel soldiers faced in the Battle of Fort Stevens, Seefried marched into the Capitol with a Confederate battle flag. "The Confederate flag made it deeper into Washington on Jan. 6, 2021, than it did during the Civil War," a Penn State history professor told the New York Times last week. On Thursday, Seefried and his son, Hunter, surrendered to the FBI to face charges of entering a restricted building, disrupting government business, and disrupting congressional proceedings. They'd come to the FBI's attention when a co-worker of the younger Seefried told the FBI he'd boasted about being in the Capitol during the riot with his father, per CNBC.

The charging document says both men volunteered to be interviewed by the FBI, and both said they'd been in the Capitol. Kevin Seefried told investigators he'd brought the flag from his home in Delaware, the filing says, "where it is usually displayed outside." He said they marched from the White House to the Capitol with the crowd. The filing says Hunter Seefried can be seen in video posted on Twitter clearing out broken glass from a Capitol window, enabling him, his father, and other members of the mob to climb into the building. The sight of that flag in the Capitol deeply upset some people, including another history professor, who said she "wanted to scream," per the Times. "To see it flaunted right in front of your face, in the United States Capitol, the heart of the government, was simply outrageous," she said. (Read more Confederate flag stories.)
(Newser)  A government plea to Pakistanis to drink less tea to help the nation out of its economic crisis has been met with skepticism. Pakistan is the largest importer of tea in the world, with a tab of more than $600 million last year, the BBC reports. The nation's foreign currency reserves are dropping quickly, so the government wants to reduce import spending and keep its money in Pakistan. "I appeal to the nation to cut down the consumption of tea by one to two cups because we import tea on loan," said Ahsan Iqbal, a senior minister. Typical consumption is at least three cups a day, per the Guardian.

Social media posts expressed doubt that a cup of tea could make enough of a difference, with some calling for the minister's resignation. "Yesterday Ahsan Iqbal asked us to consume less tea, and tomorrow they may say eat less," said the owner of a roadside tea stall on the edge of Islamabad. "Is it a solution?" Food prices in Pakistan are spiking after the government increased the prices of fuel, natural gas, and electricity by as much as 45%. Iqbal also suggested that traders shut their stalls in markets by 8:30pm to save electricity; power has been shut off for hours at a time across the country.

Restrictions have been placed on nonessential luxury items to protect the hard currency reserves in Pakistan's central bank. The government has taken steps to restart a stalled $6 billion bailout by the International Monetary Fund, per CNN, including releasing a new $47 billion budget for 2022-23. The central bank reported that the rupee hit a record low Wednesday in trading against the US dollar206. (Read more Pakistan stories.)
(Newser)  COVID-19 shots for US infants, toddlers, and preschoolers moved a step closer to reality on Wednesday. The Food and Drug Administration's vaccine advisers gave a thumbs-up to vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer for the littlest kids. The outside experts voted unanimously that the benefits of the shots outweigh any risks for children under 5a population of roughly 18 million, the AP reports. It's the last age group in the nation without access to COVID-19 vaccines, and many parents have been eager to protect their children. If all the regulatory steps are cleared, shots should be available next week.

"There are so many parents who are absolutely desperate to get this vaccine, and I think we owe it to them to give them a choice to have the vaccine if they want to," said one panel member, Dr. Jay Portnoy of Children's Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. Peter Marks, FDA's vaccine chief, opened the meeting with data showing a "quite troubling surge" in hospitalizations of young children during the omicron wave, and noted that 442 children under 4 have died during the pandemic. That's far fewer than adult deaths but should not be dismissed in considering the need for vaccinating the youngest kids, he said. "Each child that's lost essentially fractures a family," Marks said.

While endorsing the vaccines, some panel members said chances for severe illness and death in young children are minimal. FDA reviewers said both brands appear to be safe and effective for children as young as 6 months. Side effects, including fever and fatigue, were generally minor in both, and less common than seen in adults. The vaccines use the same technology, but there are differences. Experts noted to reporters this week that the shots haven't been tested against each other, so there's no way to tell parents if one is superior. If the FDA authorizes the shots, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention makes a formal recommendation after its own advisers vote on Saturday, shots could be available as soon as Monday at doctor's offices, hospitals, and pharmacies. Pfizers vaccine is for children 6 months through 4 years; Modernas vaccine is for 6 months through 5 years.

(Read more coronavirus vaccine stories.)
(Newser)  An unimaginable alleged crime in Illinois, where police say 35-year-old Jason Karels drowned his three young children at his home as their mother, his estranged wife, prepared to pick them up for a doctor's appointment. The two shared custody of Bryant, 5, Cassidy, 3, and Gideon, 2, CBS News reports. Debra Karels called police to request a welfare check at her estranged husband's Round Lake home on Monday, and police entered the residence to find the children dead in a bedroom and Jason Karels gone, the Daily Beast reports. They say they also found a note reading, "If I cant have them, neither can you." He's been charged with three counts of murder.

Debra and Jason Karels were involved in a custody battle, and he had the children for the weekend when they were murdered. Police believe he drowned them one at a time in a bathtub. "I talked to the kids the night before. I said, 'I love you so much. I can't wait to see you tomorrow.' And the next day they're gone. He knew that nothing mattered to me more than those children. He took them away from me because he knew it would hurt me the most," Debra Karels tells ABC 7. She says Jason Karels struggled with mental health issues including suicidal thoughts, but wouldn't get help. After Jason Karels was located, and arrested following a high-speed chase, he told police he had tried to kill himself after killing his children but was not successful, police say. (Read more Illinois stories.)
(Newser)  Update: Brazilian authorities confirmed Friday that remains found in the Amazon were those of British journalist Dom Phillips. A search for Phillips, 57, and Bruno Pereira, 41, a Brazilian indigenous expert, had been conducted for more than a week. A suspect who admitted shooting the men led investigators to the remains of two people, per the AP; the remains of the second person were not yet identified, federal police said. Our story from Wednesday follows:

One of the two brothers arrested in connection with the disappearance of British journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira in a remote part of the Amazon has confessed to fatally shooting the men, police say. Amarildo and Oseney da Costa de Oliveira were both arrested, days apart, per the Guardian. Police say Amarildo "recounted in detail the crime that was committed and indicated the place where he buried the bodies." He also reportedly took police to a site where authorities dug up human remains; their identities will be confirmed with help from Interpol. The other brother, Oseney, claims he was not involved, the BBC reports. Police expect more arrests to follow.

"Although we are still awaiting definitive confirmations, this tragic outcome puts an end to the anguish of not knowing Dom and Bruno's whereabouts," Phillips' wife says in a statement. "Now we can bring them home and say goodbye with love. Today, we also begin our quest for justice. I hope that the investigations exhaust all possibilities and bring definitive answers on all relevant details as soon as possible." A motive is still being investigated, but indigenous groups say that days before they vanished, Pereira was threatened for fighting illegal fishing in the region. Univaja, the local indigenous association, said in a statement that it "understands their murder is a political crime, they were both human rights defenders and died doing work to look after us indigenous people from Vale do Javari." (Read more Brazil stories.)
(Newser)  Update: Al Gross, an independent running for Alaska's only US House seat, said late Monday that he is ending his campaign, the AP reports. Gross in a statement said it was with great hope for Alaskas future that he has decided to end his campaign. He said there are two outstanding Alaska Native women in this race who would both serve our state well, and I encourage my supporters to stay engaged and consider giving their first-place vote to whichever of them best matches their own values. His campaign said he was referring to Democrat Mary Peltola and Republican Tara Sweeney. Peltola was in fourth place in the June 11 special primary and Sweeney was in fifth. The top four vote-getters in the special primary advance to a special election in August in which ranked choice voting will be used. Gross was in third, behind Republicans Sarah Palin and Nick Begich. Our original story from June 15 follows:

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, Republican Nick Begich, and independent Al Gross have advanced to the August special election for Alaska's only US House seat. Palin and Begich, both Republicans, and Gross, an orthopedic surgeon, were among 48 candidates in last Saturday's special primary for the seat, which was left vacant following the death in March of Republican Rep. Don Young, who had held the seat for 49 years, the AP reports. The top four vote-getters in the special primary advance to a special election, set for Aug. 16, in which ranked choice voting will be used. The winner of that race will serve the remainder of Youngs term, which ends in January. State elections officials were releasing additional vote counts on Wednesday, the first day since the special primary in which counts were conducted. Additional counts are planned for Friday and next Tuesday.

With 132,730 votes counted, Palin had 28.3%, followed by Begich with 19.3%, and Gross with 12.8%. Democrat Mary Peltola had 8.7% and Republican Tara Sweeney, 5.5%. The election was unusual in that it was conducted primarily by mail. It also was the first election under a system approved by voters in 2020 that ends party primaries and institutes ranked voting for general elections. Palin touted endorsements from a number of national figures, including former President Trump. Palin, the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, is making her first bid for elected office since resigning as governor partway through her term in 2009. She released a statement on election night, saying she was grateful to her supporters who voted to make Alaska great again! She said she looked forward to the special election so that she could highlight our ideas for fixing this country by responsibly developing Alaskas God-given natural resources, getting runaway government spending under control, protecting human life, protecting the right to keep and bear arms, and restoring respect for individual liberty and the Constitution.

Begich comes from a family of prominent Democrats, which includes uncles Mark Begich and Tom Begich, who have both held elected office. His grandfather, Democratic Rep. Nick Begich, held the seat he is currently running for before he disappeared on a flight to a campaign fundraiser in 1972 and was later declared dead. The elder Begich won that election posthumously. Gross unsuccessfully ran for US Senate in 2020 with the endorsement of state Democrats.

(Read more Sarah Palin stories.)
(Newser)  The WWE board of directors is investigating numerous secret nondisclosure agreements involving its chairman Vince McMahon, including a $3 million settlement paid to a former paralegal at the company to cover up an alleged affair. That's according to the Wall Street Journal, which spoke with sources who say the $3 million settlement, inked in January, bars the former employee from discussing her relationship with the CEO or disparaging him. The 12-member board's eight independent directors (excluding McMahon, his daughter Stephanie McMahon, her husband Paul Levesque, and WWE President Nick Khan) began investigating in April following a series of anonymous emails.

Written by a person claiming to be a friend of the paralegal, they claim McMahon increased the woman's salary from $100,000 to $200,000 after beginning a sexual relationship with her, then "gave her like a toy" to his trusted associate John Laurinaitis, head of talent relations. The woman, hired in 2019, reportedly became an assistant to Laurinaitis in 2021. "My friend was so scared so she quit after Vince McMahon and [his longtime attorney Jerry McDevitt] paid her millions of dollars to shut up," one email read, per the Journal. A lawyer for McMahon reportedly submitted a copy of the agreement to the boardwhich has hired law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP to conduct the investigationon June 12.

The board has since learned of other NDAs involving former female employees who accused McMahon and Laurinaitis of misconduct, and was still collecting details on those as of this week, per the Journal. A WWE rep says the company is fully cooperating with the investigation, adding that McMahon's relationship with the paralegal was consensual. McDevitt tells the Journal that the woman didn't make any harassment claims and the "WWE did not pay any monies" to her "on her departure." Sources say the 76-year-old McMahon paid using personal funds. "It's unclear what consequences, if any, McMahon could face given that he functionally owns WWE," per the New York Daily News. (Read more WWE stories.)
(Newser)  Two US military veterans from Alabama are thought to be the first Americans captured by Russia while fighting for Ukraine. Alexander Drueke, 39, from Tuscaloosa, formerly of the US Army, and Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh, 27, from Hartselle, formerly of the Marine Corps, volunteered to assist in the war effort but are now missing and feared to have been taken prisoner, according to family members, who are in contact with US congressional offices and the US Embassy in Ukraine, per the Guardian and Washington Post. "If it's true, we'll do everything we can to get them safely back home," says John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications.

Family members tell CNN that the men haven't been heard from since June 8, when they said they would be spending a few days on a mission. Another fighter, who provided CNN with photos of the men's passports and entry stamps into Ukraine, said both vanished during a battle near the town of Izbytske, northeast of Kharkiv, on June 9, while under the command of Ukraine's 92nd mechanized brigade. He described the battle as "absolute chaos," with "about a hundred plus infantry advancing on our positions. We had a T72 firing on people from 30, 40 meters away." The man said searches failed to turn up any sign of the men but a Russian propaganda channel on Telegram later claimed "two American mercenaries" had been captured, per the Telegraph.

Drueke's mother, Lois "Bunny" Drueke, said her son told her he would be training Ukrainians on how to use US-made weapons, per the Post. He said "if [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is not stopped there he is not going to be satisfied, he will become emboldened and eventually Americans will be threatened," she told CNN's AC360 on Wednesday, appearing with Huynh's fiancee, Joy Black. Huynh "really had this gnawing at his heart and this big burden on him to go and serve the people however he can," Black said. "I'm still very proud of him. I just want to see him back safely." (Russia has sentenced three foreign nationals to die for fighting on behalf of Ukraine, in what UK officials say is a violation of the Geneva Conventions.)
(Newser)  Researchers say they've discovered "when and where the single most notorious and infamous killer of humans began." They're referring to the Black Death, or bubonic plague, which is thought to have wiped out tens of millions of people in Europe, Asia, and North Africa during what the Guardian calls "the deadliest pandemic in recorded history." Now, 700 years later, researchers say they've discovered the likely source of the plague: a region of what's now Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia, which sat on the ancient Silk Road trade route.

Historian Phil Slavin's suspicions were raised once he realized that 118 of 467 graves within two burial sites near Kyrgyzstan's Lake Issyk-Kul, dating from 1248 to 1345, were from two years: 1338 and 1339, per the Guardian. Ten of these were marked with a word meaning "pestilence," per Nature. Experts therefore set to work extracting DNA from skeletons that had previously been taken from the site to a museum in Russia, per CNN. They sequenced DNA for seven individuals, finding the genetic imprint of Yersinia pestis plague bacterium in three, all of whom died in 1338.

Researchers believe this reveals the source of the pandemic, as the single plague strain found in the skeletons' teeth preceded what CNN describes as "an explosion in diversity of plague strains" sometime before the Black Death devastated Europe. "It is like finding the place where all the strains come together, like with coronavirus ... [and] Wuhan," researcher Johannes Krause, co-author of a study published Wednesday in Nature, tells the outlet. "We found not only the ancestor of the Black Death, but the ancestor of the majority of the plague strains that are circulating in the world today," he adds, per the Guardian.

Modern strains of Y. pestis found in rodents surrounding the Tian Shan mountain range, which runs between Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and northwestern China, most closely relate to the ancient strain. "We can't really say [the source is] that village or that valley, but it's likely that region," Krause tells Nature. Researchers believe trade played a role in spreading the disease, and the region sat on the Silk Road trade route. Indeed, "the Kyrgyzstan graves were found to contain pearls from the Indian Ocean, corals from the Mediterranean, and foreign coins, suggesting that faraway goods passed through the area," Nature reports. (Read more Black Death stories.)
(Newser)  The leaders of France, Germany, Italy, and Romania arrived in Kyiv on Thursday in a show of collective European support for the Ukrainian people, marking the highest-profile visit to Ukraine's capital since Russia invaded its neighbor. The French president's office said that President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Italian Premier Mario Draghi, representing the three largest economies in Europe, traveled to Kyiv together on a special overnight train provided by the Ukrainian authorities, the AP reports.

President Klaus Iohannis of Romaniawhich borders Ukraine and has been a destination for many Ukrainian refugeesarrived on a separate train, tweeting on arrival: "This illegal Russian aggression must stop!" After getting off the train in Kyiv, Macron said he and the other leaders would visit sites where attacks occurred. "Its a message of European unity for the Ukrainian people, support now and in the future, because the weeks to come will be very difficult," Macron said. The visit comes as the Russian forces press their offensive in the eastern Donbas region, slowly but steadily gaining ground on the badly outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian forces, who are pleading for more arms from Western allies.

Several air raid sirens rang out while the European leaders were in their hotel preparing for the rest of their visit, and Kyiv authorities urged people to seek shelter. Such alerts are a frequent occurrence. The European leaders are to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky, and hopes are high among Ukrainians that the visit could mark a turning point by opening the way to significant new arms supplies. The visit comes as EU leaders prepare to make a decision June 23-24 on Ukraine's request to become a candidate for EU membership, and ahead of an important NATO summit June 29-30 in Madrid. (Read more Russia-Ukraine conflict stories.)
(Newser)  A virtual public hearing into possible corruption involving Peruvian President Pedro Castillo took a briefly bizarre turn on Wednesday thanks to what the Mirror calls a "lewd gaffe" that made its way into the videoconference. As seen in a clip that's now widely being shared on Twitter and elsewhere, prosecutor Samuel Rojas was in the main square of the Zoom-like call, laying out all the reasons why there should be a probe into Castillo, when suddenly he disappeared and an oiled-up man wearing nothing but an American flag thong and a red bandanna on his head took his place.

The uninvited attendee, identified as Brazilian stripper Ricardo Milos, gyrated onscreen for about eight seconds, with Rojas noting in the background, "They are showing very suggestive images," per Reuters. Milos then disappeared as quickly as he appeared, putting the confused prosecutor back in the spotlight. The hearing was soon halted, as it was determined the Milos video had originated from the user account of Benji Espinosa, one of Castillo's attorneys. Espinosa tells Reuters he has no idea where the video came from, insisting he'd been the victim of a "computer crime."

The breach "shows that the virtual system of the judiciary is vulnerable," he adds. A Latin American news site notes that the clip of Milossaid to also be a model, commercial actor, and "non-porn performer" who has "performed escort services"is a meme that originated more than a decade ago based on a dance video Milos made. KnowYourMeme.com reports that, as of 2019, Milos was apparently living in Fort Myers, Fla., and raising a teen son, and that he wanted everyone to stop using that meme. At any rate, the internet is having fun with his surprise visit to the Castillo hearing, with one commenter calling the incident "Peru's raunchier version of the 'I'm not a cat, judge' video." (Read more strange stuff stories.)
(Newser)  North Korea is battling another disease along with a COVID-19 outbreakbut in true North Korea style, the country is not being forthcoming about how many people are affected or exactly what disease is involved. The official Korea Central News Agency says Kim Jong Un has sent medicine to help the city of Haeju deal with an "acute enteric epidemic." Enteric refers to disease of the gastrointestinal tract and South Korea suspects the outbreak is cholera or typhoid, reports Reuters. Dysentery also routinely occurs in North Korea.

Haeju is in the country's main agricultural region and analysts warn that a severe outbreak there could hit the food supply when the country is already in crisis. "Intestinal diseases such as typhoid and shigellosis are not particularly new in North Korea but what's troubling is that it comes at a time when the country is already struggling from COVID-19," professor Shin Young-jeon at Hanyang University's College of Medicine in Seoul tells Reuters. North Korea, which has rejected offers of vaccine from other countries, recently claimed that the COVID outbreak was past the crisis stage, though experts believe it is worsening and the country's report of 73 deaths from "fever" is an undercount.

Some analysts believe the KCNA announcement of the disease outbreak in Haeju was more of a political message than a medical one, since it stressed that the leader had donated medicine from what the state-run news agency described as his private reserves, the AP reports. South Korea says Pyongyang has not responded to offers to help fight the outbreak. (Read more North Korea stories.)
(Newser)  A commercial bus driver has been charged with 38 counts of reckless endangerment after blacking out behind the steering wheel while snacking on gummies he says he didn't know were infused with THC. Jinhuan Chen appeared Tuesday in Bridgeport Superior Court after being arrested at his home in Boston, per the AP. Chen was driving 38 passengers from the Mohegan Sun casino on March 13 when he stopped the bus on the side of Interstate 95 in Stratford. Police said they found Chen slumped unconscious in the driver's seat, next to an open package of Smokiez Edibles cannabis-infused fruit chews. Toxicology tests showed Chen had a high level of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, in his bloodstream, prosecutors said.

Chen told Judge Ndidi Moses on Tuesday that he had no idea he'd been snacking on anything but regular candy. "I didn't know it was marijuana," Chen said through a Chinese interpreter, according to Hearst Connecticut Media Group. "I didn't know." Victor Chen, the manager of Go Go Sun Tour, the bus company, told Hearst that the driver had worked for the Boston-based company for 10 years and has an exemplary record. "He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, but he has a sweet tooth and likes candy," Victor Chen said. "This would never have happened a couple of years ago, but now there's marijuana everywhere here." Moses ordered Jinhuan Chen held in lieu of $25,000 bond and set his next court date for Aug. 25.

(Read more weird crimes stories.)
(Newser)  Stripped of his passport, a man tried to flee fraud charges in the US by riding a jet ski from Florida to Cuba, prosecutors say. Ernesto Cruz Graveran, 54, a Cuban national living in Florida and charged in a $4.2 million Medicare fraud scheme, is being held as a flight risk after Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection agents found him on a broken-down jet ski south of Key West on June 8. Less than three weeks earlier, investigators secured an interview with Cruz Graveran. Having discovered his plan to fly to Havana on May 22, they secured a promise that he would cooperate in the criminal investigation and confiscated his passport, per the Washington Post.

Cruz Graveran apparently didn't think he needed a plane. He'd been heading in the direction of Cuba, 90 miles south of the Florida Keys, when he was found on a jet ski "outfitted with a special fuel cell to allow for long trips" as well as plenty of food and water, according to the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida. Also on the jet ski was a person authorities described as a known migrant smuggler, per the AP. Prosecutors say Cruz Graveran's company, Xiko Enterprises Inc., fraudulently received $2.1 million from Medicare after submitting $4.2 million in health care claims for medical equipment that was never provided. His trial is to kick off Monday in Miami. (Read more fraud stories.)
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain and Turkmenistan are keen on strengthening their bilateral and cooperation ties on business and investment.

This comes as the Second Vice-Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber, Mohammed Al Kooheji, alongside Executive Committee Member Ahmed Alsaloom and board member Yousuf Salahuddin, convened a meeting with Turkmenistans Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs B. Myatiyev at the Chambers headquarters yesterday.

Myatiyev was accompanied by the Deputy Chairman of State Concern Turkmenhimiya D. Shamedov and representative of Turkmenistan Chamber Atanepes Belliyev. The meeting hailed the bilateral relation between Bahrain and Turkmenistan, recalling the historic visit of the former President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov to Bahrain in 2011, and the visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Turkmenistan in March 2019, which witnessed the signing of important agreements and memorandums aimed at spurring cooperation between both countries.

Mr Alkooheji expressed the keenness of the Bahraini private sector in bolstering business relations with Turkmenistan. However, he pointed out that lengthy travel procedures, logistical hurdles, and lack of awareness of investment laws and regulations constitute major obstacles curbing business cooperation between both countries.

Mr B. Myatiyev reiterated pride in the high-level relations binding Bahrain and Turkmenistan, and affirmed that investment laws and regulations in Turkmenistan have been updated to attract foreign investments.

He revealed that in the past years, Turkmenistan succeeded in attracting over $8 billion of foreign investments, adding that his country is developing major projects that require foreign investments, including a Nitrogen and a Methanol plant.

He called Bahraini business owners and investors to visit Turkmenistan, learn about the incentives to foreign investors, and explore opportunities. He also vowed exerting all efforts to streamline the endeavours of business owners and upgrade trade between Bahrain and Turkmenistan to its aspired level.

A delegation from the Bahrain Chamber accompanied His Majesty the King during his visit to Turkmenistan in March 2019, and the Chamber organised a successful joint business forum in November of the same year.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Opening doors to new career opportunities in the insurance sector, Bahrain announced launching a new initiative yesterday, also a first of its kind in the Kingdom, to train and employ Bahrainis in actuarial science.

Actuarial science is one of the most sought-after professional specialties that requires knowledge of mathematics, statistics and financial theory to evaluate risks across various sectors, including insurance, investment and banking.

An actuary is a person who compiles and analyses statistics and uses them to calculate insurance risks and premiums. This initiative aims to train a number of Bahraini nationals to receive the qualifications and licenses required to take new employment opportunities as actuaries in several local insurance firms.

The plan announced by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) is in partnership with the Central Bank of Bahrain, the London-based Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, and the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance.

The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries is a globally renowned provider of licensing and qualifications for actuaries through a series of practical, technical, and theoretical examinations. Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, the Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, hailed it as one of the 'important' steps to prepare qualified Bahrainis in essential insurance sector specialties.

The move, he said, falls in line with the efforts made to create employment opportunities for Bahrainis within the local financial market, which is one of the priorities of the Economic Recovery Plan of 2022-2026.

Al Maraj said the CBB would also issue a legislation requiring insurance firms to establish an internal actuarial unit within their organisational structure. In addition, the initiative aims at helping Bahrainis to become qualified actuaries accredited by a globally recognised institute to carry out actuarial roles within insurance firms and prepare regulatory reports in accordance with the CBB's requirements.

Al Maraj added that the CBB invites insurance firms to take advantage of this opportunity and adopt this initiative to support the insurance industry by actively participate in qualifying national cadres for such specialties.

Husain Mohamed Rajab, Chief Executive of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) emphasised the importance of bolstering Tamkeens commitment to building a pool of qualified and competitive talent to power the productivity of the private sector.

He added: This initiative is a first of its kind in the Kingdom and is underpinned by the growing demand for actuarial science services over the past years within the insurance sector specifically, as well as the rarity of qualified actuaries both locally and internationally."

"For that reason, Tamkeen will provide training opportunities to qualify Bahrainis to become licensed actuaries and start their careers in this field, therefore positioning Bahrain as a leader in human capital development according to interna[1]tional standards.

Dr Ahmed Abdel Hameed Al Shaikh, the BIBFs Director said, "We are pleased to be part of this strategic partnership to provide training and development opportunities for Bahrainis, as we seek to confirm Bahraini's role in the comprehensive development process of the insurance sector and the pivotal role it plays in business development."

Enas Asiri, bnls Chief Executive Officer, said, This step can greatly strengthen a financial institutions risk and capital management, resulting in increased security of policyholders, shareholders and beneficiaries, to the benefit of the institution and its regulators.

The initiative follows a series of strategic partnerships and initiatives launched by Tamkeen recently making Bahrainis the first choice of employment in the labor market. These strategic initiatives come alongside the 16 new programmes Tamkeen launched earlier this year as part of a comprehensive organisation-wide transformation initiative that focuses on driving greater economic impact in Bahrain.
Japan ran its biggest single-month trade deficit in more than eight years in May as high commodity prices and declines in the yen swelled imports, clouding the country's economic outlook.

The growing trade deficit underscores the headwinds the world's third-largest economy faces from a slide in the yen and surging costs of fuel and raw materials, on which domestic manufacturers rely for production.

Imports soared 48.9% in the year to May, Ministry of Finance data showed on Thursday, above a median market forecast for a 43.6% gain in a Reuters poll.

That outpaced a 15.8% year-on-year rise in exports in the same month, resulting in a 2.385 trillion yen ($17.80 billion) trade deficit, the largest shortfall in a single month since January 2014.

May's deficit, which was the second largest in a single month on record, marked the 10th straight month of year-on-year shortfalls and was bigger than the 2.023 trillion yen gap expected in a Reuters poll.

By region, exports to China, Japan's largest trading partner, shrank 0.2% in the 12 months to May on weaker shipments of machinery and transport equipment to the country. ...continue reading
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Nevada Republican Jim Marchant insisted there hadn't been a legitimate election in his state in more than a decade. All of Nevada's election winners since 2006, he said on a recent podcast, were installed by the deep-state cabal.

But when Marchant won the Republican nomination for Nevada secretary of state this week, he immediately celebrated the victory as legitimate.

I am beyond humbled by the overwhelming support of our campaign. Nevadans made their voices heard, Marchant declared on social media.

Such inconsistency has become a hallmark of election deniers in Republican primary contests across the U.S. in this year's midterms. Dozens of GOP candidates who sought former President Donald Trump's backing in Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and elsewhere have spent months parroting his baseless claims of 2020 election fraud but then declared victory without raising such concerns in their own elections.

Amid such seeming hypocrisy, many Republican candidates are still vowing to pursue a series of election reforms that could make it more difficult to vote  particularly for those who traditionally support Democrats  in the name of election integrity.

Democratic National Committee Chair Jamie Harrison warned that MAGA Republicans will do anything in their desperate chase for power."

From undermining our democracy by spreading Trumps Big Lie, to laying the groundwork to try to cancel votes when they dont agree with the outcome, but falling silent if they win, this is todays Republican Party, Harrison told The Associated Press.

In Nevada on Tuesday, Marchant was among a slate of election deniers who secured their places on the November ballot without questioning the legitimacy of the results. The group included candidates for Senate, state treasurer and a Las Vegas-area congressional seat. That's even as the majority of counties relied upon Dominion voting machines, which continue to be the target of conspiracy theories by Trump and his allies.

The phenomenon extends well beyond Nevada.

In Pennsylvania, Republican nominee for governor Doug Mastriano spearheaded a state Senate hearing in which witnesses  including former Trump campaign attorneys Jenna Ellis and Rudy Giuliani  aired false claims about mass voter fraud. Mastriano also was outside the U.S. Capitol when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the building during the deadly 2021 insurrection. And he later tried to bring a partisan election audit to Pennsylvania before he was stripped of his committee chairmanship by his own party.

Mastriano made no mention of voter fraud as he declared victory in Pennsylvania's Republican primary for governor last month.

God is good, a smiling Mastriano told cheering supporters.

The Mastriano campaign declined to respond to a question about the apparent double standard.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also ignored questions about his contradictory positions on voter fraud.

Paxton won his fiercely contested primary last month after spending much of the last year championing Trump's bogus claims of election fraud. In the aftermath of Joe Bidens presidential win, Paxton filed a legal challenge to the election results in four battleground states. He asked the U.S. Supreme Court to set them aside and allow the Republican-controlled state legislatures to determine the winner.

Seventeen other Republican state attorneys general supported the effort.

The high court rejected the challenge three days after the lawsuit was filed, finding Texas did not have standing to sue other states over how they conduct their elections. And the state bar moved to discipline Paxton just days after his primary win, claiming his leading role in petitioning the Supreme Court to block Bidens victory was dishonest.

State and federal election officials across the country and Trumps own attorney general have said there is no credible evidence the election was tainted. The former presidents allegations of fraud also were roundly rejected by courts, including by judges he appointed.

But after nearly two years of Trump's constant claims that the election was stolen, which have been embraced by hundreds of Republican candidates across the U.S. seeking his support, an extraordinary number of Americans have lost faith in the U.S. election system.

Only 45% of U.S. adults said they have significant confidence that votes in the 2022 midterm election will be counted accurately, and 30% have some confidence, according to a February AP-NORC poll. Democrats were much more likely than Republicans to be very confident, 66% vs. 24%.

Polling continues to show most Republicans have doubts about the 2020 presidential election. In July 2021, 68% of adults -- but only 33% of Republicans -- said Biden was legitimately elected president, according to an AP-NORC poll. Sixty-six percent of Republicans said he was not legitimately elected.

In addition to key state officials, several Trump-backed Senate candidates promoted the specter of election fraud over and over  except when delivering their primary victory speeches in recent weeks.

Georgia Republican Senate nominee Herschel Walker repeatedly claimed Biden's victory was tainted by fraud over the last year and even called for seven swing states Trump lost to vote again. Ohio GOP Senate candidate J.D. Vance claimed the 2020 election was rigged" or stolen. North Carolina Senate nominee Ted Budd, a Republican congressman, refused on the day of his May primary victory to say that Biden won the 2020 presidential election. And Pennsylvania Republican nominee for Senate Mehmet Oz said there was definitely widespread fraud in his state, even as the evidence says otherwise.

None raised similar claims about their own primary victories.

In Nevada, state GOP Chair Michael McDonald said Marchant acknowledging his primary win wasnt hypocritical because he continued to have questions about vote-counting in the Las Vegas area.

He was questioning the results last night, even though he was winning, which I found admirable, McDonald said, recounting a 1:30 a.m. phone call with Marchant.

Marchant did not respond to requests for comment, but his campaign consultant Rory McShane said he continued to have questions about voting in Clark County, which leans Democratic and is where the vast majority of the state's population lives, despite the race being called for him.

There may be no more vocal proponent of Trump's baseless claims of election fraud falsehoods than Marchant, a 66-year-old former failed congressional candidate.

Marchant was present in Carson City when the party sent a dueling slate of electoral votes to Congress in December 2020. Throughout the primary, he was a fixture at rural county commission meetings during discussions about Dominion voting machines and potentially switching to hand-counting ballots. And he has toured the country with other 2020 election denialists, using phrases and terminology associated with QAnon conspiracy theorists.

Cisco Aguilar, the Democrat running against Marchant, described the Republican's statements about the 2020 election, voting machines and mail-in ballots as out of touch with reality.

In an interview, Aguilar said he feels immense responsibility after Marchants victory and said he's now weighing questions he hadnt anticipated when he entered the race, such as whether agreeing to a debate would be giving a conspiracy theorist a platform.

Hes created a massive fear among a subgroup of individuals here in Nevada, Aguilar said. I dont even know if you can have a debate with someone who is unwilling to listen.

___

Peoples reported from New York and Metz reported from Salt Lake City. Associated Press writers Hannah Fingerhut in Washington, Marc Levy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Paul Weber in Austin, Texas, contributed to this report.
SALEM, Mass. (AP)  A former physical education teacher in Massachusetts has been charged with indecent assault and battery on 10 former female students.

Daniel Hakim, 36, was arrested Wednesday, according to the Salem Police Department. He faces 32 counts of aggravated indecent assault and battery.
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ATLANTA (AP)  Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday endorsed Mike Collins in Georgia's 10th Congressional District runoff, a move that once again puts him at odds with former President Donald Trump while helping him settle the score against a former opponent.

Kemp is the latest member of the Republican establishment to back Collins, a trucking company owner and son of the late congressman Mac Collins. Collins is running against Vernon Jones, a former primary foe of Kemp's who has received Trump's backing. In Georgia's Republican primary last month, Kemp soundly defeated another Trump-supported candidate: former U.S. Sen. David Perdue.

Jones, a longtime Democrat who began backing Trump and switched parties when he left the state House in 2021, abandoned a Republican bid against Kemp to clear the field for Perdue at Trump's behest. In exchange, Trump endorsed Jones in the 10th District, which covers 18 counties east of Atlanta, including Athens.

Collins won 26% of the vote on May 24 and Jones won 22%. Because no one won a majority, state law required a runoff.

The winner of Tuesday's contest will advance to the November general election against the Democratic nominee, also to be decided in a runoff Tuesday between Tabitha Johnson-Green and Jessica Fore.

The Jones-Collins winner will be the heavy favorite in this district, which legislators drew to elect a Republican. The seat is open after former U.S. Rep. Jody Hice stepped down in an unsuccessful Trump-backed bid for Georgia secretary of state. Both Jones and Collins have pledged allegiance to Trump, who remains popular among GOP voters.

Kemp, who lives in the 10th District, said he would vote for Collins and called on Republicans to join me in sending a trusted conservative to Washington.

His message echoed themes underscored by Collins, who asserted during his campaign that Jones can't be trusted because of his long history as a Democrat. Collins also cited numerous allegations that were made against Jones when he was DeKalb County's elected CEO, including that he handed out construction projects and had an expensive security detail. In addition, a woman claimed Jones raped her in late 2004. She dropped the charges, but never recanted. Jones said the sexual encounter was consensual.

Other officials who have endorsed Collins include 11 county sheriffs and 17 state lawmaker, although Jones got the nod from the National Rifle Association. Jones said Kemps endorsement was further proof that hes not the favorite of establishment Republicans.

Thats something to be proud of  not ashamed of  and is exactly why President Trump endorsed me, Jones said in a statement. "Im not running for Congress to join the establishment. Im running for Congress to destroy it.
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DANBURY  The embattled president of Western Connecticut State University who earned a no confidence vote from faculty furious over the depletion of 99 percent of the schools reserves will step down in July in a leadership shakeup that will bring in a veteran Arkansas educator.

Thursday mornings announcement that John Clark will step down after seven years as president of the worst financially performing of Connecticuts four state universities came as no surprise to the president of the faculty union, who added that the state system of universities and colleges shared blame.

John Clark has become so unpopular that he had to get out  he had to step down, said Rotua Lumbantobing, an associate professor of economics and president of WestConns chapter of the American Association of University Professors. But the fact that (the state) chose someone from outside the state and outside our system who doesnt know anything us  without consulting with us or any faculty or union leaders shows that they still have not learned anything from this financial crisis.

Lumbantobing is referring to the appointment of Paul Beran, the former chancellor at the University of Arkansas, whose job on July 15 will be to turn around the 4,800-student Danbury university that was found in an independent auditors report to be in serious financial difficulty because of years of spending increases that depleted the institutions reserves.

I look forward to being able to build relationships with all members of the community  most especially the faculty and the administration at the university, said Beran during a brief interview Thursday from Arkansas. There are issues to overcome but I believe they are completely doable  and I need the faculty and everyone elses help.

How WestConn got into such a deep financial hole was documented in a report earlier this year that found the university operating on a structural deficit with an expenditure control problem, not a revenue problem.

The report said the COVID pandemic exacerbated already significant enrollment and financial challenges, and characterized the universitys approach to budgeting as We havent had a balanced budget for years; why start now?

That scathing report led to a faculty vote of no confidence in Clark in May, calling for him to step down.

At the time, Clark said through a spokesman that he had no plans to step down.

That changed Thursday.

I will be stepping down from the presidency at WCSU next month, Clark said in a prepared statement, which was released in conjunction with a statement from Terrence Cheng, president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system.

John Clark will be stepping down as president of Western Connecticut State University on July 14, Cheng said. Along with members of my executive team at the CSCU system office, I will work closely with (Paul) Beran, and the administration, faculty and staff at WCSU to address the challenges that lie immediately ahead of us, while building toward a strong and sustainable future.

rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342
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WASHINGTON (AP)  Mike Pence won't be testifying at Thursday's Jan. 6 committee hearing. But he will be in the spotlight as the focus turns to former President Donald Trumps desperate and futile attempts to persuade his vice president to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and deliver them a second term.

As you will hear, President Trump engaged in a relentless effort to pressure Pence both in private and in public, Rep. Liz Cheney, the leading Republican on the committee, said last week. "Vice President Pence demonstrated his loyalty to Donald Trump consistently over four years, but he knew that he had a higher duty to the United States Constitution."

What we know about Pence's actions leading up to and during that day:

UNDER PRESSURE

As Trump's frantic efforts to stave off defeat were quashed by courts and state officials, he and his allies zeroed in on Jan. 6  the day a joint session of Congress would convene to formalize President-elect Joe Bidens win  as their last chance to remain in power.

The heavy-handed pressure campaign intensified in the days leading up to the 6th as Trump, lawyer John Eastman and others in Trump's orbit tried to convince Pence that he had the power to overturn the will of voters in a handful of critical battleground states by simply rejecting Electoral College votes or sending the results back to the states  even though the Constitution makes clear the vice presidents role in the proceedings is largely ceremonial.

Pence spent hours huddling with staff, including his general counsel, Greg Jacob. He studied the Electoral Count Act of 1887, which governs the proceedings, and met with the Senate parliamentarian to understand his role. He also received outside counsel, including from former Vice President Dan Quayle.

Some aides appealed to Trump not to put his unflinchingly loyal vice president in such a precarious position. Pence was already widely seen as a potential future presidential candidate and a public fissure with Trump was seen as a potential career ender. But Trump kept pushing, both publicly and behind the scenes.

On Monday, Jan. 4, Eastman and Trump pressed Pence to go along with the scheme in an Oval Office meeting. And at a rally that night in Georgia, Trump said his fate rested in his vice president's hands. I hope Mike Pence comes through for us, he told the crowd.

Trump continued to push in an Oval Office meeting the next day, again demanding Pence use powers the vice president did not possess to overturn the will of voters. Pence made clear he was unconvinced.

That day, Jacob sent a memo putting in writing his conclusion that if Pence followed Eastman's proposal, he would likely lose in court, at best, or spark a constitutional crisis, Politico first reported. The tensions were so high that Pence's chief of staff, Marc Short, placed a call to Pence's lead Secret Service agent that day, The New York Times first reported, informing him that the vice presidents refusal to go along with Trump was about to become public.

Given the crowds en route to Washington, I thought it was important at least to let the Secret Service know that it was about to become a much more public disagreement, Short said Wednesday on CNN.

HANG MIKE PENCE'

The pressure continued through the night. If Vice President @Mike_Pence comes through for us, we will win the Presidency," Trump tweeted around 1 a.m.

All Mike Pence has to do is send them back to the States, AND WE WIN, he wrote later that morning. Do it Mike, this is a time for extreme courage!

Pence was at his residence at the Naval Observatory the morning of Jan. 6 when he spoke a final time with Trump, who was joined in the Oval Office by his daughter Ivanka and Pence's national security adviser, Keith Kellogg. During the call, in the 11 o'clock hour, Trump berated Pence, chastising him for not being tough enough to go along with the scheme, according to Kelloggs testimony to the committee.

Pence then headed to the Capitol to oversee the counting of the Electoral College votes. But first Pence made official his decision. In a letter addressed to his colleagues in Congress, Pence explained why he couldn't go along with Trump's plan.

It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not, he wrote.

At 1:03 p.m., he officially gaveled the U.S. Senate into session as pro-Trump rioters, who had already breached Capitol barricades, were outside clashing with police.

By that point, Trump was already close to wrapping up his speech on the Ellipse in which he repeatedly targeted Pence and urged his supporters to fight like hell."

If Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election," Trump falsely told the crowd. All Vice President Pence has to do is send it back to the states to recertify and we become president and you are the happiest people."

Outside the Capitol, the scene devolved into violent chaos as rioters, some armed with pipes, bats and bear spray, charged into the Capitol, quickly overwhelming police. One officer was beaten and repeatedly shocked with a stun gun until he had a heart attack. Another was foaming at the mouth and screaming for help as rioters crushed him between two doors and bashed him in the head with his own weapon. At 1:49 p.m., D.C. police officially declared a riot.

At about 2:12 p.m., Pence was rushed off the Senate floor as rioters flooded inside. The Washington Post first reported that Pence, who had been joined that day by his wife and daughter, was at one point less than 100 feet from a group of protesters.

IN HIDING

Pence spent the next hours in hiding with his staff and family  first in his ceremonial office and then in an underground loading dock inside the Capitol complex. At several points, he rejected pleas from security staff to leave, insisting it was crucial that he remain in place.

He looked at that and said, I dont want the world seeing the vice president leaving the Capitol in a 15-car motorcade," Short told CNN on Wednesday. 'This is the hallmark of democracy and were going to complete our work.'

But even as the horror played out live on television, Trump, instead of urging his supporters to go home, blasted Pence.

Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify, Trump tweeted at 2:24 p.m.

Trump's tweet echoed through the angry mob. Footage obtained by the committee shows rioters reading Trump's words aloud and crowds breaking into chants of Hang Mike Pence! A makeshift gallows was photographed outside.

Cheney charged that Trump was made aware of the chants and responded with this sentiment: Maybe our supporters have the right idea. Mike Pence deserves it.'" (Trump responded on his social media app, saying he NEVER said, or even thought of saying, Hang Mike Pence.")

Pence worked the phone from his then-secret location. Short told Fox Business that Pence's first calls were to Republican and Democratic House and Senate leaders  Kevin McCarthy, Mitch McConnell, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer  to make sure they were safe and to make sure their functions were OK." Pence also reached out to the Pentagon to make sure additional reinforcements were sent" at the encouragement of House and Senate leaders, who made clear in subsequent calls that they were frustrated the National Guard had not arrived.

Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the committee in testimony that military leaders spoke two or three times with Pence and that the vice president was very animated, very direct, very firm to (Acting Defense) Secretary (Christopher) Miller."

"Get the military down here, get the Guard down here. Put down this situation, et cetera, Milley recalled.

Indeed, at 4:08 p.m., Pence placed an urgent phone call from the Capitol as rioters pummeled police and vandalized the building, informing Miller the Capitol was not secure and asking military leaders for a deadline for securing the building, according to a document prepared by the Pentagon for internal use that was obtained by The Associated Press.

Clear the Capitol, Pence told them.

Milley told the committee that Trumps chief of staff, Mark Meadows, had a different focus when they also spoke.

He said: We have to kill the narrative that the Vice President is making all the decisions. We need to establish the narrative, you know, that the President is still in charge and that things are steady or stable, or words to that effect, Milley testified.

Eastman and Jacob also exchanged emails, according to the committee, with Jacob telling Eastman that, thanks to your bull-, we are now under siege.

'LETS GET BACK TO WORK'

At 8 p.m., after hours of fear and carnage, the Capitol was finally deemed secure.

Pence reconvened the Senate with a message.

Today was a dark day in the history of the United States Capitol. But thanks to the swift efforts of U.S. Capitol Police, federal, state and local law enforcement, the violence was quelled. The Capitol is secured. And the people's work continues," he told the nation. Lets get back to work," he said to applause.

Just after 3:40 a.m. Pence officially declared Trumps election defeat  as well as his own.

TRUMP IS WRONG

Pence, over the last year and a half, has repeatedly said he stands by his actions as he has reckoned with the political fallout and tried to lay the groundwork for a potential presidential run in 2024.

A year ago, after months out of the spotlight, Pence said in a major speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library that he was proud of what he did on Jan. 6.

The truth is," he said, theres almost no idea more un-American than the notion that any one person could choose the American president. The presidency belongs to the American people and the American people alone.

And in February of this year, as Trump continued to criticize Pence's actions, Pence took on Trump by name, telling a gathering of the conservative Federalist Society in Florida that President Trump is wrong" and he had no right to overturn the election."

Pence, however, has also tried to move on from that day. On Monday he spoke to reporters after touring the border in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Ill always believe that I did my duty that day. And I know in my heart of hearts I did. And I believe that, when all the information and the facts come forward, the American people will better understand what occurred, he said. But standing here today on our southern border, Im calling on President Biden to do his duty. I mean, the truth is a president of the United States has an obligation to provide for the common defense, to guarantee the common defense of this country. And border security is national security."

___

For more coverage of the Jan. 6 insurrection hearings, go to https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege.
Between June 16 and July 2 , customers have the option to donate alongside their purchase at LCBO stores across the province. Last year's campaign raised over $2 million dollars, which was donated to the Women's College Hospital Foundation. This year, the funds will be divided equally among all four organizations.

The campaign, officially titled Love Pairs with Everything, captures the spirit of pride and the beauty of love in all its forms. It is meant to celebrate the abundance of love that lives in all 2SLGBTQ+ communities. In addition to the fundraising campaign, the LCBO is an official Pride Toronto sponsor for the fourth consecutive year. LCBO shares in Pride Toronto's goal to champion equal rights and representation for every person, employee, customer, and partner of diverse sexual and gender identities.

The LCBO is also proud to carry brands that share the same values. To celebrate Pride, customers can purchase products that give back to the 2SLGBTQ+ community. This year's Pride Good Partners are supporting in the following ways:

Absolut is supporting Absolut Empires Ball, Canada's most inclusive Drag Race. The brand is also donating to Rainbow Railroad and The 519

is supporting Absolut Empires Ball, most inclusive Drag Race. The brand is also donating to Rainbow Railroad and The 519 Bud Light is donating $100,000 to various organizations supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community

is donating to various organizations supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community Barefoot is donating $1 from every product sold to Pflag Toronto * up to $5000

is donating from every product sold to Pflag Toronto up to Chandon California sparkling wines is supporting Rainbow Railroad with a donation.

is supporting Rainbow Railroad with a donation. Left Field Brewery is donating 50 cents from every can sold of their Rainbow Sherbet Sour to the Bill 7 Award

is donating from every can sold of their Rainbow Sherbet Sour to the Bill 7 Award Mill Street Brewery's Tea Time Lemon Wheat is made in support of Rainbow Railroad. The brewery is also donating $20,000 to Rainbow Railroad.

Tea Time Lemon Wheat is made in support of Rainbow Railroad. The brewery is also donating to Rainbow Railroad. Muskoka Brewery is donating 10 cents from every can sold of their Born This Way IPA to the Get REAL Movement

is donating from every can sold of their Born This Way IPA to the Get REAL Movement Smirnoff is a gold level sponsor for Pride Toronto

is a gold level sponsor for Pride Toronto Vizzy is donating $25,000 to 2SLGBTQ+ artists and performers through Queer Collective

The Love Pairs with Everything campaign is rooted in LCBO's social impact platform, the Spirit of Sustainability and official sponsorship with Pride Toronto. To learn more about the 2022 LCBO Pride campaign and shop Good Partner products, please click here.

Please see additional information on LCBO's charity partners below:

Black CAP: Canada's largest Black-specific AIDS service organization, Black CAP works to create culturally relevant outreach, prevention and support services for people infected with, affected by or at risk of contracting HIV.

Casey House: Casey House is a specialty hospital in Toronto unlike any other, providing ground-breaking care to people living with and at risk of HIV. They offer inpatient and outpatient services that meet clients where they are in their individual journeys. The humanity of each client is at the heart of everything they do.

Rainbow Railroad: A global charitable organization based in Toronto and New York City, Rainbow Railroad helps people facing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics.

Women's College Hospital (WCH) Foundation: Dedicated to equity and serving the healthcare needs of Ontario's diverse community in a safe and welcoming environment, WCH is also home to Canada's first hospital-based, publicly funded transition-related surgical program  a critically important and often life-saving service.

Product imagery can be found HERE

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to arrive in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday for a two-day visit.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to arrive in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday for a two-day visit. Hell assess the security situation. Army Chief General Manoj Pande will accompany him, as will other top Army officials.

Singh will meet with top military brass to discuss the overall security scenario in J&K. Counter-insurgency and counter-infiltration operations will be discussed, according to sources. On June 17, the Defence Minister will fly to Jammu before returning to New Delhi.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit the advanced areas of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. Singh will begin a two-day tour of the Union Territory, where he will meet with soldiers, according to news agency ANI.

On Friday, he will attend Maharaja Gulab Singhs 200th anniversary Rajyabhishek in Jammu.

As the first Maharaja of the Topa Rajput princely state, Gulab Singh established the Dogra dynasty in Jammu and Kashmir.

Topa Rajput was the second-largest princely state under British rule, formed to defeat the Sikh empire during the First Anglo-Sikh War.
Congress workers burned tyres outside the ED office, and the party accused Delhi Police of forcibly entering their party headquarters and assaulting workers.

On Friday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summoned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for a fourth round of questioning in the National Herald case.

Gandhi was questioned for over eight hours on day three.

The Congress party protested outside the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office and party headquarters in Delhi on Wednesday, as the ED questioned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for the third day in a money laundering case involving the National Herald newspaper.

On the third day of Rahul Gandhis questioning at the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office, Delhi Police arrested a total of 240 demonstrators.

Rahul arrived at the ED office around 11:35 a.m., and his interrogation began at 12 p.m. The ED has been video and audio recording his statements, which are typed on A4 size paper and are thoroughly reviewed and signed by him before being submitted to the investigating officer.

The ED wants to know about his personal role in making decisions about the National Herald and its owner, Young Indian.

According to ED sources, Rahul is being questioned about the assets owned by Associated Journals Limited (AJL) worth approximately Rs 800 crore, as well as how a not-for-profit company like Young Indian Limited (YIL) was engaging in commercial activities such as renting out its land and building assets.

Since Monday, Rahul has been questioned for more than 24 hours. He was questioned for over 11 hours on Tuesday and left the ED after 11 p.m.

Officials said Rahul was summoned on Wednesday because questioning and recording a statement were taking too long.

While ED sources stated that Rahul recorded his statement and meticulously reviewed the transcript, Congress leaders claimed that the investigators took numerous breaks during his questioning on Monday.
PM Modi will attend the Chief Secretaries Conference and a mega roadshow in poll-bound Dharamshala during his two-day visit to HP beginning June 16.

PM Narendra Modi will attend the Chief Secretaries Conference and hold a mega roadshow in Dharamshala during his two-day visit to poll-bound Himachal Pradesh, which begins on June 16. According to the itinerary, PM Modi will attend the Chief Secretaries Conference in Dharamshala, followed by a massive roadshow. The Prime Minister will depart for Delhi in the afternoon of June 17.

PM Modi visited Shimla in May to address a rally rally commemorating his governments eighth anniversary. In addition, he released the eleventh instalment of Kisan Samman Nidhi. During his visit, the Prime Minister met with recipients of central schemes from across the country.

The Prime Ministers latest visit, however, comes on the heels of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Manns June 11 visit to the hill state, as AAP seeks to expand beyond Delhi and now Punjab.
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BEIJING (AP)  Thousands of coronavirus testing sites have popped up on sidewalks across Beijing and other Chinese cities in the latest development in the country's zero-COVID strategy.

Lines form every day, rain or shine, even where the spread of the virus has largely stopped. Some people need to go to work. Others want to shop. All are effectively compelled to get tested by a requirement to show a negative test result to enter office buildings, malls and other public places.

Liu Lele, who works for a live-streaming company, has no problem getting tested regularly but said the daytime operating hours don't always fit his schedule.

Sometimes I get held up at work," he said after finishing a test Thursday near Beijing's historic Bell and Drum towers. "I wish there were sites open 24 hours or not closing until 7 or 8 p.m.

Regular testing of residents is becoming the new normal in many parts of China as the ruling Communist Party sticks steadfastly to a zero-COVID approach that is increasingly at odds with the rest of the world.

Major cities have been told to set up testing stations within a 15-minute walk for all residents. Beijing and Shanghai alone have put up 10,000 or more each. Some are made up of folding tables and chairs under a temporary canopy. Others are enclosed square booths from which gloved workers reach out through openings to take a quick throat swab from the next person in line.

Many cities including Beijing are requiring a negative test result within the last three days to enter a public place or take the bus or subway. Some have made it a week or 10 days. The tests are free, with the result reflected on the persons smartphone health app roughly 12 hours later.

This is something we should do, said Beijing retiree Wang Shiyuan, who gets tested every three days in case he needs to go to the supermarket or take a bus. Only when everyone obeys the requirements can we reduce the risk of transmission.

The move follows a recent outbreak in Shanghai that spread so widely that authorities locked down the entire city for two months to end it, trapping millions of people and dealing a blow to the national economy.

China kept the virus largely at bay for a year and a half by locking down buildings and neighborhoods and quarantining infected people, but the rapidly spreading omicron variant proved more difficult to stop. More than 580 people died in Shanghai  a large number in a country that had reported only a handful of deaths after an initial deadly outbreak in Wuhan in early 2020.

Guo Yanhong, an official with the National Health Commission, said testing has become more important because omicron is both more contagious and is spread by people without symptoms.

We must adhere to the strategy of expanding prevention centered on nucleic acid testing, so as to control the epidemic earlier and faster, she said Thursday at a news conference.

A handful of new cases  some linked to a nightlife quarter in Beijing and a hair salon in Shanghai  prompted authorities to lock down areas in both cities Thursday. The cases followed an easing of restrictions on movement and the reopening of many retail businesses in the past week.

Andy Chen, a senior analyst with the Trivium China consultancy, said the proliferation of testing sites is a reaction to the failure of existing measures to control omicron in Shanghai, though officials have not explicitly said so.

Authorities have decided that early detection is needed to control omicron outbreaks without extreme measures that cause major economic disruption.

The regular testing requirements are meant to improve the zero-COVID strategy, Chen said in an email. The end goal is to keep the virus under control while avoiding another Shanghai-like lockdown.

Many other countries, their populations weary of pandemic restrictions and eager to move on, are betting that rising vaccination rates and the development of treatments for COVID-19 mean they can avoid lockdowns and other disruptive steps and live with the virus instead.

China's leaders have repeatedly signaled that they believe the zero-COVID approach remains the right one for China, even as they try to boost a flagging economy with business tax refunds, easier credit and spending on infrastructure projects.

Entry to the country remains restricted, with visas difficult to get and few international flights, making it costly and hard to get a seat. Anyone who does enter must quarantine in a hotel, usually for two weeks. Chinese generally can't leave the country unless it is for work or study.

Most analysts expect the zero-COVID policies to remain in place at least until after a major Communist Party congress this fall at which leader Xi Jinping is expected to get a third five-year term. The party touted its approach as a success when COVID-19 was ravaging other countries, and it doesn't want a major outbreak in the run-up to its meeting.

___

Associated Press researcher Yu Bing and video producer Olivia Zhang in Beijing and researcher Si Chen in Shanghai contributed to this report.
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Ask U.S. Rep. Jim Himes about the links between this weeks two biggest national news events, the Senate deal on gun-violence prevention and the Jan. 6 committee hearings in the House, and the 4th District Connecticut Democrat quickly returns to the U.S. Capitol siege.

He was one of the last lawmakers whisked to safety that day in 2021 and he heard the mob scene, including the gunshot that killed an insurgent.

Theres one very obvious connection between what happened on Jan. 6 and a country that is awash with guns, Himes told me this week. If Washington, D.C., didnt have very strict gun regulations, Jan. 6 would have had hundreds of people killed.

He has no doubt that the attackers who pushed their way into the Capitol would have pulled guns if they had been allowed to carry them in the protest. There would have been blood running in the streets, Himes said. Its serious enough as it is, but that would have been an apocalypse.

Connections between the two events go way beyond that hellish image.

Clearly, the same people, the same irrational fears, have landed millions of military-style, semi-automatic rifles into the hands of mostly young, mostly white American men  and have led a narrow majority of Republicans to say the 2020 election was stolen from former President Donald Trump according to an Ipsos/Reuters poll.

Clearly, this weeks aligned moments of reckoning in Congress for the Jan. 6 siege and the epidemic of mass murders reflect the national standoff where we find ourselves, all the more intractable by the disgrace of Trump himself and the specter of a political party clinging to his lies.

Clearly, the breakthroughs were now seeing are attempting to address not just the narrow crimes at issue but massive social movements. We have a gun culture gone haywire and a political culture built on factless rejection of valid election results. Democrats, along with a few brave Republicans, are right to see the urgency of reversing both.

Much less clear is whether these breakthroughs  the compromise gun-control deal in the Senate, brokered in part by Connecticuts two senators, and the public testimony by inner-circle Trumpists that, yes, of course, the president knew he was lying about the election and called for a violent protest anyway  can lead to sweeping results.

50 years after Watergate

The break-in at the Watergate complex happened 50 years ago Friday. When we look back in 50 more years, will the events of this week stack up against the Watergate hearings of 1973 or the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or, in gun control, the 10-year ban on black rifles starting in 1994?

They most likely will not. Maybe its unfair to compare this weeks developments to three of the landmark political events of the late-20th century. Unfair, but important to do anyway, since were talking here about historic swings at monumental crises.

The U.S. House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, important as it is, will probably not lead to the indictment of Trump, though it would be nice to see, along with charges against Rudy inebriated on Election Night Giuliani (he denies that accusation). More to the point, because were so divided in this flap, and because one of the two major parties buys in to the lie in order to win votes for itself, a reversal of the Trumpist culture seems even less in the cards.

Likewise, we will think of this limited compromise on gun-violence prevention coming out of the Senate in sweeping historical terms only if it leads to more legislation. On its own, no, its not a watershed.

It adds background checks only for purchasers ages 18 to 20 and even then, not absolutely. It lacks gun-storage rules; it only encourages with cash incentives, rather than requiring states to adopt red flag laws enabling authorities to temporarily remove guns from dangerous people. It bans no firearms or magazines; it doesnt address so-called ghost guns made without serial numbers.

Setting aside this admittedly impossible standard of historic importance, the hearings and the gun-control agreement have great value and they go further than I, for one, imagined.

Last month I wrote a column headlined Why well see emotion, anger and no new U.S. gun violence laws after Uvalde. Im very happy to report that it appears I was wrong, although Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, told reporters Wednesday that some of the key provisions of the deal might not survive, Politico reported.

Limited options on guns

Himes harbors both a pragmatic view and a note of hope, in both the gun-violence agreement and the Jan. 6 committee hearings.

This gun deal is going to save a few lives, but its not nearly everything that we need, to save a lot of lives. Look, Im celebrating it, Im going to vote for it. But in terms of its effect, its pretty small beer, he told me. Weve got a long way to go.

The deal, not yet drafted into a proposal, would also close the so-called boyfriend loophole that allows violent domestic abusers to get around gun-buying bans if theyre not married; finance more behavioral health centers; and up the federal penalties hugely for straw purchasers of guns for people who cant buy them.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn, showed his view of the deal he helped hammer out on Wednesday, in a hearing on gun violence by the Senate Judiciary Committee. People should demand more and that includes safe storage, said Blumenthal, who said mandatory storage rules  not in the deal  are crucial.

But Blumenthal said, repeating comments he and Sen. Chris Murphy have made all week, I think we are in a very different political environment where people on both sides of the aisle are heeding the American peoples demand and plea, Do something.

Do what? Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, not one of the ten GOP senators on board with the deal, railed with emotion and described in bloody detail the scenes he has witnessed at mass shootings. His answer: Lock up firearms criminals and protect schools with armed guards  not exactly cutting into gun culture.

Gaping chest wound in our democracy

Democrats hold similar views of the Jan. 6 hearings  useful but maybe not nation-changing. Himes cited a Washington Post report Tuesday that showed 108 Republican primary winners for statewide or Congressional seats  a majority of those the newspaper examined  campaigned on Trumps lies about election fraud.

Gaping chest wound in our democracy, Himes called it.

Any effects from the hearings, he added, will be on the margin because in Trumpworld, theres no outrage so bad that is changes everybodys mind.

But it can change some minds. It will remind Americans of what they went through. It will remind some Republicans that this guy, whatever you think of him, is a massive agent of chaos, and I think on the margin thats a good thing.

His Republican friends dont like all that chaos, all those questions about their views of Trump.

Himes agreed that these hearings will not have a moment like the one in the 1954 Army-McCarthy hearings, when a government lawyer brought down anti-communist demagogue Sen. Joseph McCarthy with the words, Have you no sense of decency, sir?

And it wont be Watergate, which brought down President Richard Nixon, uniting Democrats and many Republicans in reforms.

Far from Washington, the mixed view of both events holds forth among Democrats. Important steps, even if sweeping cultural reform remains elusive. State Rep. Mary Welander, D-Orange, elected in 2020, said small changes can add up.

Weve got to figure out a way forward, Welander said, where we can work together and where people can have conversations that dont devolve immediately.

dhaar@hearstmediact.com
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BRESCIA, Italy (AP)  Fine Italian knitwear packed in boxes addressed to retailers in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kursk sit stacked in a Lombardy warehouse awaiting dispatch. Although not subject to sanctions to punish Russia for invading Ukraine, the garments are not likely to ship any time soon.

Missing payments from the Russian retailers who ordered the garments are piling up due to restrictions tied to the banking sector, putting pressure on small fashion producers like D. Exterior, a high-end knitwear company with 50 workers in the northern city of Brescia.

This is very painful. I have 2 million euros worth of merchandise in the warehouse, and if they cannot pay for it, I will be on my knees, said D. Exterior owner Nadia Zanola, surveying the warehouse for the brand she founded in 1997 from the knitwear company created by her parents in 1952.

Italy is the largest producer of global luxury goods in the world, making 40% of high-end apparel, footwear and accessories. While Russia generates just about 3% of Italian luxurys 97 billion euros ($101 billion) in annual revenue, it is a significant slice of business for some of the 80,000 small and medium companies that make up the backbone of Italian fashion, according to industry officials.

We are talking about eliminating 80% to 100% of revenues for these companies, said Fabio Pietrella, president of the Confartigianato fashion craftsman federation.

Districts producing footwear in the Marche and Veneto regions, and knitwear makers in Umbria and Emilia-Romagna have grown particularly reliant on Russia.

These are districts that connect the supply chain, and if it is interrupted, not only is the company that closes harmed, but an entire system that help make this country an economic powerhouse, Pietrella said.

The Italian fashion world is best known for luxury houses like Gucci, Versace and Armani, which unveil their menswear collections in Milan this week. And some of the biggest names appear on a list compiled by Yale University professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld of major companies doing business in Russia since the war in Ukraine began.

There are companies that kept selling to Nazi Germany after the outbreak of World War II  we don't celebrate them for that, Sonnenfeld said, labeling as greedy any enterprise that continues to do business in Russia today.

He also underlined that fashion companies dont have the grounds to make humanitarian appeals to bypass sanctions, voluntary or otherwise, as has been the case with agricultural firms and pharmaceutical companies.

Among those receiving a failing grade from Sonnenfeld is Italy's Benetton, which in a statement condemned the war but said it would continue its commercial activities in Russia, including longstanding commercial and logistic partnerships and a network of stores that sustain 600 families.

French conglomerate LVMH, meanwhile, has temporarily closed 124 stores in Russia, while continuing to pay its 3,500 employees in Russia. The Spanish group Inditex, which owns the fast-fashion chain Zara, also temporarily closed 502 stores in Russia as well as its online sales, accounting for 8.5% of group pre-tax earnings.

Pietrella fears a sort of Russia-phobia is taking hold that is demonizing business owners for trying to keep up ties with a longer-term vision.

He characterized as a witch-hunt criticism of some 40 shoe producers from the Marche region on Italys Adriatic coast for traveling to Russia for a trade fair during the war.

European Union sanctions against Russia sharpened after the Ukraine invasion, setting a 300-euro wholesale maximum for each item shipped, taking super-luxury items out of circulation but still targeting the upper-middle class or wealthy Russians.

Without a doubt, we as the fashion federation have expressed our extreme concern over the aggression in Ukraine, Pietrella said. From an ethical point of view, it is out of discussion. But we have to think of our companies. Ethics are one thing. The market is another. Workers in a company are paid by the market, not by ethics.

He said the 300-euro limit on sales was a gambit by European politicians that on paper allows trade with Russia despite accompanying bureaucratic and financial hurdles, while also shielding governments from having to provide bailout funds to the industry. He also dismissed as overly facile government suggestions to find alternative markets to Russia.

If there was another market, we would be there already, Pietrella said.

At D. Exterior, exposure to Russia grew gradually over the years to now represent 35% to 40% of revenue that hit 22 million euros before the pandemic, a stream that is also under new pressure from higher energy and raw material costs.

The company was already delivering its summer collection and taking orders for winter when Russia invaded on Feb. 24. By March, Russian retailers were having trouble making payments.

Not only is Zanola stuck with some 4,000 spring and summer garments that she has little hope of shipping to Russian clients, she said she was contractually required to keep producing the winter orders, risking 100,000 euros in labor and materials costs if those are unable to ship.

Over the years, her Russian clients have proven to be ideal customers, Zanola said. Not only do they pay on time, but they are appreciative of the workmanship in D. Exteriors knitwear creations.

After working so hard to build up her Russian customer base, she is loathe to give it up and doesn't see a quick long-term replacement.

If Russia were Putin, I wouldnt go there. But since Russia is not only Putin, one hopes that the poor Russians manage to raise themselves up,'' she said.

____

AP reporter Ciaran Giles contributed from Madrid.

____

This story was first published on June 16, 2022. It was updated on June 17, 2022 to correct the name of a Yale professor. It is Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, not Jeffrey Sonnenberg.
A Plymouth man with a history of being accused of having inappropriate contact with children in Connecticut stores was arrested again this week on similar charges, police said.

Anthony Anselmo, 64, of the Terryville section of town, turned himself in to police Monday after being accused of touching an autistic girl in the Newington Savers store in May, police said.

Anselmo has been charged with third-degree sexual assault, risk of injury to a minor and breach of peace, police said. He was released on $160,000 bail and is due in state Superior Court in New Britain June 27.

According to police, a witness notified authorities on May 14 after she learned a man had touched a 13-year-old girl in the thrift store at 3137 Berlin Turnpike. Officers responded, but the man was gone.

The woman told police she saw an older white male watch the girl and follow her around the store when the child was shopping with her mother, police said.

At one point, after the girl walked down an aisle away from her mom, the witness saw the man follow her, police said. The witness then heard some commotion and asked the girl what happened, police said.

The girl responded that the man touched her, according to police, who described the girl as having autism. The woman told the girls mother, who followed the man into the parking lot, police said.

The man ran to a black Harley motorcycle and took off south on the Berlin Turnpike, according to police.

Police determined the man had gone into the store about two hours earlier and they identified him as Anselmo.

Anselmo is accused of being involved in a similar incident in a Danbury Dollar Tree on Oct. 17, 2020. In that case, police said he very quickly reached under the jacket of a girl while she was holding her mothers hand and grabbed the girls breast, according to the warrant for his arrest.

Police charged him in that incident with fourth-degree sexual assault, risk of injury to a minor and breach of peace on Jan. 9, 2021. Anselmo denied having had physical contact with a child in the store and pleaded not guilty in state Superior Court in Danbury, where he remains on the trial list, according to court records.

He also faces similar charges in West Hartford, where he was charged with fourth-degree sexual assault and risk of injury on Oct. 28, 2020. Details about those allegations werent available Wednesday.

Anselmo hasnt entered a plea yet in that case. He is next due in Hartford court July 12.

Ashley Richard, assistant public defender at the Hartford courthouse, declined to comment Wednesday.
ANSONIA  The citys second annual Juneteenth celebration will feature more food, vendors and attractions plus music and entertainment and a little history too.

Valley Save our Youth is hosting the celebration June 18 at Gatison Park. The event will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Len Duffus, the event organizer, said the holiday is needed now more than ever as a result of the continuing impacts of racism in the country. A mass shooting occurred at a Buffalo, New York supermarket located in a predominately Black community last month. Ten African Americans were killed and the shooter, a white man is now facing federal hate crime charges.

Weve come so far, but we have so far to go, he said. This is a new holiday, but it shouldnt be a new holiday. This has been around for a long time, (since) two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

He said the struggle to get recognition for the day has been going on for years.

So especially with the climate of the country right now, this is good to bring together the African American community in a celebratory fashion, Duffus said.

Juneteenth, which is celebrated on June 19, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas months after the end of the Civil War. The holiday was celebrated mostly in Texas for the first half of the 20th century, but the holiday become a nationwide celebration as a consequence of the Great Migration between 1910 and the early 1970s, when an estimated six million Black people moved out of the South in search of better job opportunities and to escape institutional racism.

People can learn about why the holiday exists and also, about the organizations new teen center set to open on June 25.

But while Juneteenth is now widely celebrated in the state, Duffus said the event will also be a chance for people to have frank discussions about white supremacy.

A lot of people are funny when we talk about racial conversations, especially revolving around slavery, critical race theory, people who think talking about American history is a bad thing, he said. Were going to educate.
FDA Committee Pushes mRNA COVID Shots for Infants and Toddlers NEWS PROVIDED BY Liberty Counsel June 16, 2022



The FDA's briefing



Pfizer announced these results after delaying the



Recent studies also suggest that the effectiveness of COVID-19 shots in children is low in the beginning and wanes rapidly to statistical insignificance. Moreover, the data suggests that vaccine effectiveness in children actually becomes negative within several months after the second dose.



Researchers from the New York State Department of Health published a



Comparing COVID-19 cases during January between unvaccinated and vaccinated children, they estimated initial vaccine effectiveness (VE) for children aged twelve to seventeen to be 76 percent, but this dropped to below 50 percent after just five weeks after the second dose. In addition, they observed a drop in effectiveness in children ages five to eleven from 65 percent to just 12 percent after only one month. WASHINGTON, June 16, 2022 / Christian Newswire / -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee voted unanimously yesterday to recommend that the agency authorize the mRNA COVID injections for children under five years of age and as young as six months.The FDA's briefing document released earlier claimed that the vaccine efficacy in children under five years is 80.3 percent. However, even though the study to "determine" this included 1,678 children who received three doses of the formulation, the stated 80.3 percent efficacy claim is based only on "10 symptomatic COVID-19 cases identified from seven days after the third dose and accrued as of April 29, 2022." (emphasis added)Pfizer announced these results after delaying the EUA application process to gather more data. Initially, children in the study did not produce a significant immune response after two doses, so the company delayed the request until they could give the children a third dose. The trial reportedly was evaluating "the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of three doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine."Recent studies also suggest that the effectiveness of COVID-19 shots in children is low in the beginning and wanes rapidly to statistical insignificance. Moreover, the data suggests that vaccine effectiveness in children actually becomes negative within several months after the second dose.Researchers from the New York State Department of Health published a study on February 28 noting that the evidence for COVID vaccine effectiveness in children, particularly those aged five to eleven, was "limited." The authors concluded, "During Omicron variant predominance, vaccine effectiveness against infection declined rapidly for young children in the state of New York, with low protection by one month following full vaccination."Comparing COVID-19 cases during January between unvaccinated and vaccinated children, they estimated initial vaccine effectiveness (VE) for children aged twelve to seventeen to be 76 percent, but this dropped to below 50 percent after just five weeks after the second dose. In addition, they observed a drop in effectiveness in children ages five to eleven from 65 percent to just 12 percent after only one month.



Another study by CDC researchers published in JAMA on May 13, 2022, concluded that "Among children and adolescents, estimated VE for 2 doses of BNT162b2 [the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine] was modest and decreased rapidly." The CDC authors also noted that estimates of vaccine effectiveness against the Omicron variant, which became predominant during December 2021, "are lacking." The CDC researchers estimated initial vaccine effectiveness for children aged five to eleven to be 60 percent. However, within two months (the limit of the duration of follow-up for this age group), effectiveness dropped to just 29 percent. The FDA's briefing document also claims that the majority of adverse events in Pfizer's clinical trial were non-serious. However, an analysis by two Israeli researchers shows that at least 58 life-threatening adverse events from the shots in infants and toddlers under three years old were reported to VAERS. The most common serious adverse events were life-threatening bleeding, anaphylactic shock, anticholinergic syndrome, encephalitis, hypoglycemia and neuroleptic syndrome. In most of the reported cases, these children had multiple injuries. During the analysis, cases were removed in which it was stated that the exposure to the COVID shot was through breastfeeding. Even though children under five were not considered eligible for these COVID shots unless they were part of a clinical trial, in some of the cases the VAERS report states the children were not part of a clinical trial. In other cases, it is not clear whether they participated in a clinical trial or were vaccinated in other unknown circumstances. Apparently, there was not any follow-up on the medical condition of babies who suffered from severe and life-threatening adverse events, so it is uncertain whether they survived and recovered or died. A summary of the findings of the analysis of the 58 life-threatening adverse events according to age is as follows: In the age group of 0-6 months, 28 reports include nine suffered an anticholinergic syndrome, nine had an anaphylactic shock, eight suffered Neuroleptic syndrome, five suffered from heart rhythm irregularities, and five had hypoglycemia.



In the age group of 6-12 months, five cases had adverse reactions which included anaphylactic shock, anticholinergic syndrome, and Neuroleptic syndrome.



In the age group of one - three-year-olds, 25 cases were reported, six of the babies had an anaphylactic shock, six suffered anticholinergic syndrome, five suffered from Neuroleptic syndrome, four suffered encephalitis, three had irregular heartbeats, one baby was hemorrhaging, and one suffered from hypoglycemia. Several specific examples of the adverse events in these children include: A one-year-old baby received a Pfizer shot on January 19, 2021 and developed a pain in her left ear that escalated to full paralysis, which was diagnosed as Guillain Barre syndrome, face paralysis, non-infectious encephalitis, non-infectious meningitis, earaches and hearing disorders. The report specified she was not a participant in a trial.



A 43-day-old female baby received Pfizer's COVID shot on January 30, 2021 and suffered a variety of life-threatening multi-system injuries, such as "anaphylactic reaction, asthma/bronchospasm, Anticholinergic syndrome, acute central respiratory depression, pulmonary hypertension, cardiomyopathy, eosinophilic pneumonia, vestibular disorders, hypersensitivity, respiratory failure, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome. The report does not specify whether the baby survived though it states she has not recovered.



A two-month-old baby suffered a cardiac arrest one hour after receiving a Pfizer COVID-19 injection on February 2, 2021.



A one-month-old baby suffered "vaginal bleeding with chunks of clots" the following day after receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on May 19, 2021.



A six-month-old baby who recieved the COVID-10 Pfizer shot on December 29, 2021 experienced anaphylactic shock, anticholinergic syndrome, Neuroleptic syndrome, infectious pneumonia, other infections, and multi-system symptoms. Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, "Our precious children should not be the guinea pigs of pharmaceutical companies. There is no significant benefit and all risk to inject a child with an experimental COVID shot. Common sense and science seems to be rare these days at the FDA." Liberty Counsel provides broadcast quality TV interviews via Hi-Def Skype and LTN at no cost.



SOURCE Liberty Counsel



CONTACT: Mat Staver, 407-875-1776, Liberty@LC.org



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LAREDO, Texas (AP)  A recount was underway Thursday in a Texas primary race between Democratic U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar and progressive challenger Jessica Cisneros following their tight runoff in May.

Before the recount, Cuellar had been leading Cisneros by 187 votes, or 0.4 percentage points, out of 45,429 ballots counted as of last week, according to an Associated Press count. The AP will not declare a winner until the recount is completed.
Residents in more than 70 municipalities across the state will receive a smaller tax bill than usual come July 1, as the statewide cap on motor vehicle taxes goes into effect.

Under the new cap, which was approved as part of the state budget last month, lowered the amount each municipality can charge for taxes on motor vehicles.

Previously, towns and cities could charge up to $45 in taxes per $1,000 of assessed value, or 45 mills, according to General Assembly documents.

The cap remained at 45 mills from 2017 until this year, when it was dropped to 32.46 mills, or $32.46 in taxes per $1,000 of assessed value, according to the documents.

Special boroughs and taxing districts can enact their own vehicle taxes, but the special districts combined with the municipality taxes cannot exceed 45 mills, according to the documents.

With the cap lowered statewide, vehicle owners in 72 of the states 169 municipalities will see lower taxes on their next bills, according to data from the Office of Policy and Management.

Six cities previously had set the highest mill rate allowed; East Hartford, Hamden, Hartford, Naugatuck, Torrington and Waterbury had all been charging 45 mills in vehicle tax and now must cut their rates by more than 10 mills, according to the data.

Of the 72 towns impacted, the smallest change will occur in Chaplin, which had a rate of 32.5 mills  barely above the new cap. It must lower its motor vehicle rate by 0.04 mills, according to the data.

In the remaining towns and cities in the state, the mill rates are already below the cap of 32.46 mills.

Speaking on Tuesday at Room to Grow preschool in Norwalk, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz reminded residents what they can expect when they receive their new motor vehicle tax bills next month.

The tax relief youre going to see on your vehicles will be in your property tax bill that you get at the end of June or beginning of July, Bysiewicz said. Whats going to happen is if you live in one of those 70 municipalities, you will see the tax cut when you get your tax bill. It tends to be larger cities, medium-size cities, the alliance school district, but also some eastern and western Connecticut towns as well.

In municipalities impacted by the new cap, the lower car tax will be automatically applied to the next tax bill, Bysiewicz said. Residents will not be required to do anything to see the results, she said.

Heres the crux of why we did it: Its often the case in cities like Norwalk, or Hartford, or Bridgeport, or Middletown, somebody can have a Honda and pay much more than you would pay if you had that Honda in Greenwich, Bysiewicz said. So, that is the point. Property taxes are very regressive, and the idea is to help the neediest communities.

The tax cap on motor vehicles is one in a series of tax cuts signed into law early last month when Gov. Ned Lamont approved the fiscal year 2022-23 budget adjustment bill.

While the residents in the 72 municipalities will be impacted by the tax cap, the towns and cities whose mill rates were lowered will still be supported by the state.

(The car tax cap) reduces property taxes on motor vehicles in 75 cities and towns by capping mill rates at 32.46 and reimbursing the municipalities for the lost revenue, a statement by the governor read. For example, if a town has a mill rate of 50, motor vehicle owners will pay a rate of 32.46 and the state will reimburse that town for the remainder.

Lowering the tax cap, however, will cost the state about $100 million annually. Initially, a mill rate of 29 was proposed, and would have cost the state $160 million a year. Lowering the cost incurred by the state to $100 million raised the tax cap to the approved 32.46 mills.

abigail.brone@hearstmediact.com
Bashir Machina, the Yobe North Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has assured that Ahmad Lawan, President of the Se...





Bashir Machina, the Yobe North Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has assured that Ahmad Lawan, President of the Senate, has no plan to return to the Senate in 2023.





Machina insisted he would not surrender the ticket to Lawan, saying that the senator would not have contested the partys presidential primary if he had the ambition of returning to the Senate.





Lawan, had contested for the APC presidential ticket but lost to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the primary election.





Report has it that Lawan is seeking a transfer of the Senatorial ticket secured by Machina to him to return to the Senate.





Speaking on Politics, a current affairs programme on Channels Television on Wednesday, Machina explained, The pressure is more or less speculative. There wasnt any clear-cut person or message directly that says I should step down but from the headquarters of my party (APC), recently I was informed that if I was still in the race, I should write formally to inform the party that I am.





He further explained that the letter that trended online was his response to the request from an unnamed caller from the national headquarters of the APC.





He stated that he formally wrote a letter to the party, reiterating and affirming his position that he is still the candidate; that he did not withdraw, and he is in the race in the event that anybody is contemplating or doubting that there is any move.





And when I contested for Senate, Lawan did not participate (in the primary) or did not contest (for Senate). So, I dont think that may be in any way an issue, he explained.
Nollywood actor, Okon Lagos has disclosed that he will sell his votes during the 2023 general elections. The actor said he will sell...

Nollywood actor, Okon Lagos has disclosed that he will sell his votes during the 2023 general elections.

The actor said he will sell his vote at a considerate price since Nigeria politicians visit the electorates just once every four years.

You see all these dont sell your vote, dont sell your vote e nor concern me because I have my PVC and I will sell my vote, I will sell my vote at a very considerate price.

Because you know most of all these politicians that come to buy votes only appear once in your life every four years, buy your votes in the polling units and disappear and appear after another four years, he said.

Okon Lagos added that he will offer an exchange rate of N500 to a dollar for every day in a year.
Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri has tendered an apology to the All Progressives Congress, APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu fo...

Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri has tendered an apology to the All Progressives Congress, APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu for mocking his alleged health challenges.

Omokri, a major critic of Tinubu had via his social media handles, ridiculed the health status of the former Lagos State Governor in a bid to tarnish his image ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Reno had published several video clips alleging that Tinubu has health issues and may be unfit to rule the country.

Omokris actions had triggered a fight between him and supporters of the Asiwaju of Lagos.

However, in a post on his official Facebook page on Thursday, Reno apologized to Tinubu and his supporters, saying he would henceforth, stop attacking Tinubu over his health.

He wrote, Atiku, Tinubu, and Obi have been friendly with each other for upwards of 20 years. So, you and I should support any one of them without being unfriendly to each other.

I will campaign for my candidate, but wont force him on you. Please do likewise with me! This election will come and go. But Nigeria will remain, and God sparing our lives, we will also remain. No insults, no threats, no slander.

I have been guilty of using Bola Tinubus health status against him and I have come to realise that if we do not die early, we will all age and may suffer ill health. Therefore, I profoundly apologise to Mr. Tinubu and his supporters.

Even though it may seem that the health of a candidate is a serious issue, I nevertheless promise to focus on other issues besides his health henceforth. May God bless you all.
A former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, has warned that unless the Supreme Court of Nigeria is adequa...

A former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, has warned that unless the Supreme Court of Nigeria is adequately funded, the apex Court may soon end up as a glorified High Court.





The immediate past CJN lamented that Justices of the apex court are suffering in silence since 2008 when their salaries and emoluments were last reviewed by the government.





Onnoghen, who spoke in Abuja, at a function on Thursday revealed that some Justices of the apex court still live in rented accommodations in unsuitable areas in the Federal Capital Territory.





Besides the poor residential accommodation issue, the former CJN explained that chambers of the Supreme Court Justices are unbefitting of their status and appealed that the court be properly funded to enable the Justices to perform optimally in a conducive atmosphere.





He recalled that while in office as CJN, he headed a team comprising the Attorney General of the Federation AGF as well as Solicitor General of the Federation SGF which prepared a new welfare scheme on the orders of the federal government and lamented that since his exit, the Welfare Scheme Report which would have enhanced the condition of service of the Justices had been jettisoned.





He, therefore, pleaded that funding of the judiciary be immediately looked into with a view to improving it because of the critical role of the judiciary in nation-building.





Maintaining that the Supreme Court is still being overworked with Justices bearing the brunt, Justice Onnoghen canvassed that appeal cases should not be assigned to the Supreme Court as of right but by leave of the court to eliminate congestion in the workload of the court.





The Judiciary is not Nigerias problem but bad leadership. There must be a rethink on issues affecting the judiciary because, without a strong legal profession, you cannot talk of the rule of law, he said.





He commended the organizer of the function, Mrs Ewuwuni Onnoghen-Theophilus and pleaded that youths be encouraged to enable them to contribute meaningfully to the general development of the country.
The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has condemned and dissociated itself from inflammatory political utterances by Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, the Direc...





The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has condemned and dissociated itself from inflammatory political utterances by Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, the Director of Catholic Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy Enugu.





Recall that Mbaka had on Wednesday described Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi as a stingy man, declaring that unless God ceases to exist, Obi would never smell the seat of the president.





According to him, it was better to have an old man as president than a stingy young man.





Reacting, the Bishop of Enugu, Rev Ernest Obodo, in a statement on Thursday, said Mbakas inflammatory political utterances were divisive and they contravene the canon 220 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law which prohibits anyone from illegitimately harming the good name of a person.





He further stated that Mbakas views on the matter are entirely personal to him and do not represent the position of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu.





The Bishop, therefore, warned Mbaka to refrain from making further provocative prophecies or utterances capable of heating up the polity.





We assure the people of God and the general public that the Catholic Diocese of Enugu is taking the due canonical process.





Finally, we urge all the People of God to continue to pray for peaceful elections and to discharge their civic responsibilities by getting their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and casting their votes in order to elect the right candidates. May Our Lady, Queen of Nigeria, intercede for us, he added.
Troops of the 202 battalion and 82 division task force battalion have rescued two of the Chibok girls abducted in 2014. The girls, i...

Troops of the 202 battalion and 82 division task force battalion have rescued two of the Chibok girls abducted in 2014.

The girls, identified as Hauwa Joseph and Mary Dauda, were found with two children.

On April 14, 2014, over 200 schoolgirls were abducted when insurgents attacked the Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) in Chibok, Borno state.

The abduction of the girls in 2014 was followed by a global outcry that birthed the #BringBackOurGirls movement.

Hauwa, who hails from Mbalala in Askira Uba LGA of Borno state, was rescued alongside her one-year-old child at Ngazua village in Bama LGA of Borno state.

TheCable understands that Hauwa was forcefully married to one Munzur, six years ago.

According to Hauwa, she escaped when the Nigerian Army raided a camp where she was kept with Munzur, who died during the military operation.

For Mary Dauda, she was rescued by troops with her one-year-old son, Ayuba, in the general area of Gava in Gwoza LGA, Borno, on June 14.

Mary, who is said to hail from Rumingo in Chibok LGA of Borno, was about 19 years old at the time of her abduction.

According to Mary, the father of her child was killed alongside about 40 others in May 2022, in an air strike by troops of operation Hadin Kai at Sabil Huda camp in Sambisa forest.

The two rescued victims were numbered 18 and 46 on the list of the abducted Chibok students published by the state government.

The two rescued victims and their babies are currently at a military medical facility in Maiduguri.

Christopher Musa, theatre commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), north-east, operation Hadin Kai, commended the troops for the achievement recorded against the insurgents.

He also thanked Leo Irabor, the chief of defence staff, and other stakeholders in the military for their strategic guidance and logistics support on the conduct of the ongoing operations.

The two girls are expected to be handed over to Borno state government.

As of April 2021, a total of 112 girls were said to still be missing  but a few of them have been found.
Former governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, said the declaration of support for the South-West aspirant by the northern govern...

Former governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, said the declaration of support for the South-West aspirant by the northern governors of the All Progressives Congress, prompted him to step down for the presidential candidate of the party, Bola Tinubu.

Amosun and other presidential aspirants from the South including the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and former speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, stepped down for Tinubu at the APC convention held in Abuja.

The former governor stated this on Thursday while addressing his supporters, drawn from all the local government areas of the state who converged on the Alake palace pavilion in Abeokuta for a welcome rally.

Amosun who addressed his supporters both in English and Yoruba said he was not desperate to be the partys presidential candidate.

He said he alloted 20 per cent interest to the presidential contest while he gave the remaining 80 per cent to the general interest of the South-West and Nigeria.

According to him, when I was declaring interest for the presidential seat two years ago, I had told my supporters that I was going into the race with 20 per cent interest while I would throw my support to anyone chosen by the party.

He said, let me tell you this, you sent me to Abuja to go and work for us, I told them when I addressed them why I wanted to be president of Nigeria.

But my wanting to be president of Nigeria cannot supersede the interest of all of us in Nigeria, all of us in the south, all of us in the southwest.

It got to a point that we realised that our brother governors from the North were even rooting to say they want the presidency to go to the south.

Then, we say, if we want the presidency to come to the south, then, all of us, we must find a way to unite, we must find a way to drop all these personal ambitions for the overall interest of all of us in the entire south and particularly, the Southwest.

On Tinubus emergence as APC candidate, Amosun said, I want to be President of Nigeria but my wanting to be president of Nigeria is just 20 per cent and that 80 per cent of it is that the presidency should come to the southwest; lo and behold, almighty God has answered that prayer, ultimately, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is our flagbearer will be the President of this great nation, Nigeria.

So, what I want you to do, all the love, all the support, all the prayer that you have been giving to me, continue but, please, extend that support and prayer to our flagbearer, support APC, let us all campaign round because this is the only country that we have.

Meanwhile, Amosun said that except for former President Olusegun Obasanjo, no politician from the state either dead or alive had served Ogun state more than he has done.

Amosun who has spent eight years as governor and running for his second term in the Senate said he had committed 15 years of his life to serve Ogun state.

Amosun had initially served as a senator representing Ogun central in 2003 and later became governor in 2011 where he spent eight years.

He said, In this Ogun State, since 1999, I am on camera, except for Baba Olusegun Obasanjo, I am not talking of pre-1999, no human being, dead or alive has served Ogun State the way I have served.

I have done eight years as your governor, by next year it will be my 8th year in the Senate. Just between 1999 and now, I have served Ogun State for 15 years of my lifetime.

Let anybody that has done that come out, I am not talking of our referred fathers. I accept that there are so many giants that came before me, we stood on their shoulders and we are still standing on their shoulders, but the truth must be told and we must say it.

Since 1999, Ibikunle Amosun has paid his dues in Ogun State and I am still paying it. Put your mind at rest, we are APC, APC is ours.
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Rain showers this evening with mostly cloudy conditions overnight. Low 56F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Rain showers this evening with mostly cloudy conditions overnight. Low 56F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
The Sazerac is so deeply embedded in New Orleans that at plenty of restaurants, ordering one of these cocktails practically counts as a first course.

Its a curtain-raiser that sets the stage for the meal to follow, and also a cocktail that declares a sense of space, specifically and incontrovertibly New Orleans.

The classic cocktail was born here, and for some cocktail aficionados, the specifics of how it developed and how its made today tell a story of the city itself.

Next week, the Sazerac will be the toast of the town in a different way.

Sazerac Co., the spirits company behind some of the drinks key ingredients, is presenting Sazerac Cocktail Week, June 20-26, with events at its downtown New Orleans showplace, the Sazerac House, and elsewhere.

The week includes tours, educational events and naturally, cocktail tastings, with a fundraising element for Feed the Second Line, the local nonprofit created in the pandemic that supports New Orleans culture-bearers.

The timing of Sazerac Cocktail Week coincides with the week in 2008 when the state Legislature made the Sazerac the official cocktail of New Orleans. The programming around this years edition reaches deep back into cocktail history, however.

Steeped in history

The Sazerac name goes back to France and a family of the same name that started a winery in about 1600. By 1796, the cognac produced there, Sazerac de Forge & Fils, was being exported to New Orleans.

The Sazerac Coffee House in the French Quarter took its own name from the popular cocktail originally made with the cognac (later replaced with rye). This bar grew into a liquor company, acquiring other brands, including Peychauds. It became a wholesale grocery company to survive Prohibition and got back to the booze business after Prohibition was repealed, marketing its Sazerac cocktail.

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In 1948, the Goldring family of New Orleans acquired the company. In the past few decades, its growth began to snowball, paralleling the dramatic growth of the bourbon business. It became the countrys largest spirits producer and one of the largest such companies in the world. Local businessman Bill Goldring directs the company from New Orleans.

The Sazerac House is the brand embassy for a liquor industry giant with roots entwined with that drink  the Sazerac Co. Developed in a historic building at the corner of Canal and Magazine streets, it is a multifaceted complex: an interactive museum, an event space, a small-scale production facility for whiskey and bitters.

Over three floors, its exhibits and features tell the story of the cocktail and its connections to New Orleans.

During Sazerac Cocktail Week, visitors will find new and enhanced exhibits about the Sazerac cocktail in particular, with separate features on the five ingredients that combine for the classic recipe: sugar, Peychauds Bitters, Herbsaint, Sazerac Rye Whiskey and lemon. The tours include a taste of the cocktail for the ultimate in interactive learning.

Pop-ups at the Sazerac House from other New Orleans brands will be part of the week, and culture-bearers who work with Feed the Second Line will be showcasing their work in a special lounge.

The Sazerac House is also hosting a virtual tasting with step-by-step instructions on June 23 (see sazeraccocktailweek.com).

In addition, restaurants and bars around the country are taking part in a Sazerac Cocktail Week promotion, pledging $1 from each cocktail sold at participating establishments to Feed the Second Line, with a funding match from the Sazerac Co. The Sazerac House is also pledging a portion of proceeds from its merchandise sales during the week to the nonprofit.

Sazerac Cocktail Week

June 20-26

At Sazerac House

101 Magazine St., (504) 910-0100

Tours are free. To reserve free tours or sign up for other classes and events, see sazeraccocktailweek.com.
In December 2020, Gambit received a tip that young adults at the Louisiana Center for the Blind in Ruston, Louisiana had been sexually harassed and assaulted by staff members and others associated with the center, one of a number of similar centers around the country affiliated with the National Federation of the Blind.

Gambit reporter Kaylee Poche began looking into those claims. Over the course of her ongoing investigation, Poche has spoken to dozens of whistleblowers, current and former staff at LCB and other facilities, current and former NFB members and officials, and survivors and their staff. Her work uncovered a decades old pattern of sexual assault, racism and LGBTQ discrimination at LCB, NFB and other facilities, as well as evidence that officials at LCB and NFB had taken little to no action despite being aware of allegations for years or even decades.

Additionally, Poches work also exposed allegations that in some cases, staff known to have allegations of inappropriate behavior were allowed to continue working at facilities based in other states.

Since the beginning of Poches investigation, at least one man has been arrested and indicted on more than a dozen charges, a class action lawsuit is being prepared and Louisiana Tech launched a review of its affiliation with LCB. Additionally, the NFB and LCB have begun undertaking reforms. Below are her stories and associated Commentaries by Gambits editorial board.
Otis Tucker's business is booming.

The 38-year-old's Chalmette-based haulage operation Trucking Innovation has been steadily growing revenue since it was founded nearly a decade ago. In 2020, Tucker made Inc. Magazine's list of the 5,000 fastest growing companies in the country, coming in at No. 572 with revenue of $3.5 million  a growth spurt of more than 820% over the previous three years.

Last year, with stimulus spending during the pandemic and the passage of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Tucker's business shifted into a higher gear. The extra roadbuilding, levee repair work, utilities support jobs and other city and state contracts coming down the pike meant his revenues doubled to about $7 million.

Tucker now has 15 vehicles in his yard, mostly American-made Kenworth dump trucks, and he employs 25. But he says it could be so much bigger.

"Right now, we should have at least 25 trucks," he said. "And that would mean more drivers, more mechanics, back office, dispatchers, billing  we worked out that it's 1.4 jobs for every truck we have. But we're being held back."

Supply chains and loans

Two things have been holding back Trucking Innovation's growth, Tucker says. Supply chain bottlenecks have made it hard to source trucks and equipment. The other issue is more endemic: the barriers that Black and other minority entrepreneurs like Tucker often face when they try and raise money from traditional sources.

For the first problem, Tucker scrambled and improvised as he has done for the past decade. He found a new supplier to get him Peterbilt trucks. He would have to wait though: He used to be able to drive Kenworth trucks off the lot, but so far, he has been delivered only two of the five Peterbilt trucks he ordered last August.

The supply chain issues are annoying, but the financing constraints are more persistent and more perplexing.

"My counterparts can pick up the phone and say, 'Hey John, I've got another deal, call me back.' You know, in more than nine years in business it's just never been 'That's my guy, that's my bank,' and I could get on the phone with someone and tell them what I need," Tucker said.

Discrimination in banking has been a longstanding problem. Jon Huntsman, a professor at Utah State University's business school, for example, has been studying for years whether Black and minority business owners get different treatment than their White counterparts when other factors are the same.

His "mystery shopper" experiments have shown consistently disparate treatment, which continued during the pandemic when it came to loans under the Small Business Administration's support programs. Black borrowers were offered different products and treated significantly worse by bank employees than White borrowers in 43% of the tests, the study found.

Keep on trucking

Tucker says he doesn't like to dwell on his lending problems. Instead, he has looked for ways to get around it.

"It has made me more aggressive in trying to find new sources," he said.

As he built the business in the early years, he found one local bank that gave him a small start. Gulf Coast Bank & Trust set Trucking Innovation up with a $25,000 line of credit. That's helped him to manage cashflow needs, like making payroll, but it isn't the kind of money he has needed to build a fleet of trucks.

Tucker, who grew up in the Lower 9th Ward, describes himself as scrappy but perennially optimistic. The oldest of three, he was raised by a single mother who worked as a health care provider.

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He and his family were displaced for two years after Hurricane Katrina, and he went to seven different schools. He graduated from Chalmette High School and made it to community college, but he dropped out after a semester, impatient to start making money.

As a truck driver for other firms, Tucker saved up enough to buy a rig in 2009 and soon branched out on his own.

When he ran into financing roadblocks as he expanded, he sought out alternatives. That meant borrowing from a hodgepodge of other nontraditional sources such as a unit of Japanese lender Hitachi Finance. While that got him his trucks and allowed him to compete and win contracts, he was left with a complicated and expensive mix of loans that were weighing on his profits.

Tucker said the business was essentially given a lifeline last year when it was able to borrow $1.38 million through the New Markets Tax Credit program, a state-level initiative that is part of a federal umbrella program that allows for transferable tax credits for those who will lend to businesses in disadvantaged communities as long as the loans meet certain criteria.

A lifeline for Louisiana businesses

Tony Toups, a partner at Advantage Capital, which arranged Tucker's tax credits-backed loan, said the New Markets program works because it has rigorous criteria about investment and job creation. It has a good track record in Louisiana, he noted: After Katrina, Louisiana was the country's highest per capita user of the program as other sources of loans for small businesses trying to survive dried up.

The Legislature voted in 2020 to continue the program to help cope with the pandemic, which had hit Black and minority business owners especially hard.

"A lot of young (Black and minority) founders have invested out of pocket, maxed out their credit cards and tapped friends and family," Toups said. "When they find it next to impossible to get a bank loan they go to nontraditional lenders, pay higher rates and it ends up making it harder for a great company to grow because they're paying a lot in debt service."

Last year, Tucker was literally a "poster boy" for the program as its boosters, including Gov. John Bel Edwards, former state Sen. Rick Ward, R-Port Allen, and lenders like Advantage Capital used him as an example in their efforts to garner political support.

A complicated matter

But the question remains: Why does someone like Tucker still find it hard to get bank loans? He said it was an issue to get loans at Black-owned banks he approached as well.

Tucker didn't want to speculate, but said he has found banks generally are conservative, both in the way they apply their lending criteria and in establishing new relationships with customers.

Guy Williams, CEO of Gulf Coast Bank, said he's not entirely sure why they ended up being the only traditional bank to lend to Tucker. "We don't keep track of people's ethnicity and we don't do quotas, as they can just backfire and end up not doing anyone any favors," said Williams.

"We finance an awful lot of startups and I think we've funded young Black entrepreneurs like Otis, and Hispanic entrepreneurs, and they tell other Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs and so it goes," he said.

For Tucker, the government programs that have provided much of his financing have advantages. They've taken a longer-term view on lending for big purchases, plus he hasn't had to seek outside equity investment that might have diluted his stake and risked losing his Disadvantaged Business Enterprise status, which helps him compete for contracts.

He's not holding his breath anymore waiting for loan offers to arrive.

"I just don't have time, nor do I want to spend energy on people who are going to say 'No,'" he said.
A top staffer of Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson on Wednesday acknowledged that the pod in the New Orleans jail where a fatal fight broke out over the weekend did not have a deputy present, a breach of protocol that left the men free to roam in the area without crucial security oversight.

The revelation, under questioning from City Council members, came just a day after the Sheriff's Office, citing security concerns, declined to provide details about staffing levels and the deployment of deputies during a weekend where two incarcerated men died. In the days after the deaths, Hutson pointed to chronic understaffing as a key reason the men died  one following the Friday night fight and a second on Sunday after he jumped over a second-floor railing.

Federal monitors who have overseen the jail under a 2013 consent decree have established that a deputy should be present on jail pods, but it's long been known that the protocol isn't always followed. In inspection reports, monitors have frequently noted that deputies were absent from their posts. And in an October report, the monitors blamed a lack of supervision as part of the reason for inmate-on-inmate attacks.

Speaking to the City Councils criminal justice committee, Pearlina Thomas, assistant sheriff for governance and administration, told council members that an oversight module  which hovers above two jail pods  had been staffed during the incident. But there was not a deputy on the ground to immediately break up the fight between the male inmates, she said.

Thomas said that the jail is manned by 148 deputies Monday through Friday, and 140 deputies on Saturdays and Sundays. Hutson, who also addressed council members Wednesday, said that ideally there would be "nearly 200" deputies in the facility daily.

According to the Sheriffs Office, 911 men and women are currently housed at the jail.

"We need employees at about all levels," Hutson later said.

'Pertinent information the public should have'

Citing security concerns, Hutson had initially declined to reveal how many deputies staff the Orleans Justice Center each day. But her stance drew criticism from some council members.

I think thats pertinent information the public should have, said Council President Helena Moreno.

Reacting to the deaths of Philip Soublet Jr., 31, who died of blunt force injuries after the fight, and Chad Neyland, 46, who leapt over the railing and broke his spine, has become the first major public test of Hutson's leadership since she took office six weeks ago.

In response to the second death, Hutson late Sunday said she was pulling her deputies from their posts at Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, stunting several trials scheduled that day. By Tuesday, the deputies had returned, however, and trials were able to resume.

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Family members of Soublet Jr. have demanded answers about what happened. On Tuesday, Soublet Jr.'s father, Philip Soublet Sr., told WDSU-TV that his son should have been protected in the jail as he awaited trial.

"I'm not dismissing what my son did to get in there, but he didn't get to go to trial," Soublet Sr. told WDSU. "And they didn't protect him before that trial came up."

"Where were the guards at? How long did it take for them to get there?" he asked.

Hutson has said that the deaths are being investigated, and Soublet Sr. told WDSU he was eager for answers.

Staffing shortages

The Sheriff's Office, like the New Orleans Police Department and other law-enforcement agencies, have had chronic problems attracting and retaining officers and deputies. During the Sheriff's Office presentation to the council's criminal justice committee on Wednesday, Hutson and her team said they had developed a comprehensive staffing plan that would bring the total number of Sheriffs Office employees from the 626 it has now to closer to 800.

But that long term staffing plan cant be achieved in 45 days, Hutson told the city council members, noting that Wednesday was her 45th day in office. She became sheriff May 2.

Part of that plan, Hutson said, would be to raise deputies' salaries. Sheriff's Office recruits are paid $15.75 an hour. Deputies are bumped to about $19 an hour.

Also at Wednesdays meeting, Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Chief Judge Robin Pittman told members that Hutson's move to pull deputies from court scrambled activities there. While attempts were made to keep jurors, defendants, victims, witnesses and others from coming to the courthouse, a handful of people still showed up on Monday morning.

Hutson defended her order, saying Im hearing that was inconvenient for our criminal legal system that a man died on Sunday afternoon, forcing her to take action.

I was right to sound the alarm, she said. I was right to take immediate action.
New Orleans police closed a 1-mile stretch of eastbound Interstate 10 on Wednesday night while investigating a shooting on the highway.

Update: 2 interstate shootings reported in 4 hours

The shooting was reported to police at 6:16 p.m. at the Bullard Avenue exit. There, police said, they found a woman who was shot.

The closure extends from Read Boulevard to Bullard.

The Police Department did not immediately release more information.
Two men were wounded in the Behrman section of Algiers shooting on Wednesday afternoon, New Orleans police said.

The gunfire was reported to police at 3:48 p.m. in the 1700 block of Murl Street, where police said each victim was shot in a leg. Paramedics took them to a hospital.

The Police Department did not immediately release more information.
After tallying six fentanyl overdoses in three hours, the Kenner Police Department is warning residents that drugs of all kinds can be laced with the deadly synthetic opioid.

Capt. Michael Cunningham said police responded to six nonfatal overdoses on Tuesday between 1 and 4 p.m. In all six cases, those involved used cocaine laced with fentanyl. Those who were interviewed by investigators said they weren't aware the opioid was present in the cocaine.

Investigators identified the source of the laced drugs, Cunningham said, although he did not specify how. During a search of a residence in Kenner, Cunningham said, police found a gun but not drugs.

National surge in deaths

Cunningham said police have found fentanyl in everything from ecstasy to pain pills to heroin.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is about 100 times stronger than morphine, has fueled a surge in U.S. overdose deaths in recent years. Overdose deaths were up by one third in New Orleans last year, and fentanyl was involved in 94% of the overdose death cases for which laboratory test results were available. In 2020, 78% of fatal overdose victims examined by the Orleans Parish coroner's office tested positive for the drug.

Dealers often cut fentanyl into drugs like heroin and cocaine to help stretch their supply and boost profits, but its high potency can result in accidental deaths. Many users arent even aware they are taking drugs laced with fentanyl.
A New Orleans Fire Department firefighter shot his colleague before turning the gun on himself, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's office confirmed Thursday.

Alec "Mugs" J. Mulvihill, 28, suffered a mental health crisis, police said, that culminated in his suicide on Sunday.

He and fellow firefighter Kyle Webber, 25, were in a house in the 2000 block of Dupre Street in Mandeville when Mulvihill became distressed, deputies said. Webber's family members said this week they believe he tried to talk Mulvihill out of killing himself. But the crisis escalated, and Mulvihill shot Webber once in the abdomen before fatally shooting himself. Mulvihill was pronounced dead on the scene, deputies said.

This is an absolute tragedy for all parties involved, Sheriff Randy Smith said in a press release. Unfortunately, mental health is a real issue in our community."

Webber went to a Covington hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma and underwent surgery Tuesday afternoon. Family members declined to comment on his current condition.

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An Illinois native, Mulvihill was one of seven siblings, according to his obituary. He worked as a cadet at the Peotone Fire Department before moving to Louisiana, where he attended Delgado Community College. Mulvihill went on to work for St. Tammany Fire District #4 and the Lee Road Fire Department before landing at the New Orleans Fire Department, the obituary states. He was licensed to hunt and fish in Illinois, according to public records, and is survived by a dog named Blaze.

Mulvihill's family members and friends declined to comment.

More firefighters and police officers died by suicide in 2020 than in the line of duty, according to a study published this week by the Ruderman Family Foundation, a private philanthropic organization that advocates for people with disabilities.

There were 127 suicides reported among firefighters and EMTs that year, slightly higher than the 126 confirmed in 2017. Eighteen out of 100,000 firefighters die by suicide. By comparison, 13 out of 100,000 individuals in the general population die by suicide.

"Public discourse seldom acknowledges the fact that first responders witness tragedy and horror regularly, if not daily," the report states. The toll of the pandemic has combined with these stressors to create "a perfect storm" for mental health.

The New Orleans Fire Department did not return requests for a comment.
Many south Louisiana property owners will see steep increases in their flood insurance premiums due to an overhaul currently taking effect, and a Federal Emergency Management Agency official on Wednesday sought to explain the complex new system to St. Tammany residents concerned over how their homes will be affected.

The official spoke at a public meeting in the Parish Council chamber near Mandeville after heavy criticism that the agency has not been sufficiently transparent with the public on the drastic changes to the country's flood insurance program. The presentation was far more detailed than one provided at a forum in St. Charles Parish in March.

The new system has provoked deep concern over whether it will reshape parts of the housing market in Louisiana, which has the countrys highest participation rate in the National Flood Insurance Program. Parish leaders and the states congressional delegation have been seeking to limit the increases on the way for Louisiana homeowners, so far without success.

Bonnie Peyroux, president of the homeowners association in the Moonraker Island subdivision on the Slidell lakefront, said she worried not only about flood insurance spiraling but also other costs such as homeowners coverage.

We have people who are leaving because they simply can't afford to live there anymore, said Peyroux, 76.

St. Tammany President Mike Cooper said residents remain concerned over premium increases, but that he appreciated the presentation from FEMAs Gilbert Giron.

Last year when we were aware of this, there were too many unanswered questions, Cooper said after the meeting. And Congress has tried to intervene. Our local officials have met, other parish presidents have met. And we have asked Congress to intervene with FEMA.

The new system for setting rates, known as Risk Rating 2.0, will no longer rely on FEMAs maps and instead will look at the individual characteristics of each property to determine premiums. It is the biggest change in how rates are set in the NFIPs history.

It will bring the the national program, which FEMA oversees, more in line with private sector practices, and also help address the federal program's enormous debt: more than $20 billion.

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Proponents say it will seek to price the flood risk of each property accurately and do away with a system that resulted in less expensive, older homes essentially subsidizing premiums for newer, pricey houses.

But there are worries of unintended consequences in south Louisiana, where everyone lives near water of some kind. One of the factors being used to set the new rates is distance from water; others include construction type, cost of rebuilding and height above ground.

Risk Rating 2.0 took effect for new policies in October, while existing policies began seeing the change in April, starting with policy renewals.

Increases for existing policyholders will be phased in, limited to 18% per year. Those increases will continue annually until homes reach their full risk rate, compounding over time.

New policies are priced at the full rate immediately, and some real estate agents and insurers report seeing certain premiums quadruple or more compared to what they would have been under the old system. Around 20% of Louisiana policyholders are expected to see one-time decreases.

Giron provided an hour-long presentation on the new system, explaining factors used in setting rates, then answered questions submitted in advance as well as from the audience. He defended FEMAs transparency, saying he has been providing similar presentations in various locations for months, though many have noted that parts of the data in the new algorithm are proprietary and not available to the general public.

He also had a warning for Louisiana residents, saying that premiums in the state have been artificially low for years, while also pointing to the large amount of claims paid out in the state.

We are addressing that not just in Louisiana, said Giron. We're addressing this in the entire country.

But as many others have pointed out, a large proportion of Louisianas claims resulted from the federal levee failures during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, not from foolhardy decisions to live in risky areas.
Welcome to New Orleans and your first hurricane season. We've seen your questions in our inboxes and on social media, and we have answers for you about what to expect and what to do when there's a storm threat.

Here's our beginner's guide for hurricane season with explanations about common terms, evacuation guidance and expert preparation tips.

2022 hurricane season Q&A: Predictions, forecasts and how to prepare Hurricane season begins June 1, and south Louisiana must again hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Here are 10 questions and answers 

Hurricane season starts June 1 and ends Nov. 30, but storms can form any time. August and September are historically the busiest times for hurricanes, especially strong ones.

The hardest thing about planning is that each storm is different, and your personal situation factors into the plan. But, there are things that most long-time residents of New Orleans know that you should as well.

Common terms

Let's start at the very beginning with common terms you might hear like "Cat 5."

Storm categories: Storms start as invests and can progress to tropical depressions all the way up to a Category 5 hurricane.

Here are the categories on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale in order of increasing strength:

Tropical depression: up to 38 mph

Tropical storm: 39 to 73 mph

Category 1 hurricane: 74 to 95 mph

Category 2 hurricane: 96 to 110 mph

Category 3 hurricane (major hurricane): 111 to 129 mph

Category 4 hurricane: 130-156 mph

Category 5 hurricane: 157 mph and higher

You'll hear people say "Cat 1" or "Cat 2." That means a Category 1 or Category 2 hurricane. A Category 3 storm is a major hurricane and is often the threshold for when residents will leave town voluntarily. Mandatory evacuations can be issued, depending on the severity of a storm.

Here's a video that shows the damage caused at different wind strengths. (Can't see it? Watch here.)

Gulf of Mexico: The Gulf of Mexico, often called "the Gulf," is the body of water south of Louisiana. Tropical systems can develop in the Gulf and move toward land. They also can develop in the Caribbean or the Atlantic. When a storm is in the Gulf, residents are usually on high alert.

National Hurricane Center: The National Hurricane Center, based in Miami, is the main forecasting agency for hurricane season. Information also comes from the National Weather Service in Slidell.

Cone: The National Hurricane Center will release a five-day track when a tropical depression has formed or is about to form. The graphic includes a shaded area that is often called the cone. It's where the center of the storm is expected to move, but effects of the storm often are felt well outside the cone, depending on the size of the storm.

This is the cone for what eventually became Hurricane Ida in 2021.

Watch vs. warning: A watch means something is possible, and a warning means it is an imminent threat. A warning is more serious and designates more urgency. In terms of hurricane season, forecasters issue tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings, based on when tropical storm-force winds will arrive.

Storm surge: Storms can change the water level and push water well inland, on top of regular high tides. This is particularly a problem in coastal areas not protected by levees. The National Hurricane Center issues separate storm surge watches and warnings for areas outside the hurricane levee systems, and the National Weather Service will update those if the hurricane levees are likely to be overtopped.

If you live on the water, prepare for water levels to rise abnormally due to storms. Storm surges range from several inches to more than 20 feet. Read more about storm surge.

Levee system: Most of metro New Orleans is protected by a levee and floodwall system. The system, comprised of massive walls, earthen mounds and floodgates, is designed to protect the city from flood waters and storm surge. The system failed during Hurricane Katrina, causing massive flooding. More than $14 billion has been spent on upgrades since then, but some storms of Category 3 or greater intensity could still cause overtopping of the new levees.

Here's where the levees and floodwalls are. Read more about the levee system.

Storm drain and catch basin: A storm drain is the metal grate on streets where rain is funneled off the surface and into a catch basin. Storm drains often get blocked by leaves and trash and should be checked before storms to make sure they are clear. Residents usually clear off the drains near their homes. Parish crews are responsible for removing the covers and cleaning the catch basins underneath, which get clogged.

If the storm drain by you is not draining during regular thunderstorms, report it to the parish so it can get fixed. Here's what a clogged storm drain looks like.

Drainage pumps: In New Orleans and elsewhere in south Louisiana, mechanical pumps play a key role in preventing flooding. They are important because much of the region is below sea level, which means rain that flows into catch basins must be pumped into pipes and canals, and then through or over levees, so it can leave the area.

The Sewerage and Water Board operates the interior pumps in New Orleans and has struggled with mechanical problems, power source issues and operator errors. Before storms, the SWB usually updates the public about its pump status.

Drainage departments for Jefferson, St. Bernard and St. Charles parishes also operate pump stations and issue updates before storms. The east and west bank levee authorities operate pumps at the ends of drainage canals that pump water into Lake Pontchartrain or the Barataria Basin.

Neutral ground parking: The neutral ground is the large grassy median in the center of avenues and boulevards, such as Napoleon Avenue and Claiborne Avenue. When flash flooding is forecast, city officials will lift parking restrictions, which means you can park your vehicle on the neutral ground, which is higher than street level and less prone to flash flooding.

Don't block streetcar tracks, intersections or sidewalks if you are parking on higher ground.

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Contraflow: Contraflow is an evacuation plan that uses all lanes of the interstate in one direction. On the east side of New Orleans, all lanes will funnel traffic east, and all traffic on the west side will go west. Interstate 55 and the Causeway will be one-way north. Officials usually will issue evacuation requests or orders for areas outside the levee system first and then begin contraflow before issuing mandatory evacuations for areas within the levee system, such as New Orleans.

Do you stay or leave?

When a storm is heading for New Orleans and southeast Louisiana, the biggest question for everyone is whether to stay or evacuate. If officials say to leave, then you need to leave. A mandatory evacuation means all residents and visitors must leave. A voluntary evacuation means you can leave if you want, but it isn't required.

Another term is "shelter in place." That means officials want you to stay home or in another safe facility and ride out the storm. You should have supplies with you and stay off the roads in this situation.

If a mandatory evacuation is not ordered, it's up to you to decide to evacuate or shelter in place.

Factors to weigh:

Storm threats, including strong winds and potential for flooding

Your personal situation, including your location and your family's health

Ability to evacuate

Power outages that might last for days

Lack of public services

Many residents will stay for tropical storms and leave for storms that are at least Category 2 or 3, but again, each storm is different. Stay weather aware during hurricane season. Hurricanes don't pop up overnight, and you usually have least 48 hours' notice. But, tracks change and storms can intensify quickly, so be prepared to move fast or hunker down if the forecast changes unexpectedly.

If you choose to stay, old-timers say to keep a hatchet in your attic, just in case unexpected flooding requires an emergency escape from your home. Here's the city's guide for other things to have if you choose to shelter in place.

Questions to ask yourself:

Do you have transportation, a place to go and money for evacuation expenses? Sometimes it is easier to get out of town than to deal with the aftermath of a storm if you have the means.

Do you have medical conditions or a life situation (for example, small children) that would make it hard to live without air conditioning in the summer heat? Storms often knock out power for several days. Some people have generators, but many require gas, which may or may not be available. If you or your loved ones wouldn't be able to tolerate an extended power outage, consider leaving.

Does your house flood during a regular thunderstorm? Storms often dump several inches of rain and cause flooding.

Do you have supplies to last at least a week? When storms hit, trees are often knocked down, blocking roads. Stores are closed and lines to get gas are long. Prepare now for storms by gathering nonperishable food, water, flashlights, power sources, important paperwork, etc. Here's a timeline for what to do now.

If you do evacuate, tell your family and friends where you are going. Posting on social media also helps so people can check your status there instead of draining your phone battery by calling and texting you.

Timeline for things to do

It's the beginning of hurricane season and storms can develop, but "high alert" time usually happens in August.

What should you be doing now?

Get emergency texts. Officials send out emergency text alerts in New Orleans during hurricane season in addition to other severe weather threats. Sign up by texting NOLAREADY to 77295.

Officials send out emergency text alerts in New Orleans during hurricane season in addition to other severe weather threats. Sign up by texting NOLAREADY to 77295. Make a plan. If a large, dangerous storm heads our way, where will you go? How will you get there? What will you take? What do you need to do to secure your home before evacuating? If the storm doesn't require evacuation, what do you need at your house to ride out the storm? Are family members aware of your plans? Do you have elderly relatives that will have to be picked up before you leave?

If a large, dangerous storm heads our way, where will you go? How will you get there? What will you take? What do you need to do to secure your home before evacuating? If the storm doesn't require evacuation, what do you need at your house to ride out the storm? Are family members aware of your plans? Do you have elderly relatives that will have to be picked up before you leave? Gather supplies and check your emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and storm shutters. Here's a full list of what to include in your kit.

and check your emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and storm shutters. Here's a full list of what to include in your kit. Get important paperwork and backups for digital files. Put everything in a place that's easy for you to locate in case you need to leave quickly.

and backups for digital files. Put everything in a place that's easy for you to locate in case you need to leave quickly. Do car maintenance now. Check your tires and the spare. If a storm comes and you plan to evacuate, you won't have time to get that brake job you've been putting off.

Check your tires and the spare. If a storm comes and you plan to evacuate, you won't have time to get that brake job you've been putting off. Reduce freezer items. Lots of locals limit food in their freezers during hurricane season. Start cooking meals now from the contents of your freezer before storms come.

Lots of locals limit food in their freezers during hurricane season. Start cooking meals now from the contents of your freezer before storms come. Take photographs of your house's exterior, car and everything in your home in case you have to file an insurance claim.

of your house's exterior, car and everything in your home in case you have to file an insurance claim. Prep your home. Trim your trees, and consider storm shutters or panels. Here are more tips.

Trim your trees, and consider storm shutters or panels. Here are more tips. Check with your landlord. If you rent, talk with your landlord about their expectations. Will they be boarding up windows or adding sandbags? Will you?

Pro tips for hurricane season

1. Get a good manual can opener with big ergonomic handles. Do not get one of those old-fashioned little metal ones. You want to be able to easily access your nonperishable food.

2. During hurricane season, do not let the gas gauge in your car fall below half full, and if a storm is in the Gulf, top off your tank every day. If you have to evacuate, you will need a full tank of gas, as gas stations may be closed for 150 miles or more.

3. Get a car charger for your cell phone now if you don't have one. If you stay in town and the power is out, you can charge your phone in your car - and run the air conditioner in it, too.

Have more advice for first-timers? Email online@theadvocate.com.

Sources: Times-Picayune archives, National Hurricane Center, National Weather Service, NOAA and New Orleans storm expert Judy Walker.

Don't miss a storm update this hurricane season. Sign up for our free Hurricane Center newsletter.

+10 Some easy ways to make your home more storm proof Hurricane season officially started June 1, but if youre like me, its only now, with a storm in the Gulf, that youre paying much attention.

+5 What you need to do now to be ready for hurricanes: from pantry to paperwork Fish out those batteries and start stockpiling water, because the least-loved season in southern Louisiana has officially arrived and promises
Louisiana State Police troopers are investigating a single-vehicle crash in Slidell that left a 56-year-old man dead late Wednesday night.

State troopers say Kenneth White of Pearlington, Mississippi, was driving westbound on Interstate 10 about two miles east of the I-59 interchange when his Ford veered off the road to the right and overturned multiple times, ultimately crashing into a tree. The crash happened shortly after 11 p.m.

White was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle, State Police said in a news release Thursday.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash and whether substances or a health condition may have been involved. A toxicology report was ordered.
The New Orleans Police Department has moved patrol officers to 12-hour shifts and hopes to lure cops from other agencies to reduce 911 response times and stem violent crime, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said Wednesday.

Five months after Ferguson faced a grilling during a carjacking surge, he and several criminal justice system leaders, including District Attorney Jason Williams, spoke to the City Council at a moment when reports of some types of violent crime are falling. Yet as the chief admitted, the hopeful trends dont include homicides, which are up more than 40% over last year.

As the department struggles to recruit and retain officers, Ferguson painted a picture of a force doing the best it can under trying circumstances. Despite fewer officers on the streets, we have reduced the number of violent incidents while increasing the number of arrests, he said.

Hopeful numbers

In the more than two years since a cyber-attack crippled the citys information technology, the Police Department has yet to restore a public crime data dashboard. However, Ferguson presented statistics suggesting that major violent crimes have dropped since his last visit with the council in January.

The number of major, violent crimes reportable to the FBI declined from 404 in January to 295 in May, according to the NOPD. Meanwhile, the number of arrests for such offenses has increased from 63 to 96.

Yet even while some types of crime reports may have dipped, Ferguson acknowledged that one major category remains far too high. Homicides in New Orleans are up 46% this year compared to last year and 132% compared to 2019, according to the Metropolitan Crime Commission. There had been 135 homicides as of June 12.

The major exception is ... homicide. Again, not unique to New Orleans, but nationally, said Ferguson. There are numerous reasons for high homicides such as social inequities, educational disparities and job disparities.

Longer shifts, quicker responses

During his last appearance, several council members lobbed harsh words at Ferguson for failing to present a plan to stem a spike in carjackings and shootings.

On Wednesday, Ferguson began by stating that his plan consisted of six points: identifying violent offenders, expanding the use of specialized proactive teams, fine-tuning his patrol deployment, improving intelligence sharing with other agencies, deputizing employees of other city agencies to handle quality of life issues and expanding the NOPDs use of technology.

One recent shift has involved moving officers to longer, 12-hour patrol shifts so they spend less time on roll call and more time responding to 911 calls. Ferguson said the NOPD has already seen response times speed up by 8%.

Yet Ferguson threw cold water on a suggestion from Council President Helena Moreno to combine NOPD districts. He said he prefers to have officers confined to smaller geographic areas that they know well.

I think right now, what people are really concerned about is response times to calls for service, said Moreno. We are certainly not in a perfect world right now."

The hiring of two civilian recruiters has produced results, Ferguson said. According to Ferguson, the share of people who go from applying to be an officer to taking a civil service test has increased 50%.

Muted critiques

While Ferguson faced a barrage of questioning in January, council members offered fewer and more muted critiques of his leadership this week. Earlier this month, in response to a call from at-large Council member J.P. Morrell for Ferguson to resign, Mayor LaToya Cantrell issued a statement that she was standing by her hand-picked chief.

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On Wednesday, Morrell called on Ferguson to make sure that even senior officers are responding to 911 calls.

Its an all hands on deck moment, said Morrell.

Meanwhile, Morrell and Moreno both said the NOPD needs to increase the number of tasks that are handled by civilians. Right now the department has roughly 1,000 commissioned officers, and there seems to be little chance that will grow this year. The NOPD has a single class of 19 recruits in its training academy that wont graduate until September.

Moreno said that a report from the firm AH Datalytics found that NOPD officers spend less than 10% of their time responding to violent crime calls. When Ferguson said that the department gets 911 calls for everything from violent crime to broken trash cans, Moreno responded, Lets have a civilian respond to the broken trash can.

The NOPD is following through on one of the issues raised by Morrell at the January hearing. Ferguson said the NOPD has finalized a curriculum for a shorter training course for lateral hires from other departments in Louisiana and hopes to start wooing officers from other departments by the end of the year.

Surveillance idea meets defeat

Ferguson made a second appearance in front of the Criminal Justice Committee hours later Wednesday to request passage of an ordinance that would allow the NOPD to use surveillance technology like facial recognition.

Faced with fierce criticism from activists, the NOPD developed policies that it says would place strict limits on use of the technologies. The department says the policies were designed to prevent racial profiling and have received approval from federal monitors overseeing the NOPDs 2012 reform agreement.

Ferguson said the surveillance technologies would be a "force multiplier" at a time of dropping officer headcounts. Opponents from the Eye on Surveillance group noted that the number of violent crimes has risen even as the city has been blanketed with crime cameras and urged the council to focus on addressing root causes of crime instead.

Morrell and Moreno said that the ordinance failed to include the safeguards detailed in the internal policy, and that it might allow non-police agencies to conduct surveillance.

The ordinance, sponsored by District D Council member Eugene Green, failed to win support from the committee.

DA touts faster charges

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams also gave a presentation where he touted his agencys faster charging times and shift to jury trials.

Earlier this year, Williams came in for heavy criticism about the number of defendants who were being released because the District Attorneys Office could not decide whether to formally charge them before a statutory deadline.

However, this year the office is on track to miss 24 charging deadlines compared to 885 last year. Not all of those blown deadlines result in actual physical releases from jail, because defendants are often held for other reasons like new charges. So far this year the blown deadlines have resulted in only one genuine release from jail, which was due to a lack of victim cooperation, according to Williams.

Williams shared numbers he said showed his prosecutors focus on violent crime: that they had secured 125 guilty pleas and won convictions in 17 trials for defendants charged with murder, manslaughter, rape and robbery. To date, the District Attorneys Office has prosecuted 24 trials, Williams said, putting prosecutors on track to try more than 90 cases this year.

But to continue at that clip and to boost prosecutors ability to screen cases, Williams told the council he would need approximately $100,000 to enhance DNA efforts, hire additional prosecutors dedicated to case screening and purchase cloud-based technology that would allow his office to communicate and share files with other law enforcement agencies.

Staff writer Jillian Kramer contributed to this report.
STOCKHOLM, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Enzymatica AB has signed a two-year loan agreement of a maximum of 20 MSEK with its three largest shareholders as well as the Chairman of the Board Bengt Baron and the CEO Claus Egstrand. The purpose is to support the company's liquidity in the periods where sales are lower due to seasonal variations or remaining effects of the pandemic.

The company's three largest shareholders  Mats Andersson, Hakan Roos and Bjorn Algkvist  have today, 16 June 2022, signed a two-year loan agreement with Enzymatica AB of a maximum of 20 MSEK, together with the company's Chairman of the Board Bengt Baron and the CEO Claus Egstrand.

"Enzymatica has a fantastic product with great potential, but it is no secret that the company is currently in a challenging period in terms of liquidity, after the low sales during the second half of the pandemic. All of us who have signed this loan agreement have made long-term investments in the company and want to contribute to financial stability for the operations", said Bengt Baron, Chairman of the Board.

Enzymatica disclosed already in the autumn 2021 that sales would be negatively affected during the first half of 2022, mainly because its main partners Sanofi and STADA have large inventories that have not been sold out during the pandemic. At the same time, agreements for new markets have been signed, and on the markets where Enzymatica manages marketing and sales (Sweden, UK, Iceland), sales increased with 56 % in the first quarter of 2022, compared to the same period the previous year.

The loan agreement has been signed on market terms (STIBOR 3 months + 7 % incl. fees) and Enzymatica can use all or part of the amount according to its need. The loan agreement is distributed as followed, with all lenders offering the loan through companies: Mats Andersson 5 MSEK, Hakan Roos 5 MSEK, Bjorn Algkvist 5 MSEK, Bengt Baron 3 MSEK, and Claus Egstrand 2 MSEK. Utilized loan amount should be repaid starting 30 September 2024 and be fully repaid on 30 March 2025 the latest.

For more information, please contact:

Claus Egstrand, CEO, Enzymatica ABTel: +44 7780 22 8385 | Email: claus.egstrand@enzymatica.com

Stefan Olsson, Communication Manager, Enzymatica ABTel: +46 708 55 11 85 | Email: stefan.olsson@enzymatica.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/enzymatica-ab/r/enzymatica-signs-loan-agreement-with-major-shareholders,c3586719

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Mining and Geothermal Industries Could Strike G.O.L.D. Through Partnership

A partnership between the mining and geothermal industries could lead both toward a more lucrative and greener future.

Across the United States there are more than 3 million abandoned mining wells. Each hole drilled into the ground offers more than just the ghost of minerals never found. There are layers of valuable data waiting for the right audience.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Senior Legal and Regulatory Analyst Aaron Levine said he hopes the mining industry becomes that audience.

In his new research, "Mining G.O.L.D. (Geothermal Opportunities Leveraged Through Data): Exploring Synergies Between the Geothermal and Mining Industries," Levine offers a two-pronged strategy of investigating mining data and taking advantage of hidden geothermal renewable energy resources.

"Our goal is really to target the mining industry for this opportunity and really make them understand the potential synergies between the two industries," Levine said.

Geothermal energy is a hidden asset, he said, often located one or two miles underground. It is challenging for the geothermal industry to spend millions in exploration and find nothing.

Pictured is a geothermal production well in Steamboat Hills, Nevada. By partnering, NREL and the locatable mineral industry could identify vast amounts of unknown geothermal sources. Photo by Dennis Schroeder, NREL

One key geothermal exploration method is temperature gradient drilling. Throughout 2017, 31 wells were drilled in Nevada at already identified geothermal fields. In comparison, the mining industry drills more than 2,000 in Nevada per year and to similar depths.

Levine said the common ground between geothermal and mining industries doesn't end there. Additional shared exploration includes surface mapping, geophysical and geochemical analysis, remote sensing, and geologic and conceptual modeling.

NREL researchers are looking at data where mines were seeking gold or other minerals and found nothing, except perhaps evidence of geothermal energy resources. For minimal costs, the study recommends the mining industry catalog such explorative data and potentially monetize it for geothermal uses.

While some mining companies are shifting more toward renewable energy resources, Levine said many are still reliant on diesel fuel to power operations, especially at remote mines. The study discusses the potential of utilizing geothermal energy resources on-site to help achieve improved environmental performance and decarbonization.

Existing mines on federally managed public lands with approved plans of operation may even claim a noncompetitive leasing right to the geothermal resources, which may further simplify the exploration and development of geothermal resources discovered through mining data. Case studies described in the paper reveal how roughly 200 MW of net power was discovered via previous mining exploration activities.

Ultimately, leveraging mining industry data, knowledge, and expertise will expand the geothermal exploration workforce, increase the rate of geothermal resource discovery, and potentially reduce geothermal electricity's levelized cost of energy by up to 30%. The mining industries win by leveraging geothermal energy to provide a potential electricity source to improve environmental performance and decarbonization.

NREL is transforming energy through research, development, commercialization, and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Learn more about NREL's geothermal research.
NREL Helps Develop Colombias Next Generation of Renewable Energy Leaders

Laboratory Is Building up Young Energy Leaders in Colombia Through Hands-on Training and Education

NREL provided a comprehensive tour of the National Wind Technology Center to the Colombia delegation. Members of the Colombia delegation examine first-hand the materials from which wind turbines are composed. Daniel Laird presents insights to the visitors while showcasing deconstructed wind turbine equipment. Visitors from the Colombia delegation listen to Derek Berry, senior wind technology engineer, explain about the manufacturing and design of wind turbines. Daniel Laird helps lead a tour of NREL's National Wind Technology Center. Keith Ropchock, a partnership development lead in the Innovation, Partnering and Outreach center, speaks to the Colombia delegation at NRELs Flatirons Campus. The Colombia delegation tours NREL's Research Support Facility, complete with a visit to the building's rooftop PV system. Members of the Colombia delegation mingle with NREL program managers while visiting the campus parking garage to learn about electric vehicle charging infrastructure. James Bosch leads a tour of the Energy Systems Integration Facility and its super computing resources. Caley Johnson, senior researcher in the Center for Integrated Mobility Sciences, presents about critical concepts to electric vehicle deployment to the visitors. Katharina Grosso, from the Non-Conventional Energies and Energy Efficiency Fund in Colombia, presents the action plan her group developed as part of the capacity-building programs capstone activities. Diana Aristizabal, from the Colombian power transmission company Interconexion Electrica, smiles at one of her peers during their action plan presentations. Andres Dominguez, from Colombia Commission for the Regulation of Energy, Gas, and Fuels, showcases his group's action plan, which focuses on a review of Colombia's grid codes to facilitate distributed energy resource deployment. Previous Next

While much of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) campus sat quietly late on a Friday afternoon, one conference room was still bustling with activity. Nearly 20 international visitors sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) were just wrapping up an action-packed, week-long site visit to NREL.

As part of the wrap-up discussion, Daniella Rough, a program manager in NRELs Accelerated Deployment and Decision Support center, and one of the principal organizers of the trip, asked the group what the most interesting part of their visit to NREL was. Almost in unison, they responded in Spanish with an enthusiastic Todo!, or in other words, All of it!.

The visiting group was a cohort of early-career energy sector leaders from Colombia who traveled to NRELs campus in May 2022 to tour the facilities, learn from NRELs experts, and collaborate in person after nearly three years of working together virtually. The cohort was composed of the 10 top-scoring and most engaged participants from the Young Leaders Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) Capacity Building program, as well as key project implementing partners.

Campus Visit Caps Off Years of Virtual Interaction

The Young Leaders Program, for short, began with a 12-month comprehensive training course designed to ready Colombias energy sector workforce to participate in the construction, operation, and grid integration of VRE projects. It was jointly led by the USAID Colombia mission with support from NREL, the United States Energy Association (USEA), and Tetra Tech, the implementing partner for USAIDs Scaling Up Renewable Energy (SURE) program.

Public and private energy organizations throughout Colombia nominated employees to join the course, resulting in participation from more than 60 early-career professionals from over 20 organizations within the Colombian energy sector. While the program was originally meant to be held in person, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the implementing team to redesign the course into a virtual format.

It worked out because we now have over 100 hours of recorded webinars focused on the needs, applications, and challenges in Colombia, Rough said. Looking forward, we hope to replicate the capacity building program and continue to serve new actors who enter Colombias energy sector.

The visit to NRELs campus not only rewarded the participants for their dedication throughout the course but was also an opportunity to finally meet, in person, many of the participants, experts, and coordinators who helped make the course a success.

This visit is a celebration of what we were able to do to position these young leaders to have a vision of the great potential that renewable energy has, and the challenges and opportunities it presents, for Colombia, said Thomas Black, renewable energy lead at USAID Colombia.

Support and Analysis Provided Across Colombia's Energy Sector

The Young Leaders Program is just one piece of NRELs expansive project portfolio in Colombia. Engagement with the government of Colombia began in 2017, when NREL assisted with the design, preparation, and implementation of international renewable energy auction mechanisms for large-scale solar and wind energy resources and long-term power purchase contracts.

More recently, NREL is part of a team supporting efforts to rebuild the energy system on Providencia Island, decimated by Hurricane Iota in November 2020, with the goal of creating a more sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure to help Providencia withstand the effects of climate change. The technical assistance spans research, capacity expansion analysis, white papers, and technical assistance to inform an Energy Master Plan for Providencia Island and support integration of renewable energy resources at the distribution level.

NREL is also supporting the Colombian government on regulatory changes regarding hydrogen, offshore wind, and geothermal energy, as well as providing technical training materials to a similar workforce training program for indigenous communities in the La Guajira region of Colombia, where significant renewable energy development is being planned.

Technical Assistance for Action Plan Implementation

In between hearing from researchers across NREL and touring the laboratorys facilities, the cohort also presented progress on the action plans they developed as part of the courses capstone activity. The action plans are meant to apply the content received through the course to real-world energy questions participants were facing in their respective organizations. Each plan represents a different aspect associated with planning for the efficient integration of distributed energy resources and electric vehicles in Colombia. One of the participants and site visitors, Carolina Obando Anzalo, from Colombias Comision de Regulacion de Energia y Gas, described how her group decided on the best topic for their action plan.

We identified that one of the important things for electric mobility to work in Colombia was a review of the distribution code, so for our action plan we are doing some recommendations and documenting them to improve the distribution code and improve the implementation of distributed energy resources in our country, Obando Anzalo said.

Four of the action plans have received tailored NREL technical assistance over the last year to support implementation. They are currently being finalized, and results are expected in July 2022.

Demonstrating NREL's Value Internationally

The most interesting aspect of the visit was seeing the great leadership NREL is exercising in the transformation of energy management in the United States and across the world, said Diana Marcela Orrego Vega, an energy regulation advisor at Grupo Energia Bogota.

I was pleased by NRELs willingness to share their knowledge and research in the development of renewable energies that support the energy transition, she said.

Overall, the site visit to NREL not only marked the culmination of the capacity building program, but it helped forge a strong cooperation going forward that will continue to support Colombia in its energy transition journey.

Learn more about NREL's work with USAID in Colombia: Supporting Colombia's Clean Energy Transition.
A second Cuban exile is suing Netflix over its spy-thriller Wasp Network, which claims to be based on a true story.

Cuban exiles Ana Margarita Martinez and Jose Basulto say the film whitewashes and revises the true events of their lives.

The movie tells a story about Basultos organization Brothers to the Rescue, which assists Cuban rafters trying to escape communist Cuba to the United States.

In 1996, two of the organizations planes were shot down upon an order from the Cuban regime. It ultimately turns out that Martinezs husband is involved in the plotand that hes a spy for the communist regime.

But the lawsuits say the film rewrites history, and in the process, tries to justify the regimes crimes of espionage against the United States.

NTD spoke with Ana Martinezs attorney, Leon Hirzel, to learn more about the cases.
NTV News 24 is a service of Nippon Television, Japan's leading broadcasting network. This page provides a selection of today's stories in English.
A financial adviser from Munster was named to the InvestmentNews Top 40 Under 40.

Chris Janota with Envoy Wealth Management LLC in Crown Point was inducted into the Top 40 under 40 Class of 2022 for InvestmentNews, a national publication that supplies investment news and analysis for financial advisers.

Janota, a Munster resident, founded Envoy Wealth Management at 9800 Connecticut Drive in the Purdue Technology Center in Crown Point in 2017. The firm serves individuals, families and small business clients.

He was one of 40 people under the age of 40 nationwide honored for making an impact on the financial services sector.

I am beyond excited to be included in this years InvestmentNews 40 Under 40 award class, Janota said. I am honored to be associated with this distinguished award and the many professionals who have received it in past years. My goal is to help my clients reach their financial goals and serve the community, and Im proud to be recognized for those ongoing contributions.

Janota has more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. He's the owner, president and founder of Envoy Wealth Management.

He was selected out of more than 600 candidates nationwide for the honor after an editorial panel with the magazine reviewed his application, accomplishments and contributions to the industry.

He has worked as an adviser, volunteered with the InvestWrite financial education literacy program and helped college students get ready for careers through Northern Illinois Universitys Alumni Association mentorship program.

Janota also serves as president of the board of the Act of Grace nonprofit that helps youth with epilepsy and other neurological conditions. He serves as vice president of the Park Forest Historical Society Board of Directors, a member of Cambridge's New Century Council and a volunteer with the Life Happens Scholarship Program.

Janota and the magazine's other 40 under 40 inductees will be honored at a ceremony on Friday in New York City.

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KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  The Russian military said it used long-range missiles Wednesday to destroy a depot in the western Lviv region of Ukraine where ammunition for NATO-supplied weapons was stored, and the governor of a key eastern city acknowledged Russian forces are advancing in heavy fighting.

The battle for Sievierodonetsk in Ukraine's eastern Donbas area has become the focus of Russia's offensive in recent weeks.

Russia-backed separatists accused Ukrainian forces of sabotaging an evacuation of civilians from the city's besieged Azot chemical plant, where about 500 civilians and an unknown number of Ukrainian fighters are believed to be sheltering from missile attacks. It wasn't possible to verify that claim.

Russian officials had announced a humanitarian corridor from the Azot plant a day earlier, but said they would take civilians to areas controlled by Russian, not Ukrainian, forces.

The Ukrainian governor of Luhansk, Serhiy Haidai, told The Associated Press that heavy fighting in Sievierodonetsk continues today as well. The Luhansk and Donetsk regions make up the Donbas.

The situation in the city is getting worse, Haidai said, because Russian forces have more manpower and weapons. But our military is holding back the enemy from three sides at once, he added.

In the Lviv region near the border with NATO member Poland, Russian forces used high-precision Kalibr missiles to destroy the depot near the town of Zolochiv, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said. Konashenkov said shells for M777 howitzers, a type supplied by the United States, were stored there. He said four howitzers were destroyed elsewhere and that Russian airstrikes also destroyed Ukrainian aviation equipment at a military aerodrome in the southern Mykolaiv region.

Ukrainian officials did not immediately comment on the Zolochiv strike.

While focusing most of their attacks on eastern Ukraine, where they are trying to capture large swaths of territory, Russian forces have also been hitting more specific targets elsewhere, using high-precision missiles to disrupt the international supply of weapons and destroy military infrastructure. Civilian infrastructure has been bombarded as well, even though Russian officials have claimed theyre only targeting military facilities.

In the northeastern Sumy region, the governor said two helicopters flying in from nearby Russian territory fired five missiles late Wednesday around the city of Hlukhiv. A residential building was hit, killing one person and wounding six, and other infrastructure was damaged, Gov. Dmytro Zhyvytskyy said on Telegram.

Early Thursday, loud explosions were heard in the city of Sumy while air raid sirens were going off, and the mayor urged residents to remain in bomb shelters and not to publicize any information about what was hit.

NATO members are pledging to send more and longer-range weapons to Ukraine.

President Joe Biden said Wednesday the U.S. will send an additional $1 billion in military aid, the largest single tranche of weapons and equipment since the war began. The aid will include anti-ship missile launchers, howitzers and more rounds for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems  all key weapons systems that Ukrainian leaders have urgently requested.

Germany is providing Ukraine with three multiple launch rocket systems of the kind that Kyiv has said it urgently needs to defend itself against Russias invasion. Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said Wednesday that Germany will transfer three M270 medium-range artillery rocket systems along with ammunition.

Germany said the transfer, which echoes similar moves by Britain and the United States, will be accompanied by training and will have a swift and significant battlefield impact.

In recent days, Ukrainian officials have spoken of the heavy human cost of the war, with Kyivs forces outgunned and outnumbered in the east.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Biden for the new aid package.

The security support of the United States is unprecedented, he said, reporting on a phone call the two leaders held earlier Wednesday. It brings us closer to a common victory over the Russian aggressor.

Zelenskyy said he has accepted invitations to speak at the NATO and Group of Seven summits at the end of the month.

During the 112 days of this war, the Ukrainian army has proved that courage and wisdom on the battlefield, together with the ability to tactically outmaneuver the enemy, can have a significant result, even despite the Russian army's significant advantage n number of soldiers and equipment," he said in his nightly video address.

"Of course we are doing everything we can to overcome this advantage. Every day I fight for Ukraine to receive the weapons and equipment we need.

Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chair of Russias Security Council, ominously suggested that Russia is intent on not just claiming territory but eliminating Ukraine as a nation. In a Telegram post, he wrote that he saw Ukraine wants to receive liquefied natural gas from its overseas masters with payment due in two years.

He added: "But theres a question. Who said that in two years, Ukraine will even exist on the map?

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelenskyy, responded on Twitter: Ukraine has been and will be. Where will Medvedev be in two years? Thats the question.

MORE STORIES ON THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR:

 Mines are killing people in Ukraine even after the fighting leaves their areas

 U.S. sending $1 billion more in military aid

 Two U.S. veterans reported missing in Ukraine

 Russia again cuts natural gas exports to Europe

 Russia's economic forum takes place but with fewer participants

__ French president suggests he will visit Kyiv to show support for Ukraine

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS:

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said it may be possible to create secure corridors to transport Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea without the need to clear sea mines near Ukrainian ports.

Cavusoglus comments Wednesday came a week after he discussed with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov a U.N. plan to open up Odesa and Ukraines other Black Sea ports to allow millions of tons of grains to be shipped to world markets.

Russia has demanded that Ukraine remove mines from the Black Sea before grain exports can resume by ship. Ukraine rejects the proposal, insisting it would leave its ports vulnerable to Russian attacks.

Cavusoglu told reporters that since the location of the mines is known, it would be possible to establish secure corridors that avoid them. Turkey, Russia and Ukraine have appointed military officers and set up a telephone hotline to try to overcome hurdles over crop exports.

U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric welcomed Cavusoglus comments as extremely positive but declined to discuss the plan.

A U.N. delegation investigating war crimes in Ukraine has visited areas of the country that were held by Russian troops and found evidence that could support war crimes allegations.

The delegation chaired by Erik Mse, a Norwegian judge, visited sites including the Kyiv suburbs of Bucha and Irpin, where Ukrainian authorities have accused Russia of mass killings of civilians.

At this stage we are not in a position to make any factual findings or pronounce ourselves on issues of the legal determination of events, Mse said.

However, subject to further confirmation, the information received and the visited sites of destruction may support claims that serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, perhaps reaching war crimes and crimes against humanity, have been committed in the areas, he said.

With Ukrainian and international organizations investigating war crimes cases, Mse expressed concern at the risk of investigations overlapping or causing witnesses more trauma by probing the same events repeatedly.

Karmanau reported from Lviv.

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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HAMMOND  Authorities are seeking the whereabouts of a 14-year-old girl missing from her Hammond home.

Leticia Gomez-Burgos was believed to have run away and was last seen Sunday voluntarily leaving her home in Hammond, said Hammond Police Department Lt. Steve Kellogg.

Police believe she may still be somewhere in the Chicagoland area.

Gomez-Burgos is described as 4 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs 116 pounds with brown, shoulder-length, curly hair. Police said she has her ears pierced and she has a gap between her top front two teeth.

She was last known to have a white Jordan duffle bag full of clothes and may be wearing black Jordan Space Jam shoes or white Air Force 1 gym shoes.

Anyone with information about the teen is asked to contact the Hammond Police Department Juvenile Division at 219-852-2906. If anyone sees Gomez-Burgos, they are asked to call 911 immediately.

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VALPARAISO  A 19-year-old woman shot Monday at a Chesterton hotel, who is on life support at a Chicago hospital, reportedly told police she was struck by a bullet while trying to wrestle a handgun away from her suicidal boyfriend.

When Matthew Devon Rinehart put the handgun to his head, the woman said she placed herself between the young man and the weapon, according to a newly filed charging document.

"(The woman) stated that, 'everything went white,' she heard Matthew yelling, 'No! No! No!' and she saw blood," police said. "Her next memory is waking up on a ventilator."

The new details are part of a document charging Rinehart, of Gary, with a felony count of criminal recklessness.

Officials initially said the young man would be charged with a felony count of assisting a suicide.

The charge of criminal recklessness says when Rinehart put the gun to his head, his girlfriend attempted to grab it, resulting in a struggle, during which time the weapon fired and the woman was shot in the face.

Rinehart, who is in custody at the Porter County Jail, is scheduled to appear Friday morning before Porter Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Clymer.

Rinehart told police a different version of the events leading up to the shooting, claiming both he and the woman were feeling suicidal.

Rinehart said he took the handgun Sunday and went into a wooded area near the Best Western Indian Oak hotel at 558 Indian Boundary Road with the intention of killing himself, according to a charging document. He did not follow through with those plans and returned to the couple's hotel room with the gun.

On Monday, the woman took the gun into the hotel room bathroom with the intention of killing herself, the court document says. Rinehart said he took the gun from the woman, who argued for it back, claiming it belonged to her family member.

Rinehart said he gave the Smith & Wesson handgun back to the woman, despite her threats to kill herself, police said.

He reportedly said he later tried to take the gun back from the woman, who pointed it at her face, a charging document says.

"Matthew stated that there was a back-and-forth between the handgun being pointed at his face and her face when the handgun went off and struck (the woman) in the face," police said. "Matthew stated that he did not pull the trigger."

Chesterton police said they responded to the shooting call around 10:33 a.m. Monday.

The injured woman was taken to the nearby Northwest Health-Porter hospital and then airlifted to the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Her last known condition was serious, police said.

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HOBART  VicTory Training, an organization that provides health care training for local hospitals and professionals, is now offering a summer camp that exposes children to various fields within the health care profession.

The camp, which will have two more sessions this summer, lets children ages 10 to 13 learn about several health care fields, including professions other than nurse and doctor.

Regina Beard, founder and president of the camp, said she organized the weeks to inspire children to pursue fields such as firefighting, forensic nursing and engineering.

During the first session, students went to Valparaiso University and participated in a simulation lab in nursing where they got to experience what would happen in an emergency. They also went to St. Mary Medical Center to understand hand-washing procedures.

I want to pique their interest and excite them, Beard said. I want them to desire to work in health care.

The camp runs for a week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The next sessions are July 11-15 and Aug. 1-5.

Registration is $25, and breakfast and lunch are provided through the School City of Hobart.

We do an activity associated with each health care career, Beard said.

Beard said the first session of the camp went well, with parents emailing each day for updates and kids talking about it extensively.

We are looking to be a part of a childs village, Beard said.

Jillian Dunham, a 12-year-old in the camp, has loved it so far. She said that it opened her eyes to new fields and that she hopes to one day become a forensic nurse.

It is educational and inspirational, Dunham said.

Janet Seabrook, a doctor who visited the camp to discuss family medicine, said she felt it was a great opportunity. She said the children were very engaged, and she tried to explain how many roles exist within health care.

She said many of the students wanted to pursue IT or engineering within health care.

It shows how wide and expansive health care is. There is more than just doctors or nurses. You need a whole team approach to be successful, Seabrook said.

Carlo Armstrong, a 13-year-old in the camp, loved medical things before attending. It gave him the extra push to realize it is what he wants to do when he is older.

I was never able to actually experience what it is like to be in a hospital and work as a nurse or doctor, he said, adding that he hopes to go into neuroscience.

To register for the camp, visit victorytraining.net/registrationv4kidz and fill out the submission form. The camp is faith-based.

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CROWN POINT  Should Lake County government property continue to be used to sell "guns of war," such as the high-powered AR-15 semi-automatic rifle?

Lake County Councilman Charlie Brown, D-Gary, believes it's time county officials have that discussion following the May 24 slaughter of 19 third and fourth grade students and two teachers at a Uvalde, Texas, elementary school that required DNA testing to identify some of the victims because the children's bodies were utterly torn apart by bullets fired from an AR-15.

"I don't know what else an AR-15 is used for except for war," Brown said. "Why are these guns of war being sold on government property?"

Brown is referring to the gun show held approximately every six to eight weeks at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Crown Point that routinely includes vendors selling AR-15s.

He said he doesn't object to the gun show itself and he isn't trying to take anyone's guns.

But, in the wake of Uvalde, as well as the recent fatal shooting of two people at a Gary nightclub and a shooting following a graduation ceremony in the Steel City, Brown wonders if the county can't take action to prohibit the sale of certain guns at the fairgrounds, such as the AR-15.

"These things are for one purpose only that I'm aware of  to kill somebody. And we're not at war in Lake County," Brown said.

Earlier this week, Brown attempted to get the Democratic-controlled county council to quickly adopt an ordinance banning AR-15 sales at the fairgrounds.

Councilwoman Christine Cid, D-East Chicago, enthusiastically backed the proposal. She asked her colleagues: "When are we going to take action?"

"There does need to be more restrictions. I don't understand why we sell those guns. They kill multiple people in a very short time," Cid said.

But Council President Ted Bilski, D-Hobart, said that while he's sympathetic to Brown's position, he insisted a ban on AR-15 sales at the fairgrounds isn't something that can be rushed through, given the lawsuit almost certain to follow and the fact the county's three-member Board of Commissioners control how the fairgrounds are used.

In response, Brown said: "The hell with all that gobbledygook about what the current law says. Let us hear from the people in this county as to whether they want us to keep this on the front burner, so we will not be losing more lives unnecessarily."

Commissioner Mike Repay, D-Hammond, said afterward he's interested in learning exactly what the county can do in terms of regulating or limiting how entities leasing space at the fairgrounds use that space, especially since the AR-15 is a legal product.

"I have asked people to investigate what we can do within the law, and the Constitution, in order to do better by our taxpayers. I think Charlie has good points. But I don't have an answer at this point. I think it is an issue worth investigating, but I don't know what the answer would be," Repay said.

He said the commissioners potentially could ban the sale of all products at the fairgrounds.

While Repay acknowledged the county likely would lose rental revenue if it went down that road, it would put an end to AR-15 sales without necessarily seeming to target gun sales.

Another option might be to require fairgrounds vendors have a physical retail location in Lake County or Northwest Indiana, Repay said.

That way, he said the county isn't allowing existing businesses that sell guns, or any other product, and also hire local workers and pay property taxes, to potentially be undercut by transient competition operating at the fairgrounds.

"If we were to find a solution, I'd want it to be a good one that can withstand any sort of judicial test," Repay said. "I'm not against guns. I own a lot of guns. No AR-15s. And I bought a couple at the gun show."

The two-day gun shows at the Lake County Fairgrounds are organized by a company called Central Indiana Gun Shows. Vendors pay $50 for an eight-foot display table and electricity is included.

Daniel Hedger, of Richmond, Indiana, is owner of Central Indiana Gun Shows. He said when contacted by The Times it was the first he's heard of the idea to potentially ban AR-15 sales at his Crown Point show.

"I don't know where they even came up with that one," Hedger said. "I don't know that you could legally do it. I would have to talk to my attorney."

Hedger pointed out the AR-15 is a specific rifle made by Colt's Manufacturing Company. But he said there are probably 200 or so similar rifles produced by other manufacturers that aren't specifically AR-15s and still potentially would be eligible for sale even if the county blocks vendors from offering AR-15s at the fairgrounds.

"Personally, I don't like an AR. I never have cared for that rifle, to be honest with you. But I don't think you can label it," Hedger said.

He acknowledged there always are ARs available for purchase at Crown Point gun shows, including the next one at the fairgrounds July 2-3.

"There's everything from hunting rifles to bolt-actions to law enforcement carry to stun guns, you name it," he said.

"Most of the guns you see used in crimes were bought from dealers. The paperwork was done legally. Most of them don't come from gun shows, they come from gun shops, or they're stolen in crimes," Hedger said.

Hedger also suggested more people are killed by medical malpractice, drunken driving and even blunt force trauma from hammers than from guns, and no one is suggesting a ban on selling the vehicle used most often in fatal drunk driving crashes.

"Politicians go after stuff that makes them feel good, that makes them look good to the public," Hedger said. "You can stack laws on the books all day long. Criminals are going to violate the law."

He said that if officials want to ban anything they should consider banning social media because criminals are using Facebook and Snapchat and Instagram to hone their techniques and connect with others similarly inclined to engage in mayhem.

"People can feed into your ego. They can feed into your rage. It gives crazy people more fuel for their fire to do something stupid," Hedger said.

The next Lake County Council meeting is scheduled for July 12 at the Government Center in Crown Point.

Guns are not allowed in the building because it also is a courthouse.

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The heat wave continues in Northwest Indiana and Cook County with a welcomed cool-down at the end of the week. To alleviate residents' suffering amidst high temps, Region communities have offered cooling centers and even free pool time.

A hazardous weather outlook was issued warning of dangerous heat and humidity that persisted from Tuesday until 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Meteorologists predict an overnight thunderstorm that is forming across eastern Iowa will move toward northwestern Illinois, with the potential to sweep across Northwest Indiana around 11 p.m. Wednesday.

Winds could get up to 65 mph with the potential to cause damage to structures, trees and outdoor objects, with a limited tornado risk west of Interstate 39. The U.S. Coast Guard advised individuals to stay out of Lake Michigan as the storms are set to move east across the lake Wednesday evening into Thursday.

We urge all mariners to exercise extreme caution and prudence throughout the duration of this storm, said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Donald Montoro, commander of Sector Lake Michigan. Only go out on the water if absolutely necessary. Always wear your life jacket, ensure you have a working marine radio tuned to channel 16 and that you tell a family member or friend where and when you will be on the water.

Peak heat index temperatures ranged from 100 to 110 degrees during this week's heat wave. Wednesday brought temperatures with a heat index of up to 107 degrees; however Thursday will see temperatures in the low 90s.

An air quality action alert was in effect until midnight Wednesday due to ozone layers being at unhealthy levels for sensitive groups.

"While most wont be impacted by these levels of ozone, those with heart and lung conditions in particular should try and spend the majority of the day indoors and not do anything strenuous if they do venture outside," Times Media Co. Chief Meteorologist Matt Holiner said.

Individuals should take extra precautions if spending time in the heat by drinking plenty of fluids and taking shelter in air-conditioned or shaded areas when able to. Children and pets should not be left unattended in a vehicle under any circumstances.

Residents should check on elderly neighbors and exercise extra caution for those vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, such as children. Those with pets should also limit their time outdoors and provide extra water and shade.

To give residents relief, the Lake Station Park Department Pool was temporarily free to the public on Wednesday. Lake Station City Hall at 1969 Central Ave. was also offered as a cooling center with air conditioning, water and seating.

In Hobart, cooling centers are open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hobart Branch of the Lake County Library at 100 Main St. and the PCC Meeting Room at 705 East Fourth St. Residents over 55 years old can go to the Maria Reiner Center at 705 East Fourth Street.

In Merrillville, residents can visit Merrillville Town Hall at 7820 Broadway and the Community Center at 6600 Broadway to cool off.

In Gary, three cooling centers are open when temperatures reach 88 degrees or higher. Individuals can cool off from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ambridge Mann Pavilion at 2822 West Fourth Ave or go to the Calumet Township office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. located at 1900 West 41st Ave. Brother's Keeper is also offering its facilities as a cooling center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In Hammond, cooling centers are in operation 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jean Shepherd Community Center at 3031 J.F. Mahoney Drive, the Lost Marsh Club House at 1001 129th St. and the Hammond Civic Center at 5825 Sohl Ave.

In Whiting, the Whiting Public Library at 1735 Oliver Street and the Whiting YMCA at 1938 Clark Street are serving as cooling centers.

In Valparaiso, the three cooling centers include the Valparaiso Family YMCA at 1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive, the Banta Senior Center at 605 Beech St. and the Porter County Public Library at 103 Jefferson St.

Michigan City is offering cooling centers from 8 a.m to 4 p.m. at the Michigan Fire and Training Center at 2510 East Michigan Boulevard and the Michigan City Police Department at 1201 East Michigan Boulevard.

Residents can look forward to a more tolerable weekend with the help of a cool front blowing through in the middle of the week, Holiner said.

"This will push our temperatures back down to around 90 degrees for Thursday and drop the humidity, so no more heat advisories or warnings are expected," he said. "Temperatures will continue to drop into the weekend with very pleasant conditions expected by Saturday. Highs will only be in the upper 70s and dry."

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Representative Tom Rice, a staunch conservative who voted to impeach former President Donald J. Trump for fomenting the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, was defeated Tuesday by a Trump-endorsed primary challenger, the first of the 10 House Republicans who backed impeachment to test the will of the primary voters and lose.

Mr. Rices loss to State Representative Russell Fry means that half of the 10 Republicans who voted to impeach will not return to Congress next year, and that number is likely to grow. In addition to Mr. Rice, four other House Republicans chose to retire rather than face the pro-Trump core of the Republican electorate.

Mr. Fry put Mr. Rices impeachment vote at the center of his campaign in the conservative Seventh Congressional District, which runs along the North Carolina border to the Atlantic Ocean. And Mr. Trump rallied with Mr. Fry by his side.
Canada, which has slowly scaled back travel restrictions as the number of coronavirus cases has continued to fall, will suspend another mandate. Starting on June 20, people traveling domestically and federal transport workers will no longer have to show proof of vaccination, officials said Tuesday, citing in large part the countrys high vaccination rate.

Its clear that the Covid situation is not the same now as it was last fall when we implemented the vaccine mandate, Omar Alghabra, the countrys minister of transport, said during a news briefing on Tuesday. This is thanks to the millions of Canadians who rolled up their sleeves and got vaccinated.

The announcement was also made in a 37-second video that featured dance music and promised that the change would make it easier for Canadians to travel within Canada.
Just weeks after the Canadian government released an independent report condemning the handling of sexual misconduct by the countrys military, a retired lieutenant general was charged with two counts of sexual assault on Wednesday.

In a brief statement, the military said that the charges against the general, Trevor Cadieu, were related to events in 1994 at Royal Military College, a university of the armed forces, in Kingston, Ontario. No details were released about the episodes.

Plans to appoint Mr. Cadieu as the commander of the Canadian Army were suspended in September because of an investigation by the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service that led to Wednesdays charges.
Ghislaine Maxwell, in a plea for mercy two weeks before she is to be sentenced in her sex-trafficking case, blamed her actions on parental cruelty and on her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whom she was accused of helping recruit and abuse underage girls.

She had a difficult, traumatic childhood with an overbearing, narcissistic, and demanding father, her lawyers wrote on Wednesday evening to the Manhattan federal judge who is to impose sentence on June 28.

It made her vulnerable to Epstein, whom she met right after her fathers death, the lawyers said. It is the biggest mistake she made in her life and one that she has not and never will repeat.
Fortunately, the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the leadership of its chairman, Gary Gensler, is considering a strong proposal for mandatory climate-risk disclosures by publicly traded companies. Although the agency has argued in the past that some of this information should be acknowledged under existing regulations, this rule would give investors standardized information to evaluate the financial risks of potential liability; damage from rising seas, higher temperatures and other climate consequences; shifts in public policy; and climate-related market shifts.

This is an important step. The United States is following Britain, France, Japan, Brazil, Switzerland, Canada, New Zealand and other countries in moving to mandate climate-risk disclosures.

Last year, damage from extreme weather events that each cost at least $1 billion, including wildfires, floods and hurricanes, resulted in $148 billion in damage in the United States alone. A 2019 report by CDP, a nonprofit that measures climate risks, found that those dangers could cost 215 of the worlds leading companies as much as $1 trillion in combined losses, much of it over the next five years. In recent years, climate change has been identified as the area of highest risk to society and the global economy by the World Economic Forum.

As a fiduciary serving over 700,000 public-sector workers and retirees, I oversee a group of investment portfolios with more than $250 billion in assets. My office has taken comprehensive action to address climate risk and invest in climate solutions to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Asset owners of over $130 trillion globally have committed to net-zero goals to protect against systemic risks to their investments.
We couldnt have gotten an agreement on any single one of those items a month ago, Murphy said.

Even Mitch McConnell seems to be coming around. The Senate Republican leader has always been pretty proud of his record on weapons legislation, which its fair to summarize as anti-gun safety. But now hes given his blessing to some sort of reform. Perhaps hes seen the error of his ways. Perhaps hes seen the public polls.

If somethings going to get done before the Senate goes off on its holiday recess, things have to happen pretty fast in a chamber not known for its speediness. It took them five weeks to write an infrastructure bill. We have four days, said Murphy.

Itd be nice to see a lawmaker throw himself into a righteous cause and come out a winner, wouldnt it, people? Theres even been a little talk about Murphy as a possible presidential contender, should Joe Biden decide not to run for re-election. Nononononono, the senator responded instantly when asked about the idea.

What do you think? All I know is that once we get past this years elections, everybody is going to start speculating about 2024, and we really need to collect some post-Biden options. You do not want to be at a holiday party next winter with no names to throw into the debate.

But about the gun bill. The first  and lets face it, easiest  priority is to complain that Washington isnt rising to the occasion. Its not enough, said Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, after he rather grudgingly acknowledged the new Senate agreement represented some success.

You can understand why Illinois is particularly touchy on this issue. At the N.R.A. convention in Houston last month, speakers tried to skip over the mass shooting of Texas schoolchildren days earlier by talking about how many people get gunned down every year in Chicago. Mainly with weapons imported from other states, of course, although that part didnt really come up.
But now, as the Jan. 6 committee is making ever clearer, his impulse to deceive and manipulate has taken on democracy-threatening dimensions.

Millions of people fell under the spell of Trumps lies and remain convinced of them to this day. His lies have been used to incite an insurrection in which people were injured and some died, to push through a wave of voter suppression bills in counties across the country, and to help his Republican acolytes win elections.

This all raises, to me, a profound and frightening series of questions: Can a lie, in periods like this one, simply be stronger than the truth? I have faith that history will properly diagnose this moment, and that many who now occupy high places will be brought low by it. But, in the present, without the perspective that time and distance can provide, is fantasy more seductive than reality?

Is it, on a base level, more exhilarating to destroy something than to hold it together?

Some who have defended and downplayed the rioting on Jan. 6 have argued that people got whipped into frenzy and swept up in a mob. Individual decision-making and therefore individual responsibility receded as the instinct of the pack ascended.

I dont doubt that some people did surrender themselves to the fever that swept that mob. Others were more deliberate and methodical. They conspired before the riot to engage in actions that day.

But what most interests me is how one man amassed enough power to push both the conspirators and the willfully, wantonly deceived into a violent frenzy.
This essay has been updated to reflect news developments.

The rapid development of approaches to combating Covid-19 has changed how the pandemic affects our lives. While there are now a number of safe and effective layers of protection for adults to reduce their risk of the worst impacts of Covid-19, young children remain relatively unshielded.

Although children have been at a lower risk of severe Covid-19 compared with older adults, the past six months have been the most perilous time of the pandemic for them  especially very young children. Children under 5 are the only age group in the United States whose caregivers havent had the option to help them build immunity against the virus safely via vaccination. The Omicron wave made it clear that even more than two years into the pandemic, the virus can still be devastating for people, including children, and especially those who have little or no immunity.

During the peak of the Omicron wave, hospitalization rates for children up to age 4 were five times higher than during the Delta wave, and more than 400 in that age group have died since 2020. In addition to suffering from acute illness and the risk of long Covid, children and families are experiencing other tragedies caused by the coronavirus. Over 250,000 children in the United States have lost a caregiver to Covid-19 and even more have suffered disruptions to schooling and daily life from the virus.
Follow live updates on the House committee hearing on the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

WASHINGTON  A lawyer advising President Donald J. Trump claimed in an email after Election Day 2020 to have insight into a heated fight among the Supreme Court justices over whether to hear arguments about the presidents efforts to overturn his defeat at the polls, two people briefed on the email said.

The lawyer, John Eastman, made the statement in a Dec. 24, 2020, exchange with a pro-Trump lawyer and Trump campaign officials over whether to file legal papers that they hoped might prompt four justices to agree to hear an election case from Wisconsin.

So the odds are not based on the legal merits but an assessment of the justices spines, and I understand that there is a heated fight underway, Mr. Eastman wrote, according to the people briefed on the contents of the email. Referring to the process by which at least four justices are needed to take up a case, he added, For those willing to do their duty, we should help them by giving them a Wisconsin cert petition to add into the mix.
The C.D.C.s own panel of vaccine experts is set to take up the matter over two days this weekend. If that committee also gives a favorable recommendation, Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, the agencys director, would issue her decision, the final step in the process.

Neither vaccine has been tested against new subvariants that are circulating in the United States. The clinical trials were largely conducted when the Omicron variant prevailed. Two subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5, could become dominant within a month.

The virus is evolving so fast that some panelists expressed fear that the clinical trial results on which their decisions were based were already outdated. Were really trying to predict the future, Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert with the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and an F.D.A. panelist, said in an interview. This is a problem.

But the panels biggest worry seemed to be whether Pfizers three-dose vaccine, which it developed with its German partner, BioNTech, was effective enough. Pfizer has reported that two doses of its vaccine were only about 28 percent effective in preventing symptomatic disease; Dr. Susan Wollersheim, an F.D.A. reviewer, said the companys data did not clearly show that two doses drove down the incidence of Covid.

Pfizer argued that three doses were 80 percent effective, but the finding was based on only 10 cases out of a subset of 1,678 trial participants. And Dr. Doran Fink, acting deputy director of the F.D.A.s office of vaccines, cast doubt on the companys estimate, describing it as preliminary and imprecise.

Still, he said the F.D.A. was very confident from the immune response data that Pfizers vaccine, like Modernas, met the criteria for emergency use authorization, which requires that benefits outweigh risks. But some panel members were clearly worried that parents might be misled.
When Russia invaded Ukraine, Alex immediately told me he wanted to go use his skills to train Ukrainians in how to operate American weaponry, said Mrs. Drueke. He isnt married, he doesnt have kids, and he has the training and the experience. He felt it was his duty to help defend democracy, wherever needed.

The statement described Mr. Drueke as an avid hiker who before the war had been living on family land in rural western Alabama while hoping to plan a new adventure with his Mastiff rescue, Diesel.

In an interview with WAAY-TV, an ABC affiliate in northern Alabama, Mr. Huynh, who was identified as living in a small city in the region, Hartselle, and being from Orange County, Calif., said that he had decided to travel to Ukraine and fight after seeing 18-year-olds fighting for their freedom.

I know theres a potential of me dying, he said. Im willing to give my life for what I believe is right.

Before going to Ukraine, Mr. Huynh studied robotics at a local college that Joy also attended, Ms. Black said. He had been in the Marines for four years, entering right after graduating from high school.
Mr. Brukhal, the father of two young girls, had volunteered for the local territorial defense unit covering western Ukraine, his family said. Despite his lack of experience, though, Mr. Brukhal was sent to the front lines in the east, where outgunned Ukrainian forces are trying to turn back a large Russian offensive.

In the relative safety of the west, Mr. Brukhal had volunteered mostly as a driver for the defense forces, but he agreed to be sent to the east and take on more frontline responsibilities, and, as a result, more risk. He was killed on Friday, and his body was transported to Lviv the next day.

Serhii Sokolov, his friend of 25 years and former boss, said Mr. Brukhal had been a dedicated father and trusted colleague who worked as an electrician and chose to join the territorial defense when the war began.

He had a real humanity, Mr. Sokolov said. You cannot say that about everyone, but you can truly say that about him.
LYSYCHANSK, Ukraine  Vicious fighting raged in Sievierodonetsk on Wednesday after the destruction of a key bridge there in recent days all but cut off the Ukrainian troops fighting to hold the strategically important eastern city.

In the neighboring city of Lysychansk, separated from Sievierodonetsk by a river, Ukrainian forces were using the high ground there to fire at Russian forces on the opposite bank. New York Times journalists in Lysychansk could see and hear heavy artillery fire coming from both directions through a light rain.

Ukrainian mortar teams moved around Lysychansk, firing several rounds in each place before relocating to avoid the Russian return fire that was sure to follow. On the citys periphery, a Ukrainian Grad rocket launcher emerged from its forested hiding place, unleashing about a dozen rockets toward Sievierodonetsk. A plume of smoke from the igniting munitions drifted into the air.
Six years ago Benjamin Millepied surprised many in the ballet world by resigning as director of dance at the august Paris Opera Ballet, just over a year into the role.

Now, in another surprising move  and with unusually short notice  Aurelie Dupont, his successor, has also resigned. On Thursday, Dupont said in a news release that she would be leaving the 353-year-old company on July 31. She wishes to devote herself to personal projects, the release said. Those projects included a book and documentary film. She also wanted to spend more time with her family, it said.

I am leaving this magnificent institution with a feeling of accomplishment, Dupont said in the release. My greatest pride is having contributed to the emergence of talented artists, dancers and choreographers, she added.
While Simpson works in Espanola on a family property, she lives with her young daughter on the Santa Clara Pueblo where she grew up. She was raised there mainly by her mother after her parents divorce. She said her father, a white artist, took her rock climbing and taught her how to sail on a local reservoir. He had time to play with me, while my mom was surviving, she said, describing the situation as extreme poverty. She went on to praise her mothers resourcefulness and deep relationship to the land.

We grew most of our food. We ate our pets, she said, mentioning turkeys, chickens and pigs. She also remembered her mother making their shoes by hand: cutting up blown-out tires salvaged from the dump with a jigsaw and then sewing leather straps onto the rubber.

Simpson was home-schooled until high school, when she went to the Santa Fe Indian School, joined the yearbook committee and filled the book with drawings of her classmates in styles inspired by her favorite comic artists, including Los Bros Hernandez of Love and Rockets. After college in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, she went on to the Rhode Island School of Design for a masters degree in fine arts. There she discovered that her more polished, realistic sculptures made for a visual language that other people werent speaking or understanding.

A turning point came during a school trip in 2010 to Kashihara, Japan. Encountering Japanese aesthetic traditions that prize acceptance of the process over perfection of the form  and dont distinguish between art and craft  helped her think more seriously about her pueblos creative legacy and her own. I was dropped in a world where I was completely incapable of communicating, which for me was not unlike the Western art world, she said. I realized that my artwork had to become way more specific and clear.
THE MIDCOAST, by Adam White. (Hogarth, $27.) Set in the mist-shrouded town of Damariscotta, Maine, Whites vivid debut novel charts the trajectory of a lobstering family from humble beginnings to the top of a small-town criminal empire. It also casts a light on the kinds of people and attitudes midcoastal Maine produces, with its jarring juxtapositions of poverty and wealth. The book demonstrates an urge to know the unknowable, to place the chaos of disintegration and violence into a kind of order, Lee Cole writes in his review. Brimming with keen observation, not just of the landscape but of dialect and class distinctions and all the tiny, vital particularities that make a place real in fiction, The Midcoast is an absorbing look at small-town Maine and the thwarted dreams of a family trying to transcend it.

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TRANSLATING MYSELF AND OTHERS, by Jhumpa Lahiri. (Princeton University, $21.95.) At the age of 45, Lahiri, the acclaimed Indian American writer, decided to start writing in Italian. This memoir of the experience, recounted with passion and insight, grapples with questions that are as much philosophical as technical. Her pursuit of Italian is about something far bigger than synonyms or dictionaries or nouns, Benjamin Moser writes in his review. Studying this foreign language is, or can be, a liberation, Lahiri says: I write in Italian to feel free.

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THE SUMMER PLACE, by Jennifer Weiner. (Atria, $28.99.) In the lead-up to a wedding on Cape Cod, family secrets bubble to the surface and threaten to upend not just the nuptials but generations worth of trust. A meditation on mothers and daughters, Weiners latest novel also explores class conflicts, identity issues and real estate dramas. In a mixed review, Michelle Ruiz singles out the familys indignant novelist matriarch for praise, as well as Weiners willingness to shun sentimental views of motherhood in favor of a more complicated ambivalence: Thats the sort of biting, delicious, terribly human revelation that makes a beach read, Ruiz writes.
The positive reaction to Sekyiamahs book was so powerful and so necessary, said Mona Eltahawy, the Egyptian American author of The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls and Headscarves and Hymens: Why the Middle East Needs a Sexual Revolution.

The movement is part of a sexual revolution thats happening across our continent, Eltahawy said.

As a woman of color and feminist writer who grew up and has worked in both the Middle East and the West, Eltahawy said the book made clear that cisgendered, heterosexual, able-bodied, privileged white women were far from the only ones exploring themes of sex and sexual fulfillment. The book appealed to her, she said, because it showcased the stories of African women of different sexualities, abilities, religions, economic status and national backgrounds.

Sex drives are important to us too, Eltahawy said in a phone interview. Pleasure, and owning your pleasure, and wanting to liberate yourself sexually, is not a white womans life adventure. It belongs to the rest of us.

Sekyiamah said she hoped the book would give African women a window into the divergent ways they could experience pleasure, rediscover their sexual power and gain agency over their bodies. But more importantly, she added, she hoped the book would help women find a community that would support them, understand their needs and help them navigate difficult circumstances.

For me, community is always the solution, said Sekyiamah, who said her work is inspired by other Pan-African activists and feminists including Sylvia Tamale, Hakima Abbas, Sokari Ekine and Tiffany Kagure Mugo.

While women frequently share their feelings about the book and its stories in public, Sekyiamah said the men who read it usually communicate their feelings to her privately.
The disparities have held up as murders have spiked across the country since 2020. So while the numbers are typically reported through a national lens, the reality on the ground is that a small slice of the population  disproportionately poor, Black and brown  suffers the most from it.

Two worlds

The concentration of violence has another effect: It pushes violence out of sight for most people.

In Chicago, 51 people were shot in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend  a five-year high. Almost all of the victims were on the citys South and West Sides, which are mostly Black and brown.

Only when violence hits closer to home does it typically grab more peoples attention. That happened nationwide this year after mass shootings in schools and grocery stores, where Americans can imagine themselves or loved ones falling victim. In Chicago, public outrage over a shooting last month that killed a 16-year-old boy downtown  a richer, whiter area  prompted the mayor to impose a curfew for minors.

But that is the kind of violence that poorer, minority communities deal with daily, with little to no public attention. The vast majority of shootings never make national headlines.

Speaking to Black activists and residents in Chicago, I was struck by how they spoke almost dispassionately about the violence around them. They all had stories of dead friends and family members killed in gang shootings, episodes of domestic violence or road rage, or during petty conflicts over women  the shootings sometimes just days or weeks apart. Outside their homes, the sound of gunshots is common.
Since the pandemics early days, China has used mobile apps to identify and isolate people who might be spreading Covid-19. Now, a central Chinese city may have shown a far more troubling use of that data: stopping would-be protesters.

Dozens of people from across China had set off for the city of Zhengzhou days ago to protest the freezing of their savings amid an investigation into several regional banks. But when they arrived in the city, many found that the so-called health codes on their phones had turned from green  meaning good  to red, a designation that would prevent them from moving freely.

Tom Zhang, the owner of a textile business in the eastern province of Zhejiang, said this happened to him when he was on a train headed to Zhengzhou on Sunday, despite coming from a town where there had been no Covid cases. Upon arriving in the city, Mr. Zhang said, he was stopped by the police and told that his red code  usually suggesting an infection or close contact  indicated he posed public health risk. He said the Zhengzhou police had held him in a local library for around 12 hours.
Follow our live updates on Elon Musks meeting with Twitter employees.

Twitter employees meet their (potential) new boss

Today, Elon Musk, Twitters would-be (could-be?) owner, will field questions from tweeps, as Twitter employees are known. He will attend a virtual all-hands meeting as his $44 billion acquisition of the company, announced in April, continues to move ahead despite Musks hand-wringing about bots, which many analysts have interpreted as an effort to get out of the deal or lower its price tag.

The meeting has been a long time coming. Musk was supposed to take questions from employees after Twitter appointed him to its board in April, but that appearance was scrapped after he changed his mind and tried to buy the company instead. Doing a Q. and A. session now, after announcing a deal to buy Twitter, is a standard part of the M&A playbook, but this deal has been far from typical. Plummeting shares of technology stocks, including those of Tesla, a main source of Musks wealth, have coincided with what has appeared to be some hesitation on Musks part, and his erratic flurry of deal-related tweets has sent advisers, investors and employees scrambling.

Is this thing on? This month, Musk capped a string of complaints about Twitters bot count with an accusation that the company was stonewalling his efforts to get more information about how it calculates the number of fake or spam accounts, which he said could give him the right to abandon the deal. Days later, Twitter agreed to give Musk access to its firehose, a stream of millions of tweets. Despite the public back-and-forth, advisers continue to work toward completing a deal, which is expected to close by Oct. 24, assuming regulators approve it by then.
For decades, Germany has depended on Russia as its main supplier for natural gas, which arrives to the country overland through a vast network of pipelines, many of them dating back to the Cold War era. But Russias invasion of Ukraine in February caused Berlin to turn to the United States, Norway and the United Arab Emirates for natural gas, leading to a 20 percent drop in its imports from Russia.

Gazprom said on Wednesday that it would curtail natural gas supplies through a key pipeline to Germany by 60 percent, a day after announcing a 40 percent reduction. The pipeline, Nord Stream 1, carries gas directly from fields in Russia to Germany, which diverts some of the flow to other countries in Europe.

Gazprom has said the cuts were necessary because a turbine for a compressor station in northwestern Russia was sent for repairs and hadnt returned in time.

Several other countries in Europe also reported reductions in gas flowing across their borders.

The Czech Republics main gas provider, CEZ, also reported that its supplies from Gazprom had been reduced by a similar amount as in Germany, also citing technical issues, Ladislav Kriz, a spokesman for the company, said on Thursday. Austrias OMV energy company said that Gazprom had informed it of gas cuts, but declined to offer further details.
USA Today said on Thursday that it had removed 23 articles from its website after an investigation into a reporters work revealed sources that appeared to be fabricated.

The internal investigation, which took place over a period of several weeks, began after USA Today received an inquiry related to the veracity of details in an article by Gabriela Miranda, who was a breaking news reporter at USA Today.

Ms. Miranda resigned from USA Today recently, as the investigation progressed, according to a person briefed on the inquiry. Her most recent article for the newspaper was published on April 17.
For generations of women, Revlons red Fire & Ice, introduced in 1952, was the go-to lipstick shade on a Saturday night.

In the 70s, they spritzed Charlie perfume on their wrists, humming the ubiquitous jingle. And when the supermodel Cindy Crawford showed up in ads wearing Raisin Rage in the 1990s, millions of women snapped up brown lipstick shades.

All those big megaglam supermodels were spokespeople for Revlon, recalled Tina Catania, 41, who remembers shopping for Revlon in a drugstore as a young girl in the Bronx. They had the biggest display, she said, recalling the stickers on the bottom of Revlon products showing the shade, and the excitement of trying the lipsticks on when she got home.
While she first applied her approach as a middle-class, educated, heterosexual mother and wrote about it in feminist terms, Dr. Smith saw it as a tool available to anyone marginalized by conventional sociologys dominant forms of inquiry. And, indeed, subsequent scholars have used her methodology to study things as disparate as the lives of gay men and the way the police treat Black teenagers. It was, she said, a sociology for people.

Dorothy Edith Place was born on July 6, 1926, in Northallerton, a small town in northern England. Her father, Tom Place, was a timber merchant. Her mother, Dorothy Foster (Abraham) Place, was a university-trained chemist who as a young woman had been active in the womens suffrage movement. She spent time in jail for breaking windows at Harrods department store in London, alongside Sylvia Pankhurst. When Ms. Place left the movement in the 1920s, her parents bought her a small farm, where she met her future husband.

Young Dorothy grew up amid a brilliant brood: Her brother Ullin became a renowned philosopher, while another brother, Milner, became a widely published poet. All three, as well as another brother, David, went to boarding school, though Dorothys education was primarily to prepare her for motherhood.

She resisted that path as much as she could. She took a two-year course in social work at the University of Birmingham, then moved to London, where she became active in Labour Party politics. She worked as a secretary for a publishing company. To widen her career opportunities, she applied to study at the London School of Economics. She was 25 when she was accepted.

She received a bachelors degree in sociology in 1955. Along the way she discovered Marxism and the work of the French philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty, both of which would greatly affect her work; that same year she married an American, William Smith, who was studying in London on the G.I. Bill.

They both entered graduate school at the University of California, Berkeley, where she received her doctorate, also in sociology, in 1963. She defended her dissertation nine months after giving birth to her second son. Around that time her husband abandoned the family.
The pathogenic mutation in the Colombian family is known to be involved in amyloid metabolism, Dr. Gandy said, adding, The thinking was that these were the patients most likely to respond to anti-amyloid antibodies.

Dr. Pierre Tariot, the director of the Banner Alzheimers Institute and a leader of the Colombian research, said some of the data did suggest that patients receiving crenezumab fared better than those receiving the placebo, but the differences were not statistically significant.

He also said there were no safety problems with the drug, an important finding because many anti-amyloid therapies, including Aduhelm, have caused brain bleeding or swelling in some patients.

Additional data from the trial will be presented at a conference in August. Dr. Tariot and Dr. Reiman noted that Thursdays results did not include more detailed information from brain imaging or blood analysis of the drugs effects on proteins and other aspects of the biology of Alzheimers. They also did not reflect increases in the dose of crenezumab, which researchers began giving to patients as they learned more about the drug, Dr. Tariot said. He said some patients received up to two years of the highest dose during the five to eight years they were in the clinical trial.

Dr. Francisco Lopera, a Colombian neurologist and another leader of the research, began working with the family members decades ago and helped determine that their affliction was a genetic form of Alzheimers. He said the trial had convinced him that prevention is the best way of looking for the solution for Alzheimers disease, even if today we dont have a good result.
But a shady new corporation, referred to mysteriously as The Company, has upset the local bucolic balance. Its operators have their eyes on Rezas land, and they resort to extortionary tricks  including poisoning his goldfish  to get him to give it up. As Reza and his wife, Hadis (a superb Soudabeh Beizaee), try various personal, legal and not-so-legal means of recourse, they encounter a Kafkaesque labyrinth of dead ends, greasy palms and sinister violence.

Employing minimal background music and a bleak, blue-gray color palette, Rasoulof evokes a sense of nihilism that is as suffocating as it is affecting. Every narrative twist  including some rather contrived mafia-thriller turns  hammers home the same point: that its hard to be a good man in a bad system. Given the system Rasoulof works within (and against), however, its a message well worth repeating.

A Man of Integrity

Rated PG-13 for scenes of drug use, violence and general existential bleakness. In Farsi, with subtitles. Running time: 1 hour 53 minutes. In theaters.
For over a decade, the British comedian David Earl has been playing the character Brian Gittins, a shaggy, unfiltered eccentric whose prickly point of view inspires pity and unease. The pseudo-documentary Brian and Charles, an unevenly sentimental heart-tugger directed by Jim Archer, finds Brian in a corner of rural Wales feeling depressed and solitary despite the implied presence of documentarians, whom he addresses directly while facing the camera. Theres no evident reason for the mockumentary element, although it gives Earl a chance to mug for the lens.

To fix his low and lonely state, Brian builds a robot. Let Silicon Valley chase a sleek future of frictionless rectangles and orbs: Brians creation, Charles, is a towering, homemade shambles with gray hair and a doddering shuffle that gives the impression of a retired sheepherder. Chris Hayward, who wrote the movie with Earl, plays the bot and radiates marvelous vocal and physical energy from inside a costume that appears to be constructed from a cardboard box covered in a cardigan, with a mannequin head on a pole poking out of the top. He tests the audiences ability to become invested in an unapologetically ridiculous concoction  and he succeeds better than the human caricatures who make up the rest of the ensemble, from a stock brute (Jamie Michie) to a potential love interest (Louise Brealey) who is stuck smiling patiently as the robot teaches Brian social skills.
[June 16, 2022] ANDY BY ANDERSON HAY LAUNCHES ECOMMERCE SITE FOR SMALL PET MARKET Brings Farm-Fresh and USDA Certified Organic Hay Directly to Homes of Small Pet Owners ELLENSBURG, Wash., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Andy by Anderson Hay, a newcomer to the small pet market delivering farm-fresh hay for rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets, expands its U.S. presence by launching a new ecommerce website, Andy.pet, introducing small pet owners to its high-quality hay and all-natural products. Since 2022, Andy has been selling its USDA certified organic and natural Timothy hay, alfalfa, bedding and other products through its online store and third-party online channels, principally Amazon. "Andy isn't just another feed store, Andy is a family," said Molly Anderson , Social Media & Communications Manager. For three generations spanning more than 50 years, the Anderson family has been feeding the world's most important animals with its farm-fresh hay from the Pacific Northwest. Now the leading U.S. exporter of premium hay and straw products continues its pioneering spirit by offering its hay directly to the homes of small pet owners. All production and packaging is handled by Andy's sister company, Anderson Hay & Grain. "Andy is a family business that takes great pride in each box we fill," said Mark Anderson, CEO of Andy by Anderson Hay and Anderson Hay & Grain. "Andy's product line is supportd by generations of knowledge in the hay business globally. We have deep experience in meeting the needs of the most stringent hay buyers around the world. It will be hard to find another supplier with deeper roots in both hay knowledge and customer service passion." All-sustainable and eco-friendly, Andy aims to nourish small pets with fresh, small batch forage, made the way nature intended. Product offerings include natural Timothy hay (1st and 2nd cutting), organic Timothy hay (1st and 2nd cutting), natural alfalfa, alfalfa pellets, wood shavings bedding and pellet bedding. Further differentiating the brand are the farm-to-feed Andy-Pak Feeder Boxes, which contain Timothy 1st and 2nd cuttings or USDA organic 1st cutting Timothy hay compressed in a 1.5-pound feeder box, which is convenient and mess free for feeding small pets. "We're really excited about the dedicated team we put together focused on providing the best packaging for small animals," said Michael Anderson, WA Division Operations Manager for Anderson Hay & Grain and a fourth-generation Anderson working in the family business. Spearheading Andy's social media strategy is 23-year-old Molly Anderson, another fourth-generation Anderson, who always wanted to carry on the family legacy, but wanted to leave a different footprint. She envisioned the Andy brand because she "didn't want to leave any four-legged friends behind." "Andy is relatable, understanding and a safe place for people to trust that their pet will be taken care of," said Molly Anderson, Social Media & Communications Manager. "Andy isn't just another feed store, Andy is a family." Valtech, a global digital agency focused on business transformation, was responsible for conceptualizing Andy's authentic, youthful and wholesome branding, as well as company's verdant logo: rising above the 'N' in Andy are bunny ears with Andy's tagline, 'Fresh from the farm, naturally.' Andy's products are now available at Andy.pet and Amazon. About Andy by Anderson Hay Andy by Anderson Hay specializes in selling high-quality USDA certified organic and natural Timothy hay, alfalfa, bedding, and other food for rabbits, guinea pigs and the small pet market online. For three generations spanning more than 50 years, the Anderson family has been feeding the world's most important animals from its happy fields in the Pacific Northwest. In 2021, Andy by Anderson Hay established a presence in the U.S. market, the vision of the families fourth generation, offering fresh, small batch forage, directly from its fields to the doorsteps of small pet owners. Known for its consistency and quality of hay year round, Andy aims to nourish small pets with all-natural hay, providing furry friends with a taste of the fresh-from-the-source farm life. Andy by Anderson Hay, headquartered in Ellensburg, Washington, sells its sustainable and eco-friendly products through its online store and third-party online channels, principally Amazon. To learn more, visit www.Andy.pet, and follow @andybyandersonhay on Facebook and Instagram. Contact: Andy by Anderson Hay: Molly Anderson, Social Media & Communications Manager, at (844) 563-7538 or molly@andy.pet View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/andy-by-anderson-hay-launches-ecommerce-site-for-small-pet-market-301569272.html SOURCE Andy by Anderson Hay

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The protagonist of Father of the Bride would probably bristle to hear this new romantic comedy referred to as a Latinx remake of the classic, which was last revived in 1991, with Steve Martin in the role. This time a Cuban American family is at the center of the story and Billy Herrera (Andy Garcia) is the father who must confront his daughters coming wedding.

Herrera, as he often likes to remind his children, emigrated from Cuba with little more than a few cents in his pocket and managed to build a thriving architectural firm. He has expectations for his children and their futures. When his daughter and golden child Sofia (Adria Arjona), announces she is marrying Adan (Diego Boneta), a Mexican man who does not fit the macho image Billy has always imagined, he must contend with the ways in which Sofias vision for her life differs from his own.
The case will be sent to a crown court, which deals with more serious cases, where Mr. Spacey will make his first appearance next month. An actual trial will probably not occur for some time because of a severe backlog in Britains judicial system.

The offenses with which Mr. Spacey is charged, which involve three men, are said to have occurred between March 2005 and April 2013  a time when Mr. Spacey was the artistic director of the Old Vic theater in London.

The charge of penetrative sexual activity without consent, for an incident between the first of August 2008 and the 31st of August 2008, cited a sexual activity involving the penetration of his mouth with a penis and he did not consent and he did not reasonably believe that he was consenting.

Patrick Gibbs, Mr. Spaceys legal representative, told the court that Mr. Spacey denied all of the charges and was determined to establish his innocence.
The collected documentaries of Michael and Christian Blackwood offer an extended studio visit with some of the 20th centurys leading artists. Here are artists at work and in conversation, with a minimum of frills: painters painting, sculptors sculpting and the jazz genius Thelonious Monk blazing away at the piano (and later telling a band member to drop in any note you want). If youve seen one too many art and music documentaries that resemble Wikipedia entries, then these back-to-basics films will be a genuine tonic, grounded in the nitty-gritty of art-making.

Born in Berlin before World War II and later safely settled in the United States, the Blackwood brothers started making their films in the 1960s at the height of a revolution in nonfiction storytelling. Over the years, their mid-length films didnt garner the high profile of direct cinema pioneers like Robert Drew (Primary) or D.A. Pennebaker (Dont Look Back). But the Blackwoods art-friendly version of you-are-there filmmaking has a rarely rivaled scope of subjects, and a free sampling is now streaming online through Pioneer Works, the Brooklyn cultural center.
Its not that Jeff (Miles Teller), the protagonist, who broods over the car wreck that put him in prison, and his love interest, Lizzy (Jurnee Smollett)  an addition from the short story  are entirely boring. But Kosinskis specialty is tangible action sequences, with planes and explosions, not people who agonize over guilt and punishment. While you can admire Kosinskis efforts to make a brainy blockbuster, the script (by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick) is better suited to the cerebral tendencies of a David Cronenberg or a Steven Soderbergh, rather than a filmmaker apparently set on wresting a crowd-pleaser from dark material.

Kosinski does what he can to keep this production, shot in Australia, fast and loose. The room where Jeff and other inmates are observed after dosing wittily resembles a talk show set, with yellow easy chairs. The prison, located on a remote island, is an asymmetrical, almost gravity-defying slab of Brutalist weirdness. The soundtrack is filled with 1970s and 80s earworms, as if Spiderhead were Studio 54.

But Kosinski cant make the inane philosophizing about free will sound profound or new, and the hectic, hasty finale, lacking the nerve or chilly interiority of the original story, plays like something that blew up in the lab.

Spiderhead

Rated R for an experimental (but quite effective) aphrodisiac drug. Running time: 1 hour 46 minutes. Watch on Netflix.
SAN FRANCISCO  The primary election in California last week conveyed a warning to Democrats about the political threat posed by rising public anger toward the increasingly visible poverty and disorder on city streets  in this case, San Franciscos.

District Attorney Chesa Boudin became a scapegoat for the citys social ills. His loss in a recall attempt had much to do with Californias chronic failure to deal with homelessness, mental illness and poverty. These issues will persist without him.

What his ouster was not, despite claims to the contrary, was a clear rebuke to the movement for criminal justice reform in California: State primaries delivered victories for that very movement.
To the Editor:

Biden in 2024? Many in Party Whisper, No (front page, June 12) raises the question of why so many Democrats seem to be down on President Biden. He is guiding the U.S. out of the pandemic, encouraged and signed major infrastructure legislation, galvanized the international coalition that has enabled Ukraine to resist Russias horrific invasion and appointed highly qualified judges who are diverse in terms of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ideology and experience, and who promise to counter the deleterious effects of Donald Trump appointees.

These and many other accomplishments comprise an excellent record for a presidents first 17 months, especially when the Democrats possessed a razor-thin Senate majority.

Carl Tobias

Richmond, Va.

The writer is a professor at the University of Richmond School of Law.

To the Editor:

A breathtakingly common theme, whether we read about gun massacres, the economy, climate legislation or crumbling infrastructure, is that our nation feels in crisis, rudderless, lacking a moral compass.
Its hard to tell the origin of accounts such as these two  if and how they may be connected to Mr. Depps defense and public relations teams  but it seems clear that for many of Mr. Depps fans, the actors physical appeal offered an external manifestation of inner worth. On Twitter, hundreds of accounts, many with names like Justice Served for Johnny Depp (with 40,800 followers), focused on Mr. Depps physical beauty, assuring us, for example, that Mr. Depp is just as beautiful in real life, or calling him a king, or a god.

Its rare to see male beauty inspiring such moral conclusions. Beauty remains a subject reserved largely for and about women. Its typically women whose appearances are dissected into countless parts to be assessed or embellished  eyes, lips, skin, hair. Its mostly women whose beauty is scrutinized constantly for signs of perceived decay or mishap, attributed to aging, weight gain, inadequate (or even excessive) maintenance or other potential crimes.

Women, metaphorically, occupy the realm of faces and bodies. Men are presumed to live in the realm of ideas and action. So, according to conventional thinking, to focus on a mans beauty (as opposed to, say, his virility), or use it to adjudge his character, risks emasculating him, depriving him of his inner value, his spirit, strength or accomplishments. And so we shy away from mentioning male beauty very much.

Mr. Depp proves an exception to this rule. In his middle age, he still possesses an unusual, arresting facial beauty. A beauty that exceeds conventional handsomeness, and  especially in his youth  wandered into a kind of feline, even feminine territory: a symmetrical face with large, dark, almond-shaped eyes; a small chiseled nose; the highest, sharpest cheekbones imaginable; abundant, wavy hair.
Certain products or treatments can, at least in theory, help maintain that balance and provide specific benefits. After all, that old beauty trick  a simple yogurt mask  was used by the Greeks millenniums ago and has been adopted by many other cultures since. The lactic acid produced by the probiotics in the food can break down dead skin cells, gently exfoliating the skin and brightening its tone.

While a yogurt treatment remains affordable and accessible  just stop by the dairy aisle of your local grocery  new products promise exfoliation and more. This spring, the New York-based skin-care brand Holifrog launched its Utopia Toner, a watery formula meant to be applied after cleansing that, unlike traditional toners, doesnt strip the skin. It contains isolates of Lactobacillus bulgarius, a probiotic, and oligosaccharides, prebiotics, which the brand says will improve skin tone and elasticity by promoting cellular renewal, speeding up skin repair and increasing collagen synthesis. The Swiss brand Valmont uses similar ingredients in its Primary line, devised specifically to protect and encourage balance in the skins microbiome. Its Primary Cream, a light formula that soothes and strengthens, is particularly well suited for acne-prone skin because of its inclusion of panthenol (also known as vitamin B5) and lactic acid.

The products of the Los Angeles-based skin-care brand Venn, many of which contain pre- and postbiotics, are the result of decades of microbiome research conducted in South Korea by the labels scientific advisory board. Its Synbiotic Defense Mist improves upon typical water-based face mists, which quickly evaporate and leave the skin dry again. We replaced water with probiotic ferments, says Venns founder, Brian Oh. The probiotics get broken down into postbiotics, including hyaluronic acid, vitamins and peptides, which nourish and hydrate.

Ohs isnt the only company experimenting with fermentation, or the process by which microbes like probiotics break down organic molecules. Because fermentation makes the molecules smaller, the product can penetrate the skin surface more deeply, says Jeff Rosevear, the head of skin-care research and development for new brands at Unilever; the companys new line, Ferver, has a serum made with fermented collagen. Symbiome also uses some fermented ingredients, as with its new body oil the Premise. It contains only six ingredients, five of them postbiotic oils that, before theyre fermented, are sourced sustainably from the Amazon.
The typical technologists approach is to think smaller, which means confining drones to relatively uncomplicated settings. The start-up Zipline focused on using drones to deliver blood and medical supplies to health care centers in relatively spread-out parts of Rwanda and Ghana where driving was difficult. A typical suburb or city is more complex, and vehicle deliveries are better alternatives. (Lockeford, Calif., where Amazon plans its first U.S. drone deliveries, has a few thousand people living in mostly spread-out households.)

Thats still an incredible achievement, and over time drones are becoming more capable of making deliveries in other types of settings.

The even trickier problem, Patt said, is that drone deliveries might not make economic sense most of the time. Its cheap to stuff one more package on a UPS delivery truck. But drones cant carry that much. They cant make many stops in one flight. People and vehicles still need to take the cat food and toothpaste to wherever the drones take off.

I think its small markets, small concepts, niche uses for the next 10 years, Patt said. Its not going to scale to replace everything. Some people who work on drones are more optimistic than Patt, but weve seen similar optimism in other areas fall short.

Overpromising and underdelivering

The parallels between drones and driverless cars kept jumping out at me. Drone technologists told me that, as with driverless cars, they misjudged the challenge and overestimated the potential for computer-piloted vehicles.

Reliable drone delivery and driverless cars are a good idea, but they may never be as widespread as technologists imagined.
Employees at SpaceX have written an open letter denouncing the behavior of Elon Musk, the companys chief executive, following recently publicized allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

Elons behavior in the public sphere is a frequent source of distraction and embarrassment for us, particularly in recent weeks, read the letter, which was obtained by The New York Times. As our CEO and most prominent spokesperson, Elon is seen as the face of SpaceX  every tweet that Elon sends is a de facto public statement by the company.

The letter comes amid the billionaires contentious $44 billion acquisition of Twitter. On Thursday, Mr. Musk addressed Twitter employees for the first time via a video call to explain his vision for the company after he completes the deal, which he has expressed some reservations about doing.
Yoo herself has come of creative age at La MaMa. Starting in the early 2000s, she worked with Stewart  there was something symbiotic and mutual in terms of what we were wanting to create, she said  and eventually her mentor anointed her the new artistic director. No exploratory committee, no national search: Stewart decided that Yoo would be next, and that was that.

In the ensuing decade, Yoo has steered the ship very differently from the way Stewart did  and, as it turned out, more in sync with the behavior expected from artistic directors these days.

They have almost polar opposite leadership styles, Lois Weaver, a member of the long-running performance company Split Britches, said in a video chat. Ellen was very, very much in charge: It was her theater, she had the last word, she made all the decisions. She loved her family very, very much, but it was a very, very tough love. Mias leadership style is a collaborative style, and her love is an extended-care kind of style. She looks after the well-being and the welfare of each of the artists and also the staff: They make collective and collaborative decisions rather than slightly autocratic decisions.
I get it: Fire Island is historic and means so much (to some people) that it has its own new rom-com. I know some gay people who think its bucolic beaches and party atmosphere are paradise.

But I am not one of them. I have no interest in schlepping by train, bus and ferry to stand in the corner at a gay beach party that I feel Im supposed to like because Im gay and live in New York. Not interested. We exist.

Thats why earlier this month I headed in the opposite direction of Fire Island, geographically and experientially. My destination was New Hope, Pa., and Lambertville, N.J., waterside towns separated by a bridge and a state line, but joined by reputations as L.G.B.T.Q.-friendly spots. In March, Time Out named New Hope one of the countrys best L.G.B.T.Q.+-friendly small towns.
A baby formula plant in Sturgis, Mich., which resumed production less than two weeks ago after a monthslong closure that exacerbated a nationwide shortage, has again shut down after parts of the facility were flooded during a severe storm.

The company that operates the plant, Abbott Nutrition, said on Wednesday that it was forced to stop production of its EleCare specialty formula in Sturgis, one of its five manufacturing sites, after severe weather moved through southwestern Michigan on Monday.

In February, Abbott closed the plant and recalled batches of its Similac, Alimentum and EleCare formulas after the Food and Drug Administration received four consumer complaints of bacterial infections related to the formulas.
On Sundays, theres a farmers market at the Long Beach Marina. I challenge you to find a more blissful setting  rows and rows of gorgeous fruit, greens, vegetables and flowers, the smell of fresh tamales, the strain of bluegrass, all with the beautiful fresh sea breeze coming off the marina and the sight of the boats bobbing at their moorings.  Mary Alice McLoughlin, Lakewood

The Mountain View Farmers Market is a slice of California  multicultural, multiethnic, year-round, with an easygoing vibe. Its a feast for the eyes with all the colorful fruit and veggie displays, as well as a feast for the nose with the scent of basil, peaches, bread and fresh garlic. Its a social gathering spot where friends and families meet and vendors greet customers like old friends. Held in a CalTrain parking lot in the heart of Silicon Valley, of course the vendors take Apple Pay and Venmo.  Mara J. Wildfeuer, Mountain View

The first, founded in 1943 and settling into its current location four years later, the Alemany Market has provided a stable food supply for generations of San Franciscans. The diversity and affordability of this market  sometimes referred to as the peoples market  sets it apart. My family grew up knowing the carrot and mushroom ladies, my children toting paper sacks plucking small samplings for their own consumption. This market is beyond the produce, it is about the people who provide Californians the freshest and most prime produce anywhere. Their humanity is in every bite.  Tracy Wymer, San Francisco

The most wonderful farmers' market I have ever experienced in the world (and I have traveled widely) is the weekly Saturday market held on the Plaza in Arcata. Run by the North Coast Growers Association, it is a delightful mash-up of 100 percent organic fruit, vegetable, bread, and fresh flower sellers, food carts, artisan craft sellers, and live music and impromptu performances on the grassy parts of the square by local area jugglers and hula-hoopers.
Americans were recently offered another chance to order free at-home coronavirus testing kits through the Postal Service. But since federal and state agencies have extended the shelf lives of several brands of tests, it may not always be clear when the free kits, and others purchased separately, will expire.

Although each box has an expiration date, meant to indicate when the test inside will no longer provide a reliable result, the Food and Drug Administration has given emergency authorization for shelf-life extensions of several testing kits as their manufacturers gather more data. Some states have also received F.D.A. extensions for batches of expired laboratory tests, or have endorsed their own extensions for at-home tests authorized by federal regulators. This means that some tests that are set to expire in the coming weeks may actually be usable for several more months.

In January, the F.D.A. granted a request from Florida to lengthen by three months the life span of laboratory rapid tests that had expired. In March, Californias Public Health Department approved the emergency use of at-home test kits beyond their F.D.A.-authorized expiration dates. The blanket extension applied to all over-the-counter tests authorized by the F.D.A. as long as each tests control line  the line that is typically next to the letter C  is easily visible when the test is complete.
Mr. Hayes was initially convicted of raping and murdering Ms. Albertson in 1991 and sentenced to death, Mr. Pryor said in a statement. But the conviction was overturned by the Florida Supreme Court in 1995 after it questioned the reliability of the original DNA test, which was one of the first of its kind in the state, he said.

The courts ruling had stemmed from a technique of DNA testing called band-shifting that it deemed unreliable. It involved slightly tweaking the bands on a DNA test, which would have been on X-ray film in the 1990s, said Dan Krane, a professor of biology at Wright State University who has researched tools to evaluate DNA evidence for criminal investigations.

The court was saying, if the band-shifting didnt occur, this wouldnt be a good match, Professor Krane said.

That evidence was not allowed during the second trial. A Florida jury found Mr. Hayes not guilty at a retrial in 1997.

In the 1990s, DNA tests required a much larger sample size to be effective, like a blood stain the size of a quarter, Professor Krane said.

Now, the quantity needed for an accurate DNA test is too small for the naked eye to see. Often, he said, all thats required are the few cells left behind by the touch of a fingertip.
Its an uncomfortable position for many Jews to take publicly because theres so much that the Christian right has baked into that understanding of fetal personhood, Professor Raucher said. For decades, Jewish institutions have kind of danced around this, saying that its potential personhood, but we still value fetal life.

Particularly in progressive Jewish communities, abortion is broadly accepted, beyond life-or-death situations. A 2014 Pew Research survey found that of more than 800 Jews surveyed, 83 percent said that abortion should be legal in most or all cases. In May, hundreds of Jews from varying movements rallied outside the U.S. Capitol in support of abortion rights. The 2022 National Survey of Jewish Voters conducted by the Jewish Electorate Institute found that 75 percent of Jews said they were concerned the Supreme Court would overturn Roe.

Among Orthodox Jews, the issue is more nuanced, said Rabbi Moshe Hauer, executive vice president of the Orthodox Union. Abortion is necessary if a mother faces grave physical or psychological harm, he said, but is not permitted because of simple difficulty or a belief in the right to choose.

Jewish law believes we have an incredible responsibility to life and even to potential life, he said.

Andrew Shirvell, the founder and executive director for Florida Voice for the Unborn, an anti-abortion group based in Tallahassee, said the lawsuit was merely a publicity stunt based on pretty frivolous arguments.

This is one synagogue in Palm Beach County, he said. They certainly dont speak for all Jews in Florida, or even the Jewish religion.
The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol on Thursday requested an interview with Virginia Thomas, the wife of Justice Clarence Thomas, according to a person familiar with the matter, after fresh evidence surfaced that she had been in contact with an architect of former President Donald J. Trumps efforts to overturn the election.

We think its time that we, at some point, invite her to come talk to the committee, Representative Bennie G. Thompson, Democrat of Mississippi and the chairman of the committee, told Axios earlier Thursday.

Its time for us to invite her to come talk, he told CNN. Ms. Thomas is reviewing the letter, said the person familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Few witnesses have provided such damning evidence of the unlawful nature of the plot to overturn the 2020 election as Greg Jacob, the top White House lawyer to former Vice President Mike Pence.

In a deposition and a series of emails turned over to the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, Mr. Jacob has described how John Eastman, the architect of a plan embraced by President Donald J. Trump to use the vice president to nullify the 2020 outcome, admitted to him that the strategy was illegal.

Mr. Jacob played a pivotal role in the days before the Jan. 6 attack, advising Mr. Pence not to go along with the pressure campaign by Mr. Trump to throw out legitimate electoral votes for Joseph R. Biden Jr. A memo written by Mr. Jacob warned the vice president that he would most likely lose in court if he delayed the vote certification.
The morning before the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, former Judge J. Michael Luttig posted a series of messages on Twitter weighing in on a dispute that had been quietly brewing between President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.

In his thread, Judge Luttig, a former appeals court judged revered by conservatives, asserted that the vice president had no power to use his own discretion in the counting of electoral votes when Congress held a joint session to make its formal tally of the election results.

The only responsibility and power of the Vice President under the Constitution is to faithfully count the electoral college votes as they have been cast, Judge Luttig wrote.
When Representative Pete Aguilar, Democrat of California, hears Republican critics argue that the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol does not serve a legitimate purpose, he bristles.

He thinks of the at least 140 cops who were injured in the assault, and the officers who died in its aftermath.

Its an insult to the lives of the Capitol Police officers if we dont pursue what happened and take meaningful and concrete steps to ensure that it doesnt happen again, said Mr. Aguilar, 42. We started off with a public hearing that was powerful, with police officers from the D.C. Metro to Capitol Police forces, and weve really kept our eye on that ball: How do we honor the lives of those folks who are hurt, who were injured?
The contingency planning is also said to include what to do if such a fiercely polarizing development leads to acts of violence. The administration has already heightened security for the Supreme Court justices after one man, apparently angered by anticipated conservative rulings on abortion and guns, traveled to suburban Washington from California intending to kill Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh.

The ruling could reshape the political environment at a time when Democrats are considered likely to lose control of Congress in the November midterm elections. Against that backdrop, Mr. Bidens advisers have been grappling with both legal and political complexities as they develop a list of possible responses.

Part of the dilemma, according to people familiar with the internal deliberations, is that Mr. Bidens approach is likely to be seen as a litmus test by many centrist or liberal-leaning voters. This will put him under pressure to aggressively demonstrate a deep concern over the loss of the nearly 50-year-old right to reproductive freedom, and could make it preferable for him to go down fighting rather than demoralize certain voters.

In the past, Mr. Biden has adopted a position that his legal team warned him was unlikely to stand up in court, betting that the political benefits of his executive actions outweighed the legal risks. In August, as House Democrats urged him to reverse course on letting a pandemic-related ban on evicting renters expire, Mr. Biden unilaterally extended the measure.

The move won praise from the left, at a moment when he needed to hold his coalition together in order to advance his legislative agenda. But while Mr. Bidens decision bought a little more time for pandemic assistance funds to reach renters, its practical impact was limited because courts, as predicted, swiftly struck it down  and his critics accused him of lawlessness.

In the abortion debate, some of Mr. Bidens advisers both inside and outside the administration are wary of providing Republicans with similar fodder, allowing them to shift the political narrative from what their party has done to raising the alarm about the overreach of executive power.
The deal, which President Donald J. Trump abandoned in 2018, limited Tehrans ability to install new centrifuges and forced it to ship 97 percent of its nuclear fuel out of the country. Mr. Bidens refusal of Irans demand to remove the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps from the list of terrorist organizations, along with a flow of new revenue to Tehran resulting from todays soaring oil prices, have contributed to the stalemate in the talks.

Now, the Iranians are looking for new pressure points, including the excavation of the mountain plant near Natanz. And over the past week, Iranian authorities have switched off 27 cameras that gave inspectors a view into Irans production of fuel.

The decision to cut off the cameras, which were installed as part of the nuclear deal, was particularly worrisome to Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations agency responsible for nuclear inspections. If the cameras remain off for weeks, and it is impossible to track the whereabouts of nuclear materials, I think this would be a fatal blow to hopes of reviving the accord, Mr. Grossi said last week.

But this is far more than an inspection dispute. In the eyes of experts, Tehran is getting to the point of becoming what Robert Litwak, who has written extensively on the Iranian program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, called a nuclear threshold state whose uranium enrichment program creates an inherent option  a hedge  to produce nuclear weapons, without actually taking the last step.

Irans move at Natanz, he said of the plant now under construction, amps up pressure on the United States to reach a new deal by highlighting the risk of a nuclear breakout should diplomacy fail.

A Tunnel Complex Appears in a Mountainside

For decades, a barren piece of land near Natanz has been the centerpiece of Irans nuclear effort. The country has always insisted that its underground pilot plant there is working only to produce nuclear fuel for peaceful purposes  the production of nuclear energy. The evidence, some of it stolen by Israel from a warehouse in Tehran, suggests otherwise: that Iran has had plans in place for two decades to construct a bomb, if it concluded that it was in its interest.
A striking array of far-right iconography littered the Capitol during the riot by Mr. Trumps supporters, such as a Confederate flag, Crusader crosses, an Auschwitz-themed hoodie and white power hand gestures. But the gallows erected in front of the Capitol, where rioters chanted Hang Mike Pence as they stormed the building looking for the vice president, is one of the most chilling images to emerge from a day of violence and extremism.

It is also one of the bigger unsolved mysteries in the investigation into what happened that day. Seventeen months after the riot, little is known about it. No one has publicly claimed responsibility for erecting the gallows or been charged with setting it up. It appeared to be too small to be used, though its presence  along with the orange noose that hung from it against the backdrop of the Capitol dome  clearly conveyed a threat of physical violence.

The House select committee investigating the Capitol assault showed video of the gallows when it opened its hearing on Thursday, as it detailed the intense pressure campaign that Mr. Trump waged against Mr. Pence, the threats of violence against him, how his security team tried to keep him safe from the mob, and how Mr. Trump reacted approvingly to his supporters threats to execute the vice president.

Yet Mr. Pence was hardly the first public figure to face such threats. The gallows has a prominent place in the language and belief system of the far right, and has been embraced in particular by white supremacists.
In a statement Wednesday, Mr. Loudermilk said the committee was engaging in a smear campaign against him, causing his family and staff to receive death threats.

As Capitol Police confirmed, nothing about this visit with constituents was suspicious, he wrote. The pictures show children holding bags from the House gift shop, which was open to visitors, and taking pictures of the Rayburn train.

But the committee said that several people who participated in Mr. Loudermilks tour attended President Donald J. Trumps rally on the Ellipse on the morning of Jan. 6.

The man featured in the video is heard threatening top Democrats, including Senator Chuck Schumer, the majority leader, and Representatives Jerrold Nadler and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, all of New York.

Were coming in like white on rice for Pelosi, Nadler, Schumer  even you, A.O.C., he says as he records the pro-Trump throng approaching the Capitol. Were coming to take you out and pull you out by your hairs.

When I get done with you, youre going to need a shine up on top of that bald head, he adds.

Earlier in the video, he walks alongside a second man who carries a flagpole with a sharpened end and says, Its for a certain person, while making a jabbing motion.
DOVER, N.H.  In New Hampshire, the chasm that deepened between Americans in the Trump era has cracked open once more with the Jan. 6 hearings.

There are those eagerly tuning in. And there are those defiantly tuned out.

Jack Brownley, 84, an Air Force veteran in Dover, said that although he was not a news watcher, the hearings have become appointment viewing for him. I look forward to them, he said, adding that he has concluded former President Donald J. Trump is totally, totally responsible for an attempted coup.

Rick Hyotte has not watched any of the hearings. And he has no plans to do so.

Ive made up my mind  its just a show, Mr. Hyotte, 50, said while smoking a cigar outside Castros Back Room in Manchester. He said he believed the former president held no culpability.
WASHINGTON  The Republican senator who had been leading negotiations with the White House over new pandemic relief funding accused the Biden administration on Thursday of giving him patently false information when it said it was out of money to buy more coronavirus vaccines and treatments, in a tense exchange that appeared to further dim the chances of Congress approving new funds.

Senator Mitt Romney, Republican of Utah, said during a heated Senate health committee hearing that he was stunned last week when White House officials announced they would repurpose $10 billion in federal Covid-19 meant for virus testing and protective gear and instead spend the money on antiviral drugs and vaccines. That, he maintained, meant the administration was not out of money for coronavirus supplies after all  even though the White House has made clear it would be shortchanging some types of supplies by redirecting funds to replenish others.

Administration officials have said for months that unless Congress authorized new spending, they would be unable to buy more pills and shots in anticipation of a possible fall wave. The White House has asked Congress for $22.5 billion in emergency relief; Mr. Romney helped negotiate a $10 billion compromise, which remains stalled.
An expert advisory panel set up by the Food and Drug Administration voted unanimously on Wednesday to recommend authorizing use of the Moderna vaccine for children ages 6 months through 5 years, and the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for those ages 6 months through 4 years. The agency authorized the shots on Friday morning, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was expected to act on the matter in the next few days.

In its statement on Thursday, the Florida Health Department said doctors could order the vaccines if needed. But Ms. Jean-Pierre said the states failure to submit a preorder meant that pediatricians in Florida will not have immediate ready access to vaccines.

Michael Ganio, the senior director of pharmacy practice and quality at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, said that if the state does not order doses, then providers in Florida will not be able to get them through state channels. Some can order them directly from the federal government.

Pharmacies enrolled in a federal program have been able to do that, as have federally supported community health clinics. Biden administration officials were looking into ways to distribute doses to other providers in Florida if the state continued to resist ordering on its own, according to administration officials who were not authorized to discuss the planning publicly. A spokesman for CVS Health, one of the largest drugstore chains in the country, said on Thursday that the company would order doses for its stores from the federal government.
In the Xi approach to history, facts are merely incidental, Professor Tsang said. Only interpretation matters. And only one interpretation is allowed.

Scholars and historians said that Chinas portrayal of Hong Kongs status under British rule is not new. Although the Communist Party had referred to China before 1949 as a half colony, half-feudal society, it has maintained since at least 1997 that Hong Kong was not a true colony, said Ho-fung Hung, a professor of political economy at Johns Hopkins University and the author of City on the Edge: Hong Kong Under Chinese Rule.

He cited an article in the partys newspaper, Peoples Daily, published in March 1997, that argued: The United Kingdom has exercised typical colonial rule in Hong Kong, but it does not mean that Hong Kong is a colony. Colonies in the usual sense mainly refer to countries that have lost their sovereignty due to foreign rule and jurisdiction. Hong Kong is part of Chinas territory, so the concept of colony does not apply to Hong Kong.

Image The cover of one of the new textbooks. Its material is still under review by principals, teachers, scholars and employees of Hong Kongs Education Bureau.

In the 19th century, Britain took over what is now modern-day Hong Kong via two wars and a series of treaties that the Chinese government called unequal and coerced.

In 1946, the United Nations included Hong Kong on a list of non-self-governing territories, and in a 1960 resolution said the people there should be granted the right to self-determination. In 1972, after Beijing took over Chinas seat in the world body, it successfully pushed the U.N. to remove Hong Kong from the list, arguing that it was within Chinas sovereign right to decide Hong Kongs future.
The man Mr. Cappato aided, Fabiano Antoniani, known as DJ Fabo, met the conditions, so Mr. Cappato could not be charged with a crime.

The court urged the Italian Parliament to pass legislation incorporating these principles, and lawmakers are debating one, but until then the courts ruling is legally binding.

Even with that precedent, Mr. Carboni struggled to get access to physician-assisted suicide. He was forced to repeatedly challenge in court health officials where he lived, so that he could be visited by doctors and by members of the regional ethics committee who could verify the state of his health and mind and eventually sign off on his plan, which adhered to the Constitutional Court ruling.

His case reflects a legislative void in Italy when it comes to such issues.

Earlier this week, Fabio Ridolfi, a 46-year-old who had been paralyzed for 18 years, died in palliative care after his request for assisted suicide dragged on. After lobbying for months  even issuing a heartbreaking video last month asking the state to help him to die  he refused further treatment. He died on Monday.

The Roman Catholic Church is firmly opposed to assisted suicide and euthanasia, which it has called intrinsically evil acts in every situation or circumstance. Pope Francis has reiterated this position on numerous occasions, though he has been more nuanced when it comes to aggressive medical treatments.

Even the National Bioethics Committee, which informs the government and the medical establishment on a variety of issues, was not able to come to a consensus opinion when it examined the issue a few years ago.
LYSYCHANSK, Ukraine  A mass grave on the edge of this eastern Ukrainian city remains uncovered. Dirt mounds and yellow-petaled weeds surround a pit filled with a dozen or so body bags. They reek of death in the warm summer wind.

The dead are civilians who were killed by shelling in recent months in the cities of Lysychansk and Sievierodonetsk and the nearby town of Rubizhne. They are heaped together because there are no relatives to claim and bury their bodies.

Standing above the grave, Pvt. Sergiy Veklenko, 41, explained why the bodies were still exposed: All of our machinery that we had in the citys inventory  excavators and all  was given to the army for digging trenches.
For each of the three European leaders traveling to Ukraine on Thursday, the trip posed a different challenge.

President Emmanuel Macron of France has positioned himself as the worlds chief negotiator with the Kremlin, a role that has caused friction with the Ukrainian government. He has been at loggerheads with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine over the French presidents repeated comments that Russia must not be humiliated, in order to preserve a diplomatic exit ramp to the war. On Wednesday, speaking from Romania, Mr. Macron said that France and Europe would continue to help Ukraine with financial, military and humanitarian aid, but also wanted peace.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany upended decades of his countrys policy when he announced in April a 100 billion ($104 billion) plan to arm Germany, send weapons to Ukraine and end his nations dependence on Russian energy. He has since faced criticism that Germany has been slow in supplying weapons.
A third American who traveled to Ukraine to fight Russias invasion may be missing in action, the State Department said on Thursday, a day after the families of two U.S. veterans fighting in Ukraine said the two men had disappeared together as their platoon came under fire this month.

The possible third missing person was identified in recent weeks, a State Department spokesman, Ned Price, said in a briefing. Unfortunately, we dont know the full details of that case, he added.

The families of the two American veterans identified them on Wednesday as Alex Drueke and Andy Tai Ngoc Huynh, and expressed fears that they may have been captured by Russian forces.
Russia does not control the city, he said, and pitched battles are being fought from house to house. At the same time, Russian forces continue to lay waste to the villages around the city, Mr. Haidai said.

The destruction of the residential sector is catastrophic, he said. People in the city have reported running out of food and clean water  describing scenes similar to those that played out in Mariupol and many other towns and cities along the eastern front over the past four months.

Another 60,000 civilians are still believed to be living in Ukrainian-controlled Lysychansk. But the constant Russian bombardment of the area as Russia tries to encircle Ukrainian forces there has made any large-scale evacuation an exceedingly tough proposition.

Much of the estimated 50,000 to 60,000 rounds of artillery Russia is unleashing every day is concentrated in this last sliver of Luhansk Province under Ukrainian control.

The kind of convoy needed for a large-scale evacuation would most likely require coordination between Russia and Ukraine overseen by international mediators. There has been no public suggestion that such a plan is being discussed. In Lysychansk, volunteers, in a medley of vehicles, are evacuating dozens of civilians each day.

Ukraines top military commander, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, said in a statement that Russia had focused its efforts on this battle. In addition to nonstop artillery barrages, he said, Moscow is directing airstrikes and using multiple rocket launch systems to obliterate everything in its path. Russian forces are trying to advance along nine separate fronts from the north, east and south.
But concessions are no solution for dealing with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, he said. They must understand that if they are back to appeasing Putin in this situation, they will end up with a war on the territory of the European Union, Mr. Ariyev said.

Ukrainian officials had pushed back on President Emmanuel Macron of Frances telegraphing support for a negotiated settlement before the visit. He had said on Tuesday that the Ukrainian president and the countrys leaders will have to negotiate with Russia, and we Europeans will be at this table to discuss security guarantees. Mr. Macron also said, We will do everything to stop Russian forces of war, to help the Ukrainian people and their army.

On their side in the run-up to the leaders visit, Ukrainian officials issued blunt warnings that only a vast increase in weapons transfers could turn the tide of war in the east, where Russian forces have been pursuing a brutal campaign of bombardments of cities.

An adviser to Mr. Zelensky, Mykhailo Podolyak, said in an interview that Ukraine would need 1,000 howitzers, 500 tanks and 300 multiple rocket launchers. Ukraine has received a fraction of this amount, so far. Germany, in particular, has been slow to deliver and has pledged few heavy weapons.
But the deliveries and commitments are a fraction of the 1,000 howitzers that an adviser to Mr. Zelensky said are needed for battlefield parity in eastern Ukraine. Western commitments of rocket artillery systems, tanks and other gear fall similarly short of Ukrainian requests.

The Kyiv visit was shadowed by questions about whether European leaders would press Mr. Zelensky to pursue a peace deal with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, as concerns grow in European capitals over the costs of a protracted war and the risk of broader European involvement.

The Kremlin appeared to send an economic warning to E.U. leaders on Thursday, as Gazprom, Russias state-controlled gas company, cut the flow to Europes most important natural gas pipeline for the second day in a row, making gas prices surge further.

Mr. Zelensky said that the leaders had privately raised the prospect of negotiations with Moscow. But talks, he said, would not end the war at this stage.

We touched on the theme of diplomatic efforts of various countries to achieve peace, he said. Everybody sees the only obstacle to all these efforts is the unreadiness of the Russian Federation for real actions, for real negotiations.

Oleksiy Honcharenko, a member of Ukraines Parliament, said in an interview that he did not view the promise of E.U. candidacy as a part of a deal that Europe was offering in exchange for Mr. Zelenskys government moving toward cease-fire talks.
No dish says its party time quite like this bo ssam from the chef David Chang. While the recipe requires some time, the actual preparation is remarkably straightforward: Simply dry brine the pork with salt and granulated sugar, and then toss it in the fridge. In the time it takes the meat to cook until it falls apart, make the ginger-scallion and ssam sauces, the rice, the lettuce leaves and whatever else youd like.
Jakob W. Plummer and Vichet Chum spent six years in a small, rent-stabilized two-bedroom in Washington Heights. It wasnt especially nice: They got direct sunlight for around 15 minutes mid-morning. Fireworks exploded all summer, sending Lucy the dog cowering under the piano. And something was always wrong  a sink was broken, the gas was out, holes formed in the bathroom ceiling.

The couple, who met through their work in the theater  Mr. Plummer, 30, is a stage manager and Mr. Chum, 36, is a playwright  usually had a roommate in the second bedroom, helping to defray the $1,925 rent. They dreamed of buying a place of their own, but feared it was out of reach.

As freelancers, it is impossible to convince a bank you are being paid enough to get a mortgage, Mr. Plummer said. Its hard to explain that I have 15 different employers in a year.

[Did you recently buy or rent a home in the New York metro area? We want to hear from you. Email: thehunt@nytimes.com]

But their finances recently improved. After being unemployed during the pandemic, Mr. Plummer landed a job doing Covid compliance work on Broadway, and is now back to stage managing. Mr. Chum received an advance for a young-adult novel, Kween, and his parents offered to help with a down payment.

The unspoken ask was that if they visited us they would have a place to stay, said Mr. Chum, who grew up in Dallas, the son of Cambodian immigrants. Mr. Plummer is from Ohio.

So last fall, with a budget of around $400,000, the couple went on the hunt for a co-op, preferably not too far from their rental. With mortgage pre-approval from Actors Federal Credit Union, they found they could afford a one- or two-bedroom near their Upper Manhattan neighborhood, or in the Bronx.

Their hunt turned out to be brief, limited in part by budget and location. I didnt know that we needed to look any further, Mr. Chum said. I am sort of debilitated by too much choice.

Their home needed to be near a subway station, and they preferred a lived-in, prewar place to something new.

We would also judge apartments on the basis of the selling agent, Mr. Plummer said. This is the person they decided to trust the selling to? Some, they found, were rude or dismissive.

Among their options:
MANZINI  Witchdoctors want government sponsorship for those who want to kwetfwasa.

According to the witchdoctors, they were of the view that government overlooked their existence and contribution to the healing of emaSwati, as it did not include them on issues of health. They said this was testament in that there were no scholarships or sponsorships for those who had a calling and wanted to kwetfwasa. They further want government to amend the Witchcraft Act, which according to them, perceives them as evil people who are unclean. This was said during the Witchdoctors Association meeting, which was held at the Manzini National Library yesterday.

Witchdoctors Association President Makhanya Makhanya said; We perform the greatest job of healing people - one that was done since time immemorial, before doctors even existed but we get little recognition. Now that they (doctors) have since emerged in the kingdom, they do not seem to regard us at all. They go overseas to pursue degrees and when they return, they do not even have money to buy their own medicine, let alone for constructing their hospitals, but they are sponsored by government and yet we are left out, the president said.

He elaborated that this was much against the fact that they were the first to heal people. He said government did not even build them one official consultation building where emaSwati could go for help regarding their ailments. According to Makhanya, they regarded this as though they were treated as people with disabilities. He said hospitals charged emaSwati hefty fees whereas they only charged reasonable prices.

The president stated that as emaSwati witchdoctors, they recommended that government should also consider them as an alternative choice when medical doctors failed to work on curing patients. Makhanya said they should be given equal chances so that they could execute their duties and roles as witchdoctors in the country. He said witchdoctors were never found causing chaos or protesting, regardless of how they were overlooked.

We have seen government making consultations in the modern way and spending huge amounts of money on hospital buildings. We only ask for one thing; that it stops hating on us and calling us dirty by contributing towards witchdoctors, he implored. Meanwhile, Makhanya mentioned that they would soon consult government, through Parliament, and ask why the country had achieved 54 years of independence but they (witchdoctors) still did not enjoy the fruits of it.

Consult

This would be as soon as they formed their own council, which would consult government on issues affecting them, according to the president. We are still under the Witchcraft Act by colonisers. We will go there after forming our own council, Makhanya said. After the meeting, the president confirmed that they formed a council which consisted of 21 members.

Director of Health Services Dr Vusi Magagula could not be reached on his mobile phone for the better part of the day yesterday. The Principal Secretary, Dr Simon Zwane, could not be reached as well.
Marwan Abedin

Trailrunner International has named Marwan Abedin, founder/CEO of Dubai-based Flatrace financial consultancy, a senior advisor.

He will help plot growth in the Middle East/North Africa region for the strategic communications shop based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Abedin has advised governments, multinationals, private equity funds and family offices throughout the MENA area on issues concerning capital allocation, debt, equity financing, crisis management and growth.

He also ran his own investment fund, served as a board member of Noor Bank, worked as director of debt management at Dubais Dept. of Finance and helmed the Dubai Financial Support Board as it restructured the government to deal with the 2009 financial crisis.

CEO Jim Hughes said Trailrunner is excited by the opportunity to bring Marwans expertise, leadership and counsel to bear for our clients.
Paige Wirth

Lambert hires Paige Wirth as senior director, a newly created position at the company. Wirth joins the agency from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, where she served as director of marketing. Before that, she spent five years at the marketing firm Anthem Worldwide (now SGK), working on the Kellogg's account portfolio. In her new post, Wirth is responsible for expanding Lambert's client service capabilities in marketing and content strategy. Our growing client base will benefit from her expertise driving complex, multi-million-dollar national marketing campaigns across multiple platforms," said Lambert CEO Michelle Olson.

Mitch Van Kampen

Curious Plot promotes Mitch Van Kampen to president and chief strategy officer. Van Kampen has most recently served as executive vp and CSO at the firm, leading the agencys consulting practice and strategic services offering. Prior to joining Curious Plot in 2012, he worked for management consulting firm Adayana, formerly ABG Inc. In his new role at Curious Plot, he will focus on growth initiatives and long-term strategic direction for the organization, while continuing to provide strategic counsel to clients. He reports to Laurie Fleck, who continues as the agencys chief executive officer. We have seen significant recent growth, and Ive challenged Mitch to ensure we maintain that momentum and properly manage our growth, Fleck said.

Mark Day,

Philip McGowan

FINN Partners promotes Mark Day and Philip McGowan to senior partner in its Southeast division. Day is co-lead of the Corporate and Consumer Practice Group, overseeing a team that works with global brands in the mobility, oil and gas, retail and distilled spirits sectors. Before joining Finn, he was a vice president at Powell Tate. McGowan is co-lead of the Community Impact Practice Group, which supports corporate and nonprofit organizations integrated initiatives. Prior to joining Finn Partners in 2004, he was a project assistant for the John Seigenthaler Chair of Excellence in First Amendment Studies at Middle Tennessee State University. Mark and Philip are exceptionally effective in serving our clients and growing Finns presence across the Southeast, and we are delighted to expand their influence in both arenas, said Finn Partners managing partner, Southeast Beth S. Courtney.

David Cumpston

(W)right On Communications brings on David Cumpston as director of its B2B & Tech practice. Cumpston most recently served as an associate vice president at Havas Formula. He was previously senior director of client services at Landis Communications, and has also worked at Allison+Partners, MSLGROUP and Access Brand Commnications. At (W)right On, Cumpston will oversee a portfolio that includes such client partners as wireless communications firm XCOM Labs, global cleantech company Nuuve and Allied Universal Security Services. Were excited to leverage his decades of strategic insight to move our client partners forward in their respective categories," said (W)right On president Julie Wright.
THE presenter of the popular 'Country Roads' Midlands 103 radio programme said he contested a speeding fine in court because of his concerns about road safety.

Joseph Cooney was fined 160 at Tullamore District Court after being convicted of driving at 106kph in a 50kph zone near Kilbeggan.

Garda Kevin Mooney said in evidence that when he was conducting a speed check at Dublin Road, Coola, Co Westmeath at 6.49pm on July 14, 2021 he detected an Opel Insignia exceeding the speed limit.

Garda Mooney said he stopped the vehicle which was being driven by Joseph Cooney of Riverstown, Killucan and the man told him he was a garage mechanic who was testing a vehicle.

The garda told the driver a fixed charge notice would issue and Mr Cooney replied that he did not realise it was a 50kph zone.

Garda Mooney said a short time later when he was a short distance away at Clara Road in Kilbeggan he was joined by Mr Cooney who began to argue and repeated he hadn't known it was a 50kph zone and told the guard he was shooting fish in a barrel at that location.

Garda Mooney added that the location fell within the special speed limits under the Westmeath bye-laws.

Replying to Sandra Mahon, Offaly state solicitor, Garda Mooney also said when the fixed charge notice was unpaid a summons was issued and Mr Cooney then had a further opportunity to pay.

Cross-examined by Donal Farrelly, defending solicitor, Garda Mooney recalled that Mr Cooney had asked him about the sign and he told the driver that it had been there for more than a year.

Garda Mooney said the bye-laws were updated in January 2020 and prior to that the speed limit would have been closer to the town of Kilbeggan.

He agreed with Mr Farrelly that there were now two signs and unlike the one nearer the town, the one at which Mr Cooney was detected did not have anything to tell a driver to calm their speed in advance.

In his evidence, Mr Cooney said he had been presenting a radio programme for the past 20 years and while he had total respect for An Garda Siochana, he had not argued with the guard on the date of the alleged offence.

He described himself as a 64-year-old grandparent who would be mortified if his grandchildren came in and said they were travelling at double the speed limit.

The only reason he had been driving at that speed was because he did not see that sign and he had driven that road for 22 years.

He added that in all his years he never had a parking ticket, a speeding fine or an NCT offence.

Mr Cooney said that when he tried to explain to the guard about the sign he was told it had nothing to do with him.

He said he responded to the situation as soon as it occurred by contacting the fines office in Thurles and the garda superintendent in Athlone.

The fines office wrote to him advising him to contact the detecting garda and though he contacted the superintendent he received no response.

He then contacted the superintendent when he had moved to Mullingar and was told the matter would be checked.

Mr Cooney repeated that he had not seen the speed limit sign, said he had photographs in court of signs and road markings, and outlined how he had contacted a councillor, Tom Farrell, who said he would take up the matter with the council with a view to having forewarning signs put up in advance of the 50kph signs.

Mr Cooney added that as a result of research he carried out, he learned the signs were put up in anticipation of a new school being built on that road but planning permission for that school had not been given until this year.

He said he was very familiar with the road and never exceeded 50 at the original speed limit sign, or even 40.

He went back to the location on three occasions, including once with his wife and asked her to shout 50 when she saw the sign. At that point he hit the brakes and found it was difficult to stay under 50kph and a Tullamore town bus went around him blowing its horn.

He said he had videos in court of traffic at that location, describing it as an area where people were being caught with no warning.

Mr Cooney contrasted the first sign with the second one nearer the town where motorists are informed 800 metres before with a traffic calming notice, a slow down sign and then markings in the middle of the road.

Where he was stopped there is a 100kph sign and then a 50kph sign 200 metres away and he would challenge anybody to go on that road from Tyrrellspass to Kilbeggan, not knowing the 50 was there, and get their car down from 100kph to 50.

He also said the offence was said to have been committed at Coola, Dublin Road, Kilbeggan but because his granduncle owned Coola Mills he knew that was in a different place, on the Mullingar road.

Mr Cooney said he was not in court because he wanted to get off anything and he could have paid the fine and taken the three points on his licence. He wanted to make the gardai, the public and the council aware that the speed limit sign presented an accident risk.

He put a post on the Kilbeggan Past and Present Facebook page and got many responses, including one from a lady who said she had almost been hit by a truck and she could hear its air brakes.

Cross-examined by Ms Mahon, who put it to him that the sign was there, Mr Cooney asked how could he obey the rule when he did not see the sign.

He had gone back to look at it and he saw that on one side there was foliage and on the other it was camouflaged by a petrol station.

When Ms Mahon put it to him that he had been detected driving at 106kph, Mr Cooney explained that he had passed a car and was slowing down and when he got to the other 50kph sign he was doing 40kph.

Mr Farrelly asked Judge Cronin to give Mr Cooney the benefit of any doubt she had, saying his client had not seen the sign and was a genuine man giving his evidence in the public interest.

Judge Cronin said that while Mr Cooney said he didn't see the sign he accepted it was there and though she appreciated what he was saying she had to apply the law to the facts.

She said she would not increase the fine from the 160 he would have paid if the matter had not come to court.

Mr Cooney was given six months to pay the fine and recognisance was fixed if he wished to lodge an appeal.
MBABANE  After he was acquitted and discharged by the court, businessman Mxolisi Waxola Mabuza, is now suing his wife Dr Nompumelelo Tiri Thwala, for alleged defamation.

The well-known Manzini businessman wants the court to direct Thwala to pay him a sum of E350 000 as compensation for humiliation, discomfort and defamation of character. Mabuza was facing a charge of contravening Section 77 (1) (a) of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act No.15 of 2017, in that on March 31, 2020, while in Manzini, he allegedly physically assaulted his wife by strangling her on the neck and further manhandling her. The court, after hearing evidence of both parties, then acquitted and discharged him.

In his particulars of claim, Mabuza claimed that in March 2022, he was allegedly defamed by the defendant (Thwala) and as a result he suffered damages emanating from the defamation. According to the plaintiff, she allegedly accused him of having assaulted her and that he was a violent person.

Defamation

Other proponents of the case will not be published as Mabuza is suing for defamation. He narrated to the court that he later appeared at the Manzini Magistrates Court and while being led in examination in chief, Thwala re-emphasised her untrue testimony. Mabuza submitted that he was later acquitted and discharged of the offences. He averred that the piece of evidence was captioned in the daily newspapers circulating in the country and all over the world.

The defendants utterances as well as testimony in that regard were devoid of the truth and were intended to injure my reputation and business enterprise. I never assaulted the defendant nor physically and emotionally abused her in anyway whatsoever to an extent to warrant that she can falsely accuse and testify about same, reads part of Mabuzas particulars of claim.

These are allegations whose veracity is still to be tested in court and the defendant is yet to file her papers. The businessman contended that the allegations by the defendant against him were purportedly uttered by the defendant and were read by people in the Kingdom of Eswatini and abroad. It was further his contention that the allegations or utterances by Thwala connoted that he was a criminal who engaged in activities of domestic violence and not respect the law.

Dangerous

He further alleged that the statements of utterances by Thwala portrayed him as someone who was dangerous and untrustworthy to be around with. Mabuza argued that he was defamed by the utterances in his personal integrity, reputation in the public eye and esteem. He went on to allege that the utterance by Thwala dealt a great blow in the eyes of the public as a businessman and a former mayor of the Manzini Municipal Council. Further the plaintiff has suffered in his business enterprise to the extent that he has lost two contracts in his transport business and no business entity wants to associate itself with him after the allegations were captured in the newspapers, alleged the plaintiff.

In his particulars of claim, Mabuza further submitted that the defendant was liable for the alleged degrading utterances she made against him in the sum of E350 000. He claimed that, notwithstanding lawful demand, the defendant failed, refused and/or ignored to pay him the aforementioned amount. The matter is still pending in court and appearing for the plaintiff is Machawe Dlamini of M.V Dlamini Attorneys in Manzini.
Daily Star 17 Jun 2022

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MBABANE  Former Financial Servicers Regulatory Authority (FSRA) long-serving Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sandile Chief Dlamini says he would only speak about the Ecsponent issues when called upon by authorities to do so.

In an interview with this publication yesterday, Dlamini said he could not respond to mere allegations or peoples assumptions of him being implicated in the loss of funds to the tune of E340 million. Dlamini said he could not comment on these issues unless he has been asked by the relevant authorities to respond on the matter.

Available

If FSRA and the minister (of Finance) need something from me, I will be available and they know where to find me, said Dlamini. This comes after a circulating WhatsApp screenshot purporting the role played by Dlamini in the licensing of Ecsponent. The information on the screenshot is said to have been written by someone purporting to be a former FSRA employee, who happened to be the one who was supposed to grant the licence to Ecsponent but had refused to do so.

The unknown individual wrote that he/she was with FSRA in 2012 and based on the power he/she had at that time, refused to license the said company. He then made allegations against Dlamini and his alleged role in licensing the investment company that had gone under with over E340 million of emaSwatis investment. Dlamini said it would be wrong for him to respond on this matter, which touched on FSRA. He said FSRA offices were still there and he never left with any files.

Dlamini said he was aware that this was an ongoing matter, so if there would be a time where the management of FSRA of that time when Ecsponent was licensed needed to answer, he would avail himself in case his name came up. He stated that he recognised that this was a very serious matter where people lost their money, so it would not be prudent for him to sensationalise the matter. He said it needed to be dealt with based on facts, not allegations.

Allegations

The former CEO said this matter relied on what was recorded in the files, not just allegations. When further pressed on the matter, Dlamini said everything he did at the time he was the CEO was documented in the files he left at FSRA. When asked if he never had reservations or suspicions about Ecsponent before the company was granted the licence, Dlamini said there were reasons which he could not talk about. He said only FSRA could disclose those reasons.

Tizatfu titsini, what were the reasons, ngito letizatfu leto lengingeke ngikhone kukhuluma ngato. Yi FSRA lengakhuluma ngato, uyabona, said Dlamini in vernacular. Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, could not be reached for comment as he had not responded to a questionnaire sent to him by the time of compiling this report. This publication had asked the minister if the former CEO would be summoned to shed some light on the matter. Meanwhile, the House of Assembly had on Monday ordered that the Finance Minister, Rijkenberg, institute a forensic audit as a matter of urgency to investigate how the E340 million investment made by emaSwati was lost.

Audit

The MPs had thrown out a report which the minister had prepared regarding the matter and instead ordered for the forensic audit. ESW Investment Group has welcomed the resolution by Parliament on the proposed forensic audit on Ecsponent and is ready to cooperate.The Board chairperson notified investors that the company had taken note of the resolution passed by Parliament in relation to the minister of Finances report on the investments made with Ecsponent Eswatini Limited.

For the record, our company fully co-operated with the parliamentary motion passed in April 2022, which culminated in the report debated in the House of Assembly this week. The latest parliamentary resolution to set up a forensic investigation is both necessary and important, to uncover what transpired between 2014 and 2019 when Ecsponent Eswatini dissolved with millions of investments belonging to emaSwati, reads in part the notice.
The German chancellor arrived in the Ukrainian capital by rail on Thursday morning, alongside the French president and Italian premier. Such a trip is a security headache but there are few alternatives.
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The main suspect in the killings of a British journalist and indigenous expert has confessed to fatally shooting them in a remote part of the Amazon, police have said.
Daily Record 16 Jun 2022

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Eurasia Review 17 Jun 2022

By Reid Standish



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Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Kyle says the government is "acting like a wrecking ball" to its own Brexit trade deal,..
Justice secretary Dominic Raab has said it was "not right" that European judges scuppered the first migrant flight to Rwanda - and sketched out plans to try to limit their oversight in the UK.
MBABANE  Government and the Public Sector Associations (PSA) have signed a deadlock after failed negotiations.

Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) President Mbongwa Dlamini, articulating the reasons which led to this stage, said the two parties had agreed to disagree. He said after having signed the deadlock, the PSAs would take government to the Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration Commission (CMAC). He said they initially wanted to register a case with CMAC last week, but then they needed to provide proof that the negotiations had failed, of which the deadlock would be proof of the failed negotiations.

Negotiations

He said in the negotiations, they tabled several demands which included the finalisation of the negotiations framework, allowances, salary review appeals of 2016, CoLA and then service delivery. CoLA is the cost-of-living adjustment. Dlamini said this was the order which the PSAs were demanding the negotiations to follow, however, government wanted the order to start with CoLA then the framework, followed by service delivery and lastly the salary review appeals. He said when they engaged with the workers in the different regions, they appreciated the format which came with the PSAs.

Dispute

The president said today they would register a dispute with CMAC. He said going to CMAC would mean that the latter would have to call upon the PSAs and the government within 21 days for conciliation. Dlamini said during the conciliation, the two parties would have to find common ground. The president said if during the conciliation, the two parties failed to reach common ground, then CMAC would have to issue a certificate of unresolved dispute.

He said the issuance of the said certificate would now mean things would change. He said the ball would now be in the workers court to decide on their way forward. He noted that some people were saying the PSAs leadership was failing to negotiate, but then it was a known fact that one may negotiate but the government would do as it pleased. He said it was worth noting that this was not a dispute of rights but a dispute of interests. He said this meant that they could not take government to court but they could only opt for a strike.

Ballot

Dlamini said after the 21 days, workers would have to go to the ballot box to vote for either going on strike or not. He said as a leadership they would ensure the ballot boxes were closer to the workers. Dlamini encouraged the workers to vote for a strike. He said if workers voted against an industrial action, it would mean that they would be accepting governments agenda, which came with its implications that would not favour the workers.

Dlamini added that if the workers voted for a strike action, it would be a legal strike as the process was in Section 6 of the Industrial Relations Act of 2000 as amended. He said in this strike action, the employer, being the government, would have no grounds to dimiss the workers. He said, however, the employer would have a right not to pay the employees as the latter would not be at work.

Encouraged

He encouraged all workers to vote in favour of the strike. He said if the majority voted for the strike, it would mean the strike action would go ahead. Dlamini said if the majority voted for the strike and some decided to go to work, the unions would have a way to discipline them for defying the majority rule. The president then encouraged the workers to brace themselves for a possible strike next month or after the 21 days. He said when workers received this months pay; they should prepare themselves by buying all necessary food commodities. Efforts to get a comment from the Ministry of Public Service proved futile as the Principal Secretary (PS), Sipho Tsabedze, could not be reached on his cellphone as it rang unanswered. Minister Mabulala Maseko referred all questions to the PS as he was the one heading the negotiations on behalf of government.
The sister of a British-Egyptian activist being held in "inhumane" conditions as a political prisoner in Egypt has said Boris Johnson could secure his release.
Kigali (AFP) June 13, 2022



Rwanda on Monday accused the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, known by its French acronym MONUSCO, of "taking sides" and supporting Kinshasa as relations between the neighbours plummet. Recurring tensions between the DRC and Rwanda flared anew last month amid violent clashes near the joint border, which have accused each other of supporting armed groups and even, in recent da
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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi expressed the countrys readiness to satisfy Pakistans demand for oil, gas and electricity.



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Russian Deputy Head Dmitry Polyansky said that a Ukrainian artillery attack on the Donetsk People's Republic that struck a maternity hospital is being ignored by foreign media.
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Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has issued new directives to insurance companies requiring the establishment of an internal actuarial unit within their organization structure.

In addition, all insurance firms must appoint in-house Bahraini competencies in preparation for qualifying them to become qualified actuaries licensed by recognized international actuarial institutes to carry out actuarial work and prepare the relevant regulatory reports according to the requirements of the CBB in this regard.

These directives will be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, companies will be required to appoint a Bahraini actuarial analyst within a period not exceeding end of June, 2023, provided that the companies appoint and qualify them to be qualified actuaries that are accredited by a globally recognized institute of actuaries to carry out actuarial roles within insurance firms in fulfillment of the requirements of the second phase of these directives.

In the second phase, companies will be required to appoint Bahraini qualified actuary within a period not exceeding the end of June 2029.

It is worth noting that CBB issued these directives in conjunction with the launch of the joint initiative yesterday (June 15) between Labor Fund (Tamkeen), CBB, the Institute of Actuaries in London, and Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) to prepare and employ a number of Bahraini cadres in the actuarial sciences to work within insurance companies in the kingdom.

This initiative is also considered one of the important steps to prepare qualified Bahraini cadres in important specialties of the insurance sector.

CBB said it was in line with the efforts made to create employment opportunities for Bahrainis within the local financial market, which is one of the priorities of the Economic Recovery Plan of 2022-2026.

In addition, to the issuance of the new accounting standard IFRS 17 effective in 2023, as the application of this standard will depend in particular on the estimates and recommendations of the actuary appointed by the company to prepare the financial statements according to the new accounting standard.

On the new directives, Abdul Rahman Al Baker, the Executive Director of Financial Institutions Supervision, said CBB was keen to continue its efforts to develop the insurance industry keep pace with the best international standards.

Al Baker pointed out that the purpose of this initiative and its legislation was not limited to providing job opportunities, but also aimed at strengthening the insurance industry with qualified Bahraini cadres for important specializations that enhance the pioneering position and the distinguished financial position of Bahrain.-TradeArabia News Service
OK! Magazine 16 Jun 2022

Ryan Grantham was known for his role in 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid,' but made headlines when he confessed to killing his mother.
Greensboro, USA - 16 June 2022 - ERTCpro is offering all the legal support on Employee Retention Tax Credit at the right price and on time. When it comes to finding the right ways to handle the ERTC funds, odds are, you will be off searching for the right legal advisory that will not let you down and deliver the best combination of price and quality for you. Well, if that 
Top architecture and engineering firm Dewan has invited architects and engineers from across the globe to submit building design proposals for a rehabilitation centre for terror victims in Iraq. The coveted first prize is fully paid employment at Dewan for six months or a cash alternative of $6,000.

Top architecture and engineering firm Dewan has invited architects and engineers from across the globe to submit building design proposals for a rehabilitation centre for terror victims in Iraq as part of the Tamayouz Excellence Award programme.

Tamayouz Excellence Award programme champions and celebrates the best architecture in Iraq and worldwide. The exciting international award focuses on designs that respond to the local challenges in Iraq.

The annual open-ideas architectural competition was founded to empower young architects worldwide and provide crucial guidance to excel in the industry.

The coveted first prize is six-month employment at Dewan, renewable up to one year with a salary of AED10,000 per ($2,720) month or a cash alternative of $6,000.

The second prize is $3,000 plus a certificate of award and the third is a 1,000 plus a certificate of award.

On the eligibility criteria, Dewan said architects, students, engineers and designers can take part in the competition. It can be either as individuals or team (maximum of six members). The deadline for submitting the entries has been set at October 1.

Dewan said the rehabilitation centre should provide a safe and comfortable space for patients and have the facilities to support their health, psychological and physical needs.

The facility will be developed on a 50,337 sq m site in the prestigious Zayouna area of Baghdad. Its located on the Al Rusafa side of the Iraqi capital, with the Army Canal on its north side and the Mohammed Al Qassim Expressway on the south.

The area is considered wealthy, and the communities are home to senior officers of the Iraqi military. The Tuesday Central Market, public and private schools, the teacher's training institute, and the Al-Firdaws family swimming pool are within the residential community, stated Dewan.

The top architecture company said these centres will be strictly for rehabilitation and not medical treatment.

Specialists at these units will work positively with injured people allowing them to reach their full potential and help them from coping mechanisms for the memories formed around the traumatic experiences.

The centres will help people develop their skills and confidence to rejoin society and the job market. Each facility will contain indoor and outdoor spaces for social interaction, sporting activities and learning, it stated.

Mohamed Al Assam, the founder and chairman of Dewan, was involved with the Tamayouz Excellence Award for many years as both an avid supporter, member of the Advisory Board and jury member for various competitions.

Tamayouz is a collection of awards that celebrate the best architecture worldwide and the achievements of individuals who have made significant contributions to humanity.

Ammar Al Assam, CEO of Dewan Architects, said the exciting international award will focus on designs that respond to the local challenges in Iraq, he stated.

The award submissions must include facilities for each of the five pillars of the rehabilitation centre, health, safety and privacy, hope, psychological rehabilitation, training and capacity building, he added.

Through this award scheme, Dewan was encouraging the participation of multidisciplinary teams, he added.

Judges of the single-stage competition will identify the most appropriate proposal that best translates and satisfies the awards objectives.

Besides Mohamed Al Assam, the Founder of Dewan Architects and Engineers, the other award jury members include big regional players such as Prof Jala Makhzoumi (Beirut - UNIT 44); Prof Wendy Pullan (Cambridge University); Prof Shaban Taha (Cairo - Shoubra University); Nadia Habash (Ramallah - Head Engineering Association in Palestine); Dr Davide Ponzini (Milan - Politecnico di Milano); Lucinda Anis (London - Kommune Studio); Kathy Basheva (London  Studio Basheva); Ahmed Al-Azzawi (Milton Keynes  Dewan Award coordinator of Tamayouz);

Ahmed Al Mallak (Founding Director - Tamayouz Excellence Award).

The judges will shortlist the entries in October and the finalists will be announced the next month.

The winner will be announced at the annual Tamayouz Excellence Award Ceremony to be held by year-end.-TradeArabia News Service
WASHINGTON (AP)  Donald Trump's extraordinary effort to overturn his 2020 election defeat came into ever-clearer focus Thursday, with testimony describing his pressuring Vice President Mike Pence in vulgar private taunts and public entreaties to stop the certification of Joe Biden's victory in the run-up to the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection.

Trump's closest advisers viewed his last-ditch efforts to halt congressional certification of his loss as nuts, crazy and even likely to incite riots if Pence followed through, witnesses revealed in stark testimony Thursday.

The panel revealed how Trump put his vice president in danger as Pence was presiding over a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, 2021, when the defeated president sent his supporters to the Capitol to fight like hell over his false claims of a fraudulent election.

Rioters came within 40 feet of the place at the Capitol where Pence and others had been evacuated. Never-before-shown photos showed Pence and his team sheltering.

He deserves to be burned with the rest of them, one rioter is heard saying on video as the mob prepares to storm the iconic building.

Pence betrayed us, says another rioter, wearing a Make America Great Again hat in a selfie video inside the Capitol.

Pences counsel Greg Jacob testified that he could hear the din of the rioters nearby. Asked if Trump ever checked on Pence during the siege, Jacob said, He did not.

With live testimony and other evidence from its yearlong investigation, the panel held its third hearing this month aiming to demonstrate that Trump's repeated false claims and desperate attempt to stay in power led directly to the Capitol insurrection.

All told, the committee is pulling together a dark portrait of the end of Trump's presidency as the defeated Republican was left grasping for alternatives as courts turned back dozens of lawsuits challenging the vote.

Trump latched onto conservative law professor John Eastmans obscure plan to defy historical precedent of the Electoral Count Act and reverse Joe Biden's victory.

Trump aides and allies warned bluntly in private about his efforts, even as some publicly continued to stand by the president's false election claims. Nine people died in the insurrection and its aftermath.

Are you out of your effing mind? Eric Herschmann, a lawyer advising Trump, told Eastman in recorded testimony shown at the hearing.

Youre going to turn around and tell 78-plus million people in this country that your theory is, this is how youre going to invalidate their votes? Herschmann said. He warned, Youre going to cause riots in the streets.

A text message from Fox News Sean Hannity to Trumps chief of staff Mark Meadows about the plan in the run-up to Jan. 6 read, "Im very worried about the next 48 hours."

Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller said those around Trump called the plan crazy.

The committee has said the plan was illegal, and a federal judge has said more likely than not Trump committed crimes in his attempt to stop the certification.

Eastman later sought to be on the pardon list, according to an email he sent to Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, shared by the committee.

In a social media post Thursday, Trump decried the hearings anew as a witch hunt," lambasted coverage by the Fake News Networks and exclaimed, I DEMAND EQUAL TIME!!!

On Capitol Hill, panel Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., cited Pence's own words that there was almost no idea more un-American than the one he was being asked to follow  reject Americans' votes.

By refusing Trumps demands, Pence did his duty, said the panels vice-chair, Republican Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming.

The panel heard from Jacob, the vice presidents counsel who fended off Eastmans ideas for Pence, and retired federal judge Michael Luttig, who called the plan from Eastman, his former law clerk, "incorrect at every turn.

Jacob said it became clear to Pence from the start that the founding fathers did not intend to empower any one person to affect the election result, and he never budged.

Pence was determined to stay at the Capitol that night and finish the job, even as his security team prepared for him to leave, Jacob said.

Luttig, a conservative scholar, said in a halting voice but firm terms that had Pence obeyed Trumps orders, declaring Trump as the next president would have plunged America into what I believe would have been tantamount to a revolution within a constitutional crisis in America.

Thursdays session presented new dramatic evidence about the danger Pence faced as rioters chanted Hang Mike Pence with a makeshift gallows outside the Capitol.

The president's daughter, Ivanka Trump, testified about the heated phone call he had with Pence that morning, as the family joined in the Oval Office. Another aide, Nicholas Luna, said he heard Trump call Pence a wimp. Ivanka Trumps chief of staff, Julie Radford, said she was told the president called Pence the p-word.

In another development Thursday, Thompson said the panel will ask Virginia Ginni Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, for an interview amid disclosures of the conservative activists communications with people in Trumps orbit ahead of the attack. He did not specify a schedule for that.

Its time for her to come talk, Thompson told reporters.

The panel's yearlong investigation is showcasing Trump's final weeks in office as the defeated president clung to the big lie of a rigged election even as those around him  his family, his top aides, officials at the highest levels of government  were telling him he simply had lost.

With 1,000 interviews and some 140,000 documents, the committee is showing how Trump's false claims of election fraud became a battle cry as he summoned thousands of Americans to Washington and then Capitol Hill.

Thursdays hearing unpacked the Eastman plan to have the states send alternative slates of electors from states Trump was disputing, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. With competing slates for Trump or Biden, Pence would be forced to reject them, returning them to the states to sort it out, under the plan.

The panel played video showing Eastman repeatedly invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination while being interviewed by the committee.

More than 800 people have been arrested in the Capitol siege, including members of extremist groups facing rare sedition charges over their roles in the Capitol attack.

The panel is considering whether to send a referral for criminal charges against Trump to the Justice Department. No president or former president has ever been indicted by the Justice Department, and Attorney General Merrick Garland has said he and his team are following the proceedings in Congress.

Several members of Congress are also under scrutiny, and the panel is also probing several candidates for elected office who were among the rioters.

In a letter earlier this week, the Justice Department warned the committee it is complicating the federal investigation and requested transcripts of all witness interviews the panel has conducted.

The panel, which is expected to deliver a final report on its findings later this year, intends for its work to be a record for history of the most violent attack on the Capitol since the War of 1812.

___

Associated Press writers Kevin Freking and Eric Tucker in Washington and Farnoush Amiri in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

___

For full coverage of the Jan. 6 hearings, go to https://www.apnews.com/capitol-siege
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WASHINGTON (AP)  The House committee investigating the Capitol riot plans to focus its hearing Thursday on the pressure that Donald Trump put on his vice president, Mike Pence, in a last-ditch and potentially illegal plan to stop Joe Bidens election victory.

Trump seized on the unorthodox proposal from conservative law professor John Eastman to have Pence turn back the electors when the vice president presided over Congress to certify the election results on Jan. 6, 2021.

Traditionally, Jan. 6 is a ceremonial day, a procedural step tallying the presidential vote. But Eastmans highly unusual plan  bold, he called it  was to have alternative slates of electors submitted to Congress, leaving Pence no choice but to return them to the states to sort it out. Biden would be denied a majority and Trump could win.

As the defeated Trump watched dozens of court cases challenging the 2020 presidential election collapse, he turned to the Eastman plan as a last resort to stay in office.

John (Eastman) is one of the most brilliant lawyers in the country and he looked at this, Trump told thousands of supporters at a rally near the White House before sending them to the Capitol on Jan. 6.

And he looked at Mike Pence, and I hope Mike is going to do the right thing. I hope so. I hope so because if Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election, the then-president said.

The committee viewed the actions as potentially illegal and a threat to democracy.

What President Trump demanded that Mike Pence do wasnt just wrong, it was illegal and it was unconstitutional, said the committee's vice chair Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., in opening remarks last week.

A look at the Eastman plan in the days before Jan. 6 and why it's central to the congressional investigation:

THE PLAN

Two days before the Capitol attack, Pence was summoned to the White House for an Oval Office meeting with Trump and Eastman to hear about the law professors plan to turn back the electors.

With Trumps false claims of election fraud, Eastman had been circulating what was essentially an academic proposal challenging the workings of the 130-year-old Electoral Count Act that governs the process for tallying the election results in Congress.

The six-point plan was gaining momentum among Trumps allies in Congress, including key senators, and outside activists.

BOLD, Certainly, Eastman said in a memo included in a court filing from the Jan. 6 committee. But he said such an unusual step was needed, falsely claiming this Election was Stolen.

If Pence would refuse to count some electors, then the threshold needed to certify the presidential election would drop from the regular 270-vote majority to a lesser number  one presumably that Trump could reach.

If Democrats in Congress objected, as Eastman predicted they would, then under current law the House would be called on to decide the presidency. In that scenario, because the House would vote by individual state congressional delegations, which were mostly Republican majority, the numbers would align for Trump to win.

The illegality of the plan, declared the Jan. 6 committee in a court filing, was obvious.

___

HOW COULD THAT EVEN WORK?

To set the plan in motion, Trump and Eastman convened hundreds of electors on a call on Jan. 2, 2021, encouraging them to send alternative electors from their states where Trump's team was claiming fraud.

Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and maybe even Nevada and New Mexico were on the list, according to testimony provided to the committee by Greg Jacob, who was counsel to Pence.

Jacob, who is scheduled to testify Thursday before the House committee, was at the Oval Office meeting with Trump and Pence when Eastman outlined the plan on Jan. 4. Jacob received an email from Eastman late the following night.

Major new development, Eastman wrote, attaching a letter signed by several members of the Pennsylvania legislature.

It now looks like PA Legislature will vote to recertify its electors if Vice President Pence implements the plan we discussed.

Jacob responded in lawyerly prose, asking if it is not unconstitutional."

___

HAD THIS EVER BEEN DONE BEFORE?

While the every-four-year-ritual of certifying the election results has certainly come with objections, nothing of this magnitude had been proposed since the disputed election of 1876 that led Congress to pass the Electoral Count Act.

Routinely, lawmakers from the losing side of a presidential election would wage protest votes during the ceremonial proceedings in Congress. Several Democrats, including then-Sen. Barbara Boxer of California and Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, chairman of the Jan. 6 committee, joined a challenge to Ohio's electors after the 2004 election.

But no defeated president had ever done what Trump did, mounting a wide-ranging campaign to overturn an election that included pressure on the vice president to change the outcome.

When Eastman received Jacob's probing questions, he retorted that the counsel was being small-minded.

The professor pointed to past instances in history when presidents essentially violated the letter of the law for a greater outcome, and he suggested such an action was warranted now because the Constitution was being shredded over the election.

Jacob replied that he could not believe there was a single Supreme Court justice or any judge who would agree to toss election laws that have been followed without exception for more than 130 years.

Eastman's theory, Jacob wrote, was essentially entirely made up.

___

PRESSURE BUILDS, TRUMP CALLS PENCE

Pence's instinct was there was no way the Founding Fathers would entrust a single person with this authority to determine an election, Jacobs testified.

Pence had asked questions of Eastman during the meeting, but never once did I see him budge from that view, he said.

But a day after the Oval Office meeting, the pressure intensified. Rather than just turn the electors back to the states, Eastman said Pence should just throw out the states' tallies outright.

"What Im here to ask you to do is to reject the electors Eastman said on Jan. 5, according to Jacobs testimony.

On the morning of Jan. 6, as the vice president prepared to head to the Capitol to preside over the vote, Trump called.

Trump told Pence he didn't think he had the courage to make a hard decision, according to testimony to the Jan. 6 committee by retired Gen. Keith Kellogg, a national security aide who was with Trump at the time and heard part of the conversation.

Youre not tough enough to make the call, Trump said to Pence.

___

THE COUNT BEGINS

The first objection during the joint session of Congress was raised by a Republican congressman from the Arizona, one of the states Trump most vehemently disputed was won by Biden.

Congress began working its way through the procedural matter; rioters were closing in on the Capitol.

In an email to Eastman after the attack began, Jacob closed his arguments against the plan, saying: And thanks to your bull, we are now under siege.

At the time, Jacob was sheltering in the Capitol from the mob.

___

WHO IS JOHN EASTMAN?

A former Chapman University law professor, Eastman is known in conservative circles for having clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas on the Supreme Court.

Eastman also clerked for retired Judge Michael Luttig, who is also scheduled to testify Thursday. Luttig has called Eastman's ideas incorrect at every turn and had been providing legal counsel to Pence's team before Jan. 6.

Ahead of Thursdays hearing, the vice chair of the House committee, Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., released a video offering a glimpse of what's to come.

In the video, Eric Herschmann, a lawyer at the White House, recounts a final conversation he had with Eastman the day after Jan. 6.

I'm going to give you the best free legal advice you're ever getting in your life  get a great effing criminal defense lawyer. You're going to need it," Herschmann recalled, saying. "And then I hung up on him.

Eastman repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment rights not to testify during his interview with the committee.

___

For full coverage of the Jan. 6 hearings, go to https://www.apnews.com/capitol-siege
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BRUSSELS (AP)  NATO defense ministers on Thursday discussed ways to bolster forces and deterrence along the military alliance's eastern borders to dissuade Russia from planning further aggression in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian invasion has led allies to rethink strategies and to agree that NATO forces should be present in greater numbers on that eastern flank. NATO says it has placed over 40,000 troops under its direct command, mainly on the eastern flank, and is looking at how it can further strengthen its presence, readiness, and capabilities.

This will mean more NATO forward-deployed combat formations, to strengthen our battlegroups in the eastern part of the alliance, more air, sea and cyber defenses, as well as pre-positioned equipment and weapons stockpiles," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said after the meeting.

The meeting of defense ministers came ahead of a June 29-30 NATO summit in Madrid that will seek to set a roadmap for the alliance in coming years.

Germany has already announced its plans to strengthen its engagement in Lithuania, while France wants to increase its presence in Romania, where it plans to have deployed 1,000 troops with Leclerc tanks by the end of the year.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin declined to detail any changes in Americas positioning of forces across Europe but said the U.S. and its allies will take steps to rapidly deploy troops if needed. That includes positioning more equipment in the region and putting troops on higher levels of alert.

All of our allies have learned from any shortcomings that we may have experienced in the past, and theyll build to ensure that they have the right capabilities to provide flexible and responsible and combat-credible forces when the time comes," he said.

Artis Pabriks, the Latvian defense minister, said the military alliance should position larger armed forces and material in Baltic countries.

We want an improved planning. We want a headquarters structure. We want pre-positioning of different types of equipment, so if a crisis would come we should not wait," he said.

Stoltenberg said the question of pre-positioned equipment is a crucial one, because moving armored vehicles, supplies and ammunition takes a lot of time.

Then of course it's much easier and faster to reinforce when needed," he said.

Stoltenberg said ministers made significant progress" in their discussions on a new force model that would involve more forces at higher readiness and others assigned to the defense of specific allies.

Discussions in Brussels also focused on the need for more defense spending, Stoltenberg said, with the bids from Sweden and Finland to join the alliance also on the table.

Stoltenberg saluted the United States' decision to send an additional $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine and said NATO allies are prepared to continue to provide substantial, unprecedented support" to the country.

The latest package, the U.S. said, includes anti-ship missile launchers, howitzers and more rounds for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems that U.S. forces are training Ukrainian troops on. All are key weapons systems that Ukrainian leaders have urgently requested as they battle to stall Russias march to conquer the eastern Donbas region.

Austin praised the "historic decision" by Finland and Sweden to apply for NATO membership, expressing his hopes that discussions will continue to progress favorably.

Turkey, however, has voiced its opposition to the Nordic pairs NATO accession and Stoltenberg has been working hard to try to break the deadlock. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is refusing to budge over what he says is Sweden and Finland's alleged support for Kurdish militants.

My aim is to find a solution as soon as possible," Stoltenberg said.

___

Lolita C. Baldor contributed from Washington

___

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MANILA, Philippines (AP)  The Philippine government has designated a former peace negotiator and five other suspected communist rebel leaders as terrorists" in a move that allowed the freezing of their financial assets, which officials said could be used to finance attacks.

The Anti-Terrorism Council separately designated as terrorists five commanders of the Abu Sayyaf, a small but violent Muslim militant group in the countrys south. They have been linked to the Islamic State group in an announcement made public Wednesday.

Long-running communist and Muslim insurgencies are among key security problems President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stands to inherit when he takes office on June 30. Although considerably weakened by decades of offensives, infighting and factionalism, the communist and Muslim insurgents remain national security threats.

The six rebel leaders accused of membership in the Communist Party of the Philippines, its armed wing the New Peoples Army and related organizations were led by Luis Jalandoni, a former Roman Catholic priest who joined the communist rebellion, one of the longest-raging in Asia.

He gained national prominence as the chief rebel negotiator for decades in peace talks with the Philippine government brokered by Norway until he retired years ago. His whereabouts are unknown.

The Anti-Terrorism Council said Jalandoni and the five other high-ranking communist rebels were designated terrorists under Philippine law due to their alleged involvement in the rebel movement and past and future acts of terrorism. It did not elaborate or cite any evidence.

The rebels condemned the governments terrorist labeling of the 87-year-old Jalando and the others as a gross perversion of the truth.

It was made without basis and cites no specific judicable facts. It aims to slander them and restrict their democratic rights, the Communist Party of the Philippines said in a statement.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also did not cite specific evidence against the five Abu Sayyaf commanders. But a military counterterrorism officer said Thursday on condition of anonymity that they were based in the southern provinces of Sulu and Basilan and linked to ransom kidnappings and other terrorist attacks.

The government has previously designated the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New Peoples Army along with the Abu Sayyaf as terrorist organizations.

Outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte took steps early in his presidency to foster peace talks with communist guerrillas, who the military estimates at 2,700 fighters. But both sides accused the other of pressing on with attacks and the negotiations eventually collapsed.

The Philippine government has never initiated any talks with the Abu Sayyaf, which has carved a brutal image for deadly bombings and beheadings, but has encouraged many of its fighters to surrender. The military has pressed on with decades-long offensives against the militants, who are estimated to number less than 200 mostly in predominantly Muslim Sulu province and outlying islands.
Independence Village of Midland residents enjoyed an afternoon of making new connections at the communitys first ever speed-friending event.

The idea came as a way to help new residents get to know more people in the community. About 20 residents participated in the hour-long event, in which each pair got to spend three minutes talking before rotating.
Denmark's capital Copenhagen has been named the worlds most liveable city in 2022 by Monocles annual quality of life survey.

Copenhagen is closely followed by Zurich, Lisbon, Helsinki and Stockholm on the list that honours the worlds 25 most forward-thinking, safe, easy, sustainable, and inspiring cities in which to live. The list is published in the magazines current (July) issue.

At a time when many people have been questioning the appeal of city life in a post-pandemic world, Monocles survey stands as a reminder of what makes urban living so rewarding in the first place. Compiled by the magazines international editors and contributors, the ranking is based on a multitude of factors encompassing objective data such as crime rates, ambulance response times, employment figures, and income inequality, as well as direct-lived experience from Monocles global team of correspondents on the ground, and plans for forthcoming infrastructure improvements.

Reflecting shifts in society and changing lifestyles, Monocles metrics have evolved over the years, ensuring the rankings take into account contemporary urban priorities. This year, for example, the team has introduced new data points to reflect changing working patterns, rising costs of living and the growing importance of access to nature and the outdoors  represented through a roster of new metrics including hours of sunlight, affordable housing, and places to swim.

Although the rankings are the result of complex fusion of multiple qualitative and quantitative factors  as well as much internal debate  the final list of the worlds best 25 cities is a straightforward expression of what matters most to urban dwellers today.

We think clean, safe cities that are simple to traverse, green, fun and easy to live and work in are best, says Monocle editor Josh Fehnert. In this respect, I don't think there will be too many dissenters.

The greatest Dane: Copenhagen

No stranger to Monocles best city lists, having featured in the top 25 in several of the last 15 years, Copenhagen became a recent fixture of the top 5, and bagged the top spot last year. It continues to lead the way in liveability and consistently scores highly across the board, but is never complacent, always looking for ways to make life better, easier and more rewarding for its residents, says the survey.

Copenhagen has consistently put pedestrians, bikes and people at the centre of the city and it has paid off. City hall cleaned up the harbour for swimming and benefits and provisions for citizens are generous. Copenhagen has kept independent retail and restaurants alive; its an exciting place for entrepreneurs, has world-leading museums and ambitious plans to green the city, recycle more and be a good place to live. It might not be as glamorous as some, but the way to the top of the pile is consistent, human-centred thinking, joined-up planning and creating spaces for neighbourhoods to thrive, says Josh Fehnert, Editor.

Its a matter of great pride that Copenhagen is first in Monocles Quality of Life survey. Ive lived in the city on and off for 35 years and every time I return it seems as though new improvements have been made. Its greatest strength is that it never rests on its laurels but constantly tries to improve its citizens quality of life. Im sure that will continue, says Lars Thuesen, Denmarks ambassador to the UK.

Nordic and nice: Helsinki, Stockholm, Oslo

Since Monocles very first Quality of Life Survey, Nordic cities have historically scored very highly, with Helsinki, Stockholm and Oslo consistently winning places alongside Copenhagen in the top 25. This year, Helsinki and Stockholm have both retained spots in the top five (although each has been nudged back a place by the arrival of a resurgent Lisbon) and Oslo has climbed one spot from 24 to 23.

Monocles editors suggest that the Nordic capitals are such solid performers thanks to their manageable scale (something which contributes to the likes of London and LA being pushed out of contention). Nordic cities are typically compact, pedestrian-focused, environmentally ambitious and fastidious about maintaining connections to nature, without neglecting their distinctive character, sociability and charm.

New entries, non-movers and climbers

2022s rankings have seen just one new entry in the top 25; Milan has entered the chart at 21, powered up by a successful Design Week earlier this month and an ambitious programme of public infrastructure development ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The biggest climber, Lisbon, has shot from 7 to 3 on the back of a tourist renaissance, entrepreneurial upsurge and a progressive plan to repurpose 48,000 empty homes; while the impacts of the pandemic and the disruption of lockdowns have shaken the likes of Tokyo, Brisbane and Auckland down a branch or two of the tree.

A blueprint for urban utopia?

Perhaps the most valuable thing about Monocles rankings is the fact that they can also serve as an anthology of viable ideas for urban development, bringing together creative planning approaches, sustainability solutions, and socially progressive measures from all over the world. From schemes to improve pedestrianisation or address growing populations to solutions to creative ways to nourish culture or reconnect with nature, they point to the ingredients for the perfect city of the future.

2022 rankings (2021 ranking in brackets)

1 Copenhagen (1); 2 Zurich (2); 3 Lisbon (7); 4 Helsinki (3); 5 Stockholm (4); 6 Tokyo (5); 7 Vienna (6); 8 Sydney (10); 9 Vancouver (12); 10 Taipei (9); 11 Munich (13); 12 Seoul (11); 13 Berlin (14); 14 Amsterdam (15); 15 Madrid (16); 16 Auckland (8); 17 Paris (19 -2019); 18 Barcelona (18 -2019); 19 Melbourne (17 -2021); 20 Kyoto (18 -2021); 21 Milan (new entry); 22 Fukuoka (22 - 2019); 23 Oslo (24- 2019); 24 Singapore (25- 2019) and 25 Brisbane (19 - 2021)
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives (Parliament), Aguila Saleh, met on Thursday at his residence in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, with the Special Advisor to the UN Secretary General, Stephanie Williams, on the progress of work of Parliament and State Council committees in the framework of the constitutional track which is holding its third round in the Egyptian capital
Conakry, Guinea (PANA) - The National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC) in Guinea has expressed doubts about the sincerity of the ruling junta's promise to instill moral discipline and accountability in public life
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The co-chairs of the Working Group on International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights established under the Berlin Process have called for the extension of the mandate of the Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya
New York, US (PANA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned a weekend attack in Burkina Faso that left dozens of civilians dead and displaced scores more, his Spokesperson said on Wednesday
Photo: (Photo : EUGENE HOSHIKO/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

A government advisory panel endorsed on Tuesday, June 14, a second brand of COVID-19 vaccine for school-age kids and teens. The outside experts of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted unanimously that Moderna's COVID vaccine is safe and effective enough to be given to children ages 6 to 17. If the FDA agrees, it will become the second option for those kids, joining the vaccine of Pfizer for children.

The same expert panel of the FDA will meet on Wednesday, June 15, to consider tot-sized shots from Pfizer and Moderna for the littlest kids, those under the age of 5, according to the Associated Press.

Moderna seeking clearance for two doses of COVID vaccine

Moderna's COVID vaccine has long been available for adults in the United States and elsewhere, and more than three dozen countries offer it to kids as well. If the FDA authorizes Moderna's shot for teenagers and younger children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will next decide whether to recommend the vaccine.

The Massachusetts company is seeking clearance for two doses of the COVID vaccine and plans to offer a booster later. The vote that happened on Tuesday was only for two doses - full-strength for those ages 12 to 17 and half-sized doses for kids ages 6 to 11.

CDC's Dr. Melinda Wharton, a member of the panel, told NBC News that according to the data, the benefits outweigh the risks for both of these doses in both age groups. The FDA held up the teen vaccine of Moderna for months while it investigated a rare side effect of the shot, which is heart inflammation.

That is mostly a risk for young men and teen boys and also can occur with Pfizer's vaccine. Moderna got extra scrutiny, though, because its shots are a far higher dose. FDA scientists said in their review that there were no confirmed cases of heart inflammation in Moderna's kid studies. Experts say, however, that the studies may have had too few participants for a rare side effect like that to appear.

Read Also: Toddler Reunited With Parents in the United States After Being Left Behind Last August in Afghanistan

Heart inflammation side effect needs to be watched closely

Dr. Mark Sawyer, a panel member from the University of California, San Diego's medical school, said that side effect needs to be watched closely going forward as the use of the vaccine expands.

FDA officials said nothing worrisome was reported. Other side effects were mainly sore arms, headache, and fatigue. The FDA analysis concluded that two doses of Moderna are effective in preventing symptomatic COVID illness in teens and younger children, with the levels of coronavirus-fighting antibodies comparable to those that developed in young adults.

According to the FDA analysis, vaccine effectiveness was estimated at 93 percent for teens and 77 percent for younger children. However, the said research was done when earlier versions of COVID-19 were causing most of the infections in the U.S., and it is unclear how well the shots would work against recent more contagious variants, according to Politico.

Related Article: CDC Data Shows Kids Ages 5 to 11 Are The Least Vaccinated Against COVID-19 in The United States
Photo: (Photo : Getty images )

A 12-year-old girl is called a hero for saving a four-year-old boy from drowning in a manhole. After the Sunday mass, Shayna Sykes and her sons, Nolan and Rowan, joined the other children who were running around the lawn.

As the kids were racing, Sykes reminded her sons to stay where she could see them. A couple of moms laughed, saying that the kids would be fine as they were with a herd.

A few minutes later, Rowan fell into an open manhole that led into a sewer. Fortunately, 12-year-old Sadie Peterson saw the incident, having just noticed that the kids were curiously lifting the manhole cover, as per Today.

Saving the four-year-old

Sadie said that she saw the kids playing in front of the church and lifting the manhole cover. She yelled at them to get away from the hole and remembered Rowan trying to kick the cover down because he knew it was wrong. That was when Sadie saw Rowan fall into the sewer hole. Immediately, she rushed to help.

Leaning into the hole with half of her body, she reached out to Rowan, who had fallen four or five feet underground.

She said she eventually pulled him over and raised him to the point where his face wasn't underwater.

Sadie hung onto Rowan while his brother ran to his mom to get help. She remembered being scared as she felt Rowan slipping from her, as per KARE 11.

The panicked mom ran over to the area and admitted that she had braced for the worst. When she got to the manhole, she was relieved that Rowan's head was above the water but gasping. Minutes later, an adult named Tim Dubois lifted Rowan out of the manhole.

When Rowan was finally out, his mom said they just sat on the grass, covered with poop and waste. She just held Rowan and rocked him and cried.

The parents took Rowan to the hospital. The doctors said he had minor bruises and asked the parents to watch out for possible pneumonia from breathing in feces.

The manhole has been secured since.

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Heroism on her birthday

Stacy Peterson, Sadie's mom, praised her daughter for being alert and selfless. Peterson said that Sadie is in Girl Scouts and has always talked about helping people. They learned first aid and safety and got a badge for it but are grateful that they never actually get to use such skills.

More than ever, the mom is proud that Sadie's heroism happened on her 12th birthday.

Sykes is so grateful. She told Sadie that she was "exactly where she was supposed to be" and "exactly who God created her to be." She hugged Sadie while acknowledging that she had saved Rowan, telling her that Rowan would not be alive if Sadie were not watching him.

Sykes said her family could never repay Sadie for what she did. Still, she started a GoFundMe to add to Sadie's college fund for something unique that Sadie has always wanted or anything she wants to remind her that she is "absolutely amazing," KNSI Radio reports.

Related Article: 4-year-old Boy Saves Toddler Sister From Drowning; Mom Encourages Swim Lessons For Kids
Bahrain's national carrier Gulf Air has announced the launch of its flights to the Italian city of Milan. The maiden flight left Bahrain International Airport on June 1 thus marking the airlines direct and indirect operations to Italys second largest city.

On this occasion, the national carrier held a celebratory lunch in Milan which was attended by numerous VIPs including Ambassador of Bahrain to Italy Dr Nasser Al Balooshi, Paola Amadei, Ambassador of Italy to Bahrain and Andrea Tucci, Head of Business Development Aviation at SEA - Milan Airport.

The luncheon also included trade and travel representatives and members of the media.

Lauding the efforts of officials of both countries for its expansion into Italy, Gulf Air Acting CEO Captain Waleed AlAlawi said: "By launching services to Milan we are not only opening new doors of trade and tourism opportunities this city offers to the people and businesses of Bahrain and the region; but also bringing new commercial and other opportunities to Bahrain, the gateway of the Arabian Gulf and beyond."

Milan, the capital of the region of Lombardy, is an international and cosmopolitan city and remains one of Europe's main transportation and industrial hubs and amongst the leading financial centers in Western Europe in 2022.

"Milan is one of the EU's and the world's major financial and business centres," stated AlAlawi.

"From finance to fashion, from designer automobiles to discerning music, from architecture to art; the city of Milan is undeniably one of the most popular destinations in Europe attracting millions of visitors every year," he added.
Photo: (Photo : MARK FELIX/AFP via Getty Images)

Texas authorities said that a nine-year-old Houston girl was "executed" and her mother was wounded when the woman's ex-boyfriend opened fire on them because he was upset about their split.

News station KPRC reported that the mom had been watching a film with her kids in their apartment when her ex-boyfriend, 22-year-old Jeremiah Jones, showed up unannounced on Monday night, June 13.

The pair, who had dated for eight months before breaking up a couple of months ago, got into a fight. Police said Jones accused the woman of talking to other men since they broke up. Cops added that he asked her to hand over her phone as they argued in the living room of her apartment.

Suspect executed young girl in bedroom

News station KHOU reported that the children were separated from their mother during the melee, and the 9-year-old kid ended up in a bedroom. Houston police Lt. J.P. Horelica said that Jones then went into the bedroom and intentionally "executed" the young girl, possibly as "revenge" for his breakup with the child's mother.

Horelica said since that relationship had ended between them, Jones was upset about it. Police added that the suspect returned to the mom after shooting the daughter and shot his former partner in the shoulder.

Police officers responded to reports of a shooting at 404 Oxford Street around 9:54 p.m. When the cops arrived at the scene of the crime, police learned there was a domestic disturbance between a man and woman.

Cops said the young girl, identified by her mom Brittany Sorrells as Khylie Sorrells, was shot in the head by the suspect. Both victims were taken to an area hospital, where the nine-year-old girl was pronounced dead. The dead child's mother was expected to recover from her gunshot wounds.

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Jones arrested by HPD SWAT in Imperial Valley Drive parking lot

The woman's two other kids, ages 3 and 1, were also at home during the tragic shooting but were both unharmed, according to the New York Post. Authorities said that Jones had gotten into a dark Chevrolet Camaro and sped away when police arrived. He is now facing capital murder and assault charges. Houston cops said Sorrells made four calls to law enforcement officers about Jones within a month before this tragic shooting.

Cops said the suspect was out on bond for violating a protective order at the time of the shooting. Jones has an extensive criminal record stretching back a decade, including charges of reckless driving and theft. Sorrells reportedly had not seen the suspect in a few weeks and had ended her relationship with Jones two months ago.

According to the Houston Police Department, the 22-year-old suspect was arrested on Tuesday, June 14, at 6 p.m. by HPD SWAT and Tactical officers in a parking lot in the 22300 block of Imperial Valley Drive.

Related Article: Indiana Mom Draws a Heart on Her Children's Hands Every Morning in Case of School Shooting
Photo: (Photo : Anastasia Vlasova/Getty Images)

The family of a 4-year-old boy has sued a Houston doctor for medical negligence after giving their son an "unintended" vasectomy during his hernia surgery.

Dr. Susan L. Jarosz recommended a right inguinal hernia repair for the boy who was complaining about a swelling on the right side of his scrotum. He was scheduled to undergo the hernia procedure in August 2021 at the Texas Children's Hospital.

After the surgery, the doctor advised the family, alongside the hospital's risk management team, of what happened at the operating table. Jarosz admitted that she cut the vas deferens, the tube that carries the semen during reproduction, per ABC 13.

She apologized to the family and explained the short and long-term consequences of the unintended vasectomy. This meant that when the boy becomes an adult and decides to have his own kids, he will need "artificial reproductive procedures," per the family's lawyer, Randy Sorrels.

Read Also: 4-Year-Old Boy Poops in Display Toilet, Mortifies Mom as Dad Scoops it Out

Parents Faced With a Difficult Task

In June 2022, the family filed the lawsuit against Jarosz and the Texas Children's Hospital. Sorrels said that it was impossible for a surgeon to make a mistake and cut the wrong part of the boy's anatomy since a hernia surgery is a simple and standard procedure.

In a statement via Fox News, Sorrels, a personal injury lawyer, said that he had seen similar cases of unintended vasectomy but not for a 4-year-old boy. Sorrels alleged that the doctor "breached the standard of care" when she failed to properly separate the vas deferens from the hernia sac before surgically removing the tubes.

"That's very rare, but it's pretty simple," the lawyer said. "You properly identify the anatomy before you cut it."

Sorrels also stated that while the family accepted the doctor's apology, they wanted full accountability. The parents will be faced with the difficult task of explaining to their son why he will not be able to have kids by natural means. He could face many challenges with artificial reproduction, which could affect his relationship with his partner.

The family is suing for $500,000 in damages, the highest amount a particular party may get for such a case. Texas Children's Hospital, which is ranked as the second-best hospital for kids in the U.S., has refused to comment on the lawsuit with respect to the privacy of the patient.

However, according to Daily Mail, the doctor is not an employee of the hospital.

Hernia Repair for Kids

An inguinal hernia repair happens when the intestines push through an opening of the inguinal canal in the lower part of the abdomen. The problem doesn't usually go away by itself; thus, surgery is often recommended.

The surgical procedure may last between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the doctor's skills. A pediatric urology doctor might also have to be in the operating room to ensure that the child's reproductive organs and urinary tract are not affected during the surgery.

While girls might also need an inguinal hernia repair, the procedure is most common among boys. This procedure is elective, which means it may be scheduled at the convenience of the parents. However, surgery may be an emergency in some cases, especially if the patient has been struggling with pain.

Related Article: Vasectomy Mandate: Pennsylvania Lawmaker Proposes Bill Requiring Men Over 40 to Get Snipped
Photo: (Photo : Andrew Harnik-Pool/Getty Images)

A Louisiana mom has been ordered by the courts to give up full custody of her daughter and also pay child support to the father, who raped her when she was just 16 years old.

For five years since that incident, Crysta Abelseth, now 32, has raised her daughter without the father's knowledge. However, John Barnes, now 46, found out about his daughter in 2011. He has pursued custody since then.

Abelseth did not file a criminal rape case against Barnes until 2015. Speaking with WBRZ, the mother said that everyone believed a boyfriend fathered her daughter and allowed that belief to be the case.

She claimed that she delayed the filing against her rapist because she did not know the law. A trauma counselor eventually advised her that she could file within 30 years after she turned 18.

Despite the filing, however, the rape case was not investigated. Worse, Barnes was granted 50/50 custody of their daughter despite Abelseth's complaint against him.

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Abelseth's Nightmare with Barnes

The mother did not know Barnes when she encountered him at a local restaurant in 2005. Then 16, she was offered a ride home in his car. Barnes was 30 when he took advantage of a girl who was intoxicated after a get-together with her friends. He did not take Abelseth home but brought her to his house, where she said she was raped.

State laws indicate that it's illegal to have sex with a minor in Louisiana, even if it was consensual. Abelseth insisted that she never consented to have intercourse with a man she didn't know.

In 2006, Abelseth gave birth to a healthy baby girl, and their life together was fine until Barnes found out about the child. He offered to produce his DNA test in court to prove that he was the father and gain custody of his daughter.

Abelseth claimed that Barnes often bragged about his "connections in the justice system," according to Jezebel. She did not believe him until things started swinging in his favor.

Her rape case against Barnes has remained open for public scrutiny, but records relating to her rapist were "mysteriously under seal." Reports noted that Barnes has a digital company in Louisiana, and one of his clients is the local police.

She lost full custody of her daughter because she recently gave her a mobile phone. Barnes alleged that she gave their daughter a mobile phone. The mother denied this.

Louisiana Judge Jeffrey Cashe granted full custody to the father. Cashe also had the mother pay for child support.

This prompted Abelseth to seek the help of Save Lives, an advocacy group fighting for the rights of rape victims. Abelseth met Stacie Triche, the founder of Save Lives, in early 2021.

Most Shocking Case Against a Rape Victim

Triche said via Fox News that Abelseth's case against Barnes is the most shocking case her team has seen because the rape victim has been forced to pay the man who violated her and give up custody of the child who was the product of rape.

The Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault (LFASA) could not also believe the case's outcome because it should be a pretty straightforward crime as the state's age of consent is 17 years old. Lawyers for LFASA said that the rapist should not even have custody of the child.

Abelseth and Barnes are due to be in court in July. Her lawyers have filed a petition to revoke his rights as a parent. On top of this legal proceeding, Abelseth said that she has been forking out years of legal fees to fight the man who abused her.

Related Article: Lily Peters Killing: Pedophile's Son Carson Peters-Berger Charged with Rape and Murder
Photo: (Photo : Jenny Evans/Getty Images)

A toddler is currently recovering well at a California hospital after four Queensland Labrador puppies mauled her in what appeared to be a case of littermate syndrome. Though she is "recovering beautifully," according to her mom, Sierra Michele Peden, Felicity, 2, will still need more plastic surgery as she ages.

The puppies mutilated Felicity's eyes, ears, neck, and upper body. The Peden family was unaware of littermate syndrome until they turned the dogs to Animal Control, according to People.

Sierra and her husband, Michael, adopted the puppies in May 2022 and named them Amarah, Gideon, Keerah, and Negan. Their kids, Felicity and her three siblings, Samantha, 13, Daisy, 11, and Daryl, 1, were thrilled to have the pets at home.

Read Also: Toddlers Who Grow Up With Dogs May Less Likely Develop Crohn's Disease as Adults, Study Shows

Mauling Happened Within 10 Minutes

While the family was preparing for Felicity's birthday celebration on Friday, June 3, Sierra left to buy some stuff and had her husband take care of the kids. However, the mom wasn't gone for 20 minutes when she got a call about Felicity in the hospital.

In a post on GoFundMe, Sierra said that she was horrified to see her daughter's face when she got to the hospital. She felt even worse when she smelled "puppy slobber" on her head, which had been covered in bandages due to the bites.

Sierra said that they had the puppies for at least three weeks, and they didn't show any reason that would have prevented her or her husband from letting the kids play with them. However, the day of the incident was the first time Felicity was all alone with the puppies. The mother said that the attack likely happened within 10 minutes.

Felicity, her siblings, and the puppies were in the backyard with their father. When it was time to go inside, Michael thought he had all the kids with him. He found Felicity bleeding and lying unconscious on the ground in the backyard.

"We concluded that the only thing in the backyard that could have caused that kind of damage to her was the puppies," Sierra said.

Littermate syndrome is when two puppies adopted from the same litter give more attention to each other than their adopted family. pic.twitter.com/AbSBNnyLvb  Dr. Karen Becker (@drkarenbecker) February 22, 2017

Due to Felicity's injuries, she had to be transferred from Bakersfield to Fresno for plastic surgery. After a three-hour procedure, doctors informed the parents that they could not save her left ear. The inner ear, however, remains intact.

The nightmare didn't end there, as Felicity's kidneys were failing due to the physical trauma. She needed dialysis and regular scans so the doctors could determine if there were lasting damages to her organs.

Fortunately, Felicity has been given an all-clear after seven days, but she still has many doctor's appointments in the coming weeks. Sierra said that she and her husband accept full responsibility for what happened to their daughter, but they are grateful for the support and well-wishes from all over the world.

To date, the fundraiser for Felicity's medical bills nears $15,000. The family has been trying to raise awareness about littermate syndrome as well.

What is Littermate Syndrome?

The local Animal Control said that Amarah, Gideon, Keerah, and Negan would not be put down, but they will have to be rehomed separately to discourage littermate syndrome. This happens when puppies of the same litter grow up together beyond ten weeks and then develop such a strong attachment for each other, which may affect their ability to interact, socialize and behave with others if they are not in a pack.

As a result of growing with a pack, the pups develop behavioral issues or "pack behaviors" that may be competitive, violent, and aggressive. According to Great Pet Care, puppies with littermate syndrome may have high anxiety and can become destructive. It can be more challenging to train together because the pack can be distracted by one another.

Thus, veterinarians warn families to be extra-ready to take in puppies from the same litter because of the additional challenges. They will need more training and reinforcement if this is the case.

Littermate syndrome is not breed-specific; it can happen with any dog in a pack. While there are exceptions, families raising a litter must learn to gradually separate the dogs, with separate feeding times, crates, rooms, and walking schedules. The pups also have to socialize separately with other dogs while also giving them enough time to play with their siblings.

Related Article: Keep Furry Pals Happy With These Basic House Rules for Families With Dogs
Photo: (Photo : YURI KADOBNOV/AFP via Getty Images)

A mom from Russia who dreams of having 105 children has admitted that she is finding life hard taking care of her 22 kids following the arrest of her Turkish millionaire husband, according to Newsweek.

Cristina Ozturk lived with her hotel owner husband Galip Ozturk in the coastal city of Batumi in Georgia before his arrest during a special forces operation on May 31. According to Russian Finance Ministry spokeswoman Nato Natroshvil, Galip was arrested for money laundering and falsifying documents.

The 57-year-old Turkish businessman, who owns the bus company Metro Turizm, fled his home country of Turkey back in 2018 after an appeals court upheld his life sentence for ordering the 1996 murder of a man named Kuvvet Koseoglu.

The couple spent more than $166,000 on surrogate moms

According to reports, Galip escaped to Georgia, where it is legal to use surrogate mothers. He met Cristina in that country, a former stripper on her first trip outside of Russia.

The couple revealed in 2021 how they splashed out around the equivalent of more than $166,000 on surrogate mothers to quickly amass a whopping 20 babies in one year. They soon added two more to their offspring and spoke of how they hoped to one day reach 105 children, according to the Mirror.

Cristina has admitted, however, following her husband's arrest, that she is finding life hard taking care of her huge family. The 24-year-old mom said that the feeling of loneliness does not ever leave her, even with such a large number of close people around her.

The young mother added, "Now it is more difficult than ever; I can't stand the silence, I can't stand his absence, I can't sleep, and I wake up all alone. I can't see his empty workplace... I can't see his smile; I can't hear his voice, I can't feel his embrace."

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Building huge family led to Galip's arrest

News that the wealthy businessman and the hotel owner was planning to start a massive family with his baby-loving wife was published in February last year around the world. Turkish officials discovered after the news went viral that this was the same man who had fled the country upon hearing that the Supreme Court had confirmed a life sentence on the morning of September 28, 1996, for the murder of Kuvvet Koseoglu.

The said case resulted in several arrests, and during the trial, it was revealed that the murder victim, who had been hiding in Beyoglu in Istanbul, Turkey, was shot dead by hitman Kudret Okumus, who Galip hired.

The court heard during the trial that the motive for the killing was a blood feud between the two men, according to the Daily Record. A blood feud is where death is required to ensure honor is kept by the killer or the murderer's family. It was not revealed what the blood feud between Ozturk and Koseoglu was about, but the former was sentenced to life in prison.

Related Article: Former 'Teen Mom OG' Star Cory Wharton Reveals Newborn Daughter Had Open Heart Surgery
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Russia earned nearly $100bn (82.3bn) from oil and gas exports during the first 100 days of the war in Ukraine, according to a report.



Revenues have been falling since March, as many countries shunned Russian supplies, but remain high, the independent Centre For Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) found.



It also warned of potential loopholes in efforts to curb imports from Russia.



The EU, US and UK are among those to have pledged to cut Russian imports.



But the CREA report found Russia still earned $97bn in revenue from fossil fuel exports in the first 100 days of the Ukraine conflict, from 24 February to 3 June.



The European Union made up 61% of these imports, worth approximately $59bn.



Overall, exports of Russian oil and gas are falling and Moscow's revenue from energy sales has also declined from a peak of well over $1bn a day in March.



But revenues still exceeded the cost of the Ukraine war during the first 100 days - with the CREA estimating that Russia is spending around $876m per day on the invasion.



The EU plans to ban Russian oil imports arriving by sea by the end of 2022, which would cut imports by two-thirds.

In March, the bloc also committed to reducing gas imports from Russia by two-thirds within a year.



Read Full Story .... HERE >>> :









Source: BBC









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Elon Musk will speak to Twitter Inc (TWTR.N) employees this week for the first time at a company-wide meeting since launching his $44 billion bid in April, a source said on Monday, citing an email from Twitter Chief Executive Parag Agrawal to staff.



The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, and Musk will take questions directly from Twitter employees, the source added.



The news, first reported by Business Insider, comes after Twitter said last week that it anticipated a shareholder vote on the sale by early August.



A Twitter spokesperson confirmed that Musk would attend the company all-hands meeting this week.



Ever since Musk's takeover bid, many Twitter employees have expressed concerns that the billionaire's erratic behavior could destabilize the social media company's business, and hurt it financially.



Back in April, Agrawal was seen quelling employee anger during a company-wide meeting where staff demanded answers to how managers planned to handle an anticipated mass exodus prompted by Musk.



Last week, Musk warned Twitter that he might walk away from his deal to acquire the company if it failed to provide the data on spam and fake accounts that he seeks.

Source: Reuters









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) may well become the most important lever in Ghanas development.



This is the view of Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng, the Chief Executive of the Fund. Addressing participants at the 14th West Africa Power Exhibition and Conference on the topic MIIF as a tool for National Development Mr. Koranteng said the time has come for Ghana and Ghanaians to think differently about wealth creation especially for future generations.



Mr. Koranteng also highlighted some aspects of the proposed Agyapa listing on a high-powered panel which featured internationally acclaimed Natural Resources Governance Expert, Dr. Steve Manteaw, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber Of Mines, Suleman Koney, Daniel McConvey, founder and Managing Member of Rossport Investments LLC., and the acting Head of Goldfields West Africa, Joshua Mortorti who chaired the panel.



What is MIIF



MIIF was established by an act of Parliament, Act 978 in 2018. According to Mr. Koranteng, the Presidents vision leading to the creation of MIIF was for MIIF to utilize two main streams of income from the mining sector  dividends and royalties  and use these to support the development of the mining sector and the mining communities.



Dividend and royalties hitherto were paid into the consolidated account without recourse to any accountability metrics or how these were positively impacting the mining sector, Mr. Koranteng noted.



The MIIF Act mandates MIIF to manage the equity interest of the Government in all mining companies. This is the usual 10% carried interest which is the prescription of law except for a few and to hold and manage all royalties paid by all mining companies for all mineral types except for bauxite.



Mr. Koranteng stated that the objective of MIIF is to invest the income (royalties and dividend) in various asset classes which would derive sustainable long-term value to the people of Ghana with emphasis on the mining sector. In explaining the breakdown and uses of royalties collected, Mr. Koranteng said that, 20% of royalties collected across all mineral types goes to the Minerals Development Fund (MDF) which is responsible for deploying directly to traditional authorities and local government for the provision of developmental amenities, 2% goes into the operations of MIIF, 2.4% to GRA as a collecting agent and 75.6% goes into investment activities.



Ghana will not gain from her natural resources, until Ghanaians participate fully in the value chain of the various minerals mined. The creation of MIIF is to provide such a conduit, said Mr. Koranteng who bemoaned the lack of development in the mining areas, the lack of Ghanaian ownership in the mining majors, and the informal nature of the indigenous small scale mining sector. He said, Ghana has been mining for a long time. We have discovered at least seventeen minerals, the latest one being lithium. The question is, where is the Ghanaian participation in all these mining activities?



How MIIF is Changing the Narrative



Mr Koranteng elaborated that since the creation of MIIF, the Fund has pursued a policy of value creation with emphasis on Ghanaian interests. This is being done through a multi-layered approach. In this vein, the Fund is investing equity in prospective mines in Ghana and has recently invested $20 million for a 4.65% equity stake in the Toronto and Frankfurt listed Asante Gold which owns the well-resourced Bibiani gold mine and on the verge of acquiring Kinross assets in Ghana. This would eventually make Asante one of Africas largest gold mines. Mr. Koranteng revealed that the Fund is currently reviewing two major gold prospects in Ghana and is designing a product program with banks to support the quarry sector and currently in talks to invest in the recently discovered lithium in Ghana.



Lithium is of genuine interest to us at MIIF. The global market for Lithium for instance is around $6.8 billion, however the Electric Vehicle (EV) market which uses Lithium as its main resource is worth about $100 billion. Value addition is where the gains are. We are seriously considering a stake in Atlantic Lithium, which has discovered large deposits of the mineral in the Central Region. The by-product of lithium which is felspar is used for ceramics, fiber-glass and other high value products which could create another line of economic interest for Ghana, Mr. Koranteng emphasized.



Aside large-scale gold mining firms, MIIF will soon launch its Small Scale Incubation Project (SSMIP), a targeted intervention in the small scale mining sector with a proposed $14 million equity incubation to be piloted with the provision of mini gold processing equipment to licensed small scale miners and a $500 million collaborative trade investment plan which would cover the next ten to fourteen years. The objective of the incubation program is to help formalize the small scale mining sector which is responsible for 30% of Ghanas gold output and to eradicate the use of mercury from the small scale sector while improving environmentally sustainability mining, traceability and transparency for Ghanas gold on the international market.



Similarly, MIIF is considering investments in Salt which we consider as the infinite white gold, said Mr. Koranteng. We have expressed interest in helping to develop the Ada Songhor Salt pans which have the capacity to produce Industrial Salt for the regional market with a demand in excess of 900,000 mt of salt per annum and other products such as caustic soda for our own industrial needs. A full capacity Ada Songhor Salt will make it the largest in Africa, Mr. Koranteng said.



Currently Gold and Manganese contribute the most to our minerals royalties but MIIF, as part of its strategy to expand the royalties net, is seeking to grow royalties from Granite, Limestone and for the first time in Ghanas history, the country has started receiving royalties from sand winning, Mr. Koranteng added.



The Question of Agyapa Royalties



The listing of Agyapa Royalties Company is an opportunity for Ghana to garner more value from the global capital markets to support the gold mining sector in Ghana, develop the mining communities and have more Ghanaians participate in the gold sector, said Mr. Koranteng.



Mr. Koranteng, responding to questions on Agyapa, clarified that, Agyapa is an existing gold royalties company belonging 100% to the Government of Ghana through MIIF. The strategic objective is to use the company as a tool to invest in gold companies in Ghana and gold royalties globally including other gold royalties companies worldwide. Mr. Koranteng added that, listing the company on the stock exchange is not a collateralization of Ghanas gold assets and neither is it a sale of Ghanas mineral assets. He explained further that, Agyapas main source of income is 75.6% of royalties from 12 specific mining leases which hitherto was coming straight to MIIF. Listing the company means any one can buy shares in the company with MIIF maintaining at least 51% majority. The initial raise with a target of $450 million to $700 million would have a significant portion going into the development of infrastructure mainly in mining communities in Ghana.



Mr. Koranteng conceded that the initial communication on the listing of Agyapa to the public may not have been the best when it was introduced in 2020 but any research on royalty companies vis a vis listed mining companies shows that the royalty companies which are insulated from the operational pressures and costs seen with mining companies have performed much better.



Reacting to the presentation, Dr. Steve Manteau, the Head of the Civil Society Organisations in the Extractive Sector, applauded the vision of MIIF. Investing the countrys royalties is the way to go. Over the years, it was just being piped into the consolidated fund and being used as we pleased. We are all for investing royalties and I have been really educated on what the intentions of MIIF are. On Agyapa as a Special Purpose Vehicle, we just want more transparency about the structure and valuation of the countrys royalty streams. We all want royalties invested and not consumed so you have our support. We just need more rigor so we dont sell ourselves for cheap and we need more belief in the business model, said Dr. Steve Manteau.



Mr Koranteng responded in agreement and assured participants that MIIF will engage all stakeholders including the CSOs on the Agypapa listing when the review of the transaction as tasked by the president is completed.

The 14th West Africa Mining and Power Conference focused on new technologies in the mining and power space in the region as well as thought leadership among industry chieftains and investors.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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PM Modi holds bilateral with Canadian PM Trudeau, after four years 28 Jun 2022 | 12:42 AM Munich/New Delhi, June 27 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held fruitful bilateral talks with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau, a meeting taking place after over four years, and marking an uptick in relations that had turned cold. see more..

Use Indian agricultural talent to increase food production: PM Modi at G7 28 Jun 2022 | 12:26 AM Munich/New Delhi, June 27 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday suggested that to tackle the subject of global food security, the G7 could cooperate with Indias effort to increase fertiliser production, create a system for the widespread use of Indian agricultural talent in the member nations and also help run a campaign to promote millets as a nutritious alternative. see more..

PM Modi, EU President discuss ways to deepen investment linkages, boost digital cooperation 27 Jun 2022 | 11:29 PM Munich/New Delhi, June 27 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held bilateral talks with European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the G7 during which the two sides discussed ways to deepen investment linkages, efforts to combat climate change, boost digital cooperation and food security. see more..

MCD employee held on graft charges 27 Jun 2022 | 11:23 PM New Delhi, June 27 (UNI) Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday arrested an employee of Municipal Corporation of Delhi posted at Najafgarh zone in an alleged bribery case. see more..
Ten final-year students at the Ghana School of Law, Makola have received scholarships from the Lebanese Community in Ghana for the 2021/2022 academic year.



The ten (10) include Emmanuel Dei-Tumi Jnr, Emmeline Ziwu, Prosper Batariwah, Adwoa Serwaa Asamoah, Benjamin, Bentsi-Enchill, Codjoe Ezekiel, Akotigah Sylvanus, Clement Ocran-Biney, Abena Fosua Nyameye Korankye and Danielle Karikari-Darko.



In his address, the Lebanese Ambassador H.E Maher Kheir noted that Ghanas stable democracy is primarily hinged on its strong rule of law.



This he says, has made the country a shining example on the international stage and boosted socio-economic development.





Ghanas legal system is the foundation for its rule of law. From 1992 till now, Ghanas stable democracy has thrived because of the selfless work of legal professionals like judges, and lawyers among others he said.



He, therefore, challenged the students to study hard to become responsible contributors to Ghanas growing leagl and political landscape.



Youll soon be joining this elite group to draft new pathways towards a safer society where theres equality before the law and respect for the interest of minority groups he added.



Furthermore, he urged the beneficiaries to use their education to serve the interest of society rather than self.

As our world becomes smaller, many people whose voices cannot be heard, continue to suffer at the hands of powerful men, institutions and nations. It is our hope that this scholarship will cushion you to be the voice of the voiceless and bridge the gap he noted`.





Director of the School of Law, Makola, Mr. Yaw Oppong lauded the Ambassador and Lebanese Community for the gesture especially their consistency in sponsoring students from the institution.



We are very grateful for this sponsorship given to our students. It is very timely and we dont take it for granted he said.



The scholarship, he noted, will cushion the students and their families while giving them the space to adequately concentrate on their studies.



We are aware that times are very hard. Many people and countries are struggling financially. Even Lebanon is having its own fare share of issues. That is why this scholarship is significant. It will help ease the burden on our students he added.



He emphasized that the school is doing its best to promote quality lehal education in Ghana and therefore appealed to the Government, corporate institutions and individuals to do same.



Nothing will compromise quality legal education. We are calling on all well meaning Ghanaians to come on board to assist more students at the Ghana School of Law he stressed.



One of the beneficiaries Emmanuel De-Tumi thanked the Ambassador and the Community for the generous gesture and promised that the students will honour the confidence reposed in them.



Over the past five (5) years we have enjoyed the consistent support of the Lebanese Community through this scholarship. Indeed it has been very helpful and were truly grateful. I want to assure His Excellency that we will not disappoint you. Well work hard to be successful in our academics and profession to make the Community proud he stated.



Since 2013, the Lebanese scolarship program assisted around 300 Ghanaian students in media and law disciplines covering the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the University of Ghana.



Under the leadership of H.E Mr. Maher Kheir, students at the School of Languages and the School of Performing Arts both at the Unuiversity of Ghana were added to the scheme in 2020.



Following the expansion, students from these faculties have been awarded academic prizes and grants to support their education.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Farmers in the Bono Region yesterday received gargantuan praises from the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto for strategically switching to organic fertilizer locally produced instead of striving to purchase the highly scarced and expensive international commodity of inorganic fertilizer which cannot be found.



The minister was reacting to a data presented by the Bono Regional Director of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Mr Dennis Abugri Amenga, who made a presentation during a working visit to his region by the Agric Minister, his deputy and various portfolio directors of the ministry to familiarise with the successes and challenges of agriculture in the region.



The minister was optimistic that locally manufactured organic fertilizer will give the farmers good yields and even enrich the soil for future usage than the chemical fertilizers.



He encouraged the regional and district directors to intensify public education to help shape the minds of the farmers on organic fertilizer.



The Regional Director Mr Abugri Amenga gave the assurance that the Bono Region will not lack food in the ensuing year as being perpetrated by some members of the public.



He requested more extension officials and equipment among others to further educate the farmers to increase their yields.



Mr Abugri Amenga earlier announced that farmers in the region were fast adopting to the application of organic fertilizers in the state of shortage of inorganic chemical fertilizers which is commendable.



The Bono Regional Minister, Justina Owusu Banahene said instead of patronising the most expensive and scarce inorganic fertilizer it was imperative for the farmers to patronise poultry droppings, compound manure and locally produced organic fertilizer.



She appealed to the Agric ministry to support poultry farmers in the region to improve their farms due to the recent bird flu destruction so that enough manure can be produced.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Vodafone Ghana Foundation, in partnership with the Otumfuo Foundation, has undergone a tree planting exercise in the Ashanti Region.



The exercise was part of activities to launch its Ashanti Month campaign and also to support the governments Green Ghana Day initiative.



The Ashanti Month campaign is an initiative by Vodafone Ghana to give a special focus to the Ashanti Region by undertaking a score of socially impactful initiatives in June every year.



This years Ashanti Month celebration is themed Boa Asanteman (help Asanteman) to underscore the need to address key sustainable development issues in the region, including education, health, and environmental sustainability.



Speaking on the tree planting exercise, Legal and External Affairs Director of Vodafone Ghana Geta Striggner-Quartey stated that the activity was in line with Vodafones commitment as a business to stand for things other than profit, as part of its Purpose-Led agenda which includes the Vodafone Planet Purpose Pillar. She also noted that the exercise was ultimately contributing to Green Ghana Day 2022.



She added, As an organization, we believe that urgent and sustained action is required to address the global climate emergency. Not just by individuals, but by organizations. Therefore, the Vodafone Foundation continues to promote environmentally responsible practices and raise awareness of the urgent need to protect our planet.



The prime point of our campaign is a tree planting exercise, which is aimed at helping restore the lost forests and repair the damaged ecosystem. We engage in these tree planting activities with our various partners, including NGOs and educational institutions. Seedlings are also provided to our employees, who are encouraged to grow them in their own backyards.



Geta noted that the tree planting exercise would not have been a success without the support of His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu IIs Foundation.



I would like to express my profound appreciation to the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation for the immense support it has given to this project. Vodafone looks forward to many more years of tree planting with the Foundation, so together, we will inspire Ghanaians and other organizations to think about the planet and how they can also contribute, she stated

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana H.E. Kati Csaba has revealed that the Canadian Government is set to contribute $132.9 million to establish the Canada-African Development Bank Climate to support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts on the continent.



She said the fund will enhance womens economic rights and participation in climate action, and mobilize private capital to fill the climate investment gap in Africa he hopes that this is an investment that resonates with those of you in this room and that you will find ways to tap into these funds through African Development Bank mechanisms.



According to her, Canada understands that urgent action is needed to support climate action and that is why a doubling of our international climate finance commitment to $5.3 billion over the period 2022 - 2027 will respond to the current climate emergency, particularly in support of African countries which are disproportionately affected.



These funds will contribute to strengthening Ghanas ability to respond to the economic and social impacts of climate change and the damage caused by COVID-19. 240 small-scale and medium-scale men and women entrepreneurs will be supported with proof of concept grants and business advisory services, to develop profitable and locally-appropriate solutions to mitigate or adapt to climate change "she said"



She said addressing inequality is central to his mandate here in Ghana. Following the visit to Ghana of Canadas Minister for International Development, and then most recently our Minister for Environment and Climate Change, it has become abundantly clear to me that climate change will continue to drive poverty unless we can tap into the innovation, the energy and the creativity of young entrepreneurs who have the potential to drive large-scale change.



She said they are all vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, women and girls in developing countries are uniquely affected by the damaging effects of climate change and environmental degradation. It is especially important to ensure that they have access to and influence on environmental decision-making and climate action.



The needs of women and girls are at the heart of Canadas development assistance efforts, which are grounded in the six pillars of our Feminist International Assistance Policy. Environment and climate action and ensuring growth that works for everyone are priorities that frame Canadas work in Ghana.



Speaking at the 2022 Incubating Climate Innovation symposium she said Canada partners not only with international institutions but also directly with civil society organizations to implement solutions that are adapted to the local context. I am so pleased that Canada has been able to support green entrepreneurship and the sustainable growth of small- and medium-sized businesses in Ghana. An example of this commitment was announced by our Minister for International Development in March 2022 with $10 million (CAD) in partnership funding to Ashesi Universitys Ghana Climate Innovation Centre.



Keeping our Feminist International Assistance Policy in mind, half of the 240 entrepreneurs will be women and I cannot wait to see what results arise as these entrepreneurs take advantage of new opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, waste and water management, to contribute to a green recovery from the damage of the climate crisis and the impact of COVID-19 in Ghana.



Recognizing the important role that entrepreneurs play in the development of innovative solutions to address climate issues, in creating more jobs, and in improving livelihoods, it is not a stretch to expect, as they successfully expand their climate-smart enterprises, that GCIC-supported entrepreneurs can address some of the drivers of inequality.



She added that GCIC will contribute to Ghanas transition to a safer, healthier, more equitable and more prosperous green economy. I challenge you to dig deep and dream big as you participate in this symposium, as you have such an important role to play in ensuring the impact of innovation in achieving our collective vision for climate action. I wish you rich conversations, bold ideas, strong connections and collaboration.



Professor Angela Owusu-Ansah, Provost of Ashesi University highlighted the importance of simple, novel and effective solutions to solving the complexities of climate change.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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SHIRLEY AYORKOR Botchwey, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has stated that the Ghana Card has the potential to be used as an e-passport.



According to her, at the moment, the Ghana Card cannot be used for travel to other countries either within or outside of ECOWAS, as that would require bilateral agreements with those countries for their authorities to accept the card as a travel document.



The ministry is in active discussion with ECOWAS member states and our bilateral partners to achieve this, she told Parliament yesterday, while answering questions on the floor of the House.



The minister, however, indicated that in light of the announcement by the Ghana Immigration Service titled: Notice to the Public: Use of Ghana Card as a Travel Document, dated February 24, 2022, Ghanaians and dual nationality holders of the Ghana Card would be able to travel to Ghana using the Ghana Card.



We belong to ECOWAS which is a bloc. All the 15 countries within ECOWAS are mandated to issue national identity cards which will double as ECOWAS cards.



Once all the countries do what Ghana has done, which is to put in place a national identification scheme where citizens have their identity cards, we will now be able to cross into each others country with our ECOWAS card, which happens to be our national identification card, Ayorkor Botchwey said.



She explained that this is the same arrangement the EU countries have made where holders of national ID cards which states a persons citizenship, will give one the opportunity to use it as a travel document and cross into other EU countries.



This is the potential that the Ghana Card has. For a country to accept our national identification card, there must be some bilateral agreement, and already we have started some requests for bilateral engagement and negotiations for some key countries to accept our national identification [card].



Especially as we speak, what we have done at ICAO where we are now part of the Public Key Directory, it means that everybody, our details are in that database, she indicated.



The minister explained that what this means is that if for example you travel somewhere and you lose your passport and you have to check in at an airport, you can use your national identification card to check in because what the airline will do is to put into the database and every detail of you will come up to authenticate you as a bearer of that particular card.



They will allow you to come through the airport into the aircraft and come back home. I am told that a few people have successfully come back to Ghana on the national identification card, she added.



You would recall that recently, at a ceremony held in the Headquarters of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada, Ghana was welcomed into the ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD), which is a central repository needed to verify and authenticate biographic and biometric information on international travel documents.



As such, the congratulatory message sent to Ghana by ICAO following the latters decision to join the PKD was not to suggest in any way that the Ghana Card had become an e-passport, she intimated.



The minister pointed out that the Ghana Card is not a replacement to the countrys current biometric passport, intimating, The Ghana Card may serve as an optional travel document to be used in tandem with our biometric passport.











Source: Daily Guide









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Sekondi High Court 1 in the Western Region was thrown into state of shock and mourning when the embattled MP for Jomoro on Tuesday surprisingly confirmed she holds a dual Citizenship being Ghanaian by birth and Ivorian by birth in the case challenging her eligibility to contest as MP.



The embattled MP, Dorcas Affo-Toffey perhaps hit by the evidence and questions from counsel for the petitioner was purportedly seen wiping tears from her face during the cross examination when pouring out citizen status in the court.



This transpired when counsel for the petitioner, Bright Okyere-Adjekum took the lawmaker who happens to be first respondent in the case through the start of his cross examination.



The MP for Jomoro accepted that all documents filed by the petitioner as his evidence in chief are correct about her.



She further confirmed to the court that she is an Ivorian by birth who was born on May 4, 1971 in Ivory Coast, a town called Adzope.



She also affirmed to the court that she was born on May 4, 1972 in Ghana at the Kole -bu Hospital in Accra.



Besides that it came to the attention of the court also that the lawmaker illegally acquired a Ghanaian diplomatic passport in 2018 when she was not a diplomat.



Though she told the court she acquired her first Ghanaian passport in 2018, she later during the cross examination confirmed to the court that a Ghanaian passport of her which was acquired in 2013 was belongs to her.



The cross examination of the lawmaker in the ongoing election petition commenced after Godwin Kudzo Tamaklo, counsel for the lawmaker confirmed with her if the witness statement was what she filed in court and would want to use it as the evidence in chief in the ongoing case.



The lawyer therefore moved for it to be adopted and used as confirmed.



The court presided over by Justice Dr. Richmond Osei Hwere adopted the witness statement as her evidence in cheif as prayed.



The court therefore adjourned to July 18, 2022 for continuation.



This follows an application by one, Joshua Emuah Kofie challenging that the MP was not eligible to contest as a representative of the people in the constituency.



According to the applicant, the MP was holding multiple nationalities including American and Ivorian citizenships which contravenes the 1992 constitution.



The MP, however, denied having American citizenship but claimed to be in possession of an Ivorian Citizenship which she said she had renounced.



This made the applicant to pray the court to give an order to inspect the documents to ascertain whether the MP truly renounced her Ivorian citizenship before filing to contest as MP in 2020.



Dorcas Affo-Toffey was subsequently ordered by the Court to produce documents on her alleged renunciation of Ivorian citizenship.



But the MP reportedly failed to comply with the courts order which compelled the applicant to initiate contempt proceedings against her after she allegedly failed to appear in court and provide the requisite documents proving her renunciation of the alleged dual citizenship.



Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, counsel for the MP, pleaded with the court to strike out the contempt case and asked for forgiveness noting his client had no intentions of disrespecting the orders of the court.



Lawyer for the petitioner, Bright Okyere Agyekum asked the court to award a cost of GHC 20,000 against the MP for disobeying the orders of the court and wasting their time before striking out the case of contempt.



The court presided by Justice Sedinam Agbemava subsequently struck out the case and awarded a cost of GHC 5000 against the MP after her lawyer pleaded his client could not afford the amount requested by the petitioners Lawyer, noting that things are hard.

Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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As the Internet Society (ISOC) celebrates its 30th anniversary as a global nonprofit advocating for an open, globally-connected Internet, the organization is calling for accelerated action to further Internet development throughout the African region. During the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) 2022 taking place from in Kigali, Rwanda under the theme Connecting the unconnected to achieve sustainable development, Dawit Bekele, Regional Vice President of the Internet Society in Africa, lauded the progress made by stakeholders in expanding access throughout the continent, while encouraging more collaborative efforts to bridge the digital divide.



Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest growth in global Internet penetration, increasing from less than 1% in 2000 to 30% today. Between 2019 and 2021 Internet use in Africa jumped by 23%. Despite this impressive growth, there is still a coverage gap of over 840 million people who dont have access to reliable and affordable Internet access.



The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the value of Internet connectivity which has been an essential lifeline for the continuity of business, healthcare, education, government, and other critical activities. We applaud the significant investments in the last decades to develop Internet infrastructure, which have made the Internet available to more people across the continent. However, the pandemic also highlights the digital divide that remains, particularly in rural, remote and even urban areas around the world, said Dawit Bekele.



In Ghana specifically, ISOC has a local chapter that continues to develop an Internet Exchange Point and conduct technical training events to encourage and promote Internet policies, standards, and protocols that keep the Internet open, globally connected, and secure.



Community networks are a way to help address the digital divide. They are communications infrastructures built, managed, and used by local communities and are a sustainable solution to address connectivity gaps in underserved regions. The Internet Society has a long history of working with communities worldwide to fund, build and train people with the skills needed to run and maintain community networks.



In Africa, the Internet Society has helped build community networks in South Africa, Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Namibia, Morocco, Senegal, and Ethiopia.



At WTDC, the organization will be making a pledge to support 100 complementary solutions to connect the unconnected, and to train 10,000 people to build and maintain Internet infrastructure, all by 2025 as part of the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition, an initiative led by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) that aims to foster meaningful connectivity and digital transformation in the hardest-to-connect communities around the world.



Also vital to expanding the Internet throughout Africa is the interconnection between local networks, content providers, and users. Currently, millions of dollars are spent every year to route local Internet traffic through expensive international links. This not only makes the Internet slower and more costly for Internet users, but it also limits the kinds of applications that can run on the local Internet. For this reason, the Internet Society has been at the forefront of supporting the establishment and growth of Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) that enable and encourage local traffic.



ISOC research shows that IXPs improve the end-user experience, lower the cost of access, and stimulate the development of local Internet ecosystems and cross-border interconnections. By improving local Internet services and reducing their costs, well-managed IXPs open new worlds of possibility with modest investment.



About the Internet Society



Founded in 1992 by Internet pioneers, the Internet Society is a global non-profit organization working to ensure the Internet remains a force for good for everyone. Through its community of members, special interest groups, and 120+ chapters around the world, the organization defends and promotes Internet policies, standards, and protocols that keep the Internet open, globally connected, and secure. For more information, please visit: www.internetsociety.org





About WTDC 2022



The World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) will be held from 6-16, June in Kigali, Rwanda. Organized by the International Telecommunications Union and held every four years, the conference brings together government representatives from around the world to determine the topics, programs, and priorities for telecommunications development globally for the next four years.



WTDC is a unique opportunity to develop innovative approaches and new models of collaboration for connectivity in the final decade that is left to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. For further information, please visit the conference website here.









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 former Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister under the erstwhile John Dramani Mahama administration, has shot down claims by government as having undertaken monumental infrastructural projects as part of its achievements.



Joseph Yammin, sounding quite sarcastic on NEAT FMs morning show, Ghana Montie, described most achievements advertised by the government are ghosts adding that they dont exist.



He continued, Mere dreams are achievements for them [NPP], immediately they dream, they will cut sod, no funds and people will clap for them.



The outspoken leading member of the National Democratic Congress was discussing a post he said was made by the NPP communication team on social media claiming they will Break The 8 because of the achievements over the years.



To him, the NPP's assertions are laughable  and warned, they will be shocked in 2024.



This government is suffering and thinks they will win with the help of Ashantis, it wont work again, Joseph Yammin told host Mac Jerry Osei Agyeman.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com/ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Former Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon. Carlos Ahenkorah has disclosed that the Komenda sugar factory can never produce sugar.



According to him, there are about 37 missing essential components in the equipment build up of the factory and without those components, the factory cannot operate to even produce a cup of sugar.



Members of the Minority Caucus on Parliaments Trade, Industry and Tourism Committee say persons whose actions led to the non-operationalization of the Komenda sugar factory will be prosecuted if the opposition National Democratic Congress wins the next elections.



They also blamed the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) for undervaluing the price of the factory, which was pegged at US$50 million to US$12 million, hence causing financial loss to the state.



They accused the current administration of playing politics with the issues relating to the factory and propagating factually inaccurate narratives to score cheap political points.



This came to light after Ranking Member of Parliaments Trade, Industry and Tourism Committee, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah led a delegation to the factory to get first-hand information on the state of the factory.



But speaking on Okay Fm's Ade Akye Abia programme, he explained that when the NPP was voted into power they "contracted engineers to assess the viability of the factory to see if they can make it operational to produce sugar for local consumption and possibly for exportation. But an intensive test conducted by astute engineers with some from AESL showed that the project lacked some 37 essential components which without them the factory cannot work."



"More so, the project was over priced. The Mahama administration told us that the project cost 35 million dollars but when we conducted separate pricing of the project by two separate engineering firms, the total cost of the project was 12 million dollars," he revealed.



The Tema West MP further disclosed that even the sugar that was reportedly showcased as a product of the factory was bought from



"The question is why did the NDC throw dust into the eyes of Ghanaians an over priced which is more or less a white elephant. The factory could not produce even a pint of sugar because documents available to Ministry of Trade and Industry indicates that the sugar that was showcased during its commissioning was bought from some one.



"They actually bought 400 bags of sugar from someone who later turned up at the ministry with receipts to demand for his money but we told him off and vowed not to pay," Hon Ahenkorah said.



To him, it will not be advisable for the Akufo Addo government to invest in the Komenda sugar factory again.



"What the government should do now which i think they have already started is to find a strategic investor who will pump funds into the Komenda sugar factory and keep the factory running for its purpose," he added.





Watch Video Below





Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline/[email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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An aspiring Chairman of the New Patriotic Party , George Kwabena Abankwa Yeboah has despised the practice of LGBTQ+.



Speaking at Asempa FM on Ekosiisen program hosted by Omanhene Kwabena Asante , he answered the host who wanted to know his stand on the beleaguered and embattled issue on the concept.



Mr Abankwa Yeboah aptly told the host that as a devout Christian with good upbringing, he dislikes the whole practice and sees it as an abomination. In my upbringing as a Christian,l cant and will never support this obnoxious practice .



Thats not what God wants us to do as humans he created us in his image. How can we procreate and multiply as ordered by the Creator ? The top aspirant for the Chairmanship bid for the July election postulated that even dogs dont do that despicable thing how more human beings.



I dont want to pray for that thing to gain roots in Ghana for my offsprings and the next generation to inherit it ! so the country must double up to pass a bill to nip it in the bud because we are a Christian country and we need to behave responsibly. With regard to the brouhaha about the National Cathedral, he said he doesnt see anything wrong about it because Ghana needs a worship center like any other country. He told the Omanhene Kwabena Asante that because of his current state of contesting for a position he wouldnt like to delve too deep into the on-going debate but all what he can say is that its a good thing and he wished Ghanaians being Christians would support the president to build that spiritual edifice.



According to him lives revolve around two main pillars ; Spiritual and Physical pillars. What happens in the spirit manifests in the physical realm. Explaining further he told the host that Ghana has survived so many natural disasters, economic challenges, diseases but God has saved us from all those calamities so if we build a house for HIM its in order.



He spoke a lot of many other issues some national, others economic, social ,political and personal. In the end,he gave out his vision for the party and the country .



He called on delegates to vote for him to lift the party from its current state to a better and higher pedestal for progress, growth, success and victory in 2024 general elections.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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New Delhi, June 16 (UNI) The Delhi unit of the Congress on Thursday staged a protest here against the alleged high-handedness on party leaders and workers by Delhi police at the grand old party's headquarters here on Wednesday, who were protesting against questioning of MP Rahul Gandhi by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in National Herald case.

Several party workers-led by the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) in-charge Shaktisinh Gohil and president Anil Kumar Chaudhary held the demonstration outside the residence of the Lieutenant Governor.

Chaudhary reportedly suffered minor injuries after the police used water cannons to disperse the protestors when they tried to cross the police barricades.

"Neither your bullets nor your water cannons can not dampen our spirits. Why such 'inhuman' treatment of Modi's police to Congress workers?

Yesterday, by entering our Congress headquarters, the police committed 'hooliganism' and today again brutality," the Delhi Congress chief said.

Attacking the ruling BJP, Chaudhary accused the Narendra Modi-led government of using ED against political opponents.

The Congress leaders on Wednesday strongly condemned the Delhi Police for entering the party office, and said the Constitution was "crushed under bulldozers".

Delhi Police, however, refuted the allegations made by Congress and said the allegations were untrue as no such incident took place.

UNI DS SY
The year 2022 has been a busy year for the New Patriotic Party, NPP as they elect executives from Polling Station to National Level.



The party is set to elect its national executives from 15-17th of June 2022 if all things are equal.



One person who has been preaching about bridging the gap between the grassroots and the government is Dr. Kwame Afriyie who filled his nomination on 14th June 2022 at the party's head office.

Addressing the press, Dr. Afriyie said, there is a wide gap between the party and the government which has demoralized the party grassroots. The grassroots are like orphans, they have no one in government to cry to for help but they are the root of the party, Dr. Afriyie reiterated.



He said his bid to be the national organizer is to make sure that the party has a direct link in government to solve the problems of the grassroots and make sure that the party maintains power in 2024. "We can't hand over power to NDC in 2024, the polling station executives, constituency executives, regional executives, and the campaign team members who woke up at dawn in 2016 to vote for change and maintained power in 2020 by giving 4 more years to the NPP government to steer the affairs of this country must enjoy the fruit of their labor, they must feel the belongingness of the lower they fought for. Dr. Kwame Afriyie said.



Dr. Kwame Afriyie is a farmer, a businessman, and a medical doctor by profession. He is the current Chairman of the Western North Regional Health Committee, a member of the Ghana Medical Association, a member of the World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons, member occupational and health safety association of America.



Dr. Afriyie has contributed enormously to the New Patriotic Party at both National, Regional, and Constituency Party organizations. He is the Patron of Alpha Patriots and Loyal Ladies in the Western North Region, and a Regional Campaign Team Member in charge of Health for Western North in the 2020 Elections. He was appointed by National Executive Committee to chair Sefwi Akontombra Constituency Elections Committee in 2022.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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FORMER NDC Member of Parliament (MP) for Nandom, Dr. Benjamin Kumbuor, has said the endorsement of ex-President John Dramani Mahama as the preferred flagbearer for the party in the 2024 general election, should not stop other aspirants from contesting that position.



He wants others with interest in the race to be given the opportunity to go about their consultation and campaigns for the partys primary, which will determine the presidential candidate of the NDC.



So far, some NDC members, including former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor, and former Kumasi Mayor, Kojo Bonsu, have declared their interest to lead the NDC, but there appears to be attempts to stop them.



Recently, a member of Dr. Kwabena Duffuors Ahotor Project Team, Yaw Boateng Gyan, accused the NDC National Chairman, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, of sabotage by calling off the re-launch of the aspirants Ahotor Project that was scheduled to come on at the partys headquarters in Accra.



According to him, all was set for the event at the NDC headquarters when the National Chairman, through the National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, called to inform him that the party had put on hold the relaunch of the project.



Speaking on TV3 at the weekend, Dr. Kumbuor, who believes that such developments are undemocratic, called on those supporting the former President not to stifle other interest groups in the party.



I think that everybody, in a democracy, is entitled to his views. As to whether that view is right or wrong, it is another matter, he stated.



According to him, people expressing the view that Mr. Mahama ought to go unopposed are doing so because he is their preferred choice and not necessarily what is on the grounds.



People need to look at John Mahamas candidature in a completely different context. He has been a Vice President before, he has been a President before. Currently, he is a former President, so his stature looks different from all other entrants who might be coming, and particularly the media, will definitely be more interested in him because, they have interacted with him, he added.



The former Defence Minister said ex-President Mahamas name comes out prominently because of his exposure, but indicated, I am not sure as a matter of politics with the NDC that this prevents any other person in a democratic competitive election from coming up and expressing what they can bring to the table.



So let us not look at what individuals are saying; they are entitled to their own opinions but the facts are out there for everybody to have his view.





Source: Daily Guide









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Helsinki (Finland), June 15, GNA-Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs & Regional Integration, Mr Kwaku Ampratwum Sarpong, at the end of the 2022 Nordic-African Foreign Ministers Meeting (NAFM) held in Helsinki, Finland has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, H.E Mr Pekka Haavisto to establish political consultations.



During the meeting with Finland, both countries discussed the need to collaborate on a wide range of areas including circular economy, sustainable development, peace and security issues, climate issues, education (particularly TVET) and health.



The highlight of the bilateral meeting between Ghana and Finland was the signing of a memorandum of understanding to help each other in the areas of circular economy, clean technology, agriculture, ICT, manufacturing, energy, digitization, education and health, among others.



The Deputy Minister noted that the signing of the MoU which comes on the heels of the passage of Finlands National Africa Strategy was timely as it provided the framework for the two countries to engage in transparent dialogue and interaction and move relations between both countries forward in the spirit of friendship and cooperation.



On the margins of the Meeting, Ghana held three bilateral meetings with Finland, Norway and Sweden to further deepen the cordial relations that exist between Ghana and the three respective countries.



Mr Kwaku Ampratwum Sarpong (MP), led Ghanas delegation to the 2022 Nordic-African Foreign Ministers Meeting (NAFM) held in Helsinki, Finland from 13th to 15th June 2022.



Other members of Ghanas delegation included Ghanas Ambassador to Finland, H.E. Mrs Jennifer Lartey, Director for the Europe Bureau, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Regional Integration, Mrs Matilda Alomatu Osei-Agyeman, Deputy Director at the Office of the Deputy Minister, Mr Charles Osei-Mensah, Minister Counsellor and Head of Chancery, Ghanas Embassy in Norway, Mr Charles Kwakye-Marfo and Counsellor for Political and Economic Affairs, Ghanas Embassy in Norway, Mr Arthur Mills.



The Foreign Ministers meeting is an annual event that serves as an opportunity for an open and informal dialogue between African and Nordic countries on a variety of foreign policy and global issues related to peace and security, investment and trade and avenues for realising the potential of the youth.



The 2022 NAFM was held under three thematic areas namely peace and security, sustainable societies and cooperation in multilateral fora.



During the Forum, Ghana made several interventions on peace and security in the West African sub-region, maritime security and Ghanas role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.



The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that in Africa, activities of Terrorist Armed Groups/Violent extremist Organizations (TAGs/VEOs) have become more widespread, frequent and deadly with their underlying dynamics growing increasingly complex and posing high risks to coastal countries including Cote dIvoire, Ghana, Togo and Benin.



To address this challenge and to prevent situations of conflict, Mr Kwaku Ampratwum suggested the need to strengthen Early Warning Systems (EWS) by creating a system that constantly collects, monitors and analyses data that alerts decision-makers of the potential outbreak, escalation and resurgence of violent conflicts.



He further added that identifying Early Warning Systems alone was not enough to stop conflicts.



He added that it could only be useful if it was strongly linked to Early Response Mechanisms including preventive diplomacy, mediation and peace-making dialogues among others.



He again noted that the gap between Early Warning and Early Response was what has often escalated crisis situations into violent conflicts.

Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/Peacefmonline.com









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Featured Video
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu has disclosed that the Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Hon. Sara Adwoa Safo has spurn all efforts to communicate with the majority leadership in parliament.



According to him, she has rather been dealing directly with the staff of the parliamentary service staff.



Speaking on Okay Fm's Ade Akye Abia, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu revealed how arduous it has been for the majority to track down the Dome-Kwabenya MP and possibly get first-hand information about her current situation, and her interest or otherwise in serving as an MP.



He pointed out since Adwoa Safo has been entrusted with the duty of representing the people of Kwabenya in parliament, it is his (Kyei Mensah's) responsibility to demand and ensure accountability of the various developmental projects on their behalf.



"But If you refuse to communicate with us, how are we going to know what is wrong with you and possibly guard your interest in your constituency?



"Since she left, i have not been able to speak to her directly as the majority leader. I only get access to her special assistant. Even when she needed an extension of her leave of absence, she refused to go through the right process by informing her colleagues on the majority side but sent a letter directly to the Speaker of Parliament and that has been her modus operandi since," he lamented.



Hon Mensah Bonsu who is also the Member of Parliament for Suame, further disclosed that "the privileges' committee had to serve her through the same special assistant i contacted for her to get in touch with me before they could properly serve her to appear before the committee, but even with that I don't think she has even responded to the committees' invitation.



"So if they are still unable to reach her, they will have to go for a substituted service to force her to appear before the committee and i clearly don't think it should get to this," he added.



Watch Video Below





The Privileges Committee of Parliament has summoned publicly Sarah Adwoa Safo, Dome Kwabenya MP, to appear before the committee on Wednesday, July 6, 2022.According to a press release issued by the Parliamentary Service and signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Kate Addo, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection failed to honour all invitations to appear before the Committee after the Speakers directive.The fresh summons is to be published in all relevant media.This comes after all attempts to reach Honorable Member by the Committee failed, parts of the summons read.The summons from part of the Committees work, referred to by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Alban Bagbin, pursuant to Article 97(1)(C) of the Constitution and Orders 15 and 16(1) of the Standing Orders of Parliament, for consideration and report to the House, on the absence of the Member from Parliament for more than fifteen sittings, without permission in writing of the Speaker during the First Meeting of the Second Session of the Eight Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.The Committee has employed all available means, both official and unofficial to serve the Member with an invitation letter, including sending the invitation letter to her office and pigeonhole in Parliament, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, where she superintended as the Sector Minister, her official email addresses, known social media handles and through her Personal Assistant, the statement read further.

Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline/[email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Government has settled a total amount of Ghc 563.4 million in three (3) tranch payments to Nigeria Gas Company Ltd (N-Gas) between March 2018 to July 2019 through the Ministry of Energy and the Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA) PLC.



The Deputy Minister of Energy, William Owureko Aidoo disclosed this while answering a question by Hon. Frank Annoh- Dompreh, the Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam/Adoagyiri.



Hon. Annoh-Dompreh wanted to know how government settled her debt to the Nigeria Gas Company (N-Gas) through the Energy Sector Levy.



William Owureko Aidoo said the Volta River Authority (VRA) has improved its balance sheet over the last years which has helped it to pay its debt to N-Gas.



This, according to the Deputy Minister, has helped to address power outages, also known as "dumsor".



"The VRA is doing a good job under the able leadership of the CEO Mr Antwi Darkwah", the Deputy Minister added.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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Actor Kevin Spacey has been charged with four counts of sexual assault against three men, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed.



The 62-year-old has also been charged with causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

He is due at Westminster Magistrates' Court at 10:00 BST on Thursday.



The charges follow a review of evidence gathered by the Metropolitan Police.



He has been charged with two counts of sexual assault on a man, now in his 40s, in London in March 2005.



He has also been charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent on a man, now in his 30s, in August 2008 in London.



The fourth charge of sexual assault is on another man, who is also now in his 30s, in April 2013 in Gloucestershire.

Mr Spacey previously said he would "voluntarily" appear in a UK court to answer the charges.



The American Beauty star gave a statement to Good Morning America in May in which he said he was confident he could prove his innocence.



He is a two-time Oscar winner and has starred in films such as Seven, LA Confidential, American Beauty and Baby Driver, as well as the Netflix series House of Cards.





Source: BBC









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Commissioner Austin Cullen looks over the hearing room before opening statements at the Cullen Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in British Columbia in Vancouver on Monday, February 24, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Desmond Cole and Beverly Bain, of the No Pride in Policing Coalition, share a hug before speaking to the media following the statements from Chief James Ramer of the Toronto Police Service regarding the 2020 race-based data, outside police headquarters in Toronto on Wednesday, June 15, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Tijana Martin
New Delhi, June 16 (UNI) To plan the strategy for the new academic session (2022-23) starting July onwards, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia held an interaction with the principals of Delhi Government-run schools on Thursday. Over 800 principals attended the official meeting.

Sisodia, who also holds the portfolio of Education Minister, stressed on formulating future strategies that will bridge the learning gap among children which has been widened due to Covid-19 pandemic.

He said schools should not rush to complete the syllabus but focus on conceptual understandings of the subjects among the students.
India, Tanzania to explore possibilities of investment in port development, agriculture

New Delhi, June 16 (UNI) India and Tanzania, in eastern Africa, held the second round of Foreign Office Consultations today in New Delhi, during which both sides agreed to explore possibilities of investment in health, education, port development and agriculture sector.

The discussions were led on the Indian side by Puneet R Kundal, Joint Secretary (E&SA), Ministry of External Affairs and on the Tanzanian side by Caesar C. Waitara, Director (Asia & Australasia), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation of Tanzania.

The consultations reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations including political, economic, trade & investment, defence, cultural, people to people, and other areas of mutual interest. Multilateral and regional issues including co-operation in UN, East Africa Community (EAC), South African Development Cooperation (SADC) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) were also discussed, an official statement said.
2022 WSOP Hands of the Week: Depaulo vs. Hellmuth, a Pure One Outer & a Royal Flush

June 15, 2022 Chad Holloway Executive Editor U.S.

PokerNews is known throughout the world for our industry-leading live updates for both live and online events. In fact, right now we're offering various updates right here.

Over the years, weve captured memorable hands, many of which have become a part of poker history. In this column, we will bring you some of the biggest hands as reported in the PokerNews Live Updates from the first two weeks of the 2022 World Series of Poker (WSOP).

Remember, if youre playing an event PokerNews is covering, you can get in the updates via the MyStack App. You can download the app for iPhone or Android now to get started. Then, create a new PokerNews account or update your current one to start updating your status immediately. Your followers can see all the live action that you're involved in.

Click here to download the My Stack app for iPhone, or click here to download the My Stack app for Android.

2022 World Series of Poker Hub Bookmark this page! All you need to know about the 2022 WSOP is here. Click here

"Mixed Game Specialist" Depaulo Eliminates Defending Champ Hellmuth

Ryan Depaulo

In Event #29: $1,500 No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw, Phil Hellmuth was looking to defend his title but was stopped in his tracks by one of the industry's most popular vloggers in Ryan Depaulo. It happened on Day 2 in Level 12 (1,000/2,500/3,500) when Hellmuth raised in middle position and Depaulo moved all in from the button, slightly covering Hellmuth's roughly 90,000 chip stack.

Both players stood pat and the hands were revealed.

Phil Hellmuth:

Ryan Depaulo:

The win vaulted Depaulo into the upper echelon of chip stacks in the room and called for a celebratory "PARKOUR!"

Im basically a mixed game specialist now  Ryan Depaulo: Degenerate Gambler (@depaulo_ryan)

D'Ambrosio Talks His Way Into the Right Call

Jimmy D'Ambrosio

On Day 1 of Event #11: $600 No-Limit Hold'em Deepstack, it was Level 20 (10,000/15,000/15,000) when an early-position player raised to 28,000 and both Jimmy D'Ambrosio and the big blind came along.

The flop was , the big blind checked and the original raiser bet 37,000. Only D'Ambrosio called.

On the turn , the early position player check-called a bet of 27,000 from D'Ambrosio.

Things got interesting on the river to put four hearts out there. The early-position player sized up to 70,000 and sent D'Ambrosio deep into the tank.

D'Ambrosio gave his opponent an intense staredown before starting his patented table talk.

"Blocker bet, right?" he inquired, to no response from his opponent.

"If I put you all in would you get excited or would you shift in your seat?" asked D'Ambrosio.

"Let me see your throat," he said next, as his opponent humored him.

Finally, D'Ambrosio settled on a call and his opponent tabled for top pair. D'Ambrosio had that beat though with his for a straight and picked up a nice pot.

Zhu Gets Some More Off Ross...With a Royal Flush!

Yueqi Zhu

On Day 3 of Event #13: $1,500 Limit Hold'em, seven players remained in Level 29 (80,000/160,000) when Ben Ross raised from early position and both Steven Wolansky and Yueqi Zhu came along from the blinds.

All three players checked the flop before Zhu bet on the turn.

Only Ross called to the river, when Zhu put out another bet.

"If you have a flush, you're good," Ross said as he called.

Zhu didn't have just a flush. He turned over the for a royal flush as he stopped to take a picture of the board before players went off on break.

Click here to see where Zhu and Ross finished!

Vengrin Spikes Pure One Outer on River to Stay Alive

Matt Vengrin vs. Amnon Filippi

Due to a massive turnout, and the following hand, Event #7: $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better required a fourth day to finish. However, late on Day 3 in Level 35 (200,000/400,000) Amnon Filippi raised to 800,000 from the button and Matt Vengrin defended to see a flop of .

Vengrin checked, Filippi bet, and the former check-raised to 800,000. Filippi called and the dealer burned and turned the .

Vengrin bet 800,000, Filippi popped it to 1.6 million, and Vengrin thought long and hard before calling, which left him just 750,000 behind.

When the completed the board on the river, Vengrin bet all in and Filippi called.

"I have quads," Vengrin said and tabled the . That caused Filippi to shoot out of his chair.

"You have jacks?" Chino Rheem asked from the rail.

"Of course I have jacks," a stunned Filippi said before showing the for a flopped full house.

It was a brutal river card that gave Vengrin new life.

Click here to see who won the tournament!

Mather and Alleyn, Set Over Set

Bob Mather

On Day 1c of Event #5: $500 The Housewarming No-Limit Hold'em, it was Level 13 (3,000/6,000/6,000) when Bob Mather was all in for his remaining stack from the button and Anthony Alleyn snap-called from the big blind.

Bob Mather:

Anthony Alleyn:

After they tabled their cards, Mather stood up and put on his backpack. The flop was , and Alleyn was well in the lead. Lightning struck on the turn, and Mather spiked the for a set, almost prompting him to sit back down in his seat. However, lightning would strike twice, as the gave Alleyn the better set.

Alleyn clapped loudly in celebration, and Mather was eliminated.

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Sharelines Check out some of the biggest & game-changing hands from recent PokerNews 2022 @WSOP Live Updates.
Michael Simhai Hits the Mark in 2022 WSOP Event #27: Shootout NLH ($240,480)

June 15, 2022 Terrance Reid

At the end of three days of play, Michael Simhai was the last man standing in the 2022 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Event #27: Shootout No-Limit Hold'em. The event hit the 1,000-player cap and Simhai won his table three consecutive days to take home a$240,480 first-place prize.

Simhai, who lives in Beverly Hills, California, took home his maiden gold bracelet for his impressive performance. His previous best live cash was $99,271 according to The Hendon Mob.

Throughout the tournament, Simhai played fast, made quick decisions, and put his opponents in tough spots. Playing a shootout format, Simhai had to beat the nine opponents with whom he shared the table to survive and advance each day. His fast decision-making and aggressive betting kept his opponents on their toes.

Event #27: $1,500 Shoutout NLH Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Michael Simhai United States $240,480 2 David Dowdy United States $148,618 3 Anant Patel United States $111,226 4 Ravi Raghavan United States $84,047 5 Timothy McDermott United States $64,129 6 Roongsak Griffith United States $49,414 7 Austin Peck United States $38,455 8 David Yonnotti United States $30,227 9 Kevin Song United States $24,001 10 Derek Sudell United States $19,253

Click here to see full payouts from this event!

Key Moments

On Day 2, Simhai found himself locked in a long heads-up battle with Ryan Ramsdell. The two players battled back and forth over small pots until a massive cooler would settle the match. Ramsdell had pocket kings against Simhai's ace-queen. All in preflop, Simhai found an ace on the river to propel him to the final table.

It was there during three-handed play that Simhai called a raise from Anant Patel. Patel flopped top pair on the jack-high board, but Simhai flopped two pair that held up for a massive pot.

David "The Assassin" Dowdy found himself heads up with Simhai at the end of the day. Dowdy started the final table hot, eliminating Derek Sudell when he ran ace-king into Dowdy's aces. Dowdy amassed a large stack early that carried him down to three-handed play neck-and-neck with Simhai. He stumbled when he doubled up Patel and went into heads-up play as a 4:1 underdog.

David "The Assassin" Dowdy

"He's the nicest guy, one of the nicest guys I've ever played against in a poker room," Simhai said about Dowdy. "I kind of feel bad."

Much like the gracious winner, the final table was full of goodwill among the players. Simhai would often show his hands and other players were returning the favor.

Congratulations to Michael Simhai, the newest champion and bracelet winner at the World Series of Poker at Bally's and Paris Las Vegas. Click here to see what other tournaments are currently taking place at the 2022 WSOP!

2022 World Series of Poker Hub Bookmark this page! All you need to know about the 2022 WSOP is here. Click here

Sharelines Michael Simhai topped a capped-off field of 1,000 players to win the 2022 @WSOP $1,500 Shootout Event
After 12 hours and 15 levels of play, the start of the day field of 255 was brought down to the final 16 in The Mid-States Poker Tour $1,100 No-Limit Holdem Main Event at Venetian Las Vegas Nevada. The final 16 players are all guaranteed $17,876, but all eyes remain on the first place prize of $294,327.

Robert Shega leads the pack with an impressive bag of 11,460,000 chips. The Ohio native has already guaranteed himself his best lifetime cash of at least $17,826, and he has put himself in a prime position for a shot at his first MSPT title. Shega found himself constantly knocking out players and raking in pots throughout the day and always remained one of the chip leaders. Of the 11 players that were eliminated before day's end after the redraw, Shega eliminated three of them, and many others throughout the day.

Top 10 Chip Counts Going Into the Final Day

Position Player Chips Big Blinds 1 Robert Shega 11,460,000 95 2 Valentin Oberhauser 9,535,000 79 3 Joshua Suyat 8,160,000 68 4 Federico Roberto 4,090,000 34 5 John Walker 3,350,000 28 6 Jimmy Lee 2,825,000 23 7 Quy Dao 2,800,000 23 8 James Gilbert 2,675,000 22 9 John Phan 1,670,000 14 10 Jake Bazeley 1,590,000 13

Behind him is French player Valentin Oberhauser, who was the chip leader of Day 1as flight bagging 9,535,000. Oberhauser was on a rollercoaster of a day, with at one point being down to only 15 big blinds with six tables left. Towards the end of the day, he won a flip against Lukas Gunzel when his jacks held against ace-queen, and that put him right at the top once more.

Joshua Suyat went on a late night rush with him going from 2,100,000 with 27 left to 8,160,000 at night's end. He knocked out four players at the final three tables and saw his chip stack quadruple from his beginning run at the final three tables.

John Walker maintained a steady chip stack throughout the day and came in fourth with 3,350,000 at days end. Walker held the biggest rail of any of the remaining players, with many shouts and chants of support coming from his fellow Canadians Alex Livingston and Colin McHugh.

Jake Bazeley comes into the final day as the most decorated of all of the players left. With $4,508,456 in lifetime earnings, he will be coming in as one of the short stacks with 1,590,000. He has already secured himself his best MSPT finish and will be looking to add his name to the list of successful pros with MSPT titles.

A Bubble For The Books

With $2,078,610 up for grabs it took only one full level to come down to the bubble and it was quite a memorable one. Santiago Soriano raised in the hijack and Colten Yamagashi three-bet in the cutoff which Soriano responded to by moving all in for 80 big blinds effective and Yamagashi called it off. Soriano held eight-two offsuit, and Yamagashi held a pair of kings. The board ran out in a cruel fashion as the turn opened up a straight draw for Soriano and the river completed the straight to send Yamagashi out on the bubble and Soriano a massive pot.

Post Bubble Play

Players in the tournament continued to be eliminated at a rapid rate for quite a while after the bubble burst. Players such as 2019 WSOP Main Event seventh-place finisher Nicholas Marchington (216th - $2,079), Harry Lodge (186th - $2,390), Ralph Massey (156th - $2,702), Fehim Hajdari (109th - $3,222) and Stanley Lee (22nd - $12,368). The final two eliminations of the night were Brett Murray (18th - $17,876) and Lukas Grundel (17th - $17,876), the first of which had ran fours into the pocket nines of Robert Shega, the second lost a flip against Valentin Oberhauser.

The final sixteen will return to The Venetian Las Vegas, Nevada at 12 p.m. with blinds coming back at 60,000/120,000 with a 120,000 big blind ante. Blinds will last 40 minutes each, and a 15-minute break will occur at the end of every three levels. Stay tuned to PokerNews for the updates on the tournament and the eventual winner.
Bruce, Matthews advance to US Senate Democratic runoff in SC

Author and preservationist Catherine Fleming Bruce and state Rep. Krystle Matthews have advanced to a runoff for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate
Stephanie Hill is the reporter for the Aiken Standard, primarily focusing on education. Follow her on Twitter @stephanie_hill2 and Instagram @stephaniehillnews.
A mostly smooth day of voting went sideways Tuesday night as the Aiken County election office reported results.

Very few issues were reported as nearly 13,500 people voted in Tuesday's primary election in Aiken County. However, final results were delayed until 12:05 a.m. Wednesday due to tabulation issues.

Andrew Marine, chairman of the Aiken County voter registration and elections commission, said there were issues with closing voting machines in some precincts that caused election officials to have to refer to individual ballots in some cases.

Aiken County Registration and Elections Executive Director Cynthia Holland said the county did fairly well considering its size and the number of new clerks. She said the county had 26 new clerks during Tuesday's election and that some of them may not have understood the importance of following the directions given to them before the election started.

Holland added that one precinct, No. 2, experienced a technical glitch that required her to go to the precinct and use another memory stick to retrieve results.

An Aiken Standard reporter tried at least four times between 8 p.m. and midnight to determine if there was a delay and if so what caused the delay and if not when the results would be ready.

In two of those attempts, the reporter was told by workers in the office that they did not know whether there was a delay nor could they determine when the results would be delivered.

In two other attempts, no worker attempted to answer the ring of a bell placed at the door of the election office.

Holland said Wednesday her trip to the precinct caused a delay in getting the results reported out.

A television displayed a four-page PDF copy of an election results report sheet that was updated four or five times.

At least once, the displayed sheet went so long without being updated or having the page changed that the computer's screensaver came on and the screen went blank.
The City of Aiken Planning Commission gave the green light to a rezoning request involving the old Aiken County Hospital property on Richland Avenue West recently.

An application submitted by John Gumpert asked for the classification to be changed from Office/Institutional to Planned Residential.

During its meeting June 14 at the old Aiken Municipal Building, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the requests approval to Aiken City Council.

According to Gumperts application, the old hospital site will become a multifamily development.

Gumpert has played a prominent role on the buyer side in the negotiations to purchase the old hospital from Aiken County.

The deal hasnt been finalized yet.

In May, the Aiken Standard reported that the purchase and sale agreement was being revised and the buyer would be paying a higher price as a result.

Aiken County Administrator Clay Killian told the Aiken Standard that the price would be $2,094,000.

The amount originally in the agreement was not less than $1.5 million.

Killian also said the buyer had changed and would be Aiken Lofts Manager LLC instead of 828 Richland Associates LLC.

When asked the reason for the sale prices increase, Killian said Gumpert would be paying the countys portion of the expenses for the relocation of a telecommunications tower owned by South Carolina ETV, or SCETV.

The 410-foot structure on the old hospitals property was demolished. A new 380-foot tower was built near the Aiken Department of Public Safetys headquarters on Beaufort Street.

He (Gumpert) wants a deeper tax incentive, Killian said. It makes more sense for him to get a deeper tax incentive than not to pay for the towers relocation and pay a higher tax.

Added County Council Chairman Gary Bunker, The numbers still work to our advantage.

Killian told the Aiken Standard that he had asked Gumpert to select an attorney and a date prior to June 30 for the closing.

June 30 is the end of the countys 2021-2022 fiscal year.

The finalization of the deal before then is unlikely.

My understanding is that Gumpert is still working on the financial arrangements at this point, said Bunker on June 15. We have established a limit of no later than the end of the calendar year. The gears continue to slowly turn on the deal.

Gumpert is the president of Camden Management Partners Inc. in Atlanta, according to his LinkedIn profile.

The old hospital was built prior to World War II. The brick structure also has served as county governments headquarters, but currently is vacant.

In June 2020, County Council approved, on third and final reading, an ordinance that authorized the county to sell the old hospital to 828 Richland Associates.

A contract between the county and 828 Richland Associates was signed in April 2021.

The Aiken County Government Center on University Parkway is now county governments headquarters. It opened in 2014.
New Delhi, June 16 (UNI) Foreign Ministers of India and the 10-member Asean on Thursday reviewed the status of the Partnership and set out the path for the coming decade, while focusing their talks on Covid-19 and Health, Trade & Commerce, Connectivity and the Indo-Pacific.

India hosted the ASEAN Foreign Ministers and Secretary General for a Special ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers Meeting (SAIFMM) on June 16-17 to commemorate 30 years of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations.

In recognition of this milestone, the year 2022 is being celebrated as the ASEAN-India Friendship Year as announced by ASEAN and Indian leaders at the 18th ASEAN-India Summit in October 2021.

The SAIFMM was co-chaired by EAM S. Jaishankar, and Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. The Meeting was also attended by Foreign Ministers of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and representatives of Foreign Ministers from Lao PDR, Philippines, and Thailand along with Secretary General of ASEAN. Myanmars junta was not included in the deliberations.

The Ministers reviewed the status of ASEAN-India Partnership and set out the path for the coming decade. The discussions included key focus areas of Covid-19 & Health, Trade & Commerce, Connectivity  physical and digital, Education & Capacity Building, as well as implementation of ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), an official statement said.

The Ministers also exchanged views on important regional and international developments and post pandemic economic recovery. The Meeting unanimously adopted the Co-Chairs Statement. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers and ASEAN Secretary General also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During this visit, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers, ASEAN Secretary General and Representatives of Foreign Ministers along with EAM Jaishankar will also address the Ministerial Session of twelfth edition of Delhi Dialogue (DDXII) which focuses on 30 years of ASEAN-India relations with the theme Building Bridges in the Indo-Pacific.

Launched in 2009, Delhi Dialogue is Indias premier annual Track 1.5 Dialogue, which aims to strengthen ASEAN-India relations in the context of contemporary global and regional scenario.

Overall, the meetings were held in an atmosphere of friendship and cooperation and underlined the importance India attaches to its relations with ASEAN, as exemplified through its Act East Policy and centrality of ASEAN in its vision for the wider Indo-Pacific.

The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

UNI RN
Flag Day, an American observance dating back to 1916, meant some solemn moments for dozens of local residents, with a variety of ceremonies being held for disposal of U.S. and other flags no longer fit for service.

Representatives of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Girl Scout and Boy Scout programs were on board.

"We received approximately 240 flags from the county this year, and the rest were dropped off here at the VFW," said George Dewees, house committee chairman for VFW Post 5877. "I stopped counting after about 420."

The Aiken County Veterans Council, he said, distributes "worn, torn and faded" flags for ceremonial retirement, and the banners go to a variety of veterans-service organizations that conduct flag ceremonies.

Many of the incoming banners arrive by way of a brightly colored drop-box at the Ronnie Young Aiken County Government Center. The box was introduced in May 2021 via an effort by the Aiken County Veterans Council and with the approval of Aiken County Council.

The box, with artwork by Saluda resident Chad Martin, is intended to help promote respectful disposal and retirement of "unserviceable U.S. flags," as described in a press release promoting the dedication event.

A report from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs sheds some light on the holiday's possible origins, noting, "Bernard J. Cigrand, a school teacher in Waubeka, Wisconsin, reportedly spent years trying to get Congress to declare June 14 as a national holiday. Although his attempts failed, the day was widely observed. 'Father of Flag Day' honors have been given to William T. Kerr, who was credited with founding the American Flag Day Association in 1888 while still a schoolboy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania."

It adds, "Both President Wilson, in 1916, and President Coolidge, in 1927, issued proclamations asking for June 14 to be observed as the National Flag Day. But it wasnt until August 3, 1949, that Congress approved the national observance, and President Harry Truman signed it into law."
A $13.8 billion budget that sends hundreds of dollars of rebates to many South Carolina taxpayers as well as cutting their income tax rates is on its way to Gov Henry McMasters desk
KYIV, UKRAINE  Four European leaders expressed their support for Ukraine on Thursday while meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, vowing to back Kyiv's candidacy to eventually join the European Union and offering more weapons to fend off Russia's invasion.

French President Emmanuel Macron promised Ukraine six more truck-mounted artillery guns, the latest in a new round of Western arms pledges as the war grinds on in the Donbas region in the east.

France, Germany, Italy and Romania "are doing everything so that Ukraine alone can decide its fate," Macron said at a news conference with Zelenskyy and the others.

"My colleagues and I have come here to Kyiv today with a clear message: Ukraine belongs to the European family," said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Amid Ukrainian fears that Western resolve could wane, the visit carried heavy symbolism. France, Germany and Italy have all faced criticism for continuing to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin  and failing to give Kyiv the amount of weaponry it says its needs.

With Scholz beside him, Macron defended earlier comments that riled Ukrainians about not humiliating Russia. He solemnly noted how the end of World War I had sown the seeds of World War II.

"We are side by side today with Chancellor Scholz. One hundred years ago, we were at war and allies helped France win. France committed a historic mistake. It lost the peace because it wanted to humiliate Germany. The question of humiliation I always placed in a context to come, not the current context," he said.

"Today, this war must be won, France clearly supports Ukraine so it prevails," Macron said. "Germany, like France, will never be in situations where they negotiate on Ukraine's behalf with Russia. Moreover, we have never done that."

Ukrainians and some of their central European neighbors also have been afraid that Western powers might press for territorial concessions for the sake of peace with Russia.

Scholz reiterated that there is no such intent to dictate anything to Ukrainians, and that only they "can decide what is right in terms of an agreement on a peace which we are unfortunately very, very far away from."

Italian Premier Mario Draghi expressed concern about the millions of tons of grain backed up in Black Sea ports by the war, saying it could lead to a "worldwide catastrophe." Italy has been a first destination for African migrants and could find itself overwhelmed in the case of largescale hunger in the Southern Hemisphere.

"We want the atrocities to stop and we want peace," Draghi said. "But Ukraine must defend itself, and it will be Ukraine that chooses the peace it wants."

The leaders also visited Irpin, a Kyiv suburb that saw intense fighting early in the war and where many civilians were killed. They decried the destruction there, with Macron saying he saw signs of of "war crimes."

While shocking images of such devastation have rallied Western support, Ukrainian officials have expressed concern that "war fatigue" could eventually erode that  particularly as rising prices and upcoming U.S. elections increasingly dominating public concerns.

The U.S. and its European allies have given billions of dollars in weaponry to Ukraine, and Germany and the U.S. recently announced new arms shipments. Such arms have been crucial in preventing the Russians from taking the capital, but Kyiv has said much more will be needed.

"Russia is only looking for new ways to scare Europe and seize more and more of our land," Zelenskyy said at the news conference. "The goal of Russia in this war is to break Ukraine and through this break the whole of Europe."

Many in Ukraine hope the visit could mark a turning point by opening the way to significant new arms supplies. It also comes as EU leaders prepare to decide next week on Ukraine's request to become a candidate for membership in the bloc.

The war has increased pressure on EU governments to fast-track Ukraine's candidate status, and Thursday's pledge to support candidacy status for Ukraine and neighboring Moldova pushes the whole 27-nation union closer to doing so. But the process still is expected to take years, and EU members remain divided over how quickly and fully to open their arms to new members.

European allies have sent increasingly powerful weapons and rallied around Ukraine more than many expected, approving waves of unprecedented sanctions against Russia that also are badly squeezing Europe's economy.

Ukrainians say more is needed as Russia presses an offensive in the Donbas region, slowly but steadily gaining ground on the outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian forces.

After the news conference, Zelenskyy made a digital appearance at technology shows in Paris, Amsterdam, London and Stockholm as what organizers called a 3D avatar, with his image on a large screen. Wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with futuristic fighters and the text "Come to the Dark Side" and "Dominate or Die," he urged countries to support what he called a "digital Lend Lease" for Ukraine to bounce back from the war with a "global digital revolution."

While visiting Irpin, Scholz said officials must keep the scenes of destruction in mind in all their decisions.

"Innocent civilians have been hit, houses have been destroyed; a whole town has been destroyed in which there was no military infrastructure at all," he said. "And that says a great deal about the brutality of the Russian war of aggression, which is simply out for destruction and conquest."

Macron, Scholz and Draghi, representing the EU's three largest economies, traveled to Kyiv together on a special overnight train provided by the Ukrainian authorities. They have been criticized for not visiting sooner. Soon after they arrived, air raid sirens wailed.

President Klaus Iohannis of Romania, which borders Ukraine and has been a key destination for its refugees, arrived on a separate train. He said at the news conference that Romania is facilitating the transit of Ukrainian exports, including grain.

A number of other European leaders have already made the trip to show their solidarity with Ukraine, even when the fighting raged closer to the capital than it does now.

Scholz had long resisted traveling to Kyiv, saying he didn't want to "join the queue of people who do a quick in-out for a photo opportunity," adding that a trip should focus on doing "concrete things."

Germany announced Wednesday it will provide Ukraine with three multiple launch rocket systems of the kind that Kyiv has said it urgently needs.

Tamara Malko, a resident of the Donetsk region that is part of the Donbas, said Macron and Scholz had been "very cold" toward Ukrainians so far and hoped their visit would bring change.

"We want peace very much ... and have high hopes for Macron and Scholz," she said. "We want them to see and understand our pain."

___

Corbet reported from Paris. Associated Press journalists David Keyton in Irpin, Ukraine, Srdjan Nedelikovic in Pokrovsk, Ukraine, Colleen Barry in Milan and Frank Jordans and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed.
A German company that makes cable and wiring harnesses for the automotive and other industries is opening its first North American manufacturing site in Summerville.

Engeser USA Corp.'s $1.5 million investment in a building at 115 Fabricators Street is expected to create 26 jobs, with operations to be online by September.

"By producing locally in the USA, we can offer our partners the added value of reduced logistics costs and greater delivery flexibility," Steffen Engeser, the company's managing partner, told the Schwarzwalder Bote newspaper in Germany's Black Forest region.

The family-owned company's headquarters are in Schramberg, Germany.

Engeser told the newspaper the company decided to open a North American site to meet growing demand from European customers with U.S. locations. The Summerville site is near the Mercedes-Benz Vans and Volvo Cars manufacturing campuses in the Lowcountry as well as numerous German businesses that have set up operations throughout South Carolina.

"They join an established group of German companies who are thriving here ... (and) will be a tremendous asset to our growing automotive cluster," Mike Fuller, chairman of the Charleston Regional Development Alliance, said in a written statement.

Engeser also cited Summerville's proximity to the Port of Charleston as a key reason for selecting the site.

The company, founded in 1983, recently has expanded its customer base to include the solar energy, construction and rail transportation industries, something Engeser told Schwarzwalder Bote is necessary to help overcome slowdowns in global automotive manufacturing.

Engeser has also made technology investments in its headquarters factory overseas, including robotic workstations and automated warehouse features. The company, which employs more than 600 people overseas, also operates factories in Romania and the Czech Republic.

The S.C. Commerce Department's Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a $75,000 grant to Dorchester County to help Engeser pay for infrastructure costs at the site.
A Boeing South Carolina lawyer and former Mount Pleasant elected official has been named the top liaison for all Boeing workers who inspect airplanes on behalf of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Mark Fava's new role as "ombudsperson" was created under a legal settlement tied to the manufacturer's 737 Max crisis.

Boeing did not publicly announce his new position, which The Wall Street Journal reported late Wednesday. A spokesman confirmed it early Thursday in an email to The Post and Courier.

More than 1,000 Boeing employees also serve as FAA delegates under the government's Organization Designation Authorization program, or ODA, to inspect planes during the manufacturing and airworthiness certification processes.

"To further promote transparency and open communication, the ombudsperson role was established for our ODA members to raise concerns and have them independently addressed to ensure the safety and compliance of our products," company spokesman Bernard Choi said. "This appointment is on top of the meaningful changes we have implemented over the past two years to strengthen our safety practices and culture, including the enterprise-wide Safety Management System ... that is grounded in a positive safety culture and encourages employees to speak up and report hazards and concerns."

Fava is a former Navy flight officer and reservist who joined Boeing in May 2010. Most recently, he was chief general counsel for engineering and regulatory matters for the company's operations in North Charleston, home of the 787 Dreamliner program. He has about 35 years of aviation experience.

"Mark understands the operational, regulatory and engineering aspects of the aerospace industry," Choi said.

Previously, Fava served on Mount Pleasant Town Council from 1998 to 2001, when he moved to Atlanta to become chief operations attorney at Delta Air Lines. He returned to the Charleston area three years later as a partner at the Columbia-based law firm of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough.

Shortly before going to work for Boeing, he briefly ran for South Carolina's First Congressional District seat when then-U.S. Rep. Henry Brown stepped down. He withdrew from the race before the election, citing work responsibilities.

The FAA has increased its scrutiny of the 787 and the North Charleston manufacturing plant in recent years. In 2020, Boeing agreed to pay $1.21 million to settle allegations that senior managers at the local campus put undue pressure on workers who inspected planes for the safety agency.

The government stepped up its oversight last year by taking over a critical factory review for four widebodies and certifying the locally made jets for flight.

"The FAA is taking a number of corrective actions to address Boeing 787 production issues," the agency said in a written statement in March 2021.

Boeing hasn't been allowed to hand over a Dreamliner to airlines and other buyers for more than year, partly because of minor manufacturing flaws with the skin of the planes. The company recently filed a plan with the FAA to resume deliveries soon, but no decision has been issued.

Boeing's relationship with aviation regulators was damaged badly by the crisis that enveloped the 737 Max, which was grounded worldwide in March 2019 after two crashes linked to faulty flight control software killed 346 passengers and crew members.

Last year, the U.S. Justice Department charged the aerospace giant with conspiring to defraud the FAA, saying some Boeing workers impeded the investigation into the accidents by providing misleading statements. Boeing agreed to pay about $2.5 billion to settle the criminal case.

The company said it has taken other steps to improve safety practices, including the appointment of a chief aerospace safety officer in early 2021. Michael Delaney reports to the board of directors, and his office "is specifically designed to be separate from the day-to-day business operations and maintains a higher-level focus on safety in order to drive end-to-end accountability throughout the safety ecosystem," Boeing said Thursday.
WEST COLUMBIA  Lexington County School District Two agreed to pay its former superintendent $240,000 in a settlement over his still-unexplained resignation.

The payout to Superintendent Nicholas Wade was the second by an area school district to a resigned leader in the past year.

Lexington-Richland Five paid reigning S.C. Superintendent of the Year Christina Melton $226,000 after her resignation in 2021, which came after battles with school board members over COVID-19 safety protocols.

Wade's severance was equal to covering the costs to educate 15 students in the district covering West Columbia and Cayce, based on an analysis of state Education Department data. His resignation also included $10,000 for his attorney's fees.

Lexington Two had the funds to pay Wade after he left, a district attorney said.

"The district maintains a contingency fund, also known as a reserve fund, to cover unanticipated expenses, such as the buy-out of a superintendent's contract," Andrea White, an attorney representing Lexington Two, wrote in an email. "This payout does not impact the spending of funds that directly impact and support instruction."

Wade resigned from the 8,600-student Lexington Two in May, after less than a year on the job. The settlement requires the district to pay Wade $240,000, over 12 months, and $10,000 for Wade's attorney's fees.

Both Wade's and Melton's resignations were accepted behind closed doors with little explanation. The disputes leading to Melton's departure were revealed in court documents and emails obtained with open-records requests.

The $240,000 payment was "pursuant to an agreement negotiated between the board and Dr. Wade," the school district's attorney said.

The settlement also requires Wade and school board members not to make any claims against one another.

Attempts to reach Wade and Lexington Two school board trustees for comment were unsuccessful this week.

Lexington Two hired former Sumter County Chief of Schools Brenda Hafner as permanent superintendent on June 2. Hafner starts on July 1, with the district's 2001-2008 superintendent Barry Bolen serving in the interim. Terms of Hafner's contract have not been released.

The neighboring Lexington County School District One hired Gerrita Postlewait as superintendent in late May, less than six months after her similarly sudden  also unexplained  resignation from the Charleston County School District. Charleston County schools paid Postlewait was $500,000 to step down at the end of 2021.

Postlewait's compensation from Lexington One includes a $219,000 yearly salary, a $1,000 monthly vehicle allowance and $2,400 for relocation.

She is succeeding Greg Little, who left for administrative post for the S.C. Technology School System.
The Black River State Park project has taken a significant leap forward with the procurement of three additional properties, the development of a master plan and redoubled efforts to foster economic development in Williamsburg and Georgetown counties.

The Black River Water Trail and Park Network stretches 70 miles and includes local, state and private parks, all sharing in common proximity to a scenic waterway that provides recreational opportunities to residents and visitors and a critical natural habitat for abundant wildlife.

The new public-access portion of the Black River starts in Kingstree and includes eight non-contiguous sites along the waterway. The Open Space Institute, which is spearheading the initiative, recently secured two large riverfront properties to be donated to the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. The organization transferred its first parcel to the state Parks Department in April 2021.

The Nature Conservancy, another of the park projects major collaborators, will transfer the Sims Reach property, 143 acres, to the Parks Department. This relatively small tract located along Sims Reach Road at the parks midway point, provides access to both sides of the river.

To date, the non-contiguous park consists of 12 properties that are now, or soon will be, part of the network. Six of them, ranging from 140 acres to more than 1,200 acres, will be owned by the state. Six more are local, county and private tracts. They include the Town of Kingstrees Black River Landing; the privately owned, publicly accessible Black River Cypress Preserve; The Nature Conservancys Black River Preserve and adjacent Butler Cypress Reserve; and Rocky Point Community Forest, which is partially owned by the Winyah Rivers Alliance and partially owned by Georgetown County.

For more details, visit The Open Space Institute's online storymap.

This is South Carolinas first new state park in nearly 20 years, and the first for this predominantly African American region.

About $20 million has been spent by conservation groups for recent land acquisitions and to make improvements to park properties. Land donations and conservation easements valued at around $20 million also have helped the team piece the park together, according to Maria Whitehead, Southeast office director for the Open Space Institute.

The master plan calls for a budget of $45 million in additional funding to pay for development work over five years, she said. The management team is hoping those funds will come in the form of federal and state grants, and private philanthropy.

We have the land, we have the plan, its time to build the park, Whitehead said.

The plan was produced by project consultant Earth Design, which invited input from the South Carolina chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, Clemson University, and the National Park Service. It was informed by a survey that delivered 1,500 responses, and by consultations with a variety of participants, including municipal leaders, community advocates, conservationists and a steering committee of 30.

Feedback received from the survey identified three main desires: places to gather, cook, picnic and socialize; structures providing access to the water for paddling and fishing (including elevated platforms along the river); and gateways to fishing ponds located on the various tracts of the new park.

Other requests included play areas for children, an easy-to-use map of the waterway and business development opportunities.

Cara Chancellor, marketing manager for The Nature Conservancy, said her organizations primary focus is on increasing access to the waterway. Thats what accounts for the donation of the Sims Reach property midway down the river. The relatively small parcel will include a boat ramp, she said.

The Nature Conservancy is seeking to combine conservation and equity, ensuring that all residents and visitors have opportunities to use the river, Chancellor said.

I think you will continue to see that pattern of accessibility in the next (Black River) projects we talk about, she said.

Tripp Muldrow, a consultant with Arnett Muldrow & Associates, has been working with the towns of Kingstree and Andrews on economic development issues.

When we have a project like this that enhances natural resources and creates places for people to recreate, we also look at nearby communities as a basecamp for visitors, he said.

That means making sure those visitors have places to shop, eat, socialize and spend the night.

Kingstree has been gearing up for what it hopes will be a new influx of visitors. Town officials plan to build Mill Street Park by the river. The park will feature a kayak launch, marketplace, and education opportunities, and visitors will be encouraged to explore what downtown Kingstree has to offer.

Andrews is hoping to devise a similar plan, Muldrow said. The goal is not only to create park-related amenities, but to connect the park to existing businesses and develop new initiatives, he said.

Economic opportunities are likely to pop up even in the rural areas along the river. These can include camping sites, boat rentals, fishing shops, cafes and food trucks, and shuttle services.

Paul McCormack, director of the Parks Department, said the Black River park project has been a passion project since the idea was first broached. The agency would be able to serve a big part of South Carolina that has no other state parks, and would be able to showcase, and protect, a spectacular natural resource, he said.

Once protected, the best thing is to share it with the world (and foster) a sense of stewardship and ethics, McCormack said. Its been fun to watch that process of people beginning to recognize the value in their own backyard.

That backyard will become the front yard, and the Parks Department soon will hire staff to manage it and make parts of it accessible to the public by years end, he said.

McCormack said the teamwork has been unwavering.

Its more complicated than most park projects, but the benefits are clear and the cooperation high, he said.

Project leaders have reached out to residents of Willamsburg and Georgetown counties for feedback, and also to members of Native tribes in the area, such as the Chicora and Waccamaw, hoping to forge partnerships that can help protect culturally important sites, Whitehead said.

The team formed a working group consisting of representatives of five tribes that has been meeting since the beginning of the year.

Identifying culturally sensitive and important places along the Black River could lead to archaeological surveys and historical interpretation, and to more land conservation, public engagement, recreation, special use agreements, and economic development, Whitehead said.

Theres so much work that can be done together, and this can be a model, she said.
Brandon Alter covers the town of Kingstree and Williamsburg County for The Kingstree News. He is from the suburbs of Washington, D.C. He graduated from the University of South Carolina's school of Journalism and Mass Communications in May 2021.
FLORENCE  "Tiger King" star Bhagavan Doc Antle will remain behind bars on money laundering charges while a federal judge determines if he should receive bond after a June 16 detention hearing in Florence.

The hearing came two days after Antles lawyers asked to release the Myrtle Beach Safari owner on bond because of his health issues, no prior convictions and the importance of him running the 50-acre tourist attraction located off of S.C. 707 in Socastee.

But federal officials detailed reasons for keeping Antle at J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Conway during the hearing including: Antle being a possible flight risk; his ability to obstruct justice by using an incinerator at his safari; and more pending federal charges coming within the next 30 days tied to wildlife trafficking.

Antle also faces a pending extradition order out of Virginia for his animal cruelty charges tied to trafficking lion cubs if he were released out on bond, U.S. Assistant Attorney Amy Bower also told U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Rogers during the hearing.

Antle, who was handcuffed in an orange jumpsuit and wearing his signature long hair in a pony-tail during the nearly two-hour hearing, did not address the court but constantly spoke to his lawyers at the defense table.

Rogers told Bower to respond to Antles previous motion for bond in writing within 24 hours before he told the court that he would take any possible bond for Antle into consideration. Rogers did not give a timetable when he would make a ruling.

The government called one witness during the detention hearing, FBI Agent Timothy Quigley, who was part of the investigation that ultimately led to Antles arrest on charges of money laundering more than $500,000 out of the Myrtle Beach Safari.

Bower asked Quigley questions on whether the FBI thought Antle was a flight risk and if he had the ability to obstruct justice.

Quigley testified that Antle told a confidential informant that he knows someone who can make IDs from dead peoples social security numbers. In the hours after Antle was arrested by the FBI, Quigley said a bank account in Antles name was drained of more than $739,000.

Thats a lot of money to have, Quigley said.

Antles lawyer Andy Moorman countered in his closing that the animal handler was in jail at the time federal officials said the bank account was drained.

Quigley also testified that Antle has many connections across the world, including in South Africa where he is revered.

All he would have to do is make a phone call, Quigley said.

Moorman countered that Antle has lived at his Socastee home for 28 years, noting his ties to the area, although federal officials alleged during the hearing that Antle has multiple properties, including a home in Miami.

Asked about Antles ability to obstruct justice, Quigley testified that he has an incinerator at the Myrtle Beach Safari, which Moorman countered is used to cremate deceased animals.

I cant even fathom the amount of evidence that could be placed in the incinerator, Quigley said.

Antle, 62, and Safari employee Andrew Sawyer, 52, were arrested by the FBI on June 3 on charges of money laundering out of the popular 50-acre tourist attraction located off of S.C. 707 in Socastee.

A third man, William Dallis, a building contractor from Murrells Inlet, also was arrested in connection with the case and charged with money laundering. Dallis was released on a $75,000 bond on June 6, an additional point that Antles lawyers pointed out in a 12-page motion submitted to the court for bond consideration.

Like Antle, Sawyer remains at J. Reuben Long Detention Center. All three men are facing up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.

The money laundering case has received national attention because Antle was featured on the hit Netflix series "Tiger King," about animal handler and zoo operator Joe Exotic, who was sent to prison in a plot to kill a rival, Carole Baskin.

Antle has also been a controversial figure among animal rights advocates who have accused him of mistreating lions and other wildlife, including allowing people to hold the animals at Myrtle Beach Safari.

The Myrtle Beach Safari owner has received more than 35 U.S. Department of Agriculture violations over the years for mistreating animals, and he is facing an Oct. 31 trial on animal cruelty charges in Virginia tied to trafficking lion cubs, but has never been convicted.

Fellow "Tiger King" star Carole Baskin tweeted after the hearing, "Seeing him caged is, in my opinion, karma in action."
COLUMBIA  The S.C. Supreme Court is ending its investigation of Alex Murdaugh and moving to yank his law license, saying the disgraced Hampton attorney's public admissions of dishonesty and "egregious ethical misconduct" are enough to disqualify him from the courtroom.

Murdaugh will not contest the high court's decision, his defense attorney, Jim Griffin, told The Post and Courier. The justices have ordered Murdaugh to appear before them at 11 a.m. June 22 to finalize the matter, arranging for him to be picked up from the Richland County jail where he has been detained since mid-October.

Griffin called the Supreme Court's decision to cut short its administrative probe of Murdaugh "unusual and unprecedented." Wrapping up the matter early puts Murdaugh in a tough position, Griffin said, since anything Murdaugh admits or says in his defense at next week's hearing can be used against him in the ongoing state and federal investigations of him.

Still, the Supreme Court's decision makes sense, according to Michael Virzi, an attorney and former legal misconduct investigator for the state.

"It is unusual, but these are unusual circumstances," Virzi said. "As much more as there may be to learn about Alex Murdaugh, he's admitted to enough to warrant disbarment. It does make sense to me as a matter of judicial resources."

The Supreme Court suspended Murdaugh's law license on Sept. 7 amid allegations the once-prominent trial attorney had stolen untold sums from his law firm, and days after his hospitalization from a bizarre roadside shooting.

But Murdaugh's personal and professional unraveling was only beginning. The scion of a powerful and wealthy family of lawyers in southern South Carolina, Murdaugh became the focus of international intrigue last June after the still-unsolved murders of his wife and son at their Colleton County estate.

Over the next few months, he would become a magnet for civil lawsuits and criminal charges alleging he used fraudulent bank accounts, willing co-conspirators and his position as a lawyer to steal nearly $9 million from his legal clients, law partners and others who trusted him.

Murdaugh and his defense attorneys have admitted to some of the misconduct, a fact the Supreme Court noted in its June 16 order. Last month, for example, he confessed to a $4.3 million civil judgment for stealing millions of dollars from a wrongful death settlement that he helped generate for the sons of his late housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield. He also has acknowledged stealing from the Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth, Detrick law firm his great-grandfather founded in Hampton in 1910.

And he admitted to lying in September about the roadside shooting.

After he survived the incident, Murdaugh and his attorneys initially claimed he was shot by a passerby as he pulled over to inspect a flat tire. Later, he changed his story and said he had a hitman shoot him in the head so he could leave behind a $10 million insurance policy for his remaining son, Buster Murdaugh. State police charged Murdaugh with insurance fraud and filing a false police report in connection with the fiasco. The man accused of shooting him has disputed Murdaugh's versions of events.

Usually, complaints of misconduct by lawyers are quietly and secretly investigated by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, an arm of the Supreme Court, and then judged by a separate panel, the Commission on Lawyer Conduct. From there, serious findings of misconduct can be forwarded to the Supreme Court for possible discipline.

Indeed, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel had been investigating Murdaugh since at least September, digging into cases where he was later charged with stealing money from settlements and legal judgments he won for his clients.

But since Murdaugh had publicly admitted to lying and other misconduct at several points over the past few months, "we find there is no need to expend additional resources to proceed through the normal disciplinary process," justices wrote in their June 16 order.

The June 22 hearing will be live-streamed and open to the public.

Disbarred lawyers can apply for reinstatement after five years. They must pay a $1,500 fee, retake the Bar exam and prove to a committee they have turned their lives around and are again worthy of trust.

But for now, Murdaugh has bigger problems. He faces decades in prison and financial ruin from nearly a dozen outstanding civil lawsuits against him.
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.
COLUMBIA  Democrat Joe Cunningham expected to win. But even his campaign was blown away by how thoroughly he trounced his competition across South Carolina to be able to take on Republican Gov. Henry McMaster in November.

It's a testament to the power of TV, said his senior adviser, Tyler Jones.

"Some of the biggest takeaways from this primary are TV works, and legislators aren't as well-known as they think they are, even in their own communities," he said.

In the five-way Democratic gubernatorial primary June 14, the former congressman from Charleston won 32 of South Carolina's 46 counties, easily avoiding a runoff with second-place finisher, veteran state Sen. Mia McLeod of Columbia.

After comparatively raising just a quarter of Cunningham's $1.9 million fundraising haul, McLeod ran no TV ads. She also wasn't as visible on the campaign trail, choosing to do many of her events virtually.

Other events she attended in person weren't publicized by her campaign ahead of time, which she told The Post and Courier was a decision made early on for her security, saying she worried being a Black female made her a target.

Her campaign declined to contribute to this article. But after conceding primary night, McLeod told reporters she wouldn't change a thing in how she ran.

In the end, Cunningham took 56.5 percent of the vote statewide, while the Columbia legislator trailed by more than 25 percentage points, according to unofficial results that will be certified June 17.

A deeper dive into the results shows why Cunningham took the early lead as vote counts came in and never fell behind.

For starters, Cunningham, who lives in West Ashley, didn't just win the counties he represented in Congress from 2018-20, he dominated in the 1st District, taking more than 83 percent of the votes in Berkeley, Dorchester and Charleston counties. In Beaufort County, he received 78 percent.

And those aren't counties with small populations. Charleston County had the second-highest number of voters in the Democratic primary, with nearly 24,000.

"We knew we'd win Charleston, but I don't know that I've ever seen anyone get 83 percent in a competitive primary," Jones said. "Where people knew Joe, they voted for Joe overwhelmingly."

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But name recognition from Cunningham's single term in Congress can't explain his dominance elsewhere. He even won counties with a large percentage of Black voters, despite McLeod touting her historic candidacy as the first Black female running for governor and contrasting Cunningham as just another "Republican-lite" White male Democrat who would lose in November.

Cunningham won Orangeburg County by 61 percent; Williamsburg County by 67 percent.

The county with the most primary voters  more than 27,000  was the Democratic stronghold of Richland County, which gave Cunningham a 19-percentage-point lead, despite it being McLeod's home turf and the anchor of her state Senate seat.

McLeod won just five of her Senate district's 33 precincts, the biggest spread by 23 votes. She won her own precinct by five votes.

While McLeod touted winning five consecutive elections, starting with her House seat in 2010, both her House and Senate districts are considered safe wins for Democrats. Unlike Cunningham, who repeatedly reminded voters he flipped the 1st District blue for the first time in 40 years, McLeod never flipped a seat. And she ran for open seats in both chambers, meaning she never challenged an incumbent.

She has never previously needed to introduce herself to voters on TV to win.

Most voters who were willing to talk to The Post and Courier at polling places in McLeod's district on June 14 said they were voting for Cunningham. Several said they knew nothing about their local senator or the three other long-shot hopefuls on the ballot: Carlton Boyd and Calvin CJ Mack McMillan, also of Columbia, and William Cowboy Williams of Florence.

"I didn't know we'd win by 20 points, but I knew we'd win because we were communicating and she's not," Jones said about Richland County. "The fact was, Joe Cunningham was on TV, and Mia McLeod was not."

McLeod performed best in the Pee Dee, taking 80 percent of the vote in Marlboro County, where she was born and raised, and  as she told voters in her introductory remarks  her family has operated a funeral home business for 108 years.

Other places where she beat Cunningham include the surrounding Pee Dee counties of Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Marion and Florence, where she was in the lead with between 42 percent and 57 percent and where name recognition extended beyond the funeral business.

Even if voters didn't know McLeod or Cunningham, they likely recognized her last name, which adorns Florence's hospital and a major farming operation based in McBee known for its peaches and strawberries.

But those counties had far fewer voters than where Cunningham won by big spreads. Fewer than 2,250 people total voted in the contest in Marlboro County.

Cunningham didn't run ads in the Florence/Myrtle Beach TV market. Nor did he run ads in the Charlotte or Augusta markets, which helps explain why she won in the Charlotte suburbs of York and Lancaster counties, as well as Chester, and Aiken County across the border from Augusta.

"Where people knew Joe, they voted for him," Jones said. "Where they didn't, it was a game of eenie meanie miny mo."
COLUMBIA  South Carolina legislators losing their re-election bids include a Republican chairwoman and former budget chief pummeled by allegations the GOP-dominated House isn't conservative enough.

Education Chairwoman Rita Allison and Rep. Brian White  the chamber's former Ways and Means chairman  were among seven House incumbents ousted by the June 14 primaries, a significant replacement of numbers.

White, an Anderson Republican, said he fears ginned-up rancor over national politics is turning the General Assembly, where members have prided themselves on the ability to disagree agreeably, as polarized as Washington.

"They're just angry," he said of voters. "They're mad at government. They're mad at Washington. They're mad about spending. Everybody's just mad."

Voters often don't distinguish between Congress and the Legislature, and GOP operatives who capitalize on that in mudslinging primaries are, ironically, transforming the Statehouse into what voters don't want, said White, who first won his seat in 2000.

The defeat of Allison, a 24-year Upstate incumbent, was particularly stunning to colleagues.

"The chamber lost a true public servant," said Rep. Raye Felder, R-Fort Mill, who leads the K-12 education subcommittee.

"This primary seemed to be very ugly, very nasty. It's hard to see someone as kind as Rita Allison be attacked," Felder told The Post and Courier with tears in her eyes. "She worked tirelessly for the children of our state. That's going to leave a huge void."

In the Charleston region, conservative state Rep. Lin Bennett of West Ashley also was defeated. She was first elected in 2016.

The Legislature was back in Columbia on June 15 for a special one-day session to pass a budget compromise.

White, who hasn't been on Ways and Means since 2018, said he was accused of growing the state's budget. He said he tried to explain that spending has grown with population and that spending more on needs like roads and broadband is necessary to grow the economy.

Allison, 82, was not there following the primary race decided by fewer than 2,650 total voters in her Spartanburg County district.

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Allison was a Spartanburg 5 school board member for six years before first winning her House seat in 1992. She occupied it for a decade before leaving to be Gov. Mark Sanford's education adviser. She ran again for her seat in 2008 and became the education committee's first female chairwoman following the 2014 elections.

This session, she guided debate on controversial bills challenging race-centric lessons in K-12 schools. A bill crafted by her committee from five separate proposals eventually passed the House after multiple hearings but died in the Senate.

White's fellow Anderson County Republican, two-term Rep. West Cox of Piedmont, also lost his re-election bid.

Former House Majority Leader Gary Simrill, R-Rock Hill, attributes the losses to low turnout, which tends to favor the challenger, and the post-census redrawing of district lines. The shifts to accommodate for population changes mean incumbents weren't necessarily known to voters newly drawn into their districts, he said.

"While they were technically incumbents, those folks had never voted for you," said Simrill, who decided earlier this year not to seek re-election after 30 years in the House. He stepped down as majority leader when the regular session ended last month.

Other Republicans losing their seats were freshman Vic Dabney of Camden, and Rick Martin of Newberry, first elected in 2016.

Dabney and Martin had their own issues. Dabney, who ousted a longtime Democrat in 2020, made statewide news last year after posting comments to Facebook in opposition to a bill that drew accusations of racism and an effort by dozens of his colleagues to censure him. In the redrawing of voting lines, his home was drawn out of his district entirely, so he moved to seek re-election.

Martin remains suspended from the House after his indictment last year on charges of misconduct and providing alcohol to a minor. He has pleaded not guilty and said he looks forward to proving his innocence. But his constituents were not represented in the House this year.

Democratic Rep. Wendy Brawley of Hopkins lost re-election to fellow Rep. Jermaine Johnson, also of Hopkins, after the two were drawn into the same Richland County district.

Another pair of Democrats drawn into the same district are heading to a runoff. Unofficial primary results show just four votes separating Roger Kirby of Lake City and Cezar McKnight of Kingstree. Both received about 48 percent of the vote, with a third candidate receiving about 4 percent.
COLUMBIA  A pair of far-right Republicans are challenging the results of South Carolina's June 14 primary in statewide races where they both lost by six-figure margins.

Lauren Martel  who lost to incumbent Republican Attorney General Alan Wilson by nearly 109,000 votes  filed a complaint with the S.C. Election Commission demanding its members refuse to certify the results citing vulnerabilities with the state's elections systems she believes could have impacted the final result.

Martel was joined by Harrison "Trucker Bob" Musselwhite, a populist conservative candidate for governor who lost his primary to incumbent Gov. Henry McMaster by more than 244,000 votes.

He filed an identical complaint with the S.C. Republican Party also on June 15.

The allegations include claims the states voter rolls were not up to date and that they included individuals registered to vote at commercial addresses.

Other charges are that poll watchers were harassed at several voting locations and that voting machines were connected to the internet, leaving them vulnerable to tampering.

Both letters include a claim the candidates personally knew a voter who had moved to Tennessee two years prior but was still included on South Carolina's voter lists.

"The races were overrun with multiple complaints and problems from many polling places, and filed by candidates all across the state," Martel wrote in her letter.

Martel, who could not be reached for comment, did not provide evidence to support the claims in her letter.

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For the candidates to be successful they would have to make the case to the state GOP and the election commission the alleged discrepancies were great enough to impact the final result.

Some of the claims Martel presented don't mesh with standard election procedure, while others were challenged as wrong by the state party.

As for the voting machines being connected to the internet, the state says the check-in systems used by poll workers are connected to the internet but that individual machines are not, shielding them from the outside.

And while there were reports of incorrect ballots distributed in some districts, as well as difficulties in results being reported in Beaufort County, none appeared serious enough to have a tangible impact on the final result or undermine the legitimacy of the election, officials have said.

We didn't hear of any issues across the state, said Claire Brady, a spokeswoman for the state GOP. It was a very smooth election.

The candidates' claims underscore the mistrust among some conservatives in election systems nationwide following widely debunked claims by then-President Donald Trump and his supporters that the 2020 presidential election was systematically rigged against him.

In the wake of 2020, conservative activists pushed for state officials to conduct an audit of South Carolinas elections, while the General Assembly responded with sweeping reforms to the states elections systems this year.

The state GOP said this week's primary was fair and square.

South Carolina handled the elections the right way in 2020," Brady said. "We handled them the right way in the municipal elections in 2021. And they were handled the right way in 2022. And we stand by that. We believe it wholeheartedly.
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More than 10 pounds of methamphetamine and 5 pounds of THC products were seized from mailed packages over a five-month time frame, according to federal authorities in the U.S. District Court of Guam.

Recently unsealed search warrants in the District Court of Guam show that federal authorities found 10.3 pounds of methamphetamine in eight different packages sent to various addresses on the island between December 2021 and as recently as February this year.

Five pounds of THC products were also found inside a parcel sent from Sacramento, California, to an address on West Soledad Avenue in Hagatna on Sept. 7, 2021.

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No charges have been filed against the individuals named on the packages.

Here are the details of the recently unsealed methamphetamine seizures:

 Dec. 28, 2021: 72 grams of meth were found in a package sent from La Miranda, California, to an address on Artemio Cruz Street in Yona.

 Dec. 28, 2021: 450 grams of meth were found in a package sent from Fontana, California, to a Barrigada postal address.

 Dec. 22, 2021: 237 grams of meth were found in a package sent from Adelanto, California, to a Hagatna postal address.

 Dec. 14, 2021: 2,270 grams of meth were found in a package sent from Corona, California, to an address on Chalan Raymond Sanchez in Mongmong.

 Dec. 7, 2021: 281 grams of meth were found in a package sent from Portland, Oregon, to an address on Chalan Balako, Dededo.

 Jan. 3, 2022: 915 grams of meth were found in a package sent from Las Vegas, to an address on Jose Cruz Street in Talofofo'.

 Jan. 3, 2022: 231 grams of meth were found in a package sent from Menifee, California, to a Barrigada postal address.

 Feb. 15, 2022: Authorities found 241 grams of meth in a package sent from Rancho Cucumanga, California, to an address on Apacha Lane in Yigo.

There also were previously unsealed court documents detailing prior attempts to smuggle meth through the mail into Guam.

4 pounds disclosed in May

Federal documents that once were confidential and made public in May disclose that more than 4 pounds of methamphetamine were intercepted in the mail on Oct. 16, 2020.

The package was sent from an address in St. George, Utah, to an address along East Marine Corps Drive in Hagatna.

The feds found 1,859 grams of meth, a black long-sleeved shirt, two vacuum-sealed bags and four coffee pods.

2019 warrant, made public in May: 24 pounds seized

Also in early May, documents unsealed from a 2019 search warrant showed that the feds found more than 24 pounds of meth sent inside multiple packages to a home in Yona.

In addition, more than 2 pounds of meth were concealed in a package sent to a Dededo residence in August 2020.

Street value

Federal authorities have said the price of a gram of meth in Guam is $150 to $300.

The street value of the meth seized through these search warrants would range from $2.7 million to more than $5 million if the drug fell into the hands of dealers.

It's unclear why federal prosecutors have not announced new meth smuggling indictments. It's also unclear why some of the cases were made public only recently.

The U.S. attorney's office has declined to comment on or confirm, as part of its procedure, the existence of an ongoing investigation.
How about a congressional investigation of the perversion of our law enforcement and intelligence agencies in the service of the Russia hoax intended to take out Donald Trump? The FBI, FISA, and the FISA court should be shut down until we get some answers about the abuse of the law in the service of the hoax. It is all unfinished business, although the Democrats are doing their best to make us forget.

It seems to me an opportune moment to review events with Lee Smith (JNS post here, video below with host Ellie Cohanim). Toward the end of the interview, referring to the media, Lee distinguishes between dingbats blabbering absolute nonsense (e.g., Rachel Maddow and unnamed CNN hosts) and others who were part of an information operation (e.g., I take it, the CNN host/reporters whose bylines ran on this story). There is nothing new here, but I thought some readers might find it of interest, as I did.

Lee graciously granted us permission to publish an excerpt from his book The Plot Against the President in this Power Line post. In the excerpt Lee discusses the CNN story linked above.
First, just to clear up any misconception from the headline, by Bidens Hole, I dont mean his mouth. That is clearly a bottomless abyss.

I mean his political standing. How bad is it? So bad that even CNN cant disguise or sugarcoat it. Here are some recent screen-grabs:

Chaser, from Reuters:

Bidens approval falls in third straight week, nears record low -Reuters/Ipsos U.S. President Joe Bidens public approval rating fell to 39% in its third straight weekly decline, approaching the lowest level of his presidency, according to a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll completed on Tuesday. . . The decline in Bidens popularity has been largely driven by dissatisfaction within his own party. Seventy-four percent of Democrats approved of Bidens performance this week, down from about 85% in August.

In the understatement of the week, Reuters helpfully explains:
Our world and everything in it is made up of innumerable tiny molecules. These molecules are the smallest units of chemical compounds or living things. Viruses, bacteria, parasites, plants, animals, humans: each organism is underpinned by molecules. Studying them allows scientists to understand the basic principles and interactions that govern all forms of life.

Shifts at such basic levels change the way an organism looks or functions. Thats critical in understanding diseases, for one thing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, molecular research enabled scientists to quickly understand how the new coronavirus behaved and how to prevent infection. That, in turn, drove vaccine development.

Molecular research could also, in future, make it possible to personalise medicine  basing treatment on a patients DNA. And it may be key to progress in the treatment of diseases such as sickle cell anaemia, diabetes and cancer.

Theres a problem, though: molecular research is expensive. It requires specialised equipment and chemicals, which is costly.

In Nigeria, where I conduct molecular research  and in many other African countries  there is very little state funding for research and development. Nigerias TETFund, the government agency responsible for all higher education funding, has very limited resources. Molecular research is often neglected in funding decisions in favour of other forms of research that could provide immediate solutions to pressing societal needs, such as immediate control measures for disease outbreaks.

As I argued in a recent journal article, though, molecular research can help address some of Nigerias health needs. Nigeria has a rich biodiversity of humans, animals and plants whose molecular compositions may hold clues to future advancements in medical science. The country also bears a huge burden of infectious disease. Microorganisms that cause diseases abound in the tropical climate of Nigeria.

Investment in research into the molecular characteristics of these microorganisms would go a long way in disease control and management both locally and globally.

Untapped contributions

Its worth noting what Nigerias molecular research scientists have already been able to achieve without good resources.

They were at the forefront of sequencing the SARS-CoV-2 genome within days of the first infection being recorded on Nigerian soil. This work allowed them to publish the first SARS-CoV-2 sequence data on the African continent. This was made possible by many years of international and local funding to build capacity at the African Centre of Excellence for the Genomics of Infectious Disease and the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research.

Imagine how much more could be done and how Nigeria could contribute to global health solutions if its numerous excellent scientists were properly equipped with adequate facilities.

South Africa has demonstrated this dedicated research support via its National Research Foundation. Huge funds have been invested in research for the control of HIV and AIDS and, more recently, COVID-19.

At present, most Nigerian molecular research scientists do not have the specialised research equipment they need. This is because of cost and limited availability. Most of this equipment, and the chemical reagents needed for this work, is imported. There are a few specialised reference molecular laboratories in the country, but not nearly enough to serve the needs of this nation of more than 200 million people.

Universities, which are the ideal spaces for such research facilities, dont offer adequate institutional support for procuring molecular research equipment and reagents.

Yet there are many diseases peculiar to the country and region, for which new treatments could be easily developed with the aid of molecular research. They include genetic diseases like sickle cell, noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, infectious diseases like malaria and neglected tropical diseases (among them river blindness and sleeping sickness or African trypanosomiasis).

Nigeria  and the African continent  cannot continue to wait for western researchers to find solutions to these peculiar health challenges.

Concerted effort

Nigeria has the opportunity to contribute an enormous amount of knowledge to molecular research. For this to happen, a concerted effort is required by the government, institutions, local and international funding bodies, and molecular researchers themselves.

COVID-19 has taught us that a health problem in one place could threaten global health. Therefore all hands should be on deck to tackle health challenges wherever they occur.

There is a strong need for national and international funding bodies to increase funding allocations to improve molecular research capacity in Africa. Also, universities and research institutions should provide an enabling environment by providing easy access to the equipment and facilities that researchers need. Researchers will thus be encouraged to find solutions to health challenges and train more scientists.

Chinwe Uzoma Chukwudi, Senior lecturer in Molecular Pathology and Microbial Genetics, University of Nigeria

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The Nigeria Police Force on Thursday disobeyed an order of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo, Abuja, to produce a murder suspect, Uwani Usman, to answer for the alleged killing of her husband.

Instead of complying with the court order, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, our reporter learnt, decided to grant the suspect bail after the court issued the production order at Tuesdays sitting.

The deceased, Hussaini Usman, a businessman, was allegedly strangled to death on October 28, 2018, at his Apo residence in Abuja.

But efforts to arrest and prosecute Mrs Usman and her son, Huzaifa Usman, who are the prime suspects in the alleged murder, have been futile until last Saturday, June 11, when the police apprehended her in Abuja.

The trial judge, Angela Otaluka, had on Tuesday ordered the police to produce the defendant on Thursday.

However, in disregard of the court order, the police failed to bring Mrs Usman whom they said was at its clinic in Abuja for medical attention.

At Thursdays proceedings, the prosecuting lawyer, Godwin Ijioma, urged the court for an adjournment to enable the police to sort out some administrative issues that had stalled the defendants prosecution.

Mr Ijioma had informed the judge that Mrs Usman was feigning ill health to delay her arraignment.

Displeased with the lawyers explanation, Mrs Otaluka wondered how can one person overpower the entire Federal Republic of Nigeria?

I am giving you the last chance in this matter to produce the defendant for her to take her plea, the angered judge said before adjourning the suit until September 26, 2022.

Mr Otaluka renewed an earlier order she had made on Tuesday, directing the Nigeria Police Force to produce Mrs Usman before the court.

Police sources informed this reporter that Mrs Usman had asked the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to review her case to withdraw his earlier legal advice which asked the IGP to immediately prosecute the suspects in Mr Usmans gruesome killing.

Mrs Usman has been granted bail by the police despite the courts order to produce her for arraignment, a source said.

Suspect seeks AGFs fresh review of the case file

I have been briefed that the AGF has to vet the case file for the second time, the prosecuting lawyer told the court.

I plead with the court for an adjournment to deal with some administrative issues, Mr Ijioma pleaded.

AGFs legal advice

Mrs Usman, who is charged alongside her son, Huzaifa, for the alleged strangulation of her husband, had been evading arrest for nearly four years until last Saturday.

Sources familiar with the case said top police officers and politicians have been shielding Mrs Usman from prosecution.

However, a piece of legal advice from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) revealed that there is a prima facie case against the duo  Mrs Usman and Huzaifa.

The AGFs letter addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar, asked the police to immediately arrest and prosecute the suspects.

In the letter dated May 13, the DPPF said: The office of the Attorney General of the Federation having reviewed the case file is of the view that the duo of Musa Ndanusa and Adamu Umar be used as prosecution witnesses.

In view of the above, I am further directed to inform your office to continue with the prosecution of the case.

The letter added: The office of the Attorney General of the Federation having reviewed the case file is of the view that the duo of Musa Ndanusa and Adamu Umar be used as prosecution witnesses.

In view of the above, I am further directed to inform your office to continue with the prosecution of the case.

But police sources said Mrs Usman would only be brought to court for trial if the Inspector-General of Police directs the commissioner in charge of homicide in Abuja to comply with the courts orders.

It will be recalled that the case first came up before Samira Bature, a judge of the FCT High Court, where Huzaifa, 25, was first arraigned for murder.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded at Kuje prison in Abuja. Huzaifa has been in detention and was brought to court on Tuesday.

Background

Family sources who are familiar with the case told Daily Trust that Mr Usmans murder was initially linked to an armed robbery incident.

He (Mr Usman) was said to be on his way to the mosque around 5 a.m. with Huzaifa when the assailants attacked him and asked Huzaifa to face the wall, a family source, who asked not to be named, said.

The younger Usman was said to have told people that after he discovered his father had been killed and the assailants had left, he dragged the corpse to the sitting room from the compound and he went to call his mother before they went to the mosque to call for assistance.

The family source said this conflicting narrative led to further questions.
Smallholder farmers in Jigawa State in the countrys northwest region were particularly hit by the petrol supply crisis that hit the country in February.

Unable to afford exorbitant black-market petrol, many of them were left with two dire options: watch their flowering crops die or cut their losses by selling the wilting crops to herders for cheap.

The fuel supply crisis was caused by the importation of adulterated petrol by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited. The NNPC said the methanol-laden fuel was imported from Belgium and blamed fuel vendors for the importation.

The importation of the adulterated fuel led to a scarcity of the product across the country as the government discontinued the distribution of the corrosive supply.

Filling stations across the country were either closed or operating intermittently as supply dropped. The pump price of petrol skyrocketed as demand surpassed supply.

While the impact of the scarcity was felt across all economic sectors, smallholder farmers in rural areas in semi-arid Jigawa who rely on petrol-powered water pumps to irrigate their farmland felt the pinch a lot harder.

Selling crops to herders

Kabiru Maitukunya, who plants rice and other crops thrice, annually, said the last dry season farming was particularly bad for him as he could not afford the exorbitant fuel to power the water pump needed to irrigate his farms.

Mr Maitukunya is among hundreds of farmers who live in Harbo Community in Jahun Local Government Area of Jigawa State, where irrigation farming is common and locals engage in year-round farming.

He told PREMIUM TIMES in February that farmers in the region were so hit by the scarcity and hike in the price of petrol that they had no choice but to sell their wilted crops to herders to graze their animals.

In February, PREMIUM TIMES surveyed several filling stations in the state capital, Dutse, and in Jahun Local Government Area, where the dry season farmers predominantly reside to ascertain how bad the situation was.

As most filling stations were not operational due to the scarcity, the NNPC fuel station in Dutse, which was selling at N160 per litre, was almost inaccessible due to the congestion.

Maruta Petroleum Station, located at Byepass Road In Dutse, had fuel for sale but was selling at N220 per litre. Residents of Jahun said the few stations that had fuel sold between N230 and N260 per litre. The price of petrol in the area stayed within the price range until late in March.

But for the rural farmers who could not wake up early to join the long queue to get fuel, their only chance was to buy at N1500 per litre from black market dealers.

Mr Maitukunya said he could not afford to purchase the exorbitant fuel to power his water pump, He said the choice he was left with was to watch his maize crop die or sell them to herders before they started flowering.

He said he sold the crops on his maize farm for N6,000.00 to herders who grazed their animals on it.

The crops on my farms are dying due to lack of water, I have to sell it to the cattle herders to feed their cows because that was the only alternative for me at this critical time.

The Maize plantation I sold to cattle herders at the cost of N6,000 was the same farm I harvested 12 bags of Maize last year from, he said.

He said he usually plants rice, wheat and maize. He said the government should aid dry season farmers with subsidised fuel and fertilisers.

Umar Sale of Harbo Community plants maize for subsistent reasons. He said if he could not get fuel to power his water pump, he would be forced to sell his wilting crops to herders like some farmers in the community.

The problem started when the maize started bearing fruit. That is the critical stage, you need to wet the farm twice a week, but with the increment in the price of petrol, I cannot afford to wet the farm twice a week, as you can see the Maize has started drying up, Mr Sale told our reporter in February.

I cannot afford the high cost of irrigating my farm. I used to use eight litres of fuel but now the cost of the same amount of fuel has doubled.

Last year, I harvested six bags of maize but this year, I may have to sell my crop to herders, he said.

While several of his colleagues had given up hope and sold their crops to herders, Abdullahi Maigwanjo said he would not.

If you sell to cattle herders, they can only give you a penny equivalent to the price of a bag, I cant sell it to them, I will wait to the end of the crisis, he said.

Husseini Tela-Bulka, another farmer in the community, said when the price of fuel was normal, he used to wet the farm twice a week but during the fuel scarcity, he could not wet the farm for over 10 days.

This is because I struggle to get money before buying the fuel. In some instances, one collects the fuel on credit from the black marketer who has trust in you to ensure that you grow your crops normally, he said.

I bought crops on farms for N250,000  Herder

Muhammadu Jahun, who herds cattle in the farming community, told PREMIUM TIMES he spent N250,000 to buy farms of maize and other crops to graze his cattle.

The farmers cannot maintain their farms. I have bought at least 20 farms to graze my cattle, he said.

The ordeal of cotton farmers

Yusuf Hassan, the chairperson of the Jigawa Cotton Farmers Association, said the fuel crisis rolled back the initial gains of cotton farmers in the state.

Mr Hassan, who explained that cotton farming was in the pilot stage in the state, said the land was good for farming and cotton yield before the fuel crisis was beyond what many farmers had hoped for. He said the scarcity of fuel stalled the growth of the last planting season.

Cotton was growing and yielding well before the fuel crisis interrupted. There are about 100 hectares of cotton planted across the state as a pilot stage in irrigation farming.

In a hectare of land, you can get at least three to four tons of cotton. With hundreds of hectares, we projected a harvest of about 400,000 tons but with the fuel crisis we can hardly get 20,000 tons, this is a great loss, Mr Hassan said.

Mr Hassan said that if the government provided fuel to the farmers, perhaps, they could salvage their dying crops.

The government can bring an end to this problem by providing in each of the local government areas where irrigation farming is taking place by reserving at least 11,000 litres of fuel in a week for irrigation farmers.

We planned to cultivate 2000 hectares of land to grow the cotton, but we restricted that to 100 hectares because we are still at the pilot stage, Mr Hassan said.

Irrigation prospects in Jigawa

A report by the Jigawa Agriculture and Rural Development Agency (JARDA) said the state government gave out more than N356 million to farmers as loans to procure improved seeds, fertilizer, agrochemicals, and sprayers.

Ibrahim Adam, the head of the Department of Economics and Development Studies, Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State, said the economic impact of dry season farming cannot be quantified.

Notably, for the farmers, it increases their income and enhances their welfare and capacity for new agricultural technologies and commercial farming systems which help in reducing poverty, Mr Adam said.

He said the farmers during the dry season farming are economically engaged throughout the year, which increases the farmers well-being and their economic power in purchasing the basic needs of humans and it significantly reduces the level of poverty.

Mr Adam, an associate professor of economics, said dry season farming ensures the availability of food production throughout the year. It also helps to reduce the prices of staple foods, he said.

More importantly, he said, the dry season farming engages the youth in local communities in stemming the tide of rural-urban migration. He said most of the youth migrated to the urban areas due to a lack of economic activities in the rural areas.

The academician said the dry season farming encourages the youth not to stay in hostile urban areas where there is the likelihood for them to engage in criminality. Farming ensures all-time employment for the locals (Youth) that makes them economically productive.

The challenges of the energy cost- scarcity of fuel being used by the farmers to wet their farms, increase the cost of production, put together, this has negative consequences on the outcome of dry season farming, he said.

He also said It brings about low yields and low income for the farmers which led to poverty and lower farmer preparedness for the wet season farming.

Generally, he said, these associated obstacles negatively impacted the economy because they led to food shortages and high prices of foods. They also increased the chances of food insecurity and aggravated the problem of rural-urban migration, he said.

Nigeria is endowed with agricultural resources, and as a nation, our long-term sustainable competitive advantage is in agriculture. It is always recommended that the government should commit more resources to agriculture to ensure that a larger population is engaged in agricultural activities, he said.
Mustapha Taofeek said he stopped using PoS  points of sale vendors that have significantly changed how Nigerians conduct daily financial transactions  two years ago.

In August 2020, a week after making cash withdrawal from a vendor, Mr Taofeek said he received a N10,000 debit notification he never authorised. While trying to confirm details of the transfer, he received another notification on his phone, then another, and some more. His bank reported total debit of N486,000 that day.

I was confused and suddenly began sweating, said Mr Taofeek, an Abuja-based sales representative. He managed to transfer his balance  mostly sales proceeds belonging to the baby care company he works with  to another account before blocking his ATM card.

His bank, Guarantee Trust Bank, said the card details had been stolen and used for online purchases and there was nothing it could do, Mr Taofeek said. The bank did not respond to PREMIUM TIMES inquiries. A spokesperson did not keep a promise to discuss the case.

Mr Taofeek said he completed repaying the money to his company in April 2022. I was always teary whenever I received my monthly salary during this period, because I was paying a debt I never used for something in my life, he said.

Nigeria has made efforts in the last decade to increase the number of citizens who have access to financial services, counting on expanded financial inclusion as a tool for creating wealth and tackling widespread poverty. The Central Bank of Nigeria, which coordinates the effort, aimed to see adult Nigerians with access to financial services rise from 21.6 per cent to 70 per cent by 2020.

Banks turned to agency banking, which predominantly uses PoS, to bring the unbanked and underbanked into the pool. While Nigeria missed 2020 target, the number of adults using financial service agents increased from about 4 million in 2018 to 26 million using agents in 2020, according to EfInA, a development-focused organisation that promotes financial inclusion in the country.

The rise in agency banking in the country has enabled easier and quicker payment services to millions of customers, including in rural communities. But it has also set up a challenge: customers say fraudsters have taken advantage of widespread use of their bank details to steal from them.

Ben Olakunle said he had a similar experience with Mr Taofeek and he lost almost a million naira.

Just using a POS dealership point. My ATM information was extracted and used to order products. Indicated below are the details of the transaction. Please, Nigerians, help me raise your voices for KONGAPAY to declare the recipient of this purchased item, Mr Olakunle narrated on Twitter in April.

Funmike Afolabomi, who commented under Mr Olakunles tweet said, Happened to me before but it was used to order on wish .com. I sent (wish) an email explaining how the transaction was fraudulent. Mine was with First Bank; they couldnt help me.

The banks customer care insisted that the transaction was initiated by me, she added.

Points of Sale terminals were introduced in the country in 2012 to promote the CBNs cashless policy. Its popularity rose after the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns that stopped people from going to the banks.

With PoS machines, customers are able to withdraw money, make transfers and make deposits without visiting their banks. The number of POS terminals in Nigeria grew from 150,000 in 2017 to 543,000 in April 2021, according to Statista.

Reports of fraudulent activities have made some wonder how customers details are obtained for theft. A financial analyst and banker, Olumide Balogun, said he did not believe PoS machines were used to extract customers card details after transactions.

I am not sure it is possible and I dont think it happens because the designs and configuration of the digital PoS machines and ATM cards changes configuration after every usage such that it is difficult for onlookers nearby to master the entering of pins by customers, he said.

Confidence Richard, a POS agent who operates at Abak market of Akwa Ibom State, also said it was unlikely customers data were extracted.

The POS machine I am using cannot download a customers card details. It will only show the last digits of the card after the transaction, but its not possible to download everything on the customers card, Mr Richard said.

Abdulrahman Muslim, an operator at New Benin market in Edo State, said he had heard of how a PoS operator colluded with another person to take photos of customers card details.

Mr Muslim said a common problem operators face is that when a transaction is declined and the customer is debited nonetheless, a problem called dispense error, most customers find it difficult to believe it is a network issue. They would suspect fraud.

But an assistant branch manager who did not want his name in print because he was not authorised to speak on the issue, said data can be downloaded from customers ATM cards if a chip is planted in the machine to read and copy card information.

He advised customers not to expose information such as Card Verification Value(CVV), Permanent Account Number(PAN) and expiration date of their debit card to POS operators.

The banker said most customers get debited because important information about their accounts had been disclosed to a third party.

It is important they keep account and debit card-related information safe, the banker added.

He said customers should not disclose account or debit card information to unknown callers purporting to be banks staff and requesting classified information.

Poor regulation

There are no customer-focused regulations for agency banking yet, especially with regards to management of their data and privacy. Onofiok Kings, an analyst at Abuja-based Proficient Capital, a licensed money lending company which owns mobile pay points in many cities, said there is need to regulate PoS operations to protect customers. He said banks should conduct due diligence on all operators.

Mr Kings said some of the challenges they encounter in the PoS business include delay in reversal of wrongly debited funds, network issues from traditional banks, and banks/customers settlement of disputes.

Others are lack of security as insurance does not cover excess cash-outs, and of course and lack of electricity to power their machines.

Mr Kings said customers should endeavour to make use of only registered cash points. End-users should not use cash points that cannot afford an umbrella or kiosk stands, these are operators who are capable of defrauding people, he said.

Be sensitive to your environment and always be on alert, know if there are curfews in place or when someone is scoping out your location. Trust your instinct too, if something does not feel right or you dont feel safe, call for help or leave the place, he added.
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has announced the Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, as his running mate.

Mr Abubakar made the announcement Thursday at the PDP headquarters in Abuja.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported that Mr Abubakar was set to announce Mr Okowa as his running mate.

Read the full statement by Mr Abubakar below.

Remarks by Atiku Abubakar, GCON, a former Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 Election, while introducing his Running Mate, at the PDP National Headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Abuja.16 June, 2022.

Protocol:

Let me begin by, once more, commending our great Party for organizing and concluding, arguably, the best and rancour-free Convention, which produced me as our flag-bearer for the next years Presidential Election.

Once more, I commend my fellow aspirants in that contest. I thank them for their sportsmanship. They put up spirited fights because they cared and care for our country. I have personally gone around to thank them and to seek their cooperation for the struggle ahead.

Party unity is critical not only for us to prosecute a winning campaign but also to provide good governance that our country seriously deserves and our people earnestly yearn for. The task of winning the coming elections will be a tough one and we must not take anything for granted.

With the convention behind us, we have arrived at the stage for me to pick a Running Mate because this is a joint ticket. I am very happy to announce today that I have reached a decision on that.

In arriving at the decision, I held wide consultations with various stakeholders in our party including our Governors, National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and other leaders to seek their inputs and their wisdom.

In these consultations, I made clear that my running mate would have the potential to succeed me at a moments notice, that is, a President-in-waiting.

In other words, the person must have the qualities to be President. The person must have an appreciation of the deep rot which our country has been put into by the rudderless APC government; understands the great suffering that most of our people are going through and the urgency of relieving them of that suffering; understands the critical importance of economic growth and development to provide our young people with jobs, hope, and a pathway to wealth.

The person must appreciate the critical importance of education in the development of modern societies so we can prepare our young people to be able to compete in the increasingly competitive and globalized world.

My running mate must understand that without security, development will be very difficult because local and foreign investors who have been scared away already, would not return to invest in our economy. Thus, my running mate will be a person who will stand by me as a I confront the frightening level of insecurity in our land.

As you know, the APC government went to sleep as huge swathes of our countrys territory fell into the deadly hands of gangs of criminals, including those masquerading as freedom fighters or pastoralists, while our farmers and genuine pastoralists are unable to go about their businesses. The costs in precious human lives and properties have been enormous. My running mate must also not only symbolize the imperative of reuniting our country but also be able to work with me to achieve that objective. This is because a united Nigeria is a potentially stronger, more prosperous, and more secure country able to lead Africa and give hope to the Black race.

In addition, my Running Mate has to be someone who is not afraid to speak his mind and give honest advice, and, be by my side as I work very hard to reverse the destructive impact of the past seven years of the APC government.

In the United States of America from where we borrowed key aspects of our current Presidential system, a running mate is used to balance the ticket, complement the candidate and, after victory, assist the President with governance. Sometimes a candidate is chosen who generates a buzz and adds huge excitement to the campaign.

But today in Nigeria, we face huge challenges which leave us little room for drama. We have to win the elections and get to work immediately. My running mate has to be ready to start working with me, from day one, in addressing our countrys challenges. Nigerians will not accept anything less. That is why I promised the Governors of our party that my running mate will come from among them. Our current challenges call for a government that is highly focused and disciplined.

I have sought for the support, guidance, and counsel of the PDP in selecting a befitting Running Mate who meets all or most of the qualities enumerated above. The wisemen and sages of the Party, put together by our NWC, have gone fishing and brought home an enviable group of awesome politicians that surpasses these qualities. Every one of the recommended persons is a fit and proper individual to hold this office. While this makes me marvel at the bundle of talents that abounds in our Party, it also compounded my task of choosing a single person from among them.

Let me therefore pay tribute to my Party and, most especially, to all those that made the shortlist that must now be narrowed down to a single person. They are all dedicated party-men suitable for this task. I wish all the recommended persons could be announced today as my Running Mates. Unfortunately, only one MUST be chosen.

It is a difficult decision that I am called upon to take. But, as someone hoping to lead a complex country such as ours, tough and difficult decisions would remain a part of my everyday life.

Let me, therefore, start this momentous journey with a crucial decision about who, among the eminently qualified shortlist, would be my Running Mate.

Accordingly, let me state that the person I have chosen as my Running Mate possesses all those identified qualities. He personifies not only the seriousness the current moment represents for our country but also the future that our young people yearn for and deserve. He is a serving State Governor who has demonstrated, in his State and through his conduct, that governance is about service to the people.

I know that he will not only add excitement to our already energized ticket and campaign, but will also help to bring focus, discipline and stability to our government, come 2023. I am pleased, therefore, to announce here my choice of Running Mate who will help to lead us to victory next year not only in the Presidential election but also in the governorship and legislative elections. And he will be by my side as I work hard every day to provide our people with security, revive our economy, improve education and unite our country. He has both Legislative and Executive experiences. Please join me in welcoming to the ticket the next Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.

You know him to be a fighter; you know him to care about winning; you know him to care about good governance; and you know him to care about our people. Now, my dear friends, lets do the disciplined hard work necessary to win this election. Lets go. Thank very much.


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The Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has said that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, has solutions to the numerous challenges bedevilling the country.

Mr Okowa said this on Thursday in his acceptance speech after his nomination as the vice-presidential candidate of the PDP at the partys National Secretariat in Abuja.

He said that the solutions to Nigerias problems as a nation lay in Mr Abubakars book My Covenant With Nigeria and urged party members and all Nigerians to join hands with the PDP to rescue the nation from maladministration.

According to him, we must create in ourselves a new approach to political issues, a new commitment which I believe we all yearn for.

The vice-presidential candidate said it will require a lot of commitment and unity from each and every one of us in our various wards, local governments and states.

We need the PDP to return to power; we have answers to the questions because I have the opportunity of going through our candidates book My covenant with Nigeria. Its something worth studying and something put together that other presidential candidates of other parties have not been able to put together.

When you go through it, you will find solutions to our problems in that document and I must appreciate our presidential candidate publicly for making this happen early enough.

Many people are out there speaking to Nigerians, based on social media reports but he has taken time to understudy Nigeria because of the experience that he has had in the past and has been able to proffer solutions and I believe that by the grace of God, we will definitely take on the elections and win landslide.

He appreciated the party and his colleagues for finding him worthy to be on the ticket and said I give thanks to God for this day and I must appreciate the party for having a very successful convention and I thank the National Chairman and his team and the Chairman of the Convention Committee for giving us a convention that everybody could definitely say was free and fair and we came out more united.

I want to thank you our National Chairman and members of the NWC for steering the party through this period and we have produced a very experienced candidate who can take back Nigeria in our rescue mission and ensure that we are able to begin the rebuilding process of this nation from May 29, 2023.

Mr President-in-waiting, I must truly thank you for finding me worthy to be on this ticket. I know that it was a very tough decision even as you have spoken this afternoon, but I thank God that among my very qualified colleagues even those more qualified than myself, that I found favour and I am here today as the Vice-Presidential candidate of the party.

He called for the support of all party stakeholders and Nigerians to rebuild the nation.

While thanking you sir, I do understand that there is great work ahead of us and requires that all of us must come together.

The rebuilding process is going to be collective and we are trusting that all our party members would want to be part of that story at the end of the day.

The story which will be positive at the end of the day will require that all of us must support our principal as we move forward in the next few months and that we will at the end win the elections with a landslide victory.

I am privileged to be on this ticket and by the special grace of God, with the National Chairman leading us, it will be well with our party.

Again I thank Mr President-in-waiting, our great party and my dear colleagues for finding me worthy to be on the ticket and it is on this note that I wholeheartedly accept my nomination and pledge to remain loyal and faithful to our dear country.

Earlier, Mr Abubakar had at the unveiling of Okowa, revealed that his running mate had to be someone he could work with, trust and will support him wholeheartedly to steer the country to greater heights.

In arriving at the decision, I held wide consultations with various stakeholders in our party, including our governors, National Working Committee, Board of Trustees and other leaders, to seek their inputs and their wisdom.

In these consultations, I made clear that my running mate would have the potential to succeed me at a moments notice, that is, a President-in-waiting.

Accordingly, let me state that the person I have chosen as my running mate possesses all those identified qualities. He personifies not only the seriousness the current moment represents for our country but also the future that our young people yearn for and deserve. He is a serving State Governor who has demonstrated, in his State and through his conduct, that governance is about service to the people.

I know that he will not only add excitement to our already energized ticket and campaign but will also help to bring focus, discipline and stability to our government, come 2023. I am pleased, therefore, to announce here my choice of running mate who will help to lead us to victory next year not only in the Presidential election but also in the governorship and legislative elections.

And, he will be by my side as I work hard every day to provide our people with security, revive our economy, improve education and unite our country.

He has both Legislative and Executive experiences. Please join me in welcoming to the ticket the next Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, he said.

PRESS UNIT,

GOVT. HOUSE ,ASABA
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, Thursday afternoon, announced Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as his running mate for the 2023 election, thus bringing a climax to the suspense and speculations that had attended the choice for weeks.

Mr Abubakar, a former vice president of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007, made the

announcement during a meeting attended by PDP executives and top stakeholders, including the partys National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, at the Wadata House, Wuse headquarters of the party in Abuja.

Implications of Okowas choice

The choice of Mr Okowa as the vice-presidential candidate throws up various implications, which may make or mar Mr Abubakars presidential quest, depending on how the ensuing contours are managed or navigated.

First, many analysts and PDP stakeholders see the choice as wise, considering Mr Okowas calm mien and political savvy nature which are a polar opposite of the abrasive and combative approach of his Rivers State counterpart, Nyesom Wike, who was Mr Okowas main rival for the number two slot.

In Delta State, Mr Okowas choice and possible emergence as the nations vice president, if the PDP wins the coming presidential election, is bound to alter the political power equation in the state.

Since his election as governor in 1999, the Oghara, Delta Central-born James Ibori, has been calling the shots, determining who gets what as far as the governorship seat in the state was concerned.

In fact, Mr Okowa was seen by many as a product of the Ibori political dynasty in the state. He was first appointed commissioner by Mr Ibori in 1999 and later became Secretary to the State Government under Mr Iboris successor, Emmanuel Uduiaghan, before his election to the Senate to represent Delta North district in 2011.

In the build-up to the governorship primary of the PDP in Delta State last month, Mr Okowa clashed with his erstwhile godfather, Mr Ibori, over the choice of the partys flagbearer. While Mr Ibori was rooting for his trusted former Commissioner of Finance, David Edevbie, Mr Okowa backed the incumbent Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Sherriff Oborevwori. Both aspirants are Urhobo from Mr Iboris Delta Central Senatorial District.

In the end, Mr Iboris candidate, Mr Edevbie, was floored by Mr Sherriff to the dissatisfaction of Mr Ibori. Sources close to the PDP in the state alleged that Mr Ibori had vowed to extract a pound of flesh from Mr Okowa for jettisoning his anointed candidate, Mr Edevbie.

Whether that is true or not, the reality is that the political scale in Delta State has profoundly tilted with the emergence of Mr Okowa as the vice-presidential candidate of PDP. By that turn of events, he has become the undisputed leader of PDP in the state, ahead of Mr Ibori, his erstwhile godfather.

Okowa: Bridge between South-South and South East?

Mr Okowas emergence as Mr Abubakars running mate also means that one of the most formidable strongholds of PDP, the South-east geo-political zone, has become potentially sidelined as far as the party is concerned. The zone, which has consistently voted PDP overwhelmingly since 1999, now stands the risk of being excluded from the top echelons of leadership if the PDP wins the coming presidential election.

The South-east had hitherto pushed for the zoning of the partys presidential ticket to the South and possibly micro-zoned further to it. However, such appeals and pressure failed as the party threw its presidential ticket open with Mr Abubakar clinching it at the convention of the party held on May 29. The unveiling of Mr Okowa as the running mate might therefore be counted by some as the second successive loss for the South-east in PDP.

Nonetheless, if there is only a thin line between the clamour for Igbo inclusion and that of the South-east, then Mr Okowas choice may assuage Nigerias third-largest ethnic group.

To many Nigerians, including some Igbos in the South-east and elsewhere, the Delta State Governor is an Igbo man, at least linguistically. Mr Okowa may thus serve as a bridge between the South-south and the South-east zones in the coming election.

Unlike Mr Wike who had consistently denied his Igbo link, Mr Okowa has consistently refrained from such comments while at the same time maintaining an affinity with the diverse groups that make up Delta State and the complex South-south, thus making himself relatively more acceptable across the two zones.

In the aftermath of the social disturbance in Obigbo, a border community in Rivers State, Mr Wike in a viral video vehemently denied being an Igbo man.

Also, when he met PDP delegates in Anambra State early this year, he bluntly told the people that any vote they cast for their former governor, Peter Obi, (who was then a presidential aspirant under the PDP) would be tantamount to a waste of efforts.

He was alleged to have taken further swipes at Mr Obi and harangued him to the extent that the latter decided to quit the PDP and pitch his tent with the Labour Party. Mr Obi is today the presidential candidate of his new party and is touted in some quarters as a potential third force in the 2023 presidential bout.

Mr Okowa carries none of such baggage as Mr Wike who once publicly declared Rivers a Christian State. The Delta governor is a nimble politician who speaks softly and carefully chooses his words. But beneath his quiet demeanour, he is said to be a steely and dogged operator who does more work underground than on the surface.

Mr Okowa has a tough task of galvanising PDP in the three southern zones: South-south, South-east and South-west. He has the advantage of being relatively acceptable in the region as a politician that is not used to stepping on powerful toes openly.

Okowas road to the top

A cursory review of Mr Okowas profile reveals a man who did not stumble on power by accident but intricately sketched his way to the top. Born July 1959 at Owa-Alero, Ika Northeast Local Government Area in Delta North Senatorial District, Mr Okowa attended Edo College, Benin City (19701976), before proceeding to the premier university in Nigeria, the University of Ibadan, where he studied Medicine and Surgery.

Upon completion of his national service (NYSC), he worked with the defunct Bendel State Hospitals Management Board (HMB) as a Medical Officer. In 1986, he resigned from the services of the Board and began private

practice as the Medical Director, Victory Medical Centre, Igbanke, Edo State.

He began his political career when he served as the Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Area between 1991 and1993.

As the Delta North Senatorial district coordinator of the defunct Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDM), he worked closely with the likes of Borno-born Gambo Lawan (National Chairman), Festus Okubor (National Publicity Secretary) and Mr Ibori, another member of the GDM.

Mr Okowa was a founding member of the PDP in 1998 and played a pivotal role in the victory of Mr Ibori in the governorship election of 1999. He was first appointed as the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources from July 1999 to April 2001 before he was redeployed to the Water Resources Ministry between April 2001 and May 2003.

In September 2003, he was appointed the Commissioner for Health and held the portfolio till October 2006 when he resigned to seek nomination as the PDP governorship candidate. He lost the primary contest to Mr Iboris anointed candidate and nephew, Mr Uduaghan.

In June 2007, the newly inaugurated Mr Uduaghan appointed Mr Okowa as

Secretary to the Delta State Government. He resigned the position to vie for the position of the senator representing Delta North Senatorial candidate in 2011. In the election, he defeated the incumbent senator, late Patrick Osakwe, and others to clinch the seat.

Okowa as Delta Governor

As a senator, Mr Okowa was the surprise winner of the PDP governorship primary in December 2014. In an intriguing and pulsating contest for the ticket ahead of the 2015 gubernatorial contest, Mr Okowa achieved victory through some deft moves that perplexed his opponents and many stakeholders in the state.

For instance, he was able to forge an alliance with the acclaimed Ijaw ethnic leader, Edwin Clark, Government Tompolo and some Delta Central leaders like former Information Minister Sam Oyovbaire.

Mr Okowa went ahead to win the April 11, 2015 governorship election. With that victory, he made history as the first person to be elected governor of the multi-ethnic state from the Igbo-speaking Delta North Senatorial district. In victory, he remained humble and unassuming while describing the outcome as an act ordained by Almighty God.

As governor of Delta, Mr Okowa has been able to blend the multi-ethnic state as one organic body. From Burutu to Okpanam, Sapele to Aboh and Jesse to Emevor, he is at home with the reality of the people and the affairs on the ground. That explains why he was able to garner crosscutting support in the complex state during his first election as governor in 2015 and reelection in 2019.

The concordance of his sweeping victory in 2015, at a time the influential ex-governor and acclaimed godfather of PDP in the state, Mr Ibori, was in jail in the United Kingdom, speaks volumes about Mr Okowas sagacity.

In the absence of Mr Ibori, the outgoing administration of Governor

Uduaghan propped up and massively supported David Edevbie who Mr Okowa beat in 2015.

In the coming election of 2023, Mr Okowa has his task cut out for him as the running mate of the PDPs presidential flagbearer, Mr Abubakar. He brings to the table vast experience that cuts across different aspects of leadership and governance. With a sound educational background, he started from the grassroots as a public servant, entrepreneur and local councilman. His experience as a grassroots mobiliser will be an added advantage for Mr Abubakar and the PDP.

Furthermore, his experience as a party administrator, state commissioner (across many ministries) and secretary to the state government will count. He served a tenure in the Senate before assuming office as governor of Delta State in May 2015, thereby affording him some insight into the working of governance at the centre.

Some analysts perceive Mr Okowa as not strong enough for a potentially

domineering Mr Abubakar if they win the presidency. Despite former President Olusegun Obasanjos tough demeanour, he found it exerting to contain Atiku Abubakars alleged overarching influence as the vice president. For instance, the manner Mr Abubakar supervised the sale of some signature national assets such as NITEL left many tongues wagging at the time.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, on Thursday, emerged as the vice-presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, announced Mr Okowa as his choice for the slot at the partys headquarters in Abuja. He was chosen over other contenders, including Governors Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State.

I am pleased, therefore, to announce here my choice of Running Mate who will help to lead us to victory next year not only in the Presidential election but also in the governorship and legislative elections. And he will be by my side as I work hard every day to provide our people with security, revive our economy, improve education and unite our country. He has both Legislative and Executive experiences.

Please join me in welcoming to the ticket the next Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Mr Abubakar said.

Education

Born on July 8, 1959, in Owa-Alero, Ika East Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr Okowa attended Edo College, Benin City between 1970 and 1976. He got the second-best result in the Higher School Certificate Examination in the then Bendel State in 1976.

He later proceeded to the University of Ibadan where he obtained an MBBS in Medicine and Surgery, graduating in 1981 at the age of 22. After his youth service the following year, Mr Okowa worked briefly as a medical officer with the Bendel State Hospital Management Board. He was later to go into private practice when he established the Victory Medical Centre at Igbanke, a border town between Delta and Edo states.

Entry into Politics

Mr Okowa delved into politics when he served as the Secretary of Ika Local Government Area in 1991 and by 1993, he became the Chairman of the Council. Following the restoration of democracy in the country in 1999, Mr Okowa joined the PDP, which formed the government in Delta State headed by James Ibori.

He was first appointed the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources from 1999 to 2001 and was redeployed to the Ministry of Water Resources where he was until 2003 when he was reassigned to the Ministry of Health.

After serving in the three ministries as commissioner, Mr Okowa resigned to run for governor but failed in the primary election. He was subsequently named Secretary to the Delta State Government in 2007 under the administration of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Mr Iboris cousin who won the election.

In 2011, Mr Okowa showed interest in the senatorial election. He won the primary but his election was challenged by some leaders of the party, who preferred Marian Ali, wife of the former National Chairman of the PDP, Ahmadu Ali.

In a rerun, Mr Okowa polled 1,446 votes against 108 votes secured by Mrs Ali. That year, he was elected into the Senate to represent the Delta North Senatorial District after securing 98,140 votes ahead of Ned Nwoko of the DPP, who incidentally recently won the PDP primaries to represent the district. At the Senate, Mr Okowa headed the Committee on Health and also belonged to other committees.

In 2015, Mr Okowa ran for the governorship seat of Delta and won on the platform of the PDP despite opposition from the outgoing governor, Mr Uduaghan, who preferred another aspirant, an Urhobo, the largest ethnic group in the state.

At the time, the Delta North senatorial district, otherwise referred to as the Igbo-speaking area of the state, was favoured to produce the governor, going by the unwritten agreement for rotation of power among the three senatorial districts. Mr Ibori had taken the slot of the Delta Central (the Urhobos) and Mr Uduaghan, an Itsekiri, had taken the slot of Delta South comprising the Itsekiris, Isokos and Ijaws.

Although Mr Ibori was serving a jail term for corruption in London at the time, he allegedly rooted for Mr Okowa against a fellow Urhobo, in keeping with the agreement. Mr Okowas victory at the primary was also made possible by the votes of the Ijaws who supported him in the belief that after his tenure, the governorship seat would go to them in their quest for rotation among ethnic groups instead of senatorial basis.

Mr Okowa subsequently won the governorship election with 925,274 votes, beating his closest rival, Great Ogboru of the APC, who polled 215,938 votes. With his election, Mr Okowa became the first Anioma (Igbo-speaking) man to be the state governor. He also became the fourth democratically elected governor of the state after Felix Ibru (1991-1992), Mr Ibori (1991-2007), Mr Udughan (2007-2015). He was re-elected in 2015.

Supremacy battle with godfather James Ibori

Only recently, Mr Okowa was engaged in a battle of supremacy with his godfather, Mr Ibori, over who would succeed him (Okowa).

While Mr Ibori favoured his former Commissioner and former Private Secretary to late President Umaru YarAdua, David Edebvie, Mr Okowa favoured Sheriff Oborevwori, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. Both Messrs Edebvie and Oborevwori are Urhobo.

Mr Oborevwori went on to beat Mr Edebvie at the PDP primary election.

Analysts say Mr Okowa, by going against Mr Iboris choice, is poised to build his own political structure independent of the former governor. It is often said that Mr Okowa is determined to avoid the fate of Mr Uduaghan, who appears not to have his own structure and has not won any election since he left power in 2015.

If anything, with Mr Oborevworis victory as the PDP candidate in Delta, Mr Okowa has effectively challenged Mr Iboris dominance in the politics of Delta State.

However, it is speculated that Mr Okowas choice of Mr Oborevwori may hit the rock as the latter is enmeshed in a scandal arising from the discrepancies allegedly spotted in his credential by Governor Douye Diri-led PDP panel that screened the governorship aspirants in Port Harcourt.

Mr Okowas daughter, Marilyn Daramola-Okowa, also won the ticket of the PDP to contest for the Ika North East seat in the Delta State House of Assembly. The Governors daughter was returned unopposed in the primary election.

Contending for the vice-presidential slot

To be sure, the nomination of Mr Okowa as the PDP vice presidential candidate will further unsettle the Ibori camp. The former governor reportedly worked against Mr Okowas emergence. His camp was said to have lobbied the partys national leadership against the choice of the governor as Mr Abubakars running mate.

But it was not Mr Iboris camp alone. Two days ago, the media was awash with reports that the committee set up to recommend a running mate to Mr Abubakar had settled for Mr Wike, who came second in the May 28 primary of the main opposition party.

According to the reports, 16 members of the committee voted for the Rivers governor and three voted for Mr Okowa. Although the committee did not publicly disclaim the report, there were indications that it was sponsored to sway the party to pick Mr Wike against Mr Okowa, who was reportedly the first choice of its leadership.

Despite the opposition, Mr Okowa, true to his first name, IfeanyiChukwu, which means nothing is insurmountable before God, emerged as the PDP vice presidential candidate.

Placate the Igbo

Analysts say the choice of Mr Okowa will go some way in placating the Igbo, who have been agitating for the number one political office in the land. The Delta governor hails from Ika, an Igbo-speaking part of Delta, and his choice may secure some votes from the five South-eastern states for the PDP in the February 2023 presidential contest.
The headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Abuja, has confirmed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary which produced Akanimo Udofia as a governorship candidate was not monitored by the commissions officials.

The primary which produced the former minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, as the APC senate candidate in the state was also not monitored by INEC.

Both primaries were held around midnight on May 26 and June 9, respectively.

It, therefore, means the APC may not have a governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State for the 2023 general elections, and that Mr Akpabio is not recognised by INEC as a candidate, as previously reported by this newspaper.

INEC spokesperson in Abuja, Festus Okoye, said there is no distinction between INEC at the national headquarters and those at the different states in the country.

Theres only one INEC that operates through its state offices at the state level, Mr Okoye told PREMIUM TIMES, Monday.

When a political party wants to organise a primary, what the political party does is that it gives INEC that mandatory 21 days notice of its intention to organise the party primary.

Then it gives INEC the venue and the date of the primary. The commission will constitute a monitoring team for that particular state headed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Okoye added.

How INEC monitors primaries

Mr Okoye explained how INEC monitors party primaries.

There is supposed to be a team from the Election and Party Monitoring (EPM) Department from the headquarters that will go to the state, but the team will report to the REC who will head them because he is the most senior officer.

Only a team monitors party primaries, he said.

Theres only one team from the commission. We dont make any distinction between the team from the headquarters and the team from the state, Mr Okoye said.

For instance, in a governorship primary, we send an assistant director or deputy director or even a director from the INEC headquarters. The director will report to the REC who is the most senior officer in that particular state and the REC will lead the team that will go and monitor the governorship primary or senatorial primary of a particular political party.

Mr Okoyes position validates a report filed by the REC in Akwa Ibom, Mike Igini, on the matter.

The clarification became necessary following the misinformation on social media that the INEC headquarters had deployed officials from Abuja to monitor the contentious primaries, and that the INEC authorities distanced themselves from Mr Igini.

Unhappy with the dramatic turn of events, some of the APC supporters in Akwa Ibom, especially those who belong to the faction that is loyal to Mr Akpabio, have been attacking Mr Iginis credibility.

Igini works for INEC and he is not the chairman of INEC and he is not INEC, Chris Ekong, one of the APC governorship aspirants in Akwa Ibom, reportedly told reporters in Uyo on Wednesday.

Mr Ekong, who is a professor of economics at the University of Uyo, was commissioner for youths and sport when Mr Akpabio was the governor of Akwa Ibom.

What I want to tell Akwa Ibom people is to forget that negative propaganda. Akwa Ibom APC has a governorship candidate, and he is Akan Udofia and by next week he will be given the flag and when he collects the flag we will bring it here, Mr Ekong said.

Iginis report

The Akwa Ibom REC, Mr Igini, in the report he sent to the INEC headquarters, explained what occurred between the election commission and the Akwa Ibom APC on the day of the party governorship primary.

We wish to report that the APC governorship primary scheduled to hold on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at the Sheergrace Arena, Nsikak Eduok Avenue, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State did not hold at all, Mr Igini said in a letter to INEC headquarters in Abuja dated May 27.

According to the report, the commissions monitoring team led by Mr Igini, together with the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Andrew Amiengheme, arrived at the venue of the primary for the third time at 6:45 p.m., seeing no one inside the hall.

The heads of the two federal agencies were informed that the APC election committee members were held up by an angry group of APC members along a major road in Uyo.

The operatives of the State Security Services (SSS) later rescued the APC election officials that night and took them to their (SSS) facility in the city.

This newspaper, last month, reported how supporters of the two APC factions in Akwa Ibom fought over the control of voting materials meant for the conduct of party primaries in the state.

The Chairman of the Election Committee, Tunde Ajibulu, had told Mr Igini on the phone that he was unable to leave the SSS office because he was traumatised and could not go ahead with the primary.

Mr Ajibulu reportedly told Mr Igini that Sheergrace Arena was not the venue given to him by the partys national office in Abuja to conduct the governorship primary and concluded that all activities be postponed until he gets back at the Commission.

Mr Igini at that point briefed the reporters who were present at the venue. He left the venue at about 10:30 p.m. that day.

The APC faction that is backed by Mr Akpabio later held the primary of the party around midnight at a different venue, where Mr Udofia, a man who was less than a month old in the party, was declared winner of the exercise.

Origin of the crisis

The Akwa Ibom APC crisis could be attributed to Stephen Ntukekpo, a man backed by Mr Akpabio, who used forged results of the APC congress in the state to obtain a court judgement which sacked Austin Ekanem, the man who was validly elected as the chairman of the APC in Akwa Ibom.

Mr Ekanem has appealed the court judgement.

When PREMIUM TIMES asked Mr Ntukekpo about the forged result of the APC congress, he said: I wasnt the author, I didnt manufacture, I didnt produce in any form the so-called result sheet of the congress.

I was only an aspirant like any other person, he added.
A Nigerian anti-corruption advocate, Umar Yakubu, has been elected to the board of a major global anti-corruption agency.

Mr Yakubu, the executive director of the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch (CeFTIW), was elected to represent the sub-Saharan region at the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) Coalition Board.

Mr Yakubu was elected in a highly competitive process in the 3rd round of the preferential vote to emerge as the African representative on the global coalition board.

The coalition is a global network of over 350 civil society organisations (CSOs) in over 100 countries committed to promoting the ratification, implementation and monitoring of the UN Convention against Corruption.

With headquarters in Vienna, the coalition was established in August 2006 to mobilize civil society actions for UNCAC at international, regional and national levels.

Over the years, Mr Yakubus CeFTIW has continued to champion advocacies to entrench the culture of transparency and integrity in Nigerias public sector. It has also deployed technological solutions to promote accountability in Nigerias fight against corruption and strengthening of the criminal justice system.

In a statement, Mr Yakubu said the election would bolster his centres resolve to combat corruption and promote good governance in the country and across the sub-Saharan African sub-region. The centre looks forward to working with other board members and global anti-corruption crusaders in the fight against corruption in whatever form, especially in the region, he said.

In his new role, Mr Yakubu would take part in providing policy coordination and oversight of the work of the Secretariat; overseeing the development and implementation of the Coalitions strategy; promoting the activities and projects of the Coalition, and helping to identify funding opportunities; communicating positions of the Coalition to wider public audiences; within sub-Saharan African.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged Nigerians to disregard reports in some sections of the media, purporting that it had dismissed the reported emergence of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers as its vice-presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections.

The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja on Wednesday night, described the report as mischievous and misleading.

The party said that the misleading reports quoted Mr Ologunagba as stating such while addressing some journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.

It stated that for the avoidance of doubt, Mr Ologunagba did not at any time address journalists on the said subject matter as quoted in the misinforming reports.

To set the records straight, the National Publicity Secretary was a guest on Arise TV Morning Show on Wednesday morning, where he answered questions on PDPs preparedness for the 2023 general elections as well as June 18, 2022, Ekiti Governorship election

In the course of the interview, the presenters requested some clarifications on reports in the media that the PDP had concluded its processes on its vice-presidential candidate.

In response, the national publicity secretary stated that the PDP is a party of process and that consultations and discussions were still ongoing in the selection process.

The PDP said it was, therefore, mischievous to claim that Mr Ologunagba made any reference to Mr Wike.

It added that clearly, such a distorting claim in a section of the media was the design of mischief makers who were bent on destabilising PDP ahead of the 2023 general elections.

If anything, our party reiterates its confidence in Wikess outstanding ability and commitment to the ideals and values of the PDP.

His records of achievement as a local government area chairman, Chief of Staff to the Rivers governor, minister of state for education, currently governor of Rivers and the first runner-up in the PDP presidential primary election, stand him out as possessing requisite qualities, qualifications, capacity and wide acceptability for the position of the vice-presidential candidate of our party.

The various positions creditably held by Wike distinguished him as an excellent team player in public governance.

In fact, Governor Wikes energy, brilliance, commitment and passion were acknowledged by the National Working Committee (NWC) of our party and he is adjudged as the foremost candidate in consideration for the position of the vice-presidential candidate of the PDP.

It added that while the PDP noted the interest of the media and public in the partys choice of vice-presidential candidate, it was imperative to state that as an organic party, all PDP processes would be followed through in strict adherence to its procedures before any official announcements.

The PDP urges Nigerians to disregard the mischievous reports aimed at undermining our partys unity at this critical time.

(NAN)
Famous Nollywood actress Ada Ameh has opened up about her mental health battles.

The 48-year-old actress revealed that she was given a job which she failed to deliver because she was battling mental health.

The Benue State-born actress made this known on an Instagram post on her page on Wednesday.

According to the actress, the company did not understand what she was going through and, as such, filed a lawsuit against her.

Ms Ameh claimed the company was suing her for a staggering amount, which she seems unable to afford.

The actress started her career 27 years ago and admitted that the lawsuit had taken a toll on her, but she wouldnt allow it to weigh her down or kill her.

Ameh, who lost her only daughter in October 2020, stated, It is taking my life.

Sharing the video on Instagram, she included the caption, Do me good. Because God is good.

She said, I have an issue right now that can take my life, but I wont die. We would get over it. I was given a job but didnt do it because I have mental health issues. Will people understand it if you have mental issues? No, they wouldnt. They are slamming me with a bill, suing me. Its okay.

In November, the Nollywood actress, in an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, explained how she gave birth at 13.

In October 2020, Ms Ameh lost her daughter, Aladi Godgift, who was over 30 years old.

Her daughter died after an unsuccessful surgery in Abuja.

The actress said that life had not remained the same since her daughters death.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has directed the House Committee on Police to provide funds in the 2023 budget for the rehabilitation of police posts across the country.

Mr Gbajabiamilla gave the directive on Thursday while speaking on a motion moved by Manu Soro (APC, Bauchi) on Thursday.

Mr Soros motion called for the rehabilitation of the Soro Divisional Police station destroyed by the Boko Haram terrorists.

He explained that the police refused to rehabilitate the station destroyed by Boko Haram in 2013.

In the course of debating the motion, Ifeanyi Momah (APGA, Anambra) moved an amendment to include the police posts in the Ihala Federal Constituency of Anambra State in the motion.

Several members of the House demanded that all police posts around the country should be included in the motion.

Reacting to the requests, Mr Gbajabiamila said the lawmakers should consider funding. He appealed to the members not to weaken the motion.

Consequently, the House resolved that the Nigerian Police Trust Fund should rehabilitate and furnish the Soro Divisional Police station and those in Ihala, while the nationwide rehabilitation should be included in the 2023 federal budget.

Also, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Ministry of Interior were asked to embark on total rehabilitation of the existing station of the NSCDC located in Darazo town.

When the amended motion was put to question by the speaker, the lawmakers voted in its support.
There is an outpouring of anger and condemnation by Nigerians over comments by an outspoken Catholic priest, Ejike Mbaka, against Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Mr Mbaka, during his weekly ministration service on Wednesday, said Mr Obi would not be president of Nigeria in 2023 because he is a stingy man who does not give out money to people.

He also said until Mr Obi returned to his Adoration Ministry to apologise for refusing to donate to the ministry when he was asked to do so, his ambition to become president of Nigeria would be fruitless.

But many Nigerians, across different regions of the country, have attacked the cleric, cautioning him not to meddle in politics.

A Facebook user, Chris Gabriel, described Mr Mbakas comments as unguarded.

He said the cleric was attacking a man who did nothing wrong, while he (Mbaka) deliberately refused to comment on the failures of the governments in Nigeria.

Donations to church should be free will, not forced. You, through your unguarded comments, brought this calamity we have as a government, he said.

Another Facebook user, Umar Zibiri, condemned the cleric for demanding a generous candidate as president.

Cant he see where our borrow and share politicians have landed us? They take foreign loans and share the money, he said.

Nigeria is running on debt. Only Peter Obi is the answer, Mr Zibiri added.

Chijioke Johnson, who also commented on Facebook, cautioned the cleric to desist from making political remarks and face his priestly duties.

Mbaka used his altar to campaign for Buhari and assured that Buhari is the messiah. That his prophecy actually became the opposite, he said.

Adeleke Temitope, another Facebook user, said Mr Mbaka was serving his belly, not God.

Truly, the Lord will not allow his holy one to see corruption. But when a priest soaks his cassock in filthy things (for) pecuniary gain, he serves his belly, not God, he posted.

Chukwudi Iwuchukwu, a social media influencer, said Mr Mbakas message was disturbing.

Nobody deserves that kind of insult and vitriol that came from his pulpit. The message is disturbing, he said.

Mr Iwuchukwu urged religious leaders to recognise their position in society and discharge their responsibilities with tact and decorum.
Kola Abiola, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), said on Wednesday in Abuja that the party would win the 2023 presidential election.

Kola, the son of deceased Moshood Abiola, popularly called MKO, said PRPs victory would be synonymous with that of his deceased father in the June 12, 1993, election.

He made the assertions when he and governorship candidates of the party received their Certificates of Return from the chairman of the party, Falalu Bello.

Mr Abiola who noted that it would be 30 years in 2023 since his late father won the presidential election, said there is going to be a repeat in 2023.

It reminds me of 1993. A lot of people came out for the first time to vote because of MKO. We are going to have a repeat of that in 2023.

If we can win it then, we should win it now, he said.

He said that the biggest role the PRP would play at the general elections was to serve as a bridge for the current generation of Nigerian youth.

We are going to bring the younger generation into politics, governance and leadership.

Im appealing to youths to regard us as the vehicle of change; we should make sure that at the next election, we have the highest voter turnout.

By this, we will make your voices and number count, he said.

Mr Abiola urged the partys governorship candidates to ensure that young people obtained their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

This is the only party that doesnt have any encumbrances. We will use that to build the future of Nigeria.

We are a national party. To everybodys surprise, we had 3,625 delegates at the primary elections.

We are present in every local government area. We have 22 candidates for governorship elections and we have more than 500 candidates vying for other different offices.

In the history of the PRP, this is the largest so far till date, he said.

PRPs gubernatorial candidate in Cross River, Usani Usani, urged the electorate to assess who they want and vote for that person irrespective of party.

There are no two major parties as insinuated in some quarters. Nigeria has 18 registered political parties which are all active.

I believe PRP has got what it takes to rule this country, he said.

Earlier, Mr Bello said the PRP is ready to offer leadership at all levels.

We can compete with all parties to give the nation a new lease of life. Our candidates will win in free and fair elections, he stressed.

(NAN)
Prosecutor seeks 9-year terms for lawyers involved in Aeroflot embezzlement case

MOSCOW, June 16 (RAPSI)  A prosecutor has demanded 9 years in jail for lawyers Alexander Slivko and Dina Kibets each in the Aeroflot embezzlement case, RAPSI has learnt from the press service of Moscows Gagarinsky District Court.

Similar terms were asked for two other defendants, ex-deputy CEO of Aeroflot air carrier Vladimir Aleksandrov and ex-employee of Aeroflots legal department Tatiana Davydova.

Moreover, the prosecutor sought to fine each of them 1 million rubles.

The attorneys are charged with rendering legal services to the company in the amount at least 250 million rubles (about $4.4 million at the current exchange rate).

Aleksandrov worked in the airlines legal department and was engaged in external legal services provided for the company at the rate of 350 euros per hour from 2016 to 2017, the case papers read.




In an effort to create public awareness on climate finance issues and how Nigeria could mobilise more resources to mitigate and adapt to the devastating impacts of climate change, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) is partnering with the Heinrich Boll Stiftung (HBS) to host a public dialogue and report launch on Unlocking Climate Finance for Nigeria: Between Aspirations and Realities on Thursday.

The centre, known for its practice of advocacy, capacity building, and investigative reporting using open data and civic technology, will be hosting the event with the German foundation (HBS) to spark constructive conversations on how Nigeria could raise more financial resources to tackle the impending climate change crisis, as the world is looking forward to the UN climate conference (COP27) in Egypt later this year.

The dialogue will also unveil a critical assessment report that highlights how Nigeria has fared in its management of existing climate finances raised through the two-consecutive historic green bond issued within the past six years.

Green bonds

In 2017 and 2019, Nigeria rolled out two green bonds worth N10.69 billion and N15 billion respectively, becoming the first African country and the fourth in the world to raise a debt instrument entirely for the purpose of financing environmentally sustainable projects.

The objective of the bond was to fund projects in support of Nigerias carbon reduction pledges as enshrined in the Nationally Determined Contributions document submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

This offered the country an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in its green financing agenda while getting exposure to new investors and solidifying the countrys commitment to the Paris Climate Change Agreement which was endorsed in 2015.

However, even though Nigeria is among the African countries that has increased its emission reduction ambitions under the updated NDC which was submitted in July last year, the implementation of climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing nations like Nigeria continue to suffer major challenges due to a lack of adequate funding but also due to poor implementation of some of the green projects financed with funds available.

Why now?

Jochen Luckscheiter, HBS head of office, said: The provision of climate finance is a key aspect from the perspective of developing countries like Nigeria who are committed to making measurable contributions to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius.

However, he said, Nigeria lacks the financial muscle to realise this commitment on its own.

The climate conference in Glasgow delivered only weak outcomes on climate finance. As Nigeria and the international community prepares for the forthcoming climate summit in Egypt this is an opportune time to have a critical discussion on how to unlock more climate finance for the country, Mr Luckscheiter said.

The Acting Executive Director of CJID, Tobi Oluwatola, in a statement, said, Climate finance is crucial if Africa is to wean itself off fossil fuel dependence and adapt to the effects of anthropogenic climate change.

He said the media needs to educate the public, especially entrepreneurs in the Renewable Energy space and communities on how to access financing for their projects.

We are proud of the work that HBS is doing to help achieve this, he added.

Akintunde Babatunde, a deputy director leading Development Practice, Research and Policy at the CJID, said Even though Africa is already experiencing the negative consequences of climate change, some investments to tackle these issues lack clear accountability structures.

This event by HBS/CJID offers an opportunity to discuss these issues and identify how best to ensure effective utilisation of funds, he said.
Outspoken Catholic Priest, Ejike Mbaka, has said the former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, would never be president of Nigeria in 2023.

Mr Mbaka said the Labour Party (LB) presidential candidate is a stingy man and that it was better to have an old generous man as president than a stingy young man.

Mr Obi is the presidential candidate for the LP in the 2023 general election.

The cleric spoke during his weekly ministry service at the Adoration Ground in Enugu, on Wednesday.

This hunger that is disturbing people and you said you want him? A stingy man, that cannot give people his money. You want to die of hunger? Are you people mad? Where is the Holy Spirit?

It is now that Atiku (Abubakar) is contesting for president. Now that he is contesting without Peter Obi, it is now that he is serious. We want somebody that is serious. Unless Peter Obi comes here to kneel, if he becomes President, I will close down this ministry. He is going nowhere, Mr Mbaka said, according to a clip posted by BBC Igbo.

The cleric had criticised the former governor ahead of the 2019 presidential election, when Mr Obi, then a vice presidential candidate, declined the clerics request to make a donation to the ministry.

Mr Mbaka later issued an apology to the former governor for the verbal attacks.

But in his latest message, the cleric said he issued the apology to the former governor under duress and not on his volition.

He said he decided to speak up because Mr Obis campaign group had been using a video clip of the apology to score political points ahead of the 2023 election.

No, I didnt apologise wholeheartedly, it was out of duress. I had to obey my bishop. in obedience, I had to, it is not of my volition. I did it because I am a Catholic priest, my bishop said, do it, my own is Yes my Lord, he said.

Listen, a good old man is better than a young wicked man. Peter Obi is going nowhere as far as God lives. If Igbos want a representative, it is not someone like Peter Obi, Mr Mbaka added.

He accused Mr Obi of desecrating the altar of God by declining to make donation when he was called to do so, insisting that Mr Obi must return to the ministry and make amends before he could taste victory at the polls.

He recalled that he had called Mr Atiku in 2019 and warned him to drop Mr Obi as his running mate for the election, if he wanted to win the election, but that Mr Atiku declined.

I called Atiku after that apology, he was in Dubai. I told him that there is a revelation on your presidential election; that you are going to be the president of Nigeria on one condition, that Peter Obi is not going to be your running mate.

(because) Peter Obi has incurred a curse to himself, which means that he is carrying a curse. If you want to be President, change him, he said.

Not the first time

Mr Mbaka is known for attacking politicians who fall out of favour with him.

In 2015, during his New Year Message, the cleric had attacked the then President Goodluck Jonathan, in the build up to the Presidential election, declaring that Goodluck had become bad luck and that he would give way for the then All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Muhammadu President, who later won the election, to become president.

Also, last year, Mr Mbaka, a known staunch supporter of Mr Buhari, had in a surprise move attacked the president, asking him to resign or be impeached for bad governance.

The presidency responded with an accusation that the priest was angry because his request for government contracts was rebuffed.
A former commissioner for Information in Edo State, Kassim Afegbua, has given notice that he would be leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the choice of Delta Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as the partys vice presidential candidate.

The PDP presidential candidate on Thursday afternoon presented Mr Okowa as his running mate in the February 25, 2023 presidential election.

But Mr Afegbua, who was also a former spokesperson to former military dictator, Ibrahim Babangida, said Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, deserves the nomination ahead of Mr Okowa.

Mr Wike came second in the PDP presidential primary on May 29 in an election in which Mr Okowa led his states delegates to vote for Atiku.

However, Mr Afegbua described Atikus choice of the Delta State governor as a reward for treachery, noting that Mr Okowa had hosted the meeting of the Southern Governors Forum in Asaba last year where the governors demanded that the next Nigerian president should be produced by the southern region.

Mr Afegbua spoke Thursday afternoon during a popular Arise News show, The Arise Interview.

In protest at the alleged betrayal of the declaration by Mr Okowa in supporting Atiku at the primary and in accepting to be his running mate, Mr Afegbua said he would stand aside from the PDP and support the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, in the presidential election.

Mr Afegbua stressed that he would not be joining the APC but would only be campaigning for its standard bearer.

The outspoken former commissioner had also rebelled against the PDP in 2020 for handing Governor Godwin Obaseki its ticket for reelection after the governor was disqualified from the APC governorship primary for alleged forgery of an academic certificate.

Mr Obaseki went ahead to win the election on the PDP ticket as the party suspended Mr Afegbua for alleged anti-party activities.
The police in Oyo State have arrested the father of a student of Police Secondary School, Igbo Ora, who raised an alarm over the whereabouts of his son after the school suspended him.

Deji Ashiru-Balogun, the father of the student, had earlier declared his son missing after he did not return home days after the school sent him home.

Mr Ashiru-Baloguns son was among five SS3 students suspended by the school for allegedly smoking substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

Muyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson, said the students also scaled the schools fence to do some nonsense outside the school.

Sources in the school, however, told PREMIUM TIMES the students were involved in a phone business with a police officer within the school, an act that violated the school rules.

Mr Ashiru-Balogun said the school did not inform him about the decision to send his boy home and he only got to know about the incident after a reporter called to get his reaction.

His son eventually returned home but was later arrested and detained by the police.

On getting to the police station to bail his son, Mr Ashiru-Balogun was also detained.

He was later released on self-recognition.

Mr Ashiru-Balogun told PREMIUM TIMES he was arrested on the allegation that his son was never missing and that he was out to embarrass the police.

After arresting and releasing my son and me, they claimed that I lied over the whereabouts of my son, he said.

Their behaviour is funny to me anyways but I am here watching. They have asked me to come to the Igbo Ora police station again, but I dont know their aim, I dont know if I will be rearrested.

A source in Igbo Ora told our reporter that Mr Ashiru-Balogun was seen at the police station on Friday morning.

A police source in the school later told our reporter that the case has been transferred to the Oyo State Police Headquarters.

When contacted on the phone, Mr Ashiru-Balogun confirmed that the case has been transferred to the Oyo State Police Headquarters. He said he was on his way to the command.

However, repeated attempts to reach him afterwards have become unsuccessful as his phone is not reachable.
The House of Representatives has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to do everything it will take to secure the release of the remaining 51 persons kidnapped by bandits during the attack on an Abuja-Kaduna train last March.

The House also asked the government to set up a high-power inter-agency panel to coordinate efforts for the release of Nigerians and others in the custody of bandits and terrorists across the country.

These resolutions followed a motion moved by Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun) and 10 others, on Thursday during the plenary.

Terror attack

A group of bandits had on March 28 attacked a Kaduna-bound train, and abducted several passengers while others were killed.

The group recently released 11 of the hostages, a deal facilitated by controversial Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi.

During Ramadan, they released the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Alwan Hassan, after the payment of a ransom. The bandits, however, said he was released on compassionate grounds.

Months after, several of the abducted passengers are still in captivity.

The motion

In his motion, Mr Salam raised alarm about the number of persons in captivity. Citing a report by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), he said there were 5,287 in captivity as of 2021.

He added that over 70 % of victims of kidnappings are children, women and elderly persons who were violently attacked and captured by criminals in the normal course of their daily activities on the farms, villages, roads, worship centres and other places.

Mr Salam noted that some of the abductees from the train attack are infants and teens.

The hostages include children aged 2, 5, 7 and 9 years; men nursing bullet wounds sustained during the attack; a victim who had his leg amputated; diabetic patients, while others are citizens with various health challenges as well as a nursing mother, he said.

The lawmaker stressed that if urgent steps are not taken, the hostages are going to lose hope in the government.

Speaking on the motion, the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, said the people are already traumatised and need the help of the government.

The motion was taken without debate.
The Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, on Wednesday, visited the Olowo of Owo, Ajibade Ogunoye, to condole with him over the June 5, 2022, deadly church attack.

Seventy people were killed when gunmen shot worshippers at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, South-western Nigeria.

Mr Kwankwasos spokesperson, Saifullahi Hassan, said his principal paid a condolence visit to Mr Ogunoye over the incident.

Mr Hassan said the former Kano governor also visited the Palace of the Ojomo of Ijebu in Owo and condoled with the monarch and residents of the town over the attack.

The presidential hopeful also visited the church premises

During the visit, Mr Kwankwaso called on the Federal Government to do more to secure the lives and properties of Nigerians.

He commended the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, for his resolve to provide adequate security for the people of the State.

Apart from Mr Kwankwaso, Bola Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos, and the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress is another presidential candidate that has visited the town.

Mr Tinubu donated N50 million to the families of the victims of the attack and N25 million to the Catholic Church.
The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency on all forest reserves in Owo, Ondo State, to aid the arrest of the attackers of the St. Francis Catholic Church in the town.

The House directed the police to intensify the search for the perpetrators of the attack, which claimed about 40 lives.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Timehin Adelegbe (APC, Ondo) on Thursday during the plenary.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported how gunmen stormed the St. Francis church, Owo, Ondo State, during Sunday service on June 5, opened fire on the congregation, and also detonated explosives as the worshippers scampered for safety.

According to Ondo State Government, 127 persons were affected, including 40 dead.

The federal government had claimed that the attack was carried out by ISWAP, a terrorist group affiliated with the Islamic State terror network.

In 2021, the Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, had ordered herdsmen to vacate forest reserves in the state.

Mr Akeredolu said the activities of the herdsmen have long been causing a threat to security in the state.

All Forest Reserves in the State are to be vacated by herdsmen within the next seven days with effect from today, Monday 18th January 2021, the governor had directed.

The ultimatum by the governor generated a response from the president, condemning the directive.

Garba Shehu, media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, in a statement encouraged the state government to tackle all forms of criminality but not breach the rights of herders in the state.

The Motion

Mr Adelegbe said armed groups have been attacking Owo and Ose Local Government Areas of the state in the past few years.

He said a similar attack was carried out against Molege Community within Ose Local Government Area of the State, leading to the death of many and destruction of properties.

The lawmaker cited the killing of Olufon of Ifon in Ose council, Israel Adewusi. He added that kidnappers have been on a rampage in the constituency.

The motion was adopted by the House without debate.
The Lagos State Government says it will demolish the remaining buildings on the land, where the 21-storey building collapsed on Gerrard Road, in Ikoyi.

Idris Salako, the commissioner for physical planning and urban development, disclosed this at a news conference on the handing over of the complex to the contractor for deconstruction on Thursday in Lagos.

Mr Salako said the buildings would take about three months or more, to be demolished, adding that the land on which the structures were situated would be taken over by the state government.

He noted that the taking over of the land was in line with the state physical planning law, which stated that owners of collapsed buildings would forfeit the land to the state.

According to him, though the state government has not decided on what the land will be used for, it is likely to be used for something that will be in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the ill-fated building.

He noted that the demolition would be carried out with the interest of the public, including the residents, at heart.

Also speaking, Tayo Bamgbose-Martins, commissioner for special duties and inter-governmental affairs, said the state government was not indebted to those who had paid to own apartments in the collapsed building.

According to him, the government would not consider compensating them, as the company that owned the building still existed.

He urged residents to always ensure that buildings they planned to pay for were insured.

The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said demolition of the buildings was one of the recommendations of the panel set up by the government, having failed integrity tests.

Mr Omotoso promised that any action taken on the project would be in the interest of the public, as stakeholders meetings had previously been held to interact with residents and others in the building industry.

The Managing Director of Edge of Designs, Theophilus Lewo, noted that the demolition would take about 90 days, but might be extended due to weather conditions and the safety of the workers.

Mr Lewo stated that his company would be demolishing the buildings, using a controlled method, by cutting the parts into pieces.

(NAN)
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, nullified the indictment of two former governors of Bauchi State  Isa Yuguda and Mohammed Abubakar  over the alleged diversion of the states N321.5 billion.

Messrs Yuguda and Abubakar, who served from 2007 to 2019, had sued the Bauchi State government over the validity of its committee to probe their financial transactions while serving as governors.

Other defendants in the case were  the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The plaintiffs claimed, among others, that the committee was set up by the incumbent governor, Bala Mohammed, under a repealed law, adding, that it was intended to soil their reputation.

Delivering judgement in the suit, on Wednesday, Inyang Ekwo, the judge, declared that the states Assets and Funds Recovery Committee, set up by Mr Mohammed, to investigate Messrs Yuguda and Abubakar was unlawful.

Mr Ekwo then restrained the Bauchi State government from acting on the committees findings to prosecute Messrs Yuguda and Abubakar.

The judge held that Bauchi State could not prove that its committee was validly set up.

Mr Ekwo said the Bauchi State Attorney-General failed to honour the courts subpoena, and also did not present any instrument upon which the state acted in setting up the probe panel.

Without evidence of the executive instrument or order of the 5th defendant (Bauchi State Government) which established the said committee, it means that the 5th defendant has not effectively controverted the assertion of the plaintiffs.

Furthermore, since the executive instrument is in the possession of the 5th defendant and it failed or refused to produce it in either their counter affidavit or further counter-affidavit, it in my opinion means that it is being withheld by the 5th defendant.

In our legal system, parties are to present their case comprehensively by stating the facts and evidence wholly respective of whether such fact or evidence is against his interest, the judge said.

Mr Ekwo went on to declare that the Bauchi State government and security agencies mentioned in the suit lacked the power or authority to initiate or cause to be instituted any investigation against the plaintiffs or their past administrations as governors of Bauchi State or prosecute/arraign them in court based on the committees report when they were neither heard nor allowed to be heard by the committee.

He also declared that the entire proceedings and the purported report of the committee as unconstitutional, null and void on the grounds that they violated the plaintiffs right to a fair hearing.

The judge gave an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Bauchi State government and other defendants in the case from initiating or causing to be initiated, and investigation, inquiry against the plaintiffs or their past administrations as governors of Bauchi Slate or prosecuting/arraigning them based on the committees report.
In the light of all this, if Tinubu would have any chance of trouncing his old political associate and mutual competitor for power, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2023 presidential election, he has no choice than to choose a Northern Muslim  most probably a serving governor. It is not the choice of equity, fairness and justice. We should wish for such a choice in the Nigeria of the future. For now, it is the choice of realpolitik.

There is probably no other politician in Nigeria today who recognises the imperative of choosing a Muslim from the North of Nigeria as his running mate for the 2023 presidential election as Asiwaju Bola Tinubu does. The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) did not come this far in his muscular political career, particularly his unappeasable bid for the presidency, by putting doctrinal cri de coeur over pragmatic political awareness. Those who were convinced that he had no chance of winning the APC ticket, given the combination of monumental conspiracies against him, are again under-estimating the mans awesome practical political intelligence. Tinubus terrific thoroughness about matters of power would most likely lead him to choose a Northern Muslim running mate.

This is not an argument against the fact that the proper, ethical, just, etc., etc. choice that Tinubu ought to make is a Christian from the North. Ordinarily, such a choice justifies itself. In the political balance that has been honoured in the Fourth Republic, a Christian-Muslim (or the reverse) ticket is the only proper and just platform for winning elections by any major party. Indeed, given the nature and pattern of the consequences of fundamentalist Islam since the start of the Fourth Republic and the ethno-religious obstinacy of the Muhammadu Buhari presidency, a Muslim-Muslim ticket would seem like an insolent, even violent, slap on the face of Christians, particularly Northern Christians. However, what those who insist on this position forget is that, before now, no Southern (read Yoruba) Muslim has been the presidential flagbearer of a major party in the Fourth Republic.

Yet, the Christian community in the country, represented by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has given voice to its total opposition to the idea of a Muslim-Muslim ticket. The bodys National president, Dr Samson Ayokunle, stated that such a ticket would be disastrous [for] the nation. Ayokunles operative values in this regard are righteousness, fairness and equity. Other analysts have emphasised why it would be indefensible for Tinubu to ignore the religious balance that is necessary for sustaining the pact that has kept the Fourth Republic afloat. However, it seems that CAN and others who reject the possibility of Muslim-Muslim ticket are oblivious of the most important factor in Tinubus consideration of who would be his running-mate: electoral victory.

The APC presidential candidates immediate worry is not justice and equity; his burden is how to win the 2023 presidential election. He can worry about justice and equity after he has won the election. This is putting things starkly but not insensitively. In fact, the Christian community would do well to recognise what is fundamentally at stake here for Tinubu and those who are invested in the ameliorative politics that is the best possible outcome of the post-Buhari era. Political scientists, particularly those working on international politics have a name for it: realpolitik. Decisions of this nature  particularly given the very difficult circumstances that led to the emergence of two Muslims from the two inverse regions as the presidential candidates of the two major parties  are based on practical political, rather than moral or ideological, considerations. And no one knows that better than the Lion of Bourdillon.

Tinubu, therefore, has no alternative to choosing a Northern Muslim, particularly since his formidable opponent in the election is a Northern Muslim. If the North already has a significant Muslim, that is, Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as one of its two choices, why should it choose a Southern Muslim as its preferred candidate?

There is one major and two subsidiary reasons why Tinubu has to choose a Northern Muslim as his running mate if he wants to be Nigerias next president. There is only one exceptional circumstance that would recommend that he acts otherwise. The major reason is that the core North of Nigeria (that is much of what we call the North-West and North-East zones and a substantial part of the North-Central) will not accept a Christian as its representative on a presidential ticket. There is no need inveighing against this reality. It is the reality of the North as presently constituted. Tinubu, therefore, has no alternative to choosing a Northern Muslim, particularly since his formidable opponent in the election is a Northern Muslim. If the North already has a significant Muslim, that is, Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as one of its two choices, why should it choose a Southern Muslim as its preferred candidate? What would the Islamic clerics who have, perhaps, the greatest influence on the electoral choices of the masses of the people of the North tell their adherents if there is no Northern Muslim on a presidential ticket?

The first of the two subsidiary reasons is that it is easier to address the concerns and fears of (Northern) Christians where you have a Muslim-Muslim ticket, than it is to persuade Northern Muslims to accept a Northern Christian as their representative on a presidential ticket. This is putting it elegantly in the latter case. Those who can be persuaded in this context therefore are the Northern Christians who regard themselves as the direct victims of both moderate (dominant) Islam and extremist Islamism in the North. They are eager to break the painful cycle of violence and destruction which has been the lot of their region for so long. Hence, their greatest need is security. President Buhari has presided over the greatest violation of their security and safety as Christians and as Nigerians. (Same is true of most Muslims in the North). Tinubu can address their fears directly and reassure them as a Yoruba (Muslim). A candidate who can convince the Christian North about the security of life and property should be able to make them see beyond having a Northern Christian on a losing ticket. What is more, Tinubu comes from a culture that has 401 gods and therefore has no problem with one more!

This may be difficult to articulate explicitly in public, but Tinubu could be the representative of the Christian North (and Christians, in general) on the APC ticket. 2022-2023 Nigeria is not 1993 Nigeria. While the country has changed since the Abiola-Kingibe (Muslim-Muslim) ticket, neither the Muslim North nor the Yoruba West has changed significantly in terms of political sensibilities. And since the APC alliance, and by that token, the partys presidential ticket, is essentially one produced by a pact between the Yoruba South-West and the North, with every other factor in place, a Muslim-Muslim ticket will not stand in the way of Tinubus victory, nor will it constitute any additional threat to the values and aspirations of (Northern) Christians. Those who think otherwise should go and read all the threats of fire and brimstones by Christian leaders, North and South, before Moshood Abiola announced Babagana Kingibe as his running mate in 1993. They were the first to endorse the ticket subsequently. What was most important for the Christians was to get a president who would be fair to all Nigerians after the plague that was in power.

The only exception to what I have laid out would be if Tinubu could secure Buharis full support in choosing a Northern Christian as his running mate. If Buhari could mobilise the mass of the Northern Muslims who repeatedly supported him over five electoral circles to support Tinubu and his Northern Christian running mate, then the Jagaban Borgu would have cause to consider a Christian.

The second subsidiary reason why Tinubu would choose a Northern Muslim as his running mate is that, in the end, barring the exit (for whatever reason) of the president, the religious affiliation of the vice president is only of symbolic value. While I am the first to admit the power of symbols, yet in the practical political challenges that Northern Christians face today, there is greater need for a president that would be fair to all than for a Christian vice president without power or influence. What was the Pentecostal Vice President Yemi Osinbajo able to do for Christians under the de facto rule of Mamman Daura in the last seven years? Therefore, beyond the possibility of something happening to the president (impeachment, any form of incapacitation or death), there is not much for Northern Christians in having one of their own as the vice president under a Tinubu presidency. The question then would be: why is this issue of symbolism not also true for Northern Muslims? It is not true for Northern Muslims not only because they attach a greater importance to having a Muslim on a presidential ticket, but also because they have the electoral leverage, if not the veto power, to validate or sanction an acknowledgment or rejection of their outlook, respectively.

The only exception to what I have laid out would be if Tinubu could secure Buharis full support in choosing a Northern Christian as his running mate. If Buhari could mobilise the mass of the Northern Muslims who repeatedly supported him over five electoral circles to support Tinubu and his Northern Christian running mate, then the Jagaban Borgu would have cause to consider a Christian. However, anyone who has any doubt about Buharis innate inability to commit to someone elses project should have been convinced otherwise by the mess that he made of the process of choosing the partys presidential candidate through his bewildering vacillation.

In the light of all this, if Tinubu would have any chance of trouncing his old political associate and mutual competitor for power, Atiku Abubakar, in the 2023 presidential election, he has no choice than to choose a Northern Muslim  most probably a serving governor. It is not the choice of equity, fairness and justice. We should wish for such a choice in the Nigeria of the future. For now, it is the choice of realpolitik.

Wale Adebanwi, author of Yoruba Elites and Ethnic Politics in Nigeria, is the Presidential Penn Compact Professor of Africana Studies, University of Pennsylvania, USA.
All the anti-Muslim articles we have been reading in the last week, some by Christian clerics, are mostly products of the PDP machine. Only PDP can be mortally afraid of a Muslim-Muslim ticket, as it is most likely to disrupt its 2023 election permutation, the way it upset its ancestral party, the National Republican Convention in 1993, when MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe won handily.

Once again the Papa Deceiving Pikin party is on to its favourite game, spreading fear and alarm as it speculates and agonises, along with its hatchet writers, over the religion of the running mate of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The scaremongering campaign began on the convention ground at Eagle Square last week as delegates voted and the ground was heavily scented with the likelihood of Bola Ahmed Tinubus emergence as the ruling APC flag bearer.

Though the mischief was squelched before it caught fire, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has not given up as it continues to fan the embers of religious suspicion across our country. On its part, more than three weeks after it breached the power rotation principle, which ought to return power to the South, it is dithering and dilly-dalling over the choice of a running mate for its perennial candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

All the anti-Muslim articles we have been reading in the last week, some by Christian clerics, are mostly products of the PDP machine. Only PDP can be mortally afraid of a Muslim-Muslim ticket, as it is most likely to disrupt its 2023 election permutation, the way it upset its ancestral party, the National Republican Convention in 1993, when MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe won handily.

What if history repeats itself in 2023, who loses? Who is afraid of the combo? It is PDP.

Not surprisingly, the party in mortal fear of APC and its candidate has been fuelling national antagonisms against a matter beyond the purview of the 1999 Constitution.

In the last four presidencies in Nigeria, we have had Muslim-Christian or Christian-Muslim combinations. In what way have those arrangements benefitted the ordinary Muslim or Christian? Even with a pastor pairing with a Muslim in the current dispensation, in what way has this enhanced Catholicism or Anglicanism or Pentecostalism?

In our secular constitution, religion is not a factor in seeking elective positions.

Chapter VI, Part I, Section 131 of the Constitution states that a person may be qualified for election to the office of the president if he is a citizen of Nigeria by birth, has attained the age of 35 years, is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party.

The fourth condition is that he has been educated up to at least the School Certificate level or its equivalent.

When people introduce religion into a secular activity, they can only plan to tear Nigeria apart via a holy war. May their plot never be realised.

In the last four presidencies in Nigeria, we have had Muslim-Christian or Christian-Muslim combinations. In what way have those arrangements benefitted the ordinary Muslim or Christian? Even with a pastor pairing with a Muslim in the current dispensation, in what way has this enhanced Catholicism or Anglicanism or Pentecostalism? Has Muhammadu Buhari in any way Islamised Nigeria as PDP has been claiming for the past seven years?

We urge Nigerians to disregard the PDP red-herring campaign and refuse to swallow it hook, line and sinker.

Nigeria needs a formidable team, either Christian or Muslim to lead its 200 million people, men and women driven by a grand vision of national development, men and women capable of building a nation that meets our dreams.

Bayo Onanuga, a former managing director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) is the spokesperson of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu presidential campaign.
One may begin by challenging the proposition inherent in the above title by countering that Nigerias real need is not a good president but a completely new structure. That counter proposition is based on the idea that individual capabilities are suboptimal in the factors that shape history. Therefore, spending so many resources in the search for the ideal individual to be president is wasting the resources that need to go into collective effort to recreate society structurally. The structuralist may have a point that oftentimes society needs to be reinvented not better managed. But when is reform and better management no longer feasible; and do we a complete makeover?

This counter proposition ties into the concern about whether leadership matters and by how much. There used to be the the great man theory of history. It argues that everything great achieved in human society is a result of the efforts of a great man. Transformations in history are usually the work of a man of extraordinary brain or brawn. This obviously leads to the cult of a leader. We have examples of such a great man like Julius Ceasar, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Chairman Mao. Thomas Carlyle subscribed to this theory in his classic work on world history, On Heroes, Hero Worship, and the Heroic in History. The contrary theory, the Situational Theory, argues that great men dont make history. It is situations that provide the contextual leadership that solves problems. As leadership scholar, Robert Heifetz puts it in his Leadership Without Easy Answers, In a sense, Situationalists were not interested in leadership per se. History makers were interesting because they stood at the vortex of powerful political and social forces, which themselves were of interest. Thus, the more or less contemporaneous emergence of the United States first great leaders  Jefferson, Washington, Adams, Madison, Hamilton, Monroe, and Franklin  is not attributed to a democratic fluke but to the extraordinary times in which these men lived.

Yet another contest theory argues that it is the people as a collective that make history. When people are ready the appropriate leadership emerges to lead the struggle. This may be the model of the botched #EndSAR movement. Revolutionary moments elicit revolutionary figures whose responsibility is to guide the people to achieve their aim. Such leaders are extraordinary according to the character of the social dialectics that propels them. So, we should not just fixate on seeking out transformative, revolutionary or redefining leaders. Rather, we should fuss more about stoking the transformative, revolutionary, or redefining social moments. When the people are ready, the leader emerges.

There is no definitive resolution of the contention about how much individual leaders matter in the history of change and revolution, but what is clear is that who leads in a society is crucial, either as the great man or the man that can leverage on the situation to move society to another level or the man who can mobilized the collective force of social uprising to achieve transformation. The Oxford political scholar, Archie Brown confirms this position. In his definitive work, The Myth of the Strong Leader: Political Leadership in Modern Age, he debunks the myth of the strong leader and argues that we should keep our eyes on the context and institutional ordering. In his recent work, The Human Factor: Gorbachev, Reagan, and Thatcher, and the End of the Cold War, he presented the end of the cold war as a testimony to the leadership acumen of three powerful leaders, and not to the dialectics of global events. This sustains the idea that leadership matters. It matters who occupies the position of leadership either as president, prime minister, or chairman. Therefore, as Nigerians look forward to 2023 as the beginning of a rebirth of a country trapped in the stasis of dangerous and generalised incompetence and instability, who becomes president is of utmost importance.

What qualities should Nigerians be looking for as they go to the polls in 2023 to elect the next president? Who among the 15 candidates vying for the highest office of leadership in Nigeria is the president that Nigeria needs? I like to think about the choice of a president as a strategic action. Deriving from the classic insight of Professor Richard Rumult, I think the beginning of a strategic decision making is conducting a proper diagnostic. To elect the best person as president we have to first determine what it is the country needs at this point in time. There may be timeless principle of good leadership, but every effective leadership is contextual; it is effective because it has responded to the practical and current problems of today. Winston Churchill was a Great War time prime minister. But he failed reelection after the war ended. The people adjudged his peacetime efforts as ineffective or undesirable. Nelson Mandela is a global leadership icon. His anti apartheid leadership earned him global acclaim. If he stayed long in leadership to deal with the crises of development post-apartheid, there is no guarantee he would remain inspirational. There are different kinds of leaders for different situations. So, what kind of leader does not need today? And the answer starts with understanding where Nigeria is today.

The best diagnosis of Nigeria is that it is a country heading toward disaster that needs someone to drag it off course. This disaster has three dimensions. First, past leadership has left a legacy of disunity, bitterness, and loss of social trust. We can have a debate about how much of this disarray is attributable to President Buharis notable failure of the past seven years and how much of it predates him. But what is unarguable is that the country is almost lost in utter despair, desolation, and distrust. There is no Nigerian state anymore, if a state is built on a high degree of nationalism and political legitimacy. The mass exodus of Nigerian youths out of the country is not the usual desperate search for greener pastures; it is now a vote of no confidence, not only on the present, but also on the future of Nigeria. Nigeria is now a wilderness of lawlessness. The part of the Nigerian real estate that is truly governed is small and diminishing by the day. Everywhere, as the poet said, we see the ceremonies of death and anxiety. The country is reeling in the throes of death and needs a reawakening. So the president that Nigeria needs in 2023 is someone who can recreate the country in a moral and social sense; someone whose emotional intelligence, reflecting in how he treats different parts of Nigeria, can resurrect a simple faith that Nigeria is not out to kill us. The next president must be a purveyor of hope. That hope must not by words only; but by words and deeds. The next Nigerian president must be a unifier. I know that is a mundane and hackneyed cliche. But we are back to the basic, back to rebuilding the foundations of a nation-state after the disaster of Buhari administration. From 2023, the conversation should no longer be about Islamization or Fulanization. As we struggle to develop a workable public sector, we should be clear that the hand steering the country is steady on national unity and equal treatment of all Nigerians citizens. That is the minimum agenda of a Nigerian reset.

The second dimension of the Nigerian failure is economic stagnation. Decades of weak and incompetent neoliberal economic management have resulted in an economy at the lowest point of productivity frontier. We are an unproductive economy, compounded now by an entrenched neo-feudal prerogatives complex that is fast destroying the institutions and culture of production. When a country spends 98 kobo of any N100 it makes to pay for interest on its loans, then it is beyond bankruptcy. That is where Nigeria is, more or less. The Minister of Finance says that Nigeria has more of a revenue than a debt crisis. She is right. But Nigerias revenue problem is in essence a productivity problem. Nigerias future is bleak except she can find a way out of its consumerist economy; except it can push forward its productive frontier by transitioning quickly from a theocratic, neo-feudal state to a modern liberal state that focuses on merit and wellbeing. Nigeria has to become a state fashioned after chapter 2 of its constitution- a state that promotes democratic citizenship in its socioeconomic dimensions. To depart from the quagmire of extreme and pervasive poverty, Nigeria has to produce like mad and empower its citizens like hell.

The third dimension of the Nigeria diagnosis of failure is the corruption of its institutions. Since 2015, we have witnessed a consistent degrading of the capability of our state institutions and their capture by nefarious tendencies. The biggest shame was General Danjuma, an icon of the Nigerian state establishment, damning the entire Nigerian military as an instrument of ethnic hegemony. Danjuma alerted the Nigerian people that the Nigerian Army is aiding and abetting Fulani killer herdsmen in their onslaught against the peoples of central and southern Nigeria. Forget the merit of this accusation. It may be a scarecrow. But it illustrates the loss of confidence in an icon of national stability like the military that someone as illustrious and governmental as General Danjuma could express such loss of faith in the Nigerian army. Beyond Danjumas revelations, everyday we see evidence of the erosion of the integrity and the effectiveness of core state institutions. The Nigerian military is held to ransom by a ragtag Boko Haram partly because of the complicity of the rank and file of our intelligence and security agencies. To retake our country from Boko Haram and such other dangerous forces, we need a leader whose distance from dangerous ethnic and religious sentiment and commitment to democratic citizenship ensures that he can rebuild the integrity and effectiveness of state institution.

The destruction of state neutrality and effectiveness is the death knell of the Nigerian state. The ultimate national challenge is to rescue Nigeria and rebuild an effective state that is neutral and uninvolved in the virulent religious and ethnic completion that the present administration has indulged. Only a president whose pedigree, personality and engagement give assurance of a demonstrable commitment to a secular, democratic and egalitarian Nigeria that aligns reward to work will stop the drift into the type of the violence-ridden feudal states in the Middle East and South Asia, where violent feuding between families and sects continually derails human development.

So, our next president should be someone who can bring Nigerians together and persuade each segment of a plural society to pursue the collective social and economic well-being of all Nigerians in a spirit of justice and fairness. He or she should be a person who is able to lead a broad coalition of policymakers and mangers who are determined to recreate Nigerias political economy to institutionalise productivity and focus resources on sustainable development instead of rewarding fixers and royals. The next president should have the capacity and commitment to effective and functional, not ceremonial, governance. It should be a Nigerian whose statements and actions in the past gives real hope that he or she understands the importance of rules and will professionalise the state to deliver on social and economic goods to all Nigerians, only on the basis of citizenship, not ethnicity, not religion. Which of the 15 candidates fits the description?

Sam Amadi is an associate professor of Law and director of Abuja School of Social and Political Thought.
Governorship candidates of political parties for the June 18 governorship election in Ekiti State on Wednesday signed an agreement to maintain the peace in the conduct of the election.

The campaigns in the last week had been rancorous between the leading parties.

On Saturday, a clash between the All Progressives Congress and the Social Democratic Party resulted in the death of one person and injuries many others.

The introduction of lethal weapons such as automatic rifles have raised the levels of conflict to a new dimension.

Tope Ajayi, a member of one of the drivers union in Ekiti, died after sustaining gunshot wounds after a violent clash on Saturday.

A reprisal attack was foiled by a combined team of the army, police and other security agencies on Sunday.

The peace agreement is expected to douse tensions with the respective pledges made by the candidates at the signing of the agreement.

The candidates signed the peace accord before the Abdulsalami Abubakar-led National Peace Commission(NPC) which committed them to free, fair, and credible poll.

Mr Abubakar, who was represented by the convener, NPC, and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, appealed to the people of the state to live up to the ideals of integrity and honour to have a free, fair and credible election on Saturday.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the Ekiti governorship poll was free of rancour and devoid of rigging.

He also urged citizens to be patient and conduct themselves orderly, while tasking INEC to ensure that obstacles were not placed on the path of the people to exercise their franchise on Saturday.

The former Head of State called on residents of the state to take advantage of the off-season election to install leaders of their choice.

We are now witnessing a joyful surge of excitement across the country over the issue of voter registration, he said.

Nigerians are now using various platforms, from faith based association, civil society groups, ethnic and community platforms to assist other federal and state government agencies to encourage voter registration among our people.

Since the 2015 elections, when the NPC came into being, we at the NPC have over the years gradually been woven into the beautiful fabric of the good work of the INEC.

The collaboration has given birth to the various successful amendments to the electoral law, which has also helped to strengthen the confidence of Nigerians in the electoral processes.

The NPC further appealed to the people to come out and vote and ensure that they stay alive to witness the good governance the governor they are electing would bring to the fore.

In his submission, the INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, said the intervention of NPC had contributed in no small measure to the sustenance of peace in the country.

Mr Yakubu said no credible election can be achieved in a violent election, saying INEC would give a transparent and credible election, and that the votes of Ekiti people would count.

The Chairman, Ekiti State Council of traditional rulers, Ayodele Adejuwon, said the traditional rulers in the state would not tolerate any bloodshed during the poll, calling on Ekiti people to vote without violence.

He said no political ambition was worth the blood of any Ekiti citizen, urging politicians to play according to the rules and eschew violence during the polls.

A resident who identified himself as Adeyanju Peter told PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday that there is fear after the clashes between the parties and many may not come out to vote on Saturday.

I want to send a message to political parties, that there is fear and many may not come out to vote on Saturday, he said.

Unless the party leaders come out to encourage the people and allay their fears, the problem will result in low turnout.
Segun Oni, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti, has alleged that Kayode Fayemi, the state governor, prevented the partys presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, from entering the state.

Mr Oni spoke while addressing the crowd of supporters at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti on Thursday.

They are scared, they said Segun Oni said he isnt contesting anymorethey said I have met with Asiwaju and that Im no longer interested,

to the extent that they stopped people from coming here. They said the governor of Ekiti told soldiers to prevent our presidential aspirant (Adewole Adebayo) from coming in.

Our presidential candidate, for example, was stopped.

Yinka Oyebode, Mr Fayemis spokesperson, described the claim as false.

Is he the chief of staff or what is he? The chief of air staff or naval staff?

We do not expect such a lie from Segun Oni.

Mr Adebayo and others were eventually allowed into the state.

Mr Oni, a former governor of the state, will go to the polls on Saturday against the All Progressives Congress (APC)s Biodun Oyebanji, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)s Bisi Kolawole and others.

In January, Mr Oni lost the PDP governorship primary in Ekiti to Bisi Kolawole, the anointed candidate of Ayodele Fayose, a former governor of the state.

Rally

Mr Oni told his supporters why he should be voted on Saturday.

I went to see some workers. That was how I found out that pensioners havent been paid. Pension deductions have not been paid, he said.

He told the crowd that his administration will alleviate the suffering of the civil servants.

He urged the people not to vote in a government that devalued the citizens by devaluing the Naira.

At this juncture, I want to commiserate with our brothers and sisters in Ondo state. This is part of the bad governance, Mr Oni added.

Security challenges

Mr Oni said his administration will put an end to insecurity using technology.

There has been an increasing rate of kidnapping in the state. For instance, in October, eight residents were kidnapped. In August, a farmer was kidnapped on his farmland.

We will deploy adequate, relevant technology to fight crime. There ought not to be a kidnapping in Ekiti, we will tackle it, he said.
One of the insurance industry's most comprehensive resources, the AgentSync Compliance Library is an open-source destination for news, information, and real-time updates.

DENVER, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- AgentSync, the technology company powering growth and innovation across the insurance industry, today unveiled the Compliance Library, a free resource of over 8,000 compliance data points across all 53 U.S. insurance jurisdictions, available for the first time in one place. From regulatory and compliance basics to state-by-state FAQs and news, the Compliance Library was built by and for insurance industry experts to help in their efforts to stay current and continue to learn.

Laws vary across the United States and across lines of authority, and regulations change or update every day. Keeping up with tedious manual processes and incomplete and disconnected information sources is overwhelming and creates significant risk for producers and the businesses they represent. Because of this, AgentSync has built a first-of-its-kind, open-source library to enable producer compliance. This resource is intended to provide insurance and compliance professionals easy access to a database of jurisdiction-level information and regulatory updates from across the U.S. insurance industry.

The AgentSync Compliance Library is intended to be a resource to help in verifying:

State insurance department contact information: address, phone, email, website, commissioner name

Appointments and terminations information: deadlines, fees, renewals, and more.

Agency information: licensing requirements by jurisdiction, affiliations, and more.

Producer information: licensing requirements by jurisdiction, renewal deadlines, fees, address requirements, and more.

Adjuster information: deadlines, fees, renewals, and more.

Continuing education: renewal dates, requirements, rollover credits, and more.

AgentSync was built by industry experts who understand regulatory nuances and have an unmatched passion for helping our customers' efforts to reach and maintain compliance. With AgentSync's expertise, products, and the new Compliance Library, everyone in the industry can continue to learn and grow with confidence.

Access the AgentSync Compliance Library at: https://library.agentsync.io/

About AgentSync

AgentSync powers rapid growth for insurance carriers, agencies, and MGAs by offering modern tools for producer management. With its customer-centric design, seamless APIs, and automation, AgentSync's products reduce friction, increase efficiency, and maintain compliance, ultimately helping to improve the broker onboarding, contracting, licensing, and compliance processes. Founded in 2018 by Niranjan "Niji" Sabharwal and Jenn Knight, and headquartered in Denver, CO, AgentSync has been recognized as one of Denver's Best Places to Work, as a Forbes Magazine Cloud 100 Rising Star, an Insurtech Insights Future 50 winner, and is ranked 88 in Forbes' list of America's 500 Best Startup Employers in 2022.

SOURCE AgentSync
"Andy isn't just another feed store, Andy is a family," said Molly Anderson, Social Media & Communications Manager. Tweet this

"Andy is a family business that takes great pride in each box we fill," said Mark Anderson, CEO of Andy by Anderson Hay and Anderson Hay & Grain. "Andy's product line is supported by generations of knowledge in the hay business globally. We have deep experience in meeting the needs of the most stringent hay buyers around the world. It will be hard to find another supplier with deeper roots in both hay knowledge and customer service passion."

All-sustainable and eco-friendly, Andy aims to nourish small pets with fresh, small batch forage, made the way nature intended. Product offerings include natural Timothy hay (1st and 2nd cutting), organic Timothy hay (1st and 2nd cutting), natural alfalfa, alfalfa pellets, wood shavings bedding and pellet bedding. Further differentiating the brand are the farm-to-feed Andy-Pak Feeder Boxes, which contain Timothy 1st and 2nd cuttings or USDA organic 1st cutting Timothy hay compressed in a 1.5-pound feeder box, which is convenient and mess free for feeding small pets.

"We're really excited about the dedicated team we put together focused on providing the best packaging for small animals," said Michael Anderson, WA Division Operations Manager for Anderson Hay & Grain and a fourth-generation Anderson working in the family business.

Spearheading Andy's social media strategy is 23-year-old Molly Anderson, another fourth-generation Anderson, who always wanted to carry on the family legacy, but wanted to leave a different footprint. She envisioned the Andy brand because she "didn't want to leave any four-legged friends behind."

"Andy is relatable, understanding and a safe place for people to trust that their pet will be taken care of," said Molly Anderson, Social Media & Communications Manager. "Andy isn't just another feed store, Andy is a family."

Valtech, a global digital agency focused on business transformation, was responsible for conceptualizing Andy's authentic, youthful and wholesome branding, as well as company's verdant logo: rising above the 'N' in Andy are bunny ears with Andy's tagline, 'Fresh from the farm, naturally.' Andy's products are now available at Andy.pet and Amazon.

About Andy by Anderson Hay

Andy by Anderson Hay specializes in selling high-quality USDA certified organic and natural Timothy hay, alfalfa, bedding, and other food for rabbits, guinea pigs and the small pet market online. For three generations spanning more than 50 years, the Anderson family has been feeding the world's most important animals from its happy fields in the Pacific Northwest. In 2021, Andy by Anderson Hay established a presence in the U.S. market, the vision of the families fourth generation, offering fresh, small batch forage, directly from its fields to the doorsteps of small pet owners. Known for its consistency and quality of hay year round, Andy aims to nourish small pets with all-natural hay, providing furry friends with a taste of the fresh-from-the-source farm life. Andy by Anderson Hay, headquartered in Ellensburg, Washington, sells its sustainable and eco-friendly products through its online store and third-party online channels, principally Amazon. To learn more, visit www.Andy.pet, and follow @andybyandersonhay on Facebook and Instagram.

Contact:

Andy by Anderson Hay: Molly Anderson, Social Media & Communications Manager, at (844) 563-7538 or [email protected]

SOURCE Andy by Anderson Hay
Argano further enriches solution offerings with Oracle-focused HCM expertise

DALLAS, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Argano announced today that NorthPoint Group (NorthPoint) has joined the company. With the addition of NorthPoint, Argano further expands its services, helping clients leverage the full breadth of Oracle capabilities to grow their businesses.

With offices in the US and Mexico, NorthPoint offers Oracle solutions including an industry leading practice in human capital management (HCM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP). In addition, NorthPoint has invested in Oracle technologies for Platform-as-a-Service, including Fusion Analytics Warehouse.

NorthPoint will be aligned within the Argano 4 Oracle team to offer a unified set of business and technology solutions that are core to architecting the digital framework that enables clients to:

Reimagine products, services and experiences that align with client expectations

Rearchitect to move beyond legacy systems and technology debt

Realize speed and agility to build an intelligent cloud-based foundation

Realign challenges and obstacles with a clear path for continued innovation

"Argano's vision to be the next-generation business and technology services provider will be a game changer within the Oracle consulting ecosystem," said Jeff Curtis, President & COO at NorthPoint Group. "Combining NorthPoint's success and expertise in Oracle Cloud HCM and ERP with Argano's integrated business model will provide Oracle customers a cohesive and unmatched depth of experience to adopt their investment across Oracle's multi-pillar offerings."

"Welcoming NorthPoint marks another exciting milestone for Argano as we continue to expand our capabilities," said Argano CEO, Chip Register. "Their best-in-class Oracle HCM knowledge and experience further increase our depth and talent, supporting our commitment to being the premier transformation partner in building digital foundations that drive value across our clients' entire businesses."

About Argano

Argano is a next-generation business and technology services provider that builds the Digital Foundations that make businesses run better. Argano is purpose built for the Digital Renaissance, leveraging insight and innovation to help leaders design and implement the complex solutions necessary to not just survive but thrive and improve financial and operational performance. Argano believes a firm's core operating technologies should be enablers of commercial innovation, not a constant source of limitation, and is committed to helping clients think differently about how they deploy and manage people, processes, and technology. For more information visit argano.com.

About NorthPoint Group

NorthPoint Group is a technology and management consulting firm with teams who have been successfully developing and implementing Oracle HCM and ERP solutions since the inception of the cloud for a diverse mix of companies that vary according to size, sector and needs. With industry-leading expertise, experience and investment in Oracle emerging technologies such as Platform-as-a-Service, including Fusion Analytics Warehouse, NorthPoint Group is uniquely positioned to maximize clients' investments in Oracle products. To learn more, visit northpointgroup.com.

CONTACT: Chris Gale, 203-570-4681

SOURCE Argano
Arizona Low-Income and Disabled/Displaced Corporate Tax Credits provide tuition scholarships to build the workforce for the future

PHOENIX, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Catholic Education Arizona, a school tuition organization (STO) that raises scholarship funds for students through the Arizona Individual and Corporate tax credits, is reminding business owners about the upcoming deadline to redirect their corporate tax liability.

"Each year hundreds of Arizona companies redirect their state tax liabilities to help change lives," said Nancy Padberg, CEO of Catholic Education Arizona. "When we let business owners know they can redirect their Arizona Corporate Tax dollars to underserved children, for education, they want to participate. The first deadline is June 30, 2022 to have commitment forms in our office."

The organization is currently working on securing Arizona Low Income and Disabled/Displaced Corporate Tax Credit Commitments from business leaders who want to make a difference in children's lives, serve society, and transform culture.

More than 130 corporate partners including Grand Canyon University, APS, Shea Homes, Lumen Technologies, Earnhardt Automotive Centers, Cigna, Geddes and Company, Arizona Bank & Trust and many other small and medium businesses are participating and making a difference in the lives of Arizona's children.

Eric Olsen, CEO of FASTURTLE, a local digital marketing agency is among the many midsized businesses who has redirected their corporate tax dollars each year to Catholic Education Arizona. "We've been proudly supporting this program for years," said Olsen. "We believe in the difference that we are making through this contribution. The team at Catholic Education Arizona makes it so easy for business owners to redirect their state tax liability. They're great advocates for the business community and so easy to work with."

Catholic Schools in Arizona have:

99.4% Graduation Rate

97% Matriculate to higher education, trade school or military service

1000's of hours of community service conducted annually

The deadline for returning the commitment form is June 30, 2022. There is no maximum contribution amount, and in FY23 there is $142.1 million available to claim for the Arizona Low Income Corporate Tax Credit, and $6 Million for the Arizona Disabled/Displaced Corporate Tax Credit (exceptional learners and foster children). For more information about corporate tax credits, please visit online at: https://catholiceducationarizona.org/corporate/

About Catholic Education Arizona

Catholic Education Arizona is a leading School Tuition Organization (STO) in Arizona. Arizona is one of 27 states that offer taxpayers the opportunity to help change lives through Arizona Tax Credits. Arizona legislation allows individuals and corporations to direct their tax dollars as tuition scholarships to schools and families with demonstrated need. Catholic Education Arizona is one of the largest providers of scholarships to underserved families attending private schools. Since 1998, more than $288 million has been raised and 143,000 scholarships have been awarded. www.ceaz.org

Contact: Deb Preach, COO

602-218-6542

[email protected]

SOURCE Catholic Education Arizona
Research reveals SPVs will continue to democratize private asset investing due to their efficient, flexible, and affordable structure

SALT LAKE CITY, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Assure Analytics today announced the availability of its inaugural State of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Report , an aggregation of millions of data points across private markets which are then analyzed to create relevant insights that are unavailable elsewhere in the industry. This unique acumen enables the global financial industry to make more informed, data-based private investment decisions.

Assure Analytics is the business intelligence unit of Assure , the leading provider of SPVs. SPVs have been used to structure investments and private capital for decades. However, historically they have been expensive and inefficient to use. In 2013, Assure changed that by streamlining the process and lowering the costs for creating, administering and closing SPVs, making them more accessible to deal organizers and investors.

"Assure is helping to democratize investing in private assets," said Jeremy Neilson, CEO and co-founder of Assure. "Traditionally private investing was reserved for a very small niche of uber wealthy investors or venture funds. Now, an entire ecosystem of accredited investors have the opportunity to participate in investing into private assets because the structure of SPVs are extremely flexible, transparent, and affordable. That's why we're seeing a two-fold increase in interest every year from investors wanting to deploy this structure using Assure."

Top findings from the 2022 State of the SPV Report include:

The median SPV size is $422,000

70% of SPVs raise under $1 million

6% of SPVs raise more than $5 million

The median U.S.-led SPV raise was $103,000 with an average of $20,000 per investor

with an average of per investor The median non-U.S.-led SPV was $325,000 with an average of $38,000 per investor

with an average of per investor Over the past six years, the median SPV size has almost doubled while the average investment has more than tripled

Less than 10% of SPVs collect a management fee

California organizers are most likely to charge a management fee

organizers are most likely to charge a management fee International organizers are least likely to charge a management fee

SPVs put capital to work and make investor distributions fast. The time to 1st investment is 43 days, and the time to 1st distribution is 2.3 years

The full 2022 State of the SPV Report includes more information on these and other findings. In addition, Assure will continue to release a series of briefs exploring how different segments of the SPV ecosystem leverage SPVs  the first edition takes a look at how angel groups use SPVs and is available for download here.

About Assure

Assure is the pioneering, industry-leading provider of comprehensive structuring and administrative services for the syndicate and venture investment community. The company offers professional, high-quality services and innovative software that streamlines setting up, closing and managing back-office fund administration for angel and private asset investing. Assure's experience and volume significantly outpaces other fund administrators. Assure's approach, which allows clients to structure and close deals faster, cheaper and with more transparency, helped pave the way for the ascendance of the "super angels," special purpose vehicles and micro VCs. The company has worked with more than 1,400 clients, including Launch, Equity Zen , Republic , Forge , Tribeca Angels , Tech Coast Angels, Gaingels , and Miami Angels , structuring and closing more than 8,500 deals with over $9 billion in assets under administration. Assure offers a full suite of services including special purpose vehicle administration, f und accounting and fund taxes, Exempt Reporting Advisor (ERA) services, KYC/AML services and 506(c) accreditation. For more information about Assure, visit www.assure.co.

SOURCE Assure
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Banco BBVA Argentina S.A (NYSE; BYMA; MAE: BBAR; LATIBEX: XBBAR) announced today the approval of dividend payment schedule

The Shareholders of Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. are hereby informed that according to the resolution of the Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting held on April 29th, 2022, and the Meeting of the Board of Directors held on June 16th, 2022, the following dividends payment schedule was approved:

Instalment N Record Date Payment Date Amount 1 to 7 July 5th July 6th AR$ 7.679.705.250 8 August 2nd August 3rd AR$ 1.097.100.750. 9 September 6th September 7th AR$ 1.097.100.750. 10 October 4th October 5th AR$ 1.097.100.750. 11 November 1st November 2nd AR$ 1.097.100.750. 12 December 5th December 6th AR$ 1.097.100.750.

Every time the dividend is available, the corresponding payment notice shall be issued, informing the following: i) the amount to be made available to shareholders; ii) the amount per share; and iii) if the dividend payable is subject to some form of tax deduction.

Regarding instalments 1 to 7 as from July 6, 2022 ("Payment Date") the provision and payment of a dividend in the amount of AR$ 7.679.705.250 representing AR$ 12,5339 per share, and corresponding to installment N 1 to 7, shall be made available to the shareholders registered in the stock register of the Bank on July 5th , 2022 ("Record Date").

In this regard, it is reported that:

i) The payment of the dividend to all Local Shareholders shall be made in Argentine Pesos through the Caja de Valores S.A located at May 25th 362, Buenos Aires City; on working days from 10:00 to 15:00 hours, where all requirements, formalities and settlements shall be met in accordance with the regulatory deadlines.

ii) The payment of the dividend to non-resident shareholders shall be made with securities, unless (a) they state their decision to receive it in Argentine pesos, or (b) they do not inform within the periods described below, the custodial accounts necessary to make the payment with movable securities, in which case they shall receive Argentine pesos.

a) Non-Resident Shareholders wishing to receive securities must send a written notice to Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. as from June 16th to July 5th 2022 included, duly signed by the holder or custodian stating the name of the holder of those shares, for Shareholders who hold their shares through a depositor (Bank, Agent or Stock Exchange).

Such notice shall be served on working days within the aforementioned period, from 10:00 to 15:00 hours, to Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. Att. Ezequiel Serra - addressed to email ([email protected]), at AV. CORDOBA 111, 26th Floor, CITY OF BUENOS AIRES, stating beneficiary, number of principal and depositor of Caja de Valores S.A. or identification in the Register of Shareholders carried out by the Registration Agent: Caja de Valores S.A., bank abroad to transfer the securities, account number, reference and any other information necessary for the correct crediting of the net dividend.

It is hereby stated that in case of failure to receive the notification with the required information within the period informed, before July 5th , 2022 the Bank shall pay the dividend in Argentine pesos according to the procedure reported in point b) below.

b) On the other hand, non-resident shareholders who choose to receive Argentine pesos must send written notice to that effect from June 16th to July 5th, 2022 included, on working days within that period, from 10:00 to 15:00 hours, addressed to Banco BBVA Argentina S.A. - Att. Ezequiel Serra addressed to email ([email protected]), at AV. CORDOBA 111, 26th Floor CITY OF BUENOS AIRES, and the funds shall be credited through the Caja de Valores S.A located at May 25th 362, City of Buenos Aires; on working days from 10:00 to 15:00 hours, where all formalities and settlements shall be met in accordance with the regulatory deadlines.

Upon any inquiry or request address to: Caja de Valores S.A Phone: 0810-888-7323 or email [email protected] .

Holders of American Depositary Shares (ADS) shall receive payment through the depositary bank, Bank of New York Mellon, as from the date determined by the rules governing the jurisdiction in which the Company's ADS is quoted.

It is expressly established that the holdings of shares of the Shareholders registered at the Record Date shall be the only ones taken into account for the purpose of paying the declared dividend. Notices made by those who do not turn out to be holders of Bank shares at the Record Date shall be deemed not to have been filed and shall be null and void.

The distribution of dividends shall, in appropriate cases, be deducted from the sums duly paid by the Company, in its capacity as Substitute Tax Officer for Personal Property corresponding to the periods 2019 and 2020 of those Shareholders who have been reached by such tax, all in accordance with the terms of the last paragraph of the Section incorporated by Law N 26.452 following Section 25 of Law N23.966. It is also reported that, in accordance with the provisions of Law N 27.430, amendment of Law N 20.628 of Income Tax (third section without added number after section 90), no withholding tax is applicable since the dividends distributed correspond to accrued tax-free profits from periods prior to the beginning of January 1, 2018.

SOURCE Banco BBVA Argentina S.A.
AUSTIN, Texas , June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 360factors, Inc. today announced that BHG Financial, a leader in financing to professionals nationwide, selected 360factors' risk and compliance intelligence platform.

The organization will deploy 360factors' Predict360 Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and Compliance Management applications. Predict360 enables risk and compliance teams to assess risks and controls, manage compliance monitoring and testing activities, handle regulatory changes, and ensure regulatory compliance.

"Managing risk and compliance is critical to BHG. We needed a solution that would enable us to quickly and effectively develop our risk management framework," said Matt Ondus, Chief Compliance Officer at BHG Financial. "Predict360 provides the risk framework and collaborative workflows that will enable BHG to streamline our risk and compliance processes within one global platform."

Edward Just, Director, Risk Management, said, "Predict360's interface was more user friendly than other solutions we considered. The reporting capabilities with configurable dashboards and integration of Tableau will enable us to quickly realize value from the system."

"360factors is excited to work with the innovative team at BHG Financial," said Carl McCauley, CEO of 360factors. "As the financial services industry evolves, financial organizations are balancing product and technology evolution with regulatory obligations and compliance. We look forward to deploying Predict360 and are thrilled to welcome BHG Financial to our banking and financial services family of customers."

As a risk and compliance solutions leader within the banking and financial services industries, 360factors continues to develop relationships with banks and financial services institutions seeking to remove inefficiencies while elevating their risk and compliance management programs.

About 360factors, Inc.

360factors empowers organizations to accelerate profitability, innovation and productivity by predicting risks and streamlining compliance. Predict360, its flagship software product, is a Risk and Compliance Intelligence Platform augmented with A.I. technology to predict and mitigate risks while streamlining compliance. Predict360 integrates regulations and obligations, compliance management, risks and controls, audits and assessments, policies and procedures, and training in a cloud-based SaaS platform to provide predictive risk analytics and streamline compliance. 360factors is the endorsed solution provider for risk and compliance management by the American Bankers Association (ABA). Visit www.360factors.com for more information.

About BHG Financial

Powered by data, analytics, and technology, BHG Financial is constantly pushing the limits of innovation to help its clients succeed.

BHG Financial's dedication to providing services that meet the needs of its clients has led to the creation of a full family of brands that range from business, consumer, and SBA 7(a) loans to credit cards, collection services, and point-of-sale financing. Since 2001, the company has originated more than $11 billion in loans to top-quality borrowers, developed a state-of-the-art loan delivery platform for community and midsize banks, and created the largest community bank network in the country.

BHG Financial is partially owned by Pinnacle Bank (PNFP) and has headquarters in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Syracuse, NY. Find out more about the company's financial solutions on https://bhgfinancial.com.

SOURCE 360factors
Smith & Wesson handguns on display at the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in Las Vegas, Jan. 19, 2016. (AP Photo/John Locher)

As the U.S. Senate moves closer to crafting and approving a bipartisan bill that would fund states that establish red flag laws, Louisianas governor said he believes the state can go one better.

Red flag laws allow courts and police to temporarily take firearms from someone deemed a threat to themselves or others. Gov. John Bel Edwards said Monday he would like to see background checks prevent high-risk gun purchases altogether.

You hear it all the time that guns dont kill people, people kill people, Edwards told reporters after speaking engagement in Harvey. Well, that means that the wrong people shouldnt have guns, and you figure out who the wrong people are on the front end with a background check.

Gun dealers who hold federal licenses are required to conduct a criminal background check before selling a weapon. It screens potential buyers for a history of criminal activity  including domestic violence  drug use and mental health issues.

Private sellers arent required to conduct background checks. That allows gun purchases to go unscreened at gun shows and online.

Currently, 21 states require background checks before all gun sales. None are in the Deep South.

Ten states have some version of a red flag law, including Florida. It gives authorities the power to prevent anyone considered dangerous from buying or possessing a firearm, and it was put in place after the 2018 mass shooting at a Parkland high school that killed 17 students and faculty.

While Edwards would not commit to supporting a particular version of a red flag law, he said he could see Louisiana modeling its statute after Floridas. Judges there have acted more than 8,000 times to remove or restrict gun access to individuals, according to state data

Approval of any gun restriction in Louisiana will be a challenge. In recent years, most efforts in the Legislature involving firearms laws have been aimed at relaxing standards.

For the past two years, state lawmakers have tried to pass bills to allow individuals to carry concealed firearms without a permit or training. Edwards vetoed the proposal in 2021 , and a comparable bill this year cleared the House of Representatives.

The legislation appeared destined for approval before the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. After 19 students and two teachers were killed, a Louisiana Senate committee chose to amend the so-called constitutional carry measure into one that would allow one employee per school to be carry a concealed gun as a school protection officer.

Although the revised bill was sent to the Senate floor, it was never brought up for a vote.

The post Louisiana governor says background checks would complement red flag gun law appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator.
CHICAGO, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pastor John Harrell, the president of Black Men United, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and media figure Candace Jordan will take part in a Father's Day giveaway on North Michigan Avenue this Sunday, June 19.

The giveaway will take place between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Pearson Street. Some of the unique gifts they will be handing out include: air fryers, car battery chargers, cell phone chargers, handheld massagers, humidifiers and small ice makers.

"This is part of the mission of Black Men United," Harrell said. "Giving back to the community. I'm thrilled to be partnering with Treasurer Pappas and Candace on this special giveaway."

"Fathers are underappreciated in our society," Pappas said. "This is just a small way to honor them on their special day."

Black Men United is a nonprofit dedicated to changing the narrative of the Black community and bringing hope by building bridges in communities across America. Harrell is also pastor of Proviso Missionary Baptist Church in Maywood.

The Treasurer's Office has partnered with Black Men United in the past. Last month, Pappas was one of the local leaders that helped pack three trucks with food and aid to the people of Buffalo, N.Y. following the mass shooting at a grocery store. In March, Pappas joined the organization in sending aid to Ukraine.

SOURCE Cook County Treasurer's Office
Witnessed by HE Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health  Abu Dhabi (DoH), the signing ceremony happened during the BIO International Convention 2022 which took place between June 13-16 in San Diego, California, U.S. The Declaration of Collaboration between the parties was signed by Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director, Research and Innovation Centre at DoH and Jamie Phares, Managing Director of Janssen GCC, one of the pharmaceutical companies of Johnson and Johnson.

An Abu Dhabi delegation is participating at the BIO International Convention 2022 to showcase the domestic growth and economic development of Abu Dhabi's biotechnology industry. Headed by HE Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health  Abu Dhabi (DoH), the Abu Dhabi delegation comprised of government officials is visiting the United States of America this month to explore prospects of joint collaboration within the framework of healthcare at large and life science in specific.

Through these strategic collaborations, DoH and Johnson and Johnson Middle East, FZ LLC will explore key potential areas of interest to develop short and long-term projects in the generation of Data and Real-World Evidence (RWE). Through international collaborations, Abu Dhabi seeks to lead research groups supported by global partners to establish the strength and sustainability of the healthcare sector as well as provide quality care to patients.

Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director, Research and Innovation Centre at the Department of Health  Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: "We are pleased with all that we have achieved during the Abu Dhabi Life Science Mission thus far. Our collaborations with leading healthcare companies echo Abu Dhabi's ongoing efforts to position itself as a leading life science destination as well as an incubator for innovation. Through our collaboration with Johnson Middle East, FZ LLC, we aim to further improve the resilience and sustainability of the healthcare sector as well as provide quality care to patients in Abu Dhabi and worldwide."

Powered by a solid infrastructure, and an advanced healthcare ecosystem, collaboration opportunities across the biopharmaceutical and healthcare value chain in Abu Dhabi continue to emerge because of the sector's robust growth potential. Through international collaborations, Abu Dhabi seeks to lead research groups supported by global partners to explore the resilience and sustainability of the healthcare sector worldwide as well as provide quality care to patients.

A high-profile Abu Dhabi delegation arrived in the United States of America last week to explore prospects of joint collaboration within the framework of healthcare at large and life science in specific as part of the Abu Dhabi Life Science Mission.

The Abu Dhabi Life Science Mission to USA is expected to see meetings and agreement signings with leading partners to explore and activate collaborations in life science and real-world evidence, digital health, research and development, supply chain and many other areas. The visit aims to lay down sustainable mechanisms that empower the healthcare sector in both countries as well as showcase Abu Dhabi's distinguished healthcare ecosystem.

The Abu Dhabi delegation to the US witnessed the participation of ten key entities in the life science ecosystem in Abu Dhabi including the Department of Health  Abu Dhabi (DoH), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Mubadala Health, G42 Healthcare, Abu Dhabi Ports, ADQ, Etihad Cargo, Khalifa University, Hayat-vax and Pure Health.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1841530/The_Department_of_Health_Abu_Dhabi.jpg

SOURCE The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi
Plant, distribution center employees awarded new SUVs for exemplary commitment during COVID

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Instant Brands, maker of consumer favorites like Instant Pot, Pyrex and more, recently announced an expanded rewards program to celebrate its plant and distribution center employees' commitment during COVID-19. As part of Instant Brands' continuing investment in its workforce, the company gave five employees a new 2022 Jeep Compass.

"Because of our employees' dedication, our operations ran at full capacity in 2021 to meet consumer demand. Our team's efforts allowed us to continue delivering our products during very challenging times," said Ben Gadbois, President and CEO of Instant Brands. "We're incredibly proud of our employees, and we're committed to recognizing their contributions in meaningful ways."

The five winners represent each of Instant Brands' five U.S.-based manufacturing and distribution centers:

Victoria Garcia , Senior Distribution Auditor, Riverside, Calif. , three years of service ( Riverside resident)

, three years of service ( resident) Maria Godinez , Production Operator, Byhalia, Miss. , nine months of service ( Memphis resident)

, nine months of service ( resident) Lisa Houck , Industrial Truck Driver, Greencastle, Pa. , 31 years of service ( Greencastle resident)

, 31 years of service ( resident) Norman Morse , Maintenance Mechanic, Corning, NY , 32 years of service ( Lowman resident)

, 32 years of service ( resident) Greg Spada , Job Change and Training Coordinator, Charleroi, Pa. , seven years of service ( Charleroi resident)

Throughout COVID-19, Instant Brands maintained its primary focus on keeping employees safe while also keeping production lines going at its facilities. The company's expanded rewards program celebrates employees with the best attendance records during the second half of 2021. Local representatives were on hand to witness each of the five car drawings and to congratulate the winners.

As part of its 2022 recognition program, Instant Brands will hold two drawings at each of its five U.S.-based field locations. The 10 winning employees each will be awarded an all-expense paid vacation for two. Employees may select a predetermined 'warm weather' (Las Vegas, San Diego, Orlando, Hawaii) or 'cold weather' (Boston, New York City, Seattle, Alaska) location within the U.S.

Instant Brands continues to grow its workforce to keep pace with consumer demand. To learn more about employment opportunities, visit Careers  Instant Brands.

About Instant Brands

Instant Brands designs, manufactures and markets a global portfolio of innovative and iconic consumer lifestyle brands: Instant, Pyrex, Corelle, Corningware, Snapware, Chicago Cutlery, ZOID and Visions. With people-first and purpose-driven solutions in mind, Instant Brands is reimagining how people live, eat, connect, and play inside the homeand in the spaces where people gather. The Cornell Capital-backed company is headquartered in Downers Grove, Ill., and employs more than 2,000 people across four continents. Today, Instant Brands' products are in millions of homes worldwide. For more information visit Instant Brands or join the community at LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Instant Brands
"We are committed to providing world-class client and relationship management in an ever-changing environment," said Matt Merna, Senior Vice President, Chubb Group and Division President, North America Major Accounts. "Part of that commitment centers on making sure we have the right leaders in the right place to meet our clients' needs. We benefit enormously from having well-respected leaders like Suresh and Lauren within our organization who can be appointed to help us ensure we continue to provide comprehensive solutions and superior service to our distribution partners and clients."

Mr. Krishnan most recently served as Head of North America Accident & Health and in his new role will report to Jim Shevlin, who was recently named Division President of ESIS. Mr. Krishnan's responsibilities as ESIS COO include developing and implementing a range of strategies related to claims execution for the business, including overseeing the performance of technology, handling of workers compensation, auto, general liability and specialty claims, legal, compliance, operations, process improvement and product development.

"Suresh has served in a variety of leadership roles around the globe throughout his tenure at Chubb and has a very good understanding of our business and clients' needs," said Mr. Shevlin. "That background positions him well to further support ESIS and help ensure the business continues to align with the needs and expectations of our clients' unique risk management needs, while achieving superior results. I look forward to working with Suresh to deliver ESIS's premiere brand."

Ms. Gillette was most recently Chief Operating Officer of Chubb's North America Accident & Health Division. In her new role, Ms. Gillette will serve as head of the business and look to further grow this critical market segment, which offers accident and health insurance to businesses, educational institutions, affinity groups and leisure travelers. She will report to Matt Merna.

Mr. Krishnan joined the company, then named ACE, in 1999 and has held a variety of executive-level positions. Previously, he served as Head of Chubb European Group's Major Accounts Division, where he led the development of business strategies and metrics ensuring clients and brokers fully benefited from Chubb's risk and underwriting expertise. He has also held senior roles in the company's international general insurance operations, Overseas General Insurance, including leading strategy for multinational and large accounts, and leading and managing the Global Client Executive Practice. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University and a Juris Doctor from The University of Richmond School of Law.

Ms. Gillette joined the company in 2009 as a professional associate. She previously served as E&O Product Leader and has close to a decade of production and field management experience in both the errors and omissions (E&O) and cyber product lines. Throughout her career at Chubb, she has held a variety of leadership positions, including heading the Midwest region's underwriting team, overseeing the Western region for E&O and cyber, as well as managing the company's real estate E&O portfolio. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Miami University and holds a CPCU designation.

About ESIS, a Chubb Company

ESIS, Inc. provides claim and risk management services to a wide variety of commercial clients. Our innovative best-in-class approach to program design, integration, and achievement of results aligns with the needs and expectations of our clients' unique risk management needs. With more than 70 years of experience and offerings in both the U.S. and globally, ESIS provides one of the industry's broadest selections of risk management solutions covering both pre- and post-loss services.

About Chubb



Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London, Paris and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.

Chubb Insurance Company of Canada has offices in Toronto, Calgary, Montreal and Vancouver and provides its products and services through licensed insurance brokers across Canada. For additional information, visit: chubb.com/ca.

SOURCE Chubb
Clearwater Marine Aquarium plans to break ground by the end of this summer on a 20' x 30' rehabilitation pool at its Island Estates location. When completed, the pools will be able to hold two manatee patients in need of care.

"For over a decade, Clearwater Marine Aquarium has assisted in rescuing, transporting, releasing and tracking wild manatees with our colleagues in the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership and throughout the Caribbean," said President and Executive Director Dr. James "Buddy" Powell. "We are absolutely thrilled that we are now able to establish a new manatee research and rehabilitation facility here in Pinellas County."

"The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a Florida treasure, saving our precious marine life and giving the world stories of inspiration like Winter the Dolphin," said Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor. "Amid a growing manatee crisis in Florida, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is now on the front lines of the fight to rescue, rehabilitate, release and track these iconic Florida marine mammals and restore their habitats."

At least 575 manatees have died this year through June 3, according to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Last year, 1,101 manatees died, more than any year on record.

"Clearwater Marine Aquarium is exceptionally positioned to establish manatee rehabilitation facilities in Pinellas County. We have all seen the devastating news about record manatee deaths, reversing this will take immense coordination, resources and partnerships," said Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard. "As a leader in the marine biology field, they are the forefront experts in manatee conservation and protection along with marine life rescue, rehabilitation and release."

"Saving Florida's manatees takes immense coordination, resources, and partnerships," said Powell. "Clearwater Marine Aquarium is committed to this mission and our team of researchers, biologists and veterinarians are ready to assist with the continued influx of manatees affected by habitat loss, red tide, boat injuries, and cold stress syndrome."

The acute care facility at CMA is part of a three-phase Manatee Survival Plan announced earlier this year. The second phase includes the construction of three manatee rehabilitation pools at CMA's Fred Howard Park location in Tarpon Springs and the final phase involves a $10 million state-of-the-art facility back at CMA's Island Estates location.

Media Contact: Kelsy Long, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, [email protected] or via cell at 410.507.1453.

SOURCE Clearwater Marine Aquarium
ESRT is one of a select few to receive the Platinum recognition, the highest distinction and a new award tier implemented in 2022

NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESRT) announced that it was selected as a 2022 Platinum Green Lease Leader by the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Better Buildings Alliance and the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT). With this award, ESRT is recognized for its integration of high-performance leasing and sustainability practices into business operations which deliver energy efficiency, cost savings, air quality, and sustainability for our tenants. ESRT is one of only nine awardees to achieve the Platinum distinction.

"ESRT's long standing commitment to these initiatives across our portfolio has been a key factor for the attraction of high credit quality tenants with aligned goals," said ESRT's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Christina Chiu. "As we achieve important ESG targets, we also achieve ROI and savings benefits from these practices which benefit ESRT, our valued tenants, and our investors for whom this is competitive advantage."

ESRT's work has proven that building efficiency measures  along with planned renewable changes in power supply to the grid  will achieve city-wide and global long-term targets of 80% reduction of GHG by 2050. ESRT plans to achieve this goal of 80% operational emissions reduction at the Empire State Building by 2030 and portfolio-wide by 2035.

"Tenants automatically achieve long-term goals for carbon neutrality, Local Law 97 compliance, and healthy buildings at an affordable price point when they choose an ESRT building," said Dana Robbins Schneider, SVP director of energy, sustainability, and ESG. "More than 50% of energy usage in commercial buildings comes from tenant spaces, so partnership with our tenants on energy-efficient designs and operational practices is paramount to achieve key goals for waste diversion, emissions, energy, and water reduction."

Green Lease Leaders sets national standards for what constitutes a green lease and recognizes landlords and tenants who modernize their leases to spur collaborative action on energy efficiency, cost savings, air quality, and sustainability in buildings. To achieve this recognition, ESRT qualified for credits in energy efficiency and sustainability best practices such as utility data tracking and sharing, cost recovery for capital improvements, and sustainability training.

ESRT regularly takes steps to reduce the environmental impact of our portfolio of more than 10 million rentable square feet of commercial and retail space. We make investments and adjust our practices to achieve quantifiable improvement in energy efficiency, carbon emissions reduction, water efficiency, waste diversion, healthy buildings, and the wellness of our tenants and employees. ESRT recently reported its major accomplishments, transparent metrics, and forward-looking goals for energy, sustainability, and DE&I in its annual Sustainability Report.

More information about Green Lease Leaders can be found online. More information about ESRT's sustainability leadership can be found online.

About Empire State Realty Trust

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: ESRT) is a NYC-focused REIT that owns and manages a well-positioned property portfolio of office, retail and multifamily assets in Manhattan and the greater New York metropolitan area. Owner of the Empire State Building, the World's Most Famous Building, ESRT also owns and operates its iconic, newly reimagined Observatory Experience. The company is a leader in healthy buildings, energy efficiency, and indoor environmental quality, and has the lowest greenhouse gas emissions per square foot of any publicly traded REIT portfolio in New York City. As of March 31, 2022, ESRT's portfolio is comprised of approximately 9.4 million rentable square feet of office space, 700,000 rentable square feet of retail space and 625 units across two multifamily properties. More information about Empire State Realty Trust can be found at esrtreit.com and by following ESRT on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and LinkedIn .

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Federal securities laws. You can identify these statements by our use of words such as "assumes," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects" or the negative of these words or similar words or expressions that do not relate to historical matters. You should exercise caution in interpreting and relying on forward-looking statements, because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond ESRT's control and could materially affect actual results, performance or achievements. Such factors and risks include, without limitation, (i) the current public health crisis and economic disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, (ii) a failure of conditions or performance regarding any event or transaction described above, (iii) environmental uncertainties and risks related to climate change, adverse weather conditions, rising sea levels and natural disasters; and (iv) accuracy of our methodologies and estimates regarding ESG metrics and goals, (v) tenant willingness and ability to collaborate in reporting ESG metrics and meeting ESG goals, (vi) impact of governmental regulation on our ESG efforts, (viii) and other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in ESRT's and ESROP's filings with the SEC, including those set forth in each of ESRT's and ESROP's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 under the heading "Risk Factors." Except as may be required by law, ESRT and ESROP do not undertake a duty to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.
DUBLIN, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWAN) Market, Forecast to 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global LPWAN market is still at a growing stage; with network operators expanding public and private LPWAN networks across the globe.

The base year of this insight is 2021, with forecasts running up to 2025. The research highlights key trends impacting the Global LPWAN market and outlines future implications.

In certain cases, operators are conducting trials of unlicensed LPWAN integrated with alternative technologies such as satellites for extended coverage or roaming capabilities.

Low power wide area network (LPWAN) is a wireless wide area network that is optimized for non-mission-critical applications in machine-to-machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) communications.

LPWAN deployments benefit M2M and IoT applications in terms of extended coverage, low transmission rate, longer battery life, cost savings in operations, and lower pricing for network services. Leading LPWAN technologies include LoRaWAN, Sigfox, RPMA and Wi-SUN.



Proprietary LPWANs typically operate in the license-free industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) bands and are hence less expensive on a per-connection basis than current mobile cellular and other licensed radio options. Latency is not the primary concern; hence long-range operation is feasible.

No single technology or company can meet the demands of IoT across sectors and consumers. While most technologies can be expected to coexist, the best alternatives will emerge from trial and error and by mapping features to requirements. The scale of IoT, though vast already, is still far from what can be achieved, and the demand has only just scratched the surface.

However, they face strong competition from licensed LPWAN cellular-based technologies, since at the same time, the cellular industry is also developing standards to support M2M and IoT deployments in an efficient manner. Some of these technologies include narrowband (NB)-IoT and Long Term Evolution for Machine (LTE-M).



This study will focus on the most advanced LPWAN deployments:



Proprietary LPWAN technologies (in unlicensed spectrum):

LoRaWAN

Sigfox

RPMA

Wi-SUN

LPWAN Cellular technologies in licensed spectrum:

Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT)

Long-Term Evolution for Machines (LTE-M)

This market insight covers the following sections:

LPWAN overview and characteristics

Detailed leading LPWAN technologies

Market drivers and restraints

Market forecast in terms of connections

Competitive profiles of technology alliances and public network operators

Growth opportunities and strategic imperatives for success

Key Topics Covered:



1. Strategic Imperatives

Why is it Increasingly Difficult to Grow?

The Strategic Imperative

The Impact of the Top Three Strategic Imperatives on LPWAN Industry

Growth Opportunities Fuel the Growth Pipeline Engine

2. Growth Opportunity Analysis - LPWAN Market

Scope of Analysis

Market Definitions - LPWAN Concept

LPWAN Overview

Market Segmentation

Key Public Network Operators for LPWAN Licensed and Unlicensed Technologies

Key Questions this Study will Answer

Key Growth Metrics for LPWAN Market

Growth Environment

Growth Drivers for LPWAN Market

Growth Driver Analysis for LPWAN Market

Growth Restraints for LPWAN Market

Growth Restraints Analysis for LPWAN Market

Forecast Assumptions - LPWAN Market

Connections Forecast - LPWAN Market

Connections Forecast by Segment - LPWAN Market

Connections Forecast by Technology - LPWAN Market

Connections Forecast by Region - LPWAN Market

LPWAN Most Relevant Applications Across Industries

Percent Connections by Industry Vertical - LPWAN Market

Connections Forecast Analysis - LPWAN Market

Connections Forecast Analysis by Segment - LPWAN Market

Connections Forecast Analysis by Technology - LPWAN Market

Connections Forecast Analysis by Region - LPWAN Market

Connections Forecast Analysis by Industry Vertical - LPWAN Market

Competitive Environment - LPWAN Market

3. Competitive Profiles of Technology Alliances

GSMA (NB-IoT and LTE-M) Profile

LoRaWAN Profile

Sigfox Profile

Ingenu (RPMA) Profile

Wi-SUN Profile

4. Competitive Profiles of Public Network Operators

Everynet Profile

American Tower do Brasil (ATC) Profile

WND Brasil Profile

5. Growth Opportunity Universe - LPWAN Market

Growth Opportunity 1: Asset Tracking for Logistics & Supply Chain

Growth Opportunity 2: Smart and Safe Cities Applications

Growth Opportunity 3: Agribusiness to Improve Farmer's Productivity with Sustainable Practices

Growth Opportunity 4: Retail Analytics and Security

Companies Mentioned

American Tower do Brasil (ATC)

Everynet

GSMA (NB-IoT and LTE-M)

Ingenu (RPMA)

LoRaWAN

Sigfox

Wi-SUN

WND Brasil

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ofup7t

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

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NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dechert LLP is pleased to announce that Kevin Zaragoza has joined the firm's global tax team as a partner in the New York office. His arrival contributes to Dechert's market-leading transactional private equity practice.

Mr. Zaragoza has extensive experience advising private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies on the domestic and cross-border tax aspects of mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and collaborations. He also advises investment funds, investors, and companies on their fundraising activities, including public and private offerings of debt and equity securities across various industries, from life sciences and healthcare to venture funds.

Dechert's global tax chair, Joshua Milgrim, said: "Kevin's breadth of expertise will be a meaningful addition to the global tax group, further enhancing our capacity to advise clients on their most complex and challenging transactions."

Mr. Zaragoza added: "I am delighted to be joining Dechert and I look forward to working with my new colleagues on Dechert's vibrant private equity platform."

After graduating from Yale, Mr. Zaragoza obtained a Ph.D. from Princeton in 2005 before going on to teach philosophy for two years at the University of Georgia. He later returned to Yale where he received his juris doctor in 2010 and began his legal career as an associate at another global law firm.

Mr. Zaragoza will be an integral addition to Dechert's private equity and M&A interdisciplinary deal teams. Recognized as an international powerhouse, Dechert's private equity practice has been on a fast-track growth trajectory, advising more than 300 private equity and other private investment clients worldwide. The firm's global team of more than 250 lawyers represents all types of private equity sponsors and other private investment firms, including sovereign wealth funds and family offices, and their portfolio companies, as well as institutional and corporate investors looking to invest in private equity funds. Recognized among the top law firms for private equity deals by Mergermarket's "Global & Regional League Tables 2021  Legal Advisors," the firm was ranked #5 for U.S. Buyouts and #10 for Global Buyouts by deal value.

Dechert continues to be relentlessly focused on its private equity and asset management clients, having also added in the past two months recognized private equity experts David Cosgrove in Charlotte and Nicole Macarchuk in San Francisco, in addition to M&A tax specialist David Passey in 2021.

Dechert's global tax practice, comprising lawyers in the United States and Europe, provides inventive tax solutions that meet the challenges and objectives of clients' most sophisticated business dealings around the globe, from corporate transactions and restructurings to financial transactions and fund formation and investing.

About Dechert

Dechert is a leading global law firm with 22 offices around the world. The firm advises on matters and transactions of the greatest complexity, bringing energy, creativity and efficient management of legal issues to deliver commercial and practical advice for clients.

SOURCE Dechert LLP
"Through our Goya Gives initiative we have donated millions of pounds of food to pantries and communities throughout the United States and around the World. Now, after a couple years of lockdowns, accelerating costs and inflation creating severe supply chain challenges around the Globe, we are preparing for what is to come by expanding our facilities worldwide and procuring supplies and raw materials needed in order to reinforce our ongoing commitment to keep grocery stores stocked without interruption," said Bob Unanue, President and CEO of Goya Foods.

This facility, totaling nearly 300,000 square feet, will double the amount of food distribution throughout the Midwest, including an additional 10 states and emerging markets. The building is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and machinery in order to operate more efficiently and to support Goya's growth worldwide. The expansion also ensures the retention of existing local jobs and offers new positions.

In honor of the opening, Goya will donate 20,000 pounds of food to the Illinois Migrant Council and $20,000 to the Salt and Light Coalition as part of Goya Cares, a global initiative to eliminate child trafficking both domestically and internationally.

For more information about Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com .

To learn more about Goya, please visit: www.goya.com

About Goya Foods: Founded in 1936, Goya Foods, Inc. is America's largest Hispanic-owned food company, and has established itself as the leader in Latin American food and condiments. Goya manufactures, packages, and distributes over 2,500 high-quality food products from Spain, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central, and South America. Goya products have their roots in the culinary traditions of Hispanic communities around the world. The combination of authentic ingredients, robust seasonings, and convenient preparation makes Goya products ideal for every taste and every table. For more information on Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com .

For more information, contact:

Cristina Vera

(312) 265-0326 / [email protected]

SOURCE Goya Foods, Inc.
We've also added new nonstop routes that connect Boise to Idaho Falls and Las Vegas; new nonstop flight between Anchorage and Salt Lake City starts service this weekend

SEATTLE, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- With the official start of summer just days away, Alaska Airlines is once again expanding our horizons with the launch of five new routes this week as many of us are eager for fun in the sun in different places.

We're now flying to two new cities: Cleveland and Miami with daily nonstop service from our hometown hub in Seattle. Plus, we keep growing in Boise with new nonstops to both Idaho Falls and Las Vegas. And we have a new nonstop flight between Anchorage and Salt Lake City.

"Northeast Ohio, South Florida, southern Idaho  we're flying new routes and heading to new destinations where our guests want to go," said Brett Catlin, vice president of network and alliances at Alaska Airlines. "We're seeing strong tickets sales for all our new nonstops. That's another indication that so many of us are ready to get out and go places."

Tickets for all flights are available for purchase on alaskaair.com.

We begin flying between Seattle and Cleveland today. This summer, we're the only airline connecting the vibrant city in Northeast Ohio with nonstop service to the Pacific Northwest. Cleveland becomes the third city we'll serve in the Buckeye State with daily nonstops to Seattle joining Columbus and Cincinnati.

"We are truly excited to welcome Alaska Airlines to the Cleveland Market," said Robert Kennedy, Director of Airports, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. "It's great to see this exceptional air service to Seattle that will connect Clevelander's to West Coast cities, Hawaii, western Canada and Alaska."

We're also launching today our new daily nonstop flight between Seattle and Miami. The popular South Florida vacation spot becomes our 100th nonstop destination from Seattle  a cultural hub for travelers around the world with its incredible nightlife, art, music, architecture and food. Since 2012, we've provided nonstop service between Seattle and Fort Lauderdale, just to the north of Miami.

"We proudly welcome Alaska Airlines back to Miami International Airport for the first time in 10 years," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. "Daily flights to the Pacific Northwest and beyond will give our residents more travel options, especially to the beautiful state of Alaska. I also commend Alaska Airlines for being included in TIME Magazine's list of the 100 Most Influential Companies of 2022 for its work in sustainability, one of my highest priorities for Miami-Dade County."

In Boise, we keep growing with a pair of new flights we know our guests have been eager to see. Starting today, we now offer daily nonstop service to both Idaho Falls and Las Vegas from the Idaho capital city. With these additional routes, we'll fly an average of 31 daily departures from Boise to 15 destinations  all nonstop.

Our flight between Idaho Falls and Boise will offer an easier, more convenient way to travel for business and leisure. The flight times work out well for a day trip from Idaho Falls to Boise: a mid-morning departure and then a return flight in the early evening. The added route joins our existing flights from the Spokane/Coeur d'Alene and Pullman/Moscow areas to link all key population centers across the state to Boise,

"We are thrilled this moment has become a reality for our great community," said Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper. "Providing this nonstop flight to Boise opens up greater economic opportunities through the only intrastate commercial airline service."

Starting June 18, we'll connect two summertime spots that are famous for outdoor adventures: Anchorage and Salt Lake City. We'll fly nonstop every week. This summer, we'll offer a wide variety of 22 nonstop destinations from Anchorage.

Alaska is a member of the oneworld global alliance. With oneworld and our additional airline partners, our guests can earn and redeem miles with our highly acclaimed Mileage Plan program to fly on more than 20 oneworld and partner airlines all around the globe.

About Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines and our regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. We emphasize providing low fares for our guests, award-winning customer service and sustainability efforts. Alaska is a member of the oneworld global alliance. With the alliance and our additional airline partners, guests can travel to more than 1,000 destinations on more than 20 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more about Alaska at news.alaskaair.com . Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).

SOURCE Alaska Airlines
Fort Polk, LA (71446)

Today

Overcast. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 71F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Overcast. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 71F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
Moody Neuro provides personalized care to treat adolescents and adults with brain and spinal injury. Through locations in Lubbock, Houston and Galveston, Texas, patients receive comprehensive, residential post-acute brain injury rehabilitation.

Edgmon was airlifted to University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas, Christmas morning and underwent an emergency spinal laminectomy. He moved to South Plains Rehabilitation Hospital for a month of recovery and entered in-patient rehabilitation at Moody Neuro Jan., 31, 2022. He took his first assisted steps since the accident March 24, 2022, and he capped off his last week as a patient by participating with his family and colleagues at the check presentation.

The Higginbotham Community Fund is a donor-advised fund the firm established in partnership with the North Texas Community Foundation in 2011 to provide monetary support to nonprofits operating in the markets Higginbotham serves coast to coast. An advisory committee of Higginbotham executives selects the nonprofit recipients, and the fund is 100 percent financed by employee contributions. Employees who contribute to the fund may request grants for the nonprofits they support in their local community. Many employees made special contributions to the Higginbotham Community Fund in Edgmon's name to support Moody Neuro.

To date, the Higginbotham Community Fund has raised $5.2 million in employee contributions and pledges and distributed grants to 1,608 nonprofits.

Edgmon said, "The only tears I've shed since the accident was when I learned that Higginbotham was giving this $100,000 to Moody. In my mind, Moody has given me my legs back. I've had to do a lot of hard work, but it's the hard work of the physical therapists who stay with you and work together that's remarkable."

Moody Clinical Program Director Justin Luna added, "We're so grateful to receive this gift from Higginbotham. It's going to go a long way to benefit our patients and our staff and our foundation as a whole."

Higginbotham Chairman and CEO Rusty Reid said, "Two of our core values at Higginbotham is to be family to our employees and generous to our communities. This was a perfect opportunity hit on both at the same time. Not only is Tim an esteemed member of our team, his wife, son and daughter also work at Higginbotham. So when his family suffered, our Higginbotham family felt their pain. Seeing Tim play with his five grandkids again is a blessing. We're indebted to Moody Neuro for Tim' recovery, and this grant will help families have the same outcomes."

Available Media:

Download photographs of the check presentation, photographs and video of Edgmon's rehabilitation journey and interviews with Edgmon and Moody Neuro here.

About Higginbotham

Employee owned and customer inspired, Higginbotham is a single source solution for insurance, financial and HR services. The firm was established in 1948 and ranks by revenue as the nation's 20th largest independent insurance firm. Serving thousands of businesses and individuals through locations coast to coast, Higginbotham's approach to finding insurance, employee benefit and risk management solutions is more individual and less institutional. By understanding customer priorities, eliminating inefficiencies and committing to transparency, Higginbotham is a place that leads with values so value leads. Visit higginbotham.com for more information.

SOURCE Higginbotham
Sales of Oleate Esters in Lubricants to Surge at 7.3% CAGR through 2032

The latest study published by Fact.MR offers in-depth insights into the global oleate esters market during the forecast period 2022-2032. The study highlights key dynamics such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities across 5 regions. It also provides growth prospect in the market in terms of type and application for the next ten years.

NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The global oleate esters market reached US$ 1.8 Bn in 2021. The sales of oleate esters are anticipated to total US$ 1.9 Bn by 2022, projecting growth at a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period 2022-2032.

Increasing research and development (R&D) activities by leading players to develop advanced and safe agrochemicals is estimated to assist the oleate esters demand to exceed US$ 3.3 Bn by the end of 2032.

Due to surging trend of urbanization, there is a swift rise in infrastructure development activities, creating strong demand for paints across the construction industry. With rising concerns pertaining to environmental sustainability, end users are inclining towards the adoption of bio-degradable and natural paints.

Citing this trend, numerous manufacturers are also introducing novel environment-friendly paints. For instance, in 2020, Asia Paints, an Indian multinational paint company launched a new organic range of paints featuring ingredients such as castor seeds, soya beans, and neem oil. As oleate esters are used in the production of these paints, growing adoption of organic paints and rising new product launches are projected to accelerate sales in the global market.

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Among the application verticals, the lubricant segment is expected to account for a maximum share in the market through 2032. This is attributed to the large-scale application of lubricants across automotive, manufacturing, aerospace, and others industries.

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. is estimated to account for a dominant share of the North America market, owing to increasing adoption of bio-degradable and organic paints.

market, owing to increasing adoption of bio-degradable and organic paints. Germany is expected to register growth at a considerable pace in the Europe market, driven by the growing applications of lubricants across the automotive industry.

is expected to register growth at a considerable pace in the market, driven by the growing applications of lubricants across the automotive industry. Sales of oleate esters are forecast to rise at a rapid CAGR in China , assisting the country to create an absolute dollar opportunity of US$ 143.9 Mn through 2032.

, assisting the country to create an absolute dollar opportunity of through 2032. On the basis of type, the butyl oleate segment is anticipated to account for a significant share in the market, expanding at a CAGR of 6.7% between 2022 and 2032.

Lubricant is projected to account for a leading revenue share in the application segment, exhibiting sales growth at 7.3% CAGR during the assessment period.

Growth Drivers:

Rising adoption of organic ingredients in personal care & cosmetic products is expected to augment the demand for oleate esters in the market.

Increasing applications of butyl oleate as a plasticizer for synthetic and natural defoamers, rust inhibitors, and, textile and wetting agent are estimated to favor the growth in the butyl oleate segment.

Restraints:

Implementation of regulations and ban on the use of polyvinyl chloride across countries such as the U.K., the U.S, India , and others are hindering the demand for oleate esters

, and others are hindering the demand for oleate esters Growing emphasis on decreasing the use of agrochemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, due to the rising awareness regarding the adverse of these chemicals on soil, is restraining the sales of oleate esters across the agrochemical segment.

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Competitive Landscape:

Leading oleate esters market players are focusing on expanding their production capacity to cater to the surging demand. Also, some of the companies are aiming at entering into strategic collaboration, agreement, and partnership with other players to expanding their global footprint.

For instance,

In October 2019 , Emery Oleochemicals GmbH, a Germany -based manufacturer of based specialty chemicals, announced entering into a distribution agreement with a Swedish distributor of speciality chemical, IMCD Nordic for products such as natural-based lubricants, antistatic, releasing agents, specific plasticizers, and antifogging agents. This has assisted the company to expand customer base in Europe .

Key Companies Profiled by Fact.MR

P&G Chemicals

Wilmar International Ltd.

Kao Corporation

Emery Oleochemicals

Victorian Chemical Company

Italmatch Chemical S.p.A.

Croda International Plc.

INEOS Group

More Valuable Insights on Oleate Esters Market

In its latest study, Fact.MR highlights crucial factors steering growth in the global oleate esters market for the forecast period of 2022 to 2032. The study also provides key insights into drivers that are expected to create growth prospects in the oleate esters market through detailed segmentation as follows:

By Type:

Ethyl Oleate

Methyl Oleate

Butyl Oleate

Trimethylolpropane Trioleate

By Application:

Lubricants

Plasticizers

Agrochemicals

Cosmetics

By Region:

North America

Latin America

Europe

APAC

MEA

Interested to Procure The Data? Inquire here

https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=EB&rep_id=7433

Key Questions Covered in the Oleate Esters Market Report

What is the estimated revenue of the oleate esters market during the forecast period?

Which are the challenges faced in the oleate esters market?

Which region is estimated to exhibit fastest growth rate in the global oleate esters market during 2022-2032?

What is the projected market valuation of the oleate esters market in 2022?

Which are the factors driving the oleate esters during 2022-2032?

What is the expected growth rate of the oleate esters market until 2032?

Explore Fact.MR's Coverage on the Chemical & Materials Domain

Sucrose Esters Market: Sucrose esters are gaining huge traction as an emulsifying and preserving agent across the food & beverage industry. It is increasingly being used for the production of packaged foods, bakery products, juices, dairy products, and others. Hence, growing consumption of above-mentioned products is estimated to favor the growth in the market.

Acidulants Market: Demand for acidulants is rising at a across the food & beverage sector, owing to the growing usage for achieving longer shelf-life, controlling pH levels, enhancing the flavor, and reducing microbe growth. Hence, increasing expansion of the food industry and growing consumption of packaged food products are estimated to accelerate the sales of acidulants in the market.

Emollient Esters Market: With increasing customer inclination towards adoption plant-based cosmetic & personal care products, a number of industry players are inclining towards the using plant-based additives and ingredients such as emollient esters. On account of this, the sales of emollient esters is expected to rise at a CAGR of 6% through 2031.

Matting Agents Market Study: A recent study by Fact.MR on the global matting agents market offers a 10-year forecast for 2022 to 2032. The study analyzes crucial trends that are currently determining the growth of the market.

Petroleum Coke Market Study: The petroleum coke market is predicted to increase due to expanding opportunities from several end-use industries. Paints and coatings, steel, fertilisers, and other sectors' growth are projected to generate significant potential for the industry.

Impregnating Resins Market: Key players are focused on adopting advanced manufacturing technologies for the production of impregnating resins to penetrate the global market and to improve the overall supply chain in the global impregnating resins market.

Ceramic Inks Market Study: Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider, has further discussed the market scenario in Europe and other regions of the world, in this new ceramic inks market research report.

Needle Coke Market Study: The United States needle coke market is expected to account for 90.8% of the North America Market share, in 2032. The presence of key market players and technological advancements are likely to boost needle coke sales in the U.S.

About Fact.MR

Fact.MR is a market research and consulting agency with deep expertise in emerging market intelligence. Spanning a wide range  from automotive & industry 4.0 to healthcare, chemical and materials, to even the most niche categories. 80% of Fortune 1000's trusts us in critical decision making.

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SOURCE Fact.MR
INFOVOTE KICK OFF TO COMMEMORATE JUNETEENTH

ROYAL OAK, Mich., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- InfoVote is proud to announce their partnership with Rap Snacks "The Official Snack Brand of Hip Hop", which is a premium collection of snack products sold throughout the United States that feature and celebrate the hottest rap superstars such as Snoop Dog, Rick Ross, and Cardi B. The Info-Vote-App is a 100% free and non- partisan tool designed to help increase civic engagement and prepare Gen Z and millennials for the general and midterm elections. Juneteenth celebrates the liberation for black people in America. In honor of this celebration, we'd like to continue to move our country forward by improving voter awareness and civic engagement through the InfoVote app.

Rap Snacks Logo

The app's founder, entrepreneur Myron Ragsdale, has been on a mission to increase voter awareness by giving people the tools and information they need to make an informed vote, whether it be for local, state, or national political races.

By joining forces with Rap Snacks, it is a perfect vehicle for InfoVote to reach their desired demographic and they are thrilled to be part of this brand.

Wise Intelligence, President of the Rap Snacks Foundation recently said, "The Rap Snacks Foundation and the InfoVote app have come together to give citizens a platform where representatives can be encouraged to move important issues like financial empowerment, economic justice and equality from the realm of an American 'dream' to a tangible reality for all."

As a free, civic information tool, InfoVote provides comprehensive nonpartisan information along with a safe environment for voter research. The app also allows users to receive regular news updates from the industry's top publications and access key polling and campaign data.

"InfoVote App is all you need to become completely informed about the entire voting process," adds Ragsdale. "Given the current sociopolitical climate, there has never been a more important time for you to use your right to vote!"

Here is a video explaining exactly how InfoVote works, https://youtu.be/8zNvvoKNtH4

Additionally Rap Snacks is proud to present Vote 4 Victory, a 3-day Voter Drive on August 12-13-14 which is powered by InfoVote. The Vote 4 Victory voter drive will be hosted by recording superstar artist 'Trina," and will feature R & B performers as well as other Miami public figures.

The app is available in the Google Play and Apple App store. For more information, visit the website at https://infovoteapp.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS: MORT MEISNER ASSOCIATES

MORT MEISNER, 248-545-2222 OR WENDY FAYNE, 248-842-3889

SOURCE InfoVote
DUBLIN, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Furniture Market (2022-2027) by Type, Distribution, Geography, Competitive Analysis, and the Impact of Covid-19with Ansoff Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering

The Global Furniture Market is estimated to be USD 420 Bn in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 505.13 Bn by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 3.76%.



Market dynamics are forces that impact the prices and behaviors of the Global Furniture Market stakeholders. These forces create pricing signals which result from the changes in the supply and demand curves for a given product or service. Forces of Market Dynamics may be related to macro-economic and micro-economic factors. There are dynamic market forces other than price, demand, and supply. Human emotions can also drive decisions, influence the market, and create price signals.



As the market dynamics impact the supply and demand curves, decision-makers aim to determine the best way to use various financial tools to stem various strategies for speeding the growth and reducing the risks.

Company Profiles

The report provides a detailed analysis of the competitors in the market. It covers the financial performance analysis for the publicly listed companies in the market. The report also offers detailed information on the companies' recent development and competitive scenario. Some of the companies covered in this report are Anton Doll Holzmanufaktur, BoConcept, Burrow, Cisco Home, Durham Furniture, EcoBalanza, Furniture Village, Hand & Stone Franchise, Haworth, Heritage Home Group, Herman Miller, HNI, IKEA Systems, JUMBO GROUP, Kimball International, KOKUYO, L & JG STICKLEY, Masco, Okamura, Poliform, Roche Bobois, Sahara furniture, Simply Amish, Steelcase, Vermont Woods Studios, etc.



Countries Studied

America ( Argentina , Brazil , Canada , Chile , Colombia , Mexico , Peru , United States , Rest of Americas)

, , , , , , , , Rest of Americas) Europe ( Austria , Belgium , Denmark , Finland , France , Germany , Italy , Netherlands , Norway , Poland , Russia , Spain , Sweden , Switzerland , United Kingdom , Rest of Europe )

( , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Rest of ) Middle-East and Africa ( Egypt , Israel , Qatar , Saudi Arabia , South Africa , United Arab Emirates , Rest of MEA)

and ( , , , , , , Rest of MEA) Asia-Pacific ( Australia , Bangladesh , China , India , Indonesia , Japan , Malaysia , Philippines , Singapore , South Korea , Sri Lanka , Thailand , Taiwan , Rest of Asia-Pacific )

Competitive Quadrant

The report includes Competitive Quadrant, 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.



Ansoff Analysis

The report presents a detailed Ansoff matrix analysis for the Global Furniture Market. Ansoff Matrix, also known as Product/Market Expansion Grid, is a strategic tool used to design strategies for the growth of the company. The matrix can be used to evaluate approaches in four strategies viz. Market Development, Market Penetration, Product Development and Diversification. The matrix is also used for risk analysis to understand the risk involved with each approach.

The report analyses the Global Furniture Market using the Ansoff Matrix to provide the best approaches a company can take to improve its market position.

Based on the SWOT analysis conducted on the industry and industry players, the analyst has devised suitable strategies for market growth.

Why buy this report?

The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the Global Furniture Market. The report includes in-depth qualitative analysis, verifiable data from authentic sources, and projections about market size. The projections are calculated using proven research methodologies.

The report has been compiled through extensive primary and secondary research. The primary research is done through interviews, surveys, and observation of renowned personnel in the industry.

The report includes an in-depth market analysis using Porter's 5 forces model and the Ansoff Matrix. In addition, the impact of Covid-19 on the market is also featured in the report.

The report also includes the regulatory scenario in the industry, which will help you make a well-informed decision. The report discusses major regulatory bodies and major rules and regulations imposed on this sector across various geographies.

The report also contains the competitive analysis using Positioning Quadrants, the analyst's Proprietary competitive positioning tool.

Key Topics Covered:



1 Report Description



2 Research Methodology



3 Executive Summary



4 Market Dynamics

4.1 Drivers

4.1.1 Increasing Government Investment in Infrastructure Development

4.1.2 Rise in Disposable Income has Raised Demand for Furniture in Developing Countries

4.1.3 Growing Inclination of Consumers Towards Modular Furniture

4.2 Restraints

4.2.1 Fluctuation in Raw Material Price

4.3 Opportunities

4.3.1 Increasing Demand for Eco-Friendly Raw Materials

4.3.2 Growing E Commerce Sector in Furniture

4.4 Challenges

4.4.1 Stringent Environmental Regulations Associated with Deforestation



5 Market Analysis

5.1 Regulatory Scenario

5.2 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

5.3 Impact of COVID-19

5.4 Ansoff Matrix Analysis



6 Global Furniture Market, By Type

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Home Furniture

6.2.1 Bedroom Furniture

6.2.2 Dining Room Furniture

6.2.3 Kitchen Furniture

6.2.4 Living Room Furniture

6.3 Hospital Furniture

6.4 Hospitality Furniture

6.5 Office Furniture



7 Global Furniture Market, By Distribution

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Offline Mode

7.3 Online Mode



8 Americas' Furniture Market

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Argentina

8.3 Brazil

8.4 Canada

8.5 Chile

8.6 Colombia

8.7 Mexico

8.8 Peru

8.9 United States

8.10 Rest of Americas



9 Europe's Furniture Market

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Austria

9.3 Belgium

9.4 Denmark

9.5 Finland

9.6 France

9.7 Germany

9.8 Italy

9.9 Netherlands

9.10 Norway

9.11 Poland

9.12 Russia

9.13 Spain

9.14 Sweden

9.15 Switzerland

9.16 United Kingdom

9.17 Rest of Europe



10 Middle East and Africa's Furniture Market

10.1 Introduction

10.2 Egypt

10.3 Israel

10.4 Qatar

10.5 Saudi Arabia

10.6 South Africa

10.7 United Arab Emirates

10.8 Rest of MEA



11 APAC's Furniture Market

11.1 Introduction

11.2 Australia

11.3 Bangladesh

11.4 China

11.5 India

11.6 Indonesia

11.7 Japan

11.8 Malaysia

11.9 Philippines

11.10 Singapore

11.11 South Korea

11.12 Sri Lanka

11.13 Thailand

11.14 Taiwan

11.15 Rest of Asia-Pacific



12 Competitive Landscape

12.1 Competitive Quadrant

12.2 Market Share Analysis

12.3 Strategic Initiatives

12.3.1 M&A and Investments

12.3.2 Partnerships and Collaborations

12.3.3 Product Developments and Improvements



13 Company Profiles

13.1 Anton Doll Holzmanufaktur

13.2 BoConcept

13.3 Burrow

13.4 Cisco Home

13.5 Durham Furniture

13.6 EcoBalanza

13.7 Furniture Village

13.8 Hand & Stone Franchise

13.9 Haworth

13.10 Heritage Home Group

13.11 Herman Miller

13.12 HNI

13.13 IKEA Systems

13.14 JUMBO GROUP

13.15 Kimball International

13.16 KOKUYO

13.17 L & JG STICKLEY

13.18 Masco

13.19 Okamura

13.20 Poliform

13.21 Roche Bobois

13.22 Sahara furniture

13.23 Simply Amish

13.24 Steelcase

13.25 Vermont Woods Studios



14 Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/neoqm3

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

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SOURCE Research and Markets
CALGARY, AB, June 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Intermap Technologies Corporation (TSX: IMP) (OTCQX: ITMSF) ("Intermap" or the "Company") held its annual shareholders meeting (the "Meeting") on June 15, 2022, at Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, 400, 3rd Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta. A total of 10,960,199 Class A common shares of Intermap ("Common Shares"), representing 32.79% of the total Common Shares outstanding, were represented in person or by proxy at the Meeting.

Intermap's shareholders voted in favor of all items of business put forward at the Meeting, being the election of all nominated directors and the reappointment of KPMG LLP as the auditors of the Company, as more fully described in the Company's management information circular dated May 16, 2022, a copy of which is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.SEDAR.com.

The votes in respect of the election of directors are as follows:





Votes by Ballot Nominee Result of Vote Votes For Votes Withheld/Against Patrick A. Blott Elected 5,714,395 (89.29 %) 685,467 (10.71 %) Philippe Frappier Elected 5,729,357 (89.52 %) 670,505 (10.48 %) John (Jack) Hild Elected 5,745,261 (89.77 %) 654,601 (10.23 %) Jordan Tongalson Elected 5,743,511 (89.74 %) 656,351 (10.26 %)

More information about the results of the Meeting can be found in the Company's report on the voting results, which has been filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR.

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
VISALIA, Calif., June 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) has been awarded a grant for $4,909,775.60 to partner with Kaweah Health for the creation of a child and adolescent crisis stabilization unit (CSU). The grant from California Health Facilities Financing Authority will allow Kaweah Health, an integrated health system serving Central California, to build the first 24-hour site for youth in crisis in Tulare County.

The CSU will provide crisis intervention services for children and youth under age 21, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It will be a 12-bed unit with four private rooms for acutely agitated children and youth, severely mentally ill children and youth, or very young children to separate them for safety. Services will include crisis evaluation, intervention, and stabilization, as well as psychiatric services and discharge care. Care will be given regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Kaweah Health is establishing a temporary Visalia location and finalizing a permanent comprehensive child and adolescent behavioral health campus with multiple services.

"Mental health and wellness is a major issue in Tulare County. Children are among the most impacted portions of our population, especially as a result of the COVID pandemic," said Marc Mertz, Kaweah Health's Chief Strategy Officer, noting that today, these children are seen in local emergency departments or must leave the community for mental health services, while far too many go untreated. "Without this grant funding, the development of this facility would have been extremely difficult, if not impossible."

Kaweah Health will staff this new venture thanks in part to its Graduate Medical Education Psychiatry Residency program, added in 2013, and a new Child and Adolescent fellowship added to the program in 2021. The fellowship trains child and adolescent psychiatrists who will positively impact the health of youth and their families in the Central Valley with an emphasis on the underserved in rural communities," said Program Director Dr. Cory Jaques.

The Psychiatry residency is successful, with about half of its graduates remaining in the area to practice or get further training. Kaweah Health also has a 60-bed mental health hospital in Visalia, along with behavioral health treatment options at its Lindsay and Exeter clinics.

Kaweah Health is a publicly-owned community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia region and Tulare County. Visit www.kaweahhealth.org.

CONTACT: Laura Florez-McCusker, 1 (559) 624-5985, [email protected]

SOURCE Kaweah Health
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kleiner Device Labs (KDL) today announced that it will host a meeting room at McKinsey & Company's Early Stage Investor Conference on the morning of Wednesday, June 22 as part of the event's HealthTech track. Investors interested in talking with KDL may find more information and registration at McKinsey's conference web site here.

"We are excited to participate in McKinsey & Company's conference to meet prospective investors for future funding opportunities," said Kleiner Device Labs founder and CEO, Jeff Kleiner MD.

KDL is in the midst of launching its next product, the KG2TM SurgeTM flow-thru interbody system, which employs the company's proprietary flow-thru technology to streamline the implant delivery, positioning and grafting processes for TLIF and PLIF spinal fusion procedures. This brings important outcome and cost improvements to spinal fusion surgeries.

For KG2 videos, technical specifications, instructions for use, or clinical efficacy information, please go to the company's web site.

About Kleiner Device Labs

Kleiner Device Labs is creating new instruments and devices to advance minimally invasive spine surgery and improve outcomes and costs. Kleiner Device Labs is headquartered in Incline Village, Nevada.

KG and Surge are trademarks of Kleiner Device Labs.

Sales and Surgeon Contact:

Bob Haugen

[email protected]

M: 224.223.2118

Media Contact:

Brad Samson

[email protected]

M: 714.955.3951

Investor Contact:

Stewart Peabody

[email protected]

M: 312.498.5892

MKT-00010-32 Rev 1

SOURCE Kleiner Device Labs
Groundbreaking Colombian study will still have major impact on Alzheimer's prevention research

PHOENIX, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A precedent-setting prevention trial in Colombia has found that the investigational medicine crenezumab did not slow or prevent decline in cognition or memory for cognitively healthy people with a rare genetic mutation that causes early-onset Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease (ADAD).

The trial did not demonstrate a statistically significant clinical benefit in either of its co-primary endpoints assessing the rate of change in cognitive abilities or episodic memory function, measured by the Alzheimer's Prevention Initiative (API) ADAD Composite Cognitive Test Score and the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) Cueing Index, respectively. Small numerical differences favoring crenezumab over placebo were observed across the co-primary and multiple secondary and exploratory endpoints, but they were not statistically significant.

Further analyses of clinical and biomarker data are ongoing and initial findings will be presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) on August 2, 2022. No new safety issues were identified during the study.

"We're disappointed that the treatment did not demonstrate a statistically significant clinical benefit," said Eric M. Reiman, MD , Banner Alzheimer's Institute executive director and one of the API study leaders. "At the same time, we're grateful for the impact that this pioneering study has had in shaping a new era in Alzheimer's prevention research, and we're extremely grateful to our research participants and their families. This trial, the data, samples, and findings that we'll share with the research community, and the related work that we and others are doing promise to further accelerate the evaluation and approval of future prevention therapies."

Crenezumab is an investigational monoclonal antibody that binds to and interferes with the potentially harmful effects of amyloid oligomers, soluble clumps of amyloid that may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. It was designed to minimize the inflammatory brain cell response that has been postulated to contribute to the risk of ARIA (Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities), including brain magnetic resonance imaging evidence (MRI) of fluid accumulation (edema), bleeding, or the clinical side effects to which they may be related.

The API ADAD Trial compared cognitive and biological changes over 5-8 years in 252 cognitively unimpaired members of the world's largest ADAD kindred, including carriers of the Colombian "Paisa" mutation (presenilin 1 [PSEN1] E280A). Carriers of the rare mutation are virtually certain to develop Alzheimer's and tend to become cognitively impaired by around age 44. The trial included mutation carriers who were randomly assigned to receive crenezumab, carriers who were randomly assigned to receive placebo, and non-carriers from the kindred who also received placebo. Remarkably, 94% of the participants completed the trial.

The trial developed groundbreaking research strategies and methods that have helped shape Alzheimer's prevention research, led to a growing number of prevention trials in cognitively unimpaired persons at biological risk for Alzheimer's, and sped up the effort to find effective prevention therapies and support their potential approval. It also established a precedent-setting commitment to the sharing of trial data and samples with the field to have the greatest possible impact. In addition, it provides the opportunity to explore the impact of treatment in mutation carriers who did or did not have PET evidence of amyloid plaques when the study began and to inform the design of future primary and secondary prevention trials.

This trial was a partnership between Banner Alzheimer's Institute's API, the Neurosciences Group (GNA) at the University of Antioquia in Colombia, the pharmaceutical company Roche (SIX: RO, ROG;OTCQX: RHHBY), and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

"I wholeheartedly thank the dedicated researchers who designed and conducted this trial, the heroic families who participated, and the many others who supported this historic trial," said Pierre N. Tariot, MD , Banner Alzheimer's Institute director and one of the other API study leaders.

The API ADAD Trial was the first NIH-supported and potentially label-enabling prevention trial of an investigational Alzheimer's disease-modifying treatment in persons at biological risk for the disease. It was supported by two NIA grants, funding from Roche, and generous philanthropic contributions to Banner Alzheimer's Foundation. When then-NIH Director Francis S. Collins, MD, PhD, announced the trial at the first NIH AD Summit in 2012 , he called it "a cornerstone in the National Plan to Address AD."

"We offer our deepest thanks to the people who participated in this important clinical trial, for their help in advancing our understanding of the complexities of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias," Richard J. Hodes, MD , NIA director. "We look forward to learning more from the full data, which will provide guidance for further research since every new piece of knowledge brings us closer to effective prevention strategies and treatments."

More than 15 years ago, API researchers began forging a close working relationship with GNA at the University of Antioquia, which played the primary role in conducting the trial in Colombia. For three decades, long before the API trial began, GNA Director Francisco J. Lopera, MD, and his colleagues had followed and built close relationships with the affected families. With API support, GNA has now identified more than 6,000 members of the Colombia kindred in 26 extended families, including about 1,200 who carry the ADAD mutation, and it played the primary role in trial engagement, enrollment, and assessments. ADAD represents less than one percent of all cases of Alzheimer's.

"The courage of the Antioquia families, their support for each other, and their belief in the potential of research have made possible all that we have learned through this study," said Dr. Lopera. "We will continue to work closely with our families and research partners, and we will never give up in our effort to find effective Alzheimer's prevention therapies as soon as possible."

Since the trial's early planning stages, Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, provided crucially important clinical trial expertise, a shared commitment to the ambitious prevention trial goals, and the investigational medicine, crenezumab, chosen by API and the University of Antioquia's GNA for the study.

"We are grateful for the trial participants and their families and are humbled to have been part of this important study over the past decade," said Rachelle Doody, MD, PhD, Global Head of Neurodegeneration at Roche and Genentech. "We also recognize and thank our fellow academic and scientific collaborators whose unique expertise brought together unparalleled knowledge of the Colombian kindred community and deep experience in developing measures and evaluating interventions in populations at risk for or affected by Alzheimer's disease. We remain committed to contributing further scientific evidence to advance how Alzheimer's disease is understood, diagnosed and treated."

In addition to several ongoing prevention trials in cognitively unimpaired older adults with biomarker evidence of Alzheimer's disease, other prevention trials are in the planning stages. They include possible trials in cognitively unimpaired Colombian PSEN1 E280A mutation carriers and in cognitively unimpaired older adults with one or two copies of the APOE4 gene, the major genetic risk factor for developing Alzheimer's at older ages, starting before or after they have biomarker evidence of amyloid plaques, and additional trials in cognitively unimpaired older adults with biomarker evidence of the disease.

This research was funded in part by NIH grants RF1AG041705 and R01AG055444 from the National Institute on Aging, the primary U.S. federal agency supporting and conducting Alzheimer's disease research.

For more information, contact:

Jen Fenter, Banner Alzheimer's Institute

[email protected]

SOURCE Banner Alzheimer's Institute
BARNARD, Vt., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- MIB Agents, a leading pediatric osteosarcoma nonprofit, will award six Outsmarting Osteosarcoma grants totaling $450,000, a 350-percent increase from previous gifts, during its annual FACTOR event, June 23-25 in San Diego, CA.

The research dollars will support the improvement of treatment options and outcomes for this rare cancer by investing in the researchers who are paving the way for a cure. Osteosarcoma is an aggressive, malignant, primary bone cancer affecting 800-900 people in the U.S. each year and is the most common bone cancer affecting children and young adults.

"This tremendous increase in support comes directly from the MIB Agents Family Funds, who make all our grants possible," said Ann Graham, Founder and Executive Director of MIB Agents. "It is an incredible representation of our community's commitment to partner with the scientific community, accelerate research efforts, and find a cure for this devastating disease."

The Outsmarting Osteosarcoma Award, $100,000 each, funding research investigating immunotherapy approaches to osteosarcoma will be awarded to:

Michael Leibowitz , MD, PhD | University of Colorado / Children's Hospital Colorado

, MD, PhD | / Children's Hospital Colorado Dan Regan , DVM, PhD | Colorado State University

, DVM, PhD | Jason Yustein , MD, PhD | Emory University

The Young Investigator Research Awards, worth $50,000 each and sponsored by Family Funds honoring their children who passed from osteosarcoma, will be awarded to:

John Ligon , MD | University of Florida - granted Because Of Dylan

, MD | - granted Because Of Dylan Eunice Lopez-Fuentes , PhD | University of California, San Francisco - granted Because Of Charlotte

, PhD | - granted Because Of Charlotte Kristen VanHeyst , DO | University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital - granted Because Of Charlotte

The FACTOR conference is a unique gathering of leading osteosarcoma researchers and clinicians, survivors, patient and bereaved families to work together toward our goal of improving outcomes for kids affected by Osteosarcoma. Part of FACTOR includes a "Headquarters" camplike experience for survivors, patients and family members. This includes a luncheon where young adults affected by osteosarcoma who are pursuing a career in healthcare are partnered with physicians for one-on-one experiences. From this session MIB Agents has seen six survivors go on to work closely with the physicians they met and pursue careers medical field.

About MIB Agents

Founded in 2012, MIB Agents is a leading pediatric osteosarcoma nonprofit dedicated to making it better for our community of patients, caregivers, doctors, and researchers through programs, education, and research.

SOURCE MIB Agents
The combined team positions Mayer Brown as the leading Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice in the Intermountain area

SALT LAKE CITY, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mayer Brown announced today that four partners have joined the firm's Salt Lake City office, adding to the firm's capabilities in emerging companies and venture capital in the region and nationwide.

Joining the firm are Craig Frame, Jim Kelly, Aaron Murdock, and Matt Wells. Messrs Frame, Murdock, and Wells advise companies at all stages of growth in connection with corporate, securities, financings and M&A matters. Mr. Kelly advises a wide range of investment management firms, including venture capital firms.

"We're pleased to round out our office in Salt Lake City with these excellent lawyers with deep roots in the Utah technology community," said Mayer Brown chair Jon Van Gorp. "With their addition, we have the premier emerging company and venture capital practice in the region that is complimented by a leading full service litigation team."

Since opening the Salt Lake City office in early 2022, the office has grown to 13 partners, including the new appointments. The Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice is the cornerstone of the office, advising companies and the investors that fund them on capital markets, corporate & securities, mergers & acquisitions, and fund formation matters.

The firm is ranked by Chambers USA for Corporate/M&A: Highly Regarded (Nationwide) and ranks individuals for Corporate/M&A (Utah). Mayer Brown is also ranked as a leading Capital Markets and M&A law firm by The Legal 500 US and by IFLR1000.

About Mayer Brown

Mayer Brown is a distinctively global law firm, uniquely positioned to advise the world's leading companies and financial institutions on their most complex deals and disputes. With extensive reach across four continents, we are the only integrated law firm in the world with approximately 200 lawyers in each of the world's three largest financial centersNew York, London and Hong Kongthe backbone of the global economy. We have deep experience in high-stakes litigation and complex transactions across industry sectors, including our signature strength, the global financial services industry. Our diverse teams of lawyers are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do. Our "one-firm" cultureseamless and integrated across all practices and regionsensures that our clients receive the best of our knowledge and experience.

SOURCE Mayer Brown
Brianna Billiot, a recent graduate of Pickering High School, was one of 87 students who earned an associate degree through dual enrollment classes and will start her college career at Northwestern State classified as a junior. Photo courtesy of NSU.
Key Highlights Offered in the Report:

Information on how to identify strategic and tactical negotiation levels that will help achieve the best prices.

Gain information on relevant pricing levels, detailed explanation of the pros and cons of prevalent pricing models.

Methods to help engage with the right suppliers and discover KPI's to evaluate incumbent suppliers.

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This Mechanical Construction Services procurement intelligence report has enlisted the top suppliers and their cost structures, SLA terms, best selection criteria, and negotiation strategies.

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Table of Content

Executive Summary

Market Insights

Category Pricing Insights

Cost-saving Opportunities

Best Practices

Category Ecosystem

Category Management Strategy

Category Management Enablers

Suppliers Selection

Suppliers under Coverage

US Market Insights

Category scope

Appendix

About SpendEdge:

SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions.

Contacts:

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SOURCE SpendEdge
ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pro-police political grassroots organization National Police Support Fund has just released their latest edition of their Law Enforcement Support Guides, which are published every election cycle. This guide is a free resource for all citizens that want to support law and order in America and fight the demonization of law enforcement. The anti-police rhetoric has grown stronger in recent years, and with it an increase in crime and attacks on our police. The 2022 guide urges all citizens to exercise their right to vote this November and to remember all of our men and women in blue as they decide how to cast their votes.

The 2022 Law Enforcement Support Guide webpage reads "What are the biggest issues facing police officers today? We've compiled key issues affecting law enforcement in our 2022 Law Enforcement Support Guide." These issues include qualified immunity, the defund police movement, and the importance of electing strong pro-police leaders.

National Police Support Fund has published a number of voter guides and other free resources for pro-law enforcement citizens since the organization's inception. The National Police Support Fund is committed to promoting the interests and well-being of American police officers within the public policy process through grassroots political action. This grassroots movement is driven by everyday Americans who believe in supporting the rule of law and honoring the police officers who uphold and enforce it everyday.

The digital support guide introduces the importance of the upcoming elections by stating "As a nation, we are faced with more uncertainties than ever before. During times like these, it's important to remember to remain united and appreciate the essential services that allow our country to function. Law enforcement officers protect us and our interests, and it's our responsibility to keep their needs in mind when it comes time to vote in November."

The 2022 Law Enforcement Support Guide was published ahead of another very important election cycle, as many important decisions about law enforcement continue to come up at local, state and national levels. The resource is free to download here:

https://nationalpolicesupportfund.com/2022-law-enforcement-support-guide/

The National Police Support Fund is a national political organization organized under Section 527 of the IRS Tax Code. Contributions are not tax deductible. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

SOURCE National Police Support Fund
DUBLIN, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Medical Device Markets for Near Field Communication" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

For self-administration, adherence with drug therapy and disease management protocols has become a primary concern within the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

For chronic conditions adherence has a direct effect on the patient's quality-of-life.

Connected devices - drug injection devices that are designed to address the patient adherence issue by reminding and recording data about patient dosing activity and making it available to HCPs - are gaining interest among industry and managed care participants.



Medical Device Markets for Near Field Communication - What You Will Learn

What medical devices incorporate near field communication technology, how do they work and what new capabilities do they offer to patients and their HCPs?

What benefits do NFC enabled drug injectors provide to patients in the area of improved adherence? Patient reported outcomes? HCP/patient communication?

What therapeutic areas are the current focus of NFC enabled devices?

Who are the companies behind the push to integrate communication capabilities into injection devices? What are their development activities and corporate alliances and affiliations

What is the importance of pharma-device alliances and design partnerships on medical device commercialization and market access?

What does the current market for connected medical devices look like?

What are the key market drivers for the growth of NFC enabled medical devices?

Key Topics Covered:

Executive Summary

Medical Device Markets for Near Field Communication

Executive Summary

Wireless Options for Medical Devices

Near Field Communication

NFC OpenSense (Thin Film Electronics)

NFC Technology and UID

Security

The Energy Issue

RFID Communication

Wireless Architectures

Device Ergonomics

Medical Applications for NFC

UDI

Hospital Inventory Tracking Solutions

In-patient Management

Patient Monitoring Markets

Implantable Sensors

Injection Devices

Patient Monitoring

Security/Counterfeiting/etc.

NFC Standards

Market Participant Profiles

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jjecp9

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

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Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
Start with seed to manage soybean weeds

To assist farmers in developing a well-rounded weed management plan for their soybean fields, Golden Harvest Soybean Product Manager Stephanie Porter explains how varieties with the Enlist E3 soybean trait technology along with integrated agronomic management practices can help farmers control the threat of weeds this growing season.

"Our Gold Series soybean lineup features varieties with elite genetics and great field performance, including some of our strongest performing Enlist E3 varieties in terms of weed control and yield potential," said Porter. "For example, Golden Harvest soybean varieties GH2292E3, GH3132E3 and GH3762E3S offer consistent performance against weeds and strong agronomics."

2021 trials1 showed that these varieties also deliver top yield performance, beating key competitors across the Midwest:

Golden Harvest soybean GH2292E3 brand outyielded Pioneer  P22T18E by 4.5 bushels per acre (bu/A) in 37 comparisons.

P22T18E by 4.5 bushels per acre (bu/A) in 37 comparisons. Golden Harvest soybean GH3132E3 brand outyielded Asgrow  AG30XF2 by 2.1 bu/A in 18 comparisons.

AG30XF2 by 2.1 bu/A in 18 comparisons. Golden Harvest soybean GH3762E3S brand outyielded Pioneer P35T01SE by 2.4 bu/A in 52 comparisons.

"Golden Harvest brand soybean varieties with the Enlist E3 soybean trait technology provide excellent yield potential and agronomics, and they allow farmers to use several herbicides with confidence," Porter said.

Enlist E3 soybean varieties offer tolerance to three modes of action, including 2,4-D choline, glyphosate and glufosinate, delivering outstanding weed control with application flexibility. By choosing varieties with three different modes of action, farmers can better control problem weeds like giant ragweed, marestail and waterhemp.

Local Golden Harvest Seed Advisors can provide farmers with specific product recommendations to match their weed management program and environment.

Round out soybean weed management plans with agronomic practices

The next step in creating a diversified weed management program is to plan for and implement management practices. Golden Harvest Agronomist Nate Prater, who is based in southwestern Illinois, recommends practices such as narrow row spacing, herbicide applications, scouting and off-season considerations.

Narrow row spacing : Weeds like waterhemp and Palmer amaranth love the sun and have a long germination period, but they can be managed with quick canopy closure. Implementing narrow row spacing promotes faster canopy closure and allows soybeans to outcompete any later emerging weeds.



"A Purdue University study 2 shows that 15-inch rows close canopy nearly 25 days earlier than 30-inch rows," said Prater. "In fields with larger row spacing, overlapping residual control becomes even more important."





: Weeds like waterhemp and Palmer amaranth love the sun and have a long germination period, but they can be managed with quick canopy closure. Implementing narrow row spacing promotes faster canopy closure and allows soybeans to outcompete any later emerging weeds. "A study shows that 15-inch rows close canopy nearly 25 days earlier than 30-inch rows," said Prater. "In fields with larger row spacing, overlapping residual control becomes even more important." Herbicide application : Targeted weed control is nearly impossible without application of a herbicide with good residual activity and multiple modes of action.



"Farmers should 'know their number' by counting the number of effective sites of action they are planning to apply to each of their target weeds," said Prater. "Overlapping residuals, even those with the same sites of action, increase that number because the applications are at different times and on different weeds to provide season-long weed control."



For more help identifying the best herbicide options for your soybean fields, farmers can use this soybean herbicide program planning tool to discover products and create a flexible, integrated weed management plan.





: Targeted weed control is nearly impossible without application of a herbicide with good residual activity and multiple modes of action. "Farmers should 'know their number' by counting the number of effective sites of action they are planning to apply to each of their target weeds," said Prater. "Overlapping residuals, even those with the same sites of action, increase that number because the applications are at different times and on different weeds to provide season-long weed control." For more help identifying the best herbicide options for your soybean fields, farmers can use this soybean herbicide program planning tool to discover products and create a flexible, integrated weed management plan. Scouting: It's important to scout soybean fields regularly throughout the growing season to put a quick end to weed breakouts and not allow weeds to go to seed.



"You have to stop weeds before they start to produce seeds to protect your soil biology for future seasons," said Prater. "Weed species can vary greatly in the amount of time that their seeds remain viable in the soil. For example, pigweed and giant ragweed seeds have a soil viability of approximately two to four years."





It's important to scout soybean fields regularly throughout the growing season to put a quick end to weed breakouts and not allow weeds to go to seed. "You have to stop weeds before they start to produce seeds to protect your soil biology for future seasons," said Prater. "Weed species can vary greatly in the amount of time that their seeds remain viable in the soil. For example, pigweed and giant ragweed seeds have a soil viability of approximately two to four years." Off-season considerations: Rotating soybean acres with cover crops can suppress weeds by increasing competition. Implementing crop rotation also provides increased weed protection as it reduces the prospect that specific weed species will adapt to a farmer's current weed management system.



"Reducing the number of opportunities for dominant weeds to continue exploiting soybeans' resources is the key to keep weeds guessing," said Prater. "Farmers need to protect their investment because the cost of preventing weed resistance is far less than weed resistance management."

For more considerations as the 2022 growing season progresses, Golden Harvest offers a library of agronomy articles with actionable data and local insights to help manage fields for maximum yield potential. The Agronomy in Action 2022 Research Review also gives access to more insights and recommendations pertinent to your fields.

To find better solutions for your corn and soybean acres, contact a Golden Harvest Seed Advisor at GoldenHarvestSeeds.com.

1Yield advantages are composites based on the results of 2021 Syngenta first-party and other independent third-party trials, when available. For more information regarding yield comparisons against an individual product, ask your Syngenta representative.

2C. Gerber, J. Ackerson and S. Brouder, 2019. Purdue Extension publication ID-179. Corn & Soybean Field Guide.

About Golden Harvest

Golden Harvest Seeds has been working with and listening to farmers with intention since 1973, offering in-depth seeds expertise combined with the local agronomic know-how of an independent Golden Harvest Seed Advisor to help identify custom solutions for every corn and soybean acre. Today, each Golden Harvest hybrid or variety is bred with the individual needs of hardworking farmers in mind. Golden Harvest corn hybrids feature elite genetics with proven performance and the most complete above- and below-ground insect control solutions with Duracade and Viptera trait stacks. Golden Harvest soybean varieties include the industry's broadest trait choice and exclusive genetics that set a new standard for performance and yield potential.

Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GldnHarvest, on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/goldenharvestseeds/ and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GldnHarvest.

The content of this release is for information purposes only. This release is not, and should not be construed as, an offer to sell or issue or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or other property interests. Syngenta hereby disclaims any liability for third party websites referenced herein.

Web Resources:

Golden Harvest

Golden Harvest Enlist E3 Soybeans

Gold Series Soybeans

Golden Harvest Agronomy Articles

Newsroom

Thrive

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document may contain forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. For Syngenta, such risks and uncertainties include risks relating to legal proceedings, regulatory approvals, new product development, increasing competition, customer credit risk, general economic and market conditions, compliance and remediation, intellectual property rights, implementation of organizational changes, impairment of intangible assets, consumer perceptions of genetically modified crops and organisms or crop protection chemicals, climatic variations, fluctuations in exchange rates and/or commodity prices, single source supply arrangements, political uncertainty, natural disasters, and breaches of data security or other disruptions of information technology. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors.

 2022 Syngenta. Important: Always read and follow label and bag tag instructions; only those labeled as tolerant to glufosinate may be sprayed with glufosinate ammonium-based herbicides. LibertyLink, Liberty and the Water Droplet logo are registered trademarks of BASF. HERCULEX and the HERCULEX Shield are trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC. HERCULEX Insect Protection technology by Corteva Agriscience LLC. Under federal and local laws, only dicamba-containing herbicides registered for use on dicamba-tolerant varieties may be applied. See product labels for details and tank mix partners. Golden Harvest and NK soybean varieties are protected under granted or pending U.S. variety patents and other intellectual property rights, regardless of the trait(s) within the seed. The Enlist E3 soybean, LibertyLink, LibertyLink GT27, Roundup Ready 2 Xtend, Roundup Ready 2 Yield and XtendFlex soybean traits may be protected under numerous United States patents. It is unlawful to save soybeans containing these traits for planting or transfer to others for use as a planting seed. Only dicamba formulations that employ VaporGrip Technology are approved for use with Roundup Ready 2 Xtend and XtendFlex soybeans. Only 2,4-D choline formulations with Colex-D Technology are approved for use with Enlist E3 soybeans. The trademarks or service marks displayed or otherwise used herein are the property of a Syngenta Group Company. ENLIST E3 soybean technology is jointly developed with Corteva Agriscience LLC and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. The ENLIST trait and ENLIST Weed Control System are technologies owned and developed by Corteva Agriscience LLC. ENLIST and ENLIST E3 are trademarks of Corteva Agriscience LLC. GT27 is a trademark of M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. and BASF. Roundup Ready 2 Xtend, Roundup Ready 2 Yield, XtendFlex and YieldGard VT Pro are registered trademarks used under license from the Bayer Group. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Golden Harvest
JUNO BEACH, Fla., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NextEra Water Pennsylvania, LLC ("NextEra Water"), an indirect subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase the wastewater system owned by Towamencin Township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.

The Towamencin wastewater system consists of a treatment plant and collection system and serves approximately 7,500 customer accounts.

"We are pleased to have been awarded the bid through a competitive process to purchase the Towamencin wastewater system. NextEra Water is committed to meeting high standards for the wastewater system and providing high-quality service to community residents and businesses," said Bruce Hauk, president of NextEra Water. "The acquisition of the Towamencin wastewater system furthers our goal of creating a national water utility and is consistent with our strategy of adding high-quality regulated assets to our portfolio."

The sale requires regulatory approval from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Assuming timely regulatory approval, the sale is targeted to close in the second half of 2023.

The Towamencin wastewater system acquisition is NextEra Water's second acquisition. NextEra Water expects to complete the purchase of several water and wastewater systems from Quadvest, L.P. in Texas in the third quarter of this year.

NextEra Water

NextEra Water and its affiliate, NextEra Water Texas, LLC, are regulated water and wastewater utilities that pursue opportunities to acquire, develop, build and operate potable water, wastewater and reclaimed water utilities projects. To learn more, visit www.NextEraWater.com

SOURCE NextEra Water
SAN DIEGO, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- North Island Credit Union has provided four $2,500 college scholarships to local students in partnership with the North County African American Women's Association (NCAAWA). In the second year of the partnership, the North Island Credit Union 2022 Scholarships were awarded through the NCAAWA's Scholarship Program, created to assist young African American women in acquiring higher education from an academic institution.

North Island Credit Union 2022 Scholarship recipients through the NCAAWA Program include:

(L-R) North Island Credit Union Senior School & Community Development Officer Nancy Banuelos presents scholarship checks to Skye Lebreton, Hannah Campbell, Lauryn Hall, and Arianna White.

Hannah Campbell , a 2022 graduate of Surfside Educational Academy in Oceanside, planning to attend Mira Costa College with a major in Environmental Science.





a 2022 graduate of Surfside Educational Academy in Oceanside, planning to attend with a major in Environmental Science. El Camino High School graduate Lauryn Hall attending Sam Houston University with a major in Forensic Science in the fall.





graduate attending Sam with a major in Forensic Science in the fall. Mira Costa College student Skye Lebreton , who will attend San Diego State University Global Campus with a major in Global Studies.





student , who will attend Global Campus with a major in Global Studies. San Marcos resident Arianna White , who is pursuing a degree in Economics at Harvard University .

"We are honored to continue our partnership with the North County African American Women's Association in providing an essential support network to empower young women in our communities," said North Island Credit Union CEO Steve O'Connell. "We commend and congratulate each of these outstanding scholarship recipients and wish them the best of luck in pursuing their educational and career goals."

The North Island Credit Union Scholarships, along with all of the NCAAWA 2022 scholarships, were presented during its 2022 Salute to Scholars Celebration on June 8th at the Boys and Girls Club of Oceanside.

"I'm excited for what these scholarships can bring to the lives of these women. It will not only reduce the financial burden associated with higher education, but ultimately change the trajectory of their lives forever," said Linda Berry, President of North County African American Women's Association.

Through its annual scholarship program, North Island Credit Union has worked to support the educational goals of outstanding students within its local communities since 2005. Now in its second year, the credit union's partnership with NCAAWA extends its educational assistance to specifically support North County female students of African American descent. The credit union also provides financial literacy training for upper class high school girls in NCAAWA's Global Ambassadors Mentoring Program. This program aims to empower young girls of color with leadership development skills, increased understanding of financial literacy and global issues that impact social and career development. The first group of Global Ambassadors are working with other young high school women students in Bermuda and soon South Africa and Dominican Republic.

The NCAAWA Vision is to provide a support network through education, health awareness, and life skills programs for women and girls in North San Diego County. To date, the organization has provided over $300,000 in scholarship awards and grants to help young women further their education.

About North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union

California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 that serves public or private school employees, community members and businesses across California. With more than 165,000 members and assets of over $4 billion, California Credit Union has 24 branches throughout Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. The credit union operates in San Diego County as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. California Credit Union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. Please visit northisland.ccu.com for more information or follow the credit union on Instagram or Facebook @northislandcu.

About North County African American Women's Association

Established in 1995, the North County African American Women's Association (NCAAWA) is an all-inclusive non-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer organization located in North San Diego County. Its mission is to provide a support network through education, health awareness, and life skills programs for women and girls in San Diego's North County to increase their self-sufficiency. Maintaining its charitable, educational, and recreational objectives, the organization, through its mission, has opened support to all women in San Diego's North County, celebrating ethnic and racial pride.

SOURCE North Island Credit Union
For the first phase of the GORJS launch, NYX Professional Makeup has begun partnering with some of the most dynamic creators in this space, @thisiscraves, @smeccea and @curry_tian, three of whose unique interpretation of "beauty in the metaverse" is being previewed at the annual Viva Technology conference in Paris. NYX Professional Makeup will support the launch of the artists' NFT drops within GORJS, developing the new DAO's ecosystem. GORJS will then be available for aspiring users to join, growing the community by building the creator pool.

The unique idea behind GORJS is not only empowering the community through a tokenization mechanism that enables fans, established artists, and those still rising in their craft to influence the direction of the organization, but also, enabling its members to define the future of beauty in a virtually unchartered space, democratizing the ability to influence this territory in Web3.

The GORJS strategy is a nod to NYX Professional Makeup's digitally-native roots, where the brand was the one of the first to focus on pioneering the development of digital beauty creators. The brand quickly rose to fame by leaning into the power of the digital community; with a major focus on reposting UGC on owned social channels, hiring relatively unknown influencers to star in brand campaigns, and global artistry competitions, NYX Professional Makeup was the first to foster community engagement in the digital space, growing to more than 30MM+ in social followers worldwide today.

"At NYX Professional Makeup, we proudly champion artistry and diversity," said Yann Joffredo, Global Brand President. "With the launch of GORJS, we are thrilled to be the first to pursue building a beauty community for the metaverse. This community will help define what beauty, creativity, and identity mean in this new world, with NYX Professional Makeup supporting along the way. We are proud to once again to help shape the cultural conversation about beauty, to redefine and reinvent what beauty means in this modern world. We invite aspiring artists to join us on this journey together."

To learn more about GORJS and join the waitlist, visit nyxcosmetics.com/GORJS

ABOUT NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP

NYX Professional Makeup is a modern, digitally native makeup brand on the forefront of today's emerging beauty trends. A leader in the global color cosmetics industry, NYX Professional Makeup is an affordable professional makeup line with every shade, color and tool needed to create makeup artistry at every level. Rooted in a professional artistry heritage, NYX Professional Makeup boasts a successful multi-channel approach at the forefront of digital and retail. A social media pioneer, NYX Professional Makeup is one of the most influential and top-ranked brands, and is followed by top beauty vloggers, Instagram stars, and their millions of fans. While headquartered in the heart of Los Angeles, NYX Professional Makeup is a global brand available in more than 70 countries at thousands of retailers consisting of specialty beauty and fashion stores, freestanding shops and beauty supply stores, as well as on www.nyxcosmetics.com.

SOURCE NYX Professional Makeup
"NIHC is a leading and unifying voice for the industry, particularly in regulatory issues for industrial hemp," said Julie Lerner, founder, and CEO of PanXchange. "Partnering with a strong hemp membership and advocacy organization like NIHC will help grow industrial hemp markets and related climate-smart agricultural practices across the supply chain," she added.

"We aim to be the most accessible, economical path towards remuneration for carbon smart agricultural practices"

The two companies said the partnership would allow hemp farmers to take advantage of PanXchange's deep knowledge of commodity trading and the potential impact of implementing climate-smart practices specifically for hemp growing and processing.

PanXchange is rolling out a transparent carbon program that provides farmers a viable path toward financial rewards for implementing regenerative agricultural practices. Moreover, Lerner explains that the PanXchange program gives farmers full ownership of the carbon credits earned and full agency to market the credits directly to buyers through its online trade platform.

The company already has 31,000 acres of croplands committed to the program for the 2023 crop year.

"We aim to be the most accessible, economical path towards remuneration for carbon smart agricultural practices for smaller-scale farmers who face barriers to participate in the voluntary carbon credit market," Lerner said.

Other aspects of the MOU include:

PanXchange's carbon program will be the preferred vendor for NIHC's membership of hemp producers under the new agreement.

NIHC will partner with PanXchange to craft joint educational programming on carbon credits and regenerative agriculture.

PanXchange will serve as the NIHC preferred vendor for research projects involving climate-smart commodity markets and climate-smart practices specifically related to hemp growing and processing.

"Carbon sequestration and the voluntary carbon market are part of hemp's renaissance and will be an important part of North American agriculture. This partnership will be a value-add for American farmers who choose to grow hemp. Producers and the companies using these raw goods will also benefit alongside American consumers who will ultimately fulfill the promise of hemp's potential to power our climate-smart economy," said Patrick Atagi, President and CEO of the National Industrial Hemp Council of America.

About PanXchange

PanXchange specializes in creating ESG-focused physical commodity trading markets and benchmark pricing for better risk management. The firm is launching a vertically integrated and inclusive agricultural carbon program relying on its strong foundation in regenerative agriculture to generate carbon credits for sale on its platform. In doing so, PanXchange has developed buyer-approved and farmer-friendly carbon project methodologies for croplands and grasslands to lower the cost of entry for the average farmer. PanXchange is the leading benchmark price provider in the US hemp industry and the only institutional-grade trading platform for physical transactions.

About National Industrial Hemp Council

The National Industrial Hemp Council of America provides high-quality networking and resources for its members, from farm to consumer. Its leadership is composed of leading international, federal, state, private industry, and government professionals throughout the sector. The organization is dedicated to furthering market development, assisting members in entering the industry, and educating consumers on industrial hemp and its applications. Learn more about the NIHC at the 2022 Business, Research and Farm Summit happening August 22-23 in Corvallis, Oregon, at the Oregon State Global Hemp Innovation Center.

SOURCE National Industrial Hemp Council
The pediatric clinical trials market is projected to have a global size of $15.8 billion by 2022, with North America's share at 45%. The APAC region will account for 25% while the rest comes from elsewhere around world.

NEWARK, Del., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- During the forecast period 2022-2032, the pediatric clinical trials market is expected to grow at a value of 5.3%, according to Future Market Insights. In 2021, this market was predicted to have a global valuation of US$ 15 Billion, and is expected to reach a sum of US$ 26.47 Billion by 2032. The market is going to face increasing demand owing to the increase of pediatric chronic and genetic diseases all across the world.

The growing need for novel vaccines and biopharmaceuticals to treat infectious diseases such as measles, polio, tuberculosis, rubella, influenza, mumps, whooping cough, malaria, chickenpox, and staphylococcus pharyngitis is expected to drive market growth. At the same time, diabetes is a big worry among today's children. The market is being driven by rising parental awareness of children clinical trials for severe infections and chronic diseases, as well as a large number of CROs doing pediatric research.

Request a Sample PDF @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-15017

In 2021, the oncology therapeutic field category had the world's second-largest revenue share. Cancer is the top cause of death in the globe. Cancer cases in children under the age of 19 are anticipated to reach 291,000 by 2040. With the increasing number of pediatric cancer cases worldwide, many hospitals and institutes are focusing on the development of therapeutic drugs, resulting in an increase in the number of pediatric clinical trials globally.

Irrespective of all these growth factors, the global market for pediatric clinical trials can be hindered for some specific reasons. The high rate of pediatric clinical trial discontinuation for a number of reasons is expected to impede growth in the pediatric clinical trials market. Pediatric studies have a high failure rate due to reasons such as patient enrollment. Other concerns include behavioral disorders and trial conduct issues such as inappropriate dosing, formulation difficulty, and informative termination, as well as regulatory challenges and pharmaceutical toxicity during clinical investigations.

Leading Companies Profiled in Pediatric Clinical Trials Market are

Synteract

ICON Plc.

Syneos Health

Medpace, Inc

PPD Inc.

Premier Research

LabCorp Drug Development

QPS Holding

Pfizer Inc.

The Emmes Company, LLC

IQVIA Inc.

For critical insights, request for PDF Brochure @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/brochure/rep-gb-15017

Key Takeaways from the Market Study

In 2022, the global pediatric clinical trials market is estimated to have a global market size of US$ 15.8 Billion

The pediatric clinical trials market in North America to acquire 45% of the global market share

to acquire 45% of the global market share APAC projected to acquire 25% of the global market share

By phase, the phase II clinical trials segment took over 33% of the global pediatric clinical trials market share

By study design, the treatment studies for clinical trials acquired 66% of the global market share

By therapeutic area, the oncology therapeutic area segment acquired almost 17% of the global market share

"The rising prevalence of chronic and hereditary diseases in children is driving this market to conduct more studies to improve treatment efficiency. Simultaneously, many clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccinations for children are being done, which is predicted to greatly increase market development. " comments a Future Market Insights analyst.

Key Segments Covered in the Pediatric Clinical Trials Market Report

Pediatric Clinical Trials Market by Phase Type:

Phase I Pediatric Clinical Trials

Phase II Pediatric Clinical Trials

Phase III Pediatric Clinical Trials

Phase IV Pediatric Clinical Trials

Pediatric Clinical Trials Market by Study Design:

Treatment Studies of Pediatric Clinical Trials

Observational Studies of Pediatric Clinical Trials

Pediatric Clinical Trials Market by Therapeutic Areas:

Pediatric Clinical Trials for Infectious Diseases

Pediatric Clinical Trials for Oncology

Pediatric Clinical Trials for Autoimmune/Inflammatory Diseases

Pediatric Clinical Trials for Respiratory Disorders

Pediatric Clinical Trials for Mental Health Disorders

Pediatric Clinical Trials for Other Therapeutic Areas

Pediatric Clinical Trials Market by Region:

North American Pediatric Clinical Trials Market

Europe Pediatric Clinical Trials Market

Asia Pacific Pediatric Clinical Trials Market

Middle East & African Pediatric Clinical Trials Market

& African Pediatric Clinical Trials Market Latin America Pediatric Clinical Trials Market

Get Customization on this Report for Specific Country @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-15017

Competitive Landscape

The industry analyzed is consolidated due to the sheer existence of a few key competitors in the market, with very few extra participants. Market participants' key strategies included trial initialization, acquisitions, and collaborations.

In March 2022 , Pfizer initiated a Phase 2/3 study for PAXLOVID tablets, which are specifically designed to treat COVID-19 in young patients. PAXLOVID reduced the risk of hospitalization or death from any cause by 89 percent (within three days of symptom onset) and 88 percent (within five days of appearance of symptoms).

, Pfizer initiated a Phase 2/3 study for PAXLOVID tablets, which are specifically designed to treat COVID-19 in young patients. PAXLOVID reduced the risk of hospitalization or death from any cause by 89 percent (within three days of symptom onset) and 88 percent (within five days of appearance of symptoms). In April 2021 , Novartis announced plans to initiate SMART, a Phase 3b clinical trial to examine the safety and efficacy of Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec) in young children with spinal muscular atrophy.

More Valuable Insights

Future Market Insights, in its new offering, presents an unbiased analysis of the global pediatric clinical trials market, presenting historical analysis from 2017 to 2021 and forecast statistics for the period of 2022-2032.

The study reveals essential insights on the basis of By Phase (Phase II, IV), By Study Design (Treatment, Observational Studies), By Therapeutic areas(Infectious Diseases, Oncology, Autoimmune/Inflammatory Diseases, Respiratory Disorders, Mental Health Disorders) and Region (North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa).

Inquire Before Buying This Research Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-15017

About the Healthcare Division at Future Market Insights

The healthcare team at Future Market Insights offers expert analysis, time efficient research, and strategic recommendations with an objective to provide authentic insights and accurate results to help clients worldwide. With a repertoire of over 100+ reports and 1 million+ data points, the team has been analyzing the industry lucidly in 50+ countries for over a decade. The team provides a brief analysis on key trends including competitive landscape, profit margin, and research development efforts.

About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights (ESOMAR certified market research organization and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) provides in-depth insights into governing factors elevating the demand in the market. It discloses opportunities that will favour the market growth in various segments based on Source, Application, Sales Channel and End-Use over the next 8-years.

Contact:

Future Market Insights, Inc

Christiana Corporate,

200 Continental Drive,

Suite 401, Newark,

Delaware - 19713, USA

T: +1-845-579-5705

For Sales Enquiries: [email protected]

Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com

Report: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/pediatric-clinical-trials-market

Explore all the latest Reports: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports

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SOURCE Future Market Insights
More than 3,700 RE/MAX agents are named on the RealTrends + Tom Ferry "America's

Best Real Estate Professionals" list

DENVER, June 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of the recently released RealTrends + Tom Ferry "The Thousand" ranking, which confirmed RE/MAX had more of the nation's 1,000 most prolific home-selling agents than any other brand, the global real estate franchisor today announced that more than 3,700 RE/MAX professionals qualified for a related ranking of agents and teams. What's more, according to the RealTrends + Tom Ferry "America's Best Real Estate Professionals List," RE/MAX teams in the small, medium and large categories also posted the highest average number of transaction sides per team member of any brand*.

"Production is the cornerstone of this business and it's no surprise RE/MAX teams continue to dominate in productivity," said Nick Bailey, RE/MAX President and CEO. "High-performing professionals attract like-minded peers and create something special. It's incredible what they're able to accomplish on behalf of consumers."

Extending a long tradition of supporting teams, in early 2022 RE/MAX announced several new teams-focused initiatives. The centerpiece was a partnership with Workman Success Systems to launch an exclusive REAL TEAMS Solution for RE/MAX Affiliates available via the network's online learning platform, RE/MAX University. RE/MAX also launched the Teams Mastermind Road Show this month  a series of in-person events designed to teach affiliates and their guests how joining, creating or growing a team could boost their businesses.

"At RE/MAX, LLC, we're dedicated to providing RE/MAX agents the resources, education and opportunities they need to succeed in any market. RE/MAX agents and teams continue to take advantage of the offerings and that, combined with their dedication to customer service, is what makes RE/MAX agents so unstoppable," added Bailey.

RealTrends + Tom Ferry's "America's Best Real Estate Professionals" is the industry's largest ranking of agents based on homes sold. It is an offshoot of the RealTrends + Tom Ferry "The Thousand" list, in which RE/MAX had more top-ranked agents than any other brand. The "America's Best" rankings were open to individual agents who closed at least 50 transaction sides or $20 million in sales volume in 2021 and teams who closed at least 75 transaction sides or $30 million in sales volume.

*With at least 150 team rankings in America's Best

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
The Wisconsin-based robotic mower manufacturer places emphasis on PR to build brand awareness

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- RC Mowers, a leading manufacturer of remote-operated robotic mowers, has partnered with Ripley PR, a global public relations agency specializing in B2B technology and manufacturing, to enhance awareness of their innovative solutions in the public works and commercial landscaping markets.

Founded in 2018 and based near Green Bay, Wisconsin, RC Mowers develops and manufactures robotic mowers for commercial use. The company's American-made mowers are used to traverse steep slopes, difficult terrain and other hazardous landscapes. RC Mowers' vast dealer network serves commercial mowing companies, public works departments and park maintenance crews across the United States, as well as Ontario, Canada, and Australia.

"We needed a public relations agency with deep roots in B2B technology and manufacturing to share our vision and accurately tell our story, and Ripley PR fit that bill and also had extensive experience in the landscaping industry," said Tim Kubista, vice president of sales and marketing for RC Mowers. "We interviewed other agencies, but Ripley PR's experience really stood out to us and impressed us. This partnership will be vital in helping us establish a broader industry audience."

Ripley PR was founded in 2013 with a focus on B2B technology, manufacturing construction, franchising and home service public relations. The agency offers strategic communications services that help clients build brand awareness, establish positive reputations and drive increased leads and sales. Ripley PR recently earned the fifth position on Forbes' inaugural America's Best PR Firms of 2021 list.

"We are honored to be working with RC Mowers, a company that is working to solve critical issues for commercial landscapers," said Heather Ripley, CEO and founder of Ripley PR. "Their mowers' ability to expertly navigate difficult terrain while providing a safer work environment and conserving limited resources redefines what we have seen in commercial landscaping to date. With their expertise in robotics, they are a gamechanger in the industry and we're confident we can help cement RC Mowers as the leaders in this technology while spreading awareness about their brand."

For more information visit www.ripleypr.com or call (865) 977-1973.

About RC Mowers

Founded in 2018 and based near Green Bay, Wisconsin, RC Mowers manufactures remote-operated robotic mowers for mowing steep slopes, difficult terrain and other hazardous landscapes. Our mowers help companies safely, quickly and efficiently mow these areas, often leading to reduced injuries, decreased labor costs and greater profitability. All our mowers are 100% manufactured and serviced in the United States, have a 30-day buy-back guarantee and come with a 72-hour parts shipping guarantee. For more information, visit https://www.rcmowersusa.com.

About Ripley PR

Ripley PR is an elite, global B2B public relations agency specializing in home service and building trades, B2B, manufacturing and franchising. Ripley PR was recently recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best PR Agencies for 2021 and has made Entrepreneur Magazine's annual list of Best PR Agencies for Franchise for the past four years. Offering a full range of strategic communication services, including crisis management, media relations and social media strategies, Ripley PR uses a blend of strategic business accounting and creative public relations branding to tell compelling stories and deliver measurable results. Ripley PR is a partner in IPREX, the $508 million network of more than 1,100 communication professionals in more than 100 markets globally. For more information, visit www.ripleypr.com or call 865-977-1973.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

865-977-1973

[email protected]

SOURCE Ripley PR
Green Berets, known for their extensive experience in developing and guiding cross-functional team training leadership programs, were the perfect partner to help Retro Fitness unveil their newest initiative, adding to the brand's already extensive offerings. With excellent leadership proficiency and the ability to teach others how to thrive in high-stress, complex environments, these veterans will be able to reshape perspectives on problem-solving including what to think, how to think, and why.

"It has been extremely rewarding to create the Retro Fitness Team Building Program with the guidance and support of the combat veterans as we deliver a customizable and tiered program designed to challenge employees from companies, coast-to-coast, to become the best version of themselves," said Todd Scartozzi, Chief Operating Officer of Retro Fitness. "We look forward to helping colleagues across various industries understand leadership, build a sense of connection, induce collaboration, and bring together teams that were previously in a Covid-style corporate diaspora."

Retro Fitness will collaborate with Human Resource departments and executive leaders to customize the right program for each company that supports internal goals and makes it easy for teams to focus on what is important for success at any level of their career. Complimenting three major areas of focus for client wellness  physical training, nutrition, and mental health  the program will include the following:

Special Forces teamwork exercises

Leadership assessments and reviews

Customized keynotes to corporate KPI's

Working groups and practical workshops

"As companies shift to returning to the office after nearly 3 years apart, "rebuilding" teams will be a critical path to success for companies vested in organic growth," said Victor Bao, Chief Marketing Officer of Retro Fitness. "Our customized Team Building Program can help build, or rebuild, teams who work in high-stress, fast-paced environments to spur innovation, as well as equip teams with inclusive leadership training which provides an understanding of how employees from a variety of diverse backgrounds lead teams. This is key to setting companies apart, and it is all possible with the help of the Special Forces Team at Retro Fitness."

Staying true to the Retro Fitness brand mission, the new Team Building Program provides a unique member experience, not offered at any other health and fitness club, and at a competitive price. With the cost of travel on the rise, the Retro Fitness Team Building Program provides companies the opportunity to host their team building right in their own backyard with 175 locations open or in development. For more information and to find a participating location near you, please visit https://retrofitness.com/team-building-program/.

About Retro Fitness:

For nearly 20 years, Retro Fitness has been providing members with a timeless approach to exercise, health and fitness. With 175 health clubs open or in development, Retro Fitness is one of the fastest growing High Value-Low Price franchises in the United States. With a new executive leadership team led by former Starbucks executive, Andrew Alfano, Retro Fitness provides investors and franchisees with a full suite of services including real estate site selection, training, in-club support, marketing services, and operations to deliver a turnkey and operational solution.

For more information on being a Retro Fitness franchisee, please visit http://www.retrofitness.com/franchising.

SOURCE Retro Fitness
LAVAL, QC, June 16, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ - Sanofi Canada is pleased to award four, $50,000 Sanofi Biogenius Canada Grants to public high schools from across the country to help provide better access to hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning by updating lab equipment, launching new science programs and taking science education to the next level. Part of Sanofi Canada's ongoing commitment to improving access to hands-on STEM learning and education, the Sanofi Biogenius Canada Grant aims to level the playing field for students across Canada to ensure everyone has equal opportunity to discover STEM.

Stephanie Veyrun-Manetti

Canada Country Lead and General Manager, Specialty Care, Sanofi Canada

"We believe everyone deserves the equal opportunity for hands-on STEM learning, regardless of their location, socio-economic background or cultural heritage. Through the Sanofi Biogenius Canada Grant, we are helping eliminate barriers to scientific discovery and empowering students to dream big and pursue meaningful careers in STEM. We are proud to support Canadian public high schools' efforts to stimulate curiosity and motivate students to explore STEM, and thank each teacher and administrator that submitted their school for consideration to be a recipient of this year's Grant. All the applications we received demonstrated a true commitment to fostering STEM learning for students and a desire to positively transform students' experiences of STEM education. Your passion is invaluable."

Sanofi Canada congratulates the recipients of the 2022 Sanofi Biogenius Grant, including:

Goderich District Collegiate Institute ( Goderich, Ontario )

) Ecole Gabriel-Le Courtois ( Sainte-Anne-des-Monts , Quebec)

( , Quebec) Alison Bernard Memorial High School ( Eskasoni, Nova Scotia )

Memorial High School ( ) Conrad Fitzgerald Academy ( English Harbour West, Newfoundland )

Alison Symington

Principal, Strategic Life Science Strategy and Vice Chair, Life Sciences Ontario

"As someone who shares the same passion for promoting equal access to STEM learning for students across Canada, I was thankful to partake in the selection process for the 2022 Sanofi Biogenius Canada Grant. We are certain these four grants will be transformative for the science programs, teachers and students at the winning schools. Each school demonstrated both a commitment to improving the STEM learning experience for its students and a strong sense of community that exemplifies a shared vision towards science education and discovery."

The Sanofi Biogenius Canada Grant provides students with better access to scientific equipment and learning resources, creating more opportunities for STEM education at school. Winning schools must demonstrate a commitment to hands-on STEM learning opportunities for all students, no matter their sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, family status or location. Recipients can use the funds to renovate existing laboratory facilities, purchase new scientific equipment, develop programs to enhance the impact of lab or any combination of the above.

For more information on the Sanofi Biogenius Canada Grant, visit https://biogenius.ca/biogenius-grant/.

About Sanofi Biogenius Canada

The Sanofi Biogenius Canada Competition and Grant encourages students from coast-to-coast-to-coast and any background to break barriers and explore real-life science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) research ideas that can change lives  all before leaving high school.

About Sanofi Canada

We are an innovative global healthcare company, driven by one purpose: we chase the miracles of science to improve people's lives. Our team, across some 100 countries, is dedicated to transforming the practice of medicine by working to turn the impossible into the possible. We provide potentially life-changing treatment options and life-saving vaccine protection to millions of people globally, while putting sustainability and social responsibility at the center of our ambitions. In Canada, Sanofi employs approximately 2,000 people and in 2021, we invested more than $143 million in R&D in Canada, creating jobs, business and opportunity throughout the country.

SOURCE Sanofi-Aventis Canada Inc.
Sourcemap debuts new platform for customs-grade supply chain traceability ahead of the June 21, 2022 enforcement deadline for the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA)

Platform expands proven Sourcemap supplier discovery and transaction traceability software to automate additional data collection, validation and reporting for U.S. Customs and Border Protection

More than 3,000 companies already use Sourcemap to verify their global supply chains for customs compliance

NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sourcemap , a global provider of supply chain transparency and traceability software, today announced the launch of its Forced Labor Compliance Platform (FLCP) to help U.S. businesses meet evolving human rights standards mandated by the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). The Forced Labor Compliance Platform is critical to manage the end-to-end due diligence reporting requirements of the UFLPA, which is expected to place enhanced scrutiny on the automotive, aerospace, semiconductor, solar power, apparel, food and pharmaceutical industries. To date, more than 3,000 companies have registered for Sourcemap's Forced Labor Compliance Platform in advance of the June 21, 2022 UFLPA enforcement deadline.

The UFLPA aims to prevent products from entering the United States if they were made wholly or in part in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), or made from Uyghur labor elsewhere in China. When the UFLPA goes into effect, many of the world's largest industries will be vulnerable to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforcement, facing risk of detentions, exclusions, seizures and civil or criminal liability if forced labor is found in any tier of their supply chains.

In direct response to the UFLPA's passage last December 2021, Sourcemap developed the Forced Labor Compliance Platform specifically to help companies solve the "chain of custody challenge" -- proving that they can trace products from raw material to U.S. import -- by assembling definitive proof of the entities within their supply chains. This includes supplier discovery (identifying all of the stakeholders in the supply chain), transaction traceability (following every batch of raw material as it is converted into finished goods) and validation, including scanning suppliers for risk of fraud, waste and abuse.

"Under the UFLPA, the most important and difficult questions facing any importer will be 'What do you know about the entities within your entire supply chain?' and 'What proof can you present regarding how imported goods were produced, wholly or in part?'" said John Foote, partner and head of the customs practice at Kelley Drye & Warren LLP and author of the newsletter, Forced Labor & Trade.

The Forced Labor Compliance Platform marries Sourcemap's supplier network discovery capabilities  which help companies map their supply chains down to raw materials suppliers  with powerful traceability capabilities that verify the chain of custody for every container entering a U.S. port. The platform equips retailers, manufacturers and brands with a better understanding of their suppliers, from Tier 1 to Tier N, and presents proof of the origin of imported goods required by U.S. law.

Key features of the Sourcemap Forced Labor Compliance Platform (FLCP):

Supplier Discovery : Expands on Sourcemap's supplier discovery software with an automatic classification of suppliers through forced labor risk heat maps for enhanced due diligence.

: Expands on Sourcemap's supplier discovery software with an automatic classification of suppliers through forced labor risk heat maps for enhanced due diligence. End-to-End Traceability : Collects all of the documentation needed to validate the chain of custody, compliance with forced labor regulations, and to root out fraud, waste or abuse that may obscure the presence of forced labor.

: Collects all of the documentation needed to validate the chain of custody, compliance with forced labor regulations, and to root out fraud, waste or abuse that may obscure the presence of forced labor. Real-Time Monitoring : Collects real-time data to monitor supplier and overall supply chain risk exposure to fast-changing conditions including sanctions, affiliations, and adverse media, including exposure to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) list.

: Collects real-time data to monitor supplier and overall supply chain risk exposure to fast-changing conditions including sanctions, affiliations, and adverse media, including exposure to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) list. On-Demand Reporting for CBP: Automatically generates detailed reports on the chain of custody and compliance of individual shipments in response to CBP inquiries and Withhold Release Orders (WROs).

With more than 400,000 businesses registered on its network, Sourcemap is the largest supply chain mapping and traceability software company, supporting decision-making on over $1.5B of purchased goods. Sourcemap counts 8 of the 10 largest food companies, 4 of the 7 largest apparel companies and 6 of the 10 largest commodity traders in the world among its customers.

"Forced labor and the global supply chain have become intrinsically connected. Under the UFLPA, companies may be considered guilty until proven innocent," said Sourcemap founder & CEO Leonardo Bonanni, who recently testified before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee on technology for forced labor enforcement. "As suppliers seek to de-risk their supply chains and meet coming ESG and trade regulations, our platform is positioned to become the de facto standard for supply chain transparency and traceability."

About Sourcemap

Sourcemap is the pioneer of supply chain transparency and traceability software, spun out of early MIT research in 2011. Since then, major traders, manufacturers and brands have adopted Sourcemap's full-suite solution for assurance on the raw materials-to-finished goods supply chain, including ongoing monitoring for production, quality, sustainability and risks such as deforestation and forced labor. To learn more, visit http://www.sourcemap.com/ .

SOURCE Sourcemap
DALLAS, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study examining how to harness one's immune system to eliminate metastatic breast cancer (MBC) tumors in the body is receiving a three-year $600,000 grant from Susan G. Komen, the world's leading breast cancer organization. This grant joins Komen's active portfolio of over $65 million currently invested in metastatic breast cancer research.

The pre-clinical research project titled, "Supplementing Effects of Immunotherapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer," led by Susan G. Komen Scholar Alana Welm, Ph.D., from the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, aims to determine how targeting a protein could enable the immune system to block a mechanism that drives the spread of breast cancer, known as metastasis, to other parts of the body.

"Finding the cures for MBC will only be accomplished through new innovative research such as the project Dr. Welm is leading," said Victoria Wolodzko Smart, SVP of Mission at Susan G. Komen. "Understanding more about this potential therapeutic target could lead to a promising new treatment option for people with metastatic breast cancer, and we hope it could one day save thousands of lives lost every year to MBC."

Welm and her team have identified that a protein found in the body called sfRon kinase regulates T-cell activity, a component of the immune system, and their ability to kill breast cancer cells.

Welm and her research team will analyze how sfRon kinase functions and test how a promising new drug called a RON inhibitor could enable one's immune system to eliminate deadly micro-metastatic tumors and kill breast cancer cells before they spread. RON inhibitor drugs have completed phase I clinical trials with favorable results, and this study aims to better understand how these drugs work with the immune system to fight MBC.

"Understanding the function of sfRon kinase and its role in metastasis brings us closer to determining how to intervene to kill cancer cells before they spread. The immune system holds tremendous potential in intervening early and this grant could help us advance a targeted therapy option for people living with MBC," said Welm.

MBC, also known as stage 4, is the most advanced stage of breast cancer and remains incurable today. Only 30 percent of women with MBC in the U.S. live at least 5 years after diagnosis. MBC is responsible for most of the nearly 44,00 breast cancer deaths that were expected to occur in the US this year.

Susan G. Komen's Excellence in Metastatic Breast Cancer Research grant awarded to Welm is made possible through Komen's fundraising campaign for metastatic breast cancer in October. Learn more about Susan G. Komen's innovative research to help find the cures for breast cancer, including the nearly $248 million invested in MBC research since 1992.

About Susan G. Komen

Susan G. Komen is the world's leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy's life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow's cures. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.

CONTACT:

Cristobal Martinez

Susan G. Komen

(972) 701-2135

[email protected]

SOURCE Susan G. Komen for the Cure
GREENSBORO, N.C., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. (NYSE: SKT), a leading operator of upscale open-air outlet centers, announced today that its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2022 will be released on Monday, August 8, 2022, after the market close. The Company will host its conference call for analysts, investors and other interested parties on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

To access the conference call, listeners should dial 1-877-605-1702.

A live audio webcast of this call will be available to the public on Tanger's Investor Relations website, investors.tangeroutlets.com.

A telephone replay of the call will be available from August 9, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time through 11:59 p.m. on August 23, 2022, by dialing 1-877-660-6853, replay access code #13730784. An online archive of the webcast will also be available through August 23, 2022.

About Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. (NYSE: SKT) is a leading operator of upscale open-air outlet centers that owns, or has an ownership interest in, a portfolio of 36 centers with one additional center currently under development. Tanger's operating properties are located in 20 states and in Canada, totaling approximately 13.6 million square feet, leased to over 2,600 stores operated by more than 600 different brand name companies. The Company has more than 41 years of experience in the outlet industry and is a publicly-traded REIT. For more information on Tanger Outlet Centers, call 1-800-4TANGER or visit the Company's website at www.tangeroutlets.com .

Investor Contact Information

Doug McDonald

SVP, Finance and Capital Markets

T: (336) 856-6066

[email protected]

SOURCE Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc.
Dr. Gold did express regret for being involved in a situation that later became unpredictable, but what she is facing are the consequences of exercising free speech in today's America. Like most January 6 th defendants, she is a victim of selective prosecution  a defining feature of corrupted governments, and a direct violation of the equal protection guarantee of the US Constitution.

For example, consider that there were hundreds of arrests for violent protests in association with President Trump's Inauguration in 2017. The government subsequently dropped all of those charges, including charges against people who were actually disrupting Congress from inside the Congressional gallery while Congress was in session. But with the January 6th arrests, the government has not only failed to drop any charges against nonviolent persons in public spaces, such as Dr. Gold, it has instead aggressively violated defendants' civil rights at nearly every turn.

There are innumerable well-documented instances of January 6th defendants not receiving due process noted in the book January 6 authored by Julie Kelly. For instance, some defendants have been held in prison for nearly 18 months pretrial. In Dr. Gold's case, she peacefully gave a speech on medical freedom and Constitutional rights in the public Rotunda. This resulted in the government violently arresting her in a surprise raid, breaking the front door of her home, using over a dozen FBI and law enforcement officers with assault weapons pointed at her from two feet away. The intent to terrorize her with this tactical assault suited to a raid on a violent drug cartel was unmistakable; she suffers from PTSD to this day.

Dr. Gold's peaceful exercise of her 1st Amendment rights also resulted in numerous restrictions of her personal civil liberties and severe interference with her ability to serve the millions who look to America's Frontline Doctors for life- saving information and civil rights support. This continued for over a year before any adjudication.

Such inequitable treatment based upon political preference shows the collapse of the rule of law. For people interested in learning the truth about the January 6th event, please watch Capitol Punishment . In addition, the government has aggressively refrained from arresting or prosecuting certain highly visible individuals seen on videotape who waived people into the building. The government has aggressively withheld 14,000 hours of closed-circuit security footage. The government has not disclosed how many FBI agents and assets were in the crowd. And the media lied when it stated five officers were killed  exactly zero officers were killed that day. The only person who was killed, Ashli Babbitt, a petite unarmed 35-year-old female military veteran posing no lethal danger, was gunned down by Michael Byrd, a Capitol police officer, who in a prior incident of severe negligence left a loaded gun with no safety in a public restroom. Byrd was never charged for Babbitt's murder.

Dr. Gold remains committed to her advocacy for physicians' free speech. In quoting George Washington, she said: "If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter." For over two years now, We The People have been under attack. Our Constitutional rights have been increasingly trampled and eroded. The First Amendment has been annihilated. This is unprecedented in our lifetimes.

A concerted effort has been undertaken to "cancel" physicians who do not follow the mainstream narrative. Dr. Gold has been targeted by these attacks since the White Coat Summit in July 2020 when she shared the news of lifesaving medications alongside many esteemed colleagues, now numbering in the tens of thousands. The California Medical Board subsequently threatened Dr. Gold's license with an unfounded claim she was sharing "dangerous disinformation." Meanwhile, data continues to grow in overwhelming support of her positions with every passing week.

The attempted silencing of this one doctor was just a preamble for what is to come throughout the nation. California AB 2098, an official government censorship bill, has just been passed through the CA State Assembly. This outrageous bill puts a gag order on doctors in exchange for a California medical license. Without a license, a doctor cannot practice medicine. When a doctor has a license revoked in any state, it is incredibly difficult, if not impossible, for that doctor to obtain a license in another state. This is career-ending. Further, AB 2098 proposes to violate the privacy of the doctor-patient relationship and create a new category of "unprofessional conduct" against doctors who provide education and early treatment for Covid-19. AFLDS has prepared a comprehensive Issue Brief on AB 2098.

Issue Brief - CA AB 2098 | America's Frontline Doctors (AFLDS.org)

As we consider the results of Dr. Gold's sentencing, one thing is clear. We are still far from the change that is needed. The Constitution is crumbling before us, and we must continue to stand for what is right. We will never cower to government threats and harassment. Dr. Gold risked her career when she stood against the mainstream narrative to save lives. Now, she still stands, risking her freedom, to choose what is right over what is comfortable. We must learn to be so bold and continue to stand together against the growing tyranny we face.

About AFLDS

America's Frontline Doctors is the nation's premier Civil Liberties Organization. Our mission is to provide We The People with independent information from the world's top experts in medicine and law so you can be empowered with facts, protect your health, and exert your inalienable and Constitutionally guaranteed rights. Aflds.org

SOURCE Free Speech Foundation
NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mixx, a NYC-based creative agency, with a 26-year history of being a leader on the cutting edge of creativity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), is now implementing a four-day work week for the summer months.

The shift came naturally to the agency, after The Mixx did what they do best - listened, learned and approached things differently. "We learned from the way COVID-19 impacted how our employees approached work," explains Robyn Streisand, Founder and CEO. "We made this shift in the work week to eliminate stressors and burnout and to empower our people by acknowledging that creativity doesn't always strike within the walls of an office."

Streisand has been intentional about fostering a productive team environment from the beginning. She recently spoke to LA Wire to share her thoughts on reshaping the future of work for The Mixx and society at large. The Mixx also embraces a fully hybrid work environment, off-site retreats, educational funds, home office improvement stipends and wellness benefits such as ClassPass. Most recently, The Mixx celebrated work and talent with a company-wide retreat in Miami Beach, also known as " Mixx Miami ."

The Mixx joins a growing number of major organizations who've recently transitioned to a 4-day work week - including Buffer, Toshiba, Microsoft Japan, Treehouse and Basecamp. The success of the shift is well documented, with economist Juliet Schor noting that workers are "'dramatically happier,' revenue has increased and customer satisfaction scores are 'outstanding,'" in a recent speech at the TED2022 conference.

About The Mixx

Founded in 1996, The Mixx is a certified diverse ( WBENC and NGLCC ) NYC-based creative agency that delivers impactful and purposeful branding, marketing, and culture and communications programs and campaigns to internal and external audiences alike. The company's bold and human-centered design approach features insight-driven and evidence-led strategy which connects brands with both new and existing audiences.

Contact

Olympia Lambert

646-642-4393

[email protected].

SOURCE The Mixx
WASHINGTON, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Effective immediately, the Natural Fibers Alliance (NFA) is calling for an immediate suspension of the use of the HIGG Index considering the recent New York Times article "How Fashion Giants Recast Plastic as Good for the Plant." Developed in 2012, the HIGG Index was created to help brands, retailers and manufacturers assess the sustainability of materials for use in footwear, garments, and other consumer products. Since that time many within the natural fibers community (leather, wool, fur, silk etc.) and fashion activists have voiced concerns over the index's questionable support of harmful synthetic materials made from fossil fuels that run counter to long term environmental sustainability goals.

"It's simple, natural biodegradable fibers to include leather, wool, fur, silk, etc. are more sustainable and better for our planet than plastic clothing. The culture of fast fashion is as much consumer driven as it is a direct result of corporate greenwashing. The only way to lower environmental costs and impact is to buy clothing that lasts, repurpose older pieces and support a culture of slow fashion based on high quality long-lasting materials," says Mike Brown, head of sustainability and public affairs for the Natural Fibers Alliance.

According to the Changing Markets Foundation (CMF), 'Fossil Fashion: The Hidden Reliance on Fossil Fuels', the use of such synthetic materials derived from crude oil and gas has doubled in clothing, creating both a reliance on the material and a boom in the cheap, fast fashion industry. This boom has had a direct environmental impact that will lead to an eventual ecological disaster. The CMF estimates the use of synthetic fibers will increase from 69% to 73% market share within the next 10 years.

The NFA feels that legislation and effective regulation are the only clear path forward. Sustainable natural fiber derived products should be the norm, not the exception and the only way to achieve that is to level the playing field, placing responsibility on companies through their compliance with regulation, allowing customers to make informed choices rather than having that decision manipulated by data or overreaching animal rights activists.

About Natural Fibers Alliance

The Natural Fibers Alliance is a coalition of producers and associations in both the US and Canada that support the use of natural sustainable materials in clothing, accessories, and other goods.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Natural Fibers Alliance
DUBLIN, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Biophotonics Market (2022-2027) by Technology, Application, End Use, Geography, Competitive Analysis and the Impact of Covid-19 with Ansoff Analysis" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Biophotonics Market is estimated to be USD 51.45 Bn in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 80 Bn by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 9.23%.



Market dynamics are forces that impact the prices and behaviors of the Global Biophotonics Market stakeholders. These forces create pricing signals which result from the changes in the supply and demand curves for a given product or service. Forces of Market Dynamics may be related to macro-economic and micro-economic factors. There are dynamic market forces other than price, demand, and supply. Human emotions can also drive decisions, influence the market, and create price signals.



As the market dynamics impact the supply and demand curves, decision-makers aim to determine the best way to use various financial tools to stem various strategies for speeding the growth and reducing the risks.

Company Profiles

The report provides a detailed analysis of the competitors in the market. It covers the financial performance analysis for the publicly listed companies in the market. The report also offers detailed information on the companies' recent development and competitive scenario. Some of the companies covered in this report are Affymetrix Inc, Andor Technology Ltd, Becton Dickinson And Company, Carl Zeiss AG, FEI Company, General Electric Company, Glenbrook Technologies Inc, etc.



Countries Studied

America ( Argentina , Brazil , Canada , Chile , Colombia , Mexico , Peru , United States , Rest of Americas)

, , , , , , , , Rest of Americas) Europe ( Austria , Belgium , Denmark , Finland , France , Germany , Italy , Netherlands , Norway , Poland , Russia , Spain , Sweden , Switzerland , United Kingdom , Rest of Europe )

( , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Rest of ) Middle-East and Africa ( Egypt , Israel , Qatar , Saudi Arabia , South Africa , United Arab Emirates , Rest of MEA)

and ( , , , , , , Rest of MEA) Asia-Pacific ( Australia , Bangladesh , China , India , Indonesia , Japan , Malaysia , Philippines , Singapore , South Korea , Sri Lanka , Thailand , Taiwan , Rest of Asia-Pacific )

Competitive Quadrant

The report includes Competitive Quadrant, 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.



Ansoff Analysis

The report presents a detailed Ansoff matrix analysis for the Global Biophotonics Market. Ansoff Matrix, also known as Product/Market Expansion Grid, is a strategic tool used to design strategies for the growth of the company. The matrix can be used to evaluate approaches in four strategies viz. Market Development, Market Penetration, Product Development and Diversification. The matrix is also used for risk analysis to understand the risk involved with each approach.



The analyst analyses the Global Biophotonics Market using the Ansoff Matrix to provide the best approaches a company can take to improve its market position.



Based on the SWOT analysis conducted on the industry and industry players, The analyst has devised suitable strategies for market growth.



Why buy this report?

The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the Global Biophotonics Market. The report includes in-depth qualitative analysis, verifiable data from authentic sources, and projections about market size. The projections are calculated using proven research methodologies.

The report has been compiled through extensive primary and secondary research. The primary research is done through interviews, surveys, and observation of renowned personnel in the industry.

The report includes an in-depth market analysis using Porter's 5 forces model and the Ansoff Matrix. In addition, the impact of Covid-19 on the market is also featured in the report.

The report also includes the regulatory scenario in the industry, which will help you make a well-informed decision. The report discusses major regulatory bodies and major rules and regulations imposed on this sector across various geographies.

The report also contains the competitive analysis using Positioning Quadrants, the analyst's Proprietary competitive positioning tool.

Key Topics Covered:



1 Report Description



2 Research Methodology



3 Executive Summary



4 Market Dynamics

4.1 Drivers

4.1.1 Growing Demand for Home-Based POC Devices

4.1.2 The Emergence of Nanotechnology in Biophotonics

4.1.3 Aging Population and Growing Lifestyle Diseases

4.2 Restraints

4.2.1 Technical Issues and High Cost

4.3 Opportunities

4.3.1 Surging R&D Investments on Biophotonics

4.3.2 Increasing Usage of Biophotonics in Multiple Industry

4.4 Challenges

4.4.1 Slow Rate of Commercialization



5 Market Analysis

5.1 Regulatory Scenario

5.2 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

5.3 Impact of COVID-19

5.4 Ansoff Matrix Analysis



6 Global Biophotonics Market, By Technology

6.1 Introduction

6.2 In-Vivo

6.3 In-Vitro



7 Global Biophotonics Market, By Application

7.1 Introduction

7.2 See-Through Imaging

7.3 Inside Imaging (Endoscopy)

7.4 Spectro Molecular

7.5 Surface Imaging

7.6 Microscopy

7.7 Light Therapy

7.8 Biosensors



8 Global Biophotonics Market, By End Use

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Medical Diagnostics

8.3 Medical Therapeutics

8.4 Non-Medical Application



9 Americas' Global Biophotonics Market

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Argentina

9.3 Brazil

9.4 Canada

9.5 Chile

9.6 Colombia

9.7 Mexico

9.8 Peru

9.9 United States

9.10 Rest of Americas



10 Europe's Global Biophotonics Market

10.1 Introduction

10.2 Austria

10.3 Belgium

10.4 Denmark

10.5 Finland

10.6 France

10.7 Germany

10.8 Italy

10.9 Netherlands

10.10 Norway

10.11 Poland

10.12 Russia

10.13 Spain

10.14 Sweden

10.15 Switzerland

10.16 United Kingdom

10.17 Rest of Europe



11 Middle East and Africa's Global Biophotonics Market

11.1 Introduction

11.2 Egypt

11.3 Israel

11.4 Qatar

11.5 Saudi Arabia

11.6 South Africa

11.7 United Arab Emirates

11.8 Rest of MEA



12 APAC's Global Biophotonics Market

12.1 Introduction

12.2 Australia

12.3 Bangladesh

12.4 China

12.5 India

12.6 Indonesia

12.7 Japan

12.8 Malaysia

12.9 Philippines

12.10 Singapore

12.11 South Korea

12.12 Sri Lanka

12.13 Thailand

12.14 Taiwan

12.15 Rest of Asia-Pacific



13 Competitive Landscape

13.1 Competitive Quadrant

13.2 Market Share Analysis

13.3 Strategic Initiatives

13.3.1 M&A and Investments

13.3.2 Partnerships and Collaborations

13.3.3 Product Developments and Improvements



14 Company Profiles

14.1 Affymetrix Inc

14.2 Andor Technology Ltd

14.3 Becton Dickinson And Company

14.4 Carl Zeiss AG

14.5 FEI Company

14.6 General Electric Company

14.7 Glenbrook Technologies Inc

14.8 Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.

14.9 Horiba Ltd

14.10 IPG Photonics Corp

14.11 Lumenis Ltd

14.12 Olympus Corp

14.13 OpGen

14.14 Oxford Technologies

14.15 PerkinElmer Inc

14.16 Koninklijke Philips NV

14.17 Precision Photonics Corp

14.18 The Procter & Gamble Company

14.19 F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG

14.20 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc

14.21 Toshiba Corp

14.22 Zecotek Photonics Inc

14.23 Zenalux Biomedical Inc



15 Appendix



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ctggn7

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

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SOURCE Research and Markets
LONDON, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite the volatility of private cryptocurrencies, governments worldwide are committed to issuing their own central bank digital currencies (CBDC), with more than 80% of the world's central banks already considering launching one. However, according to a newly released report from Omdia, collaboration with the private sector is key as central banks must co-operate with commercial banks and software vendors and agree common standards to ensure the success and mass adoption of CBDCs globally.

"Central bank digital currencies are a natural evolution of the money system, and there is already a lot of enthusiasm from private banks, merchants, and consumers to embrace cryptocurrencies," said Philip Benton, Senior Analyst, Financial Services at Omdia, "In order for CBDCs to be successful they must have interoperability at their core while functioning in both online and offline environments".

The adoption of alternative payments such as crypto is of increasing importance to payment issuing and acquiring banks as well, according to Omdia's IT Enterprise Insights Survey 2021/22, an annual study of more than 7,000 institutions that identifies their key technology priorities. The survey highlighted that 67% of merchants globally are already interested in accepting cryptocurrency as a payment method.

Central bank digital currencies can be issued in two forms, either directly through bank accounts or tokenized through a digital wallet. The digital wallet is a prime vehicle for distributing CBDC because it is already the world's leading payment method for both e-commerce and point-of-sale transactions. Issuance as a token via a digital wallet would operate much like existing private cryptocurrency transactions, ensuring anonymity, and could be adopted by the unbanked population.

Based on a survey of more than 7,000 institutions representing every global region, "Market Landscape: Central Bank Digital Currencies", examines the state of market maturity. The report provides:

An overview of the current state of CBDC market developments and the differing regulatory approaches taken by sovereign governments

Insights into key success factors for CBDC to become widely adopted on a global basis

About Omdia

Omdia is a leading research and advisory group focused on the technology industry. With clients operating in over 120 countries, Omdia provides market-critical data, analysis, advice, and custom consulting.

Contact:

Fasiha Khan / T: +44 7503 666806 / E: [email protected]

Visit Omdia

SOURCE Omdia
Surgeon General proposes ways to improve worker and patient health  including stronger workplace violence protections  that largely align with a survey of Massachusetts nurses released in May 2022

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc on healthcare workers, staffing levels and patient care quality, executives often fail to listen to and support caregivers

CANTON, Mass., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- An advisory distributed by the U.S. Surgeon General sounding an alarm about the COVID-19 pandemic worsening healthcare worker burnout and offering a series of recommendations echoes the traumatic experiences shared by nurses in the "State of Nursing in Massachusetts" survey released for National Nurses Week in May.

The advisory presents recommendations that match many of the solutions proposed by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), including stronger workplace violence protection, which the MNA and lawmakers on Beacon Hill have advocated for as part of legislation that has advanced in the House and Senate. Unfortunately, many of the recommendations from the Surgeon General and Massachusetts nurses have fallen on deaf ears in the executive suites and board rooms of the healthcare industry.

"The U.S. Surgeon General advisory on healthcare worker burnout highlights the trauma that has been inflicted on nurses and healthcare professionals by the COVID-19 crisis and the failure of healthcare executives to put people above profits," said Katie Murphy, a practicing ICU nurse and President of the MNA. "The MNA joins with the Surgeon General in calling for solutions to address our broken healthcare system, including empowering the voices of caregivers, and protecting the health and safety of healthcare workers."

"Unfortunately, still missing from the Surgeon General's advisory and the failed response of healthcare executives are enforceable staffing standards that decades of peer-reviewed research have shown to reduce burnout and improve patient care quality," Murphy said. "We hope the Surgeon General's advisory will spur action in Massachusetts and nationwide to address the exhaustion and moral injury felt by nurses and healthcare workers who simply want to feel safe and supported while they pursue their passion."

The advisory, "Addressing Healthcare Worker Burnout: The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on Building a Thriving Health Workforce," states in its introduction:

"Health workers, including physicians, nurses, community and public health workers, nurse aides, among others, have long faced systemic challenges in the health care system even before the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to crisis levels of burnout. The pandemic further exacerbated burnout for health workers, with many risking and sacrificing their own lives in the service of others while responding to a public health crisis. Promoting the mental health and well-being of our nation's frontline health workers is a priority for the Biden-Harris Administration and a core objective of President Biden's national mental health strategy, within his Unity Agenda."

Many of the recommendations in the advisory align with priorities identified by the nurses and healthcare professionals of the MNA, and by the randomized survey of Massachusetts nurses conducted for "The State of Nursing in Massachusetts." This breakdown summarizes those areas of alignment and illustrates ways in which healthcare executives have failed to act.

Protecting Healthcare Workers from Violence and Infection

Surgeon General Advisory

"Organizations, communities, and policies must prioritize protecting health workers from workplace violence and ensure that they have sufficient personal protective equipment."

"In a national survey among health workers in mid-2021, eight out of 10 experienced at least one type of workplace violence during the pandemic, with two-thirds having been verbally threatened, and one-third of nurses reporting an increase in violence compared to the previous year."

State of Nursing in Massachusetts Survey

There was an 11-point uptick in nurses calling violence a "major challenge" from 2021 to 2022 and a 16-point increase from 2019.

38% of nurses said workplace violence was such as challenge that it would impact their decision to leave the profession sooner.

37% of nurses said a lack of PPE was a major challenge during the pandemic.

Efforts of MNA Nurses and Healthcare Professionals

On June 2 , the day after a deadly shooting at a Tulsa hospital, Massachusetts lawmakers recommended that legislation filed on behalf of the MNA  An Act requiring health care employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence  be passed favorably out of committee and sent to House Ways and Means.

, the day after a deadly shooting at a Tulsa hospital, lawmakers recommended that legislation filed on behalf of the MNA  An Act requiring health care employers to develop and implement programs to prevent workplace violence  be passed favorably out of committee and sent to House Ways and Means. The House bill is very similar to Senate legislation bearing the same name that lawmakers advanced to the Senate Ways and Means committee on March 31 .

. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Joan Lovely and Representative Denise Garlick , would require healthcare employers to perform an annual safety risk assessment and, based on those findings, develop, and implement programs to minimize the danger of workplace violence to employees and patients.

and Representative , would require healthcare employers to perform an annual safety risk assessment and, based on those findings, develop, and implement programs to minimize the danger of workplace violence to employees and patients. In addition, the legislation would provide time off for health care workers assaulted on the job to address legal issues, allow nurses and healthcare professionals to use their health care facility address instead of their home address to handle legal issues related to an assault, and require semiannual reporting of assaults on health care employees to District Attorneys.

Following significant struggles with PPE availability and non-scientific PPE policies at Massachusetts healthcare facilities when the pandemic began, the MNA filed legislation that would require public reporting of PPE levels at healthcare facilities, and create a Joint Oversight Committee to determine the current personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies on hand at acute care hospitals and state-operated facilities to meet pre-crisis standards.

healthcare facilities when the pandemic began, the MNA filed legislation that would require public reporting of PPE levels at healthcare facilities, and create a Joint Oversight Committee to determine the current personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies on hand at acute care hospitals and state-operated facilities to meet pre-crisis standards. The MNA is also advocating at the State House for a bill that would presume that any frontline healthcare worker who contracts COVID-19 acquired it at work. It would also prohibit employers from requiring healthcare workers to use their own sick time, vacation time or other PTO to quarantine, treat or recover from COVID-19.

Healthcare Executives' Failed Response

Burnout and Healthcare Workers

Surgeon General's Advisory

"Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, health workers were experiencing alarming levels of burnout  broadly defined as a state of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low sense of personal accomplishment at work. Burnout can also be associated with mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression."

In 2019, the National Academies of Medicine (NAM) reported that burnout had reached "crisis" levels, with up to 54% of nurses and physicians, and up to 60% of medical students and residents, suffering from burnout.

The pandemic has since affected the mental health of health workers nationwide, with more than 50% of public health workers reporting symptoms of at least one mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression, and increased levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

State of Nursing in Massachusetts Survey

33% of MA RNs reported planning to leave nursing sooner than originally planned due to the stress of COVID. Among newer nurses with 0 to 5 years of experience, 37% are planning to leave sooner  the highest percentage of any experience group.

Newer nurses, with five years or less of experience, are more likely to leave the profession now, with 25% this year saying they plan to leave nursing within two years, up from 18% in that experience range last year and 10% in 2019.

Among nurses who said they will leave nursing sooner because of COVID, 99% said that they always or sometimes feel emotionally drained from work and 83% feel disengaged.

Healthcare Executives' Failed Response

59% of nurses in the State of Nursing survey reported a lack of hospital support with emotional challenges during COVID, up from 51% in March 2021 . 79% of nurses planning to leave the profession reported this concern.

. 79% of nurses planning to leave the profession reported this concern. Nurses across age ranges, facility types and geographical areas in Massachusetts have reported in the State of Nursing survey for years that understaffing and having too many patients to care for at one time has taken a toll on them physically and emotionally and has led to increasing problems with patient care quality.

Empowering Healthcare Workers

Surgeon General's Advisory

"Transform workplace culture to empower health workers and be responsive to their voices and needs."

"We can begin by listening to health workers and seek their involvement to improve processes, workflows, and organizational culture."

State of Nursing in Massachusetts Survey

73% of nurses said their employer did a fair or poor job of involving frontline staff in COVID planning/response.

Efforts of MNA Nurses and Healthcare Professionals

The MNA represents more than 25,000 members working in 85 healthcare facilities, including 51 acute care hospitals, as well as a growing number of nurses and health professionals working in schools, visiting nurse associations, public health departments and state agencies.

This number has increased by 2,000 in recent years as the demand for healthcare workers has grown and the MNA has responded to requests from nurses and healthcare professionals to help them join the union and advocate for themselves and patients.

At the State House, the MNA has also advocated for various legislation that would require the state and healthcare employers to include the voices of union and non-union healthcare workers in decision-making, including around workplace violence, the preservation of essential services, and workforce development and patient safety.

Healthcare Executives' Failed Response

Healthcare executives have dropped pizza off in the break room, left Hershey kisses on the nurses' station and published glossy advertisements thanking "healthcare heroes," but they have refused to give healthcare workers an equal seat at the table unless forced to by law or unionization.

The MNA has requested healthcare employers voluntarily recognize nurses and healthcare professionals seeking to unionize at facilities like the Berkshire VNA and Milford Regional Medical Center, but the consistent response is no. Healthcare executives would rather spend money better spent on patient care to hire consultants to fight their employees' efforts to gain a stronger voice.

Staffing, Wages and Worker Support

Surgeon General Advisory

"Provide living wages, paid sick and family leave, rest breaks, evaluation of workloads and working hours, educational debt support, and family-friendly policies including childcare and care for older adults for all health workers."

"Ensure adequate staffing, including surge capacity for public health emergencies, that is representative of the communities they serve. This is critical to protect and sustain health workers and communities."

State of Nursing in Massachusetts Survey

55% of nurses in the survey said understaffing is the biggest obstacle to providing quality care, and particularly for newer nurses, with 68% of nurses with 0 to 5 years of experience saying understaffing is the biggest obstacle they face.

The number of RNs who said they do not feel that they have enough time to provide patients with the care and attention each one needs jumped to a record high of 71%, up from 60% last year.

This connects with an alarming finding from the survey: The percentage of nurses who said this year that the overall quality of care in Massachusetts hospitals has gotten worse (83%) is higher by nearly 30 points than any other year.

Almost two-thirds (64%) of nurses said inadequate pay or benefits is a major challenge. This response is up from 48% reporting lack of pay or benefits in 2021 and 27% in 2019  a 37-point increase in nurses having a concern about pay and benefits over three years.

55% of nurses planning to leave the profession sooner said separation from their families during COVID was a major challenge.

Efforts of MNA Nurses and Healthcare Professionals

For decades, the MNA has advocated for safe staffing levels and enforceable patient limits at the local, state, and national level. The impact of how many patients a nurse is assigned at one time is one of the most studied topics in healthcare. Voluminous peer-reviewed evidence shows maintaining a safe patient limit helps shield nurses from burnout and protects the quality of patient care.

MNA legislation entitled The Workforce Development and Patient Safety Act would examine current nursing practice, including the impact on quality of patient care, the makeup of the current nursing workforce, and future needs of nursing care in the state.

Across Massachusetts , MNA nurses and healthcare professionals work together as union members to negotiate improved staffing levels, wages, benefits and working conditions.

Healthcare Executives' Failed Response

Healthcare executives have spent tens of millions of dollars fighting against efforts to require safe staffing levels in Massachusetts , and countless more around the country.

, and countless more around the country. At hospitals across Massachusetts , nurses have had to hold rallies, pickets, community forums and in some cases strikes and strike authorization votes to get healthcare executives to agree to staffing improvements and wage increases that are critical to nurse recruitment and retention.

, nurses have had to hold rallies, pickets, community forums and in some cases strikes and strike authorization votes to get healthcare executives to agree to staffing improvements and wage increases that are critical to nurse recruitment and retention. 82% of nurses in the State of Nursing in Massachusetts survey said their employer did a fair or poor job of providing emotion support services.

survey said their employer did a fair or poor job of providing emotion support services. 84% of nurses said their employer did a fair or poor job of providing time off to deal with working during COVID.

89% of nurses said their employer did a fair or poor job of compensating nurses for efforts during the crisis.

66% of nurses said their employer did a fair or poor job of providing childcare options.

"I have never seen nurses so demoralized by conditions at the bedside and how difficult it is to provide the kind of care our patients deserve," said Murphy, the MNA President. "The coronavirus has made it even harder to be a healthcare professional dedicated to safe patient care, but the pandemic alone did not create these problems.

"One of the most concerning set of findings from this survey is the devastating impact current working conditions are having on our newly graduated and novice nurses, as these are the nurses who constitute the hope for the future of our profession," Murphy said. "Nurses across Massachusetts join the U.S. Surgeon General in calling for improved staffing, pay and support services to address the healthcare profession's intense stress and help recruit and retain the nurses necessary to provide safe patient care."

MassNurses.org  Facebook.com/MassNurses  Twitter.com/MassNurses  Instagram.com/MassNurses

Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 25,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association
Best Workplaces in Texas rankings are determined by employee feedback from companies representing more than 6.1 million U.S. employees. Great Place to Work selected organizations on the list using rigorous analytics and confidential employee feedback and only Great Place to Work-Certified organizations headquartered in Texas were considered.

Great Place to Work is the only company culture award in America that selects winners based on how fairly employees are treated. Companies are assessed on how well they are creating a great employee experience regardless of race, gender, age, disability status, or role in the company.

Venterra's most recent survey results showed that 92% of its team members feel the company is a great place to work, compared to 57% of employees at a typical U.S.-based organization. And, for the sixth year in a row, Venterra's survey results were strong enough for them to gain "Certified" status and rank on Great Place to Work's selective "Best Workplaces" list, as published by FORTUNE.

"Nurturing a positive work environment for our colleagues is a top priority of ours at Venterra," said Venterra CEO, John Foresi. "While this recognition is specific to Texas, in our minds our success is not limited to one region as we are a team-first company, and all colleagues contribute to our ability to provide extraordinary service to those who choose Venterra."

"Our team members are a passionate, motivated and dedicated group of colleagues," added Venterra Chairman, Andrew Stewart. "Venterra offices and communities are staffed with individuals who are constantly finding ways to positively impact the lives of others. We credit the ongoing focus of creating a company culture based around genuine care for customers and colleagues alike for Venterra's workplace being regularly recognized by organizations like Great Place to Work."

Past survey results have led The Great Place to Work Institute and FORTUNE to recognize Venterra for creating a great workplace for women, Millennials, and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Explore Venterra's Great Place to Work page for a full list of past recognitions and to learn more about their team member feedback.

"As employee demands and expectations have dramatically changed over the past year, these companies have risen to the occasionand it's not been easy," says Kim Peters, Executive Vice President of Global Recognition, Research & Strategic Partnerships at Great Place to Work. "Their hard work and dedication to listen to and care for the well-being of every employee, and support them in a way that's meaningful to all, is the standard all organizations will be held to."

Venterra will be launching its 2022 team member survey later this month. As they have in past years, the company will utilize the information gathered in the survey to identify opportunities to further improve their employee experience.

About Venterra Realty

Founded in 2001, Venterra Realty owns and manages 66 communities and more than 19,000 apartment units across 13 major US cities that provide housing to over 38,000 people and 13,000 pets. The organization has completed $7.2 billion in real estate transactions and currently manages a portfolio of multi-family real estate assets valued at approximately $4 billion. Venterra is committed to improving the lives of its residents by delivering industry-leading customer experience. Find out more about Venterra Realty and its award-winning company culture at Venterra.com.

Venterra Realty Media Contact:

Allie Foard, [email protected]

About the Best Workplaces in Texas 

Great Place to Work selected the Best Workplaces in Texas by gathering and analyzing confidential survey responses from its study of thousands of companies representing more than 6.1 million U.S. employees at Great Place to Work-Certified organizations. Companies must be headquartered in Texas to be eligible. Company rankings are derived from 60 employee experience questions within the Great Place to Work Trust Index survey. Read the full methodology.

About Great Place to Work

Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, it has surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Its employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting and insights they need to make data-driven people decisions. Everything it does is driven by the mission to build a better world by helping every organization become a great place to work For All.

Learn more at greatplacetowork.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

SOURCE Venterra Realty
MIAMI, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Winston & Strawn LLP announced the addition of two corporate partners in the firm's rapidly growing Miami office: Craig V. Rasile , who joins the Corporate Restructurings practice, and Nicholas E. Rodriguez , who joins the firm's Mergers & Acquisitions practice. Their arrival closely follows that of the initial six partners who launched the firm's Miami office on May 19, 2022. It is expected that additional partners will be announced in the near future.

Craig and Nicholas come from prestigious law firms operating in South Florida. Their extensive and proven track records and experience serve as key additions to the Miami team's ability to provide strategic counseling on sophisticated domestic and international transactions.

"Miami is a magnet for capital formation, innovation, and business growth. That has spurred an increased demand for talented lawyers who can advise our clients on a wide range of matters involving complex transactional work," said Miami Office Managing Partner Enrique J. Martin. "Our two new partners bring the right talent as well as proven local and international market knowledge to address our clients' quickly evolving legal and business needs."

Craig focuses his practice on restructuring and insolvency matters, emphasizing bankruptcy, corporate restructuring, workouts, creditors' rights, and commercial litigation. He represents debtors, trustees, receivers, private equity funds, and official as well as ad hoc committees in the retail, health care, energy, telecommunications, gaming, transportation, logistics, franchise, manufacturing, REIT, and financial institution industries. With years of international experience, Craig has been involved in foreign bankruptcy proceedings in Brazil, the Cayman Islands, Curacao, Germany, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela.

Nicholas's diverse corporate practice focuses on representing strategic and private equity investors in complex domestic and cross-border M&A and divestiture transactions, national and international private equity, joint ventures, and restructurings and recapitalizations. He has extensive experience in numerous industries, including technology, software, energy, infrastructure, financial services, media, and telecommunications. Nicholas has represented clients in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Central and South America (including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, and Uruguay).

"These lawyers are a terrific complement to the Miami team's extraordinary capabilities," said Winston Chairman Tom Fitzgerald. "The fact that both of them come from the Miami legal community means they are ready from day one to help us build new avenues of service on behalf of clients operating in this high-powered business destination."

About Winston's Miami Office

Winston & Strawn's Miami office leverages the area's status as a dynamic financial hub, an epicenter of business activity spanning numerous industries, and a critical nexus point for banking and international trade with Latin America and other parts of the world.

The office serves clients representing some of the global economy's strongest and fastest-growing sectors, including complex commercial litigation, mergers and acquisitions, financial services, cryptocurrency and blockchain, real estate, energy and infrastructure, bankruptcy, and Latin America.

Winston & Strawn LLP is an international law firm with 16 offices in North America, South America, Asia, and Europe. More information about the firm is available at www.winston.com.

Contact:

Michael Goodwin

[email protected]

646-502-3595

SOURCE Winston & Strawn LLP
DUBLIN, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Roads to 5G and Beyond - Technologies, Applications and Markets Assessment" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report is addressing several current technologies (as well as their markets, applications and other characteristics) that, according to the ITU classifications, are transitioning to the 5G communications era.



Though, based on the industry insiders' statistics, in 2020 market share of 4G networks was not more than 7%-12% on the global scale, the industry is already (2018-2021) supporting commercial 5G introduction in several market regions and applications.



This new radio access generation will be built on the existing infrastructure, which will be modernized and expanded with new technologies.



The 5G wireless communication system will be a converged system with multiple radio access technologies integrated together. It will be able to support a wide range of applications and services to comprehensively satisfy the requirements of the information society by the year 2020 and beyond.

From the technology perspective, 5G will be the continuous enhancement and evolution of the present radio access technologies, and also the development of novel radio access technologies to meet the increasing demand of future. 5G can be characterized as data, connectivity and user experience.



There are two main views on 5G that exist today, which are frequently mixed together to form the basis of the 5G definition:



View 1 - The hyper-connected vision: In this view, 5G is seen as a blend of existing technologies (2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi and others) that can deliver greater coverage and availability, higher network density in terms of cells and devices, and the ability to provide the connectivity that enables machine-to-machine (M2M) services and the Internet of Things (IoT).



View 2 - Next-generation radio access technology: This perspective outlines 5G in 'generational' terms, setting specific targets that new radio interfaces must meet in terms of data rates (faster than 1Gbps downlink) and latency (less than 1ms delay).



The first view is connected with a gradual transition of 3G/4G (and other) technologies to the 5G era with appropriate enhancements and extensions. Some of such technologies are the subject of this report analysis. Particular, the following technologies, their markets, industries and applications are addressed in connection with their transition to 5G (they are being bundled under the title of 5G despite of the fact that they are already being brought to market by vendors and deployed by operators):



CR/SDR - Cognitive Radio/Software Defined Radio



Though the concept of CR/SDR is well known and the industry supports these techniques for a number of years, the 5G era will bring new requirements to networks characteristics that can be easy to fulfill with CR/SDR. The 5G "Network of Networks" needs further development of the CR/SDR concept responding on particulars of 5G and using the existing base of smart radios.



Small Cells



It is expected that small cells will prevail in the 5G infrastructure due to advanced features that satisfy 5G requirements.



mmWave Radio



mmWave Radio will play an important role in the 5G RANs, allowing to explore the vast amount of free spectrum.



MIMO



Complex smart antenna systems such as MMIMO expected to be used extensively.



Visible Light Communication



VLC open several important applications, which were difficult to utilize in other spectrum windows.



The report also addresses general requirements to 5G networking and surveys current 5G standardization activities. It also contains the author's survey of recently approved patents related to VLC and MIMO technologies.



The report intends for a wide audience of technical and managerial staff involved in the development of advanced wireless communications.



Key Topics Covered:



1.0 Introduction



2.0 Efforts

2.1 Organizations

2.2 5G Timetable and Major Tasks (3GPP-ITU)

2.2.1 3GPP Leadership

2.2.2 3GPP Structure

2.2.3 5G RAN Development

2.3 5G Activity Survey

2.3.1 EU

2.3.2 Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN) Alliance

2.3.3 5G Americas

2.3.4 GSM Association

2.3.5 ITU

2.3.6 Major 5G Documents



3.0 Current Developments: 5G Technologies

3.1 Characteristics

3.2 Promising Directions

3.2.1 Requirements

3.2.2 Common Views

3.2.3 Future - Starts Today

3.3 Issues

3.4 Use Cases

3.4.1 General -Characteristics

3.4.2 Mobile Broadband

3.4.3 Automotive

3.4.4 Smart Society



4.0 Software Defined and Cognitive Radio -5G Era

4.1 Spectrum Utilization

4.2 Common Goal

4.3 Needs

4.4 Role

4.5 Purpose

4.6 Definition (WIF, FCC, ITU)

4.6.1 CR Types

4.6.2 CR Processes

4.7 Versatility

4.8 Organizations and Regulations

4.8.1 Wireless Innovation Forum Position

4.8.2 FCC

4.8.3 Object Management Group

4.8.4 ETSI

4.8.5 ITU

4.9 Decisions

4.10 CR/SDR Abilities

4.11 Elements

4.12 Commercial Use Cases

4.13 SDR in Military

4.13.1 SCA

4.14 CR/SDR: Applications Benefits

4.15 Impact

4.16 Differences

4.17 Market

4.17.1 Landscape

4.17.2 Trends

4.17.3 Cost

4.17.4 Different Perspective

4.17.5 Drivers

4.17.6 Market Forecast

4.18 Industry

Aeronix (SDR Components)

AirNet Communications (SDR Base Stations)

Carlson Wireless (Platform)

CRT (CR SW)

Etherstack (Software)

Green Hills (Software)

L3Harris (SDR)

Huawei (Platform)

NI (mmWave CR/SDR)

Nokia (Base Station)

Nutaq

SELEX ES (A Leonardo Company)

Thales (Radio)

TI (Chips)

Wind River (Software)

ZTE (Platforms)

4.19 5G: Needs CR/SDR



5.0 MIMO and 5G Communications

5.1 History

5.2 Concept: MIMO in Wireless Communications

5.2.1 Major Techniques

5.3 Types of MIMO

5.4 5G - MIMO Specifics

5.4.1 MMIMO Definition

5.4.2 MMIMO Properties

5.5 MIMO Benefits

5.6 Industry

Blue Danube

Beecube (NI Company)

Nutaq

ZTE

6.0 mmWAVE Wi-Fi

6.1 Goal

6.2 General

6.3 60 GHz Band Spectrum Specifics

6.3.1 Frequencies Allocation

6.3.2 Oxygen Absorption

6.4 Antenna

6.5 Radiation Limiting at 60 GHz

6.6 Combined Effect

6.7 Progress in Chip Technology

6.7.1 Challenges and Efforts

6.7.2 Modulation

6.7.3 Specifics

6.8 Summary

6.9 Prospectus: 60 GHz Wi-Fi

6.9.1 Benefits and Issues

6.9.2 WiGig Alliance

6.9.3 IEEE 802.11ad - 60 GHz Wi-Fi

6.10 Industry

Blu Wireless

Intel

Qualcomm

Peraso

Samsung

Tensorcom

TP-Link

6.11 Market Considerations

6.11.1 Market Drivers

6.11.2 Usage Models

6.11.3 Market Estimate

6.12 IEEE P802.11ay

6.12.1 Purpose and Time Frame

6.12.2 Scope

6.12.3 Industry

Blu Wireless

Qualcomm

7.0 Visible Light Communication - 5G Technology

7.1 General

7.1.1 Drivers

7.1.2 Industry Activity

7.1.2.1 UC-Light Center

7.1.2.2 Europe

7.2 VLC Standards Development

7.2.1 IEEE 802.15.7-2018 Standard

7.2.1.1 Considerations

7.2.1.2 Project

7.2.2 IEEE 802.15.13 Standard

3.2.3 IEEE 802.11bb Standard

7.2.4 VLCA

7.2.4.1 General

7.2.5 Jeita

7.2.6 Li-Fi Consortium

7.2.7 ITU G.9991

7.3 VLC Channel Specifics

7.3.1 General

7.3.2 Communications Channel Structure

7.3.3 Transmitter

7.3.4 Receiver

7.3.5 Major Characteristics

7.3.6 Major Challenges

7.4 Companies and Organizations

Casio

Firefly

Fraunhofer IPMS

LVX

LightBee

Nakagawa Laboratories

NEC

Oledcomm

Outstanding Technology

PureVLC-PureLi-Fi

Qualcomm

Supreme Architecture

7.5 Market

7.6 5G View

7.6.1 Attocell

7.6.2 Cell Structures

7.7 Major Applications

7.7.1 Intelligent Transportation Systems

7.7.2 Optical Wireless LAN

7.7.3 Healthcare

7.7.4 Localization

7.7.5 City Wide Wireless Network

7.7.6 Underwater Communications

7.7.7 Summary



8.0 5G and Small Cells Development

8.1 Rational

8.2 Nomenclature

8.2.1 Group

8.3 Background

8.4 Applications

8.4.1 Indoor Use Cases

8.4.2 Outdoor Use Cases

8.4.3 Public Safety Communications

8.4.4 Summary

8.5 Benefits and Issues

8.6 Small Cell Market

8.6.1 Market Geography

8.6.2 Estimate

8.7 Standardization

8.7.1 Organizations

8.7.1.1 Small Cell Forum

8.7.1.2 3GPP

8.8 Small Cell Industry

Airspan

AirHop Communications

Alpha Networks

Argela

Broadcom (acquired by Avago in 2015)

Cavium

Cisco

CommScope

Contela

Ericsson

Fujitsu

Huawei

ip.access

Intel

Gilat

Juni

NEC

Nokia

Qualcomm

Radisys

Samsung

Spider Cloud (Corning)

Tektelic

TI

Xilinx

ZTE

9.0 Conclusions

Attachment I: Patents Survey: LTE - MIMO (2018-2022)

Attachment II: VLC - related Patents Survey (2018-2022)

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/y7bvyk

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

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SOURCE Research and Markets
MESA, Ariz., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - 24-7 Intouch, a global leader in contact center technology solutions, has won the 2022 Best of Mesa Award in the Stores category by the Mesa Award Program.

The Mesa Award Program is an annual awards program that honors the achievements and accomplishments of the best of local businesses in the Mesa, Arizona area.

24-7 Intouch first opened its doors in Mesa in 2015, and has completed multiple development projects in the location that has revitalized the surrounding business community. The Company remains one of the largest employers in the Mesa area.

"We are honored and very proud to receive this award from the City of Mesa," said Francesca Bower, Mesa/Phoenix Campus Director for 24-7 Intouch. "All of our employees work so hard to give back to the community, whether it's through the great customer service they provide every day, or through their time and dedication they give by supporting our non-profit organization partners."

24-7 Intouch has dedicated itself to become an integral part of the community of Mesa. The company has been a long-standing member of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce and has also created a successful partnership with the Mesa Police Department along with small business committees to keep Mesa a great place to work.

The Company also has a strong volunteer committee at the Mesa campus, contributing over 1,000 volunteer hours to the community on a yearly basis. This year alone, the Mesa campus has totalled over 150 hours of service. It is highly engaged with a variety of non-profit organizations such as Child Crisis Center, Boys Hope Girls Hope, Feed My Starving Children, and St. Mary's Food Bank among others.

"As a global company, our focus is to immerse ourselves in the communities we are a part of," said Jason Rosser, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Campus Services for 24-7 Intouch. "This award won by our Mesa campus shows our team's investment in making a positive impact on the community they call home.

This recognition comes after 24-7 Intouch was named by Forbes as one of America's Best Employers for Diversity and America's Best Large Employers for 2022.

The winners in each category of the Best of Mesa Awards are selected based on information gathered by the Mesa Award Program and data provided by third parties. The companies identified for the Mesa Award Program enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and the community of Mesa.

About 24-7 Intouch

24-7 Intouch is a global customer care and technology company that provides value-driven, future-forward solutions. For over 20 years, we have set a new standard by immersing ourselves in your world to deliver exceptional results. Our customizable customer care platform uses insights and analytics to build loyalty and increase revenue for our client partners. 24-7 Intouch takes pride in developing top to bottom brand alignment on all our programs.

For more on our culture, follow the link to Our Story - https://wi.st/3mJQDVW

SOURCE 24-7 Intouch
CARES developers and Super-Users come together to "foresee" software innovation.

WAUKESHA, Wis. , June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CenturionCARES, Inc., is pleased to announce the return of their popular customer conference, 4C. The CenturionCARES Customer Conference: 4C22 will take place August 10th -12th at the historic Grand Geneva Resort and Spa in Lake Geneva, WI. CenturionCARES is a leader in Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS), and contact center software and systems integration.

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, host venue for 4C22: The CenturionCARES Customer Conference.

4C brings together users of CARES Contact Center software and CARES Interactive Voice Response along with expert CARES technicians and developers. The highly interactive users group attracts a variety of I.T. professionals, Call Center and Operations Managers, and C-Level Executives. Through 2  days of in-depth CARES training, educational tracks, product updates, and interactive roundtables, CARES users help each other discover ways to optimize their CARES investments and help their organizations deliver exceptional service experiences.

Sessions at this year's 4C will address several emerging industry issues. Keynote speaker Rick Gallegos will present The Great Retention, remedies for remote workforce issues including maintaining company culture, psychological safety, and mental health, in order to retain top employees. Danny Exum, CIO of Wiregrass Electric Cooperative will share valuable insights in his presentation of Ransomware and Incident Response. CenturionCARES executives Kirk Wormington and Paul Wysocki will update attendees on new CARES features and enhancements, as well as customer-focused process improvements undertaken since the pandemic shutdown.

Even with such a packed agenda, 4C offers attendees plenty of opportunity for networking and story-swapping with fellow CARES users. The bright Wisconsin summer days and beautiful surroundings of Lake Geneva are sure to provide a relaxed and comfortable setting, ensuring the time there will be both memorable and well-spent.

CEO Kirk Wormington explained, "CenturionCARES is a family company guided by family values, and 4C is our family reunion. It's a chance to see old and new friends, share some fun, and help each other be the best that we can be."

For more information, visit 4C22.

About CenturionCARES, Inc.

CenturionCARES is a sole-source designer and manufacturer of Cloud and Premise based Contact Center Platforms, featuring ConnectX (PBX), CARES ACD, IVR and FLEX (Remote Agent) solutions. CARES seamlessly integrates with any existing back-end systems to maximize investment while establishing a new standard in customer experience and data analytics.

Contact:

Bob Brotzman - Director, Marketing Communications

[email protected]

727.431.5218

SOURCE CenturionCARES, Inc.
DST Dealership Sales Tools is a cloud-based DMS handling retail installment, cash, wholesale, lease deals, and rentals

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Advanced Business Computers of America, Inc. (ABCoA), a Software-as-a-Service company entrenched in the used car industry and known for Deal Pack and cyclCRM, today announced a new and revolutionary dealer management software (DMS) called DST Dealership Sales Tools.

DST Dealership Sales Tools is a browser-based dealer management software (DMS) for retail used car dealerships providing unlimited users and locations for $1 per deal.

DST is a brand-new, browser-based DMS built specifically for retail used car dealers. Dealers can easily manage inventory and push to websites, desk deals, pull credit, print contracts, attain instant funding, and much more. DST offers many standard integrations at no charge, with more to come. Connect DST and cyclCRM for a fully integrated CRM and to provide consumers a completely online shopping experience. DST does not charge by the seat or rooftop; DST charges $1 per deal for unlimited users and unlimited locations. Used car dealer software has never been easier to use or more affordable  requiring less manual work, training, or money  upfront or monthly.

"ABCoA has pioneered software in the used car industry for nearly 40 years," said Amir Dabiri, Customer Success Manager of ABCoA. "Over the years, I have converted dozens of DMS systems onto ABCoA software, and I have never seen a DMS as slick and easy as DST. Majority of dealerships know they need a new DMS, but they are scared how their team will adapt to change. I promise anyone can use DST, even if they have never used a computer. There is no better price in the industry, and there are no compromises in DST," concluded Dabiri. DST Dealership Sales Tools DMS brings cutting-edge features and cost-savings to retail used car dealers. DST will debut at the NIADA Convention, Booth #367, in Las Vegas later this month.

About Advanced Business Computers of America, Inc.

Advanced Business Computers of America, Inc. (ABCoA) is a Software-as-a-Service company focused on transforming the used car industry. Since 1983, ABCoA has helped used car dealerships and subprime finance companies achieve success with innovative and dependable software. Its cloud-native ecosystem supports every type of loan and seamlessly connects every part of business operations. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, ABCoA continuously elevates the standard for software in the subprime industry. Founding member of the Association of Dealer Management Software (ADMS). DST Dealership Sales Tools is a product of Advanced Business Computers of America, Inc. For more information, please visit www.dstdms.com.

Media Contact:

Evie Hedy, Vice President

Advanced Business Computers of America, Inc.

P.O. Box 54221

Jacksonville, FL 32245

+1(904)354-2073

[email protected]

SOURCE ABCoA
NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- American Jewish Committee (AJC) welcomes the publication by the UN Special Adviser on Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, of a new policy paper on combating Holocaust and genocide denial. The paper was produced in collaboration with AJC's Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights (JBI).

"Holocaust denial is rooted in antisemitism," emphasizes Nderitu in the policy paper's foreword, adding that her office is also "extremely worried about the increasingly frequent distortions of the Holocaust's scope and intentionality." Nderitu emphasizes that denying the facts of the Holocaust and other genocides generates fear among victims, "constitutes a warning sign of societal fragility" and "can inspire and fuel hatred of, or even incite violence against, communities that previously experienced atrocity crimes."

Expressing alarm about the increasing prevalence of Holocaust denial and distortion online and offline at a time when record-high levels of antisemitic incidents have been reported in many countries, the policy paper urges UN system actors to reject expressions of Holocaust denial and distortion and actively encourage measures to curb its spread while respecting human rights standards, particularly the right to freedom of expression.

"The UN policy paper is groundbreaking because it emphasizes that all of the world body's personnel should act in ways that clearly reflect its support for all communities that have experienced genocide and atrocity crimes, and specifically highlights that Jewish communities continue to be threatened by the antisemitic attitudes and incidents that Holocaust denial fuels," said Felice Gaer, Director of AJC's JBI. "Special Adviser Nderitu is to be applauded for courageously and clearly communicating to the UN system that the threat posed to Jews, and to entire societies, by continuing Holocaust denial and distortion is serious, and that UN officials should condemn it, even when doing so may be politically difficult, because their silence may be interpreted as condoning it."

The new policy paper's detailed recommendations emerged from an expert brainstorming session convened in December 2021 by AJC's JBI and the UN's Genocide Prevention Office. Some recommendations are directed to the UN itself, including guidance that all UN actors should:

receive instruction on recognizing and understanding Holocaust denial and distortion, with reference to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Holocaust Denial and Distortion.

regularly consult with representatives of communities that have experienced atrocity crimes to understand their concerns.

engage with government officials, encouraging them to condemn Holocaust distortion and denial.

incorporate teaching about the Holocaust and genocides in higher education and training for civil servants, not limiting such learning to secondary school educational settings, and use the teaching aid on Holocaust Denial, Distortion and Trivialization developed by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. urge social media companies to avoid amplifying Holocaust denial and distortion; recognize in their community standards that it can cause revictimization, repeat historical patterns of discrimination and negative stereotypes, and incite hostility and violence; and mitigate the impact of Holocaust and genocide denial and distortion through varying forms of content moderation, including but not limited to removing content.

The UN-JBI paper also offers important guidance on laws prohibiting Holocaust denial and distinguishes between these protective laws and broader so-called "memory laws" that bar the refutation of narratives denying national or communal complicity in the Holocaust or other atrocity crimes, which have been used to punish victims and otherwise curtail speech that human rights law protects.

No previous UN document has addressed these complicated issues in such specificity or detail.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee
STOCKHOLM, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- AlixLabs from Lund, Sweden, has developed a new, innovative method for manufacturing semiconductor components with a high degree of packing, eliminating several steps in the manufacturing process - Atomic Layer Etch Pitch Splitting (APS)*. The method makes the components cheaper and less resource-intensive to manufacture and can open up a new path for a more sustainable high-volume production of semiconductor components. In addition, APS enables the fabrication of tiny semiconductor components accurately and efficiently at a lower complexity.

AlixLabs is now pleased to announce the completed hook-up of Atomic Layer Etch (ALE) equipment in its clean room at ProNano RISE in Lund, Sweden. The equipment is the original ICP Reactive Etch tool from Oxford Instruments (UK), a Plasmalab 100 used during the original discovery of the APS method. Later the ALE process was also successfully transferred to another tool of the same make at Micronova, Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland, showing that the method is robust. Since then, additional ALE tools have come into play operating at Lund Nano Lab supplied by PlasmaTherm (USA).

In a statement from Dr. Dmitry Suyatin, CTO and Co-founder of AlixLabs, on coming R&D activities at AlixLabs, he said, "We are delighted with the support from The ProNano team and our local contractors LaonLink AB meeting the hook-up timeline. We can now go ahead as planned, starting up the APS process to accelerate our R&D efforts and offer wafer-level demonstrations of APS."

Dr. Jonas Sundqvist, CEO and Co-founder, added, "I am amazed that AlixLabs has reached this milestone on time as committed to our Board of Directors and Investors. Anyone in the business of installing gear in clean rooms will know what challenging time sourcing parts and components are right now with extreme lead-time on everything from piping and valves to vacuum pumps. We now move forward with our technology development roadmap setting up a wafer-level APS process in Lund to get ready for large wafers in 2023 and aim to have a demo ready 300 mm process in 2024. Ultimately, this type of leading-edge semiconductor processing technology happens on full size 300 mm wafers, and that is where we ultimately will go. However, in the meantime, we will also take opportunities to demonstrate the APS technology as they come on smaller wafer sizes."

"The next opportunity to meet AlixLabs will be at The AVS 22nd International Conference on Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD 2022), featuring the 9th International Atomic Layer Etching Workshop (ALE 2022). The conference will take place Sunday, June 26-Wednesday, June 29, 2022, at the International Convention Center (ICC) Ghent in Ghent, Belgium. On Tuesday, June 28, we proudly announce that Yoana Ilarionova will give an oral presentation in session ALE1-TuA-4 entitled In-situ Optical Emission Spectroscopy as a Tool to Characterize Cyclic Quasi-Atomic Layer Etching". We hope to meet you there!

* Atomic Layer Etch Pitch Splitting (APS). As previously reported (April 30, 2021), The US Patent Office has approved AlixLabs's patent application for nanofabrication by ALE Pitch Splitting (APS). The US Patent Office issued a patent (US10930515) on February 23, 2021. The patent covers methods to split nanostructures in half by a single process step using Atomic Layer Etching (ALE). The method can significantly impact the semiconductor industry by enabling sustainable scaling of electronic components and shrinking chip designs further in a cost-effective way. The method is complementary for single exposure Immersion and Extreme UV (EUV) Lithography and corresponding multiple patterning technologies like self-aligned double and quadruple patterning (SADP resp. SAQP) as well as multiple exposure lithography-etch and directed self-assembly (DSA). Association) https://www.semi.org/zh/world_fab_forecast_fab

CONTACT:

Jonas Sundqvist, CEO of AlixLabs, phone +46 767 63 94 67, email [email protected]

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/alixlabs-ab/r/alixlabs-ab-today-announced-completing-clean-room-hook-up-of-r-d-equipment-for-atomic-layer-etch-pit,c3586701

The following files are available for download:

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SOURCE AlixLabs AB
RICHMOND, Va., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel insurance and assistance company Allianz Partners took home wins in both travel insurance categories at the 2022 TravelAge West WAVE (Western Advisors' Votes of Excellence) Awards, including Travel Insurance Company Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support and Travel Insurance Company Providing the Highest Client Satisfaction. This is the sixth consecutive year that Allianz Partners has been named a top travel insurance provider in the prestigious WAVE Awards.

Now in its 17th year, the goal of TravelAge West's WAVE Awards is to give travel advisors in the West the opportunity to recognize the outstanding qualities and services of their travel-supplier partners. The Editor's Picks were chosen by Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Ken Shapiro and the entire editorial team of TravelAge West. Review methods included product analysis, on-site visits and a survey of a select group of travel advisors and industry experts.

"As the travel industry starts to regain its footing, we want to help our readers celebrate the companies that have continued to serve travel advisors and their clients throughout the darkest days of the pandemic," said Shapiro. "The WAVE Awards are a pillar of the travel industry in the West, and we know many in the industry look forward to them each year, so we are very happy that we can once again bring this program to our partners."

During a black-tie dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina Del Rey on June 9, Editor's Pick recipients were honored for their achievements and TravelAge West will feature a special WAVE Awards section in the July 11 issue, highlighting award winners.

"We are elated to continue our winning streak at the TravelAge West WAVE Awards and are incredibly thankful to everyone who helped us achieve this milestone," said Richard Aquino, Vice President, Head of Sales at Allianz Partners USA. "It means the world to us to once again be recognized in both client satisfaction and travel advisor support, and it's a true testament to how deeply our team cares about our customers evolving needs."

For a full list of this year's WAVE Award recipients, visit: https://www.travelagewest.com/Wave/Winners

About TravelAge West

TravelAge West is the leading trade media outlet for travel advisors and the travel industry in the 15 Western U.S. states. Serving more than 21,000 readers for 53 years, the brand is a main source of news and product information for the region's agents and travel executives. TravelAgeWest.com is a two-time winner of a Gold Award from the North American Travel Journalists Association for Best Travel Journalism Website. TravelAge West is a part of Northstar Travel Group LLC, a worldwide provider of information, news and data for the travel and hospitality industry. Northstar Travel Group is based in Secaucus, N.J.

About Allianz Partners

In the United States, Allianz Partners USA (AGA Service Company) offers Allianz Travel-branded travel protection plans and serves millions of customers each year. In addition to travel protection, the company offers event ticket protection, registration protection for endurance events and unique travel assistance services such as international medical assistance and concierge services. AGA Service Company is doing business as Allianz Global Assistance Insurance Agency in California (License # 0B01400) and Massachusetts. Allianz Partners USA is part of the Allianz Partners group. Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C insurance and assistance, offering global solutions that span international health and life, travel insurance, mobility and assistance. Customer driven, our innovative experts are redefining insurance services by delivering future-ready, high-tech, high-touch products and solutions that go beyond traditional insurance. Present in over 75 countries, our 19,400 employees speak 70 languages, handle over 58 million cases each year, and are motivated to go the extra mile to offer peace of mind to our customers around the world.

** While the new Epidemic Coverage Endorsement adds certain covered reasons that apply to specific epidemic-related situations, products otherwise generally do not cover claims due to known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, government prohibitions, warnings, or travel advisories, or fear of travel, and coverage can vary by state. Please see our Coverage Alert for information about other temporary accommodations that may be available. Benefits for quarantines only apply when an eligible traveler is specifically named and individually ordered to quarantine by order or official directive of a government, public regulatory authority, or the captain of a commercial vessel on which that eligible traveler is booked to travel during the covered trip, based on that eligible traveler's exposure to COVID-19. The benefit does not cover travel restrictions (whether or not they are referred to as "quarantine") that apply generally or broadly (a) to some segment or all of a population, geographical area, building, or vessel (including without limitation shelter-in-place, stay-at-home, safer-at-home, or other similar restriction), or (b) based on to, from, or through where the person is traveling. Coverage may not cover the full cost of your quarantine and is subject to applicable benefit limits. See your plan for details.

For Allianz Partners USA products offered and sold in the U.S.: Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply to all plans. Plans are available only to U.S. residents. Not all plans are available in all jurisdictions. Availability of Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, including specific benefits and covered reasons described here, varies by product and by state. Products may not include all benefits or covered reasons described here. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sublimits and daily maximums. Benefits and limits vary by plan. For a complete description of the coverage and benefit limits offered under your specific plan, carefully review your plan's Letter of Confirmation/Declarations and Certificate of Insurance/Policy. Insurance coverage is underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: Oakbrook Terrace, IL), rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: Richmond, VA), rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101C series or 101P series, depending on state of residence. Except as otherwise specified, AGA Service Company d/b/a Allianz Global Assistance is the licensed producer and administrator of Allianz Travel-branded travel protection plans in the U.S. and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. Allianz Global Assistance, TravelSmart, and AgentSmart are marks of AGA Service Company or its affiliates. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between Allianz Global Assistance and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance and assistance services. Noninsurance benefits/products are provided and serviced by Allianz Global Assistance. SmartBenefits proactive payments and "no receipts" payments available only on certain plans. For plans that include proactive payments: when you opt in and provide flight information, Allianz Global Assistance will monitor flights and send flight status and benefit alerts, including alerts about flight delays that qualify for automated travel delay payments. Standard message/data rates apply to SMS alerts. Automated claims and payment system availability is not guaranteed and is subject to our sole discretion. All claims subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.

SOURCE Allianz Partners
As per AAFA (Asthma and allergy foundation of America), more than 50 million people have various types of allergies each year and it is the sixth leading cause of chronic illness. Pollen affects human well-being with different seasonal allergies and respiratory ailments, making it extremely important to track, says Ambee's co-founder, Madhusudhan Anand. "The problem is, it requires a complex methodology to gather accurate results. Most pollen forecasts right now provide a very broad estimate and part of the problem is that there aren't many observing stations for pollen counts."

Ambee's pollen API tracks pollen with AI algorithms based on machine learning models. It aggregates pollen data from multiple sources combining on-ground sensors, satellite imagery, and statistical inference to ensure the highest accuracy. "We are Asia's first pollen-tracking API to provide real-time pollen count data across the world," asserts Madhusudhan.

Ambee's pollen data is currently used by healthcare, pharma, and weather companies. Kleenex, a brand for paper-based products, has registered a 200% increase in its website traffic after using Ambee's pollen data to market its anti-allergy product.

Ambee's Pollen API

Ambee's pollen API delivers real-time data quickly for a frictionless and user-friendly experience. It is developer-friendly and easy to integrate into any program, application, or product.

The pollen dataset provides both pollen count and risk levels for different categories. It gives risk level alerts for more than 90+ species of pollen. The dataset offers insights into trees, grass, weed, and species of pollen.

The pollen dataset also complies with the rules and guidelines defined by the National Allergy Bureau for the different categories. Ambee's technology analyzes millions of data points from cities to derive the global species risk level information. One can find all this information in the Ambee air quality and pollen app too.

Visit Ambee's Pollen API website

About Ambee

Ambee is a climate and environmental data provider offering data on weather, pollen, fire, soil, and water vapor. The environmental intelligence by Ambee empowers Fortune 500 companies such as Bosch, Airbus, Kleenex, and Bayer, and has been supported by Google for Entrepreneurs.

Visit Ambee's website

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1841327/Pollen_count_data.jpg

SOURCE Ambee
CARMEL, Ind., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- American Pain Consortium Management, LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of John Erickson as its Chief Financial Officer, effective June 6th, 2022. John joins the APC team with more than twenty years of financial, operational, and accounting experience, with 10+ spent in financial management and CFO roles.

"I am thrilled to be joining APC during this time of rapid company growth. With the ambition and integrity of APC, I am excited to collaborate and offer financial guidance and leadership to further our mission of empowering our providers to deliver high quality patient care. APC has a strong patient-centric focus, and it is now my responsibility to continue enhancing the financial tools necessary to achieve meaningful strategic and impactful growth," says John Erickson.

As Chief Executive Officer of APC, Edward Kowlowitz, MD said, "I'm delighted to welcome John Erickson, to the APC family. John's extensive experience and skill set, especially in operations, will help us to execute our mission of empowering our physician providers to deliver the very best interventional pain care. At APC, we believe the key to success is to deliver the best and most appropriate procedure to each and every patient at every encounter. John's style and commitment to relationships will complement our growing executive team and facilitate the organizations advancement and growth."

John will work closely with the partners of APC, including American Discovery Capital. Frank McMahon, Founding Partner of American Discovery Capital said, "We are very excited to welcome John to the APC team. John brings a wealth of healthcare experience and knowledge. He has both financial and operating experience and will work with the rest of the team to deliver on our mission of empowering providers to deliver exceptional patient care."

About American Pain Consortium

APC is a growing network of interventional pain management practices and pain-focused ambulatory surgical centers (ASC) that provides state-of-the-art, patient-focused support services to comprehensive pain management practices in Indiana and Ohio. Providers at APC focus on managing acute and chronic pain with treatments that include nerve blocks and injections, neuromodulation and implants, physical therapy, psychological counseling, medication management, and compliance monitoring.

APC's expansion strategy includes acquisitions of additional pain clinics that deliver outstanding patient care and have potential for growth by adding a broader suite of pain treatments, procedures, and services. Unlike other private equity or capital investment ventures, APC is majority physician-owned.

SOURCE American Pain Consortium
BUFFALO GROVE, Ill., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ANGUS Chemical Company ("ANGUS" or "Company"), a leading global manufacturer and marketer of specialty chemicals for Life Sciences and Industrial markets, today announced it was awarded the 2022 Gold Recognition Level in sustainability performance by EcoVadis. The Gold rating places ANGUS in the 92nd percentile of the tens of thousands of global companies assessed by EcoVadis each year.

"We are honored to receive the EcoVadis Gold rating for our sustainability performance," said Dr. Pam Spencer, Vice President, Regulatory, Product Stewardship, Quality and Sustainability. "This is an achievement delivered through the commitment of every ANGUS employee around the world to meeting the needs of our customers while operating at the highest levels of safety, social responsibility and sustainability."

This is the fourth year ANGUS has been awarded an EcoVadis Gold rating. For its 2022 assessment, ANGUS recorded a strong performance across 21 indicators covering four areas of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability: Environment, Labor Practices and Human Rights, Fair Business Practices, and Sustainable Procurement.

"ANGUS is committed to helping address the resource and environmental concerns facing our world today by challenging ourselves to continually improve in all aspects of our sustainability performance," said David Neuberger, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Through clear and visible leadership, health, safety, security and the environment are top priorities in planning and development for all existing and new products, processes and facilities. In addition, we are proud of the role ANGUS' high-purity, specialty chemistries play in helping the world's most essential industries create innovative products that improve our health, homes and environment."

More than 90,000 companies around the world partner with EcoVadis to collaborate on sustainability with a common platform, universal scorecard, benchmarks and performance improvement tools. ANGUS invites its commercial partners to request direct access to ANGUS' 2022 evaluation results from EcoVadis as part of their supplier evaluation process.

ABOUT ANGUS

ANGUS is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of specialty ingredients for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, consumer and industrial applications. The Company innovates through its unique nitroalkane chemistries, including its flagship AMP (aminomethyl propanol) multifunctional additives and TRIS AMINO (tromethamine) buffers, which are produced at fully integrated, ISO 9001-certified manufacturing facilities in the United States and Germany. ANGUS serves its global customers through six regional Customer Application Centers located in Chicago, Illinois; Paris, France; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Singapore; Shanghai, China; and Mumbai, India. The Company is headquartered in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. For more information, visit angus.com.

Follow ANGUS on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ANGUS Media Relations

Scott C. Johnson

+1 847-808-3769

[email protected]

SOURCE ANGUS Chemical Company
KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Public Works Association membership has affirmed the selection of the 2022-2023 President-Elect and three new Board members. Gary Losier, P.Eng., PWLF, will serve as President-Elect and will join the APWA Executive Committee; Jeffery P. Brown, P.E., will serve as Director of Region III; and Robert Garland, P.E., PG, DBIA, ENV SP, PWLF, will serve as Director of Region IV. With the membership affirmation of Gary Losier as President-Elect, the APWA Board of Directors appointed Richard J. Benevento to fill the remaining year of the Region I Director term. All four will assume office on the 18-member Board of Directors on August 28, 2022, during APWA's annual Public Works Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina.

APWA's voting process begins with the appointment of a National Nominating Committee (one member from each region appointed by the APWA President) and Regional Nominating Committees (one member from each chapter where the term of office for a board member expires in 2022). The nominating committees accept candidates for positions on the Board of Directors, review nomination packets, and conduct interviews of the candidates. The process culminates in the affirmation vote of the entire membership once the nominating committees select the candidates. The voting process affirms the diligent process undertaken by APWA to identify the most qualified candidates to represent the association. The May issue of the APWA Reporter provides information on the background and diversity of the National Nominating Committee members.

President-Elect Gary Losier, P.Eng. is the Director of Engineering and Works for the Town of Quispamsis, located in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, and has served in that capacity since 1987. He has been a member of APWA since 1995. At the local level, he has served as a director, chairman, vice-chairman, and Scholarship Committee co-chair. At the national level, he has been a director on the CPWA Board (2006-08) and the national CPWA president (2008-10). He currently chairs APWA's Strategic Planning Committee and is the board liaison to the CPWA Board. He has chaired and been involved in several APWA committees over the years.

Richard J. Benevento, will join the Board of Directors as Director of Region I. He is the president of WorldTech Engineering, LLC, in Woburn, Mass. Benevento has been active in APWA since joining the New England Chapter in 1988. He currently serves as the New England Chapter Delegate and is a member of the Council of Chapters Steering Committee. He has served as chapter president and was a member of the chapter's Awards Committee. At the national level, he has chaired and been involved in several committees. Benevento has worked with APWA national staff on several assignments providing service to its members, including helping with webinars and publishing in the APWA Reporter.

Jeffery P, Brown, P.E., will join the Board of Directors as Director of Region III. He has over 20 years of experience working directly in the public works field with state and local governments. He is currently serving as the Internal Services Manager for Cumberland County, N.C. Brown has served as the chapter delegate for the North Carolina Chapter since 2016 and has represented Region III on the Council of Chapters Steering Committee for the past three years. He has served in various capacities at the local level, and at the national level served six years on the Facilities & Grounds Technical Committee, including two as chair. He's been an educational session speaker at PWX, presented on Click, Listen & Learn educational programs, and authored numerous articles published in the APWA Reporter. He is a past graduate of APWA's Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA II) and, for several years, coordinated and oversaw the mentoring aspect of the course.

Robert Garland, P.E., PG, DBIA, ENV SP, PWLF, will join the Board of Directors as Director of Region IV. He is a vice president and regional director for McKim & Creed, a national engineering firm. He has provided engineering, management, operational, and construction services for the public works industry for over 35 years. Garland joined APWA in 2006 and immediately became active at the chapter and branch levels. He chaired the Southwest Florida Branch for two consecutive terms. He has served as a chapter officer in several positions and as an alternate delegate and delegate. He currently serves on the Council of Chapter's Steering Committee.

About APWA

The American Public Works Association (www.apwa.net) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 30,000 members involved in the field of public works. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy, and the exchange of knowledge. APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., has an office in Washington, D.C., and 62 chapters and 97 branches throughout North America.

SOURCE American Public Works Association
Learn about crucial advisory and intelligence that can assist buyers in identifying and shortlisting the most suitable suppliers for their dairy product requirements. Some of the leading Architectural Services suppliers profiled extensively in this report are Gensler, AECOM, and IBI Group Inc.

Request a FREE sample report to access more information on other key market vendors and

vendor analysis.

Architectural Services Procurement: Pricing Insights

It is crucial to keep track of current and future Architectural Services price trends to completely optimize the value of the purchase, both from current cash outflow as well as overall cost and benefit perspective. Price forecasts are beneficial in purchase planning, especially when supplemented by constant monitoring of price influencing factors described in the report.

Pricing insights presented in this report cover pricing benchmarks and the trends and strategies

that can help optimize cost savings.

Request for a FREE sample to access the definite purchasing guide on the Architectural Services

that answers all your key questions on price trends and analysis:

Am I paying/getting the right prices? Is my Architectural Services TCO (total cost of ownership) favorable?

How is the price forecast expected to change? What is driving the current and future price changes?

Which pricing models offer the most rewarding opportunities?

Architectural Services Sourcing and Procurement Market Report Key Details:

Report Specs Details Spend growth (CAGR) 4.60 % Incremental spend USD 87.94 Billion Pricing models Fixed pricing model, Cost reimbursable pricing, and FTE-based pricing Supplier selection scope Project ownership, BIM capabilities, Service portfolio, and Value-added services Market dynamics Regional category spend in terms of percentage with respect to North America, South America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa and APAC and global category spend and CAGR in terms of percentage over a span of 5 years.

Download a free sample of this report now: https://spendedge.com/architectural-services--

sourcing-and-procurement-intelligence-report

What are the Key Data Covered in this Architectural Services Sourcing and Procurement Market Report?

Detailed insights and analysis of the major cost drivers, volume drivers, and innovations of the Architectural Services procurement and sourcing market.

Precise estimation of procurement strategies deployed by major category end-users across several industries while sourcing for Architectural Services requirements.

Accurate predictions on upcoming trends and changes in vendor behavior.

Analysis into various supplier selection criteria, RFX questions, supplier evaluation metrics, and the service level agreements.

Insight into the most adopted procurement strategies by buyers across industries and an analysis of these strategies with respect to innovation, regulatory compliance, quality, supply, and cost.

Comprehensive details about each pricing model and the pros and cons attached to every pricing model prevalent in the market.

Best Selling Report:

Agriculture Sprayers Sourcing and Procurement Report : This report offers detailed insights and analysis of the major cost drivers, volume drivers, and innovations of the printing ink procurement and sourcing market, which the global suppliers have been leveraging to gain a competitive edge across regions. Read More

This report offers detailed insights and analysis of the major cost drivers, volume drivers, and innovations of the printing ink procurement and sourcing market, which the global suppliers have been leveraging to gain a competitive edge across regions. Read More Industrial Gases Market Top Spending Regions and Market Price Trends: Only a few regions will drive the majority of this growth. Moreover, on the supply side, North America , Europe , and APAC will have the maximum influence owing to the supplier base. Know More

Table of Content

Executive Summary

Market Insights

Category Pricing Insights

Cost-saving Opportunities

Best Practices

Category Ecosystem

Category Management Strategy

Category Management Enablers

Suppliers Selection

Suppliers under Coverage

US Market Insights

Category scope

Appendix

About SpendEdge:

SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions.

Contact

SpendEdge

Anirban Choudhury

Marketing Manager

Ph No: +1 (872) 206-9340

https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us

SOURCE SpendEdge
BASEL, Switzerland, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascensia Diabetes Care, a global diabetes care company, maker of CONTOUR blood glucose monitoring (BGM) system portfolio and distributor of Eversense Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems, announces that its partner Senseonics Holdings, Inc. has received CE Mark approval for the Eversense E3 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System, clearing the way for its use in European Union (EU) member countries. Ascensia plans to make the next-generation system, which can be used for up to 6 months, available to patients in certain European markets from the third quarter of 2022.

The fully implantable, long-term Eversense E3 CGM System has been designed to deliver key improvements on the currently available Eversense XL CGM System, whilst building on the unique benefits that European users already experience. The next-generation system offers exceptional accuracy and long-term sensor wear, alongside reduced frequency of calibration and significantly enhanced sensor survivability. Unlike the XL System, the new E3 System has also been approved for non-adjunctive use, meaning that it can inform insulin treatment decisions without confirmation of glucose levels from fingerstick testing. Both Eversense XL and Eversense E3 are approved for use up to 6 months, making them the longest lasting CGM sensors available. This gives people with diabetes freedom from the burdens associated with other available CGM systems, such as weekly or bi-weekly self-insertions.

Eversense E3 is already available in the U.S. following FDA approval and launch earlier this year. Following the CE Mark approval in Europe the Eversense E3 System will be distributed in Germany, Italy, Spain (including Andorra), the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, Norway and Sweden.

Robert Schumm, President at Ascensia Diabetes Care, said, "This approval is an exciting milestone for us as we look forward to bringing Eversense E3 to people with diabetes across Europe. From this next-generation system you can expect the excellent features and benefits that European users currently experience with Eversense XL, but with design improvements that address requests we repeatedly hear from patients and healthcare providers. Our role is to make sure that as many people have access to this innovative product as possible, and efforts are already under way to launch this system in certain European countries in the coming months."

Developed by Senseonics and brought to people with diabetes by Ascensia, the newly approved Eversense E3 CGM System offers patients:

The longest lasting CGM available, with 6-month sensor wear duration and essentially two sensor insertion and removal procedures per year

Exceptional accuracy, with a mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 8.5% demonstrated in the PROMISE Study 1 for the duration of sensor wear

for the duration of sensor wear Fewer calibrations, with primarily one calibration required per day after day 21 of use

A fully implantable fluorescence-based sensor, with a removable smart transmitter* that provides discreet on-body vibratory alerts and transmits data to a mobile app

An innovative sacrificial boronic acid (SBA) design modification to enhance 6-month sensor survivability

An ability to make dosing decisions without fingerstick testing, due to non-adjunctive label

"The features and benefits of this improved system offer people with diabetes unparalleled flexibility, convenience and accuracy," said Elaine Anderson, Head of Eversense CGM Business Unit at Ascensia Diabetes Care. "Choice is key in managing diabetes and we are proud to work alongside our partner Senseonics to bring an outstanding and unique CGM option to patients and healthcare providers across Europe and in the U.S."

People in these markets who are interested in getting started with Eversense XL now can visit www.ascensia.com/eversense for more information, and will be among the first to know when Eversense E3 is commercially available.

* There is no glucose data generated when the transmitter is removed.

1 Garg S. et al. Evaluation of Accuracy and Safety of the Next-Generation Up to 180-Day Long-Term Implantable Eversense Continuous Glucose Monitoring System: The PROMISE Study. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics 2021; 24(2): 1-9.DOI: 10.1089/dia.2021.0182

SOURCE Ascensia Diabetes Care
- The updates of ASC22 Phase IIb study will be presented at the oral session during the International Liver Congress 2022 on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 14:15, Beijing Time (Abstract Number: OS091)

HANGZHOU, China and SHAOXING, China, June 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascletis Pharma Inc. (HKEX:1672, "Ascletis") today announces that the latest results of the Phase IIb clinical trial of ASC22 (Envafolimab) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) will be presented at an oral parallel session of the International Liver Congress 2022 (ILC 2022) held by the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) in London on June 25, 2022.

EASL is the world's leading medical association dedicated to liver diseases research. As the annual flagship event with approximately 10, 000 representatives participating every year, ILC is one of the most influential congresses on hepatology research globally where the advances, best practices and latest scientific breakthroughs are shared with the global community. Among the 1,993 abstracts accepted by ILC this year, nine Chinese abstracts have been admitted to oral presentation in total. Ascletis' ASC22 on CHB functional cure is the only China biotech-initiated, HBV-related study that has been selected for oral presentation at ILC 2022.

Professor Guiqiang Wang, Director of Infectious Diseases Department and Liver Disease Center of Peking University First Hospital, will present the latest results of ASC22 Phase IIb study at ILC 2022. At the Liver Meeting 2021 by American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) last year, Professor Guiqiang Wang was also invited, along with Dr. Jinzi J. Wu, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ascletis, to have an oral presentation on ASC22 Phase IIa and IIb study interim report.

CHB remains to be a significantly unmet medical need globally, with approximately 86 million people in China and 1.59 million people in the U.S. infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV)[1]. Nucleot(s)ide analogues (NAs) inhibit only reverse transcription of HBV RNA into HBV DNA and do not inhibit the transcription of HBV cccDNA into HBV RNA, thus have no inhibitory effect on HBsAg.

Abstract to be presented at ILC 2022 is as follows:

ALT flares were linked to HBsAg reduction, seroclearance and seroconversion: interim results from a phase IIb study in chronic hepatitis B patients with 24-week treatment of subcutaneous PD-L1 Ab ASC22 (Envafolimab) plus nucleos(t)ide analogs

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Abstract Number: OS091

Session: Abstract session: Hepatitis B emerging therapies

Presenter: Prof. Guiqiang Wang, Director of Infectious Diseases Department and Liver Disease Center of Peking University First Hospital

Presentation time: June 25, 2022, Saturday, 14:15-14:30 (Beijing Time)

*The abstract can be accessed at: https://easl.eu/event/international-liver-congress-2022/abstract-information/

[1] Lim J K, Nguyen M H, Kim W R, et al. Prevalence of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States [J]. The American journal of gastroenterology 2020, 115(9): 1429-38.

About Ascletis

Ascletis is an innovative R&D driven biotech listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (1672.HK), covering the entire value chain from discovery and development to manufacturing and commercialization. Led by a management team with deep expertise and a proven track record, Ascletis focuses on three therapeutic areas with unmet medical needs from a global perspective: viral diseases, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and oncology. Through excellent execution, Ascletis rapidly advances its drug pipeline with an aim of leading in global competition. To date, Ascletis has three marketed products, i.e. ritonavir tablets, GANOVO and ASCLEVIR, and 20 drug candidates in its R&D pipeline. The most advanced drug candidates include ASC22 (CHB functional cure), ASC10 and ASC11 (oral small molecules for COVID-19 treatment), ASC40 (recurrent glioblastoma), ASC42 (PBC, primary biliary cholangitis), and ASC40 (acne).

For more information, please visit www.ascletis.com.

SOURCE Ascletis Pharma Inc.
ASES Chair Robert Foster welcomes all, "Bienvenidos, please join the American Solar Energy Society at its annual national conference next week in Albuquerque in collaboration with the New Mexico Solar Energy Association. New Mexico has always been a solar leader from the Pueblos passive solar architecture used for thousands of years, to our many solar pioneers and heroes many of whom will be attending. Come learn about cutting edge solar innovations and technologies, as well as participate in our local tours of state of the art solar and energy storage projects. The Solar Fiesta is free and will be open to the public on Friday, June 24th and all are welcome. Nos vemos pronto."

On June 19, there will be a Climate Ride fundraiser/bike ride. There are spots available for these activities and more - but space is limited - so be sure to register soon.

Featured Speaker & Session Highlights:

Tuesday, June 21 - Opening Reception featuring local poets Beata Tsosie Pena , Jimmy Santiago Baca and Hakim Bellamy plus a special presentation from Noam Chomsky.

- featuring local poets , and plus a special presentation from Wednesday, June 22 - Governments' Role in the Renewable Energy Transformation featuring Michelle Lujan Grisham , New Mexico Governor, Martin Heinrich , United States Senator of. New Mexico , Ron Darnell , Senior Vice President for Public Policy at PNM and Dave Renne , Past President of the International Solar Energy Society.

- featuring , Governor, , Senator of. , , Senior Vice President for Public Policy at PNM and , Past President of the International Solar Energy Society. Thursday, June 23 - Ensuring a Just & Equitable Transformation featuring Shalanda Baker , Secretarial Advisor on Equity and Deputy Director for Energy Justice at the Department of Energy (DOE), Wahleah Johns , Director of the U.S. DOE Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, Jonathan Nez , President of the Navajo Nation and Nicole Sitaraman , Deputy Director Office of Public Participation at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

- featuring , Secretarial Advisor on Equity and Deputy Director for Energy Justice at the Department of Energy (DOE), , Director of the U.S. DOE Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, , President of the Navajo Nation and , Deputy Director Office of Public Participation at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Friday, June 24 - Solar Design, Architecture and the Future of Solar Education featuring Ed Mazria , founder of Architecture 2030, Sandra Begay , Principal Member of the Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories, Dan Arvizu , New Mexico State University (NMSU) Chancellor and Gigi Goldman and Hal Aronson co-founders of We Share Solar

All the sessions will be live streamed for viewing in real-time, and available later in a recorded format. The technical sessions include tracks such as Energy Transformation, Economic Justice, and Buildings Innovations. Additionally, the conference will feature ASES Annual Awards Banquet on June 22, NMSEA's 50th anniversary celebration event on June 23, a tour of local Albuquerque solar sites on June 25, NABCEP registered workshops June 23 and 24 and more.

Friday, June 24, will also feature a special Solar Fiesta and EV Show open to the public from 9:00am-3:00pm MDT just outside the Student Union Building (SUB) in the Cornell Mall area of the UNM campus. The event will have vendors from around the Albuquerque area, EVs to check out, live music, solar cookers and more. The event will also have a free Solar 101 Workshop inside the SUB for members of the public to learn more about solar energy. The online schedule for the conference and other details can be found at ases.org/conference .

There will be a variety of networking opportunities available in this year's hybrid format for all attendees. Join ASES online and/or in-person in Albuquerque for the summer solstice at SOLAR 2022! Register online today.

SOURCE American Solar Energy Society
Vendor Insights

Global Automatic Doors 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:

ASSA ABLOY AB

agta record Ltd.

Auto Ingress Pty Ltd.

Deutschtec GmbH

dormakaba Holding AG

GEZE GmbH

KONE Corp.

Nabtesco Corp.

Sanwa Holdings Corp.

Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

Find additional highlights on the growth strategies adopted by vendors and their product offerings, Read Sample Report .

Geographical Market Analysis

APAC will account for 49 percent of market growth. In APAC, China is the most important market for automatic doors. The market in this region will increase at a quicker rate than the market in other regions.

Over the projection period, a surge in investment in commercial real estate projects with upgraded facilities will aid the automated doors market expansion in APAC. Furthermore, countries such as the China, US, Germany, and France are expected to emerge as prominent markets for Automatic Doors Market during the forecast period.

Know more about this market's geographical distribution along with the detailed analysis of the top regions. Click here.

Key Segment Analysis

The sliding doors category will gain considerable market share in automatic doors. Sliding doors are available in both horizontal and top-hung configurations. Owing to the low ASPs of these items, as well as the fact that similarly priced alternatives such as swing doors have been responsible for severe ligament injuries and major contusions due to malfunctioning, this segment is projected to dominate the market.

View Sample: to know additional highlights and key points on various market segments and their impact in coming years.

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Automatic Doors Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2019 Forecast period 2020-2024 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.91% Market growth 2020-2024 $ 1.17 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 5.23 Regional analysis APAC, Europe, North America, and South America Performing market contribution APAC at 49% Key consumer countries China, US, Germany, and France Competitive landscape Leading companies, Competitive strategies, Consumer engagement scope Key companies profiled ASSA ABLOY AB, agta record Ltd., Auto Ingress Pty Ltd., Deutschtec GmbH, dormakaba Holding AG, GEZE GmbH , KONE Corp., Nabtesco Corp., Sanwa Holdings Corp., and Stanley Black & Decker 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 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

2 Market Landscape

2.1 Market ecosystem

Exhibit 01: Parent market



Exhibit 02: Market characteristics

2.2 Value chain analysis

Exhibit 03: Value Chain Analysis: Building Products

3 Market Sizing

3.1 Market definition

Exhibit 04: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition

3.2 Market segment analysis

Exhibit 05: Market segments

3.3 Market size 2020

3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2020 - 2024

Exhibit 06: Global - Market size and forecast 2020 - 2024 ($ million)



Exhibit 07: Global market: Year-over-year growth 2020 - 2024 (%)

4 Five Forces Analysis

4.1 Five Forces Summary

Exhibit 08: Five forces analysis 2020 & 2024

4.2 Bargaining power of buyers

Exhibit 09: Bargaining power of buyers

4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers

Exhibit 10: Bargaining power of suppliers

4.4 Threat of new entrants

Exhibit 11: Threat of new entrants

4.5 Threat of substitutes

Exhibit 12: Threat of substitutes

4.6 Threat of rivalry

Exhibit 13: Threat of rivalry

4.7 Market condition

Exhibit 14: Market condition - Five forces 2020

5 Market Segmentation by Product

5.1 Market segments

Exhibit 15: Product - Market share 2020-2024 (%)

5.2 Comparison by Product

Exhibit 16: Comparison by Product

5.3 Sliding doors - Market size and forecast 2020-2024

Exhibit 17: Sliding doors - Market size and forecast 2020-2024 ($ million)



Exhibit 18: Sliding doors - Year-over-year growth 2020-2024 (%)

5.4 Swing doors - Market size and forecast 2020-2024

Exhibit 19: Swing doors - Market size and forecast 2020-2024 ($ million)



Exhibit 20: Swing doors - Year-over-year growth 2020-2024 (%)

5.5 Folding doors - Market size and forecast 2020-2024

Exhibit 21: Folding doors - Market size and forecast 2020-2024 ($ million)



Exhibit 22: Folding doors - Year-over-year growth 2020-2024 (%)

5.6 Revolving doors - Market size and forecast 2020-2024

Exhibit 23: Revolving doors - Market size and forecast 2020-2024 ($ million)



Exhibit 24: Revolving doors - Year-over-year growth 2020-2024 (%)

5.7 Others - Market size and forecast 2020-2024

Exhibit 25: Others - Market size and forecast 2020-2024 ($ million)



Exhibit 26: Others - Year-over-year growth 2020-2024 (%)

5.8 Market opportunity by Product

Exhibit 27: Market opportunity by Product

6 Customer landscape

7 Geographic Landscape

7.1 Geographic segmentation

Exhibit 29: Market share by geography 2020-2024 (%)

7.2 Geographic comparison

Exhibit 30: Geographic comparison

7.3 APAC - Market size and forecast 2020-2024

Exhibit 31: APAC - Market size and forecast 2020-2024 ($ million)



Exhibit 32: APAC - Year-over-year growth 2020-2024 (%)

7.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2020-2024

- Market size and forecast 2020-2024 Exhibit 33: Europe - Market size and forecast 2020-2024 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2020-2024 ($ million)

Exhibit 34: Europe - Year-over-year growth 2020-2024 (%)

7.5 North America - Market size and forecast 2020-2024

- Market size and forecast 2020-2024 Exhibit 35: North America - Market size and forecast 2020-2024 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2020-2024 ($ million)

Exhibit 36: North America - Year-over-year growth 2020-2024 (%)

7.6 MEA - Market size and forecast 2020-2024

Exhibit 37: MEA - Market size and forecast 2020-2024 ($ million)



Exhibit 38: MEA - Year-over-year growth 2020-2024 (%)

7.7 South America - Market size and forecast 2020-2024

- Market size and forecast 2020-2024 Exhibit 39: South America - Market size and forecast 2020-2024 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2020-2024 ($ million)

Exhibit 40: South America - Year-over-year growth 2020-2024 (%)

7.8 Key leading countries

Exhibit 41: Key leading countries

7.9 Market opportunity by geography

Exhibit 42: Market opportunity by geography ($ million)

8 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

8.1 Market drivers

8.2 Market challenges

Exhibit 43: Impact of drivers and challenges

8.3 Market trends

9 Vendor Landscape

9.1 Overview

9.2 Vendor landscape

Exhibit 44: Vendor landscape

9.3 Landscape disruption

Exhibit 45: Landscape disruption



Exhibit 46: Industry risks

10 Vendor Analysis

10.1 Vendors covered

10.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 48: Market positioning of vendors

10.3 Agta record Ltd

Exhibit 49: Agta record Ltd - Overview



Exhibit 50: Agta record Ltd - Product and service



Exhibit 51: Agta record Ltd - Key offerings

10.4 ASSA ABLOY AB

Exhibit 52: ASSA ABLOY AB - Overview



Exhibit 53: ASSA ABLOY AB - Product and service



Exhibit 54: ASSA ABLOY AB - Key offerings

10.5 Auto Ingress Pty Ltd

Exhibit 55: Auto Ingress Pty Ltd - Overview



Exhibit 56: Auto Ingress Pty Ltd - Product and service



Exhibit 57: Auto Ingress Pty Ltd - Key offerings

10.6 Deutschtec GmbH

Exhibit 58: Deutschtec GmbH - Overview



Exhibit 59: Deutschtec GmbH - Product and service



Exhibit 60: Deutschtec GmbH - Key offerings

10.7 dormakaba International Holding AG

Exhibit 61: dormakaba International Holding AG - Overview



Exhibit 62: dormakaba International Holding AG - Business segments



Exhibit 63: dormakaba International Holding AG - Key offerings



Exhibit 64: dormakaba International Holding AG - Segment focus

10.8 GEZE GmbH

Exhibit 65: GEZE GmbH - Overview



Exhibit 66: GEZE GmbH - Product and service



Exhibit 67: GEZE GmbH - Key offerings

10.9 KONE Corp.

Exhibit 68: KONE Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 69: KONE Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 70: KONE Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 71: KONE Corp. - Segment focus

10.10 Nabtesco Corp.

Exhibit 72: Nabtesco Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 73: Nabtesco Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 74: Nabtesco Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 75: Nabtesco Corp. - Segment focus

10.11 Sanwa Holdings Corp

Exhibit 76: Sanwa Holdings Corp - Overview



Exhibit 77: Sanwa Holdings Corp - Product and service



Exhibit 78: Sanwa Holdings Corp - Key offerings

10.12 Stanley Black & Decker Inc.

& Decker Inc. Exhibit 79: Stanley Black & Decker Inc. - Overview

& Decker Inc. - Overview

Exhibit 80: Stanley Black & Decker Inc. - Business segments

& Decker Inc. - Business segments

Exhibit 81: Stanley Black & Decker Inc. - Key offerings

& Decker Inc. - Key offerings

Exhibit 82: Stanley Black & Decker Inc. - Segment focus

11 Appendix

11.1 Scope of the report

11.2 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 83: Currency conversion rates for US$

11.3 Research methodology

Exhibit 84: Research Methodology



Exhibit 85: Validation techniques employed for market sizing



Exhibit 86: Information sources

11.4 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 87: 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
For more insights on the market share of various regions - Get a Sample report in

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Read the 120-page report with TOC on "Automation Solution Market in Renewable Power Generation Industry Analysis Report by End-user (Solar energy, Wind energy, and Others), Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, MEA, and South America), and the Segment Forecasts, 2021-2025".

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Solution Market Forecast Report - Buy Now!

The market is driven by the introduction of aggressive policies supporting renewable power. In addition, the inception of new business models is anticipated to boost the growth of the automation solution market in renewable power generation industry.

Growing concerns over GHG emissions are driving governments in both developed and developing countries to enforce stricter regulations and frame new policies that encourage the adoption of renewable sources for generating power.

For instance, the Government of India set the target of increasing its renewable energy generation capacity from the current capacity of approximately 136 GW to 450 GW by 2030. Similarly, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced certain guidelines that clearly state that power plants older than 25 years with capacities of over 50 MW must be upgraded. The introduction of such regulatory norms is attracting significant investments in the field of renewable power generation, which is also driving the demand for automation solutions.

To know more about the other drivers & challenges - Request a Sample Now!

Major Five Automation Solution Companies:

ABB Ltd. -The company offers automation devices that deliver solutions such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), automation builder, control panels, and legacy products for renewable energy industry.

-The company offers automation devices that deliver solutions such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), automation builder, control panels, and legacy products for renewable energy industry. Beckhoff Automation GmbH and Co. KG -The company offers open automation systems using PC-based control technology. Various automation solutions offered by the company are Industrial PCs, drive technology, I/O and fieldbus components, and automation software.

-The company offers open automation systems using PC-based control technology. Various automation solutions offered by the company are Industrial PCs, drive technology, I/O and fieldbus components, and automation software. Eaton Corporation Plc -The company offers a wide range of automation solutions such as electrical power monitoring system (EPMS), Power control and automation systems/PLC, industrial gateways, remote monitoring solutions, and solar monitoring solutions.

-The company offers a wide range of automation solutions such as electrical power monitoring system (EPMS), Power control and automation systems/PLC, industrial gateways, remote monitoring solutions, and solar monitoring solutions. Hitachi Ltd. -The company offers Remote I/Os, inverters, and PLCs stand for highly integrated and discrete industrial automation solutions and smart manufacturing processes for the renewable power generation industry.

-The company offers Remote I/Os, inverters, and PLCs stand for highly integrated and discrete industrial automation solutions and smart manufacturing processes for the renewable power generation industry. Mitsubishi Electric Corp.-The company offers a vast range of automation and processing technologies, comprising of controllers, power distribution and control products, drive products, electrical discharge machines, laser processing machines, electron beam machines, computerized numerical controllers, and industrial robots.

To know about all major vendor offerings - Download a sample now!

Automation Solution Market in Renewable Power Generation Industry End-user Outlook

(Revenue, USD Billion, 2020-2025)

Solar energy - size and forecast 2020-2025

Wind energy - size and forecast 2020-2025

Others - size and forecast 2020-2025

Automation Solution Market in Renewable Power Generation Industry Geography

Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2020-2025)

APAC - size and forecast 2020-2025

North America - size and forecast 2020-2025

- size and forecast 2020-2025 Europe - size and forecast 2020-2025

- size and forecast 2020-2025 MEA - size and forecast 2020-2025

South America - size and forecast 2020-2025

To know about the contribution of each segment - Grab an Exclusive Sample Report

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Medium Voltage Transformer Market  The medium voltage transformer market share is expected to surge to USD 3.76 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market's growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 3.92%. Download Exclusive Sample Report

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Automation Solution Market In Renewable Power Generation Industry Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2025 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.37% Market growth 2021-2025 $ 3.45 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 4.04 Regional analysis APAC, North America, Europe, MEA, and South America Performing market contribution APAC at 48% Key consumer countries US, China, India, Germany, and Japan Competitive landscape Leading companies, Competitive strategies, Consumer engagement scope Key companies profiled ABB Ltd., Beckhoff Automation GmbH and Co. KG, Eaton Corporation Plc, Hitachi Ltd., Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Pilz GmbH and Co. KG, Bosch Rexroth AG, Rockwell Automation Inc., Siemens AG, and Toshiba Corp. 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

2 Market Landscape

2.1 Market ecosystem

Exhibit 01: Parent market



Exhibit 02: Market characteristics

2.2 Value chain analysis

Exhibit 03: Value Chain Analysis: Electrical Components and Equipment

3 Market Sizing

3.1 Market definition

Exhibit 04: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition

3.2 Market segment analysis

Exhibit 05: Market segments

3.3 Market size 2020

3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2020 - 2025

Exhibit 06: Global - Market size and forecast 2020 - 2025 ($ million)



Exhibit 07: Global market: Year-over-year growth 2020 - 2025 (%)

4 Five Forces Analysis

4.1 Five forces summary

Exhibit 08: Five forces analysis 2020 & 2025

4.2 Bargaining power of buyers

Exhibit 09: Bargaining power of buyers

4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers

Exhibit 10: Bargaining power of suppliers

4.4 Threat of new entrants

Exhibit 11: Threat of new entrants

4.5 Threat of substitutes

Exhibit 12: Threat of substitutes

4.6 Threat of rivalry

Exhibit 13: Threat of rivalry

4.7 Market condition

Exhibit 14: Market condition - Five forces 2020

5 Market Segmentation by End-user

5.1 Market segments

Exhibit 15: End user - Market share 2020-2025 (%)

5.2 Comparison by End-user

5.3 Solar energy - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 17: Solar energy - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million)



Exhibit 18: Solar energy - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

5.4 Wind energy - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 19: Wind energy - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million)



Exhibit 20: Wind energy - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

5.5 Others - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 21: Others - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million)



Exhibit 22: Others - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

5.6 Market opportunity by End-user

Exhibit 23: Market opportunity by End-user

6 Customer Landscape

7 Geographic Landscape

7.1 Geographic segmentation

Exhibit 25: Market share by geography 2020-2025 (%)

7.2 Geographic comparison

Exhibit 26: Geographic comparison

7.3 APAC - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 27: APAC - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million)



Exhibit 28: APAC - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

7.4 North America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 29: North America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million)

Exhibit 30: North America - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

7.5 Europe - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 31: Europe - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million)

Exhibit 32: Europe - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

7.6 MEA - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 33: MEA - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million)



Exhibit 34: MEA - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

7.7 South America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 35: South America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million)

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ million)

Exhibit 36: South America - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

7.8 Key leading countries

Exhibit 37: Key leading countries

7.9 Market opportunity by geography

Exhibit 38: Market opportunity by geography ($ million)

8 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

8.1 Market drivers

8.2 Market challenges

Exhibit 39: Impact of drivers and challenges

8.3 Market trends

9 Vendor Landscape

9.1 Overview

9.2 Vendor landscape

Exhibit 40: Vendor landscape

9.3 Landscape disruption

Exhibit 41: Landscape disruption



Exhibit 42: Industry risks

10 Vendor Analysis

10.1 Vendors covered

Exhibit 43: Vendors covered

10.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 44: Market positioning of vendors

10.3 ABB Ltd.

10.4 Beckhoff Automation GmbH and Co. KG

Exhibit 50: Beckhoff Automation GmbH and Co. KG - Overview



Exhibit 51: Beckhoff Automation GmbH and Co. KG - Product and service



Exhibit 52: Beckhoff Automation GmbH and Co. KG - Key offerings

10.5 Eaton Corporation Plc

Exhibit 53: Eaton Corporation Plc - Overview



Exhibit 54: Eaton Corporation Plc - Business segments



Exhibit 55: Eaton Corporation Plc -Key news



Exhibit 56: Eaton Corporation Plc - Key offerings



Exhibit 57: Eaton Corporation Plc - Segment focus

10.6 Hitachi Ltd.

Exhibit 58: Hitachi Ltd. - Overview



Exhibit 59: Hitachi Ltd. - Business segments



Exhibit 60: Hitachi Ltd.-Key news



Exhibit 61: Hitachi Ltd. - Key offerings



Exhibit 62: Hitachi Ltd. - Segment focus

10.7 Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

Exhibit 63: Mitsubishi Electric Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 64: Mitsubishi Electric Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 65: Mitsubishi Electric Corp.- Key news



Exhibit 66: Mitsubishi Electric Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 67: Mitsubishi Electric Corp. - Segment focus

10.8 Pilz GmbH and Co. KG

Exhibit 68: Pilz GmbH and Co. KG - Overview



Exhibit 69: Pilz GmbH and Co. KG - Product and service



Exhibit 70: Pilz GmbH and Co. KG - Key offerings

10.9 Bosch Rexroth AG

Exhibit 71: Bosch Rexroth AG - Overview



Exhibit 72: Bosch Rexroth AG - Product and service



Exhibit 73: Bosch Rexroth AG - Key offerings

10.10 Rockwell Automation Inc.

Exhibit 74: Rockwell Automation Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 75: Rockwell Automation Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 76: Rockwell Automation Inc.- Key news



Exhibit 77: Rockwell Automation Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 78: Rockwell Automation Inc. - Segment focus

10.11 Siemens AG

Exhibit 79: Siemens AG - Overview



Exhibit 80: Siemens AG - Business segments



Exhibit 81: Siemens AG -Key news



Exhibit 82: Siemens AG - Key offerings



Exhibit 83: Siemens AG - Segment focus

10.12 Toshiba Corp.

Exhibit 84: Toshiba Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 85: Toshiba Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 86: Toshiba Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 87: Toshiba Corp. - Segment focus

11 Appendix

11.1 Scope of the report

11.2 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 88: Currency conversion rates for US$

11.3 Research methodology

Exhibit 89: Research Methodology



Exhibit 90: Validation techniques employed for market sizing



Exhibit 91: Information sources

11.4 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 92: List of abbreviations

About Technavio

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
The complete networking suite developed by the company offers fast and secure cloud connectivity solutions that enable telecom service providers to better serve SME/Bs with dispersed branches, offices, and remote home offices

TEL AVIV, Israel, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BBT.live (Be BroadBand Technologies), founded by entrepreneur Moshe Levinson, has announced a successful $6.8 million seed funding round led by Tzvi Neta Holdings LTD, the investment entity of Tzvi Neta, chairman and owner of Automotive Equipment & Vehicles Ltd. Additional investors include telecommunications company Accel Solutions and existing shareholders.

BBT.live's innovative SDN platform combines SASE & SD-WAN (Software-defined wide area network) technology with various network security services to allow secure broadband connectivity between offices, branches and remote home offices.

SASE technology is the future of secure networking in a world that is rapidly relying on digitalization, cloud computing and 'work from anywhere'. Companies that operate across branches, offices and the homes of their employees need effective, fast and secure connectivity to manage a multitude of diverse business applications.

BBT.live's technology is a one-stop-shop for providers of broadband networks. It is capable of interfacing with any type of hardware, application, or cloud supplier and has the highest level of cyber-security. With it, organizations can reduce IT overhead, improve their performance, revolutionize customer experience and boost profits.

The company's business model is tailored to network Service Providers and Operators (xSPs) as value-add resellers (VARs) who deliver the solution to their end customers. BBT.live already has commercial agreements in place with local and global SPs (Cellcom, Sharaf DG, and DIENS), as well as a business partnership with ADVANTECH, one of the world's leading hardware manufacturers who has already integrated BBT.live's solution directly into its products.

The company is led by senior members of the telecommunications and cyber-security industry, including Professor David Hay, Head of the Cyber Security Center at The Hebrew University, who held key positions at CISCO and IBM, and Brigadier General (Res.) Danny Harari, former commander of the elite Intelligence Unit 8200, serving as an Executive Director. In addition, the company employs a score of highly skilled developers with a strong background in the technology and intelligence industry, as well as managers with proven track records in leading corporations in Israel's hi-tech sector.

Founder and CEO Moshe Levinson: "In a global market that is becoming increasingly dispersedwith companies operating across multiple branches and offices, and thousands of employees working from homefast, stable, and secure network communications have never been more crucial. Our technology was built by world-renowned experts in cyber-security, network communications and AI. We have created a single, simple-to-use platform that is both flexible and secure. It is designed to relieve Service Providers of the need to manage multiple suppliers and free them from the dependency on large IT teams. Instead, we provide them with swift networking solutions and an optimal user experience for any business application or service".

The recent funding will be put towards expanding the company's sales and marketing efforts around the world, continuing technological development and recruiting top talent.

About BBT.live

BBT.live (Be BroadBand Technologies) develops software products and services based on SD-WAN technology for the implementation of secure communication networks between branches, remote employees and their management centers. The company's software solutions are optimal for Network Service Providers and Operators serving SME/Bs. BBT.live has clients in Israel and around the world, most notably from the public and telecommunications sectors. Founded in May 2020, with support from the Israel Innovation Authority, the company currently has 20 employees, most of whom are engineers, and is in the process of rapid expansion.

Contact: Rubi Alfi-Nissan

[email protected]

+972 (0)542554594

SOURCE BBT.live
Dr. Drake currently serves as Dean of B-CU's College of Business & Entrepreneurship (CBE) and has been instrumental in designing and co-sponsoring the University's strategic review process, "Re-Imagining B-CU: Now, Next and Beyond." Dr. Drake will continue to serve as Dean of CBE.

"Bethune-Cookman University is looking to the future. As a result, we must transform our beloved university to meet the changing needs of our students. Dr. Larry Drake has the academic experience, leadership skills, financial expertise, and inspired vision to move us forward," said Board Chair Belvin Perry, Jr. "We've all been impressed by the changes Dr. Drake is making at CBE and the strategic, inclusive approach he is taking to 'Re-Imagining B-CU.' Dr.

Drake will drive our transformation while we search for our next president. The Board has made a thoughtful, deliberate, and inspired choice in selecting Dr. Drake."

"I am deeply grateful to the Board for the opportunity to help advance Dr. Bethune's incredible legacy into the 21st century," Dr. Drake said. "The truth is, we don't have a minute to waste, so I pledge to give everything I have to advance our vital mission. With 'Re-Imagining B-CU' as our North Star, my priorities are the four pillars of every successful university  financial health, faculty excellence, student outcomes and community partnership."

As announced on April 22, the Board is undertaking a thorough and inclusive search process among a diverse pool of qualified candidates to select the University's eighth president. While that search is underway, the Board continues to honor its fiduciary responsibility to ensure the University has the right leader for the challenges and opportunities it faces today.

About Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU)

Mary McLeod Bethune founded the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls in 1904. In 1923, it became a co-ed high school as a result of a merger with Cookman Institute of Jacksonville, Fla. One year later, the school became affiliated with the United Methodist Church, evolved into a junior college by 1931 and became known as Bethune-Cookman College. In 1941, the Florida State Department of Education approved a four-year baccalaureate program offering liberal arts and teacher education. On Feb. 14, 2007, the Board of Trustees approved a name change to Bethune-Cookman University.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Karen Parks (386) 481-2975

[email protected]

SOURCE Bethune-Cookman University
The subsidiary has seen stellar audit performance results of zero Form 483s since 2009

TORONTO, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Think Research Corporation (TSXV: THNK) (OTCQB: THKKF) ("Think" or the "Company"), a company focused on transforming healthcare through digital health software solutions, is pleased to announce its subsidiary, BioPharma Services Inc ., ("BioPharma") has continued its record of audit achievement following the successful completion of an audit by the United States Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA") of BioPharma's Toronto clinical facility for compliance with Good Clinical Practice ("GCP") regulations.

The FDA Inspector, observed by Health Canada, reviewed two studies during the week of May 9, 2022, resulting in no critical findings and the issuance of zero Form 483 observations.1 The fact that the inspection concluded 1 day earlier than scheduled with no issuance of a Form 483 speaks volumes to the quality and compliance maintained by BioPharma. The successful results build on BioPharma's record of excellence with respect to regulatory audits conducted by the FDA. Since 2009, the FDA has conducted 13 GCP inspections of BioPharma facilities in Canada and the US without a single Form 483 observation being issued, signifying BioPharma's unwavering compliance and conformance to applicable GCP regulations.

BioPharma is leading the digitalization of the clinical research industry with its award-winning facilities in Toronto, Canada and St. Louis, USA. Earlier this year, BioPharma announced the launch of its clinical trial Electronic Data Capture ("EDC") platform, which expedites Phase 1 clinical trial timelines, improves access to data for sponsors, and enables clients to shorten their drug development timelines to get therapeutics to the market faster.

Jo Ann Di Sensi, VP Global Quality and Privacy Officer at BioPharma said, "This latest inspection exemplifies BioPharma's consistent focus on quality throughout the clinical trial process. With over a decade of successful inspections by the FDA, as well as other leading regulatory bodies such as Health Canada, Standards Council of Canada, EMA (ANSM & DKMA), UK MHRA and ANVISA, BioPharma continues to be a partner of choice for innovative Phase 1 development programs."

Renzo DiCarlo, President of Clinical Research at BioPharma said, "This latest FDA inspection truly showcases BioPharma's commitment to provide robust, valuable data to our clients. With an outstanding audit record spanning over 13 years, I'm so very proud of our Think Research Family."

Sachin Aggarwal, CEO at Think said, "The positive results of the audit by the FDA are a testament to the hard work and dedication of each employee at BioPharma. I commend the team for their commitment to providing a level of quality and excellence clients can depend on."

About Think Research Corporation

Think Research is an industry leader in delivering knowledge-based digital healthcare software solutions. The Company's focused mission is to organize the world's health knowledge so everyone gets the best care. Its evidence-based healthcare technology solutions support the clinical decision-making process, standardize care, and improve patient outcomes. For over a decade, Think's cloud-based, EMR-agnostic digital tools have empowered clinicians around the world and positively impacted millions of patients across the continuum of care  including primary physician care, acute care hospitals and surgical suites as well as community and seniors' care. Think is proud to serve as a trusted health system partner to a rapidly growing, global client base that spans five continents across more than 13,000 healthcare facilities, with a clinical audience of over 300,000 doctors, nurses and pharmacists. Visit: www.thinkresearch.com

About BioPharma Services Inc.

BioPharma Services Inc. is a full-service Contract Research Organization (CRO) specializing in the conduct of Phase 1/2a and Bioequivalence clinical trials for international pharmaceutical companies worldwide. BioPharma Services has clinical research facilities both in the USA and Canada with a total capacity of 300 beds with access to healthy volunteers and special populations. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, BioPharma's comprehensive services also include Bioanalysis at our GLP Certified Laboratory, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, Biostatistics and Safety Data Analysis (CDISC), Data Management and Medical Writing.

For more information about BioPharma Services, contact Ms. Anna Taylor, EVP of Commercial Operations at [email protected]

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.

For more information: https://www.thinkresearch.com/ca/investors/

________________ 1 An FDA Form 483 is issued at the conclusion of an inspection when an Inspector(s) has(have) observed any conditions that in their judgment may constitute violations of the Food Drug and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act and related Acts. Observations are made when in the Inspector's judgment, conditions or practices observed would indicate that any food, drug, device, or cosmetic has been found deficient e.g., inadequate subject protection, inadequate accountability for the investigational product, failure to conduct or supervise the study in accordance with the relevant protocol (s).

SOURCE Think Research Corporation
Company invested $41.7 million dollars in financial, volunteer, and in-kind support to MA-based not-for-profits in 2021

BOSTON, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Points of Light, the world's largest nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, announced The Civic 50 honorees of 2022 and a report featuring key trends, benchmarking data and insights from the honorees. For the third consecutive year, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross) has been named an honoree of The Civic 50.

The Civic 50 provides a national standard for corporate citizenship and showcases how companies can use their time, skills, and resources to drive social impact in their communities and company. The Civic 50 honorees are companies with annual U.S. revenues of at least $1 billion and are selected based on four dimensions of their corporate citizenship and social impact programs  investment of resources, integration across business functions, institutionalization through policies and systems and impact measurement.

"Blue Cross is committed to creating more equitable, just and healthy communities," said Jeff Bellows, vice president of corporate citizenship and public affairs. "In the wake of the pandemic and the long overdue reckoning on racial injustice, it was clear we needed to do more to address the social and environmental factors contributing to health inequities. We're proud to invest our resources and talent to partner with local nonprofits to improve opportunities and health outcomes."

Blue Cross is committed to being a leader in health equity. In 2021, the company invested $41.7 million dollars in financial, volunteer, and in-kind support to Massachusetts-based not-for-profits, including $25 million to champion physician practices and hospitals in their equity improvement efforts and $1.3 million to support community-based COVID-19 vaccine efforts. 76% of employees participate in company volunteer programs, contributing nearly 30,000 hours of service to support the health of Massachusetts communities.

"Corporate leadership and commitment to civic engagement is critical for strengthening communities," said Natalye Paquin, president & CEO of Points of Light. "Our most recent global research shows 86 percent of people say they expect companies to take action on a social issue. Companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts are leading the way and setting an example of how you can leverage your employee talent, business models and assets to create deep impact that drives transformational change."

The Civic 50 survey is administered by True Impact and consists of quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform scoring process. The Civic 50 is the only survey and ranking system that exclusively measures corporate involvement in communities.

To learn more about Blue Cross' health justice work, read its Corporate Citizenship Report. To view the Points of Light's full report and see the full list of The Civic 50 2022 honorees, visit www.pointsoflight.org/the-civic-50.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts :

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (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.

About Points of Light

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 177 affiliates across 38 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 16 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it's needed most. For more information, visit http://www.pointsoflight.org.

SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
-Court's decision clears way for special meeting of shareholders on June 30, 2022

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Eileen Drake (the CEO of Aerojet Rocketdyne (NYSE: AJRD) ("Aerojet Rocketdyne" or the "Company")) and Gen. Kevin Chilton (Ret.), Thomas Corcoran and Gen. Lance Lord (Ret.) (three of its independent directors) issued the following statement:

"We are extremely pleased by the opinion issued today by the Delaware Court of Chancery. There is now a clear path for Aerojet Rocketdyne shareholders to decide the future of the Company at the special meeting on June 30th.

"We also are gratified that the Court rejected Mr. Lichtenstein's request to stifle shareholder voices by invalidating consents and proxies previously issued in connection with the election. And we are pleasedand not at all surprisedthat the Court denied Mr. Lichtenstein's baseless request to hold the members of the Drake slate in contempt of the Court's temporary restraining order.

"The Court's decision ultimately provides for the same relief we had offered Mr. Lichtenstein months ago in an effort to avoid the waste and distraction of unnecessary litigation. It is unfortunate that Mr. Lichtenstein rejected our common-sense offer, and instead forced the parties and Aerojet Rocketdyne to spend millions of dollars on wasteful and costly litigation  and enormous distraction to the Company-- that resulted in the same outcome.

"We look forward to Aerojet Rocketdyne shareholders casting their ballots at the June 30 special meeting."

Important Information

This communication is being made in the participants' individual capacity, and not by or on behalf of the Company. No Company resources were used in connection with these materials. On June 1, 2022, Eileen P. Drake, General Kevin Chilton, USAF (Ret.), General Lance Lord, USAF (Ret.) and Thomas Corcoran (the "Incumbent Directors") filed a definitive proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") in connection with the solicitation of proxies for a special meeting of stockholders of the Company to be held on June 30, 2022.

Contact :

D.F. King & Co., Inc.

Edward T. McCarthy / Tom Germinario

[email protected]

Committee's Website :

https://maximizeajrdvalue.com/

SOURCE Committee for Aerojet Rocketdyne Shareholders and Value Maximization
DUBLIN, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "China Automotive Voice Industry Report, 2021-2022" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Automotive voice market: The boom of self-research by OEMs will promote reform in the supply mode.



Before the advent of fully automated driving, the user focus on driving, and voice interaction is still the most convenient and safest interaction mode in vehicles.



In 2021, over 13 million passenger cars in China carried voice feature, with a year-on-year increase of 13% and an installation rate of 68%. The market bore a rapid bullish trend.



In 2021, more than 5.5 million vehicles of Chinese automakers were outfitted with voice feature, a year-on-year spike of 40.4%. Among the top four brands, BYD saw the voice installations soar by 151% on an annualized basis, and Haval's rose 53% from a year earlier.



From IVI software to ADAS, voice-enabled functions continue to evolve



In terms of functionality, what is controlled by voice ranges from IVI software (music, navigation, etc.) to hardware (like seats, air conditioner), power systems (such as driving modes), and to ADAS (like ACC control). With more and more automotive interfaces, voice can control lane change, adaptive cruise, and parking.



iFLYTEK and Cerence are the top two leaders



Among suppliers, iFLYTEK and Cerence are in the first echelon, together sweeping more than 70% market shares.



iFLYTEK shipped more than 7 million sets of voice products in 2021, a figure projected to outnumber 9 million sets in 2022 still as the largest supplier in the market.



iFLYTEK mainly serves Chinese carmakers, and the average unit price of models supported ranges from RMB150,000 to RMB200,000. In the OEM market, iFlytek's voice products have been available in excess of 36 million vehicles, being merited as follows:

iFLYTEK has delved in the automotive field for 19 years as the industry's leader in multilingual automatic speech recognition (ASR), text-to-speech (TTS) and other technologies;

The Feiyu (flying fish) system for automakers employs a software and hardware platform design, which can be reused by multiple models and be introduced rapidly to vehicle models with varying market targets, prices and configurations.

With superiorities in AI expertise, data accumulation as well as the software and hardware platforms that can offer custom-made services, iFLYTEK has become a heavyweight in the automotive voice industry. But other rivals should not be underestimated, especially Cerence (separated from Nuance, a world-renowned giant in intelligent voice).



In 2020, Geely's China Euro Vehicle Technology (CEVT) and Great Wall Motor's strategic partner Bean Tech announced to select Cerence ARK to develop automotive voice assistants. NIO also proclaimed to introduce Cerence's voice technology. Prior to this, these brands were all customers of iFLYTEK.



Cerence ARK is an end-to-end AI-powered automotive assistant solution that integrates interactive voice AI technologies such as environment-adaptive voice signal enhancement, custom wake-up words, random interruption of dialogue, multi-intent semantic understanding, wake-up-free multi-round dialogue, and cross-domain dialogue in support of context understanding. Cerence ARK is a turnkey automotive product that enables automakers to quickly develop, deploy and manage a fully localized automotive voice assistant.



In addition, Cerence supports more than 70 languages around the world, making it the best choice for Chinese brands to go overseas. Automakers such as SAIC, Geely, Wuling Motors, NIO and Hongqi have all used Cerence's voice technology in their overseas models.



In addition to iFLYTEK, Cerence and the like that can provide OEMs with full-chain voice capabilities, some other suppliers provide a platform that can access the voice capabilities of all companies to satisfy customers who want to `enjoy the benefits of all players`. PATEO's IoV Qing AI voice platform is just a reliable choice.



PATEO Qing AI is a voice platform with pluggable capabilities, which supports the access to ASR, NLU, and TTS capabilities of multiple enterprises, provides different voice services to different projects and models, freely configures functions, increases or decreases skills, and facilitates quick application. The platform favors a variety of integration methods of different systems (such as Linux and Android) and different terminals (vehicle and mobile phone).



At present, PATEO's Qing AI voice platform has been connected to the voice capabilities of Cerence, Baidu, AIspeech and iFlytek. It enables full-duplex voice interaction, multi-round dialogue, deep contextual memory and understanding, wake-up-free, "what you see is what you can say", voice source positioning, voiceprint recognition, voice cloning and other functions. It has been seen in FAW VW, Dongfeng Motor, Wuling Motors (Silver Badge), BEIJING Auto, Geely, etc. The PATEO voice product carried by Voyah FREE supports four-tone-zone voice recognition, multi-round dialogue, navigation, music, car control, and "what you see is what you can say about setting interfaces", greetings and other functions.

No matter how much suppliers offer, it cannot compete with the lucrativeness brought by `mastery of the core data`

Although the solution packages of suppliers are fine, OEMs want more in terms of function differentiation, security guarantee of open automotive interfaces, quick response of OTA and user data. The OEMs represented by Xpeng and Li Auto have adopted the development model of `introducing the underlying technology of suppliers and developing their own voice system`.



Like Xpeng and Li Auto vigorously developing voice on their own, Volkswagen, Geely, Great Wall Motor, etc. are sparing no efforts in self-developed voice by setting up subsidiaries.



In a nutshell, the mode of traditional OEMs applying suppliers' solution packages has quietly transferred to the in-depth cooperation between OEMs (with more detailed needs) and technology providers (responsible for delivery). OEMs are not only demanders, but also technology suppliers and system integrators in the voice supply chain. For traditional voice suppliers, the `reform` has kicked off.



Automotive Voice Providers

iFLYTEK

Profile

Intelligent Automotive Product Layout

Core Intelligent Vehicle Technology

Performance of Intelligent Vehicle Business

Automotive Interaction Development Planning

Intelligent Voice Cloud Operating System: iFLY OS

iFLYTEK Open Platform

Automotive Voice Service

Intelligent Vehicle Development Strategy

Dynamics

Cerence

Profile

Customers

Key Data in 2021

Automotive Voice Recognition Hardware Framework

ARK

Brands Supported by ARK in China

SSE

Drive

Look

Product Roadmap

Business in China

Cases

Dynamics

AIspeech

Profile

Core Technology

IoV Solution 3.0

Lyra Automotive Voice Assistant

Microphone Array

DUI Voice Open Platform

Cooperative Models

AI Chips

Unisound

Profile

Revenue

Voice Open Platform

Core Technology

Voice Interaction Products

Automotive Voice Service

AI Voice Chips

Voice Cooperation

txzing.com

Profile

Technical Advantages

Cooperation Cases - Aftermarket

Voice Recognition Architecture

VW-Mobvoi

Profile

Main Products

Core Technology

Full-Stack Automotive Voice Solution

Virtual Voice Assistant

Voice Solutions

Voice Cases

OEM Intelligent Connectivity Solution

Dynamics

Pachira

Profile

AI Platform

Core Technology

Main Products

Architecture of Intelligent Automotive Voice Products

Advantages of Automotive Voice Service Solution

Cooperation with NavInfo

PATEO

Profile

IoV Qing AI

IoV Qing AI Voice

Qing Cloud Voice AI Private Cloud Platform

Tencent

Profile

Development History of Automotive Voice Service

AI Lab

Intelligent Voice Interaction System of AI Lab

Multimodal Interaction of AI Lab

Core Technology

Voice-in-Car Solution

Automotive Voice Front-End Solution

Voice Wakeup

AI Lab Voice Tool Platform

Xiaowei

TAI

Baidu

Profile

Core Voice Technology

Honghu AI Voice Chip

DuerOS for Apollo

DuerOS (i)

DuerOS (ii)

Acquisition of KITT.AI

Voice Application

Partners

Dynamics

Alibaba

Profile

Core Voice Technology

Voice Open Platform

NUI Vehicle-Cloud Integrated Platform Architecture

Alibaba DAMO Academy's Vehicle-Cloud Integrated Voice Technology Capabilities for Intelligent Hardware

Alibaba DAMO Academy's Unified Far-field Front-end Processing Framework Based on Blind Source Separation

Front-end Signal Processing Technology Solution

Voice Wakeup, Voice Synthesis

Voiceprint Technology

Alibaba DAMO Academy's AIoT-oriented Voice Interaction Vehicle-Cloud Integrated Engine (NUI-Things)

Ouroboros Voice Chip of Alibaba DAMO Academy

Automotive Voice Service

AliOS-based Banma Smart Mobility System

Iteration of Banma Smart Mobility System

Derivative Applications of Banma Smart Mobility System

Tmall Genie

Application of Tmall Genie

Dynamics

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jb1zmc

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

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SOURCE Research and Markets
ZHUHAI, China, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- China's first modern liberal arts college, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College (UIC), has initiated the Pacific Alliance of Liberal Arts Colleges (PALAC) with eight other liberal arts universities.

Addressing global education issues and climate change, PALAC networks like-minded institutions working for liberal arts exchange and scholarship to benefit students and the region.

Founding institutions also include Soka University of America, Pomona College, University of Puget Sound (US), Quest University (Canada), and Fulbright University (Vietnam).

PALAC stimulates joint programming initiatives and multilateral cooperation in innovative pedagogy through a series of working groups.

The groups are focusing on liberal arts development and worldwide issues, conducting collaborative research on climate change.

They also discuss faculty and administrator exchanges and shared intellectual property as well as digital resources.

This new Alliance held its first annual Global Liberal Arts Conference between 3-4 June 2022.

As one of the founding members, UIC is home to a diverse faculty from more than 30 countries and regions with English as the medium of instruction.

Situated in Zhuhai city of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, UIC articulates its whole-person oriented perspective on international liberal arts, tapping into traditional Chinese and Western cultural resources.

Among UIC's Class of 2021 who have confirmed their placement, 82% chose overseas further studies; and among these postgraduates, 81% were admitted to the QS world's top 100 universities.

Bae Geuna, a marketing student from Korea, took three-semester Chinese language courses and spent the recent two Chinese New Year holidays with local friends.

She revealed UIC helped her understand China with a global outlook. Some of her fellow students attended cultural courses such as Chinese archery and guqin.

The multicultural environment also benefited Xia Qing, a UIC graduate pursuing a DPhil at the University of Oxford with a full scholarship.

Ms Xia acknowledged the close teacher-student mentorship at the intellectually stimulating campus of UIC, a typical liberal arts advantage guiding her future career.

Joining PALAC conforms to UIC's commitment to advancing the internationalisation of Chinese higher education, which has been one of its core values since its inception in 2005.

In addition, UIC has extensively established partnerships with elite universities, including the University of Edinburgh, the University of California, Berkeley Extension, the University of Seoul, and the University of Technology Sydney, which covers Europe, North America, Asia and Oceania.

SOURCE UIC
June 16, 2022, 3:30 PM | Museum of Science & Industry

CHICAGO, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- CIBC, SomerCor and World Business Chicago will join Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot today, June 16, at an event to recognize inaugural small business accelerator program, Black & Latino Excellence Investment Summit, assisting development opportunities requiring capital.

"Entrepreneurship is a massive source of job growth within communities," said Mayor Lightfoot. "The City is committed to working with partners like World Business Chicago, CIBC, and SomerCor to scale up employment opportunities and small businesses in Black and Hispanic communities across our city. Aligned with our INVEST South/West initiative, this program is vitally important to sustainable growth in our neighborhoods."

In the Spring of 2022, World Business Chicago's Community Impact team, led by LaForce Baker, convened financial and technical service providers and 11 local Black and Latino-owned businesses in the retail, light manufacturing and professional services industries, for the purpose of helping business owners become positioned to apply for, and be awarded, capital in order to expand their business on the city's South and West sides. To qualify, businesses needed to have $250,000 in annual revenue, minimum of three years in business; and an identified clear growth and development opportunities requiring capital investment.

"Supporting business growth throughout our 77-neighborhoods is essential to the city's overall economic vitality as it creates jobs, opportunity, stability and even, generational change," said Michael Fassnacht, President & CEO, World Business Chicago, and Chief Marketing Officer, City of Chicago. "We are especially proud to convene public and private stakeholders in the business community with local Black and Latino small business owners to help overcome existing barriers to expansion and growth."

According to a recent report published by the Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity, it was realized that just two percent of U.S. businesses with employees are Black-owned, while only six percent are Hispanic-owned, which underscores the importance of programs like this.

"Minority owned businesses face greater challenges accessing capital and other resources needed to grow. We are working to change this narrative to create more investment and opportunity in communities of color," said SomerCor CEO, Manuel Flores. "The Summit is a model and a call-to-action to develop more of these public-private partnerships that will catalyze lasting and sustainable equitable investment in the South and West Sides of Chicago."

"CIBC is pleased to join World Business Chicago to help address the pressing need to invest in Black- and Latino-owned businesses," said Cheryl Wilson, Head of US Community Development Lending at CIBC. "At CIBC, giving back is personal, and helping these business owners realize their ambitions is one way we are giving back to our communities."

World Business Chicago is now accepting applications for future Summit participants, partner organizations and sponsors. Go to worldbusinesschicago.com/investmentsummit for more information and to register interest.

Presenting sponsors are CIBC and SomerCor; supporting sponsors include Founders First, JPMorgan Chase and Wintrust Financial.

About CIBC

CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 11 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services in the United States, across Canada and around the world. In the US, CIBC Bank USA provides commercial banking, private and personal banking and small business banking solutions and CIBC Private Wealth offers investment management, wealth strategies and legacy planning. Visit us at cibc.com/US.

About SomerCor

SomerCor is a non-profit lender, certified by the Small Business Administration, that specializes in originating and servicing SBA 504 loans. Since its founding in 1992, SomerCor has funded over 2300 loans with a total volume of $1.44 billion. SomerCor also administers the Small Business Improvement Fund (SBIF) and Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF) grants for the city of Chicago. Based in Chicago, the SomerCor mission is to grow businesses, create jobs, and increase impactful investment in every community through access to capital. For more information visit www.somercor.com.

About World Business Chicago & its Community Impact Team

World Business Chicago (WBC) serves a critical role in driving inclusive and equitable recovery throughout the city's 77-neighborhoods. As the city's economic development agency, World Business Chicago leads business acquisition, workforce and talent, community impact and equity, support of our business community and promotion of Chicago as a leading global city. The WBC Community Impact Team supports equitable economic growth through strategies delineated in Chicago's Recovery Task Force, including the main initiative, INVEST South/West.

SOURCE World Business Chicago
Moscow court to proceed with blogger Duds suit against foreign agent label

MOSCOW, June 16 (RAPSI)  Moscows Lefortovsky District Court will proceed with an administrative lawsuit lodged by journalist and blogger Yury Dud challenging his mass media-foreign agent status, the courts press service has told RAPSI.

The hearing is scheduled for June 30.

In October 2021, Moscow's Zyuzinsky District Court fined Dud 100,000 rubles (over $1,600 at the current exchange rate) in a drug propaganda case. The administrative offense protocol regarding him was drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the Russian Administrative Code envisaging a fine of up to 1.5 million rubles (about $25,000).

This court has already considered a similar case over illegal propaganda or advertising of drugs: last June, it fined rapper Alisher Morgenstern for this offense 100,000 rubles.




"We are thrilled to combine with TAP and build a vertically integrated omnichannel platform for aftermarket automotive enhancements across a wide range of vehicles," said Randy White, Co-Founder and CEO, and Brian Henderson, Chief Strategy Officer, at Wheel Pros. "TAP's extensive product portfolio, proprietary brands, manufacturing capabilities, and omnichannel platform have resulted in an automotive and off-roading enthusiast following that we have long admired. We look forward to working with the TAP team as we undertake new initiatives to accelerate the growth of the combined business and continue to drive value for our customers, suppliers, and partners."

Headquartered in Compton, California, TAP sells and installs an extensive line of parts and accessories for Jeep and truck enthusiasts, including products manufactured under its six proprietary aftermarket brands: SMITTYBILT, PRO COMP, RUBICON EXPRESS, POISON SPYDER, G2, and 4WP FACTORY. TAP's omnichannel platform operates under the 4 WHEEL PARTS brand, and serves automotive and off-roading enthusiasts through retail, eCommerce, and wholesale. The Company has a growing online presence via 4WheelParts.com and 4WD.com, and TAP's integrated platform enables buy online, pick-up, and install in store.

"TAP is a scaled player in the aftermarket automotive industry, and the combination with Wheel Pros creates a vertically integrated omnichannel platform that better serves automotive and off-roading enthusiasts," said Jose E. Feliciano, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, and Colin Leonard, Partner, at Clearlake. "We look forward to continuing to leverage our O.P.S. framework in partnership with the Wheel Pros team to drive both organic and inorganic growth as the company builds upon its position as a premier automotive aftermarket enthusiast platform."

"With this combination, we have brought together two well-known businesses in the automotive aftermarket industry," said Dilshat Erkin, Senior Vice President at Clearlake. "We are excited to welcome the TAP team to the Wheel Pros organization and continue to support the combined business as they embark on new innovative projects to accelerate growth."

The transaction is expected to close early in the third quarter, subject to customary closing conditions. Baird acted as financial advisor to Polaris in connection with the transaction. Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to Wheel Pros and Clearlake.

ABOUT WHEEL PROS

Founded in 1995, Wheel Pros serves the automotive enthusiast industry with a wide selection of vehicle enhancements from its portfolio of lifestyle brands, including Fuel-Off-Road, American Racing, KMC, Rotiform and Black Rhino. Utilizing its expanding global network of distribution centers spanning North America, Australia and Europe, Wheel Pros serves over 13,500 retailers and has a growing ecommerce presence to provide enthusiast consumers with access to the products they desire. More information is available at www.wheelpros.com.

ABOUT TAP

TAP sells and installs an extensive line of parts and accessories for Jeep and truck enthusiasts, including products manufactured under its six proprietary aftermarket brands: SMITTYBILT, PRO COMP, RUBICON EXPRESS, POISON SPYDER, G2, and 4WP FACTORY. TAP's omnichannel platform operates under the 4 WHEEL PARTS brand, and serves automotive and off-roading enthusiasts through retail, eCommerce, and wholesale. More information is available at www.transamericanautoparts.com.

ABOUT CLEARLAKE

Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. is an investment firm founded in 2006 operating integrated businesses across private equity, credit, and other related strategies. With a sector-focused approach, the firm seeks to partner with management teams by providing patient, long-term capital to businesses that can benefit from Clearlake's operational improvement approach, O.P.S. The firm's core target sectors are technology, industrials, and consumer. Clearlake currently has over $72 billion of assets under management, and its senior investment principals have led or co-led over 400 investments. The firm is headquartered in Santa Monica, CA with affiliates in Dallas, TX, London, UK and Dublin, Ireland. More information is available at www.clearlake.com and on Twitter @Clearlake.

Contact

For Wheel Pros:

Max Krapff

Backbone Media

970.658.5252 ext. 1174

[email protected]

For Clearlake:

Jennifer Hurson

Lambert & Co.

+1 845-507-0571

[email protected]

SOURCE Wheel Pros; Clearlake Capital
LOS ANGELES, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Coldwell Banker Crown Realtors, the leading real estate brokerage in central Minnesota, joins forces with Back At You to manage a smarter and more efficient back-office. Back At You provides their FinancialBAY: a robust back-office solution for admins, transaction coordinators, and agents. This technology comes as part of a complete enterprise solution between Back At You and Coldwell Banker Crown Realtors including social media automation , website management, and CRM technology .

"We aim to provide our agents with the best technology on the market," says Brandon Johnson, Managing Broker/Owner of Coldwell Banker Crown Realtors. "With Back At You's seamless technology, we believe we not only have the most powerful back-office available, but also a powerful social media, website, and CRM solution that creates a wonderful all-in-one experience for admins, coordinators, agents, and brokers."

"It's always a pleasure to work with tech-forward brokerages like Coldwell Banker Crown Realtors. They evaluated a lot of options for technology, and we're ecstatic to help them create greater efficiencies," says Adam Long, Vice President of Sales for Back At You. "One big win was being able to help them to avoid double entering income on transactions. The amount of time saved over hundreds of transactions is immense, and allows for those greater efficiencies for our clients, one of our top priorities."

With the partnership, Back At You will provide Coldwell Banker Crown Realtors with their all-in-one system made up of their FinancialBAY, ClientBAY, and SocialBAY technology. With this holistic solution, Coldwell Banker Crown Realtors will experience streamlined marketing and communication operations, and transaction efficiencies company-wide.

About Coldwell Banker Crown Realtors

Coldwell Banker Crown Realtors Realtors has served Central Minnesota since 1967. Home buyers and sellers continue to benefit from the legacy and experience of Coldwell Banker Crown Realtors Realtors. With offices all around central Minnesota, they are the most experienced and recognized real estate franchise in North America. Coldwell Banker Crown Realtors Realtors is passionate about helping and impacting the lives of clients as they guide them in their real estate endeavors.

For more information on Coldwell Banker Crown Realtors, visit www.coldwellbankercrown.com

About Back At You

Back At You is the premier back-office, marketing, website , and CRM technology solution for real estate brokerages. Their products, SocialBAY, ClientBAY, and FinancialBAY, provide brokerages and agents with seamless social media, website, and back-office technology solutions.

For more information on Back At You, visit www.backatyou.com or email [email protected] .

Media Contact:

Katie Callaway

818-990-0565

[email protected]

SOURCE Back At You
NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A sensor-equipped computer program can accurately identify and count arm movements in people undergoing stroke rehabilitation, a new study shows. Now that it can do so, the next step, say the study authors, is to use the tool to define the intensity of movements that bring about the greatest recovery in patients' ability to move independently and take care of themselves after a stroke.

The urgency of the work proceeds from the fact that arm mobility (as well as mobility in other limbs) is seriously reduced in more than half of stroke survivors. Each year, nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke, according to estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Led by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the study showed that the tool, developed at New York University and called PrimSeq, was 77% effective in identifying and counting the number of arm motions prescribed during rehabilitation exercises for stroke patients. Sensors strapped to the arms and back were used to track movements in three dimensions. The developers say they plan further testing on more stroke patients to refine their computer model, cut down on the number of sensors needed, and then develop a smaller prototype device that could be worn on the arm and upper body.

"Our study demonstrates that a digital tool, which is being designed to serve the same function as a smartwatch, is highly accurate in tracking the intensity of patients' movements during stroke rehabilitation therapy," says co-senior investigator Heidi Schambra, MD, an associate professor in the Department of Neurology and the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at NYU Langone.

"Such an aid is desperately needed because counts made from video recordings or other wearable sensors do not offer standardized measures of precisely how much rehabilitation exercise each patient is receiving," says Schambra. "Any improvements in exercise 'dose' received must be based on accurate, automated measures of the type and number of arm movements involved in a given exercise."

Previous research in animals suggests that intense exercise of the upper body can promote recovery after stroke. However, research in humans shows that stroke patients receive on average one-tenth of the exercise training proven effective in animals. This, researchers say, is mostly because there was no easy way  until the development of PrimSeq  to accurately track their arm movements.

Published in the journal PLOS Digital Health online June 16, the new study recorded the upper body movements of 41 adult stroke patients while they performed routine rehabilitation exercises for regaining use in the arms and hands. Exercises and arm movements involved patients feeding themselves with a fork and grooming themselves with a comb.

More than 51,616 upper body movements were recorded from nine sensors, with the digital recordings of each arm movement then matched to functional categories, such as whether the movement involved reaching for an object or holding it still.

Artificial intelligence (machine learning) software was then programmed to detect patterns within the data and tie these patterns to specific movements. The resulting PrimSeq tool was then tested on a separate group of eight stroke patients who wore the sensors while performing various exercises.

PrimSeq was then used to see if it could accurately identify 12,545 of their recorded movements according to their function. The program was successful in accurately assessing the majority of movements in patients, all of whom had mild to moderate arm impairments from stroke.

"PrimSeq has state-of-the-art performance in terms of identifying and counting functional movements in stroke patients, and we are gathering more data to continue increasing its accuracy," says co-senior investigator Carlos Fernandez-Granda, PhD, an associate professor of mathematics and data science at New York University.

"As our research seeks to find optimal levels of training intensity needed for recovery, I would assert that our tool is very promising for clinical use, since the alternative is not having accurate counts at all," says Schambra. "If further experiments prove successful, we will of course be testing the system in clinical trials."

The authors intend to make PrimSeq freely available to stroke rehabilitation experts worldwide and have already posted their data used to construct the program online at https://simtk.org/projects/primseq.

Funding for the study was provided by National Institute of Health grants R01LM013316, K02NS104207, NCATS UL1TR001445. Additional funding support was provided by National Science Foundation grant NRT-HDR1922658 and American Heart Association-Amazon Web Service grant 19AMTG35210398.

Besides Fernandez-Granda and Schambra, other NYU Langone and NYU researchers involved in this study are co-lead investigators Avinash Parnandi and Aakash Kaku, Anita Venkatesan, Natasha Pandit, Audre Wirtanen, Haresh Rajamohan, and Kannan Venkataramanan. Another study co-investigator is Dawn Nilsen at Columbia University in New York.

Media Inquiries:

David March

212-404-3528

[email protected]

SOURCE NYU Langone Health
CHICAGO, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) today announced it has been named an honoree of The Civic 50, which recognizes the 50 most community-minded companies in the nation. An initiative by Points of Light, the world's largest nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, The Civic 50 provides a national standard for corporate citizenship and showcases how companies can use their time, skills, and resources to drive social impact in their communities and company.

"We are honored to once again be recognized as one of the 50 most community-minded companies in the U.S. by Points of Light," said Sean Connolly, president and chief executive officer, Conagra Brands. "Our employees' commitment to doing the right thing and uplifting their communities demonstrates the very best of Conagra."

"Corporate leadership and commitment to civic engagement is critical for strengthening communities," said Natalye Paquin, president and CEO, Points of Light. "Our most recent global research shows 86 percent of people say they expect companies to take action on a social issue. Companies like Conagra are leading the way and setting an example of how you can leverage your employee talent, business models and assets to create deep impact that drives transformational change."

Conagra is deeply motivated to advance its culture of belonging and gives back to help address food insecurity. Below are just a few of the many Conagra initiatives in fiscal year 21 which aimed to accelerate change within communities across the United States:

Nourish our Communities Grants : For more than 25 years, Conagra has encouraged employees to nominate effective nonprofits for grants which are then reviewed by an all-employee panel. The program awarded 22 grants totaling $350 ,000 to nonprofits to help create positive social impact in the communities where Conagra employees live and work.

: For more than 25 years, Conagra has encouraged employees to nominate effective nonprofits for grants which are then reviewed by an all-employee panel. The program awarded 22 grants totaling ,000 to nonprofits to help create positive social impact in the communities where Conagra employees live and work. Supporting Social Justice: In an effort to create community connections, as well as strengthen and sustain relationships with individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, Conagra partners with community and social justice organizations, funds scholarships, invests in diverse suppliers and builds awareness among employees. To support Black and Brown students, Conagra has formed partnerships with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund to help ensure students receive equitable access to quality higher education opportunities by providing scholarships and other services that prepare them for their future careers.

In an effort to create community connections, as well as strengthen and sustain relationships with individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, Conagra partners with community and social justice organizations, funds scholarships, invests in diverse suppliers and builds awareness among employees. To support Black and Brown students, Conagra has formed partnerships with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund to help ensure students receive equitable access to quality higher education opportunities by providing scholarships and other services that prepare them for their future careers. Shine the Light on Hunger campaign : Based in Omaha , Conagra leads an annual community-wide call-to-action to raise food, funds and awareness of the issue of hunger. Conagra employees and community members rallied together to raise the equivalent of more than six million meals.

: Based in , Conagra leads an annual community-wide call-to-action to raise food, funds and awareness of the issue of hunger. Conagra employees and community members rallied together to raise the equivalent of more than six million meals. Month of Service : Each year, thousands of employee volunteers connect with nonprofit organizations through projects that benefit their communities. Nearly 1,500 employees volunteered over 3,700 hours of their time across 121 community service projects at nonprofits located in 14 states, Canada and Mexico .

: Each year, thousands of employee volunteers connect with nonprofit organizations through projects that benefit their communities. Nearly 1,500 employees volunteered over 3,700 hours of their time across 121 community service projects at nonprofits located in 14 states, and . Product Donations : Conagra donated more than 22.8 million pounds of food to Feeding America and its network of food banks located throughout the United States , which is the equivalent of 19 million meals.

: Conagra donated more than 22.8 million pounds of food to Feeding America and its network of food banks located throughout , which is the equivalent of 19 million meals. United for Change: Conagra conducts an annual employee fundraising campaign called United For Change, supporting United Way and their member agencies, American Civil Liberties Union Foundation and Human Rights Watch. The campaign is designed to increase employees' understanding of the root causes of poverty while also prioritizing issues of racial and social justice. More than 2,400 employees from 38 facility and office locations across the United States , Mexico and Canada raised more than $524,000 to help these organizations provide essential community programs that support financial stability, alleviate root causes of poverty, protect human rights and advance civil liberties for our neighbors.

To learn more about Conagra Brands' corporate social responsibility initiatives, please see the company's Citizenship Report.

To view the full report and see the full list of The Civic 50 2022 honorees, visit www.pointsoflight.org/the-civic-50.

About Conagra Brands

Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), headquartered in Chicago, is one of North America's leading branded food companies. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, Conagra Brands combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus on innovation. The company's portfolio is evolving to satisfy people's changing food preferences. Conagra's iconic brands, such as Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender's, Reddi-wip, and Slim Jim, as well as emerging brands, including Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP, Duke's, Earth Balance, Gardein, and Frontera, offer choices for every occasion. For more information, visit www.ConagraBrands.com.

About Points of Light

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 177 affiliates across 38 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 16 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it's needed most. For more information, visit www.pointsoflight.org.

For more information, please contact:

MEDIA:

Tim Wrona

312-549-5400

[email protected]

SOURCE Conagra Brands, Inc.
LOS ANGELES, June 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumer Watchdog filed a "friend of the court" brief urging the California Supreme Court to reaffirm the ability of non-profit organizations and other groups to bring lawsuits on behalf of the public under California's landmark Unfair Competition Law.

Consumer Watchdog filed its amicus brief on behalf of the plaintiff in the case, California Medical Association. The suit against Aetna Health of California addresses the issue of access to physicians not participating in an insurer's network, known as "out of network" physicians.

Download the brief here: https://consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/2022-06/FileStampedCopyAmicusBrief.pdf

In the upcoming case, the California Supreme Court will decide whether organizations acting on behalf of the public have "standing" to bring a lawsuit under the state Unfair Competition law  the "UCL." Organizational standing under the UCL has been called into question after the passage of Proposition 64 in 2004, which added a requirement that plaintiffs show they have "lost money or property" as a condition of bringing a lawsuit.

As the Supreme Court found in a prior case, the "UCL's purpose is to protect both consumers and competitors by promoting fair competition in commercial markets for goods and services," and its "scope is broad." (Kasky v. Nike, Inc. (2002) 27 Cal.4th 939, 949.)

Consumer Watchdog argued in its brief filed with the Court today that:

"The Court of Appeal's decision below, if left undisturbed, will have a wide-ranging impact on organizations seeking to bring both UCL and non-UCL claims alike, effectively precluding membership organizations from ever bringing direct suit over injuries personally suffered in responding to and assisting their members. [Aetna] would have this Court go even further, arguing that the doctrine of direct organizational standing is incompatible with Proposition 64, which would preclude all organizations, membership or not, from seeking redress under the UCL for harms they suffer when a defendant frustrates their organizational mission."

Recognizing direct organizational standing as a proper means to show UCL standing directly serves the broad remedial purpose of the UCL to protect consumers, according to Consumer Watchdog.

The California Medical Association sued Aetna over its policy to restrict or eliminate patient referrals to out-of-network physicians, which is critically important for patients with serious illness who need access to specialists. The California Medical Association argued Aetna's policy harmed the public by interfering with the ability of its member doctors to exercise "sound medical judgment."

The Court of Appeal incorrectly concluded that when California voters passed Proposition 64 in 2004 voters intended to foreclose lawsuits brought by organizations on behalf of the public. In fact, the UCL, as amended by Proposition 64, is entirely compatible with the "direct organizational standing" doctrine. The California Medical Association appealed to the California Supreme Court to reverse the lower court's ruling.

"It is critically important for California consumers that organizations have the ability to challenge anti-consumer practices by bringing lawsuits on behalf of the public," said Ryan Mellino, a law fellow with Consumer Watchdog. "It is essential that the California Supreme Court recognize that the direct organizational standing doctrine is entirely compatible with the UCL after Proposition 64, and to reject the Court of Appeal's and Aetna's invitations to find to the contrary."

Proposition 64 targeted so-called "shakedown suits" by amending the UCL to require that all plaintiffs (including organizations) suffer an economic injury before bringing a lawsuit.

Pursuant to the "direct organizational standing" doctrine, an organization is economically injured when it diverts resources to protect the public. This was the conclusion reached by the Court of Appeal in the case Animal Legal Defense Fund ("ALDF") v. LT Napa Partners LLC (2015) 234 Cal.App.4th 1270. Consumer Watchdog urged the California Supreme Court to adopt the reasoning of the ALDF court and to reject the Court of Appeal's illogical decision in the present case that ignores the plain language of the law.

The case at the California Supreme Court is California Medical Association v. Aetna, Case No. S269212.

Consumer Watchdog is a non-profit and non-partisan public interest organization.

Visit us on the web at: www.ConsumerWatchdog.org

SOURCE Consumer Watchdog
The college scholarship, sponsored by Curriculum Associates, will support Askew as she pursues studies at Spelman College

NORTH BILLERICA, Mass., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) recently presented Ayana Askew, a 2022 graduate of Virginia's Norfolk Public Schools, with the Dr. Michael Casserly Legacy Scholarship for Educational Courage and Justice. Sponsored by Curriculum Associates, the $10,000 college scholarship will be used by Askew to pursue a degree in English at Spelman College in Atlanta.

The scholarship is part of the Dr. Michael Casserly Legacy Award for Educational Courage and Justice, named after the Council's former executive director. The annual award, now in its second year, is presented to a person who has made outstanding contributions in the field of Grades K12 urban education by taking a courageous and passionate stance on the issue of educational justice and equity. This year's awardee was Rep. Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-Va.), who currently serves as the chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor, where he works to advance an agenda that improves equity and quality in education.

Askew was the valedictorian of her 2022 senior class at Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Va., graduating with a 4.48 grade-point average. A skilled poet, she has written and performed original poems on police brutality and Juneteenth on local, national, and international stages and was one of only 20 students nationwide to receive a U.S. Presidential Scholar Award in the arts. She has also created several documentaries advocating for safe public school facilities for students, receiving honorable mentions in CSPAN's National StudentCam Documentary Contest. Askew's life goal is to continue to use her platform and voice to touch people's hearts, advocate for justice, and change the world.

"I am pleased to have chosen Ayana Askew as this year's recipient of a scholarship named in my honor," said Casserly. "She is extremely deserving of this scholarship and is a prime example of the wonderful graduates our nation's urban public schools produce. As she pursues a degree in English, I know she has a bright future ahead of her and I thank Curriculum Associates for their generous support."

The CGCS is the only national organization exclusively representing the needs of urban public schools. Composed of 77 large-city school districts, its mission is to promote the cause of urban schools and to advocate on behalf of inner-city students through legislation, research, and media relations. The organization also provides a network for school districts sharing common problems to exchange information and collectively address new challenges as they emerge in order to deliver the best possible education for urban youth.

"Through our partnership with the Council of the Great City Schools, we are proud to once again sponsor the Dr. Michael Casserly Legacy Scholarship for Educational Courage and Justice and recognize a standout rising college student," said Woody Paik, executive vice president of Curriculum Associates. "Ayana demonstrates a remarkable commitment to her studies, her advocacy work, and her community. We honor her accomplishments and wish her all the best as she advances her education journey."

To learn more about the CGCS, visit CGCS.org. To learn more about Curriculum Associates, visit CurriculumAssociates.com.

About the Council of the Great City Schools

It is the special mission of America's urban public schools to educate the nation's most diverse student body to the highest academic standards and prepare them to contribute to our democracy and global community. The Council brings together 75 of the nation's largest urban public school systems in a coalition dedicated to the improvement of public education for our nation's urban public school children. See CGCS.org.

About Curriculum Associates

Founded in 1969, Curriculum Associates, LLC designs research-based print and online instructional materials, screens and assessments, and data management tools. The company's products and outstanding customer service provide teachers and administrators with the resources necessary for teaching diverse student populations and fostering learning for all students.

Contact: Kati Elliott Charlotte Fixler

KEH Communications Curriculum Associates

(410) 975-9638 (978) 901-6066

[email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Curriculum Associates, LLC
Global leader in rail cybersecurity becomes a member of the European rail suppliers association (UNIFE)

PARIS, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cylus, a global leader in rail cybersecurity, announced today it is joining UNIFE, the European rail suppliers association, at the organization's General Assembly in Paris. Cylus will now take part in the collective of organizations working together to help shape interoperability standards and in EU-funded research projects that contribute to the technical harmonization of railway systems.

Cylus was founded in 2017 by experts in cybersecurity, machine learning, traffic management, signaling and onboard train systems to protect the rail industry from cyber-attacks. CylusOne is the first-to-market cybersecurity solution that offers continuous monitoring and real-time protection designed specifically to meet the needs of railway infrastructure. It is currently deployed in some of the largest railway systems worldwide, offering mainline and urban rail operators a complete, real-time cybersecurity view  from the network's entire topology down to the granular level of each and every asset of a railway system.

"We are thrilled to be joining UNIFE," said Amir Levintal, CEO and Co-Founder of Cylus. "At Cylus, our mission is to secure railways and metros throughout the world to protect them from growing and increasingly complex cyber threats. UNIFE plays a critical role in promoting rail cybersecurity and unifying many different actors within the rail sector to help the industry keep at the forefront of technology in the digital age. We look forward to collaborating with all the organization's stakeholders to create a more secure future for rail worldwide."

UNIFE advocates on behalf of more than 100 of Europe's leading rail suppliers active in the design, manufacturing, maintenance and refurbishment of rail transport systems, subsystems and related equipment companies  from SMEs to major industrial champions. Bringing together national rail industry associations from 11 European countries, UNIFE's mission is to proactively enable members to continue to provide the highest-quality railway systems needed to meet the growing demand for both passenger and freight rail transport in Europe and beyond.

"UNIFE is happy to have Cylus as a new member, especially given the current cybersecurity threats that are emerging in rail. Cylus' experience and expertise will be valuable in our exchanges concerning critical rail infrastructure and assets, as well as in the research and innovation spectrum," stated UNIFE Director General Philippe Citroen.

About Cylus

Cylus is a global leader in rail cybersecurity, delivering advanced solutions to protect mainline and urban railway and metro companies from a wide array of threats and risks. Leading rail companies and operators use CylusOne to prevent safety incidents and service disruptions caused by cybersecurity events, without requiring any modifications to the network. With an unparalleled IP portfolio, Cylus has established itself as the pioneer and leading provider of rail cybersecurity.

Contact:

Allison Grey

Headline Media

[email protected]

+1 323 283 8176

+44 203 807 4482

SOURCE Cylus
SAN FRANCISCO, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Demandbase , the Smarter GTM company for B2B brands, today announces it has been designated a Best Place to Work in the Bay Area  for 2022 by Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work. Ranking sixth in its category of small and medium sized businesses, this is the company's first time making it on this prestigious list. The award is based exclusively on employee feedback, in which 97% of Demandbase's employees said that it's a great place to work compared to 57% of employees at a typical U.S. company.

"We're delighted to be on this meaningful list because our team members are our top priority," says Gabe Rogol, chief executive officer at Demandbase. "Since 2020, we've acquired three companies, meaning we've had to merge that many teams. It's been quite an undertaking, but we've been really intentional about keeping our employees' needs, goals, and welfare front and center. Knowing that our team's feedback is what put us on this important list tells us we've been successful in that, and in building a strong company from the inside out."

The Fortune Best Workplaces in the Bay Area award is highly competitive. Finalists are selected using rigorous analytics and confidential employee feedback, collected through America's largest ongoing workforce study of more than 1 million employee survey responses and data from companies representing more than 6.1 million U.S. employees. Companies were only considered if they are Great Place to Work Certified and headquartered in the Bay Area.

"As employee demands and expectations have dramatically changed over the past year, these companies have risen to the occasionand it's not been easy," says Kim Peters, executive vice president of global recognition, research & strategic partnerships at Great Place to Work. "Their hard work and dedication to listen to and care for the well-being of every employee, and support them in a way that's meaningful to all, is the standard all organizations will be held to."

Great Place to Work is the only company culture award in America that selects winners based on how fairly employees are treated. Companies are assessed on how well they are creating a great employee experience that cuts across race, gender, age, disability status, or any aspect of who employees are or what their role is.

To learn more, please visit https://www.greatplacetowork.com/certified-company/7044153 .

About Demandbase

Demandbase is Smarter GTMTM for B2B brands. We help marketing and sales teams spot the juiciest opportunities earlier and progress them faster by injecting Account Intelligence into every step of the buyer journey and orchestrating every action. For more information about Demandbase, visit www.demandbase.com .

About Great Place to Work

Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, it has surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Its employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting and insights they need to make data-driven people decisions. Everything it does is driven by the mission to build a better world by helping every organization become a great place to work For All.

Learn more at greatplacetowork.com and on LinkedIn , Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .

SOURCE Demandbase
STOCKHOLM, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dignitana AB reports that a policy in support of scalp cooling to minimize hair loss from chemotherapy induced alopecia was presented as a resolution and reaffirmed by the House of Delegates of the American Medical Association (AMA) at the group's Annual Meeting in Chicago this week.

The policy, Resolution 707: Insurance Coverage for Scalp Cooling (Cold Cap) Therapy, states that the AMA shall "advocate for and seek through legislation and/or regulation, universal insurance coverage for Scalp Cooling (Cold Cap) Therapy" and directs that the AMA "work with consumer and advocacy groups to challenge insurers on medical necessity denials for Scalp Cooling (Cold Cap) Therapy and encourage appeals to independent third-party reviewers."

"Reimbursement for scalp cooling is a top priority for Dignitana, and we appreciate this signal of support from the largest physician organization in the United States," said Dignitana CEO Catarina Mard Lowenadler. "Scalp cooling is evidence-based, recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), and now supported by the AMA as well. Scalp cooling should become standard of care with universal insurance coverage so that any cancer patient who wishes to minimize hair loss from chemotherapy has access to this life-changing treatment."

The House of Delegates (HOD) is the legislative and policy-making body of the American Medical Association. State medical associations and national medical specialty societies (such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology) are represented in the HOD along with other medical organizations.

Resolution 707 was introduced to the AMA by the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSSNY) after that group approved a similar resolution in May 2021.

In reaffirming current policy in relation to Resolution 707, the AMA referenced six existing AMA policies that lend support to coverage of this therapy: Strategies to Address Rising Health Care Costs H-155.960; Aligning Clinical and Financial Incentives for High-Value Care D-185.979; Medical Necessity and Utilization Review H-320.942; Managed Care H-285.998; Medical Necessity Determinations H-320.995; and Status Report on the Uninsured H-185.964.

Patented in 1998 and FDA cleared since 2015, The DigniCap Scalp Cooling System offers patients the ability to minimize hair loss during chemotherapy with clinically superior efficacy, patient comfort and demonstrated safety. DigniCap is available at about 300 cancer centers in the U.S. and in 40 countries worldwide.

CONTACT:

For More Information Contact

Melissa Bourestom, Chief Communications Officer, [email protected] +1 469-518-5031

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/dignitana-ab/r/dignitana-announces-american-medical-association-reaffirms-policy-supporting-scalp-cooling,c3586951

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/2116/3586951/1593905.pdf Dignitana announces American Medical Association reaffirms policy supporting scalp cooling

SOURCE Dignitana AB
Rising demand following COVID-19 shutdown paired with rising fuel costs, which Duke Energy does not profit on, will increase customer prices.

If approved, customers will see bills increase starting in December.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Progress this week made its annual filings with the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) for costs associated with fuel and various riders, including state programs to encourage renewable energy adoption, and energy efficiency and demand management programs to reduce energy use.

Duke Energy Progress is seeking to recover fuel costs as part of its annual adjustment for the fuel used to power North Carolina homes and businesses. The company does not mark up the cost of fuel and is required by law to pass through the actual cost on a dollar-for-dollar basis to customers.

The NCUC reviews the fuel costs required to serve customers to ensure an accurate adjustment is made each year. If approved, the new fuel and renewable energy adoption rates, along with the Joint Agency Asset Rider (JAAR), would go into effect Dec. 1, 2022, and the new energy efficiency and demand management rates would go into effect Jan. 1, 2023.

By Jan. 1, a typical bill would increase 8.4% for residential customers, 4.6% for commercial customers and 5.6% for industrial customers (residential customer rates would go up 9.0% as of Dec. 1 to adjust for fuel and renewable energy programs and JAAR, then decrease 0.6% on Jan. 1 when energy efficiency and demand management adjustments kick in). The total monthly impact of all rate changes for a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month would be an increase of $10.58, from $126.67 to $137.25.

What's driving proposed increase

Rising energy demand as North Carolina emerged from the 2020 COVID-19 shutdowns resulted in a significant increase in fuel needs for power generation, compounded by fuel commodity prices climbing drastically in 2021 due to tight supplies.

The sharp increase in commodity prices contributed to a $210 million under-recovery across the prior year, when fuel prices rose after the company's annual filing. The North Carolina fuel clause does not allow utilities to adjust rates during the billing period to prevent customer underpayment, so the proposed rates include recovery of this shortfall.

Duke Energy Progress serves about 1.5 million customers in central and eastern North Carolina and in the Asheville region.

The company's other North Carolina utility  Duke Energy Carolinas  made its annual fuel filing in March. The company recently revised its Duke Energy Carolinas filing to reflect a January 2022 under-recovery on fuel costs; if approved by the NCUC, Duke Energy Carolinas residential rates would rise 9.6% in September to adjust for fuel and renewable energy programs, then decrease 1.3% on Jan. 1 when energy efficiency and demand management adjustments kick in.

Helping customers save

Duke Energy works to actively manage its fuel contracts to keep fuel costs as low as possible for customers. Savings achieved from the joint dispatch of Duke Energy's generation fleet in the Carolinas also help to lower the company's fuel costs.

Duke Energy offers energy-saving tips and innovative efficiency programs for every budget to help customers take control of their energy use. For example, the Home Energy House Call is a free in-home energy assessment that provides customers more information about how they use energy and strategies to save money on their monthly bill. To learn more about these programs, visit duke-energy.com/savings.

Customers struggling to pay their energy bills can seek assistance through the Share the Light Fund, a Duke Energy program that provides assistance to vulnerable customers. Duke Energy is also currently leading a Low Income Affordability Collaborative pursuant to an NCUC order, working with a diverse group of stakeholders to develop new options to ensure equitable, affordable energy for those most in need.

Clean energy transition

In May, Duke Energy filed its proposed Carolinas Carbon Plan with the NCUC  a clean energy plan that targets 70% carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions reduction by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050, while offering regulators multiple options that balance affordability and reliability for customers.

Duke Energy has already retired two-thirds of its coal plants in the Carolinas. With coal projected to get more expensive as supplies dwindle and regulations increase, the company has proposed retiring the rest of its coal fleet by the end of 2035. Those facilities would be replaced by a diverse, "all of the above" mix that includes exponential growth in renewables and storage, as well as energy efficiency programs and other measures to help customers reduce their energy use.

Duke Energy Progress

Duke Energy Progress, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 1.7 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 29,000-square-mile service area in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 28,000 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business and at least a 50% carbon reduction from electric generation by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The 2050 net-zero goals also include Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 emissions. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2022 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "America's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Media contact: Bill Norton

800.559.3853

SOURCE Duke Energy
"The Tesoro" hat is made of 100% straw and sports the signature GTM crease down the center of the crown. The outside is adorned with a fine leather braid inspired by the leather artisans of Mexico and features a hand-engraved, antique-brushed brass agave medallion  a nod to the agave plants that are harvested to make the premium tequila. The inside rim of the hat boasts an in-seam custom ribbon that reads Gladys Tamez for El Tesoro. Offered in unisex sizes S and M, "The Tesoro" is available for purchase at the Gladys Tamez Millinery studio in Los Angeles as well as online at www.gladystamez.com . The specialty piece is a limited-edition luxury fashion item of just 150 hats and sold for $210 USD.

Born in Texas, raised in Mexico and a proud female Latina entrepreneur, Gladys Tamez is known for creating custom hats for countless Hollywood A-listers in music, movies, fashion, sports and beyond. Gladys Tamez has a reputation for artistry, craftsmanship and style unrivaled by any other hatmaker in the US, delivering impeccable designs that keep her illustrious clients coming back for her custom looks time and again. Widely credited for bringing the western cowboy style hat out of the southern markets and into mainstream, high-fashion circles  her portfolio of work is reflective of stunning and timeless works worthy of global super-stardom.

Sharing those same qualities of artistry, craftsmanship and style, is El Tesoro Tequila, produced at La Altena Distillery since 1937. Master Distiller Carlos Camarena, along with his sister Jenny Camarena, make El Tesoro using the same time-honored tradition their father and grandfather used, crafting tequila the old-fashioned way  by hand, using the materials of the earth to create a pure expression of agave. "The Tesoro" hat brings to life both artisan's shared values of quality and craft, honoring traditional wisdom and skill, and creating high art through shared passions: exceptional, premium tequila and luxury millinery.

"When El Tesoro and I came together to concept a custom hat inspired by their incredible tequila, it was an easy creative process for me from there," says Gladys Tamez. "I was immediately drawn to the beautiful packaging and presentation of the bottles, and the taste was like no other tequila I have ever tried. To understand how it is made and shared is to understand the soul of Mexico. It is truly an artist's brand that I am proud to collaborate with and celebrate  an authentic Mexican tequila that makes me extremely proud of my culture and homeland, the place where I was raised and discovered my passion for hat making."

The intersection between Gladys' aesthetic sensibilities and the El Tesoro brand world was fertile soil for creativity. Hats are worn regularly by the farmers, or los jimadores, at La Altena Distillery, a mark of ease and function that inspired Gladys's timeless design that is built to last, along with the agave plant  the eternal source of life for El Tesoro Tequila that served as the muse for the piece.

The perfect accompaniment to "The Tesoro" bespoke hat is a bespoke cocktail created in collaboration with Gladys Tamez herself. Called the Tesoro Rosa, this delicious summertime sipper is a twist on the classic Ranch Water cocktail with elements of sweet and spiciness, two elements of Gladys' personality brought to life:

Tesoro Rosa

Created by Gladys Tamez and renowned mixologist, Shawn L.

Ingredients:

1.5 part El Tesoro Blanco

.5 part Lemon

.5 part Lime

.75 part Simple Syrup (1:1 sugar to water)

1.5 part Premium Soda Water

2 pinches of Salt

3 Jalapeno Slices

1 Strawberry

Garnish: Edible Pansy flower

Directions: In a shaker, muddle the jalapeno slices, strawberry, salt and citrus. Add the tequila, simple syrup and ice. Shake and double strain into an ice-filled Collins glass. Top with the soda and garnish with a pansy flower.

For editorial images, interview opportunities with Gladys or to speak with an El Tesoro representative, please reach the media contacts listed below.

About Gladys Tamez

Gladys Tamez was born in Texas and grew up in Mexico. She studied art in Monterrey, Mexico and design in Florence, Italy. She has had a long love affair with hats that grew out of her upbringing among the corridas and traditions of Northern Mexico. Gladys' journey began when she didn't see any hats on the market that had the styling finesse and quality she was looking for and that motivated her to create her brand Gladys Tamez Millinery. Gladys' goal was to create a true luxury heritage product, not just a so called "luxury brand." For her, luxury is in the making. Her first collection was inspired by a dream she had where horses were galloping through space. This conceptual process that begins with a simple inspiration informs each collection. Art, sculpture, and historical fashion continue to be the visual narrative that makes her designs original and exciting. Gladys' first rule for her clients is that the hat should give and grow confidence. This imparting of individual confidence through design is at the heart of what keeps her engaged and passionate.

@GladysTamezMillinery www.gladystamez.com

About El Tesoro Tequila

Since the first drop of El Tesoro ran off the still of La Altena Distillery more than 80 years ago, every decision has made to celebrate the agave's unique flavor. El Tesoro is a truly authentic tequila made slowly and carefully to capture the agave's essence in a bottle. The El Tesoro portfolio of core products available in the U.S. includes the following (all 40% ABV as El Tesoro is always distilled to proof): Blanco ($50 SRP), Reposado ($65 SRP), Anejo ($85 SRP), Extra Anejo ($150 SRP) and Paradiso ($180 SRP).

@ElTesoroTequila www.eltesorotequila.com

About Beam Suntory

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company's brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker's Mark bourbon brands and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden, Knob Creek, and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher's, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

SOURCE Beam Suntory
The live streaming instruction provider brings synchronous structured teaching to schools and districts to solve the teacher shortage and create a "Teach from Anywhere" modality for teachers.

The company is scaling a new category to rethink how schools and classrooms work; funding will support product and delivery scale and optimization.

The Series C round was led by General Catalyst.

CHICAGO, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Elevate K-12 , the leading provider of high-quality live-streaming instruction for US K-12 classrooms, has closed a Series C $40M round of funding led by venture capital firm General Catalyst . The funding will support Elevate K-12 in its mission to solve the ongoing teacher-shortage crisis by scaling its live stream instruction model to more schools and districts that lack teachers in critical content areas due to zip code barriers. The funding will allow Elevate K-12 to invest in product and delivery to enhance school and classroom teaching experiences.

"We have already seen just how effective our live teaching is in classrooms, but there is so much more we can do to enhance the experience of students, schools and our live teachers," said Shaily Baranwal, Elevate K-12's Founder-CEO. "We have proven that live-streamed teaching works when done right, and we will continue to build on that. By investing in our product, service, engineering and staff, this new round of funding will allow us to make our service even more powerful as we continue to assist schools to address their teacher shortages."

The new funding arrives at a crucial time for both Elevate K-12 and the country's schooling system at large, which Baranwal says is ripe for productive innovation. Schools across the country have been struggling for years to fill vacant positions and shrink class sizes that have ballooned as a result of the teacher shortage, but the crisis has only gotten worse. A survey conducted by the National Education Association revealed that 55% of teachers say they now plan to exit the profession earlier than they planned when starting their careers. And according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 567,000 fewer educators in public schools than before the pandemic.

General Catalyst's managing partner, Hemant Taneja said the firm became interested in partnering with Elevate K-12 after seeing the success of the technology company's platform in its initial partner districts across 27 states.

"Shaily Baranwal and the Elevate K-12 team have built a solution that works for all stakeholders. Students need to master new skills and subject matters. Districts need access to more quality, affordable teachers. Teachers crave more mobility and flexibility. Elevate K-12 enables all three and we think what they are building will be transformational," said Hemant Taneja, managing partner at General Catalyst. "We are excited to join in the mission to make high-quality instruction available to all students, no matter where they live, bringing equality to education."

General Catalyst Executive in Residence, Lexi Reese, will join Elevate's board, and shared, "Elevate K-12 is providing seamless live-stream instruction with great teachers for schools plagued by the worsening teacher shortage. In doing so, they're making it possible for every child to be able to receive a high-quality education regardless of zip code. That is a right that is not being afforded to too many children today and, without education, these kids and families are set back long after school ends."

"Almost every professional landscape is evolving, and K-12 teaching is one of the last markets to see that change," Baranwal said. "Live, synchronous, structured teaching will solve countless problems for K-12 schools by providing access to teachers who don't live or work in the school's zip code. We are working to ensure that no classroom in America is without a qualified and passionate teacher, and in turn, we are offering a different lifestyle for those teachers who want to teach differently, allowing them the flexibility to teach from anywhere, which will keep them in the profession longer and drive more talent to the profession."

For more information about the Elevate Teacher Initiative and opportunities with Elevate K-12, visit www.elevatek12.com/teachwithus.

About Elevate K-12

Elevate K-12 is a Chicago-based instructional services company that brings high-quality live streamed instruction into K-12 classrooms. Schools and districts partner with Elevate K-12's unique instructional solution to solve their teacher shortage challenges and overuse of long-term substitutes or low-quality teachers. Its tech-enabled service comprises Proprietary Live Instructional Management Technology, Live Instruction Service, Curriculum and Classroom Management to provide the necessary tools for collaborative teaching and learning that emulates the experience of a real, physical classroom. Elevate K-12 currently operates in 27 states and is rapidly expanding to new states and districts across the U.S. in K-12 schools. For more information, visit www.elevatek12.com and follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and LinkedIn .

About General Catalyst

General Catalyst is a venture capital firm that invests in powerful, positive change that endures  for our entrepreneurs, our investors, our people, and society. We support founders with a long-term view who challenge the status quo, partnering with them from seed to growth stage and beyond to build companies that withstand the test of time. With offices in San Francisco, Palo Alto, New York City, London, and Boston, the firm has helped support the growth of businesses such as: Airbnb, Deliveroo, Guild, Gusto, Hubspot, Illumio, Lemonade, Livongo, Oscar, Samsara, Snap, Stripe, and Warby Parker. For more: www.generalcatalyst.com .

MEDIA CONTACT:

Lauren Turner

Mainland

[email protected]

312-526-3996

SOURCE Elevate K-12
Trend Micro has announced a new study revealing the main motivations behind private 5G wireless network projects. Tweet this

"Private 5G networks are cloudy: two-thirds of respondents told us their deployments will use the technology in some way," said Eric Hanselman, chief analyst at 451 Research, a part of S&P Global market intelligence. "Yet the cloud's shared responsibility model means these enterprise customers will need to build their own security capabilities. They said they'll need expert security partners to help them on this journey. Organizations have great expectations for 5G security, but the quality of their partnerships will be the real differentiator."

Across smart factories, smart hospitals, and other locations, a growing range of organizations is looking to private 5G networks for coverage, control, low latency, and enhanced security as one of the enterprise networks.

"We see security risk management as one of the key drivers of the business. There is also a strong desire to focus on ensuring organizations achieve situational awareness across IT, OT, and CT communication technology, such as private 5G," said Yohei Ishihara, security evangelist at Trend Micro.

However, such environments raise a different set of security issues than those in traditional IT and OT environments. While the biggest concern (31%) for respondents is the exposure of data carried on the private wireless network, they also highlighted top key attack vectors, including:

OS software vulnerabilities (37%)

Configuration errors (34%)

Networking equipment vulnerability (33%)

Device vulnerabilities on RAN (31%) and CORE (27%) networks

Compromise of connected network (27%)

Adding further challenges to security projects is the fact that nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents expect full integration of private wireless network security with existing operational security. More than half (55%) also want to make this work via automated connections.

Given the complexity of such projects, it is not surprising that over half (58%) of respondents said they would carry out risk assessments either jointly with partners or outsourcing the task completely, while 33% said they'd work with a third party.

Industry-specific security experience (24%) is the top criteria for organizations looking for IT partners, and 19% of them say they want to work with existing partners.

*Trend Micro commissioned 451 Research to poll 400 information security decision-makers from 400 US, Germany, UK, and Spain organizations.

About Trend Micro

Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro's cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, the platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 65 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world. www.TrendMicro.com.

SOURCE Trend Micro Incorporated
FASTBRIDGE FIBER TO BRING ITS NEWLY CONSTRUCTED ULTRA-FAST FIBER INTERNET TO PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES Tweet this

"We welcome the opportunity for the residents and businesses in Berks County to have a new option for broadband services. FastBridge Fiber building infrastructure in our county to bring fiber-optic internet to our community is very exciting," states Christian Leinbach, Berks County Commissioner.

In addition to ultra-fast reliable service, FastBridge Fiber features no data caps, free professional installation and simple month-to-month pricing plans. FastBridge Fiber internet and transport data services will become available in identified areas beginning in late 2022. Prospective customers can visit the FastBridge Fiber Check Availability webpage to find additional information, check for service availability and register their address to be alerted with construction and service updates.

About FastBridge Fiber:

FastBridge Fiber is a modern fiber-optic internet service company providing ultra-fast and highly reliable service to homes and businesses over their newly constructed all-fiber network. FastBridge Fiber's network is built with today's customers in mind; customers with multiple connected devices demanding the fastest speed and highest reliability. Customers enjoy hassle-free pricing plans and attentive customer service with FastBridge Fiber. FastBridge Fiber is committed to hiring and investing in the local communities they serve.

FastBridge Fiber is supported by equity financing from certain client accounts of Guggenheim Investments.

About Guggenheim Investments

Guggenheim Investments is the global asset management and investment advisory division of Guggenheim Partners with more than $252 billion* in total assets across fixed income, equity, and alternative strategies. We focus on the return and risk needs of insurance companies, corporate and public pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations, wealth managers, and high-net-worth investors.

*Guggenheim Investments AUM (assets under management) as of 03/31/2022. The assets include leverage of $20.0 billion. Guggenheim Investments represents the following affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Corporate Funding, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Japan Limited, GS GAMMA Advisors, LLC, and Guggenheim Partners India Management. Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Media Contact:

Lynn Pope

[email protected]

SOURCE FastBridge Fiber
Judicial panel describes ambulance company's tactics as 'absurd and unreasonable' attempt at 'legal gotcha'

DALLAS, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Veteran appellate lawyers at Dallas-based Fears Nachawati have secured an important appeals court ruling for a family pursuing a wrongful death claim against an ambulance service whose patient died due to medical negligence.

In an en banc opinion issued June 10, the Dallas 5th District Court of Appeals reversed its own earlier ruling and that of the trial court which had barred the family's negligence and wrongful death lawsuit. The suit was rejected because the family allegedly had not fully completed a medical authorization form prior to suit being filed.

Acadian Ambulance Service had claimed that the Texas Medical Liability Act required the listing of every individual and entity that had provided medical care to the victim, Gary Maypole, in the previous five years. Appeals court Justice Ken Molberg, writing the en banc opinion, described the ambulance company's interpretation of the law as "absurd and unreasonable" and potentially "a game of legal 'gotcha.'"

While transporting Mr. Maypole in an Acadian ambulance in July 2015, the Acadian personnel caused him to suffocate on a catheter they applied in his throat. After the family filed a negligence and wrongful death lawsuit in 2017, Acadian sought a summary judgment dismissing the lawsuit, claiming the statute of limitations had expired because the required medical liability form was not properly filled out. The trial court and the appeals court initially sided with Acadian and dismissed the lawsuit.

The new appeals court ruling means the lawsuit now goes back to the trial court where it will proceed.

"We are grateful that these Justices recognized the need to prevent a legal technicality from closing the courthouse doors to a family seeking answers," said Fears Nachawati attorney S. Ann Saucer, who led the appeal and presented oral argument to the en banc court. Ms. Saucer particularly praised the opinion for devoting an entire section to the principle that, "this Court is beholden to safeguard Texas citizens' right to a trial by jury."

The case is Gary Lew Maypole Sr. et al. v. Acadian Ambulance Service Inc. et al., No. 05-18-00539-CV, in the Court of Appeals for the Fifth District of Texas.

Fears Nachawati represents individuals in mass-tort litigation, businesses and governmental entities in contingent litigation, and individual victims in complex personal injury litigation. For more information visit https://www.fnlawfirm.com.

Media Contact:

Rhonda Reddick

800-559-4534

[email protected]

SOURCE Fears Nachawati Law Firm
LONDON, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Fluency has qualified for the final round of the G20 TechSprint 2022. The G20 TechSprint Initiative 2022 is an international competition to explore innovation in order to develop cutting-edge technology-based solutions. It is organised annually by the 20 leading economic nations. This year, the Bank for International Settlements, together with Bank Indonesia, announced the competition with a view to future-oriented central bank digital currency solutions. Indonesia currently holds the G20 presidency and will host the G20 summit in November in Bali.

There was an overwhelming amount of interest in the competition, with many practical, yet innovative and game changing solutions proposed from teams around the world. This year's competition pays particular attention to financial inclusion and aims to identify solutions to enable a greater number of the population excluded from digital payment transactions to be financially included.

Fluency's Aureum solution delivers true benefits to society empowering the unbanked and underbanked, powering inclusive growth in emerging economies by enabling digital finance access for all, while maintaining regulatory compliance. It enables inclusive, easy, convenient and affordable CBDC access for everyone.

Aureum, a next-generation future-proof blockchain technology is designed from the ground up enabling universal, inclusive, seamless and affordable digital payments with a superior level of resilience. At its core, is a ledger-stored, account-based CBDC solution with privacy by design, offline functionality, cross-chain interoperability and programmability as key features.

Inga Mullins, CEO of Fluency comments "We are thrilled to be shortlisted to the final round. It's another incredible opportunity to showcase our innovative solution and its benefits to society. This is a fantastic step towards our growth in Asia and increased awareness of Fluency as a global technology pioneer. We look forward to continuing our support with Bank Indonesia and other central banks globally, in their CBDC exploration and realisation."

SOURCE Fluency
If you are concerned about possible criminal charges in relation to your non reporting of cryptocurrency income, call The Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing. Our tax professionals can provide information about the measures the IRS is taking with Operation Hidden Treasure and how to get back into compliance without facing criminal tax prosecution.

How the IRS Operation Hidden Treasure Targets Crypto Coin Tax Evasion

As is implied by the name of the initiative, Operation Hidden Treasure targets taxpayers who attempt to hide their cryptocurrency income from the IRS. Operation Hidden Treasure was announced by Damon Rowe, the Director of the Office of Fraud at the IRS, at a meeting at the Federal Bar Association that took place on March 5th, 2021.

According to Damon Rowe, Operation Hidden Treasure is an effort that targets cryptocurrency holders who omit this form of income on their tax return. The IRS put together a task force that is trained in the tracking of various types of crypto income and has also tied together the civil and criminal branches of the IRS for Crypto Tax Fraud Enforcement.

The IRS hopes to tackle methods of crypto tax evasion that may be used to hide crypto coins, such as structuring. Structuring is when a person will perform frequent financial transactions at less than $10,000 to evade certain cash tax reporting requirements. For example, making multiple transactions of $9,999 or splitting the payments evenly across dozens of transactions may evade cash reporting rules.

The use of Shell Corporations to hide cryptocurrency gains is another prong of Operation Hidden Treasure's investigations. In many cases, a shell corporation could be used to attempt to hide the identity of the owner of a company. This would make it easier for the company to engage in money laundering or other similar crimes as there is no person to hold responsible for the crime.

The use of Crypto Blockchain Cloaking Technology is also being investigated by the IRS. Some cryptocurrency exchanges enable a taxpayer to trade for items or other crypto coins anonymously. The IRS expects its investigation will yield additional options on how to track down taxpayers utilizing anonymous transactions to evade reporting cryptocurrency taxable income.

For advice on how to get back into compliance with reporting multiple years of unreported cryptocurrency income without facing criminal prosecution, talk to our dually licensed California Crypto Tax Attorneys and CPAs.

How to Handle Unreported Crypto Coin to Avoid Tax Evasion Criminal Charges

The general message that the IRS wants to convey to taxpayers with Operation Hidden Treasure is that, if necessary, they will find a way to detect your unreported cryptocurrency income and prosecute you for failure to report your crypto coins. Whether the unreported income was intentional, or a mistake is difficult to prove and the larger the amount of unreported income the less likely the IRS will be to believe your noncompliance was non willful or unintentional.

The IRS has a program called a voluntary disclosure that comes with a nearly guaranteed pass on criminal tax prosecution if the terms of the program are strictly complied with by the taxpayer.

Note: As long as a taxpayer that has willfully committed tax crimes (potentially including non-reported income on Cryptocurrency coupled with affirmative evasion of U.S. income tax on offshore income) self-reports the tax fraud (including a pattern of non-filed returns) through a domestic or offshore voluntary disclosure before the IRS has started an audit or criminal tax investigation / prosecution, the taxpayer can ordinarily be successfully brought back into tax compliance and receive a nearly guaranteed pass on criminal tax prosecution and simultaneously often receive a break on the civil penalties that would otherwise apply.

It is imperative that you hire an experienced and reputable criminal tax defense attorney to take you through the voluntary disclosure process. Only an Attorney has the Attorney Client Privilege and Work Product Privileges that will prevent the very professional that you hire from being potentially being forced to become a witness against you, especially where they prepared the returns that need to be amended, in a subsequent criminal tax audit, investigation or prosecution.

Moreover, only an Attorney can enter you into a voluntary disclosure without engaging in the unauthorized practice of law (a crime in itself). Only an Attorney trained in Criminal Tax Defense fully understands the risks and rewards involved in voluntary disclosures and how to protect you if you do not qualify for a voluntary disclosure.

As uniquely qualified and extensively experienced Criminal Tax Defense Tax Attorneys, Kovel CPAs and EAs, our firm provides a one stop shop to efficiently achieve the optimal and predictable results that simultaneously protect your liberty and your net worth. See our Testimonials to see what our clients have to say about us!

If you are concerned about reporting cryptocurrency to the IRS, consider the following tips that could help your situation.

Avoid Talking to an Accountant

Many taxpayers have the false belief that a business relationship with an accountant is privileged. Information about financial crimes reported to an accountant is not confidential because there is no accountant-client privilege. This means that an accountant could be forced to provide the government with evidence of your tax evasion. In some circumstances, the government may even coerce an accountant to testify against you in a criminal case. They also have a conflict of interest with you where they may be tempted to throw you under the bus to protect their own reputation.

Instead of hiring an accountant to fix your crypto noncompliance, you would be wise to work with a dually licensed California Tax Attorney and CPA like those at the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing. Only a law firm can offer you attorney-client privilege when it comes to relaying incriminating information about possible willful crypto coin tax reporting violations. As a result, you will be able to speak freely about all the cryptocurrency issues you are facing without worry that information will be leaked to the IRS or used against you in a court of law.

Maintain Communication with the IRS

If you own cryptocurrency and you have received a message from the IRS about your cryptocurrency holdings, ignoring this message is the last action that you want to take. Avoiding interaction with the IRS could lead to a tax audit or other serious consequences. However, do not communicate with the IRS without consulting qualified legal counsel with a dually licensed Cryptocurrency Tax Attorney and CPA.

After receiving any type of communication from the IRS regarding your tax situation, you would be wise to bring this information to your legal team. The Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing could help you develop a legal strategy to deal with unreported cryptocurrency income. Let us help you get ahead of stiff civil and criminal penalties that is being pursued by the IRS through Operation Hidden Treasure. Again, we can effectively remove the risk of criminal tax prosecution provided you are willing to knock on the IRS's door before they come a knocking on yours.

Contact Us if You Are Worried About the IRS Targeting Crypto Coins in Operation Hidden Treasure

If you are engaged in the investing or trading of cryptocurrency, and you want to know the details of Operation Hidden Treasure, contact our tax professionals today. The Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing has worked on an extensive variety of cryptocurrency tax issues that commonly affect taxpayers. To make an appointment for a consultation, contact us at (800) 681-1295 or schedule ONLINE here.

Questions and Answers About Bitcoin

We Are Here for You

Regardless of your business or estate needs, the professionals at the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing are here for you. We are open for business and our team will help ensure that your business is too. Contact the Law Offices of David W. Klasing today to discuss your business with one of our professionals.

In addition to our main office in Irvine, the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing has unstaffed (conference room only) satellite offices in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Panorama City, Oxnard, San Diego, Bakersfield, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Carlsbad and Sacramento. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our staff are working from home, but have full virtual meeting capability.

Our office technology allows clients to meet virtually via GoToMeeting. With end-to-end encryption, strong passwords, and top-rated reliability, no one is messing with your meeting. To schedule a reduced rate initial consultation via GoToMeeting follow this link. Call our office and request a GoToMeeting if you are an existing client.

Here is a link to our YouTube channel: click here.

Public Contact:

Dave Klasing Esq. M.S.-Tax CPA

[email protected]

SOURCE Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing, PC
DUBLIN, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Space Power Supply Market - A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on Application and Product - Analysis and Forecast, 2022-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global space power supply market is estimated to reach $5,174.6 million in 2032 from $2,624.6 million in 2021, at a growth rate of 1.66% during the forecast period 2022-2032.

The growth in the space power supply market is majorly attributed to the growing number of satellite launches and the development of reusable launch systems.

Market Lifecycle Stage

The space industry has seen several technological breakthroughs since the launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, in 1957. There are a variety of space-based applications for which various space exploration missions are planned, and the success of each space mission is dependent on the technology onboard the spacecraft.

When a spacecraft is out in space, the first concern is to select the source of energy to run the mission objectives. The power subsystems used for spacecraft in space must be strong to withstand the harsh environments of radiation and thermal fluctuations. Hence, the need for a strong and reliable power subsystem has always been present in the market.

Several research and development projects are underway to produce advanced space power supply solutions, which are expected to increase with the upcoming mega-constellations as well as with the rising interest in deep-space exploration. Various power subsystems that are currently used are solar cells, primary and non-rechargeable batteries, thermoelectric generators, and fuel cells.

Space is a huge market with unlimited opportunities, and power systems are required across all platforms to ensure proper functionality. As a result, the market for space power supply is well-established.

Impact

With technical breakthroughs, the size of satellites being built for mega-constellations is diminishing. CubeSats and nanosats are becoming the satellites of the future. These CubeSats and nanosats are made up of complex subsystems to perform advanced applications with high power consumption demand. This has, in turn, placed a high demand for mass production of space power supply solutions that are capable of providing maximum energy while reducing weight and size.

Furthermore, rising interest among space agencies in conducting long-term deep space missions has resulted in the need for specialized power systems that can support complex missions for significantly longer time periods.

Market Segmentation

Application (Launch Vehicles, Satellites, Deep Space Exploration)

Based on applications, the global space power supply market is expected to be dominated by the satellites segment. The major factor contributing to this growth is the launch of small satellite mega-constellations by companies such as SpaceX and OneWeb.

Product (Solar Panel, Power Management Devices, Batteries, Power Converters)

Based on products, the global space power supply market is expected to be dominated by the solar panel segment. One of the major factors contributing to this growth is the growing demand for solar arrays for several satellite missions.

In the global space power supply market, North America generated the highest revenue of $1,516.3 million in 2022, which is attributed to the high presence of the key companies highly engaged in developing and providing space power supply solutions in the region.

Recent Developments in Global Space Power Supply Market

In May 2020 , EaglePicher Technologies was selected by NASA to supply a variety of batteries for its Perseverance mission. During its launch, Atlas V used ten silver-zinc batteries. Atlas V's main power system, pryo system, and flight termination system were powered by these batteries. The rover's main power system was powered by two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

, EaglePicher Technologies was selected by NASA to supply a variety of batteries for its Perseverance mission. During its launch, Atlas V used ten silver-zinc batteries. Atlas V's main power system, pryo system, and flight termination system were powered by these batteries. The rover's main power system was powered by two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. In May 2021 , NASA chose Honeybee Robotics and mPower Technology to design and develop a vertically deployable solar array for the Lunar Array Mast and Power System (LAMPS) project.

, NASA chose Honeybee Robotics and mPower Technology to design and develop a vertically deployable solar array for the Lunar Array Mast and Power System (LAMPS) project. In January 2021 , NASA awarded a contract to Boeing's Spectrolab to provide six more solar arrays for International Space Station (ISS). The new solar array would provide a 20% to 30% increase in power.

, NASA awarded a contract to Boeing's Spectrolab to provide six more solar arrays for International Space Station (ISS). The new solar array would provide a 20% to 30% increase in power. In January 2022 , the U.K.-based Space Forge awarded AAC Clyde Space a $0.4 million contract to provide space products to be used by a demonstration spacecraft. This spacecraft is designed to perform multiple trips to space and to utilize the space environment for production and scientific experimentation.

Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis

The top segment players leading the market include established players providing space power supply solutions and constitute 70% of the presence in the market. Other players include start-up entities, which account for approximately 30% of the presence in the market.

Some of the prominent established names in this market are:

AAC Clyde Space

Airbus S.A.S.

AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH

Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions

EaglePicher Technologies

GS Yuasa Lithium Power

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Sierra Nevada Corporation

Rocket Lab

Spectrolab

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated

Berlin Space Technologies GmbH

Blue Canyon Technologies LLC

Dhruva Space Private Limited

DHV Technology

EnduroSat

G.A.U.S.S Srl

GomSpace

ISISPACE GROUP

JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

mPower Technology, Inc.

NanoAvionics

Redwire Corporation

Solestial

Skylabs

SpaceTech GmbH Immenstaad (STI)

Key Topics Covered:

1 Markets

1.1 Industry Outlook

1.1.1 Space Power Supply Market: Overview

1.1.1.1 Evolving Power Requirements for LEO-based and Deep Space Missions

1.1.1.2 Factors Impacting the Power Budget of Small-Satellites and All-Electric Satellites

1.1.2 Supply Chain Analysis

1.2 Business Dynamics

1.2.1 Business Drivers

1.2.1.1 Increasing Development of LEO Satellites and Reusable Launch Vehicles

1.2.1.2 Evolving Mission Requirements Leading to Demand for Enhanced Space Power Requirements

1.2.2 Business Challenge

1.2.2.1 Scalability of Space Power Solutions to Address the Increasing Serial Production of Small Satellites

1.2.2.2 Lack of Customized Space Power Solutions

1.2.3 Business Strategy

1.2.3.1 Business Strategies

1.2.3.2 Corporate Strategies

1.2.4 Business Opportunities

1.2.4.1 Entrance of Non-Space Power Solutions Provider into the Space Industry

1.2.4.2 Increasing Demand for Mass Production of Space Power Solutions

2 Application

2.1 Global Space Power Supply Market (by Application)

2.1.1 Market Overview

2.1.1.1 Demand Analysis of Space Power Supply Market (by Application)

2.1.2 Launch Vehicles

2.1.2.1 Small and Medium-Lift Launch Vehicles

2.1.2.2 Heavy and Super Heavy-Lift Launch Vehicles

2.1.3 Satellites

2.1.3.1 Small Satellites (0-500 Kg)

2.1.3.2 Medium Satellites (501-1,000 Kg)

2.1.3.3 Large Satellites (1,000 Kg and Above)

2.1.4 Deep Space Exploration

2.1.4.1 Lander

2.1.4.2 Rover

2.1.4.3 Orbiter

3 Products

3.1 Global Space Power Supply Market (by Product)

3.1.1 Market Overview

3.1.1.1 Demand Analysis of Space Power Supply Market (by Product)

3.1.2 Solar Cells

3.1.2.1 Solar Panels and Arrays

3.1.3 Batteries

3.1.3.1 Primary Batteries

3.1.3.2 Secondary Batteries

3.1.4 Power Management Devices

3.1.5 Power Converters

4 Region

4.1 Global Space Power Supply Market (by Region)

5 Markets - Market Share Analysis & Company Profiles

5.1 Market Share Analysis

5.2 Company Profiles

5.2.1 Company Overview

5.2.1.1 Role in the Global Space Power Supply Market

5.2.1.2 Product Portfolio

5.2.2 Corporate Strategies

5.2.2.1 Partnerships and Contracts

5.2.3 Analyst View

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/myqapz

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

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Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
DUBLIN, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The 'Global Single Lead ECG Equipment Market (2022-2027) by Product, Application, End-User, Geography, Competitive Analysis, and the Impact of Covid-19 with Ansoff Analysis' report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Single Lead ECG Equipment Market is estimated to be USD 405.2 Bn in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 589.88 Bn by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.8%.



Market dynamics are forces that impact the prices and behaviors of the Global Single Lead ECG Equipment Market stakeholders. These forces create pricing signals which result from the changes in the supply and demand curves for a given product or service. Forces of Market Dynamics may be related to macro-economic and micro-economic factors. There are dynamic market forces other than price, demand, and supply. Human emotions can also drive decisions, influence the market, and create price signals.



As the market dynamics impact the supply and demand curves, decision-makers aim to determine the best way to use various financial tools to stem various strategies for speeding the growth and reducing the risks.

Company Profiles

The report provides a detailed analysis of the competitors in the market. It covers the financial performance analysis for the publicly listed companies in the market. The report also offers detailed information on the companies' recent development and competitive scenario. Some of the companies covered in this report are AliveCor, Ambisea Technology, Cardiac Design Labs, DailyCare BioMedical, Dimetek Digital Medical Technologies, Eurocamina, iRhythm Technologies, Longfian Scitech, etc.



Countries Studied

America ( Argentina , Brazil , Canada , Chile , Colombia , Mexico , Peru , United States , Rest of Americas)

, , , , , , , , Rest of Americas) Europe ( Austria , Belgium , Denmark , Finland , France , Germany , Italy , Netherlands , Norway , Poland , Russia , Spain , Sweden , Switzerland , United Kingdom , Rest of Europe )

( , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Rest of ) Middle-East and Africa ( Egypt , Israel , Qatar , Saudi Arabia , South Africa , United Arab Emirates , Rest of MEA)

and ( , , , , , , Rest of MEA) Asia-Pacific ( Australia , Bangladesh , China , India , Indonesia , Japan , Malaysia , Philippines , Singapore , South Korea , Sri Lanka , Thailand , Taiwan , Rest of Asia-Pacific )

Competitive Quadrant

The report includes Competitive Quadrant, 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.



Ansoff Analysis

The report presents a detailed Ansoff matrix analysis for the Global Single Lead ECG Equipment Market. Ansoff Matrix, also known as Product/Market Expansion Grid, is a strategic tool used to design strategies for the growth of the company. The matrix can be used to evaluate approaches in four strategies viz. Market Development, Market Penetration, Product Development and Diversification. The matrix is also used for risk analysis to understand the risk involved with each approach.

The report analyses the Global Single Lead ECG Equipment Market using the Ansoff Matrix to provide the best approaches a company can take to improve its market position.

Based on the SWOT analysis conducted on the industry and industry players, the analyst has devised suitable strategies for market growth.

Why buy this report?

The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the Global Single Lead ECG Equipment Market. The report includes in-depth qualitative analysis, verifiable data from authentic sources, and projections about market size. The projections are calculated using proven research methodologies.

The report has been compiled through extensive primary and secondary research. The primary research is done through interviews, surveys, and observation of renowned personnel in the industry.

The report includes an in-depth market analysis using Porter's 5 forces model and the Ansoff Matrix. In addition, the impact of Covid-19 on the market is also featured in the report.

The report also includes the regulatory scenario in the industry, which will help you make a well-informed decision. The report discusses major regulatory bodies and major rules and regulations imposed on this sector across various geographies.

The report also contains the competitive analysis using Positioning Quadrants, the analyst's Proprietary competitive positioning tool.

Key Topics Covered:



1 Report Description



2 Research Methodology



3 Executive Summary



4 Market Dynamics

4.1 Drivers

4.1.1 Increasing Use of Single-Lead ECG Monitors in Hospitals and Home Care

4.1.2 Increasing Prevalence of Lifestyle Diseases

4.2 Restraints

4.2.1 Unstable Reimbursement Policies

4.3 Opportunities

4.3.1 Conduction Disorders to Show Substantial Demand for Single-Lead ECG Monitors

4.3.2 Favorable Government Initiatives for Remote Monitoring

4.4 Challenges

4.4.1 Technical Problems in Lead ECG Equipment



5 Market Analysis

5.1 Regulatory Scenario

5.2 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

5.3 Impact of COVID-19

5.4 Ansoff Matrix Analysis



6 Global Single Lead ECG Equipment Market, By Product

6.1 Introduction

6.2 Recording Based Single-Lead ECG Monitors

6.3 Real-Time Single-Lead ECG Monitors



7 Global Single Lead ECG Equipment Market, By Application

7.1 Introduction

7.2 Atrial Fibrillation

7.3 Bradycardia

7.4 Conduction Disorders

7.5 Tachycardia



8 Global Single Lead ECG Equipment Market, By End-User

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Hospital facilities

8.3 Home Care Settings

8.4 Other End Users



9 Americas' Single Lead ECG Equipment Market

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Argentina

9.3 Brazil

9.4 Canada

9.5 Chile

9.6 Colombia

9.7 Mexico

9.8 Peru

9.9 United States

9.10 Rest of Americas



10 Europe's Single Lead ECG Equipment Market

10.1 Introduction

10.2 Austria

10.3 Belgium

10.4 Denmark

10.5 Finland

10.6 France

10.7 Germany

10.8 Italy

10.9 Netherlands

10.10 Norway

10.11 Poland

10.12 Russia

10.13 Spain

10.14 Sweden

10.15 Switzerland

10.16 United Kingdom

10.17 Rest of Europe



11 Middle East and Africa's Single Lead ECG Equipment Market

11.1 Introduction

11.2 Egypt

11.3 Israel

11.4 Qatar

11.5 Saudi Arabia

11.6 South Africa

11.7 United Arab Emirates

11.8 Rest of MEA



12 APAC's Single Lead ECG Equipment Market

12.1 Introduction

12.2 Australia

12.3 Bangladesh

12.4 China

12.5 India

12.6 Indonesia

12.7 Japan

12.8 Malaysia

12.9 Philippines

12.10 Singapore

12.11 South Korea

12.12 Sri Lanka

12.13 Thailand

12.14 Taiwan

12.15 Rest of Asia-Pacific



13 Competitive Landscape

13.1 Competitive Quadrant

13.2 Market Share Analysis

13.3 Strategic Initiatives

13.3.1 M&A and Investments

13.3.2 Partnerships and Collaborations

13.3.3 Product Developments and Improvements



14 Company Profiles

14.1 AliveCor

14.2 Ambisea Technology

14.3 Cardiac Design Labs

14.4 DailyCare BioMedical

14.5 Dimetek Digital Medical Technologies

14.6 Eurocamina

14.7 iRhythm Technologies

14.8 Longfian Scitech

14.9 Lohman Technologies

14.10 LifeWatch

14.11 Medtronic

14.12 Smart Solutions Technologies (NUUBO)

14.13 OMRON Healthcare

14.14 LifeWatch

14.15 Perlong Medical Equipment

14.16 Qardio

14.17 Shenzhen Creative Industry

14.18 Suzuken (Kenz)

14.19 Tianjin Chase Sun Pharmaceutical Group (Beijing Choice Electronic Tech)

14.20 Thermo Fisher Scientific

14.21 Vital Connect

14.22 Zenicor Medical Systems



15 Appendix



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/5ewygp

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

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
IRVINE, Calif., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- GoDocs, the automation leader in commercial loan document generation has just announced the release of a must-have checklist for anyone considering investing in an automated document preparation system. This handy checklist provides an easy way to comprehensively evaluate different systems and choose the right solution that will help companies achieve their lending and loan processing goals.

Automated Doc Prep System Checklist: How to Choose the Best Automated Documentation System for Commercial Loans Companies that want to provide nationwide services have to contend with a variety of regulations while ensuring that all documents are complete, compliant, and accurate

There is a lot to consider when choosing an automated loan documentation system that goes well beyond price. While lenders might have a short list of required features, there may be some important components that are unfamiliar. Fortunately, GoDocs is well-versed in the industry and has generated a thorough checklist to make sure that users get a solution with all the features they need and perhaps some they didn't know they wanted.

While GoDocs is releasing the checklist to the public, it is actually the result of a collaboration among some of the greatest minds in commercial real estate. Over 40 years of experience went into creating the checklist, making it the most trustworthy source available to guide users in making the right decisions for their organization.

Loan documentation can be complicated by the fact that compliance issues are different in all 50 states. Companies that want to provide nationwide services have to contend with a variety of regulations while ensuring that all documents are complete, compliant, and accurate. This can cause delays and drive up legal costs. Fortunately, there are automated systems that have the power to provide compliance across all 50 states, which is just one feature that is addressed in the checklist.

"Compliance is a major issue for commercial lending documents. Any mistakes can cause delays with front-end negotiations and modifications and potentially result in legal proceedings. Companies have to protect themselves while advancing their competitiveness with a strong digital solution. That is why we designed this checklist to help companies find the right fit," said Gary Highland, the founder, and president of GoDocs.

The checklist will also help users consider different pricing structures, technical and customer support, and the onboarding and training process. It is a truly complete checklist that allows users to quickly compare technology providers and see how they measure up.

"When mortgage companies sign expensive long-term contracts with software companies that provide a certain level of automation, but can't handle complex loans and compliance issues, those extra costs get passed on to the borrower. It is important to engage in due diligence and find solutions that are best for both lenders and borrowers, which is exactly what this checklist is meant to do," said GoDocs CEO Steve Butler.

In a highly competitive and global marketplace, businesses have to adapt to survive. For those who have recognized the importance of the digital transformation and fully embraced it, there is still the challenge of finding the right solutions. GoDocs has made it easier for lenders to evaluate and compare automated loan documentation providers and pinpoint the best solution with a free, comprehensive, and easy-to-understand must-have checklist that available now.

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
Hiring of former Freddie Mac tech expert creates 'most talented technology team' in commercial real estate industry, says CEO

HOWELL, N.J., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- GPARENCY , the nation's premier commission-free commercial mortgage brokerage, announced that Evguenia Yerukhimovich has joined the company as product manager to oversee the discovery, design and solution exploration for GPARENCY products.

Yerukhimovich most recently served as a multifamily product manager for Freddie Mac, where she was responsible for developing and maintaining complex web-based engines and apps for multifamily business management. She also held the position of multifamily small balance loan (SBL) underwriting manager at Freddie Mac. Yerukhimovich has earned bachelor's degrees in accounting and finance from George Mason University and electronics from Novosibirsk State Technical University in Russia.

Evguenia joins two other recent tech hiresChetan Malik, who switched from PayPal to become GPARENCY's scrum master, and Silvester Jegadheesan, the former cloud architect at Dunkin' Brands who declined an offer from Siemens to join GPARENCY as cloud and infrastructure director. With the combined talents of Malik, Jegadheesan and Yerukhimovich, GPARENCY has best-in-class technology skills to help streamline the review and underwriting processes for commercial mortgages for all property types and ensure a smooth, optimal back-office experience for GPARENCY's growing client base of general partners (GPs) and investors.

"Our growth has enabled us to create the most talented technology team in the commercial real estate industry," said Ira Zlotowitz, founder and CEO of GPARENCY. "We know we are an innovative tech company if we can attract brilliant technologists to choose us over global technology companies. As we continue our expansion as a top-tier commercial brokerage, I'm confident that Evguenia, Chetan and Silvester will help us achieve our goal of making financing more equitable for new and experienced GPs and commercial property investors."

About GPARENCY

GPARENCY is a full-service, commission-free commercial mortgage brokerage that helps finance property deals nationwide. For an annual membership fee of $5,000 and a flat fee of $11,000 per transaction, the company provides qualified borrowers with access to its network of 3,000 lenders as well as a hands-on broker who oversees the borrower's financing from underwriting to closing. Through its powerful technologies and strategic partnerships, GPARENCY also handles all related services on behalf of its clients to deliver a seamless financing experience. The company is based in Howell, New Jersey. For more information, visit www.GPARENCY.com .

PRESS CONTACT:

Mike Murray

Director of Communications

Strategic Vantage

240.498.0863

[email protected]

SOURCE GPARENCY
Houston innovation leader will help maximize the incubator's energy transition efforts

SOMERVILLE, Mass. and HOUSTON, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Greentown Labs , the largest climatetech startup incubator in North America, today announced that it has appointed Barbara J. Burger, Ph.D. , former Vice President of Innovation and President of Chevron Technology Ventures, to its board of directors .

Dr. Burger has been a long-time, transformative supporter of Greentown Labs and the opening of its Houston incubator. While at Chevrona Greentown Labs partner since 2013she spearheaded the corporate's partnership with Greentown, and Chevron became the first Founding Partner of Greentown Houston , which opened in 2021. Today, she continues to be an ally to Greentown's community of entrepreneurs and hosts semi-annual Women of Greentown Houston dinners.

As an experienced corporate executive with demonstrated leadership in base business, innovation, venture investment, and the energy transition, Dr. Burger has played a pivotal role in advancing Houston's energy innovation ecosystem throughout her career.

"Barbara Burger is a tireless advocate for the energy transition and the unique role that the City of Houston can play in it," said Ryan Dings, Greentown Labs' Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel. "Barbara is a key reason why our vision for Greentown Houston became reality. We are honored to welcome Barbara to the Board and look forward to benefiting from Barbara's industry expertise and deep technical knowledge as Greentown continues to grow."

Dr. Burger has held management positions across international marketing, chemicals, technology marketing, lubricants, ventures, and innovation. While at Chevronfrom which she recently "graduated" she also held a wide range of civic and industrial leadership positions, including the governing board of the MIT Energy Initiative, the external advisory council for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Greentown Houston Advisory Board, the Rice University Corporate Innovation Advisory Board, Houston Exponential, the Activate Leadership Council, the Houston Symphony Society, and the Board of the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative Climate Investment LLP.

"I am honored and excited to join the Greentown Labs Board of Directors," said Dr. Burger. "Combatting the effects of climate change requires bringing a wide range of innovative solutions to scale. There is work for incumbents and startups alike in this enormous challenge that WE all face. Greentown Labs plays an essential role in providing facilities, tools, programs, and an inclusive community to nurture and grow innovation that matters."

Dr. Burger holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Rochester, a doctoral degree in chemistry from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and an academic honor MBA in finance from the University of California, Berkeley. She is an active alumnus of the University of Rochester, where she serves on the Board of Trustees and the university's River Campus Libraries National Council. She established the Barbara J. Burger Endowed Scholarship in the Sciences and founded the Barbara J. Burger iZone, where students generate, refine, and communicate ideas for social, cultural, community, and economic impact. At Caltech, she supports graduate women in chemistry who aim to contribute through careers beyond academia and serves on the Strategic Advisory Board for the Resnick Sustainability Institute.

Dr. Burger joins 11 existing board members :

"I am thrilled to welcome Barbara to our already outstanding Board of Directors at Greentown Labs," said Barton. "She brings a wealth of private and nonprofit sector expertise to our growing organization, and Barbara's deep expertise in helping climate technology startups accelerate their growth and deliver pioneering solutions to the world's energy and climate problems will help further propel Greentown and its members forward."

About Greentown Labs

Greentown Labs is a community of climate action pioneers working to design a more sustainable world. As the largest climatetech startup incubator in North America, Greentown Labs brings together startups, corporates, investors, policymakers, and many others with a focus on scaling climate solutions. Driven by the mission of providing startups the resources, knowledge, connections, and equipment they need to thrive, Greentown Labs offers lab space, shared office space, a machine shop, an electronics lab, software and business resources, and a large network of corporate customers, investors, and more. With its headquarters in Somerville, Mass. and a recently opened incubator in Houston, TX, Greentown Labs is home to more than 200 startups and has supported more than 450 startups since the incubator's founding in 2011. These startups have collectively created more than 8,400 jobs and have raised more than $2.2 billion in funding. For more information, please visit www.greentownlabs.com or Twitter , Facebook , and LinkedIn .

Greentown Labs Media Contact:

Lara Cottingham

Chief of Staff, Greentown Labs

[email protected]

281-797-9246

SOURCE Greentown Labs
From addressing cancer to heart disease, "We're Ready" demonstrates Hackensack Meridian Health caregivers are ready to help patients through any health challenge

EDISON, N.J., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive health care network, today launched a new brand campaign with the message "We're Ready," reflecting the organization's readiness to help patients tackle any challenge that comes their way, "today and every day."

"We are delivering on our promise to transform health care by quickly adapting and responding to the ever-evolving world of medicine and the needs of those we serve," said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. "Our network has played a major role in the COVID-19 pandemic, from treating more patients and administering more vaccine doses than any network in New Jersey, to developing the state's first rapid COVID-19 test."

"We opened the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, the first private medical school in New Jersey in more than 50 years, which will train the next generation of physicians," Garrett continued. "Hackensack Meridian Health keeps getting better by bringing the latest innovations and delivering life-saving treatments to our patients. Our new brand campaign embodies the spirit of our physicians and team members who have a relentless focus on improving health outcomes each day."

From heart disease to cancer, the brand campaign emphasizes that Hackensack Meridian Health caregivers are ready for any situation, utilizing cutting-edge innovations and procedures, as well as providing high-quality, compassionate care to improve outcomes for the patients and communities the network serves.

"Our new brand campaign demonstrates that Hackensack Meridian Health is ready to tackle anything that challenges the health of our patients," said James Blazar, executive vice president and chief strategy officer, Hackensack Meridian Health. "The narrator in our television ads speaks directly to diseases such as cancer and heart disease, warning them that our care teams are 'stronger than any illness.'"

"Through real-life footage of our patients and their caregivers, and various technologies  showcased in dramatic black and white footage  we want people to feel confident and inspired knowing that we have what it takes to provide exceptional care to help our patients overcome any ailment," said Dorie Klissas, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Hackensack Meridian Health.

Over the next year, Hackensack Meridian Health will feature various brand television ads, as well as television ads that focus on the network's expertise in cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, cancer, and pediatrics. These will be accompanied by radio, print, out-of-home and digital messages.

To learn more about the new "We're Ready" brand campaign visit: https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/cmp/We-Are-Ready .

ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH

Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the largest, most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care.

Hackensack Meridian Health comprises 17 hospitals from Bergen to Ocean counties, which includes three academic medical centers  Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune and JFK University Medical Center in Edison; one university teaching hospital  Ocean University Medical Center in Brick; two children's hospitals - Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital in Hackensack, K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital in Neptune; eight community hospitals  Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel, Old Bridge Medical Center in Old Bridge, Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair, Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, Pascack Valley Medical Center in Westwood, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, and Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin; a behavioral health hospital  Carrier Clinic in Belle Mead; and two rehabilitation hospitals - JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in Edison and Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in Brick.

Additionally, the network has more than 500 patient care locations throughout the state which include ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, long-term care and assisted living communities, ambulance services, lifesaving air medical transportation, fitness and wellness center, rehabilitation centers, urgent care centers and physician practice locations. Hackensack Meridian Health has more than 36,000 team members, and 7,000 physicians and is a distinguished leader in health care philanthropy, committed to the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

The network's notable distinctions include having more top-ranked hospitals than anyone in New Jersey, as recognized by U.S. News & World Report, 2021-22. Hackensack University Medical Center is the only hospital in New Jersey with the #1 adult and children's hospital rankings.

John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center is New Jersey's best cancer center, as recognized by U.S. News & World Report, 2021-22. This premier cancer center is also the largest and most comprehensive center dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, management, research, screenings, and preventive care as well as survivorship of patients with all types of cancers. John Theurer Cancer Center is part of Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center.

Additionally, the network partnered with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to ensure that patients have access to the highest quality, most individualized cancer care when and where they need it.

The Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, the first private medical school in New Jersey in more than 50 years, welcomed its first class of students in 2018 to its campus in Nutley and Clifton. The Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI), housed in a fully renovated state-of-the-art facility, seeks to translate current innovations in science to improve clinical outcomes for patients with cancer, infectious diseases and other life-threatening and disabling conditions.

Hackensack Meridian Health is a member of AllSpire Health Partners, an interstate consortium of leading health systems, to focus on the sharing of best practices in clinical care and achieving efficiencies. To learn more, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org .

SOURCE Hackensack Meridian Health
"We're honored to be named a Civic 50 Honoree for the 10 th year and recognized as the leader in the consumer staples sector," said Leigh Horner, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Global Sustainability. "Hershey's legacy of showing up and doing the right thing for our people and communities is core to who we are as a business. That legacy attracts employees who strive to be part of something bigger than themselves. This award reflects our culture of making a difference."

Hershey named to The Civic 50 for the 10th year and as Consumer Staples Sector Leader for the second year.

Throughout 2021, Hershey employees volunteered more than 117,000 hours and the company donated nearly $15 million in cash and products globally. This year, the company integrated social impact with its iconic brands through Hershey's CelebrateSHE campaign with non-profit partner Girls on the Run, as well as the ongoing Kit Kat and Hershey's Beat of the Future campaign with non-profit partner Memphis Music Initiative. Learn more about Hershey's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals and priorities in its recently released 2021 ESG Report. If interested in making a difference through a career with Hershey, visit careers.thehersheycompany.com.



Since 2012, The Civic 50 has provided a national standard for corporate citizenship and showcases how companies can use their time, skills and resources to drive social impact in their communities and company. The Civic 50 honorees are companies with annual U.S. revenues of at least $1 billion and are selected based on four dimensions of their corporate citizenship and social impact programs: investment of resources, integration across business functions, institutionalization through policies and systems and impact measurement.

About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company is headquartered in Hershey, Pa., and is an industry-leading snacks company known for bringing goodness to the world through its iconic brands, remarkable people and enduring commitment to help children succeed. Hershey has approximately 19,000 employees around the world who work every day to deliver delicious, quality products. The company has more than 100 brand names in approximately 80 countries around the world that drive more than $8.9 billion in annual revenues, including such iconic brand names as Hershey's, Reese's, Kit Kat, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers, and fast-growing salty snacks including SkinnyPop, Pirate's Booty and Dot's Pretzels.

For more than 125 years, Hershey has been committed to operating fairly, ethically and sustainably. Hershey founder, Milton Hershey, created the Milton Hershey School in 1909 and since then the company has focused on helping children succeed.

SOURCE The Hershey Company
Volper brings decades of experience across all forms of creative mediums and his addition to the team will have him supporting creatives across Integrum's collective of marketing agencies.

LOS ANGELES , June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Integrum Worldwide, the Apollo Capital Corp and M2B Growth Enterprises backed collective, today announced that creative heavyweight Jason Volper has joined the company as SVP of Creative. Volper adds to an exceptional leadership team that supports Integrum's two agencies Storia and Chalk and will be responsible for driving all creative initiatives across Integrum Worldwide's growing collective of agencies.

Volper teams up with Integrum Worldwide after an extensive career working with some of the top brands and marketing agencies in the world. Prior to Integrum, Volper co-founded his agency Ferocious Cow with then partner Rohan Caesar. During his tenure at Ferocious Cow, Jason co-led creative and led production for award winning campaigns like Century 21 Real Estate's "Connect2the1" Film Series, which won two AVA Digital Awards .

Volper also led numerous campaigns for Marriott Hotels, which included the "Courtyard Marriott Lobby Live at Grand Central featuring John Legend" and the two most prolific airport experiential marketing campaigns in history "The Courtyard Marriott Lobby Zones" and "The SpringHill Suites Comfort Zones". Also while at Ferocious Cow, Volper led Godiva's largest new product launch ever with the "Chocoiste Decadence Goes Mobile Tour", which was a Gold Reggie winner.

"I'm thrilled to be joining Integrum Worldwide and getting to be part of their unique approach to building a fast growing marketing agency collective. The leadership here, as well as the private equity partners behind Integrum are super supportive and value the importance of creative-led marketing solutions," said Volper.

Volper brings deep experience in creative across mediums ranging from experiential marketing to branded content and even traditional TV, radio and print, along with leading and inspiring teams of multi-disciplined creatives. Volper also has extensive experience in production, and a reputation for ensuring great creative translates all the way through to execution.

Prior to running his own agency in Ferocious Cow, Volper was a Creative Director at Momentum Worldwide and was responsible for working on campaigns for Fortune 500 Clients like American Express and Verizon Wireless, amongst others. Specifically, Volper led AOL's Concert for Schools campaign featuring Dave Matthews Band in Central Park, as well as multiple programs for American Express that raised millions of dollars for VH1's Save the Music Foundation, including "Sting Live at The Blue 5 in Grant Park".

"We strongly believe that talent builds great organizations and Jason is exemplary. We are excited to have him as part of the Integrum Worldwide leadership team and look forward to what he brings to the group in the near future," said Daniel Kordash of M2B Growth Enterprises, one of Integrum Worldwide's principal backers.

For more information on Integrum Worldwide, visit www.integrumworldwide.com .

ABOUT INTEGRUM WORLDWIDE

Integrum Worldwide is a collective of specialist agencies including Storia and Chalk. Together, they believe in the power of combining the radical creativity of independents with the seamless integration of a one-stop-shop.

The collective is a host of agencies in the marketing services space including branding, creative, paid media, search engine optimization, and experiential marketing. Through this model, Integrum Worldwide delivers scalable, measurable, and integrated marketing solutions that deliver results. In addition, Integrum Worldwide is focused on developing a best in class corporate culture and putting sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and its overall employee population first.

The Integrum Worldwide marketing agency collective focuses on clients in the middle and upper market with a roster that includes Jennifer Adams, Steven Soderbergh's Singani 63, PBS, Edrington Americas, We Are Memphis, Cyrcurion, Xcellerate 35, Chemtech, and Beauty Magnet. The collective has teams in the United States, Canada, South America, and India.

SOURCE Integrum Worldwide
"I think we're made a little different here in the Greater Peoria area. We like to start businesses and grow them from within and really the fabric of Greater Peoria allows that to happen," said Katie Kim, CEO of Peoria-based commercial real estate development firm The Kim Group. "We are a catalyst area an ideation area where we have amazing coffee shops to meet in and grow ideas."

Among the restoration projects The Kim Group has completed in the Greater Peoria area is Keller Station, which has evolved from its original use as an Illinois Department of Transportation building to an incubator for local entrepreneurs. Starting with the existing infrastructure, The Kim Group renovated the interior of each building to create commercial spaces for salons, boutiques, coffee shops, eateries, shared office spaces and more.

"When you move into Keller Station, you become part of the Keller Station family because you know everybody knows what's going on with each other and builds each other up," Kim said. "If you have an issue with a business problem, there's always somebody on campus that can help you out with it or can connect you and really advance the close-knit network that we have in Greater Peoria." In addition to new developments, Kim said the Greater Peoria area provides a network of skilled individuals willing to share their expertise with one another. In other words, as a business owner, you never go it alone in the Greater Peoria area.

"Since Peoria has the economics with its low cost of living and it has those connections, people want to build other people up," Kim said. "You may have some knowledge, but maybe don't you know how to get to the next level. Then you have a conversation with somebody, then they have a conversation with somebody else. Then it all connects and creates this beautiful blossom, if you will, of entrepreneurship within our community."

Another local developer, Baldovin Construction, has similarly transformed buildings that have stood for generations into trendy, innovative spaces for growing businesses in addition to creating trendy new housing options throughout the area. Some of the firm's most recognizable projects have taken place in Peoria's Warehouse District, where fabulously preserved brick buildings are being redeveloped and repurposed for up-and-coming small businesses.

"What drew me to redevelop or be a part of the redevelopment of the Warehouse District in Peoria is that I've always thought that is a key to being a hip and attractive community  revitalizing older spaces," said Chief Managing Officer Casey Baldovin. "It costs more, obviously, to renovate than build new. So, when you see people make that kind of investment in their work, buildings, or community, it's showing to the outside world that they do take pride in what they have not just their work, but their community."

Baldovin said his firm has been involved in numerous projects around the Greater Peoria area, including a renovation of the Sud Building in Pekin. He said his firm takes pride in the region and believes in its potential to serve as an economic hotbed not just for the state of Illinois, but for the country. "When we do feasibility for clients, we'll look at multiple buildings or multiple lots for a new build. I start to look at it as an entrepreneur  how is this going to work?" Baldovin said. "What is your cost per square foot? We try to help them identify some of those because some people don't look at those items. Then, we have in-house designers, so we start laying it out to try to maximize the function of their space."

In addition to available commercial space, both Kim and Baldovin pointed to Greater Peoria's living amenities as potential factors for attracting new business owners. For example, factors such as cost of living and quality of life serve as advantages for the Greater Peoria area over larger metropolitan regions.

"Having lived in Chicago for seven years after graduation thinking I wanted the big city and all that comes with, it also comes with big travel times. So, in moving to the Greater Peoria area, I can get anywhere I want in the city within a 10- to 12-minute timeframe," Kim said. "That means to get to and from gives you your time back, time to grow your business more, more time with your family. You also have the chance to hop on a train and go to Chicago or St. Louis in nearby Bloomington. We do have the Peoria International Airport, but we also have amazing transportation hubs here and that ability where you can live here in Peoria and work on your business during the week."

"Greater Peoria has, in my opinion, one of the best cost of living ratios. You can have your cake and eat it too. You can work remotely and live here, and I think your dollar goes a little further," Baldovin said. "You can have a little bit more time to travel or spend with your family and really do what maybe gives you a better work-life balance. I also think Greater Peoria has a phenomenal ability to bring people in."

Residential and commercial development firm, KDB Group LLC has been instrumental in the revitalization of the Prospect Road corridor in the village of Peoria Heights. Beginning with the Pabst Campus, KDB Group revitalized the historic brick building once owned by a brewing powerhouse, providing commercial space for area businesses while simultaneously honoring the village's heritage. KDB Group is also developing a sustainable, mixed-use space just up the road  Grayboy Plaza Lofts will draw visual inspiration from surrounding infrastructure to create space for retail, commercial, and residential spaces, along with urban green spaces and rooftop terraces. KDB Group has also invested in cultural amenities throughout the Greater Peoria area, refurbishing the historic Scottish Rite Theatre in Peoria and developing the Betty Jayne Brimmer Center for the Performing Arts in Peoria Heights to provide two brand-new cultural centers as venues for dance, theater, concerts, and films.

For more information: Lenora Fisher, Director of Business Attraction, Greater Peoria Economic Development Council. Email: [email protected] // 309-253-6010

SOURCE Greater Peoria 2030
DUBAI, UAE, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- InterSystems, a creative data technology provider dedicated to helping customers solve the most critical scalability, interoperability, and speed problems, today announced that its comprehensive TrakCare health information system has been certified as NPHIES (National Platform for Health and Insurance Exchange Services) compliant for Insurance Services in Saudi Arabia.

The aim of establishing NPHIES is to transform the health care sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by using the latest technologies to enhance the level and quality of health services in line with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia "Vision 2030."

NPHIES platform services include:

- NPHIES Insurance Services

The digital standard insurance services aim to govern health insurance services by connecting all stakeholders in health insurance (health service providers, health insurance companies).

- NPHIES Clinical Service

The unified digital health services for patients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aims to improve the efficiency and quality of health care services provided, and also reduce the cost and time of providing health care services, which is a basis for improving healthcare decision-making.

Thanks to InterSystems TrakCare's unified Revenue Cycle Management and Clinical capabilities, the company has recently met all the NPHIES Certification requirements and succeeded in exchanging transactions on NPHIES production environment for "King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital" in Riyadh.

Hospitals using InterSystems TrakCare connecting to NPHIES are benefiting from:

Increased data consistency and compliance with e-claims exchanges resulting in considerably less rejection of claims.

Enhanced turnaround times for the overall claims process.

Increased satisfaction for patients with the e-claims experience.

A unified platform ready to embrace any future regulatory requirements and enhancements to the NPHIES Platform.

Commenting on this important achievement, Ali Abi Raad, country manager for the Middle East and India at InterSystems, said: "We are proud to be one of the first Multinational Healthcare IT companies to become certified as NPHIES Compliant for Insurance Services in Saudi Arabia. The adoption of NPHIES will provide consolidated, accurate and comprehensive data to support the achievement of 'Value Based Healthcare' in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

About InterSystems

Established in 1978, InterSystems provides innovative data solutions for organizations with critical information needs in the healthcare, finance, and logistics sectors and beyond. Our cloud-first data platforms solve interoperability, speed, and scalability problems for organizations around the globe. InterSystems also develops and supports data management in hospitals through the world's most proven electronic medical record and unified care records for health systems and governments through a robust suite of healthcare data integration solutions. The company is committed to excellence through its award-winning 247 support for customers and partners in more than 80 countries. Privately held and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, InterSystems has 25 offices worldwide. For more information, please visit InterSystems.com.

SOURCE InterSystems
CHICAGO, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report "IoT Solutions and Services Market by Component (Solutions and Services), Organization Size, Deployment Mode, Focus Area (Smart Manufacturing, Smart Energy and Utilities, and Smart Retail) and Region - Global Forecast to 2027", published by MarketsandMarkets, the IoT Solutions and Services Market is projected to grow from USD 243.1 billion in 2022 to USD 575.0 billion by 2027, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.8% during the forecast period. Because of the ongoing developments in IoT technology platform, the market for IoT Solutions and Services is growing at a rapid pace.

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IoT is an ecosystem where various 'things' communicate via internet protocols and deliver intelligent, measurable information to improve the control and management of equipment for an organization in different ways. Though IoT is not considered a new term, the business application of IoT is in the growing stage now. IoT offers an interconnected system of various devices and sensors, which organizations use for various applications. The concept of IoT has revolutionized the way organizations across verticals interact with their customers. IoT helps organizations improve their operational efficiency and optimize business outcomes.

IoT solutions have proven advantageous for almost every industry, facilitating the creation of new business, and boosting efficiency. These solutions have helped connect devices, manage tasks, analyze opportunities, and securely transfer information. They provide a safe environment to operate in and help achieve business growth.

The solutions segment to hold the largest market share during the forecast period

Based on component segment, solutions segment to hold the largest market share during the forecast period. Solutions offer a wide range of technologies that help organizations meet their objectives and maintain a crucial competitive edge. Based on solutions, the IoT Solutions and Services Market is segmented into network management, data management, device management, application management, and smart surveillance solution. The proliferation of AI and ML has forced vendors to adopt IoT solutions and help IT teams simplify and manage their decision-making process.

Large Enterprises segment to have larger market size during the forecast period

Among the organization size, the large enterprises are projected to dominate the market. Organizations are adopting IoT for greater visibility and control over operational processes. This service can help them identify new revenue opportunities by collecting customer data and business insights. Large organizations are expected to continue adopting IoT to develop the remote monitoring of their businesses with process enhancements across regions and fulfill various standards and regulations. It has become important for large enterprises to invest more in digital technologies to achieve growth and sustain the market. Investments are made in IoT to enable enterprises to discover new opportunities for maximizing customer experiences and operational efficiencies.

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On-premises segment to have larger market size during the forecast period

Organizations opt for their preferred deployment mode based on their requirements regarding the scalability and level of image quality required. By deployment mode, the IoT market has been categorized into on-premises and cloud. The need to ensure better maintenance of servers and fulfil the business needs through customization is expected to drive the adoption of on-premises IoT platform

Smart manufacturing segment to have larger market size during the forecast period

Based on the focus area, the IoT Solutions and Services Market is segmented into smart manufacturing, smart transportation/mobility, smart energy and utilities, smart retail, connected healthcare, smart agriculture, smart buildings, and other focus areas. The smart manufacturing segment is projected to record the largest market size during the forecast period. Manufacturing enterprises, including metal and mining, have been increasingly focusing on improving their business process efficiency and production output with optimum resource utilization. Industrial IoT vendors have been controlling multiple heterogeneous manufacturing processes by integrating advanced IoT platforms and solutions to automate manufacturing operations.

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Asia Pacific to hold higher CAGR during the forecast period

The IoT Solutions and Services Market has been segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific consists of several emerging and developed economies, such as Australia, India, China, Japan, and Singapore. Countries in the region are taking aggressive initiatives to upsurge their IT infrastructures, enabling commercial users to adopt cutting-edge technologies. Some countries are more technologically developed, while some are still reluctant to adopt the latest technologies. The high adoption rate of new technologies has made this region a lucrative market for the IT industry. Due to this reason, the IoT Solutions and Services Market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the highest rate

The major vendors in the global IoT Solutions and Services Market include Siemens (Germany), Microsoft (US), AWS (US), IBM (US), Intel (US), Cisco (US), Google (US), Oracle (US), SAP (Germany), Qualcomm (US), Oxagile (US), Aeris Communications (US), Fujitsu (Japan), PTC (US), Hitachi (Japan), GE Digital (US), ARM (UK), Software AG (Germany), Particle (US), HQ Software (Estonia), Telit (UK), ClearBlade (US), Ayla Networks (US), Hologram (US), Losant (US), Samsara (US), Litmus (), and Confidex (Finland).

Browse Adjacent Markets: Digitalization and Internet of Things (IoT) Market Research Reports & Consulting

Related Reports:

IoT in Smart Cities Market by Offering, Solution (Remote Monitoring, Network Management, and Reporting and Analytics), Service, Application (Smart Transportation, Smart Building, and Smart Utilities) and Region - Global Forecast to 2026

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SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
Jennings Selected to Highly-Respected 2022 "Power List" by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly*

DURHAM, N.C., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Barry Jennings, co-leader of the workers' compensation department at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, is a respected and accomplished lawyer in North Carolina, according to North Carolina Lawyers Weekly. Jennings was honored with selection to the 2022 "Power List" by the prestigious legal news publication.*

Attorneys chosen for the "Power List" must meet strict criteria relating to their experience, skill, and achievements. They must also receive referrals from other lawyers because of the respect their peers have for them.

Jennings has a long track record of awards and accomplishments. He is a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in workers' compensation law. Since 2015, he has been selected to the Best Lawyers "Best Lawyers in America*" list for workers' compensation every year. In addition, Jennings holds an "AV Preeminent" rating from Martindale-Hubbell.*

"I'm pleased to be chosen for the 'Power List,'" said Jennings. "It means a lot that fellow attorneys would recommend me to their friends and family. But most importantly, it means that I'm having a positive impact on the lives of injured workers in North Carolina."

ABOUT THE LAW OFFICES OF JAMES SCOTT FARRIN

The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is one of the largest personal injury firms in North Carolina and has helped over 55,000 injured people since 1997. Operating from 16 offices in NC and one in SC, many of the firm's 60+ accomplished attorneys are recognized professionals in their fields. The firm focuses on providing quality legal services to as many people as possible in the following practice areas: personal injury, car accidents, workers' compensation, nursing home abuse, whistleblowing, defective products, eminent domain, mass torts, class actions, and Social Security Disability.

Contact Information:

David Chamberlin

280 S. Mangum Street

Suite 400

Durham, NC 27701

866-900-7078

https://www.farrin.com/

Offices in Durham (main), Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, NC and Greenville, SC. Attorney J. Gabe Talton: 280 South Mangum St., Suite 400, Durham, NC.

*For more information regarding standards of inclusion for the "Power List," visit https://nclawyersweekly.com/power-list%20/. For Best Lawyers in America standards of inclusion, visit bestlawyers.com. For "AV Preeminent" standards of inclusion, visit martindale.com.

Related link: https://www.farrin.com

SOURCE Law Offices of James Scott Farrin
NEW YORK and BOSTON , June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, together with UMass Chan Medical School announces the appointment of David M. Harlan, MD, the William and Doris Krupp Professor of Medicine, professor of medicine and co-director of the Diabetes Center of Excellence, as the new director of the JDRF Center of Excellence in New England.

"For many years, JDRF has supported the collaborative work of Dr. Harlan and his colleagues in the Greater New England area," says Esther Latres, PhD, JDRF Assistant Vice President of Research. "Under Dr. Harlan's leadership, we anticipate continued progress toward a cure for type 1 diabetes using stem-cell derived beta cell and islet therapies."

For nearly 40 years, Dr. Harlan has been conducting research exploring the pathophysiology underlying diabetes. Dr. Harlan also brings years of experience as an endocrinologist with expertise in diabetes and metabolism. A renowned basic and clinical investigator, his current research is focused on beta cell biology and the anti-beta cell immune response.

"For decades, clinician scientists like myself have been working to develop methods to safely interfere with the autoimmune response that targets the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreases of people with type 1 diabetes," said Dr. Harlan. "Our group is working to genetically modify the beta cells to make them invulnerable to the immune system when infused into a person with type 1 diabetes."

The JDRF Center of Excellence in New England is part of a growing global network of research centers aimed at accelerating science in curing T1D and improving lives. Organized as a cross-institutional collaboration between leading experts from the UMass Chan Diabetes Center of Excellence, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Joslin Diabetes Center, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and the Jackson Laboratory, the Center of Excellence in New England focuses on exploring immune responses and applying cell engineering technologies to prevent rejection of highly functional islets by the immune system in the absence of immune suppression.

"We're testing these human cells in vivo in our unique biological models," added Dr. Harlan. "The goal is to provide an islet cell replacement therapy that eliminates the need for immunosuppressant drugs with their inherent toxicities."

Dr. Harlan's tenure as head of the Center of Excellence begins immediately, taking over for Dr. Douglas Melton who announced he would be stepping down to join Vertex Pharmaceuticals as a Distinguished Fellow.

For more information about The JDRF Center of Excellence in New England please visit,

http://jdrf.org/impact/research/centers-of-excellence/new-england/

For more information about the JDRF Center of Excellence program, visit

https://www.jdrf.org/impact/research/centers-of-excellence/

About JDRF

JDRF's mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2.5 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement, and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter (@JDRF), Facebook (@myjdrf), and Instagram (@jdrfhq).

About UMass Chan Medical School and UMass Chan Diabetes Center of Excellence

UMass Chan Medical School, one of five campuses of the University of Massachusetts system, comprises the T.H. Chan School of Medicine, the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing; a thriving research enterprise and an innovative public service initiative, Commonwealth Medicine. UMass Chan's mission is to advance the health and wellness of our diverse communities throughout Massachusetts and across the world by leading and innovating in education, research, health care delivery and public service. In doing so, it has built a reputation as a world-class research institution and as a leader in primary care education, perennially ranked in the top 10 percent of medical schools for primary care by U.S. News and World Report. UMass Chan attracts more than $400 million annually in research funding, placing it among the top 50 medical schools in the nation. In 2021, the Medical School received a $175 million donation from The Morningside Foundation and was renamed the UMass Chan Medical School.

Under the co-direction of David M. Harlan, MD, and Dale L. Greiner, PhD, the UMass Chan Diabetes Center of Excellence combines cutting-edge diabetes research with the latest in comprehensive patient care. Visit umassmed.edu/dcoe to learn more.

About the Harvard Stem Cell Institute

The Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI), formed in 2004, brings together more than 1,000 scientists in the schools and affiliated hospitals of Harvard University. Its mission is to advance the understanding of human development and disease, support the discovery of stem cell-based therapies and cures for diseases, create collaborations across traditional institutional and disciplinary boundaries, and train the next generation of stem cell scientists. The HSCI funds novel research and fosters cross-discipline, cross-sector collaboration to accelerate discoveries that benefit humankind. Visit hsci.harvard.edu to learn more.

About Joslin Diabetes Center

Joslin Diabetes Center is world-renowned for its deep expertise in diabetes treatment and research. Joslin is dedicated to finding a cure for diabetes and ensuring that people with diabetes live long, healthy lives. We develop and disseminate innovative patient therapies and scientific discoveries throughout the world. Joslin is an independent, non-profit institution affiliated with Harvard Medical School, and one of only 16 NIH-designated Diabetes Research Centers in the U.S. For more information, visit www.joslin.org.

About The Jackson Laboratory

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with more than 2,300 employees. Headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine, it has a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center, a genomic medicine institute in Farmington, Conn., and facilities in Ellsworth and Augusta, Maine, in Sacramento, Calif., and in Beijing and Shanghai, China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.

SOURCE JDRF
CHICAGO, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- For June's National Safety Month, SABRE, the leading personal safety brand with police and consumers worldwide, announces the launch of three new functional and fashionable personal defense products to support safe, summer fun.

"We believe personal safety is personal and our new products empower users to go about their daily activities with confidence and peace of mind. We're proud to continue to innovate and offer powerful protection and user-friendly tools that help address escalating crime," says David Nance, CEO of SABRE.

New products include:

SABRE Pepper Gel with Keyring Release Whistle provides maximum strength pepper gel protection along with a super loud, keyring release whistle that adds an extra layer of security. The extremely loud whistle - that can be heard up to 750-feet away - helps deter an attacker and get the attention of those nearby, while the UV marking dye in the pepper gel helps the authorities identify anyone after they've been sprayed. The combo safety tool enhances user safety by helping to both scare off a potential threat and call for help for those in the immediate vicinity.

Protection At A Distance Against Multiple Threats: 12-foot range with 25 Bursts (5x the competition)

12-foot range with 25 Bursts (5x the competition)

Eliminates Blowback: Pepper gel emits a strong stream that does not atomize and is ideal in windy situations or indoors

Pepper gel emits a strong stream that does not atomize and is ideal in windy situations or indoors

Prevents Accidental Discharge: Secured with flip-top safety cap

Secured with flip-top safety cap

Quick Access: Key ring easily attaches to keys or lanyards for quick access

SABRE Jeweled Pepper Spray with Snap Clip and Keyring was designed for fashionable on-the-go safety while offering protection against multiple threats. The powerful pepper spray canister is wrapped in sparkling rhinestones with a matching top. Features include:





Made To Match Your Style: Available in black, silver, and lavender

Available in black, silver, and lavender



Prevents Accidental Discharge: Secured with a twist-lock safety

Secured with a twist-lock safety



Instant Access: Metal snap hook attaches to any bag, backpack, or tote

Metal snap hook attaches to any bag, backpack, or tote



Protection At A Distance Against Multiple Threats: 10-foot range with 25 bursts (5x the competition)

10-foot range with 25 bursts (5x the competition) SABRE Emergency Whistle with Keyring, Lanyard, and Carabiner is an easily accessible and extremely loud safety option to call for help and draw attention to the user. The SABRE Emergency Whistle's powerful, audible noise can alert those nearby that someone needs help. As the loud sound calls for help, it can also scare off your attacker. Outdoorsmen also use this item to give notice of their location or call for help when they are lost. Features include:



Exceptionally Loud: This 120 dB whistle can be heard up to 750 feet away

This 120 dB whistle can be heard up to 750 feet away

Always Ready: No batteries required, easy to carry and lightweight

No batteries required, easy to carry and lightweight

Works in All Conditions: Water-proof and anti-rust material

Water-proof and anti-rust material

Provides Instant Access: Lanyard breakaway allows you to carry your safety whistle hands-free

Products are now available online at www.sabrered.com.

ABOUT SABRE

The leading personal safety brand with police and consumers worldwide, SABRE is a family-owned and operated business with more than 45 years of experience in the personal safety space with a long-standing reputation for providing reliable, easy-to-use personal safety solutions that help put more distance between the user and multiple threats. SABRE encourages users to Make It Safe so that they can live confidently with empowering personal safety products that they can trust. For more information, please visit www.sabrered.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Paramount Public Relations

Jessica Prah

[email protected]

312-953-3257

SOURCE SABRE
Research, care innovation and education initiatives will include $1.3 million in initial grants

OAKLAND, Calif., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kaiser Permanente, the nation's largest integrated, nonprofit health care provider, has launched a new Center for Gun Violence Research and Education. The goal of the center is to reduce the incidence and impact of gun violence, including intimate partner violence and suicide, in the United States. The center will work to address the emotional and psychological trauma related to the aftermath of shootings and will focus on the profound disparate impact that gun violence has had in communities of color. It will also provide strong leadership and collaboration with health care providers, community-based organizations, and businesses seeking to participate in solutions that will have a measurable impact on the gun violence epidemic.

The center will develop, test, and scale public health and health care solutions to addressing gun violence, including:

Research efforts focusing on solutions and interventions to gun violence, and the long-term psychological consequences of these incidents, that are promising but in need of additional evidence



focusing on solutions and interventions to gun violence, and the long-term psychological consequences of these incidents, that are promising but in need of additional evidence Education efforts addressing the need to inform the public, health care stakeholders, businesses, policymakers, and community-based organizations about the role they can play in reducing gun violence and the consequences of gun violence



addressing the need to inform the public, health care stakeholders, businesses, policymakers, and community-based organizations about the role they can play in reducing gun violence and the consequences of gun violence Innovation efforts focusing on novel public health and health care processes, policies, and intervention models to prevent gun shootings, including those that are self-inflicted and between intimate partners

The center will amplify its impact beginning with $1.3 million in funding and collaboration with nonprofit organizational partners with a shared interest in gun violence prevention research, innovation, and education.

Gun violence is a leading cause of premature death in the United States, claiming more than 45,000 lives each year and surpassing motor vehicle fatalities as the leading cause of injury death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"It is increasingly and distressingly clear that gun violence is a public health crisis in the U.S., claiming lives and creating trauma with untold, long-lasting consequences for countless people," said Bechara Choucair, MD, chief health officer and senior vice president for Community Health at Kaiser Permanente. "As a major health care organization caring for 12.6 million people, we are in a unique position to expand, amplify, and implement promising work underway by health care and public health leaders to prevent future gun-related injuries and deaths, starting with a series of grants to organizations focused on addressing gun violence."

The grants, to include distribution through Kaiser Permanente's fund at the East Bay Community Foundation, are laying the groundwork for the center's future collaboration with organizations that are addressing gun violence in its many forms across the United States. Grant partners include:

The Ad Council  To scale the End Family Fire campaign, which promotes safe gun storage in order to prevent shootings involving unsecured or misused firearms



To scale the End Family Fire campaign, which promotes safe gun storage in order to prevent shootings involving unsecured or misused firearms Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)  To develop materials on evidence-based public health approaches to gun violence and suicide prevention, as well as to plan a national summit and develop collateral materials for broad use



To develop materials on evidence-based public health approaches to gun violence and suicide prevention, as well as to plan a national summit and develop collateral materials for broad use Big Cities Health Coalition  For public education on public health approaches to gun violence prevention



For public education on public health approaches to gun violence prevention Health Alliance for Violence Intervention (The HAVI)  To convene researchers and experts to study the effectiveness of hospital violence intervention programs (HVIPs) and their ability to break and prevent the cyclical nature of gun violence



To convene researchers and experts to study the effectiveness of hospital violence intervention programs (HVIPs) and their ability to break and prevent the cyclical nature of gun violence Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health - To support the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, including efforts to study the implementation of extreme risk protective orders and the role clinicians can play in raising awareness of these measures



To support the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, including efforts to study the implementation of extreme risk protective orders and the role clinicians can play in raising awareness of these measures National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (NICJR)  To provide core support for NICJR violence reduction initiatives in states impacted by increased rates of gun violence



To provide core support for NICJR violence reduction initiatives in states impacted by increased rates of gun violence RAND Corporation  To support the 2022 National Research Conference on Firearm Injury Prevention, including dissemination of emerging research that focuses on gun violence prevention through care delivery innovation



To support the 2022 National Research Conference on Firearm Injury Prevention, including dissemination of emerging research that focuses on gun violence prevention through care delivery innovation University of California, Davis  To provide core support for the Violence Prevention Research Program



To provide core support for the Violence Prevention Research Program University of California, San Diego  To support the Center on Gender Equity and Health, including support for its "California Study on Violence Experiences Across the Lifespan" and related dissemination activities

"Through safe gun storage, we have the power to protect our loved ones from preventable tragedies," said Lisa Sherman, president and CEO of the Ad Council. "We applaud Kaiser Permanente for bringing organizations together so we can collectively reduce gun violence at scale. This funding will help us expand the reach of the End Family Fire campaign and continue to prevent the needless and tragic loss of lives due to unsecured firearms."

"Congratulations to Kaiser Permanente on the establishment of their Center for Gun Violence Research and Education. We're very grateful for their support and looking forward to expanding our research and education efforts," said Garen Wintemute, director of the UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program. Dr. Wintemute is a professor of emergency medicine at UC Davis Health and a renowned expert on the public health crisis of gun violence.

The Center for Gun Violence Research and Education is building on Kaiser Permanente's pioneering work on gun violence as a public health issue, which began in 2018 with the formation of the Task Force on Firearm Injury Prevention and an accompanying $2 million in research funding to study clinical interventions to prevent gun injuries and deaths. The resulting research is examining the efficacy of clinical screening for firearm ownership, safe storage, and suicide prevention. That same year, Kaiser Permanente partnered with the American Hospital Association and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to host a first-of-its-kind workshop to look at the role that health systems can play in addressing firearm injury and death.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.

For more information, contact:

Hilary Costa, [email protected]

SOURCE Kaiser Permanente
KANAZAWA, Japan, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers at Kanazawa University report in The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters how to simulate 3D atomic force microscopy images of out-of-equilibrium systems involving biomolecules. The approach makes use of a celebrated equation from thermodynamics applicable to non-equilibrium situations.

Three-dimensional atomic force microscopy (3D-AFM) is a technique used for probing the distribution of solvent molecules at solidliquid interfaces. Initially applied for studying situations where the solvent is water, the method is now also being used for other molecules. A recent development is to use 3D-AFM for resolving the organization of biopolymers such as chromosomes or proteins within cells. Due to the complexity of such systems, however, simulations of the 3D-AFM imaging process are needed to assist with its interpretation. Simulation methods developed so far have assumed that the probed system is in equilibrium during the AFM scan cycle. This limits their validity to situations where the solvent molecules move much faster than the scanning probe. Now, Takeshi Fukuma from Kanazawa University and colleagues have developed a 3D-AFM simulation approach that works for systems not in equilibrium, applicable to situations where molecular motion happens on timescales comparable to or larger than that of the AFM probing cycle.

The basic principle of AFM is to make a very small tip, attached to a cantilever, scan a sample's surface. The tip's response to height differences in the scanned surface provides structural information of the sample. In 3D-AFM, the tip is made to penetrate the sample, and the force experienced by the tip is the result of interactions with nearby (parts of) molecules. For a given horizontal (xy) position of the tip, the dependence of the force F on the tip's vertical (z) position as it penetrates into the sample is captured in a forcedistance (F versus z) curve. Combining all forcedistance curves obtained during the xy scan gives the 3D-AFM image.

Fukuma and colleagues considered the situation where an AFM tip probes a globular biopolymer, and modeled both tip and molecule as beads connected by springs (2000 beads for the molecule, 50 beads for the tip). They calculated the forcedistance curves by using the so-called Jarzynski equality, an equation that relates the free energy difference between two states of a system to the work (proportional to the force) required to go from one state to the other. Importantly, the equality holds for non-equilibrium situations.

The researchers were able to show that the simulations reproduced the internal structure of the biopolymer, with some fiber features being clearly observable. They also looked at how the scanning velocity affects the simulation results, and found that there is an optimum velocity range for the vertical (z) scan. Finally, Fukuma and colleagues simulated 3D-AFM images of cytoskeleton fibers for which experimentally obtained 3D-AFM images exist, and found that the simulations agree well with the experiment. The scientists therefore concluded that their method "is applicable to various fibers in cells such as DNA and so on by changing parameters such as stiffness, providing an important theoretical base for such experimental measurements."

Background

3D Atomic force microscopy (3D-AFM)

The general principle behind atomic force microscopy (AFM) is to make a very small tip scan the surface of a sample. During this horizontal (xy) scan, the tip, which is attached to a small cantilever, follows the sample's vertical (z) profile, inducing a force on the cantilever that can be measured. The magnitude of the force at the xy position can be related to the z value; the xyz data generated during a scan then result in a height map providing structural information about the investigated sample.

In 3D-AFM, the sample is penetrated by the (oscillating) scanning tip, so not only the surface, but also the inside of a sample can be probed. To correctly interpret images obtained by means of 3D-AFM, it is important to perform simulations that, based on a structural model, calculate the expected 3D-AFM images, which can then be compared to what was experimentally recorded.

Takeshi Fukuma from Kanazawa University and colleagues have now developed a simulation approach that is applicable to non-equilibrium situations  important for studying biologically relevant systems such as biomolecules in a cell.

Reference

Takashi Sumikama, Filippo Federici Canova, David Z. Gao, Marcos Penedo, Keisuke Miyazawa, Adam S. Foster, and Takeshi Fukuma. Computed three-dimensional atomic force microscopy images of biopolymers using the Jarzynski equality, The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters June 9, 2022.

DOI10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c01093

URL: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c01093

Related movies

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/movie-1_sumikama.mp4

Movie 1.

Probe penetration into the biopolymer. The biopolymer is a single fiber colored red to blue from end to end. Takashi Sumikama

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/movie-2_sumikama.mp4

Movie 2.

A 3D-AFM image. This movie shows a series of xy slices from high to low z. Takashi Sumikama

Contact

Hiroe Yoneda

Vice Director of Public Affairs

WPI Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI)

Kanazawa University

Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +81 (76) 234-4550

About Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI)

https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/

Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University is a research center established in 2017 as part of the World Premier International Research Center Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The objective of this initiative is to form world-tier research centers. NanoLSI combines the foremost knowledge of bio-scanning probe microscopy to establish 'nano-endoscopic techniques' to directly image, analyze, and manipulate biomolecules for insights into mechanisms governing life phenomena such as diseases.

About Kanazawa University

http://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/e/

As the leading comprehensive university on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa University has contributed greatly to higher education and academic research in Japan since it was founded in 1949. The University has three colleges and 17 schools offering courses in subjects that include medicine, computer engineering, and humanities.

The University is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Kanazawa  a city rich in history and culture. The city of Kanazawa has a highly respected intellectual profile since the time of the fiefdom (1598-1867). Kanazawa University is divided into two main campuses: Kakuma and Takaramachi for its approximately 10,200 students including 600 from overseas.

SOURCE Kanazawa University
HOUSTON, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- KBR, Inc. (NYSE: KBR) was awarded a 2022 Global Impact Award by the International Stability Operations Association (ISOA) for its role in Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) and Refugee Resettlement Operations (large company category). ISOA is an organization that strategically engages both government and private sectors in support of stability and peace operations throughout the world. Ella Studer, Senior Vice President of Readiness and Sustainment for KBR Government Solutions U.S., accepted the award on behalf of KBR at ISOA's awards dinner in Tysons, VA.

The award recognizes KBR for its unprecedented contribution to the humanitarian effort, known as Operation Allies Welcome (OAW), following the collapse of the Afghanistan government in August 2021. KBR contributed to the massive effort in two indispensable ways: the rapid deployment of vital infrastructure across nine sites in the U.S. and Europe to support approximately 58,000 displaced Afghans, and the round-the-clock coordination and assistance of Afghan SIV applications.

Through its support of U.S. Northern and European Commands under the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) contract and the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Global Contingency Services Contract (GCSC), KBR constructed infrastructure equivalent to small cities on greenfield sites at military installations in the U.S. and Europe to house displaced Afghans during the resettlement process. Not only did KBR provide basic food, shelter and living assistance, but also halal meal options with appropriate cultural food preparation requirements, internet access, medical and dental services, transportation, laundry, morale and recreation services, and cultural assistance to help transition Afghans to life in the U.S.

"Even with our years of experience mobilizing at a moment's notice and deploying vital infrastructure in support of the U.S. Government, this was a colossal undertaking," shared Stuart Bradie, KBR's President and CEO. "I am extremely proud of the KBR team and our partners for their hard work and dedication to OAW. Earning the 2022 ISOA Global Impact Award is both a well-earned and much-deserved achievement. And true to our commitment to Zero Harm, we fully restored the greenfield sites at the end of the operation."

KBR also launched an immense, coordinated effort to assist with Afghan SIV applications. Internally, KBR put together a Quick Reaction Team consisting of employees from legal, human resources, records management, operations, and communications specifically to respond to requests for letters verifying employment so that former Afghan employees could apply for SIVs.

Byron Bright, President of KBR Government Solutions, led an effort with his senior counterparts at other large businesses operating in Afghanistan to help coordinate and expedite the industry's response to this humanitarian effort.

"Over the years, KBR hired thousands of Afghans, and we had an urgent responsibility to help them secure the required documentation to process their SIVs," said Bright. "I have a tremendous sense of gratitude for everyone at KBR who dedicated themselves to this effort and worked closely with the U.S. Department of Defense and State Department to provide more than 8,300 employment records to process Afghan SIVs. We know lives were saved because of this work."

About KBR

We deliver science, technology and engineering solutions to governments and companies around the world. KBR employs approximately 28,000 people performing diverse, complex and mission critical roles in 34 countries.

KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, and long- term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver.

Visit www.kbr.com

Forward Looking Statement

The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding future financial performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's control that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the significant adverse impacts on economic and market conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the company's ability to respond to the resulting challenges and business disruption; the recent dislocation of the global energy market; the company's ability to manage its liquidity; the outcome of and the publicity surrounding audits and investigations by domestic and foreign government agencies and legislative bodies; potential adverse proceedings by such agencies and potential adverse results and consequences from such proceedings; changes in capital spending by the company's customers; the company's ability to obtain contracts from existing and new customers and perform under those contracts; structural changes in the industries in which the company operates; escalating costs associated with and the performance of fixed-fee projects and the company's ability to control its cost under its contracts; claims negotiations and contract disputes with the company's customers; changes in the demand for or price of oil and/or natural gas; protection of intellectual property rights; compliance with environmental laws; changes in government regulations and regulatory requirements; compliance with laws related to income taxes; unsettled political conditions, war and the effects of terrorism; foreign operations and foreign exchange rates and controls; the development and installation of financial systems; the possibility of cyber and malware attacks; increased competition for employees; the ability to successfully complete and integrate acquisitions; and operations of joint ventures, including joint ventures that are not controlled by the company.

The company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks, and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss some of the important risk factors that the company has identified that may affect its business, results of operations and financial condition. Except as required by law, the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

SOURCE KBR, Inc.
MINNEAPOLIS, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kradle Pet Calming Company, the first calming brand focused solely on reducing stress and anxiousness in pets, today announced an expanded distribution with Pet Supplies Plus just in time for the 4th of July, the most stressful day of the year for dogs. Following an exceptionally strong start to the year, Kradle has secured an additional four feet of shelf space in the main aisle of the pet-specialty retailer's health and wellness section. This expansion will allow Pet Supplies Plus Neighbors to choose from an even greater variety of Kradle calming solutions and find the right one for the 4th of July.

"We are excited for this opportunity to build on our partnership with Pet Supplies Plus and demonstrate our commitment to pet-specialty," said Tim Siedlaczek, Vice President & General Manager of Retail at Kradle. "Pet Supplies Plus Neighbors will be the first try our next wave of innovative delivery methods that help solve canine anxiousness."

Kradle has quickly become one of Pet Supplies Plus's best-selling dog supplement brands since initial distribution in June 2020. "The Kradle brand has helped expand the calming category with innovation and the use of multiple forms. We love how this brand creates products that help our Neighbors deal with stress-driven issues," said Tim Wall, Category Manager, Pet Treats at Pet Supplies Plus.

Kradle's nationwide expansion with Pet Supplies Plus comes at a vital time for Neighbors in search of an effective calming solution for fireworks. The 4th of July leads to a significant increase in runaway dogs, resulting in July 5th being the busiest day of the year at shelters. "Fireworks can be incredibly stressful for pets and wildlife. Efforts to reduce the impact on cats and dogs can greatly reduce the likelihood that pets become lost from their families," said Lindsay Hamrick, Director, Shelter Outreach and Engagement at the Humane Society of the United States.

Pet Supplies Plus Neighbors will now be able to save on Kradle as they stock up for the 4th of July. Kradle recently partnered with Fetch Rewards , the nation's No.1 consumer-rewards app, to give shoppers access to free rewards and other loyalty benefits for purchasing Kradle products from any retailer.

"At Fetch, our mission is to help people have fun and save money. We're thrilled to be expanding our partnerships and offering shoppers even more ways to earn rewards on pet essentials," said Dave Sommer, Chief Customer Officer, Fetch Rewards. "By partnering with Kradle, Fetch is increasing the accessibility to calming solutions during a high-stress time of year for dogs and pet parents."

Kradle's calming products for every dog & any anxious moment can be found in Pet Supplies Plus stores across the U.S.

For more information, visit kradlemypet.com or @kradlemypet .

About Kradle

Kradle shares your love for dogs. Launched in June 2020, Kradle's mission is to create happier homes for families with pets through superior calming products for every dog and any anxious moment. Kradle believes that when nature, science, and passion work together in harmony, we get the most out of each and every day with our pets. Passionately dedicated to helping dogs lead happier lives, the Kradle difference is in its proprietary BotaniTek formulations which work to help dogs adapt to everyday stressors and promote overall calmness, focus, and relaxation.

Media Contact:

Jane Fraley

[email protected]

SOURCE Kradle LLC
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Krystal Klean, the Southeast's leading building care company, announced the finalization of an acquisition of Window Cleaning Experts of Largo, Florida. Krystal Klean is part of the United State's leading building care organization - a division of FLEETWASH.

Krystal Klean has grown since 2001 from a small family-owned business in Jacksonville to serve more than 12,000 customers throughout the Southeastern United States before being acquired by FLEETWASH. Today the company offers a range of services including painting, waterproofing, high-dusting, pressure washing, and window cleaning.

"We are excited to join forces with Krystal Klean. This will allow us to scale and better serve our customers with additional services", said Tom Cruickshank, Window Cleaning Expert's founder.

Tom founded the company in 1979 and grew it into the the Tampa area's #1 window cleaning company with more than 6,000 customers.

"If you have a cleaning or coating business with annual revenues between $2M and $200M we'd like to talk", said Mr. Morgan. "Come join the Krystal Klean and FLEETWASH family."

About Krystal Klean

Krystal Klean is the Southeast United States leading building care company. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, Krystal Klean offers a full range of painting, pressure washing, sealing and coating, window cleaning, and waterproofing services. With more than 125 team members and a fleet of specialized equipment, Krystal Klean is equipped to service any type of building. For more information visit https://www.krystalklean.com .

About Window Cleaning Experts

Window Cleaning Experts is the Tampa area's leading window cleaning company. Founded in 1979 the company serves 6,000 customers. For more information visit https://www.windowcleaningexperts.com .

SOURCE Krystal Klean
2021 Sustainability Report Released

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lear Corporation (NYSE: LEA), a global automotive technology leader in Seating and E-Systems, released its 2021 Sustainability Report, featuring the company's progress on its renewable energy strategy, innovative green products, supplier sustainability, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

"Since we integrated ESG into our company's long-term strategyalongside business results and operational excellenceour global teams are helping us advance on our sustainability journey," said Ray Scott, Lear President and CEO. "Every day, Lear employees around the world are striving to support our people and communities as we work to make Lear an even better corporate citizen."

Highlights of Lear's ESG Progress:

Renewable Energy Strategy

After announcing its climate change goals in 2020, Lear developed a robust strategy to help the company achieve 100% renewable energy for electric power consumed at its manufacturing plants by 2030. The goal has already been reached in Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom, representing approximately one-half of Lear's electricity use in Europe. To build on this progress, Lear plans to use a combination of methods including partnering with energy utilities to procure renewable energy as well as on-site generation for its remaining global sites.

Green Products

With three Automotive News PACE Award-winning innovations in 2021, Lear is helping electric vehicles charge faster and drive farther. In fact, six out of eight key E-Systems launches in 2022 will include content on new electric vehicles. By 2026, 4 million electric vehicles are expected to rely on Lear's new high-voltage connection systems as the main battery/vehicle interface. Additionally, Lear's sustainable solutions include lightweight seating structures as well as renewable and recycled materials that divert waste from landfills and support a global circular economy.

Product Sustainability

To determine the cradle-to-grave sustainability of its products, Lear initiated life cycle assessments on its seating, leather and wire harness products in 2021. In addition, the company published a new product directive to integrate sustainability into its design process.

Supplier Sustainability

In 2021, a third party evaluated 1,600 of Lear's production supplier locations on environment, responsible sourcing, ethics, human rights and management. Lear expects to complete assessments of approximately 3,000 of its production suppliers by the end of 2022.

Other major highlights from Lear's 2021 Sustainability Report include:

Launching the Together We Grow program to provide meaningful development and proactive career management for future diverse leaders.

Spending $5.1 billion with certified minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned suppliers in the United States in the past decade.

with certified minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned suppliers in in the past decade. Renewing its commitment to the United Nations (UN) Global Compact as a signatory participant and to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Increasing transparency and enhancing reporting with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations, and in accordance with the Core Requirements of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

To download or view Lear's 2021 Sustainability Report, visit lear.com/sustainability.

About Lear Corporation

Lear, a global automotive technology leader in Seating and E-Systems, enables superior in-vehicle experiences for consumers around the world. Lear's diverse team of talented employees in 38 countries is driven by a commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability. Lear is Making every drive better by providing the technology for safer, smarter, and more comfortable journeys. Lear, headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, serves every major automaker in the world and ranks 186 on the Fortune 500. Further information about Lear is available at lear.com or on Twitter @LearCorporation.

SOURCE Lear Corporation
Legends of Learning earns a prestigious award after rigorous peer evaluation.

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Legends of Learning, creator of the nation's leading educational game platform for K-12 students, has earned the 2022 CODiE Award for Best Educational Game by the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), the principal trade association for the software and digital content industries.

"The 2022 EdTech CODiE Award winners exemplify the outstanding products, services and overall innovation that enables learners of all types to connect with educators and educational materials," said SIIA President Jeff Joseph.

Assignments in Legends can include standards-aligned games, assessments and videos.

A SIIA CODiE Award win is widely viewed as a prestigious honor within the education (and business) sectors. Following rigorous reviews by respected educator and administrator judges to determine the finalists, a vote is then conducted by SIIA members. The scores from both rounds are tabulated to select the winners.

"We are honored to receive this award from the very educators and administrators we serve, and to be recognized for our innovative game-based learning platform," Dr. Vadim Polikov, Legends of Learning co-founder and CEO said. "We are always striving to bring fun, engagement, and rigor to the education technology space and are proud that Legends has been recognized for its work addressing the critical challenges facing education today."

Legends of Learning won the Best Educational Game award for its solution-based approach aiding student development and assisting teachers, its overall usefulness, and the high game quality. Evaluated across 12 different performance criteria such as customization, feedback, assessment tools and reporting, Legends of Learning was seen as an innovative leader by the judges. The judges' feedback about the overall platform included:

Legends of Learning is very engaging. It was intuitive in design and allowed teachers to gather data to improve student understanding.

Data and the ability to differentiate within the program to meet student needs is a definite strength.

The judges' feedback about the mini-games mentioned:

Mini-lessons allow the student to feel accomplished and not falling behind classmates as they are challenging and provide small victories along the way.

Legends of Learning is backed by research that shows learners perform their best when engaged. A 2017 study by Vanderbilt University showed that students who participated in a game-based learning (GBL) approach outperformed their control-group peers. Those who played standards-aligned games had improved test scores averaging 1.5 letter grades, were more engaged in learning and absorbed content in nearly half the time. Educators also noted that students in the GBL group wrote in "substantially longer" responses to open-ended questions. Continuously monitoring and updating content to align to the changing needs of students and academic requirements, Legends of Learning is committed to providing a rigorous, challengingyet fun and engaginglearning experience.

About Legends of Learning, Inc.

Legends of Learning is the nation's leading educational game-based learning platform for K-12 students. Utilizing over 2,000 instructional and assessment video games, students not only learn rigorous, curriculum-aligned content through play, they're engaged with their own progress as their subject mastery and love of learning increases. Research-backed, Legends of Learning has shown to improve learning outcomes across all learners, with outsized gains among struggling learners. A 2022 Codie Award winner for Best Educational Game, Legends of Learning is used by nearly ten million teachers and students across the country. Learn more at legendsoflearning.com .

CONTACT:

Pauline Shiu, Legends of Learning

[email protected]

443-917-6093

SOURCE Legends of Learning, Inc.
The team, composed of investigators from across the UK and US, will receive $25M to take on the challenge of cancer cachexia, the debilitating wasting condition responsible for up to 30% of cancer-related deaths.

WASHINGTON , June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- LUNGevity is honored to be the US patient advocacy organization that is part of the new Cancer Grand Challenges team taking on the challenge of cancer cachexia, a wasting syndrome associated with late-stage cancer. The CANCAN (Cancer Cachexia Action Network) team, with investigators from the UK and US, will receive $25M to tackle this critical obstacle in cancer research. The Cancer Cachexia Action Network represents the world's first virtual institute with a mission to solve cancer cachexia.

"We need new approaches to detect cachexia as early as possible to give patients the best possible outcomes," said Amy Moore, PhD, Vice President of Global Engagement and Patient Partnerships at LUNGevity Foundation. "It is an extraordinary honor for LUNGevity to be included as a patient advocacy organization with Cancer Grand Challenges. I am in awe of the team's passion and brilliance, and I see very clearly that their goal is to bring the latest science to bear on what has been an intractable problem, not only for patients with cancer but other diseases too. When scientists work together in this way, patients benefit, and that's what matters most."

The Cancer Grand Challenges CANCAN team, led by Eileen White of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Marcus DaSilva Goncalves of Weill Cornell Medicine, and Tobias Janowitz of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, will tackle the challenge of cancer cachexia. Cachexia is a debilitating wasting condition people often experience in the later stages of their cancer that imparts a poor prognosis and quality of life. Although cachexia is a major clinical problem, very little is known about it, and there are no effective therapies for people who experience it. The team hopes to build a deep understanding of what causes cachexia and develop novel treatments to intervene  which could transform people's quality of life and ultimately survival.

"Cancer is a global issue that needs to be met with global collaboration. This investment in team science encourages diverse thinking to problems like cachexia that have long hindered research progress," said David Scott, PhD, Director of Cancer Grand Challenges, Cancer Research UK. "Cancer Grand Challenges provides the multidisciplinary teams the time, space, and funding to foster innovation and a transformative approach. CANCAN is one of four newly funded teams joining a scientific community addressing unmet clinical needs across cancer research."

About LUNGevity Foundation

LUNGevity Foundation is the nation's leading lung cancer organization focused on improving outcomes for people with lung cancer through research, education, policy initiatives, and support and engagement for patients, survivors, and caregivers. LUNGevity seeks to make an immediate impact on quality of life and survivorship for everyone touched by the diseasewhile promoting health equity by addressing disparities throughout the care continuum. LUNGevity works tirelessly to advance research into early detection and more effective treatments, provide information and educational tools to empower patients and their caregivers, promote impactful public policy initiatives, and amplify the patient voice through research and engagement. The organization provides an active community for patients and survivorsand those who help them live better and longer lives.

Comprehensive resources include a medically vetted and patient-centric website, a toll-free HELPLine for support, the International Lung Cancer Survivorship Conference, and an easy-to-use Clinical Trial Finder, among other tools. All of these programs are to achieve our visiona world where no one dies of lung cancer. LUNGevity Foundation is proud to be a four-star Charity Navigator organization.

About Lung Cancer in the US

About 1 in 17 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime.

More than 236,000 people in the US will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year.

About 60%-65% of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers.

Lung cancer takes more lives in the United States than the next two deadliest cancers (colorectal and pancreatic) combined.

than the next two deadliest cancers (colorectal and pancreatic) combined. Only about 23% of all people diagnosed with lung cancer in the United States will survive 5 years or more, BUT if it is caught before it spreads, the chance of 5-year survival improves dramatically.

Please visit LUNGevity.org to learn more.

About Cancer Grand Challenges

Cancer Grand Challenges is a global funding initiative founded in 2020 by the two largest funders of cancer research in the world: Cancer Research UK and the National Cancer Institute* in the US.

Cancer Grand Challenges supports a global community of diverse, world-class research teams with awards of 20M/$25M to come together, think differently, and take on cancer's toughest challenges. Cancer Grand Challenges teams are empowered to rise above the traditional boundaries of geography and discipline.

Find out more: www.cancergrandchallenges.org.

*The National Cancer Institute is part of the National Institutes of Health.

About Cancer Cachexia

Cancer cachexia, also known as wasting syndrome or anorexia-cachexia, typically occurs in the late stages of the disease. According to the Cancer Cachexia Society, cachexia is a metabolic disorder that causes involuntary weight loss from a combination of factors, including loss of appetite, muscle wasting, decreased body fat, and increased metabolism. Weight loss attributed to cachexia is caused by the depletion of major tissues, such as skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Cancer's effect on immune system cells and inflammation in the body play a key role in cachexia, but additional research is needed to better understand the disease and cure it. Cancer cachexia is estimated to affect 50% of patients with lung cancer.

SOURCE LUNGevity Foundation
A daring, visionary blend of cognac made in celebration by Courvoisier's Sixth Chief Blender Patrice Pinet and Fifth-Generation Chief Blender of the House of Suntory, Shinji Fukuyo

JARNAC, France, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Maison Courvoisier, the Most Awarded Cognac House*, introduces Courvoisier Mizunara to the world, a truly revelatory blend to its range of expertly crafted and celebrated cognac which offers a complex and unique experience that brings together two cultures and traditions united by the artistry of blending.

Courvoisier Mizunara

Made using Grand Champagne, considered to be the most prestigious cru from the Cognac region, Courvoisier Mizunara begins its journey aging in French oak barrels and is then transferred to one of House of Suntory's award-winning Mizunara casks made of superior Japanese Mizunara wood for a second maturation resulting in an exceptionally harmonious and aromatic cognac.

An innovative collaboration of two legendary makers, Courvoisier Mizunara was created in unison between Courvoisier's Sixth Chief Blender Patrice Pinet and Fifth-Generation Chief Blender of the House of Suntory, Shinji Fukuyo. Drawing on their collective expertise, Pinet and Fukuyo discovered commonalities in the process of precise oak selection and aging in both cognac and Japanese whisky to create Courvoisier Mizunara. Through the unique traditions in each of their disciplines, the rare cognac represents a visionary blend that unites craft, culture and people.

"Memorable blends begin in the imaginations of those who dare to dream them. I have always been intrigued by the scarcity and uniqueness of Japanese Mizunara oak and honored by the opportunity to work with the legendary wood and the incredibly talented Shinji Fukuyo of House of Suntory," said Patrice Pinet. "We are living in two different countries with two different cultures, but deeply connected in our values and respect for our artistry. I knew the Mizunara cask was an unconventional choice for Courvoisier and together with Shinji, we saw the potential for the notoriously temperamental wood to enhance the unique characteristics of the exceptional cognac and complement the Maison's signature floral House style."

"It has been an exciting journey working alongside Patrice to discover a new, unique taste profile of Courvoisier using Japanese Mizunara oak," said Shinji Fukuyo. "I have always been fascinated by experimenting with flavors through innovation, and I'm very excited to have taken part in the development of Courvoisier Mizunara and to help create something never before tasted."

Courvoisier Mizunara is a testament to the Maison's commitment and devotion to furthering the craft of cognac while drawing worldly inspiration from the finest Japanese Mizunara oak to complement the House's signature floral style.

An extremely limited release of 500 bottles of Courvoisier Mizunara will be available in select countries for $2000 USD. Each bottle elegantly showcases the golden mahogany tone of the liquid with a legendary Japanese Mizunara oak tree adorned across the front in gold and is numbered to signify the rarity of the exquisite blend. For more information, please visit Courvoisier.com.

About Courvoisier Cognac

Maison Courvoisier was founded by Felix Courvoisier in 1828 in Jarnac, France. Courvoisier is the Most Awarded Cognac House* with a range of expressions that appeal to a variety of cognac preferences and lifestyles, including VS, VSOP, XO, and the ultimate expression of the House, L'Essence de Courvoisier. Based on the joyful, generous, and sophisticated house style and commitment to community and craftsmanship, Courvoisier continues to value its relationships with local artisans and winegrowers to produce its high quality, award-winning cognac portfolio. For more information on Courvoisier, please visit www.courvoisier.com.

*Based on 20 top spirits competitions since 2019.

About Beam Suntory

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company's brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker's Mark bourbon brands and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden, Knob Creek, and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher's, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Courvoisier Cognac, 40% alc./vol. Courvoisier Import Company, Chicago, IL USA, Courvoisier is a trademark of Courvoisier S.A.S. 2022 Courvoisier S.A.S.

https://www.courvoisier.com/us/courvoisier-awards

Please drink responsibly.

SOURCE Courvoisier Cognac
Chicago to become largest innovation hub in the world for the global snacks and treats maker

CHICAGO, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Mars Wrigley broke ground on a new, best-in-class, global research and development hub adjacent to the company's existing Global Innovation Center on Goose Island. Leaders from Mars as well as key Chicago stakeholders, including Michael Fassnacht, CEO, World Business Chicago, and Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., gathered together to commemorate the milestone for the company.

Mars Wrigley Global President Andrew Clarke speaks at the groundbreaking for a new, best-in-class global research and development hub adjacent to the companys existing Global Innovation Center at their Goose Island Campus on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Chicago. (John Konstantaras/AP Images for Mars, Inc.) Mars Wrigley leaders Andrew Clarke, Global President, Chris Rowe, Global Vice President of Research & Development, and members of the Mars Wrigley leadership team are joined by Michael Fassnacht, CEO of World Business Chicago, Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., State Representative Jawaharial Williams, and Margaret Frisbie of Friends of the Chicago River to break ground on a new, best-in-class global research and development hub in Chicago. (John Konstantaras/AP Images for Mars, Inc.)

This multimillion-dollar investment will make Chicago home to the company's largest innovation hub in the world, creating a best-in-class workplace that will position Mars Wrigley to drive category-leading innovations for the company's iconic global snacks and treats brands such as M&M'S, SNICKERS, TWIX, and more. The new facility will incorporate a test kitchen for developing new products, state-of-the-art pilot lines, and an area for breakthrough technology development.

At the event, Chris Rowe, Global Vice President of Research and Development, Mars Wrigley, spoke to a crowd of more than 100 attendees about how the new hub reinforces Mars' continued commitment to Chicago. "Mars has a long history here in Chicago, and we're proud to continue our legacy of innovation in the Chicagoland area by breaking ground on our best-in-class global research and development hub for Mars Wrigley," Rowe said. "As a leader in snacking and treating, we look forward to Chicago being the center of exciting, consumer-driven innovations that span the globe."

"On behalf of Mayor Lightfoot and Chicago's business community, we congratulate Mars on today's groundbreaking of its innovation center," said Michael Fassnacht, President and CEO of World Business Chicago, and Chief Marketing Officer, City of Chicago. "Chicago's food innovation ecosystem is one of the fastest growing in the U.S. with record investments and innovation. We are grateful to Mars for its longstanding commitment to the Chicago community, and excited to see Mars help drive Chicago's resonance for food innovation throughout the world."

"Mars has been a respected part of the Goose Island community for the past 17 years," said Chicago Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr. "I am thrilled to see Mars deepen its commitment to Goose Island with the groundbreaking of this new facility."

The investment will bring about thirty (30) additional jobs to the Mars Wrigley Global Innovation Center, with jobs on the Mars Goose Island campus nearing 1,000. The project is slated to be complete by summer 2023.

Mars In Chicago

Chicago has always, and will continue to play, an important role for Mars and its iconic history as one of the world's best candy makers. The company's operations in the Chicagoland area include an ice cream facility in Burr Ridge, where Mars makes DOVEBAR, M&M'S Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich, and SNICKERS Ice Cream Bar and Yorkville's treats production of LIFE SAVERS and Gen-Z's favorite candy brand SKITTLES. The company also produces a variety of filled bar chocolate, including SNICKERS at its Chicago manufacturing site. At its Goose Island campus, Mars employs about 950 Associates from Mars Wrigley, Mars Food, and Mars Global Services.

In addition to its portfolio of treats, snacks, and food brands, Mars is also the maker of some of the best-loved pet brands including PEDIGREE, ROYAL CANIN, CESAR, and SHEBA and provides high-quality, compassionate pet care through its network of veterinary clinics, and diagnostics labs across Antech, Banfield, BluePearl, and VCA in the U.S. In Chicago, and throughout Illinois, Mars employs more than 2,000 pet care Associates in its veterinary clinics and its pet nutrition manufacturing site in Illinois.

Earlier this year, Mars announced the future community donation of its Chicago manufacturing site. As part of the donation process, Mars is partnering with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Chicago to engage the community, and local leaders, to identify opportunities for future use. Community engagement and conversations are underway and will continue over the next two years before the land is ready for donation sometime in 2024.

"LISC is honored to partner with Mars and support community engagement efforts for this notable land donation," said Meghan Harte, LISC Chicago Executive Director. "We'll leverage our expertise to support Chicago residents, local leaders, and Mars in defining and moving forward a community vision for the site that will deliver clear benefits to residents of Galewood and the city's West Side."

ABOUT MARS, INCORPORATED

For more than a century, Mars, Incorporated has been driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. This idea is at the center of who we have always been as a global, family-owned business. Today, Mars is transforming, innovating, and evolving in ways that affirm our commitment to making a positive impact on the world around us.

Across our diverse and expanding portfolio of confectionery, food, and pet care products and services, we employ 133,000 dedicated Associates who are all moving in the same direction: forward. With $40 billion in annual sales, we produce some of the world's best-loved brands including DOVE, EXTRA, M&M's, MILKY WAY, SNICKERS, TWIX, ORBIT, PEDIGREE, ROYAL CANIN, SKITTLES, BEN'S ORIGINAL, WHISKAS, COCOAVIA, and 5; and take care of half of the world's pets through our pet health services AniCura, Banfield Pet Hospitals, BluePearl, Linnaeus, Pet Partners, and VCA.

We know we can only be truly successful if our partners and the communities in which we operate prosper as well. The Mars Five Principles  Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency, and Freedom  inspire our Associates to take action every day to help create a world tomorrow in which the planet, its people, and pets can thrive.

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Contact: Joelle Hutcheon

Mars Wrigley

201.841.5237

[email protected]

SOURCE Mars Wrigley
Duo Brings 70+ Years of Combined Experience Fighting Healthcare Fraud and Abuse

MIAMI, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- International law firm McDermott Will & Emery is pleased to announce Denise Burke as partner and Lester Perling as senior counsel to our globally recognized Healthcare Practice Group. Denise and Lester bring more than 70 years of combined experience advising healthcare companies on compliance with federal and state fraud and abuse laws including Stark Law, False Claims Act, anti-kickback laws and the variety of regulations governing Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.

"Denise and Lester are two of the most seasoned and reputable regulatory healthcare lawyers in the country," Jerry Sokol, McDermott's Global Head of Healthcare said. "Given McDermott's unique position as the gold standard for healthcare law, any additions to our regulatory practice must satisfy our "best in class" standard. Lester and Denise clearly meet this standard. Adding these two preeminent regulatory powerhouses to our current stable of global regulatory partners makes us even more indispensable to our clients."

"I'm excited to join McDermott's second-to-none healthcare team and look forward to creating resilient compliance solutions and regulatory pathways for clients that will enable them to succeed in an increasingly complex market," Denise said.

Denise has more three decades of experience counseling hospitals, post-acute care providers, physician practice management companies, private equity investors, venture capital funds, medical device manufacturers, and other healthcare clients on a wide range of healthcare regulatory matters. Her in-house experience in hospital, home health, durable medical equipment and physician practice management settings make her a trusted and enthusiastic strategic advisor on both day-to-day and long-term programs that sustain government scrutiny and meet organizational goals. She is certified in healthcare compliance by the Health Care Compliance Association. Prior to joining the Firm, Denise was a partner at Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis.

Lester notes "The depth and breadth of McDermott's healthcare practice offers countless opportunities for my experience to benefit current and prospective clients. I am thrilled to have joined this team."

Lester counsels healthcare providers on a variety of regulatory, compliance, enforcement and reimbursement matters, with particular focus on fraud and abuse compliance and investigations. He leverages decades of health industry experience, including 10 years of experience as a healthcare executive, to develop creative approaches to complex legal concerns. He is board-certified in health law by The Florida Bar and certified in healthcare compliance by the Health Care Compliance Association. Lester joined McDermott from Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP.

McDermott is the nation's leading health law firm and is the only health practice to receive top national rankings from U.S. News  Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms," Chambers USA, The Legal 500 US and Law360. The practice was also recognized by Chambers as "Healthcare Team of the Year" in 2010, 2013, 2017, 2019 and 2022. McDermott has also held the top spot in PitchBook's League Tables as the most active firm for healthcare private equity since 2017.

ABOUT MCDERMOTT

McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effective solutions that propel success. More than 1,200 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.

SOURCE McDermott Will & Emery
PLAINFIELD, Ind., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Third party logistics firm, MD Logistics, a Nippon Express Group Company, headquartered in Plainfield, Indiana, today announced their expansion to Garner, North Carolina with the opening of their first warehouse in the area, sixth total for the Midwest based company.

"We are thrilled to welcome MD Logistics (MDL) to the State of North Carolina." Said Korey Howard, Director of Business Development with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. "As a Japanese-owned third-party logistics company supporting the pharmaceuticals industry, MDL's presence in Garner will be a nexus of critical trends like bolstering a national supply chain that is currently being tested like never before, and contributing to the distribution of life-saving drugs manufactured in our state. North Carolina continues to be a welcoming environment for foreign direct investment from Japan and other countries. We look forward to continuing to assist MDL as they set up and thrive in our state."

MD Logistics is expanding to North Carolina to extend current client partnerships and better serve the greater life sciences and pharmaceutical industry on the east coast. The Research Triangle Park area in North Carolina is the leading and largest high technology research and science park in North America. Founded in 1959, this 7,000-acre namesake for the entire Triangle region is two miles wide and eight miles long.

"We are excited to welcome MD Logistics to the ever-growing business community here in Wake County," said Michael Haley, Executive Director of Wake County Economic Development. "The company's focus on life science supply chain solutions represents the significant diversity of the life science industry that is critical to the continued growth and success of the region."

This expansion comes at a time when demand for compliant warehouse space in the life science and pharmaceutical industry is high and inventory is low.

"The last few years have been unlike anything we have ever experienced in the supply chain industry." says John Sell, President and CEO of MD Logistics. "This expansion allows us to respond to an existing need in the marketplace for cGMP compliant warehouse space in the Life Sciences and Pharmaceutical Industry. We are excited to be expanding the MD Logistics, MD Express and Nippon Express brands to a new market and believe this expansion has us well positioned to continue to not only meet the demands of the industry but also continue to offer our customers the same level of service they have come to expect from us."

MD Logistics East Coast facility will be located in the town of Garner, a southern suburb of Raleigh, NC, a community within the Research Triangle Park region of North Carolina. The town of Garner is home to nearly 32,500 people, and more than 600 life science companies call this region home.

"We're excited that MD Logistics has chosen Garner for its newest facility," Garner Mayor Ken Marshburn said. "Obviously, we offer a great location for any company that provides logistical support to life science and pharmaceutical firms in our region. But we also offer a business-friendly environment and a superior quality of life. I am certain that MD Logistics will be happy that it chose Garner, and I welcome the company to our community. The amount of investment and the creation of new jobs will be a boost to our economy as we continue to diversify and bring new companies to our area."

This facility is 240,000 square feet of cGMP certified, pharmaceutical grade space and will be comprised of both 2-8C and 15-25C storage environments. This investment is anticipated to add approximately 30 jobs to the area by the end of 2023.

About MD Logistics

MD Logistics is a third-party logistics (3PL) company specializing in customized supply chain solutions. Each opportunity represents unique, client-specific challenges that are evaluated utilizing proven strategic methodologies to deliver turnkey solutions. Our vertical markets include Life Sciences and Pharmaceuticals, Retail and Consumer Goods, as well as Transportation Services. MD Logistics LLC was acquired by Nippon Express in 2020 and is a Nippon Express Group Company.

Media Contact:

Emilie Gerbers  [email protected]

SOURCE MD Logistics
PHILADELPHIA , June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Mincey Fitzpatrick Ross, LLC. filed a lawsuit (Docket # 220601480) in the Court of Common Pleas for Philadelphia County on June 16, 2022, against Anna Hadlock, a woman who falsely claimed that the plaintiff, Clifford Skinner, raped her multiple times. These false allegations led to Mr. Skinner being arrested and incarcerated for approximately 700 days while awaiting trial.

All charges were withdrawn against Mr. Skinner in the middle of his criminal trial after Ms. Hadlock was confronted during cross examination with text messages that proved the relationship was consensual. Further, it was shown during the same testimony that Ms. Hadlock provided an incomplete thread of text messages between her and Mr. Skinner to the Philadelphia Police Department.

Mr. Skinner worked as a Program Counselor helping formerly incarcerated individuals find permanent housing at the time he was arrested. Ms. Hadlock, a graduate student working for the program, used the fabricated sexual assault claims to bolster civil claims she later filed against the program and the graduate school that placed her there.

Ms. Hadlock is being sued for Abuse of Process, Invasion of Privacy, Defamation, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, False Arrest and Imprisonment, and Malicious Prosecution.

"This case is about justice. Mr. Skinner lost his livelihood and two years of his life while awaiting trial on false charges based on the false testimony of Anna Hadlock. We will fight hard to see some measure of justice and recovery by Mr. Skinner in this matter."  Thomas Fitzpatrick, Partner, Mincey Fitzpatrick Ross, LLC.

"Mr. Skinner had to live with the prospect of spending the rest of his life in prison while being branded as a rapist due to Ms. Hadlock's deceitful conduct. It is difficult to imagine a more serious injury, than the loss of years of one's life due to wrongful incarceration. Mr. Skinner's incarceration was the result of a cunning plan by the defendant and not accidental ."  Kevin Mincey, Partner, Mincey Fitzpatrick Ross, LLC.

About Mincey Fitzpatrick Ross, LLC.

Mincey Fitzpatrick Ross, LLC is the leading black-owned law firm in Philadelphia. We help our clients win by beginning each engagement focused on achieving justice first. Our team of experienced trial attorneys have the legal acumen and strategic focus which are a hallmark of our practice. Diversity is central to our mission. Learn more at minceyfitzross.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Teresa M. Lundy

TML Communications

E: [email protected]

O: (215) 500-8749

SOURCE Mincey Fitzpatrick Ross, LLC.
Americana Restaurants begins first global deployment of a scaled robotics system in the restaurant industry

PASADENA, Calif., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Miso Robotics  the company transforming the restaurant industry with robotics and intelligent automation  announced a partnership with Americana Restaurants  a leading F&B operator and a master franchisee known for bringing iconic global brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee's, Krispy Kreme, and TGI Friday's to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The collaboration will begin with a piloted test of Flippy 2 at Americana Restaurants' flagship Wimpy location in The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping destinations. Flippy 2, a robotics solution that can independently do the work of an entire fry station, has shown it can optimize operations in quick-service restaurants and is set for further integration and expansion across other Americana Restaurants locations in the months ahead.

With a diverse network of quick- and full-service restaurants across twelve countries, Americana Restaurants recognizes the importance of integrating robotics into its operations to maximize speed of service and ensure consistent quality. Wimpy, which has been a hamburger staple in the MENA region since the 1970s, underwent a complete revamp in 2021. With high-quality smashed burgers, fresh ingredients, and a vibrant range of beverages, Wimpy aims to provide the American fast-food experience to families and customers across the region. The brand currently has 17 active stores across the MENA region and up to 50 additional ones planned.

"Americana Restaurants' partnership with Miso Robotics marks a significant milestone for the company as we continue to strive to address shifting customer behaviors and preferences through state-of-the-art, innovative solutions," said Melvin Michael, Brand Director of Wimpy. "As the first QSR operator in the MENA region to introduce the use of robotics in its kitchens, Americana Restaurants continues to show its commitment to delivering unique dining experiences to customers at their favorite iconic brands."

Launched in 2021, Flippy 2 will provide Wimpy's kitchen with a customizable robotic fry station that will deliver a range of benefits, including a decrease in order-to-delivery time, an increase in food consistency and a better working environment for human team members. As Americana Restaurants' first foray into robotics, Flippy 2 will be showcased to Wimpy's customers in The Dubai Mall's food court, which welcomes over 100 million visitors every year.

"In the past year, we've announced partnerships with some of the largest brands in the U.S., and that momentum has led to us being pulled internationally to introduce our technology on a global scale," said Mike Bell, CEO of Miso Robotics. "Americana Restaurants' push to scale robotics in their operations is a testament to their superb operating capability in the MENA region. This is a true partnership that we see blossoming for many years to come and we wanted to make sure the market was right for future deployment at additional locations. The time is now to take Flippy global, and we have a great partner to do it with."

Miso Robotics is primarily funded by individual investors and is one of the most successful crowdfund stories in history. With nearly 20,000 shareholders, the company has raised more than $50 million in crowdfunding to date and is currently in its Series E round, which kicked off with a market valuation of $500 million.

About Americana Restaurants

Americana Restaurants owns exclusive franchise rights for the management and operation representing some of the world's leading Food & Beverage brands including KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee's, Krispy Kreme, Wimpy, TGI Fridays, etc. in 13 markets across the Middle East, North Africa, and CIS.

About Wimpy

In Bloomington Indiana, back in 1934, Edward Gold created Wimpy Grills. A fast-food joint inspired by the Popeye cartoon character, Wimpy quickly expanded outside the US making a name for itself in the UK, South Africa and the Middle East. Since 1969, Wimpy is serving up delicious burgers to customers in Kuwait and Egypt, introducing the region to good old American fast food. With 16 locations across Egypt and Kuwait, Wimpy is planning its' UAE launch this year.

About Miso Robotics

Miso Robotics is revolutionizing commercial foodservice through intelligent automation solutions that solve some of the largest gaps in back-of-house kitchen operations. Ready to make an immediate financial impact on a restaurant's bottom line, Miso's AI-driven platform incorporates robotics, machine learning, computer vision and data analytics to power and develop its breakthrough products, including: Flippy 2, CookRight and Sippy.

With real industry knowledge and learnings accrued through brand partnerships over its first five years, Miso's products are constantly evolving to drive consistency, increase productivity, reduce costs and improve the overall dining experience. Miso is now accepting new investors for its Series E round. To invest in the future of restaurant automation, visit: https://invest.misorobotics.com .

Americana Press Contact

Sarah Alkandari

[email protected]

Miso Robotics Press Contact

Joey Telucci, Golin

(650) 291-0086

[email protected]

Miso Robotics is offering securities through the use of an Offering Statement that has been qualified by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Tier II of Regulation A. A copy of the Final Offering Circular that forms a part of the Offering Statement may be obtained from: Miso Robotics https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1710670/000110465922012145/tm222587d2_partiiandiii.htm

SOURCE Miso Robotics
NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Modern Aviation announced it has closed the acquisition of the FBO assets and operations at Superior Aviation Company's ("SACjet") three Sacramento, CA FBO operations from Sacramento International Jet Center Incorporated (operating as Capitol Jet Center) at Sacramento International Airport, Mather Jet Center, Inc. (operating as Mather Jet Center) at Mather Airport, and Patterson Aviation Company (operating as Executive Jet Center) at Sacramento Executive Airport.

Modern Aviation's CEO, Mark Carmen, said, "We are excited for Modern Aviation to be expanding its presence on the west coast of the United States. We look forward to building a long-term relationship with the Sacramento County Department of Airports and investing in the growth of the airports and communities they serve."

Carmen continued, "We are thrilled to welcome approximately 65 new team members to the Modern Aviation family. We also extend a warm welcome to all our new customers and look forward to providing them the best service in the industry, consistently and safely."

About Modern Aviation

Modern Aviation is a growing company that is building a national network of premium FBO properties. Modern Aviation's strategy is to acquire and develop FBO operations in growth markets and to focus on providing exceptional service, extraordinary quality, and industry-leading safety. Modern Aviation is backed by the growth-oriented infrastructure private equity fund, Tiger Infrastructure Partners. Modern Aviation is actively engaged in pursuing additional FBO acquisitions and development opportunities in North America and the Caribbean. For more information visit: https://modern-aviation.com.

SOURCE Modern Aviation
NORTH HAVEN, Conn., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- More Than Likes Inc. (MoreThanLikes.org) is a non-profit organization focused on curbing teens' unhealthy reliance on social media. The focus of More Than Likes is to show teens that they are more than "likes" on social media, through impactful acts of community service (from breast cancer awareness/fundraising, toy drives, and anti-bullying campaigns.)

Alex Ranciato, the founder of More Than Likes, believes that "healthy self-esteem and being aware of one's value to family, friends and community does not come from a computer screen." The organization is determined to make a difference in the lives of teens. Alex commented. "Addiction to social media has proven to be as destructive as any other vice (especially to teens)."

Finishing his junior year at North Haven High School, Alex is a high achieving student who experienced bullying and cyberbullying while at a private school in New Haven, Connecticut. The mishandling of Alex's bullying complaint inspired him to do something to educate his peers about the negative effects of bullying. He aims to show teenagers that they are more than just a "like" and that engaging in one's community by helping others is far more rewarding than being glued to electronic devices.

The More Than Likes board is composed of other teenagers who engage in meaningful community service projects. These individuals include: Mya Xeller, Jonathan Chin, Lucas DeLencastre, Lucas (Luke) Celentano, and Peter Harkins.

Xeller is currently Connecticut Royal International Miss Teen. She is a role model in her community and uses her platform to make a difference and inspire others to do the same. Chin is a High Honors student and the Class of '23 Vice President at North Haven High School. DeLencastre is a High Honors student, as well as a triathlete. Celentano is an Honors student actively engaged in student government who was recently selected to be a member of Democracy Summer with Congresswoman Rosa Delauro. Harkins is President of the North Haven High School Class of '23 and is on the Varsity Track and Fencing teams.

Alex's father, John Ranciato, remarked, "I am very proud of Alex and his board of directors. Cyber-bullying has become much more prevalent since the Covid Pandemic, likely as a result of teenagers being isolated and tethered to their devices. My son was targeted partly as a result of his support for law enforcement and for what his peers deemed to be conservative viewpoints. Teenagers today need to know how to converse with one another and respect different viewpoints without resorting to bullying behavior."

For more information on More Than Likes, please visit HOME

Media contact:

Mark Goldman

[email protected]

516-639-0988

SOURCE More Than Likes Inc.
Chicago Heights, Ill. Manufacturer of fixtures, furniture, and graphics named to list of fastest-growing companies in Chicago and surrounding areas.

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Morgan Li, a custom fabricator of fixtures, furniture, and graphics for retail and hospitality brands, has today announced its inclusion to the Crain's Chicago Fast 50. Based on independent financial review, Morgan Li was found to be one of Chicagoland's fastest growing companies. This is the company's fourth appearance on the Fast 50 in the past five years.

To qualify, a candidate must meet requirements set by Crain's Chicago Business and accounting firm Plante Moran. Nearly 150 companies applied for consideration in 2022, the most in at the past decade according to Crain's Chicago Researcher Sophie Rodgers.

"After the challenges that we and many others faced in 2020, it's an honor to rejoin the ranks of Chicagoland's fastest-growing organizations," said Jonathan Rosenband, President of Morgan Li. "As one of the 50 finalists and one of the only manufacturers on the list, it's a testament to the amazing work being done to serve our partners."

The recognition from Crain's Chicago Business comes on the heels of Morgan Li's recently completed purchase of a 230,000 square foot facility minutes from the company headquarters. Paired with a redesigned MorganLi.com and the launch of the company's MORE THAN MADE branding, the company continues to invest in people, processes and equipment needed to serve its diverse base of customers.

"It's been a wild ride, and we have a whole lot of exciting things planned," said Andy Rosenband, CEO at Morgan Li. "We're thrilled to find ourselves on this list for the fourth time. And with the worlds of retail and hospitality set to evolve in the post-pandemic world, we're ready to take on our clients' boldest plans."

For more information on Morgan Li, click here.

About Morgan Li

Headquartered in Chicago Heights, Illinois, Morgan Li combines 600,000 square feet of domestic production space with 3.2 million more globally to combine wood, metal and more into unforgettable retail and hospitality experiences. Fixtures, furniture, and graphics, Morgan Li has the skill and scale to match specifications and smash expectations.

To learn more about Morgan Li, head to www.morganli.com or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Contact: Steven David Kluber

[email protected]

630.809.2368

Morganli.com

SOURCE Morgan Li
"It's difficult to overstate Rich's impact on our company," said Rene Jones, chairman and CEO of M&T. "It has been his life's work to instill and perpetuate a culture that we all take pride inone that allows us to operate with a sense of purpose and feel as though we are a part of something larger. That focus on culture, coupled with a keen ability to identify and cultivate leaders, has ensured that we have an outstanding talent base to carry our purpose forward and continue to make a difference in people's lives."

After joining the bank in 1989, Gold held management positions in retail banking, business banking, mortgage, consumer lending and marketing. In 2014, he was named vice chairman and took on the role of chief risk officer. In 2017, he was named president and chief operating officerthe culmination of a career spanning five decades during which the bank experienced exponential growth, expanding its footprint to include 12 states and the District of Columbia.

Before joining M&T, Gold held positions in cash management and operations at Bankers Trust Company, and marketing and product development at Citibank. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations and a Master of Business Administration from New York University Stern School of Business.

Gold has long been committed to supporting both the Western New York community and the broader banking industry. He currently holds positions on the boards of directors of the Westminster Foundation, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership and the Consumer Bankers Association, and has previously served on the boards of the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, Shea's Performing Arts Center and Buffalo Seminary. He also serves on the Dean's Advisory Council at the University at Buffalo School of Management, where he is an adjunct professor, teaching organizational behavior management.

About M&T

M&T Bank Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Buffalo, New York. M&T's principal banking subsidiary, M&T Bank, provides banking products and services in 12 states across the northeastern U.S. from Maine to Virginia and Washington, D.C. Trust-related services are provided in select markets in the U.S. and abroad by M&T's Wilmington Trust-affiliated companies and by M&T Bank. For more information on M&T Bank, visit www.mtb.com.

Media Contact:

Maya Dillon

(646) 735-1958

[email protected]

SOURCE M&T Bank Corporation
JERSEY CITY, N.J., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of a market assessment report on the "Global Neoantigen Peptides Manufacturing Market by Scale of operations (Research/Preclinical, Clinical, Commercial), by End-Users (Pharmaceutical/Vaccine developers companies, Contract Research Organizations (CRO), Academic and Research Institutes) - Trends, Industry Competition Analysis, Revenue and Forecast To 2030."

According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the global Neoantigen Peptides Manufacturing market is expected to grow with CAGR of 16.4% during the forecast period of 2022-2030.

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Neoantigen peptides are derived from the somatic mutation of a specific tumour. These peptides are used to activate the immune system of a cancer cell. In manufacturing neoantigen-based vaccines, personalized neoantigen peptides are synthesized, which helps induce the T-cell population. T-Cell Receptors(TCRs) recognize the HLA molecule on which neoantigen peptides are bound during the synthesis. Neoantigens are a recognized model of cancer vaccine delivery, and other types of immunotherapy are being studied to treat many types of cancer.

Advancements in neoantigen production algorithms will consistently produce peptides for cancer research and drug development. Significant market factors of the Neoantigen peptide manufacturing are an increased number of favourable clinical trials, a rise in cancer and chronic disease cases, and the need for sustainable treatments for such diseases. In addition, biotechnology research advancements will enhance the study of personalized neoantigen peptides. External funding for cancer medicines' research and development also pushes the market upward.

However, the market will be limited by the higher costs of designing and developing personalized cancer therapeutics and delayed clinical trials due to COVID-19's impact. Reduced process time and cost, treatment gaps, partnerships and collaboration between various healthcare stakeholders, and data analytics are expected to create growth opportunities for the neoantigen production market. Compared to Asia and Europe, North America dominates the market, leading to rapid research and development, rising cancer incidence and a growing need for improved treatment procedures.

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Major key players operating in the neoantigen peptide manufacturing market are CPC Scientific Inc, Polypeptide group, Genscript Biotech, Kaneka Eurogentec S.A., Vivitide, Almac, BCN Peptides, Creative Peptides, Pepscan, Provepharm, Creosalus, Gyros Protein Technologies, Other Prominent Players.

Key Developments In The Market:

In Mar 2022 , Pepscan announced that its specialists would manufacture the personalized peptide pools to treat cancer patients in Evaxion's phase IIb trial. Evaxion Biotech, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, recently published the initial results of the peptide-based personalized therapy EVX-01 in patients with metastatic melanoma. Pepscan had provided the personalized peptide pools for its phase I/IIa trial.

Pepscan announced that its specialists would manufacture the personalized peptide pools to treat cancer patients in Evaxion's phase IIb trial. Evaxion Biotech, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, recently published the initial results of the peptide-based personalized therapy EVX-01 in patients with metastatic melanoma. Pepscan had provided the personalized peptide pools for its phase I/IIa trial. In January 2021 , Genocea announced a cancer discovery publication. The advantages of neoantigen identification using the ATLAS platform and this discovery strengthens neoantigen immunotherapies by theoretically certifying that they target the correct neoantigens while removing Inhibigens.

Genocea announced a cancer discovery publication. The advantages of neoantigen identification using the ATLAS platform and this discovery strengthens neoantigen immunotherapies by theoretically certifying that they target the correct neoantigens while removing Inhibigens. In Apr 2020 , GenScript company announced the commercial launch of its neoantigen peptide synthesis service for personalized cancer therapeutics. GenScript partnered with several T-cell therapy and personalized cancer vaccine companies to develop the infrastructure for reliably manufacturing complex peptides for its neoantigen peptide synthesis platform.

GenScript company announced the commercial launch of its neoantigen peptide synthesis service for personalized cancer therapeutics. GenScript partnered with several T-cell therapy and personalized cancer vaccine companies to develop the infrastructure for reliably manufacturing complex peptides for its neoantigen peptide synthesis platform. In Feb 2019 , CPC Scientific Inc., a leading global CDMO specializing in synthetic peptide manufacturing, announced today that they would manufacture GMP-grade neoantigen peptides for investigators at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center (LCCC) for individualized immunotherapy. CPC Scientific will supply GMP-grade neoantigen peptides, the sequences of which will be determined via genomics and bioinformatics, for use in the LCCC therapeutic neoantigen vaccine program.

CPC Scientific Inc., a leading global CDMO specializing in synthetic peptide manufacturing, announced today that they would manufacture GMP-grade neoantigen peptides for investigators at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center (LCCC) for individualized immunotherapy. CPC Scientific will supply GMP-grade neoantigen peptides, the sequences of which will be determined via genomics and bioinformatics, for use in the LCCC therapeutic neoantigen vaccine program. In Jan 2019 , Almac group (CDMO)added a second stream for high output GMP peptide manufacture to its facility in Edinburgh, Scotland . The site manufactures Neoantigen-derived peptides to produce its personalized cancer vaccines.

Market Segments

Global Neoantigen Peptides Manufacturing Market, by Scale of operations, 2020-2030 (Value US$ Mn)

Research/Preclinical

Clinical

Commercial

Global Neoantigen Peptides Manufacturing Market, by End-users 2020-2030 (Value US$ Mn)

Pharmaceutical/Vaccine developers companies

Contract Research Organizations (CRO)

Academic and research institutes

Global Neoantigen Peptides Manufacturing Market, by Region, 2020-2030 (Value US$ Mn)

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa

North America Neoantigen Peptides Manufacturing Market, by Country, 2020-2030 (Value US$ Mn)

U.S.

Canada

Europe Neoantigen Peptides Manufacturing Market, by Country, 2020-2030 (Value US$ Mn)

Germany

France

Italy

Spain

Russia

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific Neoantigen Peptides Manufacturing Market, by Country, 2020-2030 (Value US$ Mn)

India

China

Japan

South Korea

Australia & New Zealand

Latin America Neoantigen Peptides Manufacturing Market, by Country, 2020-2030 (Value US$ Mn)

Brazil

Mexico

Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa Neoantigen Peptides Manufacturing Market, by Country, 2020-2030 (Value US$ Mn)

GCC Countries

South Africa

Rest of Middle East & Africa

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Other Related Reports Published by InsightAce Analytic:

Global Peptide CDMO (Pharmaceutical) Market

Global Neoantigen Cancer Vaccine Market

Global Protein Design and Engineering Market

Global Next-Generation Biomanufacturing Market

Global Biopharmaceutical Excipient Manufacturing Market

Global mRNA Synthesis and Manufacturing Services Market

Why should buy this report:

To receive a comprehensive analysis of the prospects for the global Neoantigen Peptides Manufacturing market

To receive an industry overview and future trends of the Neoantigen Peptides Manufacturing market

To analyze the Neoantigen Peptides Manufacturing market drivers and challenges

To get information on the Neoantigen Peptides Manufacturing market size (Value US$ Mn) forecast to 2030

Significant investments, mergers & acquisitions in the Neoantigen Peptides Manufacturing market industry

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InsightAce Analytic is a market research and consulting firm that enables clients to make strategic decisions. Our qualitative and quantitative market intelligence solutions inform the need for market and competitive intelligence to expand businesses. We help clients gain a competitive advantage by identifying untapped markets, exploring new and competing technologies, segmenting potential markets, and repositioning products. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with an in-depth analysis with key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner.

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SOURCE InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd.
Rise in advancements in remote sensing technologies, increase in demand for remote sensing data in defense, and growth in adoption of remote sensing technology for environmental risk management drive the North America remote sensing services market.

PORTLAND, Ore., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, 'North America Remote Sensing Services Market by Platform (Satellite, UAVs, Manned Aircraft, and Ground), Resolution (Spatial, Spectral, Radiometric, and Temporal), End User (Defense and Commercial): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2031.' According to the report, the North America remote sensing services industry was estimated at $8.24 billion in 2021, and is anticipated to hit $35.34 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 16.0% from 2022 to 2031.

Drivers, restraints, and opportunities

Rise in advancements in remote sensing technologies, increase in demand for remote sensing data in defense, and growth in adoption of remote sensing technology for environmental risk management drive the North America remote sensing services market. On the other hand, several regulatory issues, lack of comprehensive government policies, and higher initial investments restrain the growth to some extent. However, emergence of technologies such as cloud computing, big data analytics, and Internet of Things (IoT) and surge in investments in satellite communication and ISR payloads are expected to create lucrative opportunities in the industry.

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Covid-19 scenario

The outbreak of the pandemic impacted the North America remote sensing services market positively, due to rise in adoption of remote sensing services by public health agencies, administrators, and policy make

remote sensing services market positively, due to rise in adoption of remote sensing services by public health agencies, administrators, and policy make Use of remote sensing services was also helpful in terms of understanding the outbreak patterns in real-time.

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The ground segment to lead the trail

Based on platform, the ground segment accounted for more than two-fifths of the North America remote sensing services market share in 2021, and is expected to rule the roost by 2031, owing to the fact that the ground-based remote sensing techniques are cheaper and less labor intensive than alternative options of excavation. The UAVs segment, however, is projected to register the fastest CAGR of 18.2% throughout the forecast period. Various governments including the government of the U.S. are making policies to push tribal communities into mainstream public for their social and economic growth. This factor drives the segment growth.

The defense segment to retain its dominance by 2031

Based on end user, the defense segment contributed to nearly three-fifths of the North America remote sensing services industry revenue in 2021, and is anticipated to dominate throughout the forecast period. This is due to decrease in cost of high-quality space-based remote sensing products and services with numerous opportunities for country or defense organizations to access space and remote sensing abilities. The commercial segment, on the other hand, would cite the fastest CAGR of 16.8% by 2031. This is because top enterprises are investing in commercial remote sensing technology.

The U.S. held the major share in 2021

Based on geography, the U.S. garnered the major share in 2021, generating 91% of the North America remote sensing services market. This is attributed to the fact that the remote sensing space industry can augment and potentially replace some existing U.S. government capabilities and can contribute to the U.S. military, intelligence, foreign policy, homeland security, and civil objectives, as well as U.S. economic competitiveness. The region across Canada, simultaneously, would manifest the fastest CAGR of 17.6% from 2022 to 2031. Remote sensing services play a vital role in development of natural resources in Canada for their discovery, regulation, production, development, and remediation, which drives growth of the market.

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Key players in the industry

Boeing Inc.

Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Radware Ltd.

Satellite Imaging Corporation

The SANBORN MAP

SPECTIR

Barracuda Network, Inc.

MAXAR

The Airborne Sensing Corporation

Terra Remote Sensing

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The extended partnership includes access to Dedalus's robust data-mining technology to facilitate the ingestion, harmonization, and analysis of patient data

NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ObvioHealth, a global virtual research organization (VRO), extends its strategic alliance with Dedalus Group ("Dedalus"), the leading healthcare and diagnostic software solutions provider in Europe, to include global licensing of Dedalus's technology.

The two companies first partnered in 2021 to allow ObvioHealth to evaluate anonymized analytics of Dedalus's healthcare records. This new agreement grants ObvioHealth use of Dedalus's data mining and analytics tools for their own research as well as that of its partners and sponsors. This technology will enable access to analytics of ObvioHealth's own multi-source healthcare data to inform better clinical trial design and recruitment as well as longitudinal disease and treatment trends.

Partner sites and their providers will also be able to propose clinical trials to their patients, a key area of opportunity given a recent WRG Market Analysis indicating that only 3% of physicians and 5% of patients currently participate in clinical trials. The data will also help train AI-enabled digital and diagnostic instruments to provide deeper analysis of certain disease states.

"We are pleased to provide ObvioHealth with a platform that can harmonize a seamless flow of multi-source data from disparate healthcare applications into a standard compliant and secure ecosystem," said Koenraad Batselier, Vice President for Life Sciences at Dedalus Group. "By linking data sets semantically and normalizing them to an industry standard, we are opening up a whole new marketproviding data infrastructure for clinical research in a way that was not previously possible."

ObvioHealth's digital research ecosystem includes digital devices and instruments, used primarily for the purpose of conducting decentralized clinical trials. This agreement with Dedalus will strengthen ObvioHealth's capabilities in the identification and analysis of disease, comorbidity and treatment patterns that can assist providers with decisions in a real clinical workflow.

"The power of this ecosystem goes beyond clinical trials," said Ivan Jarry, CEO of ObvioHealth. "With the ability to aggregate complex data sets we unlock a wealth of possibilities from identifying disease correlations and trends to uncovering new indications for treatment."

For more information, visit www.obviohealth.com .

About ObvioHealth

ObvioHealth is an end-to-end Virtual Research Organization (VRO) that delivers better data to sponsors and an easier clinical trial experience for participants. The company developed and launched one of the first patient-centric apps downloadable on smartphones, enabling people to participate in clinical trials from the comfort of their homes. In the 5 years since launch, the company has been awarded 46 studies from 28 blue chip clients, implemented in 28 countries, across 18 different therapeutic areas.

ABOUT DEDALUS

Dedalus Group is the leading healthcare and diagnostic software provider in Europe, supporting the digital transformation of 6300 Healthcare Organisations and 5700 Labs and Diagnostic centres worldwide, processing its solutions for more than 540 millions of population worldwide. Dedalus offer supports the whole continuum of care, offering open standards-based solutions serving each actor of the Healthcare Ecosystem to provide better care in a healthier planet. Life Flows through our software.

For more information, visit www.dedalus.com

SOURCE ObvioHealth
Mary Ehrsam, Gettysburg College Class of '90, received the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest and most prestigious award given by the institution for professional and civic achievement.

ATLANTA , June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mary Hagerty Ehrsam, President of Partnerships at Operation HOPE, received the Gettysburg College Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest and most prestigious award given by the college for professional and civic achievement. Ehrsam is a graduate of Gettysburg College's class of 1990. She was presented the award by the President of Gettysburg, Bob Luliano during a private ceremony.

Gettysburg College is a highly selective four-year private college of liberal arts and sciences located in Pennsylvania. Ehrsam received a degree in economics and political science and graduated with honors. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Art & Soul, and the Alumni Board of Directors of Gettysburg College.

Ehrsam has been an innovative leader and worked with Operation HOPE, the nation's leading financial literacy non-profit, for over two decades. As President of HOPE Partnerships, she drives the cultivation of revenue streams and avenues for growth and sustainability while furthering the organization's overall mission. Operation HOPE's goal is to make free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved  disrupting poverty for millions of low and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation.

"I am deeply honored to receive this award and be a part of an organization, like Operation HOPE, that is constantly raising the bar on what it means to serve communities in need," Ehrsam said. "As a student at Gettysburg, I learned the value of civic engagement as a powerful tool to help others cultivate positive change in a bold and unapologetic way. This is truly a full-circle moment."

Ehrsam developed and executed the launch of the HOPE youth programs, expanded the HOPE Inside model nationwide, and led its global expansion in South Africa and the Middle East. Working with the Global Dignity co-founders, Ehrsam developed the "Course in Dignity" curriculum that was delivered in partnership with the World Economic Forum of Young Global Leaders in 100 countries on four continents. She currently serves as the co-lead of the Financial Literacy for All (FL4A) initiative.

Ehrsam has been instrumental in the growth of Operation HOPE's offerings, working to drive annual revenue to $50M, and expand its reach to more than 300 cities on three continents while serving more than 2.8 million individuals. Notably, her efforts have also directed $3.5 billion in private investment into low-wealth communities through national programming and outreach.

"Mary has been with me almost since the founding of Operation HOPE and remains one of my go-to leaders for strategic initiatives and partnership growth. We proudly celebrate her Distinguished Alumni Award and applaud her contributions to Operation HOPE's progressive culture," said John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE. "Mary's confidence, competence, and consistency have been instrumental to stewarding our mission of empowering underserved communities through financial literacy. This honor is well-deserved indeed."

In addition to her role at Operation HOPE, Ehrsam serves as the Vice President of the Gettysburg Executive Board and Chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Committee. She is an Advisor for the Save The Arts Foundation, a member of the Advisory Board of the BXS Community Fund, LLC, Fifth Third Bank's National Community Advisory Forum, and is a member of the ODE National Economics Society.

About Operation HOPE, Inc..

Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to "silver rights," with the mission of making free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserveddisrupting poverty for millions of low and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Operation HOPE has received seven consecutive 4-star charity ratings for fiscal management and commitment to transparency and accountability by the prestigious non-profit evaluator, Charity Navigator. For more information visit OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Media Contacts:

Lalohni Campbell, Operation HOPE

404-593-7145

[email protected]

SOURCE Operation HOPE, Inc.
HELSINKI, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Outokumpu has successfully completed the first phase of the strategy with a strong focus on de-risking the company and strengthening the balance sheet. The first phase of the three-phase strategy was focused on three key priorities: Commercial Excellence, Cost and Capital Discipline and Lean and Agile Organization. The company has made significant progress in all areas and strategy execution has proceeded ahead of plans. Outokumpu has already achieved both its financial targets, EUR 250 million EBITDA run-rate improvement and net debt to EBITDA ratio to below 3.0. Strong performance and diligent strategy execution in the first phase provide a solid foundation for the second phase until 2025.

Says CEO Heikki Malinen: "I am very proud that we have made such strong progress with our strategy execution in the first phase and succeeded in de-risking the company. As a result, Outokumpu's resilience has improved significantly, which provides a strong foundation going forward in all market conditions. In the second phase the focus is to strengthen the core. We will continue our strong emphasis on sustainability to further improve Outokumpu's position as the sustainability leader in the stainless steel sector. We are targeting a significant CO 2 emission reduction, and there will be a strong focus on sustainable sourcing as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion, to name some of the focus areas. In the second phase, we will also make targeted investments on productivity and sustainability and focus on customer-focused steering."

Key strategic priorities, business area targets and related changes in the leadership team in the second phase of strategy

While in the first phase of the strategy the aim was to de-risk the company, the second phase will be about strengthening the core. The second phase will focus on three key priorities: sustainability, growth from productivity and customer-focused steering. As part of the company's ambitious sustainability journey, Outokumpu aims to reduce its CO 2 emissions by 14% by the end of 2025 compared to the 2021 level, in line with its SBTi 1.5- degree climate target. Also, capital discipline and strong shareholder returns will be at the core of the company's long-term strategy going forwards.

For the second phase of the strategy, Outokumpu has launched two customer differentiated strategies for business area Europe. The company aims to strengthen cost leadership in high-volume stainless steel products and a global market leadership in advanced products. Business area Europe will strengthen its position as the customer's first choice in sustainable stainless steel, while in business area Americas the focus will be on sustaining the high profitability levels. At the core of business area Ferrochrome's strategy is carbon neutrality.

President and CEO Heikki Malinen continues to lead the business area Europe. To ensure the execution of the differentiated strategies in Europe, Outokumpu appoints Niklas Wass as President  business line, Stainless Europe to lead high-volume stainless steel products and Thomas Anstots as President  business line, Advanced Materials to lead advanced products. Otherwise, the responsibilities in the Outokumpu leadership team remain unchanged.

Updated financial targets for the second phase

Outokumpu has updated its financial targets for the second phase of the strategy to reflect capital allocation priorities. The focus will be increasingly on strong shareholder returns:

Net debt to EBITDA <1.0 in normal market conditions

EBITDA run-rate improvement of EUR 200 million

EUR 600 million of capital expenditure for the coming three years

of capital expenditure for the coming three years Stable and growing dividend

Says CEO Heikki Malinen: "We have been putting a lot of effort into our strategy work throughout the organization. The hard work has paid off and now we have a firm and sustainable strategic plan in place to take this company forward following the successful first phase of de-risking. Outokumpu's leadership team is fully committed to the strategy, and I am extremely proud to talk about our updated objectives for the second phase. We have a strong performance culture, and this really is a company of great people  I am fully convinced that our talented and hard-working teams will continue to deliver good value to our customers and strong results to our shareholders going forward."

Outokumpu will arrange a Capital Markets Day 2022 webcast and conference call today, June 16, 2022, at 10.00 am EEST (8.00 am CEST).

To join our Capital Markets Day, please follow the live webcast at https://outokumpu.videosync.fi/cmd-2022

To dial in for the conference call, please use the following numbers:

Finland: +358 9 8171 0310

United Kingdom: +44 33 3300 0804

United States: +1 631 9131 422

PIN: 65425230#

For more information:

Investors: Linda Hakkila, Head of Investor Relations, tel. +358 40 071 9669

Media: Paivi Allenius, VP, Communications, tel. +358 40 753 7374

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/outokumpu-oyj/r/outokumpu-concludes-the-first-phase-of-the-strategy-ahead-of-time---announces-the-second-phase--rela,c3586342

SOURCE Outokumpu Oyj
CINCINNATI and BERLIN, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pre-seed round tech startup Anomaly Science announced its patent-pending business proposal for "Particles" - a method for the management and fiscal sponsorship of open-source projects, Web3 initiatives, decentralized projects, and tokenization of intellectual property rights through the creation and utilization of smart contracts and blockchain technologies.

Jacob Haap, CEO of Anomaly Science, presenting at Demo Day, Draper University, 2021

"Anomaly Science is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio," explained 19-year-old CEO Jacob Haap, "But I knew we needed to be ready to do business in multiple countries. That's why I moved to the European Union."

Haap's vision is to lower the entry-level to computer programming, and potentially other types of business, for people who have ideas but no corporate structure for support.

"(Jacob Haap) is going to make it so that everybody, anybody, can create any kind of breakthrough software with a variety of different programmers who are all going to work independently, and together, at the same time," said American venture capitalist Tim Draper. "And it's going to be really awesome because all of those programmers (won't) have to deal with the SEC and all that other stuff because they are all under one corporate roof, but they can operate as entrepreneurs. They can have ownership in what they do. I think if you're a programmer, you should talk to Jacob."

Haap is a 2021 graduate of Draper's Hero Training program through Draper University, one of the top pre-accelerator programs in the world.

"I didn't know what to expect when I enrolled for Draper's Hero program," says Haap. This year's cohort featured over 80 entrepreneurs from an original applicant pool of over 2,000. The average age of the participants was 29. "As someone who just graduated from high school, I originally felt different from people who had been actively working in the business for years. But very quickly, I realized I was onto an idea with real potential."

During an event called Demo Day, over 80 entrepreneurs gathered in San Mateo, California to give pitches to an audience of investors. A panel of judges ranked Haap's presentation third place, adding even more traction to his startup. Since then, Haap took his initial investment, continued to develop his business plan, and built proof-of-concept interfaces for linking crypto wallets with his hybrid source-code repository. "We are ready to take the next step with an investor who sees the amazing potential in the model we have built around Particles," explained Haap.

"Particles open a new door," continued Haap, "enabling greater collaboration and sharing of work, creating knowledge pools and hybrid-source codebases, and a means to do business in our growingly decentralized world that can function across international borders nearly seamlessly."

Anomaly Science is currently trying to start seed round funding with a goal of 500k. This is an opportunity for investors to become part of a transformational approach to doing business.

About Anomaly Science

Anomaly Science is a company building the bridge to Web3, making it easier for decentralized projects to take flight, lowering the level of entry to software development, and giving power back to software developers.

To learn more about Anomaly Science, you can reach us via email: [email protected] or visit our

website anomsci.com to join the waitlist.

Media Contact

Jacob Haap

[email protected]

+49 175 2954140

SOURCE Anomaly Science
LONDON , June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Paul Hastings LLP, a global law firm advising leading financial institutions, asset managers and corporations, announced today that private equity and M&A specialist Tom Cartwright has joined the firm as a partner based in London. He joins from Morgan Lewis and adds firepower to the Firm's fast-growing London office, which has increased revenue by 41% over the last year on the back of strong demand in its Private Equity, Finance, Structured Credit and Securities & Capital Markets practices.

"Tom is an incredibly talented lawyer, with the intellectual capital and reputation that align with our forward-looking culture and brand in London," said Seth Zachary, chairman of Paul Hastings.

"The firm's deep bench and global platform across many practice areas have enabled us to attract the finest talent while delivering superior service to our clients," said Arun Birla, chair of Paul Hastings' London office. "With continued investment in areas of strength including M&A, Private Equity and finance we are poised for continued growth, and we are thrilled to welcome Tom to Paul Hastings."

Cartwright's areas of focus include advising private equity sponsors, sovereign wealth funds, and family offices on private equity investments and M&A transactions. He represents a number of private equity-backed companies and other corporations in the U.K. and internationally.

"Paul Hastings stands out in the market for cross-border transactions and stellar client relationships" said Tom Cartwright. "I am excited to serve clients as part of this elite firm with a global private equity platform and an entrepreneurial spirit that has driven such great results in London."

Paul Hastings' growing global Private Equity and M&A practices represent PE funds including Francisco Partners, Symphony Technology Group, H.I.G Capital, Abry Partners, Oakley Capital, Insight Partners, Providence Equity Partners, and Astorg in London, Paris, Frankfurt, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Hong Kong. The practices have experienced multiple years of growth, advising on more than 500 deals over the past two years, with a value of more than $170 bn. In 2021, the practice advised on numerous billion dollar deals, including Francisco Partners' $4 billion acquisition of Boomi, as well as its $1.45 billion acquisition of the International business segment of CDK Global, Madison Industries' $3.63 billion acquisition of Nortek Air, and Astorg's sale of AutoForm.

The firm has been a magnet for top talent, including an elite 18-partner financial restructuring team led by Kris Hansen and Jayme Goldstein in New York and Los Angeles in April 2022, and a premier team specializing in Projects, Project Finance, and Energy Transition and Infrastructure in May 2022. In London, the firm added lateral partners Max Kirchner, Ted Craig, Adrian Chiodo, Alex Leitch, Jonathan Pickworth, Joanna Dimmock, and Rebecca Copcutt in 2021.

About Paul Hastings

Dedicated to providing intellectual capital and superior execution to the world's leading Wall Street and global investment banks, asset managers and corporations achieve their business and legal goals, Paul Hastings is a premier global finance law firm with elite teams in finance, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and litigation. We are one of only a handful of law firms ranked across multiple core finance areas including: structured credit, leveraged finance, private credit, capital markets, and real estate finance.

Paul Hastings is ranked as one of the top firms in the world in The American Lawyer's "Premier League" for momentum, profit and prestige amongst firms in the 2022 American Lawyer 100.

SOURCE Paul Hastings LLP
"These are rapidly-growing markets where pet parents are looking for an experienced, pet-dedicated partner like Petco to help them care for the health and wellness of their animals," said Petco CEO, Ron Coughlin . "This is an exciting opportunity for us to serve more pets by dramatically expanding local access to healthy pet products and services."

Petco's new Neighborhood Farm & Pet Supply pet care centers feature brand-new, stand-alone retail locations strategically and conveniently situated at the heart of small-town and rural communities. Featuring the pet-focused support, and curated assortment of high-quality products and pet care services Petco is known for, while leveraging the strength of the company's omnichannel ecosystem, the Neighborhood Farm & Pet Supply pet care centers will serve as one-stop shops for health and wellness solutions for pets and farm animals such as horses, cows, pigs, sheep, goats and more.

With 14% of the U.S. population living in rural areas and that number rapidly growing, there is an estimated $7 billion total addressable market in small-town and rural locations*, providing Petco with an opportunity to capture significant incremental market share and share of wallet gains. According to the Economic Innovation Group and federal statistics, more than two-thirds of large urban counties saw their populations decline in 2021  an exceptionally high share by historical standards. Additionally, for the first time in 50 years, counties with an urban center and more than 250,000 people experienced negative growth as a category. Exurban counties saw the biggest increase in population growth across the board, with about 80% gaining new residents.

The launch of the test concept is expected to inaugurate a handful of Neighborhood Farm & Pet Supply pet care centers in 2022, and bring Petco's curated assortment of products and services more quickly and at a lower cost than national and regional players, thanks to differentiated digital fulfilment offerings. To satisfy high customer interest in a specialty retailer with farm and companion animal food and supplies, Petco's full suite of offerings will include:

High-quality nutrition

Curated farm and feed assortment

Live companion animals

Mobile vaccination and grooming services

Self-wash stations

Same-day delivery

Buy online, pick up in store

Curbside pickup

Tailored to pets and farm animals of all shapes and sizes, the pet care centers will also serve as places for safe community gathering and connection. Each location will offer local events and an in-store community board to support safe, pet-friendly interaction amongst neighbors. In partnership with Petco Love (formerly Petco Foundation), the neighborhood farm and pet supply locations will offer adoption services and other health and wellness programs to further support local pets.

*Source: Synergos Technologies, Inc. Popstats demographics, Q4 2021.

About Petco, The Health + Wellness Co.:

Founded in 1965, Petco is a category-defining health and wellness company focused on improving the lives of pets, pet parents and our own Petco partners. We've consistently set new standards in pet care while delivering comprehensive pet wellness products, services and solutions, and creating communities that deepen the pet-pet parent bond. We operate more than 1,500 pet care centers across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico, which offer merchandise, companion animals, grooming, training and a growing network of on-site veterinary hospitals and mobile veterinary clinics. Our complete pet health and wellness ecosystem is accessible through our pet care centers and digitally at petco.com and on the Petco app. In tandem with Petco Love (formerly the Petco Foundation), an independent nonprofit organization, we work with and support thousands of local animal welfare groups across the country and, through in-store adoption events, we've helped find homes for more than 6.5 million animals.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, concerning expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical fact. Although Petco believes that the expectations and assumptions reflected in these statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including the risk factors that Petco identifies in its Securities and Exchange Commission filings, and actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in such forward-looking statements. Petco undertakes no duty to update publicly any forward-looking statement that it may make, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law, regulation or other competent legal authority.

Media Contact:

Ventura Olvera

[email protected]

SOURCE Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc.
"This moment demands renewed engagement on the nuclear issue. How we respond today will have repercussions for decades to come." Tweet this

The grants were awarded to four organizations to provide immediate funding for research and analysis in Eastern Europe, as well as longer-term educational and advocacy work that promotes disarmament as a solution to rising threats:

The Vienna Center for Nonproliferation and Disarmament/The President and Fellows of Middlebury College will provide up to six fellowships for nuclear experts and practitioners who have had their careers disrupted because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine . Fellows will be hosted by institutions in Europe to pursue research in nuclear arms control, nonproliferation, and related topics.

will provide up to six fellowships for nuclear experts and practitioners who have had their careers disrupted because of invasion of . Fellows will be hosted by institutions in to pursue research in nuclear arms control, nonproliferation, and related topics. The Odessa Center for Nonproliferation will convene an expert workshop to examine the implications of the invasion for nuclear arms control and nonproliferation.

will convene an expert workshop to examine the implications of the invasion for nuclear arms control and nonproliferation. Games for Change will organize educational uses of On the Morning You Wake , a VR film about the 2018 false missile alert in Hawaii , at several events surrounding the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons' (TPNW) first Meeting of States Parties in June 2022 .

will organize educational uses of , a VR film about the 2018 false missile alert in , at several events surrounding the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons' (TPNW) first Meeting of States Parties in . The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), in addition to its work promoting and advocating for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), will increase its activities in Eastern Europe and deepen its partnerships with local civil society organizations in the region. It will increase awareness of nuclear threats in the wake of the invasion by positioning disarmament as a way to prevent Russian aggression and conducting research, media outreach, and educational efforts on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons.

"People are waking up to the frightening new reality that the risk of nuclear war is growing, and the use of nuclear weapons is highly vulnerable to human emotion, miscalculation, and error," said Dr. Emma Belcher, President of Ploughshares Fund. "The magnitude of this crisis  and with it, the opportunity for change  cannot be ignored: humanity is at an inflection point in the history of arms control and nonproliferation. This moment demands renewed engagement on the nuclear issue. How we respond today will have repercussions for decades to come."

Ploughshares Fund will make additional grants to help reduce the nuclear threat later this year.

CONTACT:

Lauren Billet

Communications & Marketing Manager

Ploughshares Fund

[email protected]

(202) 783-4401

SOURCE Ploughshares Fund
Grocery Tech Innovator Continues National Expansion, Speeding Time to Shelf, and Alleviating Procurement Issues for In-Demand Products Across the Grocery Supply Chain

AUSTIN, Texas, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Pod Foods , reinventing the grocery supply chain with the first full-service wholesale B2B marketplace with built-in logistics, today announced the addition of Sprouts Farmers Market to its distribution channel which spans the United States, and is now making its first deliveries in the Southeast. Pod Foods will provide approximately 130 Sprouts stores with immediate access to its virtual warehouse of emerging CPG brands  so the retailer can circumvent supply chain delays and get the products their customers want on shelves, fast.

As consumer demand continues to fundamentally shift the way retailers procure products and stock their shelves, Pod Foods delivers a key competitive advantage over traditional, outdated distribution networks. The company's unique "virtualized wholesale" model supports an infinite array of trending products, enabling retailers to quickly reset and continuously expand their inventory to meet changing customer needs. This solves the global supply chain problem by connecting grocery retailers with emerging and local brands across the US in real-time, with minimal risk and accelerated speed to shelf.

"We're extremely excited to announce these new partnerships with Sprouts, which speaks to the market need for Pod Foods. Traditional distributors are unable to match the speed of our placement process, and both national and regional chains across the US have taken notice," said Larissa Russell, co-founder and CEO of Pod Foods. "As consumer preferences continue to drive product demand and retailers look to new strategies to keep shelves stocked, Pod Foods is the catalyst driving a new wave of procurement, customization, and customer satisfaction."

The partnership has a similar impact on Sprouts, a national grocery chain whose business model centers around sourcing healthy, environmentally friendly, and high quality products a top priority. Both retailers will leverage Pod Foods' data-driven discovery engine, which tracks consumer habits and product demand at the regional level and enables stores to curate inventory accordingly. With the entire marketplace hosted on a single distribution platform, retailers are provided with personalized product recommendations and optimized fulfillment capabilities, with automation features built-in to ensure the flow of products is never disrupted. Powered by Pod Foods' infinite, virtualized warehouse, retailers still get the logistics support they are used to with traditional distributors, with more advanced data and support to navigate potential shortages or delays.

To meet increased demand in the region, Pod Foods is opening a new, dedicated distribution center in the Southeast. A warehouse in Florida will service the 130 Sprouts locations that have joined the Pod Foods network, spanning from Tennessee to Florida. It's just one more step in Pod Foods' continued expansion across the United States. The company currently has distribution centers across the country, positioned strategically to service all regions including New England, the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Mid-West, the West Coast, and the Southeast.

To learn more about Pod Foods and how the company is impacting procurement and distribution for retailers and brands please visit: https://podfoods.co/ .

About Pod Foods

Pod Foods is a tech-enabled, data-driven full-service distribution solution, reaching retailers and brands via a B2B wholesale marketplace. Named a 2022 top 10 most innovative food company by Fast Company, Pod Foods is revolutionizing the relationship between brands and retailers. With the platform, food retailers can easily procure from emerging brands and receive orders in a consolidated fashion via an optimized logistics network. Food manufacturers can grow their retail businesses with higher margins, streamlined logistics, and transparency. In-store marketing support, data analytics, and online recommendations bring visibility to emerging brands, accelerating sales so retailers and manufacturers alike can sell more, more easily. Follow @podfoodsco or say [email protected] for better distribution.

About Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.

Sprouts is the place where goodness grows. True to its farm-stand heritage, Sprouts offers a unique grocery experience featuring an open layout with fresh produce at the heart of the store. Sprouts inspires wellness naturally with a carefully curated assortment of better-for-you products paired with purpose-driven people. The healthy grocer continues to bring the latest in wholesome, innovative products made with lifestyle-friendly ingredients such as organic, plant-based and gluten-free. Headquartered in Phoenix, and one of the largest and fastest growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food in the United States, Sprouts employs approximately 31,000 team members and operates approximately 380 stores in 23 states nationwide. To learn more about Sprouts, and the good it brings communities, visit about.sprouts.com.

SOURCE Pod Foods
Commenting on the appointment, Dennis Levesque, President of Preferred Employers Insurance, said, "Preferred offers California business owners of all sizes a comprehensive portfolio of workers' compensation insurance services centered around clients' workplace safety and claims management needs. Sandra's extensive industry knowledge within the Southern California region will go a long way towards contributing to our success. We are pleased to have her join our team."

Preferred Employers Insurance, a Berkley Company, was founded in San Diego, CA in 1998. The business is known for serving its brokers and policyholders with the best combination of price and workers' compensation insurance services available in the state of California. Visit www.peiwc.com for more information. Please contact your insurance broker to access the products and services of Preferred Employers Insurance.

Related Links

http://www.peiwc.com

SOURCE Preferred Employers Insurance
RESTON, Va., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Leidos (NYSE:LDOS), a FORTUNE 500 science and technology leader, was selected by the Dominican Republic's Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) to upgrade their security checkpoints. The airport will utilize Leidos' world-class technologies to keep passengers and staff safe while enhancing operational efficiencies and increasing passenger throughput.

"Leidos understands the importance of seamless travel from curb to gate," said Bradley Buswell, Senior Vice President for Leidos. "By utilizing our innovative capabilities, passengers will no longer need to remove electronics and liquids from carry-on bags, thus allowing greater efficiency and more time before boarding their flights."

Punta Cana is a popular Caribbean destination that hosts more than 4 million tourists annually. To meet strong projected growth over the coming years, airport officials identified the need for better security and greater efficiency.

"Tourism is vital for Punta Cana  we want travelers to have the most seamless and enjoyable experience when they visit, starting at our airport," said Alberto Smith, Director Operations Landside & Cargo for Punta Cana International Airport. "Working with Leidos will enable us to provide the most secure checkpoints with the highest passenger throughput at the lowest operational cost. This will assure our passengers can quickly get through security and onto their departing flights with minimal interruptions."

The planned upgrade will update all security lanes within the Punta Cana International Airport Terminal B checkpoint with the latest Leidos technology. These upgrades include the installation of the people scanner Pro:Vision 2, ProPassage, a fully configurable automated tray return system, as well as ClearScan, an automated CT scanner for cabin baggage at each checkpoint. The airport already possesses Leidos' B220, a desktop explosive trace detector. The Leidos Mosaic enterprise software solution will integrate the entire security ecosystem and connect with other elements of the airport operations.

Implementation is slated to start this summer with several lanes being fully upgraded by the end of the year. The remaining lanes will be completed in the first half of 2023. To learn more about Leidos security detection solutions, with more than 24,000 products deployed across 120 countries, please visit https://www.leidos.com/security-detection.

About Leidos

Leidos is a Fortune 500 technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets. The company's 43,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $13.7 billion for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Certain statements in this announcement constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future results or occurrences. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, the "Risk Factors" set forth in Leidos' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Leidos does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements were made.

SOURCE Leidos
DUBLIN, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Radiation-Hardened Electronics for Space Application Market - A Global and Regional Analysis: Focus on Platform, Manufacturing Technique, Material Type, Component, and Country - Analysis and Forecast, 2022-2032" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global radiation-hardened electronics for space applications market is estimated to reach $4,761.1 million in 2032 from $2,348.0 million in 2021, at a growth rate of 1.70% during the forecast period.

The growth in the global radiation-hardened electronics for space applications market is expected to be driven by increasing demand for communication and Earth observation satellites.

Market Lifecycle Stage

Over the past few years, there has been a drastic shift toward adopting small satellites over conventional ones. Moreover, the market has been witnessing a drift in the trend from using small satellites for one-time stints toward their regular use in satellite constellations. With the rapid growth in small satellite constellations for various applications such as Earth observation, remote sensing, and space-based broadband services, the demand for radiation-hardened electronic components has also significantly increased.

Several projects are currently in progress to produce advanced radiation-hardened electronics with enhanced capability to shield space perturbations at low cost, which are expected to increase with the launch of upcoming mega-constellations as well as with the rising interest of companies in satellite components that can sustain in the harsh space environment for longer period of time.

Various radiation-hardened electronics that are currently used are onboard computers, microprocessors and microcontrollers, power sources, memory (solid-state recorder), field-programmable gate array, transmitter, and receiver (antennas), application-specific integrated circuit, and sensors. Space is a huge market with unlimited opportunities, and radiation-hardened components are required across all platforms to function. As a result, the market for radiation-hardened electronics for space applications is well-established.

The increasing number of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) with the upcoming mega-constellation has placed a high demand for the production of space-based radiation-hardened components that are capable of withstanding high radiation effects caused due to solar flares.

Furthermore, rising interest among space agencies for long-term missions has resulted in the need for radiation-hardened components that can survive severe environments while also being compressed or miniaturized to support complex missions for significantly longer periods.

Market Segmentation

Platform (Satellite, Launch Vehicle, Deep Space Probe)

Based on platforms, the global radiation-hardened electronics for space applications market in the platform segment is expected to be dominated by the satellite platform.

Manufacturing Technique (Rad-Hard by Design, Rad-Hard by Process, Rad-Hard by Software)

Based on manufacturing techniques, the global radiation-hardened electronics for space applications market is slightly more dominated by the rad-hard by design segment. Rad-hard by design manufacturing technique is expensive to manufacture, but the components provide extremely robust solutions and the highest radiation hardness rating that can be used for extreme space applications such as deep space missions and satellites.

Material Type (Silicon, Gallium Nitride, Silicon Carbide, Others)

The majority of the radiation-hardened components is made out of silicon because it helps in reducing the size and weight and improves the computation performance from medium to high speed.

Component (Onboard Computer, Microprocessor, and Controller, Power Source, Memory (Solid-State Recorder), Field-Programmable Gate Array, Transmitter and Receiver (Antennas), Application-Specific Integrated Circuit, Sensor)

Due to technological advancements, onboard computers, microprocessors, and controllers are expected to be used for new applications requiring increased efficiency, robust, and capable microprocessor technology, resulting in the deployment of highly sophisticated, demanding applications in smaller spaces.

Key Market Players and Competition Synopsis

The companies that are profiled have been selected based on inputs gathered from primary experts and analysis of the company's coverage, product portfolio, and market penetration.

The top segment players that lead the market include established players providing radiation-hardened electronics for space applications and constitute 80% of the presence in the market. Other players include start-up entities that account for approximately 20% of the presence in the market.

Recent Developments in Global Radiation-Hardened Electronics for Space Applications Market

In June 2020 , GSI Technology partnered with NSF Center for space to build cost-effective radiation-hardened and modular computer systems for space-related efforts, from ground-based high-performance computing data centers to deep space missions.

, GSI Technology partnered with NSF Center for space to build cost-effective radiation-hardened and modular computer systems for space-related efforts, from ground-based high-performance computing data centers to deep space missions. In March 2021 , Mercury systems signed a contract with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to provide solid-state data recorders for the science mission. The device would be installed in an Earth-imaging spectrometer instrument, which is scheduled to launch in 2022.

, Mercury systems signed a contract with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to provide solid-state data recorders for the science mission. The device would be installed in an Earth-imaging spectrometer instrument, which is scheduled to launch in 2022. In August 2021 , STMicroelectronics collaborated with Xilinx, Inc. to build a power solution for Xilinx radiation-tolerant field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA) with QML-V qualified voltage regulator.

, STMicroelectronics collaborated with Xilinx, Inc. to build a power solution for Xilinx radiation-tolerant field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA) with QML-V qualified voltage regulator. In April 2021 , Exxelia launched a high-performance space-graded resistor that meets the requirements of weapons platforms, modern electronic warfare, and a wide range of space applications.

Some of the prominent names established in this market are:

3D Plus

Analog Devices, Inc.

Apogee Semiconductor

Cobham Plc

Data Device Corporation

Exxelia

General Dynamics

GSI Technology, Inc.

Infineon Technologies

Mercury Systems, Inc.

Microchip Technology, Inc.

Micropac Industries

Renesas Electronics Corporation

Solid State Devices, Inc.

STMicroelectronics N.V.

Teledyne Technologies

Texas Instruments

Vorago Technologies

Xilinx, Inc.

Other Key Players



ON Semiconductor

TE Connectivity

Key Topics Covered:

1 Markets

1.1 Industry Outlook

1.1.1 Radiation-Hardened Electronics for Space Applications Market: Overview

1.1.1.1 New Space: An Emerging Business Opportunity from LEO-Focused Small Satellites and Deep Space Missions

1.1.2 Comparison of Radiation-Hardened Products Standard Requirements (by End User)

1.1.3 Ongoing Radiation Hardening Efforts in the Space Industry

1.1.3.1 Davinci+

1.1.3.2 Lunar Ice Cubes

1.1.3.3 Psyche

1.1.3.4 Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE)

1.1.3.5 Peregrine Mission 1

1.1.4 Current and Futuristic Trends

1.1.4.1 Machine Learning in Space-Graded FPGA

1.1.4.2 Single Board Computer for Space Missions

1.1.4.3 Artificial Intelligence-Based ARM Quad-Core Processor

1.1.4.4 Radiation-Hardened Plastic Package Integrated Circuits

1.1.4.5 Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Image Sensor

1.1.5 Radiation-Hardened Electronics Manufacturers and Certifications

1.1.6 Supply Chain Analysis

1.2 Business Dynamics

1.2.1 Business Drivers

1.2.1.1 Rising Demand for Radiation-Hardened Electronics Components in the Communication Satellite Segment

1.2.1.2 Technological Advancements in Microprocessors and FPGAs

1.2.2 Business Challenges

1.2.2.1 High-Cost Development and Designing Associated with Radiation-Hardened Electronic Components

1.2.2.2 Impact of Electronics Components Shortage on the Global Space Industry

1.2.3 Business Strategies

1.2.3.1 New Product Launch

1.2.4 Corporate Strategies

1.2.4.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, Agreements, and Contracts

1.2.4.2 Mergers and Acquisitions

1.2.4.3 Others

1.2.5 Business Opportunities

1.2.5.1 Adoption of New Materials to Manufacture Space Electronics

2 Application

2.1 Global Radiation-Hardened Electronics for Space Applications Market - by Platform

2.1.1 Market Overview

2.1.1.1 Demand Analysis of Radiation-Hardened Electronics for Space Applications Market (by Platform)

2.1.2 Satellite

2.1.2.1 Small Satellites (0-500Kg)

2.1.2.2 Medium Satellites (501-1,000Kg)

2.1.2.3 Large Satellites (1,001Kg and Above)

2.1.2.3.1 Demand Analysis of Satellite Market

2.1.3 Launch Vehicle

2.1.3.1 Small and Medium-Lift Launch Vehicle

2.1.3.2 Heavy-Lift Launch Vehicles

2.1.3.2.1 Demand Analysis of Launch Vehicle Market

2.1.4 Deep Space Probe

2.1.4.1 Lander

2.1.4.2 Rover

2.1.4.3 Orbiter

3 Products

3.1 Global Radiation-Hardened Electronics for Space Applications Market - by Manufacturing Technique

3.1.1 Market Overview

3.1.1.1 Demand Analysis of Radiation-Hardened Electronics for Space Applications Market (by Manufacturing Technique)

3.1.2 Rad-Hard by Design

3.1.2.1 Total Ionization Dose

3.1.2.2 Single Event Effect

3.1.3 Rad-Hard by Process

3.1.3.1 Silicon on Insulator

3.1.3.2 Silicon on Sapphire

3.1.4 Rad-Hard by Software

3.2 Global Radiation-Hardened Electronics for Space Applications Market - by Material Type

3.2.1 Market Overview

3.2.1.1 Demand Analysis of Radiation-Hardened Electronics for Space Applications Market (by Material Type)

3.2.2 Silicon

3.2.3 Gallium Nitride

3.2.4 Silicon Carbide

3.2.5 Others

3.3 Global Radiation-Hardened Electronics for Space Applications Market - by Component

3.3.1 Market Overview

3.3.1.1 Demand Analysis of Radiation-Hardened Electronics for Space Applications Market (by Component)

3.3.2 Onboard Computer, Microprocessor, and Controller

3.3.3 Power Source (Power Management Device, Solar Panel, Batteries, Convertors)

3.3.4 Memory (Solid State Recorder)

3.3.5 Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)

3.3.6 Transmitter and Receiver (Antennas)

3.3.7 Application-Specific Integrated Circuit

3.3.8 Sensor

4 Region

4.1 Global Radiation-Hardened Electronics for Space Applications Market (by Region)

5 Market - Market Share Analysis & Company Profiles

5.1 Market Share Analysis

5.2 Company Overview

5.2.1 Role in the Radiation-Hardened Electronics for Space Applications Market

5.2.2 Product Portfolio

5.3 Business Strategies

5.3.1 New Product Launch

6 Growth Opportunities and Recommendations

6.1 Growth Opportunities

6.2 Recommendations

7 Research Methodology

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/q5f2id

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

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SOURCE Research and Markets
MISSION, Texas, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- North America represents roughly 25% of the global consumer market, and the Interstate 69 corridor, which bisects the United States north to south and connects it with Canada and Mexico, is one of its main supply chain arteries. Many of North America's largest industrial hubs are located along this route and key international crossings feed this North American supply chain artery. COSTEP recently analyzed the 2019, 2020, and 2021 truck crossing counts on the U.S.-Canada and the U.S.-Mexico borders. The U.S.-Canada points of entry of the I-69 corridor analyzed include Detroit and Port Huron in Michigan, and Buffalo-Niagara Falls in New York. The U.S.-Mexico points of entry of the I-69 corridor were Laredo, Hidalgo/Pharr, Brownsville, Progreso, Rio Grande City, and Roma, all located in the Rio South Texas region.

In 2019, the Michigan/New York State region saw 3,254,623 inbound truck crossings, while the Rio South Texas region saw 3,412,118, making both the busiest international truck-borne trade regions on their respective borders. The difference was minor, only 157,485 trucks, or 4.8%. The outbreak of the pandemic negatively impacted trade in 2020, but to a varying extent. For the Michigan/New York State, 2020 truck crossings dropped significantly, down to 2,917,738. The 2020 Rio South Texas region truck crossing totaled 3,387,816, meaning the decline was much less severe, and difference between the two regions grew to 470,078 trucks, or 16.1%, in favor of Rio South Texas. As the North American economy rebounded in 2021, both received a resurgence of activity, with Michigan/New York State seeing 3,147,251 truck crossings, and Rio South Texas' total rising to 3,739,519. However, these numbers also reflect a further expanding gap of 592,268 trucks, or 18.8%, in favor of Rio South Texas.

Directly comparing the 2021 numbers to 2019 shows that, in 2021, Michigan/New York State was still down 107,372 trucks, or -3.3%, compared to 2019. By contrast, in 2021, Rio South Texas was up 327,401 trucks, or 9.6%, above the 2019 figures, squarely placing the Rio South Texas region at the Heart of the North American supply chain.

If you are looking to manufacture in North America for North America, look at what Rio South Texas has to offer. Our team at COSTEP would be glad to assist you, so please visit us at www.costep.org or follow us at @COSTEP to learn more.

Contact: Matt Ruszczak, [email protected]

SOURCE Council for South Texas Economic Progress
In addition, Honors Program Chair to Serve as Officer in Charge of Academic Affairs

SUFFERN, N.Y., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockland Community College's Board of Trustees will vote to appoint Dr. Susan Deer as Officer in Charge at its June 27th Board meeting as the College begins the search for its 8th President. Dr. Deer has served in a leadership capacity in higher education for more than 35 years and has a long history with the College having been hired in 2008 as Dean of Instruction. She has served as Provost since 2013 and was given the additional title of Executive Vice President in 2016. In recognition of her leadership, Dr. Deer was awarded the Catalyst Leadership Award by the American Council of Education as the New York State outstanding woman leader in higher education in 2016.

Rockland Community College's Board of Trustees will vote to appoint Dr. Susan Deer as Officer in Charge at its June 27th Board meeting. The Board of Trustees of Rockland Community College will also vote to appoint Dr. Katherine Lynch as Officer in Charge of Academic Affairs at the June 27th meeting.

The Board of Trustees of Rockland Community College (RCC) will also vote to appoint Dr. Katherine Lynch as Officer in Charge of Academic Affairs at the June 27th meeting. Dr. Lynch will report to Dr. Deer in her new position and will serve on the Executive Cabinet, the College's senior leadership team. In this role, Dr. Lynch will provide administrative leadership and direction for all academic activities and faculty affairs at RCC. Dr. Lynch is an Associate Professor of English at Rockland Community College where she also serves as the Chair of the nationally recognized Sam Draper Honors Program. She was awarded the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2020 and has led RCC's efforts to design and implement a new, mandatory college success course that empowers students to identify their goals early to ensure a more successful college experience.

It is anticipated that both Dr. Deer and Dr. Lynch will begin their new roles on July 1 and will serve until a successor to current RCC President Dr. Michael Baston is selected and assumes office, which is expected to occur on or before July 2023. The two appointees not only share a wealth of experience within RCC but also a deep commitment to the important role that community colleges play for individuals seeking to improve their lives, as well as a clear understanding of Rockland Community College's special place within Rockland County.

"Dr. Deer has had an unwavering commitment to the students of RCC over the past 14 years. The Board of Trustees has full confidence in her ability to lead the College with the support of Dr. Lynch and the entire Executive Cabinet. Together, they will ensure a seamless transition to the incoming eighth president of the College," stated Martin Wortendyke, Chair of the Board of Trustees.

He added, "We are committed to finding a new president for the College who will continue to amplify and expand on the mission and vision of RCC which has been serving the surrounding community for over six decades providing educational opportunities for individuals at all ages and stages of life. The next president will continue to carry forward the work we have always done in serving our diverse community."

The Board of Trustees will announce a search committee and the appointment of a search firm in the coming weeks. Updates throughout the search process can be found at this page on the RCC website: https://sunyrockland.edu/about/presidential-search/

About Rockland Community College , State University of New York

Rockland Community College (RCC), located in Suffern New York, provides purpose driven educational opportunities in a supportive, affordable, and accessible environment, empowering individuals to positively transform themselves and their communities. RCC welcomes students from diverse backgrounds who appreciate small class sizes and personal attention from a distinguished, award-winning faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. Many graduates go on to top universities to further their education on their own or through RCC's institutional collaborations.

RCC fosters an environment that attracts, recruits, supports, and retains faculty, staff, and students who value diversity. The College promotes a collegial and inclusive environment by recognizing, promoting, embracing, respecting and celebrating the expansive range and dimensions of cultures, attitudes, ideas and viewpoints contained within our campus community.

RCC is also proud to provide career training and professional development to adult learners looking to change careers or upgrade their skills through a variety of programs and educational opportunities including workforce training, certifications, and micro credentials. Many of the programs are developed with employers in the community in high demand industry areas to enable graduates to move into a new career upon graduation. More information can be found at www.sunyrockland.edu.

Media Contact: Risa B. Hoag, GMG Public Relations, 845-627-3000, [email protected]

SOURCE Rockland Community College
NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of IonQ, Inc. (NYSE: IONQ) between March 30, 2021 and May 2, 2022, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important August 1, 2022 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased IonQ 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 IonQ class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=6703 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 August 1, 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 throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) IonQ had not yet developed a 32-qubit quantum computer; (2) IonQ's 11-qubit quantum computer suffered from significant error rates, rendering it useless; (3) IonQ's quantum computer is not sufficiently reliable, so it is not accessible despite being available through major cloud providers; (4) a significant portion of IonQ's revenue was derived from improper round-tripping transactions with related parties; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about IonQ's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the IonQ class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=6703 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.
Partnership Delivers Financial Resources and Peer Networking Capabilities to Recruit More Black Educators to Teach in Colorado Schools, Improving the Number of Black Applicants by 150%

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sachs Foundation, an organization that has supported Black Coloradans since 1931, and Teach For America (TFA) Colorado, the state branch of a national organization that expands educational opportunity for children by recruiting and training educators, are partnering to offer Black college graduates in Colorado an opportunity to make an impact as an educator. The organizations intend to build a community of Black educators through cohort groups and supplement salaries to address the shortage of Black teachers in Colorado.

The number of Black educators in the U.S. has been in decline since schools were desegregated, but data confirms that representation matters to students. Johns Hopkins research shows that the presence of just one Black teacher in grades 3-5 increases low-income Black boys' interest in college by 29% and lowers the high school drop-out rate by 39%. However, 150 of Colorado's 178 school districts have no Black teachers at all. The Sachs Foundation launched its Teacher Development Program in 2020 to improve educator diversity in Colorado schools, a mission that matches TFA's goal of increasing diversity in the teaching ranks to better reflect student populations.

Working together, the organizations are intentionally building a community of Black educators in Colorado. TFA Colorado is taking the lead on identifying, recruiting and training teachers since that is the organization's area of expertise, and Sachs is providing financial support for Black teachers working in Colorado who are part of the program, drawing on its experience of providing scholarships for Black Coloradans. Both organizations emphasize the importance of a cohort (peer group) in program success. TFA Colorado says the partnership has already increased the number of Black educators who are able to teach through TFA by 150%.

One persistent recruiting obstacle is that Black students typically graduate with higher levels of debt than white peers and therefore have the incentive to enter more lucrative professions like business or engineering, even if they're interested in teaching. The Sachs-TFA partnership addresses that challenge by augmenting teacher salaries. Another barrier is that potential teachers may be discouraged by the prospect of being the only Black educator at their school. The cohort aspect of the program addresses that by creating a community and providing peer support and networking opportunities.

"Teach For America is a well-known and widely respected national organization, so we're thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the TFA Colorado team," said Ben Ralston, President, Sachs Foundation. "It's a natural fit because we share the same values, and our capabilities are complementary. The Sachs Foundation has funds we can use to meet this challenge, and TFA has the critical teacher recruiting and training expertise to make it work. We're hoping to expand the program eventually."

The Sachs Foundation has already committed $165,000 to the program this year, and has announced it will continue to support participating Black TFA Colorado educators as they continue in their careers over the next three years. Sachs expects its investments to reach over $350,000 annually during that time. Teach For America will continue to recruit teachers, including talented Black graduates for teaching positions in Colorado, a task that is made easier by the financial resources and cohort element of the program.

"We've been committed to building a pipeline of diverse teachers for Colorado from the beginning," said Executive Director of TFA Colorado Dr. Prateek Dutta. "Black teachers have to overcome so many barriers, and this partnership is the perfect step in the right direction because now we have the resources to attract and retain Black educators by addressing the two major challenges they face: lack of funding and isolation. With Sachs Foundation, we can make a huge difference for Black teachers and students in Colorado schools."

Learn more about the Sachs Foundation at www.sachsfoundation.org. Find out more about Teach For America's work in Colorado at www.teachforamerica.org/where-we-work/colorado.

About the Sachs Foundation

Founded by Pikes Peak resident Henry Sachs in 1931, the Sachs Foundation provides scholarship programs designed to help Black Coloradans overcome discrimination and reach their full academic potential. Over the decades, the Foundation has helped thousands of talented Black students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees at universities throughout the United States, dispersing millions in funding through its unique education equity approach. Learn more about the Sachs Foundation, student success stories and how to apply for scholarship grants at www.sachsfoundation.org.

About Teach For America

Teach For America works in partnership with 350 urban and rural communities across the country to expand educational opportunity for children. Founded in 1990, Teach For America recruits and develops a diverse corps of outstanding leaders who make an initial two-year commitment to teach in high-need schools and become lifelong leaders in the effort to end educational inequity. Today, Teach For America is a force of 66,000 alumni and corps members working in more than 9,000 schools nationwide in pursuit of profound systemic change. From classrooms to districts to state houses across America, they are reimagining education to realize the day when every child has an equal opportunity to learn, lead, thrive, and co-create a future filled with possibility. Teach For America is a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. For more information, visit http://www.teachforamerica.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Media Contact

Jenna Tocatlian

Next PR

[email protected]

SOURCE Sachs Foundation
TEMPE, Ariz., June 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Since its inception, SANTE Realty Investments has been dedicated to positively impacting the next generation through its Social impact focus. Touched by personal events in his family life, Jim Small, the CEO of SANTE Realty, has focused on helping families find a cure for Rett Syndrome through the Rett Syndrome Research Trust (RSRT). This rare genetic neurological disorder that occurs primarily in young girls affects approximately 350,000 women globally.

In a letter written to Jim Small, Monica Coenraads, CEO of RSRT says, "The substantial six-figure gift that SANTE Realty gave comes at the perfect time. It will play a major role in helping us facilitate more biopharma companies pick up the lab research and develop Rett programs. We are staying committed to curing Rett Syndrome."

Over the last decade, SANTE Realty has grown to be an industry leader in commercial real estate both in United States and Europe. Today, the firm is a leader in managing private equity funds that create and own ground leases in the US  one of the most senior and secure investments in the real estate world. The profits from these investments help to continue the social impacts that SANTE Realty can make towards its purpose of positively impacting the next generation.

Jim Small, CEO of SANTE Realty Investments says, "Here at SANTE, we do not forget the driving force of why we started. We continue that social responsibility by making a bigger impact in the world through our charitable endeavors, and by helping the next generation through profitable investing in cash-flowing real estate."

ABOUT SANTE REALTY INVESTMENTS

SANTE Realty Investments is a purpose driven organization delivering private equity in the real estate sector where the firm has high conviction of being able to deliver superior returns to its institutional investors. The firm was founded in 2009 and has grown to be an industry leader in commercial real estate both in the US and Europe by leveraging its proprietary methodology including the SANTE Acquisition Advantage, SANTE Due Diligence Discovery, SANTE Asset Management Method, & SANTE Investor Cash Flow Maximizer programs.

Further information please contact Dave Shaw, Managing Director of Capital Markets for SANTE Realty Investments at 602-753-3538 or via email at [email protected]

Additional background information is available at www.SANTErealty.com.

SOURCE SANTE Realty Investments
LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ScholarRx today announced a new partnership with FAMSA, the Federation of African Medical Students' Associations . FAMSA is contributing to the improvement of medical education in Africa by building a strong network of medical students who are responsive to the current and emerging global health issues facing the medical profession.

As a result of this partnership, FAMSA becomes a charter member of ScholarRx's Medical Student Alliance for Global Education, or MeSAGE . MeSAGE empowers student organizations with the tools and expertise to build educational content that is often missing from standard health sciences curriculum.

This partnership will focus on developing curriculum on platforms and policies that are critical to FAMSA, including:

Global Health Equity

Fostering Regional and International Cooperation

Preparing Future Educators and Researchers

Along with helping to drive and develop this curriculum, FAMSA members will be granted access to these materials through the Rx Bricks digital learning system developed by ScholarRx, including the new Rx Bricks Create authoring platform.

Yankuba Jabbie, FAMSA's president, says, "As a network of African medical students' associations which has member education and exposure to global standards of learning and practice as top priorities, we are excited to partner with ScholarRx to avail our members the opportunity to learn, share, and contribute to the advancement of medical education in Africa, which will have a cumulative impact on a global scale."

Dr. Tao Le, founder and CEO of ScholarRx, comments, "Through MeSAGE, we are excited to partner with FAMSA to address deep education needs at a global level and to help future physicians in Africa define, build, and share the key content that may be missing from the standard curriculum."

About ScholarRx: ScholarRx is a mission-driven organization currently serving over 150,000 medical students and physician learners annually. ScholarRx has developed a revolutionary componentized, multi-competency curricular platform that empowers medical schools and medical student organizations to rapidly develop high-quality education experiences, even in resource-constrained environments.

About the Federation of African Medical Students' Associations (FAMSA): FAMSA is an independent, non-political federation of medical students' associations in Africa. It was founded in 1968 to foster the spirit of friendship and cooperation among African medical students and presently has about 250 member medical students' associations across 48 African countries.

SOURCE ScholarRx
GAITHERSBURG, Md. and SUZHOU, China, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Sirnaomics Ltd. ("Sirnaomics", stock code: 2257.HK), a leading biopharmaceutical company in discovery and development of RNAi therapeutics, announced the peer-reviewed publication of Phase IIa clinical study results of its lead therapeutic candidate, STP705, for the treatment of skin cancer, in the May 2022 issue of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (the "JDD"). The study, titled "Safety and Efficacy of TGF-1/COX-2 Silencing Therapeutic in Adults with Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ," showed that STP705 was safe and well-tolerated in patients with Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ (isSCC).

The key results from the publication indicate that this single-center, open label, dose escalation cohort study evaluated the safety and efficacy of various doses of intralesional injections of STP705, a therapeutic of TGF-1/COX-2 combined with histidine-lysine polypeptide (siRNA/HKP) nanoparticle silencing, in patients with cutaneous cell carcinoma. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with complete histological clearance. Twenty-five patients received STP705 where nineteen of them (76%) achieved histological clearance. In the 30 g/treatment group and 60 g/treatment group, 80% and 100% of them achieved histological clearance, respectively. As a result of the study, STP705 appears to be noninvasive, safe and efficacious in treating cutaneous in situ squamous cell carcinoma. The recommended doses for future study of the investigational product are 30 g/treatment and 60 g/treatment.

At last fall's Clinical Dermatology Conference 2021, Brian Berman, MD, PhD, Professor of Dermatology at The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, a member of the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Dermatology, and the principal investigator of the clinical study of STP705 for treatment of isSCC, gave a presentation on the details of the clinical development and study results. Following his presentation, an audience survey was conducted among 2000+ clinical dermatologists, with questions about whether STP705 fulfilled a need for clinical practices for the treatment of isSCC. The survey results provided a strong favorable opinion regarding the clinical application potential of STP705. Through the Gore Range Capital Skin Health Innovation Competition during the conference, Sirnaomics STP705 was selected as one of the top three finalists.

"A limited number of approved, non-surgical treatments for isSCC currently exist. Our results suggest that STP705 has the potential to be a viable option for patients with skin lesions due to this form of non-melanoma skin cancer, and publication and survey results further validated the clinical application potential of this novel siRNA therapeutic," said Michael Molyneaux M.D., Executive Director and Chief Medical Officer at Sirnaomics and lead author of the study. "The overexpression of TGF-1 and COX-2 genes are strongly associated with SCC development, with TGF-1 having a prominent role in tumor progression. By using RNAi based therapeutics such as STP705 that silence these genes, we have the potential to block the proliferation of isSCC through non-invasive means. This study supports this thesis, and we plan to continue to evaluate 30 g and 60 g doses in future studies."

"The peer-reviewed publication of our Phase IIa STP705 clinical study results for treating isSCC in the JDD, together with strong favorable opinion among the clinical dermatologists, further strengthens our confidence in moving forward with STP705 clinical studies for applications in various types of the non-melanoma skin cancers." said Patrick Lu, Ph.D., founder, Chairman of the Board, Executive Director, President and CEO of Sirnaomics. "This is a prevalent type of cancer, with over five million new diagnoses in the U.S. each year, and after surgical removal patients can have an increased risk of tumor progression, metastasis, and recurrence as well as risk of infection, hematoma, and scarring. These patients need an alternative, non-invasive treatment option, which is why we are evaluating STP705."

About Non-melanoma Skin Cancer and Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) are the most common forms of human neoplasia. NMSC constitute a large group of skin cancers that are not melanoma, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), Extramammary Paget's Disease (EMPD), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), and skin adnexal carcinomas. Among these, BCC and SCC account for the majority of NMSC with more than 5 million newly diagnosed cases estimated to occur in the U.S. every year. Squamous cell carcinoma in situ, also called Bowen disease, is the earliest form of SCC. Along with BCC, SCC is one of two major subtypes of NMSC.

According to Incidence Estimate of Non-melanoma Skin Cancer (Keratinocyte Carcinomas) in the U.S. Population, 2012, the number of new cases of isSCC in the U.S. was 1.3 million in 2020 and is projected to increase to 3.4 million in 2030. In China, according to Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology, the number of new cases of isSCC is 11 thousand in 2020 and is projected to increase to 26 thousand in 2030.

A World Health Organization authorized report from "International Agency for Research on Cancer" (2019) has demonstrated that the number of deaths in 2018 globally for both men and women from NMSC is 65,155, where the mortality of NMSC patients in Asia represents 41.9% of the global total, significantly more than other individual areas.

Surgery is the currently the most common treatment option for the treatment of NMSC. The various forms of surgical modalities carry significant cutaneous adverse events, risk of scar, infection and bleeding. Surgery can also have a significant recurrence rate. As a result, there is a high unmet need for an U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved local injection therapy that is safe and effective.

About STP705

Sirnaomics' leading product candidate, STP705, is a siRNA (small interfering RNA) therapeutic that takes advantage of a dual-targeted inhibitory property and polypeptide nanoparticle (PNP)-enhanced delivery to directly knock down both TGF-1 and COX-2 gene expression. The product candidate has received multiple IND approvals from both the U.S. FDA and Chinese National Medical Products Administration, including treatments of cholangiocarcinoma, non-melanoma skin cancer and hypertrophic scar. STP705 has also received Orphan Drug Designation for treatment of cholangiocarcinoma and primary sclerosing cholangitis. STP705 is currently in five clinical trials for different indications: a Phase IIa for isSCC, a Phase II for BCC, a Phase I/II for keloid scarring, a Phase I/II for hypertrophic scar, and a Phase I for liver cancer (basket).

About Sirnaomics

Sirnaomics is an RNA therapeutics biopharmaceutical company with product candidates in preclinical and clinical stages that focuses on the discovery and development of innovative drugs for indications with medical needs and large market opportunities. Sirnaomics is the first clinical-stage RNA therapeutics company to have a strong presence in both China and the United States, and also the first company to achieve positive Phase IIa clinical outcomes in oncology for an RNAi therapeutics for its core product, STP705. Learn more at www.sirnaomics.com.

CONTACT:

Michael Molyneaux, MD, MBA

Executive Director and Chief Medical Officer, Sirnaomics

Email: [email protected]

Investor Relations:

Nigel Yip

Chief Financial Officer, China, Sirnaomics

Email: [email protected]

US Media Contact:

Alexis Feinberg

Tel: +1 203 939 2225

Email: [email protected]

Asia Media Contact:

Bunny Lee

Tel: +852 3150 6707

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Sirnaomics Ltd.
Speed Commerce expanded its facilities, hired staff, and strengthened technology to quickly onboard new clients. Tweet this

Market conditions are placing an enormous weight on ecommerce business owners. Rising costs in labor, overseas shipping nightmares, and increasing customer expectations are pushing ecommerce to streamline their operations and be more efficient. That's where Speed Commerce comes in.

Speed Commerce offers a broad range of specialized solutions for retailers and manufacturers customized to their clients' specific requests. This can take many forms: contact center services, ecommerce customer service, 3PL services, omnichannel fulfillment, freight management, and end-to-end ecommerce order fulfillment.

In other words, Speed Commerce is the operational expertise behind some of America's biggest online brands. They provide full-service pick-pack-ship to fulfill orders from multiple online marketplaces, such as Amazon, Walmart, and most importantly, the retailer's website.

Beyond the basics of 3PL services, the company offers additional services, including product personalization (embroidery, embossing, engraving, and custom packaging), kitting, and light assembly in their warehouse before sending the product out to the customer.

They also operate a year-round, 24/7 customer care facility for their clients who want to expand their capabilities or outsource to an American-based call center.

As part of the first phase of the capacity campaign, Speed Commerce expanded its facilities, hired and trained staff, and strengthened technology to quickly onboard new clients.

Samourkachian continued, "With 40 years of experience in catalog and ecommerce retail operations, we know ecommerce better than any other provider, and a business owner gets this all under one roof instead of having to patchwork solutions. Everyone at Speed Commerce wants to help our clients grow their ecommerce businesses."

Speed Commerce is based in the U.S. and employs workers in and around Indiana, Missouri, and Nevada.

About Speed Commerce

Specializing in ecommerce order fulfillment, Speed Commerce is an end-to-end provider of scalable solutions for retailers and manufacturers. We grow our clients' businesses by providing delightful customer experiences through 24/7/365 ecommerce customer service, digital marketing, ecommerce technology, full-service fulfillment, warehousing, and much more. Speed Commerce fulfills the brand promise our clients make to their customers every day.

Speed Commerce is a privately held U.S. company headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Contact: Amy Bouchard, APR, Speed Commerce

(702) 640-5109, [email protected]

SOURCE Speed Commerce
On-Demand Business Education Platform, StartupStarter, Announces 2nd Annual Flagship Conference, Advisory Board, Oscar-Met Gala-Grammy style (OMG) 2022 Equity Crowdfunding Awards ceremony, and the Barack Obama Lifetime Achievement Award, in this 3-day hybrid immersive & experiential event.

LOS ANGELES, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Entrepreneurs, Issuers and Investors around the globe are coming together for the second annual Equity Crowdfunding Week Conference, hosted by StartupStarter , an on-demand business education platform that launched in 2020. Equity Crowdfunding Week is a three-day experiential event showcasing the most innovative companies raising capital in the private markets from the US, Canada & Beyond. This completely immersive experience will have a strong focus on issuers actively raising capital & investors seeking the next unicorn, while activating the city of L.A. With the rise of NextGen startups looking to raise capital, Equity Crowdfunding Week provides a unique opportunity to position the industry as a safe haven for retail investors in an increasing financial downturn. The event is designed to increase investment opportunities for issuers, startups looking to learn more about launching an equity crowdfunding campaign and the future of retail investment through Regulation Crowdfunding.

The Equity Crowdfunding Week immersive experience includes 3-days of hybrid programming and activations throughout the city of Los Angeles, CA with startup exhibitions across 5 fully immersive domes and will cover 6 industry tracks to include Startups, Cleantech, Real Estate, Cannabis, E-Commerce, & Web3. The Tracks will focus on topics that include The Founder Of Tomorrow, Diversity & Inclusion Investing, The Move to Making the Planet Green, Post Pandemic Commerce, Addressing the Housing Shortage, How Cannabis Is Lighting Up, Collectibles, The Future of Web3, Digital Assets, & much more.
The award-winning printing company has expanded its flexible packaging offerings with stand-up pouches, favored both by consumers and brands.

ORLANDO, Fla., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Busy shoppers are gravitating to products packaged in stand-up pouches thanks to their convenience, visual appeal and durability. SunDance, a leader in commercial printing, now offers this popular type of flexible packaging with its recent acquisition of the Hudson-Sharp Ares 400-SUP machine.

The pouch machine produces flexible pouches with low scrap rates, which reduces material waste. It also features a compact, efficient and easy-to-use design, allowing for quick changeovers for short and medium-run production.

SunDance Headquarters Orlando, FL Hudson Sharp Ares 400-SUP

As the first certified Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) offset printer in Florida, SunDance's curated equipment aligns with its sustainability and quality standards  like the Ares-SUP.

The machine is able to run recycle-ready PE, laminated films, paper and bio-films, as well as produce various structures with crisp graphics and vibrant colors. For example:

Stand-Up Pouches

Stand-Up Pouches with Zipper

3-Side Seal Pouch

3-Side Seal Pouch with Zipper

"The Ares 400-SUP is a great addition to our company's growing pouch production," commented JohnHenry Ruggieri, the president of SunDance. "With the machine, small but growing brands will be able to take advantage of stand-up pouches to better market their product."

Earlier this year, SunDance introduced child-resistant pouches to serve clients who require a higher level of product protection without sacrificing packaging appeal. Once again, the Orlando-based commercial printer is expanding production to include stand-up pouches to provide brands of any size with more flexible packaging options.

About SunDance

Founded in 2007, SunDance is a multi-channel marketing solutions company that offers creative design, print, web and more. SunDance's innovative work has received top accolades, including Florida's Best Printer Golden Flamingo Award. The company is also a certified Women's Business Enterprise and the first certified offset Sustainable Green Printer in Florida. Please visit sundanceusa.com for more information.

Contact:

Kandi Johansmeyer, Senior VP Sales & Marketing

[email protected]

(407) 563-5004

SOURCE SunDance
DSPM Leader Earns Certification Amid Growing Industry Need for Compliance

SAN FRANCISCO, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Symmetry Systems , the industry's first hybrid cloud data security provider, announced it has successfully completed a Type 1 System and Organization Controls (SOC 2) examination for its flagship product, DataGuard. The platform provides unified visibility into data objects across all data stores and answers data security and compliance questions that traditional cloud security tools cannot. Prescient Assurance conducted the audit and found that Symmetry meets the SOC 2 Type 1 standards for data security and operational maturity with zero exceptions. Prescient Assurance is a registered public accounting firm in the US and Canada and provides risk management and assurance services which includes but not limited to SOC 2, PCI, ISO, NIST, GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, CSA STAR etc.

Based on the Trust Services Criteria (TSC) of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), SOC 2 compliance assures the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of customer data across solutions. SOC 2 reports provide valuable information for companies to assess the quality of the security built into the product and service provided by Symmetry.

"Organizations need visibility into how their data objects are protected and used  this is why we are building data security posture management (DSPM) as a security product," said Mohit Tiwari, CEO and Co-Founder, Symmetry Systems. "This certification shows that we try our best to practice what we preach and customers can trust we will service them securely. Most importantly, we are looking forward to open-sourcing our compliance process and artifacts so that our peers and the community can benefit from it. If you are a software organization who wishes to engineer your compliance process into a security artifact about all the data you host, please reach out  we'd love to collaborate!"

"Symmetry Systems is committed to providing secure products and services to safely and easily manage billions of digital identities across the globe," said John D. Wallace, Partner & Co-Founder, Prescient Assurance. "Our external certifications provide independent assurance of the team's dedication to protecting customers by regularly assessing and validating the protections and effective security practices Symmetry has in place. Symmetry takes the security of its data and that of its clients and customers seriously and ensures that only vetted personnel are given access to their resources. To further secure data and to provide maximum security, Symmetry completely isolates customer data in a modern, multi-tenant cloud architecture."

This achievement builds on Symmetry's momentum this year. Earlier this month, Symmetry was named a finalist in the Most Promising Early-Stage Startup category for the 2022 SC Awards - winners planned to be announced in September. Symmetry was also recently included in the 2022 Cool Vendors in Data Security - Secure and Accelerate Advanced Use Cases1 by Gartner. You can access the full report here .

Gartner Disclaimer:

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Symmetry Systems

Symmetry Systems is the industry's first hybrid cloud data security platform that safeguards data in AWS, GCP, Azure services, and on-premise databases while supporting a data-centric zero trust model . With Symmetry, security and compliance teams can address threats quickly through AI-driven data security posture management (DSPM). Symmetry provides visibility into data risks from excessive permissions and anomalous data flows while giving organizations the evidence required to demonstrate compliance best practices.

Born from the award-winning Spark Research Lab at UT Austin, Symmetry is backed by leading security investors ForgePoint Capital and Prefix Capital with participation from Accenture Ventures. Symmetry provides solutions for the most demanding security teams. For more information about Symmetry Systems, please visit www.symmetry-systems.com or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn .

Media Contact:

Allison Arvanitis

Lumina Communications for Symmetry Systems

[email protected]

1 Gartner, "Cool Vendors in Data Security - Secure and Accelerate Use Cases," Joerg Fritsch, Andrew Bales, Ravisha Chugh, Brian Lowans, Mark Horvath, 19 April 2022.

SOURCE Symmetry Systems
RALEIGH, N.C., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The CAPTRUST Community Foundation (CCF), an employee-run 501(c)(3), today announced its 2022 Charity of Choice, receiving a $100,000 grant: The Green Chair Project. Additionally, five nonprofits were selected to receive CCF national grants of $25,000 each.

Founded in 2007, the CCF's mission is to enrich the lives of children in communities we serve. Through the end of 2021, the CCF has awarded over $3.879 million in grants to charitable organizations across the country that help children. Fundraising is primarily via employee payroll deductions that are matched by CAPTRUST.

The Green Chair Project will receive a $100,000 grant to support its mission of providing the essentials of home to neighbors in need facing the challenges of homelessness, crisis, or disaster in Wake County, North Carolina. The grant will directly support Green Chair's Sweeter Dreams program, providing beds and cribs to 400 children and babies in Wake County who lack a safe place to sleep. In addition to the funding, Green Chair will receive support from CCF volunteers throughout the year.

"We are so grateful to be selected as the CAPTRUST Community Foundation's 2022 Charity of Choice," said Jackie Craig, Green Chair's co-founder and chief executive officer. "The CCF's trust in our mission ensures that more children in need in Wake County, North Carolina will have a safe and comfortable place to sleep."

In addition to its work with The Green Chair Project, the CCF selected five charities that will receive national grants of $25,000 in 2022. The five recipients are:

Communities In Schools of Wake County . CIS Wake surrounds students in Wake County, North Carolina , with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

. CIS Wake surrounds students in , with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Families Together. Families Together moves families in Wake County, North Carolina , and surrounding counties from homelessness to stable homes through mentoring, housing support, and connection to community resources.

, and surrounding counties from homelessness to stable homes through mentoring, housing support, and connection to community resources. Kinetic Kids, Inc. A San Antonio, Texas , organization that supports children with special needs and their families through adapted sports, fine arts, and educational programs.

, organization that supports children with special needs and their families through adapted sports, fine arts, and educational programs. Sunrise Day Camps Association. Sunrise supports children with cancer and their siblings nationwide through the creation and oversight of welcoming, inclusive summer day camps, year-round programs, and in-hospital recreational activities, all offered free of charge.

TABLE. TABLE's mission is to create equitable access to healthy food and provide nutrition education to children in Orange County, North Carolina .

"We recognize the immense needs of children across our communities as we all recover from the effects of COVID-19," said Philip D'Unger, president of the CCF and manager, wealth planning, at CAPTRUST. "We are incredibly excited and fortunate to work with this year's Charity of Choice, The Green Chair Project, as well as the national grant recipients, who all do amazing work in their respective communities."

About the CAPTRUST Community Foundation

The CAPTRUST Community Foundation was organized in 2007 to provide CAPTRUST employees with opportunities to participate as a group in community outreach efforts. The foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) charity and is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. If you would like to donate or learn more about the CAPTRUST Community Foundation, please call 855.649.0943.

About CAPTRUST

CAPTRUST is an independent registered investment advisor founded in 1997 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The firm provides investment management, financial planning, estate planning, and tax advisory and compliance for individuals and families. For retirement plan sponsors, endowments, foundations, and religious entities, CAPTRUST offers investment advisory services, fiduciary support, plan design, provider analysis/fee benchmarking, and employee advice programs. With more than 1,100 employees across 70 locations nationwide, CAPTRUST oversees more than $100 billion in assets under management and more than $750 billion in assets under advisement (as of March 31, 2022). For more information, visit www.captrust.com.

SOURCE CAPTRUST Financial Advisors
all records depicting or describing the findings of the "investigative work" done by U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Professional Responsibility on the September 19, 2021 incident. For purposes of this numbered request and for all that follow the term "the September 19, 2021 incident" means "Allegations made against or about United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents "whipping" or otherwise engaging migrants attempting to cross into the United States in or near the Rio Grande River near Del Rio, Texas during the migrants' encounter with CBP agents on September 19, 2021 . Photographs of this encounter were taken by El Paso freelance journalist Paul Ratje ." all records depicting or describing the conclusions of the "investigative work" done by U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CPB) Office of Professional Responsibility on "the September 19, 2021 incident" as described above. all records depicting or describing the analysis of the "investigative work" done by U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Professional Responsibility on "the September 19, 2021 incident" as described above. all records of communications between the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and the White House referring to "the September 19, 2021 incident" as described above. all records of communications between the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and the media referring to "the September 19, 2021 incident" as described above. all records, including emails, texts and other communications from the White House staff to the Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas or his staff mentioning or referring to "the September 19, 2021 incident" as described above. all records, including emails, texts and other communications from the Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas or his staff to the White House mentioning or referring to "the September 19, 2021 incident" as described above. all records, including emails, texts and other communications from the Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas or his staff to the Office of the Inspector General mentioning or referring to "the September 19, 2021 incident" as described above.

Defendants have allegedly violated the Freedom of Information Act by failing to issue a determination within the statutory period, by failing to conduct a reasonable search, and by failing to produce the responsive, nonexempt records.

On September 19, 2021, mounted Border Patrol agents conducting routine protection duties were photographed intercepting illegal aliens attempting to cross into the United States. Some of those photographs captured the agents using their reins in a twirling motion to direct the horses and to keep the migrants at a distance. Some photos showed the agents taking hold of the migrants to push them away from the horses to protect the migrants from being stepped on.

Upon publication of the photos, the agents were falsely accused of "whipping" the migrants. This despite the freelance reporter who took the photos stating no such thing happened. The official investigation came immediately. It was followed just as quickly with false and defamatory attacks against the reputations of the agents from the highest levels of government.

The NPA's FOIA request was for the purpose of disclosing communications which prove the Administration knew or should have known that their accusations against the Board Patrol agents were false when made or immediately thereafter.

Despite the Administration knowing their accusations against the Board Patrol agents were false no apologies have been forthcoming and the agents have remained on administrative duty pending the results of the investigation which must have cleared them months ago.

NPA spokesperson Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.) said "Recent media reports indicate the Administration is planning to charge the agents with "administrative violations" to save face and prevent the need to admit the whipping accusations were false, defamatory, and unconscionable. We believe our lawsuit will result in DHS and CBP conforming to the law and handing over the communications and documents that prove the Administration knew their accusations against these agents were false and took no corrective action.

The NPA's lawsuit can be viewed here: https://nationalpolice.org/main/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/NPA-v-DHS-CBP.pdf

The National Police Association is represented by C. Peter Sorenson of the Sorenson Law Office.

About The National Police Association

The National Police Association (NPA) is a 501(c)3 Educational/Advocacy non-profit organization. For additional information visit www.nationalpolice.org.

SOURCE National Police Association
Innovative Fertility Leader Continues Commitment to Best-in-Class Cyber Security and Compliance Service

NEW YORK, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- TMRW Life Sciences, the world's first and only automated, software-guided specimen management platform for in vitro fertilization (IVF), announced today that it has achieved its SOC2 certification after a rigorous independent audit of its information security management systems. SOC2 is a voluntary compliance standard for organizations, developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), which specifies how organizations should manage customer data. The standard is based on the following Trust Services Criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

The certification validates TMRW's adherence to a rigid set of security requirements and best practices for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system. This heightened level of security supports TMRW's mission to safeguard the irreplaceable eggs and embryos used in the IVF process.

Threats to security information are becoming more common and advanced each day. In order to maximize its quality and security, the company participated in a technology risk assessment and SOC2 readiness program to prepare for the audit. The TMRW platform was put through a rigorous process to ensure maximum security across all aspects of the company. Achieving this certification is one of many continued accreditations the company has planned. The company has already received the ISO/IEC 27001 Certification previously this year.

"Our secure platform provides fertility clinics with a critical digital chain of custody for patient specimens that will be used in in vitro fertilization (IVF), automating clinic operations that for decades have been manual and analog," said Amit Gupta, Chief Information Officer at TMRW. "We are dedicated to bringing a new standard of care to the fertility space through the use of our technology, which helps clinics scale safely and offers patients comfort knowing that their frozen eggs and embryos are secure."

About TMRW Life Sciences, Inc.:

Founded in 2018, TMRW is a life sciences technology company providing the first and only automated, software-guided specimen management solution for the safe management of frozen eggs and embryos central to the IVF process. For the first time, frozen eggs and embryos can be digitally tracked using software safely stored with automated robotics and remotely monitored 24/7. With proprietary RFID labware and a software management solution created by embryologists for embryologists, TMRW empowers clinics and gives peace of mind to patients on their fertility journey. TMRW, which was named Fast Company's #1 Most Innovative Biotech company in 2022, has been adopted by leading clinics across the US and will soon be available in the UK and Europe. With significant continued growth in fertility services and the projected number of IVF births on the rise, TMRW provides a scalable solution for clinics bringing the care of frozen eggs and embryos into the 21st century.

SOURCE TMRW Life Sciences
As it approaches its 100th year of serving the military community, USAA today released its 2021 Annual Report to Members Tweet this

"Our resilient members, many of whom are actively serving our country, had to deal with new COVID variants and 71 major catastrophes in 2021," said USAA President and CEO Wayne Peacock. "In 2021, USAA responded to our member's calls for support while maintaining the financial strength that allows us to be there for military families when they need us most."

Amid the challenges of 2021, USAA:

Paid $2.5 billion paid in catastrophe claims, a 20% increase over 2020.

paid in catastrophe claims, a 20% increase over 2020. Net worth held strong at $40 billion . USAA's revenue was $37.5 billion and net income was $3.3 billion  all despite catastrophe losses reaching another historic high.

. USAA's Almost 96% of members chose to stay with the association.

USAA returned almost $2 billion to members in distributions, dividends, and bank rebates and rewards.

USAA portfolios performed well during the historic investment-market recovery since the COVID-19 crisis lows.

"USAA's focus on serving the military community  and the communities where we live and work  was again aided in 2021 by the strength of our diversified business portfolio, and prudent management and investment decisions," said Chief Financial Officer Jeff Wallace. "We continue to invest in our people, modernizing our systems, and enhancing our operations to ensure we continue to deliver great experiences and exceptional service for our members as we approach our 100th anniversary."

Responding to the Call

USAA's Annual Report to Members highlights the "call to serve," both in how the military community responds to the call to serve our nation and how USAA is driven to serve its members and the community.

"USAA is inspired by the military community's selfless response to the call to serve," Peacock said. "In June of 2022, USAA will begin its second century of serving members. A small idea launched USAA on a mission to serve the military community. A collective of 25 Army officers made a promise to take care of their own by offering insurance when no other company would. And that dedication and promise continues to drive USAA today."

In 2021 USAA served members by:

Introducing usage-based, pay-as-you-go auto insurance with rates based on the actual miles driven. That included the acquisition of insurtech company Noblr, Inc. to offer usage-based insurance.

Responding to 71 catastrophes, launching small business insurance and introducing personal property insurance coverage at an average 45% savings for service members living in barracks and dormitories.

Making life insurance more accessible through our first-ever, digital-only insurance product and more straightforward through our guaranteed issue whole life insurance solution.

Continuing to invest in digital banking capabilities and fraud prevention and detection technology to protect our membership.

USAA served the community in 2021 by:

Designating 48% of $38.6 million in direct grants from USAA, USAA Bank and The USAA Foundation, Inc. to military-focused nonprofit organizations.

in direct grants from USAA, USAA Bank and The USAA Foundation, Inc. to military-focused nonprofit organizations. Reaching 2.2 million service members with financial education materials from The USAA Educational Foundation, Inc.

Donating through The USAA Foundation, Inc. a combined $500,000 to Team Rubicon and the American Red Cross, to help families and communities recover from the devastation of Hurricane Ida.

About USAA

Founded in 1922 by a group of military officers, USAA is among the leading providers of insurance, banking, and investment and retirement solutions to more than 13 million members of the U.S. military, veterans who have honorably served and their families. Headquartered in San Antonio, USAA has offices in eight U.S. cities and three overseas locations and employs more than 38,000 people worldwide. Each year, the company contributes to national and local nonprofits in support of military families and communities where employees live and work. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@USAA), or visit usaa.com.

The USAA Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization, supports organizations that provide services in the areas of education, health and human services, arts and culture, and civic and economic development primarily in the communities where USAA employees live and work. The USAA Foundation, Inc., does not endorse or promote any commercial supplier, products or services. USAA is the sponsor of The USAA Foundation, Inc.

The USAA Educational Foundation is nonprofit charitable organization qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as a tax-exempt private operating foundation with a mission and purpose to lead and inspire actions that improve financial readiness for the military and local community. The USAA Educational Foundation cannot endorse or promote any commercial supplier, product or service. USAA is the sponsor of the USAA Educational Foundation.

Contact: USAA

[email protected]

SOURCE USAA
Medical Marijuana Market: Application Landscape

Application

Chronic Pain



Nausea



Others

Geography

North America



Europe



APAC



South America



MEA

The chronic pain segment's medical marijuana market share will expand significantly. Medical marijuana is becoming more widely accepted as a viable alternative to standard pain relievers. Adults with chronic pain are on the rise in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. This feature, together with the rising popularity of medicinal marijuana, has the potential to increase the market's growth pace during the projection period.

To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a sample report.

Medical Marijuana Market: Geographic Landscape

North America will account for 46% of the market's growth. In North America, the primary markets for medical marijuana are the United States and Canada. The market in this region will increase at a quicker rate than the market in other regions.

Government initiatives, such as the decision to legalize the use of marijuana as a medicine for epilepsy, will aid the growth of the medical marijuana market in North America over the forecast period.

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Medical Marijuana Market: Vendors

Aphria Inc.

Aurora Cannabis Inc.

Cannabis Sativa Inc.

Canopy Growth Corp.

Cronos Group Inc.

DEMECAN Holding GmbH

GW Pharmaceuticals Plc

Medical Marijuana Inc.

Tilray Inc.

VIVO Cannabis Inc.

Find additional highlights on the growth strategies adopted by vendors and their product offerings, Read our Sample Report.

Medical Marijuana Market Scope

Technavio presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources. The medical marijuana market report covers the following areas:

This study identifies an increasing number of awareness campaigns as one of the prime reasons driving the medical marijuana market growth during the next few years.

What our reports offer:

Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments

Strategic recommendations for the new entrants

Market trends (drivers, opportunities, threats, challenges, investment opportunities, and recommendations)

Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations

Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends

Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments

Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Do reach out to our analysts for more customized reports as per your requirements. Speak to our Analyst now!

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Medical Marijuana Market Scope Report Coverage Details Page number 120 Base year 2020 Forecast period 2021-2025 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 18.5% Market growth 2021-2025 $ 27.72 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth (%) 18.08 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA Performing market contribution North America at 46% Key consumer countries US, Germany, France, UK, and Canada Competitive landscape Leading companies, Competitive strategies, Consumer engagement scope Key companies profiled Aphria Inc., Aurora Cannabis Inc., Cannabis Sativa Inc., Canopy Growth Corp., Cronos Group Inc., DEMECAN Holding GmbH, GW Pharmaceuticals Plc, Medical Marijuana Inc., Tilray Inc., and VIVO Cannabis 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 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

2 Market Landscape

2.1 Market ecosystem

Exhibit 01: Parent market



Exhibit 02: Market characteristics

2.2 Value chain analysis

Exhibit 03: Value chain analysis: Tobacco market

3 Market Sizing

3.1 Market definition

Exhibit 04: Offerings of vendors included in the market definition

3.2 Market segment analysis

Exhibit 05: Market segments

3.3 Market size 2020

3.4 Market outlook: Forecast for 2020 - 2025

Exhibit 06: Global - Market size and forecast 2020 - 2025 ($ billion)



Exhibit 07: Global market: Year-over-year growth 2020 - 2025 (%)

4 Five Forces Analysis

4.1 Five forces summary

Exhibit 08: Five forces analysis 2020 & 2025

4.2 Bargaining power of buyers

Exhibit 09: Bargaining power of buyers

4.3 Bargaining power of suppliers

Exhibit 10: Bargaining power of suppliers

4.4 Threat of new entrants

Exhibit 11: Threat of new entrants

4.5 Threat of substitutes

Exhibit 12: Threat of substitutes

4.6 Threat of rivalry

Exhibit 13: Threat of rivalry

4.7 Market condition

Exhibit 14: Market condition - Five forces 2020

5 Market Segmentation by Application

5.1 Market segments

Exhibit 15: Application - Market share 2020-2025 (%)

5.2 Comparison by Application

Exhibit 16: Comparison by Application

5.3 Chronic pain - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 17: Chronic pain - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ billion)



Exhibit 18: Chronic pain - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

5.4 Nausea - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 19: Nausea - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ billion)



Exhibit 20: Nausea - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

5.5 Others - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 21: Others - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ billion)



Exhibit 22: Others - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

5.6 Market opportunity by Application

Exhibit 23: Market opportunity by Application

6 Customer landscape

7 Geographic Landscape

7.1 Geographic segmentation

Exhibit 25: Market share by geography 2020-2025 (%)

7.2 Geographic comparison

Exhibit 26: Geographic comparison

7.3 North America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 27: North America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ billion)

Exhibit 28: North America - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

7.4 Europe - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 29: Europe - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ billion)

Exhibit 30: Europe - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

7.5 APAC - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 31: APAC - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ billion)



Exhibit 32: APAC - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

7.6 South America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 Exhibit 33: South America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ billion)

- Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ billion)

Exhibit 34: South America - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

7.7 MEA - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Exhibit 35: MEA - Market size and forecast 2020-2025 ($ billion)



Exhibit 36: MEA - Year-over-year growth 2020-2025 (%)

7.8 Key leading countries

Exhibit 37: Key leading countries

7.9 Market opportunity by geography

Exhibit 38: Market opportunity by geography ($ billion)

8 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

8.1 Market drivers

8.2 Market challenges

Exhibit 39: Impact of drivers and challenges

8.3 Market trends

9 Vendor Landscape

9.1 Overview

Exhibit 40: Vendor landscape

9.2 Landscape disruption

Exhibit 41: Landscape disruption



Exhibit 42: Industry risks

10 Vendor Analysis

10.1 Vendors covered

Exhibit 43: Vendors covered

10.2 Market positioning of vendors

Exhibit 44: Market positioning of vendors

10.3 Aphria Inc.

Exhibit 45: Aphria Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 46: Aphria Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 47: Aphria Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 48: Aphria Inc. - Segment focus

10.4 Aurora Cannabis Inc.

10.5 Cannabis Sativa Inc.

Exhibit 53: Cannabis Sativa Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 54: Cannabis Sativa Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 55: Cannabis Sativa Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 56: Cannabis Sativa Inc. - Segment focus

10.6 Canopy Growth Corp.

Exhibit 57: Canopy Growth Corp. - Overview



Exhibit 58: Canopy Growth Corp. - Business segments



Exhibit 59: Canopy Growth Corp. - Key offerings



Exhibit 60: Canopy Growth Corp. - Segment focus

10.7 Cronos Group Inc.

Exhibit 61: Cronos Group Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 62: Cronos Group Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 63: Cronos Group Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 64: Cronos Group Inc. - Segment focus

10.8 DEMECAN Holding GmbH

Exhibit 65: DEMECAN Holding GmbH - Overview



Exhibit 66: DEMECAN Holding GmbH - Product and service



Exhibit 67: DEMECAN Holding GmbH - Key offerings

10.9 GW Pharmaceuticals Plc

Exhibit 68: GW Pharmaceuticals Plc - Overview



Exhibit 69: GW Pharmaceuticals Plc - Business segments



Exhibit 70: GW Pharmaceuticals Plc - Key offerings

10.10 Medical Marijuana Inc.

Exhibit 71: Medical Marijuana Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 72: Medical Marijuana Inc. - Product and service



Exhibit 73: Medical Marijuana Inc. - Key offerings

10.11 Tilray Inc.

Exhibit 74: Tilray Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 75: Tilray Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 76: Tilray Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 77: Tilray Inc. - Segment focus

10.12 VIVO Cannabis Inc.

Exhibit 78: VIVO Cannabis Inc. - Overview



Exhibit 79: VIVO Cannabis Inc. - Business segments



Exhibit 80: VIVO Cannabis Inc. - Key offerings



Exhibit 81: VIVO Cannabis Inc. - Segment focus

11 Appendix

11.1 Scope of the report

11.2 Currency conversion rates for US$

Exhibit 82: Currency conversion rates for US$

11.3 Research methodology

Exhibit 83: Research Methodology



Exhibit 84: Validation techniques employed for market sizing



Exhibit 85: Information sources

11.4 List of abbreviations

Exhibit 86: List of abbreviations

About Us

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

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SOURCE Technavio
HELSINKI, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Valo Therapeutics Oy (ValoTx), the developer of novel, adaptable immunotherapy platforms for cancer and infectious diseases, today announced the appointment of Dr Hemanshu Shah as Chief Business Officer (CBO), based in the US.

ValoTx's CEO, Paul Higham, said, "I am delighted to welcome Dr Hemanshu Shah as our CBO. Hemanshu brings a wealth of business development experience from an impressive career spanning corporate development, strategy, and marketing roles at Transgene, Astellas, Johnson & Johnson, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. He'll be making the most of the substantial business development opportunities represented by our unique cancer and infectious disease immunotherapy platforms. We see significant potential in working with oncolytic virus companies and Neo antigen-companies looking for an effective immune-stimulatory delivery to the tumour micro-environment."

ValoTx's CBO Hemanshu Shah, said, "I'm excited to join Valo's excellent team, and am looking forward to using my extensive oncology corporate development experience, including with oncolytic viruses, to help drive forward our innovative solutions to vaccines, immuno-oncology, and personalised cancer treatments."

Dr Hemanshu Shah has a deep heritage in business development and corporate development transactions, coupled with US and global marketing experience. He has launched new medicines across multiple therapeutic areas including oncology. Most recently, Hemanshu was VP Corporate Development at French biotech Transgene SA, which specialises in therapeutic vaccines and oncolytic viruses against solid tumors. Prior to Transgene SA, he was VP of Global Marketing and Global Therapeutic Head for Transplantation, Immunology & Infectious Diseases at Astellas Pharma. He has also served as CBO or COO at companies including MENTRIK Biotech, AROG Pharmaceuticals, Innate Pharma, & GPC Biotech. A major career foundation is oncology, with 15 years of senior business and marketing positions at Johnson and Johnson, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. He has a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Rutgers University, an MBA from the University at Buffalo, and a B. Pharm. from the University of Mumbai.

About ValoTx

Valo Therapeutics Oy (Helsinki) is an immunotherapy company that is developing antigen-coated oncolytic viruses and vaccine vectors as innovative immunotherapy approaches against cancer and infectious disease. The ValoTx lead platform, PeptiCRAd (Peptide-coated Conditionally Replicating Adenovirus), was developed out of the laboratory of Professor Vincenzo Cerullo at the University of Helsinki. It turns oncolytic adenoviruses into targeted tissue specific cancer vaccines without the need to generate and manufacture multiple genetically modified viruses. The company is also developing PeptiENV and PeptiVAX, among other neoantigen strategies, in collaboration with Professor Cerullo. PeptiENV is expected to improve the therapeutic response to oncolytic enveloped viruses in the treatment of multiple forms of cancer, while PeptiVAX is a program to develop a novel, adaptable anti-infectives vaccination platform. The lead PeptiVAX project is a T-cell pan-Coronavirus vaccine. The company's PeptiCHIP technology enables the rapid and accurate identification of tumor antigens. A film explaining the PeptiCRAd technology can be found here.

SOURCE Valo Therapeutics
Drawing from over 15 million employee records, the Visier Resignation Report provides the earliest indicator and most accurate view into North American employee resignation rates

Free workforce benchmarking service provides access to 500+ insights for understanding diversity, career progression, resignation rates and other trends in the modern workplace

VANCOUVER, BC, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Visier , the globally recognized leader in people analytics and on-demand answers for people-powered business, today announced a free monthly report on North American employee movement. These new data findings, refreshed monthly, provide a glimpse into the state of the labor market from the employee's perspective. Based on 15 million aggregated and anonymized records, this public data source will track employee resignations as a bellwether of labor market health at least one month ahead of data available from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Additionally, Visier has launched an experimental workforce benchmarking service that provides free public access to over 500 different employee insights via an intuitive search-based interface. Users can explore insights about the rate people are resigning or being promoted; the ratio of employees to managers; the participation of women and minorities as employees, managers and leaders; and the distribution of high performers. These insights can be filtered by industry, company size, gender, ethnicity, age, and other attributes.

"Resignation data, in particular, has been in very high demand amongst our customers," said Andrea Derler, Ph.D., Principal of Research and Value at Visier. "Opening up this data to the public provides incredible value to leaders struggling to retain critical talent within their own organizations, and those trying to understand labor markets more broadly."

The inaugural Visier Resignation Report features data up to the end of May 2022, revealing some noteworthy facts:

In 2022, the overall rate of employee resignations year to date has remained elevated and substantially higher than 2020 or 2021. However, the ramp up in rates beginning with the pandemic is showing signs of leveling off.

Not all industries behave the same way. Certain sectors with large hourly workforces are starting to see a reduction in resignation rates, while sectors that rely on knowledge workers continue to see elevated resignations.

For sectors relying on knowledge workers, those who are over 30 years old or have over five years of tenure are more likely to resign. This means loss of knowledge and experience remains a serious concern for these sectors.

"During this turbulent labor market, people leaders and anyone following labor markets need to have insights into what's really happening in the workforce," said Ian Cook, VP People Analytics at Visier. "We've seen a massive shift in the last year, where resignations have grown to and held steadily at record high levels, with some industries impacted more than others. By providing a monthly look at how those trends are changing, Visier can help people leaders make better decisions about the hiring and retention strategies, and market watchers to better predict where things are headed."

The Visier Resignation Report will be refreshed on the first full week of every month and is available at https://www.visier.com/resignation-report/ .

The free benchmarking service is available at http://peoplebenchmarks.visier.com/ .

For more information about Visier's leading people analytics solution, visit www.visier.com .

About Visier

Visier is the recognized global leader in people analytics, providing on-demand answers to people-powered businesses. Behind every great brand, product, or idea is the Human Truth, and the Visier People Cloud reveals the fundamental questions and actionable truths capable of elevating your employeesand your businessto new heights. Founded in 2010 by the pioneers of business intelligence, Visier has 15,000 customers in 75 countries around the world, including enterprises like Adobe, BASF, Bridgestone, Electronic Arts, McKesson, MerckKGaA, Uber, and more. Visier is headquartered in Vancouver, BC with offices and team members worldwide.

For more information, visit www.visier.com .

SOURCE Visier
The second property is located off Wilshire Boulevard in Korea Town/Wilshire Center, and consists of 56,000 square-feet and 71 rooms. The independently owned hotel has a full restaurant and conference center, in addition to subterranean parking.

The loan was funded in eight business days after the request for capital was made.

"As liquidity continues to tighten in the capital markets and the commercial lending process becomes even more restrictive, Wilshire Quinn remains committed to providing rapid lending solutions for our clients," CEO and Chief Investment Officer Christopher Garcia said.

Wilshire Quinn, a national portfolio bridge lender and debt fund manager based out of San Diego, is well known for its quick loan closings and competitive short-term lending rates.

ABOUT WILSHIRE QUINN

Since 2011, Wilshire Quinn (www.wilshirequinn.com) has provided senior debt financing ranging from $200,000 to $20,000,000 on a variety of property types, including but not limited to: non-owner-occupied residential properties, multi-family properties, condos, hotels, assisted-living facilities, entitled land, parking lots, office buildings, industrial buildings, and retail centers. Wilshire Quinn works directly with real estate owners and mortgage professionals nationwide.

Loans are made or arranged by Wilshire Quinn Income Fund, LLC pursuant to California Finance Lenders Law license #603J060. Wilshire Quinn Capital, Inc. serves as manager of the Wilshire Quinn Income Fund, LLC. The information above is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. Nothing contained in the information above is an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Any such offer to purchase securities will be made only through the Private Placement Memorandum of Wilshire Quinn Income Fund, LLC.

Media Contact: Emily Mesetz, 619-872-6000, [email protected]

SOURCE Wilshire Quinn Capital
The World Dairy Innovation Awards was held simultaneously with the Congress. Leveraging strategic synergies and resource integration, Yili Group and its subsidiary Ausnutria topped the tally with six awards, covering segments of packaging design, infant nutrition, intolerance-friendly dairy products, ice cream, cheese and dairy snacks.

One of the judges commented that, "Yili have their finger on the pulse when it comes to identifying gaps in the market and creating brilliant innovative products that both taste and look great while simultaneously serving a purpose."

Dr. Yun explained how Yili has focused on building a globally integrated innovation network, which helped the company win worldwide recognition. "Integrating talent and intelligence resources, we have currently set up a total of 15 innovation centers scattered around the world, and a 'global intelligence chain' has now been established."

Developing health products through consumer-centric innovation

"Guided by our New Vision for Value Creation, Yili pursues development as an innovation-driven company. We are dedicated to launching health products to meet the full life-cycle, all-scenario needs among all types of consumers." said Dr. Yun.

For consumers to freely enjoy cheese without storage limitations, Yili developed the "Best Cheese" winnerthe ambient cheese lollipop, which is rich in nutrition and can be safely stored at room temperature. Revisiting traditional Chinese aesthetics, the Xujinhuan 3D Fresh Milk Ice Cream has been designed into the elegant shape of a Chinese fan, featuring traditional painting carved on the surface. Developed with global high-quality milk and ingredients, the beautiful look is also accompanied by good flavor and nutrition. For middled-aged and the elderly men, a group more focused on bone health and physical fitness, the Shuhua LactoseFree Milk for Dad includes 50% more natural calcium, vitamin D and taurine. Applying Yili's patented technology of LHT lactose hydrolysis, the product also addresses the problem of lactose intolerance that is common among Asian consumers.

At the Congress, Dr. Yun also shared the company's progress in building a "Dairy Silicon Valley." In June, four key projects of Yili's Future Intelligence and Healthy Valley will be put into operation in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, including a liquid milk production base, a milk powder production base, the Chilechuan Ecological Smart Farm, and the Yili Intelligent Manufacturing Experience Center.

Commitment to building a net -zero carbon future

Talking about dairy's role in addressing climate change, Dr. Yun said, "Embracing the tide of sustainable development across the globe, Yili has rolled out net-zero carbon products and factories, issued the Roadmap to a Net-Zero Carbon Future, and joined hands with our partners throughout the industrial chain to build a net-zero carbon future."

In April, Yili took the lead in China's food industry to launch time-bound targets on carbon reduction, aiming to realize industrial chain-wide carbon neutrality before 2050.

On June 5, Yili also introduced the packaging featuring "no printing, less ink." Applying the technology of ink reduction printing, the packaging is able to save ink consumption by 60%. The outer carton is 80% made up of recycled paper. By upgrading into paper handles, every 100,000 outer cartons will reduce plastic usage equating to 260 kg.

SOURCE Yili Group
At 9th annual WLO reception, Vaniam Group makes progress on $1.35 million endowment pledge, expands WLO to be a year-round community supporting female contributions in the field of oncology

CHICAGO, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Last night at its 9th annual reception, the Women Leaders in Oncology (WLO) presented the 2022 WLO "Women Who Conquer Cancer" Young Investigator Award (YIA) to Susan Scott, MD, a thoracic medical oncologist and assistant professor of oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In addition, the hundreds of women who attended the virtual gathering made significant financial contributions to help fund future YIAs for women conducting promising research within the field of oncology.

Created in 2014 by Vaniam Group Founder and CEO Deanna B. van Gestel, WLO is focused on fostering research, business, and philanthropic connections for women in oncology drug development, clinical research, and clinical practice. The charitable contributions from last night's reception and through the rest of this year will fully fund the 2023 Women Who Conquer Cancer YIA, while continuing to contribute toward the $1.35 million endowment that Ms. van Gestel has pledged to raise by 2026 to fund future Women Who Conquer Cancer YIAs.

"I am grateful and inspired by the generosity from this community of women who are leading to make an impact in the oncology community," said Ms. van Gestel, who is also a board member of Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation. "As we make additional progress toward our endowment goal to fund promising cancer research, I am thrilled that WLO is evolving from an annual networking event to become a year-round effort that establishes, nurtures, and supports connections among women in oncology."

The keynote speaker of the 2022 WLO annual reception was Sonali M. Smith, MD, section chief of hematology/oncology at the University of Chicago Medicine. While sharing lessons from her personal journey to become a leader within this industry, Dr Smith explained, "There are many gendered beliefs about women and men, and this contributes to our perception about what makes a good leader We are blessed to be in a phenomenal group of strong women, and I have had so many people along the way who have taught me There is no way any of us can do this on our own, and having this village is one of the most incredible blessings of life."

The 2022 WLO Women Who Conquer Cancer YIA

This year's recipient of the WLO Women Who Conquer Cancer YIA is Susan Scott, MD, a thoracic medical oncologist and assistant professor of oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The award will fund her research into the use of adagrasib as a new preoperative treatment strategy for the 13% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer who possess the KRASG12C mutation.

"Lung cancer recurs in more than half of the patients treated with surgery and chemotherapy, and more research is needed to determine if earlier intervention with targeted therapy may be able to block KRASG12C-driven cancer growth and ultimately improve outcomes for this population," said Dr Scott. "I am grateful to Vaniam Group, Conquer Cancer, and the entire Women Leaders in Oncology community for making this important research possible, and for their overall commitment to support female leaders who are striving to improve the practice of oncology."

Dr Scott received her undergraduate education at the University of Oxford and medical doctorate from Yale University. She completed residency at the Cleveland Clinic where she also served as chief resident in internal medicine, and later completed an oncology fellowship at Johns Hopkins before joining the faculty in 2022. Dr Scott practices at the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Sibley Memorial Hospital.

Additional Opportunities to Support WLO

We continue to raise funds toward our goal of a $1.35 million WLO YIA endowment, ensuring that women oncologists can receive annual research funding for years to come. To donate, visit www.Conquer.org/WLO

WLO YIA endowment, ensuring that women oncologists can receive annual research funding for years to come. To donate, visit www.Conquer.org/WLO WLO will be hosting its first annual 5K to Fund the Future, a virtual run/walk event throughout the month of September 2022 . All money raised will directly support the WLO YIA endowment. To inquire about participating and/or forming a team, contact [email protected]

to Fund the Future, a virtual run/walk event throughout the month of . All money raised will directly support the WLO YIA endowment. To inquire about participating and/or forming a team, contact On October 7-8, 2022 , in Santa Monica, CA , Bio Ascend will host the 4th annual LEAD conference, which is focused on the empowerment and professional development of women in oncology and hematology. To register, visit www.BioAscend.com/LEAD-2022/

, in , Bio Ascend will host the 4th annual LEAD conference, which is focused on the empowerment and professional development of women in oncology and hematology. To register, visit www.BioAscend.com/LEAD-2022/ WLO is launching a new series of intimate regional networking tables, where female healthcare leaders will gather to share best practices from their professional journeys and mentor one another. To inquire about sponsoring and/or participating in one of these regional gatherings, contact [email protected]

About WLO

WLO is focused on creating research, business, and philanthropic connections for women in oncology drug development, clinical research, and clinical practice. WLO establishes and nurtures connections among women leaders through events, fundraising, and recognition. For more information, visit www.WomenLeadersinOncology.com

About Vaniam Group LLC

Vaniam Group is a people-first, purpose-driven, independent network of healthcare and scientific communications agencies committed to helping biopharmaceutical companies realize the full potential of their compounds in the oncology and hematology marketplace. Founded in 2007 as a virtual-by-design organization, Vaniam Group harnesses the talents and expertise of team members around the world. For more information, visit www.VaniamGroup.com

About Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation

Conquer Cancer funds research for every cancer, every patient, everywhere. Since 1984, its Grants & Awards program has awarded more than $158 million through more than 2,600 grants and awards to improve cancer care and accelerate breakthroughs in clinical and translational oncology research. Conquer Cancer donors support vital programs needed to deliver the highest quality, equitable patient care and share a vision of a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy. For more information visit CONQUER.ORG.

SOURCE Vaniam Group LLC
Through the Powered by Snowflake program, Yext harnesses the Snowflake Data Cloud to establish secure data sharing capabilities and a single source of truth for search analytics. Yext customers can now reliably access and quickly act on critical insights by leveraging the speed, scale, and performance of Snowflake's platform.

"Analytics has always been a key focus of ours, and that's only become more important now that Yext answers questions across websites, search engines, apps, and chatbots," said Maxwell Shaw, SVP of Product Management at Yext. "Snowflake allows us to turn data into insights  it's that simple. We've continuously innovated to deliver exceptional value to our customers, and Snowflake provides us with the edge we need to take our platform to the next level."

Yext's partnership with Snowflake is on full display at this year's Snowflake Summit , June 13-16 in Las Vegas, Nevada, where thousands of Snowflake's partners, customers, and industry peers are gathering to network, collaborate, and obtain essential knowledge about Snowflake and emerging trends in data and analytics. Yext is powering search on the conference app and website to give attendees easy access to information about sessions, speakers, logistics, and more.

"With Snowflake's powerful engine purpose-built for modern data applications, Yext is positioned to deliver faster time-to-value for end users," said Scott Schilling, Senior Director, Global Partner Development at Snowflake. "Snowflake's partnership with Yext enables joint customers to unlock data-driven insights with advanced analytics, driving better experiences wherever users look for answers."

To become a Snowflake partner, get access to Snowflake's self-service partner resources, and apply for the Powered by Snowflake program, please visit www.snowflake.com/partners/poweredbysnowflake .

To learn more about the Yext and Snowflake partnership, visit yext.com/snowflake .

About Yext

Yext (NYSE: YEXT) is the Answers Company and is on a mission to empower every company in the world to provide authoritative answers to every question about their organization. Yext leverages AI to collect and organize a company's information and deliver it  in the form of answers  to customers, employees, and partners. Yext's Answers Platform works by pulling in information, organizing it into a Knowledge Graph and then delivering it via a set of platform services, including Listings, Search, Pages & Reviews. Brands like Verizon, Subway, and Marriott  as well as organizations like the U.S. State Department  trust Yext to radically improve their business and deliver perfect answers everywhere.

CONTACT: Gordon Knapp, [email protected]

SOURCE Yext, Inc.
Zeus Living looks after homes that can be rented for 30 days or longer, providing full-service property management and 24/7 support to both owners and residents. The company recently achieved a quarter of a billion dollars in lifetime revenue, and continues to expand throughout the U.S. Utah is the newest state to be added to Zeus Living's portfolio, and the company expects to grow in Provo-Orem, Salt Lake City, and beyond in the coming months.

"It's an exciting time to launch operations in the beautiful state of Utah," said Kulveer Taggar, CEO and Co-Founder of Zeus Living. "Since early on in the pandemic, we've seen strong demand in destinations like Provo-Orem that offer easy access to outdoor adventure, a booming local economy, and close proximity to innovative tech companies. The region has something for everyone, whether you're entrepreneurial-minded and looking to build a meaningful long-term career, or just enjoying an extended stay in an unbeatable setting near Utah Lake State Park. We look forward to caring for new residents and partnering with more people who own homes in the area."

Recently, Zeus Living commissioned a study of more than 1,700 Americans who work remotely, and found that 67% would consider living in a new city in 2022, while 48% reported being more likely to book an extended stay now compared to pre-pandemic times. Simultaneously, Zeus Living has maintained greater than 85% occupancy and experienced increasing search volumes this year, further demonstrating the rising demand for flexible rentals throughout the U.S.

To view Zeus Living's new homes in Utah, click here .

About Zeus Living

Zeus Living designs and manages modern homes that can be rented for 30 days or longer across more than 125 destinations in the U.S. Through its leading technology platform and the expertise of dedicated hospitality professionals around the country, Zeus Living strives to help people live well, and on their own terms. Zeus Living drives revenue for owners while taking care of their properties, and delivers unparalleled support to residents, ensuring memorable experiences wherever they choose to stay. Organizations trust Zeus Living to serve as an end-to-end corporate travel partner, with flexible options based on personalized needs. To date, Zeus Living has raised over $150 million in capital from leading investors and hosted more than 40,000 residents for 1.7 million nights. For more information, visit zeusliving.com or follow @zeusliving on Twitter.

PR Contact

Anni Jones

PR Director, Zeus Living

[email protected]

(831) 588-4121

SOURCE Zeus Living
Hurricane Energy PLC (LSE:HUR) confirmed it is looking beyond next months bond repayment with chief executive Antony Maris telling investors he believes there are exciting opportunities ahead for the company.

The UK offshore oil producer told investors it banked some US$59.5mln from its latest oil shipment, in May, which was priced at US$110 per barrel. The next cargo is due at the end of July.

Hurricane said it had US$139mln of net free cash and after Julys bond repayment of US$78.5mln it expects it will retain over US$75mln (or US$90mln if Brent remains above US$120 for the next cargo) to take the business forward.

Although the company described the UK Governments Energy Profits Levy (otherwise referred to as the North Sea windfall tax) as unhelpful, Maris said Hurricane could benefit from newly improved tax relief on new investment.

Management and the board are working hard to assess and evaluate possible organic and inorganic investment opportunities, the Hurricane chief executive said.

Our industry works within the framework of long investment cycles and highly volatile commodity markets. Fiscal stability is key in supporting the investment decision making to meet the UK's energy transition targets and the introduction of the EPL is unhelpful in that regard. However, as a potential investor in future UK oil and gas assets, we also stand to benefit from investment incentives/relief.

We believe there are some exciting opportunities ahead and that the Company is well placed to grow its asset base, deliver significant shareholder value and contribute to ensuring security of oil and gas supply for the UK.

Production at Hurricanes Lancaster field averaged close to 8,500 barrels of oil per day in the month of May, lower than last month, though the company said this was due to a planned two-day phase of tests which involved producing at reducing rates, which impacted the months average metrics.

Lancasters primary well, the P6 well, saw an average water cut of 44% which is in line previous months.

As of June 14, the well was producing 8,700 bopd.

The company noted that Mays crude pricing was set based upon the first five days of dated Brent quotes, and, the next cargo is due to be lifted in late July.

--UPDATED to correct error related to cash forecasts dependant upon future oil prices--
Harbour Energy PLC (LSE:HBR) launched a US$200mln share buyback programme, marking a fresh milestone in the rehabilitation of whats now the North Seas largest independent oil and gas producer.

The company (formed last year with the merger of Premier Oil and Chrysaor) told investors it has entered into irrevocable, non-discretionary agreements with its corporate brokers to execute the share buy-back programme on its behalf. It is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2022.

In the brief statement, Harbour said it continues to employ a disciplined and prudent approach to capital allocation, balancing its three priorities of safeguarding the balance sheet, ensuring a robust and diverse portfolio and shareholder returns.

In May, Harbour confirmed it is rapidly repaying debt thanks to the recent surge in oil prices with some US$600mln repaid over the first three months of 2022.

It generated more than US$1.5bn of revenue in its first quarter.

Net debt reduced to US$1.7bn from US$2.3bn at the end of December and Harbour said it expects to be debt free in 2023.

The oil company expects to generate US$1.5bn to US$1.7bn of free cash, after taxes and dividends, this year. It added that it will therefore have significant optionality over future capital allocation, including possible transactions and extra returns to shareholders.

In the three months ended 31 March 2022, the company produced 215,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, at an operating cost of US$14.10 per barrel, and achieved an average oil sales price of US$103 per barrel (US$84 post hedging), whilst gas was sold at the equivalent of US$160 per barrel (US$66 post hedging).

It will be impacted by the UK governments windfall tax (the Energy Profits Levy) though as a company with scope for new UK investments could also benefit from the introduction of new and improved tax reliefs, representing some 91p in every 1 invested.
The Crown Estate boosted its net profit by 16% this year after a mammoth leasing round for wind farms off the UK coast, producing a future pay-out of approximately 78 million for the Royals.

The estate generated 312.7mln in net profit from revenues in the fiscal year ending in 2022, a 43.4mln uplift compared to last year, it said in a statement today.

Each year the Royals get 25% of the Crown Estates net profits, calculated over two years, half of which goes towards servicing Buckingham Palace and the rest is taken by the Queen. The Sovereign Grant is payment in kind for the donation of revenues from public land to the public purse.

A sum of 25% of the profits would equal about 78mln, so that is provisionally the sum that the Queen can expect to get. It is paid in arrears, so for example the core grant for 2020-21 was 51.5mln based on 2018-19 profit of 343.5mln, according to the Sovereign accounts.

In the year 2021 to 2022, the Crown Estate outperformed the yearly benchmark by three percentage points, posting an annual total return of 12%, also outperforming the benchmark on a three-year rolling basis by 8.3% to 2.3%, according to a statement released today.

These gains were largely due to the impact of the Crown Estate's latest offshore wind leasing round for seabed rights. Round 4 of its offshore wind leasing programme is part of a pipeline to deliver 43 GW of new offshore wind capacity. The estate also plans to enable 4 GW of new floating offshore wind capacity in the Celtic Sea and said it has received applications for two floating wind projects, Llyr 1 and Llyr 2, from Floventis Energy Ltd.

It said the value of the marine portfolio increased by 22% to 5bn, driven largely by the latest offshore wind leasing round. As a result of this boost, the total value of its portfolio of rights grew 8.3% to 15.6bn.

Offshore wind power generation on the land leased by the Crown Estate now comprises 12% of UK electricity needs. Last year, the estate leased land for up to 8 GW of offshore wind power projects under the fourth round of its leasing programme, which are subject to environmental approvals.

The Crown Estate is exempt from certain laws by a process of derogation that enables projects leased from its sites to progress if localised environmental impacts are offset by the overall positive effects. The estate announced its intention to proceed with all of the selected projects [in the latest round] on the basis of derogation.

The Crown also owns a portfolio of assets in London valued at about 7.7bn, which underperformed the MSCI West End benchmark for the period at 3.5% compared to 5.7%.

The estate is managed by an independent management team instituted following a Parliamentary act. All profits are paid to the Treasury, which then in turn issues the Sovereign grant. The Queen and Royal household each get 15% of the Crown Estate profits through the grant, which in the past has gone towards spending on, for example, refurbishing Frogmore Cottage, according to the Sovereigns accounts logged in Companies House.

The income the Royals receive on top of the grant fell in 2019 to 2020 due to the impact of Covid-19 on the opening of the Royal Palaces. As a result of the pandemic, the Queen was due to receive a so-called bailout to supplement the sovereign grant.

The core Sovereign Grant is calculated based on 15% of the income account net surplus of the Crown Estate for the financial year two years previous, the 2020-21 accounts said. The Royal Trustees agreed that from 2017-18, the Sovereign Grant will be calculated based on 25% of the income account net surplus of the Crown Estate for the financial year two years previous, with the additional 10% to be used to fund the Reservicing of Buckingham Palace over a period of ten years.
OzAurum Resources Ltd (ASX:OZM) has further validated the potential of the Demag Zone at Mulgabbie North to be a significant gold discovery in the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia.

The companys first completed diamond hole at the new virgin gold discovery, MNODH 002, delivered strong results with a best intersection of 55 metres at 1.00 g/t gold from 47 metres, including 4 metres at 4.98 g/t with 1-metre at 15.55 g/t.

This hole intersected gold mineralisation that closely correlates with adjacent reverse circulation hole MNORC 177 that returned 56 metres at 1.31 g/t gold from 68 metres, including 18 metres at 2.07 g/t.

OZM is now working on a third diamond drill hole, MNODH 004, at the Demag Zone which is at a depth of 160 metres with a planned depth of 400 metres.

We are excited to report on the significant drilling progress at our Mulgabbie North Gold Project, CEO and managing director Andrew Pumphrey said.

In particular, the first completed diamond hole drilled at our new virgin gold discovery Demag Zone has intersected significant gold mineralisation that closely correlates with adjacent RC hole MNORC 177, further validating the potential of Mulgabbie to be a significant gold discovery, directly adjacent to Northern Stars Carosue Dam Mine.

More about the drilling

Significant wide downhole intervals of silicification with pyrite and arsenopyrite mineralisation have been intersected in both RC and diamond drilling at the Demag Zone.

OZM also confirmed the host conglomerate unit has a true thickness of about 120 metres.

The second diamond drill hole MNODH 003 at the Demag Zone, on the 8400N section, was planned to target gold mineralisation at a depth previously intersected by RC drill hole MNORC 177.

Diamond hole MNODH 003, which was drilled to a depth of 335 metres, intersected zones of arsenopyrite and pyrite mineralisation with silica flooding that correlates well with mineralisation seen in RC hole MNORC 177.

Recent logging of both MNODH 002 and 003 revealed several mineralising episodes of arsenopyrite and pyrite mineralisation, as well as quartz veining.

OZM is now drilling MNODH 004.

Importantly this is a low-cost operation, with the drill rig being owned by Pumphrey and operated by OZM at no cost to the company.

Diamond core will provide valuable information on lithology, mineralisation, alteration and structure associated with the gold mineralisation at the Demag Zone.

Shares have been as much as 12.13% higher this morning to $0.185.

Whats next

OZM has prioritised follow-up RC drilling at the Mulgabbie North Demag Zone, along with ongoing RC drill testing of aircore saprolite gold anomalies and extensions to the Ben and James prospects.

As reported yesterday, OZM will continue to use best practice RC drilling, sampling and assay protocols that could lead to a future JORC 2012-compliant resource at Mulgabbie North.

In the meantime, drilling results will be reported as soon as they become available.
Taruga Minerals Ltd (ASX:TAR) has secured $650,000 in funding from the South Australian Government to accelerate exploration for copper and rare earth elements (REE) at its Mt Craig Project.

The funding in two lots of $325,0000 will enable the company to explore for ionic adsorption clay (IAC) style REEs and Central African style sediment-hosted copper at the project.

Notably, the funding comes under the Accelerated Discovery Initiative (ADI), aimed at accelerating new mineral discoveries for key commodities in regional and frontier provinces of South Australia.

Taruga is one of 13 companies to secure the funding, which included Oz Minerals Ltd.

REE potential at Mt Craig

Speaking to the REE potential at Mt Craig, Taruga CEO Thomas Line said: We are extremely pleased to have been successful in securing this highly competitive funding, which will go toward exploration for clay-hosted rare earth elements at our massive Mt Craig Project which now spans more than 850 square kilometres.

I would like to thank the South Australian Government and Minister Koutsantonis for their support.

Clay-hosted rare earth elements were discovered by Taruga during 2021 drilling at Morgans Creek. which was focused on copper exploration.

The geological setting which hosts the REEs at Morgans Creek expands across a significant portion of Mt Craig, however, targeted REE exploration drilling has never before been conducted at the project.

Morgans Creek REE drilling results from 2021.

Sediment hosted copper potential

In regard to the potential for sediment-hosted copper, Line added: We are extremely pleased to have been successful in securing this highly competitive funding, which will go toward exploration for Central African style sediment-hosted copper at our massive Mt Craig Project.

Birthday Ridge and Wyacca form only two of many sediment-hosted copper targets at the Mt Craig Project, which include both Tapley Hill Formation and Niggly Gap Beds which collectively have more than 70 kilometres of strike through the folded geology.

I would like to thank the South Australian Government and Minister Koutsantonis for their support.

High-grade sediment-hosted copper was discovered by Taruga during 2021 drilling at Wyacca which was focused on copper exploration.

The Mt Craig Project also includes Birthday Ridge, where extensive sediment-hosted copper mineralisation was discovered by historical explorers from the surface and is yet to be followed up.

Funding covers exploration for sediment-hosted copper across the entire 850 square kilometre project, including Wyacca and Birthday Ridge.

Wyacca sediment copper drilling results from 2021 Taruga drilling.

Accelerate development

The government funding represents a validation of the potential for the Mt Craig Project to host significant sediment-hosted copper deposits and clay-hosted REE deposits.

This ADI funding will accelerate the development of the REE targets and sediment-hosted copper targets at Mt Craig.

South Australian Minister for Energy and Mining Tom Koutsantonis said: These grants will allow companies to use innovative technologies and concepts to fast-track new exploration ideas and techniques across South Australia.

The information gathered and shared from these programs bring forward-thinking and collectively move the dial for exploration in South Australia.

Investors have responded positively to the two grants with shares trading 15.79% higher at $0.022.
Hawsons Iron Ltd (ASX:HIO)s board is pressing ahead with work on its namesake iron ore project thanks to a key study and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The executive team has endorsed a 20 million tonnes per annum project and will progress a bankable feasibility study, targeting completion by years end.

Hawsons has moved away from an earlier 10 million tonnes idea, preferring the expected superior economics, ESG outcomes and investment appeal tied to a 20 million tonnes model.

Concurrently, the company has inked an MoU with Flinders Ports to jointly design, construct and operate a greenfields Myponie Point Port to export Hawsons magnetite concentrate.

With its 20 million tonnes focus and the milestone MoU at hand, Hawsons moves a step closer to meeting demand for high-grade products, essential for decarbonising steelmaking.

Aiming for first production in 2024

Hawsons chair Dave Woodall said developing a 20 million tonnes per annum magnetite mine near Broken Hill in NSW would necessitate a review of the projects schedule.

Subsequently, this will facilitate the design, approval and construction of a dedicated underground slurry pipeline to a deep-water port export facility at Myponie Point on South Australias eastern Spencer Gulf.

Looking ahead, Woodall said the company was targeting BFS completion in December and it hoped to get first production underway in the second half of 2024.

The team of leading global partners and specialists weve engaged to complete the BFS now has the additional information required to undertake detailed engineering design and update the projects estimated delivery timetable which we will release once completed, he said.

MoU with Flinders Ports

Underpinning Hawsons latest project decision is the non-binding MoU with Flinders Ports, which documents plans to co-operate on the potential development and operation of the Myponie Point Port to export 20 million tonnes of magnetite concentrate every year.

Hawsons managing director Bryan Granzien said the MoU envisaged that Flinders Ports would finance, construct, own and operate the Myponie Point Port, therefore reducing the Hawsons Iron Projects capital requirements.

There is also an exciting opportunity for Hawsons to participate in the future growth of the port as its cornerstone customer, Granzien said.

Myponie Port is expected to be ready to start exporting Hawsons unique 70% iron Hawsons Supergrade magnetite concentrate by the second half of 2024.

Granzien said that Flinders Ports was equally committed to adopting, enhancing and living up to their ESG credentials and ensuring that as far as appropriately possible, ESG considerations would be embedded into their respective business processes and decision-making.

Our decision to focus the BFS solely on developing the 20 million tonnes per annum project and this milestone MoU with an operator of Flinders Ports calibre have advanced Hawsons closer toward achieving our goal of meeting demand for high-grade products so essential for decarbonising steel making, he said.

Flinders Port Holdings CEO Stewart Lammin said: The MoU with Hawsons is another example of our commitment to facilitating large-scale export projects from South Australia, including exploring the development of new ports where necessary.

The Hawsons project in itself is an exciting prospect and aligns with our sustainability plan and our aim to develop sustainable supply chains that meet the growing expectations of the market.

At this stage, definitive arrangements between the parties are subject to negotiation and finalisation of formal documents.
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White pegmatite hosts fine to medium, white-grey, spodumene crystals intersected from 159.1 to 177.2 metres depth in Hole MF22-64 (Hole 05).

Critical Resources Ltd (ASX:CRR) has fielded encouraging results, including 7.66 metres at 1.5% lithium oxide, from its first assays at the Mavis Lake Lithium Project in Ontario, Canada.

The companys drill hole MF22-64 (Hole 5) returned medium to large, cream-coloured spodumene laths correlating with higher-grading lithium oxide assays including:

18.1 metres at 0.98% lithium oxide from 159.1 to 177.2 metres downhole including,

15.53 metres at 1.1% from 161 to 176.53 metres downhole;

7.66 metres at 1.5% from 161 to 168.66 metres downhole; and

5.66 metres at 1.68% from 161 to 166.66 metres downhole.

In addition, several intervals of spodumene zonation contained higher grades up to 2.03% lithium oxide.

Moving forward, CRR has kicked off the planning and permitting process to extend the current drill program, as the company awaits further assays.

Significant grades

CRR managing director Alex Biggs said: Our first assays from Mavis Lake are very promising indicating a wide, high-grade zone of Li20.

With significant grades within the 18.1-metre zone, we are excited that this is a good starting point in defining the potential that Mavis Lake has to offer.

Our drilling is continuing with all but one hole intersecting spodumene-bearing pegmatite mineralisation.

Additionally, we are very pleased to see continued significant intersections of spodumene in our most recent drill holes.

We look forward to updating the market in due course with further results.

Drill results

CRRs drill hole MF-22-64 was designed to test lithium grade continuity and width at depth within Pegmatite 6.

The hole intersected a 10.4-metre true width spodumene-bearing pegmatite and confirms significant lithium mineralisation at a downhole depth of 159.1 metres.

Pegmatite 6 remains open at depth, down-dip from this intersection.

The higher grading Li2O values correlate well with local metre-scale zonations of increased spodumene mineralisation

Furthermore, Four more holes continue to intersect spodumene-bearing pegmatite within Pegmatite 6.

About Mavis Lake

Mavis Lake Lithium Project is 19 kilometres east of the town of Dryden, Ontario.

The project is in close vicinity to the Trans-Canada highway and railway major transportation arteries linking larger cities such as Thunder Bay, Ontario, to the southeast and Winnipeg, Manitoba, to the west.

The region boasts excellent infrastructure with hydropower a few kilometres to the southwest of the project. It is a well-established lithium province with multiple projects within the vicinity.
MGC Pharmaceuticals Ltd (LSE:MXC, OTC:MGCLF, ASX:MXC) said a three-year pre-clinical programme examining the use of cannabinoids to treat an aggressive form of brain cancer delivered outstanding results.

Specifically, it found that its formulations were cytotoxic to glioblastoma tumour and stem cells, reducing their viability and inducing programmed cell death, known as apoptosis.

MGC said it is planning to undertake additional research to further demonstrate the formulation's efficacy.

"The results of this trial are enormously exciting both for the company, and for the treatment of fatal cancerous tumours, said managing director Roby Zomer.

MGC Pharma's research has demonstrated the effect of naturally derived cannabinoid products on stage IV brain tumours without the use of toxic chemotherapy components.

We are proud of the work achieved thus far and are looking forward to advancing our proprietary formulation to the next stage of clinical trials."

The company used 30 biopsies taken from 18 patients to assess the optimal ratio of cannabidiol (CBD) to cannabigerol (CBG).

As well as showing that MGC's formulations killed glioblastoma tumours and stem cells, the tests revealed the treatment's efficacy was not enhanced by the addition of a widely used chemotherapy treatment linked to adverse events.
Metal Tiger PLC (AIM:MTR, OTC:MRTTF, ASX:MTR) has agreed to sell its 49% interest in Kalahari Metals Limited (KML) to Cobre Limited, which owns the other 51% of KML.

The AIM and ASX-listed investor in natural resource opportunities said Cobre will acquire 24.5% of the shares in KML for a cash consideration of 750,000  expected to be paid in September  which Metal Tiger will use for general working capital purposes.

Metal Tiger will grant Cobre a call option for it to acquire the remaining 24.5% of Metal Tiger's shares in KML, exercisable for either 750,000 cash or the equivalent in Cobre shares (based on a 90-trading day volume-weighted average price) at the sole election of Cobre, providing Cobre a pathway to 100% ownership of KML.

The call option will lapse 12 months after completion of the cahs purchase by Cobre of the 24.5% stake, and if not exercised by Cobre, Metal Tiger will remain a 24.5% shareholder in KML.

Since our initial investment in KML, we have seen significant exploration activity across the business, increasing our understanding of their licences. With our 21% shareholding in Cobre we will still be involved in the KML story where we continue to firmly believe in the potential for Copper-Silver discoveries in Botswana and look forward to facilitating the next stage in the Companys development through this deal, said Michael McNeilly, the chief executive officer of Metal Tiger.

Whether or not Cobre elects to acquire the entirety of Metal Tigers KML shareholding this deal marks the end of Metal Tigers project investment division, and the company will no longer consider joint ventures as part of its strategy. By no longer needing to be committed to funding a project which requires monthly cash calls the company will free up resources to implement operational improvements to optimise the assessment and management of potential and existing investments. This transition amongst other corporate strategies which are in the process of either being implemented or evaluated will allow the company to operate more efficiently, improve the investment story and create a platform from which the team can focus on substantially growing the companys net assets. We are excited by the transition this deal allows for the business and we will update shareholders on further progress across the business at the appropriate time, McNeilly said.
The construction of ten environmentally friendly airships will create about 1,800 jobs in South Yorkshire.

HAV (Hybrid Air Vehicles), a small Bedford-based company, said it signed a deal with a Spanish airline for 10 helium-filled Airlander 10 airships, which can carry 100 passengers.

A new green aerospace manufacturing cluster will produce the aircraft, which will have a CO2 footprint a tenth of that of jet planes, according to the manufacturer.

Kwasi Kwarteng, the UK's business secretary, said the commissioning of the Airlander showed the UK was a leader in greener aviation technology.

"Hybrid aircraft could play an important role as we transition to cleaner forms of aviation, and it is wonderful to see the UK right at the forefront of the technologys development," the Guardian quoted him as saying.

"This agreement enhances the possibility of the revolutionary, British-made and designed, Airlander 10 aircraft flying across Spanish skies. It is more proof of how the UKs businesses are embracing new technology to drive growth and support high skilled UK jobs."

HAV says the aircraft will emit about 4.5kg of CO2 per passenger, compared with 53kg on a jet, and will take to the skies by Spanish carrier Air Nostrum in 2026.

Carlos Bertomeu, Air Nostrum president said the Airlander 10 will drastically reduce emissions, and it was for this reason Air Nostrum partnered with HAV.

Among the possible routes for the 100-passenger Airlander 10 airship are Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca.

The airline, which currently operates flights for Iberia, did not specify what routes it would operate the Airlander on, but HAV previously said it would fly from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca in four-and-a-half hours.

HAV, which has previously drawn funding from Peter Hambro, founder of Russian goldminer Petropavlovsk, and Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson, said its aircraft is "ideally suited to inter-city mobility applications like Liverpool to Belfast and Seattle to Vancouver, which Airlander can service with a tiny fraction of the emissions of current air options".
Bens Creek Group PLC (AIM:BEN, OTC:BENCF) reported an updated reserves estimate for its coal properties in West Virginia and Kentucky, US.

The properties contain an estimated in-place reserve base of about 92.7 million tons.

Of this total, 33.6 million tons are estimated to be recoverable, of which 5.2 million recoverable tons are classified as contingent reserve and 28.2 million recoverable tons are classified as contingent resource.

Bens Creek engaged Marshall Miller & Associates Inc to undertake a geological study and coal reserve base evaluation and provide the tonnage estimation.

However, the report has not been prepared in accordance with AIM guidance for mining companies and is not JORC compliant, the company said.

An updated JORC-compliant resource and reserve estimate to be prepared by Marshall Miller will not be comparable to the reserve estimate set out in the report announced today, but will focus on the contingent reserve of about 5.2 million tons, said the AIM-traded company.

"We are delighted that the work undertaken by Marshall Miller has confirmed our expectation of improved coal reserves as a result of our recent coal lease agreements with M.G.C. Inc. and Star Ridge combined with our original property, said chief executive Adam Wilson.

The identified estimated in-place reserve base of 92.7 million tons, with an estimated recoverable tonnage of 33.6 million, should ensure that our mining targets are able to extend the life of our mining operations to meet the global demand for metallurgical coal.

It said it is commissioning Marshall Miller to prepare a JORC-compliant report as soon as practicable.

In due course we will also undertake exploration work with the aim of proving up the overall resource base in accordance with JORC standards," Wilson added.
Falcon Gold Corp announced it has mobilized ground crews to its Gander North project for its first exploration program on the Newfoundland-based property. Exploration will consist of baseline prospecting, soil sampling, and trenching to vector future drill targets. Falcon has received its initial permits, it told shareholders in a statement.

Alkaline Fuel Cell Power Corp has announced the appointment of Carmine Marcello to the role of advisor to assist with the development of its growing asset base. The company noted that Marcello previously served as CEO of Hydro One Inc, one of Canadas largest transmission and distribution companies with a market cap of over $20 billion and over $23 billion in assets, from 2013 to 2015. In his role as advisor, AFCP said Marcello brings extensive asset development and management expertise to guide the company as it establishes the development and operations of energy assets.

CleanSpark Inc said it has taken over an existing purchase contract for 1,800 Antminer S19 XP units as it continues to expand its infrastructure. The sustainable bitcoin mining and energy technology company said once fully deployed, the machines are expected to add over 252 petahashes per second (PH/s) to its bitcoin mining capacity. We were able to secure the contract at an exceptional price because of our strategic relationships and the unique circumstances that current market conditions have created, CleanSpark CEO Zach Bradford said in a statement.

GreenBank Capital Inc announced that its portfolio company Ubique Minerals Limited has received a report from its own subsidiary Resource 500 V Ltd (R500) covering an exploration license in Nambia. The report, dated June 6, covers exploration license EPL7167. The report suggests that sufficient information exists to undertake work on the ground and that it should focus on the identified trends with surface geochemical sampling followed by drilling, the company noted. Ubique and R500 are now working to determine next steps, according to Ubique CEO Vilhjalmur Vilhjalmsson.

Think Research Corporation has announced that its subsidiary, BioPharma Services Inc, has continued its record of audit achievement following the successful completion of an audit by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of its Toronto clinical facility for compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) regulations. Think said the FDA inspector, observed by Health Canada, reviewed two studies during the week of May 9, 2022, resulting in no critical findings and the issuance of zero Form 483 observations. A Form 483 observation is a notice that highlights potential regulatory problems. "The positive results of the audit by the FDA are a testament to the hard work and dedication of each employee at BioPharma, Think CEO Sachin Aggarwal said in a statement. I commend the team for their commitment to providing a level of quality and excellence clients can depend on."

Plurilock Security Inc offers investors a compelling risk-reward profile and a great entry point to the stock, according to analysts at Industrial Alliance Securities, who have initiated coverage on the cybersecurity solutions company with a Buy rating. Analysts at the firm set a $0.65 price target, writing that while some tech names were trading at excessive numbers, PLUR looks like a relative bargain and is trading at just a blended 2023 EV/revenue multiple of 0.1x, which is significantly below its value-added reseller (VAR) peers at 0.6x. Plurilock is currently trading at around $0.16 per share.

Nova Royalty Corp announced that its CEO Alex Tsukernik and his team joined Toronto Stock Exchange head, global mining business development Dean McPherson to celebrate the company's new listing on TSX Venture Exchange and open the market. Nova Royalty is focused on providing investors with exposure to premier copper and nickel assets - the key building blocks of the global energy transition.

Nextech AR Solutions Corp has announced that it is moving away from its legacy e-commerce business, with a renewed laser-focus on its Web 3.0 software-as-a-service (SaaS) business providing leading-edge 3D/augmented reality solutions. The company said the transformation will result in its transition to a pure-play Web 3.0 services business as it winds down its legacy eCommerce business, including vacuumcleanermarket.com, trulyfesupplements.com and infinitepetlife.com, effective immediately. We are extremely excited about the growth prospects of our 3D modeling and AR business in 2022 and beyond and see this transformation as the next logical step in our stated goal to be the 3D model factory for the metaverse, Nextech CEO Evan Gappelberg said in a statement. Nextech continues to gain traction in the 3D technology space by signing new deals and building its MRR (monthly recurring revenue) and ARR (annual recurring revenue).

Sassy Resources (CSE:SASY, OTCQB:SSYRF) Corporation said it has completed the purchase of 5,273 mining claims involving 1,318 square kilometers in Newfoundland for 4,260,000 shares and $500,000 in cash through a series of transactions. Sassy said it then sold the claims on, through a subsidiary, to privately-held Galloper Gold Corp for 8 million shares of Galloper Gold and $700,000 in cash. Sassy has made great strides since early last year at creating a foundation for long-term financial success with strategic ownership positions in three exciting entities, each with a bright future in our view, Mark Scott, the company's president and CEO said in a statement.

CULT Food Science Corp has said its Singapore-based portfolio company Umami Meats recently won two awards for sustainable seafood in Asia, while also making significant progress in research and development, and human resources. The company said Umami, a food-tech start-up developing sustainable seafood that is cultivated and not caught, was recognized as the Best Sustainable Seafood Company in Southeast Asia by Acquisition International and as Best Sustainable Seafood Company in the 2022 Singapore Business Awards. We are impressed by the significant progress that Umami has made in various areas in such a short period of time. Since CULT invested in Umami, our management team has admired how the venture has taken stride after stride in a positive and valuable direction, CULT CEO Lejjy Gafour said in a statement.

Group Eleven Resources Ltd has said its first-ever drill intercept of a major fault structure at its Stonepark project in Limerick, Ireland, strongly corroborates its view that the area has the potential to host zinc mineralization similar in style and scale to Glencore's nearby Pallas Green deposit. Updating investors on exploration drilling at the project, Group Eleven said it intercepted a major fault structure with zinc mineralization at the Carrickittle West Prospect. It noted that the structure is on the south side of the Limerick Volcanic Complex (LVC), approximately 5-6 kilometres (km) south of the Pallas Green zinc deposit, cutting through the Waulsortian Limestone (a key unit for zinc in Ireland) and hosting zinc mineralization.

TraceSafe Inc has announced that its smart building solution, SafeTown, won the prestigious loT Award in the Real Estate Category at the recently announced Singapore Business Review's (SBR) Technology Excellence Awards 2022. The SBR Technology Excellence Awards is part of the regional Asian Technology Excellence Awards, now running in 50 countries, and spotlights technological innovations of Singapore-based companies that are embracing the ongoing digital revolution, the company said. It noted that SafeTown was recognised for its ability to offer unprecedented connectivity and operational insights to large-scale infrastructure projects across the world.

Thesis Gold Inc has outlined its plans for a fully-funded exploration program at its Ranch project in the 'Golden Horseshoe' of British Columbia, which has now started, and will include 50,000 metres (m) of diamond drilling. The work is also set to involve ground magnetic surveys covering 8.7 square kilometres (sq km) and the taking of up to 4,000 soil samples. "We are extremely excited to begin this major 50,000-metre drilling campaign," Ewan Webster, Thesis CEO, told investors in a statement. "Our group has evaluated all datasets collected last year and the technical team has developed many prospective targets that will be drill-tested in the coming months."

Wellbeing Digital Sciences Inc announced that a clinical study conducted by its wholly-owned subsidiary, KGK Science Inc, has shown positive results of its GJ 191 supplementation (JointAlive) in treating osteoarthritis. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention demonstrated that supplementation with GJ 191 provided reductions in current knee pain at six and 12 weeks. Additionally, after 12 weeks, 53% of participants reported a clinically important improvement in knee symptoms. Seventy-two males and females between 40-73 years were enrolled in the study and participants consumed either GJ 191 or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. "This clinically meaningful change has impact on this population of patients with self-reported knee pain," Dr Mal Evans, chief scientific officer at KGK Science said in a statement.

Golden Arrow Resources Corp said it has commenced the first exploration program at its new 100% held San Pietro copper-gold-cobalt project in Chile. The Vancouver, British Columbia-based mining exploration company told investors it has retained two Chilean project geologists with extensive experience in geologic systems like those in and around San Pietro. The program has commenced with detailed surface mapping and sampling and is expected to include trenching and an updated geophysical program in the next six months. At the same time, it said the crew is engaged in re-logging much of the 34,000 metres of historic drill core. This work will modernize and build the database for the main prospects to refine the targets for a subsequent resource delineation drill program, the company added.

The Valens Company has announced the launch of a Quebec-exclusive brand, Bon Jak, as it continues to build its presence in Canadas second-largest province. The leading manufacturer of branded cannabis products said the addition of several exciting new SKUs under the Bon Jak brand is focused on delivering unique user experiences in the province. Consumers can expect to purchase the products through the retail and online channels of the Societe Quebecoise du Cannabis (SQDC) effective September 12, 2022, it added.

Electric Royalties Ltd said it has had a tremendous first half of 2022 with 24 exciting developments across 11 assets within its royalty portfolio. In an asset update on its current royalty portfolio, the companys CEO Brendan Yurik highlighted the high-grade copper-cobalt Millennium project in Australia, where drilling is underway with assays expected later this year. Other achievements include the receipt of drill results on the Seymour Lake lithium project in Ontario where a resource estimate is imminent, and metallurgical development milestones being advanced at the Battery Hill manganese royalty, with operator Manganese X Energy Corp initiating a number of discussions with potential strategic partners seeking high-purity manganese products.

Jushi Holdings Inc has welcomed the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvanias order temporarily halting the Pennsylvania Department of Healths (DOH) recall of certain vaporized medical marijuana products. The court granted Medical Marijuana Access & Patient Safety Inc's application to vacate the automatic stay of injunctive relief ordered on June 2 this year. "On behalf of Pennsylvanias medical marijuana patient community, we would like to extend our appreciation to the Commonwealth Court for its thoughtful assessment of the facts and circumstances upon which DOHs February recall of tested, approved medical marijuana vaporization products containing terpenes was based, and for the subsequent orders issued on June 2 and June 15 allowing responsible operators to again make these products accessible to patients, the company said in a statement.

Bridgeline Digital Inc, a provider of cloud-based marketing technology software, announced that Federal Credit Union (FCU) has chosen its Unbound product to support its digital presence. The company said the regional bank has signed a multi-year deal to increase its infrastructure for higher performance with managed hosting. As a long-term customer of Bridgeline, it said the regional FCU recognized its Unbound powered site as a crucial part of its customer experience and sought to expand its commitment. Bridgeline noted that Unbound also reduces system errors through a checks and balances protocol. This gives the credit union the ability to control website content and data safely without the need for code, it added.

Vivakor Inc has announced plans to acquire two companies with assets in the key US oil states of Louisiana and Texas in a deal worth around $37.4 million. The company struck a definitive agreement to acquire Silver Fuels Delhi LLC, operating in Louisiana, and White Claw Colorado City LLC, which operates in Texas. California-based Vivakor said the acquisitions will allow the company to enter a synergistic segment of the energy industry with the combination of a crude oil gathering, storage, and transportation facility, which feature long-term ten-year take or pay contracts. Vivakor CEO Matt Nicosia called the potential acquisitions a monumental opportunity for Vivakor.

PharmaDrug Inc has released positive findings of a study of its cepharanthine (PD-001) candidate, which showed that when it is combined with chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, can treat esophageal cancer. The study showed it to reduce tumor volume and improve the inhibition of tumor growth. "We are extremely excited to continue to broaden the use case for PD-001 as a treatment for esophageal cancer," said Daniel Cohen, the CEO of PharmaDrug. "This study outcome serves to further support our goal of moving towards an FDA clinical trial and will provide the company with the opportunity to fully leverage the benefits of the previously granted FDA orphan drug designation for cepharanthine-based treatment of esophageal cancer."

Altamira Gold Corp has provided an exploration update on its three main project areas, Cajueiro, Apiacas and Santa Helena, covering a surface area of 163,000 hectares in the Alta Floresta Gold Belt in northern Mato Grosso, Brazil. In a statement, Altamira Gold CEO Michael Bennett said: "The initial drill results at Mutum (Apiacas) have provided significant encouragement regarding the potential for a large, disseminated gold system extending over at least 2 kilometers (km) strike length. He added: Whilst we wait for drill results from 23 holes at the Santa Helena project, the rig is currently testing several highly prospective targets at Cajueiro including the previously untested Maria Bonita gold-in-soil anomaly where gold values in soils exceed 1 gram per ton (g/t) gold.

Hillcrest Energy Technologies Ltd is developing a high-efficiency power inverter that the company says can be an unassuming power electronics hero when it comes to electrifying and decarbonizing energy systems. Our clean-energy technologies specifically target efficiencies in electric machines and can be deployed to maximize performance across a wide variety of applications within the electric ecosystem, from electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage systems to grid-connected power generation, Hillcrest CEO Don Currie said in a statement. In addition to scaling our in-house development and design capabilities, Hillcrest has initiated targeted discussions with strategic partners with the potential to scale with us.

Trust Stamp Inc has announced that its CEO Gareth Genner will join a trade delegation organized by TradeMalta to attend the Commonwealth Business Forum coinciding with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). CHOGM will take place in Rwanda from June 20, 2022, to June 25, 2022, with the theme of 'Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming.' The Commonwealth Business Forum brings together the Commonwealth's most senior business leaders alongside Heads of Government and Ministers for three days of discussions, networking, and deal-making. With over 1,000 expected participants, it is designed to provide different ways to create meaningful connections, exchange knowledge, contribute to impactful dialogue and consume information. Genner commented: "With intra-Commonwealth trade expected to surpass $700 billion in 2022 and Commonwealth countries comprising a number of free trade zones including the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Commonwealth Business Forum provides a valuable opportunity to capitalize on global opportunities for economic growth and social development. Trust Stamp's investment in cross-national development and ongoing governmental relationships position us to develop and deliver equitable, accessible, and inclusive technology that enables organizations and individuals to transact more freely and with trust." Trust Stamp established its Rwandan subsidiary in 2021, which currently employs 16 people out of its Kigali office. The company recently entered into a memorandum of understanding with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences to together further research in identifying and addressing race and ethnicity-based discrepancies in the performance of biometric systems resulting in systemic inequities.

Southern Energy Corp announced that Paul Baay has agreed to join the company's board of directors as a non-executive director, subject to the completion of customary due diligence required in accordance with the AIM Rules for Companies. The natural gas exploration and production company said Baay, who previously acted as a special advisor to Southern and is currently CEO of Touchstone Exploration, brings more than 25 years of experience leading oil and gas exploration and production companies to his new role. Paul's experience across the oil and gas industry and capital markets has been of significant value in his role as an advisor to the company and we look forward to working even closer with him in the near future, Southern Energy non-executive chairman Bruce Beynon said in a statement.

LQwD Fintech Corp said that Peter Loretto has resigned as an independent director of the company for personal reasons. LQwD said it would like to thank Loretto for his contributions, and noted that its board now consists of Shone Anstey, Ashley Garnot, Pino Perone and Kim Evans.

Unigold Inc said the TSX Venture Exchange has consented to the extension in the expiry date of 16,629,167 warrants with an original expiry date of June 23, 2022, to a new expiry date of December 23, 2022, and an unchanged exercise price of 30 cents. These warrants were issued under a private placement of 33,333,334 shares with 16,666,667 share purchase warrants attached, which was accepted for filing by the exchange effective July 3, 2020.

Vanstar Mining Resources Inc has announced that it will be participating in The Mining Investment Event of the North, which will be held in person and will take place on June 19-21, 2022, at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac and Voltigeurs de Quebec Armoury in Quebec City, Canada. JC St-Amour, president & CEO will be presenting at 8.00am ET on June 20, 2022. Management from Vanstar Mining Resources will also be holding one-on-one investor meetings throughout the three-day conference. Interested parties should contact Nancy Larned at nlarned@vidconferences.com to inquire about registering to attend. Information regarding the event including investor registration details, a list of participating companies, panelists and keynote speakers and a preliminary agenda can be found at https://vidconferences.com/conferences-events/in-person/canadas-first-tier-1-mining-conference/.
Google fined $264K for repeated refusal to localize data of Russian citizens

MOSCOW, June 16 (RAPSI)  Google LLC was fined 15 million rubles (about $264,000) on Thursday for repeated refusal to locate personal data of Russian users in the Russian Federation, the Moscow Tagansky District Courts press service told RAPSI.

The company was found guilty of repeated violation of Russian personal data legislation, the court held.

In July 2021, a magistrate judge Google 3 million rubles for refusal to locate personal data of Russian users in the Russian Federation.

Earlier, Russias communications watchdog Roskomnadzor reminded of the fact that the operator must ensure recording, systematization, keeping, updating, changing and recovery of data of Russian users with the use of databases locating within the country. These rules provide the sufficient level of data security, the watchdog states.




Today is a win for medical marijuana patients, their families, and caregivers across the Commonwealth, Jushi said

Jushi Holdings Inc. (CSE:JUSH, OTCQX:JUSHF) has welcomed the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvanias order temporarily halting the Pennsylvania Department of Healths (DOH) recall of certain vaporized medical marijuana products.

The court granted Medical Marijuana Access & Patient Safety Inc's application to vacate the automatic stay of injunctive relief ordered on June 2 this year.

"On behalf of Pennsylvanias medical marijuana patient community, we would like to extend our appreciation to the Commonwealth Court for its thoughtful assessment of the facts and circumstances upon which DOHs February recall of tested, approved medical marijuana vaporization products containing terpenes was based, and for the subsequent orders issued on June 2 and June 15 allowing responsible operators to again make these products accessible to patients, the company said in a statement.

In light of the Courts Orders, impacted products will be back on the shelves of BEYOND/HELLO dispensaries today and the shelves of our partner dispensaries across the Commonwealth in the coming days," it added.

The company noted that the court came to the unambiguous conclusion that DOH had failed to present any evidence of potential harm to medical marijuana patients associated with the recalled products.

Under Pennsylvania law, all medical marijuana products, including the recalled vaporization products, are subject to rigorous, redundant safety and quality testing and Department approval before they can be manufactured or dispensed.

The Courts June 2 and June 15 Orders are about more than just preserving patient access to tested, approved, and for many patients, effective medical marijuana products  they deliver peace of mind to thousands of Pennsylvanians that health risks cited by the Department could not be substantiated in any way or any extent, Jim Cacioppo, chief executive officer, chairman, and founder of Jushi Holdings said.

In fact, the Court noted the Department itself approved the recalled products for patient use following stringent quality and safety testing and found no evidence of a single adverse event related to any recalled product," he added.

Today is a win for medical marijuana patients, their families, and caregivers across the Commonwealth, the company noted.

Jushi is a vertically integrated cannabis company led by an industry-leading management team.

Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com
Consumers can expect to purchase the products through the retail and online channels of the Societe Quebecoise du Cannabis (SQDC) effective September 12, 2022

The Valens Company (TSX:VLNS, OTCQX:VLNCF) has announced the launch of a Quebec-exclusive brand, Bon Jak, as it continues to build its presence in Canadas second-largest province.

The leading manufacturer of branded cannabis products said the addition of several exciting new SKUs under the Bon Jak brand is focused on delivering unique user experiences in the province.

Consumers can expect to purchase the products through the retail and online channels of the Societe Quebecoise du Cannabis (SQDC) effective September 12, 2022, it added.

"The agreement with the SQDC reflects our commitment to the Quebec market and more importantly Quebec consumers, The Valens Company CEO Tyler Robson said in a statement.

We have been listening to feedback and understand the importance of delivering unique, regionally focused products under a relatable and socially conscious brand at competitive price points. Importantly, we believe our innovation and manufacturing capabilities uniquely position us for success in Quebec and we will continue to invest in this strategic market," he added.

The Quebec-exclusive products are:

Dried Flower:

Bon Jak BC God Bud (28g)

Bon Jak Indica Ground (15g)

Bon Jak Sativa Ground (15g)

Cannabis-Infused Beverages:

Bon Jak Lime Seltzer (355ml)

Bon Jak Grapefruit Seltzer (355ml)

Bon Jak Mango Seltzer (355ml)

The Valens Company provides proprietary cannabis processing services, in addition to best-in-class product development, manufacturing, and commercialization of cannabis consumer packaged goods. The Valens company's high-quality products are formulated for the medical, health and wellness, and recreational consumer segments, and are offered across all cannabis product categories with a focus on quality and innovation.

Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com
Los Angeles, June 16 : Filmmaker-actor Taika Waititi has opened up about what to expect from his 'Star Wars' film. He says it will be "something new" involving "new characters" who will "expand the world".

The director warned as much in a recent interview with Total Film saying, "Look, I think for the Star Wars universe to expand, it has to expand. I don't think that I'm any use in the Star Wars universe making a film where everyone's like, 'Oh great, well that's the blueprints to the Millennium Falcon, ah that's Chewbacca's grandmother.' That all stands alone." According to 'Deadline', the director, who is gearing up for the release of 'Thor: Love and Thunder', went on to say: "I would like to take something new and create some new characters and just expand the world, otherwise it feels like it's a very small story." Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy has already said, "that we were drawing to a close on the saga that George (Lucas) had created and that we were moving into the future of storytelling in the Star Wars universe." And, with TV series, movies, publishing and video games, that universe no longer fits into self-contained three-film arcs, reports 'Deadline'.

"I hesitate to use the word trilogies anymore because Star Wars is much more about persistent storytelling," Kennedy said.

As for the film solar system in the burgeoning Star Wars universe, "We have a road map," Kennedy said, and "I would say that Taika's story fits more specifically into that."
Hyderabad, June 16 : Congress party's student body, the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) tried to lay a siege to the Raj Bhavan here early Thursday to protest against the action of the Enforcement Directorate against party leader Rahul Gandhi.

Taking the police by surprise, NSUI leaders and workers reached Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor around 5.30 a.m.

Raising slogans against the Narendra Modi government, NSUI Telangana unit leaders and workers sat in front of the Raj Bhavan.

Police swung into action to arrest the protesters and shifted them to a police station.

Police have tightened security around the Raj Bhavan in view of the call given by Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) to stage a protest against what it calls harassment of Rahul Gandhi by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Large number of police personnel were deployed to prevent protesters from gathering around the Raj Bhavan.

TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy has announced that a rally would be taken out from Rajiv Gandhi statue at Punjagutta to Raj Bhavan. He urged the party cadres to participate in the rally and the protest at the Raj Bhavan in large numbers.

Police have made it clear that there is no permission for a rally or protest at Raj Bhavan. Police have erected barricades on roads leading towards Raj Bhavan to prevent protesters from gathering there.

TPCC had taken out a massive rally on Monday and staged a sit-in at the regional office of the ED. The protest led by Revanth Reddy continued the next day. As the EC continued questioning Rahul Gandhi for a third straight day on Wednesday, the Congress leaders staged a protest at Gandhi Bhavan, the party headquarters.

TPCC has called for protests in front of the central government offices on Friday. The protests will be organised in front of railways stations, post offices and other offices of the Central government.

Revanth Reddy alleged that the BJP government at the Centre was misusing ED to target Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. He called continued questioning of Rahul Gandhi by the ED vindictive politics.
Thiruvananthapuram, June 16 : After Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, more revelations by the prime accused in the gold smuggling case Swapna Suresh can spell trouble for two CPI-M leaders -- former CPI-M speaker P.Sreeramakrishnan and former state minister and senior legislator K.T.Jaleel.

On Wednesday, she alleged through her affidavit that Vijayan used his office to get favours for his daughter through the Sharjah ruler, only to add later that Sreeramakrishnan also sought his help to start an educational institution there.

As per the affidavit, to influence the Sharjah ruler, a bag full of currencies was given to the UAE Consul General here by a then employee of the Consulate office P.S.Sarith.

Sarith had taken the bag after giving the currency to the said person. It was later seized by the Customs from Sarith.

With regards to Jaleel, it stated that it was he who had pressured the Vice-Chancellor.

She also claimed that Jaleel has a benami in Mumbai through which all his deals are conducted.

Incidentally, soon after the gold smuggling case surfaced in July 2020, both Sreeramakrishnan- who was then the Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly -- and Jaleel were questioned by the national agencies.

Swapna has been giving sleepless nights to the CPI-M led Left government since the beginning of this month when she made "revelations" before a local magistrate under Section 164 (5) of the Criminal Procedure Code. Since then, she has been going hammer and tongs, especially against Vijayan, his wife Kamala and their daughter Veena.

Following this, protests led by Congress and the BJP have broken out across the state demanding the chief minister's resignation.
Brussels, June 16 : The European Union (EU) has launched legal action against the UK in response to the latter's "unilateral" moves to rewrite parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol in the post-Brexit deal.

In a statement, the European Commission said that it had launched infringement proceedings against the UK "for not complying with significant parts of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland" and for failing to implement the protocol despite repeated calls, reports Xinhua news agency.

"This is a clear breach of international law," it said.

Earlier this week, the UK government said that a bill it introduced on June 13 will allow it to "address the practical problems the protocol has created in Northern Ireland in 4 key areas: burdensome customs processes, inflexible regulation, tax and spend discrepancies, and democratic governance issues".

However, the European Commission believes that the UK is violating international agreements.

"Trust is built by adhering to international obligations," Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic said.

"Acting unilaterally is not constructive. Violating international agreements is not acceptable. The UK is not respecting the protocol.

"I am still convinced that with genuine political will to make the protocol work, we can reach our objectives," he added.

Wednesday saw the launch of two new infringement proceedings against the UK for failing to carry out its obligations under the EU's sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) rules and for failing to provide the EU with certain trade statistics data in respect of Northern Ireland, as required under the protocol.

The 27-nation bloc also restarted the infringement procedure launched against the UK government last year after it unilaterally extended a grace period that applies to trade on the island of Ireland.

The action was put on hold in September 2021 as the two parties tried to find a joint solution.

Infringement proceedings may end up before the Court of Justice of the EU.

The Protocol has also deepened a rift between the UK and EU.

Under the Protocol, Northern Ireland is part of the UK's customs territory but is subject to the EU's customs code, value-added tax (VAT) rules and single market rules for goods.

Despite the two sides' agreement in October 2019, the Protocol has caused divisions over how some of the rules should be implemented, particularly for goods moving from Britain to Northern Ireland.
Mumbai, June 16 : Indian Premier League (IPL) stars Rahul Tripathi and Rahul Tewatia have reacted in contrasting ways to the announcement of the Indian T20 squad for the series against Ireland to be played later this month.

While Tripathi, who made the squad for the two matches in Ireland, was ecstatic and called it a dream come true, Tewatia was unhappy about missing out and said he was hurt by the decision.

Both Tripathi and Tewatia have done well in the IPL in recent years and were hoping to be called up for national duty with many regulars being either rested, left out due to injuries, or ignored due to poor form.

They did not get called up for the home T20I series against South Africa or the white-ball series in England. But the Indian selectors picked the experienced Maharashtra batsman Tripathi for the two T20Is against Ireland while all-rounder Tewatia missed out.

Tripathi was very happy and claimed his hard work has got him the reward He is hoping that he will get a chance to get into the playing XI. He thanked all those that believed in him and his abilities and called it a dream come true for him.

Tripathi, the 31-year-old right-hand batter who leads Maharashtra at the domestic level, has been one of the most consistent uncapped players in IPL in the last few seasons. The 2022 edition was the most successful for the Sunrisers Hyderabad star as he scored 413 runs at a strike rate of 158.23.

Meanwhile, Tewatia was disappointed with missing out despite playing a key role in Gujarat Titans' maiden IPL-winning campaign.

"Expectations hurts (sic)," he wrote in a tweet that went viral.

The 29-year-old Tewatia's disappointment was understandable as he had got a call-up for a T20I series against Australia in 2020 but could not clear the fitness test in time for the series.

In IPL 2022, Tewatia played the role of a finisher for Gujarat Titans, scoring 217 runs in 16 matches at an average of 31 and a strike rate of 147.62.
London, June 16 : UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said the government will arrange more planes to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda, after the inaugural flight was grounded by a European court.

"We believe that we are fully compliant with our domestic and international obligations, and preparations for (...) the next flights have already begun," Xinhua news agency quoted Patel as saying to Parliament on Wednesday.

Britain reached a deal with Rwanda in April under which illegal immigrants and asylum-seekers are to be sent to the east African country to have their claims processed.

If successful, they would be granted permanent residency in Rwanda, rather than allowed to return to Britain.

Britain hopes that the deal, for which it paid Rwanda 120 million pounds ($145 million) up front, will help deter migrants from making the perilous journey across the English Channel in small boats.

On Tuesday, at least 444 migrants crossed the Channel, the highest daily figure in two months.

The first flight, which was scheduled to take seven migrants to Rwanda on Tuesday night, was cancelled after a last-minute intervention by the European Court of Human Rights.

The court ruled that one of the migrants would face "a real risk of irreversible harm" if sent to Rwanda. This allowed lawyers for the remaining six migrants to make successful applications to stop the deportation.

The Rwanda asylum policy has drawn widespread criticism.

During a debate in the Parliament on Wednesday, Britain's Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper branded the policy a "shambles".

"This is a short-term stunt, everyone can see it. It's not serious policy, it's shameless posturing. It's government by gimmick," she said.

In defence of the policy, Patel said: "We will not accept that we have no right to control our borders; we will do everything necessary to keep this country safe and we will continue our long and proud tradition of helping those in genuine need."
The president of Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) Barrister Sultan Mahmood is touring Europe. The purpose of his tour is to meet with the European parliamentarians and set up parliamentary campaign groups called 'Friends of Kashmir' (FoK). The function of such groups will be to forward the Pakistani narrative regarding Kashmir which is designed by the ISPR or the Inter-Services-Public Relations section of the Pakistan army.

Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza The president of Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) Barrister Sultan Mahmood is touring Europe. The purpose of his tour is to meet with the European parliamentarians and set up parliamentary campaign groups called 'Friends of Kashmir' (FoK). The function of such groups will be to forward the Pakistani narrative regarding Kashmir which is designed by the ISPR or the Inter-Services-Public Relations section of the Pakistan army.

While in Birmingham in the UK, President Mahmood met up with several UK Muslim parliamentarians of Pakistani origin and announced to set up the first such FoK parliamentary group in the Irish Parliament.

On June 12 he arrived in Antwerp in Belgium where he started to hold meetings with the members of the European Parliament with the purpose of establishing FoK at the European Parliament and all across Europe.

According to President Mahmood the task given to the FoK groups will be that of highlighting atrocities committed by India in the Vale of Kashmir and campaign for Kashmir to become incorporated in Pakistan. The groups will present India as the oppressor of the Kashmiri people.

In this article I intend to bring the actuality to the attention of the conscious reader. In order to do so I am going to present hard historical facts that will not only expose Pakistan and the puppet government of PoJK but also share my fears that FoK is going to be used as a tool to promote false narrative regarding the Kashmir issue as well as providing legitimacy to Pakistan state sponsored terrorism in Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

First let us check out some historical facts regarding Jammu and Kashmir and expose the falsehood in the claim that Jammu & Kashmir is being occupied by India.

At the time of partition of Indian subcontinent on August 14, 1947, the India Independence Act passed by the Westminster Parliament in 1935 in London gave the right to more than 500 princely states in India that come partition they will have the right to choose whether they wanted to join the dominions of India or Pakistan or to be independent.

The Maharaja (King) of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh, signed a Stand Still Agreement with the founder and first governor general of Pakistan, Muhammed Ali Jinnah. A similar agreement was being negotiated with the Indian government. However, on October 22, 1947, just 68 days after the partition of the Indian subcontinent, the Pakistan army along with tribal mercenaries from the then North Western Frontier Province adjoining Afghanistan, launched a surprise attack on the state of Jammu & Kashmir.

It took the Maharaja by surprise and the state forces were caught unprepared. Pakistani invaders marched through villages, towns and cities pillaging and massacring Hindus and Sikhs that soon turned into a genocide. In my district of Mirpur nearly 1,00,000 Hindu and Sikh men, women and children were killed.

A panic stricken Maharaja then approached the then Governor General of India Lord Mountbatten and Prime minister Nehru. Since the state of Jammu and Kashmir had not acceded to India, Lord Mountbatten was unable to send any troops to the state. It was at this moment that Maharaja Hari Singh decided to join the Indian Republic and on October 26, 1947 an Instrument of Accession was signed.

On October 27 the Indian troops began to land at the Srinagar airport which was the capital of the besieged state. The Indian troops successfully pushed the Pakistani invaders back, freeing numerous territories where bodies of slain Hindus and Sikhs had been piled up in the village and town squares and were found scattered across streets in the cities.

At the behest of Governor General of India Lord Mountbatten, then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru approached the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to seek its intervention. The UNSC called for a ceasefire and a UN commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP) was set up.

The findings of the UNCIP made it clear that Pakistan and not India was the aggressor and that Jammu & Kashmir was part of the Indian union.

In light of the findings of the UNCIP, the UNSC asked Pakistan to withdraw its troops along with all aliens from the territories that remained under the occupation of Pakistan. Pakistan never complied.

The UNSC permitted India to station a minimum number of military personnel that would be required to maintain law and order and keep Pakistani invaders at bay.

The scope of this article does not allow me to delve into the minute details of the UNCIP report or UNSC resolutions, but it is important to note that over the past 75 years Pakistan has cocked up a narrative that paints India as the aggressor and the violator of human rights in Kashmir. The fact is that for the past 75 years Pakistan has denied the people of PoJK and Pakistan occupied Gilgit-Baltistan the right to basic economic, political and human rights.

Furthermore, Pakistan has been conducting terrorist attacks in Kashmir using its proxies like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jesh-e-Muhammed and the Hizbul Mujahideen. Today, there are active terrorist training camps and launch pads dotted across PoJK. 'Freedom Brigade 313' was launched in February in the city of Rawalakot in PoJK and openly conducts recruitment drives to facilitate the Pakistan army to 'free' Kashmir.

The realistic agenda is to seek freedom for the people of Pakistan occupied Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. And these so-called FoK groups that are being introduced into Europe do not represent the real agenda for the freedom of PoJK/GB and their pending incorporation into India. Therefore, FoK are working against the interests of the indigenous people of PoJK/GB and for the vested interests of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Moreover, these groups will be used for providing cover to the terrorist jihad conducted by Pakistan in Kashmir in the name of freedom movement.

The fact of the matter is that there is no 'freedom' movement in Jammu and Kashmir, but the desire to reunify our broken state.

It is time that more awareness be brought to people in key positions in European politics and to make them realise the truth regarding the so-called and Pakistan manufactured 'Kashmir issue'.

( is an author and a human rights activist from Mirpur in PoJK. He currently lives in exile in the UK. The views expressed are personal)
Lucknow, June 16 : Protests began in some districts of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday against the 'Agnipath' recruitment scheme of the Central government.

Students blocked the GT road in Bulandshahr and raised slogans demanding the withdrawal of the scheme which allow short-term recruitment in the armed forces.

The district officials had a tough time in persuading the protesters to call off the blockade. The protesters submitted a memorandum to the district magistrate.

In Gonda, the protests were led by students who carried placards and shouted slogans against the scheme.

Similarly, in Unnao too, protests were held with students and unemployed youth demanding that recruitment be done in the traditional way instead of short-term contract.
Mumbai, June 16 : Indian private equity (PE) investments reached $70 billion in 2021 in more than 2,000 deals -- an 87 per cent increase over the volumes in 2022, a new report showed on Thursday.

Indian investments grew by 96 per cent over 2020 (excluding the mega deals of Jio Platforms and Reliance Retail).

Much of the deal activity was in consumer tech and IT/ITES sectors.

The two sectors combined represented more than 60 per cent of the year's deal value, at nearly $44 billion, according to the annual India Private Equity Report 2022 by Bain & Company.

The number of large cheque size investments also witnessed a significant increase and the year saw 11 investments worth greater than $1 billion with Flipkart, Hexaware and Mphasis being among the largest deals, compared to six in 2020.

However, after an exuberant year for both deal activity and exits, 2022 is expected to witness a tapering in the pace of activity as the gains of 2020 are consolidated, according to the report, prepared in collaboration with Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association.

"In 2021, the Indian private equity ecosystem bounced back from 2020's Covid-driven restraints, growing faster than most major economies, including China, with 96 per cent growth over 2020." said Arpan Sheth, Partner, Bain & Company and co-author of the report.

"This year, we anticipate a significant tempering of pace in investment activity as macro and micro trends converge, but see this as an opportunity for the consolidation of last year's gains, which should make India witness annual PE-VC deal values of around $50 billion more frequently," Sheth added.

IT/ITES saw investments of $14.2 billion in 2021, growing by $10.3 billion or 255 per cent as compared to 2020.

"Indian IT is increasingly courting billion-dollar-plus deals, and the deal size and count is expanding with significant deals taking place in the sector in the last few years," said Sriwatsan Krishnan, Partner, Bain & Company and co-author of the report.

"While the valuations are tempering, deals in 2022 indicate that the sector will continue to get PE attention as Indian IT firms continue to demonstrate excellence," Krishnan added.

IT has accounted for nearly 40 per cent of buyout deal value, and nearly 20 per cent of buyout deal volumes over the last three years.

In the most celebrated milestone for the year, exits worth more than $36 billion were unlocked in 2021, quadrupling fund exits over 2020's $9 billion.

Strategic sale continued to be the most dominant route of exit, with nearly 50 per cent of all exits over the last few years, the report said.
India has opportunity to build ties with ASEAN based on an inclusive SAGAR doctrine during foreign ministers' meet.(photo:IN) Image Source: IANS News

India has opportunity to build ties with ASEAN based on an inclusive SAGAR doctrine during foreign ministers' meet.(photo:IN) Image Source: IANS News

India has opportunity to build ties with ASEAN based on an inclusive SAGAR doctrine during foreign ministers' meet.(photo:IN) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, June 16: India's strategic partnership with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, is set to receive a major boost as the Special ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting (SAIFMM) begins in New Delhi from Thursday.

Top diplomats and senior politicians of the region have already arrived in the Indian capital to attend the SAIFMM which also marks the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations.

The talks happen at a time when the 10-member grouping is becoming increasingly aware of the significant role it plays to address complex regional challenges, including tackling China which is gaining a foothold in the land and waters of the region.

But instead of adopting a confrontationist approach towards China, India pursues an inclusive approach to region based on the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) doctrine.

Speaking at the Shangrila Dialogue in Singapore in 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said: "Three years ago, in Mauritius, I described our vision in one word - Sagar, which means ocean in Hindi. And, Sagar stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region and, that is the creed we follow to our East now even more vigorously through our Act East Policy".

In August 2021, PM Modi also made a reference to SAGAR while chairing a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) high-level open debate on maritime security.

ASEAN remains central to India's 'Act East' policy and its vision for the wider Indo-Pacific. New Delhi has also been intensely batting for furthering practical cooperation in the region by building upon the convergence between its Indo-Pacific Ocean's Initiative (IPOI) and ASEAN's Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

In defining its outlook towards the ASEAN, India takes the cue from its strong historical and cultural ties with the region as the foundation for a solid 21st century relationship.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has in the past noted the growing interest in the Indo-Pacific as an integrated and organic maritime space, with ASEAN at its centre. The 10 ASEAN countries -- Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam -- also realise ASEAN centrality in the regional security architecture.

Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, who along with Jaishankar will co-chair the SAIFMM on Thursday, also realises the significance of security in the Indo-Pacific given the recent global developments.

"The Foreign Ministers will discuss ways to strengthen the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership and exchange views on regional and international developments. Minister Balakrishnan will call on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the other ASEAN Foreign Ministers and ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi, and deliver remarks at the Ministerial Session of the Delhi Dialogue XII on 16 June 2022," the Singapore Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn, also the country's Foreign Minister, arrived in New Delhi earlier today along with a delegation to attend the Special ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

Phnom Penh said that the ASEAN Foreign Ministers and Jaishankar will review ASEAN-India cooperation and discuss ways and means to further promote ASEAN-India dialogue relations and cooperation to address the global post Covid-19 economic recovery and other challenges.

"Regional and international issues of common interest and concern will also be discussed. The meeting emphasises the strong commitment to further enhance ASEAN-India Partnership for long-term cooperation for peace, stability, security and socio-economic development within and beyond the region," said Cambodia's Foreign Ministry.

On the margins of the meeting, the foreign ministers will also attend and address the ministerial session of the 12th Delhi Dialogue which is being held under the theme 'Building Bridges in Indo-Pacific' this time. The event is co-organised by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

Meanwhile, ahead of the Foreign Ministers' meeting, Secretary (East) Saurabh Kumar co-chaired the 24th ASEAN-India Senior Officials' Meeting, with Permanent Secretary of Singapore Albert Chua, in New Delhi today. Senior officials from other ASEAN member countries also participated in the meeting.

"As India and ASEAN celebrate the 30th anniversary of their Dialogue Relations, the SOM leaders made their assessment on the progress of cooperation under all three pillars of Partnership - political-security, economic and socio-cultural. The Meeting also deliberated on the steps for further implementation of ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2021-2025)," said India's Ministry of External Affairs.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
Kolkata, June 16 : Six pockets in Kolkata are under constant monitoring following the recent detection of the polio virus in sewage water.

Officials of the Word Health Organization's (WHO) eastern regional office and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) are monitoring the six pockets on the basis of certain parameters like improper gutter sewerage facilities and high rate of open defecation tendencies, among others.

Besides the Metiabruz, where the virus was detected, the five other areas are Shyamlal Lane, World Vision School area, Dhapa Lockgate, Maheshtala and Narkeldanga.

Apart from that, the KMC authorities have decided to adopt additional measures to identify whether there are any polio-affected victims in the areas.

The councillors of the all 144 wards under KMC have been instructed to use their own infrastructure to identify polio victims.

Similar instructions have been sent to the officers-in-charge of the police stations under the KMC area.

Meanwhile, the state health department has also identified certain districts where special polio-vaccination drives will be carried out from June 19 Some of these districts are Howrah, Hooghly, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, North Dinajpur, Malda and Murshidabad.

Meanwhile, all the state-run medical colleges and hospitals have been instructed to conduct stool tests of all immunity deficit children admitted there.

Initial observations indicate two possibilities behind the existence of polio virus in the sewage waters.

The first is the possibility of the stool of any polio-affected child getting mixed with the gutter water. The second is the possibility of the polio vaccine getting mixed with the same water.

The last polio-affected child in West Bengal was detected from Kolkata in 2011.

In 2014, the WHO declared India as a polio-free nation.
New Delhi, June 16 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has told the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that all the decisions and transactions related to Young India's (YI) acquisition of Associated Journal Ltd (AJL) were taken by late party leader Motilal Vora.

The Gandhi scion, who was grilled for three straight days in connection with the National Herald case, denied having knowledge of any sort of loan taken by YI, according to ED sources. Infact, he was not aware of the accommodation entry of YI, Gandhi is said to have told ED.

Gandhi said that the late Vora was engaged in all these sorts of affairs. Vora held 12 per cent stakes in YI, while Rahul and Sonia had 76 per cent stakes.

"Gandhi said he had no knowledge of YI-AJL deal as Vora was looking after it," the sources claimed.

Rahul Gandhi was taking time to review his statements hence his questioning was taking more time.

As per the sources, Gandhis are major beneficiaries in the whole deal. Earlier, Pawan Bansal and Mallikarjuna Kharge were questioned by the central agency. Since Vora has passed away, the needle of suspicion pointed towards the Gandhis.

Sonia Gandhi is scheduled to join the investigation on June 23.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Washington, June 16 : US President Joe Biden said his administration is providing Ukraine with additional security assistance worth $1 billion, as well as $225 million worth of humanitarian assistance.

In a statement, the White House said that Biden made the commitment during a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday.

Biden said that the new security assistance for Ukraine also includes additional artillery and coastal defence weapons, as well as ammunition for the artillery and advanced rocket systems that the Ukrainians need to support their defensive operations in the eastern Donbas region, where fierce battles are currently raging.

According to the US President, the additional humanitarian assistance to help people inside Ukraine, the include supply of safe drinking water, critical medical supplies and health care, food, shelter, and cash for families to purchase essential items.

Also on Wednesday, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin convened a meeting of more than 45 nations in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss support for Ukraine.

"We also discussed Secretary Austin's efforts in Brussels today to coordinate additional international support for the Ukrainian armed forces," Biden was quoted as saying in the statement.

"The bravery, resilience, and determination of the Ukrainian people continues to inspire the world. And the US, together with our allies and partners, will not waver in our commitment to the Ukrainian people as they fight for their freedom," he added.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War
Rome, June 16 : A total of 11.1 per cent of Italy's households were classified as being under relative poverty in 2021, up from 10.1 per cent a year earlier, the National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) said in a report.

There were 2.9 million households suffering from relative poverty, an increase from 2.6 million, Xinhua news agency quoted the statistics office as saying.

The term "relative poverty" refers to families or individuals who live on an income less than half that of average households in an area.

ISTAT figures also showed that more than 1.9 million Italian households were in absolute poverty in 2021, accounting for 7.5 per cent of all households, down from 7.7 per cent in 2020.

In 2006, the percentage of Italian households living in absolute poverty was just 3.5 per cent, according to ISTAT data.

The term "absolute poverty" refers to a state where a family or individual lacks access to healthy food, adequate housing, electricity, education and clean water.
Kanpur : , June 16 (IANS) Bajrang Dal workers took to the streets on Thursday to protest against the violence on June 3 in Kanpur and Prayagraj on June 10.

The Bajrang Dal workers staged demonstrations at Gurudev intersection, Khalasi line, Ramadevi and Kidwai Nagar intersection.

The activists raised slogans like 'pattharbazon hosh me aao' (stone pelters come to your senses).

They also recited Hanuman Chalisa during the protests.

Later, the Bajrang Dal workers handed over a memorandum addressed to the President and the district administration.

Earlier, Bajrang Dal national spokesperson Vinod Bansal said that violent incidents of Islamic Jihad are increasing continuously in the country.

"In protest against such incidents, Bajrang Dal staged a sit-in and submitted a memorandum addressed to the President," he said.
Mumbai, June 16 : Popular TV actress Chhavi Mittal has been quite active on social media about her fight with cancer.

Now she took to her Instagram handle to share that she is finally done with all her radiation therapy sessions and will be fully cured after almost 30 days.

She posted a few pictures and wrote a long message to share about her happiness of getting rid of all the restrictions and attending the last radiation therapy session recently.

Chhavi wrote: "I can't keep calm coz my radiation is FINALLY OVER!! I only recover from this point onwards. I have to follow all restrictions for 30 more days and then I'll be a free bird! Image 1 shows my marking-free stomach! Image 2 shows the markings I carried for a month while the radiation took place. And image 3 has a story!" "I had to hold my breath while the radiation was being given & when I would get breathless and breathe, the machine would stop. So just to make the whole process fun & build on my breath-holding time, I would always count on my mind... Mississippi 1, Mississippi 2....," she added.

"In this picture, @poojagor accompanied me for my radiation session and when I shared this tiny bit of info with her, she told me a joke that changed my counting for the rest of the sessions "How does a hippie count his wives?? Mrs hippie 1, Mrs hippie 2..." She concluded with: "Well, these little things made my radiation smooth and I can't thank the universe enough for how blessed I am! Soon this will all be behind me! Btw, I could hold my breath till Mrs hippi 32 #cancersurvivor"

Soon after her post many of her industry friends and fans expressed their happiness.

Karan V Grover mentioned: "Getting ready to party on ur birthday..." Actress Pooja A Gor wrote with a laughing emoji: "And the countdown begins: 1Mrs Hippie, 2 Mrs Hippie.." While many of her fans asked her to enjoy and relax, others wrote how she became an inspiration for many.

On fan wrote: "Bravo to your optimism and spirit." Another fan commented: "you inspire me so much."
Agnipath Scheme: Army aspirants jam Delhi-Jaipur Expressway during a protest against the new recruitment scheme of the Indian Army. Image Source: IANS News

Agnipath Scheme: Army aspirants jam Delhi-Jaipur Expressway during a protest against the new recruitment scheme of the Indian Army. Image Source: IANS News

Agnipath Scheme: Army aspirants jam Delhi-Jaipur Expressway during a protest against the new recruitment scheme of the Indian Army. Image Source: IANS News

Agnipath Scheme: Army aspirants jam Delhi-Jaipur Expressway during a protest against the new recruitment scheme of the Indian Army. Image Source: IANS News

Gurugram, June 16 : Hundreds of Army aspirants on Thursday blocked the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway in Gurugram's Bilaspur area in protest against Agnipath yojna, the government's new scheme for short-term recruitment into the armed forces.

The traffic congestion on the expressway stretched over several kilometres. The protesting defence aspirants raised slogans against the PM Modi-led BJP government and demanded roll back of the new scheme.

"The government should roll back the four-year plan. This new scheme will hamper the interest of the aspirants to join the Army to serve the nation," a protester said.

A cop at the traffic police control room also confirmed the traffic snarl on the Delhi-Jaipur expressway near Bilaspur.

"Our traffic personnel are on the spot to divert the traffic and pacify the protesters to clear the jam as they have stopped trucks in the middle of the highway to hamper the traffic movement on the expressway," he said.
Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi being accorded warm welcome on his arrival at Dharamshala by Hon'ble CM Shri Jai Ram Thakur on 16-6-2022 Image Source: IANS News

Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi being accorded warm welcome on his arrival at Dharamshala by Hon'ble CM Shri Jai Ram Thakur on 16-6-2022 Image Source: IANS News

Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi being accorded warm welcome on his arrival at Dharamshala by Hon'ble CM Shri Jai Ram Thakur on 16-6-2022 Image Source: IANS News

Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi being accorded warm welcome on his arrival at Dharamshala by Hon'ble CM Shri Jai Ram Thakur on 16-6-2022 Image Source: IANS News

Dharamsala, June 16 : In the election year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reached Himachal Pradesh for the second time in a fortnight on Thursday and got a rousing reception amid the chants of 'Vande Mataram' and 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'.

On arrival at the Gaggal airport, near this town in Kangra district, the abode of Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, he was extended a rousing reception by party workers and sympathisers, some donning traditional dresses, who were awaiting his arrival for several hours. Many women were present en route, waving their hands at the Prime Minister's arrival.

During the roadshow in an open vehicle, donning a Himachali cap, Modi, accompanying Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and state party president Suresh Kashyap, accepted greetings of the people by waving his hand.

The onlookers welcomed the Prime Minister by showering rose petals.

Ahead of Modi's visit, a large number of army aspirants staged a protest at the airport against the "Agnipath" scheme of the Union government.

In Kangra district, joining the armed forces is a tradition in almost every household as several generations have served the defence services.

Prime Minister Modi will be attending a conclave of chief secretaries of states and union territories organised by the Central government here that will culminate on Friday.

The focus of the conclave, the first of its kind, will be on key issues of urban governance, education and agriculture, and ensuring coordinated efforts of states.
Los Angeles, June 16 : Comedian-actor Bill Cosby's civil case with regards to sexual molestation of Judy Huth at the Playboy Mansion 47 years ago, saw a major showdown between plaintiff's attorney and defendant attorney.

Judy Huth's attorney, Nathan Goldberg urged jurors to hold Cosby financially responsible for sexually molesting a Huth, who was 16-year-old at the time, reports 'Variety'.

Goldberg argued that Cosby should be forced to pay millions of dollars for the assault on Huth, who is now 64. "He hasn't paid for what he did. He's gotten away with it," Goldberg argued. "It's your job to hold him accountable." According to 'Variety', the 12-person jury is scheduled to begin deliberating on Thursday in Santa Monica Superior Court. Huth filed the suit in 2014, but her case was delayed for several years by Cosby's criminal proceedings. The 84-year-old comedian was freed last year after serving nearly three years in prison, when his conviction was overturned by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

In her closing argument, Cosby's attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, alluded to the slew of other allegations that have been made against him. But she urged the jurors to set that aside and focus on Huth's credibility, arguing that Huth simply had failed to prove her case. Cosby did not attend the trial, and jurors saw only a brief glimpse of him in portions of a videotaped deposition.

'Variety' further states that the case instead focused on the accounts of Huth, her friend Donna Samuelson, who accompanied her to the mansion, and two supporting witnesses, Marjorie Shapiro and Kimberly Burr, who testified about their own sexual assault allegations against Cosby from the same time period.

Huth and Samuelson testified that Cosby brought them to the mansion after a chance encounter at a park. Huth alleged that Cosby lured her to a bedroom, and then tried to force himself on her. When she resisted, saying she was on her period, he then pulled down his sweatpants and forced her to masturbate him, she testified.

In her argument, Bonjean argued that Huth had shaped her story in hopes of scoring a financial windfall. She also maintained that the plaintiffs had not proven that Cosby knew at the time of the incident that Huth and her friend were underage - a key element of the offence.

"These are young women that didn't present as children or even young teenagers," Bonjean said, showing photos from the time. "They looked like a lot of other young women at the Playboy Mansion." Goldberg countered that Samuelson had recalled Cosby telling them both at the mansion that if anyone asked, they should say they were both 18 - suggesting he knew that they were not. Goldberg also showed the jury a photo of Huth from 1975 in which she appeared quite young, as well as two photos of Cosby with Huth at the mansion.

The two lawyers sniped at each other at several points during closing arguments. Earlier in the day, jurors saw a videotaped deposition of Hugh Hefner from 2016, taken about a year before he died. Hefner, the last witness of the case, testified that he was close friends with Cosby in the 1970s, and he never saw Cosby with underage girls at the mansion. He was also asked if minors were ever allowed at the mansion.

"That would be very unusual," Hefner had then said.

Nine of the 12 jurors must agree to reach a verdict. The plaintiffs must prove their case by a "preponderance" of the evidence - not the higher "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard in criminal court.

Goldberg suggested they should award $1 million to $2 million of damages for each of four years of emotional suffering - or $4 million to $8 million total - though he said it would be up to the jurors to decide what is fair.
Thiruvananthapuram, June 16 : The Kerala state capital on Thursday witnessed large protests at two places -- one was led by the Congress-led UDF at the Governor's residence and the second by the BJP's women wing before the State Secretariat.

While the top Congress leadership in the state assembled before the official residence of Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan as part of the nationwide protests announced by the All India Congress Committee against the manner in which Rahul Gandhi is being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate.

Things went from bad to worse after top Congress leaders left the protest venue when angry party workers tried to break the police barricades.

To disperse agitating Congress workers, the police used tear gas and water cannons to which the protesters retaliated by throwing stones at the police personnel.

Similarly before the state Secretariat, a large number of state BJP women wing leaders raised slogans against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, demanding his resignation in the wake of serious allegations against him and his family in smuggling of currency notes and gold, besides misusing the Chief Minister's post receiving favours for his daughter.

The Kerala police resorted to use of force and water cannons to disperse the protesting BJP workers.

Over the past several days, the state has been witnessing similar protests demanding Vijayan's resignation. The Chief Minister's security has also been beefed up after the protests continued.
Ramallah, June 16 : The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) urged countries to increase financial contributions as it suffers from a $100 million funding gap.

Commissioner-General of the UNRWA Philippe Lazzarini said at a press conference held on the occasion of UNRWA's Advisory Commission meeting in Beirut that "we are facing a major financial crisis which reduced our ability to deal with the Palestinian refugees' crisis", reports Xinhua news agency.

Lazzarini noted that Palestinian refugees are going through a painful period in light of the agency's huge financial gap, stressing that Palestinian refugees are the most vulnerable communities in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan.

He added that 80 per cent of Palestinian families live below the poverty line and 80 percent of the children suffer from malnutrition.

He also noted that the UN General Assembly will host a pledging conference for the UNRWA on June 23 in New York.

The UNRWA was established in 1949 as a United Nations agency by a resolution of the General Assembly to provide assistance and protection to approximately 5.6 million Palestine refugees registered with it in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.

As one of the oldest humanitarian projects the UN had initiated, the agency has spent decades helping the displaced Palestinians.
Sanaa, June 16 : A local Yemeni journalist was killed after his vehicle was blown up in the southern port city of Aden, a government official said on Thursday.

"An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attached to the vehicle carrying a local journalist named Saber Noman Al-Haidary, exploded (late Wednesday night) and caused a large blast in Aden's district of Mansourah," the official told Xinhua news agency.

The journalist worked for a Japanese news outlet, while it is not immediately clear why he was targeted, the official said, adding that the investigation is underway.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blast so far, but several Yemeni journalists had been killed in similar incidents across the war-ravaged Arab country.

Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when Houthi militia seized control of several northern provinces and forced the Saudi-backed Yemeni government out of the capital Sana'a.

Local authorities are trying to maintain security and stability in Aden.

However, sporadic bombing incidents and drive-by shooting attacks still occur in the strategic Yemeni port city.
Washington, June 16 : Parts of Yellowstone National Park, one of the largest and best-known national parks in the US, may remain closed this summer due to severe damage caused by this week's unprecedented flooding, authorities said.

The flooding has damaged multiple sections of the road near the Northeast Entrance of the park, causing the complete disappearance of many sections, Xinhua news agency quoted the park's authorities as saying.

Road sections in northern Yellowstone are not expected to reopen to visitors this season due to the time required for repairs, said park officials.

All entrances to Yellowstone National Park were closed temporarily on Monday due to heavy flooding, rockslides and extremely hazardous conditions.

Park officials said earlier on Tuesday that the 8,991-square-km wilderness recreation area, largely in the northwest corner of Wyoming and extending into Montana and Idaho, will remain closed to visitors through at least Wednesday.

For visitors' safety, park officials decided to move all visitors out of overnight accommodations, including lodging and campgrounds, and urged them to exit the park. Inbound traffic will remain closed until conditions improve and park infrastructure is evaluated, according to the update.

Park officials said that the park's southern loop appears to be less impacted than the northern roads and they will assess damage to determine when it is feasible to open the southern loop.

There are no known injuries nor deaths in the park as a result of the unprecedented flooding thus far, park officials said, urging people with visiting plans to stay informed about the current situation as well as road and weather conditions.

Summer is usually the busiest season in Yellowstone. The park attracted a total of approximately 4.86 million visitors last year.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte on Tuesday declared a statewide disaster due to the destructive flooding.

Local media reported that torrential rains have washed out bridges, eroded roadways and prompted evacuations, and communities in and around the Yellowstone National Park are among some of the hardest hit.
Protest on inquiry of Rahul Gandhi by ED; Congress netas arrested in K'taka, Siddaramaiah calls for anti-BJP parties to speak up. Image Source: IANS News

Protest on inquiry of Rahul Gandhi by ED; Congress netas arrested in K'taka, Siddaramaiah calls for anti-BJP parties to speak up. Image Source: IANS News

Protest on inquiry of Rahul Gandhi by ED; Congress netas arrested in K'taka, Siddaramaiah calls for anti-BJP parties to speak up. Image Source: IANS News

Bengaluru, June 16 : The Karnataka government has warned action against state Congress leaders for organising protests in connection with Rahul Gandhi's questioning by the ED in the National Herald Case.

Health Minister K. Sudhakar on Thursday said that the Congress will be held responsible if there was a spike in the number of Covid cases in the state. "Congress should take the moral responsibility in that case. I will discuss with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to book Congress leaders for these protests," he said.

"If they want to protest, let them stage it in Freedom Park. This is not correct to gather people and stage protests on roads. "Today (Thursday) they are staging the Raj Bhavan chalo protest. A case will be booked for Covid protocol violation after discussing with CM Bommai," Minister Sudhakar reiterated.

Kanpur IIT Technical Recommendation Committee has given a report on Covid scenario in Karnataka. They have predicted a spike in the number of Covid cases from the third week of June to October. They have given reports earlier also, he explained.

"We are observing the situation closely and making preparations accordingly. The Covid variant which is surfacing these days is not fierce and there is no need for the people to panic," he said.

Talking about Covid cases in schools, Sudhakar stated that the cases have come up in one or two schools. Holiday has been declared there. There are clear cut guidelines to follow. Parents need not fear, he explained.

Meanwhile, Congress State President D.K. Shivakumar reacting to the Health Minister Sudhakar's statement said, "Let him first lodge cases on the BJP leaders who had violated Covid protocol." "Why have they not lodged a case on BJP programmes? The constitution has given the right to protest. This country attained Independence through protests. False cases are lodged against Rahul Gandhi. BJP is trying to threaten us and is carrying out politics of vengeance," Shivakumar stated.
Geneva, June 16 : Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said she wasnt able to speak to any detained Uyghurs or their families during her controversial visit to Xinjiang, and was accompanied by Chinese government officials while in the region.

The UN human rights chief, who this week announced she would not be seeking another term, told a session of the 50th Human Rights Council in Geneva that there were limitations on her visit to the region in China, where authorities have been accused of committing crimes against humanity and genocide against the Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities, the Guardian reported.

Bachelet and a team from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) spent six days in Guangdong and Xinjiang for a visit that activists and some western governments described as a propaganda coup for the Chinese government.

In a statement on Wednesday, Bachelet said she was able to meet members of civil society organisations without government supervision, but in Xinjiang was "accompanied by government officials throughout the visit".

At a press conference in Guangdong held on the final day of her tour, Bachelet was asked directly by the Guardian about her ability to speak to Uyghur civilians and other people "without supervision" and to have free and open discussions about their experiences.

At the time Bachelet said that because of the Covid bubble they weren't able to meet everyone "but with the people we were able to speak to, it was in an unsupervised manner".

On Wednesday she reiterated "limitations" on the visit.

"As it would be true of any high-level visit which by definition is not an investigation mission, there were limitations especially given the prevailing Covid restrictions," she said.
Chennai, June 16 : While the majority of Ford India Private Ltd's about 2,600 workers at its Maraimalai Nagar plant near here are continuing their protest demanding a better severance package, a small group of about 150 workers have joined duty, said a union leader.

"The majority of the workers are protesting demanding better severance package. However, about 150 persons have resumed duty. The management has not improved their package much," the union official told IANS preferring anonymity.

According to the official, from offering 87 days salary per year of service, the management has increased it to about 110 days of salary per year of service at an average.

"Depending on the worker's experience, the number of days per year for working out the compensation may vary upwards of 102 days," the official added.

However, the Ford India workers citing another car maker's compensation scheme, are demanding about 135 days of salary for every completed year of service, in addition to taking care of the income tax burden.

"The company had earlier announced that it would close down the factory at the end of June and it has not extended that date. There is also the risk of the company shutting down the plant and paying the compensation amount as mentioned in the law "15 days salary for every completed year of service. Those who have put in long years of service may rejoin work," one worker told IANS, requesting anonymity.

He explained that approaching the court or the labour department after the closure will be a very time and energy consuming process.

Workers told IANS that the company has to roll out about 3,000 cars for export markets at its plant near here.

Meanwhile, a question mark hangs over the fate of 350 acres of factory land of Ford India. Whether the government will take back the land for allotting to some other company or would Ford India be allowed to sell the land and the plant remains unclear.

Ford India was given handsome tax and other concessions to set up its plant in Tamil Nadu by the state government.

(Venkatachari Jagannathan can be reached at v.jagannathan@ians.in)
Wellington, June 16 : Travellers to New Zealand will no longer require a pre-departure Covid test from June 20, a Minister said here on Thursday.

"We've taken a careful and staged approach to reopening our borders to ensure we aren't overwhelmed with an influx of Covid-19 cases. Our strategy has worked and as a result, it's safe to lift pre-departure test requirements much sooner than planned," Xinhua news agency quoted Covid-19 Response Minister Ayesha Verrall as saying in a statement.

Around 90 per cent of international arrivals undertake their required testing once they are in the country, with only a 2-3 per cent positivity rate, she said, adding they don't anticipate a significant increase in border cases once the requirement is lifted.

"Factors such as the availability of and cost of getting a test are increasingly becoming a barrier for people intending to travel here, especially as other countries wind back testing availability or the requirement for a test on entry themselves," the Minister said.

While the pre-departure test requirements are being removed, a set of border surveillance measures are kept in place for detecting any possible new variants of Covid-19, she said.

In order to understand what new strains of Covid are arriving at the border, travellers will still be required to self-test on Day 0/1 and again on Day 5/6.

If the result of either test is positive, they must then get a PCR test, she added.
Bengaluru, June 16 : The ruling BJP and the opposition Congress, who locked horns in the recent MLC elections held in Karnataka for four graduates' and teachers' constituencies, have got mixed poll results.

Both the parties have won two seats each. Though, the victory has given the necessary boost to the Congress, the ruling BJP is upset over the defeat of two candidates.

The regional party JD(S) has cut a sorry figure in the elections and lost both the seats it had won in the previous MLC election.

The result of the South Graduates constituency was announced on Thursday where Congress candidate Madhu Madegowda has emerged victorious.

BJP candidate Hanumath Nirani has won in the North-West Graduates constituency for the second consecutive time by a huge margin of 34,693 votes against Congress candidate Sunil Sanka after the results were announced late Wednesday evening.

He is the brother of Minister for Large and Medium Industries, Murugesh Nirani.

The victory of Congress candidate Prakash Hukkeri, a former minister and senior party leader, against BJP youth leader Arun Shahapur in the North-West Teachers constituency has got the BJP worried.

Things are not going as per plans for the saffron party in the Belagavi region.

Arun Shahapur was hoping to register a third consecutive win in the North-West Teachers constituency.

The defeat has shocked the BJP as the region is considered its bastion. From 33 constituencies, the saffron party has 22 MLAs.

Prakash Hukkeri has slammed the BJP, saying that the electoral wave in the region has gone in favour of the Congress.

BJP leaders ridiculed the age and educational qualifications of Hukkeri.

Experts say that the results show the Panchamasali sect of the Lingayat community is drifting away from the BJP, therefore the saffron party has taken the poll defeat seriously and is taking measures to strengthen itself.

Former Speaker Basavaraj Horatti has registered his eighth consecutive win from the West Teachers constituency.

It was a 'do or die' situation for Horatti, who had joined the BJP from the JD(S) recently.

North-West Graduates constituency saw 50 per cent polling, South Graduates 70 per cent, North-West Teachers 80 per cent and West Teachers constituency saw a turnout of 84 per cent, according to the data provided by the Election Commission.

Meanwhile, seven members of the Legislative Council who were elected recently took oath on Thursday.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Laxman Savadi, Chalawadi Narayanaswamy, Keshava Prasad and Hemalatha Nayak from the BJP; T.A. Saravana from JD (S); Nagaraj Yadav and Abdul Jabbar from the Congress took the oath.

Savadi took oath in the name of God while Abdul Jabbar took the oath in the name of Allah, Narayanaswamy took the oath in the name of B.R. Ambedkar, Hemalatha Nayak took the oath in the name of sage Valmiki. Saravana took the oath in the name of Shirdi Saibaba and Tirupati Venkateswara.
Chennai, June 16 : The Tamil Nadu Human Rights Commission (TNSHRC) will issue summons to the RDO of Hosur and Thalli police stations following a complaint by a person from Irular tribe. The person Sakthivel, 28, in his complaint to the State Human Rights Commission said that his family and friends were detained in a brick kiln factory at Hosur in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu allegedly as bonded labourers.

The Irular tribal person also complained that his two-and-a-half-year-old son was electrocuted to death at the brick kiln in the first week of May 2022 but no action was taken by the Hosur RDO and the Thalli police station and requested the State Human Rights Commission to intervene in the matter.

The Tamil Nadu SHRC started a probe on Wednesday and met ten people who were all mentioned in the complaint of Shakthivel.

Officials of the State Human Rights Commission told IANS that a notice is being issued to release those who are allegedly under bonded labour at the brick kiln. The SHRC team met ten people including five children and elicited their responses and after taking information from them, the SHRC took steps for the release of those who are under alleged confinement in the brick kiln as bonded labour.

After allegations of Sakthivel that the RDO did not take any steps to release them from bonded labour and hence the SHRC will issue notices to RDO and Thalli police station.

The SHRC also took statements from P. Ranjith Kumar and C.R. Veeravendan, district coordinators of bonded labour system abolition project from Rights Education and Development (READ) as also S. Janaki, textile worker project co-ordinator of READ.

There has been an increase in complaints against bonded labour in brick kilns in Tamil Nadu using Irular tribals including children.
New Delhi, June 16 : Former BJP leader Naveen Jindal has lodged a fresh complaint with the Delhi Police against unknown persons for threatening him over his controversial remarks on Prophet Muhammad through emails.

Jindal allegedly received four emails containing threats from unknown senders. He immediately lodged a complaint with DCP East Delhi office.

"They have threatened to kill me. They wrote that they might take time -- one year or two years -- but will kill me for sure. They have threatened that if they fail to kill me, their grandchildren will kill me," said Jindal in the complaint.

One of the threat mail senders has written that Jindal would meet the same fate as Kamlesh Tiwari and that no power can save him.

The former BJP leader said that the accused have dared him to come out of the home alone.

Jindal was dismissed from the BJP after controversy erupted over his remark against Prophet Muhammad which was in support of suspended party BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma's statement.

The dismissed leader had also alleged that a few persons had followed him few days ago when he went to meet someone.

He had informed the police about the same.
Gurugram, June 16 : Addressing the joint annual Convocation Ceremony of Management Development Institute (MDI), Gurgaon and Murshidabad, as the chief guest, Sanjiv Mehta, CEO and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever limited, urged the graduating students to temper ambition with humility.

"Humility is intertwined with ambition," Mehta said. "I call it humbition." In the Convocation Ceremony, 514 students from various PGDM programmes and eight Fellow Scholars of MDI Gurgaon received their diplomas. Twenty-four medals were awarded to meritorious students of different courses. From MDI Murshidabad, 132 students from the PGDM 2020-22 batch were conferred their diplomas.

In his address, Mehta exhorted the students to be brave and act right.

"Always do the harder right than the easier wrong," Mehta said. "When the crowd goes one way, you have the right to go the other way." He advised the students to not fear failures in life.

"What matters is the resilience you demonstrate to bounce back from failures," Mehta said.

Stating that ordinary people do extraordinary things, he said: "This is the power of purpose." Even as it marks its 50th Foundation Year, MDI Gurgaon, ranked among the top 10 B-schools in India, is set to implement an over Rs 200-crore campus rejuvenation and expansion plan.

Addressing the Convocation Ceremony, Rajnish Kumar, Member of the MDI Board of Governors, said that MDI Gurgaon is focused on redevelopment of its campus with best-in-class infrastructure.

"The Board has approved a Rs 200 crore-plus Campus Rejuvenation Plan to expand the campus and create state-of-the-art infrastructure," he stated in his welcome address. "The proposed construction plan is going to start shortly. A large Sustainability Plan is being discussed to become a green campus complying with the best global standards." Kumar said that as MDI celebrates its Golden Jubilee, it is now focusing on expanding to other parts of the country as well

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rajesh Chakrabarti, Director of MDI Gurgaon, said that the Institute has reached an agreement with the selected architects to add to and upgrade the campus significantly.

Alluding to the 2022 placement season, Dr. Chakrabarti, in his Director's Report, said that MDI Gurgaon continued to be the institute of choice for newly minted talent.

"You will be glad to know that MDI Gurgaon again achieved a 100 percent placement record," he informed the gathering. "A total of 87 organisations, including 35 new ones, recruited students from MDI Gurgaon." Dr. Chakrabarti added that the highest salary offered this time was Rs. 1.14 crore while the average salary recorded was Rs. 23.50 lakh.

In his Director's Report, Dr. Atmanand, Director of MDI Murshidabad, said that his Institute is collaborating with institutions of excellence worldwide in order to conduct joint research, programmes, and conferences.

Dr. Atmanand said that his Institute concluded a phenomenally spectacular final placement for the batch of 2020-22 in record time.

"This year, the increase in the average package, new recruiters, and forays into newer industry segments were quite visible and remarkable," he said. "The Institute welcomed 34 new recruiters who onboarded our students in varied industry domains."
New Delhi, June 16 : As many as 166 people were booked in the Dwarka area of the national capital for consuming alcohol at various public places, an official said on Thursday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka district) M. Harsh Wardhan said a massive drive was conducted by police on Wednesday to keep a tab on people drinking at public places of the Dwarka district.

Several teams of police personnel were formed and they took action against the offenders in the area of each police station. "Action against a total 166 persons was taken by Dwarka District Police," the DCP said.

He further appealed to the residents not to indulge in drinking at public as such drives will be held regularly.
New Delhi, June 16 : The demand of the youth protesting against the Centre's newly announced Agnipath scheme is justified, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Thursday.

Kejriwal said that it is not right to keep the dreams of the youth of the country tied to only four years.

As the country witnessed agitation and protests in several states on Thursday, Delhi CM tweeted, "The central government's new scheme in army recruitment is being opposed everywhere in the country. Young people are very angry. Their demands are right. The Army is the pride of our country, our youth want to give their whole life to the country, don't keep their dreams tied in 4 years".

Kejriwal appealed to the Centre to give youth a chance to serve the country for their whole life and not just for four years.

"An appeal to the Centre that youth should be given a chance to serve the country for their whole life and not just four years. Those also should be given a chance who have attained overage as there was no recruitment in the Army in the last two years" Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved Agnipath recruitment scheme for Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces. In this scheme, around 46,000 soldiers will be recruited between the ages of 17-and-a-half years and 21 years into the three services in a contract for four years. The youth selected under this scheme will be known as agniveers.

However, the announcement has met with agitation and protest across the country.
Mumbai, June 16 : Actor Saanand Verma, who is seen as Anokhe Lal Saxena in 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai', discussed his early struggles and what he had to go through to get to where he is now.

Saanand said: "When I arrived in Mumbai to pursue my career, I had nowhere to stay. I remember sleeping in a pharmaceutical company's stinky godown during my career's early days. Since I had a journalism background in Delhi, I got a job at a news publication, and I started working there." "And later I progressed and became a corporate employee, where I got to see great times and earn a very handsome salary. But then I quit my Rs 50 lakh annual corporate job to become an actor. Right from my childhood, I always wanted to become an actor." He further shared about the tough times of his life while chasing his dreams: "I used to walk around 50 kilometers a day to give auditions. After resigning from my job, I put all my money into the house and sold my car since I did not have enough money to pay for it. Because I used to make a lot of money in my corporate career, I was used to a luxury lifestyle and public transportation like buses and trains was not my cup of tea." "Also, affording a cab or a rickshaw for daily travel was not possible. So, I decided to walk. My acting career began with ads, and many people are unaware that I had appeared in more than a dozen television shows before 'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain'. I was fortunate to bag the role of Anokhe Lal Saxena in 'Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain' with the help of my director, Shashank Bali Ji, and from that moment, there was no turning back for me." "I believed that acting was my true calling. The reason I accepted this character was that it was a very unusual and challenging character. It was very difficult for any actor to pull it off. I am a mad guy in real life also," he added.

The actor who had been part of projects such as 'Mardaani', 'Raid', 'CID', 'F.I.R.' and many more is quite satisfied with the love and response he is getting from the audience.

He concluded by expressing his gratitude: "Our audience is our biggest critics and admirers. An artist merely wants to be loved and appreciated, and I am always grateful to them. It gives you great fulfillment when they begin to recognize and appreciate your character and work." "I feel amazed when children adore my character and try to imitate it. Their love has made me a household name. I feel blessed to receive so much love and appreciation," he concluded.

'Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai' airs on &TV.
Chennai, June 16 : The team of director Blessy's much-awaited Malayalam film 'Aadujeevitham', featuring actor Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead, has finally completed its schedule in Jordan.

The film, on which work began in 2018, was hit hard by the pandemic. In particular, the team had to undergo a hard time while shooting in Jordan in 2020.

The team, for its second schedule, was shooting in Jordan's Wadi Rum in 2020, when Jordanian authorities chose to reverse their decision to permit shooting by the crew because of a rise in infections. The decision put the unit in a spot as they were stranded in the desert and had to seek the help of Indian authorities to return home.

Now, finally, the team has managed to complete the pending portions that had to be shot in Jordan.

Actor Prithviraj confirmed that the Jordan schedule was finally over on his Twitter timeline.

He tweeted, " 'Aadujeevitham' foreign schedule done! Coming home! What a journey!" A couple of days ago, the actor had also posted pictures of him taking a dip in the Dead Sea.

The film is an adaptation of a novel by Benyamin by the same name. The film, which has music by A R Rahman, has cinematography by K U Mohanan and editing by Sreekar Prasad.
Bhopal, June 16 : Hundreds of protesters on Thursday launched massive protest which soon turned violent in Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh against the Centre's 'Agnipath' recruitment scheme. Police had to resort to lathi-charge to disperse the mob.

Protesters went on a rampage, damaging and vandalising public properties at Birla Nagar railway station in Gwalior. Protesters broke the windows of some trains, set things on fire, burnt tyres and raised slogans against the Centre's new recruitment policy. Train movement was affected in North Central Railway's Jhansi division.

The protesters blocked the movement of at least 6-7 trains by keeping wooden logs, tree branches and other railway properties on tracks.

They also resorted to violence on the main roads breaking window panes of buses and other vehicles.

Violence was also reported in the Gole ka Mandir area of Gwalior. Protesters created ruckus on busy roads damaging private vehicles. It stopped only after police reached the spot.

Videos of violent protests surfaced on social media which showed the ransacking of the office of Birla Nagar railway station manager.

However, police, which were rushed to the spot, lathicharged on the protesters and dispersed them from the spot. Several protesters have been detained by the police.

The city witnessed multiple protests on Thursday since morning.

Gwalior is the region from where majority of youths line up for police and military services every year.
Chennai, June 16 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday handed over gold medals to the district collectors of Karur, Coimbatore, and Thanjavur for their efforts to improve the child sex ratio.

The medals were handed over as a part of the State Child Protection Day programmes.

The Chief Minister handed over gold medal to Coimbatore district collector G.S. Sameeran, silver medal to Thanjavur district collector Dinesh Ponraj Oliver and bronze medal to Karur district collector T. Prabhusankar.

The Chief Minister also handed over appreciation letters to the three district collectors.

Social Welfare department Minister Geetha Jeevan and other officials were present on the occasion.
New Delhi, June 16 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) said on Thursday that it has attached movable and immovable assets worth Rs 17.70 crore held in the name of ABC Cotspin Pvt Ltd and other related entities in connection with a money laundering case pertaining to a bank loan fraud to the tune of Rs 804.49 crore.

The ED had initiated the investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against ABC Cotspin Pvt Ltd, its director Ashish Sureshbhai Jobanputra and others on the basis of a case registered by the CBI.

It was alleged that ABC Cotspin defrauded the State Bank of India (SBI) and the Bank Of Baroda (BoB) to the tune of Rs 804.49 crore.

During its probe, the ED learnt that the said company was availing bill discounting facility from the above-mentioned banks against Letter of Credit (LOC) of prime banks.

During 2014-15, the prime accused, Jobanputra, reportedly signed fake export documents and presented them to SBI and BoB without making any genuine exports.

Jobanputra got these fake export bills discounted from the banks, which remained unpaid and caused losses to the banks.

"Now the ED has traced various properties held in the names of ABC Cotspin and other related entities and persons, and attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs 17.70 crore. The total attachment in this case till date amounts to Rs 31.20 crore," a source in the ED said.
Thane, June 16 : A court in Thane on Thursday granted bail to Marathi television actress Ketaki Chitale in a SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act case lodged against her in 2020.

However, she will not be released from the Thane Central Jail immediately as she is an accused and in custody in several other cases filed against her, including those pertaining to objectionable remarks against Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar.

Following the case registered by Rabale police station in 2020 under the SC/SC (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for posting derogatory statements on Buddhism, Chitale was arrested on May 20.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the actress filed a writ petition in the Bombay High Court challenging her arrest on May 14 for allegedly forwarding an offensive poem on Pawar, sparking a huge political row.

In the plea filed through her lawyer Yogesh Deshpande, Chitale claimed that her arrest was not in accordance with the law and hence, must be quashed.

She said that instead of first serving her a notice under the CrPC's provisions, the Thane police called her up and asked to report to the police station, which she complied with, and the Kalwa police team present there took her into custody.

Chitale, 29, further contended that she had only shared the poem on Pawar penned by someone else which did not name the NCP chief.

She is currently facing nearly two dozen FIRs based on her social media post on Pawar and has earlier moved the high court for a stay on the police proceedings against her. The plea is still pending.
Srinagar, June 16 : An encounter between terrorists and security forces broke out in Jammu Kashmir's Anantnag district on Thursday, police said.

"Encounter has started at Hangalgund, Kokernag area of Anantnag. Police and security forces are on the job," a police official said There have been a series of encounters between terrorists and security forces in Kashmir over the last few months in which many terrorists and their commanders have been eliminated.

Two LeT terrorists were killed in an encounter between terrorists and security forces at Kanjiular area Shopian district on Wednesday.

Two LeT terrorists were killed and five policemen were injured after a late night encounter between terrorists and security forces at Bemina in Srinagar district on Monday night.
Bidar : , June 16 (IANS) An alleged audio clip of Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Bhagwanth Khuba rapping a farmer for questioning the supply shortage of fertilizers has gone viral in Karnataka. The public are questioning the manner in which the Union Minister is speaking to the farmer.

Khuba who received a call from a farmer from his constituency got miffed when he was asked about the shortage of fertilizers in his village.

In the audio clip, Minister Khuba is heard saying he can't do anything about it. He asked the farmer to go to other people who will take care of the supply.

He further said that his job was to send fertilizer to the states and he has done his job. He asked the farmer to approach the local MLA and government employees for fertilizer. The Minister also told the farmer that he has better things to do.

The farmer then challenged the Union Minister saying he won't get elected next time from the constituency. The Minister then said he knows how to win election.

The Minister also asked the farmer to do whatever he can. "I am the Minister of the government of India and take care of the states. You should go to your MLA and officers," the Minister said.

The conversation has now gone viral on social media triggering a debate over the response of the Union Minister of State.
New Delhi, June 16 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth Rs 21,000 crore in Gujarat during his two-day visit from Friday.

On June 18, Prime Minister Modi will visit and inaugurate the redeveloped temple of Shree Kalika Mata at Pavagadh Hill, which will be followed by his visit to Virasat Van. Thereafter, in the afternoon, he will participate in Gujarat Gaurav Abhiyan at Vadodara, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for projects worth over Rs 21,000 crore.

In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said that beneficiaries of various schemes of the government will participate in Gujarat Gaurav Abhiyan at Vadodara. The Prime Minister will dedicate and lay the foundation stone of various Railway projects worth over Rs 16,000 crore. These projects will help lower logistics cost and boost industry and agriculture sector in the region. They will also improve connectivity in the region and enhance passenger amenities.

Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, a total of 1.38 lakh houses will be dedicated by the Prime Minister, including houses worth around Rs 1,800 crore in urban areas and houses worth over Rs 1,530 crore in rural areas. In addition, Khat Muhurat of around 3,000 houses worth over Rs 310 crore will also be done.

During the programme, the Prime Minister will dedicate and lay the foundation stone for various development works at Kheda, Anand, Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, and Panchmahal, worth over Rs 680 crore, which are aimed at furthering ease of living in the region.

The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for Gujarat Central University in Kundhela village of Dabhoi taluka of Gujarat. Located at about 20 kilometres from Vadodara city, the University will be constructed at a cost of around Rs 425 crore and will cater to higher education needs of over 2,500 students.

With a focus on improving maternal and child health, the Prime Minister will also launch 'Mukhyamantri Matrushakti Yojana', which will have an outlay of Rs 800 crore. Under the scheme, pregnant and lactating mothers will be given two kg of chickpeas, one kg of tur dal and one kg of edible oil free of cost from Anganwadi Centres every month.

The Prime Minister will also disburse around Rs 120 crore towards 'Poshan Sudha Yojana', which is now being extended to all tribal beneficiaries in the state. This step is being taken after the success of the experiment of providing pregnant and lactating mothers from tribal districts with Iron and Calcium tablets and education on nutrition.

The Prime Minister will inaugurate the redeveloped temple of Shree Kalika Mata at Pavagadh Hill. It is one of the oldest temples in the area and attracts pilgrims in large numbers.

The redevelopment of the temple has been done in two phases. The inauguration of the first phase of redevelopment was done by the Prime Minister earlier this year in April. The foundation stone for the redevelopment of the second phase, which is going to be inaugurated in the programme, was laid by the Prime Minister in 2017. This includes expansion of the temple base and 'parisar' at three levels, installation of amenities like street lights, CCTV system and others.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Chennai, June 16 : Pattali Makkal Katchi, the political arm of the powerful Vanniyar community, has warned the state government over the Mekedatu dam and has asked it to be proactive on the issue.

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, on Thursday urged the Tamil Nadu government to have clear-cut ideas about the measures to be adopted if approval is given to Karnataka to go ahead with the Mekedatu dam project.

The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) is meeting on Friday and there is apprehension in Tamil Nadu over the possibility of Karnataka getting approval for the project.

The PMK state president said that CWMA has included the Mekedetu dam project as an agenda for the Friday meeting even though the Tamil Nadu government has opposed it several times.

Ramadoss said that this is a clear indication that the CWMA will permit the construction of the dam at Mekedatu over the Cauvery which will be a major blow to Tamil Nadu.

He called upon the Tamil Nadu government to garner support from other CWMA members like Kerala and Puducherry and to stop the discussion on Mekedatu on Friday.
Patna, June 16 : After massive protest over the Agnipath scheme, Chirag Paswan, the president of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) wrote to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and demanded immediate withdrawal of the same.

Paswan pointed out that such a move of the Centre will increase unemployment in the country.

"The Agnipath scheme will make the future of the youths bleak. The job aspirants are preparing for the examination as per the older format. After the introduction of new scheme, the youths are agitated. Hence, violent protests are taking place in several states including Bihar," Paswan said in the letter.

"The Agnipath scheme will increase unemployment in the country. It will spread dissatisfaction among youths, which will be a big concern. I request the Defence Minister to rethink the decision and withdraw it," Paswan said.

Bijendra Prasad Yadav, a cabinet Minister in the Nitish Kumar government, also put a question mark over the new scheme.

"The students are protesting against the Agnipath scheme. In this case, the Centre should talk to youths and their unions. The government should take suggestions from common people," Yadav said.

Jan Adhikar Party (JAP) chief Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav said the Agnipath scheme could prove suicidal for the defence forces.

"Such a move can break the morale of the defence personnel. The Indian Army is our pride and politics over it would not be tolerated," Pappu Yadav said.

"The BJP government came with one rank one pension promise in 2014 Lok Sabha election and now it is implementing no rank no pension in the country," Pappu Yadav said.
June 16 : After 45 days of shoot Arjun Kapoor starrer 'The Lady Killer' wraps up the Manali schedule. The actor shared behind-the-scenes moments from the film sets on his Instagram handle. The video shows glimpses of his shoot time with his co-star Bhumi Pednekar, the beautiful scenery of Manali and the fun moments on the sets. "And that's how we wrap a schedule #TheLadyKiller," he wrote.

On Wednesday, Arjun and Bhumi became the talk of the town as they dropped some adorable photos on their Instagram accounts. The photos got everybody talking about their chemistry as the duo was goofing around on the sets. The actors reached Himachal Pradesh for the film's shooting in April. The Lady Killer marks Arjun and Bhumi's first film together.

Directed by Ajay Bahl, 'The Lady Killer' is a suspense thriller. Produced by Bhushan Kumar and Shailesh R Singh, the film is slated to release on October 10. Announcing the film in October 2021, Arjun Kapoor called it his most ambitious project. Written by Sameer Arora, the story revolves around a romance between a small-town boy and a dangerous girl.

Arjun was last seen in the 2021 film 'Bhoot Police.' Apart from The Lady Killer, he has two other films gearing up to hit the big screens this year. 'Kutty' by Vishal Bhardwaj features Arjun in the lead. Mohit Suri's 'Ek Villian Returns,' starring John Abraham, Arjun Kapoor, and Disha Patani in the lead roles, is slated to release on July 8.
Srinagar, June 16 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said there has been a significant decline in militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

An official statement issued on Thursday said: "Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, who is on a two-day visit to the union territory said that the number of militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir have declined recently." Immediately after his arrival, Singh visited the forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir and took stock of the security situation along the border.

Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GoC-in-C), Northern Command Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, GoC 15 Corps Lt Gen AS Aujla and GoC 19 Infantry Division Maj Gen Ajay Chandpuria accompanied him and briefed him about the operational preparedness of the armed forces.

"Later, Rajnath Singh interacted with the personnel of the Armed Forces, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and J&K Police.

"Addressing the personnel, he commended them for fulfilling their responsibilities efficiently even in challenging situations, describing their valour and zeal as remarkable," the statement said.

He lauded the security personnel for serving the country with indomitable courage and dedication and instilling the sense of national pride in the people, especially the youth.

"Our neighbour has always resorted to anti-India activities. The state also witnessed terror activities in the past. Due to the relentless efforts of the personnel of Armed Forces, BSF, CRPF & J&K Police, there has been a significant decline in the number of militant activities in the state recently," the Minister said.

"Pakistan continuously tries to disturb peace in the country through its approach of bleed India with a thousand cuts. But, our security forces are such a protective shield for this country that whoever tries to break it, bleeds himself. The nation has immense faith in our forces who are always ready to deal with any situation," he added.

Rajnath Singh said India is a peace loving country which has given the message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the whole world is one family) to the world.

"We have never tried to hurt any country in any way, nor have we tried to capture even an inch of anyone's land." He, however, said that if an attempt is ever made to hurt the unity and integrity of the Nation, the Armed Forces will give a befitting reply.

He exuded confidence that the Armed Forces will face the future challenges with full strength and their valour and dedication will build a golden future of the country.
Kohima, June 16 : The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) on Thursday said that the Pan Naga Hoho (PNH) does not warrant wild speculation as it is still in the incubation stage.

A section of media recently reported that the proposed post of 'Chairman' of the PNH would be more powerful than perhaps even the President of India who can suspend a death sentence awarded by a court.

The NSCN-IM reacting to the report said that the media of late has a cross section of people and groups fussing about the power of the Chairman of the PNH. "The irony is that PNH is a topic that does not warrant wild speculation as it is still in incubation stage and one need not go for a panic reaction. Such a subject of critical importance that concerns the Nagas is something that wouldn't be processed in a damning hurry," the Naga group said in a statement.

It said that when the PNH, as conceived by the Central government and mutually discussed and accepted by NSCN taking into consideration the necessity to have such an umbrella set up for the larger unity and welfare of the Nagas living in different regions, passed through the critical stage of political scrutiny, it would naturally come out in the open.

However, PNH does not undermine any democratic political institution as perceived by others, the dominant Naga outfit clarified.

The NSCN-IM statement said: "Such widely diffused views are unfounded. The irony of the situation is apparent to everyone. Things are moving too slow. However, the PNH when concretised will take into account the political aspirations and identity of the Naga people to safeguard Naga people's historical and political rights. Till then the less fuss made about it the better." The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Chairman and former Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang last week urged the Centre as well as Naga groups to not back out from what has been committed, in writing and otherwise, during the last 25 years.

The election to the 60-member Nagaland assembly is expected to be held within 8 to 9 months from now and all the political parties and the state government are keen to resolve the issue before the polls.

The NSCN-IM's repeated insistence on a separate Naga flag and Constitution has become a big hurdle to resolving the Naga issue. After signing a formal ceasefire agreement with the NSCN-IM and other Naga groups in 1997, the Central government has held more than 85 rounds of negotiations with them.
New Delhi, June 16 : The sheer size of the GainBitcoin scam that rocked the nation some time back is turning out to be way bigger than thought, with reports suggesting that around 1 lakh victims may have lost more than Rs 1 trillion in the scam.

With a total of 40 FIRs registered by victims (more than 13 FIRs in Maharashtra alone)and Punjab, a large number of people from other states may have also lost their hard-earned savings in the GainBitcoin scam.

Amit Bhardwaj, the mastermind who died of cardiac arrest earlier this year, may have collected Bitcoins anywhere between 385,000 to 600,000, amounting to more than Rs 1 trillion.

The amount may even be bigger as Bitcoin prices remain volatile and dropped from its all-time high of around $68,000 in November last year to around $21,000 as of now.

Taking the current Bitcoin price of around Rs 23,57,250 per Bitcoin, the total amount comes to nearly Rs 90,500 crore.

To date, more than 60,000 user IDs and email addresses have been traced by Pune police in the GainBitcoin case, according to multiple media reports.

Like most of the ponzi schemes, GainBitcoin also had a pyramid, multi-level marketing scheme, with Amit Bhardwaj at the top and then his 'Seven Stars' who used to operate in India and abroad.

They guaranteed a 10 per cent monthly return in Bitcoin-on-Bitcoin deposits for 18 months via multi-level marketing programmes.

Investors were enticed to lend the corporation Bitcoins on the promise that their investments will be increased during the aforementioned period.

However, since there are a limited number of Bitcoins, the model was flawed, but several investors had put their money by the time they realized they had made a grave mistake.

Currently, all eyes are on Ajay Bhardwaj, the brother of Amit Bhardwaj and the prime accused in the GainBitcoin scam.

In March, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) urged the Supreme Court to issue direction to one of the accused in the GainBitcoin scam to provide access, username and password, to his crypto wallet, contending that the issue of "legality of crypto currency" does not arise in the matter, as it is a ponzi scheme.

"The investigation conducted so far has revealed that Amit Bhardwaj (who died in January this year) with connivance of petitioner, Vivek Bhardwaj, Mahender Bhardwaj and others i.e, multi-level marketing agents and associates have collected 80,000 bitcoins as proceeds of crime," said the ED affidavit.

The ED told the apex court that the brother of the petitioner has died, and he is in possession of the username and password of crypto wallets, which must be disclosed to the investigating officer. The petitioner's counsel submitted that some material is in custody of Pune police.

Next month, the Supreme Court pulled up Ajay Bhardwaj for not complying with its direction to divulge details of the username and password of cryptocurrency wallets to the ED.

Still, several crypto wallets belonging to the accused that were used for cryptocurrency collection purposes are yet to be traced.

Earlier this month, the ED raided six locations, including in Delhi, as part of a large investigation into the alleged scamming of over 1 lakh investors.

The investigative agency seized numerous electronic devices and crucial papers, according to reports.

Numerous officers and attorneys linked with a Delhi-based law firm were also subject to raids, the reports said.
Mumbai, June 16 : 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' fame actor, poet and writer Shailesh Lodha is all set to host a new poetry show 'Waah Bhai Waah'.

The show will be released on Shemaroo TV. The content of the show is to offer the audience a series of fun-filled satire, poetry recitation and more with the aim to combine poetry and comedy.

Talking about the show Shailesh who is a poet himself said, "I am exhilarated to be a part of the latest original, 'Waah Bhai Waah'. Being a poet myself, this format is very close to my heart, and I am grateful that Shemaroo has decided to come up with a show like this to promote the poets from our country and their talent. I am sure that the audiences will love the show and leave them ecstatic." The show starts on June 19, everyday at 9 p.m. on Shemaroo TV.
New Delhi, June 16 : A 32-year-old man, working in a factory in Bahadurgarh, Haryana, was arrested by the Delhi police for online stalking and sending obscene images and videos to more than 200 women, an official said on Thursday. The accused, identified as Manoj Kumar, was nabbed by the Cyber police station of north district.

Furnishing details, Dy. Commissioner of Police Sagar Singh Kalsi said a woman lodged a complaint alleging that some unknown person has been stalking and harassing her through anonymous calls and WhatsApp messages as well as sending obscene images/videos to her. On the basis of this complaint, the police sought information from various social media platforms to trace the identity of the alleged stalker. The call detail records of the stalker were also checked and analysed.

Accordingly, the police registered an FIR under section 354-A and 354-D of the Indian Penal Code. The technical investigation led to the identification of the accused who was working in a juice factory in Bahadurgarh. Consequently, a raid was conducted and the accused was apprehended by the police from Bahadurgarh.

On sustained interrogation, it was revealed that Manoj Kumar had marital issues with his wife due to which he started sending friend requests to random women on social media and would harass them through calling and messaging apps.

"He used to send obscene videos to the victims and go to the extent of calling and messaging them even at inappropriate hours. The accused has admitted to stalking and harassing around 200 women through various social media platforms," Kalsi said. The mobile phone along with two SIM cards used by him for committing the offence have also been seized by the police.
New Delhi, June 16 : After protest in various states over the new recruitment scheme of the government for defence forces 'Agnipath', the Congress on Thursday demanded that it should be kept in abeyance.

The party said the scheme is controversial, carries multiple risks, subverts the long-standing traditions and ethos of the armed forces and there is no guarantee that the soldiers recruited under the scheme will be better trained and motivated to defend the country.

Addressing a press conference, P. Chidambaram and Sachin Pilot said that retired defence officers have opposed the scheme and believe that many serving officers share the same reservations about it.

The Congress said, "given the situation on our borders, it is imperative that we have soldiers in our defence forces who are young, well-trained, motivated, happy, satisfied and assured of their future. The Agnipath scheme does not advance any of these objectives." It is our duty to warn the country of the consequences of a hastily drawn up scheme. "We would urge the government to keep the Agnipath scheme in abeyance, hold wide consultations with serving and retired officers, and address the issues of quality, efficiency and economy without compromising on any of the three considerations," it added.

The party said that its concern is that the Agnipath soldier will be trained for six months and will serve for another 42 months when 75 per cent of the recruits will be discharged.

"It appears to us that the scheme makes a mockery of training; inducts into the defence forces an ill-trained and ill-motivated soldier; and discharges a disappointed and unhappy ex-soldier into the society," it added further.

The party said that the age of recruitment -- 17 to 21 years, raises numerous questions. A large part of our youth will be totally excluded from serving in the defence forces.

"The stated objective of savings on the pension bill is a weak argument and has not been established beyond doubt. On the other hand, the short period of training (6 months) and the unusually short period of service (42 months) may have negative consequences on quality, efficiency and effectiveness. We fear that the scheme may turn out to be a case of 'penny wise and security foolish'," Chidambaram said.

The party alleged that announcements by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Education on post-discharge opportunities appear to be after-thoughts. They show that the scheme was poorly conceived and hastily drawn up. A major change in the mode of recruitment should have been examined thoroughly and a pilot scheme should have been tried and tested. Nothing of that sort has been done.

Several experts have suggested alternative models to address the issues of inadequate recruitment to the defence forces. There is no indication that the alternatives were examined, the Congress party said.
Moscow, June 16 : The US is taking hostile actions against Russia that are worse than what it did during the Cold War, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.

However, it (the US) is hurting itself in the process and will ultimately have to acknowledge Moscow's legitimate interests, he said during an interview with Russian media, RT reported.

"We are not even close to the culmination of the crisis," Peskov told RIA Novosti news agency, explaining the economic damage stemming from the West-Russia confrontation.

"Or rather they have not. We are in a more stable state thanks to macroeconomic measures taken by the government," he added.

Peskov assessed that the current amount of pressure against Russia is unprecedented.

Nothing of the kind was done "even during the Cold War" or to any other nation on Earth, he said.

The US and its allies seek to "strangle" Russia with their sanctions, he added.

The anti-Russian sanctions are "obviously creating problems for us, but in the long run they will cause problems just as serious for the nations who adopt those sanctions", the official predicted.

Europeans have felt it more than the Americans did so far, but the economic burden of antagonising Russia will increase for all of them, Peskov said.

He stressed that the problems were only partially explained by the Ukraine crisis and that Western leaders contributed to them by making a series of mistakes over the past several years, RT reported.

The current state of affairs has made it impossible for Russia and the West to return to business as usual, the official said, adding that from now on Moscow will use a more robust approach towards the US.

Russia has all the reasons it could need to completely break diplomatic ties with the US after all Washington had done, but will not do so: "The US is not going anywhere, and we'll have to live with that," he said.

"While preserving flexibility on constructive issues, we will protect our interests and demand (that the US) respect our concerns and interests. There will be communication in some form," he added.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War
Mumbai, June 16 : Actress Samara Tijori who is playing the central character in the upcoming web series 'Masoom' says her character in the show is a truth-teller in the whole murder mystery and how she gets ridiculed for the same.

The story of the show is revolving around a mysterious murder of a woman and how her daughter suspects the involvement of her father.

Decoding the mystery of her character, Samara in conversation with IANS said, "The best part of my character is, she is the only one who is trying to establish the truth going against what everyone is following in the situation.

"Since she has a mental health issue of anxiety, no one is taking her words seriously. But you see, that does not change the truth, right? I think it is the same thing that happens even in our society where if someone tries to search for the truth going against the system, we tend to ridicule the truth-teller." "It is easy to say, 'wo pagal hai, uski baat nahi suno'. That also shows how we treat someone with a mental health issue. We do not say the same about someone who has a physical health issue, say a broken leg for example," she further explained.

Samara, who is the daughter of veteran actor Deepak Tijori and earlier appeared inAbhishek Bachchan-starrer 'Bob Biswas' believes that for an artist or any human being, childhood trauma can ruin the individual and somewhere the show is touching chords on those notes too.

She said, "Apart from being an actress, I am major in Psychology. So saying this from my education that we are a combination of nature and nurture. Nature is what we are inherently born with and then the upbringing, the nurturing that we get, and the experience that we have in the first 10 years of our life, shaped our personality. If anyone has any traumatic experience in childhood, it tends to haunt them in the later stage of life. Our 'Masoom' is also somewhere poking those elements through the narrative." "Since it is a thriller, I cannot really speak more than this, saving it for the audience to watch and find out," Samara signed off.

'Masoom', also featuring Boman Irani, Upasana Singh, Manjari Fadnnis, Veer Rajwant Singh, Manu Rishi Chaddha, Akashdeep Arora, Sarika Singh, Sukhpal Singh - directed by Mihir Desai - streams on Disney+ Hotstar from June 17.
Patna, June 16 : After Bihar Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, another JD-U leader and the party's parliamentary board president Upendra Kushwaha on Thursday questioned the new recruitment policy of the Centre, 'Agnipath'. He said that the Centre should do a rethink over the scheme.

"The proposed changes in the recruitment process of Indian Army, Navy and Air Force should be reconsidered," Kushwaha tweeted.

Earlier, Bijendra Prasad Yadav also said that the Centre should rethink on Agnipath and Agniveer schemes.

"The students are protesting against the Agnipath scheme. In this case, the Centre should talk to youths and their unions. Central government should take suggestions from common people," Yadav said.

Jitan Ram Manjhi, the former chief minister of Bihar and a BJP ally said: "Agnipath scheme is extremely dangerous for the country. It should be withdrawn immediately. I appeal to PM Narendra Modi to withdraw the Agnipath scheme and announce the old process of recruitment." The RJD's youth wing will burn effigies of the Prime Minister and Defence Minister over the Agnipath scheme on Friday.

After the launch of Agnipath scheme, massive protests erupted in more than 25 districts of Bihar. Protesters mainly targeted railway properties. They set several trains on fire in Gopalganj, Chhapra and Kaimur districts. Stone pelting incidents were witnessed in Arrah, Buxar, Dumraon, Nawada, Muzaffarpur, Katihar, Madhepura, Saharsa and other districts.

Keeping this in view, the East Central Railway (ECR) on Thursday cancelled 22 pairs of trains.

The protesters also blocked the roads in these districts as well.
Kathmandu, June 16 : A suspected case of monkeypox has been found in Nepal.

As per reports, a Nepali youth suspected of contracting monkeypox virus is under observation at the Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Diseases Hospital (STIDH) in Teku, Kathmandu.

According to STIDH, the youth who arrived from Dubai is being monitored after he exhibited monkeypox-like symptoms. The 27-year-old had fever on Thursday and there were red blisters on his body and hands.

The hospital said his health is normal at present.

Infectious disease specialist Sher Bahadur Pun said that a sample has been sent to the National Public Health Laboratory to ascertain whether the blisters on the youth's body and hands have been caused by the monkeypox virus.

Latest updates on Monkeypox Virus Outbreak
New Delhi, June 16 : A day after alleging high-handedness by the police the Congress has taken the battle to Parliament and has met the presiding officers of both the Houses. Party leaders will also meet the President over the issue.

A delegation of Congress MPs met the Vice President to register their complaint. The delegation comprising of Mallikarjun Kharge, P. Chidambaram and Jairam Ramesh complained about the high-handedness of the police and the ill-treatment meted out to the Parliamentarians.

The Congress Lok Sabha MPs also met Speaker Om Birla on Thursday morning and aired their grievances. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, while speaking to the media after the meeting said: "We have informed the Speaker about the manner in which we have been subjected to violence and atrocities. The Speaker listened to us. We told him about Delhi Police officers who barged into the Congress office and attacked our workers in a pre-planned manner." The Congress on Wednesday filed a complaint against the Delhi police officials who manhandled the party men during Wednesday's protest. The complaint was lodged at the Tughlak Road Police Station in the national capital.

Congress leader Sachin Pilot was detained outside the party headquarters here. He said the whole country is watching what the government is doing. While speaking to his supporters outside his residence on Thursday, he said: "We were detained yesterday; police entered the AICC office and did lathi-charge. The whole country is watching." Pilot thanked his supporters for standing by him and also urged them to remain peaceful.

"It is very clear that the government is leaving no stone unturned to pressurise, demoralise, defame and show to the world that if you oppose the ideology of BJP government, you will be put to test. The entire force of the Government of India is falling down upon their opponents," Pilot said.

Talking about the questioning of Rahul Gandhi for three straight days by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the National Herald case, the Congress leader said that "There is nothing to hide as the charges are baseless. It is a seven-year-old case that they have started to divert the attention of people of the country."
Mumbai, June 16 : The Mumbai Police has busted a major racket of some shops allegedly indulging in sale of fake watches of top international brands and seized such timepieces valued at Rs 1.06 crore, officials said here on Thursday.

Five persons have been arrested in connection with the mega-scam which is being probed further.

Following a tip-off received by the police, the Economic Offences Wing and the MRA Marg Police started their discreet investigations at the famed Manish Market and Al Saba Market in south Mumbai which are reputed for the sale of premium imported goods.

The sleuths found that many of the shopkeepers in the two prime markets were allegedly passing off counterfeit watches of various premium brands to gullible customers at exorbitant rates.

Accordingly, raids were carried out by the police teams on Wednesday at Manish Market shops No. 1, 8 and 40A, and Al Saba Market shops No. 127, 133 and 134 from where the shopkeepers were caught red-handed with the fake watches in their possession.

Some of the highly-ranked brands figuring on the fake watches include Armani, Diesel, Fossil, G-Shock and Michael Kors among others, said the officials.

Based on a complaint lodged by Anup Kolap, representing a company specialising in IP rights, the EOW has registered cases against the arrested shopkeepers under the Copyright & Trademark Act, 1957, and further probe is on.

The entire operation was carried out under guidance by Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey, and other top officers including Pravin Padwal, Mahendra Pandit and others from various departments of Mumbai Police and the MRA Marg Police Station.

Officials said that they will enquire if the tentacles of the scam are spread to other places in Mumbai and premium outlets in malls or shopping plazas retailing imported personal timepieces of leading international brands.
New Delhi, June 16 : A six-member delegation of the Trinamool Congress on Thursday visited Election Commission and submitted a memorandum in connection with the violence in Tripura.

The memorandum alleged that attack on their party members was made by state's ruling BJP 'goons' ahead of the assembly bypolls in four constituencies. The party also alleged a conspiracy by the BJP to carry out more such attacks on its workers.

The TMC alleged that some goons attacked the party members assembled for a meeting on June 15 at the behest of BJP candidate from the Surma Assembly constituency Swapna Das (Paul) and other BJP leaders.

"We had a long meeting with Chief Election Commissioner. We complained to him about incidents of Tripura last night when about 70 families who had joined TMC in Surma assembly constituency were attacked by BJP goons. Five were seriously injured", said TMC MP Saugata Roy after the meeting.

He said that they were ensured that all booths will be under CCTV & webcast. Six companies of central forces will be given for each assembly constituency, the Trinamool MP said.

The delegation comprised Saugata Roy, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, Jawhar Sircar, Pratima Mondal, Luizinho Faleiro, and Nusrat Jahan Ruhi.

The bypolls will be held in Agartala, Town Bardowali, Yubarajnagar and and Surma assembly constituencies in Tripura on June 23 and the counting of votes will be taken up on June 26.
Chennai, June 16 : Tamil Nadu Forest Department officials on Thursday warned people of Talavadi in Erode district to stay indoors as a leopard, that had killed a cow in the village, is on the prowl again.

Forest Department officials told media persons that they have installed drones to track the movement of the leopard.

The partly-eaten carcass of the cow was found in the early morning of Wednesday and the Forest Department was alerted. The department officials directed the villagers not to remove the carcass and wait for the animal that had killed it to return for it.

A senior Forest Department officials told IANS that the villagers did as directed and on Thursday morning, found that a part of the remaining carcass was eaten and pug marks of the leopard were found on the premises.

After this, the department installed camera and trap near the place where the carcass was found, and drones were pressed into service for surveillance. Forest Department officials told IANS that a defunct quarry in the area was full of shrubs and thickly vegetated and the department and local police have directed the owner of the quarry to clear the vegetation to find whether the leopard has taken shelter there.

Forest department and local police have warned the people of Talavadi not to venture out of their residences at night until the leopard is nabbed and sent back deep into the forest.
Jaipur, June 16 : The Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) on Thursday staged protests against the newly-launched 'Agnipath' scheme of the Centre at all the district headquarters and many sub-divisional and tehsil headquarters of Rajasthan, including in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Ajmer, among other places.

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Agnipath recruitment scheme for the youth to serve in the armed forces. Soldiers recruited under the scheme will be inducted into the armed forces as 'Agniveers'.

The 'Agnipath' model will foresee the recruitment of personnel below officer rank (PBOR) in army, air force and navy for four years, including six months of training.

RLP convener and Nagaur MP Hanuman Beniwal was present at the Jaipur headquarters where he submitted a memorandum against the scheme in the name of the President through the district administration.

The memorandum said that while the Defence Minister said that the Agnipath scheme will infuse new energy into the armed forces besides creating employment opportunities for the youth, the truth is that this action plan of contract-based recruitment is not in the interest of the country, its people or the Indian Army.

So the government should reconsider its decision, it said.

Beniwal said that similar protests will spread across the country, and the way the Centre had to take back the farm laws, it will also have to roll back the Agnipath scheme.

Chaotic scenes were witnessed at many protest sites across the state, and the police at some venues had to even resort to lathi charge to disperse the agitators.

In Jodhpur, RLP workers were seen raising slogans outside the District Collector's office where a memorandum was submitted under the leadership of RLP state unit chief Pukhraj Garg.

A few protesters smashed the window-pane of a police vehicle on the Circuit House Road, but they were soon chased away by the cops.

In Barmer, several youth took to the streets responding to the RLP's call for protest. Under the leadership of Zilla Parishad member Ummedaram Beniwal, a memorandum was submitted to the District Collector demanding withdrawal of the Agnipath scheme.

The protesters also clashed with the police, forcing the latter to resort to lathi charge. The youth could be seen trying to block the passage of trains by burning tyres.

Protests were also seen in Ajmer and Sikar, where a large number of youth took to the streets under the banner of RLP.
Dharamsala, June 16 : Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to this Himachal Pradesh town on Thursday, a large number of army aspirants staged a massive protest at the Gaggal airport against the Agnipath scheme of the Central government.

The police resorted to cane-charge to disperse them. Congress workers, who participated in the protest, alleged that the police used brutal force against the peaceful protesters.

Meanwhile, the ruling BJP in the state said the protest was Congress sponsored.
New Delhi, June 16 : The high-profile National Herald case has suddenly become the most burning topic of prime time debates since the Enforcement Directorate (ED) began interrogating Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

But who is handling the case? The case is being monitored by ED Director Sanjay Kumar Mishra, an Indian Revenue Service officer of the 1984 batch. Before joining the ED, Mishra also served in the Income Tax Department.

He was made the Principal Special Director of ED on November 19, 2018 and a few days later, he was announced as Director of the ED.

Mishra, during his career spanning 4 decades, has handled several high-profile cases that several times fetched him praise from the government.

During his tenure at the financial probe agency, Mishra has looked after a number of money laundering cases such as the Yes Bank case related to Rana Kapoor, former ICICI Bank's CEO Chanda Kochhar's husband Deepak Kochhar's case and the Vijay Mallya case.

Under Mishra's tenure Christian Michel James, one of the prime accused in the AgustaWestland chopper scam was brought to India. Officials say that it was one of the major breakthrough in the case.

At present, Mishra is handling the most controversial National Herald case in which Rahul Gandhi is facing the agency's long list of hard questions.

Mishra's 3-year-long tenure at ED was to end in November 2021 but the Centre brought an ordinance and amended the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Act, through which his tenure was extended till November 18, 2022. Earlier, the tenure of the ED Director was for two years but now it can be extended up to five years.

(Atulkrishan can be approached at atul.k@ians.in)
Vienna, June 16 : Long Covid, which can lingher up to months and even years in some people, has the potential to emerge into dangerous variants, scientists have found.

"Tracking SARS-CoV-2 evolution during persistent cases provides insight into the origins of Omicron and other global variants," they wrote in a report on Nature.

In the report, virologist Sissy Sonnleitner, who is based at a microbiology facility in Ausservillgraten, Austria, described the case of 60-year-old woman whose Covid infection lingered for more than seven months, in late 2020, causing relatively mild symptoms, including fatigue and a cough.

Sonnleitner and her team collected more than two dozen viral samples from the woman over time and found through genetic sequencing that it had picked up about 22 mutations.

About half of them were seen in the heavily mutated Omicron variant that emerged in November 2021.

"When Omicron was found, we had a great moment of surprise," Sonnleitner was quoted as saying. "We already had those mutations in our variant." While the woman's infection was not the reason behind the emergence of Omicron, such chronic infections are a leading candidate for the origins of Omicron and other variants that have driven Covid-19 surges globally, according to scientists.

"I don't think there can be any doubt in anyone's mind that these are a source of new variants," Ravindra Gupta, a virologist at the University of Cambridge, UK, was quoted as saying.

Similarly, in a 2020 report, Jonathan Li, a physician-scientist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, detailed an ultimately fatal case in a 45-year-old man who had a rare autoimmune disease.

The virus developed mutations linked to antibody resistance, including E484K, and another spike mutation called N501Y - both mutations were detected in a trio of fast-growing lineages later named the Alpha, Beta and Gamma variants of concern (VOCs).

Omicron also bears this mutation, as well as several others identified in the man's infection.

"He really was the harbinger of what was to come," Li was quoted as saying.

Scientists have been exploring how the virus evolves the ability to spread from person to person more easily, evades the immune response, or becomes more or less severe.

"If a person's immune system fails to clear an infection fully, the surviving viruses are likely to bear immunity-evading mutations that helped them to survive the attack," said Darren Martin, an evolutionary virologist at the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Chennai, June 16 : India is helping Sri Lanka fight its economic crisis, Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan said on Thursday.

Addressing the students of Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, he said that the Union government had provided regular assistance ranging from finance, medicine, energy security, and food supply to Sri Lanka.

The Minister said that under the neighbourhood first policy, the Indian government has reconstructed the Jaffna library, airport, and the signature cultural centre. He also said that 50,000 houses were built in the island nation for the Tamil-speaking people, while financial assistance was provided for renovating schools and hospitals.

He also said that India has been providing food, medicines, and other essentials to the people of Afghanistan even after a government that has disagreements with India is in power in that country.

Muraleedharan also said that the connection of India was people to people and that is the policy that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has adopted.
Jaipur, June 16 : Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra on Thursday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that he should wake up before the worst happens and withdraw Agnipath scheme or else he will have to apologise to youth the same way he had to do to the farmers.

In his tweet, he said, "You couldn't get the farmers bow down, nor will you be able to get their sons bow down! Mend your ways in time, Modi ji! You had to apologise first to the farmers and now you have to do the same to the youth. Do not deceive the people who have sacrificed their life for the country nor play with the future of the youth." Dotasra demanded full recruitment like the earlier one for the armed forces.

Earlier, the Rajasthan Congress on Thursday gheraoed the Raj Bhavan in Jaipur in protest against the Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioning party leader Rahul Gandhi.

Dotasra said: "Today offices of BJP are like five star hotels which are being built in districts. From where did they get so much money?" "These people are conspiring to divert attention from the real issues of the country. They cannot silence Rahul Gandhi. There is no such jail in the country in which Rahul Gandhi can be imprisoned. Rahul Gandhi's family has contributed to the nation building. A case has been opened in ED under conspiracy against Rahul Gandhi. At the Udaipur Chintan Shivir, when Rahul Gandhi had said that he was not afraid of anyone and had not misused a single paisa of Bharat Mata, we had received indications that there was a conspiracy going on," he said.

Congress leaders protested at Civil Lines gate against ED's questioning of Rahul Gandhi. Dotasra among others climbed the barricades and raised slogans against the central government. Some activists also got into a scuffle with the police.
New Delhi, June 16: For Pakistan, with foreign exchange reserves of just $9.2 billion--enough for imports for less than two months, the clock is ticking as negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout package could take more time.

The country's Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, who has been insisting on raising prices and remove subsidies as mandated by the IMF, is now facing opposition from his own party members, especially since former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan has upped the ante against what he describes as "imported" government.

Other bilateral lenders, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with which Pakistan has been in talks for financial assistance, too have adopted a wait and watch approach. These countries are likely to release the funds only after the IMF talks conclude.

Earlier this month, Ismail announced that China has agreed to refinance $2.3 billion. While the assistance will provide a much-needed breather to the cash-starved country, the deal is yet to fructify.

Meanwhile, Khan in a fresh attack said that the government's policies are anti-poor and that the country has been towing the US line.

The common Pakistanis have already registered their discontent over the fuel price hike.

"The Pakistan government is caught in a bind..it has to increase prices and put an end to subsidies, which would mean more economic woes for the common people in the short to medium term but not doing so could lead to IMF's unwillingness to extend the bailout package," an analyst told India Narrative.

"I have told the Prime Minister that we have to take tough decisions. The Prime Minister is unhappy with increasing the prices of petroleum products. Whenever I send a summary in this regard, the Ministers curse me," the Express Tribune quoted Ismail as saying.

Ismail even drew a parallel between Pakistan's economy and that of Sri Lanka, which has defaulted.

Despite the recent fuel price hike, Pakistan has not been able to totally wipe out subsidies.

Since January this year, Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves have been depleting. In January, the South Asian nation's forex reserves stood at $16.6 billion.

Pakistan has already increased fuel prices, as mandated by the IMF. But now the multilateral agency has also asked Pakistan to take additional measures to "strengthen" its budget which was announced last week. It has also asked Islamabad to renegotiate energy deals under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The CPEC projects are always in the crosshairs deliberately targeted by the West and its like-minded international financial institutions, especially the IMF, Yasir Habib Khan, Founder and President of the Institute of International Relations and Media Research in Pakistan, wrote in an article published by Beijing-based Global Times.

Earlier several reports have suggested that the Chinese independent power producers (IPPs) that are operating in Pakistan, have been over-charging without any transparency in the financial dealings.

"Whether might be called a blackmailing or taking advantage of Pakistan's situation, it seems IMF economists viewed Chinese IPPs as sharks for allegedly overcharging for electricity generation," he said in his article.

In 2019, Islamabad signed a $6 billion loan programme with the IMF under its Extended Fund Facility. But the programme was halted in January 2020 after disbursement of about $3 billion following Imran Khan's refusal to increase electricity tariff and impose additional taxes as prescribed by the multilateral agency.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
Hyderabad, June 16 : Facing flak for grabbing a police personnel by the collar, Congress leader and former Union Minister Renuka Chowdhury on Thursday accused the Hyderabad police of deliberately provoking the situation and harassing her.

"I have been arrested illegally. Unlawful detainment of me as a citizen. I was walking away peacefully to my own vehicle accompanied by the other ladies. We were requested by the police to go back. We went back. My vehicle was coming. I was walking towards it. The media was questioning me. When I was talking to them, the police came and deliberately provoked the situation and deliberately manhandled the women including me and they have arrested me. I demand justice," she said.

Earlier in the day, Chowdhury sought to justify her action of grabbing a police officer's collar by claiming she had done it to prevent her from losing her balance and falling down.

The Congress leader had hit the headlines after visuals of her grabbing the collar of a police personnel went viral. The incident took place during a 'Chalo Raj Bhavan' protest organised by the Congress in Telangana to protest the alleged harassment of their leader Rahul Gandhi by the Enforcement Directorate.

The police have charged her under Section 353, or assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of his duty, of the Indian Penal Code.
New Delhi, June 16 : As deliberations on the Presidential polls are going on both in the ruling party and the opposition camp, the BJP seems to have narrowed down to a few names.

Sources have said that the party is weighing options considering the domestic politics and international diplomacy in mind. The party seems to be zeroing in on the names of former Jharkhand Governor Draupadi Murmu and Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan for the post of President, sources said.

The party's parliamentary board will take a final view on the name of the candidate next week after due consultation within the NDA.

The source said that eyeing upcoming elections, tribals are the main focus area of the BJP in Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh where the tribal votes are key to BJP scheme of things and till date there was no tribal President in the country. So Murmu can fit in both tribal and women category and BJP can say that it has empowered the community and reap the electoral benefits.

While Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan can fit in to keep the government's image better at international podium after the recent developments following comments by now ex-BJP spokespersons. The embassy at Doha had to issue a statement and BJP had to take action against them.

Khan, a vocal face and well learned about the Islamic world, has been defending BJP for past many years on issues related to minorities. A former student union leader from AMU, Khan has been Union Minister in the Rajiv Gandhi cabinet but resigned on Shah Bano issue and later was a Minister in the VP Singh government.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has been authorised along with BJP chief J.P. Nadda on behalf of the BJP to speak to several leaders from opposition parties, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, as well as NDA partners for a consensus candidate for President. Sources said that the BJP-led NDA government is trying to build consensus with the opposition to avoid an election.

Sources said that Rajnath Singh has also spoken to Congress' Mallikarjun Kharge, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, and Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav. The Defence Minister also spoke to alliance partner and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who heads the Janata Dal-United. It is learnt that the senior leader will also speak to NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and leaders of other political parties.

Sources said that the BJP is trying to build a consensus on a presidential candidate and no name has been suggested to opposition leaders. "Rajnath Singh also tried to know what the opposition leaders were thinking," a source said.

Kharge said: "Rajnath Singh called me and spoke about the Presidential polls. But when asked about the proposal, there was no response. I am saying if the opposition comes up with a non-controversial name... will the government accept that? It's a formality."
Chennai, June 16 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to organise at least three meetings of the Inter-State Council every year.

He also said every Bill of national importance likely to affect one or more states should be placed before the Council before it is introduced in the Parliament.

The views of the Council should be tabled before the Parliament at the time of introduction of such a Bill, Stalin said.

"Without such a platform, there is no effective and interactive communication between the Union and states on issues of common interest. We have seen instances where many Bills affecting the rights and interest of the states, are passed in Parliament without proper opportunity being given to the opposition to debate its merits and voice the concern of the states," he said.

"As a consequence, the views, concerns and constructive suggestions of the states are not properly heard or comprehended by the Union during the process of decision making for the nation as a whole. What could be settled amicably among the executive branches is often taken to the doorsteps of the judicial branch," Stalin added.
New Delhi, June 16 : After opposition parties decided to field a joint candidate for Presidential election, the BJP is focusing on winning support of non-NDA parties who skipped the Wednesday's meeting called by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief had sent invites for a meeting of opposition leaders to build consensus on a joint opposition candidate. Prominent names who skipped the opposition meet were Naveen Patnaik's Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), K. Chandrasekhar Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).

In an electoral college of around 10.86 lakh votes for Presidential polls, the BJP and its alliance partners in the NDA are a little short of the halfway mark and all set to get its nominee elected as next President of India.

Now, the BJP is eyeing support of those political parties who skipped the joint opposition meet called by the West Bengal Chief Minister. The BJP is already hoping to get Patnaik's BJD and Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSRCP support.

Sources in the BJP said that first priority is to get the consensus over the next President and avoid election or get the support of the maximum number of parties. "Our party president J.P. Nadda and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have already started consultation with political parties which include opposition and our alliance partners. We are also asking for a possible name for the presidential candidate," sources said.

The BJP is also prepared if consensus does not emerge among all the political parties. "Every party has its own compulsion and if consensus does not emerge, then we will decide our own candidate consulting our NDA partners," a party insider said.

While trying to build a consensus for a Presidential candidate, the BJP has already started reaching out to all the political parties including Congress and the TMC. Nadda and Singh had called leaders of several opposition parties and NDA alliance partners. In coming days, both the leaders will also speak to heavyweights of other political parties.

A senior party leader said that our sole objective is to get the new President elected with the support of a maximum number of political parties.
New Delhi, June 16 : Amid reports of violent protests in various states against the recently announced 'Agnipath' scheme, the government tried to assuage the concerns raised over the new recruitment plan for the armed forces while keeping a close eye on the situation.

Sources said that the Centre is in touch with the governments of the states from where violent protests have been reported. Answering the concerns of what will 'Agniveers' do after four years, the government said that they (Agniveers) have better chances of getting jobs compared to others at the age of 24 years after leading a disciplined and skilled life for four years. The government also said that the union home ministry will give priority to Agniveers in recruitment to the CAPFs and Assam Rifles and most importantly one out four will be absorbed in the armed forces.

The government said that not many in the age group of 21 to 24 years have savings of Rs 12 lakh and after four years many big companies have announced to hire 'skilled' and 'disciplined' Agniveers. Graduation courses will also start for Agniveers which will be recognised in India and abroad.

"Several states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand announced giving priority to Agniveers in police and allied forces," the government said.

The Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, meanwhile on Thursday welcomed this initiative to induct young men and women into the armed forces to develop a vibrant defence force and disciplined skilled youth with military ethos in civil society.

To support this initiative, the Department of School Education & Literacy through its autonomous institution, the National Institute of Open Schooling, is instituting a special programme in consultation with the defence authorities to enable those Agniveers who are class 10 pass to further their education and obtain a class 12 pass certificate by developing customized courses that are not only current but very relevant to their area of service. This certificate is recognised for both employment and higher education purposes in the whole country.

On Wednesday, the Union Home Ministry decided to give priority to Agniveers who complete four years under this scheme for recruitment into CAPFs and Assam Rifles.
New Delhi, June 16 : Homegrown social media company ShareChat on Thursday said it has closed a $520 million multi-tranche funding round, taking its valuation to $5 billion.

In the funding round, ShareChat raised $255 million from Google, Times Group, and existing investors, adding to the $266 million it raised earlier in December 2021 from Alkeon Capital, Temasek, HarbourVest, Moore Strategic Ventures, and India Quotient.

Since 2021, ShareChat has cumulatively raised $1.2 billion and acquired MX TakaTak.

ShareChat, which achieved unicorn status last year, has collectively raised $913 million in 2021, the highest funding among all companies that became unicorns during the year.

ShareChat (Mohalla Tech) runs India's largest short video platforms, Moj and TakaTak, besides the ShareChat app, which together cater to over 400 million users.

"Despite strong headwinds, it is reassuring to see investor confidence in ShareChat's efforts and potential to grow further. Over a year ago, we turned unicorn, and since then, we have been scaling and innovating at an exhilarating pace, further refining our offerings and expanding our operations," said Ankush Sachdeva, CEO and Co-founder, ShareChat and Moj.

The coming year will be about capitalising on the scale and building robust revenue models, he added.

The ShareChat app, over the years, has grown to be India's largest content ecosystem.

In 2020, it launched 'Audio Chatrooms' as a feature. Today, it has become one of India's largest voice-based live hangouts, with 2 billion minutes of audio streamed every month.

Since its launch in July 2020, Moj has grown to become India's favourite short video app with over 3X daily active users and 2X daily time spent per user compared to its nearest domestic competitor.

Recently, ShareChat announced a strategic merger with MXTakaTak, bolstering its short video ecosystem to 300 million MAUs and 100 million creators.
Bhubaneswar, June 16 : The Odisha government on Thursday formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe deaths of elephants in Athagarh forest division in Cuttack district, officials said.

Regional chief conservator of forests (Angul circle) has been appointed as chairman of the SIT while a conservator of forest and an officer of special task force (STF) of Odisha crime branch not below the rank of the DSP are other two members of the probe panel, as per an order issued by the forest, environment and climate change department of Odisha.

Notably, the STF of Odisha crime branch had exhumed skeletal remains of two elephants from two sites in the forest division on June 2 and 3, respectively.

Similarly, body parts of another elephant, suspected to have been killed and buried, were exhumed on June 14 by forest officials. The suppression of elephant deaths in the forest division has brought under scanner the roles of senior officers.

"The recovery of skull and skeleton of two elephants on June 2 & 3 inside a single Beat area of one section in Badamba range indicates that there is a serious lapse by the departmental staff and it has given rise to allegations of their connivance and wilful concealment of facts," read the order.

The SIT will carry out a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the instant recovery of skull and skeleton of elephants keeping in view various angles such as alleged connivance of staff, criminal negligence and willful concealment of facts, officials said.

The SIT will ascertain whether there are more such occurrences in the division. They will go into details of forward and backward linkages and examine the involvement of inter-state organised wildlife crime syndicates in these cases, they said.

The SIT, which will function under the supervision of chief conservator of forests (wildlife), has been asked to submit its report to the state government within a month.
Kolkata, June 16 : After the preliminary post-mortem report, now the viscera report has also ruled out any foul play behind the death of BJP youth leader, Arjun Chaurasia in Kolkata last month.

The viscera report, submitted to the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday, stated that there is no trace of intoxicants in Chaurasia's stomach which clearly rules out the possibility of the deceased youth leader being drugged and then hanged. Earlier, the post-mortem report too had indicated the death was ante-mortem in nature, thus strengthening the suicide theory in the matter.

The viscera report findings bring relief for the ruling Trinamool Congress who had since the beginning terming the death as suicide. On the other hand, the state unit of BJP had been stressing on the murder theory and also claimed that Chaurasia was drugged before being hanged.

Chaurasia's body was found hanging at an abandoned room near his residence at Cossipore Road in the northern neighbourhood of Kolkata in the first half of last month. The incident coincided with the two-day tour of Union Home Minister, Amit Shah to the state. Shah himself visited the residence of the deceased youth leader, termed the death as a case of political murder, and also suggested an enquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the matter.

Later following an order of the Calcutta High Court, the post-mortem examination was conducted at Kolkata's Command Hospital by a team of defence doctors. The preliminary post-mortem report termed the death as ante-mortem in nature and cited hanging as the reason of the death.

However, the state BJP leaders maintained their stand on the murder theory and hence the High Court asked for the viscera report. However, that report too have now ruled out any sort of foul play behind that death.
New Delhi, June 16 : The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), an affiliate of the terror outfit Islamic State, has released a video threatening attacks in India targeting Hindus in connection with now-expelled BJP spokespersons Nupur Sharma's remarks against Prophet Muhammad.

Earlier, Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) had threatened to carry out attacks in India in connection with Sharma's comments.

The 10-minute video titled 'The polytheists are the brothers of the polytheists' shows Sharma as well as the demolition drive in Delhi's Jahangirpuri.

Independent news handle Khorasan Diary tweeted: "The video features@NupurSharmaBJP, the national spokesperson of the @BJP4India and houses of Muslims bulldozed. It then features previous statements of ISKP suicide bombers who were Indian. Threatening to conduct attacks against India wherever possible." The video also criticises the Taliban government in Afghanistan for speaking with Indian diplomats and giving interviews to one Indian channel.

The ISKP said it has carried out attacks in Kabul and it will carry out similar attacks in India aw well.

The ISKP also threatened the Taliban for trying to save Hindus.

Earlier in June, the AQIS had threatened to carry out suicide attacks in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai and Delhi to "fight for the dignity of Prophet".
New Delhi, June 16 : Delhi on Thursday reported a marginal decline in daily Covid cases in last 24 hours, at 1,323 against 1,375 recorded on previous day, as well as two new deaths, as per the government health bulletin.

Meanwhile, the Covid positivity rate has slightly declined to 6.69 per cent, while the number of active cases has risen to 3,948.

With 1,016 patients recovering in the last 24 hours, the total number of recoveries has gone to 18,87,055. The number of patients being treated in home isolation stands at 2,460.

With new Covid cases, the total caseload of the city has jumped to 19,17,228 while the death toll has reached 26,225.

The number of Covid containment zones stand at 209 in the city.

A total of 19,776 new tests -- 13,840 RT-PCR and 5,936 Rapid Antigen - were conducted in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 3,88,16,458 while 24,601 vaccines were administered - 3,024 first doses, 7,195 second doses, and 14,382 precaution doses.

The total number of cumulative beneficiaries vaccinated so far stands at 3,45,77,189, according to the health bulletin.
Kolkata, June 16 : Agitations against "Agneepath", the proposed short-term entry scheme to the Indian armed forces, are yet to be seen in West Bengal. However, the state's ruling and opposition parties, except the BJP, have called for immediate scrapping of the scheme and a formal announcement from the Centre on this count.

The ruling Trinamool Congress feels that this scheme is a ploy to replace the system of appointment of regular soldiers in the armed forces with dyed-in-the wool BJP and RSS hardcores as "mercenary soldiers". The party is also chalking out a strategy to oppose this scheme within and outside the Parliament in the coming days.

Trinamool Rajya Sabha member, Dr Santanu Sen told IANS that after divesting stakes in the different central public sector undertakings at a throw-away price, this is yet another disastrous experiment that the BJP-led Union government is trying to implement in the armed forces.

"We are opposing it on multiple grounds. Our first question is what would be the future of the so-called 'agniveers', especially for those who are not absorbed in the forces after completion of services since there will be no retirement benefits like pension after completion of those four years. The second question is whether a youth joining under the scheme can dedicate himself at par with regular recruits when he knows very well that his future is uncertain after four years. Is it not a compromise with the efficiency standards of the armed forces?" he said.

According to him, the agitations that have started in some states against this scheme are bound to spread in other states as well including the BJP-ruled states. "As we can see that agitations so far are concentrated mainly in the BJP-ruled states. We, on behalf of Trinamool Congress, will oppose the scheme tooth and nail within and outside the Parliament," he said.

CPI-M Central Committee member and former Left legislative party leader, Dr Sujan Chakraborty said that his party's Politburo has made its stand clear by thoroughly disapproving the scheme. "The professional standards of the Indian armed forces cannot be compromised by replacing regular recruitments by mercenaries or contractual soldiers. And since their future is unsure after a period of four years there is a possibility that they will end up joining private militias. This is a dangerous proposition," he said.

On the other hand, BJP's state spokesman, Shamik Bhattacharya said that the opposition parties are unnecessarily trying to mislead people by deliberately shadowing the positive aspects of the scheme. "But the opposition's attempts to create disruption on this issue will not fructify in the long run," he said.

However, even a section of the retired defence officers in West Bengal are skeptical about the success and applicability of the scheme. Talking to IANS, Colonel Rajendra Bhadhuri (retired), a former Armoured Corps officer, said that the policy does not say that 25 per cent will be absorbed in the three regular wings of army, navy and air force.

"The policy says that based on the organisational requirement, not more than 25 per cent will be considered for re-enrolment. This re-enrolment is also subject to terms and conditions including performance appraisal of the individuals in their four years of service. This means while 75 per cent will be returned back to a non-military future, additional persons out of the balance 25 per cent are not assured to be retained either," he said.
Washington, June 16 : Almost four months after the Russia-Ukraine war impacted the global wheat trade, the world was looking forward to the harvest from the US - the world's fourth largest wheat exporter - but a massive drought has hit the output there with wheat production forecast at 1.18 billion bushels, down 7 per cent from 2021.

"From California to Texas, hot, dry weather compounded the effects of a punishing drought," a US government report about the weekly weather and crop condition said, adding: "Drought-related complications included dwindling surface water supplies, severe stress on rangeland, pastures, and rain-fed summer crops, and record-setting wildfires." However, it is the wheat production that has borne the major brunt of this drought. The situation was already alarming after China and parts of Europe showed declining prospects for what and India putting in place an export ban on wheat.

The US has two wheat crops: spring wheat, planted around May-June, and winter wheat, planted in autumn that will be harvested soon. If local media reports are to be believed, both are in trouble as was also evident by the media reports pointing out how the benchmark Chicago Board of Trade wheat prices had surged 50 per cent to more than $13.60 a bushel (1 kg is 0.033 bushels for dry grains) after the Russia-Ukraine war brought to a grinding halt all shipments amounting to almost a third of the world's wheat exports.

The crop bulletin, dated June 14, for winter wheat, said: "On June 12, 31 per cent of the 2022 winter wheat crop was reported in good to excellent condition, 1 percentage point above the previous week but 17 points below last year." For the earlier situation, it said: "By June 12, 86 per cent of the nation's winter wheat crop was headed 5 percentage points behind last year and 4 points behind the 5-year average. Ten percent of the 2022 winter wheat acreage had been harvested by June 12, six percentage points ahead of last year but 2 points behind average." In Kansas, the largest winter wheat-producing state, 26 per cent of the winter wheat crop was rated in good to excellent condition, the report stated.

The major winter wheat growing states - Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Washington - planted 89 per cent of last year's winter wheat acreage even as these states harvested 91 per cent of last year's winter wheat acreage.

Six states - Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington - planted 100 per cent of last year's spring wheat acreage.

The USDA's Agricultural Statistics Board on June 10, 2022 said: "Winter wheat production is forecast at 1.18 billion bushels, up 1 per cent from the May 1 forecast but down 7 per cent from 2021." The US yield is forecast at 48.2 bushels per acre, up 0.3 bushel from last month but down 2 bushels from last year's average yield of 50.2 bushels per acre. Hard Red Winter production, at 582 million bushels, is down 1 per cent from last month. Soft Red Winter, at 358 million bushels, is up 1 per cent from the May forecast. White Winter, at 242 million bushels, is up 5 per cent from last month. Of the White Winter production, 15.6 million bushels are Hard White and 226 million bushels are Soft White, the government data said.

Earlier, by May 1, 23 per cent of the US' winter wheat crop was headed 3 percentage points behind last year and 6 points behind the 5-year average. By May 15, 48 per cent of the winter wheat was headed 3 percentage points behind last year and 5 points behind average. By May 29, 72 per cent of the winter wheat crop was headed 5 percentage points behind last year and 4 points behind average.

On May 29, almost 29 per cent of the winter wheat was reported in good to excellent condition, 19 percentage points below the same time last year.
New York, June 16 : Bowing to public sentiment for greater safety, New York state legislators overwhelmingly passed several bills on Thursday to tighten the gun laws, including a bill raising minimum age to buy a semi-automatic assault rifle to 21 years, even as the public outcry over Buffalo/Texas shootings reach a crescendo as a public hearing on both gains traction for tighter gun laws.

The lawmakers also passed a bill that would ban civilians from purchasing bullet-resistant vests, unless the individuals work in law enforcement or other specific professions.

Another bill passed by the lawmakers would broaden the "red flag" law, expanding the list of people who can file for extreme risk protection orders, which allow courts to temporarily seize firearms from anyone believed to be a danger to themselves or others, said CBS TV network reporting on the passage of the legislation.

Even as the United States is divided on enforcing gun laws, it was easy to pass these measures in the New York legislature as it's a Democrat-controlled state Senate and Assembly.

The new measures announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, has signalled that she will sign the bills on Friday, said CNN in a dispatch.

The bills' passage follows three weeks after 10 people were killed in an allegedly racially motivated shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo, the gut-wrenching merciless killings of 19 children and two teachers at the Robb public school at Uvalde in Texas even as the nation grappled with a string of mass shootings raising public opinion for strict gun laws.

New York State Senate majority leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said in a tweet on Thursday that by passing the 10-bill package, "we are sending a message that this path of gun violence is unacceptable and we need real change".

"We cannot be satisfied by New York's already tough gun laws," Hochul said in a statement, adding, "Shooting after shooting makes it clear that they (gun laws) must be even stronger to keep New Yorkers safe. This comprehensive package will close the loopholes, give law enforcement the tools they need to prevent easy access to guns, and stop the sale of dangerous weapons to 18-year olds." Hochul also urged the Congress to pass "meaningful gun violence prevention measures".

"Even as we take action to protect New Yorkers, we recognise that this is a nationwide problem. I once again urge the Congress to seize this moment and pass meaningful gun violence prevention measures. We have no time to waste," she said.

Discussions on a federal response are ongoing among Congressional members, with the Democrat-controlled House looking to pass a wide-ranging bill that stands little chance of passing the evenly controlled Senate, even as US senators are talking about strengthening state red flag laws.

Support for the new gun laws was strong among all the voters regardless of political party or where they live in New York, Siena's pollsters said.

Democrats (83 per cent), Republicans (67 per cent) , independent voters (73 per cent), Upstate New Yorkers (74 per cent), New York City residents (79 per cent) and gun owners (73 per cent) agreed that the laws will be good for the state.

Voters said by a 79-15 per cent margin that the US Supreme Court should uphold New York's law requiring a licence to carry a concealed handgun. The court is expected to issue an opinion this month on a case challenging the law, which dates to 1911.

CBS2's Natalie Duddridge reported that it focuses on the illegal flow of firearms into the five boroughs -- Manhattan, Bornx, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island.

"We don't react until we see mass shootings. We don't react until we see a little kid being murdered. But what we want to say is it's happening every day in our community," community advocate Stephanie McGraw said.

A rash of mass shootings from Buffalo to Texas have put pressure on the politicians. However, community members and leaders say day-to-day gun crimes on New York City streets are just as alarming.

"It tracks the type of guns coming into our city -- semi-automatic or a pistol. It tracks where it's coming in from," Abreu, a councillor, said.

The proposed legislation would also require the city to coordinate with the NYPD and submit an annual report on firearms that includes where the gun was last sold, who the dealer is, and whether it's a ghost gun or 3D-printed gun.

"Let's say it's coming from the George Washington Bridge. That means we have to have a very serious conversation with the governor of New Jersey. How are we going to address this hotspot right here? How can states work together to address this crisis," Abreu asked.

Abreu is also preparing for the worst as the Supreme Court is poised to strike down a New York law that prohibits the carrying of guns outside home. The court's opinion is expected in the coming weeks.

"It absolutely scares me to death," said Sheffali Welch of the group, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense.

"For the first time in close to 30 years, the Congress seems ready to reject the vice-like grip the National Rifles Association, the biggest gun lobbyists in the US, has had on the Congress," Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said.

The proposal includes enhanced background checks for gun buyers under 21, incentives for states to implement red flag laws, and funding for mental health services. The negotiators are still working to finalise the text.

"It just keeps happening. Shots ring out, flags come down, and nothing changes... except here in New York," Hochul said.

As for the latest state gun laws, the bulk of them will go into effect in 30 days, while the new age for purchasing rifles will come into effect in 90 days.

On the same day, the alleged Buffalo shooter pleaded not guilty to gunning down 10 people inside a supermarket last month even as the New York Legislature responded by passing sweeping new gun legislations.

"We have done a lot. On a national level, they are talking about the things we've already done," state Senate majority leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said.

Many Republicans opposed the new gun restrictions, arguing they'd inconvenience law-abiding gun owners.

"If we want to protect our children in schools, we should fund and mandate an armed SRO in every single school building in New York State," Senator George Borello said.
New Delhi, June 16 : The Congress on Thursday appointed former Union Minister Jairam Ramesh as General Secretary in charge of communication, replacing incumbent Randeep Singh Surjewala.

The party, in a statement, said: "Honble Congress President has appointed Jairam Ramesh as AICC General Secretary in charge of communication, publicity, and media, including social media and digital wings." It said Ramesh will replace Surjewala who will continue to be General Secretary, in charge of Karnataka.

The appointment comes against in backdrop of Congress agitation over the ED summons and questioning party leader Rahul Gandhi as the party has taken a strong stand against the government.

Congress has also taken the battle to Parliament and has met the presiding officers of both the Houses. Party leaders will also meet the President over the issue.

A delegation of Congress MPs met the Vice President to register their complaint.
New Delhi, June 16 : The Centre's Agnipath recruitment scheme for Indian youth in the armed forces, termed a historic and transformative measure, has met unprecedented level of agitations and protests in several states across India.

Massive protests erupted in Bihar, Rajasthan and some other states against the recruitment scheme, over concerns of job security and other issues. However, many states have also announced schemes where such 'Agniveers', as the beneficiaries of this move are dubbed, can get advantage.

The Agnipath recruitment scheme was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security on Tuesday. Under the scheme, around 46,000 youths, aged between 17 and a half and 21, will be recruited into the three services in a contract for four years.

However, after two days, defence service aspirants disrupted rail and road traffic in several parts of Bihar in protest against the recruitment scheme for its limited term of employment followed by compulsory retirement for most without gratuity and pension benefits. The agitation turned violent in the state's Munger and Jehanabad as agitators burned tyres, vandalised buses and set trains on fire while raising slogans against the scheme.

Talking to IANS, Jehanabad MLA Kumar Krishnamohan aka Suday Yadav termed the scheme suicidal for students who are preparing to join the defence services and said that the government has deceived the students by changing the norms.

"Bihar is a state of youths and all are facing sense of unemployment after this decision," he said, adding that Bihar has always shown the path to the nation through several movements and this protest will also show the path ahead. On the agitation turning violent, he said that in any protest, partial damage occurs in any form.

The protests, which started in Bihar, have now spread to Uttar Pradesh and Haryana and other states. Aspirants said they are unhappy with the changes introduced under the new recruitment scheme. Among many other demands, the students are raising their concerns for over the term, no pension provisions for those released early, and the age restriction that now makes many of them ineligible.

"We demand that exam should be held as it was done earlier. No one would like to join the armed forces only for just four years," a agitating student told IANS.

"We are practicing from years to get selected into the Army. Now we have come to know that it will be on contractual term only for four years which is not fair for students like us," another aspirant said.

Rashtriya Janta Dal MLA from Gayaghat Niranjan Roy told IANS that there is no meaning in the scheme for joining the service for four years. People join Army to serve the country but how one can do that in such situation of finding another job after four years, he asked, but added that the protests must be peaceful.

The opposition also hit hit out the government over the Agnipath scheme. The Congress said that the scheme carries multiple risks and subverts the longstanding traditions and ethos of the armed forces.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, former Union Minister P Chidambaram said the scheme is "controversial, carries multiple risks, subverts the long-standing traditions and ethos of the armed forces and there is no guarantee that the soldiers recruited under the scheme will be better trained and motivated to defend the country".

As the country witnessed agitation and protest in several states on Thursday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted: "The central government's new scheme in army recruitment is being opposed everywhere in the country. Young people are very angry. The demands are just right. The Army is the pride of our country, our youth want to give their whole life to the country, don't keep their dreams tied in 4 years".
New Delhi, June 16 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted searches at six locations in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla, Budgam, and Srinagar districts in (J&K) Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) terror funding case, officials said.

The case pertains to the activities of the members of JeI who have been collecting funds domestically and abroad through donations particularly in the form of Zakat, Mowda and Bait-ul-Mal, purportedly to further charity and other welfare activities, but are using funds so collected for violent and secessionist activities.A "The funds being raised by JeI are also channellised to proscribed terrorist organisations such as Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and others through well-organised networks of JeI cadres. JeI has also been motivating impressionable youth of Kashmir and recruiting new members (Rukuns) in J&K to participate in disruptive secessionist activities," said an NIA official.

The case was registered by the NIA on February 5, 2021.

"During the searches conducted at the premises of office-bearers and members of JeI, various incriminating documents and electronic devices were seized," the official said.
New Delhi, June 16 : BJP national President J.P. Nadda on Thursday interacted with Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan, at the party's headquarters here.

The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen the India-Singapore strategic partnership and exchanged views on regional and international developments.

Balakrishnan was accompanied by Singapore High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong.

The BJP said in a statement that Balakrishnan is familiar with India and is on an official visit for bilateral and multilateral discussions on ASEAN with the government of India. His visit marks the 30th anniversary of the Asean-India Dialogue Relations.

Nadda briefed Balakrishnan about the prevailing political situation in the country. He also informed Balakrishnan about the functioning of the BJP and how it is engaging with the youth and other sections of the society besides how the world's largest political party engages with its workers at the grassroot level.

The two leaders also discussed various issues of national and international importance.

The two sides had insightful discussions on various contemporary issues.
Chennai, June 16 : A Tamil Nadu delegation, led by state Industries Minister Thangam Thenarasu, will meet Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in New Delhi on Friday to discuss improvement of aviation facilities in the state with special emphasis on the proposed second airport at Chennai.

Initial studies were conducted by the Civil Aviation Ministry, along with the state Industries Department on the feasibility of a second airport at Chennai, in addition, to present one at Meenambakkam.

A team of experts from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) conducted inspections at four locations - Padalam, Pannur, Tiruporur, and Parandur a few months ago. After the joint inspection, the TIDCO had submitted a pre-feasibility report and had given its recommendations.

Sources, however, told IANS that Pannur and Parandur are shortlisted for the second airport and that Pannur has advantage over Parandur.

The state government has identified 4,500 acres of land at Pannur and 4,971 at Parandur. The average travel distance to Pannur will be 49 km from the city and the time will be 1 hour and 26 minutes.

The average distance to Parandur will be 73 km and the time taken will be 1 hour and 54 minutes.

However, sources said that both the sites have some man-made obstacles including high tension towers, pylons, and mobile towers and a detailed Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) survey for the site chosen has to be conducted.
Patna, June 17 : A delegation of leaders of Congress's Bihar unit met Governor Phagu Chauhan and handed over a memorandum protesting against the Enforcement Directorate (ED) "unnecessarily troubling" party leader Rahul Gandhi by interrogating for three consecutive days in the National Herald money laundering case.

The delegation was headed by Congress state President Madan Mohan Jha, CLP leader Ajit Sharma and other senior leaders.

Talking to IANS, Jha said: "ED is acting on the direction of the BJP to target our leader Rahul Gandhi. BJP is using vendetta politics to apply pressure... The saffron party is humiliating our leader through ED officials. We will stand by our leader Rahul Gandhi and we will fight till the end." "The ED officials are unnecessarily victimising Rahul Gandhi. The charges levelled against him are baseless and politically motivated and ED officials are acting on the direction of PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah," he added.

"As (Mahatma) Gandhiji was fighting for the truth against the British government, we are fighting a similar war against the Narendra Modi government," Jha said.

He complained of the way the ED is "calling Rahul Gandhi again and again like he is a criminal".

"Everyone knows which family he belongs to and what his family sacrificed for the country. Our leader Sonia Gandhi has respectfully refused the post of Prime Minister twice in the country. If such a family refused the post of PM twice, how could it do dynastic politics? Rahul Gandhi could easily hold any ministry during the UPA government but he did not take the post. The NDA government is deliberately troubling our leader Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi," Jha said.
Patna, June 17 : Amid the ongoing statewide protests against the 'Agnipath' scheme for recruitment in the armed forces, several political leaders in Bihar on Thursday urged the Centre to reconsider the proposed scheme.

The Union Cabinet had on Tuesday approved the Agnipath scheme for the youth to serve in the armed forces for a period of four years. Soldiers recruited under the scheme will be inducted into the forces as 'Agniveers'.

JD-U national President Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh said: "There is dissatisfaction among the youth over the proposed scheme. They are scared about their future. Since the matter is related to national security, the Centre should rethink this scheme." Bihar minister and JD-U leader Bijendra Prasad Yadav said that the Centre should rethink the Agnipath scheme.

"The students are protesting against the scheme. In such a scenario, the Centre should talk to the youth and take suggestions from the common people," Yadav said.

Vikassheel Insaan Party chief Mukesh Sahani said the Narendra Modi government should talk to the agitating youth before implementing the Agnipath scheme.

"If protests are being staged on this issue, the government should talk to the protesters. Everyone wants government job, but if the youth are protesting against this scheme, it means there are some discrepancies," Sahani said.

Former Bihar Chief Minister and President of Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM), Jitan Ram Manjhi, said: "The Agnipath scheme is dangerous in the interest of the country as well as its youth. I appeal to PM Narendra Modi to withdraw the scheme with immediate effect."
Bhopal, June 17 : Besides violent protests by several hundreds of youth in Madhya Pradesh, a political slugfest also started over the Centre's 'Agnipath' scheme.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that the 'Agniveers' (beneficiaries of the Agnipath scheme) would be given "special" priority in the state police services.

Chouhan's obvious support was akin to that of Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Yogi Adityaath. "After serving in the Armed Forces, Agniveers will be given priority in state police services," the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister announced.

Not only Chouhan but the entire state unit of the BJP stood in support of the Centre's Agnipath scheme with their own views of nationalism and dedication to serve the nation.

On the other side, the Congress attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the "government will now use a temporary army to protect the nation".

Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath took a dig at the Modi government, calling it 'short term' thinking and planning to protect the country. "Will now the country be protected with such a temporary approach? Real nationalism is coming out now," Nath wrote on his official twitter handle.

Digvijaya Singh claimed that the police personnel in Gujarat are also recruited on a temporary basis. Singh made this remark replying to a tweet of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi. "Do you know that police recruitment in Gujarat is also done on contract? It is not permanent," Digvijaya wrote.

To counter the Congress party, some state BJP leaders and workers accused the Opposition of trying divert attention from the National Herald case, adding that the Congress is "misleading the youth".

A massive protest broke out in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior district on Thursday where more than 1000 youth took the street and vandalised private and public properties to mark their protest against the Centre's Agnipath scheme.
Patna, June 17 : Former Deputy Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Sushil Kumar Modi has urged the Bihar government to make provision in the recruitment of Agniveers (beneficiaries of the Centre's Agnipath scheme) in police services.

"Several state governments of the country have agreed to give preferences to Agniveers in the recruitment in police services. The Bihar government would have to take the same initiatives to provide jobs to Agniveers after their 4-year tenure ends," Modi said.

"Union Home Minister Amit Shah has already announced to give preferences to Agniveers in the recruitments in paramilitary forces like CRPF, CISF, SSB, BSF etc," Modi said.

After the announcement of Agnipath scheme by Rajnath Singh, a couple of days ago, BJP ruled states came up with the plan to give preferences to its beneficiaries in state police. The Union Home Minister also promised to accommodate them in paramilitary forces but the other non-BJP ruled states have not given any such assurance so far.

In Bihar, BJP is the coalition partner but as the decision making power is in the hands of Nitish Kumar, the saffron party is dependent on it.

"The way BJP MLA from Warsaliganj Aruna Devi was attacked in Nawada and the attack by agitating mobs on the house cum path lab of BJP MLA C.N. Singh in Chapra, its look like anti-social elements were mixed with the agitators and targeting BJP leaders. The students should be aware of it," Modi said.
Kiev, June 17 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has met with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania in Kiev to discuss his country's prospects to join the European Union and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the presidential press service reported.

At the meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, Zelensky briefed the European leaders about the situation on the frontline and the needs of the Ukrainian armed forces in the conflict with Russia, Xinhua news agency reported.

Ukraine expects fresh supplies of heavy weapons, modern jet artillery and missile defense systems from its partners, Zelensky said.

He also assured the European leaders that Ukraine stands ready to carry out the necessary work to gain full membership in the EU.

For his part, Macron said that Ukraine is part of the European family, and the leaders of the four countries support granting Ukraine the status of a candidate for EU membership.

Meanwhile, Scholz said that the candidate status is an important milestone in Ukraine's European path, while noting that the country needs to meet certain criteria to join the 27-member bloc.

Iohannis stressed that European countries must create effective tools for rebuilding Ukraine after the conflict, while Draghi noted that the EU is demonstrating unity in its readiness to help Ukraine.

At their talks, the parties also touched upon the issues of economic support for Ukraine, the blockade of the export of Ukrainian grain, and fresh economic sanctions on Russia.

Macron, Scholz, Draghi and Iohannis arrived in Kiev earlier in the day for their first visit since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on February 24.

On February 28, Zelensky signed an official appeal to the EU asking for the accession of Ukraine via a new special procedure. And on June 11, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the commission will finalise the assessment on granting Ukraine EU candidate status by the end of this week.

Latest updates on Russia-Ukraine War
We are so excited for the winner to travel with Drew and were thrilled to be supporting amazing content creators like Drew and empowering them to engage their fans in new ways, said Nelson Sarco, CMO of Momento NFT.

Drew Binsky, a famous world travel vlogger and social media personality with a fanbase of over 9.5million travel enthusiasts, is the latest content creator to join Momento NFT, a direct-to-fan NFT social network to launch a video NFT based on his travel experiences to deepen his connection with his followers.

Collectors of the Drew Binsky NFT exclusively available on the Momento NFT app will be invited to participate in a group livestream discussion led by Drew. This partnership and launch with Momento NFT signify Drews commitment to providing value to his community and engaging with his audience in new ways.

Momento NFT is a mobile-first social network that provides a consolidated platform for influencers, athletes, and celebrities to create, own, control, and monetize their content. It is a seamless experience to mint exclusive content as a creator and a simple process to collect NFT content as a fan.

Drew Binsky and Momento NFT are also partnering up on a special giveaway where one lucky winner will receive a round-trip flight ticket to meet with Drew and be featured in one of Drews upcoming travel videos.

To enter the giveaway, you must do the following.



Download the Momento NFT app: iOS and Android

Join the Momento NFT Discord server: Join Our Discord

The winner of the giveaway will be announced on the Momento NFT Discord server on June 22nd or 23rd. Details of the actual trip will be determined after the winner is announced.

We are so excited for the winner to travel with Drew and were thrilled to be supporting amazing content creators like Drew and empowering them to engage their fans in new ways, said Nelson Sarco, CMO of Momento NFT.

During a recent trip to Belize, Drew Binsky met with the Prime Minister Johnny Briceno to discuss crypto and you can watch the full interview video here. In addition to the NFT drop on Momento NFT  Binsky is also launching a unique NFT travel collection featuring 420 NFTs called Travel Tokens.

To learn more about Momento NFT, visit https://momentonft.com/

About Momento NFT

Led by CEO Julian Rodriguez, CTO Sudesh Banskota, and CMO Nelson Sarco, Momento NFT is a direct-to-fan social NFT App that allows fans to own viral moments from their favorite creators and unlock perks like meet & greets, autographed merchandise, and more. Be among the first to create or own your own NFT moment by downloading the app here: https://www.momentonft.com
Following a long collaboration with ENSTA Bretagne research lab, PragmaDev has integrated in its latest release of PragmaDev Studio, ENSTA Bretagne model checker OBP (Observer Based Prover).

The primary objective of model checking is to explore all possible scenarios in the model. During the exploration it is possible to detect dead locks, unreachable model branches, or to verify properties. This is a major feature that leads to a safer and more secure design.

The key characteristic of OBP is that it does not rely on a dedicated language. It relies on a third party executor to execute the model. In PragmaDev Studio V6 OBP is interacting with PragmaDev SDL executor to execute the transitions. OBP does not actually know anything about the model it is exploring. It is the same principle with the properties. OBP evaluates complex properties made of atomic properties that are evaluated by the execution engine.

Communicating systems inherently create a lot of possible cases due to the fact that their designs are based on concurrent state machines. This creates a lot of possible paths of execution. PragmaDev Studio has built-in ways to reduce the state size during exploration:



Reduce the possible parameter values of the incoming messages as well as the number of messages.

Exclude some internal variables from the global model state.

"The support for broadcast and the integration of this new model checker make PragmaDev Studio the best modeling tool to specify and design safe communicating systems." says Emmanuel Gaudin, PragmaDev Founder & CEO.

The main new features are:


ProMax at NIADA 2022 Over the past year in consultation with dealers, ProMax rebuilt its entire platform from the ground up, resulting in the all-new Stack powered by ProMax.

ProMax, a leader in the retail automotive software industry for over 25 years, has announced they will be debuting their fully rebuilt platform, Stack powered by ProMax, at the annual National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) 2022 Convention & Expo in Las Vegas later this month.

ProMaxs award-winning solution has long been the premier platform for independents, offering an all-in-one front-end software that easily scales from single lot dealerships to large multi-rooftop stores. Over the past year in consultation with dealers, ProMax rebuilt its entire platform from the ground up, resulting in the all-new Stack powered by ProMax. Stack combines CRM, Desking, Website, Inventory, Credit, Data Mining, and more into one seamless tool.

We took a close look at how we could improve both the dealer and customer experience, and the roadblocks that dealers face using the outdated, fragmented solutions on the market today said ProMax CEO Mike Dullea. We rebuilt our platform by reimagining CRM and adding features to meet the needs of the modern dealer and modern customer. Stack makes the dealers job easier, more effective, and more profitable with an all-in-one seamless solution.

Stack powered by ProMax retains the legacy platforms status as the only value-added reseller of all three automotive credit bureaus that also features integrated Credit, CRM, and Desking. This fully integrated system enables dealers to go from web to contract without the headache of navigating multiple platforms. Additionally, Stack powered by ProMax boasts many all-new features sure to be a hit with dealers including a fully web-based platform, new intuitive UI and menus, new dashboards and reporting, expanded mobile and app functionality, and more.

The days of trying to acquire and integrate solutions are over- the time has come for a single platform to replace bolt-on solutions because it is the only way to truly shift the customer experience continued Dullea. We are dedicated to delivering this solution to every dealer in the United States while in most instances saving dealerships money on total software solutions and operational costs.

The NIADA Convention & Expo, held this year on June 20-23 at the MGM Grand, is the largest gathering of independent auto dealers in the country. ProMax will be exhibiting at NIADA booth #131.

To learn more visit https://www.promaxunlimited.com/niada-2022/schedule-a-demo.html

ABOUT PROMAX

Founded in 1994, ProMax is an industry-leading SaaS provider of fully integrated front-end solutions for retail auto dealers across the U.S. From award-winning CRM/ILM and Desking/Leasing modules, to industry-first Compliance solutions and Pre-Screen products, to Lead Generation, Inventory, Dealer Websites, and more, ProMax solutions are used by thousands of automotive dealerships nationwide.

Learn more about ProMax at https://www.promaxunlimited.com.

ABOUT NIADA

The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association was founded in 1946, and serves as the representative body for over 38,000 used vehicle dealers in the United States. It is the only national level non-profit organization representing the independent motor vehicle industry.

Learn more about NIADA at https://niada.com/
"We are thrilled to receive this award for the second year in a row. It is a true testament to our team and the culture we have built together in our company, and continue to build as we grow our team across the country.- Mike Gunter, Founder, The Gunter Group

For the second year in a row, The Gunter Group has been named to Inc. Magazines annual Best Workplaces list. Featured in the May/June 2022 issue, and prominently featured on Inc.com, the list is the result of a comprehensive measurement of American companies that have excelled in creating exceptional workplaces and company culture.

The Inc. recognition marks the thirteenth workplace award The Gunter Group has received since its inception in 2011. The honor comes as The Gunter Group successfully undertakes expansion efforts in Denver, CO, Salt Lake City, UT, and Southern California providing its management consulting services to public and private companies across a variety of industries.

Upon learning of the national recognition, Mike Gunter, founder of The Gunter Group commented:

"We are thrilled to receive this award for the second year in a row. It is a true testament to our team and the culture we have built together in our company, and continue to build as we grow our team across the country. Our goal has always been to put people first and being nationally recognized by Inc. is a great honor."

After collecting data from thousands of submissions, Inc. selected 475 honorees this year. Each company that was nominated took part in an employee survey, conducted by Quantum Workplace, which included topics such as management effectiveness, perks, fostering employee growth, and overall company culture. The organizations benefits were also audited to determine overall score and ranking.

About The Gunter Group

Founded in 2011, The Gunter Group features an experienced team of consultants serving clients throughout the Pacific Northwest and Western United States. The Gunter Group prides itself on providing consulting services to a broad range of organizations spanning Fortune 100 companies to locally-based businesses. The firm has been named one of the Best Companies to Work For in Oregon by Oregon Business Magazine for eight consecutive years and named one of the Best Small Firms to Work For by Consulting Magazine three years in a row. The Gunter Group currently has over 70 team members with operational hubs in Portland, Reno, Salt Lake City, and Denver.

About Inc. Media

The worlds most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com/http://www.inc.com.

About Quantum Workplace

Quantum Workplace, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee-engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit QuantumWorkplace.com.
A child with a Comfort Case. Nearly 100 youth per day are put in foster care in the state of California. There are currently more than 33,000 youth in foster care in Los Angeles County.

Local and international organizations are joining forces in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 19 to support local youth in foster care. At a packing party, volunteers will fill 500 backpacks and duffel bags with essential items to be given to local organizations to distribute to youth in need.

We need more people to look into the opportunities to provide positive support by either volunteering or becoming foster parents to these young people, states Rabbi Susan Silverman, founder and Executive Director of Second Nurture. Todays event is an important stepping-stone to build awareness and support the needs of the thousands of youth in foster care.

Nearly 100 youth per day are put in foster care in the state of California. There are currently more than 33,000 youth in foster care in Los Angeles County. They often face abuse, homelessness and emotional distress.

Award-winning actress Tiffany Haddish founded She Ready Foundation because of her experiences as a youth in foster care, packing her belongings in garbage bags and feeling like the world had forgotten her. She Ready Executive Director, Dr. Thyonne Gordon is excited about the collaboration, When we join forces, we have greater impact and youth feel loved and know they are not forgotten. Todays event shows how each person can help and is one more step towards eliminating trash bags for our treasured children.

The event is titled, Treasures Not Trash. Ten years ago, Rob Scheer founded Comfort Cases to promote hope and dignity to youth in foster care  particularly by working to end the policy of giving trash bags to these youth when moving them to and from foster care facilities. Rob was given a trash bag for his belongings when he aged out of his foster home, becoming homeless at 18. When Robs children first arrived at his door, they had the very same trash bags. This practice must come to an end.

250 Comfort Cases (backpacks) and 250 Comfort XLs (duffel bags) will be packed between 2:30-4:00pm at Temple Israel Los Angeles: 7300 Hollywood Boulevard. They will be distributed to local foster care organizations including: Project Joy, LADCFS, Penny Lane Centers, LA County Sheriffs Department, Positive Results Center, Sanctuary of Hope, Children Youth & Family Collaborative

In each of the comfort cases and XLs, youth will find: new pajamas, new blanket, hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, etc.), a stuffy and a new book. Scheer explains: To have your own shampoo, bar of soap and toothpaste  or a new stuffed toy and book, not a hand-me-down, is so powerful and meaningful to these children. It gives them value and dignity, and isnt that something we all, as good humans, should expect?

The Book Foundation will be providing the books included. They are all new, age-appropriate books surely to be embraced by these youth. Children growing up in homes with no books are on average three years behind children in homes with lots of books, states The Book Foundation founder Ruth Stalford. And in low-income areas the ratio of books to children is 1 to 300. Literacy is the key to opening doors and creating opportunity.

Details of Treasures Not Trash Packing Party:

When: Sunday, June 19 / 2:30-4:30pm

Where: Temple Israel Los Angeles: 7300 Hollywood Boulevard

Media Contact:

David Thalberg

dthalberg@strykermunleygroup.com

917.952.2580

About She Ready Foundation

She Ready Foundation is the creation of comedienne/actress Tiffany Haddish and serves as the voice of foster children suffering in silence. The mission is to empower, support and encourage children living in the foster care system. Adapting the belief of its' founder that, "Every child who is removed from their parents deserves to have a suitcase, a safe place to lay their head, and a platform to follow their dreams," the She Ready Foundation aspires to help make this happen through collaborative partnerships.

About Second Nurture

Second Nurture (2N) partners with communities to help them prioritize fostering among their member families. Families who foster, adopt, or are just exploring the possibility, form a cohort, led by a Family Support Specialist, in which they provide mutual support to one another. Because these cohorts emerge from their home communities, the families have organic networks of support from the wider membership as well as external agencies, all of which 2N helps to cultivate.

About Comfort Cases

Comfort Cases is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to inspire communities to bring dignity and hope to youth in foster care. Founded in 2013, Comfort Cases has distributed more than 165,000 Comfort Cases and Comfort XL duffel bags to children in the foster care system in all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom.

In 2021, Comfort Cases was given a Global Giving All-Star designation, meaning good reporting, phenomenal mission, and great response time. Comfort Cases is also a gold-level GuideStar participant, demonstrating commitment to transparency.

Having grown up in foster care, Rob Scheer, the CEO of Comfort Cases travels the country to share his story, advocating for youth and sharing his mission. Rob and his husband Reece have adopted five children who were in the foster care system. Robs memoir, A Forever Family: Fostering Change One Child at a Time, was published in 2018. Rob also hosts Fostering Change, a weekly audio and video podcast ranked as the #1 podcast with a focus on foster care and adoption. For more information about Comfort Cases, please visit: http://www.comfortcases.org.

About The Book Foundation

The Book Foundation a program of Make Good, Inc was launched in 2014 by former Hollywood producer and social entrepreneur, Ruth Stalford. To create a more equitable society, the idea was simple; get new books into the hands of children in underserved areas.

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...The combined portfolio and capabilities, coupled with the fact that we will not be competing with our customers, should make us the first choice for LED drivers with a very large portion of the market.

Inventronics, a global leader in reliable and innovative LED driver products, announced today the agreement to acquire the Digital Systems business in Europe and Asia from ams Osram, a global leader in optical solutions. The acquisition represents another step in implementing Inventronics core strategy of providing exceptional technology and value-add to its global customer base and of leading the transformation to cost-effective, intelligent, connected lighting. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.

The ams OSRAM Europe and Asia Digital Systems business develops mainly power supplies with related light modules, software, and connectable components for traditional and LED illumination. These are essential components for luminaires in professional lighting applications that enable smart lighting solutions and digitalization. With the acquisition of ams OSRAMs Digital Systems business, Inventronics will be able to expand its regional and portfolio scope.

Dr. Wilhelm Nehring, EVP Business Unit Digital at ams OSRAM commented: Our goal was to select a buyer who offers a long-term perspective for our employees and our customers along with the ability to foster additional value creation for customers. Digital Systems and Inventronics share a passion for technology and this acquisition is based on a growth strategy, which provides an exciting future perspective for the business and employees.

We look forward to joining the Inventronics family. Both companies have a deep market knowledge and customer understanding, and that combined with our strong European and Asian presence will enable us to continue to deliver excellent quality and leading-edge innovations to our customers, said Dr. Gernot Steinlesberger, Head of OSRAM Digital Systems Europe and Asia.

We are very excited about this transaction. We are confident it will enable us to create even more value for our customers, employees, and shareholders. The combined portfolio and capabilities, coupled with the fact that we will not be competing with our customers, should make us the first choice for LED drivers with a very large portion of the market, added Marshall Miles, CEO of Inventronics.

The ams Osram Digital Systems business in Europe and Asia employs around 600 people and is headquartered in Garching near Munich, Germany, and operates in more than 35 countries worldwide. Inventronics is a world class enterprise specializing in the design, manufacture, marketing, and sales of reliable and innovative LED driver products and a global leader in driving the transformation to cost-effective, intelligent, connected lighting.

Inventronics is a publicly traded company headquartered in Hangzhou, China. The company maintains global operations including manufacturing facilities in China, India, and Mexico in addition to distribution centers in the US and the Netherlands. Sales offices are in major markets around the world servicing customers in more than 100 countries.

For more information on Inventronics please visit our website at inventronics-co.com. For more information about ams OSRAM please visit ams-osram.com.
Go Read Go Gold - Reading for a Golden Future With schools shutting down, parents working from home, being confused with online school, and becoming frustrated with reading, children can get discouraged, so I created "Go Read Go Gold" for my Girl Scout Gold Award.

Girl Scout member of the Green & White Mountains, LeAnne LeSage, has created a project to help combat the reading losses that occurred during the pandemic for her Gold Award. LeSage spent over 80 hours on the project she titled, Go Read, Go Gold. Her project consisted of researching resources to educate parents and caregivers about the issue, writing and developing an animated childrens video to explain it from a childs point of view, and creating a public service announcement about Go Read, Go Gold. Additionally, LeSage created a logo, website, YouTube page, marketing brochure, press release, and newsletter sign-up form to keep in touch with those who use her website and videos.

LeSages research found that during the pandemic, students in the lower elementary school grades (second and third graders) were 30% behind in reading fluency compared to a typical, non-pandemic school year. She also found reading with a child during a 10-minute-a-day routine, can dramatically improve a childs reading fluency in a few months.

Children can feel discouraged by reading losses, so I created a video about a little girl named Anne to explain it from a childs point of view. With schools shutting down, parents working from home, being confused with online school, and becoming frustrated with reading, children can get unmotivated, said LeSage. I then created a public service announcement (PSA) to explain this to the parents and give information on the topic, she added. The website http://www.goreadgogold.com has links to the articles that inspired her to create the project, information on libraries in Vermont, and videos of reading childrens books.

Girl Scouts are encouraged to create a project for their Gold Award that is a cause that she is passionate about. Go Read Go Gold is a cause near and dear to my heart because as a child, I was always going to the library and reading books with my parents. This cultivated a love for reading. Fortunately, when the pandemic hit, I was already in middle school, so I was already an avid reader. However, when I learned of the young children that didnt get this benefit because peoples lives were thrown into chaos because of the pandemic, I decided it would be a great cause to put my efforts into for the Gold Award, said LeSage. That is why I put Reading for a Golden Future on the logo. Reading is the foundation that gives everyone a brighter future, she added.

The Gold Award with Girl Scouts requires the girl to identify an issue, develop and carry out a solution, create a measurable impact, and link to a national issue. I believe I have created a unique solution with not only creating a website, but a childrens video that explains the issue on a childs terms, and the PSA for the parents. I will continue to monitor the impact with the feedback I receive from the website, LeSage went on to say. Go Read, Go Gold is a project that is Internet-based, so it will be available to anyone. The project information has been sent directly to the local libraries in Vermont, but people from various states throughout the country have visited the website. Go Read, Go Gold can be found at http://www.goreadgogold.com.
Syria set to recognize self-proclaimed DPR and LPR regions

MOSCOW, June 16 (RAPSI)  Syria will initiate the procedure of recognition of sovereignty of the Donetsk Peoples Republic (DPR) and Lugansk Peoples Republic (LPR), the DPR Government informs on its official Telegram channel.

According to the statement, Syrias President Bashar al-Assad congratulated the DPR delegation on the leaning up the most part of the republic and said that he would order the Foreign Ministry to start the recognition procedure.

The Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in turn stated that the procedure would be initiated immediately.

On June 14, the news broke that the Syrian Arab Republic plans to recognize the independence of DPR and LPR.

Russia recognized the republics sovereignty on February 21 after a decree was signed by President Vladimir Putin.

Syria supports the decision of Russia to recognise two breakaway regions, Syrian state TV quoted the Syrian foreign minister as saying in February. "Syria supports President Vladimir Putin's decision to recognise the republics of Lugansk and Donetsk," the state TV quoted Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad as saying.
MINT dentistry + Slutty Vegan Juneteenth Celebration "We look forward to celebrating Juneteeth this year by serving the community in partnership with Slutty Vegan. Its important to me as an entrepreneur and business leader to lead with love and use my platform to help amplify black-owned businesses." said Dr. Harrison.

MINT dentistry, the dental company known for making Sexy Teeth is collaborating with Slutty Vegan, a local Black female-owned business founded by Pinky Cole to host a free community event on June 17, 2022, from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm in celebration of Juneteenth.

Juneteenth commemorates the news of emancipation reaching Galveston, TX on June 19, 1865. In 2021, Congress passed The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making Juneteenth a national holiday. Today, more than a century later, people across the country recognize the landmark moment in history with celebratory events. MINT dentistry is proud to support local-Black owned businesses like Slutty Vegan that continue to have a profound positive impact on the community.

MINTs Juneteenth community event will bring out Slutty Vegans Big Ole Slut food truck to make the drive to its Georgia locations in Norcross, GA from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and in College Park, GA from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, where attendees will be able to snag a free meal, like the One Night Stand or Fussy Hussy vegan burgers with fries. They will also have the opportunity to take home MINTs infamous green SEXY TEETH sunglasses and lip balm, as well as book an appointment online for a cleaning and receive free teeth whitening with PPO dental insurance with the help of MINT employees at the event.

Slutty Vegans founder, Pinky Cole, is on a mission to bring vegan food options and awareness to Atlantas West End. Offering consumers a vegan menu creates an opportunity to lower the high numbers of hypertension, cholesterol, obesity, and other food-related ailments in many areas. With a passion to better the lives of others, Pinky founded The Pinky Cole Foundation. The Pinky Cole Foundation focuses on empowering generations of color to win in life, financially, and in the pursuit of their entrepreneurial dreams, said Pinky Cole. The foundation focuses on breaking the cycle of poverty by providing resources and education to empower future generations of entrepreneurs.

Similar to Cole, MINT dentistry founder, Dr. Field Harrison has a passion for giving back to the community. By using his business as a platform to financially and spiritually support others, he strives to empower his customers, employees, and community to lead fulfilling lives.

"We look forward to celebrating Juneteenth this year by serving the community in partnership with Slutty Vegan. Its important to me as an entrepreneur and business leader to lead with love and use my platform to help amplify black-owned businesses. I pray we continue to love our neighbors better than we ever have before  no matter what race, gender, or religion they might be. If there is ever a time we need each other, it's now," said Dr. Harrison.

For more information on MINT dentistry, please visit http://www.MINTdentistry.com or call 833.879.6468 to make an appointment. MINT dentistry provides exceptional dental services at affordable prices for everyone. The company also offers free teeth whitening with PPO dental insurance.
MINT dentistry + Kale Me Crazy Host Juneteenth Celebration in Houston We look forward to celebrating Juneteeth this year by serving the community in partnership with Kale Me Crazy. Its important to me as an entrepreneur and business leader to lead with love and use my platform to help amplify black-owned businesses," said Dr. Field Harrison.

MINT dentistry, the dental company known for making Sexy Teeth in Houston is partnering with Houston Heights, Kale Me Crazy, a local black-owned business, to host a free Juneteenth celebration on Sunday, June 19 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Juneteenth commemorates the news of emancipation reaching Galveston, TX on June 19, 1865. In 2021, Congress passed The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making Juneteenth a national holiday. Today, more than a century later, people across the country recognize the landmark moment in history with celebratory events. MINT dentistry is proud to support local-Black owned businesses like Kale Me Crazy that continue to have a profound positive impact on the community.

The Juneteenth celebration will be held at Kale Me Crazys upscale restaurant in Houston Heights where attendees will receive complimentary wholesome smoothies from Kale Me Crazy, a pair of MINTs infamous green sunglasses, and lip balm. MINT employees will also be available at the event to help attendees book a dental appointment online for a cleaning and receive free teeth whitening with PPO dental insurance.

Kale Me Crazy has been featured in programs on the Food Network for top juice bars in the country, as well as in major publications like Atlanta Eater and US Weekly. The dedication to bring healthy eating habits to their community is what makes LaTosha and Deric Rutherford, owners of Houston Heights Kale Me Crazy, stand out from other juice bars. With the demand for quality food on the rise, the Rutherfords source organic ingredients that prioritize good health and delicious taste.

Similar to the Rutherfords, MINT dentistry founder and owner, Dr. Field Harrison is passionate about giving back to the community and bringing smiles to people in and out of the dental chair. Love and generosity are core values instilled in MINTs identity as a company, Dr. Field Harrison explained, and celebrating Juneteenth is a way to bring those values to life.

We look forward to celebrating Juneteenth this year by serving the community in partnership with Kale Me Crazy. Its important to me as an entrepreneur and business leader to lead with love and use my platform to help amplify black-owned businesses. I pray we continue to love our neighbors better than we ever have before  no matter what race, gender, or religion they might be. If there is ever a time we need each other, it's now," said Dr. Harrison.

In addition to Dr. Harrisons passion for patient care is his mission to better each patients quality of life. MINT is proud to partner with companies like Kale Me Crazy that are also striving to positively impact the lives of its community members.

To attend MINT and Kale Me Crazys free Juneteenth event click here to RSVP. For more information about MINT dentistry, please visit http://www.MINTdentistry.com or call 833.879.6468 to make an appointment. MINT dentistry provides exceptional dental services at affordable prices for everyone. The company also offers free teeth whitening with PPO dental insurance. For more information on a career with MINT dentistry, please visit http://mintdentistry.com/careers.
Today, Education Pioneers (EP) announced that 15 new leaders are joining its 2022 Summer Fellowship, offered exclusively in Chicago this year. With 80% of Fellows self-identifying as leaders of color  60% of whom identify as Black or Latinx -- this cohort of project managers, strategists, data analysts, and operations professionals is one of the programs most racially diverse and representative cohorts ever.

Education Pioneers exists to ensure that K-12 has the leadership and management capacity necessary for transformation, and fueling a diverse and representative leadership pipeline is central to our mission, said Melissa Wu, CEO. Too often, the professionals who lead and manage K-12 systems dont reflect the populations that they serve, perpetuating the inequities that have lasted far too long and limiting the potential for transformation. This summer, we are immensely proud to field a class of rising leaders who nearly mirror the Chicago student population that is 90% students of color.

As one of Education Pioneers signature talent placement programs, the Education Pioneers Summer Fellowship previews a career in education leadership for graduate-level talent, while simultaneously providing short-term capacity for local education organizations. Summer Fellows complete 10-week paid work placements with school districts, charter organizations, education agencies, and supporting education organizations, where they lead projects in strategy, operations, analytics, or other special initiatives.

The 2022 cohort in Chicago marks a return of EPs in-person program after a pandemic-driven pause in 2021 and a virtual session in 2020 due to COVID-19.

This years Fellowship class will serve 11 leading education organizations serving more than 1 million students in Chicago, across Illinois, and beyond. Partners include Chicago Public Schools, Distinctive Schools, the Illinois State Board of Education, and Digital Promise.

We needed dedicated capacity to make the Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History (TEAACH) Act a reality on the ground, and hosting an EP Fellow was an ideal solution," said Erica Thieman, Ph.D., Director, Standards & Instruction Department at the Illinois State Board of Education. "Our Fellow's project will advance curriculum inclusivity for K-12 students across the State of Illinois -- truly immense impact."

Fellows are leading diverse work, reflecting a wide variety of professional backgrounds from management consulting to classroom instruction. 53% bring private sector experience, and 53% are brand new to K-12.

I decided to become an Education Pioneers Fellow because I wanted to combine my passions for education and equity and my love for my hometown of Chicago with my professional experiences in the financial services industry, said Chelsea Dawkins, an MBA candidate at Northwestern Universitys Kellogg School of Management and incoming Summer Fellow placed at Northern Illinois University, Education Systems Center.

Fellows participating this years program include:



Hasana Abdul-Quadir, placed at Distinctive Schools

Nadine Blanco, placed at Distinctive Schools

Carmen Cortez Morales, placed at Digital Promise

Chelsea Dawkins, placed at Northern Illinois University, Education Systems Center

Nicolas D'Azevedo, placed at Chicago Public Schools

Jeffrey Garcia, placed at Collaborative Healing Initiative Within Communities

Clare Grzegorzewski, placed at Chicago Public Schools

Ashley Harris, placed at Global Citizen Year

Dania Ibrahim, placed at Northern Illinois University, Education Systems Center

Arnelle Jones, placed at Family Engagement Lab, LLC

Callie Kirk, placed at Golden Apple

Vincent Liu, placed at Skokie School District 73.5

Tochukwu Okoye, placed at Illinois Board of Higher Education

Jornel Torres, placed at Illinois State Board of Education

Alexis Williams, placed at Northern Illinois University, Education Systems Center

To complement their work placement, Fellows engage in cohort-based professional development where they develop skills, mindsets, and orientations that can help them accelerate equity and excellence throughout their careers. Fellows become part of Education Pioneers nationwide network of education leaders, which includes 4,500 Alumni at all stages of their careers  70% of whom continue to work in education following their EP Fellowship. Across the EP Alumni network, 50% of leaders self-identify as people of color.

Education Pioneers is still accepting applications for the upcoming 2022-2023 Impact Fellowship, a 10-month talent placement program. Opportunities are available in multiple sites across the US to begin in Fall 2022. Interested early career professionals with experience in data analysis or strategic project management can learn more http://www.educationpioneers.org/ImpactFellowship or apply online at http://www.educationpioneers.org/apply. The final deadline to apply is July 12, 2022.

Organizations interested in hosting an Impact Fellow can learn more at http://www.educationpioneers.org/partner.

About Education Pioneers

Education Pioneers ensures that the K-12 sector has the leadership and general management capacity it needs. Since 2003, Education Pioneers has recruited and trained over 4,500 leaders in partnership with more than 900 education organizations nationwide.

Of the organizations Alumni in the workforce, more than 70% serve in education and lead or contribute to work that impacts public school students in major cities across the nation, most of whom are students of color and growing up in underserved areas. Learn more: http://www.educationpioneers.org/our-impact.
I invite all investors interested in the African market to meet the BAF entrepreneurs, learn about their enterprises and community impact firsthand, and identify opportunities to support their work.- Almaz Negash, Executive Director of ADN

The African Diaspora Network will host a virtual pitch session for the eleven African-led startups that make up the 2022 Builders of Africas Future (BAF) cohort on Thursday the 23rd of June 2022 at 8:00AM PDT. The pitch session will feature showcases from the Builders and serve as an opportunity to attract funding from a diverse group of investors. The Builders of Africas Future Program is organized by the African Diaspora Network (ADN) in partnership with Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), and enterprise trainer the African Management Institute of Kenya.

According to Almaz Negash, Founder and Executive Director of African Diaspora Network, Despite the rise in African entrepreneurship, not all enterprises in Africa are funded equally. Trends indicate that Africa-based enterprises led by non-African, foreign founders are more likely to receive funding. I invite all investors interested in the African market to meet the BAF entrepreneurs, learn about their enterprises and community impact firsthand, and identify opportunities to support their work.

The 2022 BAFs, who were inaugurated on the 27th of April, have undergone an intensive six weeks of mentorship, capacity building, and enterprise training from the African Management Institute, The pitch session will connect the African-owned and African-led enterprises with discerning investors to bridge the investment and funding gap currently experienced by African-owned startups on the continent.

This year marks ADNs fifth annual enterprise accelerator supporting grassroots African entrepreneurs. The 2022 cohort comprises 11 changemakers leading 100% fully-African led and owned organizations spanning six countries: Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. More information on the cohort and program can be found in the official BAF 2022 announcement here.

The BAF program has without a doubt improved my sphere of influence by exposing me to a diverse cohort of like-minded entrepreneurs who I have been able to earnestly learn and garner vast knowledge from, said Victor Boafo, co-founder of Entofarms. This wonderful program has provided us with invaluable educational and business resources that will be judiciously implemented to foster growth and efficiency within our business operations.

"The Builders of Africa's Future program picked me up from my worst situation. My business was hit with a supply chain disruption, and as a leader, I ran out of creative ideas to navigate this global challenge," shared Hyasintha Ntuyeko, founder and CEO of Kasole Secrets. "Through BAF, I was paired with mentors who have been very instrumental in unlocking new ways of thinking to rescue my business. The program was very helpful, as it gave me more knowledge on financial analysis and tracking my business performance and forecasting risks on a monthly basis. I am truly, truly thankful for being selected as a BAF fellow 2022."

Josh Ghaim, PhD, chairman of the ADN board and Founder and Managing Partner of IgniteGB, Inc., will introduce context setter Thomas Debass, Chief Partnerships Officer and Managing Director of the Office of Global Partnerships at U.S. Department of State. Keynote speakers include Kwasi Donkor, Chief Strategy Officer at the United States African Development Foundation; Sr. Jane Wakahiu, LSOSF, PhD, Associate Vice President of Program Operations and Head of Catholic Sisters at Conrad N. Hilton Foundation; and Segal Family Foundation Executive Director Andy Bryant, and Manager of the African Visionary Fellowship, Beatrice Onyango.

The BAF pitch session will be attended by private and public investors looking to invest in impactful and homegrown startups. Eligible BAF entrepreneurs who meet funding criteria will also receive up to $25,000 from the United States African Development Foundation (USADF).

Interested investors can register to attend the Builders of Africas Future Pitch Day here or email debra@africandiasporanetwork.org for more information.

About African Diaspora Network

African Diaspora Network (ADN) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization. Our mission is to harness and engage the intellectual, financial, philanthropic and entrepreneurial capacity of Africans and friends of Africa in support of economic and social development across Africa. Since 2010, the African Diaspora Network has energized collaboration among Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, philanthropists and African Diasporans to uplift its local community towards the benefit of Africa. ADN is dedicated to providing virtual and physical forums to accelerate access to resources that foster partnership, knowledge sharing, and advance investment opportunities. Learn more at africandiasporanetwork.org


All I Asked for Was a little Faith: A Journey of Faith to Freedom and Victory: a story of hope and the unexpected lessons that arrive during times of great challenge. All I Asked for Was a little Faith: A Journey of Faith to Freedom and Victory is the creation of published author Alicia Patterson, a dedicated mother and grandmother who was born and raised in Illinois and later relocated to Indiana.

Patterson shares, You know the saying Be careful what you ask for? All I Asked for Was a Little Faith details the transformative journey this request took me on over the course of several years. What I thought would be a simple request has turned out to be a lifetime journey. Oftentimes, we ask for things from God without fully knowing or considering exactly what it is that we are asking for. Well, know this, faith is not faith until it has been tested. Faith is a gift that is tried and forged in the fire of Gods love. It is a gift that requires processes, and I had no idea of the trials and tribulations that come along with the process of receiving this gift. Like anything that is planted, faith must be planted and then cultivated for it to grow. As you take this journey with me, my prayer is that sharing both the joys and pitfalls I encountered on my walk down the path of faith to freedom will help you in your journey to freedom and victory. You are not alone on this journey, and my hope is that some of the unnecessary difficulties I faced will be a teaching tool to help you to avoid those same mistakes in your walk. Lord, if but oneyour will be done.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Alicia Pattersons new book welcomes readers from all walks of life to witness a journey of faith in hopes of bringing encouragement to those in need.

Patterson pulls no punches as she discusses the struggles of being a young mother, run-ins with the law, and the unexpected answered prayers that await.

Consumers can purchase All I Asked for Was a little Faith: A Journey of Faith to Freedom and Victory at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about All I Asked for Was a little Faith: A Journey of Faith to Freedom and Victory, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
AWWA is committed to both the protection of public health and decision-making based on the best available science. As a community of water professionals, we share EPAs desire to keep harmful levels of PFAS out of the nations drinking water.

This morning, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released health advisories for four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Two of the health advisories are interim, for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and two are final, for hexafluoropropylene dimer acid (HFPO-DA or GenX) and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS).

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) issued the following statement:

Today, EPA released drinking water health advisories for four PFAS. Health advisories provide states and water utilities with a reference point as they evaluate potential contamination and appropriate responses to assure the safety of drinking water. The PFOA and PFOS advisory levels are extremely low and do not reflect the draft recommendations of EPAs own expert Science Advisory Board review. The health advisory levels at parts per quadrillion, undetectable by modern laboratory methods.

AWWA is committed to both the protection of public health and decision-making based on the best available science. As a community of water professionals, we share EPAs desire to keep harmful levels of PFAS out of the nations drinking water. We support setting national drinking water standards for PFAS that protect all consumers, including the most sensitive populations. We also stand for strong source water protection to prevent PFAS contamination and increased investment in PFAS research.

At the national level, EPA is already in the process of setting maximum contaminant levels for PFAS within the scientifically rigorous framework of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). A proposal is expected in the fall. Through the SDWA regulatory process, many utilities are sampling for PFOA, PFOS and other PFAS to better understand where they occur and at what levels. They are sharing that information with their communities. Its important that EPA complete this rulemaking process so that states, utilities, and consumers have a clear and consistent path forward for managing harmful levels of PFAS in drinking water.

These four health advisories reflect potential risk assuming 70 years of exposure. EPAs support materials appropriately point consumers toward opportunities to reduce PFAS exposure in their daily lives, be it exposure through drinking water, food, dust, or other routes.

AWWAs members are working diligently to manage the risk posed by PFAS in drinking water. At the low levels set in the health advisories, protecting source water from PFAS contamination is critical. AWWA urges Congress and other decision-makers to implement policies that keep harmful PFAS out of our communities, especially the nations drinking water supply.

# # #

Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the worlds most important resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life. https://www.awwa.org/
Edmund (Ted) Shallcross III

Amica Mutual Insurance Companys Board of Directors today announced that Edmund (Ted) Shallcross III has been named the companys next Chief Executive Officer and President, effective Oct. 1, 2022.

Shallcross will succeed Robert A. (Bob) DiMuccio, who is retiring after 31 years of distinguished service, including 17 as CEO. DiMuccio will serve as non-executive Chair of the Board until Dec. 31, 2022.

The selection of Amicas next CEO came after a year-long search process in collaboration with consultant Heidrick & Struggles, said Donald Julian Reaves, Amicas Lead Director. Ted is the right person at the right time. He has the Boards unanimous support, and we know Amica will continue to thrive under his guidance. Ted brings industry experience, demonstrated leadership skills, a track record of success and extensive knowledge of the company.

Regarding Shallcross appointment, DiMuccio said: Ive worked with Ted for the past 15 years. During that time, he has shown himself to be a steady, objective and empathetic leader. I fully support his appointment as Amicas next CEO, and look forward to working with him over the next six months as he transitions into his new role. I retire from Amica knowing that the company is led by a Board and CEO who understand its culture and values, and who are ready to face the challenges ahead.

Its an honor to succeed Bob at the helm of Amica, and he leaves a legacy of integrity, sound financial management and people-focused stewardship. His leadership and mentorship have been invaluable to me, and his impact has been transformative for Amica, Shallcross said. Our unmatched service in the insurance industry is driven by a talented team of people across the country who truly care about our policyholders. My goal is to preserve the personal service were known for, while we prepare to serve tomorrows generations of customers. I look forward to continuing to work with the talented people at Amica, and positioning the company to grow and thrive over the next 100 years and beyond.

Before joining Amica, Shallcross spent 12 years at KPMGs P&C Insurance Practice, where Amica was one of his clients. In 2007, he joined the Amica team as a Senior Assistant Vice President in the Accounting Department. Shallcross later took on the role of Vice President at Amica Life, overseeing the organizations financial and operational activities. In his current role as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Amica Life, Shallcross has delivered consistent growth for the company.

Shallcross graduated cum laude from the College of the Holy Cross with a bachelors degree in economics and accounting. He also holds a masters degree in strategic management from Indiana Universitys Kelley School of Business, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Shallcross is active in both industry-related organizations and the community. Hes a Fellow in the Life Management Institute, and serves on APCIAs Financial Management Committee and the Federal and State Modernization Working Group. Shallcross is on the Board of Leadership Rhode Island (and is a graduate of the program), and has previously served on the Board of the Providence Childrens Museum and in other leadership roles with the American Heart Association and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School.

Shallcross, his wife, Shannon, and their two sons, Teddy (9) and Gethan (6), live in Rhode Island.

About Amica Insurance

Amica is the longest-standing mutual insurer of automobiles in the U.S. A direct writer, Amica also offers home, life, marine and umbrella insurance, as well as annuities. Founded on the principles of outstanding service, Amica creates peace of mind and builds enduring relationships with its customers. That mission is shared and supported by thousands of employees across the country. Visit Amica.com.
We are excited to have this talented team at Baker & Assoc. join us and expand our offerings in the Central Ohio area, said Randy Larsen, President of AssuredPartners.

AssuredPartners, Inc. is pleased to announce that Baker & Associates Insurance Agency (Baker & Assoc.) of Hilliard, Ohio has joined AssuredPartners. Baker & Assoc. marks the seventh acquisition in 2022. The team of seven will remain under the current operational leadership of Tom Baker and Bill Emery.

Baker said, For over 20 years we have offered a diverse range of insurance solutions to our clients. Now, with AssuredPartners, we will have a greater selection of tools to further enhance our strategic services for clients.

We have always worked closely with clients to bring them informed and curated solutions when it comes to protecting whats important. Together, with the resources of AssuredPartners, we look forward to expanding those services, said Emery.

Midwest Regional President at AssuredPartners Corey Freeman said, AssuredPartners is pleased to have extended our operations in Ohio with the addition of Baker & Assoc. Enhancing our capabilities and client offerings will allow for our continued growth with exceptional services and solutions for our clients.

We are excited to have this talented team at Baker & Assoc. join us and expand our offerings in the Central Ohio area, said Randy Larsen, President of AssuredPartners. At AssuredPartners we are truly raising the bar and identifying the finest partners, who align with our business strategies, allowing us to be partners in growth.

For more information on Baker & Assoc., please visit: http://www.bakerandassociatesins.com/

ABOUT ASSUREDPARTNERS, INC

Headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida, AssuredPartners is a full-service insurance broker providing commercial insurance, risk management, employee benefits through consulting and services. With over 7,500 employees located in offices throughout North America, London, Belgium and Scotland, AssuredPartners is in the business of building relationships. While cementing powerful, lasting relationships built on trust earned from working openly and honestly with our partners. Thats what we call, Power through Partnership. For more information, call 513-624-1779, email jamie.reinert@assuredpartners.com or visit http://www.assuredpartners.com.
Cameron West, MD

U.S. Dermatology Partners welcomes Board-Certified Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist Dr. Cameron West to their Wichita, Kansas clinic location.

Dr. Cameron West is pleased to return to Wichita, Kansas, where he earned his medical degree and completed his internship at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita. He then pursued a research fellowship at Wake Forest Baptist Health and completed his Dermatology residency at Texas Tech University Health Science Center in Lubbock, Texas. After several years in private practice, Dr. West completed a Dermatopathology fellowship at ProPath in Dallas, Texas.

Dr. West will treat a wide variety of general skin disorders for patients of all ages and is particularly interested in contact dermatitis, psoriasis, cutaneous lymphomas, and skin cancer prevention.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. West, please call (316) 799-3940 or request an appointment online.

About U.S. Dermatology Partners

U.S. Dermatology Partners is one of the largest and most sought-after dermatology practices in the country, caring for more than 1.5 million patients each year. With nearly 90 locations across eight states that span large metroplexes and rural, underserved communities, they provide the benefits of private, personalized levels of care paired with a network of coordinated, specialized dermatology physicians. U.S. Dermatology Partners is fervently focused on providing the highest level of compassionate and comprehensive patient-first care, making it seamless for all people to connect with dermatologists and national leaders in areas such as clinical research, psoriasis, and Mohs surgery, and gain access to state-of-the-art dermatological treatments, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. To learn more, visit usdermatologypartners.com.


Catalent, the global leader in enabling biopharma, cell, gene and consumer health partners to optimize development, launch, and supply of better patient treatments across multiple modalities, today announced that two of its clinical supply experts will be participating in the Clinical Learning track at the upcoming Bio Supply Management Alliance (BSMA) 2022 Summit, which is being held at the Crowne Plaza Suites in Foster City, California, from June 22-23, 2022.

At 11 a.m. PDT, on June 23, Nicole Gray, Catalents Director of Strategic Supply Solutions will be speaking during a session entitled How to successfully implement direct-to-patients clinical studies, which will share the speakers firsthand experiences of managing direct-to-patient studies, including protocol, regulatory and technology considerations, and how to ensure the best possible patient experience.

Following that, at 11:45 a.m. PDT, Ann McMahon, General Manager, Commercial & Integrated Development Operations, will participate in a panel entitled, Transitioning from clinical to commercial: ensuring successful product launch. The transition of a program from R&D to commercial operations is complex and involves the transfer of knowledge and technology, alongside processes and regulatory requirements. This panel session will see industry experts discuss the challenges of bringing drug discovery programs to the market, and how to make the process more efficient, with higher success rates, shorter lead times and lower costs.

Nicole Gray is responsible for developing Catalents direct-to-patient solutions and other new strategic service offerings. With over 18 years in the pharmaceutical industry, she has held multiple roles in clinical supplies project management, including as director of project management for Catalents Philadelphia site.

Prior to joining Catalent, Ms. Gray worked for Omnicare Clinical Research, GE Financial Assurance, and the U.S. House of Representatives. She is an active member of the Global Clinical Supplies Group (GCSG), having held multiple positions including Vice Chair for the 2022 U.S. Conference, U.S. Conference Secretary, Board Secretary, and appointed Conference Chair for the 2023 U.S. Conference.

Ann McMahon has nearly 20 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry, and is responsible for the strategic development, compliance, quality, and administration of commercial and embedded clinical supply service operations at Catalent.

Ms. McMahons expertise includes project management, packaging and labeling, supply chain management, operational and supplier management, and analytical services. She holds a bachelors degree in biology/biochemistry from Ohio Northern University, Ada, and a masters degree in clinical pharmacology from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus.

With a network spanning the U.S., U.K., Germany, Singapore, Japan, and China, plus more than 50 additional global depots, Catalents clinical supply services can handle a broad range of international compliance and distribution requirements to support global clinical trials.

To find out more information about the event, visit https://www.catalent.com/events/bsma-annual-conference-2022/.

About Catalent Clinical Supply Services

Catalent solves todays clinical trial challenges and develops innovative solutions for the future. The companys commitment to quality and service excellence is evident in its flexible solutions, modern global facilities, and over 25 years experience of reliably supplying thousands of studies of all sizes and complexities, all around the world.

About Catalent

Catalent is the global leader in enabling pharma, biotech, and consumer health partners to optimize product development, launch, and full life-cycle supply for patients around the world. With broad and deep scale and expertise in development sciences, delivery technologies, and multi-modality manufacturing, Catalent is a preferred industry partner for personalized medicines, consumer health brand extensions, and blockbuster drugs.

Catalent helps accelerate over 1,000 partner programs and launch over 150 new products every year. Its flexible manufacturing platforms at over 50 global sites supply over 70 billion doses of nearly 7,000 products annually. Catalents expert workforce exceeds 19,000, including more than 2,500 scientists and technicians.

Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, the company generated $4 billion in revenue in its 2021 fiscal year. For more information, visit http://www.catalent.com.

More products. Better treatments. Reliably supplied.
"Inter-Musical Love Letter," the new CD by Swiss-based composer-bandleader Eva Kess. I wanted ... to create a magical sound with instruments that blend really well. I really tried to use the whole spectrum of sound possibilities. ... Every piece is different.

Bassist and composer Eva Kess doubles down on her already formidable artistic development with "Inter-Musical Love Letter," slated for a July 22 release on Unit Records. That doubling down is a literal one: Whereas 2020s "Sternschnuppen: Falling Stars" (the Swiss musicians trailblazing previous album) featured music for a seven-piece band, Kess now builds out the ensemble to 14 pieces, again including the instrumentation of a traditional string quartet.

If Kesss tool kit has doubled in size, however, her musical lens has widened considerably more. In addition to strings and rhythm section, the new albums ensemble includes five horns, vibraphone, guitar, and vocals. Where "Sternschnuppen" suggested new perspectives on the fusion of jazz with chamber classical, "Inter-Musical Love Letter"s range includes orchestral music, big-band jazz, art song, the standard repertoire, and hip-hopthe last represented in a remarkable French-language rap by guitarist Cyprien Rochat on the opening Peculiar Times.

I wantedto create a magical sound with instruments that blend really well, Kess says. I really tried to use the whole spectrum of sound possibilities, both within one instrument, showing the whole range and possibilities of sound, as well in the sonic possibilities for the orchestrations. Every piece is different.

Unquestionably so. Where Peculiar Times is suitably funky and percussive for a hip-hop setting, Wondering What Is Coming is gauzy and ethereal, swaying as if caught in an updraft. Magic Mama is somehow both delicate and firmly grounded, Jonathan Salvis vibes and Felix Wolfs drums acting as a bedrock for gradual sonic layering (and a spoken-word recitation from vocalist Mirjam Hassig). Inbetween Worlds flirts with the avant-garde in its opening string counterpoint, then features a fleet solo by Salvi and a stout-toned one by bassist Loic Baillod. (As an instrumentalist, Kess sits out this recording, busying herself instead with directing the band through her compositions.)

The sole nonoriginal here is the Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke standard But Beautiful. I simply love this song, Kess says. Its such a wonderful composition, the melody and also the lyrics. . . . I tried to make my own version. The chorus is a bit inspired by Brazilian music.

The albums longest track, Intuitive Love, is also its most beatific. Strings and Hassigs vocals converge and diverge, a graceful dance that soars into the air when Marco Karrers soprano sax joins the party with Domenic Landolf on tenor sax.

As with so much recent music and art, "Inter-Musical Love Letter" is a product of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unable to perform (with her own band or any other) during the worldwide lockdowns, Kess turned to the one outlet that quarantine couldnt touch. I had this thought that Im luckily a composer, because everything else was gone, she says. With all this time, this is the perfect moment to create music for a large ensemble.

Eva Kess was born Eva Patricia Kesselring on April 10, 1985, in West Berlin and grew up in Bern, Switzerland (after spending a few years in Porto Alegre, Brazil). As a child she played piano, advancing enough that as a young teenager she was able to perform a Bach concerto with a symphony orchestra. At 17, however, her world shifted radically. First, she fell in love with the double bass after hearing a street performance by a bass quartet; soon afterward, a friend took her to her first jazz concert, where she fell in love once again.

Taking lessons with bassist Lorenz Beyelerthe bassist she had heard at that first jazz showand later with fellow Bern bassist Thomas Durst, Kess made the rounds of the local jazz scene, acquainting herself with both Berns musicians and the American and European artists who passed through the Swiss capital. She was soon able to form her own trio of bass, guitar, and trumpet. After studying at the Music Academy of Basel, she returned to her hometown where she entered the University of the Arts Berns prestigious masters program in music composition and theory. Among her teachers were pianist/composers Django Bates and Guillermo Klein, both of whom became her mentors.

In 2010, Kess won a scholarship to study in New York, adding the U.S. to Germany, Brazil, and Switzerland in her array of musical and cultural experiences. That same year (back in Switzerland) she also recorded her debut album, "Wondering What Is Coming." After seven years came her long-awaited second recording, "Flying Curly," followed by 2019s unaccompanied album "Bassexperiment," 2020s "Sternschnuppen: Falling Stars," and, now, "Inter-Musical Love Letter."
We are thrilled to present an exceptional speaking faculty comprised of renowned innovation thought leaders, best-selling authors, senior clinical operations executives, patient advocates and solution providers, said Valerie Bowling, Executive Director, DPHARM.

The Conference Forum announced the launch of the 12th annual DPHARM: Disruptive Innovations to Advance Clinical Research conference, taking place September 13-14, 2022 at the Westin Copley Place in Boston, MA.

DPHARM is the only conference dedicated to innovation in clinical trial operations. The 2022 theme is accelerating patient inclusivity, optionality and access.

We are thrilled to present an exceptional speaking faculty comprised of renowned innovation thought leaders, best-selling authors, senior clinical operations executives, patient advocates and solution providers, said Valerie Bowling, Executive Director, DPHARM.

DPHARM 2022 Keynotes and Featured Speakers include:

Scott Gottlieb, 23rd Commissioner, U.S. Food &Drug Administration addresses the future of medical innovation and the role clinical trial operations executives should be prepared for in modernizing clinical trials.

Malcolm Gladwell, renowned author of the Tipping Point shares his thinking on next-generation innovation and learning from the fringes.

Judy Sewards, Head of Clinical Trial Experience, Pfizer discusses leadership lessons needed to drive innovation.

Vijay Govindarajan, Coxe Distinguished Professor, Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College and author of "Reverse Innovation" outlines how critical establishing a human-centric organization is to realizing a reverse innovation mindset.

Ezekiel J. Emanuel, MD, PhD, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives and the Diane v.S. Levy and Robert M. Levy University Professor, Co-Director of the Health Transformation Institute, University of Pennsylvania and Peter Ronco, Head of Global Development, Janssen R&D explore industrys readiness to radically change informed consent to reduce patient burden and drive greater inclusivity.

Dina Katabi, PhD, Director, IT Center for Wireless Technology, MIT demonstrates exciting capabilities in remote data monitoring and its potential to help diagnose diseases prior to symptom onset.

David Lidsky, Deputy Editor, Fast Company comments on the 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2021 and their ability to make a meaningful impact.

This years agenda takes aim at how organizations can propel innovation by shifting organizational mindset and culture, enabling the implementation of new ideas and forging the right partners and collaborations. Presenting companies include:

J&J

Sanofi

LEO Pharma

Pfizer

AstraZeneca

BMS

Regeneron

Moderna

AbbVie

Gilead

Amgen

Merck

And more

DPHARM expects over 700 attendees from the clinical trial operations community from both US and Europe.

About DPHARM

DPHARM: Disruptive Innovations to Advance Clinical Research is the first event in the world to question how we can disrupt the way clinical research gets done to reduce the burden to patients and physicians. DPHARM has been reporting on the progress of decentralized clinical trials since 2011 and annually looks at the developments in flexible/decentralized trials with patient feedback.

About The Conference Forum

The Conference Forum is a life science industry research firm that develops conferences primarily around how to get therapeutics to patients faster. The company also publishes six newsletters and produces PharmaTalkRadio, virtual events, and webinars.
The 2nd Israeli Conference on Facial Plastic Surgery

The 2nd Israeli Conference on Facial Plastic Surgery will be held in Tel Aviv this year. Hosted by the Israeli Society of Facial and Reconstructive Surgery, the conference will feature some of the best facial plastic surgeons in the international medical community. This includes Dr. Gordon who has been invited as a keynote speaker.

Dr. Gordon has been invited to give multiple lectures during this worldwide event. This includes his popular lecture "Deep-Plane Rhytidectomy from Novice to Expert". In addition, Dr. Gordon will give lectures on his research, The Illusion Of Volume Loss, Pearls From 26 years of Performing The Plane Rhytidectomy, The Anatomical Basis for The Deep-Plane Rhytidectomy and Brow Lift Is A Bad Word; Understanding the Forehead through Vertical Galeal Advancements He will also participate on the prestigious panels with the other international faculty.

Pioneered and perfected by Dr. Gordon, the Deep-Plane Facial Lift is a revolutionary plastic surgery technique that reverses signs of aging without an unnatural or altered facial appearance, only reestablishing someones past appearance. The scientific evidence in support of this technique will be explained in detail during the lecture. This way, medical professionals wishing to perform this procedure can fully understand this technique.

As the first to prove its safety and efficacy, Dr. Gordon has been a strong advocate for Deep-Plane Face Lifts and has presented on this topic at many international events across the globe. Along with his distinguished peers, he will help educate and promote the best medical practices currently available to facial plastic surgeons in this modern era of rapid advancement.

The conference will take place from May 25th through May 27th at the Dan Panorama Hotel in Tel Aviv. Dr. Gordon looks forward to sharing his expert knowledge with a global medical audience at this upcoming event. Over the past few years, medical conventions have been put to a halt because of the global pandemic.

However, as the world starts to heal, Dr. Gordon sees this year as a great opportunity for the international medical community to come together once again and share scientific knowledge to advance patient care and surgical practices.

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To learn more about The Retreat At Split Rock and Dr. Neil Gordon, contact The Wilton, CT office- Phone-(203) 834-7700.

The Retreat At Split Rock is located at 539 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897. Two additional offices can also be contacted. Visit The Retreat At Split Rock to contact our other locations and learn more about Dr. Neil Gordon and his practice.

To find future events featuring Dr. Gordon, use this link. Dr. Gordon will be attending other conferences as a guest speaker later this year.


"RaaWee software helps building and district leaders understand how to better remove barriers for students and families, creating better student learning outcomes." Mike Closner, Exec Dir of Learning & Teaching at ESD 105.

It seems simple, but when students show up to school, they are more likely to succeed. Before the pandemic, it was reported that more than 8 million students in the U.S. missed more than one month of school each year. The COVID-19 pandemic has only increased the intensity of this critical problem facing our local schools.

ESD 105 announces a partnership with RaaWee K12 Solutions, an enterprise software company focused on the needs of K12 Education, to assist their local districts in their efforts against Chronic Absenteeism, using the RaaWee K12 Attendance+ Solution.

Educational Service District 105 is the multi-resource support site for the schools and education partners in south central Washington, covering Kittitas and Yakima counties and portions of Grant and Klickitat counties. In support of their longtime mission to assist the region's 4,000 educators and 66,000 students with cost-effective ways to cultivate great educational experiences that will help all learners gain equal opportunities to succeed in their school, community, and future endeavors, the leadership at ESD 105, began their partnership with RaaWee Attendance Improvement Solutions five years ago. Last year, RaaWee K12 Solutions announced its Attendance+ Essential version, allowing for the easiest implementation for smaller districts.

Dr. Kevin Chase, Superintendent at ESD 105, saw this opportunity to provide attendance improvement services for an additional five districts in his service region. Adding to the existing RaaWee District Partner Grandview SD, Mt. Adams SD, Mabton SD, Highland SD, Granger SD, and the Yakima Nation Tribal School will now have a powerful attendance improvement toolkit for communications, interventions management, data analysis, and dashboard reporting. "RaaWee software helps building and district leaders understand how to better remove barriers for students and families, creating better student learning outcomes. Using these tools, administrators have seen significant gains in attendance," details Mike Closner, Executive Director of Learning & Teaching at ESD 105.

Saleem Qazi, CEO of RaaWee K12 Solutions, states, The ESD 105 - RaaWee partnership has been a true value for us for more than five years. And, because we customize all solutions, working with Dr. Kevin Chase, Mike Closner and their ESD 105 team have provided us critical feedback to equip service agencies to best serve their districts, students, and communities.

For more information on the RaaWee K12 Attendance+ and the ESD 105 / RaaWee K12 Attendance+ implementations, please contact RaaWee K12 at 972-782-4287 or Mike Closner of ESD 105 at 509-834-6819.

About RaaWee

RaaWee K12 Solutions has a core mission to ensure that every student with challenges in attending school is identified immediately and is provided access to the school resources quickly, resulting in successful student outcomes. RaaWee K12 Attendance+ is a one-of-a-kind comprehensive highly affordable collaboration platform to implement attendance improvement strategies. It includes five customizable modules to address the many aspects and stakeholders in the attendance improvement chain: Attendance Intelligence (AI); Collaboration and Interventions (C&I); Preventions; Mobile Apps; and Court Documentation Management. https://raaweek12.com/
This represents true breakthrough technology in the industry, and we are thrilled to congratulate the Enveyo team for taking home our 3PL Solution of the Year award.

Enveyo, a leading Transportation Management System (TMS) and shipping optimization software provider, today announced it has been selected as the winner of the 3PL Solution of the Year award in the inaugural SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards. The awards program conducted by SupplyTech Breakthrough, a leading independent market intelligence organization, evaluates and recognizes standout technology companies, products, and services in the supply chain and logistics industry around the globe.

SupplyTech Breakthrough selected Enveyo as the winner of 3PL Solution of the Year because it is the only shipping software provider that automates parcel analytics and billing management for third-party logistics (3PL) providers. Through integration with 3PLs carrier networks and internal business systems, Enveyos parcel analytics solution, Insights, powers a customer-facing, 3PL-branded portal reporting on real-time, comprehensive data specific to each customer, including:



Carrier time in transit

Cost per piece by carrier

Delivery exceptions

Service & accessorial charges

Time from ordered to delivered

Package status

and more

Additionally, Enveyo Insights streamlines complex 3PL billing processes and protects visibility into rates. Dynamic business logic empowers 3PLs to retire legacy customer billing processes and shift to a dynamic process that ensures when published carrier rates shift, customers always receive market-leading discounted rates, while 3PLs gain accuracy and security in invoicing. Simplifying billing management results in a reduction in business risk and labor costs, an increase in customer satisfaction, and a new value add for 3PLs.

What an honor it is to receive the 3PL Solution of the Year award in the inaugural SupplyTech Breakthrough program. These past two years have posed a number of challenges for 3PLs. Solving parcel analytics and billing challenges helps these organizations turn shipping into a competitive advantage, said Coby Nilsson, Enveyos co-founder and CEO. E-commerce brands want their 3PL partners to be technology providers. Enveyo Insights makes that a reality with improved accuracy, understanding, and most importantly, trust.

The mission of the annual SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards program is to conduct the industrys most comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the top technology companies, solutions, and products in the supply chain and logistics industry today. This years program attracted more than 1,200 nominations from over 15 different countries around the globe.

For 3PLs, to say shipment analytics and billing management is complex is an understatement, as many 3PLs face challenges around delivering shipment program visibility to their e-commerce clients and invoicing them in an accurate and timely manner, said Bryan Vaughn, Managing Director of SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards. Enveyo Insights addresses these challenges for 3PLs and enables them to be technology providers. This represents true breakthrough technology in the industry, and we are thrilled to congratulate the Enveyo team for taking home our 3PL Solution of the Year award in the 2022 SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards program.

About Enveyo

Enveyo is revolutionizing the way technology drives logistics. As the only multi-carrier parcel TMS provider enabling end-to-end supply chain visibility, organizations are optimizing their shipping operations with Enveyos cloud-based suite of solutions. Powered by a robust enterprise data management platform, Enveyo provides real-time access to meaningful reporting to increase efficiencies for customers across industries including retail, medical, aerospace, fulfillment & third-party logistics companies. To learn more about how Enveyo is revolutionizing logistics, visit enveyo.com.

About SupplyTech Breakthrough

Part of the Tech Breakthrough organization, a leading global provider of market intelligence and recognition platforms for technology innovation and leadership, the SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring innovation and market disruption in supply chain & logistics technologies, services, companies, and products around the world. The annual SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards provide public recognition for the achievements of SupplyTech companies and products in categories including Inventory Management, Supply Chain Visibility, Transportation Management, Material Handling, IoT and Robotics, and more. For more information visit SupplyTechBreakthrough.com
When 2021 came and went without the promised new version of Exchange Server, customers feared they would be forced to migrate to the cloud. Now however, Microsoft has released a new roadmap that includes Exchange Server vNext.

Messaging Architects, an eMazzanti Technologies Company and Microsoft Exchange expert, examines the recent Microsoft Exchange Server vNext announcement in a new article. The informative article first relates that the popular email product release will become available at the end of 2025, just as earlier versions reach end of support.

The author then asserts that the cloud remains a no go for many organizations despite Microsofts encouragement to migrate to Exchange Online. He then lists key things to know about Exchange Server vNext and key end of support dates. Reporting that Microsoft has indicated that they intend to offer in-place upgrades from Exchange Server 2019 to vNext, he encourages readers to upgrade to Exchange 2019 now.

When 2021 came and went without the promised new version of Exchange Server, customers feared they would be forced to migrate to the cloud, stated Greg Smith, Vice President of Services Delivery at Messaging Architects. Now however, Microsoft has released a new roadmap that includes Exchange Server vNext.

Below are a few excerpts from the article, Exchange Server vNext Means On-Premises Exchange Customers Not Forced to the Cloud.

Exchange Server vNext Coming in 2025

When the Hafnium Hack hit on-premises Exchange Servers, Microsoft had to abandon plans for Exchange Server 2021. While Microsoft urged customers to migrate to Exchange Online instead, the cloud remains a no go for many organizations. With earlier versions of Exchange Server due to lose support soon, that left companies in a bind.

In-place Upgrades May Reduce Upgrade Challenges

In the past, upgrades to the newest version of Microsoft Exchange have proved problematic. Customers often had to purchase new equipment to meet the hardware requirements of the new version. Additionally, they needed to move mailboxes from one version to the next.

Upgrade to Exchange 2019 Now

For customers that cannot migrate to the cloud, Microsoft strongly recommends moving to Exchange 2019 now in preparation for vNext. Customers already on Exchange Server 2019 should keep their servers up to date to benefit from fixes and enhancements.

Exchange Server 2019 offers numerous advantages over previous versions. For instance, it includes a modern architecture, compliance features, integration with OneDrive and SharePoint Server and improved security.

Navigate Exchange Server Migration Path with Expert Help

Exchange Server changes can prove confusing, and roadmaps have a habit of changing over time. Consequently, the Exchange migration experts at Messaging Architects stand ready to assist. Whether organizations want to migrate to Exchange Server 2019 or feel ready to jump to Exchange Online, they can help.

Have you read?

Tips for Migrating Records Management Systems to Microsoft 365

How to Get the Most Out of Microsoft 365 for Business

About Messaging Architects

Messaging Architects specializes in effectively managing and securing an organizations most precious asset, its information. With over 20 years of information management and technology consulting experience, the Messaging Architects team has provided corporations, educational intuitions, health care facilities and nonprofits with methodologies, procedures, and technology to keep their data organized, compliant and secure.

About eMazzanti Technologies

eMazzantis team of trained, certified IT experts rapidly deliver increased revenue growth, data security and productivity for clients ranging from law firms to high-end global retailers, expertly providing advanced retail and payment technology, digital marketing services, cloud and mobile solutions, multi-site implementations, 247 outsourced network management, remote monitoring, and support.

eMazzanti has made the Inc. 5000 list 9X, is a 4X Microsoft Partner of the Year, the #1 ranked NYC area MSP, NJ Business of the Year and 5X WatchGuard Partner of the Year! Contact: 1-866-362-9926, info@emazzanti.net or http://www.emazzanti.net Twitter: @emazzanti Facebook: Facebook.com/emazzantitechnologies.


Wealth management is now a technology business. Theres a digital tool for every aspect of a financial advisors day-to-day life. Some tasks are impossible without one.

A new survey conducted by Arizent, parent company of Financial Planning, finds that advisors have a difficult time navigating the increasingly crowded marketplace of digital wealth management tools, and few are confident they have made the right decision with technology. This opens up opportunities for solutions providers to improve their offerings.

Of those included in the Financial Planning 2022 Tech Survey: The Wealthtech Labyrinth, about 93% of financial advisors agree that technology plays a critical or very important role in their practices. Approximately 68% say their firm prioritized spending on technology over other business needs in the last year. However, only 38% of advisors are confident that theyve made the right decisions with regards to new tech.

From marketing and onboarding to managing portfolios, technology is more critical now than ever for financial advisors, noted Janet King, Arizents Vice President of Research. Technology has become a top concern, with many prioritizing it over other business needs like hiring, compensation and even client acquisition.

The research also found that a firms size and budget play a role in technology priorities. Financial planning software, CRM, client portals and client communication tools, like video conferencing and texting, are more common among organizations with smaller budgets. Firms with larger budgets are making greater use of marketing automation, robo advisors, chatbots and cryptocurrency trading.

A session at Financial Plannings INVEST conference, taking place in New York City June 16-17, will dive deeper into the findings of the research report. Original research is available to subscribers of Financial Planning, and the full Wealthtech Labyrinth report can be downloaded at https://www.financial-planning.com/research-report/the-wealthtech-labyrinth.

Research Background/Methodology

This research was conducted by Financial Plannings parent company, Arizent, to understand current technology trends shaping wealth management. An online survey conducted in February 2022 was completed by 250 advisors from a range of firms, including independent broker-dealers, employee advisors and fee-only firms of various sizes.

For more information on this survey or other Arizent research, contact:

Janet King

Vice President, Research

Arizent

janet.king@arizent.com

M 207-807-4806

About Arizent Research

Arizent Research delivers actionable insights through full-service research solutions that leverage their first-party data, subject matter expertise, and highly engaged communities across the banking, payments, mortgage, insurance, municipal finance, accounting, HR/employee benefits and wealth management communities. They conduct research to support original insights and analysis for their various editorial and content brands, as well as custom research programs for clients in the industries they serve.

About Arizent

Arizent is a business information company that advances professional communities by providing insights and analysis and convening industry leaders. The company uses deep industry expertise and a data-driven platform to deliver its services, which include subscriptions, marketing services, live events and access to Leaders, an executive forum. Arizent also connects business communities through leading financial services brands like American Banker, The Bond Buyer, Financial Planning and National Mortgage News, as well as professional services brands like Accounting Today, Employee Benefit News and Digital Insurance.

About Financial Planning

Financial Planning empowers financial advisors and wealth managers with essential insights and ideas that will grow their businesses. Through authoritative journalism, events, research and continuing education, it helps firms drive their businesses and the industry forward, navigating the critical opportunities in practice and client management, wealthtech, investment strategies, tax and retirement planning. With a wealth management community of more than 600K, Financial Planning delivers unique content every day that connects leaders in person, in print and online every day.


"Metabase Q is now partnering with Halcyon to provide this vital expertise and further expand how we deliver best-in-class and scalable services across Latin America," said Louise Ireland, President of Metabase Q.

Halcyon, built by offensive security experts, is the industrys first dedicated, adaptive security platform that combines multiple proprietary prevention engines with AI models focused on stopping ransomware. The Halcyon Anti-Ransomware Platform uses a layered, lightweight approach to security before ransomware runs an attack, combined with an autonomous isolation and recovery layer to prevent the spread of ransomware, preventing damage - stopping ransomware in its tracks.

Ransomware has become a common boardroom topic that in recent years, has kept many executives up at night. We are excited to launch our MSSP program to provide a solution around-the-clock to service providers and their customers by bringing to the market the only product entirely focused on mitigating the ransomware threat, says Landon Lewis, VP, Partnerships.

The Halcyon partnership program provides tier-one, first-touch support for the client as well as manages the resale, support, and day-to-day operations. The program is open to North American providers across four key segments:



Technology partners who enhance their offerings through the collaboration

Channel partners looking to deliver best-in-class anti-ransomware protection

MSSPs who resell embedded technology in managed service offerings

Other partners who share Halcyons objectives, e.g., cloud service providers, service partners, embedded OEM partners

Incident Response (IR) partners who support containment or rapid proactive deployments of an ongoing incident. IR teams embed Halcyon's technology with their own artifact collection and investigation tools

Joining the Halcyon Partner Program enables resellers to deliver best-in-class ransomware protection to defend against the rapidly increasing and complex threat of ransomware. Benefits include access to the exclusive Halcyon partner portal and deal management platform, combining lead submission, opportunity tracking, and partnership status updates. Partners also receive marketing and communications support and joint marketing development activities including events, webinars, trainings, and sales material. Halcyon partners additionally get first access to new features and priority technical support.

Ransomware is one of the largest risks faced by our customer base, regardless of business size. Metabase Q quickly recognized the power of Halcyons unique layered approach to address the threat. We are now partnering with Halcyon to provide this vital expertise and further expand how we deliver best-in-class and scalable services across Latin America," said Louise Ireland, President of Metabase Q.

To apply for partnership, visit our partner portal at https://www.halcyon.ai/partners.

About Halcyon

Based out of Austin, Texas, Halcyon was formed by a team of cyber industry veterans after battling the scourge of ransomware (and advanced threats) for years at some of the largest global security vendors. Comprised of leaders from Cylance (now Blackberry), Accuvant (now Optiv), and ISS X-Force (now IBM), Halcyon is focused on building products and solutions for small, mid-market, and enterprise customers in North America.

About Metabase Q

Metabase Q leads cybersecurity in Latin America, supporting customers with faster, more efficient, and scalable security to accelerate digital innovation. Combining managed services, research and development, and best-in-class technologies, Metabase Q is the trusted source for comprehensive cybersecurity. The company invests in developing talent and standards with the support of global business and government leaders, to ensure Latin America has the best cybersecurity base for future digital growth.


"We are pleased to again receive this recognition. As clients continue to transition to the cloud, our Sage Intacct and Microsoft Dynamics practice has seen tremendous activity"

Intellitec Solutions has been named to the Bob Scotts Top 100 VARs for 2022. The Top 100 resellers are chosen from organizations specializing in the sale and implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and accounting software.

We want to congratulate this year's class of Bob Scott's Top 100 VARs, said Bob Scott, executive editor of ERP Global Insights (formerly known as Bob Scotts Insights). This selection represents recognition of leaders in this important field.

The selection is based on annual revenue generated by each reseller. A special report that includes names of the organizations selected for this years Top 100 list, ranked by revenue, is downloadable at http://www.erpglobalinsights.com.

Rick Sommer, president of Intellitec Solutions, credits the award to growing interest in cloud based ERP solutions. We are pleased to again receive this recognition. As clients continue to transition to the cloud, our Sage Intacct and Microsoft Dynamics practice has seen tremendous activity  particularly senior living facilities looking to integrate to Sage Intacct, said Sommer, referring to Intellitec Solutions proprietary IntelliConnect module. Being cited by Bob Scotts Insights is validation we are achieving our mission of being a Trusted Cloud ERP Advisor.

The Top VAR 100 award is given annually to Value Added Resellers of established mid-market accounting solutions that have distinguished themselves through their performance.

Bob Scott has been informing and entertaining the mid-market financial software community via his email newsletters for 23 years. He has published this information via the Bob Scotts Insights newsletternow known as ERP Global Insightsand website since 2009. He has covered this market for nearly 30 years through print and electronic publications, first as technology editor of Accounting Today and then as the Editor of Accounting Technology from 1997 through 2009. He has covered the traditional tax and accounting profession during the same time and has continued to address that market.

About Intellitec Solutions

Intellitec Solutions is a leading ERP and CRM provider strategically located along the influential business corridor between Washington and Philadelphia. Specializing in Sage Intacct, Dynamics 365, Dynamics GP and Dynamics SL, they have conducted thousands of engagements helping companies in diverse industries choose and implement software solutions to improve financial or customer relationship management. Using a proven system designed to maximize efficiency and business insight, Intellitec Solutions team of seasoned professionals provides value-added expertise to their clients. For more information or to schedule a demo of their solutions, please visit http://www.intellitecsolutions.com or call 866-504-4357

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All company and product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Our Franchise & Distribution is group is a strategic area of focus for the firm and these attorneys will help us expand this practice into two new offices and play an integral role in the expansion of the practice," said Cameron Garrison, Managing Partner.

Lathrop GPM is pleased to welcome partner Carlos White and associates Kevin Graff, Jason Johnson and Rachel OConnor to the firms internationally-ranked Franchise & Distribution Practice Group. The firm will now have a dedicated Franchise attorneys in its Dallas and Chicago offices, expanding its ability to serve clients throughout the nation.

These are exciting additions to the team, said Cameron Garrison, Managing Partner. Our Franchise & Distribution is group is a strategic area of focus for the firm and these attorneys will help us expand this practice into two new offices and play an integral role in the expansion of the practice.

I am delighted that Carlos, Kevin, Jason and Rachel have joined the firms Franchise & Distribution team, said Liz Dillon, Partner and Franchise & Distribution Practice Group Leader. With the addition of Carlos and Kevin, we will now have a franchise presence in the firms Dallas and Chicago offices, expanding our national footprint for for clients in those regions.

White counsels clients across all stages of their lifecycle in all matters relating to franchise and distribution systems. He has created franchise programs domestically and internationally in the restaurant and food service, hotel and hospitality, real estate and senior assisted living, healthcare and wellness, business and computer services, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and online dating industries. Active in the community, he serves on the Board for the Desoto Economic Development Corporation, a former Board Member of the Southern Dallas Development Corporation and involved with B.U.I.L.D. Collaborative, a coalition of Dallas small business ecosystem partners that promotes equitable and inclusive entrepreneurial growth. White earned his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and his B.S. from Southern University. White joins Lathrop GPM as a Partner based in the firms Dallas office.

I look forward to working with the Franchise practice group at Lathrop GPM and building our presence in Dallas, said White. The groups international reputation and deep bench of attorneys will allow me to provide more extensive support to our clients.

Graff assists clients in asset acquisitions and dispositions, commercial contracts and franchise matters. Prior to joining Lathrop GPM, he was a transactional attorney with a franchise-focused law firm, where he assisted clients in drafting franchise disclosure documents, franchise and development agreements and all other applicable governing documents. Graff is also a former detective for the Cook County Sheriffs Department, detailed to the FBI Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Task Force. He earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law in 2021 and his B.A. from National Louis University in 2018. Graff joins Lathrop GPM as an Associate based in the firms Chicago office.

Johnson focuses his practice on franchise litigation, including antitrust and class actions. Prior to joining Lathrop GPM, he was an associate attorney with another Minnesota firm, and a judicial law clerk for the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota and the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Johnson earned his J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, summa cum laude, in 2018 and his B.A. from St. John's University in 2014. Johnson joins Lathrop GPM as an Associate based in the firms Minneapolis office.

OConnor counsels clients on transactional, business law, and franchise matters, including corporate governance and compliance, acquisitions and sales of businesses, corporate finance, and commercial agreements. She advises clients in the due diligence process of transactions, identifying key issues and risks. OConnor joins Lathrop GPM from a law firm in Minneapolis where she advised individuals, businesses, private equity funds, franchisees, and developers. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of St. Thomas School of Law, magna cum laude, in 2016 and her B.A. from Marquette University in 2013. OConnor joins Lathrop GPM as an Associate based in the firms Minneapolis office.

About Lathrop GPM Franchise & Distribution Practice Group

Lathrop GPM has one of the worlds leading franchise and distribution law practices, our lawyers serve franchisors and master franchisees at all stages of their development, in markets throughout the globe. The firms energetic and diverse group of over 30 lawyers and paralegals work in teams, in a collaborative environment to bring clients a wide range of experience in virtually every facet of international and domestic franchising.

About Lathrop GPM

Lathrop GPM is a full-service, Am Law 200 law firm with offices in Boston, Boulder, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Jefferson City, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Overland Park, St. Cloud, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. Our attorneys help businesses, organizations and individuals grow and succeed, anticipate trends, plan for challenges and bring their visions to life. For more information, visit http://www.lathropgpm.com.
Lighthouse Connections Academy Celebrates Class of 2022 As the fourth graduating class of Lighthouse Connections Academy, we continue to see the growth and demand for online education across the state.

Graduation season is among us, and 143 seniors from Lighthouse Connections Academy, a tuition-free online public school serving K-12 students across Michigan, recently celebrated their accomplishments from learning full-time online.

I am beyond proud of the Class of 2022 for their numerous achievements, both academically and personally, said Lighthouse Connections Academy Executive Director Teresa Woods. As the fourth graduating class of Lighthouse Connections Academy, we continue to see the growth and demand for online education across the state. We applaud these seniors for their dedication to online learning. The legacy these students leave behind will never be forgotten.

Of the 143 graduates, 47% plan to attend a 2- or 4- year college or university, 11% plan to attend vocational or technical school, while 13% of students plan to enter the workforce. Other graduates are joining the military, taking a gap year or pursuing other opportunities.

The K-12 online school offers an exceptional curriculum taught by state-certified teachers who specialize in virtual education. This education model benefits many students, allowing them to learn at their own pace while having the flexibility to explore a variety of subjects.

Enrollment for the 2022-23 school year is now open at Lighthouse Connections Academy for Michigan students in grades K-12. Interested families are encouraged to attend an online information session to learn more, ask questions and discover if virtual school is the right fit for their student. For more information about Lighthouse Connections Academy or to begin the enrollment process, visit http://www.LighthouseConnectionsAcademy.com or call 800-382-6010.

About Lighthouse Connections Academy

Lighthouse Connections Academy is a unique, tuition-free online public school for K-12 students in Michigan. Authorized by Oxford Community School, Lighthouse Connections Academy offers a high-quality educational experience that keeps students motivated and engaged in a safe, virtual learning environment. In addition to academics, teachers focus on emotional well-being and social development, working closely with families to help students learn how they learn best. Here, students gain the skills and confidence they need to direct their own educational journey, learning to thrive in the real world by first learning how to be resourceful and resilient. For more information, call 800-382-6010 or visit http://www.LighthouseConnectionsAcademy.com.
Bastyr University's Master of Public Health program earns national accreditation. Bastyr Universitys Master of Public Health program meets the most rigorous criteria for teaching, research, and service to our community.

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Bastyr University is now accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the only organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education to grant accreditation for public health programs. CEPH approved accreditation of Bastyr Universitys MPH program at its June 1-3, 2022 meeting.

Bastyr Universitys Master of Public Health program meets the most rigorous criteria for teaching, research, and service to our community, says Bastyr University President Dr. Devin Byrd. CEPH Accreditation of our MPH program supports the expansion of community partnerships and collaborations to address health inequities.

Through the incorporation of real-world projects with community organizations, Bastyr Universitys MPH program develops public health professionals with a focus on social justice, health equity, and community health. MPH program graduates serve communities with their abilities to assess community needs, plan, promote and deliver health education and intervention programs, research and evaluate health program outcomes, and as experts in accessing community health resources.

In addition, Bastyr Universitys MPH program prepares graduates for the national Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam. Data from alumni demonstrates Bastyr Universitys MPH program has a 100% CHES pass rate.

With accreditation Bastyr University MPH graduates can expect expanded employment opportunities with:



Regional, state, and local public health jurisdictions, and tribal health organizations

Schools systems and universities to design health programs, promote and teach health-focused curriculum

Health care networks, hospitals, and clinics directing patient and staff education, and conducting community outreach

Social service and non-profit organizations focused on research, population health, education, and service in marginalized communities

Bastyrs Master of Public Health program prepares graduates to be innovative and culturally competent providers of evidence-based public health initiatives and policies that prioritize social justice and health equity in our communities, says Bastyr University Chair of Public Health Dr. Robin Fenn.

Bastyr University is an accredited, nonprofit, private university offering doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate degrees, with a multidisciplinary curriculum in science-based natural health and medicine. Recognized globally for its rigorous curriculum and strong research, Bastyr University has campuses in Kenmore, Washington and San Diego, California. Bastyr's faculty educate future leaders in the natural health arts and sciences, with an emphasis on integrating mind, body, spirit, and nature.
The College conferred 325 Masters degrees; 1,021 Bachelors degrees; and 922 Associate degrees this year, as well as awarded 89 professional certificates.

Monroe College, a national leader in educating urban and international students, held its 89th Annual Commencement today at Radio City Music Hall in midtown Manhattan. Degrees were conferred on 2,357 students from around the world at its first in-person graduation ceremony since 2019.

Two separate ceremonies were held to accommodate the families and friends of the students earning Associate, Bachelors, or Masters degrees or professional certificates.

In addition to celebrating the academic achievements of the Class of 2022, the College invited alumni from the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 to participate. As those graduating classes did not have an in-person ceremony during the pandemic, the College invited them to a Commencement Do-Over so that they would have their well-deserved moment of hearing their name called as they crossed the iconic Radio City Music Hall stage.

The 1,115 graduates participating in the morning ceremony completed programs of study in the School of Business and Accounting, School of Criminal and Social Justice, and School of Information Technology. Kathy Murphy, a valued member of staff in the Presidents Office for more than 30 years, led the processional as Grand Marshal. New York City Council Member Pierina Sanchez gave the keynote address. She represents the 14th Council District in the Bronx.

The afternoon ceremony conferred degrees on 1,242 graduates from Monroes King Graduate School, School of Allied Health Professions, School of Education, School of Hospitality Management (and Culinary Institute of New York), and School of Nursing. Kathy Murphy led the processional as Grand Marshal once again. Dr. Anael Alston, Assistant Commissioner in the New York State Education Departments Office of Access, Equity, and Community Engagement, gave the keynote address.

The Colleges three-semester academic calendar enables Monroe students to earn 45 or more college credits per year (compared to the 30 credits college students typically earn per year at other institutions). That means that many of the graduates today earned their Bachelors degree in three years or their Associate degree in less than two years.

Graduates in the Class of 2022 represented 75 countries. In addition to students from the U.S. and its territories participating in todays ceremonies, the next largest contingents were from, in order: Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, India, China, Ghana, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Haiti, Nigeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Nepal, Bahamas, Guyana, Ecuador, Albania, Mexico, and Sint Maarten.

The College conferred 325 Masters degrees; 1,021 Bachelors degrees; and 922 Associate degrees this year, as well as awarded 89 professional certificates.

ABOUT MONROE COLLEGE

Founded in 1933, Monroe College is a recognized leader in urban and international education. The College is proud of its innovative programs to increase college access, affordability, and completion outcomes, especially among first-generation students, and for the national recognition it receives for its strong impact on graduates social mobility.

Monroe educates 8,000 students each year, offering Certificate, Associate, Bachelors, and Masters degree programs from New York campuses in the Bronx and New Rochelle, as well as in the Caribbean nation of St. Lucia. Students may also pursue degree programs through Monroe Online.

Programs are offered through Schools of Allied Health Professions, Business and Accounting, Criminal and Social Justice, Education, Hospitality Management, Information Technology, and Nursing, as well as through its King Graduate School. Liberal arts and continuing education programs are also available. For more information and admissions criteria, please visit http://www.monroecollege.edu.


Hyundai of Moreno Valley offers $500 additional bonus on select new Hyundai models to the Military and First Responders.

Service to the nation is an exceptional and demanding job. No number of awards and recognitions are enough. Hyundai of Moreno Valley in the California area is doing its bit with the 2022 Hyundai Military Program. Eligible customers will receive a $500 additional bonus on select new Hyundai vehicles. This offer is valid until Jan. 2, 2023.

To be eligible for this offer, buyers must be Active Duty, Veteran or Retired U.S. Military Personnel. For this program, U.S. Military includes customers serving or having served in the United States Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, National Guard or Reserves. Additionally, this program also extends to the spouses of such officers.

The Nissan vehicles available under this program include the 2022 Hyundai Accent, 2022 Hyundai Elantra, 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5, 2022 Hyundai Kona, 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric, 2022 Hyundai Palisade, 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz, 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid, 2022 Hyundai Sonata, 2022 Hyundai Tucson and 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.

Customers interested in learning more about the 2022 Hyundai Military Program are encouraged to visit the dealership at 27500 Eucalyptus Ave, Moreno Valley, CA, 92555, United States, or log on to the dealerships website at https://www.hyundaiofmorenovalley.com/. For any further information requests regarding this program, reach out to the dealership's customer care team at 951-900-4248.
We are proud and pleased to once again participate in the Aspen Ideas Festival where innovation, ideas, and medicine advance health, societal, and systematic changes for the global community, said Kenneth L. Davis, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Mount Sinai Health System.

Mount Sinai experts will lead discussions on the quest for breakthrough therapies, improving patient care and reducing costs, and providing equitable care to transgender and gender non-binary individuals at this years Aspen Ideas: Health and Aspen Ideas Festival from Wednesday, June 22, to Friday, July 1, in Aspen, Colorado.

We are proud and pleased to once again participate in the Aspen Ideas Festival where innovation, ideas, and medicine advance health, societal, and systematic changes for the global community, said Kenneth L. Davis, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Mount Sinai Health System. The exchange of bold ideas combined with a relentless pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and answers to the worlds most complex problems is one of many ways we are finding a way to a healthier world for everyone.

This years Aspen Ideas Festival will be in person and will feature a range of experts who will share their ideas and insight. Built around festival themes that include disruption, influence, security, heat, trust, and connection, Mount Sinais conversations will broaden the understanding of health, science, and innovative thinkers who are moving medicine forward for patients everywhere. Mount Sinai will be a Presenting Sponsor at each festival and is also celebrating its 10th anniversary of partnership with the Aspen Institute.

Dr. Davis will lead a conversation on innovations in health care delivery and patient care, and broad solutions to tackle health care affordability, on Sunday, June 26, at 3:15 pm in the McNulty Ballroom in the Doerr-Hosier Center. He will be joined by Robert Fields, MD, Executive Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer at Mount Sinai, and Sidney Hankerson, MD, MBA, Vice Chair of Community Engagement in the Department of Psychiatry and Director of Mental Health Equity for the Institute for Health Equity Research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

During a breakfast discussion, Dr. Davis; Zahi Fayad, PhD, Director of Mount Sinais Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute; and Thomas Fuchs, DrSc, Co-Director of the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Health at Mount Sinai, will talk about powering medicine with technology and data science. They will answer questions about how to use data to solve the complex medical issues of today and tomorrow. This breakfast will take place on Monday, June 27, at 7:45 am at Platos Restaurant at Aspen Meadows. Advance RSVP is required as seating is limited.

Renowned journalist Katie Couric will host Mount Sinais lunch conversation on transgender health and broadening access, a topic that has been highly politicized. Ms. Couric will interview Joshua Safer, MD, Executive Director of the Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, and surgeon Marci Bowers, MD, about transgender health and gender-affirming care. This lunch will take place on Monday, June 27 at 11:45 am at the Albright Pavilion at Aspen Meadows. Advance RSVP is required as seating is limited.

Rachel Yehuda, PhD, Director of Mount Sinais Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, will participate in a discussion about research on psychedelic therapy for psychiatric disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction. The session, titled Visionary Approaches: Psychedelics as Therapy, will be held on Thursday, June 23, at 8 pm in the Hotel Jerome Ballroom in Aspen, available both to Festival passholders and the public as ticketed guests.

Aspen Ideas: Health will feature David Putrino, PhD, Director of Rehabilitation Innovation at the Mount Sinai Health System, in an intimate explainer session about long COVID at 9 am on Thursday, June 23, at the East Lawn Tent.

Mount Sinai will also host a panel in the East Lawn Tent titled The Quest for Breakthrough Therapies, featuring Brian Brown, PhD, Director of the Icahn Genomics Institute; Helen Mayberg, MD, Founding Director of the Nash Family Center for Advanced Circuit Therapeutics at Icahn Mount Sinai; and Peter Palese, PhD, Chair of Microbiology at Icahn Mount Sinai. This session will take place on Thursday, June 23, at 11:10 am.

Mount Sinai clinicians will be onsite to provide complimentary skin screenings and body scans with health and risk assessments. Primary care physicians will also be available live in Mount Sinais virtual studio for conversations about health topics. All of these offerings will be held at the Mount Sinai Health Experience, located in the Grove at Aspen Meadows. Sessions can be reserved in advance at 646-856-4687 or aspen@mountsinai.org.

For more information about Mount Sinais speakers, events, and activities at the Aspen Ideas: Health and Aspen Ideas Festival, visit our website.

About the Mount Sinai Health System

Mount Sinai Health System is one of the largest academic medical systems in the New York metro area, with more than 43,000 employees working across eight hospitals, over 400 outpatient practices, over 300 labs, a school of nursing, and a leading school of medicine and graduate education. Mount Sinai advances health for all people, everywhere, by taking on the most complex health care challenges of our time  discovering and applying new scientific learning and knowledge; developing safer, more effective treatments; educating the next generation of medical leaders and innovators; and supporting local communities by delivering high-quality care to all who need it.

Through the integration of its hospitals, labs, and schools, Mount Sinai offers comprehensive health care solutions from birth through geriatrics, leveraging innovative approaches such as artificial intelligence and informatics while keeping patients medical and emotional needs at the center of all treatment. The Health System includes approximately 7,300 primary and specialty care physicians; 13 joint-venture outpatient surgery centers throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and more than 30 affiliated community health centers. We are consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals, receiving high "Honor Roll" status, and are highly ranked: No. 1 in Geriatrics and top 20 in Cardiology/Heart Surgery, Diabetes/Endocrinology, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Neurology/Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pulmonology/Lung Surgery, Rehabilitation, and Urology. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked No. 12 in Ophthalmology. U.S. News & World Reports Best Childrens Hospitals ranks Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital among the countrys best in three pediatric specialties. The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is one of three medical schools that have earned distinction by multiple indicators: It is consistently ranked in the top 20 by U.S. News & World Report's "Best Medical Schools," aligned with a U.S. News & World Report "Honor Roll" Hospital, and top 20 in the nation for National Institutes of Health funding and top 5 in the nation for numerous basic and clinical research areas. Newsweeks The Worlds Best Smart Hospitals ranks The Mount Sinai Hospital as No. 1 in New York and in the top five globally, and Mount Sinai Morningside in the top 20 globally. For more information, visit https://www.mountsinai.org or find Mount Sinai on Facebook, on Twitter and YouTube.
Shop LC Delivering Joy About 54,000 kids benefit from this program each day in the U.S. and India. By 2031, we expect to provide one million meals per day through our corporate mission, updated in 2021.

Shop LC and its parent company, Vaibhav Global Limited (VGL), is aligning its school meal program, Your Purchase Feeds, with UN Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger.

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR PURCHASE FEEDS

Since 2017, Your Purchase Feeds has provided 37 million meals to kids in need, explains Michelle Long, Director of CSR Shop LC. About 54,000 kids benefit from this program each day in the U.S. and India. By 2031, we expect to provide one million meals per day through our corporate mission, updated in 2021.

Of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDG). SDG 2, Zero Hunger, is the area in which Shop LC and VGL are bringing their meal program into compliance. The goal seeks to end hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition and sustainable agriculture. This dovetails with the Shop LC Mission to provide one million meals per day by 2031.

Every item purchased provides a nutritious meal to a child in need through the Shop LC giving program. This cost is absorbed by Shop LC at no extra cost to the consumer. Your Purchase Feeds provides a path to a successful future while ending generational poverty by targeting where hunger and education intersect  the classroom. Program partners use unique, proven approaches to help feed kids.

Shop LC is proud to partner with the No Kid Hungry campaign to help end childhood hunger in America. No Kid Hungry works in all fifty states to help launch and improve programs that give all kids the healthy food they need to thrive.

Shop LC also partners with Akshaya Patra to help end childhood hunger in India, and Backpack Friends in the Greater Austin Area to address food insecurity outside a classroom setting.

About Shop LC

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Shop LC, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Vaibhav Global Ltd. (VGL), a vertically integrated company with global sourcing and manufacturing capabilities. Shop LC is a value-conscious, interactive retailer focused on the fine jewelry, beauty, fashion, home decor and lifestyle product categories. Established in 2007, Shop LC reaches approximately 73 million U.S. households via high-definition programming offered live 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Additionally, every purchase provides a meal to a hungry child through the Your Purchase Feeds Program. For more information visit http://www.shoplc.com and download the interactive app on iTunes, Google Play or many other streaming devices or televisions.
Productsup, the leading product-to-consumer (P2C) software company, today released the findings of its commissioned study by Forrester Consulting, Product To Consumer Management Powers Future Commerce Opportunities. The study features a survey of 385 global business decision-makers responsible for their organizations product data strategy asking where they see growth opportunities in the next 12 months. The research shows companies want to replace siloed tech stacks with a unified approach like P2C management to deliver personalized experiences across channels and succeed customer expectations.

Looking at the top business priorities for the year ahead, respondents ranked improving customer experience (85%) and delivering more personalized experiences by expanding and exploring new channels (73%) the highest. Failure to meet customer expectations in these areas can significantly impact a companys bottom line. In fact, respondents said poor online customer experience leads to lost sales (63%), damaged perception of the brand (60%), and vulnerability to competitors (57%).

Looking at external commerce opportunities, respondents ranked increasing social selling (63%) and selling through marketplaces (54%) as two of the three top focus areas. For businesses to capitalize on these opportunities, 61% of decision-makers said they need marketplace experience and social commerce functionalities from their product data technologies.

However, most of todays product data technologies fall short of providing all of these capabilities. Companies are forced to rely on disparate systems to address each part of the commerce ecosystem individually. As a result, organizations struggle to keep product information consistent (39%), customize product descriptions (34%), and syndicate product data (32%).

With the surge in online shopping, the rapid growth of marketplaces, and emergence of social commerce, consumers now have thousands of products available at their fingertips, said Marcel Hollerbach, Chief Innovation Officer at Productsup. Having full control over your product data is the only way to provide consistent, tailored experiences across every customer touchpoint, which is essential for sustainable, global commerce success.

Considering more than half of respondents are looking to modernize their commerce tech (57%) in the next year, decision-makers now recognize the need for a fresh approach to bringing their products to consumers. Companies have seen or expect to see the following business benefits from their P2C strategy: improved CX (53%), increased revenue (46%), reduced costs (43%), improved ability to cross-sell/upsell (39%), and improved ability to respond to new commerce opportunities (37%).

Its an extremely frustrating time for many companies in the commerce space, as there are rich opportunities for growth all around them that theyre not equipped to take advantage of, Hollerbach said. A P2C strategy offers a new way of thinking that can help businesses of all sizes gain back control over their commerce operations. Not only does P2C management allow companies to stay afloat amidst commerce anarchy, but it also helps them to pursue new and exciting CX avenues.

To learn more about business leaders commerce priorities and opportunities for the year ahead, download the full Forrester Consulting study here.

Register here for Productsups webinar featuring Forrester on June 21 at 2 p.m. EDT to hear more about the studys key findings.

###ENDS###

About Productsup

Productsup frees brands, retailers, service providers, and marketplaces from commerce anarchy. The Productsup product-to-consumer (P2C) platform processes over two trillion products a month, empowering long-term business success as the only global, strategic, scalable platform managing all product-to-consumer information value chains across any platform, any channel, any technology. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Berlin, Productsup has grown to over 300 employees spread out across offices worldwide and works with over 900 brands, including IKEA, Sephora, Beiersdorf, Redbubble, and ALDI. Learn more at http://www.productsup.com.
Dr. James Lechleiter of UT Health San Antonio has "a measured confidence that this treatment will in the future be used in everyday life."

An experimental brain injury medication conceived in laboratories at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) was tested Tuesday, June 14, in the first human subject, a clinical trial participant in Hungary. If the drug, called AST-004, performs well in human studies, it will be an urgently needed and novel treatment for stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) victims, including those with concussions. Plans are to study it as a chronic therapy for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers, as well.

The first trial is evaluating the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of AST-004 in healthy volunteers. Pharmacokinetics is the study of how drugs move within the body. AST-004 currently is an intravenously delivered medication, although an oral form is also being developed.

James D. Lechleiter, PhD, professor of cell systems and anatomy at UT Health San Antonio, made the discoveries that enabled AST-004 development. After a decade of research, he was the inventor of record on the first U.S. patent awarded in 2013 for a class of small molecules that showed neuroprotective effects. Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals, a privately held pharmaceutical company in Groton, Conn., entered an exclusive worldwide license agreement with UT Health San Antonio on the invention in 2015, and the health science center maintains an equity interest in its commercialization. The Office of Technology Commercialization at UT Health San Antonio played a strong assistive role, particularly during the years Dr. Lechleiter was seeking a patent and continuing through the licensing agreement process.

We started with preclinical experiments and next moved through a series of animal studies, beginning with mice and continuing in larger, more complex models, Dr. Lechleiter said. In each species, AST-004 protected the brain effectively and safely. Now, after these successes and approval by regulatory authorities, we have reached trials in humans. The science we delineated, and the results every step of the way, give us a measured confidence that this treatment will in the future be used in everyday life, including with mild concussions.

Translating laboratory discoveries into practical applications used by people is central to UT Health San Antonios role as the largest research university in South Texas.

We are proud of Dr. Lechleiters research contributions that have led to this first-in-man clinical trial, said Andrea Giuffrida, PhD, vice president for strategic industry ventures at UT Health San Antonio. A novel treatment for TBI, stroke and neurodegenerative diseases will significantly impact the field of neurology and improve the lives of countless patients.

Read more: Brain injury therapy advancing toward human studies (Oct. 4, 2021)

The first-in-human study will include up to 52 healthy participants ages 18 to 55, according to a press release by Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals. The study is funded in part by the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium in cooperation with the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command of the U.S. Department of Defense.

The collaboration with UT Health San Antonio has been sustained for almost eight years, and it has been a fantastic partnership, said Ted Liston, PhD, vice president of research at Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals. Our future plans are to continue to advance AST-004 and conduct clinical trials with patients in the U.S. and other countries, and then to seek approval of AST-004 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other world regulatory agencies.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio(UT Health San Antonio) is a primary driver for San Antonios $42.4 billion health care and biosciences sector, the citys largest economic generator. Driving substantial economic impact with its five professional schools, a diverse workforce of 7,200, an annual operating budget of more than $1 billion and a clinical practice that provides more than 2 million patient visits each year, UT Health San Antonio plans to add more than 1,500 higher-wage jobs over the next five years to serve San Antonio, Bexar County and South Texas. UT Health San Antonio is the largest research university in South Texas with an annual research portfolio of approximately $350 million. To learn about the many ways We make lives better, visit https://www.uthscsa.edu.

Stay connected with The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
Joins the Penetron USA team: An experienced construction industry salesperson, Matt Martinez will play a key role in maintaining Penetrons rapid growth across the Southern USA. Were looking forward to having Matt as part of our USA organization. With his experience in the construction industry  he will be an outstanding addition to our team!

On May 16th, 2022, Penetron USA announced the appointment of Matt Martinez as Account Manager for the Southern USA region. This latest appointment is a further step in the ongoing expansion of the Penetron Technical and Customer Support team, with a focus on the Southern region of the USA, a region of strong recent growth for the company.

Based in Corpus Christi, Texas, Matt Martinez will be responsible for sales and technical support for Penetron customers in the Southern USA region, covering Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Mexico. As an experienced sales representative with a successful track record in the construction industry, Matt offers his clients expertise in large-scale commercial projects  and concrete durability solutions.

Matt will concentrate on the Southern USA, a particularly fast-growing region for Penetron, explains Christopher Chen, Director of The Penetron Group, and head of all North America activities. His familiarity with industrial construction projects makes him a welcome addition to the Penetron USA team  and will help boost our customer support efforts.

With a degree in Process Technology (BS) from Del Mar College, Matt has held sales and account management positions as Regional Sales Manager for Stream Construction, and Regional Sales Manager for Oilvilla Midstream Services, both in Texas. He is also a member of the Association of Chemical Industry of Texas (ACIT), and the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of South Texas.

As an experienced salesperson in the construction industry, Im impressed with Penetrons reputation for a high level of technical support and the performance of the products that make up the Penetron System, explains Matt Martinez. Im excited to get started!

Penetron continues to grow thanks to the talents and commitment of people from across our global network. With a wide range of expertise, they help us consistently improve our overall customer support efforts, says Robert Revera, President and CEO of The Penetron Group. Were looking forward to having Matt as part of our USA organization. With his experience in the construction industry  he will be an outstanding addition to our team!

The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives and distribution channels.

For more information on Penetron waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook(dot)com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com, or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700.
The Hub at Metuchen (AFTER) Over our 30 plus year history, land sellers have trusted us to help unlock the development potential of their property, said Robert Adinolfi, Chief Operating Officer at Renaissance Properties.

Renaissance Properties has announced it is seeking new land acquisition opportunities for raw land, residential subdivisions, mixed use, urban infill and redevelopment sites in and around Monmouth, Middlesex, Mercer, Somerset and Ocean Counties. The multi-faceted, full-service real estate development firm, builder and real estate asset manager with a robust portfolio of properties under management is actively expanding its pipeline of development properties.

With over 1,000 new homes and well over 1,000,000 sq. ft. of commercial space to its credit, Renaissance Properties has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate development and investment community. Over our 30 plus year history, land sellers have trusted us to help unlock the development potential of their property, said Robert Adinolfi, Chief Operating Officer at Renaissance Properties.

Whether its raw land that needs a guiding force to design and procure approvals to build, a redevelopment site/subdivision that needs a fresh perspective to set it in motion, or an asset that could use the benefit of a seasoned, dedicated team of professionals to consult, analyze and elevate it, Renaissance Properties can help, said Adinolfi. With an eye towards maximizing achievable value for all stakeholders, Renaissance Properties efforts have enhanced value for landowners, banks, investors, landlords, and municipalities all with a personal touch that distinguishes it from larger organizations.

Renaissance Properties stellar resume speaks for itself.

When Metuchen sought to capitalize on its commuter-friendly location and redevelop some strategic properties, Renaissance Properties was there to deliver a Whole Foods-anchored shopping center and mixed-use apartment and retail center.

After overcoming environmental challenges that have become commonplace in many urban settings, Renaissance Properties designed The Hub at Metuchen, a mixed-use development with a four-story apartment building at the rear of the site and two buildings at the front of the site with retail on the first floor and apartments above.

When Chesterfield Township needed the final piece of their master-planned Old York Village Smart Growth community, Renaissance Properties delivered a brand new downtown with appealing retail storefronts and apartments uniquely designed to complement the charming, neo-traditional architecture employed throughout the community.

When a local lender found itself saddled with some partially completed residential projects, Renaissance Properties stepped in to navigate their completion and help maximize the recovery for the bank and for all stakeholders.

Whether raw or approved, residential or commercial, or if it just needs a fresh perspective supported by decades of diverse development experience, the team at Renaissance Properties is prepared to move your property forward. Please direct all potential opportunities to Robert Adinolfi at 732-970-9400, ext. 105.

About Renaissance Properties

Since its creation more than 30 years ago, Renaissance Properties has evolved from a small real estate brokerage company to a multi-faceted real estate development firm and home builder with over 1,000 new homes and nearly 800,000 square feet of commercial space to its credit. The dedicated team at Renaissance Properties works tirelessly to ensure quality, integrity and customer satisfaction in all its endeavors. With distinctive designs and accommodating layouts, new home buyers and tenants alike are delighted with the product offered by Renaissance Properties. To learn more, visit RenaissanceProp.com.


With the new integration, customers of both SIGNiX and Box can more easily organize and access their legal documents in a secure and more streamlined process.

SIGNiX, a leading digital signature and Remote Online Notarization technology company based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has developed a new integration with Box, the leading Content Cloud. This integration allows SIGNiX and Box users to sign and notarize their documents in a simple, secure, and timely manner then push documents directly into their Box Content Cloud account for storage.

Current and target clients from both companies will benefit from this seamless integration since both organizations have users in highly regulated industries, including financial services, healthcare, insurance, life sciences, real estate, and government. These clients will now be able to process documents including, but not limited to, deeds, affidavits, and lien releases in a more streamlined workflow.

Key Benefits of the SIGNiX and Box Integration:



Easy to implement and use

Reduces turnaround time for multiple business processes

Users can push documents to Box without leaving the SIGNiX platform

Users can securely store documents in a designated folder in their Box Account in the cloud

SIGNiXs digital signature platform ensures that every signature, not just the final document, is cryptographically sealed with the legal evidence embedded in the document. With the new Box integration, customers of both companies can more easily organize and access their legal documents in a secure and more streamlined process.

About SIGNiX

SIGNiX provides digital signature and remote online notarization technology to users in highly regulated industries. Our cloud-based platform protects critical documents and contracts from tampering. Since all the necessary legal evidence is contained within the digitally signed document, SIGNiX clients can store their documents on their servers and not rely on a vendor to provide future evidence and verification. SIGNiXs technology ensures document enforceability and independent verification by giving users complete ownership and control of their digitally signed documents.


The secondary market for components is also helping to ease the burden of the ongoing shortages and will continue to grow as technology becomes further integrated into our everyday lives.

Smith, a leading global distributor of electronic components and provider of custom supply chain services, today announces the opening of the companys new global services hub in Houston, Texas. This 30,000-square-foot expansion will complement Smiths flagship distribution center at its global headquarters, providing a flexible space that can augment Smiths existing supply chain service offerings.

Smith has seen exponential growth over the last few years, and our global operational footprint has grown in tandem, said Kirk Wehby, Chief Operating Officer at Smith. This additional space in Houston will allow us to continue our trajectory onward and upward so that we can better serve our growing customer base here and worldwide.

The new facility will house Smiths U.S.-based IT asset disposition (ITAD) services, which previously operated out of the companys Houston distribution center. The expansion will allow Smiths Intelligent ITAD program to increase its process-line-area capacity by 20 percent and the process lines roller-line capacity by 33 percent. Equipment upgrades include ten newly purchased high-capacity drive-erasure machines, with ten more machines to be added later this year, effectively doubling the validation-line capacity.

Sustainability is a key organizational tenet for many of our partners, which has driven them to look for environmentally friendly solutions for their retired IT assets, said Kirk. The secondary market for components is also helping to ease the burden of the ongoing shortages and will continue to grow as technology becomes further integrated into our everyday lives.

The global services hub incorporates added security measures to safeguard Smiths and its customers inventories. The company installed remote-operated entry gates to control delivery access and has round-the-clock security monitoring and personnel on site. The facility also includes 26-foot-high security fencing around all inventory.

Mirroring Smiths other operational hubs in Houston, Hong Kong, and Amsterdam, the new warehouse features strict environmental-control capabilities, including temperature and humidity monitoring and ESD-safe operational areas. The facility is recognized under the companys certifications to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ANSI/ESD S20.20, R2, CTPAT, and TAPA and adheres to all standards and requirements of these accreditations.

As in all areas of our business, Smith follows and exceeds every industry best practice for security and environmental controls, said Kirk. Our customers rely on us to safeguard their components, and our sophisticated control systems allow us to protect products and keep them in optimal conditions from the moment they enter our facilities until they arrive at our customers locations around the world.

In the next phase of Smiths expansion in Houston, the company plans to build out its in-house testing laboratories at its flagship operational hub. The project will increase the square footage in the functionality and authenticity test labs by 45 percent and 150 percent, respectively. Additional testing equipment will be purchased and installed in both labs in the coming months.

Since our founding, Smith has constantly evolved and innovated to meet the needs of our global partners, said Kirk. As the semiconductor industry continues on this path of explosive growth, we are primed and ready to provide the top-tier service and products that our customers expect of us, and we are excited to develop and strengthen both new and existing business opportunities.

About Smith

Founded in 1984, Smith sources, manages, and distributes the electronic components that go into everything from mobile phones and computers to appliances and directional drilling systems. In 17 cities around the world, Smiths legion of employees communicates in 50 languages and dialects and buys and sells components 24 hours per day, generating global annual sales in excess of $3.4 billion in 2021. Smith is always moving: helping manufacturers navigate market shifts; customizing supply chain solutions; testing components using cutting-edge technology. The support of Smiths flexible Intelligent DistributionTM model optimizes customers supply chains from beginning to end, including offering customized options for IT asset disposition that deliver maximum ROI, sustainability, and security. Smiths testing and logistics hubs in Houston, Hong Kong, and Amsterdam cover critical areas like quality management, counterfeit prevention, and environmental safety. Smiths operations, purchasing, and sales worldwide are seamlessly integrated with the companys global IT infrastructure, offering real-time, global inventory and logistics visibility. Smith is the leading independent distributor of electronic components and ranks number seven among all global distributors. For more information, please visit http://www.smithweb.com or reach out to a Smith representative any time of day at +1 713.430.3000.

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In addition to its significance for Elephant Insurance, the Courts opinion is also significant for other insurance companies in Texas, as it clarifies that there is no duty for post-accident safety guidance.

Thompson Coe Appellate partner Michael Eady and San Antonio Appellate lawyer Nissa Dunn successfully represented Elephant Insurance Co. in a longstanding wrongful-death case that ultimately determined whether an insurer owes a duty to give post-accident advice to its insured on how to be safe at an accident scene. See Elephant Insurance Company, LLC v. Lorraine Kenyon, Individually and as Executrix of the Estate of Theodore Kenyon, No. 20-0366 (Tex. 2022).

According to court documents, the case began when an Elephant Insurance policyholder was involved in a one-car accident on a rain-soaked road in San Antonio. The policyholder called Elephants Virginia-based first notice of loss representative from the scene. During their short conversation, the policyholder asked if they needed to take pictures and the Virginia-based representative affirmed. Moments later, another driver lost control of their car sliding into and killing the policyholders husband who had traveled to the scene to assist his wife. The policyholder filed a wrongful death action against the other driver and Elephant Insurance.

After an automobile accident, taking pictures of damage to your car, any other cars or property involved, and the road conditions is common practice and recommended on the Texas Department of Insurance website. However, this case looked at whether the existing Texas common law duty of good faith and dealing encompassed a duty on the part of the insurer to provide post-accident safety guidance or whether Elephant Insurance voluntarily assumed such a duty either during that call or under its policy, according to the Texas Supreme Court opinion.

Elephant Insurance maintained that no such dutyin essence, a duty to protectexisted between insurers and policyholders under these facts. The trial court agreed, as did the Fourth Court of Appeals three-Justice panel in a split decision. However, on rehearing, the Fourth Court of Appeals sitting en banc reversed, reaching the opposite conclusion in all regards. Elephant Insurance petitioned the Texas Supreme Court to review the Court of Appeals decision. The Texas Supreme Court accepted the petition, heard oral argument, and reversed.

After first rejecting any duty to protect or provide post-accident guidance as part of an insurers existing common law duty of good faith and fair dealing, the Court further rejected the argument that Elephant nonetheless assumed such a duty as stated in the opinion. Lastly, the Texas Supreme Court balanced the factors for determining the existence, scope, and elements of legal duties, agreeing with the trial court and the court of appeals panel that the insurer bore no such duty, as stated in the opinion.

"In addition to its significance for Elephant Insurance, the Texas Supreme Courts opinion clarifies that there is no duty for post-accident safety guidance, at least not under these facts," said Michael Eady.

Dallas partner Roger Higgins and Austin senior attorney Elizabeth Brabb also assisted in the case.

About Thompson Coe

Founded in 1951, Thompson Coe has been providing legal services to clients both regionally and nationally for 70 years. Thompson Coe is 200+ attorney firm with offices in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston, Texas; New Orleans, Louisiana; and St. Paul, Minnesota. The firm is highly recognized for its civil litigation capabilities and its diverse group of attorneys who have the experience, resources, and capacity to respond to the multi-service demands of their clients across multiple states and industries. Thompson Coe offers comprehensive legal services in areas of Insurance Litigation and Coverage, Products Liability, Mass Torts, Property and Casualty Litigation, Labor and Employment, Business & Commercial Litigation, Professional Liability, Appellate Law, Insurance Regulation, State Legislation, and Business Transactions, among others. Thompson Coe is recognized as a Band 1 law firm for Insurance in Texas by Chambers & Partners USA 2004-2022.
Being headquartered in Texas, we felt that nothing grounded us, geographically, better than a Texas BBQ theme. It provides a comfortable, welcoming setting that isnt stuffy and allows guests and staff to enjoy great food while getting to know one another.

The Trade Group, an award-winning event marketing company, is pleased to announce that they are attending and exhibiting at EXHIBITORLIVE in Las Vegas June 21-23, 2022. This will be the 6th year the company has attended EXHIBITORLIVE , the premier event for the trade show and corporate event marketing industry.

According to The Trade Groups Chief Revenue Officer Malcolm Gilvar, Were excited to return to EXHIBITORLIVE this June and expect to see corporate exhibitors back in full force. Of course, were also hoping to see great attendance like we have at other recent shows. Due to the pandemic, theres a lot of pent-up demand to create new booth assets and experiences, so the time is right to check out whats new and move forward with those projects.

Attendees who visit The Trade Groups Booth #633 at Mandalay Bay can expect to get a taste of all the company has to offer and see the latest innovations in experiential marketing and exhibit design.

As The Trade Groups VP of Design Mike Graziani explains, We realize it isnt enough to simply show hardware at a show like EXIHIBITORLIVE. Every exhibit house attending can build a booth. We want to take the opportunity to meet with prospective clients and learn how to better serve our customer base.

Graziani and the design team used Texas BBQ as an inspiration to accomplish these objectives with a 20x30 island booth. Being headquartered in Texas, we felt that nothing grounded us, geographically, better than a Texas BBQ theme. It provides a comfortable, welcoming setting that isnt stuffy and allows guests and staff to enjoy great food while getting to know one another, says Graziani.

With the business of live events getting back into full swing, Gilvar expects to see more companies take a hybrid approach to exhibiting at EXHIBITORLIVE, just as he has seen at other recent shows. The pandemic spurred exhibitors to innovate and learn how to connect with customers digitally, so clients who cant attend in person now have more avenues to engage with companies in a meaningful way. We look forward to engaging with trade show and event marketers at EXHIBITOR, both face-to-face and through our digital channels.

For information on The Trade Groups event marketing, creative design, structural design and fabrication services, call 800-343-2005 or visit http://www.tradegroup.com.

ABOUT THE TRADE GROUP

The Trade Group is an award-winning, full-service event marketing company specializing in exhibit design and fabrication, graphic design and production, videography, experiential marketing and more. Since 1986, the companys team of event, design, and engineering experts have helped thousands of clients amplify their brands and successfully navigate a wide range of events and experiences.
These individuals frequently surpass expectations through performance outcomes and their consistent display of Amerisures values. They each make significant contributions to our mission and vision every day," said Erin Buddie, Amerisures vice president of human resources.

Amerisure is pleased to announce three employees have been selected as emerging leaders by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), AM Best, and the Insurance Careers Movement.

Kalin Coon, business development manager; Anastasia Gale, director of corporate & regulatory counsel; and RaFeael Smith, claims unit manager, have been awarded the prestigious recognition designed to identify the best and brightest rising talents in the insurance industry. With their selection, the employees are invited to attend the Emerging Leaders conference in Denver, Colorado, this August.

Amerisure is proud to have Kalin, Anastasia and RaFeael represent our organization in this years class of emerging leaders, said Erin Buddie, Amerisures vice president of human resources. These individuals frequently surpass expectations through performance outcomes and their consistent display of Amerisures values. They each make significant contributions to our mission and vision every day.

Nominees for the emerging leader recognition require more than eight years of experience. Within a variety of roles, they are already making a positive impact within their companies and the industry.

Since the emerging leaders program began, Amerisure has made a strong showing. In 2020, two employees were selected  John Calloway, director of field underwriting, and LaDonna Murphy, claims unit manager. Amerisures vice president of field marketing & underwriting, Jessica Soufrine, was chosen for the 2018 inaugural class of emerging leaders.

To learn more about the Emerging Leaders Conference and other events, visit the APCIA website.

About Amerisure Insurance

Amerisure is a leading provider of commercial property and casualty insurance solutions for U.S.-based construction, manufacturing and healthcare businesses. Licensed in all fifty states and available through an exclusive network of elite independent agents, the company upholds an A (Excellent) financial strength rating, industry-leading service scores, and multiple awards for innovation. Amerisure has been in business for more than 100 years and is consistently named among the best places to work in the industry and throughout the nation. To learn more, visit Amerisure.com.
This data demonstrates that the UN is not only a critical forum where the U.S. engages with the world  it is also a good business partner, said Peter Yeo, President of the Better World Campaign.

New research released by the Better World Campaign today found that U.S. businesses won over $1.93 billion in procurement contracts with the United Nations in 2020, by far the most of any country around the world.

In order to carry out its global operations, the UN purchases an array of goods and services from private vendors, including telecommunications equipment, financial services, construction, food production, medical care, office equipment, and armored vehicles.

This data demonstrates that the UN is not only a critical forum where the U.S. engages with the world  it is also a good business partner, said Peter Yeo, President of the Better World Campaign.

New York, New Jersey, Maine, Virginia, Georgia and California all received significant UN contracts in 2020. Cisco, Merck, Procter & Gamble all won significant contracts, with the largest procurement contract won by Pfizer, headquartered in New York City, worth $254.6 million.

It is no surprise that the largest share of contracts are located in areas that surround the UNs headquarters. But transactions are also happening in Ohio, Texas, Rhode Island and North Carolina, demonstrating the many connections the UN has across the country in a wide variety of sectors, Yeo added.

Considering all global suppliers, the largest procurement sectors included Health ($5.5 billion); Construction, Engineering, and Science ($3.01 billion); Food and Farming ($2.5 billion); Transportation and Storage ($2.3 billion)  all of which saw increases from 2019.

Ninety-four Senators and 227 members of the House of Representatives have at least one company headquartered in their district or state that are directly benefiting from doing business with the UN.

The $1.93 billion procured in 2020 is an 11 percent increase from 2019 ($1.74 billion), due in part to the World Health Organizations procurement of goods and services to battle COVID-19.

For more on how each state fared, click here.

About the Better World Campaign

The Better World Campaign, an initiative of the Better World Fund, works to strengthen the relationship between the United States and the United Nations. It encourages U.S. leadership to enhance the UNs ability to carry out its invaluable international work on behalf of peace, progress, freedom, and justice. For more information, visit http://www.betterworldcampaign.org.

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The new way that prospects shop for solutions is one of the reasons we developed the LeadResolution platform, said Logan Kelly, VP of Strategy at Union Resolute.

As technological and society-based shifts in the workforcefor example, the proliferation of review websites and the push toward more and more remote workthe buyers journey has changed. Today, between 50 and 90 percent of the sales process is done before the salesperson even gets involved, which means sales teams must adapt and meet prospects wherever they are on their own journey.

The new way that prospects shop for solutions is one of the reasons we developed the LeadResolution platform, said Logan Kelly, VP of Strategy at Union Resolute. The ability to nurture these leads earlier in the process and making sure time spent by sales is being used on the best possible candidates is the power of HQLs as provided by LeadResolution.

The new features added to LeadResolution include:

AI-Powered News Feeds: Lead records are now furnished with news articles that may be relevant to the prospect, determined by artificial intelligence assessing the individuals industry, company, role and factoring in current events and financial news. This added context empowers sales reps to gain familiarity with what matters to their prospect, make sure the outreach is customized and current, and answers the age-old question that has challenged salespersons for years: what should I say to my prospect?

CallSine Functionality: CallSine, the popular tool that provides sales reps with accurate contact information for prospects in a single click, is provided at no additional cost to LeadResolution users as a browser extension. This contact database will save sales teams hoursno more spending long stretches of time doing prep work before reaching out to a prospect only to have it all amount to nothing due to an undeliverable email and no other valid contact methods available for that person.

Table Management and Functionality: The Union Resolute team pays careful attention to client feedback, and one of the most requested features in recent months has been an option to organize leads in the LeadResolution platform in table form, in addition to the usual business card format that the platform has used previously. Not only will this UI change allow for more easy categorization and filtering of leadssomething that can get tricky when the platform is filling up with quality leads fastbut this table functionality allows users to execute their outreach from one page, even with customization options. This is another massive time saver.

These tools further empower our customers and put even more distance between LeadResolution and the next-best solution on the market, said Kelly. Our goal has always been to offer the easiest and most powerful outreach tool for HQLs, and these upgrades to the platform have already been well received by the first clients to access them. Sales teams are in need of ways to assure that they are spending their valuable time wisely, and LeadResolution does just that. After all, whoever spends their time more effectively will be the winner in their industrywere set to crown a lot of winners here.

About Union Resolute

Union Resolute uses AI, intent data, and a powerful platform to generate highly qualified leads (HQLs) for any size B2B company. Its suite of sales empowerment tools, including the industry-leading LeadResolution platform, combines AI and human outreach to help sales professionals focus on the right leads and close more deals. Learn more and take a 10-minute FitAnalysis to learn if your company is a match for Unions intent-based sales approach at http://www.unionresolute.com.


She Let God Write Her Story: an enjoyable story of family connection and Gods blessings. She Let God Write Her Story is the creation of published author Yelena Borichevska.

Borichevska shares, The story of a young girl who moved from Ukraine to the United States shortly after 9/11. The story of how a girls desire to please God and choose his will for her life put her through trials and challenges of life.

Yelena was born and raised in Rivne, Ukraine, and moved to Americas Vancouver when she was almost seventeen. Yelena has always considered herself blessed beyond limits because of being raised by her God-loving and God-fearing parents. She considers her parents, siblings, friends, and every individual that touched her life as the greatest gifts from the most generous God. She has always been passionate about doing everything for Gods glory and choosing his will for her life. Lena strongly believes that believing in Gods perfect salvation plan through Jesus and having a personal close relationship with God can get anyone through any challenges and trials in life. Plus the believing offers the greatest hope for an amazing eternity. She also believes that trials are an integral part of anyones life allowed by God for us to grow and exercise trust and dependence on him as he desires to be our greatest resource, helper, and advocate, which he achieves through the Holy Spirit. If we let him.

Yelena has been married to her husband, Vitaliy, since 2008. She loves being a mom to her daughter Ashley. She has two brothers, five sisters, thirteen nephews, and six nieces.

For over a decade, Yelena worked in the local health care, where she poured her love and skills into patients and coworkers. She runs a successful real estate business, which rewards her with happy clients and finances she can generously share with those in need (as she always dreamed) and is working on reaching other dreams and goals that God has carved in her heart.

Yelena loves spending time with her family, travelling, being in nature, rollerblading, reading, and impacting others in a positive way. Even if it is just giving them her smile.

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Yelena Borichevskas new book will take readers firsthand into the life of a young woman freshly immigrated to the United States.

Borichevska brings readers a message of hope and positivity as she recounts personal experiences through lifes challenges and victories.

Consumers can purchase She Let God Write Her Story at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about She Let God Write Her Story, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
By creating a new Resident Engagement & Experience standard in our communities with Flamingo, we are offering added value for clients, residents, and our staff

ZRS and Flamingo have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at simplifying the way onsite teams engage residents. The objective is to further develop the resident experience in the 200+ ZRS-managed communities, for example, through Flamingo's resident events.

What started as a pilot with a few communities has transformed into a portfolio-wide partnership in just a couple of months. "We need strong partnerships if we are to advance the resident experience for this industry. By creating a new Resident Engagement & Experience standard in our communities with Flamingo, we are offering added value for clients, residents, and our staff," explains Jeremy Brown, Vice President of Marketing at ZRS Management.

At the core of this collaboration is the rapid growth that ZRS Management has seen in the last years. ZRS earned national recognition earlier in the year by making the National Multifamily Housing Council's (NMHC) 2022 NMHC 50, the annual ranking of the nation's largest apartment owners, managers, developers, builders, and syndicators as the 27th Apartment Manager in the country, with 60,193 units. All of which will now benefit from the partnership. "We've gotten this far by exceeding the expectations of our clients. We understand the role that Resident Engagement & Experience play in overall NOI, so teaming up with Flamingo was a no-brainer for us. They have the expertise and the platform to help our site teams create engaged communities, so we couldn't be more excited." Shared Josh Cohen, Marketing Manager at ZRS Management.

"Resident experience is a term often used in Multifamily; however, very few companies truly commit processes and resources to improve it. Flamingo's One-App Platform aims to change that. The communities out there that are thriving, the ones with the highest NOI, are the ones who pay attention to Resident Experience. ZRS understands that, and their site teams are doing an amazing job with their properties. Our platform will empower them to be more strategic and proactive with their efforts. We're extremely proud to partner with such a forward-thinking company", says Jude Chiy, CEO & Founder of Flamingo.

About ZRS

ZRS Management, LLC is a Florida Limited Liability Company originally formed in 1991 to manage high-quality multifamily communities. In 2010, ZRS Management, LLC became a stand-alone third party management company. Currently, ZRS manages over 60,000 units for various institutional clients, partnerships, and individual owners.

About Flamingo

Flamingo is an all-in-one resident engagement and experience platform providing the One-App Resident Journey. Instead of making residents download a million apps, apartments now use Flamingos One-App Resident Journey to offer everything residents need in one app - resident events, on-demand fitness, rewards, digital resident guide, move-in, communication, and more. Over 1100 apartments use Flamingos platform to stand out.
The RIW newsletter provides the essential weekly inspiration for every changemaker driving innovation in retail and along the customer experience journey. This week we're sharing ideas around key strategies for servicing modern families, chic summer pop-ups, the next-gen tech powering personalization, and a special event invitation from our friends over at ecommerce helpdesk platform Gorgias.

Selling to Millennial Parents, Supporting Their Families

Parenting is nothing new, but as a new generation of digital natives are entering the cohort they are influencing the general needs and expectations around parenting and family lifestyles. New research from PSFK shows there is a growing demand from millennial parents for play-focused experiences that create child-parent bonding activities, increased support, relevant content and product offerings, as well as a strong desire for access to third-party experts at all stages of parenting.

Walmart expands its in-store, online services for new & expectant parents

Together with Tot Squad, Walmart is giving parents and new families an innovative support platform dedicated to making everything from the first few weeks of parenthood to the first couple years a little easier. Walmart/Tot Squad

H&M targets ethically-minded parents with biodegradable baby clothes

H&M's innovative collection of fully compostable baby clothes offers a window into the retailer's broader strategy of appealing to the sensibilities of a new generation of young parents and their concerns. H&M Biodegradable Baby Clothes

Ally Bank builds a Minecraft world to teach kids and teens about money

As players explore the world, called Fintropolis, they learn through different experiences about the core components of a strong financial life including budgeting, building credit and managing debt, as well as the basics of investing. Ally / Fintropolis

Read More: PSFK's Guide to Engaging Families

Discover 5 strategies to empower parents and families through support initiatives, including market statistics and insights into the changing consumer behaviors and expectations around parenting. Report on Marketing to Millennial Parents

DTCX is back NEXT WEEK from our friends at Gorgias, and we can't wait for you to join!

Ecommerce remains a considerable revenue engine, continuously growing at a fast pace. This has brought even greater competition, making it crucial for retailers and brands to stay on top of things.

DTCX4 goes live on June 22 & 23 and will focus on helping you make the right moves to skyrocket your business in every area going forward.

Join 100+ speakers from North America, EMEA and APAC, along with Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify.

They will be sharing actionable tips for ecommerce and customer experience. Retailers who maintain a consumer-first approach know that it is the key to sustainable success.

What else you can expect:

Discover innovative strategies, tech, and trends for ecommerce from other speakers and industry leaders like Crossnet, True Classic Tees, Hush, Chase Dimond, Vegamour, Steve Chou, Jones Road Beauty, and more.

Learn how winning retailers and brands are staying ahead with the latest digital ecommerce practices.

Thanks to the support of our partners at ecommerce helpdesk Giorgas, DTCX4 is virtual and completely FREE to attend.

Phygital Fittings

Augmented reality tools and innovative new tech are revolutionizing the product trial experience and personalization journey. Retailers are offering new features and in-store solutions that leverage shopper preferences to help narrow down choices and suggest the best, most personalized options; as well as deploying AR and virtual try-on tools that make the path to purchase as frictionless as possible.

H&M personalizes the in-store experience with smart mirrors

H&M is testing out smart mirror technology in its COS brand stores in the US, starting at a location in Beverly Hills, CA. The COS stores will feature smart mirrors in fitting rooms that can identify products, including their size and color, and provide personalized recommendations to shoppers. There will also be smart mirrors on the sales floor for virtual try-on and styling, as well as new checkout, delivery and returns technology. H&M Group

Amazon taps AR tech for virtual shoe try-on capabilities

Amazon has created a mobile augmented reality tool called Virtual Try-On for Shoes. The feature lets shoppers visualize how a pair of shoes will look on them, creating a more immersive experience. Accessible within the Amazon Shopping app, users can also change the shoe colors and move their feet to see how shoes look at every angle. Amazon

YSL Beaute matches shoppers to fragrances with 95% accuracy

Using an innovative, AI-powered multi-sensor headset, a team of perfume experts have developed a new fragrance consultation experience that analyzes the behavior, preferences, stress, and attention of consumers to determine the scent that most accurately suits their emotions. The immersive system can personalize scents with up to 95% accuracy, and will be available in Yves Saint Laurent Beaute flagship stores worldwide. Loreal

RTFKT and Byredo create phygital scent auras

A new perfume collaboration between RTFKT and Byredo, called Alphameta, is creating both digital and physical scents. The brands are visually rendering perfume ingredients that represent emotions and, when combined into a perfume, will be wearable as visual auras via RTFKTs avatar ecosystem as well as produced as personalized IRL fragrances by Byredo for NFT holders. Alphameta

PSFK's latest must-read playbook for marketing to millennial parents and providing services and support to their families.

More Info On Engaging And Selling To Modern Families

Summer Pop-Ups To Connect With Shoppers

Retailers and luxury brands are channeling their inner Slim Aarons this summer and turning to chic, outdoor activations to connect with shoppers. As the sun comes out and summer kicks off, top fashion houses are responding to shoppers' desire, after the past two+ years, to simply be a beautiful person in a beautiful place.



Ralphs Bar by Ralph Lauren opens in China

Just in time for the summer, Ralph Lauren is opening the brands first restaurant and bar in China in a new Double RL store within the Jin Jiang District of Chengdu. Ralphs Bar will offer American hospitality and cuisine with signature dishes and cocktails inspired by Ralph Laurens other iconic restaurants worldwide. RLI



Dior takes over historic Italian beach club for the summer

To celebrate the launch of its annual Dioriviera beach collection, Dior is taking over a portion of one of Italys most exclusive beach clubs, the Bagni Fiore near Portofino in the bay of Paraggi. Coincidentally, Diors parent company LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton operates the beach club through its hospitality division. LVMH



Louis Vuitton opens summer-only restaurant in Saint-Tropez

The French luxury giant is opening a 40-seat outdoor restaurant at the White 1921 Hotel in Saint Tropez. The restaurant is called the Mory Sacko at Louis Vuitton and will open this Friday. While the pop up is not attached to a specific Louis Vuitton store, there is one conveniently close by. Louis Vuitton



Erewhon partners with Maui's Grand Wailea resort

The upscale organic food market is joining forces with the Hawaiian luxury resort, Grand Wailea on the island of Maui, to expand both brands' membership programs. Through the partnership, the resort will offer Erewhon goods and products, and Erewhon members will receive exclusive resort benefits. The two brands will also partner on further activations and promotions in Los Angeles and Hawaii later this year. Press Release
To be directed by Inaki Penafiel and Anais Pareto are set to direct, the new series will be available through the platform's service in Spain and Latin America. Maggie Civantos returns as the series lead, Barbara, the criminal psychologist who once was a victim of an express kidnapping, currently working as a negotiator to solve cases similar to hers.In season two of Express, Barbara will discover that the express kidnappings that they have been tasked to solve are just the tip of the iceberg of an industry built and sustained on fear; and that the company employing them, Zentral Risk, are major players in a far reaching and pervasive system of corruption that will continue to put the lives of her family in increasing jeopardy.Joining the cast for season two are Alejo Sauras as Iker Torres, the new police chief, and Laura Laprida as Asia, the new member to the express team who will help the team solve cases due to her unmatched gift. Although everything is not what it appears, Barbara finds hope in the relationship with the new commissar and the Express Team grows with Asia who has a dark and strange past.Express is the first local production from Starzplay to be renewed, which is creating International Originals through co-production opportunities to further curate its offering for subscribers. Produced by The Mediapro Studio, the content creation, production and distribution factory of the Mediapro Group, the eight-episode, one-hour series is scheduled to shoot for 11 weeks on location in and around the city of Madrid.Executive producers for The Mediapro Studio are Laura Fdez Espeso, Javier Mendez, Javier Pons and Ivan Escobar, as well as Mireia Acosta and Peter Tortorici for Starzplay. The action thriller is written by Ivan Escobar, Antonio Sanchez Olivas and Martin Suarez, David Sanchez Olivas and Alberto Rodriguez and created by Ivan Escobar, who also serves as the series showrunner. The Mediapro Studio Distribution will manage the series international sales.
Austin Butler says meeting Priscilla Presley for his film Elvis was a "surreal" experience.

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The 30-year-old actor recalled meeting Presley, an actress and the ex-wife of late rock and roll legend Elvis Presley , during Wednesday's episode of The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon

Butler will play Elvis Presley, who died at age 42 in 1977, in Elvis, directed by Baz Luhrmann. The actor visited Graceland, Elvis Presley's former mansion that is now a museum, and met with Priscilla Presley for the role.

"Oh man, she's just the loveliest person," Butler said of Priscilla Presley. "And when I first met her, she said very few words, but it was more looking in her eyes and you realize, this is the woman that Elvis fell in love with all those years ago."

"And she still loves him to this day, and she's the mother of his only child," he added, referencing Lisa Marie Presley. "And it was so surreal."

Butler said Priscilla Presley told him he has "big shoes to fill" with the film.

"Then she gave me this big hug and she said, 'You have a lot of support.' And that was huge," the actor said. "And then she said, 'Have you been to Graceland yet?' I said, 'I'm about to go in for the first time.' And she said, 'I truly believe that's where his spirit is.'"

"I went over there for the first time, and I spent the whole day in there by myself," he added. "And now getting to spend time with her, and be in the Jungle Room with Lisa Marie? It made me feel like I was part of the family. It was so amazing."

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Butler previously said on Good Morning America that he lost sleep because of the weight of responsibility of playing Elvis Presley

Elvis is a biographical musical drama that explores Elvis Presley's life and career through the eyes of his manager, Col. Tom Parker (Hanks). Helen Thomson, Richard Roxburgh and Olivia DeJonge also star.

The film opens in theaters June 24.
Netflix is giving a glimpse of the new film Blonde.

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The streaming service shared a teaser trailer for the movie Thursday featuring Ana de Armas.

De Armas plays late Hollywood film icon Marilyn Monroe, who died at age 36 in 1962.

Blonde is based on the Joyce Carol Oates novel of the same name. The film is written and directed by Andrew Dominik (Killing Them Softly) and received an NC-17 rating for "some sexual content" in March.

"From her volatile childhood as Norma Jeane, through her rise to stardom and romantic entanglements, Blonde blurs the lines of fact and fiction to explore the widening split between her public and private selves," an official synopsis reads.

Xavier Samuel and Evan Williams also star.

De Armas said in an interview with Netflix Queue this week that Dominik aimed to present a version of Monroe's life through her lens.

"He wanted the world to experience what it actually felt like to not only be Marilyn, but also Norma Jeane. I found that to be the most daring, unapologetic, and feminist take on her story that I had ever seen," the actress said.

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Blonde premieres Sept. 23 on Netflix.
Oscar-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson is celebrating on social media some casting news for the upcoming Lord of the Rings anime prequel movie.

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"Amazing cast of actors, lead by the brilliant Brian Cox as Helm Hammerhand just announced for Kenji Kamiyama's LOTR anime," Jackson posted Wednesday.

"Some great UK actors in there -- including Luke Pasquilino, Lorraine Ashbourne and Shaun Dooley. Excited to to hear newcomer Gaia West bring Helm's daughter, Hera, to life. To top it off we get the return of the incomparable Miranda Otto as Eowyn. Forth Eorlingas!"

Jackson directed and produced three live-action Lord of the Rings movies, as well as their three Hobbit prequels, which were all based on the fantasy novels by J.R.R. Tolkien.

His longtime collaborator Philippa Boyens is an executive producer on the anime project titled, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.

Warner Bros. Pictures plans to release the film theatrically on April 12, 2024.

Amazon Prime Video is also working on a separate live-action Lord of the Rings prequel series called The Rings of Power. It is due to start streaming on Sept. 2.
Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber celebrated their child Kai's graduation as a "modern family."

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The former couple reunited Wednesday for 13-year-old Kai's middle school graduation in New York.

Watts shared a photo on Instagram featuring Schreiber, Kai and their 14-year-old son, Sasha. Watts' partner, Billy Crudup, and Schreiber's girlfriend, Taylor Neisen, also appear in the photo.

"Congratulations to Kai," Watts captioned the post. "Class of 2022 #modernfamily #graduation."

Schreiber also posted a photo of Watts and Kai both holding bouquets of flowers.

"Congratulations!!!" the actor wrote.

Watts and Schreiber split in 2016 after 11 years together. Watts said in an interview with Vogue Australia the next year that she and Schreiber were co-parenting.

"There are good days and bad days and Liev and I are on great terms and we're trying to do our absolute best for the sake of the children and we hope to keep moving forward in that way," she added.

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Watts will star in the new film Infinite Storm, based on the Ty Gagne article High Places: Footprints in the Snow Lead to an Emotional Rescue, while Schreiber will star in an adaptation of the Ernest Hemingway novel Across the River and into the Trees.
Athens, GA (30605)

Today

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low around 70F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 90%.
Crews float a single-engine plane in the Connecticut River to the boat launch in Charlestown, N.H., on Thursday, June 23, 2022. The pilot reported having engine troubles before hitting the power lines that went over the river and then crashed into the water on Wednesday, June 22. They used a
Photographer / Multimedia Editor

Has been working as a photojournalist since 2007, before moving into newspapers, he worked with an NGO called Project HOPE. He then went to work for the Press and Sun-Bulletin in New York, and then in New England working for the Brattleboro Reformer.
WASHINGTON (AP)  A federal grand jury has indicted a California man who was found with a gun, knife and pepper spray near the home of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh after telling police he was planning to kill the justice, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Nicholas John Roske, 26, of Simi Valley, Calif., was charged in a single-count indictment with attempting to murder a Justice of the United States.

Prosecutors say Roske traveled from California to the justice's home in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with the intent of killing Kavanaugh. Roske pulled up near the home in a taxi shortly after 1 a.m. on June 8 carrying a suitcase with a gun and ammunition, a tactical chest rig with pepper spray and a knife, and a flashlight, a laser, a thermal monocular and other burglary tools, according to court papers.

Federal officials have said Roske said he purchased the gun to kill Kavanaugh and also planned to kill himself. He was arrested by police in Montgomery County, Maryland, after he called 911 and told a police dispatcher he was near Kavanaugh's home and wanted to take his own life.

Roske told police he was upset by a leaked draft opinion suggesting the Supreme Court is about to overrule Roe v. Wade, the landmark abortion case. He also said he was upset over the school massacre in Uvalde, Texas, and believed Kavanaugh would vote to loosen gun control laws, according to prosecutors.

When he got out of the taxi, Roske was spotted by two U.S. Marshals who are part of round-the-clock security provided to the justices following the leak of the draft opinion last month. But Roske was only apprehended after he called 911 and said he was having suicidal thoughts and planned to kill Kavanaugh, having found the justices address online. Roske was still on the phone when Montgomery County police arrived on the scene.

Andrew Szekely, a federal public defender who is representing Roske, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the indictment. He previously declined to comment on the case after Roske's first court appearance, the day of his arrest.

The indictment comes one day after the House gave final approval to legislation that would allow around-the-clock security protection for families of Supreme Court justices.

The Senate passed the bill unanimously last month, but it languished in the House as Democrats sought to broaden the measure to include protection for families of court employees. Republicans ramped up pressure to pass the bill after Roske's arrest at Kavanaughs house.
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BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  North Dakota Republican Gov. Doug Burgums expensive effort to influence the GOP primary and reshape the Legislature with more people who support his spending and policy goals was a mixed bag, with one of his main political foes ousted but some others winning their races.

Burgum, a wealthy former Microsoft executive, gave more than $1.2 million ahead of Tuesdays primary to a political action committee that spent against certain lawmakers, including some from the North Dakota GOP'S ultraconservative wing. The second-term governor also gave more than $3 million to the PAC in 2020 with similarly mixed results.

Burgum has declined interviews with The Associated Press to talk about his campaign spending. In a statement Wednesday, Burgum congratulated the winning candidates and said the election "saw healthy and spirited competition which is a win for North Dakota voters.

Burgums PAC named eight districts it was targeting. Based on advertising the PAC paid for, three of Burgums likely preferred Senate candidates won, while three lost. At least seven House candidates likely supported by the governor in those districts will advance this fall, while four will not.

Burgums biggest win  and probably the costliest campaign  came with the defeat of state Rep. Jeff Delzer, the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee who has clashed with the governor of policy and spending priorities.

Burgum supported political newcomers Anna Novak and Mark Pierce for two seats in the district, one occupied by Delzer and one held by incumbent Republican Bill Tviet, who is not part of the ultraconservative Bastiat Caucus. Novak and Tviet were the top vote-getters and will move on to the November election unopposed to represent the sprawling rural area northwest of Bismarck.

Burgums spending flooded the airwaves, internet and mailboxes with advertising backing his candidates.

Tviet called Burgums spending unfair and unethical  it was garbage.

He was trying to get us both out of there, Tviet said Wednesday.

Delzer, a farmer who has served in the Legislature since the early 1990s, did not return messages seeking comment Wednesday.

It's not the first time Burgum successfully spent money defeating Dezler. He also lost two years, but Burgum's hand-picked candidate died after winning the election, and Republicans chose Delzer to fill the seat.

In other races Tuesday, Republican state Rep. Jeff Magrum, a plumber and rancher, won a Senate seat over a Burgum-backed candidate. Two GOP-endorsed House members also prevailed over moderate candidates backed by Burgum.

Magrum is one of the Legislatures most conservative members. He has fought mask mandates and falsely contends Donald Trump won the 2020 presidential election. He unsuccessfully pushed an abortion ban and successfully pushed legislation that allows someone to use deadly force without retreating in certain circumstances.

Burgums focus and advertising for his preferred candidates in the rural district south of Bismarck was a turnoff to many voters, Magrum said.

So many people were so upset about the many fliers in their mailboxes" Magrum said. "The older people were really irritated.

People just dont want their Legislature bought and paid for by (Burgum), Magrum said.

Magrum last year sought to prohibit a North Dakota governor from giving cash or endorsing a member of the Legislature, but his bill failed.

Burgum and his supporters say the spending is a form of free speech.

North Dakota Republican Party Chairman Perrie Schafer said the makeup of the Legislature will remain largely the same, with ultraconservatives making little inroads in the GOP-dominated chamber

Certainly, some from the far right won and some moderate Republicans won, he said. Im not sure the calculus in the Legislature has changed.
Emily M. Olson / Hearst Connecticut Media

TORRINGTON  A crowd of family and friends of the Region 7 class of 2022 filled the Warner Theatre, with few empty seats by the time the students marched in to cheers and waves.

Region 7 High School Principal Gary Franklin paced around the studio theater, where the 174 students gathered ahead of the ceremony. Surrounded by the soon-to-be graduates, dressed in their bright red gowns, the principal said he was very pleased.
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FAIRFIELD  Police have charged an employee at the Rose Smoke and Vape Shop on Black Rock Turnpike after they say he sold marijuana and nicotine to minors.

Ali Mohamed, 20, of Bronx, N.Y., was charged with possession with intent to sell marijuana and two counts sale of marijuana, Fairfield police said. He was also charged with possession of marijuana.
Russia extends retaliatory stop list by adding 121 Australians

MOSCOW, June 16 (RAPSI)  The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Thursday the introduction of restrictive measures against 121 Australians, including heads of law enforcement agencies, business persons, experts and journalists.

The measures were introduced in response to the expanding sanctions of the Australian government, which apply to an increasing number of Russian citizens  both officials and their families, as well as representatives of the business community and the media, the statement reads, so additional 121 Australians have been added to the Russian stop list.

The persons included in the list form a "Russophobic agenda," and from now on they are denied entry to Russia on an indefinite basis, the Ministry explained.

The Russian stop list included representatives of the ABC media corporation, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Daily Telegraph, Australian newspapers, Sky News and other media.

Restrictive measures have also been imposed on Australian Deputy Defense Minister Greg Moriarty, Deputy Defense Minister Anthony Fraser and a number of other officials.

At the same time, the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that the work on updating the list would continue, since, as it was alleged, official Canberra does not intend to abandon its anti-Russian course and continues to introduce new sanctions.
TRUMBULL  The driver of a sedan headed the wrong way on Route 25 northbound was killed Wednesday after colliding with a delivery van, according to state police.

State police have identified the driver as 61-year-old Shahid Malik, of Easton. The crash occurred around 11:35 a.m.
But Sam Rainsy says the comments are the result of legal duress and part of a plot by PM Hun Sen.

Sam Rainsy (C-L) raises hands with Kem Sokha (C-R) in front of members of parliament before a swearing-in ceremony inside the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Aug. 5, 2014.

Cambodias top opposition partnership of the past decade is no more, one half of the duo said Wednesday, confirming rumors of a split within the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and raising questions over who can mount a legitimate political challenge to strongman Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Speaking during proceedings for his trial on unsubstantiated charges of treason at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, former CNRP President Kem Sokha announced that his relationship with the partys acting President Sam Rainsy had ended, although Sam Rainsy was quick to dismiss the comments as the result of legal pressure.

I am using this platform to speak about politics [to put an end to speculation]. Sam Rainsy and I are done. I would like to inform you that this is true. Its no longer Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha as one, Kem Sokha said in a rare courtroom audio recording that was later published by the pro-ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) Fresh News media outlet.

Before, Samdech [Hun Sen] maintained a culture of dialogue with Sam Rainsy, but now there is none. He [Sam Rainsy] led the Candlelight Party to join the [commune] election and in doing so, he left us and attacked me. I want to clarify this during the trial.

Sam Rainsy, who founded the Candlelight Party in 1995 before joining forces with the CNRP, has been living in self-imposed exile in France since late 2015. The opposition leader tried to return in November 2019 to lead a peaceful uprising against Hun Sens CPP, but his plan to enter Cambodia from Thailand was thwarted when he was refused permission to board a Thai Airways plane in Paris.

Kem Sokha told the court on Wednesday that he had never supported his former allys plan to return, which has subsequently been used by authorities to try and convict several opposition members on charges of incitement to overthrow the government. His comments came after being pressed by the court prosecutor to explain his connection to the events of 2019.

I didnt support him. I asked my supporters not to join. If I were granted political rights by the judge, I would have held a press conference to explain this, Kem Sokha said, referring to a court-ordered ban on his political activities during his trial.

Ive decided that Cambodia is my homeland and I have no other place that I belong. I have no interest in bringing foreigners into the country to provoke chaos.

Speaking to RFA Khmer following Wednesdays hearing, Kem Sokhas lawyer Pheng Heng confirmed his clients statement.

This is real audio recorded during the trial. He responded to the same questions [asked by the prosecutor] who accused him of assisting with Sam Rainsys repatriation, he said.

Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha ended their alliance when Sam Rainsy threw his support behind the Candlelight Party.

Pheng Heng added that he was surprised that the court had allowed Kem Sokhas statement to be taped during the trial, as reporters are normally banned from making audio or video recordings during hearings and said that he will discuss with his client whether he intends to file a complaint.

Kem Sokha leaves the Phnom Penh Municipal Court following a hearing in his case, June 15, 2022. Credit: citizen journalist Rumors of a split

Kem Sokhas claim to have ended his relationship with Sam Rainsy appear to confirm pervasive rumors of a schism within Cambodias opposition that were reignited following a four-hour meeting last month between the former CNRP president and Hun Sen at a funeral for the latters brother, during which the two discussed national policy issues.

CNRP supporters had dismissed the rumors as part of a bid by the CPP to fracture the opposition ahead of nationwide elections for local councils held earlier this month but had urged party leaders to issue a statement clarifying the status of their relationship.

The CPP claimed a sweeping victory in the commune polls last week  a contest that rights watchdogs said was heavily slanted toward the ruling party and marred by intimidation and obstruction of the opposition. The official election results will be announced on June 26.

On Wednesday, Sam Rainsy told RFA that Kem Sokha had lied about the nature of their alliance, insisting that nothing has changed.

We must look at the circumstance. Is he speaking his mind or is he being pressured? He spoke before the court that charged him, he said.

I dont change my stance. Kem Sokha is a hostage of Hun Sen. He cant say what he wants. Hun Sen has threatened Kem Sokha that he will send him back to prison.

Sam Rainsy also alleged that the leak of the courtroom audio is part of a plot organized by Hun Sen.

This is a plot to show that Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha are splitting, he said. If Cambodias democrats remain united, it will mean the end for Hun Sen. So, Im not interested in what Kem Sokha said in this circumstance.

Cambodias Supreme Court dissolved the CNRP in November 2017, two months after the arrest of Kem Sokha for his role in an alleged scheme to topple Hun Sen with the help of the U.S. government  charges he denies. The former CNRP president, who faces up to 30 years in jail, declined to vote in this months election and was joined by many of his followers.

Sam Rainsy told RFA that amid efforts to return the CNRP to legal status, the best way forward for Cambodias opposition supporters is to rally behind the Candlelight Party.

While we are in the jungle, we need candlelight until the sun rises, he said.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Lawyer for arrested Cambodian American activist Theary Seng said he has been denied access to his client.

The split between Cambodian opposition leaders Kem Sokha and Sam Rainsy could help Prime Minister Hun Sen and his ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) hold power, sources in the country told RFA.

Kem Sokha, while on trial Wednesday on unsubstantiated charges of treason, declared that his alliance with his Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) co-founder Sam Rainsy was over, seemingly confirming rumors that the countrys top opposition partnership of the past decade had ended.

Sam Rainsy, who has been living in self-imposed exile in France since 2015, attributed Kem Sokhas statement to the legal pressure he faces and said that there was no change in their relationship.

Such a split, if genuine, could help the CPP in general elections next year, and all but ensure a smooth transition of power from Hun Sen to his son, Han Manet, exiled political analyst Kim Sok told RFAs Khmer Service. Hun Sen has ruled the country since 1985.

Hun Sen will transfer power to his son because he has seen sign of split between the opposition leaders, he said.

Mey Chandara, coordinator for the Phnom Penh-based Cambodia Youth Network, told RFA that the split will cause a rift in supporters of the opposition at a time when they should be unified to challenge the ruling party.

We dont want to see them separate. We want the oppositions voices to demand justice in the upcoming election, he said.

Sam Rainsy founded the Candlelight Party under a different name in 1995. In 2012, supporters from his party and Kem Sokhas Human Rights party merged to form the CNRP, which was dissolved by Cambodias Supreme Court five years later after it performed well in the countrys 2017 communal elections.

Candlelight, as a separate party from the CNRP, was technically not affected by the ban and has risen to become the largest opposition party in the country. Sam Rainsy has thrown his support behind Candlelight, whereas Kem Sokha believes that its participation in what he viewed as a compromised election earlier this month only serves the CPP and its claims of winning the elections in a landslide.

Seng Sary, a political analyst, said the divide between the two opposition leaders was real, and not initiated for strategic purposes. He said that the split was initiated by Kem Sokha, who did not support the opposition Candlelight Party in this years local commune elections.

CPP spokesman Chhim Phalvorun dismissed the idea that the CPP would benefit from the split between Sam Rainsy and Kem Sokha. CPP will stay in power because it has the support of the people, he said.

When a wife and husband get a divorce, it is their issue. It has nothing to do with outsiders, he said.

If the rift in the opposition can be described as a divorce, it is not an amicable one, at least as far as Kem Sokhas daughter, Kem Monovithya, is concerned.

She wrote scathing criticism of Sam Rainsy on her Facebook account, accusing him of allowing Hun Sen and the CCP to use him to attack her father.

We think the ruling party wants to destroy the opposition party as a whole, especially the [Cambodia] National Rescue Party, she wrote.

[The CPP] is doing two things. It is destroying Sam Rainsy through threats to arrest him, so he fled. At the same time, it is destroying Kem Sokha by using Sam Rainsys hands to attack him because he hasnt fled, Kem Monovithya wrote.

We think the ruling party and Sam Rainsys faction think that if Kem Sokha dares to defend himself or express any different ideas [from Sam Rainsys], his popularity will decline, she said.

Kem Sokha is now more popular than when he started the Human Rights Party in 2007, Kem Monovithya added.

Kem Sokha has been the main leader since 2007, so we will continue our courage and speak the truth, even if the truth hurts Sam Rainsys faction or the ruling party, she said. In simple language, we will fight both.

Activist yet to meet lawyer

Cambodian American activist Theary Seng, who on Tuesday was arrested while she protested a mass trial that convicted her and more than 50 other democracy advocates for their associations with the CNRP, has still not been allowed to meet with her lawyer in prison.

By forbidding him to meet with his client, the lawyer, Choung Choy Ngy, told RFA that Phnom Penhs Prey Sar Prison was breaking Cambodian law, which specify that prisoners be allowed to meet with legal counsel to discuss appeals.

He said he was preparing a complaint to the Ministry of Interior, seeking intervention from Minister Sar Keng to allow him to meet Theary Seng.

Theary Seng wasnt at the announcement of the court verdict, so she doesnt [officially] know what the verdict is, so my intention was to inform her and explain her rights to appeal, Choung Choy Ngy said. I am sad that prison officials didnt allow me to meet her.

Prison Department spokesman Nuth Savna told RFA that officials have designated her as a special case, so they have worked to ensure her safety, so for the time being the prison will not allow visitors.

We didnt allow the visit due to safety and security factors, he said, adding that prison officials received information that there is a plan by Theary Seng supporters to protest in front of the prison.

The prison should allow her to meet with her lawyer, otherwise it is a violation of Theary Sengs rights, Am Sam Ath of the Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights told RFA.

The U.S. State Department said it was deeply concerned about Tuesdays verdict in a statement published Wednesday evening.

The sentencing of these opposition activists, many of whom are associated with the disbanded Cambodia National Rescue Party, is the latest instance in an alarming pattern of threats, intimidation, and persecution of opposition political leaders and parties. These actions undermine multiparty democracy and the rule of law, department spokesperson Ned Price said.

We call on Cambodian authorities to release all those unjustly detained, including Theary Seng, and protect freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, consistent with Cambodias constitution and its international obligations and commitments, he said.

Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.
Authorities across China have begun nationalizing private schools, amid ongoing reforms aimed at bringing all educational institutions under the direct control of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP).



Thirty-eight private primary and secondary schools across more than 10 districts were forced back into public ownership in the northern city of Xi'an, the municipal education bureau announced on Tuesday.



Meanwhile, the Shanghai municipal government said it had "bought out" around 20,000 places at the city's private schools, effectively turning at least 30 private schools into free education providers.



Former teacher Jia Minling said Shanghai's government had previously welcomed private education in the city, and the number of private schools had mushroomed, many of them offering extremely high standards of teaching and facilities.



"If they are taking back [the private sector] in this way, then it means education will be completely in the hands of the government," Jia said. "Private schools make efforts to compete for enrollments, and the teachers are very responsible and really serious about improving the children's grades."



Provincial authorities in the central province of Hunan, eastern province of Jiangsu and the southwestern province of Sichuan have recently all announced they are moving to ensure that private schooling accounts for no more than five percent of the education sector in their province.



An education insider in Shanghai who gave only the surname Pan said the nationalization program appears to be gathering momentum across China.



"They are gradually bringing them back into the public sector, although they can't do that all in one go," Pan said. "Now there are targets being set for each district."



"A lot of Shanghai private schools have reduced their fees ... so now, not only do they not make money, they can't even operate. They call it delisting."



The government has bought out some of the places at private schools, in order to enable students to pay no fees, according to reports, while imposing lower or zero fees on others.



More than 17,000 school places have been forcibly bought out by the government, across 87 schools, with 30 schools now charging no fees at all.



Eradicating private education



Jia said the government was "interfering" with the schools' private operations.



"Private schools are responsible for their own profits and losses," Jia said. "What right do they have to interfere with that?"



"If the tuition is too high, they will not be able to recruit students. They are restricted by the market economy," he said. "[The government] are building public schools with taxpayer money."



"Private schools are private enterprises that didnt ask the government to invest a cent when they built their schools, nor were their teachers paid by the education bureau," he said. "Now they want to take them back into public ownership when they see them doing well."



The ministry of education announced in August 2021 that there will be no more private education in China by August 2023.



On June 15, 2021 the ministry set up a new department to monitor off-campus education and training provisions and to implement "reforms to the off-campus education and training sector," and the CCP leadership then signaled on July 30 that it would crack down on private tuition schools and other measures aimed at slashing homework and out-of-hours educational activities.



Training institutions were banned from offering subject-based tutoring on national statutory holidays, rest days, or winter and summer vacations.



More than 75 percent of students in primary and secondary education attended after-school tutoring in 2016, the most recent industry figures showed, and the need to hothouse children privately to get them into the best schools was criticized by CCP leader Xi Jinping in March as a barrier to boosting birth rates.



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Bloomberg journalist Haze Fan has been released on bail, but still faces charges of "endangering state security," according to the Chinese Embassy in Washington.



"Chinese citizen [Haze] Fan Ruoyi was arrested by Chinas state security authority last July on suspicion of committing crimes endangering national security," the embassy said in a statement in response to a full-page ad in the Washington Post protesting her ongoing detention on World Press Freedom Day.



"At the request of Fans lawyer, Chinas state security authority decided to release her on bail in pending trial," the statement said, rejecting the idea that the case had anything to do with press freedom. "The case is still under investigation."



The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for Fan's immediate and unconditional release, saying the allegations against her have no credibility.



While foreign journalists have long faced challenging conditions under CCP rule, now they are also dealing with growing hostility and intimidation, including online stalking, smear campaigns, hacking and visa denials, the Foreign Correspondents' Club of China (FCCC) said in its annual report in .



More than 60 percent of respondents had been obstructed by police or officials last year, while almost all journalists who went to Xinjiang were visible followed throughout their trips, while more than a quarter said their sources had been detained, harassed or questioned more than once following interviews.



There is also a growing legal threat for journalists working in China, with the authorities encouraging a spate of lawsuits or the threat of legal action against foreign journalists, typically filed by sources long after they have explicitly agreed to be interviewed, the report said.



It said "state-backed attacks" including online trolling of foreign journalists are also on the increase.



Ronson Chan (L), president of the embattled Hong Kong Journalists' Association, talks to reporters, June 15, 2022. Credit: Reuters Embattled Hong Kong media

Ronson Chan, who has announced he will run for another term as president of the embattled Hong Kong Journalists' Association (HKJA), told RFA he felt obliged to stay in the city despite a crackdown on pro-democracy media organizations under a draconian national security law imposed by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from , 2020.



Investigations by national security police have already sparked the forcible closure of Jimmy Lai's Next Digital media empire, including the pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, as well as the closure of Stand News and Citizen News, and the "rectification" of iCable news and government broadcaster RTHK to bring them closer to Beijing's official line.



Hong Kong recently plummeted from 80th to 148th in the 2022 Reporters Without Border (RSF) press freedom index, with the closures of Apple Daily and Stand News cited as one of the main factors.



"I [had previously] said I wouldn't actively seek re-election," Chan told RFA. "By that I meant that I would step down if anyone else was willing to do it."



Chan, who has plans to study at Oxford in October, said he would consider how to fulfill the role from the U.K. later.



"As for the [political] pressure, it's pretty much the same as before," he said. "[It] has neither increased nor decreased."



"When I started working as a journalist, it wouldn't have been my choice to emigrate, or to go overseas to study for a long period of time," he said.



"Actually, I actively chose to stay in Hong Kong and share its fate."



'Dignified existence'

Chan said his aim in continuing to lead the HKJA was to enable the union to "maintain a dignified existence."



He cited the criminalization of journalists who use public websites to conduct vehicle registration and business-related searches for the purposes of researching stories.



RTHK documentary producer Bao Choy was arrested on suspicion of road traffic violations relating to vehicle registration searches used in the program, and later fined by a court.



The Hong Kong Connection TV documentary titled 7.21 Who Owns the Truth? showed clips from surveillance cameras at shops captured during the , 2019 mob attacks on passers-by in Yuen Long and interviewed people who were identified in the footage.



Its airing forced police to admit that they already had a presence in the town, but did nothing to prevent the attack, following initial denials.



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping is struggling to balance his country's geopolitical interests with his support for Russia in the wake of president Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, analysts said following a call between the two leaders.China's foreign ministry said Xi had told Putin that Beijing would work with Moscow on bilateral cooperation, but struck a cooler note on Ukraine."China is willing to work with Russia to continue supporting each other on their respective core interests concerning sovereignty and security, as well as on their major concerns," it paraphrased Xi as saying."China is also willing to work with Russia to promote solidarity and cooperation among emerging market countries and developing nations, and push for the development of the international order and global governance towards a more just and reasonable direction," Xi told Putin.But he called for a "responsible" approach to the war in Ukraine."Xi emphasized that China has always independently assessed the situation on the basis of the historical context and the merits of the issue, and actively promoted world peace and the stability of the global economic order," the foreign ministry statement said."All parties should push for a proper settlement of the Ukraine crisis in a responsible manner," it quoted Xi as saying in a phone call marking his 69th birthday.According to the Kremlin, the two leaders discussed "increasing economic cooperation, trade and military-technical ties between China and Russia."The Chinese statement made no mention of military or technical cooperation. There was also no mention of a trip by Putin to China, suggested by Xi during a phone call on

"[Beijing] is worried about U.S. sanctions, but covertly supporting Russia won't satisfy Putin, so they need to talk to each other personally," current affairs commentator Lu Nan told RFA. "Actually, what Xi Jinping does will be a long way from want Putin wants."

A photo of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at the Russian Embassy in Santiago, Chile is defaced in a protest in support of Ukraine, February 26, 2022. Credit: AFP Marriage of convenience

Xi and Putin last met in person just before Russia invaded Ukraine, vowing to boost ties during the February 2022 Winter Olympics.



China has refused to describe the Ukraine war as an invasion, nor to condemn Russia's military action in Ukraine, blaming eastward expansion by NATO for stoking security tensions with Russia and calling for the issue to be resolved through negotiation.



Chinese has repeatedly said there is "no upper limit" on bilateral cooperation, but vowed to play a "constructive role" to normalize the situation in Ukraine.



Liu Hsiao-hsiang, associate researcher at Taiwan's Institute for the National Defense and Security Research (INDSR), said the relationship between Beijing and Moscow remains a marriage of convenience.



"China and Russia have no choices right now," Liu told RFA. "China knows very well that even if it supports the West and the United States on Ukraine, that won't win it the goodwill of the U.S."



"Russia is its natural support base ... but when calculating how to support [Russia], they will always prioritize their own national interest," he said.



The U.S. State Department said on Wednesday it sees China as a close Russian ally.



"China claims to be neutral, but its behavior makes clear that it is still investing in close ties to Russia," a U.S. State Department spokesperson said in a statement shortly after Xi and Putin's call, adding that Washington is monitoring Chinese activity closely.



"China is still standing by Russia. It is still echoing Russian propaganda around the world. It is still shielding Russia in international organizations," the spokesperson said. "And it is still denying Russia's atrocities in Ukraine by suggesting instead that they were staged."



"Nations that side with Vladimir Putin will inevitably find themselves on the wrong side of history," the statement said.



"It's in the best interests of the United States for it to dampen China's support for Russia with verbal threats and actions of appeasement," Lu said.



"China won't overtly challenge Washington, but it will carry on quietly buying grain and natural resources from Russia, so as to meet its own domestic needs and also appear to be supportive of Putin," he said.

CCP 'word games'

Liu said that when the two leaders last spoke in March, the war in Ukraine had barely begun, and both likely underestimated the strength of Ukrainian military resistance.

"How the geopolitical situation changes in future will be the decisive factor," Liu said of the bilateral relationship. "The relationships between the major powers will shift along with the changes in the way the war is going."The call came as Xi issued a new directive setting out guidelines for the use of the Chinese military for "non-war operations."The Chinese government has previously defined non-war military operations as actions to create military deterrence, international peacekeeping, anti-terrorist activities, anti-smuggling, anti-drug operations, and martial law.The full text of the outline has not yet been published.Germany-based analyst Wu Wenxin said the move has parallels with Putin's "special military operations" against Ukraine, and indicate that the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is trying to create a legal basis to invade the democratic island of Taiwan."There are two reasons for this. One is that Xi Jinping's status is threatened [due to the zero-COVID policy], and he wants to stabilize support from the military ... ahead of the 20th CCP National Congress [later this year]," Wu told RFA."The other is that Xi Jinping may want to invade Taiwan," said. "But starting a war looks very negative, so he has come up with the phrase 'non-war military operation'.""The CCP is playing word games," Wu said.Akio Yaita, Taipei bureau chief for Japan's Sankei Shimbun and an expert on China, said the move is in keeping with Beijing's insistence that the Taiwan Strait is part of China's territorial waters."Everyone is still very worried about whether Xi Jinping will use this kind of 'non-military action' as justification when he launches military action against Taiwan," Yaita told RFA."Recently he proposed that the Taiwan Strait is an inland sea, that is to say, if he restricts foreign ships from entering the Taiwan Strait, it also gives him a certain legal basis [for an invasion]," he said."These moves are likely part of his political performance ahead of the CCP 20th National Congress," Yaita added.
The man and two women died when shells fell on a farm in Mui Tui village.

Drone footage shows trucks and barracks belonging to Infantry Battalion No. 274, which is stationed in Mindat Township.

Three people died Thursday after junta forces fired artillery shells at a farm in Mui Tui village in Chin States Mindat township, residents told RFA.

Yaw Man, an official from Mindat Peoples Administration which is engaged in armed resistance, said a man and two women died when shells exploded.

He said the military councils Infantry Battalion No. 274 started shelling villages in the northern part of the city on Thursday morning. Mui Tai village is located 6 miles (9.7 kilometers) from Mindat.

A 70-year-old man, a 60-year-old woman and a 30-year-old woman working on the farm died on the spot. Another was wounded by bullets. The shells also landed in the village. Three houses were destroyed there, said Yaw Man, adding the the injured man was being treated at a charity clinic near Mindat Township.

Residents told RFA that Infantry Battalion No. 274, which is based in Mindat, fired shells seven times targeting villages, including Mui Tui, in the north of Mindat city from around 9:30 a.m. Locals said the army was not targeting local Peoples Defense Forces (PDFs), but deliberately aiming at the villages.

Calls to a military council spokesman by RFA on Thursday morning went unanswered. In the past, the spokesman has said the army had to open fire to destroy villages where local PDFs were sheltering and conducting military training.

On May 23, heavy artillery fired by Infantry Battalion No. 274 hit a house in Madat village critically injuring an 11-year-old boy whose right leg had to be amputated.

Chin State was one of the first regions in Myanmar to form militias to fight the military following the coup in February last year. More than 200 people have been killed in the state since then according to the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO), which monitors human rights abuses.

At least 10 civilians have been killed in Mindat City and Mindat Township since February 1, 2021. Fighting between junta troops and local militias has forced nearly 90,000 locals to flee their homes in Chin State.
The 47 nations call on the UN human rights chief to issue an overdue report on abuse in Xinjiang.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet leaves after she addresses the press on the opening day of the 50th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, June 13, 2022.

Nearly 50 United Nations member states on Wednesday issued a joint statement criticizing Chinas atrocities against Uyghurs and calling on the U.N. human rights chief to release a long-overdue report on abuses in Xinjiang.

Paul Bekkers, the permanent representative of the Netherlands to the U.N. office in Geneva, delivered the statement on behalf of 47 countries, saying the member states continued to be gravely concerned about the human rights situation in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).

Bekkers cited well-researched and credible reports of the detention of more than 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities in the region, along with widespread surveillance, discrimination, and severe restrictions on culture and freedom of religion that these groups face there.

We are also concerned about reports of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, forced sterilization, sexual and gender-based violence, forced labor, and forced separation of children from their parents by authorities, he said.

Bekkers also said the member states continued to be gravely concerned about deteriorating human rights situations in Hong Kong and Tibet.

In the statement, the nations urged China to respect for the rule of law, to protect human rights, to provide unfettered access for independent observers to Xinjiang, and to respect the principle of non-refoulement, which prevents people who have the right to be recognized as refugees from being forcefully returned to countries where they could be harmed.

The statement from the member states came more than two weeks after Michelle Bachelet, a former Chilean president who has served as the U.N. high commissioner for human rights since 2018, wrapped up a six-day visit to China in May, including stops in its far-western region Xinjiang.

At a news briefing following the visit, Bachelet, 70, said she was not in China for an official investigation of the situation in Xinjiang, though she said she had unsupervised access to sources that the U.N. had arranged to meet there.

Uyghur rights groups demanded her resignation after they said she repeated Chinese talking points and said she had been unable to assess the full scale of what Beijing calls vocational education and training centers in Xinjiang, but which the human rights community and scholars call internment camps.

Bekkers said Beijing should stop arbitrary detentions and immediately release those held, end travel restrictions, and begin impartial investigations into allegations of racial, ethnic and ethno-religious profiling, which were among the eight recommendations relating to Xinjiang issued in August 2018 by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination within Bachelets office.

Bekkers also called on Bachelet to disclose more information about her visit to China.

We are interested in more detailed observations, including on the restrictions the Chinese authorities imposed on the visit as well as on your access to members of civil society and to places of your choice, he said.

As for the overdue report on abuses in Xinjiang, Bachelet informed the Human Rights Council in September 2021 that her office was finalizing its assessment of information on allegations of rights violations. Three months later, a spokesperson said the report would be issued in a matter of weeks, but it was not released.

Support is growing

The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) praised the issuance of the statement, saying it was pleased to see many countries from Latin America and the Pacific sign onto it, though the effort was bittersweet.

However, like last time, there is no single Muslim nation among them. It is very tragic, said Semet Abla, vice chairman of WUCs Executive Committee.

But WUC president Dolkun Isa pointed out that the number of U.N. member states supporting the Uyghurs has been steadily growing with 47 backing Wednesdays statement, compared to 43 showing support for Uyghur issues in 2021, and 14 in 2018.

Even Israel was one of the signatories of the statement, he said. Even though Turkey did not sign the statement, it issued a strong condemnation and rebuke of the Chinese concentration camps.

On Monday, Bachelet told officials attending the Human Rights Council session that she raised concerns about the human rights situation concerning Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities in Xinjiang during her trip.

My offices assessment of the human rights situation in Xinjiang is being updated, she said in an oral update at the session. It will be shared with the government for factual comments before publication.

Bachelet also said that her office and the Chinese government agreed to hold an annual senior meeting on human rights and to continue exchanges on human rights issues of concern.

We are now elaborating concrete steps to put the agreements into action, she said.

Sophie Richardson, China director of New York-based Human Rights Watch, noted that Bachelet now has said that she will release the report before the end of her term ends in August or September.

And we certainly hope that she follows through on that, she told RFA.

We are a bit skeptical, but nevertheless still think that it is extremely important to hear the United Nations Human Rights Office offer up its assessment based on remote monitoring of what Human Rights Watch deems crimes against humanity targeting Uyghurs and other Turkic communities, Richardson said.

Bachelet also said Monday that she would not seek a second term for personal reasons, but later told reporters her decision was not connected to criticism over her China trip.

As my term as high commissioner draws to a close, this councils milestone 50th session will be the last which I brief, she said.

Translated by Mamatjan Juma for RFA Uyghur. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Talks to "normalize" relations between Ankara and Yerevan are ongoing, but some villagers near the shared border are already preparing for long-abandoned crossing points to reopen. No one knows if the border between Turkey and Armenia will reopen, but Vacho Smbatian is banking on it. "I'm renovating my house. I'm going to turn it into a hotel," Smbatian told RFE/RL as his flock of sheep grazed near the overgrown Akhuryan train station, 3 kilometers from the Turkish border.

Inside Smbatian's house, workers bustle back and forth and the buzz of power tools occasionally drowns out conversation. The 39-year-old envisions the property becoming a kind of modern-day caravanserai of the Caucasus if the trains that once trundled into Akhuryan station from Turkey return.

Turkish/Armenian border crossings have been shut since 1993, after Azerbaijans Kalbacar district was seized by ethnic Armenian forces during the first war between Yerevan and Baku over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. In solidarity with Azerbaijan, Turkey cut off ties with Armenia, further isolating the small Christian state, whose eastern border with Azerbaijan was already locked shut. Turkey insisted its border would reopen only if Kalbacar was returned to Azerbaijani control. When Azerbaijan launched a massive offensive to wrest land back from Armenia in late 2020, that territory was recaptured by Baku, meaning Turkey's stated reason for the border closure had disappeared.

Talks between Armenia and Turkey to "normalize" relations have been ongoing since January this year. Both sides have expressed willingness to reopen their shared border, but Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian used language that also leaves room for maintaining the status quo, and two previous similar attempts at reestablishing ties failed, most recently in 2010. Some Armenians have warned against diplomatic links being restored, referencing the long shadow cast by the massacres beginning in 1915 in which up to 1.5 million Armenians were exterminated by Ottoman Turks, an atrocity that shocked the world, but which Turkey continues to downplay. Ankara also helped Azerbaijan in the 2020 conflict in which thousands of soldiers were killed -- many on the Armenian side by Turkish-made drones -- and several civilians were sadistically killed. Erdogan also celebrated Yerevan's defeat in an infamous December 2020 victory parade in Baku.

If talks succeed, Armenia stands to gain massively from the opening of trade routes toward the European Union, and directly into the Turkish market. In the eastern Turkish town of Kars, a Eurasianet reporter found overwhelming support among locals for the prospect of cross-border trade with Armenia being restarted when he visited in 2021. Local experts say items such as Armenian concrete, a material that is cheap to make but expensive to transport long distances, would likely be in high demand in Turkey, as would Armenian-produced electricity. Armenia generates more power than it needs so could potentially direct excess electricity into the Turkish grid. Countless small businesses would also benefit, and adventurous tourists would flock to the obscure border crossings and spill into towns such as Gyumri, a short drive from the Akhuryan railway station.

Businessman Artush Yeghiazarian, who runs a popular cafe in central Gyumri, says he is cautiously optimistic about the prospect of the nearby border reopening, but sounds a warning. "Larger economies have much lower cost for production," he told RFE/RL. "This is not the case for Armenia, and our products will not be as competitive." "Armenia has to protect itself from being overwhelmed, that's what I'm afraid of.... Economically speaking, it can be very dangerous for Armenia's development and it could swallow Armenia in just a couple of years. So the state must take necessary measures taking this into account," Yeghiazarian said.
KYIV -- Russian missile attacks on the Ukrainian capital and the central city of Cherkasy on June 26 killed at least two people and injured 11 others, including a 7-year-old girl pulled from the rubble, with more blasts reported later, in the first major strikes against either city in weeks.

Ukrainian officials who have pledged to retake lost cities responded with a fresh plea for more weapons to fight the Russian invasion as G7 leaders opened a two-day summit at which they are expected to announce further punishing sanctions on Russia.

The bombardments against Kyiv and Cherkasy came as Ukraine's defense forces battled to regroup after the loss of a strategic town to Russian forces on the front lines hundreds of kilometers to the southeast, where some of the most intense fighting is raging four months into Russia's full-scale invasion.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, how Kyiv is fighting back, the plight of civilians and refugees, and Western aid and reaction. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko went to the scene in one of that city's historic northern neighborhoods, known as the Shevchenko district, after at least two buildings were affected by the early morning explosions blamed on up to four Russian missiles.

Klitschko said one person was killed and six were injured, including the 7-year-old, who was in stable condition after surgery. The condition of her mother, who was also hospitalized, was much more serious, Klitschko said on Telegram.

Russia said its strike on Kyiv had hit a weapons factory, dismissing as "fake" reports that it had struck a residential area. The Artyom factory "was the target, as military infrastructure," the Russian Defense Ministry said. It claimed in a statement that damage to a nearby residential building had been caused by a Ukrainian air- defense missile.

Klitschko called the attacks on Kyiv an attempt by Russia to "intimidate Ukrainians" ahead of a NATO summit slated for Madrid on June 28-30.

Others suggested they and other bombardments -- including near Ukraine's border with Poland -- might also be an effort to send a message to G7 leaders gathering near Munich to discuss pro-Ukraine measures on June 26.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba responded to the fresh Kyiv attacks with an image of the 7-year-old being lifted from the apartment building rubble and urging "more sanctions on Russia and more heavy arms for Ukraine" from the G7.

Also on June 26, current and former officials in central Ukraine said explosions had rung out in the city of Cherkasy, which had so far avoided being targeted by Russia's worst attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Later, Cherkasy Regional State Administration Chairman Ihor Taburets blamed two Russian missiles for the blasts and said one person had been killed and five more injured.

"Today, the enemy launched missile attacks on the Cherkasy region," Taburets said via Telegram. "There are 2 strikes near the regional center. One dead and five wounded. Infrastructure damaged."

Cherkasy has not been targeted previously by major attacks by Russian forces.

Farther to the southeast, Ukrainian forces said a day earlier that they had made a "tactical withdrawal" from the city of Syevyerodonetsk in a blow that could shape the fighting in the east.

But President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vowed in his nighttime video address that Ukraine would eventually retake the cities it has lost since Russia's all-out invasion began on February 24.

Zelenskiy said the biggest ground war in Europe since World War II had taken a heavy toll on Ukrainians and their defenders but spoke of eventually winning the war.

"We don't have a sense of how long it will last, how many more blows, losses, and efforts will be needed before we see victory is on the horizon," Zelenskiy said.

Zelenskiy is due to remotely address the G7 on June 27 to urge further international support for Ukraine's defense.

On June 25, Ukraine's military said defense forces had withdrawn from Syevyerodonetsk after weeks of intense battles to fight from higher ground in nearby Lysychansk, across the Siverskiy Donets River.

Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said his forces were carrying out a "tactical regrouping" by pulling its forces out of Syevyerodonetsk.

Syevyerodonetsk, a city in the Luhansk district of around 100,000 residents before the war, has been devastated as Russian forces sought to concentrate gains in the two eastern districts known collectively as the Donbas.

Russia-backed separatists have controlled swaths of that region since Russia annexed Crimea and helped kick off the eastern Ukrainian fighting in 2014.

Meanwhile, fears mounted of a widening war since Ukrainian officials reported "massive bombardment" from rockets "fired from the territory of Belarus and from the air" and Moscow said it would provide Belarus with an advanced missile system.

In Belarus, strongman Alyaksandr Lukashenka's dependence on Moscow has increased since a crackdown over protests that began when he claimed a sixth presidential term in flawed elections two years ago.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a televised meeting with Lukashenka on June 25 that Moscow plans within months to supply Belarus with Iskander-M missile systems, a nuclear-capable, mobile guided-missile system with a range of up to 500 kilometers.

"Today's strike is directly linked to Kremlin efforts to pull Belarus as a co-belligerent into the war in Ukraine," the Ukrainian intelligence service said of the missiles launched from Russian warplanes over Belarusian territory.

Lukashenka allowed thousands of Russian troops to stage attacks on Ukraine from the earliest stage of the invasion.

A representative of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate, Vadym Skibitskiy, told RBC-Ukraine on June 25 that Belarus is maintaining 4,000-6,000 of its own troops near the Ukrainian border.

He estimated that Russia has around 1,500 of its troops in Belarus to help with air, special forces, and missile components of the invasion.

With additional reporting by Reuters, AP, dpa, and AFP
Local media in Iran say public institutions such as hospital, prisons, and child-care centers are facing possible food shortages due to skyrocketing prices.

The Tehran-based Etemad newspaper reported on June 15 that the impending "problem" could hit in "the coming weeks" and that "food supplies will be disrupted not only in hospitals but also in other government facilities such as barracks, prisons, nursing homes, and even student dormitories."



Etemad quoted the head of a private hospital as saying that a sharp rise in food prices has affected the quality of hospital food to such an extent that freshly made items are likely to be eliminated in public and private hospitals, with packaged foods being used instead.



The head of the hospital, who asked not to be identified, added: "In the coming weeks, it will be impossible for many public or private medical centers to provide hot meals, especially protein-rich foods, to hospitalized patients because this increase in food prices was not seen in any hospital budget."



"Since last year, the head of the hospital has cut off food for staff and nurses, and for those nurses who have 12-hour daily shifts, a sum of 150,000 Iranian rials ($0.40) per shift is paid instead of meals," a nurse at a public hospital in Tehran said.



Iran's economy has been devastated by years of harsh sanctions imposed by Washington since the United States pulled out of an accord with global superpowers aimed at curbing Tehran's nuclear program.

Perceived mismanagement over the economy and anger about rising prices has prompted many Iranians to protest in recent months over the government's inability to help their lives.

A government decree this year raised the amount of money given to public hospitals by 19.5 percent and by 24 percent for private hospitals. Food costs, however, have increased by up to 30 percent in public hospitals and by up to 40 percent in private hospitals.



A May survey by the Statistics Center of Iran on changes in the prices of high-consumption items showed that the prices of 53 food items increased significantly over the same month in 2021.



"Patients admitted to 60 intensive-care units in the country's hospitals receive less than 62 percent of their calories and about 54 percent of their protein needs," Abdolreza Norouzi, secretary of the National Working Group on Nutrition Science Development, recently warned.



"The situation in the intensive-care units for children and infants is much worse. Premature babies who have no nutritional reserve receive an average of about 48 percent of the calories and energy they need," he added.

With additional writing and reporting by Ardeshir Tayebi
The United States has imposed sanctions on Chinese and Emirati companies and a network of Iranian firms that it says have helped export Iran's petrochemicals.

The U.S. Treasury Department on June 16 imposed penalties on two companies based in Hong Kong, three in Iran, and four in the United Arab Emirates, as well as on a Chinese and an Indian national.

The Treasury Department linked the moves to the negotiations to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

"The United States is pursuing the path of meaningful diplomacy to achieve a mutual return to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action," Brian Nelson, the undersecretary of the Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement announcing the sanctions.

"Absent a deal, we will continue to use our sanctions authorities to limit exports of petroleum, petroleum products, and petrochemical products from Iran," Nelson said.

Iran agreed under the pact to limit its nuclear program in exchange for relief from U.S., European Union, and United Nations sanctions.

Then-U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out of the deal in 2018 and restored U.S. sanctions, prompting Iran to start violating the restrictions. Talks to revive the agreement have so far failed.

A revamped deal was reportedly close in March, but the talks in Vienna abruptly stalled in April as Tehran and Washington blamed each other for failing to take the necessary political decisions to settle remaining issues.

The talks unraveled partly over whether Washington might drop the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps from a U.S. list of designated foreign terrorist organizations.

Iran has long denied it has tried to secretly develop nuclear weapons, saying its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes. Since the deal collapsed, however, Tehran has vastly expanded its nuclear work.

With reporting by Reuters
Teachers in cities across Iran have again taken to the streets to protest the continued detention of four of their colleagues, as well as the dire economic situation in the country.

Video and photos on social media on June 16 showed teachers gathering in the cities of Zanjan, Shahrekord, Ardabil, Malayer, Marivan, Sanandaj, Kermanshah, Tehran, Andimeshk, Saqez, Bukan, Hamedan, Khorramabad, Kashmar, Bandar Abbas, Bijar, Sari, and Karaj.

A strong security presence could also be seen, with some gatherings prevented. The situation in some cities resembled conditions seen under martial law, according to some witnesses.

WATCH: Teachers and other workers protested in over a dozen cities and towns across Iran on June 16. They were demanding higher salaries, better working conditions, and the release of teachers who were arrested during recent demonstrations.

Some local media also reported that Aziz Ghasemzadeh, a teacher and spokesman for the Teachers' Union in the northern province of Gilan, and Mahmoud Sedighipour, another member of the union, were arrested by security forces early on June 16 before a rally began in Rasht.

Iranian teachers -- along with workers from other sectors, as well as pensioners -- have been taking to the streets across the country to demand better pay and working conditions.



In response, the authorities have summoned, detained, and jailed a growing number of protesters and activists, actions that have failed to stop the rallies.



Four teachers were arrested last month just ahead of demonstrations held in several cities on May Day, which coincided with Teachers' Day in Iran. That prompted the Iranian Teachers' Union's Coordination Council to call on teachers across Iran to hold protests on June 16.

The teachers have also been calling on the government to speed up the implementation of reforms that would see their salaries more accurately reflect their experience and performance.



The council said it recently wrote a letter to the International Labor Organization that calls for the expulsion of Iran from the organization, stating that since May 1, several union activists and teachers had been arrested on "baseless" charges such as taking actions "against national security."

With writing and reporting by Ardeshir Tayebi
As the war nears the 17-week mark, a prominent U.S. military scholar and strategist says Moscow seems determined to plow troops into Ukraine as "cannon fodder" for a brutal campaign that has encouraged Kyiv to seek total victory and made the West "more and more committed to a favorable outcome."

David Johnson, a U.S. Army veteran and principal researcher at the RAND Corporation think tank who specializes in military strategy, innovation, and doctrine, warns that Russian troops "are slowly grinding their way through Donbas" in eastern Ukraine with "massive firepower [and a] very slow, incremental attrition maneuver" that will be "very hard to stop."

In a recent interview with RFE/RL's Georgian Service, Johnson says Russia's strategy and tactics have made the provision of artillery and other weaponry by Kyiv's allies even more vital to Ukraine's defenses.

Moscow has repeatedly threatened to target supply routes and other sites if some kinds of weapons it describes as "red lines" -- particularly so-called Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) that can fire barrages hundreds of kilometers -- are supplied to Kyiv.

"I think if we sent slingshots to the Ukrainians, the Russians would be saying, 'Well, they'd better not have big rocks.' It's just whatever we do, they're going to have some protest against it, because they don't want anything to go there," Johnson says.

He says Russian President Vladimir Putin's plans don't necessarily require precision because "if your target is Mariupol" -- a now-devastated population center with a prewar population of nearly half a million Ukrainians -- "then the rocket is sufficiently precise."

Johnson says the current phase is "a very hard part of the war" between "two adversaries that are both pretty evenly matched, competence-wise and size-wise, and equipment-wise," given the international support for Ukraine.

"You just grind, and what you are betting is that you have more staying power than the adversary does, not just in people but in munitions," he says.

Russian planners "are banking on that they will exhaust the Ukrainian manpower and resources," he says, adding in a paraphrase of the famous Prussian general and war theorist Carl von Clausewitz: "In wars of exhaustion, don't become exhausted first."

He says Kyiv's allies' best approach is "to keep them steadily supplied with the things they need to fight with," whether that means precision weapons or more old-fashioned munitions.

"The biggest killer in the battlefield is not Javelins [British shoulder-launched missile systems] or Switchblades [highly portable, U.S.-made drones with an exploding warhead] and all that other stuff -- it's artillery," Johnson says.

Reliable casualty figures are difficult to obtain, with both sides classifying them as state secrets since the all-out invasion began on February 24.

Despite significant Russian casualties, a senior U.S. defense official quoted by VOA said last month that the Russian side "still have a significant amount...of their capability left to them."

Ukrainian officials have suggested at least 30,000 Russian soldiers have died in Ukraine.

Johnson says "we have no idea what the real Ukrainian losses are" and Ukrainian estimates of enemy casualties "are probably inflated."

He also says Kyiv has been effective at "controlling the information campaign."

"What we know about the war, quite frankly, is what the Ukrainians are telling us," Johnson says.

From the start of the invasion, Russian officials have imposed laws and policies to effect broad censorship and guard against ordinary Russians' access to reports that challenge Kremlin propaganda on the conflict, which they insist is a "special military operation" rather than an invasion or war.

Despite reports of high casualties, low morale, ineffective leadership, and poor training, Johnson, a former artillery battalion commander, says he "would never underestimate" the Russian Army even if "fighting spirit is a huge component of warfare."

"That's the same kind of army they had in World War II that beat the best army in the world," he says of the Red Army victory over Hitler's Nazi forces. "I mean, the Russian Army in World War II was cannon fodder, led by whatever was available with politically correct people running it, and they still just ground up the Wehrmacht in a number of years and spit them out."

Johnson says that Putin, atop an increasingly authoritarian government, has at least an initial advantage in terms of distracting the public or declaring even hollow victories "because he controls the message" that many Russians are allowed to hear.

"He is perfectly happy to see what's on the calendar that morning and say, 'That looks good, borscht is cheaper, that's a great success. Let's talk about that,'" Johnson says. "My sense is that the only person in the world who knows what the objectives of the Russians are is Putin and he will decide...what [victory] looks like."

"I don't think he's ever going to say he is losing the war. I think he will in any case say he ended up where he was going all along," he says of the former KGB officer first installed as Russian prime minister 22 years ago. "This is the great thing about being an autocrat: You decide what success is."

But Johnson also dismisses the notion that Russians are wholly unaware of what's happening and the aggression that Russian soldiers are committing in the country's name.

That, he says, suggests there might be higher approval among Russians of the invasion than many outsiders want to believe.

"We shouldn't assume that they're going to quit because everybody is going to sit down in the middle of Red Square and protest," Johnson says. "I don't see that. I don't see their soldiers deserting in large numbers or quitting. [And] the worst thing you can do in a war, the cardinal sin, is underestimating your enemy."

Johnson suggests that Ukraine's defenders might be best served not by "attacking everybody" but rather "picking a place where you can have an effect, where you can create a proper correlation of forces where you can prevail."

He cites attacks on supply lines or field headquarters that can "affect the entire operation across the front."

Johnson says Ukrainian reports of killing around a dozen Russian generals so far are another example, adding that he believes those deaths are not merely a result of the Russian commanders' willingness to be in the conflict zone.

"I think they're being found," he says. "And then when they get found, they get killed."

He says the prospects for peace have been dimmed so far by the brutality of the Russian invaders.

"From the Ukrainian perspective, anything but a maximalist proposition is really hard to consider after the sacrifices they have suffered and the atrocities they have seen," Johnson says. "So if I were [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskiy, it would be hard for me to be conciliatory at this point. I think they will start with this maximalist view of getting back everything they held before this war, and that might change over time with diplomacy or the developments on the battlefield."

Another factor in any potential end to the fighting is the chance that as the Ukrainian conflict drags on and becomes "less spectacular," it will receive less Western attention, he says.

He also warns of "downstream effects" of the war like the mounting global food crisis and fuel spikes, as well as other problems that are likely to arise over the next year.

But Johnson cites polling that shows strong backing among Americans for NATO support for Ukraine, for example, and an evolving willingness among Kyiv's allies to provide increasingly sensitive weapons systems.

"I think that's what's going on [is] we are becoming more and more committed to a favorable outcome," Johnson says. "We have seen the types of weapons going in change: We have sent helmets and flak jackets early on, and now we are seeing [U.S.] HIMARS and [German] Gepard air-defense systems. We [in the West] have become more committed to the success of Ukrainians over time, not less, and the stakes have gone higher."

Johnson also credits Western leaders with avoiding any commitment of NATO troops to combat, including by rejecting Zelenskiy's and some NATO members' calls for imposing a no-fly zone over Ukraine.

"I admire the NATO leadership for doing as much as they have done, but also for saying that this will not be World War III," Johnson says.

Written by Andy Heil based on an interview by RFE/RL Georgian Service fellow Vazha Tavberidze
LYSYCHANSK, Ukraine -- On a picnic blanket spread on the overgrown grass outside her apartment block, a young girl named Lena and her playmate pile their toys and stuffed animals. Lena's mother sits on a concrete bench nearby, while not far away a pot of eggs boils gently over a wood fire, next to a teakettle.



People cook outside because there is no running water in the apartments, and no cooking gas. The sound of Russian rockets and artillery is nearly incessant.



"Where am I going to go and what's the point?" said the woman, who declines to give her name, when asked why she's not taking her children and leaving, as the Ukrainian authorities are imploring residents to do.



An explosion momentarily drowns out her explanation. "There's shelling over there, too," her daughter explained.

Amid a grinding, destructive Russian military advance, thousands have evacuated from this eastern Ukrainian city, located across the Siverskiy Donets River from the larger city of Syevyerodonetsk, which Russian forces control most of.



Syevyerodonetsk and Lysychansk are at the tip of a dwindling bulge that remains under control of dogged but increasingly desperate Ukrainian forces.



The bridges across the river to Syevyerodonetsk have already been blown, all but cutting the city off for both resupply and for evacuation of hundreds of civilians remaining there.

Ukrainian authorities are desperately trying to persuade those remaining in Lysychansk -- an estimated 15,000 out of a prewar population of around 100,000 -- to get out while they still can.



It's a frustrating task for volunteers who race into the city, and dart from neighborhood to neighborhood, trying to avoid Russian rocket fire, and find people to evacuate -- and persuade those who don't want to leave.



"Here I have a place to feed my children, to bathe them, to change their clothes," the woman who would not give her name said when asked why she's not leaving, even with no running water or cooking gas in her apartment block. "We bring in [water] in buckets."



"I won't risk taking my children somewhere else," she said. "It's scary here, but at least I know what to do."



Volunteers who are racing to get civilians out -- including some who are elderly, disabled, or both -- express frustration that people aren't willing to leave. "There are plenty of people who accept living like this, however horrible that may sound," one volunteer, Anton Yaremchuk, told Current Time, which accompanied his group on a quick trip to Lysychansk on June 14.



"They hide in basements, relying on the humanitarian aid," he said. "They can't work. They're not responsible for anything. Civilized life is gone."



In one home, the volunteers rush to help evacuate an elderly woman named Yevdokia Mykhaylova, one of whose legs has been amputated, after her relatives in Kyiv asked for help in getting her out.



She said she's going willingly.



"My daughter's house was destroyed by a shell. There were four houses destroyed," Mykhaylova said. "I hope I will get back here soon."



Another man, who also didn't give his name, said he and his wife decided to flee the city three days after his neighborhood was hit by a bomb, and burned.



"All the houses burned down," he said, his eyes blood-shot and fearful. "There were cluster and phosphorous bombs."



Outside another apartment block, three older women sat on a stone bench, chatting.



"I'm looking for Lyudmyla Zhuratunova. Your son Yevhen has asked us to evacuate you," another volunteer said as he approached the group.



"No, we are not going anywhere," Zhuratunova replies.

Written by Mike Eckel based on reporting by Borys Sachalko and Serhiy Dykun of Current Time
The commander of the Admiral Makarov, a Russian frigate that has been firing on Ukraine, previously served in the Ukrainian Navy before switching sides after Russia seized Crimea in 2014. The Ukrainian authorities accuse Grigory Breyev of war crimes and treason. His cousin and former neighbors in his childhood village told us of their hurt and anger at what he's doing.
After 66 years, Alpine Elementary School will be shutting its doors at the end of this school year.

In its place is a plan for something residents of this rural mountain town in East County have been seeking for more than 25 years  a high school.

There is now a letter of intent between Alpine Union School District and Grossmont Union High School District to formalize a process to bring high school options to Alpine, Alpine Superintendent Rich Newman said.

A small high school could open on the site as soon as September of this year, Newman said. Adult education courses will also be part of a restructured campus.

The Alpine Union School District board voted 4-1 on Tuesday to close Alpine Elementary School, with board member Joe Perricone voting against the closure. The school serves students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade.

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The closure will leave five schools in the district  Boulder Oaks Elementary School, Shadow Hills Elementary School, Creekside Early Learning Center, Mountain View Learning Academy and Joan MacQueen Middle School.

The district intends to move 114 of the schools 158 students, those in grades 1-4, to Boulder Oaks next school year. Boulder Oaks, on Tavern Road, currently has 272 students enrolled. Shadow Hills is a Spanish Immersion school on Harbison Canyon Road.

Alpine Elementarys six full-time teachers are being retained, Newman said, but plans have not been formalized for where they will be placed.

Alpine Elementary School, which opened for 500 students on Alpine Boulevard in 1953, will hold its last day of classes on June 13.

Im heartbroken and so are my kids, said April Daniel, the schools PTSA president and art docent volunteer.

Daniel has two children attending Alpine Elementary and another who graduated from the school and now goes to Joan MacQueen. She said she will be sending her youngest child to a charter school in Alpine.

Its a big deal and there are a lot of hurt people, she said. This school has been amazing and the teachers really care for the kids. I absolutely want the best for our community and support our school board but it is devastating. I love our school.

While Daniel and several other parents of students at Alpine Elementary School say they are unhappy about the closure, Newman said declining enrollment at the school for several years forced the districts hand.

Closing a school is something a district never wants to do, Newman said.

He said that 10 forums  five for the community, five for staff  have been held in the past three years to discuss options. A thought exchange was launched earlier this year that engaged the entire town of about 15,000, asking them to weigh in with ideas about the future of all the schools in the district.

Newman said that the districts task force assigned to look into the issue received more than 500 suggestions, and 30,000 ratings through online outreach about possible changes. Another plan examined by the task force was to move the districts nearly 250 kindergarten students from Creekside to elementary schools.

He said that offering high school options on the campus is something the community has been waiting for.

Alpine has had a great desire for 20-plus years for a high school here, Newman said. Both boards realize the importance of serving all of our students from our entire community. This is the beginning of something we hope provides options for our students to have. As we start, the high school will be small but we are just happy to be part of the process of giving the community options.

Grossmont Union High School District Superintendent Tim Glover said his district has been having discussions with Alpine for several months regarding potential programs and services targeting high school and adult school students as part of a satellite program option.

Glover said the collaboration between the districts is not a first.

At this time last year, we partnered with Alpine to provide buses and home-to-school transportation, Glover said.

Since 2002, Alpine has been trying to create an independent educational district, one that unifies a high school with its elementary schools and lone middle school.

Alpine serves about 1,750 students in grades K-8; the Grossmont Union High School District schools about 22,000 students. After finishing eighth grade at MacQueen, students in Alpine typically go to Granite Hills High School in El Cajon or Steele Canyon Charter High School in Jamul.

In January 2018, the state Board of Education denied Alpines bid to add a high school to the rural towns K-8 district. That decision came on the heels of an appellate court decision upholding findings by a Superior Court judge that the Grossmont district did not have to build a high school for Alpine.

In February 2018, the Alpine and Grossmont school districts reached an accord after three years of court battles. The truce also included the Alpine Taxpayers for Bond Accountability, a group that was also fighting the Grossmont district.

A joint statement released by the school districts last year declared that neither Alpine group would fight a California Court of Appeals decision about the matter.

karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.com
Filippis Pizza Grotto in downtown Escondido has been a fixture on Grand Avenue for 46 years. Its owner warned last week that the popular restaurants days may be numbered.

Bobby DePhilippis said if the city allows a proposed condominium project to be built on a city-owned parking lot behind his establishment that is used by most of his customers, it would likely mean the demise of his business.

If you take (the parking lot) away from us, I know my business will fail, DePhilippis, 68, said. Ill have to look for another spot or just close it.

Last week, the City Council voted to enter into a purchase-and-sale agreement with developer Touchstone Communities to sell the parking lot should the six-story, 106-unit condo project known as The Aspire win approval.

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David Ferguson, an attorney representing Touchstone, said an appraisal of the land will be made within the next 30 days. A preliminary appraisal came in at about $1.4 million, he said.

DePhilippis and other Grand Avenue business owners say parking is already at a premium in the area and eliminating the parking lot could cause economic calamity.

You cant take parking away and not think about what its going to do to other people, said Jim Crone, owner of two buildings on Grand Avenue. He said Touchstone will do well if the project is built. Hell make money and go back to Newport Beach and have a good time with it  but businesses will crater.

The Aspire project is just one of many residential projects that have either been approved or are in the planning pipeline in the downtown Escondido area. The citys plan is to bring far more residents into the area who in turn will be likely to walk and shop in the historic business district.

But many business owners are concerned about what is already, and has long been, a parking problem downtown. They say the elimination of the 180-space parking lot across W. Valley Parkway from the California Center for the Performing Arts and the City Hall complex will hurt their businesses because people just wont come by if there isnt somewhere close to park.

On Friday, standing outside the restaurant, DePhilippis estimated that 80 percent of his customers park in the lot behind his business.

Were scared, he said. I think if the people in the city of Escondido knew what was going on, they wouldnt put up with it.

DePhilippis said should the condo project be approved, he will go to court to try and stop the development. He told the council the Escondido store was his first and favorite. He owns five Filippis in all: in Escondido, Poway, Santee, Jamul and Imperial Beach. Other family members are involved with 10 other restaurants in the county and California.

I worked 20 hours a day without taking a day off trying to build the business, he said. Its been a great restaurant for me.

He said if forced to close, 50 people would be out of work.

Members of the council agreed parking is an issue, but said that it will be addressed when the project comes before them. Ferguson said Touchstone has hired a parking consultant to address such issues, which will be aired out during public hearings.

Part of The Aspire project calls for 71 public parking spaces and members of the council said some sort of temporary parking during construction would have to be provided if the project is approved.

There are also long-term plans to increase parking along Grand Avenue, they said.

The council voted 3-1 in favor of the conditional sale of the parking lot with Councilwoman Olga Diaz voting no and councilman John Masson not participating  which played a part in Diazs negative vote.

Massons civil engineering and land survey firm has worked on The Aspire project and Masson & Associates has worked as a consultant for Touchstone in different capacities for decades. He recused himself from the discussion and has done so during all closed session meetings regarding the possible sale of the property.

Diaz said even though Masson did the right thing by not participating, and even though she thinks the condo project could well be a good thing for the city, there is still in her belief a serious conflict of interest. Were she to agree to the sale, she would be partly complicit in what she said, based on her training, is an ethical breach.

When you have an elected official who stands to profit  off of the citys sale of an asset, youre doubling down on the conflict of interest, Diaz said. Its not just him doing business in the city, its him doing business in the city with the city. Thats the issue I have.

Diaz said she was not accusing anybody of wrongdoing.

But we can do better than what were doing with this particular scenario, she said.

Masson was not in the chambers to defend himself, but Mayor Sam Abed did so for him.

Council member Diazs comments will not go unchallenged, he said. According to the city attorney, we have followed the laws of conflict of interest. We have gone beyond the conflict of interest requirements in what is legally right. Hes abstaining. He not on the dais. You keep bringing this trust issue and secrecy up as if we are doing something behind the scene.

On Thursday, Masson said he doesnt understand Diazs concerns since he has always recused himself from matters involving clients.

In terms of somehow me profiting from the sale of the land, I dont know how that could even happen, he said. Whether or not Touchstone buys the land, there is no way for me to profit from that. Im not part of the deal. Im a consultant helping them with their entitlement process. My company is. And I get paid for my consulting services and I have to bid against other consulting engineers to get the work.

Masson said even if his company wasnt working on The Aspire project, he still would have abstained because he has worked with Touchstone for so long.

jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones
Death penalty should be retained in Donetsk Peoples Republic - State Duma speaker

MOSCOW, June 15 (RAPSI)  The death penalty should be retained in the Donetsk Peoples Republic (DPR), especially in wartime conditions, Chairman of the State Duma, the lower house of Russian parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin stated on Wednesday in a post on his Telegram channel.

Every day we witness the neo-Nazi Kyiv regime commits crimes against humanity, shelling residential areas, hospitals, maternity homes, kindergartens, schools. Elderly people, women, children are dying, the statement reads.

Those who give orders to fire at civilians and who carry the orders out must understand they are committing a crime, and the responsibility for it will be severe, Volodin said. The death penalty is that punishment the fascists deserve, the official added.

According to his post, a parliamentary delegation of the Donetsk Peoples Republic paid an official visit to the State Duma last week. Matters of harmonization of the legislations of Russia and the DPR were discussed during the meeting.




Eloy Ortiz Oakley, the chancellor of the California Community Colleges system, will step down after nearly six years at the helm to lead the College Futures Foundation, officials said Thursday.

Oakley will leave the system  which serves more than 1.8 million students across 116 colleges in California  on Aug. 1, officials said. He was appointed as the chancellor of the system in 2016, has served as a University of California regent since 2014 and served in a temporary five-month role as a special adviser for Education Secretary Miguel Cardona in the Biden administration in 2021.

Serving as chancellor of the community college system that gave me the opportunity to succeed in higher education has been the most rewarding experience of my life, Oakley said, adding that he is proud of what he and his colleagues accomplished during his tenure, as well as the students earning degrees in the college system.

Board of Governors President Pamela Haynes said Oakley has been instrumental in working to close equity gaps among students in the college system. Oakley and the Board of Governors spearheaded the college systems Vision for Success, a road map for students that aims to close equity gaps, help students quickly transfer from community colleges to four-year universities, and increase the number of students who earn degrees and certificates, officials said.

In Oakleys new role at College Futures Foundation  an equity-focused higher-education foundation  officials said he is set to help higher-education leaders reach goals set by California Gov. Gavin Newsom as part of the governors comprehensive multi-year framework that seeks to close equity gaps, reduce cost of attendance, improve transfer and time-to-degree for students.

Newsom said Oakley has been an incredible leader and champion for higher education, setting Californias community colleges on a course for transformational change.

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As we execute on the vision for a more equitable, affordable, and student-centered system of higher education, I look forward to continuing to work with Chancellor Oakley in his new role, along with the strong leadership in the Chancellors Office and at campuses throughout the state, Newsom said.

The Board of Governors will to appoint an interim chancellor in July and launch a search for a permanent chancellor, officials said.

Lauren Hernandez (she/her) is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByLHernandez
The state Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed consumers to sue Amazon for failing to warn the public about potential harm from products sold on its website, such as mercury in skin-lightening creams.

This is the first time a California court has allowed damage claims for online advertising of products manufactured and sold by others. A state appeals court ruling in March reinstating the lawsuit became final Wednesday when the states high court denied review of Amazons appeal and allowed the ruling to stand as a binding precedent for lower courts statewide.

Mercury can cause harm to pregnant women and their fetuses. The suit, filed in Alameda County by a man who bought five samples of skin-lightening creams from Amazon.com in 2014, said creams sold on the website by several companies contained mercury at levels far beyond the maximum allowed by federal law. It accused Amazon of violating Proposition 65, a 1986 initiative requiring businesses to notify customers if products can cause birth defects, reproductive harm or cancer.

A judge dismissed the suit in 2019, citing a federal law that protects websites from liability for the content of material posted by others on their suits. But the First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco said Amazon does not act as a mere forum for retailers but plays an active role in selling their products and can be held accountable for failing to disclose their known dangers.

If the same creams were sold in a drugstore, Prop. 65 could require the store owner to issue a warning, Justice J. Anthony Kline said in a 3-0 ruling on March 11. He said Amazon has at least the same duty because it not only charges a fee to list products but then sells, stores and ships them, while returning the sale price to the manufacturer.

Amazon makes it possible for product manufacturers to reach a vast audience of potential customers, Kline said. If there is evidence that Amazon knew, or had reason to know, of the dangers of the products ingredients, he said, the company can be held liable for exposing customers to mercury without providing any warnings.

Jonathan Weissglass, lawyer for the man who filed the suit, said Wednesday that the courts action holds Amazon to the same health and safety standards as any other company doing business in California.

When the voters enacted Proposition 65, they certainly did not intend to let a huge company like Amazon evade responsibility to consumers just because it conducts business over the internet, Weissglass said.

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Amazon has a stated policy of not selling skin-care products that contain mercury. Samantha Boyd, a spokesperson for Amazon, said the skin-lightening creams have long since been removed from the companys website.

We require that all products comply with applicable laws and regulations, and we have protective measures in place to prevent suspicious or non-compliant products from being listed, she said in a statement.

The case is Lee v. Amazon.com, S274184.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
In the wake of a failed campaign to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom that cost state and local governments more than $200 million, state officials spoke last fall about the need to change Californias permissive recall system  one that requires the lowest percentage of signatures of any state to qualify for the ballot, does not require any allegations of wrongdoing by the official facing recall and allows a recalled official to be replaced by a candidate who received far fewer votes.

Should we have a recall at all? Or, like an impeachment system, people removed for cause? Secretary of State Shirley Weber, Californias top elections officer, asked at an online forum sponsored by the Institute of Governmental Studies at UC Berkeley in September, two weeks after 62% of the voters rejected a Republican-led effort to remove Newsom.

Nine months later, and after the high-profile recalls in San Francisco of three school board members and District Attorney Chesa Boudin, the urgency of overhauling the process seems to have faded. Two measures to change part of the system have been introduced, but are still awaiting their first hearing, and its uncertain when, or if, they will appear on the ballot for voter approval.

The proposed constitutional amendment SCA6 by Sen. Josh Newman, D-Fullerton (Orange County), would revamp procedures for replacing recalled state officials, which now allow potential successors to run in the same election as the recall, with the candidate receiving the most votes taking office for the rest of the term. If Newsom had been recalled, he would have been succeeded by Republican Larry Elder, a talk-show host who got 48% of the successorship vote  the same percentage received by Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger when he replaced Gov. Gray Davis in a 2003 recall election.

Under SCA6, if a governor was recalled less than 14 months after taking office, a successor would be chosen in a special election. If the recall was later, the lieutenant governor would become governor for the rest of the term. And if a lower-level state official was recalled, the governor would appoint the successor. The measure would not increase signature requirements or change any other rules for recalls.

Newman has experienced the system firsthand: He was recalled by voters in his district in 2018 after voting for an increase in the states gasoline tax, then regained his seat in 2020 by defeating Ling Ling Chang, the Republican who had replaced him.

I dont have an ax to grind, but I do have insight on how this (recall process) can be misused for political reasons, Newman said. By removing partisan replacement elections from the recall ballot, he said, we can restore the recall process to basically a referendum on integrity or performance of the officeholder.

As for proposals to require recall sponsors to present specific accusations of wrongdoing by the officeholder and collect more signatures to qualify for the ballot, Newman said that they seem like good ideas but that he wants to keep things as simple as possible. Recalls of state officers have been authorized in the California Constitution since 1911, requiring voter approval for any changes, and some voters would regard any far-reaching measures as an attempt to make less likely the recall of someone who deserves it, he said.

SCA6 was introduced in January but has not yet had a hearing, and Newman said he may not seek to put it on the ballot until November 2024. It would need a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of the Legislature by June 30 to qualify for the November 2022 ballot.

A second measure, SCA3 by Sen. Ben Allen, D-Santa Monica, would take a different approach to recall elections, allowing the challenged officeholder to appear on the ballot for potential successors and remain in office by receiving the most votes. But it was introduced in December 2020, months before the Newsom recall had qualified for the ballot, has not advanced out of its first committee and apparently will not make this years ballot.

One measure affecting some local recalls, AB2582 by Assembly Member Steve Bennett, D-Ventura, won Assembly approval last month on a largely party-line vote and awaits hearings in the state Senate. Like Newmans measure, it would eliminate the simultaneous two-part election on recalling an official and choosing a successor, instead requiring the replacement to be chosen according to local law, by appointment or a special election.

But the bill would apply only to the smaller cities and counties governed by state election laws and not to more populous local governments  including San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties  that enact their own rules in local charters. San Franciscos laws, for example, allow Mayor London Breed to choose an interim successor to Boudin, with an election in November for the remaining year of the district attorneys term.

The same political forces that ousted Boudin are preparing for another potential November vote in Los Angeles County, where Boudins predecessor in San Francisco, George Gascon, was elected district attorney in 2020 on a similar platform: an end to death penalty prosecutions and three-strikes sentences of up to life in prison for repeat felons, no more prosecution of juveniles as adults, and a halt to seeking cash bail for misdemeanors or nonviolent felony charges.

After a previous recall effort failed to qualify, a campaign led by prosecutors in Gascons office and police groups says it has collected the 567,857 signatures it needs by July 6 to place the question on the November ballot in the nations most populous county. Those signatures have not yet been certified.

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California voters are regularly asked whether to keep officials in the office to which they were recently elected. A study found an average of 13 state and local recall elections per year in California between 1995 and 2020.

Despite the limited scope of a proposal like Newmans, it could have a significant effect on future statewide recalls if it became law, said Eric Schickler, a political science professor at UC Berkeley.

Since Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, like Newsom, is a Democrat, Schickler said, I think the folks pushing the recall wouldnt have done it if Kounalakis had been the successor.

He noted that opinion polls after the Newsom vote showed solid majorities for tightening recall laws  requiring specific allegations of wrongdoing by the targeted official, many more signatures on recall petitions and a runoff election between the top two candidates if a recall vote gains a majority. But public attention seems to have waned, lawmakers are wary about offending their constituents, and the recent San Francisco votes indicate support for the recall process, Schickler said.

Weber, who appeared to be advocating wholesale changes in the process last fall, did not respond to requests for comment.

An overhaul is apparently no longer on the agenda, said Bruce Cain, a Stanford political science professor.

Out of sight, out of mind, Cain said. Newsom won, and the Elder scare was defeated handily. In the meantime, having a kill switch when an official seems out of line  Boudin, the three school board members  appeals to the modern temperament, in part because social media can whip up a frenzy in a jiffy and outside money finds a cause to champion.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
The California Public Utilities Commission has proposed fining Pacific Gas and Electric Co. a $12 million penalty for poor execution of the utilitys public safety power shut-offs in 2020, commission officials announced Wednesday. Two other California utilities also received proposed orders related to reported violations.

PG&E cuts electricity to the utilitys distribution and transmission lines as a safety precaution when there is a confluence of weather conditions that make for heightened fire risk and to prevent its equipment from sparking wildfires. In 2020, there were 26 public safety power shut-offs executed by PG&E, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric, officials said.

An analysis by the commissions Safety and Enforcement Division found that there were multiple violations of the commissions guidelines for public safety power shut-offs, officials said.

PG&E initiated seven public safety power shut-offs in 2020: two in September, three in October and two in December, according to the 12-page proposed Administrative Enforcement Order for PG&E. The proposed order said that PG&E failed to report if there were any complaints filed directly with PG&E and summarize the number and nature of those complaints as a result of the shut-offs. In one of the October 2020 shut-offs, the proposed order said, PG&E did not report if there were any complaints. For one of the December shut-offs, the proposed order said, PG&E did not meet the 48-72 hours advance notification timeline required to notify public safety partners and other priority notification entities.

The PUC is proposing that PG&E take corrective actions that include: implementing a tracking system for formal and informal complaints filed through the commission and through PG&E; sending notifications to customers and public safety partners following the commissions guidelines for notification of a power shut-off event; and evaluating the engagement with local and state public safety partners in providing advanced education and outreach and notification during the deenergization event.

The PUC has ordered proposed fines of more than $22 million, with $12 million against PG&E, $10 million against Southern California Edison, and $24,000 against San Diego Gas & Electric, officials said. The fines would be paid by the utilitys shareholders, officials 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.

PG&E officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

In recent years, PG&E equipment has been found responsible for sparking the 2018 Camp Fire in Butte County  which leveled the town of Paradise and killed 84 people  and the 2021 Dixie Fire. PG&E pleaded not guilty this month to involuntary manslaughter charges and other charges in connection to the deadly 2020 Zogg Fire, which killed four people in Shasta County.

The proposed penalties and orders for corrective actions are part of the commissions ongoing efforts to hold utilities accountable for safely implementing public safety power shut-offs, officials said.

Lauren Hernandez (she/her) is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByLHernandez
The Oakland As said they agreed to build the amount of onsite affordable housing the city wants at the teams proposed waterfront ballpark  a key sticking point in their negotiations with officials  in exchange for more money to help pay for infrastructure, but the city rejected the terms.

Dave Kaval, president of the As, said the baseball team agreed to the citys terms for onsite affordable housing 15%  in exchange for tax money generated by the parking, sales and business license taxes to help pay for infrastructure upgrades at the proposed ballpark site. Kaval did not specify how much tax money the team wanted. Mayor Libby Schaaf said the revenue from those taxes would be millions of dollars.

We are working hard to get to a negotiated settlement that can work for all parties, Kaval told The Chronicle. I thought that was a fair compromise to try to get this project done.

But Schaaf told The Chronicle the As proposal was rejected because the city believes there are superior ways to cover the costs identified by the As without putting the citys general fund tax dollars at risk.

The revelation is the latest insight into the status of negotiations between the city and the As, which have been working on the final terms of the proposed project for over a year. The two major sticking points have been affordable housing and covering the cost of offsite infrastructure.

At stake is a $1 billion, privately financed 35,000-seat waterfront ballpark at Howard Terminal, 3,000 residential units, up to 1.5 million square feet of commercial space, up to 270,000 square feet for retail, an indoor 3,500-seat performance center, 400 hotel rooms and up to 18 acres of publicly accessible open space. The As proposed project would be one of the most expensive developments in the country, and it would dramatically change Oaklands waterfront.

Schaaf told The Chronicle the city is confident the As will meet the citys affordable housing demands: 15% onsite and 20% offsite.

But Schaaf said the city wants to use the tax revenue from the parking and business license tax for other needs, including critical offsite infrastructure upgrades and safety improvements.

I believe that there are other revenues available generated by the project itself that could meet the needs that the As have identified, Schaaf said, referring to the infrastructure tax financing district the city is proposing over the Howard Terminal site and potentially applying for a new federal tool that allows projects near passenger rail stations to qualify for low-cost loans from the federal government.

The As said they have not yet received a counterproposal from the city. Schaaf said the city is preparing its proposal.

Oakland city staff have proposed creating an infrastructure financing district over the ballpark site at Howard Terminal to divert property taxes from the project area to help fund infrastructure, such as on-site affordable housing, parks and other infrastructure of community-wide significance over a 45-year period. Oakland said the taxes would not otherwise exist without the project.

The city is also seeking the countys help in providing tax dollars to pay for onsite infrastructure so that the As can build their project. The supervisors have declared their intent to join the city in helping to pay for those costs, but have not yet taken a binding vote to do so.

The supervisors held a meeting Tuesday to briefly discuss their involvement in the project. A consultant hired by the county in March to analyze the financial impacts of the project will release those findings later this summer.

The countys consultant said Tuesday that the city will have a development agreement before the City Council on Sept. 20, but Schaaf told The Chronicle that was incorrect.

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.

Instead, the council will hear a financial analysis of the project in September. A date for the council to approve the final development agreement has not yet been set.

In addition, Council Member Noel Gallo, who opposes the project, is fighting to place an advisory measure on the November ballot that would survey how residents feel about the project. The ballot measure would not give voters the power to approve or reject the project, but Gallo told The Chronicle it would help inform the council members making the final decision.

Gallo said he wants the ballot measure to force the city and the As to do an independent analysis on the finances of the project. The City Council is expected to decide at a July 5 meeting whether to place Gallos proposal on the ballot.

But the As said Gallos measure is a delay tactic. The As want to get a final vote on the development agreement while Schaaf is still in office and before current council members are out of office. Schaaf terms out this year.

Three current council members are running for mayor. Two of them will give up their seats to run for mayor. Vice Mayor Rebecca Kaplan is also heading to a November runoff for the district three seat on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. If she wins, she will be off the City Council.

Before you know it, its going to be the election, and theres going to be a different City Council, a different mayor, Kaval said. We are kind of running out of time on this group of public policymakers.

Sarah Ravani (she/her) is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
One of the Peninsulas newest restaurants is looking to bring more exposure to Portuguese cuisine.

Jarad Gallagher, who earned a Michelin star as the chef of Chez TJ for eight years, recently opened Broma in Mountain View, inspired by a soul-fulfilling trip to Portugal and Spain.

I tell people that my hearts in Spain and my soul is in Portugal, he said. I want to enter into that stratosphere because its the food there that motivates me to cook.

Gallagher was particularly in awe of the rich, vibrant culture in Portugal, with its hearty cuisine and passion for the arts. He wanted to bring that to the Bay Area with Broma, located at 1625 N. Shoreline Blvd., alongside executive chef Aubree Arndt, previously of Loma Brewing Co.

Broma means joke in Spanish, which Gallagher said is a reminder for his employees to not take themselves too seriously and to focus on serving big, bold, rustic Spanish and Portuguese cuisine.

Courtesy Christian Santiago

The 13,000-square-foot restaurant features banquet rooms, two patios and Spanish artwork. The restaurant is part of the Shashi Hotel, which also includes the Emerald Hour, a craft cocktail bar; Carte Blanche, a coffee shop; and Belle Terra, a fine dining restaurant.

Diners will choose among a three-, four- or five-course meal ($74-$120, not including a 20% service charge). The restaurant is added shareable appetizers and a la carte entrees on Thursday.

Courtesy Jude Semana

Bromas rich, seasonal menu demonstrates a keen interest in Portuguese culture while allowing for experimentation. Some options, such as a Portuguese clam and braised pork stew, hail from Alentejo, a vast region in the southern part of Portugal that produces most of the countrys wine. The region is also known for its inventive food combinations. The menu changes daily but might channel Alentejo with a squid ink pasta served with Carabineros shrimp  a deep red, giant variety often called scarlet prawns thats hard to find in California  or grilled octopus with spinach.

Other potential dishes include a small fried croquette topped with Serrano ham; dry-aged steak with ramps and fava beans; and crema catalana, the Spanish bruleed custard, topped with seasonal fruit.

Courtesy Jude Semana

Broma features a cocktail bar that focuses on mezcal, Tequila and gin. The bar also experiments with fresh fruit and some Spanish ingredients including Spanish olive oil and Sherry to create popular drinks like sangria.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

The restaurants format  focused on tasting menus at three lengths and price points  speaks to Gallagher's vision of creating a simplified dining experience that doesnt sacrifice quality. He said that creating a less time-consuming yet still special dining experience is important to him.

When COVID happened, I left my job at Chez TJ, a long-format restaurant. The experience there was meant to be for four or four and a half hours, he said. And although I love it, its not something I want to do anymore.

Broma. 5-9 p.m. daily. 1625 N Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View. shashihotel.com/dine

This story was updated with the correct spelling of the Shashi Hotel.

Elgin Nelson writes for The Chronicles Food & Wine team. Email elgin.nelson@sfchronicle.com
A year ago, I tried Impossible Foods plant-based chicken nuggets with some skepticism. In my experience, tech-driven meat substitutes often droop into the uncanny valley, making for unsettling dining experiences. But what I realized when I ate the nuggets was that Americans expectations of chicken nuggets are rarely about the chicken  so the plant-based version could be unburdened of the expectation of perfect poultry emulation.

Recently, a new product has issued a stronger challenge: OmniFoods plant-based pork strips, which became available in char siu form at two San Jose locations of Lees Sandwiches late last year. Made primarily of soy protein concentrate, the strips are part of the Hong Kong companys OmniPork line of meat substitutes, including a vegan take on Spam made to slot seamlessly into Asian- and Pacific Island-style cooking.

At the two Lees Sandwiches that carry OmniPork, the strips are cooked with a ruby-red char siu marinade and used in sandwiches, steamed bao, rice paper rolls and rice bowls. The marinade is the same one the shop uses for its barbecued pork, so the flavor was bang-on. Flecks of crisp char on the ends of the strips emphasized the sweet-and-savory flavors of the marinade as well as the mouthwatering suggestion of a flame. The strips had the fibrousness and springiness of cooked pork loin. The regular mayonnaise was also replaced with a vegan variation.

Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

If placed head-to-head against the meat-based meat, the vegan sandwich would absolutely hold its own  with the only real tell being the relative uniformity of the vegan strips matchstick thickness. Though food tech companies talk a lot about disrupting, Ive never truly felt like their projects ever got so dramatic. But here, with this sandwich, I was beginning to feel like this could really shake loose stereotypes about veganism, Asian food and who gets to claim either.

What distinguishes the two shops that carry OmniPork is their owner, Thang Le. The youngest child of the family who founded the company in San Jose in 1983, Le has been using his share of shops as testing grounds for a new take on the classic banh mi restaurant. Les shops are definitely sleeker (and some might say more hipster) than the usual, with recessed lighting, splashy wall art and craft beers. Bringing on more vegan options is another part of his plan.

When I walked into Les shop in downtown San Jose, I immediately noticed that I had to actually browse the menu to find exactly which vegan sandwich I wanted. Unlike at most other locations of Lees Sandwiches, here was a whole section of almost a dozen meat-free banh mi options, from the old-school bi chay ($6.69) to plant-based fried chicken ($11.49) to vegan lemongrass-marinated tofu ($9.99).

Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Usually, the main meat-free option at a banh mi shop is some kind of marinated and/or fried tofu, served plain or tossed in a quick marinade. Other Lees locations often stick to bi chay, a vegan approximation of shredded pork skin made of bean thread noodles, fried and fresh tofu and julienned yam. Favored by Vietnamese Buddhists and others who avoid meat, the multitude of bouncy and crisp textures imitates the satisfyingly chewy and noodley vibe of pork skin. Youd never mistake this for meat, but thats generally not the point.

Bi chay is so traditional and old, Le said. To me, its a little boring and outdated. Hes happy to use his platform as a scion of the Le family to use vegan ingredients to appeal to both old-school Vietnamese customers and non-Vietnamese who are new to the cuisine. A Buddhist himself, Le says that advertising plant-based meat as explicitly Buddhist-friendly does a lot to bridge the generation gap. And though the newer vegan options are more expensive, averaging $5 more than more basic banh mi, Le says theyve been in high demand.

As far as reach goes, launching OmniPork at Lees Sandwiches is a direct pitch at Vietnamese American stomachs. While smaller in scale, the move runs in parallel with the strategy of Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, which struck major deals with fast-food giants Burger King and Carls Jr. to carry their vegan burgers.

What differentiates OmniFoods from those California companies is its explicitly Asian focus. David Yeung, the CEO of Green Monday, OmniFoods parent company, hopes OmniFoods can put a meaningful dent in pork and seafood consumption in Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Yeungs company cites a myriad of reasons why its tackling livestock production, including the deforestation of land for industrial farms, water and land pollution, and, in Asia, the 1.29 billion metric tons of waste created by the Chinese pork industry every year. Reducing fish and seafood intake could also be an important counter to the overfishing, and potential depletion, of the worlds oceans.

Traditionally, beef was never a main protein source in Asian cuisines, he wrote in an email; so instead of hamburgers, OmniFoods products are stand-ins for Japanese pork katsu, Sichuan fish curry and Spam musubi. While OmniFoods begins from a different cultural standpoint, its approach of molding plant matter into meat-like shapes falls in line with what companies like Beyond and Impossible aim for.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Another point of difference is that OmniFoods products are made in Thailand. The pork strips are flying across an ocean to get into your sandwich, so, in the companys viewpoint, youre trading food miles for the environmental impacts associated with pork farming. (If the distance is too bitter a pill to swallow, its easy enough to go for the tofu at Lees, which is locally sourced.)

My interactions with Yeung and Le were a fascinating contrast to debates over culinary inauthenticity and vegan food. People like Joanne Molinaro, who wrote a bestselling cookbook, The Korean Vegan Cookbook, often deal with backlash from those who say that meat is integral to their cultural cuisines. When she first announced the books nomination for a James Beard award, a stranger on Twitter not-so-helpfully chimed in with Korean food without fish isnt Korean food. In a recent Chronicle story on Filipino vegan food, chef Reina Montenegro recounted an incident in 2017 when an older man berated her at her former restaurant, saying, Were Filipino. We eat meat.

Now, it turns out that Molinaros book ended up winning that Beard award. And the vegan food scene in the Bay Area has exploded, with a diverse array of new-wave businesses like the Singaporean-Italian Lion Dance Cafe, roving pop-up Gay4U and vegan doughnut pop-up Whack Donuts. In this context, it seems wholly natural for an old-school banh mi shop to get in on plant-based food, too.

Soleil Ho is The San Francisco Chronicles restaurant critic. Email: soleil@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hooleil
As the latest COVID surge continues to keep cases high across California, some may be left to wonder: Why have I still not tested positive? A year ago, California reopened rife with optimism about a fading pandemic. COVID had other plans. And troubling new evidence continues to raise concerns about long COVID.

(For the June 17 live blog, click here.)

Latest updates:

Omicron less likely to cause long COVID than delta, study suggests

The omicron variant of the coronavirus is less likely to cause symptoms of long COVID than delta, according to a peer-reviewed study by U.K. researchers at Kings College London. The report, published Thursday in The Lancet, tracked thousands of COVID patients from Dec. 20 through March 9, who self-reported persistent symptoms of long COVID to a custom app for at least a month after infection. They compared those results with reports submitted by people who had delta between June 1 and Nov. 27. The study ended before BA.2 and newer virus subvariants became prevalent, and none of the patients were evaluated in a clinic specifically for the study. The analysis nonetheless found that 4.4% of omicron cases led to symptoms associated with long COVID  such as fatigue, brain fog, headaches, and cardiovascular issues  compared to 10.8% of delta cases. However, the total number of people experiencing long COVID was in fact higher in the omicron period than delta based on the number of people infected with the former. The omicron variant appears substantially less likely to cause long COVID than previous variants but still 1 in 23 people who catch COVID-19 go on to have symptoms for more than four weeks, said Dr. Claire Steves, the lead author of the study. Given the numbers of people affected its important that we continue to support them at work, at home and within the (National Health Service).

7 of 9 Bay Area counties back in high COVID risk tier: CDC

All Bay Area counties, except San Francisco and San Mateo, have high COVID-19 community levels, according to updated estimates of virus spread from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. San Francisco and San Mateo counties remain in the medium category, according to federal data published Thursday. Earlier this week, Marin, Sonoma and Santa Clara counties fell from high to medium, but that is no longer the case. Statewide, 55 of 58 counties in California are in the high category on the COVID-19 transmission map.

California lawmakers scrap plan for preteen vaccine access without parental consent

California lawmakers on Thursday amended a bill that would have let preteens be vaccinated against a range of health conditions without their parents consent, instead raising the proposed minimum age to 15. The bill that cleared the state Senate last month on a 21-8 vote would have allowed those age 12 and up to receive any vaccine that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including against the coronavirus, even if their parents objected. It would have been the youngest age of consent in any state, the Associated Press reports. Catie Stewart, spokesperson for the bills author, Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener, said supporters of the measure were close to having the 41 votes needed to pass in the Assembly, but it wasnt a slam dunk. She added, We think that this will help make it easier. And we think the majority of the people who will use, who will take advantage of this are going to be 15 to 18, so we thought it was a good compromise.

Florida governor confirms state will not provide vaccines to children under 5

Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday confirmed that the state would provide no resources to offering life-saving COVID-19 vaccines to infants and toddlers. Speaking at a press conference to promote the annual python hunt in the Everglades, DeSantis said the youngest group not yet eligible for the shots are at practically zero risk of anything with COVID, despite federal data that at least 442 children under 5 have died from virus-related complications. There is not going to be any state programs that are going to be trying to get COVID jabs to infants and toddlers, and newborns, DeSantis said. Thats not something that we think is appropriate and so thats not where we are going to be utilizing our resources. Florida is the only state that did not pre-order any of the pediatric shots from the Biden Administration this week, in anticipation of the vaccines getting the green light from regulators in the next few days. By being the only state not-pre-ordering, pediatricians for example in Florida will not have immediate-ready access to vaccines, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a Thursday briefing.

Senator who pushed to end transport mask mandates tests positive for third time

Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, who pushed to end mask mandates on planes and public transport before a federal judge struck down the rule, has tested positive for COVID-19 for the third time in less than a year. Today Senator Wicker received a positive result for COVID-19 after taking a required test, his office confirmed in a statement to WJTV on Monday. He will be expected to miss votes and committee business this week until he is able to return in person to the Senate. Wicker previously tested positive for the virus in February and August 2021.

Global COVID-19 deaths rise, reversing 5-week decline

After five weeks of declining coronavirus deaths, the number of fatalities reported globally increased by 4% last week, according to the World Health Organization. In its weekly assessment of the pandemic issued on Thursday, the U.N. health agency said there were 8,700 COVID-19 deaths last week, with a 21% jump in the Americas and a 17% increase in the Western Pacific. WHO said coronavirus cases continued to fall, with about 3.2 million new cases reported last week, extending a decline in COVID-19 infections since the peak in January, the Associated Press reports. Still, there were significant spikes of infection in some regions, with the Middle East and Southeast Asia reporting increases of 58% and 33% respectively. Because many countries have reduced surveillance and testing, we know this number is under-reported, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said earlier this week.

California anti-vaccine doctor sentenced to prison for Capitol riot

A California doctor who is a leading figure in the anti-vaccine movement was sentenced on Thursday to two months in prison for storming the U.S. Capitol, where she delivered speeches to rioters during the mobs attack, the Associated Press reports. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper in Washington, D.C., also sentenced Dr. Simone Gold to 12 months of supervised release after her 60-day prison term and ordered her to pay a $9,500 fine. She can report to prison at a date to be determined. Gold, a former emergency room physician, founded Americas Frontline Doctors. a group known for purveying COVID-19 misinformation. The Beverly Hills-based doctor, a Stanford Law School graduate, has over 480,000 followers on Twitter. She has condemned COVID-19 lockdowns and promoted the use of unproven and potentially dangerous drugs as coronavirus treatments.

Mick Jagger feeling much better after COVID diagnosis

Mick Jagger told fans his condition is improving after testing positive for the coronavirus earlier this week. Thank you so much for your well wishes and messages the last few days, the Rolling Stones 78-year-old front man said on a social media post Wednesday. Im feeling much better and cant wait to get the band back on stage next week. The Stones were hours away from taking the stage at Amsterdams Johan Cruyff Arena on Monday as part of their 60th anniversary tour when Jagger announced that he had tested positive for COVID-19. That shows has been rescheduled for July 7. The band also postponed a show at Bern, Switzerlands Wankdorf Stadium on June 17. That will be rescheduled at a later date.

S.F. rents are still down from pre-pandemic levels

San Franciscos apartment rental market has been the slowest in the country to bounce back after vacancies soared early in the pandemic, fueling a big drop in rents, new data shows. San Francisco is the only big metro area in the U.S. where people are currently paying less for an apartment than they were before the outbreak of the coronavirus more than two years ago, according to real estate listings website Apartment List.

COVID keeps the brain cloudy for at least half a year, UCSD study finds

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

The neurological impact of a COVID-19 infection often persists after other symptoms have cleared up, according to an initial round of research published Wednesday by scientists at UCSD. A majority of patients in the study, published in Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, reported symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, memory impairment, and decreased concentration for up to six months after a mild or moderate case of COVID-19. Some also had coordination and cognitive issues. While the symptoms generally improved after half a year, only one-third of the participants said they were completely resolved at that point. None of the individuals in the study had any history of pre-existing neurological conditions prior to their infections.

Its encouraging that most people were showing some improvement at six months, but that wasnt the case for everyone, said senior author Jennifer S. Graves, associate professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine and a neurologist at UC San Diego Health. Some of these participants are high-level professionals who wed expect to score above average on cognitive assessments, but months after having COVID-19, theyre still scoring abnormally. A handful of participants in the study displayed a previously unidentified set of symptoms that included cognitive deficits, tremors and difficulty balancing. These are folks who had no neurological problems before COVID-19, and now they have an incoordination of their body and possible incoordination of their thoughts, said Graves. We didnt expect to find this, so we want to get the word out in case other physicians see this too. The research team said it will continue to monitor the study subjects annually for the next 10 years.

Stanford doctor warns of COVID-related staffing shortages

Abraar Karan, an infectious disease expert at Stanford, said Wednesday that the Bay Areas current COVID-19 surge is causing staffing disruptions in the local health care system. At one of the hospitals I work at, enough residents are sick such that we have reduced staffing on our very busy infectious disease service, he tweeted Tuesday. Karan said he was infected for the second time last month, a pattern he is seeing with increasing frequency. However you might feel about severity of covid & whether its a problem worth solving or not, having multiple doctors out of work sick at the same time is not a good thing. And that too multiple times in a year, he said. Karan added that with the rise of more transmissible variants, its not enough for public officials to rely on individual responsibility to mitigate virus spread. We need community level solutions - both in policy, and in engineering controls.

Florida only state not to pre-order vaccines for youngest children

Every state but Florida has pre-ordered the COVID-19 vaccine for children under 5 from the federal government in anticipation of the shots becoming available to the last ineligible age group next week, the Miami Herald reports. State officials missed the pre-order deadline Tuesday, which means there will likely be a delay for families in accessing the vaccine from pediatricians offices, childrens hospitals, pharmacies and health centers. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, who was hand-picked by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, on Tuesday said he was against providing children access to the life-saving shots. From what I have seen, there is just insufficient data to inform benefits and risk in children. I think thats very unequivocal, Ladapo, who also runs Floridas department of health, told reporters in Tallahassee, according to Orlando Weekly.

Fewer people getting flu vaccines due to polarization of COVID shots, letter suggests

The politically-charged pushback against COVID-19 vaccines is affecting influenza vaccination rates, according to a letter from researchers at UCLA published Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine. Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the sensitivity analysis found that while influenza vaccine uptake remained relatively stable during the first influenza season of the pandemic, once COVID-19 vaccines became widely available influenza vaccine uptake decreased, even after adjustments were made for pandemic-related changes to accessing health care. Our findings suggest that after the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines, factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination rates (e.g., safety concerns and mistrust of COVID-19 vaccines or government) may have spilled over to affect influenza vaccination rates, the authors wrote.

Most of the world high risk for travel, CDC says

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises Americans to avoid travel to some of the most popular destinations around the world this summer as a majority of countries in Europe, South America, Asia, North America, and Oceana are listed as having high risk for COVID-19 in the agencys updated map. That is the second-worst level in the CDC tiers, behind the classification reserved for special circumstances. Out of the 235 locations federal officials monitor, 135 were placed on the high risk tier as of Tuesday, indicating that they are reporting 100 new cases per day per 100,000 residents in the past 28 days.

FDA advisors recommend authorizing Pfizer and Modern vaccines for children under 5

The vaccine advisory committee for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday unanimously recommended the FDA grant emergency use authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months to 4 years old. The three-dose vaccine is 3 micrograms each  the second one given three weeks after the first, and the third given eight weeks after the second. The committee also recommended authorizing the Moderna vaccine for children under 5 earlier on Wednesday. Despite supporting the authorization of the Pfizer vaccine, many vaccine scientists on the committee expressed concerns because the vaccine does not appear to provide sufficient protection after two doses, and the efficacy estimate after the third dose  80% at preventing symptomatic COVID  was based on just 10 cases. They are concerned, given the Pfizer vaccine was rolled out last year as a two-dose vaccine for adults, that parents may not realize their children wont get full protection until after three doses.

The two-shot Moderna regimen uses doses of 25 micrograms each, smaller than the adult and older children dosages of 100 micrograms and 50 micrograms, respectively. The Pfizer and Moderna recommendations are incremental steps that will likely lead to the full FDA authorizing the two vaccine brands, after which the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will review safety and efficacy data for both. The CDC is slated to make its decision over the weekend, and the shots could start going into arms as early as next week. If one or both shots are authorized, it would mark the first time the youngest Americans would be eligible to get vaccinated. Children under 5 are the last remaining age group in the U.S. to get vaccinated and many parents have been anxiously awaiting Food and Drug Administration action to protect their little ones.
Every morning, Agustin Fuentes makes his way to the front door of the San Francisco Day Labor Program in the Mission. There he starts his day by sweeping the leaves, plastic bags and cigarette butts that have blown down Cesar Chavez Street and gathered on the sidewalk overnight. After hes done, he checks in to see if anyones called in to the program with a job moving, painting or gardening. If not, he joins the hundreds of day laborers standing on street corners throughout the city, hoping for a few hours of work.

At the end of the day, Fuentes doesnt retreat to a warm bed indoors. Instead, he finds a few pieces of cardboard and hunkers down on the sidewalk.

Fuentes is one of hundreds of unhoused people in the Mission who are underserved by the citys homeless programs. In the daytime, when outreach workers hit the streets, hes at work. At night, he keeps a low profile, trying to stay out of other peoples way. Nearly 60, hes lived in San Francisco 40 years. For the past 20, hes been homeless.

Contrary to what we read on Twitter and in the national media, particularly surrounding discussions of Chesa Boudins recall, San Franciscos population of homeless people are not all drug addicts who break into cars and commit violent crimes. In some ways, its easier to lean on that narrative; by assuming they are at fault for their homelessness through some deep moral failing, it absolves us from feeling obligated to do anything about it.

But thats not the reality.

Many, like Fuentes, are longtime residents who simply cant afford a place to live. And they love this city.

Its a beautiful place to live whether youre homeless or you have a house, Fuentes said. I want to stay in my home, in my community, in my beautiful city.

But as the city  particularly the Mission  has gotten more expensive, its homeless population has grown. Infrastructure to address the crisis has been slow to catch up.

After years of trying to get help with no offers of housing or resources, Fuentes has lost trust in the system. He rarely leaves the neighborhood and doesnt feel safe in the Tenderloin, where much of the citys services are located.

We often refer to people like Fuentes as falling through the cracks. But its not a crack, its a gaping hole. The system simply isnt designed to serve them.

Thats why in March, the Latino Task Force, a collective of more than 40 community groups, deployed 80 volunteers to do block-by-block survey of the Missions homeless residents. The goal was not to simply count people, but to collect nuanced information on their needs: how far people must travel to get water (60% said more than two blocks), how many had lost items during homeless sweeps (75%) or how many spoke Spanish as their preferred language (43%).

The ensuing report, released Thursday, fills in crucial gaps in city data on people experiencing homelessness and proposes some long-overdue solutions.

The report confirms that there are many like Fuentes who have been left out. Of the 110 people polled, only 17% said they were on a waiting list for shelter or housing, although nearly every person said theyd like to move indoors.

One barrier: There is nowhere in the Mission District to apply for permanent supportive housing. And even if youre lucky enough to get on the waitlist for a coveted, subsidized unit, the path inside is broken  especially for the areas Latino population. The journey from approval to moving indoors can take more than a year. In the first three months of 2022, only 20% of those who moved into this type of housing were Latino. But in the Latino Task Forces poll, nearly 50% identified as Latino.

After decades of watching more of their community end up on the streets, members of the Latino Task Force arent waiting for a top-down solution to homelessness to land in their laps. They have a plan to get people off the streets: El Proyecto Dignidad, the Dignity Project.

The plan looks something like this:

When a sweep of a homeless camp is scheduled, community monitors will act as an intermediary between city agencies and homeless residents, ensuring that people and their belongings are kept safe. Trained case workers from nonprofits will then partner with each person in the camp to start referrals. People will enter shelters and their belongings will be stored while they wait for permanent housing. The streets where they camped will then be cleaned.

Its not wildly different from what the city says it does during a homeless sweep, though, importantly, without an overreliance on police. And instead of depending on city agencies, El Proyecto Dignidad will empower the Mission neighborhood to care for its own. That means outreach to people like Fuentes would come from people who speak his language, who understand his culture and who he may even recognize from the neighborhood. That trust is essential.

Its a plan that requires policy shifts, but minuscule new financial investment: The only budget ask is for money to hire two community members to monitor activities between city agencies and Mission residents who live outdoors.

Theres a precedent in the citys plan to end homelessness in the transgender community, which entails a $6.5 million investment in trans-led groups already working with the population and a commitment to permanently subsidize housing for 150 people.

Supporting a similarly engaged coalition that has a clear idea of how to solve homelessness within their community should be a no-brainer.

Too many in San Francisco view homelessness as an intractable, unsolvable challenge. But theres another narrative that could be true: When given the resources, communities can take care of their own, without displacing people, adding to their trauma or letting them fall through the cracks. For the Mission, which has experienced decades of gentrification with little remediation, this trust and investment is long overdue.

Nuala Bishari is a San Francisco Chronicle opinion columnist and editorial writer. Email: nuala.bishari@sfchronicle.com
In California, late fees for traffic tickets can balloon quickly, adding up to hundreds of dollars.

Now the legislature has passed a budget that would eliminate these civil assessments and cancel all related debt. But advocates fear that Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has two weeks to weigh in, may reject the proposal. His administration said it supports reducing the fees but not completely eliminating them.

Counties levy civil assessment fees whenever plaintiffs are late paying or contesting tickets for minor traffic violations  such as parking tickets or jaywalking. The money is used to fund court budgets. Because lower-income people and people of color are disproportionately targeted for traffic infractions, advocates call this practice a hidden tax on the poor.

Civil assessments have always been about raising money for the courts  and nothing else, said Zal Shroff, senior racial justice attorney at the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area. We are going to hold every court in California accountable for their unlawful late fees until the governor ends this shameful practice for good.

His group sent letters to 30 California superior courts on June 10 demanding that they stop collecting the civil assessment fees.

Gov. Newsoms office referred questions about his stance on the civil assessments to the Department of Finance.

Weve been clear about the importance of reducing the civil assessment in an overall effort to reduce the financial penalties related to crimes that often become a significant burden for individuals experiencing poverty, spokesman H.D. Palmer wrote in an email. That said, the Administration doesnt support the complete elimination of the assessment.

Rather, the administration supports expanding an Ability to Pay pilot program that lets judges waive and significantly reduce penalties based on an individuals circumstances, he said.

The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area, along with other legal nonprofits, has gone to court over the issue. It sued San Mateo Superior Court in January over its practice of automatically tacking on a $300 late fee, which had added up to $9 million in surcharges in the past three years. The court agreed to stop collecting and imposing late fees while the litigation is pending.

In May, the Lawyers Committee and other nonprofits sued the Judicial Council of California, the administrative body for California courts. The council agreed not to fight the suit pending action from the governor and legislature.

Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: csaid@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @csaid
UPDATE: Lowell High School admissions will return to merit-based system after S.F. school board vote

Less than a week before a final vote, the San Francisco school board appeared split on whether to restore merit-based admissions to Lowell High School for the fall of 2023 after discussing options during a public meeting.

A final vote is scheduled for Wednesday.

During a four-hour meeting on Thursday, the board heard from dozens of parents, alumni and students on whether to extend the lottery-based process that has been in place for this years ninth-grade class and those entering the academically elite school in the fall.

Superintendent Vince Matthews has recommended keeping the lottery process in place for another year, citing significant challenges to bringing back the admission process based on grades, test scores and essays, which would require hiring additional staff. The costs to do so arent yet clear.

The pending decision over extending the lottery is the latest inflection point in the nearly two-year saga featuring feuding public officials, a lawsuit and accusations of racism over which students are eligible to attend Lowell, long considered one of the highest-performing public high schools in the country.

Three board members  Mark Sanchez, board Vice President Kevine Boggess and Matt Alexander  indicated at Thursdays meeting they would support the superintendents recommendation to extend the lottery.

I do not want us to go back to a model that produced more segregation, Sanchez said. Racial isolation is what we call it.

Board member Ann Hsu voiced her continuing support for bringing back merit-based admission.

Restoring Lowell to criteria-based admissions will signal to the community that high standards matter; hard work matters, she said.

The remaining three board members, President Jenny Lam, Lainie Motamedi and Lisa Weissman-Ward, did not specifically signal how they would vote, but did not reject the idea of restoring merit-based admissions.

We put ourselves in a corner, Weissman-Ward said. Neither option is a perfect one.

Motamedi, however, said she doesnt think its fair to keep punting and to go year by year by year.

Lam said she supports more educational opportunities, not fewer.

Some students are seeking a very specific academic environment, she said. I do think there will be different ways that we look at selective admissions criteria looking forward.

The board comments followed two hours of public comment, with passionate arguments opposing the lottery process, saying it punishes hardworking students who deserve a competitive, rigorous education.

Too many students arent well-enough educated, whether at Lowell or elsewhere, said Agnes Hong. Getting rid of the merit-based admission wont fix that.

What is good for some is not good for others, said district parent Roger Wong. Lottery Lowell is faux equity.

Supporters of the lottery were equally ardent in arguing for access to Lowell for all students, pointing out that it increased diversity at the school, which has been predominantly Asian American over the past several decades.

Dont cater to communities at Lowell who are already over-represented, said Tony Hines, an African American Parent Advisory Council leader. Maintain the lottery system. Its fair, its just and its legal.

In recent days, hundreds of people across San Francisco painted signs, petitioned and rallied to urge the citys school board to restore the academically competitive system Lowell had before the pandemic.

While the process the district will use for ninth-grade admission to Lowell in the fall of 2023 remained unclear, the school board appeared unanimous in supporting the superintendents second recommendation. That recommendation would create a task force to get community feedback on what the city wants and needs from its high schools, while also considering if and how to offer selective admissions at Lowell and any others.

Im hopeful the task force will evaluate how we can grow and expand our rigorous academic standards for students who seek those out, Weissman-Ward said.

Motamedi said that a conversation is long overdue on the high school task force and selective admissions at Lowell and other district high schools.

Any recommendations related to the admission process at Lowell or any other high school for the 2024-25 school year would have to come by April 30.

The board initially voted to convert the competitive admissions process to one that is largely lottery in October 2020, given the lack of letter grades and test scores during the pandemic. The decision applied to freshmen entering in the fall of 2021.

Then in February 2021, the board fast-tracked a proposal to make that decision permanent, sparking anger and frustration among supporters of the merit-based admission.

In a 5-2 vote, the majority of board members cited pervasive systemic racism and a lack of diversity at Lowell as the primary reason to end the merit-based admission process following an incident in which students were exposed to racist, pornographic and antisemitic images in an online school forum.

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Gabriela Lopez, Alison Collins, Sanchez, Faauuga Moliga and Alexander voted for the change, while Lam and Boggess voted against it, citing a need for more community involvement.

The decision was one factor in a successful effort to recall Lopez, Collins and Moliga earlier this year, although the Lowell vote was ultimately overturned in court based on a procedural error.

The board later extended the lottery process for a second year, given the ongoing pandemic.

The board must also grapple with questions about whether an admission process based on grades and test scores violates state law, which prohibits an academically competitive selection process at comprehensive high schools.

Lowell, with nearly 2,900 students, has tried in the past to change its admission criteria to get a more diverse student body. In addition to relying on grades and test scores, it set aside 30% of its spots for qualified students from underrepresented schools.

Still, less than 2% of Lowells students were Black before the admissions change, compared with 8% districtwide, and less than 12% of students were Hispanic compared with 32% in all schools. Asian American students represented 51% of enrollment at Lowell, compared with 29% districtwide.

Supporters of Lowells merit-based admissions say the process was never the problem. Rather, the district failed to prepare and recruit a diverse pool of applicants.

If there is a perceived problem with demographics of Lowell High School, its because of pilot error, said Christine Linnenbach, an attorney representing the Friends of Lowell Foundation, which supported the lawsuit alleging the board violated the Brown Act when voting on a permanent lottery system. In other words, the district didnt do its job.

Linnenbach cited the data showing D and F grades tripled for the first class of freshmen admitted under the lottery in the fall of 2021. However, its unclear exactly how much the change in admissions policy factored into the rise in Ds and Fs among Lowells ninth-graders, compared with other possible factors such as the pandemic.

The merit-based admission policy ensures that students prepared to go to Lowell High School are not going to be on that D and F list, she said. The students of Lowell should not be pawns in some parochial political game.

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker
San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston has a new strategy to boost affordable housing that would set aside $135 million through a combination of funds in the next city budget and new debt financing.

Preston said Wednesday that hes asking his colleagues on the Board of Supervisors to approve $35 million to help pay for several initiatives: teacher housing projects, elevator improvements at aging single-room-occupancy hotels, rental subsidies for low-income seniors or disabled people, and aid to communities that want to set up housing cooperatives or land trusts.

If Preston gets his way, those funds would be allocated in the next city budget that supervisors have just begun to evaluate. Mayor London Breed proposed a $14 billion spending plan for the next fiscal year, but Preston and some of the citys other progressive leaders dont think it envisions nearly enough funds for affordable housing.

At the same time, Preston is also seeking support from his fellow supervisors for $100 million in long-term debt financing that could pay for acquisition and construction of entirely affordable housing developments, along with repairs to existing government-funded homes.

The funding push is motivated largely by Prestons belief that the city government can help solve the housing crisis by building and operating more homes itself, while promoting other alternate models like land trusts. He pointed to the fact that San Francisco has built less than half of the affordable homes called for by the current eight-year regional goals.

When it comes to affordable housing right now, we are on a road to nowhere if we dont start doing something different, Preston told The Chronicle. We have got to take our blinders off and start embracing strategies for ramping up affordable housing in a big way.

San Francisco has long struggled to build affordable homes as nonprofit developers face lengthy approval timelines and sky-high construction costs. Breed three times tried and failed to get supervisors to put a measure before voters that would streamline housing production; supporters are now gathering signatures to put it on the ballot instead. At least three supervisors are pushing a rival proposed ballot measure with stricter affordability requirements.

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.

Prestons goal is to tap into revenue generated by Proposition I, a successful 2020 city ballot measure that doubled taxes on the sale of buildings valued at more than $10 million. Preston, who sponsored the measure, has previously clashed with Breed over how the tax revenue should be spent. He wants the money allocated for affordable housing  as he says it was intended  but revenue from the measure goes to the citys general fund, where it can be spent for any purpose.

Prestons proposal incorporates recommendations from the Housing Stability Fund Oversight Board, the Prop. I advisory group established by supervisors.

We urgently need this investment in affordable housing to prevent more working people, seniors, and communities from being priced out of this city, Molly Goldberg, director of the S.F. Anti Displacement Coalition, said in a statement. The city must honor the clear intention of voters to fund these new housing initiatives through Proposition Is tax on big real estate.

J.D. Morris is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jd.morris@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @thejdmorris
The MTCs Bay Area Toll Authority voted on June 8 to begin releasing hundreds of thousands of toll violations to the DMV, which can then prohibit people from renewing their car registration until their fares are paid.

According to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, 396,000 drivers owe between $22 to $88, 101,000 owe $110 to $418, and 13,000 will receive calls from collection agencies for owing over $1,600. Many of these fines also come with late payment penalties.

At the start of the pandemic, the agency paused its policy of forwarding unpaid violations to the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The MTC also did away with toll collectors, forcing drivers to pay toll fees with either a FasTrak transponder or a bill sent to whichever address their cars registration is under. The recent move signals a switch back to pre-pandemic consequences for not paying to drive across any of the seven state-owned bridges in the Bay Area.

Advocates are concerned about the impact these plans will have on low-income communities who rely on their cars for day-to-day life.

DMV holds disproportionately affect low-income people. They should not be used at all, Candy Smallwood, a staff attorney at the East Bay Community Law Center, said at the June 8 BATA meeting. The DMV holds force people to choose between breaking the law and getting to work or to and from doctors appointments. DMV holds criminalize poverty.

The agency is establishing a means-based payment plan for those who make up to 200% of the federal poverty level  about $27,000 annually per person, or $55,000 for a family of four  to stagger out their payments. Critics of the plan pointed out that these qualifications leave out a huge swath of people who are still struggling financially despite not meeting this criteria.

I dont even know how a family of four survives in the Bay Area on $55,000, said Supervisor Hillary Ronen at the June 8 meeting.

MTC sees the crackdown as a necessary way to recover the $50 million in toll fares and $134 million in late payment fees owed by the public before the backlog of unpaid violations starts expiring in 2024.

Were obliged to be a careful steward of a vital public asset, MTC spokesperson John Goodwin told SFGATE. We have an obligation to fund voter-approved projects that are funded with toll dollars.

Goodwin expects the first non-commercial violation notices to be forwarded to the DMV by January 2023. Until then, MTC will be implementing what executive director Therese McMillan described as a very aggressive public information campaign to inform people about the low-income based payment plan they probably wont qualify for.
A Bay Area murder-suicide made orphans of six children who were home at home when their father shot a security guard, their mother and then turned the gun on himself, officials said.

Erica Chanon Pantoja, 29, was estranged from her husband, Salvador Pantoja, 33, multiple media outlets reported. On Sunday, Salvador went to Erica's North San Jose apartment in the 300 block of Crescent Village Circle, and the two got into an argument in the parking lot, the San Jose Police department said.

A security guard, Marco Carral Duran, 23, of San Jose, was working nearby and attempted to intervene in the domestic dispute, police said.

Salvador shot Duran and then his wife before turning the gun on himself, a statement from the police department said.

The children's aunt, Maria Chanon, told ABC 7 News that the security guard bought the kids time to run away.

"The oldest one who saw the whole incident, she still cries," Chanon said, "She can't understand why her father would do that."

Chanon said the children, whose ages range from 1 to 10, will be cared for by extended family.

Police said the deaths of Erica Panoja and Duran marked the 15th and 16th homicides in San Jose since the start of the year.

The motive and circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, the department said.

The San Jose Police Officers Association set up a donation fund on Wednesday to help support the children.

These children need your help. Six children  lost their mother this past weekend. Please consider donating, the San Jose Police Department said.
DETROIT (AP)  Tesla CEO Elon Musk is appealing a federal court ruling that upheld a securities fraud settlement over Musk's tweets claiming that he had the funding to take Tesla private in 2018.

Musk's lawyer Alex Spiro filed a notice of appeal Wednesday with the federal appeals court in Manhattan. No grounds were stated, and a full filing with the Second Circuit Court of Appeals is expected later.

In April, U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman rejected Musks bid to throw the settlement that Musk signed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

He also denied a motion to nullify a subpoena of Musk seeking information about possible violations of the settlement.

The settlement required that Musk's tweets be approved by a Tesla attorney before being published. The SEC is investigating whether Musk violated the settlement with tweets last November asking Twitter followers if he should sell 10% of his Tesla stock.

Limons ruling said that Musk made the tweets without getting pre-approval, but the judge later wrote that he didn't mean to pass judgment on that issue.

The whole dispute stems from an October 2018 agreement with the SEC that Musk signed. He and Tesla each agreed to pay $20 million in civil fines over Musks tweets about having the funding secured to take Tesla private at $420 per share.

The funding was far from locked up, and the electric vehicle company remains public, but Teslas stock price jumped. The settlement specified governance changes, including Musks ouster as board chairman, as well as pre-approval of his tweets.

Limons ruling cleared the way for the SEC to seek a court order enforcing the subpoena, and for an investigation into another possible violation of the settlement by Musk.

Spiro contended the SEC is using the settlement and near limitless resources to chill Musks speech. He wrote in court documents that Musk signed the settlement when Tesla was a less mature company and SEC action jeopardized the companys financing at a critical time.

He also alleged that the subpoena from the SEC is illegal, and that the agency cant take action about Musks tweets without court authorization.

But in a 22-page ruling, Liman wrote that Musks claim that economic duress caused him to sign the settlement is wholly unpersuasive.

Even if Musk was worried that litigation with the SEC would ruin Tesla financially, that does not establish a basis for him to get out of the judgment he voluntarily signed, Liman wrote.

The judge also said the argument that the SEC had used the settlement order to harass Musk and launch investigations was meritless.
Joshua Bright/NYT

USA Today has removed 23 articles from its website after an investigation into a reporters work revealed fabricated sources, according to people briefed on the decision.

The internal investigation, which took place over a period of several weeks, began after USA Today received an inquiry related to the veracity of details in an article by Gabriela Miranda. Miranda was a breaking news reporter at USA Today, according to the people who would speak only on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.
Yosemite National Park is under fire for what critics are calling a "large-scale commercial logging program" already underway in the valley.

The park, however, says it is merely "thinning" biomass to "protect sequoias, wildlife habitat and communities."

In a lawsuit brought Monday and first reported by the Fresno Bee, Berkeley nonprofit conservation group Earth Island Institute alleges that the National Park Service is clear-cutting the forest and sending the trees to commercial sawmills. The suit alleges this is unprecedented behavior in a national park and fails to uphold the promise to leave the land "unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."

The National Park Service's project summary, however, describes the work in the Merced and Tuolumne giant sequoia groves and Yosemite Valley itself as necessary to protect the park from wildfires and to "improve safety for the public and first responders." The project will thin conifers under 20 inches in diameter and remove dead trees on the ground, stating "immediate actions are needed to protect these areas from high severity fire."

Csondy/Getty Images

The lawsuit claims that recent scientific studies show that removing mature trees and dead trees tends to increase, not decrease, overall wildfire severity. The plaintiff alleges that Yosemite's project plan contradicts a previous plan to remove trees under 12 inches in diameter. It also takes issue with the use of the term "thinning" and not "logging."

The suit alleges that Yosemite violated two laws, the National Environmental Policy Act and the Administrative Procedure Act, in not completing proper environmental analysis and neglecting to share documentation on the project with the public.

No dates are given on the NPS site as to when the project will start, but Earth Island Institute says logging was already underway on May 11. It filed the suit in response on Monday. The institute is expected to file a request for an injunction this week to stop more trees being felled as the case is decided, reports the Fresno Bee.

Im profoundly concerned, because if Yosemite National Park can start a large-scale commercial logging program, then this can happen in any national park in the country, ecologist Chad Hanson, co-founder and director of the John Muir Project, told the Bee. What theyve done already to-date is devastating and what theyre proposing to do, in terms of the further logging, would be far more devastating.

A Yosemite National Park spokesperson told SFGATE over email that they are unable to comment on pending litigation.
Editor's note: In this recurring column, San Francisco writer Margot Seeto celebrates the city's vibrant Chinese restaurant culture  and beyond  with reviews of dumplings across town.

Like so many of us in the Bay Area, I am a dumpling lover. And as a third-generation Chinese American San Franciscan, Id be remiss if I didnt have dumpling (duuumps!) favorites, old and new, throughout the city and beyond.

Im excited to introduce myself as SFGATEs dumpling columnist. In this recurring column, Ill drop a new piece that explores various types and aspects of the Bay Areas many dumpling cultures. Its a Bay Area-appropriate lens through which to examine our food scene  where its been, where it is, and where its going.

Ive had a long-standing interest and stake in the food world  not only as a food writer, but also as a 15-year veteran of the food and beverage industry. Ive also traveled to 39 other countries and lived in five of them, eating well through each one. The most qualifying credential of all may be that I have a little dumpling of my own (aka my 6-month-old). Since she looks like a little ball of dough with her plump cheeks, that counts, right?

I know its not just me who has a love for dumplings. Any Bay Area food lover can probably name at least five varieties of dumplings they love to eat. Is it the steamed chives dumplings from Good Mong Kok Bakery? The wagyu beef gyoza from Dumpling Time? The kimchi dumplings from the prepared food section of H Mart? The original xiao long bao (XLB for those who know) from Din Tai Fung? Do they long for the mushroom dumplings in dashi broth from the much-missed Namu Gaji? (Disclaimer: I used to work at the Namu Street Food stand at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. Hi, guys!)

Its deliciously exciting to see how almost every culture has its versions of dumplings. The Bay Area has gone wild for Nepalese momos in recent years. The tragic war in Ukraine has prompted folks to pay more attention to local Ukrainian culture and food, including the signature varenyky dumpling. But is lumpia considered a dumpling? How about empanadas from various Latin American countries and the Philippines? British pasties? Filled, steamed buns?  Scotch eggs?! Does a dumpling end where a sandwich begins? If so, what is that line? No matter how hot that debate might be, hopefully, we can agree that hearty fillings lovingly wrapped in carb blankets are dumplings. If thats the case, then its no wonder that versions of this comfort food exist everywhere in the world.

Charles Russo/SFGATE

If theres one thing that dumplings share, its that they remind us of home. Dumplings are one of the worlds best comfort foods. And that takes us to the varieties from Chase Luck Bakery on Ocean Avenue. This family-owned shop reminds me of home  literally, as my dad visits almost every week.

As a Volvo family, the former Auto 280 in Ingleside was our go-to repair place for decades. Next door was always a casual Cantonese takeout place that my parents would patronize while waiting for their cars. While its changed names and ownership over the years, the takeout spot has been in its best incarnation as Chase Luck Bakery since 2016. From heaping three-entree combo rice plates to as many dumplings as you can carry, Chase Luck never fails to satisfy with its reasonable prices.

Giant, gingery potstickers

After getting laid-off from my last service industry job in March 2020 because of the pandemic, I made regular visits to my parents in San Francisco to help around the house, and I got to know my dads errand pattern. On Mondays, he usually goes to Chase Luck after 3:00 p.m., when the food is discounted at only $3 a pound. One day, he might bring home kung pao chicken with diced zucchini, or peppery, sliced beef short ribs stir-fried with string beans and carrots.

But on the days he comes through the door holding takeout boxes bursting full of dim sum items, I always perk up extra, especially when there are dumplings. Of course, I have love for dim sum classics like har gow and siu mai, but Im always jazzed when there are also shrimp and chive dumplings and giant, gingery potstickers.

Charles Russo/SFGATE

Were not talking about fine dining here, but Chase Lucks dumplings are huge, fresh and affordable. Going later in the day results in a roulette of dumplings from week to week that never gets old. So I get our familys weekly addiction.

After an awkward phone call where my bad, virtually nonexistent Cantonese did not get me very far with a staffer, it was clear that my ABC (American-born Chinese) ass needed a translator. Moments like this are my forever punishment for sucking at Chinese school. Despite having eaten Chase Lucks food for literally years, I myself had never stepped foot inside. After putting a call out to my Canto network, my friend Samson Lee stepped up to the plate. Sam is fluent in Cantonese, having grown up in Brooklyn with Cantonese-speaking parents from Hong Kong. Adding him to the dumpling team made me way less nervous about bumbling my way through, well, everything.

Charles Russo/SFGATE Charles Russo/SFGATE Charles Russo/SFGATE Charles Russo/SFGATE A diverse array of dumplings, steam tray eats and more at Chase Luck Bakery in San Francisco. (Charles Russo/SFGATE) A diverse array of dumplings, steam tray eats and more at Chase Luck Bakery in San Francisco. (Charles Russo/SFGATE)

We met at Chase Luck on a weekday afternoon. The storefronts clean, bright red awning with smiling cartoon dumplings made it easy to spot along busy Ocean Avenue. The place is, in many ways, a typical Cantonese takeout spot. Customers choose entree combos from steam trays behind a glass-walled counter. Places like this, with the same concept, dot Chinatown, the Excelsior, the Richmond, the Sunset and anywhere else with a significant Chinese population. In Hong Kong, these types of eateries are called two-dishes-and-rice restaurants, and typically cater to working class crowds and anyone else wanting an affordable meal.

Here, customers can get three dishes plus white rice for $7.85 (or two dishes plus fried rice or noodles)  a steal in this ever-expensive city. But we were here for the dumplings  also a delicious bargain. Next to the steam trays are pans of dumplings and other dim sum items stacked on top of each other in glass warming cases. Most orders run $1.15 for one, to $3.25 for three. The eatery is small but still feels abundant and full of possibility, since there are many potential feasts for each customer.

Wei Sen Lei, who took over Chase Luck with his wife Jessica three or four years ago (he cant quite remember when), works tirelessly with a small team of employees seven days a week, from morning until night. Leis youthful appearance belies his 15-plus years in the restaurant industry: He first learned to cook at age 16 while living in his hometown of Taishan, China. After moving to the states, Lei commuted from San Francisco to a Sunnyvale Chinese restaurant job for more than 10 years before taking over Chase Luck.

Charles Russo/SFGATE

Spiral-pleated bites

Shyly smiling behind his mask, Lei filled a takeout box for us with his choice of dumplings from the remaining days supply, noting that the har gow is the most popular. He also gave us beef siu mai, taro dumplings and Chiu Chow fun gor (a regional, ear-shaped dumpling from the Chiuchow region of Guangdong), plus some bonus items like ma lai go (a steamed brown sugar cake) and dai bao (big bun, stuffed with ground pork, Chinese dried smoked sausage, mushrooms and hard-boiled egg). I asked Lei why his dumplings seem bigger than those at most other places. I want to make sure people get their moneys worth. I want them to be full from one meal, he said, translated through Sam.

Arms laden with our boxes, we found a parklet across the street and dug into our food. First up  the har gow, of course. Because shrimp.

Theres a lot of shrimp in here! exclaimed Sam. I took a bite of my har gow and reflexively said the same thing. Some cheaper har gow is stuffed with a lot of filler, an imbalance of too much starch powder and bamboo shoots. These har gow were almost pure shrimp, with light touches of sesame oil and white pepper. The nearly translucent dough encasing the har gow was still soft from the steamer and expertly thin.

Charles Russo/SFGATE

Next, we bit into our respective pieces of beef siu mai, greeted with a cilantro-forward, bouncy bite. The beef was finely ground with other ingredients, like water chestnuts, to make a smooth paste, formed into a meatball, and wrapped cylindrically with a wonton skin. I never had beef siu mai until I moved out here, Sam said.

I hadnt noticed that regional difference, though its true that pork siu mai is standard, and beef is a more unusual find. This dumpling would probably be more of an acquired taste, with its stealth cilantro and almost too-smooth meat texture. But did I still eat it all? Hell yeah.

Third up: the taro dumpling. What could this be with such a broad name? I forgot to ask for the Chinese name of it (again, my forever punishment), but it is a dumpling that neither Sam nor I were super familiar with. Shaped like a 4-inch-long half moon with spiraled pleats on the round part, the thicker skin was filled with diced bits of steamed taro, along with ground pork. You could probably eat three of these giant things for a meal. Im not really a taro person, but fans of the superfood would probably like their beloved root vegetable in this dumpling form.

Charles Russo/SFGATE

Last up was the Chiu Chow fun gor  another dumpling that Sam and I didnt know as well. Biting through the crystal dumpling skin revealed a colorful cross-section of ground pork, whole peanuts, leeks and shiitake mushrooms. This was the most surprising filling combo of the bunch and would be a refreshing addition to ones dumpling rotation.

Considering that dim sum is thought of as brunch food, these 3:00 p.m. dumplings were impressively fresh. We could see and taste Leis years of restaurant experience in these dumplings. For those who go into Chase Luck blindly and accept whatever combo of dumplings fate has in store  chances are, youll be happy. If there are one or two not to your liking, just try, try again. There are many from which to choose and its totally worth going back.

Keeping the customer in mind

It hasnt been entirely easy for the restaurant. On top of financial losses from the pandemic from slower traffic and temporary closures, Chase Lucks storefront glass was also smashed four times last year in alleged anti-Chinese hate crimes committed by the same individual.

Lei was frustrated, disillusioned, he said, but I had to just keep going. Community response resulted in fundraising efforts not only to replace the broken glass and security cameras, but also install a rolling metal gate to protect the business. Lei said that the perpetrator was a no-show in court, and that he has been nowhere to be found. With these extra protections, his business hasnt suffered from additional crime since last year.

Despite razor-thin profit margins, pandemic recovery, and rising food costs, Lei is keeping his affordable prices the same  and when possible, he gives food to homeless people in the neighborhood.

Charles Russo/SFGATE

This simple gesture aligns with his philosophy of keeping his customers best interests in mind, of getting them their moneys worth.

All the more reason to support the small, mom-and-pop (the Leis have young children) and immigrant-owned shop. What better way to do that than to gift yourself and your loved ones with a variety box full of dumplings?

Feel free to ping me with your favorites, or other dumpling thoughts or questions. Until the next column  happy dumpling dipping.

Chase Luck Bakery, 1325 Ocean Ave., San Francisco. Open daily, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. $15 credit card minimum.
I can taste it now. The spicy, tingly red oil coats the insides of my cheeks; the silken-soft tofu cubes practically melt with each chew; the perfectly steamed rice granules soak up the doubanjiang flavor and the shells of the Chinese peppercorns prickle my tastebuds every so often.

This is what you can expect from Brandon Jews mapo tofu at Mamahuhu, which is now expanding to its second location in Noe Valley at 3991 24th St., according to the Noe Valley Voice.

We want for Mamahuhu to be in neighborhoods with a strong local and family-oriented community, Ben Moore, co-owner of Mamahuhu, told SFGATE by email. In many ways we are serving the food that we ourselves grew up loving and enjoying with our families and we hope to carry that tradition forward in communities we think will be excited about it in the same way we are.

The first location of Mamahuhu, a Chinese American restaurant, opened in the Inner Richmond at 517 Clement St. in 2020, across the street from Green Apple Books. It is co-owned by Moore, Anmao Sun and Jew, who is also the head chef.

Anmao Sun is a Noe Valley resident and the team would often take walks around the neighborhood and envision what a Mamahuhu would look like on 24th Street.

We pegged Noe Valley early on as a neighborhood we felt would be excited by what we do, Moore said. We were pretty adamant on finding a great location on 24th Street so we looked and waited patiently for about a year before we found a spot that felt right.

The restaurant concept pays homage to Chinese takeout fare in America, which Jew praised in an SFGATE interview in January 2020.

People really love these flavors, and it's kind of made me realize that all these dishes were developed by Chinese immigrants who were adapting to the ingredients that were available in America, Jew said.

Blair Heagerty / SFGate

Aside from the mapo tofu, other popular dishes are sweet and sour chicken, kung pao chicken and broccoli and beef.

Jew, who was recently named Best Chef: California at the James Beard Awards ceremony, has received many accolades for his cooking at Mister Jius, a high-end Chinese restaurant with a California cuisine flair where entrees cost anywhere from $20 to $145. Mamahuhu is more approachable, where nothing costs more than $17.

For me, it goes back to accessibility, Jew told SFGATE in 2020. [At Mister Jius] were looking for really exceptional products and sometimes that makes that price point higher. Theres more meaning in paying homage to a tradition of cooking, and Im really proud of Chinese American cuisine.

To start, the menu at the Noe Valley Mamahuhu will be the same as the Clement Street location. But there might be some new items the team is experimenting with.

We try to keep our menu simple and consistent, focusing on doing a smaller selection of dishes but doing them very well, Moore said. That said, there are a few new ideas we are working on (prompted partially by our growth into Noe Valley) that will pop up on the menu by the time we open our doors there.

There is no exact opening day yet, though.

We just recently got our building permit approved by the city and hope to start renovation soon this year, said Moore. Unfortunately due to global supply chain issues across many industries many of the materials and equipment we need for our renovation are delayed or on extreme backorder. So we're working to get going as soon as we can but certain elements are beyond our control.

Realistically, the Noe Valley outpost likely wont open until the end of this year or early next year. Then, Noe Valley residents can have mapo tofu to their heart's content.
Melanie Z. via Yelp

Just in time for prime ice cream season, San Francisco's Humphry Slocombe is opening a new location. The new shop will be in Redwood City at 2077 Broadway Avenue, the ice cream brand's very first Peninsula location.

Humphry Slocombe first opened in the Mission District in 2008, serving unexpected ice cream flavors such as Secret Breakfast, made with bourbon and cornflakes. Eventually, the brand expanded with two East Bay locations and a second San Francisco shop in the Ferry Building. Recently, Humphry Slocombe announced plans to open a new shop at Emeryvilles Bay Street mall this fall as well.
Gathered at the Trinity Church on the Green in New Haven one early June morning, students and community leaders came together as part of a ceremony to honor the lives of emancipated slaves Lucy and Lois Tritton.

The Trittons were purchased at an auction in 1825 by abolitionist Anthony P. Sanford, who subsequently freed them. The sisters were the last two enslaved individuals to be auctioned in the city of New Haven, according to the Trinity Church.

This event was just one among many hosted by the Witness Stones Project, a Guilford-based organization whose mission it is to honor the humanity of enslaved individuals. The organization works with kids from K-12 and crafts projects that have students and teachers analyze primary-source documents and other curriculum to better understand the lives of enslaved individuals in the state. The culmination of each project is the laying of Witness Stone Memorials, which honor the life of a specific enslaved individual relevant to the area where the stone is placed.

There are currently stones placed in a number of towns around Connecticut including Greenwich, Madison, West Hartford, Old Lyme and Durham.

For [the students], becoming the voice of somebody from the past and telling the history of someone whose story hadnt been told is very powerful for them. I think they bring that with them, said Dennis Culliton, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Witness Stones Project. Its untarnished. We share it with them the way that we find it.

According to the New Haven Museum, Connecticut passed the Gradual Abolition Act of 1784, which freed slaves when they reached their 20s  specifically 25 for men and 21 for women. This was in effect for any enslaved individuals who were born in the state after March 1, 1784 but would not affect other enslaved people at the time. It would be another six decades before slavery was abolished in Connecticut in 1848.

Fifteen years later, President Abraham Lincoln would sign the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed enslaved individuals across the country. Juneteenth commemorates when Union soldiers marched into Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, freeing the last slaves in the United States.

Culliton said he was inspired to start the project after giving a talk at the Guilford Library in 2017 that discussed the dozens of formerly enslaved individuals in the towns of Madison and Guilford. The former E.C. Adams Middle School teacher said he had a following discussion with a friend who had recently seen the Stolpersteine project in Germany, which honors victims of the Holocaust and is present in many European countries.

The question then presented itself: Could we remember enslaved people here the way that Jews are remembered in Germany and Central Europe?

Among the first Witness Stones laid were that of Phillis and Montros, two enslaved people who were purchased in Boston, and are direct relatives of current Chair of the Board of Directors for the Witness Stones Project, Patricia Wilson Pheanious

Culliton said that the project takes a hyper-local approach to better understand the enslaved people who lived in our communities centuries ago while also honoring a specific people for each project, similar to the Stolpersteine.

If you do a project and talk about 3,000 enslaved people in Connecticut, thats sad, but when you talk about a person who lived on your street, or lived in your town, that becomes more of a meaningful activity, Culliton said.

Culliton added that the curriculum sometimes surprises students." However, Culliton remarked that classes have been extremely receptive to the material when undertaking the Witness Stones Project.

Kids learn new things every day. When you tell them something new, it's not a challenge for them to accept it. Theyre learning new things in science class, math class, English class and music class, Culliton said. There are lessons to be learned that were never going to find in a textbook.

Currently, the project has partnered with 86 schools and community institutions, and has reached 7,500 students.

Outside of Connecticut, the project is continuing to expand, with Witness Stones already located in or planning to be in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island and New York.

Were getting more communities who are interested, Culliton said. Teachers are asked to do local history. Theyre asked to use primary documents. Theyre asked to tell a more diverse history of our past and then theyre asked to share the project with their community. This project does all of those things while telling, in some cases, hidden histories of our communities.

The Witness Stones project will commemorate Juneteenth with events in Wallingford and New Haven on June 19.
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MIDDLETOWN  The number of towns in Connecticut marking Liberation Day has doubled over the past year, a positive sign for Juneteenth celebrations, according to local festival organizer Erica Hunter.

She expects Middetowns second annual observation, a family-friendly festival set for Saturday at Smith Park, will see many more attendees than the estimated 1,300 to 1,400 who enjoyed it last year, said Hunter, chairwoman of the Middletown Ujima Alliance.

Its growing on people. Everywhere you look now you see people talking about Juneteenth, she added.

Last year, about seven towns hosted observations, Hunter said. This year, there will be nearly 20.

Its only getting more popular, which is a beautiful, beautiful thing.

This weekends event will run from noon to 6 p.m. and feature free food, live music by city native Jordan Watson and others. Vendors will include fare from city-based Soulfully Vegan, Bella Noir Caribbean Restaurant and Vecchitos Italian Ice, and more.

There will also be bounce houses for the kids and a COVID vaccination clinic hosted by Griffin Health.

Liberation Day is freedom to be who you are, freedom to express yourself and your cultural environment, said Hunter, who discovered that her surname comes from the Hunter Plantation in Tampico, S.C., where her ancestors were enslaved.

The observance has deep roots for every person of color, especially in the Black culture, she added. You want to celebrate that were not enslaved people  which we shouldnt have been in the first place.

In June 2020, Hunter led a march downtown in reaction to the murder of George Floyd.

Gov. Ned Lamont signed a bill last week declaring Juneteenth a state holiday, and last year, it became a federal holiday.

Hunter hopes the local celebration will become a blueprint for municipalities across Connecticut, such as Hartford, New Haven and Bridgeport. Hunter envisions a Woodstock-type event lasting the entire weekend.

Ujima is a Swahili term that means collective works, something embodied by the alliance, she explained. You have to work with like-minded individuals, and people who share your passion or see your vision  and run with it with you.

There will also be an educational component, including a walking area lined with signs explaining the history of Juneteenth, and information about the Beman family of Middletown. The new middle school is named for the abolitionist who helped ferry people to freedom via the Underground Railroad.

There will be security team at the event to prevent alcohol consumption, smoking or drug activity. We want this to be a clean, fun-filled festival. We dont want anything to deter that from happening, Hunter added.

Last week, the alliance gave three scholarships to area high schools, totaling $3,750. In 2021, one student received a $500 prize.

Also in 2021, Hunters relatives hosted a family to families contest, and donated the proceeds to the first Black valedictorian at Middletown High School. She had a full ride to [University of Southern California].

The alliance is accepting donations toward its work at culture21.net.
kali9/Getty Images

Four people were charged in conjunction with an incident on April 17 at Enclave Student Living, an apartment complex for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students located on Route 157 near Woodland Elementary School.

Lance D. Young, 20, of the first block of Wilson Hill Road, Wood River; and Austin L. Mestel, 18, of the 500 block of Forest Drive, Collinsville, were each charged June 14 with tampering with a security system, both Class 4 felonies.
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (AP)  Three former fraternity members were sentenced Thursday to jail terms for their roles in the hazing death of a Bowling Green State University student, while two others were ordered to serve house arrest.

Jarrett Prizel, 19, of Olean, New York, Daylen Dunson, 22, of Cleveland, and Ben Boyers, 21, of Sylvania, Ohio, had all pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and hazing counts. Dunson and Boyers also pleaded guilty to obstructing justice, while Dunson also admitted to tampering with evidence.

Niall Sweeney, 21, of Erie, Pennsylvania, and Aaron Lehane, 21, of Loveland, Ohio, both pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence and hazing, while Lehane also admitted to obstructing official business.

The charges stemmed from the March 2021 death of Stone Foltz, 20, a sophomore from Delaware, Ohio.

Authorities have said Foltz died of alcohol poisoning after a fraternity initiation event in which he was hazed into finishing an entire bottle of alcohol. He was found unconscious by a roommate after members of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity dropped him off at his apartment.

Foltz died three days after he was put on life support.

Prizel was sentenced to 28 days in jail and two years' probation. Dunson received a 21-day jail term and three years of probation, while Sweeney was given a 14-day jail sentence and two years of probation. All three were also sentenced to serve 28 days of house arrest.

Boyers and Lehane were each sentenced to 28 days of house arrest and two years' probation.

Sentencing is pending for three other former fraternity members.

In a statement they issued Thursday, Foltzs parents, Shari and Cory Foltz, noted the sentencings were the conclusion for the former fraternity members. But the couple said there will be no closure for our family until hazing is permanently eradicated on college campuses."

____

This story has been corrected to show that the parents' last name is Foltz, not Folyz.
A California doctor who is a leading figure in the anti-vaccine movement was sentenced on Thursday to two months in prison for storming the U.S. Capitol, where she delivered speeches to rioters during the mob's attack.

U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper in Washington, D.C., also sentenced Dr. Simone Gold to 12 months of supervised release after her 60-day prison term and ordered her to pay a $9,500 fine. She can report to prison at a date to be determined.

Gold, a former emergency room physician, said she deeply regrets entering the Capitol during the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, and didn't intend to get involved in an event that was so destructive to our nation.

It's the opposite of who I am, she told Cooper.

Gold founded Americas Frontline Doctors. a group known for purveying COVID-19 misinformation. The Beverly Hills-based doctor, a Stanford Law School graduate, has over 480,000 followers on Twitter. She has condemned COVID-19 lockdowns and promoted the use of unproven and potentially dangerous drugs as coronavirus treatments.

The judge told Gold that her anti-vaccine activism wasn't a factor in her sentencing. Cooper said Gold wasn't a casual bystander on Jan. 6.

The judge also said Gold's organization has misled supporters into believing her prosecution was politically motivated and trampled on her free speech rights. Cooper called it unseemly that Americas Frontline Doctors has invoked the Capitol riot in raising money, including for her salary.

I think that is a real disservice to the true victims of that day, he said.

Gold pleaded guilty in March to entering and remaining in a restricted building, a misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison.

More than 800 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the riot at the Capitol. Over 300 of them have pleaded guilty, mostly to misdemeanors, and nearly 200 have been sentenced.

After the riot, Gold told The Washington Post that she followed a crowd into the Capitol, didnt witness any violence and didnt think she was breaking any laws.

I can certainly speak to the place that I was, and it most emphatically was not a riot, she said. Where I was, was incredibly peaceful.

But prosecutors say she entered the Capitol immediately after a law enforcement officer was assaulted and dragged to the ground in front of her. Gold also joined a mob that was trying to break into the House chamber and later ignored police commands to leave Statuary Hall so she could finish giving a speech, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors had recommended 90 days of imprisonment, one year of supervised release and 60 hours of community service for Gold.

Gold spent two days in jail after her January 2021 arrest. Her lawyers had requested a sentence of time served and 60 hours of community service. Gold agreed to pay $500 in restitution.

Prosecutors said Gold hasn't shown remorse or accepted responsibility for her actions. They accused her of trying to profit from her crime, saying Americas Frontline Doctors has raised more than $430,000 through its website for her legal expenses.

It beggars belief that Gold could have incurred anywhere near $430,000 in costs for her criminal defense: after all, she pleaded guilty  in the face of indisputable, readily identifiable evidence  without filing a single motion, prosecutors wrote in a court filing.

Defense attorney Dickson Young said Gold has paid her lawyers out of her own pocket. Young said America's Frontline Doctors has kept the donated money for itself.

Gold told the Post that she had traveled to Washington to speak at a Rally for Health Freedom on the East side of the Capitol on the afternoon of Jan. 6.

Gold was charged with John Strand, the communications director for Americas Frontline Doctors. Prosecutors also described him as Golds boyfriend.

Strand has pleaded not guilty to the charges again him and has a trial scheduled to start on July 18. Prosecutors say Strand rejected their offer for a plea agreement.

Strand was filming as Gold gave a speech in Statuary Hall about her opposition to coronavirus vaccine mandates and government-imposed lockdowns. After police escorted her out of Statuary Hall, Gold delivered another speech in the Rotunda using a bullhorn while standing on a statue of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Gold and Strand spent nearly an hour inside the Capitol before leaving.

The Medical Board of Californias database shows Gold remains licensed to practice medicine in the state. However, Gold's lawyers say the board sent her a letter threatening to revoke her medical license for an instance of misinformation."

My reputation has been utterly shredded, Gold said Thursday.

Gold moved from California to Naples, Florida, after her arrest. Defense attorney Kira West said Gold has received threats and travels with a bodyguard.
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CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  Australia's new foreign minister on Thursday made New Zealand the first stop on her third Pacific trip in a month as Canberra steps up efforts to counter Chinas growing influence in the region.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong is promoting her administrations stronger ambition on curbing greenhouse gas emissions as evidence that Australia shares the South Pacifics primary security concern: climate change.

Australia formally committed on Thursday to reducing emissions by 43% by the end of the decade. The previous government, which lost power in elections last month, had pledged to reduce emissions by only 26% to 28% below 2005 levels by 2030.

Many countries in the region have been concerned about Australias previous position on climate, Wong said at a joint press conference with her New Zealand counterpart, Nanaia Mahuta, in the New Zealand capital, Wellington.

We do have some ground to make up and we want to demonstrate we bring ... stronger and more ambitious commitments on climate because we actually think it matters and more resources and more energy, Wong added.

Mahuta said she agreed with Wong that the Pacific is a contested space.

So by working together, it will be important to ensure that we work alongside the Pacific as they define their priorities, but also the way in which we partner with the Pacific on their biggest issues like climate change, like economic resilience, Mahuta said.

On Friday, Wong will become the first Australian minister to visit the Solomon Islands since its government signed a security pact with China that many fear could lead to a Chinese naval base being established less than 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) off Australia's northeast coast.

When asked what she hoped to achieve from her meeting with Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Wong did not mention the pact.

Wong said she aimed to listen to peoples perspectives and learn from that.

She also plans to discuss climate change, labor mobility and development.

Australia is the Solomons' main security partner and Australian police have been in the capital, Honiara, maintaining peace since riots in November last year.

Australia on Thursday announced drought assistance for Kiribati, which was one of eight nations visited by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a recent influence-building South Pacific tour.

Australia will provide an initial 675,000 Australian dollars ($473,000) to support the installation of 100 solar distillation units to provide safe drinking water after the Kiribati government declared a state of disaster on Wednesday.

Wong visited Samoa and Tonga around the same time as Wangs tour. She flew to Tokyo within hours of being sworn into office on May 23 for a security summit attended by leaders of the United States, Japan, India and Australia.

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Follow APs Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific
PHOENIX (AP)  President Joe Biden has nominated a prominent Arizona election attorney to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The president announced the nomination of Roopali Desai on Wednesday.

Desai has been at the center of virtually every major election case in Arizona in recent years representing various arms of the Democratic Party, Democratic candidates and left-leaning interest groups.

She also represented Secretary of State Katie Hobbs in cases filed by supporters of former President Donald Trump challenging the 2020 election results.

Desai is a partner at the Phoenix firm Coppersmith Brockelman and has practiced law there since 2007. She worked briefly as an associate at Lewis & Roca and was a law clerk for then-Chief Judge Mary Schroeder of the 9th Circuit. She has bachelors, masters in public health and law degrees from University of Arizona.
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP)  El Salvadors Bitcoin-boosting president may be having second thoughts about the crypto-currency, whose value has tanked in recent weeks.

According to the tracking site nayibtracker.com, El Salvador under President Nayib Bukele's administration has bought a total of about $105 million in Bitcoin, starting last September and paying an average of almost $46,000 per coin.

The value of that investment is now calculated to have fallen by over 50%, or around $51 million.

So when a Bitcoin publication crowed that El Salvador has lost only $40 million on its investment in the currency also known as BTC, Bukele tweeted with apparent incredulity Tuesday: Youre telling me we should buy more #BTC?

Bukele became the first leader in the world to make the crypto-currency legal tender last year and was a devoted booster at least up to May, when he crowed about buying the dip in the crypto currency's price. But the coin has slid further since then.

Finance Minister Alejandro Zelaya sought Wednesday in an interview with a local television station to put a good face on the situation, saying that because El Salvador hasn't sold any of its Bitcoins, it hasn't really suffered any loss.

When they tell me that El Salvador's budgetary risk has increased because of the supposed loss, that loss doesn't exist," Zelaya said. That must be made clear, because we have not sold.

However, most companies and governments do write down the value of what accountants call an unrealized loss, even if they don't sell the distressed asset.

Zelaya also insisted the Bitcoin slide doesnt matter very much for El Salvador, saying that this doesn't even represent 0.5% of our budget.

That might prove a hard sell in a country where about one-fifth of the people live on less than $5.50 per day.

In January, El Salvador rejected a recommendation by the International Monetary Fund to drop Bitcoin as legal tender.

Zelaya said at the time that no international organization is going to make us do anything, anything at all," calling it an issue of sovereignty.

The IMF recommended that El Salvador dissolve the $150 million trust fund it created when it made the cryptocurrency legal tender and return any of those unused funds to its treasury.

The IMF cited concerns about the volatility of Bitcoin prices, and the possibility of criminals using the cryptocurrency.

Bukele has touted Bitcoin as a way to significantly increase financial inclusion, drawing millions of people who previously lacked bank accounts into the financial system. He has also spoken of the parallel tourism promotion targeting Bitcoin enthusiasts.

Bukele led the push to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender alongside the U.S. dollar. El Salvadors Legislative Assembly made the country the first to do so in June 2021.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  California officials are weighing whether to list the iconic western Joshua tree as a threatened species, a designation that would make it harder to remove the trees for housing, solar or other development projects.

The desert plant is known for its unique appearance, with spiky leaves on the end of its branches, is found in the national park that bears its name about 130 miles (209 kilometers) east of Los Angeles and through a stretch of desert up to Death Valley National Park. There are two types of trees, the eastern and western, but only the western is up for consideration.

The California Fish & Game Commission took hours of public comment on Wednesday and scheduled a vote for Thursday. If the tree is listed as a threatened species, killing one would require special approval from the state.

The state has never listed a species as threatened based primarily on threats from climate change, said Brendan Cummings, conservation director for the Center for Biological Diversity.

The center petitioned in 2019 to have the western Joshua tree listed as threatened, saying hotter temperatures and more intense periods of drought fueled by climate change will make it harder for the species to survive through the end of the century. It also argued wildfires and development threats harm the trees ability to live and reproduce.

The state's ongoing drought, which scientists say is part of the worst megadrought in 1,200 years, is likely harming the trees' ability to survive, Cummings said.

We're likely witnessing a single large scale mortality event right now," he told the commission.

But the California Department of Fish & Wildlife has recommended against listing the species as threatened. The department acknowledged that areas suitable for the western Joshua trees growth is likely to decline due to climate change by 2100. But it said in an April report that the tree remained abundant and widespread," which lowers the risk of extinction.

The question is not Will climate change be bad for Joshua tree?' The question is, How bad will it be, and how quickly?' And the truth is we dont know yet," said Jeb McKay Bjerke, who presented the Department of Fish & Wildlifes recommendation to the commission.

It's unknown how many Joshua trees exist in the state, but it could be anywhere from 4.8 to 9.8 million, he said. It was a close call" for the department not to recommend listing the species as threatened, he said, and three of five outside peer reviewers who were asked to look at the recommendation by the department disagreed with the conclusion.

About 40% of the Joshua trees in the state are on private land. Many of the comments focused on the development of housing and solar projects in the region. Several local and state politicians and union workers said listing the species as threatened would make it harder to move forward with necessary projects, including those that aim to fight climate change by boosting renewable energy.

California has set a requirement that 100% of its electricity be produced from non-carbon sources by 2045.

We believe these types of projects are the best tools at combating climate change for protecting the western Joshua trees future, said David Doublet, director of land use planning for San Bernardino County, which has a high concentration of the trees and many solar energy projects.

San Bernardino County, which includes Joshua Tree National Park, recently increased the penalties for illegally removing Joshua trees  a $20,000 fine and six months in jail on the third offense. County Supervisor Dawn Rowe urged the board not to list the species as threatened, saying local and county governments were best poised to set restrictions and respond to illegal removal of the tree.

We are your partner in conservation and preservation of the species," she said.

But numerous other speakers argued the state has no time to waste in listing the species as threatened as the state faces warmer temperatures and more extreme droughts and fires, all of which can hurt the trees. Kelly Herbinson, executive director of the Mojave Desert Land Trust, said Joshua trees are a keystone" species of the desert, with other species reliant on its survival.

Climate change is a threat we havent had to deal with yet and I get that were struggling to figure out the best path forward, but its happening and its happening now," she told the commission.

In 2019, the federal government declined to list the tree as a protected species.
CHICAGO (AP)  A Chicago police officer accused of dragging a Black woman from a car by her hair and kneeling on her back and neck during a period of protests and unrest following George Floyd's killing should be fired, the head of the police department told a civilian oversight board.

Superintendent David Brown filed disciplinary charges this month against Officer David Laskus and recommended he be fired to the Chicago Police Board, which will decide the issue.

The police union didn't immediately reply to a message Thursday seeking the name of Laskus' lawyer.

Brown charged Laskus with violating various department rules, including mistreating and engaging in any unjustified verbal or physical altercation with a person, according to police board records.

Mia Wright was a passenger in a car that arrived at the Brickyard Mall on May 31, 2020, during a weekend of protests and unrest, including looting, after the killing of Floyd, who was Black, by a white police officer in Minneapolis.

A federal civil right lawsuit Wright and four relatives filed states that they drove to the mall to go shopping and didn't realize it was closed due to the unrest. The suit alleges that police officers suddenly surrounded their car, broke the windows with their batons and pulled Wright out by her hair.

Wright says she was left blind in one eye by flying glass caused by the officers breaking the car windows.

Officers said they thought some members of Wrights group were attempting to break into a store at the mall to steal goods, city lawyer Caroline Fronczak has said.

The City Council in March approved a $1.675 million settlement with Wright and the four others who were with her that day.
Photo Credit: fizkes / Shutterstock

In recent years, public health officials have been trying to raise awareness of the negative effects of a common daily activity: sitting.

While sitting can be helpful for resting and maintaining the body, sitting for prolonged periods with limited physical activity reduces energy expenditure and cardiovascular fitness, which contributes to a number of adverse health conditions. Sitting can increase the likelihood of obesity, blood clots, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol. It may also increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. It affects posture, stiffens joints, and contributes to tightness and strain in the back, hamstrings, and hips. With this long list of potential health consequences, some health professionals argue that sitting is the new smoking.

One reason that sitting has received increased attention as a public health concern is that people are spending more time sitting while at work. Up until the mid-20th century, much of the economy in the U.S. was centered around jobs in fields like manufacturing and agriculture that required workers to stand and engage in other physical activity. Increasingly, however, the modern economy emphasizes office jobs that are more sedentary in nature. This trend has only accelerated with the adoption of technologiesfrom phones and faxes to computers and the internetthat allow workers to complete more tasks and communicate with coworkers or customers from their desks. Today there are 83% more sedentary jobs in the U.S. than there were in 1950.

Despite this trend, jobs that require continuous standing do remain more common than jobs that require continuous sitting. There are still nearly three times as many workers in the ten most common professions that require continuous standing than the ten most common professions for continuous sitting, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET. Many of the standing-heavy occupations are concentrated in fields like food service and construction, while the most common seated occupations include professions like receptionists and medical secretaries, jobs in office-based industries like finance, insurance, and law, and fast-growing fields like market research and computer and information systems.

Sitting and standing jobs are not equally common across the U.S. due to differences in locations economic makeup. States including Nevadawhich has a large hospitality and food service industryand Mississippiwhich has many jobs in agriculture and manufacturingare the leaders in jobs with continuous standing. Northeastern states like New York, Massachusetts, and Maryland have economies with more workers in fields like finance, professional services, and information technology that are primarily conducted in offices. Accordingly, those states lead the nation in concentrations of workers who sit continuously.

Cities in those leading states, like New York, Boston, and the D.C. metro, are also among the leading locations for primarily seated jobs at the local level. But one other sign that a metro will have more workers who sit is a strong tech industry. High-tech hotspots like the Bay Area, Austin, and Seattle all rank highly on the list of cities with the most workers who sit.

The data used in this analysis is from O*NETs Occupation-Level Sitting Score and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. To determine the locations with the highest concentration of workers who sit, researchers at HireAHelper calculated a composite index, combining each locations occupational mix with each occupations sitting score. In the event of a tie, the location with the greater share of workers in jobs requiring continuous sittingthose with an O*NET score of 90 or abovewas ranked higher. To improve relevance, only metropolitan areas with at least 100,000 residents were included.

Here are the cities with the highest concentration of workers who sit.

Large Metros With the Highest Concentration of Workers Who Sit

Photo Credit: Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock

15. Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA

Composite index: 49.62

49.62 Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 5.2%

5.2% Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 12.5%

12.5% Total workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 51,220

51,220 Total workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 122,450

Photo Credit: Gregory E. Clifford / Shutterstock

14. Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ

Composite index: 49.62

49.62 Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 6.8%

6.8% Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 12.1%

12.1% Total workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 143,740

143,740 Total workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 255,610

Photo Credit: Chones / Shutterstock

13. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

Composite index: 49.77

49.77 Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 5.9%

5.9% Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 11.4%

11.4% Total workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 337,840

337,840 Total workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 651,310

Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

12. Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD

Composite index: 49.81

49.81 Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 5.9%

5.9% Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 11.7%

11.7% Total workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 73,510

73,510 Total workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 146,520

Photo Credit: photo.ua / Shutterstock

11. Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI

Composite index: 50.23

50.23 Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 6.1%

6.1% Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 11.5%

11.5% Total workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 111,310

111,310 Total workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 209,130

Photo Credit: Roschetzky Photography / Shutterstock

10. Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO

Composite index: 50.32

50.32 Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 6.5%

6.5% Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 12.1%

12.1% Total workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 95,220

95,220 Total workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 177,500

Photo Credit: Jeremy Janus / Shutterstock

9. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Composite index: 50.64

50.64 Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 6.3%

6.3% Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 12.1%

12.1% Total workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 120,020

120,020 Total workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 232,540

Photo Credit: Jon Bilous / Shutterstock

8. Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT

Composite index: 51.03

51.03 Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 6.5%

6.5% Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 10.0%

10.0% Total workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 35,130

35,130 Total workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 54,370

Photo Credit: Globe Guide Media Inc / Shutterstock

7. Salt Lake City, UT

Composite index: 51.34

51.34 Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 6.6%

6.6% Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 11.7%

11.7% Total workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 49,410

49,410 Total workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 86,700

Photo Credit: ShengYing Lin / Shutterstock

6. Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX

Composite index: 51.52

51.52 Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 6.7%

6.7% Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 12.4%

12.4% Total workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 71,840

71,840 Total workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 132,560

Photo Credit: Ingus Kruklitis / Shutterstock

5. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA

Composite index: 51.67

51.67 Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 6.6%

6.6% Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 10.5%

10.5% Total workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 569,830

569,830 Total workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 915,440

Photo Credit: ESB Professional / Shutterstock

4. Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH

Composite index: 51.93

51.93 Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 6.1%

6.1% Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 10.8%

10.8% Total workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 156,970

156,970 Total workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 278,950

Photo Credit: yhelfman / Shutterstock

3. San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA

Composite index: 52.28

52.28 Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 7.2%

7.2% Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 10.6%

10.6% Total workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 160,430

160,430 Total workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 236,880

Photo Credit: f11photo / Shutterstock

2. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Composite index: 53.80

53.80 Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 6.4%

6.4% Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 11.0%

11.0% Total workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 186,320

186,320 Total workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 321,290

Photo Credit: Sundry Photography / Shutterstock

1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Composite index: 54.02

54.02 Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 7.5%

7.5% Share of workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 9.2%

9.2% Total workers in jobs requiring continuous sitting: 79,810

79,810 Total workers in jobs requiring continuous standing: 98,760

Detailed Findings & Methodology

The data used in this analysis is from O*NETs Occupation-Level Sitting Score and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. To determine the locations with the highest concentration of workers who sit, researchers calculated a composite index, which is an employment-weighted average of each occupations O*NET sitting score for each location. In the event of a tie, the location with the greater share of workers in jobs requiring continuous sittingthose with an O*NET score of 90 or abovewas ranked higher. To improve relevance, only metropolitan areas with at least 100,000 residents were included. Additionally, metros were grouped into cohorts based on population size: small (100,000349,999), midsize (350,000999,999), and large (1,000,000 or more).

This article was first published on LatticePublishing.com.
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DETROIT (AP)  Decades before Chinese immigrant Yao Pan Ma was attacked while collecting cans in New York and Thai American Vicha Ratanapakdee was fatally assaulted in San Francisco, Vincent Chin was beaten to death with a baseball bat in Detroit by two white men who never served jail time.

Forty years later  and amid a rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans  Detroit has partnered with The Vincent Chin 40th Remembrance & Rededication Coalition on a four-day commemoration to honor civil rights efforts that began with Chins death and declare the citys commitment against such violence.

Although hate crimes existed, Vincent Chin did bring out a flash point for Asian Americans, Stanley Mark, senior staff attorney at the New York-based Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, said, calling Chin's death a seminal moment among Asian Americans.

Chin, a 27-year-old Chinese immigrant, was at the Fancy Pants Tavern strip club in the Detroit enclave of Highland Park for his bachelor party on June 19, 1982, when a fight erupted. Federal authorities said two autoworkers blamed Chin for layoffs at car factories due to Japanese imports. After Chin left the club, the two men tracked him down at a fast food eatery and attacked him, authorities said. Chin later died at a hospital.

The Vincent Chin 40th Remembrance & Rededication commemoration started Thursday.

It comes as crimes against people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent have increased, fueled in part by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some in the U.S. say bigots have been emboldened by then-President Donald Trump, who often disparagingly referred to the virus as the Chinese virus.

This recent spike of anti-Asian violence because of COVID and anti-China rhetoric deals with geopolitical things, Mark said. The rhetoric is: China is the boogeyman.

From March 19, 2020, through the end of last year, people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent reported 10,905 incidents  from taunting to outright assaults, according to Stop AAPI Hate, a national coalition based in California.

The Justice Department said that in 2020, more than 8,000 single-bias incidents involved 11,126 victims  up from 7,103 incidents the previous year. Bias over race, ethnicity and ancestry was behind nearly 62% of the incidents.

Ratanapakdee was among the Asian Americans who have been attacked in recent years. He was on a morning walk when he was shoved to the ground and his head hit the pavement. The 84-year-old died two days later.

Ma, 61, was knocked down and repeatedly kicked in the head in an attack last year. He died Dec. 31.

Last month, three women of Asian descent were shot in a hair salon in Dallas Koreatown. The suspects girlfriend later told investigators he has delusions that Asian Americans are trying to harm him.

President Joe Biden last year signed the bipartisan COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which expedited Justice Department reviews of anti-Asian hate crimes. His administration has spent recent weeks in meetings with Asian American leaders to discuss the violence. K-pop sensation BTS visited the White House last month to speak with Biden about combating the rise in hate crimes targeting Asian Americans.

Helen Zia, an activist in Detroit at the time Chin was slain and now executor of an estate named after Chin and his mother, Lily, said anti-Asian racism that was going on in the 1980s is similar to what is happening today.

This is a common thread for the history of Asians in America whether its an economic crisis or somebody to blame for the World Trade Center being destroyed: Its Asians, yellow and brown people that have historically been scapegoated and blamed for these things, she said.

It goes to a threat that is more than a couple of hundred years old  blaming a group that is seen as the forever-enemy alien.

To the horror of Zia and many others, neither of the two men accused of beating Chin received any jail time. Ronald Ebens pleaded guilty to manslaughter, while his stepson, Michael Nitz, pleaded no contest.

Each was sentenced to three years probation and fined $3,700.

These men are not going to go out and harm somebody else, Wayne County Circuit Judge Charles Kaufman, who has since died, explained at the time. You dont make the punishment fit the crime; you make the punishment fit the criminal.

The declaration shocked many.

The sentence put a target on every Asian Americans head, said Zia, who is now an author living in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Ebens and Nitz also were later acquitted of federal civil rights charges.

Federal prosecutors had said Ebens blamed people of Asian descent for problems in the U.S. auto industry, and killed Chin because of his race. The defense admitted Ebens killed Chin, but said he was drunk and had been provoked.

The Associated Press was unable to reach Nitz for comment this week. A voicemail message was left Wednesday at a telephone number listed for Ebens.

There was a full expectation (Ebens and Nitz) would receive the full wrath of the criminal justice system," Zia said. "I think the family  people  thought the justice system was going to work.

___

News Researcher Rhonda Shafner contributed from New York. Williams is a member of AP's Race and Ethnicity team.

___

The spelling of the first name of Chins mother has been corrected.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  The Netherlands' busiest airport is reining in flight departures over its busy summer period because shortages of security staff mean it cannot cope with the high demand as many families take to the skies for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic has eased.

The decision is likely to affect the vacation plans of thousands of travelers each day, the airport's CEO said Thursday.

Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, one of Europes busiest, said in a statement that on average, from July 7 until the end of the month, there are about 13,500 seats per day above the capacity that the airport's security staff can handle. A decision on August flights will be taken later.

The airport, which saw lengthy delays and flight cancellations during school vacations last month, did not say how many flights a day it would have to cancel, saying some of the seats have not yet been sold and passengers may be able to depart from different airports.

It is, of course, frustrating, CEO Dick Benschop told reporters. Frustrating for the people concerned, families who have looked forward (to traveling); frustrating for airlines, the first real summer after COVID; frustrating for travel organizations and frustrating for us.

Schiphol is not the only European airport struggling to cope with staff shortages and skyrocketing demand for flights after two pandemic-hit years.

Travelers in Britain suffered days of airport delays during the Easter school holidays, with British Airways and easyJet canceling hundreds of flights because of coronavirus-related staff absences. Hours-long lines built up at British airport check-in, security and baggage points.

Benschop said Schiphol had no choice but to act now.

It is not responsible to go into the summer hoping for the best, he said. We are responsible for our passengers and staff and for their security and health.

___

Follow APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic
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NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  The threat of war with neighboring Congo is simmering under the tidy surface of Rwandas capital as the East African nation hosts the British prime minister and other world leaders next week for the Commonwealth summit.

Decades-old tensions between Rwanda, which has one of Africas most effective militaries, and Congo, one of the continent's largest and most troubled countries, have spiked along their shared border a few hours' drive from Rwanda's capital, Kigali. Alarm has reached the point where Kenyas president is urging the immediate deployment of a newly created regional force to eastern Congo to keep the peace.

Each side has accused the other of incursions. Congo now seeks to suspend all agreements with Rwanda. If Rwanda wants war, it will have war, a spokesman for the military governor of Congos North Kivu province told thousands of protesters on Wednesday.

Heres whats at stake.

WHAT JUST HAPPENED?

Eastern Congo lives with the daily threat from dozens of armed groups that jostle for a piece of the regions rich mineral wealth that the world mines for electric cars, laptops and mobile phones. Earlier this year, one of the most notorious rebel groups, the M23, surged anew.

The M23 launched an offensive against Congos military after saying the government had failed to live up to its decade-long promises made under a peace deal to integrate its fighters into Congos military. This week the M23 seized a key trading town, Bunagana, sending thousands of people fleeing into neighboring Uganda and elsewhere.

At that, Congos military accused Rwandan forces of no less than an invasion, alleging that Rwanda backed the rebels in their capture of Bunagana.

Congos government has long accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, which Rwanda denies. The accusations have surged again in recent weeks. Many of the M23 fighters are ethnic Tutsis, the same as Rwandas President Paul Kagame.

Rwanda, for its part, has accused Congolese forces of injuring several civilians in cross-border shelling.

WHATS THE HISTORY OF TENSIONS?

Relations between Rwanda and Congo have been fraught for decades. Rwanda alleges that Congo gave refuge to the ethnic Hutus who carried out the 1994 Rwandan genocide that killed at least 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus. In the late 1990s, Rwanda twice sent its forces deep into Congo, joining forces with Congolese rebel leader Laurent Kabila to depose the country's longtime dictator Mobutu Sese Seko. The Rwandan forces in Congo were widely accused of hunting down and killing ethnic Hutu, even civilians.

Millions of Congo's people died during the years of conflict, according to rights groups, and the effects still run deep today. Many women live with the scars and trauma of rape.

Eastern Congo continues to see divisions along ethnic lines at times. The region's history of instability, loose governance and its vast distance  more than 1,600 miles  from Congo's capital, Kinshasa, have dampened investment and left some basic infrastructure such as roads tattered or nonexistent.

Congo and Rwanda have long accused each other of supporting various rival armed groups in eastern Congo, a restless region and major hub for humanitarian aid. A United Nations peacekeeping force of more than 17,000 personnel is based in Goma, but a top official this week made clear that the tensions with Rwanda and Uganda are not a part of its role.

Thats not the reason why were are here, said Lt. Col. Frederic Harvey, the U.N. missions chief of liaison with the Congolese military. We are here to accomplish our mandate, which consists of protecting the civilian population and preserving national integrity.

Goma, the region's key city of more than 1 million people, was briefly seized by M23 fighters a decade ago. Many Goma residents now call on the international community to intervene to help establish peace and stability. Kagame, enough is enough, read one sign in a protest on Wednesday.

Pope Francis had planned to visit Goma next month as part of a trip to Congo and South Sudan but canceled it last week, citing doctors orders because of his knee problems. The visit was meant to draw further global attention to populations long wrestling with conflict, even as this new one develops.

NOW WHAT?

With an eye on the growing tensions, the six-nation East African Community  Burundi, Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan and Tanzania  earlier this year created a regional force meant to respond to trouble. Now Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, the current chairman of the bloc, wants the force to be activated immediately and deployed to eastern Congo, noting the open hostilities there.

Kenyatta also calls for the eastern Congo provinces of North and South Kivu and Ituri to be declared a weapons-free zone where anyone outside mandated forces can be disarmed. Within hours, his call was warmly welcomed by the president of Burundi, which borders both Rwanda and Congo.

Regional commanders of the member defense forces will meet on Sunday in Kenyas capital, Nairobi, at the heart of East Africa's economic hub.

The regional force was agreed to by leaders from the countries now seemingly closing in on war  Congo, the EACs newest member, and Rwanda, the largest African troop contributor to U.N. peacekeeping missions worldwide.

But Rwanda notably was the only EAC member to skip a meeting of the heads of regional armed forces earlier this month in Goma. And there was no immediate response from Rwanda on Thursday to Kenyatta's call to action.

Congo, too, didn't comment directly on the call to deploy the regional force, but government spokesman Patrick Muyaya welcomed the Kenyan president's request for a cessation of hostilities and weapons-free zones.

___

Associated Press writer Jean-Yves Kamale in Kinshasa, Congo, contributed.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP)  A former Virginia police chief is suing the city she served as well as several current and former officials over her firing, saying in her $10 million lawsuit that she was terminated because of her race, color and sex.

Charlottesville Police Chief RaShall Brackney was fired last September. In her lawsuit, Brackney and her lawyers allege that city officials engaged in a monthslong conspiracy to have Brackney fired, The Daily Progress of Charlottesville reported.

(Brackney) was fired for being a Black woman who was trying to reform a police department, attorney Charles Tucker Jr., who represents Brackney, said during a news conference Wednesday outside the U.S. Federal Building and Courthouse in downtown Charlottesville.

City officials declined to discuss the lawsuit. City spokesman David Dillehunt said the city does not comment on pending litigation.

The lawsuit names 10 individuals as defendants in addition to the city. Among those named as defendants is former City Manager Chip Boyles, who fired Brackney, and former Assistant Police Chief James Mooney, who once backed out of replacing the fired chief.

In an op-ed published in The Daily Progress on Sept. 17, Boyles said he fired Brackney because he was concerned after at least 10 department leaders said they would leave because of Brackneys leadership. Boyles said he felt he had to make a hasty decision to save the department.

Boyles also said he regrets the decision and wishes he had worked with Brackney and city councilors more before making the decision to fire her.

Prior to the lawsuit, Brackney filed an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint against the city, Boyles and others, asking for $3 million. At a news conference in November she said she was still experiencing humiliating acts of discrimination, continued disparate treatment, harassment and retaliation.

Brackney's actions came at a time when Charlottesville turned to a consulting firm to run it because two city managers resigned in 2021 and Mooney, who was to replace Brackney temporarily, backed out.

Outgoing Mayor Nikuyah Walker, who had said that city leaders were contributing to white supremacy, announced in September that she would not run for City Council again because of Brackneys firing as well as her relationship with the other councilors. Walker drew criticism for social media posts in which she compared Charlottesville to a rapist.

According to the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, Brackney lists 11 causes of action for the lawsuit. They include race, color and gender discrimination; unlawful retaliation; violation of Virginias whistleblower statute; defamation and more.

During the news conference, Brackney said she had a message for the defendants: You have been put on notice. As our former mayor (Nikuyah Walker) said, we have unmasked this illusion.
BERLIN (AP)  Germany's vice chancellor is stepping up an appeal for the country's residents to save energy after Russia's Gazprom announced significant cuts in natural gas deliveries through a key pipeline.

State-owned Gazprom announced on Tuesday that it was cutting gas flows through the undersea Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany by 40%, then, a day later, announced a further cut that brings the overall reduction to about 60%.

In both cases, it cited a technical problem, saying that Canadian sanctions over the war in Ukraine prevented German partner Siemens Energy from delivering equipment that had been sent for overhaul. The German government rejected that reasoning, saying that maintenance shouldn't have been an issue until the fall and the Russian decision was a political gambit to sow uncertainty and push up prices.

Russian President Vladimir Putin "is doing what was to be feared from the beginning: He is reducing the volume of gas, not in one go but step by step, German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck said in a video posted by his ministry on Twitter Wednesday night. He pointed to earlier Russian moves to cut supplies to Bulgaria, Denmark and others.

The reduction in gas flows comes as Germany and the rest of Europe try to reduce their dependence on Russian energy imports. Germany, which has Europe's biggest economy, gets about 35% of its gas to power industry and generate electricity from Russia.

The German gas regulator confirmed on Thursday that gas flows through Nord Stream 1 had fallen to about 40% of capacity. But it said it could not confirm that the reduction was caused by the technical problem Russia cited, the shutdown of a turbine at a gas compressor station.

The Federal Network Agency of Germany said it had no concerns about German gas supplies, saying storage facilities were significantly fuller than in previous years.

The news of the reductions sent short-term natural gas prices sharply higher in Europe. Month-ahead spot prices rose 13% Thursday to 139.10 euros per kilowatt hour, up 40% since Monday.

Habeck, who is also the economy minister, already had launched a campaign for people to save energy last week. After the Gazprom announcements, he hammered home the message in Wednesday night's video.

Gas is coming to Europe  we have no supply problem, but the volumes of gas must be acquired on the market and it will get more expensive, Habeck said. He said the government is prepared, and noted that it has enacted legislation requiring gas storage to be filled.

He lauded the willingness of Germans and business to save energy and store gas.

Now is the time to do so, he said. Every kilowatt hour helps in this situation. It is a situation that is serious, but not a situation that endangers supply security in Germany.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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WASHINGTON (AP)  Democratic and Republican senators were at odds Thursday over how to keep firearms from dangerous people as bargainers struggled to finalize details of a gun violence compromise in time for their self-imposed deadline of holding votes in Congress next week.

Lawmakers said they remained divided over how to define abusive dating partners who would be legally barred from purchasing firearms. Disagreements were also unresolved over proposals to send money to states that have red flag" laws that let authorities temporarily confiscate guns from people deemed dangerous by courts, and to other states for their own violence prevention programs.

The election-year talks have seemed headed toward agreement, with both parties fearing punishment by voters if Congress doesn't react to the carnage of last months mass shootings. A total of 31 people were slain at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York, and an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. An outline of a deal has been endorsed by President Joe Biden, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, a lead GOP bargainer, seemed visibly unhappy as he left Thursday's closed-door session after nearly two hours, saying he was flying home.

This is the hardest part because at some point, you just got to make a decision. And when people dont want to make a decision, you cant accomplish the result. And thats kind of where we are right now," Cornyn said.

I'm not frustrated, I'm done," he added, though he said he was open to continued discussions.

Lawmakers have said a deal must be completed and written into legislative language by week's end if Congress is to vote by next week. It begins a July 4 recess after that. Leaders want votes by then because Washington has a long record of talking about reacting to mass shootings, only to see lawmakers' and voters' interest fade quickly over time.

Other bargainers seemed more optimistic, saying much of the overall package has been agreed to and aides were drafting bill language.

A deal like this is difficult," Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said when the meeting ended. It comes with a lot of emotions, it comes with political risk to both sides. But were close enough that we should be able to get there."

The measure would impose just small-scale curbs on firearms. It lacks proposals by Biden and Democrats to prohibit assault-style weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines like the ones used in Buffalo and Uvalde, or to raise the legal age for purchasing assault rifles from 18 to 21.

Even so, it would be Congress most robust move against gun violence since 1993. A ban lawmakers enacted that year on assault weapons took effect in 1994 and expired after a decade. Scores of high-profile mass shootings since have yielded little from Washington but partisan deadlock, chiefly due to Republicans blocking virtually any new restrictions.

Federal law bars people convicted of domestic violence against a spouse from acquiring guns, but leaves a loophole for other romantic relationships. Everytown for Gun Safety, which advocates firearms curbs, says 31 states bar convicted domestic abusers from buying firearms, including 19 that cover violent dating partners.

Senators have disagreed over how to define such relationships, with Republicans working against a broad provision. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, the other lead GOP negotiator, said bargainers would use some state statutes as their guide, though their laws vary.

You need to make sure that youre capturing everyone that actually beat" up their girlfriends, said Murphy, a Democrat.

In addition, 19 states and the District of Columbia have red flag laws. Cornyn and the other lead bargainer, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., represent states that do not, and it is unclear how money in the bill would be divided among them.

Senators have not said what the measure's overall price tag will be, though people following the talks have said they expect it to range around $15 billion or $20 billion. Lawmakers are looking for budget cuts to pay for those costs.

Twenty senators, 10 from each party, agreed to the outlines of a compromise measure last weekend. Top bargainers have labored ever since to translate it into details.

The framework includes access to the juvenile records of gun buyers age 18 to 20. Both shooters in Buffalo and Uvalde were 18, and both used AR-15 style rifles, which can load high-capacity magazines.

The plan also includes added spending for mental health and school safety programs, tougher penalties for gun trafficking and requirements that slightly more gun dealers obtain federal firearms licenses.
GREENWICH  Beginning this week, Greenwich Hospital will offer monthly car seat safety checks by an expert.

Starting on June 16, the service will be offered every third Thursday of the month from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Putnam Medical Center, 500 W. Putnam Ave.

Residents can schedule appointments with a certified technician to learn how to correctly install a car seat and properly secure their child in the seat. To make an appointment, call 203-200-5437 or email Carseats@ynhh.org.

Some 73 percent of car seats are misused or improperly installed, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Under Connecticut law, there are specific standards for rear-facing car seats, forward-facing car seats and booster seats depending on the age and weight of the baby or child. Safe car seats include a five-point harness and chest clip, a metal splitter plate in the rear, clear labels and other features.

Counterfeit car seats sold online are a growing safety issue, said Nick Aysseh, manager, Center for Injury and Violence Prevention at Yale New Haven Health.

He recommends buying car seats only from a reputable company and to avoid third-party vendors. He said consumers should look for red flags such as missing labels, a missing registration card and manual or seats without a harness retainer. Products meeting European standards are not approved for use in the United States.

If you are expecting a baby, make an appointment to have the car seat checked before the baby is born. It will make things easier at the time of delivery, said Kathy Carley-Spanier, a registered nurse and director of Community Health at Greenwich Hospital. The hospital will not discharge a newborn without a safe car seat.

Founded in 1903, Greenwich Hospital is a member of Yale New Haven Health and is a major academic affiliate of Yale School of Medicine.
HONOLULU (AP)  A panel created by the state House of Representatives to recommend reforms after two former lawmakers admitted taking bribes discussed proposals to establish term limits for legislators at a meeting Wednesday.

The Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct is meeting every two weeks through Dec. 1 when it is expected to submit a report to the House. It didn't reach any final decisions.

Commission member Barbara Marumoto represented Kaimuki and Kahala as a Republican in the state House for more than three decades until 2012. She said capping time in the state Legislature to eight, 10 or 12 years would be better than six years.

I think Ive finally come around to the position where I think term limits would kind of shake up the process a little bit, Marumoto said during the meeting which was streamed online.

In the 1990s, California limited its state Assembly members to six years and its state Senate members to eight years in office. A referendum in 2012 changed the limit to 12 years for either chamber or a combination of the two houses.

Marumoto said California's experience showed the shorter six-year limit gave key legislative staff and lobbyists an inordinate amount of power.

Former state Sen. Gary Hooser, a Democrat who spoke as a member of the public during the public testimony portion of the meeting, said new candidates face excessively high barriers to challenging incumbents.

Those in office have an advantage in terms of campaign funds, name recognition and the way they can use their legislative expense account to mail fliers to constituents, Hooser said.

A new candidate needs to raise $30,000 to $40,000 just to mount a campaign, which intimidates people, he said.

Without term limits, in my opinion, Ive seen legislator after legislator become complacent. They just need to stay there and protect themselves and every year they get stronger, Hooser said.

The panel also discussed voter referendums and ranked-choice voting. The only proposal to get a clear thumbs down was establishing a unicameral legislature.

The commission meets next on June 29, when members will discuss campaign finance reform.
MANTENO, Ill. (AP)  A COVID-19 outbreak at a state-run veterans home in northeastern Illinois has spread to 22 residents and staff members, a state agency said.

The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs said Wednesday that 16 residents and six staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Illinois Veterans Home at Manteno, about 50 miles (80.5 kilometers) south of Chicago, and the majority of the residents have shown no symptoms.
SEATTLE (AP)  An initiative that would alter the way Seattle elects mayors, city attorneys and City Council members is headed toward the November ballot.

Elections authorities said Wednesday the Initiative 134 campaign, run by a group called Seattle Approves, has secured enough qualifying signatures, The Seattle Times reported. Under the proposal for approval voting," a voter would be able to select multiple candidates in each primary race rather than only one.

The two candidates with the most votes in each nonpartisan race would still advance to the general election. In the general election, voters would still select only one candidate.

The initiative needed 26,520 signatures from Seattle voters and the group submitted 43,215 last month. King County Elections validated 26,942.

The process next moves to the City Council, which can pass the initiative into law, send it to the ballot or send it with a competing proposal.

Proponents say approval voting provides a more accurate picture of voter views. It is designed to advance candidates with broad appeal, and would be simple to implement.

Seattles leaders must represent everyone, Sarah Ward, campaign co-chair of Seattle Approves, said in a written statement Wednesday. Initiative 134 will make Seattles elections as representative as possible, so that its leaders represent the entire electorate.

Approval voting is similar to but not the same as ranked-choice voting, which other Seattle-area reformers want to implement. With that method, voters select multiple candidates ranking them in order of preference.

Kamau Chege, executive director of Washington Community Alliance, called Wednesdays news really unfortunate, describing approval voting as a subpar method and the Seattle campaign as backed by affluent individuals rather than historically disadvantaged groups. The initiative would constrain voter choices as compared to ranked-choice voting, Chege added.

St. Louis recently adopted approval voting. More jurisdictions use ranked-choice voting, including New York City, Minneapolis and San Francisco. Portland, Oregon, will decide in November whether to adopt ranked-choice voting.

The Seattle Approves campaign raised more than $460,000 and spent over $323,000 through May, according to public filings.

The campaigns top donor, contributing $208,000, is the Center for Election Science, a national think tank focused on the approval voting method. Its No. 2 donor, contributing $135,000, is Samuel Bankman-Fried, founder of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX.

Seattle Approves was launched by Logan Bowers and Troy Davis. Bowers ran unsuccessfully against City Councilmember Kshama Sawant in 2019, placing sixth in the primary. Davis is a tech entrepreneur.
TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Iranian authorities have arrested a person accused of having a link to two French citizens being held on espionage charges, state television reported Thursday.

The report said the suspect was a Marxist who visited the two alleged French spies before the May 1 International Workers' Day, as part of a plot to "create unrest among workers.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israel has canceled educational trips to Poland for thousands of high school students this summer, claiming the Polish government is trying to control the Holocaust-studies curriculum taught to Israeli children, the Israeli foreign minister said.

The announcement by Foreign Minister Yair Lapid reignited longstanding tensions between the two countries over Poland's treatment of its Jewish citizens during the Holocaust.

In his comments, Lapid said Poland has barred Israeli delegations from learning about the role of Polish citizens in collaborating with Nazis during the Holocaust.

They wanted to dictate what was allowed and what wasnt allowed to be taught to Israeli children who go to Poland and that we cannot agree with, he told a news conference on Wednesday.

Poland was the first country invaded and occupied by Adolf Hitlers regime and never had a collaborationist government. Members of Polands resistance and government-in-exile struggled to warn the world about the mass killing of Jews, and thousands of Poles risked their lives to help Jews.

However, Holocaust researchers have collected ample evidence of Polish villagers who murdered Jews fleeing the Nazis, or Polish blackmailers who preyed on helpless Jews for financial gain. Six million Jews, including nearly all of Poland's roughly 3 million Jews, were killed by the Nazis and their collaborators during the Holocaust, and major Nazi death camps were in Poland.

These dueling narratives have been a source of great tension between Israel and Poland, which otherwise have strong relations.

Lapid referred to a Polish bill, passed in 2018, that penalizes anyone who blames Poles as a nation for the World War II crimes committed by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland. At the time, Israel and United States slammed the law, saying it hindered free speech.

On Wednesday, Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Pawel Jablonski posted on Twitter that the current formula of organized trips of Israeli youth to Poland requires changes due to systematic problems leading to the strengthening of false stereotypes, which negatively impacts Polish-Israeli relations. Jablonski also said that Poland doesn't wish to halt Israeli student trips but, rather, to give them a different formula that will improve of Polish-Israeli ties.

Israel's Education Ministry had announced the cancellations earlier this week but gave no explanation for its decision.

Young Israelis traditionally travel to Poland in the summer between 11th and 12th grade to tour former Nazi camps in order to learn about the Holocaust and memorialize those murdered. The trip has long been considered a milestone in Israeli education and, prior to the pandemic, some 40,000 Israeli students participated each year. About 7,000 were registered to go this summer, according to the Education Ministry.

Ties between Poland and Israel have been gradually fraying in recent years over the matter. In 2021, Israel protested a Polish law seen as banning claims for restitution of some seized property by Holocaust victims.

At the time, Poland recalled its ambassador to Israel, while Israel's ambassador to Poland was also recalled. Ties have since improved in the wake of Israel-Polish cooperation on the Ukrainian refugee crisis.

Lapid, whose late father was a Holocaust survivor, thanked Poland for its help in rescuing Jewish refugees from Ukraine but said the high school delegations could not continue under the current circumstances.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP)  A South Dakota judge ruled Thursday that there's no basis to keep sealed documents related to a child pornography investigation of billionaire banker and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford.

Judge James Power wrote that affidavits supporting search warrants should be made public under South Dakota law. But he said they would remain sealed until Sanford and his attorneys decide whether to appeal the ruling to the state Supreme Court.
NEW YORK (AP)  Lawyers for British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell told a judge Wednesday that she should face no more than four to five years in prison for her sex trafficking conviction and role in financier Jeffrey Epsteins decade-long sex abuse of teenage girls.

They said in a Manhattan federal court submission that Maxwell deserves leniency, calling it a travesty of justice for her to face a sentence that would have been appropriate for Epstein, who took his own life as he was awaiting a federal sex trafficking trial in New York in 2019.

Epstein was the mastermind, Epstein was the principal abuser, and Epstein orchestrated the crimes for his personal gratification, the lawyers wrote. Indeed, had Ghislaine Maxwell never had the profound misfortune of meeting Jeffrey Epstein over 30 years ago, she would not be here.

They added in advance of a June 28 sentencing that Maxwell is not an heiress, villain, or vapid socialite and hasn't deserved the drumbeat of public condemnation calling for her to be locked away for good.

They said her life has been ruined and she has faced onerous and punitive jail conditions since her July 2, 2020, arrest that should earn a significant downward departure from sentencing guidelines. Probation officials recommended a 20-year sentence, but said her conviction could call for 25 to 30 years.

Her lawyers said probation calculated the guidelines wrong and that a proper calculation would result in no more than four to five years in prison.

The lawyers wrote that she now lives in the jails general population but had recently been the target of a credible death threat from a fellow female inmate who told at least three others that she had been offered money to murder Maxwell and that she planned to strangle her in her sleep. Still, they added, she has eagerly assisted other female inmates, providing GED tutoring.

Included in their submission were letters from six siblings.

The lawyers said Maxwell had been placed on suicide watch after the verdict and was told by a psychologist that she had opposed it, but the professional opinion was overridden by a directive from Washington, D.C.

The lawyers said leniency was also deserved because she had a difficult, traumatic childhood with an overbearing, narcissistic, and demanding father that made her vulnerable to Epstein."

Maxwell met Epstein shortly after her father, British newspaper magnate Robert Maxwell, died in 1991 under suspicious circumstances after falling off a yacht named for her and while he faced allegations that he had illegally looted his businesses' pension funds.

It is the biggest mistake she made in her life and one that she has not and never will repeat, they said of their client, who was Epstein's girlfriend for a time in the 1990s.

They added that she has had two committed, long-term, loving relationships with men who had young children in the 15 years since her relationship with Epstein ended. They cited an eight-year relationship with a Miami lawyer and a 2013 relationship that led to a marriage that they wrote could not survive the negative impact of this case nor a husband's association with his dishonored wife.

The sentencing submission also cast Maxwell as the sole target by prosecutors to fill Epstein's empty chair after his suicide, saying four other women were named as co-conspirators or accomplices of Epstein during a prosecution of him in Florida over a decade ago, but charges were not pursued against any of them.

Prosecutors declined comment through a spokesperson. They will submit their own written arguments in advance of sentencing.

In its final report, the probation department recommended the 20-year prison term, which would be a slight downward departure from what sentencing guidelines would otherwise call for, Maxwell's lawyers said.

The Oxford-educated Maxwell, 60, who holds U.S., British and French citizenships, was convicted in December of recruiting teenage girls for Epstein to sexually abuse from 1994 to 2004.

In April, U.S. District Judge Alison J. Nathan upheld Maxwell's jury conviction, saying it was readily supported by extensive witness testimony and documentary evidence at a month-long trial.

Earlier this year, Nathan refused to toss out Maxwell's conviction on the grounds that a juror during deliberations told other jurors he had been sexually abused as a child even though he had not revealed it in response to questions about prior sex abuse in a written questionnaire given to prospective jurors.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  The New Mexico Supreme Court on Thursday has upheld the life prison sentence of a man who was convicted of fatally shooting his parents and three younger siblings when he was a teenager.

In a dispositional order Thursday, the states high court rejected arguments by Nehemiah Griego that his sentence was unconstitutional cruel and unusual punishment because it denied him an opportunity for treatment and rehabilitation.

Griego was 15 at the time of the 2013 killings at his familys home in Albuquerque.

He was convicted of intentional child abuse resulting in death and two concurrent seven-year sentences for second-degree murder for his parents deaths.

Griego was sentenced to three concurrent life sentences with the possibility of parole after serving 30 years.

A district court judge found Griego not amendable to treatment as a juvenile and in 2019 sentenced him as an adult to the state prison system.

Now 25, Greigo will be eligible for parole when hes 52.

In his appeal, Griego also argued his convictions should be overturned because his trial attorney was ineffective.

The court order said Griego merely surmises his treatment will be inadequate in prison and he failed to establish that he does not have a meaningful opportunity for release after serving his sentence.

Griegos legal team is meeting to determine the most appropriate next step in his case.

It is easy to give up on children who commit terrible crimes and write them off as hopeless. But the truth is that these crimes are rooted in trauma and mental illness and many of the children involved can and will eventually be rehabilitated, said Allison Jaramillo, Griegos attorney.

Instead of offering this chance for Nehemiah by finding his three life sentences to be cruel and unusual punishment, the Supreme Courts decision means that he will spend his life in prison for crimes he committed as a child. New Mexico should protect children from the cruel fate Nehemiah is now facing, not give up on them," Jaramillo added.
RICHLAND, Wash. (AP)  The gunman accused of shooting two men inside the Richland Fred Meyer store needs mental health treatment before he can be tried for murder and attempted murder.

Court proceedings against Aaron Christopher Kelly, 40, have been on hold since Feb. 23 when a judge ordered him sent to Eastern State Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation, the Tri-City Herald reported.
Memorial Health received national recognition because the amount of its charitable assistance care exceeded the amount of tax breaks it received.

Jacksonville Memorial Hospital is part of Memorial Health System.

Lown Institute Hospitals Index listed the Springfield-based health system as 15th in the nation for fair share surplus. It was the only health system in Illinois to be listed among the top 25 nationwide. The report said Memorial Health spent $31 million more on charity care than it received in tax breaks.

We take seriously our commitment to give back to our community, said Scott Boston, president and CEO of Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. This ranking shows that we are living our values of integrity and stewardship. We have been entrusted with ensuring that our community is resourced in ways that address the social determinants of health and improve lives.

Boston cited the hospitals Healthy Jacksonville initiative as one example. The program connects people with community resources, including primary and specialty care, medical appointment transportation, affordable housing, food and nutrition, utility assistance and employment.

The renovation of Minnie Barr Park on West Walnut Street was one initiative of the Healthy Jacksonville program. The goal for that project was to provide a safe and accessible park for the neighborhood.

This national report shows our priorities are in the right place to fulfill that mission, Ed Curtis, president and CEO of Memorial Health, said.

The Lown Institute calculated the fair share spending for more than 1,800 hospitals across 275 nonprofit health systems based on their 2019 IRS Form 990 filings.

Illinois ranked 46 out of all 50 states for fair share spending. Nationally, out of the 275 health systems evaluated, only 48 spent more on charity care and community investment than the estimated value of their tax breaks.
WICHITA, Kan. (AP)  A Missouri man has been sentenced to more than six years in prison for the shooting death of his friend in Wichita three years ago.

Brandon Craig, 25, of Independence, Missouri, was sentenced Wednesday in Sedgwick County District Court to 74 months in prison, television station KSN reported. Craig pleaded guilty in April to voluntary manslaughter and aggravated battery in the shooting death of Justin Lane, 21, of Grain Valley, Missouri.
YATES TOWNSHIP  Newly elected Yates Township clerk, Barbara McGregory, wants to try to help the township move forward.

The greatest need, to me, right now, is for the township to come together so that we can move forward, McGregory told the Star. We have had such a divide. The previous clerk had been there for years. I told them, I didnt elect myself, and it wasnt personal, it was business. As a township, we need to communicate better, and it is getting there.

McGregory said she didnt choose to run for township clerk, it chose her, and at first, she was hesitant to do so.

I had become very vocal at the township board meetings because I felt something just wasnt right, she said. The people that did the recall asked me if I would be willing to run. At first, I said no, but then I decided I had to put my money where my mouth is. If I am complaining about things needing changed, then they only way to change that is to be the change. That is why I decided to run.

One area she would like to make a difference is in finding a way to take advantage of grants and other funding that is available to support projects in Idlewild.

The Fremont Community Foundation offered money, and things didnt get done to take advantage of that, McGregory said. The Ford Foundation offered money, and things werent getting done that needed to get done for us to get the money. I am not saying it was on purpose, but it did happen, and we need every penny we can get.

She added that the township needs to be taking advantage of the many grants that are out there, but to do that they will need to develop a Master Plan.

We will need to work on developing that, and I am looking forward to see what we can accomplish once we have that foundation that we need to build on, she said. We need to get back to the business of advancing our township and not just being idle, so that was one of the things I wanted to do. It is going to take some time, but I am looking forward to some positive changes.

There are other areas McGregory would like to see some changes in, as well, she said, including more small businesses, stand-alone restaurants and tourist attractions.

We have Idlewild Eats  that is inside the hotel, she said. He (the owner) just bought the party store and he has good ideas for that, and he also owns the Roadrunner grocery store but that isnt opened yet. We have other people wanting to do other things that would be seasonal. We have a lot of younger people buying in Idlewild, and they are doing more events year-round. One resident, Chris Grier, is an historian and is working on establishing a museum in the former library."

Because Idlewild is now nationally known, she said, the township needs to step up its game as far as bringing tourism to the community, including improved lighting, paved streets and improvements on the beach area.

Maybe Broadway could be lit up so when you are riding through it looks more like a tourist attraction, she said. We are working on the beach, we are getting rid of blight areas, but it is a work in progress.

BETTER BUDGETING

Another area that McGregory wants to see changes is in the townships budget. Formerly, the township has used Quick Books for the budget, which she said does not give an accurate accounting for township budgeting purposes.

As of the end of this fiscal year, all townships have to change from Quick Books, she said. Since we are just a couple of months in, it would be a good time to get that done so we dont have to input a years worth of information at once. So, I am hoping we can come to an agreement with the board to start the new system sooner rather than later. It will be in a better format for budgeting. It is going to be pricey, but in the end, it will be very beneficial. We need to get the budget correct, and it has not been correct.

McGregory said she would also like to start summer hours at the township office for those who come to the area seasonally. Many, who dont live in the area have to wait for Monday to do business at the township, she said, because they are only open Monday through Thursday.

I want to open up starting in June until September, at least one weekend a month  a Friday and Saturday for two or three hours so people know they dont have to stay over till Monday to take care of their business, McGregory said. There may be somebody that needs to get a permit before they head back to Detroit or Chicago and then the builder can get started on the work. That is my goal for next year, that is one of the things I would like to do.

Although she is very busy right now learning her new role and preparing for the upcoming August election, McGregory said she is looking forward to being able to help the township whenever and wherever there is a need.

I want to help the township, not hurt the township, she said. There is a lot of change that is happening, and I know for a lot of people, change is difficult. My hope is that they can see I tried to do things the right way. I want us to be prosperous, but I dont want things that will disrupt the quiet nature of Idlewild.

McGregory has been a seasonal visitor to Idlewild since before her birth. Her mother, who was pregnant at the time, was introduced to the area by her grandmother and her aunt.

She and her parents have sent their summers here throughout her childhood.

More recently, she has been spending six months in Idlewild and six months in Tennessee. In 2020 she registered to vote in Idlewild, and in January 2022, she moved here as a full-time resident.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)  A North Carolina woman has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for using verbal, physical and emotional threats to coerce a person to work at her nail salon for nearly two years, according to a federal prosecutor.

Thuy Tien Luong, 38, of Charlotte was also sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay $75,000 in restitution to the victim, U.S. Attorney Dena J. King said Wednesday in a news release. Luong was convicted of forced labor on Jan. 8, 2021 after a five-day trial.
A handful of countries, most notably Australia, impose mandatory voting, with citizens facing fines and punishments if they dont appear at the polls. And every few years, somebody proposes bringing this practice to the U.S. as a good-government reform that would allegedly improve the health of our democracy.

Luckily, Americans remain unimpressed by the idea. A report advocating mandatory voting by the Brookings Institution and Harvard Kennedy Schools Ash Center acknowledged as much. When polled, they found only 26% of Americans favored the idea, with 64% opposed.

The claimed benefits of mandatory voting are highly dubious. All available evidence is that it would have little effect on election outcomes since non-voters tend to break down about the same as for voters in their partisan preferences. The main effect visible in Australia is the frequency of the so-called donkey ballot, where voters randomly pick a candidate or party without giving it any thought, often simply choosing the option listed first on the ballot. Others return a blank ballot, clearly going through the motions only to avoid punishment.

Beyond the lack of clear, practical benefit, mandatory voting sits uneasily with American principles. The First Amendment protects not only freedom of speech but also freedom from compelled speech. And even if a coerced voter shows up and casts a spoiled ballot, participating in an election is a speech act. It implies affirmation of the legitimacy and desirability of the electoral system and our current constitutional order. That might be a correct opinion, in my view, but it is not one Americans should be forced to affirm.

There is a long history in the U.S. of principled abstention from voting, including groups such as the Quakers and Jehovahs Witnesses, who are motivated by a thoroughgoing religious faith in strict pacifism. Others, such as anarchists ranging from libertarians to socialists, reject the moral legitimacy of all governments and do not want to lend their endorsement to the state. Faced with the need to accommodate such groups, or at least some of them, compulsory voting faces two bad options. Either any person can invoke a religious or philosophical exemption, rendering the whole exercise pointless, or must put the government in the untenable position of judging which reasons are good enough.

Even if the First Amendment argument doesnt convince you, the last thing our bloated criminal justice system needs is yet another reason to impose fines and enforcement actions on Americans, especially when such burdens will fall disproportionately on minorities and the poor. Every law must be enforced, and the police in our country already have more than enough laws to enforce.

Even if the political will could be mustered to pass a compulsory voting law, the courts are unlikely to permit it under longstanding First Amendment principles. During World War II, the court faced another attempt at coercing civic affirmation: mandatory recital of the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools. Again, Jehovahs Witnesses refused, believing that this was an act of flag-worship akin to idolatry.

Justice Robert H. Jackson, writing for a 6-3 court, offered one of the most stirring articulations of Americas radical free speech jurisprudence: If there is any fixed star in our constitutional firmament, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion or other matters of opinion.

Showing up to vote may well be a laudable act, one to be encouraged, an admirable exercise of civic duty and participation in our system of government. But as a matter of opinion, it is not the governments role to impose that view as compulsory orthodoxy. If you dont want to vote, its your right not to vote.

Andy Craig is a staff writer at the Cato Institute, where he is the associate editor of the bimonthly magazine Cato Policy Report and the quarterly publication Catos Letter. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.
MANISTEE  Charity, justice for all and brotherly love. That is what the American flag stands for according to members of the Manistee Elks Lodge No. 250, who hosted a ceremony by the Riverwalk to honor Old Glory on Tuesday in Manistee.

Lars Berensten, exalted ruler of the Manistee Elks, said at the ceremony that the Elks was the "first and only fraternal body to require formal observance of Flag Day"

"In July of 1908, the Grand Lodge of this order at Dallas, Texas, then assembled and provided for the annual nationwide observance of Flag Day on the 14th of June each year by making it mandatory upon each subordinate lodge of its order," Berensten said.

Berensten spoke about how that is unique among fraternal organizations.

"This unique distinction, as the strongest promoter of Flag Day, is most becoming to the order of the Elks," he said. "This order is distinctively American  only American citizens are eligible to join us and it has no foreign affiliations. It has linked its destiny with the destiny of other countries and made this flag its symbol of self dedicated to God, to country and to fellow man."

History of the flag

During the ceremony, Craig Schindlbeck, a past exalted ruler and the current chairman per association of the Elks Lodge, spoke of the history of the different U.S. flags.

See more photos See more photos of the Flag Day ceremony online along with this story at manisteenews.com See More Collapse

"The evolution of the American flag marks the progression of the government of the American people. From the founding of Jamestown, Virginia 1607 until 1775, the flag of England was the flag of the peoples of America. The pine tree flag was adopted for all colonial vessels and was the banner carried by continental forces in the Battle of Bunker Hill," Schindlbeck said.

Schindlbeck also noted that the "Don't Tread on Me" snake flag was used by the southern United States colonies from 1776 to 1777.

"... In May or June of 1776, a committee consisting of George Washington, Robert Morris and George Ross commissioned Betsy Ross, of the Philadelphia Quakers to make a flag from (a) rough design they left with her," Schindlbeck explained.

He said there were many stories about the flag that Ross designed and it had a unique history.

"It's said that she suggested that the star should have five points rather than six. This starry banner was first flown at Fort Stanwix  called Fort Schuyler at the time  through the city of Rome, New York on Aug. 3, 1777, and was under fire three days later at the Battle of Oriskany on Aug. 6, 1777, during a British and Indian attack," Shindlebeck said.

He also noted that the battle was also the first time the flag was saluted.

"This first official salute to the Stars and Stripes was given on Feb. 14, 1778, by France on the French coast when a ranger under command of John Paul Jones was saluted by the French fleet," Schindlbeck said. "This flag then carried by the ranger was made by the young women of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, from stripes of their best-colored silk dresses and the white wedding gown of a recent bride."

According to Schindlbeck, the United States Congress adopted a resolution on April 14, 1818 that on and after July 4, 1818, the number of stripes would be 13, and the blue fields carry one star for each of the 20 states in the Union. A new star would be added for each state admitted after that time.

He said that since 1818, there has been no change in the flag design, except that 28 new stars were added before July 4, 1912. In this flag, 48 stars flew over the nation for 47 years until just before the Vietnam War.

On July 4, 1959, a star was added for Alaska, the first non-continental state and a year later, Hawaii, an island state, added the 50th star. The present flag has 50 stars and 13 stripes. He added the current flag is sometimes accompanied by the prisoner of war/missing-in-action flag to recognize the plight and demise of a special group of our armed services.
Lightyear, the much-anticipated Toy Story spinoff, has reportedly been banned in 14 countries over a brief same-sex kiss.

The Disney-Pixar computer-animated adventure film starring Chris Evans as the voice of Buzz Lightyear features a kiss between Alisha, voiced by the actress Uzo Aduba, and her wife Kiko.

The United Arab Emirates announced in a tweet Monday that the film, which was scheduled to premiere on Thursday, would not be shown in the country due to its violation of the countrys media standards.

The office confirms that all films screened in cinemas across the country are subject to follow-up and evaluation before the date of screening to the public, to ensure the safety of the circulated content according to the appropriate age classification, the countrys Ministry of Youth and Culture added.

According to Reuters, at least 13 other countries in Asia and the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia and Lebanon, have also banned the film  a move slammed by Evans, whose brother, actor Scott Evans, is gay.

In a recent interview with Reuters Television, the 41-year-old Hollywood star had some strong words to describe those who have reacted negatively about the portrayal of a same-sex family in the film.

The real truth is those people are idiots, he said. Every time theres been social advancement as we wake up, the American story, the human story is one of constant social awakening and growth and thats what makes us good.

Evans continued by saying that some people will always be afraid of what they dont know much about, and they will try to hold on to past beliefs.

But those people die off like dinosaurs, he added. I think the goal is to pay them no mind, march forward and embrace the growth that makes us human.

Lightyear will likely have the same fate in China, the worlds largest movie market, where authorities have reportedly asked the studio to cut the same-sex scene from the movie  which Disney refused to do.

Were not going to cut out anything, especially something as important as the loving and inspirational relationship that shows Buzz what hes missing by the choices that hes making, so thats not getting cut, Lightyear producer Galyn Susman told Reuters at the movies London premiere on Monday.

The scene had originally been removed from the film  but it was later reinstated, following complaints by Pixar employees.

Earlier this year, some employees at Pixar Animation Studios and its parent company, The Walt Disney Company, criticized Disney leadership for what they saw as an abysmal failure in supporting the LGBTQ community.

In a letter addressed to their Disney bosses, a group of Pixar employees expressed anger and frustration at the companys inaction regarding its position against Floridas dont say gay bill  which has since been signed into law  saying that the company censored nearly every moment of overtly gay same-sex affection from some of its animated films.

Lightyear, which opens in 4,200 North American theaters this weekend, is expected to make between $70 million and $80 million, according to Variety.


PORTLAND, Maine (AP)  Maine's independent senator has proposed that the U.S. military play a role in reducing carbon emissions by converting some vehicles to electricity.

Sen. Angus King's bill calls for transitioning the non-tactical fleet of the U.S. Department of Defense to electric and other zero-emission vehicle types. King said his proposal would require three quarters of non-tactical vehicles purchased by the department to be electric or zero-emission and made in the U.S.
JERUSALEM (AP)  An Israeli police investigation has found that police engaged in misconduct during the funeral of slain Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, but those who supervised the event will not face serious punishment, an Israeli newspaper reported Thursday.

Israeli riot police pushed and beat mourners at the funeral, causing the pallbearers to nearly drop the casket in a shocking start to the May 14 procession in east Jerusalem.

The violence drew international condemnations and added to the sense of grief and outrage across the Arab world that followed the death of Abu Akleh, who was killed on May 11 while covering an Israeli military raid in the occupied West Bank.

Witnesses and Palestinian officials say Abu Akleh was deliberately targeted by Israeli troops, while the Israeli military says she was killed during a shootout with Palestinian gunmen and it is unclear who fired the fatal bullet.

The Haaretz daily, citing unidentified sources, said Thursday that an internal police investigation had found misconduct by officers.

But it said police had determined prior to the investigation that the commanders who oversaw the event would not be disciplined. The report said that it was suitable for police to use violence under the circumstances but could have refrained from using clubs.

It was not clear if any of the officers who beat the pallbearers would be punished.

Obviously the images that emerged were unpleasant and could have been different, but overall the police acted well in a complex and violent incident, the paper quoted an unidentified senior police officer as saying.

In a statement, Israel's national police chief, Kobi Shabtai, confirmed that he had ordered the probe to learn lessons and improve the operational procedures of the police. He appeared to acknowledge police shortcomings, but also cast blame on the mourners.

One cannot remain indifferent to the difficult images and it is our obligation to probe these matters so that sensitive events like these will not descend into violence by rioters and will retain the required respect, he said.

His statement gave no details on the actual findings of the probe or consequences for those who oversaw the events.

Israeli rights groups frequently accuse Israel of failing to investigate or prosecute wrongdoing by its security forces.

Thousands of Palestinians attended the funeral of Abu Akleh, 51, who was a household name across the Arab world for her reporting on life under Israeli rule. A 25-year veteran of the satellite channel, she was revered by Palestinians as a local hero.

Israel has said it has identified a soldier's rifle that might have killed Abu Akleh, but that it cannot make a final determination without matching it to the bullet. The Palestinians have refused to turn over the bullet, saying they do not trust Israel.

A reconstruction by The Associated Press lent support to the assertions by Palestinian authorities and Abu Aklehs colleagues that she was killed by Israeli fire. But it said a conclusive answer remained elusive because of the lack of trust and the need for further forensic evidence.
BAGHDAD (AP)  U.S.-led coalition forces captured a senior leader of the extremist Islamic State group in a military operation in northern Syria on Thursday, the coalition said.

A statement from the coalition said the captured IS leader was an experienced bomb maker and operational facilitator, describing him as one of the top leaders of the militant groups branch in Syria. It said the operation was successful, with no civilians harmed and no injuries to the coalition forces. The coalition did not respond to queries from The Associated Press.

An updated statement later in the day identified the captured militant as Hani Ahmed al-Kurdi, known as Salim, and said that he was taken in Syria's Aleppo province.

According to a defense official, al-Kurdi is currently in U.S. custody and was being questioned. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to provide information not yet made public.

The mission to capture al-Kurdi was meticulously planned to minimize the risk of civilian harm or collateral damage," the updated statement said. He was instructing others on making explosive devices, supporting the construction of improvised explosive device facilities, and facilitating attacks on U.S. and partner forces."

Earlier, three Iraqi intelligence officials said al-Kurdi is a Syrian national who rose through militant ranks to become one of the most senior and dangerous IS leaders and an expert on manufacturing booby-traps and explosives.

For a while, he was the IS leader in charge of the Syrian city of Raqqa, when it was the de facto capital of the groups so-called Islamic caliphate that stretched across much of Iraq and Syria. The Iraqi intel officials spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to give out the information.

The U.S.-backed forces declared victory over the Islamic State group in March 2019 after retaking the last piece of territory held by IS in Syria. But the militants continue to operate and carry out deadly attacks in both Iraq and Syria through sleeper cells; the group also maintains several affiliates in various countries.

A Syria war monitor, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said the operation began with two helicopters landing near the targeted area in the village of al-Humaira, about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the Turkish border.

It reported clashes with gunmen hiding in houses in the village in the northern Aleppo countryside as they were chased by members of the coalition. The Observatory has a network of activists on the ground in Syria.

The coalition has conducted raids in the past to take out IS leaders. In February, the groups leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi blew himself up along with members of his family as American forces raided his Syria hideout.

His predecessor, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, died similarly along with his family in 2019 by detonating a suicide vest in a tunnel in northwest Syria as a military operation unfolded during the Trump administration.

The IS group at the height of its power controlled more than 40,000 square miles stretching from Syria to Iraq and ruled over 8 million people. Its attacks in the region included a major assault last month to seize a prison in northeast Syria holding at least 3,000 IS detainees.''

___

Associated Press writer Lolita Baldor in Washington contributed to this report.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP)  State senators are staying silent on how they will vote in South Dakota's first-ever impeachment trial next week, as they weigh whether to remove Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg for his conduct surrounding a 2020 fatal car crash.

The Associated Press asked each of the 35 members of the Republican-controlled Senate whether they had made a decision on the two impeachment charges that will be argued starting Tuesday. None of the 20 who responded said they had reached a decision. Most likened themselves to jurors or judges who must give a fair hearing in an ordeal that has fractured the states Republican Party and galvanized public opinion.

Everybodys keeping an objective mind and going into it with their eyes wide open, said Republican Sen. Erin Tobin.

It will take 24 senators, or two-thirds, to convict Ravnsborg, a first-term Republican who isn't seeking reelection, on either of two articles of impeachment: committing crimes that caused the death of pedestrian Joseph Boever and malfeasance afterward.

The circumstances surrounding the two-day trial may have already tipped some senators as they review crash investigation files and material from the House impeachment investigation. Ravnsborg's defense hasn't submitted any documents, so everything they have looked at likely works in the prosecution's favor.

It would be hard for anyone to look at that information and not come to a conclusion, said Republican Sen. Michael Rohl. We havent seen a defense.

Rohl said he hasn't made up his mind. Most of his questions are for Ravnsborg, who has not said whether he will testify.

Other senators have had less time to do their homework on the crash investigation. Republican Sen. Ryan Maher said he is already agitated because he will have to take a two-day break from running a new business to spend long hours in a Senate chamber likely baking in the summer heat. Lawmakers usually meet during the winter months, making air conditioning or cooling ventilation unnecessary.

Its going to be hot and were just going to sit there and sweat, Maher said.

He said he did not know how he would vote, but said if Ravnsborg is convicted, he would probably vote to bar him from holding any future state office just because hes wasting my time now when he should have resigned.

Other senators said they were looking forward to a trial as a public reckoning over crash details that have emerged in fits and starts in the 21 months since Ravnsborg struck Boever as he drove home from a Republican gathering.

Ravnsborg has said he did not know he killed a man until he returned to the crash site the next day and discovered Boevers body. He initially told a 911 dispatcher he was in the middle of the road and hit something. He later said he thought he hit a deer or other animal and has insisted that neither he nor a sheriff who came to the scene could find what was hit in the dark. Investigators said they doubted some of Ravnsborg's statements.

I am going to try and understand what really happened, Republican Sen. Arthur Rusch said in an email. How did he get on the shoulder  how did he not see Mr. Boever  how did he not see his face in his windshield. How did neither the AG or the sheriff see the body when they walked right by it.

During the House impeachment investigation, Ravnsborg's defense centered on the constitutional grounds for impeachment and whether the two traffic misdemeanors, to which he pleaded no contest last year, were any reason to impeach him. He has also charged that Gov. Kristi Noem politically weaponized the crash to drive him from office.

Noem pressed the impeachment process along. After her administration argued for his removal, impeachment squeaked out of the House by a single vote. In the Senate, where it would require a two-thirds majority to convict Ravnsborg, lawmakers have usually been on the same page with the governor.

The political realities will certainly bear on senators' minds, said Jon Schaff, a political science professor at Northern State University.

One would have to be naive to conclude that theres not at least some political element going on, he said. What do constituents think and what does the governor think?

Republican Sen. V.J. Smith said he has been careful not to comment on the trial out of fairness, even as dozens of people in his community have asked him about it. But he said he's reminded of Boever's death every time he passes the spot where he died on U.S. Highway 14.

It never really leaves you, he said. Were all looking for closure of a tragic situation.
State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel urged lawmakers Wednesday to adopt Gov. Gretchen Whitmers budget recommendations for student mental health funding.

Rice and Hertel visited with students, parents, educators, and mental health professionals at Saginaw Intermediate School District to listen and learn about the focus on student mental health by students in schools across Saginaw County.

The visit is one in a series of school mental health roundtables held in Lansing, Grand Rapids and Potterville since last month. The Saginaw County Youth Ambassador program has chosen student mental health as its key focus to address the needs for using state funding included in the governors school aid budget recommendations.

School districts throughout Michigan, including urban, suburban, and rural districts like there are in Saginaw County, need additional support to work through student mental health challenges that existed pre-pandemic and have been exacerbated by the pandemic, Rice said.

The Saginaw County high school students advocated for more mental health education and school resources. The Saginaw County Youth Ambassador Program includes all 12 of the countys local school districts: Birch Run, Bridgeport, Carrollton, Chesaning, Frankenmuth, Freeland, Hemlock, Merrill, Saginaw City, Saginaw Township, St. Charles and Swan Valley.

Whitmer's recommended budget addresses the health, safety, and wellness of students with an expansion of $361 million for programs to support childrens mental health efforts, including expansion of the TRAILS program, funding for mental health screenings, school-based mental health professionals, school-based mental and physical health efforts, school-based health clinics, and services for children with severe mental health needs.

Michigan Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services work together to assist local school districts in implementing these life-changing programs and services for children and families. It is working closely with the Michigan Association of School Psychologists; Michigan Association of School Social Workers; and Michigan Association of School Counselors to develop an electronic platform called the Behavioral Health Learning Community (BHLC).

The state received a National Governors Association grant to seek out student voice in relation to social emotional learning (SEL), and MDE also received a Michigan Health Endowment Fund grant to stand up a community of practice to fund 19 districts to infuse SEL competencies at every level of those districts.

This is our childrens health and success on the line, and we hope the legislature will work with us to fully fund plans that would create jobs for mental health care professionals and increase access to community- and home-based services, Hertel said.

Michigan's House of Representatives added more than $100 million to its initial school aid budget to help address the mental health needs of Michigan students coming out of the pandemic.

Rice said it's not enough.

We greatly appreciate the additional funding by the House, Dr. Rice said. Its still not enough, though. We need to pass a state budget that includes the increases for childrens mental health noted in the governors budget.

A look at mental health progress: Dr. Rice said that Michigan has come an enormous way in student mental health funding over the past four years, having gone from no funding for children's mental health in the state's school aid act in 2018 and earlier to funding several initiatives to provide school-based services and additional social and mental health care providers. "We've increased by over 600 the numbers of new social workers, school psychologists, nurses, and guidance counselors in awarded districts over the last year," Dr. Rice said. "We have stood up a Social Emotional Learning/Children's Mental Health Network in the last year and a half, with leaders from many statewide associations. There has been a tremendous consciousness raising, with many efforts currently underway in local and intermediate school districts across the state." As part of the proposal to expand access to community- and home-based behavioral health resources for children and adults, the Fiscal Year 2023 budget recommendations for MDHHS include loan assistance to attract and retain behavioral health professionals. They also include a day treatment program for kids in the child welfare system who are struggling in school and home settings. The State of Michigan currently funds more than 100 school-based and school-linked child and adolescent health centers that offer an array of physical and mental health services. Governor Whitmer proposes adding 40 more sites that could serve the needs of 20,000 students. "We need to continue to fund and develop more mental health professionals for support of students and staff in our schools," Dr. Rice added. "We need to continue to develop the knowledge of students and staff around mental health issues. We need to continue to destigmatize and raise up mental health challenges. To paraphrase a member of our network, 'We as adults often have trouble talking about mental health. Our children don't.' We need to listen to our students in this regard." The latest revenue revisions made last week determined that there will be over $2 billion more in fiscal years 2002 and 2023 combined in the school aid fund. "We have the resources and the opportunity in the state right now to make a significant difference for our children," Dr. Rice said. "Let's make the most of the moment and do something life-changing for the next generation of Michigan children." See More Collapse

Rice and Hertel said that legislators would do well to review again the governors budget recommendations that fully support students and staff as the negotiations begin between the governor and legislative leaders.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Tennessee State Parks will offer volunteer work events at parks across the state this month for Tennessee Promise scholars to fulfill their community service hours.

Tennessee Promise is a scholarship program that gives students the chance to attend college tuition-free. The program applies to any of the states community colleges, colleges of applied technology or other eligible associate's degree programs. As a condition of the program, scholars must complete eight hours of community service each year.
MAUSTON, Wis. (AP)  Powerful storms that included at least one tornado took down power lines and trees, damaged structures, toppled semis on the interstate and left tens of thousands without electricity in parts of Wisconsin.

In western Wisconsin, a tornado damaged barns and homes in Monroe County late Wednesday afternoon, according to sheriff's officials.

The National Weather Service said debris lofted by the tornado could be seen on radar. It was spotted 7 miles (11.2 kilometers) northeast of Mauston just before 5 p.m., according to the NWS.

Multiple semis were blown over onto their side on Interstate 90-94, caused a portion of the roadway to be shut down for about three hours in Monroe County, authorities said.

The Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston sustained storm damage and ran on backup power, sheriff officials said.

In eastern Wisconsin, about 38,000 We Energies customers lost service from Bonduel south to Milwaukee.

Wisconsin Public Service was working to restore power to nearly 34,000 customers.

Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson said some rural roads are impassable.

Crews will be taking inventory and clearing today. Affected areas include Dale, Center, Freedom, Seymour, Black Creek. Take extra time on your morning commute. Be safe, Nelson said.

The Green Bay Metro Fire Department said its crews responded to about 150 calls for service in Green Bay, Allouez, and Bellevue. Those calls included downed power lines, damaged poles, gas leaks, and damage to homes.

The roof of a business in Howard was blown off and landed in front of the AmericInn motel across the street, shattering the windows of the indoor pool.

Officials said no serious injuries were reported as a result of the storms which brought some relief from oppressive heat and humidity this week.
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ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  The defense ministers of Greece and Turkey met Thursday on the sidelines of a NATO meeting amid renewed tensions between the neighboring countries and allies, Turkeys defense ministry said.

The discussion in Brussels between Turkeys Hulusi Akar and Nikos Panagiotopoulos of Greece focused on the importance of continuing the dialogue in order to reduce tensions, according to a ministry statement.

They discussed the need to keep channels of communication open, to focus on a positive agenda and bilateral and regional cooperation, according to the statement.

Turkey and Greece have a history of disputes over a range of issues, such as mineral exploration in the eastern Mediterranean and rival claims in the Aegean Sea.

Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Greece to demilitarize its islands in the Aegean, saying he was not joking. He spoke during Turkish military exercises near the islands, including an amphibious landing scenario.

The government in Ankara says Athens has built a military presence on the Aegean islands in violation of 20th century treaties that ceded the islands to Greece after a long period of occupation by Turks  or in the case of Rhodes and Kos, by Italy.

Greece counters that the islands need defenses given threats of war from Turkey, which has NATOs second-biggest military and maintains a large landing fleet on its Aegean coast.

Greeces state-run television said Panagiotopoulos spoke briefly with Akar after they stood next to each other for a photo of the NATO leaders. It quoted Panagiotopoulos as telling Akar: We cant move forward if you continue with this rhetoric and these policies.

Greek government spokesman Giannis Oikonomou said Thursday: Greece has no intention of engaging in any way that would heighten the tension in the region.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sought to reassure his compatriots this week. He said that despite strong rhetoric from Turkey, relations are not as low as they were in 2020, when the neighbors warships shadowed each other in the eastern Mediterranean.
CAIRO (AP)  A third of Sudan' population is currently facing a food crisis due to the compounded impact of climate shocks, political turmoil and rising global food prices, the U.N. food agency said Thursday.

A joint report by the World Food Program and the Food and Agriculture Organization said that 15 million people face acute food insecurity across all of the East African country's 18 provinces.

The combined effects of conflict, climate shocks, economic and political crises, rising costs and poor harvests are pushing millions of people deeper into hunger and poverty, said Eddie Rowe, WFPs representative in Sudan.

Living conditions rapidly deteriorated across cash-strapped Sudan since an October military coup sent an already fragile economy into free-fall, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine compounding the economic pain.

Funding levels fall short of meeting humanitarian needs in Sudan, where 40% of the population is expected to slip into food insecurity by September, the report said.

"We must act now to avoid increasing hunger levels and to save the lives of those already affected, Rowe said.

The Oct. 25 military takeover upended Sudans transition to democratic rule after three decades of repression and international isolation under autocratic President Omar al-Bashir. Sudan has been on a fragile path to democracy since a popular uprising forced the military to remove al-Bashir and his Islamist government in April 2019.

There have been weekly protests calling for the military to step down since the October coup. On Thursday, hundreds again marched toward the government headquarters in the capital of Khartoum. The Central Sudan Doctors' Committee, which keeps track of protester deaths, said one demonstrator died from injuries sustained from security forces firing into the crowd.

The group said that Thursday's death brings the number of protesters killed since the coup to 102.

The coup also stalled two years of efforts by the deposed civilian government to overhaul the economy with billions of dollars in loans and aid from major Western governments and international financial institutions. Such support was suspended after the coup.

The report noted that the West Darfur town of Kreinik, where tribal clashes claimed more than 200 lives in April, stands out as the most affected, with 90% of the townspeople facing hunger.

Sudan was plunged into an economic crisis when the oil-rich south seceded in 2011 after decades of civil war, taking with it more than half of public revenues and 95% of exports. It became an international pariah after it was placed on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terror early in the 1990s, excluding it from the global economy and preventing loans from global institutions such as the International Monetary Fund.

Former President Donald Trump removed Sudan from the blacklist after the transitional government agreed to pay $335 million in compensation for victims of attacks carried out by Osama bin Ladens al-Qaida network while the terror leader was living in Sudan. The removal also was an incentive for Sudan to normalize ties with Israel.
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP)  The office of Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler on Tuesday fired a top aide who formally complained that Kreidler had bullied him and was antagonizing staff.

The move prompted a bipartisan group of state senators to call for Kreidler's resignation on Thursday.

Kreidlers legislative liaison Jon Noski was fired followed criticism in recent months from current, former and potential Office of Insurance Commissioner (OIC) employees who said Kreider, a six-term Democrat, verbally mistreated staff and also, at times, used racially offensive language, the Northwest News Network reported.

The news outlet first reported on the Noskis February complaint in March.

In a statement Wednesday, an OIC spokesperson said Noski was an at-will, exempt employee subject to termination at any time.

The decision to end (Noskis) appointment was made following ongoing discussions with Jon about his role in the office as the agency moves forward. Jon has been a valued member of our legislative and policy team and everyone wishes him well in his future endeavors, the statement said.

The agency gave no reason for Noskis firing. Noski was terminated the same day he returned to work from medical leave.

Im not surprised, Im disappointed, Noski said. I liked my job and I liked the people I worked with and I am going to miss being able to work for the OIC.

Noski, 42, has retained an attorney and said hes exploring legal options, but declined to say if he felt the firing was retaliatory. He said he didnt regret filing the complaint against Kreidler.

I think it was a stand worth taking, Noski said.

On Wednesday, Steve Valandra, who retired last November as the OICs deputy commissioner for public affairs, praised Noskis work ethic and expressed dismay at his dismissal.

Honestly, I think the wrong person is leaving the agency, said Valandra, whos also been critical of Kreidlers treatment of staff.

Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig on Thursday said in a statement that he had serious concerns regarding Kreidler following the initial troubling reports of his behavior toward employees.

Now that hes decided to fire the employee who had the courage to come forward in the first place, its become clear that the Insurance Commissioner did not learn from these past incidents and I believe it is time for him to step down, Billig said.

Senate Republican Leader John Braun and other senators also called for Kreider's resignation on Thursday.

In previous media interviews, Kreider said he didnt recall all of the alleged incidents, but acknowledged that he had used inappropriate language every once in a while.

Kreidler has said in response to the complaint that he has apologized to staff and will be open to their feedback as I move forward.

He was first elected as insurance commissioner in 2000. He was re-elected to a sixth term in 2020.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP)  West Virginia families with eligible children under the age of 6 will be receiving funding from the federal government for groceries.

Children are eligible if they live in a household that receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, state Department of Health and Human Resources officials said in a news release. They must also live in a county where one or more schools have been closed or operated at reduced attendance due to COVID-19.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Mike Pence won't be testifying at Thursday's Jan. 6 committee hearing. But he will be in the spotlight as the focus turns to former President Donald Trumps desperate and futile attempts to persuade his vice president to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and deliver them a second term.

As you will hear, President Trump engaged in a relentless effort to pressure Pence both in private and in public, Rep. Liz Cheney, the leading Republican on the committee, said last week. "Vice President Pence demonstrated his loyalty to Donald Trump consistently over four years, but he knew that he had a higher duty to the United States Constitution."

What we know about Pence's actions leading up to and during that day:

UNDER PRESSURE

As Trump's frantic efforts to stave off defeat were quashed by courts and state officials, he and his allies zeroed in on Jan. 6  the day a joint session of Congress would convene to formalize President-elect Joe Bidens win  as their last chance to remain in power.

The heavy-handed pressure campaign intensified in the days leading up to the 6th as Trump, lawyer John Eastman and others in Trump's orbit tried to convince Pence that he had the power to overturn the will of voters in a handful of critical battleground states by simply rejecting Electoral College votes or sending the results back to the states  even though the Constitution makes clear the vice presidents role in the proceedings is largely ceremonial.

Pence spent hours huddling with staff, including his general counsel, Greg Jacob. He studied the Electoral Count Act of 1887, which governs the proceedings, and met with the Senate parliamentarian to understand his role. He also received outside counsel, including from former Vice President Dan Quayle.

Some aides appealed to Trump not to put his unflinchingly loyal vice president in such a precarious position. Pence was already widely seen as a potential future presidential candidate and a public fissure with Trump was seen as a potential career ender. But Trump kept pushing, both publicly and behind the scenes.

On Monday, Jan. 4, Eastman and Trump pressed Pence to go along with the scheme in an Oval Office meeting. And at a rally that night in Georgia, Trump said his fate rested in his vice president's hands. I hope Mike Pence comes through for us, he told the crowd.

Trump continued to push in an Oval Office meeting the next day, again demanding Pence use powers the vice president did not possess to overturn the will of voters. Pence made clear he was unconvinced.

That day, Jacob sent a memo putting in writing his conclusion that if Pence followed Eastman's proposal, he would likely lose in court, at best, or spark a constitutional crisis, Politico first reported. The tensions were so high that Pence's chief of staff, Marc Short, placed a call to Pence's lead Secret Service agent that day, The New York Times first reported, informing him that the vice presidents refusal to go along with Trump was about to become public.

Given the crowds en route to Washington, I thought it was important at least to let the Secret Service know that it was about to become a much more public disagreement, Short said Wednesday on CNN.

HANG MIKE PENCE'

The pressure continued through the night. If Vice President @Mike_Pence comes through for us, we will win the Presidency," Trump tweeted around 1 a.m.

All Mike Pence has to do is send them back to the States, AND WE WIN, he wrote later that morning. Do it Mike, this is a time for extreme courage!

Pence was at his residence at the Naval Observatory the morning of Jan. 6 when he spoke a final time with Trump, who was joined in the Oval Office by his daughter Ivanka and Pence's national security adviser, Keith Kellogg. During the call, in the 11 o'clock hour, Trump berated Pence, chastising him for not being tough enough to go along with the scheme, according to Kelloggs testimony to the committee.

Pence then headed to the Capitol to oversee the counting of the Electoral College votes. But first Pence made official his decision. In a letter addressed to his colleagues in Congress, Pence explained why he couldn't go along with Trump's plan.

It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not, he wrote.

At 1:03 p.m., he officially gaveled the U.S. Senate into session as pro-Trump rioters, who had already breached Capitol barricades, were outside clashing with police.

By that point, Trump was already close to wrapping up his speech on the Ellipse in which he repeatedly targeted Pence and urged his supporters to fight like hell."

If Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election," Trump falsely told the crowd. All Vice President Pence has to do is send it back to the states to recertify and we become president and you are the happiest people."

Outside the Capitol, the scene devolved into violent chaos as rioters, some armed with pipes, bats and bear spray, charged into the Capitol, quickly overwhelming police. One officer was beaten and repeatedly shocked with a stun gun until he had a heart attack. Another was foaming at the mouth and screaming for help as rioters crushed him between two doors and bashed him in the head with his own weapon. At 1:49 p.m., D.C. police officially declared a riot.

At about 2:12 p.m., Pence was rushed off the Senate floor as rioters flooded inside. The Washington Post first reported that Pence, who had been joined that day by his wife and daughter, was at one point less than 100 feet from a group of protesters.

IN HIDING

Pence spent the next hours in hiding with his staff and family  first in his ceremonial office and then in an underground loading dock inside the Capitol complex. At several points, he rejected pleas from security staff to leave, insisting it was crucial that he remain in place.

He looked at that and said, I dont want the world seeing the vice president leaving the Capitol in a 15-car motorcade," Short told CNN on Wednesday. 'This is the hallmark of democracy and were going to complete our work.'

But even as the horror played out live on television, Trump, instead of urging his supporters to go home, blasted Pence.

Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify, Trump tweeted at 2:24 p.m.

Trump's tweet echoed through the angry mob. Footage obtained by the committee shows rioters reading Trump's words aloud and crowds breaking into chants of Hang Mike Pence! A makeshift gallows was photographed outside.

Cheney charged that Trump was made aware of the chants and responded with this sentiment: Maybe our supporters have the right idea. Mike Pence deserves it.'" (Trump responded on his social media app, saying he NEVER said, or even thought of saying, Hang Mike Pence.")

Pence worked the phone from his then-secret location. Short told Fox Business that Pence's first calls were to Republican and Democratic House and Senate leaders  Kevin McCarthy, Mitch McConnell, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer  to make sure they were safe and to make sure their functions were OK." Pence also reached out to the Pentagon to make sure additional reinforcements were sent" at the encouragement of House and Senate leaders, who made clear in subsequent calls that they were frustrated the National Guard had not arrived.

Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the committee in testimony that military leaders spoke two or three times with Pence and that the vice president was very animated, very direct, very firm to (Acting Defense) Secretary (Christopher) Miller."

"Get the military down here, get the Guard down here. Put down this situation, et cetera, Milley recalled.

Indeed, at 4:08 p.m., Pence placed an urgent phone call from the Capitol as rioters pummeled police and vandalized the building, informing Miller the Capitol was not secure and asking military leaders for a deadline for securing the building, according to a document prepared by the Pentagon for internal use that was obtained by The Associated Press.

Clear the Capitol, Pence told them.

Milley told the committee that Trumps chief of staff, Mark Meadows, had a different focus when they also spoke.

He said: We have to kill the narrative that the Vice President is making all the decisions. We need to establish the narrative, you know, that the President is still in charge and that things are steady or stable, or words to that effect, Milley testified.

Eastman and Jacob also exchanged emails, according to the committee, with Jacob telling Eastman that, thanks to your bull-, we are now under siege.

'LETS GET BACK TO WORK'

At 8 p.m., after hours of fear and carnage, the Capitol was finally deemed secure.

Pence reconvened the Senate with a message.

Today was a dark day in the history of the United States Capitol. But thanks to the swift efforts of U.S. Capitol Police, federal, state and local law enforcement, the violence was quelled. The Capitol is secured. And the people's work continues," he told the nation. Lets get back to work," he said to applause.

Just after 3:40 a.m. Pence officially declared Trumps election defeat  as well as his own.

TRUMP IS WRONG

Pence, over the last year and a half, has repeatedly said he stands by his actions as he has reckoned with the political fallout and tried to lay the groundwork for a potential presidential run in 2024.

A year ago, after months out of the spotlight, Pence said in a major speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library that he was proud of what he did on Jan. 6.

The truth is," he said, theres almost no idea more un-American than the notion that any one person could choose the American president. The presidency belongs to the American people and the American people alone.

And in February of this year, as Trump continued to criticize Pence's actions, Pence took on Trump by name, telling a gathering of the conservative Federalist Society in Florida that President Trump is wrong" and he had no right to overturn the election."

Pence, however, has also tried to move on from that day. On Monday he spoke to reporters after touring the border in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Ill always believe that I did my duty that day. And I know in my heart of hearts I did. And I believe that, when all the information and the facts come forward, the American people will better understand what occurred, he said. But standing here today on our southern border, Im calling on President Biden to do his duty. I mean, the truth is a president of the United States has an obligation to provide for the common defense, to guarantee the common defense of this country. And border security is national security."

___

For more coverage of the Jan. 6 insurrection hearings, go to https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege.
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WASHINGTON (AP)  Mike Pence wont be testifying at Thursdays Jan. 6 committee hearing. But he will be in the spotlight as focus turns to former President Donald Trumps desperate and futile attempts to persuade his vice president to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and deliver them a second term.

As you will hear, President Trump engaged in a relentless effort to pressure Pence both in private and in public, Rep. Liz Cheney, the leading Republican on the committee, said last week. Vice President Pence demonstrated his loyalty to Donald Trump consistently over four years, but he knew that he had a higher duty to the United States Constitution.

What we know about Pences actions leading up to and during that day:

UNDER PRESSURE

As Trumps frantic efforts to stave off defeat were quashed by courts and state officials, he and his allies zeroed in on Jan. 6  the day a joint session of Congress would convene to formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory  as their last chance to remain in power.

The heavy-handed pressure campaign intensified in the days leading up to the 6th as Trump, lawyer John Eastman and others in Trumps orbit tried to convince Pence that he had the power to overturn the will of voters in a handful of critical battleground states by simply rejecting Electoral College votes or sending the results back to the states  even though the Constitution makes clear the vice presidents role in the proceedings is largely ceremonial.

Pence spent hours huddling with staff, including his general counsel, Greg Jacob. He studied the Electoral Count Act of 1887, which governs the proceedings, and met with the Senate parliamentarian to understand his role. He also received outside counsel, including from former Vice President Dan Quayle.

Some aides appealed to Trump not to put his unflinchingly loyal vice president in such a precarious position. Pence was already widely seen as a potential future presidential candidate and a public fissure with Trump was seen as a potential career ender. But Trump kept pushing, both publicly and behind the scenes.

On Monday, Jan. 4, Eastman and Trump pressed Pence to go along with the scheme in an Oval Office meeting. And at a rally that night in Georgia, Trump said his fate rested in his vice presidents hands. I hope Mike Pence comes through for us, he told the crowd.

Trump continued to push in an Oval Office meeting the next day, where he again urged Pence to use powers the vice president did not possess to overturn the will of voters. Pence by then made clear that he was unconvinced.

That day, Jacob sent a memo putting in writing his conclusion that if Pence followed Eastmans proposal, he would likely lose in court, at best, or spark a constitutional crisis, Politico first reported. The tensions were so high that Pences chief of staff, Marc Short, placed a call to Pences lead Secret Service agent that day, The New York Times first reported, informing him that the vice presidents refusal to go along with Trump was about to become public.

HANG MIKE PENCE

The pressure continued through the night. If Vice President @Mike_Pence comes through for us, we will win the Presidency, Trump tweeted around 1 a.m.

All Mike Pence has to do is send them back to the States, AND WE WIN, he wrote later that morning. Do it Mike, this is a time for extreme courage!

Pence was at his residence at the Naval Observatory the morning of Jan. 6 when he spoke a final time with Trump, who was joined in the Oval Office by his daughter Ivanka and Pences national security adviser, Keith Kellogg. During the call in the 11 oclock hour, Trump berated Pence, chastising him for not being tough enough to go along with the scheme, according to Kelloggs testimony to the committee.

Pence then headed to the Capitol to oversee the counting of the Electoral College votes that would formalize Trumps defeat.

But first Pence made official what his aides had already made clear. In a letter addressed to his colleagues in Congress, Pence explained why he couldnt go along with Trumps plan.

It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not, he wrote.

At 1:03 p.m., he officially gaveled the U.S. Senate into session as pro-Trump rioters, who had already breached Capitol barricades, were outside clashing with police.

By that point, Trump was already close to wrapping up his speech on the Ellipse in which he repeatedly targeted Pence and urged his supporters to fight like hell.

If Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election, Trump falsely told the crowd. All Vice President Pence has to do is send it back to the states to recertify and we become president and you are the happiest people.

Outside the Capitol, the scene devolved into violent chaos as rioters, some armed with pipes, bats and bear spray, charged into the Capitol, quickly overwhelming police. One officer was beaten and repeatedly shocked with a stun gun until he had a heart attack. Another was foaming at the mouth and screaming for help as rioters crushed him between two doors and bashed him in the head with his own weapon. At 1:49 p.m., D.C. police officially declared a riot.

At about 2:12 p.m., Pence was rushed off the Senate floor as rioters flooded inside. The Washington Post first reported that Pence, who had been joined that day by his wife and their daughter, was at one point less than 100 feet from a group of protesters.

IN HIDING

Pence spent the next hours in hiding with his staff and family  first in his ceremonial office and then in an underground loading dock inside the Capitol complex. At least twice, he rejected pleas from security staff to leave the building, insisting it was crucial that he remain in place.

But even as the horror played out live on television, Trump, instead of urging his supporters to go home, blasted Pence.

Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify, Trump tweeted at 2:24 p.m. USA demands the truth!

Trumps tweet echoed through the angry mob. Footage obtained by the committee shows rioters reading Trumps words aloud and crowds breaking into chants of Hang Mike Pence! A makeshift gallows was photographed outside.

The committee alleges Trump was made aware of the chants and responded with this sentiment: Maybe our supporters have the right idea. Mike Pence deserves it,'" Cheney charged.

LETS GET BACK TO WORK

At 8 p.m., after hours of fear and carnage, the Capitol was finally deemed secure and Pence reconvened the Senate with a message.

Today was a dark day in the history of the United States Capitol. But thanks to the swift efforts of U.S. Capitol Police, federal, state and local law enforcement, the violence was quelled. The Capitol is secured. And the peoples work continues, he told the nation. Lets get back to work, he said to applause.

Just after 3:40 a.m. Pence officially declared Trumps election defeat  as well as his own.
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EL MONTE, Calif. (AP)  The wife of a man who killed two Southern California police officers Tuesday in a shootout told a television station that her husband had previously attacked her and she warned the officers that he had a gun inside a suburban Los Angeles motel.

The gunman, identified as Justin William Flores, was shot and killed at the scene. His wife told KCBS-TV that he had attacked her two days ago and she had moved into the motel to escape him but he tracked her down.

I am so deeply sorry, my deepest condolences for saving me, Im so, so, so sorry, Diana Flores tearfully told the TV station. They didnt deserve that, or their families. They really didnt. They were trying to help me and I told them before they went in the room, Dont go in. He has a gun.

The officers  Cpl. Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana, who were identified Wednesday  were both slain while investigating a possible stabbing at a motel in El Monte.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that flags at the state Capitol will be flown at half-staff in their honor.

Paredes and Santana  one on the force for more than two decades and the other for just months  were both were raised in and worked for the city of El Monte, a suburb of 107,000 people in the San Gabriel Valley. They became only the third and fourth officers in the El Monte Police Departments history to die in the line of duty. A vigil is scheduled for Saturday.

Flores was on probation for a gun charge at the time of the shooting, which occurred a day after his probation officer requested that he return to court later in the month, court records show.

The coroners office has not yet released the name of the suspect but the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office identified Flores to The Associated Press.

Mourners on Wednesday left bouquets, wreaths of flowers and candles outside the El Monte police station to honor the fallen officers.

Corporal Paredes and Officer Santana paid the ultimate sacrifice, the city of El Monte wrote in a news release, while in performance of a noble profession, serving the community they loved.

Flores, 35, served two stints in state prison for vehicle theft and burglary, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and was most recently released in 2012.

In March 2020, Flores was arrested and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and for possession of narcotics for personal use. He pleaded guilty last year to being a felon in possession of a firearm, a felony charge that could have sent him back to prison for three years.

Instead he was sentenced to two years of probation and 20 days in jail and LA County District Attorney George Gascon, who is facing a recall effort for his progressive policies, is facing criticism for Flores plea deal.

The sentence he received in the firearm case was consistent with case resolutions for this type of offense given his criminal history and the nature of the offense, the DAs office said in a statement Wednesday. At the time the court sentenced him, Mr. Flores did not have a documented history of violence.

Court records obtained by AP do not specify why Flores probation officer had requested Monday that he return to court; records show that a hearing was scheduled for June 27.

The countys probation department declined to comment and Flores attorney in the case did not return a request for comment on Wednesday. But the Los Angeles Times reported that Flores had violated his probation, triggering the return to court.

Few details have emerged about what occurred during Tuesdays violence. The officers went to the Siesta Inn in El Monte, east of Los Angeles, around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, for a welfare check where a woman had possibly been stabbed.

The officers confronted the suspect, Los Angeles County sheriffs homicide Capt. Andrew Meyer said Tuesday.

Gunfire erupted inside a motel room and the gunman then fled into the parking lot, where more gunfire was exchanged, Meyer said.

Meyer said he didnt know whether the officers were shot inside the motel or outside. They died at a hospital. A gun was found at the scene.

Meyer said investigators were interviewing a woman from the hotel who they believe was the suspects girlfriend. Diana Flores, who described herself as the suspects wife and had his first name tattooed on her chest, told KCBS that officers must have been reacting to a false call because she hadnt been stabbed on Tuesday.

I got stabbed the day before that, she told the TV station.

Paredes, 42, started as a cadet in the department before becoming a full-time officer in 2000, according to a news release. He is survived by his wife, daughter and son.

Santana, 31, had been with the El Monte force for less than a year when he was killed. He previously served as a deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department for three years, the news release stated.

This tragic loss hits close to home for us, the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department wrote on Twitter. He was a great partner and loved by all who knew him.

Santana also worked as a part-time public works employee for El Monte for six years before turning to law enforcement. He is survived by his wife, daughter and twin sons.

El Monte interim Police Chief Ben Lowry on Tuesday called the officers heroes.

These two men were loved, Lowry said. They were good men. They paid the ultimate sacrifice, serving their community trying to help somebody.

They were murdered by a coward and we are grieving, and that hurts, he said.

El Monte Mayor Jessica Ancona said the officers died while trying to keep a family safe.

The killings came just one day after a California Highway Patrol officer was shot and critically wounded during a traffic stop in the Studio City area of Los Angeles.

The 27-year-old officer is expected to recover, authorities said. A bloodhound helped police track down the suspect, who surrendered to police Tuesday in a homeless encampment in the San Fernando Valley.

___

Dazio reported from Los Angeles. News researcher Rhonda Shafner contributed from New York City.
By Thomas Hughes

Bay City News Foundation

Nurses from Natividad Medical Center told the Monterey County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that they feel unsafe and unsupported on the job, and asked the lawmakers to address what they described as a dangerous staffing shortage.

Five nurses commented before the board's closed session, which included discussions between the board and the county's director of human resources about the staffing shortage and a new contract.

The nurses described conditions during their shifts as demoralizing and stressful, which they said was dangerous for nurses, mothers, and newborns. All said their shifts often involve violating a state law that dictates a 1-to-2 nurse-to-patient ratio in such delivery centers.

Elizabeth Vargas, a registered nurse at Natividad, said the county is facing nurse burnout for its failure to address what was described as a chronic, ongoing crisis. She said she was working in conditions "akin to what a combat nurse might face."

All commenters spoke remotely during the board's hybrid hearing. Most were cut off when their two minutes of speaking time expired.

Reached by phone, board chair Mary Adams said there was no timeline for solving the staffing shortage, which she attributed to the state of the economy.

"The paucity of health care providers at this point is a real challenge," Adams said. She said discussions are being held regularly.

"We don't have the answer," she said. "But that doesn't mean we aren't looking for the answer."

After its closed session, the board reconvened and declined to designate the Mid-Valley Shopping Center in Carmel Valley as a historic structure. The vote was 3-2.

The matter will be revisited for a final vote, at which time a report from county staff will be delivered about a twist in the dueling assessments of the shopping center.

Multiple supervisors grew concerned that one of the subcontractors hired to ascertain whether the shopping center was historic actually entered the architect of the shopping center into a database of prominent architects themselves during the review process, then cited the entry as evidence of the architect's prominence.

Supervisor Luis Alejo said he wanted a comprehensive answer as to whether the subcontractor misled the board.

Copyright  2022 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area.

Copyright  2022 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  The third-place finisher in the GOP primary for South Carolina's top education job has endorsed school choice advocate Ellen Weaver, aiming to give the think tank CEO a boost in the Republican runoff.

Businessman Travis Bedson told The Associated Press on Thursday that Weaver has his full support and endorsement as the only choice for Republicans who want substantive change to our state's education system.

Weaver finished second in a six-way Republican primary on Tuesday. The top vote getter, Palmetto State Teachers Association Executive Director Kathy Maness, had a clear lead in the vote tallies but fell far short of the 50% needed to avoid a June 28 runoff.

Bedson called Maness  who has the backing of outgoing Superintendent Molly Spearman  the very definition of what is wrong with the state of education in South Carolina."

Both parties have crowded fields after Spearman, a Republican, decided not to run again after eight years in the job.

Spearman sometimes disagreed with other Republican leaders, especially on issues such as whether local districts should be able to mandate masks to protect against COVID-19. That schism has continued into the Republican primary.

Spearman endorsed Maness, noting that she has been a teacher and knows both the legislative process and how schools operate.

Another of the GOP also-rans, Charleston County School Board member Cindy Bohn Coats, also endorsed Weaver.

Both Coats and activist Sheri Few left the race after acknowledging they lacked a masters degree  as required for the post under a 2018 change to state law.

Weaver also lacks a masters. She initially said she would earn one online through Western Governors University before the November general election. Then she switched to a masters in educational leadership program at Bob Jones University, a completion her campaign says remains on track. Maness has an advanced degree.

Many other Republican leaders have endorsed Weaver, the CEO of conservative think tank Palmetto Promise Institute and chairwoman of the state Education Oversight Committee. She also has the backing of previous state education superintendents Barbara Nielsen and Mick Zais.

Weaver has raised more than $325,000, an amount not matched by any other candidate. Maness has raised about $115,000.

For the Democrats, Lisa Ellis, founder of the teacher advocate group SC for Ed, had a clear lead in her party's primary, but votes were still being counted Thursday, and it was too early to say if she could avoid a runoff against former Anderson County School District 4 Superintendent Gary Burgess or state Rep. Jerry Govan.

___ Meg Kinnard can be reached at http://twitter.com/MegKinnardAP.
Members from area lowrider groups on the Southside showed up in their decked out machines to a townhall meeting at the Scheh Center Tuesday, catching meeting organizers off guard.

District 3 Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran's office organized the townhall with San Antonio Police Chief William McManus for Tuesday, June 9, with the hopes of hearing from her constituents about illegal street racing hotspots and the noise ordinance.

Joe De La Rosa, one of the founding members of the lowrider group Sueno, spoke as the voice for multiple lowrider groups in attendance, saying a proposed spectator ordinance would unfairly target a cultural staple.

"This is a pastime that's been around for generations," De La Rosa said.

He said the proposed spectator ordinance directly impacts groups trying to enjoy a pastime important to Hispanic culture. McManus told De La Rosa in a side-conversation during the meeting that he agreed.

But it was McManus pushing for the spectator ordinance in October 2021, which, if approved, would fine anyone observing an illegal street race, also known as a "street takeover," up to $500. Spectators of street takeovers have been known to block streets and roadways.

Street racing has been an issue across the U.S. that grew in 2021. Texas legislature passed two laws, Senate Bill 1495 and House Bill 2315, in May 2021 to increase fines and punishments for street racing and takeovers. Dallas has a similar ordinance on its books.

The San Antonio ordinance was created in collaboration with the city's public safety committee, the Express-News reported in October 2021. But San Antonio City Council has yet to approve the ordinance, and lowrider groups don't want to see it passed. The Express-News reported in October that San Antonio police responded to 213 street racing incidents in September 2020 alone.

De La Rosa says lowrider and cruising culture dates back to the 1950s, where gas was one of the only commodities affordable to poor communities, so driving around town in personalized vehicles was something families could enjoy doing.

Now lowrider groups gather in parking lots  with permission if it belongs to a business  to celebrate that pastime, supporters say.

De La Rosa recognizes that street racing is a problem, but he says those racers come to their events only to rev their engines. He sees them as separate.

"So these idiots can be anywhere near law abiding citizens  underage or not," De La Rosa says. "And if my kid pulls out her phone, she can get ticketed $500. That's the concern."

The same could happen if a neighboring resident around a lowrider event calls in a noise complaint, which De La Rosa says happens often. He says this blanket ordinance could apply to other car clubs as well.

San Antonio ordinances say people involved in takeovers could face certain class C misdemeanors tickets, such as speeding, impeding traffic, or public intoxication, Express-News reported. Others could be charged with racing on highways and criminal mischief where applicable, which are class B misdemeanors.

De La Rosa pointed to a 2004 Arizona State University study saying community involvement, on top of enforcing existing fines and ordinances, is an effective way to address street racing issues.

Although Viagran reiterated that Tuesday's meeting was not about the spectator ordinance, she encouraged members of the lowrider group to attend an upcoming public safety committee meeting and to voice their concerns on June 21 at 9 a.m. The meeting is scheduled to happen in the city council chambers 114 W. Commerce Street.

"I'm going to take the findings that I got from this townhall to my council colleagues, and we need to maybe look at the unintended consequences of this ordinance," Viagran said.
Dear editor,

I am writing to strongly object to the proposed development of the former Wells Fargo building at 1 Cemetery St. into a six-story, 77-unit mixed use facility.

Ironically called Mill Pond Holding, the developer of the project clearly has no regard for holding on to the beauty of the adjacent coastal inlet known as the Mill Pond. It clearly seeks to create overpopulation growth that will cause the loss of living marine resources and will endangered other vital ecological systems.

While the plan includes all sorts of fancy architectural/structural language that somehow claims to prevent the destruction of the pond, it disregards Connecticut States Coastal Management guidelines, because they are just guidelines, and it seems that nothing will prevent this level of real estate greed. We should all be insulted that the plan calls for public access to the waterfront through a narrow passageway on to a wooden boardwalk, and nowhere for anyone outside of the community to park to get there. The entire end-to-end building is barely a sidewalk away from the road.

This does not even address the traffic nightmare that already exists in the area. During the summer months when the beach is open, you can barely navigate the cemetery rotary as it is. It takes 25 minutes to get from the beach to the congested entry to Interstate-95 at Exit 16 most times of the day!

Designed to appeal to a luxury clientele, how much money will they get for a three-bedroom unit when the hideous wall-to-wall condos on the postage-stamp sized lot of the old Bank of American building on Winfield Street is asking $699,000? Perhaps some residents of East Norwalk are happy that this will further drive property values up. I, for one, think its a crime that the children we raised in this town can no longer afford to rent or buy a home to raise their children here.

Is my outrage too little too late? Why were there few public meetings and many private behind closed doors discussions that moved this project to be a fait accompli?

I am hoping that the residents of the 55, and others who care about our natural resources, will find a way for our voices to be heard before it is, really, too late!

Jodi Wallace

East Norwalk
Recently both the United States and the United Kingdom shipped more lethal aid to Ukraine, to help that nation in its war with Russia.

The U.S. sent Harpoon anti-ship missiles and howitzers; the British sent long-range missiles that can hit targets with high precision 50 miles away.

The weapons shipments ramp up an already deadly conflict, which has cost thousands of lives of both civilians and military personnel.

Where is all this headed? Nowhere good.

With each passing day, the chances increase that this regional war could erupt into a global war between the nuclear-armed United States and its NATO allies and nuclear-armed Russia, with potentially catastrophic consequences. Its safe to say that the world as we know it would not survive a nuclear war between the U.S. and Russia.

There is a pressing need for a cease-fire and negotiations to end this brutal conflict.

The basic outline of a settlement is clear: Russian forces must totally withdraw from Ukraine; Ukraine must agree to be neutral and not join NATO; Russia must provide humanitarian aid to help Ukraine rebuild; and there must be self-governance for Ukraines eastern provinces, as agreed to previously in the Minsk Accords.

This is all achievable. But there has to be a desire for it.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have both been encouraging negotiations to end the war. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he is open to talks. Ukraine President Vlodomyr Zelenskyy has said at different times there needs to be negotiations.

But the United States has been silent on talks to end the war.

Thats because officials in the State Department, the Pentagon and others in the Biden administration dont want a quick end to this war. They are using the Ukraine conflict to wage a proxy war against Russia - to keep Russia bogged down in a long draining war that will eventually trigger regime change in Moscow.

But that scenario means many more Ukrainians and Russians will die in the process and billions more in American treasure will be lost.

This is not an acceptable policy and it must be stopped.

To prevent further bloodshed and head off the possibility of a much wider, catastrophic conflict, there must be an immediate cease-fire and negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

Reginald Johnson is a freelance writer who lives in Bridgeport.
Storm Prediction Ctr, Norman, OK Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

_____

TORNADO WATCH

TORNADO WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WT 376

NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK

313 PM EDT THU JUN 16 2022

TORNADO WATCH 376 REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1100 PM EDT FOR THE

FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

NY

. NEW YORK COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ALLEGANY BROOME CATTARAUGUS

CAYUGA CHAUTAUQUA CHEMUNG

CHENANGO CORTLAND DELAWARE

ERIE FRANKLIN GENESEE

HAMILTON HERKIMER JEFFERSON

LEWIS LIVINGSTON MADISON

MONROE NIAGARA ONEIDA

ONONDAGA ONTARIO ORLEANS

OSWEGO OTSEGO ST. LAWRENCE

SCHUYLER SENECA STEUBEN

SULLIVAN TIOGA TOMPKINS

WAYNE WYOMING YATES

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 330 PM EDT

FOR NORTHWESTERN CATTARAUGUS...SOUTH CENTRAL ERIE AND CHAUTAUQUA

COUNTIES...

At 314 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line

extending from 9 miles north of Falconer to near Wattsburg, moving

east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage to

trees and power lines.

Locations impacted include...

Jamestown, Lakewood, Gowanda, Falconer, Ashford, Mayville, Clymer,

Long Point State Park, Jamestown West and Frewsburg.

This includes Interstate 86 between exits 4 and 16.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for western New

York.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a

building.

Continuous cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.

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.

If on or near Chautauqua Lake, 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.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Northeastern Erie County in western New York...

Niagara County in western New York...

Western Orleans County in western New York...

Northwestern Genesee County in western New York...

* Until 415 PM EDT.

* At 315 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Youngstown,

or 8 miles north of Niagara Falls, moving east at 45 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage

to trees and power lines.

* Locations impacted include...

Lockport, Medina, Albion, Newfane, Pendleton, Lewiston, Youngstown,

Middleport, Oakfield and Waterport.

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.

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 BINGHAMTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Southeastern Schuyler County in central New York...

Northeastern Chemung County in central New York...

Southern Tompkins County in central New York...

* Until 300 AM EDT.

* At 217 AM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Alpine, or

near Odessa, moving east 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...

Ithaca, Newfield, Cayuga Heights, Lansing, Enfield, Danby,

Caroline, Dryden, Catharine and Odessa.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southeastern Oswego

County through 300 AM EDT...

At 219 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near

Fulton, moving east at 40 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 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...

Central Square, Hastings, Constantia, West Monroe, Palermo, Phoenix,

Williamstown, Cleveland, Parish, Amboy Center, Pennellville, Mallory,

Gayville, Bernhards Bay, Sand Ridge and Lower South Bay.

This includes Interstate 81 between exits 32 and 33.

Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead

to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded

roadways.

Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.

Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe

shelter inside a building or vehicle.

LAT...LON 4333 7589 4332 7586 4316 7588 4318 7596

4318 7600 4320 7604 4320 7608 4323 7610

4324 7616 4327 7620 4324 7621 4322 7619

4320 7621 4324 7626 4320 7627 4323 7631

4323 7635 4344 7632 4345 7583

TIME...MOT...LOC 0619Z 274DEG 35KT 4333 7629

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN

MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BINGHAMTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

West central Broome County in central New York...

* Until 330 AM EDT.

* At 237 AM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Greater

Binghamton Airport, 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...

Maine, Port Dickinson, Greater Binghamton Airport, Sanitaria

Springs, Chenango Forks, Chenango Bridge, Castle Creek, Chenango

Valley State Park and Port Crane.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN SCHUYLER AND

NORTHEASTERN CHEMUNG COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...

The severe thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out of

the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 300 AM EDT

FOR SOUTHERN TOMPKINS COUNTY...

At 240 AM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Danby, or near

Ithaca, moving east 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...

Ithaca, Newfield, Cayuga Heights, Danby, Caroline, Dryden, Freeville,

South Danby, Brooktondale and Slaterville Springs.

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.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BINGHAMTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Southwestern Delaware County in central New York...

West central Sullivan County in central New York...

Northeastern Wayne County in northeastern Pennsylvania...

* Until 415 AM EDT.

* At 328 AM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Equinunk, or

16 miles southeast of Deposit, 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...

Damascus, Callicoon, Cochecton, Fremont, Starlight, Stalker,

Hortonville, Equinunk, Hankins and Lake Como.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR WEST CENTRAL BROOME COUNTY HAS

EXPIRED...

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 has been allowed to expire.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BINGHAMTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Central Sullivan County in central New York...

Northeastern Wayne County in northeastern Pennsylvania...

* Until 515 AM EDT.

* At 415 AM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Hortonville,

or 13 miles west of Liberty, 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...

Fallsburg, Liberty, Neversink, South Fallsburg, Callicoon, Fremont,

Woodridge, Jeffersonville, Parksville and Swan Lake.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
UNITED CHRISTIAN FORUM

For Immediate Release

United Christian Forum alarmed at sharp rise in violence against churches and worshippers; demands urgent action by government and leaders

New Delhi  13 June 2022

The United Christian Forum (UCF) has demanded urgent judicial and government intervention to check the rapid rise in incidents of violence, coercion and false arrests, traumatising the community. This persecution is most acute in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka; the UCF said citing data collected from its National Helpline Number 1800-208-4545 and human rights groups.

Though the year 2022 is not even halfway over, there already have been 207 cases of violence. Just in May this year, we recorded 57 cases. In 2021, UCF had documented 505 cases, with Christmas seeing 16 acts of violence, including desecration and breaking of statues of Jesus Christ at a historic church in Haryana.

This data flies in the face of statements by government functionaries and leaders of the ruling parties at the centre and in the states that there is no persecution, and that there are only a few stray incidents by fringe elements, UCF National President Michael Williams said.

It is ironic that the culprits, many of whom film their acts of vandalism and physical violence on unarmed women and men, seem to defy the law; peaceful pastors and others are arrested on charges of conversion during routine prayer services. In all such cases, the police is either a mute spectator, or an active participant in the persecution. Despite our appeals to senior officials and administrators, the police have failed to follow protocol, rules, and investigations.

More than one incident has taken place each day so far in 2022. There were 40 incidents in January, 35 in February, 33 in March, 40 in April and nearly double in May with 57 incidents in 31 days with almost 2 incidents a day. There were 48 incidents in Uttar Pradesh, 44 in Chhattisgarh, 23 in Jharkhand and 14 in Madhya Pradesh. As the new anti-conversion ordinance is implemented in Karnataka, 6 cases were reported from the state.

UCF toll-free helpline number: 1-800-208-4545 was launched on 19th January 2015 with the aim of upholding fundamental freedom and promotion of values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity of India. The helpline helps people in distress, especially those who are not aware of the law of the land and the system by guiding them how to reach out to the public authorities and by providing the way to legal remedies.

Other than physical assaults, incidents include brutality against women, vandalism, forcible closure of churches, disruption of Sunday prayers and social ostracization which is most visible in small towns and villages.

We cite two cases from Chhattisgarh and one from Uttar Pradesh as illustrative of the persecution of Christians.

On 2nd May, in Bastar district, a 65-year-old Christian woman and her son were threatened with a social boycott by the panchayat if they professed the Christian faith. The two maintained they were Christians and would remain so. At this, they were attacked and severely injured. The woman sustained multiple injuries, including a wound on the head, and had to be hospitalised. A complaint has been filed before the Superintendent of Police and the District Collector.

On 31st May, in Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh, a pastor was conducting a prayer service when a mob barged in, dragged him out, beat him up, saying he was converting people. The police, rather than acting against the assailants, arrested the pastor, booking him u/s 295A IPC (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings). He remained behind bars until his bail on 3rd June 2022.

As per the records of UCF, there were 127 incidents in 2014, 142 in 2015, 226 in 2016, 248 in 2017, 292 in 2018, 328 in 2019, 2020 in 279 (perhaps pandemic gave some relief to Indian Christians), and 505 incidents in 2021 and year 2022 so far till the end of May have witnessed 207 incidents in 151 days.

___

For further details, please contact:

Mr. A C Michael: +91-9818155290

acmichael60[at]gmail.com
WFO BINGHAMTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Binghamton has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Northwestern Onondaga County in central New York...

* Until 600 PM EDT.

* At 510 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Plainville,

or near Baldwinsville, 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...

Clay, Cicero, Lysander, Van Buren, Baldwinsville, Jordan, Elbridge,

Brewerton, Plainville and Bayberry.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for central New

York.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a

building.

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement

agency. They will send your report to the National Weather Service

office in Binghamton.

Heavy rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash

flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BUFFALO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Wednesday, June 15, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Northeastern Wyoming County in western New York...

Northern Livingston County in western New York...

Southeastern Genesee County in western New York...

* Until 915 PM EDT.

* At 814 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Pavilion, or

7 miles southeast of Batavia, moving east at 15 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage

to trees and power lines.

* Locations impacted include...

Geneseo, Le Roy, Avon, Mount Morris, Pavilion, Caledonia, Lima,

York, Stafford and Livonia.

This includes Interstate 390 between exits 7 and 10.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BUFFALO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Southern Wyoming County in western New York...

Cattaraugus County in western New York...

Southeastern Erie County in western New York...

Southwestern Livingston County in western New York...

Southeastern Chautauqua County in western New York...

Western Allegany County in western New York...

* Until 430 PM EDT.

* At 335 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line

extending from Arcade to near Falconer, moving east at 45 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage

to trees and power lines.

* Locations impacted include...

Jamestown, Olean, Salamanca, Letchworth State Park, Allegany State

Park, Springville, Perry, Mount Morris, Falconer and Ashford.

This includes the following highways...

Interstate 390 near exit 6.

Interstate 86 between exits 8 and 31.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for western New

York.

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 these storms. 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.

...Well established lake breeze to protect the Buffalo area through

at least 5 PM...

A relatively strong southwest lake breeze of 15 to 30 mph will help

to shield Buffalo and its immediate suburbs from thunderstorm

activity through at least 5 PM.

Meanwhile...strong to potentially severe thunderstorms will be found

across Niagara and orleans counties, as well as across parts of the

Southern Tier.

A tornado watch remains in effect for all of western New York

through 11 PM EDT.

For areas north and south of Buffalo, be alert for rapidly changing

weather conditions and be prepared to act if severe thunderstorm or

tornado warnings are issued.

LAT...LON 4264 7916 4267 7912 4273 7908 4276 7898

4280 7892 4284 7893 4291 7890 4295 7892

4300 7849 4275 7850 4260 7918

TIME...MOT...LOC 1933Z 240DEG 49KT 4292 7856

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN

MAX WIND GUST...<30 MPH

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR NORTHEASTERN ERIE COUNTY IS

CANCELLED...

The severe thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out of

the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 415 PM EDT

FOR NORTHEASTERN NIAGARA...WESTERN ORLEANS AND NORTHWESTERN GENESEE

COUNTIES...

At 340 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Newfane, or 7

miles north of Lockport, moving east at 45 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and half dollar size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage to

trees and power lines.

Locations impacted include...

Lockport, Medina, Albion, Newfane, Middleport, Oakfield, Waterport,

Lakeside Beach State Park, Point Breeze and Ridgeway.

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.

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 BUFFALO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

Severe Weather Statement

National Weather Service Buffalo NY

442 PM EDT Thu Jun 16 2022

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR WESTERN WAYNE AND MONROE

COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...

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 has been cancelled.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for western New

York.

NY

. NEW YORK COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ALLEGANY BROOME CATTARAUGUS

CAYUGA CHAUTAUQUA CHEMUNG

CHENANGO CORTLAND DELAWARE

ERIE FRANKLIN GENESEE

HAMILTON HERKIMER JEFFERSON

LEWIS LIVINGSTON MADISON

MONROE NIAGARA ONEIDA

ONONDAGA ONTARIO ORLEANS

OSWEGO OTSEGO ST. LAWRENCE

SCHUYLER SENECA STEUBEN

SULLIVAN TIOGA TOMPKINS

WAYNE WYOMING YATES

The National Weather Service in Burlington has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Western Franklin County in northern New York...

St. Lawrence County in northern New York...

* Until 545 PM EDT.

* At 443 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Hammond,

moving east at 50 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor hail damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind

damage to trees and powerlines.

* Locations impacted include...

Potsdam, Tupper Lake, Gouverneur, Ogdensburg, Canton, Oswegatchie,

Lisbon, De Kalb, Bangor, Fowler, Parishville, Colton, Piercefield,

Morley, Degrasse, Carry Falls Reservoir, Richville, Hammond,

Cranberry Lake and Lawrenceville.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for northern New

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a

building.

...THE SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR EASTERN WYOMING AND

NORTHEASTERN ALLEGANY COUNTIES IS CANCELLED...

The severe thunderstorm which prompted the warning has moved out

of the warned area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 515 PM EDT

FOR WESTERN WAYNE...SOUTHEASTERN LIVINGSTON...SOUTHEASTERN MONROE AND

ONTARIO COUNTIES...

At 444 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Bristol, or

near Canandaigua, moving east at 50 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage to

trees and power lines.

Locations impacted include...

Geneva, Canandaigua, Newark, Williamson, Marion, Lyons, Victor,

Bristol, Clifton Springs and Phelps.

This includes Interstate 90 between exits 45 and 42.

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.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BUFFALO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Southern Wayne County in western New York...

Cayuga County in central New York...

Southern Oswego County in central New York...

Southeastern Monroe County in western New York...

Northeastern Ontario County in western New York...

* Until 600 PM EDT.

* At 504 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line

extending from Plainville to near Clifton Springs, moving east at

40 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage

to trees and power lines.

* Locations impacted include...

Geneva, Fulton, Canandaigua, Newark, Lyons, Palmyra, Victor,

Clifton Springs, Clyde and Phelps.

This includes the following highways...

Interstate 90 between exits 45 and 40.

Interstate 81 between exits 32 and 34.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for central and

western New York.

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 these storms. 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.

Torrential rainfall is occurring with these storms, and may lead to

flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BUFFALO Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Northeastern Wayne County in western New York...

Southwestern Jefferson County in central New York...

Southwestern Lewis County in central New York...

Cayuga County in central New York...

Oswego County in central New York...

* Until 700 PM EDT.

* At 556 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near Fair Haven

Beach State Park, moving northeast at 40 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 trees and power lines.

* Locations impacted include...

Oswego, Fulton, Sandy Island Beach State Park, Fair Haven Beach

State Park, Pulaski, Central Square, Adams, Redfield, Cato and

Selkirk Shores State Park.

This includes Interstate 81 between exits 32 and 42.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for central New

York.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a

building.

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 BURLINGTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

Severe Weather Statement

National Weather Service Burlington VT

448 PM EDT Thu Jun 16 2022

...A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 515 PM EDT

FOR NORTHWESTERN FRANKLIN AND NORTHEASTERN ST. LAWRENCE COUNTIES...

At 448 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Raquette River,

moving east at 30 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor hail damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind

damage to trees and powerlines.

Locations impacted include...

Massena, Norfolk, Louisville, Moira, Waddington, St. Regis, Massena

International Airport - Richards Field, Madrid, Helena, Chipman,

Brasher Falls, Norwood, North Stockholm, Eisenhower Lock, Brasher

Center, Hogansburg, St. Lawrence State Park, Ironton, Rooseveltown

and Coles Creek State Park.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for northern New

York.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a

building.

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 in Binghamton has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Northwestern Seneca County in central New York...

Northwestern Madison County in central New York...

Northwestern Cayuga County in central New York...

Central Onondaga County in central New York...

* Until 545 PM EDT.

* At 450 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line

extending from near Waterloo to near Liverpool, moving east at 15

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...

Onondaga, Syracuse, Auburn, De Witt, Van Buren, North Syracuse,

Seneca Falls, Solvay, Waterloo and Chittenango.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for central New

To report severe weather, contact your nearest law enforcement

agency. They will send your report to the National Weather Service

office in Binghamton.

The National Weather Service in Buffalo has issued a

Southeastern Jefferson County in central New York...

Northern Lewis County in central New York...

* At 450 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near West

Carthage, or 12 miles southeast of Fort Drum, moving east at 30

IMPACT...Minor damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind damage

to trees and power lines.

Carthage, West Carthage, Herrings, Barnes Corners, Denmark, New

Bremen, Copenhagen, Harrisville, Croghan and Castorland.

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.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
WFO BURLINGTON Warnings, Watches and Advisories for Thursday, June 16, 2022

_____

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING

The National Weather Service in Burlington has issued a

* Severe Thunderstorm Warning for...

Northwestern Clinton County in northern New York...

Northern Franklin County in northern New York...

Northeastern St. Lawrence County in northern New York...

* Until 630 PM EDT.

* At 524 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located over Westville

Center, moving east at 30 mph.

HAZARD...60 mph wind gusts and quarter size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Minor hail damage to vehicles is possible. Expect wind

damage to trees and powerlines.

* Locations impacted include...

Moira, Bangor, Fort Covington, Bombay, Malone, Churubusco,

Ellenburg Depot, Chateaugay, Helena, Burke, St. Regis, Brushton,

Ellenburg, Constable, Earlville, Fort Covington Center, West

Bangor, South Bombay, Cannon Corners and Ironton.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT for northern New

York.

For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a

building.

...FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 715 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.

* WHERE...A portion of central New York, including the following

county, Onondaga.

* WHEN...Until 715 PM EDT.

* IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

- At 525 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to

thunderstorms. Minor flooding is ongoing or expected to begin

shortly in the advisory area. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of

rain has fallen.

- Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are expected

over the area. This additional rain will result in minor

flooding.

- Some locations that will experience flooding include...

Syracuse, Baldwinsville, Cicero, Lysander, Liverpool, Jordan,

Camillus, New York State Fairgrounds, Galeville, Brewerton,

Plainville, Clay, De Witt, Van Buren, North Syracuse, Solvay,

East Syracuse, Amboy, Elbridge and Lakeland.

- http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood

deaths occur in vehicles.

_____

Copyright 2022 AccuWeather
Page Content

A proposed bill in California would make pay more transparent. Under the bill, employers with 15 or more employees would have to include pay range in all of their job postings and publicly report how much certain groups of employees are paid.

"I give the bill a moderate chance of passing," said Anthony Zaller, an attorney with Zaller Law Group, based in El Segundo, Calif. "If passed, it would be one of the strongest pay transparency laws in the country. Not only does the bill require employers to report wages for employees across race, gender and position in the company, it also proposes to publish each employer's information on the Internet."

"It seems to be moving through the Senate quite quickly, but it does have quite far to go before the governor signs it," said Laura Reathaford, an attorney with the law firm Lathrop GPM, based in Los Angeles.

If it passes, HR professionals would need to implement a consistent protocol to ensure that job ads reflect accurate pay scales. "It will be important for HR professionals to have a compliance system in place to review and approve all job ads to ensure they are legally compliant," Zaller said. "It will also be important to have records of the ads placed and retain these records for the time period required by the bill."

That means HR professionals should document pay history for each employee for the duration of their employment plus three years after the employment ends.

This effort toward pay transparency is meant to help employers to detect and avoid discriminatory pay patterns.

It's still unclear whether the proposed law in California would impact salary negotiations with job applicants.

"While it sets a range for the negotiations and gives employees an idea of what the position pays, the ranges could be large, and many employers are currently posting wage expectations to attract qualified employees," Zaller said. "Moreover, California law already prohibits employers from asking employees about prior salary history."

"Job applicants do not apply for jobs simply because the salary range has been disclosed. They apply for jobs where the salary and wages are competitive," Reathaford said. "Therefore, I think one effect this law will have is that employers may be pressured to offer higher wages because the salaries and wages of their competitors will be more robust and accessible."



Similar Bill in New York

The New York State Legislature recently passed a similar bill that would require employers with four or more employees to include salary ranges in their job ads. Gov. Kathleen Hochul has not signed it yet.

New York City has a similar pay transparency law that will take effect on Nov. 1. The New York City Commission on Human Rights recently released guidance to clarify that the law applies to both internal and external job postings. Bonuses, stock, benefits, overtime pay and commissions are not included as salary.

Although employers in New York City won't be fined if they correct a first violation within 30 days, they may have to pay civil penalties of up to $250,000 for any subsequent violations.

Pay Data Reporting

California's proposed bill would require private employers with 100 or more workers to submit a pay data report to the state's Department of Fair Employment and Housing. The report must include the number of employees by race, ethnicity and sex in these job categories:

Executive- or senior-level officials and managers.

First- or mid-level officials and managers.

Professionals.

Technicians.

Sales workers.

Administrative support workers.

Craft workers.

Operatives.

Laborers and helpers.

Service workers.

The pay data report also must include the number of employees by race, ethnicity and sex whose annual earnings fall within each of the pay bands used by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in the Occupational Employment Statistics survey.

Employers with multiple establishments would have to submit a report for each establishment. Failure to provide a report each year could result in a fine of $100 per employee.



The state will publish these annual pay reports on a website that the general public can view.

Ultimately, preventing discrimination is the purpose of this record-keeping.

"The underlying goal is to have employers evaluate any pay disparities within their organization, specifically along racial or gender lines. The law is meant to encourage compliance with equal pay and anti-discrimination laws. If companies and HR professionals keep this goal in mind, the reporting obligation should be less of a concern," Reathaford said.


The latest study by cybersecurity company Surfshark ranks India as the 6th most breached country since the first recorded digital attacks in 2004. Meanwhile, the newly-introduced CERT-In law orders to store and hand-over larger amounts of customers personal data upon request. As the scale of data collection widens, so does the risk for it to be leaked from databases. In a country which has lost over 962.7M peoples contact details to data breaches over the past 18 years and lacks strong data protection laws, this poses serious cybersecurity concerns.

Surfshark's data shows that since 2004, the year data breaches became widespread, 14.9B accounts have been leaked and a striking 254.9M of them belong to users from India. To put in perspective, 18 out of every 100 Indians had their personal contact details breached. The situation is extremely worrying in terms of lost data points, considering that per every 10 leaked accounts in India, half are stolen together with a password.

Lack of privacy legislation puts Indias users' data in danger of being sold, reused, or exploited in offenses. India is the fastest-growing economy globally, and the IT industry accounted for 8% of India's GDP in 2020. While the countrys tech industry proves to be affluent, protection of personal digital data falls short when compared with international standards. Authoritative news sources suggest that current legal acts are outdated and require revamping, and digital privacy continues to weaken with newly introduced bills.

Over the last decade, the Indian government has introduced a panoply of digital-surveillance measures. On April 28, it directed a number of companies to collect and store users' data  names, addresses, contact numbers, email, and IP addresses  for up to five years and hand over this information if requested.

Taking such radical action that highly impacts the privacy of millions of people living in India will most likely be counterproductive and strongly damage the sectors growth in the country,  comments Gytis Malinauskas, Head of Legal at Surfshark, in response to the newly-introduced India's VPN law. Ultimately, collecting excessive amounts of data within Indian jurisdiction without robust protection mechanisms could lead to even more breaches nationwide.

Global breaches are rising again. In 2022'Q1, 304 accounts were being breached every minute. In the present quarter (2022'Q2), however, breach rates are 6.7% higher. As of June 1st 2022, only two months into the quarter, Indias breach rate is 740% higher than in 2022Q1, rising from 5 to 42 breached accounts per minute.

Additionally, Indian internet users are also increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. In 2021, the CERT-In team handled over 1.4M incidents involving phishing attacks, probing, viruses, malware, and others, and showed 21% increase compared to 2020 even if many remain unreported. Most of these internet crimes tend to be made possible by illegally acquiring user data, such as names, emails, passwords, and IPs, which increasingly appear online due to data breaches or leaks.

Surfshark's data shows that Indians lose 3.8 data points per every breached account, while the global average is only 2.3. Some of the reasons for this could be user habits or extensive data collection practices of Indian online services and applications.

METHODOLOGY

The Data Breach World Map was developed in partnership with independent cybersecurity researchers, who collected loads of user data from breached databases that appeared online. This allowed them to sort through 27,000 leaked databases and create 5 billion combinations of data. Researchers could then sort those combinations based on specific data points, such as countries, and perform a statistical analysis of their findings. Users locations were identified by email or website domain name, country, city, coordinates, IP address, locale, currency or phone number.

For timeline accuracy, our independent partners record the actual time of the breach instead of when it becomes public. Therefore, the numbers in the past can change as new cases are reported. The Data Breach World Map is updated every month with the most recent data from our independent partners. At the time of this particular study, the data analyzed was from June 1st, 2022.
LogicMonitor, provider of the leading SaaS-based unified observability platform for enterprises and managed service providers (MSPs), today announced the opening of a new Research and Development Center of Excellence in Pune, India. The companys expansion from a coworking space into a larger, more permanent facility follows the 2019 launch of its Center of Excellence in India and is centrally located in Pune. The research and development team at the new facility will focus mainly on developing LogicMonitors observability platform, LM Envision, including the time series database, application performance monitoring and topology mapping.

This further expansion in India will allow LogicMonitor to work more closely with its clients in the region and engage further with leading system integrators in India. A hub for tech talent, LogicMonitor expects to hire 75 to 100 more people in Pune this year, bringing its Indian workforce to approximately 400 total and increasing its global workforce from approximately 1,100 to 1,200. Starting with a staff of nearly 40 in 2019, the increase in employees focusing on research and development will further bolster LogicMonitors capabilities in innovation and in developing new services for its global customers.

During the pandemic, many organisations had to accelerate their digital journeys and make sure their technology was up to par. This has given us the opportunity to work with several new and exciting companies, said Christina Kosmowski, CEO, LogicMonitor. India is a particularly exciting location for technological innovation and technology companies so, as we continue to grow, it makes perfect sense for us to open this larger, new location in Pune. This center will play a pivotal role in driving our growth and competitive advantages, both in India and globally.

Were really pleased to be opening this new LogicMonitor location in India and to deepen our commitment to the country, said Nitin Navare, Chief Technology Officer, LogicMonitor. We will continue onboarding talented new employees in Pune for engineering roles to contribute to observability technologies that are in demand around the world. This growing team will help us continue to develop key product enhancements for enterprises and provide best-in-class service for our customers.
The previous year hit a historic high of more than USD160 billion in India-US bilateral trade. This achievement was during the pandemic without any formal trade agreement and despite supply chain disruptions

FREMONT, CA: It has been a momentous year for India-US trade and commercial relations emphasizing the enormous potential of the two nations' economic alliance. The previous year witnessed a historic record of more than USD 160 billion in bilateral trade between India and the United States. The achievement was achieved despite the shortage of supplies and lack of any formal trade agreement during the pandemic. With over 2000 US companies in India and 200 Indian enterprises in the United States, the economic connection between our countries has immense promise. India-Virginia commerce was worth USD 1.65 billion in 2019 and has expanded by more than 15 percent since then.

India's exports to Virginia totaled USD 644.44 million, while Virginia's imports totaled USD 1.01 billion. Minerals and ores, garbage and scrap, chemicals, computer and electronic equipment, and petroleum and coal products are the top exports from Virginia to India. Textile mill products, chemicals, garment manufacturing products, transportation equipment, electrical equipment, appliances, and components are among the top exports from India to Virginia. Virginia is expected to send a trade mission to India early next year, according to my sources. Economic collaboration has already brought a lot of benefits, but there is still a lot more that can be done to enhance it soon. Governments cannot handle it all by themselves. It is anticipated that Virginia, the FCEDA, and the industry would join hands to take this adventure forward. The future of India-US relations, and perhaps even the future of the planet, is dependent upon technology. Both India and the United States place high importance on creativity and innovation. Technology has an impact on every industry today. The pandemic has only accelerated some of these changes, which would have taken decades otherwise.

India and the US inaugurated the initiative for critical and emerging technologiesfrom AI to quantum, biotech, the internet of things, and 5G/advanced telecommunicationsat the recent bilateral summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden in Tokyo. There are vulnerabilities as well as opportunities in each of these categories. This project is noteworthy for two reasons: first, it is led by the respective National Security Councils on both sides. Two, it brings all stakeholders on board, including academics, industry, and others, in addition to governments. Quad is also working on the second major advancement in the tech field: ORAN, semiconductors, standards, biology, and quantum technology, to name a few. Leaders decided to hold a business and investment summit in Tokyo recently to network with industry partners and extend capital for important and emerging technologies.
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The largest coal mine in NSW will close by 2030 after BHP failed to find a buyer for its Mount Arthur mine in the Hunter Valley.

BHP has approval to extract coal from Mount Arthur until 2026, but the mining giant will seek approval to extend the operation by four more years until the sites closure.

BHPs Mount Arthur coal mine in Muswellbrook in the Upper Hunter. Credit:Janie Barrett

The mine employs 2000 people, just under 10 per cent of the states coal mining workforce. The mine has been digging up coal since 2002 and can produce 20 million tonnes of thermal coal per year.

After a fruitless two-year search for a buyer, BHP said moving to a closure in 2030 provides the optimal financial outcomes.
Australias energy crunch could have a most unexpected beneficiary, according to Morgan Stanleys razor-sharp analysts: none other than crusading anti-fossil fuel billionaire tech bro Mike Cannon-Brookes.

The fallout from Mike Cannon-Brookes AGL raid continues Credit:John Shakespeare

The Atlassian co-founder is deep into energy giant AGL, owning more than 11 per cent of its stock, which he used last month to help derail the companys controversial demerger plans.

But Morgan Stanley analysts Rob Koh and Sarah Kerr reckon there could be some collateral benefit for the climate-focused corporate raider, writing in a briefing note on Thursday that: The unprecedented market suspension highlights energy market volatility, with both AGL and Origin [Energy] potentially benefiting from high prices and AEMO compensation.

Heaven knows the AGL share price could do with something right now, down again on Thursday, 3.73 per cent this time.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Just over a year ago, French actor Benjamin Voisin told me his life was a series of fiery whims, a quote he attributed to the 19th-century critic Charles Saint-Beuve. The young actor, already exhibiting an unmistakable star power, was sitting alongside Felix Lefebvre, his co-star in Francois Ozons Summer of 85, in which they played teenagers who fall in love on holiday in Normandy: two young, good-looking guys with the world at their feet, alternately waxing philosophical and cracking each other up. Voisin, the older of the pair by a couple of years, already seemed destined for big things. But when I asked about his hopes and ambitions, he was reluctant to look too far ahead. Freedom is the most important question for me, as an actor, he told me, throwing in the quote about fiery whims. These whims have carried him a long way. At this years Cesar awards  the French Oscars  Voisin was named best male newcomer for his lead role in Lost Illusions, adapted by writer-director Xavier Giannoli (Marguerite) from the classic Balzac novel, and opening here next week. From top left: Benjamin Voisin with Felix Lefebvre in Summer of 85; at last years Venice Film Festival; and with Cecile de France in Lost Illusions. Credit: Voisins character, Lucien de Rubempre, is among the best-known figures in French literature: the archetypal young man from the provinces, who arrives in 1820s Paris with few credentials but determined to make his name by any means he can. Starting out as an idealistic poet, Lucien is tempted by the glitter of high society and at the same time forced to detour into hack journalism  which, as portrayed by Giannoli, bears a strong resemblance to what is now known as clickbait.

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When I interviewed Voisin for the second time early this year, Lost Illusions had recently been released in France, despite being shot in 2019. Two-and-a-half years is a long time when youre in your early 20s (Voisin is 25 now). I was a kid; I was young, he says, only half-jokingly. Im not any more. So what can he remember about those far-off days of youth? Nothing, nothing, he says cheerfully in rapid English, contrasting this lapse of time with the immediacy of theatre, where his career began. With actors on stage, youre in front of people that are looking at you, and then you can share real moments  but with cinema, and its a bit more with COVID stuff, you do a movie, and you have to wait more than one year to have the reception of the public, you know what I mean? So this is very strange. Not only does Voisin profess to remember little about the Lost Illusions shoot, its not even clear if hes seen the finished film. When the question is posed, he avoids answering outright while indicating that in general, he doesnt enjoy watching himself. Benjamin Voisin and Vincent Lacoste in Lost Illusions. Credit:Palace Films He is, however, gratified about having his whole family witness his success, not only my parents but my grandparents. too. So theyve all seen the film? Six times, I think. This is family, man.

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Loading As an interview subject, Voisin is bashful in some ways but confident in others, and above all filled with enthusiasm  an endearing mix of traits that carries over into his performance as Lucien and makes the character hard to dislike, for all his unscrupulous behaviour. Its not hard to see why he was given the part within 24 hours of auditioning (after just three hours preparation). The enthusiasm comes through especially strongly when Voisin discusses his Lost Illusions co-stars, many of them big names in French cinema  including the biggest of them all, Gerard Depardieu, as an illiterate grocer turned publisher. By Voisins account, the man lived up to the legend. The first time I met Depardieu, I think, was in his big red truck, and he let me try his wine, rose, at 7.30 in the morning. So Im like, yeah, this is really Gerard Depardieu. From there, a friendship blossomed. Hours in bars, in restaurants. As for Xavier Dolan, who plays one of Luciens literary rivals, Voisin still sounds a little starstruck. Dolan was so humble, my God! Hes already a star, hes a big director, hes used to being every year in Cannes. On the set, he was really an actor, like I want to do my part, and thats it. Voisin is also glowing about the films two female leads  Cecile de France, as Luciens outwardly respectable upper-class mistress, and the relatively unknown Salome Dewaels, as a younger woman from the Parisian theatre (shes very new, like me  my little Belgian, as I like to call her).

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When I speak to her separately, de France in turn has high praise for Voisin, who is in nearly every scene. When he starts, hes very pure, hes living in this natural environment, and then he sullies his conscience, he becomes the bete noire of Paris, she says. So its a really broad arc. Whats amazing is that you always believe. You believe that hes the hero and that hes the anti-hero. To me, its obvious that hell have a really long and amazing career. Loading If Lucien is gradually corrupted, this reflects the nature of the society he moves through, itself corrupt on every side. Does any of this resonate with Voisins own experience, at the time of shooting or after? While he doesnt answer directly, he agrees that the film is more than just a period piece. I liked the way that Giannoli wanted to make a modern movie  obviously show this period but also make us think, what the f---, this is the same story about us. In the novel, he adds, all the same themes are present. The question is, is money the new religion? And the answer? Well see. I think the film is going to be modern in 50 years. Since playing Lucien, Voisin has shot a couple more films, including last years The Mad Womens Ball, streaming on Prime Video. He also found time for a beautiful journey on motorcycle around the west part of France and says he has fallen in love a thousand times.

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NILS FRAHM

Vivid Live, Sydney Opera House, June 15



It makes sense. We get people to mow our lawns, deliver our food, stand in line for us at the passport office, eventually we would have someone get stoned for us.

Nils Frahm plays Vivid Live at Sydney Opera House. Credit:Prudence Upton

Not Nils Frahm: the slim, cheerful German, in loose black gear, nondescript sneakers and signature Kangol cap, looks too healthy, too alert, too  vegan for that.

He moves between his two stations, between his old keyboards of rickety wood and strings and their blinking/winking electronic companions  and tonight a sparkling glass harmonica; which tone-wise looks and sounds halfway between analogue and digital  too nimbly, too exultantly busy, to be altered.
No one knows the highs and lows of life in the biz better than Christie Whelan Browne. Show People, the new cabaret written for her by Dean Bryant, takes us behind the curtain of Australias musical theatre world to expose the glory and the ugliness of the industry in a razor-sharp satire with a feminist edge.

Its a comic whirlwind of a show built around monologues delivered by industry insiders, and it has the same broad appeal as Joanna Murray-Smiths popular vehicles for leading ladies  Caroline OConnor in Bombshells, or Songs For Nobodies with Bernadette Robinson  both of which toured to international acclaim.

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Whelan Browne enters playing a fresh-faced WAAPA graduate using her moment to steal the limelight rather than introducing the star of the show, diving into a hilarious parody of the foibles of drama students that doesnt look away from the grim task they face getting a foothold in the business.

The initial monologue also frontloads a mega-medley of show tunes, full of Whelan Brownes own stage highlights, as well as the roles she didnt land (Glinda in Wicked, for instance) but perhaps should have.

Fully inhabited characters keep coming. Theres a talented understudy whose fortunes have stalled as she balances motherhood and her career, and a bruising dialogue featuring an international star and her agent that brings to a head the conflict between the pressures of a plum role and the performers desire to start a family.
The differences between the two countries are also evident in our media. An avid consumer of news and current affairs, Ferguson says American news is very loud, it seems to make a lot of noise. If you move around the country, travelling through airports or hotels, its on all the time, she says, so you have to work to get away from it. She is pleased to see recent changes in CNNs approach, a reversal from the more partisan news style of the Trump era. Theres an attempt to dial that down  to move in the direction of not alarming the public when you dont need to alarm them. Sarah Ferguson preparing for an interview for her Revelation series. Credit:ABC To her mind, Australias media sits somewhere between the more aggressive British style and the sometimes slightly folksy style Americans adopt. I wonder what being away has taught her about journalism. I think about the craft all the time and its individual by individual, but you cant beat a good, simple question, no matter where you are and no matter what the topic. And I just need to be reminded, like everybody, that a good, simple question is the key to a good interview.

The difficulty is rigour takes time, she says: there is an advantage to a longer interview. We face the same danger America has faced, which is if your interviews are too short, you cant get past the talking points. Politicians in particular being the most important people we need to hold to account  you need time to construct an interview that breaks down those evasive responses. Weve all gone through a period of thinking shorter is better; I dont agree. That notion was underpinned by the assumption viewers or listeners would zone out if pushed for lengthy periods. Ferguson says its the opposite, that audiences have a lot of tolerance for listening to people talk. TAKE 7: THE ANSWERS ACCORDING TO SARAH FERGUSON Worst habit? Starts with wet towels on floor and goes from there. Greatest fear? Birds inside house (Tippi Hedren horror). The line that stayed with you? Never mind manoeuvres, go straight at em. Jack Aubrey quoting Horatio Nelson. Biggest regret? Not calling my mother enough. Favourite room? Edit suite when its all working. The artwork/song you wish was yours? Almost any Rothko. Id say Picasso but I couldnt keep it out of view. One Rothko seems fair. If I could solve one thing... The real list is too long, so lets start with people using their phones on loudspeaker in public. People still find it really fascinating if its well done, if its really engaging. I think weve misunderstood the audiences attention span and panicked at the thought that an audience cant sit through a long interview. The Washington stint was an unexpected diversion, when China refused to grant her a visa back in 2020. Since being based in the US, she has reported on the January 6 attacks, the Murdoch media, especially Fox News and its role in the US election  which she described as one of the most significant stories of the time  and the war on Ukraine.

In 2018, Ferguson penned On Mother, a beautiful reflection on her relationship with her English mum, Marjorie, who she credits with imbuing in her a thirst for knowledge, a love of words and, most importantly, love, support and strength of character. She never said dont move so far, or it would make me happy if you came home, or even that it was hard for her. Ferguson with her mother Marjorie. Credit:Courtesy of the ABC Her mothers unexpected death was the catalyst for the book; Ferguson used her forensic journalistic skills during the coroners inquest to reveal a series of errors that had catastrophic results. She also wrote a book inspired by the documentary series of the same name Revelation, with Jones, about paedophilia in the Catholic Church in Australia, and The Killing Season, about Labors leadership ructions under Rudd and Gillard. Ferguson argues that the rate of change we are experiencing at the moment creates an ideal context for a shake-up of the intellectual framework of society. And when you get that shake-up, she says, new ideas are possible.

New formulations about how humans relate to each other, how groups of humans form into societies or in commerce, in the arts, in every field. It feels like the status quo ante is up for grabs in every way. As presenter of ABCs Four Corners. She cites the awakening of peoples sense of what American society should look like after the death of George Floyd. It feels like Australia is alive with possibilities  it feels like so many certainties are being interrogated. It doesnt mean that everything from the past is wrong or needs to be swept away, but to question the way we relate to one another at its most basic level creates a very exciting intellectual environment. That why I want to come back. Loading On the eve of the ABCs 90th anniversary, Ferguson says while its not perfect, the national broadcaster is a place of creativity and brilliance and that it creates this wonderful intellectual space that belongs to everyone in Australia. The ABC is about true public service; it should be witty, sharp and smart, she says. It should always be a little bit rebellious, a little bit cutting edge, reaching for the boundary of human expression in art and journalism.

That mission is what inspires her: the boundless possibilities every day, the challenge to understand whats going on in the world. Understanding that all of these systems that mankind has created, they are just that. They are ideologies and systems that weve created. None of them existed until we created them, and they are all imperfect, and they should all be being rattled all the time. You have to take the audience on a journey and if they trust you, theyll relax and youll be able to go so much further to those moments of glorious truth  or at least get some answers to the questions on the day, she says. Trust is everything: hard won, easily lost. All those things we have come to understand about it. And in Australia, we do still have quite high levels of trust. Here [in America], its so obscenely partisan that trust is limited. Loading Her passion for her work is palpable. There are moments in filming or editing when you know something magical has happened, she says. It doesnt happen all the time  its a highly imperfect business, but every now and again all the pieces come together  a brilliant piece of cinematography, or an edit or an idea, and you know youre sitting on something brilliant and its like a great piece of music and your heart just soars. It sounds like I am madly enthusiastic about it, but I am.
The ABCs new head of news has issued a heartfelt apology to employees who have experienced bigotry and racism after an internal investigation uncovered disturbing examples of cultural insensitivity at the public broadcaster.

ABC news boss Justin Stevens told employees in a staff email he had received the findings of a project led by an internal advisory group which explored the experiences of Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse staff members.

ABC news director Justin Stevens said he wanted to stamp out racism at the public broadcaster.

Stevens said the most disturbing aspect of the report was accounts from Indigenous and culturally diverse employees of experiencing racism and cultural insensitivity while working in the news division.

To anyone in news who has ever experienced any racism or bigotry in our workplace, current and former news employees, as director, news I would like to express my sorrow for that and make a heartfelt apology, Stevens said in the email, sent on Thursday. I am sorry.
Australia has much to be proud of. Medicare. The NDIS. Public education. All of these entities change lives and give people chances that dont exist in many other countries.

But we have always been lousy at early education, despite mountains of evidence that access to it is a life changer for children and massively benefits the economy by helping parents work.

Early childhood education in NSW and Victoria is about to get an enormous boost. Credit:Danielle Smith

So, this weeks pre-budget announcement by the NSW and Victorian premiers that they are going to provide early education to every four-year-old is hugely significant. As are their promises to get early education (childcare) centres where people need them.

Could we be great at early education too? Will the other states and territories follow the lead of NSW and Victoria?
The same medication that helped Maggie Gentle get her life back is also stopping her from living it.

The 26-year-old from rural Curlwaa on the NSW-Victoria border wants to find work, but the medicinal cannabis shes used for years stops her from driving.

I still have my drivers licence, however I have signed a waiver that I cant use my medication and drive, Gentle told AAP. Im disadvantaged because of a medication that I have been prescribed, she said.

Medicinal cannabis helps with pain relief. Credit:Janie Barrett

A NSW inquiry on Thursday examined a bill that would let people like Gentle get on with their lives while continuing to take their medicine.
The process began in 2018 as an interim arrangement sparked by a Chinese government crackdown on money leaving the mainland for gambling, Richardson told the inquiry. The arrangement was originally intended to run until Star subsidiary EEIS could begin providing and collecting loans from overseas patrons. Money would be collected overseas and go through Kois bank accounts before reaching Star. They amount to significant failures on the part of the managers who were responsible, Richardson submitted. She said senior managers also failed to inform the authority about Stars acceptance of funds via China Union Pay cards, and should have understood they might not agree it was legal.

Richardson said the review could find Star failed to be frank and transparent with the regulator, as well as finding relevant managers were prepared to court risk in pursuit of profits. However, she said the departure of staff who failed in multiple areas and the path to renewal Star has since embarked upon should allow the inquiry to find it suitable to retain its licence. A 2019 memorandum from Star general counsel Oliver White warned the board that the company had not been able to verify whether the methods used complied with the law. Stars compliance with the law became even murkier when the arrangement morphed over time. The board wasnt briefed at all about the modified Kuan Koi arrangement, Richardson said.

Under the modified arrangement, Koi could also facilitate the deposit of front money for overseas patrons travelling to Australia to gamble. This changed the risk because Star would no longer be conducting due diligence on the patrons and their source of funds, Richardson said. Koi was effectively acting as a remitter despite being unlicensed, Richardson submitted, and Star made an error of judgment. [Star] accepts that the more prudent course would have been not to pursue the Kuan Koi arrangement at all, she said. Star also relied on overseas remitters to comply with the AML-CTF laws in their own jurisdiction, which did not always happen.

A reasonable expectation of conduct by others may be relevant but The Star may not outsource its responsibilities, Richardson said. She submitted the modified arrangement with Koi, which continued until 2020, was initiated and maintained by the VIP credit and collections team. Legal and risk assessments werent conducted and the arrangement was not formally approved nor disclosed to the board, she said. Inquiry chairman Adam Bell, SC, who will ultimately decide Stars suitability, did not appear convinced the departure of some managers and board members was enough. The key question is whether the regulator and ultimately the state can trust The Star, Bell said.

Loading Trust takes time to build up, and in this context relevantly requires a history of the casino operator acting honestly and transparently and with integrity. He said Star had not rectified incorrect evidence given at a separate inquiry into rival casino operator Crown regarding gang-linked junket operator Suncity and its private VIP gaming room at The Star, where an illegal cage operated. Star was asked in October whether any matters that could affect its suitability had not been previously disclosed. There was not a word provided in response concerning the extraordinary activities in Salon 95, and it was left to this review to uncover this wrongdoing, Mr Bell said.

Why shouldnt I conclude that the concealment of this important matter from me was a continuation of the deliberate pattern of concealment ... [which] continued right up until the time of this review? Richardson said Star accepted it should have disclosed its dealings with Suncity before the inquiry began. Star also accepted the review could find there was a pattern of concealment. But it was a pattern engaged in by management who are no longer employed, Richardson said. AAP
Two teenagers who stabbed a 15-year-old in the heart in a Queensland car park more than two years ago been found guilty of murder.

The killers, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were found guilty of murdering Angus Beaumont by a jury after a nine-day trial and less than a day of jury deliberations. Both had pleaded not guilty to murder.

Angus Beaumont. Credit:Change.org

Rot in hell, you feral scum ... whos laughing now? Beaumonts father, Ben, said to the offenders family and supporters in court upon hearing the verdict, while the parents of the offenders broke down.

The mother of one offender said: This is a kangaroo court.
Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King has been challenged by the Andrews government after she suggested a Victorian ban on hydraulic fracturing  or fracking  was a significant barrier to solving the energy crisis.

King met with Victorian Energy and Environment Minister Lily DAmbrosio on Thursday to discuss the crisis, after experts said Victoria could face a gas supply crunch next winter with the states Bass Strait reserves running low.

Daniel Andrews at a media conference on Thursday. Credit:Justin McManus

Commenting before the meeting, Premier Daniel Andrews insisted Victoria would not be overturning its ban on fracking, an environmentally controversial method of extracting coal seam gas by injecting high-pressure liquid into the ground. Contamination of nearby water supplies and soil has been cited as the biggest risk of fracking.

It is banned, Andrews said. Nothing anyone says will change my position on that. Its not going to become legal any time soon.
West Australians convicted of serious crimes will be able to pursue further appeals after the state parliament passed new laws.

The legislation, approved by the upper house on Wednesday, allows individuals to make a second or subsequent challenge against their convictions if fresh and compelling evidence emerges.

WA Attorney-General John Quigley. Credit:Philip Gostelow

They previously had no further right to appeal even if new evidence arose that could potentially exonerate them or demonstrate a substantial miscarriage of justice had occurred.

Instead they were forced to ask the attorney-general to refer the case to the Court of Appeal, or petition the governor for mercy.
In one-in-five couples, respondents said the mental load was shared, but in 78 per cent of households in the sample, the mental load was always or usually carried by the mother. In one-third, it was always the mother. Baxter said the stress of overseeing a never-ending list of mental tasks as well as work and childcare  which is more often shared between parents  takes a toll. We call it the invisible, enduring and boundless problem because no one ever sees it. Dr Brendan Churchill, University of Melbourne sociology lecturer I can see the impact mostly in the data ... when youre both working full-time it is stressful and tiring. I can see it from what parents are saying [in written answers]. When you go to work you cant switch off from it, youre still having to think about taking childrens dentist appointments, birthdays, social activities, health, nutritional and education and development needs. That would be a pretty typical quote [in the surveys], she said.

As to why this happens, she said: I wish I had an answer. From the 1950s, when we had the women at home and men as breadwinners, this was the way it was done, she was at home full-time doing all the thinking. We have mentally not moved from that. The highly gendered nature of the mental load was an ongoing source of frustration for women. Many said their male partner was willing to do more but needed to be asked or struggled with work flexibility that would allow him to share the task. Chiropractor Diana Pakzamir, whose daughters are 10 months old and three years old, runs a business, as does her husband, and sees many full-time working mothers occupying a similar family role as her  carrying the familys mental load.

Loading Its health appointments, getting their teeth checked, presents for a childs birthday party, what kind of food theyre eating, how much nutrition theyre getting in, are they doing enough physical activity, said Pakzamir. [How families juggle childcare] is different from years ago, and what I see with friends is hell do part of it, but the mental load is on you. I see these amazing mums who are working and rocking businesses, theyre in a very similar position: youre the one co-ordinating it and they [their partner] are helping. Brendan Churchill, a lecturer in sociology at the University of Melbourne, said his study with Professor Lyn Craig on the division of labour in dual-earner households had shown women were really dissatisfied with the way things were divided.

They were generally unhappy with it, and it got worse during the pandemic. Longitudinal research by the pair found that while the gap between the amount of childcare done by men and women closed during the pandemic, the gap in housework and household management duties did not. Broadcaster and podcaster Ash London said she knew the mental load usually fell to mothers, so she and her husband discussed the division of labour. Women continued to do more of the household management; some of those things might be perceived as the mental load and we did see that, Churchill said. We call it the invisible, enduring and boundless problem because no one ever sees it.

Loading Craig and Churchill also found that fathers often do the fun tasks with children such as exercise or play. But they dont see all the mental stuff behind it [family life] that never ends and involves mental load and planning. Women just keep going. Craig said that during years of research, behavioural change in families had occurred, and the emotional desire of fathers to participate more in practical family life had increased. Both men and women think more father involvement is a good thing, and men over time are being more hands-on with kids, she said. While the gap in childcare was closing, the gap in domestic management was not. The gender division of labour is a sticky problem, she said.

Sydney broadcaster and podcaster Ash London said that before she gave birth to her child, Buddy, she discussed with her husband how family work would be divided, as she was already aware that the mental load usually fell to mothers. We had a huge discussion before we even made the decision to have Buddy. I was very aware if [he was] given an inch, I would take too much upon myself, said London. Amanda Goss works 50 to 60 hours a week alongside her husband but still ends up doing most of the family admin. We had to get really practical, and that came down to things like the kind of labour I would and wouldnt do around the house. The physical load is an easy one to divide and conquer  but I dont know if its possible to divide the mental load. Gold Coast mother Amanda Goss, who works 40 to 50 hours a week running ready-made vegan meals company HerbiDoor with her husband, describes the mental load as challenging and a bit overwhelming on some days.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will join world leaders at a NATO summit in Europe at the end of this month in talks on global security, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited him to visit Kyiv.

The prime minister will attend the summit as part of a show of support from allies in Asia when the security alliance is responding to the invasion of Ukraine while confronting the no limits partnership between Russia and China.

PM Anthony Albanese has been invited to visit Kyiv by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Credit:Bianca De Marchi/60 Minutes

No decision has been made on whether Albanese would take up the invitation to add a visit to Kyiv to the European summit at a time when Russian missiles continue to fall on Ukrainian cities.

Zelensky included the invitation in a letter to Albanese last month to congratulate the prime minister on his election victory, while Ukrainian diplomats have confirmed the proposal in talks with Australian officials this week.
Experts agree that a shortage of coal-fired power generation is one of the main causes for the current crisis, where power prices are soaring and there are rolling warnings of electricity blackouts.

Forty-seven units - or about 25 per cent of the coal-fired power available to the electricity grid - are out across the East Coast due to plant failures which are either due to technical failures of equipment or lack of long-term investment in maintenance.

Coal-fired power was driven out of the electricity grid by a perfect storm of natural disasters, high prices and plant failures. Credit:Jessica Shapiro

On top of this is scheduled downtime for maintenance at the big Yallourn plant that generates about one fifth of Victorias power, and shortages of coal supply to coal plants like NSWs Mt Piper - due to mine flooding in recent torrential weather across the East Coast.

All told the outages have taken 25 per cent of coal powers generation capacity out of action.
An urgent native title mediation is under way over the $1.4 billion Toondah Harbour project, regarded by the Queensland government as the Gateway to Straddie.

The Quandamooka people have lodged a second native title application over most of Redlands Coast and part of Brisbane, which could affect major projects including the long-planned marina and residential complex at Cleveland.

The Quandamooka Coast claim, which has been progressing through the Federal Court, also includes the southern bay islands.

Redland City Council has asked for urgent advice from the Federal Court on native title issues linked to the $1.4 billion Toondah Harbour project. Credit:Walker Group

According to Redland City Council, the claim does not cover freehold land or most leaseholds so most landholders will not be affected.
The pandemic years have not been a time of great consensus in Australia.

There were toilet paper wars in the aisle of our supermarkets and name-calling from state and federal leaders as state borders closed, then reopened and then closed again.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.

In many ways, the pandemic was the ultimate test of Australia's fractured federation, and it barely survived.

This is not a new problem, of course. Many prime ministers have attempted, without success, to revamp the federation and remove the duplication between Commonwealth and state responsibilities.
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Melbourne Storm v Brisbane Broncos, 7.55pm Friday, AAMI Park The Storm wont have Ryan Papenhuyzen after he tested positive for COVID-19 , but they will welcome back Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster . The Broncos have turned their fortunes around and are gunning for an eighth straight victory since their loss to Penrith in April. But with halfback Adam Reynolds out with a rib injury, it will take something special to win this one. Melbourne only have a handful of home games left this season. They will want to send a message to the young Broncos that they still have a way to go before keeping up with the premiership-calibre sides. Selwyn Cobbo will be keen to back up his stunning form in Origin with a big display in Melbourne but the Storm will give him very few chances to make his mark. Storm by 8. Roy Ward

Manly Sea Eagles v North Queensland Cowboys, 6pm Friday, 4 Pines Park The Cowboys confidence is right back up again after their reality check at the hands of Penrith late last month. Big wins over the Titans and Dragons have them sitting pretty in third spot on the ladder. Jeremiah Nanai and former Sea Eagle Peta Hiku have to be contenders for rookie and cheap buy of the year respectively. Manly get Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans back and Jake Trbojevic will play his heart out (as always) in pursuit of an Origin recall but expect the North Queensland outfit to have a class edge. Cowboys by 8. Christian Nicolussi

Kodi Nikorima will play fullback in Mitchells absence, while the Dragons welcome back a pair of wingers in Mikaele Ravalawa (hamstring) and Mathew Feagai (illness). Dragons hooker Andrew McCullough earns a start in his 300th NRL game, but expect the Rabbitohs to be too strong as they search for three consecutive wins for the first time this year. Rabbitohs by 12. Caden Helmers

St George Illawarra Dragons v South Sydney Rabbitohs, 7.50pm Thursday, WIN Stadium News South Sydney will keep Latrell Mitchell on ice for one more week will be music to the ears of St George Illawarra as they look to force their way back into the top eight.

Jake Trbojevic, Mikaele Ravalawa, Joseph Suaalii, Isaah Yeo and Josh Addo-Carr. Credit:Getty

Cronulla Sharks v Gold Coast Titans, 3pm Saturday, C.ex International Stadium, Coffs Harbour

Another chance for Cronulla to regain their mojo after a mid-season wobble. By all rights and recent form they should have the Titans on toast. Dale Finucanes inclusion in the reserves as his comeback from a knee issue nears only strengthens their cause, while flyers Sione Katoa and Ronaldo Mulitalo are performing as well as any wingers in the competition. The Gold Coast do welcome back AJ Brimson after he was a late COVID-19 scratching last round, when captain Tino Faasuamaleaui continued to stand head, shoulders and several feet above his teammates. Justin Holbrook needs 16 more to follow his inspirational lead but its hard to see it happening against Cronulla. Sharks by 16.

Dan Walsh

New Zealand Warriors v Penrith Panthers, 5.30pm Saturday, Moreton Daily Stadium

Stacey Jones marks his second game at the helm of the Warriors by taking on one of the best modern teams in NRL history. If that sounds tough on paper, its likely to be more difficult in the flesh. The Warriors are at their adopted home of Moreton Daily Stadium in Redcliffe but the cool, clear, dry conditions for the twilight fixture are just perfect for the Panthers. They will roll through the middle, do their thing through the halves and cause any number of headaches for the Warriors, who have won just four games from 14 this season. Ronald Volkman makes his debut for the Warriors at No.6, Isaah Yeo returns for the Panthers after a week off following Origin. This will get ugly. Panthers by 40.

Phil Lutton

Parramatta Eels v Sydney Roosters, 7.35pm Saturday, CommBank Stadium

As bad as Parramatta were against the Bulldogs, everyone seems to be forgetting the Roosters should have beaten Melbourne. Sitili Tupouniua had done all the hard work when he fielded a perfect chip from Sam Walker before dropping the ball over the line with seven minutes to play. The Tricolours moved the ball well in that match. Joseph Suaalii improves every week and is putting rival teams on alert with his defensive hits. The loss of Luke Keary hurts, but Walker and Drew Hutchison are no strangers to playing together. As for the Eels, the less said the better. Dylan Browns ankle doesnt look right. Roosters by 1.

Christian Nicolussi

Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights, 2pm Sunday, GIO Stadium

Signs for the ACT might as well read must-win territory for the Newcastle Knights as they head to Canberra this weekend. Adam OBriens side are two wins outside the top eight and a win over the Raiders is crucial if they are to stay in touch with rival finals contenders. It wont be easy for a side with the worst attacking record in the competition and have won just two of their past 11 games. Josh Papalii returns to the Raiders starting side but look for in-form Kiwi international Joe Tapine to have the biggest impact against his former club. Raiders by 10.

Caden Helmers
London: Australias combative relationship with China and plans to purchase nuclear submarines have helped push it nine spots down the Global Peace Index, an annual assessment of nations pacifist records.

Covering 163 countries, the Global Peace Index 2022 measures peace in the context of safety and security, ongoing domestic and international conflict and each nations degree of militarisation.

Peace in any language: A sign displays Italys sympathy with Ukraine ahead of a match in Turin in April. Credit:Getty Images

In the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine on February 24, the index has found that global peace has deteriorated for the third consecutive year and for the eleventh time in the past 14 years. The war in Ukraine has already triggered fundamental changes in defence postures and policies, supply chains, and food security, the accompanying report said.

The largest improvements in peace came from South Asia, the Middle East and North

Africa.
Six years after Palestinian World Vision aid worker Mohammad el-Halabi was charged with transferring the organisations humanitarian funds to a terrorist organisation, this innocent man has been found guilty by a court in Israel. The verdict overnight announces the demise of the rule of law in Israeli courts.

As one of the judges, in the early days of this drawn-out trial, told el-Halabi Mohammad in open court:This case is not about innocence. You know how these cases go. And that is the way 99 per cent of Palestinians who go before Israel military courts are convicted.

Amro el-Halabi, 7, holds a picture of his father, Mohammed, who was the Gaza director of World Vision, now found guilty of diverting sums to Hamas that exceed its total budget. Credit:AP/Adel Hana

The guilty verdict was reached despite no substantial evidence being presented to support the charges laid against el-Halabi, the former director of the World Vision aid organisation in Gaza, diverting humanitarian resources to terrorist groups. The only thing his case has evidenced is the way the system is designed to ensure the conviction of Palestinians.

On June 17, 2016, el-Halabi was detained by Israeli authorities while he was crossing back into Gaza at the official border. Almost six years later to the day, late on Wednesday night Australian time, the guilty verdict was handed down.
Initially, the incident largely escaped the notice of the press. But efforts by the White House to cover it up  shredding documents, perjury, paying the burglars to keep silent plotting with the CIA to stop the FBI investigation  would break one law after another, eventually testing whether President Nixon could invoke executive privilege to place himself beyond the law. Nixon had already launched the secret bombing of Cambodia and he seethed at the opposition to the Vietnam War. His campaign for re-election in 1972 was at stake. Although Nixon was apparently unaware of plans for the break-in, his staff knew full well that he approved of the most vicious kind of infighting in order to win. The Watergate break-in may have also been aimed at dirt, although with all the press coverage, 20 years after Watergate, no one has definitely said why those five went into Watergate  what they were looking for, said Shoffler. Carl Bernstein [L] and Bob Woodward. Credit:AP Then two young reporters on The Washington Post, working with a government informer they code-named Deep Throat began to unravel the affair. Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, as well as other reporters, established the burglars links to the White House and traced the $US100 bills they carried to the Committee to Re-elect the President.

By the end of August, Nixon publicly denied any links by his staff to Watergate, even as in secret he plotted to thwart the investigation. Hunt, Liddy and the five burglars were indicted by a grand jury, charged with burglary and wiretapping, on the basis of perjured testimony that Liddy planned the break-in by himself. The seven were to be sacrificed to save Nixon, who successfully won a second term in November. But the issue did not die. The burglars trial before a sceptical Judge John Sirica ended on 30 January 1973. The Senate immediately set up a committee to investigate the election. Burglar McCord then admitted he had lied during his trial and implicated higher officials. Top Nixon aides John Ehrlichman, Bob Haldeman and John Dean quit. In June, Dean turned on his former boss and accused the President of direct involvement in a cover-up. In July, a White House aide revealed that all conversations in the Presidents office had been secretly taped. President Richard Nixon. Credit:AP

Loading This led to a bitter struggle by Nixon to withhold the tapes from the Senate. First, he handed over selected transcripts; then selected tapes. Even then, there was a mysterious 18-minute break in the tapes that was never explained. Finally, on 24 July 1974, the Supreme Court voted unanimously to reject the Nixon claim of executive privilege and ordered him to hand over all the tapes. The tapes revealed that Nixon was intimately involved in covering up the affair from the third day after the break-in. His attempt to have the CIA tell the FBI to lay off the investigation was the smoking gun that led to his decision to resign. Nixon knew that if he did not quit he would be impeached. He announced his resignation on 8 August 1974 and left office the following day at 11.35am. Nixon never admitted any guilt and he was pardoned for any role in Watergate by Gerald Ford, who stepped up from the vice-presidency.

WATERGATE meant to me that a person as little as myself, in a democracy, can win if there is exposure, said Shoffler. The media is the principal reason that democracy works and the example of that is Watergate. W. Mark Felt, a former Associate Director of the FBI, identified himself as Deep Throat. Credit:AP But not everyone believes that Watergate exemplified the triumph of good over evil. Loading Watergate eroded Americans faith in institutions, coming at the end of a 10-year string of calamities such as the Kennedy assassination and the Vietnam War, said Kevin Phillips, a conservative political analyst.
Tabatinga, Brazil: A fisherman confessed to killing a British journalist and a Brazilian expert on Indigenous peoples deep in the Amazon and then showed authorities where he had hid their bodies, Brazilian federal police said on Thursday (AEST).

It was a grim breakthrough in the 10-day search for the missing men that has transfixed Brazil and provoked international outrage.

Police said they found human remains buried about three kilometres into the rainforest and were working to identify them. They expect them to be the bodies of Dom Phillips, a freelance reporter for The Guardian, and Bruno Araujo Pereira, a former government official who worked in the area to combat illegal fishing and mining.

Indigenous leader Kamuu Wapichana speaks in front of a banner showing freelance British journalist Dom Phillips, left, and Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira, on Tuesday. Credit:AP

Brazilian federal police had arrested two brothers, Amarildo and Oseney da Costa de Oliveira, in connection to the mens disappearance.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Always remember, Readers, Make Great Leaders. Garrison Keillor said, A book is a gift you can open again and again.

With this in mind, the Youth & Education Committee of the Sint Maarten Lions Club undertook a reading awareness Project in an effort to give back to our community, particularly our young students. The aim of the project was to increase the love of reading by making interesting story books available to our youngest readers. The target group of this project was playschool age (0-3) and students up to Grade two (age 8).

In order to have greater involvement in our corporate businesses, the Sint Maarten Lions Club invited them to support this Project by offering them to place collection boxes in strategic areas where their employees could donate new or used storybooks.

Businesses were offered an alternative option to donate towards this worthy cause. The Sint Maarten Lions Club is very appreciative of the monetary support received from so many corporate sponsors. Special Thank You to the Windward Islands Bank, Nagico, First Caribbean International Bank, Republic Bank, Royal Bank, and GEBE.

As a result of the contributions received, the Lions Club was able to support some of our local authors, Ms. Tamara Leonard, Mr. Quinton Marlin, Ms. Sherma Ellis-Daal, and Mrs. Greta Marlin by purchasing their storybooks in addition to orders that were placed off-island.

Six public schools, two private schools, and three playschools were identified to be the recipients of these very colorful books.

The Books Distribution Ceremony to the representatives of the various schools took place recently at the Lions Civic Centre, Lions members later visited all of the schools to share their joy of reading with the students.

The Sint Maarten Lions Club extends a great big Thank You to everyone who participated in this very worthwhile project that will have long-lasting effects on the lives of our students and children.
On June 16, Lieutenant Colonel Donald A. Morris relinquished command of the United States Forward Operating Locations (USFOL) on Curacao and Aruba to Lieutenant Colonel Ian R. Barta. The Change of Command is a time-honored military tradition that symbolizes the continuation of leadership and unit identity despite the change in individual authority. Passing the ceremonial flag from the old commander to the new commander physically represents this transfer.

Present at the ceremony were U.S. Consul General Margy Bond and Governor of Curacao Lucille George-Wout, Dutch Military General Frank Boots, Lieutenant Colonel Cory R. Christoffer, Commander of the 612th Theater Operations Group and 474th Air Expeditionary Group, Headquarters Twelfth Air Force (Air Forces Southern), Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, and other invited guests.

Lieutenant Colonel Donald A. Morris distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as Commander, 429th Expeditionary Operations Squadron and Detachment 2, 612th Theater Operations Group, Headquarters Twelfth Air Force (Air Forces Southern), Forward Operating Locations, Curacao, and Aruba.

During this period, Lt Col Morris led 460 airmen and contractors responsible for the execution of sixteen-million-dollar base operations support contract in support of United States Southern Command's aerial counter-narcotics mission and 4.5 billion dollars in joint forces assets. He ensured the success of 64 Department of Defense and Homeland Security deployments, executed 523 missions, and 3,627 flight hours, and enabled the seizure of 142 metric tons of narcotics valued at 2.1 billion dollars.

Additionally, Lt Col Morris was instrumental in building partnerships for Southern Commands Area of Responsibility, executing key leader engagements with Curacaos Prime Minister and local officials. Through relationships with community leaders he was able to open the installation to 245 children introducing them to our shared mission.

Furthermore, he strengthens relationships by hosting numerous distinguished visitor activities, communicating the strategic importance Curacao is to the Joint Operating Environment. His leadership culminated in the standup of the first Royal Netherlands Air Force MQ-9A Squadron increasing Airpower projection in the Caribbean.

His successor, Lt Col Ian A. Barta was the commander of the 445 air Expeditionary Squadron leading 154 personnel across Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador meeting Combatant Command and parent nation objectives.

The USFOLs on Curacao and Aruba and the 429th Expeditionary Operations Squadron support multinational aircraft operations that conduct detection, monitoring, and tracking missions that play an important role in counter-drug efforts in the region. USFOL Curacao was established because of a multilateral agreement between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United States whereby aircraft and crews deploy to the USFOL on a temporary basis to conduct counter-drug operations.
WORCESTER, Mass. (AP)  The Diocese of Worcester has told a local middle school that it can no longer identify itself as a Catholic school because it disobeyed the bishop's order to take down its Black Lives Matter and Pride flags.

The Boston Globe reports that Worcester Bishop Robert McManus told the Nativity School of Worcester in a letter this week that flying these flags in front of a Catholic school sends a mixed, confusing and scandalous message to the public about the churchs stance on important moral and social issues.

The school displayed the flags for more than a year before the bishop objected. The school is a tuition-free private middle school for boys in central Massachusetts, with about 60 students. Students had requested that the flags be flown.

The diocese said it was waiting until after the end of the school year to prohibit the school from identifying itself as a Catholic school, an order that's effective immediately. Mass and sacraments are no longer permitted on school premises.

Thomas McKenney, president of the school, said in a statement Wednesday that the flags simply state that all are welcome at Nativity and this value of inclusion is rooted in Catholic teaching. McKenney added that flying the flags is not an endorsement of any organization or ideology, they fly in support of marginalized people.

McManus published a letter in May about the flags. He wrote that symbols that embody specific agendas or ideologies contradict Catholic social and moral teaching.

He took issue with the Black Lives Matter flag because he said a specific movement with a wider agenda has co-opted the phrase, promoting an agenda for schools with principles that are queer affirming and trans affirming, as well as disrupting the nuclear family. He said Pride flags represent support for gay marriage.

Flags that say End Racism or We are all Gods Children would be far more appropriate for a Catholic school, he wrote.

Nativity can appeal the bishops decision through the Jesuits who oversee the school. The city of Worcester raised the Black Lives Matter and Pride flags to support the school, which vowed to keep flying the flags to show solidarity with students, their families and communities, the Globe reports.

June is also Pride Month, which is known as a celebration of the LGBTQ community that involves parades and events.
More than 11,000 people in Connecticut have died of COVID-19, the state announced Thursday.

The state Department of Public Health reported Thursday 16 additional deaths in the past week, bringing the Connecticut pandemic total to 11,015.

Gov. Ned Lamont said the deaths marked another sad milestone for the state.

Some 11,000 of our friends, family and neighbors have died from COVID-19, he said in a tweet. (My wife) Annie and I pray for those who have lost someone during this difficult time. We know first-hand what its like to lose someone close to you from the virus.

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. By the next year, Connecticut saw 7,765 people die with the virus. By March 11, 2022, the number rose to 10,648.

Connecticut was hit hard in the first few months of the pandemic, but we have done everything we can to keep people safe from the very real impacts of different waves and variants, Lamont said.

Lamont urged residents to get their vaccines and their booster shots. He also advised Nutmeggers to wear a mask when appropriate and get tested.

The CDC has deemed most of Connecticut to have a medium COVID-19 transmission level. Officials have advised individuals in these areas to consider wearing masks, avoid crowds and increase their testing frequency.

As of Thursday, New London County was the only county in the state to have a low community level.

Last week, Middlesex had a high COVID-19 level, while the other seven counties had either medium or low levels.

The states COVID-19 statistics have been improving in recent weeks as hospitals are seeing fewer infected patients. As of Thursday, there were 273 patients hospitalized with the virus  nine fewer than this time last week.

Of the 273 hospitalized patients, 93  or 34 percent  are not fully vaccinated, according to the state data.

The seven-day positivity rate rose slightly from 7.98 percent Wednesday to 8.04 percent on Thursday. This was calculated from the 3,494 positive tests of the 43,431 total administered.

To access cost-free, state-supported COVID testing, visit the state website.

To find COVID vaccines and boosters, visit Vaccines.gov.
Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media

Connecticut recently made Juneteenth a state holiday, but this years commemoration will not be a paid day off for state employees.

The new law doesnt take effect until Oct. 1 and the governors office still has to collectively bargain the holiday with state employee unions.
SALISBURY, N.C. (AP)  Fire has destroyed a historic Black church in North Carolina that dates back to the 19th century, officials said.

The fire started just before midnight Thursday at Second Creek Methodist Church in Salisbury, news outlets reported. When firefighters arrived, nearly three quarters of the wooden building was already on fire. Someone walking their dog spotted the fire, investigators said.
PHOENIX (AP)  Republicans in the Arizona House on Wednesday pushed ahead with their new plan for a universal expansion of the state's private school voucher program that they have tied to new funding for schools in an effort to prevent a voter referendum.

Majority Republicans see the effort as the culmination of more than a decade of work to expand parents' ability to bypass traditional district schools and standalone charter schools and allow parents to use public money to pay tuition at religious or other private schools.

But public school advocates slammed the proposal at a news conference held just before the House Ways and Means Committee heard testimony on the proposal and eventually advanced it to the full House on a 6-4 party-line vote.

They argue that Arizona voters overwhelmingly rejected a similar expansion just four years ago and that the state's public schools remain woefully underfunded despite new spending approved by the Legislature and Republican Gov. Doug Ducey in recent years.

We must prioritize fully funding our public education system, Tempe educator Rodrigo Palacios said at the news conference. Siphoning desperately needed funds away from public schools by funding a voter-opposed voucher expansion ... flies in the face of the will of Arizonans and the needs of our families.

Palacios was joined by other speakers at the event organized by education groups including Save Our Schools Arizona, which was formed to oppose the last universal school voucher expansion enacted by the Legislature.

Save Our Schools Executive Director Beth Lewis, a public school teacher, told the committee later that all she hears from Republicans at the Capitol is criticism of public schools and public school teachers.

It's deployed time and time again to sell private school vouchers under the guise of choice, Lewis said. These vouchers are a scheme to line the pockets of the wealthy.

She called the voucher program, formally called Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, a grift."

The proposals are being championed by House Majority Leader Ben Toma, who said he has worked for months to craft the school choice" proposal and disputed that the 2018 vote showed Arizonans do not want an expansion of the ESA program.

Yes, the voters struck down an imperfect solution, Toma said. This is very different and the situation is very different now than it was back then.

Arizonas constitution allows opponents of laws enacted by the Legislature and signed by the governor to block them by collecting signatures of 5% of qualified voters. If they do, the measure is placed on the next general election ballot. The previous expansion was rejected by two-thirds of the state's voters.

The new voucher expansion proposal contains a poison pill designed to prevent that effort. It is linked to new school funding, $200 million in ongoing cash and another $200 million in one-time money, and that funding will only be allocated if the voucher expansion is enacted and goes into effect.

Democrats, united in opposition to the voucher bill, liked some parts of the school funding proposal. The $200 million in ongoing cash provides extra money for low-income schools called opportunity weight and boosts funding for students just learning English.

We really do need to (give) more funding for students who are in poverty and are receiving free and reduced price lunch, Democratic Rep. Kelli Butler of Paradise Valley said. So that is a shocking inclusion in this bill and I'm glad to see it there.

But she and other Democrats criticized other parts of the school funding bill, including the $200 million in one-time cash and that while voucher expansion will take effect on July 1, the new funding doesn't kick in until July 2023.

Tying it to vouchers makes no sense, Tempe Democratic Rep. Mitzi Epstein said. There's no relevant connection in there, except the political one.

Toma defended linking the bills, noting that doing so is similar to normal budget negotiations and the related horse trading.

In order to get my vote and many other conservative votes on additional K-12 spending ... we tie it to something else, Toma said. In balance it ends up being something that we can all support.

The fate of the voucher expansion plan is not certain, since Republicans hold only one-vote majorities in the House and Senate and there is at least one GOP member in both chambers not committed to backing the measures. It has no Democratic backing.

Republican Sen. Paul Boyer said Wednesday he is reviewing the proposal but has concerns. And Rep. Michelle Udall said Tuesday that she wanted either more accountability than the limited testing now in the plan or much more money for K-12 schools.

Finding money, for once, isn't a problem. The state is sitting on an unprecedented surplus of more than $5.3 billion even accounting for $1.7 billion in income tax cuts enacted by the Legislature over unified Democratic opposition last year.
STAMFORD  A New York man pleaded guilty Wednesday to stealing more than $60,000 in jewelry from a Westport home.

Franco Saladrigas-Garcia, 29, of the Bronx, N.Y, pleaded guilty to first-degree larceny, third-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools at Superior Court in Stamford on Wednesday.

The guilty pleas came as a part of deal offered by Superior Court Judge Gary White in May.

Saladrigas-Garcia rejected the offer last month, but appeared back in court Wednesday and asked to accept the deal.

Under the offer, Saladrigas-Garcia will receive a suspended seven-year sentence, which includes no time served, along with a one-year conditional discharge, which is a form of probation. He will also be required to pay a $10,000 fine by Dec. 14.

With the conditional discharge, Saladrigas-Garcia could face up to 26 years in prison if he is arrested, receives any citations, or misses any court dates over the one-year probationary period.

Saladrigas-Garcia was arrested on charges of possession of burglary tools, first-degree larceny, third-degree burglary, illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle and two counts of first-degree failure to appear following an April 11, 2020, residential burglary in Westport where more than $60,000 in jewelry was taken.

Six days after the theft, police pulled over a vehicle driven by Saladrigas-Garcia on the Merritt Parkway. During the traffic stop, police found several pairs of gloves, a crowbar and a large knife. The crowbar appeared to match the tool used in the Westport burglary, police said at the time.
SPEARVILLE, Kan. (AP)  A western Kansas woman and her 4-year-old daughter were found dead on Thursday, and the woman's boyfriend is in custody, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said.

Ford County Sheriff's deputies responded to a home in Spearville Wednesday afternoon, where a man reported his girlfriend, 31-year-old Kayla Vasquez, and her 4-year-old daughter, Aalilyah Vasquez, were missing.
Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media

Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons Facebook page has more than 80 photo ops in her first seven months in office  about three a week. While throwing out the first pitch at Little League, ribbon-cutting and meet-and-greets with various politicians may boost morale, they are ceremonial acts. Not policy. Simmons silence on crucial issues in this city is deafening.

One of the latest photo ops was an appearance at a Board of Ed celebration for teachers. However, for months educators and parents debated a new hybrid high school four-by-four schedule. The new schedule will create chaos, some said. Important stakeholders said they werent consulted. Some schools issued a vote of no confidence in the schools superintendent, who finally acquiesced and dropped the proposal. Yet what did we hear from the mayor, who pledged to make education a top priority in her campaign?
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Former Minister Elena Udrea has been brought to Romania, through the Giurgiu Customs, from where she will be taken over by the National Administration of Penitentiaries (ANP), which will bring her to the Targsor Penitentiary, where she will be imprisoned.

The European Court of Human Rights on Wednesday refused to suspend the European arrest warrant bearing the name of Elena Udrea, according to AFP.

On June 10, the Sofia Court of Appeal upheld the request of the Romanian authorities regarding the extradition of the former Minister of Tourism Elena Udrea, who has to execute in Romania a sentence of 6 years imprisonment in the "Gala Bute" case.

The court in Bulgaria ordered the execution of the European warrant issued in the name of Elena Udrea and the extradition to Romania, the decision being final.

Udrea was definitively convicted of corruption in June 2018, when she was in Costa Rica. Her appeal for annulment was rejected on April 7, and another extraordinary appeal against the sentence is currently under way. At the same time, the Romanian authorities issued an arrest warrant in her name, according to an ECHR statement. Udrea was arrested in Bulgaria the same day while trying to reach Greece, the Strasbourg court also held.

AGERPRES.
President Klaus Iohannis on Thursday, in Kyiv, condemned the use of grain exports by Russia as a weapon and called for the involvement of all relevant actors to agree on a 'coalition of states' to support the international effort to create 'blue corridors' for safe maritime transport across the Black Sea.

"We are now at the point where Russia has added another blackmail tool to its actions - grains. I strongly condemn the use of grain exports by Russia as a weapon, with such a major global impact. We discussed this today and possible solutions to overcome this situation. As a relevant part of the solution to the food insecurity situation generated by Russia, Romania actively participates in efforts to facilitate the transit of grain exports from Ukraine and acts as a regional hub for Ukrainian grains (...) Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, the Port of Constanta has provided more than a million tons of grain from Ukraine, and we are working to open new border checkpoints with Ukraine, as well as to rehabilitate wide gauge railways on the territory of Romania", said the head of state, at the joint conference with Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenski, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi.

Preparations for the reconstruction of Ukraine must begin, the Romanian president stressed.

"We all agree that the European Union has an important role to play in this endeavor, and we need to create effective tools for that," he said.

President Iohannis stressed that granting candidate status for accession to the European Union for Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia at next week's European Council is essential to building a "strong and lasting shield" around European values. AGERPRES
Regional cooperation key to renewable energy in Asia: experts

International industry experts and businesses in the energy sector stressed the importance of cross-border cooperation and technology transfer for the regions efforts to shift away from coal power at an online webinar hosted by Viet Nam News and the Asia News Network on June 15.













Tang The Cuong, Director General of the Department of Climate Change, speaks at the webinar. (Photo: VNA)

Speaking at the webinar, Pana Janviroj, Executive Director of the ANN, who moderated the event, said: "[Renewable energy] is the topic that we will keep going back to in Asia in the near future.



"Its a growth area that has a big impact on climate change, but many issues remain including consumers being confident in adapting to solar energy."



Harald Link, Chairman of B. Grimm Power Pel based in Thailand, said the wide development of clean energy spurs innovation and this offers many insights and models for Asian countries to consider.



Renewable energy is really the new norm now. Wherever you go, everybody's interested in renewable energy and in the different forms, whether it's wind, water, sun, biofuels, and even waves.



There are a lot of innovations happening nowadays so we can look at the peer-to-peer renewable energy in various countries in Europe.



The development of renewable energy needs good regulations. It is important to organise an ecosystem of renewable energy sales, he said, noting mechanisms such as FiT and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).



Link is hopeful about the prospect of renewable energy development.



There is a huge ecosystem for renewable energy already in the world and there will be more.



There are huge opportunities for renewable energy and it will continue for the next few decades, Link said.



"Energy trading is prevalent in Thailand, which allows us to join wider networks and transmit power from one country to another and get connected," he added.



The sky is the limit. Every country may have their own way of doing and it is good that we can learn from many others, he said.



Frank Phuan, CEO of SUNSEAP Group Pte company based in Singapore, also shared insights about renewable energy development in Singapore.



Noting that more than 95 percent of Singapore's electricity is powered by natural gas, Phuan said the countrys zero-emission target is an ambitious one given that it is a small country.



It has to depend on technology and policy as well as work with neighouring countries to allow zero-emissions to happen, he said.



Due to land constraints, solar PV systems have been installed on rooftops all over the country as well as on water, Phuan said, noting that 50 percent of government buildings are covered by solar panels.



The government also allows clean energy piped into Singapore, allowing the import of up to 4GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035.



Phuan said he has witnessed both good and bad trends in clean energy development in the region, adding that good is more than bad.



There is a trend of large-scale hybrid solar and battery combination, he said.



The gigawatt-scale projects spur the development of all forms of battery, and more development will come in the form of long-duration of power storage, he said.



He noted that there are many opportunities looking at these large-scale hybrid solar projects.



He emphasised the development of floating solar in hydro dams as well as the implementation of solar-integrated agriculture, notably in China and Taiwan.



Phuan highlighted the need to strengthen the private and government partnership as well as measures to tackle distribution capacity issues.



Meanwhile, Anil Sood, President of Indias Chetna, expressed his concerns about the economic impacts of overloaded transmission networks and environmental consequences if a large number of batteries are not treated properly.



"While we go for green energy, it is important not to lose sight of how to solve shelf-life problems," he said.



An overview of the webinar "Asia: Renewable Energy Continent."



Vietnam's efforts acclaimed



Hideki Minamikawa, President of the Japan Environmental Sanitation Center, and former Vice Minister of the Environment, highlighted Vietnams commitments to achieve zero emissions by 2050, shared experience from Japan and stressed the cooperation between the two countries in renewable energy.



The Vietnamese Government's efforts to address climate change have received international acclaim, he said.



To achieve virtually zero emissions by 2050, Minamikawa said, Vietnam will take strong measures to reduce emissions by taking advantage of its strengths in the renewable energy sector.



Sharing the Japanese approach to clean energy, Minamikawa said Japan's commitment to renewable energy began in 1974, triggered by the first oil crisis that occurred the previous year.



The country has had a number of policies to increase energy from clean sources including those from solar, wind, hydrogen and biomass.



However, Japan's current renewable energy development is not sufficient and there are challenges with regard to the power grid.



He said the biggest bottleneck is the inadequate deployment of transmission lines from areas with large amounts of renewable energy generation potential to large consumption areas, and the costs are borne by the power producers, not the power companies.



Still, renewable energy is the backbone of power generation in Japan, he said, noting that it is expected to provide up to 38 percent of Japan's total power generation in 2030.



He noted that the Japanese government is supporting the development of renewable energy overseas as a measure to combat global warming.



Japan has been promoting environmental cooperation in Vietnam, including cooperation in the development of renewable energy, through a memorandum of understanding signed in 2013.



He recalled that in 2020 the two countries agreed to further cooperate in promoting a decarbonisation transition and in combating plastic marine pollution.



In this context, the development of renewable energy is the most important subject, and I look forward to its further enhancement, he said./.
Bloomberg: President Xi Jinping has held in-depth exchange of views with various leaders on the issue of Ukraine. But there hasnt been a call between the leaders of China and Ukraine. Is there a comment from the foreign ministry on this?

Wang Wenbin: China values its relations with Ukraine and is ready to sustain the momentum for bilateral cooperation in various sectors. Currently, the two sides maintain open and smooth lines of communication. We will continue to play a constructive role in helping deescalate the Ukraine situation.

Shenzhen TV: At the 32nd Meeting of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on June 15, Chinese candidate Dr. Tang Yong was elected as a member of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS). Do you have any comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: At the 32nd Meeting of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on June 15, Chinese candidate Dr. Tang Yong was re-elected as a member of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) for a term from 2023 to 2028. Id like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to all States Parties that have supported him and extend congratulations to the members of other countries who have been elected.

The CLCS was established by UNCLOS. It is mandated to review coastal States submissions in respect of the establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelf. China always sets great store by and fully supports the CLCS work. The Chinese candidate has received extensive support from the majority of States Parties. This reflects the international communitys recognition of his credentials and competency as well as approval of Chinas observance of the international law of the sea, including UNCLOS, and commitment to true multilateralism. We are fully convinced that Chinas member of the CLCS will make more positive contributions to the work of the Commission.

AFP: On the phone call between the Chinese and Russian heads of state yesterday, the US State Department spokesperson expressed concern about it and said nations that side with Vladimir Putin will inevitably find themselves on the wrong side of history. I wonder if you have any comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: On the Ukraine issue, China has always independently assessed the situation on the basis of the historical context and the merits of the issue. We always stand on the side of peace and justice.

Whereas the US reneged on its word, pushed NATO expansion eastward and brought conflict and confrontation back to Europe, China is committed to dialogue and cooperation for common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and called for a balanced, effective and sustainable European security framework. Whereas the US has clamored for a fight to the last Ukrainian and fueled the conflict, China has actively promoted peace talks and called on the world to enable negotiations, not fighting, to continue between Russia and Ukraine. Whereas the US has exercised maximum pressure and sanctions, causing the crisis to spill over and spread, China has firmly opposed attempts to politicize, instrumentalize and weaponize the world economy. China stressed that what has been achieved through international economic cooperation over the decades cannot be just wiped out, still less should the ordinary people around the world bear the cost. People will come to their own conclusion as to who is on the right side.

The US keeps claiming itself to be on the right side of history, but is it entirely confident when saying that? Maybe the US is just whistling in the dark.

Reuters: A question about the football World Cup in Qatar. The organizers have now changed once again the website for people wanting to buy tickets. Whats the Chinese foreign ministrys comment to that change by the World Cup organizers?

Wang Wenbin: I am not aware of what you mentioned. We have stated Chinas position. Taiwan is part of China. Adhering to the one-China principle is a basic norm governing international relations and shared consensus of the international community. We believe the parties concerned will follow the one-China principle and handle the matter in accordance with established practice in international sports events.
At the Oradea City Hall on Thursday, French ambassador to Romania Laurence Auer expressed her desire to get French companies connected with the local administration of Oradea for various future projects.

"This is my first time in Oradea, but in Bucharest I've only heard good things about your city, which is a model for how you manage to highlight historic buildings. What we want is to bring in French investors to Oradea to find out what opportunities they have to grow their business here. We also want to facilitate future collaborations with trained people who could contribute their know-how to the projects you have planned. It is very important to have a good collaboration with the local university, whose graduates could be the employees of tomorrow of those who want to invest in Oradea," Auer is quoted as saying in a press statement released by the Oradea City Hall

Meeting Auer were Oradea Mayor Florin Birta, Bihor County Prefect Dumitru Tiplea, Deputy Chair of the Bihor County Council Calin Gal , and lawmaker Biro Rozalia, the chair of the Chamber of Deputies' Foreign Affairs Committee and initiator of this visit to Oradea.

The diplomat expressed her appreciation for the way in which the local public administration transformed the city, and also for the way in which it manages to attract European funds for development.

The meeting offered the participants an opportunity to discuss the importance of a collaboration between the Romanian and the French side, and the mayor spoke about the accelerated pace of development of the city, made possibly by European funds.

Emphasis was also placed on the county's development projects, with Gal mentioning that upgrading the local road infrastructure is being considered, which would also lead to economic growth. He added that in Bihor County there are five industrial parks already taking shape, which could retain the workforce in place.

The French official also discussed Romania's accession to the Schengen Area, saying that huge efforts are being made to support Romania.

AGERPRES.
The government will approve on Thursday the draft law on the acquisition of 32 F16 aircraft, Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca said, noting that, in the current context, it is necessary to continue strengthening the army's defense and response capacity.

"We will approve today the law proposed by the Ministry of National Defence on the purchase of 32 F16s from the Norwegian Government. It is a law that ensures the delivery of the 32 combat devices in operational condition," Ciuca said at the beginning of the Cabinet meeting.

The prime minister said that there is a need, in the current context, to pay due attention to strengthening the defense and response capacity of our Army.

"I think it is also important to underline that, beyond the acquisition of these devices, our capacity in the field of the defense industry is also being developed because the maintenance and modernization facilities will develop and consolidate in Romania," the prime minister added.AGERPRES
A new case of monkeypox has been diagnosed in Romania, in a 36-year-old man, who is in good health, the Ministry of Health informed on Thursday.

According to the same source, the man is a contact of the first patient diagnosed with monkeypox in Romania.

He was admitted to a hospital in Bucharest on Wednesday, where he remains hospitalized. The symptoms of the disease appeared on June 12.

The Ministry of Health announced on June 13 the first case of monkeypox diagnosed in Romania, in a 26-year-old man from Bucharest.

This is the fourth case recorded in our country.

AGERPRES
The Minister of Defense, Vasile Dincu, participated, on Wednesday and Thursday, in the meeting of his counterparts from NATO member states and the discussions were focused, in the context of the war in Ukraine, on defining the decision-making package and strategic perspectives, which will give substance to the Madrid Summit, which will take place at the end of this month.

"The meeting began with a working dinner with the participation of representatives of NATO partner countries - Finland, Sweden, Georgia and Ukraine, during which the current situation in Ukraine was discussed, as well as the possibilities of increasing support for Eastern partners. In the presence of EU officials the development prospects of the NATO-EU Strategic Partnership, the role of both organizations in consolidating the rules-based international order and addressing security challenges were discussed, and Minister Vasile Dincu emphasized the impact of Russia's actions and the implications for Euro-Atlantic security. He also stressed the need to maintain Allied solidarity and support for Ukraine.

The minister of defense also welcomed the substantial contributions of Finland and Sweden to Euro-Atlantic security and reiterated Romania's support for a rapid process of NATO accession of these two partners.

"We need a new construction and a new foundation for NATO's East Coast deterrence and defense stance, in all areas of operations. We need to move from a forward presence to a credible forward defense, adapted to the new security context. We hope that the Madrid Summit will confirm the allied commitment for this desideratum", said Vasile Dincu.

The Romanian minister highlighted Romania's decision to supplement the budget allocated to defense to 2.5% of GDP starting with 2023.

"Co-financing is at the heart of the Alliance's success in carrying out its tasks. Now, more than ever, there is a clear need for a strong commitment to the requirements of the NATO 2030 Agenda. I strongly support the Secretary-General's proposals to increase co-financed budgets of NATO, in order to implement the decisions adopted at the NATO Summit in 2021", pointed out the minister of defense.

AGERPRES.
MANAUS, Brazil (AP)  A fisherman confessed to killing a British journalist and an Indigenous expert in Brazils remote Amazon and took police to a site where human remains were recovered, a federal investigator said, after a grim 10-day search for the missing pair.

Authorities said Wednesday night without giving any details that they expected more arrests would be made soon in the case of freelance reporter Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira of Brazil, who disappeared June 5.

At a news conference in the Amazon city of Manaus, a federal police investigator said the man who had been the prime suspect confessed Tuesday night and detailed what happened to Phillips and Pereira. Investigator Eduardo Alexandre Fontes said Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, 41, nicknamed Pelado, told officers he used a firearm to kill the men.

We would have no way of getting to that spot quickly without the confession, Torres said of the place where police recovered human remains Wednesday after being led there by Pelado.

Torres said the remains were expected to be identified within days, and if confirmed as the missing men, will be returned to the families of the two.

We found the bodies three kilometers (nearly two miles) into the woods, the investigator said, adding that officers traveled about one hour and forty minutes by boat on a river and 25 more into the woods to reach the burial spot.

Pelados family had said previously that he denied any wrongdoing and claimed police tortured him to try to get a confession.

Another officer, Guilherme Torres of the Amazonas state police, said the missing men's boat had not been found yet but police knew the area where it purportedly was hidden by those involved in the crime.

They put bags of dirt on the boat so it would sink, he said. The engine of the boat was removed, according to investigators.

The news conference at Brazil's federal police headquarters in Manaus also included military leaders, who joined the effort to find Phillips and Pereira a few days after their disappearance was reported.

President Jair Bolsonaro, a frequent critic of journalists and Indigenous experts, has drawn criticism that the government didn't get involved fast enough. Earlier on Wednesday, he condemned Phillips in an interview, saying without evidence that locals in the area where he went missing didn't like him and that he should have been more careful in the region.

The efforts to find the two were started by Indigenous peoples in the region. UNIVAJA, an association of Indigenous peoples of the Javari Valley, mourned the loss of two partners in a statement Wednesday, adding they only had help and protection from local police.

As federal police announced they would hold a news conference, colleagues of Pereira called a vigil outside the headquarters of the Brazilian government's Indigenous affairs agency in Brasilia. Pereira was on leave from the agency.

Pereira, 41, and Phillips, 57, were last seen on their boat in a river near the entrance of the Javari Valley Indigenous Territory, which borders Peru and Colombia. That area has seen violent conflicts between fishermen, poachers and government agents.

Developments began moving Wednesday when federal police officers took a suspect they didn't identify at the time out on the river toward search parties looking for Phillips and Pereira.

An Associated Press photographer in Atalaia do Norte, the city closest to the search zone, witnessed police taking the suspect, who was in a hood.

On Tuesday, police said they had arrested a second suspect in connection with the disappearance. He was identified as Oseney da Costa de Oliveira, 41, a fisherman and a brother of Pelado, who police already had characterized as their main suspect.

Police investigators said Wednesday that de Oliveira had not confessed to any participation in the crime, but added they had evidence against him.

Indigenous people who were with Pereira and Phillips have said that Pelado brandished a rifle at them on the day before the pair disappeared.

Official search teams concentrated their efforts around a spot in the Itaquai river where a tarp from the boat used by the missing men was found Saturday by volunteers from the Matis Indigenous group.

Authorities began scouring the area and discovered a backpack, laptop and other personal belongings submerged underwater Sunday. Police said that evening that they had identified the items as the belongings of both missing men, including a health card and clothes of Pereira. The backpack was said to belong to Phillips.

Police previously reported finding traces of blood in Pelado's boat. Officers also found organic matter of apparent human origin in the river that was sent for analysis.

Authorities have said a main line of the police investigation into the disappearance has pointed to an international network that pays poor fishermen to fish illegally in the Javari Valley reserve, which is Brazils second-largest Indigenous territory.

Pereira, who previously led the local bureau of the federal Indigenous agency, known as FUNAI, took part in several operations against illegal fishing. In such operations, as a rule the fishing gear is seized or destroyed, while the fishermen are fined and briefly detained. Only the Indigenous can legally fish in their territories.

The crimes motive is some personal feud over fishing inspection, Atalaia do Nortes Mayor Denis Paiva speculated to reporters without providing more details.

While some police, the mayor and others in the region link the pairs disappearances to the fish mafia, federal police have not ruled rule out other lines of investigation, such as narco trafficking.

Torres, the federal police officer, reiterated that point Wednesday night, saying he could not discuss specifics of the investigation.

We are working with several lines of investigation, he said.

After the news of the recovery of human remains, Phillips' wife, Alessandra Sampaio, said the find puts an end to the anguish of not knowing Dom and Brunos whereabouts.

Now we can bring them home and say goodbye with love," Sampaio said in a statement. Today, we also begin our quest for justice."

Maisonnave reported from Manaus and Savarese reported from Sao Paulo.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
BUENOS AIRES (AP)  Israel praised Argentina on Thursday for holding a Venezuelan plane that included Iranian crew, saying the flight shows Tehran is trying to expand its influence in South America.

Washington also made clear it is keeping close tabs on the investigation into the Boeing 747, which was loaded with automotive parts and raised questions because its 19 crewmembers is an unusually large number for a cargo plane.

In a statement, the Israeli Embassy commended the fast action by Argentine authorities who identified in real time the potential threat posed by the aircraft, which has been grounded at Argentina's main airport outside Buenos Aires since June 8.

Israel is particularly worried about Iranian airlines that are dedicated to arms trafficking and the transfer of people and equipment for the Quds Force, which are under sanctions by the United States for being involved in terrorist activities, the embassy said.

The recent events provide evidence of the repeated attempts by the Islamic Republic of Iran, through the Revolutionary Guard and the Quds Force, to continue consolidating its influence throughout the world, including South America, as a base for terrorist acctions in the continent, the embassy added.

The top U.S. diplomat in Argentina also commented on the case.

We are following with great interest the judicial and law enforcement investigations into the crew and the plane and thank the investigative efforts of Argentine authorities to clear up the situation, U.S Ambassador Marc Stanley said in a statement shared with local media.

Argentine authorities have seized the passports of the five Iranians and 14 Venezuelan crewmembers on the plane, which is operated by Venezuelas state-owned Emtrasur line, a subsidiary of Conviasa, which is under U.S. sanctions.

Expanding the international reverberations in the case, Venezuela on Thursday evening harshly criticized Uruguay for failing to allow the plane to land in Montevideo to refuel.

The plane's crew sought to fly to Montevideo on June 8 but had to return to Buenos Aires after Uruguayan authorities refused entry into its airspace, according to a report by Argentina's Transportation Ministry. It was then that the plane was grounded by Argentine authorities.

Uruguay's regretable action could have caused a tragedy, human lives and damage to both nations, Venezuela said in a statement, adding that it demands explanations about this terrible event from the Uruguayan government.

Before it was sold to Emtrasur a year ago, the plane was owned by Mahan Air of Iran, which the U.S. government has sanctioned for allegedly aiding the Quds Force and terrorist activities.

Law enforcement offices on Tuesday searched the hotel where the crewmembers were staying under orders of Federal Judge Federico Villena, who is investigating the crew.

Argentine authorities say they have not found any irregularities in the crew.

The plane reportedly loaded automotive parts in Mexico and stopped in Venezuela before arriving in Argentina.

The large crew had earlier raised suspicions in Paraguay, where the plane landed last month in Ciudad del Este, close to the Argentina and Brazil borders, Paraguays interior minister, Federico Gonzalez, told a local radio station Tuesday. He said the plane was there May 13-16,

Gonzalez said Paraguay alerted intelligence agencies in the region about the plane and its crew.

Argentina suffered two terrorist attacks in its capital that judicial investigators have blamed on Iran  a 1992 explosion at the Israeli Embassy and a deadly bombing at a Jewish organization in 1994. Iran has denied any involvement.

This story has been corrected to show that the plane was grounded on June 8, rather than June 6.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
SEATTLE  Boeing Co. could embrace new engine technology for its next new airplane program, vital to fending off arch-rival Airbus SE in a lucrative slice of the air travel market.

The U.S. planemaker has not publicly endorsed the so-called open-rotor or open-fan design  in which the engines blades are exposed  announced last year by CFM International, a transatlantic tie-up between General Electric and Safran.

Boeings vice president of product development, however, cautiously did so on the sidelines of a briefing this week on its flying technology testbed.

Any tool that helps us improve environmental performance is something worth looking at, Mike Sinnett, Boeings vice president of product development, told reporters.

The open-rotor of today is something that is very different than 20 years ago. There are things about that engine that are very interesting. And I would not say that we would never put an open-rotor on an airplane, Sinnett said.

The pairing of engines and future airframe designs is seen as the most pivotal decision in the aerospace industry and defines the way products unfold for 30 or 40 years.

Last year, CFM unveiled plans to test-build an open-bladed jet engine that can reduce fuel use and emissions by 20%. The RISE engine, positioned as a possible successor to the LEAP model used on the Boeing 737 Max and some Airbus A320neo, will feature an open-rotor design and could enter service by the mid-2030s.

The system will contain hybrid-electric propulsion and can run on 100% sustainable fuel or hydrogen, an energy source favored by Airbus for future concepts.

Boeing has indicated it is in no rush on a new plane. The embattled planemaker is absorbed in certification and industrial problems across its jetliner portfolio, as well as a balance sheet saddled with debt.

This month, Boeing Chief Executive Dave Calhoun told a conference it would be at least a couple of years before digital manufacturing tools were mature enough to support a new aircraft program.

Sinnett had earlier showcased the latest installment of Boeings ecoDemonstrator, a flying technology testbed for efficiency advancements like biofuels, recycled lavatory water, and wearable heads-up information displays for pilots.

Additional reporting by Tim Hepher in Paris.
As St. Louis Circuit Judge David Mason watched workers lower the 14-foot bronze statue atop a granite base on the east side of the St. Louis Civil Courts building downtown Wednesday morning, he beamed.

It was the first time he had seen it in person, and it had lessons to share.

This monument tells every lawyer that comes by here, every prospective juror, every witness, every officer, that in this courthouse, people have the right to be heard, Mason said. People have the right to have their legal rights protected. People have a right to the verdicts that the evidence says theyre entitled to.

The Freedom Suits Memorial statue was placed in the new Freedom Plaza next to the courthouse. It will be formally dedicated at 5 p.m. Monday. The effort has taken at least a decade.

The statue honors hundreds of enslaved Missourians who filed a series of legal challenges, mostly before the Civil War, seeking freedom. Missouri law said that if an enslaved person was taken to a free state long enough to establish residency, he or she became free and stayed free when they returned to Missouri.

Some won their freedom, but those who did not could be sold to more repressive states. Dred and Harriet Scott won, but their suit was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.

St. Louis was the countrys most active legal venue for such cases for nearly 60 years.

The statue is part of a $1 million effort that will include the engraving of about 330 enslaved people's names around the granite base, the plaza that includes benches and lighting, and an online component with more research and information. The Freedom Suits Memorial Steering Committee has raised about $780,000 in private donations.

Attorney Paul Venker is the head of the steering committee and knew nothing about the freedom suits when Mason asked him to help. He pointed out many suits were filed by women, because only they could ask for freedom for themselves and their children.

The sculpture shows a woman at a judges bench, under a depiction of the rotunda of the Old Courthouse. The back of the sculpture shows a slaveowners house and a handler along the riverfront, and one side shows Native Americans canoeing on the river.

These plaintiffs had to have all white people supporting them  affidavits and testimony. And yet they persevered, Venker said. I know plenty of people now are intimidated by coming to the courthouse. Imagine how a slave must have felt, knowing that this would not likely go in their favor.

The sculpture is by Preston Jackson, a retired professor at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago who now lives in Peoria, Illinois. As he watched workers maneuver the sculpture, he said St. Louis impressed him during his research, and hed like to live here some day. This is like the heart of America. So many important things happened right here that involved race and humanity.

He depicted several races on the sculpture on purpose, he said. Its about coming together, but in coming together there has to be knowledge. Whether its negative or positive, you have to know why things happened and how, so that you can have a better tomorrow.

Unveiling ceremony What  The Freedom Suits Memorial, including a sculpture by artist Preston Jackson, will be unveiled in a formal ceremony. The event includes remarks by keynote speaker Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honore; St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones; Circuit Judge David C. Mason; Lynne Jackson, the great-great granddaughter of Freedom Suit plaintiffs Dred and Harriet Scott; attorney Paul Venker; and others, as well as musical performances. When  5 p.m. June 20 Where  East plaza of the Civil Courts Building, on 11th Street between Market and Chestnut streets More info  facebook.com/FreedomSuitsMemorial

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Ian Froeb Ian Froeb is the restaurant critic for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Ian Froeb 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

Grand Pied is a modest Bigfoot. This is no slobbering sasquatch lumbering out of the forest, but the warm, fuzzy embrace of the not-exactly-classic 1987 family film Harry and the Hendersons. You might need to supply your own association. The name of this Tower Grove South restaurant is a joke interrupted in its setup.

Tony Collida opened Grand Pied last summer in the storefront on Morganford Road previously occupied by Seed Sprout Spoon, though you might remember the space best as the former home of the late Local Harvest Cafe. While Grand Pied marks Collidas debut as a restaurateur, he has worked in numerous St. Louis kitchens. His family runs the Picadilly at Manhattan  his great-grandfather founded the beloved restaurant, one of the areas oldest  and Collida himself has cooked at Duffs; with his mentor, the chef Chris Lee (Melange, Cafe Ventana, Sanctuaria); and at Civil Life Brewing Co.

Grand Pied opened as half of a two-in-one venue. It shared the space with Chatawa, a bar operated by the writer and former Tik Tock Tavern co-owner Thomas Crone. Crone named Chatawa after a town in Mississippi. Collida and his partner (both professionally and personally), Jaimee Stang, learned this town claims its own Bigfoot-like creature. This inspired the restaurants name in French, a nod to Stangs Cajun uncle.

Chatawa closed at the end of October, however, after only two months and change. In announcing the closure, Crone said he couldnt realize his vision of bringing to St. Louis products from New Orleans and the Interstate 55 pathway between the two cities. It left Grand Pied alone in the storefront, without a liquor license, which it still has not obtained. (For now, the restaurant encourages customers to BYOB, noting Local Harvest Grocery across the street as one possible source.)

In the current style-of-necessity, Grand Pied is a bare-bones operation led by Collida in the kitchen and Stang in the front of the house. You order at the table using a QR-code menu. The single dining room seats about two dozen, and while this isnt a large space, it doesnt feel cramped. Additional seating is available on a patio to one side of the building.

Grand Pieds menu has continued to evolve over its first year. Just this week, as this review is published, the restaurants hours have adjusted to allow for a longer dinner service, and Collida plans to add more dinner-specific dishes and specials.

The cooking here fits into the broad category of comfort food, but the menu is eclectic enough  and Collidas kitchen skills are impressive enough  that Grand Pied distinguishes itself in such a crowded field. This is a restaurant where you might not only feel the familiar temptation to order breakfast for dinner, but also to make, say, a plate of smoked pork ribs the star of your brunch. More than a few barbecue restaurants could take a note from the proper texture of these meaty, smoky ribs, and Collida contrasts these heavier flavors with a light touch of tangy sauce.

The smoker also dispatches a compact pork steak. I feel like there is an implied asterisk when you call this cut tender, but the pork steak here really does yield to the side of your fork, and the meat folds naturally into its accompanying grits with white-cheddar queso and debris gravy.

I dont mean to paint Grand Pied as a barbecue restaurant in brunchs clothing. I do mean to suggest any curious wandering hogs keep their distance. Collida excels at pork dishes, from the ribs and pork steak to more obvious breakfast fare: slices of ham in a thin, bracing red-eye gravy; a clever breakfast poboy with andouille and scrambled eggs; housemade sausage, its seasoning profile of white pepper and allspice honed by Collida, in the creamy gravy that tops an order of baby beignets.

These miniature fritters nod to the New Orleans inspiration of the original Grand Pied-Chatawa combination. Crisp, airy and buttery, they make a fine bed for the aforementioned sausage gravy and  to make the plate even more of a meal, if you like  a couple of sunny-side-up eggs. (You can also order the baby beignets by themselves tossed with cinnamon sugar and jam for dipping, or naked with white-cheddar queso and marmalade for dipping.)

The baby beignets might be Grand Pieds signature dish if they didnt share the menu with the restaurants buttermilk pancakes. These are like no other pancakes Ive eaten in town, puffy rather than spread thin and flat, with a lovely, eggy, almost souffle-like texture. Collida has been using this recipe at restaurants for years, he told me in a phone interview. The source is The Joy of Cooking.

I mean, the real difference is people mix their batter till its fully incorporated, and thats just the mistake right there, he said. You just barely fold it together.

Also: Fry those pancakes in plenty of olive oil and butter.

Collida serves the pancakes with syrup, whipped cream and a seasonal jam, blueberry on my visits. The dish is fresh and light  remarkably so, for pancakes  until the moment you realize you cant possibly finish the plate. Grand Pied treads softly but leaves a big footprint behind.

How much Beignets and sausage gravy  $13 Pancakes and jam  $13 Glazed rib appetizer  $14 Pork steak and dirty grits  $17

Where Grand Pied, 3137 Morganford Road  More info whipped  Menu Comfort food and breakfast fare  Hours Breakfast and lunch, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, dinner 5-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday (Closed Monday-Wednesday)

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IRPIN, Ukraine (AP)  French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that there are signs of war crimes in a Kyiv suburb following massacres by Russian forces.

He spoke in the town of Irpin while on a visit with the German, Italian and Romanian leaders to show support for Ukraine. He denounced the barbarism of the attacks that devastated the town, and praised the courage of residents of Irpin and other Kyiv region towns who held back Russians forces from attacking the capital.

The four European leaders arrived earlier in Kyiv to the sound of air raid sirens as they made a high-profile show of collective European support for the Ukrainian people as they resist Russias invasion.

The visit, which includes a planned meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, carries heavy symbolic weight given that the three Western European powers have faced criticism for not providing Ukraine with the scale of weaponry that Zelenskyy has been asking for.

They have also been criticized for not visiting Kyiv sooner. In past weeks and months a number of other European leaders had already made the long trip overland to show solidarity with a nation under attack, even in times when the fighting raged closer to the capital than it does now.

The French presidents office said that Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Premier Mario Draghi, representing the three largest economies in Europe, traveled to Kyiv together on a special overnight train provided by the Ukrainian authorities.

President Klaus Iohannis of Romania  which borders Ukraine and has been a key destination for Ukrainian refugees  arrived on a separate train, tweeting on arrival: This illegal Russian aggression must stop!

Its a message of European unity for the Ukrainian people, support now and in the future, because the weeks to come will be very difficult, Macron said.

The Russian forces are pressing their offensive in the eastern Donbas region, slowly but steadily gaining ground on the badly outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian forces, who are pleading for more arms from Western allies.

Several air raid sirens rang out while the European leaders were in their hotel preparing for the rest of their visit, and Kyiv authorities urged people to seek shelter. Such alerts are a frequent occurrence.

As he left the hotel, Macron, putting his hand on his heart, said in English: I want to show my admiration for the Ukrainian people.

German news agency dpa quoted Scholz as saying that the leaders are seeking to show not only solidarity but also their intent to keep up financial and humanitarian help for Ukraine, and a supply of weapons.

Scholz added that this support would continue for as long as is necessary for Ukraines fight for independence.

Scholz said that the sanctions against Russia were also significant and could lead to Moscow withdrawing its troops, according to dpa.

Scholz, Macron and Draghi have been criticized not only for helping too little but for speaking to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Many leaders and regular people in the Baltic and Central European nations, which were controlled by Moscow during the Cold War, believe that Putin only understands force, and have viewed the efforts by Macron and others to keep speaking to Putin following his invasion as unacceptable.

Hopes were high among Ukrainians that the visit could mark a turning point by opening the way to significant new arms supplies.

Tamara Malko, a resident of Pokrovsk, in the Donestsk region of eastern Ukraine, said Macron and Olaf had been very cold toward Ukrainians so far, and hoped for a change.

We want peace very much, vey much and have high hopes for Macron and Scholz, she said. We want them to see and understand our pain.

Luhansk regional governor Serhiy Haidai said the visit will not bring anything if the leaders ask Ukraine to conclude a peace treaty with Russia that involves giving up territory. He said that is something Ukrainians would never accept.

I am sure that our president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is not going to make concessions and trade our territories. If someone wants to stop Russia by giving them the territories, Germany has Bavaria, Italy has Tuscany, the French can concede Provence, for instance, he said.

Listen, this is Russia. These are wild people. Today it will be one territory, tomorrow another one, the day after tomorrow another. And another thing: Many heroes of Ukraine died protecting the country as a whole. Nobody will forgive us if people die but we make concessions to the aggressor.

The visit comes as EU leaders prepare to make a decision June 23-24 on Ukraines request to become a candidate for EU membership, and ahead of an important NATO summit June 29-30 in Madrid.

Also Thursday, NATO defense ministers are meeting in Brussels to weigh more military aid for Ukraine. On Wednesday, the U.S. and Germany announced more aid, as America and its allies provide longer-range weapons they say can make a difference in a fight where Ukrainian forces are outnumbered and outgunned by their Russian invaders.

On Tuesday, during a trip to Ukraines neighbors Romania and Moldova, Macron said a message of support must be sent to Ukraine before EU heads of state and government have to make important decisions at their Brussels meeting.

We are in a moment where we need to send clear political signals  we, Europeans, we the European Union  toward Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, he said.

Macron is deeply involved in diplomatic efforts to push for a cease-fire in Ukraine that would allow future peace negotiations. He has frequent discussions with Zelenskyy and has spoken on the phone several times with Russian President Vladimir Putin since Putin launched the invasion in late February.

Scholz had long resisted traveling to Kyiv, saying he didnt want to join the queue of people who do a quick in-out for a photo opportunity. Instead, Scholz said a trip should focus on doing concrete things.

Germany on Wednesday announced that it will provide Ukraine with three multiple launch rocket systems of the kind that Kyiv has said it urgently needs to defend itself against Russias invasion.

Corbet reported from Paris. David Keyton in Irpin, Ukraine, and Frank Jordans and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.

Corbet reported from Paris and Leicester from Kyiv, Ukraine. Frank Jordans and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed to this report.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
ST. LOUIS  The St. Louis region is in the midst of another COVID-19 surge. And doctors and health officials say the numbers are likely far worse than records show.

But, due in large part to a build up of immunity, this wave is not making as many residents as sick as did previous waves.

The surge, in terms of infection rates, is as bad as any, said Dr. Charles Crecelius, medical director for two area nursing homes and an elder care specialist for BJC Medical Group.

But thank goodness, milder, he said. If it were as severe as other ones, wed be in another disaster, with hospitals very full.

A full understanding of this surge is hampered by a new obstacle: Residents have come to rely heavily on at-home tests, which often are not tallied in official counts.

Experts laud their availability  a crucial, once-rare tool for residents to quickly and easily self-screen for the virus, and if positive, isolate and prevent further spread. But many dont take the extra step of reporting positive results to health departments.

We dont have a complete picture, said St. Louis County Acting Health Director Dr. Faisal Khan. We can only project, or estimate.

The rate of known cases is elevated. St. Louis city had a seven-day average of 93 new daily cases, as of Tuesday, up from nine in March.

We have to assume that the reported numbers are the tip of the iceberg, Dr. Stephen Liang, an associate professor of medicine at Washington University and an infectious diseases and emergency medicine physician at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, said in an email.

Other measures of virus spread also reflect an increase, though not to the levels seen during the overwhelming winter surge. Wastewater testing shows elevated levels in some local sewersheds. Missouri nursing homes are reporting an uptick in cases among residents. And pharmacies are reporting more sales of cough and flu-related medications, Khan said.

Fortunately, doctors say they are seeing more mild cases of the disease, with patients more often able to recover at home. Though hospitalizations are high, they have not risen as far or as fast as they did during the winter surge.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force on Monday reported a seven-day average of 51 new COVID-19 patients admitted to hospitals in the area. That is up from 16 in early April, but well below the peak of 219 seen in mid-January.

Dr. Hilary Babcock, a Washington University infectious disease specialist at BJC HealthCare, said hospitalizations will likely continue to increase for at least a couple more weeks.

All the data we have, which is likely an undercounting of real cases, definitely supports that we have very high numbers of cases in our community, Babcock said. So far, while our hospitals are tight, and our staffing is short, we have been able to manage.

Dr. Mimi Vo, of Vo Medical Clinic in south St. Louis, said only one of her COVID-19 patients was hospitalized in the past six months. The vaccines have made a tremendous difference, she said, as well as the antiviral drug Paxlovid, which has been available in the U.S. since December.

Since winter, U.S. COVID-19 cases have mainly been caused by the omicron variant of the virus, and sublineages of it. In May, the omicron subvariant known as BA.2.12.1 became dominant in the U.S., and in recent weeks, the newer BA.4 and BA.5 strains have gained ground.

When new strains emerge, health experts typically look at three factors: How easily the new strain spreads between people, whether it makes patients more seriously ill, and whether it proves better at overcoming the defenses peoples immune systems have built up through vaccines and previous exposures.

Khan, the county health director, said that early data suggests that BA.4 and BA.5 are more contagious than previous variants.

But the city may have already reached the peak of this wave, said Suzanne Alexander, bureau chief for communicable disease at the St. Louis Department of Health. Cases in the Northeast, the first region in the U.S. to feel the effects of the latest surge, have begun to decline.

If that holds true here, hospitalizations may begin to decline in a couple of weeks, Babcock said.

Health experts say vaccines and boosters are still crucial to protect the community from any more dangerous variants that may arise in the future. Many adults are eligible for second booster doses, and children younger than 5 may soon become eligible for their first doses of the vaccines.

Theres always that risk of some strain coming out and being pretty deadly again, said Crecelius, the elder care specialist. Which is the argument for vaccination.

To report the result of an at-home test in St. Louis County, visit the health department website and select Report At-Home Test.

To report the result of an at-home test in St. Louis city, call the health department hotline at 314-657-1499, or send an email to health@stlouis-mo.gov.

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Dr. Anthony Fauci, the face of America's pandemic response through two White House administrations, has tested positive for the coronavirus.

The 81-year-old Fauci, who is fully vaccinated and has received two booster shots, was experiencing mild COVID-19 symptoms, according to a statement Wednesday from the National Institutes of Health.

Fauci has not recently been in close contact with President Joe Biden or other senior government officials. He tested positive on a rapid antigen test. He is following public health guidelines and his doctor's advice, and will return to work at the NIH when he tests negative, according to the statement.

Fauci is Bidens chief medical adviser and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He was a leading member of the White House coronavirus task force under former President Donald Trump.

Earlier this week, U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra tested positive for the virus. It was the second time Becerra had come down with symptoms and tested positive.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
WEDNESDAY, June 15, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's vaccine advisory panel voted unanimously on Tuesday to recommend the agency approve the emergency use of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 6 to 17.

Despite the unanimous support, some panel members worried that trials of the vaccine were conducted before the emergence of the omicron variant. They noted the vaccine would likely help prevent serious illness but not be as good at blocking mild infections, The Washington Post reported.

"We crossed a line," when omicron and its subvariants surfaced because now a third dose is needed for full protection, said panel member Paul Offit, M.D., of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Offit supported authorization -- as long as a third Moderna dose is on the way. "We're at a different part in this pandemic," Offit added. "I think the benefits clearly outweigh the risks, but I say that with the comfort being provided that there will be a third dose."

Moderna told the panel it is testing a booster shot for the 6-through-17 age groups and could seek FDA authorization as early as July.

In coming to its decision, the FDA panel analyzed Moderna's two-dose vaccine for children aged 6 to 11 at half the strength of the adult shot, and for youth aged 12 to 17 at the adult dose. Typically, the FDA follows the recommendations of its expert panels. Once the FDA has authorized the shots, as expected, expert advisers to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will discuss the best use of the Moderna vaccine in older children and teens this weekend.

In a second meeting on Wednesday, the same FDA panel will weigh Moderna's vaccine for children under 6 and Pfizer's vaccine for children under 5. There are about 18 million children under 5 in the United States and they are the only age group in the country not yet eligible for any COVID-19 vaccines, The Post reported.

Originally published on consumer.healthday.com, part of the TownNews Content Exchange.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  A federal judge this week gave final approval to a lawsuit settlement that commits the city of Los Angeles to sheltering or housing thousands of homeless residents within five years.

In approving the deal reached in April, U.S. District Judge David Carter wrote Tuesday that the agreement is fair, reasonable, and adequate.

The city's settlement with the group LA Alliance for Human Rights commits Los Angeles to spending up to $3 billion to supply 16,000 beds or housing units for homeless people not suffering from mental illness.

The court will retain jurisdiction for a period of five years to create an enforcement mechanism for the pact, Carter said.

While this agreement is not a solution to homelessness, it is a concrete step toward improving the lives of our neighbors who are currently suffering on the streets, the judge wrote.

The lawsuit was brought in 2020 by the alliance, a coalition of business owners, residents, landlords, homeless people and others who alleged that inaction by city and county of Los Angeles created a dangerous environment.

The settlement draws a sharp distinction between the citys responsibilities and those of Los Angeles County, which operates the local public health system. The county is also part of the lawsuit but has not settled. The alliance said in April that it would continue to pursue its lawsuit against the county.

The homeless population was once largely confined to downtown LAs notorious Skid Row, but encampments have spread widely, including within sight of City Hall.

The Los Angeles City Council voted 12-3 in March to approve the settlement.

Under the agreement, the city would create shelter or housing for 60% of homeless people in the city who do not have a serious mental illness, substance abuse disorder or chronic physical illness.

The citys actual housing commitment will be based on the 2022 point-in-time count of homeless people, the results of which are expected this summer. Last years count was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of January 2020, there were more than 66,400 homeless people in Los Angeles County, with 41,000 within LA city limits.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
THURSDAY, June 16, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Suicide rates are rising more slowly in states that have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a new study finds.

Suicide is a public health problem, and our findings indicate that increasing access to health care -- including mental health care -- by expanding Medicaid eligibility can play an important role in addressing and reducing the distressing rise of suicide deaths in our country," said senior investigator Dr. Laura Bierut, a professor of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

"Increased access to insurance and to health care providers is crucial, and expanding such access nationwide may help change the direction of these continually rising numbers," Bierut said in a university news release.

Overall, suicide rates have been increasing in the United States over the past 20 years, rising an average of about 1% a year from 1999 to 2006, but climbing by 2% a year from 2006 through 2018.

Bierut and her colleagues analyzed suicide rates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., from 2000 through 2018, during which there were nearly 554,000 suicide deaths.

Under the ACA, also known as Obamacare, states could expand Medicaid eligibility beginning in 2014. To date, 39 states have done so.

From 2011 through 2013, the incidence of suicide was 13.9 per 100,000 people in states that eventually expanded Medicaid, while it was 16.7 per 100,000 in states that would not go on to expand Medicaid.

After 2014, incidence rose by 2.5 suicides per 100,000 people in Medicaid expansion states, compared with 3.1 per 100,000 in states that did not expand Medicaid. That's a statistically significant difference, the researchers noted.

Based on the data, they concluded that there were 0.4 fewer suicides per 100,000 people in Medicaid expansion states from 2014 through 2018, which works out to 1,818 suicides being prevented in those states.

The study was published June 15 in the journal JAMA Network Open.

"Increased access to health care, including mental health care, helped to prevent hundreds of suicide deaths," said study author Dr. Hetal Patel, a resident physician in the Department of Psychiatry and Department of Radiation Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine.

"With the differences we see in these suicide rates, we think there must actually be significantly more treatment, as well as subsequent improvements, in mental health in the states with expanded Medicaid," Bierut said.

More information

For more on suicide prevention, see the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health.

SOURCE: Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, news release, June 15, 2022

Originally published on consumer.healthday.com, part of the TownNews Content Exchange.
What happens when two adventuresome artists decide to trade canvases, overpainting and altering each others work while trading bad puns, laughs, insights and shared observations during a pandemic? Andy Dykeman and Mark Regester did just that and discovered art happens  a lot of art. Their unusual collaboration produced works that demanded to be shown in a setting as unconventional as their genesis: Andy Dykemans garage.

The one-day show off the alley at the corner of Menard and Lami streets in Soulard opens at 11 a.m. June 25 and closes at 6 p.m. that same day. Both artists played in punk rock bands, so the playlist Regester compiled for this event should be fun. Its seven and a half hours long, he says.

Andy just said Lets do this. Hes got it all figured out. Hes taking out the cars. Its all wood studs on the walls. We have a lot of pieces to hang, so its going to be a challenge to fit it all in. Galleries are fine, but its also fun for people to see art in places theyre not accustomed to see art, Regester says.

Close encounters of the art kind  Dykeman and Regester met at 31art gallery where they discovered an affinity for music and an appreciation for each others art.

Both trod an unconventional path to the art world. Both had played in punk rock bands in the 1980s, Dykeman as a drummer, Regester as a vocalist. When Dykemans band broke up after 10 years of touring, he traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife where he worked in forensic pathology. Regester lived and photographed the skateboard scene in California.

Encouraged by his co-workers, Dykeman moved to St. Louis to earn his doctor of chiropractic degree from Logan University. He now runs his practice in Illinois.

Regester moved to St. Louis in 2010 when his wife accepted a job at UMSL. Im lucky enough to be in a position where Im able to make art in between taking care of the house, making food and doing mountains of laundry, Regester says, which allows me to focus on my art whenever I can.

Stranger art  Both men acknowledged the commonalities in their approach to art and life. Mark suggested we collaborate, Dykeman says. The artists exchanged half-finished or scrap pieces of art in different media and substrates. After the trade, each artist then finished the piece the other had started.

The first time Andy and I traded I brought some pieces on wood to his house. He gave me a bunch of stuff on wood and on paper, Regester says. Its always a little intimidating working on someone elses art, but it ended up being great. Our aesthetics arent the same, but they work well together. We have a similar attitude toward art. We respect each others choices.

Dykeman had a similar response. It was like I could finish Marks sentences  on canvas. We have juvenile and dark humor in our stuff. We have fun, but were both aware of politics, justice, equality issues, greed, religion, the divisiveness in our country. Its not just silly, goofy paintings. Were addressing issues in this work, Dykeman says.

Ghosts in the Garage, UFOs in the rafters  Both artists believe everyone can benefit from bringing art in their lives. What does it take for an untrained artist to succeed in todays art world? Just making art with whatever is at hand is a good first step. Connecting to other outsider artists helps, too.

One of the important things for me was to find my voice. Being self-taught, I didnt know how to move forward, Regester says. He pushed on and made art anyway, in part through working with others.

Working with friends is rewarding, Regester says. When youre making art on your own its easy to get lost in your head, to overthink things, and get stuck. But when youre working with someone, youre feeding off an energy thats created, which is why its one of my favorite things to do.

Dykeman concurs. I think everyone should be adventurous, he says. Historically, artists have always been barometers of change in society. He believes the pandemic brought forth art in new ways, allowed for greater expression and enhanced mental health. I hope people dont get so comfortable again when this passes that they stop. I believe people should continue to make art in whatever form.

Andykeman Art

Artist  Andy Dykeman

Age  55

Family  Dykeman and his wife, Jennifer, who is also an artist and art therapist, live with Sofi, a cocker spaniel/Pomeranian mix who goes to work with Andy every day.

Home  Soulard

What he makes  Dykeman paints in a highly personal allegorical style using found materials including wood, canvas, paper, X-ray files and whatever things attract his attention.

Where to buy  Dykeman is a resident artist at 31art gallery where his work is available for purchase. He also posts his art on Instagram @andykemanart.

How much  His artworks range from $50 to $1,000.

Mark Regester Art

Artist  Mark Regester

Age  49

Family  Mark and his wife, April, have been married since 1998. They have two children, daughter Paisley, 20, and son Otis, 17. The family lives with Cookie, a rescue dog, and Ziggy Stardog, an homage to David Bowie.

Home  Oakland

What he makes  Regester is a photographer, painter, multimedia artist, and videographer who works alone as well as in collaboration with other artists. He and musician/composer Dave Madden of Salt Lake City teamed up in films such as Nowhere Mountain.

Where to buy  Regester sells his work online through Instagram @mark_regester_art. He also sells at 31art gallery and at pop-up shows.

How much  $10 to $350
CHESTERFIELD  Cpl. Helmuth Levin and Private Rudolf Straussberg left notes of explanation on their bunks. They slipped past the guards at night and fled through the vegetable fields they tended.

Returning to Germany would just be going from a Nazi dictatorship to a Russian dictatorship, Levin wrote in German. Straussberg added an apology to his keepers for causing the trouble of looking for us.

Levin and Straussberg were among the 420,000 German and Italian prisoners of war who spent part of World War II under guard in the United States. About 15,000 of them were sent to 30 camps scattered across Missouri.

Most of the POWs went to large camps, including one covering 960 acres near Weingarten in Ste. Genevieve County. Others were confined in small outposts such as Hellwig Brothers Farm, near U.S. Highway 40 on the Missouri River bottomland then known as Gumbo Flats.

Thousands of Axis POWs worked in the fields, replacing American farm boys gone to war. Some fought floods with sandbags. A few Italian prisoners even worked in the St. Louis Ordnance Depot on North Broadway, handling nonexplosive freight after their country switched sides in the war.

Working POWs earned 80 cents per day, and sometimes could buy beer at prison canteens.

When Levin and Straussberg fled Hellwig farm on June 16, 1945, they were among roughly 100 German POWs who lived there. Five weeks after Germanys surrender, American security had become a bit haphazard.

Earlier that evening, a English-speaking fellow prisoner heard an American radio broadcast suggesting that German POWs be dispatched to the uncertain care of the Soviet army. Levin, 31, and Straussberg, 23, resolved to skedaddle.

They made it 10 miles south to the Meramec River, but farmers saw them and called the Highway Patrol. Troopers nabbed Levin in an empty clubhouse. Straussberg fled into the woods, but he didnt get far.

Italians went to Camp Weingarten, at the German-heritage village of 99 residents. The 3,600 prisoners planted tomatoes and took over cooking, attracting American guards with their spicy enhancements to GI fare. Prisoners wore rejected GI garb marked with PW.

Most Americans regarded them as curiosities, but there was conflict. Union leaders protested the use of POWs at a quarry near Pevely. Letters to newspapers complained of coddling prisoners with such things as swimming-pool time at Jefferson Barracks, where 400 Germans were housed.

In March 1945, national radio commentator Walter Winchell claimed that Germans on Hellwig farm could sneak across the Missouri River into the explosives plant at Weldon Spring and blow the place up. American commanders dismissed his report as hysterical.

Italys surrender in 1943 changed the status of the Italian POWs, who remained here but were granted more freedom, including occasional trips to the Hill neighborhood. The last German POWs didnt head home until 1946.

A year later, the American government auctioned the buildings and fixtures, including 52 floodlights, at Camp Weingarten.

Read more stories from Tim O'Neil's Look Back series.
French senators demanded Thursday that the state recognize responsibility and identify guilty parties behind the chaos outside the national stadium that marred the Champions League final last month.

They also questioned why surveillance video of the scene  in which police pepper-sprayed fans and families  was automatically deleted, and why government officials didn't order it handed over to investigators instead. The fiasco drew worldwide attention to heavy-handed French policing and raised questions about how France manages security at big events.

The general impression of the unfolding of the Champions Leagues final is a lack of preparation, upstream lack of preparedness, lack of responsiveness during the events and questionable management after the events, Senator Laurent Lafon, leading a commission seeking explanations for what happened, said Thursday.

The gravity of the events ... requires a response from the state, he said. He did not name any specific culprits but noted that all those responsible for managing the situation at some point or another failed, and that all of them worked for the government.

The automatic deletion of the surveillance video leads to an impression that there is no one responsible, and since there is no one responsible, there is no one who is guilty, he said.

He and another senator spoke at the Stade de France to sum up the commissions work so far. They did not directly address the police violence.

A senior government official tasked with issuing a report on what happened said Thursday that security measures should have been adapted as crowds converged. Questioned by the senators, Michel Cadot called for exploring new ways of crowd control at stadiums, such as mounted police and artificial intelligence systems to monitor and predict crowd movements, notably ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The Paris police chief has admitted that the evening was a failure but he and the interior minister maintain that police were responding to the presence of tens of thousands of supporters without tickets or with forged tickets near the stadium. Witnesses and Liverpool's mayor have challenged the French authorities' version, and say French authorities are seeking to shift blame.

UEFA is also investigating the incidents, which marred one of the biggest games in world sports. Real Madrid beat Liverpool 1-0.

More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
ST. LOUIS  Prosecutors on Wednesday charged three men in last week's shooting of a 1-year-old girl during an attempted carjacking.

Desmond Harris, 22, Jaquan Cannon, 23, and James Earl Moore, 20, are each charged with vehicular hijacking, attempted robbery, unlawful use of a weapon and three counts of armed criminal action.

On Thursday morning St. Louis Metropolitan Police said Harris was in custody at hospital. The court issued at-large warrants on the other two men, who were not in custody.

Investigators say three women called police Friday and told officers they had pulled over in the 4100 block of Pleasant Street while they were looking up directions when three armed men approached.

The woman told police the men started talking to the woman in the driver's seat and ordered them out of the car.

Instead, the probable cause statement said, the driver accelerated and the men fired shots at the moving car, hitting a 1-year-old passenger in the head.

On Sunday, police said the girl survived after undergoing surgery. The child's condition had not change as of Thursday morning, according to police.

At the time of the shooting, police said a 22-year-old suspect was shot during the attempted carjacking. He was found at a nearby home suffering from gunshot wounds and was taken to a hospital and listed in critical but stable condition.

Later, investigators said all three women identified Harris in a lineup as the main suspect. Officers then found surveillance footage that showed the three men walking out of an apartment at Hyde Park Village Apartments, approaching the car and firing shots, then returning to the apartment.

Police said the video showed Harris and Cannon firing shots. Investigators said they later found guns in the apartment matching the ballistics found at the scene of the shooting.

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ST. LOUIS  The man accused of murdering a Shaw neighborhood resident May 20 was charged this week with stealing two vehicles and a trailer within three days of the killing.

Kyle A. Stone, 20, was charged Tuesday with three counts of felony stealing. Charges say he took a black 2011 GMC Yukon with an attached trailer on May 17 in the 3500 block of Oregon Avenue.

The Yukons owner spotted Stone taking the SUV, chased after the fleeing vehicle but couldnt stop it, charges said. The Yukon was later found but the trailer, which held various work tools, hasnt been found.

On May 19, Stone took a 2012 Buick Lacrosse from a BP gas station at 3182 Grand Boulevard, charges said.

The next day, police said Stone fatally shot Christopher Brennan, 47, about 7:20 p.m. in the 4000 block of Flora Place. Stone was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in Brennans death. Court records said that within 20 minutes after the shooting, multiple witnesses and surveillance video led police to arrest Stone.

The shooting was captured on surveillance footage that shows a person approaching and pulling a gun on Brennan in his backyard, charges said. After a short struggle, the gunman shoots Brennan before running away.

Stone is jailed without bail in the murder case as well as the new theft charges.

Brennan was an IT professional who was married with a young son, according to his social media pages. He graduated from Christian Brothers College High School and St. Louis University.

Stone has asked to defend himself but has temporarily been appointed a public defender. Stones family has said he was diagnosed with schizophrenia two years ago and that it had gone untreated.

Attorney Javad Khazaeli, who is representing the Brennan family, said last month that the gunman walked up to Brennans backyard and shot him multiple times in front of his wife, with their toddler nearby.

Hes been on a two-month reign of terror in our neighborhood, said Khazaeli, who also lives in the Shaw neighborhood.

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ST. LOUIS  A St. Louis man was charged Wednesday with slamming a dog's head against walls until it went limp.

Jonathan Packer, 33, of the 1100 block of Washington Avenue, was charged with one count of animal abuse by torture or mutilation.

Packer was walking two dogs Tuesday inside a building at 1110 Washington Avenue when he picked up one of them and repeatedly slammed its head against a wall  in the lobby and again on the sixth floor.

Packer was captured on video each time, charges said. On the sixth-floor video, Packer can be seen slamming the dog's head against a wall until it goes limp.

Officers with the city's animal control division responded and took the dog for treatment, charges said.

A judge ordered Packer held without bail. He was not in custody Thursday and did not have a lawyer listed in court records.

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ST. LOUIS  More than 20 teachers and staff members from St. Louis Public Schools have sued the districts leaders for suspending or firing them for not getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

The St. Louis School Board adopted a vaccine mandate last fall for all staff, unless they had a medical or religious exemption. The 22 employees suing the district were denied religious exemptions and placed on unpaid leave or fired last October, according to the lawsuit filed Tuesday in federal court.

All but two of the staff members were granted the vaccine exemptions in January and allowed to return to their jobs. The group, which includes teachers, substitutes, aides, safety officers, a social worker and a custodian, is asking for three months of back pay along with other damages. The lawsuit also asks the court to find the SLPS vaccine mandate unconstitutional.

The conduct of school district leaders was outrageous because of the Defendants evil motive or reckless indifference to the Plaintiffs rights, reads the lawsuit filed by St. Charles attorney Kevin Kasper.

While other local school districts and public agencies including the city of St. Louis imposed vaccine requirements last fall, most allowed unvaccinated employees to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing. St. Louis Public Schools policy only allowed testing for unvaccinated employees who were granted medical or religious exemptions.

About 96% of the districts 3,400 staff members received the vaccine by the October deadline, district officials said. Superintendent Kelvin Adams and Chief Human Resources Officer Charles Burton, who are named in the suit along with the St. Louis School Board, declined to comment Wednesday.

The American Federation of Teachers Local 420, which represents SLPS teachers, supports the districts vaccine policy. A spokesman for the union also declined to comment Wednesday about the lawsuit.

The districts vaccine mandate will likely be outlawed by the start of the school year. The Missouri Legislature passed a bill this spring banning vaccine mandates for public employees in the state. The law goes into effect in August if Gov. Mike Parson signs it.

A federal appeals court in April upheld President Joe Bidens requirement that all federal employees be vaccinated against COVID-19.

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ST. LOUIS  Norma Walker, the 22nd Ward Democratic committeewoman, is the partys nominee for the aldermanic seat of Jeffrey Boyd, who resigned after his indictment on federal corruption charges.

Walker, who was picked Saturday by the city Democratic committee to run in a special election Aug. 23, has the endorsement of Boyd, who has sent an email to various ward residents on her behalf.

Norma has been a true servant for our community, Boyd said in the email, sent Tuesday. We need her leadership to keep moving the ward forward. Although Im no longer Alderman, I will always be available if you need me. I love my community.

Boyd began the email by saying you may have heard Ive resigned ... due to unfortunate circumstances.

He said he was proud of what he accomplished in his 19 years as an alderman, citing new housing in several locations, annual community picnics and new businesses in the ward.

In doing so, he said, he had the support of an elected leadership team that also includes Walker and ward committeeman Andre Williams.

Boyd resigned June 3, the day after he pleaded not guilty to bribery and insurance fraud charges.

Walker could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

The Election Board has allowed political party committees to nominate candidates for aldermanic vacancies this year as specified in a city charter provision.

The charter has precedence over Proposition D, an ordinance passed by voters in 2020 that mandated nonpartisan elections for aldermen and some other key offices.

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CLAYTON  Dr. Faisal Khan, acting director of the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, will step down from his post Sept. 2, officials announced Thursday.

Khan, 48, submitted a resignation letter Thursday to County Executive Sam Page, calling his appointment over the last year an honor and a privilege.

The letter did not state a specific reason for the departure. Khan did not respond to a request for comment.

Khan has served as acting health director since February 2021, returning to a department where he had worked from 2010 to 2018, including the last three years as health director.

In a statement Thursday, Page lauded Khans leadership of the health department during the COVID-19 pandemic, in spite of intense criticism that included threats against his life.

The statement alluded to pushback Page and Khan faced last year from opponents of COVID-19 public health measures, at a time when Page and a council majority of his critics were at odds over health orders and pandemic aid spending, and a vocal anti-mask crowd regularly packed County Council meetings.

It culminated with a tense County Council meeting in July 2021 after which Khan, who had failed to get council support for a mask mandate amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, made an obscene gesture at an angry and vocal anti-mask crowd.

Khan, in a letter, acknowledged the gesture but said it came after he was subject to racist harassment by the crowd, blasting Councilman Tim Fitch, R-3rd District, for a dog-whistle question he said was meant to emphasize Khans Pakistani heritage: Why are you called Dr. Khan? Are you a physician in the United States?

Khan also said Council Chair Rita Days, D-1st District, did not do enough to intervene and maintain decorum. The letter drew national attention, garnering coverage by The Washington Post, MSNBC, PBSs NewsHour and CNNs Don Lemon Tonight.

But claims of physical assault were later undercut by video and security officers testimony, and Fitch called for Khans firing. A council majority voted 5-2 in December to reject his formal appointment as health director, adding that they were further upset by a leaked email Khan wrote to staff that referred to anti-maskers as the lunatic fringe.

Page, who had told the council in September that he had verbally reprimanded Khan for giving the middle finger, kept Khan in an acting role, and supporters said Khan was put under unfair pressure for trying to protect public health.

We appreciate the passion and leadership of Dr. Khan and wish him well in his next chapter, Page said in a statement Thursday.

Like health directors across the country, he faced intense criticism, including threats against his life, for following science and data in making decisions to keep our community safe from a deadly virus.

Page spokesman Doug Moore said an interim health director will be named in September shortly before Khan leaves.

Khan, in his resignation letter to Page, said he would spent the next two months working to ensure continuity of effort and a seamless transition plan for all operations of the Department of Public Health.

I thank you for your support and trust and assure you that the amazing team at the Department of Public Health will continue to serve the residents of St. Louis County with selfless commitment and professionalism, Khan said.

It has been an honor and a privilege to have worked in public service with selflessly dedicated professionals. The health and wellbeing of the residents of St. Louis County is in safe hands.

Criticism of Khan had been a flashpoint for political opponents of Page, including Democratic challenger Jane Dueker, and Republican candidate Shamed Dogan, a state representative from Ballwin.

Dogan on Thursday said he would have made one of his first acts to fire Khan.

Disappointed I wont get to fire this liar when Im elected County Exec, Dogan said on Twitter. Typical Khan and Page, giving no reason for the resignation and acting like everythings fine.

Fitch claimed Thursday that his disagreements were with Page and that Khan was caught in the middle because he serves at the pleasure of the county executive. Fitch and a council majority had claimed the July mask order was unlawful because Page didnt get their approval first.

He may have felt very strongly about masks  but the way they went about it, not following the law, wasnt on him, it was on Sam Page and the County Counselors office, Fitch said.

Fitch, a former county police chief when Khan previously served at the health department, said he wanted to talk with Khan one on one and work through that.

I wish him well, Fitch added.

Khan was CEO of the federally funded Samuel Rodgers Health Center in Kansas City between 2018 and 2021, and had previously worked on HIV and AIDS prevention in South Africa, Botswana and China and for public and private health administrations in West Virginia and Massachusetts.

Originally posted at 1:10 p.m. Thursday, June 1. Updated at 5:11 p.m.

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JEFFERSON CITY  About 50 Republican state lawmakers signed a letter Wednesday urging U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt to back out of a bipartisan plan to tackle gun violence, saying so-called red flag incentives included in the framework were unacceptable.

The letter focuses criticism on grants that would be made available for states to adopt red flag laws, which are designed to keep guns away from people who may pose a threat to themselves or others.

Rep. Tony Lovasco, R-OFallon, who wrote the letter, said he sent a copy to every House Republican as well as members of the Senate Conservative Caucus.

Forty-seven House Republicans signed the letter or expressed support afterward, less than half of the House GOP caucus. Lawmakers who didnt sign on include incoming House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, and outgoing House Speaker Rob Vescovo, R-Arnold.

House Speaker Pro Tem John Wiemann, R-OFallon, also didnt sign the letter. He is running in the Aug. 2 primary for state Senate against Rep. Nick Schroer, R-St. Charles County, who did sign it.

I certainly dont support red flag laws, Wiemann said, adding hes requested more information from Blunts office. He added the federal legislation has not been finalized.

I kind of felt it was premature for me to sign, Wiemann said.

Red flag laws, the Missouri lawmakers wrote in the letter, permit the government to confiscate weapons from people who havent been convicted of a crime.

If this measure comes to fruition, a vote for it will directly enable the spread of confiscation laws throughout the country, and further normalize support for the eventual disarmament of this nation, the lawmakers wrote.

Blunt is backing a provision to create a nationwide network of community behavioral health clinics and addiction services, along with funding for school-based mental health support. The framework also includes more resources for school safety.

Its reasonable to conclude that not all aspects (of the plan) ... are objectionable, and bipartisan discussion surrounding any legislation is a healthy part of the process, they said.

However, under no circumstances should you allow any bill to advance that contains gun control or firearm confiscation of any kind, they wrote.

The lawmakers wrote that Congress was essentially punting the issue of red flag laws to the states, and that Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, the lead Democrat in negotiations, sought to bribe states to pass red flag laws.

Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, on Wednesday cast doubt on Missouri adopting a red flag law.

The tentative agreement includes enhanced background checks for those 18 to 21 years old.

The compromise also includes closing a so-called boyfriend loophole, designed to prevent convicted domestic violence abusers from having guns.

A spokeswoman for Blunt did not respond to a request for comment.

A bipartisan group of 10 Senate Democrats and 10 Senate Republicans announced the bipartisan framework Sunday.

In addition to Blunt, three other Republicans who are backing the proposal are retiring in January: Richard Burr of North Carolina, Rob Portman of Ohio and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania. The six others arent running for reelection this year.

Republicans running to succeed him quickly bashed the Senate agreement as they jockey for GOP votes in a state where gun rights are a top campaign issue.

If gun control worked Chicago would be the safest city in America. In the U.S. Senate Ill always protect Missourians #2A rights just as I have as Attorney General, Attorney General Eric Schmitt tweeted.

Give them an inch, theyll take a mile. Very disappointing to see some in our party join Democrats to push gun control. When Im in the US Senate, I will ALWAYS protect our 2A rights! former Gov. Eric Greitens tweeted.

I have a message for the Republican leaders in the US Senate: do not compromise the Second Amendment one bit, said U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler, R-Harrisonville.

Kurt Erickson of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.

Posted at noon Thursday, June 16.

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JEFFERSON CITY  A proposed constitutional amendment asking Missouri voters to adopt a new way of conducting elections may not have enough valid signatures to get on the November ballot.

Although the counting and verifying of valid signatures is still underway, a spokesman for the Better Elections effort suggested Thursday there may be a shortfall.

There may not be sufficient signatures under Missouri law to give voters a chance to say yes to the Better Elections Amendment. The final counts from counties are still coming in, and were watching them closely, said Scott Charton.

Under state law, individuals or groups seeking to put a question to voters on the ballots must collect a total of more than 170,000 signatures from six of Missouris eight congressional districts.

An estimated 300,000 signatures were turned in to the Missouri Secretary of States office in May and are in the process of being verified by county clerks, who have until July 26 to complete the task.

Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller, for example, said his staff is conducting their checks with an eye on finishing by earlier July. He said it is too early to speculate on the outcome.

Charton said the group remains committed to the core mission of giving voters more choices in elections, empowering voters to hold politicians accountable when they lose their way, and ensuring integrity in elections.

More than 300,000 Missourians from every county  Republicans, Democrats and Independents  signed Better Elections petitions because they know our politics are broken right now. We are grateful for their strong support for fixing a broken system, Charton said.

The proposed constitutional amendment would abolish partisan primary elections and allow voters to rank their top four choices, regardless of party.

The top four vote-getters would advance to a general election, and voters would again rank their top four choices or just vote for their top pick.

One need only look at the recent dysfunction and chaos of the Missouri Legislature for evidence that things are off track. Missourians still want and deserve better elections  the positive changes we all deserve are only delayed, not denied, Charton added.

Critics say it could sow confusion and depress voting.

Better Elections political action committee has received most of its funding through the foundation of John and Laura Arnold, a wealthy Texas couple who also have backed similar voting changes in other states.

Better Elections has raised $2.4 million during the election cycle, according to reports filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

The latest MEC report notes that at least $1.3 million was paid to FieldWorks LLC for the signature collection effort. The Washington, D.C.-based firm also is being paid to collect signatures for Legal Missouri, which is pushing a constitutional amendment to legalize the sale of marijuana for adult, recreational use.

As a comparison, the signatures collected for the marijuana effort amount to 731 boxes of paper, compared to 192 for Better Elections.

Groups often collect an amount in excess of the required amount in order to account for some signatures being rejected.

In 2021, the Pew Research Center identified 261 jurisdictions in the U.S.  ranging from the state of California to a Texas school district  that have adopted some voting method other than the standard single-winner, plurality system most American voters know.

Posted at 12:18 p.m. Thursday, June 16.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  As the Supreme Court appears on track to overturn the constitutional right to abortion, progressive prosecutors around the U.S. are declaring they won't enforce some of the most restrictive and punitive anti-abortion laws that GOP-led states have waited years to implement.

The move is sure to rankle Republican lawmakers and governors, with about half the states poised to ban abortion if Roe v. Wade  the 1973 decision establishing a constitutional right to abortion  is weakened or overturned. Many of those Republican-led states have abortion clinics nestled in the large metro areas represented by Democratic district attorneys.

Anti-abortion laws in the U.S. largely shy away from explicitly punishing pregnant women and instead tend to target physicians, who could face loss of their medical license and lengthy prison sentences for performing the procedure illegally. But some abortion restrictions would penalize those who assist in an abortion and others could require women who secured the procedure to testify against those who helped her.

Yet enforcement of these laws will fall largely onto the shoulders of district attorneys, who wield wide discretion over whom to charge with crimes. Currently, it's not unusual for prosecutors elected in Democratic counties to voice their resistance to bringing charges under various GOP-backed mandates ranging from voting restrictions, limits on certain protest activity, laws aimed at LGBTQ people, and restrictions on mask requirements throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.

In 2020, more than 70 prosecutors from blue districts around the country publicized that they wouldnt bring charges under increasingly stringent laws that states have passed against abortion because they should not and will not criminalize healthcare decisions.

And so far, a growing number of prosecutors elected in Democratic counties are promising they wont pursue the criminal charges that have been tucked inside the harshest of abortion restrictions.

Michigan has become a particular battleground over who will enforce the state's abortion laws. Seven Democratic prosecutors there have vowed they won't enforce the state's long-dormant ban on the procedure, while two Republican prosecutors have joined abortion opponents in seeking to overturn the recent suspension of the 1931 statute.

The law, which makes it a crime to assist in an abortion, has had no practical effect for decades since abortion was legalized nationwide.

Those archaic statutes are unconstitutionally and dangerously vague, leaving open the potential for criminalizing doctors, nurses, anesthetists, health care providers, office receptionists  virtually anyone who either performs or assists in performing these medical procedures. Even the patient herself could face criminal liability under these statutes, the prosecutors from the Detroit, Lansing, Flint and Ann Arbor areas wrote in a letter.

In GOP-controlled Tennessee, Nashville's Democratic District Attorney Glenn Funk issued a statement just hours after the leaked draft opinion was published in early May. Funk promised he would stand by his previous position not to prosecute medical practitioners who perform an abortion nor any pregnant woman seeking the procedure.

I am appalled that this assault on a womans personal health decisions is in jeopardy. I stand by my prior statement," Funk said, a day before he won the Democratic primary election against two opponents who declined to state whether they would charge doctors.

Funk's longtime resistance to enforcing the state's abortion laws, as well as several others, has already sparked pushback from Tennessee Republican leaders. Late last year, the General Assembly passed a law allowing the attorney general to intervene in local cases  which includes abortion charges. The law permits the states legal chief to ask the Tennessee Supreme Court to appoint a temporary prosecutor when the district attorney has peremptorily and categorically refused to charge a case.

To date, the attorney general's office says it has not exercised the new law. Meanwhile, the state's top Republican leaders  who oversee every major political office  have remained mum on Funk's defiant stance, and his office has declined to answer follow up questions.

The National Right to Life Committee, which advocates for abortion restrictions, has developed model legislation in the event Roe is overturned that would, among things, authorize state attorneys general to file charges in abortion cases if local prosecutors refuse.

Chief prosecutors who represent some of Texas' most populated counties recently released a joint statement urging elected prosecutors to resist advancing charges that would criminalize personal healthcare decisions.

Like Tennessee, Texas is among the 13 states that have so-called trigger laws  measures that would ban most abortions and take effect almost automatically, should the nations highest court overturn the Roe. That ruling is expected to be released by late June or early July.

Many of these enactments have the potential to fuel attempts by some to criminalize patients, medical professionals, healthcare providers, and others who assist in these medical procedures, the prosecutors wrote, whose reach include Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and parts of Houston.

The statement came just weeks after a Texas woman was arrested after a grand jury indicted her for murder for allegedly causing the death of an individual ... by self-induced abortion. Starr County District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez quickly moved to dismiss the charges, pointing out the woman hadn't violated any state laws. Still, the incident only further cemented abortion rights advocates' warnings that prosecutors will be key in how anti-abortion laws are exercised on the local level.

Such decisions come as these lawyers must often win elections in order to take over the top prosecutorial role in their community. While many Republican hopefuls have publicly stated their intention to fully enforce the strictest anti-abortion laws, Democratic candidates are hoping their resistance will be enough to woo enough voters in key states.

In Arizona, Democrat Julie Gunningle quickly announced that she would not prioritize prosecuting doctors or pregnant women in her bid to become Maricopa County attorney, which encompasses the metro Phoenix area. Kris Mayes, the only Democrat running for Arizona attorney general, has also promised she wouldnt prosecute abortion cases in a state that has both a pre-statehood law that makes all abortion illegal and a new law signed by Republican Gov. Doug Ducey that bans abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Both seats were previously held by Republicans.

In Missouri, which has just one clinic  based in St. Louis  that provides abortions for the entire state, progressive prosecutors have shied away from issuing public statements promising to defy anti-abortion laws enacted by Republican state lawmakers. Instead, they warn that the state's trigger law will cause a "slippery slope.

If Roe v. Wade is struck down, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell, a Democrat, said its going to be open season and its going to have a disproportionate effect on poor folks  Black and brown but even poor white folks."

Associated Press writers Bob Christie in Phoenix and Jim Salter in St. Louis, Missouri contributed to this report.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  Australias new government on Thursday formally committed to a more ambitious greenhouse gas reduction target of 43% by the end of the decade in fulfillment of a key election pledge.

The previous conservative government was dumped by voters at the May 21 election after it stuck to a seven-year-old pledge to reduce Australias emissions by only 26% to 28% below 2005 levels by 2030.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had written to U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change executive secretary Patricia Espinosa Cantellano to inform her of Australias new 2030 target.

Albanese said legislation to enshrine the new target in law would be introduced to the new Parliament which will sit for the first time on July 26. However the target did not depend on Parliament's approval.

Investment in Australias energy sector had been held up during the previous governments nine years in power due to the administration's failure to agree on a climate policy, Albanese said.

What businesses have been crying out for is investment certainty, Albanese said. The certainty that they need to invest over a longer time frame than the political cycle of three years.

Australia is one of the world's largest exporters of coal and liquified natural gas which makes reducing dependence on fossil fuels a politically vexed issue. The previous government was widely considered a laggard among wealthy countries in combating climate change.

The United States has committed to reductions of between 50% and 52% below 2005 levels by 2030. Britain has pledged to cut emissions by 68% below 1990 levels.

Albaneses government could face pressure in a new, greener Parliament to adopt an even more ambitious target.

Several seats have yet to be declared as counting continues following the election.

The center-left Labor Party administration will likely hold a narrow majority of 77 seats in the 151-seat House of Representatives where a majority of lawmakers is needed to form government.

A record 16 lawmakers in the House will not be aligned with either the government or opposition.

The minor Greens party is on track to secure four seats, up from a single lawmaker in the last Parliament. The Greens want a 2030 reduction target of 75%. Newly elected independent lawmakers have called for a 60% target or at least 50%.

Greens senators could hold a balance of power in the upper chamber where major parties rarely hold a majority and need support from outside government to pass laws.

The 2030 commitment comes as much of Australias population faces soaring electricity and gas prices due in part to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Large parts of southeast Australia face the threat of blackouts for a range of reasons including an unusually cold start to the Southern Hemisphere winter and unscheduled outages of aging coal-fired generations that will be shut down within years and are not being adequately maintained.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Supreme Court said Wednesday it was wrong to wade into a dispute involving a Trump-era immigration rule that the Biden administration has abandoned, so the justices dismissed the case.

The court had said it would answer the question of whether Republican-led states, headed by Arizona, could pick up the legal defense of the Trump-era public charge rule that denied green cards to immigrants who use food stamps or other public benefits.

The high court heard arguments in the case in February and appeared on track to decide it. But in an unsigned, one-sentence opinion Wednesday, the court said it was dismissing the case. That leaves in place a lower court ruling in favor of the Biden administration that the states could not intervene.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote separately to say he agreed with the decision to toss the case. Roberts said that bound up in the case are a great many issues beyond the question that the court had agreed to decide. It has become clear that this mare's nest could stand in the way" of deciding the case "or at the very least, complicate our resolution of that question, he wrote.

Roberts said the court's action should not be taken as reflective of ... the appropriate resolution of other litigation, pending or future, related to the 2019 Public Charge Rule, its repeal, or its replacement by a new rule.

Roberts was joined by three other justices in the court's conservative majority: Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch. Gorsuch was appointed to the court by Trump. The former president's two other nominees, Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Justice Amy Coney Barrett, said nothing.

At the center of the case was a federal law says that green card applicants cannot be burdens to the country or public charges. The Trump administration significantly expanded the definition, saying the use of public benefits including food stamps or Medicaid could be disqualifying. That led to court challenges, but the Supreme Court allowed the policy to take effect while those continued.

The Biden administration rescinded the rule and has since announced new guidelines. The administration had said that in practice, the government denied green cards to only three people under Trumps rule and that their applications were later reopened and approved. Immigration groups have said the bigger impact of the rule was scaring immigrants, causing them to drop benefits or not enroll in them because of fears doing so could affect their applications to become legal permanent residents.

In addition to Arizona, the states involved in the case were Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia.

In a statement, Brittni Thomason, a spokesperson for the Arizona Attorney Generals Office said, "Our coalition of states will evaluate how best to continue this important fight."

The case is State of Arizona v. City and County of San Francisco, California, 20-1775.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP)  European Council President Charles Michel visited North Macedonia on Thursday and said efforts to start European Union membership talks with the landlocked Balkan country and neighboring Albania have become a top priority since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

EU-member Bulgaria has blocked the start of those accession talks, insisting that North Macedonia officially recognizes common aspects of the neighbors' history and language. The impasse has also tied up Albania's bid.

The war in Ukraine opened a new chapter in European history and put EU enlargement at the forefront, Michel said at the joint press conference with North Macedonias President Stevo Pendarovski in the lakeside resort of Ohrid.

The EU is firmly committed to your entry into the EU and the start of negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania to begin as soon as possible. This is a top priority and we support all efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution to the open bilateral issue with Bulgaria, Michel said.

Concerned over regional stability, the European Union has invited leaders of Western Balkan countries  including North Macedonia and Albania  to an EU leaders meeting on June 23.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited the region last week to try and break the impasse, in an effort also backed by southern neighbor Greece.

At next week's meeting in Brussels, EU leaders also are expected to consider whether to make Ukraine a candidate for EU membership.

North Macedonia applied for EU membership in 2004 and received a positive assessment from the European Commission a year later.

EU leaders agreed to formal accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia after Skopje settled in 2018 a nearly three decade-long dispute with neighboring Greece over the countrys name, which saw it renamed North Macedonia.

Western Balkan countries are at different stages of EU membership talks. Serbia and Montenegro have already started negotiating some chapters of their membership agreements. Kosovo and Bosnia have signed a Stabilization and Association Agreement, the first step toward membership.

Follow AP's coverage of the Ukraine war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The time has come for the St. Louis region to change how our major governments function. Unfortunately, the region has become a poster child for political corruption. Just three years after St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger pleaded guilty to federal pay-to-play charges, two St. Louis aldermen, the president of the Board of Aldermen, and one politically hired St. Louis County employee have been federally indicted for various corruption charges.

The region needs structural change to move forward and restore trust in our government. It is time for St. Louis city and county to join cities like Austin, Kansas City, Phoenix, Dallas and San Antonio, along with Los Angeles County, Lake County, Illinois, and Bexar County, Texas, that have adopted a council-manager form of government.

Created to help end the corrupt political-boss system and provide high quality management of increasingly complex services, the council-manager form of government has become the most dominant system of local government in the United States. Of the 247 largest cities, 144 are run by a professional manager along with nearly 400 county governments.

Such a reform would revolutionize the way St. Louis city and county are governed by placing the day-to-day affairs of government in the hands of a politically neutral, professional government manager. This manager would be hired by the governing body on the basis of the managers qualifications, not political connections. The person would be accountable to the governing body, where all members have equal authority. If performance was not acceptable or a change was needed, all it takes is a majority vote to fire the manager. No waiting years for the next election, where campaign money often dictates winners and losers.

Gone would be the aldermanic courtesy system or barely checked executive power that is susceptible to corruption and political horse-trading. In its place would be an organization run by a professional dedicated to the principles of effective resident service, efficiency, and political neutrality and who subscribes to an internationally accepted code of ethics.

This form of government helps to ensure that all people, regardless of political affiliations and connections, receive equitable access to government programs and services. Changing to a council-manager system does not eliminate the importance of elected officials. Instead it redefines their role into one focused on leadership and strategic vision, allowing them to get away from micro-managing the daily affairs of government.

Political corruption is not the only issue undermining the future of the St. Louis region. Our region also suffers from the lack of a cohesive strategy for growth and inconsistent levels of government service. Our problems cannot be solved without focused, long-term effort. Given the short-term nature of the election cycle, the councilmanager form of government provides a structure that is more conducive to a long-term focus while ensuring day-to-day services are provided consistently and equitably.

By moving to a council-manager form of government, the administrative head of the city or county would remain in place even during times of political change  so long as the managers performance meets expectations. By combining professional management of operations with strong elected leadership to guide the region, the likelihood of making progress against the major challenges our region faces would increase tremendously.

The world is changing as a result of the pandemic. Work-from-home really means work-from-anywhere, giving people and employers more freedom than ever to choose where they live. Why would good businesses and good employees come to a place that exhibits so much dysfunction and corruption? Just as so many other regions have faced down their dysfunction through the installation of professional management in government, the moment has come for St. Louis city and county to do the same.

Kris Simpson is the city administrator of Crestwood. Benjamin DeClue is the city administrator of Glendale and immediate past president of the Missouri City/County Management Association. Mark Perkins, Creve Coeur city administrator, contributed to this commentary. All three are members of the International City/County Management Association.
Russia is encountering major problems trying to control the information made available to the public. This became a critical problem after the invasion of Ukraine and the government wanted to conceal the extent of their military failures. Passing new laws against disclosing such information and shutting down the last few media operations that were not state controlled was not enough. A decade ago, Russia passed a law mandating that ISPs (Internet service providers) quickly block websites deemed to be a threat to the public. The initial law was aimed at information promoting child sexual abuse, terrorism or illegal drugs. That was soon extended to military information, like casualties in foreign wars or among conscripts in Russia. The ban on casualty information created a lot of public protest. One of the more common tools for evading censors has been the VPN (Virtual Private Networks). The Russian resistance escalated as the government sought to ban VPNs that refused to submit to government monitoring. Such monitoring was what VPNs were invented to bypass and evade. The worldwide software development community creates new software and updates existing apps that make it more difficult for governments, especially the Chinese and Russians, to engage in censorship and government eavesdropping.

Since 2014 China has taken the lead in cracking down on VPN use with more and more effective methods. Russia went even further and proposed emulating North Korea and turning their Internet into an intranet. That is a Russian Internet separate from the rest of the world. This generated a lot of resistance from the Russian scientific and business community. Russia scaled back its intranet plans and instead began working towards creating a national Internet/Intranet that can be activated on short notice and function as a national Intranet for as long as necessary. Some tests of this tech have already been conducted and given a nationwide test in late 2019 and that test was proclaimed a success even though the Intranet was not fully functional and that was not expected to happen for a few years. Then Ukraine was invaded in early 2022 and the Russian intranet capabilities were revealed to be as unreliable as the Russian military. Government efforts to hide their military failures generated more popular opposition to the Intranet project. The active resistance came from Russian expatriates as well as those still in Russia. Many of those who left Russia did so to escape the growing police-state practices of the democratic government that has evolved into a dictatorship over the last two decades.

Russia has been exporting its Internet control tech to other nations, like Turkmenistan and Belarus, which were formerly parts of the Soviet Union and, like Russia, have reverted to dictatorship. Cuba, also a communist police state, has also adopted Russian Internet control methods as has Iran, a Moslem religious dictatorship. China has also exported its Internet and social control tech to nations like Turkey, Pakistan, Oman, the UAE and Eritrea. These nations want to impose a lot of control on their Internet users and what the Chinese and Russians are offering seems to work. Moslem majority nations, even technically democratic ones like Pakistan, have eagerly sought out and adopted Internet control and censorship technology.

Governments in general, even true democracies, have sought to better control Internet use by their own citizens. This is usually justified by the need to safeguard public morality (from porn, especially child pornography) and enforce existing laws, mainly copyrights. Many Internet users see all this as more governments seeking to retain power over information, especially about government misbehavior.

Most of the global population now has access to the Internet, often via smartphones that are actually very small computers possessing more computing power and data storage than much larger computers businesses were using in the 1980s. This rapid increase of computing power and availability caused authoritarian governments to lose control of the mass media (print and later broadcast) which, for over a century, had enabled dictators to control what their people knew of the world and in their own countries. Even in democracies many elected leaders, and even more unelected bureaucrats, resented and feared the information freedom enjoyed by a population where the majority of people were enthusiastic users of the Internet and hostile to government efforts to control or censor it.

In un-democratic nations, the Internet was a very real threat to dictatorial leaders. As Internet use grew so did efforts to control it. Early on Internet users believed that governments were at a permanent disadvantage when it came to information control. Not just because the Internet now existed and was more widely available than telephones ever were, but because the Internet was originally designed to survive massive disruption, like a nuclear war, and keep functioning. American military researchers were given the task of creating that type of system in the 1960s and, within two decades, the fundamental Internet tech was operational but only available to military and academic researchers. The early Internet was never a secret as it ultimately had to be widely available to work. That came when it slowly became commercialized in the 1990s. Then the web browser was invented in 1993 followed by the World Wide Web, and Internet use skyrocketed. At the same time cell phones were becoming smaller, cheaper and more widely available. By 2000 the Internet as we know it was rapidly developing and spreading.

China was particularly determined to tame the Internet, which continues to enable too many Chinese to speak freely with each other and billions of other Internet users outside China. By late 2017 it became clear that the latest anti-VPN measures had backfired. A growing number of foreign firms, whose VPN use is supposed to be unrestricted, were finding their VPNs rendered useless by Chinese censors. Worse, the Chinese government was slow to fix these problems and it was no secret that many Chinese leaders would like to drive most foreign companies out of China without admitting that sort of thing is Chinese policy.

The VPN situation got much worse in 2015 when China made a major effort to block Chinese from free access to the international Internet. This involved new censorship software to detect and block the use of VPNs that have been used to access forbidden websites outside China. In 2015 it was estimated that as many as ten percent of Chinese Internet users got past the Great Firewall Of China'' using VPNs and other technical tools. The government also rolled out powerful new data mining and screening software checks for anti-government posts in real-time. The problem with blocking all this is that many of these wall piercers are just curious or, more importantly, business users who need this international access to remain competitive. While the government will grant international access for business and academic users, permits are difficult to get and still involve some censorship. As expected, the Great Firewall crossers are finding other ways to access the outside world and the struggle continues.

Despite all this censorship, Chinese and Russians continue to discuss forbidden subjects, mainly about corruption at the top and those who openly protest the corruption and bad government. Chinese and Russian censors are not really going after individual offenders as much as they are seeking to prevent mass unrest from being ignited. Sometimes even the arrest and punishment of Internet offenders is not publicized, lest this gets a mass protest movement going. China and Russia have a growing problem with large groups of people hitting the streets to protest in the flesh. With the large amount of government corruption and inefficiency, there's a lot to protest. The Internet is seen as essential economically, but also the chief means of local protests turning into major ones. That is not to be allowed, at all costs. That approach has not worked so far but has made Internet use more difficult and limited in many parts of the world. Worst of all, Internet users still find a way to complain to each other about Internet censorship. The Internet has changed the relationship between rulers and ruled worldwide and returning to the bad old days is no longer an option.
The American Army planned to reveal details of its new MDO (Multi-Domain Operations) doctrine in June, which was developed to deal with near-peer forces that have troops, training and equipment similar to what the U.S. uses. The main near-peer adversaries were China and Russia and MDO was based on assumptions of how these adversaries would operate and how best to deal with that. Then reality intruded in February when Russia invaded Ukraine and three months later the Russians continue to perform well-below MDO expectations. The army has delayed the release of MDO for three months or more. China is also revising its war plans and Russians are still in shock, although much of what went wrong made sense based on what the West knew of the post-Soviet Union Russian military.

This sort of reality check is nothing new. It occurred during the World Wars and after the Vietnam War. Since 2001 the U.S. has been fighting irregulars and Islamic terrorists, which required some jarring changes in the way the army and marines operated. The army studied what happened after 2001 when the then current plans for future warfare had been quickly revised. That led to MDO, which lays out how the army will return to dealing with near-peer adversaries.

Since the 1990s the Army has been trying to learn how to adapt to the future (and succeeding), rather than planning for it (and failing). For example, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the army began its "Land Warrior'' program to identify, develop and test new technologies for the infantry. The general idea, at least for the press and politicians, was to create a high-tech ensemble of futuristic weapons and equipment for American infantry in the early 21st century with 2020 often mentioned as a target date. Things didn't work out as planned, even though there was no detailed "plan." But all was not lost. In 2009 the army sent an infantry brigade, equipped with Land Warrior gear, to Afghanistan. This, in spite of the fact that, in 2007, after ten years of effort, and about $500 million, the Land Warrior program was canceled.

Well, sort of canceled. A lot of this futuristic gear for infantrymen was already out there and in use. However, the Land Warrior program included a lot of technology that still wasn't ready for combat. In effect, the Land Warrior program is dead, but the Land Warrior concept lives on with new gear the combat troops are using. This effort was renamed "Ground Soldier Ensemble." The troops continued to get new tech that works on the battlefield. There is still a plan for a radically new "ensemble." This time the target date was around 2030, and the army is trying to explain to the media and the politicians who provide the cash that this effort is mainly an ongoing exploration of new technologies. The Land Warrior experience demonstrated that new tech arrives, usually unexpectedly, too frequently for detailed, long term, plans to work.

For example, when canceled, the Land Warrior gear included a wearable computer/GPS/radio combination, plus improvements in body armor and uniform design. The original, 1990s, Land Warrior concept was a lot more ambitious. But that version had a science fiction air about it. The brass eventually got more realistic, especially after September 11, 2001. That, plus the unexpectedly rapid appearance of new computer and communications technologies, caused them to reduce the number of items included in the initial Land Warrior release. At the same time, this made it possible for the first version of Land Warrior to undergo field testing for two years (2007-9) and, even though that resulted in the cancellation of Land Warrior, many of the individual components continued to be developed. Eventually all the troops will have wearable computers, and wi-fi capability.

In 2006, a battalion of infantry tested the then current Land Warrior gear in the United States. Many of the troops involved were combat veterans, and their opinions indicated that some of the stuff was worth carrying around the battlefield, and some wasn't. The army has been getting new gear to Iraq and Afghanistan as quickly as it passed muster with the troops, thereby building the Land Warrior ensemble a piece at a time. The 2006 tests revealed some communications problems. This was not unexpected, but the Land Warrior system depends on continuous communications to provide accurate position information for all the networked troops and their commanders.

What the field tests tried to prove was whether the usual imperfect communications, which have long been common in combat, before and after radio was introduced, rendered Land Warrior not-worth-the-effort. This is where using combat veterans was so important. Troops who have not been in combat have to guess if certain test conditions would result in a battlefield disaster, or just an annoyance, especially in light of the potential advantages from using Land Warrior.

The army fixed the reliability and GPS update times problems and in 2008 sent an infantry battalion to Iraq equipped with the "remnants of Land Warrior" gear. The troops found it useful in combat. In particular, they liked how the digital map (they could see in their eyepiece, where it appeared as if they were looking at a laptop display) could be updated by commanders to show new objectives, and how to get there. Since each trooper had GPS and a digital radio, it was easy to send such updates to everyone. This was particularly important because so many operations were at night. This was why the army then sent a brigade equipped with the same gear (2.7 kg/8 pounds worth) that the test battalion found useful.

Over half a century of studies has resulted in knowledge of what an infantryman needs to be more effective. They need to know where they are, quickly. Having a poor idea of where you are proved to be one of the main shortcomings of armored vehicles. While infantrymen can just look around, armored crews tend to be cut off from this while inside their vehicle. The crews are even more easily disoriented. When the shooting starts, the vehicle commander, who normally stands up with his head outside the turret for better visibility, ducks back inside to stay alive. Infantry are not much better off. Although they can see their surroundings, they are often crouching behind something. When getting shot at, standing up to look around is not much of an option.

Testing showed that there were several serious problems. The battlefield wi-fi system took about ten seconds to update everyone's position. Manufacturers promised to eventually get down to a third of that, but real-time updates proved to be over a decade away. The troops managed to work around that, up to a point. Between 2006 and 2008, the system was made faster and more reliable.

The troops provided lots of useful feedback. For example, they want a keypad, at least similar to a cell phone, so they can more easily send text messages like many of them do now with their cell phones. The small vidcam mounted on the end of everyone's rifle was dropped, although it eventually returned in a more useful and reliable form.

Son of Land Warrior quickly changed the way troops fought. Everyone is now able to move around more quickly, confidently and effectively. This model has already been demonstrated with the Stryker units. Captured enemy gunmen often complained of how the Strykers came out of nowhere and skillfully maneuvered to surround and destroy their targets. This was often done at night, with no lights (using night vision gear.) When you have infantry using Land Warrior gear to do the same thing on foot, you demoralize the enemy. Hostile Iraqis already attribute all manner of science fiction type capabilities to American troops. But with Son of Land Warrior/Ground Soldier Ensemble, the bar will have to be raised on what's science fiction, and what is just regular issue gear. This is typical of what happens in wartime, where the demand for better weapons and equipment, and a realistic place to test it, greatly accelerates the development and deployment of the new stuff.

The most insurmountable problem was a rather mundane one, battery power. Expected advances in battery technology did not appear, so even if all the technology worked, there was no way to carry sufficient batteries, much less keep Land Warrior users supplied with them. This is proving to be a major problem for one of the more popular new ideas; an exoskeleton, or even an armored suit as in the "Ironman" comics. Stuff like this can actually be built, but you can't go very far with it because batteries simply do not exist that can provide the needed power.

The army expects more success with new medicines and medical monitoring devices, which are already showing up in non-military applications. There is a constant flood of new, and often unexpected, consumer electronics. Same way with new gear for civilian hunters and outdoor activities in general. It's a chore just keeping up, but that's what a lot of the army developers spend a lot of their time doing.

But the army has found that the troops are willing to try new gear in combat. And the infantry often does this without telling the brass, by buying new civilian technology with their own money. Sometimes this even extends to weapons or weapons accessories. Fortunately, the army provides message boards for the troops to report their experiences, and recommendations. To the army, it's clear that Future Soldier (or whatever the name is changed to) will evolve, more than it will follow a plan.

This was demonstrated when MDO was delayed because of the Ukraine reality check.
ADT Inc. (NYSE: ADT), the most trusted brand in smart home and small business security, today announced the appointment of William M. (Bill) Lewis Jr. to the companys board of directors as a Class II director with a term expiring at the 2025 annual meeting.

We are pleased to welcome Bill to our board of directors, said ADTs Chairman, Marc Becker. Bill has deep experience providing financial counsel to growth companies in a wide range of industries. He brings broad new perspective to the ADT board as it develops and grows safe, smart, and sustainable customer solutions.

Its a pleasure to join ADTs board of directors and be part of this iconic companys exciting future, Lewis said. The smart home and rooftop solar markets are primed for growth, with exciting new innovations and ideal market conditions that set the stage for ADT to achieve strong growth and positive results.

Lewis was designated by Apollo and will replace Matthew Nord, who has retired from the Board. Lewis joined Apollo in 2021 as a senior partner, where he sources and executes investment opportunities across the firms private equity business. Prior to Apollo, he was managing director and chairman of investment banking at Lazard, where he spent more than 17 years advising global corporations on financial matters. Before Lazard, Lewis held leadership roles at Morgan Stanley for 24 years.

Lewis serves on the boards of non-profit organizations including Uncommon Schools, New York Presbyterian Hospital, the New York City Police Foundation, the Posse Foundation, the National Constitution Center, the Economic Club of New York and Echoing Green. In addition to his not-for-profit activities, he serves on the board of Lazard Ltd., Ariel Alternatives, LLC and formerly served on the boards of Freddie Mac and Darden Restaurants.
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, the United States Senate voted to pass the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, a federal mandate with bipartisan support to provide former residents of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, military, civilians and their families the right to seek reparations from the U.S. government. The bill is expected to be signed into law by President Biden, under the Honoring Our PACT Act, as soon as next week.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, bill number H.R. 2192, allows those impacted from living and working at Camp Lejeune to exercise their constitutional right to legal action against the U.S. government for toxic water exposure on base.

From 1953 to 1987, water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina contained volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including known carcinogens at up to 280 times the standard safety level. Four core chemicals and 70 secondary chemicals were identified in the water including: trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride (VC), and benzene. Exposure to these toxins through drinking, cooking, cleaning and bathing water caused myriad health complications, including a variety of cancer diagnoses, Parkinsons disease, stillbirths, infertility, miscarriages and more.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows anyone who lived or worked at the base between 1952 and 1987 for at least 30 days and who was exposed to its contaminated water to file a claim against the U.S. government. The bill prohibits the U.S. government from asserting specific immunity from litigation in response to any potential lawsuit.

With this legislation, poisoned family members, caretakers, civilians, and veterans who lived and worked at Camp Lejeune can seek reparations outside of the VA. In January 2017, the Obama administration implemented a disability claims process through the VA to provide disability compensation for eight medical conditions determined to be connected with exposure to Camp Lejeunes contaminated water. Since then, two levels of benefits are available solely through the VA: presumptive benefits and compensation for family members out-of-pocket costs.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was necessary because, without this bill, military family members and civilians who suffer from diseases, deformities, and loss of loved ones would otherwise not have an opportunity for reparations. Now, those who suffer or have suffered from one of the presumptive conditions due to exposure, can seek compensation via the judicial system with the U.S. government prohibited from asserting specified immunity. Even those without one of the presumptive illnesses may still have a claim. Adults who lived on Camp Lejeune as children and suffer from toxic water exposure may also seek reparations, as well as primary caretakers, including spouses and children of the individuals directly exposed, on behalf of the poisoned.

Due to an obscure North Carolina law that implements a strict 10-year statute of repose, thousands of impacted individuals have been previously legally prohibited to file claims. North Carolina is the only state where such a statute exists and, despite recent amending for future cases, it does not apply retroactively and subsequently does nothing for Camp Lejeune victims seeking to file a claim outside the 10-year window.

As a result of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, military veterans, their family members, and civilians now have access to the court systems. The legislation covers individuals not already compensated who must prove and win their case on its merits. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is adjudicated in the courts and paid out through a U.S. Treasury department called the Treasury Judgment Fund.

If you or a family member may be eligible for litigation or are interested in learning more about the legislation and the judicial process, please visit: https://justiceforlejeune.org/.

About Lejeune Justice

Lejeune Justice is a coalition of individuals and veterans organizations, all working on the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. For more information, please visit: https://justiceforlejeune.org/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220606005967/en/

Lejeune Justice

[email protected]

Source: Lejeune Justice
DULUTH, Minn. & KNOXVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Cirrus Aircraft delivered the first of twenty-five SR Series TRAC20 aircraft to United Aviate Academy. The TRAC20 is an advanced, high-performance aircraft that will be used for initial pilot training at the only ab-initio flight academy operated by one of the largest U.S.-based airlines. In February, the company announced a purchase agreement with United Aviate Academy to purchase twenty-five TRAC20 aircraft with the option to acquire fifty more as the program grows.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005930/en/

United Aviate Academy receives the first TRAC20 aircraft at Cirrus Aircraft's Vision Center in Knoxville, Tenn. (Photo: Business Wire)

The TRAC20 is one of the most technologically advanced aircraft on the market and we are super excited to bring it to our academy and train our students to prepare them for United Airlines, said Dana Donati, Chief Executive Officer of United Aviate Academy.

United Aviate Academys TRAC20 fleet is equipped with an integrated avionics suite essential for situational awareness and hazard avoidance, such as Synthetic Vision, ChartView, Active Traffic and more. These advanced avionics will prepare United Aviate Academy students for their careers at regional and mainline airlines after graduation. Additionally, the hot weather package keeps students and instructors comfortable in the Goodyear, Arizona training environment. The hazard and traffic avoidance features provide extra safety in this dense flight training area.

Cirrus Aircraft offers an aircraft personalization program where customers work with the Cirrus Aircraft Xi Design team to create a custom aesthetic for their aircraft using their own inspiration and vision. United Aviate Academy collaborated with the Xi Design team to create a unique livery featuring aspects of both brands. All twenty-five aircraft will feature this thoughtful design featuring the blue and white United Aviate Academy logo on the tail, fuselage, and crew seats as well as a wear-resistant interior.

Cirrus Aircraft is proud to work with United Aviate Academy to provide the next generation of United Airlines pilots with a fleet of advanced training aircraft built with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System. For over 30 years, Cirrus Aircraft has been at the forefront of numerous industry safety innovations and maintains a safety rating well above the industry average, said Zean Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of Cirrus Aircraft. Together, we are introducing more people to aviation and providing new opportunities for underrepresented populations by removing barriers and supporting new programs like United Aviate Academy.

United Aviate Academys year-long training program at Phoenix Goodyear Airport sets up students for a career that reflects Uniteds high standard of professionalism and commitment to delivering a safe, caring, dependable and efficient travel experience. The Academy is part of Uniteds industry-leading pilot career development program, which offers aspiring and established pilots the most direct path to a United flight deck. Within the next decade, United aims to hire more than 10,000 pilots and train about 5,000 aspiring pilots to aviation through the Academy.

To learn more about the SR Series TRAC20, please visit cirrusaircraft.com/fleet.

About Cirrus Aircraft

Cirrus Aircraft is the recognized global leader in personal aviation and the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the Vision Jet, the worlds first single-engine Personal Jet, and the recipient of the Robert J. Collier Trophy. Founded in 1984, the company has redefined aviation performance, comfort and safety with innovations like the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS)  the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft. To date, worldwide flight time on Cirrus aircraft has passed 14 million hours, and 230 people have returned home safely to their families as a result of the inclusion of CAPS as a standard feature on all Cirrus aircraft. The company has six locations in the United States, including Duluth, Minnesota; Grand Forks, North Dakota; Knoxville, Tennessee; Greater Dallas, Texas; Greater Phoenix, Arizona; and Greater Orlando, Florida. Learn more at cirrusaircraft.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005930/en/

Nadia Haidar

PR Manager

Cirrus Aircraft

[email protected]

1-865-336-6153

Source: Cirrus Aircraft
A market leader in providing cloud and software platforms for broadband service providers, Calix launches newest research and development center in Bengaluru to engage the best and brightest on a mission to enable even the smallest service providers to simplify their businesses, excite their subscribers, and grow their value

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Fourth paragraph, first sentence of release dated June 2, 2022, should read: I am really excited about whats going to happen here, said Michael Weening, president and chief operating officer, to the new CIDC team at the centers launch. (instead of I am really excited about whats going to happen here, said Michael Weening, president and chief executive officer, to the new CIDC team at the centers launch.).

The updated release reads:

CALIX LAUNCHES INDIA DEVELOPMENT CENTER TO DRIVE CLOUD PLATFORM INNOVATION FOR BROADBAND SERVICE PROVIDERS

A market leader in providing cloud and software platforms for broadband service providers, Calix launches newest research and development center in Bengaluru to engage the best and brightest on a mission to enable even the smallest service providers to simplify their businesses, excite their subscribers, and grow their value

To continue driving the innovation behind its industry-leading platforms and solutions, Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) announced the grand opening of the Calix India Development Center (CIDC) in Bengaluru, India. The 21,000-square-foot facility will expand research and development (R&D), Commercial Operations, and Marketing to support the next phase of hypergrowth for Calix. Calix chose to invest in Bengaluru, Indias Silicon Valley, for its new development center because of its position at the forefront of information technology in India. Bengaluru is known for attracting the top talent Calix needs to develop the next generation of solutions that are transforming the broadband industry.

A major focus of the CIDC will be to expand the development teams for the award-winning Calix Cloud platform. Calix Cloud is the industrys only purpose-built platform that allows broadband service providers (BSPs) of all sizes to easily access real-time data, analytics, and automation to run an efficient and subscriber-centric business. Calix plans to double the initial CIDC workforce by the end of 2022.

Calix has developed its award-winning culture through a unique set of core beliefs and best practices, including:

Award-winning technological innovation and a focus on customer success. Calix cloud and software platforms, developed through extensive R&D, deliver unparalleled solutions that allow even the smallest BSP to innovate and transform. Industry-leading Revenue EDGE and Intelligent Access EDGE platforms, combined with the Calix Cloud and Customer Success Services, empower BSPs across the globe to quickly adopt industry best practices to propel their communities forward, become leaders in their markets, and drive back the competition from consumer giants.

Calix cloud and software platforms, developed through extensive R&D, deliver unparalleled solutions that allow even the smallest BSP to innovate and transform. Industry-leading Revenue EDGE and Intelligent Access EDGE platforms, combined with the Calix Cloud and Customer Success Services, empower BSPs across the globe to quickly adopt industry best practices to propel their communities forward, become leaders in their markets, and drive back the competition from consumer giants. An award-winning Best Place to Work that employees highly recommend. Glassdoor, the worldwide leader on insights into jobs and companies, elevated Calix to its annual Best Places to Work in 2022 list. Calix ranked #12 of top 50 small and medium businesses across the United States. Ninety-six percent of employees would recommend working at Calix.

Glassdoor, the worldwide leader on insights into jobs and companies, elevated Calix to its annual Best Places to Work in 2022 list. Calix ranked #12 of top 50 small and medium businesses across the United States. Ninety-six percent of employees would recommend working at Calix. A flexible hybrid work culture that attracts top talent. Calix has a longstanding commitment to a flexible working environment. This allows CIDC teams to embrace a hybrid working model with colleagues at the new center. The CIDCs hybrid culture is part of why Calix was recognized for its Best Global Culture by Comparably, a leading culture and compensation monitoring site.

I am really excited about whats going to happen here, said Michael Weening, president and chief operating officer, to the new CIDC team at the centers launch. We believe there is a huge opportunity across every organization to put roles and jobs into this office. We are very proud of the culture we have built across Calix, a culture that is all about better, better, never best. Thanks to that culture, no one else can do what we have done from a competitive perspective. We will continue to grow rapidly and steadily as we solidify our position as the premier cloud and software platforms company for top broadband businesses. This center represents the next chapter of what promises to be an incredible journey for Calix.

Calix has more than 200 open roles across the organization for top talent seeking the best company for culture and leadership. To learn more, visit the Calix Careers page.

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 Calixs 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/20220602005345/en/

Press Inquiries:

Zacharia Jacob

[email protected]



Investor Inquiries:

Investor Relations

[email protected]

Source: Calix, Inc.
Griffiths to advance interests of Ohios mortgage originators and servicers in new role

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Union Home Mortgage (UHM), a high-growth independent mortgage banking company with a world-class culture, announced today that its Vice President of National Operations Donald Griffiths has been elected to serve as president of the Ohio Mortgage Bankers Association (OMBA). Griffiths was officially appointed May 9 and will serve for a term of 12 months.

Founded in 1969, the OMBA is a statewide organization devoted exclusively to the field of residential and commercial real estate finance. OMBAs membership is comprised of mortgage originators and servicers, investors and other mortgage industry-related firms.

In his role as president, Griffiths will leverage his 43 years of mortgage banking experience to maintain and advance Ohios housing, residential and commercial real estate finance system by advocating on behalf of the industry. This work will include supporting the production and maintenance of single- and multifamily homeownership opportunities, promoting a strong economy and a secondary mortgage credit delivery system, pursuing equitable tax laws, and defending access to quality shelter for low-income families, the disadvantaged and veterans.

I am honored to represent Union Home Mortgage as well as mortgage originators, servicers and related businesses all across the state as president of the Ohio Mortgage Bankers Association, said Griffiths. I am passionate about providing access to mortgages for individuals, families and business owners to make their life and business dreams a reality. As president of OMBA, I am especially excited about moving the needle on affordable housing in order to change perceptions regarding our industry and put more minorities in homes so they can create wealth and lasting memories with their families.

Union Home Mortgage is committed to strengthening the mortgage banking industry both in our everyday work and as part of our advocacy initiatives, said Bill Cosgrove, President & CEO of Union Home Mortgage. Dons unmatched knowledge, experience and passion for the industry will be instrumental in leading OMBA as it continues its mission to protect and preserve the interests of Ohios mortgage originators.

Griffiths assumes the role of president after serving the last six years on OMBAs Board of Trustees and Executive Board, most recently in the ascending positions of responsibility of secretary, treasurer and vice president. He replaces Stan Foraker, Executive Vice President and Mortgage Banking Executive at First Commonwealth Bank, as president of the association.

Officers and trustees for the OMBA Board of Directors are elected each May at the associations annual convention. The slate of officers is picked by a nominating committee from all eligible OMBA member companies in good standing and is then voted on by the full membership. The Executive Committee members serve one-year terms in each of the positions, while the trustees serve varying terms, depending on their membership classification.

About Union Home Mortgage

Union Home Mortgage Corp. (UHM) is a high-growth, full-service retail, wholesale and consumer direct independent mortgage banking company with over 150 branches across the U.S. For 7 consecutive years, UHM has been awarded a Top Workplace. With a world-class culture that stands out in the mortgage industry, UHM Partners (employees) are guided by a Code of Conduct that emphasizes respect, open communication and accountability. UHM is an approved direct lender of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, USDA and other conforming and non-QM loan products, with over $13 billion in responsible lending per year.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005164/en/

Kaila Taton

440-863-3212

[email protected]

Source: Union Home Mortgage Corp.
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

GenSight Biologics (Paris: SIGHT) (Euronext: SIGHT, ISIN: FR0013183985, PEA-PME eligible), a biopharma Company focused on developing and commercializing innovative gene therapies for retinal neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system disorders, today announced that it will participate to the EUNOS 2022 meeting, which is taking place on June 20-23 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The conference is the most important conference in Europe for neuro-ophthalmologists and provides GenSight the opportunity to discuss its clinical data and recent developments with the neuro-ophthalmology community. The Company is a sponsor of EUNOS and will have a booth on site.

Patrick Yu-Wai-Man, MD, PhD, Professor of Ophthalmology and Honorary Consultant Neuro-ophthalmologist at the University of Cambridge, Moorfields Eye Hospital, and the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, United Kingdom, will present on two topics relevant to Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON). He will first present data from GenSights Phase III REFLECT trial and discuss the efficacy of the Companys bilateral treatment approach. He will also discuss the future of LHON treatment.

The long-term follow-up data of patients in the REFLECT trial illustrate the sustained effect of the treatment and the clear impact on visual acuity for patients affected with LHON, he said. The data will be of particular interest to physicians seeking an effective treatment for this blinding mitochondrial disorder.

15th annual meeting of EUNOS (European Neuro-Ophthalmological Society) - EUNOS 2022

June 20-23, 2022 - University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK

The Phase III REFLECT trial: efficacy of bilateral gene therapy for Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) is maintained 2 years post administration, presented by Patrick Yu-Wai-Man, MD, PhD, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (principal investigator in the RESCUE, REVERSE, RESTORE, REFLECT and REALITY trials; international coordinator of the REVERSE trial).

Oral Presentation

Free Papers 1

Tuesday, June 21, 2022, 2:00 pm BST

Future Treatment for Lebers hereditary optic neuropathy, presented by Patrick Yu-Wai-Man, MD, PhD, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (principal investigator in the RESCUE, REVERSE, RESTORE, REFLECT and REALITY trials; international coordinator of the REVERSE trial).

Oral Presentation

Inherited Optic Neuropathies

Wednesday, June 22, 2022, 3:00 pm BST

GenSight Biologics will also lead a presentation on GS010 (Lenadogene nolparvovec) clinical data at the Global 7th Cell & Gene Therapy Summit, July 19-21. Magali TAIEL, MD, Chief Medical Officer of GenSight Biologics, will make a presentation titled, Development of GS010 gene therapy in Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy: Key learnings.

About GenSight Biologics

GenSight Biologics S.A. is a clinical-stage biopharma company focused on developing and commercializing innovative gene therapies for retinal neurodegenerative diseases and central nervous system disorders. GenSight Biologics pipeline leverages two core technology platforms, the Mitochondrial Targeting Sequence (MTS) and optogenetics, to help preserve or restore vision in patients suffering from blinding retinal diseases. GenSight Biologics lead product candidate, LUMEVOQ (GS010; lenadogene nolparvovec), has been submitted for marketing approval in Europe for the treatment of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON), a rare mitochondrial disease affecting primarily teens and young adults that leads to irreversible blindness. Using its gene therapy-based approach, GenSight Biologics product candidates are designed to be administered in a single treatment to each eye by intravitreal injection to offer patients a sustainable functional visual recovery.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220615005867/en/

GenSight Biologics

Corporate Communications Director

Clothilde Caillet

[email protected]

LifeSci Advisors

Investor Relations

Guillaume van Renterghem

[email protected]

+41 (0)76 735 01 31

RooneyPartners

Media Relations

Jeanene Timberlake

[email protected]

+1 646-770-8858

Orpheon Finance

Retail Investors

James Palmer

[email protected]

+33 (0)7 60 92 77 74

Source: GenSight Biologics
Blockchain Technology to be Applied to Enhance Safety Efforts and Tackle the Black Market

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The CA State Fair Cannabis Awards today announced a new partnership with KOLAS to provide, for the first-time, a registered digital certification via Blockchain technology to authenticate and protect the award-winning product. The CA State Fair Cannabis Awards is a state agency-sanctioned competition open to all licensed California cannabis cultivators that will celebrate the 2021/2022 harvest of the California-grown, cannabis flower.

KOLAS Technology SBM (Stop Black Market), a subsidiary of Sacramento-based cannabis giant KOLAS, will provide each of the 70 CA State Fair Cannabis Award Winners a certificate with a unique QR code that will link to the specific details of the award-winning entry. Award winners will then have the option to utilize customized medallions for packaging that will verify the authenticity of each product, enhance safety, and forever protect it from fraud via the illegal underground economy known as the black market.

This new technology will provide unfalsifiable certificates so that consumers know the exact origins of the product, and most importantly, provide one more layer of safety, said KOLAS Co-founder Garib Karapetyan. This will also protect and preserve the growers craft and the specific genetics of the plant. This is good for the consumers, cultivators, producers, and testing labs. We are thrilled to launch our new technology with this first-ever event.

Sacramento-based KOLAS currently operates several cannabis dispensaries, delivery, e-commerce, and manufacturing labs in California. The company is also dedicated to developing new technologies to support the legal cannabis market and thwart the black market.

We are pleased to welcome KOLAS as our presenting sponsor, and to launch this new technology in conjunction with this historic cannabis competition, said James Leitz, CEO of Cultivar Brands and executive producer of the Awards. The digital authentications will add even more value to our contest and the participating cultivators. KOLAS shares our passion to continue the normalization of the legal cannabis industry, support safe consumer use and protect California legacy and craft.

The cannabis competition is the latest edition to the CA State Fair and will join a roster of coveted, annual competitions celebrating Californias rich agricultural history and dynamic industries including wine, cheese, olive oil and craft beer. More than 70 silver, gold and double gold medals will be awarded, including coveted Golden Bear trophies for Best in California. The award winners will be celebrated and showcased at the CA State Fair from July 15-31, 2022, at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds in Sacramento, California.

The awards have been developed in partnership between the California Exhibition & State Fair and Cultivar Brands, a California-based cannabis marketing and events agency who specializes in the creation of programs that continue to move cannabis into the mainstream. Visit www.castatefaircannabisawards.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005883/en/

DeeDee Taft

Spin Communications

[email protected], T: +1-415-515-1229

Source: CA State Fair
VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Loop Energy (TSX: LPEN) appoints experienced technology industry leader Kent Thexton as a Director and Chair of the Board with immediate effect. Former Chair, Dr. Andreas Truckenbrodt, will continue as a Director.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005206/en/

Loop Energy appoints Kent Thexton as Director and Chair of the Board (Graphic: Business Wire)

Kent brings over 30 years of experience leading and growing a diverse range of technology companies. Most recently, he spent three years as the CEO and President of Sierra Wireless, a global leader in wireless communications solutions. Prior to his tenure as CEO, Kent served Sierra Wireless as a Director and Chair of the Board for a total of 13 years.

Kent is an accomplished senior executive and director in large corporations and entrepreneurial ventures, and he will provide valuable oversight to the management team. Along with his extensive experience navigating public markets, he brings expertise in corporate leadership, growth marketing and technology company operations.

I am excited to join Loop Energy and share my experience with the board and management team as we continue to grow, said Kent Thexton. Andreas has done a tremendous job of guiding the company over the last few years, and I look forward to building on this success with him and the rest of the board.

We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Kent as a Director and Chair of the Board, said Loop Energy President & CEO, Ben Nyland. He is an experienced leader with a great record of creating value at several successful public companies. I would like to thank Andreas for the eight years he spent as Chair and the guidance he provided to the management team.

In addition to Sierra Wireless, Kent has contributed to the boards of several public companies, including Redknee Solutions, now known as Optiva (TSE: OPT), a Canadian provider of telecommunication operations software and services, and O2 PLC, a British telecommunications company. Kent also has extensive experience leading Canadian capital venture companies, including as the Managing Director at OMERs Ventures and the founder of ScaleUP Venture Partners.

About Loop Energy Inc.

Loop Energy is a leading designer and manufacturer of fuel cell systems targeted for the electrification of commercial vehicles, including light commercial vehicles, transit buses and medium and heavy-duty trucks. Loops products feature the companys proprietary eFlow technology in the fuel cell stacks bipolar plates. eFlow is designed to enable commercial customers to achieve performance maximization and cost minimization. Loop works with OEMs and major vehicle sub-system suppliers to enable the production of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. For more information about how Loop is driving towards a zero-emissions future, visit www.loopenergy.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005206/en/

Investor Inquiries:

Investor Relations | Tel: +1 604.222.3400 | [email protected]

Laine Yonker | Tel: +1 646.653.7035 | [email protected]

Media Inquiries:

Lucas Schmidt | Tel: +1.604.222.3400 Ext. 603 | [email protected]

Source: Loop Energy Inc.
Free Genetics- and Genomics-Themed Instructional Materials and Professional Learning Available to High School Educators Nationwide

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) have partnered to ignite genetic and genomic curiosity in students through a new, multi-year initiative that will provide research-based instructional resources and professional learning experiences to high school educators nationwide.

Launched today, Genome: Unlocking Lifes Code will provide educators with free lesson plans and storyline units to help guide high school students as they explore various genetics and genomics concepts. High-quality professional learning experiences will also be developed to support educators use of the instructional materials.

We are excited to partner with NSTA. Our efforts will provide students with opportunities to learn about genetics and genomics in an accessible and interactive way, said Lawrence Brody, Ph.D., director of NHGRIs Division of Science and Society, which oversees the institutes Education and Community Involvement Branch. We hope these lesson plans will help every student better understand how genetic and genomic science applies to their life.

Based on the best research available on how to engage all students in learning science, the first NSTA Storyline available from Genome: Unlocking Lifes CodeHigh School Genetics Unit: Food Allergies Storylineconsists of seven lesson plans designed to engage students, as scientists, to investigate a specific phenomenon: bans on certain foods in cafeterias and classrooms. The genetics unit culminates in a do-it-yourself (DIY), community-focused project, designed to use resources from the DIY version of the NHGRI/Smithsonian Museum exhibit, Genome: Unlocking: Lifes Code.

The impact of genetic and genomic science is relevant to so much of the world around us from the food we eat to life-saving vaccines. These resources help educators make connections to real-world situations, which educators have asked for so they can create exciting and empowering collaborative learning environments, said Erika Shugart, Ph.D., executive director, NSTA. We are thrilled to be partnering with the National Human Genome Research Institute to provide educators with engaging, research-based instructional materials that bring scientific exploration and real-world problem solving to students in new and exciting ways.

In July, Genome: Unlocking Lifes Code will unveil its first of two NSTA Playlists, which contains a series of lessons that high school educators can use to help students coherently build science ideas over time. An additional unit and playlist for grades 9-12 will be available next year.

The first series of web seminars to support educators use of the new Genome: Unlocking Lifes Code lesson plans and storyline unit will begin next month. Registration for these professional learning opportunities is free and open to educators at https://www.nsta.org/nhgri-genome.

About NSTA

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) is a vibrant community of 40,000 science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. NSTA offers high quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators grow professionally and excel in their career. For new and experienced teachers alike, the NSTA community offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005805/en/

Sarah Bates, NHGRI

[email protected]

301-827-7284



Kate Falk, NSTA

[email protected]

703-312-9211

Source: National Science Teaching Association
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Orion Engineered Carbons (NYSE: OEC), a global specialty chemicals company, announced today it will raise prices by 20% for all rubber carbon black products manufactured in Europe and the Americas.

Payment terms will be reduced by at least 50% to conform with updated standards across the different regions. The changes will be effective for all shipments on or after Aug. 1, 2022, or as contracts permit.

This price adjustment reflects increased manufacturing costs, environmental control investments and operating costs, as well as continued investments to ensure reliable supply, said Orion CEO Corning Painter. Given the increased cost of feedstocks, payment terms need to be reduced to acceptable working capital levels. This will enable us to continue to deliver stable and reliable supplies to our customers.

About Orion Engineered Carbons

Orion Engineered Carbons (NYSE: OEC) is a leading global supplier of carbon black, a solid form of carbon produced as powder or pellets. The material is made to customers exacting specifications for tires, coatings, ink, batteries, plastics and numerous other specialty, high-performance applications. Carbon black is used to tint, colorize, provide reinforcement, conduct electricity, increase durability, and add UV protection. Orion has innovation centers on three continents and 14 plants worldwide, offering the most diverse variety of production processes in the industry. The companys corporate lineage goes back more than 160 years to Germany, where it operates the worlds longest-running carbon black plant. Orion is a leading innovator, applying a deep understanding of customers needs to deliver sustainable solutions. For more information, please visit orioncarbons.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. New risk factors and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible to predict all risk factors and uncertainties, nor can we assess the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information, other than as required by applicable law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005652/en/

Wendy Wilson

Head of Investor Relations

Orion Engineered Carbons

Direct: +1 281-974-0155

[email protected]

William Foreman

Director of Corporate Communications and Government Affairs

Orion Engineered Carbons

Direct: +1 832-445-3305

Mobile: +1 281-889-7833

[email protected]

Source: Orion Engineered Carbons S.A.
OSE selected by Microsoft France to join the Biotech Scaler Program launched during Viva Technology, the European Startup and Tech event.

This collaboration will give OSE the opportunity to further develop its digital tools and infrastructures, particularly in terms of Artificial Intelligence and algorithmic approaches applied to the development of innovative first-in-class immunotherapies.

NANTES, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

OSE Immunotherapeutics SA (ISIN: FR0012127173; Mnemo: OSE) (Paris: OSE) today announces that the Company is one of the first biotech startup companies selected by Microsoft France to be a privileged partner of its support program for French Biotech & Deeptech Startups. This program was launched during the 6th edition of Viva Technology, the most important Startup and Tech event organized in Europe being held in Paris from June 15-18, 2022.

Microsoft Frances  Biotech Scaler Program  aims to support companies at the crossroads of research and technology to accelerate products discovery and development. This program provides the selected startups with technical support in order to develop a technical framework of architecture securing scalability and startups data security. It also proposes a business support from Microsoft France and its partners through an ecosystem approach connecting startups, the research community, investment funds and the various health players.

Nicolas Poirier, Chief Scientific Officer of OSE Immunotherapeutics, comments: We are very happy to have been selected by Microsoft to join their Biotech & Deeptech support program and we warmly thank the organizers. This collaboration confirms that OSE perfectly fits the target of the most cutting-edge biotechs by pairing its scientific skills and expertise in artificial intelligence and algorithmic approach to develop immunotherapies based on breakthrough innovations and to meet unmet medical needs in immuno-oncology and immuno-inflammation.

Since 2019, OSE Immunotherapeutics has been collaborating with MAbSilico, a DeepTech-Bio company specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and machine learning to accelerate the research and characterization of therapeutic antibodies.

Since 2021, OSE has benefitted from privileged access to the MAbFactory platform which centralizes MAbSilicos innovative solutions based on AI. MAbFactory is deployed in the Microsoft Azure cloud with the access to an automatic and autonomous use to support the development of new antibodies and therapeutic proteins. The expertise of OSEs R&D teams combined with MAbSilicos AI platform is being used to successfully guide the discovery, the characterization and the optimization of new molecules, reducing both the time of development and the risk of failure in the preclinical testing.

The collaboration between the biotech OSE Immunotherapeutics, the Tech-Bio MAbSilico and the technology provider Microsoft reflects the interest of the Microsofts biotech program and will enable to strengthen and to go further in the deployment of a research based on AI, at the crossroads of this fruitful partnership between a Biotech and a Deeptech.

ABOUT OSE Immunotherapeutics

OSE Immunotherapeutics is an integrated biotechnology company focused on developing and partnering therapies to control the immune system for Immuno-Oncology and Immuno-Inflammation. Its balanced first-in-class clinical and preclinical portfolio has a diversified risk profile:

Immuno-Oncology first-in-class products

- Tedopi (innovative neoepitope combination): the Companys most advanced product; positive results for Phase 3 trial (Atalante 1) in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients in secondary resistance after checkpoint inhibitor failure.

Other ongoing combination trials sponsored by cooperative clinical research groups in oncology:

Phase 2 in pancreatic cancer (TEDOPaM), sponsor GERCOR.

Phase 2 in ovary cancer, in combination with pembrolizumab (TEDOVA), sponsor ARCAGY-GINECO.

Phase 2 in non-small cell lung cancer in combination with nivolumab, sponsor Italian foundation FoRT.

- BI 765063 (OSE-172, anti-SIRP mAb on CD47/SIRP pathway): developed in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim in advanced solid tumors; positive Phase 1 dose escalation results of BI 765063 in monotherapy and in combination with ezabenlimab (PD-1 antagonist); ongoing expansion Phase 1. BI sponsored international phase 1b clinical trial ongoing in combination with ezabenlimab alone or with other drugs in patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

- OSE-279, anti-PD1  advanced preclinical stage.

- BiCKI: bispecific fusion protein platform built on the key backbone component of anti-PD1 combined with a new immunotherapy target (for example: BiCKI-IL7, preclinical stage) to increase anti-tumor efficacy.

Immuno-Inflammation first-in-class products

- OSE-127/S95011 (humanized monoclonal antibody antagonist of IL-7 receptor): developed in partnership with Servier; positive Phase 1 results; ongoing Phase 2 in ulcerative colitis (sponsor OSE) and ongoing Phase 2a in Sjogrens syndrome (sponsor Servier).

- FR104 (anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody): licensing partnership agreement with Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in transplantation; ongoing Phase 1/2 in renal transplant (sponsored by the Nantes University Hospital); Phase 1 ongoing in the US (sponsor Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) ; Phase 2 planned in an autoimmune disease indication.

- OSE-230 (ChemR23 agonist mAb): preclinical stage therapeutic agent with the potential to resolve chronic inflammation by driving affected tissues to tissue integrity.

CoVepiT: a prophylactic second-generation vaccine activating cytotoxic T lymphocytes against COVID-19, developed using optimized epitopes from SARS-CoV2 viral proteins, epitopes non impacted by multi-variants. Shows good tolerance and very good level of T cell immune response. In clinical testing, a long-term memory response was confirmed at 6 months.

For more information: https://ose-immuno.com/en/

Click and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains express or implied information and statements that might be deemed forward-looking information and statements in respect of OSE Immunotherapeutics. They do not constitute historical facts. These information and statements include financial projections that are based upon certain assumptions and assessments made by OSE Immunotherapeutics management in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current economic and industry conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate.

These forward-looking statements include statements typically using conditional and containing verbs such as expect, anticipate, believe, target, plan, or estimate, their declensions and conjugations and words of similar import. Although the OSE Immunotherapeutics management believes that the forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, the OSE Immunotherapeutics shareholders and other investors are cautioned that the completion of such expectations is by nature subject to various risks, known or not, and uncertainties which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of OSE Immunotherapeutics. These risks could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied or projected by the forward-looking statements. These risks include those discussed or identified in the public filings made by OSE Immunotherapeutics with the AMF. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. This press release includes only summary information and should be read with the OSE Immunotherapeutics Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on 15 April 2022, including the annual financial report for the fiscal year 2021, available on the OSE Immunotherapeutics website. Other than as required by applicable law, OSE Immunotherapeutics issues this press release at the date hereof and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information or statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220615005765/en/

OSE Immunotherapeutics

Sylvie Detry

[email protected]

+33 153 198 757

Investor Relations

Thomas Guillot

[email protected]

+33 607 380 431

Media

U.S. Media: LifeSci Communications

Darren Opland, Ph.D.

[email protected]

+1 646 627 8387

French Media: FP2COM

Florence Portejoie

[email protected]

+33 607 768 283

Guillaume van Renterghem  LifeSci Advisors

[email protected]

+41 76 735 01 31

Source: OSE Immunotherapeutics
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- National home lender, PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company, is offering borrowers a Close On Time Guarantee in which the company will pay the home seller $5,000 if the mortgage loan doesnt close as scheduled1.

This limited-time offer is intended to help homebuyers offers get more consideration from sellers in the current residential real estate market featuring historically low inventory of available homes. According to the National Association of Realtors, in April 2022 the country had just a 2.2-month supply of existing housing considerably less than an inventory level of six months, which is considered balanced between buyers and sellers.

Our customers are looking for any advantage to help their offers stand out to sellers, said Tim Elkins, Chief Production Officer at PrimeLending. By guaranteeing an on time closing, were strengthening our customers buying power by giving sellers greater peace of mind that the deal will close when expected. Thats a substantial value in this competitive market.

The Close On Time Guarantee is part of PrimeLendings Buyers AdvantEDGE2 conditional approval program that not only assures sellers that PrimeLending customers are making reliable offers, but helps these customers move through the mortgage process quicker and with more confidence.

Were able to offer this guarantee thanks to the high-level of confidence we have in our streamlined processes and world-class team, said Elkins. For more than 35 years, weve been perfecting the mortgage process, and our 97% customer satisfaction rating3 confirms were on the right track.

PrimeLending offers the best of both worlds to homebuyers  step-by-step guidance from an expert loan officer, and digital convenience that eliminates most of the paperwork from the mortgage process. With more than 1,250 loan officers located throughout the country, PrimeLending specializes in offering local mortgage expertise and personalized service to borrowers. In addition, PrimeLendings acclaimed digital mortgage experience allows borrowers to apply online, get preapproved for a mortgage, securely upload personal financial documents, track loan progress, pay fees, and ask questions at any point in the process.

ABOUT PRIMELENDING

PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company, is a national home lender combining personal guidance and local expertise with fast service, more choices, and the flexibility to meet homeowners unique needs. PrimeLending is focused on empowering our customers to boldly pursue their homeownership goals, whether theyre looking to buy, refinance, or renovate a home. The PrimeLending team works alongside our customers in all 50 states, helping them make home financing decisions and have a rewarding experience along the way. Delivering on this promise for more than 35 years, were proud to consistently earn a 97% customer satisfaction rating3.

PrimeLending is a wholly owned subsidiary of PlainsCapital Bank, which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hilltop Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HTH). More information at PrimeLending.com. Equal Housing Lender.

All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees subject to change. Mortgage financing provided by PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company. Equal Housing Lender.

 2022 PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company (PrimeLending). (NMLS: 13649).

1Receipt of fully executed sales contract for subject property required to guaranty closing by later of contract closing date or 21 days following effective date of contract. Requirements: single family FHA or Conventional purchase loan, Buyers AdvantEDGE approval with expiration date beyond closing. Subject to timely satisfaction of inspection/appraisal conditions. Voided by changes in sales contract, loan program, borrowers credit, borrower or seller delays, or unforeseen circumstances beyond lenders control. Lender liability limited to $5,000. Exclusions: refinance, VA, bond, down payment assistance programs, brokered out loans, condos, jumbo, USDA, and unique properties. For full details visit www.primelending.com/buyersadvantedge.

2All loans subject to credit approval and identification of acceptable property. Conditions and restrictions may apply.

3Survey administered and managed by an independent third party following loan closing. 97% satisfaction rating refers to the average rating our customers have given our loan officers for the period 01/01/21-12/31/21.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005782/en/

Mandy Jordan

[email protected]

972/852-8235

Source: PrimeLending
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Following a nationwide search, Priority Health, Michigans fastest growing health plan, has appointed Kyla King as vice president of Individual markets, and Scott Norman as vice president for Medicare.

Kyla and Scott each have a long history of success and are passionate about improving the health and well-being of others, said Joyce Chan Russell, senior vice president of government markets at Priority Health. I am confident their leadership will support us in achieving our ambitious goals for government markets and for Priority Health overall.

King joined Priority Health in 2012 to develop acquisitional marketing and product launches across all segments in the employer solutions division. In preparation for the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), she transitioned to the small group and individual teams and was instrumental in distribution channel rollout of narrow and tiered network products. As marketing director, King led data-driven acquisition and retention strategies for the Individual, Medicaid, and Dual-eligible Special Needs (DSNP) markets. She has been an integral part of Priority Healths growth, developing segmentation strategies, and represented Priority Health as a panelist at a White House ACA summit in Washington D.C.

In her new role, King will be responsible for leading teams in the development and implementation of business strategies to manage performance and drive growth for the Individual market. King is a graduate of Michigan State University and most recently earned a certificate of completion from Grand Valley State Universitys Seidman College of Business in Spectrum Healths Transformational Leadership Corporate Training Program.

Im honored to step into this role and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside this incredibly talented team, said King. I look forward to continued innovation and making care and coverage better for everyone.

Norman joins Priority Health after most recently serving as vice president of business development and Medicare operations for Physicians Health Plan, a division of Sparrow Health System. Norman was responsible for network development, strategic planning, sales, marketing and product development.

Prior to his role at Physicians Health Plan, Norman was vice president of sales and client services at Priority Health, where he led the commercial sales team. He later went on to lead the senior markets team as vice president of senior markets from 2016 to 2017. Norman is a graduate of Michigan State University.

Im excited to join Priority Health and for the opportunity to lead the Medicare team, which is nationally recognized as producing some of the most innovative and high-quality Medicare products, said Norman. Our goal will be to expand on the past success Priority Health has enjoyed and continue to serve all communities across Michigan with access to affordable care that focuses on improving the health of our members and neighbors.

About Priority Health:

With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than one million members each year and offering a broad network of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health.

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Kelsey Pardue

(616) 464-4818

[email protected]

Source: Priority Health
The long-term implantable E3 CGM system now approved for commercialization in select European markets

GERMANTOWN, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Senseonics Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: SENS) a medical technology company focused on the development and manufacturing of long-term, implantable continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for people with diabetes, today announced that it has received CE Mark approval for the next-generation Eversense E3 CGM System, the longest-lasting system available, with exceptional accuracy. The CE Mark approval confirms that the Eversense E3 meets the requirements of the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR), and enables the commercialization of Eversense E3 in European Union (EU) member countries. Senseonics commercial partner, Ascensia Diabetes Care, will make the improved system, which can be used for up to 6 months, available from the third quarter of 2022.

The CE Mark approval for E3 is another demonstration of our commitment to advancing implantable CGM to improve the lives of more diabetes patients worldwide. Not only does E3 strengthen our position in the market, but it enables increased operational efficiency as Senseonics will now commercialize the same product iteration globally for the first time, said Tim Goodnow, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Senseonics. We are excited for Ascensia to continue to build on the momentum of the E3 launch in the U.S. as they commercialize the improved system in European markets in the coming months.

The Eversense E3 CGM System has been designed to deliver key improvements from the currently available Eversense XL CGM System, which will be retired. The next-generation system offers exceptional accuracy with the longest lasting sensor available, alongside reduced frequency of calibration and enhanced sensor longevity. Unlike the XL System, the new E3 System has also been approved for non-adjunctive use, which provides for readings from the system to inform insulin treatment decisions without confirmation of glucose levels from fingerstick testing. Both Eversense XL and E3 are approved for use for up to 6 months, providing people with diabetes freedom from the burdens associated with other available CGM systems, such as weekly or bi-weekly self-insertions. Eversense E3 is already available in the U.S. following FDA approval and launch earlier this year.

The Eversense E3 CGM System offers patients:

Fully implantable third generation sensor, with proprietary SBA technology to enhance sensor longevity, demonstrating a mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 8.5% in the PROMISE Studyi.

Industry leading 6-month sensor wear duration, making Eversense the longest lasting CGM sensor available, with essentially two sensor insertion and removal procedures per year.

Removable smart transmitter ii, held in place with a gentle, silicone-based adhesive, providing discreet on-body vibratory alerts and data transmission to a mobile app where glucose values, trends, and alerts are displayed.

Following the CE Mark approval in Europe, the E3 System will be distributed in Germany, Italy, Spain (including Andorra), the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, Norway and Sweden. People in these markets who are interested in getting started with Eversense XL now can visit www.ascensia.com/eversense for more information, and will be among the first to know when Eversense E3 is commercially available.

About Eversense

The Eversense E3 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System is indicated for continually measuring glucose levels in persons age 18 years and older with diabetes for up to 6 months. The system is indicated for use to replace fingerstick blood glucose (BG) measurements for diabetes treatment decisions. Fingerstick BG measurements are still required for calibration and when symptoms do not match CGM information or when taking medications of the tetracycline class. The sensor insertion and removal procedures are performed by a trained and certified health care provider. The Eversense CGM System is a prescription device; patients should talk to their health care provider to learn more. For important safety information, see https://global.eversensediabetes.com/safety-info.

About Senseonics

Senseonics Holdings, Inc. is a medical technology company focused on the development and manufacturing of glucose monitoring products designed to transform lives in the global diabetes community with differentiated, long-term implantable glucose management technology. Senseonics' CGM systems, Eversense, Eversense XL and Eversense E3 include a small sensor inserted completely under the skin that communicates with a smart transmitter worn over the sensor. The glucose data are automatically sent every 5 minutes to a mobile app on the user's smartphone.

Forward Looking Statements

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects for Senseonics, including statements on the timing and geographies of Ascensia making the product available, statements about patient benefits, perceptions, and uptake of the Eversense E3 product, statements regarding launch progress, statements regarding being able to increase operational efficiency, and other statements containing the words believe, expect, intend, may, projects, will, planned, and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: uncertainties in the development and regulatory approval processes and timing for the Eversense E3 product, uncertainties inherent in the commercial launch and commercial expansion of the Eversense product, uncertainties inherent in the transition of commercialization responsibilities to Ascensia, uncertainties in insurer, regulatory and administrative processes and decisions, uncertainties in the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and such other factors as are set forth in the risk factors detailed in Senseonics Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, Senseonics Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 and Senseonics other filings with the SEC under the heading Risk Factors. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent Senseonics views as of the date hereof. Senseonics anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Senseonics views to change. However, while Senseonics may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Senseonics specifically disclaims any obligation to do so except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Senseonics views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof.

i Garg S. et al. Evaluation of Accuracy and Safety of the Next-Generation Up to 180-Day Long-Term Implantable Eversense Continuous Glucose Monitoring System: The PROMISE Study. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics 2021; 24(2): 1-9.DOI: 10.1089/dia.2021.0182

ii There is no glucose data generated when the transmitter is removed.

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Senseonics Investor Contact

Philip Taylor

Investor Relations

415-937-5406

[email protected]

Source: Senseonics Holdings, Inc.
NEWCASTLE & HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- TechnipFMC (NYSE: FTI) has been awarded a significant(1) contract by TotalEnergies EP Angola to supply subsea production systems for the CLOV3 development in Block 17, offshore Angola.

It is the first contract under the companies new framework agreement covering subsea trees for brownfield developments in Block 17 in Angola. The CLOV3 contract includes Subsea 2.0 trees and associated controls, umbilical termination assemblies, jumpers and services.

Jonathan Landes, President, Subsea at TechnipFMC, commented: We are proud to continue working with our valued partner TotalEnergies EP Angola, with the support of our large installed base. Our framework agreement and the CLOV3 contract are the result of several years of collaboration to standardize subsea production equipment and optimize subsea developments.

Subsea 2.0 products use standardized components that are pre-engineered and qualified, which allows equipment to be rapidly configured according to each projects specific requirements. This optimizes the engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing processes, thus reducing the time to first oil and/or gas.

(1) For TechnipFMC, a significant contract is between $75 million and $250 million.

Important Information for Investors and Securityholders

Forward-Looking Statement

This release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The words believe, estimated and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. Such forward-looking statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. For information regarding known material factors that could cause actual results to differ from projected results, please see our risk factors set forth in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which include our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any of our forward-looking statements after the date they are made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law.

About TechnipFMC

TechnipFMC is a leading technology provider to the traditional and new energy industries, delivering fully integrated projects, products, and services.

With our proprietary technologies and comprehensive solutions, we are transforming our clients project economics, helping them unlock new possibilities to develop energy resources while reducing carbon intensity and supporting their energy transition ambitions.

Organized in two business segments  Subsea and Surface Technologies  we will continue to advance the industry with our pioneering integrated ecosystems (such as iEPCI, iFEED and iComplete), technology leadership and digital innovation.

Each of our approximately 20,000 employees is driven by a commitment to our clients success, and a culture of strong execution, purposeful innovation, and challenging industry conventions.

TechnipFMC uses its website as a channel of distribution of material company information. To learn more about how we are driving change in the industry, go to www.TechnipFMC.com and follow us on Twitter @TechnipFMC.

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Investor relations



Matt Seinsheimer

Vice President, Investor Relations

Tel: +1 281 260 3665

Email: Matt Seinsheimer



James Davis

Senior Manager, Investor Relations

Tel: +1 281 260 3665

Email: James Davis

Media relations



Nicola Cameron

Vice President, Corporate Communications

Tel: +44 1383 742297

Email: Nicola Cameron



Catie Tuley

Director, Public Relations

Tel: +1 713 876 7296

Email: Catie Tuley

Source: TechnipFMC plc
SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- TSMC (TWSE: 2330, NYSE: TSM) today showcased the newest innovations in its advanced logic, specialty, and 3D IC technologies at the Companys 2022 North America Technology Symposium, with the next-generation leading-edge N2 process powered by nanosheet transistors and the unique FinFlex technology for the N3 and N3E processes making their debut.

Resuming as an in-person event after being held online in the past two years, the North America symposium in Santa Clara, California, kicks off a series of Technology Symposiums around the world in the coming months. The Symposiums also feature an Innovation Zone that spotlights the achievements of TSMCs emerging start-up customers.

We are living in a rapidly changing, supercharged, digital world where demand for computational power and energy efficiency is growing faster than ever before, creating unprecedented opportunities and challenges for the semiconductor industry, said Dr. C.C. Wei, CEO of TSMC. The innovations we will showcase at our Technology Symposiums demonstrate TSMCs technology leadership and our commitment to support our customers through this exciting period of transformation and growth.

Major technologies highlighted at the Symposium include:

TSMC FinFlex for N3 and N3E - TSMCs industry-leading N3 technology, set to enter volume production later in 2022, will feature the revolutionary TSMC FinFlex architectural innovation offering unparalleled flexibility for designers. The TSMC FinFlex innovation offers choices of different standard cells with a 3-2 fin configuration for ultra performance, a 2-1 fin configuration for best power efficiency and transistor density, and a 2-2 fin configuration providing a balance between the two for Efficient Performance. With TSMC FinFlex architecture, customers can create system-on-chip designs precisely tuned for their needs with functional blocks implementing the best optimized fin configuration for the desired performance, power and area target, and integrated on the same chip. For more information on FinFlex, please visit N3.TSMC.COM.

N2 Technology - TSMCs N2 technology represents another remarkable advancement over N3, with 10-15% speed improvement at the same power, or 25-30% power reduction at the same speed, ushering in a new era of Efficient Performance. N2 will feature nanosheet transistor architecture to deliver a full-node improvement in performance and power efficiency to enable next-generation product innovations from TSMC customers. The N2 technology platform includes a high-performance variant in addition to the mobile compute baseline version, as well as comprehensive chiplet integration solutions. N2 is scheduled to begin production in 2025.

Expanding Ultra -Low Power Platform - Building on the success of the N12e technology announced at the 2020 Technology Symposium, TSMC is developing N6e, the next evolution in process technology tuned to provide the computing power and energy efficiency required by edge AI and IoT devices. N6e will be based on TSMCs advanced 7nm process and is expected to have three times greater logic density than N12e. It will serve as a part of TSMCs Ultra-Low Power platform, a comprehensive portfolio of logic, RF, analog, embedded nonvolatile memory, and power management IC solutions aimed at applications in edge AI and the Internet of Things.

TSMC 3DFabric 3D Silicon Stacking Solutions - TSMC is showcasing two groundbreaking customer applications of the TSMC-SoIC chip stacking solution:

The worlds first SoIC-based CPU employing Chip-on-Wafer (CoW) technology to stack SRAM as a Level 3 cache A groundbreaking intelligence processing unit stacked on top of a deep trench capacitor die using Wafer-on-Wafer (WoW) technology.

With N7 chips already in production for both CoW and WoW, support for N5 technology is scheduled for 2023. To meet customer demand for SoIC and other TSMC 3DFabric system integration services, the worlds first fully automated 3DFabric factory is set to begin production in the second half of 2022.

About TSMC

TSMC pioneered the pure-play foundry business model when it was founded in 1987, and has been the worlds leading dedicated semiconductor foundry ever since. The Company supports a thriving ecosystem of global customers and partners with the industrys leading process technologies and portfolio of design enablement solutions to unleash innovation for the global semiconductor industry. With global operations spanning Asia, Europe, and North America, TSMC serves as a committed corporate citizen around the world.

TSMC deployed 291 distinct process technologies, and manufactured 12,302 products for 535 customers in 2021 by providing broadest range of advanced, specialty and advanced packaging technology services. TSMC is the first foundry to provide 5-nanometer production capabilities, the most advanced semiconductor process technology available in the world. The Company is headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan. For more information please visit https://www.tsmc.com.

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TSMC Spokesperson:

Wendell Huang

Vice President and CFO

Tel: 886-3-505-5901

Media Contacts:

Nina Kao

Head of Public Relations

Tel: 886-3-563-6688 ext.7125036

Mobile: 886-988-239-163

E-Mail: [email protected]

Michael Kramer

Public Relations

Tel: 886-3-563-6688 ext. 7125031

Mobile: 886-988-931-352

E-Mail: [email protected]

Source: TSMC
Joint venture will construct and operate a 52-bed hospital in Irvine

ORANGE, Calif. & BRENTWOOD, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- UCI Health and Kindred Rehabilitation Services (KRS), a business unit of LifePoint Health, today announced that they have signed a definitive agreement to create a joint venture to construct and operate a 52-bed, 68,000 sq. ft. inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Orange County. The hospital will employ up to 200 and will be located at 17931 Von Karman Ave., in Irvine, Calif.

The UCI Health Rehabilitation Hospital will serve the growing clinical needs of the Orange County region. The hospital will treat patients recovering from conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, as well as trauma, burn and orthopedics patients. KRS will manage the hospitals day-to-day operations, and patients will receive leading care provided by UCI Health physicians and clinical staff, all in private rooms and state-of-the-art rehabilitation facilities. The partners expect construction on the approximately $80 million inpatient hospital to begin by December 2022 and begin admitting patients in late 2025.

KRS has national track record of providing high-quality care as reflected by outstanding patient outcomes and experiences. Nearly 90% of its inpatient rehabilitation hospitals rank in the top quartile nationally in patient care performance metrics.

We are excited to collaborate with UCI Health to build and operate a new facility that will improve access to high quality rehabilitative care in Orange County, said Russ Bailey, president of Kindred Rehabilitation Services. This partnering with a premier academic healthcare system will create a hospital that leverages the clinical innovations and best care practices to deliver outcomes and experiences that improve patients lives, and in the process, advances our mission of making healthier communities.

The rehabilitation hospital will serve patients across the region, including eligible patients treated at UCI Medical Center in Orange, which features Orange Countys only Level I trauma center and regional burn center, in addition to a large orthopedic and neurological surgery service and a comprehensive stroke center. The hospital will also serve patients from the new UCI Health  Irvine medical complex, now under construction at the UCI campus. The facility, expected to open in 2025, features a 144-bed acute care hospital and will specialize in orthopedic and neurological surgery.

UCI Health and Kindred have a shared vision to create the most innovative and comprehensive rehabilitation center on the West Coast, said UCI Health CEO Chad T. Lefteris. As Orange Countys only academic health system, UCI Health provides leading critical care to a region of more than three-and-a-half million people  they deserve a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center that offers advanced technologies to help them get back to their lives faster.

The initiative expands the UCI Health inpatient rehabilitation capacity from its existing 14 rehabilitation beds at UCI Medical Center in Orange and locate them between the two UCI medical complexes.

The new rehabilitation hospital will be more than just a patient care facility, said Jay Han, MD, chief of physical medicine & rehabilitation for UCI Health and the hospitals medical director. It will enable clinicians to conduct clinical research, including clinical trials, and advance new rehabilitation technologies to improve healing for patients and help them return to their lives following surgeries and inpatient treatment.

UCI Health is the clinical enterprise of the University of California, Irvine, and the only academic health system in Orange County. Patients can access UCI Health at primary and specialty care offices across Orange County and at its main campus, UCI Medical Center in Orange, Calif. The 459-bed acute care hospital, listed among Americas Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report for 21 consecutive years, provides tertiary and quaternary care, ambulatory and specialty medical clinics, behavioral health and rehabilitation services. UCI Medical Center is home to Orange Countys only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, high-risk perinatal/neonatal program and American College of Surgeons-verified Level I adult and Level II pediatric trauma center and regional burn center. UCI Health serves a region of nearly 4 million people in Orange County, western Riverside County and southeast Los Angeles County. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Kindred Rehabilitation Services (KRS)  with its 30 stand-alone inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) across 18 states  is a partner of choice for many major hospital systems in the creation of joint-venture operations that are industry-leading in clinical and operational outcomes. KRS brings proven rehabilitation management and services expertise to help the nearly 30,000 patients we see each year in our specialty hospitals recover and return home quickly from any of a number of conditions, including stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, orthopedic injury, neurological conditions, amputation and trauma. Kindred Rehabilitation Services is a business unit of Brentwood, Tennessee-based LifePoint Health.

LifePoint Health is a leading healthcare provider that serves patients, clinicians, communities and partner organizations across the healthcare continuum. Driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier, the company has a growing diversified healthcare delivery network comprised of more than 50,000 dedicated employees, 65 community hospital campuses, more than 30 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals and 170 additional sites of care, including managed acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post-acute care facilities. More information about LifePoint can be found at www.LifePointHealth.net.

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John Murray

Assistant Director, Communications

UCI Health

310-433-8809

[email protected]

Michelle Augusty

SVP, Communications for Kindred

Rehabilitation Services

(615) 920-7654

[email protected]

Source: UCI Health and Kindred Rehabilitation Services
ELM Solutions innovation, thought leadership and LegalVIEW database propelled the company to a total of six Globee awards

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Wolters Kluwer ELM Solutions has been named Company of the Year, Legal by the 2022 Golden Bridge Business and Innovation Awards, which bestowed the company with a Gold Globee in recognition of its achievements in bolstering product connectivity, expanding thought leadership and streamlining customer service. The award was one of six total Globees that ELM Solutions received, including a Grand Globee Award earned by nominees who accrue the most recognition across categories.

Accompanying the Company of the Year plaudit are three additional Gold Globee awards. Judges have named ELM Solutions the Most Innovative Company of the Year in honor of enhancements made to its Customer Support team that resulted in a significant increase to customer satisfaction levels. The companys thought leadership contributions to the legal industry have also been celebrated, with ELM Solutions A Practical Guide to Creating a Legal Technology Roadmap garnering gold-level recognition in the Best White Paper or Research Report category.

Additionally, a key benchmark for ELM Solutions LegalVIEW database  which crossed the threshold of $150 billion in invoices last year  has been feted with a Gold Globee in the Milestone of the Year category. Rounding out the companys slate of Golden Bridge plaudits is a silver-level award in the Best New Product or Service Awards category for the TyMetrix 360 Office Companion module, which allows users to access and manage matter-related emails, documents, and notes directly from Microsoft Office applications.

The annual Golden Bridge Awards program recognizes achievements in organizational performance, innovations, products and services, and customer programs in every major industry. This years judging panel featured more than 100 experts operating in different businesses across the globe.

In a dynamic legal industry, the needs of corporate law departments and their organizations are in a constant state of evolution, said Barry Ader, VP Product Management and Marketing, ELM Solutions. Im grateful to the judges for recognizing ELM Solutions commitment to providing innovative technology, incisive thought leadership content and swift customer service that helps todays legal professionals keep pace with the state of change.

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 companys award-winning products include Passport, one of the highest rated ELM solutions in the latest Hyperion MarketView Legal Market Intelligence Report and TyMetrix 360, the industrys 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 LegalVIEW portfolio of legal analytics solutions is based upon the industrys 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.

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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

[email protected]

Frank Ready

Senior Specialist, Corporate Communications, Legal Services

Governance, Risk & Compliance Division

Wolters Kluwer

717-205-3647

[email protected]

Source: Wolters Kluwer
By Arathy Somasekhar

HOUSTON (Reuters) - U.S. refiners last month imported the most heavy crude in nearly two years, customs data showed, as they cranked up motor fuel production and sought to replace sanctioned Russian oil.

Higher heavy-crude imports are common in summer-driving months, but this year's increase comes as the Biden administration is calling on for refiners to ramp up output and shave profit margins to ease soaring prices. The administration has asked for a parley to explore further efforts.

Heavy crudes are cheaper than lighter shale oils produced in the United States and typically make more diesel and less gasoline. Diesel stocks are draining, with U.S. inventories down 19% last month, and margins are soaring, boosting refiners' profits.

Refiners imported 33.5 million barrels of heavy crude in May, the highest in nearly two years, customs data showed, with 56 vessels discharging nearly 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd)of Mexico's Maya, Ecuador's Napo and Oriente and Iraq's Basra heavy, among other grades.

"We have healthy demand, low products inventories, and strained refining capacity," said Refinitiv senior energy analyst Corey Stewart. "Refiners are looking to bring feedstocks into the U.S. to most economically meet what products the markets demand," he added.

MARGIN BOOST

Increased diesel production will feed exports to Latin America and Europe, delivering more profit to refiners.

The U.S. crack spread, a measure of refining margins that includes gasoline and diesel, rose to a record $62.52 per barrel this month, according to Refinitiv data, as fuel demand soared with refining capacity down nearly 1 million barrels per day since 2019.

Heavy crude buyers included Valero Energy Corp's Benicia and PBF Energy's Martinez refinery, both in California, and Chevron's refinery in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Barrels also headed to top Gulf Coast refiners after discharging at Houston, Port Arthur, and Corpus Christi, Texas.

Imports of Mexico's heavy crudes, mainly Maya and Altamira, touched about 507,000 bpd in May, the highest in 11 months, while fuel oil imports from Mexico were near a record at 156,000 bpd.

Maya's official price for delivery to the U.S. Gulf Coast was $110.47 per barrel, compared with an average $64.29 in 2021. The price reflects higher demand for heavy oil and weak supplies from Canada.

The United States also imported a record volume of Basra Heavy crude from Iraq at nearly 129,000 bpd last month, while imports of Ecuadorian Oriente and Napo crudes touched the highest in a year at about 112,000 bpd.

Imports of Canada heavy crudes, have been tepid, according to EIA data, mainly the maintenance outage of a key upgrader.

U.S. refiners have boosted processing rates to pre-pandemic levels, running at an average 93.4% in the last 4 weeks, a level last seen in September 2019, data from the Energy Information Administration showed.

(Reporting by Arathy Somasekhar in Houston; Editing by David Gregorio)
Targa Resources Corp. (NYSE: TRGP) (Targa or the Company) and Lucid Energy Group, a leading privately held natural gas processor in the Permian Basin, announced today a definitive agreement under which a wholly-owned subsidiary of Targa will acquire Lucid Energy Delaware, LLC (Lucid) from Riverstone Holdings LLC (Riverstone) and Goldman Sachs Asset Management (Goldman Sachs), for $3.55 billion in cash.

Lucid provides natural gas gathering, treating, and processing services in the Delaware Basin, including approximately 1,050 miles of natural gas pipelines and approximately 1.4 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of cryogenic natural gas processing capacity in service or under construction located primarily in Eddy and Lea counties of New Mexico. Lucids Delaware Basin footprint overlays some of the most economic crude oil and natural gas producing acreage in North America. Current rig activity supports over 20 years of drilling inventory on Lucids greater than 600,000 dedicated acres, which are further supplemented by significant volumes subject to minimum volume commitments. Lucids assets are anchored by long-term, fixed-fee contracts and acreage dedications from a diverse set of high-quality customers. Approximately 70 percent of current system volumes are sourced from investment grade producers.

Targas standalone 2022 financial and operational outlook has continued to improve given the strength of commodity markets and producer activity levels. The Company now estimates full year standalone adjusted EBITDA to be between $2.675 billion and $2.775 billion and reported year-end leverage ratio of about 2.7 times. Targas updated financial expectations assume natural gas liquids (NGL) composite prices average $1.05 per gallon, crude oil prices average $100 per barrel and Waha natural gas prices average $6.00 per million British Thermal Units (MMbtu) for the remainder of 2022.

The strength of Targas standalone financial position has afforded us the flexibility to consider attractive opportunities to grow our business through acquisitions, as evidenced by our ability to finance the purchase of Lucid utilizing available cash and debt with estimated pro forma year-end 2022 leverage around 3.5 times, well within our long-term leverage ratio target range, said Matt Meloy, Chief Executive Officer of Targa. Lucids management team has developed an attractive position in the Delaware Basin and we look forward to continuing to provide value added services to the producer customers. This is an exciting acquisition that aligns with our integrated strategy as we are expanding and diversifying our Permian Basin footprint with Lucids complementary presence at an attractive investment multiple that we expect will further enhance the creation of shareholder value and continue to drive more volumes through Targas downstream businesses.

The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to distributable cash flow per share. This acquisition further supports our already strong cash flow profile and ability to return an increasing amount of capital to our shareholders through common dividend increases and common share repurchases, added Meloy.

Over the past several years, Lucid has firmly established itself as a leading midstream processor in the Delaware Basin, with a talented team, sophisticated operations and infrastructure, and strong customer partnerships, said Mike Latchem, CEO of Lucid Energy. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved, as todays transaction is a testament to the commitment and expertise of our team members and our strategy of growing the business for the benefit of all stakeholders. On behalf of Lucid, I want to express our gratitude to our sponsors, Riverstone and Goldman Sachs, whose partnership was instrumental in building the platform and helping to position the company for its next chapter of success.

We congratulate Mike Latchem and the entire Lucid team on todays milestone, said Baran Tekkora, a Partner at Riverstone and Co-Head of Private Equity. The transaction with Targa will position Lucid for its next stage of growth, while creating enhanced opportunities for its employees, customers and communities. Riverstone is pleased to have executed its strategy of partnering with Goldman Sachs and Lucids exceptional management team, where the combination of our capital and industry expertise resulted in strong returns for all stakeholders. Since the joint acquisition of Lucid in 2018, Lucid has significantly grown volumes and EBITDA and has differentiated itself as a highly sought-after midstream operator with a best-in-class safety and environmental track record.

We are pleased to have partnered with Lucid and Riverstone over the last several years, as the company has continued its growth as a leading gas gathering and processing platform in the Delaware Basin, said Scott Lebovitz, Partner and Co-Head of the Infrastructure investing business within Goldman Sachs Asset Management. We believe Mike and the team have done a great job of expanding customer relationships with high quality producers in the basin while continuing their commitment to the environment, safety, and the communities they serve.

Additional Information and Advisors

Completion of this transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2022. Targa has available liquidity, including cash on hand, its existing $2.75 billion revolving credit facility, and committed debt financing to fund the acquisition.

Evercore and Mizuho Securities USA LLC are serving as Targas financial advisors and Vinson & Elkins LLP is acting as Targas legal counsel on the transaction. Jefferies LLC is serving as financial advisor, and Latham & Watkins, LLP and Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP are acting as legal counsel to the seller group.

The Lucid Acquisition investor presentation has been posted to the Investors page of the Company's website, in the Events and Presentations section, or by going directly to www.targaresources.com/investors/events.

About Targa Resources Corp.

Targa Resources Corp. is a leading provider of midstream services and is one of the largest independent midstream infrastructure companies in North America. The Company owns, operates, acquires and develops a diversified portfolio of complementary domestic midstream infrastructure assets and its operations are critical to the efficient, safe and reliable delivery of energy across the United States and increasingly to the world. The Companys assets connect natural gas and NGLs to domestic and international markets with growing demand for cleaner fuels and feedstocks. The Company is primarily engaged in the business of: gathering, compressing, treating, processing, transporting, and purchasing and selling natural gas; transporting, storing, fractionating, treating, and purchasing and selling NGLs and NGL products, including services to LPG exporters; and gathering, storing, terminaling, and purchasing and selling crude oil.

Targa is a FORTUNE 500 company and is included in the S&P 400.

For more information, please visit the Companys website at www.targaresources.com.

About Lucid Energy Group

Lucid Energy Group is the largest privately held natural gas processor in the Permian Basin, providing the full range of gas midstream services to more than 50 customers in New Mexico and West Texas. Lucid is supported by growth capital commitments from a joint venture formed by Riverstone Global Energy and Power Fund VI, L.P., an investment fund managed by Riverstone Holdings LLC, and investment funds managed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management. Please visit www.lucid-energy.com for more information.

About Riverstone Holdings LLC

Founded in 2000 by David Leuschen and Pierre Lapeyre, Riverstone Holdings LLC is an asset management firm that invests in the private markets primarily within energy, power and infrastructure. Since inception, the Firm has raised $43 billion of capital to invest across the capital structure and in all major components of the industrys value chain. This includes nearly $8 billion in investments in renewable infrastructure and decarbonization, where Riverstone has partnered with or established industry leading companies.

About Goldman Sachs Asset Management

Bringing together traditional and alternative investments, Goldman Sachs Asset Management provides clients around the world with a dedicated partnership and focus on long-term performance. As the primary investing area within Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS), we deliver investment and advisory services for the worlds leading institutions, financial advisors and individuals, drawing from our deeply connected global network and tailored expert insights, across every region and marketoverseeing more than $2 trillion in assets under supervision worldwide as of March 31, 2022. Driven by a passion for our clients performance, we seek to build long-term relationships based on conviction, sustainable outcomes, and shared success over time. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

This press release includes the Companys non-GAAP financial measure: adjusted EBITDA. The following table provides reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP measure.

The Company utilizes non-GAAP measures to analyze the Companys performance. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to this non-GAAP measure is Net income (loss) attributable to Targa Resources Corp. This non-GAAP measure should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP measures and has important limitations as analytical tools. Investors should not consider this measure in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Companys results as reported under GAAP. Additionally, because the Companys non-GAAP measure exclude some, but not all, items that affect income and segment operating margin, and are defined differently by different companies within the Companys industry, the Companys definitions may not be comparable with similarly titled measures of other companies, thereby diminishing their utility. Management compensates for the limitations of the Companys non-GAAP measures as analytical tools by reviewing the comparable GAAP measures, understanding the differences between the measures and incorporating these insights into the Companys decision-making processes.

Adjusted EBITDA

The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as Net income (loss) attributable to Targa Resources Corp. before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and other items that the Company believes should be adjusted consistent with the Companys core operating performance. The adjusting items are detailed in the adjusted EBITDA reconciliation table and its footnotes. Adjusted EBITDA is used as a supplemental financial measure by the Company and by external users of the Companys financial statements such as investors, commercial banks and others to measure the ability of the Companys assets to generate cash sufficient to pay interest costs, support the Companys indebtedness and pay dividends to the Companys investors.

The following table presents a reconciliation of estimated standalone net income of the Company to estimated standalone adjusted EBITDA for 2022:

2022E (In millions) Reconciliation of Estimated Net Income attributable to Targa Resources Corp. to Estimated Adjusted EBITDA Net income attributable to Targa Resources Corp. $ 1,350.0 Interest expense, net 350.0 Income tax expense 300.0 Depreciation and amortization expense 865.0 (Gain) loss on sale of assets (440.0 ) (Gain) loss from financing activities (1) 50.0 Equity (earnings) loss  Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates and preferred partner interests, net 45.0 Compensation on equity grants 55.0 Risk management activities 170.0 Noncontrolling interests adjustments (2) (20.0) Estimated Adjusted EBITDA $ 2,725.0 ___________ (1) Gains or losses on debt repurchases or early debt extinguishments. (2) Noncontrolling interest portion of depreciation and amortization expense.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, factors and risks, many of which are outside the Companys control, which could cause results to differ materially from those expected by management of the Company. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, weather, political, economic and market conditions, including a decline in the price and market demand for natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil, the impact of pandemics such as COVID-19, commodity price volatility due to ongoing conflict in Ukraine, actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC oil producing countries, the timing and success of business development efforts, the completion of the acquisition of Lucid, which may not be completed on a timely basis or at all, expected benefits relating to the acquisition of Lucid and their impact on the Companys results of operations, and other uncertainties. These and other applicable uncertainties, factors and risks are described more fully in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and any subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Company does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts:

For Targa[email protected] (713) 584-1133

Sanjay LadVice President, Finance & Investor Relations

Jennifer KnealeChief Financial Officer

For Lucid & RiverstoneDaniel Yunger / Daniel HoadleyKekst CNC[email protected] / [email protected]

For Goldman Sachs Asset ManagementAvery Reed [email protected]

Source: Targa Resources Corp.
BOCA RATON, Fla., June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ADT Inc. (NYSE: ADT), the most trusted brand in smart home and small business security, today announced the appointment of William M. (Bill) Lewis Jr. to the companys board of directors as a Class II director with a term expiring at the 2025 annual meeting.

We are pleased to welcome Bill to our board of directors, said ADTs Chairman, Marc Becker. Bill has deep experience providing financial counsel to growth companies in a wide range of industries. He brings broad new perspective to the ADT board as it develops and grows safe, smart, and sustainable customer solutions.

Its a pleasure to join ADTs board of directors and be part of this iconic companys exciting future, Lewis said. The smart home and rooftop solar markets are primed for growth, with exciting new innovations and ideal market conditions that set the stage for ADT to achieve strong growth and positive results.

Lewis was designated by Apollo and will replace Matthew Nord, who has retired from the Board. Lewis joined Apollo in 2021 as a senior partner, where he sources and executes investment opportunities across the firms private equity business. Prior to Apollo, he was managing director and chairman of investment banking at Lazard, where he spent more than 17 years advising global corporations on financial matters. Before Lazard, Lewis held leadership roles at Morgan Stanley for 24 years.

Lewis serves on the boards of non-profit organizations including Uncommon Schools, New York Presbyterian Hospital, the New York City Police Foundation, the Posse Foundation, the National Constitution Center, the Economic Club of New York and Echoing Green. In addition to his not-for-profit activities, he serves on the board of Lazard Ltd., Ariel Alternatives, LLC and formerly served on the boards of Freddie Mac and Darden Restaurants.

ABOUT ADTADT provides safe, smart, and sustainable solutions for people, homes, and businesses. Through innovative offerings, unrivaled safety, and a premium customer experience, all delivered by the largest network of smart home security and rooftop solar professionals in the U.S., we empower people to protect and connect to what matters most. For more information, visit www.adt.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ADT has made statements in this press release that are forward-looking and therefore subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this press release are, or could be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are made in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided thereunder. Any forward-looking statement made in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. ADT undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are based on managements current beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. ADT cautions that these statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of ADTs control, and could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this press release.

Media and Investor Contacts:Investor Relations[email protected] Tel: 888-238-8525

Media RelationsPaul Wiseman[email protected]561-356-6388

Source: ADT Inc.
Vancouver, BC, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BM Group of Companies (BM Group) is excited to announce its acquisition of LE Steel Fabricators Ltd., further supporting its growing portfolio of construction, project management, material supply, and land development companies.

After acquiring LE Steel, BM Group now represents over fifteen independent businesses, offering a comprehensive network of complementary businesses to its clients. BM Groups financial strength and diverse portfolio of businesses brings cost savings, efficiencies, and other benefits to its clients.

With over 30 years of experience in the custom fabrication of engineered, structural steel, aluminum and stainless steel products and components, acquiring LE Steel was a natural step in BM Groups expansion. It enables us to enter an existing industry from a different angle, while executing on larger repair and restoration projects, and continue driving toward our mission of restoring the future, said Milan Mann, President of Real Estate Development and Construction at BM Group.

LE Steel has been relied upon for decades to deliver on large scale projects across the province. Our clients and industry partners can rest assured knowing that BM Group and LE Steel will continue to deliver the exceptional, reliable work these companies have done for decades, said Mann. Now, well just be able to do more of it.

Peter VandeBurgt, owner of LE Steel, said BM Group was the obvious choice for the acquisition. What stuck out to me was the genuine interest BM Group showed in the LE Steel family, said VandeBurgt. I could tell that taking care of LE Steels peopleour employees and customerswas their top priority. VandeBurgt will remain with LE Steel for one year to help manage the transition.

BM Group hopes that this acquisition shows how, even in times of turbulence, it is still invested in growth and providing new opportunitiesnot just for the company, but for its employees, too. We are proud to be a family-owned local business that can provide opportunities for employment and growth in our communities and an industry we strongly believe in.

The acquisition included LE Steels industrial property, warehouse, and equipment.

###

About BM Group of Companies

Headquartered in Vancouver, BC, BM Group of Companies (BM Group) represents a growing portfolio of construction, project management, material supply and land development companies. BM Group unites businesses with the same purpose and vision under one company to provide quality assurance and value-added service to its clients. BM Group is one of the most diverse companies of its kind, with a collection of high-quality brands that have been trusted for over 40 years, including Polycrete Restorations, Contech Services Inc., TEK Roofing Ltd., Dallas Watt Demo Ltd, Urban Sawing and Scanning, YAAT Concrete Ltd., BMG Real Estate, Penmat Contracting and Project Management Ltd., Vancouver Ready Mix, Fraserway Prekast, and LE Steel Fabricators Ltd.

Attachment

Danica Gallaher SitePartners 604-613-4480 [email protected]

Source: BM Group
TORONTO, June 15, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Centerra Gold Inc. (Centerra or the Company) (TSX: CG) (NYSE: CGAU) announced today that it has called a special meeting of shareholders to be held on July 25, 2022 (the Meeting).



At the Meeting, Centerra shareholders will be asked to consider and, if deemed advisable, to pass a resolution (the Arrangement Resolution) approving the proposed plan of arrangement (the Plan of Arrangement) which will give effect to certain aspects of the previously announced global arrangement agreement (the Arrangement Agreement) entered into by, among others, Centerra, Kyrgyzaltyn JSC (Kyrgyzaltyn) and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Centerra will file a management information circular (Circular) and proxy-related materials with securities regulatory authorities in connection with the Meeting in the coming days. The Circular will contain important information relating to the status of the transactions contemplated by the Arrangement Agreement (the Arrangement) as well as details about the conduct of, and voting by shareholders at, the Meeting. Centerra shareholders are urged to read and consider the information that will be contained in the Circular in its entirety prior to voting at the Meeting.

Special Meeting on July 25, 2022

The Meeting will be held virtually on July 25, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. (Toronto time) at https://web.lumiagm.com/422352408. Centerra has fixed the close of business on June 27, 2022 as the record date for determining Centerra shareholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Meeting. The deadline for receipt of proxies for the Meeting is 11:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on July 21, 2022, or if the Meeting is adjourned or postponed, at least 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays in the Province of Ontario) prior to the time when the adjourned or postponed Meeting is reconvened or convened, as applicable.

How to Vote

All Centerra shareholders are encouraged to vote at the Meeting online or by proxy. Details on how to vote and how to participate in the Meeting via the live webcast will be contained in the Circular.

In order for Centerra to implement the Arrangement, the Arrangement Resolution must be approved by (i) at least two-thirds of the votes cast at the Meeting by Centerra shareholders, and (ii) a majority of the votes cast by Centerra shareholders, excluding the votes of any Centerra shareholders, such as Kyrgyzaltyn, required to be excluded under Multilateral Instrument 61-101  Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (i.e. minority approval), in each case present virtually or represented by proxy at the Meeting.

Recommendation of the Special Committee and the Board of Directors Regarding the Arrangement Resolution

The Arrangement has been approved by the Board of Directors of Centerra, following the recommendation of a Special Committee of independent directors of Centerra. The Centerra Board of Directors recommends that Centerra shareholders vote in favour of the Arrangement Resolution at the Meeting.

There can be no assurance that the conditions precedent to the Arrangement will be satisfied in a timely manner or at all, and accordingly, that the Arrangement will close.

Shareholder Questions and Assistance

Centerra shareholders may contact Morrow Sodali, Centerras proxy solicitation agent, for questions and assistance in voting their Centerra common shares at the Meeting:

Morrow Sodali

North America Toll Free: 1.888.999.2944

Collect Calls Outside North America: 1.289.695.3075

Email: [email protected]

The Circular and proxy-related materials will be available on Centerras website at www.centerragold.com and under Centerras profiles on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar. The Circular and proxy-related materials will also be mailed to Centerra shareholders.

Extension of Annual Meeting Deadline

In light of the pending Arrangement, Centerra has been granted an extension by the Toronto Stock Exchange to hold its annual meeting of shareholders no later than August 31, 2022. Centerra will provide further details regarding its annual meeting at a later date.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Information contained in this document which are not statements of historical facts may be forward-looking information for the purposes of Canadian securities laws and within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking information. The words expect, contemplate, may, will, schedule and similar expressions identify forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things: the expected timing of the Meeting and matters related thereto; the filing with securities regulatory authorities and mailing to Centerra shareholders of the Circular and proxy-related materials; and the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to the Arrangement and completion of the Arrangement.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Centerra, are inherently subject to significant political, business, technical, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Factors and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: risks that Centerra shareholders or the Ontario court do not approve the Plan of Arrangement; risks that any of the conditions precedent to the Arrangement will not be satisfied in a timely manner or at all; the impact of any actions taken by the Kyrgyz Government, or any of its instrumentalities, or Kyrgyzaltyn prior to the completion of the Arrangement; the failure of the Kyrgyz Government or Kyrgyzaltyn to comply with their obligations under the Arrangement Agreement; the Kyrgyz Government taking further steps to nationalize or expropriate the Kumtor Mine prior to the completion of the Arrangement; political and regulatory risks in the Kyrgyz Republic; resource nationalism; the impact of changes in, or more aggressive enforcement of, laws, regulations and government practices; the presence of a significant shareholder that is a state-owned company of the Kyrgyz Republic and possible conflicts of interest related thereto; and other actions which could be taken by the Company in response to the ongoing situation involving the Kumtor Mine. For additional risk factors, please see the section titled Risk Factors in the Companys most recently filed Annual Information Form and in the Circular, each of which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR www.sec.gov/edgar.

There can be no assurances that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as many factors and future events, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to vary or differ materially from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained or referred to herein. Accordingly, all such factors should be considered carefully when making decisions with respect to Centerra, and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. Forward-looking information contained herein is given as of the date of this press release. Centerra assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions, changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

About Centerra Gold

Centerra Gold Inc. is a Canadian-based gold mining company focused on operating, developing, exploring and acquiring gold and copper properties in North America, Turkey, and other markets worldwide. Centerra operates two mines: the Mount Milligan Mine in British Columbia, Canada, and the Oksut Mine in Turkey. While Centerra still owns the Kumtor Mine in the Kyrgyz Republic, it is no longer under Centerras control. Centerra also owns the Goldfield District Project in Nevada, United States, the Kemess Underground Project in British Columbia, Canada, and owns and operates the Molybdenum Business Unit in the United States and Canada. Centerras shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol CG and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol CGAU. Centerra is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Additional information

Additional information on Centerra is available on the Centerras website at www.centerragold.com, on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.

For more information:

Toby Caron

Treasurer and Director, Investor Relations

(416) 204-1694

[email protected]

Shae Frosst

Manager, Investor Relations

(416) 204-2159

[email protected]

PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/bb08af3a-b956-458c-8906-c11f0f66ef8a
MONTREAL, June 15, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) confirmed today that the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), which represents approximately 750 employees in Canada, has given the Company a 72-hour notice of its intention to strike as of 11:00 AM Eastern Time on June 18, 2022.

CN has negotiated with the union in good faith and will continue to do so. The Company has also offered to resolve the remaining differences, which are predominantly on wages and benefits, through binding arbitration. CN remains optimistic that an agreement can be reached without a labour disruption.

However, should the union move forward with a strike, CN has prepared and is ready to implement an operational contingency plan. This plan would ensure a normal level of continued safe operations as long as required.

About CNCN 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 the only 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:

Media Investment Community Jonathan Abecassis Paul Butcher Senior Manager Vice-President Media Relations Investor Relations 438-455-3692 (514) 399-0052 [email protected] [email protected]

Source: Canadian National Railway Company
Student Entrepreneur of the Year Nicole Birnbaum has found success with her small business FlipRings, which has achieved gross sales of over $500,000.

Charleston, South Carolina, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Its amazing what can result from a small flash of inspiration. For Nicole Birnbaum, a rising senior at the College of Charleston whos majoring in communication, such a moment took place early in her freshman year. It was an epiphany that led to the creation of a successful commercial venture  FlipRings  and to her winning Student Entrepreneur of the Year for 2021-22.

Back in the fall of 2019, when the College was shuttered due to Hurricane Dorian, Birnbaum spent that week at home in New Jersey with her parents. Her father happened to have a black silicone ring that he used in place of his wedding band when working out or doing other activities. The younger Birnbaum wondered if rings like that were available in a range of colors.

I found myself playing with that thing, she recalls, because silicone is stretchy and its just fun to play with. That made me wonder if I could find the same product available in other colors. I went online, but couldnt find anything like that. At least it didnt appear that anyone was making and marketing such products to people my age. So, I started thinking, What if you could just have a ring with some fun, expressive words on it, kind of like those bracelets that used to be so popular a few years ago? Thats where it all started.

When Birnbaum refers to it all, shes being more than modest. Launched in the winter of 2020, her venture steadily gained popularity after the first models appeared. By the end of 2021, FlipRings had exceeded $500,000 in gross sales.

Our first model had the word coffee engraved on the outside and tequila on the inside, she explains. Flip rings, right? You can reverse them inside or out. I love graphic design and designing things in general, so at that stage, I was just playing around. Eventually, I found a supplier and ordered some samples. I showed those to the women who were my roommates, but I didnt tell them that I had created these things. They instantly loved the concept, and it just took off after that. The photos of them wearing the rings were the first elements of our marketing collateral for FlipRings.

Birnbaum, who partnered with her dad to get FlipRings off the ground, has made effective use of social media  primarily Instagram  to promote the rings. She now has over 36,000 followers on that platform and some 30-plus student ambassadors at universities across the U.S. And all the while, shes managed to keep a low profile.

Initially, I wanted to create a kind of community around FlipRings, she says, and I wanted to get it out there that the person behind this was 19. But I didnt really want people to know that it was me. So, I worked to make our Instagram presence personal and interactive. I think that was the right formula because were still doing really well with sales. And most of that is because our outreach speaks in the right tone to people my age. Essentially, what were offering is about self-expression and having fun, and I think that resonates.

Just as FlipRings was getting off the ground, Birnbaum set up an account with the e-commerce platform Shopify.

Thats right when a lot of people were spending a tremendous amount of time on the web because of the COVID-19 lockdown, she explains. The timing really helped a lot because the business just exploded at that point. I also think its important that my company puts a big emphasis on empowerment and moods. The whole idea is to help people show that moods change all the time, and thats OK. FlipRings help people express themselves through an accessory.

Last fall, to augment her business skills and pursue a minor in entrepreneurship, Birnbaum enrolled in the CofC course Introduction to Entrepreneurship. Over the initial weeks of that class, she grew to know the professor  David Wyman  fairly well. It was Wyman who recommended she enter the Colleges Student Entrepreneur of the Year competition.

I really wasnt interested, she recalls. When he told me that Id have to make a presentation in front of the judges and about 60 other people, I knew I didnt want to do it. I have anxiety around public speaking, but Dr. Wyman insisted. He said the experience would be good for me. And, he was right. I learned that I cant be nervous. I mean, FlipRings is my business and I know it thoroughly, so I just had to speak about it in a way that connected with the judges and the audience.

Ultimately, Birnbaums presentation prevailed and she won top honors in that annual competition, walking away with the $1,000 prize. But more valuable to her are the lessons she learned and the connections she made in the process.

Ive learned a lot by running my own business and finding ways to promote it, she says. The contest was another aspect of that learning journey. And Ive learned that there are lot of students at the College who are running small businesses. In fact, along with Billy Barlia and Oliva DeSisto (two other students in the Introduction to Entrepreneurship course), weve started a new club to support and encourage this  the Founders Club. Weve only been active since January, but weve got about 15 members and everyone seems keen to keep it going next year.

In the interim, Birnbaum will spend the summer dividing her time between Charleston and her home in New Jersey. Shell continue to manage FlipRings, but says she doesnt want to focus solely on that.

Ill also be doing a remote internship this summer, she offers. Its a creative consulting role with an advertising agency based in California. Ill help them with designs for events and ads for clients, doing things like picking color schemes and helping orchestrate events.

And, what about her future as an entrepreneur?

I dont really have a plan, Birnbaum says. I dont know if thats good or bad; Im just enjoying the moment. Im expanding to other products. Were now doing skull caps or flip beanies for winter and flip bucket hats for summer. But my business is so new. Its only been two years, and I just want to see where it can go. I can do whatever I want with this enterprise, and thats what I love about it.

Attachments
Roseau, June 15, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As part of the Commonwealth of Dominicas aims to become the first climate-resilient country in the world by 2030, as announced by the country's Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit following the devastation ravaged on the island nation by Hurricane Maria in 2017, the nation is actively investing in sustainable development projects. These include developing and enhancing its renewable energy capabilities, as well as sustainable housing, healthcare and educational facilities.

The Commonwealth of Dominica already obtains 28% of its energy requirements from renewable energy sources such as hydropower and wind. However, it currently has a small power system that relies heavily on diesel to produce electricity. The average price of electricity on the island is amongst the highest in the world, close to US $0.33/kWh and customers are exposed to the volatility of international oil prices.

In March 2019, the World Bank approved a US$27 million project to support the construction of a 7MW small geothermal power plant in the Rosseau Valley area of Dominica, which aims to increase the share of renewables, diversify the countrys energy matrix, and identify a clear road map for private sector investment in geothermal development.

Geothermal power plants essentially work the same as coal or nuclear power plant, the main difference being the heat source. With geothermal, the Earths heat replaces the boiler of a coal plant or the reactor of a nuclear plant. The hotter the resource, the less fluid needs to flow from the ground to take advantage of it, and the more useful it is. Brimming with hot springs, geysers, and volcanic activity where the Earth is particularly hot just below the surface, Dominica is the perfect location to manifest geothermal energy.

The Geothermal Power Plant shows Dominicas commitment toward resilience. Projects like the geothermal plant are putting the Nature Isle ahead of the world in combatting climate change while relieving the nation of its reliance on imported fossil fuels, said Micha Rose Emmett, CEO of the world's leading government advisory and marketing firm, CS Global Partners

The Geothermal Risk Mitigation Project will significantly lower electricity costs in Dominica and increase the share of renewable energy in the countrys energy mix from 25 to 51%, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 38,223 tons of CO2 per year.

The Dominica Geothermal Development Company Ltd (DGDC) is implementing the project and is financed by a US $17.2 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA), US $9.95 million from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), as well as grants from the UKs Department for International Development  US $10 million from DFID and US $2 million from the SIDS DOCK Initiative  and technical assistance from the Government of New Zealand and the Agence Francaise de Developpement. Economic Diversification Fund proceeds from the countrys Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme are also providing part of the funding.

The DGDC has decided to build a binary cycle power plant, which whilst more costly than alternative geothermal plant models, is the most environmentally friendly and accordingly, the long-term benefits accrued by not causing pollution, far outweigh the additional cost.

Work on the geothermal plant is well underway, and in February 2021, the Government signed a US $12.5 million contract with an Iceland-based company to drill two wells. Dr Vince Henderson- the Parliamentary Representative for the Grand Bay Constituency and Minister for Planning, Economic Development, Climate Resilience, Sustainable Development, and Renewable Energy of Dominica recently visited the site to observe the progress of the project and confirmed that the completion of the geothermal project is to take around 18 months, with the plant expected to be operational by the end of 2023.

The geothermal plant will have a substantial and positive impact on the islands national advancement and the lives of its citizens. In addition to the creation of local jobs related to the construction and maintenance of the plant, the Government is hoping to use the energy generated to power 23,000 homes with clean geothermal energy, which represents approximately 90 per cent of Dominicas entire population. It will also provide electricity to the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, which in turn will encourage foreign exchange.

About Dominicas Citizenship by Investment Programme

Though small in size, Dominica is considered the best second citizenship to invest in, according to an independent study by the Financial Times PWM publication, which particularly highlighted the programmes stringent due diligence, efficient times and affordability. After applicants pass the due diligence checks, citizenship hopefuls then choose to either invest in real estate or contribute to a government fund. The latter is known as the Economic Diversification Fund (EDF), and it sponsors public and private sectors in Dominica that need financial support or have economic potential, such as the Geothermal Risk Mitigation Project.

Each eligible person to become a citizen of Dominica adds at least USD 100,000 to the EDF. If they apply jointly as a family, which is possible under Dominicas Citizenship by Investment Programme, these contributions amount to USD 200,000 for a family of four and another USD 25,000 for any additional dependents. Ultimately, the money goes towards modernising the local infrastructure, schools, and hospitals, and even towards developing thriving industries like tourism and IT.

Successful applicants, often within three months, attain the rights that come with Dominican citizenship, like travel to over 75 per cent of the world, including key business hubs like China and increased business prospects and the ability to pass citizenship on for generations to come.

Considering the flow of foreign investment through programmes like citizenship by investment, Dominica is prepared to set long-term goals that exceed sustainability expectations on a global scale.

The government of Dominica has allocated a part of the revenue generated from the Citizenship by Investment Programme to fulfil the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, which include improving marine life, forest management, and youth and women-led grassroots movements for better land stewardship. Additionally, Citizenship by Investment funds have provided a much-needed lifeline in rebuilding, focusing on housing through Dominicas housing revolution. The project aims to build over 5,000 hurricane-proof homes across the island for displaced families.

Accordingly, those applicants who pass the vetting process and are allowed to invest can rest assured that their contribution is channelled towards the betterment of their new home country and the lives of their fellow citizens.
MENLO PARK, Calif., June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Dr. Maky Zanganeh, a recognized leader in the healthcare industry, is honored as one of the Top 10 Influential Chief Operating Officers of 2021. Dr. Zanganeh has led many industry transformations ranging from minimally invasive surgical robotics to a patient-friendly small molecule drug for blood cancer patients. Currently, she is Chief Operating Officer at Summit Therapeutics, a company committed to leadership in resolving serious, unmet medical needs for the betterment of overall human health.

"It is an honor to be recognized for this award. I have had the privilege to work with incredible teams over the years who are committed to making a difference for the betterment of humankind," stated Dr. Zanganeh. "Changing the world, for the better, is a truly adventurous journey. It takes courage to do things that others consider impossible."

This distinguished award is given by Industry Era Review Magazine, which is one of the leading media authorities in technology including sources for transformative tech news and events.

Read the article here: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/798595523/

To view the article from Industry Era Review Magazine: Dr. Maky Zanganeh, Chief Operating Officer of Summit Therapeutics, Top 10 Influential COOs of 2021 | Industry Era (industry-era.com)

Biography:

Dr. Maky Zanganeh is a recognized leader in the healthcare industry. Dr. Zanganeh is currently the Chief Operating Officer, and member of the board, at Summit Therapeutics, a company committed to leadership in resolving serious, unmet medical needs for the betterment of overall human health.

Prior to Summit, Dr. Zanganeh, as Chief Operating Officer at Pharmacyclics, led a struggling biotech company to a billion-dollar collaboration and license deal for ibrutinib with Johnson & Johnson in 2011 and the subsequent sale of the company for $21 billion dollars for 50% ownership of ibrutinib in 2015 to AbbVie Inc., which was the second largest biopharma sale ever in the industry at that time. The deal with Janssen Biotech received the award of the "Best Biotech Transaction" in 2011. Under her leadership in 2015, Pharmacyclics was also awarded the prestigious Prix Galien for "Best Pharmaceutical Agent." This award is the biomedical industry's highest accolade and recognizes outstanding achievements in the development of new therapies.

Dr. Zanganeh is an honored speaker of the United Nations, recently speaking during the closing ceremony during the United Nations February 11 Global Movement held on February 11, 2022. Dr. Zanganeh was President of EMEA / Global VP of Training and Education for Computer Motion, Inc. (Pioneers in Robotic Surgery), which later merged with Intuitive, Inc. (ISRG) company in June 2003.

Dr. Zanganeh was awarded her DDS (Dental Degree of Surgery) from Louis Pasteur University, France and an MBA from Schiller International University, France. She is fluent in French, German, Farsi, and English. Dr. Zanganeh earned the Fierce Biotech "2013 Top women in biotech" award, and the E&Y company "Entrepreneur of the Year" 2013 award. She is also a published author, recently releasing her book entitled The Magic of Normal.

To order Maky Zanganeh's Book The Magic of Normal

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

To Contact Dr. Maky Zanganeh

[email protected]

Website: www.mzanganeh.com

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Source: Summit Therapeutics
TORONTO, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Food For The Poor Canada builds its 36th school in Jamaica in honour of three Fathers.

Out of many one people is the Jamaican motto that G. Raymond Chang, Keith Golding and Joseph Mahfood embody. These three Jamaican fathers of Chinese, African and Lebanese heritage are being honoured next month by their daughters Brigette Chang, Audrea Golding and Samantha Mahfood. The three Jamaican-Canadian women are the lead donors for a new early-childhood school, in honour of each of their dads in partnership with Food For The Poor Canada.

Food For The Poor Canada and a group of 15 Canadian volunteers will spend a week in July building Valley Christian School in Spanish Town, Jamaica. The new school will serve 90 students ranging from 2 to 6 years old and will provide them with safe, spacious classrooms, contributing towards their early growth and development, setting the foundation for their long-term success.

"The desire to give back to others is a value that my parents instilled in my brother and I from an early age. Dad held Jamaica close to his heart, and he was a passionate believer that education was a great equalizer. Sponsoring this school with Food For The Poor, as well as having my children participate alongside me, feels like the perfect way to honour his legacy", said Brigette Chang, the daughter of G. Raymond Chang. Raymond Chang was a co-founder of the company that is now CI Financial, a philanthropist and a former Chancellor of Ryerson University. Brigette Chang serves on several boards and is the President of the Raymond Chang Foundation.

Keith J.C. Golding was born in Manchester, Jamaica. He was raised by a single mother, grandmother and community who ensured that he had the best education possible, despite limited circumstances. Keith worked for the Jamaican Ministry of Health and State Trading Corporation. He helped build Cornwall Regional Hospital, the first major hospital on the west coast of Jamaica. Keiths children Jonelle, Audrea and Keith, Jr., and grandson, Christian, are all participating in the Food For The Poor Canada build in honour of Keiths enduring commitment to giving back. To whom much is given, much is expected. Jamaica has given our family so much, it is our time to give back , said Keiths daughter, Audrea Golding, a Partner at the global immigration law firm, Fragomen.

Joe Mahfood is remembered for his open heart and open door by his family and all who were lucky enough to know him. Joe and his brothers built the family business, WISYNCO, which today provides jobs for over 2,000 Jamaicans. He also helped develop Food For The Poor in Jamaica, by creating the housing program and increasing the scope of the organizations work. His love for Jamaica and its people will continue to make an impact across the island , said his daughter Samantha Mahfood, Executive Director, Food For The Poor Canada, who will be volunteering along with Joes youngest grandchild Martin Barry.

The Principal of the school, Hortense Grant, shared It is through education we can be a force to help change and reshape the community, starting with young children as we help set their foundation.

All the volunteers are looking forward to hammering and painting and giving the community a brand new, beautiful early childhood school, with three classrooms, a kitchen, principals office and a playground for the children. This is the 36th early childhood school that Canadians have built in underserved communities in Jamaica with Food For The Poor" If you would like to help support education projects in Jamaica, you can make a gift https://foodforthepoor.ca/support/donate/donate-to-jamaica/

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 $40,000,000 in educational and medical supplies and provided over 20,000,000 meals to communities in LAC.

For interviews or more information, contact:Samantha MahfoodExecutive Director(416) 921-4008[email protected]www.foodforthepoor.ca

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0f5b2c0-4a53-4a13-a0cc-e42d42bb7d10

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/53c3dafb-9e2e-46ce-a9a3-65ce7507affc

Hampden Primary and Infant Build Audrea Golding and Samantha Golding at the Hampden Primary and Infant Build in 2018. Hampden Primary and Infant build Brigette Chang at Hampden Primary and Infant build, 2018

Source: Food For The Poor Of Canada Inc
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

Who: Jeff Winzeler, CFO of Kandou, an innovative leader in high-speed, energy-efficient, chip link solutions

What: Will hold a series of one-on-one or group meetings with interested investors in the Morgan Stanley NextGen Conference

When: Wednesday, June 22

Where: Rosewood Hotel, LondonDetails are available on the Morgan Stanley NextGen Conference website.

About Kandou

Kandou, an innovative leader in high-speed, energy-efficient chip-to-chip link solutions to improve the way the world connects and communicates, is revolutionizing wired connectivity with greater speed and efficiency. It enables a better-connected world by offering disruptive technology through licensing and standard products for smaller, more energy efficient and cost-effective electronic devices. Kandou has a strong IP portfolio that includes Chord signaling, adopted by the OIF and JEDEC standards organizations. Kandou offers fundamental advances in interconnect technology that lower power consumption and improve the performance of chip links, unlocking new capabilities for customer devices and systems. Kandou is a fabless semiconductor company founded in 2011 and headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, with offices in Europe, North America and Asia.

Connect with Kandou at:Website: www.kandou.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kandou-bus-s-a-/Twitter: @kandoubus

Kandou acknowledges trademarks or registered trademarks of other organizations for their respective products and services.

For more information, contact: Jeff McGuire Nanette Collins VP Business Development at Kandou Public Relations for Kandou (303) 903-9244 (617) 437-1822 [email protected] [email protected]

Source: Kandou Bus
LOS ANGELES and KINGSTON, Jamaica, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kaya Group (Kaya or the Company) (OTC: NUGL), the first medicinal Ganja herb house in the Caribbean and holistic, wellness-focused ecosystem, announced today that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with Rich and Ruthless to launch its brand, Jamaican roots herbs in the California market. Rich and Ruthless services more than 100 dispensaries, delivery services, and CBD stores statewide. Kaya is more than a brand; Kaya is a movement determined to Respect the Roots of Jamaicas rich history and tradition. Respect is Kayas driving force, and encompasses everything we do, including our relationships with our employees, how we treat our community, our herbs, our brand, our products and nature. Kaya Group has produced 18 Cannabis Cup winner strains by combining ancient knowledge with the most innovative techniques to make sure its quality is on par with the best in the world  while honoring the past.

Sales of Jamaican roots herbs in the California market will add to the growing sales numbers of Kaya Inc. and NUGL. For the month of May, Kaya Group posted $200,868 in sales and had positive EBITDA of $42,355, which marked the company's second month of positive EBITDA this fiscal year. For the first five months of Fiscal 2022, which include January through May, Kaya, Inc. had unaudited revenues of $941,871.00 and adjusted EBITDA of -$61,920.00. For the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2021, Kaya posted unaudited gross revenues of $2.2 million, with gross margins of 61%. Adjusted EBITDA for Fiscal 2021 showed a small loss of -$71,000.00.

Under the terms of the agreement, Kaya Group has granted Rich and Ruthless the exclusive right to promote, market, distribute and sell the Kaya Brands to retailers for resale in California. The extensive distribution network developed by Rich and Ruthless will continue growing Kaya Group's product portfolio in the largest adult-use market in the country. Kaya was the first to open a medical cannabis location in Jamaica in March 2018. Since that time, Kaya has established itself as a leading supplier and supporter of medical cannabis throughout the Caribbean. Its diverse operations include a licensed cultivation facility, processing facility, 3 retail herb houses, and one ganja franchise in Punta Del Este, Uruguay.

Bali Vaswani, Chief Executive Officer of NUGL and Founder of Kaya, commented, The Kaya brand is much more than just a name on a box. Anyone who has been to one of our world-class facilities in Jamaica knows Kaya represents thousands of years of healing bodies and minds around the world. Kaya is based on a centerpiece of culture, a tool used to improve society holistically, from the economy to spirituality, it is a way for us to unite as a people.

Rich & Ruthless Cannabis was established in 2019 by Lil Eazy E and Arnold Bigg A White, along with the founders of Rich & Ruthless Records. It is a collective of cannabis growers, products, and suppliers that blend hip hop culture with the cannabis community.

Rich and Ruthless President, Lil Eazy E, said, Our fully integrated distribution footprint throughout California allows us to commercialize brands through our retail and wholesale market with the consistency and quality our medical and adult use consumers have come to expect.

According to California's Department of Tax and Fee Administration, the Golden State has taken in nearly $4 billion in marijuana tax revenue since the states adult-use market launched in 2018. For the first quarter of 2022, the state saw about $294 million in cannabis revenue generated from the excise, cultivation and sales tax on marijuana. California collected about $817 million in adult-use marijuana tax revenue during the last fiscal year. That represented 55 percent more cannabis earnings for state coffers than was generated in the 2020-2021 period. More than half of the states cities and counties currently do not allow any type of cannabis licensees to operate in their area, which leaves tremendous potential for growth.

Mr. Vaswani continued, "Kaya has a role in Jamaican and cannabis history to build a brand that represents the values and duties synonymous with Jamaica. Our Kaya brand includes a licensed cultivation facility, processing facility, 3 retail herb houses, and one ganja franchise in Punta Del Este, Uruguay. Each Kaya retail herb house can house over 1,000 patrons for events, Our non-medicinal divisions exclusively serve our famous Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee and signature thin crust pizzas, which everyone has grown to love. We would like to extend a warm invitation to our shareholders to visit us in Jamaica to see firsthand the pride and respect of our ancestors who protected the plant.

About Kaya Group

Kaya is Jamaicas leading vertically-integrated medical cannabis company with diverse operations headquartered in Ocho Rios, which includes a licensed cultivation facility with over 40 genetics, a processing facility, three retail dispensaries, and conditional licenses to transport and operate therapeutic wellness spas. The Kaya Group was the first to open a medical cannabis retail location in Jamaica in March 2018 and has since established itself as a leading supplier and exporter of medical cannabis throughout the Caribbean and Australia. For more information on Kaya please visit www.kayaherbhouse.com.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaya.inc/

About NUGL Inc.

NUGL is a cannabis business directory and search app that offers an unbiased platform for both businesses and consumers. Our app seamlessly blends with our digital and print magazine, and our cannabis friendly multimedia platform providing marketing opportunities for business profiles, in print, digital and video format. NUGL is community-driven, and together weve built a place where all things cannabis can be welcomed and enjoyed by all.

You can review all the latest features at nugl.com and nuglmagazine.com and download the new iOS and Android apps in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. For more information and updates, visit one of the links below.

NUGL TV: NUGL TVNUGL Magazine: NUGL MagazineInstagram: NUGL InstagramFacebook: NUGL FacebookTwitter: NUGL TwitterLinkedIn: NUGL LinkedInYouTube: NUGL YouTubeJoin our Newsletter : Join NUGL's Newsletter

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may be considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may include projections of matters that affect revenue, operating expenses or net earnings; projections of growth; and assumptions relating to the preceding. Such forward-looking statements generally start with the "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "believes," or similar words of like kind. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or qualified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those outlined in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking information. The company's business plan addresses these factors in greater detail, along with NUGL's current financial filings with the OTC Markets Group.

For Media and Investor Relations, please contact:

David L. Kugelman(866) 692-6847 Toll Free - U.S. & Canada(404) 281-8556 Mobile and WhatsApp[email protected]Skype: kugsusa

Source: NUGL, Inc.
TORONTO, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The MS Bike is back with in-person events for the first time in three years. Organized by the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society of Canada, the MS Bike brings communities and cyclists together to build awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS) and raise funds for MS research and services that are fundamental to changing lives.

This year, there will be 11 in-person MS Bike events across the country, as well as virtual options. Thousands of participants from coast to coast have registered for the MS Bike, raising more than $1.2 million to date in pursuit of a $4.5 million fundraising goal.

Kicking off four months of MS Bike events is the 24th annual Fraser Valley MS Bike in British Columbia, taking place June 18 and 19, 2022. MS Bike events are also scheduled for:

After two years apart, were thrilled to be coming together as a community in locations across the country for the MS Bike, raising awareness and important funds for those affected by MS, says Kyla Arsenault, Senior Director, Community Fundraising, MS Society of Canada. The MS Bike is a testament to the resilience of the MS community who have faced tremendous uncertainty, on top of an already uncertain disease, throughout this pandemic. Regardless of where or how they cycle, MS Bike participants are taking collective action to diminish that uncertainty and move us closer to a world free of MS.

MS Bike encourages cyclists to make a difference, from anywhere, in the lives of the more than 90,000 Canadians who live with MS. Cyclists can choose to ride in an in-person MS Bike event or participate virtually in their own neighbourhood. Virtual participants can select their date and distance, receiving an exclusive finisher medal after they ride and log 90 km.

Mary MacGregor has participated in the Leduc to Camrose MS Bike in Alberta for nearly 20 years, registering for her first event the same year she was diagnosed with MS. When youre first diagnosed with MS, its easy to feel scared and isolated. Being a part of the MS Bike that first year after my diagnosis was an emotional experience that allowed me to see that I wasnt alone. Theres a lot of hope and optimism at the ride, which we continue to see year after year.

The health and safety of all MS Bike participants remains a top priority. Although COVID-19 restrictions may differ across the country, the MS Society will closely monitor the situation in each community where an in-person event is scheduled and take all precautions to ensure the safety of participants, volunteers, and staff.

For more information about the MS Bike and to find an option available in your preferred location, please visit msbike.ca.

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.

CONTACTS:

Faisal Ikram MS Society of Canada(647) 362-8529[email protected]

Sarah GreeningMS Society of Canada(782)-800-9894[email protected]

Source: Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Newark, NJ, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- net2phone , a leading cloud communications provider, today announced a partnership with TeleBermuda International Limited (TBi) to provide its unified communications-as-a-service (UCaaS) solutions to TBis business customers.



Through the partnership, net2phone will support TBi with fully localized, co-branded UCaaS offerings which TBi will market to businesses operating throughout its markets.

We are delighted to partner with TBi to provide businesses across Bermuda with our omni-channel UCaaS solutions, said Clyde Pascal, Senior Director of International Business at net2phone. Through our partnership, local businesses can retain the same phone numbers and functionality they have long enjoyed, while adding powerful new cloud communications tools, unlimited domestic and international calling to over 40 popular destinations, video conferencing, and the ability to call and send SMS and MMS text messages from their business numbers using any networked computer or smartphone.

TBi is a Bermuda-based Integrated Communications Operating License (ICOL) carrier of competitive international data, internet, co-location hosting services, television and international long-distance voice.

"TBi will offer Bermuda businesses cost-effective, flexible, and responsive UCaaS solutions to connect with the world," said TBi President Lee Greene. "net2phone is a leading unified communications provider that has been providing internet-based telephony for over 30 years. Its deep VoIP expertise, feature-rich communications platform and business process integrations will provide our clients with powerful competitive advantages.

Damiso Husband, TBi Vice President of Sales, added: "The TBi and net2phone partnership provides business clients with world-class collaboration services to meet the changing needs of the workplace. We welcome net2phones's UCaaS offerings to Bermuda and believe our clients will relish the organizational benefits of our hosted collaboration solutions."

Throughout our markets worldwide, we are positioned to drive growth by leveraging our long-standing relationships with successful carriers like TBi, said Jonah Fink, President of net2phone. These carriers are trusted brands with unsurpassed knowledge of their respective markets. Their localized sales and marketing expertise make them ideal partners to promote the benefits of our global cloud communications platform to their business customers.

Forward Looking Statements:

All statements above that are not purely about historical facts, including, but not limited to, those in which we use the words believe, anticipate, expect, plan, intend, estimate, target and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While these forward-looking statements represent our current judgment of what may happen in the future, actual results may differ materially from the results expressed or implied by these statements due to numerous important factors. Our filings with the SEC provide detailed information on such statements and risks and should be consulted along with this release. To the extent permitted under applicable law, IDT assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

About net2phone:

net2phones cloud communications and contact center solutions help businesses around the globe succeed through smarter conversations. net2phone is a subsidiary of IDT Corporation (NYSE: IDT). To learn more, please visit net2phone.com or connect on LinkedIn .

About TBi:

TeleBermuda International Limited (TBi) is a Bermuda-based ICOL carrier of competitive international data, internet, co-location hosting services, television, and international long-distance voice. To learn more, please visit https://telebermuda.com/ or connect on LinkedIn

Media Contact:

Bill Ulrey

Phone: 973/438-3034

Email: [email protected]

# # #
OSE selected by Microsoft France to join the Biotech Scaler Program launched during Viva Technology, the European Startup and Tech event.

This collaboration will give OSE the opportunity to further develop its digital tools and infrastructures, particularly in terms of Artificial Intelligence and algorithmic approaches applied to the development of innovative first-in-class immunotherapies.

NANTES, France, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OSE Immunotherapeutics SA (ISIN: FR0012127173; Mnemo: OSE) today announces that the Company is one of the first biotech startup companies selected by Microsoft France to be a privileged partner of its support program for French Biotech & Deeptech Startups. This program was launched during the 6th edition of Viva Technology, the most important Startup and Tech event organized in Europe being held in Paris from June 15-18, 2022.

Microsoft Frances  Biotech Scaler Program  aims to support companies at the crossroads of research and technology to accelerate products discovery and development. This program provides the selected startups with technical support in order to develop a technical framework of architecture securing scalability and startups data security. It also proposes a business support from Microsoft France and its partners through an ecosystem approach connecting startups, the research community, investment funds and the various health players.

Nicolas Poirier, Chief Scientific Officer of OSE Immunotherapeutics, comments: We are very happy to have been selected by Microsoft to join their Biotech & Deeptech support program and we warmly thank the organizers. This collaboration confirms that OSE perfectly fits the target of the most cutting-edge biotechs by pairing its scientific skills and expertise in artificial intelligence and algorithmic approach to develop immunotherapies based on breakthrough innovations and to meet unmet medical needs in immuno-oncology and immuno-inflammation.

Since 2019, OSE Immunotherapeutics has been collaborating with MAbSilico, a DeepTech-Bio company specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and machine learning to accelerate the research and characterization of therapeutic antibodies.

Since 2021, OSE has benefitted from privileged access to the MAbFactory platform which centralizes MAbSilicos innovative solutions based on AI. MAbFactory is deployed in the Microsoft Azure cloud with the access to an automatic and autonomous use to support the development of new antibodies and therapeutic proteins. The expertise of OSEs R&D teams combined with MAbSilicos AI platform is being used to successfully guide the discovery, the characterization and the optimization of new molecules, reducing both the time of development and the risk of failure in the preclinical testing.

The collaboration between the biotech OSE Immunotherapeutics, the Tech-Bio MAbSilico and the technology provider Microsoft reflects the interest of the Microsofts biotech program and will enable to strengthen and to go further in the deployment of a research based on AI, at the crossroads of this fruitful partnership between a Biotech and a Deeptech.

ABOUT OSE ImmunotherapeuticsOSE Immunotherapeutics is an integrated biotechnology company focused on developing and partnering therapies to control the immune system for Immuno-Oncology and Immuno-Inflammation. Its balanced first-in-class clinical and preclinical portfolio has a diversified risk profile:

Immuno-Oncology first-in-class products

Tedopi (innovative neoepitope combination): the Companys most advanced product; positive results for Phase 3 trial (Atalante 1) in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients in secondary resistance after checkpoint inhibitor failure.Other ongoing combination trials sponsored by cooperative clinical research groups in oncology: Phase 2 in pancreatic cancer (TEDOPaM), sponsor GERCOR. Phase 2 in ovary cancer, in combination with pembrolizumab (TEDOVA), sponsor ARCAGY-GINECO. Phase 2 in non-small cell lung cancer in combination with nivolumab, sponsor Italian foundation FoRT.

(innovative neoepitope combination): the Companys most advanced product; positive results for Phase 3 trial (Atalante 1) in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients in secondary resistance after checkpoint inhibitor failure.Other ongoing combination trials sponsored by cooperative clinical research groups in oncology: Phase 2 in pancreatic cancer (TEDOPaM), sponsor GERCOR. Phase 2 in ovary cancer, in combination with pembrolizumab (TEDOVA), sponsor ARCAGY-GINECO. Phase 2 in non-small cell lung cancer in combination with nivolumab, sponsor Italian foundation FoRT. BI 765063 (OSE-172, anti-SIRP mAb on CD47/SIRP pathway): developed in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim in advanced solid tumors; positive Phase 1 dose escalation results of BI 765063 in monotherapy and in combination with ezabenlimab (PD-1 antagonist); ongoing expansion Phase 1. BI sponsored international phase 1b clinical trial ongoing in combination with ezabenlimab alone or with other drugs in patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

(OSE-172, anti-SIRP mAb on CD47/SIRP pathway): developed in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim in advanced solid tumors; positive Phase 1 dose escalation results of BI 765063 in monotherapy and in combination with ezabenlimab (PD-1 antagonist); ongoing expansion Phase 1. BI sponsored international phase 1b clinical trial ongoing in combination with ezabenlimab alone or with other drugs in patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). OSE-279 , anti-PD1  advanced preclinical stage.

, anti-PD1  advanced preclinical stage. BiCKI: bispecific fusion protein platform built on the key backbone component of anti-PD1 combined with a new immunotherapy target (for example: BiCKI-IL7, preclinical stage) to increase anti-tumor efficacy.

Immuno-Inflammation first-in-class products

OSE-127/S95011 (humanized monoclonal antibody antagonist of IL-7 receptor): developed in partnership with Servier; positive Phase 1 results; ongoing Phase 2 in ulcerative colitis (sponsor OSE) and ongoing Phase 2a in Sjogrens syndrome (sponsor Servier).

(humanized monoclonal antibody antagonist of IL-7 receptor): developed in partnership with Servier; positive Phase 1 results; ongoing Phase 2 in ulcerative colitis (sponsor OSE) and ongoing Phase 2a in Sjogrens syndrome (sponsor Servier). FR104 (anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody): licensing partnership agreement with Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in transplantation; ongoing Phase 1/2 in renal transplant (sponsored by the Nantes University Hospital); Phase 1 ongoing in the US (sponsor Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) ; Phase 2 planned in an autoimmune disease indication.

(anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody): licensing partnership agreement with Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in transplantation; ongoing Phase 1/2 in renal transplant (sponsored by the Nantes University Hospital); Phase 1 ongoing in the US (sponsor Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) ; Phase 2 planned in an autoimmune disease indication. OSE-230 (ChemR23 agonist mAb): preclinical stage therapeutic agent with the potential to resolve chronic inflammation by driving affected tissues to tissue integrity.

CoVepiT: a prophylactic second-generation vaccine activating cytotoxic T lymphocytes against COVID-19, developed using optimized epitopes from SARS-CoV2 viral proteins, epitopes non impacted by multi-variants. Shows good tolerance and very good level of T cell immune response. In clinical testing, a long-term memory response was confirmed at 6 months. For more information: https://ose-immuno.com/en/

Click and follow us on Twitter and Linkedlnhttps://twitter.com/OSEIMMUNOhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/10929673

Contacts

OSE ImmunotherapeuticsSylvie Detry [email protected] +33 153 198 757Investor RelationsThomas Guillot [email protected] +33 607 380 431 MediaU.S. Media: LifeSci CommunicationsDarren Opland, Ph.D. [email protected] +1 646 627 8387French Media: FP2COMFlorence Portejoie [email protected] +33 607 768 283 Guillaume van Renterghem  LifeSci Advisors [email protected] +41 76 735 01 31

Forward-looking statementsThis press release contains express or implied information and statements that might be deemed forward-looking information and statements in respect of OSE Immunotherapeutics. They do not constitute historical facts. These information and statements include financial projections that are based upon certain assumptions and assessments made by OSE Immunotherapeutics management in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current economic and industry conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate.

These forward-looking statements include statements typically using conditional and containing verbs such as expect, anticipate, believe, target, plan, or estimate, their declensions and conjugations and words of similar import. Although the OSE Immunotherapeutics management believes that the forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, the OSE Immunotherapeutics shareholders and other investors are cautioned that the completion of such expectations is by nature subject to various risks, known or not, and uncertainties which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of OSE Immunotherapeutics. These risks could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied or projected by the forward-looking statements. These risks include those discussed or identified in the public filings made by OSE Immunotherapeutics with the AMF. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. This press release includes only summary information and should be read with the OSE Immunotherapeutics Universal Registration Document filed with the AMF on 15 April 2022, including the annual financial report for the fiscal year 2021, available on the OSE Immunotherapeutics website. Other than as required by applicable law, OSE Immunotherapeutics issues this press release at the date hereof and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information or statements.

Source: OSE Immunotherapeutics
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 15, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plant Veda Foods Ltd. (CSE: MILK) (OTC: PLVFF) (XFRA: A3CS6B) (the Company or Plant Veda), an award-winning dairy-alternative food manufacturer, announces its newest product addition, PlantGurt was awarded the Best in Show in the snack category at Planted Expo on June 5, 2022.

Planted Expo was Canadas largest plant-based event of the year where over 200 vegan edible and lifestyle businesses gathered in one place along with a stage packed with insightful, informative, inspirational speakers from around the world. This years event attracted over 10,000 attendees.

As the highlight of the event, attendees sampled hundreds of products and cast their votes for the Best in Show Awards in 5 categories including lifestyle, snack, sip, savoury and sweet. Plant Vedas mango version of the spoonable yogurt (with real mango chunks) took home the award in the snack category. PlantGurts are formulated with a combination of oats, cashews, peas and coconut agave and real fruit to bring the wholesome nutrition and taste without adding refined ingredients.

The PlantGurt will soon be available to consumers in certain Whole Foods Market locations in British Columbia.

Developing plant based yogurts which have the right texture and taste is very difficult and I am very thankful to our team for working hard to constantly improve the formulation, stated Sunny Gurnani, CEO of Plant Veda. I am looking forward to a successful launch of our yogurts at Whole Foods.

"I really liked Plant Veda's new mango yogurt with real mango chunks. Congratulations to team Plant Veda on winning the best in show snack and bringing their best to the show," added Stevan Mirkovich, Co-owner of Plant.

The Company also announces that Michael Yang has tendered his resignation as a Director and President of the Company, and the Companys Chief Executive Officer, Sunny Gurnani, will fill the vacancy on the board and assume the role of President. The entire Plant Veda organization thanks Mr. Yang for his past service and commitment to our vision. The Company is pleased to advise that Mr. Yang will continue to advise Mr. Gurnani during the transition period as he takes responsibility for his new roles.

About Plant Veda (CSE: MILK) (OTC: PLVFF) (XFRA: A3CS6B)

Plant Veda Foods Ltd. has a mission to accelerate humanitys shift to a plant-based lifestyle. We remain clear in our goals: to improve the environment and humanitys overall health through plant-based consumption. Our Company has succeeded in creating award-winning plant-based dairy alternatives, continuing to shake up the dairy-free market by creating unique, one-of-a-kind products that leave our customers forgetting about dairy all together.

Learn more at www.PlantVeda.com.

To subscribe to updates about Plant Veda, visit www.PlantVeda.com/pages/investors.

To find Plant Veda products at a location near you, visit www.PlantVeda.com/pages/store-locations.

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Company Contact:Aaron Wong, DirectorEmail: [email protected]Number: 778-840-9664

Investor Relations:Email: [email protected]

Media Contact:Email: [email protected]

Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking information and information can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, estimates, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur, or be achieved. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the anticipated launch of PlantGurt products in Whole Foods Market locations. The forward-looking information reflects managements current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include: (i) adverse market conditions; (ii) changes to the growth and size of the dairy-alternative markets; and (iii) other factors beyond the control of the Company. The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

As each individual is different, the benefits, if any, of taking the Companys products will vary from person to person. No claims or guarantees can be made as to the effects of the Companys products on an individuals health and well-being. The Companys products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This news release may contain trademarked names of third-party entities (or their respective offerings with trademarked names) typically in reference to (i) relationships had by the Company with such third-party entities as referred to in this release and/or (ii) client/vendor/service provider parties whose relationship with the Company is/are referred to in this release. All rights to such trademarks are reserved by their respective owners or licensees.

Source: Plant Veda Foods Ltd
Sleek Technologies Wins Procurement Solution of the Year from Annual Awards Program Which Recognizes Innovation in the Global Supply Chain Technology and Logistics Industry

CHICAGO, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sleek Technologies , leaders in freight procurement automation, today announced it has been recognized as Procurement Solution of the Year by SupplyTech Breakthrough , a leading independent market intelligence organization that evaluates and recognizes standout technology companies, products and services in the supply chain technology and logistics industry around the globe.



What an honor it is to be singled out in the SupplyTech Awards program. Our automation technology was designed to disrupt and advance freight procurement, and weve done just that! Our growing customer base is reducing truckload cost by 10-20%, while delivering 97%+ OTD regardless of market conditions said Mike Nervick, CEO and Co-Founder of Sleek Technologies. Weve figured out how to automate the $700B trucking industry. With AI-powered technology and 100% data transparency, we uncover resilience, sustainability and cost reduction opportunities that empower shippers to always deliver the products the world wants and needs on time, and at fair market price.

Sleek Technologies has advanced freight procurement by replacing inefficient manual processes such as RFPs and brokers with freight procurement automation technology that offers the most comprehensive load matching solution in market. By automating freight procurement, shippers can effectively manage the unpredictable freight market to always deliver goods on time, at fair market price.

As a load becomes available, freight capacity is expanded dynamically. 80+ configured shipper attributes, predictive AI algorithms, and a system of measures to gauge the likelihood of a specific drivers interest in a particular load/ location are used to score carriers. Only carriers with best match criteria are granted direct access to bid on the load. By eliminating middlemen from the process, carriers set transparent market pricing and shippers understand the true market price to ship the load.

Sleeks advanced freight procurement analytics provides 100% transparency so shippers can make stronger, data-driven decisions. With a complete 360-degree view on truckload activity, shippers can easily optimize their carrier network by knowing which carriers to keep, add, or drop. Shippers also understand which factors impact load cost so that proper optimizations can be made. Meanwhile, executive-level reports empower the transportation team to effectively report out and upward to leadership.

Additionally, Sleek is the only freight procurement solution in the world that provides truckload savings back to the shipper when carrier bids fall under the shippers asking price. The pricing structure is also 100% transparent with no hidden costs, and a fixed licensing fee and optional fixed services fees. Lastly, Sleeks customers are averaging 97%+ on time delivery (when the industry average was closer to 60-70%).

The mission of the annual SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards program is to conduct the industrys most comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the top technology companies, solutions and products in the supply chain and logistics industry today. This years program attracted more than 1,200 nominations from over 15 different countries throughout the world.

The old linear freight procurement process no longer works because it relies on a small group of contracted carriers, and when they reject loads, the process then relies on non-transparent brokers who increase cost by 20-30%, said Bryan Vaughn, Managing Director of SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards. Sleek's AI-powered automation software has transformed freight procurement from static to dynamic. Unlike contracted carriers or freight brokers who cherry pick loads based on potential profit, Sleeks technology dynamically matches loads to compliant, asset-based capacity at the right time, location, and price. In a year where every minute counts in the supply chain, were thrilled to award Sleek Technologies with Procurement Solution of the Year.

About Sleek Technologies

Sleek Technologies is the market leader in freight procurement automation. With AI-powered technology and 100% data transparency, we uncover resilience, sustainability, and cost-reduction opportunities that empower shippers to always deliver products on time, at fair market cost. To join other shippers who have automated freight procurement, please visit www.sleek-technologies.com .

About SupplyTech Breakthrough

Part of the Tech Breakthrough organization, a leading global provider of market intelligence and recognition platforms for technology innovation and leadership, the SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring innovation and market disruption in supply chain & logistics technologies, services, companies and products around the world. The annual SupplyTech Breakthrough Awards provide public recognition for the achievements of SupplyTech companies and products in categories including Inventory Management, Supply Chain Visibility, Transportation Management, Material Handling, IoT and Robotics, and more. For more information visit SupplyTechBreakthrough.com

Media Contact:

Jaimie Kowalski

[email protected]
PARK CITY, Utah, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sorenson Impact Group, the multidisciplinary impact organization focused on accelerating and growing intentional, scalable and equitable impact investing, today announced that Sorenson Impact Asset Management, its new for-profit asset management subsidiary, has launched Enable Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests at the intersection of disability and innovation with the goal of delivering deep impact.

"Over the years I have sought to scale impact investing by showing in various ways the profits to be made from doing well by doing good," said Jim Sorenson, President and Founder of Sorenson Impact Group. "But the myriad of challenges we face as a global society require the impact marketplace to do more, faster. Sorenson Impact Asset Management aims to do just that. We offer unique investment opportunities that are designed to deliver market-rate, risk-adjusted returns alongside deep impact outcomes by investing in impact sectors that have been overlooked or underserved."

Enable Ventures was co-founded by Regina "Gina" Kline. Former Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice, Kline is an entrepreneur and attorney who spent nearly 15 years as a civil rights lawyer leading efforts to dramatically improve working conditions and the employment of people with disabilities. As a Trial Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Kline successfully fought for workers with disabilities in segregated workplaces, where they were often paid pennies per hour, helping secure court orders to support and move over 11,000 workers to competitive integrated employment and setting a new standard in law.

"I launched Enable Ventures because I wanted to solve the problems that I witnessed as a civil rights lawyer on the front lines of work and economic participation in America, where workers with disabilities were fighting every day just to be heard and to be counted," said Kline. "Throughout my journey, I saw so much rich innovation and problem solving potential in people with disabilities. In so many ways, people with disabilities are the original entrepreneurs - and yet this talented marketplace has been completely ignored by the mainstream venture community. This is despite the fact that from Thomas Edison to Vint Cerf, the disabled community has an astonishing track record of successful innovators. What's more, elevating the design of products and services to meet the needs of people with disabilities has remarkable follow-on effects in many areas of deep tech and innovation, from biotech to computer engineering, to artificial intelligence advancing innovation for all."

"Enable Ventures is a perfect fit for the Sorenson Impact Group and an ideal first investment strategy for our asset management business," added Sorenson. "The disability market is massively underserved and undercapitalized. I know from my own experience as an entrepreneur how rewarding, both monetarily and emotionally, it can be to build a business that supports this community. By bringing together our institutional grade investment acumen with the Enable team's remarkable sector expertise and impressive deal pipeline, we have an opportunity to penetrate deeper into the disability marketplace by identifying investible transformational products and services."

Today, there are over 1 billion people with disabilities globally, with $8 trillion in disposable income. In the U.S., 26 percent of adults have some kind of disability. Yet the disabled population is experiencing crisis levels of unemployment. Nearly two-thirds of the world's working-age population are unemployed. People with disabilities make up 50 percent of those living with long-term poverty in the U.S. and receive less than one percent of all microfinance loans worldwide. All of which leads to a $1.9 trillion loss to global GDP as a result of the economic exclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace. This comes at a time and moment when technological advances and changing workplace cultures make people with disabilities valued workforce participants.

Enable Ventures invests in four categories, all of which have strong potential for purpose and growth: up-skilling, re-skilling, and future proofing work; work-related technologies; next-gen assistive technologies; and founders with disabilities.

Enable Ventures is the first investment strategy to be seeded by Sorenson Impact Asset Management, the newly formed asset management business of Sorenson Impact Group. Sorenson Impact Asset Management focuses on supporting investment strategies in impact sectors that have been overlooked or underserved and that have the potential to deliver deep impact outcomes. The business looks to advance Sorenson Impact Group's mission to scale the deployment of capital into impact investing by launching thesis-driven strategies with innovative businesses, especially those from diverse founders. Existing funds on the Sorenson Impact Asset Management platform today include the Catalyst Opportunity Funds and University Venture Funds.

Sorenson Impact Asset Management leverages the private equity expertise of Jim's son, Luke, who has been investing in private equity for over 20 years and who has joined the Sorenson Impact Group as CEO. Luke Sorenson joins Sorenson Impact Asset Management from Sorenson Capital, a $2 billion venture capital firm where he was managing partner and chairman. Luke and his team, including chief operating officer Mark Ludwig, formerly a partner with Sorenson Capital, co-founder Jeremy Keele and chief investment officer Lauren Sercu, formerly a managing director with Serpio Capital, will provide venture investing expertise as well as back office and operational support to Enable Ventures.

"The impact investment community has tended to overlook the disability market," says Luke Sorenson, CEO of Sorenson Impact Asset Management. "But we are at an ideal moment now where the market demand is there, the technology innovation is there, and investor will and interest is there. That is why we are so excited to have Enable Ventures on our impact investment platform."

A serial entrepreneur, Jim Sorenson founded Sorenson Communications in 2000. For over 20-years the Salt Lake City, Utah, firm has been delivering accessible communications technologies and services to the deaf and hard of hearing communities and is one of America's largest private employers of deaf people.

"I know the value of servicing disabled communities," says Jim Sorenson, who sold his stake in Sorenson Communications in 2005. "So, when Gina came to us with her idea, I could immediately see what an amazing opportunity Enable was delivering on. The fact that Luke and his team were also able to come on board for the launch of Sorenson Impact Asset Management was all the more synergistic. It positions Sorenson Impact Group as a real powerhouse in the impact investment space, furthering my goal of growing and scaling impact investment and entrepreneurship. We are excited for what lies ahead."

The Sorenson Impact Center recently hosted the Sorenson Impact Summit, a three-day convening of impact entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders in Park City, Utah, from June 13 through June 15.

About Enable VenturesEnable Ventures is an impact venture fund dedicated to closing the disability wealth gap by investing in and scaling early-stage companies that leverage disability as an asset to unleash untapped economic potential through products and services powered by universal design. Enable Ventures is led by Regina "Gina" Kline, an entrepreneur and civil rights lawyer and supported by SmartJob, a platform to attract disability deal flow. Enable is part of the Sorenson Impact Group platform of funds founded by impact pioneer Jim Sorenson. For more information, please visit www.enableventures.vc.

About Sorenson Impact Asset ManagementSorenson Impact Asset Management is an asset management subsidiary of Sorenson Impact Group. We offer investors unique investment opportunities that are designed to deliver market-rate, risk-adjusted returns alongside deep impact outcomes by investing in impact sectors that have been overlooked or underserved. We seek to scale capital deployment by launching thesis-driven investment strategies with like-minded partners, especially those from diverse founders, with innovative solutions that can create impact at scale. Currently, strategies supported by Sorenson Impact Asset Management include Enable Ventures, Catalyst Opportunity Funds, and University Venture Funds.

About Sorenson Impact GroupThe Sorenson Impact Group, founded by Jim Sorenson, is a multidisciplinary organization focused on catalyzing intentional, scalable and equitable investing to help solve complex, global social and environmental challenges. We strive to foster an investment ecosystem that aligns mission and values with market-rate, risk-adjusted returns. Sorenson Impact Group stands unique as a multidisciplinary impact organization that can offer a full spectrum of solutions that the impact marketplace needs to grow and flourish. Our organization includes the Sorenson Impact Center, which is housed at the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business; the Sorenson Impact Foundation, which is one hundred percent mission aligned; and Sorenson Impact Asset Management, which focuses on delivering market-rate risk-adjusted returns and intentional impact from investments in impact sectors that have been overlooked or underfunded.

Media Contact:Cindy StollerConfluence Partners917-331-0418[email protected]

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com.

Source: Sorenson Impact Group
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Traction Uranium Corp. (the Company or Traction) (CSE: TRAC) (OTC: TRCTF) (FRA: Z1K), a mineral exploration issuer focusing on the development of discovery prospects in Canada, including its two flagship uranium projects in the world-renowned Athabasca Region, is pleased to announce its membership to the Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA), further integrating Traction Uranium into the Saskatchewan exploration and mining landscape and enabling Traction to be at the forefront of policy frameworks and regulatory changes affecting mining and exploration companies in Saskatchewan.

The SMA is an industry-driven organization representing the mining and mineral exploration industry with over 25 mining operations in the province. SMA is the voice of the exploration and mining industry in Saskatchewan. SMA advocates on behalf of members on issues related to provincial and federal regulatory changes, develops and supports educational outreach programs, organizes and hosts public outreach and membership events.

The SMA works closely with provincial counterpart associations, the Mining Association of Canada, the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada and the Mining Industry Human Resources Council.

Lester Esteban, Chief Executive Officer, stated The SMA has represented the exploration and mining industry to government agencies on both the provincial and federal level to advance a safe, sustainable, globally competitive exploration and mining industry that benefits all residents of the province. Through the SMA and in collaboration with our peers and fellow members, Traction has a voice to government and policy-makers to collectively respond to regulatory changes and overcome challenges we all face in the mining and exploration space. In addition, through SMA outreach programs and public events Traction Uranium has an opportunity to assist the SMA in continuing to make Saskatchewan a global critical minerals powerhouse.

About Traction Uranium Corp.

Traction Uranium (CSE: TRAC) (OTC: TRCTF) (FRA: Z1K) is in the business of mineral exploration and the development of discovery prospects in Canada, including its two flagship uranium projects in the world-renowned Athabasca Region.

We invite you to find out more about our exploration-stage activities across Canadas Western region at www.tractionuranium.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Lester EstebanChief Executive Officer+1 (604) 561 2687[email protected]

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the expected use of proceeds from the Private Placement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news 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, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

Source: Traction Uranium Corp.
TORONTO, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Each year, the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) recognizes REALTOR Members with accolades for their dedication and tireless commitment to their communities, and leadership within the profession and the real estate industry as a whole.

At TRREBs spring Annual Meeting on May 19, TRREB President Kevin Crigger recognized a select group of Members for their contributions.

Not only are TRREB Members leaders in supporting their clients, but they also know volunteer work is vital. They lead the way by offering a helping hand to transform the industry and their communities for the better, said Kevin Crigger. I am incredibly proud of their collective efforts.

The Community Service Award recognizes Members who know first-hand the impact of making a difference and offering a helping hand to the people at the heart of our towns, cities and regions. TRREB congratulates Cathy Lawlor, Amol Kapoor, Anastasia Orlando, Rose Sorbera and Don Patel for their good deeds.

The David Rossi Committee Service Award honours Members who contributed substantially in shaping TRREB and the future of the industry. Congratulations to Charlene Williams, Roman Havlin and Steven Schmeiser.

This award wouldnt be possible without the late David Rossi himself. In 2007, David Rossi was awarded the TRREB Presidents Award for the contributions he made to not only TRREB, but also the profession itself. Later in 2011, TRREB created the David Rossi Committee Service Award in his honour to recognize our Member volunteers.

This year, ten Members celebrated an incredible milestone of over 60 years of TRREB membership. TRREB celebrates Daniel Gargarella, Member for 66 Years; Mario Prez, Member for 65 Years; Harvey Kalles, Member for 64 Years; Silvano Liut, Member for 64 Years; Gaetano Catallo, Member for 63 Years; Angelo Greco, Member for 63 Years; Sheila Waengler, Member for 63 Years; George Pappas, Member for 62 Years; Norman Smith, Member for 62 Years; and Carl Porritt, Member for 60 Years.

This is an incredible milestone to achieve and one that we all aspire to. Our 60-year Members have been there through immense growth and change and exemplify the dedication TRREB Members have to this industry, said TRREB CEO John DiMichele.

Learn more about the awards and our incredible winners here.

Media Inquiries:Genevieve Grant, Public Affairs Specialist [email protected] 416-443-8159

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board is Canadas largest real estate board with more than 68,000 residential and commercial professionals connecting people, property and communities.

www.trreb.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/trebypn/https://twitter.com/TheReal_TRREBhttps://www.youtube.com/user/TREBChannelhttp://www.linkedin.com/company/toronto-regional-real-estate-board/https://www.instagram.com/thereal_trreb/https://www.trrebwire.ca/

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7324232a-8e05-4e9a-8337-59b65993425b

TRREB 2021-2022 AWARD RECIPIENTS TRREBs 2021-2022 David Rossi Committee Service Award, Community Service Award, and 60-Year Members.

Source: Toronto Regional Real Estate Board
SAN FRANCISCO, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mixing Chinese herbal remedies is an essential skill for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners. A series of programs produced by People's Daily Online will show how TCM is practiced and promoted in China and the United States. Today, let's learn more about traditional Chinese herbal medicine.

The transformation of medicinal herbs into pastes is a production technique refined and passed down nearly 2,000 years ago in China. Many people buy these herbal pastes as a health supplement during the cold winter months in China.

In Guangzhou, the creation and use of traditional Chinese medicinal materials is the basis for tailor-made treatment plans for patients seeking the services of Yang Zhimin, a famous TCM practitioner.

In the U.S., Dr. Liu Hao and a famous chef, Martin Yan, have launched a series of combined celebrity chef and doctor programs called "Yan Can Cook: Good Taste Meets Good Health" on a local TV station every Saturday. They focus their efforts in the programs on popularizing TCM and healthy food culture to local people.

As a well-known local doctor of TCM, Dr. Liu, born into a family of TCM practitioners, has many "Traditional Chinese Medicine fans." He said that he wants to change people's initial impressions of Chinese herbal medicine as a kind of "bitter soup of medicine," arguing that herbal medicine can be turned into something delicious to eat through simple preparation and cooking methods.

In 1994, the U.S. government officially recognized traditional Chinese herbal medicine as a food supplement. Since then, increasingly more Americans have come to recognize the benefits of Chinese herbal medicine.

As a sign of this growing popularity, the number of Chinese herbal medicine stores in the U.S. has risen precipitously. "Ellison Enterprise," a traditional Chinese herbal medicine store, has operated in San Francisco's Chinatown for 50 years.

"When we came here in 1972, there were only a few traditional Chinese herbal medicine stores in San Francisco. But now, more than 100 stores are selling traditional Chinese herbal medicine," said Lau Kenny, the president of the Chinese Herb Trade Association of America.

According to TCM theory, how do TCM practitioners transform a bunch of herbs into medicine? This requires knowledge of the medicinal properties of traditional Chinese herbs and memorization of the "Tang Verse," which is the formula used for each herbal medicine, and originates from ancient Chinese medicine classics.

At the Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine USA Campus, the "Tang Verse" is displayed on the wall for students to recite. These are fundamental skills for every TCM practitioner. They spread the fundamental beliefs of TCM and health care to the world with traditional Chinese herbal medicines and TCM theory inscribed into their hearts.

Amy ZhouPhone: 919.564.8043Email: [email protected]

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SpaceX employees are reportedly considering sending a letter to the companys SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell in which they want to denounce Elon Musks behavior.

Employees are being asked to sign a letter, either publicly or anonymously, according to the report in The Verge. Accordingly, SpaceX employees across the spectra of gender, ethnicity, seniority, and technical roles have collaborated on have worked together to draft the letter.

The staff is concerned that Musks recent actions and Twitter remarks are negatively affecting the companys reputation.

Elons behavior in the public sphere is a frequent source of distraction and embarrassment for us, particularly in recent weeks, the letter allegedly states.

As our CEO and most prominent spokesperson, Elon is seen as the face of SpaceX  every Tweet that Elon sends is a de facto public statement by the company. It is critical to make clear to our teams and to our potential talent pool that his messaging does not reflect our work, our mission, or our values.

The Verge added that the draft letter attracted over a hundred comments on the companys Teams channel.

Finally, the draft letter has three recommendations for the companys top executives to deal with Elon Musks problematic behavior.

Publicly address and condemn Elons harmful Twitter behavior; Hold all leadership equally accountable; and Clearly define what exactly is intended by SpaceXs no-asshole and zero tolerance policies and enforce them consistently.

By Senad Karaahmetovic
Canadas federal carbon tax recently hit a record $50/ton, helping fuel a veritable gold rush within the domestic carbon credit industry

The move has simultaneously sparked a mass rush amongst Canadian industrial players to transition towards renewable energy sources, with renewable natural gas (RNG) top of the list

EverGen Infrastructure has become a key player within the Canadian RNG sector, with three active processing plants within British Columbia, and development underway in Alberta and Ontario

The company recently acquired a 50% stake in an Ontario-based RNG development, a move which will see the company boost its cumulative production capacity to upwards of 1 million gigajoules per annum

A European energy broker recently reached out to Base Carbon, a Canadian-listed carbon credit-focused investment fund (https://ibn.fm/t3xZW). The motive for the call? The broker was seeking to sell a portfolio of carbon credits generated in 2015 by a Chinese wind farm operation. Canadas federal carbon tax hit a record $50/ton in April 2022  effectively penalizing companies on account of their carbon footprint. That in turn has sparked a veritable gold rush within the Canadian carbon credit industry, with hordes of companies actively seeking to mitigate their carbon emissions. Simultaneously however, it has also driven home the need for an ever-increasing number of companies to begin adopting renewable natural gas (RNG) as a core energy feedstock (https://ibn.fm/Nz6cN).

EverGen Infrastructure (TSX.V: EVGN) (OTCQB: EVGIF), a British-Columbia based renewable natural gas operator, is set to be a key beneficiary of this trend. The ongoing move towards adopting renewable energy sources was best enunciated by Modern Niagara, a Canadian integrated building

Read More>>

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to EVGIF are available in the companys newsroom at https://ibn.fm/EVGIF

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FILE PHOTO: The Activision booth is shown at the E3 2017 Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, California, U.S. June 13, 2017. REUTERS/ Mike Blake/File Photo

(Reuters) -Activision Blizzard Inc's board and external advisers said on Thursday there was no evidence to suggest that senior executives intentionally ignored or attempted to downplay reported instances of gender harassment.

There were some substantiated instances of gender harassment, the independent directors of the company's board said https://bit.ly/3HtI8Yz in a filing.

But these instances did not support the conclusion that senior leadership or the board were aware of and tolerated gender harassment, the directors said.

Activision, which is being acquired by Microsoft Corp for $68.7 billion, has been under fire for alleged misconduct at the company.

California in July last year brought a lawsuit against the company, alleging it "fostered a sexist culture".

Activision has also been the subject of investigative stories detailing allegations of sexual harassment internally, with employees staging walkouts to protest the company's response to the issues.

Workers in November last year circulated a petition calling for the removal of Chief Executive Officer Bobby Kotick amid mounting criticism of the culture at the company.

In response, Activision's board formed a Workplace Responsibility Committee to oversee its progress in improving culture.

Activision Blizzard is also seeing unionization efforts from its employees with a small group of quality assurance testers voting for joining the Communications Workers of America last month.

(Reporting by Tiyashi Datta in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty and Anil D'Silva)
An empty Lyft pick-up area is shown as rideshare drivers hold a rally as part of a statewide day of action to demand that ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft follow California law and grant drivers "basic employee rights'', in Los Angeles, California, U.

By Jody Godoy and Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) -Lyft Inc has reached a $25 million settlement to resolve shareholder claims that the ride-hailing company concealed safety problems, including sexual assaults by drivers, prior to its 2019 initial public offering.

The preliminary all-cash settlement was filed on Thursday with the federal court in Oakland, California, and requires approval by U.S. District Judge Haywood Gilliam Jr.

Lyft denied wrongdoing in agreeing to settle.

The San Francisco-based company raised $2.34 billion in its IPO, becoming the first ride-hailing business to go public.

But its share price fell below the $72 IPO price less than two weeks after trading began on March 29, 2019, and never recovered.

Shareholders accused Lyft of trying to appear more socially responsible than rival Uber Technologies Inc by failing to disclose known problems in its IPO registration statement, and that its share price fell as the problems surfaced.

The shareholders said dozens of people brought claims against Lyft related to driver sexual misconduct in the months after the IPO, an "existential risk" to its brand that should have been disclosed.

Lyft was also accused of concealing braking issues plaguing its bike-share program, which surfaced in April 2019 when the company pulled its electric bike fleet from the New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. markets.

Shareholders said Lyft also concealed its dependence on promotions to boost market share, resulting in a price war that saw Uber reclaim market share it had lost.

The shareholders' lawyers called the settlement an "excellent" result given the "exceedingly unlikely" prospect of recovering up to $777 million of potential damages at trial.

They expect to seek up to $6.25 million from the settlement for legal fees.

Lyft shares closed Thursday down 8.4% at $13.88. They have fallen 78% since last July, as tight labor supply forces greater spending to hire drivers.

(Reporting by Jody Godoy in Santa Ana, California and Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Leslie Adler and Lisa Shumaker)
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Nikola's logo is pictured at an event held to present CNH's new full-electric and Hydrogen fuel-cell battery trucks in partnership with U.S. Nikola event in Turin, Italy, December 3, 2019. REUTERS/Massimo Pinca/File Photo

(Reuters) - Electric-truck maker Nikola Corp is "evaluating options" to make its own battery cells in 2024, Chief Financial Officer Kim Brady said on Thursday.

"If in-sourcing opportunity is available to us, and if we decide to explore that, that will likely be in 2024," Brady said at the Deutsche Bank Global Auto Industry conference, adding to "ultimately" increase volume and reduce costs Nikola may have to explore that option.

Currently, Nikola sources its batteries from LG Energy Solution, while the company signed a supply deal with Proterra Inc in January.

Brady reiterated the company's target to make 300 to 500 Tre battery electric trucks this year, but said supply chain snarls remain a concern.

He said Nikola aims to localize its parts sourcing as much as possible to North America, saying most of its parts were coming from Europe now.

(Reporting by Chavi Mehta in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - Cross River Ventures Corp. (CSE: CRVC) (OTCQB: CSRVF) (FSE: C6R) (the "Company") is pleased to announce results from the Bear Head Zone maiden drill program at the McVicar Project, located 150km northeast of Red Lake Ontario. Highlights include:

Discovery drill hole BH-02 intersected 0.5m of 41.1 g/t gold with visible gold in core at 153.75 m downhole (See Table 1 for complete results).

Maiden 8-hole diamond drill program tested a new gold trend (the "Bear Head Zone") that was discovered in 2021 with surface samples grading up to 19.75 g/t Au (Press Release October 5, 2021).

All 8 holes intercepted anomalous gold mineralization greater than 0.25 g/t Au (See Table 1).

Planned follow-up work includes geophysics and step-out drill holes

In the summer of 2021, Cross River completed extensive targeted prospecting work on the McVicar Property located in the Archaean Lang Lake greenstone belt, which resulted in the discovery of a new surface gold trend, the "Bear Head Zone", which was drill tested by the company in winter 2022. The Bear Head Zone is a +700-meter long gold trend with surface samples returning up to 19.75 grams-per-tonne (g/t) gold over coincident LiDAR and magnetic features (Press Release October 5, 2021). No previous drilling has ever been completed at the Bear Head Zone target.

Figure 1 shows a map of drillhole locations at the Bear Head Zone.





Figure 1: Bear Head Zone drillholes and high-grade surface samples

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7276/127988_f021b46cd4ce3a79_002full.jpg

Eight diamond drillholes tested the Bear Head Zone during the winter 2022 program, and all holes intercepted anomalous gold mineralization greater than 0.25 g/t Au. Drilling identified an altered and mineralized corridor >710 m long, open to the east and west along strike.

Notable Drilling Intercepts (>0.5 g/t Au) at Bear Head Zone include:

BH-02:

5.23 meters at 0.51 g/t gold from 72.37 m downhole including 1.0 meters at 1.17 g/t gold

1.0 meters at 0.61 g/t gold from 90.0 m downhole

1.2 meters at 0.74 g/t gold from 117.0 m downhole

0.5 meters at 0.70 g/t gold from 150.1 m downhole

0.5 meters at 41.1 g/t gold (with visible gold in core) from 153.75 m downhole

BH-03:

1.0 meters at 0.97 g/t gold from 22 m downhole

0.47 meters at 3.23 g/t gold from 43.36 m downhole

1.15 meters at 0.97 g/t gold from 47.85 m downhole

BH-04:

1.0 meters at 0.90 g/t gold from 125 m downhole

1.0 meters at 0.81 g/t gold from 155 m downhole

BH-08:

1.0 meters at 1.1 g/t gold from 133 m downhole

Discovery Drillhole: BH-02

Hole BH-02 intersected 0.5m of 41.1 g/t gold in a smoky grey quartz vein with visible gold, chalcopyrite, and pyrrhotite at 153.75m downhole (117m vertical depth). The quartz vein cross-cuts a locally sheared mafic metavolcanic succession, with a feldspar-porphyry dyke cutting host rocks proximal to the vein footwall. The gold interval is located near the east-west trending contact between volcano-sedimentary host rocks and a tonalite intrusive body. The contact area is characterized by damage zones and abundant shearing, various styles of alteration and veining, as well as feldspar porphyry dikes.





Figure 2: a) BH-02 smoky-grey quartz vein (41.1 g/t Au over 0.50m), b) visible gold, chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite in brecciated grey-black quartz

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2 (a and b), please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7276/127988_f021b46cd4ce3a79_003full.jpg

Geological mapping and 3-D modelling work indicates that this high-grade gold intercept projects to the surface along strike with the 19.75 g/t Au surface sample collected in 2021, as well as the 0.47m sample grading 3.23 g/t Au and 1.185% Cu from BH-03. (Figure 3).





Figure 3: Interpreted projection of high-grade intercepts from surface through BH-03 and BH-02

To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7276/127988_crossriverfigure3.jpg

Additional smoky grey quartz +/- sulfide veins up to 20 cm wide were intercepted in BH-02 and all other Bear Head Zone drillholes, contributing to a broad, low-grade gold envelope as indicated by the assays. The presence of high-grade mineralization, with visible gold, within a broad low-grade mineralized envelope, is typical in environments where gold is concentrated in plunging chutes. Table 1 shows the significant gold intercepts (>0.25 g/t) in each drill hole.





Table 1: Significant Gold Intercepts >0.25 g/t

To view an enhanced version of Table 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7276/127988_crossrivertable1.jpg

Drillhole Descriptions

BH-01 (Az: 180, Dip: -50)

BH-01 is the westernmost hole drilled at the Bear Head Zone and is designed to test an east-west trending quartz vein zone beneath the 1.415 g/t Au sample collected on surface in 2021. BH-01 cut 16 meters of overburden before intersecting chlorite-carbonate altered mafic metavolcanic rocks containing instances of moderate shearing with minor intervals of sericite-silica alteration, with up to 5% grey to white quartz veinlets. The best gold intercept occurs between 16-19 meters downhole and averages 0.356 g/t Au. Pyrite and pyrrhotite are present as fine disseminations and as a stringer veinlet network. At 78m, the hole intersected an intrusive tonalite body to EOH at 185.5m.

BH-02 (Az: 180, Dip: -50)

BH-02 was drilled 300m east of BH-01 and targeted an east-west oriented magnetic high feature located north of the quartz-veined topographic ridge system tested by BH-01. After 25 meters of overburden, the hole intersected an intensely sheared clastic sedimentary rock (argillite) that contains smokey quartz veins, disseminated pyrite and pyrrhotite. From 44 -163m downhole, chlorite-calcite altered mafic metavolcanic rocks were intersected, with locally strong shearing, and intermittent zones of moderate sericite and silica alteration. From 62-67m interbedded banded-iron-formations were noted, often with up to 8% banded pyrite and pyrrhotite. The mafic metavolcanic unit (72 to 155 meters downhole) contains narrow smoky grey and white quartz veinlets creating a broad low-grade gold halo (samples up to 1.17 g/t Au, 0.23% Cu over 1m), as well as a 0.5m meter sample with 41.1 g/t Au, where a 20cm (true width unknown) smoky quartz vein contains visible gold, chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite. At 163m the hole intersected tonalite intrusion to EOH at 206 meters.

BH-03 (Az: 180, Dip: -50)

BH-03 was drilled 100m east of BH-02 and targeted the quartz-veined ridge topographic high, specifically below the 19.75 g/t Au sample collected in 2021. After 15 meters of overburden the hole intersected chlorite altered mafic metavolcanic rocks to 117 meters downhole. The metavolcanic rocks are moderately sheared (locally) and contain smoky-grey and white quartz veins, quartz breccia, and sulfide stringers with sericite halos. From 20m to 105m downhole, a low-grade gold envelope is present (similar to BH-02). The highest grade sample was taken from a moderately veined interval with foliation-hosted pyrite, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite, grading 3.23 g/t Au and 1.185% Cu over 0.47m. From 117m to 192m (EOH), the tonalite intrusion was intersected and intermittently cut by fine-grained mafic dykes.

BH-04 (Az: 180, Dip: -50)

BH-04 was drilled 100m east of BH-03 and targeted a quartz-vein topographic high ridge with a coincident magnetic anomaly (high). Below 28 meters of overburden the hole cut interbedded clastic metasedimentary rocks (argillite), mafic metavolcanic rocks, and banded iron-formations (locally enriched in arsenopyrite and pyrite) to 97m depth. From 97m to 181m, mafic metavolcanic rocks are present cut locally by fine-grained mafic intrusions (dykes). The mafic metavolcanic rocks are cut by 2-3% smoky-grey to white quartz veinlets which ran up to 0.895 g/t Au & 0.243% Cu over 1m. From 181m to 290m (EOH) the hole intersected tonalite intrusion cut by mafic dykes.

BH-05 (Az: 0, Dip: -50)

BH-05 was drilled toward the north and cut a topographic/magnetic low situated between the Bear Head Zone surface exposure and the Chellow Vein (600m to the north). After 26 meters of overburden, the hole intersected sheared argillite to 224m depth. The argillite is locally pyrite +/- pyrrhotite bearing in foliation parallel layering with occasional course arsenopyrite. From 224m to EOH at 449m, the hole intersected foliated chlorite-calcite altered mafic metavolcanic rocks (local argillite interbeds) with narrow zones of sulfides, and minor quartz-carbonate veining. The highest grade gold sample occurred at 63.4m in the sheared argillite, with 0.256 g/t Au, 32.6 g/t Ag, 0.483% Zn, and 0.476% As over 0.5m.

BH-06 (Az: 180, dip: -50)

BH-06 was drilled 100m east of BH-04 and targeted a quartz-veined topographic high ridge system and coincident magnetic high anomaly. After 20 meters of overburden the hole cut the sheared argillite unit down to 59m, followed by banded iron formation interbedded with mafic metavolcanic rocks down to 67m downhole. From 67-165m, chlorite altered mafic metavolcanic rocks were cut by sparse intermediate to mafic dykes, and local zone of sericite + silica alteration. The mafic metavolcanic unit contains 2-5% smoky-grey to white quartz veins, with increasing sulfide abundance (pyrite + pyrrhotite + chalcopyrite) moving downhole, grading up to 0.42 g/t Au over 2m, and up to 0.16% Cu over 1m. From 165m to 225m the tonalite intrusion was intersected and intermittently cut by fine-grained mafic dykes.

BH-07 (Az: 0, Dip: -50)

BH-07 was drilled towards the north to test the topographic/ magnetic low situated between the Bear Head Zone surface exposure and the Chellow Vein (600m to the north). After 21 meters of overburden, the hole intersected the same lithologic sequence as BH-05, with strongly sheared argillite down to 234m, followed by chlorite-altered mafic metavolcanic rocks down to EOH at 489m. Within the mafic metavolcanic unit from 454-488m downhole, quartz + carbonate breccia veins up to 50cm wide with trace chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite and pyrite were intersected. The highest grade gold sample occurred at 429m downhole in the mafic metavolcanic rocks, with 0.267g/t Au over 2m.

BH-08 (Az: 180, dip: -50)

BH-08 is the easternmost hole drilled at the Bear Head Zone and is designed to test an east-west trending quartz veined topographic ridge system. BH-08 cut 12 meters of overburden before intersecting sheared argillite containing local concentrations of banded sulfides (pyrite, pyrrhotite, and arsenopyrite), with samples in this unit grading up to 0.328% Zn and 0.471% As over 1m. At 74m, the hole intersected mafic metavolcanic rocks, cut by narrow smoky grey-white quartz veinlets and trace sulfides which ran up to 1.1 g/t Au over 1m, and 0.403% Cu and 0.269 g/t over 0.51m. From 185-245m (EOH) the hole intersected tonalite intrusion cut by minor mafic dykes.

Geologic Setting

The geology and mineralization encountered in the drill program are similar to that described at the historic Golden Patricia Mine, located along strike 30km to the SE along the Bear Head Fault Zone. The Golden Patricia Mine produced 619,796 oz at 15.2 g/t Aui, and is hosted in a continuous 40 cm wide smoky quartz vein with visible gold, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite. Like the Bear Head Zone (McVicar Project), veining at Golden Patricia is also hosted in mafic metavolcanic rocks with feldspar porphyry intrusions, iron formations, and shearing. The Golden Patricia shear zone is interpreted as a splay of the Bear Head Fault.v

Cross River CEO, Alex Klenman stated: "We are pleased with the results of the company's initial drill test on the Bear Head trend. The Cross River technical team identified this area as a priority target for gold mineralization and drilling has now confirmed discovery in this highly prospective zone. We look forward to next steps on the large prospective McVicar property and to follow up drilling at Bear Head. We're also eager to see the results from drilling at the Altered Zone and anticipate receiving those sometime over the next few weeks."

"The discovery of high grade gold during the company's initial drill test at the Bear Head Zone represents a significant step forward for Cross River," said Dan MacNeil, P.Geo, of the Cross River Technical Team. "The Bear Head Zone is on trend with the Golden Patricia Mine, which produced more than half a million ounces of gold at an average grade of 15 grams per ton. The McVicar project is a flagship gold endowed exploration asset, and the presence of high grade gold increases our confidence in the potential of the project," continued Mr. MacNeil.

In addition to drill testing the Bear Head Zone during the winter 2022 drill program, 6 holes were drilled at the Altered Zone target to test strike and plunge continuity of known mineralization. Assays are pending and will be released once received, reviewed, and verified by the technical team.





Table 2: Bear Head Zone Collars

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About The Bear Head Trend

The Bear Head Trend was discovered in summer 2021 by Cross River Ventures field crews. The target is defined by a +700m strike of high-grade surface samples (up to 19.75 g/t Au - see News Release October 5th, 2021) following a prominent WNW trending topographic ridge system with mapped iron formation, sheared mafic meta-volcanics, and mineralized quartz veins. The Bear Head zone is located 600 meters south of the historic Chellow Vein near the southern contact between mafic volcanics and granite along the Bear Head Fault Zone. Drillholes were positioned to target the mineralized ridge system and coincident magnetic anomaly, as well as the topographic low situated between the Bear Head Trend and the Chellow Vein.

The Bear Head Trend is a previously undrilled high-grade gold corridor that is nested within a WNW trending multi-km braided damage zone structure. This geological environment is considered prospective for Archean greenstone gold deposits and contains favorable structural and lithological sites for gold deposition.

About The Altered Zone

The Altered Zone is a complex zone of deformation and intense alteration composed of sheared mafic volcanics, abundant green mica, intermediate intrusive rocks, massive to semi-massive quartz, and a quartz-carbonate-sericite schist.

New geologic modelling by Cross River in 2021 utilizes historic drilling data and suggests that the high-grade gold bearing structure continues at depth, coincident with lithologic breaks and a broader damage zone corridor characterized by an intense hydrothermal alteration overprint. The gold bearing structure at the Altered Zone is open in all directions. 2022 drillholes were positioned to target down-plunge extensions of known mineralization based on 3D modelling, as well as track the continuity of the structure to the south.

About the McVicar Project

Cross River's McVicar gold project is situated in the Superior Province of northern Ontario, Canada. The greenstone belts within the Superior Province contain some of the largest economic gold deposits in the world. McVicar encompasses the geologically significant structural components of the Lang Lake greenstone belt, an underexplored belt located approximately 40 km north of the historic Golden Patricia Mine (619,796 oz at 15.2 g/t Au)*.

The McVicar Gold Project is a district-scale (approximately 12,000 hectares) gold exploration project that contains gold prospective structure and host rocks that transect the entire Lang Lake greenstone belt, located in the Patricia Mining Division, approximately 150 km east of Red Lake, and 80 km west of Pickle Lake, in NW Ontario, Canada.

The property covers all the major fertile structural and lithostratigraphic elements of the greenstone belt, which is bound to the south by the major NW trending Bear Head Fault zone (within which the historic Golden Patricia Mine is situated).

Historic drilling at McVicar Lake in the Altered and North Flexure Zones include:

6.46 g/t Au over 10.09 m including 29.86 g/t Au over 1.86 meters ii

5.5 g/t Au over 3.6 m including 12.2 g/t Au over 0.98 metersiii

The McVicar property also host the Chellow Vein zone, which is a narrow quartz vein that consists of smoky grey to white quartz mineralized with minor pyrite and visible gold. The vein system yielded high grade gold at surface including grab samplesiv that assayed 827.4 g/t Au and 578.1 g/t Auv.





Figure 4: McVicar Gold Project, location of nearby deposits and historical mines, NW Ontario

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Quality Assessment, Quality Control Protocols

Cross River has deployed an industry-standard quality-assurance/quality-control program during the 2022 drill program. This included the insertion of a sequence of standards, blanks, and duplicates into the sample string every tenth sample, in addition to industry standard chain of custody protocols for the samples. Core cutting was completed in Thunder Bay and samples were taken to ALS Global for multi-element analysis in addition to fire-assay of gold using analytical codes ME-MS61 and Au-ICP22. Overlimit analyses of gold (>10 g/t Au) was performed using Au-GRAV22.

Qualified Person

Daniel MacNeil, P.Geo., M.Sc., a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, reviewed, and approved the technical content disclosed in this press release. Historical assay results contained in this press release were not verified by the Company. However, the historical reports referenced were authored by experienced geoscientists and copies of laboratory assay sheets were commonly inserted in the reports.

About Cross River Ventures

Cross River is a gold exploration company focused on the development of top tier exploration properties located in emerging Greenstone Districts of NW Ontario, Canada. The Company controls a 28,000-ha, multiple project portfolio with highly prospective ground in and among prolific, gold bearing greenstone belts. Cross River's common shares trade in Canada under the symbol "CRVC" on the CSE, and in the US under the symbol "CSRVF" on the OTCQB. Please visit www.crossriverventures.com for more information.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

CROSS RIVER VENTURES CORP.

Alex Klenman

CEO

604-227-6610

[email protected]

www.crossriverventures.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the Canadian Securities Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws.

ihttps://thediggings.com/mines/usgs10255075

*https://www.geologyontario.mndm.gov.on.ca/mndmfiles/mdi/data/records/MDI52O06SE00005.html

ii McKay D.B, 2004. Report on the 2003 Overburden Stripping, Geologic Mapping and Sampling Program conducted on the McVicar Lake Property: Continuum Resources Ltd and Prospector Consolidated Resources Inc. www.geologyontario.mndm.gov.on.ca/mndmfiles/afri/data/imaging/52O11SW2003/52O11SW2003.pdf

iii McKay D.B, 2004. Report on the 2003 Overburden Stripping, Geologic Mapping and Sampling Program conducted on the McVicar Lake Property: Continuum Resources Ltd and Prospector Consolidated Resources Inc. www.geologyontario.mndm.gov.on.ca/mndmfiles/afri/data/imaging/52O11SW2003/52O11SW2003.pdf

iv Grab samples are selective by nature and may not represent the true grade or style of mineralization across the property. Dr. Rob Carpenter, P.Geo., Ph.D., a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, reviewed, and approved the technical content disclosed in this press release. Historical assay results contained in this press release were not verified by the Company. However, the historical reports referenced were authored by experienced geoscientists and copies of laboratory assay sheets were commonly inserted in the reports.

v Waldie C.J. Report of Diamond Drilling McVicar Lake Area Patricia Mining Division: BHP Minerals Canada Ltd.

vhttp://www.geologyontario.mndm.gov.on.ca/mndmfiles/mdi/data/records/MDI52O06SE00005.html

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/127988
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - International Lithium Corp. (TSXV: ILC) (OTCQB: ILHMF) (the "Company" or "ILC") is pleased to announce that its common shares have today commenced trading on the OTC Markets Group's OTCQB Venture Market in the United States under the symbol "ILHMF" effective at the opening of trading on Thursday, June 16, 2022, and will continue to trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol "ILC" and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "IAH". Existing U.S. shareholders of ILC will now find common shares quoted on the OTCQB without any further action needed. Investors in the United States can find current financial disclosure and quotes for the Company's common shares on https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/ILHMF/overview.

The OTCQB is recognized as an established public financial market for international companies, including natural resource companies in the exploration industry, to trade in the U.S. The OTCQB Venture Market offers companies the opportunity to build their visibility, expand their liquidity and diversify their shareholder base on an established, public market. The OTCQB offers transparent trading in early stage, exploration companies and provides annual verification and certification of management to investors thereby improving their level of information and trading experience.

John Wisbey, Chairman and CEO of International Lithium Corp. commented:

"The OTCQB Market provides ILC access to a much larger audience of U.S. based institutional and retail shareholders. This upgrade to OTCQB is part of the natural evolution of ILC as a quoted company as we become a larger and stronger company in the lithium space, focused on the increasing requirement by the U.S., Canada and Europe for secure sourcing of green energy metals. We look forward to increasing the number of U.S. investors on our shareholder register."

About International Lithium Corp.

International Lithium Corp. believes that the world faces a significant turning point in the energy market's dependence on oil and gas and in the governmental and public view of climate change. In addition, we have seen the clear and increasingly urgent wish by the USA and Canada to safeguard their supplies of critical battery metals and to become more self-sufficient. Our Canadian projects are strategic in that respect.

Our key mission in the next decade is to make money for our shareholders from lithium and rare metals while at the same time helping to create a greener, cleaner planet. This includes optimizing the value of our existing projects in Canada and Ireland as well as finding, exploring and developing projects that have the potential to become world class lithium and rare metal deposits.

A key goal has been to become a well-funded company to turn our aspirations into reality, and following the disposal of the Mariana project in Argentina in 2021 and the Mavis Lake project in Canada in January 2022, the Board of the Company considers that ILC is now well placed in that respect with a strong net cash position.

The Company's interests in various projects now consists of the following, and in addition the Company continues to seek other opportunities:

Name Location Area (Hectares) Current Ownership Percentage Future Ownership percentage if options exercised or work carried out Operator or JV Partner Raleigh Lake Ontario 48,500 100% 100% ILC Wolf Ridge Ontario 5,700 0% 100% ILC Avalonia Ireland 29,200 45% 21% Ganfeng Lithium Mavis Lake Ontario 2,600 0%

0%

(carries an extra earn-in payment of CAD $1.4M if resource targets met) Critical Resources Ltd. Forgan Lake & Lucky Lake Ontario 0% 1.5% Net Smelter Royalty Ultra Lithium Inc.

The Company's primary strategic focus at this point is on the Raleigh Lake lithium, rubidium and caesium project in Canada and on identifying additional properties.

The Raleigh Lake project consists of 48,500 hectares (485 square kilometres) of mineral claims in Ontario, and is ILC's most significant project in Canada. The exploration results there so far, which are on only about 8% of ILC's current claims, have shown significant quantities of rubidium and caesium in the pegmatite as well as lithium. Raleigh Lake is 100% owned by ILC, is not subject to any encumbrances, and is royalty free.

With the increasing demand for high tech rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles and electrical storage as well as portable electronics, lithium has been designated "the new oil", and is a key part of a "green tech" sustainable economy. By positioning itself with projects with significant resource potential and with solid strategic partners, ILC aims to be one of the lithium and rare metals resource developers of choice for investors and to continue to build value for its shareholders in the '20s, the decade of battery metals.

On behalf of the Company,

John Wisbey

Chairman and CEO

www.internationallithium.com

For further information concerning this news release please contact +1 604-449-6520

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release or other releases contain certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this or other news releases may include: the effect of results of anticipated production rates, the timing and/or anticipated results of drilling on the Raleigh Lake or Wolf Ridge or Avalonia projects, the expectation of resource estimates, preliminary economic assessments, feasibility studies, lithium or rubidium or caesium recoveries, modeling of capital and operating costs, results of studies utilizing various technologies at the company's projects, budgeted expenditures and planned exploration work on the Company's projects, increased value of shareholder investments, and assumptions about ethical behaviour by our joint venture partners or third party operators of projects. Such forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those discussed in the sections entitled "Risks" and "Forward-Looking Statements" in the interim and annual Management's Discussion and Analysis which are available at www.sedar.com. While management believes that the assumptions made are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking information. Forward-looking information herein, and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on expectations, estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the time of such statements, are subject to significant business, economic, legislative, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates and assumptions may prove to be incorrect and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/128072
Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - Northern Graphite Corporation (TSXV: NGC) (OTCQB: NGPHF) (FSE: ONG) (XSTU: ONG) (the "Company" or "Northern") is pleased to announce that the Company has engaged Navigator Limited, a public affairs advisory firm, to assist the Company in securing government support to advance its operations in Canada, specifically:

Financing construction of the Bissett Creek graphite mine in Ontario

Extending the mine life and expanding production at the producing Lac-des-les graphite mine in Quebec

Building a manufacturing facility in Canada to convert mine production into battery anode material

The federal government and the provinces of Quebec and Ontario have all strongly expressed their support for the critical minerals industry in recognition of its importance to the green economy. All have announced programs to promote both mine production and value added processing.

"Northern is well positioned to participate in the development of the critical minerals industry in Canada," said CEO, Hugues Jacquemin. "Graphite is one of those critical minerals and as the largest component of a lithium ion battery it requires the largest production increase of any battery mineral to meet forecast EV demand. Northern's Lac-des-Iles, Quebec mine is the only significant graphite producer in North America, Bissett Creek is one of the most advanced critical minerals projects in Canada, and soon the Company will have graphite production from Namibia which can be transformed into battery material in Canada," he added.

About Northern Graphite

Northern Graphite is a TSX Venture Exchange listed Canadian company focussed on becoming a world leader in producing natural graphite and upgrading it into high value products critical to the green economy including anode material for LiBs/EVs, fuel cells and graphene, as well as advanced industrial technologies.

Northern is the only significant graphite producing company in North America and will become the third largest non-Chinese producer when its Namibian operations come back on line in the first half of 2023. The Company also has two large scale development projects, Bissett Creek in Ontario and Okanjande in Namibia, that will be a source of continued production growth in the future. All projects have "battery quality" graphite and are located close to infrastructure in politically stable countries.

About Graphite

Graphite is a natural, pure form of carbon. It is not a carcinogen and because it is not burned, it is not a source of CO 2 . Graphite has many industrial uses as a light weight reinforcement, conductive additive and fire retardant. It has come to prominence because it is the largest component of a lithium ion battery (and an important one in fuel cells), and it requires the largest production increase of any battery mineral to meet forecast EV demand. And China dominates production and processing. For these reasons it is recognized as a critical mineral by the US, EU and Canada.

About Navigator

Navigator Limited is Canada's leading high-stakes public strategy, communications and government relations firm with mandates from Canada's top publicly traded and privately held companies, boards, family offices, governments, investors, universities, hospitals and third-sector organizations.

Qualified Person

Gregory Bowes, B.Sc. MBA P.Geo is a "qualified person" as defined under NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the content of this news release.

For additional information

Please visit the Company's website at http://www.northerngraphite.com/investors/presentation/, the Company's profile on www.sedar.com, our Social Channels listed below or contact the Company at (613) 241-9959.

LinkedIn

YouTube

Twitter

Facebook

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward- looking statements and information are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "potential", "possible" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "will", "could", or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding, among others; the Company's intentions with respect to its operations and development projects. All such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by management based on their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors they believe are appropriate in the circumstances. However, these statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected including, but not limited to unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of other parties to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure and the failure of ongoing and contemplated studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued studies, development or operations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based on what management believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/128040
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - ScreenPro Security Inc. (CSE: SCRN) (OTCQB: SCRSF) ("ScreenPro" or the "Company") reports that the Covid-19 testing administered remained steady in May with approximately 23,000 tests. As previously announced, new contracts signed with the film and production industry will commence in the summer season throughout fall where the Company expects to continue and maintain the current testing level.

The Company is also pleased to report that ScreenPro started providing testing solutions for cruise ships in and around Vancouver's Port where Covid-19 testing remains mandatory to board.

In addition, the Company reports that members of the Board of Directors and Senior Management have collectively purchased an additional 1,745,000 shares of the Company in the open-market. Details of the insider purchases are as follows:

Lena Kozovski, CEO, purchased 145,000 shares at an average price of $0.04

Michael Yeung, Chairman, purchased 750,000 shares at an average price of $0.04

Paul Haber, CFO, purchased 600,000 shares at an average price of $0.04

Alex MacKay, Director purchased 250,000 shares at an average price of $0.04

"Our expectations of steady Covid-19 testing numbers have aligned with our May figures. Senior management continues to have immense confidence in the Company as we work on improving and building business operations. The board and insiders have small windows of non-black out periods to purchase shares of the Company if they deem there to be value. With that, I'd like to personally thank our investors, board, and our team members for their support as we continue to progress," said Lena Kozovski, CEO of the Company.

About ScreenPro

ScreenPro is a medical technology company that provides turnkey screening solutions with its proprietary medical alerting software. ScreenPro's unique access to multiple manufacturers of high-quality test kits and its strategic partnership with labs in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec allows ScreenPro to be a full-service nationwide provider of COVID testing and breast cancer screening solutions across Canada. In addition, ScreenPro's subsidiary, Concierge Medical, is a group of board-certified physicians who provide private, discreet, and personalized healthcare to Canadians. ScreenPro prides itself in having its own medical doctors and nursing professionals with on the ground support staff and transportation, with access to high quality PPEs to ensure that clients are protected in all aspects of their testing needs.

For additional information on ScreenPro and other corporate information, please visit the Company's website at www.screenprosecurity.com.

For more information about the Company, please refer to the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") nor it's Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

For further information please contact:

Lena Kozovski, CEO

(647) 878-6674

[email protected]

Priya Atwal, Communications Manager

(416) 901-5611 x 204

[email protected]

Forward Looking Statements:

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forwardlooking information, including statements relating to expectations regarding the acquisition and business of Concierge Medical Consultants Inc. and the future development of ScreenPro's business. Forwardlooking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions. Forwardlooking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forwardlooking information. The actual results of ScreenPro could differ materially from those anticipated in this forwardlooking information as a result of regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which ScreenPro operates, prevailing economic conditions, changes to ScreenPro's strategic growth plans, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of ScreenPro. Management of ScreenPro believes that the expectations reflected in the forwardlooking information herein are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forwardlooking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forwardlooking information contained in this news release represents ScreenPro's expectations as of the date hereof and is subject to change after such date. ScreenPro disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forwardlooking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities legislation.

NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASUREMENTS

The Company has included non-IFRS performance measures throughout this press release, including (a) Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA"); (b) Adjusted EBITDA which is EBITDA adjusted for the gain (loss) on change in fair value of the Company's investment properties and the gain (loss) on change in fair value of derivative instruments; and (c) Book Value per Share which is calculated as equity attributable to Datametrex AI Limited shareholders divided by total common shares outstanding at the end of the reporting period. These non-IFRS financial measurements do not have any standardized meaning as prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. Accordingly, these performance measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Management uses EBITDA metrics to measure the profit trends of the business units and segments in the consolidated group since it eliminates the effects of financing decisions. Certain investors, analysts and others utilize these non-IFRS financial metrics in assessing the Company's financial performance. These non-IFRS financial measurements have not been presented as an alternative to net income or any other financial measure of performance prescribed by IFRS. Reconciliation of non-IFRS measures has been provided throughout the Company's MD&A, as applicable, filed under the Company's profile on www.SEDAR.COM.

###

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/127976
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - SLANG Worldwide Inc. (CSE: SLNG) (OTCQB: SLGWF) ("SLANG" or the "Company"), a leading global cannabis consumer packaged goods (CPG) company with a diversified portfolio of popular brands, today announced the results from its annual general and special meeting of shareholders held on June 16, 2022 (the "Meeting").

The Company put forward the following resolutions to be voted on by shareholders at the Meeting, all of which were approved: (1) the appointment of Baker Tilly LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as auditor to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders at a remuneration to be fixed by the Board; (2) the adoption of a 15% rolling equity incentive plan which will replace the existing stock option plan and restricted share unit plan; and (3) the election of Drew McManigle, Felicia Snyder, Kevin Albert, Sandra Levy, Ruth Chun, Todd Boudreau and Adam Crocker as directors to hold office until the next annual general meeting of SLANG or until their earlier resignation.

The following are brief profiles of each of the directors.

Drew McManigle, Chairman of the Board, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director

Drew McManigle is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MACCO. He brings both wide-ranging experience, derived from a variety of industries, as well as a solutions-driven leadership style that has led to successful outcomes in numerous complex situations. As interim CEO and Chairman, Mr. McManigle will have oversight over key strategic, operational and financial functions. In addition to existing SLANG management, Mr. McManigle will also have the added support of members of MACCO who will provide senior level operating and financial expertise to enable rapid strategic reviews and business plan implementation. While at MACCO, Drew has held several leadership and fiduciary roles, including interim CEO and CRO. He has also served as an independent director. Prior to MACCO, Mr. McManigle was a principal of his own firm for 22 years. He had previously been employed by a Fortune 500 healthcare services company and had established the Houston office for a California-based advisory firm.

Felicia Snyder, Independent Director

Felicia Snyder was a Founding Executive at Tokyo Smoke, one of Canada's most recognized cannabis brands and a leading Canadian cannabis retailer. Felicia led the company through its merger with Doja Cannabis and its eventual sale to Canopy Growth. Post-acquisition, Felicia was Vice President at Canopy Growth, managing Canopy's portfolio of premium cannabis brands. Prior to Tokyo Smoke, Felicia worked for several years in South Korea at Samsung Electronics in its Global Strategy Group and Smart TV Services Group where she led a variety of projects related to business strategy, acquisitions, investments, and developing new partnerships, products and services.

Kevin Albert, Independent Director

Kevin Albert worked in the investment banking division of Merrill Lynch & Co. for 24 years. Now retired, he is currently managing a portfolio of private investments, the majority of which are in the legal cannabis industry. From September 2010 through December 2019, Mr. Albert was a Senior Partner of Pantheon Ventures LLC ("Pantheon") and a member of its six-person Partnership Board. For most of his nine-year tenure there, he was responsible for the firm's global business development, and during this time Pantheon's assets under management increased from approximately US$25 billion to approximately US$50 billion. He currently serves as an independent director on the boards of Harborside Inc., Osiris Ventures, Inc. dba, NorCal Cannabis Company, Octavius Holdings Inc dba, Flow Cannabis Company, and Achari Venture Holding Corp I, a special purpose acquisition company targeting a merger with a non-plant touching cannabis company. Mr. Albert has a BA and an MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles where he continues to be involved as the Chair of the Board of Visitors of the Economics Department.

Sandra Levy, Independent Director

Sandra Levy is currently the Chief People & Culture Officer at the Canadian Olympic Committee where she oversees all aspects of human resources, health and safety and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Sandra is a senior human resources executive with over 25 years' experience in human resources and legal roles. She is a lawyer by training and brings proven management expertise from both national and global organizations including, Magna International Inc., PlyGem Inc. and RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust. Sandra has strong corporate board and volunteer board experience. Currently she sits on the Create TO (City of Toronto) Board of Directors and chairs its Human Resources Committee. She also sits on the board of Trustees of Sir Corp Investment Trust and chairs its Governance Committee.

Ruth Chun, Independent Director

Ruth Chun is a lawyer focused on advising regulated businesses in the cannabis, psychedelics, CPG and energy industries. Prior to founding Chun Law Professional Corporation, she was the general counsel and corporate secretary for Newstrike Brands Ltd. / Up Cannabis Inc. and senior legal counsel at HEXO Corp. through its acquisition of Newstrike in an all share deal valued at $346 million. Ms. Chun joined Newstrike in February 2017 and was involved in all significant corporate activity including a successful TSXV listing, debt and equity financings (exceeding $140 million), M&A, regulatory matters and government relations. She is regularly called upon as a speaker, industry expert and guest lecturer at various colleges and universities and is on the advisory board of the Osgoode Professional Development Certificate in Cannabis Law and Regulation. Ms. Chun currently serves on several boards and is the chairperson of SAVIS of Halton. She served as the first female executive at a leading insurer in southern Africa as the head of legal and compliance and was a partner at Africa's largest law firm. She received an Hon BA (Trinity College), MA from the University of Toronto and Juris Doctor from Queens University. She is called to the bar in Ontario, New York and Namibia.

Todd Boudreau, Independent Director

Todd Boudreau is an attorney and the Founding Partner at ACL Capital Partners. Todd Boudreau brings over 20 years of legal and business experience assisting global companies and investment managers on a wide range of matters including venture, growth, and control capital partnerships, business sale and acquisition transactions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and US expansion. Mr. Boudreau is highly experienced in assisting family offices, sovereign wealth funds, pensions and endowments with direct and co-mingled investments and fund managers with direct investment transactions, fund formation, and US partnerships. He represents companies in industries such as technology (including software and fintech), life sciences, health services, medical devices, consumer, and aerospace and defense. Prior to founding ACL Capital Partners, Mr. Boudreau was the Co-Chair of the Private Equity Investments & Buyout Group with Morrison & Forester and the Chair of the Investments & Buyout Group with Foley & Lardner. Mr. Boudreau is also an active member of the legal and business community. He is the current Chair of the American Bar Association's Institutional Investment Committee and has consistently received the highest Martindale-Hubbell AV Ranking of "Preeminent" by his legal industry peers. He serves on various committees of the Institutional Limited Partners Association ("ILPA") and as the founding sponsor for the ILPA's emerging managers conference. Mr. Boudreau is also a board member for the non-profit CareerSpring and serves as an advisor for the non-profit CareQuest Innovation Partners incubator program.

Adam Crocker, Independent Director

Adam Crocker, CFA is Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Logbook Investments, a value fund with research on core positions enhanced by insights from books. Logbook launched in 2016 and is seeded by his former employer. Prior to Logbook, Adam was a co-manager at Metropolitan Capital Advisors. Before joining Metropolitan, he was an analyst at Morgan Stanley Investment Management conducting research on behalf of growth and value investment teams. He began his career in Leveraged Finance investment banking at JPMorgan. Adam is a graduate of the Value Investing Program at Columbia Business School and has an undergraduate degree in Economics from Columbia University.

About SLANG Worldwide Inc.

SLANG Worldwide Inc. is a global leader in the cannabis CPG sector with a diversified portfolio of popular brands distributed across the United States. SLANG specializes in acquiring and developing market-proven regional brands as well as launching innovative new brands to seize global market opportunities. For more information, please visit www.slangww.com.

To be added to SLANG's email distribution list, please email [email protected] with "SLNG" in the subject.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management of SLANG at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Applicable risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to regulatory risks, risks related to the COVID-19 global pandemic, changes in laws, resolutions and guidelines, market risks, concentration risks, operating history, competition, the risks associated with international and foreign operations and the other risks identified under the headings "Risk Factors" in SLANG's annual information form for the year ended December 31 ,2021 and other disclosure documents available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. SLANG is not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

Third Party Information



This press release includes market and industry data that has been obtained from third party sources, including industry publications. The Company believes that the industry data is accurate and that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of this data. Third party sources generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of included information. Although the data is believed to be reliable, the Company has not independently verified any of the data from third party sources referred to in this press release or ascertained the underlying economic assumptions relied upon by such sources.

Media and Investor Inquiries

[email protected]

KCSA Strategic Communications

Phil Carlson

[email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/128076
Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation.



New York-based Beverage and Consumer Package Goods advisory firm, InterContinental Beverage Capital (IBC), in a proprietary partnership with Blue Ridge Bank, N.A. (the Bank), the national bank subsidiary of Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc., will be rolling out a new and innovative capital resource product for its clients in advance of upcoming industry events beginning in New York.

BLUE  Intelligent Business Capital  program will be dually supported through IBCs industry expertise and network along with BRBs sound credit and underwriting, which will be able to support the capital demands of growing companies with the flexibility to the handle inventory and production challenges over multiple credit cycles.

The BLUE financing product is focused on both leading and emerging companies and brands operating online, direct to consumer as well as traditional retail channels. Andy Moser, EVP of Blue Ridge stated, In collaboration with IBC, the Bank is offering companies, with safety and soundness, access to capital, industry resources and the opportunity to value and grow their businesses with creative and effective financial solutions.

Through IBC, BLUE will initially be in front of potential clients and industry professionals at the upcoming BevNet Summer event, June 14-16 in New York.

Joseph J. Messina, Co-Founder and President of IBC offered that, We are excited to bring this product to market in collaboration with the Specialized Lending Team at Blue Ridge Bank. BLUE will provide companies with an intelligent and efficient debt alternative for their growth capital. This will help ensure clients have the ability to expand sales and grow their enterprise value faster without pausing to raise expensive and dilutive equity capital.

BLUEs online sales resource is supported by Amazons proprietary D8aDriven marketplace analytics software that helps clients grow their brands by automating their business using data and deep machine learning, with the goal of optimizing sales and creating more productive inventory.

BLUE  Intelligent Business Capital will be available later this month.

About InterContinental Beverage Capital, Inc.

IBC is a New York-based advisory and investment firm focused on the beverage and consumer packaged goods industries. IBC has a worldwide network of strategic industry contacts, lending institutions, consultants, recruiters, and management teams. These sources provide expertise, industry capabilities, access to new customers, and valuable investment and commercial banking capabilities to partnership companies. IBC is actively seeking investments in its targeted verticals in companies, which have unique products and dedicated management that exhibit the ability to develop into category leaders. Visit https://inbevcapital.com/.

Media Contact:

InterContinental Beverage Capital, Investor Relations, 212-634-7277, [email protected]

About Blue Ridge Bank, N.A.

Blue Ridge Bank, N.A., is the wholly-owned banking subsidiary of Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, Blue Ridge Bank provides a wide range of financial services including retail and commercial banking, insurance, card payments, wholesale and retail mortgage lending, and government-guaranteed lending. Blue Ridge also provides investment and wealth management services and management services for personal and corporate trusts, including estate planning, and trust administration. Visit https://www.mybrb.com/ for more information.

Media Contact:

Blue Ridge Bank, N.A., Michelle Simon Director of PR & Corporate Communications [email protected]

About Us: IBC is a New York-based advisory and investment firm focused on the beverage and consumer packaged goods industries. IBC has a worldwide network of strategic industry contacts, lending institutions, consultants, recruiters, and management teams. These sources provide expertise, industry capabilities, access to new customers, and valuable investment and commercial banking capabilities to partnership companies. IBC is actively seeking investments in its targeted verticals in companies, which have unique products and dedicated management that exhibit the ability to develop into category leaders. For additional information visit https://inbevcapital.com/

Contact Info:

Name: Leah Messina

Email: Send Email

Organization: Sinuate Media

Website: http://sinuatemedia.com



Release ID: 89076707

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Offer to Purchase for Cash Up to $50,000,000.00 Principal Amount of the Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. 6.50% Senior Notes Due 2027 at $15.00 per $25.00 of Principal Amount of the Notes plus Accrued Interest

NEW YORK, June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- 745 Capital LLC (the "Purchaser") has commenced a cash tender offer for up to $50,000,000.00 principal amount of the Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. 6.50% Senior Notes Due 2027 (CUSIP No. 50575Q300) (NYSE symbol LTSL) (Bloomberg symbol LTSL Pfd) (the "Notes") as described below (the "Tender Offer"). The terms and conditions of the Tender Offer are described in the Purchaser's Offer to Purchase dated June 9, 2022 (the "Offer to Purchase") and the related Letter of Transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal").

The Tender Offer will expire at 5:00p.m. EST, on July 15, 2022, unless extended or earlier terminated (the "Expiration Time"). Subject to the application of the Tender Offer Cap (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) and possible proration, Holders who validly tender (and who do not validly withdraw) their Notes prior to the Expiration Time will be entitled to receive $15.00 for each $25.00 principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued interest.

The Tender Offer is subject to the conditions in the Offer to Purchase and Letter of Transmittal. Provided that the conditions to the Tender Offer have been satisfied or waived, payment for the Notes purchased in the Tender Offer will be made on or about July 22, 2022.

This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes. The Purchaser is making the offer only by the terms of the Offer to Purchase and Letter of Transmittal, copies of which may be obtained from D.F. King & Co., Inc., the tender and information agent for the Tender Offer, at [email protected] or (800) 706-3274 or, for banks and brokers, at (212) 269-5550.

About 745 Capital LLC

745 Capital was incorporated in New York in 2022 and is not affiliated with Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including those related to the completion of the Tender Offer. Forward-looking statements involve many risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future. The Purchaser is not under any obligation to update its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contact: Michael Horthman (212) 232-3233

SOURCE 745 Capital LLC
SAN DIEGO, June 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Health  Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of healthcare in the emirate, signed a Declaration of Collaboration with Sanofi, an innovative global healthcare company. The partnership reiterates Abu Dhabi's ongoing efforts to position itself as a leading life science destination and an innovation hub.

The Declaration of Collaboration was signed by Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director, Research and Innovation Centre at DoH and Jean-Paul Scheuer, MCO Lead & General Manager for Specialty Care at Sanofi in Greater Gulf.

Key activities of the agreement include the cooperation to launch a clinical research project and patient recruitment protocol. In relation to hematology and oncology, DoH and Sanofi agreed to pursue the creation of data generation and population research projects for late-stage breast cancer, liquid tumors and blood disorders. Furthermore, both organisations will cocreate a high-risk population screening project that will support in the detection of rare metabolic diseases utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.

Additionally, the collaboration will witness the launch of the Supply Chain Academy, an initiative intended to provide and enhance knowledge related to vaccines supply chain, which will be led by an International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM) certified entity.

Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director, Research and Innovation Centre at the Department of Health  Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: "Through international collaborations, Abu Dhabi seeks to lead research groups supported by global partners to explore the resilience and sustainability of the healthcare sector worldwide as well as provide quality care and innovative treatments to patients. We are extremely delighted to have signed another agreement with a leading biopharmaceutical organisation such as Sanofi."

Jean-Paul Scheuer, MCO Lead and General Manager for Specialty Care Sanofi Greater Gulf, said: "Our collaboration with the Department of Health  Abu Dhabi reflects our deep commitment to improving people's lives, with our new-generation medicines, ongoing investments in research and support to healthcare providers across the region. We hope our partnership with DoH - Abu Dhabi will address the urgent health issues facing the UAE and positively impact its healthcare sector. We look forward to sharing our expertise and working collaboratively to achieve shared goals, and serve patients, communities, and society at large."

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/abu-dhabi-partners-with-the-french-sanofi-in-four-strategic-healthcare-areas-301569170.html

SOURCE The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi
LAS VEGAS, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- AGS (NYSE: AGS or "the Company") CEO David Lopez issued the following statement after the announcement of the United States Supreme Court decision siding with certain Tribes in Texas (the Tribes at issue are the Ysleta del Sur and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Texas, which operate the Speaking Rock and Naskila Gaming facilities, respectively) to allow bingo gaming on their Tribal lands, without regulatory oversight from the State of Texas. The Court's ruling on Wednesday determined that these Texas Tribes have the autonomy to regulate electronic bingo games on their lands, in compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act ("IGRA") like most other Tribes in America, regardless of the state's rules on bingo, which is permitted in the State of Texas. While the federal government agreed with the Tribes' position, the State of Texas did not.

"After an extremely long process in the judicial system, I would like to congratulate our Native American business partners and friends on their well-deserved win. This ruling makes it possible for these sovereign Tribes to gain economic freedom and confirms their rights as federally recognized Tribes. AGS stands by our Tribal operator partners as they look to exercise their rights and wish them success in current and future ventures as sovereign Tribes in the State of Texas. We are proud to support all our Native American partners throughout the country, and, in particular, these Tribes that have fought so hard and so long in pursuit of their economic freedom."

About AGS

AGS is a global company focused on creating a diverse mix of entertaining gaming experiences for every kind of player. Our roots are firmly planted in the Class II Native American gaming market, but our customer-centric culture and growth have helped us branch out to become a leading all-inclusive commercial gaming supplier. Powered by high-performing Class II and Class III slot products, an expansive table products portfolio, real-money gaming platforms and content, highly rated social casino solutions for operators and players, and best-in-class service, we offer an unmatched value proposition for our casino partners. Learn more at www.playags.com.

AGS Media Contact:

Julia Boguslawski, Chief Marketing Officer[email protected]

Nikki Davis, Director of Marketing & Communications[email protected]

AGS Investor Contact:Brad Boyer, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations & Corporate Operations[email protected]

2022 AGS LLC.

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SOURCE AGS
- The updates of ASC22 Phase IIb study will be presented at the oral session during the International Liver Congress 2022 on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 14:15, Beijing Time (Abstract Number: OS091)

HANGZHOU, China and SHAOXING, China, June 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascletis Pharma Inc. (HKEX:1672, "Ascletis") today announces that the latest results of the Phase IIb clinical trial of ASC22 (Envafolimab) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) will be presented at an oral parallel session of the International Liver Congress 2022 (ILC 2022) held by the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) in London on June 25, 2022.

EASL is the world's leading medical association dedicated to liver diseases research. As the annual flagship event with approximately 10, 000 representatives participating every year, ILC is one of the most influential congresses on hepatology research globally where the advances, best practices and latest scientific breakthroughs are shared with the global community. Among the 1,993 abstracts accepted by ILC this year, nine Chinese abstracts have been admitted to oral presentation in total. Ascletis' ASC22 on CHB functional cure is the only China biotech-initiated, HBV-related study that has been selected for oral presentation at ILC 2022.

Professor Guiqiang Wang, Director of Infectious Diseases Department and Liver Disease Center of Peking University First Hospital, will present the latest results of ASC22 Phase IIb study at ILC 2022. At the Liver Meeting 2021 by American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) last year, Professor Guiqiang Wang was also invited, along with Dr. Jinzi J. Wu, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ascletis, to have an oral presentation on ASC22 Phase IIa and IIb study interim report.

CHB remains to be a significantly unmet medical need globally, with approximately 86 million people in China and 1.59 million people in the U.S. infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV)[1]. Nucleot(s)ide analogues (NAs) inhibit only reverse transcription of HBV RNA into HBV DNA and do not inhibit the transcription of HBV cccDNA into HBV RNA, thus have no inhibitory effect on HBsAg.

Abstract to be presented at ILC 2022 is as follows:

ALT flares were linked to HBsAg reduction, seroclearance and seroconversion: interim results from a phase IIb study in chronic hepatitis B patients with 24-week treatment of subcutaneous PD-L1 Ab ASC22 (Envafolimab) plus nucleos(t)ide analogs

Presentation Type: Oral PresentationAbstract Number: OS091Session: Abstract session: Hepatitis B emerging therapiesPresenter: Prof. Guiqiang Wang, Director of Infectious Diseases Department and Liver Disease Center of Peking University First HospitalPresentation time: June 25, 2022, Saturday, 14:15-14:30 (Beijing Time)

*The abstract can be accessed at: https://easl.eu/event/international-liver-congress-2022/abstract-information/

[1] Lim J K, Nguyen M H, Kim W R, et al. Prevalence of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the United States [J]. The American journal of gastroenterology 2020, 115(9): 1429-38.

About Ascletis

Ascletis is an innovative R&D driven biotech listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (1672.HK), covering the entire value chain from discovery and development to manufacturing and commercialization. Led by a management team with deep expertise and a proven track record, Ascletis focuses on three therapeutic areas with unmet medical needs from a global perspective: viral diseases, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and oncology. Through excellent execution, Ascletis rapidly advances its drug pipeline with an aim of leading in global competition. To date, Ascletis has three marketed products, i.e. ritonavir tablets, GANOVO and ASCLEVIR, and 20 drug candidates in its R&D pipeline. The most advanced drug candidates include ASC22 (CHB functional cure), ASC10 and ASC11 (oral small molecules for COVID-19 treatment), ASC40 (recurrent glioblastoma), ASC42 (PBC, primary biliary cholangitis), and ASC40 (acne).

For more information, please visit www.ascletis.com.

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SOURCE Ascletis Pharma Inc.
LAVAL, QB, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) ("Bausch Health" or the "Company") today announced an update on its previously stated plan to pursue an initial public offering (IPO) of its Solta Medical business ("Solta"). Solta is a leading global provider in medical aesthetics with innovative and effective skin rejuvenation and body contouring solutions, including the Thermage RF systems, Fraxel laser, Clear + Brilliant laser and VASER ultrasonic systems.

Solta attracted significant investor interest during the IPO process. However, in light of challenging market conditions and other factors, the Company is suspending its plans for the IPO of Solta. Bausch Health believes that the interests of the Company's stakeholders are best served in the near-term by focusing on driving Solta's revenue, profits and cash flow while also achieving key operational and regulatory milestones. For now, Solta will remain as part of Bausch Health and continue to contribute to the deleveraging of the Company's balance sheet. The Company will revisit alternative paths for Solta in the future.

"Solta is a valuable business with significant potential for market share gains and geographic expansion in the fast-growing medical aesthetics business," said Thomas J. Appio, chief executive officer, Bausch Health. "I look forward to working with the team to drive Solta's continued growth and innovation."

About Bausch HealthBausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE/TSX: BHC) is a global diversified pharmaceutical company whose mission is to improve people's lives with our health care products. We develop, manufacture and market a range of products primarily in gastroenterology, hepatology, neurology, dermatology, international pharmaceuticals and eye health, through our 90% ownership of Bausch + Lomb Corporation. With our leading durable brands, we are delivering on our commitments as we build an innovative company dedicated to advancing global health. For more information, visit www.bauschhealth.com and connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Forward-looking StatementsThis news release may contain forward-looking statements about the future performance and disposition of Solta and Bausch Health, which may generally be identified by the use of the words "anticipates," "hopes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "should," "could," "would," "may," "believes," "subject to" and variations or similar expressions, including statements about the timing and details of the future plans for Solta and its future performance. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. In particular, Bausch Health can offer no assurance that Solta will generate future growth or innovation or that a Solta IPO may occur at any point. Actual results are subject to other risks and uncertainties that relate more broadly to Bausch Health's overall business, including those more fully described in Bausch Health's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and detailed from time to time in Bausch Health's other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian securities administrators, which factors are incorporated herein by reference.

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SOURCE Bausch Health Companies Inc.
MELVILLE, N.Y., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to increase awareness about marine conservation and amplify messaging to students, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, and the New York Marine Rescue Center, is excited to announce its support of the New York Marine Rescue Center and its conservation efforts surrounding cold stunned sea turtles. In connection with those efforts, the New York Marine Rescue Center released 'The Adventures of Peachy Keen,' a culmination of stories and illustrations about the 16 North Country Road Middle School Science Club students rescue and release of their Kemp's ridley sea turtle. Their book was printed on a Canon imagePRESS C10000 Digital Press.

The New York Marine Rescue Center is a rescue and rehabilitation organization that promotes marine conservation. Its mission is to preserve and protect the marine environment through conservation efforts including rescue, rehabilitation, education and research. They are the primary responders for sick or injured seals, sea turtles, dolphins, porpoises and small toothed whales, and maintain the only marine mammal and sea turtle rehabilitation center in New York State.

"I'd like to thank the NY Marine Rescue Center for supporting the publication of our Science Club students' book and for Canon USA's support in printing the publication and both the New York Marine Rescue Center and Canon for its sponsorship of the program providing our students with such an enriching and rewarding learning experience," said Dr. Marianne Cartisano, superintendent of the Miller Place Union Free School District in Miller Place, NY.

"The partnership that we have with Canon has been instrumental to our organization for the past number of years," said Danielle Perillo, director of administration and development, New York Marine Rescue Center. "Canon is generously supporting two satellite tags for our sea turtles, which provides the data necessary for us to be able to track these sea turtles and study their movements for conservation research."

As part of the New York Marine Rescue Center pilot program, New York Marine Rescue Center staff provided lectures on cold stunned sea turtles, marine mammals that inhabit New York waters and gave a virtual behind-the-scenes tour to the students. The students learned firsthand what to do if they find a stranded sea turtle and the importance of removing debris from our beaches to ensure the safety of the marine life.

"Environmental conservation is one of the central tenets of Canon's corporate philosophy of building a strong unified future. We are proud of these exceptional students for their efforts to raise awareness of the need to protect marine life through this incredible book," said Christine Sedlacek, senior director and general manager, Corporate Communications Divisions, Canon U.S.A. "Though Canon is a global brand, Long Island is our home. We are honored to support the NY Marine Rescue Center and its educational program involving the Miller Place School District as it builds the next generation of innovators and environmental champions."

Canon U.S.A. is excited to continue this program in 2022 with the Half Hollow Hills School in Dix Hills, NY.

For more information about the book, please click on the link: http://nymarinerescue.org/product/peachykeen/

For more information on Canon's work with New York Marine Rescue Center, please visit here.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc. Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $30.6 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), as of 2021 has ranked in the top-five overall in U.S. patents granted for 36 consecutive years and was one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2022. Canon U.S.A. was featured in Newsweek's Most Loved Workplaces list for 2021, ranking among the top 100 companies for employee happiness and satisfaction at work. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss and follow us on Twitter @CanonUSA.

 Number of patents for 2021 are based on figures released by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services. Figures for 2005 to 2020 are based on information issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Editorial Contact:Nicole Esan631-330-2139[email protected]

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SOURCE Canon U.S.A., Inc.
This composite image shows the star-forming region 30 Doradus, also known as the Tarantula Nebula. The background image, taken in the infrared, is itself a composite: it was captured by the HAWK-I instrument on ESOs Very Large Telescope (VLT) and the Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA), shows bright stars and light, pinkish clouds of hot gas. The bright red-yellow streaks that have been superimposed on the image come from radio observations taken by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), revealing regions of cold, dense gas which have the potential to collapse and form stars. The unique web-like structure of the gas clouds led astronomers to the nebulas spidery nickname. Credit: ESO, ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)/Wong et al., ESO/M.-R. Cioni/VISTA Magellanic Cloud survey. Acknowledgment: Cambridge Astronomical Survey Unit

"These fragments may be the remains of once-larger clouds that have been shredded by the enormous energy being released by young and massive stars, a process dubbed feedback," says Tony Wong, who led the research on 30 Doradus presented today at the American Astronomical Society (AAS) meeting and published in The Astrophysical Journal.

Astronomers originally thought the gas in these areas would be too sparse and too overwhelmed by this turbulent feedback for gravity to pull it together to form new stars. But the new data also reveal much denser filaments where gravity's role is still significant. "Our results imply that even in the presence of very strong feedback, gravity can exert a strong influence and lead to a continuation of star formation," adds Wong, who is a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA.

Located in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of our own Milky Way, the Tarantula Nebula is one of the brightest and most active star-forming regions in our galactic neighbourhood, lying about 170 000 light-years away from Earth. At its heart are some of the most massive stars known, a few with more than 150 times the mass of our Sun, making the region perfect for studying how gas clouds collapse under gravity to form new stars.

"What makes 30 Doradus unique is that it is close enough for us to study in detail how stars are forming, and yet its properties are similar to those found in very distant galaxies, when the Universe was young," said Guido De Marchi, a scientist at the European Space Agency (ESA) and a co-author of the paper presenting the new research. "Thanks to 30 Doradus, we can study how stars used to form 10 billion years ago when most stars were born."

While most of the previous studies of the Tarantula Nebula have focused on its centre, astronomers have long known that massive star formation is happening elsewhere too. To better understand this process, the team conducted high-resolution observations covering a large region of the nebula. Using ALMA, they measured the emission of light from carbon monoxide gas. This allowed them to map the large, cold gas clouds in the nebula that collapse to give birth to new stars -- and how they change as huge amounts of energy are released by those young stars.

"We were expecting to find that parts of the cloud closest to the young massive stars would show the clearest signs of gravity being overwhelmed by feedback," says Wong. "We found instead that gravity is still important in these feedback-exposed regions -- at least for parts of the cloud that are sufficiently dense."

In the image released today by ESO, we see the new ALMA data overlaid on a previous infrared image of the same region that shows bright stars and light pinkish clouds of hot gas, taken with ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) and ESO's Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA). The composition shows the distinct, web-like shape of the Tarantula Nebula's gas clouds that gave rise to its spidery name. The new ALMA data comprise the bright red-yellow streaks in the image: very cold and dense gas that could one day collapse and form stars.

The new research contains detailed clues about how gravity behaves in the Tarantula Nebula's star-forming regions, but the work is far from finished. "There is still much more to do with this fantastic data set, and we are releasing it publicly to encourage other researchers to conduct new investigations," Wong concludes.

The 30 Doradus Molecular Cloud at 0.4 Parsec Resolution with ALMA: Physical Properties and the

Boundedness of CO Emitting Structures

More information

This research is being presented at the 240th meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) in the press conference titled "Stars, Their Environments & Their Planets" (Wednesday, 15 June, 19:15 CEST / 10:15 PT). Reporters are welcome to watch the live stream of the press conference, which will be visible publicly on the AAS Press Office YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/AASPressOffice.

The research is also presented in the paper "The 30 Doradus Molecular Cloud at 0.4 Parsec Resolution with ALMA: Physical Properties and the Boundedness of CO Emitting Structures" to appear in The Astrophysical Journal.

The team is composed of T. Wong (Astronomy Department, University of Illinois, USA [Illinois]), L. Oudshoorn (Leiden Observatory, Leiden University, The Netherlands [Leiden]), E. Sofovich (Illinois), A. Green (Illinois), C. Shah (Illinois), R. Indebetouw (Department of Astronomy, University of Virginia, USA and National Radio Astronomy Observatory, USA [NRAO]), M. Meixner (SOFIA-USRA, NASA Ames Research Center, USA), A. Hacar (Department of Astrophysics, University of Vienna, Austria), O. Nayak (Space Telescope Science Institute, USA [STSci]), K. Tokuda (Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan and National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Japan and Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan [Osaka]), A. D. Bolatto (Department of Astronomy and Joint Space Science Institute, University of Maryland, USA and NRAO Visiting Astronomer), M. Chevance (Astronomisches Rechen-Institut, Zentrum fur Astronomie der Universitat Heidelberg, Germany), G. De Marchi (European Space Research and Technology Centre, Netherlands), Y. Fukui (Department of Physics, Nagoya University, Japan), A. S. Hirschauer (STSci), K. E. Jameson (CSIRO, Space and Astronomy, Australia), V. Kalari (International Gemini Observatory, NSF's NOIRLab, Chile), V. Lebouteiller (AIM, CEA, CNRS, Universite Paris-Saclay, Universite Paris Diderot, France), L. W. Looney (Illinois), S. C. Madden (Departement d'Astrophysique AIM/CEA Saclay, France), Toshikazu Onishi (Osaka), J. Roman-Duval (STSci), M. Rubio (Departamento de Astronomia, Universidad de Chile, Chile) and A. G. G. M. Tielens (Department of Astronomy, University of Maryland, USA and Leiden).

The European Southern Observatory (ESO) enables scientists worldwide to discover the secrets of the Universe for the benefit of all. We design, build and operate world-class observatories on the ground -- which astronomers use to tackle exciting questions and spread the fascination of astronomy -- and promote international collaboration in astronomy. Established as an intergovernmental organisation in 1962, today ESO is supported by 16 Member States (Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom), along with the host state of Chile and with Australia as a Strategic Partner. ESO's headquarters and its visitor centre and planetarium, the ESO Supernova, are located close to Munich in Germany, while the Chilean Atacama Desert, a marvellous place with unique conditions to observe the sky, hosts our telescopes. ESO operates three observing sites: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor. At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope and its Very Large Telescope Interferometer, as well as two survey telescopes, VISTA working in the infrared and the visible-light VLT Survey Telescope. Also at Paranal ESO will host and operate the Cherenkov Telescope Array South, the world's largest and most sensitive gamma-ray observatory. Together with international partners, ESO operates APEX and ALMA on Chajnantor, two facilities that observe the skies in the millimetre and submillimetre range. At Cerro Armazones, near Paranal, we are building "the world's biggest eye on the sky" -- ESO's Extremely Large Telescope. From our offices in Santiago, Chile we support our operations in the country and engage with Chilean partners and society.

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), an international astronomy facility, is a partnership of ESO, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) of Japan in cooperation with the Republic of Chile. ALMA is funded by ESO on behalf of its Member States, by NSF in cooperation with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and by NINS in cooperation with the Academia Sinica (AS) in Taiwan and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI). ALMA construction and operations are led by ESO on behalf of its Member States; by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), managed by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), on behalf of North America; and by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) on behalf of East Asia. The Joint ALMA Observatory (JAO) provides the unified leadership and management of the construction, commissioning and operation of ALMA.

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Crown Royal, the Official Whisky Sponsor of Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, Raises a Glass to the Iconic Cowboy Community

FORT WORTH, Texas, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- This Juneteenth, Crown Royal is toasting to the people that keep our communities thriving as the Official Whisky Sponsor of Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. For generations the Cowboy lifestyle and their rodeo icons have impacted our country's culture and Crown Royal is proud to amplify those voices and their important place in our history with this new partnership.

To honor the incredible cowboys and cowgirls of Texas, Crown Royal will be hosting a grand procession of all Black riders including - Crown Royal Rider and Professional Steer Wrestler, Tory Johnson, equestrian, horsewoman, and activist, Brianna Noble, award-winning Steer Wrestler, Denard Hunt, and Compton Cowboys' solo cowgirl, Keiara Wade - through the historic Fort Worth Stockyards in advance of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo on June 18th, symbolic of the herd, the right hand men and women, community leaders, and family, that unify our communities

"We're proud to open our new partnership with Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo with a procession through the Stockyards, honoring the thriving cowboy and cowgirl community and the beautiful lifestyle that continues to pave the way for future generations of cowboys and cowgirls," said Nicky Heckles, Vice President of Crown Royal. "We're excited to continue to support the Black rodeo community and Crown Royal Rider, Tory Johnson, as we celebrate Western culture and toast to Juneteenth."

The procession lands at the doors of Cowtown Coliseum within the stockyards, which will house a photographic journey of the Black cowboy and cowgirl and celebrates the fashion and lifestyle of the rich community through time. Images and artifacts sourced by Texas native and mixed media visual artist, Tramaine Townsend, and the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum were included to amplify and honor the cowboys and their important place in our country's history.

"I am excited to celebrate Juneteenth in partnership with Crown Royal as we raise a glass to the cowboy community," Jim Austin, Founder of the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum, shares. "The grand procession and photo installation give people a full perspective of how Black cowboys shaped our country and continue to impact our nation."

As champions of African American culture, the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum strives to provide a full historical perspective of the people and activities that built the unique culture of the American West. In support of their efforts, Crown Royal, through the Crown Royal Generosity Fund,* will be donating $25,000 to the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum in Fort Worth.

"As we celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, Crown Royal has been such an amazing partner in joining our mission of uplifting the Black cowboys and cowgirls who have impacted the culture in and out of Fort Worth," shares Margo Wade-LaDrew, Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo National Development & Marketing Director, "And we look forward to the inaugural procession this Juneteenth weekend through the streets of the stockyards."

In honor of the storytellers, historians, photographers, and more that preserve and share the iconic cowboy culture, Crown Royal will announce Ms. Opal Lee as one of the first Royal Rider award recipients for her commitment and efforts in making Juneteenth a national holiday.

Join Crown Royal and the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo for a Juneteenth toast with your 21+ cowboy crew.

*The Crown Royal Generosity Fund is a corporate advised fund administered by Fairfield County's Community Foundation. The donation to the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum is part of a $1,000,000 commitment by Crown Royal to support local and national charities over the course of approximately one (1) calendar year.

About Crown Royal

Crown Royal Canadian Whisky is the number-one selling Canadian whisky brand in the world and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal's smooth, elegant flavor and gift-worthy presentation reflect its regal origins  it is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information, visit crownroyal.com. Crown Royal encourages all consumers to please enjoy responsibly.

About Diageo North America

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.

For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow on Twitter and Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.

MEDIA CONTACTS:Kyra ZellerDIAGEO[email protected]

TAYLOR[email protected]

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SOURCE Crown Royal
ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- DCS Corporation is excited to announce its ranking at #75 on the Washington Technology's Top 100 list for 2022.

Every June, Washington Technology ranks the largest government services contractors based on total volume of prime contract obligations. The ranking considers a detailed analysis of government procurement data in information technology, systems integration, professional services, and other high-tech service areas for the prior government fiscal year.

"Since debuting on this prestigious list in 2019, DCS has continued to thrive," commented Jim Benbow, DCS CEO. "Our success is testament to the dedication and determination of our nearly 2,000 employee-owners. Thanks to their commitment and hard work, we continue to enhance the value delivered to our customers in the defense and national security sector."

DCS, a 100% employee-owned company, continues to be a leader in the national security sector. As in years past, DCS strengthened its growth trajectory in 2021. The company achieved record revenue and earnings and steadily added to its employee-owner base with the establishment of four new facilities to support contract growth.

"DCS is very proud to be recognized by Washington Technology," said Larry Egbert, DCS President & COO. "Our success is built on solid fundamentals and a long history of excellence and innovation. We look forward to building on our success as we move into the future."

The full list is available on the Washington Technology website: 2022 Top 100 - Washington Technology.

About DCS

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

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SOURCE DCS Corporation
Hospital is the only one in Louisiana to achieve this recognition for five consecutive terms

NEW ORLEANS, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- For the fifth consecutive term, East Jefferson General Hospital (EJGH) has attained Magnet recognition as part of the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. This credential is the highest honor an organization can receive for professional nursing practice. EJGH is the only Louisiana hospital to receive this recognition for five consecutive terms.

Magnet hospitals are certified as institutions where nurses are empowered to not only take the lead on patient care, but to be the drivers of institutional healthcare change and innovation. This voluntary credentialing program for hospitals recognizes excellence in nursing. EJGH continues to belong to the Magnet communitya select group of 589 healthcare organizations out of more than 6,000 in the U.S. Only 32 organizations in the nation have ever received a fifth designation.

"Being recognized as a Magnet hospital for the fifth consecutive term speaks volumes about the level of patient care delivered at our hospital," said Richard Tanzella, CEO of East Jefferson General Hospital. "I am proud of our team members for maintaining this prestigious designation and showing our community that we are committed to providing expert care every single day."

The Magnet Model provides a framework for nursing practice, research, and measurement of outcomes. Through this framework, ANCC evaluates applicants across a number of components and dimensions to gauge an organization's nursing excellence. Metrics include the quality of nursing leadership, coordination, and collaboration across specialties, as well as processes for measuring and improving the quality and delivery of care.

"Our nurses are some of the most dedicated individuals in healthcare and they continue to prioritize extraordinary care for all patients," said Ruby Brewer, Chief Nursing Officer at East Jefferson General Hospital. "Receiving the Magnet recognition is a tremendous honor and it confirms our commitment to offering the best possible care to our community."

According to ANCC, Magnet recognition has been shown to provide specific benefits to hospitals and their communities including higher patient satisfaction with nurse communication, higher availability of help, and other advantages. EJGH is proud to be consistently recognized for providing compassionate care and quality service to a community it has supported for fifty years.

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SOURCE LCMC Health
SAVANNAH, Ga., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hargray Fiber announced it has begun expansion of the company's ultra-fast, state-of-the-art, all-fiber Internet network into residential neighborhoods in Hinesville, GA. The company began serving businesses in Georgia in 2010, and the expansion into residential areas is part of Hargray Fiber's long-term goal to bring the most advanced and fastest Internet available anywhere in the world to more than 500,000 homes and businesses across the United States by 2027.

Hargray Fiber will begin construction in Hinesville, GA in July.

Hargray Fiber's Southeast President, Ashley Phillips, stressed the importance of the company's investment in consumers and the broader local community. "We are committed to providing previously underserved communities with the high-speed connectivity that is essential for families, businesses, and local economies so we can see them continue to thrive," said Phillips. "We are excited to extend services to Hinesville, and we look forward to becoming long-term partners to the community."

Featuring gigabit download and upload speeds, Hargray Fiber will bring ten times more speed to consumer doorsteps at a time when fast, reliable Internet is becoming increasingly critical to modern households. "More and more, we see households where multiple bandwidth-intensive activities occur simultaneously and many consumers' Internet connections just aren't up to the task," added John Robertson, Regional General Manager. "The Hargray Fiber network solves that problem."

For many consumers, the Internet touches every facet of daily life. Remote work, telehealth, and virtual learning all require robust, reliable connections. A 2021 study by Deloitte indicated that 55% of U.S. households include one or more remote workers, and 43% include at least one household member attending virtual classes.

Hargray Fiber will begin construction in Hinesville in July. For more information, visit https://residential.hargray.com/hargrayfiberexpansion.

About Hargray Fiber

Hargray Fiber is an Internet service provider based in Savannah, GA that operates a more than 2,000 route mile fiber network serving business, enterprise, and residential customers in a wide range of communities throughout the Midwest and Southeastern United States, including Savannah, Pooler, Macon, and Valdosta. Hargray Fiber belongs to the Clearwave Fiber family of brands, serving cities across the Midwest and Southeast regions of the United States.

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SOURCE Hargray Fiber
Appoints Sigurdur Olafsson as President and Chief Executive Officer

DUBLIN, Ireland, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mallinckrodt plc ("Mallinckrodt" or the "Company") today announced that it has successfully completed its reorganization process, emerged from Chapter 11 and completed the Irish Examinership proceedings.

The Company is moving forward as a diversified global specialty pharmaceutical company with a strengthened balance sheet and increased financial flexibility to invest in its business, execute its strategic initiatives, advance its pipeline and better meet the needs of patients. Supported by existing drug development programs and approximately 2,800 talented employees globally, the Company is poised to build on its 155-year history of providing medicines that address patient needs through its two business segments:

Specialty Brands , a global, innovative biopharmaceutical business that develops and commercializes specialty branded pharmaceutical medicines for patients; and

, a global, innovative biopharmaceutical business that develops and commercializes specialty branded pharmaceutical medicines for patients; and Specialty Generics, a U.S.-based, vertically integrated business that produces high-quality generic medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients in complex markets.

Paul Bisaro, Chairman of the Mallinckrodt Board of Directors, said, "Today marks a new beginning for Mallinckrodt as we emerge well-positioned for long-term success, with a substantially stronger capital structure and major litigation matters permanently resolved. As we move forward, the top priority for our new Board is working alongside management to review the business and develop a go-forward strategy to drive sustainable value for our patients, customers, partners, team members, shareholders and other stakeholders. We are focused on thoughtfully establishing a plan that builds on our innovation-driven therapies pipeline, capitalizes on Mallinckrodt's core strengths and positions the Company for long-term sustainable growth."

"I extend my deepest gratitude to Mallinckrodt's teams, whose determination, resilience and commitment to serving our customers and patients have been extraordinary throughout this process," Mr. Bisaro continued. "We also thank engaged patient groups and our customers and partners for their significant support and continued confidence in our company and our future, which has been instrumental in making this milestone possible."

Sigurdur Olafsson Appointed President and Chief Executive Officer

The Company also announced today that Sigurdur (Siggi) Olafsson has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of Mallinckrodt's Board, effective June 25, 2022. Mr. Olafsson brings almost 30 years of diverse pharmaceutical experience across branded and generic drugs, most recently serving as CEO of Hikma Pharmaceuticals.

Prior to Hikma, Mr. Olafsson served as President and CEO of the Global Generic Medicines Group of Teva Pharmaceuticals. Previously, he was President of Actavis plc (Watson) and CEO of the Actavis Group, which develop, manufacture and distribute branded, generic and biosimilar products. Mr. Olafsson also held a number of leadership positions in Pfizer's Global R&D organization in the UK and U.S., focused on branded drug development, and served as Head of Drug Development for Omega Farma in Iceland.

Mark Trudeau has stepped down from his role as President and CEO, effective today. Mallinckrodt has established an Office of the CEO on an interim basis until Mr. Olafsson starts at Mallinckrodt. The Office of the CEO comprises Mark Casey, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer; Hugh O'Neill, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial and Operations Officer; and Bryan Reasons, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. Bisaro added, "On behalf of the Board and leadership team, I thank Mark for his significant contributions to Mallinckrodt over the past decade. We wish Mark all the best in his future endeavors. Importantly, we have strong leadership in place to guide us as we turn the page, with Siggi bringing decades of experience and deep expertise in both branded and generic pharmaceuticals. We appreciate Mark, Hugh and Bryan stepping into the Office of the CEO to lead us until Siggi officially joins Mallinckrodt later this month."

Mr. Olafsson said, "It's an honor to be appointed Mallinckrodt's CEO. I look forward to helping guide the Company as it continues to support patients around the world. Mallinckrodt is emerging from its recent restructuring process with an attractive pipeline, enhanced financial flexibility and significant opportunities to drive stakeholder value. I look forward to working closely with the Board and my new colleagues in developing and executing Mallinckrodt's revised strategic plan."

New Board of Directors

The Company's Board now comprises six independent directors, each of whom brings years of experience, relevant expertise and fresh perspectives to Mallinckrodt. These directors are:

Paul Bisaro , Chairman, an industry veteran with 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry;

, Chairman, an industry veteran with 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry; Daniel Celentano , a seasoned financial advisor to major companies across numerous industries globally;

, a seasoned financial advisor to major companies across numerous industries globally; Riad El-Dada , a pharmaceutical executive with extensive U.S. and international leadership experience, including as a senior executive at Merck for more than 25 years;

, a pharmaceutical executive with extensive U.S. and international leadership experience, including as a senior executive at Merck for more than 25 years; Neal Goldman , Chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, an investment professional with more than 25 years of experience in investing and working with companies in a variety of industries to maximize shareholder value, and with expertise in strategic planning and company transformations;

, Chair of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee, an investment professional with more than 25 years of experience in investing and working with companies in a variety of industries to maximize shareholder value, and with expertise in strategic planning and company transformations; Woodrow (Woody) Myers , Chair of the Governance and Compliance Committee, a nationally recognized leader in the development of advanced healthcare management programs and initiatives to improve medical quality; and

, Chair of the Governance and Compliance Committee, a nationally recognized leader in the development of advanced healthcare management programs and initiatives to improve medical quality; and James Sulat, Chair of the Audit Committee, a leader with more than 20 years of experience serving as an executive and board member in the life sciences industry.

When Mr. Olafsson joins the Company later this month, the total number of directors on Mallinckrodt's Board will be seven.

For full biographies of each director, please visit https://www.mallinckrodt.com/about/board-of-directors/.

Permanent Resolution of Litigation

As a result of the reorganization process, Mallinckrodt has significantly improved its financial position and resolved numerous lawsuits the Company was facing prior to the Chapter 11 proceedings. The Company's Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan") and Irish law Scheme of Arrangement (the "Scheme"), which became effective today, include key legal settlements that resolve opioid claims brought against the Company and litigation matters involving Acthar Gel, among other claims, and provides for significant equitization of the Company's guaranteed unsecured notes.

Mallinckrodt is now the first company that has permanently resolved opioid litigation on a global scale, including any future claims that might be brought for periods prior to emergence. The Company will continue operating its opioid business in a responsible manner, in compliance with an operating injunction agreed to with state Attorneys General that has been in place since the commencement of the Chapter 11 process, and under the oversight of an independent monitor.

Implementing the Plan and the Scheme strengthens the Company's balance sheet, reduces its total debt by approximately $1.3 billion and enables it to move forward with more than $250 million in cash and cash equivalents on hand.

Issuance, Listing and Trading of New Common Stock

In connection with emergence, all of Mallinckrodt's existing ordinary shares were cancelled pursuant to the Plan and the Scheme. Mallinckrodt issued 13,170,932 new ordinary shares to its guaranteed unsecured noteholders in accordance with the provisions of the Plan and the Scheme.

In accordance with the Plan, Mallinckrodt also issued 3,290,675 warrants with a strike price of $103.40 to the opioid claimants and adopted a management incentive plan providing for the issuance to management, key employees and directors of the Company of equity awards with respect to up to an aggregate of 1,829,068 shares.

Mallinckrodt's new shares are anticipated to trade over-the-counter under the ticker symbol "MNKPF" until such time as the Company relists on a national securities exchange.

New Financing

In connection with emergence, Mallinckrodt issued $650 million in aggregate principal amount of new first lien senior secured notes. The proceeds of the notes will be used to, among other things, pay certain fees and expenses, satisfy other payment obligations under the Plan, and for other general corporate purposes. Mallinckrodt also entered into a $200 million accounts receivable financing facility.

Pursuant to the Plan, Mallinckrodt also reinstated $495 million in aggregate principal amount of its existing first lien senior secured notes and issued $1.76 billion in aggregate principal amount of new first lien senior secured term loans to the holders of its existing term loans in satisfaction thereof, issued $323 million in aggregate principal amount of new second lien senior secured notes to the holders of its existing second lien senior secured notes in satisfaction thereof and issued $375 million in aggregate principal amount of new second lien senior secured notes to the holders of certain of its existing unsecured senior notes in partial satisfaction thereof.

Advisors

Latham & Watkins LLP; Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz; Arnold & Porter; Ropes & Gray LLP; and Hogan Lovells served as Mallinckrodt's counsel. Guggenheim Securities, LLC served as investment banker and AlixPartners LLP served as restructuring advisor to Mallinckrodt.

About Mallinckrodt

Mallinckrodt is a global business consisting of multiple wholly owned subsidiaries that develop, manufacture, market and distribute specialty pharmaceutical products and therapies. The company's Specialty Brands reportable segment's areas of focus include autoimmune and rare diseases in specialty areas like neurology, rheumatology, nephrology, pulmonology, ophthalmology, and oncology; immunotherapy and neonatal respiratory critical care therapies; analgesics; cultured skin substitutes and gastrointestinal products. Its Specialty Generics reportable segment includes specialty generic drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients. To learn more about Mallinckrodt, visit www.mallinckrodt.com.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELATED TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this document that are not strictly historical, including statements regarding future financial condition and operating results, legal, economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting Mallinckrodt's businesses, and any other statements regarding events or developments the company believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, may be "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties.

There are a number of important factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those suggested or indicated by such forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. These factors include risks and uncertainties related to, among other things: the effects of the Chapter 11 cases, on the liquidity, results of operations and businesses of Mallinckrodt and its subsidiaries; governmental investigations and inquiries, regulatory actions and lawsuits brought against Mallinckrodt by government agencies and private parties with respect to its historical commercialization of opioids, including the agreement set forth in the Plan regarding a global settlement to resolve all opioid-related claims; the settlement set forth in the Plan with governmental parties to resolve certain disputes relating to Acthar Gel; the ability to maintain relationships with Mallinckrodt's suppliers, customers, employees and other third parties as a result of the Chapter 11 cases; the possibility that Mallinckrodt may be unable to achieve its business and strategic goals even now that the Plan is successfully consummated; the nondischargeability of certain claims against Mallinckrodt as part of the bankruptcy process; developing, funding and executing Mallinckrodt's business plan and continuing as a going concern; Mallinckrodt's post-bankruptcy capital structure; scrutiny from governments, legislative bodies and enforcement agencies related to sales, marketing and pricing practices; pricing pressure on certain of Mallinckrodt's products due to legal changes or changes in insurers' reimbursement practices resulting from recent increased public scrutiny of healthcare and pharmaceutical costs; the impact of the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus; the reimbursement practices of governmental health administration authorities, private health coverage insurers and other third-party payers; complex reporting and payment obligations under the Medicare and Medicaid rebate programs and other governmental purchasing and rebate programs; cost containment efforts of customers, purchasing groups, third-party payers and governmental organizations; changes in or failure to comply with relevant laws and regulations; Mallinckrodt's and its partners' ability to successfully develop or commercialize new products or expand commercial opportunities; Mallinckrodt's ability to navigate price fluctuations; competition; Mallinckrodt's and its partners' ability to protect intellectual property rights; limited clinical trial data for Acthar Gel; clinical studies and related regulatory processes; product liability losses and other litigation liability; material health, safety and environmental liabilities; potential indemnification liabilities to Covidien pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement; business development activities; retention of key personnel; the effectiveness of information technology infrastructure including cybersecurity and data leakage risks; customer concentration; Mallinckrodt's reliance on certain individual products that are material to its financial performance; Mallinckrodt's ability to receive procurement and production quotas granted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; complex manufacturing processes; conducting business internationally; Mallinckrodt's ability to achieve expected benefits from restructuring activities; Mallinckrodt's significant levels of intangible assets and related impairment testing; labor and employment laws and regulations; natural disasters or other catastrophic events; Mallinckrodt's substantial indebtedness, its ability to generate sufficient cash to reduce its indebtedness and its potential need and ability to incur further indebtedness; Mallinckrodt's ability to generate sufficient cash to service indebtedness even now that the prepetition indebtedness has been restructured; restrictions on Mallinckrodt's operations contained in the agreements governing Mallinckrodt's indebtedness; Mallinckrodt's variable rate indebtedness; and future changes to U.S. and foreign tax laws or the impact of disputes with governmental tax authorities; and the impact of Irish laws.

The "Risk Factors" section of Mallinckrodt's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC identify and describe in more detail the risks and uncertainties to which Mallinckrodt's businesses are subject. The forward-looking statements made herein speak only as of the date hereof and Mallinckrodt does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

CONTACTS

Investor Relations Daniel SpecialeGlobal Corporate Controller & Chief Investor Relations Officer314-654-3638[email protected]

Derek BelzVice President, Investor Relations314-654-3950[email protected]

Government Affairs Mark TyndallSenior Vice President, U.S. General Counsel 202-459-4141[email protected]

MediaMichael Freitag / Aaron Palash / Aura ReinhardJoele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher212-355-4449

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SOURCE Mallinckrodt plc
More than 400 Aspen Dental Offices Open their Doors on June 11, Breaking Down Barriers to Care

CHICAGO, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, June 11th, more than 400 Aspen Dental offices participated in the 8th annual Aspen Dental Day of Service, providing care to more than 3,000 United States military veterans and their families, with nearly $1.8 million in donated dental services. More than 2,000 Aspen Dental doctors and dental care team members volunteered their time to break down barriers to care and treat the most urgent dental needs  to help get veterans out of pain, from fillings and extractions to hygiene and basic denture repairs.

"Each year, Aspen Dental care teams across the country unite to give back to our nation's military veterans during the Aspen Dental Day of Service," said Arwinder Judge, DDS, chief clinical officer of Aspen Dental. "We founded the Healthy Mouth Movement in 2014, and over the years have provided free dental care to more than 33,000 veterans and their families, with more than $26 million in donated dental care. It is our way of giving back and honoring those who have served our country."

Millions of Americans struggle to access dental care every year, and veterans are no exception  in fact, U.S. veterans are ineligible for dental benefits through the Veterans Administration unless they're 100% disabled, have a service-related mouth injury, or were a prisoner of war. What's more, during the COVID-19 pandemic, dentists have reported increases in teeth-grinding, cavities and gum disease, largely attributed to pandemic-related stress and changes in health habits.

This year's Aspen Dental Day of Service success builds on the ongoing impact of Aspen's Healthy Mouth Movement, a community-giving initiative launched in 2014 to deliver free dental care to veterans in need in communities across the country. Since the launch of the Health Mouth Movement, doctors and their dental care teams from nearly 1,000 Aspen Dental-branded offices have donated more than $26 million in dentistry services to nearly 35,000 veterans and people in need, around the world. For more information about Day of Service and the Healthy Mouth Movement, visit HealthyMouthMovement.com.

About Aspen Dental Aspen Dental was founded in 1998 in New York by Bob Fontana with a simple goal in mind: to break down the barriers that doctors and patients face when it comes to dental care. Today, more than 20 years later, with nearly 1,000 Aspen Dental locations nationwide, the mission of the company remains the same  to bring better care to more people. Aspen Dental is the largest group of branded dental offices in the world. For more information, visit aspendental.com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

About TAG - The Aspen GroupTAG  The Aspen Group was built on the simple idea of bringing better health care to more people. TAG and the independent health care practices it supports operate more than 1,100 locations in 45 states through its four health care support companies: Aspen Dental, ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers, WellNow Urgent Care and Chapter Aesthetic StudioSM. Combined, the companies serve more than 35,000 patients a day and more than 8 million patients each year. TAG is headquartered at 800 W. Fulton Market in Chicago. For more information, visit teamtag.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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SOURCE Aspen Dental
HELSINKI, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Outokumpu has successfully completed the first phase of the strategy with a strong focus on de-risking the company and strengthening the balance sheet. The first phase of the three-phase strategy was focused on three key priorities: Commercial Excellence, Cost and Capital Discipline and Lean and Agile Organization. The company has made significant progress in all areas and strategy execution has proceeded ahead of plans. Outokumpu has already achieved both its financial targets, EUR 250 million EBITDA run-rate improvement and net debt to EBITDA ratio to below 3.0. Strong performance and diligent strategy execution in the first phase provide a solid foundation for the second phase until 2025.

Says CEO Heikki Malinen: "I am very proud that we have made such strong progress with our strategy execution in the first phase and succeeded in de-risking the company. As a result, Outokumpu's resilience has improved significantly, which provides a strong foundation going forward in all market conditions. In the second phase the focus is to strengthen the core. We will continue our strong emphasis on sustainability to further improve Outokumpu's position as the sustainability leader in the stainless steel sector. We are targeting a significant CO2 emission reduction, and there will be a strong focus on sustainable sourcing as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion, to name some of the focus areas. In the second phase, we will also make targeted investments on productivity and sustainability and focus on customer-focused steering."

Key strategic priorities, business area targets and related changes in the leadership team in the second phase of strategy

While in the first phase of the strategy the aim was to de-risk the company, the second phase will be about strengthening the core. The second phase will focus on three key priorities: sustainability, growth from productivity and customer-focused steering. As part of the company's ambitious sustainability journey, Outokumpu aims to reduce its CO2 emissions by 14% by the end of 2025 compared to the 2021 level, in line with its SBTi 1.5- degree climate target. Also, capital discipline and strong shareholder returns will be at the core of the company's long-term strategy going forwards.

For the second phase of the strategy, Outokumpu has launched two customer differentiated strategies for business area Europe. The company aims to strengthen cost leadership in high-volume stainless steel products and a global market leadership in advanced products. Business area Europe will strengthen its position as the customer's first choice in sustainable stainless steel, while in business area Americas the focus will be on sustaining the high profitability levels. At the core of business area Ferrochrome's strategy is carbon neutrality.

President and CEO Heikki Malinen continues to lead the business area Europe. To ensure the execution of the differentiated strategies in Europe, Outokumpu appoints Niklas Wass as President  business line, Stainless Europe to lead high-volume stainless steel products and Thomas Anstots as President  business line, Advanced Materials to lead advanced products. Otherwise, the responsibilities in the Outokumpu leadership team remain unchanged.

Updated financial targets for the second phase

Outokumpu has updated its financial targets for the second phase of the strategy to reflect capital allocation priorities. The focus will be increasingly on strong shareholder returns:

Net debt to EBITDA

EBITDA run-rate improvement of EUR 200 million

EUR 600 million of capital expenditure for the coming three years

Stable and growing dividend

Says CEO Heikki Malinen: "We have been putting a lot of effort into our strategy work throughout the organization. The hard work has paid off and now we have a firm and sustainable strategic plan in place to take this company forward following the successful first phase of de-risking. Outokumpu's leadership team is fully committed to the strategy, and I am extremely proud to talk about our updated objectives for the second phase. We have a strong performance culture, and this really is a company of great people  I am fully convinced that our talented and hard-working teams will continue to deliver good value to our customers and strong results to our shareholders going forward."

Outokumpu will arrange a Capital Markets Day 2022 webcast and conference call today, June 16, 2022, at 10.00 am EEST (8.00 am CEST).

To join our Capital Markets Day, please follow the live webcast at https://outokumpu.videosync.fi/cmd-2022

To dial in for the conference call, please use the following numbers:

Finland: +358 9 8171 0310United Kingdom: +44 33 3300 0804United States: +1 631 9131 422PIN: 65425230#

For more information:

Investors: Linda Hakkila, Head of Investor Relations, tel. +358 40 071 9669Media: Paivi Allenius, VP, Communications, tel. +358 40 753 7374

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/outokumpu-oyj/r/outokumpu-concludes-the-first-phase-of-the-strategy-ahead-of-time---announces-the-second-phase--rela,c3586342

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SOURCE Outokumpu Oyj
WASHINGTON, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ploughshares Fund, the largest foundation singularly focused on the reduction of nuclear weapons, has awarded $565,000 in emergency grants in response to the war in Ukraine and the renewed nuclear threat from Russia.

"This moment demands renewed engagement on the nuclear issue. How we respond today will have repercussions for decades to come."

Approved in a special meeting of the Ploughshares Fund Board of Directors in May, the grants will support regional nuclear experts who have been directly impacted by Russia's actions and will inform the global public on how to take action to lower nuclear risks.

The grants were awarded to four organizations to provide immediate funding for research and analysis in Eastern Europe, as well as longer-term educational and advocacy work that promotes disarmament as a solution to rising threats:

The Vienna Center for Nonproliferation and Disarmament/The President and Fellows of Middlebury College will provide up to six fellowships for nuclear experts and practitioners who have had their careers disrupted because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Fellows will be hosted by institutions in Europe to pursue research in nuclear arms control, nonproliferation, and related topics.

will provide up to six fellowships for nuclear experts and practitioners who have had their careers disrupted because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Fellows will be hosted by institutions in Europe to pursue research in nuclear arms control, nonproliferation, and related topics. The Odessa Center for Nonproliferation will convene an expert workshop to examine the implications of the invasion for nuclear arms control and nonproliferation.

will convene an expert workshop to examine the implications of the invasion for nuclear arms control and nonproliferation. Games for Change will organize educational uses of On the Morning You Wake , a VR film about the 2018 false missile alert in Hawaii, at several events surrounding the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons' (TPNW) first Meeting of States Parties in June 2022.

will organize educational uses of , a VR film about the 2018 false missile alert in Hawaii, at several events surrounding the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons' (TPNW) first Meeting of States Parties in June 2022. The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), in addition to its work promoting and advocating for the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), will increase its activities in Eastern Europe and deepen its partnerships with local civil society organizations in the region. It will increase awareness of nuclear threats in the wake of the invasion by positioning disarmament as a way to prevent Russian aggression and conducting research, media outreach, and educational efforts on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons.

"People are waking up to the frightening new reality that the risk of nuclear war is growing, and the use of nuclear weapons is highly vulnerable to human emotion, miscalculation, and error," said Dr. Emma Belcher, President of Ploughshares Fund. "The magnitude of this crisis  and with it, the opportunity for change  cannot be ignored: humanity is at an inflection point in the history of arms control and nonproliferation. This moment demands renewed engagement on the nuclear issue. How we respond today will have repercussions for decades to come."

Ploughshares Fund will make additional grants to help reduce the nuclear threat later this year.

CONTACT:

Lauren BilletCommunications & Marketing ManagerPloughshares Fund[email protected] (202) 783-4401

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SOURCE Ploughshares Fund
Leader of SDI's growing ServiceNow and ITSM Practice Recognized by Peers

CHICAGO, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SDI Presence, LLC (SDI), the IT consultancy and managed services provider (MSP), announces that Ric Mims, SDI Presence's ServiceNow Solutions Director, was honored by the technical support and service management industry with its 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented to Mims by HDI at its annual SupportWorld Live meeting on May 18, 2022.

SDI Presence announces that Ric Mims has won the HDI Lifetime Achievement Award.

HDI, the leading organization empowering the technical support and service management industry, presents the Lifetime Achievement Award yearly at HDI's SupportWorld Live. The award recognizes the lasting contributions, leadership, enthusiasm, and tireless efforts of industry luminaries who've committed themselves to elevating the reputation of the technical support and service management profession.

"I am sincerely humbled and deeply honored to have received this prestigious award," said Mims. "It is so very gratifying to have the industry you've seen grow and evolve offer this much-appreciated recognition."

Mims is a 28-year veteran of the servicedesk management, ITSM, consulting, and operations industry. Ric has held various positions throughout his career, from team lead to help desk manager to ITSM consultant. He's also served in many capacities for HDI, including as a member of the HDI Faculty, a frequent speaker at HDI conferences, and a former local chapter president. Ric's most recent work encompassed project leadership for planning, design, and implementation of ITSM initiatives for Occidental Petroleum, Charles Schwab, and Cepheid BioTech, in addition to his current role with SDI.

"We are so pleased that Ric has been honored by the industry he has served for nearly three decades," said Hardik Bhatt, SDI President and Chief Growth Officer. "The industry and SDI are so much stronger thanks to Ric, and this recognition from HDI is proof."

As ServiceNow Solutions Director for SDI Presence, Ric Mims builds on his experience in the IT industry to provide clients with the expertise needed to successfully complete the most challenging projects. SDI's ServiceNow practice is growing at a very fast clip, as evidenced by its recent new hires, promotions, and client wins. In 2021, SDI announced that the firm secured an infusion of private equity capital with Abry Partners, a Boston, Massachusetts-based private equity firm, to fund its growth.

About SDI (SDI Presence LLC):

SDI Presence LLC is an IT consultancy and managed services provider (MSP) that leverages its strong team presence to advance our clients to a secure digital enterprise. With a 25-year corporate resume, SDI delivers strategic managed services, IT consulting, and hybrid infrastructure solutions to optimize our clients' technology environments. SDI is a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), with a portfolio of clients that includes some of the nation's largest airports, utilities, commercial real estate portfolios, and government agencies. Visit us at sdipresence.com and connect with us on Twitter and Instagram.

For media inquiries, please contact Dawn Nash Pfeiffer at 312.580.7516 or [email protected].

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SOURCE SDI Presence LLC
WASHINGTON, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The head of the nation's largest veterans organization praised the Senate for its passage of legislation that will provide comprehensive benefits to veterans suffering from conditions linked to toxic exposure during their time in the U.S. Armed Forces.

"Today, the U.S. Senate has saved lives and truly delivered for veterans," American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard said. "By passing the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act, the 117th Congress has put substance behind the phrase, 'Thank you for your service.' The American Legion is grateful for the service of millions of veterans who were exposed to burn pits, atomic radiation, Agent Orange and other environmental poisons. Thanks to the U.S. Congress, these men and women will be able to receive the care and benefits they have earned. The PACT Act is an historic bipartisan achievement. The American Legion thanks not only those who voted for this legislation but the thousands of Legionnaires and advocates who worked to make this happen. We look forward to President Biden signing the Honoring Our PACT Act into law."

The Honoring Our PACT Act, which had already passed in the House of Representatives, will provide health care for millions of veterans who were exposed to contaminants emanating from open-air burn pits. It establishes presumptions of service connection for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers linked to burn pits and other hazards. It will also provide additional resources and staff to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The American Legion is dedicated to the motto of "Veterans Strengthening America." Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security and continued devotion to servicemembers and veterans. Legionnaires in more than 12,000 posts across the nation and regions overseas serve their communities with a devotion to mutual helpfulness.

Media Contact: John Raughter, [email protected], (317) 630-1350, Dave Lapan, [email protected], (703) 403-3835.

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SOURCE The American Legion
CARTERET, N.J., June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- URSB, Carteret's hometown bank providing over 100 years of outstanding personalized banking service with a commitment to the community, has recently made three new additions to its management team.

James Raborn joins the Bank's management team as Head of Retail Banking. Mr. Raborn brings over 15 years of banking experience to URSB. His experience includes the implementation of business development and marketing strategies to promote deposit and lending growth, as well as the introduction of new retail products and platforms for consumer and business customers. Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tulane University and a Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers University School of Law (Camden).

Having grown up in nearby Woodbridge Township, Mr. Raborn is familiar with Carteret and the surrounding communities. He currently resides in Flemington, NJ.

In addition, in March 2022, Christine Germann joined URSB as Vice President  Loan Servicing Manager. She has over 20 years of experience in loan operations and administration in the banking industry. Christine has a proven track record of supporting a bank's consumer, residential and commercial lending functions while ensuring timely responses to customer inquiries about their loans. Ms. Germann currently resides in East Windsor, NJ.

Theodore R. Kawoczka was hired in December 2021 as Senior Vice President  BSA and Information Security Officer. Ted has more than 30 years of experience in BSA and information technology management. He possesses vast knowledge of how customers rely on technology to support personal and business banking needs and what regulators expect of financial institutions in the areas of BSA/AML, OFAC and Cybersecurity compliance. Ted holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University and currently resides in Yardley, PA.

Kenneth R. Totten, President/CEO and Chairman of URSB explained that "these additions to URSB's management team positions the Bank for continued growth over the next few years and ensures that the Bank will be able to continue to serve its customers from Carteret and surrounding communities with the most up-to-date suite of deposit and lending products." He added "Jim Raborn, who brings extensive banking experience in many areas to URSB, will focus on the enhancement and expansion of the Bank's retail/deposit banking services. Christine Germann is a welcome addition to our team with vast experience in loan administration who will help to ensure a high level of support for our lending customers. Ted Kawoczka, as BSA/ISO Officer, will help to the Bank comply with regulatory requirements which directly benefits the Bank and its customers."

ABOUT URSB

With over 100 years of an outstanding reputation for providing personalized service to its customers and a passionate commitment to its community, URSB, Carteret's only hometown-based bank, serves the business and personal banking needs of customers throughout Central New Jersey. The Bank's suite of products and services includes business and personal accounts, mobile banking, residential mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, as well as commercial mortgages for multi-family and mixed-use properties.

Online and mobile services allow secure access to accounts and provides the ease of banking at a customer's convenience. Offering high interest checking accounts and among the most competitive CD rates in the market, URSB is a modern financial institution dedicated to providing powerful financial tools to allow customers to pursue their dreams while remaining financially secure.

Contact: Kenneth R. TottenURSB(732) 541-5445

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SOURCE United Roosevelt Savings Bank - URSB
FORM 3 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549



INITIAL STATEMENT OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES



Filed pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

or Section 30(h) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 OMB APPROVAL OMB Number: 3235-0104 Expires: December 31, 2014 Estimated average burden hours per response: 0.5

1. Name and Address of Reporting Person * BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC. (Last) (First) (Middle) BROOKFIELD PLACE, SUITE 300 181 BAY ST. PO BOX 762 (Street) TORONTO A6 M5J 2T3 (City) (State) (Zip) 2. Date of Event Requiring Statement (Month/Day/Year)

06/07/2022 3. Issuer Name and Ticker or Trading Symbol

Sitio Royalties Corp. [ STR ] 4. Relationship of Reporting Person(s) to Issuer

(Check all applicable) X Director X 10% Owner Officer (give title below) Other (specify below) 5. If Amendment, Date of Original Filed (Month/Day/Year)

6. Individual or Joint/Group Filing (Check Applicable Line) Form filed by One Reporting Person X Form filed by More than One Reporting Person

Table I - Non-Derivative Securities Beneficially Owned 1. Title of Security (Instr. 4) 2. Amount of Securities Beneficially Owned (Instr. 4) 3. Ownership Form: Direct (D) or Indirect (I) (Instr. 5) 4. Nature of Indirect Beneficial Ownership (Instr. 5) Class C Common Stock (2) 12,935,120 (1) I (5) See footnote (4)

Table II - Derivative Securities Beneficially Owned

(e.g., puts, calls, warrants, options, convertible securities) 1. Title of Derivative Security (Instr. 4) 2. Date Exercisable and Expiration Date (Month/Day/Year) 3. Title and Amount of Securities Underlying Derivative Security (Instr. 4) 4. Conversion or Exercise Price of Derivative Security 5. Ownership Form: Direct (D) or Indirect (I) (Instr. 5) 6. Nature of Indirect Beneficial Ownership (Instr. 5) Date Exercisable Expiration Date Title Amount or Number of Shares Sitio Royalties Operating Partnership, LP Units Class A Common Stock 12,935,120 (1) (2) I (5) See footnote (4) Allocation Rights Class A Common Stock 65,001 (1) (3) I (5) See footnote (4)

Explanation of Responses: Remarks: The Reporting Person may be deemed to be a director by deputization for purposes of Section 16 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, by virtue of the fact that Mr. Allen W. Li, a member of the Board of Managers of the Reporting Person, currently serves on the board of directors of the Issuer. // Form 2 of 2

/s/ See Signature Included in Exhibit 99.1 06/16/2022 ** Signature of Reporting Person Date Reminder: Report on a separate line for each class of securities beneficially owned directly or indirectly. * If the form is filed by more than one reporting person, see Instruction 4 (b)(v). ** Intentional misstatements or omissions of facts constitute Federal Criminal Violations See 18 U.S.C. 1001 and 15 U.S.C. 78ff(a). Note: File three copies of this Form, one of which must be manually signed. If space is insufficient, see Instruction 6 for procedure. Persons who respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB Number.

EXHIBIT 99.1

This Statement on Form 3 is filed jointly by the Reporting Persons listed below. The principal business address of each of these Reporting Persons can be found on the Form 3 filed herewith.

Name of Designated Filer: BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.

Date of Event Requiring Statement: June 7, 2022

Issuer Name and Ticker or Trading Symbol: SITIO ROYALTIES CORP. [STR]

BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC. By: /s/ Kathy Sarpash Name: Kathy Sarpash Title: Senior Vice President, Legal & Regulatory
Except for the clause as stated above, other clauses in the Articles of Association remain unchanged.

The Proposed Amendment is subject to the approval of the Shareholders by way of a special resolution at the AGM, and the obtaining of any approval, endorsement or registration (as applicable) from or with the relevant government authorities in the PRC.

3. AGM

A notice convening the AGM to be held at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, 30 June 2022 at No. 3301 Conference Room, 33th Floor, China Southern Airlines Building, No. 68 Qixin Road, Bai Yun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, the PRC, a form of proxy for the AGM and a reply slip have been despatched by the Company on 16 May 2022 and are also published on the websites of the Stock Exchange (http://www.hkexnews.hk) and the Company (http://www.csair.com).

A supplemental notice setting out the additional resolution to be resolved at the AGM is set out on pages 6 to 7 of this circular. Whether or not you intend to be present at the AGM, you are requested to complete the accompanying second form of proxy in accordance with the instructions printed thereon and return the same to the branch share registrar of the Company in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Registrars Limited at 17M Floor, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queens Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong, no later than 24 hours before the time fixed for holding the AGM or any adjournment thereof. Completion and return of the second form of proxy will not prevent you from attending and voting at the AGM or any adjournment thereof if you so wish.

Pursuant to Rule 13.39(4) of the Listing Rules and the Articles of Association, any vote of the Shareholders at the AGM must be taken by poll.

4. RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD

The Directors believe that all the resolutions (including the resolution in relation to the Proposed Amendment) proposed for consideration and approval by the Shareholders at the AGM are in the best interests of the Company and the Shareholders as a whole, and the Company will continue to comply with the requirements of the Listing Rules and all the decisions made by the Board will be in the interests of the Company and its Shareholders as a whole. Accordingly, the Directors recommend the Shareholders to vote in favour of the resolutions (including the resolution in relation to the Proposed Amendment) to be proposed at the AGM as set out in the notice and the supplemental notice of the AGM.
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Edwards Air Force Base in California will move from Health Protection Condition Alpha to Bravo beginning June 21, according to the bases website and Facebook page.

With the surrounding community levels moving into the medium [COVID-19 risk] level, Edwards Air Force Base will move into HPCON Bravo, the Facebook post said.

HPCON Bravo means there is an outbreak or heightened exposure risk of COVID-19, according to the bases website.

Screening testing will be reinstated for entry to DOD facilities for anyone who is not vaccinated. Organizations will also limit building occupancy to 80%, the website said.

Masks are still not required in indoor settings, the website said.
The process of applying for Air Force Aid Society grants and loans is moving entirely online at nine Air Force bases, which are taking part in a pilot program preceding the full rollout across the service.

The change should make it more convenient for airmen and their families to request emergency financial assistance as well as speed up the payment process, said officials at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, one of two participating bases in Europe. The other is RAF Mildenhall in England, while the Asia-Pacific regions trial run is happening at Japans Kadena Air Base.

The remaining participants are stateside. They are Lackland, Randolph, Travis, Barksdale, Langley and Seymour Johnson Air Force bases. The assistance application can be found at https://portal.afas.org.

The selected locations will help identify any problems with the system in the run-up to the full launch, said Angie Fields, a community readiness consultant at Ramsteins Military and Family Readiness Center, formerly the Air Force and Family Readiness Center.

No more coming into the office to schedule an appointment to complete paperwork, she said.

With the new system, applicants upload all their required documents online and work directly with someone at Air Force Aid Society headquarters in Arlington, Va., answering any questions that may arise about their application.

Once an application is approved, the money will be directly deposited, Fields said.

Airmen can complete an application on their own time rather than having to make trips to the readiness center during the duty day, said Megan Ramirez, a lead workplace specialist at Ramsteins center.

The Air Force Aid Society will have people on hand to answer questions during work hours at the test bases, including overseas. Ramstein applicants are encouraged to call the readiness center beforehand for guidance, Fields said.

The Air Force Aid Society was created in 1942 as a nonprofit organization. Its considered the official charity of the U.S. Air Force, providing no-interest loans or grants for unexpected emergency financial needs, such as medical bills, car repairs, funeral expenses or veterinary care for pets, to name a few examples.

Active-duty Air Force and Space Force personnel, Air Force Guardsmen and reservists as well as retirees, surviving spouses and family members are eligible to apply, as are the dependents of deceased personnel who died on active duty or while retired.

The readiness center at Ramstein also has a personal financial counselor to advise airmen on budgeting, investing and other financial topics, Ramirez said.
A defense contractor agreed to pay $13.67 million to settle a whistleblower lawsuit alleging that its employees accepted kickbacks while providing logistics support to U.S. Army forces in the Middle East.

The lawsuit accused employees of the Houston-based Kellogg Brown & Root Services Inc., known to troops who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as KBR, of rigging contracts and overcharging the government, the Justice Department said in a statement Tuesday.

Some $4,253,174 of the settlement is considered restitution, but the company resolved the lawsuit without admitting liability, the text of the agreement said.

The lawsuit began as a whistleblower case in 2006 alleging violations of the False Claims Act and the Anti-Kickback Act, the agreement said.

The federal government took on the case in 2013 and accused three employees working at KBR and its associated companies of accepting bribes from subcontractors from November 2002 through January 2005.

In one allegation, the government said a KBR employee colluded with a company in Kuwait to receive a kickback in exchange for rigging the bidding process for a contract to lease trucks to bring refrigerated items to troops in Iraq.

The employee steered two contracts to the company at inflated prices and falsified records to justify the overpayment, the government alleged.

Other allegations include kickback schemes for contracts for cleaning services and to provide fuel storage tankers at U.S. bases in Kuwait.

The militarys special agent in charge of the case said investigators were satisfied with the settlement, the statement Tuesday said.

Kickbacks and overcharges have an inherently corrosive effect and undermine the integrity of the procurement process, L. Scott Moreland of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division said in the statement.
A U.S. Army Patriot missile defense system and an Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft combined Wednesday to shoot down a dummy cruise missile over the Pacific, according to an Army spokesman.

The drill marked the first time a Patriot system had been fired from the island nation of Palau, and the first time a Patriot had combined with a stealth fighter for a live-fire drill outside of testing in the U.S., according to Maj. Nicholas Chopp, a spokesman for the Hawaii-based 94th Air and Missile Defense Command.

The launch occurred as planned, with a successful intercept of a simulated cruise missile target at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time, Chopp said in an email from Palau on Wednesday.

Two PAC-2 Patriot interceptors engaged the target, which was launched from Palau and traveled out to sea before turning 180 degrees and flying back towards the island, he said.

The target was a cruise missile surrogate target  basically a drone built to look and perform like a cruise missile, Chopp said by phone later that day.

The target was shot down just over 20 miles from the island at an altitude of 10,000 feet using radar data provided by an F-35A assigned to the 354th Air Expeditionary Wing, which also launched from Palau, Chopp said.

Okinawa-based soldiers from 1st Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Battalion operated the Patriot system on the island, he said.

Patriots have engaged targets using data from Navy destroyers equipped with the Aegis Combat System, but the Palau drill was the first time they had worked with an F-35A, he said.

The ability to extend the range that Patriot can detect and engage threats provides an entirely new capability to the joint force and increases our ability to defend a free and open Indo-Pacific, he said.

The live-fire exercise was part of this months Valiant Shield drills involving 15 surface warships, including a pair of U.S. aircraft carriers, as well as approximately 200 aircraft and 13,000 service members, Chopp said.

The Navy moved the Patriot system to Palau, the Air Force brought the PAC-2 interceptors by Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft and the Marine Corps provided engineering and integration support, he said.

Three F-35As have been operating on Palau during Valiant Shield, which wraps up Friday, the Air Force said in a news release Monday.

Were here to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region and operating out of Palau makes it possible to accomplish that goal, 356th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron F-35A pilot 1st Lt. Joshua Super Novick said in the release.

We have a great relationship with Palau so its awesome to be able to come here and work with them to build our relationship with one of our allies in the region.
The fatal crash of Navy Lt. Richard Max Bullocks F/A-18E Super Hornet two weeks ago cut short his dream of one day mining asteroids in space, his family said in an obituary published Wednesday.

He would dream of ideas that seemed crazy to most people but would shock them again when he presented a step-by-step solution to achieving them, the obituary said. He joined the Navy  to become a pilot  to become an astronaut  to get into space  to fulfill his dream of mining asteroids.

Bullock crashed on June 3 near Trona, Calif., a remote town in the Mojave Desert, while flying a routine training mission in his Super Hornet. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Bullock, 29, was working toward degrees in engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida and space mining at the Colorado School of Mines, the obituary said.

A celebration of his life is planned for June 25 at the Montana National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility, 3333 Skyway Drive in Helena, Mont.

Bullock was the first of six fatalities within a week in military aircraft crashes in Southern California. On June 8 five Marines perished when their MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor crashed in the desert east of El Centro, Calif. The next day a Navy MH-60S Knight Hawk crashed during flight training in El Centro. The crew survived.

The Navy and Marine Corps on June 13 ordered one-day safety standdowns, or pauses, at their aviation units in June following Bullocks crash and the deaths.

Bullocks wingman, Lt. T.J. Hall, in the obituary said his fellow flyer would have wanted a send-off that would be fast, loud and awesome!

Bullock spent his youth in Butte, Mont., and was fearless when it came to heights, according to his obituary. To better view the stars, he built a 60-foot-high platform that few others had the nerve to ascend.

To this day, most of his family are still too afraid to make the climb, which Max called the Ladder of Destiny, the obituary said.

Bullock was commissioned an ensign after completing Officer Candidate School at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island. He learned to fly the Super Hornet at Naval Air Station Lemoore, near Fresno, Calif. He logged more than 600 flight hours and more than 125 carrier landings, the obituary said.

While taken far too soon, Max packed more into 29 years than most could ever imagine, according to his obituary. He would start everyday with an intent on figuring out how to make the world a better place.
BEIJING  Chinese President Xi Jinping reasserted his country's support for Russia on issues of sovereignty and security in a phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, state media said.

Xi told Putin that "all parties should responsibly push for a proper settlement of the Ukraine crisis," according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

China has refused to criticize Russia's invasion of Ukraine or even to refer to it in such terms, while accusing NATO and the West of provoking Moscow into attacking.

Weeks before the Russian attack, Putin and Xi met in Beijing in February and oversaw the signing of an agreement pledging that relations between the sides would have "no limits." It remains unclear whether Xi knew at the time of Russia's plan to invade Ukraine.

In that meeting, the two leaders pushed back against U.S. pressure, declaring their opposition to any expansion of NATO and affirming that the island of Taiwan is a part of China, as they met hours before the Winter Olympics kicked off in Beijing.

Xi told Putin on Wednesday that China "is willing to work with the Russian side to promote the steady and long-term development of bilateral pragmatic cooperation," Xinhua reported, "China is willing to, together with Russia, continue to support each other on issues concerning core interests and major concerns such as sovereignty and security."

While offering its tacit support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China has sought to appear neutral and avoid possible repercussions from supporting the Russian economy amid international sanctions.

Moscow and Beijing have increasingly aligned their foreign policies to oppose liberal democratic forces in Asia, Europe and beyond, making a stand for authoritarian rule with tight borders and little regard for free speech, minority rights or opposition politics.
TOKYO  Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida did not look like he'd last long when he took office eight months ago.

He was seen as nice, but indecisive and subservient to party heavyweights. Many believed that, like his short-lived predecessor, he was not up to the task of winning over a public battered by months of pandemic restrictions and economic worries.

A recent surge in popularity, however, likely portends a victory in July elections that could set up a long stretch of uninterrupted power. That's saying something in a country where many past prime ministers had only relatively brief periods in office.

The secret to his surprising success?

By mostly playing it safe, and for the time being holding back on contentious policy goals, he has avoided the mistakes that doomed his predecessors, such as appearing autocratic and not paying attention to public opinion.

He has also been helped by an easing of public worries about the pandemic as well as growing concerns about global conflicts. The confluence of good fortune, experts say, created a public image of a steady, sensible leader with a shot at lifting Japan from decades of economic and security woes.

With his support ratings now over 60%, well above the 40% when he first took over, a strong victory for his Liberal Democratic Party in elections next month seems certain, helped by the continuing weakness of Japan's opposition. That, in turn, likely means up to three years without another election that could drive him from power.

Because there werent high expectations for Mr. Kishida when he launched his administration, he can be seen as stable just by doing things normally at a safe cruising speed, said Yu Uchiyama, a politics professor at the University of Tokyo. But he cannot stay popular just by looking stable, and his success depends on whether Mr. Kishida responds flexibly to changing situations.

Several years in power would allow Kishida to focus on long-term issues such as Japans fast-aging, fast-shrinking population, the economy, and a contentious revision of the constitution, a long-cherished goal of his conservative party that is opposed by those worried that its war-renouncing Article 9 will be watered down.

Kishida's continued success depends on delivering concrete accomplishments, analysts say. Until now, his actions have mostly been responses to the pandemic and global conflicts, and he has remained vague about his policy goals.

When Kishida came to power, public support for the governing coalition had been badly hurt by his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, who struggled with a worsening pandemic and insisted on pushing through with hosting the Tokyo Olympics despite a worried public, and was out of power after only about a year.

Kishida's current high support ratings are partly a result of his tough response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and his careful COVID-19 measures, including strict border controls that foreign critics have described as xenophobia. A decline in new cases has further boosted his support, as has his announcement of a gradual reopening to foreign tourists.

As Japanese worry about growing Chinese and North Korean assertiveness in the region, he has called for a stronger alliance with Washington and for the repair of ties with South Korea, long marred by bitter tensions over historical issues such as Japans past colonization of the Korean Peninsula.

Russias invasion of Ukraine has increased Japanese fears that a Chinese attack on Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing claims as its own, could embroil Japan in a war. That has prompted a surge in support for Kishidas plan to bolster Japans military spending and defense power.

Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow, Kishida said last Friday at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an Asian security forum in Singapore.

Last week, Japan's Cabinet approved an annual policy plan calling for a drastic strengthening of defense capabilities and spending. Officials cited growing tensions over Taiwan and a commitment by NATO members to spend 2% of their gross domestic product on defense, twice as much as Japans current military spending of just over 1% of GDP.

It calls for pre-emptive strike capabilities as well as the development and strengthening of space, cyber and electromagnetic defense and of unmanned weapons. That's a major shift that critics say goes beyond Japans self-defense-only policy under its war-renouncing constitution.

Kishidas government has also approved legislation to guard Japanese technology and reinforce critical supply chains, while imposing tighter oversight of Japanese companies in sensitive sectors, to enhance security against China.

In a recent commentary, the liberal-leaning Asahi newspaper warned the Kishida government against capitalizing on the Ukraine crisis to bolster Japan's military. Japan, with a huge national debt, can't compete militarily against China and must instead "focus on deterrence by diplomacy, it said.

Kishida, who describes himself as good listener, has avoided party infighting over divisive issues. In parliament and in news conferences, he patiently listens to tough questions, often avoiding confrontations and clear policy pronouncements.

That helps his inclusive image but blurs his own principles and policy goals.

Kishida initially called for better wealth distribution as part of his centerpiece economic policy, which he calls a new form of capitalism, but has since shifted to a growth strategy based on greater fiscal spending, a policy backed by party heavyweights who can influence his future grip on power.

The Kishida administration needs a powerful growth strategy and whether he can present concrete measures after the July elections will be key to his success, said Yasuhide Yajima, chief economist at NLI Research Institute.
CANBERRA, Australia  Australia's new foreign minister on Thursday made New Zealand the first stop on her third Pacific trip in a month as Canberra steps up efforts to counter Chinas growing influence in the region.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong is promoting her administrations stronger ambition on curbing greenhouse gas emissions as evidence that Australia shares the South Pacifics primary security concern: climate change.

Australia formally committed on Thursday to reducing emissions by 43% by the end of the decade. The previous government, which lost power in elections last month, had pledged to reduce emissions by only 26% to 28% below 2005 levels by 2030.

Many countries in the region have been concerned about Australias previous position on climate, Wong said at a joint press conference with her New Zealand counterpart, Nanaia Mahuta, in the New Zealand capital, Wellington.

We do have some ground to make up and we want to demonstrate we bring ... stronger and more ambitious commitments on climate because we actually think it matters and more resources and more energy, Wong added.

Mahuta said she agreed with Wong that the Pacific is a contested space.

So by working together, it will be important to ensure that we work alongside the Pacific as they define their priorities, but also the way in which we partner with the Pacific on their biggest issues like climate change, like economic resilience, Mahuta said.

On Friday, Wong will become the first Australian minister to visit the Solomon Islands since its government signed a security pact with China that many fear could lead to a Chinese naval base being established less than 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) off Australia's northeast coast.

When asked what she hoped to achieve from her meeting with Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Wong did not mention the pact.

Wong said she aimed to listen to peoples perspectives and learn from that.

She also plans to discuss climate change, labor mobility and development.

Australia is the Solomons' main security partner and Australian police have been in the capital, Honiara, maintaining peace since riots in November last year.

Australia on Thursday announced drought assistance for Kiribati, which was one of eight nations visited by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a recent influence-building South Pacific tour.

Australia will provide an initial 675,000 Australian dollars ($473,000) to support the installation of 100 solar distillation units to provide safe drinking water after the Kiribati government declared a state of disaster on Wednesday.

Wong visited Samoa and Tonga around the same time as Wangs tour. She flew to Tokyo within hours of being sworn into office on May 23 for a security summit attended by leaders of the United States, Japan, India and Australia.
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan  A week of rainy weather gave way long enough for Marine Col. Lance Lewis to relinquish command of this air station near Hiroshima to Col. Richard Rusnok during a ceremony Thursday on the parade deck.

Rusnok returns to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, where he was commander of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 from 2017 to 2019.

A native of Pittston, Pa., in June 2016 he flew one of the first F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters to cross the Atlantic Ocean from Beaufort, S.C., to Gloucester, England, according to the Pittston Sunday Dispatch in August of that year. He earned a bachelors in history from the Naval Academy, then a masters from George Washington University after his commissioning as a second lieutenant.

He comes to Iwakuni from U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany.

This place is special and everyone in these stands knows it, Iwakuni has come to symbolize excellence across the Department of Defense, across the world, Rusnok said at the ceremony. And a lot of that is due to what Lance Lewis did over the last three years.

Lewis, who heads next to the Office of Naval Research at the Pentagon, took command of the station in August 2019, when construction at the base was finishing up.

A lot of change had happened physically here and most of it basically ended right when I took command, Lewis told Stars and Stripes in an interview on June 9.

That put him in a position of incorporating those changes into the III Marine Expeditionary Force, the Navys 7th Fleet and the Indo-Pacific Command. Iwakuni is home to two Marine fighter squadrons, one of air refuelers and the Navys Carrier Air Wing 5, nine squadrons attached to the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.

In seven months, however, Lewis found himself juggling that mission with another, urgent priority: the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Our operational mission went hand in hand with the pandemic mission, it certainly wasnt something that anybody expected or really wanted, but that was the fight we were given, Lewis said. I dont think it changed our mission at all, but we really had to adapt because now we had this global crisis that we all had to adjust to while still executing our military mission.

The air station experienced a relatively low number of COVID-19 cases at first, 214 publicly reported between July 2020 and November 2021. The onset of the omicron variant in December 2021 produced 143 cases at MCAS Iwakuni that month, followed by nearly 1,000 in January. The omicron wave was more virulent than preceding waves but caused less severe symptoms, meaning few hospitalizations among U.S. forces.

We got ahead of it before anybody else did, we could see them starting to tick up on base as well as off base and we quickly put measures in place, Lewis said, and we were fortunate, because weve done something similar before with other spikes and we already had a plan ready to go.

Even with the dramatic winter spike in COVID-19, the air base never locked down during the entire pandemic the way Marine bases on Okinawa did, for example.

Im pretty proud of that, being part of a command that could pull that off, he said. He attributes that success to the strong partnerships with air base tenant units and everyone who lives and works there.

Lewis also presided over the transition of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 from the F/A-18 Hornets to the F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters. The squadron became fully operational in May. Both Marine fighter squadrons at Iwakuni fly the F-35B; the second squadron is the 121st, which arrived in 2017. The B model aircraft is capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings.

It gives us more options to the MEF commander, 7th Fleet commander and the INDOPACOM commander and more both combat capability and capacity when you talk about fulfilling our treaty obligations to Japan, Lewis said. We have to show that we are a credible military deterrent so our political leaders can negotiate from a position of strength.

In October, Marine F-35Bs at Iwakuni successfully demonstrated landings and takeoffs from the JS Izumo, a helicopter carrier of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the first time since World War II that fighter aircraft have flown from a Japanese vessel.

The last couple years have been tough on folks but you gave me your trust and you gave me your confidence and you allowed me to lead you and I will never be able to repay that, thank you so much, Semper Fi, Lewis said at the ceremony.
It was her dance moves that initially got his attention. Then it was her smile and her quick wit. Hed never met anyone like her.

During the Korean War in 1953, Duane Mann  a 22-year-old sailor from Iowa, then stationed in Japan  fell in love for the first time.

Her name was Peggy Yamaguchi, and to him, she was perfect.

She was such a pretty girl, and so sensitive and kind, recalled Mann, now 91, who managed an aviation supply warehouse in Yokosuka before transferring to an air base in Tokyo. We had so much fun.

The pair met at a military officers club, where Yamaguchi worked in the hat check room, and Mann was hired as a mechanic and sergeant-at-arms in his off hours. Yamaguchi took English lessons, and she helped translate conversations between service members and locals.

There was a live band at the club, and one evening after work, Peggy and I, we started to dance, Mann said.

And my word, he continued, this girl could really dance.

They began meeting daily, often until they were the only ones left at the club, dancing to Elvis Presley and Tony Bennett.

People would just stand and watch us, Mann said. Holding her in my arms, I just kept falling deeper and deeper.

About a year later, their romance came to an abrupt halt when the Navy sent Mann back to the United States sooner than expected.

The Korean War was over, and the military was bloated, so to save money they started discharging people early, he explained.

At the time, Yamaguchi, then 22, was pregnant with their child. The young couple came up with a plan: Mann would go back to Iowa, collect the money he had saved in his bank account there  which he put in his fathers name, in case he was killed in the war  and bring his new love back to America.

I wanted to marry her, Mann said.

His plan fell through when he arrived in his hometown of Pisgah, Iowa, and discovered that his father had spent all of his savings.

Every bit of it, he said. If I would have known that I didnt have any money, I would have never gone home.

While he struggled to find a solution, the couple stayed in touch through letters, and Mann began working at a highway construction company  the highest-paying job he could find.

After a month of correspondence, Yamaguchi stopped replying. Mann later learned why: His mother intercepted and burned Yamaguchis letters, as she did not approve of their relationship, he said.

She didnt want me to marry a Japanese girl, Mann explained, adding that his sister snuck him one last letter from Yamaguchi, which arrived a few months later. It said she had lost their baby and married a member of the U.S. Air Force from Wisconsin. I was devastated.

A strong sense of guilt swelled up inside Mann. It lingered for seven decades.

I was worried she thought I abandoned her, said Mann, who is widowed.

As he moved through life  starting a successful produce business, getting married twice and fathering six children  Yamaguchi never left his mind.

To this day, he has kept two photos of her tucked in his wallet. He tried to track her down, he said, but he never had any luck.

I wanted her to know that I wouldnt abandon her, Mann said.

In a last-ditch effort to find her, Mann posted a plea on Facebook on May 1, sharing a photo hed taken of her along with the whole story, writing that he carried a very heavy heart because of what all happened.

Friends, strangers and internet sleuths weighed in with suggestions. A local news channel, KETV7, picked up the story, spreading Manns plea even further.

Thats when a young woman in Vancouver caught wind of Manns plight.

I couldnt get it off my mind, said Theresa Wong, 23, who works at the History Channel. Duane has clearly been looking for closure for seven decades. I cant imagine how that must weigh on a person.

She decided to join the search, and soon, I had her name, the names of her relatives. It all came together very quickly, she said.

Wong typed in Peggy Yamaguchi on newspapers.com, hoping to find a marriage announcement of some sort. A promising article, with the headline Tokyo Bride Likes Life in Escanaba, appeared.

It seemed to line up with everything, Wong said.

She shared her findings with KETV7, and the station then had a married name and address in Michigan to go on. A reporter contacted Yamaguchis son, Rich Sedenquist.

At first, Sedenquist, 66, was puzzled by the message, but once he showed his 91-year-old mother, Peggy Yamaguchi Sedenquist, old photos of Mann, she said, I remember him.

Yamaguchi Sedenquist had mostly suppressed memories of Mann, but suddenly, the dancing felt like yesterday, she said. She described her then-boyfriend as nice-looking, tall, and very honest.

When she learned Mann was searching for her, I was very surprised, Yamaguchi Sedenquist said from her home in Escanaba, where she raised her three sons and still lives with the husband she married in 1955.

Contrary to Manns fear, Yamaguchi Sedenquist did not harbor any resentment, she said. When he left Japan, it was hard, she recalled, but given that he was in the military, when he had to go, he had to go.

Knowing she was alive, Mann was adamant about meeting Yamaguchi Sedenquist in person. Manns eldest son, Brian Mann, 63, joined him for the journey.

Growing up, Brian Mann and his siblings had heard stories about his fathers long-lost love, and supported his efforts to reunite with her.

As the father and son drove about 14 hours from Iowa to Michigan for the June 1 meeting, the elder Mann was filled with anxious anticipation. Do you think shell let me hug her? he asked timidly.

The second he saw Yamaguchi Sedenquist, his worries subsided.

She got up and gave me a hug, and I got a lot of kisses on the cheek, Mann said.

The first thing Yamaguchi Sedenquist said to Mann was: Do you remember the dancing?

They spent hours reminiscing, and Mann learned that Yamaguchi Sedenquist named one of her sons after him. Her eldest child, Mike, was given the middle name Duane.

That was really a thrill, said Mann, who now lives in Woodbine, Iowa.

It was a special experience, said Yamaguchi Sedenquist, adding that she assured Mann that she never felt abandoned by him.

Their families also met, and everyone hit it off.

I had some preconception of what I thought it was going to be like, and it went way beyond what I thought, said Brian Mann.

It was wonderful, echoed Rich Sedenquist. They are very good people.

I just hope I can hang on for another year or two and get to know them better, added Mann.

What he wanted above anything, though, was to explain what had happened. After seven decades, he finally did.

Im at peace with it now, Mann said.

Still, I would love to dance with her again, he continued, just one more time.
CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  The U.S., South Korea and Japan are rehearsing their ballistic missile defense this summer following a record number of demonstrations by North Korea this year of its missile capability.

The three nations will hold missile detection and tracking drills sometime during or after this years Rim of the Pacific, the worlds largest maritime military exercise, South Korean Defense Ministry deputy spokesman Moon Hong Sik said during a press briefing Tuesday.

Moon did not specify the dates for the missile drill, but South Korean news agencies reported Wednesday it would be held in August.

The biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise, or RIMPAC, is scheduled to be held in Hawaii and California and off their coasts June 29 to Aug. 4.

RIMPAC will also include military forces from 23 other nations: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga and the United Kingdom.

The growing nuclear and missile threats from North Korea require the three-nation defense drill, Moon said. North Korea conducted an annual record of 17 rounds of missile tests so far this year, including its most recent launch of eight short-range missiles on June 5.

Navies from the three partners conducted similar drills in 2016 when their warships tested their Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Systems off Hawaiis coast.

U.S. and South Korean officials warned in recent weeks that the communist North is preparing an imminent nuclear test.

Such a test will be met with a united and firm response from our alliance and the international community, South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin said during a press conference with Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday.

Blinken urged North Korea to engage in serious and sustained diplomacy and said the U.S. was still willing to negotiate with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un without preconditions.

I can say simply  that were preparing for all contingencies, again in very close coordination with others, notably with [South Korea] and with Japan, Blinken said during the press conference. And we are prepared to make both short and longer-term adjustments to our military posture, as appropriate.
CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  The top general officer of South Koreas military visited the headquarters of U.S. Forces Korea for the last time Thursday and said farewell to the U.S. troops who share in his countrys defense.

USFK held a farewell ceremony for retiring South Korean air force Gen. Won In Choul, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at Barker Field, in front of the headquarters at Camp Humphreys.

USFK commander Gen. Paul LaCamera in a speech described Won as a selfless patriot and a great friend of the alliance between the U.S. and South Korea.

Won, in prepared remarks, said he had profound respect for those who took part in the defense of South Korea and described LaCamera as a true brother in arms.

South Korean army Gen. Kim Seung Gyum, a former deputy commander of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command and President Yoon Suk Yeols choice to succeed Won, is due for a confirmation hearing at the the National Assembly.

Won was selected to lead the Joint Chiefs in 2020 by then-President Moon Jae-in. He succeeded army Gen. Park Han-ki, who served in the position for roughly two years.

Increasing instability in North Korea deems it essential for the U.S. and South Korea to fortify their alliance, Won said.

He served as the director of the Korea Air and Space Operations Center in 2010. He commanded South Koreas Air Force Operations Command in 2016 and went on to serve as the air force Chief of Staff in 2019.

Wons military education includes the Combined Force Air Component Commander course at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. He is a former KF-16 fighter pilot with over 3,100 hours of flight.

Roughly 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed on the Korean Peninsula. The majority of those troops are stationed at Camp Humphreys, the largest U.S. military base overseas.
KYIV, Ukraine  Four European leaders expressed their support for Ukraine on Thursday while meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, vowing to back Kyiv's candidacy to eventually join the European Union and offering more weapons to fend off Russia's invasion.

French President Emmanuel Macron promised Ukraine six more truck-mounted artillery guns, the latest in a new round of Western arms pledges as the war grinds on in the Donbas region in the east.

France, Germany, Italy and Romania "are doing everything so that Ukraine alone can decide its fate," Macron said at a news conference with Zelenskyy and the others.

"My colleagues and I have come here to Kyiv today with a clear message: Ukraine belongs to the European family," said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Amid Ukrainian fears that Western resolve could wane, the visit carried heavy symbolism. France, Germany and Italy have all faced criticism for continuing to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin  and failing to give Kyiv the weaponry it says its needs.

With Scholz beside him, Macron defended earlier comments that riled Ukrainians about not humiliating Russia, solemnly noting how the end of World War I had sown the seeds of World War II.

"We are side by side today with Chancellor Scholz. One hundred years ago, we were at war and allies helped France win. France committed a historic mistake. It lost the peace because it wanted to humiliate Germany. The question of humiliation I always placed in a context to come, not the current context," he said.

"Today, this war must be won, France clearly supports Ukraine so it prevails," Macron said. "Germany, like France, will never be in situations where they negotiate on Ukraine's behalf with Russia. Moreover, we have never done that."

In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said it was important for him to hear that European leaders "agree the end of the war and peace for Ukraine should be as Ukraine sees them." He said Ukrainians will continue to fight for all of their land.

Ukrainians and some of their European neighbors have been afraid that Western powers might press for territorial concessions for the sake of peace.

Scholz reiterated that there is no such intent to dictate anything to Ukrainians, and that only they "can decide what is right in terms of an agreement on a peace which we are unfortunately very, very far away from."

Italian Premier Mario Draghi expressed concern about millions of tons of grain backed up in Black Sea ports by the war, saying it could bring "worldwide catastrophe." Italy has been a first destination for African migrants and could find itself overwhelmed as a result of largescale hunger in the Southern Hemisphere.

"We want the atrocities to stop and we want peace," Draghi said. "But Ukraine must defend itself, and it will be Ukraine that chooses the peace it wants."

The leaders also visited Irpin, a Kyiv suburb that saw intense fighting and where many civilians were killed. They decried the destruction there, with Macron saying he saw signs of "war crimes."

While shocking images of such devastation have rallied Western support, Ukrainian officials have expressed concern that "war fatigue" could eventually erode that  particularly as rising prices and upcoming U.S. elections increasingly dominating public concerns.

The U.S. and its European allies have given billions of dollars in weaponry to Ukraine, and Germany and the U.S. recently announced new arms shipments. Such arms have been crucial in preventing the Russians from taking the capital, but Kyiv has said much more will be needed.

"Russia is only looking for new ways to scare Europe and seize more and more of our land," Zelenskyy said at the news conference. "The goal of Russia in this war is to break Ukraine and through this break the whole of Europe."

While the European leaders were in Kyiv, NATO defense ministers were meeting in Brussels to discuss plans for strengthening the military alliance's eastern borders to dissuade Russia from planning any further aggression.

Many in Ukraine hope the visit could open the way to significant new arms supplies. It also comes as EU leaders prepare to decide next week on Ukraine's request to become a candidate for membership in the bloc.

The war has increased pressure on EU governments to fast-track Ukraine's candidate status, and Thursday's pledge to support candidacy status for Ukraine and neighboring Moldova pushes the whole 27-nation union closer to doing so. But the process still is expected to take years, and EU members remain divided over how quickly and fully to open their arms to new members.

European allies have sent increasingly powerful weapons and rallied around Ukraine more than many expected, approving waves of unprecedented sanctions against Russia that also are badly squeezing Europe's economy.

Ukrainians say more is needed as Russia presses an offensive in the Donbas, slowly but steadily gaining ground on the outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian forces.

After the news conference, Zelenskyy made a digital appearance at technology shows in Paris, Amsterdam, London and Stockholm as what organizers called a 3D avatar, with his image on a large screen. Wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with futuristic fighters and the text "Come to the Dark Side" and "Dominate or Die," he urged countries to support what he called a "digital Lend Lease" for Ukraine to bounce back from the war with a "global digital revolution."

Macron, Scholz and Draghi, representing the EU's three largest economies, traveled to Kyiv together on a special overnight train. They had been criticized for not visiting sooner. Soon after they arrived, air raid sirens wailed.

Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president who is now deputy head of the Kremlin Security Council, dismissed the European leaders as "connoisseurs of frogs, liver and pasta" and said their visit brought no benefit.

"Again they promised EU membership and old howitzers, slammed down some vodka and, like 100 years ago, took the train home," he tweeted. "And that's all good. It's just that this doesn't bring Ukraine any closer to peace. And the clock is ticking.  "

President Klaus Iohannis of Romania, which borders Ukraine and has been a key destination for its refugees, arrived on a separate train. He said at the news conference that Romania is facilitating the transit of Ukrainian exports, including grain.

A number of other European leaders have already made the trip to show their solidarity with Ukraine, even when the fighting raged closer to the capital than it does now.

Scholz had long resisted traveling to Kyiv, saying he didn't want to "join the queue of people who do a quick in-out for a photo opportunity," adding that a trip should focus on doing "concrete things."

Tamara Malko, a resident of the Donetsk region, which is part of the Donbas, said Macron and Scholz had been "very cold" toward Ukrainians so far and hoped their visit would bring change.

"We want peace very much ... and have high hopes for Macron and Scholz," she said. "We want them to see and understand our pain."

___

Corbet reported from Paris. Associated Press journalists David Keyton in Irpin, Ukraine, Srdjan Nedelikovic in Pokrovsk, Ukraine, Colleen Barry in Milan and Frank Jordans and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed.
WASHINGTON  The historically neutral countries of Finland and Sweden are close to becoming members of NATO as Russia wages war in Ukraine and the alliance looks to bolster its defenses, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday.

Austin applauded both countries for requesting NATO membership and expressed optimism about their chances of acceptance to the group of 30 nations committed to each others collective defense.

The historic decisions to apply for membership  reflects the appeal of NATO's core values, he said following a meeting of NATO defense leaders in Brussels. The values that unite us as an alliance remain strong and timeless, and so does our shared vision of a stronger rules-based international order and a more peaceful world.

NATO requires unanimous agreement among its members before allowing new countries to join the alliance, which has not yet been secured for Finland and Sweden. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stands in the way, demanding the two northern European countries develop concrete stances against the Kurdistan Workers Party, which Turkey considers a terrorist group.

The proposed membership of Finland and Sweden and Turkeys concerns were discussed during the two-day ministerial meeting that began Wednesday, Austin said.

I have confidence that in every case, well be able to reach consensus and move forward. Weve done that in the past. I certainly saw evidence of that here in this meeting and in other meetings, he said. But thats why we have these meetings  thats why we come together.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Thursday that he expect[s] Finland and Sweden to become members of NATO despite the Turkish concern.

Both indicated they are prepared to address Turkeys concerns, he said during a lecture at the Center for a New American Security, a Washington think tank. There have been high-level engagements between the Swedes and Finns and the Turkish president and his team.

Sullivan said he met earlier this week with Turkish leaders to talk through the way ahead on this.

I can't give you an exact timeline on the resolution of these issues, but what I can tell you is there is a commitment on all sides to figure out a way forward to ultimately produce this historic outcome where the two countries with a long history of neutrality join the NATO alliance, he said.

Ushering in a resolution is key because bringing on Sweden and Finland  the only two Baltic states not in NATO, aside from Russia  will bring more solidarity as Russia continues to threaten European security as its forces make ground gains in eastern Ukraine, Sullivan said.

Doing so [will] massively enhance the overall capacity of the alliance because these are two strong security partners with critical geographical realities that will help us be able to deal with a Russian threat that is going to remain acute for the foreseeable future, he said.

But Erdogan on Wednesday reiterated his concerns to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in a phone call before the ministerial meeting Thursday, demanding written assurances from Sweden and Finland, according to the Turkish office of the president.

President Erdogan stressed that there would be no progress on the issue until both of the countries took concrete steps meeting Turkeys rightful expectations and written commitments were made assuring that there would be a change of paradigm in anti-terror and defense industry cooperation, Turkey said in the statement.

Aside from the proposed NATO membership of Sweden and Finland, Austin said alliance defense leaders discussed bolstering their defense of NATO eastern European nations that border Ukraine. But he noted most ideas were still a work in progress.

Were really focused on, not just numbers of boots on the ground, we're really focused on total capability, so capability in air, land, sea and cyber and space, Austin said. We're also looking at  pre-positioning of equipment, streamlining command-and-control, making sure that we have our balance and footprint about right.
The U.S. doesnt know whether $54 billion in military arms sales to allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates contributed to the killing of civilians in Yemen, a government watchdog agency found.

State Department officials could not provide evidence that they conducted any investigations to determine if or how U.S.-origin equipment was misused, and could not provide specific guidance for doing so, according to a Government Accountability Office report released Wednesday.

The report analyzed military aid the U.S. sent from the start of the civil war in Yemen in 2015 through 2021, the last year tracked.

Before a truce was declared, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen was fighting Iran-allied Houthi rebels who took control over much of the north of the country.

Indiscriminate attacks by coalition combat jets led to nearly 9,000 civilian deaths and almost 24,000 overall deaths since the war started, a recent report by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project said.

Meanwhile, the United Nations estimates that over 18,000 civilians were killed or injured from about 23,000 airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition from March 2015 to August 2021, the report said.

Reports of civilian casualties led Congress to pass three joint resolutions of disapproval against the sale of air-to-ground munitions to Saudi Arabia and the UAE in 2019, measures which were vetoed by former President Donald Trump.

The GAO said it aimed to examine whether military support to Saudi Arabia and the UAE contributed to civilian injuries and deaths.

State Department officials told investigators that they consider whether U.S. equipment will be used to harm civilians when selling arms to foreign militaries, the report said.

The U.S. paused sales of precision-guided munitions to Saudi Arabia in 2016, and at one point a federal investigation was launched into whether vehicles sold to the UAE were being given to militias, the report said.

Defense Department officials also pointed to examples of training and seminars they had given to the Saudi and Emirati militaries on preventing civilian casualties.

But the militarys Central Command, whose area of responsibility covers the Middle East, said it does not know how to find out whether U.S.-made weapons were used in Yemen by Saudi Arabia or the UAE against anything other than legitimate military targets, the report said.

The U.S. has said it is difficult to pinpoint where its military assistance goes. But a June 4 Washington Post investigation found that 94 U.S. military contracts were awarded to provide arms, training or maintenance to specific Saudi and UAE airstrike squadrons involved in the air war over Yemen.

A foreign nation killing civilians while using U.S. weapons would not necessarily count as misuse, as the term is not defined in official policy, U.S. military and State Department officials told GAO investigators.

The government report validates fears that U.S.-made weapons are being used to commit war crimes in Yemen, the New York-based nonprofit group Human Rights Watch said Monday. It called for a suspension of sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

A 2020 State Department Inspector General report also found shortcomings in U.S. government transparency regarding the war in Yemen.

The release of this weeks report comes in advance of a planned Middle East trip in mid-July by President Joe Biden. The visit will include a stop in Saudi Arabia.

As a candidate, Biden criticized alleged human rights violations by Saudi Arabia, but he has since sought to bolster relations with the oil-rich nation.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan  An Islamic State bomb maker who became one of the terrorist organization's most influential figures in Syria was seized during a raid Thursday, according to the U.S. military.

The operation, said Army Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, "demonstrates our commitment to security of the region and to the enduring defeat of ISIS."

U.S. officials identified the suspect as Hani Ahmed Al-Kurdi, whom they said also was known as the "Wali of Raqqa." Wali is another name for governor. Raqqa is a city in northern Syria that, for a time, was the Islamic State's de facto capital.

The raid took place in northeast Syria, officials said.

Kurilla, confirmed to his post in February, is traveling throughout Central Asia this month, meeting with American diplomats and foreign counterparts as he familiarizes himself with what has been one of the Pentagon's highest-profile assignments.

In a news release announcing Thursday's raid, U.S. officials said no civilians were harmed during the operation and no U.S. personnel suffered casualties.

Although the Islamic State's command nodule in Syria lacks the potency it once possessed, U.S. forces and their partners in the region have continued to target pockets of the group's fighters and most senior operatives.

A U.S. raid in February killed the group's leader, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, at his hideout in Atma, Syria. The building had been rigged with explosives, which officials believe were detonated after U.S. troops entered the structure. U.S. officials acknowledged that at least two children were killed in the blast, though local first responders and UNICEF counted at least five children dead.

The U.S. military has come under significant criticism in recent months for a history of racking up civilian casualties in operations against Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria. Last month, the Pentagon acknowledged that the military had bungled a 2019 airstrike in Baghuz, Syria, that left civilians  including children  dead alongside individuals deemed to be ISIS fighters.

While military officials cheered the operation to nab Al-Kurdi, they also warned that Islamic State continues to pose a challenge in Syria.

"ISIS continues to present a threat to the U.S. and our partners in the region," said Col. Joe Buccino, Central Command's spokesman.
Federal agents have begun questioning U.S. technology companies on how their computer chips ended up in Russian military equipment recovered in Ukraine.

Commerce Department agents who enforce export controls are conducting the inquiries together with the FBI, paying joint visits to companies to ask about Western chips and components found in Russian radar systems, drones, tanks, ground-control equipment and littoral ships, according to people familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive investigations.

Our goal is to actually try to track that back, all the way back to the U.S. supplier to determine how did it find its way into that weapons system, one Commerce official said of the probes.

Just because a chip, a companys chip, is found in a weapon system doesnt mean weve opened up an investigation on that company, the official added. What weve done, though, is weve opened up an investigation on how that companys chip got into that system.

Many of the components appear to have been manufactured years ago, before the Russian seizure of Crimea in 2014 led the U.S. to tighten export restrictions. But others were manufactured as recently as 2020, according Conflict Armament Research (CAR), a research group in London that has examined some of the parts.

For years it was legal for companies to sell basic computer chips to Russian military entities without first receiving permission from the government, so pinpointing illegal sales requires determining the type of chip and date of sale. Tracing transactions can also be laborious because electronic components often travel through a chain of distributors before reaching the end user.

A lawyer representing one of the contacted technology companies said investigators for now are casting a wide net, looking at a variety of different chips and electronic components to track the paths they took to the Russian military.

Among the questions federal agents are asking: whether tech companies sold their products to a specific list of companies, including middlemen, that may have been involved in the supply chain, the lawyer said.

Russia manufactures few computer chips or electronics of its own, forcing it to rely on imports.

The United States for decades has tightly controlled sales to Russia of the highest-tech chips and those designed for military use, requiring exporters to obtain a government license. But sales of electronics below that threshold  including the kind commonly found in commercial products  were not widely restricted until 2014, when the United States began requiring exporters to obtain licenses before selling a broader range of chips to the Russian military.

Since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February, the U.S. and many allies have prohibited all chip sales to Russian military buyers, and placed restriction on chip sales to other Russian buyers in an effort to prevent the countrys armed forces from accessing western high-tech.

The federal probes come as researchers and security services from Ukraine, Britain and elsewhere report finding a host of Western electronics in Russian military gear damaged or abandoned in Ukraine.

CAR last month sent investigators to Ukraine to examine Russian weaponry and communications equipment and reported finding components from 70 companies based in the United States and Europe.

They found the parts in military radios, airborne defense systems and in remnants of cruise missiles that the Ukrainians recovered in various towns and villages, Damien Spleeters, one of the CAR investigators, said in an interview.

CAR for now is declining to name the Western companies involved, because it is still contacting them to request more information, Spleeters said.

Markings on two foreign-made chips that Spleeters examined showed that they were manufactured in 2019, he said.

Its significant for me because it shows that even after Russia took Crimea and the first package of sanctions were taken against them, they still managed to acquire critical technology, critical components for important pieces of equipment that they are now using against Ukraine, Spleeters said.

Those chips, found inside two Russian military radios recovered in Ukraines Luhansk region, had some of their identification markings scratched out, suggesting that Russia wanted to make it more difficult to find out who was involved in the chain of supply, Spleeters said.

Another set of chips manufactured by Western companies between 2017 and 2020 were part of missile fragments that hit the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv on March 29, Spleeters said. At the time, Russian forces were attempting to capture a broad swathe of Ukraines Black Sea coast.

CAR also examined Western-made chips manufactured between 2013 and 2018 that were part of a missile that landed in central Ukraine on Feb. 24, the first day of Russias invasion, Spleeters said.

The latest CAR findings follow a report from the group late last year that detailed Western electronics found in several Russian military drones.

A team from a separate British group  the Royal United Services Institute, or RUSI, a defense-focused think tank  also traveled to Ukraine recently to inspect Russian equipment and to review teardowns conducted by Ukraines military.

A single piece of radio-jamming equipment revealed computer chips from a dozen U.S. companies, including Intel, Analog Devices, Texas Instruments and Onsemi, according to a report RUSI published in April. The gear also contained components from half a dozen chipmakers in Europe, Japan and Taiwan.

The radio-interference equipment, named Borisoglebsk-2, was designed to interrupt the enemys communications and was likely manufactured around 2015 or later, Nick Reynolds, one of the reports authors, said in an interview.

None of the Western chips was specifically designed for use in military equipment, according to two electrical engineers who reviewed the component list. The parts were developed for general commercial use, and many were relatively outdated, manufactured between 2000 and 2010, the engineers said.

A lot of these components are very general purpose and could be used in wide range of devices, said Peter Bermel, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Purdue University. Most of the items they are listing are available through any commercial computer parts supplier or digital parts supplier.

A non-trivial fraction of these parts are now considered obsolete by the manufacturers, Bermel added.

Reynolds, a research analyst for land warfare at RUSI, said Russias technical demise in recent decades, partly sparked by a large post-Soviet brain drain, has forced it to use Western chips. Its defence industry has struggled to attract and retain talented young engineers, who have often chosen to move abroad instead, Reynolds said by email.

Intel spokesman William Moss said that for over a decade, all of the companys sales in Russia have been through distributors who are responsible for complying with applicable laws, including U.S. export controls.

Intel has suspended all shipments to customers in both Russia and Belarus, and Intel will continue to comply with all applicable export regulations and sanctions, he added.

Onsemi, a chip company based in Phoenix, said it stopped producing one of the chips found in the Russian equipment in 2008. The chip was designed for a variety of uses in commercial products, spokeswoman Stefanie Cuene said, adding that the company complies with U.S. export controls and currently does not sell any products to Russia or Belarus.

Texas Instruments complies with applicable laws and regulations and is not selling any products into Russia or Belarus, spokeswoman Ellen Fishpaw said.

Analog Devices, the company behind more than a dozen of the components found in the Russian equipment, didnt respond to requests for comment.

The RUSI researchers also reported inspecting a U.S.-manufactured component that the Ukrainian military found inside a Russian 9M949 guided rocket. The rocket uses the component  a type of electronic device called a fiber-optic gyroscope  for navigation, RUSI said.

The British researchers declined to name the U.S. company that made that component, saying RUSI was continuing to research that and other parts.
Dutch authorities made a surprise announcement Thursday that they had refused entry to a Russian spy posing as a Brazilian national to infiltrate the International Criminal Court. Authorities speculated that the man was seeking to gain access to information relating to the ICC investigations of alleged Russian war crimes.

He was sent back to Brazil on the first flight out, the counterespionage agency of the Netherlands said of the events, which took place in April.

But social media accounts tied to the alleged Russian intelligence officer also showed that he studied at top academic institutions in Europe and the United States, including the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, a key place of study for future foreign policy elites.

The FBI Washington Field Office said Thursday it could not confirm or deny whether there was an investigation into the individual. The first public details of the plot instead came from the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service, known as AIVD.

The agency released a statement Thursday laying out the extraordinary details of the case. It said a 33-year-old man purporting to be a Brazilian national named Viktor Muller Ferreira flew to the Netherlands from Brazil to start an internship at the ICC in The Hague, but his real name was Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov, and he was a 36-year-old Russian intelligence officer, according to the agency.

Cherkasov, posing as Muller Ferreira, used a well-constructed cover identity by which he concealed all his ties with Russia in general and the GRU in particular, according to the agency, using the acronym for the Russian intelligence directorate. The agency released copies of a document detailing his elaborate cover identity.

That four-page document, apparently written by the spy himself in a bid to memorize the details of his cover story, included long descriptions of a complicated family history and mundane details about rent in different cities, crushes on schoolteachers and a favorite trance music nightclub in Brasilia.

The original document was written in Portuguese and included notable grammatical mistakes. Dutch authorities redacted some of it to remove information that could identify people not involved in Cherkasovs intelligence activities. This was a long-term, multiyear GRU operation that cost a lot of time, energy and money, Dutch intelligence agency chief Erik Akerboom told Reuters.

Jill Rosen, director of media relations at John Hopkins, said records showed that a man with a slightly different first name, Victor Muller Ferreira, had enrolled at the universitys School of Advanced International Studies in 2018 to pursue a masters degree.

The man majored in American foreign policy, Rosen said, and had graduated in the spring of 2020 after two years of studies in Washington. Social media accounts also showed that Cherkasov completed a degree at Trinity College Dublin before that.

Dutch authorities briefed the court on the operation, spokesperson Sonia Robla said in an emailed statement. The ICC takes these threats very seriously and will continue to work and cooperate with the Netherlands, Robla said.

Cherkasov was set to start an internship at the ICC, where Dutch intelligence said he may have sought to gain access to information about the investigations into allegations of Russian war crimes committed in Ukraine this year and in Georgia in 2008.

If the intelligence officer had succeeded in gaining access as an intern to the ICC, he would have been able to gather intelligence there and to look for [or recruit] sources, and arrange to have access to the ICCs digital systems, AIVD said.

He might also have been able to influence criminal proceedings of the ICC, the agency said, adding that he was deemed potentially very high risk to the security of the Netherlands and was sent back to Brazil at the earliest opportunity.

Russia has a fraught history with the court. Moscow signed the 1998 Rome Statute that established the ICC but never ratified it. The ICC launched investigations into the Russian invasion of South Ossetia in Georgia in 2008 and later declared Russia an occupying force in Crimea after the 2014 invasion, prompting Moscow to withdraw its signature in protest.

Just days after Russia invaded Ukraine in February, ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan announced that he would open an investigation into possible crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the conflict.

The accusations against Cherkasov, who claimed to be a young student of human rights law and international affairs, caused shock and surprise among those who knew him. One person who said they knew the alleged spy from Dublin said he was still processing the news. He added, There were so many red flags.

Eugene Finkel, an associate professor of international affairs at Johns Hopkins and an expert on genocide, wrote on Twitter that he had taught the man he believed to be Muller Ferreira and wrote him a letter of recommendation for the ICC internship. Given my research focus, it made sense. I wrote him a letter. A strong one, in fact. Yes, me. I wrote a reference letter for a GRU officer. I will never get over this fact, Finkel wrote.

- - -

Timsit reported from London and Taylor from Washington.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.  Alex Drueke and Andy Huynh are both military veterans from Alabama, so it was natural that they formed a bond once they met in Ukraine, where each traveled separately with the intention of helping defend democracy against Russian invaders.

"They became buds," Dianna Shaw, Drueke's aunt, said in an interview Thursday.

Both men are now missing after their group came under heavy fire in the Kharkiv region of northeastern Ukraine near the Russian border on June 9, leaving loved ones at home anxiously awaiting information about their whereabouts. The two families are in touch.

"The waiting is the hard part, but we always knew this was a possibility," Shaw said.

The U.S. State Department said it was investigating unconfirmed reports that Russian or Russian-backed forces captured two American citizens and possibly a third. Anyone captured should be considered a prisoner of war and protected by guarantees of humane treatment and fair trials, said spokesman Ned Price.

"Anyone who is fighting with Ukraine's armed forces should be treated as a POW even if Russia refuses to do that," Price said.

If the unconfirmed reports are true, they would be the first Americans fighting for Ukraine known to have been captured since the war began.

Shaw said it's possible the two could just be lying low: She noted that the 39-year-old Drueke had extensive training and experience during two tours in Iraq, while Huynh, 27, served four years in the U.S. Marines.

"They know how to evade," she said. "They might be doing just that."

Russia hasn't confirmed any information about the men. The president of the separatist Donetsk People's Republic, Denis Pushilin, said Thursday that "as of now, I don't have such information and I cannot comment," according to the Interfax news agency. Pushilin spoke while attending the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Huynh's fiancee, Joy Black, said she got a message from a soldier telling her that both men had missed their rendezvous point and were in an area that was hit "pretty hard." Black, speaking in an interview with WAAY-TV, said she ran to her mother's room and fell on the bed sobbing.

"I am trying to stay strong for him to get this word out and to try to get him back home. I am not going to lie and say that it has not been really, really hard," Black said.

It's unclear how many Americans have traveled overseas to assist Ukraine since fighting began in February but the number is believed to be in the hundreds, if not more.

Army veteran Harrison Jozefowicz, who quit his job as a Chicago police officer and traveled to Ukraine soon after Russia invaded, is now helping place volunteers in combat positions and coordinating supplies as head of a group called Task Force Yankee. Several hundred Americans serve in the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine, he said, and still more are assisting outside the force.

"In the volunteer world, the people who are here for the long haul are digging in and getting serious  buying warehouses, establishing permanent routes of logistics with dedicated drivers," he said Thursday.

Shaw said her nephew joined the Army at age 19 after the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and he believed he could help Ukrainian fighters because of his training and experience with weapons. Drueke pondered whether to go for a few weeks, she said, and then made up his mind.

"He approached me and said, 'I'm going to go to Ukraine.' I told him, 'For you, that makes sense,'" she said. "He is really compelled to defend democracy wherever that meant going."

Huynh moved to north Alabama two years ago from his native California and lives about 120 miles (193 kilometers) from Drueke. Before leaving for Europe, Huynh told his local newspaper, The Decatur Daily, he couldn't stop thinking about Russia's invasion.

"I know it wasn't my problem, but there was that gut feeling that I felt I had to do something," Huynh told the paper. "Two weeks after the war began, it kept eating me up inside and it just felt wrong. I was losing sleep. ... All I could think about was the situation in Ukraine."

Drueke doesn't have a wife or children, his aunt said, and he liked the idea of traveling to help Ukraine so someone with more familial connections wouldn't have to. He left in mid-April and entered Poland legally before going to the border and being allowed into Ukraine, she said.

Now, Drueke's loved ones are in touch with the U.S. State Department, congressional offices or anywhere else that can help them find out what's going on.

And they're waiting.

"It was how we lived while he was in Iraq, and it's how we live now," Shaw said.

___

Associated Press News Researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York City and diplomatic writer Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report.
U.S. authorities are sailing the $325 million superyacht they seized last week thats linked to Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov to Hawaii  a big win as the US looks to confiscate Russian assets and punish oligarchs for their countrys invasion of Ukraine.

The 348-foot Amadea, now sailing under an American flag and manned by an all-new crew, is headed toward the U.S. Hawaiian islands and was last spotted about 160 miles from Honolulu, according to vessel data compiled by Bloomberg and space-based analytics firm Spire Global. That would be a roughly 3,100-mile journey from Fiji, where the Supreme Court lifted a stay on June 7 that had prevented the US from sailing the vessel away from the South Pacific nation after its registered owner mounted a series of legal challenges.

It makes sense it would be going to Honolulu since its the nearest port where the US would be able to berth it and hold it until it can be disposed of in whatever procedure that can be taken, said Ian Ralby, chief executive of I.R. Consilium, a maritime law and security consultancy. Thats a quite logical destination.

What happens to the vessel next will be closely watched.

Deep-pocketed tycoons have filed appeals before to get themselves off European Union sanctions lists and fight asset seizures. The US and other governments will likely face rounds of legal challenges when they move to sell the multimillion-dollar floating palaces and other assets. Already, more than a dozen yachts worth more than $2.25 billion have been seized as part of the push, spurred by Russias invasion of Ukraine.

U.S. President Joe Biden has pushed for legislation thats been passed by lawmakers in the House of Representatives that would allow the US to seize yachts and other assets of sanctioned Russians, liquidate them and use those funds to benefit Ukraine. The EU is considering similar measures.

The fight over this particular ship centered on its ownership.

The superyachts legal owner, Millemarin Investments, has contended the vessel isnt owned by Kerimov as the US alleges but another Russian tycoon  Eduard Khudainatov, the former chairman and CEO of Russian oil and gas giant Rosneft Oil Co. Khudainatov doesnt appear to be on any sanctions lists. Counsel for Millemarin didnt respond to requests for comment. Kerimov and his representatives also didnt respond.

The U.S. alleges that Khudainatov is being used as a clean, unsanctioned owner to conceal the Amadeas true owner. Kerimov is a Russian gold billionaire who was first sanctioned by Washington in 2018, Bloomberg reported last month.

Millemarin put up a series of legal challenges and appealed to Fijis Supreme Court before it ran out of options. Legal challenges over ownership need to be hammered out in the US courts, said Fiji authorities  an argument the courts in Fiji sided with.

Legal experts expect the Russian tycoons connected to seized superyachts and other assets will bring the fight to courts all over the world.

Clearly, the beneficial owners have very deep pockets, said Benjamin Maltby, a partner at London-based Keystone Law, who specializes in superyacht law. They do have a lot of money to pay for lawyers and drag these cases out. Theyre not going to just give up their superyachts.

The U.S. wasted no time after the stay order was lifted June 7, sailing the ship out of Fijis waters within hours before another legal challenge could be mounted. The Amadea departed Fijis Lautoka port shortly after 1 p.m. It set sail for the US with a new crew of more than 20 hired by US authorities, according to court documents seen by Bloomberg.

The US says layers of offshore shell companies were created to conceal that Kerimov is actually the beneficial owner, with crew members giving code names for the sanctioned billionaire and his family members, according to a US affidavit reported earlier by Bloomberg. Kerimov, a member of Russias upper house of parliament, was also sanctioned by the UK and the EU in March for his close ties to Putin.

Kerimov is worth around $13.3 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. His family formerly held nearly half of Polyus, the biggest gold producer in Russia. He beat money-laundering charges in France in 2018.

The Amadea, which features a helipad and mosaic-tiled pool, arrived in Lautoka on April 12 after an 18-day journey from Mexico, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Fiji detained the superyacht the following week after the US government requested mutual legal assistance, according to Fijis public prosecutions office.

On May 3, Fijis High Court gave the green light for U.S. and local authorities to seize the vessel, but a series of legal challenges from the registered owner ensued. The U.S. has devoted considerable resources to obtaining the yacht, sending officials to Fiji from the United States Marshals Service, the FBI and the U.S. Coast Guard, according to court filings.

The Amadea is among more than a dozen multimillion dollar Russian tycoon-linked megayachts rounded up by Western governments.

Germany has impounded Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanovs superyacht Dilbar, valued at as much as $750 million. Italian authorities arrested a 530 million euro ($556 million) vessel owned billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, while Spain seized Viktor Vekselbergs $90 million Tango as well as the $600 million Crescent believed to belong to Igor Sechin, head of Moscow-based Rosneft.

The actions by the U.S. and its allies have scattered Russian yachts to locales perceived as less likely to seize them, including Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and the Maldives, according to Spire. Megayachts owned by Russians account for as much as 10% of the global fleet, according to industry watcher The Superyacht Group.
WASHINGTON  The Senate on Thursday passed historic legislation that would expand eligibility for health care and benefits to veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins.

The bill, which is called the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022, or PACT Act, passed by a vote of 84 to 14. Sens. Steve Daines, R-Mont., and Roger Wicker, R-Miss., did not vote.

Daines was unable to vote due to the flood crisis in Montana. The senator is in his home state assessing the damage with federal emergency officials. Wicker was unable to vote because he tested positive for the coronavirus.

The legislation will now return to the House for that chambers approval.

For hundreds of thousands of veterans, generations of our all-volunteer military and their families, this bill is putting us on a path to finally recognizing the toxic wounds of war, Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, D-Mont., said during a news conference amid the vote. This bill is the legislation we envisioned when we set out to right the wrongs to our toxic-exposed veterans, and Im grateful to ranking [Republican] member [of Senate Veterans Affairs Committee] Jerry Moran, our committee colleagues, veterans service organizations, veterans advocates, and the Biden administration for making this possible. Our men and women in uniform held up their end of the bargain, and Im proud were holding up ours.

Tester and Moran introduced the PACT Act in May. The senators called the legislation historic and they said the bill will provide long overdue health care services and benefits for all veterans exposed to toxins.

The PACT Act seeks to provide an easy path to health care and benefits for veterans who served near open-air burn pits, which were used throughout the 1990s and the post-9/11 wars to burn garbage, jet fuel and other materials. Veterans diagnosed with cancer, respiratory issues and lung disease at young ages have blamed exposure to the toxic fumes from these pits, but the Department of Veterans Affairs contended for years that there wasnt sufficient evidence to support their claims.

The bill also would improve the VAs workforce and claims processing to speed up efforts to meet the needs of veterans and establish 31 new VA health care facilities in 19 states. Additionally, the bill would expand health care eligibility to post-9/11 combat veterans and add 23 conditions related to burn pits and other toxic exposures to the VAs list of service presumptions. It will also expand the list of presumptions related to Agent Orange exposure to include Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Guam, American Samoa and Johnston Atoll, strengthen federal research on toxic exposure, and improve the VAs resources and training.

As a nation, we recognize the physical, obvious wounds of war, said Moran, who represents Kansas. We are improving our ability to recognize and treat the mental wounds of war, though we still have a long way to go. No longer can we ignore the wounds of war from toxic exposures. Veterans suffering from toxic exposures have been relying on a broken system cobbled together through decades of patchwork fixes that often leaves them without health care or benefits.

In March, senators began negotiating a measure aimed at expanding eligibility for health care and benefits to millions of veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins. The Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs discussed the PACT Act, which passed through the House in early March, but the legislation was at odds with a Senate strategy to address the problem of toxic exposure health care.

House lawmakers proposed a major reform bill, but senators opted for a more incremental approach to the issue. In February, the Senate passed the Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act, which would expand health care to veterans but doesnt address other benefits. The sponsors of the bill insisted the measure is just a first step in a three-phase approach that would add more benefits incrementally.

The House version of the PACT Act would increase spending by about $318 billion during the next decade, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office.

A few months ago, the House of Representatives took the historic first step of passing my Honoring Our PACT Act, and moved closer to delivering the most comprehensive legislation to date to treat toxic exposure as a cost of war, said Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. I am thrilled that the Senate has now done its part by passing my bill with some additional revisions to benefit veterans.

The bill is named for Sgt. 1st Class Heath Robinson, who was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder and lung cancer after serving with the Army National Guard in Kosovo and Iraq, where he experienced prolonged exposure to burn pits. He died in 2020.

Robinsons mother-in-law, Susan Zeier, spoke Thursday at the news conference that also featured veteran advocates and some senators. Zeier said she began wearing Robinsons Army jacket after Rosie Torres, co-founder of the advocacy group Burn Pits 360, said family members of the 9/11 first responders gained momentum pushing for legislation to help them after they began wearing firefighter and police jackets.

I've been wearing this since about summer 2018 and today, with this bill passing the Senate, I think it's time to retire it, she said. I no longer have to carry Heath on my shoulders, while Im advocating for all the other veterans out there who are sick and dying. And we aren't concerned that this bill isn't going to pass the House because we know it will, so I'm considering it done today.

Comedian Jon Stewart, who has worked as an advocate for veterans on this issue, said the real work will begin once the bill becomes law.

This doesn't solve anybody's problem, it just removes the burden from their fight that never should have been there in the first place, he said.

Stewart turned to Zeier and praised her.

Advocating for a cause is a very lovely thing to do, he said. But to do that in your grief when you know that it's not going to help your loved one, but that's not what matters to you, it's that no one goes through what you went through, and that's just the epitome of grace.
(Tribune News Service)  Federal prosecutors want to bar former Army Ranger Robert Morss from raising a self-defense claim when he goes to trial on charges of assaulting police during the Capitol insurrection, but his lawyer says the government has no right to prevent him from using that defense.

Morss, 29, is accused of storming the Capitol in support of Donald Trumps false election fraud claims and attacking police along with eight other rioters, all of whom will be tried together.

The U.S. attorneys office in the District of Columbia said Morss was the aggressor, as shown in various videos, and shouldnt be allowed to claim police attacked him.

At no point before the assaults did any officer apply force to the defendant, prosecutors said. Indeed, the video evidence shows that the officers were attempting to maintain control over their equipment and property. Any contact made by officers attempting to push back the crowd were incidental contacts with the defendant when trying to keep order.

The prosecution said the use of OC spray, batons and shields were not provocation but attempts to stop the violent pro-Trump mob from getting inside the Capitol.

It was Morss, the government maintains, who initiated the violence.

The U.S. attorneys office said U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden should either not allow Morss to claim self-defense or make him present a pre-trial statement laying out facts to support that claim.

Morss Virginia lawyer, John Kiyonaga, countered Wednesday by saying the government has failed to explain why it believes itself to be entitled to a preview of Defendants potential defense strategies.

He said federal court rules provide a list of defenses a defendant has to disclose before trial, such as insanity or an alibi that he wasnt there. Self-defense isnt one of them, he said.

He asked Judge McFadden to reject the request.

Morss, an Afghanistan combat veteran, is charged with 53 counts related to assaulting police in a Capitol tunnel. He is among two-dozen people from Western Pennsylvania accused of storming the Capitol in support of Trumps lies. Several have been sentenced; cases against others are pending.

Earlier this week, Morss lost an attempt to be released from U.S. custody pending trial when Judge McFadden said he will remain in jail, where hes been for a year.

The U.S. attorneys office said Morss led the assault on police and is both dangerous and a flight risk. In addition to his actions on Jan. 6, prosecutors said he wrote a letter meant to eventually be read to a judge in which he said he had no regrets and criticized Congress for not overturning the election.

No evidence has emerged to support Trumps false claims that the election was stolen. Recent Congressional hearings have made it clear that even Trumps own advisers told him he lost the election. Chief among them was his attorney general, Bill Barr, who testified that he told Trump the fraud claims were bulls---.

(c)2022 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at www.post-gazette.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(Tribune News Service)  A Louisiana man convinced an elderly veteran they were friends for more than a year  but it was a ploy to steal more than $50,000 from him, federal prosecutors said.

Over the course of 16 months, the man took advantage of his friendship with the veteran by asking him to borrow money until his large inheritance arrived, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Louisiana.

In reality, the inheritance never existed, prosecutors said.

Shawn Phillips, 44, of Baton Rouge has been sentenced to nearly three years in federal prison after officials said he convinced the veteran, whose age was not specified, to fund his lifestyle, according to a June 13 news release. He was convicted of wire fraud.

McClatchy News has contacted Phillips attorney for comment and was awaiting a response.

From January 2020 until May 2021, Phillips is accused of asking the veteran to loan him money 340 times, and the veteran agreed, according to court documents.

At one point, the veteran believed Phillips needed more money to get his purported inheritance out of the court system as a result of the lies he was told, the news release said.

Meanwhile, at no point was Phillips expecting any inheritance.

Over the course of the scheme, Phillips moved to Georgia and persuaded the veteran to keep sending him money through wire transfers, according to prosecutors.

Eventually, the Department of Homeland Security and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation began investigating Phillips, and he was indicted in October 2021, the attorneys office said.

Phillips still faces pending state charges in connection with the case and has been ordered to pay $50,718, which is the amount he is accused of stealing, in restitution, according to the news release.

2022 The Charlotte Observer.

Visit charlotteobserver.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Winston Watusi

Music Plus

Taurangas been in the news a bit recently; youve got to be proud.

As only the fifth-largest city in the country we tend to get a little passed over, so any time we come to national prominence  hats off our great sportsmen and women for starters  has to be a good thing.

Caitriona Fallon. Photo: Supplied.

Most recently the by-election seems to have turned a bit of a spotlight on the area, as media try to grapple with the unusually broad slate of colourful individuals determined to improve our futures by representing us.

I was watching TV3s Newshub Nation when one commentator opined: There does seem to be an over-representation of right-wing nutters in Tauranga.

He went on: I can recall arriving for a meeting early and killing a couple of hours in a coffee bar and I picked up a giveaway newspaper and it was full of climate change denier letters, which Id never seen anywhere else.

Thats us! I thought, and my chest filled with pride  were that giveaway newspaper, doing our bit to help put the city on the map. And finally, thanks to our electoral candidates and letter writers, Tauranga is getting a national profile. They may be right-wing nutters and climate deniers  but theyre our right-wing nutters and climate deniers.

Midge Marsden. Photo: Supplied.

The festival

But lets not dwell on such acclamation: we also have a music event of national note. Last weeks column, which  if your newspaper has found its way under the cat bowl or been made into a cool papier mache mask  you can still find online at SunLive, details some of the very many new and different things that are happening at this years Port of Tauranga 59th National Jazz Festival.

What it didnt do was mention any of the bands specifically by name, apart from those playing the concert series at Baycourt. And as far as that goes, lemme offer one last reminder that concerts happen all next week: dont think the festival suddenly starts on Matariki weekend, its June 19-26, a full seven days.

Okay, so this week I have the bands that will be at both the Mount and the CBD. There are a lot of them: in Tauranga alone there will be more than 80 shows in the various bars and restaurants that comprise the Downtown Carnival. All up, there will be nearly 200 separate live performances. Damned impressive.

So, the Mount. Music is happening in the Phoenix carpark on Friday, June 24, kicking off at 9.30am with a Matariki welcome. Then the day will feature the following bands...

Ali Harper. Photo: Supplied.

The bands

Theres Instant Party Machine, led by Wellington saxophonist Alex Trask and more sax-led fun from VSOP Latin, which boasts the sax skills of Geoff Culverwell who is also to be seen at Baycourt offering a tribute to Miles Davis and Chet Baker. Theres Steve Sherriff, and Korean pop/jazz from Mihos Jazz Orchestra, and modern jazz fun from Aucklands Spiral Collective.

And thats just some of it. The music runs till dark and is all of top-notch quality. Lets hope this gets a big turnout and the Mount will return to featuring more music during future festivals.

And were on to downtown. This is, I warn you, going to become something of a list. Thats okay. You need this info, I have it. Now its yours. The venues involved are: CBK, Zozo, La Mexica, Cornerstone, Nectar, Crown & Badger, Volare, Norris & Bell, Phoenix, Macau, Brooklyn, Lonestar, Barrel Room, Sugo, Hop House and Dry Dock. There may be two or three more still coming...

And the bands? The Desotos, Mihos Jazz Orchestra, Kokomo, Thats Life, Teej and Akash, Alex and Lockie, Travers and Eli, Steve Sherriff Sextet, Big Tasty, Four, Collision, VSOP, Trevor Braunias and Jill Layton, Nairobi Trio, The John Key Trio, Spiral Collective, Roger Fox & Funkbone, Hillford, Shaken Not Stirred, IPM Trio, The Self-Righteous Brothers, Michael Martyniuk, Vox Nova, Damian Forlong Trio, Holy Pocket, and Jazzalicious, plus two very good youth bands, Mel and Crumbly Jack, and possibly a few more.

Alright. Done. (Pause for breathe.) Don't say I never tell you anything useful. And enjoy the festival!

Kokomo. Photo: Supplied.
For this year only  the upcoming 59th Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festivals two-day Downtown Carnival on June 25-26 is returning to its roots.

Instead of being staged outdoors, the Downtown Carnival is back inside the bars and restaurants along The Strand, Wharf Street and Red Square  a throw-back to the way it used to be.

Festival organiser Marc Anderson says this years festival in June  delayed from Easter due to the pandemic  offers an exciting alternative to what anyone has experienced at the Jazz Festival Tauranga in recent years.

Were moving the action into bars, cafes and hospitality venues around the city, bringing a new dynamic to the Downtown Carnival.

Thanks to the willingness of musicians and venues to make themselves available for Matariki weekend, we have a fantastic selection of events lined up, with 85 performances on offer during the two-day carnival.

The Afrolites will jazz it up at at the upcoming 59th Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festivals two-day Downtown Carnival on June 25-26. Photo: Supplied.

This year carnival music  in venues around the CBD  will swirl onto footpaths and pull people from the cool air into warm, lively, mood-filled scenes of jazz!

Youll experience an intimate music scene indoors, reminiscent of the much-loved European Jazz Festivals. There will be music for everyone to enjoy from jazz, swing, blues and funk at a massive number of venues.

For carnival-goers the fun begins 11am Saturday, June 25, when the Vintage Car Parade heads down The Strand. Live indoors music begins 12pm. Those wanting to stay on after the Downtown Carnival finishes at 6pm can make a night of it by dining in downtown bars and restaurants.

On Sunday, June 26, the carnival begins with The Little Big Markets jazz festival market from 10am-2pm in Masonic Park, The Strand. Sundays live indoors music in CBD venues plays from 12pm-6pm.

Japanese-born Kiwi jazz artist Miho Wada, who will perform at the Downtown Carnival both days with her band Mihos Jazz Orchestra, says having bars right next to each other playing jazz and blues along the street will be like a day in New Orleans.

I studied traditional jazz there  this festival is quite similar. This time, being in winter, it might feel a bit different but its still going to showcase that warm feeling that jazz music brings.

Kokomo frontman Derek Jacombs  who helped rebuild the festival from tough times in the late-1990s  thinks the music being in venues back then made it more personal. Bars and crowds got up close and intimate with the musicians, we were all in it together, says Derek.

Theres nothing quite like the feel of an up-close show  we love playing like that. Your audience is not on the other side of some barrier, theyre right there with you and its a communal experience you share. Bring on Matariki!

Tauranga Jazz Society president Jeff Baker says this years festival will show the real depth of great musicianship in Aotearoa during New Zealands first Matariki public holiday weekend. Were delighted to showcase the best of NZ talent and, as last year proved, the acts are of an international standard.
Manuhiri (visitors) and locals will soon see changes taking place at Mauao.

Nga Poutiriao o Mauao (the Mauao Joint Administration Board) will be sharing the history and stories of Mauao through new wayfinding signage and cultural touchpoints across the maunga.

This project will help preserve and enhance the cultural, spiritual, historic and natural significance that Mauao holds as a taonga here in Tauranga Moana, says Nga Poutiriao o Mauao chairman, Dean Flavell.

Last year, the trig at the summit of Mauao was removed to make way for a cultural compass. The removal of the trig signified the last sign of alienation on the land and the first case in history for a trig to be removed in the Bay of Plenty.

The resetting of the compass recognises and celebrates the mana of te tihi o Mauao (the summit of Mauao) and acknowledges the history and sacrifice of those that have tread this path before us, says Dean.

This is an opportunity to share the stories that live on Mauao, for visitors and the community to reengage with and rediscover their knowledge of the mountain.

The cultural compass will feature a pounamu touchstone at the centre, carrying mauri (lifeforce), to maintain the mauri of Mauao. Radiating from the touchstones, the compass will identify significant sites of cultural significance on the maunga, outlying landmarks and islands, and select star and sun positions.

An artist impression of the cultural compass at te tihi o Mauao (the summit of Mauao).

The pounamu was gifted by Ngati Waewae of Ngai Tahu at a ceremony held on Sunday, 5 June at Whareroa Marae.

This pounamu will be part of telling the origin story associated with the Bay of Plenty.

Receiving the pounamu for cultural compass.

The compass will be installed in two phases. The first stage will take place this week when the onewa (bluestone) compass is flown by helicopter to the summit on Thursday.

Stage two sees outer rings installed over the next few months, which will radiate out from the compass and identify significant landmarks and islands that connect Mauao to Te Moana nui a Kiwa (Pacific Ocean) and highlight select stars and markers used by early navigators.

Crafted by local stonemasons and adorned with 3D metal printed stylised takarangi, the compass is a labour of love with many locals involved in helping bring the taonga to life.

With touches of historic materials that hold significance to the area and the addition of 3D metal printed stainless steel, the compass acknowledges the past and is a vision for the future of Tauranga Moana, Dean says.

To keep the public safe while the compass is installed, there will be a full mountain closure on Thursday, from 5am until 12pm.

The compass will remain under wraps until its unveiling on New Zealands first public holiday celebrating Matariki on Friday, June 24.

Te tino haepapa kia tiakina te oranga mana Motuhake o Mauao mo nga uri whakatupu - the obligation to care for and protect the health and wellbeing of Mauao for future generations.
The Tauranga Mens Shed is facing a $20,000 rent increase that could cause the organisation to close.

Tauranga City Council is raising the licence fee for the building the Mens Shed occupies from $7492 to $27,986 over the course of two years.

Tauranga Mens Shed chairman Paull Christensen says as a charity they cant afford that type of money.

We accept that there will be a rent increase but certainly not to that extent, says Christensen.

He says the increased fee could cause their closure but it would be a very last resort.

It would really impact us, whether we could keep going, I don't know.

We would really have to seriously consider whether we could keep operating the way we are.

Christensen says the community would wind up paying, be it through the need to increase what they charge for their services or not being able to donate the time and materials they do to community organisations.

He says they certainly cant absorb the cost.

To expect a charitable group to pay $27,000 a year with no income and 50 members. Well, that's just not possible.

The Tauranga Mens Shed has 51 members of various ages, who visit the shed at their leisure to create items for the charitys store or work on commissioned projects, as well catch up with mates.

The Tauranga arm of the organisation was formed in 2005 and they have occupied their building in Taurangas Historic Village for 14 years.

Tauranga City Council venues and events manager Nelita Byrne says last year council reviewed the rental rates at The Historic Village, which it manages.

Byrne says the rental rates had not been reviewed or increased in over a decade.

We conducted an independent appraisal ensuring rates were consistent across the village and in line with rental rates across the region, taking into consideration location and community outcome, she says.

The fees have now been conservatively increased and we are working with all our tenants of the impact of any significant increases.

Byrne says community and charitable organisations receive a 20 per cent discount on rates at the village in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the community.

Increases to licencing fees are made incrementally at the village to allow these organisations time to adapt.

The Mens Shed rent is $7492 this year, it will be $17,739 next year and $27,986 in 2024.

The Mens Shed is a place for men to form friendships says chairman Paull Christensen. Photo John Borren/SunLive.

Local Democracy Reporting told council the increased fee may cause the Mens Shed to close.

Byrne responded: Council recognises the invaluable contribution The Mens Shed makes to our community and are committed to working with them to ensure their financial sustainability is maintained.

The shed is a place for men to go and share their skills, laugh and have somewhere to belong. New Zealand has 116 Mens Sheds and they were set up to support mens health and wellbeing.

The Tauranga members recently made marimbas for a Bay of Plenty school and a brachiation ladder for the Brain Injured Children Trust.

Members pay a $20 annual fee but this may have to rise if the rent increase goes ahead. Christensen would be reluctant to do so because the majority of members are over 65 and on a fixed income.

Christensen says the shed supports mens mental health by giving them somewhere to go and something to do, especially after they retire.

Typical men they don't really open up that much, but the mate scenario comes in, where it's company, they have likeminded ideas and thoughts.

It's mainly the companionship that they don't get when theyre stuck at home, he says.

Christensen says council told him they could apply for a council grant to help with the increase in fees.

He says the organisation needs certainty rather than having to apply for a grant each year that they might not get.

We need to have something set in concrete, so we know exactly where we are going and we can budget.

Local Democracy Reporting asked council for information about the grant, but Byrne replied that there was a wide range of funding available for community organisations.

We encourage the Mens Shed to contact council and arrange a meeting with a funding specialist to discuss their options, she says.

Christensen requested a meeting with the commissioners, but it was suggested he meet with staff instead.

He says the staff they met with were very good but they were looking for recognition in their meeting with the commissioners.

We wanted some acknowledgement. We didn't even get that, says Christensen

You just think, well, why? Because we're a bunch of old men that we don't deserve to be given some respect and some acknowledgement of who we are and what we do.

In response to why a meeting with commissioners was not set up, Byrne says: Lease negotiations are confidential, operational matters which are managed by appropriate Tauranga City Council staff.

Discussions with the Mens Shed are ongoing while we work to reach mutually beneficial outcomes.

Christensen says: The rent increase is a major concern because its going to affect what we do and our plans for the future.

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.
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Smoke from the Midnight Fire obscures the setting sun in this June 10 photo taken in El Prado.
D-SNAP, a program to help communities impacted by severe weather and federal emergencies, will provide one month of temporary assistance to non-SNAP New Mexico households affected by the fires.
WTF?! If you've ever posted something on a forum, social media, or pretty much anywhere on the internet, there's a good chance someone has thrown an insult in your direction. But imagine if the person dishing it out was jailed for up to a year for their behavior. Earlier this week, Japan's parliament passed a bill to make this scenario a reality.

Japan can already punish people convicted of "insultation" with a maximum of 30 days in prison or a fine under 10,000 yen (around $75). The amendment to the country's penal code, which will go into effect this summer, will increase the potential jail time to one year and the fine to 300,000 yen (about $2,200). Additionally, the statute of limitations on prosecution has been increased from the current one year to three years.

CNN writes that, according to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Justice, Japan's penal code defines insults as publicly demeaning someone's social standing without referring to specific facts about them or a specific action. That makes it different from defamationalso punishable under the lawwhich is defined as publicly demeaning someone while pointing to specific facts.

Lawyers warn the definition still doesn't explain what terms are considered insults that could be punishable under the law. There are also concerns over the legislation's impact on free speechcould someone be jailed for calling a politician an idiot? As such, the law was only passed after a provision was added that it would be re-examined every three years to determine its impact on freedom of expression.

The law comes after 22-year-old reality television star Hana Kimura died by suicide in 2020. The professional wrestler had been subject to online abuse, and her death has lead to calls for harsher punishments for cyberbullying.

Two men were each fined 9,000 yen (~$67) last year for posting online insults about Kimura before her death. Kimura's mother, former professional wrestler Kyoko Kimura, said the punishments were too lenientmost of the Japanese public agree with her.

"I want people to know that cyberbullying is a crime," said Kyoko Kimura.

Masthead credit: Kaitlyn Baker
Facepalm: Tech giants cheating on benchmarks is something we've seen plenty of times. Samsung has allegedly done it with their phones twice in the past and has now been accused of doing it again; on this occasion, it's the company's TVs at the center of the controversy.

YouTube channel HDTVTest was the first to highlight a potential cheating issue in Samsung's S95B QD-OLED TV. It appears this wasn't an isolated incident as FlatpanelsHD found the same discrepancy on the Samsung QN95B Neo QLED LCD TV.

The problem boils down to the familiar accusation of Samsung using an algorithm to detect when benchmarking software was running and adjusting its TVs accordingly. In this case, the colors were changed to make them more accurate, and the luminance was boosted by a massive 80%. According to FlatpanelsHD, the Neo QLED TV wouldn't be able to sustain this brightness level without damaging the backlight panel. The ultimate goal of this sort of thing is to make the televisions look better in the reviews than they really are.

Samsung apparently took advantage of industry-standard benchmarking tools to enable its cheating. The software tests HDR TVs by analyzing 10% of the screen. When FlatpanelsHD changed this size to 9%, it was able to evade the alleged algorithm and get an accurate reading.

Samsung Electronics told The Register that it "does not use any algorithm for the purpose of yielding specific test results." It added that its own independent third-party tests "show that HDR content is accurately displayed on various window sizes, and not just at 10%," and that similar peak brightness levels can be maintained across window sizes without damaging the panel.

Contradicting that message somewhat was Samsung South Korea's statement to FlatpanelsHD. It promised to "provide a software update that ensures consistent brightness of HDR contents across a wider range of window size beyond the industry standard."

Samsung was accused of cheating with the Galaxy Note 3 phone benchmarks in 2013 and did the same with the Galaxy S4. The latter led to a class-action lawsuit that it settled for $13.4 million, or around $10 per owner, in 2019.

Samsung isn't the only one engaging in these sort of shenanigans. Many companies, especially Android device makers such as OnePlus and HTC, have been accused of benchmark cheating. Both MediaTek and Huawei brushed off the practice when they were caught by saying everyone does it.
In context: For the past two years, the chip shortage has been a thorn in the side of many companies operating in the tech and automotive industries. A simple solution to the problem doesn't exist, but chipmakers are currently exploring all options to diversify their supply chain and expand capacity. The EU looks increasingly attractive as a manufacturing hub thanks to its efforts to rejuvenate the semiconductor industry in the region and reduce its reliance on chip imports.

Intel, TSMC, and Samsung are pouring billions into ambitious expansion projects. They plan to build factories in multiple regions to create a more resilient global supply chain for advanced semiconductors, and their eyes are set on the US, Japan, and the EU. Companies like Foxconn and mining giant Vedanta are also considering India, but those ambitions rely much more heavily on government subsidies.

According to a Bloomberg report, interest in the EU as a location for semiconductor manufacturing is growing among chipmakers. For instance, GlobalFoundries and STMicroelectronics are said to be in talks to build a fab somewhere in France.

The two companies are hoping to tap into the EU's proposed 43 billion ($44.8 billion) fund for the Chips for Europe Initiative, which will allow governments to incentivize semiconductor research and development as well as volume manufacturing in the region. And while a final decision has not been made on whether or not to build the new chip factory, getting access to subsidies would greatly improve the chances of it materializing.

If GlobalFoundries and STMicroelectronics do decide to build a foundry in France, it probably won't make cutting-edge chips. Both companies are focused on producing specialized chips like microcontrollers, sensors, flash memory, and MEMS devices. Back in April, the two chipmakers announced a partnership to develop the next generation of FD-SOI technology that's geared towards automotive, industrial, and 5G/6G applications.

Meanwhile, Intel has secured subsidies of 6.8 billion ($7.1 billion) to build a fab in Germany that will produce chips on sub-3nm process nodes like Intel 20A and Intel 18A. Lesser-known chipmakers like Will Electronic SA are also building additional capacity for DRAM and NAND products designed by Goodram.
In brief: Apple's "Batterygate" problem from 2017 isn't going away. A consumer rights activist in the UK is launching a new class action lawsuit against the company for throttling processor performance on iPhones with aging batteries. If successful, up to 25 million British consumers will be entitled to a small settlement.

In 2017, Apple decided to secretly throttle performance on iPhones with aging batteries so that they would last longer and have fewer chances to experience an unexpected shutdown during peak power draw. The feature came in an update without user notification and without a way to reconfigure the throttling setting.

Apple's actions cost it hundreds of millions in a US class-action settlement and a separate probe by 34 states into the Cupertino giant's maligned battery practices. Add to that a $27 million fine from French regulators and the cost of replacing 11 million batteries for a reduced price, and you'd think that Apple saw the last bit of punishment for its lack of transparency regarding the "Batterygate" phenomenon.

However, a new legal claim is brewing in the UK that could see Apple take a further financial hit of 750 million ($926 million). The class action was initiated by market researcher and consumer rights activist Justin Gutmann, who filed the claim with the Competition Appeals Tribunal. If successful, it would allow 25 million people in the country who bought an iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, iPhone SE, or iPhone X to receive a settlement for having been left in the dark about the battery management feature that added to their devices.

Gutmann argues that Apple should have been transparent about the throttling issue but instead chose to disguise that its software upgrades were too much to handle for devices with degraded batteries. Apple did acknowledge the problem in 2017 and has since added a toggle in Settings under Battery Health, but Gutman is launching the case "so that millions of iPhone users across the UK will receive redress for the harm suffered by Apple's actions."

In a statement sent to The Guardian, Apple said, "we have never  and would never  do anything to intentionally shorten the life of any Apple product, or degrade the user experience to drive customer upgrades. Our goal has always been to create products that our customers love, and making iPhones last as long as possible is an important part of that."
In a nutshell: Construction on the Vegas Loop is expected to begin in early 2023. The completed system will consist of more than 34 miles of underground tunnels with 55+ stations including stops at Harry Reid Airport and Allegiant Stadium.

The transit system will use Tesla Model X and Model Y vehicles to transport passengers directly to their destination without having to stop at other stations along the way. Officials view the network of tunnels as yet another way to connect key destinations throughout the city and ease traffic congestion on surface streets.

The project is being funded by The Boring Company and private properties, meaning no taxpayer funds will be required.

Anyone that has ever visited Las Vegas is no doubt familiar with how long it can take to get from one destination to the next. Shuttles, taxis and ride-sharing services are the preferred method of transportation on streets, while trams and the Las Vegas Monorail weave in and around venues as alternatives. Even with this infrastructure currently in place, travel can be slow going.

The Boring Company already operates a short loop beneath the sprawling Las Vegas Convention Center, drastically cutting down on the amount of time it takes to get from the West Hall to the North / Central Hall. By foot, the trip can take up to 25 minutes; the same trip using the LVCC Loop is just two minutes.

Image credit: Paul IJsendoorn
In brief: The European smartphone market in the first three months of this year registered the lowest Q1 shipment total since 2013 according to a new report from Counterpoint Research. Shipments of phones in the region slid 12 percent year over year to just 49 million in Q1.

Samsung maintained its position as Europe's top smartphone vendor with a 35 percent share of the market despite seeing shipments decline 16 percent YoY. Apple finished in second place with a 25 percent piece of the pie but experienced six percent negative growth.

Both companies launched new devices during the period - Samsung with its Galaxy S22 series and Apple with its third-gen iPhone SE.

Xiaomi took the bronze thanks to its 14 percent shipment share but was the biggest loser year over year as its shipments declined 36 percent compared to the first quarter of 2021.

The only top-five vendor with positive growth in Europe in Q1 was realme, a Chinese-based Android smartphone maker. The firm grew 67 percent year over year, from a two percent share to a four percent share.

Counterpoint cited a number of factors that led to the quarterly dip including continued component shortages, additional pandemic lockdowns in China, regressing economic conditions and the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The situation is only expected to get worse before it improves, especially in Q2 as the cost of living reaches record highs.

Image credit: Daniel Romero
Verizon is expanding on its unlimited plans, and it will focus on bringing its users a chance to share their mobile hotspot data without additional costs, now coming to its 5G ventures. Users that subscribe to the 5G unlimited plans from the company's networks are getting an add-on from Verizon, and it will be free of charge even to its lowest or entry-level subscription.

Verizon's 5G Unlimited Plans Are Getting Mobile Hotspot Data

(Photo : MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

A Verizon sign is seen above a store front on May 31, 2016 in Washington, DC.

Verizon will soon add an allocation for mobile hotspot data on all of its unlimited plans, even those with the Basic entry-level deals from the company. According to The Verge, Verizon's unlimited plans have massive access to data on the device, but sharing it for others' use has a limit, but it is changing in the coming weeks.

Currently, the lowest plan available from the 5G unlimited "Ultra" that costs $35 per month, does not have any additional data for its mobile hotspot. The next plan, "5G Play More," allocates 25 GB on its $45 program and gives users more options to share their internet with others.

Its update would give the 5G Basic with 5 GB allocation and expand more on other deals.

Users may explore the current unlimited plans under Verizon's Ultra, which already utilizes 5G for its connections.

Read Also: Verizon is Giving the LG Wing Access to the 5G C-Band Spectrum

Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband Expansion for the Public

On the other hand, Verizon promises better services for the public as they want to bring more connections to users via its Ultra Wideband Expansion that it announced earlier this week.

It aims to bring more connections for a user, and Verizon's 5G is set to get additional features for a person's need in connecting online.

Verizon's Offers and its 5G

Verizon refreshed its plans earlier this year, and alongside the update to its unlimited and wireless plans was a price increase on the subscriptions to use the internet on their mobile devices. Nevertheless, the company said that it is only minimal and does not have a massive increase in its prices, focusing on added features here as well.

The telecommunications companies in the country have already adapted to the 5G C-Band expansion, where it receives more signal and data for their services. The C-Band expansion aims to bring a better 5G service to users, and it covers the airports and other nearby places for an enhanced performance that focuses on its systems.

Now, there is a new addition to its services, and it is with an allocation of data for its mobile hotspot to share with other users connected to their smartphones. The additional data would help avoid extra costs for sharing data with others, focusing on the mobile hotspot that users bring for others via their unlimited wireless plans.

Related Article: Verizon Employees' Personal Data Breached but Company Doesn't Believe the Information is Sensitive

This article is owned by TechTimes

Written by Isaiah Richard

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
eCommerce personalization software enables you to demonstrate to clients that your brand continuously understands what is expected of it and adapts to their ever-changing demands. Others might argue that this is one method to maintain your company on solid ground. On the other hand, customers may use it to determine which brand they can be loyal to.

In that sense, both companies and customers benefit from top eCommerce personalization companies and practices. Learn how you can achieve personalization in eCommerce for a win-win situation for you and your customers.

What Are Personalization and Customization in eCommerce?

Businesses are always looking for methods to differentiate themselves from the competition, develop consumer loyalty, and keep their customers satisfied. Many people are well aware that personalization and customization are critical components to properly perform all of those things. But first, let us examine their contrasts.

Simply put, eCommerce personalization is the activity of developing or customizing an item based on client data to match their demands. Meanwhile, customization refers to a consumer making manual adjustments to an item to match their demands.

If you're looking for eCommerce personalization examples, take the Shopify product recommendation quiz as an instance. You create a brief sequence of questions that inquire about visitors' preferences, characteristics, or interests before proposing a product based on their responses.

Why Is Personalization Important in eCommerce?

Consumers often said that personalization is highly important to them. It guarantees that offerings provided to your customers are suitable to their needs and likings through top eCommerce personalization companies.

eCommerce personalization software is helpful in a variety of ways. However, one that stands out the most is its effects on increasing the conversion rate. The most useful tactic businesses show is a product recommendation quiz for free.

Brand engagement may also be increased. You won't need to know the intricacies of how to grow your eCommerce store. Apart from that, you have a competitive advantage and a superior consumer experience. As a consequence, your brand's devotees will grow.

How Can I Customize My eCommerce?

Personalization techniques entail knowing what to look for and how it will meet corporate objectives. You may modify your eCommerce shop using several implementations and a wide range of eCommerce personalization software available here:

#1 Jebbit

Jebbit is one of the top eCommerce personalization companies that can aid in creating engaging and interactive experiences that improve engagement and revenue, all the while collecting the zero-party data your company needs to thrive in a cookie-free environment.

Because Jebbit is URL-based and does not require any code, experiences may be shared everywhere. A URL or QR code can be distributed on your website, emails, social media channels, SMS, etc.

Key Features

No code required: Create entertaining, engaging product recommendation quizzes and customer experiences quickly and easily. Do this while gathering consumer preferences as zero-party data. Simply choose from over 50 pre-built templates to get started.

Distribute eCommerce quiz: When your quiz is complete, distribute it to your target audience. Whether on your company's website, emails, or any of your brand's social media channels.

Analytics and reporting: View analytics and reports to learn how your customers and audience interact with your quizzes and experiences. You can also use this to improve business operations for increased engagement, lead capture, and overall success.

Integration: Integrate with 35+ applications and integrations, including the most popular CRMs and marketing tools to easily deliver your first-party data to the places where it will be most valuable toward your goals. For instance, Jebbit now allows you to use first-party data to build stunning bespoke quizzes in your Shopify shops and automate email customization.

Dynamic product feeds: Jebbit also introduced new Dynamic Product Feeds. This feature allows companies to submit item files to supplement their product match tests with unique recommendations from their full product catalog.

Through these features, brands confidently commit themselves to Jebbit to increase conversion rates and sales. This is possible by matching people with the best-fitting items based on their interests. Increase your lead generation in eCommerce store by providing a true value exchange. Encourage participation by providing entertaining and engaging digital experiences.

Then, capture zero-party data to protect organizations from important incoming privacy and cookie restrictions, as well as enable audience segmentation for more accurate retargeting.

Pros

Design controls and customization:

Jebbit allows for elemental controls (buttons, animations, spacing & alignment, use of images, and much more). The competition uses question types.

Container management and layout flexibility

Allows mobile AND desktop design controls/independence

Advanced features:

Personalization via Dynamic product feed, traffic splits, and the builder map

Allows overlay responses, assigning attributes to outcomes and email/text triggers

Reusing components and efficiencies:

Jebbit allows brand design and experience design vs. page-level themes, templates, layouts, and CSV uploads

Analytics:

Jebbit is the only platform that allows for channel analytics

Provides access to session data in exports and parent reporting

Integrations:

Jebbit has the highest number of out of the box integrations in the marketing tech space

Allows Pixel UI integrations and offers integrations as a service

Jebbit has a wider breadth of use cases



Has the best free plan on the market where mostly all features are available for free

Cons

Technical issues may often arise, but their customer service is round the clock.

Jebbit is a robust, adaptable, and capable eCommerce personalization software that lets you do more than product recommendations and surveys. Jebbit, no matter how you use it, links you to customers like never before.

With Jebbit, take the chance to create quizzes, surveys, and interactive experiences in a few simple steps to achieve your business goals and connect with your customers.

#2 OptinMonster

Because OptinMonster can rapidly increase your sales, it is one of the most powerful eCommerce personalization software on the market. It provides extensive targeting tools adaptable enough for any eCommerce store to generate customized marketing campaigns that entice prospects to engage and purchase your offerings.

It may be used on any form of website and comes with a specific WordPress plugin, as well as a Shopify app with additional settings. You may recoup lost income from shopping cart abandonment by creating customized exit-intent popups with OptinMonster.

Design floating headers to advertise your flash sales and discounts, complete with countdown timers individualized for each visitor.

Depending on visitor behavior, you can also create attractive discounts and other lead magnet offerings to convert reluctant customers into email subscribers. That's one of the best ways to market your eCommerce site.

OptinMonster also features clear and cheap options for small and medium-sized enterprises. In contrast, many other eCommerce personalization tools only provide pricing on request and focus solely on enterprise-level eCommerce.

Key Features and Advantages

Gives way for creative targeting solutions to attract more prospects

Generates marketing campaigns to let customers/prospects engage with your posts about products/services

Integrates with WordPress and Shopify

Builds coupons, creative exit popups, customized sales, and discounts to improve conversion rate

Provides top eCommerce personalization toolkit

#3 AX Semantics

The AX Semantics eCommerce Suite is the smartest eCommerce customization software for several reasons. In terms of a comprehensive use case, their eCommerce suite contains a straightforward five-step approach that incorporates techniques to increase conversion rates, and eventually, achieve company goals.

First, add the AX tracking element to your website to collect real-time user-related behavioral data. The data will then be analyzed in its Metrics system. This is the foundation for establishing particular writing goals for content development.

AX Semantics also offers automatic content personalization by demonstrating user behavioral data. The program generates information for each visitor, such as automatic product descriptions.

The fourth level is self-explanatory: you will be able to show personalized information on your website. Each user will see the text in a slightly different manner.

Finally, statistics and analytics may be used to assess the success of your website. You will see an instant improvement in search engine rankings and higher user engagement.

The neatest thing about AX Semantics is that it allows for large-scale eCommerce customization. You no longer need to execute manual operations after the first set. Because the system learns about your goods and users, it can quickly automate content development.

Key Features and Advantages

Collects real-time user data

Lets you publish and distribute content related to your offerings

Sets individual information per prospect/customer

Shows personalized recommendations on your website

Provides access to analytics to track the success

#4 Nosto

For online retailers, Nosto provides an omnichannel top eCommerce personalization solution. It leverages client data to create personalized experiences across numerous communication channels, including market segments and email campaigns.

The omnichannel service has the advantage of customizing everything from text and emails to mobile applications and pop-ups.

Its system is adaptable enough to allow you to experiment with different setups. In another sense, you may tune the platform to match user activity and build a loyal client base.

A/B tests attribute, while not unique, is extremely valuable and may help you learn more about your eCommerce business and acquire insights into customer behavior. You don't have to do anything after setting up and activating Nosto. It only needs a few simple tweaks.

However, Nosto will not be sufficient for multinational merchants with high localization requirements. In the end, Nosto is a valuable tool looking for top eCommerce personalization companies with all-around customization aspirations. However, it is not the greatest instrument for expanding into overseas markets or working on a tight budget.

Key Features and Advantages

Makes use of client data to an extent for better personalization use cases

Gives omnichannel service so you can personalize everything wherever you are

Offers services to help you build a loyal client base

Easy to set up and activate

#5 Kibo Personalization

Kibo Personalization is one of the top eCommerce personalization companies that assist firms in approaching consumers as individuals rather than as part of a broader client group. This platform promises to boost engagement and client lifetime value with AI-powered personalization. It provides a variety of tasks, including one-to-one customizing, testing, experimentation, personalized search, etc.

Kibo's most significant advantage is its straightforward UI. Even inexperienced users should have no trouble figuring it out. You may enable dynamic testing and let Kibo create a perfect balance of exploration and control. This allows you to uncover the proper client categories and identify new customers.

It offers hundreds of behavioral targets that reveal fresh insight into your clients. This earned it a spot on the list of the top eCommerce personalization software.

Kibo Personalization enables you to create a client base of recurring consumers. Overall, Kibo is a helpful application for online shops looking for a dependable and user-friendly eCommerce customizing system.

Key Features and Advantages

Easy to use for beginners

Intuitive interface

Offers dynamic testing, which lets you remix experimentation and controls altogether

Various user behavioral targets

Final Verdict

Choosing the best eCommerce personalization software is critical because it enables you to give your customers a unique and focused experience.

Understanding the customer's wants and preferences allows your store to personalize products, services, and even the entire online experience.

This promotes consumer loyalty and revenue over time. It also aids in increasing the average order value.

Most solutions lack consumer analytics and data-driven insights, resulting in basic and generic content for eCommerce website users.

Through our top eCommerce personalization companies, you can achieve everything you need to personalize: prospects' shopping experiences and more.

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Microsoft Envision is an event for all, and even though it mainly focuses on innovations and ways to elevate the world with technology, it is full of insights and massive names to provide keynote speeches. It aims to educate the public on present trends and problems that technology may answer, which may help the world focus on the present.

Microsoft Envision: What Is It All About? Event Available for All

(Photo : FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

A picture taken on May 23, 2022 shows the logo of Microsoft during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos.

Microsoft Envision is a global digital event series that brings different companies and developers together, hoping to bridge the communication gap between businesses to the public regarding technology. It is a series of shows in the world that Accenture, Avanade, and Microsoft presents for everyone to access and use for their progression.

The show presents thought leaders and industry executives who use their time and the available platform to give more insight into what is happening worldwide and what needs to be done in the future.

The goal of the presentation is to educate the public about current events and problems that technology is a part of and help people to generate ideas and make valuable connections in the industry.

Read Also: Microsoft Ends Internet Explorer Support on June 15! But It's Still Available on These Windows Versions

How to Watch the Microsoft Envision Episodes

Season 1 and Season 2 of the Microsoft Envision are already done, but it brings a series that people may still watch on-demand for their needs and requirements. Microsoft said it only needs a person to sign in or register for free via the company's website and create a Microsoft account to access the key statements and information available in their library.

Microsoft and its Technology for Everyone

The Envision event is a show for the public to enjoy and learn more about the current world trends and technology focuses that would help in its quest to include the world in its growth. However, without the Envision, Microsoft is still filled with available tech for all to access and use to explore more of its needs.

In recent times, Microsoft developed an AI that would help its Teams application to bring a better experience for all, despite having unstable internet connection or slow speeds that affect its output. This AI is only one of the many offers that Microsoft brings to the table, and it includes more artificial intelligence, products, and its cloud computing features.

Microsoft is a software company, first and foremost, and the company will bring its innovation for technology towards the planet's betterment and access to it. Envision is here for the public to see more of what the world needs and what it will require in the future.

Its focus aims to bring more people involved in technology, helping even the locals that are not tech-savvy to learn more of what is out there.

Related Article: #TechTimesLifeHack: Save Time by Speaking Instead of Writing with Microsoft's Voice Commands

This article is owned by TechTimes

Written by Isaiah Richard

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The dates for Amazon's next annual shopping extravaganza have been officially announced!

This year's Prime Day will take place on July 12th and 13th. Particularly, it will be starting at 12 a.m. PT/3 a.m. ET on Tuesday, July 12, and ending at the end of the day on Wednesday, July 13.

Prime Day, as in previous years, will be a two-day event during which Prime members may save on anything from electronics to fashion to Amazon's very own devices and products.

As noted by Engadget, the Prime Day has been observed in different seasons during the last two years, owing to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amazon had to push Prime Day back to October in 2020, but it made up for it last year by celebrating it in June. Now, it appears that Amazon is returning to its regular programming by holding its huge shopping event in July, the same month as previous Prime Days.

Amazon Prime Day, in particular, offers exclusive deals to Prime members. The company is using the shopping event to boost sales and urge consumers to sign up for Prime.

However, since Amazon increased the price of Prime to $139 in February, it may be more difficult to sell this year than in previous years.

According to the e-commerce company, there will be more products that Prime members can buy this year compared to 2021.

"Customers will be able to shop products from top national brands and more third-party sellers than last year's Prime Day, including many small and medium-sized businesses," the company wrote in a press release.

Read also: How to Save Up and Prepare for Amazon Prime Day 2022 in July? Follow These Quick Tips!

Hot Deals to Look Out For!

Here are the hot deals you should watch out for come July 12 and 13!

55% of Amazon Devices

Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen)

Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) Kids

Echo Dot(4th Gen) with a Free Smart Bulb

Kindle Paperwhite

Amazon Glow with Tangram Bits

Halo BandLuna Controller

Fire 7 Tablet (2019 version)

Ring Alarm Security Kit 8-Piece (2nd Gen)

Blink Video Doorbell

eero mesh WiFi

Fire TV smart TVs

Prime users can also save early from Fire TV smart TVs from Toshiba, Insignia, Pioneer, and Amazon with $89.99 as the ceiling price.

Amazon Fire TV 55-inch Omni Series 4K UHD smart TV, hands-free with Alexa: $299.99 (46% off)

Amazon Fire TV 43-inch 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV: $199.99 (46% off)

Amazon Fire TV 50-inch 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV: $259.99 (45% off)

Amazon Fire TV 55-inch 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV: $284.99 (45% off)

Insignia 24-inch HD Smart Fire TV: $89.99 (47% off)

Insignia 32-inch HD Smart Fire TV: $99.99 (44% off)

Toshiba 75-inch M550-Series 4K UHD Smart Fire TV: $699.99 (50% off)

Pioneer 43-inch 4K UHD Smart TV: $199.99 (37% off)

Watch Out for Celebrities Too!

Customers will be able to purchase early Prime Day bargains alongside their celebrities and influencers, such as Porsha Williams, Joe and Frank Mele, and Lala Kent, beginning June 21.

At 1 p.m. on June 28, Hilary Duff will be joined by several small business owners, who will highlight their wares and discuss inspiring stories about their businesses at 1:00 p.m. EDT.

You can watch the show at amazon.com/liveprimeday or through the Amazon Live Shopping app on Fire TV.

Related Article: Amazon Prime Air Prepares to Launch in California Despite Myriad Setbacks Officially

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Written by Joaquin Victor Tacla

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Samsung has launched a special app that is similar to Google Wallet. Samsung Wallet allows users to store their credentials, including passwords, payment cards, digital keys, and more.

The South Korean tech titan integrates this application to monitor your digital assets, including virtual coins and cryptos. More features are expected to roll out later in 2022.

Samsung Wallet

(Photo : Rodion Kutsaev from Unsplash)

Here's what you need to know about the new Samsung Wallet.

Apple Wallet is one of the most popular digital wallets that can store your IDs and passes. Samsung Wallet has the same set of functionalities, but still, it lacks other features that are already present on the previous wallet.

According to XDA Developers, Samsung's dedicated app has not yet introduced the support to store student IDs and driver's licenses. Sooner, we could see this functionality later.

As per the company's Head of Digital Life and MX Business Jeanie Han, the new Samsung Wallet will be the next-level app to bring convenience to all users who have mobile devices.

Samsung's EVP added that this application would provide a "totally safe and secure environment" for keeping your passwords, digital cards, and IDs, to name a few.

What to Store in Samsung Wallet

In a recent press release by Samsung, the following things can be stored in the Wallet app.

Digital Keys

Passwords

Payment cards

Loyalty and membership cards

Monitor crypto portfolio through Blockchain Wallet

Korean Air boarding passes

Digital IDs (to arrive later in 2022)

As of writing, the Samsung Wallet app is only available in select markets around the world, including the US, the UK, France, Spain, Italy, and Germany, as per Gizmodo.

In the future, the said application will be available to all regions. If you want to start using it, your Galaxy device should be running at least Android 9 Pie.

Related Article: Samsung Pay: How to Store Your Vaccination Card

What Happened to Samsung Pay Now?

If you're a Samsung Pay user, you don't have to worry if it will be stopped soon. According to Gizmodo, the service will continue, but the new Samsung Wallet will only replace it once you go to the Google Play Store.

It should be noted that once you upgrade your Samsung Pass and Samsung Pay to Samsung Wallet, they will not be usable anymore.

In other news, Spotify's CEO Daniel EK confirmed that they would downsize the new hiring for the staff by 25%. On Wednesday, June 15, the company founder emailed all of its employees regarding this announcement.

The reason why the firm arrived at this decision is because of the existing economic condition. Last year, Spotify had over 6,600 staff. The company recorded an 18% increase from 2020.

Although Spotify will reduce the new hiring, the services of the company will continue to roll out updates for its service. This year, there's so much to watch out for on this music streaming giant.

Read Also: How to Use Apple Pay Digital Wallet For Contactless Payment [2022]

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Written by Joseph Henry

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Elon Musk plans to meet Twitter employees for the first time. Ever since the billionaire announced that he would buy the social media giant, he actually shared the things he wanted to do with the platform.

(Photo : Photo Illustration by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 25: In this photo illustration, news about Elon Musk's bid to takeover Twitter is tweeted on April 25, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. It was announced today that Twitter has accepted a $44 billion bid from Musk to acquire the company.

These include reducing the fake Twitter accounts, making the social media website a completely free-speech platform, etc. Now, it seems like the social media company's employees are concerned regarding another possible decision of Musk.

Previously, Elon said he wanted to lay off around 10% of his employees. Although it is still unsure if the billionaire will also do it to Twitter once his purchase is completed, some staff already wants to clarify it in the upcoming virtual town hall meeting.

Elon Musk To Meet Twitter Employees

According to The Washington Post's latest report, the Twitter virtual town hall meeting will happen on Thursday, June 16. Elon is expected to meet around 7,500 employees of the social media giant.

(Photo : Photo by Chris DELMAS / AFP) (Photo by CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)

This illustration photo taken May 13, 2022, displays Elon Musks Twitter account with a Twitter logo in the background in Los Angeles. - Elon Musk sent mixed messages Friday about his proposed Twitter acquisition, pressuring shares of the microblogging platform amid skepticism on whether the deal will close. In an early morning tweet.

Also Read: Elon Musk's Twitter Deal: Advocacy Groups Urge the Takeover to Stop

Reuters' reported that Musk plans to reiterate his desire to own Twitter, answering the questions of many Twitter staff. Some anonymous individuals working for Twitter said that many employees are concerned regarding the upcoming acquisition of the billionaire.

This is because they are unsure if Elon will also lay off Twitter workers or if he seeks to change the company's approach when it comes to moderating and policing the social media platform's content.

As of writing, the $44 billion Twitter acquisition of the tech CEO is still incomplete. But, it seems like his agreement with the social media giant is also affecting the company.

Elon Musk's Twitter Agreement Effects

Ever since Musk closed the deal to purchase Twitter, the online platform has already experienced various issues. Many users criticized the social media giant for accepting the billionaire's offer.

On the other hand, the stocks of the company also fell around 25% after Elon agreed to purchase each share for $54.20. If you want to see further details about the effects of Elon Musk's ongoing Twitter acquisition, you can visit this link.

Meanwhile, experts are now asking if Twitter's WFH setup will be affected once Elon Musk's acquisition is completed.

Previously, critics stated that Elon Musk's Twitter purchase might be misleading in its terms.

For more news updates about Elon Musk and his Twitter acquisition, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Elon Musk said that Twitter's Daily Raw Feed is Only 50GB, Fits in a 'USB Stick'

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Written by: Griffin Davis

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
An open letter to SpaceX Executives has been released denouncing its CEO Elon Musk's recent behavior, which has prompted the company's employees to have an internal chat system.

As reported first by The Verge, the employees were asked to openly or anonymously sign onto the letter, with a signed version of it to be given to SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell's desk.

What Was The Letter All About?

The letter, obtained by The Verge, explains how Musk's behavior and recent sexual harassment allegations against him are harming SpaceX's brand.

Employees of all genders, ethnicities, seniorities, and technical roles are said to have cooperated on the letter, according to the document. The identity of the individuals who wrote the letter is unknown.

"Elon's behavior in the public sphere is a frequent source of distraction and embarrassment for us, particularly in recent weeks. As our CEO and most prominent spokesperson, Elon is seen as the face of SpaceX-every Tweet that Elon sends is a de facto public statement by the company," the employees wrote.

Workers said that it is vital to communicate to their teams and potential talent pools that Musk messaging does not represent their work, mission, or values.

The billionaire has been making rounds lately, especially with his presence on Twitter. Last April, Musk posted an image of Bill Gates with a pregnant man emoji, writing in the caption, "in case u need to lose a boner fast."

Musk also responded to a tweet about Jeff Bezos' aerospace company Blue Origin last year by writing, "Can't get it up (to orbit) lol."

The letter, which was posted on Wednesday, June 15, in an internal SpaceX Microsoft Teams channel with over 2,600 employees, claims that SpaceX is not following its well-publicized zero-tolerance sexual harassment policy and "No Asshole" policy.

Read also: Elon Musk's Twitter Deal: Advocacy Groups Urge the Takeover to Stop

"Not Isolated Incidents"

The writers of the document are urging the company to publicly condemn Musk's "harmful Twitter behavior" and "consistently" enforce SpaceX's zero-tolerance and no-asshole policies.

"To be clear: recent events are not isolated incidents; they are emblematic of a wider culture that underserves many of the people who enable SpaceX's extraordinary accomplishments," the group added.

The letter comes almost a month after Insider reported that SpaceX paid a flight attendant $250,000 as a settlement for a sexual misconduct allegation against the billionaire in 2018.

However, Musk has denied the allegations.

Related Article: Elon Musk's Tesla Accuses Civil Rights Agency of Unlawful Filing of Racial Bias

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Written by Joaquin Victor Tacla

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Apple is facing a new class-action lawsuit in the UK following allegations regarding its market abuse.

According to the report, the UK consumers champion claims that the Cupertino tech titan has been throttling iPhones with degraded batteries.

Apple iPhone Throttling Issue

(Photo : Daniel Romero from Unsplash)

A UK consumer champion has recently pressed charges against Apple for misleading the users regarding the iPhone's power management features.

According to a report by Techcrunch on Thursday, June 16, Justin Gutman, a UK-based consumer rights campaigner, has pressed charges against Apple for abusing its market dominance. The issue is all about the iPhone throttling.

Based on the claim, the company is taking advantage of the software update to slow down older iOS devices intentionally.

Additionally, the country's Competition Appeal Tribunal is currently seeking up to $25 million in damages for the affected iPhone users in the UK.

Specifically, the allegation drawn to Apple involves the power management features displayed in older handset models. These could reportedly avoid unnecessary shutdowns at times when the devices reach their peak power, especially with worn-out batteries.

The iPhone throttling affects the processors of the older models, which have inefficient loads. Later, this would likely slow down the performance of the device.

According to Gutmann, Apple has tricked the users into thinking that their devices could still perform fast only if they download the needed software updates regardless of whether their devices have degraded batteries.

"Instead of doing the honorable and legal thing by their customers and offering a free replacement, repair service or compensation, Apple instead misled people by concealing a tool in software updates that slowed their devices by up to 58%," Gutmann said.

The complainant added that if the legal case goes successful, he hopes that many companies will reassess their business models so they won't be sticking to this "conduct" anymore.

Related Article: iPhone Throttling Suit Seeks Nearly $1 Trillion In Damages From Apple

Controversy in Power Management Features

The iPhone's power management features have not been informed to the public by Apple until the latter part of 2017. This is the reason why customers felt that the company had only misled them.

At the time, the iPhone maker immediately issued an apology to all users, citing that it would improve the device's battery condition in the future.

The company is no stranger when it comes to lawsuits. As Macrumors reports, the Silicon Valley firm has been accused of throttling older iOS handhelds in 2020. Apple paid a fine of $500 million to settle the lawsuit.

Other than that, Portugal, Spain, Chile, Italy, and Belgium have previously sanctioned the company because of similar claims.

Meanwhile, Tech Times reported that Apple had filed a patent for a smart ring. This means that the company is leaning towards adding another AR-related product for some reason.

The smart thing could reportedly be used to control a virtual keyboard. All you need is a set of finger devices that will collect the user's finger input.

Read Also: Samsung Unveils Wallet App For Payments, Passwords, and More--What Happened to Pay?

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Written by Joseph Henry

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A survey of 44 young massive stars to investigate planet formation shows dusty, swirling disks  likely to become new solar systems. The images were taken with the Gemini Planet Imager (GPI) instrument on the Gemini South telescope of the International Gemini Observatory, a Program of NSFs NOIRLab. Credit: International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/E. Rich (Michigan University)

This mosaic of dusty, swirling disks shows a sample of images captured from the International Gemini Observatory, a Program of NSF's NOIRLab, as part of an unprecedented survey of 44 young massive stars.

An international team used Gemini South in Chile to investigate planet formation and uncovered a potential young Jupiter-mass planet, and confirmed the existence of two brown dwarfs. The images will be presented in sessions today at the 240th American Astronomical Society meeting.

This striking image, taken by astronomers using the Gemini South telescope in Chile, is part of a large survey of 44 young, massive stars by the Gemini Planet Imager (GPI) instrument, which imaged their dusty planet-forming disks -- likely to become new solar systems -- in near-infrared light. The survey found that the disks circling stars up to three times the mass of the Sun tend to have rings, whereas disks around stars that are more massive than three solar masses do not. This suggests that the more massive stars may form planets slightly differently.

Planets form in disks of gas and dust that encircle young stars just a few million years old and GPI is one of a few instruments in the world capable of resolving these disks. Previous observations have indicated that rings, made of large and small dust grains as well as gas, are often seen in these disks. Exactly what creates these rings is uncertain, but they have been attributed to newborn planets interacting with the disk.

Astronomers conducting a survey called Gemini-LIGHTS (Gemini-Large Imaging with GPI Herbig/T-Tauri Survey) have sought to try and answer some of these questions by producing high-resolution images of the disks around a sample of 44 stars.

"We want to answer the fundamental question of how planets form," said Evan Rich, who is a postdoc at the University of Michigan and the lead author of a new paper describing the results in The Astronomical Journal. In particular, he says the Gemini-LIGHTS survey, "concentrates on stars that are more massive than the Sun to investigate the influence that a parent star's mass might have on the planet-formation process."

Gemini South captured the images of the disks in near-infrared and polarized light. It found disks around 80% of the 44 targeted stars, and also found one new candidate planet (around V1295 Aquilae) and three brown dwarfs. Two of the brown dwarfs (around the stars (V921 Sco and HD 158643)) had already been identified as candidates by earlier observations and which have now been confirmed through these observations; the third brown dwarf, around the star HD 101412, is a new candidate.

The survey's key finding, however, is that the disks appear to behave differently depending upon the mass of the star they are circling. "Systems with small dust-grain rings are only found around stars with masses less than three times the mass of the Sun," said Rich. "This is important because forming planets are thought to create the ringed structure, and our findings suggest that the planet formation process might be different for stars larger than three times the mass of the Sun."

This information will be presented in a press conference and oral presentation today at the 240th American Astronomical Society Meeting.

This research was presented in a paper to appear in The Astronomical Journal. Gemini-LIGHTS: Herbig Ae/Be and massive T-Tauri protoplanetary disks imaged with Gemini Planet Imager

The team is composed of Evan A. Rich (Department of Astronomy, University of Michigan, US), John D. Monnier (Department of Astronomy, University of Michigan, US), Alicia Aarnio (University of North Carolina, US), Anna S. E. Laws (Astrophysics Group, University of Exeter, UK), Benjamin R. Setterholm (Department of Astronomy, University of Michigan, US), David J. Wilner (Center for Astrophysics, Harvard & Smithsonian, US), Nuria Calvet (Department of Astronomy, University of Michigan, US), Tim Harries (Astrophysics Group, University of Exeter, UK), Chris Miller (Department of Astronomy, University of Michigan, US), Claire L. Davies (Astrophysics Group, University of Exeter, UK), Fred C. Adams (Department of Astronomy, University of Michigan & Physics Department, University of Michigan, US), Sean M. Andrews (Center for Astrophysics, Harvard & Smithsonian, US), Jaehan Bae (Department of Astronomy, University of Florida, US), Catherine Espaillant (Department of Astronomy & Institute for Astrophysical Research, Boston University, US), Alexandra Z. Greenbaum (IPAC, Caltech, US), Sasha Hinkley (Astrophysics Group, University of Exeter, UK), Stefan Kraus (Astrophysics Group, University of Exeter, UK), Lee Hartmann (Department of Astronomy, University of Michigan, US), Andrea Isella (Department of Physics & Astronomy, Rice University, US), Melissa McClure (University of Amsterdam, Netherlands), Rebecca Oppenheimer (Astrophysics Department, American Museum of Natural History, US), Laura M. Perez (Departamento de Astronomia, Universidad de Chile, US), Zhaohuan Zhu (Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Nevada, US)

NSF's NOIRLab (National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory), the US center for ground-based optical-infrared astronomy, operates the international Gemini Observatory (a facility of NSF, NRC-Canada, ANID-Chile, MCTIC-Brazil, MINCyT-Argentina, and KASI-Republic of Korea), Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO), the Community Science and Data Center (CSDC), and Vera C. Rubin Observatory (operated in cooperation with the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory). It is managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) under a cooperative agreement with NSF and is headquartered in Tucson, Arizona. The astronomical community is honored to have the opportunity to conduct astronomical research on Iolkam Du'ag (Kitt Peak) in Arizona, on Maunakea in Hawai'i, and on Cerro Tololo and Cerro Pachon in Chile. We recognize and acknowledge the very significant cultural role and reverence that these sites have to the Tohono O'odham Nation, to the Native Hawaiian community, and to the local communities in Chile, respectively.



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After a 100-minute phone call with the Minister of Public Administration and Security, the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency resigned the content of the conversation
A memorial stands at the site of a fatal vehicle crash on Rue De La Vache Rd. (LA 723) Thursday, December 9, 2021, in Scott, La. Sixteen-year-old Jace Judice was killed when the vehicle he was riding in left the roadway and struck a ditch embankment. The juvenile driver of the vehicle was not found to be impaired.
A $3 billion takeover of Australian administration services giant Link is in jeopardy after the competition watchdog raised significant concerns the deal could impact all property transactions in Australia.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said on Thursday that Canadian group Dye & Durhams takeover of Link raised competition concerns in the property conveyancing sector given Links ownership of a large stake in PEXA, an online property settlement platform.

Dye & Durham also provides conveyancing and legal practice software and manual property settlement services in Australia and the ACCC said the tie up could give Dye & Durham significant control over the market, possibly leading to higher prices for Australians selling or buying property.

The ACCC said on Thursday that Dye & Durhams $3 billion takeover of Link raised competition concerns in the property conveyancing sector given Links ownership of a large stake in PEXA, an online property settlement platform. Credit:Peter Rae

Consumers may not be familiar with these companies in name, however this acquisition is relevant to anyone buying or selling property, ACCC deputy chair Mick Keogh said. Link owns 42.77 per cent of PEXA.
Health officials are urging anyone who spent time in the Albury area over the Queens Birthday long weekend to monitor for symptoms after a person visited the border area while unknowingly infectious with measles.

The new case, a Melbourne resident in their 30s who acquired the infection while travelling abroad, visited the Culcairn Ampol service station between 12-12.35pm and the Astor Hotel in Albury between 12.30-3pm.

NSW Healths Dr Jeremy McAnulty said anyone unvaccinated for the disease who visited these locations on the same day and time should get advice from their local public health unit.

While this is the first measles case to visit NSW for two years, it shows just how important it is for everyone to make sure they have had two measles shots, Dr McAnulty said.

Symptoms can take almost three weeks to appear and can include fever, cough, runny nose, sore red eyes and a red spotty rash that typically starts on the head and spreads to the rest of the body.
A sharp fall in the number of public health order breaches as Victoria lifted pandemic restrictions has contributed to a significant reduction in the states crime rate.

For the year ending in March, Victoria recorded an 11.5 per cent drop in the number of criminal offences, the lowest figure since the same period in 2015.

Crime rates have fallen, thanks in part to a decline in public health order breaches. Credit:Justin McManus

The number of reported victims of crime also fell by 6768 over the year, which Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said was the lowest figure since police introduced the LEAP database in 1993.

Family violence incidents decreased 2.4 per cent over the year to March, with 90,794 incidents reported across the state.
It occurs to me that if a company withdrew its baked beans (another essential Australian resource) from supermarket shelves in order to drive up the price, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission would act so quickly that the company would not know what had hit it. Where is the ACCC on energy?

Maurie Trewhella, Hoppers Crossing Playing profit-driven companies at their own game Of course, power companies will exploit the market. They are profit-maximising companies and their shareholders expect them to make the most of any opportunities. The market needs more renewables where the short-term, marginal cost of producing electricity is almost zero and so there is less incentive to withhold any electricity from the market.

Gerry OReilly, Camberwell Little logic in running lights in empty buildings Is it too simplistic to wonder if turning off lighting in unmanned office buildings throughout the city and suburbs, and turning off multiple televisions in retail shops, would help to conserve electricity?

Claire Hogan, Northcote

Labors responsibility now, but its not too blame So, true to form, Peter Dutton is blaming the Labor government for the energy crisis. Why? Well, because he says it has spooked the energy market by transitioning to renewables too quickly. Even if his assertion that renewables have been growing too fast is correct  and this is debatable  he must be aware that the people most responsible for the debacle have been sitting next to him on the Coalition frontbench for some nine years. Labor has inherited the mess and is now responsible for cleaning it up. However, it defies all logic to claim the ALP caused it while in opposition where it was powerless to implement the necessary legislation or pull the required regulatory levers.

Kevin Bailey, Croydon Our lack of a cohesive and logical plan for power

On the news this week, I heard Anthony Albanese blame the previous government for possible power blackouts. Prime Minister, you must apportion blame equally between Labor, the Greens, the anti-coal cult and the former government for not providing a cohesive and logical plan for the way we generate power. Find and implement alternatives and then get rid of coal. We are being governed by non-thinkers.

Penny Hamilton, Shepparton FORUM Its time to stop, Crown

Can we possibly use the increased awareness of the scarcity of gas to stop, or at least shame, Crown Casino for its release of gas flames from its towers on the Yarra River every hour from 6pm to 2am. The casino has been an unconscionable use of fossil fuel since its creation in the 1990s. It is said that it uses as much gas as the City of Ballarat, but this may be an urban myth. The flames could be replaced by artistic, LED-light displays on the towers themselves if the purpose is to provide some degree of tourist attraction.

Lecki Ord, Melbourne Environmental crime The Albert Park circuit will host the Australian Grand Prix until at least 2035 (The Age, 16/6).

If the Andrews government really wanted to be at the forefront of action on climate, it would have junked the race: a showcase of fossil-fuel recklessness and environmental vandalism. Even if every vehicle were electric, the GP should be condemned. It encourages speeding, it promotes consumption of a dangerous drug, it consumes public parklands and it exalts waste of all kinds.

The many tens of millions of public money which goes into staging this spectacle every year is sickening. Motor racing is an environmental crime masquerading as sport.

Nick Legge, Taggerty Recklessly blazing away A television report on possible blackouts, with the reporter on the bank of the Yarra River, back-grounded by every CBD building and floor ablaze with lights. An example of corporate Australia being very them and us, again.

Gerry Lonergan, Reservoir Our forgotten homeless Over the long weekend, I visited Melbourne. My family and I were deeply shocked and saddened by how many people were homeless, left to beg for their wellbeing in the dead of winter. Surely, with the wealth Melbourne has, there should be services to help them.

Jenna Lockley, West Hindmarsh, SA

The haves and have nots The Fair Work Commission has awarded low-paid workers their biggest pay rise in 16 years (The Age, 16/6). I am interested to know what increase in remuneration those criticising the commissions decision are getting and what productivity increases they have delivered to justify that. The same applies to all executives and board members across the economy. Transparency would be good in this regard, and so I note that my total remuneration from three boards has increased by 0.4 per cent in the past two years.

David Hanna, Collingwood The right to a fair wage Employer groups claim that the Fair Work Commissions decision to award low-paid workers a pay rise will result in business closures. Businesses that can only operate by not paying their staff a living wage deserve no sympathy.

Peter Carlin, Frankston South

More pain for businesses It is all very well for Jessica Irvine to say, the commission determined a 5.2 per cent increase in the minimum wage bill could indeed be shouldered by businesses, and that seems about right (The Age, 16/6). Many small businesses have been under enormous difficulty to stay financially afloat over the past two years, with lockdowns and now many workers still not back in their offices. Perhaps these struggling businesses will not be able to cope with the crisis in fuel and energy costs on top of the wage rise. It should have been brought in over two years.

Helen Leach, Bendigo Overall, a very good deal Re Teachers quit union over pay deal (The Age, 16/6). So often in the past, the Australian Education Union bargained away (with the agreement of its members) conditions in exchange for cash.

It was refreshing to learn that the AEU had, on this recent occasion, bargained back successfully on previously lost, very valuable conditions. I hope the wonderful win on improved conditions is not diminished in all the publicity about the very small pay increase.

Elizabeth Wirtz, Kilcunda The ideal education All girls should go to single-sex schools. All boys need to go to co-ed schools. Wait, what? Both these suggestions have merit but cannot happen at the same time. Discuss. Just a thought...

Meredith Doig, St Kilda Inclusivity in language

American tourist Matt Moss, why refer to spinster theatregoers  Win for solo patrons in ticket row (Arts, 16/6)  with its connotations of old maid? Why not single theatregoers to be more inclusive?

Dianne Lewis, Mount Martha Love the word challenges DAs quick crossword (Puzzles, 3/6) introduced us to contronyms  for example, joins/splits, with the answer being cleaves. I felt chuffed when professor of linguistics Kate Burridge (Comment, 15/6) explained that a contronym is a word with two opposite meanings. Nice match.

Keep challenging us, DA, with your brain busters, and thanks, Kate, for your intelligent article.

Helen Clements, Mount Waverley The role of the linguist

As an unashamed traditionalist, I have exchanged views in the past with the admirable Kate Burridge on the role of professional linguists. My argument is that they should be concerned not just to record language changes, but to think about whether changes can lead to poverty of language itself, and so to ambiguity. Poverty? I remember challenging Kate on the fact that everything nowadays, from the platypus to the parsons nose, is incredible. She said, Its a virus. Fine, so the linguist should be at hand with a syringe. Ambiguity? Politicians all over the world are prone to claim I was misquoted when in fact they were bent on deliberate obfuscation. Words can kill. Linguists are not doctors, but they can reasonably be expected to be nurses.

Harvey Mitchell, Castlemaine Breaching our basic rights We presume that some major stores are using covert, face imaging to identify shoplifters.

It is often said by investigating authorities that if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to worry about. This reverses the onus of proof for criminal offending. History has shown that evidence of identification can be mistaken. Worse, this is a private, commercial database. Who knows what else it may be used for or who can access it? Who scrutinises its security and legitimacy on behalf of customers? We should not condone or acquiesce with the use of digital invasion which significantly risks breaching basic legal rights to privacy and innocence.

Cheri Lee, criminal barrister, Brunswick East Surely our civic duty I was interested to read that the new program, Trial and Error, turns the spotlight on the jury and how suited individuals are to sit in judgment (Greenguide, 16/6).

Recently I was summoned for jury service. I was shocked by the behaviour of some people in the jury pool  ie, stating loudly and repeatedly that they did not want to be there, not understanding basic instructions from the supervisor (I know because I was approached to explain what had been said) and saying they wanted the trial to be over with. All of the above progressed to the courtroom while I, disappointingly did not. I had always assumed that when summoned, you would be glad to perform your civic duty. How wrong (and naive) I was.

Samantha Keir, East Brighton Whats not to like? Your correspondent understands the need to eventually break the deadlock after almost two hours of playing and extra time but adds there is still something deeply unsatisfying about the penalty shoot-out (Letters, 14/6). I think that changing the format is the answer. I am probably not the first to suggest it, but if every match started with a penalty shootout, the result of which would not be considered unless the match ended in a draw, there is incentive for both teams to keep playing with full effort until the final whistle.

Plus there would be bonus entertainment at the start of each match. A win-win.

Mark Weatherseed, Kew RBAs mixed messages Where is the class action against the Reserve Bank for acting too late on interest rates and telling borrowers that they were unlikely to rise until 2024?

Jeff Waters, Melbourne A lesson from blood bank Experts are pushing for a national coronavirus database (The Age, 10/6). Currently each state and territory collects data on infections, hospitalisations, deaths etc separately.

If a national database for blood donors and blood product data was achieved by 2006 at the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, surely in 2022 the same can be done for coronavirus infections.

Dr Robert Hetzel, former CEO, Australian Red Cross Blood Service, 1996 to 2009 Too costly and complex I was once a strong advocate for nuclear energy, but no longer. But not because of any safety fears  such fears have long since been well dealt with. Rather, it is far too expensive and takes far too long to implement, whereas the cost of the many clean energy alternatives is rapidly dropping and they are capable of being introduced quickly and incrementally. In short, nuclears time has passed before it ever came.

Brian Wilson, Doncaster East Time for a tough approach We could fix education and health overnight if all politicians were required to send their children to public schools, and they and their immediate families were required to use public hospitals.

Also, tell the power companies that they need to fix their systems by June 30 to ensure cheap and reliable power to all Australians, or their companies will be nationalised. Pay them out at the written down values of their assets over 20 years.

Jeff Pay, Horsham AND ANOTHER THING Credit:Illustration: Matt Golding Life matters Weve suffered the pandemic and months of lockdowns. Now we have to face the harsh reality of life without lettuce.

Ron Mather, Melbourne

Lettuce pray.

Reverend Jim Pilmer, Camberwell Re facial imaging in some stores. Will The Good Guys become known as The Sneaky Guys?

Paul Murchison, Kingsbury Facial recognition technology on customers? Just when we thought it might be safe to take off those masks.

Deborah Morrison, Malvern East Use of the word unprecedented has now moved into uncharted territory.

Tim Shirley, Benalla Re Bailey Smith: Who would have thought there were that many Bulldog supporters around.

Greg Hardy, Upper Ferntree Gully

Politics Lettuce or cabbage? Which will Peter Dutton wield in parliament when he blames our economic woes on the new government?

Bernd Rieve, Brighton Assuage Assange, Anthony Albanese.

Rob Hocart, Tyabb Is Biden really any more humane than Trump? Tragically, not where Assange is concerned.

Tris Raouf, Hadfield It was very disappointing that Albanese did a gratuitous photo shoot with the Biloela family. Just do your job, please, without chasing a pat on the back.

Don Moran, Highett
Swapping stamp duty for property tax could save home buyers serious money in the short term, with new modelling showing it could take up to 18 years for the tax to add up to the stamp duty bill for a $1.5 million home.

Under proposed reforms set to receive funding in next weeks NSW budget, home buyers will be able to choose to pay an annual property tax rather than a stamp duty payment.

New modelling shows that it will take years for buyers to fork out property tax that would be comparable to stamp duty. Credit:Flavio Brancaleone

The changes would reduce upfront costs for buyers but add another bill to the household budget. While the lower annual tax would add up over the years, new Domain modelling shows that switching could leave some better off.

Domain chief of research and economics Dr Nicola Powell said it would take years for buyers to fork out property tax that would be comparable to stamp duty, making the tax a better option for those purchasing a home for the short to medium term.
Beersheba: An Israeli court on Wednesday convicted a Palestinian aid worker who has been detained for six years on Israeli charges that he funnelled tens of millions of dollars in relief funds to the militant group Hamas.

The Beersheba District Court found Mohammed el-Halabi guilty of supporting a terrorist organisation but acquitted him of treason, judges reading out the verdict said. They set a sentencing hearing for July.

Amro el-Halabi holds a picture of his father, Mohammed, who was the Gaza director of the international charity World Vision, now found guilty of diverting sums to Hamas. Credit:AP/Adel Hana

Halabi, head of Gaza operations for World Vision, an international Christian aid group, was arrested in June 2016, accused of siphoning off up to $US50 million ($71 million) to pay Hamas fighters, buy arms and fund the groups activities.

Halabi has denied the charges and refused several plea deal offers. He has told Reuters the charges were a set of lies meant to target humanitarian work in Gaza.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Take one of the most shocking attempts to subvert an election in recent history. Add a year-long investigation involving 1000 witnesses and 140,000 documents. Then package it into a prime-time TV event, choreographed by a master storyteller and former president of the American Broadcasting Company. The result is the January 6 congressional hearings, which kicked off in the US on June 9. The public hearings, billed as the most important since Watergate, are attempting to get to the bottom of former president Donald Trumps role in the attack on the Capitol in January 2021. The riot left several people dead, about 150 police officers injured and a nation shocked and divided. In a hyper-partisan country where millions of Americans have already made up their mind about January 6  and where Trumps hold on the Republican Party remains stronger than ever  the question remains: how successful will these hearings be? First, though: How do the hearings actually work? A Fox News video of former US president Donald Trump displayed on a screen during a hearing of the January 6 committee. Credit:The Washington Post Whats a congressional hearing? A congressional hearing is an official meeting of a Senate committee, House committee or, in this case, a select committee, designed to acquire information about matters of public interest. They can be as stock standard as an examination of a bill or as gut-wrenching as the hearing into gun violence, which in June featured the heartbreaking testimony of victims and families involved in the Texas and Buffalo mass shootings.

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Whatever form they take, they usually include oral testimony from witnesses, who can be compelled to appear before them, questioning of the witnesses by members of Congress and a final report or decision. These reports can lead to legislative amendments or recommendations for policy reform. Loading Whats the aim of these hearings? The idea emerged in the immediate aftermath of the Capitol riots, when protesters stormed the building where members of the US Senate and House of Representatives meet, in an attempt to stop Congress from certifying Joe Bidens election victory. The breach took place shortly after Trump delivered a speech nearby, which ended with the words: We fight. We fight like hell and if you dont fight like hell, youre not going to have a country anymore. So lets walk down Pennsylvania Avenue. The avenue connects the White House and the Capitol. In the aftermath, shell-shocked politicians began discussing the need for a probe into what led to the event, how the Capitol building was breached so easily and what could be done to prevent it from happening again. An independent commission modelled on the panel that investigated the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks was proposed but ended up being rejected by Republicans. House Democrats then opted for a special investigative panel. In June 2021, the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol was born.

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Chaired by Mississippi congressman Bennie Thompson, a Democrat, the committee is made up of seven Democrats in total and two of the few Republicans who had earlier voted for Trumps impeachment: Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney, the daughter of former vice president Dick Cheney, and Adam Kinzinger, a 44-year-old politician from Illinois who plans to quit politics later this year. Both have been sidelined by Republican colleagues for speaking out against Trump. They have scheduled seven hearings for this month. Loading The committees claim is that Trump incited the January 6 attack and was central to a deliberate conspiracy to overturn the 2020 US election result. Aided by the storytelling expertise of former ABC News president James Goldston, who has been brought in to produce some of the hearings, the committee is weaving a narrative focusing on several themes: Trumps false claim of electoral fraud; the push to stop vice president Mike Pence from certifying the election; Trumps attempts to stay in office by pressuring the Department of Justice; and how he directed his supporters to march to the Capitol and fight like hell against Joe Bidens victory. There is no room for debate, Cheney, the committees vice chair, declared in her opening remarks. Those who invaded our capital and battled law enforcement for hours were motivated by what president Trump had told them: that the election was stolen and that he was the rightful president. Trump summoned the mob, assembled the mob and lit the flame of this attack. Republican Liz Cheney gives her opening remarks as Democrat Bennie Thompson (left) and Republican Adam Kinzinger look on at the first public hearing of the committee investigating the US Capitol riots. Credit:AP

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Whats the most famous congressional hearing in history? The best-known congressional hearing was conducted 50 years ago by the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities  known as the Watergate committee. Those hearings began in 1973 to investigate illegal, improper, or unethical activities stemming from a break-in at the Democratic National Committees headquarters at the Watergate Hotel in Washington DC, which was connected to Richard Nixons campaign aides. Watergate was televised, allowing millions of Americans to tune in to hear the often shocking testimony of witnesses. Minds were changed and so, too, was the course of US political history. Tapes had revealed that Nixon had conspired to cover up activities that took place after the break-in and later tried to use federal officials to deflect the investigation. In August 1974, facing likely impeachment, he resigned. Former US president Richard Nixon became infamous for the Watergate scandal. Credit:AP Today, the audience for the hearings is much more fragmented thanks to the internet, although the prime-time opening did relatively well for a congressional address, with about 20 million Americans tuned in. (Bidens State of the Union address drew an audience of 38 million people.) Other high-profile congressional hearings have included the Senate Intelligence Committee investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election; the investigations into the 2012 Benghazi attack against two US government facilities in Libya by members of the Islamic militant group Ansar al-Sharia; and the Army-McCarthy hearings of 1954 between the US Army and Senator Joseph McCarthy.

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Who is appearing before these January 6 hearings? The hearings present a roll-call of people in the former presidents orbit who were either worried about what was happening and resisting Trumps stolen election conspiracy or seemingly fuelling it. Among the star witnesses is former attorney-general Bill Barr, who testified that he thought Trumps claims of election fraud were bullshit and that he tried, unsuccessfully, to convince him not to pursue them. I was somewhat demoralised because I thought, boy, if he really believes this stuff ... hes become detached from reality, Barr told investigators in one of the key lines of the hearings so far. The committee has also met with key members of Trumps family. His daughter Ivanka Trump endorsed Barrs view that there was no election fraud and believed her fathers decision to claim victory on election night was premature, as most of the votes had not been counted. So did other key witnesses, including Trumps campaign manager, Bill Stepien, senior adviser Jason Miller and top White House lawyer Eric Herschmann. There are some notable names not on the list. The main one is Donald Trump. Herschmann testified that he viewed the plan to overthrow the election as potentially criminal. Retired federal judge Michael Luttig, an adviser to Pence at the time, also testified the plan was unlawful. He said that if Pence had accepted Trumps demands, it would have plunged America into what I believe would have been tantamount to a revolution within a constitutional crisis.

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In the middle of the 2021 portion of the pandemic, director Igor Golyak and his company, the Arlekin Players Theatre, came together to create ChekhovOS, a blend of theater, cinematography, and virtual reality. Coming out of the pandemic, Golyak has merged the universe of the internet with the real-life theater world to create The Orchard, a new in-person and virutal production of Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard, now running at the Baryshnikov Arts Center.

On screen, the namesake of the venue, the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov, played Chekhov. In person, we get a rare stage appearance as he takes on the role of Firs, the old servant, opposite theatrical stalwart Jessica Hecht as Ranevskaya. Here, they both tell us about building this world.

Mikhail Baryshnikov and Jessica Hecht with their cast mates in The Orchard at Baryshnikov Arts Center

( Maria Baranova)

How did you get involved with this production?

Jessica Hecht: My brother-in-law is from Ukraine, and he's a big supporter of Igor's company. They're all part of this amazing, small community  my brother-in-law's a doctor, but they all have this history of being refugees and coming here. He told me he thought I would really respond to his work, and I'd seen so much Zoom theater already that I started watching while making dinner. Within five minutes, I stopped actually making dinner, because I thought it was remarkable. I found the aesthetic really fascinating; it wasn't like the kind of theater you could see on Zoom. I got very excited by it and I asked to meet Igor. [to Mikhail] How did you get involved with Igor?

Mikhail Baryshnikov: Igor started to make The Cherry Orchard virtually. BAC, our center, was involved in that production at some point, and they decided to do it in person, so he asked me initially about playing the old servant, Firs. But I'm also Anton Chekhov.

Is this a live version of ChekhovOS, which you both did over the pandemic?

Jessica: No. The virtual representation of the orchard will be a hybrid of what you saw in ChekhovOS and new pieces that Misha has filmed as Chekhov, and then a little piece that I filmed as Olga Knipper [Chekhov's wife]. And then it feeds into a little stream, and then you enter the production that we are doing live.

Mikhail: The virtual production is based on the letters of Chekhov and Olga, and Chekhov's letters to Stanislavsky, his mother, his sister, and then we have a little meeting.

Jessica: That combination of the Anton/Olga piece with the play is only accessible in the virtual production. The live production has its own magic and many elements that are really remarkable. What's interesting about putting it together is that Misha and Igor know a tremendous amount about Chekhov. I was thinking to myself, is it the same as American acting students knowing so much about Williams or Miller? They just have an inbred understanding of the world. I shouldn't say Americans got it wrong, but it's been more stilted than it could be, and I hope that this is freeing of the idea of what Chekhov might have wanted theatrically.

Jessica, was Ranevskaya one of those roles you always wanted to play?

Jessica: Yes. I did want to play her very much, but I'm not the kind of person that has a list. I don't have the Linda in Death of a Salesman or Amanda in The Glass Menagerie. If somebody engages me with an idea of what they think a part could be, then I get really excited, because it's also about the collaboration. Igor understood Chekhov in a way that I could only dream about, so that opened my mind to what the part could be.

Mikhail Baryshnikov and Jessica Hecht in The Orchard at Baryshnikov Arts Center

( Maria Baranova)

What is it like to do this Russian play now, in light of everything that's going on?

Jessica: It's an interesting question doing a Russian play at this moment. I thought we would spend more time talking about the war. There is a direct reference to the war in the play. It's little known that Chekov spent a large part of his life in Ukraine. His home was the neighboring town to Bucha. But doing a Russian play at this moment is really important. Misha wrote an article for The Guardian about why you shouldn't defame Russian artists. They created these things as affirmation, so to consider them part of what we are reviled by...We should not put the horrors of the moment into the same baskets as the artists.

Mikhail: It's such a tragic situation right now. A good part of the country are totally with their president, supporting this so-called operation, which is nonsense of course. It's an ugly, bloody, unnecessary aggression. Right in the last few months, there was a big movement of people who are escaping their homeland one way or another because they couldn't bear it. For me, it's extraordinary and disturbing and tragic and not human that they'd put tape on people's mouths and silence their voices. It's awful. I've lived in the free world, next year, 50 years. I just cannot imagine how people live under such oppression. I try to help as much as possible, to raise money for refugees and the children's programs and education.

Should people come see The Orchard in person or virtually?

Jessica: I would love for them to see it in person just because I want people to come back to the theater. That's all. There's a sense of communal grief and empathy that we get by sitting in a theater together. There's a lot of humor in this play and we have a lot of funny moments, and it's meant to be funny.

Mikhail: It is a comedy. That's the best part of it. Under personal tragedies and political uncertainties, like in our country, to see the comedy, because it's so multi-layered and emotional and sad. For me, personally, this is scary, because I have not been onstage in a few years.

Jessica: But no one's been onstage for a few years.

Mikhail: But you work nonstop. I'm not an actor. You're going from show to show, to film, to television, and I'm doing one show every two or three years. We're sitting here at our center, which is my main job. The rest is icing on the cake.
Batavia, NY (14020)

Today

Mostly cloudy this evening with showers developing after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy this evening with showers developing after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
A police tape is seen in this undated photo. (Dreamstime/TNS)

3 Men Killed in Shooting at Party in Boyle Heights Identified

LOS ANGELESAuthorities identified on June 16 the third of three men fatally shot during a party at a warehouse in Boyle Heights.

The shooting was reported at about 12:30 a.m. Sunday in the 1400 block of South Lorena Street, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported.

Randy Tyson, 25, and Daniel Dunbar, 27, both of Los Angeles, died at the scene, the Los Angeles County coroners office reported on Monday. James Anguiano, 22, of Los Angeles, died at hospital, the coroners office reported on Thursday.

One person was hospitalized in critical condition, two others were hospitalized in stable condition, and a fourth was treated and released, the LAPD reported. No arrests were reported.

The shooting took place at a party that had featured a performance by the Huntington Park rapper Money Sign Suede, according to broadcast reports.
Former President Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Casper, Wyoming, on May 28, 2022. (Chet Strange/Getty Images)

A Great Night!: Trump Celebrates Primary Wins in Nevada, North Dakota, South Carolina

Former President Donald Trump was excited to see many political candidates he endorsed have secured victory in recent primary races.

Every single endorsed by Trump candidate won last night, by big margins, with the exception of one very long shot who did FAR better than anticipated against an incumbent, Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social on June 15.

He added, The Impeacher was ousted without even a runoff. A GREAT night!

On Tuesday, in primaries in Nevada, South Carolina, and North Dakota, many candidates that Trump supported secured a victory. A defeat occurred in South Carolinas 1st Congressional District race, when Trump-endorsed Katie Arrington lost to incumbent Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.).

In a separate post, Trump said Arrington was a long shot at winning the race, but she ran a great race and way over performed. Trump added, Congrats to Nancy Mace, who should easily be able to defeat her Democrat opponent!

State Rep. Russell Fry defeated Rep. Tom Rice (R-S.C.) in South Carolinas 7th Congressional District. Rice was one of 10 GOP House members who voted to impeach Trump for allegedly inciting the Capitol breach on Jan. 6, 2021.

On Frys victory, Trump wrote in another post, The biggest News of the evening so far is that Russell Fry beat Impeach Master Tom Rice with a Vote of more than 51%, therefore winning outright with no need for a run-off.

Speaking to supporters following his victory, Fry said: Today, Donald Trump won.

Other victories included incumbent Gov. Henry McMaster, who received more than 83 percent of the vote in South Carolinas Republican gubernatorial primary.

William Timmons (R-S.C.) won with nearly 53 percent of the vote. He will represent South Carolinas 4th Congressional District in the November elections.

Alan Wilson, incumbent South Carolina Attorney General, won the Republican primary and is all but assured of winning the November election since no Democrats are running against him.

Three incumbent lawmakers won unopposedSen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Rep. Jose Wilson (R-S.C.), and Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.).

In Nevada, Trump-endorsed Senate candidate Adam Laxalt won with 56.1 percent of the vote. He will face off against incumbent Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) in the November elections.

Also in Nevada, Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo defeated other candidates with 38.4 percent of the vote. He will be looking to unseat democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak.

Mike Pompeo, former secretary of state under the Trump administration, took to Twitter to congratulate both Lombardo and Laxalt for their primary wins.

The future for Nevada is bright with these two conservative leaders running for Governor and Senate! Pompeo wrote.

In North Dakota, incumbent Republican Sen. John Hoeven won with 78 percent of the vote. In the states House race, Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) won unopposed.

Trump has had a strong endorsement record so far this year. According to Ballotpedia, Trump has a 94 percent success rate as of June 15, as 119 candidates he endorsed have won and eight have lost.

Other Trump-endorsed candidates that have won recently include House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem.

A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the political affiliation of Sen. John Hoeven. Hoeven is a Republican. The Epoch Times regrets this error.
Students take a break between classes at Park Lane Academy in Halifax, northwest England on March 17, 2021. (Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images)

Amendment Aims to Give Parents the Right to View Education Materials

A new amendment aims to give parents the chance to view all curriculum materials that their children will be introduced to, especially on relationships and sex education matters.

Proposed by Labour Baroness Morris and Conservative Lord Sandhurst on June 10, if accepted, the amendment would clarify in law that parents have the right to view all curriculum materials that their children will be exposed to in schools.

Where parents request it, schools must allow parents to view all curriculum materials used in schools, including those provided by external third-party charitable and commercial providers, it was written in the amendment.

The British governments Schools Bill, which is currently in the House of Lords, is a new ambitious piece of legislation that aims to raise schooling standards across the country by increasing attendance and improving safeguarding.

In 2019, a statutory requirement for schools in England to teach Relationships/ Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and Health Education, abbreviated as RSHE, was introduced.

At the time, the government wrote that its guiding principles (pdf) have been that all of the compulsory subject content must be age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate.

It must be taught sensitively and inclusively, with respect to the backgrounds and beliefs of pupils and parents while always with the aim of providing pupils with the knowledge they need of the law, it added.

Though some have criticised independent RSE providers teaching gender identity in classrooms.

One is the School of Sexuality Education which provides in-school workshops on consent, sexual health, porn, and positive relationships and who says its approach is rights-based, sex-positive, non-binary and trauma-informed.

This clear call for parental engagement reflects the potential sensitivity around RSE subject matter and should work as a bulwark against ideology and inappropriate and inaccurate material, wrote the campaign group Conservatives for Women in response to the news. Parents across the country have been alarmed by their children returning home from school and recounting stories about the transgressive / scientifically inaccurate material they have been taught.

When parents have approached schools asking to view RSE material some have been blocked. When parents have pressed hard on this matter, some schools have continued to block them and some have used the argument that RSE content provided by external providers is commercially confidential, added Conservatives for Women.

UK & Ireland Campaign Director at CitizenGO and Catholic writer Caroline Farrow told The Epoch Times that the amendment was extremely welcome news, but she added that a repeal of the legislation that makes relationship and sex education compulsory in primary schools, is urgently required.

Farrow was instrumental in setting up the petition to scrap The Family Sex Show which invited families to take children from age five to explore themes such as boundaries, pleasure, consent, queerness, and sex as well as featuring full-frontal nudity. The School of Sexuality is a consultant to the Family Sex Show.

If this is restricted to being on the school premises, this overcomes any concerns from external providers about commercial confidentiality, she said.

Farrow said that education should be a partnership between parents and schools.

Parents are the first and primary educators and schools have no right to impose values on children, especially when said values run contrary to the parents own values and ethics, whether religious or secular, she added.

Parents have a right to know what their children are being taught and several red flags should be raised if schools are trying to hide sexually explicit or LGBT curricula from parents, especially when said curricula contains scientifically inaccurate material, added Farrow.

In neighbouring Wales, parents are currently fighting Wales compulsory sex education, which the government says will gradually empower learners from a young age in subjects such as equity, sex, gender, and sexuality. A High Court judge has granted a judicial review of the compulsory sex education plans.

The exact material content of the Welsh RSE has not come out yet. But it is known that RSE has entirely removed the word sex from its curriculum along with the terms male, female, boys, girls, straight, or heterosexual.

Children will also learn about relationships, rights, equity, sex, gender, sexuality, bodies, body image, sexual health, well-being as well as violence, safety, and support.
Arizonas Brnovich, States Not Giving Up on Reviving Trumps Immigrant Self-Sufficiency Rule

Coalition of 13 states are weighing options after Supreme Court reversed itself and tossed appeal

The 13 states that banded together to try to defend the so-called public charge rule are weighing their options about how to revive the policy after the Supreme Court dismissed their appeal, according to an aide to Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich.

The Trump-era rule screened out potentially taxpayer-dependent immigrants, but the Biden administration refused to defend it before the often-reversed U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

In addition to Brnovich, a Republican, the attorneys general of Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and West Virginia were also petitioners in the Supreme Court case. According to Brnovich, the rule saved the states, collectively, more than $1 billion per yeara figure the Biden administration disputesand killing the rule would reimpose these costs on the states.

The public charge rule, which had fallen into disuse, was resurrected by the Trump administration in 2019 over vehement left-wing opposition. The rule allows the U.S. government to reject would-be immigrants who were deemed likely to consume public benefits such as food stamps, housing aid, and Medicaid.

Although critics claim that the extensively litigated pro-taxpayer rule is xenophobic and that it discriminates against poor aliens, the public-charge principlethe idea that immigrants should have to prove that they can survive in the United States without becoming wards of the governmenthas been part of the American experience for centuries.

Despite dropping Trumps version of the public charge inadmissibility regulation, the Biden administration drafted a new, watered-down version.

The Supreme Court reversed itself on June 15 in Arizona v. San Francisco, when it decided that it erred when it previously agreed to hear an appeal by states that wanted to be given the opportunity to defend the pro-taxpayer immigrant self-sufficiency rule in court, as The Epoch Times reported. Brnovich argued the case before the high court on Feb. 23.

In an opinion concurring with the dismissal of the case, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the Biden administrations legal maneuvering in the case muddied the waters, making it difficult to flesh out the myriad of complex issues involved.

It has become clear that this mares nest could stand in the way of our reaching the question presented on which we granted certiorari, or at the very least, complicate our resolution of that question, Roberts wrote (pdf), with the concurrence of Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch.

Brittni Thomason, spokesperson for the Arizona Attorney Generals Office, said the coalition of states is regrouping.

We argued to uphold the 2019 Public Charge Rule at SCOTUS because this type of requirement has been part of our countrys immigration policies for over 100 years. It is common sense to protect our emergency assistance resources for American families and prevent them from being exhausted by escalating numbers of arriving migrants who cannot support themselves. Allowing the Biden administration to recklessly abandon the defense of such rules will further the devastating consequences of this border crisisnow, and for many years to come, Thomason said.

We appreciate the four justices who recognized that todays dismissal should not affect other litigation related to the 2019 Public Charge Rule, its repeal, or replacement by a new rule. Our coalition of states will evaluate how best to continue this important fight, Thomason told The Epoch Times by email after press time on June 15.

Dale L. Wilcox, executive director and general counsel of the Immigration Reform Law Institute, also vowed to continue to fight for the public charge rule.

From Colonial times onwards, America has insisted that settlers and immigrants be self-sufficient, not taxpayer-dependent, Wilcox told The Epoch Times by email.

This rule has served our nation well, but in recent decades it hasnt been enforced, to the point where immigrant households now depend on public assistance more than native households do. Despite this ruling, the fight will continue against this effort to trample the rule of law as well as the interests of Americans.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, an opponent of the Trump rule, celebrated the Supreme Courts decision.

While the fight is never over, immigrant communities in California and across the nation should rest a little easier tonight, Bonta, a Democrat, said in a statement.

The Trump-era public charge rule no longer exists. In court after court, we have prevailed against those who seek to tear us apart and rip away access to sorely needed public programs. In California, we will not let up in our efforts to defend the rights of all of our residents.
Across the country, there are some great summer exhibitions that highlight fine European art and craftsmanship, from rare French medieval architecture and stained glass in Philadelphia, to remarkably colorful ancient Greek and Roman sculpture in New York, to Renaissance prints from Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands at the advent of printing, in Washington, D.C.

Bringing Color Back to Ancient Sculpture

Vibrant, colorful replicas of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures will soon arrive in New York and will be on display alongside similar original masterpieces. Its surprising, almost jarring, to see these ancient works depicting gods, goddesses, important personalities, and mythological creatures painted in lively colors with flesh-toned paint, colorful clothes (often in striking patterns), and sometimes with touches of gold. But this is how ancient sculpture used to be.

For centuries, the pure white marble statue has been the quintessential image of ancient sculpture. The idea of the uncolored ancient sculpture began during the Italian Renaissance (in the 16th century to be exact), when the sculptures fit into the ideal of art that artists were looking for, Vinzenz Brinkmann explains in a video.

Brinkmann is the head of the department of antiquity at the Liebieghaus Sculpture Collection in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, where for 40 years his team has been researching ancient artists use of color.

Marble finial in the form of a sphinx, circa 530 B.C., Greek Archaic period (circa 650480 B.C.) Parian marble; 56 1/8 inches tall. Munsey Fund, 1936, 1938. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. (Public Domain)

He explained that, in the 18th century, when archaeologists began excavating ancient sites in Rome and then in Greece, they unearthed artifacts with traces of paint. But the myth of uncolored ancient art continued. Even in the 20th century, when researchers used science to confirm that color was used on ancient statues, the idea of colorless ancient sculpture still reigned.

Brinkmann and his team began looking at the ancient sculpture under the microscope with their naked eyes, then they used technology such as ultraviolet light, and then infrared luminescence photography to discover finer details. The Metropolitan Museum of Art will present this research in its Chroma: Ancient Sculpture in Color exhibition. On display will be 14 of the German teams reconstructions of Greek and Roman sculpture alongside similar works from The Mets collection.

The Mets departments of Greek and Roman art worked with Brinkmann and his team to reconstruct, in color, the museums Archaic-period Sphinx finial (a decorative ornament to highlight a structure), which once crowned a grave stele (stone funeral monument) also in the museums collection.

The Chroma: Ancient Sculpture in Color exhibition runs July 5, 2022March 26, 2023. To find out more, visit MetMuseum.org

American Treasures of French Medieval Art and Architecture

American lawyer and businessman Raymond Pitcairn must have seen many great works of art and architecture in his lifetime. He shared his mothers love for European art and, from the age of 3, traveled to Europe almost every year until he was married.

Pitcairn (18851966) went on to become a notable collector of medieval art and architecture. It was an era of art he loved above all others. Of all the works of art created by the hands of men, there are none that seem to live, through the human spirit that breathes within their every part, as do the marvelous churches and cathedrals of the Middle Ages, he wrote in 1920.

Pitcairn focused on collecting exemplary pieces of Gothic and Romanesque monumental sculptures and stained glass in particular, especially French pieces from 1100 to 1300.

He collected art for the sheer love of it, but he also oversaw the construction of the Gothic and Romanesque-style Bryn Athyn Cathedral (19171928) in Pennsylvania (which was funded by his father, the industrialist John Pitcairn), and he wanted to find the best art to copy.

Artists and artisans worked in the traditional manner for the cathedrals construction, in onsite workshops dedicated to stone, wood, metal, and stained glass.

Art lovers wanting to see Pitcairns collection can normally do so at the Glencairn Museum in Bryn Athyn, just north of Philadelphia, in the mansion home where he lived with his wife for 40 years. But currently, the museum is undergoing refurbishment.

The Flight into Egypt, believed to be from the Infancy of Christ Stained-Glass Window, circa 1145, by anonymous. Stained glass; 20 1/2 inches by 19 3/4 inches, from the Basilica of St. Denis, Paris. On loan from The Glencairn Museum, Bryn Athyn, Philadelphia. (Courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art)

Luckily, visitors to the Philadelphia Museum of Art can see some of Pitcairns most celebrated works in its exhibition Medieval Treasures From the Glencairn Museum. Included in the exhibition, for example, is the best-preserved piece of Early Gothic glass in America: the stained-glass The Flight into Egypt panel from the Basilica of St. Denis, in Paris. (The St. Denis choir is the first complete example of Gothic architecture.)

Exhibition visitors can also see exceptional architectural sculpture, such as a capital (the broad, top part of a column) from St. Guilhem-le-Desert in Herault, southern France.

The Medieval Treasures From the Glencairn Museum exhibition runs June 24, 2022Fall 2023. To find out more, visit PhilaMuseum.org

New to National Gallery in Washington: Northern Renaissance Prints

Visitors to the National Gallery of Art (NGA) in Washington will soon be able to see an early engraving by German artist Albrecht Durer, titled Saint Jerome Penitent in the Wilderness.

In the engraving, Durer showed Jerome paying penance in his desert hermitage, far from the temptations of Rome. He solemnly gazes at a crudely made cross sticking out of a crag, as he holds the rock he uses to beat against his chest.

Saint Jerome Penitent in the Wilderness, circa 1496, by Albrecht Durer. Engraving on laid paper; 12 1/2 inches by 8 3/4 inches. Joan and David Maxwell Fund, Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund and The Ahmanson Foundation, The National Gallery of Art, Washington. (Public Domain)

Durer so deftly rendered Jeromes remorseful facial expression that its hard not to be moved. The lion Jerome tamed, by pulling a thorn from its paw, is sitting by his side.

Durer had recently returned from Venice, Italy, when he created this image, which was a popular subject in Italy but not so in Germany. The work is one of some 30 prints by Renaissance artists working in Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands that will be in the gallerys new exhibition: The Renaissance in the North: New Prints and Perspectives.

All the exhibition works are new NGA acquisitions that together show how art and ideas spread across Europe in the late-15th and 16th centuries through the new medium of printing. On display are woodcuts, etchings, and engravings for portraits, public decoration, and private devotion.

The Renaissance in the North: New Prints and Perspectives exhibition runs July 3Nov. 27, 2022. To find out more, visit NGA.gov
Evaporation pools for the extraction of lithium are seen at the Salar de Uyuni, a vast white salt flat at the center of a global resource race for the battery metal lithium, outside of Uyuni, Bolivia, on March 26, 2022. (Claudia Morales/Reuters)

Austin-Based Startup EnergyX Out of Bolivian Lithium Race Over Technicality

Russia, China, and Gates-Backed Lilac Solutions remain in the running

American startup EnergyX and Argentine energy firm Tecpetrol have been disqualified from a race to mine Bolivian lithium, the government said, as the country aims to tap its vast resources in partnership with one or more foreign companies.

Bolivia has the worlds largest lithium resources but it has struggled for decades to mine them commercially, amping up its efforts last year amid a surge in demand for batteries for electric vehicles.

Six firms are still competing to secure a partnership. They include Russias Uranium One, U.S. startup Lilac Solutionsbacked by German carmaker BMW and Bill Gatess Breakthrough Energy Venturesand giant Chinese battery maker CATL. The others are Chinese firms Fusion Enertech, TBEA Co. Ltd., and CITIC Guoan Group Co.

None of the firms has exploited lithium at a commercial scale before.

The Bolivian government did not say why Austin, Texas-based EnergyX and Tecpetrol had been disqualified. The government said on Tuesday it expected to announce final results on June 15.

EnergyX said in a statement released over the weekend that its disqualification was over a technicality in Bolivian state-owned lithium company Yacimientos de Litios Bolivianoss (YLB) tender process.

The company humbly acknowledges it was 10 minutes late in submitting its final report (12:10 am, May 16, 2022), and YLB has indicated that this missed deadline was the reason EnergyX was disqualified from the evaluation process, EnergyX said in the release.

EnergyX is confident that our lithium-ion transport and separation (LiTAS) technology is the most advanced DLE technology, and the data collected during the pilot plants continuous 4 months of fieldwork operated by Bolivian engineers, and verified by YLB laboratories with hundreds of tested samples (337 tests to be exact), reflects this, it continued. The EnergyX pilot achieved 94% recovery, very high concentrations of lithium, very low impurities, all with minimal use of water, energy, and chemicals.

EnergyX was perhaps the most prominent competitor, having begun production tests a lithium extraction pilot facility on Bolivias Uyuni salt flat this year. It has also courted officials and aired advertising on Bolivian television to show its technology.

EnergyX recently hired Juan Carlos Barrera to oversee operations in South America. Barrera is a former senior official at Chiles SQM, one of the worlds largest lithium producers.

Tecpetrol did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Bolivia still faces significant hurdles in mining its lithium resources, including legal restrictions that currently prevent private companies from doing the extraction.

South America has the worlds largest lithium reserves, but Bolivia is behind Chilethe worlds No. 2 producerand Argentinawhich has a promising pipeline of new projects.

Reuters contributed to this report.
This handout picture released by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on June 2, 2022 shows Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong (R) attending a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Samoa Fiame Naomi Mata'afa in Apia. (Sarah Friend/Courtesy of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs. (D/AFP via Getty Images)

Australian Foreign Minister to Visit Solomons Amid Concerns of Beijing Security Deal

Australias Labor Foreign Minister Penny Wong will visit the Solomon Islands in the coming days amid increasingly strained ties with Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare over a contentious security deal with Beijing.

This will be the third trip to the Pacific region by Wong who will also visit New Zealand, following earlier visits to Fiji, as well as Samoa and Tonga.

We are committed to deepening our cooperation with Solomon Islands, as we work together to face shared challenges and achieve our shared goals, including on climate change, Wong said in a statement.

I look forward to discussing the ways we can continue to make progress on pandemic recovery, economic development and labour mobility priorities, and addressing our shared security interests.

Wongs meeting with Prime Minister Sogavare will be a departure from the approach of the previous Coalition government, with former Foreign Minister Marise Payne deliberately avoiding high-level talks with Sogavare on advice from foreign affairs officials.

The Labor government has, since winning office, embarked on person-to-person meetings with the leaders of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, neighbouring Indonesia, and the Pacificin an attempt to leave its own mark on foreign relations.

More ambitious climate change initiatives have also been a key point of difference from the last government, which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Wong have honed in oncurrently half a billion dollars of climate funding has been promised to the Pacific nations.

Yet experts have been reluctant to embrace this approach with former professor of political communication Eric Louw, an expert in affirmative action, warning that corrupt leaders would simply exploit Western sentiments around climate changeand guilt around colonialismto obtain funding.

Corruption is an overt problem in many Pacific nations.

Sogavare believes he can cash in on the emergence of global competition between the United States and China, he wrote in The Epoch Times.

While former Australian special forces officer Heston Russell said little could be achieved appealing directly to the leaders of the Pacific nations, instead, he said democratic leaders should focus on grassroots engagement.

Theres a separation between the political level and local population. Most of the population are too busy surviving and going about their everyday lives and are not actively engaged in politics or whats going on, he previously told The Epoch Times.

That allows the political elite to exploit the country, be influenced, be corrupted, and that plays right into the hands of countries with big resources, big regions, big power bases like the Chinese.

Russell, who previously worked in the Pacific, said democratic nations could work in tandem, with the United States providing an overarching strategic, financial, and diplomatic framework to tackle Beijing in the Pacific, with Australia and New Zealand providing the actual boots on the ground to assist with human connections, sport, building schools, assisting with infrastructure, and helping with disaster relief.

These efforts would eventually galvanise the base and pressure leaders from the ground up and potentially reinvigorate the democratic process from the ground up.

In March, suspicions around Beijings long-term ambitions in the Pacific crystallised with the emergence of a security deal signed with the Solomons prime minister that would allow the Chinese Communist Party to station troops, weapons, and naval ships in the regionjust 1,700 kilometres from Australias northern city of Cairns.

Full realisation of the deal could see militarisation of the South Pacific akin to the South China Sea and elevate tensions in the region.

A situation seemingly more likely to eventuate with Chinese leader Xi Jinpings recent signing of trial outlines that will allow the communist regimes military to be stationed in other countries for military operations outside of war.
Attorney General William Barr speaks during a roundtable discussion on "America's seniors" hosted by President Donald Trump in the Cabinet Room at the White House on June 15, 2020. (Leah Millis/Reuters)

Barrs Jan. 6 Committee Testimony Provokes Pushback From Election Watchdog Group

Former U.S. Attorney General William Barr bolstered the Jan. 6 House committees case that the 2020 presidential election was the most secure in history.

He also did his best to debunk former President Donald Trumps claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him, the Trump-appointed Republican testified in a recorded deposition that aired nationwide on June 13.

He told the committee he hadnt seen any evidence of voter fraud on a scale that could have affected the outcome of the presidential election.

Documentary filmmaker Dinesh DSouza couldnt disagree more.

DSouzas latest movie, 2000 Mules, contains detailed evidence of an organized illegal vote-harvesting scheme operated in Democratic-dominated cities in key swing states in the weeks leading up to the 2020 electiona crime that many voters and the Trump campaign want independently investigated to determine if it could have altered the result.

Teaming with True the Vote, a public interest election watchdog organization, DSouza and a squad of investigators purchased 10 trillion cellphone pings (unique identity signals) to reconstruct the movements of suspected ballot traffickers.

Filmmaker Dinesh DSouza in Washington on Aug. 1, 2018. (Shannon Finney/Getty Images)

The states included in the study were Georgia, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Texas.

The group also obtained and reviewed thousands of hours of government surveillance tape of the drop boxes where the alleged traffickers, whom they called mules, could be seen depositing multiple ballots on multiple occasions.

Four million minutes of drop box video were reviewed in Georgia alone.

The painstaking and costly 15-month study was funded by donations from the human rights organization First Freedoms.

The video review was part of the process the group usedalong with personal interviews with traffickers and information from tipstersto estimate the number of fraudulent absentee ballots that were likely deposited in the drop boxes.

True the Vote cyber-expert Gregg Phillips estimates that 4.8 million votes were trafficked nationally in 2020.

During his deposition, Barr laughed as he mentioned 2000 Mules. He said the films cellphone tracking investigation and photographic evidence were unimpressive, and that its conclusions were indefensible.

According to Barr, the documentary didnt establish widespread illegal harvesting.

True the Vote spokesperson Catherine Engelbrecht told The Epoch Times, Over 80 percent of Americans are concerned about election integrity.

Bill Barr took some cheap shots with his fellow Beltway buddies, but America isnt laughing.

Engelbrecht said the Department of Justice under Barr did very little to investigate the 2020 election.

Instead, he mocked President Trump and disregarded nationwide entreaties for help.

Now, hes supporting the January 6 Committee and their use of cellphone dataso reliable they rush to jail Americans without trial.

Yet, when the same data is used to expose patterns of drop box abuse and election fraud, he is totally disinterested, Engelbrecht said.

On Twitter, DSouza challenged Barr to a public debate on election fraud, writing, What do you say, Barr? Do you dare back up your belly laughs with arguments that can withstand rebuttal and cross-examination?

Engelbrecht told The Epoch Times: We have not been asked to present our findings to the committee, nor will we be. They will never risk giving us that platform.

Their interest is not in getting to the truth. Never has been.

DSouza told The Epoch Times, The hearings are one-sided propaganda, not an attempt to get to the truth.

He has repeatedly said that the evidence presented in 2000 Mules is indisputable, and invites people to judge for themselves.

True the Vote founder and President Catherine Engelbrecht makes a point during a presentation on ballot trafficking at the Arizona statehouse on May 31, 2022. Seated next to her is True the Vote data investigator Gregg Phillips. (Allan Stein/The Epoch Times)

Trump responded quickly to the June 13 hearing, firing off a 12-page rebuttal.

He wrote that the Democrats are desperate to change the narrative of a failing nation.  They own this disaster. They are hoping that these hearings will somehow alter their failing prospects.

Michigan grassroots conservative activist Robert Gelt told The Epoch Times, Jan. 6 would never have taken place if it wasnt for the adamant refusal of the primary law enforcement officer of our federal government, Bill Barr, to get the Department of Justice involved in investigating the Nov. 3, 2020, election.
After losing his wife to cancer, a widower let their three young children set up camp by his bedside so that the family of four could feel safe together. Now, over two years later, the children still sleep by his bedside, and their mothers memory lives strong.

Brandon Janous, 41, of Knoxville, Tennessee, married his sweetheart, Rachel, in 2010, and together they welcomed daughters Hadley, now 10, and Cooper, now 9, and a son, Macklin, now 7.

On March 1, 2020, after a two-year battle with cancer, Rachel passed away.

Brandon told The Epoch Times that the family said goodbye more than once.

She spent her last 39 nights in the hospital, and we thought wed lost her many times, so there were a few goodbyes, he explained. As hard as they were, Im so glad that I got to say goodbye; sometimes in life, we dont get that chance.

However, telling his children that their mom wouldnt be coming home was the hardest conversation hes ever had to have, Brandon said. The doting husband had refused to leave his wifes side in the weeks leading up to her death, and a week before she passed, he told their kids that his homecoming would signify the day that Mommy had gone to Heaven.

They had seen Mommy that morning because they visited her each day, they said their goodbyes, and that night when I came home, there wasnt a long discussion, Brandon recalled. They just knew: Mommy had made it to Heaven, Mommy had beat cancer, Mommy was healed, and Daddy was home.

Initially, Brandon tried letting Hadley, Cooper, and Macklin share his bed, but he lost sleep for a month. Knowing that they werent going to leave his side, in search of a better solution, Brandon set up a bunch of pallets on the floor in his room, despite having a four-bedroom house.

Being by me made them feel safe, and I get that because I felt the same being by Rach in the hospital, he reasoned. I assumed eventually they would get tired of it, that eventually their beds would feel like a better place to sleep. But we are two years  into this and nothing has changed, and Im okay with it.

He believes that his kids will one day leave the floor, but states that hes not going to be the one that makes them do that.

No one was going to make me leave the hospital, no one was going to make me leave her side, and Im sure not going to make them leave mine, he added.

Brandon met Rachel through college friends and fell head over heels in love. He spent 10 years pursuing her before he convinced her to marry him. Rachel was diagnosed with cancer for the first time in April of 2018, and while shocked, the couple were convinced they could beat it. The first time around, they actually did.

Thats the thing about cancer: its not a death sentence, said Brandon. In April of 2019, we received a clean bill of health and had put that season behind us. But it came back in August of 2019 and really took over her body. It had spread into her spine, and then her brain.

One thing that Brandon and Rachel agreed to early on was to never whisper around the kids. Even when they got the cancer news, said Brandon, the family were all in this together. As Rachels cancer got worse, they didnt tell the kids that she was going to get better, because Brandon wanted his kids to be able to lean on and trust him, especially his girls, who would enter their teens before long.

Rachel had chemotherapy and radiation, a double mastectomy and hysterectomy, and visited the best doctors they could access across the United States. But she lost her fight.

I lost my wife, not because I didnt love her enough, but because love wasnt enough, said Brandon, who broke the news in a moving post on Facebook the day his wife passed away.

The Texas-born dad of three, whos the co-founder of a beauty brand, @beautytextofficial, still struggles to comprehend how his children cope without their mother.

Imagine having to do Mothers Day without your mom, Christmas, birthdays, school field trips, doctors appointments, dinner each evening, Brandon said. I dont know what its like not to have a mommy, I cant imagine; Im 41 and still need mine on a daily basis.

Life without his wife hasnt been easy, and there are challenges that come along each day; however, Brandon said that his loving wife had prepped them so well for this time.

She spent her last months on Earth making sure all those around her would be okay when she was gone, he added.

Shed even gone so far as to schedule dental appointments, hair appointments for her girls, and remembered all the little things that Brandon may have forgotten in the wake of her passing. Somehow, even to this day, she keeps showing up to make sure we are okay, said Brandon.

The doting dad has become part of a tight-knit widow/widower community, and, despite his profound loss, is grateful he had the chance to sit by his wife in her final days. So many of his new friends, who lost their loved ones to sudden accidents, did not.

I hated watching my wife die, but Im so glad that I got to have a front-row seat in those final days, he said. Im so glad I got to watch the way she lived, loved, and eventually died, because I dont know a person in the world that did those things better.

Now, reflecting back, Brandon counts becoming parents three times as among the moments that mattered most. He and Rachel also spent an entire year traveling the country in a motor home when their kids were under 5, an experience that taught Brandon the true meaning of presence.

Brandon laments that Rachel did so many things that he didnt notice at the time, and he wishes he had shown her the appreciation she deserved. Be a noticer, he implores others, and be grateful for what you have while you have it.

He reflected: We didnt lead with, We have cancer. Most people that we came into contact with didnt know this, just like you dont know what others are dealing with. So, be nice to people.

No one ever regrets being kind, and sometimes youll be the only kind in someones day. Be that person. Rachel was that person; be like Rach.

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
Dawn O'Connell, assistant secretary for preparedness and response at the Department of Health and Human Services, speaks during a Senate hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on June 16, 2022. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Biden Administration Plans to Extend COVID-19 Emergency, Official Suggests

The Biden administration plans to extend the emergency declaration over COVID-19 before it expires, a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) official indicated on June 16.

Dawn OConnell, HHS assistant secretary for preparedness and response, said during a Senate hearing that the administration is sticking with its promise to give states ample notice prior to terminating the public health emergency declaration.

We will give 60 days notice before it comes down, OConnell told Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), the top Republican on the Senate Health Committee.

The emergency was declared by then-Health Secretary Alex Azar on Jan. 31, 2020. Azar, a Trump appointee, repeatedly extended the declaration.

Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, an appointee of President Joe Biden, has continued the trend. Becerra last extended the emergency on April 12 for 90 days. That means it will expire in mid-July unless it is extended again.

It expires July 15th. Do you intend to extend that? Burr asked Dr. Rochelle Walensky, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Walensky said that there is no longer a public health reason to bar people from entering this country, defending her decision to rescind Title 42, which enables quick expulsion of illegal immigrants on grounds they may have COVID-19.

A federal judge in Louisiana has blocked the Biden administration from lifting Title 42.

Walensky also said that she misspoke when she said that there is no longer a public health emergency while speaking to another senator, who cut her off. She then deferred to OConnell, who works under Becerra at HHS.

The secretary declared it in January of 2020, the previous secretary. Its been extended multiple times. One of the commitments weve made in this administration is that we are going to give states and local governments 60 days notice before we take it down. And deciding whether to take it down were in daily communication with our clinicians, our scientists, the folks on the ground, OConnell said.

The emergency unlocked various health care system flexibilities, which federal agencies are relying on, she added. That includes covering telehealth visits for Medicare recipients and extending Medicaid coverage.

We continue to be in touch to understand whether these are still necessary. As Dr. Walensky said, the department will come together and make that decision or recommendation to the secretary for him to decide, OConnell said.

Youve answered the question that I asked which is, will it be extended? Yes, it will be extended because 60 days from now is past July 15th, right? Burr responded. No notification has been made to the states so it will be extended past there.

OConnell nodded.

The number of daily COVID-19 cases, hospital admissions, and deaths dropped sharply following fresh peaks in January after the Omicron variant of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes COVID-19, became dominant in the United States. The number of vaccinated people, meanwhile, has continued to rise. Put together, some experts assert there is no longer an emergency, though not all agree.

Burr said he planned to write a letter to Becerra to ask what the criteria are to end the emergency declaration.

I would only point out that the guidance that we currently have does not suggest there is a public health emergency.
A Boeing logo at the company's facility in Everett after it was announced that their 777X model will make its first test flight later in the week in Everett, Washington on Jan. 21, 2020. (Lindsey Wasson/Reuters)

Boeing Working to Stabilize 737 MAX Factory: Executive

RENTON, Wash.Boeing Co. has, for the moment, sidestepped one particular supply chain snag that curbed 737 MAX output and deliveries last month, and is working to stabilize production at its targeted monthly rate, an executive said on Wednesday.

Weve been ramping up to 31 a month, Dennis Eng, 737 Program Business Operations Director, told reporters during a tour of Boeings single-aisle factory south of Seattle. I think we hopefully expect to get there later on this year.

Really it depends on making sure that weve got the right number of trained personnel and the parts available on time, Eng said. For what weve got in the factory right now, we have the parts that we need.

Engs comments came during the first large-scale, on-the-record tour for journalists of its 737 factory south of Seattle since the jet was grounded in 2019 following two crashes that killed 346 people.

Eng said Boeings focus extends deep into the supply chain, rooting out problems, as well as on a hiring drive for mechanics and engineers needed to avoid shortfalls that hit Boeing during the pandemic.

Boeing said last month jet production and deliveries were slowed by trouble getting a particular wiring connectoremblematic of broader parts and labor shortages magnified by the coronavirus pandemic.

Overall, the factory was primed to produce 31 jets monthly to plan, Boeing said last month. It has said repeatedly it aimed to reach 31 planes per month by the end of June.

Supply chain problems are among a broader host of certification and industrial problems that have rippled across the U.S. planemakers jet portfolio, curbing its ability to emerge from the pandemic and the 737 MAX safety crisis.

Boeing separately said on Wednesday it had named Mark Fava, a company attorney, and veteran naval flight officer, to the role of ombudsman to provide Boeing employees handling certification work with a way to raise concerns. Favas job was required by a 2021 legal settlement over fatal 737 MAX crashes.

During Wednesdays factory tour, workers could be seen pulling mini trains loaded with parts in front of three lines of unfinished jetliners awaiting paint jobs.

Production and delivery delays have curbed Boeings ability to tap resurgent demand for jets out of the pandemic.

Demand for airplanes is as robust as Ive ever seen it. I think it will get more robust, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun said at a separate event earlier this week. The demand for airplanes is more than a bubble, he added.

By Eric M. Johnson
UKs Johnson Faces Fresh Calls for Resignation After 2nd Ethics Adviser Quits

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing fresh calls to quit after his second ethics adviser in less than two years resigned from his post.

Lord Christopher Geidt resigned on Wednesday, a day after telling MPs it was reasonable to suggest the prime minister broke the ministerial code by breaching COVID-19 lockdown laws in the so-called partygate scandal.

In his resignation letter to Johnson, published on Thursday, he said he had been credibly clinging onto the role only by a very small margin over partygate.

But Geidt said he was forced to quit when he was tasked with offering a view on the governments intention to consider measures which risk a deliberate and purposeful breach of the ministerial code.

The prime ministers response indicated that it was relating to advice on the Trade Remedies Authority, a body set up following Brexit to protect UK industries from unfair practices or unexpected surges in imports.

Geidt wrote, This request has placed me in an impossible and odious position.

He said the idea that the prime minister might to any degree be in the business of deliberately breaching his own code is an affront.

A deliberate breach, or even an intention to do so, would be to suspend the provisions of the code to suit a political end. This would make a mockery not only of respect for the code but licence the suspension of its provisions in governing the conduct of Her Majestys ministers.

I can have no part in this.

In his response, Johnson said his intention was to seek Geidts advice on the national interest in protecting a crucial industry.

He said the unspecified industry is protected in other European countries and would suffer material harm if we do not continue to apply such tariffs.

Johnson said the matter has previously had cross-party support and that the request would be in line with domestic law but might be seen to conflict with the UKs obligations under the World Trade Organisation.

In his annual report on ministers interests published on May 31, Geidt said a legitimate question had arisen as to whether Johnson broke the ministerial code when he was fined by the Metropolitan Police for breaching CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus lockdown rules by attending a birthday gathering in June 2020.

He demanded that the prime minister explain to the public why he thought he had not broken the code.

In response, Johnson released a letter later that evening, claiming that he did not breach the ministerial code, as there was no intent to break the law. He also insisted that he had taken full responsibility by apologising to the House of Commons.

Appearing before the Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee on Tuesday, Geidt accepted it was reasonable to suggest that Johnson may have breached the ministerial code by being handed a fixed-penalty notice by the Metropolitan Police.

However, he indicated to MPs that he wouldnt be launching an investigation into Johnson. He described himself as an asset of the prime minister rather than a free-orbiting adviser, and still required Johnsons final consent before starting an investigation.

The first of Johnsons ethics advisers to quit was Sir Alex Allan, who resigned in 2020 after the prime minister refused to accept his finding that Home Secretary Priti Patel had bullied civil servants.

Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner said: The prime minister has now driven both of his own hand-picked ethics advisers to resign in despair. If even they cant defend his conduct in office, how can anyone believe he is fit to govern?

The person who should be leaving No. 10 tonight is Boris Johnson himself. Just how long does the country have to wait before Tory MPs finally do the right thing?

PA Media contributed to this report.
Spring is busy season for wildlife centers everywhere, and bizarre-seeming stories like this one are happenstance for staff who work there.

What looked like a lost puppy in distress on the side of a road turned out to be something else entirely, after someone near Dover, Massachusetts, drove by and decided to pick up the adorable canid.

At some point, they realized it was potentially not a puppy and decided to call Cape Wildlife Center in Barnstable late April.

Very soon, wildlife staff identified the adorable furry creature as a baby coyote.

They examined the pup  a male  to check if he was healthy and determined him to be just a few weeks old at the time.

He was in fair condition, not hurt or malnourished, despite having been separated from his mother.

Whenever possible, reuniting lost baby animals with their mothers is an ideal solution.

We like to think we do a good job, but the mom always does a better job, Zak Mertz, director of Cape Wildlife Center, told The Epoch Times.

If you have a general sense of where the family is, sometimes you can try to reunite them. We didnt have a way of doing that. We had no confirmation that the family was nearby.

The next best solution would be for the center to minimize human interference in its development, try to mimic the natural environment, and help it develop its natural skills, the ultimate goal being to release it back into the wild.

Top tier predators like coyotes provide value, keeping ecosystems healthy by controlling rodent populations.

Coyotes are considered a rabies vector species in Massachusetts, said Zak. So the pup was vaccinated and put into a short medical quarantine.

To best help the coyote learn natural behavior, they decided to introduce him to a sibling female from nearby Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island.

They can learn from their sibling, said Zak. We do our best to replicate as natural an upbringing as we can, so when theyre ready to get back into the wild theyll have all the skills they need to survive.

The siblings are close in age, said Zak, the female being just two weeks younger, but they gave her another week to let her catch up in size.

Cape Wildlife Center posted an adorable photo of the pup on Facebook. In mid-May, they shared an update after introducing the pair for the first time, announcing that they are getting along swimmingly.

It was a little slow at first, but once they felt each other out they quickly began to bond, the center captioned. Before long they were wrestling and playing with each other, which is a crucial to their normal development. Due to the size discrepancy we are not leaving them together full time yet, but they will spend a couple hours a day together so that they continue to bond.

The center endeavors to replicate the animals natural habitat by furnishing cages with climbing items, designing enrichment activities to keep them stimulated, and helping them learn behaviors theyll need in the wild.

Staff do not name their patients nor talk to them, per policy.

These are really intelligent animals, and so the moment you name a patient  even if its subconscious, the behavior of the caretaker starts to change a little bit, explained Zak. We dont want to start talking to them, we dont want to do anything that is going to jeopardize their survival in the wild.

A healthy fear of humans will help them stay alive.

The life of a coyote can be a treacherous one in a place like suburban Boston, filled with obstacles, said Zak. They share habitats in peoples backyards and along busy roadways. Its not uncommon for coyote families to get broken up.

Five or six months constitutes a fairly intensive treatment at the center; the pair are anticipated to be reintroduced in the fall.

Zak shared a message.

Were in wildlife baby season and so this is our busiest time of year. Were taking in sometimes 3040 patients a day, he said. If you find a young coyote, or a young pup, or a young racoon  please call us or another wildlife professional before you intervene.

We will absolutely work with you to find a best solution for the animal, we just want to make sure that a healthy animal can stay in the wild, and those that are injured can be captured in a safe way that can have a happy ending for everybody.

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
China Expands Into South Pacific Fisheries as US Increases Monitoring of Illegal Fishing

A visit by Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi to South Pacific islands from May 26 to June 4 culminated in the establishment of multiple fisheries agreements with several island nations.

The United States and its allies suspect the agreements are a veiled attempt by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to expand its influence in the region and to unfairly exploit the local fishing industry.

Among those concerned about the recent agreements is Charles Edel, Australia chair at the U.S. think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies.

China has become the worlds largest perpetrator of illegal fishing, Edel said.

They have drastically depleted global fish stocks and undermined traditional livelihoods of many countries, so any steps taken to track, identify and curb such activity would have environmental and security benefits for the region.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (Back row left) with his Papua New Guineas counterpart Soroi Marepo Eoe (back row right) witness agreements signing between the two countries in Port Moresby on June 3, 2022. (Andrew Kutan/AFP via Getty Images)

As Wang concluded the agreements in the South Pacific, the U.S. Coast Guard was patrolling the region to monitor illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities. The Coast Guard conducts IUU patrols on behalf of the island nations in accordance with the U.S. Operation Blue Pacific.

Operation Blue Pacific is a maritime law enforcement agreement between the United States and the South Pacific island nations, including Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea. Its purpose is to help these island nations protect their economically important fishing industry. This includes deterring Chinese vessels from engaging in IUU fishing activities.

During the Quadripartite Summit (QUAD) in Tokyo on May 24, President Joe Biden announced an initiative to curb illegal fishing in the Indo-Pacific region. In attendance were leaders from Japan, India, and Australia.

Bidens plan involves the use of satellite technology to connect several existing monitoring centers in the region to establish a tracking system to monitor IUU fishing in the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, and South Pacific.

An important feature of the new tracking technology is the ability to identify and monitor illegal fishing vessels that attempt to hide their location by turning off their transponders.

A report released on March 30 by the London-based Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), said Chinas distant-water fishing vessels are frequently suspected of illegal harvesting. Their largest fishing effort is in the West African Exclusive Economic Zone, where more than 60 percent of the vessels use trawling nets. This highly controversial method of fishing is so destructive that it can wipe out the countless marine life in a matter of minutes.

A Chinese-flagged ship fishes for squid at night on the high seas off the west coast of South America on July 2021. (Isaac Haslam/Sea Shepherd via AP)

In early 2020, the Ecuadorian Navy discovered that 150 Chinese fishing vessels had disabled their tracking systems so they could illegally trawl for fish off the Galapagos Islands. This archipelago was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

The Ecuadorian Navy said the Chinese vessels did the same thing previously in 2017. Hundreds of their vessels were spotted in the Galapagos Marine Reserve, including one carrying 300 tons of protected marine wildlife, mostly sharks.

Masking the Size of Fishing Fleet

The number of Chinese distant-water fishing vessels has exploded in recent years, dwarfing the number of U.S. fishing vessels. Chinas vessels can be found in nearly all the worlds waters, including in the economic zones of some countries.

A report published in June 2020 by the London-based Overseas Development Institute (ODI), said during 2017 through 2018, a total of 16,966 Chinese distant water fishing vessels were monitored. Of these, 927 were registered with other countries and 183 were found to be associated with IUU fishing. During this same period, the United States had fewer than 300 fishing vessels in operation.

Chinas Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs disputed these figures in a November 2020 report titled, White Paper on Chinas Distant Water Fishing Compliance. The report stated China had approved only 2,701 distant water fishing vessels as of the end of 2019 and pledged that no more than 3,000 new vessels would be approved. Not included in the report was the number of vessels the Chinese were leasing to other countries or entering into fishing agreements with other countries.

The 2020 ODI report also revealed that Chinese authorities use a consensus management mechanism of the Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO) to set higher quotas so as to obtain a higher share of the catch.

Fishing boats berthed at a port in Lianyuangang, eastern Chinas Jiangsu Province on May 30, 2016. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

The report cited an example. During the 2014 meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), the Chinese insisted on increasing their distant-water fleet in the region from 100 to 400 vessels. This was despite how scientists were already concerned the existing fleet could potentially jeopardize the albacore tuna stock.

Chinese Presence in South Pacific Fishing Industry Surges

Although Wangs trip did not result in a regional agreement, China has signed fisheries agreements and established communication platforms with several countries in the region.

In November 2020, China signed a memorandum of understanding with Papua New Guinea to invest $200 million in an integrated multifunctional fishery processing park on Daru Island, off the Torres Strait between China and Australia.

Prior to that, on Nov. 9, 2018, China and Fiji signed a memorandum of understanding relevant to cooperative fisheries in the region and established a fish processing base in Suva, the countrys capital.

In August of 2019, the CCPs official media Xinhua reported the Chinese state enterprise, CNFC Overseas Fisheries, established a partnership with the Republic of Vanuatu to build a tuna processing plant there.

However, in addition to using local fishing permits, the Chinese distant-water fleet is still involved in illegal fishing in the South Pacific.

In late January 2021, Vanuatu seized two Chinese tuna fishing vessels, accusing them of fishing illegally in Vanuatus territorial waters.

The Vanuatu incident occurred just one month after Palau, another Pacific Island nation, intercepted and detained a Chinese fishing vessel in its territorial waters on suspicion of illegally fishing for sea cucumbers.

To mend its image and further expand its fisheries presence in the South Pacific, the CCP hosted the first China-Pacific Island Countries Fisheries Cooperation and Development Forum in December of 2021. The meeting took place in Guangzhou, China during which the Chinese sought to increase its fisheries presence in the region and proposed the establishment of an intergovernmental multilateral fisheries consultation mechanism to address IUU fishing.

Chinese fisherfolk clear up their fishing nets at a port in Lianyungang in Chinas eastern Jiangsu Province on April 24, 2019. (STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Record Catches Reduce Stocks

Although the many islands in the South Pacific have small populations, the regions exclusive economic zone is vast and rich with a wide variety of fish. Tuna alone accounts for more than half of the total global supply. But the fishing technology used by these islands is not well developed.

For example, the land area of Kiribatis 33 islands is 7,500 square kilometers with a population of just over 120,000. Its exclusive economic zone, extending outward 200 nautical miles from its coastline, has a sea area of 3.44 million square kilometers making it difficult to monitor the activities of distant water fishing vessels. To put this into perspective, Kiribatis sea area is nearly the same size as Chinas sea area, which is 3.88 million square kilometers.

Chinas distant-water fishing fleet has maintained a large presence in the Pacific. The number of vessels has increased five times since 2012 and is continuing to grow. In 2016, Chinas licensed vessels in the Pacific totaled 290, which is 50 more than all Pacific countries combined.

Heavy fishing in recent years has led to a decline in the Pacifics marine stocks. According to WCPFC, the regions tuna catch has increased year after year and hit a record 2.989 million tons in 2019. But at the same time, the Pacific bluefin tuna stock has been overfished. In 2020, the tuna catch fell to 2,668 million tons, a drop of 320,000 tons from the previous year.
Chinese worshippers sing hymns during the Christmas Eve mass at a state-approved Catholic church in Beijing on Dec. 25, 2012. (Wang Zhao/AFP/Getty Images)

China Changes Its Chief of Religious Affairs

The Chinese regime has announced a new director of Religious Affairs.

Cui Maohu was named on June 7 to take over from Wang Zuoan, who had been the director of Religious Affairs since September 2009. Prior to that, Wang served as deputy director under former Director Ye Xiaowen, who was in charge of the bureau from March 1998 to September 2009.

Both Ye and Wang are being named by a human rights advocacy group for leading brutal persecutions against religious believers in China.

Ye Xiaowen (second from right), then director of Religious Affairs of the Communist Party of China, at the closing ceremony of the World Forum on Religions in Taipei, Taiwan, on April 1, 2009. (You-Hao Chin/The Epoch Times)

Although Cui is considered well versed in the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) methods for managing religious and Tibet-related issues, due to his previous appointment as a Vice Governor of Yunnan Province where many Tibetans live, the new directors curriculum vitae shows no ties to the regimes United Front Work Department (UFWD) unlike his two predecessors.

The UFWD makes a particular effort to maintain the partys influence over Chinas religious, ethnic, and foreign affairs, with Tibetans as one of the target groups of its work.

The CCP works through the UFWD to expand the sphere of influence of its guiding socialist ideologies by maintaining a global elite-capture influence network that it uses to infiltrate or gain influence in Chinese society and the international community.

It remains to be seen what Cuis approach to monitoring religion will be, although he will be bound to the one-party states anti-religion ideology.

Eradicate All Beliefs

Analysts have said that the ultimate goal of the CCP is to destroy the worlds religions and spiritual belief systems.

A Toronto resident, He Lizhi, a former civil engineer in Beijing, recalled a brainwashing video he was made to watch while he was in detention for his Falun Gong faith in China.

Falun Gong is a self-improvement practice rooted in Chinese culture and Buddhist traditions. It teaches adherents to live by the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. In 1999, the CCP launched a deadly persecution campaign against Falun Gong.

The video shows then Religious Affairs Chief Ye Xiaowen revealing the CCPs intentions toward religious and belief groups as, the obliteration of religion, not only in China but worldwide, and the elimination of the concept of God from peoples minds.

The comments were made during a theoretical lecture that Ye gave to top party officials as he outlined the regimes case while trying to convince them that the eradication of Falun Gong was what the Party needed to do in order to achieve its ultimate goal.

He recalled, Xiaowen explained that the reason the Chinese regime still had religious freedom in its constitution was to use it as a deceptive temporary tactic,  to alienate the younger generations from their parents through the atheistic education  and to finally eradicate all beliefs.

The regime on the world stage has consistently denied charges that it restricts religious freedoms at home, despite the tens of thousands of accounts to the contrary.

According to a 2019 report by Thomas F. Farr, president of the D.C.-based Religious Freedom Institute, Ye had offered Congress in 2002 his assurances that religious freedom was not imperiled in China under the CCPs rule and that parents were, in fact, free to teach religion to their children.

Farr wrote, There was a half-truth in Xiaowens assurance: Parents could teach their children surreptitiously, but the consequences of being caught conveying, for example, Catholic teaching on issues such as religious freedom for all, the equal dignity of all persons created in the image and likeness of God, or the evil of abortion, were severe.

Read More Religious Groups in China Forced to Advocate Communism: US Commission

Sinicization of Religion

The Religious Affairs Bureau is also the office tasked in 2015 with achieving a Sinicization of Religion, which, according to remarks made by party leader Xi Jinping, means upholding the principle of developing religions in the Chinese context, and providing active guidance for the adaptation of religions to socialist society.

Cai Xia, a party insider who was formerly a professor at the CCPs elite Central Party School in Beijing, previously explained in a Twitter post that the sinicization of religion allows for the CCP to install Chinese religious leaders as part of its propaganda machinery to assist the brainwashing and control of the populaceBuddhist, Taoist, Catholic, Christian, or Islamic.

Despite a brutal eradication campaign, Falun Gong adherents in China have resisted the regimes attempts to divorce them from their beliefs.

Falun Gong practitioners commemorate lives lost and 20 years of persecution by the Chinese communist regime in Sydney, Australia, on July 19, 2019. (The Epoch Times)

During a visit to the United States on June 5, 2006, Ye and Wang were both issued a civil lawsuit subpoena by a U.S. court over the serious allegations.

Ning Haizhong and Melanie Sun contributed to this report.
People line up to give a sample for nucleic acid testing for COVID-19 at a makeshift test site in Chaoyang District on April 25, 2022 in Beijing, China. China is trying to contain a spike in coronavirus cases in Beijing after dozens of people tested positive for the virus in recent days, causing local authorities to initiate mass testing in some areas and to lockdown some neighbourhoods in an effort to maintain the country's zero-COVID strategy. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)

Chinas Mass COVID Testing Helps Elite Groups Get Rich, While Depleting Medical Insurance Funds

Since the beginning of this year, a new round of virus outbreaks has swept across China, and many cities have adopted regular nucleic acid testing for all residents as a pandemic control measure.

The Chinese authorities tell the public that large-scale testing in China is provided free of charge as a best example of how they take good care of the Chinese people. As a result, very few people are aware that the frequent mass testing is exhausting their medical insurance fund, or that the huge profits from the testing are flowing into the pockets of Chinas elite interest groups.

Battle Between Local Governments and Medical Insurance Fund

Chinas National Medical Insurance Administration and three other government agencies jointly issued a notice recently, announcing that they would investigate how medical insurance funds have been used in the past two and a half years.

In addition to a routine inspection checklist, the administration will focus on any inappropriate charges for nucleic acid tests or antigen tests to screen for COVID-19.

At the same time, the National Medical Insurance Administration notified local governments that the cost of mass COVID-19 testing should not be the responsibility of medical insurance funds.

However, many local governments have been covering the cost of mass testing with medical insurance funds since the beginning of the pandemic.

The research team of Huachuang Securities looked into relevant regulations in Shenzhen, Qingdao, Suqian, and several other cities where nucleic acid testing has become normalized, and concluded that 70 to 95 percent of the mass testing costs are reimbursed by medical insurance, while the local governments pay only a small portion.

Official data shows that by the end of 2021, the cumulative balance of the basic medical insurance (including maternity insurance) fund is 3,612 billion yuan (approx. $542 billion). The balance is mainly concentrated in relatively wealthy provinces and regions with a larger population influx.

The Health Literacy Bureau, an information platform in Chinas medical and health field, revealed in a May 26 article that there is a risk of exhausting the medical insurance funds in many provinces and cities.

For Beijing and Shanghai, the medical insurance balances can cover the cost for more than 600 days; while in provinces with large populations such as Shandong and Henan, the current balance can only support about 70 days of testing.

Chinese state media Yicai also confirmed that local governments had been using medical insurance to pay for large-scale nucleic acid testing. For instance, the media outlet reported that both Guangdong Province and Dalian city had covered testing costs using peoples collective medical insurance funds.

This indicates that local governments were able to spend the medical insurance money without supervision.

Current affairs commentator and China expert Li Yanming explained to The Epoch Times that this happens because the CCP is a chaotic system. The medical insurance fund is not an administrative expenditure of the government, but the local governments have the power to use it for special purposes.

Costly Pandemic Control Measure

Since April this year, numerous Chinese cities, such as Shenzhen, Wuhan, and Hangzhou, have successively implemented normalized nucleic acid testing. On May 9, the Chinese authorities called for the establishment of 15-min sampling circles, which means, setting up abundant COVID sampling booths so that most residents can access a test site with a 15-minute walk.

Analysts at Soochow Securities estimated in early May that if all first- and second-tier cities in China implement normalized nucleic acid testing, the annual cost would reach 1.72 trillion yuan ($258 billion), accounting for 1.5 percent of Chinas GDP in 2021, and surpassing the CCPs 2022 defense budget, which is 1.45 trillion yuan ($217.5 billion).

Goldman Sachs estimated that testing 70 percent of Chinas population every two days would cost $370 billion, or 2.2 percent of Chinas 2021 GDP.

Elite Interest Groups

Since 2020, the nucleic acid testing market has expanded rapidly. According to Tianyancha, a Chinese business data and research platform, in 2021 alone, China added 437 business entities related to medical testing.

In February this year, a leaked audio recording of Huang Wansheng, a researcher at the Harvard-Yenching Institute, circulated online. The recording revealed that the Chinese regimes elite interest groups have made a lot of money from pandemic control measures, such as vaccinations and testing. According to inside information he obtained, a company in China had made 670 billion yuan (about $105.8 billion) from nucleic acid testing alone at the time.

Commenting on Huangs recording, Henry Wu Chia-lung, macroeconomist and Taiwan AIA Capital lead economics researcher, told The Epoch Times that in China, because the power is concentrated, there is a lack of checks and balances and supervision. It is therefore very easy for the CCP elites to use power for personal gains. The elite groups have turned this large-scale public crisis into an opportunity to make a fortune, he said.
A view shows cranes in front of the skyline of the Central Business District in Beijing on Oct. 18, 2021. (Thomas Peter/Reuters)

Chinas Return to Maoism

As the economy falters, the CCP knows it must control everything in order to retain power

Commentary

Chinas economy is in a serious and prolonged downward spiral.

What better time for China to return to its Maoist roots?

After all, China was the paragon of economic growth, technological innovation, and stability under former leader Mao Zedong, right?

Nonetheless, the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) new economic and political policies are turning the countrys economy away from its blend of state and private capitalism and into the dark, Maoist model of the past.

Even more staggering is that the CCP is doing so intentionally. Major policy changes are being institutionalized by CCP leadership, which will further damage Chinas already declining economy.

Resurrecting Maos National Self-Reliance Policy

The purported reason behind reverting to Mao-era policies is to make China self-reliant. The CCP wants to decouple its economy from the West to minimize its dependence on Western partnerships and insulate China against future U.S. sanctions.

Its an attractive notion, but it doesnt work in practice. The necessary factors for self-reliancesuch as efficient markets and transparent courtsrequire freedom of information, private property, technological innovation, robust consumer demand, and confidence in the future. None of these things are present enough in China.

On the other hand, the economy is cratering under the current system created by the CCP. So, indeed, why not revert to Maoism?

In reality, preemptively gaining control of as much of the economy as possible may be the only way for the Party to survive the coming onslaught of economic woes.

A few developments make it clear how comprehensively the CCP is failing China.

Manufacturing Implosion Continues

First, a dose of reality regarding reported growth rates is in order. Chinas growth projection for 2022 is 5.5 percent. The CCPs official growth assessment for the first quarter of this year was a bit lower at 4.8 percent. Some private economists say that Chinas growth for 2022 will be roughly 2 or 3 percent.

A nearly empty road during a COVID-19 lockdown in Shanghai on May 5, 2022. (Bloomberg)

If even those lower estimates were accurate, that would represent the greatest fall in economic growth that China has seen since the year following the Tiananmen Square mass murder of students by the CCP in 1989.

But even the lowest estimates arent reasonable.

On the Caixin index, which indicates manufacturing activity, China is currently at 48, but was at 46 in April. Any level below 50 on the index means negative growth or a contraction in manufacturing activity. As the manufacturing and export leader of the world, that negative level spells more difficulty for Chinas economy.

Property Development Sector Collapsing

Theres more bad news in Chinas property development sector. The industry that makes up about 29 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) continues to melt down. With fewer buyers, heavy discounts are in play. In April, home prices fell in two-thirds of Chinas largest 70 cities.

The debt-driven collapse of the industry is resulting in rampant insolvency among even the largest development firms and banks. In fact, trillions in bad debt saturate both private and public economic sectors.

A man works at a construction site of a residential skyscraper in Shanghai on Nov. 29, 2016. Chinese household debt has risen at an alarming pace as property values have soared, analysts say, raising the risk that a real estate downturn could send shockwaves through the worlds second-largest economy. (Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images)

Given that the CCP created the distortions in the property development sector through graft, corruption, and circular lending, the idea that the Party is equipped to solve these problems is absurd.

Again, from the Partys perspective, its not about economic efficiency, but maintaining political control.

Attacking Big Tech

Of course, the CCPs drive to control the private sector is also behind its oppression of powerful big tech firms such as Alibaba, Tencent, and many others. The CCP blames tech firms excessive abuse of monopoly power, but the real issue is power itself.

The big tech firms wield tremendous financial and social influence in China, as well as in many other countries. Their technology, including social media, drives the culture, not the Party. These large societal influencers werent only competing with the CCP, but they were posing a threat to its legitimacy.

Naturally, the CCP responds to threats by destroying them. Thats whats really behind its take on the tech moguls. Massive layoffs have followed the takeovers.

Mixing Economic Models

A big part of the CCPs transition to Maoismand undoubtedly related to the tech takeoversis its plan to blend private firms with state-owned enterprises (SOE) extensively. Thats another formula for economic decline. It didnt work for Mao, and it wont work now.

Private companies are typically run much more efficiently than SOEs because they usually have to make a profit to survive. On the other hand, SOEs are run by political appointees, not businesspeople. In most cases, SOEs were successful private firms that the CCP took over for the personal gain of Party members, who then drained the wealth from the companies and refinanced them with loans from the central bank, the Peoples Bank of China (PBOC).

The blending of both, as it were, is just a euphemism for more takeovers of private businesses by the Party.

Chinese Peoples Fear of the Future

Not surprisingly, pessimism best defines peoples outlook for the future in 2022. The CCPs zero-COVID policy kills economic activity wherever its applied. The seemingly never-ending lockdowns of entire cities have resulted in dramatic falls in output, consumer income, and spending, as well as considerable jumps in consumers savings rates. Of course, unemployment is rising, too.

According to the PBOC, private savings from January to May rose by 7.86 trillion yuan ($1.7 trillion), which is more than 50 percent higher than the same period last year. At the same time, household consumption fell, meaning that people are buying even less in 2022 than they were during the intense lockdowns of 2020.

A Chinese migrant worker passes by the Peoples Bank of China in Beijing on May 1, 2013. The Peoples Bank released the Financial Stability Law (Draft for Comments) on April 6, 2022, saying that resolving financial risks is a constant theme. (Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images)

Thats an additional $1.7 trillion that wasnt spent in the economy in the first quarter, with a GDP of about $14.7 trillion or less. Moreover, in 2020, savings were invested in the stock market or property. In 2022, however, consumers are paying off debt, prepaying mortgages, and other defensive actions.

Finally, the extended lockdowns across China have resulted in declining orders in manufacturing and other major industries, leading to widespread layoffs.

The CCPs Survival Trumps Economic Viability

The language coming out of Beijing has the unmistakable ring of desperation as the CCP seeks to stabilize employment and the economy. Its worth noting that amid economic and social chaos, Mao sought and found stability and remained in power until the end.

The resurrection of Maoism is simply the adoption of proven methods for expanding power and control over the country as it descends into economic and social instability.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
A staff member wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) directs drivers as they check people's nucleic acid test results and health codes at a highway toll station in Yantai, Shandong Province, China, on March 16, 2022.(STR/AFP via Getty Images)

Chinese City Uses COVID-19 App to Prevent Bank Protestors From Gathering, Depositors Say

The Chinese regime is using COVID-19 control measures to stop depositors whose savings were frozen by rural banks from protesting.

Several depositors told The Epoch Times on June 14 that the health code on their COVID-19 app turned red as soon as they scanned venue barcodes at Zhengzhou, the provincial capital city of central Chinas Henan Province. A red health codeindicating a potential COVID-19 patientmeans that the carrier is barred access to all public places from public toilets to shops to train stations and faces mandatory quarantine in centralized isolation centers.

Theyre among tens of thousands of bank depositors who have fought to recover their savings for more than two months. The crisis started in April, when at least four lenders in Henan froze cash withdrawals, citing internal system upgrades. But customers said neither these banks nor officials have since offered any information on why or how long the process would take, prompting angry protests outside the office of the banking regulator in Zhengzhou in May.

An estimated 1 million customers were reportedly affected, which has left many residents life savings at stake and patients unable to pay for regular medical care.

Depositors have been cut off from at least 39.7 billion yuan ($5.91 billion), according to Sanlian LifeWeek, a state-run magazine.

Aggrieved depositors across the country planned another protest in Zhengzhou on June 13 to demand an answer, although previous gatherings were met with silence from local authorities and violence from plainclothes police officers.

Red Code

However, their plan was thwarted again as their health codes turned red at the citys train stations or highway entrances.

A red code indicates the highest level of risk, meaning the person tests positive, has been close to a COVID-19 patient, or has visited high-COVID-risk areas in the past 14 days. Residents with a red code face two weeks of centralized isolation.

The Chinese regime adopted three-tiered color-based QR code systems utilizing big data and mobile technology to track peoples movement as part of its COVID-19 control measures. Residents must present a green health code on mobile phones while scanning a venue code for every place they visit.

A woman uses her cellphone to scan a venue code before entering an outdoor ice rink in Beijing on Jan. 12, 2021. (WANG ZHAO/AFP via Getty Images)

Liu Yong (pseudonym), a depositor from nearby Hebei Province, drove to Zhengzhou hoping to get his money back on June 12. But he ended up stranded on a highway as his health code turned red when he scanned the venue code at the exit.

Liu carried a green health code as well as a negative PCR test result when he left his hometown. He was required to return home, as police threatened to send him to a quarantine center if he refused to do so.

With the red code, his return road was blocked. Liu was unable to take a break or even use the toilets at the service station while driving back to Hebei. In an interview with The Epoch Times on June 14, Liu said he was still blocked at a highway exit leading to his hometown.

It was unclear how many people encountered the same issue, but one person involved told The Epoch Times that hundreds of depositors across the country shared their red code screenshots in a group chat on WeChat, the countrys popular instant message app.

An employee handling the Zheng Health Commission inquiries told The Epoch Times that they had heard of the health code problems and reported the issue to relevant departments.

Customers of the four banks in Henan Province hold papers that read Henan banks return my deposits in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China. (Provided to The Epoch Times)

Another bank customer, Li Yin (pseudonym), said she and three other depositors found that their health codes turned red when scanning Zhengzhou venue codes remotely on June 12. They tested the app in their homes in Inner Mongolia, a northern Chinese province thats 550 miles away from Zhengzhou.

But Li said her friends husband, who wasnt connected to frozen deposits, didnt find the color change after scanning, adding to speculation that they were on authorities target list.

They [officials] are like robbers, said a third bank customer who was stopped by police at Zhengzhou train station on June 12 and required to leave. Were all legal depositors. Why couldnt we even have an explanation?

Digital Handcuffs

Reports about depositors experiences by Chinese media went viral on the microblogging website Weibo on June 14 and provoked a public outcry.

The news fueled concerns that COVID-19 curbs were used by the Chinese Communist Party to strengthen social controls. Human rights lawyers and activists had previously told The Epoch Times that the regime abused health code apps to stop them from traveling.

Hu Xijin, a former editor of the CCPs Global Times, wrote in a post saying that meddling with health codes for purposes other than pandemic prevention will jeopardize the authority of the system and public support.

Its so scary, one user wrote. If the health code is abused  it could be putting digital handcuffs on us. Everyone will become a prisoner from now on and could be stopped anywhere, anytime.

Zhao Fenghua, Gu Xiaohua, and Luo Ya contributed to the report.
By Diane Bell

From The San Diego Union-Tribune

After Grossmont Colleges commencement June 9, several students took off their caps and gowns and deposited them in a special box as a gift for members of next years graduating class who lack money to purchase the ceremonial robes.

It was another in a string of random acts of kindness  an effort to give back both on and off the Grossmont campus in El Cajon, California, that has taken place throughout the school year.

This is the community colleges 60th birthday. Grossmont College opened in East County in the fall of 1961 on the Monte Vista High School campus. Three years later, it moved to its current location in El Cajons Fletcher Hills.

Grossmont President Denise Whisenhunt says the leadership team wanted to do something beyond a festive celebration of the milestone event  something that would benefit the entire community, especially during this pandemic crisis.

A 60th anniversary committee was created with representatives of the Vice Presidents Circle, Academic Senate, Classified Senate and student leaders.

Everyone felt we should do something to focus inward and outward, Whisenhunt says. The result was a college leadership commitment to highlight 60 random acts of kindness.

A website was set up in January, and the campus community was invited to post stories recognizing heartwarming gestures, big and small.

The kindness log started with Whisenhunt and Liz Barrow, coordinator of Grossmonts Cardiovascular Technology program, giving boxes of treats to freshman students to celebrate completion of their first semester.

It climaxed at commencement with the cap and gown donations. Days earlier, college administrators drove by four community senior centers dropping off baskets holding 60 pairs of new socks to each.

During the official anniversary celebration on May 3, campus booths were set up, including a sunshine stand dispensing sunflowers to 60 random passersby  students, faculty and staff  with a written message urging them to present the flower to someone they appreciate.

Whisenhunt recalls a faculty member proudly announcing: My student gave me a sunflower.

That day was awesome, she says. People were walking around with sunflowers and big smiles.

Among other examples:

 Frank Laveaga, in the campus and parking services department, anonymously left goodies and gifts of appreciation for his co-workers. Also, using his own money, he made goodie bags for the night team to give to homeless individuals they encountered on campus.

 Nursing student Michael Adams was spied making a Meals on Wheels food delivery to the home of a senior citizen.

 Human Resources specialist Lorena Carpenter resolved a medical benefit crisis for an employee during winter break when school wasnt in session and Carpenter was on vacation.

 In response to a senior citizens sadness about not being able to walk on the beach and watch the sun set during the pandemic, student Michael Catolico photographed a series of sunrises and sunsets, took pictures of seagulls and crashing waves and created a video slide show with sound effects. He added a bag of sand and presented this beach-in-a-box gift to the senior.

 Public Information Director Michele Clock picked up a fellow employee from the hospital, then went shopping and spent her own money to purchase groceries to help during the patients convalescence.

 Fresh flowers were on display every day in one campus department, thanks to an anonymous donor.

 With the cost of fuel skyrocketing, a Grossmont staffer paid for a tank of gas for a fellow employee.

 Whisenhunt not only gave a staff member a plant the employee had admired during a meeting in her office, the Grossmont president personally delivered it after the session.

 Dee Aceves treated curriculum committee members to a takeout dinner prepared by culinary arts students. She brought a table cloth and flowers and set up a table with a view of Cowles Mountain at sunset.

 Student Jacob McDermott gave his textbook to his teacher to donate to a student in need in the coming year.

 Upon seeing a homeless man by the trash bin of a fast food restaurant, a Grossmont College staffer bought a hamburger and bottle of water for him.

 Nancy Saks, a college dean, wanted to show appreciation to local firefighters, so baskets of ice cream treats were delivered to Stations 7 and 34 on May 2.

They were all big smiles to be remembered by the other entities in the community, says Saks. It was great to spend a few minutes with a couple of them.

By commencement day, the college had surpassed its goal of 60 random good deeds.

This is our way of thinking beyond ourselves, Whisenhunt says.

Sometimes the best celebrations are those in which you can give. There is power in that.  It has certainly been inspiring.

2022 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis arrives for a bill-signing ceremony at the Florida National Guard Robert A. Ballard Armory on June 7, 2021, in Miami. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

DeSantis Picks Retired Marine as Director of New Florida State Guard

PUNTA GORDA, Fla.Retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Chris Graham has been appointed as the director of the reestablished Florida State Guard (FSG), Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a June 15 press conference at Madeira Beach.

Florida has joined 22 other states in bringing back a state-level emergency-focused civilian volunteer force. The Guard will have about 400 members; DeSantis says 1,200 people have already applied.

DeSantis said Florida has one of the most understaffed National Guards in the United States.

Out of 54 states [and territories], Florida National Guard has the second-worst resident-to-guardsman ratios, DeSantis told a room of mostly veterans.

The governor said that since 1958, the Florida National Guard has had 12,000 troops, but Florida had fewer than 5 million people at that time and the civilian-to-guard ratio was 375 residents for every guardsman.

Today, Floridas population is nearly 22 million people, and the resident-to-guardsman ratio has climbed to approximately 1,750 Floridians to every one guardsman, a statement from the governors office said.

In a natural disaster-prone state such as Florida with a potentially active hurricane season on the horizon, there is a clear and present need for a larger civilian emergency response force.

Graham retired from the military two months ago after serving for 20 years, but said he found that he wasnt ready for retirement.

I saw the opening to become the Director of the State GuardI decided that two months of retirement was all I needed, he said.

This is an unbelievable privilege to reestablish and build from the ground up a modern state defense force. But we have an opportunity to break new ground and deliver a 10-fold investment for Floridians.

Graham is a native Floridian, having grown up in Miami. He joined the Marine Corps at the age of 17.

After enlisting, he graduated from Auburn University and was commissioned in the Marines. He attended and graduated from flight school in Pensacola and served as a helicopter pilot for two years, then completed three tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2005, he was awarded a Purple Heart, Air Medal, and The Commanding General Marine Expeditionary Forces (MCA) Leadership Award. In 2006, he earned a Navy Commendation Medal and in 2007, the Navy Achievement Medal.

DeSantis said that Washington bureaucrats who control our National Guard have also refused to increase the number of guardsmen despite our increasing population.

By reestablishing the Florida State Guardwe have a great opportunity to expand our capability to help people in times of need or disaster, he said.

Funding for the Guard to cover training and administrative personnel was originally slated to be $3.5 million, but the state legislature decided to boost the budget to $10 million, effective July 1.

The governor said the limited number of slots and large number of applicants shouldnt deter anyone from applying.

I think $10 million is going to be just the beginning, he said. I think the legislature is going to be looking to expand these slots next legislative sessiontheres not enough slots now; that could change very quickly, so stay with it. We want to be able to find a spot for you.
A power plug is placed into a power socket in Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 22, 2012. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Electricity Prices in Queensland Raise Questions

Queenslands energy supply crisis has triggered calls for an inquiry into the states surging electricity prices.

Wholesale prices leapt to a record $283 per megawatt-hour last month and are the highest in the nation.

Spot prices have also surged to $15,100/MWh eight times in Queensland in the last 12 months.

Generators were again selling electricity at that price on Sunday when the market operator capped prices at $300/MWh, triggering the current supply crisis.

Queensland Energy Minister Mick de Brenni says high international fossil fuel prices, winter demand and outages at public power plants have been driving up wholesale prices.

But the Australian Energy Regulator has indicated a fourth factor may be at play.

AER chair Clare Savage this week warned generators against price gouging in wholesale markets.

Market participants must not make a dispatch offer, dispatch bid or rebid that is false or misleading, she wrote in a letter to generators on Tuesday.

An offer/bid or rebid is taken to be false or misleading if the party  does not have a reasonable basis for making the offer.

The states 17 coal and gas-fired plants are run by public-owned Stanwell Corporation, CS Energy and CleanCo, and private generators Arrow Energy, Alinta Energy, Intergen, Origin Energy, QGC and RATCH Australia.

All of those power stations either own coal mines or gas fields or are on long-term fuel supply contracts, so they dont pay international prices for coal and gas.

De Brenni denies public generators have been price-gouging, saying they only offer prices to cover costs.

However, AER reports show Stanwell, CS and CleanCo have all offered electricity to the grid for up to $15,100/MWh during the last 12 months.

Victoria Universitys Prof. Bruce Mountain, an energy economist and director of the Victoria Energy Policy Centre, says there should be an inquiry into Queenslands wholesale prices.

He says a parliamentary inquiry or the Crime and Corruption Commission need to look at generators books.

We need a frank and fearless, open inquiry into whats going on, he told AAP on Wednesday.

Things have gotten to the point where the breakdown is so complete, and so severe, that the generators confidentiality concerns need to be weighed against the public interest.

Liberal National Party energy spokesman Pat Weir accused the Labor government of milking the generators for profits.

The government should be transparent about how they are using generators and how they will deliver affordable, clean and reliable electricity, he told AAP.

Katters Australian Party and the Greens backed a probe into wholesale price gouging, but both crossbench parties also blame a lack of government planning for the crisis.

Greens MP Michael Berkman said more energy storage is needed, while KAP leader Robbie Katter said the state needs a gas reserve.

Mountain said governments should want to know how their policies are affecting electricity prices.

How have we ended up in the situation? How have the generators behaved? What are the costs? What is their exposure to coal and gas, spot markets and so on? he told AAP.

And thats entirely in the ministers remit, as well as the CCC and other entities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy greets French President Emmanuel Macron as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi stand outside the Mariyinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, on June 16, 2022. (Valentyn Ogirenko??/Reuters)

EU Leaders Visit Ukraine in Show of Support After Criticism

KYIV, UkraineThe leaders of Germany, France, and Italyall criticized in the past by officials in Kyiv for support they viewed as too cautiousmade a joint visit on June 16 to show solidarity with Ukraine.

Its an important moment. Its a message of unity were sending to the Ukrainians, French President Emmanuel Macron said after pulling into Kyiv on an overnight train along with Germanys Olaf Scholz and Italys Mario Draghi. They were also joined by Romanian President Klaus Iohannis.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials claimed their troops were still holding out on the battlefield against massive Russian bombardment in the eastern city of Sievierodonetsk, and described new progress in a counteroffensive in the south.

However, they claimed battles on both main fronts depended on receiving more aid from the West, especially artillery to counter Russias big advantage in firepower.

Air raid sirens blared in Kyiv as the visit by the European leaders got underway. They toured Irpin, a town northeast of the capital that was devastated early in the war.

A general view during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis to Irpin, near Kyiv, Ukraine, on June 16, 2022. (Marko Djurica/Reuters)

The visit had taken weeks to organize, while the three most powerful EU leaders all fended off criticism over positions described as too deferential to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Still, the move by the three to travel together held strong symbolism at a pivotal momenta day before the EUs executive commission is expected to recommend pushing forward with Ukraines bid to join the bloc, which EU leaders are expected to endorse at a summit next week.

NATO defense ministers were also meeting in Brussels, expected to announce more promises of weapons for Kyiv. U.S. President Joe Biden pledged $1 billion worth of new aid on June 15, including anti-ship rocket systems, artillery rockets, and rounds for howitzers.

Scholz, Macron, and Draghi all say they are strong supporters of Ukraine who have taken major practical steps to reduce Europes dependence on Russian energy and find weapons to help Kyiv.

But Ukraine has long criticized Scholz over what it regards as Germanys slow delivery of weapons and reluctance to sever economic ties with Moscow, and was furious this month at Macron for saying in an interview that Russia must not be humiliated.

Italy has also proposed a peace plan, which Ukrainians fear could lead to pressure on them to give up territory.

Ukrainian Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksiy Chernyshov talks to French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis during their visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, on June 16, 2022. (Viacheslav Ratynskyi/Reuters)

The main battle in recent weeks has been over the eastern city of Sievierodonetsk, where Ukrainian forces are now holed up in a chemical factory with hundreds of civilians. They ignored a Russian order to surrender on June 15.

There were battles during the night. Our guys are holding the line of defense. Every day, it becomes more and more difficult because the Russians are pulling more and more weapons into the city, and trying to storm it from several directions, Sievierodonetsk Mayor Oleksandr Stryuk said on June 16.

All remaining bridges linking the city with Ukrainian-held territory on the opposite bank of Siverskyi Donets river were destroyed in recent days, but Ukrainian officials say the garrison is still not completely cut off.

In the south, Ukraine says its forces have been making inroads into Kherson Province. There has been little independent reporting to confirm battlefield positions in the area.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyys chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said on Twitter that he had visited an area just 3 to 4 km (roughly 2 miles) from Russian positions, where dozens of ghost villages were depopulated by the combat.

The war has caused global economic disruption and surging prices for food and energy. Despite sanctions, Europe still depends on Russia for natural gas.

Deliveries through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline to Germany have declined in recent days, raising concern about storing supplies for winter, with Moscow blaming sanctions that have held up delivery of equipment sent abroad for repair.

By Natalia Zinets
EXCLUSIVE: Pennsylvania Governor Race Most Important for Americas Election Integrity: Jenna Ellis

A former senior counsel to President Donald Trump says the Pennsylvania gubernatorial race is the most important in the country because it could set the tone for how election integrity measures are applied across the United States.

Trump-backed Doug Mastriano, a Republican state senator and vocal proponent of election integrity, is facing off against state Attorney General Josh Shapiro in a closely-watched governors race in November.

If elected, Mastriano would oversee improvements in the states electoral system that will trigger a ripple effect across the rest of the country, according to the GOP nominees newly-appointed senior counsel Jenna Ellis.

I am working with Senator Mastriano to make sure that the elections are fair in Pennsylvania. And that is for 2022, Ellis told The Epoch Times on June 15. And then, when he gets elected in 2022, he can appoint a Secretary of State, as a sitting governor in Pennsylvania, that will ensure election integrity and administer elections according to state law.

Ellis announced her new role in Mastrianos campaign on Twitter on June 13 by sharing an appointment statement from the Republican nominee on the same day.

The talent, experience, and legal expertise Jenna brings will be an important factor in helping us defeat Josh Shapiro and the extreme Democrat agenda in November, Mastriano said in the statement.

Most Important in the Country

Ellis said that Mastrianos goal is simple: administering elections according to state law.

Pennsylvania is the Keystone State, and as goes Pennsylvania, so will go the rest of the country in terms of making sure that we can get back to following state law in the administration of elections, she said.

So, importantly, for every state, the executive branch and the Secretary of State that administers the elections are required to follow state law.

During the 2020 presidential election, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the Pennsylvania Commonwealthalong with the states of Wisconsin, Georgia, and Michiganfor allegedly not following state laws in administering its elections. Paxtons lawsuit alleged the commonwealth certified the election while the state had more ballots than registered voters, which makes the certification invalid under Pennsylvania law. The Supreme Court in December 2020 denied Paxtons motion, citing a lack of standing.

Mastriano made headlines when he hosted a Senate Majority Policy Committee hearing in Gettysburg in November 2020, featuring testimonies of former New York City Mayor Rudy Guiliani and elections workers on alleged election fraud. He continued to investigate the 2020 election until the state Senate GOP leadership removed him from the task without explanation.

Im a state senator, and I represent a quarter-million people, and when things happen in elections, and my constituents cry out to me with concerns, I take it seriously, Mastriano told The Epoch Times in June.

The nominee said he will clear the states voter rolls and have every voter re-register.

The goal is to start fresh, said Mastriano. This is not going to be popular on the left or right because its going to be inconvenient. Everyone that wants to vote is going to have to go back to re-register. I think thats the best way to start restoring confidence in voting in our state.

Doug Mastriano, a Republican member of the Pennsylvania Senate, speaks at the Let the Church ROAR National Prayer Rally on the National Mall in Washington on Dec. 12, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times)

Judicial Activists

Ellis criticized a recent Supreme Court ruling on a Pennsylvania ballot certification case, saying that it showed how some judges in the highest court are becoming activists and involved in policymaking on election integrity measures.

The Supreme Courts June 9 ruling, which vacated an injunction by Justice Alito, allowed administrators in a local judicial election to resume counting ballots that omitted a handwritten date on their envelopea decision that will apply to all elections in the state.

The majority ruling from the highest court affirmed a decision by a three-panel judge in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, which cited the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 in saying that government officials should not deny citizens the right to vote because of an error or omission that are not material in determining whether such individual is qualified under state law to vote.

Pennsylvania state law requires ballots received on time but missing a handwritten date on the envelope to be rejected. The Pennsylvania Republican Party takes the position that undated mail-in ballots should not be counted.

This is another example of the judicial branch actually violating the law and becoming activists. They are violating state law because the judicial branch is supposed to simply hold everyone to the law, Ellis said.

She said Justice Alito, Justice Thomas, and Justice Gorsuch, who dissented from the ruling, were absolutely correct, adding that the case, despite its subject being about a local judicial race, raises broader issues about how voting rights and protections will apply when the voters or the ballots fail to meet state law requirements.

When the state has established these voting regulations, it is not for the Supreme Court to determine policy, but to make sure that they are holding the administrators of elections  to state law, Ellis said.

They may not have liked it. But thats not their job. Their job is not to set policy, their job is to arbitrate, according to the U.S. Constitution of the supreme rule of law, and every law that they are required to enforce, she added.

Despite the ongoing controversies surrounding election integrity, the attorney hoped that Americans would exercise their constitutional right to participate in elections.

Make sure that youre getting out and voting in November, Ellis said. Are there election integrity concerns? Yes. Are there discouraging headlines every day? Yes. But in the United States of America, we have such a great privilege of being able to select and prefer our leaders.

Get out and vote and make sure that they are participating in selecting and choosing our leaders who will preserve and protect our rights that come from God our Creator.

Beth Brelje and Matthew Vadum contributed to this report.
An Airbus A330-200 aircraft of Air Transat airlines takes off in Colomiers near Toulouse, France, on July 10, 2018. (Regis Duvignau/Reuters)

Federal Aviation Administration Touts New Fuel Efficiency Rule, Contradicts Own Documents

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed new fuel efficiency standards for aircraft purportedly aimed at lowering the impact of air travel on climate change.

Today is an important step forward in reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released by our nations airplanes and ultimately reaching President Bidens ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a June 15 press release.

The rule mandates more fuel efficiency for new subsonic jet aircraft, turboprop and propeller aircraft that are not yet certified, and new aircraft manufactured after Jan. 1, 2028. The proposed rules would not apply to planes already in service.

Commercial aircraft that would be required to comply with the new fuel efficiency standards include the Boeing 777-X, the Airbus A330-neo, civil turboprop airplanes like ATR 72 and Vikings Limited Q400, and business jets like the Cessna Citation. Prior to the pandemic, these types of civil aircraft were responsible for 3 percent of total American greenhouse gas emissions and 10 percent of domestic transportation emissions, the FAA said.

The emission standard in the proposed rule uses a metric that equates fuel consumption and efficiency with reductions in carbon dioxide. The rule also includes a wide range of fuel efficiency measures for the manufacturing phase of aircraft, including engine propulsion efficiency and improvements to aerodynamics.

But the FAAs technical documents do not indicate that there would be a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, The Hill reported. According to the agencys regulatory impact analysis document, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated that there would not be reductions in fuel burn and CO2 emissions beyond the business as usual baseline.

The EPA said it considered such a result reasonable as all aircraft will either meet the standards or be out of production by the time the standards come into effect.

When asked by The Hill as to why there is a discrepancy between the FAA statement and the governments technical documents, the agency argued that setting standards in the first place is in itself a win, as the agency anticipated tightening standards in the future.

Since President Joe Biden assumed office, there has been a push to use the power of federal agencies to implement clean energy measures. In March, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) made a proposal to mandate public companies to issue climate-related disclosures.

The proposal attracted strong opposition from several law and finance professors across the country who criticized the SEC in an April 25 letter to the agency.

Rather than provide investor protection, the Proposal seems to be heavily influenced by a small but powerful cohort of environmental activists and institutional investors, mostly index funds and asset managers, promoting climate consciousness as part of their business models, the letter said.
Florida Only State Not to Preorder COVID-19 Vaccines for Toddlers, Babies: White House

Florida officials have chosen not to preorder COVID-19 vaccine doses for children under 5, asserting the currently available data does not show clear benefit when weighed against the risks.

The Florida Department of Health has made it clear to the federal government that states do not need to be involved in the convoluted vaccine distribution process, especially when the federal government has a track record of developing inconsistent and unsustainable COVID-19 policies, the Florida Department of Health said in a statement to news outlets.

It is also no surprise we chose not to participate in distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine when the Department does not recommend it for all children. Doctors can order vaccines if they are in need, and there are currently no orders in the Departments ordering system for the COVID-19 vaccine for this age group, the agency added.

Florida is the only state not to take advantage of a preordering system opened by President Joe Bidens administration in early June, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters in Washington on June 16.

Some 10 million doses were made available to states, Native American tribes, territories, and other entities through the system.

No COVID-19 vaccine is currently authorized for children under 5 but the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations advisory panel recommended on June 15 that the agency authorize both the Moderna and Pfizer jabs for toddlers and babies.

Panel members unanimously said the benefits of the vaccines outweigh the risks, a position the FDA outlined in recent documents.

Not all experts agree, though, with Floridas top health official being one of the most prominent.

From what I have seen, there is just insufficient data to inform benefits and risk in children. I think thats very unequivocal, Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, who also serves as the states health secretary, told reporters this week.

We expect to have good data that the benefits outweigh the risks of any therapies or treatments before we recommend those therapies or treatments to Floridians. That is not going to change. I dont think that is particularly radical. I think its very sensible, he added.

The Moderna clinical trials for young children showed poor efficacy against infection, 50 percent for a portion of the age group and just 37 percent for the other portion. Pfizers vaccine performed better, but at three doses, with a fourth booster dose expected to be needed before long. None of the trials measured efficacy against severe illness.

Florida previously became the first state to say the COVID-19 vaccine risks may outweigh the benefits for healthy children.

Rep. Charlie Crist (D-Fla.), who is running for governor, said the new decision was reckless and unconscionable in a statement to news outlets.

A health care worker fills a syringe with Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine in a file image. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images)

On Thursday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said at an unrelated press conference that parents can get their children vaccinated in Florida but noted that kids are at low risk of severe illness or death if they contract COVID-19 even if they have not received a vaccine.

Doctors can get it, hospitals can get it. But theres not going to be any state programs that are going to be trying to get COVID jabs to infants and toddlers and newborns. Thats not something that we think is appropriate. And so thats not where were going to be utilizing our resources in that regard, he said.

Provided the FDA authorizes the vaccines and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend them, young children could start getting vaccinated as soon as June 20, Biden administration official Dawn OConnell said in Washington around the same time.

OConnell, who works for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), told lawmakers that the vast majority of states preordered doses, which are provided by the federal government for free.

An HHS spokesperson told The Epoch Times in an email that pre-ordering closed on Tuesday. Initial figures indicate 3.7 million doses were ordered. Having the doses pre-positioned will allow kids and families to access them more quickly if authorization and CDC clearance come through, the spokesperson said.

The dosage amounts for toddlers and babies are smaller, necessitating new orders even if states already have the vaccines in stock.

Jean-Pierre said Floridas decision will make it harder for parents to get their children vaccinated, though pharmacies and community health centers in the state will get a limited number of doses through federal distribution channels.

Just 18 percent of parents who have one or more children under 5 say theyll immediately get their child vaccinated if one or more of the vaccines are authorized for the age group, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll in May. The majority of the respondents said theyll wait and see, while 38 percent they definitely wont get their child vaccinated or will only do so if the shots are mandated.
A screenshot from Parliamentlive.tv of Minister of State at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities Kemi Badenoch MP speaking in Parliament in Westminster, London, on March 17, 2022. (Screenshot via The Epoch Times)

Focus on Race Segregating People Into Groups: UK Minister

While advocating for equality of opportunity, UK Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch warned that a focus on prejudice and discrimination is segregating people into groups.

On Wednesday, Badenoch spoke at the Science and Technology Select Committee, which was taking evidence on the reasons why there is a lack of women and ethnic minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths, or STEM.

Badenoch studied STEM subjects in Nigeria as well as computer systems engineering at the University of Sussex, southeast England, completing an MEng in 2003.

She noted one barrier as to why some may underachieve in STEM was prejudice and discrimination, but it was not the only reason.

She said that there are also cultural barriers, geographic issues: you live in a town where all the schools are terrible and there is no work.

One of the problems is everybodys looking at that first pillar. Its all about prejudice and discrimination and not about all the other things that you need to remove in order to get equality of opportunity, she said.

The more we talk about race and prejudice and discrimination in that particular way, the more we keep segregating people into groups and creating stigmatisation, she added.

It starts right at the root cause, which is what opportunity is available for people, wherever they are, she added.

So in some education, in terms of letting people know what their what their options are, is absolutely critical targets to make sure that companies dont ignore the problem, but also targets that dont encourage them to game the system and do something weird, thats actually not resolving the problems of meeting both the spirit and letter of the intention, she said.

When asked by the panel whether the government has a perception that girls shouldnt do certain things, Badenoch said: I dont think anyone is saying that girls shouldnt do certain things. I think that there is we have to understand that there is a limit to how much government can do.

Badenoch has made speeches explicitly naming critical race theory as the underpinning ideology which sees my blackness as victimhood and their whiteness as oppression and has warned that schools in the UK that teach white privilege as a fact are breaking the law.

This government stands unequivocally against critical race theory, she told MPs during a debate in 2020 during which Labour MP Dawn Butler had called for the curriculum to be decolonized.

Simon Veazey contributed to this report.
The Ford logo is pictured at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany. (Wolfgang Rattay/Reuters, File Photo)

Ford Recalls 3.3 Million Vehicles Over Rollaway Concerns

WASHINGTONFord Motor Co is recalling more than 3.3 million vehicles in North America that could roll away because a damaged or missing part may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear.

In a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ford said Wednesday the recall covers various 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles, the agency said in a notice on Wednesday.

The recall includes just over 2.9 million U.S. vehicles and 394,000 in Canada.

A damaged or missing shift cable bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, or the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the Park position.

Ford said it was aware of six reports alleging property damage and four reports of injuries potentially related to the recalled vehicles.

This is Fords fifth recall over the issue since 2018, it told the agency. Ford previously recalled about 1.4 million vehicles worldwide in an earlier shift cable part recalls.

Ford declined to say how many vehicles worldwide were part of the latest recall.

After an April recall linked to the same issue, Ford continued to hold talks with NHTSA over field reports related to vehicles that were not included in previous recalls.

Although claim rates and projected failures remained low, Ford recommended a safety recall for the remaining vehicles in North America with the specific shift cable bushing.

Ford said from April 2015 through March 2022, it had identified 1,630 warranty reports and 233 other reports attributed to this concern.

To address the issue, dealers will replace the under-hood shift bushing and add a protective cap. The new parts will be manufactured from a different grade material.

On Tuesday, the No. 2 U.S. automaker said it was recalling about 49,000 Mustang Mach-E electric vehicles because a part could overheat and result in a loss of propulsion power. The automaker will update vehicle software to address the issue. Ford said since July, it has receive 286 warranty claims in North America related to the recall.

On Wednesday, Ford also recalled 53,103 four-door 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles because the passenger-side rear door may be opened from inside the vehicle when the child-safety lock is in the ON position.

Dealers will inspect the passenger-side child safety lock and latch, and replace them if needed. Ford said it was not aware of any crashes or injuries tied to the Bronco or Mach-E recalls.

Ford leads all automakers in the United States this year, with 38 recall campaigns covering 6.6 million vehicles.

By David Shepardson
Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell sits as the guilty verdict in her sex abuse trial is read in a courtroom sketch in New York City on Dec. 29, 2021. (Jane Rosenberg/Reuters)

Ghislaine Maxwells Attorneys Plead for Leniency in Sentencing

Lawyers for Ghislaine Maxwell, the one time girlfriend of sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, have asked a U.S. district court in New York for a sentence that is well lower than the 20 years recommended by the Probation Department.

Maxwell was convicted in late 2021 for sex trafficking minors to the late Epstein, a wealthy financier with ties to elite figures in the British royal family and the U.S. business and political spheres. Maxwells bid for a new trial was thrown out of court in April.

Now, in court papers filed in Manhattan on June 15, attorneys for Maxwell claimed she deserved leniency because, while she facilitated Epsteins abuse, it was the late financier who was the mastermind and principle abuser.

Epstein avoided a significant sentence when he was first prosecuted in Florida for these offenses and then evaded any further punishment by dying a month after his arrest and detention in New York, Maxwells attorneys wrote (pdf).

But this Court cannot sentence Ms. Maxwell as if she were a proxy for Epstein simply because Epstein is no longer here. Ms. Maxwell cannot and should not bear all the punishment for which Epstein should have been held responsible.

The attorneys also want the judge to consider the conditions Maxwell is said to have endured while being detained pre-trial in solitary confinement and during the pandemic, which they say have been more onerous and punitive than usual.

For these and other reasons, they argued that a sentence of less than 20 years would be sufficient, but not greater than necessary.

To support their claims, the attorneys provided letters from family and friends, a former employee, and a forensic psychiatrist who evaluated her in prison in a bid to dispute Maxwell being characterized as a villain, rich heiress, and vapid socialite.

In making their case for a lighter sentence, Maxwells attorneys said she had a traumatic childhood with an overbearing, narcissistic, and demanding father which they say made her vulnerable to Epstein, who she is said to have met right after her fathers death. This, they say, was the biggest mistake she made in her life.

They also asked the judge to consider the 60-year-old sex traffickers age, that she is being sentenced for so-called non-violent offenses that happened decades ago, and other factors such as the conditions of her pre-trial detention.

While justice was served for some of Epsteins and Maxwells victims when she was convicted in April, an anti-trafficking expert has said that justice was not served overall since none of the clients of the sexual abuse were apprehended.

Ghislaine Maxwell needs to be behind bars, absolutely. So justice there, but overall justice for combating the crime of sexual exploitation, absolutely no justice, Jaco Booyens, the founder of SHAREtogether, a non-profit organization combating child sex trafficking, told NTD in an interview in January.

Booyens said that none of the people who were on the demand side of the crime, whose names are allegedly listed in a 97-page little black book, are behind bars. That book is sealed under an agreement between Maxwells attorney and prosecutors.

The law failed to identify those who buy sex from children. Those who are the demand side of the industry need to be apprehended and need to be made an example ofagain, that did not happen. We see a book sealed, we see names sealed, we see none of the buyers go into the witness stand. None of the buyers see jail time, he said.

Maxwell is scheduled to be sentenced on June 28 by U.S. Circuit Judge Alison Nathan.
Google Accused of Manipulating UK News Results With Anti-Conservative Bias: Whistleblower

A Google whistleblower told The Epoch Times that the Internet giant has an anti-conservative bias and search results are reconfigured to what the establishment thinks.

He added that we have to use whatever democracy we have left to stop this.

It follows allegations from a Daily Mail study that articles from mostly left-wing outlets were returned among the most searched terms on Google about UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, prompting the countrys culture secretary to say that it tells us what many have suspected all along.

On June 10, the Daily Mail showed that searching for Johnson on Google presented far more results from news sites hostile to him. The Guardian came up 38 times, The Independent was cited 14 times, and BBC News came up 24 times. More conservative-leaning outlets such as The Daily Telegraph came up four times, the Daily Express three times, and MailOnline twice.

The response was noted by UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorres, who is setting up the Digital Markets Unit (DMU) that will oversee a new regulatory regime, and who is currently looking at various platforms to understand how algorithms can impact users online experiences.

I have raised the issue of bias and algorithms distorting democratic content and opinion with Google, Dorres told the Daily Mail. They have promised to revert to me with evidence that this is not the case which I have yet to receive.

This evidence published by the Mail is fairly conclusive and tells us what many have suspected all along. We are looking at how we can address unfair bias and distortion in the forthcoming Digital Competition Bill, she told the publication.

Google Has AI Censorship Engine

In 2019, Zach Vorhies blew the whistle on how Google specifically rewrote its news algorithms to target former President Donald Trump, when Vorhies released hundreds of documents detailing the Internet giants anti-conservative bias.

Vorhies downloaded 950 pages of internal documents describing Googles ongoing censorship regime and then delivered them to the Department of Justice. He also disclosed the documents to the public via the journalism nonprofit Project Veritas.

Former Google software engineer Zach Vorhies in an undated file photo. (Courtesy of Project Veritas)

Vorhies told The Epoch Times that Google has created an echo chamber and that it rewrote its news algorithm to rank left-wing outlets higher.

Google uses what is called an EAT score, or Expertise, Authoritative, and Trustworthiness. This is used in the final page rank of every website based on the reputation of the website, topic, or person.

The EAT score is generated about what the media outlets think about you. What does Wikipedia think? What does the MSM [mainstream media] think? Why its an echo chamber is because they rank which media is allowed to show up on their website, he said, adding that the higher the score, the better the ranking.

A leaked document shows that The Wall Street Journal ranks at the top, followed by ABC, PBS, CBS, AP, and CNN at the top. Google lists Infowars owner and well-known radio host Alex Joness network with a negative score of information value.

He said that his assumption was that Google has a similar ranking for the British establishment, which is causing some sites to go up and some down.

All Google has to do is that they have to base their algorithms on what the consensus of the establishment thinks and they reconfigure to what the establishment thinks, he said.

Vorhies said that Google has a real censorship engine, an AI-led system called Machine Learning Fairness that it uses along with various blacklists and secret page rank scores to control information.

Machine Learning Fairness is now taking over this page rank score because Google started to transition so fast to the left that there was too much inertia in this human-based rating system. So what they have done is that they have transitioned to this AI system that can deboost and rerank. And they can do it in the course of a 24-hour news cycle, he said.

Silicon Valley Converted to the Hard Left

Vorhies recommended looking for escape hatches where people can still access information, since many Silicon Valley companies have converted to the hard left.

Vorhies believes other companies could soon be forced to comply with disinformation regulations and have to sign up to network blacklists.

They are going to censor all the conservatives. Whats happening is that they are closing in on the spaces where they are going to get heterodox opinions and they are closing it down. If you want to still access those sites, you will have to go to the URL directly or you are going to have to use one of these alternative search engines, he said.

If we dont stop the left, we are going to have a media system that is going to be like those in communist countries, where everything is highly controlled and manipulated, said Vorhies.

Thats where we are headed, he added.

Dr. Robert Epstein, senior research psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology, in California on March 28, 2022. (York Du/The Epoch Times)

Google Presents a Serious Threat

Dr. Robert Epstein, a senior research psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology (AIBRT), is best known for leading studies looking at how tech giants influence human behaviour.

He told The Epoch Times that the Daily Mails kind of study is deeply flawed.

However, Epstein has carried out extensive research on why he believes that Google presents a serious threat to democracy and human autonomy.

The sample is too small, and it doesnt take into account that real Internet content is personalised, said Epstein by email.

The only way to really know what Google-and-the-Gang are showing people is by looking over the shoulders (with their permission) of a large and diverse number of real users. Weve been doing rigorous analyses of this sort on a large scale repeatedly since 2016.

For example, in 2016 he conducted a secret monitoring project that showed Google hid negative autocomplete search results for Hillary Clinton months before the election.

He says permanent, large-scale, monitoring systems are the only way to protect democracy.

In April, Epstein told EpochTVs American Thought Leaders that his findings were frightening because of the tech companies ability to manipulate and change peoples behaviour on a global scale.

He also estimated that Googles search engine, with or without any deliberate planning by Google employees, was currently determining the outcomes of upwards of 25 percent of the worlds national elections.

Google did not respond to The Epoch Times request for comment.

A spokesperson told the Daily Mail: The Daily Mails claims are completely inaccurate. Distorting results in the way they suggest would harm our business and is fundamentally not how Search works.

Numerous independent studies including by Stanford and The Economist have demonstrated there is no political bias in Search and News results; as the Economist concluded: Google rewards reputable reporting, not left-wing politics,' Google added.
Gov. Gen. Mary Simon delivers the Throne Speech in the Senate in Ottawa on Nov. 23, 2021. (The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld)

Governor General Issues Statement on $93k Catering Bill

Rideau Hall has issued a statement saying Gov. Gen. Mary Simon shares the publics concern about a $93,000 catering bill racked up by her delegation on a government plane during a work trip to the Middle East.

Rideau Hall spokesperson Natalie Babin Dufresne said in a statement shared with CBC News on June 16 that the Canadian Armed Forces arrange Simons trips abroad and are responsible for all decisions relating to catering on these flights.

The Governor General shares the publics concern in regards to expenses and looks forward to further clarity from responsible departments, Dufresne said, citing the Department of National Defence and Global Affairs Canada as examples.

The Governor General undertakes official and state visits abroad only on request by the Prime Minister, and in support of Canadas international diplomatic objectives.

The March trip was made at the request of the prime minister to strengthen Canadian relations with Middle Eastern countries by having meetings with the heads of state, senior leaders, and Canadas ambassadors. Simon was also a guest of honour at Canadas National Day at the expo in Dubai and met with Canadian Forces members in Kuwait and Qatar.

The expenses came to light following an order paper question by Conservative MP Michael Barrett, regarding the price tag for eight days of travel for Simon and her delegation aboard a Royal Canadian Air Force plane.

According to the answer issued to Barrett, the $93,117.89 bill covers the cost of food, non-alcoholic beverages and associated fees, including catering handling and delivery, storage, cleaning and disposal of international waste, airport taxes, administrative fees, security charges, and local taxes.

Simon, her staff, Global Affairs employees, and Canadian delegates numbered 30, though RCMP officers and air crew members may also have eaten on the flights.

The delegation left Ottawa on March 16, stopped in London to pick up Simon following an audience with Queen Elizabeth II, then continued to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait. After another stop in London, the plane landed in Ottawa and later parked at the military base in Trenton, Ontario.

This was Simons second trip abroad since being appointed as the Queens representative to Canada in July 2021.

Franco Terrazzano, Federal Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation told the Epoch Times he wants more details about the expenses.

Racking up a nearly six-figure tab on in-flight catering is a huge waste of money and shows contempt for taxpayers hard-earned money. Taxpayers have every right to feel disrespected when they find out $3,100 per person was spent on in-flight catering, Terrazzano said.

If they spent thousands of dollars each on in-flight catering, then taxpayers need to see how much they spent on hotels and food while on the ground in the Middle East. Taxpayers are paying the bill and we deserve to see the full and complete receipts.

Terrazzano sees the spending revelation as another example of a concerning pattern of waste at Rideau Hall.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has repeatedly failed to clean up the waste at Rideau Hall. This huge waste of money shows its long past time for the government to stick up for taxpayers and end the office of the governor generals frivolous spending.
Heat waves rise near a warning sign on July 14, 2013 in Death Valley National Park. (David McNew/Getty Images)

Huntington Beach Resident Found Dead in Death Valley After Running out of Gas

An Orange County resident was found dead in Death Valley National Park June 14 after running out of gas and walking in the scorching heat, authorities said.

Park visitors driving along State Route 190 stumbled upon the body of David Kelleher, 67, of Huntington Beach around 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

Kellehers body was found just 30 feet from the highway, and was very easy to overlook, since the body was obscured by terrain and a mesquite tree, National Park Service spokeswoman Abby Wines told The Epoch Times.

A few days ago, park rangers issued an investigation and search for Kelleher after a ranger noticed an irregularity on June 8 and 10a sole vehicle parked in the Zabriskie Point parking lot.

This was not a normal place to leave a vehicle for multiple days, Wines said. Just the fact it was there for that long was suspicious.

Rangers investigated and found that Kelleher had not been reported missing.

Authorities launched a ground and aerial search, dispatching a U.S. Navy helicopter and personnel from various agenciesthe National Park Service, Inyo County Sheriffs Office, and Inyo County Coroners Office.

The search was limited by hot weather and focused on the Golden Canyon and Badlands Trails, not where he was later found.

A crumpled note was found in Kellehers vehicle that read Out of gas.

A park ranger cited Kelleher on May 30 for off-road driving. Kelleher had also mentioned to the ranger being low on gas.

Kelleher apparently walked 2.5 miles from the vehicle toward Furnace Creek in extreme heat. A heat wave caused record temperatures, up to 123 Fahrenheit degrees, on June 10.

Cellphones dont have service in most parts of Death Valley, Wines said.

In extreme heat, people should wait in a broken vehicle, rather than attempting to walk for assistance, Wines said.

It is completely reasonable to visit Death Valley National Park in the summer heat, she said, but extra precautions are required. Dont push it, and stay within a 5-minute walk from your vehicle or an air conditioner, she said.

The National Park Service encourages park visitors to stay safe in the summer by not hiking at low elevations after 10 a.m., staying within a short walk of air conditioning, drinking plenty of water, and eating salty snacks.

This is the parks second fatality in the last month. John McCarry, 69, of Long Beach, was found deceased in Panamint Valley on June 1.

A search also started on May 23 for Peter Harootunian, whose vehicle was noticed by National Park Service staff abandoned in Emigrant Campground. Harootunian has not been found, and the search has been scaled back to limited and continuous.
Gas prices exceeding $6 per gallon are advertised at a 76 Station in Santa Monica, Calif., on May 26, 2022. (Lucy Nicholson/Reuters)

It Was a Mistake: California Gas Station Manager Fired Over Blunder That Led to 69-cent Gasoline Sales

A manager at a gas station in California has reportedly been fired from his job after accidentally listing gas at 69 cents per gallon, giving drivers a speedy discount.

John Szczecina ran the Shell gas station in Rancho Cordova and made the costly mistake on June 9.

The former manager says he accidentally put a decimal in the wrong spot while listing the gas price, which should have been $6.99 per gallon.

The blunder, which Szczecina insists was an accident, reportedly cost the gas station between $16,000 and $20,000 and left Szczecina without a job.

Well, it was a mistake that I did, you know, Szczecina told KOVR in Sacramento. And I thought, This is a nightmare. I put all three prices on there except the diesel, but the last one kind of didnt go, you know, right.

So I just took responsibility for it and I said, Yeah its my fault, and Im to blame,' Szczecina said.

News of the heavily-discounted prices quickly spread on social media, triggering long lines at the station as drivers sought to fill up their tanks at a fraction of the price they would typically pay.

Szczecina told KOVR that he was fired on June 13.

His family members have since launched a GoFundMe seeking to raise the lost funds and reimburse his former employer. As of June 16, the fundraising page had generated just over $14,000.

The page, set up by Szczecinas sister, states that he is being held responsible for the glitch that the station was unable to stop for 3 hours as local people lined up for $0.69 cent gas per gallon and that he may be sued.

It adds that Szczecina is doing this because it is the right thing to do.

An update to the page on June 14 states that the total dollar loss was $20,000 and that the manager was giving his termination notice today.

Business attorney Craig Simmermon told KOVR that employees are protected from liability in cases like Szczecinas.

The only way he would be responsible outside of a written agreement is if he was acting outside the scope of his employment, Simmermon said. For instance, if his boss said whatever you do, dont ever set the price on that gas pump, and then he did.

The awkward mistake comes as gas prices across the nation are an average of $5.009 as of June 16, according to AAA, although in California those prices are substantially higher at $6.428 per gallon.

Experts have warned that those prices could jump further amid potential supply issues.

For now, the upward momentum may slow down, but we are still just one potential jolt to supply away from heading even higher, said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, on June 13.

De Haan added that while demand for gas has continued to rise seasonally, is it still well below previous records.

Should the rise in price finally start to slow demands rise, we could see some breathing room, but for now, it seems like Americans are proving resilient to record highs, the analyst said.

According to De Haan, Americans are now spending $730 million more each day on gasoline than they were in 2021.
Police release tear gas into a crowd of demonstrators during clashes outside the Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

Jan. 6 Defendant Gets Partial Acquittal From Judge

A federal judge on June 15 partially acquitted a man who was photographed holding a Confederate battle flag inside the Capitol building during the breach on Jan. 6, 2021.

Kevin Seefried, 53, and his son Hunter Seefried, 24, of Delaware, were found guilty of felony obstruction of an official proceeding and four misdemeanor offenses including entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building, the Justice Department (DOJ) said.

They face up to 20 years in prison on the felony charges, while the four misdemeanor offenses carry a combined statutory maximum of three years behind bars, as well as possible financial penalties.

However, U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden acquitted Hunter Seefried of three other related charges: the destruction of government property, entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with physical violence against property, and acts of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or building.

The father and son were both arrested on Jan. 14, 2021, in Delaware and both pleaded not guilty to all charges.

They are set to be sentenced in September.

Their actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election, the Justice Department said in a statement.

According to the Justice Department, the Seefrieds had attended a rally near the Ellipse in Washington on Jan. 6 before heading to the Capitol and illegally entering the grounds and joining other protestors who were walking up the steps of the building.

People near Hunter and Kevin Seefried broke windows with a police shield and a wooden two-by-four, and Hunter Seefried removed a large piece of glass from one of those windows to clear the way, the DOJ said.

The father and son were among the first people to enter the Capitol, and Kevin Seefried had been photographed inside the Capitol holding a Confederate flag, prosecutors said.

While inside the building, the Seefrieds were part of a larger group that verbally confronted several Capitol Police officers and chased Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman, the department said.

Both defendants were identified after the FBI received a report from Hunter Seefrieds co-worker, who claimed that the son had bragged about being at the Capitol with his father on Jan. 6, according to a criminal complaint.

The father and son both voluntarily participated in separate interviews with the FBI on Jan. 12, during which Kevin Seefried told agents that he had brought the Confederate battle flag to the Capitol from his home in Delaware where it is usually displayed outside.

Kevin Seefried also told agents that his son was asked by an unknown individual to assist with clearing a window that had broken during the breach which then allowed people from the crowd outside, including the Seefrieds, to gain access to the inside of the building.

The DOJ said more than 840 individuals have been arrested in the 17 months since the Jan. 6 breach for crimes relating to the incident. Of those arrested, more than 250 have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, and investigations are still continuing.

The Jan. 6 committee is also currently conducting televised public hearings of its investigation into the events of that day, although the scheduled hearing on June 15 was postponed to give lawmakers more time to prepare.
Kevin Spacey Strenuously Denies UK Sex Charges in First Court Appearance

Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey strenuously denies allegations of sexually assaulting three men, a court in London heard on Thursday.

Spacey, 62, did not enter a formal plea to the charges but his lawyer Patrick Gibbs, QC, told Westminster Magistrates Court: Mr. Spacey strenuously denies any and all criminality in this case. He needs to answer these charges if he is to proceed with his life.

He is accused of four counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

Spacey, who has won Oscars twice for American Beauty and The Usual Suspects, was told by magistrates he was free to return to the United States pending his trial.

Spacey, who was artistic director of The Old Vic theatre in London at the time of the alleged offences, was granted unconditional bail by deputy chief magistrate Tan Ikram and will next appear at Southwark Crown Court on July 14.

The charges against him are:

Sexual assault on a man, who is now in his 40s, in March 2005 in London.

Sexual assault on that same man in March 2005 in London.

Sexual assault on a man, who is now in his 30s, in August 2008 in London.

Sexual assault on another man, who is now in his 30s, in April 2013 in Gloucestershire.

Causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent, relating to the third complainant, in August 2008 in London.

Spacey lives in the United States now and the court heard he needed to be there to audition for work, and also had a pet dog there.

Spacey made no comment to the journalists and photographers waiting outside court and, once inside, gave his UK address as a flat in the Waterloo area of London.

Prosecutor Natalie Dawson did not give any further details of the allegations, which were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service last month.

The judge told Spacey, You have cooperated I am told with the authorities in New York and you have voluntarily attended these proceedings here today.

After he was charged last month Spacey released a statement to Good Morning America in which he said, While I am disappointed with their decision to move forward, I will voluntarily appear in the UK as soon as can be arranged and defend myself against these charges, which I am confident will prove my innocence.

PA Media contributed to this report.
Kirk Cameron on Homeschooling Comeback: Whoever Controls the Textbooks Controls the Future

American parents are waking up and taking the responsibility for their childrens education in a way that aligns with their values, says conservative Christian actor and filmmaker Kirk Cameron.

When you drop your kids off at school or the babysitter, theres a tremendous amount of trust that youre putting in these people. That trust was broken for many parents, Cameron said in a recent interview on EpochTVs American Thought Leaders.

Cameron, who became a household name playing the role of Mike Seaver in the 1985 sitcom Growing Pains, explores in his latest documentary film The Homeschool Awakening how American families are taking their childrens education into their own hands.

This awakening, according to Cameron, came to many parents when the pandemic put them in the front row seats to discover what the public school systems have been teaching their children.

In most places, the public school system has gotten so bad, theyre doing more grooming than they are educatinggrooming toward sexual chaos and leftist politics than any real educating toward truth and beauty and goodness, he told host Jan Jekielek, pointing to radical sex and gender ideologies and the Marxism-rooted critical race theory that are being incorporated into all manner of subjects, including math.

Math is not just math anymore. History is not just history anymore, said Cameron. There are ideologies and worldviews that are being constructed through the math class, through history class, that are teaching children to feel guilty about the color of their skin, or to feel like they are victims and have a victim mindset by the color of their skin, or to hate our country, or to hate God, or to hate the Judeo-Christian moral standard that has caused families, churches, and nations to flourish for thousands of years.

These are the things parents are not happy with, and theyre not taking it anymore, he continued. The parents have led a movement to take back the leadership position in the education of their children.

A home-based, parent-directed schooling model isnt new to this country, Cameron said. For hundreds of years, Americas homeschooling parents took their educational responsibility as a sacred duty and embraced the world as their classroom.

In The Homeschooling Awakening, Cameron documents 17 homeschooling families with different backgrounds, needs, and unique gifts. Cameron said he hopes Americans who have yet to start their own homeschooling journeys find answers to their questions in his film.

Some of them are in urban settings. Some of them are in rural settings. Some of these kids are pilots. Some are entrepreneurial families where the whole family is working together. Some are traveling. Some are very creative and into the arts, Cameron said. We find families who are doing it well. We find families that represent the families who have questions, the ones who are just wading into this homeschooling world and they want to know the how-tos, the ins and outs.

Theres no one-size-fits-all way to do it. Its totally customizable, he said. You can tailor the educational experience to what fits your family.

When asked whether there will be a backlash against the homeschooling movement, Cameron said the contest for the classroom is meant to be fought contentiously.

History tells us that whoever controls the textbooks controls the future. The hearts and minds of our children are of paramount importance, he said. Theres going to be a battle.

I think its been a great wake-up call for parents to understand that this is a sacred responsibility, he added. If we want our values to be passed on, we cant outsource parenting. We cant outsource education. We cant outsource discipleship to people who have opposing values to our own.

If we send our children to Rome to be educated, we shouldnt be surprised if they come back Romans.

Bill Pan Reporter Follow Bill Pan is a reporter for The Epoch Times.
LA Unified Superintendent Proposes $18.5 Billion Budget to Close Learning Gaps

Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Alberto Carvalho is proposing an $18.5 billion budget for the upcoming school year, with $1.9 billion in targeted investments to close academic gaps.

Carvalho provided the districts education board with an overview of the budgets targeted investments June 14, calling the budget the heart and fuel of our school system.

The 202223 budget addresses the districts most pressing issues while reaffirming our longstanding commitment to providing communities throughout all 710 square miles with a nurturing environment, Carvalho said in a statement.

This years proposed budget is about $4.1 billion higher than the previous years $14.7 billion proposed budget, but $1.5 billion less than the previous years final adopted $20 billion budget.

To boost academic achievement, the proposed budget allots $122 million for extended instruction dayssuch as summer school programs$100 million to support high-needs students, $100 million to support special education programs, $13 million to support early education programs, $6 million to support English learners, and $4 million to support tutoring programs.

In addition, the district proposes $24 million for the districts Black Student Achievement Planwhich began this school year to address disparities between black students and their peersand $200,000 to support other programs for black and indigenous students.

To target student wellness, the budget recommends $822 million for the districts Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, $58 million to support outdoor education programs, $50 million to support social-emotional learning, wellness, and mental health programs, $21 million to support arts programs, and $10 million to support dual-language programs.

As for school operations, the budget also proposes $50 million for safety and security after Carvalho announced plans last month to boost school safety operations considering the elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

This comes after the board voted in 2020 to reduce the schools security and safety budget by one-third following the Black Lives Matter movement.

Carvalho also proposed $50 million for added classroom technology and $5 million for parent engagement and outreach.

In addition to closing learning gaps, Carvalho is focused on transitioning LAUSD away from COVID-19 protocols in preparation for a time when the district loses its federal pandemic aid; last year, the district received about $5 billion in pandemic relief funds from the federal government

We remain vigilant and will ensure we most effectively and efficiently allocate recurring and non-recurring resources, Carvalho said.

The district also continues to face declining enrollment.

In May, the district projected a 30 percent drop in enrollment over the next decade; and because state funding is based on average attendance and enrollment, the district will likely see a drop in funding in the coming years.

Carvalho told the board during a May meeting that a perfect storm of declining enrollment and funding will brew future hardships for the district.

Los Angeles Unified is facing an alarming convergence and acceleration of enrollment decline and the expiration of one-time state and federal dollars, as well as ongoing and increasing financial liabilities, Carvalho said, adding that there is not an easy path toward financial stability.

The board is expected to vote on the budgets initial adoption June 21 but will continue to revise the budget up until it is finalized August.
The United States is keeping a closer eye on investment in China. A new move could keep billions of U.S. dollars away from the communist country.

Rare earths are key elements for the production of weapons. China dominates the market, but the United States is taking steps to change that.

Is Chinas zero-COVID-19 policy really for the well-being of the people? A new report suggests otherwise.

Russian-Chinese relations are at an all time high, and still improving. Thats based on a recent phone call between the two leaders.

Topics in this episode:

Lawmakers Push to Screen Investment to China U.S. To Build Domestic Rare Earths Plant Draft Bill to Address U.S. Mineral Reliance on China U.S. Weighs Blocking China Officials on Social Media Elon Musks Starship Launch Faces Hurdles Russia-China Phone Call Displays Mutual Support Chinas Zero-COVID-19 a Means of Subjugation? Why China Censored This Wedding Video Report: China Rewards National Security Tip-Offs South American Congressmen Denounce the CCP

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Living Life Under Occupation

Commentary

One of the striking things about life in wartime is how normal it can be for ordinary people.

Imagine life in Paris under German occupation for four years during the Second World War. Children were born, and old people diedof natural causes. Teachers taught, and kids went to school to learn. Shops, churches, and offices stayed open. In much of Paris, it was business as usual.

The police managed traffic and handed civil and criminal offenders to the courts, who tried them in a customary way. Even the trains generally ran on time. Young soldiers of the occupation force sometimes dated nice girls. Some people, understandably, were angry about their countrys defeat, but they were usually left to their disgruntlement if they kept their feelings to themselves. Others were largely indifferent or even occasionally reasonably well-disposed towards their occupiers.

So life went on tolerably well for the majority of people. But there was a point at which you came up against a wall. Civil disobedience of any kind, if it had or could be construed to have a political flavour, was very dangerous indeed.

If you spoke out publicly against the German occupation, tried to save a Jewish friend from deportation, or provided any comfort or shelter for the states enemies, your life could be at risk. Far worse, the Germans had a casual hit-or-miss attitude to vengeance: some people who had been hitherto indifferent could find themselves randomly seized as hostages and shot in reprisal for some explosive action of the Resistance.

It must have felt as if two universes co-existed in the same tract of space. You could live in your bubble in reasonable comfort for four years, buying, selling, eating, loving, playing and listening to music, reading (with a little discretion), and listening to the radio. But a wrong move could propel you into another universe, one far crueller and much more dangerous.

French recruits leave for their barracks from the Gare de lEst in Paris during World War II, circa 1940. (FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Where am I going with this?

It all started with a reflection on the so-called Culture Wars. I told a friend I was planning a piece on that topic, and her reply intrigued me: Does anyone care? Most people, she argued, arent affected one way or another. It just doesnt worry them.

I realised, with some sadness, that she was right. These so-called wars played virtually no part in the recent Australian elections. The awful truth is that the Culture Wars are now over, we lost, and were now living under occupation. Sure, there are a few skirmishes on the fringes, a few rebellious souls trying to hold out against the invader, but its explained to us that such people are guilty of hate speech, whereas love (whatever that means) is all that matters.

Most of us are now content to go about our daily lives as we always did as if nothing had changed. Children are born to us, andguess what?theyre either girls or boys. Thats fine so long as we keep such discriminatory language in the family, maybe making the odd token remark about our kids option to choose their own gender and never complaining about their schools efforts to embed the notion of sexual fluidity in their susceptible young minds.

This kind of passive restraint can be tough going if you live in one of the smarter city suburbs, where youll probably find the champions of wokery a bit more aggressive, but the further you live from the big cities, the better your chance of staying under the Woke radar. Country people by and large believe that children are either male or female, no argument. After all, if life wasnt just as simple as that, what would become of our sheep, cattle, and poultry industries?

The sexual identity of children is just one issue on which the forces of occupation hold strong views. There are so many others. In sexual matters, should we accept that there is no such thing as normal and that every kind of behaviour is equally legitimate?

Should we be required to acknowledge our Indigenous predecessors at the beginning of every public meeting or speech, even when the local tribe has been long extinct?

Can we accept that the taking of human life, not yet born or no longer required, is subject to no moral restraints whatsoever and is justified solely by the convenience of those now living?

We are under enemy occupation. Two things can now happen. The first is that the occupying forces, increasingly irritated by destructive mischief in some pockets of resistance, will toughen their approach to enforcement and demand a more active submission to the new orthodoxy. Like all other forms of tyranny, wokeness cannot endure even silent dissent and will try to root it out.

Supporters hold placards as they attend a same-sex marriage rally in Sydney, Australia, on Sept. 10, 2017. (Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images)

So what will be the first cab off the rank? Will it be the banning of Australia Day? Or will we see the move to rebrand towns and geographical features with their putative Aboriginal names will accelerate? Certainly, alternative views on such things as climate change and the appropriate response to diseases such as COVID-19 will be further restricted.

School syllabuses will be extended further in the direction of social re-programming with a consequent decline in standards of both science and literacy. English and history will be the most seriously affected, the latter having already all but disappeared, the former being further limited in the choice of acceptable material for study.

Goodbye to Shakespeare and so many other great writers, particularly if theyre white males. I see that Linkedin now allows you to nominate your preferred pronouns. Maybe that will become compulsory soon!

But the other thing that is sure to happen is that resistance will spread.

Ordinary people will increasingly discover, as repression tightens, that there is a colossal and ever-widening gulf between woke theory and reality.

As schools and universities lose their grip on our cultural heritage, smaller institutions, often parent-controlled, will start to take their place, and the quantum of children being properly educated will increase to the point at which their trained minds and informed opinions can actually impact the thinking of their friends, whose minds had been stuffed with cotton wool.

Its now a tired metaphor, I know, but more and more people will discover that the emperor, despite its proclamations, is simply no longer wearing any clothes.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
The discovery: NASA's TESS mission has found two rocky worlds orbiting the relatively bright, red dwarf star HD 260655, only 33 light-years away.

The new planets, HD 260655 b and HD 260655 c, are among the closest-known rocky planets yet found outside our solar system that astronomers can observe crossing the faces of their stars.

Key facts: Using NASA's orbiting planet hunter, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), scientists discovered sibling planets in Earth's size-range that are prime candidates for atmospheric investigation. And the discovery comes at an ideal moment: The giant James Webb Space Telescope, soon to deliver its first science images, can examine the atmospheres of exoplanets - planets beyond our solar system - to search for water, carbon molecules and other components. Learning more about the atmospheres of rocky planets will help scientists understand the formation and development of worlds like our own.

Details: Both planets are "super-Earths" - terrestrial worlds like ours, only bigger. Planet b is about 1.2 times as big around as Earth, planet c 1.5 times. In this case, however, neither world is likely to support life. The temperature on planet b, nearest to the star, is estimated at 816 degrees Fahrenheit (435 Celsius), planet c 543 Fahrenheit (284 Celsius), though actual temperature depends on the presence and nature of possible atmospheres.

Still, the science team that discovered the planets says they are well worth further investigation. At 33 light-years, they are relatively close to us, and their star, though smaller than ours, is among the brightest in its class. These and other factors raise the likelihood that the Webb telescope, and perhaps even the Hubble Space Telescope, could capture data from the star's light shining through these planets' atmospheres. Such light can be spread into a spectrum, revealing the fingerprints of molecules within the atmosphere itself.

Both planets rate in the top 10 candidates for atmospheric characterization among all terrestrial exoplanets so far discovered, the team says. That places them in the same category as one of the most famous planetary systems: the seven roughly Earth-sized planets around a star called TRAPPIST-1. The TRAPPIST-1 worlds and several other rocky exoplanets are already on the list of observation targets for the Webb telescope.

Fun facts: The jury is out on whether either newly discovered planet possesses an atmosphere, and if so, what it's made of. But the science team's analysis already has produced some intriguing clues. TESS finds exoplanets by watching for "transits" - the tiny drop in starlight when a planet passes in front of its star - which can reveal the planet's diameter. But the scientists also used data from ground-based telescopes to confirm the existence of the two new planets. These telescopes measured the "wobble" of the star, caused by the gravitational tugs from orbiting planets, which yields the planets' mass. Combine these measurements, and you can determine the density of the planets - in this case confirming they are rocky worlds. The measurements also suggest that if the planets do have atmospheres, they are not extended, hydrogen atmospheres.

The discoverers: An international team of astronomers led by Rafael Luque of the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia, Spain, and also of the University of Chicago, used TESS data to make the discovery. The team's paper has been accepted for publication in the science journal, "Astronomy & Astrophysics," with presentation of its results at the American Astronomical Society meeting in Pasadena in June 2022.

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A nurse fills a syringe with a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at a community vaccination center in Hong Kong, on Feb. 26, 2021. (Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images)

Facing Healthcare Staff Shortfall, Hong Kong Turns to Medical Graduates From Mainland China

Hong Kong recently released a special registration program, allowing medical graduates from 50 non-local institutions to practice in Hong Kong. Fudan University became the first institution in mainland China to have its Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree, a six-year degree program, recognized by Hong Kong.

The citys Registrar of Medical Practitioners announced the list of 50 institutions in two batches, with 27 released in late April, and 23 on June 8, which included Fudan University. Most of the other universities are from English-speaking countries, such as the United States, UK, Canada, and Australia. In addition, Singapore and South Africa each has one school recognized under the new program.

The announcement of the recognized medical qualifications in batches by the Special Registration Committee (SRC) enables qualified non-locally trained doctors to come to serve in the public healthcare institutions in Hong Kong through special registration as soon as possible, with a view to alleviating the current shortage of doctors in the public healthcare system, Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee said, according to an official statement released on June 8.

The 2021 Medical Registration Ordinance Amendment, which became effective at the end of October 2021, allows eligible doctors to eventually obtain full registration status in Hong Kong after meeting certain criteria.

It is expected that more mainland Chinese medical schools will be included in the SRC accreditation list in the future.

However, many in Hong Kongs healthcare sector questioned the huge difference between Chinas and Hong Kongs medical systems, as the gap in professionalism and skill levels, and the language barrier, will cause problems.

Hong Kongs medical system uses English as its working language, and most Hong Kong people communicate in Cantonese, while the mainland doctors working language is Mandarin.

Choi Kin, president of the Hong Kong Medical Association, also expressed concerns with regard to language barrier.

Hong Kong physicians and nurses document cases and write prescriptions in English. If their mainland colleagues speak Mandarin and write simplified Chinese characters, it could turn out to be a chaotic situation, he said.

Kin believes that the Hospital Authority of Hong Kong has the responsibility to train mainland doctors until they can comfortably communicate with their colleagues and patients. When some people insisted that language barrier is not a big issue, Kin said, Only time will tell.

Faltering Performance of Chinese COVID Relief Team

In fact, the medical team from the mainland who went to Hong Kong to support the COVID treatment this year failed to effectively relieve the pressure of the local medical staff due to the many cultural differences between China and Hong Kong.

At the time, the Hong Kong Hospital Authority specifically changed the clinical management interface in a dedicated treatment facility to Chinese, including the drug list and workflow, in order to help the mainland medical staff who prefer Chinese-language information. However, when a patient recovered and was discharged from the hospital, Hong Kong medical staff had to make an additional English document and input it to Hospital Authoritys system, as revealed by Dr. Ling Siu Chi Tony, president of the Hong Kong Public Doctors Association.

The Hospital Authority also advised Hong Kong medical staff to discuss and instruct the mainland staff who came to support. Some medics at Hong Kongs public hospitals criticized the directive, saying that instead of relieving their pressure, these extra tasks added to their burdens and decreased their work efficiency.

Loss of Healthcare Talent

Amid the emigration wave from Hong Kong, the city lost a large number of medical workers last year.

In response to a written query from the Legislative Council in April this year, the Hong Kong Food and Health Bureau confirmed that in 2021-2022, a total of over 3,300 healthcare workers left their jobs, including 436 doctors, 2,240 nurses, and 662 health workers.

The document pointed out that Hong Kongs Hospital Authority will implement further measures to retain medical staff in 2022, with an estimated expenditure of about 180 million yuan (about $22.93 million). Measures include postponing retirement, increasing promotion opportunities, and providing specialist nurse allowances to qualified registered nurses.

For mainland medical graduates, the big salary gap between Hong Kong and China makes Hong Kong a dream place to work.

Ms. Peng, a physician working at a public hospital in Shanghai, told Radio Free Asia that she would definitely be willing to work in Hong Kong if given such an opportunity. In addition to higher wages, I can become a permanent resident of Hong Kong after 7 years, and my chances of emigrating to other countries are also greater than those in China, Peng said.

According to the 2021 China Hospital Salary Survey Report, the average salary of a level-4 Chinese physician in 2020 was about $2,452 per month, while Hong Kongs official data shows that local doctors salaries are between $8,976 and $15,515 per month.
People wait in line to drop off mail-in ballots in a file photo. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images)

Mail-In Ballots Found Discarded Along California Freeway

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and officials with San Diego Countys elections office confirmed they are investigating mail-in ballots that were found scattered along a local San Diego freeway this week.

Several ballots were found by a local driver, Brent Walters, who told Fox5 San Diego that he found them on June 7 on the same day as Californias primary elections near Route 163 and Interstate 8.

Walters told the outlet that he found the small stack, took photos, and shared his concerns with the office of San Diego County Registrar of Voters Cynthia Paes.

Paes confirmed that they collected the unopened mail-in ballots from Walters. Its not clear how the mail ended up on the side of an interstate.

We visited the site and recovered an additional two unopened ballot envelopes as well as other mail pieces unrelated to the Registrar of Voters office, Paes told the local Fox broadcaster.

The incident, she said, was referred to the U.S. Postal Service as a suspected case of stolen mail. Paes didnt elaborate.

Postal Inspectors are currently investigating the incident and unable to comment further at this time, Postal Inspector Patricia Mendoza told the outlet.

The incident comes several weeks after a woman walking her dog in Hollywood discovered mail-in ballots discarded on a sidewalk.

Our office was notified over the weekend of a mail tray found containing approximately 104 unopened, outbound Vote by Mail ballots and additional mail pieces, the LA County Registrars Office told local media outlets in mid-May. Thanks to the cooperation of the person who found the ballots, we were able to quickly respond and coordinate the secure pickup of the ballots.

In that incident, the Registrars Office said that the incident was mail theft and wasnt a directed attempt at disrupting the election.

Mail-in ballots have been flagged by Republicans and others as being flawed and insecure. Following the 2020 election, which saw a significant expansion of vote-by-mail policies, a number of Republican-led states have introduced measures to limit such measures.

Earlier this year, an election watchdog group found that at least 137,500 absentee ballots were cast in Wisconsins largest cities during the 2020 election via unlawful vote trafficking. The group, TTV, said it made the analysis after it purchased some 10 trillion unique cell phone identity signals, known as pings, to reconstruct the movements of ballot box intermediaries during that election.

Californias primary elections were held on June 7.

The U.S. Postal Service did not immediately return a request for comment on Thursday.
Bunnings Warehouse is seen in Maribyrnong on August 4, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Major Australian Retail Chains Found Using Facial Recognition on Customers

Three major Australian retailers, Kmart, Bunnings, and The Good Guys, have been found using facial recognition technology on their customers.

Consumer group Choice asked 25 leading retailers in Australia whether they were capturing the biometric information of their customers and found the three national brandswho run hundreds of stores across the countrywere doing so.

Edward Santow, professor at the University of Technology Sydney and a former human rights commissioner, said the widespread use of facial recognition technology was a concern for society.

Even if that technology was perfectly accurateand its notbut even if it were, it also takes us into the realm of mass surveillance, he told Choice. I think there will be great concern in the Australian community about walking down that path.

Kate Bower, a consumer data advocate from Choice, said team members visited stores to investigate and found Kmart and Bunnings had installed minimal signage to warn customers that they were subject to data collectionpotentially putting the companies in breach of privacy laws.

Most of these privacy policies you have to search for online, and theyre often not easy to find, she said in a statement. But because were talking about in-person retail shops, its likely that no one is reading a privacy policy before they go into a store.

In response to the findings, the CEO of Bunnings, Simon McDowell, said the measures were put in place to deal with theft and anti-social behaviour.

We let customers know about our use of CCTV and facial recognition technology through signage at our store entrances and also in our privacy policy, which is available on our website, he said.

Its really important to us that we do everything we can to discourage poor behaviour in our stores, and we believe this technology is an important measure that helps us to maintain a safe and secure environment for our team and customers.

However, Mark Andrejevic, professor of media studies at Monash University, said more clarity was needed around the use of such technology.

The first concern is notice and consent; its not in highly visible forms of public notification that would invite people to understand whats taking place, he told Choice.

I think the other set of concerns is we dont have a clear set of regulations or guidelines on the appropriate use of the technology. That leaves it pretty wide open.

Stores may be using it for the purposes of security now, but down the road, they may also include terms of use that would say that they can use it for marketing purposes.
The Abbott Laboratories facility where dozens of recalled types of powdered baby formulas were made leading to production being halted at the location in Sturgis, Mich., on May 20, 2022. (Eric Cox/Reuters)

Major Baby Formula Plant Hit by Flooding, Disrupting Production

Production at a major baby formula plant in the United States is being delayed after storms hit Michigan this week.

Abbott stated on June 15 that it was halting production of a specialty formula at its plant in Sturgis, Michigan, to assess flooding damage caused by the storm and clean and resanitize the plant.

The plant then will need to be inspected by U.S. regulators and an independent third party, per a consent agreement reached by Abbott and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This will likely delay production and distribution of new product for a few weeks, Abbott stated.

The Sturgis plant was shut in February after environmental samples showed the presence of a bacteria that had sickened multiple infants who had consumed formula.

The shutdown led to nationwide formula shortagesa problem that still hasnt been fully resolved.

According to Datasembly, the out-of-stock rate for formula was at 43 percent for the week ending on May 8. The company hasnt released an update since May.

Abbott announced earlier in June that it was resuming production at the Sturgis plant and that it was focusing on producing specialty formulas, such as EleCare, which is designed for infants with allergies and certain gastrointestinal disorders.

Once the plant is back in operation, EleCare production will resume first, followed by other specialty and metabolic formulas, according to Abbott.

FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf, testifying to members of Congress in Washington, said what happened is an unfortunate setback and a reminder that natural weather events can cause unforeseen disruptions in supply chains.

Califf said he has been in touch with Abbott executives and that FDA employees will be communicating with Abbott on a daily basis.

The company has ramped up production at its other plants, including some outside the United States, and other major manufacturers have also increased production, which means there will be adequate supply in the near future, according to Califf. Other efforts include relaxing import restrictions.

We had hoped to have had a super supply so we could get the shelves completely restocked, he said. The estimate is perhaps two weeks. It is too early to give an exact estimate of what the delay will be in the Sturgis plant.

Califf told lawmakers in early June that it could take about two months for the supply of formula to reach typical levels.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Health Committee, said lawmakers are extremely focused on the formula crisis and that she hoped the flooding at Abbotts plant doesnt worsen the situation.
Man Who Allegedly Tried to Kill Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh Indicted, Faces Life in Prison

The California man who authorities say admitted to flying across the country to try to kill Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh is facing life in prison if convicted after a grand jury returned an indictment on June 15.

Nicholas John Roske, 26, of Simi Valley, was indicted on one count of Attempt to Assassinate Justice of United States, according to a court filing.

The punishment for the count, a violation of 18 U.S. Code Section 351(c), is a maximum of life in prison.

Roske was initially charged with attempting to murder a U.S. judge. If convicted of that charge, a judge could have sentenced him to no more than 20 years in jail.

Roske flew to an airport in the Washington area and took a taxi to Chevy Chase, Maryland, on June 8, according to court documents. He was dropped off outside Kavanaughs home at approximately 1 a.m.

After spotting two U.S. deputy marshals standing on the property, Roske turned and walked down the street. After texting with his sister, he called 911 on himself, reporting that he had weapons and was going to try to hurt Kavanaugh.

Montgomery County police officers rushed to the scene and took Roske into custody without incident.

Roske admitted in two separate interviews with law enforcement that he went to Kavanaughs home with the intention of breaking into the residence and killing the justice. He said he planned to kill himself afterward.

Roske stated that he was motivated by fears that Kavanaugh, a Trump appointee, would rule against Roe v. Wade in the upcoming decision in a case brought by the state of Mississippi, and against gun control laws, referring to a separate decision due before the nations top court finishes its current term.

Charging documents listed what items Roske had with him, but the indictment identified additional items and went into more detail on those previously listed.

The document gives the serial number for the Glock 17 gun Roske possessed while revealing that in addition to having two magazines with approximately 10 rounds each of 9mm ammunition, there were approximately 17 additional rounds of ammunition in a plastic bag. It also lists Roske as having, among other items, a Streamlight TLR4 light and laser; a ComfortTac belly band holster, used to carry a gun for easy access; an ASP-Micro TM160 monocular thats capable of thermal imaging; a black face mask; and a lock-picking kit.

Roske initially appeared in federal court in Greenbelt on the day he was arrested. He and his lawyer decided not to ask a judge for release pending trial.

The next appearance hasnt been scheduled yet, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek Barron said after the grand jury indictment was issued.

Barron praised the FBI, the Montgomery County Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Supreme Court Police for their work on the investigation.

Also on June 15, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and other senators urged Attorney General Merrick Garland to start prosecuting people for protesting outside the homes of Kavanaugh and other justices who are expected to strike down Roe v. Wade as per a leaked draft opinion.

Somehow, the situation is only escalating. Not only did the illegal picketing resume mere hours after the assassination attempt on Justice Kavanaugh, but reports are that those seeking to intimidate the Justices at their homes plan to expand their campaign of harassment to their childrens schools. Enough, the senators wrote (pdf).

Garland, a Biden appointee, speaking with reporters in Buffalo, New York, didnt directly address the increasing pressure from Republicans to prosecute protesters for violating a federal law that prohibits protesting outside the homes of judges with the intent of influencing them.

Garland said the Department of Justice (DOJ) takes extraordinarily seriously any violenceany criminal threats of violence, intimation, harassment of the justices or of any government officials and said he had ordered around-the-clock protection for the homes of all nine justices before Roskes alleged attempt on Kavanaughs life.

The DOJ has declined to comment when asked why federal officials arent enforcing the law.

Garland told lawmakers in a recent missive that he couldnt confirm or deny whether the agency was probing possible violations of the law in question, invoking DOJ policies on avoiding talking about ongoing investigations.

The senators responded: Is White House policy keeping you from bringing charges? If not, tell us. Or tell our staff. You can respond by letter or you can schedule a phone call or even a briefing.

If there is a good reason why you arent charging these obvious crimes, explain it to us. We want to understand. The situation is too dire and too important for more meaningless boilerplate about Justice Department policies.
A logo sits illuminated outside the Microsoft pavilion on the opening day of the World Mobile Congress at the Fira Gran Via Complex in Barcelona, Spain on February 22, 2016. (David Ramos/Getty Images)

Microsoft Fixes Flaw Exploited by State-Backed Hackers

Microsoft Corp. released a fix for Windows zero-day flaw exploited by state-backed hackers.

However, cybersecurity firm Sophos noted that the fix did not feature on the list of patches included in the release. However, it confirmed the mitigation of Follina.

Microsoft strongly recommended that customers install the updates for complete protection from the vulnerability.

Hackers exploited the Follina flaw to execute malicious PowerShell commands using the Microsoft Diagnostic Tool while opening or previewing malicious Office documents, the TechCrunch reports. It enables hackers to view or delete data, install programs and create new accounts on compromised systems.

In April, cybersecurity researchers first detected the exploit to target Russian and Belarussian users. In May, Enterprise security firm Proofpoint disclosed that a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group was exploiting the zero-day attacks.

The U.S. administration prioritized cybersecurity funding following back-to-back hacks.

Cyber hacks saw an alarming growth during the pandemic as every activity shifted online.

By Anusuya Lahiri

 2022 The Epoch Times. The Epoch Times does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
A researcher plants a semiconductor on an interface board during a research work to design and develop a semiconductor product at Tsinghua Unigroup research center in Beijing on Feb. 29, 2016. (Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters)

More Than 100 CEOs Urge US Congress to Pass China Competition Bill

SAN FRANCISCO/WASHINGTONChief executives from Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., and Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday called on Congress to pass legislation aimed at boosting U.S. economic competitiveness against China, including in chip manufacturing.

Those executives and more than 100 others signed a letter urging the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, which each have passed different versions of the legislation, to reach an agreement and send a bill to President Joe Biden for his signature. Legislators will break for a summer recess in August, after which most observers expect lawmakers to shift their attention to this falls midterm elections.

Our global competitors are investing in their industry, their workers, and their economies, and it is imperative that Congress act to enhance U.S. competitiveness, said the letter.

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), which organized the letter signing, said the letter was the largest group of corporate leaders so far to endorse the bill.

The legislation includes $52 billion in federal funding to expand U.S. semiconductor manufacturing capacity, which happens in factories called fabs, short for fabrication plants.

The leaders of our industry are under pressure to get fabs up to respond to the growing demand for chips. And they cant wait, said SIA CEO John Neuffer, adding that the bill would ensure that more of those fabs are going to be built in the U.S. rather than overseas.

The SIA is also calling for an investment tax credit for semiconductor manufacturing and design in the competitiveness legislation.

Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said he hoped lawmakers could complete the legislation by the end of the month. He added that Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell told him he is not going to do anything to oppose or undermine consideration of this bill.

By Jane Lanhee Lee, Moira Warburton, and Stephen Nellis
A sign depicting a scene of medical products transportation at the empty street, amid growing fears over the spread of COVID-19, in Pyongyang, North Korea, in a photo released by Kyodo on May 23, 2022. (Kyodo via Reuters)

North Korea Faces Infectious Disease Outbreak Amid COVID-19 Battle

SEOULNorth Korea reported an outbreak of an unidentified intestinal epidemic in a farming region on Thursday, putting further strain on the isolated country as it battles chronic food shortages and a wave of COVID-19 infections.

Leader Kim Jong Un sent medicines to the western port city of Haeju on Wednesday to help patients suffering from the acute enteric epidemic, state news agency KCNA said, without giving the number affected or identifying the disease.

The term enteric refers to the gastrointestinal tract.

(Kim) stressed the need to contain the epidemic at the earliest date possible by taking a well-knit measure to quarantine the suspected cases to thoroughly curb its spread, confirming cases through epidemiological examination and scientific tests, KCNA said.

An official at South Koreas Unification Ministry handling inter-Korean affairs said the government is monitoring the outbreak, suspected to be cholera or typhoid.

The reported outbreak comes as the North tackles its first outbreak of COVID-19 infections. It declared a state of emergency last month, amid concerns over a lack of vaccines and medical supplies.

South Koreas spy agency earlier told lawmakers that waterborne diseases, such as typhoid, were already widespread in North Korea before it announced the coronavirus outbreak.

Intestinal diseases such as typhoid and shigellosis are not particularly new in North Korea but whats troubling is that it comes at a time when the country is already struggling from COVID-19, said professor Shin Young-jeon at Hanyang Universitys College of Medicine in Seoul.

South Korea is willing to cooperate with the North to tackle the disease outbreak, but Pyongyang remains unresponsive to any offers for dialogue, including Seouls earlier proposal to provide COVID-19 vaccines, said another official at the unification ministry.

South Hwanghae Province, where Haeju is located, is North Koreas key agricultural region, raising concerns over possible impacts on the countrys already dire food shortage.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends a plenary meeting of the Workers Party central committee in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo supplied by North Koreas Central News Agency (KCNA) on February 10, 2021. (KCNA via Reuters)

While the possibility of infections spreading through crops appears low, the key will be disinfecting water supply sources as the disease is likely to be waterborne, said Eom Joong-sik, an infectious disease expert at Gachon University Gil Medical Center.

Pyongyang has been daily announcing the number of fever patients without specifying them as COVID-19 patients, apparently due to a lack of testing kits. Experts also suspect underreporting in the figures released through government-controlled media.

North Korea reported 26,010 more people with fever symptoms on Thursday, with the total number of fever patients recorded across the country since late April nearing 4.56 million. The death toll linked to the outbreak is 73.

The North has said the COVID-19 wave has shown signs of subsiding, but the World Health Organization cast doubts on Pyongyangs claims earlier this month, saying it believes the situation is getting worse.

By Soo-hyang Choi
Chris Bowen, Labor Party's minister for energy and climate change, speaks to media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on June 16, 2022. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch)

Not Enough Renewables: Minister Blames Australian Electricity Shortage on Lack of Green Energy

Energy Minister Chris Bowen has blamed Australias current electricity shortage on a supposed lack of investment in renewable energy and storage facilities from the previous government.

The Labor minister was responding to questions on whether Australia should simply increaseor repaircoal-fired energy generators that already provide around 64.67 percent of the countrys total electricity, as of December 2021.

The problem is there hasnt been enough investment in renewable energy, Bowen told reporters on June 16. There hasnt been enough investment in storage.

Yes, you can say the wind doesnt always blow, and the sun doesnt always shine. Well, the rain doesnt always fall out there, but we managed to store the water, he said.

We can store the renewable energy if we have the investment, and that investment has been lacking for the last decade. Thats the problem.

Outside of coal, the National Electricity Market is supported (pdf) by wind power (10.45 percent of total generation), hydro (7.21 percent), individual solar systems (7.09 percent), gas (6.57 percent), and grid-scale solar (3.85 percent) among others.

Incidentally, Australia has been one of the fastest nations to adopt rooftop solar technology installing over 380,000 systems in 2021, with the Clean Energy Regulator saying the combined amount of electricity generated was 3,200 megawatts.

Further, experts have noted that simply building more batteries to increase storage capacity was unfeasible. One of the worlds largest battery storage systems is FPL Manatee Energy Storage Center in Florida, which can power approximately 329,000 homes but for only a two hour period.

Another problem with increasing battery production would be an increased reliance on Chinese supply chains, which would be risky considering the willingness of the Chinese Communist Party to leverage trade relationships in geopolitical disputes.

Rare earths and critical minerals are important components in rechargeable battery technology. Currently, even major carmakers like BMW and Tesla rely heavily on the Chinese market for the component.

China currently controls 50 percent to 60 percent of global rare earth mining, 80 percent to 90 percent of the market in the intermediate processing stage where the elements are separated and refined into metals and alloys, and at least 60 percent to 70 percent in downstream manufacturing for products like permanent magnets, according to Kristin Vekasi, professor of political science at the University of Maine.

Meanwhile, Energy Minister Bowen and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a new framework to increase Australias emissions reduction efforts from 26-28 percent by 2030, to 43 percent.

Australia has to end the climate wars, an opportunity for solutions, not arguments, Albanese told reporters on June 16.

Its all about the short-term capital investment thats required, but then you get the long-term benefit, because the cheaper, cleaner energy flows well into the future, and thats what sets Australia up for the future.
Online Outcry for Investigation into Alleged Local Connections with Attackers of Two Women

Recent surveillance footage of four men attacking women in a restaurant in Chinas northern city of Tangshan has provoked a public outcry on Chinese social media, as people demand an investigation into an alleged police connection with the attackers.

The CCTV footage dated June 10 at 2.40 a.m. shows a woman in white dining with three other females, when a man in an olive jacket approaches their table and puts his hand on her back. She pushes him away several times, and then the man slaps her. Soon the situation turns into chaos, with the man and his companions hitting all of the women. They shove one of the womans friends to the ground, kick her, and throw a chair at her.

Despite staff attempts to intervene, the four-minute footage shows the men dragging the woman by her hair outside the restaurant and stomping on her head. One of her companions was shoved back, and she fell against the curb and was badly injured in the one-sided fight. The woman in white repeatedly says: I dont know him!

After the video went viral, netizens began uploading more information on Chinese social media platforms, scolding the attackers and asking for justice to be done. The incident is still fermenting in Chinese online media outlets.

Slow Response of Police and Contradictory Police Records: Netizens

Netizens criticized how long it took the police to arrive at the site of the melee, and doubt the police record of the incident.

The Airport Road police station is only half a mile from the barbecue restaurant where the violent assaults occurred. It was the police station that sent police to the scene of the assault.

An officer at the police station told Chinese media outlets that an order was received from the municipal police call center at 2:41 a.m. on June 10, asking them to send police to the restaurant, and that the police arrived at the restaurant at 2:46 a.m. only to find the attackers had already left.

After the CCTV footage went viral online, the Airport Road police station issued a notice on June 11, claiming that all nine suspects (seven male, two female) were apprehended, some feel only because of pressure from the online criticism.

According to the notice, four suspects were caught in Yancheng city of Chinas eastern province of Jiangsu on June 11. Yancheng is roughly 600 miles south of Tangshan city.

However, according to a police log kept by Tangshan Criminal Investigation Department uploaded by an anonymous netizen, a request to send police was forwarded to and taken by the Airport Road police station at 2:43 a.m. on June 10, but a follow-up record stated that police did not arrive at the restaurant at 3:00 a.m. They arrived more than three hours later at 6:09 a.m., and at 6:10 a.m. they brought the parties involved in the assault back to the police station for questioning.

The Epoch Times made multiple efforts to reach out to Langfang and Tangshan police on June 13 and 14, but all calls failed. The Epoch Times call to the Langfang police bureau was not answered. Our call to Tangshan municipal police bureau was not answered. When staff called the Lubei District Police Branch of Tangshan, the supervising body of the Airport Road police station, a recording said the registered phone number does not exist. Calls to the Airport Road police station were answered by a recorded message saying The user you are calling is not authorized to accept the call.

Alleged Criminal Records of Two Attackers: Report

Chinese media outlets reported on June 11 that the local police released a timeline claiming all the nine suspects were caught by 2:28 p.m., and disclosing the full names of two of them.

The suspects named by the local policeChen Jizhi and Liu Taoare the same as two fugitives who were wanted by police on criminal charges, including aggravated assault and unlawful detention, from December 2015 to March 2018, according to Chinese news outlet Sina. The reporter confirmed Chens personal information was the same as that of Chen Jizhi in a previous court verdict.

An online post published on June 10 by a blogger named Gu Ziming claimed that Liu and Chen were still on the run in 2017; nonetheless, on April 17, 2017, while driving Chens car, Liu crashed into eight automobiles consecutively, abandoned the car, and ran away. But soon after the traffic accident, Chen, wanted by the police, appeared in the local traffic police department and Tangshan intermediate court for the traffic accident.

Liu was arrested in 2018, but Chen was at large, wrote the post.

The blogger quoted local court verdicts in his post and accused the protective umbrella, that is, local officials who protected Chen and Liu, of receiving bribes from them.

Gu said, while the two men were wanted by the police from 2015 to 2018, they were actually active and influential in Tangshan, causing a lot of commotion, on top of the car accident.

Protective Umbrella of Corrupt Officials and Police: Reports

Not long after the assault, one of the attackers posted a video online, saying in the 30-second footage: Its settled. 60 W. The W is an abbreviation of Chinese pinyin for wan, meaning ten thousand. He is saying that he paid 600,000 yuan (about $89,000) to get himself and his companions freed.

The video was reposted on Twitter.

The Epoch Times is not able to identify the man in the video or verify the authenticity of what he says, as our multiple calls to the local police authorities could not get through.

An article on the Chinese news portal Netease, titled Deputy Governor of Hebei Province, Former Party Secretary of Tangshan Has Served as a Protective Umbrella for Black and Evil Forces! was published on June 12, which discloses that Zhang He, former deputy provincial governor of Heibei province and former Chinese Communist Party (CCP) secretary of Tangshan city, used gangsters to silence reporters who wouldnt follow his orders to cover up crimes in Tangshan. Zhang fell in April 2020 for seriously violating disciplines and the law. He worked in critical positions in Tangshan for nearly 40 years.

From Chinese media reports, at least eight provincial-level officials, eight municipal- and district-level officials, four police chiefs, and four senior judicial officials have been investigated and removed from their posts since 2014. Some of them are reportedly connected to Zhang.

In China, the CCP uses the general term violating disciplines and the law, for both political and economic reasons, to label the crimes committed by officials or officers.

A notice by Langfang Public Security Bureau Guangyang Branch was published at midnight on June 11, stating that the provincial police authorities of Hebei Province had designated Guangyang Branch to take over the investigation of the assault case. Langfang and Tangshan are cities in Hebei province. This is usually a sign that the integrity of the officials in the city is questionable, or that the case is one that is significant to the CCP authorities.

Ren Jianming, a professor of public administration at the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, told the pro-Beijing Singaporean news outlet Zaobao that the investigation being taken over by Langfang means that there is a high probability that [the case] is involved in the black society and the evil forces.

The Chinese term the black society and the evil forces refers to gangsters involved in gambling, prostitution, and extortion, as well as coercive monopolies, loan sharks, and underground police who enforce informal rules in street markets. These gangsters have their protective umbrellas and relationship networks within the government and police force who aid and abet them.

The most likely people to provide the protective umbrella are the local police in Tangshan, according to Ren.

If the case is to be investigated by the Tangshan police, there will be problems  Not only will it damage the image of the local police, but also the image of the entire police force, said Ren.

The two women brutally beaten by the gangsters in the restaurant assault are reportedly seriously wounded and hospitalized, but there have been no public statements from any of the victims or their families. The woman in white is reportedly lying on a stretcher, her head bandaged, blood visible on the bandage and on her clothes, and she faces possible disfigurement, according to Apple Daily (Taiwan).

Mr. Zheng (an alias), a Chinese lawyer in mainland China, told the Chinese-language edition of The Epoch Times in an interview on June 13 that the restaurant assault case is basically a case of background (support), depending on how strong the protection the suspects have in the government or in the police force. If they have a background, the case will be delayed; if they dont, it will take only two to three months to have it tried in the court, Zheng said.

Li Jing, Luo Ya, and Gu Xiaohua contributed to the article.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews speak to the media in Melbourne, Australia, on July 7, 2020. (Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Parliamentary Committee to Investigate the Effects of Victorias Vaccine Mandates

An investigatory committee of the Victorian parliament will launch an inquiry into the COVID-19 vaccination mandates implemented by the state government since October 2021.

The Pandemic Declaration Accountability and Oversight Committee, which is chaired by independent MP Suzanna Sheed, will hold a live public hearing on June 16 with the participation of medical experts and representatives of Ambulance Victoria and the Australian Nurses and Midwifery Association.

Sheed said the committee aimed to reveal the effects of the vaccine mandates to the public.

We want to understand the impact of vaccine mandates in Victoria, Sheed said, as reported by Herald Sun.

Its important to understand and communicate to the public the impact that the vaccination mandates have had on our workforce and the role they play in suppressing the spread of the COVID virus.

The Victorian Labor government introduced the vaccine mandates in October 2021, which compelled millions of essential workers in the state to be vaccinated.

The state government later required employees who worked in key sectors such as healthcare, aged care, disability, emergency services, and food processing and distribution to receive a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

However, the mandates were not well received by many local residents and caused large protests to break out across Victoria with the participation of tens of thousands of people.

Protesters hold up placards during a rally against new pandemic laws and vaccination mandates in Melbourne on Dec. 4, 2021. (William West/AFP via Getty Images)

The investigation into vaccine mandates comes as Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is pushing for the fourth dose of vaccine for all healthcare workers in the state.

The premier said that many of the COVID-19 cases were coming in via hospital staff as they were moving around the community.

Some of their immunity is waning, so getting them fourth jabs as fast as possible is very important to help keep COVID out of the hospital, Andrews said, as reported by The Age.

Thatll be something that Ill be raising with the Commonwealth as soon as I can.

The premier will speak to the national cabinet about the second booster on June 17.

The Age reported that the Victorian government did not plan to mandate the fourth dose for healthcare workers at the moment. However, employees in key sectors are required to be up to date with their vaccination status.
Paxlovid, a Pfizer COVID-19 pill, is seen manufactured in Ascoli, Italy, in this undated photo obtained by Reuters on Nov. 16, 2021. (Pfizer/Handout via Reuters)

Pfizer Stops Enrollment in COVID-19 Pill Trial After Latest Results

Pfizer has announced it will stop enrollment in a clinical trial for Paxlovidits COVID-19 antiviral pillfor standard-risk COVID-19 patients after the latest results suggested the drug did not reduce symptoms or hospitalizations and deaths to a statistically significant degree.

Paxlovid, which consists of two different antiviral drugsnirmatrelvir and ritonaviris currently approved or authorized for conditional or emergency use in more than 65 countries, including the United States, to treat COVID-19 patients at high risk of severe illness, including hospitalization or death.

Pfizer said on June 14 that it will cease enrollment into the EPIC-SR trial due to low rate of hospitalization or death in the standard-risk population.

However, the company said it will still include the new data in its upcoming application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to seek full approval for Paxlovid to be prescribed for high-risk COVID-19 patients.

The company will focus efforts on generating further data on PAXLOVID in vulnerable populations, including longer treatment durations in immunocompromised individuals, as well as exploring other clinical development opportunities, such as its potential use in hospitalized patients with severe disease, Pfizer added.

Standard-risk patients refers to COVID-19 patients who dont have risk factors for severe disease. They can be vaccinated or unvaccinated.

Results From Trial

The EPIC-SR trial, which started in August 2021, sought to compare Paxlovid to a placebo in adult patients with symptomatic COVID-19, who are not in hospital and are at low risk of progressing to severe illness.

In December 2021, Pfizer announced that results for Paxlovid did not meet the studys goal of continuous symptom relief, or self-reported, sustained alleviation of all symptoms for four consecutive days, as compared to placebo.

At the time, Pfizer noted that there was a 70 percent reduction in hospitalizations in the Paxlovid group (three out of 428 hospitalized, with no deaths) compared to placebo (10 out of 426 hospitalized, with no deaths). The results were not statistically significant, however, which means it could possibly be down to chance.

Albert Bourla, chief executive officer of Pfizer pharmaceutical company, at the New York Stock Exchange in New York on Jan. 17, 2019. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

On June 14, Pfizer announced that an updated analysis from 1,153 patients enrolled through December 2021 showed a 51 percent difference in hospitalization or death between the two groupswith five out of 576 in the Paxlovid group, compared to 10 out of 569 in the placebo group having required hospitalization or dying. The results were again not statistically significant.

There were no deaths in patients who received Paxlovid, but there was one death in the placebo group, the company stated.

The EPIC-SR study originally included fully-vaccinated people with at least one risk factor for progression to severe COVID-19, but after Paxlovid was authorized for the group in December 2021, this cohort was no longer enrolled in the study. Pfizer then adjusted its study eligibility criteria to allow people whose last vaccination was 12 months or more prior to enrollment.

A sub-group analysis of 721 vaccinated people with at least one risk factor for progression to severe COVID-19 showed there was a 57 percent risk reduction for hospitalization or deathwith three out of 361 in the Paxlovid group, and seven out of 360 in the placebo group needing to be hospitalized or dying. The results did not reach statistical significance, Pfizer said.

Paxlovid also showed a non-significant 62 percent decrease in medical visits related to COVID-19 per day across all patients, relative to placebo.

Albert Bourla, the CEO and chairman of Pfizer, said in a statement that results from the companys studies so far support the efficacy and safety profile for PAXLOVID in the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients with at least one risk factor for progressing to severe COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status.

With up to 4050 [percent] of people around the world estimated to be high risk, we believe there remains a significant unmet need for treatment options to help combat this disease, and we will continue to prioritize efforts to advance the development of PAXLOVID, he added.

Data from a retrospective cohort study in Israel in early June, in a largely-vaccinated population, reported that Paxlovid reduces COVID-19 hospitalization and deaths by 46 percent. The study said the drug was more effective in older patients, immunosuppressed patients, and patients with underlying neurological or cardiovascular disease.

A Pfizer technician handles the companys COVID-19 pill, known as Paxlovid, in a file photograph. (Pfizer via AP)

In a separate instance where Paxlovid failed to produce a statistically significant result, Pfizer announced in April that the antiviral pill was not effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infection in household contacts of the COVID-19 patient who took the pill.

The United States has spent more than $10 billion to order from Pfizer 20 million courses of Paxlovid, and the White House has been seeking for more funds from Congress to support purchasing more of the antiviral pill as well as other treatments and vaccine booster doses.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), warned in late May that some people may experience a rebound in COVID-19 symptoms after taking Paxlovidmeaning they may experience symptoms again after having had their symptoms resolved, or test positive for COVID-19 after having tested negative. The CDC said at the time that the rebound may be unrelated to the pill and may be part of the natural history of SARS-CoV-2 in some people, independent of treatment with Paxlovid and regardless of vaccination status.
Protesters are seen at rally at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Jose Luis Magana, File/AP Photo)

Plan to Occupy Congressional Buildings on Jan. 6 Released in Proud Boys Case

A nine-page document outlining plans to occupy a number of congressional buildings connected to the U.S. Capitol and the Supreme Court on Jan. 6, 2021, and to communicate demands for a new election, were released in court on Wednesday.

The document, titled 1776 Returns (pdf), was filed in court as part of a recent motion (pdf) made by one of the co-defendants of Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys.

Tarrio was not in Washington on Jan. 6 after being ordered by a judge to stay out of the nations capital after burning a Black Lives Matter banner at a demonstration a month prior.

He and four other members were indicted on seditious conspiracy charges earlier this month in connection with their alleged roles in the storming of the Capitol last year while Congress was certifying the 2020 electoral votes.

The former leader and two members of the groupJoseph Biggs and Dominic Pezzolapleaded not guilty to those charges on June 9. Two other defendantsEthan Nordean and Zachary Rehlwere not present for the hearing but both are expected to be arraigned sometime in the near future.

A lawyer for Rehl, who is seeking release from pretrial detention, included the document in the recently-filed motion. The motion states that the defendant had no knowledge of the document.

Specifically, the document outlines a goal to fill the buildings with patriots and communicate our demands, and to maintain control over a select few, but crucial buildings in the DC area for a set period of time, presenting our demands in unity.

We need [as] many people as possible inside these buildings, the document reads. These are OUR buildings, they are just renting space. We must show our politicians we the people are in charge.

A number of targeted buildings are then listed: the Supreme Court, the Russell Senate Office Building, the Dirksen Senate Office Building, the Hart Senate Office Building, the Cannon House Office Building, the Longworth House Office Building, the Rayburn House Office Building, and CNN.

A video of former U.S. President Donald Trump is seen on a screen at the second hearing held by the Jan. 6 Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington on June 13, 2022. (Mandel Ngan-Pool/Getty Images)

Police and protesters outside the U.S. Capitols Rotunda in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)

Under a section titled Manpower Needs, the document lays out five different roles: a lead, which is a covert sleeper, sets up fake appointment  is expected to spend the day as our insider and let people inside the building; a second which takes the place of the lead in case of being discovered; a hypeman which leads chants, must maintain energy / presence; a recruiter who is in charge of getting patriots for starting point for each building, share the patriot plan document, spread the word; and patriots who maintain a presence while handing out patriot plan.'

In a section marked preparation the document states that scouts will drive around buildings and areas before daylight to check on any roadblocks and update plans accordingly.

A second section titled infiltrate states that leads and seconds stay in the building until called upon execution time while the entrances and exit points are scoped out. If possible, be in the building first thing in the morning. Be dressed in suits and be unsuspecting, do not look tactical at all, the document states.

So-called recruiters would also be out in the streets distributing printed and digital copies of the patriot plan, according to the document.

Ensure crowd outside is full and ready to go, the document states. Have leads and seconds open the doors for the crowds to enter. This might include causing trouble near the front doors to distract guards who may be holding the doors off. It could also mean pulling the fire alarm, which requires exits to be opened. The goal is to ensure there is an entry point for the masses to rush the building.

The demands outlined in the memo included liberty or death, No Trump, No America, and free and fair elections, with the document noting that the evidence of election fraud is overwhelming and calling for a new election to be conducted on Jan. 20.

That new election would involve paper ballots only, no mail in ballots, no absentee ballots, with the National Guard monitoring the process.

At no point does the document specifically reference storming the U.S Capitol or attacking law enforcement officials, members of Congress or other staff at the Capitol. No mention of violence is made.

The document ends with a special mention of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), then-Vice President Mike Pence, and billionaire tech giant Bill Gates, stating, We the People are watching you.

The Justice Department has filed criminal charges against at least 825 defendants in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol breach.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives panel that is investigating the incident has been revealing its findings in televised public hearings.
A woman walks past a counter displaying mobile phones at the Qualcomm booth during the 2021 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing on Sept. 4, 2021. (Florence Lo/Reuters)

Qualcomm Wins Fight Against $1 Billion EU Antitrust Fine

LUXEMBOURGU.S. chipmaker Qualcomm on Wednesday won its fight against a 997 million euro ($1.05 billion) fine imposed by EU antitrust regulators four years ago, dealing a major setback to EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestagers crackdown on Big Tech.

The European Commission in its 2018 decision said Qualcomm paid billions of dollars to Apple from 2011 to 2016 to use only its chips in all its iPhones and iPads in order to block out rivals such as Intel Corp..

Qualcomms fine is one of several imposed by Vestager on companies ranging from Alphabet unit Google to banks and truckmakers over anti-competitive practices. Apple, Amazon and Facebook are being investigated.

The General Court, Europes second-highest, annulled the EU finding and faulted the EU competition enforcer over the handling of the case.

A number of procedural irregularities affected Qualcomms rights of defense and invalidate the Commissions analysis of the conduct alleged against Qualcomm, judges said.

The Commission did not provide an analysis which makes it possible to support the findings that the payments concerned had actually reduced Apples incentives to switch to Qualcomms competitors in order to obtain supplies of LTE chipsets for certain iPad models to be launched in 2014 and 2015, they said.

The EU competition enforcer can appeal on matters of law to the EU Court of Justice (CJEU), Europes highest court.

The Commission said it would carefully study the judgement and its implications and consider its next steps. Qualcomm did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

The high-level conclusion is that the Court is telling the Commission to be extremely cautious in pricing abuses, said Assimakis Komninos, a partner at law firm White & Case.

The Commission will now be very hesitant to start investigations into such cases unless they are really sure, he said.

This is the second major defeat for Vestager who in January lost the courts backing for a 1.06 billion euro fine on Intel 12 years ago for squeezing rival Advanced Micro Devices.

Vestagers next test is on Sept. 14 when the General Court will rule on Googles challenge against a record 4.34 billion euro antitrust fine levied for using its Android mobile operating system to squeeze out rivals.

The case is T-235/18.

($1 = 0.9532 euros)

By Foo Yun Chee
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) speaks during a press conference on the House January 6 Committee hearings at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on June 15, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Republican Coalition Decries Treatment of Jan. 6 Defendants in DC Gulag

During a June 15 press conference, a small band of Republican lawmakers blasted the treatment of political prisoners in the D.C. gulag, discussing disturbing cases of mistreatment of defendants charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach and calling on other lawmakers to join them in decrying the situation.

In the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021, Stop the Steal rally, many supporters of President Donald Trump who entered the Capitol building were systematically rounded up. Many have been held in the D.C. jail awaiting trial for over a year, with numerous reports of horrific conditions inside the facility.

In December 2021 Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who has been one of the most outspoken critics of the treatment of these political prisoners, unveiled a report on the situation inside the D.C. jail.

These detainees have faced nothing short of human rights violations, Greene and a smattering of Republican colleagues said upon unveiling their report.

On June 15, a group of Republican congressmen, including Reps. Greene, Louie Gohmert (R-Texas), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), and Troy Nehls (R-Texas), again hosted a conference to bring attention to the treatment of these detainees, bringing to light new information about the abuses they have suffered.

What If It Was You?: Greene Decries Conditions In DC Gulag

During an impassioned speech, Greene blasted the treatment of detainees in what she called the D.C. gulag.

January 6 defendants, she said, are being used as pawns to dangle in front of [Americans] to show that if you cross a certain line, if you support a certain presidentas in President Trumpor if you dare to speak up against the government or  against an election being stolen, youre going to be used. This is whats gonna happen to you. Youre gonna spend your days wasting away in solitary confinement.

Shame on them. Shame on the Dept of Justice. Shame on all these judges here who are allowing this to happen, shame on [Washington] Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Greene has on various occasions sent Bowser letters requesting information and changes to the treatment of these detainees, but these have gone ignored, Greene said.

Everyone should care about this, Greene said. You wanna know why? Because it shouldnt happen in America. This isnt communist China, this isnt Venezuela, this isnt Russia, this isnt some other countrythis is the United States of America.

Citing the summer 2020 Black Lives Matter riots, which caused billions in damage across the United States and resulted in many violent rioters avoiding charges, Greene said that the treatment of January 6 defendants shows that the United States has a two-tiered justice system.

They got let off, and not only did they get let offthey got bailed out by our now-vice president, Kamala Harris, and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar Greene said of the rioters. You havent seen Republicans bailing [January 6 defendants] out or paying their attorney fees. But thats exactly what Democrats didand they were cheered on.

And here we have these peoples rights being abused, and nobody gives a damn, Greene said of the January 6 defendants.

Greene, who after months of pushing was finally allowed to enter the D.C. jail, described horrific conditions for January 6 detainees.

I saw men who hadnt had a haircut, couldnt shave, they were filthy, dirty, and disgusting, they looked extremely unhealthy because [they are forced to] choose between going outside an hour a day or calling their family, Greene reported.

While I was in there, congressman Gohmert and I met people who had been denied medical treatment, Greene said later. I met a man whose finger was broken and turned sideways  I met another man whose entire arm was purple. And [the other defendants] all begged me, Please, if you help anyone help him. He needs a doctor.'

During another speech, Gohmert added, Theres still very concerning things that are going on [in facilities housing January 6 defendants], Gohmert said. This should concern every American because it could be you next.

For example, he said, January 6 defendants were forced to go into solitary quarantine for two weeks if they meet with their lawyersallegedly an anti-COVID measure, but one that Gohmert suggested is intended far more punitively.

Not helping the plight of these defendants, Gohmert said, is a hateful deputy warden, Kathleen Landerkin, who has in the past posted virulently anti-Trump statements online.

Closing her remarks, Greene said that by refusing to aid the plight of these detainees, Were making a mockery of ourselves [as Americans].

What if it was you?

Weaponization of the Court System: Defendants Face Biased DC Juries, Deprivation of Due Process

Several speakers at the event, hosted by the Patriot Freedom Project, which advocates for January 6 defendants, also noted the legal rights abuses that these detainees have faced.

This has been a weaponization of the court system, the Department of Justice, and of the prison system, ruled Rep. Biggs, who said that the defendants have been denied due process.

That should never happen anywhere in this nation, but its happening right here in the nations Capitol, Biggs said. Its a scourge, a pox on this country. We should all be embarrassed by that.

Pointing to conditions described by lawmakers who visited the facilities and by inmates themselves, Biggs also argued that international law would say whats happened to [Jan. 6 defendants] is torture.

Whats happening here is not anything more than the politicization and weaponization of Americas justice system, Biggs concluded. God help us all if we dont stop it today.

The conditions faced by January 6 defendants, which would not be permissible at almost any other facility, have been allowed to stand because of the people held inside the jail, Rep. Nehls said.

Aside from being forcibly quarantined if they meet with their attorneys, Gohmert also noted that pretrial detainment of defendants as a punitive measure, which January 6 defendants have faced, is illegal under rulings by the Supreme Court.

Another speaker, Patriot Freedom Project founder Cynthia Hale, who the wife of a January 6 defendant, also blasted the legal treatment that these detainees have received at the hands of D.C. juries.

Hales husband was recently convicted by what Hale described as an incredibly biased D.C. jury of obstructing a session of Congress. The evidence presented against him, she said, was the suit and tie he wore on January 6 and a Trump flag he picked up inside the Capitol.

Hale called for the trials of January 6 defendants to be moved out of D.C., which in recent presidential elections voted over 95 percent Democrat. The political demographics of D.C., Hale said, make it impossible for these defendants to receive a fair trial.

Her husband, Hale said, has spent much of the past year and a half in solitary confinement despite being a nonviolent offender, has been denied medical treatment on several occasions, he does not see the sun, and I anticipate many health issues due to inadequate nutrition.

What we are watching is political theater and Trump supportersparticularly this group of Trump supportersare the collateral damage, Hale said.

US Army Combat Vet, January 6 Defendant Faces Sexual Assault, Horrendous Conditions In Detainment

Another speaker, who introduced herself only as Angela, described the horrendous conditions faced by her sona U.S. Army combat vet who served in Afghanistanat the D.C. jail and Northern Neck Regional Detention Facility, including a sexual assault by guards.

Before his incarceration, she said, her son was on track to become a history teacher, though still suffering from both the physical and mental scars of his combat tours in Afghanistan; he had never been charged with a crime, she noted.

Moving on to a discussion of the conditions he has faced, Angela said, The conditions at the D.C. jail are horrendous.

His rations often smell like cleaning fluid, she said. There were pubic hairs included in [some] portions of his food. The drinking water was visibly dirty. Mold was visible in cells. And roaches lived among them.

Her son was ultimately moved out of the facility in November 2021 after an unprovoked assault by facility guards.

The unprovoked assault, by no less than five guards, the defendants mother said, voice breaking, included graphic sexual components and resulted in his transfer.

This, she said, despite her son having received no infractions for bad behavior during the entirety of his detention.

It was believed that this assault was in retaliation for meeting with his representation, she added.

While incarcerated, she said, her son has organized religious services for defendants, including Bible studies and celebrations on Easter and Christmas.

Various motions to have her son released in advance of his trial have been deniedsuggesting, she said, that the pretrial detention of her son has been completely punitive.

Concluding her remarks, the defendants mother read aloud a statement prepared by her son.

All the physical, emotional, psychological, and legal abuses you have heard about the first American political prisoners suffering at the hands of their jailers are true, he wrote.

I am limited to seeing the blue sky for a single hour once every seven daysif [the facility] feels like providing outside recreation.

Ants crawl all over my body when I go to sleep in my bunk and constantly swarm my commissary. Cockroaches jumping out of my food is a frequent occurrence. Mouse poop is in the cereal and on dry food. At times there are yellow [urine] stains in dry foods such as Rice Krispies. There are swarms of rats in the kitchen. The bathrooms have constant sitting rancid water due to the toilets leaking fecal matter. Black, leech-like insects emerge inside of the drains and flies constantly buzz around all the living areas.

Absolutely no in-person visitation is permitted from anyone I know other than my attorneythats been for over a year.

No books can be sent to me.

No consistent access to discovery evidence is taking place. There is only one outdated computer for the entire jail shared by over 400 inmates.

In my 365 days of incarceration, I have been able to spend minimal hours on discoveryand my trial is 11 weeks away.

Guards [at both facilities I have been at] antagonize people.

In the D.C. jail, I was assaulted and harassed. I am no murderer. I am no rapist. I am no arsonist. Before this, I have never been arrested. And yet, I have no hope for bond.

Despite mounting reports of similar conditions faced by other January 6 detainees, most members of CongressDemocrats and Republicans alikehave refrained from highlighting the issue.

The June 15 press conference came as the House January 6 Committee, which has been described as a partisan witch hunt by Trump and other Republicans, enters its third day of public hearings.

During the first hearing, the panel claimed that the January 6 Capitol breach was an attempted insurrection against the United States directed and organized by Trump and his allies.

During the second, it moved to challenge Trumps claims of widespread election fraud as part of its effort to bolster this claim.

However, the treatment of January 6 defendants has not come up in these hearings, and the commission seems unlikely to discuss the issue anytime soon.

The D.C. Metropolitan Jail and Northern Necks Regional Detention Facility did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Mayra Flores (C) speaks to supporters after winning the Texas 34th Congressional District special election, in San Benito, Texas, on June 14, 2022. (Bobby Sanchez for The Epoch Times)

Republican Rep.-Elect Mayra Flores Issues Stark Warning to Democrats

Rep.-elect Mayra Flores (R-Texas) said Democrats should take her victory in a special congressional election in Texas as a warning sign.

Flores, the first Mexican-born U.S. congresswoman, won the special election Tuesday for an open seat House seat along the Rio Grande Valley, which is located along the U.S.Mexico border and has seen a massive influx of illegal immigrants in recent months. Analysts noted that she is the first Republican to secure a victory in the district since it was created about 10 years ago.

The soon-to-be lawmaker, during a Fox News interview on Thursday, issued a warning to Democrats not to take the Hispanic vote for grantednamely in South Texas.

The Democrat Party has been in control here in South Texas for over 100 years and feel entitled to our vote. They feel they dont have to do anything to earn our vote. And we sent a strong message to Washington, and we sent a strong message to Democrat Party that you have to get to work. If not, youre going to get voted out, Flores told the outlet.

Her district was carried by former President Barack Obama by 22 points in 2012, although President Joe Biden won by just 4.2 percentage points in 2020.

Flores, who defeated Democrat candidate Dan Sanchez, said that she believes voters chose her because Im one of them and Im also standing up for our values. God, family, our community. Thats who we are in South Texas. Were all about hard work.

This is just the beginning and I believe that Hispanics throughout the country are going to see that more Hispanics are joining the Republican Party and they will do the research of why and when they do, theyll realize that their values align with the Republican Party, Flores said, adding, Theres a saying that Hispanics are Republican, they just dont know it. Well, we know it now.

Her victory has likely rung alarm bells within the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), led by Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-N.Y.). The party of the president generally tends to lose seats during the subsequent midterms, while Democrats have narrow majorities in both the House and Senate.

The DCCC needs to sit down and look at South Texas seriously, Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) told Politico this week. I dont think its a political realignment, but this should send a message to the DCCC  You cant take Hispanics for granted, which they always do.

Another Texas Democrat echoed Cuellars sentiments.

I hope the [Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee] learns their lesson with this before it happens across the country, Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas) told the website. They have just forgotten about the brown people on the border. And thats basically what it is. Im not going to try to sugarcoat it anymore. They are taking Latinos in South Texas for granted.
Two police officersone a 22-year veteran and the other a rookiewere shot and killed in the Los Angeles County city of El Monte late Tuesday afternoon, authorities said. The suspect is also dead. The mayor said the officers were essentially ambushed.

The El Monte officers were identified Wednesday as Cpl. Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana. Paredes, the longtime veteran of the department, is survived by his wife, daughter, and son, police said. Santana, who previously worked as a public works employee and with the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department before joining the police department in his hometown, is survived by his wife, daughter, and twin sons.

Per FOX news sources, the gang member who fatally shot two El Monte PD officers was on probation for felon with a firearm after he received a bare minimum sentence in a plea deal under Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon last year, despite having a previous strike on his record.

Todays Larry Elder Show guest is John Gardner, a launch operation specialist II (Starship) at SpaceX.



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An Apple Store employee shows the Series 5 Apple Watch during the preview of the redesigned and reimagined Apple Fifth Avenue store in New York on Sept. 19, 2019. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters)

Rune Labs Gets FDA Clearance to Use Apple Watch to Track Parkinsons Symptoms

San Francisco-based startup Rune Labs on Monday said it received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to use the Apple Watch to monitor tremors and other common symptoms in patients with Parkinsons disease.

The Rune Labs software uses motion sensors built into the Apple Watch, which can already be used to detect when a person falls. Rune Labs Chief Executive Brian Pepin said in an interview that Apple Watch data will be combined with data from other sources, including a Medtronic Inc implant that can measure brain signals.

Rune Labs goal is for doctors to use the combined data to decide whether and how to fine-tune the patients treatment. At present, Pepin said, most doctors have to gather data on a patients movements by observing them during a short clinical visit, which is not ideal because Parkinsons symptoms can vary widely over time.

Using the Apple Watch, Rune Labs StrivePD software platform will provide doctors a continuous stream of observations over long stretches, Pepin said.

When you think about the process of getting someone to their optimal therapy or combination of drugs or devices, or even whether or not a patient might be a good fit for a certain clinical trial, its a very hard decision to make when you only have a little context, Pepin said.

The Rune Labs FDA clearance is the first prominent use of software tools that Apple released for measuring movement disorders in 2018.

Last year, a group of scientists at Apple published a study in the journal Science Translational Medicine showing the device was effective at monitoring Parkinsons symptoms. After contacting Apple about the tools, Pepin said, it took about eight minutes for the team lead to get back to me and say, Hey, perfect, lets explore this.'

Apple has partnered with a range of other companies to use the Apple Watch as a health monitoring device, including a deal with Johnson & Johnson to study whether it can be used to help lower stroke risk.

By Stephen Nellis
Pipes at the landfall facilities of the 'Nord Stream 1' gas pipeline are pictured in Lubmin, Germany, on March 8, 2022. (Hannibal Hanschke/Reuters)

Russian Gas Flows to Europe Fall, Hindering Bid to Refill Stores

LONDONRussian gas supply to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline fell further on Thursday and Moscow said more delays in repairs could lead to suspending all flows, putting a brake on Europes race to refill its gas inventories.

The faltering flows came as the leaders of Germany, Italy, and France visited Ukraine, which is pressing for swifter weapons deliveries to battle invading Russian forces and wants support for Kyivs bid to join the European Union.

Russias state-controlled Gazprom said it was reducing gas supply for a second time in as many days via Nord Stream 1, which runs under the Baltic to Germany. The latest move cuts supply to just 40 percent of the pipelines capacity.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said reductions in supply were not premeditated and related to maintenance issues, a reference to earlier comments saying Russia was unable to secure the return of equipment sent to Canada for repairs.

Germany said Russias excuse was technically unfounded and was instead aimed at driving up gas prices. Italy said Moscow might be use the issue to exert political pressure.

Dutch wholesale gas prices, the European benchmark, jumped around 30 percent on Thursday afternoon.

Russias ambassador to the European Union told state news agency RIA Novosti flows via the pipeline could be completely suspended because of problems in repairing turbines in Canada.

Alexey Miller, the chief executive of Gazprom, the state-controlled company with a monopoly on Russian gas exports by pipeline, said Western sanctions made it impossible to secure the return of equipment from Canada for the pipelines Portovaya compressor station.

The corporate headquarters of Gazprom Germania, the German unit of Russian natural gas company Gazprom, in Berlin, Germany, on March 30, 2022. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Europe Races to Refill Storage

Nord Stream 1 has capacity to pump about 55 billion cubic meters (bcm) a year to the European Union, which last year imported about 140 bcm of gas from Russia via pipelines.

Germany, like other European countries, is racing to refill its gas storage facilities so they are 80 percent full by October and 90 percent by November before winter arrives. Stores are 52 percent full now.

Cutting flows through Nord Stream 1 would make that job harder, the head of the Germany energy regulator said.

We could perhaps get through the summer as the heating season is over. But it is imperative that we fill the storage facilities to get through the winter, Klaus Mueller told Thursdays edition of Rheinische Post daily.

Uniper, Germanys biggest importer of Russian gas, said supplies were down a quarter on agreed volumes but it could fill missing volumes from other sources. Power producer RWE said it had seen restrictions in the past two days.

Slovakias state-owned gas importer SPP said it expected Thursdays Russian gas deliveries to be reduced by about 30 percent, while Czech power utility CEZ said it had seen a similar fall but was filling the gap from other sources.

The European Union aims to ensure gas storage facilities across the 27-nation bloc are 80 percent full by November.

The latest reduction in supply could mean northwest European storage only 88 percent full by the end of October1 bcm less than plannedinstead of 90 percent, analysts at Goldman Sachs said.

Drawing Up Contingency Plans

Germany is not alone in facing falling supplies.

Austrias OMV said Gazprom informed it of reduced deliveries, Frances Engie said flows had down but clients were not affected, while Italys Eni said it would receive 65 percent of the volumes it had requested from Gazprom.

The Italian government said all possible measures were in place to deal with the situation if gas supply cuts from Russia continued in coming days. Other European countries have also drawn up contingency plans.

Adding to the challenge, Nord Stream 1 will shut completely during the pipelines annual maintenance on July 1121.

Norway, Europes second biggest exporter behind Russia, has been pushing up production to help the European Union towards it target of ending reliance on Russian fossil fuels by 2027.

Britains Centrica signed a deal with Norways Equinor for extra gas supplies to the United Kingdom for the next three winters. Britain does not rely on Russian gas and can also export to Europe via pipelines.

European states have also boosted liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports but Europe has limited LNG import capacity and the already tight LNG market has faced additional challenges with disruptions to U.S. LNG production.

A fire last week at a U.S. LNG export plant in Texas, operated by Freeport LNG, means the plant will be offline until September and will operate only partially from then until the end of 2022.

The facility, which accounts for about 20 perecnt of U.S. LNG exports, has been a major supplier to European buyers.

There is risk of further delay, in our view, analysts at investment bank Jefferies said, adding that regulators need to approve the restart while two investigations were ongoing into the cause of the LNG leak at the plant.

By Nina Chestney
The relationship between the mind and the brain is a mystery that is central to how we understand our very existence as sentient beings. Some say the mind is strictly a function of the brain  consciousness is the product of firing neurons. But some strive to scientifically understand the existence of a mind independent of, or at least to some degree separate from, the brain.

The peer-reviewed scientific journal NeuroQuantology brings together neuroscience and quantum physics  a crossroads that some scientists have used to explore this fundamental relationship between mind and brain.

An article published in NeuroQuantologys September 2017 edition reviews and expands on current theories of consciousness that arise from this meeting of neuro and quantum sciences.

Dr. Dirk Meijer. (Courtesy of Dr. Dirk Meijer; sakkmesterke/Shutterstock)

Dr. Dirk K.F. Meijer, a professor at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, hypothesizes that consciousness resides in a field surrounding the brain, a field which lies in another dimension. It shares information with the brain through a concept known as quantum entanglement, among other processes. This has certain similarities with a black hole.

This field may be able to pick up information from the Earths magnetic field, dark energy, and other sources. It then transmits wave information into the brain tissue, that  is instrumental in high-speed conscious and subconscious information processing, wrote Dirk.

In other words, the mind is a field that exists around the brain; it picks up information from outside and communicates it into the brain at an extremely fast speed.

He described this field alternately as a holographic structured field, a receptive mental workspace, a meta-cognitive domain, and the global memory space of the individual.

Extremely rapid functions of the brain suggest it processes information through a mechanism not yet revealed.

Theres an unsolved mystery in neuroscience called the binding problem. Different parts of the brain handle different tasks: some work on processing color, some on processing sound, etc. But this all somehow comes together as a unified perception, or consciousness.

Information merges and interacts in the brain more quickly than can be explained by current understandings of neural transmissions in the brain. It thus seems the mind is more than just neurons firing in the brain.

Neuroscientists are still searching for a mechanism behind this binding of disparate parts of the brains information processing. Meijer has turned to quantum entanglement and tunneling for part of the answer.

Quantum entanglement is where particles appear to be connected despite vast distances between them. When actions are performed on one of the particles, corresponding changes are observed on the others simultaneously and instantaneously.

Quantum tunneling is a phenomenon where a particle tunnels through a barrier it shouldnt be able to according to classical physics.

These quantum phenomena allow for processes so rapid  exceeding the speed of light  they cant be explained with classical physics. So they could help explain ultra-fast subconscious mental processes.

Principles of quantum physics may explain how the mind processes information.

If a mind or mental field could interact with the brain this way, that could be a step toward explaining the rapidity of mental processes. Meijer also used the wave-particle fluctuation of matter in quantum physics to explain the relationship between the mental field and brain. The idea is that particles, such as electrons and photons, exist as waves of probability, but also exist as particles in the event of those probabilities collapsing.

Similarly, Meijer said the mental field is both non-material and, simultaneously, part of the physical brain: The proposed mental workspace is regarded to be non-material, but in relation to the individual brain, entertains a non-dual wave/particle relation according to quantum physical principles: it is directly dependent on the brain physiology but not reducible to it.

The mind and the brain, said Meijer, are connected. They are unified, yet separate. Such an apparent paradox is a signature of quantum physics.

The mind may reside in another spatial dimension.

He hypothesizes that the mental field lies in another dimension: That we cannot directly perceive this information aspect is traditionally ascribed to a hidden fourth spatial dimension  which cannot be observed in our 3-D world, but can be mathematically derived.

This fourth spatial dimension isnt time. Rather, it is a concept of space-time which includes four spatial dimensions, plus time  a 4+1 space-time structure.

He cited studies that have suggested this concept of dimensions could reconcile the mismatches between traditional physics and quantum physics that plague scientists today.

Thus, the mind would exist in the fourth spatial dimension.

The mind could be like a black hole.

Meijer envisions a sort of screen or boundary between the outside world and the individual mental field. He likens this boundary to the event horizon of a black hole.

It is assumed that information entering a black hole from the outside is not lost, but  rather is being projected on its outer screen, called the event horizon, Meijer wrote.

Consciousness is a boundary condition between a singularity (black hole) and space within the brain, he added, noting that the event horizon separates a mental model of reality for internal use in each individual from all that exists outside of it. Yet it is connected to a universal information matrix.

This dynamic holographic boundary collects information from inside the brain as well as from the information fields in which our brain is permanently embedded, he told The Epoch Times. In this manner, it is implicitly connected to a universal information matrix.

The structure of the hypothesized mental field could take the shape of a torus.

The geometrical shape known as a torus is well suited for the nature and functions Meijer attributes to this mental field.

A torus is described by the Merriam Webster dictionary as a doughnut-shaped surface generated by a circle rotated about an axis in its plane that does not intersect the circle.

Meijer presented various reasons related to physics theories for this shape. One is related to a theory of how electrical activity in the brain oscillates.

A torus. (local_doctor/Shutterstock)

The nested torus structure suggested by Dr. Dirk Meijer for the mental field connected to the brain. (Courtesy of Dr. Dirk Meijer)

The torus structure is found in physics from the microscale, to the extreme macroscale of black holes, and the universe as a whole, Meijer explained. It could be instrumental in dynamically integrating information in the mind and brain.

Meijer discusses broader implications for the philosophy of mind-matter relationships.

Our paper, may directly contribute to an answer on the famous question of [cognitive scientists and philosopher David] Chalmers : how can something immaterial like subjective experience and self-consciousness arise from a material brain? Meijer wrote.

The ability of the mental field to pick up information from other fields, as conceived by Meijer, could also explain some anomalous phenomena, such as extrasensory perception, he noted.

In his view, consciousness can be regarded as the most basic building block of nature and consequently is present at all levels of the fabric of reality.

Since quantum physics emerged, scientists have been exploring its ability to explain consciousness, which Meijers work fits into.

Another theory called orchestrated objective reduction, or Orch-OR, was developed by physicist Sir Roger Penrose and anesthesiologist Dr. Stuart Hameroff, which on Hameroffs website he describes thusly: It suggests consciousness arises from quantum vibrations in protein polymers called microtubules inside the brains neurons.

Like Meijer, Penrose and Hameroff believe there is a connection between the brains biomolecular processes and the basic structure of the universe. They have also called for a major change in how scientists view consciousness.

Hameroff said in an interview with the blog Singularity: Most scientists cant explain consciousness in the brain, so they cant say that consciousness out of the brain is impossible.

Update: Dr. Dirk Meijer has provided The Epoch Times with an update on his paper, clarifying that quantum tunneling and entanglement are not the most likely methods of information transfer between the mental field and the brain. These two phenomena have been shown to provide only a correlation between two particles, not necessarily information transfer (although that may prove to be the case with further research).

Rather, quantum wave resonance is a more likely mechanism of extremely rapid information processing in the brain. This means, instead of signals being sent between neurons in the brain, a wave pattern that encompasses all neurons, as well as the mental field, transmits the information instantaneously.

Picture a vibration wave going up and down in a consistent pattern and running all through your brain and even outside of it. That pattern communicates information that can be understood by vibratory receptors in your brain. All of this is happening in a dimension and at a microscopic level not directly perceptible through conventional scientific instrumentation at our disposal today, yet can be inferred through physical and mathematical modeling.

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
Horace Lorenzo Anderson (L) speaks about his son, Lorenzo Anderson, who was killed near a so-called autonomous zone in Seattle, Wash., in a June 29, 2020, file photograph. (David Ryder/Getty Images)

Seattle to Pay $500,000 to Settle Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Autonomous Zone Shooting

Seattle authorities have agreed to pay $500,000 to settle a lawsuit that pinned the 2020 shooting death of a man in the autonomous zone on city officials.

The case concerned Lorenzo Anderson, a 19-year-old who was shot near the edge of Seattles Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone, also known as CHOP or CHAZ.

Authorities had allowed the zone to operate largely on its own, removing police officers from the area and refusing to send officers or firefighters in when disturbances were reported.

When Anderson was shot on June 20, 2020, it took 30 minutes for first responders to reach him, and by that time, it was too late, the lawsuit stated.

Horace Anderson, Lorenzos father, filed the lawsuit against the city, former Mayor Jenny Durkan, a Democrat, and Councilwoman Kshama Sawant, a socialist.

[The lawsuit] sent a message to our leaders that they have to let law enforcement, first responders do their job, the job that theyre entrusted to do, which is to keep the public safe, Evan Oshan of Oshan & Associates, a lawyer representing the plaintiff, told The Epoch Times after reaching the settlement.

I think that our civic leaders now are put on notice that they cant just let the streets run wild. They have a responsibility to their constituents, responsibility to the community, and a responsibility to the citizens.

Seattle authorities finally shut down the CHAZ on July 1, 2020, after several weeks of tolerating and even encouraging the zone. The move followed the murders of Anderson and a second man.

Friends and family gather for a memorial and rally for peace in memory of Lorenzo Anderson in Seattle on July 2, 2020. (David Ryder/Getty Images)

The Seattle City Attorneys Office told news outlets in a statement: Were glad to have found common ground with the Anderson Estate and Mr. Andersons father, and for less than the cost it would have taken to litigate the case through trial.

The settlement agreement we reached months ago was recently approved by the court. We hope this resolution helps bring some semblance of closure for the parties involved.

Horace Anderson told KCPQ-TV that he is still mourning his son and that the money from the settlement doesnt mean much to him.

If I could help another family, that would be beautiful because I wouldnt want anybody to go through this, he said.

Hes now seeking to create a program to help homeless youth.

He feels horrible, and no amount of money will bring his son back, Oshan said of his client, but he hopes that the city has learned and this wont happen again.

Donnitta Sinclair, Lorenzos mother, filed a separate lawsuit, which was dismissed by a judge. The ruling was appealed.

Marcel Long, a suspect in the killing of Lorenzo, is set to go on trial for first-degree murder in August.
Local officials and community members mourn the two El Monte officers killed in the line of duty at a June 14 motel shooting in front of the El Monte Police Department on June 15, 2022. (Annie Wang/NTD Television)

SoCal Community Mourns El Monte Officers Killed in Motel Shooting

EL MONTE, Calif.Local officials and community members are mourning two El Monte officers killed in the line of duty at a June 14 motel shooting with flowers, candles, prayers, and messages of support.

Were devastated. All we can do right now is offer support to the victims families, Mayor of El Monte Jessica Ancona told NTD Television on the morning of June 15. One thing I do want to make sure that I point out is I thank all the neighboring cities who sent their law enforcement officers  to honor our fallen officers.

The shooting, which also left the suspect dead, occurred about 5:10 p.m. on Tuesday at the Siesta Inn at 10327 Garvey Avenue, near the San Bernardino (10) Freeway when the two officers were responding to a stabbing report, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, which was assisting El Monte police with the investigation.

The two officers were identified on Wednesday afternoon as Corporal Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana by the Los Angeles County coroners office and the City of El Monte. Both were raised in the city and had a strong connection with the community they serve, city officials said in a statement.

These two officers are our gentlemen that grew up in our city and have family here. Theyre deeply rooted in our city. Its such a huge loss to our city, Ancona said.

The neighboring cities including Azusa, Baldwin Park, Alhambra, and West Covina have sent police officers and dispatchers to cover shifts for El Monte officers to give them time to escort their slain colleagues to the coroners office after the incident, according to Ancona.

El Monte Police Department Officer Joseph Santana, 31, and Cpl. Michael Paredes, 42, were killed in the line of duty during a motel shooting in El Monte, Calif., on June 14, 2022. (Courtesy of El Monte Police Department)

Jimmy Tessier, a custodian at the El Monte City School District, said a prayer for the two fallen officers in front of the memorial plaque Wednesday morning.

This is not common around here, he told NTD Television. It was like kind of chilling because we thought that will never happen  you know, [for] any police [to] get gunned down like that.

El Monte City Councilwoman Maria Morales posted on Facebook, They went to work today to protect the people of our city and to answer the call for help. Sadly, their selfless acts of service led them to a place of evil and they were taken from us in a senseless act of cowardice.

As a city official and, more importantly, as a mother, I can only imagine the pain and suffering their families are now enduring. I want them to know that I and the people of El Monte grieve with them during this dark moment.

Law enforcement agencies across Southern California have expressed their condolences to the slain officers families and colleagues.

My deepest condolences and prayers go out to the El Monte Police Department and the loved ones of the two officers who were senselessly murdered this evening in the line of duty. I thank you for your dedicated service to the community, Alex Villanueva, the Los Angeles County Sheriff, wrote on Twitter.

Local officials and community members mourn the two El Monte officers killed in the line of duty at a June 14 motel shooting in front of the El Monte Police Department on June 15, 2022. (Jackie Rios/NTD Television)

District Attorney George Gascon wrote on Twitter immediately following the incident: We know that you will be grieving for a long time, and that no words will ease your suffering. As a former Los Angeles police officer, I know firsthand the dangers faced daily by law enforcement and the sacrifices made by their family members.

However, some blamed the incident on Gascons soft-on-crime criminal justice system reforms as other local media reported that the suspect was identified as Justin William Flores, 35, who was on probation for possessing a firearm as a felon.

Your condolences wont bring back the lives youre responsible for losing, nor will your condolences cover the payout these families will surely get from the County of LA, a Twitter user responded to Gascons statement.

Paredes begin his law enforcement career as a cadet in the El Monte Police Department, and he was sworn in later as a full-time police officer in 2000. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and son.

Santana served three years as a deputy with San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department before he came back to serve his hometown. He had only been patrolling in El Monte for less than a year. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and twin boys.

Annie Wang of NTD Television contributed to this report.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches carrying a Qatari communications satellite from historic Launch Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Nov. 15, 2018. (Joe Skipper/Reuters)

SpaceX Plans Weekend Launches From California, Florida

LOS ANGELESElon Musks company SpaceX is planning three flights this weekend from California and Florida.

The first flight is set to launch shortly after noon on June 17 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A SpaceXs reusable Falcon 9 rocket will deploy 53 more Starlink internet satellites.

The second flight will follow the next day from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at about 7:20 a.m. local time, with a German military radar observation satellite that will replace older intelligence satellites.

According to the Federal Office of Bundeswehr EquipmentGermanys government agency for equipping its armed forcesthe satellites will take about 40 minutes to be released into space after ignition.

Southern California residents might hear sonic booms during the landing, SpaceX warned.

There is the possibility that residents of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may hear one or more sonic booms during the landing, but what residents experience will depend on weather and other conditions, SpaceX media relations said in a statement.

The third launch is scheduled for June 19 from Cape Canaveral in Florida with a satellite for commercial Globalstar messaging and data relay system.

If these missions are not delayed by weather or technical issues, the launch series would be the fastest sequence of flights by SpaceX since its founding in 2002.

The launches can be viewed live on SpaceX.com about 10 minutes before liftoff.
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Frances Gavalis, 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron equipment manager, tosses unserviceable uniform items into a burn pit at Balad Air Base, Iraq, on March 10, 2008. Military uniform items turned in must be burned to ensure they cannot be used by opposing forces. (U.S. Department of Defense, Public Domain)

Study Suggests Alternative Method May Diagnose, Explain Lung Disease in Veterans

An alternative method of analyzing lung CT scans may offer a better way to explain and diagnose lung damage in military personnel, according to a new study.

Parametric Response Mapping (PRM), a form of computational analysis of images in high-resolution CT (HRCT) scans, was found to be effective in identifying and quantifying lung inflammation in military veterans, even when traditional lung capacity tests returned normal readings.

Using PRM, researchers from the University of Michigan showed that veterans diagnosed with constrictive bronchiolitisinflammation of the small airways, often caused by smoking, air pollution, or work environmenthad disease progression comparable to patients with mild to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The findings were detailed in a report published in May, in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

The authors believe the new method of lung diagnosis may help uncover causes behind prevalent lung impairments in veterans returning from deployment.

The stories Ive heard are all the same. You have people who were otherwise healthy who went into the military and who have come home and are saying I feel old, Im exhausted when Im trying to run, I cant catch my breath, said Rachel Howard, a researcher of the University of Michigan, in the universitys media release.

However, since lung capacity tests often return with normal readings, it becomes difficult to diagnose the problem. While a lung biopsy offers a definitive diagnosis, doctors may hesitate to recommend a biopsy because of its invasive nature.

You have this catch-22 where their energy and their exercise ability has decreased due to these unexplained issues. As they stop exercising, they start gaining weight and become deconditioned and finally end up at the doctor, who says your BMI (body mass index) is 38 so of course you are out of breath.

Researchers observed that veterans with constrictive bronchiolitis had higher BMI levels than either smokers or people with normal lung health.

Researchers are suspicious that exposure to sandstorms, toxic fumes in burn pits, and other chemicals are the causes behind complaints of shortness in breath in veterans returning from the Gulf War and conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Burn pits (pdf) are areas made for the open-air combustion of military waste. Waste products in burn pits may include chemicals, paint, medical and human waste, metal cans, ammunition, plastics, Styrofoam, rubber, wood, unexploded ordnance, and petroleum.

Toxins in the fumes may affect the skin, eyes, lungs, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and other internal organs. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs states (pdf) that most irritation is temporary and resolves once exposure is gone, but some health organizations caution of potential long-term effects.

The use of burn pits was a common waste disposal practice in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since 2010, Congress has banned the use of burn pits, except when there are no feasible alternatives, according to a United States Department of Defense (DoD) report (pdf) to Congress in April 2019. The report stated that at least nine burn pits were still in operation in March 2019.

According to the DoD report, factors that influenced the continued use of burn pits were short-term contingency locations, infrastructure gaps and limited contract disposal capabilities in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. The report advised further resource investments to fund, operate and maintain long-term solutions.
Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor sits during a group photograph of the Justices at the Supreme Court in Washington on April 23, 2021. (Erin Schaff/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of American Mother Who Doesnt Want Son Returned to Italy

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of an American mother on June 15, finding that a U.S. appeals court was wrong to find that her Italian-born child should be returned to his abusive father in Italy despite the risk to which the child may be exposed by doing so.

When a U.S. court determines that sending an abducted child to another country where the child would be at risk, the courts dont have to consider whether things can be done to reduce those risks, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in the high courts opinion (pdf) in Golan v. Saada, court file 20-1034.

The case dates to 2015 when U.S. citizen Narkis Aliza Golan, the petitioner, married her husband, respondent Isacco Jacky Saada, an Italian citizen. Their child, B.A.S., born in Italy in June 2016, is a dual citizen of the United States and Italy. When they lived in Italy, Saada physically and emotionally abused Golan on a regular basis, Golan stated in her petition (pdf).

In 2018, Golan and B.A.S. visited the United States for a family wedding, which enraged Saada, who threatened to kill her and take the child away, the petition said. Golan remained stateside and lived in a domestic violence shelter.

Saada filed a petition under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and under the U.S. statute that implemented it, called the International Child Abduction Remedies Act (ICARA), asking the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York to return the child to Italy. Saada also filed a criminal kidnapping complaint in Italy and started a civil proceeding there seeking sole custody of the child, according to court documents.

The U.S. district court found Saada was violentphysically, psychologically, emotionally, and verballyto Golan, and the child was present for much of it, although not the target of violence. Saada showed no capacity to change his behavior, the court added.

The district court ruled in Saadas favor, finding in March 2019 that Italy was the childs habitual residence and Golan had wrongfully kept the child in the United States, violating Saadas custody rights, even though it acknowledged returning the child to Italy would subject [him] to a grave risk of harm. Saada agreed to stay away from Golan, dismiss abduction charges he had filed against her in Italy, and begin cognitive therapy.

Golan appealed, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit ruled that the district court must consider all remedies that might allow both the return of the children to their home country and their protection from harm.

The district court then reached an agreement with an Italian court. The foreign court granted a one-year protection order, saying child welfare agencies there would monitor interactions between Saada and B.A.S. Charges against the mother would also be dropped, the pact stated. The district court found that this abated the grave risk and that the child could go overseas with the mother. The 2nd Circuit affirmed and Golan appealed.

Sotomayors opinion vacated the judgment of the 2nd Circuit and remanded the case for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

Under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, if a court finds that a child was wrongfully removed from the childs country of habitual residence, the court ordinarily must order the childs return. There are, however, exceptions to that rule. As relevant here, a court is not bound to order a childs return if it finds that return would put the child at a grave risk of physical or psychological harm, Sotomayor wrote.

The Second Circuits categorical requirement to consider all ameliorative measures is inconsistent with the text and other express requirements of the Hague Convention, the justice added.

Golans lawyer, Karen R. King of the New York firm Morvillo Abramowitz Grand Iason and Anello P.C., welcomed the ruling.

We are very pleased by the Supreme Courts decision and hope the guidance provided by the Court will lead to greater recognition of the complexities and dangers of domestic violence, including the physical and psychological impact on children, King told The Epoch Times by email.

Saadas lawyer, Richard Min of the New York firm Green Kaminer Min and Rockmore LLP, also found things to like in the opinion.

The decision emphasized the need for expeditious resolution of international child abduction cases  stating that, on remand, it trusts that the District Court will move as expeditiously as possible to reach a final decision without further unnecessary delay, Min said in a statement forwarded by his publicist to The Epoch Times.

The district court has already ruled twice that B.A.S. should be returned to Italy, the attorney added.

Although the Supreme Court reversed the long standing Second Circuit rule requiring consideration of ameliorative measures in cases where there is a grave risk of harm to children, it also supported the position that a district court  ordinarily should address ameliorative measures raised by the parties or obviously suggested by the circumstances of the case   and that nothing in the Convention prohibits a district court from considering ameliorative measures, and such consideration often may be appropriate.

Min said, Ameliorative measures are clearly appropriate when they are able to protect children from harm.
Federal Police officers escort a man accused to be involved in the missing of British journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira, who went missing while reporting in a remote and lawless part of the Amazon rainforest, near the border with Peru, in Atalaia do Norte, Amazonas state, Brazil, on June 15, 2022. (Bruno Kelly/Reuters)

Suspect Confesses to Shooting UK Journalist and Brazilian Guide

The main suspect in the investigation into missing British journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous expert Bruno Pereira has confessed to killing the men, a Brazilian police investigator said on June 15.

The suspect, 41-year-old fisherman Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, known locally as Pelado, led police to the remains, which have yet to be formally identified.

A second suspect, Amarildos brother Oseney da Costa de Oliveira, also known as Dos Santos, has denied involvement, police said.

Amarildo was arrested on June 8. Oseney was arrested on June 14.

Phillips and Pereira were last seen in a remote area of the Amazon rainforest on June 5, when the pair were on a research trip for a book Phillips had been working on.

In a June 15 press conference, Brazilian police said Amarildo, who had clashed with Pereira over his efforts to combat illegal fishing in indigenous territory, confessed that he had killed Phillips and Pereira with a firearm, buried their bodies, and sunk their boat.

Amarildo led police to a remote burial site where the remains were unearthed, and the police are expected to recover the boat on June 16.

Federal Police Superintendent Eduardo Alexandre Fontes said the bodies were found 3.1 kilometers [1.86 miles] deep in the forest.

He also said the remains would be sent to the National Institute of Criminalistics in Brasilia, Brazil, on June 16 for identification.

As for the boat, Fontes said, They put sacks of dirt on her to sink in. They took the engine out; they sunk the engine.

The news marks a grim conclusion to a case that has raised global alarm, hanging over Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro at a regional summit and stirring concern in the UK Parliament.

Phillips, a freelance reporter who has written for The Guardian and The Washington Post, was doing research for a book on the trip with Pereira, a former head of isolated and recently contacted tribes at federal indigenous affairs agency Funai.

They were in a remote jungle area near the border with Colombia and Peru called the Javari Valley, which is home to the worlds largest number of uncontacted indigenous people. The region has been invaded by illegal fishermen, hunters, loggers, and miners, and police call it a key route for drug trafficking.

The Costa brothers were seen meeting on the Itacoai River just moments after Phillips and Pereira passed by on June 5, headed toward the riverside town of Atalaia do Norte, a witness told federal police in a report reviewed by Reuters.

The police report states that witnesses heard Pereira say he had received threats from Amarildo.

Bolsonaro suggested on June 15 that Phillips had made enemies by writing about environmental issues.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Taiwans Missiles Can Strike Beijing, Three Gorges Dam, Islands Politician Says

A top politician in Taiwan warned that the islands government had missiles capable of targeting Beijing, and that it would defend itself from an invasion by Chinas communist regime.

You Si-kun, president of Taiwans Legislative Yuan, said that Taiwan had supersonic cruise missiles capable of striking Beijing should Chinas communist regime invade.

Yun Feng missiles can already hit Beijing, You said. Taiwan has the ability to attack Beijing.

The Yun Feng series of missiles are domestically produced in Taiwan. They were first publicly acknowledged in 2012 and entered mass production in 2019.

You, who served as premier of Taiwan in the early 2000s, said that he was not previously allowed to reveal the full capability of the missile to the public. Now that it was mass-produced, however, he said that its range was sufficient to reach Chinas capital city of Beijing, as well as the Three Gorges Dam, which is the worlds largest power station.

Speaking with the Taiwan Overseas Network, You said that an examination of Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine had led him to believe that the people of Taiwan needed to take a more active role in preparing for a communist invasion.

Moreover, he said, Taiwan must not depend on the nations of the world to save it. Instead, it must prepare to fight to the last bullet. Self-help, he said, was vital to showing the world that Taiwan was worth saving, as was demonstrated by the resistance against Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Then, he said, the democracies of the world would be compelled to come to Taiwans aid, and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) would become the enemy of Australia, Japan, and the United States.

You said that, in addition to striking the mainland with supersonic missiles, Taiwan would use the 100-mile strait between the two to mount a massive defense and sink CCP warships before they could reach the island.

The [Chinese Community Party] must cross the Taiwan Strait to attack Taiwan, which is different from Russias attack on Ukraine, You said.

You pejoratively called communist China the Celestial Empire, in reference to its revanchist foreign policy, and said that the island of Taiwan would never be swallowed up by the CCP.

If you want to land, you will fight on the beachhead. If the landing is successful, everyone in Taiwan must be as determined to die as [they are in] Ukraine, You said. Go out and never let China swallow Taiwan.

The CCP currently rules China as a single-party state, and considers Taiwan to be a breakaway province. CCP leader Xi Jinping has vowed to unite the two entities, and has not ruled out the use of force to do so.

Taiwan has been fully self-governed since 1949, however, and has never been under the control of the CCP.

The United States has not recognized Taiwan as an independent nation since 1979. Washington does, however, maintain a commitment to Taipei, outlined in the Taiwan Relations Act, in which it guarantees it will provide Taiwan with the military capabilities required to defend itself and maintain its de facto independence.
The U.S. national flag waves on the territory of the embassy of the United States of America in Moscow on April 2, 2018. (Vasily Maximov/AFP via Getty Images)

The Great Reset: Turning Back the Clock on Civilization

Commentary

The COVID-19 pandemic featured an unprecedented fusion of the interests of large and powerful corporations with the power of the state. Democratically elected politicians in many countries failed to represent the interests of their own citizens and uphold their own constitutions and charters of rights. Specifically, they supported lockdown measures, vaccine mandates, the suppression of a variety of early treatment options, the censorship of dissenting views, propaganda, interference in the private spheres of individuals, and the suspension of various forms of freedom. All of these policies and measures were centrally designed by the social engineers of the pandemic.

Globalists, who are obsessed with societal control, decided to take advantage of the pandemic in order to increase their authoritarian power. Prominent among them was, Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of World Economic Forum (WEF). In June 2020, he stated that the pandemic represents a rare but narrow window of opportunity to reflect, reimagine, and reset our world. According to him, every country, from the United States to China, must participate, and every industry, from oil and gas to tech, must be transformed.

It is no secret that the WEF has focused on accelerating the implementation of central planning for the entire global population since the early days of the pandemic. This plan to establish a new world order, known as the Great Reset, was a key theme at the recent annual meeting of the WEF, which was held during May 2226 in Davos, Switzerland.

Drastic changes to the world order like the Great Reset do not happen spontaneously; rather, they are designed by global policy makers, including influential billionaires, politicians, celebrities, biased academics, wealthy philanthropists, and the bureaucrats of international organizations and institutions. These types of people support social engineering, because it will enable them to acquire control over the worlds wealth and natural resources, and strengthen their ability to shape society as they see fit.

Like their predecessors across history, the social engineers of the WEF believe that there must be no spontaneous, unguided activity, because it might produce results which cannot be foreseen and for which the plan does not provide. It might produce something new, undreamt of in the philosophy of the planner.[1]

Based on the WEF agenda, the successful completion of the current industrial transformation will require redesigning and controlling every minuscule aspect of human life and behavior, including the private spheres of individuals, the economy, politics, and societal organizations, without the possibility of voluntary and spontaneous cooperation between individuals based on their will, values, thoughts, and beliefs. We were warned almost two centuries ago that when this type of tyrannical power succeeds, it will be busy with a multitude of small tasks penetrating into private life, governing families, and dictating the actions and tastes of individuals.[2]

In fact, some of the most ridiculous controls proposed by the WEF included limiting the washing of jeans to no more than once a month and pyjamas once a week. The WEF also advocates for transforming entire food systems by encouraging people to consume insects, arguing that insect protein has high-quality properties and can be used as an alternative source of protein throughout the food chain, from feed for aquaculture to ingredients for nutritional supplements for humans and pets. Reforming the food system would also involve eating cultured meat, referring to meat product created by cultivating animal cells in a controlled lab environment.

The WEF also supports the elimination of car ownership, as paying for a ride or delivery is as easy as tapping a smart phone app, and renting a vehicle means that car loans and insurance payments shrink or disappear. Ultimately, the Great Reset aims to create a world where you will own nothing, and will be happy by 2030, as people will not possess any private property and rent everything they need in life.

However, this premise ignores the fact that private property ownership is associated with the advancement of civilizations, higher stages of material and moral development, and the development of modern family life. The WEF scenario would also diminish the sense of security, which is strengthened by the possession of private property.

Once the Great Reset is complete, individuals will essentially have their thinking and decision-making done for them by men much like themselves, addressing them or speaking in their name.[3] Such a desire to force upon the people a creed which is regarded as salutary for them is  not a thing that is new or peculiar to our time.[4] However, as various totalitarian regimes throughout history have demonstrated, the oppressive central planning of social engineers leads to the masses losing their sense of autonomy, freedom, dignity, creativity, and strength. Also lost is the incentive to improve ones own condition and contribute to the progress of society.[5]

If the social engineering of the WEF is successful, then, by 2030, one will not be able to rely on oneself, family members, relatives, friends, or the community. This is because the supporters of any absolutist regime want traditions and customs to be corrupted, memories obliterated, habits destroyed  liberty, chased from the laws.[6]

In other words, they want to design a societal order where sympathy and mutual assistance will be rendered obsolete and where every citizen of the world is equally powerless, poor, and isolated, so that people will be unable to oppose the organized strength of global governance and become dependent on governments and their allies for their survival. Eventually, nothing will protect citizens any longer, and citizens will no longer protect themselves.

Social engineers of the WEF are essentially advocating for natural freedom, which would allow the strong to exercise their power while subjugating the weak. In doing so, they are basically calling for the world to move backward in the development of human history toward the reinstitution of feudalism and slavery. It is important to remember that economic freedom, positive freedom, political freedom, freedom of thought, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press are not attributes of primitive man or serfdom; rather, they are products of the most advanced stages of society.

To be more precise, these types of freedom are outcomes of the efforts of countless thinkers, social movements, revolutions, and wars throughout human history. However, social engineers are not interested in the history and struggles of our civilization, as they believe that they possess expertise in all areas, which is the line of thought at the heart of all dictatorial regimes.[7] They do not think that social engineering is alien to the true nature of human beings, even though it is based on mechanical exactness and does not spring from a mans free choice.[8] Furthermore, advocates of social engineering ignore the fact that the progress of mankind, in powers of mind and heart, in well-being and in technique, in law and morality, necessarily involves the participation of the lower classes.[9]

Anyone who believes that the social engineers of the WEF have noble intentions at heart as they design and implement the Great Reset should heed the warning (pdf) of President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1935), who (ironically) declared:

The doctrine of regulation and legislation by master minds in whose judgment and will all the people may gladly and quietly acquiesce, has been too glaringly apparent at Washington during these last 10 years. Were it possible to find master minds so unselfish, so willing to decide unhesitatingly against their own personal interests or private prejudices, men almost godlike in their ability to hold the scales of justice with an even hand, such a government might be to the interests of the country; but there are no such on our political horizon, and we cannot expect a complete reversal of all the teachings of history.

Notes

1. F.A. Hayek, The Road to Serfdom (1944; repr., New York: Routledge, 2006), p. 166.

2. Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America: Historical-Critical Edition of De la democratie en Amerique, ed. Eduardo Nolla and trans. James T. Schleifer, bilingual ed., 4 vols. (Indianapolis, IN: Liberty Fund, 2010), 1:223.

3. John Stuart Mill, On Liberty (Kitchener, ON: Batoche Books, 2001), p. 261.

4. Hayek, The Road to Serfdom, p. 168.

5. Hayek, The Road to Serfdom.

6. Tocqueville, Democracy in America, 2:156.

7. Hayek, The Road to Serfdom.

8. Wilhelm von Humboldt, The Limits of State Action. (1792; repr., Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1969).

9. Gustav Friedrich Schmoller, Class Conflicts in General. (American Journal of Sociology, Vol. 20, No. 4, 1915), p. 519.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

Birsen Filip Follow Birsen Filip holds a Ph.D. in philosophy and masters degrees in economics and philosophy. She has published numerous articles and chapters on a range of topics, including political philosophy, geo-politics, and the history of economic thought, with a focus on the Austrian School of Economics and the German Historical School of Economics. She is the author of the upcoming book The Early History of Economics in the United States: The Influence of the German Historical School of Economics on Teaching and Theory (Routledge, 2022). She is also the author of The Rise of Neo-liberalism and the Decline of Freedom.
The Plastics Revolution

Commentary

Alfred Sedgwick, an obscure English philosopher and logician who died in 1943 at the age of 93, is usually credited with the development of the slippery slope argument. The argument is used to predict, with little or no evidence, that the doing of an act might lead to, or result in, a chain of undesirable, even disastrous, outcomes.

Sedgwicks slippery slope argument is relevant in the context of the banning of single-use plastic bags from Australias stores. South Australia was the first Australian jurisdiction to ban these bags in 2009, followed by the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) in 2011. New South Wales was the last jurisdiction to ban single-use plastic shopping bags on June 1, 2022.

However, plastic barrier/produce bags continue to be used in major retail stores around Australia, especially in food stores like Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi. Barrier bags are a single-use item used to carry and transport fruits, vegetables, raw meats, deli items, and seafood from the store to the home. The continued use of barrier bags raises the question of how these bags differ from single-use plastic shopping bags, which are banned.

The history of single-use plastic shopping bags is interesting because it proves that good intentions may lead to unintended, even devastating, consequences. The story of the single-use plastic bag started in 1933 when polyethylenethe most commonly used plasticwas accidentally produced in a chemical plant in Northwich, England. In 1982, the major American retail food giants, Safeway and Kroger, switched to plastic bags, and since then, most stores throughout the world have joined the plastic bandwagon.

According to reports, these bags were produced at a rate of up to one trillion bags per year. However, in 1997 oceanographer and captain Charles J. Moore discovered an accumulated gigantic gyre of wasted single-use plastic bags, known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This provided the international community with the impetus to fight this environmental degradation.

In 2002, Bangladesh became the first country in the world to ban the use of single-use plastic shopping bags because they clogged the drainage system during disastrous floodings. By 2018, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) found that 127 out of 192 countries had adopted relevant legislation to restrict the use of plastic bags. Currently, single-use plastic shopping bags are banned in 32 countries, 18 of which are in Africa.

A shopper is seen carrying bags at a Coles Sydney CBD store, Sydney, Australia, on July 2, 2018. (AAP Image/Peter RAE)

The single-use plastic shopping bags were often used by people as receptacles of wasted food products and scraps, which would then be consigned to the waste bin, and eventually end up in a landfill. However, the discovery of Moores mountains of plastic bags in the Pacific Ocean, threatening marine life, gave the impetus to the banning of single-use plastic bags.

As Sedgwicks slippery slope argument suggests, there cannot be any doubt that the next ban will affect the use of barrier vegetables/fruits/meats/fish bags. This is because the arguments against the continuing use of single-use plastic shopping bags do equally apply to barrier bags. As these bags will not break down for hundreds of years, there is good reason to ban them as well.

Moreover, following the ban on single-use plastic bags, people started to use the barrier bags as receptacles for wasted food and scrapsthe same as for the banned plastic shopping bags. Some barrier bags are even as sturdy as the banned single-use bags. Hence, the logic used to ban the single-use plastic bags would inevitably result in a demand to ban the barrier bags as well.

Which it has, barrier bags, used to transport fruits and vegetables, will be banned in the ACT from July 1. The ACT Government claims that, as these bags can cause serious environmental damage, the community, businesses, and industry has shown strong support for a ban on barrier bags. However, the day that re-usable barrier bags will become mandatory is coming ever closer, and major retailers will need to use compostable bags, which may increase the price of groceries.

Shoppers are seen using a single-use plastic bag at a fruit and vegetable store inside the Central Market in Adelaide, Australia, on Nov. 1, 2019. (AAP Image/Morgan Sette)

In an interesting opinion piece, Diana Diamond argued that legislation banning barrier veggie bags is not based on reliable statistics which prove the toxic effects of these bags on the environment. Commenting on a decision of the Palo Alto Council in California to ban plastic straws, as requested by the Girls Scouts Association, she questioned the wisdom of the councils earlier decision to ban barrier bags.

She notes that the argument in favour of banning barrier bags is the same argument used for the banning of single-use shopping bagsthat the shopping bags clog waterways and creeks and degrade the oceans. She indicates that, in such circumstances, the remedy is not to ban them, but to adopt legislation to ensure that people dispose of the bags in a responsible way, which does not contribute to, or results in, the pollution of the environment. She concludes that what is done to eliminate plastic vegetable barrier bags will have little impact on the earths global warming problem and that the pollution caused by plastic bags is more a disposal problem than a plastic problem.

Diamonds view relies on the slippery slope argument: once a decision is made to ban single-use plastic bags, inevitably there will be demands to ban barrier bags. This, in turn, might lead to demands that other single-use plastic items, which endanger the environment, should also be banned.

It can be seen that the incessant demands to ban all plastic items may well cause other assumed environment-friendly actions, the aggregate result of which adversely affects peoples lives.

Hence, the issue is not whether plastic bags are good or bad, and whether all plastic items should be banned, but how far humanity is prepared to go to protect the environment, the oceans, and our forests. Sedgwicks slippery slope argument is thus instrumental in reformulating one of the burning issues of our time.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Thousands of Cattle Dead in Kansas After Extreme Heat, Humidity

Thousands of cattle have died across Kansas in what officials have attributed to extreme heat and humidity amid soaring temperatures.

Exact figures pertaining to the number of cattle that have died are yet to be confirmed, although officials have said at least 2,000 have lost their lives as some areas reached over 100 degrees Fahrenheit over the weekend.

Kansas is the third-largest cattle state in the U.S. behind Texas and Nebraska, with more than 2.4 million cattle in feedlots.

Spokesperson Matthew Lara for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment confirmed the deaths of 2,000 cattle to Reuters, stating that the number represents facilities across the state who have contacted the agency to ask for help in disposing of the bovine carcasses.

AJ Tarpoff, beef extension veterinarian for Kansas State University, said the combination of too much heat and lack of nighttime cooling creates what is essentially a perfect storm, that can lead to large cattle losses.

Heat stress doesnt happen all at one time, Tarpoff told DTN/Progressive Farmer. Cattle accumulate heat during the day, and then over the nighttime hours, it takes four to six hours for them to dissipate that heat. As long as we have a cooling effect at night, cattle can mostly handle the heat.

Where we run into issues is where we have two to four days in a row of minimal nighttime cooling, and we start the day with the heat load we accumulated the day before still there, he said.

Elsewhere, Scarlett Hagins, a spokesperson for the Kansas Livestock Association, said cattle began to experience heat stress over the weekend as humidity levels shot up in western Kansas and cooling winds disappeared, leaving the animals unable to adapt to the sudden change.

The Kansas Livestock Association is currently offering a Livestock Indemnity Program which offers payments to eligible livestock owners who have lost their cattle in excess of normal mortality due to eligible loss conditions, including extreme heat.

Owners must file a notice of loss within 30 days of it becoming apparent and are advised to get documented confirmation from a veterinarian confirming that the case of death was excess heat, and not something else.

However, with temperatures still rising, the final death count is not yet clear and several reports have suggested the death toll could be much higher at 10,000.

One video posted online shows what appears to be hundreds of dead cattle lying upside down on the side of the road.

Experts told DTN/Progressive Farmer that the center point of the thousand of deaths was the city of Ulysses.

The deaths come at a time when producers in the U.S. cattle industry have already had to reduce herds amid drought conditions and increased feed costs driven by Russias invasion of Ukraine which led to reduced supplies of grains across the globe.

Meanwhile, a number of fires have broken out at food production plants and agriculture facilities across the nation in recent months.

Brenda Masek, president of the industry association Nebraska Cattlemen, warned that further high temperatures this week could put animals at higher risk of heat-related deaths.

She urged ranchers to provide extra water to cattle and regularly check on their health.

You cant say, Oh, I checked them three days ago, Masek told Reuters. When it gets hot, youve got be to out every day and making sure that their water is maintained.

Despite the recent deaths in Kansas, the state of Texas, which has the highest concentration of cattle and is also experiencing sizzling temperatures has yet to report mass cattle deaths.
These visits included Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe No. 20174 Educational Institution; IEI No. 509 Initial Education Institution; Antunez de Mayolo School which houses adolescents and secondary level students; as well as San Martin de Porres No. 20175 Primary Level School.





The Executive Branch will not rest until open admission to universities is clear, the Head of State reiterated during the unexpected inspection of the reconstruction works of Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe. These facilities were affected by Coastal El Nino Phenomenon back in 2017.





"The Government is working on open admission to universities, it is an ambitious project, an assignment from the country, and we won't stop until we have made it clear. Our children, once they have finished (high) school, decide to become someone in life, but sometimes they (their wishes) do not match the family economy; we are focused on that (reversing the situation)," he assured students.





The reconstruction project entails an investment of S/ 4.48 million (about US$1.12 million) and includes the construction of classrooms, a multipurpose room, a technological innovation room, a school library, a teachers' room, toilets, a kitchen, among others, as well as school and technological equipment.





The top official toured the facilities of this educational institution joined by Pacaran Mayor Julio Cesar Chanca who declared him an illustrious guest of the district and Jesus Sanchez, who serves as director of this educational institution.





During his stay at San Martin de Porres Educational Institution, the Head of State stressed the importance of children relying on proper spaces and tools to be able to study.





Addressing the minors, he recalled his work as a teacher in northern Andean Cajamarca region and expressed his commitment to support education from the Government.





"You have to study," he stated.





Moreover, Mr. Castillo argued that strengthening education does not only entail having good educational institutions and trained teachers, but also generating the necessary conditions and tools so that, once young people finish high school, they can have the opportunity to enroll at a university.





Within this framework, the Head of State announced that he will continue to carry out inspections at educational institutions so as to assess the infrastructure and health-related conditions in which children and adolescents study.





"We will continue to oversee the infrastructure and the conditions in which the educational service is provided to pupils, as well as the food provided by the Qali Warma Program," he specified.





Qali Warma guarantees food for public school students in Peru during the school year, in accordance with their characteristics and the areas where they reside.









Presidente @PedroCastilloTe: "Queremos que la educacion del pais tenga otro rumbo. No basta con entregar un buen local, tambien es importante garantizar la alimentacion de los estudiantes, como es el caso de Qali Warma". #SiempreConElPueblo pic.twitter.com/v878ZJsXj3  Presidencia del Peru ???? (@presidenciaperu) June 15, 2022

Presidente @PedroCastilloTe: "Como Gobierno tenemos la plena obligacion y la responsabilidad de supervisar las obras y ver las grandes necesidades que tiene el pais". #SiempreConElPueblo pic.twitter.com/w3vWyKZP9m  Presidencia del Peru ???? (@presidenciaperu) June 15, 2022

(END) CVC/MVB
Conservative member of Parliament Michelle Rempel Garner holds a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on April 5, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick)

Tory MP Rempel Garner Giving Alberta UCP Leadership Bid Serious Consideration

Tory MP Michelle Rempel Garner says shes considering a bid for leadership of Albertas United Conservative Party (UCP).

In a series of tweets on June 15, Rempel Garner said she is stepping away from her role as campaign co-chair of Patrick Browns federal Conservative leadership campaign so that she can focus her attention on Alberta.

Alberta isand always has beenmy top priority. Today, I can confirm that I am giving a provincial leadership bid serious consideration. I owe it to Albertans to give this critical decision my full and complete attention, she said.

I will make my decision based on the conversations I have with the people I representAlbertans.

Rempel Garner, who represents the riding of Calgary Nose Hill, said the decision to run for UCP leadership should not be taken lightly by anyone.

With cost of living spiraling out of control and a federal Liberal govt hostile to Albertas interests, picking a leader who can defeat their NDP allies in next years provincial election is critical, she said.

Our province needs hope, a positive vision for the future, and a Conservative leader who can inspire Albertans and win.

In response to Rempel Garners announcement, Brown thanked her for contribution to his campaign thus far in a Twitter post.

I want to wish my friend Michelle Rempel Garner the best as she embarks upon deliberations on her future. She has served Canada well and will continue to serve in whatever role is next. Well miss you Michelle, but thanks for your contribution to our campaign, he said on June 16.

The list of candidates to replace Premier Jason Kenney as leader of the UCP currently stands at eight, including UCP MLAs Rebecca Schulz and Travis Toews, who stepped down from their posts as cabinet ministers to join the race. MLA Rajan Sawhney also resigned as transportation minister to join the leadership bid.

Other contenders include UCP MLA Leela Aheer, who lost her cabinet post in 2021 after criticizing Kenneys handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with former Wildrose leader Danielle Smith who announced her candidacy on May 19.

Brian Jean, who recently won a byelection in the riding of Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche, is also joining the leadership race.

Former Wildrose candidate Bill Rock entered the race on June 3. Rock is the mayor of Amisk, a village of 206 people 220 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.

Todd Lowen, backbench member for Central Peace-Notley constituency, announced his leadership bid on June 7. He sits as an independent MLA after being voted out of the UCP caucus in May 2021 for urging Kenney to resign.

On June 14, the UCP announced the rules and procedures for the leadership contest to be held on Oct. 6.

To enter the contest, an applicant must submit a comprehensive questionnaire that will be reviewed by the Leadership Election Committee, together with a $150,000 entrance fee to cover the cost of organizing the election, and a $25,000 refundable compliance deposit, the party said on its website.

Applicants must also provide a nomination petition with at least 1,000 signatures of Party members, with 200 from each of the Partys five provincial regions.

The deadline to submit the application and the first installment of the entry fee is July 20.

Kenney announced on May 18 that he was stepping down after receiving 51.4 percent support in a leadership review by party members. He is staying on until his replacement is chosen.

The Canadian Press and Noe Chartier contributed to this report.
Apple customers shop for new iPhones at an Apple store in San Francisco, on Sept., 22, 2017. (Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images)

UK Consumer Champion to Sue Apple for $950 Million Over iPhone Throttling

A British law firm says it and consumer champion Justin Gutmann are taking Apple to the UKs Competition Appeal Tribunal, claiming 768 million ($950 million), in a dispute over a power management tool on older iPhones that could affect 25 million Britons.

Gutmann has accused the company of deliberately slowing down the performance of iPhoneswhat is known in the industry as throttlingby hiding a power management tool to disguise the fact that iPhone batteries could not cope with iOS processing demands and would suddenly shut down.

The law firm, Charles Lyndon, said on June 15 that they are launching the groundbreaking lawsuit with Gutmann. The claim relates to the iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S, 6S Plus, SE, 7, 7 Plus, 8, 8 Plus, and iPhone X models.

Gutmann said: Instead of doing the honourable and legal thing by their customers and offering a free replacement, repair service or compensation, Apple instead misled people by concealing a tool in software updates that slowed their devices by up to 58 percent.

In 2017, after performance issues were noticed by some customers, Apple chief executive Tim Cook apologised and said it would replace batteries for a discounted rate for a limited time.

Gutmann claims Apple failed to properly publicise its battery replacement service and had abused its dominant position in the market.

He is seeking damages of 768 million for 25 million UK customers.

Gutmann told The Epoch Times the claim was being submitted to the tribunal on June 16.

The claim says a power management tool released in a software update to iPhone users in January 2017 was rolled out to slow down older iPhone models with ageing batteries, which may have struggled to run the latest iOS software.

His claim seeks compensation for each model owned and individuals will not need to join a class action to qualify for damages.

In a statement, Apple said: We have never, and would never, do anything to intentionally shorten the life of any Apple product, or degrade the user experience to drive customer upgrades. Our goal has always been to create products that our customers love, and making iPhones last as long as possible is an important part of that.

Last month Apple lost its position as the worlds most valuable company, overtaken by Saudi Arabian oil and gas producer Aramco, amid a broad investor sell-off of tech stocks and a surge in energy prices.

PA Media contributed to this report.
Unilever Switches Some Ingredients to Adapt to Commodities Shortages

LONDON As commoditiesfrom crude oil to sunflower oilremain in short supply, Britains Unilever has changed the ingredient makeup for some of its products like deodorants and packaged food to cut costs and mitigate supply constraints.

The ability to switch ingredients and materials, something consumer goods manufacturers traditionally find difficult, became even more valuable after Ukraines war led to commodity prices hitting multi-year highs.

In April, Unilever boss Alan Jope said the company had begun altering some of its recipes so it could use grapeseed oil instead of sunflower oil, which had become scarce since the invasion. Ukraine typically produces about half the worlds exports of sunflower oil.

According to Unilevers head of research and development, Richard Slater, the maker of Dove soap and Knorr stock cubes is not stopping there.

Globally, there was a shortage of silicon so we were looking at our deodorant and making sure that we looked at the formulations there  to use less ingredients that are under pressure, Slater said in an interview.

Unilever, which makes Rexona, Dove, Axe, and Lynx deodorants, dealt with this issue last year, he said.

In its home and beauty care businesses, the company has also been trying to reduce its products reliance on petrochemicals and make them more sustainable.

That has a double benefit if you can get a better product that is more sustainable, but also reduce the pressure on some of those ingredients under cost pressure, Slater said.

Many packaged goods makers have tried to wean themselves off palm oil which is used in everything from P&Gs Tide pods to Ferreros Nutella.

On Thursday, Unilever said it had tied up with San Diego-based Genomatica to build and commercialize alternatives to palm oil and fossil fuel-derived cleansing ingredients.

Were not talking about a few thousand tonnes here, we are talking meaningful commercial scale, Slater said, declining to provide details about how much of the new ingredient it plans to produce in the near term.

Sourcing alternatives to palm is also really important from a supply resilience point of view due to the pricing around the commodity, Slater added.

Unilever no longer relies solely on manual testing when it changes its formulas. Instead, it digitally models how new ingredients would affect products, Slater said.

By Richa Naidu
A mural bears the logo of the ISIS terrorist group. (Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP via Getty Images)

US-Led Coalition Captures Senior ISIS Leader in Syria

A coalition force led by the United States has announced an early-morning operation in Syria led to the capture of a man said to be a senior ISIS terrorist group leader on Thursday.

The detained individual was assessed to be an experienced bomb maker and facilitator who became one of the groups top leaders in Syria, the coalitions Operation Inherent Resolve said in a statement.

The mission was meticulously planned to minimize the risk of collateral damage, particularly any potential harm to civilians. There were no civilians harmed during the operation nor any damage to Coalition aircraft or assets.

This operation in northeast Syria demonstrates our commitment to the security of the region and to the enduring defeat of ISIS, said Army Gen. Erik Kurilla, the head of U.S. Central Command, in a brief statement obtained by the Wall Street Journal.

The coalitions statement did not name the ISIS leader who was captured, but the Wall Street Journal named him as Hani Ahmed al-Kurdi.

Reuters reported that a spokesman for the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army (SNA), Major Youssef Hamoud, said the U.S.-led coalition force carried out a helicopter raid in the village of Al-Humaira just south of the Turkish border.

Hamoud reportedly said it was the first operation of its kind to happen in an area under the SNAs control and involved U.S.-made Chinook and Black Hawk helicopters.

This operation comes after another by the U.S.-led coalition in February announced by President Joe Biden. That operation in northwest Syria led to the death of Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, who was the leader of ISIS since 2019.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was Al-Qurayshis predecessor, died during a U.S. raid in the same area in 2019.

Remnants of ISIS continue to operate in Syria and Iraq after they were mostly defeated in 2019.

Coalition forces will continue to hunt the remnants of Daesh wherever they hide to ensure their enduring defeat, the coalition said.

The coalition, with 85 partner countries, was formed in September 2014 with the mission to degrade and defeat ISIS in Syria and Iraq, its website says.
An unidentified man walks through the lobby of the Gannett-USA Today headquarters building in McLean, Va., on Aug. 20, 2013. (Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images)

USA Today Published Articles Containing Fabricated Quotes, Plagiarized Passages: Audit

USA Today has removed nearly two dozen articles from its website after an audit uncovered fabricated quotes and passages that were plagiarized, the news outlet said on June 16.

A request from an outside party for a correction triggered the audit of work done by reporter Gabriela Miranda, USA Today said on its website.

The audit revealed that some individuals quoted were not affiliated with the organizations claimed and appeared to be fabricated. The existence of other individuals quoted could not be independently verified. In addition, some stories included quotes that should have been credited to others, the outlet said.

As a result, USA Today removed 23 articles from its website.

Miranda resigned, according to the outlet.

She did not respond to requests for messages. She has deleted her Twitter account and her Instagram page is private.

Mirandas bio on USA Todays website says she is a breaking news and NOW reporter.

According to her own website, Miranda is a News Now reporter for USA Today, covering trending news in the United States.

She previously worked for The Gainesville Times, The Red & Black, and Vida Newspaper. The Gainesville time declined to comment. The other outlets did not respond to queries.

Miranda states on her site that her fluency in Spanish has helped me write, translate, and speak to sources within the Latinx and Hispanic community.

We strive to be accurate and factual in all our content and regret this situation. We will continue to reinforce and strengthen our reporting and editing diligence and processes, USA Today said, including through improving the process for people who want to file complaints or request corrections and making sure that reporters properly credit competitors for their work.

Mirandas last story was dated April 17.

Rebecca Aguilar, president of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), told The Epoch Times in an email that the situation should be a learning opportunity for all journalists and a reminder that we should follow the SPJ Code of Ethics.

The code includes: seek the truth and report it. Which every journalist should strive for every time they report a story, Aguilar said. This is a very unfortunate situation, but USA Today is making a positive move in removing the stories and explaining to readers that they will continue to strive to do better. I hope in the process, USA Today will improve its team of editors, who should be double-checking all the information before it goes out to the public.

The removed articles included pieces with the headlines, Anti-vaxxer pushes urine therapy as COVID antidote without scientific evidence; Friends are also family: How the unofficial holiday Friendsgiving has grown; and Thats on TikTok, not our menu: Starbucks baristas can make viral drink orders but need time and patience.

Others covered songs chanted at Cuba protests, celebrations of the Cinco de Mayo holiday in the United States, and the most popular liquors for Christmas.

Every story now has no text, other than an editors note that states, This story has been removed from our platforms because it does not meet our standards.
Homeless tents sit on the park lawn on front of the Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library in Venice, Calif., on Feb. 18, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Southern California Community Convinces Officials to Clear Homeless Encampment

VENICE, Calif.After months of trying to get city officials attention, residents finally gained enough support to get a violent homeless encampment cleared outside of the Abbot Kinney Memorial Library in Centennial Park this week.

The encampment, which popped up sometime after Thanksgiving last year, was adjacent to million-dollar apartment buildings across the street on S. Venice Boulevard and less than half a mile away from a high-end shopping strip on the famed Abbot Kinney Boulevard.

Residents who lived across the street from the encampment described the conditions as unsafe and unlivable. Piles of trash were cleared by a collaboration of the Los Angeles Sanitation Department, St. Josephs Center, Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), park rangers, and the Los Angeles Police Department. Now, the park is fenced off and closed for repairs, and a police presence will remain in the area for the rest of the week.

The residents believe their activism in recently providing toilets in the park and interviewing with local media outlets prompted officials to act.

The view after a homeless encampment was cleared in Centennial Park, next to Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library in Venice, Calif., on June 14, 2022. (Courtesy of The Venice Wasteland/Twitter)

They were just defecating all over all the time, every day around the community, and it just got so out of hand that the smell was so bad that the mailman couldnt even deliver the mail, lifelong Venice resident Yolanda Gonzalez told The Epoch Times.

She added that her property had been trespassed several times by homeless people, with some stealing water from her water hose.

If they needed water, they could have asked, she said.

When the encampment first appeared, there were about 30 tentsbut that number quickly grew to more than 60. Reports of stabbings and assaults were rampant, while a large fire broke out at one point and burned the front of the library.

Resident Nancy Merjanian told The Epoch Times she used to be homeless, so she wasnt mad at the homeless for being homeless.

The view as a homeless encampment is in the process of being cleared in Centennial Park, next to Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library in Venice, Calif., on June 11, 2022. (Courtesy of The Venice Wasteland/Twitter)

I was just mad at them for not respecting the homeowners around the area, she said.

A lot of bad things [were] happening, [like] women getting raped, it was just terrible, she continued. They kept me awake, they stole some stuff off my property. It kept me awake; my bedroom window was right there, and they kept me awake most of the time.

She said shes happy the encampment was cleared out and is looking forward to sleeping well again.

The homeless who were in the park received hotel vouchers from outreach workers, or were relocated to Cadillac Hotel and the Venice Bridge Home. A total of 48 people were moved out of the park, while 38 accepted housing. As of June 12, 18 people remained unhoused.

One social media account, @VeniceWasteland on Twitter, documented the discord in the park every day. Fights, fires, drug deals, and people screaming can be seen in the videos.

Men emerge from their tents located in a homeless encampment in front of the Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch Library in Venice, Calif., on Feb. 18, 2022. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

I cant accurately describe the relief of watching Centennial Park get cleaned, the account posted on June 9. I didnt realize the constant tension I had every day watching it spiral further into chaos and getting zero help. I am so thankful for the Park People that accepted help and left calmly.

Councilmember Mike Bonin, who oversees much of the Westside in the 11th district, voted against enforcing anti-camping ordinances in his jurisdiction. Only one other councilmember in the city voted against enforcing the ordinance.

It took a community to do this, Gonzalez said. I dont think we need government to govern us anymore, because we know how to take care of our own communities. Why do we need a city hall with so much money poured into it, and they cant do what we did right now?

Bonins office and LAHSA did not respond to a request for comment by press deadline.
Former Michigan Gov Jennifer Granholm testifies before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee during a hearing to examine her nomination to be secretary of Energy on Capitol Hill on Jan. 27, 2021. (Graeme Jennings/Pool via Reuters)

White House Keeps Suggesting Electric Vehicles as Fix for Record Gas Prices

Amid continually increasing gas prices, White House officials have continually recommended that Americans feeling pain at the pump should switch to electric vehicles.

During a live streaming event this week, the Biden administrations energy secretary, Jennifer Granholm, said a way to deal with $5 per gallon gas is to purchase an electric vehicle.

If you filled up your EV [electric vehicle] and you filled up your gas tank with gasoline, you would save $60 per fill-up by going electric rather than using gasoline, but its a very compelling case, she said in a clip circulated by Republicans on social media on June 14. But again, we want to bring down the price at the point of purchase.

Her comments received significant criticism from Republican lawmakers and conservatives on social media, who accused Granholm, a former Michigan governor, of being out of touch. Last year, Granholm sold millions of dollars in stock options from Proterraa company that manufactures electric buses.

If you drive an electric car, this would not be affecting you, she said in May 2021 in reference to the elevated gas prices.

Several weeks ago, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg touted electric vehicles to a House panel amid increasing gas prices and GOP concerns that motorists in rural areas wont benefit from more federal spending on electric vehicles.

It is actually rural drivers who would benefit the most, Buttigieg said in May. The more they drive, typically, the more of their income is going to gas, so the more money they are going to save if they can afford an electric vehicle, which allows them to fill up on electrons.

Last year, Buttigieg drew criticism for telling families who are struggling with high gas prices to buy an electric vehicle, because if they do, theyll never have to worry about gas prices again.

According to Kelly Blue Books late 2021 figures, the average price of a new electric vehicle hovered at roughly $56,000. In contrast, the average price of a new compact was about $25,000 at about the same time. The average price of a new, non-electric SUV was $34,000, while the electric version was nearly $45,000.

The 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV starts at about $31,500, according to the website.

As of June 16, data from auto club AAA show that the average price for a gallon of regular gas fell by less than a penny to $5.009 across the United States. California, as usual, led the way with prices hitting $6.428, the figures show, while no other state had an average price of $6 per gallon.

President Joe Biden himself said in late May that the record gas prices will spur Americans to purchase electric vehicles. Earlier this year, Biden announced the release of 180 million barrels of oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which the White House said would cause gas prices to come down fairly significantly.

[When] it comes to the gas prices, were going through an incredible transition that is taking place that, God willing, when its over, well be stronger and the world will be stronger and less reliant on fossil fuels, Biden said during a trip to Japan.
This 2003 electron microscope image shows mature, oval-shaped monkeypox virions (L) and spherical immature virions (R) obtained from a sample of human skin associated with the 2003 prairie dog outbreak. (Cynthia S. Goldsmith, Russell Regner/CDC via AP)

WHO Convenes Experts to Decide If Monkeypox Is a Global Health Emergency

GENEVAThe World Health Organization (WHO) will convene an emergency committee of experts to determine if the expanding monkeypox outbreak that has mysteriously spread outside Africa should be considered a global health emergency.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Tuesday he decided to convene the emergency committee on June 23 because the virus has shown unusual recent behavior by spreading in countries well beyond parts of Africa where it is endemic.

We believe that it needs also some coordinated response because of the geographic spread, he told reporters.

Declaring monkeypox to be an international health emergency would give it the same designation as the COVID-19 pandemic and mean that WHO considers the normally rare disease a continuing threat to countries globally.

The UK said Monday it had 470 cases of monkeypox across the country, with the vast majority in gay or bisexual men. British scientists said last week they could not tell if the spread of the disease in the UK had peaked.

The meeting of outside experts could also help improve understanding and knowledge about the virus, Tedros said, as WHO released new guidelines about vaccinating against monkeypox.

Dr. Ibrahima Soce Fall, WHOs emergencies director for Africa, said case counts were growing every day and health officials face many gaps in terms of knowledge of the dynamics of the transmissionboth in Africa and beyond.

With the advice from the emergency committee, we can be in a better position to control the situation. But it doesnt mean that we are going straight to a public health emergency of international concern, he said, referring to WHOs highest level of alert for viral outbreaks. We dont want to wait until the situation is out of control to start calling the emergency committee.

The U.N. health agency does not recommend mass vaccination, but advises the judicious use of vaccines. It said controlling the disease relies primarily on measures like surveillance, tracking cases, and isolating patients.

Last month, a leading adviser to WHO said the outbreak in Europe and beyond was likely spread by sex at two recent rave parties in Spain and Belgium.

Scientists warn that anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, is susceptible to catching monkeypox if they are in close, physical contact with an infected person or their clothing or bed sheets.

WHO has been working with partner countries to create a mechanism by which some vaccines for smallpoxa related diseasemight be made available to countries that are affected, as research continues into their effectiveness against the new outbreak.

Tedros said more than 1,600 cases and nearly 1,500 suspected cases have been reported this year in 39 countries, including seven where monkeypox has been reported for years. A total of 72 deaths have been reported but none in the newly affected countries, which include Britain, Canada, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United States.

The ongoing outbreak of monkeypox in Europe and elsewhere marks the first time the disease has been known to spread among people who have no travel links to Africa.

By Jamey Keaten
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) speaks during a hearing in Washington in an April 26, 2022, file image. (Al Drago/AFP via Getty Images)

Why Dont You Let Us Know? Sen. Paul Presses Fauci on Royalty Payments

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) on June 16 pressed Dr. Anthony Fauci on the royalty payments hes received while working for the federal government.

Recently disclosed information showed that Fauci was one of hundreds of scientists at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to receive royalty payments. Fauci got 23 payments between October 2009 and September 2014, but it is unclear how much money he made.

Can you tell me that you have not received a royalty from any entity that you ever oversaw the distribution of money in research grants? Paul asked Fauci. Have you ever received a royalty payment from a company that you later oversaw money going to that company?

I dont know, as a fact, but I doubt it, Fauci responded.

Fauci was testifying virtually during a Senate Health Committee hearing.

Why dont you let us know? Why dont you reveal how much youve gotten, and from what entities? Paul said.

The Epoch Times has submitted a Freedom of Information Act request for all royalty payments that Fauci has received since becoming head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which is part of the NIH, in 1984.

Open the Books received information in May showing that 1,675 NIH scientists received at least one payment during fiscal years 2010 to 2014, and that Fauci received 23 payments during that time.

In this image from video, Dr. Anthony Fauci testifies to a Senate panel via remote link. (The Epoch Times via the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee)

The amount of the payments is unclear because of how these documents are redacted, Open the Books said in a fact sheet.

The Associated Press previously found that Fauci received $45,000 between 1997 and 2004 in payments for interleukin-2, an experimental AIDS treatment. Fauci told the outlet at the time that he tried refusing the payments but was told that couldnt happen, so he donated the money to charity. Fauci also said he tried reporting the payments on financial disclosures mandated for government employees but was told to remove them because they were considered federal compensation as opposed to outside income.

Adam Andrzejewski, founder and president of Open the Books, told The Epoch Times that every royalty payment could be a conflict of interest and urged the government to be transparent about the payments.

During Thursdays hearing, Paul said his efforts to get the information have been stonewalled. We asked them, the NIH, who got it and how much. They refused to tell us. They sent it redacted.

Fauci defended the withholding of the information, telling Paul, According to the regulations, people who have received royalties are not required to divulge them even on their financial statements, according to the BayhDole Act.

He then read off information he had brought up off-camera, which he said showed that from 2015 to 2020, the only royalties he received were for a monoclonal antibody he made.

And during that period of time, my royalties range from $21 a year to $700 a year, Fauci said. The average per year was $191.46.

Mark Tapscott contributed to this report.
Durante el encuentro, el ministro Alencastre expuso ante los parlamentarios el enfoque de desarrollo rural participativo que trabajara en beneficio de las mujeres y hombres del campo, asi como la estrategia del sector para la distribucion de fertilizantes a productores agricolas. pic.twitter.com/LtxnuOw9ls
NORWALK  Roja Yousuf wants to accomplish big things in her lifetime, and she has the same expectations for her fellow graduates.

Its up to us to fix the problems that are in our world at this moment. I hope we can take it on with no fears of what others think, said Yousuf, who will serve as the distinguished student speaker at Brien McMahon High Schools graduation ceremony on Thursday.

The graduating senior heads to Harvard University in the fall with the aspiration of attending medical school after she finishes her undergraduate studies.

Maybe at the same school, we dont know. Thats a possibility, Yousuf teases.

Yousuf, the oldest of four girls born to parents who immigrated to America from Bangladesh, shared her advice for underclassmen, how she likes to relax, and the moment that set the course for where her life is headed.

Q: What do you do to de-stress?

A: Hanging out with my siblings. I love to watch those Barbie movies or Monster High movies, those childlike movies to go back into the headspace when I was in fifth or fourth grade. Its lots of fun to be a little bit childish and immature. Thats what I love to do.

Its nice because the twins, who are 16, they are close to me in age so its easy for us to have conversations. For the little one, we like to go on nature walks. She points out different things that she finds like a squirrel. She likes to give me animal facts.

Q: What excites you about your future?

A: One of the biggest things that excites me is the accessibility to all these opportunities. I know where I am going at Harvard, they have lots of good opportunities in terms of research, internships and there are a ton of great people who are interested in the same thing as I am. I think thats going to help me get to where I eventually want to be, which is hopefully med school. Im really excited about the research aspects because I want to go into cancer research and I know they have all the facilities to do so.

I want to specifically study breast cancer because of my dads six sisters, four of them have had breast cancer, and its something thats really important to me and my sisters. Thinking about what would happen to us down the line and if I could figure out what possibly causes a cell to turn cancerous through research, that would be very important.

Q: What scares you about your future?

A: Unfortunately, at the end of the day, everything is still up in the air. Its all about the decisions you make, the choices you make, what you do. That scares me a little because you never know if youre making the wrong choice, but I think its best to think of it as Im doing this and Im going to make the best of it no matter what and hopefully it turns out to be beneficial. But if it turns out to be something that isnt exactly worth what I thought it was, its still going to be worth something. Its going to be a lesson that I learned or a mistake Im not going to make again.

Q: What is your message to your fellow graduates?

A: One of the things that I want to have a big impact on my class is the importance of their voice because unfortunately, we do live in an imperfect world. Theres a lot of things going on and its a little overwhelming. But one of the biggest things to know is you have eyes to know whats going on and acknowledge that it is happening. You have your mind to think about these things. Whats your opinion? Then you have to use your voice to speak out against it. I hope this can cause the seniors to rise to action and take charge. Because were going to take on the world.

Q: What expectations do you have for your generation?

A: My hope for this generation is that honestly, its up to us to fix the problems that are in our world at this moment. I hope we can take it on with no fears of what others think, because at the end of the day, it comes down to what were thinking and what we need for our future. Not only thinking about ourselves, but the people who are going to come after us. I hope that we all have the courage to speak out when we see something that isnt right and that we do take the action. Unfortunately, words can only get you so far, but once action is taken then things can actually change.

Q: What advice do you have for underclassmen?

A: I know that life can get intimidating, but its best to take it step by step and make sure youre authentically yourself in every possible way. At the end of the day, its just you and whatever happens to you and, I know my parents tell me this as well, whatever youre doing, it is for yourself so you have to think about what is best for you then you can think about others. You have to put yourself first sometimes.

Q: What was a defining moment in your life?

A: One of the defining moments in my life was when I went to Bangladesh with my family. My grandfather has a village there so all our family lives there together. When Im seeing how they live, its such a beautiful life as compared to what Im doing in America. Of course, Im grateful for how I do live here and Im fortunate to have a lot of things that they dont have, but one of the things that I saw is theyre enjoying themselves. Unfortunately, they dont know about how much they dont have access to. They look so happy but its so hard for me to see that they dont have accessibility.

I have the accessibility to go to the doctor whenever I want to. Some of their hospitals are hundreds of miles away, and how are you supposed to get help? Its so hard to think about that sometimes. One of the things I hope to do in the future is to go back there, at least make a hospital close to my village so I know my people are taken care of. I hope that Bangladesh as a whole can at least make efforts to have more accessibility to health care. Thats one of the biggest dreams that I have.

emily.morgan@hearstmediact.com
WASHINGTON (AP)  The Supreme Court said Wednesday it was wrong to wade into a dispute involving a Trump-era immigration rule that the Biden administration has abandoned, so the justices dismissed the case.

The court had said it would answer the question of whether Republican-led states, headed by Arizona, could pick up the legal defense of the Trump-era public charge rule that denied green cards to immigrants who use food stamps or other public benefits.

The high court heard arguments in the case in February and appeared on track to decide it. But in an unsigned, one-sentence opinion Wednesday, the court said it was dismissing the case. That leaves in place a lower court ruling in favor of the Biden administration that the states could not intervene.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote separately to say he agreed with the decision to toss the case. Roberts said that bound up in the case are a great many issues beyond the question that the court had agreed to decide. It has become clear that this mare's nest could stand in the way" of deciding the case "or at the very least, complicate our resolution of that question, he wrote.

Roberts said the court's action should not be taken as reflective of ... the appropriate resolution of other litigation, pending or future, related to the 2019 Public Charge Rule, its repeal, or its replacement by a new rule.

Roberts was joined by three other justices in the court's conservative majority: Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch. Gorsuch was appointed to the court by Trump. The former president's two other nominees, Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Justice Amy Coney Barrett, said nothing.

At the center of the case was a federal law says that green card applicants cannot be burdens to the country or public charges. The Trump administration significantly expanded the definition, saying the use of public benefits including food stamps or Medicaid could be disqualifying. That led to court challenges, but the Supreme Court allowed the policy to take effect while those continued.

The Biden administration rescinded the rule and has since announced new guidelines. The administration had said that in practice, the government denied green cards to only three people under Trumps rule and that their applications were later reopened and approved. Immigration groups have said the bigger impact of the rule was scaring immigrants, causing them to drop benefits or not enroll in them because of fears doing so could affect their applications to become legal permanent residents.

In addition to Arizona, the states involved in the case were Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia.

In a statement, Brittni Thomason, a spokesperson for the Arizona Attorney Generals Office said, "Our coalition of states will evaluate how best to continue this important fight."

The case is State of Arizona v. City and County of San Francisco, California, 20-1775.
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ANAHEIM, California (AP)  The new president of the Southern Baptist Convention said Wednesday he will accelerate sex abuse reforms in the nations largest Protestant denomination.

Texas pastor Bart Barber's first priority: to assemble a panel of people -- Southern Baptist leaders and experts -- to shepherd this work for the whole convention as mandated by thousands of representatives from local SBC churches.

The day after his victory in a run-off race against Tom Ascol, a Florida pastor who vowed to take the conservative denomination further right, Barber reiterated his desire to lead by being a unifier and peacebuilder. The SBC has seen deep divisions and a steady drop in membership for more than a decade.

During a news conference Wednesday, Barber voiced his commitment to forming a new action group to help carry out the recommendations of the Sexual Abuse Task Force, which delegates overwhelmingly approved Tuesday. Delegates at the SBC's national meeting also agreed to create a way to track church workers credibly accused of sex abuse.

Those recommendations came after a blistering 288-page report from outside consultant, Guidepost Solutions. The firm's seven-month independent investigation found disturbing details about how denominational leaders mishandled sex abuse claims and mistreated victims.

On the final day of the two-day annual meeting, the convention also overwhelmingly approved two sex abuse-related resolutions. One apologized for the harm our actions and inactions have caused to survivors of sexual abuse, and for not heading survivors warnings. The other called for all states to criminalize sexual relationships between pastors and those in their care.

Survivor and longtime advocate for reform, Christa Brown, said the convention did the bare minimum this week, and renewed her call a government investigation into abuse in the SBC.

On Wednesday, Barber said sexual predators have used the convention's decentralized polity to turn congregations into a hunting ground. But with systemic changes and reforms, Barber hoped sexual predators will be put on notice.

The hunters are now the hunted, he said.

While he was reluctant to provide a timeline for action, he promised to appoint the new task force swiftly.

Barber repeatedly called for Southern Baptists to find common ground despite their differences over issues such as race and gender roles.

I do believe we have seen some unhealthy ways recently that secular politics have dominated the conversation here in the Southern Baptist Convention, Barber said. As Christians, we need to be engaged in politics. We just need to make sure that in the dance between theology and politics, theology leads.

Barber said the coarseness and crass discourse out there has crept into the SBC and into people's social media feeds. Expressing anger on Twitter and trying to own people instead of solving problems has only deepened divisions among Southern Baptists, he said.

Every way Ive served SBC has left scars, he said. But this family of churches is worth it.

However, the SBC, despite its size and political influence, has yet to figure out a way to stem long-term declines in membership or in baptisms  their key metric for religious vitality  that began long before the pandemic disruptions.

Annual baptisms stood at 154,701 in 2021, down 63% from their 1999 peak. Membership stood at 13.7 million, down 16% from its 2006 peak, according to statistics from the SBCs affiliate, Lifeway Christian Resources.

Barber said tracking membership is complicated and results can be skewed, but noted the SBC president has little influence over it. It's the local churches that are going to carry the gospel forward and help us grow," he said.

By any measure of the nation's political and religious spectrum, the SBC is staunchly conservative. But groups such as the Conservative Baptist Network and Founders Ministries, which Ascol has long led, have mobilized to pull the SBC further to the right, claiming that its leaders and seminaries are being influenced by liberal trends and wokeness.

Candidates aligned with these groups were defeated for SBC president, chair of its Executive Committee and president of the influential Pastors Conference, held each year just before the annual meeting. But at least one of their preferred candidates prevailed in a narrow vote -- Victor Chayasirisobhon, pastor of First Southern Baptist Church of Anaheim, for first vice president.

But throughout the meeting, hardline Southern Baptists voiced a slate of criticisms from the convention hall floor. They derided the hiring of Guidepost for the investigation following a recent pro-Pride tweet, pushed back against allowing Saddleback Church to remain in the convention despite ordaining women pastors and more.

A report by the Credentials Committee, which reviews if churches are in good standing, said it wasn't clear whether the denomination's official opposition to women pastors applied only to lead pastors or also to other ministry roles.

Rod Martin, a co-founder of the Conservative Baptist Network, vowed to continue its efforts, tweeting I dont think people realized wed reached the point where an ostensibly conservative Credentials Committee cant define the word pastor. "

He predicted a different result in next year's annual meeting, in New Orleans, which unlike Anaheim is in the Southern Baptist heartland.

Delegate Scott Dunford, executive director of church planting at Redeemer Church in Fremont, California, said he voted for Barber because he sees him as a strong conservative who is also compassionate toward other groups. Coming into the convention, Dunford said the sex abuse crisis was foremost in his mind.

(Barber) really seemed compassionate to the concerns of the sexual abuse victims  in a way I didnt hear from the other candidates, he said.

But Dunford doesnt believe appointing women as pastors will help alleviate the problem.

Every denomination has a sexual abuse problem  even those that have women pastors, he said. Anywhere you have a large group of people interacting, youre going to have wolves trying to manipulate the situation.

The Rev. Clint Sullens, pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Monroe, Georgia, said he cast his vote for Tom Ascol because he is scripturally focused," which is needed now.

But, Im not discouraged or disappointed at where we are right now, he said. We had great men to choose from.

Sullens is hopeful the denomination will come together especially to prevent abuse and better care for survivors. He believes uniting on critical issues is possible.

The delegates also defeated a proposal to defund the conventions public-policy arm, which has long been a target of critics complaining it isnt conservative enough. Supporters said the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission will be needed more than ever given the anticipated state battles if the Supreme Court overturns the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion.

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Smith reported from Pittsburgh.

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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
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GENEVA (AP)  After five weeks of declining coronavirus deaths, the number of fatalities reported globally increased by 4% last week, according to the World Health Organization.

In its weekly assessment of the pandemic issued on Thursday, the U.N. health agency said there were 8,700 COVID-19 deaths last week, with a 21% jump in the Americas and a 17% increase in the Western Pacific.

WHO said coronavirus cases continued to fall, with about 3.2 million new cases reported last week, extending a decline in COVID-19 infections since the peak in January. Still, there were significant spikes of infection in some regions, with the Middle East and Southeast Asia reporting increases of 58% and 33% respectively.

Because many countries have reduced surveillance and testing, we know this number is under-reported, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said earlier this week. He said there was no acceptable level of deaths from COVID-19, given that the global community now has the vaccines, medicines and diagnostics to stop the virus.

While many rich countries in Europe and North America have mostly dropped their virus restrictions, China's extreme COVID-19 policies have meant more mass testing, quarantines and sequestering of anyone who was in contact with a case.

Chinas capital put school back online this week in one of its major districts amid a new COVID-19 outbreak linked to a nightclub. Residents in Beijing are still undergoing regular testing  mostly every other day  and must wear masks and swipe a mobile phone app to enter public places and facilitate case tracing.

China has maintained its zero-COVID policy despite considerable economic costs and an assertion from the head of the World Health Organization that the policy isnt sustainable.

This week, U.S. officials moved a step closer to authorizing coronavirus vaccines for the youngest children, after the Food and Drug Administrations vaccine advisers gave a thumbs-up to vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech for children under 5.

The outside experts voted unanimously that the benefits of the shots outweigh any risks for children under 5  thats roughly 18 million youngsters. They are the last age group in the U.S. without access to COVID-19 vaccines, and many parents have been anxious to protect their little children.

If all the regulatory steps are cleared, shots should be available next week.

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Follow APs coverage of the pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic
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MEXICO CITY (AP)  Hurricane Blas, the second named storm of the eastern Pacific season, strengthened from a tropical storm Wednesday as it moved off the Pacific coast of southwestern Mexico, though it wasnt expected to pose a threat to land.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center said Blas would strengthen a bit more, but would likely begin weakening late in the week as it headed out into the open ocean.
?? En vivo | Intervencion del presidente @PedroCastilloTe en encuentro con lideres de diferentes etnias amazonicas, organizaciones agrarias y ronderos del pais, en Palacio de Gobierno.#SiempreConElPueblo https://t.co/5yn15UQj43
" " A small pack of carnivorous Dilophosaurus dinosaurs ranges around looking for prey during Earth's Jurassic period. Mark Stevenson/Stocktrek Images/Getty Images

By now, if you've been reading our dinosaur articles, you're probably fed up with the gripes about 1993's "Jurassic Park." Look, we're all fans of that movie  but it did get some things wrong. The onscreen Velociraptor are way too big and there's no reason to think T. rex couldn't see objects unless they were moving.

Perhaps no other beast has been more wildly mischaracterized by this franchise than the crested predator Dilophosaurus. Ironically, it was also one of the few dinosaurs in "Jurassic Park" that lived in the actual Jurassic period.

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Times Change

All of the non-avian dinosaurs were confined to a geologic era called the Mesozoic. This was divided into three periods: the Triassic, the Jurassic and the Cretaceous.

The latter went out with a bang; a mass extinction marked the end of the Cretaceous period 66 million years ago. Birds were the only dinosaurs who survived the catastrophe.

Their brethren had a good run. The earliest dinosaurs evolved around 243 to 231 million years ago during the Triassic period. A time of great reptilian diversity, the Triassic gave way to the Jurassic about 199 million years before the present.

Prior to that transition, most carnivorous dinos were small-bodied. Dilophosaurus was a sign of bigger things to come. The beast roamed what's now Southwestern North America early in the Jurassic period, about 183 to 193 million years ago.

Dilophosaurus measured over 20 feet (or 6 meters) long, making it the biggest known North American land animal alive at the time. Compared to many of the flesh-eating dinosaurs who'd existed beforehand, this thing was a giant.

So it's weird that the "Jurassic Park" Dilophosaurus is small enough to ride shotgun in actor Wayne Knight's jeep.

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Nedry's Nightmare

Knight played disgruntled computer programmer Dennis Nedry in the original "Jurassic Park" movie. After betraying his boss and endangering lives, Nedry gets his just deserts when a stray Dilophosaurus eats him in the front seat of a park vehicle.

The villain meets a similar end in Michael Crichton's "Jurassic Park" novel, of which the film is an adaptation. In the book, our protagonists are told: "Scientists thought [Dilophosaurus'] jaw muscles were too weak to kill prey, and imagined they were primarily scavengers. But now we know they are poisonous."

" " Models of the Dilophosaurus with a Scutellosaurus in its mouth stand in Saurierpark dinosaur park in Kleinwelka, Germany. picture alliance/Getty Images

Stephen Spielberg's creative team gave their cinematic Dilophosaurus a cowl-like neck frill  similar to the ones modern frilled lizards use to scare enemies away. After unfurling this accessory, the little dinosaur makes like a spitting cobra and sprays venom into Nedry's eyes.

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A Carnivore's Toolkit

There's no evidence to suggest the real Dilophosaurus carried poison or venom  or had a movable neck frill. The toxic killer who slays Dennis Nedry has been described as "the most fictionalized of all Jurassic Park's dinosaurs."

But let's take another look at that quote from the novel. Crichton didn't pull the scavenger hypothesis out of thin air. Samuel P. Welles, the paleontologist who named Dilophosaurus in 1970, thought the creature might've had an affinity for eating carrion.

Below the dinosaur's nasal openings, you can see a distinctive notch on either side of its upper jaw. The "subnarial gap" (as this feature is called) lies at the meeting point of two separate jaw bones, both of which bear teeth.

Welles thought the notches implied these bones were weakly connected  and, therefore, Dilophosaurus didn't have a very strong bite. By the time Crichton's book came out, there'd been a lot of debate about this dinosaur's eating habits.

" " This life-size model of a Dilophosaurus dinosaur (foreground) can be found in the Germendorf Animal, Leisure and Prehistoric Park in Oranienburg, Germany. alliance/Getty Images

Pointing to the supposedly "weak" jaws, some experts suggested Dilophosaurus mainly ate corpses. Another hypothesis imagined Dilophosaurus as a fishing specialist that used its long teeth and jaws to snatch up wriggling fishes.

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Modern Reassessment

New research has cast the animal in a different light.

On July 7, 2020, the Journal of Paleontology published a study that reevaluated five specimens of Dilophosaurus. Co-authors Adam D. Marsh and Timothy B. Rowe found the maxilla-premaxilla connection was stronger than Welles had supposed. They also observed scaffold-like attachment points for strong muscles on the lower jawbones.

All this tells us Dilophosaurus actually had powerful jaws at its disposal. (Bite marks found on the remains of one Sarahsaurus  a large contemporary herbivore  may have been left behind by a peckish Dilophosaurus.)

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Strange Headgear

Marsh and Rowe called more attention to the dino's trademark feature: its flashy head crests.

The name Dilophosaurus means "two-crested lizard." This is in reference to a pair of bony ornaments running down the creature's skull. It's unclear what the top of each crest looked like; scientists don't have any complete specimens to go on.

In their paper, Marsh and Rowe wrote that the crests were "almost certainly covered in keratin or keratinized skin." For the record, keratin is a fibrous protein found in hair, hooves, horns, fingernails, claws and other animal body parts.

Some modern birds  like the dangerous cassowary  have bony head crests sheathed in a layer of keratin-based material. These coverings can make the crest as a whole significantly taller than the underlying bone.

So who knows? Dilophosaurus could've looked even more flamboyant than its naked skeleton might suggest.

" " The fossilized remains of a Jurassic twin-crested Dilophosaurus at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Canada. Kevin Schafer/Getty Images

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Tracing the Past

If you're wondering what the dino's twin crests were for, join the club. Attracting mates is one popular explanation, though it's also possible the crests helped regulate body temperature.

Dilophosaurus' place on the tree of life is another big conversation topic. Pointing to shared anatomical features, Marsh and Rowe argued this dinosaur was related to two other crested predators: Zupaysaurus of Argentina and the Antarctic Cryolophosaurus.

One can see the footprints of large, predatory dinosaurs at Early Jurassic dig sites all over the world  from the Rocky Mountains to New England to eastern Europe. Some may have been left behind by Dilophosaurus itself.

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Finding Fossils

Most of our Dilophosaurus knowledge comes from discoveries made on Navajo Nation land. In 1940, a Navajo man named Jesse Williams became the first person in recorded history to lay eyes on a Dilophosaurus skeleton.

Two years later, a group of visiting scientists contacted Williams. He then took them to a Jurassic graveyard where three Dilophosaurus lay exposed.

Today, multiple specimens of this dinosaur  which legally belong to the Navajo Nation  are held in trust at the University of California Museum of Paleontology.

Samuel P. Welles had a long and fruitful career there before his death in 1997. As you'll recall, Welles was the person who gave Dilophosaurus its name. He was also one of those visitors Jesse Williams guided in 1942.

Welles proved you can appreciate a good dinosaur movie despite its scientific faults. After "Jurassic Park" hit theaters in '93, he didn't shy away from pointing out the Dilophosaurus-related inaccuracies.

Even so, Welles went on the record as saying, "I enjoyed the movie thoroughly and was very happy to find Dilophosaurus an internationally known actor."

Now That's Interesting Connecticut chose Dilophosaurus as its official state dinosaur in 2017. Trackways made by an unidentified meat-eating dino from the early Jurassic have been found there  and it's possible Dilophosaurus (or a close relative) was the predator in question.

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Originally Published: Mar 20, 2008
As presidential candidates for major political parties, you spend your days and nights worrying about your potential vice president. To you, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Atiku Abubaka of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party, the initial and the final say about who becomes the vice-presidential candidate is solely yours. It must not reside with any of your party leaders, the current President, governors, kinsmen/women, or clerics, even native doctors.

Certainly, it is vital you take into consideration geopolitical zone factors, in terms of numbers, the nations unity aspects, regional calculations, and input from your partys hierarchy and power brokers. However, make sure you like the person, and he or she appeals to the party members.

Choose someone who is not too cool or hot-headed in a society that encourages unnecessary complexes and full of self-inflicted wahalas (problems), so that the person does not directly or indirectly over-project themselves over you, causing silent or knocking headaches or provoking stress-related death in you.

In a country full of people who are known to show juju, Islamic, or Christian sentiments and commitments, you must choose a VP who you will be less suspicious of, as you do not want to be the type who spends so much time watching your cup of water, tea, or coffee as well as your food. President Muhammadu Buhari was super lucky that he settled with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo with his professorial, pastoral, and non-threating physical outlook and imagery.

Even at that, you want to take into calculation a VP that will yield the highest votes from a region, as for Tinubu and Obi, he or she must be a Christian from the north, and a Christian southerner in the case of Atiku.

Even at that, in order to inject regional balance and religious fairness, especially in a stubbornly divisive place like Nigeria, listen to what your gut tells you.

Three of you are not new to Nigeria's type of politics, so let your instinct and your experience help you figure out who will be a good fit for you and who will not be.

You do not want the type of Olusegun Obasanjo-Atiku relationship, as what matters most is what your gut tells you about your potential VPis he or she decent, honest, likeable, intelligent, sturdy, loyal, and predictable? You may not be as concerned with people's needs, but does this person genuinely care about ordinary people, and can he or she be trusted when times are tough?

Nigerian leaders are known for intimidating and promising each other, you must not fall to any sort of political intimidations, as the Almighty will be your constant guide.

As a presumptive presidential nominee of your party, who ever fills the vice-presidential nomination, make sure you have checked their family and public records, in regard to their speeches and finance as you do not want any surprises nationally and internationally. You do not want to end up with someone who the people see as prone to more corrupt or less corrupt ways that they may feel about you. Remember to choose that person whom your guts tell you will broaden and improve your chances to win in the general election. You have nothing to lose by going with your guts. Good luck.

John Egbeazien Oshodi, who was born in Uromi, Edo State in Nigeria to a father who served in the Nigeria police for 37 years, is an American based Police/Prison Scientist and Forensic/Clinical/Legal Psychologist. A government consultant on matters of forensic-clinical adult and child psychological services in the USA; Chief Educator and Clinician at the Transatlantic Enrichment and Refresher Institute, an Online Lifelong Center for Personal, Professional, and Career Development. He is a former Interim Associate Dean/Assistant Professor at Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings In 2011, he introduced State-of-the-Art Forensic Psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. He is currently a Virtual Behavioral Leadership Professor at ISCOM University, Republic of Benin. Founder of the proposed Transatlantic Egbeazien Open University (TEU) of Values and Ethics, a digital project of Truth, Ethics, and Openness. Over forty academic publications and creations, at least 200 public opinion pieces on African issues, and various books have been written by him. He specializes in psycho-prescriptive writings regarding African institutional and governance issues.

Prof. Oshodi wrote in via [email protected]
A four-member flight crew of Overland Airways and 33 passengers escaped death after the planes engine developed a fault and caught fire mid-air.

The ATR 42 aircraft, which had 37 persons on board, was en-route to Ilorin  Lagos when the plane suddenly developed a major fault.

During the distress, the pilots sent out a distress signal in voice procedure radio communications to the Lagos control tower, following which the Pilot-in-Command of the distressed plane was reportedly on approach to Lagos when the incident happened.

The Lagos airport control tower immediately put the airport emergency response team, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigerias fire services department, on notice, following the distress signal.

The pilot finally landed the faulty plane safely on Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos runway 18 Right amid a fully prepared airport emergency response team.

Authorities of Overland also issued a statement confirming the incident.

The statement reads: Overland Airways wishes to inform the general public that its flight OF1188 from Ilorin to Lagos experienced an unusual high turbine temperature on one of its engines today, Wednesday, June 15, 2022 around 7:50 pm.

This occurred in the approach phase of flight and the aircraft landed very safely as the crew skillfully implemented their standard procedures for such abnormal situations.

All 33 passengers remained calm through the process and safely disembarked row by row in accordance with post-COVID-19 procedures after the aircraft came to a halt on the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos runway 18 Right. No passenger was hurt in any way.

Overland Airways salutes the professional interventions of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Accident Investigation Bureau Nigeria (AIB-N) which were very prompt and reassuring.

Overland Airways regrets any inconvenience to its passengers and assures the travelling public of its full commitment to the safety of its services and passengers.
The leadership of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu has in a Statement titled Re: Inflammatory Political Utterances by Father Camillus Ejike Mbaka distanced itself from the comment, saying, The attention of the Diocesan Bishop, Most Rev. Callistus V.C. Onaga, and the Catholic Diocese of Enugu has been drawn to the inflammatory political utterances by Rev. Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka, the Director of Catholic Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy Enugu, on Wednesday, 15 June 2022 during his Wednesday Adoration Programme.

Fr. Mbaka during his preaching attacked the good reputation of Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate, describing him as "a stingy man" and as "a joker", contrary to canon 220 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law which prohibits anyone from illegitimately harming the good name of a person. He also made fun of the Labour Party and vowed that Mr. Obi could not be the president of Nigeria. This is a clear violation of the provisions of canon 287 $2 which forbids priests from engaging in partisan politics.

The Catholic Diocese of Enugu hereby condemns and dissociates herself from such unbecoming and divisive utterances from Fr. Mbaka. We notify the general public that Fr. Mbaka's views on the matter are entirely personal to him and do not represent the position of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu. In an effort to keep him united to the Body of Christ, we enjoin him to refrain from making further provocative prophecies or utterances capable of heating up the polity. We assure the people of God and the general public that the Catholic Diocese of Enugu is taking the due canonical process.

The Statement, jointly signed by Rev.Fr. Wilfred Chidi Agubuchie, Catholic Chancellor/Secretary, Rev. Fr. Geoffrey Aguigwo, Vicar General and Most Rev. Ernest Anezichukwu Obodo, Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu Diocese urged members of Diocese to continue praying for peaceful elections and to discharge their civic responsibilities by getting their Permanent Voter's Card (PVC) and casting their votes in order to elect the right candidates.
Cannabis set to be banned from most schools

BANGKOK: The Ministry of Education plans to issue an order making many schools nationwide cannabis-free zones following the plants recent decriminalisation.

natural-resourcesdeathSafety

By Bangkok Post

Thursday 16 June 2022, 08:59AM

Photo: Bangkok Post

Education Minister Trinuch Thienthong said yesterday (June 15) she is concerned about the impact on students, reports the Bangkok Post.

Ms Trinuch said every school affiliated to the ministry will be declared a cannabis-free zone and the ministry must ensure teachers and students understand the pros and cons of consuming cannabis.

As such, a discussion will be held with the Public Health Ministrys Health Department to obtain more details about the plant and any potential side-effect of using cannabis as an ingredient in food and beverages including cookies, bread and juice.

Ms Trinuch cited the recent case of a Thai man who died of heart failure after ingesting cannabis.

Later, the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec) will instruct offices in educational service areas to strictly contain the use of cannabis in schools, with standards to certify its use as an ingredient in food and drinks, she said.

The move is supported by Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who said schools affiliated with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) have a responsibility to ensure students are equipped with a more complete understanding about cannabis.

Mr Chadchart insisted he does not intend to hamper the governments policy, but rather ensure the publics health and safety.

He referred to the recent cases of four people who were hospitalised after over-consuming the plant, although results of investigations into their cases by the BMAs Medical Service Department are still pending.

Dr Kiattiphum Wongrajit, the ministrys permanent secretary, said it will expedite issuing preventive measures to curb misuse of the drug.

As the Cannabis and Hemp Act has yet to be legislated, the government may impose more regulations tied to the Public Health Ministry, Dr Kiattiphum said.

Since cannabis has been delisted from the narcotics list, parts of the plant can now be used for medicinal use.

Dr Kiattiphum said cannabis can be used to produce products that will help the economy rebound from the fallout of the pandemic.

However, people must be wary of using the plant for recreational use due to the potential risk to their mental health.

Any extracts that contain more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the plants psychoactive compound, are still categorised as illegal narcotics.

Even though cannabis has been delisted, it has to be controlled. Weve issued a notice to limit people from smoking it, as it could affect their mental health or cause traffic accidents, said Dr Kiattiphum.
Phuket and Xiamen mark five year sister city anniversary

PHUKET: Celebrations were held today (June 16) to mark the 5th year anniversary of Phuket and Chinas Xiamen City being established as sister cities.

ChineseCoronavirusCOVID-19

By The Phuket News

Thursday 16 June 2022, 02:52PM

The occasion was marked by an event hosted by Phuket Taihua Asean Wittaya School near Phuket Town that also saw the official opening of the 6th annual Southeast Asia China Books and Publication Exhibition.

Digniataries at the event, which started around 9:30am this morning, included: Amnuay Pinsuwan, Deputy Governor of Phuket; Zhuang Rongliang, Deputy Mayor of Xiamen Municipality; Wu Dongmei, Consul-General of the Peoples Republic of China of Songkhla; Peerawat Asawapranee, Consul-General of Thailand to Xiamen; Sombat Atiset, Chairman of the Phuket Provincial Charitable Foundation, in addition to selected government officials, teachers, students and honourable guests.

V/Gov Amnuay said that he was pleased to be representing Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew at the event and praised the relationship between Phuket and Xiamen which has grown over the past five years.

He added that cooperation has developed positively between the two cities over the years in relation to educational and cultural exchanges which has enhanced the relationship between the two. Having a direct flight route between the two cities has also allowed the relationship to develop.

V/Gov Amnuay thanked the Chinese people for their kind assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and then extended thanks on behalf of the people of Phuket to Vice Mayor and all officials of Xiamen City.

He concluded by saying that he hoped this occasion would only serve to further enhance relations between the two cities and that Phuket hopes to welcome another official delegation from Xiamen to the island in the near future.
Roadworks beside airport runway behind schedule

PHUKET: Phuket Vice Governor Pichet Panapong yesterday (June 15) inspected the progress being made on roadworks along Route 4031, which runs parallel to the runway at Phuket International Airport, as the project is already behind schedule.

transportconstructionSafety

By The Phuket News

Thursday 16 June 2022, 11:43AM

Joined by Yuttana Phithak, chief of the Phuket Highways office, and other officers, Vice Governor Pichet explained that the latest construction project along the road was to install a sewer pipe, after which the road will be levelled and repaved.

The project contract allowed for construction to begin on Mar 10 this year. The contract has 210 days to complete the project, which has a deadline for completion of Oct 5 this year.

The construction is being done in accordance with the specified designs, Vice Governor Pichet assured, said a report of the inspection visit posted by the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket).

However, so far only 9% of the work has been done, making the project 11% behind schedule, he added.

The Phuket Highways Office will have to expedite the contractor to complete the contract, he said.

This is to allow people who use the route to travel conveniently, according to the intended purpose, he said.

No mention was made of why the contractor was behind schedule, while local residents have already voiced their complaints publicly in posts online.

Without the road being open, local residents have no way of accessing Thepkrasattri Rd (Route 402), in order to reach anywhere else on the island without having to take the long detour past the airport.

According to the procurement contract details posted on the Phuket Highways Office website, Chaikon Co Ltd has been hired to complete the project for B35,527,500.

The road was closed for safety improvements last year after a landslide in 2016 plunged dangerously downhill and across the road. No motorists were injured in the landslide, but the road was blocked by debris.
Russian prime suspect in murder of transgender lover

SURIN: Police were tracking down a Russian man after his transgender girlfriends body was found in a closed room at her house in Prasat district yesterday (June 15).

murderdeathRussiancrime

By Bangkok Post

Thursday 16 June 2022, 03:41PM

Forensic police inspect the crime scene, a two-storey house in Prasat district, Surin, where the mouldering body of a 31-year-old transgender woman was found. Photo: Nopparat Kingkaew

UPDATE: It was announced this afternoon that police in Pattaya have detained a Lithuanian man in relation to this case. The man was previously widely reported to be a Russian national. See full update here.

The body of Thiraphong Lamluea, 31, was found inside a closed room at her two-storey house in tambon Kang-an around 4:30pm yesterday, reports the Bangkok Post.

Pol Capt Sanee Chimngam, a duty officer at Prasat, said the body was wrapped in a thick blanket that left her legs bare. There was a strong smell and it was believed she had been dead at least a week.

Thiraphongs mother, Wandee Lamluea, 47, said neighbours told her that there was a nasty odour, like a dead animal, coming from her sons house. She called a local rescue team to inspect the house.

They found drag marks on the floor and traces of hair and bloodstains outside the door to a spare room. She opened the door and found her son, a transgender woman, lying dead under a blanket.

She had three children and Thiraphong was the eldest and the main breadwinner of the family. He had been romantically involved with a Russian man for 6-7 months. They met in Phuket.

Thiraphong had brought his Russian lover to Prasat district twice, in January and late May, she said. During the first visit they stayed at a hotel. On the second visit they stayed at her sons house.

She said the Russian had stayed at Thiraphongs house for one week. He drank a lot of beer. On May 26 the man had brought a box of beer to her house and he drank it with her. She noticed what looked like bloodstains on his legs, and she also saw some bruises.

He had said a bottle had toppled and broken and pieces of it hit his legs, Ms Wandee said. She had no reason to doubt him and they drank together until about 9pm, when he left. Thiraphong had not joined them.

Around 2am the next day she got up to go to the market and passed Thiraphongs house. She did not see the car her son had rented and driven from Ubon Ratchathani province. She assumed they had left together.

She was shocked to discover yesterday that Thiraphong had been killed. A Pitbull dog had also disappeared and she suspected it had been killed and buried somewhere.

According to Ms Wandee, police has surveillance camera footage showing the rented car left at the Prasat district bus terminal. The Russian man was seen boarding a bus to Rayong.

She said Thiraphong also had a British boyfriend. They had known each other for seven years. He lived in the UK and had not returned to Thailand for a long time. She suspected the Russian man was jealous of him.

Ms Wandee said Thiraphongs head had been beaten and she believed the killer had hit him with a bottle.

She said she learned from police that the suspect was spotted in Pattaya and they expected to locate him soon. Police were seeking a court arrant for the mans arrest, she said.

Neigbhours today helped set up tents in front of the house to prepare for funeral rites.
Suspect confesses to burying bodies of two men missing in Amazon

MANAUS: One of two men arrested over the disappearance of a British journalist and an Indigenous expert in the Brazilian Amazon confessed to having buried the pair in the jungle, federal police said yesterday (June 15) after human remains were found.

crimedeathmurder

By AFP

Thursday 16 June 2022, 11:27AM

Dom Phillips (centre) takes notes as he talks with indigenous people at the Aldeia Maloca Papiu, Roraima State, Brazil in November 2019. Photo: Joao Laet / AFP

Dom Phillips and his guide Bruno Pereira went missing June 5 in a remote part of the Amazon that is rife with environmental crimes including illegal mining, fishing and logging, as well as drug trafficking.

Police did not specify whether the suspect, Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, also confessed to killing the pair, saying only that he admitted to having participated in the episode and recounted in detail the crime that was committed and indicated the place where he buried the bodies.

Eduardo Alexandre Fontes, head of federal police in Brazils Amazonas state, said during a press conference in Manaus, the largest city in the Amazon, that the location where the remains were found was very difficult to reach.

Excavations have been carried out on site. The excavations will continue, but human remains have already been found, he said.

As soon as we have been able to verify with the help of expertise that it is indeed the remains of Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira, they will be returned to the families.

Earlier in the day, Oliveira was taken by police to the search site along the Itaquai River, media reports said.

Phillips Brazilian wife, Alessandra Sampaio, in a statement yesterday thanked all the teams that carried out the search, especially the Indigenous volunteers, whose absence from the press conference was criticised by some observers.

Although we are still awaiting final confirmation, this tragic finale puts an end to the anguish of not knowing where Dom and Bruno were, she said.

Today we also begin our fight for justice... we will only have peace when the necessary measures are taken to ensure that such tragedies do not happen again.

The other suspect, a man reported to be Oliveiras brother, Oseney da Costa Oliveira, was arrested Tuesday in Atalaia do Norte, the small northern city that Phillips and Pereira were returning to when they disappeared in the remote Javari Valley after receiving threats during a trip.

Amarildo, a fisherman, had been arrested on June 7. Both of the suspects are 41 years old.

Phillips, 57, a long-time contributor to Britains The Guardian and other leading international newspapers, was working on a book on sustainable development in the Amazon.

Pereira, 41, a highly regarded advocate for the regions Indigenous peoples, was acting as his guide while on leave from his job with the Brazilian governments Indigenous affairs agency, or FUNAI.

The father of three had repeatedly reported being threatened by loggers, miners and illegal fishermen who tried to encroach on protected lands.

The two mens disappearance sparked global outrage, drawing reaction from high profile political figures as well as celebrities such as members of Irish rock band U2.

Briton disliked

President Jair Bolsonaro had said Monday that entrails were found in the water during search operations, but police never confirmed this.

The day before, police said they had found personal effects belonging to the two missing men.

Bolsonaro - whose government has been accused of dragging its feet in the investigation - drew fresh criticism yesterday for saying a Phillips was disliked for his reporting on the region and should have been more careful.

That Englishman was disliked in the region, because he wrote a lot of articles against illegal gold miners (and) environmental issues, Bolsonaro said.

A lot of people didnt like him. He should have more than redoubled the precautions he was taking. And he decided to go on an excursion instead, he told journalist Leda Nagle in an interview for her YouTube channel.

All signs indicate that if they were killed - and I hope thats not the case - theyre in the water, and in the water there wont be much left. I dont know if there are piranhas in the Javari, Bolsonaro added.

He again appeared to blame the missing men, saying it was very reckless to travel in that region without being sufficiently prepared, physically and with weapons.

His comments triggered an outcry from critics.

How disgusting, journalist Ana Luiza Basilio wrote on Twitter.

Opposition lawmaker Orlando Silva agreed, tweeting: The victims are not the ones to blame.

The government has an obligation to protect the country and not incentivize the criminals controlling the region.
" " The Swedish Vallhund is a friendly, high-energy breed that loves to play and is great with kids. Wikimedia Commons (CC By 3.0)

They're fearless and fun, but also affectionate; what's not to love about the Swedish Vallhund? Fur, maybe. This loveable and ancient breed has a thick double coat, with an undercoat that sheds twice a year in some climates. Other than swimming in fur for two weeks out of 52 each year, this ancient breed is remarkably easy to maintain, has few health issues and comes with quite a history.

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The Dog That Nearly Wasn't

The Swedish Vallhund stands at 11 to 13 inches (28 to 33 centimeters) tall and weighs up to 35 pounds (16 kilograms), but don't let its size fool you: This small dog is big on personality. In fact, that's what draws many of the breed's enthusiasts.

"My Lucas loves to boop things when he is frustrated, is very vocal about his needs, will herd you (a wee nip) when you aren't moving fast enough, and is the sweetest, funniest, most loving dog we have ever had," emails Georgette Champagne, who lives in Virginia with her Swedish Vallhund, Lucas. "He loves his scritches!"

This personable little breed (that still retains its herding instincts) actually has an ancient pedigree that nearly went extinct. By the 1940s, few Swedes had seen a Swedish Vallhund and fewer still had one as a companion. It wasn't until Bjorn von Rosen, who already had successfully saved several ancient Swedish dog breeds, recalled the Swedish Vallhund of his youth that measures were taken to increase its numbers.

Von Rosen placed an advertisement in a newspaper, inquiring about existing dogs of that type, and eventually heard from a man named K.G. Zettersten. Together, they began a Swedish Vallhund breeding program predicated on finding foundation stock. Before long, they had located five suitable dogs  one male and four females  and were intent on bringing the Swedish Vallhund back to life.

In 1943, after just one year of exhibiting and showing Swedish Vallhunds, the breed was recognized by the Swedish Kennel Club. It wasn't until 1974 that the breed expanded outside Sweden, with the first Swedish Vallhund transported to England. By 1986, the first Swedish Vallhund litter had been born in the United States, but it wasn't until 2007 that the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

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Charming Characteristics

Swedish Vallhunds are a type of spitz dog, which are generally known for erect ears, pointed muzzles, dense fur and plumed tails that curl upward to rest atop their spines. The wolfish shapes of spitz dogs remain consistent regardless of size or breed, from the tiny Pomeranian to the dignified Akita, with the Swedish Vallhund ranking somewhere in the middle for size. Their thick coats range in color from red to sable to gray.

Although Swedish Vallhunds often have plumed, curled tails, they are just as likely to be born with no tail at all or to have a bobbed tail, the result of natural genetic mutations. Those born with long tails may have them docked, with the breed standard focusing more on individual dog's physical and temperamental soundness than tail appearance.

A Swedish Vallhund typically has a high energy level. It loves to play, requires plenty of daily exercise (at least two hours!) and is known for its friendliness toward children. Thankfully, this boisterous breed also is easy to train because of its intelligence. Swedish Vallhunds are cheerful and usually friendly with other pets and can be quite vocal.

"There's a special sound Vallhunds make known as 'argle bargles,'" Sharon Steigerwald of upstate New York, who has two Swedish Vallhunds, says in an email interview. "It's hard to describe, but they talk to you with this 'argle bargle' to get something or just to say they are having a good time and they are happy."

Because of their need for mental and physical challenges, Swedish Vallhunds are ideal companions for those who frequently hike or jog, and the breed is adept at herding and agility games. Keep in mind, though, that this herding instinct doesn't always translate well to modern life. Swedish Vallhunds are prone to chasing any kind of moving object, including cars, which means they need plenty of obedience training for their own safety.

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Little Viking Dogs

The Swedish Vallhund, with its wolf-like coloring and short legs, looks like a mashup of a Welsh corgi and Norwegian elkhound  and with good reason. More than 1,000 years ago when Vikings needed a good dog for herding animals and guarding property (and perhaps for a little snuggle by the hearth fire), the Swedish Vallhund answered the call.

It's widely believed that as the Vikings entered Britain, some of the Swedish Vallhunds that accompanied them were bred by Welsh corgis or Welsh corgis were taken back to Sweden for breeding. This may account for the Swedish Vallhund's diminutive height, but the Swedish Vallhund is actually more closely related to the spitz family of dogs once used for hunting in Scandinavia; scientists point to the skeletal similarities between the Swedish Vallhund and Norwegian elkhound in particular.

"What drew us to Vallhunds originally was their look," says Steigerwald, "but when we researched the breed we fell in love with the ancient Viking concept. The sturdy little dog with the smile on its face. We are so happy with our choice. We live near Rochester, New York, so there's plenty of snow and these little dogs with their double coats love it here. They are great company."

Now That's Interesting The Swedish Vallhund, a versatile and loving companion, was bred to work. For centuries it was relied upon to herd cattle or sheep and being close to the ground allowed it to nip at the heels of the animals it moved without getting kicked. This ability is so central to its existence that it is reflected in the breed's name: "Vallhund" is Swedish for herding dog.
A statement fitting for the legendary Hawkins was released on the Foo Fighters website to further explain the tribute concerts.



Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear and Rami Jaffee will come together with the Hawkins family to celebrate the life, music and love of their husband, father, brother and bandmate with The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts, the statement says.


Navigating the health care system can be overwhelming. An innovative app improving the patient experience at the MUHC is expanding thanks to a $1 million gift from CIBC to the MUHC Foundation. Created by the Opal Health Informatics Group  a group of patients, clinicians, researchers, and students at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC)  the Opal app provides patients access to their hospital appointments, laboratory test results, some clinical notes written by their doctors, and educational material about their illness and treatments.

The result is a more empowered experience for patients  with their health information at their fingertips, they feel in control of their journey.

It is deeply satisfying for our healthcare professionals at the McGill University Health Centre to co-create projects with patients that improve the patient experience, stated Dr. Pierre Gfeller, president and executive director, MUHC. Opal is a product of this vital collaboration and I look forward to seeing it evolve.

Opal was created when the late Laurie Hendren, a Professor of Computer Science at McGill University and breast cancer patient, teamed up with her radiation oncologist, Dr. Tarek Hijal, and with medical physicist and cancer researcher Dr. John Kildea to empower patients during their care and improve their experience. Currently, Opal is used by cancer patients at the MUHC, as well as by patients with inflammatory bowel disease and HIV, and the parents of children with kidney disease.

Laurie was the driving force behind the app. She understood how difficult it can be to keep track of dozens of appointments and the need for patients to access their own personal health information while dealing with the stress of a cancer diagnosis, stated Dr. Tarek Hijal, chief of radiation oncology at the MUHC, clinical lead of the Quebec SmartCare Consortium, and Opal co-creator.

With CIBCs support, Opal will be expanded to enhance patient care and research as the centrepiece of an innovative new project known as the Quebec SmartCare Consortium (quebecsmartcare.com). As the project progresses, participating physicians will be able to monitor their patients between appointments using wearable devices that track vital signs. Remote monitoring will provide physicians with a steady stream of data to help them better understand each patients condition. It will also provide patients with the reassurance that anomalies in their health will be noticed by their health care team and addressed quickly.

The incredible team at McGill University Health Centre continuously helps improve the functioning of our healthcare systems through the implementation of innovative tools like Opal, said Rosa Trunzo, vice president and region head, Quebec at CIBC. On behalf of CIBC, were proud to support their ambition to provide exceptional and integrated patient-centric care for those living with cancer, as we collectively work towards a future where no one has to fear a cancer diagnosis.

To enable Opal to reach this milestone expansion, the MUHC Foundation is raising another $500,000. For more information visit https://muhcf.akaraisin.com/ui/opal

 McGill University Health Centre Foundation

 RI-MUHC

 Quebec SmartCare Consortium

 AB
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi received the delegation led by Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Alen Simonyan.

The meeting touched upon the Armenian-Iranian multilateral cooperation, which is based on centuries-old friendship, close historical and cultural ties between the two peoples, the Parliaments press service said.

Outlining the directions for boosting the bilateral partnership, the sides expressed readiness to continue the dialogue with joint efforts and further enrich the cooperation agenda.

President Raisi attached importance to the partnership between the legislative bodies aimed at strengthening the warm relations between Armenia and Iran.

The sides touched upon also the bilateral economic relations and the implementation of joint infrastructure projects.

The Armenian side highlighted the implementation of mutual agreements in the fields of energy and transport.

I want to state also that in the context of development of regional transportation communications the establishment of Armenias railway communication with Iran is among the key issues on our agenda, Alen Simonyan said.

He also introduced the Iranian President on the post-war situation, the humanitarian problems and the issue of the preservation of Armenian historical-cultural values that are under the Azerbaijani control. Alen Simonyan informed that Azerbaijan is destroying the cultural heritage at a state level, and Iran could serve as an example for Azerbaijan on this matter.

The meeting also highlighted Irans consistent efforts for the establishment of peace and stability in the region.

The Speaker of Parliament of Armenia expressed confidence that the Armenian-Iranian mutual partnership has a great potential to develop and expand and is ready to support the development of the Armenia-Iran mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of the two friendly peoples.

We are friends of difficult days for all our friends, we are guided by this. On happy days, everyone could stand by everyone, but the real friendship is shown in times of difficulties, the Iranian President said.

The Speaker of Parliament conveyed the Armenian Prime Ministers warm greetings and invitation to pay an official visit to Armenia to the Iranian President.
EDWARDSVILLE  An Alton man was charged with two felonies by Madison County Wednesday.

Charles D. Thomas, 33, of the 1600 block of Piasa Street was charged with burglary, a Class 2 felony, and aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, a Class 4 felony.

The case was presented by the Alton Police Department.

According to court documents, on May 31, Thomas allegedly entered Basecamp, a business on Market Street in Alton, with the intent to commit a theft. Using a black Volkswagen Jetta, Thomas was going more than 21 mph of the legal speed limit to flee from an Alton police officer.

Bail was set at $60,000.

Other felonies filed by Madison County on June 15 include:

 Justin M. Reinkensmeier, 37, of Nashville, was charged with two counts of offenses relating to motor vehicles, a Class 2 felony. The case was presented by the Illinois State Police. According to court documents, on May 22, Reinkensmeier allegedly possessed both a 2006 Yamaha motorcycle and a 2000 Food F250 knowing the vehicles to be stolen or converted. Bail was set at $50,000.

 Trenton L. Oster, 24, of the 200 block of East Main Street, East Alton, was charged with offenses relating to motor vehicles, a Class 2 felony. The case was presented by the Wood River Police Department. According to court documents, on June 14, Oster allegedly possessed a 2007 Suzuki motorcycle knowing it to be stolen or converted. Bail was set at $50,000.

 Steven L. Peterson, of the 3200 block of West Chain of Rocks Road, Granite City, was charged with offenses relating to motor vehicles, a Class 2 felony. The case was presented by the Illinois State Police. According to court documents, on June 6, Peterson allegedly possessed a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado knowing it to be stolen or converted. Bail was set at $50,000.

 Michele L. Emmerick, 56, of the 400 block of Southard Avenue, South Roxana, was charged with aggravated resisting a peace officer, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the South Roxana Police Department. According to court documents, on June 14, Emmerick allegedly resisted a South Roxana police officer, causing injuries of the arm, hand and knee of the officer. Bail was set at $15,000.
John Badman|The Telegraph

ALTON  Many American flags were set out on Washington Avenue in Upper Alton for Flag Day Tuesday.

The American flag was adopted June 14, 1777, establishing the colors and pattern of the flag.
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. Russian Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov highlighted the role of the Prosecutions of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan in preventing escalation in Nagorno Karabakh.

On June 16 Igor Krasnov met with Armenias Prosecutor General Artur Davtyan on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Russia said.

Together with the Azerbaijani officials in a trilateral format, we have made every effort for the restoration of peace in that region and for the prevention of escalation of tension within the local population, the Russian Prosecutor General said.

He said there should not be a unilateral and deliberate approach if the talk is about restoring peace and security, protecting human rights and freedoms and investigating crimes. He expressed the readiness of the Russian military prosecutors stationed in Nagorno Karabakh to provide all support.

At the meeting Igor Krasnov thanked Artur Davtyan for the constructive approach to the cooperation with the Russian Prosecutor Generals Office and highlighted Mr. Davtyans dedication to the principles of professional ethics, independence and impartiality.
A voting rights bill that would ensure mail-in ballots and early voting become permanent fixtures in future elections is headed to Republican Gov. Charlie Bakers desk after the Massachusetts House voted 126-29 to approve the measure on Thursday
A Rhode Island man man convicted of fatally shooting another man during a traffic confrontation on Halloween night in 2020 has been sentenced to life in prison
I owned a home which I had to leave at the end of 2015 due to water ingress which made it uninhabitable.

In 2020, I went back to the property to find an electric bill from British Gas for more than 2,000, even though I hadn't been living there.

I contacted British Gas at this time and they said they would reduce it to 800, but I didn't feel this was fair so I complained to the Ombudsman  but it sided with British Gas.

Big bill: This reader found a 2,000 electricity and gas bill when she returned to her home, which was previously laying empty, after five years (stock image)

By June 2021 my bill had increased again to almost 5,000 due to demands for current and backdated payments. Now my credit file is being affected.

How was British Gas able to say I was using electricity when I wasn't living there?

It says it has meter readings, but I didn't give them access to the home. And if my bill was mounting up so much, why was the supply never cut off? Anonymous, via email

Helen Crane, This is Money, replies: Having to leave your home is a terrible situation and discovering payment demands for thousands must have been a huge shock.

I contacted British Gas to find out what was going on and disappointingly it took several months for it to provide me with a response  so I have great sympathy with customers who face a battle to work out what is going on with their bills.

Ultimately, it wasn't able to comment on your case directly as you are now in legal proceedings.

However, I do want to attempt to explain what the rules are on energy bills for empty homes.

This is something I receive plenty of emails about and the information might help others who find themselves in the same boat.

CRANE ON THE CASE Our weekly column sees This is Money consumer expert Helen Crane tackle reader problems and shine the light on companies doing both good and bad. Want her to investigate a problem, or do you want to praise a firm for going that extra mile? Get in touch: helen.crane@thisismoney.co.uk

Broadly, energy bills are made up of two elements: the cost of the energy used, and 'standing charges' which go towards the cost of administrating customers' accounts.

Property owners are still liable to pay the standing charges, even if no energy is being used and no one is living in the home.

Today's maximum daily standing charge rates are 45p for electricity and 27p for gas. So someone paying standing charges today could owe their energy firm 1,315 for five years.

And that is before using any electricity. You don't say whether you left anything plugged in when you left your home, but if you did then appliances can use energy even when they were turned off.

But how would British Gas know how much energy you were using? When energy firms don't receive meter readings, they will normally use estimates, based on your previous usage.

This could have been why you were charged for energy that you say you did not use, when you weren't living in the home.

The supplier could have assumed you were still there and using the level of power you previously did, and charged you accordingly.

You don't say whether your home was still accessible during the five years you weren't there, but if it was then a good idea would have been to go in and take periodic meter readings to show that your usage had gone down - although I appreciate that would not have been high on your agenda when worrying about where you were going to live.

Snowballing: After the initial bill, she saw her charge from British Gas rise to more than 5,000

The property now has new occupiers, and British Gas would likely have obtained meter readings when they moved in - even if only to give them final readings before they moved to another supplier.

This would effectively give it a final figure for the usage during the period you owned the property, and could explain why it is refusing to budge on the amount charged to you.

In extreme cases, if you don't come to an agreement with your supplier to pay off your debt, they can apply to a court for a warrant to enter your home to look at or change the meter or disconnect your supply.

British Gas wouldn't tell me whether that happened in your case, but it is an option that is open to energy firms when customers have long-standing debt.

You are now in a difficult situation, as you face court proceedings which could result in you being issued with a County Court Judgment and ordered to pay off this large bill.

This isn't a good situation to be in for several reasons. First, it will damage your credit history and, unless it is paid within a month, it will stay on your credit file for six years  making it more difficult and expensive to borrow money.

And if you don't stick to the payments, British Gas would be allowed to use bailiffs or take money out of your wages to recover the money.

However, it may still be possible for you to come to an agreement with British Gas before that happens.

In situations such as this customers are able to make a sensible 'offer' of payment, which could be a figure that  albeit lower than the total charge  the supplier is willing to accept in order to close the matter.

You could also try to agree a payment plan, so that you pay the debt off over time rather than in one go.

This appears to be what happened initially when British Gas offered to reduce your bill from 2,000 to 800, though you declined the offer at that time as you still believed the charges to be incorrect.

To get impartial advice and help on debt, you could try contacting a debt charity such as Stepchange or National Debtline.

I am very sorry that you have found yourself in this situation. It wasn't your fault that your home developed severe damp and became impossible to live in.

But as I have explained  and unfortunately for you  it is possible to rack up fairly sizeable bills, even when a property is unoccupied.

Also, if anyone reading this finds themselves in a similar situation, it is advisable to contact your energy firm as soon as realistically possible to potentially cut off the supply.

I hope that you are able to find a way to pay what you owe to British Gas and move on from this episode.

Parking protest: Local residents in Lichfield got parking fines they felt they didn't deserve

Hit and miss: This week's naughty and nice list

Every week, I look at the companies who have fallen short when it comes to customer service, and those who have gone above and beyond.

Hit: A few months ago, I reported on a reader, Helen, who said she had been wrongly issued multiple PCN notices for parking in her local shopping centre in Lichfield while she ran a weekly choir group.

Pre-pandemic she had always paid 2 cash into the machine, got a ticket and had no issues  but when she returned post-lockdown it had been replaced by new ticketless machine, run by Excel Parking Services.

She carried on paying her 2, as well as entering her car registration  but then the PCN notices started coming. At the time of writing she had been issued three, totalling 180.

She appealed to Excel without success, but I found it hard to believe that she apparently became a fare dodger at the same time the meter changed hands. I assumed it must have been a technical error.

When I got in touch, though, Excel stuck to its guns and said it had no record of her payments or her registration being entered. The fines stood, and the reader later told me she was on the verge of cancelling her choir because of it.

After I wrote the story, reams of residents got in touch to say that they had experienced the same issues.

The local community in Lichfield set up a group on Facebook to share their experiences  which currently has almost 500 members  and lobbied the shopping centre management and local council to get the issue sorted.

So I was delighted to read reports this week that the shopping centre has heeded these calls and decided to change its car parking provider.

The local MP, Michael Fabricant, told Lichfield Live he 'had never before had to deal with a company that has so little interest in engaging with genuine concerns of the customers it is meant to serve.'

It just goes to show that persistence really can drive change.

Miss: With flight chaos still ongoing in airports across the UK, plenty of passengers will unfortunately be having to claim compensation and refunds for journeys delayed or cancelled.

If the experience of a reader who wrote to me recently is anything to go by, some may face trouble ahead when it comes to claiming that money back  especially if they booked via an agent.

Reader Mark got in touch to tell me he was struggling to get back part of the money for a trip he and his family were initially due to take back in September 2020.

He booked four return business class flights from London Heathrow to Shanghai  where he was relocating for work  at a cost of just over 17,000, paying a 1,000 deposit with a credit card and the balance with a debit card.

When his family arrived at London Heathrow to board the flight, they were refused boarding due to a mix-up with the timing of their Covid tests. The rules had changed from 48 hours before, to 96 hours before, in the preceding days and he had not been informed by the airline.

Airport annoyance: The reader and his family couldn't take their scheduled flight - and getting the last part of the refund they believed they were owed proved challenging

He claimed the airline said he would receive a refund in full as this was not his fault  but as he booked via an agent, The Flights Guru, it would need to be done via them.

When customers book flights directly in the EU through an airline, they will be protected under EU regulation, EU261, which says if a flight is cancelled, they are entitled to a full refund.

However, when customers book through a travel agent, their contract is with the agent and not directly with the airline and instead, the agent has a contract with the carrier.

As he still needed to travel to China, Mark immediately contacted TFG to organise alternative flights. When he found some the next day with another carrier, he says The Flights Guru told him it couldn't change his tickets as it had not yet established whether it would receive a full refund.

Mark said he spent nine days in a hotel at Heathrow trying and failing to get replacement flights with TFG, but eventually booked flights with another travel agent, costing another 16,000.

Once arrived he chased TFG, but a refund was never processed. Two months after the scheduled flight, and getting frustrated, he did a chargeback on his debit card and received the debit card element of the flight cost back within a few weeks.

Rule change: Covid test protocols changed just before they took the flight, which led to Mark's family being unable to travel

He has contacted TFG many times to ask them to refund the outstanding 1,000, but has said the requests were ignored. He is unable to do a chargeback on that element as the time limit has now passed.

When I contacted TFG, it said it did not owe him anything. It said it was clear from the outset that the refund could take up to 12 weeks, and that he should not have done the chargeback.

With regard to the delay, the staff member who got back to me also said: 'I don't beleive [sic] that the client spent 9 days at Heathrow'.

But what about the outstanding 1,000? Unfortunately, TFG states in its terms and conditions that 'In case of refunds, Flights Guru provides a full refund of money paid only when the money is received from the relevant supplier.'

That means it won't refund customers until the airlines it has booked flights with pays it back. Frustratingly, this is common among third-party travel agents.

It also said that it subtracts an 'admin fee' when it successfully gets a refund, meaning the customer will get less back then they originally paid.

The agent said that, when it did eventually get the refund from the airline, it was charged 1,660 in admin fees by the airline and another 'supplier,' which would have been deducted from the refund given to Mark had he not done the chargeback.

A spokesperson said: 'We do not owe [Mark] any money on this booking, as he has already had back through the chargeback more than he was entitled to due to the cancellation fees charged.'

The agent may have been following its own rules - but whether these rules are fair on customers is another matter.

What's more, it is disappointing that Mark had to contact me to get a proper answer about why his 1,000 was not being refunded - nearly two years after the scheduled flight.
Events group Informa more than doubled its share buyback programme to 725million on Thursday, and forecast annual sales and profit at the upper end of its outlook range.

Demand for live events in its North American and European markets had been stronger than anticipated, the firm told investors, with rebooking numbers back at pre-pandemic levels.

The London-listed group flagged an easing of restrictions in mainland China in recent weeks and said it expects to resume business events in the region from the third quarter.

Buyback boost: Informa more than doubled its share buyback programme to 725m today

Informa shares were up 0.23 per cent or 1.2p to 513.80p this afternoon.

Boss Stephen Carter said: 'We welcome the progressive reopening of mainland China whilst continuing to monitor broader market fluctuations and macro volatility.'

He added: 'Notwithstanding these external factors, we are confident in our ability to deliver on our forward growth ambitions.'

Informa now expects full-year adjusted operating profit and revenue at the upper end of 470million to 490million, and 2.15billion to 2.25billion, respectively.

It said its shift to implement enhanced cash management processes and 'challenging cash metrics' was continuing to deliver benefits, with further strong cash conversion and free cash flow generation over the first five months of the year.

Solid free cash flow and the recent sale of its Pharma Intelligence unit effectively reduced Informa's net debt to zero, 'significantly strengthening' its balance sheet and providing additional funds for growth and reinvestment.
The International Space Station hummed with research activity today as the Expedition 67 crew members continued exploring how microgravity affects the human body.

The orbital residents also tested ways autonomous robots can assist astronauts and researched how fuel behaves in the weightless environment of space.

NASA Flight Engineer Bob Hines worked throughout Wednesday processing blood and urine samples collected from crew members and stowing them in a science freezer for later analysis. The astronaut also configured wrist-worn sleep monitoring devices, known as Actiwatches, that station residents wear periodically for research purposes. Data, including sleep-wake activity and light exposure, is downloaded to scientists on Earth to review how living in space affects an astronaut's sleep cycle.

The Astrobee robotic free-flyers were activated today inside the Kibo laboratory module. NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins outfitted the toaster-sized robotic assistants with acoustic monitors and let them autonomously fly around Kibo for a technology demonstration. The experiment tests using listening techniques to monitor the health of spacecraft systems and detect potential issues.

NASA Flight Engineer Kjell Lindgren kicked off his day configuring video cables inside the Cell Biology Experiment Facility before photographing landmarks over Europe and Asia. Afterward, he partnered with Watkins after lunchtime for cargo operations inside the Cygnus space freighter. The private resupply ship from Northrop Grumman is due to complete its station mission at the end of June.

On Saturday, Cygnus is slated to complete its first reboost of the International Space Station. Cygnus's gimbaled delta velocity engine will be used to adjust the space station's orbit through a reboost of the altitude of the orbital outpost. The maneuver will last 10 minutes and 53 seconds and raise the station's altitude by 0.7 miles. This Cygnus mission is the first to feature this enhanced capability as a standard service for NASA, following a test of the maneuver which was performed in 2018 during Cygnus's ninth resupply mission.

ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti studied fluid physics using distilled water and a specialized low-viscous liquid inside the Columbus laboratory module today. The Fluidics experiment explores ways to optimize fuel management in satellites and may even provide insights on the behavior of Earth's ocean waves.

Commander Oleg Artemyev continued partnering today with Flight Engineer Sergey Korsakov to learn how to exercise more effectively in weightlessness. Artemyev also charged video camera and laptop computer batteries while Korsakov serviced Russian life support equipment. Flight Engineer Denis Matveev researched piloting and robotic techniques for future planetary missions then attached a sensor to himself to measure his cardiac activity for 24 hours.

On-Orbit Status Report

Payloads:

Actiwatch: Eight Actiwatches were setup on Human Resource Facility 2 (HRF2) rack for battery charge and data downlinks. The Actiwatch is a waterproof, non-intrusive, sleep-wake activity monitor worn on the wrist of a crewmember and contains a miniature uniaxial accelerometer that produces a signal as the subject moves. The data is stored in non-volatile memory within the Actiwatch until they are downloaded for analysis.

Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF-L): Video cables were connected between CBEF and Image Processing Unit 2 (IPU2). CBEF-L is a new JAXA subrack facility, which is an upgraded facility of the original CBEF currently aboard the ISS. CBEF-L provides new capabilities with additional new resources such as Full High Definition video interface, Ethernet, 24 VDC power supply, and a larger diameter centrifugal test environment. By using the original CBEF and CBEF-L as one facility for the same experiment, the payload user is provided with an upgraded experimental environment that can handle the processing of more experimental samples for a wider array of experiments.

Crew Earth Observations (CEO): The crew utilized the Window Observation Research Facility (WORF) window to perform CEO Operations. CEO utilizes crewmembers on the ISS to photograph the Earth using digital handheld cameras from their unique point of view located over 200 miles above the surface. Photographs record how the planet is changing over time, from human-caused changes like urban growth and reservoir construction, to natural dynamic events such as hurricanes, floods and volcanic eruptions. A major emphasis of CEO is to monitor events needing immediate (disaster-level) response in support of the International Disaster Charter (IDC) (coordinated through the US Geological Survey). CEO imagery provides researchers on Earth with key data to understand the planet from the perspective of the ISS. Crew members have been photographing Earth from space since the early Mercury missions beginning in 1961. The images taken from the ISS ensure this record remains unbroken.

FLUIDICS: The FLUIDICS hardware was installed and partially setup. The measurement of liquid displacement within a sphere in microgravity relates to a given kinematic representation of a spacecraft's fuel tank. The Fluid Dynamics in Space (FLUIDICS) investigation evaluates the Center of Mass (CoM) position regarding a temperature gradient on a representation of a fuel tank. The observation of capillary wave turbulence on the surface of a fluid layer in a low-gravity environment can provide insights into measuring the existing volume in a sphere.

SoundSee Mission: A crewmember installed the SoundSee hardware onto an Astrobee unit and took sound level measurements of the acoustic environment in the JEM. The Investigation of Deep Audio Analytics on the ISS (SoundSee Mission) tests monitoring of the acoustic environment using an audio sensor on Astrobee, a mobile robotic platform aboard the space station. Microphones collect acoustic information, and the Astrobee determines the sensor's position. The system can detect anomalies in the sound of components inside a machine, providing autonomous monitoring of the health of infrastructure such as life support and exercise equipment.

Systems:

InterModule Ventilation (IMV) Cleaning: Today, the crew cleaned the Node 3 Aft-Port IMV Fan, IMV Silencer inlets, and IMV Grille in order to improve airflow into BEAM. The IMV flow rates must be great enough to ensure that the IMV fan is operating outside of the stall region which reduces airflow and increases fan acoustic noise. Excessive dust buildup can cause this phenomenon. Following the cleaning, the crew used the Velocicalc tool to verify there is now adequate air flow through the Node 3 Aft Port IMV.

Cygnus Cargo Operations: The crew continued cargo transfer operations between the ISS and Cygnus cargo vehicle, NG-17, loading items like common trash for disposal. NG-17 is planned for unberth later this month where it will depart the ISS for an eventual destructive re-entry in the Earth's atmosphere.

Station Support Computer (SSC) Audit and Ethernet Cable Fix: The crew audited the SSC System laptops by snapping photos of the deployed configuration to assist ground teams with SSC tracking and support of any hardware-related anomalies. The crew fixed or replaced any broken Ethernet cables in use for SSC Clients.

Completed Task List Activities:

None

Today's Ground Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

HRF Rack 2 PC Remote Desktop Protocol Commanding

Life Support Rack Valve Check

Cold Atom Lab Ops Commanding and Downlink

Crew Dragon Freedom Weekly Quiescent Checkout

Look Ahead Plan

Thursday, June 16 (GMT 167)

Payloads:

FLUIDICS Runs (ESA)

HRF Centrifuge Spin Test and Tube Removal (NASA)

Lumina Reboot and Data Transfer (ESA)

Repository Urine Collect and Blood Setup (NASA)

Transparent Alloy Switch Cover T/S, H/W Relocate and Stow (NASA)

XROOTS Plant Check, Fluid Recovery and Nutrient Fill (NASA)

Systems:

Handover Recording for Daily Crew Life

Station Reorganization

Cargo Transfer Bag (CTB) Cleanup Activity

Friday, June 17 (GMT 168)

Payloads:

Astrobee Undock Ops (NASA)

CEO PL Ops (NASA)

Cold Atom Lab QD Check and Jumper Leak Check (NASA)

ELF GBU Replace (JAXA)

ER4 Software Closeout (NASA)

JEM Airlock Capture Mech Install (JAXA)

Repository blood and Urine Collect (NASA)

Systems:

Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Short Extravehicular Mobility Unit (SEMU) Launch Enclosure (SLE) Return Preparation

EVA Helmet Troubleshooting

Photo/TV D5 Camera Sensor Cleaning

Saturday, June 18 (GMT 169)

Payloads:

Astrobee Off (NASA)

XROOTS Fluid Recovery (NASA)

Systems:

Crew Off Duty Day

Today's Planned Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

Astrobee Prep

Actiwatch Plus HRF Rack 2 Setup, Stow, and Swap

Cell Biology Experiment Facility Video Cable Connection to IPU2

Crew Earth Observation Operations

Emergency Operations (EMER) Chip Measurement System (CMS) Battery Changeout

ESA Weekly Crew Conference

Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) PhotoTV (P/TV) Exercise Session

Fluidics Hardware Installation

Fluidics Run 1 Execution

HRF Generic HRF Centrifuge Frozen Blood Collection Operations

HRF Generic MELFI Sample Insertion Operations

HRF Generic Urine Collection

Node 3 Aft Port IMV Fan Cleaning

Internal Wireless Instrumentation System (IWIS) Remote Sensing Unit (RSU) Troubleshooting

Emergency Mask OBT

Public Affairs Office (PAO) Social Media Event

PAO Video Recording

PAO Event

SoundSee Data Collection 4 Ops

SSC Audit and Ethernet Cable Fix

IMV Flow Measurement Survey Part 2

Transfer Cygnus Cargo Operations

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YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. The STARMUS VI festival, which is going to take place in Yerevan, Armenia this year in September, will host also around 100 children and teenagers from Artsakh, Co-founder of the festival, astrophysicist Garik Israelian said during a press conference today.

We expect participation of around 100 children and teenagers from Artsakh in the festival, he said.

Garik Israelian believes that holding the festival in Armenia will help people get out of depressive situation. I hope that STARMUS will also bring some change in the newsfeed. Media could provide the 30% of its time to inspire the youth with science and education, he said.

Israelian informed that after the festival they plan to provide some schools in Armenia with amateur telescopes. He said that a mobile observatory for100 people will also be brought to Armenia during the festival.

STARMUS is a global festival of science communication and art that brings together the most brilliant minds on the planet. Its aim is to inspire and educate the next generation of explorers and regenerate the spirit of discovery. STARMUS combines art, music and science to enhance the science communication.
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan hosted today Armenian-American scientist, Nobel Prize laureate and molecular biologist Ardem Patapoutian, who arrived in Armenia on the sidelines of Science and Business Days 2022 forum organized by the Ministry of Economy, the PMs Office said.

Dear Mr. Patapoutian, I am glad to welcome you and to getting acquainted with you. I welcome your visit to Armenia.

Yesterday I carefully listened to your speech during the graduation ceremony in the Yerevan State University and I am very impressed. I think that Armenia and the entire Armenian people consider your achievements as their own. Of course, its a great occasion of pride for us that finally we have also our compatriot among the Nobel laureates.

I also want to thank you for your readiness to support the development of science and education in Armenia. Making tangible reforms in this area is one of our key strategic directions, and we think that science, education reforms are of strategic significance and should determine our countrys future. Of course, its important for us to engage the potential of our compatriots in this process, if there is such a readiness.

I want to once again welcome you and I would like to hear from you about your visit, how is it going and how do you spend your time in Armenia.

In his turn, Ardem Patapoutian said:

Its a great honor for me to meet with you and be here. I had a wonderful visit, I am impressed by the welcome you and the government showed to me, but most importantly, by the welcome of the nation.

The happiness of the students I met is really shocking, and I think that even the United States does not appreciate its young scientists in this way. I will be very happy to help in any way, within my capacities. I already met many ministers, education and science sector representatives and the people who have established high-tech companies.

I share your view that science and technologies are very important for the next stage of the life of Armenia, not for the economy, the military field only, but for all areas.

I visited Synopsis, TUMO, and these are two wonderful examples of Armenian ingenuity, which are useful not only for the industry but also contribute to education, improve education which will later nourish and help the economy. I hope I can be useful in the field of healthcare and informatics that has a mathematical basis. I think it will have a major place in future biology.

With its limited budget Armenia could show a strategic approach to those areas where there is an opportunity to reach the maximum in a short period of time. I think there are some directions where we can compete, there are also directions where, I think, it is meaningless to become the best one. I repeat that I will be glad to help within my capacities. I am very excited for the general anti-corruption movement that you have started which is already reflected in the academic field.

Thereafter, Nikol Pashinyan and Ardem Patapoutian discussed the problems in the fields of science and education in Armenia and the governments ongoing reforms.

PM Pashinyan said the government is planning to increase the funding for science by 2026 and added that it has already been raised by 80%. He attached importance to Mr. Patapoutians observations, recommendations and proposals for promoting the reforms. Pashinyan said that Patapoutians example is encouraging for the youth, expressing confidence that his visit will inspire them.

The Armenian-American scientist said he is ready to contribute to the development of science and education in Armenia with his knowledge, experience and potential.

At the end of the meeting, Pashinyan awarded Patapoutian with the Order of St. Mesrop Mashtots for his significant achievements in the field of biology.
Kingsport, TN (37660)

Today

A few clouds. Low around 55F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low around 55F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
The leaders of Germany, France and Italy  all criticised in the past by Kyiv for support viewed as too cautious  made a joint visit to Ukraine on Thursday, touring a town devastated by Russias invasion.

Its an important moment. Its a message of unity were sending to the Ukrainians, French President Emmanuel Macron said after pulling into Kyiv on an overnight train along with Germanys Olaf Scholz and Italys Mario Draghi. They were also joined by Romanian President Klaus Iohannis

Air raid sirens blared as the visit got under way. They toured the ruins of Irpin, a Kyiv suburb devastated by fighting early in the war, when Russian forces left bodies of civilians littering the streets as they withdrew.

Noting graffiti on a wall that read Make Europe, not war, Macron said: Its very moving to see that. This is the right message.

The visit took weeks to organise, while the three most powerful EU leaders all fended off criticism over positions described as too deferential to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Britains Boris Johnson visited Kyiv more than two months ago.Advertisement  Scroll to continue

Still, the decision by the three to travel together held strong symbolism at a pivotal moment  a day before the EUs executive commission is expected to recommend pushing forward with Ukraines bid to join the bloc, which EU leaders are expected to endorse at a summit next week.

NATO defence ministers were also meeting in Brussels and were expected to announce more promises of additional weapons for Kyiv. U.S. President Joe Biden pledged $1 billion worth of new aid on Wednesday, including anti-ship rocket systems, artillery rockets and rounds for howitzers.Advertisement  Scroll to continue

Every day, I struggle for Ukraine to get the weapons and equipment it needs, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address to the nation.

Ukraine applied to join the EU just four days after Russia invaded in February, and another four days later Moldova and Georgia appled too.

As of today we are already so much closer to obtaining this status than we could have dreamed even a few years ago. Ukraine has done everything possible to become a candidate, Zelenskiy said.

SAVE MR PUTINS FACE

Scholz, Macron and Draghi all say they are strong supporters of Ukraine who have taken major practical steps to reduce Europes dependence on Russian energy and find weapons to help Kyiv.

But Ukraine has long criticised Scholz over what it regards as Germanys slow delivery of weapons and reluctance to sever economic ties with Moscow, and was furious this month at Macron for saying in an interview that Russia must not be humiliated.

Italy has also proposed a peace plan, which Ukrainians fear could lead to pressure on them to give up territory.

They will say that we need to end the war that is causing food problems and economic problemsthat we need to save Mr Putins face, Oleksiy Arestovych, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, told German newspaper Bild prior to the visit.

Germanys defence minister said three multiple rocket launchers it had promised Kyiv could be delivered in July or August, once Ukrainians are trained to use them.

Kyiv says it urgently needs more weapons, especially artillery and rockets, to counter Russias firepower advantange. Kyiv is taking hundreds of casualties a day as the war has entered a brutal attritional phase in the east.

After Moscow launched its special military operation claiming its aim was to disarm and denazify its neighbour, Ukraine repelled an armoured assault on Kyiv in March.

Since then, however, Russia has shifted both its aims and its tactics, now trying to fortify territory it occupies in the east and south, and to seize more with slow advances behind massive artillery bombardments.

The main battle in recent weeks has been over the eastern city of Sievierodonetsk. On Wednesday, Ukrainian forces holed up in a chemical factory there with hundreds of civilians ignored a Russian order to surrender.

All remaining bridges linking the city with Ukrainian-held territory on the opposite bank of Siverskyi Donets river were destroyed in recent days, but Ukrainian officials say the garrison is not completely cut-off.

Ukraine still holds a pocket of territory in the wider, eastern Donbas region, which Russia has vowed to capture on behalf of its separatist proxies. Most is on the opposite side of the river, which Russian troops have struggled to cross.

In the south, Ukrainian forces have been making slow inroads into Kherson province, the largest swath of territory Russia still holds from the areas it captured since the invasion.

Source: Reuters
ALBANY  The Democratic candidates for governor on Thursday squared off in Manhattan in their final debate before the June 28 primary, trading jabs over issues ranging from gun violence and wealthy campaign donors to whether they would be willing to accept an endorsement from former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams elevated their rhetoric ahead of the eight-day early voting period set to begin Saturday.

The trio of Democrats are vying to win the primary to face off in the November election against the winner of the GOP primary that features U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, businessman Harry Wilson, former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and Andrew Giuliani, the son of New York Citys former mayor and confidant to former President Donald J. Trump.

More for you New York 2022 Voter Guide: June 28 primary

Suozzi, D-Long Island, consistently looked to distinguish himself in Thursday's debate as the moderate in the race, sparring directly with Hochul and noting he was "disappointed" with her selection of former Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin months before Benjamin was indicted for bribery and corruption charges. Hochul countered by noting the "word 'hypocrisy' does come to mind" as she cited a congressional ethics investigation Suozzi faces related to stock transactions.

Suozzi was the lone candidate Thursday to say he would accept an endorsement from Cuomo, who resigned 10 months ago in the wake of a state attorney general's investigation that concluded he had sexually harassed or acted inappropriately with multiple women.

"He's still very popular among a lot of people in New York," Suozzi said. "While he has a lot of baggage with what he's done, he's accomplished a great deal in the state."

Suozzi further looked to distinguish himself as a candidate who at times has similar concerns to those of leaders of the Republican Party.

"I'm a lifelong Democrat, but we need to reduce crime and cut taxes," Suozzi said.

On the other side, Williams, D-Brooklyn, said Hochul has not centered enough around community-based approaches to reducing crime. His central platform is around housing, reducing violence and increasing taxes on the wealthy.

The first question of the debate was on inflation, a topic that rarely came up directly for the remainder of the debate and a topic that the Republican Party and its gubernatorial candidates have been highlighting.

On housing, Suozzi said he supports tax breaks for development of affordable housing; Williams said he backs "good cause eviction" and certain forms of rent stabilization; and Hochul touted her administration's record on providing certain forms of affordable housing.

The framework was a similar refrain throughout the debate. For instance, on state taxes: Suozzi said income taxes should be cut; Williams supports raising taxes on millionaires and billionaires; and Hochul said her administration has avoided raising taxes and already offered a temporary gas tax suspension and middle-class property tax cut.

The three Democratic candidates also gave their definition of where "upstate begins." Suozzi said it's north of Putnam and Rockland counties; Williams said, "upstate is a direction" relative to where you are, but then noted north of Poughkeepsie; Hochul defined upstate as north of Westchester County.

Suozzi and Williams both pointed to Hochul's congressional record with the National Rifle Association, which endorsed her in 2012. Hochul, who was representing a relatively conservative district, said at the debate that she's changed her position, something she encouraged other politicians to do.

"The only thing that evolved is the governor's political ambitions," Suozzi countered.

Hochul labeled it as an attack. Suozzi responded it was a "fact."

"Excuse me, it's my turn to answer the question," Hochul said.

"Go ahead, we've been waiting months for you to answer the question," Suozzi said.

"Please stop interrupting me," Hochul said. "People want to hear my answer."

Thursday's debate was hosted by NBC 4 New York/WNBC, Telemundo 47/WNJU, and the Times Union.
Lance Wheeler/Special to the Times Union

ASHLAND  Multiple law enforcement agencies are on the scene of a structure fire on Route 23 in the Greene County town of Ashland.

An official at the Ashland Town Hall on Wednesday evening confirmed a truck crash-related fire drew a response from multiple agencies, as well as a crisis team, but declined to provide additional details, citing an ongoing operation. The cause of the damage and the extent of any injuries could not be confirmed.
TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images

The con artist Anna Sorokin is making her way into the world of non-fungible token (NFT) arts, despite recently facing deportation from a Hudson Valley immigration detention center before being told she would be able to temporarily remain in the country.

Sorokin is best known for masquerading as a German heiress by the name of Anna Delvey from 2013 to 2017, when she scammed friends and businesses out of hundreds of thousands of dollars, a con memorably documented in the hit Netflix series Inventing Anna. Now, shes trying to move away from that persona and plans to launch a collection of NFTs called Reinventing Anna, according to an interview with NBC that she gave from Orange County Correctional Facility in Goshen.
State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie says that he supports the Build Public Renewables Act, a bill that would allow the New York Power Authority to create publicly owned renewable energy infrastructure. But although the bill passed the Senate, Heastie didnt bring it to a vote in the Assembly before the session expired early on the morning of June 4  despite there being enough support for it to pass, according to some public power advocates.

After some outcry, Heastie agreed to hold a special hearing on the bill on July 28. That hearing, however, will not include a vote, leaving many organizers frustrated with what they describe as a lack of urgency to get New York on track to meet its goal of decreasing emissions by 40 percent by 2030 and 85 percent by 2050.

Some climate activists were already tired of waiting for elected officials to make good on the states climate commitments. This year, a slate of socialist candidates are running for state office under the banner Green New York, hoping to bring transformative change to what they see as a dire situation in Albany. Two of them are in the Hudson Valley.

We got our Democratic supermajority, we kicked a lot of the fake Democrats out and what we expected did not happen, said Sarahana Shrestha, candidate for the 103rd District. So we [decided] we need to take it to the next level, where we put our own people in office.

Shrestha is a member of the Mid-Hudson Valley chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and one of 13 DSA candidates who received an endorsement from U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, herself a DSA member. Nine of them are running for New York State Assembly.

In 2018, Ocasio-Cortez scored for the DSA its highest-profile election victory when she upset 20-year incumbent Joseph Crowley in New Yorks 14th Congressional District. Shes now hoping to tip the scales in state races to elect more candidates on the Democratic ticket whose primary fealty is to their working-class constituents rather than to corporate donors.

Some institutional Democrats have dismissed the viability of DSA-backed candidates, particularly in rural areas where even many Democrats own guns and drive pickup trucks.

But Shrestha, along with Vanessa Agudelo, whos running in the 95th District, have set out to prove that a progressive platform has a wide appeal across the Hudson Valley  a region where housing prices have skyrocketed, economic opportunity has waned and the impacts of climate change are already being felt. Both running in blue districts, their fates will essentially be decided in the June 28 Democratic primary.

Related: The Times Unions 2022 primary voting guide

On the campaign trail

Shrestha is a first-generation immigrant from Nepal who came to the United States in 2001 to attend the New York Institute of Technology. She grew up during the Peoples Movement, a coalition of various communist, leftist and democratic parties that overthrew Nepals absolute monarchy and installed a constitutional monarchy.

I had this sort of anti-establishment streak when I was growing up, said Shrestha, who now lives in Esopus. I definitely still have that  basically just questioning why things are set up the way they are. Those in power are usually neglecting everyday people who need things to survive.

In 2019, Shrestha became a U.S. citizen and officially joined the DSA, waiting until after she was naturalized because she feared that it might get held against her in the process. Along with her husband, Peter Cavanaugh, she began lobbying for climate causes but quickly became disappointed at what she saw as a lack of seriousness or urgency from people in office.

Other organizers suggested that Shrestha consider running in her home district, which includes most of Ulster County plus the towns of Rhinebeck and Red Hook. The area has been represented by state Assemblyman Kevin Cahill for most of the last 30 years. After some initial hesitation, Shrestha decided to primary the long-time incumbent.

I organized with a lot of people  the Mid-Hudson Valley DSA, the Public Power Coalition  and some were like, You should run for office, because in the Hudson Valley, we could amplify the fact that there are a lot of people who are environmentalists and who do climate activism, Shrestha said.

An hour south and on the other side of the Hudson River, Agudelo is running in a district that includes Ossining, Briarcliffe, Croton, Cold Spring and parts of Yorktown  the same town where Ocasio-Cortez grew up.

Agudelo is the daughter of Colombian immigrants who met in Queens and then moved to Ossining, where she was born. The family then relocated to Peekskill when Agudelo was 3 years old. Her father worked 18-hour days, often gone before shed wake up for school and rarely home before she went to bed.

Growing up, Agudelo didnt consider herself political. But while a student at Penn State, she joined the local chapters of the NAACP and Amnesty International, and then volunteered for Bernie Sanders 2016 presidential run after graduation. It was then, she says, that she realized how familiar she was with the sort of inequality that Sanders railed against.

The way the system is operating right now, people have no other choice but to work three or four jobs to make ends meet and are in many cases under a lot of financial stress and major debt, [and] underinsured, said Agudelo. Its kind of the story of a lot of people that I grew up with in Peekskill.

When Agudelo was 25, she became the youngest council member in Peekskills history. The city is home to a Wheelabrator incinerator plant that burns almost all of Westchester Countys garbage, releasing the fumes into the air.

But she soon realized that if she wanted to make a bigger impact on local politics, shed need to seek a higher office. Agudelo is running in the Democratic primary against two other candidates for a seat that for three decades has been held by state Assemblywoman Sandy Galef. Once again, she is the youngest in her race. But that might be to her benefit.

On a recent day, Agudelo went canvassing in Ossining, wearing brown Doc Martens, and found some residents who had heard of her, though few who had committed to voting for her just yet. But Agudelo has the charm of a lifetime politician, without the baggage of a life in politics. She casually mentions that she was the youngest person elected to the Common Council, a brag that plays well among at least some voters who are eager for a new generation of leaders.

Its time for the young people to take the reins, said Kent, a registered Democrat in his 60s from Ossining. Ive only got 20 years left, if Im lucky, but you guys are the future.

Age may be on Agudelos side, but her persuasive success is better understood by the way she speaks to working-class voters. Shes running on a platform to stabilize rent and pass an eviction bill that would prevent landlords from exorbitantly raising rents or evicting tenants without a proper cause. And when she talks about solutions to addressing the urgent problem of climate change, she anticipates a common GOP rebuttal  what about the people working in those industries?  by framing it as a way to create green jobs.

The thing that distinguishes me from the other candidates is that Im the only one who recognizes corporate interests and inequality being at the crux of these larger issues, she recites at each door. Were taxing the wrong people, the burden is falling on working-class voters, and that shouldnt happen in one of the wealthiest states in the country.

Most people look almost relieved when she says this. Some offer verbal agreement, confirmation of Agudelos success in convincing voters who might not typically vote for a socialist that, absent the jargon, they agree with a lot of her policies.

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Shrestha received a more varied response when she was canvassing last in Tillson and Rosendale. Part of this can be explained by how different her race is from Agudelos  the 103rd District overall is more rural than the 95th. And unlike Agudelo, Shresthra doesnt have the benefit of running against other first-time candidates. For many residents of the 103rd, Kevin Cahill is the only Assembly member theyve known.

When Shrestha went door-to-door, she handed out her flier and often said, thats me, Sarahana, without much of a follow-up. (She said she was especially tired that day.) When the potential voters say theyve heard of her from the fliers they received in the mail, she then asked, so, do you think youll vote for me? A few times, this worked out.

AOC endorsed you, right? said one woman.

Shrestha says one obstacle for her is that people sometimes dont realize shes running in a primary to be the Democratic nominee instead of a general election. Many people think Cahill is a Republican, even people who vote all the time, she said. I sometimes have to confirm they know that its a Democratic primary.

One voter with two Subarus in the driveway and a shed with a sign that read, hippies use the side door, answered wearing a Hogwarts T-shirt and was delighted to see Shrestha. My husband and I voted early for you! She offered to let Shrestha keep her mailer for an undecided voter.

But in other cases, she received less enthusiasm and seemed to be less comfortable with retail politics than Agudelo. It sometimes wasnt until after she heard an awkward prevarication from a would-be voter that Shrestha would explain why she was running. When she did, she often said that New Yorkers are running out of time to address climate change and cited the need for public renewables.

I really salute you for running and giving up your personal life for this  I think thats really commendable, one man said. But Ill have to check out your website.

Political calculus

Shrestha and Agudelo are running in races with their own racial and socioeconomic complexities. Ossining is 35 percent white, 12 percent Black and 25 percent Hispanic, while Kingston is 63 percent white, 14 percent Black and 8 percent Hispanic. The median household income is just over $70,000 in Ossining and just over $51,000 in Kingston.

Many DSA-adjacent politicos point out that part of the potential they see in candidates who run on working-class issues is the appeal they often have to people who dont consider themselves card-carrying, MSNBC-watching Democrats.

Sometimes when Shrestha shows up to a household looking to speak with one member whos a registered Democrat, another member who isnt will find her talking points compelling.

I will talk to the independent [in the house] and the independent is ready, if they could, to vote, Shrestha said. Theyre ready to donate moneyThats pretty common.

Agudelo has had similar findings and says that just because her potential supporters vote blue doesnt necessarily mean they are the most progressive in all their politics. But by highlighting their economic well-being, she says shes able to often earn their support.

Even the people who start off conversations with, Certain immigrants are coming in, taking our jobs, bringing in crime, I can often kind of flip to, Well, were really blaming the wrong people here, said Agudelo. It's really [about] the fact that the ultra-wealthy have captured so much power in our state, not paying taxes, and were all fighting for scraps.
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. Prosecutor General of Armenia Artur Davtyan met with Russian Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Armenia said.

Artur Davtyan wished success to the activities of the Forum, calling it a major platform to discuss the development of economic relations between countries in context of contemporary global challenges.

Davtyan said that recently many Russian citizens, businessmen visited Armenia, noting that the Prosecution of Armenia keeps under its spotlight the security, protection of rights and business interests of these people, keeping a stable contact with the Russian Embassy in Armenia for this purpose.

The Russian Prosecutor General highly valued the participation of his Armenian counterpart to the Forum. He praised the high level of the cooperation between the Russian and Armenian Prosecutions, highlighting the role of the Prosecutor General of Armenia in this process and expressing readiness to further deepen this partnership.

The issues on observing the agreements reached between the Prosecutors General of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan last year during the trilateral meetings were also discussed during the meeting. Particularly, the sides emphasized the importance of jointly investigating the ceasefire violations and their consequences and not making the exchange of information on incidents formal.

Artur Davtyan thanked Igor Krasnov for his personal contributions to solving the humanitarian problems of the conflict settlement and to launching a communication format between the sides. He said that Azerbaijan continues not fulfilling the requirements of point 8 of the 2020 November 10 trilateral statement on the ceasefire in Nagorno Karabakh, although the unconditional return of all persons and prisoners of war held in Azerbaijan is a key factor for regional peace and secure partnership. Davtyan called for uniting efforts for quickly solving this issue.
Last weeks movie quiz was all about sequels. In honor of the release of Lightyear, lets turn our attention towards prequels, those movies that come later in release but earlier in plot.

Lightyear is the origin story, of sorts, of Buzz Lightyear, the character from the Toy Story sequels, in that it the supposed real-life action film that inspired the toy action figure/piece of merchandising.

1. One part of The Godfather Part II is a prequel to the events of the original The Godfather. Both films won the best picture Oscar in their given years, but which won more Academy Awards overall?

2. In 2021s Cruella, Emma Stone plays the younger version of Cruella De Vil, previously portrayed in the 1961 animated movie One Hundred and One Dalmatians, as well as by Glenn Close in two live-action films from 1996 and 2000. But what trademark item of the characters was missing in the Stone film because of a ban enacted by Disney across all its films beginning in 2007?

3. Which one of the movies in the famed Sergio Leone/Clint Eastwood spaghetti western trilogy is the prequel: A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More or The Good, the Bad and the Ugly?

4. This 2011 horror prequel is set in 1982, the same year as the John Carpenter movie that inspired it was released, and 60 years after the first movie based on the same source material came out. What is it?

5. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is the 1984 prequel to 1981s Raiders of the Lost Ark, but its most lasting contribution to cinema might be what was spawned in response to its increased depictions of violence. What was it?

6. 2013s Oz the Great and Powerful tells the story of how the title character came to be known as The Wizard of Oz, previously known as Oscar Diggs. Speaking of Oscar, the three leading ladies of this movie  Michelle Williams, Mila Kunis and Rachel Wiesz  all competed for that award two years earlier for the films Blue Valentine, Black Swan and The Whistleblower. True or false?

7. Monsters University, the college-set prequel to Monsters, Inc., cast as the dean of the school what Oscar, Emmy, Tony, BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning Dame of the British Empire?

8. The Scorpion King, the first leading role for Dwayne The Rock Johnson, is a prequel to what film?

9. X-Men: First Class is a prequel to the rest of the X-Men series set in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender play Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto, roles made famous by Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen. Here, Jennifer Lawrence takes on the role of the mutant Raven, a childhood friend of Xaviers. Which age difference is greater, the one between McAvoy and Lawrence or the one between Stewart and original Raven portrayer Rebecca Romijn?

10. This 2011 film was the first theatrically released animated movie, a spinoff from a hit fairy tale-inspired franchise, and has a sequel due out this December. What is it?

ANSWERS

1. Part II won six Oscars, the original won three

2. Cruellas long-stemmed cigarette and holder. Disney banned smoking in its movies starting in 2007.

3. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

4. The Thing

5. The creation of the PG-13 rating, reportedly at Steven Spielbergs suggestion

6. False. Williams was nominated for lead actress, but neither Kunis nor Weisz were nominated for their 2010 films.

7. Helen Mirren

8. Technically, The Mummy Returns because his character did not appear in 1999s The Mummy

9. McAvoy is 12 years older than Lawrence; Stewart is 32 years older than Romijn

10. Puss in Boots
BETHLEHEM  When she was in middle school, Latisha Ellis-Williams learned about equity and inclusion the hard way.

A student at the predominantly Black Bridgehampton High School in Long Island, Ellis-Williams joined her peers and community in advocating against a proposal in the 1980s to shut down the school and send the students to neighboring, predominantly white schools.

Developers wanted the property because it was close to the ocean, Ellis-Williams recalled about her school in the Hamptons. Youre in seventh grade, and you have to write a letter to the person in charge of state schools to say, Hey, dont close our school, were all succeeding here, and just because were Black and rich folks want to take the property, dont do that to us.

It became real to me in middle school what it meant to have access, equity and a voice, she said.

Fighting (and ultimately succeeding) to keep her school open was one of many times Ellis-Williams has experienced and witnessed oppressive systems at play throughout her lifetime and career in education. In July, she will be bringing her experience and expertise to the Bethlehem Central School District as its first-ever diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) officer.

This work is about making sure that I can help illuminate the voices of students that are marginalized for whatever reason, be it socioeconomic status, gender identity, mental health disabilities, race, anything, Ellis-Williams said.

Bethlehem is joining other local school districts in expanding their DEI work. Guilderland Central School District approved a DEI director position last year, ultimately hiring Matthew Pinchinat in the 2021-2022 school year. South Colonie Central School District also appointed a new DEI director for the same school year.

The moves run counter to pressures facing some school districts to reject reimagining a public education system that was built on a privileged, white and male point of view. School board slates across the country for the last year have run on a so-called parents' rights agenda, which often contained statements calling for people to reject diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in schools. In the Capital Region, most candidates who self-identified as parents' rights candidates during this May's elections, however, lost.

Adding a position such as this can really help us move our DEI initiatives forward, said Bethlehem Superintendent Jody Monroe. One of the pieces of feedback weve heard from staff that they feel would be helpful is to have someone that can be a resource for the district, someone they can go to to bounce ideas off of, someone who can help with expanding our curriculum to be a little bit more inclusive."

Through her role, Ellis-Williams will conduct her own equity research and audits, and work with the district to outline and implement a strategic plan to meet their goals. When she begins her role, she plans to have meetings with stakeholders to learn more about student and teacher experiences in the district, evaluate curriculum to reflect the student population and engage people from the bottom to the top in ensuring a safer school culture for people of all backgrounds.

Were preparing (students) for the world. There still has to be an understanding and knowledge and exposure to those that are not like them, she said. We cannot be in a vacuum and giving the students the impression that because theyre the dominant culture represented that theyre in charge. And those that are less in number recognizing that they too have the equitable voice, the school still belongs to them.

While Bethlehem is not a particularly diverse area  census data shows its 2.5 percent Black, 4 percent Asian and 3 percent Hispanic or Latino  Ellis-Williams emphasized that the DEI work will not be focused solely on race and ethnicity, but also language, immigration status, gender identity and sexual orientation.

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The district has been moving the needle on DEI work since 2017, when it formed a DEI committee. The committee had interviewed students of color about their experiences and heard feedback from them about feeling marginalized, not valued and not seen in the curriculum  so Monroe expanded the districts DEI work and brought in an outside auditor to evaluate cultural competency and sensitivity, as well as curriculum alignment, at the schools.

A lot of schools are coming up with all of these titles for (DEI) work  its almost as if its a check in the box, and then when theres an issue, have them sprinkle a little DEI on it and put them back in the closet, Ellis-Williams said. But I felt like schools like Bethlehem were putting the teeth behind the work, because they started this work back in 2017.

But, while many characterize the town as having liberal-leaning politics, it has been embroiled in some recent controversies involving race.

In 2020, Town Supervisor David VanLuven issued an apology after calling a Latino Black Lives Matter activist an expletive during a town meeting, when he thought he was muted. Social justice advocates have been critical of what they say is the police department's slow pace toward reform. And last year, the town's Tri-Village Little League vetoed a proposal to have a fence advertisement feature a Black Lives Matter logo at Magee Field after months of contentious debate and multiple leadership turnovers.

The tensions seen locally and nationally have been coupled with a rising movement among conservatives to stop teachers from discussing racism, LGBTQ issues and sex education in schools. But the politicization of education has not deterred the school district.

I dont speak or debate beliefs or opinion. I will speak to knowledge, and only knowledge, Ellis-Williams said. My role is not to change the minds of those who have a fixed mindset. My goal is to ensure that the crop of students that are coming up are treated fair, equitably and have access to everything that every child should have access to.
ALBANY  A woman who was kidnapped and raped at knifepoint in a New Scotland Avenue apartment can proceed with her negligence lawsuit against the Altamont-based mental health and drug rehabilitation center that serviced her attacker as an outpatient, an appeals court ruled Thursday.

In a 5-0 decision, appellate justices upheld a lower court ruling by acting Supreme Court Justice Kimberly OConnor, who rejected the legal effort by Rehabilitation Support Services (RSS) staffers to dismiss the woman's suit.

The attacker, Jose Marlett, 43, is serving a sentence of 110 years to life in maximum-security Sullivan Correctional Facility in Fallsburg. In June 2019, an Albany County jury convicted him of eight counts of predatory sexual assault, five counts of rape, three counts of criminal sex act, one count of kidnapping and three counts of robbery.

In April, Steven DeBraccio, an attorney representing the RSS defendants, argued that the nonprofit corporation had no duty to control and supervise Marlett, a prior felon who attacked the woman on Jan. 9, 2016.

"The law cannot provide a remedy for every injury.," DeBraccio told the court. "No one doubts the severity of this crime and what has happened to (the victim). But legally, defendants  a stranger to (the) plaintiff  do not owe her a duty of care."

On Thursday, appellate justices unanimously disagreed. Their decision, authored by Justice Molly Reynolds Fitzgerald, said a December 2015 report revealed that RSS staff needed to confiscate a knife from Marlett, that he could not sit still and was not doing well.

Two days before Marlett raped and kidnapped the victim, RSS staff discovered alcohol in Marletts apartment. Marlett had minimally engaged in treatment, showed significant paranoia and agitation, was stressed over a former girlfriend, displayed suicidal thoughts and had masturbated while on the phone with RSS staff, the decision said.

On Jan. 7, Marlett was evaluated at Albany Medical Center Hospital, then taken to Capital District Psychiatric Center. On Jan. 8, Marlett was drunk, watching pornography and touching himself when speaking to RSS staffers. RSS staff scheduled a meeting with Marlett three days in the future, the decision said.

On Jan. 9, Marlett first robbed a 61-year-old woman at knifepoint at Forest and New Scotland avenues. Then, Marlett abducted the plaintiff, 23, after she exited New Scotland Elementary School. He forced her into his apartment, tied her to a table with a telephone cord and belt. The woman broke free hours later and escaped.

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"This was a ticking time bomb," Jason Frament, an attorney representing the victim, told the Third Department when the appeal was argued in April. "We know that (RSS) was aware that he was released."

In the decision, Fitzgerald said RSS staff were "fully aware of Marlett's rapid decompensation and unstable behavior and were in the best position to control and attempt to stop him from harming himself and others. Under these facts, we find that defendants failed to prove a lack of duty to take reasonable steps to prevent Marlett from harming members of the general public."

Presiding Justice Elizabeth Garry and Justices Sharon Aarons, Stanley Pritzker and Lisa M. Fisher supported the decision.
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WASHINGTON (AP)  One month ahead of President Joe Bidens trip to Saudi Arabia, the District of Columbia is renaming the street in front of the Saudi embassy Jamal Khashoggi Way, trolling Riyadh for its role in the killing of the dissident Saudi activist and journalist in 2018.

With members of the D.C. Council in attendance, a Jamal Khashoggi Way sign was unveiled directly in front of the embassys main entrance.

We intend to remind the people who are hiding behind these doors ... that we hold them responsible and we will hold them accountable for the murder of our friend, said Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of DAWN, the pro-Arab world democracy organization founded by Khashoggi prior to his death.

Whitson also criticized what she called the shameless capitulation of the Biden administration for seeking improved relations with the Saudi government and scheduling an official presidential visit to the kingdom.

Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist, entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018, seeking the necessary documentation for a planned marriage with his fiancee waiting outside for him. The 59-year old never emerged.

The Saudi government initially denied any wrongdoing. But under mounting international pressure, Riyadh eventually admitted that Khashoggi had been killed inside the consulate in what the Saudis characterized as a repatriation effort gone wrong. The CIA later released a report concluding that Khashoggi was killed and dismembered on the orders of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

The Saudi regime has consistently denied that connection. Several lower-level Saudi officials and agents received jail sentences over the killing.

The D.C. Council unanimously voted late last year to rename a one-block stretch for Khashoggi.

I'm very proud that we did this, said D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson. The Saudi government cannot forget what happend, what it did. This is a constant reminder.

The renaming is ceremonial, as signified by the brown street sign instead of the usual green, and it won't impact the embassy's mailing address. But the sign will remain indefinitely. An email to the Saudi Embassy seeking comment did not receive a response.

Khashoggi's Turkish fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, could not attend the ceremony, but a statement from her was read aloud.

In it, she bitterly criticized the Biden administration for putting oil over principles and expediency over principles.

Cengiz also directly requested of Biden, when he meets with the crown prince, Can you at least ask, Where is Jamals body?'

Karine Jean Pierre, the White House press secretary, would not say whether Biden would raise the issue of Khashoggis murder when he meets with Bin Salman next month.

The president is a straight shooter. This is not something that hes afraid to talk about, she said. But she didnt confirm if the killing would be a topic of conversation.

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The D.C. government has a history of such public moves to troll or shame foreign governments. In February 2018, the street in front of the Russian embassy was named Boris Nemtsov Plaza, after a Russian activist shot dead while walking on a bridge near the Kremlin in 2015.

At the previous site of the Russian embassy, a street was renamed for longtime Russian dissident Andrei Sakharov.

Wednesday's street renaming was essentially a formalization of an independent activist-driven campaign that had been going on for years. Shortly after Khashoggi's death, local activist Claude Taylor started placing realistic-looking Jamal Khashoggi street signs around the city, including outside the embassy. Taylor said he had as many as 10 signs in different places at one point, including one near Dupont Circle that lasted for two years before being vandalized.

It's just a form of public protest with a performance art aspect to it, Taylor said.

Although he noted with a laugh that he wasn't invited to Wednesday's ceremony, Taylor said, I'm glad the city did the right thing and I'm glad he's being recognized this way.

___

Associated Press writer Chris Megerian contributed to this report.
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KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Four European leaders expressed their support for Ukraine on Thursday while meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, vowing to back Kyiv's candidacy to eventually join the European Union and offering more weapons to fend off Russia's invasion.

French President Emmanuel Macron promised Ukraine six more truck-mounted artillery guns, the latest in a new round of Western arms pledges as the war grinds on in the Donbas region in the east.

France, Germany, Italy and Romania are doing everything so that Ukraine alone can decide its fate, Macron said at a news conference with Zelenskyy and the others.

My colleagues and I have come here to Kyiv today with a clear message: Ukraine belongs to the European family, said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Amid Ukrainian fears that Western resolve could wane, the visit carried heavy symbolism. France, Germany and Italy have all faced criticism for continuing to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin  and failing to give Kyiv the weaponry it says its needs.

With Scholz beside him, Macron defended earlier comments that riled Ukrainians about not humiliating Russia, solemnly noting how the end of World War I had sown the seeds of World War II.

We are side by side today with Chancellor Scholz. One hundred years ago, we were at war and allies helped France win. France committed a historic mistake. It lost the peace because it wanted to humiliate Germany. The question of humiliation I always placed in a context to come, not the current context, he said.

Today, this war must be won, France clearly supports Ukraine so it prevails, Macron said. Germany, like France, will never be in situations where they negotiate on Ukraines behalf with Russia. Moreover, we have never done that.

In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said it was important for him to hear that European leaders "agree the end of the war and peace for Ukraine should be as Ukraine sees them. He said Ukrainians will continue to fight for all of their land.

Ukrainians and some of their European neighbors have been afraid that Western powers might press for territorial concessions for the sake of peace.

Scholz reiterated that there is no such intent to dictate anything to Ukrainians, and that only they "can decide what is right in terms of an agreement on a peace which we are unfortunately very, very far away from.

Italian Premier Mario Draghi expressed concern about millions of tons of grain backed up in Black Sea ports by the war, saying it could bring worldwide catastrophe. Italy has been a first destination for African migrants and could find itself overwhelmed as a result of largescale hunger in the Southern Hemisphere.

We want the atrocities to stop and we want peace, Draghi said. But Ukraine must defend itself, and it will be Ukraine that chooses the peace it wants."

The leaders also visited Irpin, a Kyiv suburb that saw intense fighting and where many civilians were killed. They decried the destruction there, with Macron saying he saw signs of war crimes."

While shocking images of such devastation have rallied Western support, Ukrainian officials have expressed concern that war fatigue could eventually erode that  particularly as rising prices and upcoming U.S. elections increasingly dominating public concerns.

The U.S. and its European allies have given billions of dollars in weaponry to Ukraine, and Germany and the U.S. recently announced new arms shipments. Such arms have been crucial in preventing the Russians from taking the capital, but Kyiv has said much more will be needed.

Russia is only looking for new ways to scare Europe and seize more and more of our land, Zelenskyy said at the news conference. The goal of Russia in this war is to break Ukraine and through this break the whole of Europe.

While the European leaders were in Kyiv, NATO defense ministers were meeting in Brussels to discuss plans for strengthening the military alliances eastern borders to dissuade Russia from planning any further aggression.

Many in Ukraine hope the visit could open the way to significant new arms supplies. It also comes as EU leaders prepare to decide next week on Ukraines request to become a candidate for membership in the bloc.

The war has increased pressure on EU governments to fast-track Ukraine's candidate status, and Thursdays pledge to support candidacy status for Ukraine and neighboring Moldova pushes the whole 27-nation union closer to doing so. But the process still is expected to take years, and EU members remain divided over how quickly and fully to open their arms to new members.

European allies have sent increasingly powerful weapons and rallied around Ukraine more than many expected, approving waves of unprecedented sanctions against Russia that also are badly squeezing Europes economy.

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Ukrainians say more is needed as Russia presses an offensive in the Donbas, slowly but steadily gaining ground on the outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian forces.

After the news conference, Zelenskyy made a digital appearance at technology shows in Paris, Amsterdam, London and Stockholm as what organizers called a 3D avatar, with his image on a large screen. Wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with futuristic fighters and the text Come to the Dark Side and Dominate or Die, he urged countries to support what he called a digital Lend Lease for Ukraine to bounce back from the war with a global digital revolution.

Macron, Scholz and Draghi, representing the EU's three largest economies, traveled to Kyiv together on a special overnight train. They had been criticized for not visiting sooner. Soon after they arrived, air raid sirens wailed.

Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president who is now deputy head of the Kremlin Security Council, dismissed the European leaders as connoisseurs of frogs, liver and pasta and said their visit brought no benefit.

Again they promised EU membership and old howitzers, slammed down some vodka and, like 100 years ago, took the train home," he tweeted. "And thats all good. Its just that this doesnt bring Ukraine any closer to peace. And the clock is ticking.  

President Klaus Iohannis of Romania, which borders Ukraine and has been a key destination for its refugees, arrived on a separate train. He said at the news conference that Romania is facilitating the transit of Ukrainian exports, including grain.

A number of other European leaders have already made the trip to show their solidarity with Ukraine, even when the fighting raged closer to the capital than it does now.

Scholz had long resisted traveling to Kyiv, saying he didnt want to join the queue of people who do a quick in-out for a photo opportunity, adding that a trip should focus on doing concrete things.

Tamara Malko, a resident of the Donetsk region, which is part of the Donbas, said Macron and Scholz had been very cold toward Ukrainians so far and hoped their visit would bring change.

We want peace very much ... and have high hopes for Macron and Scholz, she said. We want them to see and understand our pain.

___

Corbet reported from Paris. Associated Press journalists David Keyton in Irpin, Ukraine, Srdjan Nedelikovic in Pokrovsk, Ukraine, Colleen Barry in Milan and Frank Jordans and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  As the Supreme Court appears on track to overturn the constitutional right to abortion, progressive prosecutors around the U.S. are declaring they won't enforce some of the most restrictive and punitive anti-abortion laws that GOP-led states have waited years to implement.

The move is sure to rankle Republican lawmakers and governors, with about half the states poised to ban abortion if Roe v. Wade  the 1973 decision establishing a constitutional right to abortion  is weakened or overturned. Many of those Republican-led states have abortion clinics nestled in the large metro areas represented by Democratic district attorneys.

Anti-abortion laws in the U.S. largely shy away from explicitly punishing pregnant women and instead tend to target physicians, who could face loss of their medical license and lengthy prison sentences for performing the procedure illegally. But some abortion restrictions would penalize those who assist in an abortion and others could require women who secured the procedure to testify against those who helped her.

Yet enforcement of these laws will fall largely onto the shoulders of district attorneys, who wield wide discretion over whom to charge with crimes. Currently, it's not unusual for prosecutors elected in Democratic counties to voice their resistance to bringing charges under various GOP-backed mandates ranging from voting restrictions, limits on certain protest activity, laws aimed at LGBTQ people, and restrictions on mask requirements throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.

In 2020, more than 70 prosecutors from blue districts around the country publicized that they wouldnt bring charges under increasingly stringent laws that states have passed against abortion because they should not and will not criminalize healthcare decisions.

And so far, a growing number of prosecutors elected in Democratic counties are promising they wont pursue the criminal charges that have been tucked inside the harshest of abortion restrictions.

Michigan has become a particular battleground over who will enforce the state's abortion laws. Seven Democratic prosecutors there have vowed they won't enforce the state's long-dormant ban on the procedure, while two Republican prosecutors have joined abortion opponents in seeking to overturn the recent suspension of the 1931 statute.

The law, which makes it a crime to assist in an abortion, has had no practical effect for decades since abortion was legalized nationwide.

Those archaic statutes are unconstitutionally and dangerously vague, leaving open the potential for criminalizing doctors, nurses, anesthetists, health care providers, office receptionists  virtually anyone who either performs or assists in performing these medical procedures. Even the patient herself could face criminal liability under these statutes, the prosecutors from the Detroit, Lansing, Flint and Ann Arbor areas wrote in a letter.

In GOP-controlled Tennessee, Nashville's Democratic District Attorney Glenn Funk issued a statement just hours after the leaked draft opinion was published in early May. Funk promised he would stand by his previous position not to prosecute medical practitioners who perform an abortion nor any pregnant woman seeking the procedure.

I am appalled that this assault on a womans personal health decisions is in jeopardy. I stand by my prior statement," Funk said, a day before he won the Democratic primary election against two opponents who declined to state whether they would charge doctors.

Funk's longtime resistance to enforcing the state's abortion laws, as well as several others, has already sparked pushback from Tennessee Republican leaders. Late last year, the General Assembly passed a law allowing the attorney general to intervene in local cases  which includes abortion charges. The law permits the states legal chief to ask the Tennessee Supreme Court to appoint a temporary prosecutor when the district attorney has peremptorily and categorically refused to charge a case.

To date, the attorney general's office says it has not exercised the new law. Meanwhile, the state's top Republican leaders  who oversee every major political office  have remained mum on Funk's defiant stance, and his office has declined to answer follow up questions.

The National Right to Life Committee, which advocates for abortion restrictions, has developed model legislation in the event Roe is overturned that would, among things, authorize state attorneys general to file charges in abortion cases if local prosecutors refuse.

Chief prosecutors who represent some of Texas' most populated counties recently released a joint statement urging elected prosecutors to resist advancing charges that would criminalize personal healthcare decisions.

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Like Tennessee, Texas is among the 13 states that have so-called trigger laws  measures that would ban most abortions and take effect almost automatically, should the nations highest court overturn the Roe. That ruling is expected to be released by late June or early July.

Many of these enactments have the potential to fuel attempts by some to criminalize patients, medical professionals, healthcare providers, and others who assist in these medical procedures, the prosecutors wrote, whose reach include Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and parts of Houston.

The statement came just weeks after a Texas woman was arrested after a grand jury indicted her for murder for allegedly causing the death of an individual ... by self-induced abortion. Starr County District Attorney Gocha Allen Ramirez quickly moved to dismiss the charges, pointing out the woman hadn't violated any state laws. Still, the incident only further cemented abortion rights advocates' warnings that prosecutors will be key in how anti-abortion laws are exercised on the local level.

Such decisions come as these lawyers must often win elections in order to take over the top prosecutorial role in their community. While many Republican hopefuls have publicly stated their intention to fully enforce the strictest anti-abortion laws, Democratic candidates are hoping their resistance will be enough to woo enough voters in key states.

In Arizona, Democrat Julie Gunningle quickly announced that she would not prioritize prosecuting doctors or pregnant women in her bid to become Maricopa County attorney, which encompasses the metro Phoenix area. Kris Mayes, the only Democrat running for Arizona attorney general, has also promised she wouldnt prosecute abortion cases in a state that has both a pre-statehood law that makes all abortion illegal and a new law signed by Republican Gov. Doug Ducey that bans abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Both seats were previously held by Republicans.

In Missouri, which has just one clinic  based in St. Louis  that provides abortions for the entire state, progressive prosecutors have shied away from issuing public statements promising to defy anti-abortion laws enacted by Republican state lawmakers. Instead, they warn that the state's trigger law will cause a "slippery slope.

If Roe v. Wade is struck down, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell, a Democrat, said its going to be open season and its going to have a disproportionate effect on poor folks  Black and brown but even poor white folks."

___

Associated Press writers Bob Christie in Phoenix and Jim Salter in St. Louis, Missouri contributed to this report.
ALONG BAYOU POINTE-AU-CHIEN, La. (AP)  Driving through her village along a southeastern Louisiana bayou, tribal official Cherie Matherne points out the remnants of house after house  including her own  wrecked nine months ago when Hurricane Ida roared through the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe community.

Beige trailers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and travel campers sit next to pilings that elevated homes 14 feet (4.3 meters) off the ground to protect them from flooding. But it was the wind that got them this time. For hours, the Category 4 hurricane tore off roofs and siding, ripped out insulation and scattered treasured belongings. It destroyed shrimp boats and tossed crab traps.

Its going to take years before people can get back to their lives. The majority of people are still at a standstill, said Matherne, the tribes cultural heritage and resiliency coordinator.

When Hurricane Ida barreled through southeast Louisiana on Aug. 29, it slammed into an area home to many Native American tribes, battering people already struggling to overcome decades of coastal erosion, the long shadow of discrimination and a more recent catastrophe  the pandemic.

As a new hurricane season begins, the sounds of recovery  the pop of nail guns and whine of circular saws  are largely absent. And tribal officials worry an equally bad season could put their people in the crosshairs again.

Ida was the worst storm we've ever had in our area," said August Creppel, chief of the United Houma Nation. The tribes roughly 19,000 members are spread across coastal Louisiana, about 11,000 of whom experienced some sort of damage from Ida, according to Creppel.

Some of our people dont even have a house to go back to," he said.

Other tribes in southeastern Louisiana also were hammered. Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe member Theresa Dardar said only about 12 homes in the lower part of the Pointe-Au-Chien community where many tribal members live actually survived the storm. Farther west, where many members of the Grand Caillou/Dulac Band of Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw live, Chief Shirell Parfait-Dardar said everyone had some sort of damage, with about 20% of homes a total loss, even her own.

Native Americans have lived in the southeastern Louisiana bayou regions that stretch toward the Gulf of Mexico since long before French explorer Rene-Robert Cavelier reached the mouth of the Mississippi River in 1682 and claimed it for France  launching waves of colonization that would drastically alter the landscape and Native peoples' way of life.

After colonization, the bayous became a place of refuge to Native people pushed out of their homelands by violence or disease, said Liz Ellis, assistant professor of history at New York University. That trend accelerated after the American Revolution as more settlers moved into the region, she said.

Historically, the Native American people in these areas are intimately tied to the land and water. Many make their living shrimping or crabbing in the marshes and estuaries; their parents and grandparents before them also trapped muskrats or nutria.

But decades of development have eroded that land from under them. Levees built to prevent the Mississippi River from flooding have starved coastal Louisiana of the fresh sediment it needs to rebuild land; canals dug to facilitate oil and gas development or shipping have allowed saltwater to encroach farther inland.

That means the buffers of land, trees and marsh grass that once protected Native American communities from storms in the Gulf have dwindled even as climate change portends a future of stronger, wetter hurricanes that pack more storm surge and intensify more quickly.

Lester Naquin's father, a trapper, used to take his son crabbing and shrimping. Naquin remembers when there was so much land that his family raised cattle behind his house in Pointe-au-Chien. Now, he said, if you go past the levee to fish from a pirogue  a type of canoe traditionally used by many Native Americans in this region  you'll be catching speckled trout, a saltwater fish.

The 70-year-old Naquin loves the bayou. That's why he decided to come back even after Ida destroyed the home he used to share with his extended family. With FEMA money and materials and contractors paid for by a charity, he's been one of the few to rebuild in the region, although the home is significantly smaller than before. He's still living in a FEMA-supplied trailer while the interior of the house is finished.

But for a man who used to live with multiple generations, it's lonely in the trailer. And he's not sure how many of his family will move back. The shell of his nephew's home still stands next door. But this is where Naquin grew up, where his memories are. There are people, he said, who move from place to place. He's not one of them.

As long as I can stay down here, I will, he said.

Decades of discrimination against Native people in southeast Louisiana reverberate today in ways that affect their ability to prepare for and recover from hurricanes, tribal officials say.

Discrimination restricted where they could go to school, and when they were allowed to go to school, many faced harassment. Louise Billiot, a tribal official with the United Houma Nation who helps people get job training, said she can see the ripple effects of that lack of education among tribal elders who have difficulty using computers or cellphones to file hurricane claims or track their appeals.

The tribes most affected by Ida did not have federal recognition, although they're engaged in a lengthy, decadeslong process seeking it. Tribal officials say federal recognition would give them better access ahead of storms to funding for stronger, more hurricane-resistant homes and other programs to help improve their members lives.

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After storms, federal recognition would allow them to negotiate directly with the federal government, tribal officials say. When the Seminole Tribe of Florida was hit by Hurricane Irma in 2017, the federally recognized tribe requested and received an emergency declaration from then-President Donald Trump to help address their needs.

In the aftermath of Ida, there was even confusion about whether some tribes were state recognized. A resolution that failed to make it out of the Legislature this session sought to reaffirm their state recognition, saying the lack of clarity inhibited the delivery of life-saving aid during Hurricane Ida.

As it is, tribal members are essentially acting on their own, applying for FEMA or other types of aid.

Parfait-Dardar said the Grand Caillou/Dulac Band of Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw is looking at ways residents can rebuild homes stronger than before. Were an adapting people, always have been, she said.

But that takes more money than most people have, and she worries that tribal members who cannot afford to rebuild will be forced to move, with high housing prices pushing them farther and farther away. The tribe is exploring the possibility of resettling to another area, but that is also costly. And this is their home.

Rebuilding also can be an exhausting process, especially for older tribal members who might not be physically able to do the back-breaking work of gutting their house or who struggle to afford repairs on a fixed income. Tribal officials worry about the stress many of their members are experiencing.

Irene Verdin, a 67-year-old member of the United Houma Nation who lives in the Pointe-au-Chien area, is living in a FEMA trailer next to the remains of her house, where mementos and pieces of water-logged furniture still lie on the floor. Her roof is long gone  somewhere in the marshes behind her house. Showing the house to a reporter, she repeatedly apologizes for the mess.

She is the main caretaker for her bed-bound sister-in-law, who has had two strokes. And Verdin's 73-year-old husband, who used to work on boats, had a heart attack this year. In his younger years, when they needed money for something like a car or repairs to their house, he'd work a bit extra to cover it. But his health now makes that impossible. Since the storm, her own blood pressure is climbing.

Deciding what to do is almost paralyzing. She'd like to rebuild, but just getting an estimate from a contractor is difficult  let alone finding a way to pay for construction. Verdin said she sometimes feels like those living down the bayou are forgotten.

Its still up in the air in my head. Its still up in the air as to what were going to do," she said. "Its hard."

___

Follow Santana on Twitter @ruskygal.
NEW YORK (AP)  Lawyers for British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell told a judge Wednesday that she should face no more than four to five years in prison for her sex trafficking conviction and role in financier Jeffrey Epsteins decade-long sex abuse of teenage girls.

They said in a Manhattan federal court submission that Maxwell deserves leniency, calling it a travesty of justice for her to face a sentence that would have been appropriate for Epstein, who took his own life as he was awaiting a federal sex trafficking trial in New York in 2019.

Epstein was the mastermind, Epstein was the principal abuser, and Epstein orchestrated the crimes for his personal gratification, the lawyers wrote. Indeed, had Ghislaine Maxwell never had the profound misfortune of meeting Jeffrey Epstein over 30 years ago, she would not be here.

They added in advance of a June 28 sentencing that Maxwell is not an heiress, villain, or vapid socialite and hasn't deserved the drumbeat of public condemnation calling for her to be locked away for good.

They said her life has been ruined and she has faced onerous and punitive jail conditions since her July 2, 2020, arrest that should earn a significant downward departure from sentencing guidelines. Probation officials recommended a 20-year sentence, but said her conviction could call for 25 to 30 years.

Her lawyers said probation calculated the guidelines wrong and that a proper calculation would result in no more than four to five years in prison.

The lawyers wrote that she now lives in the jails general population but had recently been the target of a credible death threat from a fellow female inmate who told at least three others that she had been offered money to murder Maxwell and that she planned to strangle her in her sleep. Still, they added, she has eagerly assisted other female inmates, providing GED tutoring.

Included in their submission were letters from six siblings.

The lawyers said Maxwell had been placed on suicide watch after the verdict and was told by a psychologist that she had opposed it, but the professional opinion was overridden by a directive from Washington, D.C.

The lawyers said leniency was also deserved because she had a difficult, traumatic childhood with an overbearing, narcissistic, and demanding father that made her vulnerable to Epstein."

Maxwell met Epstein shortly after her father, British newspaper magnate Robert Maxwell, died in 1991 under suspicious circumstances after falling off a yacht named for her and while he faced allegations that he had illegally looted his businesses' pension funds.

It is the biggest mistake she made in her life and one that she has not and never will repeat, they said of their client, who was Epstein's girlfriend for a time in the 1990s.

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They added that she has had two committed, long-term, loving relationships with men who had young children in the 15 years since her relationship with Epstein ended. They cited an eight-year relationship with a Miami lawyer and a 2013 relationship that led to a marriage that they wrote could not survive the negative impact of this case nor a husband's association with his dishonored wife.

The sentencing submission also cast Maxwell as the sole target by prosecutors to fill Epstein's empty chair after his suicide, saying four other women were named as co-conspirators or accomplices of Epstein during a prosecution of him in Florida over a decade ago, but charges were not pursued against any of them.

Prosecutors declined comment through a spokesperson. They will submit their own written arguments in advance of sentencing.

In its final report, the probation department recommended the 20-year prison term, which would be a slight downward departure from what sentencing guidelines would otherwise call for, Maxwell's lawyers said.

The Oxford-educated Maxwell, 60, who holds U.S., British and French citizenships, was convicted in December of recruiting teenage girls for Epstein to sexually abuse from 1994 to 2004.

In April, U.S. District Judge Alison J. Nathan upheld Maxwell's jury conviction, saying it was readily supported by extensive witness testimony and documentary evidence at a month-long trial.

Earlier this year, Nathan refused to toss out Maxwell's conviction on the grounds that a juror during deliberations told other jurors he had been sexually abused as a child even though he had not revealed it in response to questions about prior sex abuse in a written questionnaire given to prospective jurors.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  New Mexico and the U.S. government have reached a $32 million settlement over a 2015 mine spill that polluted rivers in three western states.

Similar environmental accidents will be intolerable in the future as the region grapples with shrinking water supplies amid drought and climate change, the governor said Thursday.

Every drop is precious, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said during a news conference. If we don't have that water, we aren't growing our own food.

The spill released 3 million gallons (11 million liters) of wastewater from the inactive Gold King Mine in southwestern Colorado, sending a bright-yellow plume of arsenic, lead and other heavy metals south to New Mexico, through the Navajo Nation and into Utah through the San Juan and Animas rivers.

Water utilities were forced to scramble and shut down intake valves while farmers stopped drawing from the rivers as the contaminants moved downstream.

The New Mexico settlement marks just the latest reached over the past year. Colorado and the Navajo Nation also have inked multimillion-dollar agreements to settle claims and sort out responsibility for continued cleanup at the Superfund site that was established following the spill.

Under the New Mexico agreement, the federal government will make cash payments for response costs, environmental restoration and efforts to mitigate the negative perceptions about the area's rivers following the spill. Money also will go toward water quality monitoring and cleanup activities.

Lujan Grisham called the settlement a turning point for communities in the region.

"While the San Juan and Animas rivers have healed from the spill, its time for communities like Farmington, Bloomfield, and Aztec to do the same, she said in a statement, saying the money is deserved in light of the federal government's role in the disaster.

The state also received $11 million in damages from the mining companies, and the case against the federal contractors involved is pending.

On Aug. 5, 2015, Environmental Protection Agency contractors attempting cleanup work caused the release of the toxic wastewater. The plume eventually reached Lake Powell in Utah.

Although the rivers are now safe for irrigation and other uses, state and local officials have said the stigma associated with the event has had lasting effects on the regions economy.

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The Navajo Nation finalized a $31 million settlement with the federal government this week. The tribe said the plume had traveled through an estimated 200 miles (322 kilometers) of the San Juan River, which it considers sacred.

Top Navajo officials traveled to the mine site and shared photos and video of the wastewater rushing downstream on social media.

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said the tribe had pledged to hold accountable all those who caused or contributed to the spill. He added that he was grateful the federal government acknowledged the devastation that it caused.

While New Mexico and the Navajo Nation pursued separate lawsuits, the cases were consolidated and state officials said Thursday that remediation and restoration work will be coordinated.

State officials said a restoration plan will be developed with public input.
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WASHINGTON (AP)  Mike Pence wont be testifying at Thursdays Jan. 6 committee hearing. But he will be in the spotlight as focus turns to former President Donald Trumps desperate and futile attempts to persuade his vice president to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and deliver them a second term.

As you will hear, President Trump engaged in a relentless effort to pressure Pence both in private and in public, Rep. Liz Cheney, the leading Republican on the committee, said last week. Vice President Pence demonstrated his loyalty to Donald Trump consistently over four years, but he knew that he had a higher duty to the United States Constitution.

What we know about Pences actions leading up to and during that day:

UNDER PRESSURE

As Trumps frantic efforts to stave off defeat were quashed by courts and state officials, he and his allies zeroed in on Jan. 6  the day a joint session of Congress would convene to formalize President-elect Joe Bidens victory  as their last chance to remain in power.

The heavy-handed pressure campaign intensified in the days leading up to the 6th as Trump, lawyer John Eastman and others in Trumps orbit tried to convince Pence that he had the power to overturn the will of voters in a handful of critical battleground states by simply rejecting Electoral College votes or sending the results back to the states  even though the Constitution makes clear the vice presidents role in the proceedings is largely ceremonial.

Pence spent hours huddling with staff, including his general counsel, Greg Jacob. He studied the Electoral Count Act of 1887, which governs the proceedings, and met with the Senate parliamentarian to understand his role. He also received outside counsel, including from former Vice President Dan Quayle.

Some aides appealed to Trump not to put his unflinchingly loyal vice president in such a precarious position. Pence was already widely seen as a potential future presidential candidate and a public fissure with Trump was seen as a potential career ender. But Trump kept pushing, both publicly and behind the scenes.

On Monday, Jan. 4, Eastman and Trump pressed Pence to go along with the scheme in an Oval Office meeting. And at a rally that night in Georgia, Trump said his fate rested in his vice presidents hands. I hope Mike Pence comes through for us, he told the crowd.

Trump continued to push in an Oval Office meeting the next day, where he again urged Pence to use powers the vice president did not possess to overturn the will of voters. Pence by then made clear that he was unconvinced.

That day, Jacob sent a memo putting in writing his conclusion that if Pence followed Eastmans proposal, he would likely lose in court, at best, or spark a constitutional crisis, Politico first reported. The tensions were so high that Pences chief of staff, Marc Short, placed a call to Pences lead Secret Service agent that day, The New York Times first reported, informing him that the vice presidents refusal to go along with Trump was about to become public.

HANG MIKE PENCE

The pressure continued through the night. If Vice President @Mike_Pence comes through for us, we will win the Presidency, Trump tweeted around 1 a.m.

All Mike Pence has to do is send them back to the States, AND WE WIN, he wrote later that morning. Do it Mike, this is a time for extreme courage!

Pence was at his residence at the Naval Observatory the morning of Jan. 6 when he spoke a final time with Trump, who was joined in the Oval Office by his daughter Ivanka and Pences national security adviser, Keith Kellogg. During the call in the 11 oclock hour, Trump berated Pence, chastising him for not being tough enough to go along with the scheme, according to Kelloggs testimony to the committee.

Pence then headed to the Capitol to oversee the counting of the Electoral College votes that would formalize Trumps defeat.

But first Pence made official what his aides had already made clear. In a letter addressed to his colleagues in Congress, Pence explained why he couldnt go along with Trumps plan.

It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not, he wrote.

At 1:03 p.m., he officially gaveled the U.S. Senate into session as pro-Trump rioters, who had already breached Capitol barricades, were outside clashing with police.

By that point, Trump was already close to wrapping up his speech on the Ellipse in which he repeatedly targeted Pence and urged his supporters to fight like hell.

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If Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election, Trump falsely told the crowd. All Vice President Pence has to do is send it back to the states to recertify and we become president and you are the happiest people.

Outside the Capitol, the scene devolved into violent chaos as rioters, some armed with pipes, bats and bear spray, charged into the Capitol, quickly overwhelming police. One officer was beaten and repeatedly shocked with a stun gun until he had a heart attack. Another was foaming at the mouth and screaming for help as rioters crushed him between two doors and bashed him in the head with his own weapon. At 1:49 p.m., D.C. police officially declared a riot.

At about 2:12 p.m., Pence was rushed off the Senate floor as rioters flooded inside. The Washington Post first reported that Pence, who had been joined that day by his wife and their daughter, was at one point less than 100 feet from a group of protesters.

IN HIDING

Pence spent the next hours in hiding with his staff and family  first in his ceremonial office and then in an underground loading dock inside the Capitol complex. At least twice, he rejected pleas from security staff to leave the building, insisting it was crucial that he remain in place.

But even as the horror played out live on television, Trump, instead of urging his supporters to go home, blasted Pence.

Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify, Trump tweeted at 2:24 p.m. USA demands the truth!

Trumps tweet echoed through the angry mob. Footage obtained by the committee shows rioters reading Trumps words aloud and crowds breaking into chants of Hang Mike Pence! A makeshift gallows was photographed outside.

The committee alleges Trump was made aware of the chants and responded with this sentiment: Maybe our supporters have the right idea. Mike Pence deserves it,'" Cheney charged.

LETS GET BACK TO WORK

At 8 p.m., after hours of fear and carnage, the Capitol was finally deemed secure and Pence reconvened the Senate with a message.

Today was a dark day in the history of the United States Capitol. But thanks to the swift efforts of U.S. Capitol Police, federal, state and local law enforcement, the violence was quelled. The Capitol is secured. And the peoples work continues, he told the nation. Lets get back to work, he said to applause.

Just after 3:40 a.m. Pence officially declared Trumps election defeat  as well as his own.
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. The ruling Civil Contract faction of the Armenian Parliament will nominate Anna Vardapetyans candidacy for the position of the Prosecutor General of Armenia, faction head Hayk Konjoryan told reporters at a briefing.

With both her professional qualities, high moral and value features and the requirements of the law, Mrs. Vardapetyan corresponds to the key mission, which, in our view, the future Prosecutor General of Armenia should have, he said.

Konjoryan is sure that if elected, Anna Vardapetyan will definitely fulfill the actions authorized to her by the Armenian Constitution and laws and will be responsible before the Constitution, the legislation and her conscience.
Whether you put your children on an electric school bus or a propane-powered school bus, youre eliminating their exposure to dirty pollutants. Unfortunately, the electrify-everything activist group Advanced Energy Economy is trying to convince New Yorkers that electric buses are the only clean solution for school districts. Their dismissal of the facts associated with electric vehicles and grid electricity is astonishing.

Simply put, electric school buses are not as clean as advocates make them out to be. When you consider the lifecycle of a battery, propane school buses are, in fact, a healthier option. The massive and expensive battery packs required for school buses contain an array of metals that are strip-mined in unregulated operations in China and the Congo by diesel-powered equipment. The carbon intensity of the extraction alone makes electric school buses a clean illusion.
ALBANY  New Yorks elections could soon be at risk of getting hacked.

Thats because the state Board of Elections may soon approve certain voting machines that experts say are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks. A bill that would have banned those machines passed the state Senate last month, but it died in the state Assembly after the elections committee chair refused to let it come to a vote.

After passing the Senate on May 31, the bill, sponsored by state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, D-Brooklyn, and Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, D-Westchester, seemed like a solid bet for passage in the Assembly, since it was sponsored by nearly half of the Assemblys Democrats, as well as several Republicans.

But it never got a vote. It was blocked by a team of opponents, including Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, D-Brooklyn, who chairs the chambers Election Law Committee, lobbyists for the voting machine company Election Systems & Software, andperhaps unexpectedlythe New York State chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP, which used language taken directly from a lobbyists memo to successfully pressure key lawmakers to kill it.

"New York is going backwards"

When voters in New York go to the polls, they follow the same basic procedure in every county: poll workers hand out paper ballots, then voters select their choices using a pen and run the ballots through a scanning machine, which tabulates the results.

This is the voting method used by most of the country and has been the status quo in New York for decades. Its also the voting method thats least susceptible to hacking or manipulation, according to election security experts. Thats because the counting machines prevent human error in the tabulation of ballots, and if they malfunction or are hacked, the hand-marked ballots leave a paper trail that can be manually and independently verified.

Though this procedure is currently used statewide, its not mandatory according to New York law. And it could soon be replaced, in some counties, by a far less secure method of voting: ballot-marking machines, where voters select their choices on a screen, and the machine prints ballots pre-filled with the voters choices.

Myrie and Paulins bill would mandate that voters be allowed to use hand-marked ballots and would ban many of the major ballot-marking machines.

Election Systems & Software, the voting machine company that lobbied against the bill, is currently seeking state approval for the ExpressVote XL, a ballot-marking machine it manufactures. The machine encodes voters choices in barcodes, rather than the traditional filled-in bubbles next to the candidates names. Since humans cant read barcodes, its impossible for voters to check whether their selections have been correctly recorded once the machine prints their ballot. The voting machine company Dominion Voting Systems is also seeking state approval for the ImageCast X voting machine, which functions very similarly to the ExpressVote XL.

Election security experts are overwhelmingly critical of the ExpressVote XL and similarly designed machines, arguing that they are easier to hack and harder to verify in case of a recount, since theres no independent record of voters choices. They also take longer to use, potentially exacerbating lines at polling places and are more expensive per voter than hand-marked ballots and ballot-scanning machines.

"We cannot entirely trust the computer to be the sole arbiter of counting the vote. We need marks on paper made by people and viewable by people," said Doug Jones, an elections security expert and retired computer science professor at the University of Iowa.



"Until somebody hacks the voting machine, it will reasonably accurately count the votes. But it will leave (New York) open for a countywide or statewide hack," Princeton computer science professor Andrew Appel said of the machines.

Katina Granger, a spokesperson for Election Systems & Security, pushed back against these criticisms. "The ExpressVote XL is the latest in paper-based election technology and its been proven through testing and through real world elections to be secure and accurate," Granger said, noting that nearly 6 million voters have used it since 2019 without any reports of it being hacked or otherwise compromised.

Because of the potential pitfalls of ballot-marking machines, many states that had adopted them over the past two decades have since returned to using hand-marked paper ballots. But bucking this trend, the New York state elections board has indicated that it may soon approve ballot-marking machines such as the ExpressVote XL. That would allow local election boards to purchase the machines, as the New York City elections board has already expressed interested in doing.



"State after state has moved from touch screen machines to hand-marked paper ballots," said Lulu Friesdat, executive director of SMART Legislation, a nonpartisan group that lobbied for the bill. "New York is going backwards."



Thats despite the fact that the head of the state elections board supports the bill that would ban the machines.

"Ideally it makes more sense to separate the two functions of the ballot marking device and the [ballot] scanner," said Board of Elections co-chair Douglas Kellner in an interview earlier this month, echoing another common objection of election security experts. "I do support the bill."

But under current law, if a voting machine meets New Yorks standards for use, the board isnt allowed to reject it. A separate bill that would give the Board of Elections authority to reject voting machines if it finds that they arent secure also passed the Senate but died in Walkers committee, meeting the same fate as Myrie and Paulins bill.

How to kill a bill

Why didnt the bill get even a committee vote in the Assembly?

An individual involved in negotiations over the issue supplied New York Focus with documents reflecting internal legislative processes, on the condition that New York Focus not publish or quote from the documents. The documents indicate that Walker, the chair of the Election Law Committee, cited the NAACP's opposition as a reason for not giving it a vote. Committee chairs generally have control over what bills get votes, though Assembly leadership can sometimes overrule them.

In a statement, Walker said that she "listened to many voices, including those of her colleagues in the Assembly, as well as respected civil rights leader and NAACP icon Hazel Dukes," the president of the New York State NAACP. She did not answer New York Focus questions on which arguments against the bill she found convincing.

The NAACP, however, explained its opposition in public. On June 1, just days before the end of New Yorks January-June legislative session and the day after the bill passed the Senate, Dukes sent a letter to Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie in opposition to the bill. The letter warned that if the bill passed, it would make it more difficult for people of color, disabled people, and non-English speakers to vote, specifically calling attention to the ExpressVote XL offering voters the choice of a "plethora of languages."

New York law limits the number of languages on printed ballots to three. But for non-English speakers, there are other voting machines that do not have the vulnerabilities of the ExpressVote XL, that can offer voters over a dozen languages to choose from.

Asked about the letters other claims, Jones, the elections security expert, said that he wasnt aware of any evidence supporting them.

Whether or not the arguments in Dukes letter were true, they werent original to her. Several sentences and phrases were copied verbatim from a memo to legislators written by lobbyists for the firm Davidoff Hutcher & Citron, whose clients include Election Systems & Software.

One argument that both the letter and the memo used in favor of the ExpressVote XL was that a study by researchers at the Rochester Institute of Technology study found "zero attacks that could alter or manipulate a voters choices," in the words of the Davidoff Hutcher & Citron memo.

The problem with that argument? The RIT "study" wasnt a peer-reviewed scientific paper, but rather an article written by the RIT communications department describing a class project by undergraduate and master's cybersecurity students. Appel, the Princeton professor, said that the memo presenting the study as the work of RIT itself was a "gross distortion."

"But that's all that they've got. There is no respectable scientific study that claims that this machine is secure," he added.

An assist from the NAACP

Election Systems & Software had good reason to oppose the bill: it would ban the use of the ExpressVote XL, one of their flagship products. But why would a storied civil rights organization oppose a bill to bolster election security?

Some observers floated one possible answer: Former Assemblyman Keith Wright, a top lobbyist at Davidoff Hutcher & Citron, is a longtime Dukes ally.

Neither the New York NAACP nor the national organization responded to questions for this article. Nor did Davidoff Hutcher & Citron.

Dukes position is at odds with those of other civil rights groups that have weighed in on the billand even other chapters of the NAACP.

Two years ago, the North Carolina NAACP sued nearly two dozen counties in the state in an attempt to stop them from using Election Systems & Securitys ExpressVote, a similar machine to the ExpressVote XL, in the 2020 election.

The civil complaint alleged that the ExpressVote is an "insecure, unreliable, and unverifiable machine that threatens the integrity of North Carolinas elections," and argued that voters forced to use them would be at higher risk of having their votes miscounted than voters who used hand-marked ballots.

The litigation was later voluntarily withdrawn at the request of the national NAACP organization, who worried that it could appear to lend credence to former President Donald Trumps claims that the presidential election was stolen, according to the Rev. T. Anthony Spearman, who was president of the North Carolina NAACP when the suit was filed.

But Spearman, who now runs a social services nonprofit, remains opposed to the ExpressVote XL machines, he told New York Focus.

"I was very concerned when I heard that Ms. [Hazel] Dukes over in New York had done what she did" in support of the ExpressVote XL machines, he said.

"I agree wholeheartedly with those who have scientific evidence that these machines are not secure, and I think that its appalling that some folks who are out there as civil rights warriors would fail to see that," he added.

During the final days of the legislative session, other civil rights groups publicly expressed support for the bill, like the Center for Law and Social Justice, a Black civic engagement organization based out of Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn.

"Our concern is ensuring the interests of Black voters and that's why we supported this legislation," Lurie Daniel Favors, the executive director of the Center, told New York Focus. "Black voters in particular are targeted with disinformation campaigns to an extraordinary degree. It is vitally important that our communities have access and the ability to vote on machines that they can be confident in."

But support from the Center and other racial justice groups, like the Center For Common Ground, wasnt enough to overcome the NAACPs opposition. As long as the NAACP remained opposed, Walker was unwilling to let the bill move forward, the documents reviewed by New York Focus showed.

When it became clear to supporters that Walker was unlikely to allow the bill to move forward, they tried to route the bill through a different committee. This is a common Albany strategy: when a bill isnt advancing, legislators or advocates can ask the Assembly speaker to send the bill to the Ways and Means or Rules Committees instead.

On May 27, five members of the Election Law committee had sent the speaker a letter reiterating their support for the bill, and asking him to reroute it through the Rules Committee.

"The integrity of elections in the United States, and New York, can accommodate no room for error," the letter read, warning that failing to pass the bill could lead to unsecure voting machines being "used for many years to come in subsequent elections."



But the documents reviewed by New York Focus indicate that without Walkers support, Heastie was unwilling to bring the bill to the floor. The legislative session ended in early June, and with it, all realistic hope of the bill passing into law this year.

This bill wasnt the only one to languish in the Assembly Election Law committee during this years legislative session. The Assembly also failed to advance a package of bills to professionalize the scandal- and nepotism-plagued New York City Board of Elections, all of which passed the full Senate with large majorities in support, but then died in Walkers committee without receiving a vote.

A version of this article was published in partnership with New York Focus, an investigative news site covering state politics. Sign up for their newsletter here.
ALBANY  A person arrested for one of two new crimes Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law in the wake of the mass shooting in Buffalo  threat of mass harm and possession or sale of a body-armor vest  would likely be ineligible for a judge to set pre-trial bail as a condition of their release regardless of their flight risk.

Criminal justice advocates and public defenders are in favor of the fact judges would not be allowed to set bail for a person charged with those nonviolent offenses.

The new offenses added to the state's criminal laws comes at a time shortly after Hochul advocated for certain gun crimes to be included as bail eligible offenses as a means to mitigate gun violence.

The administration, according to a senior official earlier this year, looked at using the threat of bail as a potential deterrent for certain crimes. Criminal justice advocates point to a lack of data that supports the use of bail as a deterrence for someone to commit a crime.

"Gov. Hochul worked with the Legislature to swiftly pass nation-leading gun safety laws, and were proud that for years to come these laws will help stop unfettered access to dangerous weapons, prevent gun violence and save lives," Hochul spokesman Avi Small said in response to questions on the bail implications of the new statutes.

At the end of the legislative session earlier this month, lawmakers swiftly put together a 10-bill package to respond to the mass shooting at a Buffalo supermarket that killed 10 Black people. The gunman, a white 18-year-old from Broome County, was charged with federal hate crimes on Wednesday.

The legislative package, which came at the behest of Hochul, included raising the minimum age to purchase a semiautomatic rifle to 21 years old and requiring a permit to buy those weapons, similar to the rules governing handgun purchases.

Hochul and lawmakers touted the changes to the state's gun laws as a strong step toward mitigating gun crime and domestic terrorism in New York while Congress continues to stall on expanding federal gun laws.

One of the less high-profile pieces to the package was to make it illegal to make a mass threat of harm with the "intent to intimidate a group of people or to create public alarm," according to the bill. For a judge to find someone guilty of making a mass threat, which would be a B-misdemeanor, the defendant would not need to be shown to have the intent or capability of committing the conduct they are threatening, according to the recently signed law.

A stricter version of the law, aggravated mass threat of harm, would be classified as an A-misdemeanor. The offense would occur if the threat included an "overt act," according to the law, like making a plan, compiling a list of targets or possessing weapons to carry out the offense. The possession of the weapons charge may, in certain circumstances, make a person eligible for a judge to set bail at their arraignment.

The purchase of body armor is illegal for most people and an A-misdemeanor for a first-time offense. The same is so for the illicit sale of body armor. Law enforcement, first responders and people designated by the state to have the vests are still eligible to purchase body armor.

The focus on whether any of the offenses should be eligible for bail is misguided, public defenders in New York City note. The result of both the new offenses and the potential addition of bail could have a disproportionate effect on people of color, the public defenders said.

Instead, public defenders said, the focus should be to continue increasing spending and access to community-based services that remedy the problems before they occur.
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. The Presidency of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia held a session today hosting Armenian-American scientist, Nobel Prize laureate and molecular biologist Ardem Patapoutian.

During the meeting a diploma of an honorary member of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia was handed over to Ardem Patapoutian.

NAS President Ashot Saghyan congratulated Mr. Patapoutian for the great achievement, calling it also one of the achievements of the Armenian people. We have agreed with Mr. Patapoutian. Next time he will visit Armenia at the invitation of the Academy. There will be meetings, reports, he said.

In his turn the Armenian-American scientist said that the welcome he received in Armenia shows that science and scientific achievements are valued in Armenia. I started my work in a laboratory, but I never imagined that science could be a profession. But then I fell in love with that work. Surprisingly, the Nobel Prize was the motivation for me that I am proud of my biography and institutions where I studied. I have been engaged in science with pleasure and dedication, he said.

Ardem Patapoutian was elected honorary member of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia by the June 9 decision of the NAS general assembly.
As part of this Governments plans to take better care of our planet, the Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar, Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality with responsibility for Law Reform, James Browne and Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, Senator Pippa Hackett have announced a new 55m Green Transition fund to help businesses move away from fossil fuels and towards more sustainable, cheaper alternatives.

The Green Transition Fund is part of Irelands National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), which is funded by the European Union.

The Tanaiste said:

We need to take better care of our planet. This generation should aim to pass it on to the next in a better condition than we inherited it.

Businesses have a really important role to play. However, we need to recognise that, despite the fact we have a higher number of people employed now than in the history of the state, many of our business owners are still getting back on their feet after what has been an incredibly difficult couple of years.

So, we need to help them when it comes to what is another enormous challenge  reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.

This new 55m Fund has two elements, one part to help businesses make a plan particular to their company to give them clarity on what exactly needs to be done and another part, more aimed at our manufacturing industry, investing in more environmental way of doing things.

Putins war on Ukraine has highlighted the vulnerability of becoming too reliant on finite resources controlled by other states. We need to help Irish businesses now prepare for a future where economic growth and fossil fuels are not intertwined. This Fund is an important help.

Minister Pippa Hackett, said:

We will only achieve our climate targets with an all-of-Government, all-of-society approach, and the business sector has a vital role to play in our transition to a low-carbon economy.

This is an exciting time for businesses who want to make that transition, and I am delighted to be part of a Government that is targeting supports towards a greener, more sustainable and more resilient business environment.

Employees, customers, funders and shareholders alike are demanding more from businesses when it comes to their environmental credentials.

As businesses continue their recovery from the pandemic, this 55 million Green Transition Fund is a great example of how Government funding can be used to help enterprise to move away from pre-Covid, business as usual models, to models that deliver for the environment, as well as for their employees, their customers and the communities in which they operate.

Minister James Browne TD, said:

The businesses I talk to see opportunities to reduce their costs and their carbon emissions by better managing their energy use. These Funds can unlock that opportunity for manufacturing businesses in particular, and make a real difference to the bottom line and climate impact of our enterprise base.

Government understands the strain that energy costs are putting on business, and this is another way to help relieve some of that pressure.

The Green Transition Fund comprises:

The Climate Planning Fund for Business, which will give businesses funding to come up with a personalised plan to identify how best to remove reliance on fossil fuels in their business. A 1,800 grant to develop a plan and up to 50,000 matched funding to go towards specific capacity building within an enterprise are among the grants available.

The Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund, which will give manufacturing businesses funding to invest in carbon neutral heating processes, smart metering and energy monitoring, and research and development. Up to 1m is available for businesses to upgrade their processes.

The programmes will run over the next five years. The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) was developed by the Government to direct funding under the EUs Recovery and Resilience Facility. Ireland is expected to receive more than 900 million in grants over the lifetime of the Facility.

Interested companies can apply here: https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/greentransitionfund
A Bursary scheme to give care-experienced young people a financial boost towards the cost of their education has been launched by child and family agency Tusla.

The scheme, which is now in its second year, provides a cash injection to those over 18 years old to help them achieve their career goals.

Care-experienced young people, who are not receiving financial support for their education from any other State source, can apply for a bursary of up to 5,000 to fund a third level course or to purchase necessary materials or hardware.

A total of 750,000 of Dormant Accounts funding was secured in 2022 by Tusla and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) to provide educational supports for children in care and young people in aftercare.

Speaking about the launch on June 16 at Tuslas head office in the Brunel Building, Heuston South Quarter, in Dublin, DCEDIY Minister Roderic OGorman said:

I am delighted to support the launch of the Education and Training Bursary Scheme 2022-2023.

While there are very strong supports for formal third-level courses, this scheme is to address the need for supports for other, often shorter courses, which are part of the incremental steps for young people building their careers.

In such instances this bursary scheme will be of real practical benefit and will improve access to educational opportunities, Mr OGorman added.

With the cost of living rising faster than ever, the money couldnt come at a better time for young people hoping to access further education and training to support their career development.

Last year, Tuslas Bursary Scheme Committee approved 136 applications and just under 185,000 was awarded to young people to support their further education or training.

One recipient of last year's scheme is Clara OShea-Collins (26), from Co. Wicklow. Clara was in foster care from the age of one years old up until her 18th birthday, when she was adopted by her foster parents. She now works as a social worker for Tusla, in Co. Dublin

Clara has always liked horses and finds a sense of calm around them so when she heard about the bursary scheme, she knew exactly what she would use the money for  to train as an equine-assisted learning instructor.

The course will give her the skills to help people develop their social and emotional competencies through therapeutic work with horses.

Not only has the funding helped her to be able to undertake two new trainings, it has also helped Clara to buy books, a computer, a printer and other materials for her courses.

Speaking about the scheme and the support she received, Clara added: Im delighted. Its an amazing opportunity! If you dont ask, you dont get, so it's definitely worth applying.

Thierry Baba (22), from near Westport in Co. Mayo, has Tuslas bursary support of 5,000 to thank for taking some of the pressure off his costs while studying for a Masters Degree in Applied Sport & Exercise Physiology at St Marys University, in Twickenham, England.

The bursary enabled me not to have to work two jobs in the UK. I was able to use some of my own savings to get accommodation. Im really fortunate and really appreciative; the money made a world of difference and took a huge amount of pressure off my back, Thierry says.

Thierry is very focused on his career goal of becoming qualified in both Physiotherapy and in Strength and Conditioning, and eventually opening his own performance clinic in 10-12 years time.

Thierry adds: I had been saving for a couple of years, but the bursary money was a massive relief. I would say the bursary is an excellent opportunity to take someone in the direction that they are pursuing.

Tuslas bursary also helped Jaffer Mohammed (21), from Santry, in Dublin, put his career into motion. Jafer, who is an apprentice electrician, had no means of transport and was losing out on job opportunities because he had no means of transport.

Thanks to the Tusla bursary scheme, though, he was able to use the 1,500 support money he received to buy a computer, do a driver theory test and take driving lessons.

Not only that, but Jafer is clearly good under pressure because he passed his test on the first attempt and is now set to hit the road in an Opel Corsa.

I couldnt get the money from the bank to pay for the lessons because I am on an apprenticeship. I want to thank Tusla so much for the support.

Speaking at the launch, Kate Duggan, National Director of Services and Integration, Tusla, said:

In order to meet the individual needs of care experienced people, the funding is available for a wide variety of courses and training, such as third level courses, apprenticeships as well as training-related equipment.

Closing date for applications is October 28, 2022. See educationbursary@tusla.ie for further details
A panel created by the state House of Representatives to recommend reforms after two former lawmakers admitted taking bribes discussed proposals to establish term limits for legislators
The organizer of a weekend gun show scheduled at an arena north of Seattle has postponed the event after public concerns that several Everett Public Schools graduations were scheduled to be held in the building at the same time
This week some Snapchat jerk in Blue Springs ALLEGEDLY gave us all a glimpse at the future going into the U.S. Midterm election season.

To wit, we ask . . .

DID KANSAS CITY FALL PREY TO INTERNETS & MEDIA FEAR PR0N OR SHOULD WE KEEP HIDING UNDER OUR BED?!?!

I know what option I'd rather take.

Here's a quick look at consequences and po-po advice amid an era of flexing in a nation with more guns than people . . . Wherein only the really angry people say that feel safe . . . But don't seem to be having any fun . . .



Police tell us it doesnt matter if its Snapchat, Instagram, or Facebook making any kind of online threat could be a felony charge.



"Once it goes out it doesnt come back," said Officer Jack Taylor with Independence police. "It's not harmless, it will get you in trouble and youre looking at serious consequences."



Joke or not, Taylor says all threats are taken seriously.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Police say online threats could result in serious charges Police say any kind of threat towards a person or a place is looked into, and the person who makes the threat could face serious charges. This after Jackson County prosecutors have a charged 19-year-old man in connection with a mass shooting threat that led several school districts to cancel summer school and school activities on Wednesday.

Parents play it safe during Blue Springs threat investigation BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - Many families were so nervous about a mass shooting threat in Blue Springs, they chose to stay home Wednesday until a suspect was arrested. Investigators said a 19-year-old suspect made a terroristic threat of a mass shooting, posting his plans on Snapchat Tuesday night.

'It makes me feel sick': Parents, students share fear surrounding Blue Springs mass shooting threat KANSAS CITY, Mo. - On Wednesday, seven districts and other private schools across the Kansas City area canceled summer school classes due to a mass shooting threat that started in Blue Springs. Parents that KSHB 41 News spoke to are frustrated and concerned about when will these threats will end.

Kansas City-area Christian school evacuated, searched after bomb threat Wednesday morning Students attending summer activities at a Kansas City-area Christian school had to be evacuated Wednesday morning after someone made a bomb threat against the building.

Cavalry Lutheran in Kansas City evacuated after bomb threat Wednesday morning KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Cavalry Lutheran Church and School on Wornall Road in Kansas City, Missouri, was evacuated Wednesday morning after a bomb threat was made against the school, according to the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department. There were children inside the school for summer activities at the time of evacuation, police say.

Man arrested for threatening to 'blow up' Worlds of Fun KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) - Jackson County prosecutors charged a man after he is accused of threatening to kill children at the Worlds of Fun amusement park. Jonathan Gregory Smith, 59, of Raytown, Missouri, is charged with first-degree terroristic threat. Court documents show Smith was arrested after police responded to the Hometowne Studios Hotel near Worlds of Fun on Sunday.

Blue Springs parents, community recall trauma from mass shooting threat BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - The weight of recent violence against schools in the country has been tough for many parents and students to make sense of it. A shooting threat in the Kansas City area prompted seven school districts to cancel summer classes out of an abundance of caution on Wednesday, bringing the issue closer to home.

Security expert weighs in on threats and schools - and new 'hypersensitive environment' KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - John Douglass has more than 40 years of law enforcement experience. He served as the police chief in Overland Park and was the director of safety and security for Shawnee Mission Schools. "People will ask whether or not we're just in a hypersensitive environment, and we certainly are, but we need to be," said Douglass.

DHS warns US could see heightened threat of extremist violence heading into midterms A looming Supreme Court decision on abortion, an increase of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border and the midterm elections are potential triggers for extremist violence over the next six months, the Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday.Related video above: Get the Facts: Supreme Court on Roe v. WadeThe U.S.

Developing . . .
Make no mistake . . . Kansas Republican decision-makers don't have a lot of love for Kris Koach and their talking points are gleefully shared by local progressives.

The Kansas GOP still blames Kobach for losing against Guv Kelly and today they pounded that point home.



Accordingly, check the chatter at today's ruckus . . .



Much of the back and forth revolved around each candidates electability in the general election; how, if elected, they will manage the states response to the expected reversal of Roe v. Wade; and their view of the role of the Kansas attorney general . . .



Kobach's run for attorney general comes after losing a U.S. Senate primary in 2020.

and a 2018 race for governor. Now he's running for attorney general, facing state Sen. Kellie Warren, of Johnson County.



"We've seen him lead in the polls, Mr. Kobach, and then he loses on election day. And as conservative Republicans, we cannot afford to make that mistake again," Warren said.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

GOP candidates for Kansas attorney general debate Wednesday GOP candidates for Kansas attorney general took part in a debate Wednesday.Former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach wants the job, but he came under fire during the debate.Kobach's run for attorney general comes after losing a U.S. Senate primary in 2020.and a 2018 race for governor.

Kansas Attorney General Candidates Square Off Over Electability, Qualifications and Roe v. Wade Candidates for the Republican nomination for Kansas Attorney General are positioning themselves as two tested politicians versus a newcomer, albeit one with a lengthy track record as an assistant U.S. prosecutor. The candidates completed a fast-paced, hour-long debate on Wednesday, moderated by Nick Haines, host of "Week in Review" on Kansas City PBS.

Developing . .
A question . . .

ISN'T THE DRAFT FOR YOUNG WOMEN NECESSARY FOR TRUE GENDER EQUITY?!?

Also . . .

TKC isn't fighting until Vlad & his homies hit Southwest Trafficway.

So we might need young ladies to power our upcoming crusades now that the Democratic Party has gone full neo-con by way of horrific proxy war strategy in Eastern Europe.



Here's the word . . .



Women have served in and alongside the Armed Forces since our nations founding, the lawmakers wrote. While American men are required to register for the military draft and fight if needed, these requirements have never been applied to American women. Where they have fought, they have done so freely.



This approach has served our nation well, and it retains broad bipartisan support, they said.



Mr. Hawley, Missouri Republican, was joined in the letter by Sens. Tom Cotton and John Boozman of Arkansas, Marco Rubio of Florida, James Lankford of Oklahoma, Roger Marshall of Kansas, Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger F. Wicker of Mississippi, Steve Daines of Montana, Mike Lee of Utah, Ted Cruz of Texas and James E. Risch of Idaho.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Actually . . .

If you take one thing away from this blog, we hope it's this . . .

IDENTITY POLITICS IS AN OUTRIGHT LIE THAT ONLY BENEFITS THE VERY WORST ADVERTISERS & POLITICOS!!!

Because we believe in the power of the individual human spirit that people are jerks who love to endlessly argue over everything . . .

NO GROUP IS A MONOLITH!!!

Don't worry . . . Neither conservatives nor progressives REALLY understand this truism. That's part of the reason why so many lesser opportunists urge everyone to rally around personalities rather than seek alliances over ISSUES & POLICY.



Sure . . .

Polling is a powerful tool and helps gauge voter sentiment . . . But it explains very little about what motivates any given person.

For instance . . .

Those who don't know much about Latinos/Hispanics/Your Mexican Neighbor might think that support for former Prez Trump amongst Latinos is some cultural indicator evoking "machismo" or the old world patriarchy.

Maybe . . . For your tio . . . Probably.

But there's also a school of thought which understands that may Latinos can trace their heritage back to countries where the governments are hopelessly corrupt and politicos are clownish and NEVER to be trusted . . . It's almost an act of defiance to pick the biggest huckster of the bunch gust OR not to give much regard to "sacred" American democracy altogether.

All of THAT is why Latino voter turnout has always disappointment politics from both parties.

Still . . . We like KK's take on this topic and it's a great place for curious people to start their research:



"Polling has shown Hispanic American voters are turning to the GOP but now we have an actual result to prove it. The 34th District of Texas had an open seat in Congress to fill and while that district was won by Biden by 13 points, a conservative woman just won easily stealing a seat from the Dems. This is a huge shift."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Hispanics Turn Red, Shooter Threat in KC, Fireworks Legal in JOCO, Anniston Puts Foot in Mouth, World Cup Decision Coming Polling has shown Hispanic American voters are turning to the GOP but now we have an actual result to prove it. The 34th District of Texas had an open seat in Congress to fill and while that district was won by Biden by 13 points, a conservative woman ...

Further reading . . .

Why The GOP Might Not Turn Off Conservative Latino Voters "Are you a racist?" "Do you hate Mexicans?" These are the two questions J.D. Vance, the GOP's nominee for Senate in Ohio, posed to voters in a primary election ad in which he accused the media of vilifying Republicans like him for wanting a border wall - and falsely claimed that President Biden had established an "open border" that was "killing Ohioans" because "more illegal drugs and more Democrat voters [were] pouring into this country."

Biden's moves on Cuba, Venezuela could hurt Dems with Hispanics The Biden administration this week eased some restrictive policies toward Cuba and Venezuela in a bid to increase relations with the isolated nations, a move that has drawn bipartisan pushback and may further imperil Democrats' chances to win over some Hispanic voters in Florida and elsewhere.

A group of high-profile Latinos makes a $60M cash deal to buy 18 radio stations A group of Latinos, including several prominent Democrats, have signed an agreement to buy 18 radio stations in 10 cities in a $60 million cash deal. The AM and FM stations in the deal are part of the TelevisaUnivision network. The media group purchasing the stations is newly formed, calling itself Latino Media Network.

You decide . . .
The entrance to the newly revamped Stillwater Spa. "We strive to impart wellness knowledge to our guests to inspire them on their personal journey," says spa director Kerry Werner. - Stillwater Spa/Park Hyatt
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan received the delegation led by the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Margareta Cederfelt.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia, Minister Mirzoyan stressed the role of the OSCE as the largest regional security organization, praised the cooperation with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly as a parliamentary platform for ensuring comprehensive, indivisible security in the OSCE area of responsibility.

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Margareta Cederfelt agreed that the visit of the delegation is a good opportunity to outline new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.

During the meeting, the Armenian side presented the positions on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process, as well as the work carried out to normalize the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The Armenian Foreign Minister stressed that despite Azerbaijan's claims that Nagorno Karabakh no longer exists, that there is no Nagorno Karabakh conflict, there is a general consensus among the international community that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict remains unresolved.

Ararat Mirzoyan also stressed that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict should find a comprehensive settlement within the framework of the only internationally authorized mediation mandate, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs format.

The Armenian Foreign Minister expressed concern over the continuous anti-Armenian and belligerent rhetoric of the Azerbaijani authorities, provocative actions against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. He condemned Azerbaijan's continued statements about aspirations towards the sovereign territory of Armenia, which seriously question the sincerity of Azerbaijan's statements on achieving peace in the region.

Ararat Mirzoyan drew the interlocutors' attention to the fact that in gross violation of the norms of international humanitarian law, Azerbaijan continues to hold Armenian prisoners of war and civilians hostage, as well as pursues a targeted policy of destroying and distorting Armenian religious and cultural heritage in the territories that passed under its control after the 44-day war. In this context, the importance of practical steps by the international community to fully address these urgent issues was emphasized.
GTA rent prices in May saw the largest monthly hike in more than three years at 5.7 per cent as supply tightens and demand surges.
President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi received the delegation led by Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Alen Simonyan.

June 16, 2022, 10:38 We are friends of difficult days for our friends, Irans President tells Armenian Speaker of Parliament

STEPANAKERT, JUNE 16, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS: The meeting touched upon the Armenian-Iranian multilateral cooperation, which is based on centuries-old friendship, close historical and cultural ties between the two peoples, the Parliaments press service said.

Outlining the directions for boosting the bilateral partnership, the sides expressed readiness to continue the dialogue with joint efforts and further enrich the cooperation agenda.

President Raisi attached importance to the partnership between the legislative bodies aimed at strengthening the warm relations between Armenia and Iran.

The sides touched upon also the bilateral economic relations and the implementation of joint infrastructure projects.

The Armenian side highlighted the implementation of mutual agreements in the fields of energy and transport.

I want to state also that in the context of development of regional transportation communications the establishment of Armenias railway communication with Iran is among the key issues on our agenda, Alen Simonyan said.

He also introduced the Iranian President on the post-war situation, the humanitarian problems and the issue of the preservation of Armenian historical-cultural values that are under the Azerbaijani control. Alen Simonyan informed that Azerbaijan is destroying the cultural heritage at a state level, and Iran could serve as an example for Azerbaijan on this matter.

The meeting also highlighted Irans consistent efforts for the establishment of peace and stability in the region.

The Speaker of Parliament of Armenia expressed confidence that the Armenian-Iranian mutual partnership has a great potential to develop and expand and is ready to support the development of the Armenia-Iran mutually beneficial cooperation for the benefit of the two friendly peoples.

We are friends of difficult days for all our friends, we are guided by this. On happy days, everyone could stand by everyone, but the real friendship is shown in times of difficulties, the Iranian President said.

The Speaker of Parliament conveyed the Armenian Prime Ministers warm greetings and invitation to pay an official visit to Armenia to the Iranian President.
Russia, Iran and Turkey are determined to continue working together to combat terrorism in Syria, the three guarantor countries of the Astana process said in a joint statement adopted at the 18th Astana Format international meeting on Syria on Thursday, Tass informs.

June 16, 2022, 15:07 Russia, Iran, Turkey determined to work together to combat terrorism in Syria

STEPANAKERT, JUNE 16, ARTSAKHPRESS: The parties "expressed their determination to continue working together to combat terrorism in all forms and manifestations and stand against separatist agendas aimed at undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria as well as threatening the national security of neighboring countries including through cross-border attacks and infiltrations," the document reads. They "condemned increased presence and activities of terrorist groups and their affiliates under different names in various parts of Syria, including the attacks targeting civilian facilities which result in loss of innocent lives."

Russia, Iran and Turkey highlighted the important role of the Constitutional Committee and "reaffirmed their determination to support the Committee's work through continuous interaction with the Syrian parties to the Constitutional Committee and the UN Secretary-Generals Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen, as facilitator, in order to ensure its sustainable and effective functioning," adding that "the Constitutional Committee should conduct its activities without any bureaucratic and logistical hindrances."

The guarantors "called upon the international community, the United Nations and its humanitarian agencies, to enhance their assistance to whole of Syria through early recovery and resilience projects including the restoration of basic infrastructure assets - water and power supply facilities, schools and hospitals as well as the humanitarian mine action in accordance with the international humanitarian law."

Besides, the parties reiterated grave concern over the humanitarian situation in Syria. They "rejected all unilateral sanctions, which are in contravention of international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter, including, among other things" and "emphasized the need to eliminate the impediments and to increase humanitarian assistance to all Syrians throughout the country without discrimination, politicization and preconditions."

Russia, Iran and Turkey also "discussed the situation in the northeast of Syria and agreed that constant security and stability in this region can only be achieved on the basis of preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country." In this regard, the three countries " reiterated their opposition to the illegal seizure and transfer of oil revenues that should belong to Syria."

The guarantor nations "condemned continuing Israeli military attacks in Syria which violate the international law, international humanitarian law, the sovereignty of Syria and neighboring countries, endanger the stability and security in the region and called for cessation of them."

According to the joint statement, the next Astana Format international meeting on Syria will be held in Kazakhstans capital of Nur-Sultan in the second half of 2022.
Should Gary Griffith reapply for the Police Commissioner job he once held? Well the Opposition Leader says he should. She took time to address that matter as she voted in her party's internal election today which she predicts she will win by a landslide.
UCs Venture Lab, operated by the Office of Innovation, provides a launch pad for entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into a startup reality. The UC Venture lab is located in the 1819 Innovation Hub in the Cincinnati Innovation District, providing a connection point to talent, support and funding to help launch new companies.

It makes a guy like me who never thought Id be involved in a startup, all of a sudden, I have the tools and the training that I need at the tip of my fingers here at our university, Lewis said. I never thought Id be involved in a startup, and here I am a couple years in and still having fun and still learning from the folks at 1819.

The Venture Lab pre-accelerator program is available for free to all members of the university community. The program provides guidance to launching a startup and pairs aspiring entrepreneurs with executives for mentoring.

Digital transformation is impacting every industry, and health care is no exception, said David J. Adams, UCs chief innovation officer. The connected ecosystem of the Cincinnati Innovation District empowers researchers to take their ideas forward, solve complex problems with new and novel solutions and provide accelerated paths to commercialization.
Ukraine should have more heavy weapons from NATO countries to counter the Russian invasion, and this issue will be discussed at the NATO headquarters of the Contact group for support to Ukraine today, June 15.

Ukraine should have more heavy weapons. And NATO Allies and partners have provided heavy weapons for a long time, but they are also stepping up. There will be a meeting tomorrow [June 15] at the NATO headquarters of the Contact group for support to Ukraine. This is a format that was established at Rammstein Base a couple of months ago and it meets regularly to coordinate efforts by NATO Allies and partners to provide different types of weapons, of military equipment, including heavy weapons to UA. Because they absolutely depend on that to be able to stand up against the brutal Russian invasion, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at a press conference following a meeting of leaders of seven NATO Allies on June 14.

He added that NATO Allies had supported Ukraine for many years. Since 2014, NATO Allies have trained and equipped tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and officers, who are now on the frontline. But they need to be prepped for the long haul, as there is no way to predict how and when this war will end. So they need to be ready to continue for a long time and we will continue to provide support. And that will be addressed tomorrow in Brussels, NATO Secretary General said.

In turn, Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte said at a press conference that his country, together with Germany, would soon be ready to send 12 Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine, immediately after the Ukrainian crews finish training.

"In terms of weaponry, we are also standing united here that it is crucial for Russia to lose the war. As we cannot have a direct confrontation between NATO troops with Russia, what we need to do is to be sure that Ukraine can fight at war and has access to all the necessary weapons. As we have done with Germany a couple of weeks ago  we are now training Ukrainians on Panzerhaubitze 2000 systems, and we hope to ship as soon as possible 12 of those to Ukraine from Germany and the Netherlands as soon as possible," Rutte said.

He noted that there are two things that really unite NATO allies: transatlantic orientation and the absolute need to support Ukraine militarily. Therefore, they will work to provide Ukraine with as much assistance as possible, including humanitarian support and heavy weapons.

As reported, German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht told reporters that Ukraine will soon receive Panzerhaubitze 2000self-propelled howitzers.

The possibility of transferring these systems to Ukraine became known in May. There are 12 such howitzers - seven from Germany and five from the Netherlands.

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Ukrainian defenders have destroyed 34 Russian invaders, two enemy ammunition depots and military equipment in eastern Ukraine over the past day.

The relevant statement was made by the East Operational Tactical Group on Facebook, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Ukrainian defenders continue to hold back the aggressor within the control area of the East Operational Tactical Group. On June 15, 2022, the Ukrainian military destroyed 34 enemy troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, one armored personnel carrier, one MT-LB vehicle, one SPG, three artillery systems, two artillery trucks and two ammunition depots, the report states.

A reminder that, between February 24, 2022 and June 15, 2022, Russias total combat losses in Ukraine reached about 32,750 troops.

Photo: open sources

mk
Russian invaders are attempting to improve their tactical situation in the Bakhmut direction, carrying out an assault operation and artillery shelling near a number of settlements.

That's according to a morning update by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

In the Volyn and Polissya directions, as part of the combat readiness check, one of the Belarusian mechanized brigades has worked out the deployment of military draft offices with an actual reception of new conscripts.

In the northern direction, the enemy continues to hold units of Russias Western Military District in the border areas of Bryansk and Kursk regions in order to demonstrate their presence and restrain maneuvers of Ukrainian units.

The enemy fired artillery at the positions of Ukrainian troops near Leonivka and Bachivsk in Chernihiv and Sumy regions, respectively.

In the Slobozhansky direction, the enemy regrouped troops in order to increase their offensive capabilities.

In the Kharkiv direction, the enemy's main efforts are focused on maintaining the occupied frontiers. In order to restrain Ukrainian units and prevent the transition to the offensive, the enemy carried out intense artillery shelling, including with multiple rocket launchers, in the areas of Bazaliyivka, Udy, and Verkhniy Saltiv.

In the Sloviansk direction, the aggressor is conducting assault operations, searching for weaknesses in Ukraines defensive lines, firing artillery of various calibers at civilian infrastructure near Pryshyb, Dolyna, Karnaukhivka, and Virnopilla.

In the Donetsk direction, the enemy is fighting along the line of contact, with its main efforts being focused on the Bakhmut direction.

In the Lyman direction, the enemy took no significant action, firing artillery at Ukrainian units in the area of Pyskunivka.

In the Siverodonetsk direction, Russian occupiers continue to engage Ukrainian troops with all available firepower in the areas of Bilohorivka, Lysychansk, and Siverodonetsk.

The enemy does not stop trying to establish full control over the city of Siverodonetsk, continuing the assault operation. Firefights are ongoing.

In the Bakhmut direction, the enemy is storming the area to improve its tactical position. Artillery shelling was recorded in the areas of Vesele, Soledar, Berestove, and Vovchoyarivka.

In the Lyman, Avdiyivka, Novopavlivka and Zaporizhia directions, the enemy exerts systematic fire in order to restrain the actions of Ukrainian troops in the settlements of Novobakhmutivka, Vodiane, Pervomaiske, Mykilske, Antonivka, Huliaipole, Novopil, and Orikhiv.

On the Yehorivka-Shevchenko route, Ukrainian soldiers located and eliminated an enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group.

In the South Buh and Tavria directions, the enemy is focusing its efforts on holding its ground and preventing the advance of Ukrainian troops, inflicting fire damage and continuing to fortify positions in the areas of Bezvodne and Ishchenka.

In the Black Sea and Sea of Azov Maritime Operational Zones, the enemy's main focus is on blocking civilian navigation. In the Black Sea, the enemy remains ready to use three high-precision missile carriers.
At least 318 children have been killed and 581 more injured since Russia started its all-out invasion of Ukraine in late February.

"As of the morning of June 16, 2022, more than 900 children were killed or injured in Ukraine as a result of Russia's full-scale armed aggression. According to official information from juvenile prosecutors, 318 children have been killed and 581 more have been injured," the Prosecutor General's Office said.

According to the statement, these figures are not final, as work is underway to establish casualties in the areas of active hostilities, in the temporarily occupied and liberated territories.

Most children were affected in Donetsk region  297, Kharkiv region  170, Kyiv region  116, Chernihiv region  68, Luhansk region  54, Kherson region  52, Mykolaiv region  48, Zaporizhzhia region  30, Sumy region  17.

On June 14, a two-month-old baby was taken to hospital after being seriously injured by Russia's shelling of the town of Vuhledar in the Donetsk region.

It emerged that on March 15, two families and their five children were killed in an air strike by Russian invaders on residential buildings in Mariupol.

It also became known that on February 24, on the way out of the village of Martove, Chuhuiv district, Kharkiv region, a mother and her 16-year-old son came under tank fire, with the child sustaining a shrapnel wound.

According to the Prosecutor General's Office, at least 2,000educational institutions have been damaged and 194 of them completely destroyed by Russian attacks.
French President Emmanuel Macron says that Western countries have the agreement not to provide Ukraine with certain categories of weapons, including assault aircraft and tanks, to avoid involvement in the war with Russia.

"You are talking about an informal agreement, but it is almost an official position of NATO partners. We help Ukraine defend itself, but we do not enter the war against Russia. Therefore, it was agreed not to supply certain weapons, such as assault aircraft or tanks, and President Zelensky is aware of this agreement," Macron told Ukrainian journalists on Thursday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

According to Macron, France helps Ukraine mainly with ammunition and "certain categories of weapons", armored vehicles, and has also provided 12 Caesar howitzers.

"But President Zelensky asked for more, and in the near future six more will be added to these 12," the French president promised.

As reported, on June 16, President of France Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi, and President of Romania Klaus Iohannis arrived in Ukraine.

Photo credit: President's Office

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Romania has ensured the transit of more than one million tonnes of grain from Ukraine since the start of Russia's all-out offensive.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said this at a joint press conference with the leaders of Ukraine, Germany, France and Italy in Kyiv on Thursday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"We see that there is another element of blackmail from Russia - it has turned grain exports into weapons, with global consequences. Today we talked about possible ways to solve the food crisis," Iohannis said.

He noted that one of them is the transit of Ukrainian exports through Romania, which already serves as a grain pass.

"We are working to find the best solutions for transit through our Romanian Black Sea port of Constanta and also our port on the Danube. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, the port of Constanta has provided the transit of more than a million tonnes of grain from Ukraine," he said.

Iohannis also said that Russia's unjustified and unprovoked aggression must be stopped.

"We have discussed with President Zelensky concrete ways to overcome this existential threat. We will continue to look for comprehensive solutions on how to help Ukraine resist the Russian invasion," the politician said.

He also noted that 1.23 million Ukrainians crossed the Romanian border and more than 250,000 Ukrainian children went to school. "Ukrainians can count on the Romanian government and the Romanian people as much as they need," he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis arrived in Ukraine on June 16. They visited Irpin and held talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Photo: President's Office
Egypt, Israel and the European Union on Wednesday signed a deal to increase liquified natural gas sales to EU countries, who aim to reduce their dependence on supplies from Russia as the war in Ukraine drags on, AP reported.

June 16, 2022, 16:24 Egypt, Israel to increase gas supply to EU amid Ukraine war

STEPANAKERT, JUNE 16, ARTSAKHPRESS: The deal, stamped in an upscale Cairo hotel, will see Israel send more gas via Egypt, which has facilities to liquify it for export by sea, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said.

What a special moment, she said in a joint news conference alongside the Egyptian and Israel energy ministers. I very warmly welcome the signing of this historic agreement.

Von der Leyen, who visited Israel earlier this week, said the agreement was part of Europes efforts to diversify energy sources away from Russia and import hydrocarbons from other trustworthy suppliers. She named Israel and Egypt who have emerged as gas exporters in recent years following major offshore discoveries.

Under the deal, the EU will help Egypt and Israel increase their gas production and exploration in their territorial waters. It was not immediately clear how much gas the EU will import from either country.

It is known that the Russian war against Ukraine has exposed our European dependency on Russian fossil fuels and we want to get rid of this dependency, von der Leyen said later in a joint news conference with Egypt President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi.
Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida, expressing the policy of his government, again pledged to support Ukraine amid Russia's invasion.

Fumio Kishida said that Russia would pay a high price for violating international law by invading Ukraine, NHK reports.

"We must show that any action that violates international law will come at a high price. We have drastically changed our policy towards Russia. We work with other G7 countries and the wider international community to impose tough sanctions on Russia," the PM of Japan said.

He assured that Japan would continue to try to bring the position of Asian countries in line with the G7 views.

He also promised to dramatically strengthen Japan's defense capabilities and take the Japan-US alliance to a higher level, as well as work towards creating a free and open Indo-Pacific region with like-minded countries.

As reported, on May 19, Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida said that Tokyo would provide $300 million in additional financial assistance to Ukraine.

On May 27, the Government of Japan disbursed $166 million in emergency grants to provide humanitarian support to Ukraine.

Last week, Ambassador of Ukraine to Japan Serhiy Korsunsky announced an additional agreement to increase aid to Ukraine by $500 million.

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Minister of Defense of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov held the meetings with his colleagues from Norway, Germany, and the Netherlands on Thursday, June 16.

Meeting with my Norwegian counterpart Bjrn Arild Gram. We talked about situation on the battlefields in Ukraine and bilateral military cooperation. Thanks to Norway for support of Ukrainian army! Reznikov posted on Twitter.

Later, the minister reported on a meeting with the defense ministers of Germany and the Netherlands.

Working breakfast with my good friends  Christine Lambrecht & Kajsa Ollongren. I highly appreciate the participation of Germany and Netherlands in Ramstein. I see real progress in our cooperation & believe that soon it will bear fruit. Ukraine will get what it takes to win! Reznikov noted.

As reported, Defense Minister of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov summed up the results of the third meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Ramstein format, which took place in Brussels, Belgium, on June 15, 2022.

The format was initiated by the United States in April. The first meeting took place in Ramstein, Germany, in late April. The second meeting, known as Ramstein 2, took place in a virtual format on May 23.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russia is looking for new ways to intimidate Europe and capture more Ukrainian land, and it does not want peace.

He said this at a joint press conference with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania in Kyiv on Thursday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

Zelensky said that together with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, they "discussed today the diplomatic efforts being made by different parties to restore peace."

"Everyone sees that the only obstacle to all these efforts is the unwillingness of the Russian Federation for real action, for real negotiations aimed at restoring peace. Russia does not want peace. It wants nothing but war. Right now, as we stay here, in the Mariinsky Palace, Russian troops continue their brutal assault on the Donbas, strengthening their group in the Kharkiv region, strengthening the bridgeheads in the south of our country," Zelensky said.

He added that the aggressor state must realize that there is no alternative to peace and it must start looking for peace.

"Meanwhile, we all see and we heard today, when the sirens went off, that Russia is only looking for new ways to intimidate Europe and capture more and more of our land," Zelensky said.

According to him, Russia's goal in this war is to break Ukraine and then break Europe as a whole.

"Russia wants to show that European unity allegedly cannot be effective and that European values cannot work to protect freedom. Therefore, we can and must work together to break this scenario and prove to them that Europe will continue to be free, democratic and -- I emphasize this once again -- united," Zelensky stressed.

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis arrived in Ukraine on June 16. They have already visited Irpin and held talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Photo credit: President's Office
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba outlined five results of President Volodymyr Zelensky's talks with the leaders of France, Romania, Germany, and Italy.

First, the guests received full packages of elaborations by YermakMcFaul Group on further sanctions. The guests acknowledged that some leaders in Europe feel tired of sanctions, but personally they are ready to move on. There will be new sanctions, the minister posted on Facebook.

The second result concerns weapons. According to the minister, there were some new useful announcements during the talks, and President Zelensky explained in figures why more weapons and more often are needed. "The guests heard that," Kuleba stressed.

Speaking about Ukraine's aspirations to become a candidate for EU membership, Kuleba noted that compared to the beginning of the week, today Ukraine is closer to obtaining such status.

Many thanks to the guests. But not all obstacles have been overcome, not all traps have been got around. The decision is made by consensus, so we all continue to work calmly, focused on the result," the foreign minister wrote.

Another result, according to Kuleba, is that all the guests agreed that Russia could not be trusted in the issue of grain exports. "We need to work through the UN and have clear guarantees. In parallel, we will significantly develop land corridors. The issue of grain is directly related to the perception of our war in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Actions on this track were also coordinated," Ukraines top diplomat added.

Finally, the minister emphasized that the guests did not coerce, persuade, or put pressure during the talks. Kuleba summed up by quoting Macron as saying: "Ukraine must win this war."

As reported, on June 16, President of France Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi, and President of Romania Klaus Iohannis arrived in Ukraine.

Zelensky discussed with European leaders the steps to strengthen Ukraine's defense, European integration, sanctions against Russia and prevention of a food crisis.

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| By Mary Therese Phelan and Giordana Segneri

While nursing workforce issues nationwide, and especially in Maryland with its high density of health care organizations, have existed since long before 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic amplified the challenges, and demand for nurses has reached a fever pitch as the United States scrambles to fill vacancies. The 2022 Maryland Action Coalition (MDAC) Virtual Leadership Summit, hosted by the University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) on May 23, took a deep dive into workforce challenges and opportunities with its theme Optimizing Marylands Nursing Workforce.

The content, offered through a full day of live virtual programming to about 150 attendees, focused on cultivating a diverse and skilled workforce, preparing nursing students to meet future health care needs, and exploring strategies for retention. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of addressing the social determinants of health, a key concept undergirding the National Academy of Medicines The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity, a report that outlines a goal of achieving health equity in the United States over the next decade, based on strengthened nursing capacity and expertise.

It builds on the foundation set by the 2010 report The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. MDAC was formed in 2011 in response to that report and serves as the driving force transforming health care through nursing in the state. Recognizing the important work already underway in Maryland and with a goal of long-term sustainable change, the coalition leads the way to improve the health of the population.

Some of the key themes of The Future of Nursing 2020-2030 report include the need to address social determinants of health, reduce health disparities, and address inequities in our health system, Jane M. Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN, the Bill and Joanne Conway Dean of the University of Maryland School of Nursing, said in her opening remarks. Kirschling serves as co-chair of MDAC with Patricia Travis, PhD, RN, CCRP, senior associate director of clinical trials at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

These are not new challenges but were certainly brought into sharper focus as a result of the disparate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on selected populations, Kirschling added. Another outcome of the pandemic has been the significant toll its taken on nurses and other health care providers throughout the country, particularly the level of moral distress and burnout experienced by nurses on the front lines of care delivery.

Kirschling also acknowledged the state of Marylands enormously successful efforts to meet the goals of the previous report, including increasing the number of baccalaureate- and doctorally prepared nurses, establishing the Maryland Nursing Workforce Center to address the need for better workforce data, reducing practice barriers for advanced practice nurses, and increasing the diversity of the nursing workforce.

She then moderated a fireside chat, Managing the Present, Creating the Future with the chief nursing officers of the three largest health care systems in the state:

Deborah Baker, DNP, APRN, NEA-BC, FAAN, senior vice president for nursing, Johns Hopkins Health System, and vice president for nursing and patient care services and chief nursing officer, Johns Hopkins Hospital

Susan Eckert, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, senior vice president and chief nursing officer, MedStar Health

Lisa Rowen, DNSc, RN, CENP, FAAN, chief nurse executive, University of Maryland Medical System.

The three responded to questions regarding leadership lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the dichotomy between autonomy and standardization, and efforts to address nurses moral distress and Marylands health inequities.

I was struck when I read a Bureau of Labor Statistics report in December that projected that by 2030 we will be short in the United States 1.5 million nurses; that is a staggering number, Rowen said. In addition, last week, I learned from Vizient that in their recent study about nurse turnover across the country, they have noted a doubling of nurse turnover since 2019. So, between the nursing shortage and the rampant growth of turnover, we need to think as a profession about what we can do about many things, including the health and wellness of nurses, and how we can embed that into our cultures.

After the fireside chat, a set of keynote speeches highlighted how nurses can play a role in advocacy beyond the bedside and in advancing health equity.

Over the last 26-plus months since we have been affected by COVID, never has it been more important for nurses to be in leadership and advocacy roles than now, said Ernest J. Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN, president of the American Nurses Association (ANA), delivering the morning keynote, The Future of Nursing: Leadership, Advocacy, and Activism in Action.

We advocate for our patients and for public health when were in the workplace and in our communities, but legislative and political advocacy is no less important in advancing the profession and in patient care as well, Grant said. I think this pandemic has proven to nurses the importance of using their voice, to advocate for the resources that they need for their fellow man, for their communities, in order to help us get over this crisis that we are in.

Grant said the pandemic shined a light on something nurses always knew existed but was exacerbated during the health crisis: health care disparities, which result in communities of color having higher rates of COVID-19 infection and related death.

To remain silent is to be complacent, Grant said. We must bring health to health care.

To that end, ANA has joined with other national nursing organizations to create the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing. We decided we needed to explore racism in nursing and to create a national action plan to guide diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the profession, he explained.

Grant also encouraged nurses to use their voices and influence to educate others about systemic injustice, health, inequity, and health disparities and to advocate for their own mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

In the afternoon keynote, Poised for Impact: Nurses Advancing Health Equity, Kupiri Piri Ackerman-Barger, PhD, RN, CNE, ANER, FAAN, associate dean of health equity, diversity, and inclusion and clinical professor at the University of California Davis Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, praised The Future of Nursing 2020-2030 report for focusing on diversity, inclusion, and health equity, areas that were lacking in the 2010 report, she said.

What the new Future of Nursing report is saying is that we have a moral and ethical obligation to begin to break down the structures that continually perpetuate the same outcomes year after year, decade after decade, she said.

Health inequity manifests in many forms, from an inability to pay for health care, to a lack of transportation to get to appointments, to a lack of health care providers in particular communities. But dont simply call these issues health disparities, Ackerman-Barger cautioned.

Im going to say that the term health disparity is really a euphemism, she said. What were looking at is structural violence. By people not having access to care that is available, we are allowing people to be harmed and to die over and over and over.

Acknowledging there is no one solution, Ackerman-Barger said increasing diversity in the nursing workforce would be particularly helpful.

We want to make sure that underheard voices are heard, she said. And so, we can use our voices to uplift the voices of those that are not heard. But even better than that is to use our voices to make sure that people are at the table with us so that their actual voices can be heard when those decisions are being made.
| By Alex Likowski

More than two dozen leaders in academic health and journalists who follow and write about public health issues engaged in a wide-ranging discussion of the lessons learned during the past two-plus years of the COVID-19 pandemic during a two-hour virtual event hosted by University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, on June 15.

As terrible as COVID has been, there have been many positives, and Ive seen them in our academic health center. We have made huge advances in science, both the prevention and the treatment of this disease and understanding the molecular mechanisms, Jarrell told the group. I think we are more prepared than yesterday for another health crisis.

But I think weve learned something much deeper than just the scientific part, he added. Weve learned the high importance of building trust with our community. Where that trust had been forged by close collaboration with neighborhood partners, community members were open to information about the pandemic and receiving vaccines.

More than two dozen experts and journalists gathered to discuss Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The other experts also shared their experiences  what worked and what didnt  as well as bottom-line conclusions.

Our nation, if not the world, now understands that public health is a critical societal investment, that we need it at its best, and that we have disinvested in it for 60 years in the United States, said Linda P. Fried, MD, MPH, epidemiologist and dean of Columbia Universitys Mailman School of Public Health.

Questions from journalists also prompted discussion of the pandemics impact beyond direct challenges to health.

Women took the burden of being at home to help with either education of their children or to be home with an elderly parent, and we have seen a dramatic and important shift of women workers, said Janis M. Orlowski, MD, MACP, chief health care officer with the Association of American Medical Colleges. I know as we take a look at academic medical institutions across the United States, this is a common theme of how to help women physicians, women educators, women scientists, to continue their careers.

Im not going to repeat whats been said, but I want to point out the importance of new partnerships that were formed between academic public health and government public health, between public health and health care, which have been traditionally siloed, said Eric Boerwinkle, PhD, dean of the University of Texas School of Public Health. Build off of them. The world has a lot of problems in terms of chronic disease, behavioral health, violence, I could go on and on.

And I think what would really benefit us is if we can take all of the good things that have come out of COVID, even though its been a very difficult experience, and steer them to other problems, other public health problems in particular. I think we have an opportunity to really make a very lasting impact. And I think thats the challenge that we should all really rise to.

To watch the entire discussion, follow the link at the top of the page.

The experts panel included:

Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS , president, UMB (host and moderator)

, president, UMB (host and moderator) Robert Barish, MD, vice chancellor for health affairs, professor of emergency medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago

Eric Boerwinkle, PhD, dean, University of Texas School of Public Health

DuBois Bowman, PhD, dean, University of Michigan School of Public Health

Lucy A. Dalglish, JD, dean, Philip Merrill College of Journalism, University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP)

Linda P. Fried, MD, MPH, epidemiologist and dean, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University

Pradeep K. Khosla, PhD, chancellor, University of California, San Diego

Deborah Nelson, JD, professor of investigative journalism, Philip Merrill College of Journalism, UMCP

Janis M. Orlowski, MD, MACP, chief health care officer, Association of American Medical Colleges

Kristy Roschke, media literacy expert and director of the News Lab at the Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication

The journalists present included:
Two internally displaced sisters from Jalalabad pictured in their temporary accommodation in Kabul, Afghanistan.  UNHCR/Andrew McConnell

GENEVA  The number of people displaced by conflict, violence, persecution and human rights abuses rose for the tenth straight year in 2021 to reach the highest level since records began, according to the latest Global Trends report released today by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

"Either the international community comes together to take action to address this human tragedy, resolve conflicts and find lasting solutions, or this terrible trend will continue, said United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi.

Since the start of this year, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has pushed the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide to over 100 million. But according to the detailed data in the report, last years numbers were already at record levels.

At the end of 2021, the number of people forced to flee their homes reached 89.3 million, up 8 per cent over the year before and well over double the figure of 10 years ago. That figure included a record 27.1 million refugees and 53.2 million internally displaced people (those who fled their homes but remained inside their country). The number also included 4.4 million Venezuelans displaced abroad and 4.6 million asylum seekers.

Last years increase was fueled by new and existing emergencies, including events leading to the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August, which caused widespread displacement within the country and across borders. Conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia forced at least 2.5 million people to flee within the country, with some 1.5 million returning to their homes later in the year.

Violent insurgencies in the Central Sahel region of Africa sparked fresh internal displacement, particularly in Burkina Faso and Chad. In Myanmar, a military takeover in February 2021 caused violence that forced many to flee, while the number of Venezuelans displaced abroad grew by more than 500,000 last year.

Alemtsehay Hagos Gerezehr, 25, fled violence in northern Ethiopia to seek safety in South Sudan last year with her son, now aged two. Pregnant when she arrived, her two-month-old daughter was born in the camp where they now live. Alemtsehay struggles to support her family on food rations in South Sudan, which is facing its worst food crisis in a decade.

I have a small shop here where I sell soap and coffee beans, but its not enough to survive, she said, sitting in a dirt-floored shelter at Doro refugee camp in Maban County. All I want is peace so that I can go home.

Ethiopian refugee Alemtsehay Hagos Gerezehr, 25, with her baby daughter at Doro refugee camp, Maban County, South Sudan.  UNHCR/Tim Gaynor

Returning home in safety and dignity is the preferred solution for most refugees. Barring that, options include integrating fully into the community to which they fled or being resettled to a third country. However, the speed and volume of displacement continues to outpace solutions for refugees.

Last year, nearly 430,000 refugees were able to return home, a 71 per cent increase over the previous year but still a tiny fraction of the total.

Of the estimated 1.4 million refugees in need of resettlement in 2021  including children and adolescents, survivors of torture and violence, and older people  57,500 were given homes in new countries. That was 67 per cent higher than in 2020, but still far below pre-pandemic levels and only 4 per cent of the total requiring resettlement.

UNHCR's Global Trends Report: 100 Million Displaced (UNHCR)

Countries made some strides in integration in 2021, with an estimated 56,700 refugees from 161 different countries of origin naturalized in 23 host countries, which represented a return to pre-pandemic levels.

The number of internally displaced people (IDPs), who make up roughly 60 per cent of all those forced to flee their homes, also reached a record high last year, with Syria, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yemen, Ethiopia and Afghanistan continuing to experience the highest levels of internal displacement.

In 2021, IDP returns increased to reach pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated 5.3 million people returning during the year. However, many countries  including the DRC, Cameroon, Iraq and South Sudan  saw a drop in the number of people able to go home.

Nzedha Ndrodza Alphosine, an internally displaced person in eastern DRC, fled her village in Ituri province with her family in 2019 when a militia attacked their home. Now living in a displacement camp in another part of Ituri, Nzedha worries she may never return to her village.

Life is tough here. In my village, I had a farm with my husband. When we cultivated, we would get a lot of sacks of maize, and we would sell them. I was able to earn a living. I paid my childrens school fees and was able to give them whatever they needed. I cant afford to pay fees now, Nzedha said.

I feel dejected. I dont know what to do. Theres hunger and we have very little to eat here. I feel sad about my children.

Writing by Sarah Schafer, with additional reporting by Tim Gaynor in South Sudan and Mary Wambui in DRC.

Correction: A graphic in an earlier version of the Global Trends video mistakenly said there were 89.3 million refugees at the end of 2021. An update corrects it to 89.3 million people forced to flee.
 UNHCR

NEW YORK/GENEVA/ROME  In less than a month, the Security Council resolution that allows the United Nations and our implementing partners to provide lifesaving humanitarian aid to northwest Syria from across the border with Turkiye will expire.

The 15-member Security Council will decide whether to renew it or not.

This decision is critical for the lives and wellbeing of 4.1 million people trapped in the non-Government-controlled northwest of Syria bordering Turkiye. Many rely on humanitarian aid to survive, especially people who are displaced. Some 80 per cent of those in need are women and children. Over 3.2 million people are food insecure and need food assistance.

Our priority and only goal is to get humanitarian aid to families who need it in the safest , most direct and efficient way, away from political calculations or agendas. Last year alone, critical aid from the UN and our partners crossed the border into northwest Syria helping and protecting 2.4 million people each month.

Over the past year, we were able to send convoys from Government-controlled areas of Syria across internal frontlines into northwest Syria with nutrition, health, food and education supplies for more than 40,000 people. That is welcome progress, and we continue to increase these deliveries. However, much more is needed.

In addition to the important assistance provided via convoys, affected people also need comprehensive access to basic services.

We urge the members of the Security Council to renew UN Security Council Resolution 2585, authorizing continued cross-border assistance for an additional 12 months. We must also secure regular access to northwest Syria from Government-controlled areas. We must increase the number of channels of humanitarian assistance and maximize humanitarian access.

Failure to renew the resolution will have dire humanitarian consequences. It will immediately disrupt the UNs lifesaving aid operation, plunging people in northwest Syria into deeper misery and threatening their access to the food, medical care, clean water, shelter, and protection from gender-based violence currently offered by UN-backed operations.

Over the years, funding for this lifeline operation has been dwindling. Amid other critical crises globally, we call for predictable funding to support the delivery of assistance to northwest Syria.

The lives of millions of people depend on it.

We are counting on members of the Security Council to enable our vital work to continue. The people of Syria will be counting on them to make the right choice.

Signed by

Martin Griffiths, Emergency Relief Coordinator, OCHA

Catherine Russell, Executive Director, UNICEF

Natalia Kanem, Executive Director, UNFPA

Antonio Vitorino, Director General, IOM

David Beasley, Executive Director, WFP

Filippo Grandi, High Commissioner For Refugees, UNHCR

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, WHO

For more information please contact:



Jens Laerke, OCHA, +41 79 472 97 50, [email protected]

Malene Jensen, UNICEF, 1 917 470 2019, [email protected]

Eddie Wright, UNFPA, +1 917 831 2074, [email protected]

Paul Dillon, IOM, +41 79 636 98 74, [email protected]

Abeer Etefa, WFP Cairo, +20 106 6634352, [email protected]

Shaza Moghraby, WFP New York, + 1 929 289 9867 [email protected]

In Amman: Rula Amin, UNHCR/Amman, [email protected] +962790045849

In Geneva: Mathew Saltmarsh, UNHCR Geneva, [email protected] +41799679936

Christian Lindmeier, WHO, +41 22 791 2222, [email protected]
Chinese researchers said that the countrys powerful Sky Eye telescope may have picked up signs of alien life, before a report was quickly deleted, The Independent reported.

June 16, 2022, 17:43 China says it may have detected signs of alien life

STEPANAKERT, JUNE 16, ARTSAKHPRESS: The giant radio telescope detected electromagnetic signals of life on other planets, according to the report published by the official newspaper of Chinas Ministry of Science and Technology, Science and Technology Daily.

A team of researchers from Beijing Normal University were said to be investigating the mysterious discovery further.

[There were] several cases of possible technological traces and extraterrestrial civilizations from outside the earth, the report said.

But by Wednesday the report appeared to have been removed from the newspapers website, according to TIME.com.

Zhang Tonjie, chief scientist of the universitys extraterrestrial civilization search team, told the newspaper that the discovery could have been some kind of radio interference.

The possibility that the suspicious signal is some kind of radio interference is also very high, and it needs to be further confirmed and ruled out. This may be a long process, he explained.

The Sky Eye is a 500-metre telescope that came into use in 2020 with the goal of detecting alien life.
Reaching Souls International Celebrates 100 Million Salvation Decisions Across the Globe

Non-profit ministry reaches encouraging milestone sooner than expected, attributes growth to faithful donors



NEWS PROVIDED BY

Reaching Souls International

June 16, 2022



OKLAHOMA CITY, June 16, 2022 /Standard Newswire/ -- With 35 years of ministry behind it and the strong foundation of God's Word beneath it, Reaching Souls International is excited to announce the fruits of the global harvest, reporting 100 million salvation decisions since the organization's founding in 1986.



Reaching Souls, which supports more than 2,000 National Missionaries in 13 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America, has been judiciously tracking the effectiveness of its ministry for years, eager to give glory to God for a great harvest of souls across the world.





"When it comes to reaching people for Christ, there is no time to waste," said Dustin K. Manis, President and CEO of Reaching Souls. "Choosing to count something is an indicator of its value. Therefore, we count what matters and praise God for all of it. If you're not measuring your progress, it's easy to get distracted by things that aren't important or essential. Results matter to God, and they should matter to us."



Reaching Souls provides essential evangelism tools and support that empower thousands of missionaries around the world to reach their own people groups with the Gospel. The ministry believes that partnering with local leaders who are relationally and culturally connected to their communities is not only the most effective way to share the Gospel but also the most affordable and efficient.



"Our donors may never meet the people whose lives they're impacting, but rest assured, it's because of them that we're able to spread the Gospel to every corner of the earth," notes Odus L. Compton, Chief Operating Officer of Reaching Souls. "The value of a soul is priceless, and while no equation can quantify the eternal value of salvation through Christ, we know for every $0.65 invested by donors through Reaching Souls last year, an individual came to know Christ."



While celebrating this newest milestone, Reaching Souls has a goal to continue expanding into new territories, new countries and new continents in an effort to complete the Great Commission.



"Our sole focus is a soul focus," shares Manis. "Our mission is in our name. Reaching this incredible milestone of 100 million salvation decisions motivates us to steadfastly continue in the work of equipping dedicated missionaries through the support of generous donors. We invite everyone to be a part of this great harvest for the Kingdom of God. When you choose to invest in souls, you leave an eternal impact."



To learn more about Reaching Souls International, visit reachingsouls.org.



About Reaching Souls International

Since 1986, Reaching Souls International has worked to make the name of Jesus and His Gospel known all around the world by equipping local Christians with the resources needed to effectively share the Gospel with their own people group. Reaching Souls currently partners with more than 2,000 missionaries in 13 countries across three continents. The ministry aspires to reach the maximum number of people for Christ in the least amount of time in the most efficient way.

SOURCE Reaching Souls International



CONTACT: Heidi McDow, A. Larry Ross Communications,

972-267-1111, heidi@alarryross.com


(@ChaudhryMAli88)

BEIJING, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2022 ) :China's fiscal revenue declined 10.1% during the first five months of this year, compared to the same period of last year, according to the Finance Ministry, the country's state-owned news agency Xinhua reported Thursday.

The fiscal revenue totaled around 8.67 trillion Yuan ($1.29 trillion) in the January-March period of 2022.

The central and local governments amassed 4.05 trillion yuan ($0.6 trillion) and 4.62 trillion yuan ($0.69 trillion) in fiscal revenue, respectively, down 11.4% and 8.9% year-on-year.

The tax revenue totaled 7.25 trillion yuan ($1.08 trillion) in the first five months -- 13.6% down from the same period of last year.

The fiscal spending, on the other hand, rose to 9.91 trillion yuan ($1.48 trillion) for a 5.9% increase during that period.
HAVANA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jun, 2022 ) :Cuba held its first trade fair and expo of Chinese businesses Tuesday to promote cooperation and enhance trade relations between the two countries.

The fair is part of a series of activities to mark the 175th anniversary of the first Chinese immigrants' arrival in Cuba. Products showcased at the fair included typical Chinese condiments and food such as soy sauce, soups, dried fruits and tomato sauce, as well as hygiene products manufactured in China.

During a visit to the event, Chinese Ambassador to Cuba Ma Hui said the two countries are united by ties of blood, history and culture and the Chinese side is interested in promoting bilateral cooperation.

Teresa Maria Li, director of the Budget Unit of Havana's Chinatown, told Xinhua that the fair is aimed at boosting Chinatown's economic and cultural life, and helping establish partnerships between Cuban entrepreneurs and Chinese business owners based in the island country.

Chinese businessman Guo Xinjiang, who is also an organizer of the event, said more trade fairs like this are expected to be held in the future to make high-quality products readily available to Cuban consumers.

It was great to have better access to the wide variety of products made in China, said Doris Guin, a local entrepreneur of Chinese origin, noting that it is a positive and significant step between the two countries.
As COVID-19 transmission rates decrease, Auburn Community Hospital will review whether to alter its visitation policy.

Matthew Chadderdon, the hospital's spokesperson, told The Citizen on Wednesday that the facility's COVID response team, which is comprised of doctors, nurses and infection control experts, set a benchmark  a 7-day average positivity rate of less than 5% for 14 consecutive days in Cayuga County  for expanding visiting hours.

According to Chadderdon, the county's positivity rate dropped below 5% on June 3. It has remained below that rate for the last 13 days.

"The COVID response team will review the community infection rates along with other factors and make a decision regarding the expansion of visiting hours in the hospital in the next few weeks," he said.

The hospital's current policy limits visiting hours to two hours, from 4 to 6 p.m., for patients on 2M, 3M, 4C and the critical care unit. There is also a limit of one visitor per day.

Other units within the hospital have different policies. The visiting period for the behavioral health unit is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., while there is no restriction on visiting hours for patients in the emergency department, those underdoing same-day surgery or patients in labor and delivery.

There are certain exceptions to the visitation policy. Pediatric patients may have two visitors with them at all times and the visitors are allowed to rotate. One support person may accompany a patient with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and the patient may have an additional visitor during the hospital's visitation period.

For end-of-life situations, two visitors may remain with the patient.

Cayuga County Legislator Lydia Patti Ruffini raised questions about the hospital's visitation policy during a health and human services committee meeting on June 9. She recalled attending nursing classes at Cayuga Community College and learning the importance of family members in helping patients recover.

"There is a huge impact on healing with having our people around us," she said, adding that she views Auburn hospital's visitation policy as "an issue that is causing maybe extended care to be required."

Ruffini thought the hospital's policy was due to a state or local directive, but Cayuga County Public Health Director Kathleen Cuddy said she thinks it's part of the hospital's infectious disease control approach. Cuddy agreed with Ruffini that "the emotional toll is significant."

New York does not have a statewide directive requiring hospitals to maintain certain visitation policies. Hospitals have set their own visitation policies due to COVID-19.

While transmission rates are down, there are residents hospitalized with COVID-19. Seven patients are receiving treatment at Auburn and Syracuse hospitals, according to the Cayuga County Health Department.

"Many factors must be considered when determining the expansion of visiting hours including the number of patients currently hospitalized with COVID, the risk posed to staff and patients, as well as mandatory mask compliance by the public while in the hospital," Chadderdon said.

Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

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Moscow, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2022 ) :The Kremlin on Thursday warned against new Western weapons supplies to Ukraine as French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi arrived in Kyiv.

"I would like to hope that the leaders of these three states and the President of Romania will not only focus on supporting Ukraine by further pumping Ukraine with weapons," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

He added that it would be "absolutely useless and will cause further damage to the country".

The leaders of the European Union's biggest economies are making their first trip to Ukraine since Russia sent troops to Ukraine on February 24.

They are expected to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"Let's hope they will encourage President Zelensky to really look at the state of affairs," Peskov said.

Also on Thursday, former Russian president and deputy head of the country's Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, said the visit of the European leaders will be of no use.

"European fans of frogs, liverwurst and spaghetti love visiting Kyiv. With zero use," Medvedev said on Twitter in English.

"Promised EU membership and old howitzers to Ukraine, lushed up on gorilka and went home by train," he said, referring to Ukraine's vodka. "It won't bring Ukraine closer to peace." Ukraine has recently received French-made self-propelled Caesar howitzers.

The trio of European leaders arrived in Ukraine by train earlier on Thursday.

Romanian leader Klaus Iohannis joined them in the battle-scarred Kyiv suburb of Irpin.

The visit comes as Ukraine is pushing to be given official candidate status to join the EU.
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Doha, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2022 ) :Qatar Airways on Thursday posted a record net profit of $1.54 billion for the 2021-2022 financial year, a result it attributed to a "successful strategy" during the coronavirus pandemic.

The state-owned airline said the profit result was "200 percent above its highest annual historical profit" and achieved on the back of $14.4 billion in overall income.

It said that the revenue figure was "a remarkable two percent higher than the full financial year pre-Covid" in 2019-2020.

"In the most difficult period ever in the global airline industry, the airline credits its positive results to its agility and successful strategy," it said in a statement.

Qatar Airways said it "continued to focus on customer needs and evolving market opportunities, as well as efficiency and the commitment of its worldwide employees".

"This profit is not only a record for Qatar Airways Group, but also a record among all other airlines that have published financial results for this financial year worldwide," the airline said.
London, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2022 ) :Britain on Thursday sanctioned the leader of Russia's Orthodox church, Patriarch Kirill, "for his support and endorsement" of President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

The foreign ministry's announcement came two weeks after EU nations dropped the powerful 75-year-old cleric from their own latest sanctions list, after opposition from Hungary.

The new UK list also includes Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian children's rights commissioner, for allegedly overseeing the forced adoption in Russia of some 2,000 Ukrainian children.

"Today we are targeting the enablers and perpetrators of Putin's war who have brought untold suffering to Ukraine, including the forced transfer and adoption of children," Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said.

"We will not tire of defending freedom and democracy, and keeping up the pressure on Putin, until Ukraine succeeds," she said in a statement.
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Beirut, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2022 ) :US coalition forces said they captured a senior Islamic State group bomb maker in an airborne operation before dawn Thursday in northern Syria.

A war monitor and AFP correspondents said helicopters touched down for only a few minutes in a village in an area controlled by Turkish-backed rebel groups.

The US-led coalition dedicated to battling the militant group in the region did not name the target.

"The captured individual is an experienced bomb maker and operational facilitator who became one of the top leaders of Daesh's Syrian branch," it said, using another name for IS.

Such operations by US forces are rare in areas of northwestern Syria that are under the control of Turkish-backed rebels and non-IS militant groups.

The latest previously was a raid in early February that led to the death of the group's leader Abu Ibrahim al-Qurashi, who detonated a bomb vest to avoid capture.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitoring group with a vast network of sources on the ground, could not confirm the identity of the IS operative captured on Thursday.

Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP that two helicopters landed in Hmeirah and took off seven minutes later, adding that only a few shots were fired during the operation.

"The US operation was quick and smooth," he said. "It took place in the village of Hmeirah, northeast of the city of Aleppo and four kilometres (2.5 miles) from the Turkish border." The coalition said in its statement that "the mission was meticulously planned to minimise the risk of collateral damage, particularly any potential harm to civilians.

"There were no civilians harmed during the operation nor any damage to coalition aircraft or assets." - Desert hideouts - After IS lost its last territory following a military onslaught backed by the US-led coalition in March 2019, its remnants in Syria mostly retreated into desert hideouts.

IS cells have since ambushed Kurdish-led forces and Syrian government or allied forces, also carrying out similar attacks in Iraq.

The Islamic State group's top leaders however often take cover in areas controlled by other forces and where its own fighters are not active.

Qurashi's notorious predecessor, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, was also killed in a US special forces raid in northwestern Syria, far from IS's area of operations.

Since Qurashi's death, the group has kept spreading its message online, arguing that the West is weakened while in the Ukraine war "the crusaders (are) fighting each other".

Little is known about new leader Abu Hasan al-Hashemi al-Qurashi, the militant group's third chief since its inception.

Media reports that he was captured in Istanbul last month were never confirmed, with a Turkish official only telling AFP that a senior but unidentified IS member had been detained.

Observers have long feared a resurgence of IS in the badlands that straddle the Iraqi-Syrian border and formed the heart of the group's once sprawling proto-state.

Yet with constant coalition pressure on its leadership and its sources of financing, the militant group still has no fixed positions in either country and the intensity of its attacks has remained largely unchanged since 2019.
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Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday underscored that the new humanitarian situations emerging around the world must not divert the global attention away from the needs of millions of Afghans

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2022 ) :Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday underscored that the new humanitarian situations emerging around the world must not divert the global attention away from the needs of millions of Afghans.

He emphasized the importance of sustained engagement by the international community in support of Afghan refugees as well as for the provision of humanitarian and economic assistance to the people of Afghanistan.

The Foreign Minister was talking to Deputy UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Kelly T. Clements, who called on him here.

Discussions were focused on the Afghan refugee situation and the longstanding cooperation between Pakistan and UNHCR, said a press release.

While appreciating the assistance by UNHCR over the years in looking after millions of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, the foreign minister stressed the need for adequate, predictable, regular and sustained financial support from the international community for sustainable returns as well as for the host communities on the principle of international burden and responsibility-sharing.

The Deputy High Commissioner thanked Pakistan for being an incredible host to millions of Afghan refugees over the past several decades.

Both sides agreed to continue working closely for the provision of necessary assistance to Afghan refugees and the implementation of sustainable solutions for their well-resourced, safe and dignified return.
Before being sentenced Thursday for sexually abusing a 5-year-old, an Auburn woman tried to argue for a lighter sentence than what she accepted when pleading guilty earlier this year.

Cayuga County Court Judge Thomas Leone was not having it.

Kristina R. Page, 35, recently wrote a letter to the court saying she was not happy with the services of her assigned counsel, veteran defense lawyer Norman Chirco. She said Chirco didn't do enough to get her a shorter prison sentence, a point she re-emphasized in the courtroom.

"I believe I'm getting more of a sentence than I should, considering it's my first felony," she said.

Leone pointed out that Page previously stated she was satisfied with Chirco's services when she pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sex act in exchange for a promised sentence of 8 years in prison.

Both Chirco and Cayuga County Senior District Attorney Heather DeStefano said that Chirco negotiated the DA's office down from an initial offer of 10 years in prison.

"The evidence against her is overwhelming," Chirco said.

"That's an understatement," Leone said.

DeStefano also noted that the county court case against Page is connected to a federal child pornography case against her boyfriend, Auburn resident Devin Nau, in which he is facing up to 100 years in federal prison after pleading guilty in April.

While all of the officers of the court agreed that Nau manipulated Page in the case, Leone said Nau still sexually abused a child and that the agreed-upon sentence was "more than fair."

"I don't care how persuasive your co-defendant was," Leone said, noting the nature of the crime Page committed.

Auburn man could get 100 years in prison for sexually abusing children An Auburn man could get 100 years in prison for filming himself having sex with children.

Page, who has been in custody at Cayuga County Jail since being arrested on July 1, will serve a sentence of eight years in prison with 10 years of post-release supervision.

In federal court, Nau's sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 11. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York, Nau engaged in sex acts with two minor victims, recorded the acts and distributed the videos to others on the internet.

Also in court:

 Leone issued his fourth and final sentence in a Fourth of July armed robbery case from last summer.

Deja M. Brown, 24, of Auburn, was sentenced to six months in county jail and five years of probation for a conviction of second-degree attempted robbery. She also was ordered to pay restitution of $1,529 plus fees and surcharges.

Brown was one of four people charged in connection with the July 4 robbery on Janet Street in Auburn. Police said the victim in the case was assaulted and menaced with a firearm, and had jewelry, money and other unspecified items stolen. Patrol officers also found a loaded 9-mm handgun in the area.

While co-defendant, Julian Byer, 23, was sentenced to 10 years in prison with five years of post-release supervision, and Enrique Torres, 26, was sentenced 13 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision, Brown and co-defendant Anthony Torres pleaded guilty to lesser chargers and avoided prison time because they had less direct involvement in the robbery and assault.

Leone also noted in court Thursday that Brown did not have a criminal past, and her assigned counsel attorney, Alison Oropallo, said Brown has turned her life around since the incident.

"This was a wakeup call for my client," she said.

Jeremy Boyer can be reached at (315) 282-2231 or jeremy.boyer@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @CitizenBoyer

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Myanmar's Catholic Bishops wrap up their General Assembly with a final statement expressing their deep concern for the plight of civilians who bear the brunt of the country's ongoing civil war.

By Lisa Zengarini

As the eyes of the world are focused on the war in Ukraine, fighting and military crackdown wage on in Myanmar, where thousands of civilians continue to flee their homes and millions of them are facing hunger.

The ongoing armed conflict in the country was one of the main topics of the recent General Assembly of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Myanmar (CBCM), which took place on 7-10 June in Yangon, under the presidency of Cardinal Charles Bo of Yangon.

Deep concern for the plight of civilians

In their final statement, the Bishops of Myanmar expressed their deep concern, in particular for the plight of civilians suffering the consequences of the armed conflict calling on all sides to respect human life and dignity.

Human dignity and the right to life can never be violated. We strongly ask for respect for life and for the sacredness of places of worship, hospitals and schools.

800,000 internally displaced

According to non-governmental organizations cited by Fides news agency, more than 1,929 civilians have been killed and 11,000 arrested since the military coup of 1 February 2021, which ousted the newly reelected NDL party over unsubstantiated claims of election fraud.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has reported more than 800,000 internally displaced people.

Churches targeted

Moreover, the Tatmadaw - the Burmese army - has continued to target churches and its institutions. Dozens of churches, including Catholic churches in the states of Kayah and Chin, have been destroyed by airstrikes and bombardments, as thousands of people, including Christians, are displaced or fleeing to neighbouring India.

According to reports from the Catholic news agency UcaNews at least 450 homes have been set on fire by the military in the historic Catholic villages of Chan Thar and Chaung Yoe in the Sagaing region over the past month or so.

Insecurity

In their statement, Myanmar's Bishops call attention to the state of anxiety and the lack of security in which people find themselves, "in particular the elderly, the disabled, children, women and the sick who have to move from their places due to political conflicts in their areas."

Helping the needy

The Bishops also express their gratitude "to the priests, deacons, nuns, catechists and volunteers who try to support and assist civilians fleeing to safer places.

They further encourage priests, nuns and Catholics to continue to provide humanitarian assistance to refugees and to help people who are facing unprecedented struggles and difficulties due to the current political situation, regardless of their faith or ethnicity.

Commitment for justice, peace and reconciliation

Reaffirming their commitment to "justice, peace and reconciliation", the Bishops urge all sides to facilitate access to humanitarian aid for all those in need.

The encourage all dioceses to build peace in the country in every possible way", and invite the faithful to pray constantly", for reconciliation and peace for Myanmar, offering special Masses every first day of the month and reciting the Rosary every evening.

In conclusion, Myanmar's Bishops' Conference reiterates that it "stands by civilians and will continue to support the needs of people, regardless of their faith, race and ethnicity."
Fr. Andrew Adeniyi Abayomi, the associate pastor at St. Francis Xavier church in Owo, Ondo state says that the faith of his parishioners remains steadfast even after the horrible tragedy of 5 June when unknown gunmen attacked the parish during Mass, killing at least 40 and injuring dozens.

By Fr. Benedict Mayaki, SJ

On 5 June, Catholic faithful at St. Francis Xavier parish in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria were at a Pentecost Sunday Mass when they were hit by a terror attack as gunmen opened fire on the congregants, killing at least 41 people and injuring dozens.

The Owo incident is the latest in a series of deadly attacks by unknown armed persons in Africas most populous nation, as Nigerian authorities continue to take steps to face the security challenges in the country.

Both religious and civil leaders have condemned the loss of innocent lives during the massacre, and the government has vowed to go after the perpetrators in order to bring them to justice.

In the wake of the horrible tragedy, Fr. Andrew Adeniyi Abayomi, the associate pastor at St. Francis Xavier church in Owo, spoke to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) in an interview, describing his first-hand experience of the attack, and how the traumatized faithful in his parish are trying to recover from it.

Attack during Mass

Fr. Abayomi recounts that he was still on the sanctuary when the attack happened. He had just put incense in the thurible at the end of the Mass to prepare for the procession outside the Church when he heard a noise, followed by another. He said that he first confused it for a door slamming or something else, until he saw parishioners running in different directions and someone informed him about the gunmen.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, he urged the people to move through the sanctuary into the sacristy, and some of them were able to escape from through there. Some other parishioners had also succeeded in locking the entrance door to the church in a bid to slow down the attackers.

For his part, Fr. Abayomi remained inside of the sacristy as he was surrounded by children and some adults who clung to him. In his words, he shielded them as a hen shields her chicks.

The aftermath

Throughout the attack which lasted between 20 and 25 minutes, Fr. Abayomi said that he encouraged his parishioners and calmed them, while praying for Gods intervention in the situation.

The exact number of the attackers is unclear, as reports vary between four and six gunmen.

When he finally came out of the sacristy, he was met with the terrible scene of some dead parishioners and many others who were injured. He immediately began to make arrangements to transport the injured to the hospital and personally drove some there. He said that the dead were left in the church as efforts were concentrated on saving the injured.

Caring for the wounded and the grieving

In these days, Fr. Abayomi notes that the Church has been occupied with providing pastoral care for those grieving the death of the loved one, and for the injured, by visiting them, praying with them, administering the sacraments and encouraging them to keep hope alive. Their efforts have been helped by the diocese who called on other parishes to lend their support.

In addition, the government, as well as NGOs like the Red Cross and some Muslim groups have joined in efforts to come to the aid of the parishioners  in both physical and financial ways.

The priest says the current major needs are material and financial support to care for the victims and the survivors. He also highlights the important need for a security strategy as police and security personnel could to get the Church during the attack, even though it lasted for some 20 minutes.

Attacks in the southwest of Nigeria

The Pentecost Sunday attack is the first of this sort in the region, even though attacks on innocent citizens are not uncommon in Nigeria. The security challenges in the country have been fueled by the activities of extremist Islamic groups and clashes between nomadic Fulani herdsmen and more stable indigenous farmers. In more recent times, bandits and kidnappers have been responsible for attacks on villages and travelers, killing some, abducting others for ransom and causing damage to property.

Fr. Abayomi notes that there have been reports of militant groups which have been mobilizing their troops in the southwest and other parts the country, but it is difficult to ascertain the tribe, race or group of the attackers.

He added that even though some people saw the gunmen, they could not identify them as the attackers did not speak. Some of the attackers, the Priest said, disguised themselves as regular parishioners at Mass and worshiped with us during Mass until the attack started.

Traumatized, yet strong in faith

The 5 June attack has left the parishioners of St. Francis Xavier in Owo traumatized and many are concerned and afraid to return to Church.

With this in mind, Fr. Abayomi is trying to be present to the people, keeping them strong in the faith and determined to get them back on their feet. The goal, he said, is to establish personal contact with them, strengthening them and reminding them that when we profess our faith in God, it means that we have given up our whole life. This life is just a passage to eternity  and eternity should be our focal point.

The assistant pastor says he has not seen a loss of faith but a strengthening and the people are ready and willing to remain steadfast. He is praying for them every day, offering Masses for the intentions of those still in the hospital and for the souls of those who have died. Masses are also being offered for the intentions of the other members of the parish, so that they may remain steadfast in faith and alive in hope.
The Holy See Press Office announces that Pope Francis is postponing his Apostolic Journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, which was originally scheduled for early July.

By Vatican News

Pope Francis has been forced to postpone his upcoming Apostolic Journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan to a later date, which is yet to be determined.

The trip to the African continent was originally scheduled to take place in the first week of July.

Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See Press Office, made the announcement on Friday.

At the request of his doctors, and in order not to jeopardize the results of the therapy that he is undergoing for his knee, the Holy Father has been forced to postpone, with regret, his Apostolic Journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo and to South Sudan, planned for 2 to 7 July, to a later date to be determined.

The Apostolic Journey to Africa was to include two stops in the DRC  in the capital, Kinshasa, and the city of Goma  and a visit to Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
The Vaticans Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, visits North Macedonia on 16-19 June to discuss the future of the Western Balkans and to celebrate Mass in Skopje.

By Vatican News staff reporter

The Secretariat of State took to Twitter on Wednesday to announce Archbishop Gallaghers trip to North Macedonia.

The Secretary for Relations with States is in the Balkan nation on 16-19 June as part of the Prespa Forum Dialogue 2022, taking place in the city of Ohrid.

The event will see political leaders discuss the future of the Western Balkans ahead of a high-level EU meeting in Brussels on 23 June on the same topic.

Leaders are set to consider the regions future in relation to the current European security situation.

Diplomatic visits

According to the @TerzaLoggia tweet, Archbishop Gallagher will meet with North Macedonias President Stevo Pendarovski, Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski, and Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani.

Mr. Kovacevski visited the Vatican recently, on 25 May, for an audience with the Pope.

The English-born Archbishop will also celebrate Mass in the Cathedral of Skopje, which Pope Francis visited in May 2019.

During that Apostolic Journey, the Pope prayed at a memorial dedicated to Mother Teresa, who was born in the capital city in 1910, and took part in an ecumenical and interreligious meeting with young people.
If Narada Matthews is ever granted early release from his 25 years to life sentence in New York state prison, he'll have another life term to serve out next.

That's the result of a sentence issued by Cayuga County Judge Thomas Leone on Thursday in the case of a violent assault Matthews admitted to perpetrating in Auburn Correctional Facility last summer.

Narada Matthews, 40, pleaded guilty in March to first-degree assault in connection with the Aug. 8 attack that left a corrections officer permanently scarred after Matthews slashed the officer's face with a can lid.

The officer was rushed from the prison to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse. The slashing caused a 7-inch, deep cut that required 30 stitches.

That corrections officer, a 14-year veteran, briefly spoke to Matthews in court Thursday before Leone moved forward with the sentencing.

"Just know your actions on that day caused my family a great deal of pain and stress," he said.

Acting District Brittany Grome Antonacci said Matthews attacked the corrections officer from behind, in what she called "probably as cowardly of an act as it gets."

She also noted Matthews' criminal history. He's currently serving a 25 years to life sentence in connection with a New York City conviction on charges that included first-degree robbery and first-degree attempted assault. His earliest parole release date on that sentence is in 2041. He has previously served prison terms for burglary and robbery convictions.

"This is one of the worst criminal records I've every seen," Grome Antonacci said. "I hope he does serve every single day of his life behind bars."

Leone, staying with the sentence agreed to by the prosecution and Matthews, issued the 20 years to life and noted that it must be served consecutive to the one that Matthews was already incarcerated under. He's now listed as an inmate at Midstate Correctional Facility in Oneida County.

Matthews did briefly address the court on Thursday.

"I just want to apologize for my actions, and God willing, his family is alright," he said.

Jeremy Boyer can be reached at (315) 282-2231 or jeremy.boyer@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @CitizenBoyer

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Prime Minister Hun Sens Cambodian Peoples Party has sued the vice president of the opposition Candlelight Party for $1 million in compensation for comments he made in an online interview alleging that this months local elections were unfair, a spokesman for the governing party said.

A lawyer for the Cambodian Peoples Party filed the lawsuit on Tuesday against Son Chhay for saying that the nationwide commune elections were unfree as well as unfair, according to documents filed with the Phnom Penh municipal court.

Son Chhay charged that the National Election Committee was biased in favor of the governing party and that there had been vote-buying and intimidation of voters. His allegations have been denied by the government.

Son Chhays comments spread false information with malicious intent and were slanderous, which was seriously damaging to the reputation of the Cambodian Peoples Party, which won the election, said the complaint filed by the lawyer, Ky Tech.

For several years, long-serving Prime Minister Hun Sens government has aggressively pursued legal action against its opponents, hindering their ability to operate freely, and sometimes hounding them into exile or jailing them.

In 2017, the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party was dissolved by the Supreme Court on a charge of treason that was widely seen as politically motivated to ensure a victory for the Cambodian People's Party in the 2018 general election. Before its dissolution, the opposition party had been expected to mount a strong challenge, but with it off the ballot, Hun Sens party won all the seats in the National Assembly.

Sok Eysan, a spokesperson for the governing party, said in social media posts that Son Chhays allegations contradicted the will of the voters and insulted state institutions.

Son Chhay said in an email to The Associated Press on Wednesday that the governing party was seeking to weaken his Candlelight Party so they would not need to dissolve it. Son Chhay holds dual Cambodian and Australian citizenship, and another party official, Thach Setha, said he left Cambodia for Australia on Saturday, before the lawsuit.

Thach Setha said it would be better to solve the dispute by having the politicians involved talk face-to-face rather than filing a lawsuit. He added that if there was a legitimate complaint, it should be handled by the National Election Committee instead of the courts.

Asked about Son Chhays prospects if the case goes forward, he replied: As everybody knows, whenever there is a lawsuit filed by the government or ruling party against opposition politicians, we have never won any case. Even if you have a very, very good lawyer from heaven, you still lose in court.
A federal police investigator said Wednesday night a suspect confessed to fatally shooting an Indigenous expert and a journalist in a remote part of the Amazon and took officers to where the bodies were buried.

Police said at a news conference in the Amazon city of Manaus that the prime suspect in the case confessed Tuesday night and detailed what happened to the pair who went missing June 5.

The federal investigator, Eduardo Alexandre Fontes, said Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, 41, nicknamed Pelado, told officers he used a firearm to kill Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira of Brazil and freelance reporter Dom Phillips of Britain.

Another officer, Guilherme Torres of the Amazonas state police, said Pelado took police to a spot Wednesday where they recovered human remains. The remains had not yet been positively identified, Torres said.

"We found the bodies 3 kilometers into the woods," the investigator said.

He said other arrests would be made soon in the case.

Torres said the missing men's boat had not yet been found, but police knew the area where it purportedly was hidden by those involved in the crime.

"They put bags of dirt on the boat so it would sink," he said.

As federal police announced they would hold a news conference, colleagues of Pereira called a vigil outside the headquarters of the Brazilian government's Indigenous affairs agency in Brasilia. Pereira was on leave from the agency.

Pereira, 41, and Phillips, 57, were last seen on their boat in a river near the entrance of the Javari Valley Indigenous Territory, which borders Peru and Colombia. That area has seen violent conflicts between fishermen, poachers and government agents.

Developments began Wednesday when federal police officers took a suspect they didn't identify at the time out on the river toward search parties looking for Phillips and Pereira.

An Associated Press photographer in Atalaia do Norte, the city closest to the search zone, witnessed police taking the suspect, who was in a hood.

On Tuesday, police said they had arrested a second suspect in connection with the disappearance. He was identified as Oseney da Costa de Oliveira, 41, a fisherman and a brother of Pelado, who police had characterized as their main suspect.

De Oliveira told AP on Friday that he had visited Pelado in jail and was told that local police had tortured him in attempts to get a confession. De Oliveira said his brother was innocent.

Indigenous people who were with Pereira and Phillips have said that Pelado brandished a rifle at them on the day before the two men disappeared.

Pelado's family had told AP that he denied any wrongdoing and claimed police tortured him to try to get a confession.

Official search teams had concentrated their efforts around a spot in the Itaquai river where a tarp from the boat used by the missing men was found Saturday by volunteers from the Matis Indigenous group.

"We used a little canoe to go to the shallow water. Then we found a tarp, shorts and a spoon," one of the volunteers, Binin Beshu Matis, told The Associated Press.

Authorities began scouring the area and discovered a backpack, laptop and other personal belongings submerged underwater Sunday. Police said that evening that they had identified the items as the belongings of both missing men, including a health card and clothes that belonged to Pereira. The backpack was determined to belong to Phillips.

Police previously reported finding traces of blood in Pelado's boat. Officers also found organic matter of apparent human origin in the river that was sent for analysis.

Authorities have said a main line of the police investigation into the disappearance has pointed to an international network that pays poor fishermen to fish illegally in the Javari Valley reserve, which is Brazil's second-largest Indigenous territory.

One of the most valuable targets is the world's largest freshwater fish with scales, the arapaima. It weighs up to 200 kilograms and can reach 3 meters. The fish is sold in nearby cities, including Leticia, Colombia, Tabatinga, Brazil, and Iquitos, Peru.

Pereira, who previously led the local bureau of the Brazilian government's Indigenous agency, known as FUNAI, has taken part in several operations against illegal fishing. In such operations, as a rule the fishing gear is seized or destroyed, while the fishermen are fined and briefly detained. Only the Indigenous can legally fish in their territories.

"The crime's motive is some personal feud over fishing inspection," Atalaia do Norte's Mayor Denis Paiva speculated to reporters without providing more details.

AP had access to information police shared with Indigenous leadership. While some police, the mayor and others in the region link the pair's disappearances to the "fish mafia," federal police have not ruled rule out other lines of investigation, such as narco trafficking.

Torres, the federal police officer, reiterated that point Wednesday night, saying he could not discuss specifics of the investigation.
Dozens of refugees camped outside the United Nations refugee agency office say they have been living in South Africa for two decades, but now they no longer feel safe.

Most are from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they escaped war.

But increasingly, they say theyve had their small businesses looted, homes robbed and been personally attacked amid growing waves of xenophobia.



Lillian Nyota has been a refugee in South Africa since 2001.

We ran away from our country, running from tribulations, she said. We came here in South Africa, we found more trouble, more tribulations. Because xenophobic attack is real, xenophobia is real, no one can deny it. It's real.

South Africa is home to more than 250,000 asylum seekers. Nyotas group said theyve moved from community to community, but violence eventually follows.

She said theyre now asking that the United Nations refugee agency move them to a safe third country.

Any place that they can take us that way we can be safe with our families, Nyota said. We can live and move on with our lives so that our children can go to school.

Xenophobic violence has become increasingly pronounced in South Africa with bursts of riots and murders since 2008.

Earlier this year, amid a wave of anti-migrant marches, a Zimbabwean man was killed in a Johannesburg township, authorities say because of his nationality.

Experts blame the problem on the countrys history of violence, socioeconomic issues and growing anti-foreigner politics.



Silindile Mlilo, a researcher at the University of Witwatersrand, said with xenophobic violence, there is usually no differentiation between refugees or asylum-seekers.

If government is not seen as doing anything, it also discourages migrants and refugees who are in the country, because it's like, is it safe for me? Mlilo said.

Resettlement is not an option for most refugees.

The U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR, said only 1 percent of refugees globally are moved from one host country to another for exceptional circumstances.



Laura Padoan, spokesperson for UNHCR South Africa, said its only the most vulnerable refugees who are typically eligible for resettlement.

That can be survivors of sexual or gender-based violence. It can be women and children at risk, people at risk because of their religious persecution, Padoan said. We really urge these refugees to take up the offer of local integration or repatriation, because no one wants to see people living out on the street.

But these refugees outside her office maintain re-integration is not an option and say they will stay camped there until theres a plan for them to leave South Africa.
Michelle Bachelets decision not to seek a second term as U.N. human rights chief is being seen as a huge victory by China rights activists.

Activists have criticized Bachelet for failing to more forcefully criticize Beijings forced incarceration of nearly 2 million Uyghurs in Xinjiang during her recent visit to China.

"It is a huge victory for the campaigners who are absolutely disgusted with her visit to China, Luke De Pulford, a human rights activist and the coordinator of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, told VOA.

Bachelets announcement Monday came more than a week after 40 scholars who study Xinjiang published an open letter criticizing her for, among other things, repeating language used by Beijing to describe the mass internment of Uyghurs and other Turkic ethnic groups in the region.

"In her statement, Bachelet not only failed to condemn these policies, but she declined to mention any of them beyond the mass internment program, which she referred to using Beijings latest euphemism, 'vocational training education centers,  the letter stated.

On the last day of her six-day China trip last month, Bachelet said she had raised questions and concerns about the application of counterterrorism and deradicalization measures and their broad application  particularly their impact on the rights of Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities.

She added that she had asked Beijing to undertake a review of all counterterrorism and deradicalization policies to ensure they fully comply with international human rights standards.

But according to Pulford, Bachelet failed to achieve any kind of meaningful investigation into Xinjiang.

[Bachelet] did not do her job as U.N. human rights commissioner, which is to stand up for those human rights downtrodden and persecuted people, Pulford told VOA.

After having demanded unfettered access to the Xinjiang region since late 2018, Bachelet finally visited the region last month  the first visit to the country by a U.N. human rights chief since 2005. But after her visit, Bachelets office said that the trip was not intended to be an investigation into the alleged human rights abuses.

The access was limited, in part because of the need for a COVID bubble arrangement, Liz Throssell, spokesperson for the U.N. human rights office, told VOA.

In a letter to the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, scholars urged the office to release its long-delayed report on Beijings actions in Xinjiang and to incorporate information they have provided to the office. The scholars did not specify the details of their findings on Xinjiang but added, We are unanimous in our understanding of what it is that the Chinese state is doing on the ground.

We urge the OHCHR to fully incorporate this knowledge into its long-delayed report on Chinas actions in Xinjiang, and we urge the OHCHR to release the report without political interference or further delay, the letter said.

Bachelet said Monday that the report would be released before her term ends August 31.

No relationship to criticism

Bachelet said her decision not to seek a second term has no relationship to the criticism of her China trip.

Speaking with reporters in Geneva, she cited a desire to return to her native Chile "because my family needs me there and because my country needs me there. So, this has no relationship. I always read when people criticize us, I listen, and I think that's part of my life.

According to Dolkun Isa, president of the World Uyghur Congress, although Bachelet said her decision was not related to her trip, the mounting criticism of her inability to condemn the human rights atrocities in China must have surely played its part.

Just last week, the World Uyghur Congress joined over 230 human rights organizations calling for her resignation, Isa wrote in an email to VOA. The disastrous visit to China has cost the high commissioner, and the U.N. system as [a] whole, their credibility to stand up in the face of human rights atrocities committed by powerful states like China.

According to Rushan Abbas, founder and executive director of the Washington-based organization Campaign for Uyghurs, the next high commissioner surely faces a daunting task to restore the U.N.'s credibility to hold powerful states to account for human rights abuses.

Regrettably, it will take a while to re-earn the publics trust and to improve the U.N.s credibility in the worlds eyes after such passivity towards the Uyghur genocide  potentially the greatest human rights failing of our time, Abbas wrote to VOA.

Peter Irwin, a senior program officer at the Washington-based Uyghur Human Rights Project, told VOA that the rights groups expect the next high commissioner to actually respond to the ongoing human rights abuses in Xinjiang.

The atrocities haven't stopped, and we'll continue to press the office to do its job, Irwin wrote in an email to VOA.

Cha Liyou, the Chinese consul general in Kolkata, India, said on Twitter that Bachelets trip to China not only vindicated, but justified Beijings actions in Xinjiang.

Anyone of reason knows Xinjiang scores better than any U.S. states with Native American reservations, Cha said in his tweet. As a country of world's lowest racial justice, American politicians are humiliating themselves in smearing minorities' harmony of China.

On Tuesday, 47 countries urged Bachelet to promptly release the report on human rights in Xinjiang while calling on China to urgently address human rights abuses in the region.

Numerous extensively researched and credible reports indicate that over a million people have been arbitrarily detained, Paul Bekkers, the Dutch ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, told the U.N. Human Rights Council.

Furthermore, there are reports of ongoing widespread surveillance, discrimination against Uyghurs and other persons belonging to minorities, as well as of severe restrictions on Uyghur culture and the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to freedom of religion or belief, Bekkers said.

Chinas U.N. ambassador, Chen Xu, condemned the Netherlands and other signatories for spreading lies and rumors to attack China.

We categorically reject these allegations, Chen said while hailing Bachelets visit as a trip that had enhanced her understanding of Chinas path of human rights development.
The economic sanctions imposed on Russia after its military intervention in Ukraine are causing a domino effect across all spheres of the country's economy. For the average Russian  that translates into a sharp rise in prices. Jonathan Spier narrates this report from Moscow
Australia's new foreign minister, Penny Wong, has traveled to New Zealand as the Canberra government intensifies its efforts to counter China's growing security and trade ambitions in the Pacific region. Australia is promising its regional neighbors stronger action to combat climate change.

This is Penny Wongs third trip to the Pacific in less than a month since Australias left-of-center government won an election on May 21.

Shes been in Samoa, Tonga and Fiji as the recently-elected government in Canberra races to challenge Chinas diplomatic efforts.

On a visit Thursday to New Zealand, the foreign minister said Australia should be more engaged in the region, blaming the previous government in Canberra for inaction.

Wongs whirlwind diplomacy follows an extensive tour of the region earlier this month by the Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi. He failed to persuade ten Pacific Island nations to join a trade and security pact, although some, including Kiribati and Samoa, did sign individual accords.

Beijing earlier agreed a security protocol with Solomon Islands, northeast of Australia, to enhance internal law enforcement and with relief from natural disasters. Officials in Beijing insisted China had no intention of competing with other countries for influence in the region.

Australia and its allies are worried, however, the Solomons accord will eventually give Beijing a strategic military foothold in the region.

Wong told Radio New Zealand that interference from countries outside of the region was not needed.

Pacific security should be provided by the Pacific family," Wong said. "We do have concerns about the security of the Pacific being engaged in by nations outside of that Pacific family.

Australias relationship with China has been corroded in recent years by a range of political and trade disputes.

Both Canberra and Wellington have watched nervously as China tries to expand its trade and security ties in the Pacific region.

Earlier this month, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met her Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, in Sydney. Climate change and geopolitics were discussed, along with Australias controversial policy of deporting New Zealanders convicted of crimes.

Arderns complaint was that many of those expelled have been in Australia for most of their lives and are sent to a country where they have few family connections. Albanese said his new government could soften Australias deportation policy.
Syracuse Hancock International Airport could soon have its own police officers and the financing necessary to make significant infrastructure improvements.

Before the end of the state legislative session in early June, lawmakers approved legislation that would allow the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority, which operates the airport, to establish its own police force.

Jason Terreri, the airport's executive director, told The Citizen on Wednesday that the authority's enabling legislation did not allow it to create a law enforcement agency. The bill, which was authored by state Sen. John Mannion, a Syracuse-area Democrat, would amend the enabling legislation to clear the way for the airport to have its own police officers.

Now, Syracuse police officers are at the airport, but Terreri explained that they are on a secondary work permit and the airport is not part of a Syracuse Police Department detail.

"Most airport authorities have their own police force," he said. "The reason we really wanted to do that is so that we could create our own police force, which would give us a little bit more control in terms of staffing and how we manage the overall operations of the airport."

The authority will determine how many officers are needed for the force. Under the current setup using Syracuse police officers, the airport budgets for five officers per shift, according to Terreri.

"That's probably in the ballpark of where it would be and we run three shifts," he said.

A separate bill would amend other provisions in the airport authority's enabling legislation, namely its bonding capacity and the length of terms for some board members. The measure would increase the airport's bonding limit by $100 million, from $200 million to $300 million.

The existing bonding limit is restrictive, Terreri said. With the additional $100 million, the authority will have more capacity to issue debt to finance major projects, including the construction of a parking deck and the landside redevelopment of the airport.

The legislation would also increase the terms for rotating board members from the towns of Cicero, Clay, Salina and North Syracuse school district. Under the current rules, these members serve one-year terms. The bill would make it a two-year term for the rotating seat.

Gov. Kathy Hochul must sign the legislation. Terreri said they expect that the governor will sign the bills.

The airport is rebounding after the COVID-19 pandemic affected air travel. In April, Syracuse's air traffic returned to pre-pandemic levels.

There has been good news involving new flights out of Syracuse. Last week, Breeze Airways launched service from Syracuse to Charleston, South Carolina, and Las Vegas.

"We're doing really well," Terreri said. "The biggest challenge that we're facing is the same that everyone else is facing right now, which is the pilot shortage and some of the changes the airlines are facing in terms of growth. We have been fortunate. We have not lost a lot of service, especially going through the summer, and that just speaks to the strength of this region and the market."

Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding.

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President Joe Biden said hes marking this years Pride month celebration with more than rainbows and decorations. On Wednesday, he signed an executive order aimed at combating bills opposed by LGBTQI+ communities that have been introduced in state legislatures across the country.

The administration says the new order takes steps to advance equality and address discrimination, including preventing so-called conversion therapy that seeks to change the sexual or gender identities of LGBTQI+ youth.

Today, I'm about to sign an executive order that directs key federal agencies to protect our communities from those hateful attacks and advance equality for families," said Biden. "My order will use the full force of the federal government to prevent inhumane practices of conversion therapy. This is the first time the federal government is aiming a coordinated response against this dangerous, discredited practice.

June is the month in the United States when LGBTQI+ communities celebrate their equality and increased visibility. Rainbows are seen as a symbol of the wide spectrum of human sexuality and gender identity.

But first lady Jill Biden said that several conservative states have recently pushed laws that serve to marginalize sexual minorities.

We know that in places across the country like Florida, Texas or Alabama, rights are under attack, she said. And we know that in small towns and big cities, prejudice and discrimination still lurk.

Dwayne Kwaysee Wright, an assistant professor focusing on diversity at The George Washington University, said Bidens order is a step against the recent bills targeting LGBTQI+ rights from Republican state legislatures nationwide.

In Florida, legislation to go into effect July 1 would prohibit classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity for children in kindergarten through third grade. And Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently directed family services to investigate as child abuse parents who provide gender-affirming care for their children.

There are policies that say don't say gay in Florida, he said. There are policies that say if you're raising a transgender kid in Texas, we're going to investigate you. I think the administration sees this, and they're going to do all they can hopefully to try to prevent, mitigate and roll back this attack on LGBT citizens here.

The LGBTQI+ community also faces growing threats from far-right extremist groups. On Saturday, 31 members of a white supremacist group called the Patriot Front were arrested in Idaho and charged with conspiracy to riot  a misdemeanor  for allegedly planning to disrupt a Pride event

Amid these threats, the administration has been keen to underscore a message of inclusivity.

We work around the globe to protect LGBTQI+ persons from violence and abuse, criminalization, discrimination and stigma and empower local LGBTQI+ movements and persons, said Karine Jean-Pierre, the first Black woman and openly gay person to serve as White House press secretary. We do this through bilateral and multilateral channels.

She did not say whether Biden will deliver that message when he meets with Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia next month. Kingdom officials recently seized rainbow-colored toys and clothing from shops in the capital, Riyadh, as part of a crackdown on homosexuality.

But on Wednesday, the message from the White House was clear. Hundreds of guests crowded into the rainbow-bedecked White House to see Javier Gomez, an 18-year-old Floridian and recent high school graduate, introduce the president.

Gomez helped organize the statewide student walkouts over the Dont Say Gay bill.

On Wednesday, he stood beside the Bidens.

My presence here is a testament that we are fighting back, said Gomez, who plans to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology in the fall. Because our lives are glorious, beautiful and worthy. We deserve respect and love. And until we have that, we will fight. We will continue to fight, to fight for liberation.

Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report.
Cameroon and the Central African Republic have agreed to demarcate several hundred kilometers of their shared border. The countries have have competing claims to villages and towns along the porous, undefined border. The two sides also vowed joint efforts to stop violence along the border, where Central African rebels have been hiding and launching raids for supplies.

Defense ministers and police chiefs from Cameroon and the Central African Republic agreed Wednesday to demarcate their shared border through a joint commission.

The C.A.R.s minister of territorial administration, decentralization and local development, Bruno Yapande, led his country's delegation to the three-day talks in Yaounde.

Yapande said both sides want to demarcate and develop the border to improve security and living conditions for civilians.

Yapande says the presidents of the two countries have promised that the demarcation of the border will begin within a month to make border towns and villages safe from violence.

He adds that the two countries also agreed to reinforce their joint military presence in border towns and villages.

Cameroon shares a close to 900-kilometer, mostly porous border with the Central African Republic.

C.A.R. rebels use the bush around the border to hide from both sides troops and to launch raids on nearby villages for supplies.

The governor of Cameroons East region, Gregoire Mvongo, attended the meetings.

He says a 1908 accord supervised by German and French colonial masters defines the Cameroon-C.A.R. border. Unfortunately, says Mvongo, people, erosion, and floods since have destroyed many boundary markers. He says Cameroon and the C.A.R. neglected to maintain border markers as they were focused on fighting C.A.R. rebels since the C.A.R. gained independence from France in 1960.

Mvongo said the C.A.R. has not gone 10 years without political tensions boiling over into bloody conflict.

The two sides this month announced that 2,500 of 300,000 Central African refugees who fled conflict to Cameroon would return home by the end of the year.

The refugees agreed to return home after Bangui promised peace had returned to their towns and villages.

Mvongo noted there are disputes over territory along the border that need to be resolved.

The C.A.R. claims some border areas that are currently inside Cameroon, including a market in Garoua Boulay town and parts of border villages.

Cameroon authorities say there have been several confrontations with Central African troops in disputed territories since 2016, though none have led to fighting.

Jeannette Marcelle Gotchanga, a member of the C.A.R. border commission, says if the border demarcation is immediate, as recommended by the African Union, it will put an end to tensions and rivalries that impede free movement of people and goods and slow economic growth in villages where the border is disputed.

Neither country has said when the demarcation project will end but agreed to respect the findings of the joint demarcation commission.
Chinese state media says President Xi Jinping reaffirmed his countrys close ties to Russia during a phone call Wednesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Xi told his Russian counterpart that it supports a negotiated solution to the crisis in Ukraine, according to both Xinhua News Agency and state broadcaster CCTV.

A statement by the Kremlin said that the Chinese leader noted the legitimacy of Russias actions to protect its fundamental national interests in the face of challenges to its security created by external forces.

Xi and Putin signed a wide-ranging cooperation pact in February on the sidelines of the Beijing Winter Olympics under which the two sides pledged there would be no limits on their partnership.

The pact was signed weeks before Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on February 24. China has refused to criticize Russia over its actions in Ukraine, even so far as not to describe it as an invasion.

A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department criticized Chinas stance when asked by VOAs East Asia Pacific division Wednesday. The spokesperson said while China claims to be neutral, its behavior makes clear that it is still investing in close ties to Russia. The spokesperson said Beijing continues to echo Russian propaganda around the world, shield Moscow in international organizations, and continues to deny evidence of Russias atrocities in Ukraine by suggesting instead that they were staged.

The world is watching to see which nations stand up for the basic principles of freedom, self-determination and sovereignty, and who stands by or tacitly supports Russia in its premeditated and unprovoked war of choice, the spokesman said.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.
The Chinese government is working to prevent continued diplomatic fallout and protect its image in Africa after racist videos of African children made by a Chinese man living in Malawi surfaced this week.



The BBCs investigative report into the videos found a man named Lu Ke who allegedly filmed African children unknowingly saying offensive things in Mandarin such as Im a black monster and I have a low IQ. The videos were then sold on a Chinese website, according to the BBC.



The news sparked outrage in Malawi, with netizens expressing their fury on Twitter and Foreign Minister Nancy Tembo saying the country felt disgusted, disrespected and deeply pained.

After the Chinese Embassy in Malawi was initially criticized for its tepid response to the scandal, dismissing the videos as old news because they were filmed in 2020, they released a new, stronger statement on Thursday.



The embassy said, The Chinese community in Malawi has voiced their condemnation to racism in strong words, adding that the isolated case by a fool individual does not change the whole picture.



China's top diplomat in the region, Wu Peng, has also been engaging in damage control. He went to Malawi on Tuesday, where he met government officials, tweeting, Nice to feel in person the Warm Heart of Africa. Malawi is a beautiful country with lovely people.





Wu Peng also tweeted, I just reached an agreement with Malawian FM that both #China&#Malawi have zero tolerance for racism. China has been cracking down on these unlawful acts in the past yrs. Well continue to crack down on such racial discrimination videos in the future.



The day after his visit, Malawis Ministry for Foreign Affairs tweeted about a new Chinese scholarship opportunity for Malawians to study in China for a masters degree, which some skeptics online saw as another way for Beijing to mitigate the fallout from the scandal.

Many Malawians are unconvinced by Chinas apologies. The online news publication Malawi 24 reported that a Malawi-based group, the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives, has called on the police to trace all Chinese nationals in the country and find out whether theyre there illegally or misrepresenting their reasons for being in the country.

Ralph Mathekga, a South African political analyst, told VOA that China has a history of racism toward Africans, yet governments on the continent were often loath to raise such issues because of Beijings economic clout.



The video is not too surprising.  I think China is never brought to account in human rights and race relations in the countrys relationship with Africa, he said.



But Cobus van Staden from the South African Institute of International Affairs said the videos could still be damaging.



These kinds of depictions of Africans have a long, bad historical precedence.  I think it could be harmful for Chinas image on the continent, van Staden told VOA.



In Washington, Marco Rubio, a Republican senator from Florida and one of the most vocal China critics in Congress, tweeted about the BBC documentary, saying it was disgusting and inhumane and directly blaming the Communist Party of China.

In recent years, one of Beijings key talking points has been racism in the United States. Chinese officials and state media regularly focus on high-profile cases of police killings of African Americans like George Floyd to accuse the U.S. of racism and human rights abuses.
Thursdays visit to Ukraine by four European Union leaders comes ahead of a key decision on Kyivs EU candidacy, expected next week  and as tensions grow over Europes long-term commitment to the war.



Speaking to reporters from Kyivs war-ravaged suburb of Bucha, Frances president, Emmanuel Macron, said his visit with the leaders of Germany, Italy and Romania underscored the European Unions strong political support for Ukraine and its respect for its people's courage.



Macron dismissed controversy within the EU over his remarks that aggressor Russia should not be humiliated in finding an exit to the conflict. He said France had been by Kyivs side from the beginning.



Ukraine has also criticized Macrons call for a so-called interim European political community group for non-EU members.

The Ukraine visit by the four EU leaders comes a day before the blocs executive arm is expected to recommend granting Ukraine EU candidacy status. The EU's 27 members are expected to make a decision during a summit next week.



Even if its candidacy is approved, Ukraine will likely wait years to become an EU member  but Kyiv says the move is symbolically important.



But the outcome is uncertain. Members like Poland and the Baltic states strongly support Ukraines candidacy; others like Portugal and Denmark have voiced reservations. The biggest EU countries appeared lukewarm, but during a visit to Moldova Wednesday, Macron seemed to back candidate status.



Tensions with Kyiv have also surfaced over the strength of the EU military, political and financial support for Ukraine, as it battles the Russian invasion.

Meanwhile, European leaders face eroding support at home for the conflict, amid rising prices and supply shortages. A poll by the European Council on Foreign Relations policy institute finds one-third or more of all EU citizens want the war to end as soon as possible.



Macron faces extra pressure, ahead of legislative elections Sunday that may eliminate his majority in Frances lower house.



His far-right rival, Marine Le Pen, accuses Macron of profiting politically from his trip to Ukraine.



Meanwhile, another political rival, Jean-Francois Cope of the center-right, faults Macron for taking his eyes off the elections that may see a far-left win. The house is burning, Cope told French radio, and Macron is looking elsewhere.
Before the ceremony and the serious meetings about war, the European leaders witnessed the devastation wrought by Russia. A must. To understand Ukraine's fight for survival, they had to see it themselves, with their own eyes.

The blown-up buildings. The smashed cars. And a message of hope spray-painted on a damaged building despite mounting Ukrainian deaths.

French President Emmanuel Macron spotted it immediately amid the ruins Thursday.

"Look at that, 'Make Europe, not war,' " Macron said, pointing and reading the words out loud in English. "It's very moving to see that."

The leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania had a walking tour of Irpin, a small city that bore the full brunt of Russia's failed assault on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, in the first weeks of the war. The tour preceded a meeting in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who met them wearing army green pants, a matching T-shirt and sneakers.

If the four hadn't fully grasped the scale of the horrors inflicted by the Russian invasion, ravages like the ones visited across much of Europe during World War I and World War II, then Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Premier Mario Draghi and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis have no excuses now.

The leaders traveled by overnight train to the Ukrainian capital because flights aren't possible in the wartime airspace where missiles, drones, fighter jets and helicopters have rained down death and destruction. Iohannis, whose country has been a key destination for Ukrainian refugees, traveled separately from the others.

Standing out in their suits and ties amid the heavily armed soldiers guarding them, they heard from a Ukrainian government minister how Russian soldiers fired indiscriminately at families in cars and how the blowing up of bridges had blocked escape routes, locking people in a furnace of death and fighting.

"How many cities do you have in such a situation?" Macron asked.

"Hundreds," Oleksiy Chernyshov, Ukraine's minister for communities and territories development, replied.

"They were shooting into the families, children, women" as they tried to flee the fighting, the minister said. "They were just deliberately killing people inside the cars."

Macron wanted to understand how troops could do such things.

"How do you explain this?" he asked.

Chernyshov explained that some of the killers appeared to have been ordinary young soldiers and others appeared to have been special forces from the Caucasus region, which lies between the Black and Caspian seas. Moscow has deployed fighters from Chechnya, known for their ferocity, to Ukraine.

"We have hundreds of these cases, I am sorry to say. They are still going on," he said.

The devastated buildings with their innards blown out that the chancellor, the premier and the presidents walked past are just a small fraction of the destruction in Ukraine after nearly four months of fighting.

The official said more than 12,000 apartment buildings have been destroyed so far. Add to that electricity substations, heating plants, roads, bridges, schools, churches.

"You name it," the minister said. "A lot of things to be rebuilt."

The leaders wanted to know more.

How was the Russian advance going now? Scholz asked.

Macron wanted to know whether additional forces were being massed in Belarus, posing another possible threat to Ukraine.

"We think yes," Chernyshov said.

Macron was clearly moved. He called Irpin, which Ukrainian forces retook as Russian troops retreated from around Kyiv, "a heroic town."

"This is where the Ukrainians stopped the Russian army," he said.

The French leader said Irpin bore "the traces of barbary."

"Massacres were carried out." he said. "We have the first traces of what are war crimes."

So now they know: With their own eyes.
As Russia began its assault in Ukraine, its initial goal was to capture the capital city  Kyiv. In the early days of the invasion, Russian forces occupied towns on the outskirts of the capital  newly built neighborhoods where many prosperous, young families had settled. One of the communities most devastated was Irpin, 20 kilometers outside the capital. For VOA, Anna Chernikova reports from Irpin. Camera: Eugene Shynkar
French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi visited Kyiv on Thursday in a show of support to Ukraine amid its battle to fend off Russias invasion.

"It's an important moment. It's a message of unity we're sending to the Ukrainians," Macron said.

The trip comes as the European Commission considers whether to recommend Ukraine be granted candidate status for European Union membership.

While in Kyiv, Macron, Scholz and Draghi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Military aid

The United States announced Wednesday it is sending $1 billion more in military aid to Ukraine, Washingtons 12th and biggest tranche yet of weaponry and equipment intended to confront Russias slow but relentless advance on Ukraines eastern Donbas region.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters at the White House the aid includes $350 million of equipment coming directly from the U.S. military, including 18 high-powered mobile long-range howitzers, 36,000 rounds of ammunition and 18 tactical vehicles to tow the howitzers, along with additional ammunition and other equipment.

Kirby said the remaining $650 million in aid, including coastal defense systems, radios, night vision devices and other equipment, will be purchased by the Pentagon from weapons manufacturers through a funding mechanism known as the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

Kirby said the United States has provided more than $914 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the invasion on February 24, including an additional $225 million announced Wednesday by President Joe Biden. Biden said in a statement the new money will fund safe drinking water, critical medical supplies and health care, food, shelter, and cash for families to purchase essential items.

The bravery, resilience, and determination of the Ukrainian people continues to inspire the world, Biden said. And the United States, together with our allies and partners, will not waver in our commitment to the Ukrainian people as they fight for their freedom.

The aid announcement came as U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met in Brussels with allied defense ministers from more than 45 countries that have been supplying armaments to Ukraines forces. Russia is attempting to take full control of eastern Ukraine after failing earlier in the 3-month invasion to topple Zelenskyys government or capture the capital, Kyiv.

Opening the talks with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Austin said Western allies remain committed to do even more to help Ukraine defend itself against Russias invasion at what he characterized as a critical moment on the battlefield.

On Thursday, at a NATO ministerial meeting, Austin called Russias invasion an "enormous crisis in European security," but said, "Together we have risen to the challenge of Putin's war of choice and Russia's assault on trans-Atlantic security."

Even before Bidens announcement of new military assistance, the United States and its allies supporting Ukraine had sent billions of dollars of weaponry and ammunition to assist Ukraines fighters.

But U.S. General Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, provided a grim assessment of the current battlefield situation on the sidelines of the Brussels conference, telling reporters that the Ukrainian military is suffering as many as 300 casualties a day, including 100 soldiers killed in action and between 100 to 300 wounded.

For Ukraine, this is an existential threat, Milley said. They're fighting for the very life of their country. So, your ability to endure suffering, your ability to endure casualties is directly proportional to the object to be obtained.

Ukraine has continued to push for more military aid and to get it to the front lines more quickly, as its forces face daunting odds in the Donbas region.

Representative Adam Smith, chairman of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, told members of the Defense Writers Group, "We need to be giving more sophisticated systems, particularly when it comes to drones and long-range artillery. I don't think we have been fast enough to get the Ukrainians the drones we have available.

He added, The way the fight is playing out right now, certainly, the Russians have more artillery. The Russians right now have better ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance). They have better drones going out and seeing Ukrainian artillery positions. The Ukrainians don't have that same visibility."

Despite Russian claims of targeting and hitting Western weapon deliveries, Smith said, "We are still capable of getting a lot of weapons into Ukraine, and we're seeing them being used in the battlefield."

Other U.S. officials also played down the Russian assertions.

We have not seen a lot of evidence of the Russian claims, a senior U.S. defense official told reporters late Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity in order to discuss sensitive details.

But while the official dismissed concerns about recent Russian gains, he expressed confidence that the badly needed assistance would reach Ukraine in time to make a significant difference."

"We're likely to be in this phase for a while, the official said. The Russian gains continue to be incremental."

National security correspondent Jeff Seldin and White House correspondent Anita Powell contributed to this report.

Some material came from Reuters, The Associated Press, and Agence France-Presse.
The truck driver had the radio on, his daughter's stuffed toy keeping him company, and was bouncing his lumbering vehicle down one of the innumerable dirt tracks in Ukraine that are vital thoroughfares in the country's vast agricultural heartlands.

Then the right rear wheel hit a Soviet-era TM-62 anti-tank mine. The explosion blew Vadym Schvydchenko and his daughter's toy clean out of the cabin. The truck, and his livelihood, went up in flames.

Astoundingly, the 40-year-old escaped with just minor leg and head wounds. Others haven't been so lucky. Russia's war in Ukraine is spreading a deadly litter of mines, bombs and other explosives. They are killing civilians, disrupting planting, complicating the rebuilding of homes and villages, and will continue taking lives and limbs long after the fighting stops.

Often, blast victims are farmers and other rural workers with little choice but to use mined roads and plow mined fields, in a country relied on for grain and other crops that feed the world.

Schvydchenko said he'll steer clear of dirt tracks for the foreseeable future, although they're sometimes the only route to fields and rural settlements. Mushroom-picking in the woods has also lost its appeal to him.

"I'm afraid something like this can happen again," he said.

Ukraine is now one of the most mined countries in Europe. The east of the country, fought over with Russia-backed separatists since 2014, was contaminated by mines even before the February 24 invasion multiplied the dangers there and elsewhere.

Ukraine's State Emergency Service said last week that 300,000 square kilometers  the size of Arizona or Italy  need to be cleared. The ongoing fighting will only expand the area.

The war's deadly remnants will "continue to be a hidden threat for many years to come," said Mairi Cunningham, who leads clearance efforts in Ukraine for The Halo Trust, a de=mining NGO that got $4 million in U.S. government funding in May for its work in the country.

There's no complete government count of mine deaths since the invasion, but every week authorities have reported cases of civilians killed and wounded. Cunningham said her group has counted 52 civilian deaths and 65 injuries since February and "that's likely underreported." The majority were from anti-tank mines, in agricultural areas, she said.

On a mobile app called "Demining Ukraine" that officials launched last month, people can send photos, video and the geolocation of explosive objects they come across, for subsequent removal. The app got more than 2,000 tip-offs in its first week.

The track where Schvydchenko had his brush with death is still used, despite now being marked with bright red warning signs bearing a white skull and crossbones. It scythes through corn fields on the outskirts of Makariv  a once comely town west of Kyiv that bears the battle scars of Russia's failed assault on the capital in the war's early weeks.

Even with the Russian soldiers gone, danger lurks in the surrounding poppy meadows, fields and woodlands. Deminers found another explosive charge  undetonated  just meters away from Schvydchenko's blown-up truck. On another track outside the nearby village of Andriivka, three people were killed in March by a mine that ripped open their minivan, spewing its cargo of food jars and tin cans now rusting in the dirt.

In a field close by, a tractor driver was wounded in May by an anti-tank mine that hurled the wreckage onto another mine, which also detonated. Halo Trust workers are now methodically scouring that site  where Russian troops dug foxholes  for any other devices.

Cunningham said the chaotic way the battle for Kyiv unfolded complicates the task of finding mines. Russian forces thrust toward the capital but were repelled by Ukrainian defenders.

"Often it was Russians held an area, put some anti-vehicle mines nearby  a few in and around their position  and then left," she said. "It's scattered."

Mines are still being laid on the battlefields, now concentrated to the east and south where Russia has focused its offensive since its soldiers withdrew from around Kyiv and the north, badly bloodied.

A Ukrainian unit that buried TM-62 mines on a forest track in the eastern Donbas region this week, in holes scooped out with spades, told The Associated Press that the aim was to prevent Russian troops from advancing toward their trenches.

Russian booby-trapping has sometimes had no clear military rhyme or reason, Ukrainian officials say. In towns around Kyiv, explosive experts found devices in unpredictable places.

When Tetiana Kutsenko, 71, got back her home near Makariv that Russian troops had occupied, she found bloodstains and an apparent bullet hole on the bathroom floor and tripwires in her back yard.

The thin strands of copper wire had been rigged to explosive detonators.

"I'm afraid to go to the woods now," she said. "Now, I'm looking down every time I take a step."
Two-day talks between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers opened Thursday in New Delhi with calls for stronger ties between India and the regional bloc.

The talks come amid a heightened rivalry between China and the United States, which Singapore said threatens peace in the region.

India and Singapore, the event co-chair, also underscored geopolitical challenges sparked by the war in Ukraine.

In his opening remarks to the 10-member group of Southeast Asian foreign ministers, Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said Russias invasion of Ukraine upended the international system of rules and norms. He also said the sharpening superpower rivalry between China and the U.S. has direct implications for all of Asia.

So, these developments, if unchecked, can threaten the sole system of peace and stability which we have depended on for the basis of our growth, our development and prosperity over many decades," Balakrishnan said, marking the 30th anniversary of relations between New Delhi and ASEAN.

In discussing the challenges, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said the developments in Ukraine and their effects on food and energy security, fertilizer and commodities prices, and logistics and supply chain disruptions had made the task of recovery from the pandemic more arduous.

He said the role of ASEAN would be critical given the new geopolitical challenges and emphasized the need to improve land and sea connectivity between India and ASEAN countries.

A better-connected India and ASEAN would be well-positioned to promote decentralized globalization and reliable supply chains, Jaishankar said. India fully supports a strong, unified, prosperous ASEAN whose centrality in the Indo-Pacific is fully realized.

The foreign ministers also met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Strengthening strategic, political and economic ties with ASEAN has become a priority for India and the U.S. as both countries seek to push back against growing Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Last month, U.S. President Joe Biden held a first summit with ASEAN leaders in Washington and said it marked the launch of a new era in ties between Washington and the bloc.

Several ASEAN countries have maritime disputes with Beijing, which has built islands in waters claimed by several countries in East Asia, raising worries about Chinese expansionism in the region.

Analysts, however, say with China remaining the primary trading partner for ASEAN nations, the bloc will be careful to balance ties between both sides. Despite efforts, trade between ASEAN and India has remained modest  up to $78 billion in 2021.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW), General Motors' joint venture with Chinese partners SAIC Motor and Guangxi Automobile Group, launched on June 15 the all-new seven-seater family MPV model, the Wuling Jia Chen.

The MPV is available in five trim levels with four exterior color options. It is priced between 68,800 yuan ($10,270) and 99,800 yuan ($14,900).

Wuling Jia Chen; photo credit: SGMW

As for the Jia Chen's exterior, its front end features a massive chrome-plated grille with the silver Wuling logo at the center, delivering a similar design idea to that of the Wuling Victory. At the rear, the lettering Wuling is seamlessly connected with the taillights on both sides, accentuating the model's width. The spiffy side profile coupled with a floating sunroof adds typical dynamism to the vehicle.

The Jia Chen MPV measures 4,785mm long, 1,820mm wide, and 1,760mm tall with a wheelbase that spans 2,760mm.



Wuling Jia Chen; photo credit: SGMW

The cockpit adopts a 2+2+N seating arrangement to meet the demands of modern families. The Jia Chens rear seats can be lower or folded forward to achieve a cargo volume of up to 1,177 liters.

It is equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with an 8-speed continuously variable transmission, which can deliver a combined fuel efficiency of 7.2 liters per 100km.



Wuling Jia Chen; photo credit: SGMW

The Jia Chen also features a high-strength steel cage body structure design, along with several additional safety features like four air bags. The entire model series comes standard with ABS (anti-lock braking) and EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) systems.

Wuling Jia Chen; photo credit: SGMW

The Wuling Jia Chen is armed with the automaker's in-house developed smart car system Ling OS, which supports a slew of functions including vehicle status monitoring, remote switch air conditioning and Bluetooth key sharing.
Several thousand activists and leaders from Islamist political parties in Bangladesh marched Thursday toward the Indian High Commission in the capital, Dhaka, protesting derogatory remarks about Islams prophet made by two prominent figures in Indias ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

They gathered under the banner of Islami Andolon Bangladesh (IAB), one of the largest religion-based political platforms of the South Asian nation, and demanded exemplary punishment for BJP leaders Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal.



India has been scrambling to contain a diplomatic storm that has erupted in Muslim majority countries following controversial comments made by the two politicians weeks ago.



Bangladeshs police thwarted the IAB procession before it could reach the Indian High Commission but allowed the march leaders to proceed toward the commission to submit a protest memorandum.



In the memorandum, a copy of which was obtained by VOA, IAB wrote, Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal are a continuation of the anti-Muslim policies of the present ruling BJP and its branches.

Punishment demanded



Although the ruling party has removed Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal from office under domestic and foreign pressure, we demand their arrest and exemplary punishment for this provocative statement, IAB wrote.

Last week, at least 20,000 people protested outside Dhakas main mosque, Baitul Mukarram, after Friday prayers, chanting slogans such as Boycott Indian products and Hang those who insult our prophet.



Smaller processions were reported from other parts of the country to protest the controversial remarks.



Those protests were jointly organized by a number of Islamist political parties, including IAB, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh and Islami Oikya Jote, although many unaffiliated people also took part.



The past week has seen other protests, including a human chain formed in the street by high school students.



While both Islamist political parties and common people have been vociferous, the Bangladesh government has remained noticeably silent on the issue, prompting growing criticism aimed at the Sheikh Hasina administration.



Harunur Rashid, a lawmaker from the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), urged the parliament to summon Indias high commissioner and bring a motion of condemnation in parliament.



We all know that the whole world is protesting against the insult to our prophet in India," Rashid said. "It is also happening in Bangladesh. But worryingly, we as a Muslim-majority country and an important member in SAARC [South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation] are noticing with concern that our government is yet to express any protest or give any reaction on this issue.



Talking with VOA, Dhaka University law professor Asif Nazrul said the government has been silent because it does not want to antagonize India, even if it involves the honor of Islams prophet.



Sheikh Hasinas government stays in power without the peoples mandate, and a large section of people in Bangladesh believe India has a role behind it. So naturally, the Hasina administration would not do anything that would earn the ire of the Modi government, he said in reference to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

History of suppression



Nazrul added that in the past 12 years of Hasinas administration, protests of any kind have been harshly suppressed. So the government now knows that even if some Islamist parties or other people come out onto the street with an issue like this, they have the capacity to repress it strongly. So they dont bother to issue any statement.



International relations expert Imtiaz Ahmed told VOA that some ministers in the Hasina administration have in fact condemned the offensive remarks in different forums.

While talking with a group of visiting Indian journalists last Monday, Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud lauded the Indian government for taking quick action to discipline the two BJP officials and said, Any statement against the prophet should be condemned.



But the minister also said the matter is an internal issue for India and it is not an attention-grabbing matter in Bangladesh, unlike in some other Muslim nations.



Ahmed noted that Hasina has not commented on the controversy even though leaders from Muslim-majority countries have done so, including Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.



This has obviously created some sort of uneasiness in the country, he said.
June 18 marks seven months in prison for Dessu Dulla. The Ethiopian journalist from the Oromia News Network, or ONN, is accused of anti-state activities. If convicted, he could face life in prison, or even the death penalty.

It's a sharp turn of events for Dessu, who returned from exile in Europe in 2018, drawn by what seemed at the time like a period of reform.

He started work at ONN, where he hosted the weekly show "Under the Shadow of Democracy," looking at threats in Ethiopia and its Oromia region.

"I thought it would be another era and that democracy and freedom of speech may be restored," Dessu told Reuters before his arrest last November. But "actually things are deteriorating. So many journalists have fled the country, and some are in jail."

Dessu is one of more than 20 journalists currently held in Ethiopian prisons. Most had reported on the conflicts in Ethiopia's Tigray, Oromia and Amhara regions.

Alongside arrests, Ethiopia's media regulator in April announced it was taking legal action against 25 media outlets that it said were spreading false news and hate speech.

Authorities say their actions are designed to stop the spread of disinformation or anti-state activities. But rights groups and journalists say Ethiopia is using legal avenues to silence critics or dissidents.

Tsedale Lemma, who founded the newspaper Addis Standard, said the arrests of journalists, many of whom were pro-government during the war in Tigray, send a broader message to media across the country.

"It's the effect that is really reverberating across media rooms in Ethiopia," Tsedale said, adding that it creates challenges "because you wouldn't know what is it going to be that the government is turning against this time."

WATCH: Ethiopia Intensifies Crackdown on Journalists

In Dessu's case, he and his ONN colleague Bikila Amenu are included in a case that includes 15 members and supporters of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) political party, who are accused of plotting to overthrow the government.

A court in April charged the journalists under a law barring "outrages against the constitution."

Authorities say the journalists' news coverage was sympathetic to the OLF.

Their lawyer, Milkiyas Bulcha, told VOA Amharic Service that Dessu and the others have not been given a fair chance to defend themselves.

"The prosecutor is narrowing the right of the accused to defend themselves, and they are not meeting the standards required by law," he said.

Because of that, said Milkiyas, "They should be released from prison without any preconditions."

Legal landscape

Advocacy groups say the use of anti-terror and other laws to silence the media and political dissidents must end if Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is going to live up to the promises he made when taking power in 2018.

"It's simple, really," Angela Quintal, Africa program coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, told VOA. She said CPJ wants the release of "all journalists currently behind bars in Ethiopia and for the government to end its persecution of the independent press.

But Ethiopian authorities say they are trying to tackle disinformation and prevent polarization or ethnic division.

When Billene Seyoum, a spokesperson for the prime minister's office, referenced outcry over the recent spate of arrests during a June 6 press briefing, she said, "It's really important to unpack who is a journalist and who is not."

As far as the media authority is aware, she said, "many of these that are going under the banner of journalists are not accredited or not licensed."

The spokesperson said strong laws curbing hate speech and disinformation are needed to regulate or control the growth of explosive rhetoric, particularly online.

It is "problematic," Billene said, "if everybody with a YouTube channel is considered a journalist and there is no means of regulating what is said."

Quintal, however, said legal action against the media is taking the country down a dark path.

"It is shocking that Ethiopia is once again among the worst jailers of journalists in Africa and where due process and the rule of law has been violated time and time again," she told VOA.

"Prime Minister Ahmed Abiy's government can still live up to his promise of reform when he first came into office by reversing the worrying decline in press freedom that we have witnessed, particularly since the war in Tigray started," Quintal said.

Abiy was hailed in 2018 for his progressive moves, including the release of all jailed journalists and the restoration of access to blocked news websites.

In 2019, the United Nations held its press freedom conference in the capital, Addis Ababa, to commemorate World Press Freedom Day. Abiy was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize that same year.

But by 2021, with the war in Tigray underway, Abiy has signaled less tolerance for reporting that is critical or challenges government actions, and which authorities equate to false or biased news.

In a speech to lawmakers on Tuesday, Abiy said, "Let's not designate individuals engaged in destroying national institutions as 'activists' and 'journalists.' "

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) notes that conflict has wiped out most of the press freedom gains made by Ethiopia in recent years.

"Since the start of the civil war, the government has made a determined effort to take control of the narrative," according to RSF. The watchdog ranks Ethiopia 114th out of 180 countries, where 1 is freest, on its annual Press Freedom Index.

VOA English to Africa Service's Vincent Makori and VOA Horn of Africa's Amharic Service reporter Nakor Melka contributed to this report.
Myanmar ruling military on Thursday defended a planned execution of two prominent democracy figures as lawful and required, defying international criticism for resuming capital punishment after a three-decade hiatus.

The United Nations, France, the United States and international human rights groups have urged the junta not to follow through with the execution of activist Kyaw Min Yu and former lawmaker Phyo Zeya Thaw, who lost appeals against a terrorism conviction. Read full story

They were found guilty of providing weapons and helping to organize attacks by resistance groups on state targets. It is unclear when they will be executed or how they pled in their trials, which Myanmar has largely held behind closed doors.

Military spokesman Zaw Min Tun said there were many countries using the death penalty.

"At least 50 innocent civilian, excluding security forces, died because of them. How can you say this is not justice?," Zaw Min Tun told a televised news conference.

"Required actions are needed to be done in the required moments."

Myanmar has been in turmoil since a coup early least year that ended a decade of tentative democracy that was introduced after five decades of army rule.

The military has defied foreign outrage over the executions, which United Nations experts last week said were decided without due process. Read full story

"These death sentences, handed down by an illegitimate court of an illegitimate junta, are a vile attempt at instilling fear amongst the people of Myanmar," the experts said.
Namibian authorities say the southern African country is seeing a jump in rhinoceros poaching, with 11 killings this month. The dead rhinos were discovered in Namibia's Etosha National Park without their horns, which are worth tens of thousands of dollars in illegal Asian markets.

The CEO of Namibia's Save the Rhino Trust, Simson Uri-Khob, said the discovery of 11 poached rhino carcasses cannot be regarded as an isolated incident.

He said there is a rising demand for rhino horn, which has translated into higher incidents of poaching in Namibia. He suspects organized criminals are behind the killings.

"It is difficult to point fingers on who it was, but I am sure it is organized crime syndicates and part of the community because they are the ones who know the area, they are the ones who guide poachers, from my experience," Uri-Khob said.

Romeo Muyunda, public relations officer at the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Forestry, said action will be taken to protect the rhinos.

"The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, together with the Namibia Police Force, the NDF (Namibian Defense Force) and other partners will intensify our patrols, security and intelligence gathering, especially in the Etosha National Park," Muyunda said.

He asked the public to help authorities with the investigation into the killings.

"To date, no arrests have been made in this incident where the carcasses were discovered. Investigations continue in this regard," Muyunda said. "We call upon members of the public with information related to this incident and any other poaching activity or any other wildlife crime incident to come forth and report."

A total of 22 rhinos have been killed by poachers in Namibia this year.

Namibia is home to 1,500 to 2,000 black rhinos  about one-third of the world's black rhino population. The endangered species is targeted for its horn, which is used for ornaments and its alleged but unproven medicinal purposes in Asian countries.


The United Nations envoy for Afghanistan in her farewell message Thursday expressed sorrow over the Islamist Talibans extreme policies curtailing womens rights, press freedoms and inclusive political representation.



I could not have imagined, when I accepted this job, the Afghanistan that I am now leaving, said Deborah Lyons, the head of the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).



The outgoing UNAMA chief arrived in the Afghan capital, Kabul, two years ago, starting her stint when the now-defunct Western-backed government was running the country and struggling to contain the deadly Taliban insurgency.





My heart breaks in particular for the millions of Afghan girls who are denied their right to education, and the many Afghan women full of talent who are being told to stay at home instead of using those talents to rebuild a society that now experiences far less conflict but in some ways as much fear as before, she lamented.



The Taliban seized control of war-ravaged Afghanistan last August and installed an all-male interim administration following the end of almost 20 years of U.S.-led foreign military intervention in the South Asian country.



The Islamist group has suspended secondary education for most teenage girls and prevented female staff in certain government departments from returning to their duties.



The Ministry for Vice and Virtue, tasked with interpreting and enforcing the Talibans version of Islam, has ordered women to cover up fully, including their faces, in public, and it has strongly advised them not to leave their homes to wander around aimlessly, barring them from traveling beyond 70 kilometers unless accompanied by a male relative.



It is that much more painful as a woman to leave my Afghan sisters in the condition they are in, Lyons said. "It is an irony that now that there is space for everyone to help rebuild the country, half of the population is confined and prevented from doing so.



The Taliban had excluded women from public life and girls from receiving an education when they previously ruled the country from 1996 to 2001. Only three countries, including neighboring Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, had recognized the Taliban government at the time.



Lyons cautioned the fundamentalist group that a "system that excludes women, minorities and talented people will not endure. She advocated for the international community to remain engaged with what she referred to as Afghanistans de facto authorities.



The U.N. envoy pledged, however, that the world body will not abandon millions of Afghans in need of urgent assistance in the wake of years of war and persistent drought in the country.



No country has yet granted the new Taliban government diplomatic recognition because of its harsh treatment of women and terrorism-related concerns.



An already bad humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has worsened since the return to power of the Taliban in the wake of international financial sanctions on many senior leaders of the ruling group, pushing the national economy to the brink of collapse.



The United Nations estimates that more than half of Afghanistans 40 million people are suffering from acute hunger and urgently need humanitarian aid. Some 1.1 million Afghan children are suffering from malnutrition.



The Taliban have rejected repeated international calls for reversing their women-related edicts, insisting they are in line with Afghan culture and Islamic tradition. They also defend their administration as fully representative of all Afghans.
Their feet caked in mud, a line of Rohingya refugees crosses a rice field. A young man, wearing only a thin pair of green shorts, carries an exhausted woman on his back.

The moment, captured in Palong Khali, Bangladesh, on Oct. 9, 2017, is just one of many images taken by American freelance photojournalist Paula Bronstein during her 40-year career.

Bronstein has spent decades reporting from some of the most dangerous areas in the world, covering migrants fleeing to safety and the aftermath of natural disasters and war. Work that earned her the International Women's Media Foundation Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award.

"I'm a photographer that wants to make sure the world sees what's going on," Bronstein told VOA.

For 20 years, that meant working in Afghanistan, where Bronstein documented everyday life from the start of the war in 2001 until February of this year.

In 2016, she published Afghanistan: Between Hope and Fear, a photo essay of women and children she met during that period, and her work covering poverty, addiction and the effects of war.

When the Taliban took over Kabul in August 2021, Bronstein says she felt she had to evacuate.

"We didn't know, as female journalists, how we were going to be treated, whether we would be arrested, what was going to happen," Bronstein told VOA.

But having covered daily life in Afghanistan for so long, she felt compelled to return.

"I went back as soon as possible," she said, returning just a few weeks after the takeover to record daily life as conditions worsened, especially for women.

Bronstein remained in Afghanistan until February, when she left to document Russia's war in Ukraine  an experience she says is unlike anything else she has come across.

"It has to do with understanding where your safety of work is," Bronstein told VOA. Russia's widespread use of shelling has made it harder for journalists to protect themselves.

Russia has been accused by international bodies and the media of indiscriminate shelling, including of civilian areas.

In that environment, Bronstein said, "You have to understand that and know that the only thing you can do to protect yourself is just to really, really be cautious."

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports at least 12 journalists have been killed while covering the war in Ukraine. The press freedom nonprofit is examining the circumstances in which several others died, to determine if the deaths are journalism-related.

Decades of coverage

It is Bronstein's commitment and willingness to stay the course, despite the danger, that led the IWMF to award her the 2022 Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award.

The award is presented in memory of Associated Press photographer Niedringhaus, who was killed in 2014.

"Paula has been engaging in some of the most difficult photojournalism and documentation work in the world for decades," Elisa Lees Munoz, executive director of the IWMF, told VOA. "And, similar to Anya, she has dedicated her career to going to record these difficult scenes in a way that really focuses on the humanity of her subjects and on the beauty around her in these awful, awful circumstances."

For Bronstein, it isn't just about war. She is interested in how people adapt during conflict.

In Ukraine, she documented life backstage with the Lviv Ballet as a relative normalcy returned despite ongoing fighting elsewhere in the country.

"That's something I did for many years in Afghanistan  documenting the resilience of people living against a backdrop of war," Bronstein said.

Niedringhaus also spent decades photographing the impact of conflict.

While covering the Balkans, a sniper in Sarajevo shot at her; in Kosovo, a grenade blast ejected her from a car; and in 1991, she and a group of journalists had a near miss when NATO forces mistakenly bombed the area they were in along an Albanian border.

Niedringhaus won the IWMF Courage in Journalism award in 2005, the same year the Pulitzers honored her for coverage of the war in Iraq.

For Bronstein, winning an award named in Niedringhaus' memory was especially meaningful because she knew her. Both photojournalists were in Afghanistan in 2014. That same year, an Afghan policeman opened fire on a parked vehicle Niedringhaus was in.

Bronstein described her colleague's death as "a huge challenge," adding, "That's what always happens with war: You think it's safe until it's not."

Alongside Bronstein, the IWMF awarded honorable mentions to two other photojournalists: Farzana Wahidy, an Afghan covering her home country, and Carol Guzy, an American who has previously won accolades for work in Haiti, Kosovo and Iraq. Guzy, like Bronstein, is also reporting from Ukraine.

Though hesitant to say the work of these journalists is any different from that of their male colleagues, Munoz says that women are able to cover places and situations that men cannot access, such as the communities Bronstein photographed in Afghanistan.

Charlotte Fox, IWMF director of communications, elaborated, telling VOA, "So many communities' stories aren't in mainstream narratives because there's been a lack of effort to engage with those communities, embed with those communities, and those communities don't see themselves in the journalist who is reporting the story.

"And that's exactly why women and non-binary journalists are so critical as folks who tell these stories, because it might be their own lived experience, it might be their own community that they're able to tap into and access and speak with," Fox said.

Bronstein and Guzy began working as photojournalists in the 1980s, at a time when the industry was dominated by men, especially the war beat. Munoz says the two "paved the way for their peers today to be part of the profession."

The IWMF didn't make a conscious decision to recognize the age of Bronstein and Guzy, but Munoz is glad to bring attention to veteran photographers.

She noted that in a competitive industry, some outlets look for what she said is "the cheapest and easiest way to get those images instead of the most meaningful and most in-depth way."

Bronstein has also found that to be the case. Still, despite the challenges of the industry and the risks of being out in the field, she can't imagine a different career.

"I love what I do and if I didn't, there's no way I could maintain it, absolutely no way," Bronstein said. "It totally feeds me. It's like oxygen."


A record 89.3 million people had been driven from their homes by war, violence, persecution, and human rights abuse by the end of 2021, up 8% from the previous year, according to the U.N. refugee agencys annual Global Trends report.

U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi says the figures are made even worse when the number of people forced to flee by Russias invasion of Ukraine is included.

"Ukraine has displaced anyway between 12 and 14 million people, depending on how you count them. So, the figure has exceeded 100 million. This is due to a rise in conflict and crisis," he said.

Emergencies have caused the numbers to climb every year over the past decade. The UNHCR says Russias Ukraine invasion has spurred the fastest, and one of the largest, forced displacement crises since World War II.

While the world is focused on Ukraine, Grandi urges governments to pay attention to the many emergencies that have preceded Ukraine and continue to shatter the lives of millions of people.

"We have Ethiopia at the end of 2020 and through 21. We had the Afghanistan situation in the summer of last year: Syria, for example, South Sudan. The question of Palestine refugees. These have been very longstanding crises that add to the numbers," he said.

The UNHCR says refugee numbers rose to more than 27 million last year, while those displaced by conflict within their own countries increased to 53.2 million.

Dispelling common perceptions, the UNHCR says more than 80% of refugees fled to poor and middle-income countries.

The report finds five countries  Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Myanmar account for more than two-thirds of the globally displaced. It says Turkey took in the most refugees, followed by Colombia, Uganda, Pakistan, and Germany. The United States is still the top refugee resettlement country in the world.
The link between domestic terror attacks and easy access to powerful guns is beyond dispute, according to a top U.S. Justice Department official.

"We have to be clear about this as a nation," Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen told an audience in Washington on Wednesday, the same day the department made the suspect in a mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, eligible for the death penalty.

"The ability of violent extremists to acquire military-grade weapons in this country contributes significantly to their ability to kill and inflict harm on a massive scale," said Olsen, a former director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center who now heads the Justice Department's national security division.

"It is, I think, inarguable that the access to powerful weapons in this country gives domestic violence extremists the ability to carry out attacks on a scale that they couldn't otherwise carry out and that we don't see in other countries."

Also Wednesday, Justice Department lawyers filed federal hate crimes charges against 18-year-old Payton Gendron, accused of gunning down 10 Black people during an attack at a Buffalo, New York, supermarket on May 14.

According to prosecutors and law enforcement officials, Gendron's gun, a Bushmaster XM-15 rifle had racial slurs written on it as well as the phrase, "The Great Replacement," referencing a theory espoused by many violent white supremacists.

Gendron also wrote a self-described manifesto detailing his plan to kill Black people, saying his goal was to "kill as many blacks as possible."

"Hate-fueled acts of violence terrorize not only the individuals who are all attacked but entire communities," U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said Wednesday after meeting with survivors and families of the victims.

"No one in this country should have to live in fear that they will go to work or shop at the grocery store, and they will be attacked by someone who hates them because of the color of their skin. Someone who commits that act because he subscribes to the vile theory that only people like him belong in this country," he added.

Gendron previously pleaded not guilty to charges of domestic terrorism, including hate-motivated domestic terrorism and murder.

The recent spate of gun violence has prompted U.S. lawmakers to reexamine the country's gun laws, long a hot-button political issue. Top Democrats and Republicans expressed optimism a compromise involving several modest measures could be reached by the end of this week.

U.S. officials have repeatedly been warning of a dynamic and heightened threat environment and the possibility of domestic terror attacks, recently extending a threat advisory for another six months.

Earlier this year, U.S. officials warned the number of domestic terrorism cases opened by the FBI had more than doubled since March 2020, prompting the Justice Department to create a domestic terrorism unit to specifically handle the resulting prosecutions.

In January, FBI Executive Assistant Director Jill Sanborn told lawmakers that domestic extremists, including racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists and anti-government or anti-authority violent extremists, "will continue to pose the most serious threats."

On Wednesday, the Justice Department's Olsen warned that the threat from domestic violent extremists and domestic terrorism "has increased in an alarming way."

Olsen also expressed concern about the known links between white supremacist groups in the U.S. and those abroad.

Earlier Wednesday, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned two supporters of the Russian Imperial Movement (RIM), which was designated by the State Department as a global terror organization in 2020.

One of the individuals, Stanislav Shevchuk, a Europe-based RIM representative, traveled to the US in 2017 "with the objective of establishing connections," according to a Treasury Department statement.
A top U.N. official said information about what transpired in Mariupol strongly suggests Russian armed forces committed serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in that besieged Ukrainian city.

U.N. rights chief Michelle Bachelet presented an oral update on the grave situation in Mariupol Thursday to the U.N. Human Rights Council. U.N. monitors who were unable to access Mariupol due to the security situation gathered information from people who had left the city and from satellite imagery.

The high commissioner for human rights presented a sobering picture of what occurred between February and the end of April in Mariupol, which she described as the deadliest place in Ukraine.

In chronological order, she described Russias unrelenting air strikes, rocket attacks, tank and artillery shelling that turned this once thriving city of half a million people into rubble and ashes. She presented statistics on the extensive destruction of residential homes, public buildings, hospitals, and other structures harboring civilians, many of whom were killed.

After three months, Russia took control of Mariupol. Bachelet says conditions in the city are dire. She says residents have limited access to medical care and other basic services and that people cannot leave and return freely.

The tragedy of Mariupol is far from over, and the full picture of the devastation caused is not yet clear," Bachelet said. "The city can eventually be rebuilt, but, the horrors inflicted on the civilian population will leave their indelible mark, including on generations to come. On the parents who had to bury their own children  on all those who had to leave a much-loved city with uncertain prospects of ever seeing it again.

Russias ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, Gennady Gatilov, contested the high commissioners assessment of the situation in Mariupol. He said Russian forces had fully liberated Mariupol from what he called Ukrainian Nazi formations.

For eight years, he said Mariupol had been held hostage by Ukrainian neo-Nazis. Now, he added, peace was returning and calm resuming.

Tetiana Lomakina, an official in the Office of the President of Ukraine, accused Russia of mounting an unlawful and unjustified war against her country. She said Russia should not escape with impunity for the crimes it has committed. She urged the international community to ensure accountability.

Lomakina said Mariupol would forever remain an integral part of Ukraine. She vowed her government would not rest until its people were freed again.
U.S. helicopters swooped into the northwestern Syrian countryside near the city of Jarablus under cover of darkness and, despite reports of heavy gunfire, took off again with a rising Islamic State leader in custody, striking the latest blow against the terror organization.

U.S. military and counterterrorism officials have been hesitant to share many details of the early Thursday morning raid that resulted in the capture of Hani Ahmed al-Kurdi, described as one of the groups more senior leaders and crucial to its recent exploits in Syria.

The mission to capture al-Kurdi was meticulously planned to minimize the risk of civilian harm or collateral damage, the U.S.-led coalition to defeat IS said in a statement.

The successful mission avoided any harm to civilians or civilian infrastructure and resulted in no damage to coalition aircraft or assets, the statement added.

Separately, a U.S. official speaking to VOA on the condition of anonymity in order to discuss intelligence confirmed that none of the U.S. forces involved in the raid were hurt.

As for al-Kurdi, the official described the former bombmaker as an operational facilitator who had risen through the ranks to become a key planner behind the terror groups Syrian operations.

A coalition statement further described al-Kurdi as a being responsible for coordinating terrorist activities across the region  and facilitating attacks on U.S. and partner forces.

While al-Kurdi is perhaps not as well-known as other IS officials and ideologues, his name is familiar to analysts who study IS, some of whom told VOA his capture will deal a blow to ISs plans for Syria, and perhaps even its future.

To fully dismantle an organization like ISIS, it is crucial to identify and arrest individuals like al-Kurdi, given his expertise as a bombmaker, said Colin Clarke, director of research at the global intelligence firm The Soufan Group, using a different acronym for the terror group.

Someone with these types of skills participates in tacit knowledge transfer, passing down these skills to others within the organization, Clarke said. In practical terms, this is a really big deal to take someone like this off the battlefield.

In the immediate aftermath of the U.S. raid, the IS social media account sought to downplay the significance.

Chatter tracked by JihadoScope, a company that monitors online activity by Islamist extremists, found IS-linked accounts immediately describing the raid as a failed operation, arguing a U.S. helicopter was damaged.

U.S. officials have rejected such assertions, but war monitors on the ground in Syria suggest IS may have escaped an even bigger blow.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Thursday that the area U.S. forces targeted was home to multiple, high-ranking IS officials and fighters but that many were able to escape and hide after getting word of an approaching U.S. aircraft.

The observatory also said that in addition to al-Kurdi, U.S. forces captured two of his IS escorts  a claim U.S. officials haven't confirmed.

Thursdays raid near Jarablus is the latest in a series of counter-IS operations to focus on northwestern Syria.

In February U.S. special forces descended on Atmeh, a town in Syrias northwestern, Idlib province, as part of an operation that led to the death of then-leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi.

ISs first leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, died following a U.S. raid in northwestern Syria in October 2019, and intelligence from multiple countries, including the U.S., has suggested remnants of IS have long seen the region as a relatively safe base of operations, due in part to the presence of several other terror organizations.

But there are indications that IS operatives and fighters in northwestern Syria are coming under increasing pressure, including from other terror groups in the region.

On Tuesday, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a terror group that evolved out of the former al-Qaida affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra, announced it had launched an operation against IS in the Idlib area.

"Among those arrested are officials and leaders  [who] hold sensitive positions in the province, the most important being the securing of roads and supplies," HTS said in a statement translated by the SITE Intelligence Group.

Other IS cells across Syria and Iraq also appear to be feeling squeezed.

Both the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces and Iraqi counterterrorism forces have claimed a series of major successes in operations targeting regional IS leaders and cells.

Its one thing to take out the top guys. Its another to start chipping away at those working on issues closer to the ground level and tactical actions, said Aaron Zelin, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy who specializes in jihadism.

It could portend to more operations that further dismantle second-tier leadership depending on what type of intel is gleaned, he told VOA.

Turkey also may have struck a major blow against IS late last month, claiming an operation in Istanbul had resulted in the capture of the new IS leader, known as Abu al-Hassan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi.

U.S. and other Western counterterrorism officials so far have declined to confirm the identity of the IS official in Turkish custody. Sources with knowledge of the arrest, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, have told VOA the person in custody is likely a key IS official.
With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.

BYD invests in semiconductor company

TYSiC, a semiconductor technology company in Dongguan, added BYD to its investor list. The company, established in January, 2009, has a business scope including development, manufacturing and sale of semiconductor materials and devices.

Denza D9 to hit market in July



The Denza D9 will hit the market in July before its delivery commences in August, Zhao Changjiang, general manager of Denza's sales division, disclosed through his personal Weibo account. The orders of the model have surpassed 20,000 units.

D9; photo credit: DENZA

Li Auto registers new firm in Beijing

Li Auto incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary in Beijing with a registered capital of RMB160 million. The new firms business scope includes wholesale of automotive components, manufacturing of automotive parts and property management.

e:NP1 to hit market on June 20



The e:NP1 from GAC Honda, the joint venture between GAC Group and Honda Motor, will hit the market on June 20. The new model has started presale with a price range of 175,000 yuan to 205,000 yuan ($26,240-$30,740) unveiled at the same time.

Fords C-V2X system deployed in Xian



On June 15th, Ford announced that it has successfully deployed its C-V2X system in Xian, the capital of Shaanxi Province, marking the fourth city in China to adopt Fords technologies after Wuxi, Changsha, and Guangzhou.



Lynk & Co kicks off presale of first hybrid vehicle on E-Motive system



Lynk & Co recently launched its first hybrid vehicle model built on its intelligent hybrid technology Lynk E-Motive, the 01 EM-F, and kicked off its presale.



SGMWs Wuling Jia Chen MPV starts at 68,800 yuan

SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW), General Motors' joint venture with Chinese partners SAIC Motor and Guangxi Automobile Group, launched on June 15 the all-new seven-seater family MPV model, the Wuling Jia Chen.



Greater Bay Technology to build joint venture with BIT-backed firm

Greater Bay Technology (GBT), a supercharging technology developer incubated by GAC Group, and Guangdong Huafeng New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (HFCC) intend to set up a joint venture that focuses on the R&D and production of fast-charging batteries and the new-generation energy storage devices and systems, HFCC announced on June 16.



Tencent Smart Transportation to deploy products onto Desay SVs smart cabin platform

Chinas auto part supplier Desay SV inked a strategic cooperation agreement with Tencent Smart Transportation at the tech giants online ceremony on June 14th.
The United States is sending another $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine, Washingtons biggest tranche yet of weaponry and equipment targeted to confront Russias slow but relentless advance on Ukraines eastern Donbas region.

U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement Wednesday he informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the new shipment in a phone call and that it would include additional artillery, coastal defense weapons, ammunition and advanced rocket systems Kyivs forces need to fend off Moscows bigger arsenal.

In addition, Biden said the U.S. is sending Ukraine $225 million more in humanitarian aid to help its beleaguered citizenry, including safe drinking water, critical medical supplies and health care, food, shelter, and cash for families to purchase essential items.

The bravery, resilience, and determination of the Ukrainian people continues to inspire the world, Biden said. And the United States, together with our allies and partners, will not waver in our commitment to the Ukrainian people as they fight for their freedom.

The aid announcement came as U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met in Brussels with allied defense ministers from more than 45 countries that have been supplying armaments to Ukraines forces. Russia is attempting to take full control of eastern Ukraine after failing earlier in the 3 1/2-month invasion to topple Zelenskyys government or capture the capital, Kyiv.

Opening the talks with the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Austin said Western allies remain committed to do even more to help Ukraine defend itself against Russias invasion at what he characterized as a critical moment on the battlefield.

Austin said Kyivs forces have inspired us all and need us all to supply more weaponry as battles rage in the Donbas region.

He said Russia is continuing to indiscriminately bombard Ukraine, and is a menace to European security that continues to draw global outrage.

Even before Bidens announcement of new military assistance, the United States and its allies supporting Ukraine have already sent billions of dollars of weaponry and ammunition to assist Ukraines fighters.

Weve got a lot done, Austin said, but now need to deepen our support for Ukraine to prove to Moscow that might does not make right.

We must intensify our shared commitment to Ukraines self-defense, and we must push ourselves even harder to ensure that Ukraine can defend itself, its citizens and its territory, he said.

Ukraine has continued to push for more military aid and to get it to the front lines more quickly as its forces face daunting odds in the fight to control the Donbas region.

Congressman Adam Smith, chairman of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, told an academic group at George Washington University, "We need to be giving more sophisticated systems, particularly when it comes to drones and long-range artillery. I don't think we have been fast enough to get the Ukrainians the drones we have available.

He said, The way the fight is playing out right now, certainly, the Russians have more artillery. The Russians right now have better ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance). They have better drones going out and seeing Ukrainian artillery positions. The Ukrainians don't have that same visibility."

Despite Russian claims of targeting and hitting Western weapon deliveries, Smith said, "We are still capable of getting a lot of weapons into Ukraine and we're seeing them being used in the battlefield."

A virtual meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group last month drew representatives from nearly 50 nations and pledges of new aid packages. Ukrainian officials, who joined the talks in Brussels, continue to urge international partners to send more weapons, especially heavy artillery, to help Ukrainian forces match up against Russia.

"The question is what do the Ukrainians need to continue the success they've already seen in slowing down and thwarting that Russian objective, and that'll be a major focus for the defense ministers," a senior U.S. defense official said ahead of Wednesday's meeting.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters that alliance defense ministers would meet late Wednesday with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov and get an update on "what Ukraine urgently needs."

Amid comments by Ukrainian officials that not enough military aid has come and not quickly enough, Stoltenberg said such efforts take time but that NATO leaders realize the urgency and are working with Ukraine to overcome hurdles.

Stoltenberg also said he expects NATO allies will also make new announcements of support for Ukraine on Wednesday.

'Donbas is the key'

The talks come as Russian forces push to gain full control of the eastern industrial city of Sievierodonetsk, located in the Donbas region that Russia has declared to be its main focus of its operation in Ukraine.

Hanging in there in Donbas is crucial, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video message late Tuesday. Donbas is the key to deciding who will dominate in the coming weeks.

Russia now controls about 80% of Sievierodonetsk and has destroyed all three bridges leading out of it, Luhansk regional governor Serhiy Haidai said Tuesday.

With Russia's destruction of bridges, Haidai acknowledged that a mass evacuation of civilians from Sievierodonetsk now is simply not possible because of Moscows relentless shelling and fighting in the city.

He said Ukrainian forces have been pushed to the outskirts of the city because of the scorched earth method and heavy artillery the Russians are using.

But Haidai told The Associated Press that Russian forces had not blocked off access to the city, leaving Ukraine with an opportunity for the evacuation of the wounded, communication with the Ukrainian military and local residents.

Population down to 12,000

About 12,000 of the citys original population of 100,000 remain, with 500 civilians sheltering in the Azot chemical plant, which is being shelled by the Russians.

Russian Colonel-General Mikhail Mizintsev said a humanitarian corridor will be opened Wednesday to evacuate civilians from the chemical plant, but that they will be taken to the town of Svatovo, which is under control of Russian and separatist forces.

Slowly, but relentlessly, Russia appears to be gaining the upper hand in the fight for control of the Donbas region, which encompasses the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces of Ukraine that Russia recognizes as independent states.

Russia seized Ukraines Crimean Peninsula in 2014, and Kyivs forces have been fighting pro-Russian separatists in the Donbas region since then.

Some material in this report came from Reuters, The Associated Press, and Agence France-Presse.






GENEVA  U.N. investigators, who have completed a first visit to Ukraine, say information gathered over the past 10 days indicates the probability that war crimes and crimes against humanity are likely to have been committed by invading Russian forces.



The U.N. Human Rights Council created the three-member Commission of Inquiry in May to investigate alleged violations and abuses of human rights in war-torn Ukraine. During its visit, the commission gave priority to four specific regions: Bucha, Irpin, Kharkiv, and Sumy, the sites of some of the worst atrocities committed in late February and March.

Commission Chair Erik Mose has described the first visit as very productive but added it was too early to make any factual findings.

However, subject to further confirmation, the information received, and the visited sites of destruction, may support claims that serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, perhaps reaching war crimes and crimes against humanity, have been committed in the areas, he said.

Mose says the commission received information about the arbitrary killing of civilians, destruction and looting of property, and attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools.

Commission member Jasminka Dzumhur says many people shared painful stories of loss. She says the commission received testimony from internally displaced people about the destruction and looting of civilian property, the mistreatment and disappearances of civilians and about rapes and other forms of sexual abuse.

She says the impact of the war on children, many of whom have been separated from families, is of great concern.

It considers it necessary to investigate further reports about the alleged transfer of children placed in institutions in the temporarily occupied territories to the Russian Federation as well as information about expedited citizenship and adoption processes for some of these children, she said.

The investigators plan further visits to other parts of Ukraine in coming months to gather information and evidence of abuse. They say their findings will be presented to the Human Rights Council in September.
Police in Zimbabwe say they have arrested Pius Jamba, who allegedly killed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activist, Moreblessing Ali, whose mutilated body was retrieved from a disused well in Nyatsime, Beatrice, a few days ago.

In a tweet, police said, The Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested accused Pius Jamba this morning in connection with the callous murder of Moreblessing Ali. A detailed statement will be released during the course of the day.

Police did not give any further details amid reports that Jamba handed himself to the police.

His arrest comes at a time when another CCC activist was allegedly killed by Zanu PF supporters in Chitungwiwa.

CCC spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere, said in a tweet, We are receiving disturbing reports that Champion Edison Chinembiri of Zengeza Main Branch was murdered by thugs on Tuesday night. We extend our sincere condolences to the Chinembiri family & call on @PoliceZimbabwe to investigate the matter thoroughly. Peace must prevail.

Police spokesperson, Paul Nyathi, was unavailable for comment as he was not responding to calls on his mobile phone.

Meanwhile, Job Sikhala and lawmaker Godfrey Sithole are expected to appear in court today facing charges of inciting violence.
The European Unions executive arm is expected to decide soon whether to recommend that Ukraine be granted candidate status for EU membership. The EU Commission  which must unanimously approve the recommendation  is set to debate the issue at a summit on June 23 and 24. While some EU leaders have signaled support for the move, some member states are more reluctant. VOAs Myroslava Gongadze reports from Warsaw.
Mary B. Wagner, age 70, of Alexandria died on Saturday, June 25th, 2022, at her home. A Visitation will be held from 5:007:00 PM on Thursday, June 30th, 2022, at the Anderson Funeral Home.
THURSDAY, June 16, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Treating precancerous anal growths in people with HIV slashes their risk of anal cancer by more than half, according to a new study.

Researchers found that treating these growths  called high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL)  is a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of anal cancer.

"We've now shown for the first time that treating anal HSIL is effective at reducing the incidence of anal cancer in a very high-risk group of people  people living with HIV," study leader Dr. Joel Palefsky said in a U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) news release. Palefsky is with the University of California, San Francisco.

The trial included nearly 4,500 people with HIV across the United States who were diagnosed with these precancerous lesions during an anoscopy, a procedure to examine the inner lining of the anus and rectum. Participants, who were 35 and older, were randomly assigned to receive treatment or active monitoring with no treatment.

Most of those who received treatment underwent electrocautery, in which heat from an electric current is used to destroy abnormal tissue.

After a median follow-up of just over two years, anal cancer had been diagnosed in 21 patients in the active monitoring group, compared with nine patients in the treatment group  a 57% difference.

Most side effects in the treatment group were mild and included pain and bleeding, according to the cancer institute-funded study. The findings were published June 16 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

"By showing that treatment for HSIL reduces the risk of anal cancer, this study also provides a rationale for screening for anal HSIL in people with HIV," said Dr. Robert Yarchoan, director of NCI's Office of HIV and AIDS Malignancy.

Anal cancer is relatively rare in the general population, but is the fourth most common cancer among people living with HIV, according to the NCI.

Nearly all cases of anal cancer are caused by infection from human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV vaccination can prevent anal HPV infections, but there are no evidence-based recommendations on screening for and treatment of anal HSIL.

The study findings highlight the need for additional training of health care providers, as well as more research on effective methods for screening and treating HSIL, Palefsky said.

More information

The American Cancer Society has more on anal cancer.

SOURCE: U.S. National Cancer Institute, news release, June 15, 2022
Funeral Announcements A daily list of current funeral annoucements as heard on KXRA 1490 AM/100.3 FM

News Updates The daily news, sports, and events delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria.



Sports Update This current sports headlines delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria.

Upcoming Events This email is the events of the area delivered daily from Voice of Alexandria.

Breaking News The big news. Sent only as it happens.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On June 15th, Ford announced that it has successfully deployed its C-V2X system in Xian, the capital of Shaanxi Province, marking the fourth city in China to adopt Fords technologies after Wuxi, Changsha, and Guangzhou.

Photo credit: Ford

As the first automaker to mass produce and implement C-V2X system, six of Ford-branded vehicle models are already adaptive to its C-V2X system, enabling human-car-city connectivity and interaction in areas covered by the system.

Fords C-V2X system covers nearly 100 intersections in Xians Weiyang District and Yanta District, initially. Ford said that it will branch out to more areas in the city in the future. Ford vehicle owners can connect to the local intelligent transportation system by OTA updates instead of installing additional hardware.

Notably, the vehicle-road-cloud mutual connection technology is supported by Cennavi, a subsidiary of Chinas NavInfo.

Currently, Ford China has developed six essential C-V2X functions, including traffic signal data-push, green wave vehicle speed, greenlight start notice, redlight alert, road information broadcast, and digital road signs. The set of functions are implemented onto the new-generation Mondeo, F-150 Raptor, EVOS, Mustang Mach-E, Edge Plus, and the new Explorer.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Greater Bay Technology (GBT), a supercharging technology developer incubated by GAC Group, and Guangdong Huafeng New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (HFCC) intend to set up a joint venture that focuses on the R&D and production of fast-charging batteries and the new-generation energy storage devices and systems, HFCC announced on June 16.

The joint venture will involve a registered capital of 60 million yuan ($8.957 million), which is 30/70 contributed by HFCC and GBT respectively, according to the announcement.

Through the joint venture, both parties will co-work on the R&D of ultra-fast charging batteries and new-generation ground-breaking energy storage devices and systems by leveraging GBTs existing XFC (eXtreme Fast Charging) technology and HFCCs technological advantages in new energy vehicle (NEV) core components of battery, electric motor, and electric control system.



Photo credit: GBT

Founded in Sept. 2020, GBT is the first high-tech company incubated by GAC Group with private investors taking the controlling stake. It is dedicated to the R&D, production, and sales of XFC batteries, and next-generation high-performance energy storage devices and compatible systems.

HFCC said its wholly-owned subsidiary, BIT HuaChuang Electric Vehicle Technology Co., Ltd. (BIT HuaChuang), is backed by Beijing Institute of Technology National Engineering Research Center of Electric Vehicles. It is dedicated to researching and promoting the commercialization of NEV-related core technologies, and providing NEV manufacturers with mature and reliable solutions and technical support of electric control and drive systems.

Based on the cooperation, BIT HuaChuang will use the XFC technology in its intelligent-connected vehicle power platform with priority, and integrate its existing electric drive system with the platform to form a more advanced automotive power platform.
Randolph "Pat" Jenks was born to a prosperous family in Morristown, New Jersey, in 1912. He first came west at age 15 to attend the Mesa Ranch School; later he went to the University of Arizona, followed by two field seasons at UC Berkely where he studied birds with Joseph Grinnell. At 19 years old, he homesteaded at Veit Springs. At that time he was the first Curator of Ornithology for the Museum of Northern Arizona.

On a pack trip from Mesa Ranch School's Flagstaff campus, his instructor, Lionel Brady, took Pat and the class up the old wagon road beside Hart Prairie up into the Peaks. They stopped near a cabin with a small cave with a spring, pond, and Native American petroglyphs. I had a drink from that pure, ice-cold water and it did something to me at that very moment. I felt connected to that place in a deep way.

Pat was struck by the bird diversity in these hills. I wrote my family a letter and told them about the wonderful place that we had been to. The 160 acres had originally been homesteaded in 1892 by German immigrant Ludwig Veit. Pat noted, in my letter home I wrote how happy Id be if I could get a place like this. They wrote back that theyd help secure the place. With great enthusiasm I went to the courthouse in Flagstaff and looked up the owner, Mr. George Campbell also a sheepherder. He was an old man in 1928 and wanted to sell it for $10,000. What a gift! Imagine a teenager getting a whole ranch like that. I referred to the place as Deerwater Ranch.

At this same time, Dr. and Mrs. Harold Colton, known to Jenks parents, were developing the Museum of Northern Arizona. They offered Pat a position as the first curator of birds. At the encouragement of Edwin McKee, park naturalist on the South Rim, Jenks wrote an article on the birds in each life zone from the bottom of the Grand Canyon to the top of the San Francisco Peaks discovering new sub-species of Golden-Crowned Kinglet and Pine Grosbeak along the way.

Between 1931 and 1932 while studying at University of Arizona, Pat recorded nearly every weekend Id head up to my ranch in Flagstaff. ... The three-room, two-story cabin on the property was originally built by Veit in 1892, and was a unique, stylistic example of early log cabins. Veit used square hewn logs and half, dove tail notches on the corners. This wonderfully constructed cabin with two rooms on the main floor and a ladder going up to a trapdoor entering into a loft where I installed two more windows and used it as an office. The two large rooms downstairs served as kitchen-living room and bedroom.

The cabin, variously known as Veit, Deerwater and Jenks, can be seen today near Frances Short Pond, where it was moved and used as an environmental education classroom.

While exploring near Deerwater, Jenks found an old Forest Service shack that was falling apart. With permission from the Coconino National Forest, he disassembled it log by log and reconstructed it at Deerwater between three large volcanic boulders. It served as his guest house (hosting Everett Ruess among others), equipped with a double bunk, stove and running water that he developed for both cabins from the three local springs (Veit, Middle and Indian). Each spring had a rock-faced spring house, pipes and troughs to keep a pond full and water running to the cabins.

In 1949, to cover debts, Pat sold Deerwater Ranch to Arizona Game and Fish, which renamed the area the Lamar Haines Memorial Wildlife Area after a notable Flagstaff sportsman and environmental educator. Jenks had owned Deerwater Ranch for 21 years and occupied it sporadically for 11 years.

Sadly, after the main cabin was moved to Frances Short Pond in Flagstaff, the small cabin collapsed in heavy snow in 2010 and has deteriorated since then. Pat Jenks lived to be 98, passing away in Tucson in 2011.

The next two Ask a Ranger columns will tell the story of Everett Ruess, the young artist-explorer of the Southwest and his visits to Flagstaff, including Deerwater Ranch.

Dan Campbell retired after 30 years with The Nature Conservancy as Director for Arizona, Belize, Jamaica and Bahamas, focusing on freshwater, marine and tropical forests systems. The NPS/USFS Roving Rangers volunteer through a unique agreement between the Flagstaff Area National Monuments and the Coconino National Forest to provide Interpretive Ranger walks and talks in the Flagstaff area each summer. Submit questions for the Ask a Ranger weekly column to askaranger@gmail.com.

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Joyce may have been inspired to write The Dead during his unhappy time in Rome.

Rome was rather tense in 1906. Pope Pius X, still smarting from his loss of the papal states some 30 years earlier, refused to move beyond the sanctuary of St Peters while the Savoy family, his rivals and Italys new monarchs, built rather grand monuments, empty gestures of grandeur. Into this tension walked 24-year-old James Joyce; a man desperately trying to escape tensions of his own.

Since leaving Dublin, Joyce had been living in the Adriatic coastal town of Trieste, in northeast Italy. He had made quite an impact on the expatriate community and their hangers-on. Many people befriended Joyce and seemed endlessly willing to help him and his wife as they struggled to come to terms with the realities of raising a young family.

But Joyce was a restless and flamboyant character whose fondness for alcohol worried his wife and riled his English school employers. Joyce even lured his brother Stanislaus to Trieste, knowing full well the extra income would help maintain his indulgent lifestyle. To make matters worse, the school director absconded, leaving the school in disarray and Joyce without a regular income. There was always trouble in Trieste.

Perhaps Rome, with all its mysterious splendour and history, could inspire him to greatness. Destiny and fame surely awaited him. This was the city of the Caesars. It was where Keats died, where Goethe had roamed the Forum and Joyces great hero Ibsen spent many happy months. Joyce fixed his mind on the eternal city and went about securing a job for himself with little difficulty.

Aided by a letter of recommendation from a former lord mayor of Dublin, Timothy Harrington, Joyce was offered a temporary post in the bank of Nast, Kolb and Schumacher, which stood at the corner of Via del Corso and Via S. Claudio, today the site of a large department store.

Arriving in Rome on 31 July 1906, the Joyce family took lodgings on the third floor of a house at 52 Via Frattina, where today a plaque commemorates his stay. The accommodation was small but close to his work and the bars and cafes around the Spanish Steps. From the very beginning, however, his letters to Stanislaus speak negatively of the city and its people. According to Joyce, the area around the Colosseum was simply like an old cemetery with broken columns of temples and slabs.

In a letter to his brother, he wrote, Rome reminds me of a man who lives by exhibiting to travellers his grandmothers corpse. Its clear that the citys former glories did nothing for such a modern man. But he clearly admits his own shortcomings and demonstrates his indignation in another letter to Stanislaus, lamenting: I wish I knew something of Latin or Roman history. But its not worthwhile beginning now. So let the ruins rot. His work in the bank was soul-destroying.

He often had to work 12 hours a day, copying up to 200 letters in an office where he had no interaction with the public. He had nothing but contempt for his colleagues who spoke endlessly of their ailments. His brother received constant updates on how difficult life in Rome was. And although Joyce was earning more money in the bank, he frequently begged his brother to send more cash.

By November, Joyces landlady was tiring of his excessive alcohol abuse and requested that he leave the accommodation on Via Frattina. Joyce expected to charm his way out of the tight spot but the signora stuck firmly to her guns and Joyce found himself homeless with his young family. After four days spent searching, the young writer moved into Via Monte Brianzo 51, near Piazza Navona.

By Christmas, Joyce was forced to take another job as a teacher, but it wasnt enough and the family dined on pasta on a thoroughly depressing Christmas Day. While he struggled to make ends meet in Rome nothing came from his pen. He found no time to write and no immediate inspiration. The Roman ruins compounded his misery. He complained of nightmares involving death, corpses, assassinations, in which I take an unpleasantly prominent part.

The intrigues and gore of ancient Rome infiltrated his psyche and it seems he began to develop a strange appreciation of his native Dublin, something not so keenly felt since his departure. It was at this time that the ideas for his wonderful short story, The Dead, began their gestation.

Perhaps the simple Christmas lunch and signora Dufours apparently barbarous treatment of his family led to dreams of more lavish feasts and what the storys hero Gabriel Conroy refers to as unique Irish hospitality. In the same breath Joyce, through Gabriel, a character all the while fixated on the attractions and trappings of continental Europe, acknowledges those things that Ireland has to offer the world by way of this tradition.

Romes somewhat crude irreverence for the dead who are constantly on display, whether through imperial Romes whimsical caesars or greedy popes, is in sharp contrast to the quiet, melancholy image of Dublin covered in snow. The romance and bombast of Michelangelo, Bernini and Borromini contrasts with the humble but no less passionate Michael Furey in The Dead who, we find out, courted Gabriels wife Gretta and died of consumption but may, as Gretta reveals, have died for me.

Eventually, Joyce had had enough and he decided to leave Rome. The day before leaving he was given his last pay cheque from his bank job, and splashed out on a few farewell drinks. As he drank, two men managed to get a look inside his wallet and when Joyce left the cafe they attacked and robbed him. Luckily, he had left some of his pay at his lodgings and with it he packed his son and his wife onto a train for Trieste and left Rome. He never returned.

By Jonathan deBurca Butler

Bloomsday, to celebrate the events in Joyces masterpiece Ulysses, is marked on 16 June each year. In Italy, the 2022 edition of the Trieste Joyce School will be held from 26 June-1 July, for details see website.

This article first appeared in the June 2011 edition of Wanted in Rome magazine.
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Congress, spurred by violent tragedies in Uvalde, Texas; Buffalo, New York; and elsewhere, may soon pass modest bipartisan gun-reform legislation. The bill would bolster red-flag laws meant to prevent dangerous individuals from owning guns, strengthen background checks of all gun buyers and amplify penalties for gun-trafficking crimes. Mental health programs and school security would receive more federal funding.

The bill is a step forward and, as my colleagues on Bloomberg Opinions editorial board have noted, is better than doing nothing. But its simply not enough.

Too many guns are on the streets already, and high-powered, military-grade handguns, long guns and rifles remain readily available. Gun violence in the US is far more ubiquitous than in other affluent countries, and there are more civilian-owned firearms than people in America.

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Sales of military-grade firearms need to be curtailed as soon as possible  and without waiting on Congress. President Joe Biden should issue an executive order preventing the departments of Defense, Justice, Homeland Security and Treasury  any federal agency  from awarding contracts to small-arms manufacturers that sell comparable weapons to average citizens. Gunmakers would be forced to choose with whom they do business: soldiers or citizens.

The worlds biggest gunmakers sell their wares to the US government as well as average Americans. That list includes large overseas manufacturers such as Glock GmbH, Beretta Holdings, Sturm Ruger & Co., Heckler & Koch GmbH and Sig Sauers parent company, L&O Holding GmbH. US-based companies such as Colts Manufacturing Co. and Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. are big players as well. Daniel Defense, a much smaller US manufacturer that makes the AR-15 assault-style rifle that was used in the Uvalde massacre, also does business with the federal government.

How potent would an executive order like this be? It would depend on how much it would hurt the bottom line of companies that sell to the government. Many of the companies are privately held, so their annual revenue and earnings arent freely available. Sales at Smith & Wesson, which is publicly traded, doubled to more than $1 billion last year. The company estimates that about 94% of its revenue came from consumer sales last year; the federal government and law enforcement made up only 6% of its sales.

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Im going to presume that Smith & Wessons sales mix might be a proxy for most gunmakers, and based on my review of federal contract data at USASpending.gov, it probably is. Daniel Defense, for example, told Forbes in 2017 that 90% of its revenue came from consumer sales.

In that context, here are a few takeaways from those figures: 1) It should worry you that gun proliferation is so extensive that average consumers have more small arms than law enforcement and the military (have a look at this map and data if you want to be alarmed further); 2) Gunmakers might simply walk away from federal contracts if they are forced to make a choice; and 3) Sales arent the only leverage the White House has with gunmakers.

Should gunmakers forgo government sales after an executive order, they would lose a valuable marketing partner. Handgun sales in the US took off in the 1980s in part because Beretta and Glock marketed their guns as the preferred weapons of the military and police departments. Fetishizing guns as the tools of warriors and sheriffs has proved to be a wildly successful marketing strategy for gunmakers. Visits to their websites show how much military bravado is still central to their messaging. Would they want to give up their marketing mojo and lose a chunk of their sales if the federal government walked away from contracts?

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There are lots of details that would have to be worked out for an executive order like this to be effective. Gunmakers and their lobbyists would denounce the White House as anti-consumer and invoke the Second Amendment. But if the Biden administration is prepared to weather the inevitable blowback, and possibly enlist local police departments to adopt a similar strategy with their own purchasing contracts, it could prove to be a forceful response to gun violence.

Its a fascinating idea, but all of the legal, constitutional and feasibility issues would turn on how an executive order would be implemented, said Eric Ruben, a professor at the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University and a fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice.

Perhaps the executive order could apply contractual limitations only to military-style assault weapons. Hunters could still get their rifles. Sporting enthusiasts could have their guns. People who want to carry a modest firearm to protect themselves wouldnt be affected. The police could still get the firepower they need. But potential mass shooters wouldnt have access to the kind of weapon used at Uvalde and other horrific crime scenes.

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Going this route would allow the White House to circumvent a Congress that hasnt responded to what a clear majority of voters want: meaningful gun reform. And it would get there by using the power of the federal governments purse.

(Everytown for Gun Safety, which advocates gun-safety measures, is backed by Michael Bloomberg, founder and majority owner of Bloomberg LP.)

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Timothy L. OBrien is a senior columnist for Bloomberg Opinion covering U.S. business and politics. A former editor and reporter for the New York Times, he is author of TrumpNation: The Art of Being the Donald.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

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In commodity markets, there are few phenomena more feared than a corner. If a few traders become too dominant, they can at times set prices at will by withholding supply, driving values to ridiculous levels. Thats what happened when the Hunt brothers cornered the market in silver in 1980, sending it to prices that are still a record. In equity markets, short squeezes like the one that caused Volkswagen AG to briefly become the worlds most valuable company in 2008 also represent a sort of corner.

That situation has been playing out this week in the market underpinning Australias main electricity grid. Regulators were forced Wednesday to suspend the spot market into which generators sell power, saying that trading was getting in the way of ensuring secure and reliable electricity supplies. That will temporarily switch the network from one run on capitalist principles of supply and demand, to something like a planned economy where the regulator directs utilities what to do.

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Its an extraordinary failure, especially considering that theres no shortage of generation capacity out there. The best explanation is that the cornerstone players in Australias power market have seen the business model of their coal-fired assets incinerated. They decided YOLO, and chose to make a play for some short-term cash, rather than long-term stability.

Australias power market operates as a series of rolling reverse auctions. Generators bid to sell electricity into five-minute windows, with the price they all receive set by the highest-cost player. For wind and solar, those costs are effectively zero. Coal is relatively cheap too, so the marginal generator who sets the market price is typically gas-fired.

Thats the start of the problem. As the worlds largest LNG exporter, Australias gas tends to move in line with global prices that have soared thanks to the invasion of Ukraine. Russian exports of pipeline gas to Europe have declined by about a third over the past month, pushing up the cost of wholesale electricity in Australia to the point where it triggered government price caps.

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In theory, the regulator can then direct generators to switch on and sell power into the market, but thats not happening. Coal-fired power stations, which still account for about two-thirds of Australias power mix, have been absent. About a third of coal-burning capacity was offline during Wednesdays evening peak, despite pricing that should guarantee hefty profits for every generator who sparks up.

Whats going on? The generators point to an unfortunate series of coincidences. Some units are down for scheduled maintenance. Others have been taken offline unexpectedly  a failed inverter or parts shortage here, some damaged boiler equipment there. Shortages of coal may also be playing a role.

At the same time, in Australias highly concentrated power market, those who leave some of their generators cold a little longer end up getting far higher prices for the units still running. Consumers and businesses end up cornered, and pay the price. We have these dominant players who are actively withholding capacity from the market when we need it, said David Byrne, a professor of energy market economics at the University of Melbourne. They are enjoying very high prices in these extreme conditions.

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Carl Kitchen, a spokesman for the Australian Energy Council, the association for generators, rejected those claims and said workers had been doing their best to get plants back online. Three units with combined capacity of 1,200 megawatts have been brought back online in the past 24 hours, he added.

One constraint on market corners is typically that participants have an interest in their long-term standing, which encourages them to behave. Thats changing in Australias grid, however, as it transitions from its current roughly 75% fossil fuel-fired electricity network, toward the new Labor governments target of 82% renewables by 2030.

Some of them are feeling Were on the way out, lets get as much as we possibly can, and that frames their approach to the market overall, said Bruce Mountain, director of the Victoria Energy Policy Centre in Melbourne. It becomes possible to get away with blue murder.

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In one sense, whats happened has been a technical failure of market design, much like the circumstances that allowed 2021s meme-stock frenzy to flourish and those which briefly drove nickel prices up five-fold on the London Metal Exchange earlier this year.

In another, even the most free-market power grid is ultimately governed by politics. This weeks disruption was a game of chicken between generators and the regulator, said Byrne. The likeliest short-term solution may well be for Australias Labor prime minister to get on the phone to the Labor premier of Queensland state, and encourage state-owned utility CS Energy  currently the worst offender, with just 30% of its coal capacity online during Wednesdays peak  to start supplying more power.

Private-sector coal generators should do the same and start behaving not like commodity traders taking advantage of market disruptions, but suppliers of essential infrastructure to the nation. Australias coal fleet is dying  but like a wounded animal, thats when its at its most dangerous.

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 A Billionaires Windmill Tilt Is Breaking an Investment Drought: David Fickling

 After Pain at the Pump Comes the Electric Shock: Liam Denning

 These Are the Batteries We Need to Ease the Power Crunch: Anjani Trivedi

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

David Fickling is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering energy and commodities. Previously, he worked for Bloomberg News, the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times.

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President Joe Bidens administration has said for months that there would come a time when the benefits of reviving the Iran nuclear deal no longer outweighed the costs. That cutoff point, whether US officials admit it or not, may now be weeks away. While diplomacy shouldnt be abandoned, the US should be using this time to show Iran and its backers what the alternative will look like.

Iran has provoked this crisis. Its stonewalling of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which has been investigating nuclear material found at several undeclared sites, prompted a dramatic rebuke last week: Thirty countries voted to censure Iran for its intransigence, with only Russia and China dissenting. Iran has retaliated by removing nearly half of the cameras monitoring its nuclear facilities while announcing plans to install more advanced centrifuges. The IAEA says if the cameras arent reconnected within a month, inspectors will no longer be able to verify key details about Irans production of nuclear material and equipment.

That would be, as the agencys head put it, a fatal blow to the 2015 nuclear deal. Without knowing exactly how many centrifuges and how much enriched uranium Iran has, the outside world cant ensure that Tehran isnt secretly stockpiling material for a bomb. Moreover, Irans lack of cooperation raises questions about the value of any revived deal. Given that its scientists now have the know-how to reconstitute its stockpiles relatively quickly, its even more critical that inspectors be able to alert the world to any signs of renewed weapons research.

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Even now, the US should remain open to compromise. If Iran can propose a face-saving way to give up on what appears to be the last sticking point  its demand that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps be taken off the State Departments terrorist organization list  the US should listen. Even an interim deal that freezes Irans enrichment and restores IAEA access in exchange for limited sanctions relief may be worth considering.

At the same time, the Biden administration should set aside fears that a tougher approach might derail negotiations. US officials have suggested theyre prepared to shift to a plan B if talks fail; they should spell out what that means.

The administration should start by enforcing existing sanctions far more robustly. Irans oil exports rose 30% in the first three months of the year; it claims to be selling more oil than at any time since the US reimposed sanctions in 2018, almost all of it to China. The Biden administration needs to track and interdict illegal shipments, and follow through on previous threats to sanction Chinese companies involved in the trade.

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Next, the White House needs to assemble a regional coalition to counter Iran. It should work with Arab allies and Israel on integrating air defenses. It should support these partners with intelligence and technologies to counter Iranian missiles and drones, and encourage closer collaboration between Israel and other signatories to the Abraham Accords on weapons research. It should also respond forcefully to any attacks on its forces or interests in the region.

Finally, Biden should reiterate his vow never to allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon. Without setting any red lines publicly, he should make clear to the Iranians that any attempt to enrich uranium to weapons grade or to kick out IAEA inspectors could be a trigger for military action. The US should work closely with Israel on its own capabilities and plans, while continuing high-profile joint military exercises.

Showing that its prepared to defend its interests in the absence of a deal may be the best way for the US to convince Iran to sign one.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

 Iran Has Overplayed Its Hand in Nuclear Talks: Bobby Ghosh

 $530 Million Ends Six Years of Hostage Hell: Therese Raphael

 Mideast Is Frenemy Territory for US and Russia: Hussein Ibish

The Editors are members of the Bloomberg Opinion editorial board.

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At a time when crude prices are close to their highest levels in 14 years, Big Oil is turning its back on some of its biggest reserves. BP Plc this week announced it would sell out of the Sunrise project, a Canadian tar sands joint venture that produces about 50 million barrels a day. That can be chalked up as a victory for environmental campaigners whove sought to drive oil majors away from such projects. Equinor ASA sold out of a similar Canadian project last year, while Shell Plc and ConocoPhillips sold assets several years ago. Chevron Corp. and TotalEnergies SE also have projects that may be on the block.

On paper, bitumen and oil sands deposits like those in Canadas Athabasca region are some of the biggest reserves of petroleum anywhere on the planet. Venezuelas Orinoco belt contains roughly the same amount of crude as Saudi Arabia. The Athabasca reserves come next.

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Yet theres always been an asterisk attached to the tar sands. While their reserves numbers seem enormous, their economics have always been dicey. If international oil companies are quitting them now, its not because of any attempt to clean up their image (BP, for instance, is taking an offshore oil project as part-payment to its partner Cenovus Energy Inc. for its Sunrise stake.) Its because they can see through current high crude prices to a future where barrels are cheaper, and tar sands can no longer turn a reliable profit.

Such deposits arent quite like anything else in the oil industry. In many places, crude is extracted not via wells but with dump trucks and open-cast pits that resemble coal mines more than oil fields. Elsewhere, the heavy viscous crude must be broken up with steam and chemicals to produce something liquid enough to be pumped to the surface. Thats an energy-intensive process. Whereas conventional methods produce oil containing about 20 gigajoules of energy for every gigajoule used in extracting it from the ground, the type of tar sands found at Sunrise get just four or five gigajoules.

As the world of 2022 is well aware, energy is cost  and the expenditure needed to extract crude from the Canadian prairie is higher than anywhere else in the world.

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When energy consultancies produce a rundown of the most competitive projects, its tar sands (along with still-more marginal ones such as coal-to-liquids or gas-to-liquids) that typically occupy the costliest bit of the curve. When prices dip, the producers at the top start losing money first. Thats why the Gulfs secure position at the bottom of the global cost curve has made it the linchpin of energy markets for half a century.

Margins are made even tighter by the fact that the resultant crude is a lower-quality heavy sour product, which is hard to get to global markets thanks to the lack of pipeline capacity out of Canada. Compared to Maya, a Mexican crude of similar quality, Western Canadian Select oil trades at a persistent, and substantial, discount.

Its striking that one other flavor of high-cost petroleum is in ruder health. Americas shale oilfields are enjoying a resurgence that should push their production back to record levels in the next few weeks. Their costs tend to be lower than tar sands, but only marginally so. Why, then, do they remain more attractive?

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The answer is time. A shale well is short-lived, with output peaking in a matter of months and typically declining to zero in a year or so. Tar sands, on the other hand, are multi-decade projects, that may only start to recoup their initial capital investment after many years in production. That makes them a high-stakes bet on the long-term direction of the petroleum market.

Theres good money to be made from crude right now, whether its extracted from the Texas plains, the Canadian prairie, or the Saudi deserts. Demand looks to finally be recovering to pre-pandemic levels. A circumspect oil producer, however, will worry not just about the state of demand in 2022, but where it will be in 2025, or 2030, or beyond. Seen through that lens, the problem with high-cost, long-life tar sands isnt that theyre despoiling a pristine environment or pumping additional molecules of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, but simply that their economics are too marginal.

If youre bullish on the long-term prospects for crude demand, 2022s price environment represents a great time to invest in the worlds biggest reserves. If youre bearish, it represents a great time to sell out of them. Its telling that international oil companies with a choice about where to dedicate their capital are choosing the latter.

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Want more Bloomberg Opinion? Terminal readers head to OPIN.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

David Fickling is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering energy and commodities. Previously, he worked for Bloomberg News, the Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times.

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Beware the lessons of history as drawn by charlatans, ignoramuses or tyrants, for they will be daft, wrong and possibly disastrous. The self-serving amateur historiography of Russian President Vladimir Putin is an example. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Last year, he invented a narrative On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians, which was subsequently revealed as one of the hallucinations that made him attack Ukraine. The other day, he was at it again, comparing himself to Peter the Great, and hinting that it seems it has fallen to us, too, to reclaim and strengthen. That implied he might like to wage war against Sweden (as Peter did in the 18th century) and seize lands that are now part of Estonia, a member of NATO.

Oh dear. If Putin were a pub drunk, real historians would be guffawing. His overall legacy will be nothing like Peters  the Tsar, like Putin, was brutal and imperialistic, but also known for opening Russia toward the West and progress. Yet Putin is a dictator in possession of the launch codes for the worlds largest arsenal of nuclear weapons, so his ravings are terrifying.

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That said, the inevitability that some people will draw inane conclusions from history shouldnt prevent the rest of us from trying to be more sophisticated about it. As the Maori of New Zealand say, we walk backwards into the future with our eyes fixed on the past. We need history to make sense of the world; we need yesterday to understand today.

The trick is to be eclectic, precise and subtle. Nobody today is exactly like Hannibal, Boudica, Charlemagne, Genghis Khan, Catherine the Great or any other historical figure. But specific aspects of people and events in the past do echo down the ages. We just have to be clear about what those are in each context.

In groping for analogies to Putins war against Ukraine, there are lots of possibilities. Ive compared the scenarios to the outcomes of the Korean War and the Winter War between the Soviet Union and Finland; others have looked to the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 and beyond.

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For most people, however, the most evocative comparisons are to the First and Second World War  not least, because of fears that Putin may yet escalate and hurl us into a Third one. But those two previous conflagrations were completely different, and offer diverging lessons.

Poles, Estonians, Latvians, Lithuanians and other Eastern Europeans tend to view Russias war of aggression as comparable to Nazi Germanys assaults on Czechoslovakia and Poland in 1938-39. Polish President Andrzeij Duda, for example, has explicitly compared Putin to Adolf Hitler.

By contrast, German and French intellectuals and politicians prefer analogies to World War I. In part, thats because of a German taboo against comparing anything to Hitler (a sort of reverse Godwins Law), since that would seem to cast doubt on the historical singularity of the Fuehrers crimes, above all the Holocaust.

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By citing World War I, these observers are also signaling concern that the West, like Europe in 1914, could accidentally stumble into a bigger disaster. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has invoked The Sleepwalkers by Christopher Clark. That book describes in minute detail how Europes statesmen (they were all men), in responding to the assassination by a Bosnian Serb of an Austro-Hungarian prince in a Balkan backwater, slid into a continental fratricide because they didnt comprehend the automatic escalation spirals they had built into their alliance systems and mobilization schedules.

With such precedents in mind, leaders will tend to view Ukraines Donbas as akin to Bosnia Herzegovina in 1914  a land where the West has interests, but also a liminal place that could be a potential trap, luring NATO countries into a shooting war against Russia, with unknowable consequences.

The World War I analogy also explains why French President Emmanuel Macron worries about outcomes that would humiliate Putin. The Treaty of Versailles humiliated Germany, leaving it resentful and thereby seeding the next World War.

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But these comparisons miss the mark, according to Martin Schulze Wessel, a German historian of Eastern Europe. In the First World War, several leaders and powers shared responsibility for a disaster they could have prevented. In 1939, by contrast, one man launched an unprovoked attack against a weaker neighbor, as part of a pattern of irredentist, chauvinistic and imperialist aggression. This most closely fits Putin in 2022.

In that analogy, those leaders in the West who spent years trying to appease the tyrant  during the previous century or this one  misread the situation, the threat and the man. It also follows, as Polands Duda said, that negotiating with Putin  talking for the sake of talking  wont help, unless and until the aggressor is stopped on the battlefield. This is why the Poles and Balts say bluntly what Scholz so far refuses to state: Ukraine must win.

Note that the analogy of World War II does not extend to whatever Hitler did in the years after 1939. The comparison does not imply that Putin is planning a Holocaust, nor that he must eventually commit suicide  or that Russia, like Nazi Germany, must end up occupied and dismembered. To understand how Putins war could end, we need to observe how this tragedy unfolds, while reaching again and again for the most appropriate lessons of the past.

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More From This Writer and Others at Bloomberg Opinion:

 The U.S. Mustnt Follow Weimar Germany and Ancient Rome: Andreas Kluth



Putin Cant Keep Russian Mothers Silent Forever: Clara Ferreira Marques



Is Breaking Up Russia the Only Way to End Its Imperialism?: Leonid Bershidsky

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Andreas Kluth is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering European politics. A former editor in chief of Handelsblatt Global and a writer for the Economist, he is author of Hannibal and Me.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

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Since the summer of 2020 the United States has been experiencing a deadly wave of violence, and New York City has not been immune. The number of homicides in the city shot up 47% in 2020, and rose another 4% last year. While the tally is down 9% so far this year there have been some shocking murders, not to mention a mass shooting on the subway that miraculously didnt take any lives.

Regular consumers of the news would thus be forgiven for believing that the Big Apple has become a terribly dangerous place. And yes, it is markedly more dangerous than it was before the pandemic. Im not here to dismiss concerns about rising crime in the city. But a little context is in order. And by a little context, I mean a lot of charts.

The historical context, which a fair number of people are aware of, is that New Yorks pandemic murder wave followed a long decline, with the citys homicide rate in 2021 still less than a fifth what it was in 1990. The geographical context, which seems to be less widely understood, is that while homicide rates fell sharply all over the the US in the 1990s, that decline slowed in the 2000s and reversed starting in 2015. In Philadelphia the homicide rate is now worse than it was in the early 1990s, and in Chicago its close. Which means theres a growing gap between New York City and most of the rest of urban America.

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New York  which is where I happen to live  isnt just safe relative to other big cities. The data in the above chart are from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local police departments, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also keep track of homicides as reported on death certificates, and one can sort them by, among other things, whether they befell residents of a county that contains all or part of the biggest city in a large (population of one million or more) metropolitan area, a fringe (suburban) county in such a metropolitan area, or elsewhere. Suburban counties in large metro areas have tended to have the lowest homicide rates, but New York Citys was even lower from 2017 to 2019 and was only slightly higher in 2020, the most recent year for which the CDC has full data.

The CDCs Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research, aka Wonder, databases, with which I have become way too familiar since the beginning of the pandemic, also contain statistics on every other cause of death listed in ICD-10, the 10th edition of the World Health Organizations International Classification of Diseases.

Some causes of death other than homicide seem pretty relevant to assessing safety. Your risk of getting killed on the subway or in a subway station is much higher in New York City than in a place with no subway, for example, but if you add up all risks related to getting to work or school or wherever else it is you need to go, its a different story. New Yorkers are only about as third as likely to die in transportation accidents of any kind as Americans are overall. Put homicide and transportation risks together, and New York starts looking like a refuge from the American carnage.

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All these accountings leave out the September 2001 terrorist attacks. If included, those would push New Yorks combined homicide and transport mortality rate for 2001 to 32. Remarkably, though, thats still only slightly higher than the rate that year for rural and small town America  that is, in counties not part of metropolitan areas (which contained 86% of the US population in 2021).(1) Rural life, in particular driving long distances on two-lane roads far from emergency services, can be a high-risk activity.

There are other accidental threats listed in ICD-10 that seem less salient in the city than in the country, and in some cases, the suburbs. To name a few: contact with powered lawnmower, drowning and submersion while in swimming pool, contact with venomous snakes and lizards, victim of volcanic eruption. So I ran the numbers again for mortality from all external causes.

The mortality-rate gap between New York City and the rest of the country is even bigger in this chart than in the last one. But the trend has been headed in the wrong direction in New York and everywhere else for a while, mainly because of the opioid epidemic.

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The explosion of drug-overdose deaths in the US over the past decade is one of the most depressing trends one encounters in CDC Wonder, but it does take us somewhat afield from what people usually have in mind when they consider whether a place is safe or dangerous. Same goes for suicides, which have also risen but not as sharply. Then there are external causes such as falls and surgical complications that are usually fatal only for the very old. If included in the calculations, they tend to make retirement communities look terribly dangerous, which doesnt seem right.

Heres what mortality from external causes looks like if one excludes (1) accidental poisoning (how drug overdoses are classified), (2) intentional self-harm, (3) falls, (4) complications of medical and surgical care and (5) sequelae of external causes of morbidity and mortality (after-effects, that is, which are also fatal mostly for the elderly).

The overall lesson seems to be that the more urban your surroundings, the less danger you face. High homicide rates in some cities mean that the central counties in large metropolitan areas are on the whole slightly more dangerous than the suburban counties, but thats the only exception. The risk of death from truly external causes, as defined here, is three times higher in rural and small-town America than in the countrys largest city.

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This is so opposite from conventional wisdom that its worth teasing out why. One obvious explanation is that murder scares people a lot more than accidents do, and homicide risk is in fact highest in urban counties  just not in New York City. Another is that, as a colleague put it to me, you may be less likely to be victim of a crime in New York City, but youre more likely to witness one. In dense urban environments you simply see a lot more of whats going on, for good and ill. Its also possible that the issue is not so much urban versus rural as it is who lives where. An affluent rural or exurban county where lots of people can work from home might be lower risk than a poorer urban one where most cant. Rural counties in Appalachia or the Deep South might have very different profiles from those in New England or the Plains states.

A look at 2020 selected-external-causes mortality by state offers some support for the latter interpretation. The Northeast is the safest part of the country, but some heavily rural states (Mississippi, Arkansas) are a lot more dangerous than others (Vermont, Iowa).

County-by-county statistics from the CDC provide added perspective, albeit with data limitations that Ill get to in a moment.

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The very safest places in America by this reckoning are very affluent suburbs. Loudoun County, Virginia, has the countrys highest median household income, at $147,111 according to the Census Bureaus American Community Survey 2016-2020 estimates. All the other suburban counties here but Hampshire County, Massachusetts (which is less a suburb than an assortment of college towns), have median incomes above $100,000. Still, there are also three New York City boroughs in the top 15, all with median incomes below $90,000 but above the national median of $64,994. Brooklyn and the Bronx, where incomes are below the national median, come in a respectable 48th and 127th place in the county mortality rankings. Living in the countrys biggest city does seem to have its advantages, even for the non-wealthy.

But lets not forget those data limitations. While CDC Wonder knows everything about mortality in the US, for privacy reasons it only shares what it knows if there are 10 or more deaths to report, and because of reliability concerns it only calculates mortality rates if there are 20 or more deaths. For the collection of external causes I selected, Wonder churned out 2020 death totals for 1,711 of the nations 3,143 counties and county equivalents (parishes in Louisiana, census areas in Alaska, independent cities in Virginia and some other states) and mortality rates for 997. It provided enough data to calculate the mortality rates for all 1,711, but I chose not to for the charts here. If I had, three more Northern Virginia cities and counties would have entered the top 10 along with Story County, Iowa, and La Crosse County, Wisconsin.

If I selected a wider array of external causes, or combined data from several years, more counties with smaller populations would enter the mix. Still, pretty much any version of the most-dangerous-counties list would be at least as heavy on rural counties as this.

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There are a couple of other data issues worth mentioning. One is that all the mortality statistics except those in the very first chart are reported by the residence of the victims, not where the accident or homicide occurred. The CDC does offer some data on deaths by place of occurrence, but not with wildly different results, at least not for New York City, where 462 residents died of homicide in 2020 and 469 homicides occurred. If one were to use the latter number, theres the question of what population to use in calculating mortality rates. New York City welcomes hundreds of thousands of commuters and tourists every day. Should they be counted in its population totals?

Also, because complete 2020 Census results have yet to be released, the CDC is still using outdated 2020 population estimates based on the 2010 census. For New York City, this estimate is 550,977 lower than the number from the 2020 census, and the CDC estimates for most of the 2010s are probably too low as well. To give a sense of the impact, the citys CDC-calculated homicide rate of 5.4 per 100,000 in 2020 would drop to 5.1 using the census population. I decided to stick with the CDCs numbers nonetheless because (1) the city likely lost several hundred thousand residents in the months following the April 1 census record date, and (2) redoing all the 2020 mortality-rate calculations using census data would have introduced a lot of opportunities for error. But keep in mind that all the mortality rates for New York City in recent years in the CDC-derived charts are probably slight overestimates.

Finally, it would be nice to see this data by metropolitan area, wouldnt it? CDC Wonders most up-to-date deaths databases does not provide statistics by metro area. It is possible to download them by counties, then sort those into metropolitan areas, but with 2020 deaths data from my list of external causes available for only a little over half of US counties, that doesnt really work. By combining deaths from the five most recent available years I was able to get a more complete county list, and fill in the blanks with a little extra effort. Here, then, are the safest metropolitan areas in the US from 2016 through 2020, by my admittedly somewhat idiosyncratic definition.

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Its a mix of affluent coastal metropolises (the Worcester and Nashua metro areas are both part of Greater Boston), college towns, the Twin Cities and  the Malibu of the Midwest (Sheboygan). All nice places!

The most dangerous areas are a more hardscrabble lot, although led by an affluent coastal metro (Baltimore-Columbia) where the main city has an awful violent crime problem. The city of Baltimores homicide rate was a staggering 58.5 per 100,000 residents in 2021, twice that of Chicago and more than 10 times New York Citys.

Even the safest areas in the US remain killing fields compared with most of Western Europe. In Paris, the city described in 2016 by presidential candidate Donald Trump as so, so, so out of control, so dangerous, the homicide rate in recent years has been well below one death per 100,000 residents, and traffic deaths below three per 100,000, meaning that Parisians face a combined risk from those two sources about one-third that of New Yorkers. So theres lots of room for improvement in New York City. Theres just even more room for improvement almost everywhere else in the US.

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Data sources for charts

Safest of the Six Largest U.S. Cities: The main data sources here are the FBIs Crime Data Explorer and Census Bureau annual population estimates that I got from the Data Commons Place Explorer (for pre-2010 numbers) and the Census Bureau (for 2010-2021). I could not find city population estimates for 1985-1989 so I calculated my own by just assuming the cities grew (or shrank) at a uniform pace between the 1980 and 1990 censuses. The FBI hasnt released 2021 crime data yet so I got that years numbers either directly from police departments or from news reports based on police department data. Also, for some reason the FBIs post-2014 homicide numbers for Philadelphia are different from (and lower than) those on the Philadelphia Police Department website, so I went with the latter.

Murder in the Cities, Suburbs and Country: This is downloaded straight from CDC Wonders Underlying Causes of Death database, but there are two different ways to get homicide totals from that. One is to look under Injury Intent and Mechanism and select homicide as the injury intent, the other is to look through the ICD-10 codes used to classify all causes of death and select assault under External causes of morbidity and mortality. The former includes deaths from terrorist attacks and the latter does not, because they are classified under a separate ICD-10 category of Codes for special purposes. When this piece was first published, the chart showed homicide deaths with the September 2001 terrorist attacks subtracted out (for consistency with the FBI data and because otherwise New Yorks high 2001 rate would make the chart very hard to read); subsequently I realized it would be simpler and more consistent with the other charts to use the assault numbers, which are almost but not quite identical. Here they are by county urbanization status (I combined the two categories of nonmetro counties for the charts) and for New York City. Once you click through, youll have to agree to a couple of data use restrictions, then wait as CDC Wonder generates the data.

Car Crashes Change the Picture: This adds together assault plus transportation accident deaths as reported under External causes of morbidity and mortality. Here they are by county urbanization, and for New York City.

Safer in the Big City: This is all External causes of morbidity and mortality, by county urbanization, and for New York City.

Still Safer in the Big City: This is external causes minus the categories discussed in the text and the chart footnotes, by county urbanization and for New York City.

Safe States and Dangerous Ones: Selected external causes by state for 2020.

The Safest Counties in America, Sort Of, and The Most Dangerous Counties in America, Sort Of: Selected external causes by county for 2020.

Americas Safest Metro Areas and Americas Most Dangerous Metro Areas: Selected external causes by county for 2016-2020, which I then sorted into metro areas using the Census Bureaus March 2020 core-based statistical area delineation file. Twenty metro areas had at least one county for which CDC Wonder suppressed the deaths data because there were fewer than 10, so I went in and selected all the counties in each of the 20 to get combined mortality totals for each.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:



Should People See How Gruesome Gun Violence Is?: Timothy OBrien



Will Democrats Wake Up to Drugs Role in Crime Spike?: Jim Hinch



Murder Is Pandemics Main Killer of Young Black Men: Justin Fox

(This column was corrected to point out that all the data referenced in the seventh paragraph leave out deaths from the September 2001 terrorist attacks.)

(1) Metropolitan statistical areas are defined as consisting of one or more counties that contain a city of 50,000 or more inhabitants, or contain a Census Bureau-defined urbanized area (UA) and have a total population of at least 100,000 (75,000 in New England).

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Justin Fox is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering business. A former editorial director of Harvard Business Review, he has written for Time, Fortune and American Banker. He is author of The Myth of the Rational Market.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

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By Azernews

By Ayya Lmahamad

Azerbaijan's Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov visited the Scottish port city Aberdeen during his visit to the UK, Azernews reports, citing the ministry.

The minister paid a visit to Kincardine, the largest operating floating wind farm in the world. He got acquainted with the operation of the 50 MW wind farm, which is in water 60 to 80 meters deep.

Moreover, Shahbazov met with Scotland's Net Zero, Energy and Transport Minister Michael Matheson. They discussed Scotland's energy development path as an oil and gas country and issues on energy transition.

The minister also visited the renewable energy exhibition organized as part of the Energy Exports Conference in Aberdeen.

A delegation led by Azerbaijan's Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov paid a visit to London to attend the fifth meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission. The parties discussed the work done since the 4th session of the Intergovernmental Commission, including cooperation on further improvement of the business environment, increasing investments, energy transition, digital economy, infrastructure, agriculture, and others.
The Coconino and Kaibab national forests announced temporary closures of certain areas beginning this weekend, due to concerns about fire danger and public safety.

This is in addition to the current closure of most of the Coconino National Forest north of I-40. More about this closure, including a map is available here.

The new closures will begin Friday and Saturday, according to a release. They will continue until hot, dry conditions are no longer expected to continue and the forest receives enough widespread precipitation to lower fire danger.

Public access will be prohibited on all National Forest System lands, roads and trails in the following closure areas:

The Pumphouse Wash/Kelly Canyon and Fisher Point/Walnut Canyon areas in the Coconino National Forest will be closed starting Saturday, Jun 18 at 8 a.m.

This includes FR 237, the Pumphouse Wash dispersed camping area, Canyon Vista Campground, Marshall Lake, parts of the Arizona Trail and the Sandys Canyon trail. All other roads and recreation sites in both areas will also be closed.

Here are maps of the new CNF closures: Pumphouse Wash/Kelly Canyon, Fisher Point/Walnut Canyon.

The Bill Williams Mountain area of the Kaibab National Forest will be closed beginning Friday, June 17 at 8 a.m. This area is between Country Road 73, Old Route 66 in Williams, FRs 122 and 108 and I-40.

This includes Benham Trail, Bixler Saddle Trail, Bill Williams Mountain Trail, Bill Williams Connector Trail, Buckskinner Trail, City of Williams Link Trail, Devil Dog Loop Trail, and Clover Spring Loop Trail, according to a release.

FR 122 will be fully closed, while FR 108 will be drivable, though parking off the road is also prohibited.

A map of the KNF closure is available here.

Forest Service personnel will make every effort to notify those already in the areas before the closure begins.

Those with private property in the area are allowed to access it using Forest Service roads, though they will still be prohibited from entering the surrounding National Forest lands.

Exemptions will be issued for critical activities such as road work and surveys that are vital to continuing restoration operations, time-sensitive utilities and communications site work, and emergency response, the release said.

Violating closures or fire restrictions carries a mandatory appearance in federal court, punishable as a Class B misdemeanor with a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or up to six months in prison, or both.

Factors considered before placing restrictions or closures include fire danger and activity, fire preparedness at the national and regional levels, weather forecasts, firefighting resource availability and economic impact. These decisions are also coordinated with several partners of the national forest.

Closures are generally the last resort for land managers, who take many other steps to reduce the potential for human-caused fires and often consider closing only the most critical areas before a full forest closure. As such, additional area closures or even full forest closures could be forthcoming if conditions warrant, the release said.

The rest of the national forests remain at Stage 2 fire restrictions, as of Thursday afternoon.

"Despite the wind driven wildfires that have plagued the community, the indices used to make the decision to move to a forest wide Stage 3 closure have not been met," according to a tweet from the Coconino National Forest mid-day Thursday.

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey issued a declaration of emergency in response to the Pipeline Fire Thursday, which allows for additional support and resources to respond to the fires.

A map and more information about fire restrictions in Arizona can be found at https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions.

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Tech critics and advocates alike are pouring money into advertising campaigns in hopes of swaying undecided lawmakers before a floor vote expected this summer on a bill aimed at curbing the power of technology giants. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight The Tech Oversight Project, a nonprofit group that says its aim is to hold tech companies accountable, is launching a campaign worth several hundred thousand dollars attacking internet giants for charging small businesses unnecessary fees that are passed onto consumers.

The ads urge constituents to call their senators and ask them to pass a bill that would prevent companies including Alphabet Inc.s Google, Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc. from putting their own products ahead of those of competitors.

The antitrust legislation, which is led by US Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, is poised for a vote before the end of July. Time is ticking for Congress to take significant action on outstanding bills before the August recess, when lawmakers will switch to campaigning for the November midterm elections. The Senate also has competing priorities, including potential legislation on gun safety, US competitiveness and climate change.

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The Tech Oversight Project has funding from Omidyar Network, which was established by EBay founder Pierre Omidyar, and the Economic Security Project, which is chaired by Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes. The ads will appear on digital platforms and on television through July 4, running in swing states Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and New Hampshire. The campaign will also be featured digitally in Colorado and New York.

The ads criticize tech companies and industry groups for spending millions lobbying against the antitrust legislation. Amazon, Google, Apple and Meta spent $16.7 million lobbying in the first quarter of 2022, according to federal lobbying disclosures.

The Computers and Communications Industry Association, a tech-funded lobbying group, spent $22 million on broadcast and cable TV ads in early June, plus another $2.8 million on social media ads since the beginning of this year, according to AdImpact. The Competitiveness Coalition, which is led by former Senator Scott Brown and favors minimal regulation, launched its first television ad campaign against the Klobuchar bill this week.

The tech bill has received increased media attention in recent weeks, including a 20-minute segment on John Olivers Last Week Tonight on HBO and appearances by Klobuchar on MSNBC shows.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com

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Fauci tests positive, has mild symptoms Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight Anthony S. Fauci, a top government infectious-disease expert and President Bidens chief medical adviser, tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday, according to a statement from the White House and health officials. Fauci, 81, who has received two doses of the Moderna vaccine and two booster shots, diagnosed himself after taking a rapid antigen test. He had not previously tested positive for the virus.

The statement said Fauci had not recently been in proximity to Biden or other senior officials. He is experiencing mild symptoms and will isolate and continue to work from his home.

 Dan Diamond

Biden signs order on LGBTQ protections

President Biden issued an executive order Wednesday to stymie what he called discriminatory legislative attacks on the LGBTQ community by Republican-controlled states, declaring before a signing ceremony packed with activists, Pride is back at the White House.

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The order seeks to discourage conversion therapy  a discredited practice that aims to change a persons sexual orientation or gender identity  while also promoting gender-affirming surgery and expanding foster care protections for gay and transgender parents and children.

Biden said the order is meant to counter 300-plus anti-LGBTQ laws introduced by state lawmakers over the past year alone. The Department of Health and Human Services will draft new policies to expand care to LGBTQ families, and the Education Department will devise rules to better protect LGBTQ students in public schools. The order taps into money already allocated to federal agencies.

 Associated Press

Officer who fatally shot Lyoya is fired

A Michigan police officer charged with murder after shooting Patrick Lyoya in the back of the head has been fired, officials said Wednesday.

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Christopher Schurr, a Grand Rapids officer for seven years, waived a right to a hearing and was dismissed, effective last Friday, said City Manager Mark Washington.

Schurrs dismissal was recommended by Police Chief Eric Winstrom after a second-degree murder charge was filed last week.

Lyoya, a Black man, was killed at the end of a traffic stop on April 4. He ran and physically resisted Schurr after failing to produce a drivers license. Schurr, who is White, claimed Lyoya had control of his Taser when he shot him. Schurrs attorneys said the officer feared for his safety when he shot Lyoya.

 Associated Press

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BRUSSELS  Ukraines request to join the European Union may advance Friday with a recommendation from the EUs executive arm that the war-torn country deserves to become a candidate for membership in the 27-nation bloc. Wp Get the full experience. Choose your plan ArrowRight The European Commissions endorsement, while only a tentative step on a path that could take decades to complete, would send a strong symbol of solidarity with Ukraine and further test the EUs united front against Russia amid the invasion of its neighbor.

Here is a look at what the commissions announcement on making Ukraine an EU candidate could mean for the region:

FINDING THE RIGHT BALANCE

Ukraine applied for EU accession less than a week after Russia invaded the country and as the capital, Kyiv, faced the threat of capture and the Ukrainian government falling.

The urgency created by the war and Ukraines request for expedited consideration could upend the blocs go-slow approach to enlargement.

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On Thursday, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania visited Ukraine and vowed to back Kyivs bid to become an official candidate. Italian Premier Mario Draghi called EU candidacy for Ukraine a very profound step and noted that Ukraine would leapfrog Balkan nations, if the status is granted. But Draghi said the situation in Ukraine is extraordinary.

Giving Ukraine candidate status would challenge the EUs normal playbook for adding members. The leaders of EU member nations are expected to consider the European Commissions recommendation next week.

The leaders face a delicate balancing act: signaling to Ukraine that the EUs door is ajar while reassuring other aspiring members and some of the blocs own citizens that they arent showing favoritism to Kyiv.

TO EXPAND OR NOT EXPAND?

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The European Union was born in the 1950s to prevent another war between Germany and France. The six founding members were Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Since then, the EU has steadily expanded while espousing the idea that economic and political integration among nations is the best way to promote general prosperity and peace. This approach paved the way for the creation of the euro currency in 1999 and for the addition in 2004 of 10 new member countries, most from formerly communist Eastern Europe.

The euro, which 11 countries initially adopted as their official currency, highlighted the EUs capacity to deepen economic and political integration among EU nations. The big bang enlargement five years later showcased the blocs ability to widen its reach.

As the biggest military conflict in Europe since World War II unfolds on the blocs eastern border, the EU is grappling anew with enduring questions about its ability to deepen and widen, the informal benchmarks experts use to track the blocs decades-long evolution.

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WHY IS THERE A LACK OF CONSENSUS?

The internal consensus underpinning such a dual-track approach to the EUs progression had weakened years before Russia invaded Ukraine.

The euro-area debt crisis that erupted in 2010, a wave of mass migration in 2015 and the U.K.'s shock 2016 referendum decision to leave the EU all contributed to EU skittishness toward expanding its ranks.

So, too, did the growth of euroskeptic political forces in many member countries, including Germany, France and Italy. Some EU nations have accused the governments in Berlin, Paris and Rome of showing insufficient political support for Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia.

The Thursday visit to Kyiv by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Premier Mario Draghi and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis might help counter such criticism.

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CANDIDATE STATUS

The leaders meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and expressions of support for Ukraine coincided with behind-the-scenes European Commission negotiations over the forthcoming opinion on whether Ukraine merits candidate status.

A group of EU countries that included Poland wants maximum backing for Ukraine, while others, such as the Netherlands, favor a more cautious stance.

The commission plans also to issue its recommendations for Georgia and Moldova, which both rushed to apply for EU membership in March.

The degree to which Ukraines request for a fast-track accession represents a change in the EUs standard operating procedure is evident from the experiences of other aspiring members.

Turkey, for example, applied for membership in 1987, received candidate status in 1999, and had to wait until 2005 to start talks for actual entry. Only one of more than 30 negotiating chapters has been completed in the years since, and the whole process is at a standstill as a result of various disputes between the EU and Turkey.

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WESTERN BALKANS TIRED OF WAITING

Six nations in the Western Balkans also have faced long waits on their EU membership journeys. North Macedonia, for example, submitted its entry bid in 2004 and gained candidate status the following year.

But even after subsequently changing its name to settle a longstanding dispute with EU member Greece, the country is still waiting for membership talks to begin because Bulgaria, another member, threw up a last-minute hurdle related to ethnicity and language.

Launching accession talks requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU nations

Another aspiring member in the Balkans is Serbia, which applied for EU membership in 2009, became a candidate in 2012 and began entry talks in 2014. So far, the country has completed only two of 35 negotiating chapters.

In this context, Ukraine is essentially asking the EU to abandon its better-safe-than-sorry enlargement strategy.

___

Follow APs coverage of the Ukraine war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

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BUENOS AIRES  Israel praised Argentina on Thursday for holding a Venezuelan plane that included Iranian crew, saying the flight shows Tehran is trying to expand its influence in South America. Washington also made clear it is keeping close tabs on the investigation into the Boeing 747, which was loaded with automotive parts and raised questions because its 19 crewmembers is an unusually large number for a cargo plane.

In a statement, the Israeli Embassy commended the fast action by Argentine authorities who identified in real time the potential threat posed by the aircraft, which has been grounded at Argentinas main airport outside Buenos Aires since June 8.

Israel is particularly worried about Iranian airlines that are dedicated to arms trafficking and the transfer of people and equipment for the Quds Force, which are under sanctions by the United States for being involved in terrorist activities, the embassy said.

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The recent events provide evidence of the repeated attempts by the Islamic Republic of Iran, through the Revolutionary Guard and the Quds Force, to continue consolidating its influence throughout the world, including South America, as a base for terrorist acctions in the continent, the embassy added.

The top U.S. diplomat in Argentina also commented on the case.

We are following with great interest the judicial and law enforcement investigations into the crew and the plane and thank the investigative efforts of Argentine authorities to clear up the situation, U.S Ambassador Marc Stanley said in a statement shared with local media.

Argentine authorities have seized the passports of the five Iranians and 14 Venezuelan crewmembers on the plane, which is operated by Venezuelas state-owned Emtrasur line, a subsidiary of Conviasa, which is under U.S. sanctions.

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Expanding the international reverberations in the case, Venezuela on Thursday evening harshly criticized Uruguay for failing to allow the plane to land in Montevideo to refuel.

The planes crew sought to fly to Montevideo on June 8 but had to return to Buenos Aires after Uruguayan authorities refused entry into its airspace, according to a report by Argentinas Transportation Ministry. It was then that the plane was grounded by Argentine authorities.

Uruguays regretable action could have caused a tragedy, human lives and damage to both nations, Venezuela said in a statement, adding that it demands explanations about this terrible event from the Uruguayan government.

Before it was sold to Emtrasur a year ago, the plane was owned by Mahan Air of Iran, which the U.S. government has sanctioned for allegedly aiding the Quds Force and terrorist activities.

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Law enforcement offices on Tuesday searched the hotel where the crewmembers were staying under orders of Federal Judge Federico Villena, who is investigating the crew.

Argentine authorities say they have not found any irregularities in the crew.

The plane reportedly loaded automotive parts in Mexico and stopped in Venezuela before arriving in Argentina.

The large crew had earlier raised suspicions in Paraguay, where the plane landed last month in Ciudad del Este, close to the Argentina and Brazil borders, Paraguays interior minister, Federico Gonzalez, told a local radio station Tuesday. He said the plane was there May 13-16,

Gonzalez said Paraguay alerted intelligence agencies in the region about the plane and its crew.

Argentina suffered two terrorist attacks in its capital that judicial investigators have blamed on Iran  a 1992 explosion at the Israeli Embassy and a deadly bombing at a Jewish organization in 1994. Iran has denied any involvement.

___

This story has been corrected to show that the plane was grounded on June 8, rather than June 6.

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MEXICO CITY  While reviewing the photo archives left by Nobel Prize-winning Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, one of his granddaughters came across a mysterious plastic box with the word grandchildren written on its label. Are you on Telegram? Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russia's war in Ukraine. ArrowRight At first, Emilia Garcia Elizondo was afraid to open the box but curiosity overcame her. Inside were 150 unpublished letters that he received from Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Cuban President Fidel Castro and actor Robert Redford, among others.

Forty of the letters will be exhibited for two months starting June 16 in the colonial house in the southern part of Mexicos capital where Garcia Marquez lived with his wife, Mercedes Barcha, from the 1980s until his death in 2014.

The exhibition is part of celebrations for the 40th anniversary of his winning the Nobel literature prize. Another event, which includes the exhibition Gabriel Garcia Marquez: The Making of a Global Writer, will open June 18 in Mexicos Museum of Modern Art.

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Im 32 years old and all this continues to impress me, Garcia Elizondo, who is director of the Garcia Marquez foundation, told The Associated Press, describing her shock at finding the box in a cabinet on the second floor of her grandparents house. She had passed the cabinet many times wihtout paying much attention to it.

Garcia Marquezs granddaughter said the discovery was a surprise for the family because they thought all his letters and personal correspondences were in the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin, which possesses the largest collection of the writers documents.

One never expects to find this kind of thing even though one already knows who Gabo is ... I will always think that Gabo does everything like magic, she said. Garcia Marquez is know affectionately in Latin America as Gabo.

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Among the letters that will be exhibited are five from Castro, one from Neruda, two from Mexican writer Carlos Fuentes, two from Mexican guerrilla leader Subcomandante Marcos, one from Redford, one from director Woody Allen and seven from Clinton.

In one of them, dated Dec. 28, 1999, Clinton told the Colombian writer the emotion he and his wife, Hillary, felt at a concert of Colombian vallenato music given by young people at the White House. He described the music as a treasure and a wonderful counterpoint to the negative images often associated with your beautiful country.

Also included is a letter that Castro wrote by hand, dated Dec. 10, 2007, in which he writes: I am subject to a rigorous exercise regimen that I must not fail to comply with if I intend to continue being useful to the revolution.

Gonzalo Garcia Barcha, the writers youngest son and Emilias father, said the family misses Garcia Marquez very much. Garcia Marquez has four grandchildren.

Thats why we do these kinds of activities. We want to keep this house alive, he said.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico  With a possible plebiscite on statehood or independence for Puerto Rico looming, one of the islands two main parties said Thursday it will ask its members to reconsider or reaffirm its own stance on the U.S. territorys political future by holding an islandwide vote on the issue.

The announcement by Jose Luis Dalmau, president of the Popular Democratic Party, follows a proposal last month by a group of U.S. legislators to hold a binding plebiscite giving Puerto Ricans three options: Become Americas 51st state, become fully independent or opt for independence with free association  possibly maintaining U.S. citizenship and other ties with the U.S.. That vote would not include the possibility of maintaining the current commonwealth status.

That choice would appear to threaten the future of Dalmaus party, founded in the 1930s, which is defined by its support for the current status, under which Puerto Ricans have U.S. citizenship but the island has quasi-autonomy from the United States.

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Its main rival, the current governors New Progressive Party, advocates for statehood.

Possible statehood will not be an option in the PDPs Aug. 14 vote. Dalmau said the current status and a free association option that he did not define would be offered. Party spokesman Angel Raul Matos told The Associated Press that its too early to say whether that would be based on the free association option that U.S. lawmakers proposed as one of three choices.

Within the Popular Democratic Party, opinions vary as to what sort of commonwealth best suits Puerto Rico. Some argue for closer ties to the U.S. while others seek more independence in some areas.

For decades, this issue has divided us, Dalmau said. Since two parallel strategies and two distinct popular parties cannot exist, its up to the thousands of (party supporters) to resolve the controversy and make the final decision.

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The Popular Democratic Party has roughly 400,000 supporters on the island of 2.3 million people and it got about 32% of the gubernatorial vote in the 2020 election  just behind the New Progressive Partys 33%. Support for both parties has been eroding due to frustration over corruption scandals, economic problems and mismanagement.

Dalmau, who is also the president of Puerto Ricos Senate, said he would continue to support the islands current political status, which he said was the masterpiece of the movements founder.

Political analyst Mario Negron Portillo said Dalmau is likely taking the risk of holding a historic vote because he wants to put an end to the intensifying debate within the party and believes the large majority of its supporters will uphold the status quo.

This is a gamble, he said.

Matos said that on the day of the vote, party officials in each of the islands 78 municipalities would recognize supporters and allow them to vote. If not, recognized, voters would be asked to fill out a membership statement.

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In 2020, a team of MIT researchers used an AI algorithm to search a pool of 100 million molecules for new antibiotics.

The AI struck gold. It identified a molecule that can kill a range of bacteria, including the increasingly drug-resistant bug that causes tuberculosis. The scientists named the molecule halicin, referencing the scheming supercomputer HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey in tribute to the molecules AI identifier.

Im sorry, Dave, Im afraid I cant do that. In the 1968 sci-fi classic 2001: A Space Odyssey, a computer called HAL (Heuristically programmed ALgorithmic) takes over a spaceship. Credit:Fair Use

But the origin of AI-developed technology is also its shackle. Only humans can be listed as inventors on patent applications, meaning life-saving discoveries made by AI cant be patented and progressed into products.

Were in this sort of legal black hole, where you cant file a patent because there isnt a human inventor, said UNSW AI expert Professor Toby Walsh.
Update: 16-06-2022 | 10:20:12

Vietnam has been playing a highly active role in enhancing ASEAN - India relations, Vietnamese Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s resident correspondent in New Delhi.

Illustrative image

The Special ASEAN - India Foreign Ministers Meeting (SAIFMM) is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on June 16 and 17 as part of activities marking 30 years of dialogue relations between the two sides.

Highlighting the sound connections between India and 10 ASEAN countries, Chau said ASEAN has dialogue relations with many countries, and India is a very important partner.

According to the diplomat, bilateral ties have been growing in all aspects. First, economic and trade links have been increasing fast, which can been seen in Vietnams trade with India surging to almost 13 billion USD at present from about 200 million USD in 2000.

The second is on security and politics with both sharing many similar viewpoints on international and regional issues, especially the East Sea issue and the Indo-Pacific vision, he said, elaborating that India supports ASEANs centrality, both sides attach great importance to law respect and law adherence, and they also wish to build a region of peace, stability, and development, as well as a free, open, and international law-based Indo-Pacific region.

Third, most of the ASEAN countries and India advocate peace and justice when it comes to international issues. Fourth, they have been cooperating closely in science - technology and education.

The fifth is connectivity cooperation, especially in air and road transport, he noted, expressed his hope for a road from New Delhi through northeastern India, Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos to Hanoi in the future.

The last but not least is people-to-people exchange. The number of ASEAN and Indian visitors to each others destinations has been on the rise while Indian people living in Southeast Asia are also increasing, which reflects the close-knit ties between the two sides, he added.

Among ASEAN countries, Vietnam boasts a traditional friendship with India. While serving as the coordinator of ASEAN - India relations during 2015 - 2018, Vietnam held a special ASEAN - India summit and helped lift bilateral relations to a new height.

The two countries share many similar viewpoints on international issues and have showed those viewpoints when both were non-permanent members of the UN Security Council in 2021.

With such a stature and an open foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and diversification and multilateralisation of foreign relations, Vietnam has been playing a highly active role in helping strengthen ASEAN - India relations, Chau stressed.

The ambassador described 2022 as a special year since Vietnam and India will celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties, ASEAN and India mark 30 years of their dialogue relations, and India mark its 75th Independence Day.

He underlined the thriving Vietnam - India partnerships in defence, politics, trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchange, affirming that 2022 is a very positive year in multiple aspects for both Vietnam - India and ASEAN - India ties./.

VNA
The Chinese Communist Party has always been wary of the influence of the business class, even as it tried to co-opt its members to help strengthen the countrys economy. Under Chinas current top leader, Xi Jinping, the partys attitudes toward the private sector took a more hostile turn and made the entrepreneur class the boogeyman for social ills. In the past few years, the government has steered away from the market economy and cracked down on some industries. It demonised entrepreneurs and went after some of the most prominent of them. Then when the mild, albeit contagious, Omicron variant of the coronavirus emerged in China this year, the government meddled with free enterprise as it hadnt in decades. Beijing set its lowest target for economic growth in 30 years in March. Credit:Getty The lockdowns and restrictions have done so much damage to the economy that Premier Li Keqiang summoned about 100,000 cadres to an emergency meeting in late May. He called the situation severe and urgent, citing sharp drops in employment, industrial production, electricity consumption and freight traffic. Many business leaders believe that it will be hard to reverse the damage if the government doesnt stop the zero COVID policy. Yet they feel that theres nothing they can do to make Beijing change course.

There are good reasons to fear speaking out. Zhous post was censored, as were a couple of others by entrepreneurs who argued for a more balanced approach between pandemic control and economic activities. James Liang, chairman of travel site Trip.com as well as a trained economist, wrote a few articles that compared the pros and cons of different pandemic policies. Then, in mid-May, his social media Weibo account was suspended. Loading Stakes could be much higher than a few censored articles and suspended social media accounts. Jack Ma, founder of the e-commerce behemoth Alibaba, largely disappeared from the public view after he criticised banking regulators in late 2019. The regulators quashed the initial public offering of Ant Group, the tech and financial company controlled by Ma, and fined Alibaba a record $US2.8 billion ($4 billion) last year. Ren Zhiqiang, a retired real estate developer, was sentenced to 18 years in prison on charges of committing graft, taking bribes, misusing public funds and abusing his power. His real crime, his supporters say, was criticising Xis handling of the coronavirus outbreak in early 2020.

Zhou, 49, is known as a maverick in Chinese business circles. He founded his first business in stereo systems with his brother in the mid-1990s when he was still in college. In 2010, he started Yongche, one of the first ride-hailing companies. Unlike most Chinese bosses, he didnt demand his employees work overtime, and he didnt like liquor-filled business meals. He turned down hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and refused to participate in subsidy wars because doing so didnt make economic sense. He ended up losing out to his more aggressive competitor Didi. Our country cant go on like this. We cant allow it to deteriorate like this. Zhou Hang says Chinas zero-COVID strategy is throttling its economic prospects. He later wrote a bestseller about his failure and became a partner at a venture capital firm in Beijing. In April, he was named chairman of ride-sharing company Caocao, a subsidiary of auto manufacturing giant Geely Auto Group. A Chinese citizen with his family in Canada, Zhou said in an interview that in the past many wealthy Chinese people like him would move their families and some of their assets abroad but work in China because there were more opportunities.

Now, some of the top talent are trying to move their businesses out of the country, too. It doesnt bode well for Chinas future, he said. Entrepreneurs have good survivors instinct, he said. Now theyre forced to look beyond China. He coined a term  passive globalisation  based on his discussions with other entrepreneurs. Many of us are starting to take such actions, he said. Alibabas Jack Ma has kept a low profile since he criticised banking regulators in late 2019. Credit:AP The prospect depressed him. China used to be the best market in the world: big, vibrant, full of ambitious entrepreneurs and hungry workers, he said, but the senseless and destructive zero COVID policy and the business crackdowns have forced many of them to think twice. Even if your company is a so-called giant, were all nobodies in front of the bigger force, he said. A whiff of wind could crush us.

All the business leaders I spoke to said they were reluctant to make long-term investment in China and fearful that they and their companies could become the next victim of the governments iron fist. Theyre focusing on their international operations if they have them or seeking opportunities abroad. Zhou left for Vancouver, British Columbia, in a hurry in late April when Beijing was locking down many neighbourhoods. Then he wrote the article, urging his peers to try to speak up and change their powerless status. He said that he understood the fear and the pressure they faced. Honestly speaking, Im scared, too. But he would probably regret it more if he did nothing. Our country cant go on like this, he said. We cant allow it to deteriorate like this. In recent years, a few of Zhous articles and social media accounts have been deleted. His outspokenness has caused uneasiness among his friends, he said. Some have told him to shut up because it didnt change anything and was creating unnecessary risks for himself, his family, his companies and the stakeholders in his businesses. But Zhou cant help himself. Hes worried that China could become more like it was under Mao Zedong: impoverished and repressive. His generation of entrepreneurs owes much of their success to Chinas reform and opening up policies, he said. They have the responsibilities to initiate change instead of waiting for a free ride.
British billionaire Richard Branson hit out at cryptocurrency scammers and said hes stepping up efforts to stop his name from being used to convince unsuspecting victims to sign up to fraudulent schemes.

Its a terrible thing because it affects a small person who can ill afford it, Branson said in an interview in Austin, Texas. We are doing enormous amounts to try to stop it.

The Virgin Group founder said he has spoken with Meta Platformss outgoing Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg about erroneous promotions appearing on Facebook, and directed lawyers to confront other social media players whose platforms have hosted fake advertising.

Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group. Credit:Attila Csaszar

Branson spoke in Austin during a promotional visit after his Virgin Atlantic Airways launched flights there. The city was also hosting CoinDesks Consensus conference, one of the crypto industrys largest annual confabs.
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Writing books is hard. There are, of course, many jobs that are harder. Someone clad in full personal protective equipment working a double shift in an understaffed hospital ward might query how tough it really is to sit at a keyboard and tap out made-up sentences.

Nevertheless, if you are genuine about writing a book that is the best it can be, you have to work hard. The job is slow, lonely, and without guarantee of any reward at the end.

But then one evening, after decades of writing, and years dedicated to one weird book, and countless rejections from publishers and various other knockbacks, you are chopping vegetables for dinner and your phone pings with an email saying that your self-published novel is longlisted for the Miles Franklin Award.

And it is emotional. Disbelief and vindication and tearfulness and wonder. Relief, also, that the thousands of hours youve put into your bizarre writing project have been recognised, and then you wilfully conflate the concepts of objective and subjective because you want this to be noble justice as well as remarkable luck.

Then the messages start to flood in. More than a hundred people on Twitter. People you worked with 20 years earlier, and in one case 30 years earlier. Household-name authors who find your email address online and want to say congratulations. Academics and reviewers and big-hearted peers who say things about underdog triumphs and Cinderella.

Despite your white hair and arthritic knees, you are treated like a Cool Young Thing. You are asked to do an interview and a reading, and write something for the newspaper. Your fortune, which could also be spun as misfortune, is to be that hoary cliche, the overnight success decades in the making.

This is how it has worked with my book Grimmish, the first self-published novel to be longlisted for Australias most prestigious literary award.
When season three of The Crown debuted in 2019, the historic drama added the esteemed credits of Olivia Colman and Helena Bonham Carter to its royal cast. But the breakout star was Erin Doherty, whose Princess Anne was a bolshie teenager with a cut-glass accent and a precise way with tart rejoinders. A fast-rising stage actor whod barely been sighted on television, Doherty revived the publics interest in a forgotten Windsor woman, so much so that afterwards she was deluged with offers of posh but nonetheless lesser parts.

I knew I wanted to try and hold out and see what kind of different stuff would come my way and luckily it didnt take too long, Doherty says. When Chloe landed at my feet I jumped at it because Beckys the polar opposite to Princess Anne. For me personally, as an actor, I love shape-shifting and surprising people. Thats what I consistently want to achieve.

Erin Doherty plays a mysterious young woman who infiltrates the social circle of a childhood friend who has suddenly died. Credit:Luke Varley

Doherty is jet-lagged for her promotional day in New York  Ive had lots of green juices and coffee, she cheerfully notes  but shes still feeding off the energy of Becky Green, her lead character in the British psychological thriller Chloe. The character is fiercely complicated, a 20-something struggling with her own life but in thrall to social media, who turns to deception when the subject of her online obsession  Chloe Fairbourne (Poppy Gilbert)  mysteriously dies and Becky infiltrates the womans grieving circle.

Becky is at ease in the roles she invents, but uncertain as herself. I just like to decide how people see me, she admits, which is both a truth and a lie since shes posing as someone else  more confident, cultured, and cashed-up  when she says it. With a mother at home who has early onset dementia, Becky could be a sociopath or an intrepid detective, as Chloe refuses to offer an easy explanation. Her identity is so fluid and the situations so tense that the plots juicy excess proves to be gripping.
Only 20 years ago you could row a boat on Loch McNess in Yanchep National Park north of Perth.

Some of the parks 400 limestone caves were also full of not only water but unique macroinvertebrates  water bugs big enough to see with the naked eye.

Some of these had been around since Australia was part of the supercontinent Gondwana, some 100 million years ago, and were only found in the park.

In 2022 there is no recorded trace of the cave invertebrates and the loch  also known as Lake Yanchep  has dropped by 1 metre. It now covers less than a third of its previous footprint and hugs the eastern edge.
On paper, they are an odd couple. One is a factional hardman from Victorian Labors Socialist Left who has stamped his authority over eight years of leadership. The other is a conservative from the right of the NSW Liberal Party who is new to the job of premier.

But Daniel Andrews and Dominic Perrottet have key things in common. They run powerful states that together are home to more than half of the Australian population and whose service economies drive the country. They are thirsty for reform and willing to take on elements of their own party to make it happen.

Perrottet thinks Andrews is a great guy. Andrews says Perrottet is a good bloke. Credit:Kate Geraghty, Joe Armao

Both also face elections within nine months.

Plus, they seem to like each other. Hes a great guy, said Perrottet, who also developed what he described as a really good bond with Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas over their five-odd years of working together, especially during COVID-19.
I went to a private, all-girls school from the age of five. Whenever I had my violin lesson, the portraits of the two Miss Singletons, tightly stitched into their Victorian gowns, looked down on me with admirable patience.

The Singleton sisters were the joint principals of my alma mater in the late 19th century, and they were determined to provide girls with a proper education.

I went to an all-girls school from the age of five. Credit:Erin Jonasson

I found them hugely inspiring. Still do.

But my all-girls education failed to give me the skills that I now value most. I had to learn those skills in the real world.
NSW will introduce an extra year of education in the biggest reform of schooling in a generation, offering five days per week of pre-kindergarten to every four-year-old by 2030 in a budget pledge worth $5.8 billion over 10 years.

The government will work with the early childhood sector to create the tens of thousands of places needed, which could include adding new facilities to schools as well as expanding existing community pre-schools and long daycare centres.

The NSW and Victorian governments are introducing universal pre-kindergarten. Credit:iStock

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the decision to introduce a universal, pre-kindergarten year of play-based learning reflected the importance of early education to childrens future. This is incredible reform that will change lives, he said.

NSW and Victoria are acting in tandem on the policy, in another joint move from the two states. We begin today by planting the seeds, knowing the benefits wont be known for years to come. But knowing theyll be shared by everyone, Perrottet and Victorian Premier Dan Andrews said in a joint statement.
You are worse than I am.

Thats what former US president Donald Trump told Malcolm Turnbull in 2017 when the former prime minister explained Australias policy of never allowing refugees to settle in the country if they had arrived by boat.

Donald Trump and Malcolm Turnbull discussed asylum seeker policy in 2017. Credit:Bloomberg, Alex Ellinghausen

Thats a good idea, we should do that too, said the president who swept to power promising a ban on Muslim migration and the construction of a border wall between Mexico and the US.

While it was Turnbull who received Trumps praise, he doesnt deserve the credit for re-establishing offshore processing and resettlement. That dubious honour belongs to Kevin Rudd who, in 2013, announced that all boat arrivals would be sent to Papua New Guinea.
The crisis in the energy market has strengthened the case for Australia to reduce its reliance on gas and coal in favour of renewables, the nations peak energy regulator has declared in a warning about the exposure to soaring global prices for fossil fuels.

Energy Security Board chair Anna Collyer said the pressure on the electricity grid highlighted the need for reform to move beyond the crisis by continuing the long-term shift to solar, wind, hydro and other renewable power.

Australia heavily relies on gas and coal but is shifting towards renewables. Credit:Getty

With households being urged to turn off non-essential items to ease pressure on the grid, the immediate challenge for the energy market is to shore up supplies from generators using gas and coal to ward off the risk of widespread blackouts and targeted shutdowns.

In a sign of confidence that more power is coming online, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) said its suspension of the national electricity market on Wednesday  the first move of its kind in 20 years  had delivered significant improvements to the grid.
Singapore: The partner of detained Australian journalist Cheng Lei has urged the Labor government to put her case at the centre of diplomatic negotiations with China.

Nick Coyle, the executive director of the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce, said that now was the time to push Chinese authorities to end Leis two-year-long detention on vague national security charges.

Cheng Lei, an Australian journalist who worked for Chinas state media, has been detained since August 2020. Credit: Getty

I would hope that Senator [Foreign Minister] Penny Wong and [Prime Minister] Anthony Albanese make Cheng Leis case front and centre of any engagement, Coyle said.

An opportunity exists with the incoming government, positive messages coming from both sides and the meeting between [Richard] Marles and General Wei over in Singapore. Hopefully, the chance of finding a decent solution is better than it was a couple of months ago.
France, Germany and Italy have all faced criticism for continuing to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin  and failing to give Kyiv the weaponry it says it needs. Ukraine held fears that Western resolve could wane as the war drags out. With Scholz beside him, Macron defended earlier comments that riled Ukrainians about not humiliating Russia, solemnly noting how the end of World War I had sown the seeds of World War II. We are side by side today with Chancellor Scholz. One hundred years ago, we were at war and allies helped France win. France committed a historic mistake. It lost the peace because it wanted to humiliate Germany. The question of humiliation I always placed in a context to come, not the current context, he said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron shake hands after a press conference in Kyiv on June 16. Credit:Getty Images Today, this war must be won, France clearly supports Ukraine so it prevails, Macron said. Germany, like France, will never be in situations where they negotiate on Ukraines behalf with Russia. Moreover, we have never done that.

Zelensky said it was important for him to hear that European leaders agree the end of the war and peace for Ukraine should be as Ukraine sees them. He said Ukrainians would continue to fight for all of their land. Ukrainians and some of their European neighbours have been afraid that Western powers might press for territorial concessions for the sake of peace. Loading Scholz reiterated that there is no such intent to dictate anything to Ukrainians, and that only they can decide what is right in terms of an agreement on a peace which we are unfortunately very, very far away from. Italian Premier Mario Draghi expressed concern about millions of tonnes of grain backed up in Black Sea ports by the war, saying it could bring worldwide catastrophe. Italy has been a first destination for African migrants and could find itself overwhelmed as a result of large-scale hunger in the Southern Hemisphere.

We want the atrocities to stop and we want peace, Draghi said. But Ukraine must defend itself, and it will be Ukraine that chooses the peace it wants. Loading The leaders visited Irpin, a Kyiv suburb that saw intense fighting and where many civilians were killed. They decried the destruction there, with Macron saying he saw signs of war crimes. While shocking images of such devastation have rallied Western support, Ukrainian officials have expressed concern that war fatigue could eventually erode that  particularly as rising prices and upcoming US elections increasingly dominating public concerns. The US and its European allies have given billions of dollars in weaponry to Ukraine, and Germany and the US recently announced new arms shipments.

While the European leaders were in Kyiv, NATO defence ministers were meeting in Brussels to discuss plans for strengthening the military alliances eastern borders to dissuade Russia from planning any further aggression. Many in Ukraine hope the visit could open the way to significant new arms supplies. It also comes as EU leaders prepare to decide next week on Ukraines request to become a candidate for membership in the bloc. A boy at a playground in Irpin on the outskirts of Kyiv in May. Credit:AP The war has increased pressure on EU governments to fast-track Ukraines candidate application, and Thursdays pledge to support it along with that of neighbouring Moldova, pushes the whole 27-nation union closer to doing so. But the process still is expected to take years. After the news conference, Zelenskyy made a digital appearance at large screens at technology shows in Paris, Amsterdam, London and Stockholm as what organisers called a 3D avatar. Wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with futuristic fighters and the text Come to the Dark Side and Dominate or Die, he urged countries to support Ukraine to bounce back from the war with a global digital revolution.

Macron, Scholz and Draghi had been criticised for not visiting sooner. Soon after they arrived, air raid sirens wailed. Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president who is now deputy head of the Kremlin Security Council, dismissed the European leaders as connoisseurs of frogs, liver and pasta and said their visit brought no benefit. Again they promised EU membership and old howitzers, slammed down some vodka and, like 100 years ago, took the train home, he tweeted. And thats all good. Its just that this doesnt bring Ukraine any closer to peace. And the clock is ticking.   Children bathe in a reopened fountain on June 13, 2022 in Irpin, Ukraine. Credit:Getty Images President Klaus Iohannis of Romania, which borders Ukraine and has been a key destination for its refugees, arrived on a separate train. He said at the news conference that Romania was facilitating the transit of Ukrainian exports, including grain.
Washington: The gunman at the centre of last months Buffalo massacre has been charged with 26 hate crimes that make him eligible for the death penalty, as the US Justice Department releases chilling new details about the mass shooting.

According to documents filed in court on Thursday (AEST), 18-year-old Payton Gendron left a note with his parents apologising for the May 14 attack and telling them he had to conduct the massacre because he cares for the future of the white race.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden visit the scene of the Buffalo mass shooting in May Credit:AP

The FBI also recovered a candy bar receipt at his family home showing that he had scoped out the site of the shooting one week before it took place, along with sketches of what appeared be the layout of the Tops Supermarket where his rampage was livestreamed on the internet.

In a manifesto outlining his plans, Gendron also allegedly revealed that his goals were to kill as many blacks as possible, to avoid dying and to spread ideals - notably a racist theory called the great replacement theory that suggests minorities are intent on replacing white people.
Japanese media Sankei Shimbun reported in early June that Japan is expected to station a serving military staff member in China's Taiwan region to enhance its intelligence-gathering abilities and that a retired Japanese defense official is already stationed at the Taipei office of the "Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association." It has been described by analysts as a structural change in Japan's attitude and policy towards the Taiwan region.

Stationing a serving Japanese military staff member in the region could spark a dangerous crisis that's going to de-stabilize the entire East Asia and, given Japan's close military relationship with the United States, have wide-ranging repercussions beyond the region.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin once commented on Japan's policy towards the Taiwan region, saying that Japan bears historical responsibilities to the Chinese people on the Taiwan question. Japan should speak and act with extra prudence, earnestly learn lessons from history and avoid repeating past mistakes.

It's apparent that past mistakes are being repeated and history lessons forgotten. The reckless move of stationing a serving military member in Taiwan would be a clear signal that Japan considers Taiwan as an asset that needs to be protected with its military power  a power supposed to be self-defensive for the Japanese people but that is used for Japan's own geopolitical aggression instead.

It's no secret that the Democratic Progressive Party in the region has been increasingly groveling to Japan. Its leader Tsai Ing-wen's former "Secretary General" Su Jia-chyuan was appointed head of the "Taiwan-Japan Relations Association." According to a Japan Times' report in 2020, "pro-Japanese youths" were described as an "electoral secret weapon" for Tsai. Her party has been whitewashing Japan's colonial history in the region since taking power.

These "Taiwan independence" forces see kowtowing to Japan and Japan's patron the United States as the safest way to achieve their ultimate goal  declaring independence. Japan, with its increasingly aggressive anti-China policy and under Washington's security umbrella, sees the Taiwan question as the pressure point to test China's growing influence in the region and across the world.

Well, they are going to feel the pain if this is the path they've decided to walk. Japan has a more than $370 billion trade relations with China. China has been Japan's largest trading partner for more than a decade, accounting for around one-fifth of Japan's total trade volume. Is this something Japan wants to upend? The last time Japan started to project its aggressive military strength beyond its borders, war and chaos ensued in East Asia. Is this something Japan wants to resurrect?

It's understandable that Japan may depend more on the United States for its security situation. After all, they've signed a security treaty after WWII. However, is aligning the country's entire China policy and geopolitical strategy in the region with the United States a wise choice? Does aggressively de-stabilizing the political landscape of East Asia help considering Japan's lukewarm economic performance?

During this year's Shangri-La Dialogue, the defense ministers of the United States, South Korea and Japan jointly emphasized the "importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait" and claimed that "all disputes should be resolved in a peaceful manner." Stationing military personnel in the region is neither conducive to peace and stability nor supports the claim that disputes should be resolved peacefully.

Stationing military personnel in the Taiwan region is tantamount to opening up a Pandora's Box. Once opened, it takes the country onto a devastating path that it can hardly control. Taiwan is a part of China. Japan needs to see that it doesn't want and can't afford to face the wrath of China and the Chinese people. (CGTN)
My mother once told me that, when I was a little girl, the biggest joy my father had was playing Go to Sky with me to make me happy.

Daddy, sky! Daddy, sky! I repeated to myself like singing a cheerful nursery rhyme whenever I was expecting my father to come home from the high school in China where he was teaching Chinese.

When he appeared in our front yard, I ran to him and shouted, Daddy, sky!

He would take me in his arms and kiss me and suddenly use one hand to lift me from my back over his head, with my face looking up toward the sky, my mouth giggling, my hands and feet grabbing and kicking in the air.

Go to Sky! Go to Sky! my father shouted and laughed, his hearty laughter seemed to burst from his tanned face into his black hair, long arms, and long legs.

I was like a mockingbird singing and dancing on a special stagemy father's handswithout knowing many things that had happened or would happen.

In 1999, when my father was 63, he suffered a stroke that left the right half of his body paralyzed, including his right hand. Before the stroke, as a famous and newly retired high school Chinese teacher in China, my father had his retirement life well planned. He was going to write books on teaching, give lectures at schools across the country, and more. The stroke, however, changed my father and his retirement plans forever. He realized that writing a memoir for his children was the most important thing he wanted to do, even though he knew it wouldn't bring him any fame or money, because his memoir cannot be published in China. My father was wrongly labeled as a counter-revolutionary during the Cultural Revolution in China. He was sent to the countryside to work as a peasant for eight years, from 1970 to 1978, to reform through labor until he was rehabilitated.

Five years after his stroke, my father started to write his 300,000-word memoir with his left hand and finished it within a year. Since my father was right-handed before the stroke, he had to practice very hard to get used to writing on the paper word by word with his left hand. Reading his memoir, his college classmates, colleagues, and friends were moved to tears; they urged him to have it published. The book focuses on his experiences during the Cultural Revolution, and because of political sensitivity, it still cannot be published publicly in China. We had to wait. When my father was diagnosed with late-stage cancer in November 2011, our family decided we could no longer wait. We informally self-published it and shared it with more people.

I didn't know much about the persecution and pain my father had suffered during the Cultural Revolution until I received an electronic copy of his memoir several years ago when I was studying in the U.S. One of his students typed his memoir on a computer and sent it to me. From his memoir, I learned that, before he was sent to the countryside, he was subjected to criticism meetings at his workplace, which were common during the Cultural Revolution (the Cultural Revolution began in 1966). At these criticism meetings, a victim was criticized and often subjected to humiliation and assault until he or she confessed to imaginary crimes. Because of the false accusations made up against my father, he was forced to confess; he refused. Then he was placed in an interrogation room, where he was repeatedly questioned and not allowed to sleep for five consecutive days and nights.

Finally one of the leaders of the task force of the Cultural Revolution in his school said to him, Are you afraid of being shot to death? Confess if you are! Aren't you afraid?

For a long time my father didn't know how to answer.

Are you afraid? Answer me! Hurry up! the leader snapped, a layer of thin frost seeming to start to appear on his cold face.

Give me a cigarette, please, my father said, sitting on a small square stool, his voice trembling.

My father never smoked before. He sucked the cigarette a few times and immediately choked and coughed. The cigarette fell off.

He picked up the cigarette from the floor, stubbed it out with his right hand, and said, I'm not afraid.

My father's answer surprised the task force of the Cultural Revolution. He was not shot, however, he was locked into a small room and continually commanded to confess. He decided that he would rather die than incriminate himself.

One night he tried to commit suicide by holding a pair of electric power cords in his left hand. His left hand violently flicked and felt burning. The suicide was unsuccessful because of his lack of electrical knowledge. He didn't know it wouldn't kill him unless he held one cord in one hand while he held the other cord with the other hand, causing the current to flow through his body. His ignorance saved his life. The suicide attempt, however, left a permanent irregularly shaped scar on the center of his left palm. After the suicide attempt, my father felt sorry for that he had tried to kill himself. He realized he must stay strong and live for his children, his wife, and his hope.

Two weeks later, when I was about two years old, my father was sent to the countryside to reform through labor, starting his eight-year peasant life.

When I grew older, I learned from my mother that my father's strong body and his ability to adapt and endure hardship helped him survive the intense physical labor in the countryside during the Cultural Revolution. On the first day of his eight-year peasant life, my father was assigned to pick up one-hundred and thirty pounds of wheat seeds from a farm six miles away, using a shoulder pole and a pair of baskets. A couple of strong villagers who were assigned the same task thought my father could not make it, since they knew my father had been an intellectual and had no experience with such physical labor. My father, to their surprise, was the second person to return. At that time, he was unfamiliar with the skill of switching the shoulder pole from one shoulder to another on the way. To save time, he didn't switch it at all and didn't even stop to take a rest. His strength and spirit impressed the villagers and won their respect and friendship. My father soon became capable at all kinds of farm work, such as using a simple wooden wheelbarrow to carry large loads, transplanting rice seedlings, making thousands of brooms, and many more strenuous tasks. My father's hands saved him and led him through the dark years. I have heard that many intellectuals committed suicide when they were forced to work in the countryside during the Cultural Revolution.

My father was still working as a peasant at the end of the Cultural Revolutionin 1976as I started elementary school. One day at home, I was reciting some words while my father was doing some housework nearby. My father interrupted me and pointed out that my pronunciation of one word was wrong.

Daddy, that's what my teacher taught me; it should be correct, I said, looking at my father.

Baby, maybe you didn't pay attention to your teacher's pronunciation.  Or, maybe your teacher pronounced it wrong. Double check with him tomorrow, he said and wrote down the pronunciation for me.

To my surprise, my teacher said his pronunciation was wrong and my father's was correct.

Daddy, you are a peasant. How can you read and write? I asked with my eyes wide open, sitting on my father's lap and screwing his sticky and disheveled hair (the peasant population in China was largely illiterate at the time).

My father didn't say a word; he cried. He wiped away his tears with his rough hands, full of thick calluses. It was not until two years later, when my father was rehabilitated and restored to his former position that I knew he used to have smooth hands and teach Chinese in high school.

In the fourth grade, I planned to participate in the first children's essay contest in our city, but it seemed hard to pick a topic. One day, I asked my father for his suggestions while he was reading in his study. He was in his forties, wearing a white shirt and a grayish-blue tie, sitting on a wooden chair in front of his cherry wood bookshelf. The bookshelf occupied a whole wall, filled with books, magazines, and newspapers.

Well, sweetie, let's see.  You love your little catfish and you love your kitten as well. What if your kitten eats your little fish? Do you still love your kitten? my father put down his book and said, teasing.

My eyes lit up, but I didn't know how to answer at the moment. He smiled and patted my head gently with his big and delicate hand.

Use your imagination, my sweetie. You might want to write something about your little fish and kitten and see how it goes, he said, picking up his book.

I nodded. That night I wrote my essay entitled The Little Fish and the Kitten and it won the grand prize because of its novelty, creativity, and the vivid description of a child's psychology. I'm going to be a writer, I thought.

When it was time for me to choose either the Arts Stream or the Science Stream in high school, however, my father didn't encourage me to follow his road. Instead, I entered the Science Stream and three years later started to study medicine in college. I didn't realize the reason behind his concern until I read his memoir and knew about his suffering during the Cultural Revolution. People in the field of arts were much more likely to be attacked and persecuted during that dark period than the people with science backgrounds. I understand that deep in his heart, like most intellectuals of his generation, he was still traumatized by the years of pain he had suffered, even though the Cultural Revolution had been over for about a decade when I began high school.

After finishing his memoir, my father continued to write poems using his left hand and he shared them with other people. He also kept a poetry journal for his grandson, recording the child's growth and emotions.

While studying in the U.S., I went back to China to visit my father in June 2011. He seemed to feel that his time with us wouldn't be long. He insisted on going with my brother to pick me up at the airport when I arrived and on going to the airport again when I departed.

Dad, you take care. I have to go, I said and hugged my father, who was sitting in the front passenger seat of my brother's car, his hair gray and dry, his face smelling of the fresh scent of a familiar soap.

You take care too, daughter. I wish  next time I can come with your brother to pick you up again, he said slowly, his left handwith brown spots and bulging veinsholding my hands for a long time.

Five months later, he was taken to an emergency room and diagnosed with late-stage cancer.

Three weeks before my father passed away, he left a note in his study for my brother. My brother discovered the note the next day; he had to hold back his tears and not cry.

On the note, my father wrote, Please don't cry. Let me go. Donate my body unconditionally for medical research. If my body has no value for medical research, cremate it immediately, and don't save the ashes. In the Chinese tradition, people rarely want to donate their bodies for medical research, and, they usually want to have their ashes saved.

It took my father almost two hours to write the note. His left hand was too weak to write, but he felt he must get it done while his mind was still clear. In China, doctors allow elderly cancer patient's families to decide if they want to tell the diagnosis to the patient. Almost every family chooses not to tell; they believe it's the best way to help their loved ones keep confidence and look forward to recovering.

The diagnosis had been kept secret from my father. From his note, however, we realized he knew in his heart and he was just pretending not to know. My father's note turned out to be his final written words, written with his left hand.

The other night I dreamed of my father: his hands were holding my hands; he was smiling at me and saying, Daughter, write if you want. Follow your little fish and kitten ......

Although my father and I can no longer hold hands with one another, everyday I feel he has been looking at me from heaven. His spirit has passed from his hands to my hands, helping me sing and dance on the world stage ...

(Originally written in June 2012, one month after my father passed away in China)
Several law enforcement agencies came together this week to do a compliance check of sex offenders in the area.

The Gage County Sheriffs Office and United States Marshals Service Office organized the multi-county sex offender compliance check operation.

Code named Operation Averment 792, multiple law enforcement agencies in Gage, Johnson, and Pawnee Counties sent investigators to the addresses of people listed on the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry. By law, these addresses are reported to the Sex Offender Registry by those persons convicted and sentenced as sex offenders.

A press release from the sheriffs office stated that in Gage County alone, approximately 64 people are listed on the sex offender registry and are required to update the department with their residency, work, vehicles, and schools they are attending.

During the compliance check, information provided to the registry by the sex offender was checked and either verified as accurate or not accurate. Several investigations are being conducted for violations of the Sex Offender Registration Act as a result of this operation.

The agencies involved in Operation Averment 792 are the Gage County Sheriffs Office, United States Marshals Service, Beatrice Police Department, Wymore Police Department, Nebraska State Parole Office, the Johnson County Sheriffs Office and Pawnee County Sheriffs Office.

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The scenic Beartooth Highway between Red Lodge and Cooke City will need extensive repairs after rain fell on the pass' snowpack, causing rapid flooding and washing out the highway in six places.

Severe flooding also struck the mountain communities of Red Lodge and Cooke City, which flank the pass, earlier this week.

Three sections of the Beartooth Scenic Byway were washed out leaving 100-foot scours that will require extensive resources to repair, a Montana Department of Transportation official said Thursday. To fix the route quickly will require federal assistance to cut through red tape regarding work in a waterway and then a contractor will have to be hired.

Luckily, repairs made to the highway's switchbacks following similar flooding in 2005 seemed to have worked as designed, diverting water through borrow pits and into culverts without damaging the roadway.

The roadway is a lifeline for the community of Red Lodge during the summer months, funneling tourists to and from Yellowstone National Park over a scenic pass that climbs to 11,000 feet.

The news comes in the wake of President Joe Biden signing a national disaster declaration that will trigger statewide damage relief. Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras and Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., toured the flood-weary community alongside FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell on Tuesday, emphasizing that local, state and federal workers are already on the ground making assessments.

"We are facing a complex landscape of extreme weather events across our nation that is going to require all of us...to come together and work together to develop the solutions that are going to be needed to build the recovery and support the recovery," Criswell said. "But also to build resilience, right? To build and recover and repair these projects so they are more resilient to the types of effects of the extreme weather that we're seeing in the future."

Criswell thanked the "heroes on the front line" and said her agency has people on the ground ready to reimburse the state for major repairs and to help homeowners for as long as needed.

Daines said the "shocking" images he saw of the flooding while still in Washington, D.C., were unbelievable. He thanked Criswell for visiting and for the Montana National Guard arriving in town to provide a calming effect.

Red Lodge Fire Chief Tom Kuntz told the officials, "We have to make things happen in the next few weeks."

He stressed the tourist-dependent town needs help quickly to ensure businesses and employees can earn enough this summer to make it through the year.

Scott Miller, a Carbon County Commissioner, was prompted by Kuntz's message to add that the flood damage was not limited to Red Lodge.

"This is a big county and everyone needs your help," Miller said, noting that 85% of the county's irrigation infrastructure was damaged, historic ranches were inundated and cows were washed down the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River.

Flooding swept over nearly all of southern Montana from the greater Yellowstone area and Gallatin River to east of Billings as high waters swept downstream. Yellowstone National Park has been closed to all visitation with the northern half of the park closed for this season. On the west slope of the Continental Divide, Flathead and Missoula counties were watching their rivers as snow and rain fell in the mountains near them this week.

In the wake of the floods, Daines said he planned to also visit the hard hit mountain town of Gardiner on Yellowstone's north side. The town was temporarily cut off from the rest of the world by high water across Highway 89 to the north and the destruction of the road between Gardiner and Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, at the Northeast Entrance. Reopening the road at any point in the future seems unlikely.

Before officials toured Red Lodge on Thursday, leaders of the Western Montana Incident Management Team and Carbon County updated the visiting dignitaries about what's already been done. The list included 87 helicopter rescues by the Montana National Guard, including a 94-year-old woman lifted from East Rosebud Lake, bank stabilization of Rock Creek in Red Lodge and bridge washout repairs. Half of Red Lodge is still without water while all Carbon County communities are under a boil order.

Two bridges are damaged in Fromberg where gas and electrical service was out, and Roscoe is being assessed for damage while sandbags are being made available in case creeks rise from runoff during warm days forecast through the weekend.

An inciweb page has been set up with photos and information for Carbon County. Regular updates are also on carbonalert.org.

Kuntz walked the visitors through the hectic activity on Monday morning when the flash flood hit, adding that the entire town responded as quickly as possible to alert residents as the situation constantly changed throughout the early hours of the day.

"Unfortunately, we are pretty used to disaster," he said, noting last year's Robinson Draw fire threatened the community and its suburbs. "So we had a structure we were able to work in.

"The effort that came together to try to respond to this was really incredible," he added.

All told about 300 people were evacuated from 147 homes in Red Lodge and 90 homes have been affected in Fromberg. Damage assessments in other areas are complicated because bridges and roads are washed out. Of the four ways to drive into Red Lodge, Kuntz noted, only one was open until Thursday  Highway 212.

As front-end loaders, excavators and dump trucks moved boulders and dirt to reinforce damage done by the flood near the 19th Street Bridge, business owners are concerned their summer tourism season may dry up faster than water-logged basements.

Kuntz called that possibility "terrifying" for business owners and workers who can't go two weeks without a paycheck. Loss of apartments and homes also exacerbates what was already a tight housing market. Red Lodge's police force already lost one officer after his home was destroyed and he decided to move away.

Daines stressed in his comments to the press that visitors should come to Montana despite the images they may see of flooding, houses floating down rivers and bridges destroyed.

Anyone wishing to help victims of the flood can donate to the Red Lodge Area Community Foundation, a 501C3 nonprofit organization. The group can be found online at Rlacf.org, or send mail to PO Box 1871, Red Lodge, MT 59068, or call 406-425-0292. The Bank of Red Lodge is matching donations up to $25,000. Donations of goods can be coordinated by the American Red Cross by calling Andrew Harper at 406-320-2229.

To volunteer assistance register online at carbonalert.org or by calling 406-445-7258. A volunteer coordination tent is located at 15th and Platt Avenue South in Red Lodge and is operating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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The flow of the Yellowstone River around Billings receded several feet overnight, and city residents were able to resume normal water use as of Thursday morning.

The water level has dropped to below 12 feet, according to a statement from city officials, down from the record-setting estimated 17.5 feet Wednesday. The surge along the Yellowstone caused crews to temporarily shut down the Billings City water treatment plant, and officials cautioned the citys residents to limit their water consumption.

We have never witnessed a situation like the one we saw yesterday. On Wednesday morning, we did not know how bad it could get or how long it would continue. It is always our intention to provide water to our community, but in that moment, it was not clear how long our supply would last, wrote Victoria Hill, public information officer for the City of Billings, in a statement released Thursday.

The Yellowstone River flowed at above 15.5 feet throughout Wednesday, a level considered to be a major flood stage. A water level above 15 feet also threatens the function of the city water treatment plant. The silt and debris carried by the river caused the plant workers to shut down operations around midnight Tuesday, the Gazette previously reported. The plant is now operating at normal capacity, Hill wrote.

Although damage to roads and bridges in Yellowstone County are reportedly minimal, rural residents in the county were wading through floodwaters throughout Tuesday and Wednesday as a historic and destructive amount of water rushed from the Beartooth Mountains into central and southern Montana waterways.

Towns and communities all along the Yellowstone River should expect a rise in the river level through the next few days.

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Water levels along the Yellowstone River at Billings appear to have peaked late Wednesday morning and may now be flattening out.

Overnight, the river rose to 16 feet, a full foot higher than its record crest of 15 feet in 1997 and a foot and a half higher than what was initially forecast for the city earlier this week.

By 9 a.m. on Wednesday the Yellowstone had climbed to 16.4 feet and then appeared to jump to 17.52 feet at 11 .a.m., according to data from the National Weather Service. By 12:45 p.m. levels had dropped to 16.3 feet.

For much of Wednesday afternoon, the river level hovered between 16.4 and 16.7 feet.

The Yellowstone is considered to be in major flood stage when it reaches 15.5 feet. As the river kept climbing on Tuesday it overwhelmed the Billings City water treatment plant, forcing crews to shut it down shortly before midnight. The river needs to be at 15 feet or below for the plant to operate effectively.

"The City of Billings is asking residents to conserve water, specifically refrain from watering grass and using irrigation systems supplied by the city water plant," said Victoria Hill, the city's public information officer. "The water system has between a day to a day-and-a-half of water supply for Billings."

The amount of silt and debris in the water is mainly what pushed the city to shut down the plant. Crews spent Wednesday morning pumping dirty water out of the plant's sedimentation basin.

By Wednesday afternoon, the water plant was operating again but at a "substantially low capacity" to supply water into the city's reservoirs.

"It is our belief, if we continue to have very low water demand across the city, we can continue operating our plant at this capacity," Hill said. "This means we continue to ask everyone to refrain from watering grass and using irrigation systems hooked up to the city water system."

Once the river drops below the 15-foot mark, the city can start the process of getting the water treatment plant back up to full operation. The National Weather Service is forecasting the river to drop below 15 feet sometime Thursday morning.

Leading up to Tuesday night, the water plant filled its network of water reservoirs and towers across the city to ensure it had something in reserve.

Billings Public Works officials warned city leaders Monday night that if the river rose to 15 feet it would put the water and wastewater treatment plants in jeopardy. By Tuesday evening crews had placed sandbags and taken measures to protect equipment there as the river hit 15 feet.

Early Wednesday morning the river had risen to 16 feet and city crews were scrambling with heavy equipment to keep flood waters out of the treatment plant and to protect the plant's levee.

To ensure the city's small reserve lasts until the plant can start processing water at full capacity again, city officials are pleading with residents to conserve their water use, said city administrator Chris Kukulski.

"Please help us," he said.

City officials stressed that the water being processed by the city is clean.

"All the water we're producing is safe to drink," said Debi Meling, Public Works director for the city.

Currently, the wastewater treatment plant continues to operate normally, they said. The city's storm water drainage system, which is gravity-based, is at capacity with the river levels pushing water into the storm drain outlets.

These record amounts of water carried by the Yellowstone and the Clarks Fork have spread through much of the Yellowstone valley over the last 24 hours.

Ranches and farmsteads south of Billings stretching to Edgar have been inundated. Yellowstone County officials closed half a dozen roads and are monitoring four bridges.

"It doesn't appear there will be a substantial amount of damage," said Tim Miller, county supervisor for roads and bridges. "I think we're gonna come through this OK."

Initially the county was worried about Duck Creek Road; a berm built after the last flooding event sits between the roadway and the river and protects it from completely inundating.

Miller said they were initially worried the berm would wash away; instead the river water flowed over it damaging only the top.

The county has two bridges that cross the Yellowstone, which have held steady, and two that cross the Clarks Fork. Those two bridges appeared to more at risk but seem to be holding fine, Miller.

But they won't know for sure until water levels drop.

The area south of Billings at River Road and Duck Creek was nearly all under water, flooding a number of farms and ranches. Water from the Clarks Fork had flooded land and ranch houses around Byam Road at the Yellowstone/Carbon County line as well as the Pryor Edgar Road near Edgar.

Cities in eastern Montana along the Yellowstone River's path are forecast to see higher levels of water but so far not enough to push them into a major flood stage, according to the weather service.

The Yellowstone at Forsyth is predicted to crest at 12.7 feet on Friday morning; flood stage there is 14 feet.

Miles City could see some flooding. The river is expected to crest there at 14.8 feet on Friday afternoon; minor flood stage at Miles City is 14 feet.

Further down the line, the Yellowstone at Glendive is forecast to crest sometime Saturday morning, reaching 53.2 feet. The minor flood stage there is 53.5 feet.

In Sidney, the river is forecast to crest at 17.8 feet on Saturday afternoon. Minor flood stage there is 19 feet.

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Mustapha Matura's 1984 comedy Playboy of the West Indies is given a new lease of life in this musical production premiered at Birmingham Rep.

Based on J M Synge's Playboy of the Western World, Matura moved the story from Ireland to the Caribbean island of Trinidad. When Ken arrives in the sleepy beachside village of Mayaro claiming to be on the run after killing his father, the locals take him to their hearts. He is soon the most popular guy in town but when another stranger appears with a different story, the tales begin to unravel.

Directors Clement Ishmael, Nicolas Kent and Dominique Le Gendre were originally working with Matura on the musical before the sudden death of the writer in 2019. And there is a real sense they have stayed true to his original intentions with this production, keeping Trinidad and comedy at its heart.

Adapting the play into a musical gives many of the actors additional space to flesh out their roles and develop the characterisation. Giggling schoolgirls can dance in the streets and drunken men can stagger around the rum bar clinking their glasses. Composed by Ishmael and Le Gendre, the music, played by a live band, suffuses the show with Caribbean calypso and makes you want to shuffle your feet.

The role of Ken is not an easy one. Here is someone claiming to be a murderer and yet has to be so likeable that the entire village falls at his feet  especially the women. Durone Stokes' Ken is humble rather than boastful and shy rather than ostentatious but it is his story which draws them in. He is also a romantic at heart, believing he has found true love in Peggy who runs the local rum shop with her father Mikey.

Gleanne Purcell-Brown has great comic timing as Peggy, hurling insults and one-liners at those around her with disdain as she wipes the tables and washes the glasses. Initially, we believe she is immune to charm but we see a tenderness behind that prickly exterior when she falls for Ken.

There is a blend of humour with an underlying menace in Angela Wynter's Mama Benin. Sashaying into the rum shop with her brightly coloured full skirts and turban, she plants her feet, juts out her lip and argues her corner. But when she is alone, she weaves her magic, and we see there is more to this village matriarch than first appears.

Designed by Michael Taylor, the set takes us into the rum shop where Peggy's serving counter is a visible defence against the world. Standing behind it, she can dismiss all suitors and nonsense but it is when she steps out from behind that barrier that she reveals her vulnerability.

Produced by Birmingham Rep and Nick of Time, Playboy of the West Indies - The Musical forms part of Birmingham 2022 Festival, a summer-long series of arts events celebrating the Commonwealth Games coming to the city in July and August.

As part of a festival exploring the Commonwealth, the production team has ensured the show is firmly grounded in Trinidad not only in the music but also in the diction and accents.

Matura may not have lived to see his dream of turning his play into a musical become a reality, but the creatives and the cast have done him proud with a joyful comedy packed full of life, vitality and Caribbean sunshine.
A request to the Biden administration to issue a presidential major disaster declaration shows an initial glimpse into the long road ahead for Montana to recover, where possible, from devastating flooding.

The request, dated Wednesday, was signed by the lieutenant governor acting in capacity as governor while Gov. Greg Gianforte returns from a personal trip out of the country.

The letter says more than 5,300 yards of debris have been removed from U.S. 89 and Highway 540, also known as East River Road, that run parallel along either side of the Yellowstone River through the Paradise Valley.

There are also five damaged state-owned bridges and 218 miles of road closed, most of which have no alternative route, according to the request.

The initial estimate of damage to transportation infrastructure alone is $29 million.

The Montana Army National Guard said in a press release Wednesday it has rescued 87 people using helicopters and flown more than 41 hours in support of search and rescue operations.

The request also points out that Carbon County relies on $68 million from tourism each year from 500,000-600,000 visitors. Park County sees $200 million injected into the local economy.

High percentages of the workforce in these areas are in the hospitality and recreation sector, according to the request.

The letter also points out the housing crisis that was already affecting now-flooded communities will now be worse.

Stock and availability in the affected communities is already limited. Damage to residential areas will exacerbate this issue. The subsequent economic losses to these communities will be significant and long lasting, the request reads.

The letter also pointed out that many of the counties with flooding are remote places where essential services are few and far between and that alternate routes, if available, could add hours of travel times.

The request cites flooding in multiple basins and washed-out stream gauge stations yet to be repaired since the entire bridges on which they were mounted were washed downstream. It also says high winds have combined with raging rivers to take down power transmission lines.

The letter says the combination of rainfall hitting late-spring snowpack equated to somewhere between a 1 in 100-year event (1% recurrence frequency) and a 1 in 500-year event (0.2% recurrence interval), according to the letter.

Continued flooding is expected in coming days as the high water and debris moves downstream, the request says.

The request asks for help from the:

Environmental Protection Agency, to assess damage to public water and waste water infrastructure and assist with impacts of any oil and gas infrastructure or hazardous spills.

U.S. Department of Energy, to help restore power.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, to provide support operations to reduce flooding where possible, share equipment and assess water treatment facilities and other critical infrastructure.

U.S. Department of Transportation, to assess damaged federal roadway.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to help with damaged health care facilities and evacuation of patients.

U.S. Geological Survey, to assist with data collection and impacts from the flooding.

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By Azernews

By Vugar Khalilov

Azerbaijans permanent representative to the UN Yashar Aliyev has urged Armenia to renounce hostile narratives and commit to normalizing inter-state relations in line with international law, Azernews reports.

Aliyev made the remarks in a letter to the UN Secretary-General about the consequences of the Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories and the vandalism committed over 30 years against the cultural heritage of Azerbaijan in the Karabakh region.

The letter was a response to Armenia's allegations about the "destruction of the Armenian cultural heritage" sounded in a letter sent by the Armenian representative to the UN Secretary-General a few days ago.

The head of the Azerbaijani permanent mission to the UN said that instead of attempting to distort the facts, confuse the international community, misinterpret international documents, incite hostility and hatred, Armenia should, first of all, give up hostile narratives, stop hate propaganda and its sponsorship.

It must refrain from such actions, prosecute and punish those responsible for war crimes, commit to the normalization of interstate relations in line with international law, fulfill international obligations in good faith, and support efforts to establish, strengthen and maintain peace in the region, he added.

Aliyev emphasized that Armenia seeks to evade responsibility for the barbaric crimes committed during the armed conflict, falsify history and substantiate its territorial claims by distorting the main causes of the war it started against Azerbaijan.

The document notes that Armenia impudently uses such a delicate topic as cultural heritage, silently ignoring the numerous facts that openly show its policy of slander and hostility towards Azerbaijan for decades. For example, it is well known that, unlike Azerbaijan, Armenia is a mono-ethnic country and has achieved a kind of ethnic composition by expelling other peoples, including hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis, who were once the largest national minority in Armenia.

Azerbaijan's cultural heritage has been completely destroyed across Armenia, and many historical sites have been "rebuilt" to change their unique characteristics. Armenia has pursued a similar policy in relation to the previously occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Most of the towns and villages in Azerbaijan, which fell to the Armenian army in the early 1990s, were subjected to ethnic cleansing, which affected more than 700,000 Azerbaijanis, and were subsequently demolished.

Thousands of cultural sites, including mosques, temples, mausoleums, museums, art galleries, archeological monuments, libraries, and theaters, were looted and destroyed. The envoy emphasized that, in addition, the original architectural features of many cultural and religious sites have been deliberately and purposefully altered in order to deny and distort the history, culture, and ethnic identity of Azerbaijan.

The head of the Azerbaijani mission to the UN further noted that as a result of the occupation, Armenia desecrated Azerbaijani religious sites using them as a barn for cattle. Of the 67 mosques and Islamic shrines, 65 were destroyed and two were severely damaged. Against this background, Armenia states that it supports "friendly relations and constructive cooperation" with most Muslim countries. This is the highest degree of impudence.

In addition, 900 cemeteries in the previously occupied territories were vandalized. Azerbaijan has identified the destruction of millions of books and rare manuscripts, and the theft of thousands of museum exhibits and valuable artifacts found during illegal archeological excavations in these areas. This is an irreplaceable loss for the Azerbaijani cultural heritage.

The Azerbaijani diplomat stressed that these crimes were strongly condemned by the international community. At the 48th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held in Islamabad on March 22-23, 2022, large-scale and widespread acts of vandalism, as well as desecration, looting, and destruction of archeological monuments, cultural heritage, and religious sites, including mosques and Islamic of shrines were strongly condemned, and Azerbaijan's efforts to hold Armenia accountable for violating its obligations were supported.

The council also strongly condemned the insulting and desecration of mosques in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan by using them as stables for pets, and demanded that Armenia put an end to its attempts to present Azerbaijan's historical and cultural heritage as its own.

Moreover, during the years of occupation, the puppet regime established by Armenia in Karabakh established a number of facilities in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, which also served as a symbol of Armenias colonial and annexation policy.

The letter says that immediately after the war, Azerbaijan declared the restoration and reconstruction of the liberated territories, as well as of all historical and cultural sites without exception, as its first priority. At the invitation of the Azerbaijani government, many international organizations, officials, and independent experts visited these areas to witness and document the damage caused during the 30 years of occupation and to observe the restoration work.

Now, Armenia, which has made loud statements about the "imperative" of UNESCO's unimpeded access to the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, "forgets" that it has consistently refused to allow the organization to visit those territories during the occupation period.

For instance, in its report on the implementation in the period from 1995 until 2004 of the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its Protocols of 1954 and 1999, UNESCO stated that it was not in a position to dispatch a mission to check the condition of cultural property in the area since other specialized agencies of the United Nations cannot enter these territories after the Armenian armed forces occupied them.

The Azerbaijani diplomat writes that even after the war, Armenia continues to politicize the participation of humanitarian organizations. The above-mentioned letter and the report attached to it are proof of Armenia's efforts to obstruct and disrupt the discussion by disseminating hostile narratives and incorrect information.

Regarding the International Court of Justice's decision on temporary measures issued on December 7, 2021, Armenia is deliberately silent on the fact that Azerbaijan has also sued Armenia in accordance with the provisions of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and the Court has issued two decisions on temporary measures.

Even the prejudiced wording created under the influence of the Armenian Diaspora, accepted by the European Parliament in March 2022, does not keep mute regarding the Armenian side's atrocities against Azerbaijan and its cultural and religious heritage, the letter stresses.

For example, the resolution acknowledges that the Azerbaijani cities of Aghdam and Fuzuli have been almost completely destroyed and looted and that Azerbaijan's cultural heritage sites, including cultural and religious monuments abandoned by Azerbaijani IDPs, have been damaged or destroyed.

It is emphasized that these facilities were completely or partially destroyed, turned into ruins, and insulted, since they were used as barns for cattle, modified to erase cultural traces, or demolished and turned into building materials.
SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP)  Incarcerated lawyer Michael Avenatti pleaded guilty Thursday to four counts of wire fraud and a tax-related charge in a federal court case in Southern California accusing him of cheating his clients out of millions of dollars.

FILE - Michael Avenatti speaks to members of the media after leaving federal court on Feb. 4, 2022, in New York. Incarcerated lawyer Michael Avenatti says he plans to plead guilty to charges in a federal court case in Southern California. Avenatti didn't specify which charges he wants to plead to in a brief filing Sunday, June 12, 2022. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP)  Incarcerated lawyer Michael Avenatti pleaded guilty Thursday to four counts of wire fraud and a tax-related charge in a federal court case in Southern California accusing him of cheating his clients out of millions of dollars.

Avenatti, who is in federal custody and representing himself in the case, made the plea during a court hearing in Santa Ana where he acknowledged cheating his clients but disagreed with federal prosecutors on how much.

I misappropriated and misused certain of their settlement funds, Avenatti told the court, but added he believes the amount owed in restitution is drastically less than the $9 million stated by the government.

Prosecutors said the plea  which the the 51-year-old lawyer offered without a deal  subjects Avenatti to as many as 83 years in prison. They said they will decide by Monday whether to try him on the remaining charges in a 36-count indictment accusing him of swindling clients by negotiating and collecting settlement payments on their behalf and funneling the money to accounts he controlled in addition to bank and bankruptcy fraud.

Michael Avenatti finally admitted what the IRS criminal investigation and the U.S. attorney's office has been saying for several years now: that he committed audacious acts to steal money from his clients to line his own pockets, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Sagel told reporters.

Today is step one before the government decides what to do on the remaining counts, and he will now be sentenced at least on his conduct of violating his duties to his clients and his duties as a taxpayer."

A sentencing hearing was set for Sept. 19, but will be delayed if the government pursues the other charges.

The plea came after Avenatti, who is suspended from practicing law in California, filed papers with the court this weekend saying that although he didn't reach a deal with federal prosecutors he wanted to change his plea to be accountable and spare his family further embarrassment.

Avenatti is serving five years in prison at a federal facility in California for convictions in two cases in New York. He was convicted of stealing book proceeds from Stormy Daniels, the porn actor who catapulted him to fame as he represented her in court and cable news programs during her legal battles with then-President Donald Trump. He also was convicted of trying to extort Nike if the shoemaker didnt pay him up to $25 million.

Avenatti rose to fame after he represented Daniels in her lawsuit to break a confidentiality agreement with Trump to stay mum about an affair she said they had. He became one of Trumps leading adversaries, attacking him on cable news programs and Twitter, and at one point considered challenging him in the 2020 presidential election.

In the California case, a mistrial was declared last year after the judge found prosecutors failed to turn over to Avenatti key financial evidence. He was expected to stand trial on some of the counts next month, with a trial on the remainder to follow.

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Prosecutors said Avenatti collected millions of dollars in payments from clients and used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle rather than paying them what they were due. They also accused him of failing to pay personal income taxes and business taxes and pocketing millions of dollars in payroll taxes from a coffee chain he owned.

In one instance, they said Avenatti collected $4 million from Los Angeles County for a man who suffered in-custody injuries and was left paraplegic after a suicide attempt, but denied the settlement was received and paid the man smaller amounts ranging from $1,000 to $1,900 that he called advances on the broader settlement.

In another instance, prosecutors said Avenatti collected a $2.75 million settlement payment for a client and used much of the money to buy a private airplane.

Before the criminal charges, Avenatti faced numerous legal problems including a hefty civil judgment and his law firms bankruptcy proceedings.

U.S. District Court Judge James V. Selna said the question of how much restitution is owed by Avenatti has yet to be determined. He asked Avenatti if anyone made promises to him in exchange for his plea and noted he can sentence him to anywhere from zero to 83 years in prison.

No one has given me any guarantees, Avenatti, who acknowledged he was nervous, told the court, because there are not guarantees, Your Honor.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  The California Supreme Court has left intact a ruling that allows customers to sue Amazon.com for failing to warn buyers that some products it sells may contain hazardous substances such as mercury.

FILE - In this Oct. 23, 2018, file photo, an Amazon logo is seen atop the Amazon Treasure Truck The Park DTLA office complex in downtown Los Angeles. The California Supreme Court on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 left intact a ruling that allows customers to sue Amazon.com for failing to warn buyers that some products it sells may contain hazardous substances such as mercury. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  The California Supreme Court has left intact a ruling that allows customers to sue Amazon.com for failing to warn buyers that some products it sells may contain hazardous substances such as mercury.

The court in its decision Wednesday denied a request by Amazon's lawyers to review a lower court ruling that said Amazon violated the state's Proposition 65, which requires companies to warn consumers about products they make or sell that contain chemicals known to cause cancer, reproductive harm or birth defects.

The case involved a lawsuit filed in Alameda County that said the online retail giant knowingly allowed skin-lightening creams to be sold on its website for years despite being aware of concerns about toxic mercury levels in such creams.

Mercury can harm pregnant women and their fetuses. The suit alleged that some of the products produced by third parties but sold on Amazon contained mercury levels that were thousands of times the U.S. federal legal limit.

Amazon said in a statement Thursday that safety is a top priority and that the products in question have long since been removed.

We require that all products comply with applicable laws and regulations, and we have proactive measures in place to prevent suspicious or non-compliant products from being listed and we monitor the products sold in our stores for product safety concerns, the statement said.

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The Supreme Courts action allows the previous court ruling to be used as precedent in state courts.

However, California has such a large market share that any actions Amazon takes to comply with Proposition 65 could have a much wider impact on consumers, said Rachel Doughty, a plaintiff's attorney in the suit.

That could look like removal of products containing carcinogens or reproductive toxins from Amazons site, or Amazon taking measures to ensure that a warning is provided ... so consumers can take steps to avoid exposure to such chemicals, Doughty said in an email.

The lawsuit was dismissed in 2019 by a judge who found Amazon was protected by a section of the federal Communications Decency Act that shields websites from liability for content posted by other parties.

In March, however, a state appeals court said Amazon doesn't merely act as a place for retailers to list their available merchandise but actively stores, sells and ships them.

A drugstore that sold the same creams would be required to issue Proposition 65 warnings, the ruling said.
McKesson Canada Inc has officially opened a 120,000-square-foot pharmaceutical distribution centre in the northwest part of the city, tripling the size of its legacy operation here.

McKesson Canada Inc has officially opened a 120,000-square-foot pharmaceutical distribution centre in the northwest part of the city, tripling the size of its legacy operation here.

The $65-million facility handles 15,000 different stock-keeping units and handles about one-third of the entire pharmaceutical market in Manitoba, southern Saskatchewan and northwest Ontario.

The investment in Winnipeg coincided with construction of another distribution centre in Edmonton that is three times the size of the Winnipeg one. (Both the Winnipeg and Edmonton facilities opened a year ago but the company is only now making their presence official.)

"Were really investing in Western Canada," said Rebecca McKillican, the CEO of McKesson Canada. "We wanted to ensure we had a top-notch facility to support the growth we are seeing in western Canada and in Manitoba."

The centre has 87 security cameras, a steel-enclosed, locked narcotics area and a freezer for specialty products. Plant manager Chad Nicol said it would take a plane crashing into it to knock it out of operation.

As is now essential for pharmaceutical distributors, the facility also includes ultra-low temperature freezers for vaccine storage.

Through its distribution network across the country  it has 13 distribution centres in Canada  it has been responsible for the delivery of about 15 million COVID-19 vaccine doses and administered about 4.5 million of them through its own pharmacy chains.

The company owns the close to 400 Rexall drug stores across the country  including 18 in Manitoba  as well as Guardian, I.D.A., RemedysRx and The Medicine Shoppe pharmacies.

In total McKesson has 120 independently owned, franchised pharmacies along with the 18 corporately owned Rexalls in Manitoba.

The company is regulated by Health Canada but needs to ensure properly configured service in every province it operates in.

The Winnipeg facility employs about 100 people. During a morning tour this week there were about 30 staffers on hand. But it is during the evening when the place is hopping so that it is able to service 1,130 pharmacies and hospitals in the province with next-day delivery.

McKillican said the pandemic heightened the sense of mission experienced by its 12,000 employees across the country.

"We all had the feeling that we cannot fail," she said. "Team members stepped up to ensure we delivered for Manitobans. We think it is a very galvanizing experience."

Meanwhile the company had to contend with the same kind of supply chain disruptions that have badly hamstrung some manufacturers.

"Canadians should be proud how that has been handled," she said. "The industry ensured there was a continuous supply of medications. We did not experience shortages. There was strong collaboration between governments, manufacturers and distributors to ensure supply chain continuity."

But she did allow that McKesson was no different than any other players in the supply chain in that it had to use different levers than it has had to in the past to make sure everything moved in a timely way.

"And, like others we have seen freight costs go up and we experienced labour challenges with the different variants of COVID," she said.

McKesson distributes about one-third of all medications in the country. Last year its parent company, Texas-based McKesson Corp., generated total revenue of US$264 billion.

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But the company is in the process of downsizing to concentrate on the U.S. and Canadian markets. It is in the process of divesting much of its operations in Europe with a few deals announced late last year that are scheduled to close this year.

In Manitoba, the new facility takes over from a 30,000-square-foot one as well as a satellite centre that handles the so-called specialty pharmacy products  complex infusions for cancer and immunology drugs. That facility has yet to move to the new location.

"This investment will really help to ensure that Manitobans have better health outcomes," said Manitoba Health Minister Audrey Gordon, who was on hand for the opening.

McKessons specialty pharmacy supports about 3,400 patients in Manitoba on complex therapies.

The companys Inviva brand is building an infusion centre in Winnipeg that will be open in a couple of months. It will be the 74th Inviva centre in the country. They are staffed with nurses to administer complex specialty pharmaceuticals in a non-acute care setting.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca
OTTAWA - Investor advisory firm Glass Lewis & Co. says Shopify Inc.s plan to augment founder Tobi Lutke's power in the e-commerce company only passed because of the support from an early company investor and director.

Tobi Lutke, CEO of Shopify, an online store, is seen in the company's Montreal office, Wednesday, February 18, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

OTTAWA - Investor advisory firm Glass Lewis & Co. says Shopify Inc.s plan to augment founder Tobi Lutke's power in the e-commerce company only passed because of the support from an early company investor and director.

The firm, which urged shareholders to reject the proposal, says its calculations indicate a strong majority of shareholders opposed the granting of the "founder share" to Lutke that guarantees he controls at least 40 per cent of the voting rights.

Shopify said that 54 per cent of shareholders approved the plan at its June 7 annual meeting. Support from a majority of class A and class B shareholders, excluding Lutke and associates, was one of the required calculations.

However, Glass Lewis claims the proposal only passed because of support from longtime director John Phillips, whose Klister Credit Corp. is the only shareholder other than Lutke to control a significant number of Shopify class B shares.

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The B shares carry 10 votes each, allowing Phillips to help push the plan over the line.

Glass Lewis also wrote in a blog that the proposal would have been defeated 65 per cent to 35 per cent had Klisters shares counted as having only one vote, instead of 10.

The vast majority of minority shareholders who opposed the new multi-class arrangement, only to see it edged over the line by the existing multi-class structure, may feel aggrieved by the outcome, the advisory firm said.

It also questioned why Phillips was allowed to cast his multi-voting shares as "a disinterested" shareholder.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2022.

Companies in this story: (TSX:SHOP)
BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP)  Thousands of cattle in feedlots in southwestern Kansas have died of heat stress due to soaring temperatures, high humidity and little wind in recent days, industry officials said.

FILE - Cattle feed at a feed lot near Dodge City, Kan., March 9, 2007. Thousands of cattle in feedlots in southwestern Kansas have died of heat stress amid soaring temperatures coupled with high humidity and little wind in recent days, industry officials said Thursday, June, 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, File)

BELLE PLAINE, Kan. (AP)  Thousands of cattle in feedlots in southwestern Kansas have died of heat stress due to soaring temperatures, high humidity and little wind in recent days, industry officials said.

The final toll remains unclear, but as of Thursday at least 2,000 heat-related deaths had been reported to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the state agency that assists in disposing of carcasses. Agency spokesman Matt Lara said he expects that number to rise as more feedlots report losses from this weeks heat wave.

The cattle deaths have sparked unsubstantiated reports on social media and elsewhere that something besides the weather is at play, but Kansas agriculture officials said theres no indication of any other cause.

This was a true weather event  it was isolated to a specific region in southwestern Kansas," said A.J. Tarpoff, a cattle veterinarian with Kansas State University. Yes, temperatures rose, but the more important reason why it was injurious was that we had a huge spike in humidity ... and at the same time wind speeds actually dropped substantially, which is rare for western Kansas.

Last week, temperatures were in the 70s and 80s, but on Saturday they spiked higher than 100 degrees, said Scarlett Hagins, spokeswoman for the Kansas Livestock Association.

And it was that sudden change that didn't allow the cattle to acclimate that caused the heat stress issues in them, she said.

The deaths represent a huge economic loss because the animals, which typically weigh around 1,500 pounds, are worth around $2,000 per head, Hagins said. Federal disaster programs will help some producers who incurred a loss, she added.

And the worst may be over. Nighttime temperatures have been cooler and  as long as there is a breeze  the animals are able to recover, Tarpoff said.

Hagins said heat-related deaths in the industry are rare because ranchers take precautions such as providing extra drinking water, altering feeding schedules so animals are not digesting during the heat of the day, and using sprinkler systems to cool them down.

Heat stress is always a concern this time of year for cattle and so they have mitigation protocols put in place to be prepared for this kind of thing, she said.

Many cattle had still not shed their winter coats when the heatwave struck.

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This is a one in 10-year, 20-year type event. This is not a normal event, said Brandon Depenbusch, operator of the Innovative Livestock Services feedlot in Great Bend, Kansas. It is extremely abnormal, but it does happen.

While his feedlot had zero problems," he noted that his part of the state did not have the same combination of high temperatures, high humidity, low winds and no cloud cover that hit southwestern Kansas.

Elsewhere, cattle ranchers haven't been so hard hit.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and the Nebraska Cattlemen said they have received no reports of higher-than-normal cattle deaths in the state, despite a heat index of well over 100 degrees this week.

Oklahoma City National Stockyards President Kelli Payne said no cattle deaths have been reported since temperatures topped 90 degrees last Saturday, after rising from the mid 70s starting June 1.

We have water and sprinklers here to help mitigate heat and the heat wave, Payne said, but we dont have any control over that pesky Mother Nature.
TORONTO - Some of the most active companies traded Wednesday on the Toronto Stock Exchange:

Toronto Stock Exchange (19,611.56, up 63.05 points.)

Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ). Energy. Down $1.30, or 1.7 per cent, to $77.18 on 13.1 million shares.

TC Energy Corp. (TSX:TRP). Energy. Down $1.21, or 1.7 per cent, to $68.98 on 10.4 million shares.

Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU). Energy. Down 98 cents, or 1.9 per cent, to $50.02 on 9.8 million shares.

Athabasca Oil Corp. (TSX:ATH). Energy. Unchanged at $3.03 on 9.2 million shares.

Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX:CVE). Energy. Down $1.02, or 3.6 per cent, to $27.71 on 9 million shares.

Crescent Point Energy Corp. (TSX:CPG). Energy. Down 18 cents, or 1.5 per cent, to $11.83 on 8.7 million shares.

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Companies in the news:

Power Corp. (TSX:POW). Down four cents to $33.88. Wealthsimple is laying off 13 per cent of its workforce as the financial services company joins the slew of global technology businesses facing "market volatility." In a letter sent to staff of the Toronto-based business on Wednesday, chief executive Michael Katchen said 159 of the 1,262 people who work for Wealthsimple will depart the company through the move. He positioned the cuts as part of the fallout from months of seeing the market soar and Wealthsimple grow at an "unprecedented" rate amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The changing conditions mean the company will now focus more heavily on core businesses, like investing and banking, and products he believes will power financial innovation, like those within the crypto industry. Wealthsimple was founded in 2014 by Katchen and is primarily owned by Power Corp.

Hexo Corp. (TSX:HEXO). Down one cent or 3.6 per cent to 27 cents. Hexo Corp. says its ongoing plan to streamline the cannabis business and cut costs includes the reduction of 450 jobs. The Gatineau, Que.-based marijuana producer says in financial filings that the reduction will result in annualized savings of $30.6 million and is meant to simplify its organizational structure so costs are more closely aligned with the business' size. The company's latest management's discussion and analysis paper says most of the reductions will be achieved by relying less on outside consultants, a new informational technology platform and synergies discovered through recent acquisitions. The document also says the company will close a processing and manufacturing facility in Belleville, Ont., by the end of July 2022. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the cuts, which came as Hexo announced that it lost about $147 million in its third quarter compared with $21 million during the same period the year prior.

Kinross Gold Corp. (TSX:K). Up three cents to $5.29. Kinross Gold Corp. says it has completed the sale of its Russian assets to the Highland Gold Mining group of companies for US$340 million, half of what it had negotiated earlier, after Russian authorities capped the price. The Canadian gold miner had announced a deal in April to sell the assets including the Kupol mine and surrounding exploration licences for US$680 million. However, Kinross says the price was changed after a review by the recently formed Russian Sub-commission on the Control of Foreign Investments which approved the sale for a price not exceeding US$340 million. Highland Gold is one of the largest gold mining companies in Russia. Under the revised agreement, Kinross says it has received US$300 million in its corporate account and will receive a deferred payment of US$40 million on the one-year anniversary of closing.

BCE Inc. (TSX:BCE). Up 35 cents to $63.80. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is imposing $7.5 million in penalties on Bell Canada, owned by BCE Inc., for violations of the Telecommunications Act. The regulatory agency says Bell denied permit applications from Quebec's Videotron that would have given it access to the telecom giant's telephone poles. The CRTC says this delayed Videotron's network deployment and created a competitive advantage for Bell. Ian Scott, chairman and CEO of the CRTC, says the decision proves that the regulatory agency "will not hesitate to use the tools at (its) disposal" to maintain competitiveness in the broadcasting and telecom industry. The CRTC says the penalties should "deter future non-compliance" with the Telecommunications Act. Bell says it is "reviewing the decision" and has "no comment at this time."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2022.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  New Mexico and the U.S. government have reached a $32 million settlement over a 2015 mine spill that polluted rivers in three western states.

FILE - In this Aug. 11, 2015, aerial photo, wastewater streams out of the Gold King Mine in southwestern Colorado, after a contractor crew led by the Environmental Protection Agency inadvertently triggered the release of water tainted with heavy metals. New Mexico and the U.S. government have reached a $32 million settlement over the 2015 mine spill that polluted rivers in three western states. The spill of wastewater from the inactive Gold King Mine, sent a bright-yellow plume of arsenic, lead and other heavy metals south to New Mexico, through the Navajo Nation and into Utah through the San Juan and Animas rivers. (Geoff Liesik/The Deseret News via AP, File)

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  New Mexico and the U.S. government have reached a $32 million settlement over a 2015 mine spill that polluted rivers in three western states.

Similar environmental accidents will be intolerable in the future as the region grapples with shrinking water supplies amid drought and climate change, the governor said Thursday.

Every drop is precious, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said during a news conference. If we don't have that water, we aren't growing our own food.

The spill released 3 million gallons (11 million liters) of wastewater from the inactive Gold King Mine in southwestern Colorado, sending a bright-yellow plume of arsenic, lead and other heavy metals south to New Mexico, through the Navajo Nation and into Utah through the San Juan and Animas rivers.

Water utilities were forced to scramble and shut down intake valves while farmers stopped drawing from the rivers as the contaminants moved downstream.

The New Mexico settlement marks just the latest reached over the past year. Colorado and the Navajo Nation also have inked multimillion-dollar agreements to settle claims and sort out responsibility for continued cleanup at the Superfund site that was established following the spill.

Under the New Mexico agreement, the federal government will make cash payments for response costs, environmental restoration and efforts to mitigate the negative perceptions about the area's rivers following the spill. Money also will go toward water quality monitoring and cleanup activities.

Lujan Grisham called the settlement a turning point for communities in the region.

"While the San Juan and Animas rivers have healed from the spill, its time for communities like Farmington, Bloomfield, and Aztec to do the same, she said in a statement, saying the money is deserved in light of the federal government's role in the disaster.

The state also received $11 million in damages from the mining companies, and the case against the federal contractors involved is pending.

On Aug. 5, 2015, Environmental Protection Agency contractors attempting cleanup work caused the release of the toxic wastewater. The plume eventually reached Lake Powell in Utah.

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Although the rivers are now safe for irrigation and other uses, state and local officials have said the stigma associated with the event has had lasting effects on the regions economy.

The Navajo Nation finalized a $31 million settlement with the federal government this week. The tribe said the plume had traveled through an estimated 200 miles (322 kilometers) of the San Juan River, which it considers sacred.

Top Navajo officials traveled to the mine site and shared photos and video of the wastewater rushing downstream on social media.

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said the tribe had pledged to hold accountable all those who caused or contributed to the spill. He added that he was grateful the federal government acknowledged the devastation that it caused.

While New Mexico and the Navajo Nation pursued separate lawsuits, the cases were consolidated and state officials said Thursday that remediation and restoration work will be coordinated.

State officials said a restoration plan will be developed with public input.
NEW YORK (AP)  Revlon, a cosmetics maker that broke racial barriers and dictated beauty trends for much of the last century, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

ARCHIVO - Productos Revlon en exhibicion en una tienda, 5 de julio de 2016, en North Andover, Massachusetts. Revlon, la multinacional de productos de belleza creada hace 90 anos, ha solicitado la quiebra, agobiada por las deudas, los trastornos a su red de suministro de insumos y el aumento vertiginoso de los costos. (AP Foto/Elise Amendola, File)

NEW YORK (AP)  Revlon, a cosmetics maker that broke racial barriers and dictated beauty trends for much of the last century, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The company has been a mainstay on store shelves since its founding 90 years ago in New York City, overseeing a stable of household names, from Almay to Elizabeth Arden.

But Revlon failed to keep pace with changing tastes, slow to follow women as they traded flashy red lipstick for more muted tones in the 1990s.

In addition to losing market share to big rivals like Procter & Gamble, newcomer cosmetic lines from Kylie Jenner and other celebrities successfully capitalized on the massive social media following of the famous faces that fronted the products.

Already weighed down by rising debt, Revlons problems only intensified with the pandemic as lipstick gave way to a new era in fashion, this one featuring medical-grade masks.

FILE - Revlon CEO Debra Perelman, the company's first woman CEO in its 89-year-old history, show products during an interview, Wednesday Aug. 18, 2021, in New York. Revlon, the 90-year-old multinational beauty company, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Thursday, June 16, 2022, weighed down by debt load, disruptions to its supply chain network and surging costs. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)

Sales dropped 21% in 2020, the first year of the pandemic, though they rebounded 9.2% in the company's most recent reporting year with vaccines widespread. In the latest quarter that ended in March, Revlon's sales rose nearly 8%, but still lag pre-pandemic levels in excess of $2.4 billion a year.

The global supply chain disruptions that are hobbling hundreds of international companies in recent months were too much for Revlon, which barely escaped bankruptcy in late 2020 by persuading bondholders to extend its maturing debt.

There may be more corporate restructurings in the consumer products sector ahead with the threat of a recession and the rising costs of borrowing money.

Revlon said Thursday that upon court approval, it expects to receive $575 million in financing from its existing lenders, which will allow it to keep its day-to-day operations running.

"Today's filing will allow Revlon to offer our consumers the iconic products we have delivered for decades, while providing a clearer path for our future growth," said Debra Perelman, who was named Revlon president and CEO in 2018.

Her father, billionaire Ron Perelman, backs the company through MacAndrews & Forbes, which acquired the business through a hostile takeover in 1985. Revlon went public in 1996.

Perelman said that demand for its products remains strong, but its "challenging capital structure" offered limited ability to navigate.

During its heyday in the 20th century, Revlon trailed only Avon in sales. It now holds the 22nd spot among cosmetics makers, according to a recent ranking by fashion trade journal WWD.

Revlon became the first beauty company to feature a Black model in 1970, Naomi Sims. In the 1980s, the company energized the cosmetics industry by putting both famous and yet-to-be-discovered models like Iman, Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington front and center, promising to make all women "unforgettable."

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Perelman, in an interview with The Associated Press last year before global supply chains locked up, said she was optimistic about the future. The company doubled-down during the pandemic to get more online with services like one-on-one virtual consultations through its Elizabeth Arden line, she said.

Perelman also said that the company was learning from celebrity launches to be more nimble and that Revlon had regained market share.

None of Revlons international operating subsidiaries are included in the proceedings, except for Canada and the United Kingdom. The filing was made in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York,

The company listed assets and liabilities between $1 billion and $10 billion, according to its bankruptcy filing.

_____

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BRESCIA, Italy (AP)  Fine Italian knitwear packed in boxes addressed to retailers in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kursk sit stacked in a Lombardy warehouse awaiting dispatch. Although not subject to sanctions to punish Russia for invading Ukraine, the garments are not likely to ship any time soon.

Nadia Zanola, chairman of the 'Cose di Maglia' factory, goes through racks of clothing at a warehouse section of unsold clothes, in Brescia, Italy, Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Small Italian fashion producers are still allowed to export to Russia, despite sanctions, as long as the wholesale price is under 300 euros. But they are having a hard time getting paid, due to restrictions tied to the financial sector. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

BRESCIA, Italy (AP)  Fine Italian knitwear packed in boxes addressed to retailers in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kursk sit stacked in a Lombardy warehouse awaiting dispatch. Although not subject to sanctions to punish Russia for invading Ukraine, the garments are not likely to ship any time soon.

Missing payments from the Russian retailers who ordered the garments are piling up due to restrictions tied to the banking sector, putting pressure on small fashion producers like D. Exterior, a high-end knitwear company with 50 workers in the northern city of Brescia.

This is very painful. I have 2 million euros worth of merchandise in the warehouse, and if they cannot pay for it, I will be on my knees, said D. Exterior owner Nadia Zanola, surveying the warehouse for the brand she founded in 1997 from the knitwear company created by her parents in 1952.

Italy is the largest producer of global luxury goods in the world, making 40% of high-end apparel, footwear and accessories. While Russia generates just about 3% of Italian luxurys 97 billion euros ($101 billion) in annual revenue, it is a significant slice of business for some of the 80,000 small and medium companies that make up the backbone of Italian fashion, according to industry officials.

We are talking about eliminating 80% to 100% of revenues for these companies, said Fabio Pietrella, president of the Confartigianato fashion craftsman federation.

Districts producing footwear in the Marche and Veneto regions, and knitwear makers in Umbria and Emilia-Romagna have grown particularly reliant on Russia.

Nadia Zanola, chairman of the 'Cose di Maglia' factory, shows the quality of a dress in Brescia, Italy, Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Small Italian fashion producers are still allowed to export to Russia, despite sanctions, as long as the wholesale price is under 300 euros. But they are having a hard time getting paid, due to restrictions tied to the financial sector. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

These are districts that connect the supply chain, and if it is interrupted, not only is the company that closes harmed, but an entire system that help make this country an economic powerhouse, Pietrella said.

The Italian fashion world is best known for luxury houses like Gucci, Versace and Armani, which unveil their menswear collections in Milan this week. And some of the biggest names appear on a list compiled by Yale University professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld of major companies doing business in Russia since the war in Ukraine began.

There are companies that kept selling to Nazi Germany after the outbreak of World War II  we don't celebrate them for that, Sonnenfeld said, labeling as greedy any enterprise that continues to do business in Russia today.

He also underlined that fashion companies dont have the grounds to make humanitarian appeals to bypass sanctions, voluntary or otherwise, as has been the case with agricultural firms and pharmaceutical companies.

Among those receiving a failing grade from Sonnenfeld is Italy's Benetton, which in a statement condemned the war but said it would continue its commercial activities in Russia, including longstanding commercial and logistic partnerships and a network of stores that sustain 600 families.

French conglomerate LVMH, meanwhile, has temporarily closed 124 stores in Russia, while continuing to pay its 3,500 employees in Russia. The Spanish group Inditex, which owns the fast-fashion chain Zara, also temporarily closed 502 stores in Russia as well as its online sales, accounting for 8.5% of group pre-tax earnings.

Pietrella fears a sort of Russia-phobia is taking hold that is demonizing business owners for trying to keep up ties with a longer-term vision.

A view of the corridor at the 'Cose di Maglia' factory, in Brescia, Italy, Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Small Italian fashion producers are still allowed to export to Russia, despite sanctions, as long as the wholesale price is under 300 euros. But they are having a hard time getting paid, due to restrictions tied to the financial sector. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

He characterized as a witch-hunt criticism of some 40 shoe producers from the Marche region on Italys Adriatic coast for traveling to Russia for a trade fair during the war.

European Union sanctions against Russia sharpened after the Ukraine invasion, setting a 300-euro wholesale maximum for each item shipped, taking super-luxury items out of circulation but still targeting the upper-middle class or wealthy Russians.

Without a doubt, we as the fashion federation have expressed our extreme concern over the aggression in Ukraine, Pietrella said. From an ethical point of view, it is out of discussion. But we have to think of our companies. Ethics are one thing. The market is another. Workers in a company are paid by the market, not by ethics.

He said the 300-euro limit on sales was a gambit by European politicians that on paper allows trade with Russia despite accompanying bureaucratic and financial hurdles, while also shielding governments from having to provide bailout funds to the industry. He also dismissed as overly facile government suggestions to find alternative markets to Russia.

If there was another market, we would be there already, Pietrella said.

At D. Exterior, exposure to Russia grew gradually over the years to now represent 35% to 40% of revenue that hit 22 million euros before the pandemic, a stream that is also under new pressure from higher energy and raw material costs.

The company was already delivering its summer collection and taking orders for winter when Russia invaded on Feb. 24. By March, Russian retailers were having trouble making payments.

Not only is Zanola stuck with some 4,000 spring and summer garments that she has little hope of shipping to Russian clients, she said she was contractually required to keep producing the winter orders, risking 100,000 euros in labor and materials costs if those are unable to ship.

Over the years, her Russian clients have proven to be ideal customers, Zanola said. Not only do they pay on time, but they are appreciative of the workmanship in D. Exteriors knitwear creations.

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After working so hard to build up her Russian customer base, she is loathe to give it up and doesn't see a quick long-term replacement.

If Russia were Putin, I wouldnt go there. But since Russia is not only Putin, one hopes that the poor Russians manage to raise themselves up,'' she said.

____

AP reporter Ciaran Giles contributed from Madrid.

____

This story was first published on June 16, 2022. It was updated on June 17, 2022 to correct the name of a Yale professor. It is Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, not Jeffrey Sonnenberg.
Recent catastrophic weather events have left many wondering: What just happened?

Areas of southwest Montana are flooding, the northwest region received heavy snowfall in mid-June, and temperatures statewide are expected to rise into the 80s and 90s on Thursday and Friday.

Brian Tesar, a National Weather Service meteorologist based in Billings, said the flooding in southwest Montana was primarily a result of rainfall on heavy snowpack.

Recent winter storms and cooler May temperatures contributed to normal and above-average snowpack sitting in mountains above 6,000 feet. Warmer June temperatures softened the snow, which Tesar said was primed to melt real fast.

Then an atmospheric river  a long, narrow region of the atmosphere like a river of water vapor in the sky  moved in from the Pacific. When it dropped heavy rainfall on the Beartooth Mountains, the heavy, wet snow melted, and melted fast.

We had 7 inches of water come off the mountains in 24 hours, Tesar said. Normally, 7 inches of water would melt off over the course of several weeks. In a normal year, rivers gradually rise as the snowpack melts, but the combination of heavy rainfall and wet snow brought more water than channels could manage, making floods in southwest Montana disastrous.

Tesar said the factors contributing to the floods were relatively unusual. Montana saw a relatively cool May, and there were slightly unusual late snow storms that added to a building snowpack. The atmospheric river passing through the Beartooth Mountains was uncommon.

These ingredients on their own are slightly unusual, Tesar said. "By themselves, they dont cause alarm. But when theyre lined up just right, it creates this whole scenario."

Tesar said its too soon to say whether the floods are a symptom of climate change.

Climatologists will study this and determine if its part of a pattern caused by climate change, he said. "But one event in itself is nothing we can really hang our hat on. Its really hard to say."

While temperatures are expected to rise this week and some parts of the state will receive rain, Tesar said these factors likely wont be a huge concern. Warm temperatures will cause some snowmelt, but Tesar said the snow will not be melting nearly as fast. While it's supposed to rain in some areas this weekend, Tesar said the showers will be intermittent and will not be as devastating as the atmospheric river.

Jennifer Kitsmiller, a NWS meteorologist in Missoula, said that while northwest Montana saw less flooding compared with other areas in the state, areas along the Highway 2 corridor saw 1.5 to 3 inches of precipitation. Hungry Horse received close to 3 inches of rain in 24 hours, and Kalispell set a new record for June 14 rainfall with 2.07 inches in 24 hours. The previous record, set on June 14, 1973, was .87 inches of rain in 24 hours.

Mountains in Glacier National Park, Whitefish and the Swan Range received 4 to 7 inches of moisture. A snow monitoring site northeast of Bigfork, located at 6,000 feet elevation, reported almost 40 inches of snow.

The fact that the precipitation came in the form of snow likely saved us from having a bigger flood scenario because not all the liquid in the system immediately melted out, Jennifer said. At elevations of 5,500 feet and up, it fell as snow and its still sitting there.

Jennifer said some snow in northwest Montana will melt as temperatures rise on Thursday and Friday, but she doesnt expect the melt to cause major issues, though rivers will run high and fast.

A low pressure system coming from the Gulf of Alaska is heading toward northwest Montana this weekend, and NWS meteorologist Jeff Kitsmiller said experts are "worried about it."

In a low pressure system, winds are blown inward, causing air to rise, which produces clouds and condensation.

This low pressure system will be warmer than the atmospheric river. Jeff said there's one big question: Where will the precipitation fall?

"If it's closer to us, it will end up being a pretty big rain event in northwest Montana," he said. "It's tough to tell where it will end up. There's a range of possibilities."

While Jeff said the likelihood of a big rain event in northwest Montana this weekend is low, the consequences would be dire.

"Since the rivers and streams are high already and the Flathead and Whitefish rivers are flooding, adding a lot more rain in the system will become a really big flood situation," he said.

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Berkley may be a teachers pet, but the goofy black Labradors calming presence has also made him a beloved classmate at an elementary school in Winnipeg this year.

Berkley may be a teachers pet, but the goofy black Labradors calming presence has also made him a beloved classmate at an elementary school in Winnipeg this year.

Whenever the canine enters a classroom at Brooklands School, children greet him with wide smiles and waves. His biggest fans seek him out in the hallway and on the playground to offer endless pets, hugs and belly rubs, which he relishes  as evidenced by a wagging tail.

"Hes a very happy and confident dog, thats for sure," said Andrew Sullivan, a support teacher who started taking his puppy to work in early 2022. "And hes got a lot of love to give."

A growing number of principals in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division have welcomed emotional support dogs into their facilities so all students and staff members can reap the benefits of being around an animal throughout the week.

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Berkley, an emotional support animal and Andrew Sullivan at Brooklands School in Winnipeg Tuesday.

Berkley is the newest addition to the divisions pack. He follows in the pawprints of Lucy, a golden retriever who frequently visits George Waters Middle School, and a furry member of the St. James Collegiate community named Charlie.

Principal Rex Ferguson-Baird, who has worked at Brooklands for upwards of a decade, said he has witnessed Berkley create a positive culture change at the K-5 school in only five months.

"In a community school in a neighbourhood that many would see as underserviced or at-risk, were always looking for bridges to make connections between the school and the community, and kids to the home, and to give them some security  and he definitely does that," he said.

Ferguson-Baird said Berkleys temperament immediately settles a room. The puppys presence has resulted in fewer calls home to parents this year because the dog has helped students in distress quickly regulate their emotions, the principal added.

The act of petting a dog in and of itself is therapeutic and can lower a humans blood pressure, scientific studies show.

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Berkley visits with kindergarten students at Brooklands School. The act of petting a dog is therapeutic and can lower a humans blood pressure.

For that reason, Winnipeg dog trainer George Leonard likened a certified support canine to a medical device. Combined with a teachers professional expertise, therapy dogs have immense potential to benefit students, said the owner of MSAR Service Dogs.

"Some kids have social issues and they find it easier to work with a dog, to be around a dog (because) theres no judgment," Leonard said.

Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, golden doodles and poodles are the top breeds for this kind of work because they are smart dogs who are great with children and families, he said, noting therapy dogs can be found everywhere from hospitals to psychologist offices.

It was following a one-on-one session with a middle schooler in 2018  during which the student indicated they would feel better if there was an animal around  that guidance counselor Myriame Orloff said she started to ponder the idea of taking her dog to school.

Orloff consulted her administrators and enrolled her companion in the Canine Good Neighbour Program. She received a greenlight from the division after sharing up-to-date veterinary information and a program proposal.

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A growing number of principals in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division has welcomed emotional support dogs into their schools.

Lucy, an eight-year-old retriever, became a regular visitor to George Waters in early 2019.

"Kids are coming in more anxious and more leery of the world and unsure of how they fit into the world, and she allows them this place of feeling safe and calm in order to be able to express that," Orloff said. "They are more likely to tell Lucy whats upsetting them, than an adult."

While COVID-19 has complicated attendance in recent years, she said the middle school recorded a decrease in absenteeism on designated Lucy days during the 2019-20 academic year.

Educators across the division indicated their respective support dog brings immense joy to their community, in addition to providing emotional and academic support  including being listening ears to struggling readers who can practise their literacy skills without judgment in front of the pets.

Geret Coates said the question he gets asked most from students is: "Where is Charlie?"

ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Berkley is training to be a support animal.

"Charlie walks through the building, tail wagging, and you can actually see peoples moods changed, peoples moods lifted," said the high school English teacher.

The golden retriever, who completed the same training as his peer, Lucy, mingles around classes, roams hallways in search of teachers with treat stashes and attends school events with his owner. He has his own school photo in the yearbook.

Coates said his dog absolutely adores being at school, but he is exhausted when the two return home because there is no nap time in high school.

Berkleys owner echoed those sentiments; Sullivan said being an emotional support dog takes a significant toll on the Lab.

To prevent burnout, SJASD dogs dont work shifts every day.

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ETHAN CAIRNS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Andrew Sullivan, a support teacher, started taking Berkley to work in early 2022.

Berkley, who is the youngest of the pack (he recently had a "pawty" at school to celebrate his first birthday) and currently dons a training vest when he is on the job because he is due for his final "facility dog" exam, works three days per week.

Should he pass a series of MSAR tests  among them: walking around a mall without being spooked by crowds and remaining calm when exposed to other animals, his owner said he will likely continue that routine in 2022-23.

"Weve done some health classes about empathy and feelings. We talk about our feelings and animals feelings  and their needs and our needs," Sullivan said, adding he has worked closely with staff and students who were afraid of dogs before Berkley arrived to put them at ease with the puppy.

maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @macintoshmaggie
The Progressive Conservative government of Manitoba is about to receive a billion dollars worth of good financial news from a most unusual source: Manitoba Hydros Keeyask generating station.

The Progressive Conservative government of Manitoba is about to receive a billion dollars worth of good financial news from a most unusual source: Manitoba Hydros Keeyask generating station.

Thanks to geo-political events and higher-than-average water levels, Hydro is on the verge of one of its most successful years. Ever.

Historic snowfall and relentless spring rains have pushed river and lake levels to the brim, providing more than enough water to drive the turbines at all of Hydros generating stations, including the seven new units at Keeyask. That will generate enough electricity to boost exports to levels not seen in more than a decade.

However, thats not all. The spot market Hydro is selling into is red hot.

A worldwide energy crisis, sparked largely by the war in Ukraine, has driven up the price of natural gas and  as a consequence  electricity rates. Not only will Hydro export more this year, it will be exported at much higher rates than in recent years where an oversupply of shale gas drove down the price of hydroelectricity.

Not only will Hydro export more this year, it will be exported at much higher rates than in recent years where an oversupply of shale gas drove down the price of hydroelectricity.

Although the final numbers are not in yet, Hydro is forecasting a $230 million loss for 2021-22. Using estimates based on 107 water-level scenarios Hydro filed in its last rate application to the Public Utilities Board, that loss could turn into a net profit of more than $430 million in 2022-23, a rebound of more than $600 million.

But thats not the only good fiscal news for Premier Heather Stefansons Tory government.

According to Hydro, the Stefanson government will collect at least $500 million in fees, surcharges and taxes on all that additional generating and export activity, the most money any government in Manitoba has ever taken off the top of Hydro revenues.

And lets remember, both of those estimates were based on 2021 export prices. With the spot export rates much higher, those windfall figures will likely grow significantly.

However, while the windfall is excellent fiscal news for the Tories, it could be a disaster politically because a windfall of this magnitude is only possible because the former NDP government built the Keeyask generating station.

MANITOBA HYDRO Ever since 2016, the Tories have been bludgeoning the NDP for cost overruns at Keeyask (above) and the accompanying Bipole III transmission line.

Ever since 2016, the Tories have been bludgeoning the NDP for cost overruns at Keeyask and the accompanying Bipole III transmission line. Former premier Brian Pallister went as far as to claim the NDPs mismanagement of the projects was the "scandal of the century" in Manitoba politics.

Given that the two projects were $3.7 billion over budget, the NDPs record of Keeyask and Bipole III cannot be defended. The cost overruns drove Hydro debt to historic new levels and triggered increases in electricity rates.

However, as Keeyask was brought fully into service, the benefits have started to come into focus.

Keeyask allowed Hydro to sign new, long-term export contracts with Wisconsin, Minnesota and Saskatchewan, the latter a $5-billion deal that is the richest in the utilitys history. And once new contracts were in place, Hydro was then able to strike a side deal to build a new high-capacity transmission line into Minnesota.

The line allows Hydro to serve its firm contract customers and export much more electricity into the lucrative spot market than it would with the old transmission line. As well, the line has turned out to be a saviour for the province when droughts require Manitoba to import electricity. Last year, the new line to Minnesota allowed the utility to buy enormous quantities of electricity cheap during non-peak hours to supplement domestic generating capacity.

The truth the Tories would prefer you dont know is that without Keeyask, Manitoba could not have reached a deal to build the high-capacity transmission line. And without that line, Manitoba wouldnt have the excess electricity, or the transmission capacity, to sell into the current, overheated spot market.

The truth the Tories would prefer you dont know is that without Keeyask, Manitoba could not have reached a deal to build the highcapacity transmission line.

How committed are the Tories to keeping this story under wraps?

Even though the final two turbines at Keeyask were commissioned in late March, neither the government nor Hydro issued a news release to mark the historic occasion. A Hydro spokesman said the utility wanted to wait until all seven Keeyask turbines were in use, which did not happen until June 7.

The spokesman said a more formal announcement would be made in the coming weeks. But if past practice around milestones like the Saskatchewan export contract are any indication  government made no attempt to celebrate the accomplishment  it will be profoundly subdued.

This is a good news story that runs headlong into a political narrative the Tories expected to lean heavily on in the 2023 election. Now that Keeyask is paying off, Stefanson and the Tories are at risk of losing that narrative.

MANITOBA HYDRO Historic snowfall and relentless spring rains have pushed river and lake levels to the brim, providing more than enough water to drive the turbines at all of Hydros generating stations, including the seven new units at Keeyask.

The hardest of the hardcore Tories will never forgive the debt that accrued from Keeyask and Bipole. But the numbers dont lie; Keeyask is paying off in very lucrative ways.

Politicians rarely worry about which government or party started a project when its a good news story. If the Tories viewed Keeyask as a good thing, there is no doubt Stefanson would be making an appearance sometime this summer in northern Manitoba to flip the switch on Keeyasks seven turbines.

But thats not going to happen because Keeyask is more valuable to the Tories as a political weapon, and less as a financial windfall.

dan.lett@winnipegfreepress.com

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The City of Winnipeg is being accused of violating some residents rights by opening its council meetings with a prayer.

The City of Winnipeg is being accused of violating some residents rights by opening its council meetings with a prayer.

A report by the British Columbia Humanist Association accuses the city practice of being in conflict with a Supreme Court ruling on government prayers.

"That (court) decision, in our view, is pretty clear cut, that prayers at municipal councils violate the charter They impinge the rights of the non-religious who might attend or people who dont adhere to the faith being claimed. They violate the states duty of neutrality," said Ian Bushfield, the associations executive director.

The association describes itself as an advocate for humanists, atheists, agnostics and the non-religious.

The 2015 Supreme Court ruling found that prayers at the municipal council in Saguenay, Que., violated freedoms of conscience and religion. That decision was related to specific elements of those prayers, including the fact councillors crossed themselves in a Catholic fashion and at times had a crucifix on display. The Supreme Court found the method of prayer promoted some beliefs to the detriment of others.

In Winnipeg, the citys legal department concluded in the past that the citys prayer did not violate the Supreme Court ruling.

Bushfield said the association studies the use of prayer across the country but isnt considering legal action against Winnipeg at this point.

"Thats up to the people of Winnipeg, if anyone wants to take that fight up," he said.

After the high court ruling, the City of Winnipeg launched a review of its prayer practices, which was completed by May 2015. The review concluded council could pray on, finding its non-denominational prayer format should be allowed.

Mayor Brian Bowman said hes reviewing the associations report.

However, he noted local city council prayers are open-ended, with the format determined by each councillor assigned to the task.

"Even though it is called the opening prayer, theres no requirement that it be religious. Some members of council have even chosen to use their time to sing a song Others will just use their time to offer thoughts on a subject. And so there isnt a requirement on members of council, in terms of that it has to be religious or an actual prayer," said Bowman.

The mayor said the task rotates among councillors only, so he hasnt personally said a prayer. He said he welcomes scrutiny about the separation of church and state but isnt sure all religious references should be ruled out.

"I also appreciate that if people want to bring their faith to that moment, Im open to it There is a benefit to having that time at the beginning of a council (meeting.) It is a moment of unity for council before sometimes we get into very divisive discussions and debates," he said.

Bushfield rejects the idea that allowing various types of religious and non-religious statements to be made as a "prayer" makes the practice appropriate and inclusive.

"Theres this idea that a non-denominational statement  can be reconciled with the charter. We dont agree. We view the ruling as saying that prayers are fundamentally an exclusionary practice They come from a Christian worldview historically and the structure of them will inherently exclude someone," he said.

Bushfield said his association also tried to get more information on the citys legal review of the matter but received a heavily redacted document in response.

A City of Winnipeg spokesperson said the city has concluded its prayers dont violate the Supreme Court ruling for several reasons.

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"Unlike the practice in Saguenay, the City of Winnipeg has a non-discriminatory, open practice which encourages and promotes diversity and participation by everyone, whatever their belief or non-belief. No belief system is excluded or discriminated against," wrote Felicia Wiltshire, the citys communications director, in an emailed statement.

Wiltshire noted councillors can share a prayer, a non-denominational statement or "provide an alternative meditation." Over the years, that has included songs, dances, poems and tributes.

In 2016, a human rights complaint was filed against the city over the prayers but it was dismissed by the Human Rights Commission the following year, she noted.

Bowman said he has not personally received recent negative or positive feedback on the prayers from residents.

Joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga
COVID long-haulers in Manitoba are calling for a centralized clinic to help them.

COVID long-haulers in Manitoba are calling for a centralized clinic to help them.

On Wednesday, the official list of available post-COVID resources was released.

For the first time since the pandemic began, Shared Health published a Long COVID webpage that points to physiotherapy, support groups and mental-health services.

Some information has been adapted from information released by other provinces, including Alberta and Nova Scotia, and other countries, including a linked video by Long COVID Physio, a UK-based international consortium of physiotherapists, researchers and long-COVID-sufferers.

Winnipegger Lynne Pinterics, who has been dealing with long-haul COVID symptoms since she had a presumed COVID-19 infection in March 2020, said the symptom information is thorough, but its not enough.

"Its good that theyre putting resources online, but people need physicians who can help them," Pinterics said.

Some of the resources focus on how people with lasting symptoms can keep from over-exerting themselves and worsening fatigue. Mindfulness does help, but it only goes so far, Pinterics said.

"If you take a deep breath, and then that makes you cough, all that does is produce more anxiety," she said, adding she worries some information gives people the impression that if their symptoms continue, its because they havent done their pacing or breathing exercises well enough.

"They do say if symptoms continue, to contact your primary care physician, but many do not have one, and this points to the huge need for a COVID long haul clinic where there are primary care physicians as well as (occupational therapists), physio, etc. When the symptoms are severe, you are too sick to read all this info and figure out what to do."

Cam Regier, who has had long COVID symptoms for more than a year, emphasized the need for official long-COVID medical guidance for physicians, and said establishing a centralized Manitoba long-COVID clinic, which exists in some provinces, would be helpful. Regier has been to heart and lung specialists and reviewed similar webpages published by the B.C. government. For someone new to long COVID, Manitobas information is a good start, he said, but he pointed out many Manitobans have been trying to find relief for lasting symptoms for two years.

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"Its a nice start, but we need dedicated resources," Regier said.

"Once youve figured out the symptoms, there isnt really a clear path on what youre supposed to do next," he added.

Both Regier and Pinterics said theyve experienced recent serious relapses of their symptoms after contracting minor colds.

The information released Wednesday does include a list of services that are now available to long COVID patients in Winnipeg that dont require a doctors referral.

Other specialized programs do require referrals. The Winnipeg Regional Health Authoritys pulmonary rehabilitation program, for example, has been taking clients who have long-COVID symptoms. About 25 per cent of them are long-haulers, a WRHA spokesperson confirmed Wednesday: 200 of 796 clients were diagnosed with COVID-19 between Dec. 1, 2020 and June 1, 2022.

katie.may@winnipegfreepress.com
A controversial call to strip key elements from two Winnipeg bus shelters in an effort to deter members of the homeless population was rejected by the executive policy committee Wednesday  though city council will still have the final say.

A controversial call to strip key elements from two Winnipeg bus shelters in an effort to deter members of the homeless population was rejected by the executive policy committee Wednesday  though city council will still have the final say.

The matter triggered hours of intense debate at city hall over the past week. On June 9, a majority of the public works committee supported the call to remove the glass walls, doors, seats and electrical units from the shelters in front of Kildonan Place on Regent Avenue.

The initial public works vote to support the change followed pleas from the shopping malls management, St. Boniface Street Links (which works with homeless and vulnerable Winnipeggers) and Coun. Shawn Nason, who represents the area.

Nason said the change is needed to address drug use, garbage and other safety risks plaguing the Transit bus shacks.

However, EPC heard a starkly different view repeated many times Wednesday, as more than a dozen delegates made impassioned pleas to keep the shelters intact.

Many of the delegates, several of whom represented organizations that support homeless Winnipeggers, argued pushing people out of bus shacks will simply marginalize and stigmatize the citys most vulnerable residents.

"The (message) that it sends is that people who are experiencing homelessness are not as worthy as others of walls or benches to sit (on)," said Tessa Blaikie Whitecloud, chief executive officer of Siloam Mission.

Blaikie Whitecloud told council members people her organization supports have said bus shelters allowed them to escape the bitter cold in the past when they felt they had no other options, a refuge the proposed changes would eliminate.

"I urge you to treat people with dignity and respect and to let them know that they are worthy and to not take this punitive action that asks us to push people further out of sight," she said.

Others railed against the view allowing people to stay in bus shelters makes it appear as though they are defending the right to live in substandard conditions.

"No one is arguing that living in a tent or a bus shack is a right. It is a physical manifestation of the violation of ones human right to adequate housing," said Kris Clemens, manager of communications and community relations for End Homelessness Winnipeg.

Several delegates urged the city to invest in housing, safe drug consumption sites and other programs.

"If we dont offer people avenues to use (drugs) safely they will use in public spaces, including bus shelters. Dismantling one or two wont change that," said Lorie English, executive director of the West Central Womens Resource Centre.

Charlie Eau is the assistant director of community services for the resource centre (and uses they/them pronouns). Eau said firsthand experience with homelessness convinced them the idea to dismantle the shelters is "radical" and would simply displace those in need who have nowhere else to go.

"People are not living in bus shelters at the mall because they want to be," said Eau.

On Wednesday evening, EPC members voted 6-1 against dismantling the Transit shelters.

Mayor Brian Bowman joined Couns. Sherri Rollins, Cindy Gilroy, Matt Allard, Brian Mayes and Markus Chambers to reject the idea; while Coun. Jeff Browaty supported it.

Browaty told media he views it as an "emergency" measure needed to support a major commercial hub in Winnipeg.

"Were frustrated with the level of homelessness and it seems to be getting worse, not better. I think the response from the public works committee about removing the bus shelters is part of that general frustration at the growth of homelessness and addiction issues that were seeing more visibly all the time in the city," said Browaty.

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The North Kildonan councillor said the site is marked by violent incidents at times, sparking concern for both residents and tourists.

"I hate to be crass, but sometimes you have to manage the homelessness issues a little bit in terms of where they are. Its not nice to put it that way, but that has to be the reality," he said.

The mayor said theres a clear need for greater supports to address homelessness, mental health and addictions, which fall under provincial jurisdiction. He believes the city should focus on securing support for those efforts, instead of altering places where homeless people may gather.

"I think closing a bus shack in an effort to move people out of sight and out of mind is not going to provide them with the health-care services that they require. Thats why weve invested in 24-7 safe spaces, thats why weve invested in (city grants for outreach) van service, so we can help connect people to the supports and services that they need," said Bowman, who is not seeking a third term in the October municipal election.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE  A Winnipeg man was shot by RCMP early Wednesday after a pickup truck allegedly swerved at an officer during a wild highway incident sparked by a theft of two all-terrain vehicles.

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE  A Winnipeg man was shot by RCMP early Wednesday after a pickup truck allegedly swerved at an officer during a wild highway incident sparked by a theft of two all-terrain vehicles.

The 27-year-old suspect, who is in stable condition in hospital, is facing a charge of attempted murder on police, while the male officer who fired the shots escaped with minor injuries.

The incident began just before 4 a.m., when two quad bikes were taken from a lot at an Enns Brothers shop on the Trans-Canada Highway just west of Portage la Prairie.

It was one of at least three scenes along a 20-kilometre stretch of road.

"I got a phone call around 10 minutes to four from the security company informing me two ATVs had been stolen and police were called," said Gary Bohn, who manages the Enns Brothers shop. "They were fairly quick. They drove onto our lot and backed up to the units they wanted.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS A pickup truck and a trailer with ATVs sits in the middle of Saskatchewan Avenue East in Portage la Prairie on Wednesday. The driver was shot by an officer after allegedly driving at him.

"They rolled two quads onto their trailer within three minutes, and they were gone."

Security company staff watched high-quality, real-time surveillance video from a remote location as the theft unfolded.

A description of the truck was given to RCMP, who began searching for the vehicle.

Bohn, who viewed the footage after the incident, said it appeared two men were involved in the theft of the Can-Am Outlander quads.

One was a Max 850 in blue and the other was a used 650 XT, he said, noting they are worth about $30,000 combined. The keys were not with the ATVs when they were stolen.

"We have people watching our lot 24-7, live. It does happen from time to time, people trying to steal things," said Bohn.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The pickup truck suspected of being used in the theft of ATVs that allegedly drove at an RCMP officer.

Some time after receiving a call about a break-and-enter at a business, police spotted and attempted to stop a vehicle towing a trailer near Portage, an RCMP news release stated.

RCMP allege the driver rammed a police vehicle several times and attempted to run it off the road, resulting in the officers vehicle becoming pinned between the other vehicle and its trailer.

The officer then got out of his vehicle.

He fired shots from his service pistol after the truck swerved toward him, according to police and the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba, the provinces police watchdog, which is investigating the shooting.

That scene was about 10 kilometres east of Portage on the westbound Trans-Canada, according to people who live nearby but didnt witness the incident.

They saw police vehicles parked in the westbound lanes, which were closed at Highway 13, a few hours after the incident. Westbound drivers were forced to take a detour via Provincial Road 430 and Highway 26 while the lanes were blocked.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Police examine a truck and trailer with ATVs on it Wednesday in Portage la Prairie.

After the scene was cleared, tire marks and debris were visible along the left shoulder for a considerable distance.

Officers apprehended a suspect in Portage shortly after the truck fled the scene of the shooting. He is facing multiple charges.

A male occupant of the suspect vehicle suffered a gunshot wound and was taken to hospital, according to the IIU.

Addressing the possibility of a second suspect, RCMP spokeswoman Tara Seel said one person is in custody and the investigation is ongoing.

At the third scene, a Chevrolet pickup truck towing a trailer with two quads was stopped in a westbound lane on Saskatchewan Avenue East, at Fourth Street Northeast, in Portage, which is about 70 kilometres west of Winnipeg.

Within a cordon of yellow crime-scene tape, a forensic officer took pictures of the truck and placed items into bags as they were removed from the vehicle.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The quiet aftermath following a busy night for police in and around Portage la Prairie.

The truck had significant damage along its drivers side. Most of its tires were deflated or completely shredded, with the back left rim exposed. Police did not say if a spike belt was used in an attempt to stop the truck.

A marked police SUV was parked behind the trailer carrying the quads. A black unmarked SUV was parked off to the right side of the truck.

The scene is surrounded by businesses. All but one  a 24-hour gas station and convenience store  were closed at the time.

An overnight employee briefly mentioned seeing about 10 to 12 police vehicles surround the truck before his shift ended and he left to go home to bed, gas station staff said.

A woman, who didnt want to be named, came upon the scene as she walked to work at 5 a.m.

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At least 10 police vehicles and an ambulance were around the truck, she said.

"I thought, Oh my goodness, I wonder what happened? There were so many police," she said, adding it appeared the suspect had already been taken to hospital.

The IIU is investigating the officer-involved shooting because it is mandated to probe all serious incidents involving police.

Anyone with information about the incident or video footage is asked to call the IIU at 1-844-667-6060.

chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @chriskitching
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Four European leaders expressed their support for Ukraine on Thursday while meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, vowing to back Kyiv's candidacy to eventually join the European Union and offering more weapons to fend off Russia's invasion.

Police members inspect a crater caused by a Russian rocket attack in Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Four European leaders expressed their support for Ukraine on Thursday while meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, vowing to back Kyiv's candidacy to eventually join the European Union and offering more weapons to fend off Russia's invasion.

French President Emmanuel Macron promised Ukraine six more truck-mounted artillery guns, the latest in a new round of Western arms pledges as the war grinds on in the Donbas region in the east.

France, Germany, Italy and Romania are doing everything so that Ukraine alone can decide its fate, Macron said at a news conference with Zelenskyy and the others.

My colleagues and I have come here to Kyiv today with a clear message: Ukraine belongs to the European family, said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Amid Ukrainian fears that Western resolve could wane, the visit carried heavy symbolism. France, Germany and Italy have all faced criticism for continuing to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin  and failing to give Kyiv the weaponry it says its needs.

French President Emmanuel Macron, center, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, right, and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi travel on board a train bound to Kyiv after departing from Poland Thursday, June 16, 2022. The Europeans leaders are expected to meet with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as they prepare for a key European Union leaders' summit in Brussels next week and a June 29-30 NATO summit in Madrid.(Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)

With Scholz beside him, Macron defended earlier comments that riled Ukrainians about not humiliating Russia, solemnly noting how the end of World War I had sown the seeds of World War II.

We are side by side today with Chancellor Scholz. One hundred years ago, we were at war and allies helped France win. France committed a historic mistake. It lost the peace because it wanted to humiliate Germany. The question of humiliation I always placed in a context to come, not the current context, he said.

Today, this war must be won, France clearly supports Ukraine so it prevails, Macron said. Germany, like France, will never be in situations where they negotiate on Ukraines behalf with Russia. Moreover, we have never done that.

French President Emmanuel Macron, right, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, center, and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi travel on board a train bound to Kyiv after departing from Poland Thursday, June 16, 2022. The Europeans leaders are expected to meet with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as they prepare for a key European Union leaders' summit in Brussels next week and a June 29-30 NATO summit in Madrid.(Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)

In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy said it was important for him to hear that European leaders "agree the end of the war and peace for Ukraine should be as Ukraine sees them. He said Ukrainians will continue to fight for all of their land.

Ukrainians and some of their European neighbors have been afraid that Western powers might press for territorial concessions for the sake of peace.

Scholz reiterated that there is no such intent to dictate anything to Ukrainians, and that only they "can decide what is right in terms of an agreement on a peace which we are unfortunately very, very far away from.

French President Emmanuel Macron, centre, is escorted as he arrives at the Kyiv train station, Thursday, June 16, 2022. French President Emmanuel Macron Prime Minister Mario Draghi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz are expected to meet with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as they prepare for a key European Union leaders' summit in Brussels next week and a June 29-30 NATO summit in Madrid.(Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)

Italian Premier Mario Draghi expressed concern about millions of tons of grain backed up in Black Sea ports by the war, saying it could bring worldwide catastrophe. Italy has been a first destination for African migrants and could find itself overwhelmed as a result of largescale hunger in the Southern Hemisphere.

We want the atrocities to stop and we want peace, Draghi said. But Ukraine must defend itself, and it will be Ukraine that chooses the peace it wants."

The leaders also visited Irpin, a Kyiv suburb that saw intense fighting and where many civilians were killed. They decried the destruction there, with Macron saying he saw signs of war crimes."

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis arrives at the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz are staying in Kyiv, Thursday, June 16, 2022. The visit comes as EU leaders prepare to make a decision June 23-24 on Ukraine's request to become a candidate for EU membership, and ahead of an important NATO summit June 29-30 in Madrid. (Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)

While shocking images of such devastation have rallied Western support, Ukrainian officials have expressed concern that war fatigue could eventually erode that  particularly as rising prices and upcoming U.S. elections increasingly dominating public concerns.

The U.S. and its European allies have given billions of dollars in weaponry to Ukraine, and Germany and the U.S. recently announced new arms shipments. Such arms have been crucial in preventing the Russians from taking the capital, but Kyiv has said much more will be needed.

Russia is only looking for new ways to scare Europe and seize more and more of our land, Zelenskyy said at the news conference. The goal of Russia in this war is to break Ukraine and through this break the whole of Europe.

French President Emmanuel Macron, right, and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, center, visit Irpin, Ukraine,Thursday, June 16, 2022. The leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania arrived in Kyiv on Thursday in a show of collective European support for the Ukrainian people as they resist Russia's invasion, marking the highest-profile visit to Ukraine's capital since Russia invaded its neighbor. (Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)

While the European leaders were in Kyiv, NATO defense ministers were meeting in Brussels to discuss plans for strengthening the military alliances eastern borders to dissuade Russia from planning any further aggression.

Many in Ukraine hope the visit could open the way to significant new arms supplies. It also comes as EU leaders prepare to decide next week on Ukraines request to become a candidate for membership in the bloc.

The war has increased pressure on EU governments to fast-track Ukraine's candidate status, and Thursdays pledge to support candidacy status for Ukraine and neighboring Moldova pushes the whole 27-nation union closer to doing so. But the process still is expected to take years, and EU members remain divided over how quickly and fully to open their arms to new members.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, speaks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during a working session in Mariyinsky Palace, in Kyiv, Thursday, June 16, 2022. The leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania arrived in Kyiv on Thursday in a show of collective European support for the Ukrainian people as they resist Russia's invasion, marking the highest-profile visit to Ukraine's capital since Russia invaded its neighbor. (Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)

European allies have sent increasingly powerful weapons and rallied around Ukraine more than many expected, approving waves of unprecedented sanctions against Russia that also are badly squeezing Europes economy.

Ukrainians say more is needed as Russia presses an offensive in the Donbas, slowly but steadily gaining ground on the outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian forces.

After the news conference, Zelenskyy made a digital appearance at technology shows in Paris, Amsterdam, London and Stockholm as what organizers called a 3D avatar, with his image on a large screen. Wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with futuristic fighters and the text Come to the Dark Side and Dominate or Die, he urged countries to support what he called a digital Lend Lease for Ukraine to bounce back from the war with a global digital revolution.

French President Emmanuel Macron , left, reacts as he visits Irpin, outside Kyiv, Thursday, June 16, 2022. The leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania arrived in Kyiv on Thursday in a show of collective European support for the Ukrainian people as they resist Russia's invasion, marking the highest-profile visit to Ukraine's capital since Russia invaded its neighbor. (Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)

Macron, Scholz and Draghi, representing the EU's three largest economies, traveled to Kyiv together on a special overnight train. They had been criticized for not visiting sooner. Soon after they arrived, air raid sirens wailed.

Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president who is now deputy head of the Kremlin Security Council, dismissed the European leaders as connoisseurs of frogs, liver and pasta and said their visit brought no benefit.

Again they promised EU membership and old howitzers, slammed down some vodka and, like 100 years ago, took the train home," he tweeted. "And thats all good. Its just that this doesnt bring Ukraine any closer to peace. And the clock is ticking.  

From left, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, France's President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz attend a press conference in Kyiv, Thursday, June 16, 2022. The leaders of four European Union nations visited Ukraine on Thursday, vowing to back Kyiv's bid to become an official candidate to join the bloc in a high-profile show of support for the country fending off a Russian invasion. (Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP)

President Klaus Iohannis of Romania, which borders Ukraine and has been a key destination for its refugees, arrived on a separate train. He said at the news conference that Romania is facilitating the transit of Ukrainian exports, including grain.

A number of other European leaders have already made the trip to show their solidarity with Ukraine, even when the fighting raged closer to the capital than it does now.

Scholz had long resisted traveling to Kyiv, saying he didnt want to join the queue of people who do a quick in-out for a photo opportunity, adding that a trip should focus on doing concrete things.

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Tamara Malko, a resident of the Donetsk region, which is part of the Donbas, said Macron and Scholz had been very cold toward Ukrainians so far and hoped their visit would bring change.

We want peace very much ... and have high hopes for Macron and Scholz, she said. We want them to see and understand our pain.

___

Corbet reported from Paris. Associated Press journalists David Keyton in Irpin, Ukraine, Srdjan Nedelikovic in Pokrovsk, Ukraine, Colleen Barry in Milan and Frank Jordans and Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
The City of Winona is updating its Comprehensive Plan, and the project is well underway this summer. For the next several months, Winona community members are working in subcommittees to create goals and action steps for each of the plans 12 topics.

This fall, the consultant team from HKGI will work with city staff to create a draft of the plan. Then, the city will invite the community to give feedback on the draft plan.

The Comprehensive Plan is an overarching plan that sets goals for Winonas next 20 years. The plan considers important topics like housing, the economy, and more. For each topic, the plan will create specific, achievable goals that the city and community can work toward.

The city is engaging with community members to hear what is important to you about Winona today and looking 10-20 years into the future.

Want to get involved with the Comprehensive Plan Update this summer? The City of Winona is hosting a conversation with urban planner Charles Marohn of Strong Towns on June 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Winona Friendship Center, 251 Main St. All are welcome to attend to learn about resilient community development patterns and practices.

Theres more  throughout the summer, Engage Winona has created a variety of fun ways you can learn more about the project and give your input. Join us for a photo contest June-August, mural painting in July, and sensory walking tours in July-August! Plus, well have a pop-up engagement booth at a variety of community events.

Find more details at cityofwinona.com or follow along on Instagram and Facebook @cityofwinonacompplan. All events are free and open to the public.

To learn more about the Comprehensive Plan Update project, visit cityofwinona.com/632/Comprehensive-Plan-Update. To connect with other projects Engage Winona is leading, visit www.engagewinona.org or facebook.com/engagewinona.

Strong Towns Curbside Chat

Charles Marohn, urban planner and founder of Strong Towns, will be visiting Winona for a Curbside Chat on Tuesday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Winona Friendship Center, hosted by the City of Winona.

He will lead a presentation and discussion on the growth and development of resilient communities centered on the traditional neighborhood and city development pattern, which creates a connected small-town feel, encourages neighborhood businesses, and is reflective of Winonas historic development pattern in downtown.

Strong Towns has developed a powerful, resonating analysis of communities based on public connection and investment which ties in directly with the overarching Comprehensive Plan Update themes of equity, technology, and sustainability.

Strong Towns analysis of traditional development patterns will provide a common understanding of the importance of investing in our Citys assets.

#WhereInWinona Photo Contest

Engage Winona wants to hear about your experience of community in Winona. Were inviting all who live, work, or play in Winona to respond to one of these questionswith a photo!

Where in Winona do you feel included? Or, Where in Winona do you have positive interactions with community members?

Heres how the contest works:

1. Take a photo or selfie as your answer to the question. Include a short description!

2. Share your photo on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #WhereInWinona.

3. If you prefer not to share on social media, you can email your photo to engage@engagewinona.org or give us a call at 507-312-9133.

The contest runs from June 15August 15. Every two weeks, well give a gift card to a local business to one lucky winner! These prizes are offered by Engage Winona. You can submit a photo each week, but you can only win once.

All submissions must be your own. Photos must be set to public and appropriate for all ages.

We will share all submissions with the community when the project ends, and submissions may be used in the final Comprehensive Plan document.

Winona Creates! Community art with the Joy Labs and Engage Winona

Engage Winona is thrilled to partner with the Joy Labs this summer on a series of community mural painting events! Join us to help represent Winonas vision and values on 5 mini-murals.

All ages welcome. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.

Join us:

Saturday, July 16at Winona Farmers Market, 9am-12pm

Saturday, July 23in Downtown Winona, 1-4pm

Wednesday, July 27at the Lake Park Bandshell, 6-8 pm

Winona Walks

Join Engage Winona for a walk this summerand give your input for Winonas future! Were hosting three Winona Walks, where youll have an opportunity to explore different areas and share how you experience each place.

Winona Walks last about an hour and involve walking about 2 miles total. Participants are welcome to go at their own pace and must sign a waiver before participating. Water and snacks are available at the start and finish. In the event of severe weather or extreme heat, the walks will be canceled; check Facebook for updates.

Join us:

Thursday, July 21, 5-6 pmMeet at the Levee Park parking lot on Walnut St. (Lot #9)

Thursday, July 28, 5-6 pmMeet at Visitor Center on Huff St.

Thursday, August 11, 5-6 pmMeet at Windom Park

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Widespread power outages left about 9,300 customers in the city of La Crosse without power for several hours early Wednesday morning.

Although strong storms rained down on the area overnight, a spokesperson with Xcel Energy said the outages were actually due to a raccoon that made contact with equipment at a substation.

Power went out for the customers at about 4 a.m. Wednesday, but was fully restored by about 7 a.m. The animal caused significant damage to the equipment that needed to be repaired.

Some residents reported hearing a loud boom at the time that power went out, which the spokesperson said was likely due to the damage to the equipment.

Outages were reported across the city, including at some traffic lights. Xcel confirmed that major facilities such as UW-La Crosse, the School District of La Crosse and Mayo Clinic Health Systems were among those without power, saying that any customer in the city was likely impacted by the outage.

Rick Thiesse, spokesperson for Mayo, said that generators supported the La Crosse campus from 5:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., but that normal operations had since resumed.

Because of the outage, some non-urgent surgical and other procedures were rescheduled, but clinical care was continued.

With patient care and safety our highest priority, Mayo Clinic Health System facilities staff along with Xcel Energy worked together to resolve this issue, Thiesse said. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused and thank our staff for their resilience in working under the circumstances.

These widespread outages also came after one of the hottest days of the year so far, likely bumping many peoples air conditioners or fans offline in the middle of the night.

A system of strong and severe storms was forecast to hit the area Wednesday afternoon through the evening.

The U.S. National Weather Service of La Crosse predicted these storms would bring with them the chance of large hail, strong tornadoes, damaging winds and street flooding.

This will be the third round of strong storms hitting the area this week. On Monday, a strong downpour temporarily flooded many of the citys streets.

Although storms werent the cause of Wednesdays power outage, the Xcel spokesperson said that their crews are always monitoring weather and patrolling areas expected to be hit hard.

She said residents should report outages as soon as they happen so crews can begin to restore it as soon as possible.

This story was updated at 2 p.m. to include details from Mayo.(tncms-asset)96e650cc-4dbe-5cd6-917a-efe5580f7fdd[0](/tncms-asset)(tncms-asset)dc13dc8b-8a83-5239-a0a1-0ef8c9be7a3f[1](/tncms-asset)

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STILLWATER COUNTY  Water gushed in icy waves over what once was a gravel road that gently sloped down to a home on the Stillwater River. A muddy water mark about two-and-a-half feet high on the white siding shows the severity of the historic flooding that crested in Stillwater County Monday morning.

It was about 11:30 p.m. Sunday night when Annette and Shane Zumwalt noticed the reflection of the moonlight in their normally grassy lawn. Thats when they knew the water had crept silently up to the house. Armed with flashlights, the couple stepped outside to find their horses up to their knees in water. It was all hands on deck to get the animals to higher ground.

By 1 a.m. the Zumwalts hunkered down with their landlords, Kathryn and Van Wood, who live higher up on the hill. By then, the water level had risen at least another foot and a half. And by morning, Kathryn Wood estimated the property was under nearly four feet of water.

A lot of Nye residents are concerned about access. Its difficult to figure out how we can get out, Kathryn Wood said.

There are 14 roads and bridges closed throughout Stillwater County as of Wednesday afternoon. The bridge crossing the East Rosebud Creek leading to Nye Road is gone, washed away in the fast-moving, muddy water. At least a 50 foot gap stretches between one sheer edge of broken road to the other.

A narrow backroad called Grove Creek Road has become a main route between Fishtail and Absarokee with vehicles squeezing to one side or the other to make room for oncoming traffic.

Up until the flood, the Woods had been planning to move out of their home, and thus, have been whittling away at their pantry and freezer reserves. As of Wednesday afternoon, there still wasnt clean water to drink.

Kathryn Wood managed to traverse to the Nye Trading Post to stock up on a few essentials, but the Trading Post is by no means a fully-fledged grocery store.

The owner, Heath Benson, is concerned that getting his usual delivery of goods will be complicated without the bridge over East Rosebud Creek. As people evacuated, many filled up their gas tanks at the Trading Post. Now, Benson is out of gas and doesnt know when hell have access to more.

The dust is just beginning to settle, Benson said Tuesday with an audible weariness in his voice.

The irrigation ditch behind his house and business quickly grew to be 50 feet wide during the crest of the flood, Benson said.

Volunteers with the Nye Fire Hall brought down two pallets of sand bags that eventually saved Bensons home from flooding. From behind the counter in the Trading Post, he talked about his friends whose houses and cabins were swallowed up by the river and lost downstream. And in the days that follow, others are working to dry out their homes before mold sets in.

All sporting rubber waders and some armed with squeegees, the Woods and Zumwalts dove into the clean-up as soon as the water receded from feet high down to inches.

For those who havent dealt with flood before, it can seem daunting, Van Wood said. But I feel confident we can rehab this place.

Van Wood now faces an inexplicable amount of mud that is settling in and around the property. Their third structure is a historical cabin nicknamed the bunkhouse, but with two to three inches of mud inside, the cleanup is overwhelming. Theyve contacted the county for resources on how to proceed, but without the bridge, it will be difficult to bring in equipment.

Others are preparing to haul out destroyed belongings, rip up carpet and reinforce structures that are now even closer to the waters edge.

Gail Larsen has lived in her cabin on the Stillwater River since the 1970s, and in all those decades has only had flood insurance on five separate occasions. But for the floods of 2022, she will be paying for the damage out of pocket.

Larsen stepped outside of her cabin at 2:30 a.m. on Monday when the roaring from the river became deafening. When she saw that the water would rise well beyond the foundation of her home, Larsen began gathering up essentials and sought higher ground.

When she returned that afternoon, the water was up to her knees, but by Tuesday morning, it all had receded, leaving behind soggy blankets and towels and scattered belongings.

Every piece you had in your house, its like going to a junk yard. Its all in that beautiful Stillwater River. You dont know what its gonna do to the fish, Larsen said.

Despite the damage, Larsen is lucky to still have all her structures.

Billings resident Ted Blazia had a cabin situated just below the highway leading up to the Sibanye-Stillwater Mine where flood waters gouged out a great swath of earth, collapsing the road leading up to the mines doorstep.

Along with the highway went Blazias home-away-from-home.

Early Monday morning a neighbor left a voicemail for Blazia saying that the flooding was creeping up to their little red pickup. But by the time he located the keys, it was too late and the water was too high.

Blazia left Billings at about 8:30 a.m. on Monday and headed straight for Nye Road. By 10:30, he was stopped by county deputies. Since then friends have called to tell him that the cabin is gone.

With no flood insurance, the destruction to the 3.5 acre property is a total loss.

Were kind of numb right now, Blazia said, adding that they had planned to leave the cabin to their three grandchildren.

Sibanye-Stillwater Mine

Operations ceased at 5 a.m. Monday morning at the Sibanye-Stillwater Mine and have not started back up again, said Vice President Heather McDowell.

There are 30 employees on site as of Wednesday afternoon to preserve the system until a temporary access road is established. On Tuesday, an Absarokee bridge was sufficiently reinforced to allow for crossing vehicles.

With at least one way to get around the destruction at the bridge to Nye Road, McDowell is awaiting approval for a stretch of dirt road adjacent to the highway to serve as the access road until a long term solution is established.

While theres no damage to the mine site, it is extremely rare for operations at the mine to come to a standstill, McDowell said.

Staffing at the mine will likely remain minimal through the weekend in case high temperatures accelerate snow melt. But modeling by Sibanye-Stillwater Mine and others suggest that the Monday event was a once in 500 years flood.

We should have been done with the word unprecedented after COVID, but unfortunately were not, McDowell said.

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The first election held in Juneau County, formed out of western Adams County, revealed Daniel Schermerhorn defeated S. W. Field by five votes. Schermerhorn served as judge in Juneau County from 18571861, and again 18661869. The first elected district attorney, Fernando Winsor, had been a judge in Adams County. He defeated Schermerhorn in the next election, serving as the second elected judge in Juneau County for four years.

Charles H. Grote had served as the countys register of deeds, then clerk of circuit court when he was elected judge in 1870. He served nearly 30 years in that position. Two of his four daughters never married, one serving as record keeper in the courthouse chambers. The second daughter graduated from University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, then opened Grotes Drug Store in Mauston, on the corner of State and Division.

William G. Beebe, born in New Lisbon, served as Juneau County district attorney prior to being elected judge in 1898. He had married Lana Altenberg of Mauston in 1895, and they lived in their beautiful new home on Tremont Street. On Oct. 16, 1904, Beebe invited two of his friends, Elmer Wetherby and Charles Bradley to join him on a trip to New Lisbon in his new gasoline launch. On their return trip on the Lemonweir River, the boat stopped. Judge Beebe got up to refill the tank, lost his balance, fell against the side of the boat capsizing it, throwing the occupants into the water. All wore heavy clothing, shoes and overcoats, Bradley and Wetherby narrowly escaped. Reaching shore about four miles east of New Lisbon, they gave the alarm and help from neighboring farmhouses responded. Less than an hour later, Beebes body was located. Judge Beebe was just 36-years-old. Attorney J. T. Dithmar of Elroy, who had served six consecutive terms as district attorney, was appointed to finish out the judges term.

Melville L. Bunnell was the only graduate of Mauston High School in 1879, he then taught school in the village of Werner and in Sauk County. He was appointed Superintendent of Schools of Juneau County.

He was elected to that position for 19 consecutive years. Bunnell was elected county judge in the election following Beebes death. He was the only Juneau County Judge elected that did not hold a law degree, a position he held for 23 years.

Robert P. Clark of Elroy, served as county district attorney for seven years, before being elected judge. He served in that capacity for 22 years, suffering a stroke at age 62. He had a twin brother, Roy.

William R. Curran served as Juneau County judge for 30 years. Seemingly, law is a Curran family tradition. Judge Currans two brothers, Charles and Thomas, had law offices in Mauston, then. Thomas Curran went on to be a judge in Milwaukee. Judge William Curran was an uncle to current Judge Paul Curran. Attorneys William Curran and Catherine Curran Orton are nephew and niece of William R. Curran.

Law seemed to run in the blood of the Brady family also. Wallace A. Brady of Elroy, served as Juneau County judge for more than a dozen years. His brother Attorney William Brady had a law office in Wonewoc for years. John W. Brady, a son of William, was elected Juneau County judge in 1992, serving nearly two terms until his sudden death on March 9, 2003, at age 58.

Dennis C. Schuh was appointed to fill out the term until the fall election of 2004. John Roemer was elected judge in 2004, and held office for 17 years, when he resigned to care for his ill wife.

A few years ago, it was determined, due to the heavy workload, Juneau County needed the services of two county judges. Judge Stacy Smith and Judge Paul Curran currently serve Juneau County.

On June 3, 2022, retired Judge, Roemer, 68, was shot and killed in his home near Mauston. Judge Roemer, a humble, kind man, friendly and good humored.
A man and two women are accused of kidnapping a man in Madison and driving the victim in his own vehicle to rural Columbia County, where he was shot and killed early Tuesday, authorities said.

Authorities had not released the name of the victim.

The three suspects, all from Madison, have been arrested and are being held in the Dane County Jail, the Columbia County Sheriffs Office said in a statement Thursday. The killing was targeted, and the suspects had some sort of relationship with the victim, authorities said.

Jesse J. Freiberg, 28, is being held in the Dane County Jail on a tentative charge of first-degree intentional homicide, along with Jakenya K. Patty, 21, and Laura M. Johnson, 38, both of whom are accused of being a party to the crime of homicide.

Madison police initially tipped off the Columbia County Sheriffs Office on Wednesday about a potential homicide in the rural Portage area when Madison police arrested the three suspects after officers saw Patty try to run over Freiberg with a vehicle in the area of Williamson Street and South Few Street early Wednesday.

Officers saw the incident while responding to a report of a domestic disturbance just before 6:30 a.m., Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes said at a news conference Thursday.

The vehicle, which belonged to the victim, missed Freiberg and crashed into a home on the 400 block of South Ingersoll Street, Barnes said.

Freiberg ran but was arrested a few blocks away, while Patty was detained at the scene, Barnes said. Officers found a handgun in the vehicle, he said, and learned other information from the suspects that led police to believe a kidnapping happened.

As it unfolded, we started receiving bits and pieces of what could be a crime, Barnes said.

He said investigators believe the kidnapping happened in the 300 block of North Brooks Street, where police later arrested Johnson while serving a search warrant.

Authorities searched numerous areas in Portage and the town of Lewiston, where the victims body was found Wednesday evening, Columbia County Sheriff Roger Brandner said in a statement.

Based on the initial investigation, the man was assaulted, bound and placed in his own vehicle in Madison on Tuesday, Brandner said. The victim was driven to a rural area west of Portage, where he was taken out of the vehicle and shot with a handgun, Brandner said.

The victims body was eventually found on Klappstein Road near Highway 16.

The Columbia County Sheriffs Office was able to confirm the victims vehicle was in Portage during the early morning hours Tuesday, Brandner said.

Barnes commended Columbia County authorities who were searching for the victim and processing evidence as Wednesdays storms approached.

They stayed in there and were able to process that information to help bring closure hopefully to someones family, Barnes said.

Freiberg has an extensive criminal history in Dane County stretching back to 2013. Most recently in October, he pled guilty to misdemeanor cocaine possession and a felony charge of fleeing police in a vehicle, charges that stemmed from two different incidents in February and January of last year. For the cocaine possession, he served 60 days in the Dane County Jail.

The court stayed Freibergs yearlong prison sentence for fleeing police and instead gave him three years of probation, according to court records.

Freiberg also pled guilty to felony domestic abuse charges in 2015, court records show.

Johnsons criminal history in Dane County could not be confirmed. Patty does not have a criminal history in Dane or Columbia County.

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A raging Gardner River gouged large chunks from the narrow two-lane road that provides tourists and workers access to Yellowstone National Park via its bustling North Entrance on Monday, only two weeks before the summer tourism season would kick into its usual frenetic high gear.

The same day, officials closed all park entrances and hustled thousands of visitors out of Yellowstone.

Now instead of worrying about traffic jams of loaded down RVs and trailer-towing SUVS backing up through the border community of Gardiner, residents and business owners are wondering if anyone will arrive. Without access to Yellowstone, the town becomes a literal dead end this week.

This is going to be pretty tough for Gardiner businesses to recover from, said Bill Berg, a Park County commissioner and Gardiner resident. Even though the park wont open on the north end, folks in Gardiner would still like to see you come and enjoy what you can.

Road

Park Superintendent Cam Sholly said its uncertain if the road will or should be rebuilt, considering it hugged the Gardner River through a narrow canyon before zigzagging uphill to Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming, and the parks headquarters.

It may not even be possible to build the road in the same alignment if you could, Sholly said. And Im not sure you would want to if you could. I dont think its going to be smart to invest essentially tens of millions of dollars, or however much it is, into repairing a road that may be subject to a similar flooding event in the future.

An alternative would be to construct a new route away from the river on a new alignment to avoid future problems, he added. A dirt service road currently exists between Gardiner and Mammoth, but the road base is unstable.

We are looking to make some temporary improvements to that road so that we can have some type of access between Mammoth and Gardiner, Sholly said.

Although the route was originally considered as a way to evacuate trapped tourists and workers, Sholly said it still makes sense to keep the road open in case Highway 89, the main route north from Gardiner to Livingston, is closed again. The highway was flooded by the Yellowstone River at Yankee Jim Canyon and was temporarily opened on Tuesday to allow tourists to leave and delivery trucks to enter. The Montana Department of Transportation has posted the road as closed to general traffic until further notice.

Without access, Yellowstone concessionaire Xanterra Travel Collection is closing its Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins and Roosevelt Lodge Cabins for the summer, according to Rick Hoeninghausen, marketing director. Employees at those facilities are being redeployed elsewhere in the park if they so choose.

"We've been quite short staffed," he said. "So I imagine this should help us reinforce the staff elsewhere."

The closure of the facilities saddened Hoeninghausen as bookings were strong for the summer season after two years of limited services during the pandemic.

A Yellowstone spokesperson said there is no stay in place order for park employees, but the agency is still working to gather information and to assess damage, which will take some time.

With warm weather in the forecast, there could be additional flooding this weekend, park officials feared. Yet the hope is to as soon as possible reopen the southern loop of the park to timed or reserved visitors via the East, South and North entrances near the communities of Cody, Jackson and West Yellowstone, respectively. That would allow visitors to see attractions like the Firehole River, Old Faithful, Yellowstone Lake, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Norris Geyser Basin.

Other end

At the other end of the roadway that travels from Gardiner to Mammoth and onto Tower-Roosevelt, Slough Creek and the Lamar Valley are the small Montana communities of Silver Gate and Cooke City, just outside the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone. Like Gardiner, they are now at a dead end.

We arent happy they arent going to open our loop, said Cooke City businesswoman Suzy Hahn.

Visitors can still access the communities via the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway from Wyoming (Highway 296), but not by the Beartooth Scenic Byway from Red Lodge, which remains closed following the flooding and will need extensive reconstruction to reopen.

The Beartooth Highway was closed in 2005 on the Montana side (the Wyoming border cuts through the road) following damage caused by a similar rain on snow storm that sent water gushing down the steep mountains, washing out several sections of road. It cost more than $13.55 million to rebuild the roadway in a hurry-up effort over the course of four months. Those repairs appear to have weathered the storm.

Even with that main artery cut in 2005, Cooke City visitors still had access to Yellowstone National Park. But on Tuesday Sholly said the northern portion of the park will remain closed through the summer due to damage to the road through the Lamar Valley. Aerial footage showed two large washouts of the road caused by Soda Butte Creek and the Lamar River.

The road from Lamar Valley to Cooke City is an area that has been substantially impacted, Sholly said, noting that the Lamar River had changed course, perhaps permanently.

If they could patch those two areas we would have access to the Lamar Valley, which is our bread and butter, Hahn said. We have to save our summer. Our season just started this week. You cant cut us off.

Kara Schlabach, who co-owns a coffee shop in Cooke City, said shes already had to lay off an employee because of the projected drop in business.

This is absolutely crippling for our small communities that rely on so much of the park, not just for our summer revenue, but that money we make in the summer time carries us through the extremely quiet shoulder seasons and mediocre winter, she wrote in an email. For restaurants like the Beartooth Cafe and the Log Cabin Cafe, who are only open in the summer time, its almost unimaginable.

What this will mean for winter access to the two communities is also uncertain. The road from Cooke City through Silver Gate and onto Gardiner is the only route in Yellowstone thats plowed all winter. Its a popular route for park wolf watchers, as well as skiers, snowmobilers and ice climbers venturing into the regions mountain playgrounds. Over the years, Cooke City residents have been divided over plowing the highway from Cooke City to the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. This winter that may be the only way to access town, although some snowmobilers leave a car at the parking area and ride into Cooke City.

A portion of the road between Cooke City and Silver Gate was washed out at Sheep Creek, according to residents, but has been repaired enough to allow traffic.

Both towns are in Park County. Without road access through Yellowstone, the drive to the county seat in Livingston will take four hours instead of two-and-a-half. County Commissioner Berg noted without the more direct route, it will complicate everything from garbage service to law enforcement response times, along with necessities like mail service and food deliveries to restaurants. There are also three county bridges near Cooke City that washed out and need to be repaired.

So the landscape, literally and figuratively, has changed dramatically in the last 36 hours, he said on Tuesday.

Flood

Some people have referred to the flooding as a 100-year, 500-year and even a 1,000-year event because of how high the water flowed and the damage caused. Certainly river flows topped any previous record from data collected in the past 100 years, but farther back than that is unknown.

The stream channels are shaped by large floods, said Cathy Whitlock, a regents professor in paleoecology at Montana State University. So its not unheard of to see these large floods.

Research has shown torrential floods about 12,000 years ago caused by a rockslide at Yankee Jim Canyon that blocked off the Yellowstone River and created a large lake all the way back to Gardiner. Eventually, the dam burst, sending rock, debris and water gushing downstream.

Before that, at the end of the last Ice Age, glacial dams at Slough Creek turned the Lamar Valley into a lake. After melt water rose enough to float the glacier, a torrent would rush out underneath and downstream, helping to carve existing features like the rugged Black Canyon of the Yellowstone. Bozeman scientist Ken Pierce calculated the largest flood had a depth of 60 meters.

So flooding isnt anything new, its just we havent seen this magnitude of flooding, Whitlock said.

Whitlock is one of several scientists who has studied the history of climate change in Yellowstone National Park, helping to write an assessment released last year. She called that document timely because extreme climate events are really well predicted in climate models. That includes more moisture in the spring, so more likelihood of rain on snow events like the one that caused Mondays flooding.

I feel like this is completely consistent with what well see in the future, she said.

Whats more, she said the flooding revealed that much of the current infrastructure  from houses to roads, bridges and water treatment and sewer plants  is in the wrong place, namely next to rivers.

Unfortunately, the runoff  although record-setting  will do nothing to help ease the drought that covers much of Montana.

The weather can flip really fast, she said. Superimposed are these extreme climate events.

Past Yellowstone floods Yellowstone National Park has weathered past natural disasters and closures in the past. Most prominent was the 1988 fires that consumed almost 800,000 acres. At the time, many critics warned the park would never be the same. Instead, the fire-adapted lodgepole pine ecosystem rebounded more quickly than experts predicted. Then in the spring of 2020 the entire park was closed as officials wrestled with how to protect visitors and workers as COVID-19 spread across the country. The park established a plan and reopened some entrances in mid-May, weeks after it was closed to all visitors in late March. Yellowstones gates have also been locked during government shutdowns, when federal appropriations are withheld, most recently in 2018.

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People visit a Tang-style block in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province on April 30, 2022. With an area of 24,000 square meters, the block was named after the popular TV series "The Longest Day in Chang'an," providing visitors an immersive cultural experience through a mix of shopping, dining and other recreational activities. [Xinhua/Tao Ming]

XI'AN, June 12 (Xinhua)  It was like embarking on a time travel back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) for Liu Yuan, as she walked into a newly refurbished block in a bustling tourist area of Xi'an.

"Everything in the block, from the architecture to people's outfits, is a reenactment of that bygone, glorious age," said Liu, a local college student. "And what surprised me most was when waiters in a tea house performed a play on Chinese tea culture and invited me to have a cup of tea roasted according to the ancient recipe."

As the provincial capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Xi'an, a city founded some 3,100 years ago, served as the capital for 13 dynasties in Chinese history, including Tang, when the city was called Chang'an. It is also home to the world-renowned Terracotta warriors created in the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC).

Preserving cultural heritage is key to China's urban redevelopment agenda, which requires cities to strike a balance between improving urban infrastructures and protecting and inheriting time-honored treasures.

In early 2022, several ministerial-level Chinese authorities issued a circular on comprehensively strengthening the protection of historical and cultural heritage, saying that the protection of cultural relics should be coordinated with the development of urban and rural construction, economy and tourism.

It asks localities and relevant departments to actively explore innovative transformation and inject new vitality into historical and cultural heritage.

The Tang-style block in Xi'an has proved to be a successful attempt in this aspect, providing visitors an immersive cultural experience through a mix of shopping, dining and other recreational activities.

With an area of 24,000 square meters, the block was named after the popular TV series "The Longest Day in Chang'an," thus attracting a large number of fans of the drama.

"We based our design on the namesake TV series, including its settings, characters and plots. We hope to give people the experience of living like a Tang-era person in the block for a day," said Zhang Yichao, a staff member of the redevelopment project.

Located beside an ancient city wall built some 600 years ago in Xi'an's Beilin District, an abandoned textile factory plant has been transformed into a lively market last year, featuring food merchants, cafes, bars, vintage shops and design studios. Creative bazaars and concerts were frequently held on weekends on the plant's rooftop.

"This place became a messy, stinky farmers' market with poor sanitation after the factory was closed over 20 years ago. People avoided coming here unless absolutely necessary," said Tang Wei, a local resident who has lived in the neighborhood for almost 20 years.

The area caught the attention of architect Quan Jianbiao when he visited the city wall in 2017. "The factory had its heydays in the 20th century and stands just beside a cultural relic. It bears the memories of many local people and is worth the reconstruction efforts," Quan said.

While retaining the original exterior of the three-story factory and adhering to the decor style of the 1960s, Quan's team enhanced the interior infrastructure such as elevators and fire safety systems.

"Before 2000, China's urban renewal projects often started with demolition. But in recent years, the historical and cultural significance of old buildings has gained more attention and appreciation in the country, so now the protection is prioritized during reconstruction," the architect added.

The 54-year-old Tang now owns a car wash facility near the new city landmark with hot business on weekends. "By integrating heritage preservation into urban renewal, it gives a boost to consumption, and we locals now enjoy a better living environment and a stronger sense of belonging," said Tang.

Shaanxi Province is also where Qinqiang Opera, a Chinese folk opera genre, originated in the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC). The opera continues to thrive in a vast region of northwest China and was added to the country's intangible heritage list in 2006.

Famous for its Qinqiang performances and education, the Yisu Opera Club was founded in 1912. In 2006, The Yisu Opera Club Theater located in the center of Xi'an was put under state-level protection.

The club and its adjacent area have been turned into a pedestrian zone featuring Qinqiang performances, traditional cuisine and domestic fashion brands. Two museums dedicated to the history of the Yisu Drama Club and the Qinqiang Opera have also been built here.

In the central plaza of the pedestrian zone stands a traditional opera stage. "I always come here on weekends and holidays to enjoy Qinqiang performances for free," said Li Xiang, a local opera enthusiast.

Shortly after the pedestrian zone's opening in September 2021, over 870,000 people visited here during the 7-day National Day holiday, according to local authorities.

"The pedestrian zone is a perfect example of driving the local economy by preserving and utilizing the city's rich cultural assets, which simultaneously serve the material and spiritual needs of the people," Li added.

(Source: Xinhua)
BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua)  Last week, President Xi Jinping visited San Su Ci, the memorial temple and former residence of three literary masters in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).

Located in southwest China's Sichuan Province, the cultural heritage site has been preserved in tribute to Su Xun and his two sons Su Shi and Su Zhe, and their words of wisdom have been quoted on multiple occasions by Xi.

"Solid groundwork is the first step in the construction of architecture." In 2019, this aphorism excerpted from an essay by Su Zhe was cited by Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, to emphasize the need to build strong primary-level Party organizations.

Greater attention should be attached to the primary level, and the problem of some primary-level Party organizations being weak, ineffective and marginalized should be addressed in a timely manner, said Xi.

Echoing Su's metaphorical analogy, China's leadership has always highlighted the role of primary-level Party organizations in the whole edifice of state governance.

Prior to his visit to San Su Ci last week, Xi paid a visit to a village in the city of Meishan. There, he called for efforts to build primary-level Party organizations well so that villagers can jointly promote rural vitalization after bidding farewell to poverty.

Xi said that as the country's ruling party, the CPC will further advance the building of socialism with Chinese characteristics step by step and spare no efforts in completing all tasks related to people's well-being, so as to lead the people to a better life.

(Source: Xinhua)
Zhang Weili lands a sidekick on Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 275 in Singapore on June 12, 2022. [Photo courtesy of UFC]

Zhang Weili of China secured a brutal second-round knockout win against Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 275.

SINGAPORE, June 12 (Xinhua)  Zhang Weili got back to winning ways after securing a brutal second-round knockout win against Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 275 here on Sunday.

Two years after their history-making first fight, Zhang looked like a different fighter after showing a complete game against Poland's first champion.

Zhang's new and improved wrestling was on full display in the first round. The opening moments of the fight look like a continuation of the previous war from two years ago as both women exchanged blows standing up.

However, it was Zhang who switched up the tactics first securing a major takedown on the Pole. On the ground, Zhang was imperious landing big with elbows and punches from top position as she hit Jedrzejczyk with serious damage. Zhang, who in the build-up to the fight made a point about talking about her desire to show off her all-round game, had clearly taken a huge step forward with her wrestling.

The second round started the same as the first with both fighters exchanging blows on the feet, trying to beat each other to the punch.

However, halfway through the round, the advancing Jedrzejczyk surged forward landing on Zhang, before the Chinese fighter countered with a sidekick and followed up with a picture-perfect spinning backfist to send Jedrzejczyk canvas.

Immediately after the fight, a satisfied Zhang called for a shot at the belt against Carla Esparza in Abu Dhabi.

"I'm super happy. My goal was to dominate the fight in all aspects. No matter how, I wanted to win. I want to tell everybody, I'm back.

"I was calm and relaxed in this fight. I'm fighting against myself, not Joanna. I become my better self only after beating myself."

While Jedrzejczyk announced to the crowd that the fight would be her last in the sport.

Elsewhere on the card, the main event light-heavyweight title match-up for the ages, Czech Jiri Prochazka got a last gasp submission against veteran Glover Teixeira to win the gold. After being dominated on the ground by the wily Brazilian, Prochazka managed to find the neck of the 42-year-old to turn the fight on its head.

While in the co-main event, women's flyweight phenom Valentina Shevchenko overcame a tenacious Taila Santos to secure a controversial split decision result after the Brazilian perhaps won the first three rounds with her wrestling ability.

(Source: Xinhua)
One of the northernmost cities in the US state of Massachusets, Amesbury is a small city that has maintained its peaceful and connected ambiance for many years. Initially being a farming and mill town, the city has converted into more of a residential-focused area where people are close to each other and are willing to live without the hustle-bustle of city life. That being said, while it may not be a highly urban area, there is a lot to do in this city, ranging from taking a walk on the local beach or shopping near the New Hampshire border. So, this is one city that has managed to stay true to its roots in both personality and price.

Geography And Climate Of Amesbury

The old and historical mill in Amesbury, Massachusetts.

The city of Amesbury lies in Essex County at the northmost end of Massachusetts and is drained by the Powwow River. Bisecting the town, the Powwow River is joined by the Back River in central Amesbury, and these both flow out to several water bodies, such as Lake Gardner, which is located near the northern end of the city. Similarly, the western and southern borders are largely covered by Lake Attitash and Merrimack River, respectively. The city covers a total area of 35.5 sq. km, of which 3.8 sq. km is water, and the rest is land. Amesbury is quite close to sea level with an elevation of just 15 meters which is much less elevated than the United States average of above 1000 meters. The city landscape is also filled with hills, such as the Powwow Hill, which reaches 100 meters at its peak.

Located in temperate regions that are a zone of conflict for both polar and tropical air masses, the city of Amesbury experiences a humid continental climate. This means that it has hot and humid summers and cold winters while also getting decent amounts of precipitation year-round. With an average annual precipitation of 44 inches, this area receives much more rainfall than most of the United States, which gets an average of 30 inches. Apart from the precipitation, the average temperature of Amesbury is 9.5C which is quite pleasant with no extremes. The hottest temperatures during summer can reach 25.6C while winters go down to about -7 C making it a pleasant place to visit year-round.

Brief History Of Amesbury

Town Hall of Amesbury, Massachusetts. Image Credit: Fletcher6 via Wikimedia Commons

Amesbury city was initially an English settlement that was cleared out for cultivation by settler John Bayly. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, John and his hired man, William Schooler, were arrested, and a group of 60 planters later took over the land. Shortly after, they began developing the town by creating a planning committee, streets, and even a burial ground. Although the city was growing, it was still an English colony as part of Salisbury. The town gradually grew to become an official settlement in 1642, a separate precinct in 1654, and finally a township in 1668. Gradually, the economy of Amesbury shifted from farming to shipbuilding and fishing, which became the most prominent industries in the city. Following this, textile production also boomed until most recently, in the 1900s, when the towns economy became focused on the light manufacturing of electronics and electronic components. It wasnt until 1996, however, that the towns status was shifted to that of a city, and a municipal council form of government was instituted.

The Population And Economy Of Amesbury

As per the latest US Census, the city of Amesbury has a population of 17,366 people. This includes more than 6000 households spread across the area with a relatively low population density of 1,413 individuals per sq. km. This is noticeably less than Essex County, which is the county in which Amesbury resides. In terms of the population divide, approximately 51% of individuals are females, which brings the gender ratio to a near equivalent value. When it comes to racial composition, the areas inhabitants are split between 93.4% white, with the next largest single race being Hispanic/Latino, which consists of 2.6% of the population. The rest is divided among Black, Asians, Hawaiians, etc., with each origin making up less than 1% of the citys population.

The average household income in Amesbury is $81,027, which is slightly higher than the national average of approximately $79,000. In addition to this, with 6.6% of people living below poverty, this city has an excellent overall income distribution throughout the population. Although, with a median house value of $351,400, it is one of the more expensive cities to live in within Massachusets.

Attractions In Amesbury

Lowells Boat Shop

Lowell's Boat Shop in Amesbury, Massachusetts. Image Credit: John Phelan via Wikimedia Commons

Lowell's Boat Shop was built in 1793 by Simeon Lowell and has since become one of the prime destinations to visit in Amesbury. The boat shop is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is currently a boat shop and museum. Located on the Merrimack River, this place is always full of lively people, and one can spend one's day on a small boat ride across the river.

Alliance Park

A true relic of Amesbury city, Alliance Park is the site of the construction of the USS Alliance in 1977. Located on the banks of the Merrimack River, this park is used by locals for fishing, picnics, or just to enjoy the beautiful greenery.

Brewery Silvaticus

A true combination of local history and modern traditions, the Brewery Silvaticus is a small craft brewery known to provide some of the best drinks in town. With an industrial vibe that is synonymous with the city's growth, this is a great space where you can find the tight-knit community relaxing and chatting with one another throughout the day.
The city of Delaware emerges from a rich history due to its role as a commerce hub and its relevance in the American Civil War through Fort Delaware. This article explores different aspects of the city from its geography, history, economy, culture, and tourism.

Geography Of Delaware City

Delaware City is located in New Castle County in the US State of Delaware. It is situated on the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal's east side, making it a port town. The location makes the city a point of access to the Delaware River, which lies to its east, and the Chesapeake Bay, which lies to its west. The main route leading to Delaware City is called Delaware Route 9. This route cuts across the southeastern and northwestern areas of the city through the fifth street and intersects with the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal at the Reedy Point Bridge. At the north of the town, the route reaches US Route 13 through its convergence with Delaware Route 72. Delaware City covers a total of 5.06 sq. km, of which 0.24 sq. km is covered by water, and 4.82 sq. km is occupied by land. The city is about 16 miles away from the city of Wilmington and 39.8 miles away from the capital city of Dover. Delaware City is approximately 92 miles from Maryland, which borders the state from the south and west; 225.4 miles from Pennsylvania, which connects the state of Delaware from the north; and 100 miles away from New Jersey, at the eastern border of the State of Delaware. The dragon creek, a tributary to the Delaware River, is located near the city. Moreover, the city is home to the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, which intersects the Delaware River with the Chesapeake Bay. The town contains several parks, with Fort Delaware State Park being the most popular.

The climate in Delaware City features warm and wet summers and cold and snowy winters. The summer period extends 3.6 months with an average temperature above 77F. July is the year's hottest month, where the temperature reaches a maximum of 86F and a minimum of 69F. The cold period is 3.1 months long, with January being the coldest month. During January, the temperature reaches a minimum of 27F and a maximum of 41F. The dry season is 7.1 months, and the shorter wet season lasts 4.9 months. The most common form of precipitation is rain, especially during September, the rainiest of the year with an average rainfall of 3.6 inches, and February, the month with the most snow in the year, with an average snowfall of 5.7 inches. Additionally, the city gets 202 sunny days per year.

Brief History Of Delaware City

Old School and Town Hall in Delaware City Historic District. Image Credit: Smallbones via Wikimedia Commons

The history of the city of Delaware can be traced back to 1801. It was first known as Newbold's Landing due to the ownership of the land to the Newbold family. In 1826, the Newbold family aimed to transform the town into a major port and commercial center of the Delaware River. Due to its location, the city has succeeded in becoming a commercial hub. From 1840 till 1880, peaches became the city's booming industry, bringing prosperity and popularity. Additionally, fish captured by anglers in the town was another powerful commodity. The city's economy was primarily based on these industries alongside smaller ones such as hunting, muskrat trapping, and blacksmithing. During the 1870s, the railroad station and Pennsylvania road were launched, thus bringing economic growth to the city. Over the years, the town's economy fluctuated through periods of growth and decline; however, it continued to evolve. During the 18th century, many developments occurred, such as opening new routes to enhance commerce. This led to the shipment of more products such as coal and lumber. Later, the Canal, the cornerstone of the city's prosperity, began losing importance. In 1927, the government converted the Canal into a sea-level waterway. Fort Delaware, located on Pea Patch Island, is now a tourist destination. However, a prisoner-of-war camp housed confederate soldiers who were caught during the civil war. In 1819, the fort was built on the island since it had a significant strategic defense location for Wilmington and Philadelphia. It was later destroyed by a fire and made again by the government in 1859 when it became a massive coastal defense fortification. Then, it became a prisoner-of-war camp when confederate prisoners arrived after the battle of Kernstown in 1862. After the civil war, the fort was abandoned to be modernized in 1896 and used during World War I and II. Finally, the fort was closed in 1944, joined with the state of Delaware, and transformed into a state park in 1951.

The Population And Economy Of Delaware City

As per the latest US Census, Delaware City has a population of 1852 inhabitants. This number has increased by 4.22% since the 2010 census. Out of 1282 adults, 50.14% are females with a median age of 41.1 years, and 49.86% are males with a median age of 38. The total median age in the city is 39.6 years. Regarding the racial composition of Delaware City, 79.90% of the population are white, 14% are black or African American, 0.79% are Native American, and the rest belong to other races. Delaware City's population scores 33.4% on the age dependency ratio and 50.9% on the child dependency ratio.

The state of Delaware's major employer is the government sector, specifically in New Castle County, to which Delaware City belongs. The average household income scores $63,046, and the median income for households is $63,046. Out of the total population of Delaware City, 59.3% participate in the labor force with a 52.9% employment rate and 10.8% unemployment rate. In 2017, 13.9% of the population in Delaware City worked in the administrative, support, and waste management services sector, the highest percentage among all industries.

Attractions In Delaware City

Fort Delaware State Park in Delaware City, Delaware. Editorial credit: Kelleher Photography / Shutterstock.com

The city is rich in a diverse set of attractions. Tourists can stroll down the shops in the town or visit Pea Patch Island to explore the Fort Delaware State Park. Additionally, adventurers can go on hikes and bike across the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Trail. The city is known for its dishes of local crab and hot hush puppies prepared at Crabby Dick's and its hand-dipped ice cream at the ice cream parlor.
I came to Bismarck 37 years ago to work for Gov. George Sinner. I served as director of the economic development commission. During my tenure in that office, the Greater North Dakota Association brought an economist and scholar Richard Florida to North Dakota.

Florida had written the book, The Rise of the Creative Class, and in that book created a measure for diversity that he related to economic performance. How accepting a community was, as measured by his index, translated positively into economic performance.

I chair the Martin Luther King Holiday Commission, and late last fall I was meeting with the Bismarck Human Relations Committee planning the celebration of that holiday. I was extremely surprised and very pleased to see that committee and city staff were tracking the city of Bismarcks score on the diversity index and looking for ways to improve it.

The hate crime ordinance considered by the City Commission was intended to protect and enhance the diversity of the citys growing population. My wife, Marcia, and I have hosted high school students from Germany, Indonesia, Italy and most recently The Congo. I have high praise for the Bismarck school system. Praise for how our three children were treated and deep appreciation for how the four students from foreign countries were accepted and cared for in the school district. However, testimony to the City Commission revealed not all groups seeking protection from hate crimes share that positive experience. Powerful testimony from a high school student and many others spoke to the threats and abuse they face today in Bismarck.

In voting against the ordinance, several commissioners mentioned they feared unintended consequences. It doesnt mean we dont need the laws or ordinances; it means that we must think together to find ways to reduce the hateful mistreatment of people not in the dominant majority. Several of the commissioners suggested additional attention and discussion is needed.

Several church pastors spoke against the ordinance, and one spoke for it. As an active church member, I was keenly disappointed in those pastors who quote scripture condemning the behavior of groups seeking protection from hate crimes. Intolerant religion is bad religion, human compassion for suffering people is much more valuable in our society than self-righteous condemnation of others.

I had hoped by passing this ordinance the city would declare it the public policy to welcome and protect diverse populations. Let diverse populations know they are welcome here, that they will be respected and protected against those people who were taught to hate someone different than them. The recent killing in Buffalo, New York, reminds us that there are people overwhelmed with hate. The perpetrators of hate crimes are themselves tortured people who need help. But they should not be able to continue to injure and kill innocent people.

Perhaps the proposed ordinance wasnt the right vehicle to send that message to folks considering Bismarck as a home or a place to work or retire. But by not passing the hate crime ordinance, the city also created unintended consequences. Most folks do want to improve human relations in Bismarck, to help people feel accepted and protected. Numerous groups are willing to discuss solutions beyond the legal system. The Ten Commandments dont seem to have prohibited the behaviors forbidden. The teachings of Jesus about loving your neighbor as yourself is more useful. How can we love our neighbors and make them feel welcome? It is a good place to start the discussion. It is good theology and good business.

Bill Patrie has been recognized for his work as a cooperative developer by the National Farmers Union, the Association of Cooperative Educators and the National Cooperative Business Association.

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Hannibal, Missouri, is a small city located along the Mississippi River northeast of Missouri in Marion County. Hannibal is one of the greatest tourist spots in Missouri and the surrounding region. The city is best known for being the childhood home of famous author Mark Twain and the setting for his books about Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. The motto of the city is "America's Hometown," and it is a welcoming place for anyone to explore and enjoy.

Geography Of Hannibal

View of Hannibal, Missouri and Mississippi River from Lovers Leap Park.

Hannibal is a city in Marion and Ralls counties in the U.S. state of Missouri. The city is mostly in Marion County, with a small portion in the south stretching into Ralls County, and it is the largest city in Marion County. Hannibal is bounded on its east side by the Illinois stateline, separated from the state by the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in North America, stretching around 2320 miles from its source near north-central Minnesota. Hannibal is north of the river's confluence with the Missouri River near St. Louis, Missouri. Originally designed for river transportation, the city is now linked to car traffic through Interstate 72 and U.S. Routes 24, 36, and 61. Hannibal is about 100 miles (160 km) west of Springfield, Illinois, 210 miles (340 km) east-northeast of Kansas City, and about 100 miles (160 km) northwest of St. Louis, which also borders the Mississippi.

Climate Of Hannibal

The Koppen climate classification system classifies Hannibal as Dfa, suggesting that it has a humid continental climate. Hannibal has warm to hot summers that are frequently humid and chilly to occasionally cold winters. All year, the average temperature in Hannibal is 56.0 F (13.2 C), with July being the hottest month with an average high of 88.0 F (30.8 C) and low of 69.0 F (20.4 C), and January being the coldest month with an average low of 24 F (-4.4 C) and high of 39 F (4.9 C). Although Hannibal experiences consistent rainfall, there is significant seasonal variation in monthly precipitation. The city experiences the most rain in May, with an average rainfall of 4.1 inches (104 mm), and the least rain in January, with an average rainfall of 1.0 inches (25.4 mm). The average rainfall throughout the entire year is 33 inches (838 mm).

Brief History Of Hannibal

Statue of Mark Twain by the Mississippi River in Hannibal.

Various indigenous Native American tribes originally inhabited Hannibal's site until European-American settlers began to colonize the area in 1803 after the U.S. acquired Louisiana Territory in the Louisiana Purchase. In 1819, Moses Bates laid out the city of Hannibal, naming it after the Hannibal Creek, which is now known as Bear Creek. The name Hannibal comes from the ancient Carthaginian hero, Hannibal, who fought in the Second Punic War during ancient Roman times. The city slowly grew from a population of 30, and by 1846, Hannibal was Missouri's third-largest city. The St. Joseph Railroad, a railroad organized by John M. Clemens (Mark Twain's father), was built to connect to St. Joseph, Missouri's second-largest city at the time, to the west. The construction of railroads and the expansion of the steamboat industry on the Mississippi River stimulated Hannibal's economic growth.

Hannibal was also the historic childhood home of world-renowned author Samuel Clemens, commonly known as Mark Twain, and served as the backdrop for several of his writings, including the famous books The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Demographics Of Hannibal

Hannibal had a population of 17,108 people according to the 2020 U.S. Census, a minor decline from the city's population of 17,916 in 2010. Hannibal's population is 52.3% female, with the rest being male or unspecified. The key ethnic demographics are as follows: 87.8% of the population is White, 6.2% is Black or African-American, 0.2% is Asian, and 2.4% is Hispanic or Latino. Hannibal inhabitants have a median family income of $46,504, while 19.1% of the population lives below the federal poverty level. The population per square mile in the city is 1,138.6 (439.6 people per square km).

Economy Of Hannibal

A hotel named after Mark Twain in Hannibal. Editorial credit: Sabrina Janelle Gordon / Shutterstock.com

Hannibal's economy is primarily focused on agriculture and tourism. Hannibal has a number of local agricultural industries, including General Mills, which was ranked 69 out of the 100 best companies to work for by Fortune magazine in 2008. Because Samuel Clemens resided there during his childhood and immortalized the town under his pen name, Mark Twain, tourism is a key element of Hannibal's economy. Two of the city's primary attractions are the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum and the Mark Twain Cave.

Attractions In Hannibal

The entrance to an amusement park on the Mississippi river. Editorial credit: Sabrina Janelle Gordon / Shutterstock.com

Since tourism is such a big industry in Hannibal, there are many different attractions for tourists to visit, many of which focus on legendary author Mark Twain. Mark Twain memorials include his boyhood house and museum, the John M. Clemens Justice of the Peace Office, the Becky Thatcher House, and the Pilaster House. One mile south of the city lies Mark Twain Cave, a rumored refuge for famous train-robber Jesse James and an Underground Railroad site for escaping slaves.

Jackson's Island, an adventure setting for Mark Twain's renowned characters Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, is located on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. Mark Twain State Park, 25 miles southwest of Hannibal, preserves Twain's two-room cabin birthplace in Florida, Missouri. In July, Tom Sawyer Days, an annual celebration with a national fence-painting competition, is held.

Lover's Leap is a popular cliffside overlooking the Mississippi River and downtown Hannibal. The name derives from a local folktale about two Native American lovers who were barred by their respective tribes from marrying one another and, when trapped at the top of the cliff, embraced each other and jumped off.

Hannibal has a rich history with Mark Twain and his famous characters, which is what has earned the city an excellent reputation that attracts visitors annually. Small yet sweet, the city has and continues to live up to its motto of "America's Hometown."
The 10 Highest Mountains in the United States are all located in Alaska and are noted for their glacial settings and icy summits. Popular among mountain climbers and even just the casual tourist, these Mountains are beautiful landscapes for any trip. This article profiles these ten famous peaks.

Content:

1. Mount Denali - 6190.5 m

View of Mount Denali.

Meaning The Tall One in the indigenous Alaskan language, Mount Denali was known as Mount McKinley in honor of the 25th President William McKinley until 2015. It is the highest mountain peak in North America with an elevation of 20,310 feet above sea level and is the most prominent peak in the Denali National Park and Preserve in south-central Alaska. The first ascent up its cliffs was in 1913 when climbers Hudson Stuck, Harry Karstens, and their team successfully scaled and reached the top after 50 days.

Read MoreMount Denali

2. Mount Saint Elias - 5489 m

View of Mount Saint Elias

Located inside the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, on the border of Alaska and the Canadian territory of Yukon, Mount Saint-Elias reaches an altitude of 18,009 feet. This park is the largest in size in the United States, covering an area of more than 13 million acres! Mount Saint Elias was first scaled in 1897 and today is known for its ski slopes, popular with both professional and amateur skiers.

Read MoreMount Saint Elias

3. Mount Foraker - 5304 m

Mount Foraker engulfed in clouds.

The 17,400-foot-high Mount Foraker is situated in the central Alaska Range and was named after former Governor of Ohio Joseph Foraker in 1899. Colloquially known as Denalis Wife, the Mountain was first scaled in 1934, but today it is often passed over for attempts to climb its more famous counterpart, Denali. Protected by the Denali National Park and Preserve, Mount Foraker is also an important natural habitat for many native plants and wildlife animals.

Read MoreMount Foraker

4. Mount Bona - 5044 m

A part of the Saint Elias Mountain Chain, Mount Bona reaches 16,550 ft feet in Eastern Alaska. An important source of ice for the Russell Glacier system and the Klutlan Glacier, which extends into Canadas Yukon, Mount Bona is almost completely covered in ice, making it a particularly difficult peak to scale. An ice-covered stratovolcano, Mount Bona is the highest volcano in the United States, though it has been dormant since 847 AD!

5. Mount Blackburn - 4996 m

Mount Blackburn.

The highest peak in the Wrangell Mountain Range, Mount Blackburn, reaches 16,390 feet. Due to its proximity to the Gulf of Alaska, the Mountain, unfortunately, experiences some of the worst weather on the continent. Frequent storms and treacherous winter conditions make climbing Mount Blackburn a perilous challenge, and indeed less than 50 attempts to scale it have been attempted. Covered almost entirely by icefields, Mount Blackburn is the main source of Kennicott Glacier.

Read MoreMount Blackburn

6. Mount Sanford - 4949 m

Scenic view of Mount Sanford from Willow Lake.

A shield volcano in the Wrangell Volcanic Field, Mount Sanfords elevation is 16,237 feet, but it is seldom climbed, mainly because its summit is entirely covered by ice. Near the Copper River today, Mount Sanford is a dormant volcano, with its last known eruption predicted to be nearly 12,000 years ago.

7. Mount Fairweather - 4671 m

Mount Fairweather (left) and Mount Quincy Adams (right) from the Pacific Ocean. Image by: LucasBrown via Wikimedia Commons.

Named by Captain James Cook for the pleasant weather encountered at the time of his visit, Mount Fairweather has an altitude of 15,325 feet, and lies within Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve; a part of the Saint Elias Mountain Range, the Mountain lies on the border of Alaska and the western portion of the Canadian province of British Columbia. The first successful climb to the top of Mount Fairweather was in 1931, with the most recent in 2011.

8. Mount Hubbard - 4557 m

Right on the boundary of the Alaska and Yukon border, Mount Hubbard stands 14,951 feet tall and was named in the 1890s after the first president of the National Geographic Society, Gardiner Hubbard. Notable for its large rise above the local terrain, Mount Hubbard is just over 32 kilometers from Disenchantment Bay, while the Hubbard Glacier separates it from Mount Vancouver (the 15th highest in the United States).

9. Mount Bear - 4520 m

Just 7 kilometers west of the Alaska-Yukon border, Mount Bears ice peaks contribute to both the Barnard and Klutlan Glaciers; with an elevation of 14,831 feet, the Mountain is protected in the Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and is seldom climbed by mountaineers. The drop from the peak of Mount Bear to the Barnard Glacier is an incredible 10,000 feet!

10. Mount Hunter - 4442 m

Moonflower Buttress, Mount Hunter, Alaska.

Approximately 13 kilometers south of Denali, Mount Hunter is also located in the Denali National Park and Preserve and is part of the Alaska Mountain Range, nobly standing at an elevation of 14,573 feet. It is considered by climbers to be among the steepest and most difficult peaks to scale, and attempts to reach the top have seen few successes. Also known by the Indigenous name Begguya, meaning Denalis Child, the team of Henry Mehbohm and Fred Beckey first reached the summit in 1954.

The ten highest Mountains in the United States are remarkably all located within the State of Alaska, with some near the borders of Canada; these peaks are all remarkable geological attractions that create wonder and awe not just for scientists and alpinists, but for tourists of any age. Indeed when visiting Alaska, these mountain treasures are not to be missed.
Marion water crisis could lead to no water for residents and businesses
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday signed into law two measures to expand protections for sexual assault victims. On of the measures, HB 5441, was brought to the attention of lawmakers by sexual assault survivor Kaylyn Ahn. She shared her story during the bill's signing on June 16, 2022.
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City of Culture bid legacy funding goals set to be revealed next month

A new plan outlining how Wrexham Council will use 125,000 of government funding to promote local culture will be created in the coming weeks.

The local authority was awarded the money off the back of its bid to hold the City of Culture 2025  which would have seen a year long programme of cultural events take place.

Although Wrexham was pipped to the post by Bradford in holding the prestigious event in three years, for the first time ever the three runners up were given 125,000 to support the bidding team in taking forward some of the most exciting elements of the bid and create a legacy from the bid project itself.

Between October 2021 and the end of May 2022 events were held across the county borough to showcase the culture local communities have to offer.

The bid also focused on the importance of play, with the former Hippodrome site being temporarily converted into a play ground for local children and families to enjoy.

With the 2025 bid now over plans are underway to decide how the funding allocated by the UK Government will be spent to celebrate Wrexhams cultural offering.

A spokesperson for Wrexham Council confirmed that a plan will be produced by the end of July detailing next stages including how we will use the funding.

Although Wrexham was unsuccessful in its bid to hold the 2025 event, last week Chief Executive of Wrexham Council, Ian Bancroft revealed a second bid looks highly likely with discussions about the possibility already taking place.

Speaking at a media briefing held last Tuesday, Mr Bancroft said: City of Culture isnt dead as other winners have had to bid two or three times to be successful.

Weve also committed to cultural activities in the years 2023 and 2025 so that work will continue culturally to raise aspirations.

Anybody should be able to be a Thomas Telford, an architect, a Kidsmoke or Royston Club in being a band, an R.S. Thomas or Evrah Rose as a poet or be an apprentice or work at Wockhardt or Moneypenny.

Despite missing out on the 2025 bid, judges have praised the standard of all of the bids which were put forward.

Sir Phil Redmond, chair of the independent advisory panel, said: The selection is never about whether one bid is better than another, it is more that one bid has the potential to make a bigger and deliverable impact.

For 2021 we asked Coventry to raise the bar previously set by Derry-Londonderry 2013 and then raised by Hull 2017.

Challenged by the pandemic, Coventry have certainly done that and I am looking forward to seeing how far the cultural bar can be raised in BD25.
What will change in schools when the new curriculum starts in September?

With the new Curriculum for Wales taking a further step forward this week, the Welsh Government has released six key things that will change for schools in the autumn term.

Schools and other education settings in Wales were given the option to begin teaching their new curriculum to Year 7 learners from September.

To account for the disruption caused by Coronavirus, schools were also given the alternative option to begin to teach Years 7 and 8 at the same time, from September 2023.

This week saw the making of legislation setting out which secondary schools and settings will begin teaching their new curriculum.

All primary schools and around 500 childcare settings will be using the new curriculum from September.

Whats changing in the curriculum for schools across Wales?

Many schools have already started working differently

In many schools, change has already begun. In 2017, schools, teachers and other experts started working together to create the new Curriculum for Wales. The pandemic also speeded up changes in a lot of schools.

They have been able to focus on the well-being and progress of learners and teachers have been freed from their non-essential workload.

The curriculum has been designed around four purposes for learners, says the Welsh Government.

The Four Purposes will become a familiar term to parents, carers and children. For the first time it has been defined in law what the purpose of education in Wales should be.

The aim of a schools curriculum is to support its learners to become:

ambitious, capable learners, ready to learn throughout their lives

enterprising, creative contributors, ready to play a full part in life and work

ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world

healthy, confident individuals, ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society

Teachers will have more flexibility

There will be a national framework to ensure there is consistency and core learning, but teachers and other educators will be empowered to use their professional skills and understanding to decide what and how they teach to get the best out of their learners.

Familiar subjects will still be taught, but delivered as part of wider areas of learning

The Curriculum for Wales has six Areas of Learning and Experience:

Expressive Arts

Health and Well-being

Humanities

Languages, Literacy and Communication

Mathematics and Numeracy

Science and Technology

Specific subjects will still be taught, but schools can decide to explore the links between them, so learners better understand the interconnectivity and breadth of their learning. A topic like climate change can be taught through geography, history, science and the impact on society.

Learning of black, Asian and minority ethnic histories will be included in new curriculum

Learning about Welsh history and the history and diversity of communities, in particular the stories of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people, will be mandatory parts of the new curriculum.

Each of the curriculums six Areas of Learning and Experience include mandatory Statements of What Matters, described as the big ideas and key principles in each Area.

The Statements include an expectation that learners can develop an understanding of the complex, pluralistic and diverse nature of societies, past and present. These stories are diverse, spanning different communities, as well as in particular the stories of black, Asian and minority ethnic people.

Professor Charlotte Williams OBE has been supporting work to improve teaching on black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, including developing new teaching materials and training for teachers and trainee teachers, to complement the new curriculum.

Relationships and Sexuality Education will be mandatory, as will Religion, Values and Ethics in all schools from September 2022.

All children will have access to developmentally-appropriate Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in the new curriculum. This will include learning about healthy relationships, keeping safe, including online, and being confident to raise issues with responsible adults.

Faith groups and others representing childrens interests, such as the NSPCC and the Childrens Commissioner for Wales, have helped teaching professionals to develop the RSE code.
On June 3, Tempest published an article entitled Solidarity with the Ukrainian resistance! by Ashley Smith, a prominent member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and former leader of the now-defunct International Socialist Organization (ISO).

The article calls for arming Ukraine with heavy NATO weapons and is a tirade against all who question the propaganda of US imperialism. It justifies US escalation by claiming the Ukrainian people are engaged in a democratic struggle for self-determination against Russian imperialism.

Smiths article is an attempt to preempt opposition within the milieu of the Democratic Socialists of America to the prolonged US/NATO-led war, which has provoked widespread shortages of basic necessities all over the world and risks plunging the globe into a nuclear nightmare. As Smith says in a brief preface, the article aims to review the ongoing Left debates about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the continuing need to defend Ukrainian resistance as the starting point for rebuilding international solidarity from below.

In his article, Smith declares that the international Left now more than ever must organize solidarity with the Ukrainian resistance and defend its right to secure arms. Smith argues that the Ukrainian military has waged a national popular struggle for self-determination, a fundamentally democratic aim and one that deserves the full support of the international left.

There can be no talk of NATO expansion, which Smith claims is merely Putins alibi, because the states of Eastern Europe only joined NATO out of longtime fear of their imperial overlord, Russia. The crux of Smiths argument is that the war is one of popular working class resistance to Russia. In this vein, Smith attacks Faux anti-imperialists who oppose arming the so-called Ukrainian resistance and thereby betray Ukraine.

These are not serious theoretical arguments, they are absurdities. Smith makes no attempt to explain how Ukraines attempt to join NATO, a military network run by the worlds largest imperialist powers, constitutes a step toward self-determination, nor can he explain why pro-Russian separatists in Luhansk and Donetsk cannot assert the same right to leave Ukraine. He praises the Ukrainian left for fighting the governments oligarchic capitalism, but he cannot explain how it is that this same government is leading a struggle against imperialism. The subject of the Ukrainian regimes glorification of Stepan Banderathe leader of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), which participated in the mass extermination of Jews during World War IIis all but ignored.

Members of various nationalist parties carry torches and a portrait of Stepan Bandera during a rally in Kiev, Ukraine, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Smiths targets are not those who openly defend Russia, but rather parties and individuals that might criticize Russia but blame the US and NATO for the conflict and thereby justify Russias war. Even worse, Smith writes, they back actions like strikes by workers to block arms shipments to Ukraine. He attacks those who condemn Russias invasion but also oppose Ukraines military resistance as well as US and NATO arms shipments in support of it.

Smith often uses this type of provocative language to justify US intervention. In 2016, for example, he advocated US imperialist support for the so-called democratic opposition in Syria by writing: The Syrian Revolution has tested the left internationally by posing a blunt question: Which side are you on? Do you support the popular struggle against dictatorship and for democracy? Or are you with Bashar al-Assads brutal regime, his imperial backer Russia, his regional ally Iran and Irans proxies like Hezbollah from Lebanon?

In his article on the Ukrainian resistance, Smith denounces pacifists who oppose Ukraines right to secure arms and the arms shipments themselves, instead calling for the US to broker a ceasefire, engage in diplomacy, and secure a negotiated settlement. This, Smith says, is an attack on Ukraines right to self-determination. Since Ukraines government and its people have made clear that they remain committed to resisting Russian occupation, the left must demand the bloody war be dragged out until all Ukrainian territory is taken from Russian control.

To the extent that Smith criticizes American and European imperialism at all, it is to claim they are insufficiently bellicose against Russia. Smith worries that a growing chorus in the elite, most notably in western Europe, is actually calling for a ceasefire which would betray Ukraines struggle. The proponents of such pacifism include multinational capital and the corporate media and political class in the US and Europe.

Calling the Biden administration hypersensitive to such pressure from its European allies, Smith warns there is a real danger that Western imperialism could force Ukraine into a rotten deal that ratifies the Russian partition of the country. In other words, Smiths position is to the right of finance capital and the Biden administration. On this basis he proposes: Now more than ever we should build solidarity with Ukraines resistance and defend its right to secure arms including from the US and NATO to free itself from Russian occupation.

The Shachtmanite essence of Ashley Smiths pro-imperialist politics

It is politically revealing that Smith writes of the need to correct the distortions made by some sections of the Left about the nature of this war: it is one of imperialist aggression by Russia to re-impose its rule over its oldest former colony, Ukraine.

Ashley Smith (Twitter)

The claim that Ukraine is a colony of Russian imperialism is an intentional historical sleight of hand. It bypasses the Russian Revolution of 1917, which overthrew the Tsarist regime and ended the bloody struggle of German and Russian imperialism for control over Ukraine and the rest of Eastern Europe in the First World War. The Bolsheviks overturned the imperial-colonial relationship and, in the pre-Stalin period, sought to counteract the influence of Great Russian chauvinism and to facilitate the political unification of the workers of Ukraine and Russia.

But Smith has no concern for making an appraisal of the actual social forces involved in this conflict. His reference to Ukraine as Russias oldest former colony is an attempt to equate the brutal tsarist colonial subjugation of Ukraine with the Soviet Unions policy toward the country, and to thereby present the Soviet Union as an imperialist power which did not represent a progressive development from the tsarist regime that preceded it.

In a separate article, Smith attacked critics of US imperialisms war aims against Russia for practicing what he called abstract morality. To those who believe that the historic record of American imperialisms wars give reason to doubt its humanitarian pretenses, Smith wrote: In place of abstract morality, which can lead to a frankly immoral position of neutrality in the struggle between oppressors and oppressed, we should approach the question of violence and war politically and as a tactical question. We should oppose wars that enforce domination, oppression, and exploitation, and support wars that free people from those structures.

To Marxists, the struggle against imperialism and imperialist violence and oppression is not a tactical question, it is a principled strategic question upon which the fate of the revolution depends. Whether a state is imperialist or oppressed is not an abstract moral label, it is a historical-sociological determination with concrete political consequences. Here, Smith references abstract morality only as a means to justify the death and destruction wrought by US imperialism and to hide behind the fig leaf of the so-called Ukrainian resistance to the Russian empire, and he cannot claim the moral high ground when his own position corresponds with that of a government dripping with blood from 30 years of permanent war in North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.

Smiths presentation of Ukraine as a victim of longstanding Russian imperialism echoes the argument of 20th century anti-communists who argued that the Soviet Union was an imperialist state and that non-Russian republics of the USSR were captive states in the imperial Soviet empire. The term captive states was promoted by the National Captive Nations Committee, a far-right group whose chairman, Yaroslav Stetsko, was a Nazi collaborator who led the OUN after Banderas death. The group changed its name to the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation in 1993.

This is not an accidental correspondence of views. Smith belongs to the tradition of Shachtmanism, which is rooted in pro-imperialist anti-communism.

The Shachtmanite origins of the DSA

The DSA and its predecessor organization (the Democratic Socialist Organizing CommitteeDSOC) emerged out of a political tendency led by Max Shachtman, who had joined the communist movement in 1923 and co-founded the American section of the Trotskyist Left Opposition with James P. Cannon when Trotskyists were expelled by the Stalinists in 1928.

Max Shachtman (1904-1971) (credit: Marxists.org) [Photo by Marxists.org]

Shachtman split from the Trotskyist movement in the United States at the onset of the Second World War in 1939-40 and moved far from the socialist traditions he had once defended. He argued that the Stalinist bureaucracy was a new ruling class and put forward the position that socialists must support democratic American imperialism in the Cold War against authoritarian Russia.

On this basis, Shachtman supported the Korean War, the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba and the Vietnam War, and became an adviser to the AFL-CIO. His political progeny, including figures like Tom Kahn, became deeply embedded in the AFL-CIOs activity on behalf of American imperialism through the American Institute for Free Labor Development. This organization, which was the predecessor to todays Solidarity Center, was a critical mechanism through which US imperialism has manipulated elections, organized coups and suppressed the class struggle on a world scale for decades.

Another of Shachtmans apprentices, DSOC founder Michael Harrington, brought the anti-communist essence of Shachtmans politics into the movement against the war in Vietnam and then into the foundation of DSOC and the DSA. Historian Todd Gitlin said, Anti-Communism was Harringtons emotional touchstone, which he had acquired with the brilliant and bitter Max Shachtman. Harringtons principle was that the left must, as he put it, play a pro-American, Cold War, State Department kind of role.

Michael Harrington (2nd from left) with US Senator Edward Kennedy (right)

The DSA as a catchment area for social opposition

For decades, the DSA has functioned as a faction within the Democratic Party. After years of isolation, the DSA benefited from its identification with Bernie Sanders 2016 presidential campaign to acquire tens of thousands of paper members in a relatively short period of time. Sanders, with the support of the DSA, almost won the Democratic Partys nomination against Hillary Clinton that year, to the shock of the entire political establishment, including Sanders himself.

In 2018, DSA member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez won a primary election against top House Democrat Joe Crowley, and the DSA witnessed another influx of new members, largely young people who supported the organization because they believed it to be anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist.

But the DSA is not a vehicle for opposing capitalism and war, it is a catchment area for the political establishment, where social opposition is to be trapped and neutralized within the Democratic Party. That is the role it has played for decades, in which it has functioned as a loyal faction of the Democratic Party.

In particular, the historical role of the DSA has been to disorient anti-war sentiment, color American imperialisms foreign policy objectives as left-wing or democratic, and facilitate the global machinations of the US war machine.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., listens as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., speaks during a news conference at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

But the fight for socialism is incompatible with support for US imperialism, and the DSA is not a socialist organization. Like the viciously pro-war Green parties in Europe, its social base is a section of the affluent upper-middle class which forms a key social constituency for imperialist war against Russia. The political actions of the DSAs elected officials reflect its class character. In mid-May the DSAs entire congressional slate (including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Cori Bush, Jamaal Bowman, Ilhan Omar and Bernie Sanders) voted for the Biden administrations $40 billion Ukraine military aid bill.

The ISO dissolves itself, enters the DSA

In the spring of 2019, the International Socialist Organization (which also belongs to the Shachtmanite tradition but remained separate from the DSA for decades) dissolved itself almost overnight. The pretense for the dissolution was an allegation of sexual assault by one member against another from six years earlier, but the real reason was the leaderships recognition that they could best fulfill their political aims within the broader radicalized milieu of the DSA, with whom they shared common roots. After the organizations leaders successfully disentangled the highly profitable book publishing company Haymarket Books from the organization, the ISO voted to dissolve itself and the bulk of its members promptly joined the DSA.

While in the ISO, Smith had been one of the organizations chief writers on foreign policy, consistently promoting various US-backed color movements, including in Syria, where Smith repeatedly presented the CIA-funded democratic forces as a popular resistance and denounced opponents of US intervention.

When Smith and other ISO leaders joined the DSA, their primary responsibility was to ensure that the anti-imperialist aspirations of the newly radicalized membership did not develop as a challenge to the pro-imperialist political essence of the DSA, which over its entire existence has functioned as a faction within the imperialist Democratic Party.

To this end, the ex-ISO members founded the Tempest Collective in 2020. Tempest Collective publishes Tempest magazine, the DSA-affiliated publication in which Smiths June 3 article on Ukraine appeared. Over 35 contributors to Tempest (the overwhelming majority of its total writers) are former members of the ISO and/or former contributors to its publications, Socialist Worker and the International Socialist Review.

Smith is also the publication manager for Spectre, a journal focusing on foreign policy and identity politics, whose editorial board includes a number of former ISO leaders, including Charles Post, David McNally, Tithi Bhattacharya and Shireen Akram-Boshar.

The invention of a Ukrainian resistance

The title of Smiths articleSolidarity with the Ukrainian resistance!announces a new stage in the pro-war propaganda campaign. It is the hallmark of Shachtmanism to present a left face on American imperialisms wars. In this tradition, Smith and other proponents of war are inventing a Ukrainian resistance to present the war as an anti-colonial struggle by the Ukrainian people.

The model of the so-called resistance is an organization that was totally unknown before the outbreak of the war: Sotsialnyi Rukh.

Sotsialnyi Rukh program and leadership

Sotsialnyi Rukh has played a key role in creating an international network for war against Russia. It has hosted international gatherings advocating war, including one in Lvov on May 5-6 that was attended by representatives of the Polish party Razem, the French New Anti-Capitalist Party (NPA) and the Argentinian Morenoite Left Front-Workers Unity, as well as delegations from British trade unions. According to a statement posted by Sotsialnyi Rukh after the May gathering, all delegates called for armed support of Ukraine and strict sanctions. Some of them directly influence the making of these decisions by their own governments.

Since Russias invasion of Ukraine, Sotsialnyi Rukhs leaders have given a flood of interviews to international left publications to promote war and advocate the delivery of NATO weapons to Ukraine. During media appearances, Sotsialnyi Rukh leaders stick to the same script, consistently parroting US imperialisms claim that the war is a national liberation struggle and that the left must support weapons shipments. A common feature of these interviews is vicious denunciations of Western leftists who oppose US/NATO escalation and who claim the war is anything but a war for national liberation.

Some examples include the following:

On February 25, the day after Russia invaded Ukraine, Sotsialnyi Rukh leader Taras Bilous, who is also editor of a Sotsialnyi Rukh-aligned journal, Commons, published a widely-circulated document on OpenDemocracy.net titled A letter to the Western Left from Kiev. The article denounces those opposing US military aid as imagining NATO aggression in Ukraine and practicing the anti-imperialism of idiots. He states his opposition to those who exaggerated the influence of the far-right in Ukraine, adding: Part of the responsibility for what is happening rests with you.

Taras Bilous, editor of Commons journal

The letter quotes Leila Al-Shami, a British intellectual and writer for the ISOs International Socialist Review who denounced the World Socialist Web Site as so-called leftists in 2018 for our opposition to US imperialisms war in Syria. Bilous praises Al-Shami for attacking socialists who argue that the main enemy is at home. He concludes: There will be no compromise. Putin can plan whatever he wants the struggle will last until Russia gets out of Ukraine and pays for all the victims and the destruction.

On April 3, ex-ISO member and current DSA member Todd Chretien moderated a DSA panel featuring Sotsialnyi Rukh leader Vladyslav Starodubstev, who declared that the war creates the possibility for a push of socialist ideas in Ukraine. Starodubstev said the Ukrainian military is comprised of socialists who need weapons to fight the Russians and thereby win others to socialism.

Sotsialnyi Rukh leader Vladyslav Starodubstev at DSA event

On April 8, International Viewpoint published an interview with Sotsialnyi Rukh Chairman Vitaly Dudin, who said that socialists are joining the Ukrainian military and need weapons: Some Social Movement activists, as well as many trade unions members, have joined the Ukrainian Territorial Defence as volunteers, and a lot of leftists are helping as volunteers to supply the army. Dudin criticized NATO: We believe NATO has played the role of a passive spectator in this war. Starting from the end of 2021, they have done nothing to support Ukraine with arms, he said.

Vitaly Dudin, chairman of Sotsialnyi Rukh

On May 10, Haymarket Books hosted a panel with Commons co-editor Oksana Dutchak and Yuliya Yurchenko titled How Can Feminist Solidarity help Ukraine? which presented war and weapons shipments as necessary to protect Ukrainian women.

Oksana Dutchak, co-editor of Commons

On May 30, Spectre hosted a Facebook event titled Spectre presents: Ukraine, imperialism and the world economy, in which all the panelists attacked opponents of the US imperialist war in Ukraine. The event featured Zakhar Popovych, a member of Sotsialnyi Rukh, who declared that he was very disappointed by those on the left who criticize Russia but who also insist that US government is escalating the war for its own imperialist aims.

Popovych said, For me, if we are opposing this global system of imperialism, of big powers suppressing other peoples of the world, we should support the national liberation of Ukraine, which he called an anti-imperialist fight. For me this is the first step to challenge the system of imperialism.

Sotsialnyi Rukh representative Zakhar Popovych

On April 13, Ashley Smith published an interview in Spectre with Ukrainian political figure Yuliya Yurchenko, who is also associated with Sotsialnyi Rukh, asking her the loaded question, Why is it inaccurate to reduce the war to a conflict between the US/NATO and Russia? How does this ignore the struggle for national liberation?



Yurchenko replied, Reducing this war to conflict between the West and Russia overlooks Ukraine and treats it as a mere pawn between powers. She compared the struggle of the Ukrainian military to the national liberation struggles in Africa and elsewhere, adding, Anti-colonial thinkers and leaders taught us to give voice to them and their struggle. Ukraine is in a similar struggle.

Smith asked Yurchenko, There is a significant debate in the international left about what position to take on the war and what demands to raise. What do you argue we should do? She replied, Again, the international left must put its decolonial hat on in thinking about Ukraine. We are fighting Russia, our historic imperial oppressor. I think some people still get their vision clouded by a one-dimensional opposition to US imperialism alone. But the US is not the aggressor in this situation, Russia is.

She concluded, The international left must be in solidarity with Ukraine as an oppressed nation and our fight for self-determination. That includes our right to secure arms for our fighters and volunteers to win our freedom.

Yuliya Yurchenko

Smith introduced Yurchenko as an author and left-wing academic. But he did not mention that this representative of Ukraines fight for self-determination is also a fellow at the pro-imperialist George Kennan Institute at Princetons Wilson Center, which is funded by the US Congress. The Wilson Centers advisory council includes General David Petraeus, the Embassy of Qatar, and representatives of BP, Citi Bank, Goldman Sachs and other major corporations. Yurchenkos byline also appears in Jacobin magazine.

The slogan of national self-determination

At the time of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, when the globalized character of world production exposed the bankruptcy of the Stalinist program of socialism in one country, the International Committee of the Fourth International addressed the imperialist powers appropriation of the slogan of national self-determination as a method for justifying imperialist carve-ups like that currently undertaken by the US and its European allies in Eastern Europe.

In a 1993 statement Perspectives and Tasks of the ICFI: The Permanent Revolution Today, David North wrote:

Communal, ethnic and chauvinist movements hide behind democratic phraseologythe slogan of self-determination, national liberationwhile they pursue a policy whose economic content is the renewed enslavement of the broad masses by imperialism. They are directed not toward national liberation, in the sense that this term was understood in an earlier historical period, but to wipe out even the limited gains that were previously made by the masses.

Subsequent experiences have proven the correctness of this perspective. In 1990, the Bush administration used the Kuwaiti sheikdoms right to self-determination as an excuse to invade Iraq in the Persian Gulf War. The Clinton administration cited the same right to justify the carve-up of Yugoslavia by referencing first Bosnia and then Kosovo as the basis for bloody wars that pacified the region on behalf of American and European capital at the cost of tens of thousands of lives.

A review of the political background of todays fighters for self-determination reveals that the Ukrainian resistance is in reality an operation set up by US imperialism and its agents.

The Center for Social and Labor Research: A US government front

Most of Sotsialnyi Rukhs political leadership is or was employed by the Ukrainian Center for Social and Labor Research (CSLR), which is publicly documented to have been funded over many years by the CIAs National Endowment for Democracy (NED). The NED is so openly connected to the US intelligence agencies that it is often called the second CIA.

After Russias invasion of Ukraine, the NED deleted records of its past grants to Ukraine, but some documents are accessible using the Wayback Machine. The documents confirm that the Center for Social and Labor Research received a grant for $22,980 in 2014 in order to promote an awareness of fundamental rights and freedoms.

The grant notes that the Center will continue fostering a greater awareness of the freedom of assembly in Ukraine and that as part of a larger national advocacy campaign, the Center will monitor protest activity throughout the country, share the data with campaign activists [and the US intelligence agencies], distribute them through social media, and produce 12 reports.

Information on workers strikes and protests throughout the country were doubtless of high value to the NED (and the CIA), as US government funding for the project continued for several years.

2014 National Endowment Grant to Center for Social and Labor Research (CSLR)

According to the CV of longtime CSLR director Volodymyr Ishchenko, the CSLR was supported by National Endowment for Democracy (in 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015) and by International Renaissance Foundation (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013) as well as by the Volkswagen Foundation. Ishchenko is the founder of the Center for Society Research, which is also funded by the NED. The International Renaissance Foundation is George Soros main Non-Governmental Organization in Ukraine. Soros has recently called for all-out war against Russia. Ishchenko has written numerous articles for Jacobin magazine.

Section of Volodymyr Ishchenkos CV

Sotsialnyi Rukh leaders who are or were employed by CSLR at the time it received NED grants include:

Zakhar Popovych , the Sotsialnyi Rukh leader featured by Ashley Smiths Spectre. One 2015 CSLR document references Zakhar Popovych, an expert of Center for Social and Labor Research and a member of organizational committee of Socialnyi Rukh (Social Movement), a Ukrainian left-wing political party currently under formation.

, the Sotsialnyi Rukh leader featured by Ashley Smiths Spectre. One 2015 CSLR document references Zakhar Popovych, an expert of Center for Social and Labor Research and a member of organizational committee of Socialnyi Rukh (Social Movement), a Ukrainian left-wing political party currently under formation. Sotsialnyi Rukh Chairman Vitaly Dudin , who apparently still works for the CSLR, according to his authors bio on OpenDemocracy.net., which reads: Vitaly Dudin is a legal analyst at Ukraines Center for Social and Labor Research, which was created in 2013 as an independent not-for-profit institution dedicated to the analysis of socio-economic problems, collective protests, labour relations and conflicts.

, who apparently still works for the CSLR, according to his authors bio on OpenDemocracy.net., which reads: Vitaly Dudin is a legal analyst at Ukraines Center for Social and Labor Research, which was created in 2013 as an independent not-for-profit institution dedicated to the analysis of socio-economic problems, collective protests, labour relations and conflicts. Oksana Dutchak , currently deputy director of the CSLR and co-editor of Commons, the Sotsialnyi Rukh-aligned journal. The work of Dutchak (who appeared at the Haymarket Books feminist event) is referred to on CSLRs website as being supported by the Rosa Luxembourg [sic] Foundation, from the funds of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany.

, currently deputy director of the CSLR and co-editor of Commons, the Sotsialnyi Rukh-aligned journal. The work of Dutchak (who appeared at the Haymarket Books feminist event) is referred to on CSLRs website as being supported by the Rosa Luxembourg [sic] Foundation, from the funds of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany. Sotsialnyi Rukh leader Denys Pilash is or was also employed by the CSLR and is the author of reports on social protests and economic conditions in the country.

Ashley Smith sharing interview with Sotsialnyi Rukh leader Denys Pilash

Sotsialnyi Rukhs ties to Solidarity Center and the AFL-CIO

Sotsialnyi Rukh is also connected to the AFL-CIOs Solidarity Center, an institution so closely linked to the intelligence agencies that it is referred to in popular parlance as the AFL-CIA. The Solidarity Center forms part of the NED.

In 2015, Dudin and Pilash co-authored a CSLR report detailing a conference during which Pilash shared the stage with Tristan Masat, the coordinator of Solidarity Centers programs in Ukraine.

Dudin and Pilash write that Masat (whom they acknowledge as a representative of Solidarity Center) advised the representatives of unions and NGOs present at the conference to develop membership-based organizations for mass mobilization (particularly the campaign against the new labor law).

Vitaly Dudin and Denys Pilash report for CSLR on meeting with Solidarity Center representative

This article was also posted on Commons. Contemporaneous social media posts show Sotsialnyi Rukh took Masats advice seriously and made the campaign against the proposed labor law a central political focus.

By Sotsialnyi Rukhs own admission, its membership consists mostly of individuals recruited out of the Ukrainian trade unions that are dominated by Solidarity Center.

A 2021 report published by the CIA-linked USAID, titled External Evaluation of the Global Labor Program, gushes over the role of the Solidarity Center in Ukraine. The US government has developed very close ties with the Ukrainian Confederation of Free Trade Unions (KVPU) and the Independent Union of Miners of Ukraine (NPGU), organizations founded as a protest against the existing old post-USSR union, the report explains.

A 2019 statement Sotsialnyi Rukh: Who we are states: Most of us are involved in independent trade union movement, including the Independent Trade Union of Miners (NPGU), the Free Trade Union of Railway Workers (parts of the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of UkraineKVPU), and some militant factions of Federation of Trade Unions (FPU). In a November 2018 Facebook post by Sotsialnyi Rukh that was shared by current Sotsialnyi Rukh Chairman Vitaly Dudin, Dudin is referred to as the NPGU headquarters representative.

Sotsialnyi Rukh chairman Vitaly Dudin listed as headquarters representative of Solidarity Center-backed NPGU

Solidarity Center and USAID prioritize training young leaders

In 2014, Solidarity Center established Labor Initiatives, a national program in Ukraine aimed at training and recruiting Ukrainian activists. According to the 2021 USAID report, a significant expansion of Labor Initiatives started in 2015, which also led to an increase in staff members.

This corresponds to the founding of Sotsialnyi Rukh, which, according to the partys Who are we statement, grew out of the 2013-14 Maidan protests.

According to USAID, Labor Initiatives and Solidarity Center began to hold three annual intensive youth leadership trainings, known as summer school, which include both trade unions and allied community advocates that provide extensive one-on-one and small group mentoring with young worker leaders. The report explained that the summer schools led to the successful recruitment of many pro-US activists: Many activists who attended summer schools as rank-and-file participants now have positions at different levels of both the KVPU and FPU Union structures, the organizations which Sotsialnyi Rukh says most of its membership came out of.

The connection between Solidarity Center and Sotsialnyi Rukh is not a secret. In 2021, the Sotsialnyi Rukh-aligned Ukraine Solidarity Campaign published an article by Inna Kudinska and George Sandul, who run Solidarity Centers Labor Initiatives. The article was originally published on the website of the Solidarity Centers program and was simply reposted by the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign with a link to the AFL-CIO page.

Solidarity Center's Labor Initiatives staff member George Sandul [Photo by Screenshot from recording of public event at Georgetown University]

Sotsyalyni Rukh also regularly promotes NPGU miners union president Mykhailo Volynets, who is a self-acknowledged US government asset. Volynets was awarded the AFL-CIO George Meany-Lane Kirkland Human Rights Award for his support in the US-backed Orange Revolution that took place in Ukraine in 2004. In one 2015 article, Sotsyalyni Rukh featured Volynets marking May Day by laying flowers at the monument to Ukraines revolutionary national poet, Taras Shevchenko.

According to a March 2022 report by Covert Action Magazine, Volynets was photographed meeting with fascist Azov Battalion leader Ihor The Suffocator Kniazhanksy and attended a meeting in 2014 with American Federation of Teachers president and National Endowment for Democracy executive board member Randi Weingarten. Volynets is quoted in a 2005 Radio Free Europe article as saying, Our protest movement grew into a workers movement. The Solidarity Center visited us, and soon the leaders of the strike committees became leaders of trade unions.

Mykhailo Volynets (2nd from left) with Azovs Ihor The Suffocator Kniazhansky (Covert Action Magazine) [Photo by Covert Action Magazine]



The 2021 USAID report on the activity of Solidarity Center in Ukraine also states that the US government is working with the German government to develop grassroots forces on the ground in Ukraine: The SC [Solidarity Center] program is designed to work with direct beneficiaries, who are primarily independent trade unions of Ukraine. SC also engages to varying extents with civil society organizations, the ILO Office in Kyiv, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), the Ukrainian Parliament and other foreign and local institutions present in Ukraine.

Volynets was also a special invited guest at the AFL-CIOs 2022 convention in Philadelphia.

Tweet by KVPU featuring Mykhailo Volynets at AFL-CIO national convention in Philadelphia, June 14, 2022

Taras Bilous and the Letter to the Western Left from Kiev

Taras Bilous, a leader of Sotsialnyi Rukh and editor of its associated publication, Commons, has played a central role in the international campaign for war in Ukraine. Bilous deserves special attention because his February 25 article Letter to the Western Left from Kiev set the tone for the international campaign against left-wing opposition to imperialist war. He regularly comments on Ashley Smiths personal Facebook page, defending Smiths posts.

First, Bilous letter was published on OpenDemocracy.net, whose largest funders are the Soros Open Society Institute and the CIA-linked Ford Foundation. In 2021, OpenDemocracy.net received over 100,000 British pounds from both the Ford Foundation and the Open Society Institute. It is common practice for Sotsialnyi Rukh members to publish articles on OpenDemocracy.net.

Opendemocracy.net 2020 financial supporters

In a subsequent Twitter post, Bilous explained that OpenDemocracy.net translated the document and distributed it to a number of international publications on his behalf. Those publications and organizations which re-published Bilous letter or positively referenced it include: International Viewpoint, the Washington DC Democratic Socialists of America, The Anarchist Library, New Politics, Green Left Weekly, Dissent, the International Workers League-Fourth International, The Nation, Workers Liberty, and News and Letters. Ashley Smith was among the first who shared Bilous initial tweet about the letter.

But Bilous is not an authentic representative of the left whose word should be taken seriously by left-wing people internationally. He has close ties with institutions that are funded by the American state.

In February 2016, the NGO New Donbass posted a photograph of Bilous speaking at the Ukrainian House of Free People. That year, New Donbass received several thousand euros from the government of Latvia, a NATO power.

New Donbass NGO tagged Taras Bilous as speaker in event held at Ukrainian House of Free People

In June 2016, Bilous is photographed attending another event at the House of Free People, and he is depicted in front of a banner that says USAID on it. A 2017 article in USAIDs magazine FrontLines acknowledges the organization was founded with help from USAID.

Taras Bilous at House of Free People in June 2016 with "USAID" banner in background

In November 2018, the OZON Public Monitoring Group posted a photograph of Bilous attending an event at the Center for Civil Liberties. The latter NGOs website states that The OZON Public Monitoring Group is an initiative of the Center for Civil Liberties, which exercises public control over law enforcement agencies, courts and local governments in various regions of Ukraine. In addition, the project reports on protests throughout the country (it monitors freedom of peaceful assembly).

Center for Civil Liberties funders [Photo by Screenshot]

The Center for Civil Liberties is funded by the National Endowment for Democracy, the US State Department, the Open Society Institute and the European Commission.

Center for Civil Liberties NED grant

NED documents show that it has given $139,900 worth of grants to the center in the last several years. One NED grant states that the purpose is to engage new activists and convene trainings for those activists.

Ozon Public Monitoring Group published a photograph of Bilous attending an event at the Center for Civil Liberties

In December 2018, Bilous and fellow Sotsialnyi Rukh leader Denys Pilash spoke on Hromadske Radio, which is also funded by the NED and received at least one grant (to promote access to independent information and foster democratic discourse).

Hromadske Radio NED grant from 2015

An article posted on Hromadskes website notes, The guests of the studio are a journalist, a member of the public organization Social Movement Denis Pilash and a historian from the editorial board of the magazine Common Taras Bilous.

Bilous (far right) and Denys Pilash (second from right) at Hromadske Radio in December 2018

In November 2019, Bilous also appeared at a public event held by the IZOLYATSIA Platform for Cultural Initiatives, an organization that was also funded by the NED. According to its website, IZOLYATSIA carries out its work with the support from the National Endowment for Democracy.

Bilous (center in blue shirt) at IZOLYATSIA Platform for Cultural Initiatives event, November 2019

In June, following the publication of Smiths article calling for support for the Ukrainian resistance, an unknown group published a statement With the resistance of the Ukrainian people for its victory against the aggression, which begins, As in the days of the Vietnamese peoples liberation struggle, we have always been on the side of the oppressed and aggressed peoples. The article takes up the themes in Smiths June 3 Tempest article and concludes, like Smith does, by calling for arming Ukraine.

The letter was signed by Bilous and fellow Sotsialnyi Rukh leader Vladislav Starodubstev, as well as a series of leading pro-war figures. This list includes Ashley Smith, fellow Spectre editor Charles Post, NewPol editor Dan La Botz, Susan Weissman, Wendy Thompson, Stephen R. Shalom, Simon Pirani, Eric Poulos (nephew of former Stalinist agent Sylvia Ageloff), Gilbert Achcar, Zofia Malisz, Rohini Hensman, Michael Lowy, Olivier Besancenot and many more.

Principled opposition to Putins invasion of Ukraine

The politically principled opposition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine is rooted in a Marxist appraisal of the character of the Russian state in the aftermath of the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The dissolution of the Soviet Union was carried out with the help of the Stalinist bureaucracy and brought to power an oligarchic capitalist class that is incapable of opposing the imperialist encirclement of the Russian Federation and of the Eurasian landmass as a whole.

The International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) opposes Putins invasion, but not by solidarizing ourselves with either the gangsters in Kiev or their puppet-masters in Washington and London. We oppose labeling Russia as imperialist. Such a label rips Russia out of any objective analysis of its position within the world economy and its historical development. It serves only to legitimize American imperialisms longstanding efforts to break up Russia and transform it into a modern colony. The same applies for claims that China is an imperialist power.

The attitude of the International Committee is the polar opposite of the pro-imperialist organizations around the Democratic Party. In a May 17, 2022 statement, we wrote:

Marxists define their attitude toward a given war by analyzing the profound historical and material forces that give rise to it, and which are manifested in the development of the conflict. The International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), while opposing the invasion of Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putins government, places the current war in the context of a broader Marxist analysis of the entire 20th century, in particular of the historical processes triggered by the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the subsequent three decades of imperialist war waged by the US and NATO.

The Marxist position is the position of revolutionary defeatism, in Russia, Ukraine, the United States and every country involved in the war. The May 17 statement explained:

Nearly 90 years ago, Trotsky explained that A socialist who preaches national defense is a petty-bourgeois reactionary at the service of decaying capitalism. The task of Marxists in Ukraine is not to defend their own imperialist-backed national state against Russia in the war, but to advance an internationalist revolutionary perspective based on socialist defeatism to unify and mobilize the Ukrainian, Russian and international working class against the NATO powers, as well as the Kiev and Kremlin regimes. The Russian Marxists must also base their perspective on socialist defeatism, mobilizing masses of workers and youth against the Putin regime with the demand for an immediate end of the reactionary invasion. The only allies of the Russian workers are their Ukrainian and international class sisters and brothers. This position is an integral part of a single program for the Ukrainian and international working class based on a world socialist revolutionary strategy.

This means building the ICFI in every country and mobilizing the working class for socialist revolution.
The Johnson government has pledged to enforce its brutal policy of deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda after being prevented from launching its first flight on Tuesday evening.

After a legal challenge, seven people sitting on the runway of Boscombe Down Air Base in Wiltshire, England in a Boeing 767 were told they would not be deported and to leave the plane.

The flight was stopped by an intervention by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) over legal issues surrounding one of the people on boarda 54-year-old Iraqi man, K.N., who was a victim of torture, and who arrived in the UK by boat in May. The court ruled that the applicant should not be removed until the expiry of a period of three weeks following the delivery of the final domestic decision in the ongoing judicial review proceedings.

K.N. had been served a removal notice on June 6 and had his appeals denied by the UK High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. The ECHR decision provided a legal basis for the remaining six to appeal for their removal orders to be discarded, leading to two further injunctions by the ECHR and three successful challenges at the UK Court of Appeal.

Protesters stand outside the High Court where a ruling on Rwanda deportation flights took place, in London. June 13, 2022. [AP Photo/Alastair Grant]

The judicial review specified in the ECHR ruling was granted by the High Court in London last Friday and will take place in late July. It was brought by the Care4Calais migrant advocacy group, organisations including the Public and Commercial Services Union and Detention Action, and four asylum seekers scheduled to be on Tuesdays flight.

They argue the Rwanda policy is illegal on multiple grounds. Care4Calais explained, These include, but are not limited to: the vires or legal authority of the Home Secretary to carry out the removals; the rationality of the Secretary of States conclusion that Rwanda is generally a safe third country; the adequacy of provision for malaria prevention; and compliance with the Human Rights Act.

The ECHR is overseen by the European Convention on Human Rights, of which the UK is a founding member. Britains departure from the European Union (EU) did not affect its membership of this body, separate from the EU and its own European Court of Justice.

Johnsons Conservative Party MPs responded to Tuesdays ruling with frothing hostility. The prime minister warned that night that Britain may withdraw from European Convention on Human Rights. A Downing Street press spokesperson confirmed Wednesday, We are keeping all options on the table including any further legal reforms that may be necessary.

That this is considered is a milestone in the British ruling classs rapid dispensing of democratic norms and repudiation of international law. The European Convention on Human Rights was set-up after the Second World War on the initiative of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who envisaged a Charter of Human Rights. Established by the Council of Europea body founded in Londonit was drafted mainly by British lawyers, with the Financial Times noting this week that they based it on the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Britain was the first signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights, which came into force on September 3, 1953. Its governing court was established January 21, 1959.

After announcing the Rwanda deportation policy in April, Johnson told the Daily Mail in Mayin an intervention designed to throw red meat policies to his right-wing base and shore up his leadershipthat 50 people had been given notices of intent to be flown to the East African country within two weeks. Johnson pledged then that the government would dig in for the fight Weve got a huge flowchart of things we have to do to deal with the Leftie lawyers.

As it became clear on Monday that a number of those served with notices had successfully challenged their removal orders, leading Tory Brexiteer Peter Bone said in Parliament, We hear that a number of the people who were to be on the flight to Rwanda tomorrow have somehowmiraculouslygot some leftie lawyer to intervene and stop it. May I suggest that instead of booking 50 people on to each flight to Rwanda, he books 250 people so that, when half the people are stopped from travelling, we would still have a full flight? Come onget on and send them.

The response to the ruling has been even more demented. On the WhatsApp group of Common Sense Conservatives, which represents at least 72 backbench right-wingers, one message immediately following the ECHR intervention read, Its time we kicked these bastards into touch. For once I wont apologise for my French.

Speaking in Parliament Wednesday, Home Secretary Priti Patel said the next flight to Rwanda was already being planned and that the government will not be put off by the inevitable last-minute legal challenges, and nor will we allow mobs to block removals. She attacked the opaque nature of the ECHR ruling made by an out-of-hours judge in Strasbourg. Patel proclaimed the ECHR had not declared the Rwanda policy illegal, concealing the fact it has required to the government to prove the legality of its policy before any flights can be allowed.

A swathe of Tory MPs are calling for the government to just ignore the ruling with one telling the Mail that ECHR decisions, unlike the European Court of Justice, do not have direct effect so can simply be overridden.

When our own courts accept something is legal we should not allow an oddly constituted international court to overrule the democratic process. We should assert Parliamentary sovereignty.

Among those making this demand is the Torys Daily Telegraph house organ. It warned in Wednesdays editorial that Boris Johnsons flagship migration policy risks becoming a fiasco, concluding It is all very well blaming the lawyers, but if there are legal impediments to the proper operation of ministers desired approach, including the role of overseas courts, the Government has it within its power to address them. Perhaps it ought to do so

Johnson is already planning to ditch the 1998 Human Rights Act, which requires UK courts to take account of ECHR rulings and case law. It would be replaced by a Bill of Rights scrapping this requirement.

Johnson and Patel can carry out their agenda because its faces no opposition in principle in parliament. The initial response of Labours shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper to the ECHR ruling was a complaint that the governments policy isnt workable and wont tackle criminal gangsa line that Patel herself has used to justify the policy. The policy was also too expensive, she said, as they still paid Rwanda 120m and hired a jet that hasnt taken off. Cooper told MPs on Wednesday that the Rwanda flight shambles was putting our country to shame.

Even such carefully limited opposition is raised only to gloss over the fact that Labour has no real differences with the Tories anti-immigration agenda. The Mail trumpeted that while Ms Cooper was on her feet, a spokesman for [Labour leader] Sir Keir Starmer repeatedly refused to confirm it would scrap the hardline policy if the party won the next election.

In the population, however, there is massive opposition to the Rwanda policy and scapegoating of immigrants and asylum seekers generally. Patels denunciation of mobs who block removals was an angry reference to the hundreds of people who protested in Peckham, south London only last Saturday, gathering in the street to block a police van attempting to take away a man arrested in an immigration raid. This is the third such spontaneous event in the space of a year after another in Hackney, London last month and an earlier popular intervention in Glasgow.
Residents of Odessa, Texas had been without running water for at least 48 hours Wednesday following a main break on Monday that left the city without water amid a deadly summer heat wave.

This photo shows the city of Odessa from downtown Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, in Odessa, Texas. [AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki]

City utility workers discovered a major, 24-inch water line break around 6 p.m. CDT on Monday. Due to a severe loss in water pressure and the breaks proximity to the citys water plant, officials were forced to shut the plant down and issue a boil water notice for an estimated 165,000 people in the regionall of this during days when the temperature stayed above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Utility crews worked overnight to isolate the break to make repairs, but water continued to pour into the streets by Tuesday. Officials later reported the age of the infrastructure compounded the problem and repairs would take longer than anticipated.

Utilities Director Tom Kerr reported his crews spent the majority of Tuesday evacuating the water around the pipes so they could get to it and repair it.

Deputy City Manager Phillip Urrutia said the line that burst was a 60-70-year-old cast iron pipe. Cast iron pipes are prone to corrosion over time and typically have a lifespan of only between 40 and 50 years. In some cases, iron pipes begin developing problems at 25 years old.

Its an aging infrastructure that were seeing. Its a cast iron pipe, and so those are typically more susceptible to breaks than other new technologies like PVC pipe thats going in the ground, Urrutia told the Associated Press.

The water outage in Odessa is only the most recent consequence of the dilapidated character of US infrastructure. Industry experts warn Americas aging infrastructure will continue to cause trouble in the near future.

According to a New York Times report, the average age of the 1.6 million miles of water and sewer pipes in the United States hit 45 years in 2020, with cast iron pipes in at least 600 towns and counties more than a century old. It is estimated that about 76 million homes in America have cast iron pipes that must be replaced.

Kerr said Odessa, an oil boom town first founded in 1881 in western Texas, still has large sections of cast iron pipes to replace. Portions of the line that broke Monday were on the citys priority list of lines in need of immediate repair.

We do have it as a priority on our list, but its not the only one. There are numerous areas where we have cast iron lines that are well over 60-70 years of age, Kerr said.

Utility workers were able to repair the line and get the citys water plant back online by Wednesday at 8 a.m. but officials said workers needed 12 to 14 hours for the recharging process, during which workers slowly add water back into the system to ensure there are no more leaks. After that, officials still have to wait 12 to 24 hours to conduct testing to ensure the water is free of pathogens and microbes before the boil water notice is lifted.

The loss of water disrupted much of normal life for the community as residents suddenly lost the ability to use their taps for basic household functions just over a year after severe freezing weather left tens of millions across Texas without water for days and weeks in some areas.

Numerous businesses and public offices were forced to shut their doors when they discovered they had no water or just a trickle early Tuesday morning. Residents said the University of Texas Permian Basin, city hall, county offices, Odessa College and countless restaurants and businesses put up signs declaring their lack of water. Ector County Independent School District also canceled its summer school sessions.

Odessas Medical Center Hospital was forced to cancel all surgeries and procedures planned for June 14 and June 15. On Tuesday, all dialysis procedures were limited to emergencies and the hospital also said its clinics would remain closed until further notice, but the Emergency Department, however, would remain open.

Odessa residents had braced themselves for several days of no water but received humanitarian aid from other West Texas cities such as Midland and Lubbock, who donated pallets of bottled water and water trucks placed strategically around the city in the event of a fire. Still, the donations only helped so much. City officials said they began distributing bottled water around 2 p.m. Tuesday but half of the available water was gone within 40 minutes. Local stores also reported severe shortages and are limiting the amount of water customers can buy.
Primary elections for the Republican and Democratic parties were held Tuesday in four states, Maine, South Carolina, North Dakota and Nevada, with the most notable result being the defeat of incumbent Congressman Tom Rice in the South Carolina Republican primary.

Trump speaks at a campaign rally for Senate Republican candidates in Valdosta, Ga. Dec. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) [AP Photo/Evan Vucci]

Rice was the first of the 10 House Republicans who voted for the impeachment of Donald Trump after the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol to lose his partys nomination outright. He was heavily defeated, taking only 24.8 percent of the vote compared to 51.8 percent for Russell Fry, a state representative who had Trumps endorsement and fervent support.

The Seventh Congressional District runs from the wealthy Myrtle Beach area on the coast up along the border with North Carolina and is predominately rural and small town. Rice is a conservative who held the seat for 10 years and consistently voted with the Republican congressional leadership and the Trump administration, making his vote for impeachment a surprise.

While Rices defeat was by a huge margin, in a neighboring South Carolina district, first-term Representative Nancy Mace survived a Trump-backed challenge by a more right-wing opponent, Katie Arrington, by a 52-43 percent margin. Mace did not vote for impeachment but publicly criticized Trumps role in the coup and voted to certify the victory of Joe Biden in the Electoral College.

Unlike Rice, however, Mace soft-peddled her criticism of Trump in the primary, presenting herself as a loyal supporter of his ultra-right political agenda who would be more effective than Arrington, who had been defeated in 2018 by Democrat Joe Cunningham. Mace ousted Cunningham in 2020. Both former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and former White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney had endorsed Mace.

Five of the 10 Republican House members to vote for impeachment are leaving Congress, although Rice is the first to be defeated in a primary election. Four others decided not to run again, facing the combined effect of pro-Trump opposition and redistricting.

ThreeAdam Kinzinger of Illinois, Fred Upton of Michigan and Anthony Gonzalez of Ohiowere redistricted into primary contests with another Republican incumbent, while the fourth, John Katko of New York, was redistricted into a much more Democratic-leaning electorate. All were in states that lost seats as a result of the 2020 census.

One pro-impeachment voter, David Valadao of California, is in second place in an all-party primary, narrowly ahead of a pro-Trump challenger. But Trump did not intervene in this race, and the Republican Party officially supported Valadao.

Four others face primaries in August: Liz Cheney in Wyoming, Dan Newhouse and Jaime Herrera Beutler in Washington state, and Peter Meijer in Michigan. Three of the four, all but Cheney, are expected to win renomination easily. Polls show Cheney far behind opponent Harriett Hageman, who has the backing not only of Trump but the entire House Republican leadership. Cheney has raised 10 times the money and has the backing of the corporate media and the tacit support of the Biden administration and the House Democratic leadership.

In Nevada, backers of Trumps stolen election lies won the Republican nominations for three top offices: former state attorney general Adam Laxalt for US Senate; Joe Lombardo, sheriff of Clark County (Las Vegas) for governor; and Jim Marchant, an advocate of QAnon conspiracy theories, for secretary of state, Nevadas chief election officer.

Marchant was actually one of the fake electors who claimed he had been elected despite Biden carrying the state by 13,000 votes. He has called for an end to all forms of electronic voting and exclusive use of paper ballots counted by hand. Marchant launched the America First SOS Coalition that raises money for electing pro-Trump stolen election advocates as secretary of state in states across the US.

In the most significant Democratic primary contest Tuesday, Representative Dina Titus won renomination for her Las Vegas seat, with a landslide defeat for Amy Vilela, the former chair of Bernie Sanders presidential campaign in Nevada. Vilela won only 16 percent of the vote, and Sanders endorsement was entirely perfunctory, coming only four days before the primary. (Sanders said this week that he would support Biden if he decided to run for reelection, rather than support a primary challenger.)

In an indication of the increasingly likely outcome of the November congressional elections, the Republican Party gained a House seat in south Texas that was for all intents and purposes surrendered voluntarily by the Democrats.

Democratic Representative Filemon Vela quit Congress in March to become a Washington lobbyist, a far more lucrative position. This made necessary a special election to fill the vacancy for the remaining six months of his term, in which Republican Mayra Flores defeated a token Democrat, Dan Sanchez. Flores outspent the Democrat by 10 to one but carried the vote on a low turnout, by a much narrower margin of 51 to 43 percent.

The majority Hispanic 34th District is being reconfigured by redistricting, and in the November election the Democratic candidate will be Representative Vicente Gonzalez, who currently holds the adjacent 15th District seat. Gonzalez is heavily favored to take back the seat, but the net gain for the Republicans is likely to remain since his former seat has been redistricted to make a Republican victory there far more likely.

Flores had considerable funding from national Republican groups, as well as the backing of billionaire Elon Musk, whose SpaceX has a launch site in the district. While an immigrant from Mexico, Flores is married to a Border Patrol agent and embraced Trumps fascistic policies on militarizing the US-Mexico border, as well as denouncing what she called the radical socialist communist agenda of the Democratic Party.

According to a Washington Post report published June 14, based on an analysis of all Republican primary results through the end of May, the Republican Party has already chosen 108 candidates for statewide or federal offices who support Trumps lies about a stolen election, out of 170 races surveyed. Another 41 winning candidates, while not publicly on record declaring that the 2020 election was rigged, have made election security a central part of their campaigns.

Republican primary voters have chosen eight candidates for the U.S. Senate, 86 candidates for the House, five for governor, four for state attorney general and one for secretary of state who embrace Trumps election denialism, the newspaper reported.

The Post did not, of course, draw the obvious political conclusion from these figures: The Republican Party is rapidly being transformed into a fascistic political organization, in which fealty to the would-be Fuhrer Trump and hostility to democracy are its political axes.
One hundred million people in the US Midwest, South and Southwest are currently suffering under a sweltering heat wave, one of the many extreme weather events that have happened across the country in the past few days. The National Weather Service has issued various heat advisories for cities and regions across the country, warning of sustained temperatures higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38 degrees Celsius).

In cities including Chicago and Detroit, the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning, noting that the heat index would rise to 105 degrees. In Denver, the temperature reached 100 degrees, a record for the city at this time of year, and the heat index reached 107 degrees in North Carolina. In Tucson, Arizona, temperatures reached as high as 111 degrees after warnings that the temperature could rise as high as 115 degrees.

At these temperatures, it is dangerous for anybody to be outside for any amount of time as the temperature and humidity can produce rapid heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat waves kill more people than any other extreme weather event every year and killed 1,577 people in the US last year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a 56 percent increase from 2018. There have been as of this writing no reported deaths from the ongoing heat wave.

The current extreme temperatures are up to 30 degrees above normal for this time of year, caused by a shift in the jet stream that brought an immense amount of warm air over a majority of the country. The heat dome began in the western part of the country at the end of last week and has since moved and expanded east and north. High temperatures are expected to persist in parts of the country for at least the rest of the week, particularly in the Southwest.

High heat and winds have also produced numerous early-season wildfires in Arizona, New Mexico and Alaska. There are currently 38 active large fires, according to the National Interagency Fire Center: six in Arizona, six in New Mexico, three in California and 23 in Alaska. Fires in the US to date have burned 2.8 million acres, nearly three times as much as they had to this date in 2021 and more than twice the average. The amount of fires and the acres burned so far this year exceed any amount in the past 10 years, including the explosive fire seasons in 2017 and 2018.

At the same time, numerous storms have ripped through many of the same areas now experiencing the heat wave. In Chicago, for example, 85 mph winds, tornado-like conditions and hail left at least 44,000 people without power on Monday. Similarly powerful storms knocked out power in Western Michigan and Ohio, leaving tens of thousands without power to cool and protect themselves from the stifling temperatures.

The storm systems also struck elsewhere in the country. One of the worst tragedies caused by these events was the death of 10-year-old Muhammad Arman bin Rashidula in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. First responders have confirmed that the child died after being swept into a drainage ditch during a flash flood on Monday. Witness reports indicate that he slipped into a drainage ditch leading into the Kinnickinnic River.

Two adults that attempted to rescue him are missing and presumed dead. According to the citys fire department, they are the childs father and a neighbor, who entered the river in an attempt to rescue him. All three were reportedly taken by the currents caused by the days heavy rains and dragged at least two miles. Search efforts by first responders and local residents are ongoing to locate the father and neighbor as water levels and strong currents have receded.

A section of Yellowstone National Park's northeast entrance road was completely washed out. (Credit: National Parks Service/Jacob W. Frank)

Record flooding has also occurred in Yellowstone National Park in northwestern Wyoming and southern Montana. Helicopter footage taken by the National Parks Service shows that high water levels eroded and collapsed many parts of the road that makes up the parks northern entrance. Numerous bridges in the park, as well as lodging for some of the parks hundreds of workers, were also swept away in the current.

Other roads also suffered significant damage, some from erosion and others from mud and rock slides caused by the heavy rainfall. The entire park was closed on Tuesday, and its visitorsfrom those visiting the main attractions, such as the Old Faithful geyser to those camping in Yellowstones back countrywere evacuated. The park remains closed, and over the next few weeks, visitors have been warned to check updates and possibly modify their travel plans. In addition, the northern entrance will remain closed for repairs for at least the remainder of the year.

At the same time, numerous towns in southern Montana suffered massive flood damage. The unincorporated community of Gardiner, just outside Yellowstones northern entrance, was isolated after flooding destroyed bridges and washed out every road leading into and out of the town. While a road was cleared by crews Tuesday for local traffic and rescue crews, steady power and potable water remain a critical issue. Damage to other highways in the area also left people stranded in similar situations in Mammoth and Cooke City.

In other parts of Montana, residents were forced to evacuate as flash floods caused by warm rainfall falling on late season snowpack destroyed significant parts of Red Lodge and Livingston. And in Billings, a 500-year flooding event forced the citys water plant to shut down, leaving the city with between a day to a day-and-a-half of water supply, according to the city government. It is estimated that it will be weeks, possibly months, before the areas affected will be fully restored.

There is also a possibility of further flooding. Plan on highs in the 60s to 70s in the higher elevations [Friday and Saturday], which should melt much of the remaining snowpack and lead to additional river rises, the National Weather Service warned Tuesday.

That so many dangerous extreme weather events have happened at the same time is a direct result of man-made climate change. The dynamics of the jet stream have been linked to global warming, which in turn creates heat domes in the summer and polar vortexes in the winter. The sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change demonstrated that extreme weatherfrom wildfires, to more intense storms, flash floods and harsh winter stormsare caused by rising global average temperatures induced by capitalist industrial and agricultural activity.
The second federal trial of former CIA software engineer Joshua Schulte on espionage charges began on Tuesday in a New York court with opening statements by the prosecution and the defendant telling the jury he was innocent and the victim of a political witch-hunt.

Joshua Schulte

Schulte, 33, was charged in June 2018 with 13 counts and accused of stealing and leaking a trove of CIA cyberespionage tools known as Vault 7 to WikiLeaks, which published them in March 2017. His first trial in 2020 ended with a hung jury on eight espionage counts, but Schulte was convicted on a lesser contempt of court charge and another charge of making false statements to the FBI.

Schulte, who is representing himself in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, told the jury that the evidence will absolutely prove my innocence. He said the leak of 7,000 pages and millions of lines of malware code, developed by the CIA for hacking smartphones and other consumer devices such as smart TVs, was the result of the governments wildly insecure intelligence servers.

During his 25-minute opening statement, Schulte said the CIA did not even realize that their servers had been hacked. Someone stole their crown jewels, and they failed to realize that for a year, he said. Schulte told jurors the hacked information was stored on servers so unsecure they were nicknamed the wild, wild west by programmers who worked on them.

He went on, It was incredibly embarrassing for the CIA. They did not know when their data was taken. They did not know how much of their data was taken. They did not know how their data was taken. And they certainly did not know who took their data. Nothing has changed to date, they still dont know what happened.

The defendant said that the government built a case against him that was literally forensically impossible. He added that the CIA selected him as its patsy because of a previous dispute he had with agency management and the fact that his resignation coincided with the timing of the embarrassing theft of its cyberespionage arsenal.

Schulte explained that the government singled him out for prosecution and then working backward developed an alternative reality, an upside-down world, a government twilight zone to prove that he was the guilty party.

He spoke after Assistant U.S. Attorney David Denton gave his opening statement to the jury. Denton said that Schulte was responsible for an unprecedented leak that brought critical US intelligence gathering around the world to a crashing halt. Denton added that years of work and millions of dollars spent developing tools for CIA sleuths to spy on individuals went up in smoke. He said Schulte gave precious secrets of Americas national defense to the world.

Of course, Denton did not explain that the intelligence gathering tools, which were brought to the attention of the world by WikiLeaks, were being used in a thorough violation of US and international law.

As a matter of fact, it was due to the WikiLeaks disclosureswhich did not include releasing the malware code publiclythat tech corporations such as Apple and Google were able to plug the security vulnerabilities the CIA was exploiting in their smartphones, tablets and computers. None of these highly important details of the criminal conduct of the US intelligence agencies are being discussed in the trial of Schulte.

Denton claimed that the governments case against Schulte was airtight and that there was devastating proof of this mans crimes. According to the government, Schulte was motivated to leak the Vault 7 materials to WikiLeaks because he believed the CIA had disrespected him. Denton claimed Schulte was so disgruntled that he sought to burn to the ground the work that he had helped to create.

There are similarities between the prosecution and vendetta against Schulte and the treatment of WikiLeaks founder and publisher Julian Assange, who has been in detention at Her Majestys Prison Belmarsh in London for more than three years and facing extradition to the US on espionage charges. Assange was initially detained in the UK in December 2010 on bogus sexual assault charges filed in Sweden, and this was used as a pretext to persecute and attempt to punish him for revealing the crimes of US imperialism in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as other exposures.

In the case of Schulte, who left the CIA in November 2016, his apartment was raided several times within weeks of the publication by WikiLeaks of the Vault 7 trove. Schulte was not charged with an offense related to the CIA hack but instead was indicted in November 2017 on child pornography charges which was the basis for his initial detention in federal custody where he has remained for the past five years. Schulte has pled not guilty to those charges, and that case is still pending.

He was indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice on June 18, 2018, with unauthorized disclosure of classified information and other offenses relating to the theft of classified material from the Central Intelligence Agency. The indictment claims that Schulte stole backup files of the CIA malware tools and related documents that the agency stores each day in case of catastrophic failure of its servers.

Even though Judge Paul Crotty had authorized a $250,000 bail for Schulte shortly after his federal indictment, it was revoked after he was arrested on December 14, 2018, on the pornography charges in Virginia.

Schultes first trial began in New York in February 2020 and ended one month later when U.S. District Judge Crotty declared a mistrial. The retrial is being overseen by U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman and is expected to last five or six weeks and will include testimony from undercover CIA agents.

According to a report in Courthouse News, in preparation for the trial, Schulte and his support counsel are being permitted to access classified government materials in a clandestine room on the ninth floor of the Manhattan federal courthouse known as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF), which is designed to house and protect government secrets.
Last week an environmental prosecutor in the Russian Republic of Buryatia found numerous gross violations at a carton paper production plant where five workers died two months ago from methane poisoning. The Selenginskiy Tsellyuolozno-Kartonniy Kombinat (STsKK), which is located on a tributary to Lake Baikal, the deepest body of fresh water in the world, is guilty of failing to meet industrial safety and air quality standards. In addition to its chemical emissions exceeding approved limits, it has been releasing pollutants into the atmosphere for which it has no permit.

On April 17, Sergei Kotenkov, age 58, Sergei Chernikh, age 64, Tatyana Antipina, age 43, Svetlana Shmakova, age 61, and Kseniya Kosilka, age 38, perished from a gas leak in the paper plants treatment tank. When two of the women did not appear after going to check on the equipment, a shift supervisor went to see what the problem was. When he did not return, three others went in search of their co-workers. Two of them died shortly upon entering the treatment tank room, while another woman managed to stagger out the door. She collapsed, but was taken to a hospital and survived.

For a miserly wage, innocent people guilty of nothing died, remarked one local resident on a social media page where workers shared the names of the dead, identified their family members, and offered condolences. You absolutely have to have a gas gauge in such a place, noted another. If you yourself dont carry it, thats one thing, but if management didnt give you one, thats entirely different. I think that now theyre working might and main to try to dump responsibility directly on the workers.

The plants director, Lilia Deevaalso a deputy in Buryatias regional parliamentresponded to the news of the deaths as if they were an unfathomable accident triggered by a series of events in which the actions of the workers themselves played a central role. Speaking of the treatment tank where the employees died, she said, This is not a place where regular work happens. A person went there to check the water. I dont know what for. She then went on to explain how, over the course of several hours, one by one, the six women and men went to this place where regular work does not happen and expired as a result, as if they were wandering all around the factory for sport.

Despite the gross violations uncovered, no one in the company leadership is facing jail time or criminal prosecution for the workers deaths. Two managers have been fired, and five more disciplined. The local head of the federal agency responsible for natural resource management, Rosprirodnadzor, is also facing accusations for failing to monitor pollution at the factory. The enterprises leadership has been directed to address the failures, although it is unclear who exactly must bear this responsibility because no one within the top management was named in the prosecutors findings.

The STsKK, which is owned by the multi-millionaire forestry magnate Evgeniy Pruidze, first said it would pay each of deceaseds families one million rubles, about $17,233. As one newspaper noted, this is the minimum required by the law and equivalent to what insurance firms pay companies when an employee diesin other words, it cost the carton production plant nothing to hand out this sum. The payout was later raised to 5 million rubles.

The STsKK, which won prizes in the 2021 Best Exporter of the Year in the Republic of Buryatia competition, is well known for being a toxic pit. While the carton production process releases dozens of chemicals that pose a threat to people and ecosystems, the plant essentially functions without air scrubbers and filters, such that thousands of tons of hydrocarbons, solid waste, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen are spewed into the air, soil, and river that abuts the plant and leads to Lake Baikal.

Groundwater and wells in the Kabansky District, where the factory is located and which is home to about 55,000 people, are extremely polluted, with the town of Selenginsk being the worst. Cadmium, manganese, iron, ammonia, tall oil, oil products, sulfate are all found at excessively high levels in drinking water in the area. When the boundaries of the nearby Baikal Nature Preserve were drawn in 1969, Selenginsk, the exact site where the STsKK factory would be established just four years later, was excluded.

The paper plant faces continuous litigation, with currently three dozen cases ongoing against it. Since, 2009 the STsKK has been named the defendant in various types of court proceedings 327 times. In 2021, Director Deeva faced administrative charges for violating rules regarding production and consumption waste and environmental protection.

In 2021, the enterprise made 1.5 billion rubles in profits on about 7 billion in revenue. STsKKs earnings have increased every year since 2012, with the company now raking in more than 15 times what it did a decade ago. In Selenginsk, it is one of the only major employers. As of 2021, the Republic of Buryatia had an official poverty rate of 23.1 percent. A sociological study done in 2019 found that a further 20.8 percent estimate their monthly income at 11,300 to 11,500 rubles, under $200, a monththat is, just above the official poverty line.
On Wednesday, the House Select Committee charged with investigating the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol released a video showing Georgia Republican Representative Barry Loudermilk escorting a group of Trump supporters on a multi-hour tour through the Capitol office buildings the day before the fascist assault on Congress.

Georgia Rep. Barry Loudermilk pointing something out to an individual wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat while on a "tour" of the Capitol Complex on January 5, 2021

The US Capitol Police surveillance video is embedded in a letter to Loudermilk, released by the committee to the public, renewing the committees request that he agree to be interviewed on the tour he conducted, a request the congressman has rejected.

Noting that the Capitol complex was closed to public tours on January 5, 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions, the letter, signed by committee chair Rep. Bennie Thompson, states that at least one of those being escorted by Loudermilk is seen wearing a red Make America Great Again hat. According to the letter, Loudermilk led the group into the Rayburn, Longworth, and Cannon House office buildings, as well as the entrances to tunnels leading to the U.S. Capitol.

In the letter, Thompson states that individuals on the tour photographed and recorded areas of the complex not typically of interest to tourists, including hallways, staircases and security checkpoints.

Within a week of the attack on Congress, 34 Democratic lawmakers sent a letter to the Capitol Police demanding an investigation into Republican members of Congress they accused of leading reconnaissance tours prior to the attack on the Capitol. The Republican Party, which earlier this year officially defended the violent fascist attack on the Capitol as legitimate political discourse, has repeatedly denied that any such tours took place.



An unidentified man takes a picture of an entryway into the tunnels that connect House office buildings to the US Capitol while on a tour with Georgia Rep. Barry Loudermilk on January 5, 2021

The committee also released video footage of the January 6 assault on the Capitol that includes audio of a member of the mob declaring his intention to do violence to Democratic lawmakers, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Representatives Jerrold Nadler and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer. The insurrectionist said:

They got it surrounded. Its all the way up there on the hill, and its all the way around, and theyre coming in, coming in like white on rice for Pelosi, Nadler, even you, AOC. Were coming to take you out and pull you out by your hairs. ... When I get done with you, youre going to need a shine on top that bald head.



Thompsons letter states that the same individual appears in the surveillance tape of Loudermilks tour, taking suspicious photographs of the Capitol complex. The video released by the committee further shows another pro-Trump insurrectionist marching on the Capitol and carrying an American flag with a sharp point, which he makes clear he plans to use as a weapon. The committee asserts that this segment was filmed by the same participant in Loudermilks January 5 tour.





The committee has not released the name of this individual, but CNN claims he has already been interviewed by the committee.



From the photographs and video released by the committee, there is no doubt that Loudermilk, one of 140 House Republicans who voted to overturn the election of Joe Biden following the failed coup, led a multihour-long private tour of Trump-aligned Stop the Steal elements the day before the attack on the Capitol.



The video explodes previous statements given by Loudermilk and other Republicans, such as Illinois Republican Rep. Rodney Davis, that Democratic accusations of Republicans leading reconnaissance tours were baseless.



In a letter sent earlier this year to the Capitol Police Board, Loudermilk wrote that there were no tours, no large groups, no one with MAGA hats on. All three things are clearly seen in the video released by the committee, which it, and the police, have no doubt been in possession of for over a year.



Notably, all three of the buildings that Loudermilks tourists visited on January 5 were buildings named as targets for occupation by the Proud Boys in their plan of attack, called 1776 Returns. The document, which has previously been referenced in court filings, was released on Wednesday by a lawyer for indicted Proud Boy Zachary Rehl, one of five members of the far-right militia group charged with seditious conspiracy in connection with Trumps coup.



In the document, which calls on Patriots to occupy a list of Targeted Buildings on January 6 in order to delay the Electoral College certification, the three buildings visited by Loudermilks group are circled. Other buildings targeted by the Proud Boys include the Russell, Hart and Dirksen Senate office buildings, the Supreme Court and CNN.

Map of targeted buildings identified by Proud Boys in plan dubbed "1776 Returns." The Rayburn, Cannon and Longworth buildings are located in the bottom red circle.



In addition to discrediting claims made by Loudermilk and Davis, the release of the footage disputes a letter sent Monday by U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger to Davis in which Manger states that none of the activities caught on the security footage we observed as suspicious.



Manger admitted that the Capitol Police Board reviewed footage of Loudermilks group of constituents, which grew to 15 people, touring the various buildings for over two hours, sometimes without Loudermilk, but then claimed, improbably, that none of this was suspicious.



The Democrats, who control the January 6 Committee, have done their best to downplay the undeniable fact that the U.S. Capitol Police command left the Capitol virtually undefended on January 6, 2021, despite ample intelligence pointing to a violent attack on the joint session of Congress tasked with formally certifying the result of the presidential election.

Loudermilk, an Air Force veteran, was first elected as chairman of the Bartow County, Georgia Republican Party in 2001 and has been a member of Congress since January 2015, six months before Trump announced he was running for president.



The fact that Loudermilk, who is not among the most prominent and openly fascist supporters of Trump in the Republican Party, was evidently giving tours to Trumps Brownshirts the day before the attack explodes the narrative put forth by the House Select Committee that normal Republicans opposed Trumps coup plot and only a faction of crazies supported it.








With the Ukrainian military losing territory and taking hundreds of casualties every day, the United States has made clear that it will only intensify its involvement in the war.

In a press briefing Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley said the United States would provide another $1 billion in weapons to Ukraine, including additional long-range missile systems.

The two officials explained that not only are high-end US weapons systems being funneled into Ukraine, but hundreds of Ukrainian forces are being directly trained by the US.

Milley made clear that the US military is training long-range missile crews by the platoon in Germany and added, By the end of this month, we will transfer HIMARs systems, ammunition and trained crews for operational use in the defense of Ukraine.

U.S. Secretary for Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, left, and U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley participate in a media conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Wednesday, June 15, 2022. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys)

Explaining the significant scale of US training of Ukrainian forces, Milley said, To date, we have trained 420 Ukrainians on the M777 howitzer, 300 Ukrainians on the self-propelled M109 [howitzer], 129 on the M113 armored personnel carrier, 100 on unmanned aerial systems, and 60 most recently graduated today on the [High Mobility Artillery Rocket System].

Milley and Austin were speaking at a joint meeting of over 50 countries participating in the US-led war against Russia known as the Defense Contact Group.

At the news conference after the meeting, Austin said the latest weapons package would include multiple launch rocket system munitions, 18 more 155 mm M777 towed howitzers and the tactical vehicles to tow them, and 36,000 rounds of 155 mm ammunition.

He added, This package also includes $650 million in Ukraine security assistance initiative funds that will help Ukraine defend itself with two additional Harpoon Coastal Defense Systems and thousands of secure radios, night vision devices, thermal sights and other optics.

Austin said Germany would provide three multiple-launch rocket systems and guided MLRS munitions to Ukraine and that Slovakia announced a significant donation of MI-series helicopters and urgently needed rocket ammunition.

In the face of questions by reporters on whether US weapons shipments were sufficient to turn the tide of the war, Milley boasted that the US and its allies had delivered nearly 100,000 anti-tank systems, Thats more than there are tanks in the world.

They asked for 200 tanks; they got 237 tanks, he continued. They asked for 100 infantry fighting vehicles; they got over 300. Weve delivered, roughly speaking, 1,600 or so air defense systems and about 60,000 air defense rounds.

He added, We have also provided over 1,500 Stingers, more than 700 Switchblade tactical unmanned aerial systems, 20 Mi-17 and thousands of small arms and hundreds of thousands of small arms ammunition.

But while talking up the US weapons shipments into Ukraine, the generals could not deny the objective military setbacks the US proxy conflict was experiencing. Asked by a reporter to comment on media reports that Ukraine is taking 100 killed and 100 or 200 or 300 wounded per day, Milley replied, I would say those are in the ballpark of our assessments.

Milley admitted, In terms of artillery, they do outnumber, they out-gun and out-range. He added, [t]he Russians do outnumberin terms of artillery, they outnumber the Ukrainians. The estimate varies, some say four, five, six to one, others say 10, 15 to one, others say 20 to one.

He further acknowledged the disastrous impact of the war on the Ukrainian population, noting that, according to public estimates, some 20,000 Ukrainians civilians have been killed, and that 7 million Ukrainians had been internally displaced with 6 million made refugees.

The US announcement of more weapon deliveries and military training for Ukraine came after a series of warnings of the setbacks facing the war effort.

In a front-page article entitled A Link to Besieged Ukrainians Is Cut, as Allies Question Strategy by Thomas Gibbons-Neff and Eric Schmitt, the New York Times wrote, Ukraine has been largely reduced to harrying the better-equipped invader, making each patch of ground as bloody for it to win as possible, but failing in recent weeks to secure any decisive victories, and losing many of its own soldiers and citizens in the process.

Some Western officials say Mr. Zelensky may not have a viable strategy to win the war. The Ukrainians have had some success fighting at relatively close ranges, and the Russians have countered by relying on their immense advantage in longer-range artillery and missiles, pounding cities and towns to rubble before sending in troops.

But a war of attritionUkraine has been losing as many as 200 soldiers a day in the fightingfavors Russia for the simple reason that it has more soldiers to lose.  [t]he remarkable initial unity in response to Russias invasion seems to be fraying among the Western allies who have shipped weapons to Ukraine and imposed a broad array of financial sanctions on Russia.

Despite such warnings, the United States is stepping up its involvement in the war, with no end in sight, at a massive cost to the American population and Ukrainian and Russian lives.

And media pundits continue to demand further escalation. In a column entitled Five Blunt Truths About the War in Ukraine, Times columnist Bret Stephens demanded that the United States take calculated risks, including, to challenge the Russian maritime blockade of Odesa by escorting cargo ships to and from the port, despite the fact that this could result in close encounters between NATO and Russian warships, i.e., a naval battle.

In all of these discussions among media and foreign policy pundists, US involvement in the war in Ukraine is placed within the framework of a looming US war with China. Stephens concludes, But if the war ends with Putin comfortably in power and Russia in possession of a fifth of Ukraine, then Beijing will draw the lesson that aggression works. And we will have a fight over Taiwanwith its overwhelming human and economic tollmuch sooner than we think.

A column in the Wall Street Journal made exactly the same point: If Ukraine is ultimately defeated, the lesson for Americas adversaries, China most important, will be clear: If you stick with it over the long term, the U.S. wont take the tough, costly measures required to win.

In other words, the United States has massively invested not only money and weapons but also its political and military credibility against other adversaries in the outcome of the proxy war in Ukraine with Russia. Every military setback by Ukraines army and paramilitary forces on the battlefield only intensifies pressure for greater and more direct US military involvement, making the situation all the more dangerous.
Written and directed by Terence Davies

The gifted British filmmaker Terence Davies (The Long Day Closes, House of Mirth, Of Time and the City, The Deep Blue Sea) has a new, complex film, Benediction, about the mostly tortured life of poet Siegfried Sassoon (18861967), best known for his anti-war poems and stance during World War I. Benediction opened in the US in early June. (Sassoon had no German ancestry; his mother named him Siegfried out of a love of Richard Wagners operas!)

Sassoon (played as a young man by Jack Lowden) is decorated for bravery on the Western Front during the imperialist slaughter of 191418 but develops a deep hatred of the conflict and those conducting it.

In July 1917, he issues his Finished with the War: A Soldiers Declaration, which reads in part, I am making this statement as an act of willful defiance of military authority because I believe that the war is being deliberately prolonged by those who have the power to end it. I am a soldier, convinced that I am acting on behalf of soldiers. I believe that the war upon which I entered as a war of defence and liberation has now become a war of aggression and conquest. 

I have seen and endured the sufferings of the troops and I can no longer be a party to prolong these sufferings for ends which I believe to be evil and unjust.

For his courageous act, Sassoon is shipped off to a mental hospital in Scotland where he is treated by a psychiatrist for shell shock. At the hospital, he encounters and influences fellow anti-war poet Wilfred Owen (Matthew Tennyson). Owen dies in northern France only one week before the signing of the armistice in November 1918.

Jack Lowden in Benediction

Following the war, Sassoon, somewhat at loose ends, enters into and exits a series of mostly unhappy relationships with men. His most unfortunate partner is actor, composer and wit, Ivor Novello, played by Jeremy Irvine as a dreadful, thoroughly selfish swine. Seeking sexual and societal normalcy and desiring to be a father, Sassoon marries Hester Gatty (Kate Phillips), and they know a few presumably short-lived moments of happiness.

Late in life, Sassoon (now the talented Peter Capaldi), bitter and sullen, cut off from almost everyone, converts to Roman Catholicism in his desperation for salvation or contentment. He struggles to have a relationship with his son (Richard Goulding). He has by now made his unfortunate wife (now Gemma Jones) utterly miserable.

Davies has commented that Sassoon was always searching for redemption. None of us can find redemption in other people or in other things. You have to find it yourself. At the end of his life, I think he was actually quite unfulfilled. That touched me enormously.  I think he wanted to feel worthy. Worthy of what, I dont know.

Sassoon was only one of a number of 20th-century British (and Anglo-American) poets troubled by feelings of social and moral insecurity who sought to find stability in the bosom of one Church or another. (The apparently irresistible progress toward religion of later, erstwhile left-wing writers led poet Adrian Mitchell, in The Oxford Hysteria of English Poetry, to note mockingly that there hadnt been much time / For poetry since the twenties / What with leaving the Communist Church / To join the Catholic Party / And explaining why in the C.I.A. Monthly.)

As for Sassoons writing, Davies commented, I think the war poetry endures. Some of that later poetry is heartbreaking and deals with loneliness and very often its conveyed in just two stanzas. Theyre wonderful because theyre diluted down to the bare essentials.

Kate Phillips and Jack Lowden in Benediction

Davies was evidently intrigued by these two most prominent features of Sassoons life: his passionate opposition to the world war and, later, his determined effort to suppress his sexuality, which, sadly, was largely successful.

Benediction is certainly worth seeing, and a more successful portrait of an artist than Davies previous effort in regard to 19th-century American poet Emily Dickinson, A Quiet Passion (2016).

At a time of renewed global warfare, with the great powers once again tobogganing toward disaster, pretending all the while that the military life is glorious and heroic (unless its Russian or Chinese!), it is worthwhile recalling Sassoons horror at the horrors of war.

In his volume Counter-Attack and Other Poems (1918), the writer savagely and mournfully portrayed the conditions in the trenches. In Prelude: The Troops, Sassoon wrote

Dim, gradual thinning of the shapeless gloom

Shudders to drizzling daybreak that reveals

Disconsolate men who stamp their sodden boots

And turn dulled, sunken faces to the sky

Haggard and hopeless. They, who have beaten down

The stale despair of night, must now renew

Their desolation in the truce of dawn,

Murdering the livid hours that grope for peace.

In the title poem ...

An officer came blundering down the trench:

Stand-to and man the fire step! On he went ...

Gasping and bawling, Fire-step ... counter-attack!

Then the haze lifted. Bombing on the right

Down the old sap: machine-guns on the left;

And stumbling figures looming out in front.

O Christ, theyre coming at us! Bullets spat,

And he remembered his rifle ... rapid fire ...

And started blazing wildly ... then a bang

Crumpled and spun him sideways, knocked him out

To grunt and wriggle: none heeded him; he choked

And fought the flapping veils of smothering gloom,

Lost in a blurred confusion of yells and groans ...

Down, and down, and down, he sank and drowned,

Bleeding to death. The counter-attack had failed.

This is the entirety of Sassoons poem Attack

At dawn the ridge emerges massed and dun

In the wild purple of the glowring sun,

Smouldering through spouts of drifting smoke that shroud

The menacing scarred slope; and, one by one,

Tanks creep and topple forward to the wire.

The barrage roars and lifts. Then, clumsily bowed

With bombs and guns and shovels and battle-gear,

Men jostle and climb to, meet the bristling fire.

Lines of grey, muttering faces, masked with fear,

They leave their trenches, going over the top,

While time ticks blank and busy on their wrists,

And hope, with furtive eyes and grappling fists,

Flounders in mud. O Jesus, make it stop!

In Glory of Women, Sassoon lit into the patriotic females at home who love us when were heroes, home on leave,/ Or wounded in a mentionable place. The same women cannot believe that British troops retire/ When hells last horror breaks them, and they run,/ Trampling the terrible corpsesblind with blood.

As with all great anti-war writers, Sassoon was not only aware of the sufferings of his own side. In the same poem, he concludes by paying tribute to the enemy, writing

O German mother dreaming by the fire,

While you are knitting socks to send your son

His face is trodden deeper in the mud.
In the past 90 years, there have been three periods during which the American intelligentsia has been dominated by the most radical leftists. The first was in the Great Depression. This was when it was commonplace to say that capitalism had failed and the great hope of the world was Stalins Russia. A second moment of lunacy took hold in the late 1960s. That was perhaps best captured in Tom Wolfes essay Radical Chic. A third has overtaken us in the past few years.

No art form has been so affected by these outbreaks as the theater. Thus, in the 1930s Clifford Odets was, however briefly, taken to be our greatest playwright and an oracle of the common man. Similarly, in the 1960s German Marxists had their day as Peter Weisss Marat/Sade ran on Broadway, and Bertolt Brecht received no fewer than eight productions on the Great White Way between 1963 and 1970. The current Broadway season includes the abominable and mostly unwatchable Pass Over and the new Tracy Letts play The Minutes. Both were nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play.

Letts is a superb actor and a talented playwright. Quite deservedly, he received the Tony and the Pulitzer for August: Osage County. Those who know it only from the movie may not appreciate how excellent it is: a three-and-a-half-hour work of comedy, melodrama, and social commentary that never fails to entertain. And a good case can be made that Letts should have received another Pulitzer for his intimate and empathetic portrait of the struggles in a working-class life, Mary Page Marlowe.

In The Minutes, Letts presents some big ideas about our country. Yet one wishes he had spent an hour or two in a library to learn something about his subject. Regrettably, he appears not to have bothered. This does not prevent him, however, from lecturing his audience in a tone that mixes hysterical shrieking with bombast and wholesale ignorance. To explain why this is, I must give away the plays big surprise. I cant really say that this is a spoiler, though, as that would suggest there was something that was being spoiled.

The first three-fifths of The Minutes is a not terribly clever satirical portrait of a city council meeting in an unnamed city somewhere on the Plains. The jokes given to us are dumb and implausible. For example, the very capable and knowledgeable recording secretary keeps mispronouncing the councilman whose name is Assalone as ASS-a-loan-ee with the emphasis on his rear. (How droll!) Then the play abruptly shifts, and we discover its real subject: the big lies of American history and our many massacres of Native Americans.

This comes up when the bumbling protagonist, a dentist named Peel, new to town, learns that the town has an annual celebration in honor of an event that happened in 1872. The people of the city had always been told that this was when they fought off an attack by Sioux Indians, who had come to steal their children. Peel eventually discovers that this is all a falsehood, an invention. In fact, the townspeople murdered the Sioux, and one of the great fortunes of the town was founded on theft of their land. Even so, the council membersPeel includeddecide to band together to conceal the truth because the people, as a character in a better drama commented, cant handle the truth.

I will not for a moment suggest that the treatment of Native Americans by whites has been anything but horrific. However, Letts notion that his play is telling some dark hidden truth is bizarre. For starters, the story he has concocted is literally impossible. At one point in the play, Letts lampoons the novel and movie The Searchers for its suggestion that Native peoples might steal white children. Yet that is factual. Indeed, the reasons why the Comanche tribe abducted and raised Caucasian children in West Texas during the late 19th century is a subject that still interests anthropologists. Yet the idea that a town would build its history upon the belief that the Sioux (or Lakota as they are more often called today) would abduct Caucasian children makes no sense, as they did not do this, and anyone living in a town or city with Lakota roots and an interest in the subject would certainly know this.

Nor is Letts belief that the Lakota were purehearted innocents consistent with the facts. White settlers did massacre or otherwise take advantage of many peaceful tribes. This is something that all children in American schools are now taught. Hence, my New Jersey elementary school required us to spend several weeks during the fifth and sixth grade learning about the noble and determinedly nonviolent Lenni Lenape Indians who had once lived in our area. To the same extent, most American high schools require students to learn about Andrew Jacksons brutality toward the Cherokee and of the Trail of Tears. But the Lakota were not always pacifists and, just as they suffered atrocities, they perpetrated themboth upon white settlers and other Native peoples. So why is Letts presenting them as being babes before the slaughter? And why does he mistakenly suppose that American high schools and colleges remain determined to conceal the cruel treatment of indigenous tribes when, if anything, most present-day history textbooks seem more determined to remove any ambiguity by showing only whites as ever in the wrong?

I think that there are two reasons why Letts believes he is a lonely speaker of truth when, in fact, he does not even know the history and the characteristics of the many different tribes he indiscriminately combines in his factitious tale. First, Letts suppositions arent really his own. They are simply a compendium of received ideas, the flotsam and jetsam of current leftist dogmatism. Attached to that is something more troubling. Letts seems to think that Native Americans are one big they. Theyre all good, and whites are all bad. Its that simple.

In his epigraph to the printed version of the script, Letts quotes Colonel John Milton Chivington endorsing the slaughter of western tribesmen. Chivington is among the most notorious of the Union soldiers who led attacks upon Native peoples. In a particularly appalling case known as the Sand Creek Massacre, Chivington and his men killed between 70 and 163 Cheyenne and Arapahoe who were resting at an encampment in Colorado. These atrocitiesamong the most shameful in American historyled to a federal investigation. Yet Chivington was not court-martialed for these crimes.

Perhaps Chivington was not punished because he was acting in response to previous attacks by dog soldiers, Cheyenne and Arapahoe guerrillas who had killed whites. Or maybe it partly reflected the tribute the army felt it owed Chivington for the enormous bravery and skill he had displayed in fighting Confederate forces during the Civil Warand his passionate commitment to abolitionism before that. In either case, there was no failure to acknowledge the truth of what had happened, then or now. Nor do Chivingtons murders have much to do with the subsequent battles between white troops and the Lakota tribe. But if Native Americans are all the same, what, after all, is the difference? And if you live in a left-wing echo chamber, how would you know what current history books are telling the young?
If you've checked fares on flights lately, you may be surprised at how expensive air travel has become. Delta CEO Ed Bastian told attendees at an industry conference last week that airfares are 30% more than pre-pandemic fares.

An article in Bloomberg lays down five causes for the sticker shock.:

1) Airlines reduced their fleets during pandemic lockdowns and are "cautious about bringing back all their idled jets."

2) Jet fuel has gotten a lot more expensive. "Spot jet fuel prices in New York have soared more than 80% this year," and the airlines are passing along the extra cost to their passengers.

3) People are willing to shell out extra money for the high-priced tickets. "Some consumers are tapping dormant holiday budgets and upgrading to more expensive aircraft cabins for leisure trips."

4) Airlines fired "hundreds of thousands of pilots, flight attendants, ground handlers and other aviation workers" during the pandemic and now they are having a hard time re-staffing.

5) After losing $200 billion during the pandemic, the airlines are eager to "repair balance sheets" by jacking up prices.

Will prices ever return to pre-pandemic levels? Bloomberg asked Stephen Tracy, chief operating officer at Milieu Insight, a Singapore-based consumer insight and analytics firm. He said, "The rise in prices is a short-term phenomenon. Let's all just hope that once these things equalize again, the prices come back down. I am fairly confident that they will."
It would seem the latest set of emails from disgraced Trump lawyer John Eastman have finally got the January 6th select committee curious about the seditious spouse of a Supreme Court Justice, Ginni Thomas' efforts to end democracy in the United States of America.

NEW: Jan. 6 Select Committee Chair Bennie Thompson says they will request testimony from Ginni Thomas in light of the Eastman emails. "We think it's time that we, at some point, invite her to come talk to the committee."

Raw Story:

The emails show Thomas was more extensively involved in efforts to overturn the election than previously known, two sources told the Washington Post, as Eastman worked to pressure former vice president Mike Pence to block the certification of Joe Biden's election win during the Jan. 6, 2021, joint session of Congress.

A judge last week rejected Eastman's claim of executive privilege over the emails, saying they offered evidence of a possible crime.

Eastman also claimed in an email from that batch that he had heard the Supreme Court justices were in a "heated fight" over whether they should hear arguments about the former president's efforts to overturn his defeat, according to the New York Times.



It's not clear how Eastman gained that insight about the court's internal deliberations or whether it was true.
Organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center under the patronage of President Ilham Aliyev, the 9th Global Baku Forum under the motto "Challenges to the Global World Order has today kicked off, Azernews reports citing Azertag.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of the Forum.

First a photo was taken.

Opening the 9th Global Baku Forum, the co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center Ismail Serageldin said:

-Your Excellency, President Ilham Aliyev,

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen.

My name is Ismail Serageldin and I am a co-chair of the Board of Trustees of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center. We are very honored to welcome you to this opening session of the 9th Global Baku Forum. It is my great privilege in this initial session to ask His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to take the floor for opening a key note address to this ninth Global Baku Forum and with that the forum will be started. Your Excellency.

***

The head of state made a speech at the opening ceremony.

Speech of President Ilham Aliyev

Thank you very much. Good morning. Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen,

Dear presidents,

Dear co-chairs of Nizami Ganjavi International Center.

I welcome you all and wish to express gratitude for being with us today. The 9th Global Baku Forum opens today and I am sure that the discussions as always will be very productive, because we have a great audience. Members of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center and the guests participating in the forum I am sure will contribute to very open and sincere discussion on the most urgent issues on global arena. And I am sure that discussions and also exchange of views will help to elaborate new approaches towards the resolution of the issues which are on the top of global agenda. During its activity the Nizami Ganjavi International Center transformed into one of the leading international institutions addressing global issues and managing to embrace broad international community. We met yesterday with the members of Board and I was informed that at the 9th forum we have high-level representatives from almost 50 countries. This is much more than a year ago. So, this demonstrates the attractiveness of our discussions. This demonstrates that this platform is needed and its very useful. It has a very important practical impact and I am sure what will be discussed these days in Baku and also in Shusha on Sunday will be important for decision-makers. Because elaboration of new approaches is needed today maybe as never before. Id like to express gratitude to the co-chairs of NGIC Madame Vike-Freiberga and Mr. Serageldin for their outstanding contribution to the transformation of the Center and the Global Forum which I think now in the top list of international fora. Also I would like to express gratitude to all members of Board for their active role in this transformation. When I talk about new approaches, its clear that the world has changed since we met last November here in Gulustan Palace. The change is fundamental. We have so far unpredictable consequences, but its clear that the world will be different, and it is already different. Therefore discussions, exchange of views, sometimes contradictions of different opinions, thats what is needed in order to elaborate new approaches. Every country, of course, should contribute to that, first of all, with respect to security measures, because issues of security now become the top issue on international agenda. At the same time, Im sure that open discussions about the current situation in Europe is needed. The Global Baku Forum is an excellent platform for that. Its an inclusive forum which accumulates opinions from different sides and I think thats how it should be. Because we all need to work closely in order to make the world safer and more secure. At the same time, also I am sure that one of the issues on the agenda is what will be the role of leading international institutions, what will be the role of leading financial institutions in coping with food crisis, because it is inevitable and it is already next door and international organizations and leading countries also should take care of situation with potential growth of migrants which will be a consequence of food crisis. If we add here the situation on the energy markets which is a very unpredictable and which also leads to disparity between producers and consumers and this is a risk also for producers. If somebody thinks that countries-producers of oil and gas are very happy with these high prices, its a wrong assessment. The balance of interest between producers, consumers stable market, thats what producers really need and the efforts of OPEC plus where Azerbaijan actively participates were aimed at that.

So, all these are new challenges. What I am saying now is absolutely different from what I was saying six months ago sitting on this place. It shows that everything can change, everything changes and nothing is stable. Of course, as President of Azerbaijan I work on the issues related to security of our country and resolution of the Karabakh conflict, I think, is an opportunity for security in the region, for peace in the region. Last time when we met I broadly covered the issue related to occupation, devastation and humanitarian crisis which our people suffered for almost 30 years. I dont want to repeat that. It is known already, because there are so many visitors to the liberated territories-politicians, public figures, journalists, representatives of civil society and they see all with their own eyes what ruins were left after Armenian occupation. I am grateful to Nizami Ganjavi International Center that last year they organized one session in Shusha and we had an opportunity to meet there. I was actually working as kind of a guide to our guests showing them the situation. Therefore, I want to express our approaches to post-war situation, to situation related to post-war security in the Caucasus. Azerbaijan won the war. The war was just, the war was inevitable and it led to restoration of justice, international law, and national dignity of Azerbaijani people. Now we talk about peace. I think its one of the unique cases in the world that after such a long-lasting confrontation within a short period of time the country which restored justice and defeated aggressor offers peace. If you look at the history of wars not in many cases one can see this picture. But why we select peace, because we want stable, sustainable development in the Southern Caucasus. Its a unique opportunity. Southern Caucasus was disintegrated throughout the years of independence of three countries of Southern Caucasus. For thirty years it was disintegrated because of Armenian occupation. So, now its time to establish peace, establish cooperation. And Azerbaijan is working on that. With respect to process of normalization of relations with Armenia, we suggested, it was our proposal to start working on peace agreement. Armenia did not respond. Then we made another step, we put forward five basic principles of international law, including mutual respect to and recognition of territorial integrity of both countries and mutual refrain from any territorial claims now and in the future, and other principles which make the bulk of our proposal. We were glad to see that the Armenian government accepted this five principles. So this is positive dynamics but now we need to move to practical implementation. Because we know from the history of times of occupation when we were negotiating that sometimes words even on high-level articulated by Armenian officials do not mean a lot. Because we need steps. Azerbaijan already on its side established Azerbaijani commission on peace agreement and we expect the same to be done by Armenia. As soon as it is done, or if it is done, then negotiations will start. We also put forward a proposal to start the process of delimitation of our border. Because biggest part of our border was also under occupation and never a delimitation took place. Therefore, this process also have started and the first joint meeting of the border commissions of Azerbaijan and Armenia took place last month on the border. That was also symbolic that both sides met on the border and that was also an important message that there will be progress. Of course, we understand that its a long way but it started. At the same time, we expect that Armenia will comply with the trilateral Declaration signed on 10 November 2020 with respect to the opening of communications for Azerbaijan to have connection with its Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan. Unfortunately, its more than one and a half year since Armenia signed a capitulation act, but so far there is no access. And this is unacceptable. First, this is a violation by Armenia of the provisions of trilateral Declaration, and it also creates a kind of imbalance in the region, because based on the same declaration, Azerbaijan undertook obligation to provide unimpeded access from Armenia to Karabakh region of Azerbaijan where Armenian population lives. So for one year and a half Armenians are using Lachin road to have this unimpeded connection, but Azerbaijanis cannot use the road through Armenia-Zangazur corridor to connect us with Nakhchivan. This is not fair and this is not just. We will never agree with that.


























How to Change Your Mind, Michael Pollan's excellent book about his experiences with psychedelic drug therapy, has been adapted as a four-part documentary series for Netflix, hosted and co-produced bt Pollan. I enjoyed the book, so I'm looking forward to this. Each of the four episodes is devoted to a different psychedelic drug: LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and mescaline. I wish one of the episodes was dedicated to holotropic breathwork, which I found especially interesting when I read about it in Poland's book.

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney and New York Times best-selling author Michael Pollan present this documentary series event in four parts, each focused on a different mind-altering substance: LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, and mescaline. With Pollan as our guide, we journey to the frontiers of the new psychedelic renaissance  and look back at almost-forgotten historical context  to explore the potential of these substances to heal and change minds as well as culture. How to Change Your Mind is directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Alison Ellwood and two-time Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning filmmaker Lucy Walker.

Chapter 1: LSD

From its 1943 origins to today's microdosing trend, LSD has been expanding minds and changing lives with the help of counterculture gurus  and the CIA.

Chapter 2: Psilocybin

Magic mushrooms, long considered sacred by the Indigenous Mazatec in Mexico, have recently become the subject of scientific studies exploring their potential to treat mental illness.

Chapter 3: MDMA

Championed by both therapists and ravers, ecstasy stands out as the first psychedelic likely to be approved by the FDA as medicine, thanks to passionate advocates and its value as a treatment for PTSD.

Chapter 4: Mescaline

Mescaline is the psychoactive molecule found in San Pedro and peyote cacti. Native Americans have had to fight for legal access to these traditional sacred medicines and take them in religious ceremonies, experiencing powerful healing from struggles like addictions and trauma.
The 25-year-old driver of the vehicle, along with the three other men, aged 25, 35 and 38, were all arrested and taken into custody. One of the men who claimed ownership of everything that was seized was turned over to the Buffalo Police Department to face weapons and narcotics charges
3-Year-Old Boy Missing After He Was Dropped Off At Babysitter's Mass. Home

Lowell Police Department

The search for a 3-year-old boy who went missing shortly after he was dropped off at his babysitter's house came to a tragic end on Wednesday.

The body of the missing child, identified by authorities as Harry Kkonde, was found by a Massachusetts State Police Diver in a pond on Wednesday afternoon, the Middlesex District Attorney's Office wrote in a news release. There were no obvious signs of trauma.

The pond was located at a Christmas tree farm about 650 feet away from the babysitter's Lowell home, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said at a news conference on Wednesday, according to ABC News.

"This is obviously every parent's worst nightmare: a child who disappears for a very short period of time, the excruciating hours of the search and then the recovery of his body," Ryan said at the news conference.

RELATED: Texas Boy Dies After Getting Stuck Between Washer and Dryer While Playing Hide-and-Seek on Vacation

Harry was last seen around 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday by a neighbor, who told police they saw the boy in the babysitter's yard on Freda Lane, according to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office. He was reported missing about 15 minutes later.

His disappearance came shortly after his parents dropped him off around 7:00 a.m., officials said.

About 180 local police officers and firefighters aided in the search for the child, who his father had described to ABC affiliate WCVB-TV as "active" but nonspeaking.

"He likes going outside," the father told the outlet. "When he's at home, he goes to the yard and plays. He's a healthy kid but he can't speak. He's trying to learn how to speak but he can't talk."

RELATED: 10-Year-Old Boy Dead, 2 Adults Missing After Getting Swept Into Drainage Ditch Following Milwaukee Storms

During the search, Carlisle Police Chief John Fisher said officials were "checking every spot in that neighborhood from a breadbox on up," according to NBC Boston.

"A 3-year-old of average mobility, fortunately or unfortunately, can get pretty far," Fisher told reporters Wednesday morning at an earlier news conference. "So today we're going out even further than we might yesterday."

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3-Year-Old Boy Missing After He Was Dropped Off At Babysitter's Mass. Home

Lowell Police Department

During Wednesday afternoon's press conference, officials stated that they are still looking for answers.

"I want to be clear that we have no idea how Harry came to reach that pond, where he might have been or how long it might have taken him to reach that pond," Ryan said, per ABC News.

In their news release, the Middlesex District Attorney's Office wrote that "the investigation into this matter is ongoing and includes attempts to learn what time and how Harry entered the water."

The child's cause and manner of death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

RELATED: Body of 6-Year-Old Boy Found in Mass. River After Mom Died Trying to Save Him During Family Trip

One of the owners of the farm told ABC station WCVB that they were "heartbroken."

"We both were looking for this little boy yesterday," the owner told the outlet. "We were sitting at the pond last night just saying let's hope they'll find him tonight. And we were at the pond last night sitting there, he was right there in the pond."

In a statement, police wrote, "Our thoughts and prayers are with Harry's family during this difficult time. The LPD is thankful to all of our law enforcement partners for their assistance and grateful to the community for their support and assistance throughout the search. "
Anna and her husband with their first scan of Lev (PA Real Life/Collect)

A high-flying professional who traumatically lost four pregnancies in two years before having her miracle son has devoted her life to helping others with fertility issues, launching a multi-purpose app for those dealing with them.

When Anna Sane, 37, and her husband Philip, 41, started trying for a family in the spring of 2018 they fell pregnant quickly, only to miscarry at eight weeks  the first of four pregnancies they were to lose between eight and 20 weeks gestation.

Anna, who lives in Stockholm, Sweden, with Philip and their son Lev, one, said: When we first started trying for a baby, like a lot of people, I hadnt thought about the fact it would be a problem.

I didnt know much about fertility. I barely knew when I ovulated. I thought having a baby would be simple.

Instead, the couple stepped into a world of heartbreak.

Anna said: In retrospect, I was naive. I thought just getting pregnant meant it would all go well.

At eight weeks I started bleeding, went to the hospital and a miscarriage was confirmed.

The doctors were telling me it was common and didnt mean there had to be issues  that I could have a successful pregnancy in the future.

But, emotionally, I almost surprised myself by how sad I was. I became obsessed that I had to get pregnant again as soon as possible.

People were telling me miscarriage is common and to move on. But I think we, as a society, need to acknowledge that a lot of people experience a lot of stress and sadness after miscarriage, no matter how early or common it is.

Anna said she quickly became obsessed with falling pregnant again  and she did.

People told me it would maybe work out next time, without acknowledging the loss I felt.

She said: During early pregnancy, I was really worried and expected it to go wrong like my first pregnancy. But time passes and I became more and more confident as we passed 12 weeks.

But at the 20 week scan doctors explained our son wasnt healthy.

The couples baby, who they named Malcolm, was not developing properly in the womb.

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Malcolm had multiple organ malformations and would not have survived after birth.

Anna said: The decision we had to make then was whether we continued the pregnancy or terminated it. It was an extremely difficult decision.

Medically, yes, it was a termination. But emotionally, it was like my baby died.

She added: It was the same as before, though the intensity of my emotions was very different.

And, just like before, people told me it would maybe work out next time, without acknowledging the loss I felt.

Even if I did fall pregnant again, another baby could never give me back the one I lost. I felt utterly unprepared for the fact that this was an actual delivery I had to go through.

One of the hardest things was that I really needed to grieve for this child, but I was also on a journey where I wanted a baby and there was this push to move forward. There felt like no time to stop.

Malcolm was delivered in autumn 2018 and Anna and Philip began genetic investigations to see if any future children could have similar issues.

When nothing was found, Anna says they were told it was simply bad luck.

Even if I did fall pregnant again, another baby could never give me back the one I lost.

Within months, finding herself pregnant for a third time, she said: I felt things couldnt go wrong this time.

It wouldnt make any sense. Id had my share of bad luck.

But, at 11 weeks, it was found Id suffered a missed miscarriage. This is when the baby has died in the womb but the mother has had no outward symptoms of miscarriage.

Thats when things started to feel really hopeless.

Following her third loss, Anna began researching fertility issues online.

She said: That is something a lot of us who are trying to conceive have in common.

Anna added: We spend hours and hours on Google trying to understand our situations, but the information that is there is all over the place, as fertility is so personal. There are so many things that can go wrong.

Youre in a different position if youre 25 and have blocked tubes than if youve had five failed tries at IVF. But the information is all mixed up together.

Realising she was keen to put fate in someone elses hands, Anna decided to start IVF in 2019.

As it was not available in Sweden, she headed to Finland to have a process whereby embryos are screened for chromosomal abnormalities prior to implantation.

She said: As wed never had an issue with actually falling pregnant, the doctors were so confident.

She added: They kept telling me next time they saw me Id be pregnant. A lot of eggs were harvested, we had a large amount of healthy embryos and it all looked positive.

But the idea of the freedom of putting it all in someone elses hands was an illusion. There were tonnes of new things to keep track of.

There was so much medicine tracking. In the end, I did three transfers and never fell pregnant.

Even though I understood it wasnt my fault, I felt a lot of shame and like a failure.

Anna also felt stifled by the toxic positivity of those around her, who urged her to keep a positive outlook and keep trying.

She explained: People would say, Wow, how exciting you get to do IVF. But you wouldnt say that to someone having cancer treatment or knee surgery.

When he was born I felt such natural joy in every sense.

Anna added: As a society we dont have codes, rules or norms on how to support someone going through fertility issues. I felt lonely.

After taking a short break following the failed attempts at IVF, Anna and Philip fell pregnant again naturally in early 2020.

While she was terrified in the early weeks of pregnancy, all seemed to be going well until a scan at 17 weeks.

It was then that Anna was told the devastating news that her unborn daughter, Aya, had the same issues as their son Malcolm.

And the couple made the harrowing decision to have another medical termination, followed by further genetic testing.

Again no issues were found, but Anna said: Doctors said that it was likely Philip and I had an unidentified genetic issue.

She added: They could only tell us it was likely there was a 25 per cent risk that wed have a baby that wasnt healthy.

For me, that 25 per cent had been four losses in a row. I couldnt lose another baby like that.

So, we decided to get rid of one persons DNA and use donor eggs.

This time, Anna quickly fell pregnant using donor eggs and Philips sperm in August 2020.

After a harrowing two years, the couples son Lev was born healthy in May 2021.

Anna said: When he was born I felt such natural joy in every sense. Hes a very happy baby. Were amazed to have him in our lives.

Fertility issues should be considered a medical issue, and should receive equal treatment within society, to other health challenges.

But, while she is now delighted to be a mum, her experience has left its mark.

Anna said: I had seven or eight apps on my phone tracking various things. One for my cycle, one for mindfulness, another for IVF tracking. It makes no sense and is confusing.

While trying for a baby, Anna had met Jenny-Ann Ax:son Johnson.

In 2019 she left her job as a management consultant in a digital strategy team and together the pair launched Tilly in 2021, a fertility app that helps combine advice, psychological support, peer support and fertility tracking.

She explained: We wanted to create a place to offer support at all points. From those first questions when you might start trying for a baby right through to for those in treatment.

Although we dont give medical advice, all our information is evidence-based to help our users navigate the information that is out there and to assist them to have more informed dialogues with their doctors.

Anna added: We find fertility patients undergo a huge amount of stress. Research shows that connecting with others that understand your challenges is a strong way to reduce stress. This is why we integrate peer support in the Tilly platform and try to match users based on their experiences.

Based on what we know of our individual users, we tailor their experience from treatment schedules to personalised education resources and coping tools.

With the apps user base now growing, Anna employs a team of seven. Each is offered paid time off for IVF and disappointment days for negative pregnancy tests.

Anna said: There legally isnt the same protection for people trying to fall pregnant as there is for people who are having a baby.

Fertility issues should be considered a medical issue, and should receive equal treatment within society, to other health challenges. There shouldnt be preferential treatment based on medical conditions, especially in the workplace.

I think this paid leave should be extended to all other workplaces. You shouldnt have to go through fertility treatment and take holidays. While I had multiple miscarriages at varying gestation, I say now that all these years have given me four babies. Malcolm, Aya, Lev and now Tilly.

Tilly is available on the app store and Google play.
Once imprisoned and disgraced, former U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown is running for Congress again, this time in Central Florida.

The former 12-term congresswoman filed paperwork Thursday in Tallahassee to enter the fall elections and a website, VoteCorrine.com, was created Wednesday to raise campaign donations.

The website said Brown, a Jacksonville Democrat who lost reelection after a 2016 fraud indictment that put her in prison, is seeking to represent the 10th Congressional District, which U.S. Rep. Val Demings is leaving because of her campaign for U.S. Senate.

Ive represented most of the people of the new 10th District during my 24 years in Congress and I always earned huge support in this region, Brown was quoted as saying in a release posted on the website. Now I see our hard-won gains are being taken away from us.

2022 plea deal announced: Ex-U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, a Jacksonville icon, taking plea deal on federal fraud charges

Plea made: Ex-U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown pleads guilty to 1 charge in case that ended 24-year career in Congress

Former U.S. Rep., Corrine Brown filed paperwork Thursday in Tallahassee to run against for a seat in Congress. (USA Today Network)

Parts of Central Florida were within the winding district Brown was first elected to in the 1990s, when she and two other African-Americans became the first Black Floridians elected to Congress since the 19th century.

Brown told a USA Today Network journalist she had prayed about running and had received phone calls encouraging her to campaign again.

"People wanted me to come back," she said. "They want their voice back."

If she were elected, Brown said she would work for changes in the criminal justice system as well as subjects she focused on in office before, including transportation. Noting Congressional support for improving transportation infrastructure, she added: "Florida and Central Florida have not received the benefits for it. So, I'm going to go back to work"

Conviction can't keep Corinne Brown from running for Congress

Brown pleaded guilty last month to a single federal charge of corruptly endeavoring to obstruct administration of internal revenue laws, essentially lying on her tax returns.

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That plea finished a six-year legal struggle in which she was convicted of 18 counts surrounding a sham charity and ordered imprisoned for five years but had the conviction overturned on appeal.

Brown would be running as a convicted felon, but a 2002 report from the Congressional Research Service said the U.S. Constitution allows that, and states cant prevent it.

Specifically, there is no qualification in the Constitution that one not be a convicted felon to serve in Congress, the report said.

The VoteCorrine website said it was paid for by Friends of Corrine Brown, the name of the political committee Brown created in 1992. However, the Federal Election Commission website listed the committee as having been administratively terminated, with no records involving them since 2016.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Corrine Brown running again for Congress in Central Florida
Republican Rep. Tom Rice of South Carolina and former President Donald Trump. AP Photos/Alex Brandon and Charlie Neibergall

Rice became the first pro-impeachment Republican to lose to a Trump-backed primary challenger.

Of the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump, four are retiring and one won renomination.

The next four are set to face Republican voters this August, and some have better chances than Rice.

Former President Donald Trump got his first official victory on Tuesday night in his quest to oust congressional Republicans who voted to impeach him after the January 6 Capitol riot.

Republican Rep. Tom Rice of South Carolina  a five-term, otherwise low-key conservative who has likened Trump to a tyrant and a dictator in the year and a half since the attack  lost handily to South Carolina State Sen. Russell Fry, who had the former president's endorsement.

Results from Insider's partners at Decision Desk HQ showed Fry trouncing Rice by a greater than 2-to-1 margin for the Republican nomination in the state's 7th district, beating Rice outright and avoiding a runoff.

Rice's defeat marks the first time in the 2022 midterm cycle that a Republican who voted to impeach Trump after January 6 has actually lost to a primary challenger.

Four of the ten House Republicans who voted to impeach have chosen to retire, including:

Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois

Rep. Anthony Gonzales of Ohio

Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan

Rep. John Katko of New York

Republican Rep. David Valadao of California appears likely to advance to the general election in California's 22nd Congressional district, and is currently leading right-wing challenger Chris Mathys by just under four percentage points.

The remaining four House Republicans are set to face voters this August, including:

Rep. Peter Meijer of Michigan on August 2

Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler of Washington on August 2

Rep. Dan Newhouse of Washington on August 2

Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming on August 16

While Trump has endorsed former Housing and Urban Development official John Gibbs over Meijer, campaign finance disclosures reveal that Meijer has outraised Gibbs nearly ten-fold: $2.1 million versus $227,000 to date.

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And in Washington, both Herrera Beutler and Newhouse may benefit from the state's top-two primary system as they seek to fend off Trump-backed opponents Joe Kent and Loren Culp, respectively.

Like in California, all primary candidates from all parties run on the same ballot in Washington's primaries and the top two, regardless of party, advance to the general election. All registered voters can vote in Washington's primary elections, allowing both candidates to potentially draw support from independents and Democrats.

But in Wyoming, Cheney  the vice-chair of the January 6 committee and perhaps Trump's most outspoken Republican critic  appears to be in political peril.

Insider's Oma Seddiq recently spoke with Cheney supporters who believe they are the "silent majority" in the state, even as Trump, the state party, and other national Republicans have shunned the one-time leader of the House Republican conference. Polling has also shown Cheney trailing Trump-backed challenger Harriet Hageman, and Trump garnered nearly 70% of the vote in Wyoming in 2020  the highest margin of any state.

Meanwhile in the Senate, just one of the seven Republicans who voted to convict Trump, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, will face voters this year. But she too may benefit from the mechanics of the election system in her state. In 2020, Alaska voted to enact top-four primaries where candidates of all parties run on the same primary ballot similar to California and Washington, ensuring that Murkowski won't face only Republican voters in her primary.

Then, in the general election, voters will pick between the top four candidates with ranked-choice voting, guaranteeing that the winning candidate will win with the majority of the vote.

Murkowski also previously waged a successful write-in campaign in 2010 after losing to a conservative primary challenger.

Read the original article on Business Insider
NEW YORK  One of Ghislaine Maxwells fellow detainees at the Brooklyn federal lockup plotted to murder her, a defense lawyer said in a court filing Wednesday aimed at lightening Maxwells sentence on sex trafficking charges for procuring young women for Jeffrey Epstein.

(One) of the female inmates in Ms. Maxwells housing unit told at least three other inmates that she had been offered money to murder Ms. Maxwell and that she planned to strangle her in her sleep, wrote lawyer Bobbi Sternheim.

Maxwells lawyer included the claim in papers filed ahead of her sentencing on June 28.

The inmate who made the threat has been moved to the SHU (special housing unit), presumably to protect Ms. Maxwell, Sternheim wrote. In federal prisons like Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center, special housing units are solitary confinement.

This incident reflects the brutal reality that there are numerous prison inmates who would not hesitate to kill Ms. Maxwell  whether for money, fame, or simple street cred,  Sternheim wrote.

Federal Bureau of Prisons officials did not immediately respond to a query about Maxwells claim.

The filing also revealed graphic allegations of abuse Maxwell allegedly suffered at the hands of her father, disgraced British publishing baron Robert Maxwell. It describes her upbringing as a difficult, traumatic childhood with an overbearing, narcissistic, and demanding father, who died in 1991, right before she met Epstein.

Ghislaine vividly recalls a time when, at age 13, she tacked a poster of a pony on the newly painted wall of her bedroom. Rather than mar the paint with tape, she carefully hammered a thin tack to mount the poster, wrote Sternheim.

This outraged her father, who took the hammer and banged on Ghislaines dominant hand, leaving it severely bruised and painful for weeks to come.

Sternheim wrote that Robert Maxwells corporal punishment of his children primed his daughter to be mentally manipulated by Epstein.

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It made her vulnerable to Epstein, whom she met right after her fathers death. It is the biggest mistake she made in her life and one that she has not and never will repeat.

The sentencing submission also includes details about a psychiatric evaluation Maxwell underwent in jail, which reported that her personality had changed since her summer 2020 arrest in New Hampshire. The doctors letter quotes Maxwells lawyer and longtime associate, Leah Saffian, as noting a marked deterioration in her well-being.

Ms. Saffian added that recently, Ms. Maxwell has completely lost her sense of humor and often misses the beat,  reads the August 2021 letter by Alexander Sasha Bardey, which was heavily redacted.

Maxwells lawyers asked Manhattan Federal Court Judge Alison Nathan to sentence her to less than the 20 years recommended by probation authorities, who recommended the 61-year-old serve less time than federal guidelines suggest. Nathan upheld Maxwells conviction in April after she asked for a new trial based on a juror who withheld being abused as a child.

We further acknowledge that Maxwell is not solely responsible for the horrendous and irreparable damage caused by the decade, reads an excerpt of the probation departments report included in the defense filing.

A jury found Maxwell guilty on Dec. 29 of aiding notorious financier Epsteins sex trafficking of teenage girls from 1994 to 2004. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 at the federal Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan.

Prosecutors declined to comment on the filing


Roman Abramovich and Eugene Shvidler. Getty/Nick Potts

At least 30 aircraft of oligarchs flew over the EU since the war began, per Welt am Sonntag research.

This is despite the EU banning all Russian planes in late February.

A helicopter owned by Russian businessman Alexander Zanadvorov flew over France eight times since the ban, per the research.

At least 30 private planes and helicopters belonging to oligarchs from Russia have flown across the European Union since the Ukraine war began, according to German newspaper Welt am Sonntag.

The EU banned Russian-owned planes from crossing its airspace on February 27 as part of sanctions against President Vladimir Putin for his invasion of Ukraine. But research from Welt am Sonntag suggests some aircraft owned by wealthy Russians have breached sanctions by flying over the EU.

Welt am Sonntag's research showed that one of Eugene Shvidler's jets had flown more than eight times through EU airspace  sometimes flying over Germany  after the ban. The Russian-born oil tycoon, who has US citizenship, had his jet seized in March by the UK, along with his other plane. He was listed as an oligarch after the UK sanctioned him in March.

In addition, an Airbus helicopter owned by Russian businessman Alexander Zanadvorov has flown over France at least eight times since the EU's airspace ban, Welt am Sonntag reported from its research.

The day after the EU announced its airspace ban, Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov's two private jets departed from EU airports, per Welt am Sonntag's research. One flew from Munich, Germany to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, while the other took off from Florence, Italy, the research also showed.

A Bombardier aircraft, reportedly owned by Russian telecoms billionaire Albert Avdolyan, flew from Nice, France, to Istanbul in Turkey on March 2, according to Welt am Sonntag's research.

The following month, a plane owned by Viktor Vekselberg, chairman of the metals, mining, and energy conglomerate Renova Group, took off in Switzerland and landed in Kazakhstan.

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These movements come as Russian oligarchs have sought to move their private jets and yachts across the world in an attempt to avoid Western sanctions, which include the seizure of assets.

Jets linked to Roman Abramovich, former Chelsea FC owner, have also been tracked flying around after the EU's ban was imposed, according to an investigation first reported by The Guardian.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A Michigan family set Mackinac Bridges latest milestone Wednesday evening by driving the 200 millionth vehicle to cross the bridge.

The Dalman family of Tawas City drove across the Mackinac Bridge at 6:18 p.m.  the 200 millionth vehicle since the bridge's opening in 1957, according to a Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) news release.

The Dalman family of Tawas City, far right, received a local gift basket and a framed print of the Mackinac Bridge after they drove the 200 millionth vehicle across the bridge. Left to right: MBA Chief Bridge Engineer Julie Neph; Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amy Millard; St. Ignace Visitors Bureau Executive Director Lora Brown; MBA Member Caroline Cheeseman; MBA Chairman Patrick Shorty Gleason; Seth Dalman; Anna Dalman; Teresa Dalman; and Kurt Dalman.

Kurt Dalman drove the vehicle accompanied by his wife, Anna Dalman, and kids Seth and Teresa, according to the release. The Dalmans were on their way to Pictured Rocks and were pleasantly surprised by this unexpected milestone.

Were headed to Pictured Rocks. This will be the kids first big hike, Anna Dalman said. We were very surprised. We had no idea (this milestone was coming up).

The family was presented with a local gift basket and a framed print of the Mackinac Bridge after driving their 2021 Toyota Corolla hybrid through the bridges toll plaza booths, the release stated.

MBA Chairman Patrick Gleason; Amy Millard, executive director of the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce; Lora Brown, executive director of the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau; and bridge authority staff met the Dalmans at the booths to congratulate them.

Its our customers who pay the tolls that support the ongoing operation and maintenance of the Mackinac Bridge, so its only right that we recognize this milestone in the bridges 65-year history, Gleason said. The bridge has been a critical connection for our state for more than six decades now, but its remarkable to know that so many vehicles, and countless more people, have crossed in that time.

More: Cooling centers in metro Detroit can help beat the heat

More: Victor Callewaert, pillar of Mackinac Island, Ryba's Fudge Shop owner, dies at 85

Richard Snyder of Clare, Michigan, drove the 150 millionth vehicle across the Mackinac Bridge on Sept. 6, 2009.

More information about the bridge can be found at www.mackinacbridge.org.

Contact Navya Gupta: ngupta@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan family drives 200 millionth vehicle across Mackinac Bridge
Pharrell Williams is making his first foray into sun care.

His product company Humanrace will debut two refillable SPF 30 products, which are both made from mineral-based formulations.

More from WWD

While the products will officially launch for U.S. and European consumers on the brands website on July 14, they will be available before then exclusively for attendees of the musicians music festival, Something in the Water, taking place in Washington, D.C., on Juneteenth weekend, June 17 to 19, and to Humanrace subscribers.

This venture has been two years in the making, and with it, Humanrace seeks to tackle the misconception that sunscreen is not necessary for people of color and those with deeper skin tones.

Our Earths ozone layer naturally protects us from harmful UV radiation from the sun, but we still need to protect ourselves daily from the UV rays that get through, Williams said in a statement. We believe there is room under the sun for everyone, and we all need to be wearing sunscreen daily.

The launch was developed with the help of Williams personal dermatologist of 20 years, Dr. Elena Jones, and consists of Ozone Face Protection Daily Moisturizer and Ozone Body Protection Cream, which are both water-resistant and formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and the companys signature snow mushroom extract.

The body cream and face moisturizer will each retail for $58 and $52, respectively, or consumers can buy the Ozone Protection Set, which includes both products, for $94.

The packaging of both products was made with more than 50 percent post-consumer recycled landfill plastic, and consumers will be able to refill their sun care empties at a discounted price.

No matter what color your skin is, all skin tones need a daily sunscreen  rain or shine, Jones said in a statement.

FOR MORE FROM WWD.COM, SEE:

Tiffany is Collaborating with Pharrell Williams

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Pharrell Williams Expands Human Race Into Body Care

Pharrells Humanrace Goes Big on Body Care

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Click here to read the full article.
The man shot by Niagara Falls police June 3 is out of the intensive care unit but remains hospitalized, according to a city spokesperson.

Authorities also have not yet filed any criminal charges against Reginald D. Barnes, 29, who remains in Erie County Medical Center, the spokesperson said in an email.

Police investigating the report of a suspicious person encountered Barnes shortly before 6 p.m. behind a Rite Aid at Niagara Falls Boulevard and 80th Street.

Barnes pulled away from an officer who had approached him, was hit with a stun from a Taser and then came at an officer with a knife, according to a 30-second clip of police-worn body camera footage released June 7.

Barnes was on probation after pleading guilty to first-degree sexual abuse in May.

Two officers who police officials said fired shots at Barnes were placed on administrative leave after the incident.

The matter remains under investigation, authorities said.

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.
Photos show the destruction Russian troops left behind at the Chernobyl power plant  including ransacked offices and graffiti

Raul Moreno/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Russian troops occupied Chernobyl for five weeks during its invasion of Ukraine.

Hundreds of Ukrainian workers were held hostage as troops damaged the plant.

The workers have now exposed the damage the soldiers left behind.







When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, their troops immediately seized the plant

Ukrainian troops prepare in case the invaders return to Chernobyl. After Russian troops left Chernobyl, the Ukrainian army has taken control of the site. Radiation levels rose due to earthworks in places such as the well-known Red Forest, where Russian troops dug trenches. Ukraine is not only facing an invader in Chernobyl, it must also fight an invisible enemy, radiation. Raul Moreno/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The plant is home to a 1986 nuclear disaster in which portions are not expected to have the ability to support life for hundreds of years, Insider reported.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted the day of occupation: "Russian occupation forces are trying to seize the #Chornobyl_NPP."

"Our defenders are giving their lives so that the tragedy of 1986 will not be repeated," he added.

The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant is located in northern Ukraine on the border of Belarus

Hundreds of workers were held hostage inside the plant during the occupation

A room full of paperwork is part of the aftermath after Russian troops fled the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. SSE Chornobyl NPP International Cooperation & Information Department

During the occupation, Russian soldiers ransacked offices, per photos provided to Insider by Dmytrii Korchak, a Chernobyl NPP International Cooperation & Information Department spokesperson.

Hundreds had to work while being held hostage, per The Washington Post.

The soldiers dug trenches in the Red Forest area of the plant, raising concerns over radiation levels

An abandoned computer next to the trenches dug by Russian soldiers in the Red Forest, June 6, 2022. After Russian troops left Chernobyl, the Ukrainian army has taken control of the site. Radiation levels rose due to earthworks in places such as the well-known Red Forest, where Russian troops dug trenches. Ukraine is not only facing an invader in Chernobyl, it must also fight an invisible enemy, radiation. Raul Moreno/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

It's possible the troops themselves were exposed to heavy radiation levels, Insider reported.

The International Atomic Energy Agency, an organization with ties to the United Nations and a specialty in radioactive safety, said that it is launching an investigation into the claims.

Russian troops held the plant for five weeks  leaving on April 1

Russian troops left behind a devastated room after fleeing the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. SSE Chornobyl NPP International Cooperation & Information Department

Russian forces had also seized nuclear power plant in Ukraine, Zaporizhzhia, which has remained under Russian control since March 4.

Workers are now cleaning up the damage left behind by the soldiers

Clothing and other belongings are pictured left behind in a room at the plant. SSE Chornobyl NPP International Cooperation & Information Department

CNPP spokesperson Dmytrii Korchak told Insider that there was a ton of damage left to equipment, tools, and workplaces

A computer in the Chernobyl office space is missing parts and is disconnected from nearby wires. SSE Chornobyl NPP International Cooperation & Information Department

The Russian troops have also been accused of stealing items such as computers from the plant

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Director of the measuring center Bespaliy Mykola Vasyliovych checks equipment and inspects the damage at Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Chernobyl city, Ukraine on May 28, 2022. Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Source: BBC.

Korchak added that one of the rooms 'was heavily vandalized and turned into a room-to-satisfy-the-filthy-needs'

Workers also claim to have found 100-liters of vodka and human feces in the plant

Russian troops left behind a vandalized room after fleeing the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. SSE Chornobyl NPP International Cooperation & Information Department

Aleksandr Barsukov, the deputy director of the Chernobyl Ecocenter, told The Wall Street Journal that Ukrainian workers have discovered spray-painted conference rooms, smashed computer screens, and 100 liters of high-quality vodka.

"The poop was the icing on the cake," Barsukov said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Former President Donald Trump. AP Photo/Joe Maiorana

Trump lashed out at Rep. Liz Cheney while basking in the defeat of another pro-impeachment lawmaker.

Trump has made it his mission to chase pro-impeachment lawmakers out of the GOP.

Wyoming's Republican primary takes place on August 16.

Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that Rep. Liz Cheney, who voted to impeach him over the January 6 Capitol riot, will soon lose her reelection bid  just how Rep. Tom Rice, another pro-impeachment lawmaker, was defeated in South Carolina's primary on Tuesday night.

"Same thing's going to happen in Wyoming to Virginia 'resident' Liz Cheney, that happened in South Carolina to Congressman 'Impeach Master' Tom Rice, who lost as an incumbent by 28 points!" Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.

Cheney and Rice were among the 10 House Republicans who broke with their party and voted to impeach Trump on a charge of "incitement of insurrection" last year in the wake of the Capitol attack. Only six of those Republicans are running for reelection in this year's midterms, and Rice is the first in that cohort to lose a primary.

With an estimated 95% of the results in, Rice is projected to lose to former state lawmaker and Trump-backed candidate Russell Fry, per Decision Desk HQ and Insider. In a sign of the extent of his defeat, Rice is currently trailing by more than 26 percentage points, a shellacking for a five-term incumbent.

Trump has made it abundantly clear that his mission is to rid the Republican Party of anyone he deems disloyal to him. Cheney, a staunch conservative who serves as vice chair of the House committee investigating the Capitol riot, has been one of Trump's toughest critics in Congress since he left office. She will face a Trump-endorsed challenger, attorney and former Republican National Committee member, Harriet Hageman, in Wyoming's Republican primary on August 16.

The former president has repeatedly taunted Cheney and her father, former Republican Vice President Dick Cheney. Trump has taken to calling the lawmaker a "war criminal" and delights in attacking the family for their support of the Iraq War, although Trump himself at the time, then-an emerging reality TV star, also supported the conflict.

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Cheney has stood her ground against Trump and characterized herself as a defender of the Constitution. There has been no significant independent polling of the race as of yet. Cheney has amassed a large campaign war chest compared to Hageman so far.

Cheney's campaign did not respond to Insider's request for comment.

Though Rice lost his primary, Trump appears to be losing at least some of his grip over the GOP based on other recent primary elections. Rep. Nancy Mace, who ran against a Trump-backed opponent in South Carolina's 1st Congressional District, edged out her primary challenger on Tuesday evening.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who Trump heavily targeted because they refused to challenge the 2020 election results, also both coasted to victory in their primaries against Trump-endorsed candidates last month. Rep. Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina, who Trump threw his support behind, lost his primary last month as well.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A document allegedly given to Proud Boys Chairman Henry "Enrique" Tarrio prior to the Jan. 6 insurrection lays out detailed plans to occupy more than half a dozen buildings surrounding the U.S. Capitol and describes tactics to be used by occupiers as they "Storm the Winter Palace."

The full document titled "1776 Returns," attached as an exhibit in a court filing Wednesday by Tarrio's co-defendant Zachary Rehl, was described by one former federal prosecutor as "an absolutely devastating piece of evidence."

Tarrio, Rehl and three other members of the extremist group the Proud Boys face multiple felony counts, including seditious conspiracy, the most serious charge resulting from the Jan. 6 insurrection. The defendants are in jail in Washington, D.C., awaiting trial.

Patrick Cotter, a former federal prosecutor in Chicago who has practiced criminal law for 40 years, said the "1776 Returns" document is a bombshell for prosecutors, assuming it can be verified.

"The authors are clearly planning multiple, multiple felonies; they're saying how they're going to do it, and it's all in service, apparently, to a broader crime, which is the sedition." Cotter said. "The purpose of the of the whole plan is, as they put it, 'No Trump, No America.' Either Trump will be given the presidency, election be damned, or they will shut down America and they will take violent action."

More: They joined the Proud Boys looking for brotherhood. They found racism, bullying

More: What did Americans learn in the Jan. 6 committee's hearing on the Capitol attack?

More: Who has been arrested in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, by the numbers

The New York Times first reported on the existence of the document in March, citing people familiar with it. But the full document had not been released to the public before Wednesday when it was filed as an exhibit in a motion seeking to have Rehl released while awaiting trial.

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His attorneys argue that the "1776" document "was not a plan to attack the Capitol and in any event, Tarrio did not share or discuss the document with Mr. Rehl or the other defendants."

"Mr. Tarrio is looking forward to his day in court and showing a complete picture of all pieces of evidence the government intends to present at trial," Tarrio's defense attorney Nayib Hassan wrote in an email to USA TODAY.

Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio rallies in Portland, Ore., in Aug. 2019.

Consisting of nine pages and including typos and an unfinished section, "1776 Returns" starts with the words "Read Directions Carefully."

It describes a plan of attack on the nation's capital, with the stated purpose being to "Fill the buildings with patriots and communicate our demands."

"We need as many people as possible inside these buildings," the document states.

The buildings targeted include six office buildings of the House and Senate, as well as the Supreme Court, which is on the Capitol campus.

The document lays out a plan to identify a "lead" and "second" to coordinate rushing each building, and a "hypeman" to invigorate a crowd and a "minimum of 50" people to storm each building.

It also specifies steps to take to create chaos, including pulling fire alarms or other actions to "ensure there is an entry point for the masses to rush the building." It suggests using cars or semi-trucks to block surrounding intersections so as to "stop access to any law enforcement vehicle."

The document does not identify an author. It is undated. And its plans diverge significantly from the events that ultimately transpired on Jan. 6, 2021: The Capitol building itself, which was ultimately the only building on the Capitol Campus occupied by protesters on Jan. 6, is not included in the document's list of "Targeted Buildings."

Cotter said that's largely irrelevant.

The "1776 Returns" document could well be a draft version of a more complex plan, Cotter said. The architect of the plan might have originally considered taking "softer" targets before realizing that the Capitol itself could be occupied.

Either way, the document lays out a plan to commit multiple crimes, he said.

"This is this is like getting the plans of the Japanese to bomb Pearl Harbor on Dec. 5, 1941"  two days before the bombing  Cotter said. "From a legal perspective, the real important legal issue is not the Capitol. The real important issue is an attempt to commit sedition."

But Stephen Saltzburg, a law professor at George Washington University, isn't so sure the document is damning.

Saltzburg said it's notable that "1776 Returns" contains no specific mention of committing violence against law enforcement or anybody else. It also doesn't specifically say that the target of the occupation was the politicians who had gathered to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, a claim that is central to the conspiracy case against Tarrio and others.

"If you're the defense lawyer, you would say they were planning protests and that maybe some of it involved trespassing  some illegal activity  but that this document suggests that he (Tarrio) wasn't planning an attack against the government," Saltzburg said. "It's nice to have a document like that if you're on the defense side."

Saltzburg said the "1776 Returns" document is strong evidence there was a conspiracy to commit certain crimes on Jan. 6, just not necessarily the crimes the Proud Boys are charged with.

Multiple questions remain about the document, which was mentioned briefly in last Thursday's hearing of the Congressional Committee investigating Jan. 6.

The committee has sought to tie former President Donald Trump to the conspiracies involving the Proud Boys and other domestic extremists. Both Cotter and Saltzburg said crucial questions remaining are who authored the document and to who it was distributed.

"I think the million-dollar question is, how did Tarrio come into possession of this document?" Cotter said. "But the $2 million question, from a legal perspective, is who did he give it to?"

The document spells out a five-step process for the day. After detailing the first three steps to infiltrate the buildings, storm them and distract law enforcement, the plan reaches its goals. Step 4 is to "occupy" with a series of chanted demands.

Step 5, in the document, appears unfinished. A set of highlighted lines notes "We have the ability to go into office" and "Target Specific Senators Offices"

Then it raises a question for which it appears to offer no answer: "What's the ending point for this?"

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: '1776 Returns': Document in Proud Boys Jan. 6 prosecution reveals plans
Major promotional MMA heads back to South Dakota this summer.

Bellator 284 is set to take place Aug. 12 at Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, the promotion officially announced Wednesday. Atop the card is a five-round welterweight matchup between Neiman Gracie (11-3 MMA, 9-3 BMMA) and Goiti Yamauchi (27-5 MMA, 13-4 BMMA).

Gracie, 33, most recently competed in a five-round war against Logan Storely in February. The battle was back-and-forth until the final horn, shortly after which Storley was named winner by split decision. The loss moved Gracie to 2-3 in his past five appearances.

Yamauchi, 29, has won back-to-back fights entering Bellator 284. His most recent performance, a quick submission win against Levan Chokheli, marked his divisional debut at welterweight.

In the co-main event, top heavyweight contenders collide as Valentin Moldavksy (11-2 MMA, 6-1 BMMA) looks to rebound from a title shot loss when he battles undefeated rising star Steve Mowry (10-0 MMA, 6-0 BMMA).

Also on the card, former Bellator womens flyweight champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (11-2 MMA, 10-2 BMMA) will take on Bruna Ellen (6-3 MMA, 4-3 BMMA). Macfarlane will look to snap a two-fight losing skid, including a title defeat to Juliana Velasquez and a unanimous decision to Justine Kish.

Meanwhile, Ellen has won two of her most recent three bouts.

The current Bellator 284 lineup includes:
The Thwaites Glacier, nicknamed the "doomsday" glacier, is losing ice at a rate not seen in more than 5,500 years, according to a new study, raising concerns about the Florida-sized glacier's future and the rise of the global sea level.

The glacier has become a focal point on the long list of natural features threatened by a warming climate, thus the nickname it was given when it was announced in January 2020 that warm water was present underneath the 74,000-square-mile glacier located in West Antarctica.

The new dangers facing the glacier were highlighted in a peer-reviewed study published on Thursday in the journal Nature Geoscience.

This undated photo courtesy of NASA shows Thwaites Glacier in western Antarctica.

Researchers came to their conclusion by analyzing prehistoric seashells and penguin bones on arctic beaches through radiocarbon dating. These fossils, which were more than 5,000 years old, were around when Earth was much warmer than present day, even with today's rising global temperatures. Through this process, researchers could figure out when these beaches arose and the local sea level around them.

The results showed the glacier had begun to lose ice at a steady pace in that time frame roughly 5,000 years ago, with a local sea level rising rate of 0.14 inches per year. However, in the past 30 years, that rate has increased to 1.57 inches per year, a pace not seen in 5,500 years.

"These currently elevated rates of ice melting may signal that those vital arteries from the heart of the (West Antarctic Ice Sheet) have been ruptured, leading to accelerating flow into the ocean that is potentially disastrous for future global sea level in a warming world," Dylan Rood, co-author and faculty of engineering at Imperial College London, said in a statement.

The glacier already is contributing to sea level rise, as ice draining from it into the Amundsen Sea already accounts for about 4% of global sea-level rise, according to the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration.

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The loss of ice comes a few months after another group of researchers said the eastern ice shelf holding the "doomsday" glacier in place has cracks that could result in its collapse in the next three to five years, exposing it to ocean water and leading to eventual cliff breakoffs.

Collapse: Ice shelf collapses in East Antarctica for first time in human history. It's the size of New York City.

'Not a good sign': The temperature was 70 degrees above average near South Pole, a troubling record

The eventual demise of the glacier could result in global sea levels rising up to a foot in the next century, scientists with the American Geophysical Union said in December, threatening numerous coastal cities around the world.

Researchers aren't giving up hope; they said they will be drilling through the glacier to collect rock underneath it, which could determine if the accelerated melting could be reversed or not.

"We now urgently need to work out if it's too late to stop the bleeding," Rood said.

Contributing: Doyle Rice, USA TODAY

Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jordan_mendoza5.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Doomsday' glacier's ice is melting at fastest rate in 5,500 years
Photo credit: David M. Benett

Today Ruth Ozeki won UKs prestigious Womens Prize for The Book of Form and Emptiness, becoming the 27th laureate, and edging out a gifted, competitive field. (Previous winners include Ann Patchett and Maggie OFarrell as well as Oprahs Book Club picks Marilynne Robinson and Tayari Jones.) Ozekis playful origami of a novel illuminates the inner life of 15-year-old Benny Oh, a biracial adolescent who loses his musician father and slips into a psychotic fugue as his mother grapples with her own burdens. Benny hears voices from the objects in his house, a disorienting stereo, and seeks refuge among the stacks at the public library, where the books are kind and courteous, befriending him. Heres the kicker: The novel itself narrates the story, manipulating forms to our delight: Books are works of love...even our driest tomes, the most unromantic among us, can make your dreams come true.

The American Canadian Ozeki is something of a polymath: The author of four novels and an autobiography, shes also a filmmaker, a Buddhist priest, and a literature professor at her alma mater, Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts.

In her speech, Ozeki said, I am a firm believer in bootstrapping, that women have to support each other. Shes been a generous mentor to many students, among them Leila Mottley, Oprahs Book Clubs current featured author, whose book Nightcrawling is currently #8 on the New York Times bestseller list in its first week on sale.



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The Stanley Cup won't be heading to Russia this summer. (REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)

One of the great Stanley Cup traditions won't be allowed to fully play out this offseason for political reasons.

Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, the NHL has made the decision to prevent the championship trophy from visiting Russia and Belarus.

With respect to this summer, the Cup isnt going to Russia or Belarus, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said in a media conference Wednesday prior to Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. To that extent, we may owe a Cup trip in the future. That can happen like we did with the pandemic, but its not happening this summer."

The NHL has informed both teams that the Cup will not go to Russia or Belarus this summer for any player Stanley Cup parties  Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) June 15, 2022

There are Russian players on both sides of the Stanley Cup Final. Three of the Tampa Bay Lightning's biggest stars in Nikita Kucherov, Andrei Vasilevskiy and Mikhail Sergachev hail from the nation, while Valeri Nichushkin is the lone Russian suiting up for the Colorado Avalanche. Those players won't necessarily be denied a trip home with Lord Stanley's mug in the future, but they will have to wait for more clarity from the league.

Preventing the Stanley Cup from visiting Russia is the latest move the NHL has made to distance itself from the country. The league has severed business ties with Russia due to the war in Ukraine, and suspended its agreement with the KHL in March.

Numerous NHL players and alumni have spoken out against the war, with Hall of Fame goalie Dominik Hasek repeatedly calling for the league to suspend all active Russian NHLers. Hasek also took aim at Alex Ovechkin, a noted Vladimir Putin supporter, for his initial comments when Russia first invaded Ukraine.

Its a hard situation. I have lots of friends in Russia and Ukraine. And its hard to see the war. I hope soon its going to be over and there is going to be peace in the whole world, Ovechkin said at the time.

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He's my president. But how I said, I'm not in politics, I'm an athlete."

Earlier this spring, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced that Russian-born players would indeed be eligible for the 2022 draft after speculation that they wouldn't be permitted.

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Photo credit: Ng Sok Lian / EyeEm - Getty Images

Vaginal discharge is part of the territory that comes with having a vagina. Odds are you dont really pay attention to your vaginal discharge colors until you notice an unusual shade.

You probably already know this, but JIC: Vaginal discharge is the fluid that comes from your vagina. It is composed of secretions from the cervix and vagina, bacteria, and mucus, says Loriana Soma, MD, an ob-gyn at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Discharge isnt just there for funit actually has a job to do. "It serves to clean the vagina and prevent infection, says womens health expert Jennifer Wider, MD. Glands inside the vagina and cervix expel fluid that aids in the removal of dead cells and bacteria.

So its totally normal to have vaginal discharge. Know that it can vary throughout your menstrual cycle. During menstruation, there is minimal discharge, Dr. Soma says. It can then be browndue to old bloodafter the period finishes. The days after the period can have less discharge, and it may be sticky. When youre fertile (in the few days before you ovulate), your cervical mucus and discharge may appear slippery, thin, clear, and have an egg-white consistency. After ovulation, you may have less discharge and the liquid you do see takes on a thicker consistency.

That said, sometimes a funky color can be a sign that something is off. The most common cause of abnormal discharge is infection, Dr. Soma notes. Changes in vaginal discharge also occur in pregnancy, menopause, and also when patients are on birth control pills.

You may notice differences in consistency and volume, as well as the appearance of your discharge. Here are the biggies, plus what they can mean.

Meet the experts: Loriana Soma, MD, is a clinical assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and has more than 10 years of experience in caring for women with different medical needs.



Jennifer Wider, MD, sits on the medical advisory boards of Cosmopolitan and Health. She is the author of four books focused on women's health, including The Savvy Woman Patient and The New Mom Survival Guide. She has been an invited guest lecturer and workshop presenter at hospitals, women's centers, and colleges across the country.



Mary Jane Minkin, MD, is a practicing gynecologist, and she has held her faculty position as clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at Yale University School of Medicine for more than 40 years. She was recognized by Connecticut Magazine as a "Top Doc" in the state.

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Clear

Clear vaginal discharge is usually what most people with a vagina experience at baseline, says Dr. Wider. So, if youre having clear discharge, everything is probably in good working order down there.

White

White discharge can be normalespecially as you get closer to the time when your period is duebut it can also be a sign of an infection, like a yeast infection, says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecologist and reproductive sciences at Yale Medical School. Yeast infections usually present with a white, cottage-cheesy discharge and itchingusually on the vulva, which also can be red and irritated, she says.

If you have these symptoms, you can try to treat yourself with an anti-fungal miconazole cream, which you can buy at your local drugstore. But, if that doesnt help, its time to check in with your doctor.

Yellow

This is another one that falls into the category of it depends. A slight yellow color can be normal, says Dr. Soma, but thick yellow discharge may be a sign of infections like cervicitis (an infection of the cervix) or pelvic inflammatory disease, which affects the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. Other potential diagnoses in the mix: The STIs trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.

Basically, if you notice thick yellow discharge that wont quit and are experiencing other symptoms like a strong vaginal odor, itchiness, irritation, and pain during urination and/or sex, you should talk to your doctor about next steps.

Green

Thats usually abnormal, says Dr. Wider, especially if you also experience a strong odor, inflammation, swelling, itchiness, and a burning sensation. Green discharge can be a sign of trichomoniasis, which tends to come with a stinky fish kind of scent, Dr. Minkin says. Soget it checked out. It can be treated with antibiotics, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Gray

Gray discharge is a common presenting symptom of bacterial vaginosis (BV), per Dr. Soma, and it's typically malodorous.

Besides the annoyance, the overgrowth of the bacteria responsible for this discharge can lead to a worsening of STIs and women with BV when they get pregnant have a higher chance of preterm labor, Dr. Minkin says. So, it's good to treat BV, not only for its annoying discharge, but because of these potential problems. Thankfully, it can usually be cleared up with antibiotics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Pink

Pink discharge is usually due to light bleeding from your uterus or cervix, says Dr. Soma, adding that it can be the start or end of a normal period. But, if it happens after sex, it can be a sign of cervicitis or cervical dysplasia, abnormal cervical cells that can be pre-cancerous or cervical cancer.

If the discharge seems blood-tinged, do check in with your provider, Dr. Minkin suggests. It can also be a sign of an STI, she says, so youll want to get it checked out regardless if its not happening right before or after your period.

When should you see a doctor?

If youre having discharge thats not normal for you and you have concerns, reach out to your doctor. Ditto if youre having thick white or yellow discharge, or youre dealing with green or gray discharge.

Symptoms like itchiness, burning, odors, and swelling are also signals that something is off with your vagina, Dr. Wider says. Basically, dont hesitate to get things checked out.

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Mikhail Baryshnikov is blasting Vladimir Putin over the Russian presidents invasion of Ukraine, saying he does not care about people at all.

Hes trying to create a new history of Russia, said the acclaimed ballet dancer  who was born in Latvia when the country was part of the Soviet Union and famously defected to Canada in 1974  in a preview clip released Thursday from an upcoming interview on CBS Sunday Morning.

The full interview with Baryshnikov airs this weekend.

Hows it possible he has kids himself? Baryshnikov asked CBSs Anthony Mason of Putin. Hows it possible?

Baryshnikov, the son of Russian parents, said witnessing the horrors of Russias offensive against Ukraine since the conflict began in February compelled him to speak out.

I couldnt stay silent this time, Baryshnikov said.

Earlier this year, the former Sex and the City star co-founded True Russia, an online fundraising campaign for Ukrainian refugees.

When Mason noted that Russians who publicly criticize Putin have a way of kind of disappearing, Baryshnikov replied, Listen, I will be 75 years old.

What have I to lose? he said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (L) and US President Joe Biden (R). Pool via REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque; REUTERS/Andrej Isakovic

Biden is visiting Saudi Arabia next month following trips to Israel and the West Bank.

The president is facing widespread criticism over the trip, given he pledged to punish the Saudis for Khashoggi's murder.

On the campaign trail, Biden said he would make the Saudis "pay the price, and make them in fact the pariah that they are."

The White House on Tuesday officially announced that President Joe Biden will visit Saudi Arabia next month, despite the fact the president pledged to recalibrate relations with the kingdom and make it a "pariah" over the brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi by assassins with ties to the country's de facto leader.

Biden is visiting the Middle East region from July 13 to 16, first traveling to Israel and the West Bank before heading to to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The president "looks forward to this important visit to Saudi Arabia, which has been a strategic partner of the United States for nearly eight decades," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

"While in Saudi Arabia, the President will discuss a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues. These include support to the UN-mediated truce in Yemen, which has led to the most peaceful period there since war began seven years ago. He will also discuss means for expanding regional economic and security cooperation, including new and promising infrastructure and climate initiatives, as well as deterring threats from Iran, advancing human rights, and ensuring global energy and food security," the statement added.

The White House statement did not state whether Biden would meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman  often referred to as MBS  and did not mention Khashoggi. Meanwhile, a statement from the Saudi embassy said that MBS and Biden would meet and hold "official talks."

Asked by reporters why the White House statement did not mention a meeting between Biden and MBS, who is the de facto ruler of the kingdom, Jean-Pierre said, "Look, the president is going to see over a dozen leaders on this trip...Yes, we can expect the president to see the crown prince as well."

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The official confirmation came after reports that Biden would make a trip to Saudi Arabia to discuss the escalating oil crisis linked to the Ukraine war. Bans on Russian petroleum exports have contributed to the soaring costs of gas, with officials seeking more supply from Saudi Arabia as US gas prices average $5 a gallon and are still climbing.

After years of former President Donald Trump protecting MBS from any punishment over Khashoggi's murder, Biden entered the White House vowing a major shift in US policy toward the kingdom while promising to have a foreign policy centered on human rights. Responding to the news of the trip, critics have accused Biden of breaking his promises and allowing MBS to get away with murder.

"President Biden's decision to meet MBS is horribly upsetting to me and supporters of freedom and justice everywhere," Hatice Cengiz, Khashoggi's fiancee, said in a statement to CNN. Khashoggi, a Saudi national, was murdered by agents of the Saudi government in October 2018. He was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, entering it under the impression he would obtain a document necessary to marry Cengiz.

The president is sending a "pretty powerful signal that it's OK now to do business with MBS," Aaron David Miller, a former US diplomat who advised multiple secretaries of state on the Middle East, recently told Insider.

During a presidential debate in November 2019, Biden excoriated Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi's murder and human rights abuses. "I would make it very clear we were not going to in fact sell more weapons to them," Biden said at the time, adding, "We were going to in fact make them pay the price, and make them in fact the pariah that they are."

"They have to be held accountable," Biden said.

Biden during the debate also said there was "very little social redeeming value in the present government in Saudi Arabia." And alluding to Yemen, Biden said he would "end the sale of material to the Saudis where they're going in and murdering children, and they're murdering innocent people."

The president did take some steps to make good on these promises early on, including by releasing a declassified intelligence report that explicitly implicated MBS in Khashoggi's murder. That said, the Biden administration slapped sanctions on some Saudis in concert with the release of the report, but MBS was excluded.

And though the president vowed to end US support for the Saudi-led coalition in the Yemen war, the Biden administration continued arms sales to the kingdom. MBS is the architect of the conflict, which has fostered what the UN has described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

In comments to CNN on Tuesday, Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois said he had "mixed feelings" on Biden visiting Saudi Arabia.

"If the president called me, I would say, 'Mr. President, you can't trust these people. Their standards are not our standards, their values are not ours,'" Durbin, the second most powerful Democrat in the Senate, added.

But some also say that Biden's decision to visit the Saudis is a practical decision.

"Statecraft often involves making difficult choices," Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, DC, recently told Insider in comments on Biden's trip.

"The US-Saudi relationship is built on some pretty solid foundations of shared interests," Ibish added. "These are two status quo powers, and Saudi Arabia needs the United States to guarantee its fundamental security, whereas the United States needs a partner in the Gulf region to help secure the energy resources of our major trading partners and the global economy."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Buffalo School Board on Wednesday unanimously approved an agreement with Say Yes Buffalo to establish a pilot program that would offer prekindergarten classes for 3-year-olds in the district.

The classes would be held at community schools in the district, according to School Board Member at-large Larry Scott. At a School Board meeting Wednesday, Scott said the School Board's Educational Support Committee heard a presentation on June 8 by both Buffalo Public Schools and Say Yes Buffalo staff on the pilot program.

"It was proposed that it would be a launch of six to seven classrooms to begin servicing 70 to 105 students," Scott told his colleagues on the School Board.

The plan is to begin two classrooms in January, and the remaining classrooms would be established the following school year, he said. The participating schools have yet to be determined, but it will be required that there be at least one class in a school district community school located in each of the six Buffalo Board of Education sub-districts, Scott said.

He said it will be a full-day program, and that transportation would be provided.

Scott said there are currently 500 open seats for prekindergarten in the district. The district has budgeted $450,000 to pay for the pilot program.

The districts primary interest and top requirement for the pilot program is that the prekindergarten classes for 3-year-olds specifically serve to extend the existing community school framework by compatibly matching the curriculum, student and family supports, as well as the goals, objectives, outcomes and integration already in place through the district's partnership with Say Yes Buffalo.

Scott said research shared at last week's presentation revealed numerous benefits for pupils who would take part in the pilot program.

"When you have good, quality, early pre-school programs, that has such significant long-term impacts. It closes educational gaps for students of color, English language learners (and) students with disabilities," Scott said.

"It seems most of the impact is on social-emotional development. Student attendance is better, lower suspension rates. Students are more likely to graduate from high school and enroll in and graduate from college, as well," he added.

Steve Barnett, director of the National Institute for Early Education Research, applauded the district's plan.

"Every year of a child's life is important," Barnett said. "The strongest evidence we have for meaningful long-term impact and progress is beginning their education as soon as age three."

"Waiting until age four results in lost opportunities." Barnett said. "They are quite capable of building their abilities before that age."

News Staff Reporter Thad Green contributed to this story.

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Amid the feud with Gov. Ron DeSantis over the so-called dont say gay law, the Walt Disney Co. has delayed for more than three years plans to move about 2,000 high-paying jobs to Orlando, Florida, from California.

Disney spokeswoman Jacquee Wahler said Wednesday the expected opening date for the Lake Nona campus was pushed to 2026 to give people more time and accommodate the construction timeline for the new offices. A Disney representative previously told the Orlando Sentinel the offices were expected to be operating in Orlando by December 2022.

The news follows tension between Disney and DeSantis that began in March over the companys response to Floridas dont say gay law and has continued since. DeSantis signed laws to dissolve Disney Worlds Reedy Creek Improvement District and void Disneys exemption under social media censorship legislation.

Some conservatives called for boycotts of the company in early April, though public calls for protest were short-lived.

State Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, attributed the decision to Disneys battle with Florida leaders over what is officially called the Parental Rights in Education legislation, saying these culture wars have an economic cost.

The law prohibits instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade and in higher grades whenever such lessons are not considered age appropriate. LGBTQ+ organizations and advocates have said the law perpetuates discrimination and voiced concerns it could have a chilling effect on teachers and students.

Weve made the point all along, during debate on this bill, that attacking LGBTQ+ people ... is not only just bad politics or culture wars, but its bad for the economy, Eskamani said.

It might be good for DeSantis base, but at the end of the day, top talent does not want to call a state that supports these policies home, she added. And so this is absolutely an illustration of that point that weve been making this entire time.

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Wahler did not comment when asked if the battle between Disney and DeSantis had caused the delay.

The governors office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

Disney is poised to receive tax breaks totaling over $570 million by moving more than 2,000 jobs in its Parks, Experiences and Products division to Lake Nona. The average salary for the relocating positions is $120,000.

Around 90% of the affected jobs are in Imagineering, the companys main creative design division, Disney analyst Jim Hill told the Orlando Sentinel in November.

This is the first time Disney has confirmed an updated timeline for the Lake Nona move in recent months, though since-deleted job listings posted in May hinted at a possible delay.

A May 3 post on the Disney Careers website advertised an Imagineering job to be based in Glendale, California, that was described as part of a team that would relocate to Orlando in late 2024. The listing, seeking an executive for the new experience development team, is no longer accessible on the website.

Another former posting, seeking a technology studio executive for Imagineering, was listed as a hybrid position based in Orlando and Lake Buena Vista. It had the same notice of relocation.

Disney did not respond when asked about the job postings at the time.

The company is positioned to invest up to $864 million in building the regional hub in Lake Nona. A company associated with Walt Disney World paid over $46 million for 60 acres near Lake Nonas Medical City last year in a deal that would allow Disney to build 1.8 million square feet of office space.

Current employees with jobs slated for relocation to Florida were informed on a rolling basis last year, with the final group notified by Nov. 1. They had three months to decide whether to move, and Disney said it would provide relocation assistance to affected employees.

But employees, especially those within Imagineering, appeared to be resistant to the cross-country trek.

According to people with Imagineering contacts, including a former employee and Hill, worker morale was low after the transition was announced. They said Disney stood to lose a large number of affected employees, especially veteran Imagineers with longstanding ties to California.

In December, former Imagineering President Bob Weis stepped down from his leadership role to a California-based position within the division. At the time, a spokeswoman said his decision was not due to Imagineerings move to Florida.

Theme park industry experts appear hopeful that the Lake Nona campus opening will offer more jobs to graduates of local theme park design and management programs and attract international talent to Orlando.

The themed entertainment industry has centralized in the Orlando area in recent years, with organizations such as the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions moving its headquarters here and themed entertainment companies who work with major theme parks increasingly announcing the openings of new Central Florida offices.
FMC Lexington is an "administrative security federal medical center" with an adjacent minimum security satellite camp, in Lexington, Kentucky.

MUNCIE, Ind. The former administrator of the Muncie Sanitary District has reported to a federal prison in Lexington, Kentucky.

Nikki Grigsby, 47, last month received a one-year sentence after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis.

She had been accused of conspiring to steer MSD contracts to the business of a co-defendant, contractor Tony Franklin, in exchange for bribes.

For subscribers: Grigsby says she was told to run Muncie Sanitary District business past 'Phil or Dennis'

The prison Grigsby reported to in recent days  180 miles southeast of Muncie  is described as a "federal medical center with an adjacent minimum security satellite camp."

It holds about 1,260 inmates, approximately 200 of whom are assigned to the camp.

Muncie crime news: Woman sentenced to 40 years in prison for role in fatal overdose at Delaware County jail

Another participant in the bribery conspiracy reportedly referred to by conspirators as "The Program," former Muncie police officer Jess Neal, is serving a two-year sentence imposed in February.

Neal  who also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud  is being held at the Ashland Federal Correctional Institute in eastern Kentucky.

Contractor Franklin pleaded guilty to the same charge in May, but he will not be sentenced until Sept. 8.

Two other co-defendants, former MSD official Tracy Barton and ex-local Democratic Party chairman Phil Nichols, have signed plea agreements,

For subscribers: Phil Nichols' Muncie political saga has spanned decades

Barton is scheduled to enter his guilty plea and be sentenced on June 24.

An attorney for Nichols recently filed a motion indicating his client had been diagnosed with dementia. Whether that will impact how the case proceeds remains to be seen..

While Grigsby's one-year sentence is underway, it's possible her stay in prison might prove to be significantly shorter than that.

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STAY INFORMED AND SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM: Subscribe today using the link at the top of this page.

Last November, former Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler also received a one-year sentence after a conviction that was not directly tied to "The Program" conspiracy.

However, Tyler's theft conviction  stemming from a $5,000 payment from a contractor  was the result of the same years-long federal investigation of corruption in his administration and the MSD.

After a little more than five months of incarceration, the ex-mayor this month was released from a federal prison in West Virginia where he had been held since late December. He has apparently returned to Muncie.

Federal officials have not confirmed whether Tyler is on home detention, but records reflect he is under the supervision of a field office in St. Louis that oversees such programs.

The former mayor's sentence officially runs through Oct. 14.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Former Indiana administrator reports to federal prison in Kentucky
Jun. 15ROCHESTER  A Rochester woman has been charged with criminal neglect after her fiance, a disabled man, reported to police that she assaulted him multiple times. She had once been his caretaker, according to court documents.

Roxana Cecibeth Richter, 43, appeared in Olmsted County District Court Wednesday, June 15, 2022, on two counts of felony criminal neglect and one count of fourth-degree assault, a gross misdemeanor.

District Judge Kathy Wallace released Richter on her own recognizance provided she have no contact with the victim, remain law abiding and not leave the state.

Her next court date is scheduled for Aug. 18.

According to the criminal complaint:

Richter punched the man multiple times in the face following an October 2021 argument in their Rochester home. The man told law enforcement that she had been drinking and "became so angry that she broke a bathroom sink and light switch."

The man has a history of Guillian-Barre Syndrome, which impairs his mobility and the use of his extremities. At one point, Richter was his personal care attendant while he was in rehabilitation at the Edenbrooke nursing home and the pair had been engaged for approximately three months at the time of the assault.

The man told law enforcement that during the assault, she punched him in the face until he lost consciousness before waking up to her hitting him again.

When questioned by officers, Richter denied assaulting the man. Law enforcement noted injuries on the man consistent with the reported assault.

During questioning, Richter became angry and resisted being placed under arrest and later attempted to remove her handcuffs. Law enforcement noted she smelled strongly of alcohol.

During an interview conducted with a Mayo Clinic employee, the man recounted four to five major incidents of physical abuse from Richter, who kept knives and a machete around the house that she would threaten him with.

He also reported that she would hit him with a wooden rolling pin, once pushed him down the stairs as a joke and restricted his access to water, food, medications, financial institutions and communication with family members.

According to an human resources employee at Edenbrook, Richter was a contract employee and is no longer working in the facility. An administrator for Edenbrook did not immediately return a call for a request for comment.

According to the staffing agency that employed Richter, HADDBM Staffing, out of Omaha, Nebraska, she is no longer employed with them as of two months ago.
Otero County, N.M., Commissioner Couy Griffin stands outside the federal court after receiving a verdict in his trial on March 22, 2022 in Washington. AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe, File

New Mexico's top court has ordered a GOP-led commission to certify primary election results.

The three-person commission in Otero County refused to acknowledge the June 7 results.

The commission baselessly claimed it had issues with Dominion voting machines.

New Mexico's Supreme Court has ordered a GOP-led commission to recognize the primary results in the southern Otero County after it refused to do so over baseless voting machine concerns.

According to court documents obtained by local news outlet KOB4, the state's top court ordered the county's commission on Wednesday to approve the results of the 2022 primary election no later than Friday.

The three-person commission in the county last week declined to certify the results of a June 7 primary election, citing bogus issues it had with Dominion vote-tabulating machines used  though it was unable to point to any specific issue.

New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver, a Democrat, sued the commission on Tuesday and asked the Supreme Court to intervene, citing "illegal actions to disenfranchise" the state's voters.

"New Mexico's 2022 Primary Election was conducted with the highest standards of election administration by dedicated county clerks and civil servants across our state," Toulouse Oliver said in a statement.

She added: "The post-election canvassing process is a key component of how we maintain our high levels of election integrity in New Mexico and the Otero County Commission is flaunting that process by appeasing unfounded conspiracy theories and potentially nullifying the votes of every Otero County voter who participated in the Primary."

Toulouse Oliver told CNN on Thursday that she's not sure if the commission will end up certifying the results and said, "we're in completely uncharted territory here."

One commission member, Vickie Marquardt, told the Associated Press on Monday that when "I certify stuff that I don't know is right, I feel like I'm being dishonest because in my heart I don't know if it is right."

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Among those in the commission is "Cowboys for Trump" leader Couy Griffin, who was convicted of trespassing during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots.

The baseless voting machine claims are similar to those made by MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell  who falsely claimed that Dominion's machines rigged the 2020 presidential election  and other GOP figures loyal to former President Donald Trump. The Associated Press reported that Trump won Otero County with 62% of the vote in the 2020 presidential election.

In a statement to Insider's Matthew Loh and Charles Davis, a Dominion spokesperson said the Otero County refusal was "yet another example of how lies" have "diminished the public's faith in elections."

Read the original article on Business Insider
In the days following the mass shooting at Columbia Machine near Smithsburg, more details have emerged about what happened that Thursday afternoon, as well as what police have found in their investigation.

Three vehicles, including a Mitsubishi Eclipse with a damaged windshield, are hauled away from the scene of a shooting on Mapleville Road near Smithsburg, Md., on Thursday, June 9, 2022.

What happened at Mount Aetna and Mapleville roads?

Maryland State Police have released more information about the arrest of a 23-year-old Berkeley County, West Virginia, man accused of killing three people and wounding a fourth at Columbia Machine last week.

The suspect also is accused of getting into a firefight with state police and wounding one of them on Mapleville Road south of the traffic circle at Mount Aetna Road.

Court records: Columbia Machine shooter tried to commit suicide-by-cop

Following charges being filed in which the troopers were named, state police confirmed that the injured trooper was Detective Sgt. Phil Martin, who is assigned to the Criminal Enforcement Division Western Region, according to a state police news release sent Monday. He was treated and released Thursday from Meritus Medical Center near Hagerstown.

State police also confirmed Lt. Vincent Upole, the commander of the Rockville Barrack, and Master Trooper David Thompson, who is assigned to the Hagerstown Barrack, were the other troopers involved in the firefight.

After the suspect left Columbia Machine on Bikle Road, police there relayed his description, as well as that of his burnt orange Mitsubishi Eclipse and noted he was headed south on Mapleville Road, also known as Md. 66.

The troopers were northbound on Mapleville Road and tried to block the road with their patrol vehicles south of the traffic circle. The suspect accelerated the Mitsubishi and crashed into one of the troopers vehicles, according to the news release and charging documents.

The suspect fired through his own windshield, according to the news release. At least one of the troopers exchanged gunfire with the suspect when both Martin and the suspect were wounded.

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The state police homicide unit is investigating the shooting involving the gunman and the troopers, according to the news release. As per state police protocol, the troopers involved in the shooting are placed on administrative duty pending the completion of the investigation.

Police from several agencies work at the scene of an incident at Mapleville Road and Mount Aetna Road south of Smithsburg.

Are there more details on the search warrant served on suspect's home?

Berkeley County Sheriff Nathan Harmon said Monday that his office executed the search warrant at the suspect's home.

During a search of the shooting suspect's home the evening of the shooting, deputies found "an array of firearms," Harmon said. Harmon would not go into detail, although he said more than 20 guns were found.

One of the firearms was a long gun that was illegally altered, Harmon said.

From Smithsburg: With mass shooting at Columbia Machine, tragedy hits 'very close to home'

Is there bodycam footage from the incident?

The Herald-Mail filed Public Information Act requests to the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the Maryland State Police, seeking any footage from bodycams or dash cams either agency might have related to the shooting in Smithsburg and the later shootout on Mapleville Road.

Both agencies denied the requests Tuesday.

"The video footage you have requested is part of an investigatory file compiled by the Sheriff, for law enforcement and prosecution purposes involving an open and ongoing criminal investigation," wrote B. Andrew Bright, the sheriff's office attorney, in the response to The Herald-Mail's request. "The Sheriff believes that disclosure of the requested video at this time would interfere with the law enforcement proceeding and would prejudice the ongoing investigation of this matter, and therefore would be contrary to the public interest."

Remembering the victims: Smithsburg community gathers for vigil following Columbia Machine shootings

Elena Russo, director of the state police Office of Media Communications, stated much the same in her reply to the request.

"Unfortunately, there cannot be any release of video footage due to the investigation," she wrote in an email Tuesday.

Herald-Mail staff writers Dave McMillion, Dave Rhodes and Julie E. Greene, and News Director Joseph Deinlein contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Smithsburg shooting suspect shot through own windshield, cops say
A guard at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater and an inmate serving a murder sentence were involved in a romantic relationship while they ran a methamphetamine operation inside the prison, according to federal charges filed this week.

A federal grand jury indicted former corrections officer Faith Rose Gratz, 24, of St. Paul, and inmate Axel Rene Kramer, 35, on charges for their alleged roles in a drug distribution scheme that was carried out at the states largest high-security prison from at least January until early April of this year.

Gratz and Kramer each face one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Gratz also faces one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The federal indictment filed Wednesday further details pending charges brought against Gratz in Washington County District Court in April stemming from the same alleged prison drug distribution scheme. According to the indictment, the drug operation was discovered in early April after prison officers found Kramers cell phone, which Gratz had given to him.

Gratz and Kramer exchanged hundreds of text messages with each other about the drug distribution conspiracy and about their romantic relationship, including talk about getting married once Kramer was done serving his prison sentence. Gratzs cell phone number was saved in Kramers phone as Bbygirl.

Kramer in June 2010 was sentenced to 24 years in prison for the killing of 20-year-old Alberto Samilpa Jr., who was found shot and stabbed to death north of Windom, Minn. Kramer was one of four men who reached plea deals and were convicted of second-degree murder in the killing.

Gratz was a corrections officer from June 17, 2020, until this past May.

Kramer is currently incarcerated at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights.

INDICTMENT

The federal indictment alleges Kramer obtained wholesale quantities of prepackaged methamphetamine from sources of supply outside the prison. After Kramer and an unindicted co-conspirator inmate worked with the drug suppliers to arrange meet up times and locations, Gratz would pick up the drug packages.

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Gratz then used her position as a prison guard to smuggle the drugs into prison and give them to Kramer while she was on duty guarding him, according to federal prosecutors. Gratz did this on approximately six different occasions.

Gratz also smuggled into the prison multiple cell phones that she gave to Kramer and warned him about upcoming searches of inmates cells so Kramer could hide his phone and drugs to avoid detection. Kramer used the cell phones to communicate with people inside and outside the prison and to carry out his drug distribution network from within the prison.

After finding Kramers cell phone, prison officers confronted Gratz on April 8 when she arrived for work. When they served a search warrant, they found half a pound of methamphetamine under the back seat of her car, according to court documents.

Gratz later admitted to bringing about six packages of methamphetamine to the inmate during the previous four months. She said at first she didnt know what the packages contained, but admitted later learning the packages contained narcotics.

DEEPLY TROUBLING

The case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, Bayport police and the Minnesota Department of Corrections, according to the U.S. attorneys office.

Initial appearance dates in federal court have not been scheduled for Gratz and Kramer.

Washington County prosecutors have charged Gratz with one count of felony sale of 17 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Gratz is next scheduled to appear in county court July 21.

On Thursday, Nicholas Kimball, a spokesman with the Minnesota Department of Corrections, released an emailed statement, calling the allegations deeply troubling and and not indicative of the incredible work done by corrections staff every day.

Smuggling illegal drugs into a prison presents a grave risk to staff and the incarcerated population, the statement read, and we will continue to cooperate fully with this case.

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As more Americans get ready to travel this summer, T-Mobile is ramping up perks for its current customers and perhaps hoping to attract new ones.

The wireless carrier will offer customers 25 cents off a gallon of gas at Shell stations this summer and free connectivity and streaming on flights.

Additionally T-Mobile is giving customers access to high-speed data in more than 210 countries.

"Our mission is to be the best in the world at connecting customers to their world, and that means making sure your phone just works wherever you go  even if you travel beyond our signal, T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert said in a statement.

The new perks are available starting June 21.

Few workers. Slow supplies.: Why you'll be waiting a while for that new house to be built

Tech tips: How to see if anyone is using your Gmail, Facebook, or Netflix accounts

A T-Mobile store is seen at 7th Avenue and 49th Street on March 23, 2012 in New York City.

Who's eligible for the new T-Mobile perks?

T-Mobile members on the company's Magenta Max plan or Business Unlimited Ultimate plan will get 5 GB of free high-speed data every month when visiting one of more than 210 foreign countries.

Customers on most T-Mobile and Sprint plans who visit Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania and Slovakia get the same offer through a partnership with Deutsche Telecom, the company said.

T-Mobile is also allowing customers to stay connected on phones during flights, initially launching on Delta, American and Alaskan Airlines flights, with United coming soon. Users can not only connect to their phones, but have full access to streaming. It will not support video or audio cal

The service is unlimited for customers on Magenta Max or equivalent plans. On Magenta or similar plans, T-Mobile customers will be able to use the perk on four flights per year, then for one hour on every flight after that.

The gas discount will be available to all customers through the carrier's T-Mobile Tuesdays app every week from June 21 through the week of Labor Day.

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Verizon's new $25 home broadband perk

T-Mobile isn't the only carrier one with incentives to keep customers and bring in new ones.

On Thursday, Verizon announced it is offering its wireless customers home broadband plans starting at $25. The deal for new customers requires signing up for autopay and having a premium 5G mobile plan.

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: T-Mobile's new in-flight streaming, gas perks available Tuesday
New York City police are investigating an anti-Asian assault in Manhattan amid a rise in hate crimes across the U.S.

A woman is wanted for allegedly making anti-Asian remarks at four people and attacking them with pepper spray on Saturday, the New York City Police Department said. The department's Hate Crimes Task Force released a photograph and video of the suspect and are asking for the public's help in identifying the woman.

Police have described the suspect as a woman likely in her 50s and around 5 feet 3 inches tall. (NYPD)

In the video, which has no audio, the suspect can be seen holding what appears to be a canister of pepper spray before deploying the spray.

The NYPD said the incident unfolded just after 6 p.m. near Manhattans Chelsea neighborhood. The victims refused medical attention at the scene, police said.

The alleged attack comes as the U.S. has seen a rise in hate crimes, including those targeting the Asian American community.

An analysis of hate crime data published earlier this year by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism found that anti-Asian hate crime had increased by 339 percent last year compared with the year before, with New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and other cities surpassing their record numbers in 2020.

The increase was part of an overall 11 percent rise in suspected hate crimes reported to police across a dozen of the largest cities in the U.S., with the report finding that Black Americans remained the most targeted group in most cities.

According to the NYPD's Hate Crimes Dashboard, between March 31, 2021 and March 31 of this year, 110 of 577 reported hate crime incidents targeted Asian victims.

Police have described the suspect in Saturday's attack as a woman likely in her 50s and around 5 feet 3 inches tall. She was last seen wearing a multi-colored orange dress, with a pink scarf around her shoulders and wearing sunglasses.

They are asking anyone with information on the incident to contact Crimestoppers at 1 800 577-TIPS or to get in touch over Twitter at @NYPDTips.
* European leaders in Kyiv and Irpin

* Leaders back EU candidate status for Ukraine

* Kyiv asks for tougher Russia sanctions, weapons

* Macron praises Irpin's "heroic" resistance

* Kremlin says leaders must be "realistic" (Adds quote, details)

By Simon Lewis

IRPIN, Ukraine, June 16 (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Thursday won backing from the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania to give Ukraine European Union candidate status, while urging them to send more weapons and impose tougher sanctions on Russia.

In the first such visit to the capital since Russia invaded on Feb. 24, France's Emmanuel Macron, Germany's Olaf Scholz, Italy's Mario Draghi and Romania's Klaus Iohannis said Ukraine belonged in the "European family".

Ukraine has urged the EU to clear a path to membership, but such a move has caused some misgivings in the 27-member bloc. The meeting came a day before the European Commission is due to make a recommendation on Ukraine's status as an EU candidate.

After earlier batting away suggestions of being soft on Russia, Macron said the West would not demand any concessions from Ukraine and that the circumstances of peace talks would be on Kyiv's terms.

Zelenskiy, who has not left Ukraine since the invasion and was dressed in a khaki t-shirt, has voiced gratitude for the West's help, though his administration also previously berated allies for dragging their feet on sanctions and arms supplies.

"My colleagues and I came here to Kyiv today with a clear message: 'Ukraine belongs to the European family'," Scholz said, while Macron said, "We all four support the immediate EU candidate status" for Ukraine, adding: "Europe is by your side, and will remain so for as long as necessary, all the way to victory."

MORE HEAVY WEAPONS Ukraine has asked for more weapons to turn the tide of the war decisively in its favour after enduring losses of 100-200 soldiers a day in a fierce battle for control of its eastern Donbas region. EU leaders, meanwhile, have grappled with keeping domestic opinion onside as the economic costs of the war and rising prices hit home.

Story continues

"We appreciate the support already provided by partners, we expect new deliveries, primarily heavy weapons, modern rocket artillery, anti-missile defence systems," Zelenskiy said.

"Every day of delay or delayed decisions is an opportunity for the Russian military to kill Ukrainians or destroy our cities," he said. "There is a direct correlation: the more powerful weapons we get, the faster we can liberate our people, our land."

During the talks, Zelenskiy pressed for a seventh EU sanctions package that included an embargo on Russian gas. The visit coincided with Russia reducing supplies via its Nord Stream pipeline in what Berlin saw as a political move.

Scholz said Germany would support Ukraine's path to EU membership but also said requirements on democracy and rule of law would need to be complied with.

'UNIMAGINABLE CRUELTY'

Arriving on a night train as air raid sirens blared in Kyiv, the EU leaders had first walked around ruined buildings and wrecked cars in the nearby town of Irpin, the scene of heavy fighting early in the invasion.

The Irpin tour was designed to highlight what Ukraine and its backers say were large-scale atrocities committed by Russian troops, what Scholz described as the scene of "unimaginable cruelty" and "senseless violence".

Standing by gutted, burnt-out buildings, the leaders looked stern as they listened to a Ukrainian minister explaining what had happened there.

They were shown the wreckage of a car which Ukraine says was targeted by Russian troops when a mother and children were inside. Russia denies allegations that its forces committed atrocities.

"It's a heroic city...marked by the stigma of barbarism," Macron told reporters.

Commenting on the visit, the Kremlin said the leaders should use their time with Zelenskiy to take a "realistic look at the state of affairs" rather than discussing more arms shipments to Kyiv.

Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia's Security Council, mocked the visit as having "zero use" and having "promised EU membership and old howitzers to Ukraine". (Additional reporting by Sarah Marsh and Andreas Rinke in Berlin, John Irish, Michel Rose and Benoit Van Overstraeten in Paris; Writing by Ingrid Melander, Crispian Balmer and Matthias Williams; Editing by Jon Boyle and Alex Richardson)
Jurors in the civil trial of Bill Cosby asked a series of questions on Thursday afternoon, but had yet to reach a verdict by the end of the day, and will return on Friday morning.

Cosby is facing a lawsuit from Judy Huth, a 64-year-old woman who alleges that he molested her after luring her to the Playboy Mansion in 1975, when she was 16.

More from Variety

Huth is suing under a California law that extends the statute of limitations for claims of childhood sex abuse, allowing accusers to pursue their lawsuits well into adulthood. One aspect of that law, allowing a three-year window for plaintiffs to pursue older claims, is being challenged by several dioceses of the Catholic Church in California.

The jurors questions suggested they had considered many of the issues they were asked to decide. In one question, the jury asked how many had to agree on a damages award  suggesting that they could be inclined to award Huth some amount of damages.

Nine of the 12 jurors must agree to reach a verdict.

The case has been underway for the last two weeks in Santa Monica Superior Court.

Cosby has not been in attendance, and exercised his Fifth Amendment right not to testify in his own defense. The jurors were shown brief clips of his videotaped deposition, in which he said he would not pursue minors for sex.

The jurors also asked for definitions of a few terms on the verdict forms. In one instance, they asked what it meant to decide that Cosby had an unnatural or abnormal sexual interest in a child  one of the elements Huths lawyers must prove in order to prevail. Judge Craig Karlan responded that state law holds that any sexual interest in a child is unnatural.

Cosbys lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, raised a strenuous objection to that answer, and suggested it could become an issue in the event of an appeal.

Story continues

The two sides made their closing arguments on Wednesday.

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WASHINGTON  Three members of Congress  including Reps. Chris Jacobs and Brian Higgins of the Buffalo area  Thursday introduced a bill that would ban civilians from owning the kind of body armor worn by the man who now stands accused of murder and federal hate crimes in connection with the slaughter of 10 people at the Tops market on Buffalo's East Side last month.

What's more, those lawmakers named their legislation after Aaron Salter Jr., the supermarket security guard killed in the massacre.

"His heroic confrontation of the shooter undoubtedly saved lives," said Jacobs, an East Aurora Republican. "Unfortunately, the shooter was wearing enhanced body armor that protected him from Aarons attempts to take him down. Had the killer not had such armor, the outcome would have been one with much less bloodshed."

The incident proves the need for what the lawmakers called the Aaron Salter Jr. Responsible Body Armor Possession Act, Jacobs said.

"There is simply no reason for enhanced body armor to be used without restriction on our streets," Jacobs said. "It puts others in extraordinary danger and prevents the swift termination of a dangerous threat."

The bill would prohibit civilians from buying, transferring or possessing body armor that meets or exceeds a Level III ballistic resistance level as determined by the National Institute of Justice  the kind used by law enforcement and the military. That sort of body armor is currently available to civilians online, but under the bill, it would only be available to law enforcement officials and others who need it for protection in their lines of work.

Jacobs announced on May 27 that he would be working on a bill banning body armor. That was the same day in which he announced that he now favors an assault weapons ban and other gun control measures  moves that prompted Republican leaders in the newly redrawn 23rd District, where Jacobs planned to run for re-election, to withdraw their support of him. Jacobs abandoned his re-election bid a week later.

Rep. Chris Jacobs withdraws from re-election bid amid gun control outcry Rep. Chris Jacobs, an Orchard Park Republican, said Friday that he was withdrawing as the GOP and Conservative candidate for Congress in the newly redrawn 23rd District, acknowledging that his newfound views on gun control place him at odds with the parties that endorsed him.

Higgins, a Buffalo Democrat, also stressed the need for barring civilians from obtaining body armor.

Aaron Salter was a 30-year veteran of the Buffalo Police Department; he saved many lives, but ultimately was rendered defenseless due to the shooters body armor, allowing a racist shooters rampage on a neighborhood supermarket to continue, he said. This is a public safety bill named for a hero, which will protect communities as well as law enforcement dedicating themselves to answering the call in emergency situations.

In backing the bill, Jacobs and Higgins joined with Rep. Grace Meng, a Democrat from Queens who had previously been working on the measure. She noted that there have been 17 mass shootings in the past decade where the shooter was protected by body armor  including massacres in San Bernardino, Calif; Sutherland Springs, Texas; and Aurora and Boulder, Colo.

What's more, the number of mass shootings where the killer wore body armor is 2 times higher in the past decade than it had been in the previous 30 years, Meng said.

"When would be shooters are able to arm themselves with military grade equipment, our community is at increased risk," said Meng, a member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. "We must ensure that our law enforcement community  and everyone who is the first to respond to shootings  are not facing military grade equipment that inhibits their ability to respond to the shooter. I urge all my colleagues in the House to support this legislation to help prevent future tragedies from occurring.

The bill's legislative prospects are unclear, however. Banning body armor is a relatively new proposal, so it's difficult to determine which lawmakers or interest groups might oppose the proposal, or why.

For her part, Meng said the measure is simple common sense.

Gun violence plagues our communities, and a gunman who is protected by enhanced body armor is even more frightening," she said.

The Buffalo News: Good Morning, Buffalo The smart way to start your day. We sift through all the news to give you a concise, informative look at the top headlines and must-read stories every weekday. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
FILE - This image released by Disney/Pixar shows character Buzz Lightyear, voiced by Chris Evans, left, and Alisha Hawthorne, voiced by Uzo Aduba, in a scene from the animated film "Lightyear," releasing June 17, 2022. Authorities across the Muslim world have barred Disney's latest animated film "Lightyear" from being played at cinemas after the inclusion of a brief kiss between a lesbian couple, the company said Thursday, June 16. (Disney/Pixar via AP, File)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Authorities across much of the Muslim world have barred Disney's latest animated film Lightyear from being played at cinemas after the inclusion of a brief kiss between a lesbian couple, the company said Thursday as the movie premiered.

Thirteen nations and the Palestinian territory barred the Pixar film that has actor Chris Evans voicing the inspiration for the astronaut hero Buzz Lightyear from the Toy Story movies, The Walt Disney Co. said.

This represents a major challenge at the box office for one of Disneys biggest animated films of the year as the film industry comes out of the depths of the coronavirus pandemic. Analysts estimated it could gross over $100 million in its first weekend.

Lightyear includes a female character voiced by actress Uzo Aduba briefly kissing her female partner in one scene in the $200 million film. That proved too much for censors in many Muslim-majority nations, where laws often criminalize same-sex relationships.

Nations that refused to allow the film to be shown include Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates, Disney said. The UAE, home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, earlier this week announced it would not allow the film to screen.

Many Muslims consider gays and lesbians to be sinful. In some parts of the Arab world, members of the LGBTQ community have been arrested and sentenced to prison. Some countries even maintain the death penalty.

The film's stars had called the earlier decision of the UAE disappointing.

Yeah, its frustrating," Evans told The Associated Press earlier this week at the premiere of Lightyear in London. "It feels good to be a part of something that is making social progress, but its with this ribbon of bittersweet frustration that at the same time, there are still places that have not caught up.

Studios have allowed censors to cut films in global distribution for content in the past, including in the Mideast market. Recently, Disney has faced protests from activists and its own staff over what they described as CEO Bob Chapeks slow response in publicly criticizing Florida legislation that opponents dubbed as the Dont Say Gay bill.

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in late March signed the bill, which forbids instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade.

The moment had been earlier cut from the film but was restored after Pixar employees protested Disneys response to Floridas bill.

___

Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellAP.
Scientists are on a mission to save the humpback chub  an ancient fish under attack from not only invasive predators, but also from the impacts of climate change on the Colorado River.

The chub, revived from near extinction decades ago, has increasingly become the prey of smallmouth bass, The Associated Press reported.

Originally introduced as sport fish, smallmouth bass typically feast on the chub in the Colorado Rivers upper section. The native fish has found refuge below Glen Canyon Dam, which obstructs the basss path to the Lower Colorado River, according to the AP.

But as the water levels in Lake Powell  a key Colorado River reservoir  continue to plummet, the smallmouth bass have been edging closer to the dam and its penstocks, the pipes that deliver water to hydropower turbines, the AP reported.

If large numbers of bass and other predator fish are sucked into the penstocks, survive and reproduce below the dam, theyll have an open lane to attack chub and other natives, according to the AP.

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 continue with the Colorado River theme and look at possible water cutbacks in store for next year. Then well return to Iceland to see how its used geothermal energy to solve a key problem with renewable energy.

Colorado River states may face big cutbacks

The Colorado Rivers reservoirs have plunged to such alarming lows that significant water reductions across the basin may be necessary next year, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Greater cutbacks imminent: Officials now recognize that preserving critical levels in the Lake Mead and Lake Powell reservoirs will require greater cutbacks in water deliveries, Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, as reported by the Times.

Story continues

A warmer, drier West is what we are seeing today, Touton said. And the challenges we are seeing today are unlike anything we have seen in our history.

Touton said that between 2 million and 4 million acre-feet worth of reductions will need to occur next year, according to the Times.



These cuts will make a sizable dent in basin-wide water allocations. For the sake of comparison, Californias total Colorado River allotment is 4.4 million acre-feet per year, while Arizonas is 2.8 million, the Times reported.

An acre foot is a standard measure that describes the amount of water needed to cover an acre of land one foot deep.

Three million football fields: Describing these reductions as a mind-boggling amount of water, an Arizona Republic op-ed said that this amounts to enough to flood 1.5 million to 3 billion football fields with a foot of water  or about 38 billion to 76 billion average showers.

Even if Arizona, California and Nevada were to implement every cut delineated in the Lower Basin Drought Contingency Plan  which defines voluntary reductions that should occur in the case of shortages  doing so would only save 1.1 million acre-feet of water, the op-ed attested.

Salton Sea could disappear: An official from Californias Imperial Irrigation District, which holds rights to 70 percent of the states Colorado River water, told the Palm Springs Desert Sun that although cutbacks are necessary, they could have detrimental effects on the Salton Sea.

The sea, which is the states biggest inland body of water, depends on Lake Mead runoff from farmers for its survival, district director J.B. Hamby told the Sun.

Cant save both: Hamby described the situation as a Sophies choice between preserving Lake Mead or the Salton Sea, according to the Sun.

Youve got two lakes, you cant save them both, Hamby said.

For Iceland, geothermal key to replacing coal

Geothermal energy  which taps heat deep within the Earth for power  has been the key to Icelands renewables push for more than a century and now provides the majority of the countrys electricity and heat.

Geothermal energy involves drilling into subterranean chambers of superheated and highly pressurized water or steam, then tapping the released power for either electricity or heat.

This is well-suited to Iceland, a country straddling  and created by  the fault line between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, which forms a molten inverted Y-shape beneath its center.

While Iceland is behind China and the U.S. in terms of sheer geothermal capacity, in no other country does this source provide such a large percentage of total power or heat.

Now the countrys business and political leaders see big opportunities in exporting their technological know-how to countries where the technology is far more marginal.

Securing the base: The biggest benefit of geothermal energy to the country is that  unlike wind and solar energy  it provides round-the-clock base load power, Johann Snorri Sigurbergsson, of the countrys largest private geothermal plant, told Equilibrium.

We produce the same amount of energy every day of the year, he added.

A fine balance: While geothermal power is renewable, there are limits. Drawing steam for power lowers the pressure that forces it toward the surface, and therefore reduces the potential energy, Sigurbergsson said.

That pressure can be replenished by injecting more water, but that risks cooling the hot spot below.



That powerful pocket can sustain itself forever  theoretically, according to Sigurbergsson, who stressed that you have to have your balance right.

Fixing intermittency: The continuous heat from beneath allows geothermal energy  along with hydropower  to provide the consistent power that must otherwise come from fossil fuels, in systems that incorporate wind and solar power.

Are there any other downsides? Yes, although proponents note they are small in comparison to the problems with fossil fuels.

Geothermal energy still releases small amounts of carbon dioxide  99 percent of the carbon earth is within it  and hydrogen sulfide.

The steam also tends to smell faintly of sulfur, which gives Reykjavik a distinctive smell in winter months.

SUSTAINABILITY BEYOND CLIMATE

Icelands renewable energy campaign began in the 1920s  long before climate change was a policy concern  and sped up during the surging energy prices of the 1970s Arab oil embargo.

Geothermal proved crucial in Icelands 20th century push to ditch coal and fuel oil, Halla Hrund Logadottir, director general of the National Energy Agency, the state energy regulator, told Equilibrium.



Because the volcanic island is only roughly 20 million years old, it has no fossil fuels, which largely formed more than 200 million years ago. That forced the country to look elsewhere for cheap energy, Logadottir said.

We were lucky in the sense that we could develop the geothermal system from scratch, she added. We were not replacing another system.

Big savings: Replacing oil means we are actually saving $1 billion every year in heating costs, Arni Magnusson of Iceland Geo Survey, which consults with foreign companies on geothermal energy, told Equilibrium.

Direct versus indirect: Icelands geothermal plants tap steam for electric power  but also use heat from the process directly for industrial purposes or to heat homes and businesses.

We are preaching the gospel of that direct use, Magnusson said, noting that use in the U.S. is not nearly as much as it probably could be.

Pilot in New York: On Tuesday, Cornell University began drilling on a geothermal borehole that it plans to tap for heat, according to the Cornell Daily Sun, a campus paper.

That project was supported by Icelands Geothermal Research Park, the Cornell Chronicle reported.

Lagging behind: Today the world currently uses about 16 gigawatts of geothermal energy  about 20 percent as much as global wind and solar, and 13 percent as much as hydropower, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency.

With just 2 percent growth every year, that lags far behind the 13 percent annual increase needed to keep the world on track to reach net zero by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency.

The Hill this week is taking a front-row look at the push for new energy technology, with reporting supported by Green by Iceland, a public-private partnership. To view Tuesdays edition on energy grids, click here. Tomorrow, well look at how the country is building a business ecosystem that turns geothermal waste products into profit.

Kids more vulnerable from climate change: analysis

Infants and children are particularly vulnerable to the threats of both climate change and air pollution, experts argued in a new scientific analysis.

Unequal burden: While all children are at risk, the greatest burden from these impacts falls on those who live in socially and economically disadvantaged communities, according to the authors, who published their evidence review in the New England Journal of Medicine on Wednesday.

But every child is at risk: While there has been significant progress in reducing poverty-related environmental risks in recent decades, industrialization-related pollution has steadily increased, co-author Kari Nadeau, of Stanford University, said in a statement.

Every single child in the world is expected to suffer from at least one climate change-related event in the next 10 years, she added.

Understanding the harms: Combining through dozens of research studies about the interplay between fossil fuel combustion and childhood health, Nadeau and her colleague Frederica Perera, of Columbia University, determined that health professionals must recognize the multiple harms that their patients are facing.

And those harms are? The scientists identified a variety of issues:

Extreme heat: linked to increased risk for preterm birth and low birth weight, hyperthermia and death in infants, as well as kidney disease in children.



Displacement: climate-related events have already contributed to more than

50 million children being forced from their homes worldwide.



Air quality: 7.4 million children in the U.S. were exposed to lung-damaging wildfire smoke every year between 2008 and 2012  a number that has only risen in recent years.



Food insecurity: Developing countries are confronting ongoing climate change-related food insecurity issues, leading to a sharp rise in malnutrition.



Diseases: The U.S. has encountered a considerable increase in Lyme disease, while the infection of pregnant individuals with Zika virus can lead to microcephaly and severe brain malformations.

Paying attention to disparities: Examining these climate-induced harms to children, the scientists also emphasized the disparities that exist among different populations.

Climate change and air pollution are exacerbating existing socioeconomic and racial and ethnic inequities in childrens health that are associated with structural racism, they stated.

To read the full story, please click here.

Water Wednesday

Thousand-year Yellowstone flood sign of things to come: expert

All of Yellowstone National Parks entrances were closed on Tuesday after downpours from an atmospheric river caused what the park superintendent described as a potential thousand-year event, The Hill reported.

EPA lowers safety threshold for forever chemicals

The Environmental Protection Agency is lowering its health advisories for two of the most notorious types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)  PFOS and PFOA  to near zero levels: from 70 parts per trillion to 0.02 and 0.004 parts per trillion respectively, The Hill reported.

Deepwater Horizon spill devastated the Gulf, but not BPs stock

While the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill did serious damage to both the Gulf of Mexico and the reputation of British Petroleum  the company that caused the disaster  it did not cause long term damage to the companys stock returns, a study in PLoS One found on Wednesday.

Please visit The Hills Sustainability section online for the web version of this newsletter and more stories. Well see you tomorrow.

VIEW THE FULL VERSION HERE

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
An aerial view of Kharkiv, Ukraine. Metin Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Two U.S. citizens who went to Ukraine to fight against Russian troops are missing, and their families are worried that they have been captured.

Both men  39-year-old Alexander Drueke of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and 27-year-old Andy Huynh of Hartselle, Alabama  were last in contact with relatives on June 8. "What we know officially at this point from the State Department is that Andy and Alex are missing," Huynh's fiancee, Joy Black, told Reuters on Wednesday. "We do not have confirmation for anything beyond that. Obviously the longer the search goes, the more we start to consider other scenarios."

Drueke and Huynh were both fighting in the Kharkiv area, and told their families on June 8 they would be offline for a few days. The men, concerned that their communications might get intercepted, did not share why. Drueke and Huynh met in Ukraine, and their families said they both traveled there to fight after seeing photos of Ukrainian civilians killed by Russian forces. "When Andy saw this footage coming out of Ukraine, he said he couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, was just consumed by the horror that these innocent civilians were going through," Black said.

If Drueke and Huynh, who both served in the U.S. military, have been captured, they would be the first known U.S. citizens taken as prisoners of war since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, Reuters reports.

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A Brooklyn man died in New York City Thursday after an unfortunate accident on the subway.

The New York Police Department told HuffPost via email that they responded to a call late Wednesday night at Brooklyns Avenue M station. Marcus Bryant, 37, was found by police unconscious and unresponsive with trauma about the body.

Bryant was exiting the Q train when his pants got stuck in the cars automated doors,police told The New York Times. But the Metropolitan Transportation Authority contradicted those accounts saying he got stuck between the train and the platform, and then fell into the tracks.

A shot of a Brooklyn subway station in 2021. (Photo: Gary Hershorn via Getty Images)

A shot of a Brooklyn subway station in 2021. (Photo: Gary Hershorn via Getty Images)

Richard Davey, the president of New York City Transit  the division of the M.T.A. that oversees the subway  said a second train entered the station soon after, but it was not clear if Bryant was struck by that train.

Police told The Times they would defer to the M.T.A.s investigation.

The NYPD told HuffPost that soon after police arrived, EMS transported Bryant to Maimonides Hospital where he later died from his injuries early Thursday. The medical examiner has yet to determine the cause of death.

Davey said at a news conference Thursday afternoon they do not believe this was a door incident, however the M.T.A. has been previously dogged by concerns about safety. A Goldman Sachs employee, Daniel Enriquez, was shot and killed on the same Q line in late May. In April, a gunman opened fire on a Brooklyn train during the morning commute, wounding 10 passengers. And in January, Michelle Go was killed after she was pushed onto the tracks at the Times Square station.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
COVID vaccines for kids under 5 are finally looking like a reality, after the FDA met this week and recommended authorizing the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccinations for COVID for kids age 6 months to 5 years.

Our expectation is that within weeks, every parent who wants their child to get vaccinated will be able to get an appointment, Ashish Jha, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, told reporters during a recent press briefing.

The Pfizer vaccine for kids age 6 months to 4 years old is given in three doses: Each one is three micrograms, which is one-tenth of the dose for adults. The first two doses are spaced out three weeks apart and the third one is given at least two months after the second.

The Moderna vaccine for kids 6 months to 5 years old consists of two doses given four weeks apart. Each one is 25 micrograms, or one-quarter of the adult version.

A Kaiser Family Foundation survey from May found that about a fifth (18%) of parents with kids under 5 said they intend to get their child vaccinated right away once the FDA authorizes the shots use. Meanwhile, another 38% say they would want to wait and see how it works for others in the age group before getting their child vaccinated.

Earlier this week, we answered some of the most pressing questions parents of kids under 5 may have about the vaccine. Top of mind for many parents and researchers are the side effects that may accompany the vaccine.

Side effects, including fever and fatigue, were generally minor in both vaccines and less common than seen in adults, according to FDA reviewers.

The side effects were definitely a discussion point during the FDA meeting yesterday, said Krupa Playforth, a pediatrician in Alexandria, Virginia, who reviewed the FDA data.

Both vaccines are actually generally well-tolerated, and the side effect spectrum is fairly similar to other age groups, she said. The Pfizer vaccine contains a smaller amount of antigen, and this plays out in the side effects that were reported: There were fewer overall side effects for that vaccine.

Story continues

So what are the known side effects? Below, Playforth and other pediatricians who reviewed the FDAs data  and one doctor who was involved in the Pfizer clinical studies for kids under 5  explain what to expect and how to alleviate any symptoms your child may experience after getting the vaccines.

"The big picture here is that even if there are local or systemic side effects, they are largely self-limited and resolve within a few days," said said Krupa Playforth, a pediatrician in Alexandria, Virginia. (Photo: FatCamera via Getty Images)

Irritability And Drowsiness

For 6-to-23-month-year olds, irritability and drowsiness were most common, according to Patricia DeLaMora, a pediatric infectious disease specialist for Boston Childrens Health Physicians.

Side effects like irritability and drowsiness are common following most vaccines, though, said Jaime Friedman, a pediatrician at Childrens Primary Care Medical Group.

Parents may notice their child wanting to sleep more, acting more cranky and clingy, or eating less, she told HuffPost. These symptoms will most likely only last a day.

Pain At Injection Site

For 2-5 year olds, pain at the injection site was commonly reported, followed by fatigue.

But the pain is generally mild and children often dont complain about it unless asked, according to Janet Englund, a professor of pediatrics at Seattle Childrens Hospital and University of Washington who was involved in the Pfizer clinical studies in young children this past year.

For reaction site pain or swelling, its often best to cover it with a long-sleeve shirt so they dont have to see it, she said. Give Tylenol if pain is interfering with daily activities but in general, distraction alone works well.

One thing to note: Its not recommended that you give your child any over-the-counter pain medicine before the shot. Its fine to give your child some after the vaccine to help with any mild reactions.

After the vaccine, acetaminophen is thought to be safe to control discomfort caused by fever, pain at injection site, said DeLaMora.

If you have any questions, talk to the vaccine provider or your childs doctor.

One thing to note: Its not recommended that you give your child any over-the-counter pain medicine before the shot. (Photo: Jackyenjoyphotography via Getty Images)

One thing to note: Its not recommended that you give your child any over-the-counter pain medicine before the shot. (Photo: Jackyenjoyphotography via Getty Images)

Fever

Most fevers occurred within two days of vaccination and resolved within a day or two, Playforth said.

Both fever and local reactions were more common for Moderna than for Pfizer, but these also resolved quickly, she said. One child in the Moderna trial had a febrile seizure  a convulsion in a child thats caused by a fever  after the first dose, but received a second dose without any incident.

Again, many of the side effects that children may experience after COVID vaccines (such as fever and pain at the injection site) can be managed with ibuprofen (Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can reduce pain and fever,

Be sure to check with your childs pediatrician if you do not know the appropriate doses for your child, said Elizabeth Lloyd, M.D., a pediatric infectious diseases specialist at University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital. Aspirin is not generally recommended for use in children. But once the fever has resolved, many children will feel less irritable.

Make sure your child stays hydrated, too, Playforth said.

Parents may want to plan accordingly when getting their kids vaccinated by making sure they have free time to rest on the day of and the day following their vaccine, said Jaime Friedman, a pediatrician at Childrens Primary Care Medical Group. (Photo: d3sign via Getty Images)

Parents may want to plan accordingly when getting their kids vaccinated by making sure they have free time to rest on the day of and the day following their vaccine, said Jaime Friedman, a pediatrician at Childrens Primary Care Medical Group. (Photo: d3sign via Getty Images)

Fatigue

Fatigue was another side effect for kids under 5, according to the FDA, though it was much less severe and lasted a shorter time than the fatigue reported by adults, Englund said.

Nearly all cases it lasted less than 24 hours, the doctor said. These side effects are similar or even less than those seen with other childhood vaccines. In children, having fatigue means they may take a longer nap or go to bed earlier.

Parents may want to plan accordingly when getting their kids vaccinated by making sure they have free time to rest on the day of and the day following their vaccine, Friedman said.

The big picture here is that even if there are local or systemic side effects, they are largely self-limited and resolve within a few days, Playforth said. In terms of helping your child through them, focus on comfort and hydration, as with all illnesses.

Experts are still learning about COVID-19. The information in this story is what was known or available as of publication, but guidance can change as scientists discover more about the virus. Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
Emergency responders head out into the field in St. Johns.

A 74-year-old man in rural St. Johns, just west of the New Mexico border, died Sunday on the way to a hospital after two bystanders were unable to call 911  or anyone else  for some time due to a service outage before they finally flagged down an ambulance, authorities said.

The death occurred during a period when internet and phone service was disrupted across the entirety of Apache County and most of neighboring Navajo County, according to St. Johns Police Chief Lance Spivey.

Dealing with these types of outages is nothing new for these communities, he said, but this is the first time officials can directly connect a death to these service disruptions.

In addition, after a young girl accidentally impaled herself on a curtain rod, her mother was unable to contact anyone for help, authorities said.

The outage began Saturday as the result of criminal activity to equipment belonging to Frontier Communications, Spivey said, and service was not restored until around 3 p.m. Monday, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without any service for 48 hours.

"Public safety professionals in this region  we deserve better, the public deserves better," Spivey said. "We take our profession very seriously and when we can't do our job protecting basic human life or provide medical treatment appropriately, it's shameful."

An employee working at St. Johns emergency dispatch call center.

The Arizona Corporation Commission which regulates public utilities in the state previously investigated Frontier Communications for outages impacting emergency services as early as April 2020, in which the company was found to have 66 hours of 911 service interruptions between then and April the following year.

Further, the commission found that "Frontier demonstrated that while it was prepared to respond to outages, it appeared not to be doing enough to prevent the outages," its March 2022 decision reads.

Despite presenting the commission with a plan to address the issues this past spring, it is not enough, Spivey said.

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After last weekend's outages, Spivey sent a public letter to the commission condemning Frontier's outlined remedies as "quite simply insufficient and inadequate and blatantly jeopardizing public safety" and calling for an Order to Show Cause proceeding where the company will have to explain themselves.

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The Corporation Commission acknowledged it was aware of the weekend outages but declined to specifically comment on the case citing their ongoing investigation.

As communities statewide transition to a new call-handling system with the explicit goal of avoiding outages in the future, Frontier will soon no longer be directly responsible for the phone and internet service at nine call centers serving more than 333,000 Arizonans.

But Frontier isn't off the hook entirely either, Spivey said, because they still will have some role in the area's cellular infrastructure which is why, he argues, they need to be held accountable.

"My hope is that Frontier leaves the area, goes out of business," Spivey said. "They have jeopardized public safety. If this was to happen in the Valley, it'd be different because there's so many more people that live down there there'd be outrage and all kinds of stuff.

The St. Johns police department.

"But we're small and rural so we get stuck with a company that really doesn't care. They put dollars above names, above people."

The Corporation Commission's preliminary agenda for its June 28 meeting includes an item regarding the investigation of the Frontier Companies in Arizona regarding 911 outages and the adequacy of its equipment and facilities.

On Wednesday, St. Johns business owner Mandi Huth submitted an official complaint to the commission, outlining the impact of the outages on residents and businesses in addition to emergency services.

"As small business owners who rely on the internet it is detrimental to our income when services go down. That we can deal with  What we will not deal with is having 911 services in our community go down and our cell phones go down, our resource to call 911," Huth wrote in her complaint to the commissioners. "This is unacceptable. I am asking each of you to consider what it would mean to you and to your family if you needed emergency services and were unable to reach them due to a utility company who puts profits over people."

Frontier Communications could not be reached for comment but sent out a statement to some news media outlets.

Frontier is offering up to $10K for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) who vandalized Frontier-owned communication lines in Navajo County, Arizona that led to an outage in the community last weekend," according to the statement published by AZ Family on Wednesday morning.

"We have long been committed to providing this critical infrastructure to St. John[sic]. We have offered to discuss the network redundancy with the Arizona Corporation Commission, the Arizona Department of Administration, and the industry in order to work toward a solution that ensures reliability when the technology has been damaged due to causes such as weather or vandalism, as in this instance.

Contact northern Arizona reporter Lacey Latch at llatch@gannett.com or on social media @laceylatch. Coverage of northern Arizona on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is funded by the nonprofit Report for America and a grant from the the Vitalyst Health Foundation in association with The Arizona Republic.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 74-year-old man dies during phone and internet outage in northern AZ
This June 19 marks the second year the United States has observed Juneteenth as a national holiday. Thats in large part due to the work and dedication of 95-year-old Opal Lee, who played a major role in putting pressure on legislators to acknowledge a significant day Black folks in America have been celebrating for generations.

When she was 89, Lee started marching 2.5 miles for liberation in recognition of Juneteenth and the enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, who didnt know enslavement had ended until two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The retired teacher knew that she wanted to help her community while celebrating a holiday that shed been honoring her entire life. She also knew that Juneteenth deserved to be a federal holiday.

Then, Opals Walk for Freedom was born.

On June 17, 2021, Lee stood next to President Joe Biden as he signed the bill declaring Juneteenth a federal holiday. She had delivered 1.5 million signatures to Congress demanding that it recognize the holiday. Through her annual walk, she had won a fight many who came before her had fought too.

Cant you imagine 3 million people on the same page? We could turn this country around. Now, I was humbled, she said of the victory. I thought, Oh, to be at the White House with the president and the vice president and all those people who were making the laws. I was overwhelmed. I still pinch myself sometimes to see if it really happened.

Opal Lee speaks with President Joe Biden after he signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law in the East Room of the White House on June 17, 2021. (Photo: Drew Angerer via Getty Images)

Opal Lee speaks with President Joe Biden after he signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law in the East Room of the White House on June 17, 2021. (Photo: Drew Angerer via Getty Images)

But Juneteenths recognition as a national holiday doesnt mean Lee is ready to sit down.

Shell walk again this year to uplift those who were enslaved, those who fought for liberation and those who continue to fight.

What I keep saying over and over again: None of us are free until were all free, she said. We have too many disparities that we need to address.

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She also walks to educate others on the history and importance of Juneteenth.

Im wanting so much that the schools would tell the actual facts about what happened, she said. They dont know that Gen. Gordon Granger made his way to Galveston with several thousand colored troops and told those 250,000 enslaved people that they were free. They dont know that he nailed that General Order No. 3 to the door of whats now Reedy Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. When those people came in from their labor and somebody read that to them, we started celebrating and weve been celebrating ever since.

Lee, who also wrote a childrens book titled Juneteenth for Children, reminisced on how she and her family celebrated Juneteenth growing up and the holidays significance to her.

Id have to go way back to when I was a youngster in Marshall, Texas, and wed go to the fairground to celebrate Juneteenth, she said. Oh, thered be games and food. Thered be music and food. People would have speeches and food and food and food. Youd think it was Christmas.

Lee didnt realize the weight Juneteenth carried until she was an adult. She said a few people had come into her life who had a huge impact on her work around liberation. One was Lenora Rolla, an older woman who founded the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society and initiated a Juneteenth celebration in Fort Worth. The other was Ronald Myers, a medical doctor, minister and jazz musician responsible for igniting the fight to make Juneteenth a federal holiday.

She wants people to never forget that Juneteenth is about liberation and that the fight continues. Lee even advocates for people to celebrate Juneteenth from June 19 to July 4, noting that Independence Day in this country doesnt represent everyones freedom.

Theres so much joblessness and homelessness and health care that some of us can get and others cant. Education. If we could just get the people to put the facts in the books where the young people can learn and be sure that this doesnt happen again. And it could happen again, she said. So freedom really means vigilance to me. I want everybody to be aware that none of us are free until we are all free.

Her Walk for Freedom  which includes events in cities across the nation  will be one way Lee celebrates Juneteenth this year, in addition to a flag-raising ceremony, prayer breakfast and fellowship. Shell also be participating in some of the same traditions she did as a little girl in Marshall, Texas. And shes taking her time to give Juneteenth its proper reverence.

It takes a while to celebrate Juneteenth. Not just a day, she said. Juneteenth is here to stay.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
KIGALI, Rwanda (AP)  With fresh coats of paint and streets swept clean, Rwanda's capital is preparing for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit, which will bring leaders of the 54-nation group of mostly former British colonies whose relevance is sometimes questioned.

President Paul Kagame will host Prince Charles, U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and scores of world leaders in a glittering summit, which takes place between June 20 and 25, that he hopes will promote this East African country's standing.

The summit is an opportunity to highlight Rwanda's stability and relative prosperity under Kagame's rule. It also will focus attention on Rwanda's widely criticized deal with Britain to deport asylum-seekers from the U.K. to Rwanda. Legal challenges stopped a flight that would have brought the first group just days before the summit.

The Commonwealth is a bloc of many developing nations but includes richer ones such as Singapore and Australia. Members range from established democracies such as Canada to more authoritarian ones like Rwanda itself.

Homeless people and sex workers have recently been removed from Kigali's streets as the government detained them ahead of the summit, according to Human Rights Watch.

What do the Commonwealth's countries have in common aside from their colonial past? Where is the bloc's voice in international affairs? And how does Africa, a continent of 1.3 billion people, benefit?

Climate change, and how to rebuild the global economy facing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, will be high on the summits agenda, organizers say. The event also will discuss business, civil society, youth and gender issues.

Rwanda, a former Belgian colony now ruled by an Anglophile leader, seeks to show how the country of 13 million people has progressed since the genocide in 1994. It is the sixth African country to host the Commonwealth's biennial summit since 1971. Neighboring Uganda hosted the summit in 2007.

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Commonwealth summits in Africa have been noteworthy. The 1979 gathering in Zambia helped to bring an end to white minority rule in Rhodesia, which became majority-ruled Zimbabwe in 1980. The 1991 summit in Zimbabwe saw the Commonwealth increase international pressure to bring an end to South Africa's racist system of apartheid.

The Commonwealth is relevant, but the question is to whom? Do governments get political capital out of it? You profile your country, you profile your name," said Mwambutsya Ndebesa, a political historian at Uganda's Makerere University. You can derive political legitimacy out of hosting such an event."

That rare opportunity is why countries such as Rwanda appear eager to spend their meager resources" to host the summit, he said.

Rwandan authorities said they would spend roughly $10 million improving infrastructure ahead of the summit, which was initially scheduled to happen in 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hotels and restaurants are fully booked, ensuring the summit's popularity among some Rwandans.

The bottom line is to showcase what products we Africans have, and visitors will always come back to buy or invest," said teacher Agnes Nadin. This is the beauty as CHOGM attracts a big gathering.

But others who spoke to The Associated Press were less enthusiastic, asking what the Commonwealth means for Africans.

The former masters underlying motivation is not good governance in Africa or improvement on the human rights platform but influence-seeking, said Dias Nyesiga, a business consultant in Kigali.

The Commonwealth should establish a peer-review mechanism of steps each member should take to achieve the bloc's values, including good governance and the protection of human rights, he said.

The Commonwealth would be more influential if it worked boldly to address global challenges such as the consequences of pandemics, said Eric Ndushabandi, a professor of political science at the University of Rwanda.

Representing 2.5 billion people, the Commonwealth notably monitors elections among member countries and makes recommendations in its reports.

The bloc has suspended member states in response to events deemed to be in violation of its values. Nigeria was suspended for years after a harsh military government executed environmentalist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others in 1995.

Zimbabwe left the bloc in 2003 as President Robert Mugabe's government faced criticism over disputed elections and seizures of farms owned by white people. Zimbabwe's current government now seeks readmission, and analysts say President Emmerson Mnangagwa is pushing for greater international legitimacy after taking power from Mugabe in 2017. Zimbabwe remains under international sanctions.

Mnangagwa sees it as politically expedient to be added back into the Commonwealth because in as much he has been described as worse than Mugabe, he wishes to be seen as a good global citizen," said Zimbabwean political analyst David Chikwaza. The Commonwealths association is something he believes will cement his mantra of reengagement.

The Commonwealth undermines its influence by appearing to be more of a nostalgic political group rather than a trading bloc, Chikwaza said.

Commonwealth leaders at a summit in 2018 pledged to boost trade within the bloc to $2 trillion by 2030. But trade between Britain and Commonwealth countries was so low by 2020 that the bloc accounted for only about 9% of the U.K.s total trade, with the value of exports to the Commonwealth falling by 16% between 2019 and 2020, according to the U.K.s Office for National Statistics.

With China now Africas leading trade partner, the U.K.s political influence in its former colonies has waned. In Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, a mountain-top parliamentary building erected by the Chinese is set to replace the Victorian-style chamber.

Edson Sangwa, a Zimbabwean vendor of cheap electronics and children's toys imported from China, quipped: What is the Commonwealth? We know China!

___

Muhumuza reported from Kampala, Uganda. Farai Mutsaka in Harare, Zimbabwe, contributed.
Stalls sell much more old naan bread in Kabul than they used to

On a market stall in front of a blue-domed mosque in Kabul, large orange sacks are filled with stale, leftover naan bread.

It's usually fed to animals, but now, according to those selling it, more Afghans than ever are eating it themselves.

Shafi Mohammed has been selling stale bread for the past 30 years at Kabul's Pul-e-Kheshti market.

"Before, five people used to buy this bread in a day, now it's more than 20 people," he says.

The market is bustling - and everyone there we speak to complains of the economic crisis that has enveloped the country. Average incomes have been slashed by a third since the Taliban takeover last August, whilst food prices have risen sharply.

Rifling through the sacks, Shafi Mohammed shows me the cleaner, though still stale, bread that customers who will eat it themselves search for, as opposed to even older, mouldy pieces.

"The life of the Afghan people right now is like that of a bird which has been locked in a cage with no food or water," he says. "I pray to God to get rid of this misery and poverty from my country."

Bread is a nationwide staple - many Afghans now can't afford much more

Humanitarian aid has been delivered in Afghanistan, averting fears of a famine over the winter, but there are warnings it is no longer enough.

In any case, the crisis has fundamentally been driven by the decision of Western countries to largely cut off development aid Afghanistan was heavily reliant on, and freeze the country's central bank reserves after the Taliban took power.

The move is in part a response to concerns over the treatment of women under their rule - and the new hard-line restrictions by the Taliban, dictating what women should wear for example, make a resolution difficult.

But it's poor families like father-of-three Hashmatullah's who are the ones suffering.

He works pushing other people's shopping around the market, but has seen his already meagre income drop to a fifth of what it was last year.

Buying a shopping bag of stale bread, he tells the BBC: "I've been working since the morning and this is all I can afford."

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There's a small industry behind the stale bread. Scrap collectors pick it up from restaurants, hospitals and individual homes and then take it to middlemen, who sell it on to stallholders.

But with around half the country going hungry, there's less bread going spare, less everything.

Scrap dealers used to collect a sack of bread a day - now they themselves rely on leftovers

"People are starving," says one scrap dealer, as he points out a single sack of leftover bread that had been collected over a week. In the past, he says, they collected a sack per day.

"If we find bread that is clean, we usually eat it ourselves," says another dealer.

Back at his home in a poor neighbourhood of Kabul, Hashmatullah prepares a meal for his family.

He's doing everything he can to keep his three young sons in school, as opposed to sending them out to work as many other families have done with their children.

But it means surviving almost exclusively off stale bread, cooked and softened with tomatoes and onions.

"I feel ashamed in front of my family, that I am so poor I can't afford to provide them good food," he tells us.

Hashmatullah and his sons live almost entirely off stale bread with onion and tomatoes

"There's nothing I can do. Even if I try and borrow money, no one will lend it to me My sons are really thin because they are not eating well."

Outside bakeries across Kabul, it's become common to see groups of women and girls queuing for free pieces of fresh naan, donated in the early evening.

Some bring sewing kits with them, and spend the whole day there, desperate not to miss their chance.

Even when billions of dollars were pouring into Afghanistan, corruption and the effects of the war meant life was a struggle.

Now, the war is over, but in many ways the struggle is getting even harder.
U.S.-led forces detained a senior Islamic State leader in Syria on Thursday, according to the coalition.

Coalition forces detained a senior Daesh leader during an operation in Syria June 16, Operation Inherent Resolve said in a statement. The detained individual was assessed to be an experienced bomb maker and facilitator who became one of the groups top leaders in Syria.

Major Youssef Hamoud, a spokesperson for the Syrian National Army, a separate coalition of rebel groups backed by Turkey, told Reuters that a helicopter raid occurred in Al-Humaira, a village located just south of the Turkey-Syria border.

He told the outlet it was the first U.S. helicopter operation in areas under the rebel coalitions control.

The U.S.-led forces vowed to continue hunting the remnants of ISIS in the statement.

The mission was meticulously planned to minimize the risk of collateral damage, particularly any potential harm to civilians, the statement read. There were no civilians harmed during the operation nor any damage to coalition aircraft or assets.

President Biden announced in February that the U.S. had conducted a helicopter raid in northwest Syria, killing the leader of the Islamic State terrorist group, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi.

That raid drew comparisons to al-Qurashis predecessors death in 2019 during the Trump administration. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi detonated a suicide vest in a tunnel in northwest Syria during a U.S. attack.

The U.S.-backed forces declared victory over the Islamic State in March 2019 after retaking the last village held by the terrorist group in Syria.

More than 100 ISIS militants attacked a Syrian prison in January, but U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters soon regained control of the facility.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The financial pressure keeps building at SUNY Erie Community College.

The proposed 2022-23 budget for the college includes a 3% tuition increase. It forecasts that enrollment will keep dropping. And it warns of a large number of job cuts if more faculty and administrators dont take a retirement incentive offered earlier this year.

The budget proposal also stressed the need to make reforms recommended by a consultant in April, including phasing out less popular programs of study and reducing duplicate operations and redundant staffing at ECC's three separate campuses.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, in a letter to county legislators submitting the $95.9 million budget for approval, said ECC is in a "precarious financial situation." He warned that the college has one additional year of breathing room left to make cost-cutting reforms or face dire consequences.

After the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the college will be left with no options and be forced to make increasingly significant cuts to operations, programs and staff, Poloncarz wrote. The actions taken during the next two academic years will dictate whether SUNY Erie is a strong, vibrant part of our community or not.

The proposed budget and Poloncarz's warning highlight many issues that have combined to put ECC on shaky ground in recent years.

They range from deep declines in enrollment exacerbated by the Covid pandemic without accompanying staff cuts to union contracts that restrict ECC from hiring lower-paid adjunct teaching staff over full-time senior faculty.

Poloncarz also recommended ECC scrap an Enterprise Resource Planning system it bought into five years ago that turned out to be an abject failure." ECC is seeking $9 million in county aid over three years to implement a shared ERP system customized for SUNY schools.

The problems combine to create a $9 million projected deficit for 2022-23 and more to come if ECC doesnt right-size its staff, operations and programs, ECC President David Balkin said in a letter to ECC staff Wednesday.

Tuition increase

The proposed budget is less than the previous years $102.7 million approved budget but more than ECCs 2021-22 spending of $95.9 million, thanks to federal pandemic funds that allowed ECC to avoid a deficit the last two years. Those pandemic funds are no longer forthcoming.

In the past decade, ECCs full-time student enrollment dropped 48% and is projected to decline from 7,441 to 7,333 this fall. The problem is shared by all the states community colleges due to shrinking high school classes, a high density of competing institutions and New Yorks Excelsior program offering free tuition incentives. The Excelsior program eliminates a financial incentive for students to save money by attending a community college over a more costly four-year state school.

ECC is seeking to increase tuition by 3%, or $75.50 per semester, and raise its technology fee by $60 per semester.

After holding the line on tuition for many years, we believe this tuition increase is warranted, and (it is) directly in line with tuition at other community colleges across New York State, Poloncarz wrote.

Workforce reductions

The proposed budget assumes 60 of 144 eligible faculty and administrators will take advantage of a $2.5 million retirement incentive announced in April. But so far, only 23 people have signed on. In his letter to ECC staff, Balkin said that's only 25% of eligible faculty and 38% of eligible administrators.

Although we knew the retirement incentive alone would not fully address our staffing challenge, we did hope for a significantly higher participation rate, Balkin said.

Members of ECCs faculty and administrative unions, the Faculty Federation of ECC and the ECC Administrators Association, have until the end of June to opt into the program. Layoffs affecting those positions will be announced in July, Balkin said.

The two unions representing county civil service and labor staff at ECC  the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees and the Civil Service Employees Association  have asked that retirement incentive funds not used by faculty and administrators be offered to their members.

While the faculty and administrator unions are solely ECC staff, CSEA and AFSCME also represent workers at Erie County Medical Center and the public library system. Balkin said those unions are working closely with our administration to identify potential positions for their impacted members with the other county organizations.

Balkin said he will announce layoffs affecting those workers by the end of June. He declined to estimate how many total layoffs may be needed because that will depend on salaries for specific employees who retire.

Reforming operations

A big part of ECCs plan for the immediate future will be implementing recommendations in a report by consulting firm RPK Group, which was hired to examine ECC operations with funding from the John R. Oishei Foundation and other local foundations.

The reforms including deactivating programs with low enrollment while enhancing and adding in-demand and online programs, pursuing more industry partnerships that fast-track students into well-paid, high-demand jobs in the area workforce and continuously reassessing the colleges physical footprint, Balkin said.

Although we would love for all our students throughout the county to be just a short drive from our face-to-face class offerings, financial realities preclude that possibility, Balkin said. SUNY Erie intends to always have a presence in the Southtowns area, but that presence must creatively shift over time, as will our footprints at our North and City locations.

Balkin said there is no plan to eliminate ECCs South Campus in the foreseeable future. Earlier this year, ECC deactivated six South Campus programs with minimal enrollment, but those classes will be taught out to allow current students to obtain their degrees, he said.

ECC also plans to offer more short-term certification programs, high school advanced placement programs and industry co-ops like an auto tech program that is taught by ECC instructors at West Herr Auto Groups new Jaguar/Land Rover dealership in Amherst.

Today, community college can be wherever the assets are to teach students the skills they need to succeed at well-paying jobs, Balkin said. We just need to figure out how to best share assets to give ECC greater visibility in our community.

The Erie County Legislatures Community Enrichment Committee review the proposed ECC budget from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday in legislative chambers. A public hearing on the budget will be at 6 p.m. Thursday in the chambers at 92 Franklin St.

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Ken Paxton, Attorney General State of Texas

Gabriel Aponte/Getty Ken Paxton

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is facing criticism after saying that his message to the families of the 19 students killed by a gunman at a Uvalde, Texas, elementary school last month would be that "God always has a plan" and "Life is short no matter what it is."

In a May interview with right-wing radio host Trey Graham, 59-year-old Paxton said he would be "devastated" if he lost one of his children, but added that he would tell other parents who lost a child in the shooting that "there's always a plan."

"If I lost one of my children I'd be pretty devastated, especially in a way that is so senseless and seemingly has no purpose," Paxton said. "I think ... I would just have to say, if I had the opportunity to talk to the people I'd have to say, look, there's always a plan. I believe God always has a plan. Life is short no matter what it is. And certainly, we're not going to make sense of, you know, a young child being shot and killed way before their life expectancy."

After the exchange was shared to Twitter by Sawyer Hackett, a senior advisor to former San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, social media users criticized Paxton who, as one person pointed out, "has been Attorney General of Texas since January 2015, only slightly less time than the Uvalde victims were alive."

Related video: Stories of anguish and love from Uvalde

Another user referenced comments Paxton once made about the COVID-19 pandemic  when he suggested senior citizens should be "willing to take a chance on [their] survival in exchange for keeping the America that America loves"  writing: "It's always fine to sacrifice someone else's grandparents or kids. His people will have the best protection and healthcare money can buy."

RELATED: Texas Attorney General Explains Why He Had to Go to Utah During Last Week's Deadly Freeze

Paxton has been vocally opposed to gun regulations, even in the immediate wake of the shooting in Uvalde, when many other lawmakers have called for reforms that could help prevent a similar tragedy in the future.

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"We can't stop bad people from doing bad things," Paxton said on Fox News just hours after the shooting took place. "We can potentially arm and prepare and train teachers and other administrators to respond quickly. That, in my opinion, is the best answer."

More recently, Paxton said the federal government has "no right to take guns away from law-abiding U.S. citizens, or restrict their use."

"This is exactly what the Founding Fathers tried to prevent [with the Constitution]," he told Newsmax. "They were trying to prevent the government from having an advantage by having weapons the citizens didn't have."

RELATED: Parents Who Invited Texas' AG to Meet Their Trans Son Now Being Investigated for Child Abuse

And while he's spoken out against "bad people" doing "bad things," Paxton himself has been mired in controversy, and was indicted on felony securities fraud charges months after taking office as attorney general in 2015. He has pleaded not guilty and the trial has yet to take place.

In 2020, the Associated Press reported that the FBI was investigating claims that he had abused his office to help a wealthy donor. There, too, Paxton has denied wrongdoing.

As Salon reports, Paxton also took a leading role in the failed Supreme Court case aimed at overturning the results of the 2020 election, which Joe Biden won over Donald Trump.
Vietnam War veterans Doug Keusch, Don Boos and George Lockway, residents of Klines Resort, will participate in a special honor flight this Saturday.

Three veterans of the Vietnam War, of Klines Resort, will participate Saturday in a special Honor Flight to Washington.

Don Boos, Doug Keusch and George Lockway are among the 82 veterans expected to participate. Community members are invited to Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo that evening to welcome the group home. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the veterans arriving around 9 p.m.

Its nice they are doing it, Boos said. Vietnam veterans never got welcomed home  they were spit on in the airport.

All three have been to Washington previously, but still are excited about the trip. Keusch wants to see the newer memorials, and Lockway has a couple of names he wants to see on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall.

Boos was drafted into the Army and spent 21 months in Vietnam, primarily working on artillery  tanks and howitzers. They backed up the first cavalry in Phu Bai.

It wasnt pretty, he said. It was hot and nasty  I lost the bottoms of my feet in the monsoon season. He experienced three months of temperatures over 140 degrees.

When Boos returned from overseas, he drove truck for 42 years for Meijer Thrifty Acres, logging more than six million miles. He and his wife Barb had three daughters, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Keusch entered the Navy at age 17 and spent four years there. He was a signalman E4 on the USS Passumpsic AO-107. He did three tours of duty on the same ship, and signaled the whole Seventh Fleet.

Returning to the states, Keusch worked at TRW for 33 years building steering linkages for vehicles, and at the auto auction for seven years. He and his wife Inez have two sons and two grandchildren.

Lockway entered the Navy at age 17 and did two tours in Vietnam: one in Da Nang and another on a gunboat in Cam Ranh Bay. He went on to have a two-decade career in the service, spending time in both the Atlantic and the Pacific.

After retiring from the Navy, Lockway drove truck for 20 years, worked at Schoolcraft schools for six years, and at Bethany Reformed Church for four years. He and his wife Norma have two daughters and four grandsons.

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He expressed thanks to all the volunteers for Honor Flight  its quite an operation, he said.

Honor Flights traditionally include veterans from World War II and Korea, but this will be the first all-Vietnam veteran honor flight trip from Michigana vision brought to fruition by a diligent teenager.

According to Honor Flight Network, Alice Kraatz of Kalamazoo began fundraising for this special trip when she was 14. Now 17, Kraatz has raised more than $140,000enough to sponsor the entire plane of veterans traveling to the nations capital to experience the memorials built in their honor.

Kraatz proposed the all-Vietnam veteran trip while serving as the Michigan State President of Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) from 2019-20. As part of her state project To Honor, To Remember, she sold MIA/POW bracelets to raise money and recruited other youth organizations to join her campaign by collecting bottles and cans, hosting yard sales, and asking for sponsorships.

The trip, named C.A.R. Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight, will take the veterans to Arlington National Cemetery to participate in a wreath-laying, then to the National Mall to visit the memorials honoring those who served. The veterans will receive the Vietnam War Commemorative Pin during a special pinning ceremony at 2:50 p.m. at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Trip organizers also have special plans to give the veterans the proper homecoming that so many in their generation never received.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Three local veterans participate in special Honor Flight
As China rapidly modernises its military, the United States is concerned about how those new PLA investments might be used in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in the Taiwan Strait.

Logistics are also an issue for the US when operating in waters far from American shores - something deputy defence secretary Kathleen Hicks on Monday said would be strengthened by working with allies and partners in the region.

"For the United States to be effective in the Pacific, we already know we have a significant logistics challenge, worsened by the reliance that we have on fuel," she said at a summit organised by news website Defense One.

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The US has worked closely with allies in the region, such as Japan and Australia, to ensure that - in the event of a confrontation with China - it does not make the same logistical blunders of the Russian forces in Ukraine.

"So that means we have to work very hard here at [the Department of Defence]. We have to work in close partnership with our allies and partners abroad," Hicks said, highlighting that the US had to develop "combat-credible capability that can deter aggression".

But it remains unclear what obligations those partners and allies would have should a conflict break out across the Taiwan Strait. The level of support would also depend on the country's foreign policy and its economic ties with China.

Collin Koh, a research fellow with the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, said the US expected allies to be more reliable in assisting with logistics since they were bound by mutual defence treaties and political obligations.

"For partners, this is where it gets shaky," he said. "You can't expect partners to help simply because they don't have a formal alliance treaty ... and they have no obligation to help."

Story continues

But he said certain partners - such as India, Singapore and Indonesia - may step in to provide the US with logistical aid. Japan and South Korea, led by the US-friendly President Yoon Suk-yeol, could also be expected to support the US.

Tensions are rising in the region, where Beijing has territorial disputes with neighbours - many of them US allies and partners - in the South China Sea and the East China Sea.

Taiwan - the self-ruled island Beijing claims as its own - has also become a flashpoint in US-China relations. Beijing has ramped up pressure on Taipei in recent years, and has not ruled out the use of force to take control of the island.

After Beijing on Monday asserted that it held sovereign rights over the Taiwan Strait, Washington said it was international waters and that the US would continue to fly over and sail through it.

Andrei Chang, editor-in-chief of the Canada-based Kanwa Asian Defence Monthly, said Taiwan would face a "serious problem" if a war with Beijing did break out, and it would only be able to hold out for a short time if the US did not supply weapons, equipment, ammunition and fuel.

He noted that the US military had equipment in every region on the soil of other countries that could be quickly deployed.

"If war breaks out across the Taiwan Strait and the US military needs to take part in it, all they need to do is to fly there on a civilian plane without needing to bring their guns," he said. "When they arrive in Japan, they can directly pick up their equipment from the warehouse and go to the front line."

But when it comes to Taiwan, only Japan could provide such logistical support. The South Korean government in the late 1990s stated that US troops stationed in the country could not intervene in a cross-strait crisis, he said.

"Also, once Japan intervenes, the Communist Party of China will not let Japan go," Chang said. "Japan is in an awkward position."

Koh noted that - unlike Russia - China's economic clout reaches most of the world, and it had for years been investing to build up strategic leverage.

The US has been seeking to strengthen partnerships in the region through alliances such as Aukus and the Quad, which China sees as a strategy to contain it.

The Pentagon has also proposed a US$27 billion Pacific Deterrence Initiative that aims to boost missile systems, training, logistics and intelligence-sharing with regional allies.

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.
Weather Alert

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...High temperatures of 99 to 106 expected. * WHERE...In Washington, Lower Columbia Basin of Washington, Foothills of the Blue Mountains of Washington and Yakima Valley. In Oregon, Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon. * WHEN...Until 11 PM PDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Widespread afternoon high temperatures between 99 and 106 degrees are expected, with the highest temperatures in the Lower Columbia Basin of Washington. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. &&
Weather Alert

...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 11 PM PDT THIS EVENING... * WHAT...High temperatures of 98 to 106 expected. * WHERE...In Washington, Lower Columbia Basin of Washington, Foothills of the Blue Mountains of Washington and Yakima Valley. In Oregon, Lower Columbia Basin of Oregon. * WHEN...From 11 AM this morning to 11 PM PDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses to occur. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Widespread afternoon high temperatures between 98 and 106 degrees are forecast with the highest temperatures expected in the Lower Columbia Basin of Washington. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1. &&
If you have ever gotten a driver's license, picked up license plates, registered a gun or bought a house, you already know that the Erie County Clerk's Office is the embodiment of government bureaucracy.

But this year, it is also at the center of an unusual political campaign that has resulted in labeling a lifelong Democrat as an "extreme Republican," and promoting a lifelong, voting Republican  who just recently changed her party affiliation a few months ago  as "the only choice for Democrats."

The campaign also features accusations of nepotism and hypocrisy.

Incumbent County Clerk Michael "Mickey" Kearns, an independent Democrat who has held the Clerk's Office for the past five years, is facing a primary challenge from Eden Town Supervisor Melissa Hartman, a lifelong Republican who recently switched her party affiliation to Democrat.

Kearns, 53, is a lifelong South Buffalo resident who has had an on-and-off relationship with the Democratic Party, though in recent years he has consistently held Republican and Conservative Party endorsements and has been targeted by the Erie County Democratic Party that has launched primary challenges against him.

Erie County Clerk urges homeowners to seek help if they are behind on mortgage payments The pandemic and job losses are leading to an uptick in the number of Erie County residents 

He says he wears his political independence as a badge of honor and points to his ability to keep the county auto bureaus and Registrar's Office running despite challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic as a sign of his ability to deliver for county residents.

Despite the economic shutdown, Kearns opened auto bureaus for curbside service and said he re-engineered the office to handle paper transactions, allow mail-in pistol permit transactions and off-site real estate paperwork processing.

His office, which processes roughly 600,000 transactions a year, still managed a $5 million surplus in 2020, a figure that has grown in subsequent years.

"We never closed," he said.

He also established an appointment system for motor vehicle transactions, which didn't previously exist, to reduce wait times and has been nationally recognized for his work in battling vacant and abandoned "zombie" properties in Erie County.

Democratic challenger

Eden supervisor says police investigating partial pipe bomb thrown into her home Melissa Hartman, who switched political parties from Republican to Democrat in February and is running for Erie County clerk, said the device had multiple threats written on it.

Hartman, 43, a Hamburg native who moved to Eden 11 years ago, points to her town leadership during the Covid-19 crisis and her educational background in higher education administration and operations management as points in her favor.

She also notes that no women hold a countywide elected office in Erie County and that only four women have ever held countywide elected office, including former Clerk and current Governor Kathy Hochul.

As supervisor, Hartman has taken on different leadership roles, she said, and worked to move forward a town master plan that addresses land use issues and would allow the town to modernize without losing its rural character. She also has restructured debt and enabled the Eden water system to be taken over by the Erie County Water Authority to save the town millions of dollars, she said.

As county clerk, she said she wants to establish a gun buyback program, distribute free gun safety locks with every new pistol permit, offer more suicide prevention information, and open a new county auto bureau, preferably on the East Side, to improve public access to motor vehicle services.

She criticized the current downtown location, which is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the county Rath Building, as a frustrating place to find parking or easy public transportation access. She also criticized Kearns for promoting an exclusionary appointment-only system that limited auto bureau access by deterring walk-ins.

Hartman said Kearns began allowing auto bureau walk-ins and establishing a Monday satellite location at the Merriweather Library on the East Side only after her campaign began promoting how she would change current access limitations to services.

"I dont think that hes doing the job he should be doing," she said.

Kearns, meanwhile, called Hartman's gun buyback initiative poorly conceived, dangerous and "totally naive." He faulted her for suggesting that auto bureaus or the Clerk's Office would be acceptable places to bring weapons and for failing to consult with anyone in law enforcement about how such a program would be structured or carried out.

"She doesnt have any idea about how the Clerks Office works," Kearns said.

Hartman said her gun buyback program is a goal that would be implemented only after consultation with law enforcement and others to ensure the program could be administered safely.

Politics at play

Hartman says she wants to keep politics out of the County Clerk's Office.

Kearns says that is exactly what he is doing. Hartman disagrees.

She pointed to his aggressive campaign against the Green Light Law to resist legal efforts to provide drivers licenses to immigrants who are not living here legally. He also worked, with some other local political support, to investigate potential cases where ineligible immigrants attempted to register to vote.

Suspected voter registration fraud prompts request for Board of Elections policy Erie County Clerk Michael Mickey Kearns highlighted last weeks case to urge Board of Elections commissioners to develop a policy that would allow the Clerks Office to confidentially share instances of suspected voter

The clerk's lawsuit and appeal regarding the Green Light Law were both dismissed.

Hartman also faulted Kearns for his broader anti-abortion and conservative immigration stances, saying those aren't in line with a progressive Democratic agenda.

Kearns said it was ridiculous that a lifelong Republican who either voted for Donald Trump or Ted Cruz in the 2016 primary is criticizing him for his positions.

"Its called hypocrisy," he said, noting that she only recently changed her party affiliation to run against him.

He also pointed out, as she has, that the role of clerk is administrative and has nothing to do with national politics.

Hartman said her political affiliation has always been a low priority, but that she's always held more progressive positions and never been a Trump supporter.

"I was very outspoken against Trump, so much so that my local Republican Party shunned me," she said, noting that she participated in the Western New York Republicans for Biden effort. "That man is a disgrace to this country."

Kearns countered that Hartman could have changed her political affiliation at any time if she felt this way, but instead chose to keep her Republican status because it benefited her politically as Eden town supervisor.

"I am the most independent elected official in Erie County," Kearns said. "I dont listen to the party bosses. Thats why they dont like me."

Nepotism charge

This week, Kearns defended himself against charges made by Hartman and County Democratic Party Chairman Jeremy Zellner that he hired his cousin, Kevin Linder, to serve as first deputy clerk, a high level position that netted Linder a $20,000 pay raise.

Hartman has called for the county's Board of Ethics to investigate the hiring and Kearns' failure to disclose the family relationship, as elected officials are expected to do yearly.

Kearns said Linder served as chief of staff for the Buffalo Common Council and has been a 16-year lawyer who also worked as an assistant district attorney and was best qualified for the job for all the lawyers who applied for the post.

Under the Board of Ethics legal disclosure requirements, the only cousins who must be disclosed under the county's ethics rules are first cousins. Linder is a second cousin. Kearns also said the raise Linder received is the same pay anyone with his level of experience would have received under county rules.

Hartman accused Kearns of hiding the relationship and called his willingness to appoint a relative to the highest administrative post in the Clerk's Office "disgraceful."

Early voting for in the Democratic primary begins Saturday. Primary Day is June 28. Regardless of the primary outcome, Kearns, who has a fund-raising advantage, will be on the general election ballot with the Republican and Conservative lines. Hartman heads in the primary with the Democratic endorsement and is also running on the Integrity party line.

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Ten years ago, Susan Geissler was among the millions of television viewers watching as daredevil Nik Wallenda walked from the American side of the Horseshoe Falls to the Canadian side on a 2-inch-wide cable.

She remembers being particularly alarmed by the strong winds as Wallenda crossed over thundering cataracts in 26 breathless, heart-pounding minutes.

Wallenda wire-walks into history, crossing mighty falls in 26 minutes He made it. Nik Wallenda became a true King of the High Wire on Friday night as the seventh-generation circus performer triumphantly sprinted off the 1,800-foot steel cable strung over Niagara Falls, dashing any doubts of all the naysayers who said such a feat could never be done. It took 26 breathless, heart-pounding minutes for Wallenda to accomplish his

Now, she is going to make sure Niagara Falls never forgets.

With Wallenda looking on, Geissler was commissioned Wednesday to create a bronze sculpture in Niagara Falls, immortalizing the event that Sen. Rob Ortt of North Tonawanda said put Niagara Falls back on the map globally.

The 300-pound, $150,000 project, Sculpture in the Sky  to be funded through private donations  was announced at a news conference commemorating the 10-year anniversary of Wallendas walk. It is expected to stand above Old Falls Street at Prospect Street next year.

For Geissler, its crucial that the sculpture holds a life of its own, with the eyes and hands being particularly significant.

It has to be alive, and thats very critical to me when I work, she added.

The sculpture will be another place for people to gather and discuss the event that had eyes from across the world focused on Niagara Falls, said Mayor Robert Restaino.

As Wallenda accepted a proclamation from the State Senate and a key to the city a decade after his historic walk, he said the event was about more than him. He said it was an opportunity for local tourism and a moment of unity, visualized by a wire tied between the United States and Canada.

To him, Niagara Falls is the greatest attraction in the world, yet the United States struggles to capitalize on it.

Wallenda awes spectators with his daring aerial feat and down-to-earth nature Nik Wallenda wire-walked into history at Niagara Falls on Friday, but the effects quickly rippled around the world. As far as feats of derring-do go, they dont get much more primal or more terrifying, wrote the Guardian of England. Wallenda hovered over the gorge like a latter-day Moses, said the New York Times. Would you come to Australia? beamed

Tourism brings dollars, which helps those in need in the community and fixes roads and fixes infrastructure and fixes poverty, Wallenda said, And until that happens, unfortunately, they wont.

As for thinking back on what he did in 2012?

"It is hard for me to even realize that I did that, he said, recalling that he crossed an international border from the tightrope, with his passport tucked into a baggie in his pocket.

Though it will require more time and planning, particularly with local businesses, Wallenda dreams of doing another iteration of his walk over the Falls. This time, he aims to cross from Canada to the United States, preferably untethered.

This second trip would also serve as a gesture of gratitude for the stunt he believes amplified his career.

Millions watch Wallenda walk across the roaring thunder of Niagara Falls In the end, he made it look easy. When Nik Wallenda stepped onto the 2-inch steel cable that spanned the rushing torrent of Niagara Falls shortly after 10 p.m. on Friday, he did so with grace and ease. Clad in an eye-catching black-and-red jacket, Wallenda battled the elements  darkness, fierce winds, swirling mists, the spray of cold water

Hopefully we will, by that time, with the help of the mayor and the great people hes surrounding himself with, put something thats more of a permanent attraction here that will bring families to this side of the border, Wallenda said.

In the meantime, Wallenda is keeping busy. He will headline the Manhattan-based Big Apple Circus in the winter and is sharing his life story through a documentary.

And at every one of his shows, Wallenda promises people can find photos of Niagara.

I talk about Niagara Falls everywhere I go because its Niagara Falls," he said. "The world deserves to see it.

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Hungary has won funding of 6 billion forints (EUR 15m) for developing and operating a 20 petaflop supercomputer, the Ministry of Technology and Industry (TIM) said on Wednesday.

The facility based at the Wigner Physics Research Center in Csilleberc, near Budapest, will be built in the next 2-3 years thanks to funding granted under the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC).



EuroHPC provides major resources and coordination for infrastructure upgrades and the broadening of technology use, the ministry said. Hungarys bid submitted in February won support based on the evaluation of international experts, and the grant covers more than a third of the value of the so-called Levente project and five-year running costs.



Laszlo Palkovics, the minister of technology and industry, said in a ministry statement: We are creating the conditions for new internationally marketable Hungarian technological and industrial developments



He added that with the new capacities, Hungary would jump ahead to take its place in the global top 50.



He added that the structure of the supercomputer which incorporates modular technology will enable the connection of a quantum computer in the future.





MTI Photo: Zsolt Czegledi
Hungarian investigative prosecutors have terminated the investigation into allegations of illegal eavesdropping on the mobile phones of several Hungarian journalists and opposition figures in connection with Pegasus spyware, citing absence of a crime.

A broad investigation which included classified documents found no unauthorised and secretive collection of information or the unauthorised use of a concealed device, the Central Investigation Prosecutors Office (KNYF) said on Wednesday.



Referring to certain people named in the press who were allegedly spied on, the public investigators said people on whom the authorities secretly collected information for law enforcement or national security purposes were not necessarily criminal suspects, and in such cases they examined whether these people had been caused harm in any way.



The findings were negative, the investigators said.



In January, data protection ombudsman Attila Peterfalvi told journalists that no violations in connection with the use or licensing of Pegasus spyware had been discovered in Hungary.



For the last six months, his office has investigated the use of the Israeli spyware by Hungarian national security agencies, as well as ministry of justice permission procedures, after the publication of allegations in the summer by investigative news site Direkt 36 in connection with the discovery that 50,000 phone numbers selected by customers of Israeli company NSO Group had been eavesdropped in 50 countries since 2016, including Hungary.
The 4th Street Boutique, owned by Heather Karber, has returned to its roots. The boutique which was named after the street where the Karbers live and was the original location of the business, has moved to 208 East 4th Street, York. It moved from 602 North Grant Avenue where it had been for the last year or so.

The new location has several advantages according to Karber. That includes more room to print T-shirts which is a big part of the business. Increased visibility and more room for parking were also reasons for making the move.

The east side of the building contains the boutique side with merchandise displays. Youll find pretty much the same merchandise as before. The west side the building is the home to the t-shirt printing part of the business.

T-shirts have always been my thing, said Karber. They were pretty much the origin of the business and this building gives us a lot more room. In fact, when I dropped in this week Karber was in the middle of printing more than 500 t-shirts this week.

New signage for the outside of the building will be showing up sometime in the near future.

Hours for the boutique in the new location are as follows: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You can reach the 4th Street Boutique by calling 402-710-2764.

Merklinger to retire from York Co. Aging Services office

Lori Byers, York Co. Aging Services manager, has announced that Jerri Merklinger, an 11-year veteran of the office will be retiring on June 30.

With her retirement we are losing a major part of Aging Services, said Byers. She has provided so much service and assistance to so many individuals throughout the years. I have started the hiring process to fill her position and hope to get it filled soon. Until the new person is hired, please feel free to contact me with any question you have or assistance you need. I will be more than happy to assist you.

It's hard to believe that I have been at York County Aging for 11 years full time, said Merklinger. I did work part time before that doing the meals at the Senior Center. It is hard to say goodbye to all the people I have met over the years, they will all have a special place in my heart as I move on to the next adventure of retirement. I have decided to take my own advice and retire while I am still able to travel and do things instead of waiting for that magical number of 65 or 66 and so many months.

I have plans for traveling and seeing family and friends, she added. I will also enjoy spending time with my 4-legged children at home.

"You have all taught me something along this journey and I hope that I have been able to help you, so your journey was not as hard. I am sure the person to take my place will be as helpful and caring as I am.

We want to invite you to join us for Jerris retirement on June 30 from 2-4 p.m. at our office located 1614 N Division Avenue, said Byers.

Just a buck makes it happen

Firecracker Frenzy will take place again this year on July 3 as in previous years at the York County Fairgrounds. Plan on again seeing one of the better fireworks shows around. I always heard it from folks in other towns about how many people would travel to York on the 3rd to view the show. You can load up all the kids and enjoy the spectacular show from your vehicle. There are many different parking areas surrounding the fairgrounds and hopefully they will be packed full of families along with the grandstand. Chamber exec Madonna Mogul said they are looking for donations to help with the large expense it takes to put this show on. There are many ways to donate and one is through Venmo @yorknechamber.

The Frenzy Committee has also distributed donation boxes around town. While you are doing business in the area, you can make donations at these area locations: Captain Red Beards, Dollar Fresh, Ginnys Hallmark, Western Edge, York Senior Center, Walgreens, Grand Central, Ace Hardware, Orscheln Farm & Home, Pump & Pantry /North and South, Runza North, Jensen Lumber, Sapp Bros., Arbys, McDonalds, Petro, Good to Go Travel Center, Runza South, and Wendys. In addition to the change boxes, we are working with local retail locations to engage in a round up at the register campaign. As of this writing, Dollar Fresh, York Ace Hardware will round up and Grand Central Foods will have the coupons customers can use to make their donation.

As always the chamber is still looking for donations to help pay for the event. Contact the chamber at 402-362-5531 for more information.

What the Heck:

Its so, so quiet around here this week. As noted in last weeks column, we had been in Ohio with the two littles grandkids for a week and then we had them here in York for a week. And then we had a house full for three or four days during the YCC Member Guest event. Its so, so quiet around here this week.
With Tata Group at the helm of affairs, Air India, the erstwhile national air carrier of the country is witnessing massive changes, right from in flight services to the fleet itself. As per a latest report, Air India has decided to procure the wide-bodied Airbus A350 aircraft made by the European plane maker. The Tata owned airliner will deploy its maiden batch of the plane on the international routes, currently served by Boeing 777 and Boeing 747. The report further states that the first plane is likely to be delivered to the airline by March 2023, although it was not immediately clear how many A350 aircraft will be purchased by Air India.

If the deal goes through, this is will be Air India's first wide-bodied plane from Airbus as the company only has Boeing wide body planes in the fleet. However, Air India has deployed smaller single aisle Airbus A320 on domestic routes in India. A wide bodied plane like the Airbus A350 has a bigger fuel tank that allows it to travel longer distances such as India-US routes. Also, Airbus is cheaper to own than the counterpart Boeing 777 and 787.

Air India has not bought a single aircraft since 2006 when it had placed orders for purchasing 111 aircraft -- 68 from the US-based aircraft manufacturer Boeing and 43 from European aircraft manufacturer Airbus. The Tata Group took control of Air India on January 27 after successfully winning the bid for the airline on October 8 last year. This will be first plane procurement for Air India since Tata took over the airline.

Also read: Airlines to pay up to Rs 20,000 compensation to flyers if boarding is denied

Sources on Wednesday said Air India has started asking its senior pilots if they will be interested in getting the "conversion training" to operate A350 aircraft. Air India's pilots are trained to operate the wide-bodied aircraft of Boeing. Therefore, they have to undergo "conversion training" to operate A350 aircraft of Airbus. According to Air India's website, the airline has total 49 wide-bodied aircraft -- 18 Boeing B777, 4 Boeing B747 and 27 B787 -- in its fleet. The carrier has 79 narrow-bodied planes in its fleet too.

Sources said Air India is purchasing A350 aircraft and is likely to get its first A350 plane by March 2023. Since April, the airline's chairman N Chandrasekaran -- who also is the chairman of the Tata Group -- has rejigged the top management of the airline, bringing in senior and middle-level executives who have worked in other companies of the Tata Group such as Tata Steel and Vistara.

With PTI inputs

Live TV
For months, Rep. Lee Zeldin has been crisscrossing New York as he seeks the Republican nomination for governor, telling anybody who will listen all about his plans to transform the state.

Less than two weeks before the June 28 GOP primary, the Suffolk County congressman on Wednesday convened reporters to denounce Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul's latest extension of emergency powers to deal with Covid-19.

GOP's Wilson campaigns on his electability in Democratic NY: 'None of the other guys running can win' "I have a certain set of God-given gifts, and I can really fix complicated situations. I don't think there is any better way to give back than to use those gifts to fix New York State," said GOP gubernatorial candidate Harry Wilson.

But he didn't stop there during his appearance at Erie County Republican Headquarters on Main Street.

The candidate lambasted Hochul as "clearly in over her head" after succeeding Andrew M. Cuomo as governor in August. He called her latest emergency power declaration a "lust for more power and control," adding Hochul sat idly as Cuomo mishandled the Covid-19 crisis and then wangled a $5.1 million "self-congratulatory" book deal. Zeldin said Hochul "tripled down" on her choice of the indicted Brian Benjamin as lieutenant governor, despite media reports of investigations into his past campaigns, and he again zeroed in on her new zeal for gun control after gaining an A rating from the NRA running for Congress a decade ago.

"You can say she has 'evolved' on issue after issue after issue, but New Yorkers are smarter than they give them credit for," Zeldin said. "She tries to be whoever her political consultants tell her to be for the next election."

Democratic opponents target Hochul, crime and Bills stadium deal in first debate In the first debate among the Democratic candidates for governor, Rep. Thomas R. Suozzi of Nassau County and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams reiterated their criticism of Gov. Kathy Hochul on a variety of fronts.

He also returned to his theme of "one party rule" in New York, noting that since Democrats took over the Senate in 2019, Cuomo and Hochul have imposed their will with no opposition party input  including on her extended emergency powers.

"The governor of the State of New York should not be executing this level of control," he added.

Flanked by state Republican Chairman Nicholas A. Langworthy, who's now a candidate in the 23rd Congressional District, Zeldin never mentioned his trio of GOP primary challengers  businessman Harry Wilson, former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and former Trump administration official Andrew Giuliani. Instead, he assumed the front-runner role assigned by the latest Emerson/WPIX-TV poll showing him with a double-digit lead over Wilson, and he zeroed in on the governor and her Covid-19 powers.

Zeldin came to Buffalo to react to an executive order issued by Hochul on Tuesday extending her constitutionally allowed powers to manage the emergency situation stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic. While she and Cuomo exercised those abilities in limiting attendance at restaurants and large gatherings in the early onslaught of the virus, Zeldin said those days have long passed.

"New Yorkers don't want to be ruled by an emperor governor," Zeldin said, adding he believes the Legislature should be involved in granting extensions of power. He recalled governments on all levels working together during the pandemic's early days of 2020, he said, but the situation has improved to the point that the Legislature must provide accountability and "reassert itself."

Hochul campaign to report $10.3 million raised since January Gov. Kathy Hochul will report a total of $31.7 million raised so far, according to a disclosure to be filed today with the state Board of Elections and obtained by The Buffalo News.

"The Legislature should be the one to grant the governor Covid emergency powers," he said. "She shouldn't have Covid emergency powers granted unilaterally to herself."

In an interview with The Buffalo News, Hochul said Wednesday she is forced to continue dealing with acute crises such as assigning National Guard personnel to hospitals at Erie County Medical Center or attracting nurses and other medical personnel to deal with staffing shortages. The vast array of powers from 2020 are no longer needed, she said, but some still are. And she promised an end to the need for them at some point.

"We need the flexibility to do what we've done throughout the pandemic," she said. "If I lose those extraordinary powers, I can't do things like that.

"My ego does not require me to need this," she added. "I can assure you that."

Zeldin, meanwhile, updated other Hochul criticisms, including her new package of gun control legislation that she proposed and the Legislature approved immediately following the May 14 shootings that claimed 10 lives at the Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue.

"I believe New York's gun control laws go too far," he said, noting his co-sponsorship of legislation while in the State Senate to rescind Cuomo's strict gun control law known as the SAFE Act. His opposition to the new bills stems from the same principle, he said.

"They target law abiding citizens," he said, adding that he supports ramping up school safety with steps such as deployment of more school safety officers.

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Akasa Air, India's newest airline has taken delivery of its first of 72 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in Seattle, USA. Ace investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala backed airline is the India's latest low cost air carrier launched to cater the growing air travel demand in the country and will start with domestic routes first. The airline says they will be providing the lowest seat-mile costs for a single-aisle airplane as well as high dispatch reliability and an enhanced passenger experience. The airline earlier placed one of the largest orders for the controversial 737 Max 8 aircrafts at the Dubai Airshow.

Akasa Air placed a total order of 72 aircrafts, which includes an initial delivery of 18 aircraft by March 2023, followed by delivery of the remaining 54 aircraft over the course of the next four years. The first of the 72 aircrafts has already been handed over to the airline at the Boeing's production facility in Seattle and will soon fly to India.

Post the arrival of the aircraft, Akasa Air will apply for necessary certification with the India's aviation nodal body DGCA. Akasa Air has already received No Objection Certificate to operate airline in India earlier. Akasa Air's airline code is 'QP' and the livery is a combination of Sunset Orange and Purple shade, a new for any airline in India.

Commenting on the delivery, Vinay Dube - Founder, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Akasa Air said, This is indeed a symbolic milestone in the journey of Akasa Air, bringing us one step closer to the process of obtaining our Air Operators Permit (AOP) and leading to our commercial launch. While we are extremely happy with this achievement, we want to keep ourselves focussed on the task of delivering on our vision to transform Indias air transportation ecosystem, support the nations economic growth engine and help fellow Indians chase their dreams.

Also read: Rakesh Jhunjhunwala-backed Akasa Air: All you need to know about India's newest low-cost airline

We are grateful to Boeing and Griffin for their trust in us and supporting us early in our journey. I, along with our team, are looking forward to receiving our first aircraft in Delhi early next week as it arrives from Seattle. Dube added.

"We are honored to deliver the first 737 MAX to Akasa Air, Indias newest airline focused on making air travel inclusive and affordable for all," said Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO. "Flying an advanced, environmentally progressive 737 MAX fleet with greater fuel efficiency and lower operating costs will enable Akasa Air to profitably serve the Indian market while passing those savings on to its passengers."

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SriLankan Airlines praised its pilots for safely commandeering a flight from London to Colombo following reports that the national carrier's aircraft avoided a possible mid-air collision with a British Airways flight over Turkey, endangering the lives of over 500 passengers. Furthermore, the airlines praised the skills of the pilot along with the communication systems and the surveillance system for averting the major disaster. It is to be noted that the flight UL 504 was being carried out by an Airbus A333 aircraft.

The national carrier said that the "vigilance of the pilots and the state-of-the-art communication and surveillance system onboard the aircraft enabled safe passage for UL 504" on June 13.

Further, SriLankan Airlines commends the timely action of the pilots operating UL 504, which ensured the safety of all passengers, crew and equipment onboard UL 504, the airline said in a statement.

Also read: Airfare set to increase by upto 15 percent due to aviation fuel price hike? SpiceJet CMD hints

The clarification was issued after media reports claimed that UL 504, flying from London to Colombo, avoided its biggest possible mid-air collision while in Turkish airspace. The reports said the Airbus A333 aircraft carrying 275 passengers had entered the Turkish Airspace after leaving Heathrow en route to Colombo. The Srilankan flight had been told to climb to 35,000 feet from the 33,000 feet they were flying at.

Right then, the Srilankan flight detected a British Airways flight with more than 250 people on board just 15 miles away from them, flying at 35,000 feet and informed the air traffic control at Ankara.

The Srilankan pilots refused to climb despite being cleared twice erroneously by the Ankara air traffic control. Minutes later, the air traffic responded urgently, informing the Srilankan flight not to climb as there was already a flight right above at 35,000 feet, a British Airways flight to Dubai.

If the UL captain had climbed to the requested height, the UL flight would have faced a mid-on collision with the British Airways flight, as it was flying at a faster speed than the UL flight, the Daily Mirror newspaper reported.

After landing at the Bandaranaike International Airport here, the passengers safely disembarked from the flight along with the crew and a report on the incident was filed, it added.

With inputs from PTI
New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on Thursday (June 16), announced that the first tranche of Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) for 2022-23 will open for subscription for five days from June 20. With the opening of the subscription of the SGB scheme, investors will get a chance to get a discount on investing in the yellow metal. However, for getting a discount on gold investment, one needs to invest in the SGB scheme via online modes. For the unversed, the RBI issues sovereign gold bonds on behalf of the Government of India.

RBI also said in its statement that the second tranche of the SGB 2022-23 Series II will be available for subscription during August 22-26, 2022. So, investors missing the opportunity to invest in the first tranche of the scheme can put their money on yellow metal with SGB. (ALSO READ: Cosmetics company Revlon files for bankruptcy, hit by high debt, supply chain issues)

The central bank said the price of SGB will be fixed in rupees on the basis of a simple average of the closing price of gold of 999 purity, published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Limited (IBJA) for the last three working days of the week preceding the subscription period. (ALSO READ: RBI lifts restrictions on Mastercard, allows it onboard new customers)

Eligibility for investing in Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB)

Resident individuals, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), trusts, universities and charitable institutions can invest in SGB schemes offered by the RBI on behalf of the Indian government.

Tenure of Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB)

RBI said that the tenor of the SGB will be for a period of eight years with an option of premature redemption after the 5th year to be exercised on the date on which interest is payable.

Discount on Gold Investment

Investors subscribing to the SGBs via online methods and paying via digital mode will have to pay Rs 50 less per gram. Investors are required to make a minimum investment in one gram of gold.

On the other hand, the maximum limit of subscription is 4 Kg for individuals, 4 Kg for HUFs and 20 Kg for trusts and similar entities per fiscal year.
New Delhi: CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett, has once again donated a huge amount to charitable foundations as part of his 17th annual summer gift. The marquee investor, this time around, has donated his stocks worth about Rs 31,200 crore ($4 billion) in Berkshire Hathaways to the foundations. Including the latest donations, his total donations now stand at more than Rs Rs 350,000 crores ($48 billion).

Known as the Oracle of Omaha, Buffett is one of the most generous individuals in the world. According to media reports, Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, founder of the Tata Group, and the now divorced Bill and Melinda Gates have donated more funds than him. (ALSO READ: 1 ka 5! Man went to withdraw Rs 500, got Rs 2500 as ATM dispensed 5 times extra cash)

This time around too, Buffett donated $4 billion to the same five foundations the billionaire has been offering the funds to annually since 2006. Of all the organisations, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation received about $3.1 billion of Berkshire stock. (ALSO READ: Yogi's big decision! Stamp duty on property transfers within family waived off)

Other organisations that received the funds from the billionaire are Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, the Sherwood Foundation, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and the NoVo Foundation.

Meanwhile, Buffett has recently advised against crypto investments, as the crypto market crashes. The billionaire said that he will not even pay $25 for all the Bitcoin in the world.

"If you told me you own all of the Bitcoin in the world and you offered it to me for $25, I wouldnt take it because what would I do with it? Id have to sell it back to you one way or another. It isn`t going to do anything," he was quoted as saying in a CNBC report.

"Whether it goes up or down in the next year, or five or 10 years, I dont know. But the one thing I`m pretty sure of is that it doesn`t produce anything," Buffett added.
Agneepath scheme protest: As hundreds of students in Bihar took to the streets In Bihar to protest against the governments recently launched Agneepath Recruitment scheme, the deputy CM of Bihar Tarkishor Prasad said that the students have not understood the recruitment scheme properly and must take their protest back. While speaking to ANI, Prasad said, Don't think our youth understood scheme properly or are confused. Both state and Centre are serious about their induction into this. I request them to take back protest and try to understand positive aspects of the scheme. The students' outrage on Thursday turned violent as a group of protestors resorted to vandalism and set a train ablaze to register their anger against the move.

Protests also erupted in different parts of the country including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Agneepath recruitment scheme for Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces. In this scheme, around 46,000 soldiers will be recruited between the ages of 17-and-a-half years and 21 years into the three services in a contract for four years. The youth selected under this scheme will be known as agniveers.

Why are students against the Centres Agneepath recruitment scheme?

Students are protesting primarily against the fixed four years tenure. They also argue that the Centres cutting the benefits from those who are willing to risk their lives for national security under this scheme.

Many of them alleged that the Centre was not hiring Agniveers but "Bali Ka Bakra" (Scapegoats) for four years. Speaking to news agency ANI over taking part in the agitation, a protester voiced concerns over the next step after serving in the Army for four years as only 25 per cent of soldiers will be enrolled in the regular cadre.

Meanwhile, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Thursday hit out at the Union government over its new 'Agnipath scheme' of recruiting soldiers, terming it unfair towards rural youth. As announced, 'Agneepath' or 'Agniveer' scheme is a process for recruiting soldiers in the Army, Navy and Air force, to be hired for a term of four years on contract.

Similarly, Delhi Chief Arvind Kejriwal also said that the scheme is unjust to students and appealed to the Centre to give youth a chance to serve the country for their whole life and not just for four years.
Agneepath Scheme 2022: On Tuesday, the government unveiled the radical and far-reaching 'Agnipath' scheme, dispatching defense minister Rajnath Singh and the three Service chiefs to deflect criticism that it will undermine the armed forces' professionalism, ethos, and fighting spirit, as well as potentially lead to the militarization of civil society. The Agnipath scheme, which was approved by the PM-led cabinet committee on security, will begin recruiting 46,000 soldiers, sailors, and airmen this year on a "all-India, all-class" basis.

Agneepath Scheme Indian Army: What is Agneepath Scheme 2022?

This scheme entails a recruitment process for individuals with ranks below that of officers, with the goal of deploying fitter, younger troops on the front lines, many of whom will be on four-year contracts. It's a game-changer that will give the Army, Navy, and Air Force a more youthful image.

Agneepath Yojana 2022: Who can apply to this scheme?

Men and women between the ages of 17.5 and 21 will be recruited for the armed forces under this scheme. "After four years, Agniveers will be able to apply voluntarily for the regular cadre. Based on merit, organisation requirement, up to 25 percent shall be selected from that batch" Lt Gen Puri informed further. "We will provide an opportunity to the youth to serve the nation for a short and long duration, as Agniveers. We are giving youth a chance for both long and short duration military service," he added.

Agneepath Scheme Eligibility

All three services will be enrolled via a centralized online system, with specific rallies and campus interviews held by recognized technical colleges such as Industrial Training Institutes and the National Skills Qualifications Framework, among others. Enrollment will be on a 'All India All Class' basis, with eligible ages ranging from 17.5 to 21. Agniveers will meet the medical requirements for military enlistment as they apply to their specific categories/trades. Agniveers' educational credentials will continue to be popular for enrollment in a variety of categories, including Class 10 is the minimum educational requirement for becoming a General Duty (GD) soldier.

The Agnipath scheme approved by the CCS chaired by Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi is a truly transformative reform which will enhance the combat potential of the Armed Forces, with younger profile and technologically adept soldiers. #BharatKeAgniveer pic.twitter.com/2NI2LMiYVV  Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 14, 2022

Agneepath Recruitment 2022: Salary Package

The first year salary package is Rs 4.76 lakh, with an increase to Rs 6.92 lakh in the fourth year. Following release, the Seva Nidhi package costs approximately Rs 11.71 lakh, including interest (tax free) There is also a Rs 48 lakh non-contributory insurance cover. If the individuals receive an Agniveer skill certificate, it will help them find post-release employment.

Agneepath Army: Terms of service

Following four years of service, 25% of Agniveers will be retained in the regular cadre based on merit, willingness, and medical fitness. They will then serve another full term of 15 years. While the remaining 75% of Agniveers will be demobilised, they will be given an exit or "Seva Nidhi" package worth Rs 11-12 lakh, which will be funded in part by their monthly contributions, as well as skill certificates and bank loans to help them in their second careers.

Agneepath Yojana 2022: Advantages of the scheme

It gives young people a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve their country and contribute to national development. The Armed Forces would be more youthful and vibrant. The Agniveers will receive a good monetary package as well as the opportunity to train in the best military ethos in civil society and institutions while also improving their skills and qualifications. This will result in civil society having well-disciplined and skilled youth with a military ethos.

Agneepath Recruitment 2022: Reservation For girls

Girls under the specified age limit are eligible for agnipath admission, but there is no such reservation for women under this scheme. "The Agnipath scheme is a novel concept for the modern era. An idea created in India and for the people of India. An idea that will have a positive impact on armed forces human resource management, "Admiral R Hari Kumar of the Indian Navy expressed his thoughts on the Agnipath recruitment scheme. He also stated that women will be selected through the scheme, and the Indian Navy, which currently has only female officers, will now have sailors.

Agneepath Army: Defense Budget

The defence budget for 2022-23 was Rs 5,25,166 crore, which included Rs 1,19,696 crore for defence pensions. The revenue expenditure allocation was Rs 2,33,000 crore. The revenue expenditure includes expenses for salary payment and establishment maintenance.

The three service chiefs briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the scheme two weeks ago, which would allow soldiers to be inducted into the security forces for a limited time. The Department of Military Affairs is in charge of carrying out the scheme.
Noida: The farmers of the country suffered for 13 months due to the "wrong policies" of the BJP-led Centre and now, youngsters are facing the results of a "wrong decision", farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said on Thursday, wading into the row over the "Agnipath" scheme for recruitment into the armed forces. The national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) and a prominent face of the 2020-21 farmers' stir in Delhi, took to social media to lodge his protest against the Centre's new step for contractual recruitment into the armed forces.

"The farmers of the country have suffered for 13 months due to the government's wrong policies and today, the youngsters of the country are facing the consequences of a wrong decision. The government should know that those getting into the armed forces are also sons of farmers. We will fight till our last breath for the youngsters of the country and our children," Tikait said in a tweet in Hindi.

He also shared a picture along with the tweet that claimed that a young man from Haryana's Rohtak, who was preparing for recruitment into the armed forces for four years, ended his life after the government announced the "Agnipath" scheme.

ALSO READ: Penny wise and security foolish: Congress hits out at Centre over Agnipath scheme

Tikait's remarks came on a day when violent protests erupted in several parts of north India, including Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, over the Centre's new announcement.

The Centre unveiled the Agnipath scheme on Tuesday for the recruitment of soldiers in the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, largely on a four-year short-term contractual basis, in a major overhaul of the decades-old selection process.

Under the scheme, youngsters between the ages of 17 and a half and 21 years will be inducted into the three services. After the completion of the four-year tenure, the scheme provides for retaining 25 per cent of the recruits for regular service.

The recruits would also get a corpus fund upon being relieved from the service but would not be entitled to post-retirement benefits such as pension like regular soldiers.

ALSO READ: Agnipath Yojana: Yogi Adityanath urges youth not to get deceived, says scheme will give new dimension to their lives
New Delhi: Amid protests in several parts of the country over the Centers Agnipath Yojana, Congress on Thursday (June 16) said the armed forces recruitment scheme is controversial and carries multiple risks. In a statement, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said the short-term recruitment scheme may turn out to be a case of "penny wise and security foolish". He claimed that many retired defence officers have almost unanimously opposed the scheme, adding that he believes that many serving officers share the same view. The Central governments Agnipath scheme aims to recruit soldiers in the Army, Navy and the Air Force mainly on a four-year short-term contractual basis, after which most of them will have to compulsorily retire without pension.

"The Agnipath scheme is controversial, carries multiple risks, subverts the long-standing traditions and ethos of the armed forces and there is no guarantee that the soldiers recruited under the scheme will be better trained and motivated to defend the country," Chidambaram said.

My opening statement at the AICC press conference today: pic.twitter.com/NigIYMRC9e  P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) June 16, 2022

Raising several doubts about the Agnipath scheme, the senior Congress leader in a statement urged the Center to keep it in abeyance and hold consultations with serving and retired officers.

Congress apprehension of Agnipath scheme

The former Union minister said Agnipath soldiers will be trained for six months, will serve for another 42 months, and after that period 75 per cent of the recruits will be discharged. "It appears to us that the scheme makes a mockery of training; inducts into the defence forces an ill-trained and ill-motivated soldier; and discharges a disappointed and unhappy ex-soldier into the society," he said.

The Congress leader said announcements by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Education on opportunities after the recruitment period ends appear to be "after-thoughts".

ALSO READ: Agnipath scheme: Rahul Gandhi hits out at Centre, says govt must stop compromising dignity, traditions of armed forces

"They show that the scheme was poorly conceived and hastily drawn up. A major change in the mode of recruitment should have been examined thoroughly and a pilot scheme should have been tried and tested. Nothing of that sort has been done," the Congress leader said. Further, he claimed that several experts have suggested alternative models to address the inadequate armed forces recruitment issue, however, it does not seem that the alternatives were examined.

"Given the situation on our borders, it is imperative that we have soldiers in our defence forces who are young, well-trained, motivated, happy, satisfied and assured of their future," the former Union minister added.

Protests against Agnipath scheme

Several youngsters in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr and Ballia districts held protests against the Agnipath scheme today. The protesters in Khurja locality and the city area of Bulandshahr also raised slogans against the central government demanding the withdrawal of defence services recruitment scheme, PTI reported.

Hundreds of youth took to the streets in Haryana's Gurugram, Rewari and Palwal against the Agnipath scheme, with many blocking highways. A police vehicle was also damaged in stone-pelting in Palwal.

Protests turned violent in Bihar as at least three trains were set on fire in Chhapra, Gopalganj and Kaimur districts today.

(With agency inputs)
Agneepath Recruitment Scheme: Hundreds of students in Bihar took to the streets to protest against the governments recently launched Agneepath Recruitment scheme, however, the outrage turned violent as a group of protestors resorted to vandalism and set a train ablaze to register their anger against the move. A video clip released by ANI shows a number of protestors on tracks in Bihars Bhabua Road railway station, raising slogans and vandalising an empty train. The students can be seen breaking the windows of the train and later setting it on fire. As per ANI, the protestors are saying that they are prepared to stage their agitation for as long as it takes. Violent protests have been reported from other parts of Bihar as well.

Watch the video here!

#WATCH | Bihar: Armed forces aspirants protest at Bhabua Road railway station, block tracks & set a train ablaze over #AgnipathRecruitmentScheme



They say, "We prepared for long&now they've brought ToD (Tour of Duty) as a 4-yr job.Don't want that but the old recruitment process" pic.twitter.com/TmhfnhHiVg  ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2022

According to Kaimur SP, Rakesh Kumar, efforts are being made to clear the railway tracks and the situation is being monitored.

They are protesting on the railway tracks. We are trying to pacify them. We are making an effort to clear the railway track. We are monitoring the situation, Kumar told ANI.

They are protesting on the railway tracks. We are trying to pacify them. We are making an effort to clear the railway track. We are monitoring the situation: Kaimur SP, Rakesh Kumar pic.twitter.com/4OvMyOHHT6 June 16, 2022

Apart from this, students also blocked the rail tracks at the Jahanabad railway station on the Patna-Gaya rail route and demanded rollback of the scheme and recruitment under normal process, the agitators also blocked the Patna-Gaya road route.

Besides, a large number of protestors also assembled at Kako Mor on Patna Gaya main road and burnt tyres. They raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accusing them of "compromising" the youths` future.

Why are students against the Centres Agneepath recruitment scheme?

Students are protesting primarily against the fixed four years tenure. They also argue that the Centres cutting the benefits from those who are willing to risk their lives for national security under this scheme.

Many of them alleged that the Centre was not hiring Agniveers but "Bali Ka Bakra" (Scapegoats) for four years. Speaking to news agency ANI over taking part in the agitation, a protester voiced concerns over the next step after serving in the Army for four years as only 25 per cent of soldiers will be enrolled in the regular cadre.

Meanwhile, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Thursday hit out at the Union government over its new 'Agnipath scheme' of recruiting soldiers, terming it unfair towards rural youth. As announced, the 'Agneepath' or 'Agniveer' scheme is a process for recruiting soldiers in the Army, Navy and Air force, to be hired for a term of four years on contract.
New Delhi: BJP MP Varun Gandhi on Thursday (June 16) raised questions on various provisions of the Centre's 'Agnipath' scheme which aims to recruit soldiers in the Army, Navy and the Air Force mainly on a four-year short-term contractual basis and asked the government to clarify its stance. Sharing his letter to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Twitter, Gandhi wrote, There are many questions in the minds of the youth of the country regarding the 'Agnipath' scheme. In order to get the youth out of the state of confusion, the government should make its stand clear by putting forward the facts related to the scheme at the earliest. So that the youth energy of the country can be used positively in the right direction.

In his letter, Gandhi mentioned that the scheme will give rise to more disaffection among the youths. He said as 75 per cent of soldiers will become "unemployed" after the four-year recruitment programme ends and their total numbers will increase every year, this will give a rise to more disaffection among the youth.

Further, he questioned the employment prospects for these retired soldiers when the corporate sector does not express much interest in recruiting even the regular military personnel who retire after 15 years. Four years of service will disrupt their education, and they will also face difficulties in getting another job or more education as they will be older to others with similar qualifications, the Lok Sabha MP wrote in his letter, also highlighting that these youth will face financial difficulties.

Varun Gandhi said that as only 25 per cent of the 'Agniveers' will continue after four years, the Agnipath scheme will prove to be a waste of training cost and an unnecessary burden on the defence budget. The government should keep the interest of unemployed youth paramount and bring out various policy aspects of this initiative, he added.

On Tuesday, the Center had unveiled the "transformative" Agnipath scheme under which as many as 46,000 soldiers between the age group of 17 and a half years and 21 years will be hired this year into the three services. "Under the 'Agnipath' scheme, Indian youth will be provided an opportunity to serve in the armed forces as 'Agniveer'. This scheme has been brought to strengthen the security of the country. It is a transformative scheme," Rajnath Singh had said.

Protests against Agnipath scheme across country

Several youngsters in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr and Ballia districts held protests against the Agnipath scheme The protesters in Khurja locality and the city area of Bulandshahr also raised slogans against the central government demanding the withdrawal of the recruitment to defence services scheme, PTI reported.

Hundreds of youth to the streets in Haryana's Gurugram, Rewari and Palwal against the Agnipath scheme, with many blocking highways, while a police vehicle was damaged in stone-pelting in Palwal.

Protests turned violent in Bihar as at least three trains were set on fire in Chhapra, Gopalganj and Kaimur districts today.

(With agency inputs)
By Trend

The United Nations highly values the diplomatic and humanitarian efforts of Azerbaijan, Director-General of the United Nations at Geneva Tatiana Valovaya told Trend.

Valovaya noted that the upcoming IX Baku Global Forum is being held at a pivotal moment.

Last year, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres presented to the UN General Assembly his report entitled Our Common Agenda, which presents the vision of the future of global cooperation through an inclusive, networked, and effective multilateralism. Next year, the Secretary-General is planning to convene the UN Summit of the Future, with the aim to reset global governance and improve multilateral response to the current and emerging global challenges. The rich program of the Forum encompasses the most acute issues of the global agenda: from the current peace and security architecture to future health governance, from climate change and energy transition to democratic challenges in the 21st century. The Forum presents a timely and important opportunity to reflect on the state of the planet today and look into the future, she said.

Valovaya added that the region does not exist in isolation in our interconnected world, so the global challenges are also the challenges of the South Caucasus: a climate emergency, uneven recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, and a triple crisis of food, energy, and debt, with serious implications for the global financial system.

These interlinked crises are exacerbated by the tragic consequences of the ongoing war in Ukraine, which also affect the region and challenge the fragile equilibrium of various economic, political and energy powers and interests. Given the magnitude of the crisis and the urgency of action, the United Nations highly values diplomatic and humanitarian efforts of various countries, including Azerbaijan, to address various dimensions of the conflict, she said.

In her words, the climate emergency also requires everybodys attention and action right now.

We need a smooth, just and inclusive transition away from fossil fuels in order to cut global carbon emissions drastically and rapidly. Let me highlight the efforts undertaken by Azerbaijan to promote the transition to a circular economy, and the use of modern technologies and renewable energy sources. The countrys new commitment, as announced at COP 26 in Glasgow last year, to reduce by 40 percent greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, is a very welcome step in the right direction, Valovaya emphasized.

Valovaya noted that the world is undergoing a fundamental transformation, a transition to a new socio-economic paradigm.

The new paradigm means a world, which is extremely interconnected and interdependent. We already have a roadmap in place  the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, endorsed by all the Member States, and we need everybodys efforts to advance implementation. The Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated that to overcome todays fragilities, we need more - not less - international cooperation, inclusion as well as strengthened, impactful multilateral institutions, she said.

In her words, a new global order and a better global governance system with multilateral institutions fully empowered and equipped is needed to deliver on their mandates and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

We also need to fully take into account the diversity of stakeholders shaping this new multilateral order or otherwise influencing and transforming the current state of international affairs: civil society, youth groups, academia, and the private sector. We also need more women to shape a renewed multilateralism. I count on the collective wisdom of the distinguished participants of the IX Baku Global Forum to foster innovative partnerships and revitalize multilateral cooperation now when it is needed the most, she said.
EL MONTE, Calif. (AP)  The wife of a man who killed two Southern California police officers Tuesday in a shootout told a television station that her husband had previously attacked her and she warned the officers that he had a gun inside a suburban Los Angeles motel.

The gunman, identified as Justin William Flores, was shot and killed at the scene. His wife told KCBS-TV that he had attacked her two days ago and she had moved into the motel to escape him but he tracked her down.

I am so deeply sorry, my deepest condolences for saving me, Im so, so, so sorry, Diana Flores tearfully told the TV station. They didnt deserve that, or their families. They really didnt. They were trying to help me and I told them before they went in the room, Dont go in. He has a gun.

The officers  Cpl. Michael Paredes and Officer Joseph Santana, who were identified Wednesday  were patrolling their shared hometown when both were slain while investigating a possible stabbing at a motel in El Monte.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that flags at the state Capitol will be flown at half-staff in their honor.

Paredes and Santana  one on the force for more than two decades and the other for just months  were both were raised in and worked for the city of El Monte, a suburb of 107,000 people in the San Gabriel Valley. They became only the third and fourth officers in the El Monte Police Departments history to die in the line of duty. A vigil is scheduled for Saturday.

Flores was on probation for a gun charge at the time of the shooting, which occurred a day after his probation officer requested that he return to court later in the month, court records show.

The coroners office has not yet released the name of the suspect but the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office identified Flores to The Associated Press.

Mourners on Wednesday left bouquets, wreaths of flowers and candles outside the El Monte police station to honor the fallen officers.

Corporal Paredes and Officer Santana paid the ultimate sacrifice, the city of El Monte wrote in a news release, while in performance of a noble profession, serving the community they loved.

Flores, 35, served two stints in state prison for vehicle theft and burglary, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and was most recently released in 2012.

In March 2020, Flores was arrested and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and for possession of narcotics for personal use. He pleaded guilty last year to being a felon in possession of a firearm, a felony charge that could have sent him back to prison for three years.

Instead he was sentenced to two years of probation and 20 days in jail and LA County District Attorney George Gascon, who is facing a recall effort for his progressive policies, is facing criticism for Flores' plea deal.

The sentence he received in the firearm case was consistent with case resolutions for this type of offense given his criminal history and the nature of the offense, the DA's office said in a statement Wednesday. "At the time the court sentenced him, Mr. Flores did not have a documented history of violence."

Court records obtained by AP do not specify why Flores' probation officer had requested Monday that he return to court; records show that a hearing was scheduled for June 27.

The county's probation department declined to comment and Flores' attorney in the case did not return a request for comment on Wednesday. But the Los Angeles Times reported that Flores had violated his probation, triggering the return to court.

Few details have emerged about what occurred during Tuesday's violence. The officers went to the Siesta Inn in El Monte, east of Los Angeles, around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, for a welfare check where a woman had possibly been stabbed.

The officers "confronted the suspect, Los Angeles County sheriffs homicide Capt. Andrew Meyer said Tuesday.

Gunfire erupted inside a motel room and the gunman then fled into the parking lot, where more gunfire was exchanged, Meyer said.

Meyer said he didnt know whether the officers were shot inside the motel or outside. They died at a hospital. A gun was found at the scene.

Meyer said investigators were interviewing a woman from the hotel who they believe was the suspects girlfriend. Diana Flores, who described herself as the suspects wife and had his first name tattooed on her chest, told KCBS that officers must have been reacting to a false call because she hadn't been stabbed on Tuesday.

I got stabbed the day before that, she told the TV station.

Paredes, 42, started as a cadet in the department before becoming a full-time officer in 2000, according to a news release. He is survived by his wife, daughter and son.

Santana, 31, had been with the El Monte force for less than a year when he was killed. He previously served as a deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department for three years, the news release stated.

This tragic loss hits close to home for us," the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department wrote on Twitter. He was a great partner and loved by all who knew him.

Santana also worked as a part-time public works employee for El Monte for six years before turning to law enforcement. He is survived by his wife, daughter and twin sons.

El Monte interim Police Chief Ben Lowry on Tuesday called the officers heroes.

These two men were loved," Lowry said. They were good men. They paid the ultimate sacrifice, serving their community trying to help somebody."

They were murdered by a coward and we are grieving, and that hurts," he said.

El Monte Mayor Jessica Ancona said the officers died while trying to keep a family safe.

The killings came just one day after a California Highway Patrol officer was shot and critically wounded during a traffic stop in the Studio City area of Los Angeles.

The 27-year-old officer is expected to recover, authorities said. A bloodhound helped police track down the suspect, who surrendered to police Tuesday in a homeless encampment in the San Fernando Valley.

Dazio reported from Los Angeles. News researcher Rhonda Shafner contributed from New York City.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Assam HS Result 2022: The Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC) is expected to release the class 12th Result 2022 on June 18, 2022, as per the reports. Once announced, candidates will be able to check their Assam 12th result 2022 at the official websites (ahsec.nic.in and resultsassam.nic.in). Candidates who took the Assam High School Exam 2022 should keep an eye on the AHSEC's official website. However, there is no official confirmation yet on Assam HS result 2022 date and time.

Himanta Biswa Sharma, the Chief Minister of Assam, is also expected to make an official announcement regarding the confirmed dates for the release of the Assam Board Class.

Assam HS Class 12 result: Check your scorecards by following these steps

Visit the AHSEC's official website.

Click on the link that says HS AHSEC Result 2022.

Enter the Roll Number from the admit card.

Press the submit button.

The Assam High School Result 2022 will be displayed on your screen.

Download or print the Assam Board 12th Result 2022 that has been published online.

For nearly 2.5 lakh students who took the Higher Secondary Examination, the wait is becoming increasingly agonising. The Assam Board held from 15th March and continued until 12th April 2022. Even as the COVID-19 threat persisted, the Assam HS Result 2022 was held in accordance with the full syllabus for this academic session.
Ayodhya: Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray, who on Wednesday paid a visit to Ayodhya, said his arrival in the temple town is not associated with politics but he is here to seek the blessings of Lord Ram.

Thackeray, who largely tried to stay clear of politics, however said that central agencies have turned into an advertisement literature. He was responding to a question on the Enforcement Directorate quizzing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

His visit comes at a time when the BJP, Shiv Sena's former ally, has been questioning the party's commitment to Hindutva. Earlier, head of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Raj Thackeray had announced his visit to Ayodhya on June 5, but it was cancelled later.

Also Read: Yogi govt's big decision! Stamp duty on property transfers within family waived off in Uttar Pradesh

"My visit to Ayodhya is no politics. I have come here to seek the blessings of Lord Ram," Thackeray told the media. "Ayodhya is the centre of faith in India. In 2018, we gave this slogan - first temple, then government. After Shiv Sena's slogan, the way for the construction of the temple was cleared. Now, Ram temple is being built on the orders of the Supreme Court," he said. "We will pray to Lord Ram to give us the strength to serve the people better," he said.

Thackeray said talks will be held with the Uttar Pradesh government seeking land in Ayodhya to establish Maharashtra Sadan. Thackeray had darshan at all the major temples including Hanumangarhi and Ram Janmabhoomi besides taking part in the Saryu Aarti in Ayodhya. In a tweet after the Saryu Aarti on Wednesday evening, he said, "Experienced a supernatural happiness and peace by having darshan of Maa Saryu and participating in the Sandhya Aarti. Jai Shree Ram.''

In a series of tweets, Thackeray in the context of Ram Janma Bhoomi, said, "It is a matter of privilege for me to see with my own eyes the dreams of Shri Ram devotees across the world coming true. There was a long discussion on the construction work in the meeting with the craftsmen i.e. engineers who gave shape to this idea." Thackeray also shared a video of himself in the same tweet.

"Received a lot of blessings from Ram Nagar Ayodhya and got some unforgettable memories. Hope Banke Bihari ji will call me back soon," he said. Earlier, in another tweet, the Shiv Sena leader said, "Had darshan of Lord Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita Maa and took blessings by going to Shri Laxman Fort in Ayodhya today."

He made another tweet sharing the pictures of Hanuman Garhi Darshan Pujan. "Had darshan of Bajrang Bali ji in Hanumangarhi. Bowing before the feet of Bajrangbaliji, a symbol of selfless service." Thackeray also said in a tweet, "be it the Hindu Hriday Samrat Shri Balasaheb Thackeray ji, or the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Uddhav Thackeray ji, Shiv Sena and Ayodhya's relationship is generations old.

We don't come here for politics, but for darshan." On his first visit to Ayodhya, Thackeray, son of Shiv Sena president and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, arrived in Lucknow at around 11 am from where he reached Ayodhya by road. According to party officials, over 1,000 Shiv Sainiks reached the temple town during Thackeray's visit.

Also Read: Indian politicians whose untimely deaths have been a mystery and sparked controversies, number 4 will shock you

Senior party leaders Sanjay Raut and Eknath Shinde had reached here on Tuesday to oversee the arrangements for Thackeray's visit. He largely refrained from making any comment on political developments. However, on persistent queries by the media about the Enforcement Directorate grilling Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Thackeray remarked, "All the central agencies have become prachar sahitya
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh): American Pacific Army`s General Charles A Flynn recently raised alarm over China`s infrastructure build-up near the Indo-Tibet border near Ladakh. China has responded with strong dismissal and its foreign minister spokesperson Zhao Lijian said, "Some US officials have pointed fingers and sought to fan the flame and drive a wedge between the two countries. This is disgraceful. We hope the US could do more things that contribute to regional peace and stability."

Choekyi Lhamo, writing in Phayul reported that China on Thursday accused the US General of attempting to "fan flames" through his statements. Notably, the US General on Wednesday had reportedly said that the defence infrastructure constructed by China near the Indian border is "alarming", and "eye-opening".

Zhao Lijian further said that the border issue was a matter to be solved between the two countries, adding "Both sides have the will and capability of resolving the question through dialogue and consultation".

The Chinese embassy in New Delhi also addressed the matter by noting that the allegations against China were "without any factual basis" and accused the US of violating the norms of "basic principles of diplomacy". The construction of a Chinese bridge, termed highly `strategic` by analysts, was completed on the Pangong Lake`s border territory in Khurnak, which extends across Ladakh and Tibet.

In February this year, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan had informed the Lok Sabha a bridge was being constructed by China on Pangong lake in areas that have continued to be under the illegal occupation of China since 1962, adding that the Government of India has never accepted this "illegal" occupation.

In the summer of 2020, the Ladakh border standoff between India and China erupted following a clash of the Armies in the Pangong area. The situation escalated after the Galwan Valley clashes in June of the same year. Both the countries have so far held 15 rounds of talks for disengagement to defuse the tensions in the area.

As a result, India and China have disengaged their troops in the Gogra Heights area of eastern Ladakh, and the troops of the two sides also disengaged in the Pangong Lake area in February last year.

Also read: 47 nations voice concern over China's treatment of Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang

After China's construction of a bridge over the Pangong lake in Ladakh, a senior official of the Chushul region reportedly claimed that Beijing has installed mobile towers near its side of the border. In a tweet, Chushul Councillor Konchok Stanzin flagged the issue claiming that three mobile towers have been installed near China`s hot spring very close to the Indian territory.

Beijing's policy destroying Tibet's environment

The nature-bound systems of Tibet are now being shattered and destroyed by Beijing for their own benefit, not even giving an iota of thought to the inhabitants, according to the recent White Paper on Tibet titled `Tibet since 1951: Liberation, Development and Prosperity from Beijing`. The report highlighted very clearly how there was no concern about the level of destruction to Tibet`s environment, said an ANI report citing Tibet Press.

According to the report, over 50 per cent of the official document engaged in the development, building more dams and undertaking several infrastructural initiatives with ironically only one paragraph mentioning anything at all about Tibet`s environment. Instead of acknowledging the environmental destruction in Tibet, it painted a good light on the government by wanting to take eco-friendly and sustainably motivated steps moving forward.

Tibet Press has reported that Chinese activities eventually lead to the drying up of rivers, glacial melting, thawing of permafrost, flooding, loss of grasslands and many more - all occurring due to the environmental destruction in Tibet under the hawkish eyes of President Xi Jinping.

Xi Jinping skipped the largest environmental summit - the Conference of Parties (CoP) 26 summit, held last year in Glasgow. His absence had invited wide criticism as China is not only the largest polluting nation but its Carbon emission has also been on an unprecedented rise despite signing various environmental agreements, ANI reported.

According to Tibet Press, Beijing sees Tibet as a dump zone rather than a safe haven and does not provide it with the required resources to protect the very fragile but significant ecosystem and unique biome. Tibet experiences the harsh reality of climate change through environmental destruction and degradation advocated by policies from Beijing.

The construction of dams has been noticed by the world with the world`s largest dam `The Three Gorges dam` brought to international scrutiny as this and many other damming projects, which Beijing seems to favour, bring a multi-layered impact on the environment.

On top of this Beijing`s declaration of a Carbon neutral zone by 2060 (which is 10 years after the deadline set in the Paris treaty) is deeply connected to Tibet as they view it as the perfect carbon dumping zones - to fulfil this postponed target.

(With ANI Inputs)
New Delhi: In the backdrop of the questioning of Rahul Gandhi by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the three consecutive days, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Wednesday called for massive protests in front of Raj Bhavans and the Central government offices across the country for the next two days. In the letter signed by Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, it was stated that without any evidence and facts, the ED is being misused for seeking personal revenge and political vendetta.

"For the last three days, the Central government has turned the AICC headquarters into a fortress without allowing the office bearers and senior leaders to enter there. The police have been brutally manhandling the leaders, party functionaries, and workers and detaining them in different remote stations without citing any reason," mentioned the letter.

"Most shockingly, today, the police forcefully entered the AICC headquarters and mercilessly beat up our workers and leaders inside the premises. The regime at the Centre is desperately using brutal force to crush all peaceful demonstrations and solidarity with this battle for truth," the letter read.

Further, the letter directed all the workers to protest in solidarity with the fight for justice, calling for massive demonstrations in front of Raj Bhavans on Thursday at 11 a.m. It also called for protests in front of all district headquarters and Central government offices across the country on Friday.

Rahul Gandhi grilled for 8 hours by ED

Rahul Gandhi was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate for about eight hours on Wednesday, the third day of his appearance in the National Herald money laundering case. Gandhi (51) left the Enforcement Directorate (ED) headquarters on APJ Abdul Kalam Road in central Delhi around 9:30 PM. His statement was recorded in multiple sessions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and after Wednesday's round of questioning, he has clocked close to 30 hours with the ED investigators.

He has been called by the agency for the 4th day on June 17 as he sought an exemption for Thursday. The grand old party has called the agency's action vendetta politics of the Centre against opposition leaders as the party's supporters continued protests on roads leading to the ED office.

The probe pertains to alleged financial irregularities involving Young Indian Private Limited, promoted by the Congress, that owns National Herald. The newspaper is published by Associated Journals Limited (AJL) and owned by Young Indian.

(With Agency Inputs)
New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is arriving on Thursday on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir during which he will review the overall security situation in the union territory.



Official sources said that the Defence Minister will also visit various forward areas and review the preparedness of the army deployed on the country`s defence.



Senior commanders of the army will brief him about the overall security situation in the hinterland and the Line of Control (LoC).

Also Read: Mamata Banerjee takes driver's seat to unite Opposition ahead of Presidential polls



Following recent innocent killings by the terrorists in the Valley, security forces have intensified anti-terror operations.



"The defence minister will be apprised about the situation along the LoC and the International Border (IB). He will also review the implementation of the ceasefire agreement signed by the two armies (India and Pakistan) in 2003 and renewed at the DGMOs meeting between the two countries in February last year," sources added.
New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Agnipath Recruitment Scheme for Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces on a temporary basis. This scheme sparked outrage among students across the nation, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, where the protests turned violent and protesters resorted to vandalism. In Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana, the agitating students set ablaze four empty trains, vandalised more than 8 trains and blocked various rail tracks. This led to a pertinent question of whether this is the right way to register the outrage and how can those who are demanding to serve in the armed forces be an element of threat to the countrys internal peace and property?

In today's DNA, Zee Media Editor-in-chief Sudhir Chaudhary makes an analysis of why any new policy and positive change in the system always gets a violent response from a certain class of citizens and whether or not those wanting to join the defence forces can be a cause of chaos inside the country and damage the public property. He also discussed how the new Agnipath Scheme will benefit Indian youth and is in sync with the defence policy in developed nations like the US and UK.

How is the Agnipath Recruitment scheme different from the previous policy?

Before this, the central government used to release vacancies every year to fill the Non-Commissioned Rank posts and the candidate who got in were recruited for a tenure of 15 to 24 years. Now under the Agnipath Scheme, the candidates will only be recruited for a period of 4 years.

Apart from this, there was a rule that the soldiers who completed 15 years of their service in the armed forces became eligible to get a pension from the government, now the candidates will not receive any pension.

How is the Agnipath scheme beneficial for candidates?

Opportunity to serve the country

Under the Agnipath recruitment scheme, the upper age limit for a candidate will be 26. This will give more and more youth an opportunity to defend the country and will create a force of young soldiers, That is, after 50 years from today, when the population of the country is getting old fast, our army will still be young.

25% of recruited candidates will be retained

Out of that recruitment for four years, the government will retain 25 per cent, which means they will continue to serve in the armed forces. While the others will be given preference in other recruitment programmes like state police.

Experience and savings

Under the rigorous training and discipline, the officers who will retire at 26 will be stronger than their normal counterparts, both financially and mentally. Additionally, to cater to their immediate financial need, the officers will be given 11 lakh 71 thousand rupees by the government as a service fund package experience of working for four years in the Indian armed forces. A special certificate will be given to the soldier who has Agniveer Kaushal. The certificate is named and these Agniveers are included in the police and allied forces of the police of the state governments.

According to a survey conducted in 2013, less than 2 per cent of youth in India are able to collect deposits of Rs 12 lakh by the age of 25. But these Agniveers will be finacnially capable and skilled at the age of 25.
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday (June 16, 2022) came out in support of defence job aspirants protesting against the Agnipath scheme and urged the Centre to give them the chance to serve the country throughout their life and not just four years. The Agnipath scheme, which was announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday, seeks to recruit soldiers in the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force on a short-term contract of four years.

"Appeal to the central government: Youth should be given the chance to serve the country their whole life, not four years. Those who became overage due to lack of recruitment in the Army in the last two years should also be given a chance," Arvind Kejriwal said in a tweet in Hindi.

Amid several defence job aspirants taking to the streets at a number of places in the country against the Agnipath scheme, the Delhi CM stated that the youth are "unhappy" and opposing the Agnipath scheme across India.

"The central government's new scheme in Army recruitment is being opposed everywhere in the country. The youth are very angry. Their demands are right. The Army is the pride of our country, our youth want to give their whole life to the country, don't restrict their dreams to 4 years," Kejriwal said in a series of tweets.

   -   4  ,                      overage  ,     



2/2  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 16, 2022

Meanwhile, more than a dozen defence force aspirants on Thursday stopped a train at Nangloi Railway Station in outer Delhi by lying down on the tracks. According to police, around 15-20 people gathered at Nangloi Railway Station around 9.45 am to protest against a delay in railway recruitment examinations and also against the Agnipath scheme.

They stopped a train which was bound for Old Delhi from Jind in Haryana, police said.

Hundreds of students in Bihar also took to the streets to protest against the Agnipath scheme. The outrage, however, turned violent as a group of protestors set a train ablaze to register their anger against the move.

#WATCH | Bihar: Armed forces aspirants protest at Bhabua Road railway station, block tracks & set a train ablaze over #AgnipathRecruitmentScheme



They say, "We prepared for long&now they've brought ToD (Tour of Duty) as a 4-yr job.Don't want that but the old recruitment process" pic.twitter.com/TmhfnhHiVg  ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2022

What is Agnipath Scheme?

The Agnipath Scheme provides an opportunity for Indian youth to serve in the regular cadre of the Armed Forces for a period of four years. This is seen as a major defence policy reform introduced by the Narendra Modi-led government to usher in a new era in the human resource policy of the Army, Air Force and Navy.

The policy, which comes into immediate effect, will hereafter govern the recruitment of personnel below officer rank (PBOR) in the three services.



ALSO READ | Agnipath scheme: Centre now announces degree programme for Agniveers - Details here



The Agniveers will form a distinct rank in the three services, and will also wear a distinct insignia as part of their uniform.

The selection will be the exclusive jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and around 46,000 Agniveers will reportedly be recruited this year.

Salary of Agniveers?

Agniveers will be given an attractive customised monthly package along with Risk and Hardship allowances as applicable in the three services. On completion of the engagement period of four years, Agniveers will be paid a one-time `SevaNidhi` package which shall comprise their contribution including accrued interest thereon and matching contribution from the Government equal to the accumulated amount of their contribution including interest.

In the first year, Agniveers will get Rs 30,000 per month but they will receive only Rs 21,000 as 30 per cent of their remuneration or Rs 9,000 will be their contribution to the Agniveer Corpus Fund and the government will contribute the same amount to the corpus fund.

Agniveers will receive Rs 33,000 in the second year, Rs 36,500 in the third year and Rs 40,000 in the fourth year.

They will get Rs 11.71 lakh as Seva Nidhi Package after four years. The `Seva Nidhi` will be exempt from Income Tax.

There shall be no entitlement to gratuity and pensionary benefits.

Agnipath Scheme's enrolment and eligibility criteria?

Enrolment will be based on an `All India All Class` basis and the eligible age will be in the range from 17.5 to 21 years. Agniveers will have to meet the medical eligibility conditions laid down for enrolment in the armed forces as applicable to respective categories/trades.

                      pic.twitter.com/ytUVSOgIxv  Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 14, 2022

The educational qualification for Agniveers will remain in vogue for enrollment in various categories. For example: For entry into General Duty (GD) soldier, the educational qualification is Class 10.

Enrolment will be undertaken through an online centralised system for all three services with specialised rallies and campus interviews from recognised technical institutes such as Industrial Training Institutes and National Skills Qualifications Framework, among others.

(With agency inputs)
Kochi (Kerala): Kerala gold smuggling case accused Swapna Suresh has alleged that state Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan sought help from the visiting Sharjah ruler in September 2017 for his daughter`s bid to open an IT business in the emirate. Suresh made this claim in an affidavit filed before the Ernakulam District Sessions Court which came out in the public domain on Wednesday. Responding to Vijayan`s claim that he doesn`t know her, Suresh said she will remind the CM of her presence at his official residence very soon through the media.

In the affidavit, which she filed in the Ernakulam District Sessions Court, she alleged that the Sharjah ruler held a discussion with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his family. She also revealed that CM`s daughter Veena Vijayan has expressed interest in starting an IT venture in Sharjah.

She further said to media persons on Wednesday, "In 2017, the ruler of Sharjah visited Cliff House (official residence of the CM) during his visit to Kerala. During the meeting with the Chief Minister, his family informed the ruler of Sharjah of a business interest.

Also Read: 'Please kill me, end this story now': Kerala gold smuggling case accused on attempt to isolate her

Chief Minister`s daughter Veena Vijayan has expressed interest in starting an IT venture in Sharjah. But the project was abandoned following some dissents from Sharjah. I came to Cliff House to teach the Chief Minister`s family the steps and communication required when the ruler of Sharjah arrives. CM`s family had requested a private meeting in addition to the official meeting and had arranged for it. Nalini Netto IAS (former Chief Secretary) and M Sivasankar (former principal secretary to CMO) were also present at the meeting held at Cliff House.

"The Consul General and the Chief Minister had close ties. Based on this, biryani vessels went from the Consul General`s house to the Chief Minister`s residence. These biryani vessels arrived at Cliff House under the consul general`s Mitsubishi contract. The vessels, which are larger than usual, is wrapped in foil paper so it is not clear to the carrier what is in it. The vessel was held by four people," she said.

Also Read: Pinarayi Vijayan rebuts prime accused Swapna's allegations of his involvement

She further said, "Sivasankar led the way in bringing the biryani vessels to Cliff House without any clearances. The Consul General was upset until it arrived."

In her affidavit filed in 2021 before the Customs, Swapna Suresh had given all this information with regards to Vijayan and his family members` involvement in the gold smuggling case.Former Leader of Opposition and veteran Congress legislator Ramesh Chennithala days ago said the revelations are just the tip of the iceberg. Meanwhile, senior BJP leader Shoba Surendran demanded that the central agencies question the Chief Minister and his family in connection with the gold smuggling case.
Baksa/East Jaintia Hills: Heavy downpour triggered damage in several parts of Assam and Meghalaya on Thursday morning leading to traffic disruption. The flood situation in Assam`s Tamulpur district has worsened after new areas in the district have been inundated by flood waters of several rivers today. In Assam, a portion of a bridge collapsed in the Subankhata area of the Baksa district on June 15 as a result of incessant rainfall and a rise in the water level of the Dihing River. Following incessant rains, the water level of Borolia, Pagladiya, and Motonga rivers has overflown and submerged many villages affecting more than 20,000 people.

Also Read: Desh Superfast: Bajrang Dal's protest against violence

According to the district administration, several villages of the district including Hahakata, Balabari, Dwarkuchi, Chapatol, Cholikonda, Guwakuchi Niz-Defeli, and Kekrikuchi are currently under water and the district administration, SDRF teams are engaged in rescue operations. Many villages have moved to safer places to take shelter after their houses were inundated by flood waters.

A flood-affected person of Hahkata village said that the embankment near the Balabari area was breached by flood waters this year also. "The state Water Resources department minister had earlier visited the area, but strengthen work of the embankment was not done properly. We are now facing massive problems," the flood-affected person said.

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), nearly 75,000 people in 18 districts of the state have been affected by the current wave of flood till June 15. The ASDMA flood report stated that, till June 15, 314 villages under 37 revenue circles have been affected by the deluge and flood waters have submerged 1731.18 hectares of cropland.

Also Read: 'Cant stay demolitions but law should be followed': SC seeks reply from UP govt

Meanwhile, due to an unrelenting heavy downpour, some parts of the road on National Highway-6 under Lumshnong Police Station limits got heavily damaged, leading to traffic disruption in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya.
BJP's All India Vice President Dilip Ghosh took a dig at the opposition over the presidential election. On a morning walk to Ecopark, he said, "Sharad Pawar had contact with the terrorist. Having such a president will increase terrorism in the country. No one wants to be a fool. Sharad Pawar's age is not agreeing to it. Didi thinks that if everyone tells him once, he will agree. But no one says his name." 18 parties attended the meeting, but Dilip Ghosh questioned their existence. He also pointed out that the Chief Minister's desire to become an All India leader is a dream long standing.

Responding to the allegation that people are losing faith in the CBI, Dilip Ghosh said, "The court has ordered a CBI inquiry. This proves the trust that people have in the CBI investigation." Taking a dig at the opposition unity, Dilip said, "There was a big rally before the 19th election. A lot of leaders came. Where are they all? They don't have a trusted leader."

Dilip Ghosh added, "Have some tea there in centre. Everyday there is one after another trouble in the state. SSC, TET dharna is going on. We are agitating. She only went to Delhi to escape this. On the appointment of BJP observers in 42 Lok Sabha constituencies of the state, Dilip Ghosh said, "The party has started preparations for the 2024 Lok Sabha election. We have to have good results. That's why experienced leaders, ministers are employed."
WASHINGTON (AP)  The House committee investigating the Capitol riot plans to focus its hearing Thursday on the pressure that Donald Trump put on his vice president, Mike Pence, in a last-ditch and potentially illegal plan to stop Joe Bidens election victory.

Trump seized on the unorthodox proposal from conservative law professor John Eastman to have Pence turn back the electors when the vice president presided over Congress to certify the election results on Jan. 6, 2021.

Traditionally, Jan. 6 is a ceremonial day, a procedural step tallying the presidential vote. But Eastmans highly unusual plan  bold, he called it  was to have alternative slates of electors submitted to Congress, leaving Pence no choice but to return them to the states to sort it out. Biden would be denied a majority and Trump could win.

As the defeated Trump watched dozens of court cases challenging the 2020 presidential election collapse, he turned to the Eastman plan as a last resort to stay in office.

John (Eastman) is one of the most brilliant lawyers in the country and he looked at this, Trump told thousands of supporters at a rally near the White House before sending them to the Capitol on Jan. 6.

And he looked at Mike Pence, and I hope Mike is going to do the right thing. I hope so. I hope so because if Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election, the then-president said.

The committee viewed the actions as potentially illegal and a threat to democracy.

What President Trump demanded that Mike Pence do wasnt just wrong, it was illegal and it was unconstitutional, said the committee's vice chair Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., in opening remarks last week.

A look at the Eastman plan in the days before Jan. 6 and why it's central to the congressional investigation:

THE PLAN

Two days before the Capitol attack, Pence was summoned to the White House for an Oval Office meeting with Trump and Eastman to hear about the law professors plan to turn back the electors.

With Trumps false claims of election fraud, Eastman had been circulating what was essentially an academic proposal challenging the workings of the 130-year-old Electoral Count Act that governs the process for tallying the election results in Congress.

The six-point plan was gaining momentum among Trumps allies in Congress, including key senators, and outside activists.

BOLD, Certainly, Eastman said in a memo included in a court filing from the Jan. 6 committee. But he said such an unusual step was needed, falsely claiming this Election was Stolen.

If Pence would refuse to count some electors, then the threshold needed to certify the presidential election would drop from the regular 270-vote majority to a lesser number  one presumably that Trump could reach.

If Democrats in Congress objected, as Eastman predicted they would, then under current law the House would be called on to decide the presidency. In that scenario, because the House would vote by individual state congressional delegations, which were mostly Republican majority, the numbers would align for Trump to win.

The illegality of the plan, declared the Jan. 6 committee in a court filing, was obvious.

HOW COULD THAT EVEN WORK?

To set the plan in motion, Trump and Eastman convened hundreds of electors on a call on Jan. 2, 2021, encouraging them to send alternative electors from their states where Trump's team was claiming fraud.

Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and maybe even Nevada and New Mexico were on the list, according to testimony provided to the committee by Greg Jacob, who was counsel to Pence.

Jacob, who is scheduled to testify Thursday before the House committee, was at the Oval Office meeting with Trump and Pence when Eastman outlined the plan on Jan. 4. Jacob received an email from Eastman late the following night.

Major new development, Eastman wrote, attaching a letter signed by several members of the Pennsylvania legislature.

It now looks like PA Legislature will vote to recertify its electors if Vice President Pence implements the plan we discussed.

Jacob responded in lawyerly prose, asking if it is not unconstitutional."

HAD THIS EVER BEEN DONE BEFORE?

While the every-four-year-ritual of certifying the election results has certainly come with objections, nothing of this magnitude had been proposed since the disputed election of 1876 that led Congress to pass the Electoral Count Act.

Routinely, lawmakers from the losing side of a presidential election would wage protest votes during the ceremonial proceedings in Congress. Several Democrats, including then-Sen. Barbara Boxer of California and Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, chairman of the Jan. 6 committee, joined a challenge to Ohio's electors after the 2004 election.

But no defeated president had ever done what Trump did, mounting a wide-ranging campaign to overturn an election that included pressure on the vice president to change the outcome.

When Eastman received Jacob's probing questions, he retorted that the counsel was being small-minded.

The professor pointed to past instances in history when presidents essentially violated the letter of the law for a greater outcome, and he suggested such an action was warranted now because the Constitution was being shredded over the election.

Jacob replied that he could not believe there was a single Supreme Court justice or any judge who would agree to toss election laws that have been followed without exception for more than 130 years.

Eastman's theory, Jacob wrote, was essentially entirely made up.

PRESSURE BUILDS, TRUMP CALLS PENCE

Pence's instinct was there was no way the Founding Fathers would entrust a single person with this authority to determine an election, Jacobs testified.

Pence had asked questions of Eastman during the meeting, but never once did I see him budge from that view, he said.

But a day after the Oval Office meeting, the pressure intensified. Rather than just turn the electors back to the states, Eastman said Pence should just throw out the states' tallies outright.

"What Im here to ask you to do is to reject the electors Eastman said on Jan. 5, according to Jacobs testimony.

On the morning of Jan. 6, as the vice president prepared to head to the Capitol to preside over the vote, Trump called.

Trump told Pence he didn't think he had the courage to make a hard decision, according to testimony to the Jan. 6 committee by retired Gen. Keith Kellogg, a national security aide who was with Trump at the time and heard part of the conversation.

Youre not tough enough to make the call, Trump said to Pence.

THE COUNT BEGINS

The first objection during the joint session of Congress was raised by a Republican congressman from the Arizona, one of the states Trump most vehemently disputed was won by Biden.

Congress began working its way through the procedural matter; rioters were closing in on the Capitol.

In an email to Eastman after the attack began, Jacob closed his arguments against the plan, saying: And thanks to your bull, we are now under siege.

At the time, Jacob was sheltering in the Capitol from the mob.

WHO IS JOHN EASTMAN?

A former Chapman University law professor, Eastman is known in conservative circles for having clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas on the Supreme Court.

Eastman also clerked for retired Judge Michael Luttig, who is also scheduled to testify Thursday. Luttig has called Eastman's ideas incorrect at every turn and had been providing legal counsel to Pence's team before Jan. 6.

Ahead of Thursdays hearing, the vice chair of the House committee, Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., released a video offering a glimpse of what's to come.

In the video, Eric Herschmann, a lawyer at the White House, recounts a final conversation he had with Eastman the day after Jan. 6.

I'm going to give you the best free legal advice you're ever getting in your life  get a great effing criminal defense lawyer. You're going to need it," Herschmann recalled, saying. "And then I hung up on him.

Eastman repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment rights not to testify during his interview with the committee.

For full coverage of the Jan. 6 hearings, go to https://www.apnews.com/capitol-siege

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Noida: The Greater Noida Police in Uttar Pradesh have busted an illegal luxury bar being run in a clandestine manner with Chinese nationals living in India as its major patrons, officials said on Thursday. The three-storey facility, located in Gharbara village with its interiors designed in traditional Chinese style, was busted on Tuesday night, close on the heels of the arrest of a Chinese national who had been living in India illegally since 2020, a senior official said.

"Everything in the facility was designed in Chinese style. Its bar and restaurant had items mentioned in Chinese script with no mark of Hindi or English anywhere. It is suspected that illegal activities like drug abuse were also being carried out there," the official, privy to the probe, told news agency PTI.

"The three-storey building mostly had Chinese nationals as frequent visitors and guests. Among the Indians, some people from Northeast have also been found to be patrons of this facility, which was being run in a clandestine manner in the village in Greater Noida," the official added.

No arrest was made on the spot, though the police said the investigation into the whole episode has widened with central government agencies and those specialising in dealing with foreigners.

When contacted, Gautam Buddh Nagar excise department officials confirmed to PTI that the facility did not have any license to serve liquor.

"They had applied for occasional party license but that was in the past. No license permit was sought by them in recent times," an excise officer added.

Chinese national Xue fei aka Kelay, 36, and his Indian girlfriend Petekhrinuo, 22, who hails from Nagaland, were arrested from a hotel in Gurugram, Haryana, by UP's Gautam Buddh Nagar Police on Monday.

They were held on the basis of information given by two Chinese nationals, who were arrested on the Nepal-India border in Bihar on Saturday last week by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) as they were trying to cross over into the Himalayan nation after staying in India illegally, the police said.

During the probe, these two Chinese nationals had informed the police in Sitamarhi district of Bihar that they had been staying in India with a friend in Greater Noida, prompting a search and investigation into the matter.

Xue fei and Petekhrinuo were staying in a housing society in Greater Noida but had fled to Gurugram after they got to know that the police had started looking for them, according to officials.

Earlier the police had recovered forged documents such as an Aadhaar card and an Indian passport from the possession of Xue fei. He and his Indian girlfriend had told the police that they were engaged in a mobile phone spare parts business in Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar but their claims turned out to be false, police officials said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Greater Noida) Minakshi Katyayan said, "The offences that have come to light involve foreigners also and are very serious in nature. A thorough investigation is being carried out in the case. Central probe agencies have also been informed and we are coordinating with them to get to the root of the case."

Both Xue fei and Peterkhrinuo are currently in judicial custody but the police will soon seek their remand for interrogation, Katyayan said.
Jharkhand Board 10th & 12th Results 2022: Jharkhand Academic Council, JAC is expected to declare the JAC 10th and 12th board results soon. Jharkhand Academic Council, JAC, 10th and 12th board results were expected to be declared on June 15, 2022, but the results were not declared. However, the JAC Vice Chairman, Vinod Singh, has confirmed that the JAC Class 10th 2022 and JAC Class 12th 2022 results will be out soon. The JAC class 10 board exams in 2022 were conducted from March 24 to April 20, 2022, while the JAC class 12th exams were conducted from March 24 to April 25, 2022. The board exams 2022 were conducted following all the COVID-19 guidelines. As soon as the results are declared, the candidates can check their JAC Class 10, 12, 2022 results at jacresults.com.

Over 6.8 lakh students appeared for the exams, of the total number of students, 3.99 lakh students appeared for JAC Matric Exam 2022 while the rest 2.81 lakh appeared for Jharkhand Intermediate Exam 2022.

When declared candidates can check their result on these websites:

jacresults.com

jac.jharkhand.gov.in

Here is how you can check your result:

Step 1: Log on to the jac.jharkhand.gov.in website

Step 2: Click on the link and fill in the required details

Step 3: Click on Submit and get your result

Step 4: Take a printout of the scores for future reference

Last year due to the outbreak of corona virus, class 10th and 12th board exams were canceled, students were passed on the basis of internal assessment. But this time the board had conducted the board exam following the Covid guidelines.

According to the reports Jharkhand Board may release the list of toppers this time. The board had directed all the schools to release the list of 10th 12th toppers before the evaluation process. It is being speculated that, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren will honor and reward the toppers.
The West Bengal Assembly has also passed a bill to appoint the Chief Minister as the Chancellor of the West Bengal University of Zoology and Fisheries. Mamata Banerjee is going to sit in place of Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar as the Chancellor of 32 universities. THE BJP MLAs staged a walkout in protest. The Trinamool government has taken another step towards bringing about major changes in the education system in the state. Not the governor, but the chief minister should be placed in the seat of the Chancellor of the state's government university. The bill was passed in the assembly on Monday.

A bill on the appointment of the Chief Minister as Chancellor in the Animal and Fisheries Sciences University was passed on Wednesday. An amendment bill was passed in the assembly to replace Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar with Mamata Banerjee as the acharya of 32 universities.

According to assembly sources, during the discussion on the bill, the MLAs of the saffron camp criticised the state government and raised the question - who has so many portfolios in his hands, there is no time to handle those portfolios, how will she manage so many universities? The BJP alleged that, "corruption in education in the state is the highest. Efforts are being made to increase this corruption. The Trinamool has so many problems because the governor talks about corruption."

The Trinamool MLAs counter-alleged that, "The Governor was pursuing a political view. Go to the convocation once a year. Don't engage in anything else. The chief minister can take a decision very quickly. That's what we need today." After this, the BJP MLAs staged a walkout from the assembly without taking part in the voting.

Opposition leader of West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari said, "With false degree of Georgia University, she will become Chancellor? We don't believe. Why can't she write a doctorate? We request the Governor that you have three options. Signing the bill. Send back the bill. If not, send it to the center for suggestions. This bill will never be passed again. For example, the Bengal Bill will never be passed. As has been the case with the Legislative Council."

So as it is passed in the assembly, the bill will go to the Governor. If the Governor signs it, the bill will become a law. After the bill was passed in the assembly, now what the Governor does, all eyes are on it.
New Delhi: A new development comes in the Nupur Sharma controversy with the Islamic State now joining the Prophet controversy. The Islamic State Khorasan Province, an affiliate of the terror outfit Islamic State released a video, focusing on India and alleged blasphemy issues involving Nupur Sharma. The Islamic State Khurasan Province (ISKP) has begun a news bulletin service through its mouthpiece AlAzaim foundation. The first news bulletin is focused on India and the issue of blasphemy. According to the independent news handle Khorasan Diary on Twitter, the video first features BJP's suspended leader Nupur Sharma and houses of Muslims bulldozed. It then features previous statements of ISKP suicide bombers who were Indian, threatening to conduct attacks against India wherever possible. In the news bulletin, the terror outfit threatens to target Hindus to take revenge for Prophet's insult.

The video then shifts to criticising the Taliban in Afghanistan, particularly defence minister Mullah Yaqoob for his interview with an Indian news TV channel and finance minister Amir Muttaqi over his meeting with the Indian charge d affairs in Afghanistan for trying to establish diplomatic relations with India. The tweet further reads, "It then features Narendra Modi and the attacks on Sikhs in Afghanistan followed by animations of a suicide bombing. Ending with a message to conduct attacks very soon. (sic)."

Earlier, terrorist organisation Al-Qaeda in the Subcontinent (AQIS) had threatened suicide attacks in Delhi, Mumbai, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh to "fight for the dignity of Prophet". In a statement dated June 6, 2022, the terror outfit has said that the "saffron terrorists should now await their end in Delhi and Bombay and in UP and Gujarat". "The offenders of the Prophet Muhammad, the pride of humanity, shall find no amnesty or clemency, no peace and security will save them and this matter will not close with any words of condemnation of sorrow," the threat letter read.

The BJP had suspended Nupur Sharma and expelled its Delhi unit media head Naveen Kumar Jindal as the row over their alleged derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad escalated with protests from several Muslim countries. After the action, Sharma unconditionally withdrew her controversial statement and claimed that her comments were a reaction to "continuous insult and disrespect towards our Mahadev (Lord Shiva)", referring to the Gyanvap mosque row. Sharma's comments, made during a TV debate a few days back, and Jindal's now-deleted tweets, have sparked nationwide protests.
Former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma's comments on Prophet Mohammed have created a stir not only within the country but in many other Muslim countries. Nupur Sharma has been at the centre of controversy since her remarks on the Prophet in a TV interview. The opposition has demanded her dismissal. Opposition parties are constantly attacking Nupur Sharma. Meanwhile, she had made this request.

Nupur Sharma Requests

After being suspended from the BJP, Nupur Sharma has requested media not to disclose the address of her house. She said in her request that the safety of his family was threatened. "I request all media organisations and all others not to make my address public. The safety of my family is at risk."

I request all media houses and everybody else not to make my address public. There is a security threat to my family. June 5, 2022

Rape and threats to cut off their head

It may be recalled that the Bhartiya Janata Party had suspended its spokesperson Nupur Sharma from the primary membership of the party following the alleged inflammatory remarks. On May 27, she tweeted, "My sister, my mother and my father were all being threatened with murder, rape and beheading. I have also reported it to the Delhi Police."

Also Read: Prophet Comment Row: Where is Nupur Sharma now, Whose comment on Muhammad created a STIR?

Protests From Muslim countries

The Delhi Police had confirmed that Nupur Sharma has been provided security. The Delhi Police said an FIR has also been lodged on the complaint of Nupur Sharma that she has been receiving death threats following her controversial religious remarks. A letter from al-Qaeda had also gone viral after Nupur Sharma's comments. It warned of suicide bombings in Indian cities to avenge the insult to the Prophet. Several Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, have condemned Nupur Sharma's controversial statement. Violent incidents have also been seen in many places in the country in the past few days regarding the statement.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Himachal Pradesh's Dharamsala, received a warm welcome from the locals there on Thursday (June 16, 2022). The prime minister held a roadshow in Dharamsala today morning and is scheduled to preside over the conference later in the day, which will also be attended by Union Housing and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. PM Modi and CM Thakur held a roadshow from KCCB Chowk to State Martyrs Memorial.

During his visit, PM Modi was welcomed in the hill state with various cultural performances. Various cultural groups in their traditional costumes performed with their musical instruments to welcome the prime minister who waved to the people from an open jeep during the roadshow.

PM Modi will preside over the first National Conference of Chief Secretaries in Dharamshala during his visit.

See visuals of PM Modis mega roadshow here:

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from locals in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.



He will preside over the first National Conference of Chief Secretaries in Dharamshala for 2 days starting today.



(Source: PMO) pic.twitter.com/Un42gliP5y  ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2022

#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a roadshow in Dharamshala.



He will preside over the first National Conference of Chief Secretaries in Dharamshala for 2 days starting today.



(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/kv833pQRJd  ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2022

After Himachal, the prime minister will visit his home state Gujarat on June 18 and he will lay the foundation stone for the permanent campus of the Central University of Gujarat to come up on a 100-acre land at Kundhela village near Vadodara, as per the state government.

The Gujarat government has allotted the land, and the Centre has allocated Rs 743 crore for the construction of the campus of the Gujarat Kendriya Vishwavidyalaya (Central University of Gujarat), in Vadodara, which has been functioning since 2009 from its temporary campus in Gandhinagar. This will be the second visit of PM Modi to his home state, after eight days. He had visited the state on June 10.

This is PM Modi's second visit to Himachal Pradesh in less than a month. Notably, both Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat will go into elections later this year.
Shimla: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a two-day Himachal Pradesh visit today (Thursday, June 16) with a tour to Dharamshala. The PM will arrive at a specially-created helipad at the police stadium in Dharamshala, where the state governor, CM and Union minister Anurag Thakur will welcome him. Modi will leave for Delhi on Friday evening.

Ahead of the PM's visit, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Wednesday reviewed the preparations for the visit. The Chief Minister presided over the review meeting and directed the concerned authorities to ensure proper arrangements as per protocol. Jai Ram also reviews the preparations for the roadshow. He also reviewed preparations for a roadshow. "During the roadshow, various cultural groups wearing traditional outfits will welcome the prime minister with their musical instruments," he said.

Earlier, Chief Minister also visited the venue of the All-India Chief Secretaries' conclave. Speaker Vidhan Sabha Vipin Singh Parmar, MP and State BJP president Suresh Kashyap, MP Kishan Kapoor, Chairman Wool Federation Trilok Kapoor, MLA Dharamshala Vishal Nehria, Chief Secretary Ram Subhag Singh, Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu, Principal Secretary GAD Bharat Khera, Deputy Commissioner Nipun Jindal, Superintendent of Police Khushal Sharma and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

Also read: PM Modi inaugurates 'Gallery of Revolutionaries' in Mumbai; here's a look at India's first underground museum

After Himachal, Modi will be headed to his home state Gujarat and on June 18, Friday, he will lay the foundation stone for the permanent campus of the Central University of Gujarat to come up on a 100-acre land at Kundhela village near Vadodara, as per the state government.

The Gujarat government has allotted the land, and the Centre has allocated Rs 743 crore for the construction of the campus of the Gujarat Kendriya Vishwavidyalaya (Central University of Gujarat), in Vadodara, which has been functioning since 2009 from its temporary campus in Gandhinagar. This will be the second visit of PM Modi to his home state, after eight days. He had visited the state on June 10.

Both Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat will go into elections later this year.

(With Agency inputs)
New Delhi: As eleven candidates filed papers on the first day of nominations for the presidential poll, the opposition meeting called by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday witnessed the absence of some key regional parties like the Biju Janata Dal, Telangana Rashtra Samithi and Aam Aadmi Party. This has cheered the ruling BJP as it believes that their absence has only highlighted the faultlines and one-upmanship among its rivals. Notably, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik-led BJD has always maintained a distance from the opposition camp and has often backed the BJP-led NDA government on several issues, but the absence of AAP and TRS was significant as both parties have been critical of the ruling party.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which already has over 48 per cent of the vote share in the electoral college for choosing the new President, is hopeful of support from the BJD and also the YSR Congress, which is in power in Andhra Pradesh, besides having sizeable numbers in Parliament. Like the BJD, the YSR Congress, too, has kept a distance from the opposition camp and has often lent its support to the ruling BJP in and outside Parliament on many issues while not being formally a part of the incumbent alliance.

On the opposition meeting, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi reportedly said that many opposition leaders engage in a host of activities to establish their supremacy over each other. He further said that this meeting has nothing to do with either the BJP or the country, adding it is merely a reflection of the one-upmanship among the opposition leaders who keep looking for one opportunity or another to do that.

In its bid to evolve a consensus on a presidential candidate, the BJP has already authorised its two senior leaders, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and party president JP Nadda to consult different parties, including those in the opposition. Rajnath Singh spoke to a number of key opposition leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, Mamata Banerjee and Akhilesh Yadav, and also called Janata Dal (United) leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to deliberate upon the presidential polls, sources told PTI.

Despite their clear numerical disadvantage, opposition parties have indicated that they will field their own candidate for the election scheduled for July 18 in case more than one candidate is in the fray. Opposition's best hope, political watchers believe, is in a candidate whose appeal and stature may persuade some fence-sitters to support him or her and make the contest more interesting.

NCP president Sharad Pawar's name was floated earlier but his party has asserted that he is not in the race. The name of Gopalkrishna Gandhi, a respected scholar and former West Bengal governor, is also doing the rounds as one of the opposition's choices. Gandhi was the consensus opposition candidate for the post of Vice President of India in 2017 but had lost to veteran BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu in the election.

Gopalkrishna Gandhi had failed to get support from the JD(U) and BJD, as two parties had supported NDA's Ram Nath Kovind in the presidential polls held around the same time. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) was in the opposition camp when it announced support to Gandhi and maintained its support even though he had joined hands with the BJP in the interim.

It may be noted that the meeting called by the Trinamool Congress supremo, Mamata Benerjee, was attended by leaders of the Congress, Samajwadi Party, NCP, DMK, RJD and the Left parties, along with leaders of Shiv Sena, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML), National Conference, PDP, JD(S), RSP, IUML, RLD and the JMM.

The meeting coincided with the first day of nominations for the presidential poll with 11 nominations filed while one was rejected as it was not accompanied by proper documents. Nominations can be submitted until June 29, and the papers will be scrutinised on June 30, while the last day for withdrawal of candidature is July 2.

The election will be held on July 18 and the result will be declared on July 21 as the term of incumbent President Ram Nath Kovind ends on July 24. Among those who filed nominations was a person named Lalu Prasad Yadav from Saran in Bihar, sources told ANI, adding that one nomination was rejected as it was not accompanied by a certified copy of the entry related to the candidate in the electoral roll of the parliamentary constituency in which the candidate is registered as a voter.

Sources further said that 11 candidates filed nominations to the Secretary-General Rajya Sabha, who is returning officer for the presidential poll. Persons who filed nominations reportedly belonged to Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

(With Agency Inputs)
Since Nupur Sharma's comments on The Prophet Mohammed, there has been discontentment not only among the People of Islam in India, but also in many Muslim-majority countries. So this Nupur Sharma has been in the headlines of the media for the last few days. The BJP had to endure constant attacks from the opposition on this issue. Under pressure, the BJP dismissed her from the party. But now the question is where is Nupur Sharma at this moment?

Where is Nupur Sharma?

After the controversial remark and being sacked from the BJP, Nupur Sharma is not sitting at home. She continues to meet many people. But she was kept under tight security. In the meantime, there have been threats to kill him from various Islamic countries of the world, including India. That's basically why she was kept under tight security.

She has requested the media not to disclose her address. This can disrupt the safety of her family. She tweeted this request on May 27, "My sister, my mother and my father were all being threatened with murder, rape and beheading."

Delhi Police said an FIR has been included based on Nupur's complaint. She is being provided the highest level of security by the police. The consequence of the incident went so far that after her remarks spread, a letter from the al-Qaeda militant group also went viral threatening to carry out terror activities in various important cities of India to avenge the insult to the Prophet.

The suspended BJP leader alleged that she has been receiving one threat call after another. She then appealed to the Delhi Police for security. She appealed to the media not to make her home address and phone number public. According to intelligence sources, a foolproof security cover has been erected around Nupur Sharma's house as her life is in doubt.

Who is Nupur Sharma?

A lawyer by profession, well-spoken Nupur Sharma is a law graduate from Delhi University. She completed her LLM from the London School of Economics in 2011. She was the president of the Delhi University Students' Union. Nupur later joined the BJP. She was accused of harassing SAR Geelani, an accused in the 2001 Parliament attack. Nupur was later acquitted. She contested against Arvind Kejriwal in the 2015 assembly polls. Despite losing, she reached the pinnacle of fame as a BJP spokesperson in a very short time due to his oratory qualities.
New Delhi: Amid ongoing protests against the Centre's Agnipath scheme, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to listen to the voice of unemployed youths and don't take 'agnipareeksha (trial by fire)' of their patience by making them walk on 'Agnipath'. Protests against the Centre's 'Agnipath' scheme for hiring jawans on a short-term contractual basis were reported from various parts of the country on Thursday.

"No rank, no pension, no direct recruitment for 2 years, no stable future after four years, no respect shown by the government for the army," Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi, attacking the Centre over the scheme.

  ,   



 2    direct 



 4     



      



      ,  ''       ''  ,    Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 16, 2022

"Listen to the voice of unemployed youths of the country, don't take 'agnipareeksha' of their patience by making them walk on 'Agnipath', Mr. Prime minister," the former Congress chief said.

Attacking the government over the 'Agnipath' scheme, Gandhi had warned on Wednesday that it will reduce the operational effectiveness of the armed forces whose dignity and valour must not be compromised.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had also hit out at the government and asked why it was making recruitment in the army its "laboratory".

The government unveiled "Agnipath" on Tuesday -- calling it a "transformative" scheme-- for the recruitment of soldiers in the Army, Navy and the Air Force, largely on a four-year short-term contractual basis, in a major overhaul of the decades-old selection process to bring in fitter and younger troops to deal with future security challenges facing the nation.

Under the scheme, around 46,000 soldiers will be recruited this year between the ages of 17-and-a-half years and 21 years into the three services, the defence ministry said.

The recruitment will be based on an "all India, all-class" basis that is set to change the composition of several regiments that recruit youths from specific regions as well as castes such as Rajputs, Jats and Sikhs.

After the completion of the four-year tenure of the recruits, the scheme provides for retaining 25 per cent of each specific batch for regular service, based on organisational requirements and policies promulgated by the armed forces from time to time.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP)  Republican former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, Republican Nick Begich and independent Al Gross have advanced to the August special election for the state's only U.S. House seat.

Palin, Begich and Gross, an orthopedic surgeon, were among 48 candidates in last Saturday's special primary for the seat, which was left vacant following the death in March of Republican Rep. Don Young. Young had held the seat for 49 years.

The top four vote-getters in the special primary advance to a special election, set for Aug. 16, in which ranked choice voting will be used. The winner of that race will serve the remainder of Youngs term, which ends in January.

State elections officials were releasing vote counts on Wednesday, the first day since the special primary in which counts were held. Counts also are planned for Friday and Tuesday.

With 132,730 votes counted, Palin had 28.3%, followed by Begich with 19.3% and Gross with 12.8%. Democrat Mary Peltola had 8.7% and Republican Tara Sweeney, 5.5%.

The election was unusual in that it was conducted primarily by mail. It also was the first election under a system approved by voters in 2020 that ends party primaries and institutes ranked voting for general elections.

The election went on as scheduled following a legal fight over ballot access issues, with the state defending itself against accusations that the manner in which the election was held discriminated against voters with visual impairments.

Palin, the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, held significant name recognition in a field that also included current and former state legislators and a North Pole city council member whose name is Santa Claus. Many of the candidates were relative unknowns.

Begich comes from a family of prominent Democrats, including uncles Mark Begich and Tom Begich, who have both held elected office. Gross unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate in 2020 with the endorsement of state Democrats. Alaska Democratic party leaders in this race urged voters to pick a Democrat.

Peltola, who was one of six Democrats on the ballot, is a former state lawmaker. Sweeney was an assistant secretary of Indian Affairs in the U.S. Department of Interior during the Trump administration.

Palin told The Associated Press on Wednesday she felt good about the campaign she's run but wanted to see the final numbers. In a statement on election night, Palin said she was looking forward to the August special election. Palin said Wednesday she would be looking forward to it whether she had qualified for the race or not.

She said she would remain positive and would never play ... the politics of personal destruction because I've been on the receiving end of that, and I wouldn't want that to happen to my worst enemy.

The campaigns of Begich and Gross have reminded voters Palin resigned as governor and questioned her motives in running for the House.

Palin quit on Alaska, Gross said.

"She had a chance to stay in the fight for Alaska, but she chose to chase cheap fame," Begich's campaign said in a fundraising appeal.

Palin, making her first bid for elected office since resigning as governor partway through her term in 2009, attributed her resignation to an onslaught of records requests and ethics complaints she said were frivolous and had become distractions.

Palin took issue with those who have questioned her ties or commitment to the state. I'm so Alaskan I hit a moose the other night, she said, adding that her vehicle got totaled but that she was fine.

During this race, Palin touted endorsements from a number of national figures, including former President Donald Trump. Palin was an early supporter of Trump during his 2016 presidential bid, and he participated in a telerally for her.

An August primary and November general election will decide who serves a two-year House term beginning in January. Palin, Begich and Gross are running in that race. Peltola and Sweeney also are candidates.

Sweeney in a statement said she would meet with her campaign team and supporters in the coming days to determine next steps after she said it appeared that she would fall just short of advancing to the special election.

Begich wasnt immediately available for comment Wednesday. An email seeking comment was sent to Gross campaign.

Begichs grandfather, Democratic U.S. Rep. Nick Begich, had the House seat before Young. In 1972, the elder Begich was running against Young when Begichs plane disappeared on a flight from Anchorage to Juneau. Begich was nonetheless reelected.

He was later declared dead and Young in 1973 won a special election for the seat. Young held the seat until his death at age 88.

The younger Begich had ties to Young, too. He was a co-chair of Youngs reelection campaign in 2020.

He began running for the House seat last fall and cast himself as someone who could bring new energy to the role. He has been endorsed by a number of conservatives and by the Alaska Republican Party.

Begich, during a campaign forum with three other Republican candidates last month, acknowledged people might be surprised that a Begich is a Republican. He said he was raised conservative by grandparents in Florida.

Begich said he wants to make a business case for the state, including the need to develop Alaskas vast natural resources.

Gross got crosswise with some Democrats following an interview in which he did not commit to caucusing with Democrats if elected. He later said he would.

Gross campaign has said that Gross does not plan to seek out endorsements from either the Democratic or Republican parties.

Gross on Saturday noted that the largest bloc of registered voters in Alaska identify as independents and said Alaska needs a new leader who represents all of Alaskans, not just a part of Alaska. And I believe Im that guy.

During his 2020 run, Gross sought to play up his Alaska ties, notably with an ad that said he killed a grizzly bear in self defense after it snuck up on him. His campaign also ran a cutesy ad referring to Gross as the bear doctor.

This time, Gross is playing it differently. He has a campaign leadership team that includes Republicans, independents and Democrats, including former Gov. Tony Knowles, a Democrat.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
New Delhi: A day after Congress alleged its workers were thrashed by the Delhi police during protests against the questioning of Rahul Gandhi by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the National Herald case, several MPs on Thursday (June 16) met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu to raise the issue, claiming they were treated like "terrorists". Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury led the delegation of MPs who met Birla, while Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge along with other lawmakers met Naidu. The Congress MPs alleged that their privileges as members of parliament have been breached, further demanding lawful action against the Delhi Police.

Chowdhury said the ED and the central government should not pursue "politics of vendetta and violence". "Have you ever seen any political leader being questioned for so many days? But what crime have we done? We only wanted to stand in solidarity with our leader." "The manner in which the police have treated us, looks as if we are all terrorists," he was quoted as saying by PTI. The Lok Sabha MP claimed that even women lawmakers were beaten up and their clothes "torn".

"Is this an 'Amrit Kaal'? The Modi and Amit Shah government are turning this Amrit kaal into a Poison Kaal," Chowdhury said taking a potshot at the Narendra Modi government.

Kharge told reporters that they have informed Naidu that the Congress MPs were misbehaved with and were taken to police stations without letting the Chairman or the Speaker know as is mandated by rules. "But their intent was to harass and mentally torture the MPs and our privilege has been violated. We wanted the chairman to take note of this and take action," he said, adding that the Chairman has assured to examine the incident.

On the other hand, the Delhi police has denied Congress' allegations of thrashing its leaders and entering the party headquarters in Delhi. "We've examined complaint (by Congress against Delhi Police) alleging misbehaviour by police officials and entry into AICC office; nothing like that... Police tried to detain them from entrance..."Sagar Preet Hooda, Special CP (Law & Order) was quoted as saying by ANI.

Meanwhile, a delegation of Congress leaders will meet President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday, when Rahul Gandhi has to appear for the fourth day for questioning before the ED in a money laundering case, and submit a memorandum on the issue of entry of Delhi Police into party headquarters and "misbehaving" with party MPs, ANI reported.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Several parts of Delhi and nearby areas witnessed heavy rainfall along with thunderstorm in the early hours of Thursday (June 16, 2022) bringing relief to people from the summer heat. The heavy downpour resulted in bringing down the temperatures giving respite to people from the heatwave conditions. Earlier, on Wednesday night, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had informed that thunderstorms with light to moderate intensity rain and gusty winds would occur over and adjoining areas of a few places of North Delhi, North-West Delhi, West Delhi (Bawana, Mundaka), Sonipat, Kharkhoda (Haryana).

The gusty winds were expected at a speed of 30-40 Kilometre per hour, IMD had said.

#WATCH | Delhi: Rain lashes parts of the national capital



(Visuals from Connaught Place) pic.twitter.com/9uShCX3Lbq  ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2022

Meanwhile, IMD has issued a yellow alert, warning of thundershowers or light rain over the next six days. The mercury is predicted to drop to 35 degrees Celsius by Sunday.

Since March, Delhi NCR and most parts in plains of NW India have witnessed spells of heat waves, barring a torrential thunderstorm in mid-May that broke not just several records but uprooted more than 200 old trees, created havoc with water-logging and subsequent traffic jams.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Ahead of the upcoming Rajinder Nagar bypoll in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will hold roadshows for three straight days beginning from Friday (June 17) to campaign for AAP candidate Durgesh Pathak. "Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal will hold roadshows in Rajinder Nagar assembly constituency on June 17, 18 and 19, and seek votes for party's leader Durgesh Pathak who is contesting by-election from the seat," PTI cited AAP as saying. BJP has fielded Rajesh Bhatia against Pathak, while the Congress nominee is Prem Lata for the upcoming Rajinder Nagar bypoll.

Senior leader and AAP MP Sanjay Singh while announcing Durgesh Pathak as the party candidate on May 28 had challenged Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta to contest against him in the Delhi byelection from the Rajinder Nagar seat. The seat has been vacant since AAPs Raghav Chadha became a Rajya Sabha member from Punjab. Raghav Chadha was elected as an MLA from Rajinder Nagar in 2020.

As many as 14 candidates have filed their nominations from the Rajinder Nagar seat, out of which one each is from the AAP, BJP and Congress, three others are from unrecognised parties. the rest eight candidates are in the fray as Independents.

With the AAP, BJP and Congress candidates, the fight for Rajinder Nagar bypoll is likely to be triangular. AAP has an edge in the bypoll as it has been bagging the Rajinder Nagar seat for the last two consecutive terms since the Arvind Kejriwal-led party came formed government in 2015. The BJP had won the seat in 2013, whereas for the last six terms since 1993, the Congress could only manage to win the seat once in 2008.

In May, the Election Commission had announced the schedule for by-election to three Lok Sabha and seven assembly seats across six states. The by-election to these seats will be held on June 23 and the counting of votes for the parliamentary and assembly bypolls will take place on June 26, the poll body had said. Delhis Rajinder Nagar assembly constituency will also go to the polls.

(With agency inputs)
New Delhi: Amid protests in several states against the Agnipath scheme, Congress MP Manish Tewari on Thursday (June 16, 2022) backed the central government for its short-term armed forces recruitment plan. Expressing his view on the Yojana, which seemed divergent from the Congress's position, Tewari said that India needs a younger armed force with lighter human footprint savvy on technology.

Taking to Twitter, the former Union Minister said, "I do empathise with youth who have concerns over Agnipath recruitment process. Reality is India needs a younger armed force with lighter human footprint savvy on technology, equipped with state of art weaponry."

"Armed forces of Union shouldnt be an employment guarantee programme," the Congress leader added.

I do empathise with youth who have concerns over Agnipath recruitment Process.Reality is India needs a younger armed force with lighter human footprint savvy on technology, equipped with state of art weaponry. Armed forces of Union shouldnt be an employment guarantee programme  Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) June 16, 2022

His statement came in the wake of widespread protests in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

In Bihar, trains were set afire, windowpanes of buses smashed and passersby, including a ruling BJP MLA, pelted with stones by defence job aspirants whose protest against the central scheme continued for the second consecutive day.

Agnipath Yojana: Center busts myths around armed forces recruitment scheme

The Centre on Thursday also issued a clarification asserting that the new model will not only bring in new capabilities to the armed forces but also open up avenues for the youth in the private sector.

Debunking "myths" around the Agnipath recruitment scheme, the government said that extensive consultations were held for its formulation and listed its benefits.

The government said it is being spread that Agniveers will have an insecure future but the fact is that the ones aspiring to be entrepreneurs will get a financial package and bank loan scheme. The ones who desire to study further will be given a certificate equivalent to the class 12 certificate and a bridging course for further studies, whereas the ones who wish to obtain jobs will be given priority in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the state police.

It is notable that the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Agnipath recruitment scheme which provides an opportunity for Indian youth to serve in the regular cadre of the Armed Forces for a period of four years. The selection will be the exclusive jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and a total of 46,000 Agniveers will be recruited this year.

(With agency inputs)
Hyderabad: After Congress leader and former Union Minister Renuka Chowdhury sparked a raging controversy as she held a police personnels collar during the protest against Rahul Gandhis ED interrogation, the politician has now clarified that she grabbed the cops collar as she was pushed and lost her balance in the process. While talking to the media after the act, Renuka Chowdhury said, They were pushing me, I have a problem with my leg. I was losing my balance so I fell on him like that. I'll apologise to that man. But I expect Police to apologise to me for manhandling us. Why were there so many men Police around us?"

Denying the assault charge, Chowdhury also added that she does not agree that she assaulted anyone.

#WATCH | Telangana: Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury holds a Policeman by his collar while being taken away by other Police personnel during the party's protest in Hyderabad over ED summons to Rahul Gandhi. pic.twitter.com/PBqU7769LE  ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2022

I didn't assault. I've been booked, I'll face it. That's the law. I don't have anything against that young man. He never did anything to me. I was losing balance&I held on. If you move, I'll have to hold this to steady myself as we were being pushed&bullied from the back, Chowdhury added.

I didn't assault. I've been booked, I'll face it.That's law. I don't have anything against that young man. He never did anything to me. I was losing balance&I held on. If you move, I'll have to hold this to steady myself as we were being pushed&bullied from back: Renuka Chowdhury pic.twitter.com/zbKkbEy8Iu June 16, 2022

The reaction comes after Renuka Chowdhury in an attempt to resist detention during the Congress party`s protest over the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons to Rahul Gandhi, held a policeman by his collar while being taken away by other police personnel in Hyderabad.

Pictures released by news agency ANI show Chowdhury holding a cop by his collar during the protest. Chowdhury was also seen engaging in a heated argument with the policeman as she held his collar.

Case filed against Renuka Chowdhury

A case was registered against former union minister and senior Congress leader Renuka Chowdhary at Panjagutta police station under section 353 IPC for holding the collar of a sub-inspector today afternoon during dharna to protest Ed questioning of Rahul Gandhi.

Congress workers on Thursday held a protest march in Telangana, Bengaluru and Karnataka. Congress chief DK Shivakumar, CLP leader Siddaramaiah and other leaders and workers of the party were detained by police during their protest in Bengaluru."The protest is our right. We will fight for justice. They (ED) are not taking cases of any BJP leaders. They are harassing only Congress people," Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar told ANI.

Bengaluru witnessed traffic snarls and an ambulance was seen stuck in the traffic.
Hyderabad: In an attempt to resist detention during the Congress party`s protest over the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons to Rahul Gandhi, party leader and former union minister Renuka Chowdhury on Thursday held a policeman by his collar while being taken away by other police personnel in Hyderabad. Pictures released by news agency ANI show Chowdhury holding a cop by his collar during the protest. Chowdhury was also seen engaging in a heated argument with the policeman as she held his collar. Telangana Congress held a massive protest in Hyderabad today over the ED investigating Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. Several Congress workers and leaders were detained by the police.

Women police personnel then dragged the former union minister towards the police van. Congress had given a "Chalo Raj Bhavan" call and at Telangana`s Raj Bhavan police detained several party workers who attempted to stage a protest there.

Apart from Hyderabad, the Congress held protests in several parts of the country including Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan.

Case filed against Renuka Chowdhury

A case was registered against former union minister and senior Congress leader Renuka Chowdhary at Panjagutta police station under section 353 IPC for holding the collar of a sub-inspector today afternoon during dharna to protest Ed questioning of Rahul Gandhi.

While addressing the media, Chowdhury said, "I didn't assault. I've been booked, I'll face it. That's the law. I don't have anything against that young man. He never did anything to me. I was losing balance&I held on. If you move, I'll have to hold this to steady myself as we were being pushed&bullied from the back."

Congress holds nationwide protest

Congress workers held a protest march in Bengaluru and Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar, CLP leader Siddaramaiah and other leaders and workers of the party were detained by police during their protest in Bengaluru."The protest is our right. We will fight for justice. They (ED) are not taking cases of any BJP leaders. They are harassing only Congress people," Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar told ANI.

Bengaluru witnessed traffic snarls and an ambulance was seen stuck in the traffic.

Bengaluru Police said the Congress protest was against the High Court`s order. "High Court had earlier ordered that protests will not be held anywhere except Freedom Park. We conveyed it to them. They gave us in writing about protest but we rejected it. We conveyed it to them in the morning too. If they proceed, we will take them into preventive custody," Bheemashankar S Guled, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru East told ANI.

Meanwhile, Congress workers also held a protest in Chandigarh against the questioning of Rahul Gandhi by the ED. Police detained several workers of the party.

Congress workers also staged a demonstration in Chennai and Jaipur." They want to suppress Rahul Gandhi`s voice. They can`t scare Indira Gandhi`s grandson with lathis. Congress will be the reason behind BJP`s end," said Rajasthan Minister P Khachariyawas.

Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse Congress workers protesting in Thiruvananthapuram over the ED probe against party leader Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case.

According to sources, Rahul Gandhi has been asked to rejoin the probe on Friday by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in connection with the National Herald case. The Congress leader left the ED office after 9 pm on Wednesday after he appeared before the ED for the third consecutive day for questioning.

(With inputs from ANI, PTI)
New Delhi: A PIL has been moved in the Supreme Court seeking directions to `sack` Delhi Cabinet Minister Satyendra Jain and Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Nawab Malik over the alleged money laundering cases being probed against them. In the plea, BJP leader and lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, sought directions to ensure that the Minister, who is not only a public servant but also a Lawmaker and takes a constitutional oath, shall be temporarily debarred from holding the office, after 2 days in judicial custody (like IAS, IPS, judges and other public servants are suspended from their services).

The plea has sought direction to the Maharashtra government to sack its Cabinet Minister Nawab Malik who was arrested on February 23 and continues in judicial custody in connection with cases of black money, Benami properties, money laundering, and disproportionate assets, linked with mafia don Dawood Ibrahim.

It also sought the Delhi Government to sack Cabinet Minister Satyendra Jain, who was arrested on May 31 and continues in judicial custody in connection with cases of black money, Benami properties, ghost companies, money laundering, and disproportionate assets. There is a good reason why the court must take steps to control the problem of criminalisation of politics, the plea said.

Although MLAs are the highest law-making organs of the State and the profession is honorable and noble, but there is no restriction on them to practice other professions like the bar on IAS, IPS, and Judges to practice other professions. There is no action even if they are in custody like IAS, IPS, Judges are suspended. There is no provision for a minimum number of hours that an MLA must spend in the Assembly and his constituency.

Similarly, he can be Minister while being in jail. The Assembly holds absolute financial powers. A Money Bill can only originate in the Assembly if MLAs give consent. It must be noted that in the states that have a bicameral legislature, both the Legislative Council and the Vidhan Parishad can pass the Bill or suggest changes to the Bill within 14 days of its receipt although the members are not bound to abide by the changes suggested, stated the plea.
New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Thursday said that Sharad Pawar is aware of his defeat in the presidential polls, that`s why he refused to contest the elections.He also opined that the President of India should be elected with consensus."It is not good to discuss Sharad Pawar`s name despite his decision not to contest presidential elections. Sharad Pawar is a big leader. He (Sharad Pawar) himself knows that he will be defeated in these polls. So, it is not right for opposition parties to discuss his name," Athawale told ANI.

He further appealed to the opposition parties to think about the consensus in nominating the right candidate for the post of President of India. A meeting of Opposition leaders called by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to discuss a joint candidate for the upcoming presidential poll was held in the national capital yesterday. The meeting adopted a resolution to field a common candidate in the election slated for July 18.

During the meeting, leaders of several opposition parties urged Sharad Pawar to be the joint candidate but the senior NCP leader declined the offer. Congress participated in the meeting along with 16 other political parties. Apart from TMC, Congress and NCP, the parties which attended the meeting included CPI, CPI(M), CPIML, RSP, Shiv Sena, RJD, SP, National Conference, PDP, JD(S), DMK, RLD, IUML and JMM participated in the meeting held at the Constitution Club of India here. The polling for the presidential election is slated for July 18 and votes will be counted on July 21. Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party did not participate in the meeting which was held at the Constitution Club. Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) led by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao did not send a representative to the meeting.
Monkeypox: A suspected case of monkeypox has been found in Nepal. As per reports, a Nepali youth, with international travel history, is suspected of contracting the monkeypox virus. The man has been kept under observation at the Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Diseases Hospital (STIDH) in Teku, Kathmandu, IANS reported. According to STIDH, the suspected patient arrived from Dubai and is being monitored after he exhibited monkeypox-like symptoms. The 27-year-old had a fever on Thursday and there were red blisters on his body and hands. The hospital said his health is normal at present.

Infectious disease specialist Sher Bahadur Pun said that a sample has been sent to the National Public Health Laboratory to ascertain whether the blisters on the youth`s body and hands have been caused by the monkeypox virus.

Meanwhile, the number of monkeypox cases in Britain exceeded 500 cases on Wednesday, according to the latest official figures.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it detected 52 additional monkeypox cases in England, one in Scotland and one in Wales, raising the total confirmed number of cases in Britain to 524 as of Tuesday.

In the US, monkeypox cases continued to climb, reaching 72, according to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The cases had been found in 18 states, with California and New York reporting 15 cases each, the most number among US states, Xinhua news agency reported.

(With inputs from agencies)
Kolkata: A 10-member delegation of Trinamool Congress MPs will meet Union Rural Development Minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday to discuss issues related to the alleged "non-release of funds" under the MGNREGA scheme to West Bengal for the last few months.

According to a statement issued by the state's ruling party, the delegation led by its Lok Sabha leader Sudip Bandopadhyay would meet Singh to discuss pending issues on the rural employment programme among others.

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 (MGNREGA) is aimed at enhancing the livelihood security of households in rural areas of the country by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year.

Also Read: Khabren Khatakhat: ED summons Rahul Gandhi again on Friday

"A 10-MP delegation of AITC led by Sudip Bandopadhyay, Leader of the AITC parliamentary party in Lok Sabha, will meet Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, on June 16 at 2 pm to discuss pending issues relating to MGNREGA among others," the party statement said.

The development came days after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, on several occasions, alleged that the Centre was not releasing funds for the MGNREGA programme for over three months.

Earlier this month, the TMC had held rallies across the state in protest against the "the Centre's delay in clearing funds amounting to Rs 6,000 crore that it owed to Bengal under the 100-day work scheme".

Also Read: What did the ED find in the interrogation of Rahul Gandhi so far?

BJP president J P Nadda, during his recent visit to the state, slammed the TMC for "spreading lies about the Centre not releasing MGNREGA funds", and accused the West Bengal government of "not giving the expenditure details" under the programme for the last three years.
When seven gubernatorial candidates are on the ballots, both Democrats and Republicans should be motivated to turn out for the June 28 primary election. And if that dates not convenient, there are nine others to choose from. Early voting in New York begins on Saturday and continues through June 26.

Dont let busy schedules prevent you from participating in the democratic process. Primary elections are notorious for low turnouts, especially in Buffalo, where many races are dominated by Democrats.

Thats not the case this year. Three Democrats and four Republicans are running for their partys gubernatorial nomination; the outcome will reverberate for years to come. Party members who want a deciding voice in the future policies of New York State need to act, not just react. Once your candidate loses, nonvoters cant plausibly complain about the result. And elections have been known to come down to a narrow majority.

The Erie County Clerks race is the other major primary contest; though its limited to the Democratic ballot now, the primary result could decide whether there is a general contest in November. It, too, deserves serious attention from voters.

Early voting offers options that would have been unheard of in the traditional one vote/one voting place scenario. In Erie County, there are 37 early voting locations, all open weekdays from noon to 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Even better, voters can cast their primary ballots at any one of these locations, regardless of where they live. Live in the Elmwood Village, but want to stop and vote on the way back from a Sunday drive to Chestnut Ridge Park? You can perform your civic duty at the Orchard Park Community Activity Center.

In Niagara County, the options are fewer, with locations in Niagara Falls, Lockport, Wheatfield, and Newfane, but, as in Erie, they are open every day, and any registered Democrat or Republican can choose the most convenient place.

Early voting has been a success in Western New York, helping to avoid Election Day congestion at polling places and encouraging citizens to take the necessary few minutes to take part in the great public ceremony of democracy.

Check the Board of Elections websites for details on early voting, including the full list of locations. Both websites feature links to early-voting information on their home pages.

Erie County: elections.erie.gov, telephone 716-858-8891.

Niagara: elections.niagara.ny.us, telephone 716-438-4041 (Democrats) or (716) 438-4041, (Republicans).

And vote.
TN 10th Results 2022: TNDGE (Tamil Nadu Directorate of Government Examinations) is expected to release class 10 board results on June 17. Furthermore, the board is expected to issue an official notice regarding the announcement of results today (June 16). Students who took the exam are encouraged to keep an eye on the official website. Students can check and download their results once they are released by visiting the education board's official websites, dge.tn.nic.in and dge.tn.gov.in.

In addition to the official website, the results will be available on the state of Tamil Nadu's official results portal at tnresults.nic.in.

Check your scorecard by following simple steps:

TN SSLC Result 2022 - How to download your scorecard?

Step 1: Navigate to the official website (dge.tn.gov.in).

Step 2: On the website's homepage, students will find a link that says, 'TN SSLC Result 2022'  Please click on that.

Step 3: Students must now fill in the required information as directed  Click the submit button.

Step 4: The TN SSLC Result 2022 will be shown on your screen.

Step 5: Download and print the results for future reference.

In addition to the official website, the results will be available on the state of Tamil Nadu's official results portal at tnresults.nic.in.TNDGE conducted SSLC examinations in the state in offline mode from June 6 to 30, 2022.
New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department has predicted scattered rainfall with thunderstorm, and lightning in several parts of the country for the next few days, bringing some respite from the blistering heat as heatwave conditions. The fresh showers are keeping the temperature in central and northwest India in check. Parts of Delhi and nearby areas witnessed heavy rainfall along with thunderstorms in the early hours of Thursday (June 16, 2022) bringing relief to people from the summer heat.

The heavy downpour resulted in bringing down the temperatures giving respite to people from the heatwave conditions. "Current spell of intense rainfall likely to continue over Northeast India and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim during next 5 days," said IMD.

Rainfall today

Current spell of intense rainfall likely to continue over Northeast India and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim during next 5 days. pic.twitter.com/SudGOatheJ  India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 15, 2022

- IMD said that widespread rainfall is likely over Western Himalayan region and scattered to fairly widespread rainfall over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and East Uttar Pradesh during 16-18 June.

- According to the Met Office, heavy rainfall is likely to occur over Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit- Baltistan and Muzaffarabad during 16-18 June, over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on 16 and 17 June, and over north Punjab on 16 June.

- The weather department said that widespread rainfall with thunderstorm, lightning very likely over Coastal Karnataka, Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep during the next 5 days.

- Widespread rainfall likely over Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal during next 5 days.

- Isolated extremely heavy rainfall also likely over Arunachal Pradesh on 15 and 16 June and over Assam and Meghalaya during next 5 days.

- Heavy rainfall likely over East Madhya Pradesh on 15 and 16 June and over Chhattisgarh during 15-17 June.

Odisha to witness monsoon showers soon

IMD said that the southwest monsoon is likely to make an onset over Odisha during the next 48 hours. Light to moderate rain or thundershower is very likely to occur at many places over the districts of interior Odisha, besides Gajapati, and Ganjam and at a few other places, it said. Thunderstorm with lightning very likely to occur at one or two places over the districts of Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Mayurbhanj, Angul, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Malkangiri, Koraput and Nabarangpur, the IMD's regional centre said.

Monsoon reaches Gujarat

Monsoon has arrived in Gujarat and light to moderate rains are likely across the state in the next five days, the IMD said on Monday.

Rainfall in Rajasthan

Moderate to heavy rainfall was recorded in parts of Rajasthan in the last 24 hours, a MeT department official said here on Tuesday. Director of Jaipur Meteorological Center said that light to moderate rain activities at isolated places will continue over east Rajasthan for the next three-four days.

Jammu and Kashmir weather

The Meteorological (MeT) department said that the area is likely to witness rainfall on Thursday afternoon which will break the current spell of heatwave in the union territory. "Weather is likely to remain mainly clear during the next 24 hours with the possibility of light rain towards the evening. Good amount of rain is likely in J&K from June 16 afternoon to June 18. This will break the current heatwave condition in the union territory," said an official of the MeT department.

Assam flood, landslide

Assam is once again hit by the incessant rainfall, leading to floods and landslides in many district of the state. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the State Public Works Department are engaged in the restoration works to repair the damaged roads in the district, rain waters have flooded many parts and have submerged the roads. According to the reports, the torrential rains have triggered several landslides in many parts of the hill`s district.

(With agency inputs)
NEW DELHI: Right after hosting a dreamy baby shower, Sonam Kapoor's husband Anand Ahuja dropped a series of candid glimpses of his wife flaunting her baby bump.

On Thursday, Anand took to his Instagram handle and shared Sonam's glimpses, as the two are expecting their first child, "love every moment @sonamkapoor" he captioned the picture series.

In the pictures, the soon-to-be mom Sonam posed in a white oversized shirt pairing it up with dark grey maternity pants as she could be seen sitting on a couch. She accessorized her look with gold-tone jewellery, Sonam looked absolutely radiant with her no-makeup look, holding her baby bump.

In reaction to the post, Sonam wrote a hilarious comment, she wrote, "I'm a whale" with an emoji of a whale. In response to the comment, Anand wrote, "so pretty. So beautiful."

Sonam's mother Sunita Kapoor posted her reaction, as she dropped a bunch of hearts in the comment section.

The fashionista, who is currently residing in London with her husband Anand Ahuja, recently hosted a glitzy baby shower.

The baby shower was all about fun, laughter, beautiful decor, fine flowers and lots of colours! She hosted a few friends for lunch and the decoration looked like a page from a Disney book. The food menu was personalised and hand-written.

For the event, Sonam opted for a pink maxi dress with cape-like sleeves and paired it with gold earrings.

Sonam is currently enjoying her third trimester and is often spotted hanging out with sister Rhea in London.

Sonam and Ahuja tied the knot on May 8, 2018, in a traditional Anand Karaj ceremony. She announced her pregnancy a few weeks back and is expecting her first child with her husband, Anand Ahuja this fall.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja will be next seen in "Blind" directed by Shome Makhija, which also stars Purab Kohli, Vinay Pathak and Lillete Dubey in prominent roles. The film is expected to release later this year.
New Delhi: The desi audience is eagerly waiting to watch some exciting new on-screen couples. Ever since the much-hyped trailer of Brahmastra has arrived, fans are keen on checking out the chemistry between the newly married couple Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, who are sharing reel space together for the first time. With this Jodi making a new appearance, here is looking at such most anticipated new on-screen power couples that will be seen in upcoming films:

Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor

Bollywoods recently wedded Jodi, Alia Bhatt, and Ranbir Kapoor have taken over the hearts and souls of the nation. Their upcoming film, Brahmastra is one of the most awaited films in India and the netizens are very excited to see them together for the first time.

Kriti Sanon and Prabhas

Bollywood queen Kriti Sanon and Pan India actor Prabhas are spectacular actors and are popular for taking up space in their films. The audience is really looking forward to seeing 2 such strong screen holders, complement each other as they will be seen together in their forthcoming film Adipurush. The magnum opus of a film is directed by Om Raut and also stars Saif Ali Khan and Sunny Singh in crucial roles.

Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan

Indian actress Deepika Padukone and Greek God Hrithik Roshan are all set to work together for the first time in Fighter. Their forthcoming film is Bollywoods highly anticipated film and the entire nation is excited to watch their sizzling chemistry on the silver screen. Helmed by Siddharth Anand, the film is all set to release in 2023.
NEW DELHI: Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor has been enjoying her maternity period to the fullest and her latest Instagram posts are proof. From having her babymoon with her husband and businessman Anand Ahuja in Paris to ringing in her birthday with her sister - Rhea Kapoor and her husand Karan Boolani, to finally having her baby shower in London, she is surely living best times of her life.

Sonam Kapoor baby shower in London

The actress shared glimpses from her perfectly organised baby shower on social media. She and Anand celebrated her baby shower in London, along with Rhea and Karan and close friends. The stunning decor of the party included beautifully done tables, flowers, name-customised napkins, plates and baby bibs.

Rhea also shared few photos from the baby shower that included delicious-looking food, customised napkins and gifts for guests.

Beautiful performance by Leo Kalyan at Sonam Kapoor's baby shower





Apart from that, there was also a performer named Leo Kalyan who even shared beautiful inside pictures from the divas baby shower. In one of the videos, he was seen singing 'Masakali' for the gorgeous mommy-to-be at the party. Sharing the post, Leo wrote, A spice girl in Bollywood. I just performed at Sonam Kapoor's baby shower what is life?"

The couple recently went on a vacation and the 'Neerja' actress treated her fans with several adorable photos and videos.

It was in March 2022, when Sonam Kapoor had announced her pregnancy news to the world through an Instagram post, wherein she could be seen posing with her hubby, Anand while flaunting her baby bump in a black monokini. However, Sonam is known as the fashionista of Bollywood, and with time, she is showing off her styling skills even in her pregnancy phase. She is giving us major maternity fashion goals!

The actress had also shared a few photos that show her flaunting her baby bump. Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja got married in May 2018 in Mumbai after several years of dating.

On the movie front, Sonam has been away from the silver screen for a while now. The actress will be next seen in crime-thriller 'Blind', which is a remake the 2011 Korean film by the same name. The film also stars Purab Kohli, Vinay Pathak and Lillete Dubey in supporting roles. Directed by directed by Shome Makhija, 'Blind' centres around a blind police officer in search of a serial killer.

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New Delhi: Garena Free Fire releases redeem codes on everyday basis. The 12-digit redeem code consists of alphabets and numbers. Players can get rewards such as skins for in-game weapons and characters to improve their gaming experience.

Garena Free fire is banned in India. However, if you are located outside India, you can access the reward codes and redeem them. For that you will be required to visit official Garena Free Fire reward site and log in to your Facebook, Google, Twitter IDs to access the Free Fire redemption page. (Also read: LGs new rollable TV now available for purchase in India: Check price, specs)

Check out the Garena Free Fire Redeem Codes for June 16, 2022

F2VGSY6WR3DF

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(Also read: High Risk Warning! Google Chrome users update browser immediately to stay safe)

How to Redeem Garena Free Fire codes for today, 16 June 2022

Step 1: Go to the official Garena Free Fire redemption portal



Step 2: Log in on the portal with either your Facebook, Twitter, Apple, Google, VK, or Huawei ID.



Step 3: Enter a redeem code in the designated text box.



Step 4: Click on the Ok button to get free rewards in your game account.

(Disclaimer: Garena Free fire is banned in India. Hence we advise people to adhere to government rules)
New Delhi: Apple iPhone 13, one of the best-selling smartphones in India, is selling on Flipkart at a big discount. The latest flagship device from Apple is available for as low as Rs 54,499 on the Walmart-owned e-commerce platform, in what could be an excellent opportunity for buyers planning to upgrade their smartphones. However, for buying iPhone 13 (128 GB) at such a low price, you will have to combine multiple offers, including card discounts and exchange offers.

Apple iPhone 13 was launched at a price of Rs 79,900. However, on Flipkart, the smartphone is selling with a discount of Rs 9,901 at Rs 69,999. However, interested buyers can club multiple offers to make the deal even sweeter.

For instance, Flipkart is offering a discount of up to Rs Rs 15,500 on exchanging your old smartphone. The discount price depends on the model of the smartphone as well as on its condition.

But thats not all, as customers can get additional discounts on iPhone 13 purchases via credit and debit cards. Currently, Flipkart is offering Rs 750 discount on buying the smartphone via Axis credit cards.

Also, buyers can get a 5% cashback on purchasing the device with Flipkart Axis Bank Co-Brand Card. Flipkart is also offering 5% cashback up to Rs 3000 on IDFC FIRST Bank Credit Card EMI transactions. (ALSO READ: Mumbai: Sextortion gang dupes housing finance exec of Rs 2.06 lakh)

Flipkart is also offering free deals on buying iPhone 13. For instance, customers can enjoy 3 Months of free Gaana Plus subscription with the purchase. (ALSO READ: RBI lifts restrictions on Mastercard, allows it onboard new customers)

Apple iPhone 13 Specs

Apple iPhone 13 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina display. The smartphone is powered by the A15 Bionic processor. As far as the camera features are concerned, the iPhone 13 comes with a dual camera setup which includes a 12MP primary lens and a 12MP ultra wide lens.
NEW DELHI: Rohit Shetty's stunt based show 'Khatron Ke Khiladi 12' is being shot in South Africa's Capte Town these days. Popular actress and model Kanika Mann, who is one of the contestants on the show, suffered injuries while performing a stunt.

A picture of the 'Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega' star, where she is seen with bruises on her arms and knees is being widely shared on social media. Popular celeb photographer Viral Bhayani too shared Kanika's latest pictures on his Instagram along with the caption, "Shocking picture of Kanika Mann."

In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Kanika shared that getting injured during stunts is part of the show and she is happy that she has managed to be a part of KKK12 and finish all her stunts without aborting them. The actress added that she took pictures of her bruises and injuries she received while performing her tasks and send it to her family ack home, saying 'she got the new jewelleries for her'.

"Yes, I have got a few injuries. In fact, I was telling Rohit Shetty sir recently that I am not able to move my hand and leg and he told 'Humari audience ko toh nahi pata na, they feel you have come here in Khatron Ke Khiladi and you are a strong player, come now is the time to show, that you are a strong player.' So it's fine, we are here and injuries are a part of a stunt based reality show like KKK. We are bound to get injured. I think the beauty of the show is when you are performing the tasks, you don't pay attention to your injuries. Jiska pair bhi toota hota hai na woh daudne lag jaaye, we get such an adrenaline rush. We get so motivated and excited that we decide we have to do it. There is a different motivation and if suppose the other contestant has done a better performance, then we get more charged up. And we forget about our pain injuries then at that point of time. But once we were done with the stunt, we realised oh I've hurt my hand, leg (laughs). I click pictures of my scars and injuries and send them to my family, see I've got new jewellery or a trophy to flaunt. I am flaunting my injuries and scars because I've managed to reach so far and I am able to do stunts and complete them with or without injuries. This feeling is amazing," the actress told the publication.

In the past, several contestants on the show sufered injuries while performing stunts. 'Bigg Boss 15' winner Tejasswi Prakash, who was a participant on 'KKK 10' had sufferd an injury on her eye due to which she had to opt out of the show. Comedianne Bharti Singh had sustained severe injuries on her leg and had to leave the show. Her husband and actor-producer Haarsh Limbaachiyaa stepped in for her, but could not save her fom elimination.

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Lima: A video of a dancing Brazilian stripper interrupted a virtual public hearing of Peruvian President Pedro Castillo`s corruption investigation on Wednesday (June 15, 2022). "They are showing very suggestive images," prosecutor Samuel Rojas said as the footage of the male stripper, Ricardo Milos, appeared on screens during the hearing. The unexpected content appeared as Rojas was outlining the reasons why Castillo should be investigated. The hearing was being publicly broadcast on the judiciary branch`s television channel, with the offending clip later shared widely on Twitter.

A supreme court judge is evaluating a request to throw out the investigation into whether the president led a corruption plot involving his former Minister of Transport and Communications, Juan Silva, who is currently in hiding.

The president`s legal defense team is trying to prevent prosecutors from questioning him at a hearing scheduled for Friday.

The video of Milos appeared through the user account of Benji Espinosa, a member of Castillo`s defense team, prompting a brief suspension of the hearing.

Espinosa denied that he was responsible for the video and says he was the victim of "computer crime."

"The video appeared abruptly, giving the impression that it came from my account, which I reject," Espinosa told Reuters by phone.

The lawyer added he was filing a complaint with the judge and claimed that the incident "shows that the virtual system of the judiciary is vulnerable."

Leftist President Castillo currently faces scrutiny of alleged corruption in his government, social protests and a fall in popularity after 10 months in power.
(Adds quote from new CEO Fabio Barbosa)

By Gabriel Araujo

SAO PAULO, June 15 (Reuters) - Brazil's Natura & Co Holding SA said on Wednesday that Chief Executive and Executive Chairman Roberto Marques was stepping down in an organizational shakeup, handing over the reins of the cosmetics maker to board member Fabio Barbosa.

Natura, which aims to simplify its structure, is also eliminating its sustainable growth officer and chief transformation officer.

Natura shares jumped 7.8% after the announcement, making it the top gainer on Brazil's Bovespa stock index, which rose 1.2%.

It is "time to evolve," said the owner of Natura, Avon, Aesop and The Body Shop brands, with plans to increase the accountability of its business units after years of expansion fueled by high-profile acquisitions.

Barbosa said Natura's main priority with the move was not cutting costs, although calling it "absolutely important," but making its organizations leaner and able to be more agile.

"We also have a focus on the revenue side. ... We know that we have to improve margins, increase revenues and continue to pay attention to costs," he told a conference call .

Barbosa served as the chief executive of Santander Brasil from 2008 to 2011, also leading Banco Real for more than a decade and publisher Grupo Abril between 2011 and 2015.

Marques will remain as a board member to help with his succession, but plans to retire at the end of 2022.

Analysts at JPMorgan said the move potentially gives higher autonomy for Natura's business units to execute their plans to deliver the firm's targets.

"In the context of a challenging operating environment and limited visibility on growth and profitability trends, we believe the market is likely to welcome the changes," they said.

Natura posted a bigger-than-expected net loss amid surging costs and tepid sales in the first quarter, pushing back by a year some financial targets including net revenue.

(Reporting by Gabriel Araujo; Additional reporting by Paula Arend Laier; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Edmund Blair)
New Delhi: The World Health Organisation (WHO) is considering changing the name of the monkeypox virus to avoid the stigma and discrimination associated with it. As the WHO convenes an emergency committee to determine if the expanding monkeypox outbreak should be considered a global health emergency, scientists also called for a "non-discriminatory and non-stigmatizing" name.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHOs Director-General said, "WHO is also working with partners and experts from around the world on changing the name of #monkeypox virus, its clades, and the disease it causes. We will make announcements about the new names as soon as possible.

"WHO is also working with partners and experts from around the world on changing the name of #monkeypox virus, its clades and the disease it causes. We will make announcements about the new names as soon as possible"-@DrTedros  World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) June 14, 2022

The development comes after numerous scientists from 11 countries called for a need to cut discriminatory language used to differentiate the monkeypox virus in a report released last week.

The scientists pushed the urgent need for a non-discriminatory and non-stigmatizing nomenclature for monkeypox in a preprint posted on virological.org.

Meanwhile, the number of monkeypox cases in Britain exceeded 500 cases on Wednesday, according to the latest official figures.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it detected 52 additional monkeypox cases in England, one in Scotland and one in Wales, raising the total confirmed number of cases in Britain to 524 as of Tuesday.

"Anyone can get monkeypox, particularly if you have had close contact, including sexual contact, with an individual with symptoms. Currently, most cases have been in men who are gay, bisexual or have sex with men," the UKHSA said.

On the other hand, monkeypox cases in the US continued to climb, reaching 72, according to the latest data of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The cases had been found in 18 states, with California and New York reporting 15 cases each, the most number among US states, Xinhua news agency reported.

(With agency inputs)
Karachi: One person was shot dead and 12 others were injured as violence erupted in Karachi on Thursday during a by-election. Clashes took place between the rival factions of the now defunct Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party during the NA-240 (Korangi Karachi II) by-election. A police official said the religious party, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), was also involved in some of the incidents of violence. "Clashes mainly took place between workers and leaders of the competing parties, Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P)," the official said, adding that in some areas, TLP workers also opened fire.

All the three parties later accused one other of poll rigging and inciting violence during the polling held for the NA-240 constituency, which covers the heavily populated areas of Landhi and Korangi.

These areas and constituencies have remained a stronghold of the defunct MQM for years.

Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed said the casualties were brought to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) from the Landhi area.

She said a person identified as Saifuddin Kaleem was brought dead to JPMC with bullet injuries on his head, while 12 others were brought with injuries mostly caused due to bullet shots or by hard and blunt instruments.

ALSO READ: Cash-strapped Pakistan urges people to reduce tea consumption to save precious forex

The by-polls in the National Assembly constituency was necessitated after the seat fall vacant following the death of MQM-P MNA Iqbal Muhammad Ali in April.

A total of 309 polling stations and 1,236 polling booths were set up for elections in the constituency. Mainly dominated by Urdu speakers, the constituency has a moderate number of pockets of residents of other linguistic groups.

With a total of 25 candidates in the run, among the main contestants include Muhammad Abu Bakar of the MQM-P, Shahzada Shahbaz of the TLP, Nasir Rahim of the PPP, Shabbir Ahmed Qaimkhani of PSP, Syed Rafiuddin of MQM with a number of independent candidates. Hours before the polling, the PML-N announced to withdraw from the process in favour of the PPP.
Russia-Ukraine war: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday that Russia`s invasion amounted to aggression against all Europe and that the more weapons Ukraine receives from the West, the faster it will be able to liberate its occupied land. He told a news conference he had discussed the possibility of further sanctions against Russia and post-war reconstruction at talks in Kyiv with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and Romania. Ukraine was grateful for the military delivery that helped it fight Russia's incursion on February 24 and that it expected to receive heavier armament, such as new rocket artillery and missile defence systems said Zelenskiy.

"Every day of delay or postponed decisions is an opportunity for the Russian military to kill Ukrainians or destroy our cities," he said. "There is a direct correlation: the more powerful weapons we receive, the faster we can liberate our people, our land."

"Russian aggression against Ukraine is aggression against all of Europe, against all united Europe, against every one of us, against our values," he said.

Earlier, European leaders visiting Kyiv expressed support for making Ukraine a candidate for membership in the European Union, a show of solidarity that comes amid questions over their backing of President Volodymyr Zelensky and his calls for heavier weapons to offset Moscows artillery advantage.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his government on Thursday to come up with new measures to support the domestic car industry, which has seen sales crater since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine. "I would like to ask the government to tell us in detail what swift measures it is taking to support the auto industry and stabilise the internal market," Putin said in a meeting with government officials broadcast on state TV. Putin also said the government needed to look not only at production issues, but also at how to stimulate demand despite the economic difficulties facing the country.
Kyiv: French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi arrived in Kyiv on Thursday (June 16) on a joint trip to show their backing for Ukraine as it struggles to withstand a Russian assault. The three travelled together overnight in a train used to transport high-profile visitors to Ukraine. "It's an important moment. It's a message of unity we`re sending to the Ukrainians, of support, to talk both about the present and the future, since the coming weeks, as we know, will be very difficult," Macron said as they arrived. Romania's President Klaus Iohannis will join them for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expected to touch on Kyiv's bid to join the European Union as well as the war itself.

The visit has taken weeks to organise with the three men looking to overcome criticism within Ukraine over their response to the war.

"We're here, we're focused, we will join President Zelenskyy to go to a war site where massacres have been carried out," Macron said.

Asked why the visit was taking place now, an Elysee official said they had considered it was best to do it just before an EU summit next week that is due to discuss Kyiv's bid to join the 27-nation bloc.

The European Commission is due to make a recommendation on Friday on Ukraine's status as an EU candidate, something the biggest European nations have been lukewarm about. "A balance has to be found between Ukraine's natural aspirations to (join) the EU at a very special time, and attention to all the countries which already have candidate status and are stuck in the negotiation chapters and the fact that we must not destabilise the EU or fracture it," the Elysee official said.

Zelenskyy is expected to push his visitors to send more arms to help his hard-pressed army withstand the Russian invaders. Kyiv has accused France, Germany and, to a lesser extent, Italy, of foot-dragging in their support for Ukraine, saying they have been slow to deliver weapons and of putting their own prosperity ahead of Ukraine's freedom and security. A high-ranking official from an EU country said Zelenskiy was "in a really difficult position: the Ukrainian army not only needs weapons, but is also increasing lack of soldiers."

Oleksiy Arestovych, an adviser to Zelenskyy, told German newspaper Bild this week he was concerned the three leaders would put pressure on Kyiv to accept a peace deal favourable to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "They will say that we need to end the war that is causing food problems and economic problems...that we need to save Mr Putin`s face," he said, referring to comments by Macron this month that it was vital not to humiliate the Russian leader.

Addressing this concern, Draghi said on Tuesday it was important for peace talks to open as soon as possible, but added they had to be "on terms that Ukraine deems acceptable". Ukraine has been particularly critical of Germany`s military aid and the country`s ambassador to Berlin, Andrij Melnyk, told German broadcaster NTV he expected Scholz to hand over heavy weapons that had been long-promised but not yet delivered.

Scholz has dismissed allegations he has held back much-needed military support, saying Germany was one of the biggest military and financial backers of Ukraine, and that it was taking time to train Ukrainian soldiers to use the sophisticated artillery systems that it was offering.
Kyiv: The Russian military said it used long-range missiles Wednesday to destroy a depot in the western Lviv region of Ukraine where ammunition for NATO-supplied weapons was stored, and the governor of a key eastern city acknowledged that Russian forces are advancing in heavy fighting.

The battle for Sievierodonetsk in Ukraine's eastern Donbas area has become the focus of Russia's offensive in recent weeks.

Russia-backed separatists accused Ukrainian forces of sabotaging an evacuation of civilians from the city's besieged Azot chemical plant, where about 500 civilians and an unknown number of Ukrainian fighters are believed to be sheltering from missile attacks. It wasn't possible to verify that claim.

Russian officials had announced a humanitarian corridor from the Azot plant a day earlier, but said they would take civilians to areas controlled by Russian, not Ukrainian, forces.

The Ukrainian governor of Luhansk, Serhiy Haidai, told The Associated Press that heavy fighting in Sievierodonetsk continues today as well. The Luhansk and Donetsk regions make up the Donbas.

The situation in the city is getting worse, Haidai said, because Russian forces have more manpower and weapons. But our military is holding back the enemy from three sides at once, he added.

In the Lviv region near the border with NATO member Poland, Russian forces used high-precision Kalibr missiles to destroy the depot near the town of Zolochiv, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said. Konashenkov said shells for M777 howitzers, a type supplied by the United States, were stored there. He said four howitzers were destroyed elsewhere and that Russian airstrikes also destroyed Ukrainian aviation equipment at a military aerodrome in the southern Mykolaiv region.

Ukrainian officials did not immediately comment on the Zolochiv strike.

While focusing most of their attacks on eastern Ukraine, where they are trying to capture large swaths of territory, Russian forces have also been hitting more specific targets elsewhere, using high-precision missiles to disrupt the international supply of weapons and destroy military infrastructure. Civilian infrastructure has been bombarded as well, even though Russian officials have claimed they're only targeting military facilities.

NATO members are pledging to send more and longer-range weapons to Ukraine.

President Joe Biden said Wednesday the US will send an additional USD 1 billion in military aid, the largest single tranche of weapons and equipment since the war began. The aid will include anti-ship missile launchers, howitzers and more rounds for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, all key weapons systems that Ukrainian leaders have urgently requested.

Germany is providing Ukraine with three multiple launch rocket systems of the kind that Kyiv has said it urgently needs to defend itself against Russia's invasion. Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said Wednesday that Germany will transfer three M270 medium-range artillery rocket systems along with ammunition.

Germany said the transfer, which echoes similar moves by Britain and the United States, will be accompanied by training and will have a swift and significant battlefield impact.

In recent days, Ukrainian officials have spoken of the heavy human cost of the war, with Kyiv's forces outgunned and outnumbered in the east.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Biden for the new aid package.

The security support of the United States is unprecedented, he said, reporting on a phone call the two leaders held earlier Wednesday.

It brings us closer to a common victory over the Russian aggressor.

Zelenskyy said he has accepted invitations to speak at the NATO and Group of Seven summits at the end of the month.

During the 112 days of this war, the Ukrainian army has proved that courage and wisdom on the battlefield, together with the ability to tactically outmaneuver the enemy, can have a significant result, even despite the Russian army's significant advantage n number of soldiers and equipment," he said in his nightly video address.

"Of course we are doing everything we can to overcome this advantage. Every day I fight for Ukraine to receive the weapons and equipment we need.

Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chair of Russia's Security Council, ominously suggested that Russia is intent on not just claiming territory but eliminating Ukraine as a nation. In a Telegram post, he wrote that he saw Ukraine wants to receive liquefied natural gas from its overseas masters with payment due in two years.

He added: "But there's a question. Who said that in two years, Ukraine will even exist on the map?

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelenskyy, responded on Twitter: Ukraine has been and will be. Where will Medvedev be in two years? That's the question.?
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - International Lithium Corp. (TSXV: ILC) (OTCQB: ILHMF) (the "Company" or "ILC") is pleased to announce that its common shares have today commenced trading on the OTC Markets Group's OTCQB Venture Market in the United States under the symbol "ILHMF" effective at the opening of trading on Thursday, June 16, 2022, and will continue to trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol "ILC" and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "IAH". Existing U.S. shareholders of ILC will now find common shares quoted on the OTCQB without any further action needed. Investors in the United States can find current financial disclosure and quotes for the Company's common shares on https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/ILHMF/overview.

The OTCQB is recognized as an established public financial market for international companies, including natural resource companies in the exploration industry, to trade in the U.S. The OTCQB Venture Market offers companies the opportunity to build their visibility, expand their liquidity and diversify their shareholder base on an established, public market. The OTCQB offers transparent trading in early stage, exploration companies and provides annual verification and certification of management to investors thereby improving their level of information and trading experience.

John Wisbey, Chairman and CEO of International Lithium Corp. commented:

"The OTCQB Market provides ILC access to a much larger audience of U.S. based institutional and retail shareholders. This upgrade to OTCQB is part of the natural evolution of ILC as a quoted company as we become a larger and stronger company in the lithium space, focused on the increasing requirement by the U.S., Canada and Europe for secure sourcing of green energy metals. We look forward to increasing the number of U.S. investors on our shareholder register."

About International Lithium Corp.

International Lithium Corp. believes that the world faces a significant turning point in the energy market's dependence on oil and gas and in the governmental and public view of climate change. In addition, we have seen the clear and increasingly urgent wish by the USA and Canada to safeguard their supplies of critical battery metals and to become more self-sufficient. Our Canadian projects are strategic in that respect.

Story continues

Our key mission in the next decade is to make money for our shareholders from lithium and rare metals while at the same time helping to create a greener, cleaner planet. This includes optimizing the value of our existing projects in Canada and Ireland as well as finding, exploring and developing projects that have the potential to become world class lithium and rare metal deposits.

A key goal has been to become a well-funded company to turn our aspirations into reality, and following the disposal of the Mariana project in Argentina in 2021 and the Mavis Lake project in Canada in January 2022, the Board of the Company considers that ILC is now well placed in that respect with a strong net cash position.

The Company's interests in various projects now consists of the following, and in addition the Company continues to seek other opportunities:

Name Location Area (Hectares) Current Ownership Percentage Future Ownership percentage if options exercised or work carried out Operator or JV Partner Raleigh Lake Ontario 48,500 100% 100% ILC Wolf Ridge Ontario 5,700 0% 100% ILC Avalonia Ireland 29,200 45% 21% Ganfeng Lithium Mavis Lake Ontario 2,600 0%

0%

(carries an extra earn-in payment of CAD $1.4M if resource targets met) Critical Resources Ltd. Forgan Lake & Lucky Lake Ontario < 500 0% 1.5% Net Smelter Royalty Ultra Lithium Inc.

The Company's primary strategic focus at this point is on the Raleigh Lake lithium, rubidium and caesium project in Canada and on identifying additional properties.

The Raleigh Lake project consists of 48,500 hectares (485 square kilometres) of mineral claims in Ontario, and is ILC's most significant project in Canada. The exploration results there so far, which are on only about 8% of ILC's current claims, have shown significant quantities of rubidium and caesium in the pegmatite as well as lithium. Raleigh Lake is 100% owned by ILC, is not subject to any encumbrances, and is royalty free.

With the increasing demand for high tech rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles and electrical storage as well as portable electronics, lithium has been designated "the new oil", and is a key part of a "green tech" sustainable economy. By positioning itself with projects with significant resource potential and with solid strategic partners, ILC aims to be one of the lithium and rare metals resource developers of choice for investors and to continue to build value for its shareholders in the '20s, the decade of battery metals.

On behalf of the Company,

John Wisbey

Chairman and CEO

www.internationallithium.com

For further information concerning this news release please contact +1 604-449-6520

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release or other releases contain certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this or other news releases may include: the effect of results of anticipated production rates, the timing and/or anticipated results of drilling on the Raleigh Lake or Wolf Ridge or Avalonia projects, the expectation of resource estimates, preliminary economic assessments, feasibility studies, lithium or rubidium or caesium recoveries, modeling of capital and operating costs, results of studies utilizing various technologies at the company's projects, budgeted expenditures and planned exploration work on the Company's projects, increased value of shareholder investments, and assumptions about ethical behaviour by our joint venture partners or third party operators of projects. Such forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those discussed in the sections entitled "Risks" and "Forward-Looking Statements" in the interim and annual Management's Discussion and Analysis which are available at www.sedar.com. While management believes that the assumptions made are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking information. Forward-looking information herein, and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on expectations, estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the time of such statements, are subject to significant business, economic, legislative, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates and assumptions may prove to be incorrect and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/128072
Ryan Grantham pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on March 9. (Filmifeed - image credit)

Ryan Grantham said his mother was a caring and compassionate person who did nothing to deserve what he did to her.

The 24-year-old actor read out a statement in a clear and emotion-filled voice in B.C. Supreme Court on the third and final day of his sentencing hearing for the second-degree murder of Barbara Waite.

"I cannot explain or justify my actions. I have no excuse," said Grantham. "It hurts me to think about how badly I've wasted my life."

"In the face of something so horrible, saying sorry seems so pointless. But from every fibre of my being, I am sorry," he said.

Grantham shot Waite in the back of her head as she played piano in their Squamish townhouse on March 31, 2020. The following day, he packed his car with guns, ammunition, 12 Molotov cocktails and a map to Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, with the notion of driving there to kill Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Second-degree murder comes with an automatic life sentence. At issue is the length of time before Grantham is eligible to apply for parole.

Grantham's defence is asking for a period of 12 years, while Crown has asked for 17 to 18 years of ineligibility.

Homicidal and suicidal urges

The court heard how Grantham was on a downward spiral in the months leading up to the matricide, depressed, experiencing homicidal and suicidal urges, and spending a lot of time online and smoking marijuana.

Defence lawyer Chris Johnson said at question were two major issues: Grantham's blameworthiness and risk of future danger.

He said mental illness did play a role in Grantham's behaviour, and that he feels significant remorse.

"At the time of the offence, this killing was not done out of hatred or animosity, it was done in Mr. Grantham's disordered thinking, to prevent his mother from seeing what he thought he was about to do," said Johnson.

Earlier in the hearing, the court heard disturbing details of the murder. Grantham, who is an experienced shooter and gun owner, rehearsed the murder in the days before, walking up behind Waite with a .22 calibre rifle, pointing it at her, but stopping short of pulling the trigger.

Story continues

On the day of the murder, he loaded and unloaded the gun multiple times, then sat on the townhouse steps for close to 15 minutes considering what to do, before proceeding to kill his mother.

A four-minute video Grantham captured on a GoPro camera in the aftermath was shown in court. In it, Grantham confesses and shows his mother's body.

The next day, after covering the body with a sheet and arranging lit candles around it, he set out for Ottawa. He made it as far as Hope, B.C., where he turned around amidst thoughts of instead killing people at Simon Fraser University  where he was enrolled  the Lions Gate Bridge, or other locations.

He eventually turned himself in to police.

The defence presented a number of letters of support, including one from Grantham's estranged father, who the Crown said abandoned the family when Grantham was a child.

Johnson said the court should consider his age  he was 21 at the time of the murder  that he had no previous criminal record, that he turned himself in, confessed fully and has pled guilty.

In his statement to the court, Grantham said during the past 25 months of incarceration, he's been going to counselling to help address his emotional and psychological issues.

"Someday, if I'm ever released from prison, I hope to continue on this path of bettering myself," he said.

Grantham was originally charged with first-degree murder but pleaded guilty to second-degree in March.

Justice Kathleen Ker has reserved decision for a future date.

Grantham has acted in film and television since he was nine years old. His credits include B.C.-filmed TV series including Riverdale, Supernatural and iZombie, and the films Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.
The Cat ferry can hold 866 passengers and 200 cars. (Brett Ruskin/CBC - image credit)

The Houston government is facing criticism for something it accused the previous government of doing  not disclosing enough information about the Cat ferry.

The ferry provides service between Yarmouth, N.S., and Bar Harbor, Maine.

When asked directly about passenger numbers on Thursday, Minister of Public Works Kim Masland said the province won't report those figures on a monthly basis. Instead, she said operator Bay Ferries will release the number of tickets sold overall. Last week, that number was 15,100 tickets  65 per cent of which were for July and August.

"It's a very dynamic tourist industry right now. What I would like to focus on myself as the minister is the fact that here we have an opportunity to be really bringing tourists into into our province," Masland said.

When the Progressive Conservatives were the official opposition, the party criticized the then-Liberal government for not disclosing enough information about the ferry, including passenger numbers. The ferry has the capacity for 866 passengers and 200 cars.

Premier Tim Houston, who was the finance critic, tweeted the number of passengers coming off the ferry in Yarmouth in 2016. The PCs even took the Liberal government to court and won.

Nova Scotia tax payers have spent millions of dollars for the service.

Expensive ferry

The ferry has been docked for the last three seasons, but taxpayers have paid $1.17 million a year for Bay Ferries to operate it with no revenue to offset expenses.

Nova Scotia taxpayers also paid $8.5 million to renovate Bar Harbor's ferry terminal when the port was moved from Portland, Maine. Nova Scotia pays the salaries of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Agents at the Bar Harbor facility.

Nova Scotia NDP Leader Gary Burrill said the province has the means to report passenger numbers.

"When I was seven and my little brother was five and the boat came in in Yarmouth, we sat on the front steps of our grandparent's house on Main Street and counted every car that came off," he said.

Story continues

"We could tell you the total, we could tell you the states where all the cars came from. So if the government can't accomplish it, then they should try to engage any five or seven-year-old who would be able to get us the numbers."

The first ferry crossing between Yarmouth and Maine was Jan 4, 1956, when Canadian National (CN) introduced the first regular ferry service on the MV Bluenose.

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U.S. raid in Syria John Moore/Getty Images

The U.S.-led military coalition fighting the remnants of the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq announced the capture of a senior ISIS leader during a ground raid in northwestern Syria early Thursday. "The detained individual was assessed to be an experienced bomb maker and facilitator who became one of the group's top leaders in Syria," the coalition said in a statement. U.S. forces suffered no injuries, a U.S. defense official told ABC News.

"The mission was meticulously planned to minimize the risk of collateral damage, particularly any potential harm to civilians," the U.S.-led Operation Inherent Resolve said. "There were no civilians harmed during the operation nor any damage to coalition aircraft or assets."

"U.S. military ground raids into northwestern Syria are risky because they are carried out far west from U.S. bases in eastern Syria in areas that are controlled either by extremists or Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government," ABC News reports. Previous raids in the area have targeted ISIS founder Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who killed himself during an October 2019 raid, and his successor, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, who blew himself up during a U.S. raid in February.

"Coalition forces will continue to hunt the remnants of Daesh [ISIS] wherever they hide to ensure their enduring defeat," Operation Inherent Resolve said. ISIS has maintained a low-level insurgency in Iraq and Syria, with occasional large operations, most recently a January mass jailbreak of ISIS fighters in Hasakah, northeast Syria. U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces, backed by U.S. airstrikes, retook the prison after a 10-day battle, but several hundred ISIS militants likely escaped and hundreds more were believed killed in the battle.

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IFAD supports Vietnams agriculture and rural development to respond to climate change

Vietnam has been a good example on how to move from vision to action in strengthening communities with climate resilient, economic growth and decrease of poverty, said Ms Reehana R. Raza in her first official visit to Vietnam this week as the new Regional Director at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Asia and Pacific.





Regional Director at the International Fund for Agricultural Development, Reehana R. Raza, meets Vietnamese leaderships in Hanoi

While meeting Vietnamese leaderships in Hanoi, Raza reaffirmed IFADs support to the country in the programme for 2021-2025 national target programme on sustainable poverty reduction and praised Vietnams efforts in moving the development agenda forward.

IFAD is proud of its successful collaboration with Vietnam for almost three decades. We wish to deepen, enlarge and expand this cooperation and partnership with Vietnam in a sustainable ways, added Raza.

The purpose of the visit was to strengthen relationships with Vietnam going forward by meeting with UN development partners and line ministries that IFAD works with at both national and local levels.

Speaking at the meeting, Vice Minister of Finance Ta Anh Tuan said that IFAD's projects in Vietnam had introduced innovative initiatives in rural areas, including market-oriented planning, value chain development, and promotion of innovation.

"The projects financed by IFAD have proven effective when Vietnam is assessed as one of successful business cases on poverty reduction, agricultural and rural development, he noted.

On the other hand, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Quoc Doanh called on IFAD to mobilize senior experts on rural agricultural development to support the ministry in institutional development and advise in developing and implementing the agricultural sector development strategy.

In a talk with Mrs Caitlin Wiesen, Acting Resident Coordinator for the United Nations in Vietnam, Raza reiterated IFADs efforts to increase joint programmes with other UN agencies in Vietnam involving in mobilisation of resources for competitive funds, such as COVID-19 Response and Recovery Multi-Partner Trust Fund (COVID-19 MPTF) and SDG funds to support sub-regional initiatives targetting ethnic minorities, young people and women.

Since 1993, IFAD has supported 15 programmes and projects in the Vietnam for a total of USD 362 million, directly benefiting 738,470 rural households.

As Vietnam is one of the nations most affected by climate change and sea level rise, Raza also stated that helping Vietnam to adapt and address climate change in a sustainable and resilient way is a top priority. In line with this, IFAD plans to launch a new project to develop climate-smart agricultural value chain in the Mekong provinces of Ben Tre and Tra Vinh, to be carried out over the next few years.
By Trend

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made the right decision at the right time, thanks to which the territories occupied by Armenia were liberated [in the 2020 Second Karabakh War], Deputy Mayor of Holon (Israel) Mikhail Sutovsky told Trend.

"Azerbaijan, led by President Ilham Aliyev, absolutely responsibly, courageously and resolutely took control of the situation and brought it to a victorious end. These were truly heroic steps. President Ilham Aliyev understood the full responsibility of his every step and every decision," Sutovsky said.

Speaking about his visit to Azerbaijan, the official noted that he came at the invitation of the State Committee for Work with the Diaspora of Azerbaijan to participate in a conference on stabilization of the situation in the post-conflict period.

"It was interesting and important for me to take part in this conference and share my thoughts as a person who was born on Azerbaijani land and knows the history of the conflict. I also visited Aghdam. We were shown the ruins. These are barbaric destructions, he emphasized. In fact, no building with safe walls or a roof remained in Aghdam. The desire to totally demolish and destroy despite anything and to erase what existed from history - all these are nothing but barbarism.

The Armenian occupants destroyed everything which was alien to them. In the military industry, when coding missiles, there are concepts of "us" and "them"  what must be shot down or not. Meanwhile, in the center of Baku there is an Armenian church, which is protected by the state, which no one encroaches on," the deputy mayor said.

He reminded that although some people tried to present the conflict as a religious one, in fact the Armenian occupants also destroyed Christian churches.

The fact shows that there was just some kind of inhuman hatred, a desire to seize, destroy and hurt as much as possible rather than the clash of religious interests. In this regard, I would like to remind the Khojaly tragedy. We have a memorial in Israel in memory of the tragedy. The events which took place are very difficult. This is all history, Sutovsky said. Today we must think about how to restore and breathe life into these territories. Its very important to make sure that as many people as possible can come to these territories, see, get acquainted and feel everything."

The deputy mayor also noted that if what was destroyed is restored, this region can attract a lot of tourists.

"This will bring additional investments into the economy of Azerbaijan. We were driving from Baku to Aghdam and along the way I saw fields, the use of which, with the competent application of technologies, can provide a big economic breakthrough. Today Azerbaijan buys more wheat for its own needs, he further said.

At the same time the farmlands in Azerbaijan allow not only to fully meet the internal needs, but also to direct wheat for export. Especially today, when the world is on the verge of a food crisis, such a move could turn Azerbaijan into a world exporter, Sutovsky pointed out. Of course, this will take time, and more than one year, since these fields must first be cleared of mines. Security is very well established in the liberated territories, there are patrols, surveillance cameras work, and everything is under control.

Besides, according to him, its necessary to expand cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel in the development of technologies.

"The purposes of my visit arent limited to this conference. A number of agreements were signed. I proposed joint education programs between Israeli and Azerbaijani universities. Memorandums of cooperation were signed with two Azerbaijani universities - the Azerbaijan Technical University and the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, the deputy mayor noted.

There are also a number of projects on cooperation between our countries in the field of culture, tourism, people's diplomacy. The economic sphere, ties between small and medium-sized businesses of the countries are very important. There are many interesting ideas and projects. I hope that they will be developed in the future, he said.

I was very happy when the trade and tourist offices of Azerbaijan opened in Israel. Head of the Azerbaijani tourist office in Israel Jamila Talibzade is doing very serious work. In a short time, she managed to establish contacts and bridges for the promotion of various projects to familiarize the Israeli citizens with Azerbaijan. There are plans which will help ensure an additional flow of tourists from Israel to Azerbaijan, open up opportunities for Israelis to gain knowledge about Azerbaijan and create prerequisites for creating closer contacts," concluded Sutovsky.
(Bloomberg) -- US authorities have sailed the $325 million superyacht they seized last week thats linked to Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov to Hawaii -- a big win as the US looks to confiscate Russian assets and punish oligarchs for their countrys invasion of Ukraine.

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The 348-foot Amadea, now sailing under an American flag and manned by an all-new crew, moored in Hawaii Thursday morning local time, according to vessel data compiled by Bloomberg and space-based analytics firm Spire Global Inc. That would be a roughly 3,100-mile journey from Fiji, where the Supreme Court lifted a stay on June 7 that had prevented the US from sailing the vessel away from the South Pacific nation after its registered owner mounted a series of legal challenges.

Follow the Amadeas journey here.

It makes sense it would be going to Honolulu since its the nearest port where the US would be able to berth it and hold it until it can be disposed of in whatever procedure that can be taken, said Ian Ralby, chief executive of I.R. Consilium, a maritime law and security consultancy. Thats a quite logical destination.

What happens to the vessel next will be closely watched.

Deep-pocketed tycoons have filed appeals before to get themselves off European Union sanctions lists and fight asset seizures. The US and other governments will likely face rounds of legal challenges when they move to sell the multimillion-dollar floating palaces and other assets. Already, more than a dozen yachts worth more than $2.25 billion have been seized as part of the push, spurred by Russias invasion of Ukraine.

President Joe Biden has pushed for legislation thats been passed by lawmakers in the House of Representatives that would allow the US to seize yachts and other assets of sanctioned Russians, liquidate them and use those funds to benefit Ukraine. The EU is considering similar measures.

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The fight over this particular ship centered on its ownership.

The superyachts legal owner, Millemarin Investments Ltd., has contended the vessel isnt owned by Kerimov as the US alleges but another Russian tycoon -- Eduard Khudainatov, the former chairman and CEO of Russian oil and gas giant Rosneft Oil Co. Khudainatov doesnt appear to be on any sanctions lists. Counsel for Millemarin didnt respond to requests for comment. Kerimov and his representatives also didnt respond.

The US alleges that Khudainatov is being used as a clean, unsanctioned owner to conceal the Amadeas true owner. Kerimov is a Russian gold billionaire who was first sanctioned by Washington in 2018, Bloomberg reported last month.

Millemarin put up a series of legal challenges and appealed to Fijis Supreme Court before it ran out of options. Legal challenges over ownership need to be hammered out in the US courts, said Fiji authorities -- an argument the courts in Fiji sided with.

Legal experts expect the Russian tycoons connected to seized superyachts and other assets will bring the fight to courts all over the world.

Clearly, the beneficial owners have very deep pockets, said Benjamin Maltby, a partner at London-based Keystone Law, who specializes in superyacht law. They do have a lot of money to pay for lawyers and drag these cases out. Theyre not going to just give up their superyachts.

The US wasted no time after the stay order was lifted June 7, sailing the ship out of Fijis waters within hours before another legal challenge could be mounted. The Amadea departed Fijis Lautoka port shortly after 1pm. It set sail for the US with a new crew of more than 20 hired by US authorities, according to court documents seen by Bloomberg.

Sanctioned Billionaire

The US says layers of offshore shell companies were created to conceal that Kerimov is actually the beneficial owner, with crew members giving code names for the sanctioned billionaire and his family members, according to a US affidavit reported earlier by Bloomberg. Kerimov, a member of Russias upper house of parliament, was also sanctioned by the UK and the EU in March for his close ties to Putin.

Kerimov is worth around $13.3 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. His family formerly held nearly half of Polyus, the biggest gold producer in Russia. He beat money-laundering charges in France in 2018.

The Amadea, which features a helipad and mosaic-tiled pool, arrived in Lautoka on April 12 after an 18-day journey from Mexico, data compiled by Bloomberg show. Fiji detained the superyacht the following week after the US government requested mutual legal assistance, according to Fijis public prosecutions office.

On May 3, Fijis High Court gave the green light for US and local authorities to seize the vessel, but a series of legal challenges from the registered owner ensued. The US has devoted considerable resources to obtaining the yacht, sending officials to Fiji from the United States Marshals Service, the FBI and the US Coast Guard, according to court filings.

The Amadea is among more than a dozen multimillion dollar Russian tycoon-linked megayachts rounded up by Western governments.

Germany has impounded Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanovs superyacht Dilbar, valued at as much as $750 million. Italian authorities arrested a 530 million euro ($556 million) vessel owned billionaire Andrey Melnichenko, while Spain seized Viktor Vekselbergs $90 million Tango as well as the $600 million Crescent believed to belong to Igor Sechin, head of Moscow-based Rosneft.

Want to interact with a tracker of yachts tied to sanctioned Russians? You can here.

The actions by the US and its allies have scattered Russian yachts to locales perceived as less likely to seize them, including Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and the Maldives, according to Spire. Megayachts owned by Russians account for as much as 10% of the global fleet, according to industry watcher The Superyacht Group.

(Updates with yachts location in second paragraph.)

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Group Eleven said it has intercepted a major fault structure with zinc mineralization at the Carrickittle West Prospect

Group Eleven Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:ZNG) has said its first-ever drill intercept of a major fault structure at its Stonepark project in Limerick, Ireland, strongly corroborates its view that the area has the potential to host zinc mineralization similar in style and scale to Glencore's nearby Pallas Green deposit.

Updating investors on exploration drilling at the project, Group Eleven said it intercepted a major fault structure with zinc mineralization at the Carrickittle West Prospect.

It noted that the structure is on the south side of the Limerick Volcanic Complex (LVC), approximately 5-6 kilometres (km) south of the Pallas Green zinc deposit, cutting through the Waulsortian Limestone (a key unit for zinc in Ireland) and hosting zinc mineralization.

"Originating at a property-scale, our search for the hypothesized 'mirror-image' of the Pallas Green deposit is now zeroing in on a very specific target, approximately 500 metres (m) by 2 km in area," the companys CEO Bart Jaworski said in a statement.

"More generally, the southern half of the LVC is starting to emerge as the side hosting major faulting and collapse features - a geological environment conducive to forming major zinc deposits. The above Carrickittle North and West holes represent the first substantial tests of the southern margin of the LVC, and results thus far strongly corroborate management's view that this area has the potential to host zinc mineralization similar in style and scale to Glencore's nearby Pallas Green deposit. Follow-up drilling is strongly warranted," he added.

Group Eleven noted that, generally, faults that intersect the target horizon (base of the Waulsortian Limestone) represent key zinc targets in Ireland; the most prospective targets are those with the largest fault displacements.

Other highlights of the drilling include:

G11-2531-01, a 400m step-out hole drilled at the Carrickittle West prospect, intersected the fault structure at a hole-depth of 544m, showing a large vertical displacement of at least 150m and hosting a 13.9m interval containing local arsenopyrite and sphalerite (including 3.44m of 0.137% zinc and lead, starting at 539m) in the immediate hanging wall; a second mineralized zone was also intersected in the footwall (at 591m) within an intrusive dyke (0.19m of 0.558% zinc and lead);

The above zinc mineralization is interpreted to have been transported (secondary), most likely along the fault from the target horizon lower in the sequence, several hundred metres to the north;

This hypothesis implies a new high-priority zinc target which warrants immediate follow-up drilling;

Separately, G11-450-03, drilled 4 km to the east at the Carrickittle North prospect, intersected a thick package of Waulsortian Limestone with extensive brecciation and pyrite;

Together, these two holes significantly add to growing evidence that a large area (at least 5 km by 1 km) hosts intense brecciation and pyrite mineralization, located symmetrically opposite to similar pyritic breccia bodies associated with the Pallas Green zinc deposit on the north side of the LVC;

A third hole, at Stonepark West, was also completed with moderate zinc mineralization intersected.

The company reminded investors that its 2022 fully-funded drill program at Stonepark totals six holes and 2,300m. This program is now 82% complete, with three holes totalling 1810.6m completed. It said the remaining three holes totalling 400m are planned to start after ongoing drilling at its Ballywire prospect (PG West Project) is completed over the next two months.

Group Eleven operates and owns a 76.56% stake in the Stonepark zinc project, with the remaining 23.44% held by Arkle Resource PLC. The property hosts a mineral resource estimate totalling 5.1 million tonnes of 8.7% zinc and 2.6% lead (11.3% combined), located 1 kilometre to 2 kilometres west of Glencore's Pallas Green zinc deposit.

The Carrickittle prospect on the PG West property (100% interest) extends northward and westward onto the Stonepark property, at the Carrickittle North and Carrickittle West localities, as evidenced by the presence of alteration, prospective faulting and local zinc mineralization.

Group Eleven is a mineral exploration company focused on advanced-stage zinc exploration in the Republic of Ireland.

Contact the author at stephen.gunnion@proactiveinvestors.com
On Wednesday morning (Dec. 24, 1873), about 3 oclock, a fire broke out in the Waterman House, and in less than an hour, the whole structure was in ashes. Simultaneously, the alarm was given at the Tremont and Central hotels, when it was discovered that shavings and dried sticks, saturated with kerosene, were placed in the rear of the buildings, and already on fire. The alarm was given in time to save both of them, but the Waterman House, which was set on fire in a similar manner, was too far gone to be stopped. The engine was out, and the men worked nobly.
The 20212022 NBA season is coming to an end, as 16 playoff teams have played their way down to the final two. For many sports fans, success i
Riverfront Park will once again be home to the Northwood Blues Festival (NWBF) this weekend. Event organizers expect at least 1,500 music fans per day to attend.

NWBF used to entertain blues fans in the Spooner area between 2012 and 2015. In 2017, the festival moved to the Chippewa Falls fairgrounds. Then in 2019, the festival moved to its new home at Riverfront Park in Chippewa Falls.

The backdrop for the shows is beautiful  right along the river, and the food is going to be fantastic, CEO of the Northwood Blues Festival, Steven Rheaume said.

I think this years performers are second to none in the blues genre, Rheaume said. Most people look at our lineup and say were the best blues festival in the Midwest.

Rheaume couldnt be more excited about the weekend lineup. Hes eager to share his passion and his love of the Blues.

There will be great music all weekend, Rheaume said. Our headliner on Saturday, for example, Mike Zito just won Rock Blues Artist of the year.

In June 2021, Zito was awarded two Blues Music Awards at The Blues Foundations 42nd Blues Music Awards in Memphis. Zito won BMAs in the categories of Blues Rock Artist as well as Blues Rock Album of the Year for Mike Zito and Friends  Rock n Roll: A Tribute to Chuck Berry.

Zito performs Saturday at 8:30 p.m. and again at 10 p.m. with a host of others joining him onstage for a Blues jam.

Rheaume said the group hes most excited to see this weekend is Bobs of the Blues which is comprised of blues legends Bob Margolin, Bob Corritore and Bob Stroger and Kenny Beedy Eyes Smith. The group performs at 9:30 p.m. Friday.

The name Bobs of the Blues doesnt mean much to anybody because I dont think you can go out and find an album by those guys but theyre really good, he said. If you know Muddy Waters, he had one Caucasian guy in his group and his name was Bob Margolin. Thats one of the guys in the group.

Another performer in the group is Bob Corritore who is considered among the top traditional blues harmonica players on the scene today. Hes a grammy nominated harmonica player and producer.

He had the number one blues album in the country for four months last year called Spider In My Stew, Rheaume said.

The third Bob is Bob Stroger. During his 39-year career Stroger has played with a long list of blues legends that include Otis Rush, Jimmy Rogers, Eddie Taylor, Eddy Clearwater, Sunnyland Slim, Louisiana Red, Homesick James and Snooky Pryor.

On June 10, at the Chicago Blues Festival they just had Bob Stroger day  hes of that caliber, Rheaume said.

Last but not least in the Bobs of the Blues band is Kenny Beedy Eyes Smith  a Grammy award-winning drummer and songwriter.

Im just really excited to see those guys, and John Primer, he said.

Primer is another Chicago great  he used to be the bandleader and lead guitarist for Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Magic Slim & The Teardrops.

In American Blues Scene Magazine, the NWBF was named one of the top five Best New Festivals in the nation in the summer of 2015 and was the only Midwest Festival to receive this distinction.

Chicago Magazine, in the June 2016 issue, called the Eau Claire area home to an arising music scene. The region has an active Chippewa Valley Blues Society that sponsors Tuesday Night Blues all summer long.

For more information on the Northwood Blues Festival go to: https://www.northwoodsbluesfest.com/

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" " You're constantly being watched on the internet and your personal data is constantly being mined. Is there a way to have it removed? alashi/Getty Images

There are plenty of legitimate reasons why folks might use a people-search website like Whitepages.com or Spokeo.

Maybe you're organizing a 20-year high school reunion and want to find email addresses for lost classmates. Maybe you're meeting up with a blind date from Tinder and want to make sure the cute guy in the pic doesn't have a criminal record. Or maybe you're an investigative journalist trying to contact a hard-to-reach source.

Or maybe, just maybe, you're a creep. And the reason you want that personal information is to stalk an ex, make harassing phone calls to an adversary, or "dox" a public figure by releasing their home address and phone number to an army of online trolls.

For $10 or less, anyone with a credit card can log in to one of hundreds of people-search websites and download a detailed background report on just about any other person in the United States. Those reports will include phone numbers, email addresses, home addresses, the names of spouses and family relations, criminal records and other public records like marriage records and bankruptcies.

What if you don't want that information out there? Is there a way to delete your information from people-search websites for privacy or security reasons? The answer, we found out, is a resounding (and disappointing) "sort of."

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What Are People-Search Sites and How Do They Get Your Data?

Well-known websites like Spokeo, Whitepages.com and PeopleFinder make up only a small fraction of the hundreds of people-search websites out there (according to a list from privacy company Kanary).

People-search websites are a type of "data broker," a business that collects and sells personal information. The data broker industry is sprawling and largely unregulated, and includes powerful players like Google and credit-reporting companies like Experian.

People-search websites get their information in a variety of ways. Some of it is publicly available information like real estate transactions, voter registrations, marriage licenses and divorce decrees, unsealed lawsuits and sex offender registrations.

Some information is purchased from other data brokers, like lead-generation companies that collect personal data through sweepstakes entries, surveys and mailing lists. People-search sites will also scour social media websites like Facebook and LinkedIn, or buy the data directly from those companies (check your privacy settings!).

"To me, the thing that's the most bizarre is that they're selling or giving away your information without your knowledge," says Yael Grauer, an investigative reporter with Consumer Reports who covers digital privacy and security. "There's this database where I can look up somebody's name, address and everybody they live with."

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Deleting Your Information the DIY Way

What's most frustrating to privacy advocates like Grauer is that there is no federal law or single online form you can fill out  like the National Do Not Call Registry  to delete your information from people-search websites. (California is the only state with a law that empowers its residents to demand that companies disclose and delete their personal data, but even that law excludes publicly available information.)

Instead, the only surefire way to opt out of people-search websites is to contact each one, website by website.

"Technically, none of them have to allow you to opt out," says Grauer. "They do that as a 'courtesy,' but they make it annoying and routinely change the process for doing it."

As a public service, Grauer maintains an online document called the Big Ass Data Broker Opt-Out List, which is a continuously updated list of every major people-search website and their process for deleting your information. Some have straightforward online forms; others require multiple proofs of identity. Grauer tries to make it easier by identifying the "high priority" brokers (marked with a skull and crossbones).

She also shares some helpful tips. For starters, search your name on each people-search website before you contact them. By some miracle, you may not have a profile on that particular site so you can skip it (and avoid sending your personal data to a potentially shady operation).

Also, if they ask for a pic of your ID to prove your identity, use your phone's markup tools to black out your driver's license number or Social Security number.

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Paying Someone to Delete Your Data

If you're serious about scrubbing your data from every major people-search website, the entire process can take between six business days and up to two weeks to complete. That's a big time commitment. And worse, says Grauer, you should really repeat the process every six months because automated data mining software will continue to resurface your information.

"I hate that people have to do this," says Grauer, "because it's so much more arduous and time consuming than it has to be."

But can't someone else do this for us?

The answer is yes. There are plenty of services that say they will scrub your personal information from the internet, but in Grauer's experience they're not all created equal. Grauer personally recommends Kanary and DeleteMe, which offer subscription packages that continuously monitor and delete your data. The cost is roughly $90 to $130 per year for an individual.

Now That's Cool Remember the printed copies of the Yellow Pages (business listing) and White Pages (residential) that used to show up every year? You can still access those online by looking up your local city or town.
Information is from police reports and may be incomplete depending on the status of an investigation. Phone numbers are nonemergency.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping reiterated his support for Moscow on sovereignty and security matters in a call with counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, upholding his backing for the countries partnership despite the global backlash against Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking to the Russian President on his 69th birthday, Xi also pledged to deepen strategic coordination between the two countries, according to Chinas Foreign Ministry.

The call is thought to be the second time the two leaders have spoken since Russia invaded Ukraine. They also spoke just days after Moscow launched what it insists on calling a special military operation.

China, too, has refrained from referring to Russias actions as an invasion and has walked a fine line on the issue. It has portrayed itself as calling for peace and upholding the global order, while refusing to denounce Russias actions. It has also used its state media apparatus to mimic Kremlin lines blaming the United States and NATO for the crisis.

During Wednesdays call, Xi stressed China had always independently assessed the situation in Ukraine and called for all parties to push for a proper settlement of the Ukraine crisis  echoing language he used in a March call with US President Joe Biden.

China is willing to continue to play its role in promoting a proper solution to Ukraine, he said.

Wednesdays call was also a chance for the two leaders to check in on a growing trade relationship. Earlier this year, weeks before the Russian invasion, the two leaders in a face-to-face meeting said their countries had a no limits partnership and pledged to boost trade.

Since the beginning of this year, bilateral relations have maintained a sound development momentum in the face of global turbulence and transformations, Xi said in the Wednesday call.

The Chinese side stands ready to work with the Russian side to push for steady and long-term development of practical bilateral cooperation, Xi said, pointing to the steady progress of their trade ties and the opening last week of the first cross-border highway bridge over the Amur River.

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Xi also pledged to work with Russia to strengthen communication and coordination in international bodies such as the United Nations  where the two countries often vote as a bloc.

China is also willing to work with Russia to promote solidarity and cooperation among emerging market countries  and push for the development of the international order and global governance towards a more just and reasonable direction, Xi said, in a comment that hit on the countries shared aim of pushing back against what they view as the global hegemony of the United States.

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bretmckenzie-2022-promo-02-rebeccamcmillan-2250x1500-300 - Credit: Rebecca McMillan

Flight of the Conchords Bret McKenzie pays tribute to a late collaborator on his new Eighties-inspired song, Daves Place. The track will appear on McKenzies upcoming solo record, Songs Without Jokes, out Aug. 26 via Sub Pop.

As McKenzie explained in a statement, Daves Place is dedicated to Dave Bianco, an audio engineer he worked with on several occasions, who died not long before McKenzie started working on Songs Without Jokes. Dave had a studio in the North Hollywood he referred to as Daves place, McKenzie said. After he passed, I finally worked there, and this is the track that came out of that session. I sometimes think Dave is watching over this one.

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McKenzie noted that Daves Place began as a three-chord country song, but as he worked on it with producer Mickey Petralia, it transformed into something completely different: [A]n Eighties Blade Runner, Dire Straits-esque jam.

Songs Without Jokes marks McKenzies first solo album, and  as the title states  it will not feature the kind of comedy songs he and Jemaine Clement craft as Flight of the Conchords. Later this year, McKenzie and his seven-piece band will embark on a major tour in support of Songs Without Jokes, starting with a run of shows in New Zealand, followed by gigs in the U.K. and Ireland. His North American tour launches on Oct. 14 in Burlington, Vermont, and wraps on Nov. 20 in Atlanta.

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By Azernews

By Sabina Mammadli

The first anniversary of the signing of the Shusha Declaration was marked in Shusha city on June 15.

The celebration was held under the "Azerbaijan-Turkiye strategic alliance  a source of peace and stability for the Caucasus and the region" conference.

Commenting on the event, a member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, head of the Turkiye-Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary friendship group, Shamil Ayrim, stated that the Shusha Declaration has taken its place in history as an important document demonstrating the current level of Azerbaijani-Turkish cooperation, also revealing the road map for the future.

According to Ayrim, the Declaration not only brings bilateral relations to a new stage, but also guarantees to prevent new aggression in the region, deepen regional cooperation, and integrate the Turkic world.

"The Shusha Declaration also emphasizes that Armenia's unfounded claims against Turkiye, attempts to distort history, politicize historical facts by distorting them to damage peace and stability in the region," Ayrim added.

The conference opened with the performance of the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Turkiye, and a minute of silence was observed to honor the memory of the Azerbaijani and Turkish martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity and independence of both countries.

A documentary highlighting the first anniversary of the Shusha Declaration was screened.

During the event, the head of the Presidential Administration's Department for Relations with Political Parties and Legislative Authority Adalat Valiyev read out President of Azerbaijan, Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party Ilham Aliyev`s address to the conference participants.

Adalat Veliyev, head of the Department for Relations with Political Parties and Legislative Power of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Tahir Budagov, Deputy Chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), Aydin Kerimov, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Shusha region, Inam Karimov, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Culture Anar Karimov, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency Fuad Nagiyev, First Deputy Chairman of the Turkish Justice and Development Party, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States Binali Yildirim, Minister of Agriculture of Turkiye Vahit Kirishci, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkiye Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Secretary-General of the Party Turkish nationalist movement Ismet Beyukataman, representatives of the board of the NAP, the Audit Commission, the Council of Veterans and the Youth Association, leaders of about 40 political parties operating in Azerbaijan, and others attended the event.

In 2021, Azerbaijan and Turkiye signed the Shusha Declaration on Allied Relations, which focuses on defense cooperation, promoting regional stability and prosperity, and establishing new transportation routes.

The two countries set up a goal to bring the mutual trade turnover to $15 billion in 2023. As of 2021, the trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $4.6 billion. So far, Turkiye is Azerbaijans second-largest investor followed by the UK.

Additionally, Turkiye was one of the first countries that expressed its interest and readiness to participate in the restoration of Azerbaijans liberated territories.
EXCLUSIVE: Smithsonian Channel has landed itself a top gun.

Jay Ellis, who plays Lieutenant Reuben Fitch in the Tom Cruise hit Top Gun: Maverick, has signed on to host the second season of the Paramount Global-owned networks unscripted series How Did They Build That?

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The ten-part series explores some of the most incredible feats of engineering from around the world. It will be fronted by Ellis, who also starred in HBOs Insecure.

The move marks a step up for the docuseries, which did not have a host in its first season.

Season two will continue to cover architectural wonders from all over the world but will have an emphasis on American stories and deconstruct some of the United States most amazing structures, including Hearst Tower, Little Island, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Denver Art Museum, Evergreen Point 520 Floating Bridge

International stories include La Tete Carree (France) the Guggenheim (Spain) and The Gherkin (UK).

Ellis takes viewers around the globe to meet the architects who designed and built these buildings including Lord Norman Foster, David Adjaye, Daniel Libeskind, Patrik Schumacher, and Santiago Calatrava along with series experts Nehemiah Mabry, Ellie Cosgrave, Corina Kwami and Hayley Loren.

The series will premiere in the U.S. on July 10.

Produced by Curve Media, it is exec produced by Charlie Bunce for Curve and Dan Wolf and Smithsonian Channel/MTV Entertainment Group.

Im excited to host How Did They Build That? season two and bring the work of some of the worlds most innovative architects and engineers to the forefront, said Ellis. The series is captivating and eye-opening. Being able to hear first-hand accounts from the genius minds of these architects, and how they came up with and executed these remarkable designs is truly amazing and inspiring.

Story continues

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Bob Asher knew from a young age that he loved books and movies that featured military pilots and astronauts. Growing up in and around St. Louis, by high school Asher knew there were two goals in life he had: to fly in the military, and work in law enforcement.

Asher attended the Parks College of Saint Louis University in Cahokia, Illinois, receiving a degree in Aeronautics. After that, Asher attended the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia, then Naval Flight Training in Pensacola, Florida. After earning gold wings, Asher was assigned to the Flying Tigers of HMH-361 at MCAS Tustin, California. Asher also stayed at MCAS Futenma on Okinawa in Japan, as well as Cubi Point NAS in the Philippines, and Pohang in South Korea.

After active duty, Asher returned to the St. Louis area and worked in Ballwin as a police officer, earning the rank of Sergeant. When the Twin Towers fell, Asher joined the Missouri Army National Guard, and flew Black Hawk helicopters during Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

Currently, Asher works as a supervisory intelligence officer with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and lives in Valles Mines with his wife.

He has just self-published two books.

Ashers first book, "Bear Trap," is about Russian Spetsnaz soldiers in the Alaskan wilderness on the hunt for a former KGB Colonel Oleg Karpinsky, who had defected to the United States. The National Security Agency intercepts a message from the Russian government to its special operations submarine, and it turns out the Kremlin is going after Karpinsky.

Orders are sent to retrieve Karpinsky, but an issue arises as the weather is acting against the Americans. All of the military air assets near Karpinsky are grounded due to severe winter weather, the only available one is a Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter at Homer Airport.

The book takes its title from the name of the operation, Operation Bear Trap, in which the Pentagon scrambles to create an ad hoc rescue team. Retired CIA Paramilitary Operations Officer and retired Navy SEAL Officer Jon Smith had just arrived for a vacation in Homer, Alaska, and is called back to active duty to prepare and lead the rescue team.

"Bear Trap" is available on Amazon as ebook and paperback, with hardcover and audiobook coming soon.

Ashers second book, "Hope is Dead," has a pretty familiar setting, and while reading it, people may recognize some of the places mentioned  like Mineral Area College, Farmington Public Library, and Coltons Steak House.

Set in St. Francois County, "Hope is Dead" follows former Marine Aviator Zack Goodson who moves to Farmington with his wife, and takes a job with the St. Francois County Sheriffs Department, which is filled with other fictitious characters.

Goodson and his training officer find a young woman, the daughter of a local billionaire, Nick Pagano dead. The next day, the only detective is found dead in a burned-out trailer, and Goodson and his training officer Mark Langford are assigned to the case and try to stop the killer.

"Hope is Dead" is available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, and ebook. Audiobooks for both books are currently in progress, and should be released in the coming months according to Asher.

Ashers website is bobasherbooks.com, where readers can learn more about Asher and the books. There is also a blog, newsletter, and a contact tab for keeping up with Asher.

Danielle Thurman is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be contacted at dthurman@dailyjournalonline.com or 573-518-3616.

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Several law enforcement agencies are investigating a high number of auto thefts from multiple dealerships in southeast Missouri. Reports of dealership thefts have increased, and many appear to involve St. Louis area individuals.

In St. Francois County, the most recent occurrence happened on Monday with individuals breaking into Pettus Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Farmington. However, the would-be thieves did not manage to steal any vehicles due to security measures in place at the auto dealer.

Leadington Police Department is looking for four unidentified Black suspects related to Monday's burglary. The suspects were seen on surveillance footage in masks and traveling in a charcoal-colored Dodge Durango.

Earlier this month, on June 3, a group of at least six suspects broke into Pettus Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram De Soto, stealing six vehicles.

Shawna Pettus of Pettus Automotive said all six vehicles have since been recovered, although some had sustained damage.

"Initially, they got six cars," she explained. "They wrecked two of them on the way out, rolled one, and then they got away with three. One was recovered in St. Louis and ran out of gas, and then we were still missing our [Dodge] Challenger."

Pettus said before the Challenger was found in Normandy, she did some digging online and found that the car had been seen in areas throughout St. Louis. She was made aware that the stolen vehicle was captured on video doing burnouts at a "slide show" at the intersection of Natural Bridge Avenue and Grand Boulevard in North St. Louis.

The term "slide show," in this case, refers to mostly illegal gatherings  generally on streets, intersections, or in parking lots  where drivers slide around on pavement by spinning their car tires to the point of losing traction (burnouts or donuts).

Since the thefts, Pettus has been working closely with detectives and the Auto Theft Task Force in St. Louis. She said the thieves left behind evidence in the cars, which is being investigated.

"There were some [AK-47] shells that were left in the vehicles," she explained. "They did leave a lot of clues, and we do have some suspects. It's been almost like a full-time job for me working with my detective, but that only goes so far.

"From what I've heard, and from some of the pictures that I've recovered off of our footage, a lot of these men look very young, and that's concerning," Pettus said. "They definitely look like minors in some cases, so I think that would be strategic in some regard.

"It's part of a larger crime organization where they're using four to eight individuals that come in, and their main priority is to find the keys and get away with as much as possible, as quickly as possible," she noted.

The Pettus locations are just a few dealership break-ins that have occurred recently. Multiple other dealerships have been the targets or victims of similar thefts, appearing to bear the same characteristics.

The number of break-ins is difficult to assess. Still, Pettus said she was aware of at least 16 southeastern Missouri dealerships that had been broken into in the last month. She said it appears the thieves are targeting Dodge Challengers, Chargers, and Durangos from any dealership they can.

In the early hours of Thursday, criminals reportedly broke into Century Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM in Wentzville. Many other dealerships in proximity to St. Louis have also recently seen burglaries and thefts.

Pettus said they have assessed their security protocols, addressed any problems, and continue to invest money in securing their locations to keep their employees, customers, and property safe. She noted specific measures already in place at their Leadington location prevented the intruders from being able to steal anything.

"Any improvements that we've needed to make, we've done, but we have really great security measures in place," she explained. "Our key boxes are in a locked safe, and it takes pictures of people whenever they come around the safe, and that's where I've gotten a lot of [the suspects'] images from. We have put a lot of money into security recently into the locked key boxes that also take pictures, and they really have done a good job of getting some good pictures of suspects."

The auto dealer has now even hired off-duty law enforcement officers to patrol their locations.

"I also would like to give a warning to all other dealers to make sure that they're taking the proper security measures because this crime ring knows no boundaries," said Pettus. "They're hitting rural areas from Illinois all the way down to Sullivan, Missouri. They really have no boundaries, and they're targeting outside the city at this point.

"They are really well organized," she noted. "They're hitting a lot of dealerships, and they have no regard for security systems, the safety of others, or anyone's hard work. It's a violating feeling, but it also lights a fire under us, and we will not tolerate it."

Bobby Radford is a reporter for the Daily Journal. He can be reached at bradford@dailyjournalonline.com

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Beginning Thursday, the offices in the St. Francois County Courthouse Annex in downtown Farmington are closing at 2 p.m. on days forecasted above 92 degrees.

Presiding Commissioner Harold Gallaher released an email to officeholders Thursday, explaining that the air conditioning units are working, but the control of the air flow is not working properly and the temperature control is failing. Many of the offices are getting little to no air conditioning while other offices, such as the commissioners office, are getting too much cooling.

Its been bad and getting worse, he said. Its a part of the ARPA funds and we have it in the redesign process. Unfortunately, its nearly a year to get the parts for it. My office is so cold in there, Im threatening to wear a coat to work. I have been told to not walk into the building with a coat.

The commission has decided to close the annex building when the inside temperatures are too high. When the forecast as shown on weather.com (Farmington) shows a high for the day of 92 degrees or more, the entire annex building will close at 2 p.m. for the day. According to Gallaher, this website information will be the only one used to keep it standardized and prevent confusion from different forecasts from other sources. Gallaher also said that this will probably be for the rest of the year.

While corrections are in the process of being made, it will be months before the final work is completed and the system is again dependable, he said. Replacement parts are now backed up by 40 weeks or more.

The rule applies only to county employees working in the annex building. The schedule change will be posted on the county website and on the entry doors of the annex.

Kendra Graham, livestock specialist at the Extension Office, says their offices have been affected by the lack of air conditioning, but they have not yet made a decision on closing early on excessive heat days.

Graham urges visitors to call their office first at 573-756-4539 and verify whether they will be open, since they will be out of the office regularly next week working at the St. Francois County Fair.

Mark Marberry is a reporter for the Farmington Press and Daily Journal. He can be reached at 573-518-3629, or at mmarberry@farmingtonpressonline.com

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Update: A special called school board meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, June 16 at 7 p.m. in the Madison County High School Auditorium. The Board Chair wishes for the board to revisit and amend its June 13, 2022 action to not approve certain recommended textbooks. Because she was confused by the language in the motion, her vote on June 13, 2022 did not reflect her intent, which was to vote to approve all recommended textbooks.

It was another packed house at Mondays school board meeting as speakers shared their opinions regarding a Language Arts textbook.

Last month, school board members punted a decision on adopting Houghton Mifflin Harcourts Into Literature for grades sixth through 12th. The decision was made via a motion by board member Christopher Wingate to delay the decision by a month to allow more study of the book. He said he had lots of concerns, especially about the current events link that accompanies the book. But it wasnt the events link that was the topic of discussion Monday night. In fact, the events link wasnt brought up at all as Wingate discussed his issues with 13 texts included in the book.

Wingate said many of the authors of the texts are overwhelmingly liberal including Bill Clinton, Robert F. Kennedy, Anna Quindlen and more. He questioned why there werent more conservative authors including, for example, positioning George W. Bushs post 9-11 speech opposite Bill Clintons. Or including Dwight Eisenhowers speech opposite Martin Luther King, Jr.s regarding the Vietnam War. Where was the Gift of the Magi he asked or writings by C.S. Lewis. He said several of the texts failed to promote a love of country, citizenship or present an unbiased approach to these topics. He said others failed to promote respect for marriage, family and parents and one, My Life as a Bat, which involves the authors feeling that she was reincarnated from a bat into a human, disrespects religious faith.

Board member Charles Sheads agreed, calling several of the texts, subliminal indoctrination, saying some children are impressionable and believe what they read. He said schools are for writing, reading and arithmetic and too many things in the textbook dont teach children but rather tell them what to think and lead them away from morality.

Speakers on the issue were largely split. Teacher Gail Temple said students are never forced to read something that goes against their beliefs and if theres an issue with a particular text, a student is given an alternate work that demonstrates the same literary concepts. She said public schools contain a diverse body of students and they deserve diverse literature as a result.

English teacher Ricki Mitchell agreed. She said all of the textbook samples were reviewed with notes shared and reported to the textbook committee who reviewed the works again before making recommendations. She said the current textbook, which is 30 years old, doesnt include several of the Standards of Learning. She also noted that American authors arent included in all of the grades and thus arent in those particular textbooks, but 11th grade English focuses entirely on American Literature.

Former educator Rebecca Gore said teachers must be allowed to teach how they are trained to teach. She said many of her peers who were in school in the 1950s and 1960s entered into college and were shocked at the truths they encountered for the first time. She said children should be taught everything that is appropriate for their age and there are ugly parts of Americas past that children must know and learn that they arent okay.

Previous Madison student and current Christopher Newport University student Whit Lotus said textbooks are only the beginning of what is taught in the classroom and if these texts arent approved, where does it end? She said the board should use its power to listen to the experts which are the qualified teachers who took their time to come up with the textbook recommendation.

Gene Busboso said texts should be informative, unbiased, factual and well-written. She said it shouldnt be an issue who the author is and when growing up in Madison County she wasnt aware the trouble women had in gaining the ability to vote. She said in reading one of the texts objected to, she learned that there were also men who supported the womans right to vote.

I learned something, she said.

Joanna Faulconer said she went on a deep dive examining the proposed textbook, discussing the issue with 24 other counties. She said she came to the conclusion that if youre afraid reading a book will change someones way of thinking, youre not afraid of books; youre afraid of thinking.

Jim Ballard said he opposed any censorship proposal and that people should be happy to see children reading diverse things and controversial things.

Let them read for themselves and form their own views, he said.

He condemned the boards actions as one of the worst displays of public service he had ever seen.

Cindy Taylor took issue with the King essay in particular, stating it was the complete opposite of un-American and that King so loved his country that he gave his life to make it better for all people. She also said My Dungeon Shook, also on Wingates list of 13, is one of the most powerful essays ever written.

Its beautiful, she said. His writing is transformational. I cant imagine denying students the opportunity to read it.

Conway Faulconer said instead of eliminating texts, board members should suggest texts to add so that varying opinions are represented.

Meanwhile, Kim Smith said some of the readings concerned her and students should receive a balanced education without bias.

Lisa Davis agreed with Wingate that opposing viewpoints should be included.

Pastors Jeffrey Light, Dale Freeman and Jeff Tucker spoke in favor of morality in schools and teaching children things that foster it.

Clyde Hackney spoke in favor of teaching children the basics and returning to a curriculum that achieves that.

Graham Davidson said the focus should be on virtues and all the things being fought about would dissolve.

Dan Ward said the country was built on the Christian World View and children must be taught about what is right and decent.

Board members opted to split the textbook recommendation into two piecessixth through eighth grades and 9th through 12th grades. The first was approved unanimously. The second wasnt.

Wingate said he wasnt seeking a Christian, conservative curriculum and its good to read diverse texts, but said these textbooks would make it more difficult for teachers to follow the boards policy of unbiased teaching. He said the worldview of the textbook company and its leaders is a better fit for California, New York and Loudon and Fairfax counties, not Madison County. He said it would be an insult to taxpayers and parents to purchase the books.

Sheads said he felt like he was reading a curriculum to build social activists which troubles him.

School board chairman Karen Allen took issue with the assertion that God isnt in schools. She said the board represents five people who pray every day for students and that their parents will speak to them well, theyll have food over the weekends and school breaks and that theyll be treated the way the board members want their own children treated. She said the entire issue had gotten way out of hand.

Were talking about a textbook, she said. Were not talking about the morality of kids.

Allen said she had read all of the stories Wingate objected to and wished those in the audience had read them too.

Wingate made a motion to not approve the ninth-12th grade textbook. It was seconded by Sheads and approved 3-2 with school board members Damon Myers and Nita Collier dissenting.

Allen said a new committee needs to be formed to review the books, one that contains a diverse group of people, not just one voice. She said only four textbooks are approved by the state and its unlikely one will fill the wants of everyone.

Superintendent Anna Graham said the process needs to be followed without being rushed. She said the other options are just going to be from more large textbook companies and if rushed, board members may miss something much worse than what was found to be concerning in Into Literature.

You need to go slow and do the process, she said.

Assistant superintendent Cathy Jones said the division also has to figure out what teachers are going to do in the first few months of the school year since adopting a textbook is a multi-month process.

Well need to restart the textbook committee selection process, Graham said.
Former Charlottesville Police Chief RaShall Brackney is suing the city of Charlottesville as well as several current and former city officials for $10 million in connection with the September 2021 termination of her contract.

In the federal lawsuit filed Wednesday morning, Brackney alleges that her firing was due to discrimination on the basis of race, color and sex. She also accuses the city and officials of defamation, business conspiracy and unlawful retaliation, among other allegations.

Brackney and her lawyers announced the lawsuit at a press conference outside the U.S. Federal Building and Courthouse in downtown Charlottesville Wednesday morning. Brackney is represented by Charles Tucker, Jr. of The Cochran Firm.

In the suit, Brackney and her lawyers allege that city officials engaged in a months-long conspiracy to have Brackney fired.

[Brackney] was fired for being a Black woman who was trying to reform a police department, Tucker said during the press conference.

Brackney filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in November, asking for a $3 million settlement. The city did not enter into a settlement agreement with Brackney. According to her lawyers, she was recently granted the right to sue the city.

Brackney embraced the type of police reforms that the department needed and that the people of Charlottesville so rightly deserved, Tucker said. Unfortunately, Brackneys work and dedication angered some powerful people within the local government.

The lawsuit names 10 individuals as defendants in addition to the city, the majority of whom are current or former city employees. Brackney is suing former city manager Chip Boyles; City Attorney Lisa Robertson; former city communications director and FOIA officer Brian Wheeler; Mayor Lloyd Snook; City Councilor Sena Magill; former Councilor Heather Hill; Interim Police Chief LaTroy Tito Durrette; former Assistant Police Chief James Mooney; former Police Civilian Review Board chair Bellamy Brown; and Police Benevolent Association Central Virginia chapter president Michael Wells.

City officials declined to discuss the lawsuit. City spokesman David Dillehunt said the city does not comment on matters of pending litigation.

According to the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia, Brackney lists 11 causes of action for the lawsuit. They include race discrimination; color discrimination; gender discrimination; tortious interference with employment contract; unlawful retaliation; violation of Virginias whistleblower statute; violation of right to freedom from government discrimination; defamation; business conspiracy; violation of the Virginia Human Rights Act; and violation of right to Freedom of Information.

Brackney claims city officials created their own survey of police officers in an attempt to malign Brackney following her own internal investigation, discipline and termination of SWAT team members.

According to a city statement released Aug. 20, an investigation revealed that in connection with training and operations of the SWAT Team, team members had been videoing simulated sex acts, circulating nude videos of females and themselves, videotaping children of SWAT members detonating explosives, and firing police department-issued semi-automatic weapons at unauthorized training events.

Brackney claims city officials doctored records and included fabricated documents in responses to FOIA requests she filed and alleges defamation on the basis of statements made by city officials in news stories and press releases.

At the press conference Wednesday, Brackney said she has audio tapes of every conversation she has ever had with Boyles as well as tapes of conversations with other city officials.

Let me tell you, those audio tapes are shocking. The city of Charlottesville and CPD was and still is so invested in its racial paternalism, misogyny and nepotism. They would rather conspire to oust me than dismantle or confront corrupt, violent individuals in CPD and city government, Brackney said.

Brackney did not say if she plans to release the tapes.

She said during the press conference that she has a message for the defendants.

You have been put on notice, Brackney said. As our former mayor [Nikuyah Walker] said, we have unmasked this illusion.

On Sept. 1, Boyles exercised his right to terminate Brackneys employment contract not-for-cause upon 90 days notice. Brackney, who was hired by the city in June 2018, was on paid administrative leave until Nov. 30, 2021.

In an op-ed published in The Daily Progress on Sept. 17, Boyles said he fired Brackney because he was concerned after at least 10 department leaders said they would leave because of Brackneys leadership. Boyles said he felt he had to make a hasty decision to save the department.

Boyles also said he regrets the decision and wishes he had worked with Brackney and city councilors more before making the decision to fire her.

Boyles has maintained his decision was not related to Brackneys decision to discipline and terminate members of the SWAT Team, and that he supported her in that decision.

Boyles stated in the op-ed that the results of an internal survey and a survey conducted by the Police Benevolent Association influenced his decision.

During an Oct. 4 City Council meeting, then-Mayor Nikuyah Walker played a recording she had made of Boyles that revealed he believed Wells and the Police Benevolent Association had an agenda to get Brackney fired.

All he has in his sights is the chiefs badge, Boyles said of Wells in Walkers recording. I think he could care less about the officers. Hes on a mission.

Brackneys termination led to more departures in City Hall. Walker decided to withdraw from her re-election campaign, partially citing Brackneys termination and how both Boyles and city councilors handled it.

Boyles later resigned from his position on Oct. 12, citing public disparagement and a broken relationship with Walker following his decision to fire Brackney.

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Virginias economic development officials and politicians deserve huge praise for attracting LEGOs first North American production plant to Chesterfield County. This is the kind of project that will help anchor the states and regions economic future for years. It represents the kind of critical mass that can raise eyebrows and perhaps attract the interest of other big manufacturing players looking for the best combination of location and workforce.

Obvious things stand out about the project. First, this is not economic infill. It is a fresh source of an enormous number of new jobs. LEGO says it will invest $1 billion in the plant. The plant will be LEGOs seventh production facility, but its first in the U.S. The plant site will encompass 340 acres of land, making it the major landmark it deserves to be.

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin says the plant will produce 1,760 jobs over a decade. LEGO says these will be skilled production jobs with wages averaging around $60,000 per year. That many jobs paying those kinds of livable wages will jack up the quality of life well beyond Chesterfield County.

Residents of Charlottesville and Albemarle and all the counties in between them and Chesterfield will enjoy reasonable commutes to the new facility. Local businesses should also grow from the economic spinoff that comes from new residents who get jobs at the plant or old residents with new spending power.

The fact that LEGO came to the Richmond metropolitan area and not to the golden collar of Northern Virginia is also significant. The Washington DC suburbs seem virtually recession-proof because they sit hard up against the seat of government for the worlds largest economy. That is not the case in the rest of the state.

If the news of a major employer bringing skilled jobs with good pay was not enough, those jobs appear to be green jobs. The plant is designed to be carbon-neutral, the company said, and operate entirely on renewable energy. That on its own is an amazing standard and example to set for businesses around the state.

Construction is supposed to begin later in 2022 and the plant is supposed to open in 2025.

In a news release announcing the project, LEGO CEO Niels Christiansen said his company looks forward to making LEGO bricks in the U.S., one of our largest markets. The location in Virginia allows us to build a solar park which supports our sustainability ambitions and provides easy links to country-wide transportation networks. We are also looking forward to creating fantastic employment opportunities for the people of Virginia.

Among the most encouraging words spoken about this windfall was the explanation that Youngkin worked with a bipartisan group of state legislators to pull it off. Too much of Virginias recent politics has been mired in culture wars. Understanding that you must work together to secure something this significant can hopefully set a precedent for further cooperation.

When the General Assembly gathers soon to finalize the state budget, everyone will have something to brag about while simultaneously sharing the credit. In these hyper-partisan times, chances to celebrate the ability to get along have been rare.

So take a bow, governor.

And to those legislators who grasped the need to compromise across party and geographical lines in deference to benefitting all Virginians and not just a political base or a district, enjoy your victory lap.
August 31, 1946 - June 10, 2022

Dr. Michael L. Wong, quietly passed away June 10, 2022 in Corvallis, Oregon where he had been a pediatrician for 37 years. He was 75.

He is survived by his wife, Fran, and three sons, Jamie, Matt and Noah; his older sister, Theresa Wu; his daughters-in-law, Alexis and Lilian; and his five grandsons Ethan, Eli, Jonah, Colton, and Rudy.

Dr. Wong was born in Louisville, Kentucky and spent his childhood in Hong Kong and Richmond, Virginia. He completed a BA in History at the University of Virginia where he also attended medical school. Dr. Wong finished his pediatrics residency and an infectious disease fellowship at Washington University St. Louis Children's Hospital in Missouri. Arriving in Corvallis in 1976, he practiced medicine with a tireless dedication to his patients and a witty sense of humor that appealed to all ages. In his long career, he cared for multiple generations of families.

A celebration of life will be held at the Corvallis Community Center on Friday, June 17, from 3-5 p.m. for all who wish to attend.
By Trend

Azerbaijani banks are currently making settlements quite actively, despite the situation in Ukraine, and there are no delays in their implementation, President of Azerbaijans Banks Association (ABA) Zakir Nuriyev told reporters, Trend reports.

According to Nuriyev, Azerbaijani banks carry out the necessary settlements for their clients in a timely manner.

Speaking about credit rates, Nureyev emphasized that a decrease in credit interest is expected this year.
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Media Commerce, a telecoms operator in Colombia, says it has rolled out a new high-speed network using WaveLogic 5 Extreme (WL5e) coherent optical technology from networking systems, services and software company Ciena.

The technology is designed to support up to 800Gb/s capacity per channel across terrestrial and submarine applications.

The network will provide connectivity services across more than 300 towns representing 87% of Colombias GDP. Media Commerce says it will allow the company to offer state-of-the-art 100GbE and 400GbE services and flexible spectrum services to support businesses and private networks across the country.

Wholesale companies, content delivery networks, over-the-top providers and various other companies are able to improve and optimize the interconnections of their data centres located not only in Bogota, but throughout the country, says Andres Gallego Garzon, Chief Marketing Officer, Media Commerce.

The new network also offers ultra-low latency, made possible by WL5es extended reach performance, which, says Ciena, means that Media Commerce can offer express channels from Bogota to Barranquilla without regeneration points. Media Commerce is also able to offer greater bandwidth flexibility and increase its network capacities in additional cities, as needed.

Media Commerce has deployed a programmable infrastructure based on Cienas 6500 Packet-Optical platform with high-capacity WL5e and WaveLogic Ai transponders and a 6500 flexible grid ROADM line system.

Cienas Manage, Control and Plan (MCP) provides network management, and PinPoint OTDR (optical time domain reflectometer) is utilized to monitor and localize potential trouble spots, reduce the risk of outages and accelerate repair times while creating a simpler and automated operation.

Media Commerce offers an extensive fibre optic network, on which it also provides value-added services. As well as Colombia it has a presence in Peru and Ecuador.
For decades, the Cuban regime insisted on "doing more with less" a slogan that only led to failure. But now the Government has gone to the other extreme of inefficiency. In terms of eradicating all forms of violence and discrimination against women, it has "succeeded" in doing less with more, as it continues to adopt programs and strategies that do not make up for the absence of a comprehensive law against gender-based violence, and to offer no solutions to the poverty and violence also institutional suffered by women in Cuba.

The president of the Supreme People's Court (TSP), Ruben Remigio Ferro, recently presented a strategy to incorporate the gender perspective and the fight against violence into the government's working group on the subject, according to the institution's Twitter account.

The announcement is surprising because, among other reasons, neither the judges nor the other workers in Cuba's legal system have training in this area, just as they have none in human rights, as these subjects do not form part of law school curricula in the country.

In November of 2020, speaking at a Round Table dedicated to the National Advancement Program for Women, First Deputy Minister of Justice Rosabel Gamon recognized that it was necessary to train Cuban students and legal professionals on gender issues.

In addition to the abovementioned strategy, since 2007 Cuba's TSP Cuba has had Directive 187 and, five years later, approved Directive 216, with which it introduced the family procedure and the creation of special courts to reform the Family Code. In practice, these instructions have not been incorporated into all the country's courts since then, because they are not mandatory, so their existence has been of little use in dealing with gender-based violence.

It should also be noted that the TSP was the body responsible for drafting the Penal Code approved in May by the National Assembly of Popular Power. The law, despite containing articles that, with respect to the Cuban criminal law still in force, show progress in terms of gender, does not officially classify femicide as a specific class of crime.

Even deputy Mariela Castro requested the classification of the aforementioned crime, despite the fact that, in 2015, in an interview with the newspaper Tiempo Argentino, she stated: "we do not have, for example, femicides. Because Cuba is not a violent country, and that is an effect of the Revolution," she added.

Since then, she seems to have awakened to reality, as from January 1, 2020 to date more than 70 women have died of gender-based violence in Cuba, according to unofficial statistics, since the Cuban government does not disclose data on this scourge.

Thus, though Cuba's TSP is, supposedly, concerned about gender-based violence, as evidenced by its recently approved strategy to incorporate a gender perspective, it is not concerned enough to classify femicide as a crime in the Criminal Code it drafted.

In October of 2020 the Council of Ministers approved the aforementioned National Program for the Advancement of Women. A month later Teresa Amarelle Baue, national secretary of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC), stated that this does not constitute a new program, but rather an updating of the National Follow-up Action Plan for Beijing, approved in 1997.

Therefore, the Cuban Government can now show international agencies that it has a national program, updating a plan dating from 25 years ago, and both directives and a strategy from the TSP, in order to convince them that it is doing what it can, when it could do more, and more efficiently, with the kind of comprehensive law against gender-based violence that Cuban activists and women's platforms have called for.

Regarding the results of the national program, on May 13 Prensa Latina published, one year after its implementation, that it is known about, and followed, but it has not yet had a real impact on the female sphere, and is generally a concern of executives, both male and female. This was also acknowledged in a report on the verifications of the program's implementation.

According to the document, "although there is still a long way to go, the deputies concluded that efforts are on the rise to increase job offers for unemployed women, or other women in vulnerable situations, to free them from dependence on social security and empower them to become independent."

This includes mothers with three or more children, for whom the Cuban Government prioritizes a housing program in coordination with the territories.

Last April, however, the Cuban authorities had to admit that in 2021 less than 50% of the housing construction plans targets were met, though in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic the construction of hotels continued.

The reality continues to be disheartening for women who decide to have children in Cuba. At the beginning of June, shortly after Prensa Latina published information on "the verifications of the program's implementation," the feminist platform YoSiTeCreo (IBelieveYou) complained that a pregnant girl, under the age of 17 and abandoned by her family in Havana, had been put up by the local government, along with others, in state accommodations not compliant with health and safety regulations.

The minor, Yasleidy Barrientos Garcia, had ended up there, "after numerous efforts and protests (...) between March and May of this year."

When she was 22 weeks pregnant, with a low-weight fetus, the authorities decided to give the adolescent a stipend and to send her to a "half-way house" located on the Calle 311, between 178 and 182, Reparto Lutgardita, Boyeros municipality, in Havana.

The teen was assured that her stay there would be "temporary," but some girls had been there for more than a year.

These young women may feel fortunate, however, compared to other Cuban homeless mothers, who opt to squat in abandoned State premises to at least put a roof over their heads and those of their children. They are often violently evicted from these sites by the police, on the orders of government officials, without the FMC doing anything against this form of institutional violence, and without the national advancement program making any difference to date.

If, as the president of the FMC has stated, the advancement program is the updated version of a national plan, the logical step would not be to evaluate what has been achieved in a year, but rather in the 25 years since the approval of said plan.

Since then, what has been achieved by the Government and the FMC, which is the national mechanism for the "advancement of women" and the "theoretical and methodological reference point for gender issues?" What good has the creation of the national advancement program been? Its only contribution so far seems to have been, as the activist Aimara Pena told DIARIO DE CUBA in 2021, the acknowledgement that in Cuba "women have been left behind and suffer violence," a fact the Cuban regime sought to deny for a long time.
By Azernews

By Sabina Mammadli

A delegation comprised of a group of ambassadors of the Council of Europe member nations visited Azerbaijans liberated Aghdam region, Special Representative of the Azerbaijani President in the liberated part of Karabakh Economic Region (except Shusha region) Emin Huseynov said on Twitter.

Huseynov noted that guests got acquainted with the historical monuments of Aghdam, which suffered from Armenian vandalism, and also were informed about the restoration work and plans for the future.

Armenia destroyed and vandalized Azerbaijani territories during the three-decade occupation between the early 1990s and late 2020. The scale of destruction and massacres on Azerbaijan's formerly occupied territories is shocking, implying deep hatred and animosity toward the Azerbaijani people, with many experts describing the mass destructions and killings as genocide.

The country's war-torn Aghdam region alone is seen as a stark example of Armenian hatred and enmity. Aghdam, known as the "Hiroshima of the Caucasus" astounds delegations from all over the world with its infamous scenes of destruction.

Currently, the work is underway to restore Azerbaijan's liberated lands. Azerbaijan will rebuild its recently liberated areas in four stages. The initial stage includes the solution of the issues of governance and security, and infrastructure, while the subsequent stages include the solution of the issues of social services activities, reconstruction, and development of the economy.

In 2021, Azerbaijan allocated $1.5 billion for the reconstruction of liberated territories, followed by AZN 2.2 billion ($1.2 billion) in 2022. These funds will be used primarily to restore infrastructure (electricity, gas, water, communications, roads, education, health, and so on) as well as cultural and historical monuments.
The Wiregrass Museum of Art doesnt normally sell art work, but the museum wanted to do its part to support Alabama artists, especially with so many artists struggling since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

So, the museum chose to support a program called CARE Packages created by Alabama Visual Arts Network President Paul Barrett. CARE Packages are collections of commissioned artwork by Alabama artists.

The goal is to provide both creative and financial support to artists, said Melissa Rea, the museums director of advancement.

That has definitely been an area thats become more crucially needed over the past two years, Rea said. For our region, I would say that we also wanted to be able to offer it to our audience because it gives people a chance to collect art, and it does it in a way that exposes them to many Alabama artists.

Twelve artists were asked to create 10 editions of a piece of original artwork. Those pieces become part of a collection that is then sold. Because the pieces were commissioned, the artist received their money on the front end rather than waiting for a piece to sell or trying to sell artwork on their own.

The collections represent artists from diverse backgrounds from around the state as well as work in different media from photography to sculpture, printmaking, and paintings. The Wiregrass Museums CARE Package collections include relief print photolithography, folk art created from painted mixed media, and zinc etching and alcohol ink prints.

We know that there are many people who are interested in collecting art but maybe dont know where to start or dont know what theyre interested in yet, Rea said. This is a good chance to really explore what Alabama artists are creating right now.

Its a limited opportunity as there are only 10 sets being sold. A set of 12 pieces of art costs $1,800. Individuals can go in together to purchase a set and then divide the art pieces in the collection, Rea said.

Artists whose works are included in the Wiregrass Museum of Arts CARE Packages include: John Demotte, Sarah Ellis, Jenny Fine, Winfred Hawkins, Betty Sue Matthews, Helga Mendoza, Robin Metz, Andrew McCall, John Oles, Tres Taylor, Chris Wade, and Joi West.

Images of art are available on the museums website, wiregrassmuseum.org. Click the Shop tab at the top of the sites home page and then click on the CARE Packages link. The images on the website are representative of the art in the sets, but each set is slightly different as the pieces are handmade, Rea said.

Its a really great opportunity to get to know artists who are right here in our state and to collect their work, Rea said.  Each artist brings something different to the CARE Package, and its nice to know that as people are able to collect an entire CARE Package that theyve been able to do their share of supporting 12 artists in the state.

Peggy Ussery is a Dothan Eagle staff writer and can be reached at aussery@dothaneagle.com or 334-712-7963. Support her work and that of other Eagle journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at dothaneagle.com.

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Residential buildings are seen in Ho Chi Minh City in February 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

Insurance companies will not be allowed to invest in real estate starting Jan. 1, according to the latest changes in the insurance law that legislators have voted on.

These companies can, however, buy real estate for the purpose of establishing headquarters or offices to operate, or to rent the unused parts of their real estate, said the modified law that nearly 92.5 percent of National Assembly delegates voted in favor of Thursday morning.

Insurance companies can also trade real estate companies listed shares but the government will need to specify a limit in this activity to minimize risks, the law says.

These companies will not be allowed to use Vietnamese citizens insurance money to cover the losses or cash shortage of their foreign business, it adds.

The modified law also scraps a fund that was meant to protect insurance customers as the fund has never been used in its 12 years of existence.

The balance of the fund stands at VND1 trillion ($43 million) and will be used to protect insurance customers in the circumstance that their insurer go bankrupt.

SSI Research forecast revenues from insurance premiums could rise by 18 percent to VND256 trillion this year, driven by the recovery in demand and growing online insurance and collaboration with insurtech firms.
Assistant Secretary Castillo Talks Cooperation, Advancement at Summit of the Americas IX

Last week, the United States hosted the Organization of American States(OAS) ninth Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles, California, for the first time since 1994. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo was a senior member joining the U.S. Department of Commerce delegation to the historic summit. While there, President Biden announced the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity, a historic new agreement to drive the hemispheres economic recovery and growth.

Strengthening Resilience, Growing Competitiveness

On June 7, Assistant Secretary Castillo delivered the keynote address at a Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce event where she outlined the ways the Biden Administration is working to strengthen U.S. economic resilience and global competitiveness. She also highlighted future challenges the administration is working to counter.

Were in a global competition to ramp up chip production and other countries arent waiting for us to catch up, Assistant Secretary Castillo said. China has already spent more than $150 billion subsidizing their domestic chip industry. We need to pass the Bipartisan Innovation Act to catch up.

Regional Cooperation

In remarks, Assistant Secretary Castillo noted the Western Hemispheres shared history, culture and geography means the successes of the region and the United States are connected. She pointed to EDAs role leading the Americas Competitiveness Exchange for the United States, the premier economic development, innovation, and entrepreneurial network of the Americas, as a key element of Intra-American dialogue.

As a permanent member of the ACE Committee, EDA is instrumental in engaging with communities around the world to build networks that enhance competitiveness in the Americas; promote sustainable and inclusive economic development; and increase trade and investment opportunities, said Castillo.

Economic Sustainability & Empowerment

Asst. Sec. Castillo delivers the keynote address to the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.

On June 8, Manuel Orozco of the Inter-American Dialogue and Angel Cardenas of CAF - Development Bank of Latin America joined Assistant Secretary Castillo at the Mayors Summit for a panel discussion on social inclusion and creating economic opportunity.

The Assistant Secretary described EDAs approach to economic development which is guided by the basic principle that efforts should be locally-driven. She also emphasized EDAs focus on equity as a priority for investments.

Helping her parents run small businesses to support her family, Assistant Secretary Castillo noted her personal experiences have given me a unique perspective and fuels my determination to create transformative change.

EDAs Revolving Loan Funds that support small businesses and American Rescue Plan programs that develop and train the workforce of today and get Americans back to work with in-demand skills training  like the Good Jobs Challenge and Build Back Better Regional Challenge  will enable this transformative change and build resilient regional economies and accelerate our economic recovery.

A Level Playing Field

Asst. Sec. Castillo at the Mayor's Summit at the Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles.

Later in the week, Assistant Secretary Castillo, Lila Abed of the Wilson Centers Mexico Institute, and Claudia Lopez Hernandez, Mayor of Bogota, Colombia, participated in Lessons of Leadership from Latina America, a roundtable discussion that addressed barriers to Latina and underserved populations economic advancement and focused on the future of Latina economic and social advancement.

The Assistant Secretary stressed the need to ensure everyone is given a level playing field and a fair shot to succeed.

I am honored to be working for a President who believes in the role of government to affect change and who is committed to ensuring that our nation's economy works for all, said Castillo. We are now asking state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations, whom we support, to demonstrate how their grant proposals might benefit traditionally underserved communities, including the Latina community, she added.

For more information on the 2022 Summit of the Americas, visit the summits official website.
At the upcoming NATO summit in Madrid, the Alliance will adopt a new strategic concept. The strategic concept is a document aimed at highlighting the threats and challenges we face, and setting the course of NATOs future adaptation. The new Concept will address challenges, including but not limited to malicious activity in cyberspace, efforts by strategic competitors to weaken the rules-based international order, and the security implications of climate change.

With regard to Ukraine, the United States will continue to send much needed assistance. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a recent press conference:

President Biden announced a significant new security assistance package to arm Ukraine with additional capabilities in advanced weaponry, precisely what they need to defend themselves against the ongoing Russian aggression. . . .We moved quickly to send Ukraine significant amounts of weapons and ammunition so that they can repel Russias aggression and, in turn, can be in the strongest possible position at any negotiating table that may emerge.



NATO Allies along with other partners imposed severe consequences on the Russian government and its enablers with unprecedented sanctions, export controls, and diplomatic pressure. Nearly 7 million Ukrainians have been forced to leave their homeland with many others displaced within Ukraine. Countries across Europe and beyond, including the United States, have welcomed Ukrainians who are fleeing the violence.

NATO is prepared to face challenges like these with robust cyber defenses, cutting-edge technology, and enhanced partnerships with countries around the world. Well make sure that we defend every inch of NATO territory, declared Secretary Blinken. Since the war began, weve deployed more than 20,000 additional troops to NATOs eastern flank.

Many Allies are also increasing their military presence in Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Last month, Finland and Sweden, two longstanding partners of NATO, made the decision to seek NATO membership, noted Secretary Blinken

The United States strongly supports Finland and Swedens applications. Both countries are more than qualified to become full members of the Alliance as soon as possible. By joining NATO, they will strengthen NATO. We look forward to quickly bringing them into the strongest defensive Alliance in history.

The United States is looking forward to standing together with Allies at the NATO Summit in Madrid to ensure NATO remains strong, resilient, and ready for challenges today and in the future.
On May 16, the people of Somalia elected a new President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The election was the culmination of a long and much delayed process, with the country governed by a President whose four-year stint in office had expired in February 2021.



The United States congratulates the people of Somalia on the conclusion of their national electoral process. We also congratulate Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on his election as the president of the Federal Republic of Somalia and look forward to working closely with him and the new government, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.



Four years of political infighting have resulted in the neglect of critical issues. For Somalia to thrive, the national government and federal member states must quickly reconcile and together tackle the vital challenges facing Somalia. Two problems in particular must be addressed post haste, said U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield.



The first is the need to eliminate the danger posed by the Al Shabaab terrorist organization.



Somalias security, and the security of the region, rely on us using every tool in our arsenal to fight terrorism. That means providing support to [the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, or] ATMIS. It means using the Somalia sanctions regime to designate al-Shabaab operatives who continue to threaten Somalias peace and security. And it means alleviating the horrific humanitarian conditions that inspire extremism.



The second deadly challenge the new government must address is the impending humanitarian disaster caused by the worst drought in four decades, affecting over 6 million Somalis; by sky-rocketing food prices; and by Russias brutal war of choice against Ukraine, which continues to prevent wheat and other foods from reaching Somalia, and may push the country into famine.



[In April], the United States announced more than $200 million in additional assistance to respond to humanitarian needs in the Horn of Africa, said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield.



Tied directly to the humanitarian situation is Somalias economic well-being, which will depend on its ability to meet the conditions required for reaching completion point under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, she said.



Somalia now has an opportunity to focus on the political, economic, and security reforms necessary to advance the interests of the people of Somalia, said Secretary Blinken. The United States looks forward to  partnering with Somalias leaders to achieve our shared goal of a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Somalia.
ELKO  An Elko man who has served five prison sentences since 2003 and was arrested six times in 2021 has been given suspended sentences for his latest convictions.

Ryan Jeffery Cowles, 38, pleaded guilty May 24 to burglary of a business and burglary of a motor vehicle in separate cases. District Judge Al Kacin ordered him to successfully complete the Drug Court program and to pay a total of $1,115 restitution.

According to Nevada Department of Corrections records, Cowles has served five prison terms on convictions including robbery, attempted battery by a prisoner, attempted possession of a firearm by an ex-felon, possession of a controlled substance, and burglary.

He was sentenced Dec. 16 by Kacin to 59 days in jail after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit possession of a controlled substance, and was given a suspended sentence on Nov. 9 in Elko Justice Court after pleading guilty to embezzlement.

Cowles latest sentence was for taking hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise from an auto parts store in October. He had pleaded guilty to petit larceny in Elko Justice Court earlier that month in another case and was ordered to serve 24 hours in jail.

He also pleaded no contest in September to possessing stolen property and was ordered to serve 10 days in jail.

Cowles was arrested three times last August: first for petit larceny, next on a charge of driving with a suspended license, and then at Kohls for felony possession of a controlled substance, possessing stolen property, driving without a drivers license, and no proof of insurance.

He was also arrested in June 2021 on a bench warrant, and in February on multiple traffic charges.

Cowles was arrested in August 2020 after being accused of embezzling $2,787 from the Maverik on Mountain City Highway. Police said he voided 240 cash transactions in his first month on the job as a clerk.

And according to Elko Daily files, Cowles was one of three local men arrested in November 2015 for a burglary at AAA Self Storage.

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By Trend

IX Global Baku Forum will play an important role in solving problems existing in the world, former Latvian President Valdis Zatlers told Trend.

Zatlers noted that many countries are represented at the forum.

"Azerbaijan pursues a balanced policy. Therefore, such a forum of global importance is being held in Baku, and I think that a balanced policy pursued by Azerbaijan will give impetus to the solution of many problems. I believe that the discussions held within the framework of the forum will give positive results," he added.

The Nizami Ganjavi International Center has become an important international center studying ways to solve global problems and informing the international community about this. Thanks to this, interest in the events organized by the center grows from year to year. This time, representatives of more than 50 countries, as well as authoritative international organizations, are participating in the Global Baku Forum on "Challenges to the Global World Order".

Participants of the forum, which will last until June 18, will conduct productive discussions of important issues posing a threat to the global world order, and will also discuss challenges to energy security, issues of ensuring global security and peace, cooperation and integration in vulnerable regions, issues of growing injustice in a globalizing world, the transformation of the food and agricultural sectors to prevent poverty.
ELKO  A red flag warning has been issued for White Pine, southern Eureka and Lander counties for both Thursday and Friday due to strong winds and low humidity.

Gusts of up to 60 mph are expected between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. both days. Relative humidity will be as low as 6%.

Strong winds could lead to rapid ignition, growth and spread of fires will be possible, stated the National Weather Service.

Dry, windy conditions are also expected in Elko and northern Eureka and Lander counties, where a high wind watch has been issued. Gusts in Elko will be up to 30 mph on Thursday and 50 mph Friday. Blowing dust could create travel hazards.

Temperatures across northeastern Nevada will climb into the 90s Thursday and Friday before dropping to the lower 80s on Saturday and upper 60s Sunday.

The forecast for Elko also calls for a 30% chance of showers Sunday.

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ELKO  Elko County School District may look at updating its 35-year-old policy for dealing with protests over books and educational materials after hearing from a parent who urged the school board act as controversies have grown across the country.

Thomas Gunter told the board that he has become interested in the policy as I see report after report of books being removed or banned throughout the country, and found that the school districts policy goes back to August 1987.

He said in public comment at the June 14 school board meeting that the policy lacks the necessary language to ensure a fair process for banning or removing materials from school libraries and classrooms.

While I believe any parent or group should have the right to request a review of material they find concerning, there must be protections in place to ensure these requests are not abused for personal or political gain. Unfortunately, this is what we have witnessed repeatedly in districts throughout our country, especially over the past couple of years, Gunter said.

Current policy allows administrators or trustees to make decisions without requiring robust review of any material by a panel or committee, he said.

Gunter also said the U.S. Supreme Court says that students should be free to inquire, study and evaluate materials to gain maturity and understanding, and students and teachers dont lose their rights at the schoolhouse gate.

He asked the school board to compare polices throughout the state, and he had three recommendations for a revised policy that would include a fair and transparent review of any request.

One recommendation is that a committee be formed made up of administrators, librarians, teachers, parents and potentially a representative or two of the student body to review materials at issue. The committee could be at the district or school level.

The educational material in question should be reviewed for the total message, not just an individual statement, Gunter also said.

His third recommendation was that the policy allow for age restrictions as an alternative to complete removal of material.

In comments later in the meeting, Trustee Jeff Durham said the board would be looking at the policy right away, and he thanked Gunter for his thorough and concise proposal.

Trustee Dr. Joshua Byers thanked Gunter for his recommendations that magically give us routes and ideas of how to do that, so I appreciate that. Its a breath of fresh air. Trustee Matt McCarty also praised Gunter for suggesting a course of action.

Since Gunters request came during the public comment portion of the meeting and wasnt on the agenda, the board couldnt take any action.

Gunter didnt specify what issues drew his attention, but one of the recent cases was in Florida where lawmakers approved a bill to ban certain instruction about sexual and gender identity to children in kindergarten through third grade.

Another controversial issue across the country has been over teaching critical race theory, and there has been an increase in book challenges and bans, especially over sexual and gender topics.

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SPRING CREEK  The Spring Creek Association Committee of Architecture unanimously approved the first reading of a revised home occupation regulation following weeks of debate and revisions.

The draft, dated May 27, defines a home occupation business as a use otherwise allowable by law which is incidental to the primary residential purpose, and which does not change the residential character of the premises and must be approved by the Committee of Architecture.

The committee also approved an amendment to the motion, separating two additional pages from the draft that were labeled as requirements of a home occupation permit, to be revised and brought back to the COA for discussion.

The permit application requests business owners list information including the type of occupation, sign proposal, parking requirements, hours of operation, and an option to advertise and market the business for a $50 fee. It also lists requirements to be followed by a home occupation; definitions of home, premises and accessory structure; and examples of previously granted home occupations.

Characteristics of a home occupation state that it must be conducted in the home or auxiliary structure on the property, at least one permanent resident of the home is working for the home occupation, and that it does not generate excessive pedestrian or vehicular traffic, noise, odors, dust, or smoke on a continual basis.

Additionally, it must not be a business permissible in a Commercial Zoning Designation or as a Conditional Use for the zoning district for which the premises is located as defined by the Spring Creek Association Declaration of Reservations.

No home occupation permit is required for residents working from home for themselves or a third-party employer who does not generate third-party foot traffic.

A one-time permit fee paid by a first-time applicant listed in a previous draft was removed by the COA in the updated version of the rules.

Some residents voiced concerns about the regulation at Mondays meeting, asking the committee to explain why it was necessary to implement.

Spring Creek Association resident Tess Andreozzi, who also owns Andreozzi Training Stable, pointed to the associations Declaration of Reservations and Elko County ordinances as being enough guidance for homeowner association members regarding a home-based business.

Im really at a loss as to why were even looking at this anymore and why this is even here, she said. Our DORs specifically state home occupations. We have county ordinances that tell us what we can and cannot do. Nuisances, conditional uses, permitted uses.

Another resident and owner of North Slope Taxidermy, Gary Powell, agreed with Andreozzi about the DORs and told the committee he understood the goal of revising the regulation but that the new home occupation rules seemed too restrictive for small businesses.

Theres a better avenue for the COA to navigate what is trying to be done. What that exact answer is, I cant tell you, he said.

He made some suggestions to make the draft straightforward, including asking the committee to separate the application from the rules in the draft and inviting property owners to register their businesses and sign an agreement to follow and comply with the DORs.

If you could make a rule book for small business home occupations that gives all the DORs that pertain to the property  which I know we have, and I know the argument is that people dont read  thats not your problem. Its their responsibility, he said.

Andreozzi and Powell also questioned the authority of the COA to implement and enforce the regulation. They pointed to a recent Nevada Supreme Court ruling in the case of Moretto vs. Elk Point Country Club Homeowners Association Inc. out of Douglas County.

Attorney Katie McConnell, representing the SCA, said the ruling adopts Section 6.7 Restatement of Property Servitudes, which allows the association the power to adopt reasonable rules designed to protect community members from unreasonable interference in the enjoyment of their individually owned lots or units.

McConnell explained the goal of the home occupancy regulation is to define the difference between home-based, work-from-home and commercial businesses for property owners in light of complaints from neighbors.

We legitimately have commercial enterprises operating under the guise of a home occupation permit, saying its a home occupation and its not. It is a full-blown commercial business, and those are the complaints that the COA and the SCA often get, McConnell said.

She also addressed Powells comment about the regulation restricting small businesses, noting that the home occupancy rule considers all property owners with or without a business.

Its not trying to restrict small business at all, she said. We have to do something to address all the property owners, and that is where this rule is coming from because there really isnt a definition in the DORs.

COA member Nick Czegledi agreed with Powells concerns and explained that the committee spent weeks gathering input and fine-tuning the home occupancy regulation, and I think weve gotten to the point where we have to do something regarding this rule.

I think were at the point now that weve had many meetings  weve had four  and weve discussed everything, he continued. Weve listened to everybody that we possibly could, many people, and we came up with what I think was the best solution to this problem.

The rule probably is not perfect, but its the best solution that weve got at this time, Czegledi said. He added that he was open to addressing it again and changing it in the future, but we need to start at some point, and I think this is a good starting point.

The second reading of the home occupation rule will be at the next regular meeting of the COA scheduled for July 11.

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The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) announced the first presumptive positive case of a monkeypox case in a Clark County resident, the first reported spread of the virus in Nevada.

The anonymous individual is described as a man in his 20s who had recently traveled within the country. He does not require hospitalization and is isolated at home, the SNHD statement said. No additional cases in Nevada have been reported.

Monkeypox is a viral disease with symptoms similar to but less severe than smallpox. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has tracked 84 monkeypox cases in the U.S., and global health officials have tracked monkeypox cases to 39 countries so far in 2022, with most of them having their first-ever cases of the disease.

Kimberly Franich, a communicable disease manager at SNHD, explained to the media during a virtual press conference Wednesday afternoon that the presumptive positive status refers to an individual showing symptoms related to monkeypox and who has initially tested positive for the virus, but a sample is sent to the CDC for confirmation testing, which could take 48 to 72 hours.

SNHD says the overall community transmission risk of monkeypox is low, but recommends that people with unknown rashes or lesions contact their health care provider, avoiding close contact with others and intimate activities such as sex and kissing.

Franich explained that although monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted virus, it spreads through close physical contact, bodily fluids or prolonged face-to-face contact.

In regards to a future outbreak, Franich said it would not be surprising if Clark County sees another case, but the CDC is closely monitoring the situation and SNHD is implementing contact tracing to prevent further spread.

We are seeing this national outbreak spread from state to state, and numbers increasing as the CDC monitors this on a national level, she said. And because we have folks who do travel frequently, it would not be unexpected to see another case.

According to Franich, almost all cases of monkeypox include a fever and rash. The incubation period is usually between seven to 14 days, but can be up to 21 days, and the illness typically lasts two to four weeks, according to SNHD.

There is no specific treatment approved for monkeypox. However, treatment for smallpox may be used, especially for people who are at high risk for hospitalization, Franich said. While most people who contract monkeypox will have mild illness, the World Health Organization has recorded 72 deaths out of 3,100 confirmed or suspected cases globally.

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ELKO  The top vote-getter in the race for Nevadas traditionally rural Board of Regents seat is from Las Vegas.

Michelee Shelly Crawford received 24.56% of the vote, followed by John Patrick Rice of Elko with 21.22%. They will both be on the ballot in November and the winner will replace Cathy McAdoo of Elko at the end of the year.

Since McAdoo was elected six years ago, the borders of District 8 have been redrawn to include a chunk of Las Vegas along with more than half of the geographical area of Nevada.

Crawford is the principal of an elementary school in Las Vegas and an Air National Guard officer. She said she wrote the nonpartisan Senate Bill 352 to help create educational opportunities, and worked on the $6 billion American Recovery Act to provide broadband internet to rural communities.

Rice has taught fine arts, humanities and communications at Great Basin College, where he served multiple terms as Faculty Senate Chair. He also served as the chair of the Nevada System of Higher Education Council of Senate Chairs, representing more than 5,000 members of the NSHE faculty.

Rice said while the district is now made up of roughly half Las Vegas residents, he believes it is important to maintain a rural voice on the Board of Regents.

What I think distinguishes us is Im from rural Nevada and have 30 years of experience in higher education, he said. We are at risk of losing our rural representation for at least the next decade as a result of redistricting. This race is very important for rural Nevadans.

Crawford said she realizes there are concerns that deal exclusively with rural Nevadans, such as adequate funding for infrastructure to provide higher education. Her daughter is enrolled in Great Basin College and Truckee Meadows.

Rice also realizes the importance of Las Vegas, and did much of his campaigning in that part of the state. Crawford said she visited rural counties but has not campaigned in person in Elko  something she plans to do twice before the General Election.

Crawford said she got interested in running for the Regents position after working with the Nevada System of Higher Education on Senate Bill 352, and finding that she could help bring diverse viewpoints together to achieve a common goal.

My entire why of my life is to create upward mobility in society by creating quality career opportunities, she said.

Her education includes a masters in curriculum and instruction from UNLV, and she is scheduled to graduate from William Howard Taft University in August with a doctorate in Leadership and Education Administration.

Crawford lists endorsements from the Southern Nevada Central Labor Council; Ironworkers 416, 118, & 433; Clark County Education Association; Plumbers, Pipefitters & Service Technicians Local 525; and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Rice is also familiar with government. He served three terms on the Elko City Council and has also advised Nevadas federal delegation on higher education issues. He has a masters from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and Ph.D. from Capella University in Minneapolis.

He was the Chief Development Officer and the Executive Director of Great Basin College Foundation where he designed and executed capital campaigns, helping to raise more than $20 million in alternative funding for higher education in rural Nevada.

Rice listed an endorsement from the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees 702.

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* From Asia to Africa and Europe, an increasing number of doctors and patients have tried the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and enjoyed its benefits. Calls have been growing to integrate the TCM and Western medicine so as to boost humans' relentless pursuit of health and fight diseases like COVID-19.

* After an expert meeting convened by the WHO on evaluation of TCM's effectiveness in the COVID-19 treatment, a meeting report was published in March, noting, "There are promising data to suggest that TCM is beneficial in reducing the risk of progression from mild-to-moderate cases to severe COVID-19."

* During the WHO-convened expert meeting, according to the report, it recommended member states to "consider the potential use of the TCM for the management of COVID-19 in the context of their health-care systems and regulatory frameworks."

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), widely introduced and used in the global anti-pandemic fight since the onset of COVID-19, has proved to be remarkably effective.

In a report released late March, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that the TCM is beneficial in the COVID-19 treatment, particularly mild-to-moderate cases.

From Asia to Africa and Europe, an increasing number of doctors and patients have tried the TCM and enjoyed its benefits. Calls have been growing to integrate the TCM and Western medicine so as to boost humans' relentless pursuit of health and fight diseases like COVID-19.

CONTRIBUTION TO GLOBAL ANTI-VIRUS EFFORTS

During the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe, just like elsewhere around the world, little was known about this virus and panic was not uncommon. Months after the country confirmed its first coronavirus-related death in March 2020, a Chinese medical team arrived to assist in the anti-virus fight.

Among the 12 team members was Sun Shuang, a TCM expert in respiratory diseases. She went to the African country on a 498-day medical assistance mission. As the only TCM doctor in the team, Sun was mainly responsible for the construction of Zimbabwe-China Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Center and the anti-pandemic work.

"I have treated more than 1,400 COVID-19 patients in total, online and offline. The overall effective rate of the integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment has reached more than 92 percent, so this is very convincing to the Ministry of Health (Zimbabwe) and the public," she told Xinhua.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, incomplete statistics showed that China had by April shared TCM diagnosis and treatment guidelines with over 150 countries and regions, provided TCM products to more than 10 countries and regions in need, and sent TCM experts to help epidemic control in about 30 countries and regions.

In March last year, China held the "Forum on Traditional Chinese Medicine and International Cooperation to Fight Against COVID-19 Pandemic," during which political leaders, government officials, WHO representatives and experts from 28 countries and regions had in-depth exchanges via video link.

Eddie Sanyama, a resident in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, and his wife caught COVID-19 in January 2021. As symptoms like headaches, running nose and nausea occurred, they turned to the TCM for help.

"It was a five-day course. And then on the second day, I started feeling much better. And on day four, I fully recovered," Sanyama told Xinhua. "I feel it's very effective and it's cheap, and I would recommend that Zimbabweans can take up this medicine. I think it's very effective."

PROVEN EFFECTIVENESS

When Mohammad Dawood, a graphic designer in Kuwait City, the capital of Kuwait, was infected with the coronavirus, he suffered from symptoms like dry cough and fever.

"A friend of mine suggested me with the Chinese medicine and it had a great effect in relieving symptoms and reducing the temperature," he told Xinhua.

After an expert meeting convened by the WHO on evaluation of TCM's effectiveness in the COVID-19 treatment, a meeting report was published in March, noting, "There are promising data to suggest that TCM is beneficial in reducing the risk of progression from mild-to-moderate cases to severe COVID-19."

"For mild-to-moderate cases, there is encouraging evidence that the studied TCMs, when administered as add-on interventions to conventional treatment, may shorten the time for viral clearance, resolution of clinical symptoms and length of hospital stay when compared to conventional treatment alone," the report added.

In Britain, with health systems based on Western medicine, the TCM has also gained increasing popularity. Chen Zanyu, president of the Federation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners, said he and his colleagues have become much busier especially since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.

COVID-19 once caused palpitations to Charles Bell, a British patient in southeast London, and it was like 10 or 15 seconds twice a day. "The herbs calm that down and help that," he said. "And the herbs, they just made me feel more balanced and better able to function."

Chen told Xinhua that they have treated thousands of COVID-19 patients in Britain. "In fact, probably none of the herbs can deliberately kill or eliminate the virus itself," he said. "But the good thing about Chinese approaches is we try to readjust the body's immune system or the balance of energy or balance of five elements (of water, wood, fire, earth or metal) or yin and yang."

It was like if someone wants to get rid of weeds, he could target the weeds, but also the soil where weeds grow, Chen explained with an analogy. "So that is the Chinese wisdom we have put in practice for thousands of years."

INTEGRATION OF CHINESE, WESTERN MEDICINE

To help fight the coronavirus in Germany, ConPhyMed Pharmaceutical GmbH in the country and Anhui Jiren Pharmaceuticals in China in 2020 jointly introduced Chinese medicine formula Shufeng Jiedu to German pharmacies, including the Rose Pharmacy in Rosenheim, a city in Bavaria in the southeast of Germany.

"Shufeng Jiedu naturally found its place, after we saw very quickly that it has an extremely good effect on the acute infection with the high viral load with Corona," said Nadja Wehner, a pharmacist at the Rose Pharmacy.

Wehner said she was "honored to be able to offer the TCM in my pharmacy, because many synergistic effects through the plant substances have a gigantic effect on the body with mild side effects and are an extremely good supplement to classical medicine."

Christine Sanftl, a naturopathic practitioner in Rosenheim, said, "The feedback from my patients or from all the other people who have taken Shufeng Jiedu, for example, has been consistently positive."

"I see the role of the TCM as an excellent part of naturopathic methods and as a complement to classical medicine, both of which are based on a wealth of experience from previous generations," Sanftl told Xinhua.

During the WHO-convened expert meeting, according to the report, it recommended member states to "consider the potential use of the TCM for the management of COVID-19 in the context of their health-care systems and regulatory frameworks." From Africa to Europe, the recommendation is being brought into practice.

"We are inspired by the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China for adopting COVID-19 treatment guidelines that integrate traditional Chinese and conventional medicine. This integration of the two systems of health will undoubtedly contribute to the transition from volume-best to value-best health care," said Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

For Bell, the British patient, he has known about TCM treatment for decades, "so I already have quite a lot of experience of it. And I like it."

Bell told Xinhua that he thought the TCM and Western medicine "should be merged and work together. And it's not just about COVID. There're all sorts of situations where people will benefit. And in fact, the society would benefit."

"Chinese medicine can play a much bigger role," Chen said. He told Xinhua that he remembered when he was still a student, his teacher once said, as long as it's gold, it will shine. "I think (for Chinese medicine) that's for sure."
Ostrich eggs have been painted artistically for the Eggs Festival. (Photo via toquoc.vn)

The Eggs Festival will offer an opportunity for chefs to create dishes from eggs, including daily meals to the most luxurious dishes of Vietnamese and international cuisine.

The festival draws the participation of five well-known Vietnamese and international chefs including Herve Rodriguez (French chef, owner and head chef of Herve Dining Restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City), Hoang Tung (from T.U.N.G Dining Restaurant which was listed in the Top 100 Best Restaurants in Asia in 2021), Vo Hoang Nhan (Champion of Top Chef Vietnam Contest 2014), Le Xuan Tam (Chairman - World Association of Master Chefs in Vietnam and head chef of Moo Beef Restaurant), and Nguyen Thi Ngoc Quyen (head chef of Movenpick Hanoi Hotel).

The chefs will also act as judges for the Creative Chef contest, with dishes cooked from eggs. The contest will feature the participation of ten chefs from various provinces and cities around the country.

Visitors to the festival will have the chance to experience many activities such as taking photos at the Egg Family check-in area, consisting of three giant eggs and 50 ostrich eggs which are artistically painted./.
At the workshop (Photo: LDO)

The workshop was expected to help businesses in Lai Chau Province find effective solutions to operate and develop local agriculture in the direction of modernization.

Speaking at the workshop, Tong Thanh Hai, Standing Vice Chairman of Lai Chau Provincial People's Committee, gave a general overview of geographical conditions, socio-economic development situation in the province, potentials and strengths in agriculture.

He expressed his wish that the Israeli Embassy in Vietnam and Israeli businesses would be interested in exploring investment opportunities, and supporting the province in implementing educational cooperation programs; transfer smart production technology for drip irrigation combined with fertilizer; transfer technology to build a system of greenhouses, nurseries and open fields to help businesses in the province promote the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity to contribute to socio-economic development, ensure national defense - security, and improve living standards for ethnic minorities in the province.

At the workshop, Mr. Nadav Eshcar, Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam, highly appreciated the cooperation, especially in the field of high-tech agriculture, and affirmed that Israel is ready to support the province to bring new and modern technologies to support farmers.

The two sides spent a lot of time discussing high-tech agriculture - Israel's strength. Representatives of four Israeli agricultural enterprises introduced high-tech agricultural models such as family greenhouses, household irrigation systems, household organic gas solutions, and organic waste into electricity system./.
Bradley Bessire, Deputy Mission Director, USAID/Vietnam addresses the event.

(Photo: USAID)



On June 14, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and its partner, PATH, celebrated the completion of the eight-year USAID/PATH Healthy Markets project and launched the new five-year USAID/PATH STEPS project at an event that was attended by USAID/Vietnam Deputy Mission Director Bradley Bessire.

The USD20.7 million USAID/PATH Healthy Markets project ran from 2014 to 2021 and was funded by the U.S. Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Through the project, USAID and PATH worked with the Ministry of Healths Vietnam Administration for HIV/AIDS Control (VAAC) to generate sustainable approaches for increasing investment in, demand for, and supply of transformational HIV-related goods and services.

HIV self-test kits are now widely available through pharmacies and e-commerce, community-based testing services are being offered in 33 of Vietnams 63 provinces, and PrEP has been scaled to 29 provinces. Through Healthy Marketssupported models alone, nearly 218,000 people were tested for HIV in the community and 8,986 people newly diagnosed with HIV were enrolled i n lifesaving treatment . In addition, more than 46,000 HIV self-test kits were distributed and 16,700 people enrolled on PrEP, an oral pill that effectively prevents HIV infection when taken as prescribed.

Healthy Markets redefined the role of communities in the response, which is critical because key populations at risk for HIVincluding men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers, and people who inject drugsoften prefer to receive HIV and other health services from their peers in community settings. Through Healthy Markets, Vietnams first-ever key populationled social enterprises and clinics were established and grown, and key population health providers were equipped with tools and skills to deliver integrated, person-centered HIV and primary health care services. Today, hundreds of key populationled organizations are at the forefront of cutting-edge HIV service delivery and demand creation in the country.

The project mobilized more than USD12.6 million in investment into the national HIV response by facilitating deep shared-value partnerships with more than 150 private-sector partners, including HIV goods manufacturers and suppliers, distributors and retailers, community service providers, and multimedia companies.

Over the past eight years, USAID support addressed critical gaps in accessible, affordable, community-based HIV care, while strengthening the domestic market for HIV-related goods and services. As we step up the fight against HIV in Vietnam, our next project will focus on ensuring sustainability of our collective progress and addressing key remaining gaps to ultimately help Vietnam achieve its commitment to end AIDS by 2030," said Bradley Bessire, Deputy Mission Director, USAID/Vietnam.

At the event, USAID also announced the Support for Technical Excellence and Private Sector Sustainability in Vietnam (STEPS), a new five-year, USD15 million project in partnership with PATH and its core partner, Glink Vietnam, to maintain the momentum of Healthy Markets and catalyze greater HIV- and primary health care-related market growth. Given that more than 95% of the current oral PrEP market is subsidized by international donors, a major focus of the project will be on increasing sustainable PrEP financing through a blend of commercial, public-financed, and free PrEP services.

The USAID/PATH STEPS project will amplify access to integrated person-centered HIV and Primary Healthcare (PHC) services through innovative models of care; boost demand for and use of game changing health tools and technologies; and identify promising new public-private collaborative approaches that could significantly enhance the sustainable supply, delivery, and demand for HIV and PHC goods and services. Combined, these efforts will support Vietnam to attain its epidemic control goals outlined in the National Strategy to End AIDS by 2030. STEPS will catalyze community co-creation, VAAC governance and key population leadership, and targeted market and service delivery innovations to achieve these goals./.
While meeting Vietnamese leaderships in Hanoi, Raza reaffirmed IFADs support to the country in the programmefor 2021-2025 national target programme on sustainable poverty reduction and praised Vietnams efforts in moving the development agenda forward.

Ms. Reehana R. Raza in a meeting with MARD

IFAD is proud of its successful collaboration with Vietnam for almost three decades. We wish to deepen, enlarge and expand this cooperation and partnership with Vietnam in a sustainable ways, added Raza.

The purpose of the visit was to strengthen relationships with Vietnam going forward by meeting with UN development partners and line ministries that IFAD works closely with at both national and local levels: Mr Tran Quoc Phuong, Vice-Minister of Planning and Investment, Mr. Le Quoc Doanh, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and Mr. Ta Anh Tuan, Vice Minister of Finance (MoF).

The delegation of IFAD met with the MoF

Vice Minister of Finance Ta Anh Tuan said that IFAD's projects in Vietnam have introduced innovative initiatives in rural areas, including market-oriented planning, value chain development, and promotion of innovation. He noted the projects financed by IFAD have proven effective when Vietnam is assessed as one of successful business cases on poverty reduction, agricultural and rural development.

On the other hand, Vice Minister of MARD Le Quoc Doanh called on IFAD to mobilize senior experts on rural agricultural development to support the Ministry in institutional development and advise in developing and implementing the agricultural sector development strategy.

Local farmers benefiting from IFAD Commercial Smallholder Support Project

Bac Kan and Cao Bang

In a talk with Mrs Caitlin Wiesen, Acting Resident Coordinator for the United Nations in Vietnam, Raza reiterated IFADs efforts to increase joint programmes with other UN agencies in Vietnam involving in mobilisation of resources for competitive funds, such as COVID-19 Response and Recovery Multi-Partner Trust Fund (COVID-19 MPTF) and SDG funds to support sub-regional initiatives targeting ethnic minorities, young people and women.

Reehana R. Raza is an economist and policy expert with over 20 years of experience formulating and managing innovative economic research while providing technical assistance in human development, governance, and decentralisation. Raza joined IFAD in May 2022 from the Urban Institute in Washington D.C., USA. She previously served as a Senior Economist at The World Bank, Washington D.C., USA and Research Associate at Overseas Development Institute, London, UK.

Ms. Reehana R. Raza

Vietnam and IFAD have written a success story on poverty reduction. Since 1993, IFAD has supported 15 programmes and projects in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for a total of 362 million USD, directly benefiting 738,470 rural households

As Vietnam is one of the nations most affected by climate change and sea level rise, Raza also stated that helping Vietnam to adapt and address climate change in a sustainable and resilient way is a top priority. In line with this, IFAD plans to launch a new project to develop climate-smart agricultural value chain in the Mekong provinces of Ben Tre and Tra Vinh, to be carried out over the next few years./.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella has sent a letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in connection with the IX Global Baku Forum on Challenges to the Global World Order held on June 16, Azernews reports, citing Azartac.

President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella has sent a letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as the 9th Global Baku Forum under the motto Challenges to the Global World Order has got underway.

AZERTAC presents the letter:

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Your Excellencies,

I have received your kind invitation to the Ninth Edition of the Global Baku Forum.

I regret to inform you that I shall not be able to take part in this initiative due to institutional commitments already in my Schedule.

I am sure that this year too the meeting will provide a useful opportunity for reflection: the topic you have chosen, Challenges to the Global World Order, is a testimony of that intention.

The present context  marked by the economic and social aftermath of the pandemic and by the terrible consequences of the Russian aggression against Ukraine  requires we face the responsibility of promoting with even greater determination the values of dialogue and collaboration among peoples.

Owing to the reappearance of the threats of imperialism and militarism, paired with the risk of a progressive unravelling of the international order, initiatives like the one in Baku wield an even greaeter prominence. These initiatives are based on the respect of diversity, the systematic interaction with other cultures and the recognition of the equal dignity of the other, all these being essential elements for safeguarding global peace and stability.

In renewing my deepest appreciation for your activities and in offering you my heartfelt wishes of success for the forthcoming Global Baku Forum, I avail myself of this opportunity to convey to you my best regards.

Sergio Mattarella,

President of the Italian Republic
Delegates and pupils visit the library. (Photo: VNA)

On June 14, the Israeli Embassy in Vietnam and Miss H'Hen Nie collaborated with the People's Committee of Lai Chau Province to hold the inauguration ceremony of a friendly library for pupils in San Bay Village of the Phuc Than Primary School.



The village has 96 pupils from grades 1 to 4. For many years, the pupils here have not had a library. The school has paid attention to implementing extra-curricular reading activities for students, but the work of reading promotion and specialized library have received little investment, with limited number of books and stories.

The friendly library model "Room to Read" was jointly implemented by Miss H'Hen Nie and the Israeli Embassy in Vietnam, with the desire to bring reading culture closer to the children here.

The project has brought nearly 400 books with content suitable for many ages, along with tables, chairs, shelves and educational items. School teachers will be trained to operate the library and organize reading hours for students. After 3 years, the effectiveness of the program will be tested and evaluated.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Tong Thanh Hai, Standing Vice Chairman of Lai Chau Provincial People's Committee, said that the library is a valuable and practical spiritual gift for the pupils in particular, contributing to encouraging and creating the habit of reading books and improving knowledge for highland students in general./.
Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Shawn Steil presents certificates of merit to project staff in Soc Trang. (Photo: NDO)

Soc Trang is one of the first provinces of Vietnam to receive support from Canada. Out of a total of CAD22 million funded to the province through project components, many collective economic development models have been formed such as the Evergrowth new-type cooperative which generates stable income for nearly 2,000 households raising dairy cows; upgrade and restoration of small-scale infrastructure in 16 communities; and significantly improving the quality and value of a number of agricultural products, typically the ST rice variety of Soc Trang.

The project also prioritizes supporting small-scale infrastructure projects to promote the development of small and medium enterprises in 18 communes of 5 districts, helping small and medium enterprises as well as business households in Soc Trang province innovate production methods, protect trademarks and effectively promote trade.

The project of developing small and medium-sized enterprises in Soc Trang Province was implemented from June 2011 to December 31, 2021 in 11 localities with a total capital of CAD 10.2 million.

Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Shawn Steil said that the projects aim to enhance prosperity and promote growth for all, helping the poorest and most vulnerable, especially women and girls.

According to Vice Chairman of Soc Trang Provincial People's Committee Lam Hoang Nghiep, the project ended and brought many changes and positive results, with businesses obstacles during production and trade promptly tackled. The project has contributed to promoting production and business, building a link between smallholder farmers, businesses and the market, forming a sustainable supply chain, linking and harmonizing the interests of producers with other actors in the chain, he said./.
Mariupol-based Illich Iron and Steel Works (Donetsk region), part of Metinvest Group, appealed to the Cabinet of Ministers and the President's Office with a request to impose personal sanctions against Russian residents who illegally seize and resell Ukrainian metal.

According to a press release from the company on Wednesday, the relevant letters on behalf of CEO of Illich Steel Works Taras Shevchenko have already been sent to the recipients.

At the same time, it is noted that since the beginning of the Russian invasion in Mariupol, about 145,000 tonnes of metal products from Illich Iron and Steel Works have remained, of which more than 124,000 tonnes have been left on the territory of the seaport. These products were intended for European enterprises, but were not exported due to the war.

It is also stated that, in particular, at the end of May this year, the vessel RM-3 with the products of Illich Steel Works on board headed from the port of Mariupol to Rostov-on-Don. The vessel is owned by River Sea Management Company LLC (Russia), the head and founder of which is Gennady Arustamov.

Illich Steel Works Taras Shevchenko has already applied to law enforcement agencies with a corresponding statement about the commission of a criminal offense. The enterprise notes the absence of any cooperation or coordination with representatives of the aggressor country or its occupation administration involved in the export of metal to the Russian Federation.

The plant notes that the activities of the named residents of the Russian Federation threaten the national interests, security and economy of Ukraine. The enterprise asks the government and the President's Office to impose sanctions against River Sea Management Company, responsible for the theft of property, its head, as well as against other individuals and legal entities that transport, unload, sell or resell products stolen from Illich Steel Works.

As reported, at the end of May this year, Metinvest reported a high risk of piracy by the Russian Federation, theft and illegal export of metallurgical products belonging to the group from the port of Mariupol.
Metinvest Mining and Metallurgical Group can track steel products stolen from the metallurgical enterprises of Mariupol by numbers and grades of steel and photographic records of wagons, Azovstal CEO Enver Tskitishvili said in an interview with Delo.ua.

"The Russian military is filming and posting on the net how they load the rolls of our plant. In general, this is theft and the company monitors the sale of such products. Now we understand what the 'Russian world' is. This is to steal: to steal our future, to steal products from the enterprise, even the toilet bowls are rolled in. In 2014, we had a base on the shore of the Sea of Azov, where employees of the Azovstal plant lived in the summer. When this base got into the temporarily occupied territory, the occupiers took the toilet bowls, even the spoons," the CEO said.

At the same time, stolen goods can be tracked. "We know the number of the roll, the steel grade, the wagons, we have photo fixation of the wagons. We can track where each sheet will pop up. They have the logic of a thief, if I stole a thing for a hundred hryvnias, then I'll sell it for a hryvnia. Suddenly someone will buy. But due to the sanctions that were imposed against the Russians, people who could buy stolen goods before, understand that there may be persecution," Tskitishvili said.

According to him, at the time of the invasion, there were about 50,000 tonnes of finished products of Azovstal in the port, as well as about 40,000 tonnes more in the warehouse in the plate shop, for a total amount of about $50-60 million.

The general director also said that Azovstal does not currently pay taxes, except for income taxes, and correspondence is constantly being maintained with contractors.

"We understand that war is a force majeure. We can neither confirm nor deny information about the state of their equipment, which was located on the territory of the enterprise. They understand this. I held three meetings with foreign partners. People lost a lot of money, but I was surprised by their tolerance and understanding of our situation. Our partners are ready to wait for the end of the war and the proceedings after it. In addition, they tell us: If you find out that the sheet of metal for which I paid will be stolen from you, let us know. Together we will catch the thief," the head of the enterprise stated.

De jure Azovstal exists, in fact, the plant is damaged, but the degree of destruction cannot be assessed now. And the group is confident that the enterprise will be restored.

"We will restore the plant. There are two things that give me confidence in this. The first is the president's words that we will liberate and restore our occupied territories. We already have a working group at Metinvest that is working on a project for a new Azovstal. It will be a different plant," Tskitishvili said, adding that it will be called Azovstal  it is a world symbol of people's resilience, a symbol of freedom and resilience of the people, a symbol of the struggle for the independence of Ukraine.

The top manager did not name the required amount for restoration  while there are approximate figures. The construction itself can take at least three years.
The leaders of European Union countries, following a meeting with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Thursday, have called on Russia as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to unblock Ukrainian grain export.

"The blockade of Ukrainian ports must be stopped, the Russian Navy must stop it," French President Emmanuel Macron said during a joint press conference.

The leaders of Ukraine, Italy, Germany, Romania, and France during the meeting discussed the proposal of the UN Secretary-General in this context and supported the UN resolution to unblock Ukrainian ports.

Macron stressed that the thread to the global food security is a direct result of the Russian aggression and it has no relation to the sanctions introduced by Europe.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said he has received another signal of permanent defense support for Ukraine.

"By the way, there is another signal that Ukraine's defense support will be permanent. As part of Ramstein, Britain and Denmark announced a special donor conference in Copenhagen in August. Preliminarily, some 14 states are involved," he said in a video statement on Wednesday evening.

"Just finished talking to Boris Johnson. The key topics are defense support and coordination of steps on the eve of important meetings in June," Zelensky said. He also expects more support after the third Ramstein meeting.

"Had an important conversation today with U.S. President [Joe] Biden. The United States has announced a new boost to our defenses, namely a new billion dollar support package. These are coastal defense, artillery, modern missile systems. We will wait," the president said.
During a phone conversation with U.S. President Joseph Biden, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky thanked him for his leadership position in supporting Ukraine's opposition to Russian aggression, the struggle for freedom and the right to independently determine the future of the country.

According to the presidential press service, Zelensky noted the importance and timeliness of the provision by the United States of an additional aid package worth $1 billion.

"The secure support of the United States is unprecedented. It brings us closer to a common victory over the Russian aggressor," the president of Ukraine said and thanked Biden for his leadership in mobilizing international support for the security of our country.

During the conversation, the head of the Ukrainian state reported on the latest developments on the front line and informed about the urgent needs of the Armed Forces to effectively counter Russian aggression. The importance of further coordination of relevant efforts within the Rammstein format was noted.

The interlocutors discussed the importance of further economic and humanitarian support for Ukraine.

"We also appreciate the significant financial and macroeconomic support from the United States. It helps us survive this war," Zelensky said.

He separately thanked the U.S. President for the decision to allocate $225 million in humanitarian assistance to the population of Ukraine affected by Russian aggression.

"We must win this war and return our occupied territories. This will be our common victory," Zelensky said.
The U.S. decision to provide $350 million in arms to Ukraine, along with an additional $650 million in assistance announced on June 15, will bring total U.S. security assistance to Ukraine to over $5.6 billion since Russia launched its brutal and unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said.

"When he decided to launch an unjustified invasion against his neighbor, President Putin intended to divide the United States and its Allies and partners. Nevertheless, we are stronger and more united than ever. The Kremlin thought it would undermine or even overthrow the Ukrainian government, but President Zelensky and the democratically elected government of Ukraine stand strong. Russia's forces lost the battle for Kyiv and continue a slow and grinding offensive in Ukraine's east and south, held back by Ukraine's resolute and valiant defenders," Blinken said, commenting on the new aid package.

He said that U.S. security assistance and that of more than 40 Allies and partners continue to strengthen Ukraine's position to defend its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, secure victories on the battlefield, and ultimately strengthen Ukraine's position at the negotiating table.

"We have imposed powerful sanctions on Russia, bolstered NATO's deterrence and defense on the Eastern Flank, and provided historic levels of military and other assistance to Ukraine as it has bravely defended its territory and its freedom. Our resolve is unwavering. We stand united with Ukraine," Blinken said.

As reported, on June 15, U.S. President Joseph Biden announced a decision to provide Kyiv with an additional assistance in the amount of $1 billion. According to him, it is "additional artillery and coastal defense weapons, as well as ammunition for the artillery and advanced rocket systems."
By Trend

The first panel session on "Ukraine War, Resistance, Refugees & Reconstruction" within the IX Global Baku Forum was held on June 16, Trend reports.

Measures against new types of hybrid warfare, including cyberattacks, the organization of post-war reconstruction of Ukraine and a number of other issues, were discussed at the meeting, moderated by the President and CEO of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy Susan Elliott, Trend reports.

Speaking at the meeting, former First Lady of Ukraine Kateryna Yushchenko noted the need for a new look at world security.

According to Yushchenko, the consequences of current problems can also affect future generations.

Former Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic said that the main issue is to end the war and carry out reconstruction and construction work.

The panel session continued with speeches of other participants.
Four HIMARS installations to be delivered to Ukraine by end of month  US Department of Defense

The U.S. Department of Defense expects that the HIMARS installations promised by U.S. President Joseph Biden on June 1 will be put into operation in Ukraine by the end of the month.

"By the end of this month, we will transfer HIMARs systems, ammunition and trained crews for operational use in the defense of Ukraine," the U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson said at a briefing on Wednesday, June 15.

He also said these installations will help Ukrainian military personnel to become more familiar with the HIMARS system and evaluate the effectiveness of its use on the battlefield.

According to the official, it is this information, combined with ongoing consultations with the Ukrainians, that will serve as the basis for future decisions on additional systems.
Civilian casualties from February 24, when Russia started the war against Ukraine, to 00:00 on June 14 amounted to 9,983 civilians (while 9,931 the day before), including 4,452 killed (4,432), the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has said on Wednesday, June 15.

"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.

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 1,712 men, some 1,144 women, 106 boys and 107 girls killed, while the gender of 67 children and 1,316 adults has not yet been determined.

Among the 5,531 wounded were 163 boys and 124 girls, as well as 172 children whose gender has not yet been determined.

Compared to the report the day before, three children were killed and three more were wounded.

OHCHR said that in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as of midnight on June 15, there were 2,414 (2,403) killed and 2,372 (2,359) wounded in government-controlled territory, and 169 (168) killed and 713 (707) 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 1,869 (1,861) killed and 2,446 (2,443) wounded.

According to the report, the increase in figures from the previous summary should not be attributed only to the cases on June 14, since during this period the office verified a number of cases from previous days.
Following the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format, which took place in Brussels on June 15, 2022, more weapons will be delivered to Ukraine, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov has said.

"These are 155-mm guns, HIMARS, Harpoons and others from the USA; helicopters from Slovakia; artillery from Canada, Poland and the Netherlands, MLRS from Germany. And something more," the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said on Facebook on Thursday morning.

According to Reznikov, the third meeting in the Ramstein format showed NATO's unity and readiness to provide more weapons to fight for freedom and independence.

The meeting was held at the initiative of U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin with the participation of Chief of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley in order to strengthen the defense capability of Ukraine. The meeting was attended by Reznikov, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Yevhen Moisiuk and heads of defense departments of about 50 states of the world.

"Ukraine will continue its fight for Freedom and Independence. Our partners will continue to support Ukraine. NATO has the greatest unity in its history. Ukraine will win," Reznikov said after the meeting.
France to further support Ukraine in long term and in all forms  Macron

France will continue to support Ukraine in the long term and in all forms so that it "can resist and defeat" the Russian offensive, French President Emmanuel Macron has said.

"We will continue this support in the long term in all its forms... I have always been constant. France has been by Ukraine's side since day one," Macron said during a visit to Irpin, according to France 24 statement on Thursday.

The media said the president denies any disagreements with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"Today it is necessary that Ukraine be able to resist and win... We are on the side of Ukrainians and Ukrainian women unambiguously," he said.

Macron called Irpin a "heroic city" where the offensive of the Russian army was stopped.

"We have all seen these images of the destroyed city, which is at the same time a heroic city, because it was here, among other places, that the Ukrainians stopped the Russian army advancing on Kyiv. So we must represent the heroism of the army and the Ukrainian population," Macron said.
On Thursday, June 16, the UK announced a new wave of sanctions related to Russia's military aggression in Ukraine, in particular, the forced deportation and adoption of Ukrainian children in Russia.

"Just announced: I have sanctioned: Patriarch Kirill, Head of Russian Orthodox Church and vocal supporter of Putin's war; enablers and perpetrators of Putin's war who have brought suffering to Ukraine," British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said on Twitter.

In addition, according to British government's press service, sanctions were imposed on Russian Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova for her forced transfer and adoption of Ukrainian children.

Lvova-Belova has been accused of enabling 2,000 vulnerable children being violently taken from the Luhansk and Donetsk regions and orchestrating a new policy to facilitate their forced adoptions in Russia.

"Today we are targeting the enablers and perpetrators of Putin's war who have brought untold suffering to Ukraine, including the forced transfer and adoption of children. We will not tire of defending freedom and democracy, and keeping up the pressure on Putin, until Ukraine succeeds. Putin's allies continue to choose to turn a blind eye to alleged war crimes and support his bloody offensive," Truss said.

Moreover, affected by the new package of sanctions are Sergey Savostyanov, a Moscow City Duma deputy and member of Putin's political elite who has publicly expressed support for Putin's war in Ukraine, and Alexey Isaiykin, President and Board Member of Volga-Dnepr Group, a Russian transport company with operations that is contracted by the Russian Government to create air bridges that carry critical goods.

In addition to them, the sanctions list includes four colonels from the 64th separate motorized rifle brigade, a unit involved in the killings, violence and torture of civilians in Bucha, and members of the so-called "Salvation Committee for Peace and Order," an organization collaborating with the Russian army to support the occupation of Kherson region.

"Putin's aggression reaches beyond Ukraine, with Russian exports fueling conflict across the globe. New sanctions today hit organizations responsible for supplying aircraft parts to the Myanmar Armed Forces. These new sanctions will limit Myanmar's military Junta  who are heavily reliant on Russian air assets  and cut Putin off from profiting from sales that fund his war machine. This comes after Amnesty International's report 'Bullets Rained from the Sky' - exposing the role of Russian arms in Myanmar," the UK government said.
The Russian occupiers shelled the territory of Sumy region from their territory on Thursday afternoon, information about the victims and destruction is being clarified, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine reports.

"Today, at about 1 p.m., border guards recorded shelling by russians from the village of Horodishche, Kursk region. The enemy fired from multiple rocket launchers. It is currently known that the farm was damaged as a result of the shelling. More information about the victims and the destruction is being clarified, " the Service said on Facebook.

As it was reported, the occupiers fired at Sumy region at night with the use of aviation, as a result of which four people were killed, six more were wounded. Another attack took place on Thursday morning. Two border areas were shelled.
Slovakia has handed five helicopters and ammunition for Grad multiple rocket launchers over to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Defense Minister of Slovakia Jaroslav Nad said.

"Today, at the meeting [of NATO defense ministers in Brussels] I announced that 122mm ammunition for Grad systems as well as four Mi-17 helicopters and one Mi-2 helicopter that were necessary for Ukraine, the transfer of which had been approved by the government, are already being used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the minister said on Facebook.

He also said that the assistance provided by Slovakia to Ukraine would be refunded from the European Peace Facility, which is a strong sign of solidarity of the EU with Ukraine.
Sanofi, the pharmaceutical company, has donated 30 million doses of medicines for the daily treatment of Ukrainians since the beginning of the war

A total of 30 million daily treatments have been donated by Sanofi as humanitarian aid, potentially helping 20,5 million patients. The overall market value of Sanofis donations on the medicines is over 21 mln euro.

According to Sanofi, among the medicines that the company donated to Ukrainians are insulins, antiepilepsy and heart disease drugs, emergency medicines, etc., which could potentially help 20,5 million Ukrainian patients. The overall market value of Sanofis donations on the medicines is over 21 mln euro.

"Since the start of the war, Sanofi Foundation coordinates and accelerates the provision of humanitarian aid with life-saving medicines and vaccines to support patients in Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees,"  stated at the company.

One of the key areas of humanitarian support is the supply of vaccines. Sanofi along with the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Health Authority (HERA), joined the initiative of European Commission which aims to ensure the coordination and distribution of medical emergency items, such as medicines and vaccines, to Ukraine, Moldova and EU Member States in the region.

"As part of this initiative, Sanofi donated 200 000 diphtheria and tetanus vaccines for Ukraine. This helped address the risk of epidemic-prone diseases faced by the refugee population, in particular children. A further 70 000 vaccines were distributed to Czech Republic, Slovakia and Moldova,"  stated at the company.

One of the biggest humanitarian aids was done with insulins to support patients with Type 1 diabetes. Thus, the company supplied insulins to patients with diabetes in Kharkiv and Kharkiv oblast and responded to a request from the Ministry of Health to provide insulins for people from Mariupol who were evacuated to Zaporizhya via humanitarian corridors.

"Patients with diabetes received 400 packs of innovative insulins. Also, more than 2 000 packs of this innovative insulin were delivered to five different hospitals in Ukraine,"  Sanofi informs.

Sanofi has donated insulin to the hospitals in Kyiv region (Boyarka, Vasylkiv), to Mykolaiv, Zaporizhya, Sumy, to the Institute of Endocrinology and Ukrainian Scientific and Practical Center of Endocrine Surgery in Kyiv for patients from Bucha, Irpin and Gostomel. Chernihiv Regional Clinical Hospital received the humanitarian support from Sanofi by the medicines for the treatment of cardio-vascular disorders and epilepsy and innovative insulin.

According to Yana Sayenko, Ph.D., endocrinologist, Sanofi's charitable insulin aid has allowed patients with diabetes to meet the need for the drug, which has been particularly acute in the first weeks since the war began. "There was no insulin at all in the occupied regions, so there were a few cases when patients died from not having access to treatment. It is especially valuable that the donation from Sanofi was done with analog insulins, which are safer and more convenient in difficult war conditions, when the patient's lifestyle is not always adequate," - said Sayenko.

As another example, Sanofi has provided humanitarian support for patients with multiple sclerosis who require continuous lifelong and expensive treatment. Thus, in April, Sanofi provided humanitarian support with more than 400 packages of an innovative drug for the treatment of MS, and in late May announced the provision of another 1 200 packages of this innovative drug. The medicines will be delivered to the humanitarian hubs in Lviv and Dnipro, where they will be distributed among patients.

Sanofi says that this amount should be sufficient by the end of the year, and it should meet the needs of those patients who are already on therapy, as well as new patients and patients who need to switch from injectable to tablet therapy.

"Because of the war, patients with MS often do not have the opportunity to maintain sterile conditions for injections or ability to ensure proper storage conditions, due to the lack of electricity in some regions. It is important for patients living with chronic diseases not to stop or interrupt their treatment, as this can have serious health consequences. At a time when the war is going on in our country, the issue of continuing therapy is becoming increasingly important, - the company explains.

One more direction where Sanofi provides its support is the continuation of clinical trials and the participation of Ukrainian patients in these trials no matter where they are.

To support these patients the company established a hot line +441223777070. Responds will be given either in English or in Ukrainian.

Finally, Sanofi employees around the world have come together to show support for Ukraine and make personal donations to support Ukrainians. The total amount of such donations has surpassed 390 000 euros, which became a 690 000 euros total donation for the Red Cross thanks to the Foundation S matching of 300 000 euro.

Sanofi Ukraine employees are actively involved in different volunteer initiatives, both in Ukraine and abroad - helping those who left their homes and have no food, buying military equipment, fighting on the information front and many more.

As most Sanofis employees are people with medical degree, they volunteer to help sort out humanitarian medicines coming to Ukraine, including at the Ministry of Health of Ukraine warehouses.
Around 160,000 square kilometers of the territory of Ukraine need to be examined for the presence of explosives, Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine Hanna Maliar has said.

"Some 160,000 square kilometers of the territory of Ukraine today need to be examined for the presence of explosives. A national agency for mine clearance operations has been set up under the chairmanship of the defense ministry of Ukraine. It is already operating and coordinating communication between all government agencies and international mine clearance organizations," Maliar told a press briefing hosted by the Ukraine media center in Kyiv on Thursday.

She emphasized that the area of 160,000 square kilometers entails the status of one of the most polluted countries in the world.

"Ukraine hopes for further assistance of Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining," Maliar said.
Zelensky, following meeting with Scholz, Macron, Draghi, Iohannis: Our main strength and effective weapon is our unity

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, following a meeting in Kyiv with the heads of Germany, France, Romania and the Prime Minister of Italy, said that the main force and effective weapon in the fight against Russian aggression is unification.

"This visit of the four leaders to Kyiv, our negotiations have proved once again that our main strength and the most effective weapon is unification, on which everything else depends," Zelensky said at a joint briefing in Kyiv with Scholz, Macron, Draghi and Iohannis.

"When you arrived at the train station in Kyiv, you heard the sound of a siren, which is heard in most areas of our state. This proves that Russia does not choose who and when to threaten, who in Europe to give security to," he said.

According to the President, Russian aggression against Ukraine is aggression against the whole united Europe, against every person and the common European system of values.

"And our joint response should be united only," Zelensky said, noting that the visit of the leaders of European states to Ukraine shows that Ukrainians are not alone.
By Azernews

By Orkhan Amashov

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans interview given to Al Jazeera on 13 June was, unexpectedly, not of a revelatory nature. Nonetheless, certain points articulated therein are worthy of close inspection.

This June is unlikely to go down within the annals of the Azerbaijani-Armenian normalisation process as a breakthrough. No new liminal line has been crossed. No admission resulting from painstakingly arduous self-analysis and metaphorical self-flagellation has been made.

Most of the statements made by Pashinyan in the interview were a reiteration of the regressive part of the post-conflict Armenian narrative. Yet there are always some nuances or shifts of emphasis that may be discerned and cogitated upon.

Right nomenclature

Whilst responding to the question on the 10 November trilateral declaration, Pashinyan insisted that the document in question is not a ceasefire agreement, but a declaration on ceasefire. At first glance, this may appear a pedantic, semantic and largely inconsequential formality, but this is not the case.

The Armenian PMs concise and rural definition for the declaration is that with the statement, the ceasefire came into force, all military actions ended, and there was a step aimed at ending the violence.

This is only one limb of the substantive core ingrained within the document. The 10 November deal, falling short of a peace treaty, is nevertheless a definitive ceasefire agreement, with a clear set of provisions, according to which Aghdam, Lachin and Kalbajar were returned to Azerbaijani control, albeit in desecrated form.

The deal was an armistice agreement giving rise to obligations under international law. Its declarative nature was augmented with normatively defined responsibility to undertake those steps enabling Azerbaijan to regain control of the aforementioned territories.

Pashinyans insistence on avoiding the term agreement has its roots in some rhetorical elements employed by him after November 2020. The Armenian PM was adamant to downgrade the declaration as a document deciding on nothing substantial.

Back then, this limited interpretation appeared to be driven by a desire to put on a brave face and placate the critics at home and amidst the diaspora. Now, it seems to be guided with the contrived belief that what once gave rise to the conflict has not yet been dealt with, and thus nothing has been decided upon, as such.

Nagorno-Karabakh issue not addressed

In this vein, Pashinyan stated that the trilateral declaration did not address the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, and the most urgent matter between Armenia and Azerbaijan and for regional peace remains related to this.

It is not just that the ceasefire deal did not entail any provision as to the subject in question, but there was no mention of the truncated remnants of the beleaguered, illegal and so-called NKR as an entity or the OSCE Minsk Group whose mandate was to do address the root cause of the conflict  which related to the territorial status of the former oblast.

The trilateral statement, of course, was not designed to be a final word on what is now the former conflict, but the absence of the key ingredient that had long been central to the protracted process is being perceived by many as the removal of the territorial status question from the discourse.

Denuded from its territorial dimension, the former NKR issue has transmogrified into one related to the rights and security of the ethnic Armenian population of Karabakh within the interstate normalisation process between Baku and Yerevan. This is what was missing from Pashinyans answer and he has yet to accept it unconditionally.

Interestingly enough, during the traditional Parliamentary Hour in the Armenian National Assembly, which took place subsequent to this Al Jazeera interview, the Armenian PM again reiterated that the status was not an aim in itself, but a method of achieving guarantees for the rights and security of the Armenian population.

DD subject

Whilst explaining the work of the delimitation commissions, Pashinyan said that this particular track of interstate engagement has nothing to do with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Here, he deserves a half-reprobation.

It is true that the DD subject (delimitation and demarcation) is unconnected with the operational situation on the temporary zone under the aegis of the Russian peacekeepers, yet the Armenian PMs insistence on referring to the former conflict in a present tense leaves much to be desired.

Zangazur and Lachin corridors

The Zangazur Corridor remains a subject that is a source of continuous vexation for Armenia. Pashinyan stated that the wording, the narrative about the so-called corridor is unacceptable, and it is a red line. He also argued that the trilateral declaration refers to one corridor, and that is the Lachin corridor that connects Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, whereas the rest is about opening communications, based on the principle of mutual respect for sovereignty and the inviolability of borders.

Again, it is undeniably true that the ceasefire deal does not mention the Zangazur Corridor, but what matters is the substance, which could be ascertained with relative ease upon examination of the original design behind Article 9. The self-same provision states, inter alia, that Armenia is to guarantee the safety of transport links between the western regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in order to organise an unimpeded movement of citizens, vehicles and goods in both directions.

In terms of its gist, the unimpeded connection between the main Azerbaijani territory and Nakhchivan, as stated in Article 9, is not different from the Lachin Corridor, along which Baku is to guarantee the safety of citizens, vehicles, and goods traveling in both directions.

What is of import here is the nature and normative core of a regime that will apply to the route going through Southern Armenia. The path will be long and rockstrewn, but the cartographers will reflect the new reality.
Germany will continue supplying Ukraine with weapon in future, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said.

"Germany has broken its national tradition long ago: we started supplying weapon to Ukraine. And we will do this in future, as long as Ukraine needs," Scholz said during a press conference following a meeting between the leaders of Ukraine, France, Germany, Italy, and Romania in Kyiv on Thursday.

He also said that Germany trains Ukrainian servicemen how to use modern weapons, notably self-propelled howitzers and anti-aircraft guns.

"We also promised to supply IRIS systems [IRIS-T air defense systems] that will defend entire cities from air attacks. We also agreed with the United States and Great Britain that we will provide multiple rocket launchers," Scholz said.
Russia must understand peace no alternative, must start looking for it  Zelensky

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Russia should understand that peace has no alternative and should start looking for it.

"Everyone sees that the only obstacle to efforts to restore peace is the Russian Federation's unwillingness to take real actions, to real negotiations aimed at restoring peace. Russia does not want peace. It wants nothing but war," Zelensky said at a joint briefing in Kyiv with Scholz, Macron, Draghi and Iohannes.

According to him, the Russian troops are currently continuing a brutal offensive in the Donbas, strengthening their grouping in the Kharkiv region, strengthening bridgeheads in the south of Ukraine.

"The aggressor state should understand that peace has no alternatives and should start looking for peace," he said, noting that instead Russia continues to look for new ways to intimidate Europe and seize more Ukrainian lands.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stressed the importance of providing Ukraine with the German IRIS missile defense system

"Special attention is paid to air defense. IRIS is very important to us. 10-15 missiles on average  such statistics of missile hits daily," he said at a press conference in Kyiv on Wednesday following a meeting with the leaders of Italy, Germany, France and Romania. "We need a lot of installations and I believe Germany will help us," he said.

"I am very pleased with the meeting. I am pleased that our unification is the beginning of our victory," the president said.
Whole Europe must unite its efforts and act boldly in order to solve the problem of safe transportation and shipment or Ukrainian grain, Prime Minister of Italy Mario Draghi has said.

"We must do everything possible to not let the situation become dramatic To avoid a serious crisis, we must ensure safe transportation of grain. This must not cause a global disaster. For this we must focus on how to organize grain transportation through the Black Sea. Russia, unfortunately, does not make advances. We must fight against this problem bravely and boldly, just like President Zelensky. And we, the Europeans, must act together," Draghi said during a press conference following a meeting of the leaders of Ukraine, France, Germany, Italy, and Romania in Kyiv on Thursday.

He added that there is some time to solve this problem as "the harvest will be ready mainly in September."
France will continue providing Ukraine with its financial, humanitarian, and military assistance, French President Emmanuel Macron has said and announced that a decision on supplying the Caesar 155mm self-propelled gun-howitzers to Ukraine would be made in the next few weeks.

"We will strengthen our military assistance," he said during a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday following a meeting with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.

Macron also said that from the first days of Russia's unprovoked military aggression France sent its experts for investigations into Russia's war crimes, which must not be left unpunished.

The president of France said that a mobile DNA laboratory would be sent to Ukraine as an important tool for complicated process of collecting evidence so that international justice could carry out its job.

"From the first day of the war Europe has been standing with free and independent Ukraine, international law, the UN Charter principles, which Russia decided to ignore in an absolutely conscious and unprovoked manner Ukraine can count on us," Macron said.
Mansoura's criminal court has postponed to Tuesday the trial of 21-year-old university student Mohamed Adel, accused of stabbing to death fellow student Nayera Ashraf in Mansoura city in northern Egypt last week.
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi extended on Monday his condolences to General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, the chairperson of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereign Council, over the death of Sudanese soldiers that were held captive by the Ethiopian Army, the Egyptian presidency said.
More than 70 percent of the first stage of construction on the New Administrative Capital (NAC) was finalised, the media centre of the Egyptian cabinet stated on Sunday, citing the New Administrative Capital Company.
Egypt announced on Thursday that it is lifting all COVID-related entry restrictions for all travellers, whether Egyptian nationals or foreigners, according to a statement by the Cabinet.
Partisan figures welcomed on Sunday the formation of a 19-member national dialogue board of trustees, saying such a line-up is the real guarantee to the success of the dialogue that brings together different representatives of Egyptian society.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a Decree conferring honorary titles on a group of healthcare workers.

According to the decree, they have been granted honorary titles for fruitful activity in the healthcare sector of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett hosted what was almost certainly his final cabinet meeting Sunday, commending his government as "short-lived with great achievements", ahead of parliament's expected dissolution this week.
Egypt issued the State Ownership Policy Document earlier this month to chart the map of future partnership between the public and private sectors, laying the groundwork for the latters greater participation in Egypts economic activities.
The first edition of the Dawar Arts Festival is running between 21 and 25 June.
President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged world powers to do their utmost to help end Russia's invasion by the end of the year, as G7 leaders planned new sanctions and vowed to support Ukraine "as long as it takes".
The Group of Seven rich nations told Russia on Monday it must allow grain shipments to leave Ukraine to avoid exacerbating a global food crisis.
France's president warned Monday that decades could pass before Ukraine joins the European Union, and proposed a new political organization to bring together countries on the continent that share EU values but are not part of the bloc.

During a speech marking Europe Day in Strasbourg, France, Emmanuel Macron said that ``we all know perfectly that the process of allowing (Ukraine) to join would take several years, in fact probably several decades.``

Macron spoke after the European Union's executive arm, the European Commission, said it aims to deliver the first opinion in June on Ukraine's request to become a member of the bloc.

Once candidate status is granted, the process of EU membership usually takes years and any single member-state can veto not only any final accession deal but also the opening and closing of individual negotiation chapters.

The 27 EU nations have been fully united in backing Ukraine's resistance to Russia's invasion, adopting unprecedented economic sanctions against Moscow since the start of the war on Feb. 24.

But leaders are divided on how fast Brussels could move to accept Ukraine as a member, and how swiftly the bloc could sever energy ties with Moscow.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said that she discussed Monday with Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy ``EU support and Ukraine's European pathway.''

For now, Ukraine only has an ``Association Agreement'' with the EU, which is aimed at opening the country's markets and bringing it closer to Europe. It includes a far-reaching free trade pact and is intended to help modernize Ukraine's economy.

Eastern European countries warmly support speeding up Ukraine's membership bid, but EU officials have stressed the process could take years due to the outstanding reforms that still need to be achieved before the war-torn country meets EU criteria.

Macron said a fast-track procedure for Ukraine would lead to lowering standards, an idea he refuses.

``The European Union, given its level of integration and ambition, cannot be the only way to structure the European continent in the short term,`` he said.

Instead, Macron proposed what he called a ``European Political Community`` which would be open to countries that haven't joined the EU, or, like the United Kingdom, have left it.

``This new European organization would allow democratic European nations that adhere to our core values to find a new space for political cooperation, security, energy cooperation, transport, investment, infrastructure, movement of people,`` Macron said.

Macron added that joining the new organization would not guarantee future EU membership.

Speaking at an EU conference on the bloc's future priorities, Macron stressed the stark contrast with Russia, which on the same day staged a military parade in Moscow to commemorate the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

``We have given two very different images of May 9,'' Macron said. ``On the one side, there was a desire for a demonstration of force and intimidation and a resolutely war-like speech, and there was here ... an association of citizens and parliamentarians -- national and European -- for a project on our future.''

Speaking later Monday ahead of a meeting in Berlin with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Macron added that it was important to give Ukraine an ``honest answer'' about the length of time it would take to achieve European standards.

Scholz said Macron's idea was ``a very interesting proposal for dealing with the big challenge we face.''

But he said the EU shouldn't stop pursuing the accession processes for those countries where it has already begun, citing as an example North Macedonia, whose leader had taken ``very brave'' decisions in recent years.

``We should find a way that this bravery isn't disappointed,'' Scholz said.

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Egypt recorded a daily average of four coronavirus infections and two deaths over the past week (21-27 May), the Ministry of Health and Populaton said in a statement on Saturday.

The figures are similar to the previous week, when the ministry reported a daily average of five new cases and two deaths.

An average of 16 people were discharged per day from hospitals nationwide over the past seven days, bringing the total number of recoveries since the outbreak began in February 2020 to 445,701.

Furthermore, more than 35.1 million people have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus since the start of the countrys mass vaccination campaign last year.

Also, more than 45.9 million people have received their first dose of the vaccine and more than 3.4 million people have received their booster shoot, according to the ministrys figures.

Egypt has witnessed a significant drop in coronavirus cases over the past weeks, with daily cases dropping from over 2,300 in February to the current figures  the lowest levels since the start of the pandemic.

Earlier this month, Presidential Adviser for Health and Prevention Affairs Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din highlighted the substantial decline in coronavirus infections across the country when he met with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.

Tag El-Din noted that most detected cases are accompanied with mild symptoms without health complications.

For his part, El-Sisi urged authorities to continue awareness and vaccination campaigns through national vaccination centres and to ensure easy access to the booster shots.

Amid the decline in COVID-19 cases nationwide, Egypt has eased in recent weeks many of the coronavirus related restrictions that it had imposed since March 2020.

This included allowing mosques and shrines nationwide to revert to normal operation hours after two years of being limited, as well as allowing weddings and celebrations at indoor halls in hotels as long as they followed precautionary measures against the coronavirus.

The improvement in the epidemiological situation in Egypt comes amid an ongoing drop in the number of new coronavirus cases and deaths globally after peaking in January, the World Health Organisation said in its latest weekly assessment of the pandemic.

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The Biden administration is restoring a line of communication for the Palestinians that had been canceled by former President Donald Trump.

The move, announced Thursday ahead of a possible visit by President Joe Biden to Israel and the occupied West Bank, means Palestinians will deal directly with the State Department in Washington rather than go through the U.S. ambassador in Israel first.

Reflecting the change, the former Palestinian Affairs Unit changed its name Thursday to the U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs.

In a statement, the newly renamed office said the move was meant to ``strengthen our diplomatic reporting and public diplomacy engagement.''

``We felt that it was important to reintroduce separate reporting lines to Washington on Israeli and Palestinian issues, by our respective teams on the ground that focus on these issues,'' it said, adding that it was reinstating a system that was in place for decades before Trump's cancellation.

The decision falls short of the Palestinian demand that the United States reopen its Jerusalem consulate, which for years functioned as a de facto embassy to the Palestinians.

There was no immediate reaction from the Palestinians or Israel.

The Trump administration shuttered the consulate, in one of a series of controversial moves that favored Israel over the Palestinians.

Under Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged to reopen it, a move that Israel said would challenge its sovereignty over the city.

It was thought that such a reopening could help mend U.S. ties with the Palestinians, ruptured under Trump. The U.S. has so far failed to reopen the consulate, apparently in fear of upsetting ties with Israel or destabilizing its fragile coalition government.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has said there was no room in Jerusalem for another American mission.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said it views the reopening of the consulate as part of the international community's commitments to ending Israel's decades-long occupation of territories the Palestinians seek for their future state.

Dan Shapiro, a former U.S. ambassador to Israel who is now a distinguished fellow with the Atlantic Council, called Thursday's move ``an interim step by the Biden administration toward reestablishing a consulate in Jerusalem.''

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited North Macedonia and Bulgaria on Saturday in a bid to resolve the dispute between both countries that has seen European Union membership talks with both North Macedonia and Albania blocked.

Bulgaria refuses to approve the EU's membership negotiation framework for North Macedonia, effectively blocking the official start of accession talks with its smaller Balkan neighbor.

Scholz said that ``the Western Balkans are of strategic importance'' for Germany and that his country is ``serious'' in supporting European integration of the region.

``North Macedonia and Albania deserve to start the membership talks,'' Scholz said at joint news conference with North Macedonia Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski in the capital, Skopje.

Bulgaria insists North Macedonia must formally recognize that its language has Bulgarian roots, to mention a Bulgarian minority in its constitution and to stamp out allegedly anti-Bulgarian rhetoric. North Macedonia says its identity and language aren't open for discussion and that the solution must be based on European values.

Kovachevski said that North Macedonia has fulfilled all criteria to start membership talks with the EU, based on a ``merit system,'' and again called on EU leaders to give the green light for opening talks at the forthcoming EU summit on June 23.

``North Macedonia and Albania cannot be hostages in this process because of the only one EU member state blocking,'' Kovachevski said.

Scholz left Skopje and traveled to Bulgaria's capital where he reiterated that he strongly supports the start of EU accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania.

Scholz _ speaking to reporters in Sofia, the final stop of his two-day tour to the region _ voiced optimism that progress will be made before the close of France's EU presidency on June 30.

The German chancellor discussed the war in Ukraine and the reduction of energy dependence on Russia with Bulgarian officials.

``I am convinced that we together, as Europeans, are responsible for the EU and for the stability of the Balkans. It is important that we use the enlargement process now, for the benefit of Europe,'' he said.

Scholz said that North Macedonia needs a solid European perspective and added that it wasn't easy to overcome the differences between the two Balkan neighbors.

``Our historical experience shows, however, that it is enriching for all countries when mistrust is overcome and friendly relations are built with neighbors,'' he said.

``It's very important to bring a new dynamic into this process,'' Scholz said after talks with Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov and added that North Macedonia must meet certain conditions to kick-start the process.

``I will advocate that the next steps happen,'' Scholz said.

``Bulgaria has three main priorities, about which the EU must be part of the guarantees, so that we can move forward _ through the European process, to ensure the inclusion of Bulgarians in the constitution of North Macedonia,'' Petkov said.

``At the same time, we have a framework position and a good-neighborliness agreement. So, each decision must include these three priorities,'' he said and added that the EU can provide potential opportunities to have European guarantees that this will happen.

North Macedonia applied for EU membership in 2004 and received a positive assessment from the European Commission a year later.

EU leaders agreed to formal accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia after Skopje settled in 2018 a nearly three decade-long dispute with neighboring Greece over the country's name, which saw it renamed North Macedonia.

Western Balkan countries are at different stages of EU membership talks. Serbia and Montenegro have already started negotiating some chapters of their membership agreements. Kosovo and Bosnia have signed a Stabilization and Association Agreement, the first step toward membership.

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Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed with UN Mideast peace envoy Tor Wennesland on Wednesday how to create an appropriate atmosphere to push forward peace negotiations between the Palestinians and Israelis as soon as possible.





According to the Foreign Ministrys statement, this should be in accordance with legitimate international resolutions based on the two-state solution in an effort to achieve a fair and comprehensive peace.

Shoukry affirmed the importance of breaking the current stalemate and engaging relevant regional and international parties in the Palestinian-Israeli peace process, in addition to exerting necessary efforts to achieve the desired targets and cementing the pillars of security and stability in the region.

The top Egyptian diplomat also called for refraining from all measures that undermine chances of achieving peace, reiterating Egypt's unwavering support for the Palestinians legitimate rights.

The UN envoy commended Shoukrys efforts in contacting all concerned parties over the past period, expressing appreciation for Egypt's support for achieving truce, pushing forward Palestinian-Israeli peace negotiations, and securing the development needs of the Palestinians.

Egypt frequently calls for the creation of an appropriate atmosphere to resume talks between the Palestinians and Israelis, which were stalled in 2014. Based on the two-state solution, Egypt has called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Egypt has intensified its calls for the resumption of the peace process, especially after Israeli assaults in Gaza in May last year left dozens dead, including women and children. Later in May, Egypt brokered a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian factions in the strip and worked on consolidating the agreement against similar escalations.

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Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev met with Albanian President Ilir Meta on June 16.

The Albanian President said he was deeply impressed by the development processes in the city of Baku, adding that the Azerbaijani capital had become more beautiful since his last visit. Wishing President Ilham Aliyev and the people of Azerbaijan new success, the Albanian President thanked the President of Azerbaijan for the successful completion of the TAP project. President Ilir Meta wished Azerbaijan success in large-scale construction work carried out in the liberated territories. Noting that the peoples of Albania and Azerbaijan are brotherly peoples, Ilir Meta hailed the fact that next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev thanked President of Albania Ilir Meta for his participation in the 9th Global Baku Forum. The head of state praised Albania's support for Azerbaijan's territorial integrity in the second Karabakh war, as always, and stressed that this shows once again that Albania is a friendly and brotherly country for Azerbaijan.

Noting the scale of the destruction in the liberated territories is very large, President Ilham Aliyev said that foreign journalists, politicians and other officials witnessed it by visiting those territories. Underling that Azerbaijan is facing the problem of landmines, the head of state stressed that more than 220 people have been killed or injured as a result of landmines so far.

During the conversation, they discussed cooperation in economic, trade, energy and other areas.
Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi received on Wednesday a phone call from King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain, Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said.

President El-Sisi and King Hamad tackled issues related to boosting cooperation between Egypt and Bahrain, Rady said.

The discussions comes as part of the distinguished and close relations binding the two countries, the spokesman said.

In 2021, the Bahraini investments in Egypt reached USD 3.2 billion, according to the Bahraini ambassador Hisham ben Mohamed

The Egyptian president and Bahraini King also tackled a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest as the two sides agreed on pushing forward mechanisms of coordination to face regional challenges.

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With fresh coats of paint and streets swept clean, Rwanda's capital is preparing for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit, which will bring leaders of the 54-nation group of mostly former British colonies whose relevance is sometimes questioned.

President Paul Kagame will host Prince Charles, U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson and scores of world leaders in a glittering summit, which takes place between June 20 and 25, that he hopes will promote this East African country's standing.

The summit is an opportunity to highlight Rwanda's stability and relative prosperity under Kagame's rule. It also will focus attention on Rwanda's widely criticized deal with Britain to deport asylum-seekers from the U.K. to Rwanda. Legal challenges stopped a flight that would have brought the first group just days before the summit.

The Commonwealth is a bloc of many developing nations but includes richer ones such as Singapore and Australia. Members range from established democracies such as Canada to more authoritarian ones like Rwanda itself.

Homeless people and sex workers have recently been removed from Kigali's streets as the government detained them ahead of the summit, according to Human Rights Watch.

What do the Commonwealth's countries have in common aside from their colonial past? Where is the bloc's voice in international affairs? And how does Africa, a continent of 1.3 billion people, benefit?

Climate change, and how to rebuild the global economy facing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, will be high on the summit's agenda, organizers say. The event also will discuss business, civil society, youth and gender issues.

Rwanda, a former Belgian colony now ruled by an Anglophile leader, seeks to show how the country of 13 million people has progressed since the genocide in 1994. It is the sixth African country to host the Commonwealth's biennial summit since 1971. Neighboring Uganda hosted the summit in 2007.

Commonwealth summits in Africa have been noteworthy. The 1979 gathering in Zambia helped to bring an end to white minority rule in Rhodesia, which became majority-ruled Zimbabwe in 1980. The 1991 summit in Zimbabwe saw the Commonwealth increase international pressure to bring an end to South Africa's racist system of apartheid.

``The Commonwealth is relevant, but the question is to whom? Do governments get political capital out of it? You profile your country, you profile your name,`` said Mwambutsya Ndebesa, a political historian at Uganda's Makerere University. ``You can derive political legitimacy out of hosting such an event.``

That rare opportunity is why countries such as Rwanda appear eager to ``spend their meager resources`` to host the summit, he said.

Rwandan authorities said they would spend roughly $10 million improving infrastructure ahead of the summit, which was initially scheduled to happen in 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hotels and restaurants are fully booked, ensuring the summit's popularity among some Rwandans.

``The bottom line is to showcase what products we Africans have, and visitors will always come back to buy or invest,`` said teacher Agnes Nadin. ``This is the beauty as CHOGM attracts a big gathering.''

But others who spoke to The Associated Press were less enthusiastic, asking what the Commonwealth means for Africans.

``The former master's underlying motivation is not good governance in Africa or improvement on the human rights platform but influence-seeking,'' said Dias Nyesiga, a business consultant in Kigali.

The Commonwealth should establish a peer-review mechanism of steps each member should take to achieve the bloc's values, including good governance and the protection of human rights, he said.

The Commonwealth would be more influential if it worked boldly to address global challenges such as ``the consequences of pandemics,'' said Eric Ndushabandi, a professor of political science at the University of Rwanda.

Representing 2.5 billion people, the Commonwealth notably monitors elections among member countries and makes recommendations in its reports.

The bloc has suspended member states in response to events deemed to be in violation of its values. Nigeria was suspended for years after a harsh military government executed environmentalist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others in 1995.

Zimbabwe left the bloc in 2003 as President Robert Mugabe's government faced criticism over disputed elections and seizures of farms owned by white people. Zimbabwe's current government now seeks readmission, and analysts say President Emmerson Mnangagwa is pushing for greater international legitimacy after taking power from Mugabe in 2017. Zimbabwe remains under international sanctions.

``Mnangagwa sees it as politically expedient to be added back into the Commonwealth because in as much he has been described as `worse than Mugabe,' he wishes to be seen as a good global citizen,`` said Zimbabwean political analyst David Chikwaza. ``The Commonwealth's association is something he believes will cement his mantra of reengagement.''

The Commonwealth undermines its influence by appearing to be more of a nostalgic political group rather than a trading bloc, Chikwaza said.

Commonwealth leaders at a summit in 2018 pledged to boost trade within the bloc to $2 trillion by 2030. But trade between Britain and Commonwealth countries was so low by 2020 that the bloc accounted for only about 9% of the U.K.'s total trade, with the value of exports to the Commonwealth falling by 16% between 2019 and 2020, according to the U.K.'s Office for National Statistics.

With China now Africa's leading trade partner, the U.K.'s political influence in its former colonies has waned. In Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, a mountain-top parliamentary building erected by the Chinese is set to replace the Victorian-style chamber.

Edson Sangwa, a Zimbabwean vendor of cheap electronics and children's toys imported from China, quipped: ``What is the Commonwealth? We know China!''

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Cloud Services Group (CSG), an experienced provider of IoT solutions and cloud services from Egypt, highlights the huge potential of automation for trucking businesses in the region over the simple GPS tracking systems used by many local fleet owners today.

We believe that IoT [internet of things] technologies are untapped in the Egyptian fleet management market, stated Mahmoud El-Dessouky  CEO of CSG, an experienced provider of IoT solutions and cloud services from Egypt.

Manual processes too expensive

In Egypt, many transport companies still choose to manage their fleets manually and are reluctant to invest in high-tech automation systems. Yet, the operational activities eat up a lot of a companys resources. Extensive administrative work, including paperwork, time-consuming tasks, and potential errors, hinders productivity and can cause substantial expenses for a business in the long run.

To illustrate the benefits of process digitalisation, El-Dessouky brought up a project implemented by CSG in 2021. They offered a comprehensive fleet management solution to Sky Logistics, a logistics operator that rents out construction machinery and delivers equipment across Egypt.

The major problem at Sky Logistics was their dependency on manual-based processes while dispatching and monitoring fleet missions. They wanted to change it, said El-Dessouky. The client asked to automate the day-to-day operations of their fleet to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

CSG made data work for the fleet

CSG developed dedicated software, Fleet Edge Master, consisting of 11 fleet management and tracking modules. The solution is built on top of Wialon, a multi-purpose platform for GPS tracking and IoT, and uses its specific features for delivery management.

GPS trackers and other sensors installed on all Sky Logistics vehicles collect comprehensive data, such as location, fuel consumption, temperature, weight, and sends it to Wialon. With this information, fleet managers track vehicles and evaluate driver performance in Fleet Edge Master. The new truck tracking system enables operators to plan routes and missions much quicker and automatically manage delivery orders, which also minimises the probability of human error.

To ensure reliable and fast communications with the staff en route or in the field, CSG created a mobile application for staff tracking. Additionally, each vehicle was equipped with a tablet connected to the solution, and now drivers get immediate notifications and see data they need to complete their mission.

The major difficulty during the implementation was the adoption of the telematics solution by the end users. They were unwilling to switch to digitalised processes and preferred to accept the drawbacks of the manual approach in managing a fleet, said El-Dessouky. But the data accuracy, faster handling, easy staff communication, and the ability to control all operations of the entire fleet in a single system helped change this mindset.

Thirty percent faster

As a result of digitalisation, Sky Logistics fleet management has been totally transformed. Their fleet operations have become smooth and efficient. The operators now have control over every shipment and every truck and use a wide range of functionalities to monitor and effectively measure the performance of the fleet as a whole, summed up El-Dessouky.

And what about actual figures? They speak for themselves. Sky Logistics reduced the total time spent by each vehicle in the course of a single mission by around 30 percent, and this affects the total savings on operational costs.

With the new solution, the client fixed their problem of slow, unreliable manual processes and enhanced business efficiency. Now they are thinking of creating a command-and-control center that would provide 360-degree visibility for their fleet 24/7.

A globally recognised solution

In 2021, CSGs project was named the best in the special recognition category in IoT project of the year, a global contest of telematics and IoT projects. The team behind Wialon, the worlds leading GPS tracking solution, hosts the competition annually. The mission of the contest is to show the diversity of areas where IoT can be used and appreciate advantages IoT technologies bring.

This year, Wialon is holding the IoT project of the year for the third time and invites companies from all over the globe to participate. Projects can be from any industry, and no restriction is set as to the software or hardware used. Efficiency and creativity are among the key criteria.

The call for applications started on 24 May. Submit your project here to make it known globally!

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Egyptian Coalition for Human Rights and Development (ECHRD) issued a report on Thursday detailing a threefold increase in Israeli hate speech and incitement against Palestinians on social media in 2021 over 2020 and describing its long term harms.

In a report titled Hate Speech and Apartheid in the Occupied Palestinian Territories issued Thursday, the ECHRD stated that hate speech against Palestinians is rooted in racist Israeli educational curriculum and news media that is responsible for implanting hatred since childhood on.

The report also stated that the expansionist settlement policy has resulted in the Palestinians being subjected to discriminatory apartheid laws favouring Jewish settlers.

Most of those who live in the settlements are from extremist Jewish groups that advocate the Jewishness of the state and play a role in provoking and inflaming the feelings of Palestinians with open hate speech and incitement to violence against them, according to the report.

The report also referred to the increasing international recognition of the state of affairs in the occupied territories, which invites parallels to other historical cases of apartheid.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in condemnation (within the international political discourse) of the apartheid regime, which was associated with the settlement regime in South Africa and ended in 1994... As a result of the control tools used by Israel in the occupied territories of 1967, there has been a political and geographical reality based on ethnic and hierarchical segregation in parallel with the ongoing Judaisation, the report stated.

The report mentioned the corrosive long-term harm of such a project, saying The government does not care about the dangerous political and moral effects of the settlements project, nor the systematic violations of human rights of the Palestinians who have been under Israeli military rule for fifty years.

Moreover, the Israeli leadership is not interested in the presence of two judicial systems in the occupied territories, one for the Palestinians and the other for Israelis. This trend has led to a flood of bills proposing direct or indirect annexation, culminating in the enactment of the 2016 settlements law.

The report concluded Israel cannot be considered a democratic country as it is enshrining racial segregation and discrimination in law. Instead, the government is consolidating a racist colonial legacy through ethnic cleansing and the deliberate denial of the rights of indigenous peoples on their historical land, including their their historical right to their land and property.

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The Egyptian Ministry of Culture announced that it had retrieved a long-lost paining by one of the foremost Egyptian painters Abdel-Hadi Al-Gazzar (19251966) and placed it in the Museum of the Egyptian Modern Art's collection.

Titled Inspired by the Red Sea Lighthouses, the painting dates back to 1964 and it was loaned to the Egyptian culture ministry, but had been lost since 1971.

The painting resurfaced recently when the ministry learned about it being placed on sale.

The owner of the painting had had it in his possession for 18 years after he obtained it during the demolition of a building. He claimed that he was not aware of its value, placing the painting in his coffee shop. When one of his customers pointed to its potentially high value, he began contacting the art specialists and dealers, including Sayed Zeinhom.

The latter recognised the significance of the painting, one of Egypts modern art treasures, and contacted the culture ministry's fine arts sector which took the steps towards recovering the painting.

Meanwhile, the fine arts sector's head Khaled Sorour issued a statement that the artwork is indeed the "lost" painting by Al-Gazzar and that it is among the states belongings, representing the countrys cultural heritage.

Once retrieved by the culture ministry, the painting was examined, confirming its originality. The ministry decided to place it within the collection of the Museum of the Egyptian Modern Art, located on the grounds of the Cairo Opera House in Zamalek.

The ministry underlined that the recovery of the painting is a part of the strategy that aims to regain all lost treasures whether they are inside the country or abroad.

Abdel-Hadi Al-Gazzar (19251966) is among the most important Egyptian artists of the postwar era. Having studied in Cairo and Rome, Al-Gazzar was among the third generation of artists who joined Hussein Youssef Amins Group of Contemporary Art, which rejected Western academic approaches to art making, according to the artists biography.

Following his graduation from the Higher School of Fine Arts, he held his first solo exhibition in 1950 at the Museum of the Egyptian Modern Art.

A son of an Islamic scholar, Al-Gazzar worked in his early years at Al-Azhar University and later on at the Faculty of Fine Arts. Living in Sayeda Zeinab district, his early work is inspired by urban religious traditions such as moulids, as well as other Egyptian beliefs and folklore, religious symbols, magical and occult imagery and metaphysical values. He also explored existential and philosophical themes. One of his most well-known works from this era is Moulid of the Dervishes (1951).

In the years leading up to the 1952 Free Officers Revolution, and during the Nasser regime, Al-Gazzar turned to depictions of the working class as well as the developments of the time. Following social changes, including those in the scientific fields, Al-Gazzar painted one of his most remarkable works, The Man Looking in the Microscope (1956).

Al Gazzar represented Egypt three times at the Venice Biennale between 1952 and 1960.

In 1964 he was awarded the Medal of Arts and Sciences and the National Encouragement Prize for the painting The High Dam (1964).

In an interview with his daughter, Tayseer Al-Gazzar, published in the National News paper, she described her father as fully indulged in art.

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The construction work at Tanzanias Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Project (JNHPP) undertaken by a consortium of Egyptian companies has reached advanced levels, Egypts Minister of Housing Assem El-Gazzar said while touring the site.

El-Gazzars visit to Tanzania aims to follow up on the work progress at the 2,115 MW hydropower project constructed on the Rufiji River, a statement by the Egyptian Ministry of Housing said on Thursday.

The work on the $2.9 billion JNHPP has been ongoing since 2019 and is expected to be completed by the end of this year, when it will provide clean power for more than 60 million Tanzanians as well as control water flow during flooding.

The JNHPP is expected to produce 5,920 GWh of power annually.

The project is being implemented through a joint venture of two Egyptian companies, the Arab Contractors Company and Elsewedy Electric, providing work to 8,000 Tanzanians and 1,000 Egyptian and foreign workers, according to official remarks in December.

Underway and completed work

The majority of the construction work on the body of the main dam has almost been completed, El-Gazzar said during his inspection tour.

Also, the installation of the electrical switchyard, which connects the dam to the Tanzanian power grid, is nearing completion, the minister noted.

Meanwhile, work is underway to construct the concrete structure on the top of the dam, where the main gates of the spillway will be installed, he added.

Work on the main intakes of the channels connecting the water to the building that houses the turbines is proceeding in accordance with the planned rates, El-Gazzar said.

This includes digging the three main channels which are more than 1500-metre-long and lined with concrete, he added.

Work at the turbine assembly building has also been completed and three mammoth cranes have been installed to receive the main turbine units, Gazzar said.

Installation of the turbines, one of the most important components of the project, are now underway, El-Gazzar added.

The main bridge extending over the Rufiji River has been completed as part of the dam project, which helps move the weighty turbine units between the two banks of the river, El-Gazzar said.

It has the largest capacity of any bridge in Tanzania, capable of holding up to 300 tons, the minister said. The bridge is 250 metre-long and is established on 50-metre-long pillars.

Work on one of the three saddle dams  up to 15-kilometre-long auxillary embankments that increase the capacity of the reservoir  has been completed, while work on the two others are nearly complete despite challenges the work team faced during the rainy season.

The minister confirmed Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisis keenness to regularly follow up on the project in light of its great significance to the Tanzanian people.

Example of cooperation

El-Sisi has repeatedly affirmed his support for the project to ensure that it is accomplished in accordance with world-class construction requirements to serve as a leading model for constructive cooperation between Egypt and Tanzania.

The project has been described as an example of cooperation between African countries regarding development projects, especially in the water sector.

The JNHPP is 1,025 metres long at the summit and 131 metres high with a storage capacity of about 34 billion cubic metres of water.

When complete, the JNHPP will be the largest in Tanzania, and the energy generated will be transmitted at a voltage of 400 kilovolts to a substation where it will be integrated into the national electricity grid.

The project dates back to August 2017, when Tanzania announced bids for the construction of the dam, which were later won by the Egyptian consortium.

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Chiefs of staff of Libya's eastern and western rival administrations arrived in Cairo on Thursday to support the meetings of the Libyan 5+5 military commission that kicked off in the Egyptian capital on Wednesday.

Eastern based Libyan Chief of General Staff Abdul-Razek Al-Nadori and chief of staff of the western-based Government of National Unity Mohamed Al-Haddad affirmed their keenness to ensure the success of the round of talks to settle the Libyan crisis and restore the unity of the Libyan military institution.

The visit asserts the necessity of depending on the official military institutions as being the guarantor of preserving the security and stability of Libya, the Egyptian news agency MENA said.

The 5+5 Libyan Joint Military Commission (JMC), which comprises five military officials from the eastern and western sides of the Libyan conflict, was one of three tracks in the settlement process that emerged from the Berlin Conference on Libya in mid-January 2020.

The new round of talks of the JMC looks at efforts to unify the Libyan military institution and shore up the ceasefire across the country. It also discusses means of the simultaneous and unconditional withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign fighters from Libyan territory.

The meetings come at the time when Cairo is also hosting consultations at different levels between Libyan officials from both camps on constitutional amendments for Libyas long-awaited elections.

The UN-third round of talks brings together lawmakers from Libya's east-based parliament and the High Council of State, an advisory body from western Libya.

The round, set to conclude on Sunday, aims to discuss the remaining articles of the constitutional draft, which covers rights and freedoms as well as legislative and judicial authority, according to the UN special adviser on Libya, Stephanie Williams.

The dispute over the constitutional framework of the election was among major challenges that caused planned national elections to fail in December 2021.

The oil-rich country has been wrecked by conflict since a NATO-backed uprising toppled and murdered longtime President Muammar Gadhafi in 2011. The country has for years been split between rival administrations in the east and west, each supported by different militias and foreign governments.

The meetings come days after clashes erupted last week in Tripoli between rival militias, leaving at least one person dead and causing significant material damage, according to AFP.

Authorities in Tripoli said an investigation has been opened into the incident, which has raised fears of reviving violence in the conflict-torn country.

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Egypt announced on Thursday that it is lifting all COVID-related entry restrictions for all travellers, whether Egyptian nationals or foreigners, according to a statement by the Cabinet.

The decision was taken following a meeting earlier today between Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and the country's Supreme Committee for the Management of Pandemics.

The cabinet's statement did not say when the decision will go into effect.

Arrivals to Egypt were required to either provide a negative PCR test performed 72 hours before departure, or an accredited COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing they were fully vaccinated 14 days before departure, or conduct any coronavirus tests approved by the Egyptian Ministry of Health at Egyptian ports of entry.

With today's decision, Egypt joins several countries in lifting coronavirus restrictions on travellers as pandemic-related infections fall globally.

Egypt has been witnessing a sharp drop in the numbers of coronavirus infections and deaths, as indicated by the health ministrys weekly update on the pandemic nationwide.

The average daily coronavirus infection and deaths tolls in Egypt have dropped to single digits in recent months.

Egypt, which relies on tourism revenues as a vital source of foreign currency, has been taking measures to support the tourism sector's recovery amid challenges posed by the pandemic as well as the Russia-Ukraine war.

In April, the country's health ministry cancelled exceptional COVID-focused disinfection of planes after each flight, returning to normal sanitisation procedures.

Acting Health Minister Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar told today's meeting that around 86.6 million doses of various types of coronavirus vaccines have been administrated so far, and 4.5 million booster shots have been received.

Egypt has a reserve of around 57.5 million vaccine doses, the minister added.

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Egyptian authorities released on Thursday a new group of pretrial detainees  eight men and two women  accused of disseminating false news affecting the country's national security, Lawyer Khaled El-Masry said.

The released detainees are Talal Al-Shafei, Mohamed Sayed, Ashraf Badawi, Mahmoud Zaki, Sami Nabih, Mohamed Abd El-Hakim, Omar Magdy, Fatima Swilam, Shaimaa Salem and Omar Shebl.

The prosecution charged them with publishing false news about the political and economic situation in Egypt, with the intent of disturbing public peace within the framework of the goals of the Muslim Brotherhood group, El-Masry said in a press statement.

Over the past weeks, many detainees have been released and others were pardoned after Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi ordered the reactivation of the Presidential Pardon Committee in April.

On Monday, Egyptian authorities released several journalists as well as activist Magdy Korkor, producer Moetaz Abdel-Wahab, and prominent activist and Karama Party member Hossam Mones, among others.

On 30 May, researcher and writer Ayman Abdel-Moeti, former spokesperson of the 6 April Movement Sherif El-Rubi, and two others were released.

More than 4,000 prisoners were granted presidential pardons in April and May.

In May, human rights lawyer Tarek El-Awady  a member of the Presidential Pardon Committee  said the committee is working on a list of pardon requests for 2,418 detainees and prisoners drafted by a group of human rights groups.

The restructured committee has said it will receive pardon requests through many avenues, including through the National Youth Conference website.

The committee will also receive requests through the complaints committee of the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) and via email to the human rights committees in both the House of the Representatives and Senate.

Pardon requests can also be submitted directly to the members of the pardon committee.

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In a story befitting of a documentary on the meteoric rise and fall of companies, a Cairo Economic Court put an end last week to the expansion of famous pharmacy chain 19011, declaring its bankruptcy after controversially dominating the pharmaceutical market in Egypt briefly before crashing.

The 19011 chain of pharmacies  which is owned and operated by Alfa  was founded in October 2017 by a group of seven low-profile young pharmacists with ten branches only.

By 2019, the chain had been the talk of the country after managing to acquire about 100 existing pharmacies. At its peak, Alfa had 300 branches nationwide with 250,000 pharmacists, administrators, and workers.

At the time, due to its booming expansion, the chain stirred controversy for its previously unknown source of funding.

Fast forward to 8 June 2022, a Cairo Economic Court declared Alfa bankrupt as of 29 May 2022 due to its inability to pay huge debts to banks and drug companies.

According to the court, Alfa had over EGP 7 billion in debts to banks and drug supply companies.

The final nail in the chains coffin was a lawsuit filed by lawyer Hany Sameh. Not only did he bring an official end to 19011 pharmacies, but has also managed to prove its bankruptcy, thereby halting its acquisition by the United Company of Pharmacists (UCP)  the largest pharmaceutical wholesaler in Egypt and the owner of the Care chain of pharmacies.

According to the UCPs official website, it is a subsidiary of Walgreens Boots Alliance. Multiple news reports said that UCP had been in talks to acquire unknown stakes in 19011 throughout 2021 due to the huge debts Alfa owned to the company, estimated at EGP one billion.

A lawyer already had filed a lawsuit before the Administrative Court to stop UCP's acquisition of the notorious chain. The lawsuit has been adjourned till July.

Furthermore, now that the company is bankrupt, the banks and drug companies that provided Alfa with loans will not be able to get their money back.

An endless chain of controversies

What characterised Alfas 19011 was not only its meteoric unexplained expansion or aggressive marketing policies, but also the number of controversies it was part of. With very little known about owners, speculation abounded that it could be a subsidiary of a company owned by the Egyptian Armed Forces.

Pro-Muslim Brotherhood satellite channels at the time circulated the rumour that led to it being labelled as the Armys pharmacy.

In response, the Egyptian army issued a statement on 28 August 2019 refuting such claims.

The Armed Forces deny what was circulated in hostile media channels and social media accounts from rumours related of owning or inaugurating a chain of pharmacies nationwide, and the Armed Forces urge all media channels and users of social media accounts not to spread such rumours, the short statement said without naming the chain.

The rumour gained further traction when a connection was made between the name of the chain, 19011  which also served as its hotline  and President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisis birthday on 19 November.

It seems that there is a problem with the chain because of its name, however, I do not see a problem in it. They chose these numbers so people would remember them, prominent TV host Amr Adib said on MBC Masr TV channel following the armys statement, adding that the projects and companies of the army were known to the public.

Days later, Adib himself hosted the owners of the chain in September 2019 after airing a misleading promo for the interview.

The Saudi-owned Cairo-based satellite channel announced at the time that Adib would be interviewing a guest by the name of Mahmoud Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi the name of El-Sisis son. Several news websites fell into the trap and reported it was the Egyptian Presidents eldest son, drawing the attention of many.

However, many viewers were outraged when it turned out that the guest was the managing director of the 19011 chain, who shares the same name as the presidents son but is not a member of President El-Sisis family.

Many accused Adib of misleading his viewers by not making it clear that he would not be interviewing the presidents son.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Board of 19011 Naem El-Sabagh  one of the guests who appeared on Adibs show  denied rumours that the company derived its name from the presidents birth date.

He confirmed that the name was chosen to match the hotline number, as their slogan was Our name is our hotline.

El-Sabagh also said that he and his partners knew that they would achieve revenues after three years and that the chain depended on marketing more than anything.

All these controversies, however, were soon left by the wayside when El-Sabagh made a snide remark that was seared into the memory of the Egyptian public and has been dug up and recirculated in the country over the past few days as a cautionary tale of how lofty ambitions and arrogance can destroy everything.

Any young man who reaches the age of 35 and is still poor deserves to be poor, El-Sabagh said during Adibs interview, describing his success with his partners as young men and becoming the owners of Egypts fastest growing pharmacy chain.

The statement provoked many that were struggling economically, with many young people finding it challenging to make a living wage.

According to the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS), the poverty rate in FY2019/20 in Egypt was 29.7 percent, down from 32.5 percent two years earlier.

Trouble with the law

The repercussions of the interview did not end at that point.

In the same week, Egypts Pharmacists Syndicate announced that the 19011 chain and its owners were being investigated, and that the chain itself was in violation of the law, which states that pharmacists are allowed to own no more than two pharmacies.

It also announced that the pharmacists who sold their commercial names to the chain were referred to the Primary Disciplinary Committee.

There are several old successful pharmacy chains like El-Ezaby and Roshdy in the country that have been operating for decades, yet as investment company-owned pharmacies and not individual pharmacist-owned pharmacies.

The syndicate has long criticised this loophole, arguing that chains can create a monopoly that can control the drug market.

Furthermore, big chains like El-Ezaby and Roshy chains have had their share of legal trouble in previous years, however, they are still operating successfully.

Meanwhile, there are several lawsuits in front of the Administrative Court against smaller chains formed by independent pharmacists that believe larger chains threaten their industry.

There have been attempts to resolve the issue; former MP Mohamed Fouad presented a draft law to recognise pharmacy chains and impose a 40-branch cap on them.

And yet, the law did not see the light of day, and the syndicate still targets pharmacy chains that abuse legal loopholes.

In statements to the media on Wednesday, Mohamed El-Sheikh, the head of the syndicate and a senator, said that chains are harmful to the industry.

What happened to Alfas 19011 pharmacies is expected, given their quick expansion and their violation of the law, he said, recounting the Arab proverb, what is built on falsehood is false.

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US sends special envoy to Pacific island nations with competition with China in mind

By Yang Sheng (Global Times) 10:07, June 15, 2022

Since China is boosting cooperation for development and security with the island nations in the South Pacific, the US and its Western allies in the region are getting increasingly anxious as Washington sent a special envoy to visit the region on Tuesday.

The US sees the region as their "backyard" and would not allow the nations in the region to develop ties with other countries independently. The US only paid attention to Pacific island countries when it found its hegemony in the region was impacted, while China is focusing on development and sharing benefits with the region, analysts said.

US President Joe Biden's special envoy for talks with three "tiny but strategically important Pacific island nations" will lead a delegation to the Marshall Islands this week amid growing US worries about China's influence in the region, Reuters reported.

Joseph Yun, a veteran diplomat appointed by Biden in March, told Reuters he and his team would be in the Marshall Islands from June 14-16.

A spokesperson for the US State Department said Yun would hold talks on the Compact of Free Association (COFA) that governs US economic assistance for the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), which is due to expire next year.

The US has similar agreements with the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and Palau, which expire in 2023 and 2024, respectively, and Yun is also responsible for those negotiations.

The Pacific islands have emerged as "a key front in Washington's strategic competition with China," said Reuters' report, observers said. Since China is boosting its cooperation with the South Pacific island nations, this has made the US and its allies in the region like Australia more and more anxious as they see the region as their "backyard" and don't allow countries in the region to independently develop ties with other countries, especially a major power like China that Washington sees as competitor.

Chen Hong, director of the Australian Studies Centre at East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Tuesday that "the US has positioned China as a strategic rival that will try to replace its global hegemony. With this outdated Cold War mindset, the US has persisted to perceive the world as two binary parts, 'us and them.' The South Pacific has become an arena of contention for Washingtonto contain, deter and impede China's cooperation and partnership."

The Marshall Islands used to be a US nuclear weapons testing ground and nuclear waste dump site, Chen said. "The Pacific island countries (PICs) had long been marginalized by the US. However, since China has proactively and successfully engaged in mutual economic, social and cultural collaboration with the PICs as a constructive partner, the US has spared no effort to suppress and ostracize China's presence and interest in this region," he noted.

Zhong Feiteng, a research fellow on Asia-Pacific and global strategy from the Chinese Academy of Social Science, said that since Antony Blinken visited Fiji in February, the first visit made by a US Secretary of State to the region in 36 years, the US is trying to send a signal to the world that it won't "let the PICs lean toward China."

When criticizing China's security cooperation with the Solomon Islands or groundlessly accusing China of militarizing the region, the US is actively increasing its military presence in the region, Zhong said, noting that "on the surface, the US claimed that it's discussing issues like climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic and disaster relief. But in fact, China has done a much better job than the US for the region on these issues."

Cooperation between China and the PICs cover more than 20 fields including trade and investment, environmental protection, preventing and mitigating natural disasters, medical and public health service, as well as poverty alleviation, said Zhong.

Unlike China's cooperation focus on trade, development and improving the local people's livelihood, the US inputs toward the PICs are aimed at preserving its hegemony and its strategic competition with China, rather than the concrete benefits that could fundamentally help the regional countries.

Yun's visit is part of his negotiation mission to extend the COFA with the three countries, Chen said, noting that Washington's ultimate aim is to "form a clique of countries in the Pacific willing to serve its strategic purposes."

"Such contestation provoked by the US and potential confrontation will destabilize the local geopolitical status quo and sabotage the ongoing economic development that has been bringing about enormous improvement to the local economies and people's livelihood," Chen said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
By Trend

The European Commission has signed a contract for nearly 110,000 doses of vaccines to combat the ongoing monkeypox outbreak, Trend reports citing Euronews.

The third-generation vaccines are manufactured by Bavarian Nordic, a biotechnology company based in Denmark.

The announcement was made on Tuesday morning by Stella Kyriakides, the European Commissioner for health and food safety, ahead of a meeting with health ministers from the member states.

The first deliveries of doses will begin at the end of June, Kyriakides said, to those countries "most in need."

Norway and Iceland, who are not in the EU, will also participate in the the joint scheme.
The initiative, dubbed Speak up... Dont be Afraid... Egypt is by your side, was launched in a ceremony attended by Minister of Emigration and Expatriate Affairs Nabila Makram.

During her speech at the launching ceremony, Makram said the coronavirus pandemic showed the importance of paying attention to the mental health of Egyptian youth abroad.

It also emphasised the importance of raising awareness about the difference between Western and Eastern cultures, in addition to the psychological issues expatriates may face, including bullying, racism, and exclusion, Makram said.

She added that young people do not talk about these problems, which exposes them to some psychological crises.

The cooperation protocol with Shezlong provides free of charge service to Egyptian youth abroad, so they can talk to psychological experts easily via an online platform and choose the psychological condition they suffer from, bullying, exclusion, psychological support, family problems, psychological pressures, and others.

During the ceremony, a documentary film was screened on the initiative and its goals as well as the steps to register on the online platform to receive the necessary treatment.

Founded in 2014, Shezlong helps patients connect with licensed therapists through online video calls, and uses cognitive behavioural therapy to teach individuals how to manage stress and anxiety.
Egypts state-owned Gosoor company announced it will launch its electronic catalogue of Egyptian products for exportation and inaugurate six commercial centres abroad on 3 July to promote trade and Egyptian products abroad, especially in African countries, stated the Ministry of Public Enterprise.

The e-catalogue is also meant to raise the competitiveness of Egyptian products. It provides producers and traders with a complete intermediation and matchmaking service for inputs and outputs, particularly targeting small and medium-sized enterprises.

Gosoor, previously known as El-Nasr for Export and Import  is affiliated with the Holding Company for Maritime and Land Transport, operating under the umbrella of the Ministry of Public Enterprise.

The e-catalogue will enable Egyptian companies, especially small ones, to register their exportable products for free, allowing workers in the companys external branches to find the appropriate commercial partner for the needs of each factory, read a statement by the cabinet on Tuesday.

The statement highlighted that new commercial centres will be inaugurated in Ghana, Cameroon, Sudan, UAE, France, and China, in the first phase, in order to redistribute branches to cover Africa and global commercial centres.

The initiative also includes opening 16 commercial centres to cover 40 countries around the world and is expected to be totally completed by the end of 2022.

The number of companies that have registered their products on the e-catalogue data collection platform so far has reached about 1,138 companies, the majority of which are small and medium-sized enterprises, with 19,000 products, the statement added.

The initiative is launched under the directives of Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, and the government is working on a plan to increase Egypts exports to $100 billion per year.

In 2019, El-Sisi discussed with the government launching Gosoor (Bridges) initiative, to promote Egyptian products in international markets and increase import and export operations.

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A new group of pretrial detainees have been released and three convicts have received a presidential pardon and are set to be freed within hours, according to a presidential decree published in the Egyptian Gazette on Tuesday.

The three released prisoners are Said Ibrahim, Mohamed El-Gharib, and Mohamed Morsy, according to the decree.

The prisoners were convicted in the case known as the Council of Ministers case that dates back to December 2011, months after the 25th of January Revolution.

Dozens of people in the case received prison sentences ranging from five to 25 years in prison over charges including sabotage, resisting authorities using force, and setting fire into government buildings during December 2011 protests.

Convicts in the case include renowned activist Ahmed Douma and actor and director Tarek El-Nahri, both of whom received final 15-year prison sentences in 2020.

The new group of pretrial detainees released today by the Supreme State Security Prosecution includes nine people detained in different cases, human rights lawyer Tarek El-Awady  a member of the Presidential Pardon Committee  tweeted on Thursday.

The detainees names are Ashraf Mohamed, Adel Ezzat, Mohamed Gamil, Ahmed Abdel-Nasser, Ali Harby, Khaled Khalil, Youssef Zaki, Ahmed El-Sayed, and Shawki Talaat, El-Awady said.

Over the past weeks, many detainees have been released and others were pardoned after Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi ordered the reactivation of the Presidential Pardon Committee in April.

In May, El-Awady said the committee is working on a list of pardon requests for 2,418 detainees and prisoners drafted by a group of human rights groups.

More than 4,000 prisoners were granted presidential pardons in April and May on the occasion of Eid El-Fitr and Sinai Liberation Day.

Recently, Egyptian authorities released several journalists as well as activist Magdy Korkor, producer Moetaz Abdel-Wahab, and prominent activist and Karama Party member Hossam Mones, alongside others.

The restructured committee has said it will receive pardon requests through many avenues, including through the National Youth Conference website.

The committee will also receive requests through the complaints committee of the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) and via email to the human rights committees in both the House of the Representatives and Senate.

Pardon requests can also be submitted directly to the members of the pardon committee, according to the statement.

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Surrounded by the wreckage left by Ukraine's successful but hard-fought defence of its capital in the early stages of the 113-day-old conflict, Draghi said: "We will rebuild everything.

"They destroyed kindergartens, they destroyed playgrounds. Everything will be rebuilt," he promised.

It is the first time the three have visited Kyiv since Russia's February 24 invasion.

Ukraine has applied to join the European Union and, although no-one in Brussels expects this to be a quick process, the leaders of the bloc's most powerful countries were expected to bring President Volodymyr Zelensky a positive message.

Kyiv is also pleading with its western allies to step up supplies of weapons to its forces, which are outgunned by Russian artillery on the frontline in east of the country.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis meet for a working session in Mariinsky Palace, in Kyiv, on June 16, 2022. AFP

'Stand by Ukraine'

Germany, especially, has been criticised for slow weapons deliveries, but western defence ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss what more they can do and on Wednesday US President Joe Biden announced $1 billion worth of new arms for Ukrainian forces.

Moscow was dismissive of the European visit, and of the arms supplies.

"Supporting Ukraine by further pumping Ukraine with weapons," warned Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov would be "absolutely useless and will cause further damage to the country".

The new US support package includes howitzers, ammunition, anti-ship missile systems, and additional rockets for new artillery systems that Ukraine will soon put in the field.

Fighting in eastern Ukraine is focused on the industrial city of Severodonetsk, and Russians forces appear close to consolidating control after weeks of intense battles.

Sergiy Gaiday -- the governor of the Lugansk region, which includes the city -- said Thursday around 10,000 civilians remain trapped in the city, out of a pre-war population of some 100,000.

Kyiv's army is "holding back the enemy as much as possible," he said on Telegram. "For almost four months they have dreamt of controlling Severodonetsk... and they do not count the victims."

Civilians trapped

Moscow's forces have destroyed the three bridges spanning a river between the city and Lysychansk.

Hundreds of civilians are trapped in a Severodonetsk chemical plant, which is under constant bombardment, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Russia said Ukrainian authorities had on Wednesday prevented an attempt at evacuating them.

From an elevated position in Lysychansk, an AFP team saw black smoke rising from the Azot chemical factory in Severodonetsk and another area in the city.

The head of the Severodonetsk city administration Oleksandr Stryuk told Ukrainian television on Thursday that there were about 500 civilians trapped in shelters at the plant.

"Fighting and constant shelling have been going on there for almost a week now," he said, warning that the shelling could damage ammonia storage and trigger a chemical disaster. "It is a miracle that the whole city has not been affected."

The Ukrainian military was using the high ground to exchange fire with Russian forces across the river.

Seeking more arms

Elsewhere, Russia launched a missile strike in Ukraine's north-east Sumy region, killing four people and injuring six others, governor Dmytro Zhyvytsky said on Telegram.

In Brussels, Ukrainian defence minister Oleksiy Reznikov and other officials met with around 50 countries of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at NATO headquarters asking for a surge in weapons and ammunition.

"Ukraine is really in a very critical situation and therefore, it's an urgent need to step up," NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg told journalists ahead of two days of talks.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meanwhile underscored that he was not as isolated internationally as his foes would wish with a call with China's leader Xi Jinping, their second reported call since Russia attacked Ukraine.

China has refused to condemn Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and has been accused of providing diplomatic cover for Russia by criticising Western sanctions and arms sales to Kyiv.

The United Nations warned a hunger crisis that has been worsened by the war in Ukraine, traditionally a breadbasket to the world, could swell already record global displacement numbers.

Addressing the food insecurity crisis is "of paramount importance... to prevent a larger number of people moving," the United Nations refugee chief Filippo Grandi told reporters.
The defense ministers of Greece and Turkey met Thursday on the sidelines of a NATO meeting amid renewed tensions between the neighboring countries and allies, Turkey's defense ministry said.

The discussion in Brussels between Turkey's Hulusi Akar and Nikos Panagiotopoulos of Greece focused on the ``importance of continuing the dialogue in order to reduce tensions,'' according to a ministry statement.

They discussed the need to keep channels of communication open, to focus on a positive agenda and bilateral and regional cooperation, according to the statement.

Turkey and Greece have a history of disputes over a range of issues, such as mineral exploration in the eastern Mediterranean and rival claims in the Aegean Sea.

Last week, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Greece to demilitarize its islands in the Aegean, saying he was ``not joking.'' He spoke during Turkish military exercises near the islands, including an amphibious landing scenario.

The government in Ankara says Athens has built a military presence on the Aegean islands in violation of 20th century treaties that ceded the islands to Greece after a long period of occupation by Turks _ or in the case of Rhodes and Kos, by Italy.

Greece counters that the islands need defenses given threats of war from Turkey, which has NATO's second-biggest military and maintains a large landing fleet on its Aegean coast.

Greece's state-run television said Panagiotopoulos spoke briefly with Akar after they stood next to each other for a photo of the NATO leaders. It quoted Panagiotopoulos as telling Akar: ``We can't move forward if you continue with this rhetoric and these policies.''

Greek government spokesman Giannis Oikonomou said Thursday: ``Greece has no intention of engaging in any way that would heighten the tension in the region.''

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis sought to reassure his compatriots this week. He said that despite strong rhetoric from Turkey, relations are not as low as they were in 2020, when the neighbors' warships shadowed each other in the eastern Mediterranean.

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Yemen's Houthi rebels are still recruiting children into their military ranks to fight in the country's grinding civil war, despite an agreement with the United Nations in April to halt the practice, Houthi officials, aid workers and residents told The Associated Press.

Two Houthi officials told the AP that the rebels recruited several hundred children, including those as young as 10 years over the past two months. They have been deployed to front lines as part of a buildup of forces taking place during a U.N.-brokered truce, which has held since April, one official said.

The officials, both hard-liners within the Houthi movement, said they see nothing wrong with the practice, arguing that boys from 10 or 12 are considered men.

``Those are not children. They are true men, who should defend their nation against the Saudi, American aggression, and defend the Islamic nation,'' one of them said. The two spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid friction with other Houthi leaders.

The Houthis have used what they call ``summer camps'' to disseminate their religious ideology and to recruit boys to fight. Such camps take place in schools and mosques around the Houthi-held part of Yemen, which encompasses the north and center of the country and the capital, Sanaa.

Yemen's conflict erupted in 2014 when the Houthis descended from their northern enclave and took over Sanaa, forcing the internationally recognized government to flee to the south. A Saudi-led coalition entered the war in early 2015 to try to restore the government to power, waging a destructive air campaign and arming anti-Houthi forces.

The war has killed more than 150,000 people, including more than 14,500 civilians and has plunged the country into near-famine, creating one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

Child soldiers have been involved in Yemen's war for years. Nearly 2,000 Houthi-recruited children were killed on the battlefield between January 2020 and May 2021, according to U.N. experts. Pro-government forces have also used child fighters but to a much lesser degree and have taken greater measures to halt the practice, according to U.N. and aid officials.

Overall, the U.N. says over 10,200 children have been killed or maimed in the war, though it is unclear how many may have been combatants.

In April, the rebels signed what the U.N. children's agency described as an ``action plan'' to end and prevent the practice. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the rebels committed to identifying children in their ranks and releasing them within six months.

UNICEF did not respond to requests for comment on the continued recruitment since, nor did spokesmen for the Houthi administration. The Houthis have in the past officially denied enlisting children to fight.

In early June, a high-ranking Houthi, Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, posted a video from a visit he paid to one of the camps in Dhamar province. It shows dozens of children in uniforms standing in a military-like formation and declaring allegiance to rebel movement's top leader, Abdul-Malek al-Houthi.

``Soldiers of God,'' they shout. ``We are coming.''

Four aid workers with three international organizations operating in rebel-held areas said they observed intensified Houthi efforts to recruit children in recent weeks. The Houthis' ranks have been thinned because of battlefield losses, especially during a nearly two-year battle for the crucial city of Marib.

The aid workers spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing for their safety, and said their groups could be barred from working in Houthi-held territory. They said the rebels have pressured families to send their children to camps where they learn how to handle weapons and plant mines, in return for services, including food rations from international organizations.

One aid worker who operates in remote northern areas described watching children as young as 10 manning checkpoints along the road, with AK-47s hanging on their shoulders. Others are sent to the front line. He said children have returned wounded from fighting at Marib.

Thousands of fighters were killed in the battle for government-held Marib. The Houthis' long attempt to capture it was finally stopped in late 2021, when government forces were bolstered by better-equipped fighters backed by the United Arab Emirates.

Abdel-Bari Taher, a Yemeni commentator and former head of the country's Journalists' Union, said that the Houthis are exploiting local customs to the children's and society's detriment. Having or carrying a weapon is a tradition deeply rooted in Yemen, especially in rural and mountainous communities, he said.

``It is a source of pride and kind of manhood for the boys,'' he said.

The Houthis also condition crucial food aid on children attending the training camps, some say.

Two residents in Amran province said Houthi representatives came to their homes in May and told them to prepare their children for camps at the end of the school year. The residents, who are farmers, spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

They said their five children, aged between 11 and 16, were taken in late May to a training center housed in a nearby school. One father said he was told that if he didn't send his children, his family would no longer receive food rations.

The U.N. panel of experts said earlier this year that the Houthis have a system to indoctrinate child soldiers, including using humanitarian aid to pressure families.

Children are taken first to centers for a month or more of religious courses. There, they are told they are joining a holy war against Jews and Christians and Arab countries that have succumbed to Western influence. Seven-year-olds are taught weapons cleaning and how to dodge rockets, the experts found.

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France's left-wing forces and allies of centrist President Emmanuel Macron exchanged bitter accusations Thursday ahead of the final round of tightly contested parliamentary elections, where the French leader risks losing his overall majority.

Losing a majority in the 577-seat National Assembly lower house in Sunday's vote could be a heavy blow to Macron's reform agenda, just two months after he prevailed against far-right leader Marine Le Pen in presidential elections.

Macron has endured a tricky start to his second term -- against a background of rising prices and Russia's invasion of Ukraine -- while the French left has finally united its disparate forces into a coalition.

The final campaigning is taking place with Macron out of the country as he visited Ukraine at the end of a three-day trip that also included stops in Romania and Moldova.

The first round of the parliamentary vote on June 12 painted an inconclusive picture, with Macron's centrist Ensemble (Together) coalition and the left-wing Nupes alliance led by hard-leftist Jean-Luc Melenchon neck-and-neck on around 26 percent of the popular vote each.

Just five MPs -- four from Nupes and one from Ensemble -- were elected outright in the first round, leaving all to play for in Sunday's run-off voting.

Polls project a range of either a slim majority for Ensemble or falling short by several dozen seats of the 289 MPs needed for an overall majority.

The nightmare outcome for Macron -- seen as unlikely but not totally excluded -- would be a majority for Nupes that would see Melenchon become prime minister in an uncomfortable "cohabitation".

'French Trumpism'

Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne told French television Wednesday that the "seriousness" of the international situation meant it was vital to hold a "strong majority in the National Assembly to continue to hold our place in Europe and in the world".

She slammed Nupes as "the alliance of circumstance" hiding Melenchon's "extreme vision" that is "dangerous for our economy".

But Manon Aubry, a European deputy for Melenchon's party, accused Borne of "coming up with one lie after another".

"She spent more than half of the interview talking about Nupes, which shows they are scared. The reality is that it's them who bring chaos," she told Franceinfo radio.

France's Europe Minister Clement Beaune, a close ally of Macron, accused Melenchon of "French Trumpism", after the former US president, and coming up with "fake news" especially on taxes.

Melenchon for his part accused Macron of acting like Trump in an unscheduled election speech at a Paris airport before leaving for Romania on Tuesday, where he urged voters to give him a "solid majority", warning against adding "French disorder to global disorder".

Le Monde daily Thursday complained that the campaign since the first round had descended into "caricature".

"Rather than discussing the serious issues of the moment, the majority seeks to present the left as a threat to the republic while the Nupes candidates claim to reveal the 'hidden agenda' of the president," it said.

Careers on line

Key members of the younger generation of French politics -- Budget Minister Gabriel Attal, 33, Le Pen's de facto number two Jordan Bardella, 26, and Melenchon ally Clementine Autain, 49 -- will meanwhile take part in a televised debate at 1900 GMT.

According to the latest poll by Ifop-Fiducial for LCI and Sud Radio, Ensemble is projected to get 265-300 seats against 180-210 for the left, meaning the overall majority is far from assured.

With most cabinet ministers standing for election and Macron insisting that those who lose should step down, election night promises to be a nervous time for some big names.

Beaune, the face of France's Europe policy, is facing a tough challenge from the left in his Paris constituency, while Environment Minister Amelie de Montchalin is in even more danger in the fight for her seat in the Essonne region south of Paris.

Turnout was just 47.5 percent in the first round and the chances of the left coalition may depend on how much they can bring out disenchanted young and working-class voters.

Meanwhile, despite placing far less emphasis on these elections than the presidential polls, Le Pen is projected by most polls to exceed the minimum of 15 MPs needed to form an official faction in parliament, the first time her far-right party will have managed such a breakthrough since 1986.

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NATO defense ministers gathered Thursday for talks focusing on bolstering forces and deterrence along the military alliance's eastern borders to dissuade Russia from planning further aggression.

The war by the Kremlin in Ukraine since February has led allies to rethink strategies and to agree that NATO forces should be present in greater numbers on that flank. They have already beefed up the deployment of troops and material and want to guarantee a long-term presence of forces.

In response to the invasion of Ukraine, NATO says it has placed over 40,000 troops under its direct command, mainly on the eastern flank.

NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said allies will take decisions on the scale of their posture for the the longer term "to ensure that we can defend every inch of Allied territory."

The meeting of defense ministers came ahead of a June 29-30 NATO summit in Madrid that will seek to set a determined course for the alliance in coming years.

Germany has already announced its plans to strengthen its engagement in Lithuania, while France wants to increase its presence in Romania, where it plans to have deployed 1,000 troops reinforced with Leclerc tanks by the end of the year.

Artis Pabriks, the Latvian defense minister, said the military alliance should position larger armed forces and material in Baltic countries.

"We want an improved planning, we want a headquarters structure, we want pre-positioning of different types of equipment, so if a crisis would come we should not wait," he said.

Discussions in Brussels will also focus on the need for more defense spending, Stoltenberg said, with the bids from Sweden and Finland to join the alliance also on the table.

Stoltenberg saluted the United States' decision to send an additional $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine and said NATO allies are "prepared to continue to provide substantial, unprecedented support" to the country.

The latest package, the U.S. said, includes anti-ship missile launchers, howitzers and more rounds for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems that U.S. forces are training Ukrainian troops on now. All are key weapons systems that Ukrainian leaders have urgently requested as they battle to stall Russia's slow but steady march to conquer the eastern Donbas region.

Speaking alongside Stoltenberg, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin praised the "historic decision" by Finland and Sweden to apply for NATO membership, expressing his hopes that discussions will continue to progress favorably.

Turkey has clearly voiced its opposition to the Nordic pair's NATO accession and Stoltenberg has been working hard to try to break the deadlock. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan insists Finland and Sweden must show more respect for Turkish sensitivities about terrorism. He is refusing to budge over what he says is their alleged support for Kurdish militants.

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The Russian military said it used long-range missiles Wednesday to destroy a depot in the western Lviv region of Ukraine where ammunition for NATO-supplied weapons was stored, and the governor of a key eastern city acknowledged Russian forces are advancing in heavy fighting.

The battle for Sievierodonetsk in Ukraine's eastern Donbas area has become the focus of Russia's offensive in recent weeks.

Russia-backed separatists accused Ukrainian forces of sabotaging an evacuation of civilians from the city's besieged Azot chemical plant, where about 500 civilians and an unknown number of Ukrainian fighters are believed to be sheltering from missile attacks. It wasn't possible to verify that claim.

Russian officials had announced a humanitarian corridor from the Azot plant a day earlier, but said they would take civilians to areas controlled by Russian, not Ukrainian, forces.

The Ukrainian governor of Luhansk, Serhiy Haidai, told The Associated Press that "heavy fighting in Sievierodonetsk continues today as well.'' The Luhansk and Donetsk regions make up the Donbas.

The situation in the city is getting worse, Haidai said, because Russian forces have more manpower and weapons. "But our military is holding back the enemy from three sides at once,'' he added.

In the Lviv region near the border with NATO member Poland, Russian forces used high-precision Kalibr missiles to destroy the depot near the town of Zolochiv, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said. Konashenkov said shells for M777 howitzers, a type supplied by the United States, were stored there. He said four howitzers were destroyed elsewhere and that Russian airstrikes also destroyed Ukrainian "aviation equipment'' at a military aerodrome in the southern Mykolaiv region.

Ukrainian officials did not immediately comment on the Zolochiv strike.

While focusing most of their attacks on eastern Ukraine, where they are trying to capture large swaths of territory, Russian forces have also been hitting more specific targets elsewhere, using high-precision missiles to disrupt the international supply of weapons and destroy military infrastructure. Civilian infrastructure has been bombarded as well, even though Russian officials have claimed they're only targeting military facilities.

In the northeastern Sumy region, the governor said two helicopters flying in from nearby Russian territory fired five missiles late Wednesday around the city of Hlukhiv. A residential building was hit, killing one person and wounding six, and other infrastructure was damaged, Gov. Dmytro Zhyvytskyy said on Telegram.

Early Thursday, loud explosions were heard in the city of Sumy while air raid sirens were going off, and the mayor urged residents to remain in bomb shelters and not to publicize any information about what was hit.

NATO members are pledging to send more and longer-range weapons to Ukraine.

President Joe Biden said Wednesday the U.S. will send an additional $1 billion in military aid, the largest single tranche of weapons and equipment since the war began. The aid will include anti-ship missile launchers, howitzers and more rounds for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, all key weapons systems that Ukrainian leaders have urgently requested.

Germany is providing Ukraine with three multiple launch rocket systems of the kind that Kyiv has said it urgently needs to defend itself against Russia's invasion. Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said Wednesday that Germany will transfer three M270 medium-range artillery rocket systems along with ammunition.

Germany said the transfer, which echoes similar moves by Britain and the United States, will be accompanied by training and will have "a swift and significant battlefield impact.''

In recent days, Ukrainian officials have spoken of the heavy human cost of the war, with Kyiv's forces outgunned and outnumbered in the east.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Biden for the new aid package.

"The security support of the United States is unprecedented,'' he said, reporting on a phone call the two leaders held earlier Wednesday. "It brings us closer to a common victory over the Russian aggressor.''

Zelenskyy said he has accepted invitations to speak at the NATO and Group of Seven summits at the end of the month.

"During the 112 days of this war, the Ukrainian army has proved that courage and wisdom on the battlefield, together with the ability to tactically outmaneuver the enemy, can have a significant result, even despite the Russian army's significant advantage n number of soldiers and equipment," he said in his nightly video address.

"Of course we are doing everything we can to overcome this advantage. Every day I fight for Ukraine to receive the weapons and equipment we need.''

Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chair of Russia's Security Council, ominously suggested that Russia is intent on not just claiming territory but eliminating Ukraine as a nation. In a Telegram post, he wrote that he saw Ukraine wants to receive liquefied natural gas from its "overseas masters'' with payment due in two years.

He added: "But there's a question. Who said that in two years, Ukraine will even exist on the map?''

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelenskyy, responded on Twitter: "Ukraine has been and will be. Where will Medvedev be in two years? That's the question.''

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The leaders of four European Union nations visited Ukraine on Thursday, vowing to back Kyiv's bid to become an official candidate to join the bloc in a high-profile show of support for the country fending off a Russian invasion.

French President Emmanuel Macron also promised Ukraine six more powerful truck-mounted artillery guns, the latest in a new round of Western arms pledges for Ukraine as the war grinds on in the eastern Donbas region.

The leaders ``are doing everything so that Ukraine alone can decide its fate,'' Macron said at a news conference.

In the face of Kyiv's fears that Western resolve to help it could wane, the visit by Macron and the leaders of Germany, Italy and Romania carried heavy symbolic weight. The three Western European powers have faced criticism for continuing to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin _ and failing to provide Ukraine with the scale of weaponry that it has said is necessary to fend off the Russians. Romania's president also made the journey.

After arriving in Kyiv to the sound of air raid sirens, the leaders headed to Irpin, a suburb of the capital that was the scene of intense fighting early in the war and where many civilians were killed. They decried the destruction there.

While shocking images of such devastation have rallied Western support, officials in Ukraine have expressed fears that ``war fatigue'' could eventually erode that _ particularly as rising prices and upcoming elections in the United States are increasingly dominating people's concerns.

The U.S. and its European allies have given billions of dollars in weaponry to Ukraine, and Germany and the U.S. recently announced new arms shipments. Such arms have been key to the country's surprising success in preventing the Russians from taking the capital, but officials in Kyiv have said much more will be needed if they are to drive Moscow's forces out.

Many in Ukraine hoped that the leaders' visit could mark a turning point by opening the way to significant new arms supplies and it also comes as EU leaders prepare to make a decision next week on Ukraine's request to become a candidate for membership in the bloc.

European allies have sent increasingly muscular weapons and rallied around Ukraine more than many expected, approving wave after wave of unprecedented sanctions against Russia that are badly squeezing Europe's economy.

But Ukrainians say more is still needed as Russian forces pressing their offensive in the eastern Donbas region, slowly but steadily gaining ground on the badly outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian forces.

While hopes were high for the visit, there was also skepticism.

Gov. Serhiy Haidai of Luhansk, which is also part of the Donbas, said the visit would not yield progress if the leaders ask Ukraine to sign a peace treaty with Russia that involves giving up territory.

``I am sure that our president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is not going to make concessions and trade our territories. If someone wants to stop Russia by giving them territories, Germany has Bavaria, Italy has Tuscany, the French can concede Provence, for instance,'' he said.

``Today it will be one territory, tomorrow another one, the day after tomorrow another,'' he said.

While visiting Irpin, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz observed that officials must keep the horrible scenes destruction in mind in all their decisions.

``Innocent civilians have been hit, houses have been destroyed; a whole town has been destroyed in which there was no military infrastructure at all,'' Scholz said. ``And that says a great deal about the brutality of the Russian war of aggression, which is simply out for destruction and conquest. We must bear that in mind in everything that we decide.''

Italian Premier Mario Draghi said during the tour of Irpin that Ukraine's backers will rebuild ``everything'' with European help.

``They destroyed the nurseries, the playgrounds, and everything will be rebuilt,'' Draghi said.

Macron, Scholz and Draghi, representing the three largest economies in the European Union, traveled to Kyiv together on a special overnight train provided by the Ukrainian authorities. They have been criticized for not visiting Kyiv sooner. A number of other European leaders have already made the long trip overland to show solidarity with a nation under attack, even in times when the fighting raged closer to the capital than it does now.

President Klaus Iohannis of Romania _ which borders Ukraine and has been a key destination for Ukrainian refugees _ arrived on a separate train.

After viewing Irpin, he wrote on Twitter that there are ``no words to describe the unimaginable human tragedy and horrible destruction'' and called for ``all Russian perpetrators to be held responsible by the international criminal justice`` system.

Several air raid sirens rang out while the European leaders were in their hotel preparing for the rest of their visit, and Kyiv authorities urged people to seek shelter. Such alerts are a frequent occurrence.

In Ukraine, Macron responded to criticism of France's response, including his recent comment that Russia shouldn't be ``humiliated,'' which deeply angered Ukrainians. He insisted that ``France has been at Ukraine's side since the first day.''

His office also released a list of the dates of all his conversations with Zelenskyy. They have spoken by phone on 23 occasions since the war began; and Macron spoke with Putin 11 times, including three times with Scholz.

Scholz had long resisted traveling to Kyiv, saying he didn't want to ``join the queue of people who do a quick in-out for a photo opportunity.'' Instead, Scholz said a trip should focus on doing ``concrete things.''

Germany on Wednesday announced that it will provide Ukraine with three multiple launch rocket systems of the kind that Kyiv has said it urgently needs.

Tamara Malko, a resident of the Donetsk region that is part of the Donbas, said Macron and Scholz had been ``very cold'' toward Ukrainians so far, and hoped for a change.

``We want peace very much ... and have high hopes for Macron and Scholz,'' she said. ``We want them to see and understand our pain.''

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By Trend

A joint Uzbek-Egyptian textile online forum was held in Cairo, organized by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Egypt together with the Uztuqimachiliksanoat Association, Trend reports citing Kun.uz.

The event was attended by more than 20 large textile companies of our country, as well as representatives of the Egyptian light industry.

At the forum, the participants discussed the most promising areas of cooperation with Egyptian partners in the field of the textile industry, proposals for opening a representative office of large textile companies of Uzbekistan in Egypt to conduct marketing research, establish partnerships with Egyptian textile manufacturers, study benefits and preferences for doing business in the territory of the ARE, the use of free economic zones of the country for the production and export of joint products to the countries of the EU, the League of Slave States, the USA and Latin America.

The participants emphasized the importance of studying the issues of reducing transport costs along various routes from Uzbekistan to Egypt in order to increase the competitiveness of Uzbekistans textile products in the ARE.

An agreement was reached on organizing a constant exchange of information between the diplomatic mission, the Uztuqimachiliksanoat association and textile companies of Uzbekistan in order to timely resolve emerging issues.
Here are the latest developments in the war in Ukraine:

European leaders back Ukraine's EU bid

The leaders of France, Germany and Italy back "immediate" EU candidate status for Ukraine on their first visit to Kyiv since the invasion during which they vow to help defeat Russia and rebuild Ukraine's shattered cities.

French President Emmanuel Macron says Ukraine must "resist and win" the war and announces that France will donate six additional long-range artillery systems.

Macron has been criticised in Ukraine and among some of its allies for saying that Russia should not be "humiliated" if defeated.

On a visit to the war-scarred Kyiv suburb of Irpin with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis he praises the "heroism" of Ukrainians.

More weapons 'useless', says Moscow

The Kremlin warns the French, German and Italian leaders that sending Ukraine more weapons is "absolutely useless and will cause further damage to the country".

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says he hopes the three leaders will encourage Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to "really look at the state of affairs."

10,000 civilians trapped in eastern city

The governor of the eastern Lugansk region, Sergiy Gaiday, says around 10,000 civilians, out of a pre-war population of 100,000, remain trapped in the city of Severodonetsk, where intense fighting has raged for weeks.

The city is the biggest in the Lugansk region that has not fallen to Russian forces.

The three bridges into the city have been destroyed, cutting off key escape routes.

Moscow says Ukraine on Wednesday blocked the evacuation of civilians from a chemical plant where Ukrainian forces are holding out.

'Our product, our rules', Russia says on gas

The head of Russian energy giant Gazprom says that Moscow will play by its own rules after slashing gas deliveries to Germany.

"Our product, our rules," Alexei Miller tells the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Poland, Bulgaria, Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands have all had their natural gas deliveries suspended since the war began for refusing to pay in rubles.

This week Gazprom cut its deliveries to Germany through the Nord Stream pipeline in what Berlin has slammed as a "political" move but Gazprom blamed on repairs being carried out by Germany's Siemens.

Italian energy giant Eni and Austria's OMV says their supplies have also been cut.

Russian spy stopped at war crimes court

The Dutch intelligence service AIVD says it stopped a Russian spy posing as an intern from accessing the International Criminal Court, which is investigating war crimes in Ukraine.

The Dutch say the man, whom they named as Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov, used a Brazilian cover identity but was unmasked as a member of Russia's GRU military intelligence.

The incident took place in April. The man was sent back to Brazil.

$1 bn more in US weapons

US President Joe Biden announces a new $1 billion worth of arms and ammunition for Ukraine.

The package includes more artillery, coastal anti-ship defence systems and ammunition for artillery and advanced rocket systems that Ukraine is already using.

Kyiv says it is outgunned in the fight for its industrial heartland of Donbas and appealed to Western allies for greater military aid.

Japanese airline ditches Z logo

Japan's Zipair budget airline ditches its Z logo for fear of it being read as a sign of support for Russia's war in Ukraine.

The letter Z has become a symbol of support for Russia's invasion after being spotted on Russian tanks and military uniforms in Ukraine.

It has since appeared on cars, clothing and on billboards across Russia, as well as on social media.

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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky referenced "Star Wars" and World War II as he sought aid from big tech firms on Thursday, appearing as a hologram at a conference in Paris.

He told a crowd of hundreds at the VivaTech trade show that Ukraine was offering technology firms a unique chance to rebuild the country as a fully digital democracy.

He asked for help on the terms of lend-lease -- the way in which the United States helped the Allies during World War II, whereby aid was offered without payment but on the understanding that hardware would be returned.

"It's unusual for presidents or heads of government to use a hologram to address people but this is not the only aspect of 'Star Wars' that we are putting into practice," he said.

"We will defeat the empire too," he said, obliquely likening Russian forces to the bad guys in the "Star Wars" franchise.

He said the government would lay out the specifics of a plan that would create a digital government at a conference in Switzerland in the coming weeks.

"No other country in the world will offer you such a chance to use the most advanced technologies at a state level," he said.

"It's an experiment and a digital revolution, and the modernisation of the current system all at the same time."

Ukraine has won praise for its use of technology during the war with Russia, utilising crypto communities to raise funds and even successfully appealing to Elon Musk to supply the infrastructure for satellite-based internet services.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 and has waged war on cities across the east and the Black Sea coast, in what Ukrainians say is an attempt to destroy their country.

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The ambassador thanked Kuwait and the bodies concerned for cooperating with Egypt to return the stolen pieces.

In a statements to MENA, Shaltout said that the two countries are keen on enhancing cooperation in various domains.

Egypt has been working to repatriate thousands of its artefacts that have been smuggled out of the country after being unearthed in illegal excavations.

Artefact theft increased after the 2011 uprising that toppled late President Hosni Mubarak, the aftermath of which saw a security vacuum nationwide.
Officially, the main points on the summit agenda will be the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. Cheong Wa Dae on Friday said Moon and Biden will hold their first summit on May 21. White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement, "Moon's visit will highlight the ironclad alliance between the United States and [Korea], and the broad and deep ties between our governments, people and economies."

A government official on Thursday said Korea "has decided to partially join the Quad by cooperating with the forum in coronavirus vaccines, climate change and new technologies." President Moon Jae-in is expected to make the agreement with his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden when they meet in Washington late next month, he added.

Korea has settled for a half-in, half-out solution under pressure to join the U.S.-led Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad, an informal anti-China alliance with Australia, India and Japan.

The Quad has been expanding cooperation in various fields such as vaccine deliveries and diversifying the supply chain of semiconductors away from over-dependency on China.

The U.S. wants to turn it into a "Quad Plus" with the Philippines and Vietnam and has repeatedly put pressure on Korea to join through various channels. But Seoul has been reluctant and insisted there has been no "formal request" from Washington yet.

"The U.S. is asking us to join a Quad Plus," a ruling party official said. "But we think we can cooperate with the Quad countries on a case-by-case basis in fields where we have a contribution to make." Another official said, "We're partially joining the Quad at the request of the U.S. because we need to secure more vaccines. But it's not full membership."

The government is wary of China, which has repeatedly asked Korea if it intends to join. Beijing accuses the Quad of being "cliquish" and taking a "cold-war-era approach."

It remains to be seen whether the halfway house the government has settled on will satisfy either side.
Seoul has been named one of the world's 10 best cities in which to launch a start-up business. A report released on Tuesday by global research firm Startup Genome ranked Seoul's start-up ecosystem 10th in the world.

The ranking is an all-time high for the city, up six spots from last year. It is calculated based on six factors: talent and experience, performance, funding, connectedness, market reach and knowledge.

In particular, Seoul excelled in terms of funding, thanks to an increase in venture capital.

The report evaluated 280 cities in 100 countries. California's Silicon Valley topped the list, followed by New York City and London tied at No. 2. Tokyo was at No. 12, the first time it has been outdone by Seoul in the rankings.
Gyeongbok Palace in central Seoul will begin offering tours in Spanish starting this week. The tours will be conducted every Friday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., according to the Cultural Heritage Administration.

Among four major palaces in Seoul, Gyeongbok Palace is the first site to provide the Spanish service regularly. Admission to the palace is W3,000 for adults but the guided tours are free of charge (US$1=W1,291).
Korea has joined the new Minerals Security Partnership led by the U.S. which aims to secure stable and diversified supplies of vital minerals independently of China.

Government officials attended the launch ceremony in Toronto, Canada on Tuesday.

The other members are Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Sweden, the U.K. and the EU. China is increasingly weaponizing its monopoly on rare-earth supplies.

The new government of President Yoon Suk-yeol has now joined several of the U.S.' anti-China initiatives, including the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, and Yoon has been invited to a NATO summit.

Critical minerals used as essential materials for semiconductor chips, secondary batteries and electric vehicles are in high demand but deposits are scarce and unevenly distributed among the power blocs.

China has the upper hand in the global supply chain of rare-earth elements. It triggered a diplomatic and trade conflict recently by restricting the export of some critical minerals on the pretext of a growing domestic demand. The MSP lists seven critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese and graphite as targets for cooperation.

"The members agreed on the need to establish transparent, open, secure and sustainable supply chains of critical minerals," the Foreign Ministry here said.
Lexus released its latest electric vehicles in Korea on Wednesday.

The Japanese carmaker's first plug-in hybrid, NX450h+, can travel up to 56 km on battery power alone, which is twice as far as most European models.

It has both a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and electric motor offering 307 horsepower, and comes with price tags between W71 million and W78 million (US$1=W1,291).
KYODO NEWS - Jun 16, 2022 - 09:22 | All, Japan

Low-cost carrier Zipair Tokyo Inc. said Wednesday it will ditch its logo featuring the letter Z, a pro-war symbol often seen on Russian military vehicles, to avoid misunderstanding.

The president of the wholly owned subsidiary of Japan Airlines Co. told a press conference at Narita airport near Tokyo that some people might see the current logo as indicating the company approves of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"I think some people might feel that way when they see it without any explanation," Shingo Nishida said.

The new logo will be a geometric pattern in green, black and white, the company said.

The budget airline currently operates flights connecting Narita with Bangkok, Seoul, Honolulu, Singapore and Los Angeles.

Zipair, which began operations in 2020 as an LCC specializing in international flights, plans to launch its sixth route to San Jose, California, in December.

The new logo will be put into use on Saturday. The letter Z has been painted on the vertical tail of its B-787s.
KYODO NEWS - Jun 16, 2022 - 16:41 | All, Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida suggested Thursday he is positive toward a significant increase in spending on defense research and development after a group of his ruling party proposed that the government secure 1 trillion yen ($7.4 billion) within five years for that purpose.

"It is an extremely important theme. I will take it very seriously and work positively," Kishida was quoted by Masahisa Sato, secretary general of the Liberal Democratic Party group, as saying.

The group of LDP lawmakers associated with defense issues, which submitted a proposal calling for the increase to the government, also met separately with Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi and Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno.

It requested that the government consider the increase in the process of revising the National Security Strategy by the end of this year.

Kishi said the government will address the proposal when updating the long-term security guideline as artificial intelligence, quantum technology and drones are playing a huge role in Russia's war on Ukraine.

The document submitted to the government also said the participation of Self-Defense Forces members is essential when the government, companies and scholars collaborate in the security field.

It also said an academic city with an institute tasked with advanced security technologies at its core should be created.

Related coverage:

Japan, U.S. conduct fighter jet drill again amid N. Korea threat

Japan may need to boost defense costs to 10 tril. yen: think tank

Japan mulls easing weapons export rules to prop up defense industry
By Azernews

By News Center

Turkish Bayraktar AKINCI unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), which was developed by Baykar under the leadership of the Presidency of Defense Industries, has successfully completed another important stage in the ammunition integration process, Yeni Shafak reports.

Bayraktar AKINCI, which took off from Corlu on June 14 with the KGK-SHA-82 (Winged Guidance Kit) ammunition produced by TUBITAK SAGE, successfully performed the first shooting test for the specified coordinate on the Sinop shore, according to Baykar's statement.

The electro-optical camera on the AKINCI and the ground telemetry antennae confirmed that the 340 kg of ammo hit the target from 30 km distant with high precision.

Bayraktar AKINCI, which just completed a successful fire test for the target on the sea surface using Roketsan's Teber-82 Guidance Kit, also owns the altitude record in Turkiyes aviation history.

Continuing its test flights, Bayraktar AKINCI B UCAV broke Turkish aviation history's altitude record on March 11 by soaring to an altitude of 40,170 feet.

Bayraktar AKINCI UCAVs, which were added to the inventory during a ceremony attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, are being actively deployed by security personnel in operational tasks. Six Bayraktar AKINCI UCAVs have so far been added to the security forces' arsenal.

Moreover, export contracts have been signed with three countries for Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV.

Within the scope of the contracts, Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV and ground systems are expected to be delivered on a regular basis beginning in 2023. Baykar, which made its first national UAV export in 2012, completed the export of $664 million UAV/UCAV system in 2021 and obtained more than 80 percent of its revenues from exports.

Negotiations with a number of countries interested in the National UCAV Bayraktar AKINCI continue.
KYODO NEWS - Jun 16, 2022 - 16:38 | All, World, Japan

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday there is an "urgent need" for a total ban on nuclear weapons amid heightened tensions stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Japan able to play an important role in achieving that goal.

His comments to Kyodo News came in advance of the first meeting to be held Tuesday in Vienna of state parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which entered into force last year.

"Recent events have highlighted the dangers posed by nuclear weapons and have further underscored the urgent need for their total elimination," he said in a written interview.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which began in February, has led to concern Moscow may follow through on threats to use nuclear weapons.

There is also disquietude over efforts by China and North Korea to expand their nuclear capabilities, with the United States warning Pyongyang may conduct its seventh nuclear test soon.

Guterres said he expects the treaty, which forbids the development and use of nuclear weapons, to become a "complementary part of the nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime" which it will strengthen through "its important focus on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons."

He said the meeting, along with the 10th review conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons slated for August in New York, will be "important opportunities to make progress" toward a world without nuclear weapons.

Japan, the sole country to have suffered atomic bombings, rightfully regards itself as a bridge builder between nuclear and non-nuclear states, the U.N. chief said.

"States will look to Japan for moral leadership to overcome divisions in order to make progress towards the shared goal of a world free of nuclear weapons," he added.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who represents an electoral district in Hiroshima, a city devastated by U.S. nuclear bombs in 1945 along with Nagasaki, has been seen as keen to work on that goal. He accompanied then U.S. President Barack Obama on a visit to Hiroshima in 2016 where the American leader called for a "world without nuclear weapons."

Japan has a long-standing security alliance with the United States -- one of the five nuclear-weapon states under the non-proliferation treaty along with China, France, Britain and Russia -- that offers the protection of Washington's nuclear umbrella.

Kishida said Wednesday he will not attend the Vienna meeting. The Japanese government will send a representative to a conference on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons held in the same city on Monday next week.

He is considering going to the NPT conference, according to a government source.

==Kyodo
KYODO NEWS - Jun 16, 2022 - 22:38 | World, All, Japan

The outgoing South Korean ambassador to Japan on Thursday met for the first time with the host nation's foreign minister, as ties frayed over wartime and territorial issues had prevented them from meeting, sources familiar with bilateral relations said.

South Korean Ambassador to Japan Kang Chang Il finally met with Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi just before leaving the post he assumed in January last year. Kang had never held talks with any Japanese foreign minister or prime minister during his year-and-a-half tenure.

During their brief encounter, the two did not talk about the future direction of their countries' relationship, with Hayashi simply thanking Kang for his service, the sources said.

Tokyo-Seoul ties sank to their lowest level in decades under former South Korean President Moon Jae In, over disputes stemming from Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, including compensation demands from South Koreans over what they claim was wartime forced labor.

Issues include as well the issue of "comfort women" procured for Japan's wartime military brothels.

The two neighboring countries have also been at odds over islets controlled by Seoul and claimed by Tokyo, known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea.

Kang, who was appointed by Moon, is set to be replaced soon by Yun Duk Min after Moon's successor, Yoon Suk Yeol, took office on May 10. Yoon has called for a future-oriented approach in bilateral ties.

Yun, who previously headed the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, is known as a foreign policy expert well-versed in Japan. He was part of a delegation sent by then South Korean President-elect Yoon to Tokyo in late April to hold talks with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and high-ranking Japanese officials.

Related coverage:

Japan, South Korea affirm improvement of ties as "urgent task"

Japan's foreign minister, next South Korean counterpart vow to mend ties

PM Kishida, Yoon's delegation agree to seek better Japan-S. Korea ties
Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape (R) meets with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, June 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)

Both sides expressed willingness to deepen bilateral relations and expand pragmatic cooperation. Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape said China will always be a reliable friend and good partner of the country.

PORT MORESBY, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi here Friday, with both sides expressing willingness to deepen bilateral relations and expand pragmatic cooperation.

Marape said his country thinks highly of China for making remarkable achievements in its development, realizing poverty alleviation goals as scheduled, and improving its people's livelihood, noting that PNG fully agrees that developing countries also have the legitimate right to develop.

The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative has extensively benefited developing countries including PNG, the prime minister said, while thanking China for its tremendous support in helping his country to accelerate development, particularly in infrastructure.

Important consensuses are being implemented by the two sides, and the two countries have established strong political ties and close economic and trade links, Marape said. He reaffirmed his country's adherence to the one-China policy, saying that a friendly relationship with China has become a consensus among all sectors in PNG.

PNG has learned from China to establish special economic zones, and has yielded positive results, Marape said, noting that his country will continue to deepen bilateral pragmatic cooperation, expedite a free trade agreement with China, and provide convenience to Chinese investment in PNG.

Praising PNG as a frontrunner in regional development as well as an engine for China-Pacific island countries cooperation, Wang said during the meeting that bilateral relations have withstood the test of international vicissitudes, with solid mutual trust established between the two countries.

The Chinese side appreciates PNG for fully understanding and staunchly supporting China in safeguarding its core interests. China will firmly stand with PNG on the regional and international arenas, and backs the Pacific island country seeking a development path suited to its national conditions, Wang said.

China will always be a reliable friend and good partner of PNG, he added.

The China-PNG cooperation has shown great vitality, which features development of all dimensions, in various fields and at different levels, Wang said.

China is ready to further synergize the respective development strategies with the PNG, and support the Pacific island country in establishing special economic zones, developing processing industries and expediting its industrialization, so as to strengthen self-development, he said.

China is willing to share development opportunities with PNG and welcome the export of more quality PNG products to the Chinese market, Wang said.

Both sides agreed to increase cultural exchanges and form stronger bond between the two peoples. Noting that China is a member of the "Pacific family", Marape said the Pacific Ocean binds the PNG and Chinese people together and PNG will continue pursuing a friendly policy toward China.

Wang encouraged more youths from the two countries to contribute to bilateral relations and friendship, and pass on their friendship from generation to generation.

PNG is the seventh leg of Wang's current tour to Pacific island countries starting from May 26, with Timor Leste as the last stop. Before arriving in Port Moresby, he visited the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu.
Photo taken on July 14, 2020 shows the Golden Bauhinia Square in south China's Hong Kong. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaochu)

Editor's note: On July 1, 1997, China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was established. Since its return to the motherland, Hong Kong has been on a broad path of leveraging complementary advantages in joint development with the Chinese mainland, and the practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong has been a great success.

Hong Kong's 25-year journey since its return is extraordinary. It has fully proved that the implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle is conducive to safeguarding the fundamental interests of the country, of Hong Kong, and of the majority of Hong Kong compatriots. Starting from June 15, Xinhua will publish stories under the column entitled "HKSAR 25," focusing on the successful practice of the "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong and comprehensively showing the achievements of Hong Kong in the political, economic, livelihood, social and cultural fields.

HONG KONG, June 15 (Xinhua) -- How many top international rankings does the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) have?

The number may be much higher than you imagine.

The HKSAR, which will celebrate its 25th founding anniversary on July 1, has an array of advantages that make it unique. A non-exhaustive list of its best titles includes:

It is the world's freest economy. Since 1997, Hong Kong has kept winning the title awarded by the Fraser Institute in Canada;

It is No. 1 financial center in Asia. Hong Kong, New York and London are collectively known as "Nylonkong," an acronym of the top three financial centers in the world. In the latest edition of the Global Financial Centers Index published by British think tank Z/Yen Group and China Development Institute in Shenzhen, Hong Kong maintained its third place in overall ranking in the world;

It also has No. 1 talent competitiveness in Asia. The IMD World Talent Ranking 2021 report lifts Hong Kong to the first place in Asia, from the fourth the previous year.

Aerial photo taken on July 1, 2021 shows boats cruising at the Victoria Bay in Hong Kong, south China. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

Here is more: No. 1 globally in financial system, No. 1 globally in initial public offering (IPO) capital raising and corporate merger and acquisition environment, No. 1 globally in business environment, and No. 1 globally in infrastructure safety, all of which were rated by world-renowned institutions or journals in recent years.

What has made them possible for Hong Kong despite such challenges as the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the 2003 SARS epidemic, the 2008 global financial crisis and currently the lingering COVID-19 pandemic?

The practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong is the key factor.

Under "one country, two systems", which is a universally recognized success, Hong Kong is able to maintain its capitalist system while enjoying unique advantages in doing business.

The Basic Law of the HKSAR protects private property and foreign investment, provides that Hong Kong shall not be subject to foreign exchange control, maintains Hong Kong's status as a free port, and guarantees the free movement of goods, property and capital in Hong Kong.

A light show is staged at the Victoria Harbor in south China's Hong Kong, July 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)

Hong Kong's return to the motherland also has brought new opportunities. The areas of economic and trade cooperation between Hong Kong and the mainland have expanded, the level of their cooperation has been raised and the convergence of their interests has broadened.

The mainland is Hong Kong's largest export market and source of imports, while Hong Kong has long been the mainland's largest source of inbound direct investment and offshore financing platform, and has also become the mainland's largest outbound direct investment destination.

It is the world's largest offshore renminbi business center. The renminbi deposit balance in Hong Kong has increased by nearly 133 times from about 6.3 billion yuan at the end of May 2004 to 841.9 billion yuan at the end of April 2022, and over 70 percent of the world's offshore renminbi payments are handled in Hong Kong.

It is also an important service platform for Chinese firms to go global, and a key offshore capital raising center. As of April 2022, 1,370 mainland enterprises are listed in Hong Kong, accounting for 53.3 percent of the total number of companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and 77.7 percent of the total market capitalization.

Citizens wave China's national flag and the flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Tsim Sha Tsui, south China's Hong Kong, Oct. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiayi)

For the HKSAR, "one country, two systems" is its greatest advantage. New opportunities include those brought by implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, and construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

According to China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), Hong Kong will continue to be supported to consolidate its inherent strengths and foster new ones.

With stronger integration into the country's overall development, it is foreseeable that Hong Kong's top-notch titles will continue to grow in the future.
by Hummam Sheikh Ali

HASAKAH, Syria, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The farmers in Syria's northeastern province of Al-Hasakah, considered a breadbasket of Syria, have been struggling to survive under the U.S. ban on wheat sales to the Syrian government-controlled parts of the province which is already hit by a severe drought.

Al-Hasakah contributed about 36 percent of wheat production in Syria, but the majority of the province was seized by Kurdish militias in 2015 except for some inner cities still under the Syrian government's control.

"Foreign intervention by the U.S. and its allies, and the drought have put the farmers in trouble, and they face obstacles to selling their products," Abdul-Hameed Karaku, the head of the farmers union in Al-Hasakah, told Xinhua.

"The difficulties and economic siege, as well as the embargo imposed by the U.S. forces, have broken the back of the farmers and added a big burden on them and their children," Karaku said.

The Syrian government has repeatedly slammed the U.S. forces, which have been operating in Syria since 2014 in the name of fighting terror groups, as a presence of occupation.

The U.S. troops, allied with the Kurdish militias, have also been accused of stealing Syrian oil, gas and wheat, and even setting massive fires to wheat and barley crops in the northeastern provinces.

The Syrian government has accused the U.S. forces of systematically and deliberately setting fires to the Syrian wheat fields in 2019 and 2020.

Former Syrian Ambassador to the UN Bashar al-Jaafari said in a statement in June 2020 that the U.S. was publicly stealing 200,000 barrels of Syrian oil on a daily basis, in addition to setting thousands of hectares of wheat farmland on fire.

The situation has been worsening in recent years due to a drought that has dealt a heavy blow to the wheat yield in the region, including the Kurdish-controlled areas where the farmers are not allowed to sell their grains to the government-held towns and cities.

"The U.S.-backed militias have prevented the delivery of grains to the government areas," Ali Makhlouf, the province's head of agriculture, told Xinhua.

In addition, the Russia-Ukraine conflict that broke out early this year has impacted the global wheat supply, creating a shortage of wheat supply for Syria, which last year imported 1.5 million tonnes of wheat, reportedly mostly from Russia.

The UN said in February that Syria ranked first among the 10 most food-insecure countries in the world in 2022, with 12 million people suffering from limited or uncertain access to food, as the country's economy is "spiraling further downward."

"We in Al-Hasakah suffer from the drought which has been ongoing for two consecutive years, and before that, we had suffered from wars and fires, as well as the impacts of the U.S. forces and sanctions," said Abdullah Hussain, a local farmer.

Karmo Ali, another farmer, said that the drought forced him to leave his wheat land unplanted due to the lack of rain.

"The land is barren, this is our reality here. Most of the people have been displaced because there are no jobs, nor harvests, and the situation has become absolutely bad," Ali said. 
Desert plants grow on cracked land in a dry agricultural area due to water scarcity in Salahudin province, Iraq, June 14, 2022. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

BAGHDAD, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Among dried trees on his farm in Iraq's Salahudin province, north of Baghdad, Walid Ali Mohammad stood helplessly, complaining about the drought that killed his trees and animals and wiped out his family's only source of livelihood.

"My farm and crops have gone dry. My animals died of thirst. The water scarcity ruined my life," said the 36-year-old Mohammed.

During the past few years, the small river running through Mohammed's village of Kubaiba started to dry up.

"Now, there is few green tree left and the farm turned into a barren land," said Mohammed, who used to plant citrus fruit on his land.

Known in ancient times as Mesopotamia or the land between the two Rivers Tigris and Euphrates, Iraq's fertile farmland is in danger today amid an unprecedented climate change.

According to the United Nations Environment Program, Iraq ranks the fifth most vulnerable country in the world to climate change, which will negatively impact social security and health in the war-torn country.

"We suffer from severe water scarcity because more than 90 percent of water comes from outside its borders," Iraqi Environment Minister Jassim al-Falahi told Xinhua, referring to Turkey and Iran.

The minister said that one of the most effective measures to be taken is to rationalize the use of water in agriculture and irrigation, such as the use of drip irrigation or sprinklers.

The Iraqi government is carrying out a massive campaign to raise public awareness about the importance of confronting the impact of climate change, added al-Falahi.

Hameed al-Nayef, the spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture, stressed that the danger of water scarcity is threatening food security in Iraq.

"There is a real danger and threat to food security in Iraq due to drought and water scarcity, which has led to a significant cut in the arable area this year, and this has repercussions on the lives of farmers," al-Nayef told Xinhua.

He also said that one of the ministry's plans to confront the water crisis in Iraq is to rely on groundwater and dig wells as an alternative to providing water for agriculture.

Ali Radhy, the spokesman for the Ministry of Water Resources, told Xinhua that "the water issue is very important and fundamental to food security."

Radhy said that the Ministry of Water Resources has made a plan to confront the water scarcity, which includes drilling wells in drought-affected areas and installing water pumping stations to supply some areas that have no access to water due to low river levels.

The serious challenge of water scarcity pushed the Iraq Parliament's First Deputy Speaker Hakim al-Zamili on Thursday to threaten to impose a trade ban on Iran and Turkey if they continue to "limit the flow of rivers from their lands."

"We may be forced in the parliament to enact a law criminalizing economic and commercial dealings with both Iran and Turkey," al-Zamili said at a press conference in Baghdad, calling on the two countries to resume negotiations on sharing water resources with Iraq. 

A farmer stands in the middle of his farm, which looks cracked as a result of drought and water scarcity, in Salahudin province, Iraq, June 14, 2022. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)
CHENGDU, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The 2022 International Conference on the Industrial Internet was held via video link on Wednesday, gathering political leaders, academics, experts, and enterprise representatives to discuss related topics.

Digital enterprise transformation, high-quality development of the industrial chain, the industrial Internet plus intelligent manufacturing in the 5G era, industrial software and security, and innovation to develop the global industrial Internet were among topics discussed during the conference.

Themed "create a new era of the digital economy based on industrial Internet innovation and development," the conference was jointly held by the provincial government of Sichuan in southwest China and the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation Limited (CASIC).

Long Guoqiang, deputy head of the Development Research Center of the State Council, said China's industrial Internet is entering the fast lane of development.

According to Long, the industrial Internet applies in 45 major categories of China's national economy, effectively promoting quality and efficiency improvement, cost reduction, and green and safe development of the real economy. The scale of China's industrial Internet industry has exceeded 1 trillion yuan (about 149 billion U.S. dollars).

Major industrial countries regard digital transformation as a strategic choice to build new competitive advantages, and the industrial Internet is a significant path for industrial digital transformation, said Wei Yiyin, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Data released by the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology showed that there are currently more than 150 influential industrial Internet platforms in China, linking more than 78 million sets of industrial equipment and serving more than 1.6 million industrial enterprises.

Advanced industrial Internet platforms and tools such as INDICS-OS, an industrial Internet operating system developed by CASIC, were launched at the conference.

The INDICS platform has linked more than 1.7 million devices, supported 179 kinds of industrial protocols, provided more than 18,000 industrial APPs, and served 336,000 enterprises. 
BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A three-stage engine of China's new generation manned carrier rocket will go to prototype sample development, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

The long-distance and multiple ignition tests of the engine have been successfully completed, indicating that it is ready to enter the next stage of prototype sample development.

The test examined the key technologies including the state of the engine and components, working reliability of the ignition system, and the real-time fault diagnosis system. 
WASHINGTON, June 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden said Wednesday that his country is providing Ukraine with a package of additional security assistance worth 1 billion U.S. dollars, as well as 225 million dollars' worth of humanitarian assistance.

Biden informed his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, of the decision during a telephone conversation, where the U.S. president said the security assistance will include "additional artillery and coastal defense weapons, as well as ammunition for the artillery and advanced rocket systems that the Ukrainians need to support their defensive operations" in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region, according to a statement released by the White House.

The humanitarian assistance will "help people inside Ukraine, including by supplying safe drinking water, critical medical supplies and health care, food, shelter, and cash for families to purchase essential items," Biden said in the statement.

Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin convened a meeting of more than 45 nations in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss support for Ukraine. "We also discussed Secretary Austin's efforts in Brussels today to coordinate additional international support for the Ukrainian armed forces," Biden said. 
By Trend

As many as 146 people have been infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the past 24 hours in Iran, reads the statement of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Iran, Trend reports.

In addition, 3 people have died from the coronavirus over the past day.

At the same time, the condition of 321 people remains critical.

So far, more than 52.4 million tests have been conducted in Iran for the diagnosis of coronavirus.

In total, over 150 million doses of vaccines have been used in Iran so far. A total of 64.5 million doses have been used in the first stage, 57.9 million doses - in the second stage, and 27.6 million doses  in the third stage.

Iran continues to monitor the coronavirus situation in the country. According to recent reports from Iranian officials, over 7.23 million people have been infected, and 141,360 people have already died.

Meanwhile, over 7.05 million people have reportedly recovered from the disease. The country continues to apply strict measures to contain the further spread of the virus.

Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The man died later from the disease. The Islamic Republic announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19.

The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transport hub - began at a fish market in late December 2019.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019.
Lau Ching-kwong, famed as the "top gun of bridges" in Hong Kong, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in front of Tsing Ma Bridge in Hong Kong, south China, on May 30, 2022. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaochu)

Lau Ching-kwong, famed as the "top gun of bridges" in Hong Kong, calls the island-rich region a museum of modern bridges. Bridges have witnessed Hong Kong's development as an international shipping and trade center, as well as its new advantages under the national development strategies.

HONG KONG, June 16 (Xinhua) -- In China's Hong Kong, there is probably no one who knows better about bridges than Lau Ching-kwong.

Starting as an assistant engineer in the 1960s, Lau has been in the bridge construction business for more than half a century and has overseen the construction of many world-class bridges in Hong Kong. He has also won the highest award for bridge engineers in China.

Famed as the "top gun of bridges" in Hong Kong, Lau calls the island-rich region a museum of modern bridges.

An ideal first stop to appreciate the rich variety of Hong Kong's bridges would be Tsing Yi, northwest of Hong Kong Island, and one of the most densely populated islets on earth.

An aerial photo taken on May 31, 2017 shows Tsing Ma Bridge in Hong Kong, south China. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

For Lau, Tsing Yi is special for being connected with so many state-of-the-art bridges: it has Tsing Yi Bridge and Tsing Tsuen Bridge in the east, Tsing Ma Bridge in the west, Ting Kau Bridge in the north, and Stonecutters Bridge in the southeast.

It is also a memory-jogging place for Lau as, among other personal reasons, he served as the chief engineer during the construction of the massive Tsing Ma Bridge in the 1990s.

The 1,377-meter construction is a major midway link to the Hong Kong International Airport, and the span is the longest of all bridges in the world carrying rail traffic.

"Before Tsing Ma Bridge, building such a long dual-purpose bridge in a typhoon-prone area has never been done in the world," Lau said.

The biggest challenge in building a cross-harbor bridge in Hong Kong is how to resist the wind. With a large span, the bridge has to be long enough. And to ensure the passage of large cargo ships, the bridge has to be high enough.

Lau and the team visited the countries with a developed bridge industry, seeking inspiration for the design. "We checked all their bridges that are over 500 meters long," he said.

File photo taken in May 2005 shows Tsing Ma Bridge in Hong Kong, south China. (Xinhua/Xue Yongxing)

After many experiments, they adopted the innovative design of using 5-meter-wide ventilation holes to enhance the bridge's stability against the wind.

To guarantee the lasting operation of the bridge, Lau, who was working on his doctoral course at Tsinghua University while building the bridge, participated in developing a bridge health monitoring system. His doctoral thesis was also centered on this subject.

"Tsing Ma Bridge's 'physical indicators' are so far quite good," Lau said with pride.

The Stonecutters Bridge is adjacent to the Hong Kong container terminal and is of great significance to the port logistics industry.

The main bridge is 1,018 meters long and was the second-longest cable-stayed bridge in the world when it was completed in late 2009. At 73.5 meters above sea level, the bridge is also one of the tallest bridges in the world, which allows the unimpeded passage of oversized cargo ships.

After its completion, the Stonecutters Bridge has become one of the new landmarks of Hong Kong, and its majestic appearance has attracted the public to visit and watch the bridge, making it a popular photo spot.

Bridges have witnessed Hong Kong's development as an international shipping and trade center, as well as its new advantages under the national development strategies.

An aerial photo taken on July 11, 2018 shows the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in south China. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is the world's longest bridge-tunnel combined cross-sea passage, a landmark project in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Lau was involved in the construction consulting work of the Zhuhai section of the immersed tube tunnel.

As the world's longest immersed tube tunnel under the sea, its construction difficulty lies in guaranteeing no water leakage from the pipeline interfaces, which is a world-class achievement.

Photo taken on Oct. 24, 2019 shows a view of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge from the "Ngong Ping 360" cable car in south China's Hong Kong. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

"It is amazing," Lau said. "The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has impressed the world."

By participating in the project, Lau witnessed China's rising prowess in bridge building, as well as its overall strength.

He believes that as China's strength in bridge-building develops and Hong Kong becomes increasingly integrated into the national development picture, Hong Kong bridge builders are ushering in the best of times.
BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement offers broader room for China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to deepen economic and trade cooperation, a Chinese official said Thursday.

Shu Jueting, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, made the remarks at a press conference as the trade volume between the two countries gained 10.2 percent year on year in the first five months of this year to 152.26 billion U.S. dollars.

The RCEP agreement, the world's largest free trade deal with China and the ROK among its signing members, came into force on the first day of 2022.

"Given a fragile global economic recovery, the continued fast-growing China-ROK trade fully shows the resilience and potential in their economic and trade cooperation, serving the common interests and development needs of the two countries," Shu said.

Working together with the ROK, China will implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, carry out the joint plan for economic and trade cooperation for the 2021-2025 period, unleash cooperation potential in new areas including green development and digital economy, push for the high-quality RCEP implementation, and further facilitate trade and investment, Shu said.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, China and the ROK have enjoyed robust trade and economic cooperation. Bilateral trade has surged to more than 360 billion U.S. dollars in 2021 from over 5 billion U.S. dollars in 1992. The two countries have become major trading partners with each other. 
Passengers wearing face masks are seen on a bus in Berlin, capital of Germany, April 1, 2022. (Photo by Stefan Zeitz/Xinhua)

The nationwide seven-day incidence rate per 100,000 inhabitants rose to 472.4 on Wednesday, almost twice as high as a week ago, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases.

BERLIN, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Germany's Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach expressed his concern Wednesday about the current increase in COVID-19 infections, warning that a summer wave has started.

"The announced summer wave has unfortunately become a reality. This also means little relief for the next few weeks," Lauterbach told the Rheinische Post newspaper.

The nationwide seven-day incidence rate per 100,000 inhabitants rose to 472.4 on Wednesday, almost twice as high as a week ago, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases.

A medical worker collects a swab from a woman at a COVID-19 test station in Berlin, Germany, on Jan. 19, 2022. (Photo by Stefan Zeitz/Xinhua)

For the first time since April, daily COVID-19 infections in Germany exceeded 100,000 on Tuesday, according to the RKI.

The new surge is largely attributed to the two more contagious Omicron subvariants, BA.5 and BA.4. Within a week, the share of BA.5 in Germany doubled to 10 percent, according to the RKI's latest weekly report.

Lauterbach encouraged the elderly and vulnerable people to take booster vaccinations, which can prevent severe symptoms even if they do not necessarily prevent infections.

A medical worker (L) receives a COVID-19 vaccine at the University hospital of Essen in Essen, Germany, Jan. 18, 2021.

Of the 69.4 million adults in Germany aged 18 and above, around 85 percent are vaccinated against COVID-19. More than 69 percent have received one booster shot while 7.8 percent already received two, according to official figures.

Most COVID-19 restrictions in Germany have been lifted. It was one of the last countries in the European Union (EU) to drop travel restrictions when entering from another EU member state for the summer months. 
LUANDA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- TAAG Angola Airlines and China Lucky Aviation (CLCA) signed Wednesday an agreement that enabled the opening this week of the Changsha/Luanda/Sao Paulo route (China/Angola /Brazil) for the transport of cargo.

The agreement is expected to generate an annual 200 million U.S. dollars turnover.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, TAAG CEO, Eduardo Fairen, said the Angolan airlines will initially be operating with Boeing 777-200 ER.

Eduardo Fairen, the TAAG CEO, added that for now, there will be two flights per week carrying various types of cargo, from clothing to logistical material, in an estimated movement of around 200 or 300 tons per week.

Fairen explained that Angolan airlines plan to add other Chinese cities to their flight routes, such as Hong Kong, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing.

China Lucky Aviation representative in Angola, Tongxi Li, in his turn, said the agreement signed will generate 200 direct jobs at Angola's airports, underscoring that the partnership between Lucky Aviation and TAAG is an example of successful economic cooperation bringing commercial aviation sector closer between the two countries.

Founded in 1938, TAAG currently makes 14 domestic and 12 international flights for passengers and cargo. 
MOGADISHU, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday appointed Hamza Abdi Barre as the country's new prime minister to replace Mohamed Roble who has been in office since September 2020.

Barre, a Member of Parliament from the Lower House of Parliament is a close ally of President Mohamud and member of the president's political party.

The president said in a televised news conference that Barre who is from Jubbaland State, a region in southern Somalia, has the ability to take the government initiative, building efforts and the development of national plans.

"I have the confidence in him (Barre) for this position," Mohamud said in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia and called on Somalis to rally behind the new prime minister.

The president wished the new prime minister success as he leads the government's ambitious reform agenda and called on Somali people to render him their unwavering support.

"I hope that Barre will form a government that will tackle insecurity, the drought response, climate change and developing international relations," Mohamud said.

Barre will now be tasked with the formation of a new Council of Ministers who has to be approved by Parliament. However, Parliament will have to approve the appointment of Barre first before the new prime minister proceeds to name a cabinet. 
LA PAZ, June 15 (Xinhua) -- University student Cleidy Mirian Montecinos will represent Bolivia in the finals of the Chinese Bridge, an international Chinese language and culture proficiency competition, after winning first place in the qualifier on Wednesday.

The winner received excellent scores in sections of Chinese speech, artistic representation and facts about China, and therefore won her ticket to China, where the final event will be held.

The qualifier lasted about three hours on line with seven semi-finalists presenting their Chinese language skills, knowledge of Chinese culture and traditions, as well as their artistic talent.

The event was also attended by Chinese diplomats, representatives of the Confucius Institute, Bolivian university professors and other guests.

Chinese Ambassador to Bolivia Huang Yazhong said that launched 21 years ago, the Chinese Bridge - Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students has become a platform for Chinese language teaching and exchange.

The theme of this year's competition is "One World, One Family," reflecting an important characteristic of Chinese culture, which stresses harmony between different cultures and nations, as well as harmony between humans and nature, he said.

The Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students is held every year among university students up to 30 years old around the world to promote friendship and collaboration between young people from different countries, united by their passion for the Chinese language and culture. 
BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- China has allocated 673 million yuan (about 100.3 million U.S. dollars) worth of agricultural relief funds to support crop pest prevention and control, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The relief fund will be used to purchase pesticides and equipment for the prevention and control of major crop diseases and pests to ensure grain output in 25 regions including the provinces of Jilin, Heilongjiang, Jiangxi and Hunan, according to the ministry. 
An oil painting of the famous novel Notre Dame de Paris and a sculpture of Quasimodo are seen at the apartment Victor Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, France, June 14, 2022. Victor Hugo is well known around the world for his novels, but a simple visit to the famous French writer's Paris apartment would allow his fans to discover some of his other sides: a photographer, painter, and decorator with a taste for Chinese culture. The apartment Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, as well as his house on the Channel Island of Guernsey, now make up the Victor Hugo Museum, which showcases the writer's various talents throughout his life. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

PARIS, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Victor Hugo is well known around the world for his novels, but a simple visit to the famous French writer's Paris apartment would allow his fans to discover some of his other sides: a photographer, painter, and decorator with a taste for Chinese culture.

The apartment Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, as well as his house on the Channel Island of Guernsey, now make up the Victor Hugo Museum, which showcases the writer's various talents throughout his life.

The famous Chinese Lounge in Hugo's Paris apartment is a good place to learn about a little-known aspect of his talent as a decorator.

Gerald Audinet, director of the Houses of Victor Hugo, Paris/Guernsey, told Xinhua that Hugo decorated a living room in his Guernsey house for his almost second wife Juliette Drouet. The Chinese Lounge was originally in that house.

Hugo and Drouet's appreciation of chinoiserie and Chinese material culture arose during a period in Europe when there was a passionate love for Chinese imports, particularly ceramics from Guangdong, and the couple continued collecting chinoiserie even during their exile in Guernsey, according to Arudinet.

According to him, Hugo used a lot of woodcarving to decorate the Chinese Lounge. "Many Chinese decors are carved on wood and painted with red and gold paints," Audinet said.

"Often, it is him who came up with the idea of decorating these woodcarvings with patterns that he designed...he also often put the final details on the woodcarvings," he added.

Hugo also drew inspiration from lacquerware furniture, embroidered silks, and Chinese plates. Hugo decorated Drouet's dining room with Chinese ceramics, so her guests could see and discuss them, Audinet said.

For Audinet, it was the difference between Chinese and European arts that attracted Hugo to fall for the chinoiserie.

To increase Hugo's influence in China, Audinet said that three exhibitions have been organized in China in recent years to present Hugo's life and works. 

Decorations are seen at the Chinese Lounge at the apartment Victor Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, France, June 14, 2022. Victor Hugo is well known around the world for his novels, but a simple visit to the famous French writer's Paris apartment would allow his fans to discover some of his other sides: a photographer, painter, and decorator with a taste for Chinese culture. The apartment Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, as well as his house on the Channel Island of Guernsey, now make up the Victor Hugo Museum, which showcases the writer's various talents throughout his life. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

Decorations are seen at the Chinese Lounge at the apartment Victor Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, France, June 14, 2022. Victor Hugo is well known around the world for his novels, but a simple visit to the famous French writer's Paris apartment would allow his fans to discover some of his other sides: a photographer, painter, and decorator with a taste for Chinese culture. The apartment Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, as well as his house on the Channel Island of Guernsey, now make up the Victor Hugo Museum, which showcases the writer's various talents throughout his life. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

Decorations are seen at the apartment Victor Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, France, June 14, 2022. Victor Hugo is well known around the world for his novels, but a simple visit to the famous French writer's Paris apartment would allow his fans to discover some of his other sides: a photographer, painter, and decorator with a taste for Chinese culture. The apartment Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, as well as his house on the Channel Island of Guernsey, now make up the Victor Hugo Museum, which showcases the writer's various talents throughout his life. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

A man visits the apartment Victor Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, France, June 14, 2022. Victor Hugo is well known around the world for his novels, but a simple visit to the famous French writer's Paris apartment would allow his fans to discover some of his other sides: a photographer, painter, and decorator with a taste for Chinese culture. The apartment Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, as well as his house on the Channel Island of Guernsey, now make up the Victor Hugo Museum, which showcases the writer's various talents throughout his life. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

Decorations are seen at the Chinese Lounge at the apartment Victor Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, France, June 14, 2022. Victor Hugo is well known around the world for his novels, but a simple visit to the famous French writer's Paris apartment would allow his fans to discover some of his other sides: a photographer, painter, and decorator with a taste for Chinese culture. The apartment Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, as well as his house on the Channel Island of Guernsey, now make up the Victor Hugo Museum, which showcases the writer's various talents throughout his life. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

People visit the Chinese Lounge at the apartment Victor Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, France, June 14, 2022. Victor Hugo is well known around the world for his novels, but a simple visit to the famous French writer's Paris apartment would allow his fans to discover some of his other sides: a photographer, painter, and decorator with a taste for Chinese culture. The apartment Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, as well as his house on the Channel Island of Guernsey, now make up the Victor Hugo Museum, which showcases the writer's various talents throughout his life. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

Decorations are seen at the Chinese Lounge at the apartment Victor Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, France, June 14, 2022. Victor Hugo is well known around the world for his novels, but a simple visit to the famous French writer's Paris apartment would allow his fans to discover some of his other sides: a photographer, painter, and decorator with a taste for Chinese culture. The apartment Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, as well as his house on the Channel Island of Guernsey, now make up the Victor Hugo Museum, which showcases the writer's various talents throughout his life. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

A man takes photos at the apartment Victor Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, France, June 14, 2022. Victor Hugo is well known around the world for his novels, but a simple visit to the famous French writer's Paris apartment would allow his fans to discover some of his other sides: a photographer, painter, and decorator with a taste for Chinese culture. The apartment Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, as well as his house on the Channel Island of Guernsey, now make up the Victor Hugo Museum, which showcases the writer's various talents throughout his life. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

A man visits the apartment Victor Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, France, June 14, 2022. Victor Hugo is well known around the world for his novels, but a simple visit to the famous French writer's Paris apartment would allow his fans to discover some of his other sides: a photographer, painter, and decorator with a taste for Chinese culture. The apartment Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, as well as his house on the Channel Island of Guernsey, now make up the Victor Hugo Museum, which showcases the writer's various talents throughout his life. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

People visit the Chinese Lounge at the apartment Victor Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, France, June 14, 2022. Victor Hugo is well known around the world for his novels, but a simple visit to the famous French writer's Paris apartment would allow his fans to discover some of his other sides: a photographer, painter, and decorator with a taste for Chinese culture. The apartment Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, as well as his house on the Channel Island of Guernsey, now make up the Victor Hugo Museum, which showcases the writer's various talents throughout his life. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

People visit the Chinese Lounge at the apartment Victor Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, France, June 14, 2022. Victor Hugo is well known around the world for his novels, but a simple visit to the famous French writer's Paris apartment would allow his fans to discover some of his other sides: a photographer, painter, and decorator with a taste for Chinese culture. The apartment Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, as well as his house on the Channel Island of Guernsey, now make up the Victor Hugo Museum, which showcases the writer's various talents throughout his life. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

Decorations are seen at the Chinese Lounge at the apartment Victor Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, France, June 14, 2022. Victor Hugo is well known around the world for his novels, but a simple visit to the famous French writer's Paris apartment would allow his fans to discover some of his other sides: a photographer, painter, and decorator with a taste for Chinese culture. The apartment Hugo rented from 1832 to 1848 in Place des Vosges in central Paris, as well as his house on the Channel Island of Guernsey, now make up the Victor Hugo Museum, which showcases the writer's various talents throughout his life. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
ADEN, Yemen, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A local Yemeni journalist was killed after his vehicle was blown up in the southern port city of Aden on Wednesday, a government official told Xinhua.

"An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attached to the vehicle carrying a local journalist named Saber Noman Al-Haidary, exploded and caused a large blast in Aden's district of Mansourah," the local government source said on condition of anonymity.

The night explosion killed the journalist and injured a number of passers-by, the official said.

The journalist worked for a Japanese news outlet, while it is not immediately clear why he was targeted, the official said, adding that the investigation is underway.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blast so far, but several Yemeni journalists had been killed in similar incidents across the war-ravaged Arab country.

Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when Houthi militia seized control of several northern provinces and forced the Saudi-backed Yemeni government out of the capital Sana'a.

Local authorities are trying to maintain security and stability in Aden. However, sporadic bombing incidents and drive-by shooting attacks still occur in the strategic Yemeni port city. 
NAIROBI, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan traders are keen to enhance their exports to China in order to boost their revenues, the industry lobby said on Wednesday.

James Odongo, CEO of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) for Nairobi County told journalists that some of the major Kenyan products that can be supported for further exporting to meet growing international demand include vegetables, tea, flower and coffee.

"The Kenya-China trade linkages also offer an opportunity, for the transfer of skills and technology from China to the local market even as Kenya seeks to rebuild from the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic," Odongo said during a trade and investment forum premised on the theme of expanding opportunities for Kenyan companies.

The event which was held in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, was aimed at promoting discussions on ways to tap into the Chinese market.

In January, Kenya signed a total of six memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with China touching on trade, digital innovations, green development, and investments aimed at increasing export and import opportunities for small and medium enterprises.

Odongo observed that Kenyan businesses require technical and financing support in order to upscale the production of promising export products.

"We also require support for the development of labeling and phytosanitary control standards appropriate to products for the Chinese market," he added.

Government data indicate that in 2021, Kenya exported goods worth 21.9 billion shillings (186 million U.S. dollars) to China. The key export products consisted of agricultural goods such as flowers and avocadoes. 
By Trend

Governor of the Iranian province of Razavi Khorasan Yaghoub-Ali Nazari has voiced Iran's readiness to bolster the economic relations with Finland, Trend reports citing Mehr.

Nazari made the remarks in a meeting with the ambassador of Finland to Iran, terming the two nations' ties as deep-rooted.

Razavi Khorasan enjoys good capacities in various sectors including agriculture, industrial as well as mining.

The policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to enhance diplomatic relations with all countries, he said, expressing hope the visit will be a prelude to the development of relations with Finland.

Commenting on Afghan nationals, he stated that the province hosts many refugees from Afghanistan, adding that welcoming refugees is considered the duty of all countries.

He voiced hope that Finland will also cooperate in the field of supporting the nationals.
YAOUNDE, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A gunman has attacked three villages in Cameroon's mountainous region of Adamawa, killing seven people, an official told Xinhua on Thursday.

Abbo Aboubakar, mayor of Belel municipality said, the man who is yet to be identified opened fire on villagers in Lesse Woka, Didjawa and Ngaoundamdji localities of the municipality.

"Four people died on Tuesday when the incident happened and three others died Wednesday in the hospital, three others are still in hospital," Aboubakar said by phone.

Some of the villagers have fled the localities, afraid that the gunman, who villagers said was well armed, will return again, according to the official.

Cameroon shares a porous border in the region with Central African Republic (CAR) and rebels from CAR regularly crossed the boundary to attack Cameroonians, according to security reports.

In 2018, Cameroonian president Paul Biya deployed special forces to the region after abductions became rampant. 
by Chen Binjie, Xu Chi

GENEVA, June 15 (Xinhua) -- During the ongoing 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, numerous members reiterated the WTO's fundamental role in the multilateral trading regime, hoping that the MC12 will achieve results on key issues pertaining to institutional reform and trade negotiations.

The delegation of Kazakhstan said that Kazakhstan is a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system and actively supports reforms to address the institutional challenges the WTO is facing today.

Kazakhstan considers it crucial to deliver meaningful multilateral outcomes on key issues such as the pandemic response, COVID-related intellectual property rights, food security and fisheries subsidies.

According to the delegation of Kenya, the ministerial meeting is being held amid an unprecedented economic situation caused by the pandemic and prevailing geopolitical trends, which have presented both trade-related challenges and opportunities.

The Kenyan delegation emphasized the important role of the multilateral trading system in the search for common solutions to cross-border challenges.

Noting the WTO is the only international body governing the rules of trade between nations, the delegation of Indonesia said the bedrock of the international trading system remains unchanged, calling for updating the WTO rulebook.

The Brazilian delegation said that the WTO has been facing serious challenges for some time: gridlocked negotiations, a non-functional Dispute Settlement Body and the need for modernizing reforms, and that their country hopes to revitalize the WTO.

The WTO can play a central role in the global response to economic and geopolitical challenges, said the delegation of the European Union, stressing that root-and-branch reform should focus on the WTO's dispute settlement, as well as its functions of trade negotiations and monitoring.

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said that the WTO-centered multilateral trading system is the cornerstone of international trade, and China is willing to work with all parties to promote the WTO's role in world economic recovery.

China will continue to safeguard the multilateral trading system with concrete actions and support the WTO reform to move in the right direction, Wang said.

The reform of the WTO should reinforce its functions and promote economic globalization to benefit all members, said the minister.

The ministerial conference is generally held once every two years and attended by trade ministers and other senior officials from the organization's 164 members.

Kazakhstan was scheduled to host MC12 in June 2020, but the conference was postponed due to the pandemic. 
BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The following are the latest developments in the Ukraine crisis:

Canadian Defence Minister Anita Anand announced on Wednesday that Canada will provide Ukraine with 10 replacement barrels to enable the sustainment of M777 howitzer artillery guns.

In a news release, the defence minister said this military aid, valued at approximately 9 million Canadian dollars (7.2 million U.S. dollars), complements Canada's previous donation of M777 howitzers, over 20,000 rounds of compatible artillery ammunition, and the Canadian Armed Forces' training of Ukrainian Forces in the use of this equipment.

- - - -

U.S. President Joe Biden said Wednesday that his country is providing Ukraine with a package of additional security assistance worth 1 billion dollars, as well as 225 million dollars' worth of humanitarian assistance.

Biden informed his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, of the decision during a telephone conversation, where the U.S. president said the security assistance will include "additional artillery and coastal defense weapons, as well as ammunition for the artillery and advanced rocket systems that the Ukrainians need to support their defensive operations" in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region, according to a statement released by the White House.

- - - -

The Ukrainian president will have to negotiate with Russia, and the Europeans will also be present at the negotiating table, bringing security guarantees, visiting French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday at a NATO base in southeastern Romania.

"We want to build peace, which means that at some point the fire must stop and the talks must resume," Macron told a joint press conference with his Romanian counterpart Klaus Iohannis after their talks at the Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base.

- - - -

The United States has provided 4.6 billion dollars worth of military assistance for Ukraine amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Ukrainian government-run Ukrinform news agency reported on Wednesday, citing data from the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine.

Since the start of the conflict, U.S. President Joe Biden has announced 11 tranches of military support to Ukraine, the embassy tweeted. 
JAKARTA, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Visiting German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday met Indonesian President Joko Widodo on bilateral cooperation, including investment in the electric vehicle sector, renewable energy, and carbon taxes.

"I asked the German industry to develop semiconductor factories in Indonesia and make this industry part of the global chip supply chain," said Widodo at a joint press conference.

Their topics also included strengthening cooperation on climate change, the formation of energy transition financing, and the carbon market in Indonesia.

Widodo asked Germany to partner with Indonesia in cultivating the potential for renewable energy sources in the archipelagic country.

He emphasized the importance of cooperation in the industry 4.0 era, particularly on human resource development, on which a memorandum of understanding was signed on Thursday by Indonesia's Ministry of Industry with German companies Deutsche Messe AG and Infineon AG.

The two leaders also discussed issues including the impact of the situation in Ukraine on food and energy supplies.

At the same conference, Steinmeier said that the relationship between Indonesia and Germany is very close and hoped that their cooperation would continue to increase.

Steinmeier was re-elected president of Germany in February 2022, and this year marks the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Germany. 
MOSCOW, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A court in Moscow ruled on Thursday to fine Google LLC 15 million rubles (about 260,000 U.S. dollars) for repeated refusal to localize the personal data of Russian users.

Google representatives did not attend the sitting, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported from the courtroom.

Google continues to use databases located in the United States and the European Union for storing the personal data of Russian users, breaching the Russian Code of Administrative Offenses, the court found.

Russian legislation requires Internet service providers to store and process the personal data of Russians in the territory of Russia.

Russian telecom watchdog Roskomnadzor has the right to initiate a case to impose fines on or even block Internet companies for their violations.

Google was fined 3 million rubles (about 52,000 dollars) in July 2021 for the same reason. 
LOS ANGELES, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A man in U.S. state of California was found dead in the Death Valley National Park after running out of gas and walking in an extreme heat wave, U.S. media reported Thursday, citing park officials.

According to a statement released by the park, the body of David Kelleher, 67, was found on Tuesday, nearly a week after his car was spotted by a park ranger in a parking lot on June 8.

The same ranger saw the vehicle on June 11 during a heat wave that raised the temperature up to 123 Fahrenheit (50.6 degrees Celsius). On Saturday, the temperature climbed up to 130 Fahrenheit (54.4 degrees Celsius).

The authorities said Kelleher's vehicle was parked at one of the park's most popular viewpoints, and a crumpled note was found inside the vehicle saying "Out of gas". His body was found about 2.5 miles (4.02 kilometers) from his vehicle, only about 30 feet (9.1 meters) from California Highway 190, obscured by terrain and a mesquite tree.

Park rangers said that in extreme heat, people should wait at a broken vehicle, rather than attempting to walk for assistance.

This is the second fatality in the park this month. The body of 69-year-old John McCarry was found on June 1, according to the statement.

"The National Park Service encourages park visitors to stay safe in the summer by not hiking at low elevations after 10 a.m., staying within a short walk of air conditioning, drinking plenty of water, and eating salty snacks," the statement said.

Mike Reynolds, a park ranger from the Death Valley, told AccuWeather TV on Thursday that the climate had been changing the last few years, "it's just every year we have more and more record temperatures throughout the year." 
CAIRO: Ursula von der Leyen, the visiting President of the European Commission, announced that the EU has allocated 100 million euros (USD104 million) to Egypt's food crisis as "urgent relief."

"We stand behind Egypt in this catastrophe," Von der Leyen stated in a joint televised press conference with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, referring to the global grain scarcity caused by the Russia-Ukraine war, as per reports.

The USD 3.13 billion given to Egypt is part of a USD 3.13 billion EU budget for agriculture and irrigation activities in the area.

She also underlined the significance of increasing Egypt's energy cooperation, saying that Egypt could serve as a model for sustainable energy and that she supports "Egypt being a regional hub for energy trade."

"We also decided to cooperate in the areas of technical and financial assistance, as well as investments, to create the infrastructure for the generation of green hydrogen as a source of clean energy," the Egyptian President said.

Von der Leyen was present at the signing of a framework agreement between the EU, Egypt, and Israel to sell Israeli gas to Europe via Egypt earlier on Wednesday.

Recognition of Taliban not on Russia's current agenda: Kremlin

Post-Brexit deal changes: EU launches legal action against UK

Guterres calls for women protection rights amid proliferating crises
MOSCOW: Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov underlined that Moscow's "current agenda" does not include recognition of Afghanistan's Taliban-led government.

"It is not on the current agenda," Peskov told reporters on Wednesday when asked about the idea of recognising Afghanistan's new authorities. This has been stated numerous times. Forecasting is pointless, as per TAAS report.

Peskov's statement comes a day after Russia's special envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, suggested Moscow might recognise the Taliban regime but would not follow the path of other countries.

As [per TOLO, Kabulov remarked in an interview with Channel One Russia on Tuesday that the setting up of an inclusive political government in Afghanistan would be the first step toward recognition of the Islamic Emirate.

"Such opportunities do exist. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov both described the situation to Sergey Lavrov. The first stage should be to establish an inclusive ethnopolitical administration. We make no apologies about this, and we tell our Afghan partners straight out.

"As soon as this happens, the groundwork for a meaningful conversation will be laid." "We will act regardless of what the US and the rest of the world think," he declared. No country has recognised the Taliban rule since they gained control of Afghanistan in August 2021.

UN official meet Taliban leaders to discuss the Afghan refugee crisis

Taliban rules out report on human rights violations in Afghan

Peace talks between Pakistan and TTP sparked controversy
After a successful world premiere at the UK Film Festival, Javed Iqbal: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer has been selected for the Berlin International Film Festival. Yes and the film on the life of a serial killer has not yet been released in Pakistan. However, director Abu Aliha has decided to release Javed Iqbal on the OTT platform so that Pakistani people can comfortably watch the film online.

Who is Javed Iqbal? - Actually Javed was that ruthless serial killer of Pakistan, who had vowed to kill 100 children, which he also fulfilled. Let us tell you that after taking the lives of 100 innocent people, he had also handed himself over to the police. It is said that this thing is from the year 1999. In fact, Javed Iqbal of Pakistan had written a letter to the editor of an Urdu news paper in Lahore, in which he had confessed to sexually assaulting and killing 100 children. Not only this, but Javed, who became a human being, had strangled the dead bodies of these children by pouring acid. It is said that all the children killed by the serial killer were either orphans or ran away from home. Now the question arises that how can a person take someone's life so ruthlessly.

Yes; The reason for L'Iqbal to do this was his mother. It is said that many years ago Iqbal was implicated in a false rape case. He kept telling himself innocence in front of the police, but no one listened to him. Despite being innocent, her mother was punished by the society which she did not deserve. After that, by the time Iqbal returned home, it was too late. Javed Iqbal could not tolerate knowing his mother from the world, after which he vowed to make every mother cry and became that serial killer. Let us tell you that the film based on the serial killer of Pakistan was premiered on 25 January at Newplex Cinema in Karachi.

Yes and the premiere was attended by the film actors as well as many others. But the very next day, the film's director Abu Aliha told on social media that the Punjab government has banned the film in theatres. During this, after the love met at the film festival, Abu Aliha decided to bring Javed Iqbal on OTT.

Batman Ek Chakravyuh continues to make waves

Anupam Kher gave this information on social media before leaving for Varanasi

This famous actor turned corona positive
Home  Business  Nepal electricity trade in India: NEA gets a higher price in exports than what it had paid for imports

Kathmandu, June 16

The government says the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is selling electricity to India for more than the rate it was purchased during the winter months.

The NEA is selling a unit of electricity for Rs 2.31 more. It buys electricity from India at Rs 9.07 per unit during the winter while it sells electricity during the monsoon for Rs 11.38.

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Energy, Pampha Bhusal, in reply to lawmakers who had accused the government of selling electricity to India for cheap told the House of Representatives on Sunday that it was not the case.

Nepal is selling its surplus electricity to India during the monsoon. With this, electricity worth Rs 75 million is being sold to India on a daily basis.

Nepal, however, does import electricity from India during the winter months when it does not produce enough electricity.
By Trend

Japan ran its biggest single-month trade deficit in more than eight years in May as high commodity prices and declines in the yen swelled imports, clouding the country's economic outlook, Trend reports citing Reuters.

The growing trade deficit underscores the headwinds the world's third-largest economy faces from a slide in the yen and surging costs of fuel and raw materials, on which domestic manufacturers rely for production.

Imports soared 48.9% in the year to May, Ministry of Finance data showed on Thursday, above a median market forecast for a 43.6% gain in a Reuters poll.

That outpaced a 15.8% year-on-year rise in exports in the same month, resulting in a 2.385 trillion yen ($17.80 billion) trade deficit, the largest shortfall in a single month since January 2014.

"The weak yen is a major factor behind the rise in imports," said Harumi Taguchi, principal economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

"But there'll be a lag before it benefits exports," she said, adding that U.S.- and China-bound shipments faced parts supply constraints and China's strict coronavirus lockdowns.
Brazils second corn crop, also known as the safrinha (Portuguese for little harvest), is expected to produce 3,465 million bushels in the 2021/22 crop season, 45% higher than last seasons 2,391 million bushels, when Brazil was affected by drought. That total would be record-breaking, according to time series data from the National Supply Company (Conab), an agency in the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture. Brazil may produce a historic crop even though April and May were drier than normal. More than 70% of the corn produced in Brazil is from the safrinha, planted right after the soybean harvest, typically in January and February.

Overall safrinha harvest is reported at 5%, according to last June report from Conab. Harvest will continue through September. The start of this years harvest coincided with news that Brazil and China had completed negotiations for Brazil to begin exporting corn to China, which traditionally has imported corn from the United States and Ukraine. Brazil is the worlds third-largest corn producer and exporter behind the U.S. and China.

Weather Conditions

Seasonal drought intensified in parts of Brazil in the first weeks of May, according to the Agricultural Monitoring Bulletin (BMA), a partnership between the Conab, National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) and the Global Agriculture Monitoring Group. Corn planted in summer is suffering because of low soil moisture in some areas. The main areas affected by dry weather are, by state, west Bahia; north and northwest Minas Gerais; all of Goias; southeast Mato Grosso; east Mato Grosso do Sul; and northwest Sao Paulo.

Harvest of this seasons safrinha has begun in Mato Grosso, Brazils largest corn producer, accounting for almost half of the nations safrinha production. According to the Mato Grosso Institute of Agricultural Economy (IMEA), 16% of the states crop had been harvested as of Jun 10. The precipitation reduced since April led to declines in soil moisture during reproductive stages. However, with most of the crop planted within the ideal window, a modest fraction of the crop was affected by low rainfall (USDA, 2022). Yields are expected to be good  about 97.5 bushels per acre.

Parana is Brazils second-largest corn-producing state, typically accounting for about 15-20 percent of the national harvest. About 80% of the cornfields in the southern states are in good condition; the remainder are considered to be in average or poor condition. In the Matopiba, a region comprising four Brazilian states (Maranhao, Tocantins, Piaui, and Bahia) in the northeast, crops are generally in good condition, although there are exceptions in some areas where soil moisture is low.

Goias state, in the Midwest of Brazil, remains dryer than normal and recently experienced extremely cold weather, but crop damage has not been reported. In Mato Grosso do Sul, also in the Midwest, there were frosts in several regions. But the rain that preceded the cold guaranteed good moisture for crops in center and south Brazil. In the North, however, the lack of water is expected to lower production estimates.

Despite low soil moisture in some regions, the early planting of second-crop corn allowed crops to develop better than the last crops in most regions, according to the Conab. See Figure 1 for a comparison between last years safrinha, affected by severe drought, and this years expected crop.

Good Yields and Acreage Bigger

Yield declines in drought-affected states are offset by gains in other states. Brazil is expected to have yields of about 85 bushels per acre, 32% higher in comparison to last season. In relation to the last 10 years average, the expected yield for this year is 5% higher (see Figure 2). A key factor in safrinha variability is the timing of the onset of the dry season in Brazil. If the onset is early or if safrinha is planted late, the probability of dry weather negatively impacting yields is higher. By nature, the 2nd corn crop is risky (see farmdoc Daily January 12, 2022).

In addition to the expected good yields, an 9.7% increase in planted area is another factor that will help Brazil break a record in safrinha production. The area planted this year exceeded the 40 million acres mark for the first time (see Figure 1). The current years acreage increase is similar to the variation in the last crop season, when the number of planted acres rose 9% compared to 2019/20. The 3,600 million acres expansion in corn area planting this year was primarily driven by the increasing profitability of the crop given current high domestic and global prices. The corn index from the Center for Advanced Studies in Applied Economics (Cepea) showed the price surpassing R$ 101 (around US$ 20) per 60-kilogram (kg) bag of corn in March 2022, a new record for Brazil. The price in May 2021 was R$ 100, however, hopes for record-setting production were dashed by inclement weather.

In an average harvest season, corn prices in Brazil generally fall as harvest peaks during June-July and new supply comes into the market. However, corn prices could continue to climb in the coming months, following a global price spike. The U.S. corn production in progress will determine what prices will do in Brazil. Above trendline US yield, highs may be near current levels. Below trendline US yield, highs are probably not in. So far, corn prices for 2022 fall delivery are at high levels (see farmdoc Daily May 24, 2022). The current price trend is also associated with the war in Ukraine, which has disrupted port operations and commercial activity in the Black Sea, sharply increasing uncertainty in the global corn market.

Corn Trade: Brazil and China

The start of this years safrinha harvest coincided with the news that China, in pursuit of improved food security as a result of the Ukraine crisis, signed an agreement with Brazil to increase cooperation in the corn trade. According to a statement from Chinas Ministry of Commerce, Chinas General Administration of Customs and Brazils Ministry of Agriculture have agreed on an updated protocol outlining the phytosanitary  plant health and safety  requirements for the export of Brazilian corn to China.

The two countries had signed a phytosanitary protocol in 2014, but China has rarely imported corn from Brazil since then. In the 2021-22 marketing year, for example, China has imported one 35,000 tons shipment. The major impediments to trade were said to be the long shipping time and high freight cost. It has been faster and cheaper for China to import corn from the U.S. and Ukraine. However, Russias invasion of Ukraine has severely curtailed its grain exports and Brazil, being one of the largest exporters of corn, could meet Chinas demand.

Before large-scale corn shipments from Brazil to China begin, the nations will have to reach an agreement about transgenic (GMO) corn. More than 90 percent of the corn Brazil produces is transgenic. China has increased its grain imports the last two years as demand has risen while the planted area in China has not increased.

Summary

Despite low soil moisture in some regions of Brazil, the nations second corn crop is expected to be the largest in the nations history. Expected good yields and an increase in planted area are key factors driving the expected record. Because domestic and global prices for corn are expected to continue to increase, Brazilian farmers are planting corn in more areas. The start of this years harvest coincided with the news that China, in pursuit of improved food security in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, has signed an agreement with Brazil to increase cooperation in corn trade. China traditionally has imported corn from the U.S. and Ukraine.

Data Sources and References

Conab, National Supply Company. Agricultural Monitoring Bulletin. June 2022. Brasilia, Brazil. https://www.conab.gov.br/info-agro/safras/graos/monitoramento-agricola

Conab, National Supply Company. Monitoring the Brazilian Grain Crop. Brasilia, DF, v. 9, 2021/22 crop season, n.9, June 2022. Available at https://www.conab.gov.br/info-agro/safras/graos/boletim-da-safra-de-graos

Schnitkey, G., K. Swanson, C. Zulauf and N. Paulson. Potential 2022 Fall Prices for Corn and Soybeans Based on History. farmdoc daily (12):76, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, May 24, 2022.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Foreign Agricultural Service. June 2022. World Agricultural Production. https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/world-agricultural-production

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Foreign Agricultural Service. April 2022. Brazil: Grain and Feed Annual. https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/brazil-grain-and-feed-annual

Zulauf, C., J. Colussi and G. Schnitkey. Comparing Brazilian (1st and 2nd Crops), American, and Argentine Corn Yields. farmdoc daily (12):5, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, January 12, 2022.
Congress debates and reauthorizes farm bills every five years and, and while farm policy is never on the ballot, a candidates position on food and agricultural policies certainly can be a factor for voters. More importantly, public opinion has a critical role for representatives as they sort through various policies and proposals. Public opinion can also influence the efforts by interests or lobbying organizations that work on behalf of farmers, consumers and citizens. Finally, the public, as both taxpayers and consumers, are important stakeholders in the farm bill and the policies authorized in it. For these and other reasons, investigating public opinion on agricultural policy is vital. In this article, we explore public perception of various forms of government support for farmers and analyze the results by both political ideology and geographic region. The results discussed here are from Quarter 1 Gardner Food and Agricultural Policy Survey, a quarterly, online survey of approximately 1,000 US consumers (farmdoc daily, June 2, 2022).

In the survey, we asked participants in which situations they thought the government should provide financial support to farmers. They were asked about six situations when farmers might receive government financial assistance: a natural disaster (e.g., hurricane, tornado) harms a farmers crop(s); crop prices are considered too low; farmers adopt sustainable production practices; to make crop insurance protection more affordable for farmers; during agricultural trade or export restrictions; and to provide income to farmers. Participants were able to answer Yes, No, or I Dont Know/No Opinion for each type of possible support. We also asked participants to select in which situation would it be most important for the government to provide financial support to farmers, which is a useful way to understand the publics priorities.

Public Preferences for Government Farm Supports

Across the board, we find that the many US consumers believe the government should provide financial support to farmers in a variety of situations (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Extent to Which Us Consumers Agree the Government Should Provide Different Types of Financial Support to Farmers

We find that financial support following crop damage from natural disasters received the highest level of agreement, with nearly 80% of consumers saying they believed the government should provide support in this situation. Similarly, 73.4% agreed government support should be used to improve affordability of crop insurance.

Financial support during agricultural trade or export restrictions (49.7%) or when crop prices were considered too low (45.9%), received the lowest levels of support in this survey. However, more consumers indicated they did not know or had no opinion about these two situations than the others (see Figure 1). Combined, these may indicate that these programs were less familiar to the public or that there is little understanding about how these programs work. It could also reflect the attention that recent ad hoc program payments have received, such as the payments from the Market Facilitation Program.

Interestingly, over half (57.13%) supported a more general payment to provide income to farmers. Previous research has shown common reasons the public supports government financial support for farmers are to ensure a secure supply of food for US citizens and because they believe farming incomes are too unpredictable (Ellison, Lusk, and Briggeman, 2010), which may explain support of this more general payment. This option also received a higher level of dont know or no opinion.

Beyond financial support during difficult times, nearly 70% agreed the government should provide financial support when farmers adopt sustainable production practices. This is in line with earlier results from the Gardner Food and Agricultural Policy Survey, where we reported that the public is concerned about climate changes impact on the food system, including the possibility of causing food shortages and increasing food prices (farmdoc daily, June 10, 2022). However, we also report that the majority (57.1%) of consumers surveyed agree that our food system produces sustainable food (farmdoc daily, June 2, 2022).

Most Important Government Farm Supports

When consumers were asked to select the most important situation in which farmers should receive financial support from the government, we find that nearly 40% of those surveyed indicated the top priority should be financial assistance when a natural disaster harms a farmers crops (see Table 1). This was followed by a more general income payment for farmers (19.3% of consumers believed this should be the top priority), when farmers adopt sustainable production practices (14.7%), and making crop insurance more affordable (14.0%).

Table 1. Situations When US Consumers Believe It Would Be Most Important That the Government Should Provide Financial Support to Farmers

A natural disaster (e.g., hurricane, tornado) harms a farmers crop(s) 37.5% Crop prices are considered too low 7.5% Farmers adopt sustainable production practices 14.7% To make crop insurance protection more affordable for farmers 14.0% Agricultural trade or export restrictions 5.8% To provide income to farmers 19.3% Other 1.1%

Differences Across Political Ideology

Across political ideologies, there seems to be relatively high rates of agreement on farm support mechanisms. Figure 2 breaks down the types of government aid for farmers that liberal, moderate, and conservative consumers support. In general, both conservatives and liberals were in favor of support mechanisms at slightly higher rates compared to moderates. An exception to this was financial assistance for farmers who adopt sustainable production practices, which was supported most highly by liberals (81.6%), then moderates (68.7%), and finally conservatives (60.1%). Conservatives had slightly higher rates of support for when natural disasters occur and making crop insurance more affordable. Beyond the adoption of sustainable production practices, liberals had somewhat higher rates of support for payments when crop prices were too low, when trade or export restrictions occurred, and to provide income to farmers. Differences across political ideology may be due to differing beliefs about government involvement in agricultural markets or feelings about taxes (Ellison, Lusk, and Briggeman, 2010; Variyam, Jordan, Epperson, 1990) or about differing worries (e.g., climate change).

Figure 2. Extent to Which Us Consumers Agree the Government Should Provide Different Types of Financial Support to Farmers by Political Ideology

Differences Across Geographic Region

Support also varies somewhat by geographic region. Results are presented in Table 2, where regions are defined by census regions (Northeast, South, Midwest, and West). In particular, we see that payments to farmers who adopt sustainable production practices had higher rates of support from participants in the West and Northeast (76.9% and 72.1%, respectively) than those in the Midwest and South (67.9% and 66.8%, respectively), which aligns with our previous findings that these regions are more concerned about climate change (farmdoc daily, June 10, 2022). Support for providing farmers a more general income payment was supported at higher rates in the Northeast (61.5%) and South (58.7%) than in the West (53.8%) or Midwest (52.5%).

Table 2. Extent to Which US Consumers Agree the Government Should Provide Different Types of Financial Support to Farmers by Geographic Region

Northeast South Midwest West A natural disaster (e.g., hurricane, tornado) harms a farmers crop(s) 80.5% 78.0% 80.0% 81.3% Crop prices are considered too low 46.5% 45.6% 46.3% 45.6% Farmers adopt sustainable production practices 72.1% 66.8% 67.9% 76.9% To make crop insurance protection more affordable for farmers 76.5% 71.4% 75.0% 71.9% Agricultural trade or export restrictions 51.3% 49.0% 48.8% 50.6% To provide income to farmers 61.5% 58.7% 52.5% 53.8%

Concluding Thoughts

The public, as both taxpayers and consumers, are an important part of the food system, and understanding public perception of agricultural policy is essential. Informing that understanding has important implications for the upcoming farm bill debate. Results from the Gardner Food and Agricultural Policy Survey show that the public generally supports a wide variety of policies that assist farmers, but that assistance following natural disasters has the strongest level of support. We also find that support for different programs varied across political ideology and geographic region.
(Recasts with British position)

By Sabine Siebold and Robin Emmott

BRUSSELS, June 16 (Reuters) - Britain said on Thursday it could send more troops to Estonia and lead a brigade there, echoing German plans in Lithuania ahead of a NATO summit to agree future deployments on the alliance's eastern flank in response to Russia's war in Ukraine.

British Defence Minister Ben Wallace told reporters in Brussels that Britain would be transforming its two battlegroups in Estonia into a bigger combat unit with major reinforcements on stand-by at home.

"I think you'll see us make (the battlegroups) into a forward brigade with a more permanent, one-star headquarters, which just means that it is much easier to enable a full brigade to generate very quickly," he said.

The establishment of brigades - units with some 3,000 to 5,000 troops each - would significantly bolster NATO's presence in the Baltics - three ex-Soviet republics that are seen as more vulnerable to Russian attack after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Until Russia's invasion, which the Kremlin describes as a "special military operation" to remove alleged threats to Russian security, NATO had only battalions with some 1,000 troops each in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

The Baltics, though, want the alliance to boost its pre-Ukraine invasion presence as much as tenfold.

Latvian Defence Minister Artis Pabriks called for larger forces and said any sign of weakness - be it in Ukraine or on NATO territory itself - would embolden Moscow.

"Ukraine must win, it's very simple, and Russia must lose, there is no other way out of this," he told reporters.

"If it's different, then we will simply again invite...some kind of Russian activities in the next years and we don't want this because the Baltic nations have been paying for lunch for the others and we are not ready anymore for that."

Estonia and Lithuania share Latvia's position.

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Immediately after Russia invaded Ukraine in February, NATO dispatched additional troops, ships and jets to the alliance's eastern front, in particular to the Baltics, and placed some 40,000 troops under direct NATO command.

At the June 28-30 summit in Madrid, NATO leaders will discuss a more structured approach to adapt the alliance in the long-term to what it sees as a drastically worsened security situation in Europe caused by Russia's actions in Ukraine.

But allies remain divided about troop numbers and where exactly reinforcements, including extra weapons, should be based.

Some experts warn it does not make sense to deploy major combat units close to Russia's borders, exposing them to the risk of being thrashed in the first wave of an attack, but to rather deploy them further to the rear.

Germany has proposed expanding the multinational NATO battalion in Lithuania under German command to the size of a brigade but, just like Britain, aims to leave much of its own reinforcements as standby troops at home.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said he was confident allies would pledge enough troops before the summit to fill the fresh units in the east. (Reporting by Sabine Siebold, Robin Emmmott, Idrees Ali, Marine Strauss, Clement Rossignol and Charlotte Van Campenhout; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

On Wednesday, a mother and her 12-year-old child traveled to their local courthouse in Greenfield, Massachusetts, and were granted a temporary harassment prevention order against Ezra Miller after alleging that the actor menaced their family one evening in their downstairs neighbors home and acted inappropriately toward the nonbinary youngster.

The news comes on the heels of a number of other disturbing allegations that have surfaced against the 29-year-old, best known for their turn as The Flash in Justice League. (Miller is also nonbinary).

Last week, the parents of 18-year-old environmental activist Tokata Iron Eyes requested that a court issue a protective order against Miller, stating in court documents that the actor met Tokata six years ago when they were 12 and Miller was 23, and that Ezra uses violence, intimidation, threat of violence, fear, paranoia, delusions, and drugs to hold sway over a young adolescent Tokata.

Ezra Millers a Public Menace. Why Are They Still The Flash?

The parents also accused Miller of influencing Tokatas decision to come out as nonbinary transgender. (An unverified Instagram account presumed to belong to Tokata denied the claims.) The court has been unable to locate Miller to serve the papers, and Miller deleted their Instagram Wednesday afternoonbut not before posting a series of memes mocking the authorities for their inability to find them.

Creator Mia Solange took to TikTok in April to accuse Miller of being an #abuser, while the actor was arrested twice in Hawaii for disorderly conduct, harassment, and allegedly throwing a chair at a woman. On top of all that, in 2020, a video went viral of Miller attacking a young female fan in Iceland, though local authorities declined to investigate the incident.

In the Massachusetts case, The Daily Beast reviewed a copy of the protection order signed by a judge and spoke with the 12-year-old accuser, their mother, and another neighbor who was present; the case docket has not been posted on the courts online system, so the official complaint made by the childs mother was not available.

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The Daily Beast also reviewed contemporaneous text messages sent by the mother and the neighbor as well as photographs that corroborated parts of their accounts of the night in question. We are withholding names for privacy reasons.

On the evening of Feb. 2, the trio contend that Miller was present at the downstairs neighbors home in Greenfield, which is located about 40 miles from the actors ranch in Stamford, Vermont. That neighbor is in a band with Whitney Suters, a musician who is close friends with Miller.

[Miller] was wearing a bulletproof vestand I had no idea until later that they were armed, recalls the visiting neighbor.

The DC Cinematic Universe Cant Outrun Its Casting Curse

Tensions began brewing when the mother says she mentioned doing some traveling recently with her tribe of people, leading Miller to snap at her and accuse her of cultural appropriation. Then, a conversation about board games allegedly went sideways when, after Miller claimed that the board game Parcheesi had Rastafarian roots, the visiting neighborwho is half-Blackquestioned Miller as to which sect of the Rastafari movement it originated from.

At this point, Ezra explodes and started screaming directly into my face, the visiting neighbor tells me. They said, You dont even know what the fuck youre talking about. What did you say to me? What did you just say to me?!

I was very caught off-guard, the visiting neighbor continues. Then they opened up their jacketthey had this, like, big Sherpa jacketand they opened up one side of their jacket, you could see a gun, and they said, Talking like that could get you into a really serious situation.

Next, according to the visiting neighbor, the mother, and the child, Miller focused their attention on the then-11-year-old, saying, Ive talked extensively with your child, and they have a lot of power to them. At one point, youre going to realize that you dont have any control over them anymore. Theyre an elevated being, and they would be lucky to have someone like me guide them.

They say Miller proceeded to turn to the mother, who dresses Goth, and accused her of being a witch and a vampire, repeatedly yelling at her, Do you want to drink my blood? Do you!?

Miller then came back to the child and allegedly began pestering them with complimentsat one point moving their chair closer to them, requesting that they add the actor on Instagram, and telling the child to pursue fashion.

They automatically were just weirdly drawn to me and kept talking about how they love my outfit and love my style, and kept going on and on about how it was great, the child remembers. It was really uncomfortable. I was really nervous. I was scared to be around them after hed yelled at my mother and she was crying.

The mother and visiting neighbor both believe that Miller may have been under the influence due to their dilated pupils and erratic behavior.

Miller apologized for the outbursts only to return to pester the family on a number of other occasions, including in late April, in May, and on June 4, dressed as a cowboy. In April, both the mother and child maintain that Miller made the child uncomfortable by hugging them and pressing their body closely against them. During the June visit, the child expressed their interest in horses, and Miller said that they would acquire several horses so that the child could help them care for the herd on their Vermont farm, which also struck them as inappropriate.

Ever since the Tokata Iron Eyes news broke, however, they havent seen or heard from them since.

A representative for Miller could not immediately be reached for comment.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Funding for Aidoc's AI Care Platform will bring new solutions for hospitals to address workload challenges and improve workflow processes, bringing cost savings and higher value care

TEL AVIV, Israel, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Aidoc , the leading provider of healthcare AI solutions, announced today a $110 million Series D round investment, bringing its total funding to $250 million. The round, co-led by global growth investors TCV and Alpha Intelligence Capital (AIC) , with participation from AIC's co-investor CDIB Capital , will power the continued expansion of the Aidoc AI Care Platform. The platform enables hospitals to tackle their most prominent challenges, especially in the post pandemic reality of physician and nursing shortages, rising supply costs, and an increasingly challenging economic environment.

Aidoc Logo

"We are building the kind of breadth and depth in AI that is allowing hospitals to fundamentally change the way they do business and provide the solutions needed to successfully compete during these challenging times" says Elad Walach, CEO of Aidoc. "Aidoc is already the leading imaging AI platform, but with this new round of investment, our aim is to massively ramp up our AI Care Platform to cover both the various hospital medical service lines and the depth of integration into the clinical workflows, empowering hospitals to activate cross-specialty care teams and deliver the best quality of care in a scalable, efficient way to patients."

Healthcare systems around the world currently face increasing challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. Currently, hospitals across the United States face growing labor shortages, with 30% choosing to retire and an additional 31% considering leaving the healthcare profession, according to Morning Consult - resulting in burnout and greater room for delayed or even missed care. The trend is expected to continue, and within five years, healthcare in the United States will be 3.2 million workers short. Moreover, these shortages have driven up operational costs, leading to hospitals in the U.S. suffering from red operating margins for the four consecutive months leading into 2022.

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"These days it's not business as usual for hospitals and health systems. Healthcare leaders face an increasingly tough economic environment and it's going to require that we use technology like artificial intelligence to re-think ways to do business" says David Shulkin MD, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Clinical research conducted on Aidoc's AI solutions has shown its potential value in empowering physicians to manage larger patient volumes by reducing time to treatment, shortening length of stay in the ED and capturing more patients requiring advanced treatments. Now, Aidoc, is bringing its AI-driven clinical experience from medical imaging and multidisciplinary response teams to the entirety of the hospital enterprisecovering the key modalities, the various specialties and aiding physicians in managing the entire patient care continuum, all connected under the AI Care Platform.

The AI Care Platform, the first of its kind, already boasts 15 FDA-cleared clinical solutions, in addition to the Care Coordination application which operates as an intelligent layer on top of hospital IT systems, offering physicians a centralized solution to address care points, across the health system. The full platform empowers radiologists and other imaging professionals to triage potential time-critical cases and for the care team to conclude deep, actionable insights derived from imaging data, and electronic medical records. Through the Platform, physicians are empowered to spend more time engaging patients, being proactive and providing higher quality treatment, rather than being consumed by manual processes, being reactive to inbound requests and risking patients slipping through the cracks.

"Founded with a patient-focused and product-centric mentality, Aidoc has a bold vision to forge a new market category in healthcare and deep, established roots in medical imaging," says Gopi Vaddi, General Partner at TCV. "We believe Aidoc's platform will change the way hospitals operate and serve as the missing layer of intelligence needed to transform healthcare."

"With this new round of financing, we are excited to strengthen our existing partnership with the team at Aidoc, whose products have a tangible impact on the treatment of patients at some of the world's leading medical institutions," says Uday Sandhu, Partner at Alpha Intelligence Capital. "AIC invests in companies with decisive algorithmic advantages and Aidoc, in our opinion, has the unique opportunity to continue using its AI expertise to improve patient outcomes and make physicians and hospitals more efficient."

About Aidoc

Aidoc ( aidoc.com ) is the leading provider of artificial intelligence healthcare solutions that empower physicians to expedite patient treatment and enhance operational capabilities. Aidoc's AI Care Platformthe first of its kindoffers health systems a singular platform solution that works with physicians to manage the entire patient lifecyclefrom diagnostic aid, to consultation to suggested treatment paths to patient follow-up tools. In clinical studies, the Aidoc AI has proven to reduce turnaround time, shorten patient length of stay and improve patient outcomes.

About TCV

Founded in 1995, TCV was established with a clear vision: to capture opportunities in the technology market through a specialized and consistent focus on investing in high-growth companies. Since inception, the firm has built a track record of successfully backing businesses that have developed into dominant industry players across internet, software, fintech, and enterprise IT. TCV has invested over $16 billion to date and has helped guide CEOs through more than 145 IPOs and strategic acquisitions. TCV has invested in cutting edge technology companies including Airbnb, Believe, Brex, Dream Sports, FarEye, HireVue, Mollie, Nubank, Razorpay, Netflix, Nerdy, RELEX Solutions, Revolut, RMS, Sportradar, Spotify, and Zillow. TCV has successfully executed over 350 investments of varying structures, including mid-stage, late-stage and public company investments, and has offices in Menlo Park, New York, and London. For more information about TCV, including a complete list of TCV investments, visit www.tcv.com .

About AIC

Alpha Intelligence Capital (AIC) is a family of global venture capital funds investing in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) technology-based companies. The team at AIC believes that AI is the Future. The funds focus on companies in the series A to series E stages that have deep expertise in the algorithmic sciences and the ability to develop breakthrough products to solve real business problems. AIC's investment committee and advisory team include founders of leading Artificial Intelligence companies, Fortune 500 company executives, successful entrepreneurs, university professors, private equity and venture investors. AIC has personnel in San Francisco, Paris, Tel Aviv, Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong, and has investments in companies in the United States, Israel, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Slovakia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. For more information, visit www.aicapital.ai .

Contact:

Netanya Stein

WestRay Communications

netanya@westraycommunications.com

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SOURCE Aidoc
ARIZONA VOTERS PRIORITIZE EDUCATION OVER POLITICS

PR Newswire

PHOENIX, June 16, 2022

Voters Share their Priorities for Education, Encourage Candidates & Policymakers to Address Key Education Issues

PHOENIX, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Arizonans continue to prioritize education and want every school to have great teachers and leaders, according to a recent statewide survey of 500 likely voters.

LOGO

Education Forward Arizona conducted a poll of Arizona voters to better understand voters' priorities for education. The survey complements and is intended to go deeper on the findings in the Arizona Voters' Agenda, in coordination with the Center for the Future of Arizona. The survey was conducted May 10-17, 2022 by HighGround Public Affairs on behalf of Education Forward Arizona, a statewide nonprofit and nonpartisan organization.

Arizona voters believe that the biggest issue affecting education is that teachers are underpaid and schools are underfunded. When voters were asked about teacher pay, specifically if the salaries K-12 teachers receive are too high, too low, or just about right, 78.2% of voters said that they believe teacher salaries are too low. Additionally, 66.2% of voters believe that school funding is too low.

What Voters Prioritize as Top Issues During the Election Season

The survey responses revealed Arizona voters prioritize 8 top issues, here are the top 4 issues:

Every school having quality teachers and principals (90.2% strongly support) Making sure students are proficient in math (88.2% strongly support) Making sure students can read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade (88.2% strongly support) Increasing opportunities for Career and Technical Education (84.8% strongly support)

These statements above received "strongly support" responses from at least 50% of all political parties and age groups.

"This research demonstrates that Arizona voters are prioritizing important education issues that will move the needle on the goals in the Arizona Education Progress Meter and meet our state's Achieve60AZ attainment goal," said Rich Nickel, President and CEO, Education Forward Arizona.

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What Issues Voters Do Not Support

The survey also showed that a majority of likely Arizona voters do not support the following issues:

Banning critical race theory

Restricting discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation during sex education

Closing failing schools

These issues did not have "strong support" at a level of 50% or higher or receive support from each political party and age group at 50% or above.

What Education Issues are Important for Candidates to be Talking About in This Year's Election

Voters were also asked what the most important education issues are for candidates to be discussing. With more than a dozen options presented, Arizona voters prioritized: ensuring every classroom has a qualified teacher, raising teacher pay, increasing school funding, and fostering more opportunities for Career and Technical Education for Arizona students.

Read the entire survey and learn more about Voters' Advice for the Legislative Session at educationforwardarizona.org/priorities.

About the Survey

This survey of 500 likely Arizona voters was conducted May 10-17, 2022, by HighGround Public Affairs. It was balanced to model the likely turnout of voters across party, age, region and gender, with a margin of error of 4.9%. This poll was coordinated with and expands upon recent survey research conducted by the Center for the Future of Arizona as a part of their Arizona Voter's Agenda that shows education is a top issue for Arizona voters. Learn more: ArizonaFuture.org/ArizonaVotersAgenda. This work is supported in part by the Helios Education Foundation, Pharos Foundation, Rodel Foundation of Arizona, Thomas R. Brown Family Foundation, and Southern Arizona Leadership Council.

About Education Forward Arizona

Media Contact: Diana Figueroa, dfigueroa@educationforwardarizona.org or (602) 206-8572

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BASEL, Switzerland, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascensia Diabetes Care, a global diabetes care company, maker of CONTOUR blood glucose monitoring (BGM) system portfolio and distributor of Eversense Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems, announces that its partner Senseonics Holdings, Inc. has received CE Mark approval for the Eversense E3 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) System, clearing the way for its use in European Union (EU) member countries. Ascensia plans to make the next-generation system, which can be used for up to 6 months, available to patients in certain European markets from the third quarter of 2022.

Ascensia Diabetes Care logo (PRNewsfoto/Ascensia Diabetes Care)

The fully implantable, long-term Eversense E3 CGM System has been designed to deliver key improvements on the currently available Eversense XL CGM System, whilst building on the unique benefits that European users already experience. The next-generation system offers exceptional accuracy and long-term sensor wear, alongside reduced frequency of calibration and significantly enhanced sensor survivability. Unlike the XL System, the new E3 System has also been approved for non-adjunctive use, meaning that it can inform insulin treatment decisions without confirmation of glucose levels from fingerstick testing. Both Eversense XL and Eversense E3 are approved for use up to 6 months, making them the longest lasting CGM sensors available. This gives people with diabetes freedom from the burdens associated with other available CGM systems, such as weekly or bi-weekly self-insertions.

Eversense E3 is already available in the U.S. following FDA approval and launch earlier this year. Following the CE Mark approval in Europe the Eversense E3 System will be distributed in Germany, Italy, Spain (including Andorra), the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, Norway and Sweden.

Robert Schumm, President at Ascensia Diabetes Care, said, "This approval is an exciting milestone for us as we look forward to bringing Eversense E3 to people with diabetes across Europe. From this next-generation system you can expect the excellent features and benefits that European users currently experience with Eversense XL, but with design improvements that address requests we repeatedly hear from patients and healthcare providers. Our role is to make sure that as many people have access to this innovative product as possible, and efforts are already under way to launch this system in certain European countries in the coming months."

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Developed by Senseonics and brought to people with diabetes by Ascensia, the newly approved Eversense E3 CGM System offers patients:

The longest lasting CGM available, with 6-month sensor wear duration and essentially two sensor insertion and removal procedures per year

Exceptional accuracy, with a mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 8.5% demonstrated in the PROMISE Study 1 for the duration of sensor wear

Fewer calibrations, with primarily one calibration required per day after day 21 of use

A fully implantable fluorescence-based sensor, with a removable smart transmitter* that provides discreet on-body vibratory alerts and transmits data to a mobile app

An innovative sacrificial boronic acid (SBA) design modification to enhance 6-month sensor survivability

An ability to make dosing decisions without fingerstick testing, due to non-adjunctive label

"The features and benefits of this improved system offer people with diabetes unparalleled flexibility, convenience and accuracy," said Elaine Anderson, Head of Eversense CGM Business Unit at Ascensia Diabetes Care. "Choice is key in managing diabetes and we are proud to work alongside our partner Senseonics to bring an outstanding and unique CGM option to patients and healthcare providers across Europe and in the U.S."

People in these markets who are interested in getting started with Eversense XL now can visit www.ascensia.com/eversense for more information, and will be among the first to know when Eversense E3 is commercially available.

* There is no glucose data generated when the transmitter is removed.

1 Garg S. et al. Evaluation of Accuracy and Safety of the Next-Generation Up to 180-Day Long-Term Implantable Eversense Continuous Glucose Monitoring System: The PROMISE Study. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics 2021; 24(2): 1-9.DOI: 10.1089/dia.2021.0182

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SOURCE Ascensia Diabetes Care
MarketsandMarkets Research Pvt. Ltd.

Chicago, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the new market research report "Biomaterials Market by Type of Materials (Metallic, Ceramic, Polymers, Natural), Application (Cardiovascular, Orthopedic, Dental, Plastic Surgery, Wound Healing, Neurological disorders, Tissue Engineering, Ophthalmology) - Global Forecast to 2025", is projected to reach USD 47.5 billion by 2025 from USD 35.5 billion in 2020, at a CAGR of 6.0% during the forecast period.

Browse in-depth TOC on "Biomaterials Market"

333- Tables

47- Figures

298- Pages

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The Increasing government funding and grants by government bodies and universities for innovation of biomaterials, rising demand for implantable devices, rising demand for biomaterials in plastic surgery procedures and wound healing applications, rising cardiovascular diseases incidence and rising awareness and research on regenerative medicine are the factors contributing to market growth.

On the basis type of materials, the biomaterials market is broadly segmented into Metallic, Polymeric, Ceramic, and Natural biomaterials. In 2019, Metallic biomaterials accounted for the largest share of the biomaterials segment due to the wide use of metals in the manufacturing of medical devices used in cardiovascular, dental, and orthopedic applications.

On the basis of application, the biomaterials market is categorized into seven segments cardiovascular, orthopedic, ophthalmology, neurological/central nervous system (CNS), dental, tissue engineering, wound healing, plastic surgery, and other applications. The cardiovascular application segment accounted for the largest share of the market in 2019. The increasing cardiovascular diseases prevalence, rising geriatric population, increasing angiography procedures, and the growing adoption of cardiac stents, pacemakers, and implantable cardiac defibrillators have led to growth of this segment.

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Scope of the Biomaterials Market Report:

Report Metrics Details Market size available for years 20182025 Base year considered 2019 Forecast period 20202025 Segments covered Type, Application and Region Geographies covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World Companies covered BASF (Germany), Covestro AG (Germany), Celanese Corporation (Germany), Carpenter Technology (US), Olympus Terumo Biomaterials Corporation (Japan), Evonik Industries (Germany), Xylos Corporation (US), Victrex Plc (UK), Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation (Japan), GELITA AG (Germany), Corbion (Netherlands), Solvay (US), AB Specialty Silicones (US), CoorsTek (US), CeramTec GmbH (Germany), Royal DSM (Netherlands), The Lubrizol Corporation (US), Berkeley Advanced Biomaterials (US), Zeus Industrial Products, Inc. (US), Noble Biomaterials, Inc. (US), Dimension Inx (US), Artoss, Inc. (US), RDI Group (US), Riton Biomaterial Co., Ltd. (China), Cam Bioceramics (Netherlands)

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Geographical Growth Scenario:

In 2019, Asia Pacific region accounted for the fastest-growing region of the biomaterials market. It is also estimated to grow at the highest CAGR in the biomaterial market during the forecast period, this is mainly due to Japans growing healthcare industry, increasing geriatric population, rising number of cosmetic and plastic surgeries in India, lucrative medical devices industry, and favorable tax policies in China

Key Players in Biomaterials Market:

BASF SE (Germany),

Covestro AG (Germany),

Celanese Corporation (US),

Corbion (Netherlands),

Royal DSM (Netherlands),

Evonik Industries (Germany),

Carpenter Technology Corporation (US),

Berkeley Advanced Biomaterials (US),

Cam Bioceramics B.V. (Netherlands),

CoorsTek Inc. (US),

CeramTec (Germany), and

GELITA AG (Germany).

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Organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center under the patronage of President Ilham Aliyev, the 9th Global Baku Forum under the motto "Challenges to the Global World Order has today kicked off.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev is attending the opening ceremony of the Forum.
Company invested $41.7 million dollars in financial, volunteer, and in-kind support to MA-based not-for-profits in 2021

BOSTON, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Points of Light, the world's largest nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, announced The Civic 50 honorees of 2022 and a report featuring key trends, benchmarking data and insights from the honorees. For the third consecutive year, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross) has been named an honoree of The Civic 50.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

The Civic 50 provides a national standard for corporate citizenship and showcases how companies can use their time, skills, and resources to drive social impact in their communities and company. The Civic 50 honorees are companies with annual U.S. revenues of at least $1 billion and are selected based on four dimensions of their corporate citizenship and social impact programs  investment of resources, integration across business functions, institutionalization through policies and systems and impact measurement.

"Blue Cross is committed to creating more equitable, just and healthy communities," said Jeff Bellows, vice president of corporate citizenship and public affairs. "In the wake of the pandemic and the long overdue reckoning on racial injustice, it was clear we needed to do more to address the social and environmental factors contributing to health inequities. We're proud to invest our resources and talent to partner with local nonprofits to improve opportunities and health outcomes."

Blue Cross is committed to being a leader in health equity. In 2021, the company invested $41.7 million dollars in financial, volunteer, and in-kind support to Massachusetts-based not-for-profits, including $25 million to champion physician practices and hospitals in their equity improvement efforts and $1.3 million to support community-based COVID-19 vaccine efforts. 76% of employees participate in company volunteer programs, contributing nearly 30,000 hours of service to support the health of Massachusetts communities.

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"Corporate leadership and commitment to civic engagement is critical for strengthening communities," said Natalye Paquin, president & CEO of Points of Light. "Our most recent global research shows 86 percent of people say they expect companies to take action on a social issue. Companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts are leading the way and setting an example of how you can leverage your employee talent, business models and assets to create deep impact that drives transformational change."

The Civic 50 survey is administered by True Impact and consists of quantitative and multiple-choice questions that inform scoring process. The Civic 50 is the only survey and ranking system that exclusively measures corporate involvement in communities.

To learn more about Blue Cross' health justice work, read its Corporate Citizenship Report. To view the Points of Light's full report and see the full list of The Civic 50 2022 honorees, visit www.pointsoflight.org/the-civic-50.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts:

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (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.

About Points of Light

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 177 affiliates across 38 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 16 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it's needed most. For more information, visit http://www.pointsoflight.org.

Cision

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SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
At least 22 states are set to outlaw or severely restrict abortion if the Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade. (Photo: TIMOTHY A. CLARY via Getty Images)

At least 22 states are set to outlaw or severely restrict abortion if the Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade. (Photo: TIMOTHY A. CLARY via Getty Images)

This article is part of a larger series titled The End Of Roe. Head here to read more.

The looming U.S. Supreme Court decision on abortion is expected to upend access to the procedure as we know it, leaving in its place a patchwork of states where the legal right to abortion varies and bottlenecking patients in places where the procedure remains safe and accessible.

This will truly be a public health crisis like this country has never seen before, said Dr. Colleen McNicholas, who serves as the chief medical officer for reproductive health services of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region, or PPSLR.

We are now going to be mass mobilizing tens of thousands  perhaps millions  of people for basic reproductive health care, she said of the patients in the 22 states that will automatically outlaw or severely restrict abortion if the court strikes down Roe v. Wade  which a bombshell leaked draft indicates the justices are planning to do.

McNicholas Planned Parenthood branch operates the sole remaining abortion clinic in Missouri and one just over the border in Illinois, which it opened in 2019 as the fight over abortion in Missouri began exploding. Abortion providers across deep-blue Illinois, meanwhile, are gearing up to operate as a so-called abortion island surrounded by a sea of states ready to outlaw the procedure as soon as the court strikes down Roe.

This will truly be a public health crisis like this country has never seen before.Dr. Colleen McNicholas of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region

For people in Missouri  where Republican Attorney General Eric Schmitt said an all-out abortion ban would go into effect immediately if Roe falls  Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin and beyond, Illinois may soon be their closest destination for an abortion.

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We feel like we have a responsibility as an abortion oasis in this vast desert from care in the Midwest, said Jennifer Welch, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois. Shes anticipating anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 additional out-of-state abortion patients a year if the court strikes down Roe  a massive leap from the roughly 60,000 people the provider has seen annually for all reproductive health care needs in recent years.

Theres a similar feeling at Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, or PPRM, which operates in several mountain west states, including two that are poised to become abortion safe havens: Colorado and New Mexico.

Dr. Kristina Tocce, PPRMs medical director, spoke frankly when asked if shes confident theyll be able to meet the demand. Not at all, she said. I feel confident that we are going to deliver excellent, safe, compassionate abortion care to as many patients as we can, which will be more patients than we have served in the past, but if you just look at the numbers ... its just such an exponential increase.

There are more than 30 million women and girls of reproductive age in the U.S. at risk of losing access to legal abortion in their states, Tocce emphasized. Realistically, she said, there are going to be patients that simply cannot access care.

Employees at a family planning clinic in Chicago get emotional as thousands of abortion rights demonstrators march past their clinic chanting support last month. (Photo: Scott Olson via Getty Images)

Employees at a family planning clinic in Chicago get emotional as thousands of abortion rights demonstrators march past their clinic chanting support last month. (Photo: Scott Olson via Getty Images)

If Roe falls, abortion providers in Colorado and New Mexico will be the closest abortion destinations for many people in several states likely to cut off access, including Utah, Arizona, Wyoming and Nebraska. Theyre already seeing a major influx in patients from Texas, which enacted a six-week abortion ban last September, and Oklahoma, which followed suit with an even more restrictive law.

Expanding telemedicine services is essential to keep up with demand, Tocce said, noting that PPRM had already begun broadening those systems in recent years because of the COVID-19 pandemic. For much of the first trimester, pregnancy may be terminated with a series of prescribed pills that dont necessarily require a clinic visit.

If we can take care of as many patients as we can outside of the brick-and-mortar facilities, thats going to be so instrumental in getting more patients who need in-person visits into those centers, she said.

In Illinois, Welch said, theyve been preparing for the fall of Roe since the day former President Donald Trump was elected in 2016.

Every time that president got another nominee on the Supreme Court, we knew that it was over, she said of abortion protections.

Since then, the Illinois branch has embarked on a big fundraising campaign, doubling the size of some existing clinics and building new ones along the borders of states that are hostile to abortion, including one near Indiana in 2018 and one near Wisconsin in 2020. Theyre welcoming any out-of-state clinic staff who want to start assisting with the surge in Illinois.

Clinics have been turning every available space into procedure rooms, and it hasnt been enough to meet the need.Elizabeth Nash, state policy expert at the Guttmacher Institute

The additional capacity for abortion care has already proven essential in recent years as nearby states whittled away at access with mandatory waiting periods, medically unnecessary ultrasounds and other barriers. The abortion bans in Texas and Oklahoma  which relied on a legal loophole to proceed without the Supreme Courts approaching ruling  have only compounded that need in recent months.

Elizabeth Nash, a state policy expert at the Guttmacher Institute, said its not unusual for clinics to schedule appointments two to four weeks in advance right now, due in part to absorbing patients from Texas and Oklahoma and to the national health care worker shortage.

If the court strikes down Roe as expected, Nash said, I am anticipating that the influx of patients will be such that the wait times will increase beyond that.

Clinics have been turning every available space into procedure rooms, and it hasnt been enough to meet the need, she said of blue states efforts to absorb new patients.

Having to wait longer for an abortion may mean patients need a more involved procedure and have a longer recovery time. One clinic in Colorado, another abortion island state, told Kaiser Health News in March that it had recently purchased equipment enabling staff to perform abortions up to 20 weeks into pregnancy in anticipation of longer wait times.

PPSLR has seen a 50% increase in abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy since the Texas ban went into effect compared to the year prior.

Alongside staffing needs, McNicholas biggest concern is ensuring practical support for patients who must leave their home states for abortion care.

We could add another 150 clinics to Illinois, but if patients cannot get to them, then it doesnt matter, she said.

The Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis  like so many others across the country  is gearing up to end abortion services if the Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade. (Photo: St. Louis Post-Dispatch via Getty Images)

The Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis  like so many others across the country  is gearing up to end abortion services if the Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade. (Photo: St. Louis Post-Dispatch via Getty Images)

Key to that undertaking, McNicholas said, is a regional logistics center that PPSLR opened in January in partnership with Hope Clinic, another Illinois abortion provider near the Missouri border. There, case workers have been helping patients make sure the cost of their treatments is covered by abortion funds and connecting them with practical support organizations focused on helping patients travel for abortion care.

That can be an expensive endeavor. Fund Texas Choice, a group thats been assisting patients traveling for abortions since 2013, told HuffPost last year that out-of-state trips can add at least $800 to the cost of an abortion. That includes transportation, lodging, food, medication and child care.

The health care part is the easy part, McNicholas said, adding that she believes PPSLR and the Hope Clinic can manage the annual 15,000 new patients theyre expecting to come to southern Illinois for abortions. But we really have to be able to manage the navigation piece and the logistics piece that folks are going to be facing.

The logistics center has four case workers on staff right now who are trained to help navigate more than 50 different abortion funds, McNicholas said, adding that it hopes to hire up to 14 additional employees.

Simply informing people that abortion will remain legal in some states in the event Roe falls is also important at this juncture, Welch said.

Weve had patients call asking, Can I still come in to my appointment? Is it illegal yet? she said. Its never going to be illegal in Illinois; not if we have anything to say about it.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

Related...
FILE PHOTO: A cabinet of baby formulas is seen at a Walmart store in Raleigh

(Reuters) - Shares of Bubs Australia jumped on Thursday after the company signed a deal to supply its infant formula products to U.S. retail giant Walmart amid a baby food shortage in the world's largest economy.

Walmart plans to buy a shipment of six Bubs Infant Formula and two Aussie Bubs Toddler Formula products, which would be delivered to about 800 Walmart stores across the United States, Bubs Australia said, adding that the new supply built on its existing online product sales on Walmart.com channel.

Shares of Bubs Australia rose as much as 10.6% to A$0.625 in morning trade, valuing the company at about A$383 million ($268.94 million).

"The addition of Walmart will increase our bricks and mortar exposure in the United States over the coming days and weeks to around 4,800 stores across 35 states," Chief Executive Officer Kristy Carr said.

The 4,800-store footprint includes the first Bubs Australia consignment bought by retailers Kroger and Albertsons.

Bubs Australia recently signed a deal with the U.S. government to supply more than a million tins of infant formula to help the country address the baby food supply crisis.

The crisis was triggered when Abbott Laboratories recalled dozens of its brands in February after consumers complained of infants contracting bacterial infections.

($1 = 1.4241 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Riya Sharma in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu)
Physical card pre-paid with blockchain-based carbon credits allows businesses to instantly mitigate hard-to-manage emissions such as travel

Designed to be an affordable, accessible way for corporates and their employees to engage in positive climate action

Tackles the "Nationality Problem" of carbon credits by allowing voluntary offsets without triggering Nationally Determined Contributions

SINGAPORE, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- MetaVerse Green Exchange ("MVGX"), a digital green exchange licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), announced the launch of a new tool, the Net Zero Card, in its suite of products and services to enable employees to easily support and reinforce an organization's sustainability commitments.

MetaVerse Green Exchange Net Zero Card

The Net Zero Card was recently piloted for the very first time at DLD Munich and at the 2022 Annual Meeting at Davos for the World Economic Forum, where MetaVerse Green Exchange Executive Chairman and Co-Founder Dr. Bo Bai offset 3 tons of CO2  equivalent to the entirety of his round-trip journey from Singapore to Munich and Davos as well as hotel stays. Attendees to MVGX's Afternoon Tea Session during the World Economic Forum received these cards as a door gift and were also encouraged to neutralize their trip to Davos, which resulted in a total of 7.3 tons of CO2 neutralized. To mark the soft launch of the Net Zero Card, MVGX is working with a couple of organizations to release an initial batch of 700 cards at the end of June.

Commenting on this latest corporate initiative, Dr. Bo Bai, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of MetaVerse Green Exchange, said: "If the past year is any indication, the climate crisis has fully transitioned into a climate emergency and we, as a collective business community, need to take action in any way that we can. Reduction is a crucial piece of the puzzle, however, there needs to be a simpler and more streamlined way to offset the emissions that remain. We created the Net Zero Card to make it easier for businesses across the globe  no matter the industry or their size  to offset their carbon footprint, across all their activities in an accessible, affordable way."

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The customizable Net Zero Card is a pre-paid, white-label solution that is designed for different situations in which a business may want to offset or enable their clients to offset their carbon footprint on a short-term basis. Comparable to an EZ-link travel card, the Net Zero Card marks MVGX's first offering that applies to retail through their institutional customers. For its initial launch, the Net Zero Card will solely support travel-related applications within Singapore such as commuting to work or to events with public or private transportation. This is especially timely as domestic restrictions surrounding in-person events and enforced remote working lift. In fact, with nearly a million vehicles traveling on Singapore's roads releasing 6.4 million tons of CO2 each year, domestic travel equates to over a tenth of the city-state's total emissions.

Each Net Zero Card is equipped with a near-field communication (NFC) tag which can be scanned with a smartphone. If the NFC reader has been switched off by the user for privacy reasons, a QR code printed on the gift card can also be used to access a landing page that will allow the user to calculate their emissions based on the duration of travel and the mode of transportation in the Net Zero Diary. Accompanying the Net Zero Card is the soon-to-be-launched mobile app, which will leverage the user's smartphone's geo-tracking capabilities to track and measure their carbon footprint throughout their journey. Once the emissions have been calculated, MVGX will retire the corresponding amount of Carbon Neutrality Tokens (CNTsTM) based on the prepaid amount on the card, with traceable and immutable records on the blockchain.

The patent-pending Net Zero Card is backed by MVGX's asset-backed CNTTM which are tied to Voluntary Emission Reductions (VERs). Backed by proprietary protocols and blockchain technology, CNTsTM are designed to combine the immutability of non-fungible tokens with real-time data updates, offering an immutable and continuously updated record of carbon performance.

CNTs address one of the most challenging aspects of the Paris Agreement (COP21) - namely, the "Nationality Problem" of carbon credits - enabling carbon neutrality at scale and facilitating the global goal of Net Zero emissions without triggering Nationally Determined Contributions.

"A company's sustainability strategy should not only be a matter of corporate accountability but also individual responsibility. A critical roadblock in mobilizing climate action is often when people are unable to truly visualize the full negative impact of their behavior on the environment. With the Net Zero Card and Net Zero Diary, we hope that people can come to realize that every action - as much as inaction - matters when it comes to securing the future of a greener planet," continued Dr. Bai.

VERs play a significant role in supporting carbon-reduction projects and as of 2021, the voluntary carbon market topped US$1 billion, pointing to the growing appetite for green financing opportunities across businesses of all sizes as they work to keep to their sustainability commitments. This appetite is equally reflected among employees  according to a Unily survey , 65 percent of surveyed respondents expressed that they would be more likely to work for a company with robust environmental policies.

The Net Zero Card's applications are going to be more important due to the resumption of large-scale, in-person corporate events as borders across the world gradually reopen, inevitably resulting in a surge of international business travel, pointing to its enduring relevance for businesses. While global carbon emissions dropped by 7 percent in 2021 due to ongoing lockdowns, aviation continues to account for up to 3 percent of all carbon emissions globally.

In light of this, MVGX's Net Zero Card is now available for businesses across Singapore for purchase as they empower their employees and clients to play an active role in strengthening their company's sustainability strategy as the emphasis on positive climate action intensifies.

SOURCE MetaVerse Green Exchange
Many shops make clear to customers that they accept Bitcoin

Cryptocurrencies have continued to tumble this week with billions wiped from the value of tokens like Bitcoin. The crash is affecting investors worldwide, including the government of El Salvador. The Central American country has poured millions of dollars into Bitcoin and made it legal tender nine months ago, encouraging people to use it for day-to-day transactions.

From trinkets and tacos to petrol and even houses - you can shop for pretty much anything in El Salvador with Bitcoin. Buying with cryptocurrency from street sellers and major chains alike is a remarkable experience.

It shows how far Bitcoin has come since it was dreamt up on internet forums back in 2008.

The decision by President Nayib Bukele to make the cryptocurrency legal tender means that in theory it must now be accepted by all businesses, alongside El Salvador's other currency, the US dollar.

But the latest cryptocurrency crash has prompted more questions about the policy, especially the use of nearly $100m of public funds to buy Bitcoin - each purchase celebrated by the president with a tweet.

El Salvador just bought the dip! 



500 coins at an average USD price of ~$30,744 #Bitcoin  Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) May 9, 2022

The country's 2,300 bitcoins are now worth half what the government paid for them, but the finance minister has brushed off criticism, saying there is "extremely minimal fiscal risk".

Bitcoin Beach

The place where El Salvador's Bitcoin movement started is El Zonte, a small surfing and fishing town on the south coast. Here, in 2019, an anonymous donor gave a group of cryptocurrency fans the first of many large donations of Bitcoin.

No-one admits to knowing who he or she is, but the deal was that the town could keep the digital coins on condition they weren't converted into dollars.

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El Zonte is still receiving donations of Bitcoin from an unknown benefactor

The idea was to create the world's first circular Bitcoin economy, where people can be paid in Bitcoin - a peer-to-peer internet cash system - and live on it.

It's a radical idea. In the rest of the world Bitcoin can be used for online purchases, but except in a small number of trendy cafes or one-off projects, it hasn't been possible to use it on the high street.

El Zonte has so far received about $350,000 from its anonymous benefactor, a significant amount for this shabby but beautiful town, now also known as Bitcoin Beach.

Katerina Contreras was one of the first beneficiaries.

Katerina Contreras was trained as a lifeguard and paid in Bitcoin

Two years ago, during the pandemic, she was offered a lifeguard course, and it seemed like a good deal. The organisers paid for the trainees' transport and food in Bitcoin.

"Then for six months we worked as lifeguards and were paid our wages in Bitcoin," she says.

Some businesses in the town say they have seen a 30% uptick in trade as Bitcoin Tourists, fuelled by crypto YouTuber channels, are attracted to the novelty of spending their digital coins on holiday.

However, Bitcoin adoption remains patchy.

My travels led me to conclude that the further you move from Bitcoin Beach, the less likely you are to be able to buy things in the digital currency.

In Bitcoin Beach just over half the businesses I came across accepted Bitcoin, but drive north 80 minutes to the capital, San Salvador, and it's more like a quarter.

Subsidised wallet

The government says it has no plans to force businesses to accept Bitcoin, even though they should under the country's Bitcoin Law. So far it has restricted itself to offering incentives.

Cash is still very much king here, with more than half of Salvadoreans not owning a bank account, but President Bukele has poured $200m of public money into a subsidised Bitcoin wallet app, called Chivo.

Anyone who downloads the app receives $30 in Bitcoin for signing up, which may explain why it has been downloaded four million times, in a country of 6.5 million.

But many people use the app for transactions in dollars, not Bitcoin. It's often used this way, for example, by people who work abroad and send money home to their families, as there are no commission or transfer fees.

And there are signs that after the initial surge of interest, people are using Chivo less.

Another incentive to use it came into existence at the end of February, with the opening of the country's most advanced animal hospital.

Large queues are common, with people and pets sheltering in lines under gazebos for their appointments. And that's because all animal care, even complex surgery, costs only 25 cents - as long as it's paid for with the Chivo app, and preferably in Bitcoin.

Staff say the centre is being paid for with "the profits of Bitcoin", but government officials didn't answer requests to explain how these profits were made.

Public money

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been urging El Salvador to reverse its decision to make Bitcoin legal tender, arguing that it's too unstable for this purpose, and local economists like Tatiana Marroquin are increasingly concerned.

She says the government doesn't have enough money to help vulnerable people, so shouldn't be taking risks by pouring public funds into cryptocurrency.

President Bukele's Bitcoin purchases charted against the value of Bitcoin according to CoinMarketCap

She also says there is a lack of transparency.

"We don't know exactly when or with what money they've bought bitcoins."

Tourism Minister Morena Valdez, however, insists Salvadoreans have confidence in President Bukele, despite Bitcoin's falling value.

"We know that each of the president's decisions are made in the right moment. People have a lot of trust in his decisions and in how the country's economy is going," she says.

Other countries were thought to be considering following El Salvador's move, before the latest crash began in May, though the Central African Republic is the only one that has done it. The country's president, Faustin-Archange Touadera, announced the step on Twitter, describing Bitcoin as "universal money".

Mathematics is the #language of the Universe.#Bitcoin is universal money.  Faustin-Archange Touadera (@FA_Touadera) April 27, 2022

El Salvador now wants to go further.

President Bukele has announced plans for a new city - Bitcoin City - to be built at the foot of a volcano that will provide geothermal energy, and power a giant Bitcoin mine.

President Bukele, in his trademark baseball cap, examines a model of the planned city

He's hoping to raise the money by selling $1bn of Volcano Bonds, though these were meant to go on sale in March and have not yet appeared.

Officials say they are confident they will be able to raise the funds - and pay a looming foreign debt bill of $800m.

But the cryptocurrency crash is piling pressure on this government as it continues to bet big on Bitcoin.

Watch the documentary El Salvador's Big Bitcoin Gamble this weekend on the News Channel and BBC World News
eMagin Corporation

High-brightness, Full-color Microdisplay to Provide Soldiers with Augmented Reality Views of the Battlefield

HOPEWELL JUNCTION, N.Y., June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- eMagin Corporation (NYSE American: EMAN), a leader in the development, design and manufacture of high-resolution OLED microdisplays for AR/VR and other near-eye imaging products, today announced it has been awarded a $2.5 million contract from the U.S. Army for a high-brightness, full-color OLED microdisplay prototype project, including manufacturing process technologies. The prototype will be used in AR systems that provide both sensor and tactical data to soldiers, thereby enhancing situational awareness and mobility in a range of military applications.



We are honored that the Department of Defense has recognized eMagins OLED manufacturing and technical capabilities and appreciate the grant award, which will support our continuing efforts to provide a U.S. supply chain solution for these critical military components, said Andrew Sculley, CEO of eMagin Corporation. eMagin is the sole U.S. manufacturer of OLED microdisplays and we have proudly supplied to U.S. defense programs of record since 2006.

This project will support the governments need to secure a U.S. source for a high-performance microdisplay that provides high brightness and exceptional visual acuity with high information content, even in bright daylight conditions," said Amal Ghosh, eMagins chief operating officer. We will further improve the efficiency, brightness and lifetime of our proprietary direct-patterned, full-color OLED microdisplays by incorporating additional technological advancements.

As part of this project, eMagin will deliver high-brightness color OLED microdisplay prototypes for testing and evaluation within 24 months. It is anticipated that upon the successful completion of the prototype, a follow-on production agreement may be issued without the need for a competitive process.

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About eMagin

eMagin is the leader in OLED microdisplay technology, enabling the visualization of digital information and imagery for world-class customers in the military, consumer, medical and industrial markets. The Company invents, engineers, and manufactures display technologies of the future and is the only manufacturer of OLED displays in the United States. eMagin's Direct Patterning Technology (dPd) will transform the way the world consumes information. Since 2001, eMagin's microdisplays have been used in AR/VR, aircraft helmets, heads-up display systems, thermal scopes, night vision goggles, future weapon systems and a variety of other applications. For more information, please visit www.emagin.com.

Important Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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, including those regarding eMagin Corporation's expectations, intentions, strategies and beliefs pertaining to future events or future financial performance. Actual events or results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including those described in the Company's most recent filings with the SEC. For a more complete description of the risk factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our current expectations, including impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, please see the section entitled "Risk Factors" in eMagin's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, and in any Form 10-Q filed or to be filed by eMagin, and in other documents we file with the SEC from time to time.

Contact:

eMagin Corporation

Mark Koch, Chief Financial Officer

845-838-7900

investorrelations@emagin.com

Sharon Merrill Associates, Inc.

Nicholas Manganaro

617-542-5300

eman@investorrelations.com




Setting a new benchmark for modern, resilient and sustainable New Economy real estate

Upon completion of the four-phase logistics park in Greater Tokyo, the asset will represent the highest value logistics park in Japan with an estimated total completed value of US$2.5 billion

TOKYO and HONG KONG, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- ESR ("ESR" or the "Company", together with its subsidiaries the "Group"; SEHK Stock Code: 1821), APAC's largest real asset manager powered by the New Economy, has completed the construction of ESR Yokohama Sachiura Distribution Centre 1 ("ESR Yokohama Sachiura DC 1" or "DC 1") in Greater Tokyo, which forms the first phase of the master-planned ESR Yokohama Sachiura Logistics Park.

(PRNewsfoto/ESR Cayman Limited)

ESR Yokohama Sachiura Logistics Park, a multi-phase development that provides approximately 720,000 sqm logistics space over four phases, is set to be the largest logistics park (by value) in Japan and one of the largest ever developed (by value) in APAC upon completion. Its second phase, ESR Yokohama Sachiura Distribution Centre 2, commenced construction in June 2021 and is scheduled for completion in January 2023.

ESR Yokohama Sachiura DC 1, a four-storey, double-ramp distribution centre with a GFA of 195,342 sqm (59,091 tsubo), is primely situated in Yokohama City of the Greater Tokyo Area. Epitomising the highest standard of building specifications as well as human-centric, sustainable design, the facility is built to serve the robust Greater Tokyo market. Tenant demand in the Yokohama market remains strong with DC 1 experiencing strong take up to above 50% in a very short period of time to major international and domestic customers.

Stuart Gibson, Co-founder and Co-CEO of ESR, said: "ESR Yokohama Sachiura Logistics Park represents a milestone project for ESR, which demonstrates our team's capability, innovation and prowess as APAC's leading developer and manager. We are proud to create yet another phenomenal, sustainable and future-proof development that sets new standards for New Economy real estate in Japan and the region, not just because of its size and scale, but more importantly, the meaningful economic, environmental and social contributions that are at the core of the project."

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Ken Sakuramoto, Head of Equity Advisory, Capital Markets of JLL, said: "The completion of phase 1 of the ESR Yokohama Sachiura Logistics Park has taken this asset class to the next level in terms of build quality, community space and environmental characteristics. Out of the handful of players operating in this space, ESR has been the stand out player leading the way in innovative design for functionality and architectural aesthetics which is not a description commonly associated with distribution centres. ESR has won several design accolades over recent years for its innovative approach to transforming industrial buildings into highly desirable workplaces and will no doubt be recognised for this latest development which will have wide appeal to its core e-commerce customer base as well as for the 3PL companies which support e-commerce."

Upholding ESR's portfolio-wide approach to sustainability, ESR Yokohama Sachiura DC 1 boasts a suite of human-centric features such as KLUBB Lounge, KLUBB Skydeck, children's day-care centre known as "BARNKLUBB" in addition to retail shops and female-friendly spaces. Not only do these help ESR's customers to attract and retain the talent they need  particularly working mothers  but also increase the well-being of onsite workers and productivity of their workforce, addressing some of Japan's most pressing issues, including a shortage of labour, job opportunities for talented mothers and day-care centre space.

Japan has a shortage of private day-care centres for children. Waiting lists are common and costs are high for most families. To promote family-friendly practices, in all ESR Japan distribution centres that exceed 100,000 sqm in GFA, children's day-care centres "BARNKLUBB" are developed. A pioneer in identifying and helping to address societal needs and issues, ESR has sought to bring mothers keen to participate in the labour markets back into the workplace, as well as make positive environmental and social contributions, which benefit the local community and economy. Run by licensed child-care providers and offered free of charge, ESR's BARNKLUBBs support families in balancing parenting with working outside the home in addition to creating greater inclusiveness, diversity and flexibility.

In line with the world-class architecture and human-centric design that the Group's best-in-class properties embody, ESR Yokohama Sachiura DC 1 is equipped with a comprehensive array of sustainability features and elements, including a 5MW self-consumed rooftop solar power generation system, bioswale system, environment-friendly lighting and energy-saving features. The facility has been awarded a number of sustainability credentials, including a Class A certification from CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency), an ABINC (Association for Business Innovation in Harmony and Community) certification, and the highest rating of 5 stars from BELS (Building-Housing Energy-Efficiency Labelling System).

Preservation of community and environmental heritage is an integral part of the development. The Group endeavours to preserve the resources of this site which have over three decades of heritage.

At ESR Yokohama Sachiura DC 1&2, the Group brought a 7,000 sqm neglected urban forest back to life to protect the natural habitat for a diverse mix of flora and fauna, while an old gantry crane will be retained as the centrepiece and an architectural icon of the facility and the community. Moreover, playground equipment was installed to further enhance the green and harmonious environment of the forest which will be opened to the local community in the future.

As a responsible corporate citizen, ESR is also committed to supporting the development and well-being of the local communities. In collaboration with the government of Kanagawa Prefecture, ESR has committed seven facilities, including ESR Yokohama Sachiura DC 1&2, to support local disaster response in the case of a natural disaster.

"Responsible stewardship is imperative to protecting and growing the value of our assets. Working closely with our stakeholders, we put a strong focus on the social and environmental aspects as we develop and manage our APAC-wide portfolio. At ESR, we are committed to providing best-in-class New Economy real estate developments and investment solutions that support our customers to achieve efficient and sustainable operations, while making a meaningful contribution and positive impact for the people and communities around us," added Mr. Gibson.

ESR Yokohama Sachiura Logistics Park is one of the seed assets of the Group's JPY150 billion ESR Japan Logistics Fund III ("RJLF3"), a development joint venture with Dutch pension fund APG and a global institutional investor to focus on the development of large-scale, state-of-the-art logistics facilities in the major metropolitan areas of Japan. RJLF3 received the highest possible 5 Green Stars rating with a score of 91 points in the 2021 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark ("GRESB") Assessment, in recognition of its outstanding sustainability performance.

About ESR

ESR is APAC's largest real asset manager powered by the New Economy and the third largest listed real estate investment manager globally. With US$140.2 billion in total assets under management (AUM), our fully integrated development and investment management platform extends across key APAC markets, including China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, India, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, representing over 95% of GDP in APAC, and also includes an expanding presence in Europe and the U.S. We provide a diverse range of real asset investment solutions and New Economy real estate development opportunities across our private funds business, which allow capital partners and customers to capitalise on the most significant secular trends in APAC. ESR is the largest sponsor and manager of REITs in APAC with a total AUM of US$45 billion. Our purpose  Space and Investment Solutions for a Sustainable Future  drives us to manage sustainably and impactfully and we consider the environment and the communities in which we operate as key stakeholders of our business. Listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, ESR is a constituent of the FTSE Global Equity Index Series (Large Cap), Hang Seng Composite Index and MSCI Hong Kong Index. More information is available at www.esr.com.

CONTACTS

Investors

Chang Rui Hua

Group Head of Capital Markets and Investor

Relations - Managing Director

+852 2376 9623

rh.chang@esr.com Media

Antonia Au

Group Head of Corporate Communications -

Executive Director

+852 2376 9617

antonia.au@esr.com

SOURCE ESR
PARIS  Skyn Iceland has new ownership, which plans to bring the clean skin care brand to its next phase of international development.

Entrepreneur Antoine de Larocque acquired Skyn Iceland from Frederic Boulet with the support of investor Jacques Veyrat, through Veyrats holding Impala. (Impala has already invested in Augustinus Bader, Lierac and Roger & Gallet.)

More from WWD

Boulet remains a core shareholder of Skyn Iceland, and Sarah Kugelman  who founded the brand 15 years ago with product formulations that include fruit, plants and mineral water from Iceland  serves as a consultant. Sylvain Ducret heads up finance and operations.

Financial terms of the deal, which was orchestrated by Joel Palix, of Palix Unlimited, were not disclosed.

It was a meeting between two people sharing the same idea and strategy to focus on clean products, explained Boulet, referring to himself and de Larocque. With the wish to present to customers global clean brands  including nutritional complements and therapeutic formulas  and focusing on our Nordic DNA.

Skyn Iceland currently generates $10 million, of which about half comes from eye gel and microneedle eye patches. In all, the brand has 30 stockkeeping units.

We were a pioneer when [Skyn Iceland] was launched as a Nordic clean brand, said Boulet. We were also a pioneer with the first clean eye gel patch when we launched eight years ago. So we absolutely want to maintain the flow of innovation.

Boulet said the aim is to develop Skyn Iceland as a global, clean skin care brand. As new product categories are added, the core consumer base should stretch beyond Millennials.

Skyn Iceland eye patches - Credit: Courtesy of Skyn Iceland

Courtesy of Skyn Iceland

Sixty-three percent of Skyn Icelands sales come from North America, where the brand is in about 1,400 doors. Ulta is its main retailer in the U.S., and Skyn Iceland has just signed with J.C. Penney to be in that chains new concept, representing more than 600 doors.

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Today, China is the second most important market for Skyn Iceland, where it is distributed by joint venture partner SuperOrdinary.

We have very good hubs for big growth, including through the TikTok vector, said Boulet.

Major development should come from expansion in Europe, where Skyn Icelands headquarters will move, to France, from the U.S.

We absolutely want to focus the gravity center of the company in Europe now, explained Boulet. We are looking for big retailers in Europe and the U.K.

Skyn Iceland has just signed with travel retail operator Dufry.

The brands production is expected to be developed in Europe.

We think that in two to three years we can double the size of the company, with the new partners and the new potential customers, said Boulet.

In the same period of time, it is envisaged that one-third of the business will be generated in the U.S., one-third in Europe and the U.K., and the remainder in Asia, mainly China.

We will focus on these three main areas from the beginning, said de Larocque. We have the time, and we have the network to [build the brand].

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General Atomics

Ambassador Etienne Tours GA Facility Fabricating the Central Solenoid Modules for the ITER Project in France

Image 1

Ambassador Philippe Etienne, Consul General Julie Duhaut-Bedos, and staff from the Consulate General of France in Los Angeles with senior leaders from General Atomics in front of two ITER Central Solenoid Modules at the Magnet Technologies Center

Image 2

Dr. Anantha Krishnan, Ambassador Philippe Etienne, and John Smith at the General Atomics Magnet Technologies Center

San Diego, CA, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This week, His Excellency Philippe Etienne, Ambassador of the French Republic, visited General Atomics (GA) and toured the Magnet Technologies Center, a cutting-edge production facility in Poway, California where GA is fabricating the Central Solenoid Modules for the ITER project. ITER is an international collaboration of 35 nations that will prove the feasibility of fusion as a means of producing virtually limitless clean, safe, and sustainable energy.

During the visit, which was arranged and hosted by Dr. Vivek Lall, Chief Executive of the General Atomics Global Corporation, Ambassador Etienne saw several stages of the Central Solenoid fabrication process where modules are undergoing the final phases of construction. Joining Ambassador Etienne was Julie Duhaut-Bedos, Consul General of France in Los Angeles.

It was a great privilege to host Ambassador Etienne at General Atomics to showcase the full range of our capabilities in the defense, energy, and technology sectors, said Dr. Lall. General Atomics is proud of its strong collaboration with France. This visit provided an invaluable opportunity for Ambassador Etienne to see a few of our facilities and learn more about our other areas of expertise. I look forward to continuing these conversations as we look to the future.

General Atomics and French organizations have a strong relationship in both the Defense and Energy sectors, as well as in the unmanned field, that meet both France's and the United-States' important interests, said Ambassador Etienne.

I was deeply honored to welcome Ambassador Etienne to the Magnetic Technologies Center at General Atomics to see our fabrication process first-hand, said Dr. Anantha Krishnan, Senior Vice President of the Energy Group. General Atomics is fabricating the most powerful pulsed superconducting electromagnet ever built, for ITER, and we are proud to play this integral part in the quest for fusion energy. Having recently returned from visiting the ITER facility in France, I was pleased to show Ambassador Etienne how General Atomics is playing a key role in the success of this ambitious project.

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The Central Solenoid is a critical component of the ITER experiment. Fully assembled, this massive magnet will be 59 feet tall, 14 feet in diameter, and weigh a thousand tons. Often referred to as the heart of the ITER facility, it will drive 15 million amperes of electrical current that will be used to shape and control the fusion reaction.

ITER is the largest scientific experiment in human history, with the top talent from across the world working together to ensure its success. It truly is an honor to be part of this effort. said John Smith, Senior Director of Engineering and Projects and Program Manager for Central Solenoid Module Fabrication. The design of the Central Solenoid is complex, and we are bringing the full weight of GAs expertise in engineering and precision manufacturing to this project to ensure its success. I am deeply appreciative of Ambassador Etiennes support as we complete this project and eagerly await the first plasma at ITER.

The Central Solenoid modules are being manufactured under the direction of the US ITER project, managed by the Department of Energys (DOEs) Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Under the ITER agreement, all members share equally in the technology developed while funding only a portion of the total cost. The United States is contributing approximately nine percent of ITERs total construction costs.

The Central Solenoid is one of 12 hardware systems that US ITER, funded by the DOEs Office of Fusion Energy Sciences, is providing to the project. Most of the funds appropriated by Congress for ITER are used to support high-tech jobs and manufacturing in the United States by funding in-kind contributions like the Central Solenoid.

It takes two years to complete a single module using a range of specialized manufacturing capabilities. Two of the seven Central Solenoid Modules have arrived at the ITER facility in France. The additional modules, including one that will act as a spare, are at various stages of fabrication. The Central Solenoid will be assembled as the modules arrive on site in support of the assembly of the device in preparation for first plasma.

About General Atomics: Since the dawn of the atomic age, General Atomics innovations have advanced the state of the art across the full spectrum of science and technology  from nuclear energy and defense to medicine and high-performance computing. Behind a talented global team of scientists, engineers, and professionals, GAs unique experience and capabilities continue to deliver safe, sustainable, economical, and innovative solutions to meet growing global demands.

###

Attachments

CONTACT: Evan Polisar General Atomics 858-455-3474 evan.polisar@ga.com




BlueWeave Consulting and Research Pvt Ltd

The Asia-Pacific segment accounts to hold the largest share in the market owing to the adoption of mobile payments and digital wallets in APAC which are likely to be higher than in other regions. Moreover, North America is expected to dominate the market in the upcoming years owing to the sophisticated and mature digital payments market.

New Delhi, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Digital Payment Market is growing at a steady rate because of the growing internet penetration, rapid technology breakthroughs along with the penetration of smartphones which are also encouraging users to go for time-saving, efficient payments solutions and digital marketing

A recent study conducted by the strategic consulting and market research firm, BlueWeave Consulting, revealed that the Global Digital Payment Market was worth USD 86.5 billion in the year 2021. It is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.1%, earning revenue of around USD 194.2 billion by the end of 2028. The lucrative growth of the Global Digital Payment Market is attributed to growing advanced technology, and increasing adoption of mobile payment followed by digital wallets and point of sale. Also, the increasing shift toward digital payment among the young generation and emerging e-Commerce platforms offers lucrative growth opportunities in the Global Digital Payment Market. Furthermore, the Global Digital Payment Market is one of the most emerging markets that grow continuously owing to the fast integration of new technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and others. However, the rising concern of the risk of theft and the lack of global standards for cross-border payments are the major restraining factors for the growth of the Global Digital Payment Market.

Request for Sample Report @ https://www.blueweaveconsulting.com/report/digital-payment-market/report-sample

Based on Deployment, the Global Digital Payment Market is categorized into On-Premise and Cloud. On-premise segment dominates the market because it allows user testers to work in a stable environment that takes advantage of users existing technology assets. Moreover, based on the mode of payment, the Global Digital Payment Market is segmented into Digital Currencies, Bank Cards, Digital Wallets, Net Banking, Point of Sale, and Others. Digital Wallets dominate the markets owing to the digital payment wallet being a secure virtual container of cash that is used to transfer money and make payments. It is categorized into open and closed-loop wallets. Open-loop wallets can be used for POS and money transfers as well as the purchase of goods. This further drives the growth of the Global Digital Payment Market during the forecast period (2022-2028).

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Geographically, the Global Digital Payment Market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Latin America (LATAM), Middle East & Africa (MEA). The Asia-Pacific segment accounts to hold the largest share in the market owing to the adoption of mobile payments and digital wallets in APAC that are likely to be higher than in other regions. Moreover, North America is expected to dominate the market in the upcoming years owing to the sophisticated and mature digital payments market. Moreover, globally, COVID-19 has imposed significant limitations on people's lives. This has also altered payments made, driven by lifestyle changes. Digital payment soared as word spread through family, friends, and campaigns worldwide. Therefore, across the spectrum, people found ways to live, work, transact and discover the uses of online transactions. Online payment has been providing the backbone for people to access their funds as they need them amidst the pandemic.

Please Visit Press Release of the Global Digital Payment Market: https://www.blueweaveconsulting.com/press-release/global-digital-payment-market-to-grow-at-a-steady-rate-during-2022-2028

The leading market players in the Global Digital Payment Market are PayPal, PayU, Paytm, CCAvenue, Razorpay, Instamojo, Cashfree Payments, EBS, PhonePe, Cred, Zeta, BharatPe, BillDesk, Google Pay, Dhani, BHIM Axis Pay, MobiKwik, Amazon Pay, Yono by SBI, HDFC PayZapp, ICICI Pockets, and other prominent players. The market is highly competitive and fragmented with the presence of various global and regional industry participants. The companies constantly launch new products with advanced features to gain a competitive edge over the market. Multinational corporations also invest in expanding their production capacities to meet the growing demand and boost their market penetration. Furthermore, the adoption of competitive strategies such as partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, etc., is also prominent in this market.

Dont miss the business opportunity in the Global Digital Payment Market. Consult our analysts to gain crucial insights and facilitate your business growth.

The in-depth analysis of the report provides information about growth potential, upcoming trends, and statistics of the Global Digital Payment Market. It also highlights the factors driving forecasts of total market size. The report promises to provide recent technology trends in the Global Digital Payment Market and industry insights to help decision-makers make sound strategic decisions. Furthermore, the report also analyzes the growth drivers, challenges, and competitive dynamics of the market.

Recent Developments

In February 2022, Apple announced plans to introduce Tap to Pay on iPhone. The new capability intends to empower millions of merchants across the United States, from small businesses to large retailers, to use their iPhones seamlessly and securely to accept Apple Pay, contactless credit and debit cards, and other digital wallet payments through a simple tap to their iPhones with no additional hardware or payment terminal.

In October 2021, the Treasury and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) increased the contactless payment limit from USD 50.92 to USD 113.16 in the U.K. This limit was previously increased by FCA from USD 33.95 to USD 50.92 in April 2020 as a COVID-19 measure to reduce contact between payment terminals and shoppers.

Scope of the Report

Attributes Details Years Considered Historical data  2018-2020 Base Year  2021 Forecast  2022  2028 Facts Covered Revenue in USD Billion Market Coverage North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Latin America (LATAM), Middle East & Africa (MEA Product Service/Segmentation By Offering, By Mode of Payment, By Deployment, By Organization Size, By Sector, By Region Key Players PayPal Holdings, Inc., Fiserv, Inc., FIS, Block, Inc. (Formerly Square), Global Payments Inc., Stripe, Inc., Visa, Mastercard Inc., Worldline, Adyen, ACI Worldwide Inc., Temenos AG, PayU, JPMorgan Chase & Co., WEX Inc., FleetCor Technologies, Inc., Chime Financial, Inc., Monese Credit Limited, Monzo Bank Ltd., The Green Dot Corporation, Axos Bank, Kakao Bank Corporation, N26 GmbH, Revolut Ltd., Nubank, Social Finance, Inc., Alau Tecnologia Sau, NerdWallet, Kuda Technologies, Eversend, Meem, Opay, Razorpay, Rewire, and other prominent players.

By Offering

Solution Payment Gateway Processing Payment Wallet Security and Fraud Management Others

Service

Professional

Managed

By Mode of Payment

Digital Currencies

Bank Cards

Digital Wallets

Net Banking

Point of Sale

Others

By Deployment

On-Premise

Cloud

By Organization Size

Small Enterprises

Medium Enterprises

Large Enterprises

By Sector

Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI)

Retail/E-Commerce

Healthcare

Hospitality/Travel

Logistics and Transportation

Others

By Region

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Latin America

Middle East and Africa

Please Find Below Some Related Report:

About Us

BlueWeave Consulting provides comprehensive Market Intelligence (MI) Solutions to businesses regarding various products and services online and offline. We offer all-inclusive market research reports by analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data to boost the performance of your business solutions. BWC has built its reputation from the scratch by delivering quality inputs and nourishing long-lasting relationships with its clients. We are one of the promising digital MI solutions companies providing agile assistance to make your business endeavors successful.

Contact Us:

BlueWeave Consulting & Research Pvt. Ltd

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By Trend

Director of Azerbaijan's Heydar Aliyev Palace Ramil Gasimov has been relieved of his duties, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan told Trend.

The former director was dismissed from his post due to the expiration of the labor contract.
Fortune Business Insights

Key Players Covered in the Report are Nestle S.A. (Switzerland), Unilever Group (U.K.), General Mills (U.S.), Amul (India), Dunkin Brands (U.S.), Blue Bell Creameries (U.S.), Dairy Queen (U.S.), Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (U.S.), Cold Stone Creamery (U.S.), CAMAL Ltd Company (Azerbaijan) and many more

Pune, India, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global ice cream market size reached USD 71.52 billion in 2021. The market valuation is anticipated to increase from USD 73.61 billion in 2022 to USD 104.96 billion by 2029 at 5.20% CAGR during 2022-2029. Rising consumer spending on fast food, intense research and development operations for the creation of unique product variants, and the product's widespread availability are expected to fuel the global market. Furthermore, market expansion in a number of emerging markets is projected to be aided in the coming years by greater urbanization and rising disposable income, says Fortune Business Insights, in its report titled Ice Cream Market, 2022-2029."

COVID-19 Impact :

Despite Slight Disruption, Market to Witness Strong Recovery

The global COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the industry around the world. Labor shortages and logistical constraints have become important concerns for companies. Many firms, particularly small and medium-sized ones, were forced to stop or stop producing. With the number of new confirmed cases on the decline, the situation is expected to improve. As the impact of the pandemic reduce and transportation restrictions are eased, the demand will soar in the coming summer season. Some businesses are concentrating on capitalizing on shifting market dynamics to make up for the drop in product demand brought on by COVID-19.

Get a Sample PDF Brochure:



https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/ice-cream-market-104847

Ice Cream Market Report Scope & Segmentation:



Report Attribute Details Market size value in 2021 USD 71.52 billion Revenue forecast in 2029 USD 104.96 billion Growth Rate CAGR of almost 5.20% 2022-2029 Base Year 2021 Historic Years 2018 - 2020 Forecast Years 2022 - 2029 Segments Covered By Type, By Flavor, By Application, By Packaging, By Distribution Channel and By Geography Forecast Units Value (USD Billion), and Volume (Units) Quantitative Units Revenue in USD million/billion and CAGR from 2021 to 2028 Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa, and Rest of World Countries Covered Unites States, Canada, Mexico, Unites Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, GCC Countries, and South Africa, among others Number of Companies Covered Nestle S.A. (Switzerland), Unilever Group (U.K.), General Mills (U.S.), Amul (India), Dunkin Brands (U.S.), Blue Bell Creameries (U.S.), Dairy Queen (U.S.), Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (U.S.), Cold Stone Creamery (U.S.), CAMAL Ltd Company (Azerbaijan) and many more Report Coverage Market growth drivers, restraints, opportunities, Porter's five forces analysis, PEST analysis, value chain analysis, regulatory landscape, market attractiveness analysis by segments and region, company market share analysis, and COVID-19 impact analysis. Customization Scope Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs.

List of Key Players Profiled in the Report

Nestle S.A. (Switzerland)

Unilever Group (U.K.)

General Mills (U.S.)

Amul (India)

Dunkin Brands (U.S.)

Blue Bell Creameries (U.S.)

Dairy Queen (U.S.)

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (U.S.)

Cold Stone Creamery (U.S.)

CAMAL Ltd Company (Azerbaijan)

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Segments:

By Type, Impulse Segment to Record Fastest CAGR during 2022-2029

Based on type, the market is bifurcated into impulse and take home. The impulse segment dominated the market share in 2021, owing to rising popularity of conveniently packaged product among consumers. On the other hand, the take home segment will record notable growth through 2029.

By Flavor, Vanilla Segment to Capture Maximum Share through 2029

In terms of flavor, the market is divided into vanilla, chocolate, fruit, and others. Among these, the vanilla segment is slated to dominate the market during 2022-2029 led by increasing popularity of the product. The chocolate segment is expected to hold the second-largest market share.

By Packaging, Cup Segment to Exhibit Stellar Growth over 2022-2029

On the basis of packaging, the market is segmented into cup, stick, cone, tub, brick, and others. The cup segment is anticipated to capture the dominant market share till 2029 led by tremendous popularity of cup ice creams. Convenience associated with this type of packaging makes it extremely popular among consumers.

By Distribution Channel, Online Retailer Segment to Gain Traction through 2029

According to distribution channel, the market is segregated into ice cream parlor, supermarket/hypermarket, online retailer, and others. Among these, the online retailer segment is projected to grow substantially owing to the growing trend of home delivery. Ease of convenience of online ordering will drive the growth of this segment.

Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/ice-cream-market-104847

Market Segmentation

By Type

Impulse

Take Home

By Flavor

Vanilla

Chocolate

Fruit

Others

By Packaging

Cup

Cone

Stick

Brick

Tub

Others

By Distribution Channel

Hypermarket/Supermarket

Ice cream Parlor

Online Retailer

Others

By Geography

Drivers & Restraints :



Increasing Product Innovation to Drive Market Growth

Traditional ice cream is nutrient-dense, yet it has no health benefits. As a result, the market players are showing growing interest in fortification and the addition of beneficial ingredients that may encourage consumers to select the product as a healthy snack option. Functional foods have advantages above and beyond basic nutrition, and they may help to reduce or eliminate the risk of certain diseases. The global consumption of fortified or functional products is predicted to rise due to increased production, thereby augmenting the ice cream market growth in the forthcoming years.

However, low shelf life and seasonality could affect the product consumption to some extent.

Regional Insights :

Asia Pacific to Dominate Market Share led by Increasing Disposable Income

Asia Pacific dominated the ice cream market share in 2021 and is expected to grow at 5.63% CAGR over the forecast period. Fast food's growing popularity, increased disposable income, rapid urbanization, and the influence of western cuisine and culture have all boosted product consumption throughout Asia Pacific.

North America is expected to capture the second-largest share in the market. The growing number of fast-food chains in the region and the widespread use of natural ingredients in the creation of frozen dairy products are pushing the product consumption.

The European market has evolved as major corporations have adjusted their product portfolios in response to consumer interest and demand.

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https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/customization/ice-cream-market-104847

Competitive Landscape:

Market Players Focus on New Product Development and Launches to Strengthen Position

Leading companies, such as Nestle S.A., Unilever Group, and General Mills, are focusing on new product launches and collaborative ventures with key stakeholders for portfolio expansion and product marketing. For example, Unilever Group announced the launch of the Double Red Velvet variation under its Magnum brand in January 2021.

Key Industry Development:

January 2022: Casper's Ice Cream, a Utah-based company that owns brands such as FatBoy, Jolly Llama, and Churn Baby, was acquired by MidOcean Partners, a New York-based private equity firm.

Detailed Table of Content:

Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Market Trends

Key Insights Porter's Five Forces Analysis PESTEL Analysis Industry SWOT Analysis Recent Industry Developments - Policies, Mergers & Acquisitions, and New Product Launches Regulatory Analysis Market Entry Strategies Supply Chain Analysis Market Analysis and Insights (in Relation with COVID-19) Impact of COVID-19 on the Market Supply Chain Challenges due to the Pandemic Potential Opportunities Due to COVID-19

Global Ice Cream Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2018-2029 Key Findings / Summary Market Size Estimates and Forecast By Type (Value) Impulse Ice-cream Take Home By Flavor (Value) Vanilla Chocolate Fruit Others By Packaging (Value) Cup Cone Stick Brick Tub Others By Distribution Channel (Value) Hypermarket/Supermarket Ice-cream Parlor Online Retailer Others By Region (Value) North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa



TOC Continued

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Artisanal Ice Creams Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis Forecast to 2029

Impulse Ice-cream Market Size, Share and Forecast to 2029

Dairy-free Ice Creams Market Size, Trend and Forecast to 2029

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Tourmaline Oil Corp. (TSE:TOU) insiders who acquired shares over the previous 12 months, can probably afford to ignore the recent 7.0% decline in the stock price. After accounting for the recent loss, the CA$5.9m worth of shares they purchased is now worth CA$9.0m, suggesting a good return on their investment.

Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether.

See our latest analysis for Tourmaline Oil

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Tourmaline Oil

Notably, that recent purchase by Chairman of the Board Michael Rose was not the only time they bought Tourmaline Oil shares this year. Earlier in the year, they paid CA$69.80 per share in a CA$698k purchase. That implies that an insider found the current price of CA$72.67 per share to be enticing. Of course they may have changed their mind. But this suggests they are optimistic. If someone buys shares at well below current prices, it's a good sign on balance, but keep in mind they may no longer see value. Happily, the Tourmaline Oil insiders decided to buy shares at close to current prices.

Happily, we note that in the last year insiders paid CA$5.9m for 123.86k shares. But they sold 11.48k shares for CA$689k. In the last twelve months there was more buying than selling by Tourmaline Oil insiders. Their average price was about CA$47.38. We don't deny that it is nice to see insiders buying stock in the company. However, we do note that they were buying at significantly lower prices than today's share price. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Insiders at Tourmaline Oil Have Bought Stock Recently

At Tourmaline Oil,over the last quarter, we have observed quite a lot more insider buying than insider selling. In fact, two insiders bought CA$1.9m worth of shares. But insider Drew Tumbach sold shares worth CA$689k. We think insiders may be optimistic about the future, since insiders have been net buyers of shares.

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Does Tourmaline Oil Boast High Insider Ownership?

Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. Tourmaline Oil insiders own about CA$1.5b worth of shares (which is 6.2% of the company). This kind of significant ownership by insiders does generally increase the chance that the company is run in the interest of all shareholders.

What Might The Insider Transactions At Tourmaline Oil Tell Us?

The recent insider purchases are heartening. We also take confidence from the longer term picture of insider transactions. When combined with notable insider ownership, these factors suggest Tourmaline Oil insiders are well aligned, and quite possibly think the share price is too low. One for the watchlist, at least! So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. At Simply Wall St, we found 4 warning signs for Tourmaline Oil that deserve your attention before buying any shares.

If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

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.
NEW YORK and BOSTON , June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization, together with UMass Chan Medical School announces the appointment of David M. Harlan, MD, the William and Doris Krupp Professor of Medicine, professor of medicine and co-director of the Diabetes Center of Excellence, as the new director of the JDRF Center of Excellence in New England.

JDRF (PRNewsFoto/JDRF)

"For many years, JDRF has supported the collaborative work of Dr. Harlan and his colleagues in the Greater New England area," says Esther Latres, PhD, JDRF Assistant Vice President of Research. "Under Dr. Harlan's leadership, we anticipate continued progress toward a cure for type 1 diabetes using stem-cell derived beta cell and islet therapies."

For nearly 40 years, Dr. Harlan has been conducting research exploring the pathophysiology underlying diabetes. Dr. Harlan also brings years of experience as an endocrinologist with expertise in diabetes and metabolism. A renowned basic and clinical investigator, his current research is focused on beta cell biology and the anti-beta cell immune response.

"For decades, clinician scientists like myself have been working to develop methods to safely interfere with the autoimmune response that targets the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreases of people with type 1 diabetes," said Dr. Harlan. "Our group is working to genetically modify the beta cells to make them invulnerable to the immune system when infused into a person with type 1 diabetes."

The JDRF Center of Excellence in New England is part of a growing global network of research centers aimed at accelerating science in curing T1D and improving lives. Organized as a cross-institutional collaboration between leading experts from the UMass Chan Diabetes Center of Excellence, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Joslin Diabetes Center, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and the Jackson Laboratory, the Center of Excellence in New England focuses on exploring immune responses and applying cell engineering technologies to prevent rejection of highly functional islets by the immune system in the absence of immune suppression.

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"We're testing these human cells in vivo in our unique biological models," added Dr. Harlan. "The goal is to provide an islet cell replacement therapy that eliminates the need for immunosuppressant drugs with their inherent toxicities."

Dr. Harlan's tenure as head of the Center of Excellence begins immediately, taking over for Dr. Douglas Melton who announced he would be stepping down to join Vertex Pharmaceuticals as a Distinguished Fellow.

For more information about The JDRF Center of Excellence in New England please visit,

http://jdrf.org/impact/research/centers-of-excellence/new-england/

For more information about the JDRF Center of Excellence program, visit

https://www.jdrf.org/impact/research/centers-of-excellence/

About JDRF

JDRF's mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2.5 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our five international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement, and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter (@JDRF), Facebook (@myjdrf), and Instagram (@jdrfhq).

About UMass Chan Medical School and UMass Chan Diabetes Center of Excellence

UMass Chan Medical School, one of five campuses of the University of Massachusetts system, comprises the T.H. Chan School of Medicine, the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing; a thriving research enterprise and an innovative public service initiative, Commonwealth Medicine. UMass Chan's mission is to advance the health and wellness of our diverse communities throughout Massachusetts and across the world by leading and innovating in education, research, health care delivery and public service. In doing so, it has built a reputation as a world-class research institution and as a leader in primary care education, perennially ranked in the top 10 percent of medical schools for primary care by U.S. News and World Report. UMass Chan attracts more than $400 million annually in research funding, placing it among the top 50 medical schools in the nation. In 2021, the Medical School received a $175 million donation from The Morningside Foundation and was renamed the UMass Chan Medical School.

Under the co-direction of David M. Harlan, MD, and Dale L. Greiner, PhD, the UMass Chan Diabetes Center of Excellence combines cutting-edge diabetes research with the latest in comprehensive patient care. Visit umassmed.edu/dcoe to learn more.

About the Harvard Stem Cell Institute

The Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI), formed in 2004, brings together more than 1,000 scientists in the schools and affiliated hospitals of Harvard University. Its mission is to advance the understanding of human development and disease, support the discovery of stem cell-based therapies and cures for diseases, create collaborations across traditional institutional and disciplinary boundaries, and train the next generation of stem cell scientists. The HSCI funds novel research and fosters cross-discipline, cross-sector collaboration to accelerate discoveries that benefit humankind. Visit hsci.harvard.edu to learn more.

About Joslin Diabetes Center

Joslin Diabetes Center is world-renowned for its deep expertise in diabetes treatment and research. Joslin is dedicated to finding a cure for diabetes and ensuring that people with diabetes live long, healthy lives. We develop and disseminate innovative patient therapies and scientific discoveries throughout the world. Joslin is an independent, non-profit institution affiliated with Harvard Medical School, and one of only 16 NIH-designated Diabetes Research Centers in the U.S. For more information, visit www.joslin.org.

About The Jackson Laboratory

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with more than 2,300 employees. Headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine, it has a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center, a genomic medicine institute in Farmington, Conn., and facilities in Ellsworth and Augusta, Maine, in Sacramento, Calif., and in Beijing and Shanghai, China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.

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SOURCE JDRF
This is part of an opinion series examining Juneteenth. The USA TODAY Network Tennessee invited Black leaders and influencers to share their thoughts on lessons learned and lessons yet to be learned.

I am an African American with a tinge of Cherokee Indian blood in my veins.

Born in Giles County, raised in Nashville, I am a proud American. I Served in the U. S. Air Force and was honorably discharged. Educated in Nashville, attended American Baptist College, and Vanderbilt Divinity School, I am 83 years old.

To think on Juneteenth is pain. Let me share my pain.

Sometime ago, I read H. Shelton Smiths, In His Image. . . But! It was a painful read! But I read every page. A University of North Carolina professor, Dr. Smith tells of the formation of the Southern Baptist Convention in Augusta, Georgia in 1845.

Probably the major reason for SBCs formation was the maintenance of the brutal institution of American slavery. Time and again, Smith cites the conventions argument that the Negro was not human, following the idea of Homeric philosophy rather than Biblical theology.

Dr Amos Jones Jr

So, Christians amassed enormous wealth off the back of Christians, in violation of Christian principles and teachings of the Bible.

In an article by Mark Wingfield, the theory is that the delay of the news of freedom for slaves in Texas was the work of white SBC slave holders. Horrible! But probably true!

Dilatory tactics have not been limited to white Southern Baptists, it has been an American problem.

The carnage of 1921 that wiped out Tulsas Black Wall Street was not known by this writer until NPR reported it in the 1990s.

Sign up for Black Tennessee Voices newsletter: Read compelling columns by Black writers from across Tennessee.

Your state. Your stories. Support more reporting like this.

A subscription gives you unlimited access to stories across Tennessee that make a difference in your life and the lives of those around you. Click here to become a subscriber.

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Charlottesville, Virginia was described by President Trump as having some good people and some bad people. The peaceful demonstrations by young Black and white Americans when George Floyd was murdered was described by President Trump as a demonstration of thugs and rioters. He called for law and order.

Yes! Juneteenth speaks loudly. It acknowledges racism as deeply rooted in the American way. Dilatory tactics are consonant with racism.

In 2015, Dylan Storm Roof, a white supremacist casually went into Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina and killed the pastor and eight others.

One after another, Breonna Taylor, Michael Brown, Ahmaud Arbery, etc., etc., et. al., George Floyd, and 10 African Americans in Buffalo, New York have been murdered in this country but no murmur from the white church. No denunciation of the pain and suffering of their Black Christian brothers and sisters.

Juneteenth is a reminder that America must do more to make our nation a more perfect union.

Our forebears envisioned America as a city set on a hill. Reverend John Winthrop preached that if the nation abided not by the prophet Micahs maxim to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God, the American Experience could fail.

Juneteenth is a word of caution that comes to us from the annals of our history.

Dr. Amos Jones, Jr., is the president of the National Association of Christian Educators. He resides in Nashville and is a Vanderbilt Divinity School graduate.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Juneteenth reminds us that racism is deeply rooted in the American way
Transparency Market Research

Improvements in polymerase chain reaction (PCR), next-generation sequencing (NGS), enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA), single cell technology, and flow cytometry methods are expected to drive the life science reagents market

Wilmington, Delaware, United States, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global life science reagents market was valued at US$ 54.7 Bn in 2021. The global market is anticipated to rise at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period, from 2022 to 2031. The future market outlook for life science reagents predicts the market to attain value of more than US$ 100 Bn by 2031. Life science, pharmaceutical, and health care businesses all use life science reagents. Due to its higher use in in-vitro diagnostics for the detection of different chronic and infectious illnesses, the global life science reagents market is likely to rise rapidly over the forecast period.



Life science reagents are also utilized to forecast illness progression, create medication, and track treatment success. Government and private sector increasing spending and focus on pharmaceutical R&D funding are anticipated to stimulate the development of technologies and innovative products. Makers of life science reagents are expected to benefit from profitable business prospects during the forecast period.

In health care diagnostics, forensic sciences, clinical research and development, personalized medications, and drug discovery are estimated to fuel growth of the global life science reagents market. Besides, technological developments in biotechnology, life sciences, and molecular biology have resulted in substantial improvements. As a result, demand for reagents, sera, and biotechnology media, as well as biotechnology reagents, has skyrocketed. In addition, rising chronic and infectious illnesses and expansion of the life science industry is estimated to open up plethora of opportunities for the key players in the life science reagents market.

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Key Findings of Market Report

In comparison with younger populace, the elderly population is expanding at much faster rate across the world. The geriatric population, as well as individuals with chronic conditions such as cancer, respiratory problems, and diabetes, need medical checks such as urine tests and blood tests on a regular basis as part of their preventative health care. This factor is expected to add to the growth of the life science reagents market in the forthcoming years.





Life science reagents market demand analysis predict the growing use of cell and tissue culture for drug discovery, monoclonal antibody manufacturing, vaccines, stem cell treatment, enzymes, stem cell treatment, and growth hormones is likely to drive up demand for life science reagents.





The life science reagents market is expected to be driven by the rise of the diagnostics category, which is again led by Covid-19 testing and ongoing R&D by various biotechnological and pharmaceutical businesses to develop medications and vaccines.





Due to the vast patient pool and higher spending on health care in countries such as India and China, the Asia Pacific life science reagents market is expected to develop at a faster CAGR than other regions during the forecast timeline.





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Global Life Science Reagents Market: Growth Drivers

Based on product, in 2021, the immunoassay reagents segment is likely to have the largest revenue share in the life science reagents market. This pattern is anticipated to remain during the forecast timeframe. In pathology laboratories and hospitals, immunoassay is a widely recommended diagnostic procedure. Due to its high sensitivity, the convenience of use, and accurate findings, the immunoassay approach is becoming increasingly prevalent as a diagnostic tool.





Given its increasing use in hospitals and laboratories for Covid-19 diagnosis, the hospitals & diagnostic laboratories category led the global life science reagents market in 2021. The category is likely to have a prominent market share for life science reagents in the forthcoming years.





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Global Life Science Reagents Market: Key Players

Some of the key market players are

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Becton, Dickinson and Company

Sysmex Corporation

Waters Corporation

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Global Life Science Reagents Market: Segmentation

Product

Chromatography Reagents

Molecular Diagnostics Reagents

Immunoassay Reagents

Clinical Chemistry Reagents

Flow Cytometry Reagents

Cell & Tissue Culture Reagents

Hematology & Hemostasis Reagents

Microbiology Reagents

Others



End-User

Hospitals & Diagnostics Laboratories

Commercial & Contract Research Manufacturers

Academic & Research Institutes

Others

Modernization of healthcare in terms of both infrastructure and services have pushed the healthcare industry to new heights, Stay Updated with Latest Healthcare Industry Research Reports by Transparency Market Research:

Stem Cells Market: Stem cells are used in treating various illnesses in the body. Technological advancements in healthcare and pharmaceutical industries are creating potential revenue opportunities for market players operating in the stem cells market.

Cell Culture Market: Launch of advanced cell culture products and demand for novel therapeutics such as biosimilar are expected to boost the growth of the global cell culture market throughout the assessment tenure.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Market: Increase in R&D expenditure, developments in pharmacogenomics, trend of self-diagnosis of diseases as a preventive measure, and emergence of the digital PCR technology highly benefiting cancer diagnosis are factors projected to boost the growth of the global PCR market during the forecast period.

Molecular Diagnostics Market: Increase in geriatric population, rise in demand for personalized health care, and surge in awareness about molecular diagnostics are the key factors projected to drive the global molecular diagnostics market during the forecast period.

Veterinary Molecular Diagnostics Market: Rise in obesity among pets and increase in awareness about veterinary diagnostics are projected to drive the global veterinary molecular diagnostics market during the forecast period.

PCR & Real-time PCR Molecular Diagnostics Market: Technological advancements and increase in burden of cancer & infectious diseases across the globe are projected to drive the global PCR & real-time PCR molecular market in the near future.

Chemiluminescence Immunoassay Analyzers Market: High incidence & prevalence of chronic diseases to escalate the growth of global chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) analyzers market. Moreover, increase in demand for laboratory automation is boost the growth of market.

HIV/AIDS Immunoassay Diagnostics Market: Rise in prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases, HIV infected population, and development of new treatment modes are key factors projected to drive the global HIV/AIDS immunoassay diagnostics market during the forecast period.

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BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Logicalis US today announced that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named the leading IT solution and managed services provider to the 2022 Solution Provider 500 list. This marks Logicalis' sixth recognition on the list, which ranks North America's largest solution providers by revenue and serves as the gold standard for recognizing some of the channel's most successful companies.

"We are honored to once again be named on the CRN SP 500," said Logicalis US CEO Jon Groves. "This recognition is a testament to the work Logicalis employees and our partners do every day to bring cutting-edge solutions to our customers that enable innovative digital transformations. The commitment of every employee who serves as Architects of Change drives the success and growth we continue to experience."

With a combined revenue of more than $434 billion, this year's list represents an impressive amount of influence and impact wielded by these companies on today's IT industry and the technology suppliers with which they partner. As the importance of strong and flexible IT infrastructures grows amid shifting work environments, Logicalis was recognized for consistently strong performance and accelerating digital transformation for customers across verticals and regions.

"The Solution Provider 500 list from CRN serves as the benchmark for the top technology integrators, strategic service providers, and IT consulting firms, making it an invaluable resource for technology vendors seeking to partner with today's top-performing IT solution providers," said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. "My congratulations go out to each of these companies for their extraordinary contributions to the continued growth and success of the IT channel."

CRN's 2022 Solution Provider 500 list is available online at www.CRN.com/SP500 and a sample from the list is featured in the June issue of CRN Magazine.

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About The Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers, and end-users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelcompany.com

Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn , and Facebook.

About Logicalis US

Award-winning Logicalis US works alongside our customers to recommend, plan, and implement a digital transformation strategy that aligns with their business goals. Through our consulting and managed services and with our longtime strategic partners, we then deliver custom security, network, collaboration, cloud, and data center solutions.

Logicalis employs over 6,400 people worldwide, including highly trained service specialists who design, deploy and manage complex IT infrastructures to meet the needs of over 10,000 corporate and public sector customers. To achieve this, Logicalis maintains strong partnerships with technology leaders such as Cisco, HPE, IBM, EMC, NetApp, Microsoft, VMware and ServiceNow on an international basis. It has specialized solutions for enterprise and medium-sized companies in vertical markets covering financial services, TMT (telecommunications, media and technology), education, healthcare, retail, government, manufacturing and professional services, helping customers benefit from cutting-edge technologies in a cost-effective way.

The Logicalis Group has annualized revenues of over $1.5 billion from operations in Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia Pacific and is one of the leading IT and communications solution integrators specializing in the areas of advanced technologies and services.

The Logicalis Group is a division of Datatec Limited, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with revenues of over $4.1 billion.

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SOURCE Logicalis
ReportLinker

Major players in the medical coding market are 3M Company, AcerHealth Inc, Alpha Coding Experts LLC, Aveanna Healthcare LLC, EqualizeRCM Services, IBM Corporation, iMedX Inc, Infinx Healthcare, Nuance Communications Inc, Omega Healthcare Management Services Private Limited, Optum360, Oracle Corporation, Precyse Solutions LLC, QWay Health LLC, Vee Technologies Private Limited, Aviacode Inc, Maxim Health Information Services, MRA Health Information Services, Thrive Inc, Conifer Health Solutions, Humana, and Access Healthcare.

New York, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Medical Coding Global Market Report 2022" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06286058/?utm_source=GNW





The global medical coding market is expected to grow from $14.33 billion in 2021 to $15.85 billion in 2022 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.61%. The medical coding market is expected to reach $23.73 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 10.62%.



The medical coding market consists of sales of medical coding by entities (organizations, sole traders, and partnerships) that refer software solutions and services used to the convert medical records into universal medical alphanumeric codes.The medical information includes procedures, healthcare diagnostics, equipment, and medical services.



The consequent summarizing, data-friendly codes help with the reduction of time-consuming medical reports. This method involves extracting information from documentation, applying the codes, and creating a claim for payment by insurance carriers.



The components of medical coding include in-house and outsourced.The in-house medical coding refers to the entire process of medical coding done in-house or within the company through coding softwares.



In-house results in lower costs and is always effective to keep the coding under the same roof as resolving issues is faster when billing and coding problems come up.The classification systems used in medical coding includes international classification of diseases (ICDs), healthcare common procedure coding system (HCPCS), and current procedural terminology (CPT).



These medical coding solutions are services are used in diagnostic centres and hospital & care providers.



North America was the largest region in the medical coding market in 2021.Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period.



The regions covered in the medical coding market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.



The rising need for a universal language in medical documents is expected to propel the growth of the medical coding market.The medical industry creates huge data that is difficult to organize manually without proper universal labels/names and difficult to refer back to if there is a need to check the history of the patient.



The process of conversion of medical records into universal medical alphanumeric codes to streamline hospital billing procedures is expected to aid in keeping medical data organized and for accurate billing reimbursement while also tracking the patients health for future complaints or treatment.This will automatically create demand for medical codes that help to organize medical data and streamline the processes reducing inefficiencies involved in recording data manually without universal codes.



For instance, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) maintained by the World Health Organization is used for information on human disease and death worldwide using the data reported and coded with the ICD.Furthermore, in December 2020, Shockwave Medical Inc, an American medical device company announced the creation of four new codes for IVL procedures performed in the tibial and peroneal, or below-the-knee (BTK), arteries in the hospital outpatient setting.



The use and creation of code that is universally accepted are driving the growth of the medical coding market.



The increased adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is a new trend gaining popularity in medical coding market.AI is defined as the imitation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic human actions.



The adoption of artificial intelligence is expected to streamline medical billing workflows in addition to making the work of medical coders accurate and improving efficiency.The adoption holds more relevance considering the growing healthcare data and increased complexity.



In addition, the medical coding will require fewer searches to find proper codes for unstructured data to relieve medical coding fatigue.For instance, in November 2020, Diagnoss, an American-based Medical billing services startup, launched a coding assistant based on artificial intelligence to automate the medical coding and billing process and minimize coding errors.



It is intended to provide real-time feedback to medical practices and improve clinicians accuracy.



In September 2021, AGS Health, an American provider of revenue cycle management solutions for healthcare providers, acquired EZDI Inc for an undisclosed amount.The acquisition is expected to improve the process and lead to better outcomes with efficiency as EZDIs technology is useful to predict appropriate medical codes and identify missed documentation.



EZDI Inc is an American provider of integrated AI-based clinical documentation and medical coding platform.



The countries covered in the medical coding market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA.





Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06286058/?utm_source=GNW



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



__________________________

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CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001




A logo is seen on the roof of the ArcelorMittal steelworks headquarters in Ostrava

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's national union of mining and metallurgical workers launched a strike on Wednesday at an ArcelorMittal plant after labor representatives failed to reach agreement with the steelmaker over profit-sharing, the two sides said.

The union said the Luxembourg-based firm was refusing to share 10% of profits from the 2021 fiscal year among over 3,500 direct employees of the plant in the western state of Michoacan.

The steel company said payments had been made on time and that the sums demanded by the workers are "higher than the legal maximum."

The company made an offer to pay a one-off bonus worth six months' salary, but workers rejected it.

"ArcelorMittal Mexico regrets this decision because, in addition to escalating the conflict, it will have an impact and serious consequences ... on the national production chain and the country's economy given the importance of steel," the company said in a statement.

ArcelorMittal makes wire rod and rods for construction, parts for the auto industry, and products for the energy sector.

(Reporting by Diego Ore; Writing by Valentine Hilaire; Editing by Leslie Adler)
Ninepoint Partners LP

TORONTO, June 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ninepoint Partners LP (Ninepoint Partners) announces today unitholder approval to restructure the Ninepoint Canadian Senior Debt Fund, Ninepoint Monroe U.S. Private Debt Fund and Ninepoint Monroe U.S. Private Debt Fund - Canadian $ Hedged, (each, a Fund).



Over the past several months, we actively engaged with our unitholders, financial advisors and dealer networks to address the circumstances that gave rise to the pause in redemptions and examine how we could improve the structures of our private debt funds to the benefit of long-term holders as we move forward, stated John Wilson, Co-CEO, Managing Partner & Senior Portfolio Manager, Ninepoint Partners. Informed by these consultations, we are pleased that unitholders have approved the proposed changes that, we believe, improves each Funds overall structure. The new liquidity and redemption provisions further aligns our structures with other private credit vehicles offered by leading global alternative asset managers.

Voting on the following matters was conducted at special meetings of the Funds held virtually at adjourned special meetings on June 15, 2022. Voting was permitted via internet, telephone, mail, email or by proxy. The results of the votes of securityholders are reported below.

Fund Matter Voted Upon Result Ninepoint Canadian Senior Debt Fund Authorizing amendments to the Declaration of Trust to provide for, among other things, the amendment of certain redemption features of the Units of the Fund. Approved Ninepoint Monroe U.S. Private Debt Fund Authorizing amendments to the Declaration of Trust to provide for, among other things, the amendment of certain redemption features of the Units of the Fund. Approved Ninepoint Monroe U.S. Private Debt Fund  Canadian $ Hedged Authorizing amendments to the Declaration of Trust to provide for, among other things, the amendment of certain redemption features of the Units of the Fund. Approved

Redemption requests were paused in these funds at the end of February 2022 due to rumours and misinformation that led to a spike in redemption requests. As per the offering memorandums, the decision to pause redemptions in the funds was taken to preserve the integrity of the investments to the benefit of all unitholders who did not want to sell faster than the planned investment strategies. It was not related to the quality or performance of the Fund portfolios. The funds have performed well and have demonstrated the value of the asset class this year.

Having received the required approval of securityholders of each Fund, the Funds are expected to reopen on June 30, 2022.

About Ninepoint Partners

Based in Toronto, Ninepoint Partners is one of Canadas leading alternative investment management firms overseeing $8 billion in assets under management and institutional contracts. Committed to helping investors explore innovative investment solutions that have the potential to enhance returns and manage portfolio risk, Ninepoint offers a diverse set of alternative strategies spanning Equities, Fixed Income, Alternative Income, Real Assets, F/X and Digital Assets.

For more information on Ninepoint, please visit www.ninepoint.com or inquiries regarding the Offering, please contact us at (416) 943-6707 or (866) 299-9906 or invest@ninepoint.com.

Media Inquiries

Morgan Murphy

Smithcom Limited

416.629.2143

Morgan.murphy@smithcom.ca

Sales Inquiries:

Ninepoint Partners LP

Neil Ross

416-945-6227

nross@ninepoint.com




SAN DIEGO, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- North Island Credit Union has provided four $2,500 college scholarships to local students in partnership with the North County African American Women's Association (NCAAWA). In the second year of the partnership, the North Island Credit Union 2022 Scholarships were awarded through the NCAAWA's Scholarship Program, created to assist young African American women in acquiring higher education from an academic institution.

(L-R) North Island Credit Union Senior School & Community Development Officer Nancy Banuelos presents scholarship checks to Skye Lebreton, Hannah Campbell, Lauryn Hall, and Arianna White.

North Island Credit Union 2022 Scholarship recipients through the NCAAWA Program include:

Hannah Campbell, a 2022 graduate of Surfside Educational Academy in Oceanside, planning to attend Mira Costa College with a major in Environmental Science.





El Camino High School graduate Lauryn Hall attending Sam Houston University with a major in Forensic Science in the fall.





Mira Costa College student Skye Lebreton , who will attend San Diego State University Global Campus with a major in Global Studies.





San Marcos resident Arianna White, who is pursuing a degree in Economics at Harvard University.

"We are honored to continue our partnership with the North County African American Women's Association in providing an essential support network to empower young women in our communities," said North Island Credit Union CEO Steve O'Connell. "We commend and congratulate each of these outstanding scholarship recipients and wish them the best of luck in pursuing their educational and career goals."

The North Island Credit Union Scholarships, along with all of the NCAAWA 2022 scholarships, were presented during its 2022 Salute to Scholars Celebration on June 8th at the Boys and Girls Club of Oceanside.

"I'm excited for what these scholarships can bring to the lives of these women. It will not only reduce the financial burden associated with higher education, but ultimately change the trajectory of their lives forever," said Linda Berry, President of North County African American Women's Association.

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Through its annual scholarship program, North Island Credit Union has worked to support the educational goals of outstanding students within its local communities since 2005. Now in its second year, the credit union's partnership with NCAAWA extends its educational assistance to specifically support North County female students of African American descent. The credit union also provides financial literacy training for upper class high school girls in NCAAWA's Global Ambassadors Mentoring Program. This program aims to empower young girls of color with leadership development skills, increased understanding of financial literacy and global issues that impact social and career development. The first group of Global Ambassadors are working with other young high school women students in Bermuda and soon South Africa and Dominican Republic.

The NCAAWA Vision is to provide a support network through education, health awareness, and life skills programs for women and girls in North San Diego County. To date, the organization has provided over $300,000 in scholarship awards and grants to help young women further their education.

About North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union

California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 that serves public or private school employees, community members and businesses across California. With more than 165,000 members and assets of over $4 billion, California Credit Union has 24 branches throughout Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. The credit union operates in San Diego County as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. California Credit Union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. Please visit northisland.ccu.com for more information or follow the credit union on Instagram or Facebook @northislandcu.

About North County African American Women's Association

Established in 1995, the North County African American Women's Association (NCAAWA) is an all-inclusive non-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer organization located in North San Diego County. Its mission is to provide a support network through education, health awareness, and life skills programs for women and girls in San Diego's North County to increase their self-sufficiency. Maintaining its charitable, educational, and recreational objectives, the organization, through its mission, has opened support to all women in San Diego's North County, celebrating ethnic and racial pride.

(PRNewsfoto/North Island Credit Union)

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SOURCE North Island Credit Union
By Trend

Draft bill on internal trade has been prepared in Azerbaijan, Head of State Service for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control under Azerbaijans Economy Ministry Mammad Abbasbayli said at the opening of the Partners and Business Baku 2022 exhibition and conference, Trend reports.

According to him, legislation on internal trade is important.

Abbasbayli noted that joint working group has been created with other relevant structures in this direction and a draft law has been prepared, which is now at the stage of coordination.

"Project will be submitted to Azerbaijani Parliament (Milli Majlis) upon completion of approval process," he said.
- The agency alliance announces new board chair, Brian Whipple, and acquisition of creative agency, Mekanism -

QUEBEC CITY, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Plus Company announced today the first chapter of its US growth plan, with the addition of Brian Whipple as Chair of Plus Company's Board and the acquisition of the U.S. based creative agency, Mekanism.

Brett Marchand, Plus Company CEO (CNW Group/Plus Company)

Plus Company, established in August 2021, was born with the idea that modern day agency networks need to be built with diversity of talent, culture and technology. Working in a new interagency model, Plus Company's distinct complementary teams deliver tech-enabled ideas that deliver tangible value to the human experience and success of its clients and customers alike.

"When we first launched Plus Company, we set our sights on fortifying our US scale and capability as our first priority, and today's announcements are just the first steps in our ambitious plan to build on our momentum," said Brett Marchand, Plus Company's CEO.

Whipple, former CEO of Accenture Interactive, has joined Plus Company as an independent board member and Board Chair to support the company's continued investment in senior leadership and its commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration and technology, all with the intention to deliver industry firsts.

"As one of the most successful leaders in our industry, Brian will be an invaluable asset to the future of Plus Company, because he understands how to build and grow a successful and new kind of marketing services company, in the U.S. and globally" Marchand added.

Effective June 1, 2022, Whipple joined the six existing board members and will aid in supporting the company's ambitious growth targets.

"With Plus Company, I can see the ambition, intelligence and creativity within one alliance, and these traits reflect my own commitment to authenticity in leadership and the human experience, for clients, their customers, and our global team members. I decided to join as the board Chair to work with the great Plus leaders and to continue my small role in the continued evolution of this fascinating market space," says Whipple

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Marchand also announced the acquisition of Mekanism, an award-winning, creative agency with 200 employees across offices in San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Seattle. The Mekanism team is led by Co-Founder & CEO, Jason Harris and blends creativity and performance to build great brands.

"Mekanism has found the perfect partner. Plus Company wants to lift up our culture, creativity and clients. The vision of bringing creativity and technology together lines up with our Soul & Science focus," says Harris. "We are thrilled to join the talented group at Plus Company in the U.S. in this new interagency model made for the modern era of world-class marketing solutions."

About Plus Company:

Plus Company, founded in 2021, is a 21st century alliance of best-in-class creative brands focused on collaboration and synergy through an integrated service model. With over 20 agencies that deliver creativity fueled by an innate understanding of culture, technology, and data. Plus Company agency brands include: We Are Social and its sister agencies, Socialize, Hello, Kobe and Metta; fuseproject; All Inclusive Marketing (AIM), Aperture1, Camp Jefferson, Citizen Relations, Cossette, Cossette Media, Eleven, Gene, Impact Research, Jungle Media, K72, Level Eleven, Magic Circle Workshop, Magnet, Middle Child, PathIQ, Septieme, and The Narrative Group (TNG). Plus Company has more than 3,000 employees, across 12 countries in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

About Mekanism:

Mekanism is a full-service ad agency that blends creativity and performance to build great brands. They call this approach Soul + Science. With offices in San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Seattle, they serve as collaborative business partners to some of the world's best brands including Quaker, Amazon, Jose Cuervo, Stitch Fix, Alaska Airlines, Charles Schwab and OkCupid, among others. Mekanism has been named to Ad Age's A-List and twice to their Best Places to Work. Most recently, Mekanism was named Independent Agency of the Year and Jason Harris named CEO of the Year by The Drum. Named a Top 10 Most Effective Independent Agency in the US by the Effie Index, Mekanism has been profiled by The New York Times, Fast Company and ABC's Nightline. Our campaign methodologies are studied by Harvard Business School.

Download Head Shots Here .

Brian Whipple, Plus Company Board Chair (CNW Group/Plus Company)

Jason Harris, Mekanism Co-Founder & CEO (CNW Group/Plus Company)

Plus Company Logo (CNW Group/Plus Company)

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SOURCE Plus Company
Interoil Exploration & Production ASA

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 SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.

Oslo, 16 June 2022

Interoil Exploration and Production ASA (the "Company") refers to the announcement published on 14 June 2022 in which the Company announced a contemplated share issue with gross proceeds of up to NOK 30,000,000 (the "Share Issue"). The Share Issue is directed towards Norwegian investors and international institutional investors pursuant to and in compliance with applicable exemptions from relevant registration, filing and prospectus requirements, and subject to other applicable selling restrictions. The Share Issue comprises the issue of up to 23,076,923 new shares in the Company at a subscription price of NOK 1.30 per share. The minimum subscription amount in the Share Issue will is NOK 10,000.

The Company has today published a national prospectus registered in Norway (the "Prospectus"), providing further details on the Company and the Share Issue. The Prospectus and an application form are attached hereto. Both documents are also available on the Company's website at the following link:

https://www.interoil.no/?page_id=108

Norwegian investors with access to VPS investor services may also access the Prospectus and submit applications online by using the following link:

https://investor.vps.no/sc/servlet/no.vps.sc.servlets.SCLogonServlet?ISIN=XL0010025571&TSted=07912&Sig=192d5b8fd9328b96cfaae33f7cec1014504b3e06d1461f24e1a318266d1179e3

The application period for the Share Issue commences today, 16 June 2022, at 09:00 (CEST) and will close on 1 July 2022 at 16:30 (CEST). The Company reserves the right to close or extend the application period at any time at its sole discretion, at short notice. Further details are provided in the Prospectus.

Allocations of shares in the Share Issue will be made at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and the completion of the Share Issue is conditional upon approval by the Company's Board of Directors.

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Further information regarding the Share Issue and the terms thereof, is included in the Prospectus.

The Company will stream an investor webinar today at 14:00 (CEST). The presentation material is available below and on the Company's website. To join the online event, please register via the following link:

https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/interoil/20220616_1/

Important Notice

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.

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.

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. This announcement is an advertisement and is not a prospectus for the purposes of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 on prospectuses to be published when securities are offered to the public or admitted to trading on a regulated market, and repealing Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended) as implemented in any Member State.

Please direct any further questions to: ir@interoil.no

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements of section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

Attachments




OTTAWA, ON, June 15, 2022 /CNW/ - Elisabeth Briere, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, will announce funding for mental health support through partnership with the Canadian Red Cross. Parliamentary Secretary Elisabeth Briere, will be joined by Amy Avis of the Canadian Red Cross.

There will be a media availability immediately following the announcement.

Date

June 16, 2022

Time

10:00 AM (EDT)

Location

The event will be held on Zoom.

Zoom link:

https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/67643350053

Passcode: 710684

Please indicate your name (first and last) and media outlet when joining the event.

SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada

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The entrance to the Fellowship of Friends compound, called Apollo, in Oregon House, Calif. on May 25, 2022.(Rozette Rago/The New York Times)

OREGON HOUSE, Calif.  In a tiny town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, a religious organization called the Fellowship of Friends has established an elaborate, 1,200-acre compound full of art and ornate architecture.

More than 200 miles away from the Fellowships base in Oregon House, California, the religious sect, which believes a higher consciousness can be achieved by embracing fine arts and culture, has also gained a foothold inside a business unit at Google.

Even in Googles freewheeling office culture, which encourages employees to speak their own minds and pursue their own projects, the Fellowships presence in the business unit was unusual. As many as 12 Fellowship members and close relatives worked for the Google Developer Studio, or GDS, which produces videos showcasing the companys technologies, according to a lawsuit filed by Kevin Lloyd, a 34-year-old former Google video producer.

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Many others staffed company events, working registration desks, taking photographs, playing music, providing massages and serving wine. For these events, Google regularly bought wine from an Oregon House winery owned by a member of the Fellowship, according to the lawsuit.

Lloyd claimed he was fired last year because he complained about the influence of the religious sect. His suit also names Advanced Systems Group, or ASG, the company that sent Lloyd to Google as a contractor. Most of the Google Developer Studio joined the team through ASG as contractors, including many members of the Fellowship.

The suit, which Lloyd filed in August in California Superior Court, accuses Google and ASG of violating a California employment law that protects workers against discrimination. It is in the discovery stage.

The New York Times corroborated many of the lawsuits claims through interviews with eight current and former employees of the Google business unit and examinations of publicly available information and other documents. These included a membership roster for the Fellowship of Friends, Google spreadsheets detailing event budgets and photos taken at these events.

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We have longstanding employee and supplier policies in place to prevent discrimination and conflicts of interest, and we take those seriously, a Google spokesperson, Courtenay Mencini, said in a statement. Its against the law to ask for the religious affiliations of those who work for us or for our suppliers, but well of course thoroughly look into these allegations for any irregularities or improper contracting practices. If we find evidence of policy violations, we will take action.

Dave Van Hoy, ASGs president, said in a statement that his company believed in the principles of openness, inclusivity and equality for people of all races, religions, gender identification and above all nondiscrimination.

We continue to deny the plaintiffs baseless allegations and expect to vindicate ourselves in court soon, he added.

Founded in 1970 by Robert Earl Burton, a former San Francisco Bay Area schoolteacher, the Fellowship of Friends describes itself as an organization available to anyone interested in pursuing the spiritual work of awakening. It claims 1,500 members across the globe, with about 500-600 in and around its compound in Oregon House. Members are typically required to give 10% of their monthly earnings to the organization.

Burton based his teachings on the Fourth Way, a philosophy developed in the early 20th century by a Greek Armenian philosopher and one of his students. They believed that while most people moved through life in a state of waking sleep, a higher consciousness was possible. Drawing on what he described as visits from angelic incarnations of historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Johann Sebastian Bach and Walt Whitman, Burton taught that true consciousness could be achieved by embracing the fine arts.

Inside the organizations Northern California compound, called Apollo, the Fellowship staged operas, plays and ballets; ran a critically acclaimed winery; and collected art from across the world, including more than $11 million in Chinese antiques.

They believe that to achieve enlightenment, you should surround yourself with so-called higher impressions  what Robert Burton believed to be the finest things in life, said Jennings Brown, a journalist who recently produced a podcast about the Fellowship called Revelations. Burton described Apollo as the seed of a new civilization that would emerge after a global apocalypse.

The Fellowship came under fire in 1984 when a former member filed a $2.75 million lawsuit claiming that young men who joined the organization had been forcefully and unlawfully sexually seduced by Burton. In 1996, another former member filed a suit that accused Burton of sexual misconduct with him while he was minor. Both suits were settled out of court.

The same year, the Fellowship sold its collection of Chinese antiques at auction. In 2015, after its chief winemaker left the organization, its winery ceased production. The Fellowships president, Greg Holman, declined to comment for this article.

The Google Developer Studio is run by Peter Lubbers, a longtime member of the Fellowship of Friends. A July 2019 Fellowship directory, obtained by the Times, lists him as a member. Former members confirm that he joined the Fellowship after moving to the United States from the Netherlands.

At Google, he is a director, a role that is usually a rung below vice president in Google management and usually receives annual compensation in the high six figures or low seven figures.

Previously, Lubbers worked for the staffing company Kelly Services. M. Catherine Jones, Lloyds lawyer, won a similar suit against Kelly Services in 2008 on behalf of Lynn Noyes, who claimed that the company had failed to promote her because she was not a member of the Fellowship. A California court awarded Noyes $6.5 million in damages.

Noyes said in an interview that Lubbers was among a large contingent of Fellowship members from the Netherlands who worked for the company in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

At Kelly Services, Lubbers worked as a software developer before a stint at Oracle, the Silicon Valley software giant, according to his LinkedIn profile, which was recently deleted. He joined Google in 2012, initially working on a team that promoted Google technology to outside software developers. In 2014, he helped create GDS, which produced videos promoting Google developer tools.

Kelly Services declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Under Lubbers, the group brought in several other members of the Fellowship, including a video producer named Gabe Pannell. A 2015 photo posted to the internet by Pannells father shows Lubbers and Pannell with Burton, who is known as The Teacher or Our Beloved Teacher within the Fellowship. A caption on the photo, which was also recently deleted, calls Pannell a new student.

Echoing claims made in the lawsuit, Erik Johanson, a senior video producer who has worked for the Google Developer Studio since 2015 through ASG, said the teams leadership abused the hiring system that brought workers in as contractors.

They were able to further their own aims very rapidly because they could hire people with far less scrutiny and a far less rigorous onboarding process than if these people were brought on as full-time employees, he said. It meant that no one was looking very closely when all these people were brought on from the foothills of the Sierras.

Lloyd said that after applying for his job, he had interviewed with Pannell twice, and that he had reported directly to Pannell when he joined a 25-person Bay Area video production team inside GDS in 2017. He soon noticed that nearly half this team, including Lubbers and Pannell, came from Oregon House.

Google paid to have a state-of-the-art sound system installed in the Oregon House home of one Fellowship member who worked for the team as a sound designer, according to the suit. Lubbers disputed this claim in a phone interview, saying the equipment was old and would have been thrown out if the team had not sent it to the home.

The sound designers daughter also worked for the team as a set designer. Additional Fellowship members and their relatives were hired to staff Google events, including a photographer, a masseuse, Lubbers wife and his son, who worked as a DJ at company parties.

The company frequently served wine from Grant Marie, a winery in Oregon House run by a Fellowship member who previously managed the Fellowships winery, according to the suit and a person familiar with the matter, who declined to be identified for fear of reprisal.

My personal religious beliefs are a deeply held private matter, Lubbers said. In all my years in tech, they have never played a role in hiring. I have always performed my role by bringing in the right talent for the situation  bringing in the right vendors for the jobs.

Lubbers said ASG, not Google, hired contractors for the GDS team, adding that it was fine for him to encourage people to apply for those roles. And he said that in recent years, the team has grown to more than 250 people, including part-time employees.

Pannell said in a phone interview that the team brought in workers from a circle of trusted friends and families with extremely qualified backgrounds, including graduates of the University of California, Berkeley.

In 2017 and 2018, according to the suit, Pannell attended video shoots intoxicated and occasionally threw things at the presenter when he was unhappy with a performance. Pannell said that he did not remember the incidents and that they did not sound like something he would do. He also acknowledged that he had had problems with alcohol and had sought help.

After seven months at Google, Pannell was made a full-time employee, according to the suit. He was later promoted to senior producer and then executive producer, according to his LinkedIn profile, which has also been deleted.

Lloyd brought much of this to the attention of a manager inside the team, he said. But he was repeatedly told not to pursue the matter because Lubbers was a powerful figure at Google and because Lloyd could lose his job, according to his lawsuit. He said he was fired in February 2021 and was not given a reason. Google, Lubbers and Pannell said he had been fired for performance issues.

Jones, Lloyds lawyer, argued that Googles relationship with ASG allowed members of the Fellowship to join the company without being properly vetted. This is one of the methods the Fellowship used in the Kelly case, she said. They can get through the door without the normal scrutiny.

Lloyd is seeking damages for wrongful termination, retaliation, failure to prevent discrimination and the intentional infliction of emotion distress. But he said he worries that, by doing so much business with its members, Google fed money into the Fellowship of Friends.

Once you become aware of this, you become responsible, Lloyd said. You cant look away.

 2022 The New York Times Company
Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills cast member Sutton Stracke attends "Caviar & Cashmere" event to celebrate the launch of her new cashmere line at SUTTON on May 03, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. Sanela Diana Jenkins attends the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 30th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party on March 27, 2022 in West Hollywood, California.

Robin L Marshall/Getty; Michael Kovac/Getty

Sutton Stracke continues to be at the center of the drama on this season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Wednesday's episode picked up with the group continuing their trip to Punta Mita, Mexico. While there, much of the tension has stemmed from past comments Sutton, 50, made in private to Crystal Kung Minkoff that were allegedly "dark."

Because Crystal, 39, seemingly insinuated Sutton was racist, the Georgia-born designer ultimately grew frustrated as she demanded Crystal not "make up lies." Sutton even claimed that this was a "pattern" for Crystal, alleging she did this with the previous friend group that she was ousted from.

This conversation carried over into a group dinner the next evening. Erika Girardi and Lisa Rinna revealed that Crystal had been in tears all day because of the previous spat where Sutton "attacked" her character. After the group debated both sides of the feud, Sutton eventually said, "I will apologize for that. I will apologize for what I said last night."

"That was unfair, okay. That I will take back," she continued. "But I will not take back that you have done this repeatedly to me, and I need for you to stop that. ... I need for you to stop that and I need for you to tell me that you're going to stop that."

RELATED: RHOBH's Crystal Kung Minkoff Opens Up About Enduring Online Harassment: 'I Can't Stay Away From It'

"Moving forward in our friendship is important to me," said Crystal, who added that she is "not going to" discredit Sutton's character either going forward.

Sutton said she still wants to maintain a friendship because she "genuinely" likes her costar, though Crystal recalled her saying the night before that she "hated" her. Sutton tried to clarify her comments, but newcomer Diana Jenkins interrupted to defend what Crystal had said.

This then led to a heated exchange between Sutton and Diana, 49. "Here she goes with the clumsy words again," said Diana.

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"Here's the thing, Diana. I'm a good person," Sutton said, to which Diana interrupted, "I didn't say you're not."

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Sutton then repeatedly requested that Diana let her "finish" her sentence. As Sutton tried to reiterate what a "good person" she is, Diana responded, "You told us that already."

While pointing her finger in Diana's face, Sutton firmly stated: "I'm going to say it again until you can hear me."

In an attempt to calm Sutton down, Kyle Richards explained that Diana was only trying to "diffuse the situation." But Diana used the opportunity to point out how Sutton's aggressive approach toward her was hypocritical.

RELATED VIDEO: Here's Why Crystal Kung Minkoff Initially Said 'No' to Joining RHOBH and What Changed Her Mind

"This is actually really good because she told me on our first lunch together that she doesn't respond well to yelling, she doesn't like violence," she said. "So, you just screamed at me."

Sutton then told Kyle, 53, she needed to "take a break." As Kyle left the table with her, Dorit Kemsley suggested that Sutton's frustration was misdirected.

Diana then began to break down in tears. "I'm good, I'm good. I promise," she said through tears as Dorit and Crystal attempted to comfort her. "Don't do that. Don't draw attention to this. Please, no."

Witnessing Diana in tears from across the table, Erika said, "You did nothing wrong, Diana."

"You shouldn't accept any of that energy," she added. "You're just trying to do the right thing, honey."

RELATED: RHOBH: Kyle Richards Questions Whether Sutton Stracke Doesn't 'Care' That Dorit Kemsley Was Robbed

Sutton then returned to the table with Kyle, issuing another apology to Crystal. She also apologized to Diana for "losing my cool," to which Diana said it's "all good" but asked her to "move" away from her. Diana then left again with Dorit and Crystal to use the restroom.

Once they were gone, Kyle spoke to Erika and Lisa about the ongoing Sutton-Crystal feud. "You guys, I know you had a moment with Crystal today and she was crying, but you have to understand that she put herself in that position," she said.

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS -- Season:12 -- Pictured: (l-r) Diana Jenkins, Crystal Minkoff, Erika Girardi, Kyle Richards, Garcelle Beauvais, Dorit Kemsley, Lisa Rinna, Sutton Stracke

Tommy Garcia/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

Agreeing with Kyle, Garcelle Beauvais said, "What I don't like is I feel like Crystal just takes it and she sort of caves in  her body language, that whole thing. And it makes it feel like we're coming for as opposed to her standing up for herself."

"That's a victim card, sorry. She wants it to be like that," Kyle said as Garcelle, 54, replied, "Well, that's exactly what I feel."

"It's intentional," added Kyle, noting that it gives "credibility" to the rumors that this behavior is a pattern for her.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo.
Be proactive and check Googles devices page before you notice warning signs that you may be hacked.

Theres a new hack or scam around every corner. The sad thing is, you likely wont realize someone has wormed their way into your digital life until its too late.

If a virus is to blame, there are red flags. Tap or click for eight signs your computer has been hacked, starting with a big giveaway: Its running hot.

Sometimes the culprit is closer to home. Worried someone has been snooping on your computer? Here are the clues.

Then there are your online accounts. I'll walk you through how to check for any devices and people using them that shouldnt be there.

See whats connected to your Google account

Think about all that your Google account can open the door to: Your emails, your contacts, your location history, your searches, your photos  Thats just scratching the surface.

Be proactive and check Googles devices page before you notice warning signs.

 Go to google.com/devices. Youll need to sign in if you arent already.

 You'll see a list of devices you're currently signed in or have been in the last 28 days.

You might see the same device multiple times, and thats normal. Dont worry if you see several instances of one operating system or your iPhone listed repeatedly. You can click each one to see which browser was used. That might be a tip-off someone else has logged in  you see Firefox, for example, but you always use Safari.

If you see a device or location that seems suspicious, click it, then choose Dont recognize something? Google will sign this device out remotely. After that, change your password just in case someone has it.

PRIVACY FIX: How to remove your address and phone number from Google search results

Check devices logged into Facebook

I get more emails than youd believe about people who lost access to their Facebook accounts. Sometimes its a forgotten password, but Im willing to bet a hacker is to blame.

Heres how to see the devices logged into your Facebook account. Its easiest to do this from a computer.

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 Sign in, then click on the down arrow in the top right corner.

 Click on Settings & privacy > Settings.

 Finally, click on Security and Login.

 Youll see a section called Where youre logged in. It shows the two most recent devices and their approximate login locations. Click the See More option for a broader view.

Carefully review each entry and look for locations you've never been to or devices you don't own. Pro tip: Use a VPN? That may be reflected in your last locations. Check to see what city your VPN is connecting through before you panic.

You can click on the three dots next to a device from this page to select Not You? or Log out. The first option will give you more details on the device and where its located, along with steps to secure your account. The latter option will log that device out.

If you see any devices and locations you dont recognize, follow the on-screen prompts to secure your Facebook account, log those devices out and change your password immediately.

While youre at it, give your account a privacy makeover. Tap or click here for 10 Facebook security settings to lock down your account.

Who is signed into your Netflix?

Raise your hand if youve ever shared a streaming subscription password. Over time, you may realize, Hey, I have no idea whos watching. That can get annoying when you try to stream a movie and get kicked out.

You can see every device logged in and sign them out remotely in a few steps. It's easiest to do this task from your computer.

 Log into your Netflix account. If you have multiple profiles set up, select your profile to go to the Netflix homepage.

 Hover over your profile icon in the top right corner of your screen and choose Account.

 In the Settings section, select Recent device streaming activity.

 You'll see a list of devices, locations, and connected IP addresses.

Do you see any devices or locations that aren't you? You should also check if the IP address is one you recognize. The easiest way to find your IP address is with a quick Google search for these words: What is my IP address?

Now, let's say you see a bunch of devices that arent you. You can sign them out.

 Hover over your profile icon and choose Account.

 In the Settings section, choose Sign out of all devices.

 Confirm you want to do this and click Sign out.

PODCAST PICK: Top Gun Flight Sim, Bird ID app, iPhone pulse check, Wi-Fi 7 speeds

Have you ever wondered, "What kind of bird is that?" I'll tell you about a bird ID app to help you find out. Plus, Apple patents a dual-display MacBook, Wi-Fi 7 test shows off speeds of 30 Gbps and Microsoft Flight Simulator gets a "Top Gun: Maverick" add-on. I'll also tell you how to check your pulse using your phone and set up an online will.

Check out my podcast Kim Komando Today on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, Komando.

Learn about all the latest technology on the Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Find out if anyone is using your Gmail, Facebook, or Netflix accounts
DOOR COUNTY - Southern Door County suffered the brunt of the damages and power outages caused by the violent storms that blasted through Wisconsin on Wednesday.

The storm wreaked havoc across the state, spawning numerous tornado warnings with at least three suspected to have touched down near Mauston and Tomah by late afternoon and in Seymour around 6:15 p.m., sustained winds of more than 50 mph with gusts reported in the 70s, and torrential rainfall in some locations. Well over 100,000 Wisconsin Public Service customers were without power at times, including more than 39,000 in Brown County on Wednesday evening.

The danger and severity of the storms and threat of tornadoes lessened as the storm front moved past the bay of Green Bay and into Door County at about 7 p.m. But winds were still strong at the leading edge of the front, with Green Bay TV stations reporting the winds may have still been gusting in the 60- to 70-mph range as the storm swept into Southern Door. Cherryland Airport in Sturgeon Bay reported a sudden jump in wind speed from about 20 mph just before 7 p.m. to 43 mph, with an accompanying gust of 51 mph, at 7:05 p.m.

The worst of the damages and power outages appear to have taken place around Brussels, Gardner and Union as well as in Sturgeon Bay.

WPS was reporting 1,187 outages in Door County after the storm passed Wednesday night, with more than 1,100 of those in the Brussels-Union-Gardner area, more than 500 in Union and Gardner each. The countywide total was down to 615 by noon Thursday, with 362 remaining in Gardner.

In Sturgeon Bay, Jason Bieri, electrical utility manager for Sturgeon Bay Utilities, which serves the city, said Thursday morning that the utility experienced eight outages that affected about 200 customers, most of those in the Thunderhill Estates trailer park on North 14th Avenue. Bieri said all of those outages were fixed within about two hours.

The Door County Sheriff's Department responded to 20 calls for trees blown down and eight for downed power lines between just before 7 p.m. and about 10 p.m. Wednesday. Seven of the tree calls and six of the power lines were in the Brussels-Union-Gardner area while eight tree calls and two power line calls were for Sturgeon Bay.

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"There were a lot of issues from Sturgeon Bay south," Chief Deputy Pat McCarty said Thursday morning. He said the area around County C and County K in Brussels especially was heavily damaged by the winds, noting he saw one machine shed that had its roof blown off, and there were reports of fires caused by trees falling on power lines and arcing the current.

Sturgeon Bay Assistant Fire Chief Kalin Montevideo said her department responded to five calls for downed power lines, all on the East Side of the city, that included some lines with arcing currents because of trees falling on them. However, she said any fires that might have caused went out almost immediately because the current then went out.

Contact Christopher Clough at 920-741-7952, 920-562-8900 or cclough@doorcountyadvocate.com.

MORE: Door County COVID-19 activity now rated 'high' by CDC; face masks recommended indoors

MORE: Four-generation family dairy hosts Kewaunee County Breakfast on the Farm on Father's Day

FOR MORE DOOR COUNTY NEWS: Check out our homepage

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Power outages, wind damage hammer Southern Door County in storm
Global Media Agency UM Worldwide will be part of the development and testing of this first-of-its kind brand safety tool

SYDNEY, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Spotify (NYSE: SPOT) and Integral Ad Science (Nasdaq: IAS) today announced a new partnership to establish a third-party brand safety solution for podcast advertisers. The companies will embark on a rigorous analysis to help the industry understand the tools and resources necessary to effectively deliver brand safety in podcasting and digital audio writ large. Ultimately, the firms intend to create the industry's first third-party brand safety and suitability reporting tool to bring more transparency and confidence to podcast advertising. Global media agency UM Worldwide will be part of the learning and development process as the first holding company to test this solution, ensuring that the voice and needs of advertisers are considered from the outset.

The solution will be powered by Spotifys first-party data and verified by IAS independent analysis solutions based on the Global Alliance for Responsible Medias categories and guidelines.Their initial efforts will focus on third-party content within the Spotify Audience Network.

Integral Ad Science Logo (PRNewsfoto/Integral Ad Science (IAS))

Podcast ad spend has grown rapidly over the past few years alongside an influx of listening worldwide. In fact, podcast ad revenue surpassed $1 Billion in 2021 and is forecasted to almost triple to more than $4 Billion in 2024. As investment and innovation in podcast advertising has surged, so has the importance of ensuring suitability for advertisers. There are well-established brand safety guidelines and technology across the digital advertising ecosystem, most notably in video; however, these do not yet exist in audio. Creating a third-party solution for this now mainstream medium is critical to maintain advertiser confidence and continued media spend.

To solve this challenge, Spotify and IAS are embarking on a joint effort to better understand how to responsibly and effectively validate that advertiser messages are served in their intended context for podcasts. In the future, the results will be used to create a first-of-its-kind brand safety and suitability tool to aid in campaign planning, management, and reporting.

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The solution will be powered by Spotify's first-party data and verified by IAS' independent analysis solutions based on the Global Alliance for Responsible Media's categories and guidelines.Their initial efforts will focus on third-party content within the Spotify Audience Network.

"Spotify pioneered the digital audio landscape as we know it today and we're excited to continue our leadership here as we rise to the next challenge: brand safety," said Julie Clark, Global Head of Advertising Revenue Innovation at Spotify. "We are pleased to be partnering with IAS  one of the most trusted leaders in media  to give advertisers confidence that their messages are heard in the right place while further validating the contextual targeting solutions we already have in the market."

"Partnering with Spotify and UM to develop a podcast brand safety and suitability solution will be a transformational step for advertisers targeting the audio space," said Yannis Dosios, Global Chief Commercial Officer at IAS. "With podcasts expected to reach more than 500 million listeners worldwide by 2024, this solution will offer advertisers more control and confidence that their messages will deeply resonate with their intended audiences."

"Podcasts have hit the mainstream in a big way and our clients are ready to increase their investment in the space given the undeniable opportunity to connect with audiences; however, without a way to validate brand suitability across the depth and breadth of shows, they are hesitant to go all in," said Joshua Lowcock, Global Chief Media Officer at UM Worldwide. "We're pleased to see Spotify and IAS step up to create a brand safety solution and are ready to work with them during the building and testing phase to ensure advertisers' needs are addressed from the start."

About Integral Ad Science

Integral Ad Science (IAS) is a global leader in digital media quality. IAS makes every impression count, ensuring that ads are viewable by real people, in safe and suitable environments, activating contextual targeting, and driving supply path optimization. Our mission is to be the global benchmark for trust and transparency in digital media quality for the world's leading brands, publishers, and platforms. We do this through data-driven technologies with actionable real-time signals and insight. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in New York, IAS works with thousands of top advertisers and premium publishers worldwide. For more information, visit integralads.com .

About Spotify

Spotify transformed music listening forever when it launched in 2008. Discover, manage and share over 82 million tracks, including more than 4 million podcast titles, for free, or upgrade to Spotify Premium to access exclusive features for music including improved sound quality and an on-demand, offline, and ad-free music listening experience. Today, Spotify is the world's most popular audio streaming subscription service with 422m users, including 182m subscribers, across 183 markets.

Contacts

Spotify

Press@spotify.com

Integral Ad Science

Press@integralads.com

Pooja Singh

+65-90615135

psingh@integralads.com

SOURCE Integral Ad Science (IAS)
Vancouver, British Colombia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 16, 2022) - Sprout AI Inc. (CSE: BYFM) ("Sprout AI" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has signed an agreement as of June 8, 2022, to partner with Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama on their Rice, Beans and Greens initiative. Through this partnership, Sprout AI will be growing a combination of crops that will provide the produce for the "greens" portion of this vital program that currently feeds over 10,000 vulnerable Panamanians each year. Each Sprout AI Habitat can hold up to 400 plants. Based on a 30-day growth cycle, the average output would be 5,000 lbs per habitat, per year. Assuming 0.5 lbs of "green" per serving, each habitat would be able to provide approximately 10,000 servings per year, thus providing 14 people, 2 servings per day for a full year.

Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama was founded in 1989 and the mission of the association has remained unchanged; to provide young adults with an opportunity for personal growth, friendships, and leadership development while improving the quality of life for the special needs of children in their community.

Federico Cotter Taylor, President of Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama notes, "For us, Active 2030 is a way of living, because young adults can truly work with the community. We make a huge difference in places you never heard about. Our yellow-vested members, have committed themselves to the people, the cause and their country. Our motto is "One never stands so tall as when kneeling to help a child." In Panama North alone 33% of the population is low-income children, thus 66,000 children are in need food. Our goal is to provide food for 25,000 people this year and Sprout AI is going to play an important role in helping us."

To learn more about Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama, please click:

Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama Website

Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama Twitter

Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama Instagram

Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama Facebook

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To commemorate this partnership, Sprout AI will be hosting an exclusive Sponsorship event at our Centre of Excellence (COE) in Panama on July 9th, 2022. The purpose of the sponsorship is to expand the number of Sprout AI grow chambers (Habitats), of which each sponsorship ranges from $18,597 for a single centrally located habitat to $344,997 for an entire rack. The company is pleased to introduce its first sponsor, Allied Steel Buildings.

Allied is one the world's most trusted Steel Structure Providers. Having manufactured and delivered over 5,500 buildings in over 74 counties they have developed a reputation for their high focus on quality and client experience. Through collaboration and outside-of-the-box thinking, Allied offers their clients an answer to the world's most complex building challenges. From commercial to industrial and aviation to cold storage, with clients such as Microsoft, Nestle, and 3M, each structure is built to exceed the clients' needs with the most efficient, innovative, and cost-effective design. Sprout AI is proud to have its Centre of Excellence currently located within an Allied building, and to have worked with Allied to plan, design, manufacture, and deliver the prefabricated building that is currently being erected in Zimbabwe that will house up to 1440 Sprout AI Habitats.

Michael Lassner, President of Allied, notes, "We are honored to be the first sponsor of this event. It's about the clients and about the future. We believe in the future that Sprout AI see's and we are honored to continue to be a supportive partner to do what it takes to see it through because the world is counting on it."

To learn more about Allied Steel Buildings please click:

Allied Steel Buildings Website

Allied Steel Buildings Instagram

Allied Steel Buildings Facebook

Allied Steel Buildings LinkedIn

Allied Steel Buildings Youtube

The partnership with the Rice, Beans and Greens program could not be timelier as Panama recently reported concerns about food insecurity as Latin America nears a food crisis. Proactively, in February 2021 the government of Panama enacted a law for the establishment of Agroparks through the creation of a new government department called The National Directorate for Agribusiness, hereinafter DINAGRON. DINAGRON's purpose is to encourage investments, research and to promote agricultural production, processing, and distribution from purpose-built, sustainable high-tech buildings in Panama. As a result, companies such as Sprout AI are well-positioned to take advantage of this application process. This initiative is entirely aligned with Sprout AI's own mandates and has been a catalyst in their application to become a licensed producer, processor, and distributor of produce in Panama. Participating in this program will provide Sprout AI with:

The ability to distribute produce directly to Panamanian grocery stores.

The ability to distribute produce through community programs such as Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama direct to recipients.

In conjunction with our application for Panama's Agropark program, The Company is also pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on May 25th, 2022, with the Institute of Agricultural Innovation of Panama (IDIAP). IDIAP is a government organization whose main function is to study, adapt, validate, and disseminate agricultural knowledge and technologies, framed within the policies, strategies, and guidelines of the agricultural sector in Latin America. IDIAP was currently exploring indoor cultivation aeroponic technologies for purpose of assisting the establishment of facilities within multiple LATAM cities. In the following weeks IDIAP and Sprout AI will be defining a multi-year research and development (R&D) project purposely designed to further develop indoor vertical cultivation using Sprout AI's fogponic system, as a better alternative to aquaponic, hydroponic, and aeroponic technologies. Results will be published in peer-review papers to further advance this relatively new sector relating to the understanding of plant root agricultural science. The intellectual property developed by Sprout AI will remain the property of Sprout AI.

Chris Bolton, CEO and Chairman of Sprout AI, notes, "With ongoing reports of pending food shortages, and need to address critical food security issues, Sprout AI has taken a leadership position to showcase how countries, and municipalities, can provide solutions through the adoption of indoor vertical cultivation technologies. By bringing DINAGRON, Allied Buildings, IDIAP, and Active 20-30 Las Cumbres, Rep. of Panama together utilizing Sprout AI's leading-edge indoor vertical cultivation technology, Sprout AI has demonstrated a repeatable, economic, practical, repeatable, scalable, safe and secure model to address Food Security Issues that can be replicated globally. By showcasing how this can be done to benefit both the direct consumer, as well as the socially disadvantaged, and in a way that is both sustainable, environmentally conscious and demonstrates good corporate governance, Sprout AI has once again proven itself to be a path-setter. Together we look forward to a whole new level of validation of our technology that will set us above our competitors and provide new pathways to relationships throughout Latin America, and the World."

The mentioned programs and partnerships represent many prospects for Sprout AI. With the support of local officials and businesses, in addition to the backing of these programs, Sprout AI will have the opportunity to demonstrate its ability to implement and deliver local produce to high-risk neighborhoods/communities. The success of this initiative will further provide a path for entry to provide a vertical farming solution to foreign governments also facing food insecurities.

For non-material updates and to learn more about Sprout AI and the vertical farming industry, please follow Sprout AI on:

Sprout AI Twitter

Sprout AI LinkedIn

Sprout AI Facebook

Sprout AI Instagram

About Sprout AI

Sprout AI is a technology company in the business of planning, designing, manufacturing and/or assembling scalable AI-controlled vertical cultivation equipment for international urban farming. The adaptive technology produces an environment with improved growing parameters and early detection of adverse conditions resulting in consistent and repeatable crops, with shorter cultivation cycles, independent of geographic climates. The self-contained multi-level rolling rack technology increases the cubic cultivation area while mitigating the risk of outside and cross-contaminants.

For more information about Sprout AI, please visit http://sproutai.solutions.



Chris Bolton

Chief Executive Officer

Sprout AI Inc.

Phone: +011 (507) 6384-8734

E-mail: mainweb@sproutai.solutions

Investor Relations Contact

Colleen McKay

Tel: (289) 231-9026

E-mail: cmkay@sproutai.solutions

Website: http://sproutai.solutions

Address: International Business Park, Unit 5B, Building 3860

Panama Pacifico, Republic of Panama

THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE, NOR HAS OR DOES THE CSE'S REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, with respect to the Company. The forward-looking information included in this news release is not based on historical facts, but rather on the expectations of the Company's management regarding the future growth of the Company, its results of operations, performance, business prospects, and opportunities. This news release uses words such as "will", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions to identify forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information reflects the current beliefs of the Company's management, based on information currently available to them.

This forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements relating to: the intentions, plans and future actions of the Company; statements relating to the business and future activities of the Company and anticipated developments in operations of the Company. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, intentions, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of the experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate and are subject to risks and uncertainties.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying these statements are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect, and there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. Given these risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, prospective investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Whether actual results, performance, or achievements will conform to the expectations and predictions of the Company is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors, including: global or national health concerns, including the outbreak of pandemic or contagious diseases, such as COVID-19 and including the evolution of new variants of COVID-19, the duration and effect thereof and delays relating to vaccine development, procurement and distribution; risks relating to the effective management of the Company's growth; liabilities and risks, including environmental liabilities and risks associated with the Company's operations; the Company's ability to attract and retain customers; the competitive nature of the industries in which the Company operates; and the other risk factors described in the Company's final long-form prospectus dated May 31, 2021.

If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results might vary materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Information contained in forward-looking statements in this news release is provided as of the date of this news release, and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or results, except to the extent required by applicable Canadian securities laws. Accordingly, potential investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, or the information contained in those statements.

All of the forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/128059
PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / June 15, 2022 / Stronghold Group , whose globally experienced team of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans offers a comprehensive line of high-quality PPE products, has received its first 510(k) for its nitrile medical examination gloves, K213859. The President and CEO of Stronghold Group, David Henderson, states that the company will produce the gloves both within the United States and overseas as part of its plans to migrate the manufacturing base away from China.

Stronghold Group, Wednesday, June 15, 2022, Press release picture

According to David Henderson, "We'll offer the American consumer a competitively priced foreign product as well as a product made in the United States. Both options provide supply chain risk mitigation at a time when American medical supplies markets need it most. Over-reliance on overseas medical products manufacturing created a perfect storm for healthcare providers, who had to operate in the face of supply chain breakdowns, crippling delays, price gauging, and sub-standard products from ad-hoc facilities."

In the past, Stronghold has provided its customers with real-time shipment tracking by arming containers with GPS trackers as a way to provide its customers with transparency. According to David Henderson, "The importance of supply chain transparency is growing as shipping delays and quality issues have seemingly become the norm throughout COVID. We're driven to provide transparency and reduce supply chain risk . Frankly, our country is faced with extremely serious national security implications resulting from supply chain concentrations in opaque overseas markets, and we're doing our part to help."

Founded in 2015, Stronghold Group primarily serves the federal government, including Health and Human Services (HHS), Veteran Affairs (VA), Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Defense Health Agency (DHA), and several other federal agencies. Having served in the Army and overseas, Stronghold Group's co-founders experienced federal contracts firsthand and decided to use their expertise to become a sales and distribution arm of medical products for the federal government. With its 510(k) for nitrile examination gloves, Stronghold Group aims to equip more federal agencies as well as civilian medical professionals with PPE and medical products. The goal is to help relocate a $9B/year industry that until now has largely been in overseas markets that provide little transparency, such as China and Malaysia.

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"During the pandemic, one of the biggest issues was that medical professionals who needed PPE were very reliant on China's supply chain," says Henderson. "Some hospitals were overwhelmed with COVID patients and lacked gloves to protect their healthcare workers, and shipments from China took up to 90 days to arrive - or more. Often, the shipments were stopped at Chinese ports, creating further delays. We want to help prevent this problem in the future by manufacturing nitrile gloves here in the United States. We hope that this will speed shipment times, create less waste, and allow hospitals to have more control over their inventory and budgets. We want them to be able to focus more on patient care and less on inventory control."

Stronghold Group is also excited to announce that their own 510(k) nitrile glove, isolation gowns (product code OEA), and surgical are gowns (product code FYA) are already being manufactured in America and will soon start delivering to U.S. Federal Customers through their VA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract award . "There seems to be this narrative that the U.S. can't compete anymore in the manufacturing and innovation space," says Henderson. "But I think that's just not true. We have sent people to the moon. We created the lithium car battery. We 3D print revolutionary implants. American ingenuity knows no bounds. That's the America I believe in."

As part of its plans to make the United States a center of PPE, medical products, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, Stronghold Group also recently opened its warehouse/distribution facility in Dallas, Texas. The company explains that as Dallas is centrally located, it was the logical choice for the company's operations.

"Dallas is perfectly positioned for our distribution and enjoys daily flights for all major airlines, not to mention it is just a day's drive from the port in Houston," Stronghold Group states. "It also is the nexus of numerous trucking routes, so logistically, it made sense for us to base our facility here."

The company has submitted three additional applications for 510(k) products that it aims to eventually distribute through its new facility. "Once our 510(k)s are approved, we will be able to bring more products to market that have been developed based on specifications most desired by our medical professionals," says Stronghold Group. "We will be able to move ahead with our plans to manufacture more PPE and various medical products here in America, so we are looking forward to their approval."

Stronghold Group states that as 2022 continues, it will focus on contributing to the medical treatment that veterans receive. "As combat veterans ourselves, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve the veteran community," the company says. "The very least we can do for them at Stronghold Group is to ensure that their treatment teams have a reliable supply chain and the products they need."

Stronghold Group is a VA-verified, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) comprised of Iraq-Afghanistan Veterans. Stronghold Group is a U.S.-based manufacturer and distributor of medical devices, personal protective equipment, and consumables to public and private healthcare entities, as well as federal, state and local agencies within the United States. Stronghold Group serves its customers through U.S. manufacturing facilities with a clear mission: to strengthen U.S. manufacturing footprint and capabilities, reduce reliance on overseas manufacturing, and increase the U.S. competitive posture through technological innovation and the U.S. labor market. Stronghold Group's globally experienced team of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans has supported private companies and government/military agencies since 2016. Its services include assisting companies with obtaining 510(k)s, bringing their products to the federal marketplace, and consulting with private corporations to reduce supply chain risk.

For more information about Stronghold Group, please visit its website or contact:

Stronghold Group

info@strongholdcare.com

SOURCE: Stronghold Group





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/705322/Stronghold-Group-Receives-First-510k-for-Nitrile-Examination-Gloves




Omans only indigenous Islamic insurer, Takaful Oman has announced the successful completion of its OMR6 million ($15.58 million) rights issue.

The rights issue raises the companys capital from OMR10 million to OMR16 million.

Keen to leverage opportunities in the growing Islamic finance industry, Takaful Oman will use the new capital to further strengthen its operations, develop innovative and embedded products, and focus on the evolving needs of its growing customer base of 200,000.

Earlier, the company had offered 150 million additional shares at a price of baizas 41 per share (with a share price of baiza 40 plus issue expenses of baiza 1 per share).

Bell-ringing ceremony

A bell-ringing ceremony was held at the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) to mark the occasion of listing of additional capital on MSX which was attended by senior officials of the CMA, MSX and the company.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohamed Abdulla Al Khonji, Chairman of Takaful Oman said: This marks an important milestone in the journey of Takaful Oman which is still a relatively young player in the Omani insurance and takaful sector. The rights issue is in line with Takaful Omans long-term growth strategy and will meet the companys solvency requirements. Through the proceeds of its rights issue, the company also seeks to positively impact the Islamic insurance industry, aid in wealth creation, and drive sustainable economic growth.

Continue to perform

Sulaiman Al Harthi, deputy chairman of Takaful Oman said: It is not only a time to celebrate but also to commit ourselves to continue to perform and deliver strong results and create value for all our stakeholders including the policyholders and the shareholders.

Neelmani Bhardwaj, acting CEO of Takaful Oman further added: I would like to specially thank our regulators the CMA for their continued guidance and support throughout this process. I would also like to express our gratitude to all the subscribers and shareholders for their unfaltering support, faith, and confidence in the future of this company and we will do our utmost to live up to their expectations. The team at Takaful Oman is also grateful to all its customers for their continued faith in the company.

Takaful Oman offers an entire bouquet of Shariah compliant insurance products which includes General, Health, and Family Takaful, and has a well-unified network of branches and agencies across the sultanate.-- TradeArabia News Service
(Removes Lena River) June 16 (Reuters) - The following liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers are expected to arrive in Britain, Belgium and the Netherlands in the coming weeks. Estimated arrival dates, often revised by port authorities and AIS Live ship-tracking data on Refinitiv Eikon, are updated below. Some tankers heading for Belgium and Britain may be loading at the terminal. Those expected to load are indicated with an (L). Those likely to perform ship-to-ship transfers are indicated with (STS). Tankers that have docked are indicated with (A). For the Reuters LNG guide, click here: LNG TANKER CAPACITY in EXPECTED ARRIVAL FROM PORT cubic metres BRITAIN Valencia Knutsen 170,000 June 17 Peru Dragon Al Ghuwairiya 258,000 June 17 Qatar South Hook Al Shamal 213,000 June 18 Qatar Dragon Energy Liberty 165,000 June 21 United States Isle of Grain Maran Gas Posidonia 159,000 June 25 United States South Hook Methane Becki Anne 170,000 July 11 Peru Milford Haven BELGIUM Al Khuwair 213,000 June 15 (A) Qatar Zeebrugge Vladimir Rusanov 169,000 June 16 Russia Zeebrugge Lng Dubhe 174,000 June 16 (L)(STS) N/A Zeebrugge Nikolay Zubov 173,000 June 17 (STS) Russia Zeebrugge Bu Samra 261,000 June 20 Qatar Zeebrugge Nikolay Urvantsev 169,000 June 21 (STS) Russia Zeebrugge Energy Intelligence 173,000 June 21 (L) (STS) Netherlands Zeebrugge Al Jassasiya 144,000 June 25 Qatar Zeebrugge Corcovado Lng 158,000 June 28 United States Zeebrugge Golar Crystal 160,000 July 9 (L) France Zeebrugge NETHERLANDS Aristidis I 174,000 June 15 (A) United States Gate Sonangol Sambizanga 158,000 June 17 Angola Gate Lng Endeavour 174,000 June 21 United States Gate Lngc Golar Celsius 160,000 June 23 United States Gate Lng Rosenrot 177,000 July 2 United States Gate Sources: Ports, AIS Live ship tracking, Refinitiv Eikon data. (^) Partial unload (*) Arrival date calculated using www.searates.com at an average speed of 13.5 knots (Reporting By Susanna Twidale)
2022 graduates of the Edhec Business School Global Economic Transformation and Technology masters in management program gathered for a closing ceremony on the campus of UC-Berkeley in May, where EDHEC Dean Emmanuel Metais spoke to them about their future. Courtesy photo

The Covid-19 pandemic may have abridged big portions of his degree experience, but Hugo Charre will always consider EDHEC Business Schools Global Economic Transformation and Technology program one of the best decisions hes ever made.

Charre recently graduated from the GETT program, a masters in management that over three years took him from his native France to Seoul, South Korea and on to Berkeley, California to study how innovations in technology are driving the transformation of global business. At Berkeley in May, he and 39 classmates attended a ceremony that concluded a long and difficult but rewarding journey.

I found it really interesting because it was something that was kind of a mix between everything I liked, Charre says of GETT, which he joined in fall 2018. So on the one hand, it was about seeing different cultures, traveling, being able to study in different countries, and that was something that I thought was really cool. The fact that you could go to Asia, which is probably lesser known as a destination for studies for French people  going to Korea in my mind was kind of exotic.

And the other thing was that the program was focused on innovation and that was also something I really found interesting because it corresponds to my background. I have a passion for tech, I learned how to code when I was young. And so the mix of everything really resonated with me.

GETT GRADS FINALLY GRADUATE

Ludovic Cailluet

Innovation is the key descriptor for the GETT program, which was launched in 2017 with an initial cohort of 42 students. That group, like each group of GETT students since, studied on three global campuses: EDHECs Paris campus, then at the Sungkyunkwan Graduate School of Business in Seoul, followed by two semesters at UC-Berkeleys Haas School of Business in the United States. The wide range of locations, experiences, faculty, and curricula  and the programs unique design that includes a year of work sandwiched between periods of study  help students acquire the skills desired by companies in a world increasingly attuned to the needs of sustainable development and answering the challenges of disruptive change amid rapid informational and technological advances, says Ludovic Cailluet, associate dean of EDHECs Centre for Responsible Entrepreneurship and director of the GETT program.

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We have to work with three different partners on three continents, different time zones, different learning traditions, Cailluet tells Poets&Quants in a recent interview. The administration is different. So its a nice joint venture. It requires a lot of goodwill and flexibility to make it work on a daily basis.

The latter point was especially true amid Covid-19, he says. The pandemic wreaked havoc on schedules and canceled events across the last two-plus years  making the ceremony in Berkeley extra special.

That was very special for me, Cailluet says. This program was launched in 2017. And because its a master in management that lasts for three years, there are two years of study and in between theres a gap year where they work in companies to get some experience. So the duration of the program is three years, and we were unable to celebrate with the first class and the second class of the program because of the Covid. So both years we had to cancel, in the last minute, the celebration.

We actually did celebrate in France, on our campus in March. But there was nothing we could do with our friends and colleagues at UC-Berkeley. So that was a very special moment to be able to get together, celebrate, and also mention all the hard work that was done with the partnership with UC-Berkeley people and with the students and some family members that were present. So very moving in a way, a very warm moment.

DEVELOPING DEEP & LASTING RELATIONSHIPS

GETT offers direct access to the cities, communities, and concepts transforming the world of business, the school boasts, and graduates of the program go on to careers in consulting, business development, and innovation management, among other lucrative (and enriching) occupations, each armed with a pair of master in management degrees from EDHEC and SKK and a diploma from Berkeley Haas Global Access Program.

GETT cohorts are on the younger side, with the latest reporting an average age of 22 and an age range of 21-24. It was 48% women and 52% men, with eight languages spoken; most  66%  came from a business/management background, with the rest, like Hugo Charre, from engineering.

Its a small group of students, with 50 or fewer in each class, Cailluet says. That inevitably means the development of strong personal connections.

Covid-19 only made those connections deeper.

Its a little bit like a small business, Cailluet says. Im not the owner, but Im the principal or the general manager. So I was very happy to be able to tell them at UC-Berkeley that I was very proud of them in front of their parents for some, and also to tell my colleagues to congratulate them because we had been through Covid. And that was not an easy journey. We had to learn a lot. We had to adapt a lot. And that has created bonds with that team of people.

AN INNOVATION MINDSET INFUSED INTO THE PROGRAM

Hugo Charre

Hugo Charre, a French native from Saint-Cloud in the Paris metro area whose background is in software engineering, was thrilled to go to Korea as part of his GETT experience. Unfortunately he arrived there in January 2020, and had to leave when Covid exploded across the globe two months later.

Covid might have dampened the overall experience for some. It had a different effect on Charre.

One thing that I learned in this program is that you should seize every opportunity, he tells P&Q. Thats something that I might not have been conditioned to because in the French educational system, youre very used to being told what to do. Theres little room for creativity sometimes  everybody has a very predetermined trajectory. And I think that the fact that this program is so large in breadth and also very ambitious makes it very useful for people because you can basically do whatever you want, as long as you put in the effort to network with people to find opportunities to go beyond your comfort zone.

The program pushed him out of his comfort zone, and made him unafraid to venture into unknown territory  whether its physical, because were actually traveling, or whether its psychological, because youre working maybe in fields youve never worked before, or youre doing things that you might not have thought were possible before, basically extending your horizons.

Now, after a brief visit to France, the newly credentialed Charre will return to California this summer to start a new job in the tech industry.

GETT was really a really good experience because every single course had that kind of innovation mindset infused into it. So whether it was financial accounting or strategy courses or marketing, every single course had that kind of tech, innovation aspect to it, he says. Its especially focused on this kind of halfway deal where youre basically technical and business minded at the same time. And that will be an amazing asset to me in my career.

See the next page for another recent graduates impressions of the GETT program

Emmanuel Metais, dean of EDHEC Business School, speaks to graduates of the GETT program on the UC-Berkeley campus in May. Courtesy photo

Dorine Re is originally from the Lyon region in central France, where she pursued her studies until the end of high school. Seeking to work in the tourism industry, but hoping to keep her options open at the same time, she looked to join a top business school by entering an economic and scientific classe prepa, which is two or three years of intensive study to prepare for competitive B-school exams. This led Re to EDHEC, where she studied as an undergrad for one year, later joining the GETT program for her masters specialization.

Dorine Re: From the first classes in Paris that were very different from the ones I attended the year before in Lille and way more focused on technology, to probably the moment we landed in South Korea and discovered a new studying culture, I realised that I made a good choice

When Re joined the GETT program in 2018, it was still quite new, so the acceptance rate was quite unclear and a third of the 50 or so spots available were held for non-EDHEC students, she tells P&Q. During my years in prepa, I looked a lot and in depth at all the different programs offered by the top business schools, and the GETT program was obviously extremely appealing.

For one thing, GETT was focused on new technologies, which was a big interest of mine since I took several years of engineering classes in high school, Re says. In GETT, you have the opportunity to discover three big innovation hubs as well as their environments and cultures: Paris, Seoul and the Bay Area, which were all places that looked amazing to live in. The international experience as a student is a huge chance and having everything planned out within the program helps a lot enjoying it even more.

Finally, even as GETT students take classes in different schools, they are not considered exchange students, Re says. It is a real partnership, she says.

The idea that I had for my career when entering EDHEC was to continue learning as much general knowledge as possible, to one day be able to join my three big passions: the environment, technology, and tourism, Re says. And I was sure that the GETT program would help me figure that out, since it also carries a significant sustainability perspective, and the one-year professional experience gap would have helped me gain more experience on the tourism industry.

I HAVE LEARNED TO NOT BE AFRAID OF NOT KNOWING SOMETHING

From the first classes in Paris, which were much more more focused on technology, than those she had taken as an undergrad on EDHECs Lille campus, to the moment she landed with her classmates in South Korea and discovered a new studying culture, Re knew she had made the right choice. Even after Covid struck and shortened her classs time in Asia, we all kept thinking these last three years was that we were all extremely lucky and proud of our position as EDHEC students and specifically GETT students. I feel grateful for everything and everyone that helped me experience and enjoy it so much!

Her main takeaway: She now feels much more confident about tackling new challenges.

I think the program, because of its diversity of topics, high expectations, and really concrete exercises, really pushes us to try things and to be curious, Re says. Thanks to that, I have learned to not be afraid of not knowing something. Overall, it has helped me feel a lot less pressure and more confident in my work and in my personal life.

I learned so many things that I wouldnt have had the curiosity to on my own. As future active workers, we should always continue to look for new learnings, and I definitely will!

GETT APPLICANTS: BE OPEN-MINDED & ADVENTUROUS

Applications for the next GETT cohort are open through June 2022. The class will once again be about 50 seats, says Ludovic Cailluet, though interest has grown every year and EDHEC could easily expand its size.

The ideal applicant, he says, is someone who is not afraid of taking on challenges. Because being in three countries in three years with three different learning traditions is a bit of a challenge, he says. So I want people who are open-minded, a little bit adventurous, and who like to discover things.

They also need to have academic bona fides. I need people who are good students in an academic sense because the institutions they will be learning at are demanding institutions, Cailluet says. The level is quite demanding. Its accessible, but you need to work.

Typically about a quarter of GETT students got into finance, he says, not unusual for a European graduate program. Another quarter go to tech companies: Google, PayPal, Amazon, as well as startups. A third batch finds work in consulting, particularly technology and cybersecurity strategy consulting.

And the last quarter is your typical jobs of business school graduates: project managers, marketing people in charge of a product or segment or range of product, jobs that a generalist would get out of a business degree, Cailluet says. Quite a large minority have landed jobs in the U.S. because they wanted to stay there, and others have found jobs elsewhere in other countries, not only in France or in Europe.

A GREAT MIX

The wide range of outcomes is a reflection of the diverse backgrounds and interests coming into the program, he says.

Thats a great thing with the program because I would say 60% of them will come from an economics, marketing, finance background, and then the rest come from political science, engineering, or other type of STEM or science based background. So they dont learn the same way. If you come from an engineering school and if you come from a business school, you dont look at problems the same way, and that creates an incredible conversation in a classroom.

They have a lot of teamwork and it really creates something that is very interesting because the cabling is not done the same way in their brains, but they very quickly adapt and they are very complementary in their work. I believe thats very, very useful for future jobs.

Learn more about EDHECs Global Economic Transformation and Technology program here.

DONT MISS STRATEGIC PLAN FOR A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS SCHOOL and FRENCH SCHOOLS DOMINATE NEW FINANCIAL TIMES RANKING

The post The Tech Program That Takes Globetrotting Students To 3 Top B-Schools On 3 Continents appeared first on Poets&Quants.
Just a little over a week ago, Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk issued a stark warning to the company's investors -- and to investors in general. Musk said he had a "super bad feeling" about the state of the global economy, and where it's heading. His feeling was bad enough, in fact, that according to some reports, Tesla might be preparing to lay off 10% of its workforce (or at least 10% of its salaried workforce) to right-size the company to meet diminished demand for electric vehicles.

Just a little over one week later, we just got more details on what has the Tesla CEO so worried.

As Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas reports in a recent research note, Musk is trying to "rally" his "troops" at Tesla to make a big push delivering electric cars this month, in an effort to hit analyst targets for deliveries before the second quarter wraps up. Jonas notes that "multiple media sources" have confirmed this plea from Musk (but Tesla itself, which no longer has a media department, has not confirmed it yet).

Whether or not Tesla eventually confirms the media reports, a big push at the end of Q2 would both be standard operating procedure for Tesla -- and also entirely understandable considering how far behind production quotas the company probably is, after a weeks-long, Covid-inspired shutdown of Tesla's Shanghai gigafactory in China. As Jonas pints out, 40% of Teslas produced globally are produced right there at that Shanghai plant, and China accounts for "well over 50%" of the profit Tesla earns in an average quarter.

With just two weeks remaining in the quarter, though, it's doubtful Tesla will be able to make up its shortfall even with a big end-of-quarter deliveries push. If it fails to hit its target, though, how bad would that news be for Tesla?

Jonas has some thoughts on that score, and -- good news for Tesla shareholders -- he's not worried at all.

Jonas admits there's a risk Tesla will end up delivering fewer than 300,000 EVs in Q2 (He is thinking deliveries might top out at 292,000 units). He also predicts Tesla's revenues won't reach $18 billion, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) might fall as much as 10% short of analyst expectations. Nevertheless, in the analyst's view, these misses will all be because of Tesla's inability to produce cars fast enough to meet demand -- not because of any lack of demand. Accordingly, Jonas believes a Q2 deliveries miss will create pent-up demand leading to a bumper crop of deliveries in Q3. And by year end, "any lingering impact of the Shanghai lockdown on Tesla production [will] probably [be resolved]."

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And here's some more good news: According to Jonas, Tesla may be preparing to add China's BYD as a battery supplier for its cars. In the analyst's view, this is good news both because diversifying suppliers is always a good idea, and also because adding BYD to its supplier list will increase price competition -- and keep prices low -- for batteries coming from Tesla's preferred Chinese battery supplier, CATL. This creates the potential for Tesla enjoying stronger profit margins even as its supply and production problems work themselves out towards the end of this year.

It also helps to explain why, even as Tesla appears to be racing towards a Q2 "miss," Jonas still rates Tesla stock an Overweight (i.e. Buy) with a $1,300 price target. (To watch Jonas' track record, click here)

Overall, theres a positive feeling on Wall Street about TSLA, along with some caution. The Moderate Buy consensus rating is based on 30 analyst reviews that include 16 Buys, 8 Holds, and 6 Sells. The average price target of $917.10 suggests an upside of ~34% from the current trading price of $683. (See TSLA stock forecast on TipRanks)

To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.
Truly happy. Travis Barkers son Landon Barker revealed his feelings about his dads wedding to Kourtney Kardashian. Travis teenage son talked to People on June 16, 2022, about all the details of the extravagant wedding in Portofino, Italy.

I would say I definitely enjoyed seeing my dad so happy and at peace, he told People as he was promoting his boohooMAN x Landon Barker collection launch. It was all a great time, just seeing everybody so happy. And it was emotional and beautiful at the same time. His dad and Kourtney had three weddings. Their first wedding was in Las Vegas on April 3, 2022, as an unofficial wedding with an Elvis impersonator. They later got officially married in a courthouse in Santa Barbara, CA on May 15, 2022, before their dream wedding in Portofino, Italy on May 22, 2022. All of Kourtney and Travis family and kids attended the wedding abroad.

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Landon also talked about how Dolce & Gabbana styled him and his family for the wedding. I wanted black leather pants with fringe on the side and then I had a jacket in the past [with] these little pearl Dolce & Gabbana charms. I told them to put them on the sides with the fringe and when I got to Italy, it was literally waiting there in my room, he said. My vision came to life. It was sick.

Landon came into hot water after reportedly shading Kourtneys sister, Kim, after posting a Tiktok on Friday, May 6, 2022, where he lipsynced to her ex-husband Kanyes track Runaway from the album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Many fans took to the comments, where one read, Auntie Kim is not going to like this. The Blink-182 drummers son has not responded to the comments or confirmed if it was related to the Kardashian-Wests.

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In an episode of Hulus The Kardashians, Kourtney revealed that shes really close with Traviss kids and I love them. Its a beautiful thing. Travis has two kids with ex-wife Shanna Moaklerson, Landon, 18, and daughter Alabama, 16. He is also close to Shannas daughter with Oscar de la Hoya, Atiana, 22. Even before Travis and Kourtney were dating, Kourtney was close to Alabama since they were neighbors. Alabama is working on her own make-up line and Kourtney has been mentoring her along the way, a source shared to HollywoodLife. She did the same thing for Travis and helped him when he was creating and launching his business.

The insider revealed more details about Kourtneys relationship with her new step-children. She genuinely loves those kids and she goes out of her way to show it. Its easier than the typical situation because shes known them for years, so they have a very strong foundation already, the source continued. But she definitely goes above and beyond to make sure they feel shes there for them and wants them around. Shes always getting them thoughtful gifts and of course trying to convince them to eat healthy food, just like she does with her own kids.

The Kardashians is available to stream on Hulu. Heres how to watch it for free.





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"Kris Jenner...And All Things Kardashian" by Kris Jenner

For more about the Kardashians, check out Kris Jenners 2011 memoir, Kris JennerAnd All Things Kardashians, in which the momager tells her never-before-told story about how she led her six childrenKourtney, Kim, Khloe, Rob, Kendall and Kylieto international stardom and built their multi-million dollar empire. You may think you know the Kardashians, but as Kris explains in her book, whats in the media and in Keeping Up With the Kardashians is only the tip of the iceberg. In Kris JennerAnd All Things Kardashians, Kris reveals how she balanced six children (not to mention four stepchildren and numerous grandchildren) while building a business for her family. The book also dives into Kris relationship with Nicole Brown Simpson before and after her husband, O.J. Simpson, was accused of her murder. Kris JennerAnd All Things Kardashians is a must-read for any Kardashian fan.

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Northampton, MA --News Direct-- Truist

Since 2010, Truist Financial Foundations has empowered more than 1.5 million high school students with robust, digital financial education lessons. Truist has sponsored this financial education program in 17 states and Washington, D.C. Truist Financial Foundations is powered and delivered to schools by EVERFI, a leading Impact-as-a-ServiceTM education innovator.

Financial Education & Higher Education

Truist Financial Foundations consists of seven personal finance lessons covering everything from different savings vehicles to creating a budget and financing higher education. The engaging lessons translate complicated, sometimes stressful financial concepts into fun learning modules to help students practice financial strategies in a safe environment.

At the end of March, nearly 9% fewer students submitted the FAFSA compared to the previous year, according to a report from the National College Attainment Network (Source). On top of that, FAFSA renewals from currently enrolled college students declined more than 12%. This decline in FAFSA applications and renewals translates to nearly 900,000 fewer students attending college affordably this year. Truist Financial Foundations includes a module with a blank FAFSA application that students can fill in themselves to increase student confidence to complete this important step. In the 2020-2021 school year, Truist Financial Foundation students increased their knowledge on Financing Higher Education by 95% based on a pre to post assessment.

About the Program

This program has grown exponentially each year since Truist began sponsoring the personal finance course in its footprint. In the 2010-2011 school year, the program was delivered to more than 6,600 students. This school year, more than 236,000 students learned key financial skills and information in 17 states throughout Truists footprint, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Truist Financial Foundations proactively brings this critical financial education to high schools at no cost to school districts, teachers, or students.

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Truists leadership and commitment to delivering critical education in their communities has inspired me since we first began working together 12 years ago said Ray Martinez, President and Co-Founder, EVERFI. 1.5 million students is an incredible achievement, and I cannot wait to see that participation number and our impact continue to grow. Students in every zip code need these essential, foundational financial skills - how to write a check, open a bank account, make a budget - before graduating from high school, and Truist has stepped up to support that vision.

The Truist Financial Foundations lessons have taught me a lot of very valuable information that I wouldn't know otherwise, said Mackenzie Friend, a high school student in Lewisburg, West Virginia. I won't lie, it hasn't been easy to start budgeting, but it's definitely worth it!

If youre interested in bringing Truist Financial Foundations and other EVERFI courses to a school near you, visit everfi.com/k-12 to learn more.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Truist on 3blmedia.com

View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/truist-empowers-more-than-1-5-million-students-with-financial-education-through-everfi-319500129
LONDON, June 16 (Reuters) - Britain will welcome representatives from Ukraine and business leaders on Friday to discuss how UK companies can help rebuild key infrastructure in Kyiv.

Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan will seek to promote collaboration between British companies in infrastructure, energy and transport, and Ukrainian public and private organisations to help repair damaged and destroyed infrastructure.

Trevelyan will also announce changes to trade remedy measures, including reallocating ring-fenced market access for steel imports from Russia and Belarus to other countries including Ukraine.

Britain has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February, sending weapons and imposing sanctions on Moscow.

The support provided on Friday will form part of a UK commitment to provide a combined economic, humanitarian and military support package worth around $3 billion.

The European Union has also proposed support to help Ukraine rebuild once the war with Russia ends. (Reporting by Kate Holton; Editing by Leslie Adler)
PARIS, June 16, 2022--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News:

Announced at the end of the summer of 2020, the project to build the global champion of ecological transformation by bringing together Veolia (Paris:VIE) and most of Suez's international activities, came to life at the beginning of 2022, with the successful integration of 40,000 employees worldwide.

16 months after the officialization of the project, the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) remains the only competition authority that hasn't performed a definitive assessment of the effects of the merger on its domestic market .

In order to terminate this long period of waiting, but above all to be able to fully focus on the creation of the world champion, in the United Kingdom as elsewhere in the world, Veolia has informed the CMA on Monday of its intention to sell all of Suez's waste activities in the country.

This drastic decision is an effective response to the intransigence of the CMA. Veolia strongly disagrees with their analysis of the concerned markets and deplores the lack of shared understanding of the issues related to our sectors of activity.

Indeed, at a time when ecological transformation is ardently demanded by populations and placed at the heart of the agenda of public authorities as well as economic players throughout the world, the constitution of a major global champion able to provide a global solution for the environment on the five continents has never seemed so necessary.

In the United Kingdom, as elsewhere in the world, Veolia is convinced that the addition and complementarity of the teams, their know-how and expertise are the best way to respond effectively and rapidly to the needs of its clients, territories and industries, to tackle major challenges of climate change, energy security, loss of biodiversity and shortages of materials.

The first positive results of this merger, in terms of people, operations and finances, confirm the relevance of the project led by Veolia.

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The merger already proves itself useful wIth the addition of new skills, new technologies and new geographies. It will further accelerate the implementation of the Impact 2023 strategic program, strengthening Veolia's international footprint and increasing its capacity for innovation.

With 220,000 employees in more than 50 countries and revenues of around 38 billion, up more than 30% thanks to the contribution of Suez's activities, Veolia is now more than ever the world's leading player active in the water, waste and energy sectors.

We regret that the CMA's analysis will not allow the Group to deploy the full potential of the ecological transformation in the United Kingdom, but it does not reduce our commitment to this region. It does not affect the overall scope of Veolia's project, whose capacity to create value remains intact.

On the other hand, these disposals will free up significant cash flow to finance new developments, particularly in the energy sector, which will enable the company to return to a portfolio of activities balanced between water, energy and waste. At a time when energy sovereignty and the development of alternative energy sources are both strategic and ecological imperatives, Veolia intends to pursue its development in this sector in synergy with the Group's other activities.

This divestment will also allow to accelerate the company's debt reduction, making Veolia more agile than ever as it approaches the end of Impact 2023. It will provide additional financial flexibility while Veolia embarks on a new strategic program placing innovation at the heart of its growth model.

About Veolia

Veolia Group aims to become the benchmark company for ecological transformation. Present on five continents with nearly 220,000 employees, the Group designs and deploys useful, practical solutions for the management of water, waste and energy that are contributing to a radical turnaround of the current situation. Through its three complementary activities, Veolia helps to develop access to resources, to preserve available resources and to renew them. In 2021, the Veolia group provided 79 million inhabitants with drinking water and 61 million with sanitation, produced nearly 48 million megawatt hours and recovered 48 million tonnes of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE) achieved consolidated revenue of 28,508 billion euros in 2021. www.veolia.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220616005666/en/

Contacts

Media Relations

Laurent Obadia - Evgeniya Mazalova

Emilie Dupas - Mathilde Bouchoux

Tel : + 33 6 27 45 11 38 / + 33 6 18 24 51 00

presse.groupe@veolia.com

Analysts & Investors

Ronald Wasylec - Ariane de Lamaze

Tel. + 33 1 85 57 84 76 / 84 80

investor-relations@veolia.com
As the final minutes of Hacks Season 2 ticked by, it was hard to shake the feeling that they just might mark the final minutes of Hacks, period. With Deborah (the incomparable Jean Smart) finally tapping in to a more personal and rewarding vein of her comedy to huge success, before pushing Ava (the underrated Hannah Einbinder) out of the nest to forge her own path in Hollywood, the series easily couldve ended there. Even Deborahs CEO Marcus (Carl Clemons-Hopkins) and agent Jimmy (Paul W. Downs) got their versions of a happily-ever-after, with Marcus taking active steps toward balancing his work and personal life and Jimmy quitting his agency to forge ahead with his own.

With so much of the show seemingly wrapped up in as neat a bow as these chaotic characters may ever have, some might have seen its Season 3 renewal as a bit of a surprise. But the key to what Hacks could do next may just lie in the rises and falls of Season 2, which blew everything from the first season up to find juicier opportunities in the rubble. If Season 3 does the same, Hacks will have more than enough material to work with without losing its grip on what makes it so good.

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The second season of Hacks is, at first, a slower burn. Chronicling failure after failure from Las Vegas to Tucson to Oklahoma City, the once almighty Deborah Vance keeps falling on her face as she tries to hone her new, more personal stand-up act. She and Ava know it could be good. But theres something missing, and whatever it is stays stubbornly out of reach until the moment Deborah finally stumbles upon it in an earnest 40-year-olds bed. (Shoutout to Devon Sawa for this truly pivotal guest turn, and for slipping into it easily enough that I didnt realize I had just seen Devon Sawa romance Jean Smart until the credits.) Watching Deborah work for laughs like she hadnt in years and Ava face the consequences of her actions like never before made for a season of deeper, harder earned revelations.

Story continues

In its first, highly lauded season, Hacks had 10 episodes (versus the seconds eight) to explore Deborah and Avas parallel ambitions and psyches, indulge in the self-conscious gilt of Vegas casino culture, and flesh out supporting players like Marcus, Jimmy, and Deborahs wayward daughter, DJ (Kaitlin Olson, scene-stealing as always). Created by Broad City alums Downs, Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky, the HBO Max series was insightful, and it was hilarious  but its sharpest jokes always lay outside the actual comedy any of the characters were writing and/or performing. Its a tall order to replicate the particular rhythms of standup comedy within a scripted narrative, and in its first season, Hacks mostly sidestepped that problem by showing Deborahs residency act at its most blunt and repetitive. The standup was fine, but the characters being funnier went a long way. As the second season dug into the nuts and bolts of crafting a standup set rather than relying on the eventual punchlines, it more seamlessly married the comedy within the show with the broader framework of the show itself. As Ava  via her dad, via the Philadelphia Sixers  put it, Season 2 of Hacks trusted the process by making the process the point.

In its second season, Hacks upended itself completely, cracking open the characters to let them sift through their guts for the truth. Yes, Deborah was still in charge, but without the safety net of her homebase and stalwart standup set, she could get only a cool 75% of what she wanted versus the usual 100%. (If youve ever worked for anyone similarly rich and ensconced in their creature comforts, you know even this seemingly high batting average would result in a catastrophic ego blow.) Ava, determined to be better, abandoned some of her Season 1 era self-righteous nihilism to become a veritable bleeding heart by the end of Season 2. Marcus, robbed of his all-consuming work routine while Deborah went on tour, swung wildly toward hedonism only to steady himself in a more comfortable space in between. Even Jimmy, dubbed Captain Planet by his office full of toxic bros, battled his way out of a rut into a more exciting stage of his career, albeit one where he still cant shake his chaotic assistant (Meg Stalter, singular).

In fact, the final two episodes of Season 2 hurtle toward these endgames so quickly, resolving so many threads with enough urgency, that it was only natural to wonder if this was, in fact, Hacks way of saying goodbye. But in ending on Ava wistfully watching Deborah hawk her wares on QVC (to the strains of Supertramps Goodbye Stranger, no less), Hacks makes it clear that not all is completely settled. Ava still misses Deborah, Deborah still has to find a way to stay on top, Marcus still has to learn how to let people into his life beyond a passing glances, and Jimmy still has to work alongside Kayla (arguably the most daunting task of all). In one of the finales most moving, revealing scenes, Deborah and DJ have what might be their first truly honest conversation ever, nodding toward a potentially very different relationship down the line. And look, if Hacks were to end without giving us more details on what happened in Monaco between Deb and casino owner Marty (Christopher McDonald), I would simply never forgive it. As long as weve known them, none of these characters have been content towell, be content. Their ambition, talent, and restlessness gets them every time, making them itch the second they sit still too long.

So, sure, Hacks could have ended with Season 2; it would have been a good ending, too. But as long as the team behind Hacks wants to keep turning its world upside-down, I trust them to find newly innovative ways to steady it all over again.

Hacks is currently available to stream on HBO Max.

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Lego plans to invest at least $1 billion to construct its only U.S.-based manufacturing plant in Chesterfield County, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday.

The Virginia factorya 1.7 million-square-foot giant that will be Legos seventh manufacturing facility in the world and supply the Americasis estimated to create more than 1,700 jobs over 10 years and is projected to open for production by mid-2025. Construction, along with hiring, begins later this year, but an exact month has yet to be set.

This best-in-class, world-class facility will be built brick by brick, Youngkin said at the Science Museum of Virginia to a crowd of state economic and political leaders, top Lego officials and Denmarks U.S. ambassador. This is the future of manufacturing, and it is right here in the commonwealth of Virginia.

The 90-year-old global toymaker hasnt had a factory in North America since closing its first one in Enfield, Conn., nearly 15 years ago and shifting production to Mexico. With the U.S. a key market, the expansions goal is to shorten supply chain issues and reduce the companys carbon footprinta hefty goal that Lego Group CEO Niels B. Christiansen said hinges on reducing emissions by 37% by 2032.

Conversations about bringing the Lego plant to Virginia date back to at least October, when Gov. Ralph Northam was in office.

Christiansen said its commitment to ensuring the toy companys plants are environmentally sustainable will be released in public reports. He said the Chesterfield factory will be designed to be carbon neutral, which means offsetting carbon emissions through projects such as renewable energy efforts.

Two of the companys major ambitions for the site include making it highly energy efficient with 100% being matched by on-site renewable sources to minimize energy use. The factory will also be paired with a solar park, which will be built by 2025 and generate the energy needed for the plant to run.

For us, sustainability is super important. When you serve kids, it cannot be anything but ... important. The world and the planet they inherit needs to be a place for them to live, Christiansen said. I can tell you every week, I get a lot of letters from kids who write to me about their concerns and their wishes and their visions of what to do.

In 2020, Lego announced its removal of single-use plastics and proposed a mission to make all of its core products from sustainable materials by 2030.

The move comes years after nearly 5 million Legos were lost at sea when a 28-foot wave hit a cargo ship in 1997. Scientists have estimated a single Lego block could take anywhere from 100 to 1,300 years to decompose.

The facility will be housed in Chesterfields Meadowville Technology Park, which has been around for more than 20 years and sits adjacent to I-295 and the James River. In 2020, the county put forth $3 million out of the $21 million total used to buy 353 acres as an add-on to the park.

Online Chesterfield records assessed the land at about $3.5 million.

Garrett Hart, director of Chesterfield Economic Development, said the partnership with Lego shows why its critical for the county to have project-ready sites. The only feasible option available was Meadowville.

Its taken us several months to get here, but the first day they saw the site and met us on the site, they picked the site, Hart said. They didnt tell us that until about a month ago.

Chesterfield residents have voiced criticism for another technology park known as Upper Magnolia Green, which will partially include plastics manufacturing.

Lego manufactures more than 100 billion plastic bricks every year.

A written Q&A the company provided to the media included: Is it environmentally sustainable to spend $1 billion building a factory that will produce millions of tonnes of plastic? Lego said the bricks are inherently sustainable because theyre passed down from one generation to the next.

The Q&A also appeared to distance the company from the governors push to ban critical race theory in K-12 schoolsstating we stand against racism and inequality.

Another question in the Q&A asked How can / Does the LEGO Group, as a brand, support the current Governors political agenda?

It answered: This is a long-term, multi-generation investment which goes beyond the politics of today, globally or locally.

It also noted how Legos have helped children develop creativity and problem solving skills.

Lego executives didnt share whether potential tax breaks made Virginia a more attractive possibility for housing its sole facility in the U.S. and instead cited the countys transportation networks, how the state aligned with the companys mission and the opportunity to invest in communities while expanding its manufacturing network.

But in a release, Youngkins office shared the LEGO Group will be eligible to receive $56 million in Major Employment and Investment Project performance grants subject to General Assembly approval.

The MEI Project Approval Commission was established to review financing for individual incentive packages, including but not limited to packages offering tax incentives, for economic development, according to Virginia law.

Those incentives are driven by the economic growth that Lego will bring, and this is a framework that we are using in order to strike these kinds of great arrangements with companies that actually bring economic growth, more jobs, and as a result, more tax revenues to the county and to the commonwealth, Youngkin said.

The announcement follows two other recent economic development wins for Virginia as Boeing and Raytheon Technologies announced they were moving their headquarters to Northern Virginia.

Christiansen could not say Wednesday whether there would be any plans to add a Lego store to Chesterfield to accompany the site.
A woman who drove 114 mph in Stafford County last year with three unrestrained children in her vehicle received a suspended sentence Monday after pleading guilty to three misdemeanors.

Celenia L. Sampson, 28, pleaded guilty to eluding, reckless driving and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. In exchange for her guilty pleas, prosecutor Philip Chichester dropped several felony charges.

Chichester argued that Sampson deserved to serve some jail time for her reckless behavior. Defense attorney Jason Pelt countered that Sampson has been doing much better with her extensive mental health issues and that jail would serve no useful purpose.

Judge Victoria Willis sentenced Sampson to a total of 36 months in jail and suspended all of it.

According to the evidence, Capt. Lee Peters was in the area of the 1000 block of Kings Highway (State Route 3) the morning of June 14, 2021, when a Dodge SUV passed him at a high rate of speed. Peters made a U-turn and clocked the vehicle at 114 as he tried to make a traffic stop.

Sampson made an abrupt turn onto a gravel road and stopped after coming upon a fallen tree in the road. Two toddlers were unrestrained in the vehicle, and a 4-month-old was in a child safety seat that was not restrained. No one was injured.

Pelt said that Sampson, who was living in King George at the time, was heading to a mental health facility for treatment. She was off her medication at the time, but has been doing much better since, Pelt said.

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Chinas Longyuan brings South Africas youth new hope

17:30, June 15, 2022 By Madiketso Motaung ( People's Daily Online

Neo Masango, a current employee of Longyuan South Africa Renewables (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of China Longyuan Power Group Corp & China Energy Investment Corp, was just one of the many students who have had the opportunity to study abroad in China for a years time. Unfortunately, in the end he returned to South Africa with no plans and no works.

With South Africa's current high unemployment rate, Masango believed that he would most likely join his fellow compatriots and be included in the statistics as yet another person without a job. But thanks to Longyuans recruitment program, he was one of the numerous applicants that received an opportunity to get hired.

By starting off as an apprentice, Masango was able to secure a position within Longyuan through their various recruitment programs after months of no employment being in sight, which was especially challenging given the ongoing worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. I felt very lucky to join Longyuan. This program gave me and my family hope.

When talking about all the work Longyuan has done in South Africa, Masango mentioned how electricity is a basic necessity for people, and with the country being in the grips of an energy crisis, he sees the introduction of new renewable energy as a fantastic development. Masango thinks it is as a long-term issue that can be addressed in stages over time.

Deswin Basson, another employee of Longyuan, was one of the many extraordinarily fortunate people who received both the Longyuan bursary and an apprenticeship with in-service training. Having all of his tuition and study costs covered helped him to concentrate on his job and studies throughout his time at the Tshwane University of Technology.

The bursary and all of the amenities that Longyuan provided helped to alleviate the stress that came with the busy work and study life Basson had to deal with. With the young man currently awaiting his results for the completion of his degree, Basson hopes to not only continue his studies but to also grow within the company.

Longyuan South Africa Renewables development and subsequent operations have become new engines fuelling South Africa's local economic growth. The company adheres to the idea of local employment and recruits a large number of locals for construction, management, operations, and maintenance, providing considerable relief to the problem of local employment. Annual spending on Economic Development/Social Economic Development connected to the resuscitation of the BEE economic duties has reached R15 million, and throughout the operating period about 100 employment opportunities have been provided. Moreover, localized procurement was realized during the construction period for the two projects, while 700 job opportunities were created as a result of the various projects during the capital construction period. All the construction contractors for the project have been local companies based in South Africa. Even during the pandemic, Longyuan South Africa Renewables did not stop their efforts in fulfilling their promise for creating local job opportunities.

Longyuan South Africa Renewables is always aware of the needs of local communities. The area of De Aar historically lacked water access and the inhabitants in the region historically relied on groundwater for their daily water supply. Due to infrastructural limitations, the supply could only satisfy around half of daily demands.

Longyuan South Africa Renewables actively communicated with the local municipality after learning of the difficulties and donated more than R5.6 million to provide professional technical support and personnel training to assist the local area in successfully launching a water-supply equipment upgrading project. The first stage for upgrading the equipment has already been completed, which not only now satisfies the water needs of local inhabitants but also cuts power use via solar pumps.

"We are extremely glad to inform you that the project is nearing completion and take this opportunity to thank Longyuan South Africa Renewables for their strong support during this project, which has assisted local inhabitants to solve their urgent requirements," the local municipality stated in a letter of appreciation.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Bianji)
Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nasser Vocational Training Centre (NVTC) to develop artificial intelligence (AI) proficiency and achieve common goals and objectives.

The signing ceremony was attended by Eng Mohammed Khalil, CEO of BAS, and Dr Abdullah Nasser Al-Noaimi, Executive Director of NVTC.

The agreement aims to establish a close partnership with the AI Centre to enhance entrepreneurial skills and professionalism. Both entities will expand their business and vocational network while enabling BAS to make use of all facilities available at AI Research and Development Centre.

Empowering women

The agreement also establishes a common goal towards empowering Bahraini women in business.

Khalil said: BAS is committed to actively contributing to the growth of Bahrains economy. We strive to achieve the kingdoms vision by supporting entrepreneurship and empowering Bahraini women and helping them to excel in their future careers.

Dr Al-Nuaimi said NVTC is striving to achieve excellence in artificial intelligence, which will contribute to enhancement of services and productivity in various sectors. He also added that aviation sector is vital, and through this collaboration the centre will provide advanced AI solutions to the Bahrain Airport.

New avenues

The partnership is set to open new avenues for joint collaboration between BAS and NVTC through research programmes and various initiatives aimed at achieving the sustainable growth of Bahrain's national economy.

NVTC is one of the kingdoms leading specialised centres providing training courses in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, as well as data science, robot simulation and machine learning.--TradeArabia News Service
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Recognition of Juneteenth, the effective end of slavery in the U.S., gained traction after the police killing of George Floyd in 2020. But after an initial burst of action, the movement to have it recognized as an official holiday in the states has largely stalled.

Although almost every state recognizes Juneteenth in some fashion, many have been slow to do more than issue a proclamation or resolution, even as some continue to commemorate the Confederacy.

Lawmakers in Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and other states failed to advance proposals this year that would have closed state offices and given most of their public employees paid time off for the June 19 holiday.

That trend infuriates Black leaders and community organizers who view making Juneteenth a paid holiday the bare minimum state officials can do to help honor an often overlooked and ignored piece of American history.

"Juneteenth marks the date of major significance in American history. It represents the ways in which freedom for Black people have been delayed," said Democratic Rep. Anthony Nolan, who is Black, while arguing in favor of making Juneteenth a paid holiday in Connecticut on the House floor. "And if we delay this, it's a smack in the face to Black folks."

Juneteenth commemorates when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, in 1865, two months after the Confederacy had surrendered in the Civil War and about 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in Southern states.

Last year, Congress and President Joe Biden moved swiftly to make Juneteenth a national holiday. It was the first time the federal government had designated a new national holiday since approving Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983. Yet the move didn't result in an automatic adoption from most states.

In Alabama, Republican Gov. Kay Ivey issued another proclamation marking Juneteenth a state holiday earlier this week after state lawmakers refused to take action on a bill during their legislative session even after she voiced strong support for making it a permanent holiday back in 2021. The state closes down for Confederate Memorial Days in April.

Similarly, Wyoming's Republican Gov. Mark Gordon issued a statement last June saying he would work with lawmakers to make it a state holiday but no legislation was filed during the 2022 session.

In Tennessee, Republican Gov. Bill Lee quietly tucked enough funding  roughly $700,000  to make Juneteenth a state paid holiday in his initial spending plan for the upcoming year.

Despite the bill gaining traction in the state Senate, GOP legislative leaders maintained there wasn't enough support for the idea even as Tennessee law currently designates special observances for Robert E. Lee Day, Confederate Decoration Day and Nathan Bedford Forrest Day.

"I asked many people in my district over the last few days, well over 100 people, if they knew what Juneteenth was and only two of them knew," said Republican Sen. Joey Hensley, who is white and voted against the proposal. "I just think we're putting the cart before the horse making a holiday that people don't know about."

In South Carolina, instead of working to approve Juneteenth as a holiday, Senate lawmakers unanimously advanced a bill that would allow state employees to choose any day they want to take off instead of the Confederate Memorial Day currently enshrined as a paid holiday in state law. However, the House sent the bill to a committee where it died without a hearing when the Legislature adjourned for the session.

At the same time, many of these Republican-led areas have advanced bills limiting what can be taught about systematic racism in classrooms, while also spiking proposals aimed at expanding voting rights and police reform.

This year, nearly 20 states are expected to close state offices and give most of their public employees time off. At least six states officially adopted the holiday over the past few months, including Connecticut, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, South Dakota, Utah and Washington. A bill introduced in California passed the Assembly and moved to the Senate this month, and individual cities such as Los Angeles have already signed proclamations making Juneteenth official.

"Becoming a state holiday will not merely give employees a day off, it will also give residents a day to think about the future that we want, while remembering the inequities of the past," said Democratic Del. Andrea Harrison, who sponsored the Juneteenth legislation in Maryland this year. "It will help us to reflect how far we've come as a nation, how much more we need to do as humankind."

Attempts to give Juneteenth the same deference as Memorial Day or July Fourth didn't begin to gain traction until 2020, when protests sparked a nationwide push to address race after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the deaths of other Black people by police officers.

"George Floyd protests against police brutality brought awareness to Juneteenth because there were people of all races learning about its significance for the first time following a public push to self-educate and learn more about Black history, culture and injustices," said Tremaine Jasper, a resident and business owner in Phoenix who has attended Juneteenth celebrations across Arizona with his family.

Some cities in Arizona, including Phoenix, have declared Juneteenth an official holiday, paying city employees and closing municipal buildings. However, lawmakers are not currently considering statewide recognition.

"There are so many other important issues that we need to tackle  education, political issues, reparations  before we prioritize making Juneteenth a statewide holiday," Jasper said, noting that those looking to celebrate know where to go.

Jasper, who was born and raised in Arizona, said it is going to be an "uphill battle" to get the state to recognize Juneteenth because there is not a large enough Black population outside of its largest cities to make the push.

Arizona was also slow in recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day, not doing so until 1992. It was one of the last states to officially recognize the civil rights leader.

___

Associated Press writer Susan Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut, contributed to this report. Mumphrey reported from Phoenix and is a member of The Associated Press' Race and Ethnicity team. Follow her at https://twitter.com/cheymumph.
Students majoring in philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University pay nearly $15,000 annually in tuition bills. But according to a recent analysis, the average graduate still earned minimum wage five years after graduation.

The analysis, which estimated the earnings for 750 school-specific majors in Virginia, found that VCU philosophy majors earned the least in the state. Other programs at the bottom include Regent Universitys drama department and Mary Baldwins arts program.

Meanwhile, graduates of the University of Virginias computer science program made $110,000 annually five years after graduation, the most in the state. They were closely followed by Washington and Lee Universitys computer science grads and U.Va.s computer engineering alumni.

Together, the data indicates that whether college provides a positive financial return on investment depends mostly on the field of study and somewhat on the college the student attended.

Colleges in Virginia have long debated how to weigh the intrinsic value of certain majors versus their pecuniary value. At a time when tuition costs are rising, student debt remains high and jobs are unfilled, many students in the state are choosing majors that are more likely to provide a good paycheck.

Peter Blake, the head of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, said colleges have a responsibility to make sure programs are aligned to meet employment demands as closely as possible, especially now.

A programs return on investment, he said, is particularly important.

The study, which estimates earnings for bachelors degree programs nationwide, was published last fall by the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, a think tank described as right-of-center.

Researchers used 2017 and 2018 earnings reported to the College Scorecard, a government database that compiles wage values shortly after graduation, and Census Bureau data to project future income. The study does not address students with graduate and professional degrees.

Some majors never provide a financial return on investment. Those students would have earned more money across their lifetimes had they saved the $100,000 or so in tuition costs, started earning a paycheck four years earlier and begun climbing the wage ladder sooner.

Nearly 1 in 4 college majors in Virginia fails to provide a lifetime return on investment, according to the study. The majors least likely to provide a financial windfall are psychology, biology, fine arts, drama, English and social work. The schools that house the highest number of negative-ROI majors are Liberty University, VCU, University of Mary Washington and Radford University.

Tim ODonnell, UMWs interim provost, said the studys data provides an incomplete picture of the value of liberal arts education.

Focusing on early career salaries in highly technical fields to understand the value of college is only a piece of the story, he said. At Mary Washington, whether you are a computer science major or a theater major, you leave with a broad liberal arts education which prepares you to be career ready, make the leap from college to career, and ultimately to navigate the many career transitions which lie ahead in a rapidly changing world of work.

Taken to its conclusion, the approach advocated herepicking only majors with high-paying first jobswould dissuade students from becoming teachers, counselors, social workers and civil servants, ODonnell continued.

The majors that provide the highest ROI tend to focus on science, technology, engineering, math and business. Several nursing programs are near the top of the list, too.

You dont have to go to a prestigious school or an expensive school to get a good-paying job. High-earning majors are found at VCU, Old Dominion University and for-profit schools such as ECPI University.

Some perhaps unexpected majors landed in top 100: romance languages at Washington and Lee, politics at U.Va. and interdisciplinary studies at U.Va.

A civilized world needs philosophy

Though they arent rich, philosophy grads earned a wide range of estimated salaries five years after graduation, from $44,000 at the College of William & Mary to $17,000 at VCU.

VCUs figure, which comes from 2017 and 2018 data, is close to minimum wage at the time.

Donald Smith, department chair for VCU philosophy, said the results do not fit with his analysis of the jobs VCU philosophy graduates earn.

I was in disbelief, he said.

In recent years, VCU philosophy grads have become a research analyst at OrthoVirginia, a researcher at the Economic Policy Institute and a senior analyst at Lumber Liquidators. About half of the graduates go to law school or some other postgraduate degree, he estimated.

The median estimated wage for philosophy grads nationwide is $37,000 in this study, which is a lower figure than some other studies cite. For instance, a 2021 New York Fed study on the labor market for recent college graduates found that philosophy graduates have a median wage of $39,000 early in their careers, but that it rises to a mid-career median wage of $62,000.

Because of the specificity of the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity report, its sample sizes are small.

I have no reason for thinking that VCU philosophy majors fare significantly worse with respect to ROI than what these other studies indicate, Smith said.

Just because a major doesnt pay well doesnt mean it has no value, said Blake, head of the State Council of Higher Education. Return on investment is an important measure of a programs successaverage debt for a Virginia college graduate is $30,000. But its not the only measure.

A civilized world needs people who are trained and educated in English, history, social work, early childhood education, art, anthropology, et cetera, he added.

Philosophy improves reasoning skills, the ability to be open to criticism and the ability to disagree in a rational manner, Smith added. All of those skills are relevant to any career a student might pursue.

Josh Hartt, 21, graduated from VCU last month after double majoring in political science and philosophy. Philosophy hasnt helped his job search much, but if he could do college over again, he wouldnt change a thing.

It taught me to think in a way most people dont, and that was worth every single penny, Hartt said.

Hartt doesnt have a job yet, but he has enough money saved up to get an apartment in Richmond while he applies. He plans to apply to law school next year.

Whats helped him the most with his career are the job prospects working on political campaigns. He says the teachers and students he met in philosophy classes were some of the best at VCU.

If youre interested in philosophy, dont let job prospects deter you from it, he added.

Hartts sentiments match those of most students, who are largely happy with their decision to attend college. In a poll of 15,000 Virginia college graduates from the past 15 years, 88% reported feeling satisfied or very satisfied with their undergraduate experience.

A majority, 70%, say their time in college prepared them for the workplace. But only 56% said their education was worth the cost.

Ethan Hamilton broke the mold. Days after he graduated from VCU philosophy last year, he got a job offer as an ontology analyst for a consulting firm in Arlington County, building data models for computers and earning about $70,000, far more than the national average.

His employer was interested in applicants who understand logic and rulesexactly what he had learned in philosophy.

For this field, its a perfect fit, he said.

A $2 million ROI

Students in the top-paying majors typically earn six-figure salaries by age 27. Of the 25 best-paying degree programs, 17 are engineering or computer science.

Joshua Sahaya Arul, 21, took computer science as a high school class at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria and got hooked. At U.Va., he chose it as his major primarily because he enjoyed the subject.

A summer internship at Capital One turned into a job offer months before he graduated from U.Va. By age 21he finished college in three yearshe was earning close to $110,000, the estimated salary for his major for graduates five to seven years older than him. He recently accepted a job at Google.

According to the study, he and other U.Va. computer science grads will receive a return on their college education of more than $2 million.

The State Council of Higher Education does not shut down programs that fail to deliver good jobs. Instead, it pays attention to a programs popularity. If students stop enrolling, the program can get shut down. In essence, the state council lets the market decide.

If majors have high demand, there must be some value students see in them, Blake said.

For years, students have chosen majors that do not guarantee a big paycheck. Psychology is the states most popular major, with 5% of students enrolled, and its been among the most popular majors for at least 30 years.

The highest-paying psychology program is at Virginia Military Institute, where graduates earn an estimated $47,000 five years after graduation.

Everyone has their own price point when it comes to return on investment, Blake said.

In the survey of college graduates from the past 15 years, about one in three graduates said they went to college for reasons other than preparing for a specific jobeither because they felt they were expected to, they wanted a well-rounded education, or they were trying to figure out what they wanted to do.

But not all majors have sustained the popularity of psychology. In 2010, there were 1,500 college students in Virginia studying English. By 2020, that number had cratered by 40%.

VCU has seen that trend with its new students. In the past four years, fewer incoming freshmen have chosen the College of Humanities and Sciences, which is home to such departments as biology, English and philosophy.

Whats growing are engineering, business, education and healthprograms with clear job destinations, said Tomikia LeGrande, VCUs vice president for enrollment.

The universitys goal, she said, is to make sure students can envision a careerno matter what major they choose.

Staff writer Adele UphausConner contributed to this story.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) disbursed P-EBT benefits Thursday, June 16.

P-EBT is a program authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which provides assistance to families of children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals and impacted by COVID-related absences from school. DHHS, in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE), is overseeing the disbursement of benefits.

The disbursement on June 16 is one part of four benefit issuances included in the fourth round of P-EBT with the first disbursement having been on April 20 and the last being Aug. 16. Benefit amounts are determined based on the number of COVID-19 related absences a student had per month.

Families who qualify for the fourth round of P-EBT, and already possess a P-EBT card, will have their benefits automatically loaded onto their P-EBT card if no changes have occurred. Families who do not currently possess a P-EBT card will have a P-EBT card mailed to them. Students who missed 16 or more days will receive $121 per month, students who missed 6-15 days will receive $71 per month, and students who missed 1-5 days will receive $21 per month. Families with questions about their eligibility should contact their school; questions about the P-EBT program should be directed to dhhs.nebraskapebt@nebraska.gov.

Students are deemed eligible for P-EBT benefits if they had COVID-related absences during the 21-22 school year and their school district reported them as eligible to NDE. If a family believes their student had a COVID-related absence and they did not receive benefits, they may contact dhhs.nebraskapebt@nebraska.gov to request reconsideration.

Receiving P-EBT benefits will not affect a familys ability to receive other benefits, and benefits are good for one year after receiving them. P-EBT benefits can be used to buy food at grocery stores and farmers markets that accept SNAP EBT, and to purchase groceries online at Amazon, Aldi and Walmart.

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A time to reflect and commit to doing better

Next week marks the first recognition of Juneteenth as an official state and federal holiday.

The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when news of the end of the Civil War finally reached Galveston, Texas, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln.

We appreciate that our state leaders have codified this momentous day into law. Juneteenth has long represented a celebration of freedom. It stands as a day of strength, honoring the spirit of those men, women, and children who lived under the system of slavery in the United States.

Washington State University will be closed in honor of the Juneteenth holiday. We encourage Cougs to join with their local communities to observe this historic occasion. Some of our campuses are participating in events across the state. For example:

The WSU Vancouver Support and Empowerment for Employees of Color will host a Gathering in the Park for Juneteenth and Joy from 24 p.m. Thursday, June 16.

On Friday, June 17, WSU Vancouver will be among the groups participating in the Juneteenth Freedom Celebration in Esther Short Park in Vancouver from 17 p.m. We invite all Cougs to submit their affirmations, reflections and creations to the WSU Vancouver Gallery of Affirmations.

NAACP Snohomish County will host its annual Juneteenth Community Celebration on Saturday, June 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Willis Tucker Park in Snohomish, WA.

Sponsored by Palouse CORE, WSU Pullman, and with support from Community Congregational Church of Christ in Pullman, A Celebration of Juneteenth Freedom Day will take place at the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center Sunday, June 19, from 14 p.m. The free event will feature keynote speaker, Kiantha Duncan, president of Spokane NAACP. All are welcome.

Our student leaders are also getting involved, with ASWSU Global hosting a Hidden Figures watch party on Monday, June 20, beginning at 7 p.m.

Juneteenth is more than just paying tribute to the landmark accomplishments of the past. Its about reflecting on what can be done individually and collectively to address the inequities that persist in our society today. We urge all Cougs to continue to learn from history and to create the kind of inclusive world we all want to live in.

Kirk H. Schulz

President, WSU System



Elizabeth S. Chilton

Provost and Executive Vice President

Chancellor, WSU Pullman



David Cillay

Vice President, Academic Outreach and Innovation

Chancellor, WSU Global



Daryll DeWald

Vice President, Health Sciences

Chancellor, WSU Spokane



Sandra Haynes

Chancellor, WSU TriCities



Mel Netzhammer

Chancellor, WSU Vancouver



Paul Pitre

Chancellor, WSU Everett
Futures and Commodity Market News Dow's Project Yba in Brazil Enriches Amazon Communities, Conserves Biodiversity and Keeps the Forest Standing

Jun 16, 2022 (3BL Media via COMTEX) --

Through collaboration, companies and organizations are finding ways to make a difference in people's lives and in the conservation of the environment.

SOURCE: DOW

DESCRIPTION:

By Ana Carolina Felix

Project Yba has the power to drive social transformation through collaborative partnerships that focus on development combined with sustainability.

In the last years, I have had the privilege of being involved in significant projects that not only allow us to develop new technologies and improve markets, but, above all, provide positive impacts on the reality of hundreds of people. I could mention thousands of people and projects. However, working in the midst of one of the most emblematic scenarios in the world, the Amazon Forest, I've chosen to talk about how we can transform people's lives, and collaborate to address one of the greatest global challenges: income generation and development of Amazonian communities through the conservation of the forest and its biodiversity.

In Breu Branco, Brazil, we have a manufacturing complex that concentrates activities for the sustainable management of planted forests, a carbonization plant and the production of silicon metal, the main raw material used in the production of silicones. We have a unique position in our segment, which is integrated into a global value chain of the business. In addition to production and market relationships, we have in front of us a region that is not only considered the richest in biodiversity in the world, but also houses hundreds of traditional communities, such as quilombolas, riverside dwellers, fishermen, family farmers, as well as rubber tappers and indigenous peoples.

We are talking about a richly diverse ethnic population that employs fishing, craftsmanship and family farming as sources of food and income, and brings together traditional experiences and knowledge that can contribute to the conservation of the biome and the maintenance of the different ecosystems in the region. The dozens of fruit species are an example of the region's potential, which reinforces the myriad of opportunities for sustainable development of the Amazon. It was with this purpose in mind - to transform and innovate in material sciences and impact people's lives - that we developed Project Yba.

Biodiversity mapping to find fruits and seeds of commercial interest

The name "Projeto Yba: Conservation that Transforms" was created in partnership with the Peabiru Institute, an organization that works in the region, so that we could honor the identity of the Amazon region, Para, Brazil and the indigenous people. Yba, in the Tupi Guarani language, means tree or fruit, an allusion to the union that strengthens and bears fruit. Using the indigenous dialect, we seek to value our land and our origins, extolling a country full of opportunities. After mapping the biodiversity and social demographics and resources of local communities in the municipality of Breu Branco, the project is now being implemented.

Mapping was carried out in Dow's 38,000 hectares of preserved area, where the Peabiru Institute identified 17 plant species of commercial interest for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Of the species identified, four are of interest to cosmetics brand Natura - part of the Natura & Co group, the fourth largest personal care company in the world and our first commercial partner in the project.

Transforming social development of local communities by providing sustainable extraction training

Twenty-five communities were part of the social mapping, and the project selected the Vila Mamorana Farmers Association, made up mostly of black and brown women, to boost socio-economic development in the region. The association will be the organization responsible for the sustainable extraction of fruits and seeds from the forest, initially allocating this production to a partner cooperative that already supplies Natura, which will sell it. In a second step, with the support of Natura and guidance from the Peabiru Institute, the association will be structured and trained - both in terms of processes and technical capacities necessary to supply bioactives to the market through sustainable and regenerative management.

Project Yba - Conserving the Amazon rainforest, increasing local family incomes and generating value-added products

Like other projects developed in the Amazon region, Project Yba has the power to drive social transformation through collaborative partnerships that focus on development combined with sustainability. It represents the path where science, innovation and inclusion can provide social impact, helping these families to be trained - bringing together the practices and knowledge they have about the forest, with new organization and management tools so that they can tread new paths. It is a journey of inclusion, growth, and expansion of the care that these families exercise in protecting the forest. This will give them the opportunity to play a leading role in the development of a new business ecosystem, building a bioeconomy production chain through the sustainable extraction of bioactives in the region.

Ana Carolina Felix, Dow Consumer Solutions Sustainability Director for the Americas

Tweet me: .@DowNewsroom shares how Project Yba enriches Amazon communities through collaborative partnerships focused on development combined with sustainability. Read more here: https://bit.ly/39LgrOa

KEYWORDS: NYSE:DOW, Dow, project Yba

COMTEX_408783208/2551/2022-06-16T10:02:36
Afghans are struggling to make ends meet amid an economic crisis that has disrupted basic services, left them with rising costs and dim employment prospects, and battered the health and financial sectors. But the country's Taliban leaders, limited to domestic revenue to fund its first annual budget, have found ways to squeeze citizens even more.

To fund a forecasted $2.6 billion budget that has impressed experts despite a projected $500 million deficit, the Taliban is relying heavily on its proven ability to collect taxes and on the increased export of valuable natural resources like coal.



The extremist group says it has cleaned up corruption in the collection of taxes and from the illegal mining and export of natural resources. It has also reactivated an e-filing system and suspended fines for late tax payments to help ensure citizens pay up.



"It's a serious amount of money," said William Byrd of the United States Institute Of Peace, noting that even if the projected budget falls short it shows the effort to collect revenue is "not really doing badly, compared to the economic situation, which is so dire."



"I think in terms of running the government, it's probably adequate," he added, "if they spend it properly."



Aside from saying that the funds will be generated from customs, taxes, and mining, however, the Taliban has yet to specify exactly where the money will come from or where it will be allocated.



There is one certainty: Afghans can expect to pay more taxes for everything from moving goods on highways to hanging a sign in front of a shop. But the Taliban government's lack of transparency and the loss of essential services makes it difficult to see what citizens are getting in return.



Death, Taxes, And The Taliban



Foreign trade has fallen off dramatically since the Taliban took power in August, and the foreign aid that once propped up the Afghan economy has evaporated, leaving the Taliban to fund its government on its own.



Yet in announcing the Taliban's first annual budget in May, Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi foresaw revenue of 186.7 billion afghanis (around $2.1 billion), with other officials citing the elimination of corruption as a contributing factor.



"The entire budget, including spending on education, health, development, defense, and other sectors, will be funded by our national revenue sources without any foreign contributions," Hanafi said, adding that the focus would be on providing education to children and that 27.9 billion afghanis ($330 million) would be spent on unidentified development projects.



Hanafi did not say how the expected deficit would be accounted for.



The previous, Western-backed government worked on a budget of around $6 billion in 2021 before the Taliban seized power. That budget forecast domestic revenue of 216.5 billion afghanis ($2.7 billion) but was hampered by the coronavirus pandemic and large military expenditures. Revenue would be more than matched ($3.3 billion) by foreign grants.

Like the Taliban's budget, most of the domestic revenue came from customs and taxes, with most of the operating budget used to pay government wages and salaries and 35 percent going toward infrastructure, agriculture, and health.



But since the Taliban regained power, government employees have reported difficulties getting paid, food and fuel prices have soared, and the education and health-care systems are in shambles. As the militant group introduces, enforces, and increases levies across the board, Afghans say they are getting next to nothing back and have called for relief.



This month, the Taliban announced new tariffs on freight traffic that it says will pump 30 billion afghanis ($341 million) into the treasury. But drivers who spoke to RFE/RL's Radio Azadi say efforts to raise more money from drivers have already been set in motion.



Omid, who frequently drives his passenger car on the Kabul-Jalalabad highway to deliver textiles, said a trip that used to cost him 70 afghanis ($0.80) in goods and road tariffs now costs nearly three times that amount, which in combination with higher fuel costs has put a huge dent in his earnings.



He says he is lucky to have 300 or 400 afghanis ($3.4 to $4.5) left a day, adding that "rest assured, I have not earned 3,000 or 4,000 afghanis" since early May.



In Kabul, shopkeepers have complained that local authorities are enforcing a signage tax that used to be ignored.



Mohammadullah, who owns a grocery store in the capital, said that an official arrived at his store, "measured the size of my sign, and demanded 12,000 afghanis per square meter," saying the law had been in effect since 2017.

Other Afghans have complained that an unpopular tax on phone cards that was determined to be illegal under the previous government is still being enforced despite spotty coverage.



Masud, a Kabul resident who works for a government agency, told Radio Azadi that even as he waits for his salary he is being charged a 10 percent tax to add credit to his mobile phone. "I have not been paid for three months now. I wonder how I can pay for rent," he said. "The government has to solve the issue of taxing phone cards because we cannot afford it now."



The situation has gotten so bad for the country's media, which has already seen the closure of hundreds of outlets due to economic pressures and a Taliban crackdown on dissent, they have called for a tax exemption to help them stay afloat.



Black Gold



Even as the Taliban authorities have pledged to find ways to lower rising heating costs and provide more electricity to industries and large cities, they are boosting exports of a crucial natural resource needed for those efforts -- coal -- to help feed the budget.



The Taliban announced in late May that it was stepping up coal exports to neighboring Pakistan as it aimed to generate more revenue from Afghanistan's mining sector and capitalize on record prices for coal. Global supplies have fallen due to Russia's war against Ukraine and top exporter Indonesia's ban on exports.



The Taliban has reportedly collected more than $33 million in customs revenue in the last six months and boosted coal exports to 1.8 million tons in the past year, a rise of 16 percent.



To further boost the budget, the Taliban last month reportedly increased its taxes on coal exports from 20 percent to 30 percent.



Most of the coal is being exported to Pakistan and is coming mainly from 17 mines across Afghanistan, according to Esmatullah Burhan, the spokesman for the Taliban's Ministry of Mines and Petroleum.



Most of the coal is taken from artisanal mines that have traditionally been seen as a major source of corruption and infighting, and have drawn criticism for the use of child labor. "We allow each company to extract 2 tons of coal per day and they export it to Pakistan," Burhan said. "We export about 10 to 15 tons of coal daily."



Byrd of the United States Institute Of Peace, who has served as the World Bank's country manager for Afghanistan and later as an economic adviser, says that Afghanistan's coal resources are of a higher quality than Pakistan's and that the export of coal is " a good trade opportunity for Afghanistan."



The rise in exports means "an awful lot of coal trucks," most of them passing to Pakistan through the Torkham border crossing, Bryd adds. "And the better security under the Taliban and the less predatory checkpoints and collection of bribes along transport routes probably helps in the small-scale and informal mining, exploitation, and export."



However, he says that the revenue generated from royalties from the extraction of low-value, high-bulk commodities like coal are not going to be a major contributor to the budget and could have negative long-term impacts, such as on the environment. "What would generate more revenue is the sort of big-ticket projects," Byrd said, singling out development of the Mes Aynak copper project that went "nowhere" under previous governments.



At some point, he said, "some major neighboring countries like China or Russia may reach the point -- especially China -- of being willing to invest in large projects" in Afghanistan.



Byrd expresses doubts about the Taliban's funding for development, calling the reported amount "really tiny" and saying that revenue projections may be overstated and overly optimistic.



With a narrow window into the specifics until the Taliban releases the full budget, it is difficult to judge where revenue is being collected and spent, Byrd says.



"The key thing about the whole budget is there needs to be transparency," he said. "And we need to know better what the [Taliban] government plans to spend on so the UN or other aid agencies and NGOs don't duplicate that spending."

Based on reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Azadi and Radio Mashaal, with additional reporting by Michael Scollon
The leader of the Douglas County school board told his then-superintendent that, if he resigned within five days, he would advocate for him to get paid through the end of the school year. Otherwise, the board leader said, he would seek to have the superintendent fired for cause, according to a newly released audio recording.
Aries Group, a world class consortium of 28 companies celebrating its 25th anniversary, has announced the Go Green initiative.

Going Green is not a choice anymore, it's a necessity, Aries Group Founder and CEO Sohan Roy said announcing the initiative.

On World Environment Day on June 5, the Aries Management introduced Energy Index, a new feature in its efficiency management software (EFFISM), to analyse the Personal/Division's contribution towards reducing carbon footprint. The management has also announced a cash prize of AED50,000 ($13,612) to the best improving individuals or divisions of the company.

Roy said: "Green thinking has always been a part of our company ethos, and our very first step towards achieving this was 'paperless' operations. It was an uphill task, but we became paperless in record time. Time and again, Aries has pushed ahead with a number of measures to reduce carbon footprint, and we will continue to do so."

Carbon footprint

The carbon footprint will be analysed based on total engine CC (1% reduction for every 100cc increase), average mileage (1% reduction for every 1 km lower mileage), annual distance travelled (1% reduction for every additional 1,000 km), solar power generation (% reduction applicable based on solar usage), and travelling distance of an employee to the office (10% reduction for every extra 1 km).

As part of the "Green Vision," which was announced last year, the company had set up a Green Fund to aid the shipping industry's efforts to promote sustainability and decarbonisation.

One of the initiatives, Aries Green Solutions, offers sustainable maritime solutions and has completed more than 1,500 retrofit engineering projects, including Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS) and Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems). Aries Green Solutions was also honoured with the "Best Green Maritime Consultant" award at the International Green Shipping and Technology Summit in Athens, Greece, in 2019.

Solar Energy Division

The company recently launched the Aries Renewable and Integrated Solar Energy Division which offers consumers a plethora of services to adopt solar-powered energy.

The world's first solar AC bed, solar energy operated steel houseboat  BOTEL are some among the many eco-friendly designs which Aries Group had initiated.-- TradeArabia News Service
Residents of the Security-Widefield area in El Paso County near Peterson Air Force Base showed elevated levels of forever chemicals in their blood compared to the national average, according to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday.
FILE PHOTO: The Abbott Laboratories facility where dozens of recalled types of powdered baby formulas were made leading to production being halted at the location in Sturgis, Michigan, U.S., May 20, 2022. Picture taken with a drone. REUTERS/Eric Cox/File Photo
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Wet your whistle and get a taste of the Old West at one of these five historic bars in Colorado.
Appeals court: "It may not  and often will not  be appropriate for a fact finder to ascribe the same intent to a juveniles act that one could reasonably ascribe to the same act if performed by an adult."
The commissioner for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation told a U.S. Senate committee Tuesday that the seven states of the Colorado River Basin must come up with an emergency deal  and fast  to conserve 2 million to 4 million acre-feet of water in the next year to protect the entire river system.

If the states, including Colorado, fail to agree on a plan, the bureau will step in and impose water cuts, Camille Calimlim Touton warned during the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing on short and long-term solutions to drought in the West. Colorado Sen. John Hickenlooper is a member of that committee.

The timeline for the states to come up with an emergency deal for the water reductions is drastic: Touton gave them only 60 days.

The commissioner gave her testimony as persistent drought conditions have hammered Western states and compelled them to voluntarily reduce their allocations from the Colorado River, which supplies water to nearly 40 million people in cities from Denver to Los Angeles and farmlands from the Rocky Mountains to the U.S.-Mexico border.

The river has long been overallocated, and its reservoirs have declined dramatically since 2000, during a severe drought that research shows is being intensified by global warming and that some scientists describe as the long-term aridification of the Southwest.

Touton underscored the gravity of the challenge, saying it is unlike any other in the bureau's 120-year history.

"The science of the system across the West and especially in the Colorado River basin indicate one of immediate action," she said. "But in the Colorado River basin, more conservation and demand management are needed in addition to the actions already underway."

Touton's testimony indicated that Colorado might have to resume looking at demand management, a program of compensation for voluntary water-use reductions that the state had put on pause.

Four million acre-feet of water is not just a drop in the bucket. Indeed, the magnitude of the cuts to water allocation brought into sharp focus the peril .

Andy Mueller, general manager of the Colorado River District, told Colorado Politics the four Upper Basin states  Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and Wyoming  consume about 3.5 million acre-feet annually from the river. The three Lower Basin states  California, Nevada and Arizona  consume about 8.5 million acre-feet annually, he said.

Even if Nevada and Arizona were to give up their entire annual water allocation, it wouldn't be enough to cover 4 million acre-feet.

In a statement, the head of Arizona's water department called for a "united approach," saying the commissioner's description of the situation "should remove any remaining doubt that the Colorado River states and our federal partners have a duty to take immediate action  no matter how painful  to protect the system from crashing."

"I have seen the data Commissioner Touton has seen, and I agree with her conclusions," Tom Buschatzke, director of the Arizona Department Of Water Resources, said in a statement, adding the states must come up with a proposal and avoid having the federal government take "drastic action unilaterally."

Buschatzke also cited U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, who noted Arizonas junior water-rights status and said if his state absorbed the loss of 2 million to 4 million acre-feet of water, it would "wipe out water deliveries to cities, tribes and farms in Phoenix and in Tucson.

Touton told the Senate committee that the bureau announced two drought-response plans to raise water levels in Lake Powell by 1 million acre-feet within the next year. The first is to release 500,000 acre-feet of water from Utah's Flaming Gorge Reservoir, tied to the drought-contingency plan approved by the four Upper Basin states in 2019. Another 480,000 acre-feet will be left in Lake Powell by reducing Glen Canyon Dams annual release volume from 7.48 million acre-feet to 7 million acre-feet, and that's tied to the 2007 interim guidelines that control the operations of both Glen Canyon and Hoover dams.

Colorado's Blue Mesa Reservoir in Gunnison County was tapped last year, along with Flaming Gorge and Navajo Reservoir in southwest Colorado, to put more water into the system to keep electricity going at Lake Powell. Blue Mesa is now at its lowest level since it was first filled in the 1960s, according to Karl Wetlaufer of the U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service. It will take significant snow and rainfall to raise those water levels, he said during a meeting of the state's Water Availability Task Force last month.

Touton noted the bureau has the authority to act unilaterally to protect the system.

"And we will protect the system," she said, adding that, for now, the bureau is trying to work cooperatively with the states and tribes in reaching a consensus in the next 60 days. "Faith is not enough. We need to see the action."

Demand management, referred to by Touton during her testimony, was a key part of the Drought Contingency Plan the basin states agreed to in 2019. Under the plan, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming would look into paying people to conserve water and store it in Lake Powell.

Mueller said the four states are already doing their part, reducing consumption from 4.5 million acre-feet to 4 million.

"It's been declining because of drought, when the water is not there, either legally or physically," Mueller said, adding ranchers and farmers on Colorado's Western Slope are just not taking their full allotment.

The push for a new emergency deal to cope with the Colorado Rivers shrinking flow comes just seven months after officials from California, Arizona and Nevada signed an agreement to take significantly less water out of Lake Mead and six weeks after the federal government announced it is holding back a large quantity of water in Lake Powell .

Despite those efforts and a previous deal among the states to share in the shortages, the two reservoirs stand at or near record-low levels. Lake Mead near Las Vegas has dropped to 28% of its full capacity, while Lake Powell on the Utah-Arizona border is now just 27% full.
Boston Consulting Group (BCG), one of the worlds leading management consulting firms, has partnered with Emirates Nature-WWF to lay a new foundation for climate action by empowering the youth in the UAE.

This is done through the innovative flagship and impact-driven Leaders of Change programme, a plan comprising academic and skills training, dialogues engagement, solution ideation, and excursion and mission participation in nature.

We know we can make the greatest impact through collaboration with crucial stakeholders, as our diverse Dubai team continues to help organisations and governments tackle todays most urgent challenges, said Simon Birkebaek, Partner, BCG. But we are also on an ongoing mission to live up to our commitments, strengthening ethical and responsible business practices within BCG and working day by day to help build a sustainable and inclusive future and make a difference in society. Our commitment to the Emirates Nature-WWF is a token to that to shape a sustainable future for both the people and planet.

Three-step Net-Zero Strategy

Currently, BCG follows a three-step Net-Zero Strategy to reduce, remove and engage and contribute to society by massively investing in work with governments, industries, NGOs, and coalitions for climate impact. The firm has long been working with the global, regional, and local communities to advocate for ambitious NDCs, climate-positive regulation, and a just energy transition.

We understand that purpose fuels performance. Using a holistic, human-centric lens, we collaborate at BCG with clients on the fundamental pillars of people strategy: leadership and culture, talent and skills, and more. Rather than offering traditional, ancillary programmes in leadership development and talent development, we have an opportunity to enable youth to activate and embed new ways of thinking climate action, and that begins at home, added Bjorn Ewers, Managing Director & Senior Partner, BCG.

As part of BCGs leading net-zero pledge, the firm has also supported COP26 as the official consultancy partner and acts as the chief advisor to the WEF Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders, and has embarked on numerous projects with WBCSD, WWF, SBTi, CDP and other leading organisations.

Unrivalled commitment

The cooperation, collaboration and co-creation that we have seen amongst the public and private sectors, local and national legislation, and local communities as part of the Leaders of Change programme has been inspiring and affirms the importance of digital innovation and inclusive conservation.

BCG has an unrivalled commitment to climate action and the firms longstanding experience at industry, policy, and regional levels will make it a valuable partner in our ambitious endeavour. Together, we look forward to making further contributions to the UAEs commitments at COP28 and climate-related policies, supporting the UAEs Green Growth Strategy, commented Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General, Emirates Nature-WWF.-- TradeArabia News Service
The administration and faculty of Allen College are pleased to congratulate students named to the Allen College Deans List at the completion of the spring semester of the 2021 - 2022 academic year:

Kourtney Verhalen of Clear Lake, Stephanie Penning of Clear Lake, Savannah Williams of Clear Lake, Sadie Ruzicka of Floyd, Callie McQuown of Forest City, Trevor Hanna of Joice, Lauren Scholbrock of Lake Mills, Hannah Faktor of Mason City, Megan Cerwinske of Nashua, Kara Axdahl of Nora Springs, and Alli Arndt of Sheffield.

Bachelors and Associates students named to the Allen College Deans List must complete at least 12 semester hours and achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or above.

Allen College is Iowas second-largest college of nursing. In addition to nursing degrees at all levels, Allen College also offers an Associate Degree in Radiography, Bachelor of Health Science Degrees in Medical Imaging, Medical Lab Science, Public Health, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, a Doctor of Education degree and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Information on Allen College is available at www.allencollege.edu.

Rae Burnette is a GA and Crime & Courts Reporter at the Globe Gazette. You can reach her by phone at 641.421.0523 or at Rae.Burnette@GlobeGazette.com

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More than 4,000 undergraduate students at the University of Iowa were named to the dean's list for the 2022 spring semester. Dean's list status was earned by 714 first year undergraduates during the 2022 spring semester at Iowa, only 1,268 second year students, only 1,559 third year students, and only 2,045 fourth year students.

Samantha Gabrielle Alinea of Charles City, Emma Anderegg of Mason City, Hailee Ausenhus of Hanlontown, Kennedy Baker of Forest City, Ryan Bartling of Rockford, Taylor Bell of Clear Lake, Benjamin Blaha of Clear Lake, Joshua Blaha of Clear Lake, Marcos Cervantes of Mason City, Cora Crooks of Charles City, Sarah Dodd of Mason City, Joshua Doucette of Charles City, Rebecca Evans of Joice, Carrie Field of Charles City, Seth Alan Foster of Mason City, Alena Gabrielson of Clear Lake, Grayson Gaubatz of Mason City, Olivia Gayther of Forest City, Camre Ginapp of Mason City, Cassidy Goodlund of Garner, Hannah Groth of Saint Ansgar, Ryann Hagen of Britt, Derek Handke of Mason City, Dalton Hawe of Garner, Joslyn Hill of Mason City, Maya Jalukar of Mason City, Waroon Jalukar of Mason City, Zayne Kelley of Rockwell, Lucy Kim of Mason City, Miles Kramer of Mason City, Tara Krull of Hampton, Jacob Lang of Mason City, Bailey Larsen of Clear Lake, Kylie Laudner of Rockwell, Brettin Linder of Forest City, Jackson Loge of Clear Lake, Lucero Martinez of Clear Lake, Rebekah Mason of Mason City, Hailey McCoy-Munger of Sheffield, McKanzi McKibben of Nora Springs, Macy Mixdorf of Clear Lake, Makayla Mostek of Mitchell, Sofie Nettleton of Charles City, Stephanie Nettleton of Joice , Bryant Nichols of Rockford, Evelyn Ocel of Northwood, Ava Ollenburg of Clear Lake, Bella Parker of Clear Lake, Lucas Rayhons of Garner, Alexis Rozen of Mason City, Jasmine Sanasinh of Forest City, Makenna Schmiedel of Charles City, Maree Scholl of Mason City, Dylan Schuchard of Clear Lake, Gwendolyn Sewell of Mason City, Tori Sloan of Garner, Ryan Wandro of Clear Lake, Zachary Welsher of Hampton, Sarah Wendel of Rudd, and Melissa Wilson of Forest City.
DES MOINES  Unemployed workers in Iowa will be eligible to receive state unemployment benefits for 10 fewer weeks under legislation signed into law Thursday by Gov. Kim Reynolds.

The new law reduces the length of state unemployment benefits from 26 weeks to 16. Iowa becomes just the fourth state with 16 weeks or fewer of state unemployment benefits.

It was one of three workforce-related bills that Reynolds signed into law Thursday. Reynolds in a news release said the new laws modernize Iowas unemployment system and will attract new workers to Iowa businesses.

Its no secret that Iowa, like the rest of the country, is facing a critical workforce shortage. But we cannot stand idle and allow employable Iowans to sit on the sidelines and we must implement practical and efficient changes that cut through bureaucratic red tape and assist employers with filling their critical vacancies, Reynolds said in the news release. Im confident these changes will encourage more Iowans to join the workforce and find a rewarding career while contributing to our economy.

The new law also changes the requirements for taking a job that pays less than the unemployed Iowans previous job.

Previously, a person receiving unemployment benefits had six weeks before having to accept a lower-paying job. The new law shortens that time frame. After one week, a person on unemployment will have to accept a job offering 90 percent of that persons previous wages. That threshold would drop to 80 percent after three weeks, 75 percent after five weeks, and 60 percent after eight weeks.

The legislation, House File 2355, passed the Iowa Legislature with only Republican support.

The progressive advocacy group Progress Iowa issued a statement Thursday critical of the reduction in unemployment benefits, saying it will hurt laid-off workers, suppress wages and make Iowa an unwelcoming state.

As Iowans, we value hard work and know good paying jobs help Iowa grow. But now, Iowa Republicans are doing all they can to force workers to take jobs that dont pay enough, Progress Iowa executive director Matt Sinovic said in a news release. We know that taking away our hard-earned benefits wont solve the Reynolds workforce crisis. We need our lawmakers to invest in working families and make corporations pay what they owe.

Child care workers

Reynolds on Thursday also signed into law legislation that allows 16- and 17-year-olds to work unsupervised at child care centers.

The new law also allows child care centers to operate with one worker for every seven 2-year-olds and one worker for every 10 3-year-olds.

Supporters of the new law have said it will help with shortages of staffing and available slots at child care centers.

Critics have said it does not go far enough to properly address those issues, and note that it does not contain any provision that would help address child care workers low wages or funding designed to entice the creation of more child care centers.

House File 2198 passed the Iowa Legislature largely along party lines, with Republicans supporting and Democrats opposing.

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Taqa Arabia, the leader in utility and energy distribution in Egypt, and Kyndryl, the world's largest IT infrastructure services provider, have teamed up to better serve the energy needs of more than 1.7 million customers across Egypt.

Kyndryl will now provide Taqa Arabia with cloud hosting and cloud managed application services for its enterprise resource planning (ERP) environment, SAP S/4HANA.

Through its four main platforms and different subsidiary companies, Taqa Arabia delivers more than 7.3 billion cubic metres of natural gas and more than 1350 megawatt of electrical capacities and serves customers across Egypt through a network of 110 retail oil and compressed natural gas (CNG) stations.

Pivotal role

SAP S/4HANA plays a pivotal role in enabling these operations, including support for plant maintenance activities, production planning, project management and sales and distribution in addition to company-wide human resources and financial accounting.

Due to the mission-critical nature of these workloads, Taqa began its work with Kyndryl in 2017 to help ensure secure, uninterrupted operations and real-time business intelligence from its SAP S/4HANA software environment.

As part of this latest renewal of work, Taqa Arabia will rely on Kyndryl, an SAP partner, to host its data-intensive SAP solutions on a hyperscale cloud infrastructure to help ensure high levels of security and availability, enhanced application performance and the flexibility to meet evolving business needs.

Emerging technologies

With Kyndryl hosting its ERP environment in the cloud, Taqa Arabia has the option of integrating emerging technologies, such as AI and Internet of Things (IoT), at any time.

Through its unmatched skills and global resources, Kyndryl also provides Taqa Arabia with end-to-end management of its SAP software environment in the cloud and round-the-clock support to address data backup, recovery, security, performance and more.

Consequently, the companys employees are freed up to focus on more strategic initiatives and deliver more value to customers.

Long-term goals

Trust is fundamental to initiate and maintain relationships. Over the years, the Kyndryl team has proved to us that they are an extended part of the Taqa Arabia family, with our success at the forefront of everything that they do for us, said Hazem El Gaishy, Taqa Arabias Chief Information Officer. We are pleased to renew our collaboration with Kyndryl to drive forward our longer-term transformation goals.

As Taqa Arabia continues to evolve its business, were working hand in hand to support its digital transformation strategy and help the company better serve the needs of its customers, said Mahmoud Badawi, Managing Director of Kyndryl Egypt. Together, we have overcome challenges and celebrated many milestones over the years, and we are proud to continue our strong collaboration as we build on the progress achieved together thus far.

Taqa Arabia chose to continue it collaboration with Kyndryl because of its expertise in applications, data and AI. Kyndryl has deep experience in helping companies as they adopt and deploy adaptive digital tools to modernise and power their operations.

Additionally, Kyndryl is SAP certificated in cloud and infrastructure operations that further strengthens its capabilities and portfolio. Today Kyndryl manages hundreds of businesses that use SAP solutions on various public cloud platforms as well as on premise.-- TradeArabia News Service
GREENSBORO  Guilford County commissioners havent given up on the idea of getting voters to approve a sales tax increase, even after voters rejected one in Mays election.

At the request of the commissioners, local legislators are trying again to pass a bill  for Guilford County only  that might make an increase more appealing to voters by allowing the county to specify that the increase would be used for schools. The sales tax increase that failed in May was intended to help pay for $1.7 billion in bonds for school construction that voters approved that same election.

Melvin Skip Alston, chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners, said that if the bill passes, commissioners would seek a sales tax referendum in 2023.

Alston said he favors a sales tax increase as a way to spread out the burden of paying for school construction. Only property owners pay property taxes, but other county residents and people who come to the county to make purchases also pay sales tax, he said.

He said that if voters would approve a sales tax increase, he would support decreasing property taxes by the same amount.

Local leaders have long theorized that voters would be more likely to agree to a sales tax increase to help pay for school construction debt if they could say on the ballot that it would go to the schools.

Right now thats not legally possible, despite repeated attempts by local legislators of both parties to get bills passed in the North Carolina legislature to allow it.

N.C. Sen. Michael Garrett, D-Greensboro, is trying again this session, with a bill co-sponsored by fellow Greensboro Democrat, Sen. Gladys Robinson. Senate Bill 913 would allow the county to bind itself to use money from a potential future quarter-cent sales tax increase solely for the purpose of capital outlay for public schools. Capital outlay is money spent on assets like buildings or equipment.

If the commissioners chose to do so, the ballot language would specify the use as for only public school capital outlay purposes.

In that circumstance, the bill would also require the county to maintain at least the level of capital outlay expenditures for public schools as it had in the fiscal year prior to the referendum.

Garretts bill also includes a provision that the General Assembly give $25,000 to Guilford County to prepare for a referendum. He said he included that because he said every bill has to be a budget item for the legislatures summer short session.

He said he assumed that if the bill passed, commissioners would forward the money to the Guilford County Board of Elections, to be used for expenses like printing sample ballots.

Garrett said that he filed the bill at the request of the county commissioners and that he supports the measure because he thinks it would bring better transparency to voters.

A similar bill, House Bill 120, filed by Rep. Jon Hardister, R-Whitsett, passed the House last year but has remained stuck in the Senate since.

Garrett said that he and other members of Guilford Countys delegation have been working to try to persuade other lawmakers to support the measure. He said one of the previous issues the bill has faced is some legislators thinking that the bill itself is a tax increase. He said they are trying to do a better job of educating lawmakers about that this time around, and to share their motivation about supporting transparency.

Since 2020, Guilford County commissioners have twice placed school bond referendums and sales tax increases on the same ballot. The first was when Republicans had the majority of the board and the second was after Democrats became the dominant party on the board.

In both circumstances, the school bond referendums passed while the sales tax meant to help pay for them did not, despite efforts in both cases by county commissioners and others to let people know that the commissioners planned to use the money to pay for the school bonds.

<&underline>With school bond referendum passed, Guilford officials ready to go forward</&underline>

<&underline>Guilford voters say Yes to $1.7B in school construction bonds, but no to sales tax to pay for the work</&underline>

<&underline>WATCH NOW: Ballots for Guilford County voters include big bond request for school construction</&underline>

Contact Jessie Pounds at 336-373-7002 and follow @JessiePounds on Twitter.

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GREENSBORO  Two Guilford County-based programs are getting nearly $800,000 each from the state to help fight opioid abuse and help those addicted to the drug.

The North Carolina Survivors Union and Caring Services will receive the grants as part of North Carolinas share of a multi-state settlement with McKinsey & Co., a high-powered consultant, over its role in advising companies on how to promote the drugs and profit from the opioid epidemic, state health officials said.

According a news release from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, grants totaling nearly $16 million will go to 20 agencies statewide. Oxford House, a worldwide organization which lists 36 locations in Guilford County, also received an $800,000 grant.

Money for the nonprofit North Carolina Survivors Union will be used to expand access to treatment and support for opioid-use disorder.

Caring Services in High Point offers transitional housing and outpatient treatment for men and women in recovery, including homeless veterans and women who are pregnant or have children, according to its website.

Oxford House is an umbrella organization that serves more than 3,000 individual houses where people in recovery can live and support each other while working outside jobs to pay the homes bills. The nonprofit will use the money to expand its NC Reentry Program, which assists people being released from incarceration into an Oxford House.

Accidental drug overdose is the number one cause of accidental deaths in North Carolina and nationwide, state health officials said. In North Carolina from 2000 to 2020, more than 28,000 people lost their lives to drug overdoses.

Contact Kenwyn Caranna at 336-373-7082 and follow @kcaranna on Twitter.
A lot of things have been happening in the world of policy and politics of late that, not all that long ago, seemed fairly unimaginable.

In Washington over the weekend, a group of 10 Republican U.S. senators, including North Carolinas Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, came together with a group of Democrats to announce an important agreement on gun safety legislation. Though extremely modest in scope, the agreement represents an important step forward and marks the first time in recent memory that a significant bloc of Republican lawmakers has been willing to buck the absolutist nonsense peddled by the agents of death at the NRA.

As President Biden observed in a statement, the agreement does not do everything that I think is needed, but it reflects important steps in the right direction, and would be the most significant gun safety legislation to pass Congress in decades.

The gun safety agreement is not the only instance of notable movement from important Republican lawmakers in recent weeks.

In North Carolina, many have watched in amazement recently as state Senate leader Phil Berger  a politician who for several years condemned both the idea of Medicaid expansion and those who supported the idea in contemptuous terms  has suddenly embraced the concept and the arguments long voiced by proponents with the keenness of a religious convert.

When the expansion bill was considered by the Senate two weeks ago, Berger actually took to the floor to speak and forcefully endorsed it, saying, This is the right thing to do, and its not even close.

As Greensboro Democratic senator and longtime Medicaid champion Gladys Robinson put it when Berger informed her of his stance, Even though it took 10 years, yall are there. Praise the Lord.

But wait, theres more.

Just days after the Medicaid expansion vote, the same GOP-dominated Senate took up and passed yet another long-stymied proposal, this one to add North Carolina to the long and rapidly growing list of states to allow lawful access to medical marijuana.

And once again, it was one of the General Assemblys most conservative members  Senate Rules Committee chairman Bill Rabon, a six-term Republican from a conservative southeastern North Carolina district  who led the charge.

As WRAL.com reported, Rabon sounded like a proverbial bleeding-heart liberal as he spoke in compelling and emotional terms about his own battle with cancer and the ways medical marijuana can aid people battling difficult health challenges.

Taken together, the spate of conversions is enough to give a body a welcome injection of hope and reassurance in these troubled times that facts can and do still matter  even for a political party still laboring under the thumb of the Big Lie and the big liar behind it.

If the truth can finally, at long last, seep into the consciousness of prominent, deeply conservative Republicans on these issues, perhaps it might just happen on other matters of critical, and even existential, importance, like the global climate emergency and the desperate need to preserve American democracy.

However, some giant and difficult-to-dislodge elephants remain in the room and block the way.

First is that none of the measures in question has yet become law and each faces several major and potentially insurmountable hurdles on the way to getting there. The U.S. Senate deal may have enough votes to overcome a filibuster, but anyone who thinks the NRA and Fox News arent still capable of scuttling it hasnt been paying attention.

Meanwhile, when it comes to Medicaid and marijuana, most state House Republicans appear to remain just as stubbornly immune to facts and reason as ever  a hard and maddening reality that has left supporters of both proposals talking wistfully of 2023 or perhaps a special post-election legislative session as the most realistic potential dates for final passage.

Then there is the fact that each of the proposals is significantly flawed. Both the gun safety measure and the medical pot bill represent only tiny, incremental first steps, and the Medicaid expansion bill is loaded with unnecessary baggage.

In short, while the progress on all three measures is long overdue and more than welcome, the hard reality is that lengthy and unnecessary delays continue to cause thousands of preventable deaths and vast amounts of human suffering. Whats more, even under the best of circumstances, the delayed half-measures now under discussion will allow much of this suffering and death to continue.

Surely, we can and must do better.

Rob Schofield is director of NC Policy Watch, a progressive news and commentary website based in Raleigh.
In the last few days, rivers in south-central and southwest Montana have risen to unprecedented levels, wreaking havoc on the communities along their banks. Images and videos of houses and bridges being washed away in rising floodwaters have populated social media sites. Whole communities in the area are isolated without any road access to them. Law enforcement and government agencies are still conducting search and rescue operations in the region.

Runoff from the Beartooth mountains turned Rock Creek into a raging torrent almost overnight Monday.

Flood damage at the headwaters of the Yellowstone River in Yellowstone national park caused road washouts, bridge failures, rockslides and mudslides.

The Yellowstone River crested at just over 49,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) at Corwin Springs in the upper Paradise Valley on Monday, shattering its previous records of 32,200 set in June 1996. Wiping out all roads to Gardiner leaving huge crowds of travelers and residents trapped in the mountain town.

Downstream, floodwaters reached Livingston where the hospital was evacuated and Billings, forcing the city to shut down its water treatment plant.

While many questions remain, on this episode Brett French, outdoors editor for the Billings Gazette discusses what we do know about Montanas current high water crisis.

This podcast is created in partnership across five newsrooms  the Billings Gazette, the Helena Independent Record, the Missoulian, the Montana Standard and the Ravalli-Republic. You can support this podcast and our efforts by subscribing. Visit any of these newspapers websites, and click on the Become a Member button at the top of the home page. We appreciate your support of local journalism.

Thom Bridge can be reached at thom.bridge@helenair.com

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Former East Helena Police Chief William Daly Harrington was sentenced to more than five years in prison for one count of distribution of child pornography in U.S. District Court for the District of Montana Thursday morning.

The state successfully sought the dismissal of three other counts -- two additional counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography -- in exchange for Harrington's guilty plea made Dec. 7.

Harrington, who resigned from his post as police chief in East Helena in March 2021 following a separate sexual assault allegation that was found to be unsubstantiated, appeared before Chief U.S. District Judge Brian Morris in U.S. District Court in Great Falls.

Harrington will serve 66 months in prison and five years under supervision following his release and must register as a sex offender.

He was ordered to pay special assessments totaling $7,600, including a $5,000 payment as required by the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015.

According to Montana Public Safety Officer Standards and Training Bureau Paralegal and Investigator Katrina Bolger, the case status committee of the POST Council will take up the issue at its next meeting scheduled for July 11. POST is responsible for granting and revoking the certification of public safety officers in Montana, and its meetings are open to the public.

The committee is expected to send an allegation letter from the agency's director to Harrington, informing the former law enforcement officer of the allegations against him and asking for a written response. The allegation letter also gives Harrington the opportunity to send in his resignation.

A report resulting from a third-party investigation into workplace culture within the East Helena Police Department, which stemmed from the sexual assault claim and was filed May 11, 2021, outlined Harrington's meticulous efforts to isolate his officers and employees from other agencies and each other. The report also claimed Harrington installed video surveillance cameras in the department and GPS tracking devices within the squad cars, allowing only him to monitor employees remotely.

The report, filed by a Great Falls attorney, states "Harrington's tenure with the EHPD did nothing to address these problems (inadequate management and oversight; the failure to define roles and responsibilities; lack of training; outdated policies and procedures; burnout and stress) and in fact seemed to only worsen many of the issues."

East Helena Mayor Kelly Harris, who unseated former Mayor James Schell in the 2021 election, said in early January that every last officer with the East Helena Police Department had resigned at that time.

By Feb. 8, Harris announced the city council had hired a full staff including a chief and four POST-certified patrol officers.

Mike Sanders was rehired as the new chief. Sanders previously spent four months in the same position under Schell before leaving the post, citing differences in goals and priorities with city leadership. He has also worked as a Helena police officer and federal Drug Enforcement Agency agent.

Sanders' employment began Feb. 22.

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The Helena school board approved a new administrative pay scale in an 8-0 vote at its meeting on Tuesday night, scaling back pay for many Helena Public Schools administrators so its in line with other AA school districts in Montana.

Discussions about the new pay scale have been a main topic at board meetings over the last six months.

Im really looking forward to moving forward, said Board Chair Siobhan Hathhorn after the meeting. Its just been a weight on the district at many levels and I feel like weve come to a good place and Im ready to move on to productive educational focuses and put this behind us.

Administrative positions in the district consist of principals and assistant principals at all grade levels, along with a number of upper administrators in the district, including assistant superintendents and the directors of facilities, special education, curriculum, activities, finance, information technology and human resources.

Under the current model, some of Helenas administrators are paid about $25,000 to $70,000 more than the salary range available to their counterparts in other AA districts statewide, following an administrative pay increase in June 2021. Only the salaries of Helena's principals and assistant principals fall fully or partially within the range of other AA districts pay  every other position on Helena's administrative pay scale is paid above the highest comparable salary in the rest of AA. The new pay scale is meant to fix that.

The superintendent also counts as an administrative position, but Superintendent Rex Weltzs salary was negotiated separately, according to earlier reporting from the Independent Record. His salary falls in the middle of statewide AA peers and will not change under the new pay scale.

According to Hathhorns statement at Tuesday nights meeting, the 2021 pay increase was the first substantial pay increase for administrators since 2000. In the period between 2000 and 2021, Hathhorn said, administrators received one pay increase of 1.5%, along with two freezes on their pay.

Administrators are paid based on a daily pay rate, which is multiplied by the number of days they work.

When the board reviewed the administrative raises that were approved by the school district superintendent in June 2021, Hathhorn said, trustees only looked at daily pay rates for other AA districts around the state. But in the fall of 2021, the board found out that administrators in Helena Public Schools were making far more annually than their counterparts in other AA school districts.

Former Board Chair Luke Muszkiewicz said at the meeting that he was glad the school district corrected administrator pay last year, but that it overcorrected.

Im fine being first, but we cant just blow our AA peers out of the water, Muszkiewicz said. He added that hes lost sleep over the board failing in its duties of oversight.

Hathhorn said the discrepancy came because upper administrators in the Helena Public Schools are all working 260 days per year  their counterparts across the AA districts in the state are working fewer.

To fix the June 2021 scale, the board hired Elizabeth Kaleva of Kaleva Law Offices to put together a comparative analysis of administrator pay across the AA schools in Montana.

The new pay scale the board approved on Tuesday night includes a Current Hires 2022-2023 scale, which is for existing administrative employees who remain in their positions during the next school year, and a New Hires 2022-2023 scale, which is for newly hired administrative employees during the next school year. While the current pay scale provides higher compensation to administrators with more years of service to the district, the new pay scale offers a flat rate for each position.

All salaries listed on the New Hires scale fall in the middle of administrator pay in other AA districts. Moving forward, the board plans to look at administrative salaries annually, with these scales changing as it does.

Administrators who remain in their positions will stay on the Current Hires scale until it comes in line with the New Hires scale. The New Hires scale currently has lower daily pay rates than the Current Hires scale.

Elizabeth Kaleva, the lawyer who spoke on Tuesday, said current administrators daily pay rates are protected under the law from decreasing.

Once it went up, its up, Kaleva said.

To reduce costs on the Current Hires scale, some administrators days were cut  namely, high school and middle school principals, directors of curriculum, activities and special education, assistant superintendents and the chief of staff all received cuts to the number of days they will work in 2022-2023. Those cuts will save the district more than $138,000.

As of now, Hathhorn told the Independent Record, administrators receiving cuts in days will still have the same amount of work to complete.

I think that Superintendent Weltz will look for ways to adjust responsibilities within the positions, Hathhorn said. Every superintendent has the ability to set up their administrative staff in the way that works best for them, so theres some flexibility. Also, many of the administrators have just stated that theyll do what it takes to get the work done and theyll be flexible.

The district is currently in the process of hiring a number of principals and assistant principals, along with a new director of human resources and director of facilities. All of these positions will be paid according to the New Hires pay scale during the next academic year.

Superintendent Weltz said at the meeting that administrators in the Helena Public Schools have his respect, especially since these discussions havent been easy. Muszkiewicz, too, recognized the difficulty of having ones compensation discussed publicly for six months, and to have it raised and then decreased after two years of the hardest work of your life.

What they do on a daily basis is pull us out of a pandemic, work with teachers, work with the board, and it hasnt been easy, Weltz said.

Hathhorn said she hopes administrators feel supported by the board, and know the board wants them to have competitive salaries. She added the board has put checks and balances in place  reviewing administrator salaries each year  to ensure this situation doesnt happen again in the future.

The changes to administrative pay come as the school district raised pay for teachers by 1.5% retroactively for the 2021-2022 school year, and by 2.5% for the 2022-2023 school year at Mays board meeting. The new pay scale projects that Helenas highest paid teachers will be making a salary of $86,351.13 per year. Comparatively, the lowest paid administrators in the district  middle school assistant principals  will make a salary of $104,000 a year, according to the New Hires pay scale.

Teachers are paid on a different scale than administrators, with a step system that increases their pay based on education level and years of experience within the district. According to previous reporting from the Independent Record, this years increases are the first raises to the teacher pay scale in four years.

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Crimes of the Future

At The Myrna Loy

(R)

Grade: B-

Organ donations will never seem the same again.

Neither will sex, for that matter. Or surgery

Welcome to the warped world of David Cronenberg, the 79-year-old Canadian film director who pushes boundaries and explores uncomfortable possibilities. His Cannes screening of Crimes of the Future included walkouts, but also a standing ovation from those who stayed.

Critics have settled on body horror to capsulize his style, because of his fascination with the transformation of the flesh  from human to insect, or from media addict to media meal (after being erotically ingested by an organic/orgasmic TV set!)

His most accessible creations might be The Fly, Dead Ringers and History of Violence, but diehard fans tend to gravitate toward his more surreal visions such as Videodrome and Scanners.

Although his films are sometimes shocking and sexually provocative, his scripts are really allegories waiting to be decoded. A scholarly book titled The Philosophy of David Cronenberg includes chapters about his semantics, his worldview and his obsession with body transformation.

I was trying to come up with a way to describe the Cronenberg mystique when I read an article which used the mathematical concept of a Klein Bottle as a filter to explain how the pandemic transformed us.

A Klein Bottle, a crazy uncle of the Mobius strip, has one hole and one handle. One writer described it as a one-sided surface that, if travelled upon, can be followed back to the point of origin while flipping the traveler upside down.

Yup. When we leave a Cronenberg movie, we often walk out upside down  head scrambled, always; feet above our head, sometimes.

In fairness, I cant say I always love Cronenbergs films, but I do respect him as a serious filmmaker who doesnt give a buzzing fly about marketability. He gathers brilliant actors -- Viggo Mortensen, Kristen Stewart and Lea Seydoux in Crimes -- to recreate and share his latest nightmare. He then invites us cinematic cryptographers to go to work.

Cost of admission: We have to agree not to be offended -- to withhold judgment while curiously tilting our retriever heads.

Crimes of the Future bursts with provocative scenes. A mother kills her son in the first minute. The boys body is later subjected to an autopsy -- a surgical performance watched by an audience who bought tickets.

Assuming you havent walked out on this review, we can discuss Saul, the mad scientist whose body is harvesting new organs. His beautiful assistant, Caprice, conducts computer-assisted surgery on Saul. She tattoos the organs and, eventually, harvests them for research.

These surgical procedures are theatre, and audiences lean over the balcony to watch the operations.

Believe it or not, the operations have erotic undertones for both surgeon and subject.

Surgery is the new sex, we are told. Yo, Dr. William retired Harper? Is your eyebrow raised?

As for me, I was neither aroused nor particularly impressed by any of this. Neither was I offended, simply because horror bores me more often than disturbing me.

I was, however, intrigued by the concept that evolution will expunge pain from our existence. Sauls surgery is pain-free. Dying is pain-free.

Im ready for a script to push that premise to thought-provoking conclusions. Is a pain-free life one we should welcome? Or are pain, grief and mortality doors to understanding our existence?

Another thread involves the timely exploration of transformation. Thoughtful essays have been written suggesting issues of gender fluidity are at the heart of Cronenbergs stories. One writer argued that even though the transformation of identity is presented inside a horror framework, the script is actually a thoughtful discussion of transition, pushed to its philosophical limits.

Maybe. But I dont think Crimes coalesces into a coherent philosophical or environmental message. Neither did the characters get me to care about their existential angst, even though the final scene has one tear sliding down one cheek.

Buried in Crimes are a host of pregnant topics dropped before birth.

Personally, Id would have removed the scenes with the young boy that are infected with disturbing implications. And proposing cutting as orgasmic sent shivers through me, because we teachers have seen too many scars on wrists of students we love.

Side note: One critic reports that trans, non-binary and genderqueer folks are embracing Cronenbergs movies as revealing positive, affirming themes to benefit a marginalized community.

Thats intriguing, but perhaps a bit of a stretch?

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Life was not necessarily easy or even safe for the first Presbyterian missionaries who came to Montana Territory in the mid-1860s when the gold rush was in full swing and road agents threatened travelers fortunes or very lives.

Dr. Jonathan Blanchard of the Cincinnati Presbytery visited Montana in the early summer of 1864. (A presbytery is a regional association of Presbyterian churches.) Blanchard stayed in Virginia City for several weeks, presumably preaching in impromptu settings, and then departed for the East, having established no church in the territory.

The Rev. George Grantham Smith of the Philadelphia Presbytery arrived in Bannack in June of 1864 and remained for about two years, preaching the gospel in Bannack, Virginia City and adjoining camps and ranches. He found that making converts was hard prospecting in those days.

Living conditions were primitive and very expensive.

Smith recalled: I paid $28.00  for coarse factory (fabric) sufficient to make a bed tick and pillow, which I filled with dried grass for myself and the mice that  insist(ed) on bunking in with me.

Smith left Montana in 1866, also without starting a church.

The first organized Presbyterian congregation in Montana was established in Helena on Aug. 1, 1869 by the peripatetic Sheldon Jackson D.D., who had been appointed Superintendent of Missions of the Western Territories by the presbyteries of Missouri River, Fort Dodge and Des Moines.

In Helena, Jackson brought together 12 people  11 women and one man  into the first congregation. This group continued to meet together for the next three years even though it had no minister nor any man to serve as an elder.

Shortly after Jacksons return to Montana Territory, on June 15, 1872 he placed the young missionary, James R. Russell, as pastor of the Helena congregation and the First Presbyterian Church was officially born. Jackson was no slouch when it came to organizing churches in that he founded six other churches in Montana in only 15 days. The seven new churches  in Gallatin City, Bozeman, Hamilton, Virginia City, Missoula, Deer Lodge and Helena  constituted the nascent Presbytery of Montana, whose first meetings were held in Helena in the old county courthouse.

The group also met in Jacksons room at the International Hotel downtown.

For the first years of its existence, First Presbyterian was without a regular home and met at various locations, including at Helena Academy on Rodney Street and in the newly completed Odd Fellows Building on Main Street. By the fall of 1873 a Sunday school was well established.

The first actual church building was dedicated free-of-debt on Aug. 13, 1876, after several years of fundraisers which included bazaars, strawberry festivals and a fried oyster and plum pudding Christmas dinner, no turkeys being available.

This church was located at the corner of 5th Avenue and Ewing in what is now the northwest corner of the Lewis and Clark County Courthouse parking lot.

William C. Rommel, the first pastor, stated that the rugged frontier atmosphere of the Helena community in those days was an obstacle to the sanctity and serenity of the new church. Rommels successor reported, for example, that two gentlemen could engage in a lively scrimmage with threatened pistols in discussion over the ministers sermon of Blessed are the pure of heart.

Through these trials the church persevered and continued to grow, so that early in 1886 the idea of the need for a new church building arose.

Pastor Vernon Moore remembered:  Our old church, once the source of so much pride, had in ten years become dilapidated and draughty. I recall one gentleman of shining pate, an extremely rare attendant of the church, who complained that whenever he came he always felt such a draught on the top of his head

The property on 11th Avenue where the church is now located was purchased in 1890 and the first service was held in the completed new building on March 13, 1892.

The church of 1892 is at the core of the First Presbyterian building of today. The Romanesque north wall of the 1892 church is clearly visible from 11th Avenue in the center of the current structure and includes a small tower and an arched doorway.

Construction of a beautiful new sanctuary and bell tower on the west end of the 1892 church was completed in 1905 and a 12-rank Bennett pipe organ was installed in 1909. The structure of the FPC we know today was completed by an addition to the south of the 1892 church in the early 1950s and the construction of a large east wing in the 1990s.

As we reflect on this sesquicentennial of the founding of First Presbyterian Church it is appropriate to remember the stalwart women and men who contributed to the growth of the church, including at least one individual who was willing to bunk with rodents in order to introduce Presbyterianism under the Big Sky.

The church is still thriving after 150 years. All are invited to attend worship services held at 10 a.m. Sundays. Commission Lay Pastor Arlyn "Butch" Plowman is now leading the congregation. The Rev. Scott Wipperman has recently relocated out of state after serving at the church for nine years. The church phone number is 406-442-4775; website: www.fpchelena.org.

Vic Reiman is a member of First Presbyterian Church.

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Theyre a little older, their hair is a little whiter, and perhaps they move a little slower. But deep down, no matter where they live, they are still Montanans.

Remaining delegates of the 1972 Montana Constitutional Convention and their families gathered Wednesday in the House of Representatives chambers at the state Capitol to celebrate the documents 50th anniversary.

It was the opening day of a two-day celebration and included a roll call in which each delegate or a family member could say a few words.

Many did.

Some talked of serving as a delegate and some, including the relatives, said the experience was a highlight of the delegates life.

It feels like family always when the convention delegates get together, Gene Harbaugh, 1972 convention delegate from Poplar, said in his invocation.

Each of us had our faults, yet in an artful way you brought us together  so that a foundation for community could be forged, he said.

Participants say provisions in the new constitution of a right to a clean and healthful environment, a right to privacy and the publics right to know were ahead of their time. The delegates included a unique mandate to teach in the classroom about American Indians.

The new Montana Constitution has 15 sections and defines the powers of the three branches of the government. It was adopted by the Constitutional Convention on March 22, 1972, and ratified by a vote of the people, with a 2,532 vote margin, on June 6, 1972.

Gov. Greg Gianforte welcomed an estimated 200 attendees in a recorded message and noted Montana had a profound impact in making government more effective.

Among those attending Wednesday was delegate Mae Nan Ellingson, who, along with delegate Bob Campbell, wrote the preamble.

She believes the document has performed brilliantly since its passage.

Ellingson said people are much in agreement that it has held up well.

It serves the people of Montana and can continue to do so for future generations, she said.

In 1972, 100 delegates -- 58 Democrats, 36 Republicans and six independents -- met in Helena to hammer out a new state constitution. Calls had been brewing for years to change the 1889 constitution pushed through by Copper King William Clark. But by the 1960s people in Montana were ready for change, and the copper kings no longer had their grip on the state.

Marshall Murray, president of the Montana Constitutional Convention Society, said preparation for the convention began in 1967 and for five years dominated the state. He said it was that preparation that helped the convention run smoothly.

We were lucky because we were able to come in here and then do our job, he said.

Murray said all meetings were open to the public and notice was given for each meeting.

We started not knowing each other very well," he said. One hundred people formed and did something together and that was significant in my opinion.

On Wednesday the delegates and their families met in the chambers in the same seats they had 50 years ago.

Bob Campbells daughter, Elizabeth, spoke to the crowd.

He would have wanted to be here so much, she said, adding he died a few months ago and the Constitutional Convention was a big part of his identity.

She urged people to protect the rights of the constitution for future generations.

Shannon Cate-Schweyen spoke of her father Jerome Cate and how proud he was of the work that was done at the convention. She said later it was her first time attending a reunion.

It was important to my dad and for me to be here, she said.

George Harper Jr. remembered his dad, who served as a delegate from Helena. He came up with Praise the Lord and pass the constitution, which he said became the bumper sticker slogan of the convention. He brought a bumper sticker to show the crowd.

Arlyne Reichert, 96, the oldest living delegate, said delegates came from all walks of life.

The one thing we had in common was a love for the state of Montana, she said. We forgot about party affiliation, we forgot about everything else. The important thing was Montana.

Ellingson, who sat next to Reichert in 1972 and was known as Mae Nan Robinson, stood to comment, but said she was still stinging from 1972 notes from Convention President Leo Graybill Jr. that said You can wrap it up now, Mrs. Robinson.

Phillip Johnson, 75, was among the relatives who attended. His dad, Torrey B. Johnson of Busby, had served as a delegate.

I love it  just the fact my dad served this way, he said in his seat on the sidelines of the House.

The day continued with a lunch that included a speech by former Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer and several panels.

It continues Thursday with more panels and ends with a discussion at 5 p.m. featuring Ellingson and former Govs. Marc Racicot, a Republican, and Steve Bullock, a Democrat.

The 10 remaining delegates from the original 100 are: Frank Arness, Mae Nan Ellingson, Gene Harbaugh, Lynn Kelley, Jerry Loendorf, Lyle Monroe, Marshall Murray, Arlyne Reichert, Bob Vermillion and Roger Wagner.

For a complete list of the Constitutional Convention celebration activities, go to: https://bit.ly/3O99YeQ.

Assistant editor Phil Drake can be reached at 406-231-9021.

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Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced a leadership change positioning Hyatt for continued strategic growth in the Europe, Africa & Middle East (EAME) region.

Javier Aguila has been appointed incoming group president for EAME, following the planned retirement of Peter Fulton who looks back on an impressive 39-year career at Hyatt.

Aguila along with Fulton will work together through a smooth and thoughtful transition and will then officially assume the role in the next several months.

Lauding Fulton's contribution, Chuck Floyd, the Global President of Operations, Hyatt, said: "The Hyatt family is grateful for his leadership and impact throughout a career that spans almost four decades and three global regions."

"In his latest role as group president, EAME/SWA, which Fulton assumed in 2013, he has presided over operational excellence and unprecedented growth for the region," he added.

Aguila is an internal successor, hailing from Apple Leisure Group (ALG), which Hyatt acquired in 2021. He most recently served as ALGs group president, AMResorts Europe and Global Strategy.

Aguila joined ALG in 2019 as part of the acquisition of Alua Hotels & Resorts, which Aguila founded and led as chief executive officer. Aguila brings a broad set of experiences and perspectives informed by more than 20 years in hospitality, tourism, private equity and strategic consulting.

"His appointment is yet another milestone in bringing Hyatt and ALGs joint vision to life," stated Floyd.

"Adding ALG to our portfolio increased Hyatts European brand footprint by 60% and I am confident Javier is the ideal candidate to continue the regions positive trajectory and lead the team to new heights," he added.

This transition comes with a planned geographic realignment for the region, moving oversight of the Indian subcontinent under the leadership of David Udell, group president Asia Pacific, based in Hong Kong.

Udells immense experience leading the Asia Pacific region since 2014 sets Hyatt up for continued growth in the Indian subcontinent.-TradeArabia News Service
Gov. Greg Gianforte's office said he will be back in the state by Thursday night, returning from an international trip amid historic flooding in Montana.

Gianforte's return comes as President Joe Biden on Thursday issued a disaster declaration for the state of Montana, making federal funding available in response to damage caused by widespread flooding in Carbon, Park and Stillwater counties.

The state's request for federal assistance on Wednesday pegged damage to transportation infrastructure at $29 million and noted the risk to more than $250 million in annual economic impacts from tourism in the region.

Gianforte was out of the country as heavy rainfall and higher-than-normal snowpack generated record flooding in southern Montana beginning Sunday. Impacts continue to be felt throughout the region, with residents displaced from homes, roads still impassable and the potential for rivers and creeks to rise again as temperatures climb throughout the state.

The governor's office did not notify the public that the governor was not in the country and the first indication he was gone was when an executive order issued Tuesday declaring a statewide disaster bore Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras' signature as "acting governor."

The governor's office has declined to say where the governor was during the past week, but spokesperson Travis Hall said in an email Tuesday that Gianforte and his wife, Susan, left the country Saturday.

"For security reasons, we do not share the governors location while he is out of the country," Hall wrote. "We will share more information when he and the first lady have returned."

Hall declined in a follow-up email to elaborate on those "security reasons."

Gianforte is scheduled to travel to Gardiner to tour flood damage in the area, where an estimated 10,000 people were temporarily stranded by floodwaters and washed-out roads.

The northern entrance to Yellowstone National Park is closed, and is expected to remain so "for a substantial amount of time," according to the National Park Service. Gianforte will also receive a briefing from national and state officials while he's there, according to a press release issued Thursday.

Gianforte's office does regularly provide a schedule to the media for planning purposes noting his public events and their locations. Neither of his schedules on Friday or Monday mentioned his travel plans, which his office has since referred to as a "personal trip." The schedule Monday stated only, "The governor has no public events scheduled this week."

Gianforte spokesperson Brooke Stroyke issued a statement to news outlets Thursday morning saying "the governor is scheduled to return to Montana tonight." On Wednesday Stroyke told the press the governor was coming back to the state earlier than planned.

The governor is being regularly briefed on the response to the flooding, his office said previously. Juras was scheduled to provide remarks at a press conference Thursday in Red Lodge, which has borne some of the worst impacts from the rising waters.

Hall on Thursday provided a copy of an email sent late Monday morning by Gianforte to Juras, delegating "authority to act on my behalf in response to the flooding in Montana." That's allowed for under a provision of the state Constitution. Stroyke said previously that Gianforte verbally authorized the disaster declaration Monday and then asked Juras to formally issue it on his behalf Tuesday.

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Humans fascination with dinosaurs goes back at least 2,000 years to Chinese writings describing what were thought to be massive dragon bones. In the 17th century, an English museum curator discovered a large thigh bone he posited was from a human giant. The first scientific designation of a group of animals called dinosaurs came about in the 1840s. 1993's blockbuster Jurassic Park drove our 20th-century obsession with dinosaurs into overdrive. And with each new fossil discovery and dinosaur movie release, our intrigue with these prehistoric predators only grows.

Every American state has searched its soil for dinosaur fossils, but some states have more old dinosaur bones than others. Anyone lucky enough to stumble on some is likely to strike pay dirt: The worlds most complete T. rex skeleton fetched a record-setting $31.8 million in a 2020 auction.

To determine which states have the most dinosaur fossils, Stacker consulted the Paleobiology Database, a non-profit public resource that brings together fossil records from research institutions around the world. Data is current as of May 2022. We pulled all records labeled Dinosauria (the dinosaur clade) and sorted them by state. It is important to note that these records do not comprehensively reflect all dinosaur fossil records in the U.S., but rather represent a sample via the fossils available in public collections.

Read on to see how many dinosaur fossils have been found in your state, or check out the national list here.

Montana by the numbers

- Total fossils recorded in PBDB: 940

- Genus with the most fossils: Hadrosauridae (74 fossils)

- Time period with the most fossils: Maastrichtian (432 fossils)

The first dinosaur bone discovered in North America was found in Montana in 1854 near Judith Landing. Paleontologist Barnum Brown uncovered the first T. rex bone in 1902 near Hell Creek, and Leonardo, a Brachylophosaurus found near Malta, is the worlds best-preserved dinosaur, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Five statesKentucky, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsinhave no dinosaur fossils recorded by the PBDB. These states were mostly below sea level during the time dinosaurs roamed the Earth, leaving little sediment to preserve fossils. Glacial erosion also contributed to the lack of bones.

Along with the most prominent time period, the genus with the most fossils is provided for each slide. A dinosaurs genus encompasses multiple species with similar characteristics. Stegosaurus, Tyrannosaurus, and Diplodocus are three of the nearly 300 valid dinosaur genera.

Continue reading to discover which states have the most dinosaur fossils.

States with the most dinosaur fossils

#1. California: 1,988 total fossils recorded in PBDB

#2. Wyoming: 1,118 total fossils recorded in PBDB

#3. Montana: 940 total fossils recorded in PBDB

#4. New Mexico: 935 total fossils recorded in PBDB

#5. Florida: 895 total fossils recorded in PBDB

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Is the water safe to drink?

That's a fundamental question for thousands of people across south-central Montana as historic flooding carves paths of destruction in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

In Gardiner, just north of Yellowstone National Park, the answer is an emphatic no. The town is one of the hardest hit by flooding so far and is the source of viral videos showing houses falling into surging floodwaters. Red Lodge, Fromberg, Emigrant and many other small communities also had their water systems swamped by this week's deluge.

On Monday afternoon, officials advised residents not to consume Gardiner's drinking water. That order was changed to a boil advisory on Tuesday evening. Gardiner officials said that residents should boil drinking water and maintain a rolling boil for one minute to disinfect it for drinking. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality issues advisories on whether to boil or altogether abstain from consuming drinking water, but its up to the entity that administers a water system  often a city or water district  to disseminate the information to water users.

Floodwaters compromised the central municipal water and sewer systems, affecting residents using public service. But for homes and businesses on wells, officials say, it's up to homeowners to assess the potability of their own drinking water.

Jeanna Miller, the environmental health manager for Missoula City-County Health Department, said that if the floodwater is surrounding or submerging your well, it's safe to assume that contaminants have entered your drinking water. Floodwaters often contain harmful bacteria, raw sewage and chemicals from fertilizer, petroleum or other products.

If you believe your well is contaminated, she said, city and county health departments often offer sterile containers for people to collect and submit water samples for testing. In Missoula that takes about two days, she said, and water should not be consumed until it's found to be safe. Bottled water is the best alternative, she said.

Doug Dodge, the disaster and emergency services coordinator for Jefferson County, advised that "you want to have enough (bottled water) for at least 2 gallons per person per day, and I always encourage people to have a week's supply on hand." He said that clean water should be kept on hand not only for drinking, but also for cooking, bathing and washing dishes. He advised that bottled water expires, so bottles and jugs of water should be rotated through a personal supply.

If no bottled water or other alternative is available, boiling water for at least five minutes, letting it cool and placing it in a clean container is a "primitive but very effective way to disinfect drinking water," Miller said. But she cautioned, "you can't boil out everything that's in floodwaters."

The Health Department, on its website, offers an alternative to boiling: Add five drops of bleach per quart of water, or 20 drops per gallon, and let it sit for at least five minutes (but preferably an hour) before drinking. Bleach should not contain scents, additives or detergents. The department also offers instructions on how to disinfect a well, once floodwaters recede, using different forms and amounts of chlorine in proportion to well depth and diameter.

In a worst-case scenario where water is undrinkable even when disinfected, and no alternative water is available, the next step is to call local emergency resources and notify them that you need drinking water, Miller and Dodge said. But, Dodge warned, that's a last resort that will further strain emergency resources.

"It needs to be your source of last resort if you can't come up with something yourself. Relying on that as a primary source is a recipe for disaster. (It's) very, very important to avoid putting yourself in that position if possible," he said. "It's so important to be ready because there's only so many emergency response people available."

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Visitors come from across the globe to pursue deer and elk in Montana, but when it comes to which state produces the most nonresident hunters, none come close to the state of Washington.

The Evergreen State accounts for about 17% of all nonresident hunters awarded Montana deer and elk hunting licenses over the last four years, according to data provided by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks through a public information request. That equates to nearly 17,000 of the more than 101,000 licenses distributed from 2019-2022.

The Montana State News Bureau requested zip codes for all nonresidents who received deer-elk combination, elk-combination and deer-combination licenses awarded through the annual lottery. Not included in the data are licenses sold through other programs or secondary licenses available over-the-counter, such as antlerless elk or deer licenses.

States producing the most nonresident hunters over the last four years varied from those with similar game species  such as elk, mule and whitetail deer  to states dominated by whitetails. Washington is followed by Minnesota with nearly 11,000 licenses at 11%; California with 8,750 licenses for 9%; and Wisconsin with about 8,500 licenses for 8%; followed by a cluster of states at about 5%, including Pennsylvania, North Dakota and Michigan, each with about 5,000 licenses. Oregon at 4%; Texas at 3%; and Florida at 2% round out the top 10.

Dan Wilson is secretary for the Washington Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. While he does not hunt in Montana  he does hunt in Wyoming  he theorized some reasons why Montana may be a prime destination for Washington hunters.

We do overlap species, but game densities arent across the entire region (in Washington), he said. (Washington) elk are really localized. Access to good habitat available on private and public, Montana probably also beats Washington.

Access can be challenging at times in Washington, Wilson noted, whether by a product of relatively small open regions, which may also result in crowding, or private timber lands that limit access through a permit system.

Like Montana, Washington offers general deer and elk licenses over-the-counter as well as some special trophy areas. But residents must choose between archery and firearm seasons, which are short by comparison to Montana at about 10 days long. Montanas six-week archery and five-week general seasons were among the longest in the West even before adding a nine-day traditional muzzleloader season last year.

While pointing to proximity with Montana  only a day's drive from Washington  Wilson also said Montanas higher per capita number of hunters, at more than 20% compared to Washingtons low single digits, could play a role in attracting hunters from his state.

It creates a different culture, and that might make it more inviting to go where you identify with other like-minded people, he said.

In terms of pure numbers of nonresident hunters, a state like California ranks high based on its population of 40 million despite lower per capita hunter numbers. But what happens when numbers are adjusted for population?

One of Montanas neighbors to the east, North Dakota with a population of about 760,000, ranks the highest at one license for every 545 residents. Washington, with a population of 7.5 million, still ranks No. 2, with one hunter per 1,814 residents; Minnesota, with a population of 5.6 million, comes in third with one license for every 1,904 residents; and Wisconsin, with a population of about 5.8 million, comes in fourth with one license for every 2,524 residents. Rounding out the top 10 are Wyoming, Montana (hunters may live in Montana but not yet qualify for residency for hunting purposes); Idaho; Oregon; and Alaska.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, hosts the Great American Outdoors Show, a nine-day event billed as the worlds largest outdoors show, said Mac Minard, who leads the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association. Minard noted the show attracts outfitters and state agency staff. That likely contributes to Pennsylvanias top-five ranking in the pure numbers data, he said. North Dakotas proximity to Montana also makes sense in the per capita category, Minard added.

When it comes to marketing to clients, most outfitters think geographically. That allows them to build a reputation among area hunters looking to book a trip, Minard said.

What Ive seen in the industry is each business ends up getting some kind of a foothold in a part of the country, he said. So its more related to relationships theyve built there, and then it spreads by word of mouth.

Interest from nonresident hunters in Montana has surged in recent years, although this year applications dipped from a record number in 2021.

The 2010 ballot measure Initiative 161 did away with guaranteed outfitter sponsored licenses and state law caps nonresident big game combos at 17,000 and deer combos at 4,600. Until 2017 some of the big game combos went undrawn with remainders sold as surplus, but in recent years demand has exceeded supply and permits have been awarded via lottery. In 2020 applications topped 23,000 and surged to 32,000 last year, leading to some legal changes giving outfitted nonresidents advantages in the lottery. In 2022 applications dipped but still remained high at more than 31,000, according to FWP.

Nonresidents tap new outfitter preference points Nonresident hunters purchased more than 7,200 extra preference points for booking with an outfitter under a legal change made last year. The 2021 Montana Legislature revamped the nonresident preference point system to give hunters booking with outfitters an advantage in the drawing. If applicants fail to draw a lottery license, they may purchase a preference point to double their odds the following year with a maximum of three points. Under House Bill 637, nonresidents hunting with outfitters may purchase a second preference point, giving them an advantage over non-outfitted nonresidents. Additional revenue goes to multiple habitat and access programs. This year outfitted nonresidents bought 4,260 preference points in lotteries for the deer-elk combination license, 1,669 for the elk combination license and 1,277 for the deer combination license.

Tom Kuglin is the deputy editor for the Lee Newspapers State Bureau. His coverage focuses on outdoors, recreation and natural resources.

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Today's highlight:

On June 16, 1858, accepting the Illinois Republican Party's nomination for the U.S. Senate, Abraham Lincoln said the slavery issue had to be resolved, declaring, "A house divided against itself cannot stand."

On June 16:

In 1903, Ford Motor Co. was incorporated.

In 1933, the National Industrial Recovery Act became law with President Franklin D. Roosevelt's signature. (The Act was later struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court.) The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. was founded as President Roosevelt signed the Banking Act of 1933.

In 1941, National Airport (now Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport) opened for business with a ceremony attended by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

In 1963, the world's first female space traveler, Valentina Tereshkova, 26, was launched into orbit by the Soviet Union aboard Vostok 6; Tereshkova spent 71 hours in flight, circling the Earth 48 times before returning safely.

In 1970, Kenneth A. Gibson of Newark, New Jersey, became the first Black politician elected mayor of a major Northeast city. Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo, 26, died at a New York hospital after battling cancer.

In 1977, Soviet Communist Party General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev was named president, becoming the first person to hold both posts simultaneously.

In 1978, President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos signed the instruments of ratification for the Panama Canal treaties during a ceremony in Panama City.

In 1999, Thabo Mbeki took the oath as president of South Africa, succeeding Nelson Mandela.

In 2011, U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., announced his resignation from Congress, bowing to the furor caused by his sexually charged online dalliances with a former porn performer and other women. Osama bin Laden's longtime second-in-command, Ayman al-Zawahri, took control of al-Qaida.

In 2012, Egyptians began going to the polls for a two-day runoff to choose their first freely elected president; Islamist candidate Mohammed Morsi emerged the winner. China launched its most ambitious space mission to date, carrying its first female astronaut, Liu Yang, and two male colleagues on a 13-day mission to an orbiting module that ended safely.

In 2015, real estate mogul Donald Trump launched his successful campaign to become president of the United States with a speech at Trump Tower in Manhattan.

In 2016, President Barack Obama traveled to Orlando, Florida, the scene of a deadly nightclub shooting that claimed 49 victims; the president embraced grieving families and cheered on Democrats' push for new gun control measures. Walt Disney Co. opened Shanghai Disneyland, its first theme park in mainland China.

In 2017, President Donald Trump acknowledged for the first time that he was under federal investigation as part of the expanding probe into Russia's election meddling as he lashed out at a top Justice Department official overseeing the inquiry. A St. Anthony, Minnesota, police officer was acquitted of manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Philando Castile, a Black motorist who had just informed the officer that he was carrying a gun. Former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl died at his home in Ludwigshafen; he was 87. Actor Stephen Furst, who played naive fraternity pledge Flounder in the hit movie "Animal House," died in Moorpark, California, at age 63.

In 2020, federal authorities announced murder and attempted murder charges against an Air Force sergeant, Steven Carrillo, in the fatal shooting of a federal security officer outside a U.S. courthouse in Oakland, California. (Carrillo, who had ties to the far-right, anti-government "boogaloo" movement, pleaded guilty to a federal murder charge after prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty.) A statue of Christopher Columbus that stood in a St. Louis park for 134 years was removed; park officials said it had symbolized a "historical disregard for indigenous peoples."

In 2021, after a three-hour summit in Geneva, President Joe Biden and Russia's Vladimir Putin emerged largely where they started, with deep differences on human rights, cyberattacks, election interference and more. Actor Frank Bonner, best known as salesman Herb Tarlek on the TV series "WKRP in Cincinnati," died at 79.

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DECATUR  A felon firing a gun into the air in a Decatur backyard hung-up on the police when officers tried to talk to him on the phone about what he had been doing, a sworn affidavit said.

That was on the evening of May 15 but didnt prove to be the end of the 28-year-old's contact with law enforcement: officers located him on the afternoon of June 14 and arrested him.

He was booked on preliminary charges of the unlawful use or possession of a weapon by a felon and the reckless discharge of a firearm.

Officer Jason Hesse, who signed the affidavit, said police were alerted May 15 by a neighbor in the 900 block of East Elmhurst Avenue who called 911 after seeing the man firing a handgun into the air.

The neighbor had even looked up the Facebook profile of the man, which helped police identify him as a convicted felon who is not allowed to possess a firearm.

Hesse said police had spoken to a 23-year-old woman who lived at the address where the gunfire was seen, and also found a handgun inside the house that matched the one the neighbor had seen being used. Hesse said the woman denied firing it herself but told police the man had been visiting that day.

She had then called the man up on the phone and told him the police were at her home. Once officers asked (her) to speak with him on the phone, he hung up the phone after officers began to ask questions, Hesse said.

A check of Macon County Jail records Thursday showed the man remained held in custody with bail set at $100,000, requiring him to post a bond of $10,000 to be released.

Macon County Circuit Court records list him as being convicted on a charge of armed violence in April of 2015, when he was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

All preliminary charges are subject to review by the state's attorneys office.

Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid

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DECATUR  Joseph P. Farrar, the Decatur man accused of stealing and damaging a cemetery flag flown in honor of a deceased Marine Corps veteran, told a judge Wednesday he denied all charges.

Farrar, 52, made a brief appearance before Macon County Circuit Court Judge Rodney Forbes with his defense lawyer, Diane Couri.

Farrar told the judge he was willing to waive a formal preliminary hearing where the evidence would be weighed to see if there was probable cause for him to stand trial.

Forbes accepted the written waiver and put the case on the trial call of fellow Judge Jeffrey Geisler and scheduled a pretrial hearing for August 4.

Farrar faces charges of stealing the flag in the early hours of May 28 from Graceland Cemetery.

He is also accused of damaging the $1,000 flag as he tried to flee by dropping and muddying it on the ground.

The flag was one of dozens that form the Avenue of Flags display at the cemetery and are only flown on Memorial Day weekend. Each flag was donated by the family of a deceased veteran and the flag Farrar is accused of taking was given in memory of World War II soldier John A. Riley.

Cemetery staff have since destroyed that flag by burning it in accordance with strict protocols for disposing of a flag that has been desecrated. It has been replaced with a new flag to honor Riley.

A sworn affidavit from Decatur police quotes Farrar, who was arrested before he could leave the cemetery, that he had seen the flags flying and decided on the spur of the moment that he wanted one.

A check of Macon County Jail records Wednesday showed that Farrar remained in custody in lieu of bail set at $10,000, requiring him to post a $1,000 bond to be release.

Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid

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If you asked most Illinois Republican political insiders and experts, they would say that Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, has an advantage over Rep. Mary Miller, R-Oakland, in their incumbent-versus-incumbent showdown in Illinois 15th Congressional District.

With the two thrown together due to congressional redistricting, the common wisdom has been that Davis has superior organizational strength, a significant financial advantage and a knack for retail politicking  all cultivated over several decades on the political scene in Central Illinois.

But Miller, a freshman firebrand, has one ace in the hole: the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. Yet so far that support has been fairly quiet.

Besides a press release announcing his support and hosting a fundraiser at his Mar-A-Lago resort for Miller, the former president's backing of Miller has been tepid.

To overcome Davis strategic advantages, many political insiders have said Miller would need an in-district rally featuring the former president ahead of the June 28 election.

Well, it now appears Miller may get her wish.

According to the Quincy Herald-Whig, an organization named Save America Rally has rented the Adams County Fairgrounds from June 24 to 26. This name appears to be a play on the Save America political action committee, which Trump set up just days after losing the 2020 presidential election.

A source who works in Illinois Republican politics confirmed to Lee Enterprises that Trump plans to headline a rally for Miller that weekend. Officials associated with the former president were in Quincy last week scoping out potential locations.

A Trump rally would be a significant wild card at the end of an extremely negative campaign between Davis and Miller, with the two trading jabs over who is the true conservative in the race.

Its earned media that cant be replicated with any amount of paid advertisements. Anyone who watches television news, reads a newspaper or listens to local radio in Central Illinois is going to know about Trumps visit.

They will see and hear the former president alongside Miller, a priceless plug in a district that gave Trump a nearly 70% vote share in 2020.

Of course, Trump's endorsement isn't the end all, be all in Republican politics.

On Tuesday, the former president split a pair of congressional primaries, with his endorsed candidate easily defeating pro-impeachment Rep. Tom Rice, R-S.C., but coming up short against Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., who's been critical of the former president despite voting against impeachment.

Overall, Trump's candidate has won 12 congressional primaries and lost three times with 11 left to be decided, according to Axios.

Davis, a traditional conservative with a bipartisan streak, has not necessarily done anything to earn the president's personal ire.

He rescinded his support for Trump in 2016 following the release of the Access Hollywood tape but later embraced the former president's legislative agenda and served as a 2020 co-chair of his reelection campaign.

He voted against impeachment, though he did vote to certify President Joe Biden's electoral college victory.

Thus far, Trump has not said anything negative about Davis, just touting Miller. It will be interesting to see if that changes when he hits the stage with her in Quincy.

Another factor to watch out for is whether Trump endorses Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey's campaign for governor during his trip. Bailey, a downstate farmer, has been openly seeking the the former president's backing for months.

Bailey officially endorsed Miller's congressional bid on Tuesday and the two campaigned together as part of his "Fire J.B. Pritzker bus tour."

Bailey and Miller have long been allies, so this was hardly a surprise. Plus, joint Bailey-Miller yard signs have been up across the 15th for months.

A Trump endorsement would be the cherry on top of a week of good news for Bailey, who has emerged as the frontrunner after several favorable polls showed him opening a sizable lead over Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, the perceived frontrunner since January.

Irvin has kept his distance from Trump, refusing to even say whether he voted for him in either election. Bailey, on the other hand, was a Trump delegate at the 2020 Republican National Convention.

The former president is popular with Illinois primary voters, which appears to be major factor in the recent developments in the governor's race.

Asked about Trump's visit to the state, Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, at an unrelated event in Bloomington, acknowledged that "he'll attract a crowd of people who support him, but the majority of people in the shape of Illinois do not."

"President Trump can come to the state if he likes and campaign for the far right, which is what he's doing," Pritzker said. "This state rejected him by 17 percentage points. So if he wants to come here and thinks he's gonna be popular ... he's got another thing coming."

Another factor to keep an eye on is if the rise of Bailey helps Miller in her bid against Davis. Perhaps in some instances. But Davis is a strong retail politician. There will undoubtedly be some Bailey-Davis voters in the 15th, Trump endorsement or not.

Even Davis' allies have conceded that the race would tighten before primary Election Day. And an 11th hour Trump visit adds another layer of uncertainty.

The former president's visit can't hurt Miller (or Bailey, for that matter) in the deeply conservative district, but we will find out just how much it can help.

Pritzker to Maine, New Hampshire

Pritzker for president?

Let the speculation begin once again as Illinois' governor will be in New Hampshire this weekend to campaign for various Democratic candidates. He will also swing through Maine to stump for Democratic Gov. Janet Mills.

It's not the first time Pritzker has been linked to possible presidential ambitions. But the governor's campaign is downplaying the significance of this latest swing.

Pritzker was already scheduled to be on the East Coast this weekend, visiting Washington D.C. to lobby for Chicago's bid to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Pritzker's campaign said that the governor was also following through on his pledge to support pro-choice Democratic governors amid the Supreme Court's likely overturning of Roe v. Wade in the coming weeks.

For an ambitious politician, having your name in the mix of the presidential parlor game is never a bad thing, especially as Democrats explore alternatives in case President Joe Biden reverses himself and does not run again in 2024.

But Pritzker's folks are probably more correct than those speculating about a presidential run.

Though visits to New Hampshire have historically been significant given its longtime status as the first-in-the-nation primary, all indications are that the rural, disproportionately white state will lose that status in 2024.

Now, if Illinois becomes the first primary state, perhaps we can start talking.

Contact Brenden Moore at 217-421-7984. Follow him on Twitter: @brendenmoore13

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CHICAGO - When Meta, the social media giant formerly known as Facebook, hosted the grand opening for its new Loop headquarters last week, it was a celebration delayed more than two years by the pandemic.

Despite welcoming hundreds of cheering employees with free pie, confetti bursts and a rousing performance by the Chicago Bucket Boys, the celebration, which also marked Metas 15th anniversary in Chicago, was muted by a hybrid return to office that could make the expansive new workplace a monument to the past.

Wed love to see people in the office two to three times a week, said Judy Toland, 50, who heads up the Meta Chicago office. But that is an option, that is not a mandate.

Companies across Chicago are beginning to herd employees back into the office, but after two years of remote working and the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, it is a tentative process at best. Employees used to the flexibility of remote working are balking at a mandatory return, while hybrid work schedules turn the once busy office into a fortress of solitude.

Meta Chicago, which grew from a Downers Grove basement operation in 2007 to become the largest Midwest outpost of the Menlo Park, California-based company, has about 500 employees, most of whom are salespeople, along with technology, finance, recruitment and other positions, Toland said. The new office was designed to handle many more employees on a daily basis.

In 2018, the company leased 263,000 square feet of the 35-story tower at 151 N. Franklin St., which had just been completed. Facebook said at the time that the space, which covers 11 floors and nearly a third of the building, would enable an expanded presence and increased hiring in Chicago.

Facebook was planning to move out of its 100,000-square-foot office at 191 N. Wacker Drive in March 2020. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and employees were sent home instead of to the new office. After 18 months of remote working, the Chicago office ventured a soft opening in August 2021, but the rise of the delta variant pushed the return back to January  just in time for omicron to delay plans again.

The company, which changed its name to Meta in October to reflect plans to expand its social media platforms into the metaverse  an immersive virtual reality experience  finally began to filter into its new Chicago office during the first quarter of 2022.

Were really almost at a critical mass of people back in the office, said Toland. Were allowing people to progress to return to office in a fashion that is a little bit more gradual.

But plenty of wide-open spaces remain at Metas Chicago office, which could accommodate 1,000 or more full-time employees. It is far from alone, as Chicago companies struggle to determine how much office space is enough in the post-pandemic world.

Two years after the pandemic scattered employees to remote locales, the workplace has been fundamentally changed, with downtown office vacancies at record highs and companies adopting long-term hybrid strategies to recruit and retain talent.

Remote working remains a lasting repercussion of the pandemic, with only 4% of companies requiring all employees to be in the office full time, according to an April survey of leading corporate executives by The Conference Board.

Hybrid is here to stay, and will be one of the most significant organizational legacies of COVID-19, said Robin Erickson, Chicago-based vice president at The Conference Board and a co-author of the study. Employees are looking for more flexibility in their life, and theyve gotten used to it.

While senior executives would like to get employees back into the office to spur collaboration, companies have seen productivity flourish with remote working, and the balance of power swing toward employees, Erickson said. Driving that trend is a labor shortage that has spawned the so-called Great Resignation  people quitting their jobs to pursue more attractive and often more flexible opportunities.

With companies struggling to recruit and retain workers, 90% of employers are now allowing hybrid work, according to the survey. Nearly half are willing to hire entirely virtual workers, while 38% require a mix of remote and office time.

I think companies are realizing that employees dont want to go back to the workplace, Erickson said. And so theyre changing their policies to be more flexible.

The trend has not been a friend to the Chicago office market, with companies continuing to shed space as long-term leases come up for renewal. For the first quarter, the central business district had an 18.9% vacancy rate, while the Chicago metro was at 21.3%, both records, according to a Newmark report.

Tech giant Google, which leases 525,000 square feet across two buildings in Fulton Market  1KFulton and 210 N. Carpenter St. brought its more than 1,800 Chicago employees back to the offices in April on a hybrid schedule. Google employees spend about three days a week in the office and two days remotely, the company said.

In November 2019, Mountain View, California-based Google was poised for a much bigger expansion in Chicago, with plans to add 800,000 square feet of office space in Fulton Market, adding the capacity to hire thousands of new employees. Then the pandemic hit and Google backed off its ambitious real estate expansion, according to people familiar with the plans.

Basis Technologies, formerly Centro, a Chicago-based advertising technology company, has fully embraced a hybrid work strategy, with its nearly 1,000 employees, including 270 in Chicago, free to work in the office or remotely, the company said.

Its no longer about do you have a pingpong table and free snacks and beer on tap in the office, said Katie Risch, chief marketing officer for Basis. Its really about letting employees determine where they want to work and trusting that everyones an adult, and theyre going to get their job done.

The company is also experimenting with giving employees Friday afternoons off through September, something it may make permanent in the fall. In Britain, more than 70 companies began a trial four-day workweek in June, another post-pandemic trend aimed at improving work-life balance for employees, according to the Society for Human Resource Management.

In October, Basis renewed its 70,000-square-foot lease in the Sullivan Center, the former Carson Pirie Scott & Co. building on State Street, through 2030, without giving up any space. Risch said the decision was driven mostly by a need for collaborative office functions, including meeting rooms and a training facility.

Our offices, were going to start to see being used more for spaces to have meetings that really require creativity from the whole group, Risch said. Our day-to-day jobs can be done very well remotely.

In March, Meta Chicago employees were asked to declare if they wanted to continue to work remotely or be assigned to the new facility. The 500 or so that chose the office are now expected to work on a hybrid basis, although management is not taking attendance, Toland said.

We havent subscribed to the methodology that other companies have, where theyre mandating people have to come in, Toland said. We feel though, in order to have a true office culture at some point, it would be great for people to come in two to three times a week.

The new Meta office features rows of hoteling workstations and some assigned desks. It also offers an abundance of perks and quirks to lure employees into the space. Theres three cafeterias serving free meals, event rooms, lounges with the prerequisite table games and meeting rooms with clever Chicago-themed names such as Glen Lerner, the ubiquitous TV injury attorney, and Bob Rooohrman, honoring the late, great car dealer pitchman.

Among the more unusual perks is a vending machine dispensing free batteries, phone chargers, Ethernet cables and power cords, as well as COVID-19 test kits.

Meta, which formally changed its ticker symbol from FB to META on Thursday, has had a tumultuous year. In February, it reported losing users for the first time in its history during the previous quarter, precipitating a sell-off that cut Metas market cap by 26%, or $250 billion  the biggest one-day company valuation decline in U.S. stock market history.

Last month, the company mailed out $397 checks to 1.6 million Illinois Facebook users in a landmark $650 million class-action settlement over Facebooks alleged violations of Illinois biometric privacy law.

Earlier this month, Sheryl Sandberg, the former Google executive who has been COO at Facebook for 14 years, announced she would be stepping down in the fall.

Toland said Meta Chicago has much optimism as the company sets off on its vision to build a new virtual reality in the metaverse. In the real world, Meta Chicago chose not to give up any office space at its new headquarters, despite the hybrid working paradigm.

Nikki Newsome, chief culture officer for Meta Chicago, said keeping the new space intact is a sign of the companys commitment to the city. While she declined to say if Meta plans to increase hiring in Chicago, she said organic growth, including employees relocating from other regions, will continue to increase the ranks assigned to the new office.

Chicago employees, meanwhile, are beginning to find more reasons to come into the office, from daily food specials to networking opportunities, Newsome said. Eventually, Meta Chicago will grow into the office, she said.

I think that the amount of space we have is actually just perfect, Newsome said.

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The Spanish Business Council, in collaboration with Spain Tourism Office (Turespana), has partnered with select restaurants across UAE to celebrate Tapas Week from June 16 to 25 to promote the renowned Spanish dish.

The participating restaurants will offer all its customers a special menu offering one tapa with one drink. This initiative is to promote and support the Spanish restaurants and highlight Spanish gastronomy in the region & to remind of Spain as a destination and its varied offerings .



Participating restaurants of Tapas week are Boca, Casa de Tapas, Lola, Sevilles & Stage Pool Lounge and El Sur in Dubai and Diablito in Abu Dhabi.  TradeArabia News Service
So many politicians are focused on the latest hot button issues that they forget what's most important for the future: educating our children. Regan Deering is first and foremost a mother, so she understands the value of a quality education.

She began her career as a biology teacher and later opened an elementary tutoring center in central Illinois that offered individualized programs depending on a students needs. She is a regular participant at local board meetings and a trustee for the Decatur Public Schools Foundation. Regans proven passion for providing the best education possible is one of the many reasons why I believe she is the right person to represent our families in Washington.

Math and reading scores statewide are unacceptable and alarming, and we've seen an even steeper decline since the start of the pandemic. The only way to fix a broken system is to identify why it is broken. Regan has been in the classrooms. She knows the benefit of smaller class sizes and high-quality teacher retention. She knows that one size does not fit all when it comes to styles of learning. Public institutions are underperforming and failing our students, and Regan believes parents should have options. As an advocate for parental choice, she will not just talk about success for our children  she will demand it.
My name is Jeff DeVore. I have watched our community grow and I have watched our community struggle. I have seen justice served and I have seen justice simply ignored.

I believe when an opportunity for positive change comes along, we should step up and take notice.

I have known Shane Mendenhall his entire life. He grew up and graduated with our son. I knew his late parents - wonderful, genuine folks, friends and huge community supporters.

Shane has always had the attitude, discipline and respect of the fine martial artists he has been since the age of 4. He always represented us, the sport, and himself in a manner based on his morals, principles, values and faith.

I would walk into any type of battle with this fine American at my side. He is loyal, trustworthy and if he gives you his word or shakes your hand, it's as good as done. Shane simply defines both faith and integrity.

When elected, Shane will be the judge to uphold the laws, not the one looking to bend them, while upholding his oath to both the courts as well as the Constitution of the United States. If you are tired of seeing criminals getting a mere slap on the hands and sent home only to repeat law breaking offenses, Shane is definitely your guy.

I'd like to encourage everyone to vote Shane Mendenhall for Circuit Judge. He is one of the few left that you know will honor both their word and their commitment to the courts and community.

I couldn't be prouder than I am to put my name behind this candidate. Because after all, I still believe in "respect earned is respect given" and Shane has definitely earned it.

Jeff L. DeVore, Decatur

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New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

Thunderstorms, some strong during the evening will give way to mostly cloudy skies after midnight. Low 72F. NNE winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected..

Tonight

Thunderstorms, some strong during the evening will give way to mostly cloudy skies after midnight. Low 72F. NNE winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected.
BRISTOL, Va.  Middle school and high school students from across Virginia are making a difference in Bristol this week.

As part of the 2022 Student Fusion Camp run by the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) of Virginia, 170 people from 12 churches around the state are in Bristol for outreach and service.

For Mike Camire, student ministry coordinator with SBC of Virginia, the camp is about giving back and showing Bristol love.

The love of Christ is really the purpose for why we are doing these different service projects, Camire said. Christ has loved us in what hes done for us. We then love back, and show that love to the community.

This week, students with Fusion Camp have been at several Bristol schools lending a hand in any way they can, doing things like yardwork, painting and classroom cleaning. Theyve also been delivering snack trays to public servants like police officers and firefighters, and have been interacting with kids in after-school programs.

Its basically where churches all over Virginia come together and just love on one place, Gary Breeding, associate pastor at NorthStar Church, which is hosting the camp along with Euclid Avenue Baptist Church, said.

Breeding says the camp has already had noticeable impacts.

Its impacting our community in so many positive ways  teachers, law enforcement, sometimes the groups that really dont get recognized or sometimes that maybe get a bad rap, we are just trying to say thank you, Breeding said.

Lilianne Peterschmidt, 16, is back in Bristol for her second Fusion Camp, which was also held here a year ago.

My favorite part about this program is really just how much everybody seems to really care about what they are doing, and how we are able to do so much, Peterschmidt said. Weve been bouncing around all over the place, which is great. Weve been able to cover a lot of bases.

Peterschmidt said shes seen the camp have a positive impact on Bristols youth.

(Weve been) teaching them whats the best way to interact with others (and) how to make friends, Peterschmidt said. We were working on social skills, so I think its really good to teach kids how to interact with other people.

DJ Guthinger, an SBC intern, had nothing but good things to say about the camp.

Ive been in a couple of the schools the last couple days, and just speaking with principals, office staff and teachers, and everyone is super nice, Guthinger said. It has been a great experience here in Bristol.

Guthinger, who is a 20-year-old student at Liberty University, says the camp has been useful in helping him prepare for future endeavors.

I am studying to go into the ministry, so this is a great experience for me, gaining experience going out into the community, Guthinger said.

This years camp has also had a bigger footprint than a year ago, Camire said.

Weve been able to actually go out further in the community this year, Camire said. The response has been amazing. Folks are just very grateful that we are here just to serve and to be willing to do whatever. The response has been really, really positive and really encouraging.

In the eyes of Breeding, the camps participants reap benefits in a way even more so than the community.

Overall, yes we are getting positive feedback, but at the end of the day the folks that are with us are being blessed, because theyre getting to interact, they get to see these kids and teachers and say thank you, Breeding said. They're thanking us, but we are getting more out of it than they are.

The camp is holding a Neighborhood Block Party at two Bristol locations  NorthStar Church and Euclid Avenue Baptist Church  from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday. The public is invited to attend the free event, which will include free food and activities.

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Hickory police are still searching for a 15-year-old charged in a fatal shooting.

The 15-year-old was spotted in a silver 2019 Nissan Sentra with North Carolina license plate number RDJ-7400, a news release from the Hickory Police Department said. Police said the car is stolen.

The 15-year-old is one of four teens charged in the shooting death of Shonniel Blackburn, 35, of Hickory. Blackburn died on Monday at the Blue Ridge Heights Apartments in Hickory.

Three 16-year-olds were taken into custody in connection with Blackburns death. All three made first appearances in Catawba County Court on Wednesday. All three face murder charges.

Anyone who spots the vehicle is advised not to approach the vehicle or anyone in the vehicle. If someone sees the vehicle they are asked to immediately call the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551.

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HICKORY  Lenoir-Rhyne has hired Laura Crawley, Ph.D., as the inaugural vice president for mission, engagement and innovation. In addition, Crawley will hold the rank of non-tenure track professor of history. Crawley will begin her role July 1 and will report directly to Lenoir-Rhyne President Fred Whitt.

Crawley comes to LR from the University of Georgia, where she is currently assistant vice president for academic affairs and director of UGAs Gwinnett Campus. In this role, she oversees UGAs graduate professional campus serving the metro-Atlanta area and north Georgia. She also leads a university-wide effort to grow professional graduate programs and help meet market demand for graduate credentials across the state of Georgia.

As the vice president of mission, engagement and innovation, Laura will lead areas tied to the priorities of our strategic plan, said Whitt. Laura brings exceptional credentials and experience and we are fortunate to have her join our LR leadership team. The breadth of her experience in higher education, her Lutheran faith and leadership role in her church, and her ability to create new programs that meet the demands of changing demographics will serve LR well. I cant wait to see how she helps us move forward.

Crawley will supervise areas key to the strategic plan, including undergraduate enrollment, student life/engagement, LRs two graduate campuses in Asheville, North Carolina, and Columbia, South Carolina, the Center for Vocation and Purpose, and LRs church relations.

It is an honor to join Lenoir-Rhyne as the inaugural vice president for mission, engagement, and innovation, said Crawley. As a lifelong Lutheran with a career in higher education, I am excited to support this new division dedicated to enacting LRs mission in service to our students and our communities. Lenoir-Rhyne offers everyone the chance to grow in learning and in spirit within a university dedicated to developing the whole person. I look forward to working with President Whitt, the LR leadership team and faculty, and the entire LR community as we nurture and expand the universitys mission together.

Crawleys career began in the late 1990s while pursuing her doctorate at Emory University. She served as a student affairs administrator at Georgia Perimeter College, a multi-campus community college. She then helped found an international scholarly journal, The Journal of The Historical Society, before joining a branding consultancy as director of program development. In that role, Crawley consulted with colleges and universities across the country on branding initiatives and organizational change.

From 2009-2013, Crawley ran the executive MBA program at Georgia State University. She currently serves on the governing boards for Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary, the Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce and the Presidents Advisory Board for Georgia Gwinnett College. She is active in her community, having served for many years as a congregational leader at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Atlanta, and as the founding board chair for DeKalb Preparatory Academy, a K-8 public charter school in Decatur, Georgia.
Fertilizer is once again experiencing a seismic market disturbance. Instead of supply chains being disrupted by a worldwide pandemic, however, a significant portion of fertilizers woes can now be attributed to war. How Americas government officials and business leaders respond in the coming months and years will largely signal if U.S. farmers will be given the tools necessary to nourish the world on a family-friendly budget or if our nation will allow fuel, food, and fiber prices to escalate beyond the reach of many people.

All who plant crops know that fertilizer prices have more than doubled since last year. It all began when China, a major exporter of fertilizer, placed curbs on international sales. The backlog on western U.S. ports added to the supply chain pressure.



More recently, fertilizer prices were further inflamed when Russia invaded Ukraine. To financially combat the warring nation, Western countries placed sanctions on Russia that caused a steep rise in fuel costs. Unfortunately for farmers, fuel and fertilizer are tightly linked, as up to 90% of the cost associated with producing nitrogen fertilizer is tied directly to natural gas prices. Next to America, Russia is the worlds second-largest natural gas producer. Further compounding fertilizer costs is that Russia is a world leader in phosphate, urea, potash, and ammonia exports.

Americas most plausible fix is to foster more domestic fertilizer production. This will take years to develop or redevelop. Indeed, the U.S. has witnessed the closing of 27 of its 42 nitrogen production facilities between 1999 to 2008 due to high natural gas costs, according to the Fertilizer Institute. That cut the nations nitrogen capacity in half and made us more reliant on inconsistent international suppliers.



Starting new fertilizer plants has become even more challenging as of late. That took place when the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) delisted potash from its critical minerals list. As a result, the permitting process has become burdensome and inconsistent. We import over 80% of our potash from Canada with the remainder previously arriving from Russia and Belarus. The latter two are no longer options.

Manufacturing fertilizer is one matter. Transportation is another. Those woes are mounting, too, as rail rates for anhydrous ammonia have shot up over 200% in the past 20 years. Our nations inland barge system moves over one-third of our countrys crop nutrition, and that system has far exceeded its 50-year life span. It badly needs upgrades.



USDA and the White House announced plans to provide $500 million in support for innovative, American-made fertilizer. However, thats a drop in the fertilizer hopper. If America is going to serve as the breadbasket for democracy, far more work must be done because hungry people have become warring people throughout human history. Americas farmers have proven that we can feed the world . . . if we have the inputs to optimize yields.


The author is a professor emeritus at University of Illinois, Urbana.



Questions are arriving from around the globe, inquiring about strategies to reduce feed costs given $7 to $8 per bushel corn and soybean meal over $460 a ton. One approach taking place  but one I disagree with  is to save your way by lowering feed costs and reducing key ration ingredients to maintain profitability. With milk prices over $24 per hundredweight (cwt.), milkfat at $3.15 a pound, and milk protein at $3.42 a pound, reducing milk or component yield is not an economically sound choice.

Focusing on feed ingredients

If you want to monitor feed costs, you need to measure feed costs. Table 1 lists a feed ingredient budget with each feed category, the amount on a dry matter (DM) basis, cost per pound of dry matter, and total costs for that feed category. My strategies to control or even lower costs are as follows.

In the forage category, 67% of the total forage dry matter is corn silage and 33% legume, grass, or small grain forage, which could be provided by pasture. Corn silage is the most economical forage source in Illinois. Not only does it reduce corn grain purchases, but it is low in protein, helping to avoid excessive rumen degraded protein that may not be captured by rumen microbes and removed by kidneys as blood urea nitrogen or milk urea nitrogen.

In the by-product feeds category, 50% is fuzzy cottonseed and 50% is corn gluten feed. Fuzzy cottonseed is selling above break-even price when compared to on-farm prices. However, fuzzy cottonseed complements corn silage with physical effective neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and provides fatty acids that are released gradually during rumination and chewing, lowering negative effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Corn gluten feed is a low-priced nutrient as sourced in Illinois.



In the protein category, 50% is soybean meal, and it is currently cheaper than canola meal. Soybean meal also could be heat treated to boost rumen undegraded protein (RUP) with higher levels of lysine and paired with 50% corn distillers grain, a competitive-priced feed ingredient providing RUP, methionine, and oil as an energy source.

Dairy farmers will be challenged in 2022 as they may be feeding forages and corn grain produced in 2021 with lower input costs. When on-farm inventory ends, higher fuel and fertilizer costs will significantly impact 2022 feed budgets.



Evaluate economic measures

Table 2 provides four measurements, including feed cost per pound of dry matter, cost per cwt. of milk, income over feed costs, and feed efficiency. Each feed measurement provides valuable comparisons when evaluating feed costs.

Feed cost per pound of dry matter reflects the selected feed ingredients and amount when building the ration. Higher levels of corn, protein supplements, legume or grass forage, rumen inert fats, rumen-protected amino acids, and feed additives can elevate this figure. This value is regionally impacted and varies due to your location.

Feed costs per 100 pounds of milk reflect the cost of dry matter intake of the herd or group of cows, level of forages, feed shrink at the feedbunk, weigh backs, and current milk yield. This value will penalize you if one reduces milk yield in Table 2.

Income over feed costs (IOFC) is a value used by both dairy farmers and nutritionists to indicate how much money is available to pay other bills on the farm. It can reflect profitability after paying the feed costs. The limitation is current milk prices have a major impact on this value, which cannot be controlled or managed by the dairy farmer.



Dairy farmers should have a minimum IOFC target value based on their herd size, fixed cost, and variable costs. Illinois dairy farmers needed an IOFC between $10 to $12, but the value will be higher in 2022 as labor, fuel, and fertilizer prices have all gone up.

Feed efficiency is my favorite value as it reflects how your cows convert pounds of dry matter intake to pounds of 3.5% fat or energy-corrected milk. This number does not include shrink or refusals. Important factors will impact feed efficiency, including milk yield in the herd or groups, grouping pattern in the herds, fertility (days in milk), number of young cows (adds a growth requirement for additional nutrients), rumen digestibility, disease such as elevated somatic cell counts, metabolic disorders, and higher maintenance requirements (walking distances to the milking parlor or pasture and heat stress). In Table 2, feed costs do not impact feed efficiency.

Each measurement brings unique value to evaluate and manage. While one value is optimal or correct for a herd, it allows you to make comparisons in your county or region. Feed cost per pound of dry matter can be higher in western states due to higher feed transportation costs involved with moving corn or soybean meal west, but higher milk yields favor lower feed costs per 100 pounds.

Another key factor shown in Table 2 is a direct comparison when dairy farmers reduce milk yield per cow by 10 pounds. Economic measurements reflect lower profitability and higher cost with lower milk yield.



Comparing measurements

Table 3 contains several years of Illinois values when it was calculated for regional Illinois dairy seminars. It is interesting to track and see how this shift takes place due to feed cost related to drought, milk prices, and other farm factors.

These values should be compared to county, state, and/or regional dairy farms to determine the competitiveness of your dairy farm. Comparisons using a standardized or adjusted milk price have been used by some nutritionists.

For more information on this topic and other options for cutting feed costs without losing milk, review the Aprilwebinar, Feed costs: Ten opportunities for savings, at on.hoards.com/WB_041122
Robyn Denholm believes we should look to Western Sydney for tech talent. Image: supplied

Western Sydney is poised to produce Australias next generation of IT workers and high value tech companies, according to Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm.

In her acceptance speech for the inaugural Florence Mary Taylor Innovation Medal, Denholm described her upbringing in Milperra, a suburb just past Bankstown in Southwestern Sydney.

My parents owned a service station in the early 70s, she said during Wednesdays Ignite GWS Summit.

[That is] where I learnt the importance of hard work and the role of small businesses in the community.

Western Sydney is now home to more than 100,000 people who are working in technology-related jobs  and that number is set to boom.

Denholms career has seen her working in the US at companies like Sun Microsystems and Juniper Networks  where she was once the CFO  before returning to Australia to briefly join the C-suite at Telstra.

Denholm was Elon Musks replacement as Chair of Tesla and she is also the inaugural Chair of the Tech Council of Australia.

Throughout her corporate career, Denholm said those early memories of Western Sydney have continued to become a reminder of why the region is vital to the growth and prosperity of Australia.

Having grown up in the region, Im not at all surprised to see that western Sydney is emerging as a technology powerhouse, she said.

This community is home to an amazing multicultural and talented population, and a great array of world-competing companies and globally recognised training institutions which in turn are building the next generation of tech talent.

Being a tech powerhouse matters because tech is now critical to all successful economies, its also our best shot as a nation solving some of the biggest challenges of our time.

Denholm quoted the Tech Councils figures of needing 280,000 more technology workers by 2025 and said she hopes many of them will come from the vibrant diverse community across western Sydney.

The Florence Mary Taylor Innovation Medal is named after Australias first qualified female architect who went on to become the first woman to fly in an aircraft in Australia, and the first female member of the UK Institution of Structural Engineers.
Airbus first A321XLR (Xtra Long Range) has accomplished its first flight, flying from Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport for a test run which lasted approximately four hours and 35 minutes.



The aircrafts crew tested the aircrafts flight controls, engines and main systems, including flight envelope protections, both at high and low speed.



Philippe Mhun, Airbus EVP Programmes and Services stated: "This is a major milestone for the A320 Family and its customers worldwide. With the A321XLR coming into service, airlines will be able to offer long-haul comfort on a single aisle aircraft, thanks to its unique Airspace cabin. The A321XLR will open new routes with unbeatable economics and environmental performance."



Entry into service is targeted for early 2024.



The A321XLR is the next evolutionary step in the A320neo single-aisle Family of aircraft, meeting market requirements for increased range and payload, creating more value for airlines by enabling economically viable services on longer routes than any comparable aircraft model.



The A321XLR will deliver an unprecedented single-aisle aircraft range of up to 4,700nm (8700 km), with 30% lower fuel consumption per seat compared to previous-generation aircraft, as well as reduced NOx emissions and noise.



By the end of May 2022, the A320neo Family has accumulated over 8,000 orders from over 130 customers worldwide. A321XLR orders stood at more than 500 from over 20 customers.  TradeArabia News Service






Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) field workers Mina and Gannady Podgaisky spoke Sunday at McGill Baptist Church about the heartbreaking situation in Ukraine and the efforts to help the people struggling through the war.

The Podgaiskys have worked in Ukraine for 20 years and came back to the United States in December. They were scheduled to go back in March, but the war broke out.

Since then, the Podgaiskys have been working on getting supplies to people there and on logistics in helping refugees.

McGill and other church groups worked with the Podgaiskys and the CBF in converting a former communist childrens camp into a foster home center called The Village of Hope. For several years, the Village provided shelter and assistance to children and families in need.

One of the main buildings at the Village was destroyed by Russian bombs. A photo of the main building amid rubble was shown Sunday as part of the Podgaiskys slide presentation. It included a short video showing 23 people in a basement, where they were sheltering from the periodic rocket attacks and bombing.

Needs are great for the people displaced by the war. Gasoline costs $11.50 a gallon there, and it is a great expense to the relief workers who are ferrying in food and supplies. Some is coming in by vans from Poland and surrounding countries.

The Podgaiskys plan to go back when they can. They said they are in continual contact with friends and church leaders there.

A benefit concert Saturday

McGill Baptist, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, is hosting a benefit at the church Saturday. Supper will be available at 6 p.m., and the music begins at 6:30 p.m. Hot dogs, barbecue sandwiches, chips and drinks are on the menu.

David Dechow, a longtime contemporary Christian music leader and musician, will be joining a friend, Joe Pitcic, and McGill music director the Rev. Steve Harrill to perform the concert. They are calling themselves David, Joe & Steve.

Dechow moved to North Carolina from Michigan and happened to find his friend Pitcic from Michigan had moved here, too. They have been playing music together since then.

We were moved by the 120th anniversary (of McGill) celebration and the opportunity to do a benefit that would help the missionaries and field workers serving in Ukraine, Dechow said

Harrill was on board when Dechow came up with the idea.

Music is a great way to bring people together and we thought this would be a wonderful way we could try to raise some money and try to help out there, especially since this church has been so involved in missions in Ukraine, Harrill said.

A moving prayer for Ukraine

Mina Podgaisky wrote a prayer in March when the war broke out. She shared it during the worship service this past Sunday at McGill Baptist Church:

How do we pray during this time of war in Ukraine?

We pray with broken hearts, we pray with tears in our eyes,

We pray with dry mouths and nausea in our stomachs,

We pray with week-long migraines.

Where do we pray? We pray everywhere!

We pray every waking minute

We have never prayed this much

We cannot stop praying,

We cannot forget to pray!

We pray 1,000 popcorn prayers throughout the day

What we pray?

We pray for peace, for the end of the war

We pray for no more deaths

We pray for no more destruction

We pray for 40 million Ukrainians in pain

We pray: Lord hear our prayers!

We pray with others and for others

We pray for us and our children

We even pray for our dog, our car

and even we pray for the house we left behind!

We pray for food, water, medicines

for those in bunkers for over 7 weeks!

We pray for children that no longer respond to sirens

We pray for families that must be separated

We pray for dads, husbands, brothers, and sons,

We pray for those who left and those who cannot leave

We pray for the president of Ukraine

We pray for his cabinet

We pray for the volunteer defenders of Ukraine

We pray for the volunteers getting people out of harms way

We pray for those bringing humanitarian aid to dangerous places

We pray for volunteers that serve others

We pray for volunteers that serve their country

and we pray for volunteers that are serving God in ministry

We pray for all of our hearts

We pray they will not grow stone hard

We pray the seeds of hate will not flourish

We pray for a renewed, reborn city and country

We pray one day we all can come back from this nightmare

we pray this war will not lead to WWIII

We specially pray between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time

We pray while it is night in Ukraine

We pray especially when the shelling and bombing occurs

and yes, we do give thanks each morning.

We give thanks when we learn nobody we know died in the night

We give thanks when we read a message: I am still alive!

We give thanks for thousands of people praying for Ukraine

We give thanks for those giving

We give thanks for those wanting to go and help

We give thanks for those going to help

We give thanks for the Offering for Global Missions

We give thanks we have been able to live our call in Ukraine

We give thanks Ukraine became our home

We give thanks for the hope of the Resurrection!

Christ in me, the hope of Glory!

Lord, hear our prayers!

Amen!

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CHARLESTON  Reports of an active shooter Wednesday at two Coles County businesses were unfounded, police said.

Charleston police Lt. Joel Shute said it appears there was a miscommunication when a false report of a man with a gun was made at Mars Petcare in Mattoon. It was there that a person said they saw an individual with what was originally thought to be a gun but later confirmed to be pest control equipment. That incident occurred at 10:51 a.m.

Shute said the situation then turned into a rumor that an active shooter was at Vesuvius in Charleston. Dispatched to the businesses at 11:23 a.m., Charleston police, Mattoon police, Oakland police, Eastern Illinois University police and members of the Coles County Sheriff's Office conducted a search of the Vesuvius building and determined there was not an active shooter on the property.

A Vesuvius employee later described a safety officer telling people to exit the building. Questions about it being a possible drill were answered when they got outside and saw police.

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MATTOON  Rural King plans to eventually expand its distribution center along West DeWitt Avenue on to 40 acres of farmland to the north, if possible.

Brock Ashley, vice president of business development for Rural King, told the city Planning Commission on Tuesday that this Mattoon-based company is always looking for ways to grow and better serve its customers and that its proposal for the 40 acres is a "huge part of that."

The commission voted unanimously to give a favorable recommendation to Rural King's petition for the city to annex that land on the east side of Coles County Road 300E and to change it from rural suburban to general commercial zoning district status. The petition is now scheduled to go before the Mattoon City Council for final consideration at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in City Hall.

Commission member Ned Hoppin said he was concerned about approving the petition without seeing Rural King's definite plans for the property.

Ashley said Rural King does not have an exact configuration yet for an expansion but assured Hoppin that the new property would be used in the same manner as the current distribution center site at 4216 DeWitt Ave.

"We are hoping to continue to grown and expand our operations. Mattoon is our home. We want it to stay that way," Ashley said.

Neighboring farmland owner Steve Degler, who is a representative of drainage district 2, said he and others in the district are concerned that an expanded distribution center will add to the storm water drainage problems in this area.

Code Enforcement Officer Matt Frederick said the city has strict drainage regulations, so the engineering plans for an expansion will hopefully improve drainage by detaining and then slow releasing storm water. Degler said he intends to review these plans when the time comes.

"We intend to watch this very closely," Degler said.

In other matters, Frederick reported to the commission that Bimbo Bakeries USA tentatively plans to place gravel on a large section of the grassy field next to its plant, 3801 DeWitt Ave., to store semi-trailers without trucks there.

"They are adding (production) lines and they are adding employees. They are doing really well," Frederick said.

Bimbo Bakeries USA purchased Lender's Bagels, including its Mattoon plant, in early 2020 and later added Thomas' Bagels to production there.

"Currently, we have three production lines and approximately 200 associates," the company reported in a statement on Wednesday. "Since purchasing the bakery in 2020, we have increased headcount and made a significant investment in the facility, with continued investments in the equipment and infrastructure planned for the near future."

The planning commission members indicated their support for the gravel placement just for storage purposes. Hoppin asked Frederick to let Bimbo know that if this area ends up becoming permanent parking for employee vehicles or for company trucks, that the plant will need to put asphalt or concrete in place to comply with zoning ordinances.

Contact Rob Stroud at (217) 238-6861. Follow him on Twitter: @TheRobStroud

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MATTOON  The city began a sidewalk project this week along Logan Street from Lafayette to Broadway avenues, a project that will include creating a pedestrian crossing at Charleston Avenue by Walgreens.

Public Works Director Dean Barber said the city has been wanting to address the lack of a pedestrian crossing and sidewalks at the Logan-Charleston intersection for several years, and the timing for the project finally worked out this year.

"It's a project we've been looking forward to for a long time," Barber said, adding that the upgrade will be especially helpful for pedestrians from residential areas to the north who walk to Walgreens. "There are quite a few people who cross there now where there is not a crossing."

Barber said the project originally had been timed to immediately precede the Illinois Department of Transportation's planned resurfacing of Charleston Avenue/Illinois Route 16 and installation of new traffic signals there from Lake Land Boulevard to Swords Drive. He said IDOT has postponed the resurfacing and signal work until next year.

In the meantime, Barber said the city's plans will progress this summer with the installation of the pedestrian crossing at Logan-Charleston and related sidewalk work. He said the city will install new sidewalks where there currently are none on the west side of Logan from Broadway to Charleston and on the east from Charleston to Lafayette.

The $131,000 project, carried out by crews from Bartels Construction, Inc. and Fuller-Went, Inc. of Mattoon, also will include sidewalk patching and new sidewalk ramp installation along Logan from Lafayette to Broadway and from Moultrie to DeWitt avenues.

"There is still room for more work (along Logan) next year or in some following years," Barber said of future sidewalk improvements.

Along Logan from Broadway to Charleston, new sidewalk will be installed on the boulevard on the east edge of First Presbyterian Church's campus.

Rev. Matthew Froeschle said he sees pedestrians coming from the northwest walk through the church's parking lot and then go through the Logan-Charleston intersection toward Walgreens without a crossing on a daily basis. The pastor said he welcomes the planned pedestrian crossing and sidewalk improvements on Logan.

"I think that is great. I am all in favor of new sidewalks here in Mattoon for pedestrians," Froeschle said. "I'm a big proponent of well maintained sidewalks."

Regarding other sidewalk projects, Barber said IDOT has awarded the city an approximately $100,000 grant to help install sidewalks on the north side of Western Avenue near Riddle Elementary School. He said the city will work on the Western Avenue sidewalks this year after it receives the grand funding and conditions from IDOT.

Contact Rob Stroud at (217) 238-6861. Follow him on Twitter: @TheRobStroud

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22nd Century Group Inc. has hired its fourth chief financial officer since May 2020, this time representing a ripple effect from its May purchase of privately held GVB Biopharma.

The manufacturer named GVBs Hugh Kinsman as its chief financial officer, effective Monday. Kinsman had been in that role for GVB  a wholly owned subsidiary of 22nd Century  since March 2020.

22nd Century, based in Buffalo, has its cigarette-manufacturing operations and 49 of its 65 employees in a 62,000-square-foot plant in Mocksville.

The $55 million purchase of GVB was about 20% of 22nd Centurys market capitalization of $268.2 million at the closing of the deal.

Kinsman, age 55, replaces Richard Fitzgerald, who was hired on Nov. 15. 22nd Century said Fitzgerald was permanently separated from the company on June 13 in connection with the hiring of Mr. Kinsman as CFO.

In a regulatory filing on the chief financial transition, 22nd Century said Kinsman would be paid an annual base salary of $290,000. He is eligible for future cash bonuses and awards of performance units as a percentage of base salary based on the achievement of performance targets to be established by the company.

The filing said Kinsman would receive the equivalent of a years base salary in severance if his employment is terminated by the company without cause.

The integration of GVB Biopharma is proceeding very well, and we are excited to build on Hughs success at GVB by elevating his financial leadership role to 22nd Century as a whole, James Mish, 22nd Centurys chief executive, said in a statement.

Hugh brings extensive executive finance experience in fast-growing public companies, as we work to advance our corporate strategies in tobacco and expand the breadth and scale of our hemp/cannabis franchise.

In May, 22nd Century hired tobacco industry veteran John Miller to oversee its reduced nicotine business.

Miller has more than 35 years of experience in the tobacco and consumer packaged-goods industries, including most recently as president and chief executive of Swisher International Inc., which makes cigars and smokeless tobacco products.

He also worked for more than 20 years in various management positions at US Smokeless Tobacco Co. through its acquisition by Altria Group Inc. in 2009.

Part of Millers duties is overseeing 22nd Centurys pilot market for its very-low nicotine traditional cigarettes in the Chicago area. Its VLN King and VLN Menthol King brands contain up to 95% less nicotine than conventional traditional cigarettes.

Mish has said the manufacturer has gained regulatory clearances to launch its very-low nicotine tobacco and menthol styled products in nine states: California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, Rhode Island and Texas.

GVB, founded in 2016 and based in Las Vegas, is one of the largest providers of hemp-derived active ingredients in CBD products for pharmaceutical and consumer goods industries.

Mish called the deal a transformational acquisition for 22nd Century that will enable us to rapidly grow our hemp/cannabis franchise.

22nd Century gains a 30,000-square-foot hemp ingredient manufacturing facility in central Oregon, a 40,000-square-foot finished product plant in Las Vegas, and an industrial-scale hemp extraction facility in Prineville, Ore. The companies did not disclose the workforce levels at those facilities.

GVB also has offices in the United Kingdom and Brussels.

With GVB projected to have $48 million in fiscal 2022 revenue, it would more than double 22nd Centurys annual revenue, which was at $30.9 million in fiscal 2021.

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Winston-Salem resident Bambi Daniels is one of 10 competitors from across the country on the new PBS cooking competition show The Great American Recipe.

The eight-part series, which premieres at 9 p.m. June 24, brings together cooks of diverse backgrounds to share not only their recipes but also their stories.

Its a veritable melting pot of contestants from all over the country, from Rhode Island to California and from Oregon to North Carolina. They also come from diverse ethnic heritages, including Syrian, Puerto Rican, Hungarian, Filipino, Mexican, Italian, Korean and Vietnamese. That translates into a wide variety of dishes and flavors on display during the series.

Daniels, 54, is the only cook bringing a solely American cooking repertoire to the table, representing her Southern roots.

She said she got on The Great American Recipe after one of the producers contacted her through Instagram, apparently impressed with her food photos. But she still had to audition, including cooking a dish in under 30 minutes during a live Zoom.

Daniels grew up in South Carolina, came to North Carolina to attend N.C. A&T University in Greensboro and then moved to Winston-Salem after she met her husband, local photographer Owens Daniels.

Her first food memories come from her grandparents farms in Chester and Blair, S.C., where she spent a lot of time as a child.

My family never went out to restaurants, and we still dont even today, Daniels said in a telephone interview this month. My grandmother said, You dont need to be eating out at the store. We ate what we grew and what we raised  we had chicken, we had beef, we had pork, turkey, squirrel  anything you could possibly imagine on the farm and in the woods.

In her family, everything centers around food, she said. There is not a time when I can remember not being in the kitchen.

Even before she was allowed near the stove, she said, she was put to work snapping beans, pulling peas from their pods, washing collard greens and helping out at hog-killing time.

One of the first things she learned to cook was chicken backs. My grandmother loved chicken backs. My cousin Jimmy taught me how to make it for my grandmother. We marinated overnight, slow baked it, and it would fall off the bone, Daniels said.

Daniels is not allowed to say how far she progressed in the competition or even how many episodes in which she appears. But she did say that she chose macaroni and cheese as her signature dish for the first episode. In every Black Southern home, you gotta know how to cook mac and cheese, she says on the show.

She calls her recipe a generational recipe.

Its passed down through the family, but then each generation adds to it, she said.

Her twist is to make it a smoked mac with the addition of smoked gouda and smoked paprika. She also sometimes makes it with bacon.

Daniels has been keeping the results of the show a secret for about a year, so shes ready to see the show air. She still has fond memories of taping it.

It was absolutely great, she said. Its about family and heritage and generational recipes. We became friends; we helped each other. What you see on TV  that was us. We were being ourselves.

We talked about our family, we shared so much, that brought us together. To meet other people from other cultures, from other parts of the United States  it was so much fun.

336-727-7394 @mhastingswsj

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Christopher Culley didnt set out to be a spokesman for residents frustrated by the progress  or lack thereof  on a project to widen Meadowlark Drive that was first approved by voters in 2014.

It just worked out that way.

We havent seen any progress since March, Culley said after emailing a list of concerns to city officials. I dont think Ive seen a worker there since April, and I drive that road nearly every day.

The partial list of concerns begins with safety  lanes blocked by orange barrels mean residents in growing nearby neighborhoods risk being rear-ended on a daily basis  and includes the price tag (nearly $8 million), the company hired to do the work (Smith-Rowe LLC of Mount Airy) and a deadline for completion (September 2023) that looks more unlikely with each idle day that passes.

But the kicker, as absurd as it sounds, is looking at heavy diesel-powered equipment, stacks of concrete pipes and large steel drainage containers just sitting by the side of the road.

Theres weeds and grass growing around it, he said. What gives?

Fair question.

And its one city officials are asking in more formal ways as well.

Lot of moving parts

The whole idea of widening Meadowlark Drive between Robinhood and Country Club roads bubbled up in 2014 when city leaders put it on a wish list of projects to be paid for by some $60 million in street-improvement bonds.

The original cost  $5.6 million  turned out to be a gross underestimate. Many, if not most, of the other projects from that wish list have long since been completed.

But widening Meadowlark and adding a middle turning lane, an important project needed to alleviate traffic generated by a large residential development (Brookberry Farms), Meadowlark Elementary and middle schools, the new Jamison Park and the always pending Northern Beltway, has proved to be far more difficult than anyone imagined.

The bids that came in all exceeded $5.6 million, so city officials basically started over in 2018 by looking for more money.

The price tag has swelled to $7.7 million. The bidding process kicked off again  reading more than 40 pages of bid specifications, including setting a bare minimum wage of $10.80 is eye-opening  in October 2020.

Its a 2-mile project, so there is a lot of property and property owners to deal with, said Alan Temple, the project manager for the city, in 2020. We ran into some budget issues that delayed the project. It is a big, cumbersome project.

The bid winner, Smith-Rowe LLC of Mount Airy, was formally awarded a contract in November 2020. Construction was scheduled to begin in May 2021 and take a little more than two years.

A road-widening six years in the making was finally ready to get underway.

Until it wasnt.

Work slowed to a trickle, neighbors said, and ground to a halt this spring. And thats when the patience of nearby residents wore thin.

Emails, including one from Culley, rolled into city inboxes in April and May and generated some interesting responses from assistant city manager Aaron King.

Staff shares the frustration of the Meadowlark residents, King wrote to City Councilman Robert Clark in a reply copied to three concerned neighbors. During mid- to late March, staff noted that Smith-Rowe was not on site performing work.

Unsatisfactory progress notice

Officials mailed something called a notice of unsatisfactory progress in mid-April, asking for an explanation. A week later, an answer rolled in.

A labor shortage. King said this week that company officials told him they have 50 vacancies among a workforce of about 300.

Its hard to get things done that way, King said. Theyre going at it as hard as they can.

Still, city officials have scheduled a meeting next week with Smith-Rowe, King said, to talk through the issue and more importantly, getting (the project) back on track to be completed by September 2023.

Even with a labor shortage  perhaps, and were just spit-balling here, Smith-Rowe could increase wages or provide better medical insurance to attract new applicants  250 workers seems like plenty to do the required work.

The company did sign a contract, after all. Thats a fair statement, King said. Theres enough there to get it done.

While the city is asking questions, officials are not quite to the breaking point. Smith-Rowe has completed projects here before, King said, and has proven reliable.

Its hard for us to (criticize) when we have a 19% vacancy rate ourselves, King said. Its affecting brush pickup, maintenance, you name it.

Failure to finish on time could trigger liquidated damages  fines of up to $1,000 per day, standard with government contracts these days  and in the extreme, could result in companies not being considered in future bids. Were not looking to cut bait yet, King said. They still have a shot to get it done by the deadline.

Phone messages and emails sent to Smith-Rowe HQ were not returned.

Thats not terribly comforting to neighbors  motorists sitting in traffic worried about being rear-ended and property owners with equipment sitting in front of their homes  whove seen the citys estimates that only 17% of the work has been completed while nearly one-third of the allotted time has passed.

If and when they complete the first half, Country Club Road to Brookberry Farm Road, they then will tear up the next half all the way to Robinhood, Culley said. I now expect we will be dealing with this mess for years.

336-727-7481

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GREENSBORO  Police say they arrested a 33-year-old man after he shot at officers from a hotel room Wednesday night and barricaded himself inside.

Officers responded at 7:22 p.m. to Relax Inn, in the 1700 block of McKnight Mill Road, where Michael Eltorres Stirling Robinson Jr. shot at them as they arrived, according to a news release from Greensboro police.

After hours of negotiations, officers arrested Robinson without further incident just before 11:30 p.m., police said in the news release.

Robinson had outstanding orders for arrest for possession of firearm by a felon, assault on a female, drug charges, and multiple traffic offenses. Police are still investigating and additional charges may be pending.

According to online jail records, Robinson is also charged with burning of personal property. He faces multiple charges of failure to appear, some of which are from Rockingham, records show.

Robinson is scheduled to appear in court this morning.
A nurse facing an involuntary manslaughter charge in the 2019 death of John Neville wants a federal judge to continue the trial in the wrongful-death lawsuit. Her employer, Wellpath LLC, which used to provide medical services for the Forsyth County Jail, has made the same request.

Michelle Heughins, 46, was the only person indicted by a Forsyth County grand jury on April 4. Five former detention officers  Lt. Lavette Maria Williams, Cpl. Edward Joseph Roussel, Officer Sarah Elizabeth Poole, Officer Antonio Woodley Jr., and Officer Christopher Bryan Stamper  who were charged with involuntary manslaughter in July 2020 in Nevilles death, were not indicted.

It is not clear whether Forsyth County prosecutors will try to seek indictments again against the five detention officers. Forsyth County District Attorney Jim ONeill said Wednesday that he has been in continuous communication with Michael Grace, one of the attorneys for John Nevilles family, about the direction of the criminal case. He said no decisions have been made.

Heughins and Wellpath LLC are also the only remaining defendants in the federal lawsuit filed in September 2021 after five former detention officers, Forsyth County Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough Jr. and Forsyth County reached a $3 million settlement with Nevilles son, Sean Neville. A judge is scheduled to consider approval of the lawsuit on June 23 in U.S. District Court in Greensboro.

Just last week, Heughins made her first official appearance in Forsyth Superior Court for what is called an arraignment. At the hearing, Assistant District Attorney Elisabeth Dresel informed Heughins that she was indicted for involuntary manslaughter and asked her how she planned to plead. Heughins declared she was innocent, paving the way, for now, for a date for a jury trial to be set.

Neville, 56, of Greensboro, died Dec. 4, 2019. Prosecutors and the lawsuit allege that 24 hours after he was taken into custody on Dec. 1, 2019, Neville fell from his bunk due to some kind of medical condition and that Heughins and detention officers ignored his medical distress, and the detention officers had Neville pinned in a prone restraint for nearly an hour while Neville said numerous times that he could not breathe.

Kimbrough did not publicly acknowledge Nevilles death for six months until the Winston-Salem Journal asked him questions about it, and news of Nevilles death prompted protests during the summer of 2020, resulting in 55 arrests, and a 49-day occupation of Bailey Park by Triad Abolition Project.

On Monday, Rebecca Thornton, civil attorney for Heughins and Wellpath, filed motions asking to continue the trial in the lawsuit. A trial had been set to begin the week of April 3, 2023. Thornton also is asking a judge to issue a stay on the civil proceedings.

Thornton said that Heughins ability to prepare for a civil trial is hampered by the pending criminal case. For example, Thornton said she has requested certain documents and other evidence from the N.C. Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, including the investigative report, samples of blood, bodily fluid and tissue specimen and other information. Since the criminal case is still pending, Thornton said, it is likely she wont be getting that information anytime soon. That will make it harder, Thornton said, for Heughins and Wellpath to get medical experts for the civil trial.

Heughins criminal defense attorneys have filed 12 motions, with the expectation of filing additional motions, in the criminal case that have yet to be heard. Those motions will likely be heard by a judge in August and next fall, Thornton said.

Richard Keshian, attorney for Sean Neville, said Wednesday that he opposes any delay in the civil case.

We will prepare written responses to the motion explaining our position more fully, but we believe that further delays in the civil case would be unfair to the Neville family, he said.

In the motion to dismiss the indictment, Heughins criminal defense attorneys said she should never have been charged. Members of the Forsyth County Sheriffs Offices Special Response Team had complete tactical control on Dec. 2, 2019, when Neville was found to be in medical distress. They argue that Heughins was there to provide medical assistance and did not have any authority to give orders or to intervene.

It was only after she was allowed back into the cell that Heughins was able to check Neville. When she went back out of the cell, she watched through a window, saw that he was unresponsive and went back in to render aid, the attorneys argued. Four days after Kimbrough first publicly acknowledged Nevilles death, the sheriffs office changed its policy to say that medical personnel shall be afforded full medical autonomy to make decisions and take necessary action to ensure someones health and well-being. On July 9, 2020, the same day that ONeill announced criminal charges against Heughins and the detention officers, the policy was changed again to say, During a medical emergency, medical personnel become primarily responsible for the care of the individual.

Thorntons motion does not specify a new date for the civil trial.

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A Surry County man was shot and killed Saturday night at his home, authorities said Wednesday.

Surry County sheriff's deputies received a report at 9:19 p.m. about a shooting in the 100 block of Moravian Lane, which is northeast of Pilot Mountain, the Surry County Sheriff's Office said.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they found Michael Williams Goins, 47, dead with a gunshot wound, the sheriff's office said.

Detectives and agents with the State Bureau of Investigation determined that the shooting happened during a domestic-assault incident between Goins and his wife, Sherry Palmer Goines, 54, the sheriff's office said.

During the incident, their son, Andrew William Goins, 21, fired a single shot from a gun, the sheriff's office said. All three family members lived at the home.

In its news release, the sheriff's office didn't say whether any charges have been filed in connection with the shooting.

Capt. Scott Hudson of the sheriff's office couldn't be reached Wednesday for comment.

Authorities are investigating the incident, and the sheriff office isn't releasing further information about it.

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Saudi Arabia is likely to allow GCC residents to visit the kingdom visa-free for business, tourism and umrah purposes soon, according to media reports.

Saudi Arabia will soon launch visa-free travel system for all GCC residents with a valid resident and work visa issued by the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qataris immigration authorities, said a Gulf News report quoting business news portal Trends.

The official announcement is likely within days, said the report.

Under the new visa scheme, expats with valid residency and work visas will be allowed entry into Saudi Arabia for business, tourism, and umrah purposes, with the exception of Hajj, the report said.

Currently, foreign nationals from more than 40 countries who live in one of the GCC can obtain their online visa easily and enjoy stays of up to three months in Saudi Arabia.

Last week, Saudi Arabias Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb announced during a TV interview that the kingdom will soon introduce a new visa scheme for GCC residents.
In a state where Toyota is moving forward on a planned $1.3 billion electric vehicle battery plant that is expected to create 1,750 jobs, four Republican N.C. House members have filed legislation  couched as a quest for equity for drivers who still choose to gas up rather than plug in  that would limit access to free electric vehicle chargers.

The Equitable Free Vehicle Fuel Stations Act would require that an equal number of gratis gas pumps be installed anywhere there are no-cost chargers on municipal, county and state property. That would include public parking lots, parks and government-owned facilities.

The legislation, filed May 26, was drafted by Rep. Keith Kidwell, whose district includes Beaufort and Craven counties, and co-sponsored by Ben Moss (Montgomery, Richmond, Stanly), Mark Brody (Anson, Union) and George Cleveland (Onslow).

I believe in clean, renewable energy solutions that are brought forward by the free market, co-sponsor Moss wrote in an email to the Journal. However, I dont believe that taxpayers should be footing the bill by providing free electric vehicle charging stations on state and local government property unless the same locations offer gasoline or diesel fuel at no charge. There is no reason hardworking taxpayers should be subsidizing energy costs for the owners of $100,000+ vehicles. Until EVs are affordable for working families and made 100% in the USA, we need to do more to increase American energy production.

In addition to the pump-per-plug mandate, the bill also would force businesses with free electric vehicle chargers to disclose on customers receipts what percentage of their purchase goes toward paying for them.

Clean-energy advocates call the legislation a blatant attempt to inconvenience electric vehicle owners.

So were going to tell private businesses what they can provide at no charge to attract customers? Bill Blancato, a Winston-Salem attorney and regional coordinator for Climate Lobby, asked in an email as he sat at a Tesla supercharger in Richmond, Virginia, on Tuesday afternoon. If were being consistent, we should tell customers how much free parking costs. Free parking doesnt benefit people who walk to the business.

Run on the same roads

Brody, one of the bills other co-sponsors, said he signed on with the understanding that the proposal will evolve.

Rep. Kidwell wrote it, and I think he was trying to make a point, Brody explained, adding that no one really expects gasoline giveaways. Electric vehicles are coming, and we have to be ready for them.

Cost and regulatory issues would make installing gas pumps impractical  if not impossible  in most places where charging stations are easily connected to the electric grid.

But the bill gives context to perceived inequities between traditional vehicle owners who pay the states 36-cents-per-gallon gas tax and electric vehicle drivers who do not, Brody said.

North Carolinas pump tax generates nearly $2 billion per year for highway projects.

They still run on the same roads, Brody said of electric vehicles. Even if you dont buy gas, you still have to make a contribution toward the cost of maintaining those roads.

But the notion that North Carolina electric vehicle drivers are benefitting financially at the expense of traditional vehicle owners is a fallacy, a 2019 study by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University found.

The research concluded that electric vehicle owners would have paid an average of about $100 a year in gas taxes if they instead were driving a traditional vehicle of similar size and model year.

But those lost gas taxes are more than offset by the additional $130 in annual state registration fees charged exclusively to electric vehicle owners, the study noted.

Based on N.C. States findings, the nearly 28,000 fully electric vehicles currently registered in North Carolina should generate about $800,000 more in annual revenue this year than comparable traditional vehicles belonging to the same owners would have.

Legislation that will go nowhere

Michael Fairrington, government affairs manager at the N.C. Sustainable Energy Association, said the Equitable Free Vehicle Fuel Stations Act is just the latest legislative attempt to stall electric vehicle growth in North Carolina.

These bills dont tend to gain much momentum given the traction and popularity of EVs among consumers across the state, he explained.

However, North Carolina faces a long road to reach Gov. Roy Coopers target of having at least 1.25 million registered emission-free vehicles in the state by 2030.

That and other goals aimed at slowing climate change must be backed up by laws that actually push the state toward renewable energy, advocates insist. A bill that discourages free electric vehicle charging is aimed at applying the brakes to that transition, said Climate Lobbys Blancato.

Instead of introducing legislation that will go nowhere  like a car thats out of gas  these legislators should think about how North Carolina can help working families take advantage of new energy efficient technologies like electric vehicles, he concluded.

John Deem covers climate change and the environment in the Triad and Northwest North Carolina. His work is funded by a grant from the 1Earth Fund and the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. 336-727-7204

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WINSTON-SALEM  Authorities are asking for the public's help locating a missing 51-year-old woman.

The N.C. Center for Missing Persons has issued a Silver Alert for Wendy Carrie Taylor, who is described in a news release as 5 feet 6 inches tall and approximately 130 pounds. She has blue eyes and her hair was recently colored brown.

Taylor was last seen wearing a blue/gray tank top, blue jeans, white shoes and carrying a white backpack in the area of Robinhood Road. She is believed to be suffering from dementia or some other cognitive impairment.

Authorities ask anyone with any information to call the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336-773-7700, Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800, or En Espanol 336-728-3904.
Legislation that would allow the use of civilian traffic investigators for property damage incidents inched forward in the N.C. House on Wednesday.

However, it appears likely that to advance any further, none of the six local House or Senate bills on the issue could contain language allowing those civilians to issue citations.

On Wednesday, the House Judiciary 2 committee removed the citation language from House Bill 1011 before recommending it to Rules and Operations committee.

Although HB1011 concerns just Greenville and Wilmington, legislative staff said the stripping of the citation language affects Democratic-sponsored bills with similar intentions in the Triad: Senate Bill 809 that covers Winston-Salem and Senate Bill 912 that covers Greensboro.

The Winston-Salem and Greensboro bills have not been placed in a Senate committee as of Wednesday,

According to state statute 20-166.1, if a motor vehicle accident happens in a city or town, drivers are required to call the local police department.

If the accident occurs outside a city or town, drivers must call the N.C. Highway Patrol or the county sheriffs office.

The Wilmington Police Department began using two civilian traffic investigators in 2008, according to a 2018 Spectrum News report. The report said the two investigators had averaged more than 1,000 accidents every year through at least 2017.

The Fayetteville Police Department operates with a similar civilian traffic investigator authority.

Civilian traffic investigators in Fayetteville and Wilmington are not allowed to write citations, nor are they authorized to arrest or issue criminal processes.

The initial version of HB1011 would allow the Greenville Police Department to authorize civilian traffic investigators akin to Wilmington. That authority remains in the revamped bill.

It also would have expanded Wilmington civilian investigators authority to include issuing citations for infractions, as well as permit Greenville to have the same citation authority.

Rep. Carson Smith, R-Pender, said he submitted the amendment to remove the citation language because he viewed it as just the first step toward expanding the authority of civilian traffic investigators beyond what legislators may be comfortable with.

Smith said HB1011 was unlikely to gain Judiciary 2s recommendation with the citation language included.

We need to talk through this some more, Smith said.

Rep. Sarah Stevens, R-Wilkes and chairwoman of Judiciary 2, said the citation language represents a pretty significant leap for a program that has been experimental anyway.

Stevens said she wants more input from the state Department of Public Safety and the Fayetteville and Wilmington police departments before supporting any expanded authority of civilian traffic investigators.

On Tuesday, House Bill 1024 that affects the city of Durham cleared the House Local Government committee and was sent to Judiciary 2. The Durham bill does not include the citation language.

Triad bills

SB809, with nearly identical language to HB1024, was filed May 27 by Sen. Paul Lowe, D-Forsyth, at the request of Winston-Salem city officials.

Lowe could not be immediately reached for comment on whether he would remove the citation language from SB809.

The city has a shortage of law-enforcement officers and moving routine traffic accidents to civilians would allow sworn officers to handle more serious crimes.

Lowe said he and Sen. Joyce Krawiec, R-Forsyth, were asked by police Chief Catrina Thompson about submitting SB809 to help with addressing the obvious shortage of law enforcement officers in the city.

We met with our local delegation from Raleigh and asked them to sponsor that legislation, Lee Garrity, Winston-Salems city manager, said June 4. We have such a shortage of police officers.

We are looking for alternatives for providing some services where you would not need necessarily a sworn officer.

SB912 was filed June 1 by Sens. Michael Garrett and Gladys Robinson, both D-Guilford.

Lowe said there was conversation about Guilford and Forsyth submitting their bills together, but opted for separate bills to take their own path during the current session.

For the Guilford delegation, SB912 represents its second attempt for the authorization.

House Bill 303 has the sponsorship support of three of the delegations four Democrats and its two Republicans.

The initial version of HB303 was filed March 16, 2021 with the purpose of authorizing Greensboro to establish a small business enterprise program. SB912 also contains much of the small business enterprise language.

HB303 was amended on April 22, 2021, to add the civilian traffic investigator language. The bill cleared the House on voice vote the same day.

It was sent to the state Senate four days later, where it was placed in Rules and Operations and has not been acted upon. Rep. Jon Hardister, R-Guilford, said Wednesday he continues to pursue Senate support for HB303.

Main SB809 details

According to SB809, a report completed by a civilian traffic investigator shall be treated the same as if it were completed by a law enforcement officer. The investigator could authorize the use of a tow vehicle to remove a vehicle that is obstructing a public street or highway.

However, only law enforcement would be able to investigate a crash involving alcohol, personal injury or a fatality.

Each civilian investigator required to attend a training program designed by the city in consultation with the N.C. Justice Academy.

Civilian traffic investigators would be issued credentials, but no badges or weapons, by the city. They would wear a uniform color substantially different in color and style from a local police officer.

The civilian traffic investigator would be required to produce those credentials when requested by a member of the public involved in or a witness to a crash.

Their vehicle may have emergency equipment and lights installed, but shall not use blue lights in any manner or form. Red and amber lights are permissible.

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As students head toward the end of their secondary education, it can be difficult to decide what comes next. Some may choose to attend a traditional four-year college, while others prefer to promptly enter the workforce. To help students find out what is right for them, Southeast Community College offers high school students the opportunity to enroll in the Southeast Nebraska Career Academy Partnership, also known as SENCAP.

Low-cost college and career prep

SENCAP allows high school juniors and seniors to explore a career field of their interest through college-level coursework and hands-on experiences. Students can earn college credits and credentials while also getting a chance to build bridges with future employers through job shadowing, field trips and presentations by professional speakers. Putting together a resume, writing cover letters and practicing interview skills are also part of the program.

Currently, all public schools in SCCs 15-county service area, as well as many parochial schools, participate in SENCAP. To support SENCAP students while they prepare for their future career or postsecondary education, the college waives half of the tuition and fees. The other half is either covered by the student or their K-12 school district, where funding is available. With the cost of college tuition on the rise everywhere, this can make a huge difference financially for students and their families.

SENCAP students can choose a pathway from a variety of industries such as agriculture, automotive technology, business, health sciences, manufacturing in energy and welding and many others. These pathways can count toward one to two semesters of a students college curriculum. This gives students the freedom to either graduate early, prepare to enter the workforce, or even take lighter course loads each semester, leaving time for extracurricular activities or work opportunities.

New pathways coming fall 2022

One of the new and expanded pathways coming in the fall semester of the 2022 Fall Semester is Academic Transfer.

We recommend it for all of our students who dont intend to continue on at SCC. If they decide to go to a four-year school, they can take eight classes and it would shave off 20% of their bachelors degree, says Dr. Brian Stark, senior administrative director at SENCAP. They are all general education courses, and they transfer to any school in the state of Nebraska. This allows them to jump into some of the courses for their chosen discipline right away at the college level.

Another exciting new pathway coming this fall is practical nursing.

Practical nursing is a big part of our smaller communities that we service, says Stark. The core classes for LPN would shave off one semester so a student would only need one more year at SCC to graduate.

For those students who plan to begin their career when they graduate high school, SENCAP offers courses that earn credentials and certificates to give them a leg up when job hunting.

We recently realigned some of our pathways so we are now offering eight college credentials for high school students. For example, with the business pathway they can get a general business certificate, says Stark. Our goal is to help support students so if they decide they dont want to continue on to college they have some credentials when they graduate high school. If they do decide to go on, these credentials are stackable with our associate degrees.

Future leaders start here

SENCAP looks to the Perkins V Needs Assessment for each of the counties in its service area to ensure they are offering pathways that will equate to high-wage, high-demand jobs for students upon graduation.

We are doing CDL certificates, which might scare some folks that a high school senior  the course is for seniors only  might be behind a big rig, but it is actually the number one most in-demand job in Lancaster County as well as our 15-county region, says Stark.

The goal of SENCAP is to create an educated workforce that is ready to start long-term careers sooner. By helping high school students prepare for college and improve their career prospects, Southeast Community College is building a brighter tomorrow.

Its a wonderful opportunity to support our local communities and our future leaders, says Stark.

For more information, visit southeast.edu/sencap.

This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com.

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Jim Carveth looked closer to home when he decided it was time to sell his longtime bike shops.

But his kids hadnt followed him into the business, and he couldnt find an employee ready to make the investment.

He didnt want to sell his Bike Rack stores in Lincoln and Omaha to just anybody.

Ive been working on this a little while. I think its the best thing for employees to have a really strong company that has the wherewithal to weather all the storms.

And he found that company, he said, in one of the worlds leading bike builders, Trek Bicycles.

He announced the sale to Trek on Facebook early Wednesday. We knew we wanted to work with people who share our long-term vision  and would provide the same commitment to hospitality and service to our customers, he wrote.

Carveth got into the business in 1991, when he bought the Freewheeling Bike Shop near 13th and K and renamed it Blues Bicycles and Fitness. Two years later, he bought the Schwinn Cyclery at 33rd and Pioneers and eventually consolidated his stores there.

In 1997, he bought the Bike Rack in Omaha, which is now near North 144th and West Maple and is celebrating its 50th year in business. In 1999, he renamed his Lincoln store the Bike Rack.

Both locations will close from July 11 to July 22 for remodeling, and he urged customers who have bikes there to be serviced  or on hold or layaway  to pick them up before then.

Trek Bicycles will keep the Bike Racks 45 full- and part-time employees, Carveth said.

The Wisconsin-based company already operates a Trek Bicycles store in Omaha near 72nd and Dodge.

Reach the writer at 402-473-7254 or psalter@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSPeterSalter

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A Lancaster County jury Wednesday found a former Nebraska State Penitentiary inmate not guilty of a prison assault last year.

Prosecutors had charged Cody Granfield, a 35-year-old Hoskins man, as a habitual criminal, meaning he would've faced a minimum of 10 years in prison if he was convicted.

Both men have been released from prison after finishing their sentences.

In closing arguments Wednesday, Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Charles Byrd said the 43-year-old inmate who was beaten in a bathroom at the Nebraska State Penitentiary on June 19, 2021, testified that Granfield was holding him as another inmate punched him in the face.

The inmate who was beaten had snuck into a housing unit where he wasn't supposed to be in order to meet for the fight, though it was disputed if he or Granfield had set up the fight.

It wasn't on video because it happened in the bathroom, where there are no cameras. But video showed them and several other inmates entering the bathroom before the injured man was found knocked out.

He woke up in the hospital with a hematoma and bruising around his eye and a cut to his eyebrow that required stitches.

Byrd said Granfield was there to send a message to others not to disrespect the prison gang to which he was a part by beating the inmate senseless.

Defense attorney Mona Burton said Granfield simply watched a fight.

"That's not a crime," she said.

The injured inmate said Granfield held him as Clayton Highwolf, struck him.

Granfield denied he ever touched him.

Reach the writer at 402-473-7237 or lpilger@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSpilger

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Lancaster County's chief deputy on Thursday urged Lincoln-area residents to "please lock your cars" after another vehicle was stolen with the keys inside.

Ben Houchin said the use of Tile key tracker helped deputies recover a stolen 2002 Toyota truck on Wednesday after a 19-year-old man had left the windows down and keys inside at 12500 Yankee Hill Road, southeast of Lincoln.

Houchin said the 19-year-old directed authorities to the area of 25th and R streets in Lincoln, where the Tile app indicated his keys were.

Deputies performed a traffic stop on the vehicle near 23rd and U streets and arrested a 62-year-old man who was later charged with a misdemeanor. He was taken to the Lancaster County jail and the Toyota, worth around $2,500 was returned.

"Please lock your cars," Houchin said. "Don't leave your keys in there. Please quit leaving property of value in there, especially in view."

"I know it doesn't mean that people have the right to go in and steal your stuff, but, boy, if it's just there, there's a lot of individuals just going around looking for crimes of opportunity," he added.

In Lincoln, the police department has tracked a 59.8% increase in vehicle thefts this year compared to the five-year, year-to-date average, according to department data.

In June alone, car thefts have increased by more than 65% compared to June 2021. Nearly 30% of vehicles stolen in the city this month were unlocked with the keys inside.

Reach the writer at 402-473-7223 or awegley@journalstar.com. On Twitter @andrewwegley

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A 25-year-old Lincoln man who police say robbed a woman of her car at gunpoint in November was arrested for the crime on Wednesday, according to authorities.

Larenzo Clemons is accused of approaching the 24-year-old woman near 22nd and S streets around 11:30 p.m. Nov. 3 and demanding her car keys before threatening to shoot her, Lincoln Police Investigator Jessica Drager said in the affidavit for his arrest.

The woman told police Clemons had his hand in his hoodie and she believed he was gripping a weapon when he lodged the threat, Drager said.

The 24-year-old picked Clemons, who police believe was in the area that night, out of a photo lineup as the alleged robber, according to the affidavit.

Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers found Clemons with the woman's stalled car on Interstate 29 in Buchanan County, Missouri, two days after the robbery, Drager said.

Clemons had been held at the Buchanan County jail in St. Joseph on Missouri charges stemming from his run-in with the Highway Patrol there. He was booked into the Lancaster County jail on Wednesday.

Reach the writer at 402-473-7223 or awegley@journalstar.com. On Twitter @andrewwegley

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When Lincoln Southwest High School theater director Bob Henrichs heard about the Cyndi Lauper shoutout, he rightfully erred on the side of disbelief.

There could be no way. The Cyndi Lauper of '80s pop music fame? Who wrote such hits as "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and "Time After Time"? Not to mention the Tony Award-winning musical "Kinky Boots," which Southwest performed last December.

"It was like, 'Oh, my gosh, is this really true?'" Henrichs said Wednesday.

Indeed, Lauper had turned to Facebook last year to praise Southwest for putting on a "great version" of her 2012 musical. Jerry Mitchell, the choreographer and director of the Broadway show, even sent the cast and crew a personal video, too.

But it wasn't just the performance that impressed Lauper. It was the fact that Southwest was using the show to raise money for the Trevor Project, the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth.

The students raised about $3,000 for the organization through their performances last year, but they're not done yet.

On Thursday and Friday, the students will reprise their roles in "Kinky Boots" at Southwest before heading next week to Bloomington, Indiana, for the International Thespian Festival, where they'll be one of six schools from across the country to take the main stage.

"Kinky Boots" WHAT: Lincoln Southwest is reprising its fall musical "Kinky Boots" for two benefit performances to raise money to attend the International Thespian Festival next week. WHEN: 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday. TICKETS: $20. Order tickets online at www.showtix4u.com/event-details/64978. Seats are limited for both shows.

It's the second year in a row and fourth time overall that Southwest has reached the prestigious high school theater festival's main stage, the only school in Lincoln to ever do so and the only school in Nebraska in the past 30 years.

Last year, the school's rendition of the musical "Newsies" earned main-stage honors, but the festival  which was held in Lincoln before moving to Indiana a few years ago  was held virtually, which meant no live performances.

"We just had to click send and send the video link," Henrichs said.

But this year's festival is returning to its in-person format. The two benefit performances at Southwest on Thursday and Friday, which both start at 7 p.m., will raise money to pay for the cast and crew to attend the festival. It will also help pay for production costs, including moving the set's 40-by-18-feet faux-brick factory wall made of Styrofoam.

"It's about 1,000 pounds of wall that has to be (moved)," Henrichs said.

Each upcoming performance will feature a "minute to give it" fundraiser, in which audience members can make cash donations to the Trevor Project on site. You can also donate at https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/59958.

For Southwest junior Steven Dao, who plays the drag queen Lola in "Kinky Boots," raising money for the Trevor Project was personal for him as a member of the LGBTQ community.

"It was just something that we wanted to do ... in the light of the LGBTQ community and the hardships that we face being openly gay," he said.

Dao got involved in musical theater as a crew member his freshman year before earning prominent roles in productions of "Newsies" and "Mamma Mia" his sophomore year.

When he auditioned for "Kinky Boots," he originally wanted to play the main role of Charlie Price, who takes over the failing shoe factory from his father and forms an unlikely partnership with Lola to produce a line of high-heeled boots and save the business.

In fact, playing Lola wasn't even on his mind.

"I did not want to touch the role," Dao said.

It was difficult as first, he says. He felt like he was trying too hard to emulate Billy Porter, who played Lola on Broadway, rather than just being himself.

"As I continued and got more comfortable and accepted myself as the character, I put myself in the role rather than putting someone else in the role," he said.

He especially credits Jami Tesch and Tricia Aldag, instructors from the local dance school Pas de Deux, in helping him learn the choreography.

And when he found out in January that the school's production was invited to the mainstage, Dao  like many of his peers  was surprised.

"We were all in shock," he said. "All the hard work for the past couple of months felt paid off."

Southwest wasn't even planning on putting on the musical until Music Theatre International, a licensing agency in New York, reached out to Henrichs asking if the school would be interested in being part of free nationwide pilot of the show, which was based off a 2005 British movie of the same name.

"It was too good to pass up," Henrichs said.

The Silver Hawk cast was allowed to use the original, trademarked choreography from the show, too.

In the end, raising money for the Trevor Project went hand-in-hand with "Kinky Boots," a show about "the positive message of being yourself," acceptance and love, Henrichs said.

Southwest has used past shows to raise money for other organizations, too, including the Matthew Sheppard Foundation when it put on the play "The Laramie Project."

Next week, the Southwest cast will perform "Kinky Boots" twice on the Indiana University campus, where thousands of students will flock for the weeklong event. They take the stage on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

For Dao, it will be culmination of everybody's hard work.

"It's kind of a team effort to get there."

Contact the writer at zhammack@journalstar.com or 402-473-7225. On Twitter @HammackLJS

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KEARNEY  A Kearney man is accused of sexually assaulting a minor.

Andrew Gage, 19, is charged in Buffalo County Court with felony first-degree sexual assault of a person at least 12 years old, but less than 16. The charge alleges sexual penetration between April 30 and May 1.

A warrant was issued for his arrest on May 25, and he was arrested on May 26.

Records detailing the case are sealed.

Gage posted a $15,000 bond and is free. He is scheduled to appear in court later this month.

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The transformation of Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, the most global brand within Marriott Bonvoys portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, continues to gain momentum in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) with six redesigned properties exemplifying the modernised design concept.

The properties are: Sheraton Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Sheraton Amsterdam Airport, Netherlands; Sheraton Frankfurt Airport, Germany; Sheraton Grand Krakow, Poland; Sheraton Djibouti, Djibouti; and Sheraton Tel Aviv, Israel.

The refreshed hotels join the growing number of properties around the world displaying the brands design transformation, with nearly 50 hotels globally  including four other properties in EMEA  expected to be completed by years end, said the group.

Following the transformation of two marque destinations in Dubai and Istanbul, a further six hotels in EMEA have entered a new chapter showcasing the brands new vision, said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President, Premium & Select Brands, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. As Sheraton continues to inspire new journeys this year, we look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy all the familiar comforts of the brand, but with fresh, contemporary updates.

The new approach draws on the brands roots as a community hub with places to connect and be productive. The design balances timelessness with a fresh and modern feel, creating an environment where guests feel comfortable and at ease whether working, meeting or relaxing. Built with its global, productivity-focused guest in mind, Sheratons new elevated food and beverage philosophy and seamless technology integration are additional focal points of the brands transformation.

Sheraton Jeddah Hotel, Saudi Arabia

Jeddahs iconic Sheraton Jeddah Hotel has been a landmark of the citys waterfront for more than 30 years, with an exclusive location on the North Corniche, just 10-minutes walk from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. Following a year-long renovation, Sheraton Jeddah Hotel offers 172 completely redesigned rooms and suites. From spacious 28 sq m to an expansive 138 sq m Royal Suite, each guest room is flooded with natural light featuring soft finishes and light wood tones, tools for productivity and breath-taking views of the Red Sea.

A focal space of the hotels transformation, the elevated and expansive lobby is reimagined as a holistic, open area. Here, all-day dining venue Thrive Cafe serves international and local cuisine, and the brands Community Tables, tech-enabled Studios, and Booths provide communal or private spaces to work and connect.

Surrounded by local attractions, the hotel is a popular leisure destination for residents and travellers with direct access to explore the Red Seas coral reefs either snorkelling or diving. Additional facilities include three elevated dining venues, an outdoor swimming pool, Sheraton Fitness Centre, five meeting rooms, and a ballroom with private access.

Sheraton Djibouti, Djibouti

Located on the Plateau du Serpent in the old Diplomatic Quarter and walking distance from downtown, Sheraton Djibouti was the first international hotel to open in the capital and holds special memories for many Djiboutians who have gathered at the hotel for family occasions and cultural celebrations over the hotels 40-year history. The 185-guestroom hotel is the first Sheraton in Africa to debut the brands new vision following a multi-million-dollar investment. The new lobby serves as the heart of the guest experience featuring a refreshed and contemporary aesthetic, and new signatures such as Community Tables, Studios, and &More by Sheraton. Additional amenities include a sophisticated Sheraton Club lounge, swimming pool, private beach, 24-hour fitness room, updated meeting spaces and ballroom, and phased remodelled guestrooms and suites.

Sheraton Tel Aviv, Israel

A landmark in the city, Sheraton Tel Aviv has undergone extensive renovations to introduce the brands new, intuitive, and holistic design approach with places for guests to gather. The hotel features &More by Sheraton  the brands bar, coffee bar, market concept. Serving as an anchor of the public space, &More by Sheraton serves coffee and pastries in the morning, craft beer and cheese plates in the evening, and premium, workable grab and go food throughout the day. The new public spaces also feature the brands signature Community Tables, Studios and Booths.

The new Sheraton Club, on the 18th floor, is available to Marriott Bonvoy Elite members and guests who upgrade their stay. From here, guests can take in the sprawling views across the Mediterranean Sea and the city. True to the brands vision, the exclusive space is welcoming, stylish, and purposefully and offers complimentary breakfast, evening appetisers, and a selection of refreshments. The spacious 318 guest rooms and suites have also been fully transformed to natural light-filled spaces with a warm, residential appeal along with new tools for productivity including a height-adjustable worktable with integrated power and charging stations.

This iconic beachside hotel is a perfect destination for leisure travellers, located in the heart of the Herbert Samuel Boardwalk and overlooking the coastline. -TradeArabia News Service
Eight years ago, a pair of tornadoes tore through Pilger in northeast Nebraska, taking with them dozens of homes, hundreds of trees and two lives.

Soon after that natural disaster, a man-made disaster befell Pilger. Like the tornadoes, its impact lingers.

Village clerk Kimberly Neiman emerged a hero after the storm. Her own home was leveled, yet she worked to bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars in recovery grants and donations. She won awards. She basked in the media spotlight.

I have taken it upon myself to feel like it's  my duty to have the weight of Pilger on me every day when I wake up, Neiman told the Norfolk Daily News in 2015.

Bank President Gene Willers worked closely with Neiman after the tornado. He saw her knack for securing grants and navigating disaster aid.

He noted her annoyance that many of those dollars went to a special post-tornado committee, not directly into village accounts.

What the bank president didnt see was that a staggering amount of the money Neiman controlled disappeared to strange places.

Village checks went to apartment buildings in Canada, out-of-state mailrooms, to a mystery man in Cambodia.

It was a giant scam, maybe. Some believe it was payments tied to alleged threats dangling over Neimans head. The details and motive remain elusive.

This much is clear: In 2021, Neiman was sentenced to three years in prison after officials discovered more than $700,000 in misspent funds from Pilger accounts.

Somebody punched you in the gut with the tornado, Willers said. And then, they came in with a haymaker a few years later.

Pilger isnt the only town to be victimized by its clerk, who often runs the show  and the purse strings  in small Nebraska towns. Its one of 17 small towns in the state where clerks have reportedly stolen $1.7 million in the past decade alone.

Pilger accounts for 42% of that $1.7 million. For tornado survivors, Neiman's theft delivered a second blow during a time of fraught recovery.

Neiman will walk out of prison in July, one month after the eighth anniversary of the Pilger tornadoes. She and her husband both declined interviews for this story.

She's about to be released, and I still have no idea where any of the money is, said Mike Unger, Stanton County sheriff. I have no idea if she profited. I have no way of knowing. But I have my suspicions.

* * *

The volunteer firefighters she trained dubbed her Momma Kim.

You needed something, you went to her, Unger said.

In 2018, Pilger's auditor noticed checks signed by Neiman that were never approved by the Village Board.

The catch spurred a closer look at the books managed by Neiman, who started as clerk in 1998.

At the auditors request, Neiman filed a consumer complaint with the Nebraska attorney general, blaming the transactions on the post-tornado chaos.

She filed another report with the Stanton County sheriff, saying she might have been scammed out of a couple thousand dollars, Unger said.

But within a couple weeks, it started mushrooming, he said.

By March 2019, a state audit found $718,000 in checks and credit card transactions sent by Neiman to possible scammers.

These payments never received board approval. But board chair Amber Labenz told auditors that she would sign everything Neiman presented her, including blank checks.

This money often landed in the same spots. One man, Gavin Evento, a resident of Cambodia, received $233,408 in payments over five years. County officials alleged the pair were connected before Neiman moved to Nebraska, the 2020 arrest warrant says.

Evento still calls Pilger claiming he's owed money, Unger said. Evento did not respond to a message requesting an interview.

Neiman had sent the mystery checks for at least eight years before the tornadoes, investigators found.

Then, after the tornadoes  when donations flooded village accounts  the shady transactions skyrocketed.

From $42,199 in 2014, to $241,127 in 2018.

By 2020, Neiman was arrested for 17 alleged crimes, including seven counts of theft.

But proving the theft proved frustrating. The sheriff asked for help from the state attorney general and the federal government  anyone with expertise untangling white-collar crimes.

Neither stepped in, Unger said. Residents felt like the agencies believed it was too small a case. But for Pilger, a village with a budget of roughly $1 million, it was huge.

The money could have gone toward road repairs and other things it takes to keep a village like Pilger running.

For years, it had always been, Can we fix the roads? We don't have the money. Can we build a community center? We don't have the money, said LeeAnn Westerhaus, a member of the post-tornado committee.

Midway through the investigation, Neiman changed her story. She wasnt being scammed  she was being threatened.

They had threatened me and my family, so I paid them with village funds, she told the village attorney, the warrant says. But she never revealed the mysterious they.

Neiman and prosecutors ended up striking a plea deal. She was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay $44,381 in restitution.

Bert Lammli, Stanton County attorney, said the case was hanging by the thread of proving Neiman benefited from the unapproved spending. But investigators could never track the money back to her accounts.

What do you think? Lammli said. Would the jury have brought back a guilty verdict when we could not prove that the defendant got any of the money?

No trial meant Neiman never took the stand. Pilger residents never got the answers they craved.

We were cheated out of a trial, Willers said.

* * *

In 2015, Angela Denton appeared on The Weather Channel representing Pilger.

We wouldn't be where we are without Kim, she said on national TV.

Denton and her husband run a Pilger trucking business. She spent years after the tornadoes rebuilding her hometown.

You feel like a fool, she said, looking back on her praise of Neiman.

Rumors swirled after Neiman's sentencing.

She was blackmailed and used village funds to cover it, some proposed.

She was getting kickbacks from each check sent, others said.

She had help from others in Pilger.

She did nothing wrong.

Kim's actions have divided that community, Unger said. It caused a lot of pain and suffering to those who still remain there.

Residents look back on the milestones after the tornado  the community center, a new bank, the money Neiman brought into town  and wonder if she had ulterior motives the whole time.

You trust word of mouth, you trust a handshake, said Barb Wolverton, a Pilger resident for 23 years. Its supposed to mean something.

Denton believes the board irresponsibly trusted Neiman  to the point where they signed blank checks and followed her rebuilding decisions.

She spoonfed a lot to the board, Denton said.

While the village has fraud insurance, it's unclear if it will ever see the rest of the $718,000. Since the case ended with a plea deal, the money is still in limbo, said Kory Koehlmoos, Village Board co-chair.

A year ago, Neiman wrote a letter to the fire department from prison, saying she holds no grudges, Koehlmoos said. It said she hopes she can one day return to work with the Pilger volunteer fire department.

To do so would require the same interview process as any other applicant, Koehlmoos said.

Weve got to treat everybody equally and fairly, he said.

Even Kim Neiman, who, if she does apply, would need the approval of the fire department that she stole $25,000 from. Then shed need the ultimate sign off: the Pilger Village Board.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraskas first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter. Learn more at flatwaterfreepress.org.

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Omaha National Cemetery plans to build more than 6,000 new gravesites in 2023, the first major expansion since the Department of Veterans Affairs opened the cemetery six years ago.

The project, called Phase 2, will add a large section with 2,500 spaces for casketed burials, said Jason Dolan, the cemeterys director, along with 3,720 spaces for cremated remains.

Though plenty of empty land remains, Omaha National Cemetery has been filling up faster than expected. Before it opened in September 2016, planners anticipated about 500 burials per year.

But already, 4,200 people have been buried there, more than 700 per year. Last years total of 870 was even higher, in part because of ceremonies deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

When funding became available, the VA decided to go ahead with construction a couple of years ahead of schedule, Dolan said. But he expects the 236-acre cemetery will continue to accommodate veteran burials for decades into the future.

We are not in any danger of running out of space, he said.

The new area for casketed burials, called Section 10, is in the southeast quadrant of the central section that is surrounded by the circular main road.

The new columbarium wall for cremated remains will be west of the central flagpole, next to an existing one. A section for in-ground cremated remains, Section 13, will be along a new cul-de-sac northwest of the circular lane.

The Phase 2 construction has been put out for a bid, Dolan said. Construction is likely to start in the late fall or early next spring.

He said the VA declined to release the budget for the project to avoid tipping their hand to potential bidders.

Before the cemeterys opening, the states only national cemetery was Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebraska, 267 miles west of Omaha.

Local veterans spent more than a decade lobbying for a VA cemetery in Sarpy County. But the Omaha area didnt meet veteran population requirements in place at the time. In 2009, then-Rep. Lee Terry, who represented the area, championed legislation to lower the requirement.

In 2012, the VA purchased the 236-acre site, at Nebraska 50 and Schram Road in western Sarpy County, for $6.2 million.

The first phase, with a price tag of $28.9 million, included roads, buildings and other infrastructure, along with 5,000 burial sites.

Dolan said the VA plans to expand Fort McPherson National Cemetery, which dates to 1873. He said 17 acres are being purchased adjacent to the existing 20 acres  enough to last another 100 years, according to VA forecasts.

The Omaha cemetery is supported by a cadre of veteran volunteers who staff a welcome desk in the administrative headquarters, place flags on special holidays and raise money for items not covered by the VA budget.

People are pleased its here. Thats their reason: Its beautiful, said Victor Jones, an officer of the Omaha National Cemetery Support Committee.

They feel so comfortable, because its so peaceful, added Sharon Bissen, the cemeterys volunteer coordinator.

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After a very expensive winter, home heating costs fall. Household use of natural gas fluctuates with the weather, and as furnaces go dormant, utility bills ease.

But that seasonal decline is masking a breakneck rise in price. The spot price of U.S. benchmark Henry Hub has doubled since March, according to Insider. It surpassed $9 per thousand cubic feet last week  triple its spot price at this time last year  for the first time in almost 14 years.

Some natural gas companies in the Intermountain West say the regions lack of access to overseas markets is partly to blame.

If we were able to export the natural gas thats trapped in Wyoming, Colorado and Utah to Asia, that would lead the price around the world, said H. Howard Cooper, president of Colorado-based Three Crown Petroleum.

The problem for Wyoming and its landlocked neighbors is that they cant export that gas on their own. Their only access to international markets comes through coastal states. But the countrys existing capacity is concentrated along the distant shores of the East Coast, the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska, all too far away to be of much use.

There are no liquified natural gas (LNG) export terminals in the West  and the West Coast doesnt want them.

Wyoming very much does.

Ongoing shortages

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the international rejection of Russian energy exports that followed are directly responsible for the spike in global oil and gasoline prices and European natural gas prices.

That disruption has been much more muted for natural gas markets outside of Europe.

U.S. natural gas prices are going up primarily because the countrys production is still recovering from its collapse early in the pandemic, and coronavirus-related supply chain issues and labor shortages are now impeding companies that want to drill, slowing the industrys growth.

As temperatures rise and air conditioners kick on, people consume more electricity  much of it generated from natural gas. And the supply of natural gas isnt keeping pace with that demand.

Europes search for non-Russian sources of natural gas has also exacerbated the imbalance. The U.S.  forecast to be the worlds top LNG exporter this year  maxed out its export capacity as European prices soared. Its LNG shipments went up 18% in the first four months of 2022, according to the Energy Information Administration, and arent expected to slow anytime soon (though an explosion at one of the biggest U.S. LNG export plants on Wednesday will take about 20% of the countrys processing offline for at least the next few weeks).

We have the capability of displacing all of the Russian natural gas thats flowing into Europe, today said Paul Ulrich, vice president of government and regulatory affairs at the Denver-based oil and gas company Jonah Energy. Now, with our current LNG infrastructure, most of that natural gas will be coming through Gulf of Mexico ports.

Before Europes energy crisis, existing U.S. ports primarily exported natural gas to Asia. Between January and April of this year, 74% of the countrys exports went to Europe.

LNG export capacity is a hard thing to change, at least in the short term. Scaling it up is a lengthy, costly and controversial process, embroiled in concerns about the terminals long-term economic prospects and contributions to climate change.

Which means, as Cooper emphasized, that devoting most of the existing capacity to Europe has left less natural gas available to send to Asia. He believes additional capacity is the solution, and wants that new development to happen a lot faster.

We need to open up LNG facilities on the West Coast so we can supply Asia with natural gas from Wyoming, Colorado and Utah, Cooper said. We have the gas here. So let us replace Russian gas with U.S. gas.

Staunch opposition

The attention in recent months on LNG exports has left Wyomings producers feeling burned.

It can be hard for companies operating in the state to compete with the cheaper natural gas produced in other parts of the country, according to Rob Godby, an economics professor at the University of Wyoming.

The states natural gas industry pinned its hopes on Jordan Cove, a major LNG export terminal that was proposed for southern Oregon in 2013 and secured federal approval two summers ago. But landowners, environmental groups and Indigenous communities worried about water, tourism and climate change fought back. State regulators denial of key permits ultimately led to the projects cancellation late last year.

Had the terminal been built, it could provide an outlet to allow Wyoming natural gas to kind of be sold onto the international market, Godby said. So they wouldnt be so wholly dependent on the domestic market.

He figured the additional exports would have a more muted effect on consumers.

Would that single port have made a huge difference to international LNG prices? Godby said. Probably it would make some difference. But its going to be, you know, a marginal change.

It would take a lot more than Jordan Cove to transform energy markets in Asia and beyond, an attractive prospect for Western natural gas producers. Many believe exporting the fuel  some of the cleanest in the country, if not the world, based on methane intensity and how responsibly we produce natural gas, Ulrich said  would oust other, leakier sources of natural gas and replace some higher-emitting coal-fired power generation.

The whole concept is a hard sell to environmental groups.

Shannon Anderson, staff attorney for the Powder River Basin Resource Council, a Wyoming landowners group, said shes not convinced that the potential contribution to Europes energy needs is reason enough to commit to an option as costly and permanent as Jordan Cove.

Why are we talking about natural gas when we can talk about renewables and electrification and other options that are available? Anderson said. I think that the challenge right now with natural gas, similar to coal, is, you know, why invest in something that may not have a future  that is going to be challenged with climate change and a global reckoning around fossil fuel use?

The Powder River Basin Resource Council didnt take a position on the Oregon terminal. It felt the decision was best left to the community where it was proposed.

Looking elsewhere

Natural gas producers frustration over Jordan Cove parallels the Wyoming coal industrys experience with a string of blocked coal export terminals proposed  and fought by local residents  in Washington and Oregon.

In Wyoming, the coal market, in some ways, resembles the natural gas market, Godby said. The coal market kind of functions primarily as a domestic market. Exports dont play a huge role.

Thats partly because, like with natural gas, Wyoming cant export its coal without the coastal states consent. The states attempt to force Washington to build one such terminal came to an end when the Supreme Court refused to take up the case last June.

The fact of the matter is that there are markets in Asia that want our coal, that could use our coal, and we just cant get it there, said Travis Deti, executive director of the Wyoming Mining Association.

Wyomings natural gas industry is now in a similar position. While its prospects in the U.S. energy market in the coming years are brighter than those of coal, it will also face more domestic competition. So its not giving up on international buyers.

But instead of turning to the courts, landlocked Western natural gas producers are looking to Mexico, where San Diego-based Sempra Energy plans to build two LNG export terminals south of California. The first of those terminals is expected to open in late 2024.

The bottom line is currently, no, there isnt a project moving forward on the West Coast, domestically, Ulrich said. So the reality is, if were going to have a, quote, West Coast terminal right now, the current path is this through those two facilities.

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A lot has changed since Dorothy McDonald began changing. A lot also hasn't. "They (students) still want the same things: They want to feel safe, they want to feel loved, they want to feel like you care about them."
Racine County is seeking businesses with IT (information technology) departments to join its IT Collaborative, in light of its upcoming meeting on June 30.

The IT Collaborative consists of area employers, educational institutions and community partners focused on preparing a regional workforce.

To get involved Interested businesses with information technology departments are to contact Director Wadhwa at shuchi.wadhwa@racinecounty.com to get involved.

How do we engage this generation of tech-savvy young people? asked Racine County IT Director Shuchi Wadhwa and co-chair for the IT Collaborative in a news release. We have to show them the full array of IT career options. Technology plays a role in everything we do, from the medical field, sports, manufacturing and even the music industry.

In 2019, Racine County collaborated with ManpowerGroup to develop a STARTS (Service, Technology, Advanced Manufacturing and Production, Rehabilitation and Health Care, Trades and Supervisors) Model to set workforce strategies and goals surrounding the fastest growing occupations. Since this initial report, the county has incorporated its findings into a plan to attract, develop and retain its workforce, the county said in the news release.

In response to the growing number of opportunities within the technology industry detailed in the ManpowerGroup study and in partnership with Racine Area Manufacturing and Commerce using the Talent Pipeline Management framework developed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the county has developed its IT Collaborative to align community needs and develop a talent pipeline.

As Racine Countys IT Collaborative began to take shape with RAMAC (Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce) serving as its host, Wadhwa discovered that more than 80 organizations were attempting to create technology-focused workforce development opportunities within the community.

One of the top priorities of the IT Collaborative was to break down the silos that exist in our community, Wadhwa stated. By leveraging our relationships with community partners and area businesses, we believe by investing in our local talent that we are laying the foundation for our workforce of the future.

To showcase the opportunities within the technology field, Racine County has teamed up with the Tech-Prize initiative, educators within Racine Unified School District, Gateway Technical College, Siena Catholic Schools and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside as well as companies including Twin Disc, Modine and others.

We want to bring everyone to the table because the county cant accomplish this effort alone, stated Wadhwa. Im grateful to have the support of our county executive, someone who sees the big picture and has a vision for our regions long-term talent needs, especially in technology.

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MOUNT PLEASANT  A 22-year-old, accused of leading a wide-sweeping fraud scheme that scammed Educators Credit Union out of more than $31,000 between 2020 and 2021, has been arrested and faces 81 separate criminal charges.

An extensive, 36-page, multi-part criminal complaint was filed Wednesday, naming eight different suspects and more than a dozen other people involved, both willingly and unwittingly, in the extensive bank fraud.

The mastermind of the fraud has been identified as a 22-year-old from Greenfield, Devontae Leon Cash. (Yes, that is his legal name.)

The case was investigated by the Mount Pleasant Police Department, as Educators Credit Union is based in Mount Pleasant.

The alleged scheme was based around a practice known as card cracking, which the American Bankers Association defines as a form of fraud where consumers respond to an online solicitation for easy money and provide a debit card for withdrawal of fake check deposits.

Investigators said Cash referred to the scheme as doing checks and told at least one accomplice that what he was doing was not fraud.

According to investigators, the scheme worked like this:

1. Cash acquired a number of other peoples bank account information; they were unwittingly involved in the scheme. The Mount Pleasant Police Department identified four such people.

2. Cash then used that information to order blank checks that would be delivered to his apartment in Greenfield.

3. Then, by advertising on social media and using recruiters who now also face criminal allegations, Cash found people willing to take part in the scheme who also had an Educators Credit Union account. According to the criminal complaint, Cash advertised his illicit services on the Snapchat social media application, posting things like I do banks I deposit money over photos of him holding stacks of cash. After obtaining a search warrant, Mount Pleasant Police said they reviewed Cashs Facebook messages. In one conversation via Facebook Messenger, one of those recruited under Cashs scheme asked This not fraud is it? to which Cash replied, What doing checks?  No (this is not fraud) But if they were stolen checks yes but theyre not, Cash claimed, even though it is considered fraud.

4. Once connected with an accomplice, Cash filled out one of the illicitly acquired checks and deposited it into the accomplices ECU bank account via mobile banking using the FlashCash feature, which makes a portion of each check immediately available for deposit.

5. Then, Cash and the accomplice went to an ATM and withdrew cash, splitting the money between themselves, and sometimes giving $150-250 to a recruiter who found the accomplice and connected them with Cash.

6. The complaint stated that after a withdrawal and/or money transfer would be completed, then ECU would later find the checks were worthless. ECU would then be (at) a loss.

Protecting yourself In an emailed statement, Sgt. Eric Relich of the Mount Pleasant Police Department said: "Our department would remind people to keep their personal account information private and secured. Be selective in the information shared on social media for the public to see. If something sounds too good to be true, trust your gut. Criminal activity becomes more prevalent when personal information is acquired or becomes accessible. Educating the public regarding these matters should be a constant practice, in my opinion."

This kind of fraud wasn't even possible until 13 years ago when remote deposits were first introduced by USAA, becoming the first bank to allow smartphones to be used to deposit checks.

According to the complaint, heres an example of how the scheme worked in one instance: (An MPPD officer) spoke with (the Educators account holder), who said that she was in contact with Cash over Facebook and he wanted to use her bank account to deposit a check he received. (The Educators account holder) said Cash offered to pay her to let her deposit the check. (The Educators account holder) said Cash picked her up in his vehicle and drove to ECU to do the withdrawal. (The Educators account holder) said Cash took the $500 and did not give her anything, explaining there was more money on the way.

This was done more than 20 times from August 2020 to January 2021, cumulatively defrauding ECU out of $31,171.71, according to the criminal complaint.

A $50,000 arrest warrant was issued May 20, and Cash was arrested less than a month later. During an initial court appearance Wednesday in Racine County Circuit Court, Cash had a cash bond set at $10,000 and, if that was paid, would be placed under house arrest with GPS monitoring, according to online court records. He is next due in court at 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, for a preliminary hearing.

Cash has been charged with:

Nineteen counts of felony fraud against a financial institution (between $500 and $10,000)

Two counts misdemeanor fraud against a financial institution (less than $500)

Seven counts of conspiracy to commit fraud against a financial institution

Twenty-eight counts of misdemeanor bail jumping

Twenty-four counts of felony bail jumping

One count of being the organizer of financial crimes, a felony

According to the criminal complaint, Cash has two prior convictions, one for carrying a concealed weapon in Milwaukee County in 2019 and another for manufacturing/delivering Schedule IV drugs as a party to a crime in Waukesha County in 2020.

Eight other people are named as co-defendants in the criminal complaint:

Lauryn I. Mason, 21, of Milwaukee, identified as a recruiter, accused of one felony count of fraud against a financial institution, due in court June 23

Demetrius Q. Wilson, 22, of Milwaukee, accused of one felony count of fraud against a financial institution, due in court June 22

Deanterrio T. King, 21, of Milwaukee, accused of one felony count of fraud against a financial institution

Ashley N. Kruszwicki, 24, of West Allis, identified as a recruiter, accused of two felony counts of fraud against a financial institution

Araceli Vazquez, 22, of Greenfield, accused of one felony count of fraud against a financial institution

Alfred B. Williams, 21, of Milwaukee, accused of one felony count of fraud against a financial institution

Abraham J. Scott, 20, of Zion, Illinois, accused of one felony count of fraud against a financial institution

Kameron J. Simpson, 30, of the 1100 block of Marquette Street, Racine, accused of one felony count of fraud against a financial institution

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ROCHESTER  There ain't any mayo in this tuna salad. And there's no boring store-bought ham and sliced cheddar cheese on the sandwiches.

At Scungilli's, western Racine County's newest sandwich shop at 207A W. Main St., Rochester, the dishes are all about family. Three of the main dishes are named after the children of the owners, and the meals are inspired by homemade picnics the owners  Paul and Dana Dagostino  remember from their childhood trips to Lake Geneva.

Eating here is like being cooked for by an Italian grandma who still has all of her family's recipes from Sicily.

Family is important in the Dagostino household. Thats why Paul and Dana hang a photo of themselves with their three kids/employees  18-year-old Dominic, 14-year-old Gina and 9-year-old Vito  on the way to the kitchen.

Paul previously had worked in a kitchen for six years, and Dana always cooked for her family and had memories of cooking with her mother and grandmother growing up; her great-grandparents had owned a restaurant.

When we were young, at least for my family, we never ate takeout food. Our parents cooked for us all the time ... Thats just how they were. Its just what they did, Paul said.

The recipes featured on the menu of Scungillis are what Paul and Dana had grown up with, but with their own personal twists. Paul created every sauce from scratch in his kitchen, aside from a sweet mustard recipe inherited from Danas aunt Deb.

That was important to us: a majority of our food on the menu was all either created by us or inspired by family," Dana said. "It was important to us to bring our recipes and traditions to the community to experience us and what we do and how we cook. A lot of those sandwiches are sandwiches we grew up on, and we just put a twist on them.

From balls to sandwiches

Paul and Dana used to make arancini, Sicilian rice balls, for their local farmers' market.

When it came to setting up a business on their own, arancini proved to take too much time to prepare every day. Pizza and pasta also could have been a way to go, but time and budgetary factors again caused an issue  since they just started out and don't currently have a pizza oven. They needed something quick and easy (but still delicious and unique) to make for the menu; that's when they fell on the idea of a sandwich shop.

Paul says the best representation of this is The Don sandwich on the menu. It includes three meats  salami, mortadella, capicola  provolone, house-marinated tomatoes, and roasted garlic mayo served on focaccia bread.

Both being from Illinois originally, Paul and Dana would go to Lake Geneva as kids on day trips. The picnic lunches their families would pack are the main inspiration of the restaurant's menu.

Another example is the tuna salad served at Scungillis. While a traditional American tuna salad is made with mayo, the Italian recipes call for oil and vinegar. Not many places in the area offer tuna salad this way, but the Dagostinos say that they have people who prefer it the way they make it, being much lighter than the mayo-based options.

"There have been people who will come right out and tell you 'I don't know that that is, but I want to try it,' and they end loving it," Paul said. "That's probably a good message: just give it a try."

The food is prepared in-house at Scungilli's. From slicing the meats to preparing the daily batch of minestrone and even the fillings for the cannoli and the sheets of eclair cakes for desserts. Eclair is staple of both Paul and Dana's childhoods.

All in the family

Paul and Dana have special menu items named after and inspired by their children.

Dominic , the oldest of the children and a recent graduate of Burlington High School, has a stromboli named after him. The Domenico is filled with his favorite ingredients, like meatballs and provolone in crusty pizza dough.

, the oldest of the children and a recent graduate of Burlington High School, has a stromboli named after him. The Domenico is filled with his favorite ingredients, like meatballs and provolone in crusty pizza dough. Gina , the middle child and only daughter, has the nickname pazza, which is Italian for crazy girl. On the menu, pazza is used to designate the grilled cheese paninis, Gina's favorite sandwiches.

, the middle child and only daughter, has the nickname pazza, which is Italian for crazy girl. On the menu, pazza is used to designate the grilled cheese paninis, Gina's favorite sandwiches. Vito, the youngest, has the sandwich Ducci Boy named after him. Being his nickname as well, the Ducci Boy is his favorite sandwich  a Nutella and banana sandwich served on a brioche roll.

Its a comforting feeling knowing that the work that I'm doing (at Scungilli's) is benefiting myself in the long run. It benefits my parents and my family, Dominic said. "Instead of when I was working in a different place, feeling like my work wasnt so much appreciated or I'll never see the result of the work, compared to now, I pretty much get to see and live the results of the hard work my parents and I put in.

New items, namely pasta, will likely be added to the menu in the near future.

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1. Yes. Roe was bad law and never should have been enacted. Last weeks ruling was just.

2. Yes. The court ruling correctly leaves the question of reproductive rights to the states.

3. No. Roe v. Wade was established law. The ruling will cause a womens health crisis.

4. No. The decision to overturn Roe v. Wade was more about politics than the law.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say whether it was the right ruling; it depends on your perspective.

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The H Dubai, a 5-star hotel with the iconic address at One Sheikh Zayed Road, has announced the appointment of Samer Majari as Director of Human Resources.



Samer brings with him over 15 years of industry expertise, having worked across a broad range of HR roles in both mature and developing markets and for national and multinational hotel brands including The Ritz-Carlton, Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts and Millennium Hotels and Resorts.



Samer holds a diploma from Le Roches International School of Hotel Management in Switzerland, one of the worlds leading hospitality schools. He joins The H Dubai directly from the 5-star Bab Al Qasr  Abu Dhabi, where he was Director of Human Resources.



Samer inherits the experiences of high level HR strategies, overseeing business growth and successfully reducing HR-related spending, while simultaneously increasing staff diversity and retention and consistently achieving outstanding employee engagement levels for his new role as the Director of Human Resources.



In his new position Samer will play a pivotal role in developing company culture, spearheading new ways to nurture key talent and foster exceptional professional development across the workforce on both an individual and team level. As Director of Human Resources he will also be responsible for overseeing staff recruitment and retainment, designing and implementing training programs, managing budgets and ensuring that the company consistently achieves its financial objectives.



Sophie Blondel, General Manager at The H Dubai, commented: Samers rich experience and proven track record for being a commercially savvy, forward-thinking HR business leader make him a great fit for Director of Human Resources. I know he will bring talent, knowledge, approachability and tenacity to the position and will support the strategic growth of the company.



Samer Majari said: I am delighted to join The H Dubai at this important time for the hospitality industry. I have huge admiration for the company itself and look forward to working alongside such a talented team, contributing to the work being done to build culture, cultivate talent and prioritise diversity.  TradeArabia News Service
KEARNEY  Kearney Public Schools officials recently took part in an Emergency Operation Planning meeting to ensure they will be ready for any type of disaster.

The training was offered through the Nebraska Department of Education to work with school staff, safety teams and law enforcement officials to update school emergency operation plans. NDE Emergency Operations Planning Specialist Scott Stemper hosted the two-day training via Zoom.

The meeting focused on a variety of Federal Emergency Management Agency emergency responses and the National Incident Management System. Director of Student Services and Safety Dan Endorf will work with a team throughout the next school year to create an updated emergency operation plan for the 2023-24 school year.

During the meeting, the school officials were asked to identify different hazards or threats in their school district, whether it be a child having a seizure, severe weather or an active shooter.

(At) KPS, we have 15 schools, so those are very different threats. Flooding, for example, might be a threat at Glenwood with the Wood River, but its not a threat at Windy Hills, unless you have hailstorms to roofs or something else, youre not going to have a flood issue. So just kind of looking through different possible threats, and then our responses to those threats, explained Superintendent Jason Mundorf.

The schools current plan is a hefty tome with over 100 pages, and Mundorf recognizes that its not a simple task for teachers to quickly reference a particular situation.

We talked a lot about flipbooks and cheat sheets, and we do have an emergency response checklist that we use now. So again, what are those quicker tools that we can have in teachers hands or substitutes hands if we have a sub in the building so they have a quick reference point to what that situation is and how they should respond? Mundorf said.

With one of the worst school shootings in U.S. history taking place mere weeks before the training, preparing for an active shooter incident or a lock-down situation loomed large in the minds of KPS staff. Its a situation they have prepped for and discussed frequently.

During this particular training, they discussed locking all classroom doors regularly and making sure exterior doors are closed and locked throughout the school day.

They kept saying during the training, theres never been an armed shooter that has went through a locked classroom door, Mundorf said. When the doors are locked, they move on to the areas where its a lot easier access. You know that one simple change in behavior can make a huge difference.

They also discussed staff members wearing identification badges, coordinating reunification sites for large-scale situations and encouraging staff to approach someone in the school if they dont recognize them.

In the event of an emergency, personnel follow a standard response protocol that is a formalized language among schools, law enforcement and first responders, explained Kearney Police Chief Bryan Waugh.

If we hear its locked down or if its a secure status, whatever status the facility is in, we all know what that means, Waugh said. We have a wonderful relationship  and I wanted to reiterate that on behalf of the city and the police department  with Kearney Public Schools, as well as our parochial schools in Kearney, in the same goal toward the safety of the schools in an event of an emergency.

Along with the training, the Buffalo County Sheriffs Office and Kearney Police Department have worked to bring new radio systems this year into Buffalo County. The new system will include radios in every KPS secretarys office in every school that will be operational by the time school begins in the fall.

With a simple push of a large button we have immediate communication and access to not just the 911 dispatch center, but the officers will hear it in their squad cars, Mundorf said. Our response times are really improved that we have these radio communications.

The schools security and safety team, which includes three school resource officers, meet on a monthly basis to discuss localized threats in schools. School secretaries took part in a state training this past year that will help them prepare for different scenarios.

Theres at least a good chance theyll be the first interaction with someone whos there to do harm, Mundorf said about the secretaries.

The SROs are also planning to organize a small-scale training scenario this year at Kearney High School. A previous training was held in 2019 and included teachers, paraprofessionals and administrators.

I think from speaking with teachers and administrators afterwards, it was pretty well received. Because realistically you can tell people what to do but when you actually do it, it kind of helps with that learning process and getting comfortable with it, said School Resource Officer Patrick McLaughlin.

KPS and KPD understand parents worry about sending their children to school, but they have poured a tremendous amount of resources into making sure everyone is prepared for any type of situation, said McLaughlin.

It was about 170 different things theyve identified could happen, but thats everything from a kid has a seizure to an active shooter in the building. As we focus primarily on those serious events, if we can handle an active shooter in our building, we can handle a kid having a seizure. Theres a lot of things that make one successful and will make all those different events successful, he added.
The eight occupants of a pontoon boat and two dogs were OK after being towed to land, Saturday afternoon.
How the Vernon Economic Development Association (VEDA) has significantly impacted the economy of our area was highlighted at the organizations May 18 annual meeting on Zoom. VEDA Board of Directors President Mike Breckel reported that since its incorporation as a

5013 non-profit in 2006, VEDA has helped businesses create or retain 180-200 jobs in the area. At least 90 jobs are supported by tenants at the Food Enterprise Center (FEC) alone, he said. VEDAs accomplishment of turning the former NCR building into the Food Enterprise Center and Sues personal counseling of businesses needs to be celebrated, Breckel said.

He added two examples of local economic impact. In 2021, the Viroqua Food Co-op sold $245,000 of products from 10 businesses that house their operations at the FEC. In addition, Community Hunger Solutions (CHS), located within the FEC, delivered more than 150,000 pounds of food to area pantries and meal sites. The tremendous effort by CHS Coordinator Jeanette Burlingame and volunteers is meeting the needs of many hungry residents of our area.

At the May meeting Sue Noble, Executive Director of VEDA, shared these highlights of the organizations accomplishments from the past year:

Business assistance

Provided one-to-one counseling and resources to more than 90 businesses from Coon Valley, Stoddard, Viola, Kendell, Viroqua, Chaseburg, Readstown, Soldiers Grove, Ontario, La Farge, Westby, Hillsboro, Genoa, Sparta, Cashton, La Crosse, Onalaska, Trempealeau, Richland Center, Black River Falls, Wausau, Cassville, Green Bay, Sheboygan, Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago, Cedar Rapids, Colorado, and Seattle, Washington.

Working with Viroqua City Administrator Nate Torres on a hotel feasibility study for business recruitment in the citys new Industrial Park on the north side of town.

Working with Coon Valley Industrial and Economic Development Board to revitalize that citys downtown. As part of that effort, VEDA obtained a grant to fund and coordinate a market study for Coon Valley, the report of which will be available in June.

Helped businesses access resources, and promote and assist with applications for Vernon Countys Microenterprise Business Grant Program.

Promoted COVID assistance programs to more than 500 businesses and helped 10 businesses access COVID-related funding for business assistance.

Met President Joe Biden and attended La Crosse press event for the American Jobs Plan and hosted Senator Tammy Baldwins visit to the FEC to meet with tenants.

Other assistance

Serving on the Core Team for planning the operations of a new child care center, the Viroqua Area Schools Early Learning Center, which will be licensed for 120 kids. Enrollment is expected by early next year, starting with 65 infant/toddlers. Three-year-old children will be added later. Twelve to fifteen staff will be employed by Viroqua Area Schools.

Community Hunger Solutions (CHS), VEDAs Food Recovery Program, received a 2-year grant from Bader Philanthropies in 2021 to help serve elderly populations. Donations were also received from Organic Valley, Hunger Relief Federation, and numerous community folks. Food is distributed to food pantries and meal sites in Hillsboro, Ontario, Cashton, Readstown, La Farge, Soldiers Grove, Gays Mills, Boscobel, Viroqua, and Westby. Partnerships continued with pantry partners to distribute produce and dairy to Cashton Cupboard and Closet and Living Faith Food Pantry, Good Samaritan Thrift Store and Food Pantry (Hillsboro), and Northern Grant County FP (Boscobel), all serving hundreds of families per month.

CHS also serves smaller pantries like Kickapoo Area Food Pantry (12 families/month) and low-income housing units Park View Manor in Viroqua (about 250 residents) and Crestview in Westby (12 residents). Grace Community Church in Ontario serves 15-20 families twice per month. CHS is the only partner from whom they are able to source perishable items, and theyre thrilled with the quality and variety of items we deliver, Noble said.

In 2021 CHS distributed more than 150,000 pounds of food, including 72,000 pounds of local dairy (mostly from Organic Valley) and 78,000 pounds of local produce. Last year CHS also added 7 new long-term volunteers for a total of more than 30 volunteers. We extend a sincere thank you to these volunteers. We couldnt operate the program without their help, said Noble.

Food Enterprise Center

VEDA purchased the former NCR building in Viroqua in 2009 and in 2010 received an EDA grant to upgrade and turn the former factory into the award-winning Food Enterprise Center. Today the FEC rents space to 25 entrepreneurial businesses providing at least 90 jobs. Noble pointed out, These businesses would not be at the level they are without this facility, which has been serving as a resource for businesses for more than 10 years.

The businesses renting space in the FEC include:

B&E TreesIts new Embark Maple energy product is in hand- size pouches

Community Hunger Solutions

Daves Pizza  New tenant using the north kitchen to prepare food that is sold from its food truck

Driftless Co-Option  Bulk food-buying group

Driftless Provisions  USDA certified meat plant with an inspector on-site every day

Fifth Season Cooperative

Fizzeology  Has a new owner who is expanding its business in the south kitchen

LuSa Organics  Our longest tenant and has international sales

Go Macro  All of their finished product produced in Viola comes to the FEC for fulfillment every day, thereby helping a major employer in Viola stay viable. Also has international sales

Oppenworks  Contracts with Shade Haven

Shade HavenSells portable shade units and has international sales

Pahana Enterprises  New tenant making hemp gummies for markets in La Crosse

River Valley Burgers  Was sold to new owners this year and is expanding their business in our south kitchen

Scotchwood Candy Co.

Sky Moon Imports  Has international sales and imports olive oil directly from farmers in Spain

Sole Expressions Dance Studio

Wonderstate Coffee  Sources beans from farmers internationally. Has grown from 12 employees to more than 50 employees including their 2 cafe sites.

There are also eight tenants who rent storage space in the FEC.

Wisco Pop, one of the other success stories that grew its business at the Food Enterprise Center for 5 years, was sold to Karbon 4, a Madison company, in December, and now will be available in cans.

VEDA has been creating the environment for economic development to occur with tools, resources and infrastructure, thereby improving the quality of life and building wealth in the region, said Noble. The organization has also been creating opportunities for the community to be involved by having investors support businesses at the FEC to grow and expand. In addition, Community Hunger Solutions has generous community folks supporting hunger relief with cash donations and volunteer time.

Other business

In other business, VEDA Board Secretary Dave Maxwell presented the minutes of last years annual meeting, and Board and Finance Committee Member Hetti Brown gave the financial report for fiscal 2021. In September 2022, VEDA will pay off the remaining balance in full of a $1.8 million bond involving 5 banks across 3 counties. This has been a great example of the many partnerships that have contributed to the success of the Food Enterprise Center.

Board members running for election or re-election then gave brief introductions about themselves. Re-elected to serve new 3-year terms were Mike Breckel, Chuck Peterson, and Jim Servais. Crystal Kinnenun from Associated Bank is our newest member elected to join the Board and also will serve a 3-year term. Retiring Board Member Al Hanson was recognized for his many years of service. He has served as a founding director on VEDAs board and on the original hiring committee in 2007. We also recognized the contributions and passing of Jeff Gohlke, a current board member and another founder of VEDA, who died on May 2.

For more information on VEDA, visit veda-wi.org or contact Sue Noble at 608-638-8332 or snoble@veda-wi.org

Kathy Neidert is a member of the Vernon Economic Development Association (VEDA) Board of Directors.

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The Viroqua School Board received an update on facility planning at its meeting, May 16.

District Administrator Tom Burkhalter said the school board hired HSR Associates, Inc. and Miron Construction to help with the process. He said part of the process was to get feedback from staff and the public. He said staff had three opportunities to give feedback and there were three facilities planning community input sessions. The three facilities planning community input sessions were held April 19 and 20.

The process is at the point where a survey has been mailed to every Viroqua Area Schools resident. Residents can complete the paper survey and mail it to School Perceptions LLC in the postage-paid envelope provided or log onto the website listed on the paper survey, enter the unique access code, and take the survey online. The survey is open until June 3. (The deadline was extended to June 10 because the district heard from some Viroqua Area Schools residents that they hadnt received their paper copy of the community-wide survey in the mail.) School Perceptions LLC is an independent data firm with expertise in conducting school district surveys.

Burkhalter said the survey will give the district and school board an understanding of what the community sees as needs and what potential projects would be supported by the community.

The board has not decided to go to referendum, Burkhalter said.

Survey results will be reported at a board of education meeting later this summer and will be available on the districts website.

Burkhalter also gave an update on the early learning center. He said the district will be meeting with HSR Associates, Inc. and Miron Construction to work on a mockup of drawings for the center.

We believe work will start in August and hope to be done by the end of the calendar year, he said.

Mike Brendel, director of business services, presented an update on the Bigley Pool. He said the pool manager is Sally Bowman, who will work in the office located at the pool, and any questions can be directed to her via a link on the school districts website. He said the La Crosse YMCA, not the school district, is operating the pool and is hiring staff.

In other business, board members accepted the resignations of Jacob Huebsch, special education teacher, and Kristin Potter, Title I reading interventionist.

The board also approved the following donations over $250 for a total amount of $5,250: $750 from Valley Stewardship Network, Roger Hanson, Coulee Region Audubon Society, Sylvia & Harry Peterson, Elizabeth Cifani for binoculars for the Summer School Outdoor Adventure Class and $4,500 from S&S Cycle for 24 Strider Bikes, helmets and one adult Strider Bike with assembly.

Special board meeting

The school board held a special meeting May 20, and accepted the resignations of Troy Rudesill, middle school counselor, and Talia Klein, interventionist. Board members also approved the following appointments: Alexander Mazur, high school/middle school band teacher, and Kodi Ethridge, buildings and grounds supervisor.

Angela Cina can be reached at angie.cina@lee.net.

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A 18-year-old La Crosse man allegedly found with over a pound of marijuana June 10 was charged Monday in La Crosse County Circuit Court.

Andrew M. Cox faces a single felony count of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.

According to the criminal complaint, police identified Cox as a passenger in a vehicle that pulled away from a La Crosse residence associated with an ongoing investigation around 12:30 p.m. Police then determined the vehicle had an illegally tinted windshield and conducted a traffic stop on Market Street.

Police summoned a K9 unit to conduct an exterior sniff of the vehicle. After a positive response, police located a U.S. Postal Service box with a return address from Santa Monica, California, where Cox had been seated.

Police opened the box and reportedly found a vacuum-sealed bag containing 1.18 pounds of marijuana .

Cox was released on a $1,000 signature bond by Judge Elliott Levine. Coxs next court appearance is a June 29 preliminary hearing.

La Crosse Tribune reporter Steve Rundio can be reached at steve.rundio@lee.net.

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Juneteenth celebrations will transform Riverside Park in La Crosse on Saturday, as countless local businesses and organizations band together in recognition and support of the Black and African American community.

The event will include food, games, dance competitions and trolley rides, among other activities, from noon to 8 p.m. More than 70 community partners are taking part by donating food, setting up booths or by helping fund the event.

While Juneteenth is a time for celebration, it is also a time for building meaningful relationships with the Black community, according to Shamawyah Curtis, one of the event planners with Hope Restores.

Others involved in coordinating the event include Black Leaders Acquiring Creative Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K.), the Enduring Families Project and Black Student Leaders La Crosse.

Curtis said the African American population can be spread out and isolated in La Crosse, and its not as common for members of the white population to connect with people of color.

Celebrating Juneteenth together as a community is an opportunity to change this, she said.

It means growth, I feel like it means connection and knocking down barriers, Curtis said. Its allowing people who have some knowledge of the history to share that with other people, who have no understanding about Juneteenth what it means to be able to learn.

Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States. Despite the Emancipation Proclamation going into effect in 1863, federal troops did not arrive to inform remaining enslaved African Americans in Texas of the proclamation until June 19, 1865.

Although Juneteenth celebrations have taken place in recent years around La Crosse, the event expanded significantly in 2021 and 2022.

After President Biden officially recognized Juneteenth as a federal holiday last year, Curtis said the event organizers wanted to do something to match the level of recognition.

Organizers said they wanted to prioritize incorporating education into the event.

We asked all organizations to do an interactive activity so when people walk around they dont just see organizations there, they can learn something, Curtis said.

Schools are also participating, along with young entrepreneurs and vendors selling their products.

Curtis said seeing this level of engagement from organizations in La Crosse opens the door to sincere relationships.

It feels really good, like people care. People are saying, I dont know exactly how to help, but Im here and thats where it starts. Listening just opens the door for connection, she said.

The event will also host a free fun fair for children and distribute 500 free meal tickets to attendees for use at vendors around the event.

La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds will introduce the Juneteenth Court at the event as well, in preparation for the August Ball. A common Southern tradition and something that has not been held for many years in La Crosse, members of the court will dance and eat dinner at this ball later this summer, Curtis said.

Juneteenth should never drop way and we should never stop doing this because its really important, Curtis said. Other cities celebrate Juneteenth. and La Crosse will continue to celebrate Juneteenth as a unit of people coming together.

Juneteenth celebrations will transform Riverside Park in La Crosse Saturday, as countless local businesses and organizations band together in recognition and support of the Black and African American community. The event will include food, games, dance competitions and trolley rides, among other activities, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. While Juneteenth is a time for celebration, it is also a time for education and growth, according to ______. It means growth, I feel like it means connection and relationship building and knocking down barriers, Curtis said. Its allowing people who have some knowledge of the history to share that with other people, who have no understanding about Juneteenth what it means to be able to learn. Juneteenth is a federal holiday, officially recognized by President Joe Biden in 2021, that honors the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to free and inform enslaved African Americans of the Emancipation Proclamation. This took place more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect.

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Among a system of powerful storms that swept across Wisconsin on Wednesday, at least two confirmed tornadoes touched down in Monroe County, leaving behind substantial damage.

The two tornadoes hit within about 30 miles of each other and less than an hour apart. The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF-2 tornado hit near Tomah shortly after 4 p.m., and an EF-1 tornado hit near Mauston at about 4:45 p.m.

Crews were also evaluating damage in Vernon County near La Farge and Hillsboro to determine whether a tornado hit, but nothing was confirmed as of Thursday afternoon.

No injuries or deaths have been reported from the storms, officials said.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the tornado that hit Tomah appears to have traveled northeast from Hwy. 131 and Hwy. A for about 15 miles before leaving Monroe County north of Shennington.

The tornado took down multiple trees, power lines and barns, and damaged several homes. The county reported widespread power outages. Multiple semis were blown over onto their sides, causing Interstate 90-94 to be shut down for more than three hours. Traffic was detoured on Hwy. 12-16 through the Village of Oakdale.

The tornado was described as "large and extremely dangerous" by the NWS, and it was "rain-wrapped," making it difficult to see. Debris was seen lofted on the radar.

According to preliminary local storm reports, the area was also hit with hail up to an inch in diameter and winds capable of ripping bark off of trees and shingles off of roofs, though NWS said the storm didn't produce much hail.

Almost simultaneously, a tornado watch was also issued for northeastern Vernon County near La Farge and Hillsboro until 4:45 p.m., and for the Mauston area until 5 p.m.

Damage was reported at the Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston, which resorted to using backup power due to the storm, according to officials. NWS crews were on the ground in Mauston Thursday morning evaluating the storm.

Other damage reported near Mauston includes flipped trailers, roof damage, and downed power lines, tree branches and traffic lights.

The Mauston tornado reached wind speeds up to 90 miles-per-hour and was up to 150 yards wide.

Law enforcement is asking people to avoid traveling in the storm-damaged areas as many roads remain impassible and crews are working to get them back open.

The severe weather moved out of western Wisconsin by about 6:45 p.m., moving into the eastern part of the state, where damage was also done.

As of Thursday morning, about 38,000 We Energies customers lost service from Bonduel south to Milwaukee.

In Outagamie County, executive Tom Nelson said some rural roads were impassable, urging commuters to take extra time while traveling and to "be safe."

Crews with the Green Bay Metro Fire Department responded to about 150 calls for service in their area, including calls for downed power lines, damaged poles, gas leaks and damage to homes.

About an inch to and inch-and-a-half of rain fell across Vernon, Monroe, La Crosse and Jackson counties on Wednesday, adding to what was already a wet week.

As of Thursday morning, the La Crosse River had reached 7.45 feet, hovering at a minor flood stage. The Lemonweir River in New Lisbon was reported at 7.7 feet, which is in the "action" flood stage.

The Kickapoo River in Vernon County was on the rise but hadn't yet reached flood stage.

This story was updated at 2:30 p.m. Thursday morning to include the confirmation of a second tornado and the ratings. Any storm photos, videos or reports can be sent to news@lacrossetribune.com.

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Olivia Herken Reporter Olivia Herken is the local government reporter at the La Crosse Tribune and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Journalism. She can be found on Twitter @oherken, and reached at 608-791-8217. Follow Olivia Herken 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
Xi talks with Putin over phone

Xinhua) 07:55, June 16, 2022

BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday afternoon held a phone conversation with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

During their conversation, Xi noted that since the beginning of this year, bilateral relations have maintained a sound development momentum in the face of global turbulence and transformations.

The economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has made steady progress, Xi said, adding that the Heihe-Blagoveshchensk cross-border highway bridge has opened to traffic, creating a new channel connecting the two countries.

The Chinese side stands ready to work with the Russian side to push for steady and long-term development of practical bilateral cooperation, Xi said.

China is willing to work with Russia to continue supporting each other on their respective core interests concerning sovereignty and security, as well as on their major concerns, deepening their strategic coordination, and strengthening communication and coordination in such important international and regional organizations as the United Nations, the BRICS mechanism and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Xi said.

China is also willing to work with Russia to promote solidarity and cooperation among emerging market countries and developing nations, and push for the development of the international order and global governance towards a more just and reasonable direction, he added.

For his part, Putin said the Russian side sincerely congratulates China on its remarkable development achievements under the strong leadership of Xi.

Since the start of the year, the practical cooperation between Russia and China has been developing steadily, he said, adding that Russia supports the Global Security Initiative proposed by the Chinese side, and opposes any force to interfere with China's internal affairs using so-called issues regarding Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan, among others, as an excuse.

He noted that Russia is ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with China so as to make constructive efforts in boosting multipolarization of the world, and establishing a more just and reasonable international order.

The two heads of state also exchanged views on the Ukraine issue. Xi emphasized that China has always independently assessed the situation on the basis of the historical context and the merits of the issue, and actively promoted world peace and the stability of the global economic order.

All parties should push for a proper settlement of the Ukraine crisis in a responsible manner, Xi said, adding that China for this purpose will continue to play its due role.

(Web editor: Peng Yukai, Liang Jun)


Experts believe that demolishing houses of protestors is against the rule of law and deprives people of fundamental rights.

Basil Islam | TwoCircles.net

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NEW DELHI  Following the violent clampdown by the Uttar Pradesh government on protests triggered by now-suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharmas controversial remarks on Prophet Muhammad, the authorities razed the houses of many protesting Muslims. The Prayagraj Development Authority demolished Javed Muahmmeds home on Sunday, June 12. Muhammed is the national leader of the Welfare Party of India and the father of student activist Afreen Fatima. This is not an isolated incident. Private properties of the protesters who allegedly incited violence got demolished in many parts of the country, including Jahangirpuri in Delhi, Khargone in Madhya Pradesh, and other parts of Uttar Pradesh. On June 14th, a petition letter was submitted to the Supreme Court of India by former judges and senior lawyers of the Supreme Court and appealed to the court to take suo moto cognizance of the acts by the Uttar Pradesh government on Muslim protesters.

Here are some reasons why law experts believe that demolishing the houses of protesters is a wrong practice, is against the rule of law and goes against fundamental rights:

1. Actions targeted at the Muslim community

The demolition drives carried out by different state administrations at various times targeted the minority Muslim community. In all instances, only the Muslim houses were demolished, alleging them to be the perpetrators of violence. It is not clear in every case who instigated violence but is ample proof to indicate that people from both the communities were involved in clashes.

The petition by the former judges to the Supreme Court specifically mentioned this aspect. Instead of giving protestors an opportunity of being heard and engaging in peaceful protests, the UP state administration appears to have sanctioned taking violent action against such individuals. The coordinated manner in which the police and development authorities have acted lead to the clear conclusion that demolitions are a form of collective extra-judicial punishment, attributable to a state policy which is illegal, the letter reads.

2. No proper procedures followed

The authorities cannot demolish someones property, alleging their involvement in a crime. A competent court order is required to act upon. The pattern emerging is that in many cases, notices are issued, but the demolition is timed with a protest, and a particular section is targeted, giving the subject no time to appeal.

If the dispute is on his property, then a proper court order is required, and notice has to be served on the concerned person, but demolition of a property without notice or for a different crime has no legality in the eyes of the law, former Chief Justice of India Justice R M Lodha told India Today.

3. Already challenged in the courts

Bulldozing homes under the pretext of alleged violations of building laws is under considerable challenge in three courts at this moment viz the Supreme Court, Allahabad High Court, and the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The actions have been challenged before the courts citing violations of fundamental rights and due process. The victims of earlier demolitions challenge the arbitrary use of bulldozers by authorities in the absence of legitimate grounds for conducting the exercise.

Former Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Govind Mathur told The Indian Express that it is impermissible to demolish a house on a Sunday when the residents are in custody, giving the subject no time to appeal. It is not a technical issue but a question of the rule of law, Mathur said.

4. Surpasses the rule of law

The actions by the authorities without due process test the spirit of the Constitution and the rule of law. The accused were given no time to raise objections in front of the court regarding the demolition. When the Supreme Court ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to withdraw orders to recover alleged damages to public properties from anti-CAA protesters, the government devised the Uttar Pradesh Recovery of Damages to Public and Private Property Bill in 2020. This is how the state surpassed the checks put by the judiciary. The high-handedness of police on peaceful protests and inaction toward the instigators of violence is fueling the tense situation in the state.

Such a brutal clampdown by a ruling administration is an unacceptable subversion of the rule of law and a violation of the rights of citizens, and makes a mockery of the Constitution and fundamental rights guaranteed by the state, the letter addressed to Chief Justice of India from former judges and senior lawyers said.

Basil Islam is an independent journalist and researcher based in South India. He tweets at @baasiie
Microsoft will no longer support Internet Explorer, the internet browser that many people loved to hate.

The big technology company based in Redmond, Washington, said Internet Explorer, or IE, will end on June 15.

The 27-year-old browser now joins other kinds of technology products that are no longer used: BlackBerry phones, Palm Pilots and dial-up modems.

IEs end was not a surprise. Microsoft announced the move last year. The technology company has been pushing users to its Edge browser, which was launched in 2015.

The company made clear then it was time to move on.

Sean Lyndersay is general manager of Microsoft Edge Enterprise. Lyndersay described Microsoft Edge as a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, in a May 2021 blog post.

Users marked Explorers passing on Twitter. Some criticized the browser; while others posted 1990s nostalgia memes  images that bring back fun or happy memories.

Microsoft released the first version of Internet Explorer in 1995. At the same time, Netscape Navigator was the most popular browser. Internet Explorers launch signaled the beginning of the end of Navigator.

Microsoft went on to tie IE and its Windows operating system tightly together.

But Microsoft faced legal battles in the U.S. in the late 1990s and early 2000s over its efforts to keep out competing browsers.

The company also had problems with European officials who said that tying Internet Explorer to Windows gave it an unfair advantage over other browsers. Other browsers included Mozillas Firefox, Opera and Googles Chrome.

Users complained that IE was slow, likely to crash and easily hacked. IEs market share, which in the early 2000s was over 90 percent, began to decrease as users found other browsers.

The internet research company Statcounter said the Chrome browser controls roughly 65 percent of the worldwide browser market today. It is followed by Apples Safari with 19 percent. Microsoft Edge has about four percent, just ahead of Firefox.

Im John Russell.

Richard Jacobsen reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English.

______________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

browser  n. a computer program that is used to find and look at information on the Internet

dial-up modem n. an internet connection through a telephone line

advantage  n. something (such as a good position or condition) that helps to make someone or something better or more likely to succeed than others

hack  v. (computers) to secretly get access to the files on a computer or network in order to get information, cause damage, etc.
A technology company successfully test-launched one of its airships high above the New Mexico desert this week. The company, Sceye, hopes its airship will one day be able to improve internet connectivity and collect data on everything from industrial pollution to wildlife threats.

The airship launched on Tuesday. The test was meant to see whether the ship could reach the Earths stratosphere and stay there for a long period of time. The stratosphere is the upper layer of the Earths atmosphere. It begins around 11 kilometers above the Earths surface and ends about 50 kilometers above the Earths surface.

On Wednesday morning, Sceye announced the test was a success. The result means the company is closer to being able to reproduce and sell its airship technology.

The head of Sceye is Danish businessman Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen. He started Sceye after the U.S. space agency, NASA, asked technology companies to think about ways to build an airship that could rise into the Earths stratosphere and stay there for longer than eight hours. At the time of NASAs suggestion, no airship could remain in the stratosphere for longer than eight hours.

The researchers at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Lab in California said a ship that could stay in the stratosphere for a long period of time could provide important data for scientists.

Vestergaard Frandsen said he was pleased with the test. In a news release, he said the ship holds extraordinary potential for stratospheric discovery.

He said he believes the companys airships will be able to gather data on methane pollution, help get internet to parts of the world without it and look for wildfire threats.

He said he hopes the companys airships will be available for purchase in the next 18 to 24 months. It takes the company about eight months to build each ship.

Sceyes airship is made from special material that reflects the sun. It runs on solar panels and lithium-sulfur batteries. The ship is designed to carry heavy equipment.

The airship is filled with helium gas and does not have a crew. The ships can also carry heavy equipment.

Sceye is based in Roswell, New Mexico. One of the companys investors is New Mexicos Economic Development Department. Sceye is also working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and New Mexicos government to study air pollution and climate change.

David Kim is Sceyes chief technology officer. He called the successful test a milestone moment.

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

potential adj. capable of becoming real

reflect  v. usually related to light hitting a surface and bouncing off and moving in another direction

solar panel  n. a large, flat, piece of equipment that uses the suns light to create electricity
Ride-sharing company Uber has developed and donated a version of its software to help the United Nations deliver food in Ukraine.

The system is designed to assist the World Food Program (WFP) in an effort to provide emergency aid to citizens affected by Russias military campaign.

Ubers software technology is designed to coordinate and follow the delivery of people and food in real-time. The ride-share service operates in major cities around the world.

The software version Uber developed for the WFP will permit the U.N. organization to deliver food aid in smaller vehicles in highly populated areas in Ukraine. It has been difficult for some of the WFPs larger vehicles to safely make deliveries in Ukrainian cities.

The U.N. said the system will help WFP workers better coordinate requests for transporting food aid from U.N. storage centers. It will also permit the WFP to fully track the path of smaller vehicles and confirm that deliveries were made.

In addition to food, the WFP also provides money to victims in need.

If youre a Ukrainian living in a hard-to-reach part of a city under fire, the chances of the U.N. being able to get lifesaving aid to you and your family are improving, the U.N. said in a recent statement.

The effort has already resulted in aid deliveries in the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro, the statement added.

The U.N. noted that the WFPs storage center, or warehouse, sits in an area not far from where Ukrainian forces have been battling Russian troops. The new system made it possible for smaller vehicles to successfully deliver food to other parts of Dnipro, the statement added.

Deliveries using the software have also been carried out in other parts of the country, the U.N. said. These include the cities of Lviv, Vinnytsia, Kyiv and Chernivtsi.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in late February launched an ongoing conflict that has left thousands dead and forced millions to flee their homes. Large areas across the country have suffered severe destruction.

Matthew Hollingworth is the WFPs Emergency Coordinator in Ukraine. He said Ubers technology has improved the organizations ability to help get aid to those most affected by the war in Ukraine.

Dara Khosrowshahi is Ubers chief executive. He said the company was pleased to offer the specially-developed software to the WFP for free.

He said the system is supporting a network of cars and small vans that can make deliveries to points within a 100-kilometer radius of WFP warehouses across the country."

The WFP statement said it has been quickly increasing its operations in and around Ukraine over the past three months. It said that by the end of June, the organization aims to be providing food and money to more than 3 million people per month across the country.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from Reuters, Agence France-Presse, Uber and the UN World Food Program.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

Quiz - Uber Technology Helps UN Deliver Food Aid in Ukraine Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

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Words in This Story

deliver  v. to transport things from one place to another

coordinate  v. to organize all the different parts of an activity

track  v. to record the progress or development of something

van  n. a vehicle used for carrying things, but that is smaller than a truck

radius  n. a certain distance from a particular point in any direction
A new report says the number and rate of abortions in the United States increased from 2017 to 2020, after a long period of decline. An abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy.

The Guttmacher Institute is a research group that supports abortion rights. It released its latest report about abortions in the United States on Wednesday.

The researchers counted more than 930,000 abortions in the nation in 2020. That is up from about 862,000 abortions in 2017. That was when national abortion numbers reached their lowest point since the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized the procedure nationwide.

About one in five pregnancies ended in abortion in 2020, the report found. The reports release comes as the Supreme Court appears ready to overturn its 1973 ruling.

The number of women seeking abortions demonstrates a need for the procedure, said Sara Rosenbaum. She is a health law and policy professor at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She added that the report shows how devastating a Supreme Court decision is going to be for access to an absolutely vital service.

Medication abortions, sometimes called the abortion pill, accounted for 54 percent of U.S. abortions in 2020. That was the first time they made up more than half of abortions, Guttmacher said in its report.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have pushed down the numbers in some states, the report said. In New York, abortions increased from 2017 to 2019, then fell 6 percent between 2019 and 2020. One in 10 clinics in New York suspended or stopped abortion care in 2020.

Texas saw a 2 percent decrease between 2019 and 2020, because of pandemic-related abortion restrictions in the state.

Experts say the pandemic may also have limited the availability of birth control and other forms of contraception. It also may have prevented women from attending all the health care visits involved in a pregnancy.

But abortions already were increasing before the pandemic began. One important factor is that some states expanded Medicaid access to abortion. Medicaid is a government program that provides health care to people in need.

Illinois, for example, began permitting state Medicaid money to pay for abortions starting in January 2018. The state saw abortions increase 25 percent between 2017 and 2020.

In neighboring Missouri, abortions dropped sharply. But the number of Missouri residents traveling to Illinois for abortions increased.

Carol Tobias is president of the National Right to Life Committee, which opposes abortion. She said, If states are paying for abortions I hope they are also looking at how to support childbirth, so a woman doesn't think abortion is the best or only option.

Guttmacher carries out the nation's largest survey of abortion providers every three years. Its numbers are considered more complete than data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC does not include several states like California, the nations most populous state.

In 2020, fewer women were getting pregnant and a larger amount of them chose abortion, the researchers found.

The abortion rate in 2020 was 14.4 per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44. That is an increase from 13.5 per 1,000 women in 2017.

Im Dan Novak.

Dan Novak adapted this story for VOA Learning English based on reporting from The Associated Press.

________________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

devastating  adj. causing great damage or harm

vital  adj. extremely important

contraception  n. things that are done to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant

resident  n. someone who lives in a particular place

survey  n. an activity in which many people are asked a question or a series of questions in order to gather information about what most people do or think about something
Gutters are incredibly important because they protect your home from water damage.

Its advisable to maintain and upgrade your gutters as a best line of defense against potential problems from snow and rain, leaves, twigs and assorted debris blown in by the wind. The experts at Larson Home Services can keep your gutters working properly.

Since the beginning of gutters, people have been looking for ways to keep their gutters clog-free and working properly, says Andrew Larson, the companys general manager and owner. An expert in the field, he is an invaluable resource when it comes to affordable solutions that can save homeowners thousands of dollars annually.

One of the most popular methods of gutter protection has long been covering the tops of gutters with plastic or mesh screens, which are intended to keep leaves and debris out. Perhaps their greatest advantage, according to Larson, is that theyre super-cheap. But that may be their only advantage.

As Larson is happy to tell anyone within earshot, If you want to try these plastic covers, come over to our dumpster and well give them to you for free. We take them off homes every day because they actually clog and make gutters harder to clean.

The need to eliminate these products is one of the reasons he gives for upgrading your current gutter system.

An upgrade can prevent most if not all damage from clogged or leaky gutters: exterior staining and siding deterioration, interior leakage and water damage, and damage to ceilings, walls and wall coverings, floorboards and furniture. Repairs of this kind typically run into the thousands, even tens of thousands, of dollars.

In addition, Wisconsin winters and the weight of accumulated ice and snow can cause sagging in gutter sections, causing them to leak, damaging roofs and walls, and eventually pulling away from the house.

Whats more, gutters that have been poorly installed are often poorly pitched. For water to drain properly, gutters should be pitched toward downspouts at a minimum of a quarter inch for every ten feet. Improper pitches will cause water to pool at a gutters lowest point, stressing an existing system and jeopardizing any number of parts of a house.

A new gutter system of the kind Larson Home Services installs takes away not only the dirty and dangerous chore of unclogging gutters yourself several times a year, but also the worry of future leaks and water damage.

As Andrew Larson tells prospective customers, If you're worried about your current gutter system functioning properly, it's time to call an expert.

And one of the best experts in the Madison area is Andrew Larson.

To learn more about how Larson Home Services can fix your gutters and better protect your home, please visit larsonhomeservices.com.

This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com.
Stadium Takeout, which opened last October on Monroe Street, across from Camp Randall Stadium, specializes in authentic Chicago Italian beef sandwiches.

It also offers a sandwich all Italian beef lovers should try: The Donfather ($12.49), named for the owner, Don Woods, which dresses up a tall stack of premium Vienna Italian beef with mozzarella and provolone, and stuffs it inside a Stellas Spicy Cheese Bread roll. It all comes together spectacularly.

The young man who took my order at the counter asked if I wanted the sandwich dry, dipped, or with au jus on the side. I went with dipped and that was great. He also asked if I wanted sweet or hot peppers, but didnt say it would be 75 cents extra. I asked for a mix of both and it, too, worked well and was worth the upcharge.

Stellas bun, from the iconic local bakery, was why I went with this sandwich and it certainly elevated it.

The spicy chicken po boy ($10.99) is equally good. It was as spicy as promised and had big chunks of tender, sauteed garlic chicken, jalapenos, provolone, lettuce, tomato, sauteed red bell peppers, and mayo on a long, soft French roll. It was another fantastic mix of ingredients.

The bread was also soaked, which I didnt expect. Woods said it comes out juicy from some of the olive oil, jalapeno pepper mix and garlic butter cooked with the chicken.

I tried to order boneless chicken wings, but ended up with eight regular wings ($10.49), which were deep-fried but not breaded. They come tossed with a choice of sauce. I picked honey garlic and jalapeno mango from the long list and the combination was unbeatable. I was offered ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side, but it was hardly necessary.

The wings were fine, and I thought boneless wings ($8.99) would be better until I went back the following week to try them. They were basically well-breaded chicken nuggets with some small pieces that were almost all breading. I got the same two sauces, this time on the side, and preferred the honey garlic.

A pizza puff ($4.69) was excellent and not at all greasy. You can get it with either pepperoni or tiny pieces of sausage.

Mini corn dogs ($7.49) came 12 to an order. The bite-size, slightly sweet corn dogs, like the pizza puff, come from a distributor, but serve as a well-prepared snack. Honey mustard sauce on the side was a good choice.

On a recent rainy Monday for lunch, most of the tables were full. Woods said the space is 1,100 square feet, and can seat 10 to 15 people depending on the configuration. The main wall has a painting of Bucky Badger aggressively busting through, one paw holding a sandwich.

Woods, 45, who is known as Don the Barber and has been cutting hair for 21 years, opened Stadium Takeout next to Faded Club, the barber shop he has owned for almost three years.

The restaurant is in the former home of Lorraines, and before that, New Orleans Take-Out. Woods started out on weekends only and went to seven days a week in March when his brother, Derrick, 37, moved to Madison from Eau Claire to help run the place.

Woods said Derrick is a co-owner. Between the barber shop and the restaurant, Woods said he works 14-hour days, seven days a week.

Sleep, work, sleep, work, he said. But it doesnt feel like work. I enjoy doing it, so it makes it easier.

Half of Woods body is covered with tattoos, including on his neck and the side of his face. I still have a lot of real estate left on my legs, said Woods, who added that he plans on getting more.

Speaking of getting more, anyone who tries the Donfather or the spicy chicken po boy will soon be making plans to return to Stadium Takeout.

Diner's scorecard Restaurant: Stadium Takeout Location: 1517 Monroe St. Phone: 608-286-1992 Website: stadiumtakeout.com Hours: Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Prices: Appetizers $3.49 to $13.99, wings $8.99 to $48.99, sandwiches $7.49 to $12.99 Noise level: Medium Credit cards: Accepted Accessibility: There's a front stoop Outdoor dining: No, but seating at the park across the street Delivery: Through third-party apps, best accessed through the restaurant's website Drinks: No alcohol Gluten-free: Wings Vegetarian offerings: No Kids menu: Many items children like Parking: Street parking Service: Good Bottom line: Great sandwiches and service from a tiny shop on Monroe Street.

Read restaurant news at go.madison.com/restaurantnews

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THURSDAY, June 16, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- An advisory panel to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration voted unanimously on Wednesday to recommend the emergency use of both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for the country's youngest children.

The approvals come not a moment too soon: More than two years into the pandemic, children younger than 5 years still have no vaccine available to them.

The panel's recommendations will now go to the FDA, which is expected to approve the use of the vaccines this week. On Friday and Saturday, an advisory panel to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention plans to vote on whether to endorse the shots. The final step in the approval process will come when CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, M.D., greenlights the shots.

On Wednesday, regulators and company officials spent much of the morning discussing side effects caused by the vaccines, the vast majority of which were mild and tolerated by children in the clinical trials: irritability and crying, sleepiness, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Smaller numbers of these children had fevers, most of which did not become severe, The New York Times reported.

In younger age groups, fevers of any kind can be more dangerous, a fact that pressured vaccine makers to calculate dosing correctly. Pfizer chose a dose at just a 10th of the strength of the adult dosing, given in three shots; the first two are administered three weeks apart, with the third coming at least eight weeks after the second. Moderna used a quarter of the strength of its adult dosing, administered in two shots, four weeks apart.

"I know that the death rate from COVID and young children may not be extremely high," Jay Portnoy, M.D., of the Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, said during the meeting, The Times reported. But, "it's absolutely terrifying to parents to have their child be sick" or hospitalized, he noted.

Originally published on consumer.healthday.com, part of the TownNews Content Exchange.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The $1 billion package of military assistance the U.S. announced for Ukraine on Wednesday is aimed at bolstering the country's ability to push back Russian advances in the eastern Donbas region. Several European nations added their own contributions, as U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin wrapped up a meeting of more then 45 nations in Brussels to discuss Ukraine's security needs.

The aid reflects Ukraines needs for longer-range rocket and missile systems that will allow it to target Russian troops and locations from farther away, thus making strikes less likely for Ukrainian forces.

The $1 billion package is the largest single tranche of aid provided by the U.S. since the war began on Feb. 24. It includes $350 million in rapid, off-the-shelf deliveries by the Pentagon and $650 million in other longer-term purchases. All combined, the U.S. has now committed about $6.3 billion in security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Biden Administration, including approximately $5.6 billion since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.

The U.S. military aid announced on Wednesday includes:

 18 howitzers and 36,000 rounds of ammunition for them.

 18 tactical vehicles to tow the howitzers.

 Ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) that the U.S. previously agreed to send,

 Four tactical vehicles to recover equipment.

 Spare parts and other equipment.

 Two Harpoon coastal defense systems.

 Thousands of secure radios, night vision devices, thermal sights and other optics.

 Funding for training, maintenance, sustainment, transportation, and administrative costs.

Austin said other countries also agreed to send more aid:

 Germany will send three Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, which are very similar to the HIMARS. and guided munitions for the systems.

 Slovakia will send helicopters and urgently needed rocket ammunition.

 Canada and Poland will send artillery.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
TOWN OF TRENTON  The owner of Frostys Fosters Animal Rescue faces several misdemeanor charges related to the treatment of the animals under her care after 19 dogs were found in crates in an unlicensed location.

According to a press release issued Monday from the Dodge County Sheriffs Office, Joseph Nicholas and Sgt. Eric Krueger were sent to investigate the animal complaint on Jan. 13 at N10006 Highway 151.

Agents of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Division of Animal Health had already been to the property to investigate a tip about the condition of the dogs at Frosty Fosters Animal Rescue operated by Fostina M. Uelmen.

Through investigation by the Dodge County Sheriffs Office, the Division of Animal Health, working with the Dodge County District Attorneys Office, filed multiple misdemeanor charges of violations of WI Statute 951 Crimes against Animals against Fostina Uelmen on Friday.

Those charges include: failure to provide food and drink to confined animals; intentional or negligently providing improper indoor animal shelter  ventilation; improper animal shelter  space; and intentionally providing improper animal shelter sanitation standards.

Uelmen could face up to nine months in prison and a $10,000 fine for each count against her.

According to the criminal complaint:

A person who had volunteered at Frostys Foster Animal Rescue contacted the Division of Animal Health with a possible animal cruelty report. The initial report stated that there were over 20 dogs with many of them being in crates between 19 and 23 hours a day and not being able to fully stand or turn around.

When the Dodge County Sheriffs Office arrived at the location, which was a two-story farmhouse, they met with Uelmen. Uelmen admitted the location was not licensed, but stated her business at 115 Twin Lane, Beaver Dam, was licensed. Uelmen said they had moved into the farmhouse in November 2021 and that they did not have a kennel license. She had planned to build a new building but the county had denied it.

Uelmen told the officers that there were 29 dogs in the house, but many of them would be leaving soon. The dogs had come from Kentucky and Alabama. Law enforcement found 19 of the dogs in crates on the front porch. There were also six people living in the home.

Law enforcement allegedly could smell the odor of feces, urine and ammonia on the porch. There was no ventilation and the porch was around 70 degrees. All of the dogs had food and appeared to be taken care of, but the odor of the area led the officers to believe that the dogs were not being properly cared for.

One of the dogs, a black and white pitbull mix, in a bluish/gray crate with an orange strap around the crate door was covered in feces, the crate was covered in dried feces, and the crate did not appear to have been cleaned recently. Many of the crates were also not an adequate size for the dogs that were in them.

Uelmen told officers that the dogs had arrived a few days prior to the investigation and that the dogs went on multiple walks per day. She said the dogs were kept in the crates for about 18 hours out of a 24-hour day due to the temperament of some of the dogs. Uelmen said she cleaned the crates daily. Uelmen said she planned for bigger kennel runs to be built.

Uelmen said she has been in business since 2015 and there was one previous investigation into her business when someone claimed they were hoarders. She said they had no issues with the business licensing in the past and normally average five dogs and two puppies on the property.

A deputy returned on Feb. 18 and Uelmen said that she had nine dogs remaining there, and that she had not brought any new dogs into the home. Uelmen had turned over six of the dogs to the Dodge County Humane Society. Uelmen said the dogs were staying at her home because she was having a difficult time finding foster homes for some of the dogs. The Beaver Dam location was investigated as well, which consisted of a room on the back side of a home, and an odor was noticed coming from that room as well.

An initial appearance for Uelmen is scheduled on Aug. 15.

Follow Terri Pederson on Twitter @tlp53916 or contact her at 920-356-6760.

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With temperatures in the mid-90s earlier this week, pavement buckles are creating problems for drivers, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation said.

On Wednesday, pavement buckling caused lane closures in Columbia County on Interstate 39 near Lodi. And on Tuesday, DOT reported four incidents of buckling in the greater Madison area, according to a tweet from the department. No incidents were reported in Dane County on Wednesday, said Steve Theisen, a DOT spokesperson.

Pavement buckling takes place when weather shifts from very cool to very hot, leading slabs of pavement to expand and push into one another. When the pressure becomes intense enough, the pavement can "buckle and create unexpected bumps or dips," the statement said.

The repair time for buckling varies based on the extent of the damage and traffic staging, Theisen said.

And with next Monday and Tuesday's high temperatures forecasted to reach the mid-90s, next week may bring more buckling, too: The likelihood of buckling increases when temperatures exceed 90 degrees, Theisen said.

DOT urged drivers to be ready to move over for highway crews and to report serious issues with location information to 911. The 511 website provides updated information on incidents and delays.

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Masks will be optional for students, staff and visitors in Madison School District buildings starting June 20, according to an announcement Wednesday.

At the start of the summer semester, the district will shift its mask protocol indoors from required to highly recommended.

The Madison School District was one of the last districts in Dane County and Wisconsin to still require masks to be worn indoors by students, staff and visitors, after others relaxed their policies earlier in the 2021-22 school year. Dane County dropped its countywide mask rule on March 1.

The district previously cited rising COVID-19 cases locally as a reason for its repeated extension of its mask mandate, which it revisited every two weeks between May and the end of the school year. The school year ended on Thursday.

The decision to drop the mask requirement came after continued review of current local COVID-19 metrics, recent federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, and the unanimous recommendation of the school districts team of medical advisers, district spokesperson Tim LeMonds said in a statement. The district continues to strongly encourage all eligible individuals to get vaccinated against the virus.

The district will require students, staff or visitors to wear a mask in school buildings under the following conditions:

If the student, staff member, or visitor is displaying symptoms of a respiratory illness, such as a cough, congestion, runny nose or sore throat.

If a student, staff member or visitor tests positive for COVID-19, they will be required to isolate for a minimum of five days. If symptoms are improving after five days, they may return to school, but must wear a mask for at least the first five days after their return.

If a student, staff member or visitor is identified as a close contact, they will be required to wear a mask for a period of time  the duration of which will be determined after they complete the districts health screening.

Aside from highly recommending that students, staff members and visitors wear masks while indoors, the district will continue health practices such as frequent hand-washing, cleaning, and encouraging or requiring people to stay home when ill.

Masks may again be required districtwide if COVID conditions warrant or they are recommended under the guidance of health officials, LeMonds said.

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Twelve regional teams will be tasked with supporting school students and faculty after shootings and other incidents under a state Department of Justice program coming to fruition this fall.

The Critical Incident Response Teams, which are now undergoing training, will aim to minimize the psychological impact of a school-related critical incident, identify people requiring long-term mental health support and provide help to school employees, according to a DOJ statement.

The program is launching as 96 gun incidents at schools nationwide resulted in 40 deaths and 78 injuries so far in 2022, according to the gun control advocacy organization Everytown for Gun Safety.

We must take a comprehensive approach to school safety, Attorney General Josh Kaul said in a statement. By creating regional Critical Incident Response Teams for schools across Wisconsin, our Office of School Safety and the partners participating in this program will ensure that resources and support are available if a critical incident takes place at any Wisconsin school.

Wisconsin is the first state to implement the regional teams on a statewide basis, according to the statement.

Critical incidents include threats or acts of violence, natural disasters, serious injuries to students or staff, suicide, weather-related disasters, community turmoil, intruders, an Amber Alert, and hate crimes, the statement says.

The teams, which are undergoing training through DOJs Office of School Safety, will include law enforcement, school administrators, counselors, psychologists, social workers, nurses, teachers, school safety experts and others. The Office of School Safety circulated the idea of creating the 12 teams at least as far back as 2020.

The initiative comes as a bipartisan group in the U.S. Senate appears poised to forge gun control legislation that could include an enhanced review process for people under 21 trying to buy guns. It could also include funding to bolster so-called red flag laws to remove guns from people deemed dangerous.

In 2019, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers called his first special session encouraging legislators to pass a red flag law and universal background checks, but Republican leaders called the bills an infringement on Second Amendment rights and ended the special session just seconds after it began.

Asked whether Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, of Oshkosh, would support the federal bipartisan gun safety legislation, spokesperson Alexa Henning said Sunday, There is no bill text yet, the senator will review that once it exists.

I stand on the side of taking action and this is a positive step forward that can help protect people from gun violence, help reduce mass shootings, and help save lives, Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, of Madison, said in a statement.

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For the second time this week, heavy storms with damaging winds moved through the Madison area Wednesday, and tornado activity was confirmed in two west central Wisconsin communities.

A tornado spotted near Tomah shortly after 4 p.m. was large and extremely dangerous, and debris was seen lofted on radar, the La Crosse Tribune reported. One was also spotted near Mauston and described as rain-wrapped, which made it difficult to see.

The Monroe County Sheriffs Office said in a statement Wednesday night the tornado traveled northeast from Highway 131 and Highway A for about 15 miles before leaving Monroe County north of Shennington. The tornado took down multiple trees, power lines and barns, the Sheriffs Office said, and multiple semis were blown over causing Interstate 90 to be shut down for more than three hours.

Authorities reported widespread power outages and damage to some homes but no injuries or deaths. National Weather Service meteorologist Sarah Marquardt, of the Sullivan office, said winds in the area likely reached between 60 and 80 mph.

There were also damaged trees and vehicles on the grounds of Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston, according to a news release from the center. The facility, which was using backup power until the regular power source was restored, also sustained minor damage.

As of 6:45 p.m., all severe weather, including tornado threats, had cleared from the La Crosse area, according to the National Weather Service.

In southern Wisconsin, Marquardt said there were reports of trees down and other damage around Portage.

The severe weather came amid a heat wave that pushed temperatures into the 90s and beyond Wednesday in a stretch spanning from northern Florida to the Great Lakes and covering about a third of the countrys population.

In the Madison area, 982 Madison Gas and Electric customers remained without power as of 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, a number that also reflects power lost in Mondays storms that hadnt been restored yet. As storms moved through Wednesday, that number temporarily jumped by hundreds more. Mondays storm initially left about 25,000 without power, MGE said.

MGE spokesperson Kaya Freiman said MGE had not seen damage so significant for more than 30 years and the number of separate incidents was extremely rare for the company.

The biggest challenges continue to be the high volume of downed lines, the large number of separate outage incidents and additional new outages that are the result of weakened trees and branches falling on power lines, she said prior to Wednesday nights storms.

Crews from other utilities and contractors were helping restoration efforts, but the extent of the storm damage is so great that the company still is conducting damage assessments and working to develop accurate estimated restoration times for customers without power, Freiman said.

Thursday is expected to be sunny and slightly less warm, with a high in the upper 80s.
CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  Australia's new foreign minister on Thursday made New Zealand the first stop on her third Pacific trip in a month as Canberra steps up efforts to counter Chinas growing influence in the region.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong is promoting her administrations stronger ambition on curbing greenhouse gas emissions as evidence that Australia shares the South Pacifics primary security concern: climate change.

Australia formally committed on Thursday to reducing emissions by 43% by the end of the decade. The previous government, which lost power in elections last month, had pledged to reduce emissions by only 26% to 28% below 2005 levels by 2030.

Many countries in the region have been concerned about Australias previous position on climate, Wong said at a joint press conference with her New Zealand counterpart, Nanaia Mahuta, in the New Zealand capital, Wellington.

We do have some ground to make up and we want to demonstrate we bring ... stronger and more ambitious commitments on climate because we actually think it matters and more resources and more energy, Wong added.

Mahuta said she agreed with Wong that the Pacific is a contested space.

So by working together, it will be important to ensure that we work alongside the Pacific as they define their priorities, but also the way in which we partner with the Pacific on their biggest issues like climate change, like economic resilience, Mahuta said.

On Friday, Wong will become the first Australian minister to visit the Solomon Islands since its government signed a security pact with China that many fear could lead to a Chinese naval base being established less than 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) off Australia's northeast coast.

When asked what she hoped to achieve from her meeting with Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Wong did not mention the pact.

Wong said she aimed to listen to peoples perspectives and learn from that.

She also plans to discuss climate change, labor mobility and development.

Australia is the Solomons' main security partner and Australian police have been in the capital, Honiara, maintaining peace since riots in November last year.

Australia on Thursday announced drought assistance for Kiribati, which was one of eight nations visited by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a recent influence-building South Pacific tour.

Australia will provide an initial 675,000 Australian dollars ($473,000) to support the installation of 100 solar distillation units to provide safe drinking water after the Kiribati government declared a state of disaster on Wednesday.

Wong visited Samoa and Tonga around the same time as Wangs tour. She flew to Tokyo within hours of being sworn into office on May 23 for a security summit attended by leaders of the United States, Japan, India and Australia.

Follow APs Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  A Dutch intelligence agency said Thursday that it foiled a sophisticated attempt by a Russian spy using a false Brazilian identity to work as an intern at the International Criminal Court, which is investigating allegations of Russian war crimes in Ukraine.

The General Intelligence and Security Service of the Netherlands said the 36-year-old man, identified as Sergey Vladimirovich Cherkasov, worked for Russia's shadowy GRU agency and tried to gain access to the global court based in The Hague under the cover name of Viktor Muller Ferreira.

If the intelligence officer had succeeded in gaining access as an intern to the ICC, he would have been able to gather intelligence there and to look for (or recruit) sources, and arrange to have access to the ICCs digital systems, the Dutch agency said. That way he would have been able to provide a significant contribution to the intelligence that the GRU is seeking. He might also have been able to influence criminal proceedings of the ICC.

The agency said it uncovered his identity and informed the Netherlands' immigration service in April that he was considered a national security threat.

On these grounds, the intelligence officer was refused entry into the Netherlands in April and declared unacceptable. He was sent back to Brazil on the first flight out, the agency, known by its acronym AIVD, said. It did not reveal how it unmasked the spy.

In March, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan opened an investigation in Ukraine, where Russian forces have been accused of war crimes. The court also is investigating alleged crimes committed during the 2008 Russo-Georgian War and has issued arrest warrants for three men who served in the Russian-backed self-declared republic of South Ossetia.

Court spokeswoman Sonia Robla said the ICC was briefed by the Dutch authorities and is very thankful to the Netherlands for this important operation and more generally, for exposing security threats.

She said as the court's host state, the role of the Dutch authorities is key in the protection of the ICC headquarters. The ICC takes these threats very seriously and will continue to work and cooperate with the Netherlands.

In a statement about the foiled bid to infiltrate the ICC, the Dutch intelligence agency said Cherkasov used a well-constructed cover identity by which he concealed all his ties with Russia in general, and the GRU in particular.

It said he was an illegal agent who received long and extensive training." The Dutch agency even released a redacted document, dated around 2010, in which he lays out his fabricated backstory.

Because of their alias identity, illegals are difficult to discover, the AIVD said. For that reason they often remain undetected, allowing them to carry out intelligence activities. Because they present themselves as foreigners, they have access to information that would be inaccessible to a Russian national.

It is not the first time Russian spies have attempted to infiltrate an international organization in The Hague.

In 2018, the Dutch defense minister accused GRU spies of attempted cybercrimes targeting the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and an international investigation into the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine. The probe said the plane was brought down by a missile was driven into Ukraine from a Russian military base and fired from territory controlled by pro-Moscow separatists. Russia denies involvement.

Earlier this year, after Russia's Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, the Netherlands was one of several European nations that expelled Russians believed linked to espionage. The Netherlands kicked out 17 Russians who it described as intelligence officers masquerading as diplomats.

Follow AP's coverage of the Ukraine war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
LAREDO, Texas (AP)  A recount was underway Thursday in a Texas primary race between Democratic U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar and progressive challenger Jessica Cisneros following their tight runoff in May.

Before the recount, Cuellar had been leading Cisneros by 187 votes, or 0.4 percentage points, out of 45,429 ballots counted as of last week, according to an Associated Press count. The AP will not declare a winner until the recount is completed.

It was not clear Thursday when the recount would be finished.

The recount was requested by Cisneros, a 29-year-old immigration attorney who is trying to unseat the nine-term South Texas congressman for the second time in as many years. She lost by 4 percentage points in 2020 behind national support from the partys progressive leaders, including Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.

Cuellar has said his lead will hold in Texas' 28th Congressional District, which is heavily Hispanic and runs to the southern border with Mexico. He has bucked his party for years over issues including abortion and gun rights but has kept the support of Democratic leaders in Congress, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The winner of will face Cassy Garcia, who won the Republican runoff for the seat in May.

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
At least 16 US cities set or tied records for their highest temperature for the date, with Macon, Georgia, hitting 103 degrees Fahrenheit on Wednesday, the National Weather Service reported.

That was 3 degrees higher than the previous June 15 mark in Macon, set in 2010.

Chicago's O'Hare airport reported a record temperature of 96, which is 15 degrees above normal and well above the 77 degrees it was last year on that date. The prior mark was 95, most recently reached in 1994, according to the weather service.

Records were set in states from Michigan -- where the Tri-Cities saw 94 degrees -- to Florida, where it was 95 in Tampa, equaling a mark set in 2001.

More than 120 million people were under heat warnings and advisories Wednesday, according to the weather service.

In a midday forecast the agency said: "Life threatening excessive heat will develop across portions of the Midwest" and Georgia will experience "dangerous heat." There are also warnings or watches in the Southwest, and parts of Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Oklahoma.

A total of 32 places across the central and southern US may get close to or exceed high-temperature records, according to the weather service's Weather Prediction Center. Multiple cities, including St. Louis, Nashville and Charlotte, North Carolina, have already broken daily records this week.

The dangerous temperatures come as many homes remain without power after storms across the Midwest on Monday. That includes about 180,000 customers without power in Ohio on Wednesday, according to Poweroutage.us.

The majority of Ohio has been under an excessive heat warning and about a dozen cities are among those that could set temperature records, according to the weather service. A spokesperson for electric company AEP Ohio told CNN that some customers should prepare for outages to last until Thursday.

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther called on residents to use cooling centers and swimming pools on Wednesday to beat the heat, and to check on neighbors as power slowly comes back online.

"AEP is dealing with the damage from last night's storms plus high demand because of excessive heat. They are working to restore power to everyone. I know it's tough -- I'm without power at my house as well," the mayor said on social media.

Records have also been hit by some power-grid operators amid the surging demand for air-conditioning. Both the Tennessee Valley Authority and Texas operator ERCOT recorded highs for electricity usage.

Schools have been forced to alter schedules due to the excessive heat. In Wisconsin, where a heat index of 108 degrees Fahrenheit was recorded by the weather service Tuesday at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee Public Schools officials dismissed students early and said they will do so again Wednesday.

"Young children and persons with certain health conditions are especially vulnerable to heat-related distress," the district announced on its website. "For the safety of all, the district has decided to shorten the school day."

More than a dozen schools in Minnesota that are not fully air-conditioned moved to e-learning on Tuesday, according to Minneapolis Public Schools. Detroit Public Schools announced they will close all in-person schools three hours early through Friday due to the extreme heat.

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office said Wednesday two heat-related deaths are under investigation, and autopsy results are expected Thursday. CNN has reached out to the medical examiner's office for additional information.

Relief may soon arrive for the Midwest as the heat is forecast to break late Wednesday, with a cold front due to bring cooler temperatures, scattered showers and thunderstorms.

Temperatures will drop to more-average levels as the front moves through Minneapolis on Wednesday afternoon and Chicago by Wednesday overnight. The cold front is forecast to move through Ohio by Thursday.

Still, even with temperatures easing a few degrees, particularly throughout the Upper Midwest, temperatures in much of the region will remain above normal, with areas of record-setting temperatures persisting into the latter part of the week.

On Thursday, temperatures are forecast to climb well above normal for much of the Great Basin, the Rockies and Southwest. An excessive heat warning has also been issued for parts of interior southern California and Arizona, where daytime highs are expected to soar once again well into the triple digits.

Wildfires rage in Arizona, New Mexico

Meanwhile, states across the Southwest faced an elevated risk of wildfires due to windy conditions and relative humidity on Tuesday.

In Arizona, the Pipeline Fire just north of Flagstaff has scorched more than 22,000 acres as of Wednesday morning, US Forest Service officials said. The blaze was first spotted on Sunday, according to a Tuesday update from InciWeb, a federal clearinghouse for wildfire information.

A second fire just a few miles away, the Haywire Fire, has burned roughly 5,000 acres, according to the forest service.

Firefighters in New Mexico continue to battle the two largest fires in the state's history, the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon Fire just northeast of Santa Fe and the Black Fire in the Gila National Forest. They have burned almost 640,000 acres combined.

There are 38 active large wildfires in the US as of Tuesday that have burned almost 1.2 million acres in four states -- Alaska, Arizona, California and New Mexico, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

The-CNN-Wire

 &  2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.

CNN's Taylor Ward, Robert Shackelford, Judson Jones, Theresa Waldrop, Andy Rose and Dave Alsup contributed to this report.
MOUNT PLEASANT  A 22-year-old, accused of leading a wide-sweeping fraud scheme that scammed Educators Credit Union out of more than $31,000 between 2020 and 2021, has been arrested and faces 81 separate criminal charges.

An extensive, 36-page, multi-part criminal complaint was filed Wednesday, naming eight different suspects and more than a dozen other people involved, both willingly and unwittingly, in the extensive bank fraud.

The mastermind of the fraud has been identified as a 22-year-old from Greenfield, Devontae Leon Cash. (Yes, that is his legal name.)

The case was investigated by the Mount Pleasant Police Department, as Educators Credit Union is based in Mount Pleasant.

The alleged scheme was based around a practice known as card cracking, which the American Bankers Association defines as a form of fraud where consumers respond to an online solicitation for easy money and provide a debit card for withdrawal of fake check deposits.

Investigators said Cash referred to the scheme as doing checks and told at least one accomplice that what he was doing was not fraud.

According to investigators, the scheme worked like this:

1. Cash acquired a number of other peoples bank account information; they were unwittingly involved in the scheme. The Mount Pleasant Police Department identified four such people.

2. Cash then used that information to order blank checks that would be delivered to his apartment in Greenfield.

3. Then, by advertising on social media and using recruiters who now also face criminal allegations, Cash found people willing to take part in the scheme who also had an Educators Credit Union account. According to the criminal complaint, Cash advertised his illicit services on the Snapchat social media application, posting things like I do banks I deposit money over photos of him holding stacks of cash. After obtaining a search warrant, Mount Pleasant Police said they reviewed Cashs Facebook messages. In one conversation via Facebook Messenger, one of those recruited under Cashs scheme asked This not fraud is it? to which Cash replied, What doing checks?  No (this is not fraud) But if they were stolen checks yes but theyre not, Cash claimed, even though it is considered fraud.

4. Once connected with an accomplice, Cash filled out one of the illicitly acquired checks and deposited it into the accomplices ECU bank account via mobile banking using the FlashCash feature, which makes a portion of each check immediately available for deposit.

5. Then, Cash and the accomplice went to an ATM and withdrew cash, splitting the money between themselves, and sometimes giving $150-250 to a recruiter who found the accomplice and connected them with Cash.

6. The complaint stated that after a withdrawal and/or money transfer would be completed, then ECU would later find the checks were worthless. ECU would then be (at) a loss.

According to the complaint, heres an example of how the scheme worked in one instance: (An MPPD officer) spoke with (the Educators account holder), who said that she was in contact with Cash over Facebook and he wanted to use her bank account to deposit a check he received. (The Educators account holder) said Cash offered to pay her to let her deposit the check. (The Educators account holder) said Cash picked her up in his vehicle and drove to ECU to do the withdrawal. (The Educators account holder) said Cash took the $500 and did not give her anything, explaining there was more money on the way.

This was done more than 20 times from August 2020 to January 2021, cumulatively defrauding ECU out of $31,171.71, according to the criminal complaint.

A $50,000 arrest warrant was issued May 20, and Cash was arrested less than a month later. During an initial court appearance Wednesday in Racine County Circuit Court, Cash had a cash bond set at $10,000 and, if that was paid, would be placed under house arrest with GPS monitoring, according to online court records. He is next due in court at 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, for a preliminary hearing.

Cash has been charged with:

Nineteen counts of felony fraud against a financial institution (between $500 and $10,000)

Two counts misdemeanor fraud against a financial institution (less than $500)

Seven counts of conspiracy to commit fraud against a financial institution

Twenty-eight counts of misdemeanor bail jumping

Twenty-four counts of felony bail jumping

One count of being the organizer of financial crimes, a felony

According to the criminal complaint, Cash has two prior convictions, one for carrying a concealed weapon in Milwaukee County in 2019 and another for manufacturing/delivering Schedule IV drugs as a party to a crime in Waukesha County in 2020.

Eight other people are named as co-defendants in the criminal complaint:

Lauryn I. Mason, 21, of Milwaukee, identified as a recruiter, accused of one felony count of fraud against a financial institution, due in court June 23

Demetrius Q. Wilson, 22, of Milwaukee, accused of one felony count of fraud against a financial institution, due in court June 22

Deanterrio T. King, 21, of Milwaukee, accused of one felony count of fraud against a financial institution

Ashley N. Kruszwicki, 24, of West Allis, identified as a recruiter, accused of two felony counts of fraud against a financial institution

Araceli Vazquez, 22, of Greenfield, accused of one felony count of fraud against a financial institution

Alfred B. Williams, 21, of Milwaukee, accused of one felony count of fraud against a financial institution

Abraham J. Scott, 20, of Zion, Illinois, accused of one felony count of fraud against a financial institution

Kameron J. Simpson, 30, of the 1100 block of Marquette Street, Racine, accused of one felony count of fraud against a financial institution
A West Salem High School student is dead after a crash involving two watercraft Tuesday on the Mississippi River.

A letter to parents from the West Salem School District identified the deceased as sophomore Marley Tauscher.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, two personal watercraft collided on the west channel of the Mississippi River around 1:30 p.m. The DNR says the crash involved four people.

The DNR didnt disclose whether anyone else was injured in the crash.

The DNR is still investigating the cause of the incident. The agency didnt give a timeline on when additional information will be released, but said a report must be filed within 10 days.

The La Crosse Police Department assisted the DNR at the scene.
Among a system of powerful storms that swept across Wisconsin on Wednesday, at least one tornado was confirmed, and officials are working to confirm if a second one  or multiple others  touched down in the western part of the state.

A damaging tornado was confirmed near Tomah shortly after 4 p.m., according to preliminary reports from the National Weather Service of La Crosse. A forecaster told the Tribune that crews are also evaluating whether a single tornado or multiple tornadoes swept through Vernon County and Mauston.

No injuries or deaths have been reported from the storms, officials said.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the tornado that hit Tomah appears to have traveled northeast from Highway 131 and Highway A for about 15 miles before leaving Monroe County north of Shennington.

The tornado took down multiple trees, power lines and barns, and damaged several homes. The county reported widespread power outages. Multiple semis were blown over onto their sides, causing Interstate 90/94 to be shut down for more than three hours. Traffic was detoured on Hwy. 12/16 through Oakdale.

The tornado was described as "large and extremely dangerous" by the NWS, and it was "rain-wrapped," making it difficult to see. Debris was seen lofted on the radar.

According to preliminary local storm reports, the area was also hit with hail up to an inch in diameter and winds capable of ripping bark off of trees and shingles off of roofs, though NWS said the storm didn't produce much hail.

Almost simultaneously, a tornado watch was also issued for northeastern Vernon County near La Farge and Hillsboro until 4:45 p.m., and for the Mauston area until 5 p.m.

Damage was reported at the Mile Bluff Medical Center in Mauston, which resorted to using backup power due to the storm, according to officials. NWS crews were on the ground in Mauston Thursday morning evaluating the storm.

Other damage reported near Mauston includes flipped trailers, roof damage, and downed power lines, tree branches and traffic lights.

Law enforcement is asking people to avoid traveling in the storm-damaged areas as many roads remain impassible and crews are working to get them back open.

The severe weather moved out of western Wisconsin by about 6:45 p.m., moving into the eastern part of the state, where damage was also done.

As of Thursday morning, about 38,000 We Energies customers lost service from Bonduel south to Milwaukee.

In Outagamie County, executive Tom Nelson said some rural roads were impassable, urging commuters to take extra time while traveling and to "be safe."

Crews with the Green Bay Metro Fire Department responded to about 150 calls for service in their area, including calls for downed power lines, damaged poles, gas leaks and damage to homes.

About an inch to and inch-and-a-half of rain fell across Vernon, Monroe, La Crosse and Jackson counties on Wednesday, adding to what was already a wet week.

As of Thursday morning, the La Crosse River had reached 7.45 feet, hovering at a minor flood stage. The Lemonweir River in New Lisbon was reported at 7.7 feet, which is in the "action" flood stage.

The Kickapoo River in Vernon County was on the rise but hadn't yet reached flood stage.

The NWS said it expects to have more details on the storms by early Thursday afternoon.

This story was updated at 10 a.m. Thursday morning to include more details about the storms. Any storm photos, videos or reports can be sent to news@lacrossetribune.com.
As the Jan. 6 committee continues to roll out an overwhelming case of corrupt conduct by Donald Trump, the calls grow louder for the Department of Justice to bring criminal charges against the former president.

Even if that happens, it would be a fundamental mistake to view the department as the avenging angel that alone can restore accountability and truth to our deeply damaged politics. We are in a critical constitutional moment, and it is society as a whole that has to renounce Trump's lies and the democracy-destroying poison  and actions  that he and other Trumpists will inflict on the 2024 elections and have inflicted on state voting laws in the past year.

From everything we know, and especially from the evidence put on in the hearings so far, the Justice Department appears to have the goods to indict Trump. As is widely recognized, the pivotal issue for criminal liability is Trump's state of mind: If he knew he lost the election, it would be straightforward to show that several of his post-Election Day schemes were criminal.

At this point, there are several ways to focus a prosecution.

First, with the mountainous evidence presented by the committee that Trump was told by nearly all the members of his circle that he had lost, a jury could simply choose not to believe his outlandish lie. For example, Trump began to propound the "big lie" before any votes actually came in. That suggests he was not deluded but rather determined to adopt a fantasy version that he knew was false from the beginning.

Second, prosecutors could rely on the legal concept of willful blindness, which is a form of knowledge under the law. If a jury were to find that Trump purposely hid his head in the sand in order not to know the truth, it could conclude that he had legally sufficient knowledge. And again, the evidence from several quarters, especially from the former Attorney General William Barr, that Trump did not want to hear any discussion of the facts of the election would support such a determination.

Finally, the intent issue doesn't turn in any way on Trump's belief, sincere or not, that he won the election. Even if Trump had so deeply drunk of his own Kool-Aid as to believe he won, the criminal intent in question is knowledge of the unlawful actions taken to stop Congress' electoral count on Jan. 6, 2021. He has not, nor has any ally, even attempted to suggest he was deluded there.

Just last week, before the first hearing, Trump called the attack on the Capitol by his supporters "the greatest movement" in U.S. history. If, as Rep. Liz Cheney argued at the hearing, he lighted the flame of the insurrection, he continues to this day to fan the fire, with toxic consequences to society.

So criminal prosecution may well be possible. But it would be a cardinal error to rely on federal prosecutors to pull the country out of the danger Trump has created for American democracy. More than 100 Republican primary winners for state or congressional offices, so far, have repeated Trump's lies about the stolen 2020 election, according to The Washington Post.

If the Justice Department were to charge Trump while a big share of the country remained significantly in his thrall, conviction or no conviction, the process could tear the country further apart. It's easy enough to imagine, for example, (though it would have been unimaginable six years ago) that Trump would run for president from prison and simply ignore any court ruling to stand down.

More generally, the idea that Attorney General Merrick Garland can end the national political nightmare through prosecution asks too much of prosecutors. We need to defend the rule of law and ensure that no one is above the law, but repairing the political damage done will depend on other instruments of democracy.

We have a right to expect Garland to make an apolitical prosecutorial decision on the merits  which will need to include the complicated set of questions on whether prosecuting a former president is in the best interests of the country. But ultimately, it falls on the American public  including the 65% of Republicans who still believe in Trump's "big lie"  to repudiate that lie and the insurrection. No institution can do it for us.

Litman writes for the Los Angeles Times.
Madison Gas and Electric said Thursday night that all customers who lost power due to powerful storms Monday and Wednesday should have power restored by Friday morning.

Monday's storm initially left about 25,000 without power, the company said, and more storms moved through the Madison area Wednesday night, knocking out power to more customers and temporarily halting MGEs restoration efforts, but work resumed after the storms moved out, MGE spokesperson Kaya Freiman said in a statement.

There were about 100 incidents remaining, down from more than 280 on Monday, Freiman said Thursday.

More mutual assistance crews from Wisconsin and Minnesota arrived Thursday to help address the remaining outages, Freiman said.

MGE customers can check the companys outage map and outage information page for updates.

On Wednesday, Freiman said MGE has not seen damage this significant for more than 30 years and the number of separate incidents is extremely rare for the company.

The biggest challenges continue to be the high volume of downed lines, the large number of separate outage incidents and additional new outages that are the result of weakened trees and branches falling on power lines, she said.

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JEROME  Last Tuesday, Antonio Gallegos, 27, and Reyes Ruben Duran, 21, both from Burley, were arrested on charges of 1st-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to deliver marijuana.

The men were arrested in connection with the May death of Carl Yager, 48. Jerome County Sheriff's Office responded to St. Luke's Jerome on May 18 after an adult male was brought to the hospital with injuries after being shot. Yager died later.

During the investigation, more than 1,200 pounds of marijuana were seized, according to a press release from Sheriff George Oppedyk.

The Idaho State Police, FBI, Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office, Twin Falls Police Department, and the Mini Cassia Drug Task Force all assisted the Jerome County Sheriff's Office.

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A Boise woman who was arrested last year in connection to the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riots pleaded not guilty to the six federal charges against her.

Yvonne St Cyr, 53, was one of six Idahoans that have been charged in connection with the Jan. 6 riot. She was indicted by a federal grand jury Feb. 14 on six charges: Two counts of civil disorder and aiding and abetting; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in a Capitol building; and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. Initially, St Cyr was charged with two misdemeanor counts. After further investigation and a grand jury indictment, federal agents added more charges.

During the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot  which left five people dead  St Cyr entered the Capitol and posted a live-streamed video on Facebook that was widely circulated on other social media platforms and picked up by national news outlets, according to a criminal complaint obtained by the Idaho Statesman. The complaint said St Cyr filmed an office window getting destroyed and continued to stand in the window as she shouted to the crowd.

The next day, St Cyr posted a 38-minute live stream on her husband Troys account, the complaint said, in which they talk about the riot. The Statesman previously reported that multiple videos were posted by the couple on Jan. 7.

God put me in that window, so Im assuming God put me on CNN screaming like a mad woman, St Cyr said during one of the Jan. 7 live streams. So hey, maybe Im going to get arrested again, but I would get arrested and I would die for this country. So no regrets.

Sometime between 2:15 to 2:30 p.m., St Cyr attempted to commit an act to obstruct, impede and interfere with a law enforcement officer at the West Plaza of the Capitol, according to St Cyrs indictment.

Sometime between 2:56 p.m. to 3:19 p.m., she also allegedly attempted to interfere with a law enforcement officer in the Lower West Terrace tunnel.

St Cyr was one of hundreds who protested outside Central District Health headquarters during a board meeting over COVID-19 public health measures in December 2020. The Boise Police Department arrested St Cyr on suspicion of trespassing.

Idaho federal defender Miles Pope, who is representing St Cyr, declined to comment.

Mychel Matthews is the managing editor at the Times-News. Contact Matthews at mmatthews@magicvalley.com or 208-735-3233.

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In honor of what some in town have called the greatest senior stunt ever, the Twin Falls High School rock was recently painted and adorned with plastic dinosaurs, by the class of 1963.

Fifty years ago, members of the senior class traveled to Gooding County and absconded with a large green dinosaur from the Rimview Cafe in Bliss. Somehow the kids managed to return to Twin Falls with the 25-foot-long stegosaurus named Dinney and placed it on the rooftop of the high school.

Back then, there was no freeway through southern Idaho. Families travelling U.S. 30 on their way to Boise stopped at the 24-hour Rimview to grab a bite to eat and fill up at the gas station next door.

In front of the cafe was a parking lot and on the other side of the parking lot was Dinneyland, where the fiberglass dinosaur roamed. Actually, Dinneys feet were embedded in concrete, but that didnt deter the students.

State patrolman Walter Kirtly, who lived in Bliss, heard rumors that something might happen to the dinosaur. But sometime during the night of May 20, 1963, the stegosaurus disappeared from right under his nose.

That night, a long parade of cars and pickups headed out of Twin Falls. Later, several dozen high school seniors descended on the little cafe and gas station in Bliss.

Most of the students were there as a diversion, said John Kelker, son of then-Times-News editor Gus Kelker.

John Kelker wrote in his 50-year reunion memoirs that he and his friends parked in front of Dinneyland to block the view from the restaurant. The students created a ruckus inside the restaurant and at the gas pumps, while other students sawed the dinosaur from its perch.

Dinney was loaded onto a truck, covered with a tarp, and hauled to Twin Falls, where it was found atop the high school gymnasium roof the next morning.

A large number 63 was taped to the dinosaurs side.

A lot of planning went into the caper, said Jerry Kuykendall, 1963 senior class president. But there was some luck involved too.

A Buhl cop stopped the convoy of cars as students drove through town with a dinosaurs tail hanging out from under a tarp at 2 a.m. But the cop didnt bother to look under the tarp, Kuykendall said.

Kuykendalls classmates didnt let him participate in the caper  they knew they would later need him as a mediator for the group.

Steve Woodall, TFHS class of 1964, remembers the stunt.

Initially, everybody was pretty proud of themselves for pulling it off, Woodall said. However, when talk of a lawsuit and possible criminal charges were brought up, attitudes changed in a hurry.

Soon, the word was out that other schools were planning to steal it off Twin Falls roof, and Dinney was moved to a temporary home in a local barn.

Dr. Edward Stewart Robinson owned the cafe, Dinney and Dinneyland, as well as Shoshone Ice Caves in Lincoln County. Robinson told the Twin Falls weekly Star that it was the third attempt to steal the dinosaur in five years, and he was tired of the pranks. Robinson promised to sue the students, the school, and Principal George Staudaher for interruption of business.

The dinosaur caper was reported on national television, and even Paul Harvey told the story on his national radio broadcast. According to Kuykendall, Life magazine changed its plans to feature the story when Robinson threatened to file charges against the guilty parties.

The magazine didnt want to give him any free publicity after he was being such a jerk about it, Kuykendall said.

The students were prepared to pay to repair the damages to the dinosaur, but Robinson wanted more money. In the end, the town paid $1,500 to $2,000 to keep Robinson from filing charges.

The amazing thing is how it brought the community together, said Kuykendall. The whole town made sure we had enough money to payoff Robinson.

Twin Falls County Sheriff Jim Benham even took the Gooding sheriff on a wild goose chase looking for the dinosaur, Kuykendall said. Benham knew where the dinosaur was hid all along.

Dinney eventually returned home with the help of high school students and parents, probably on the same truck that was used to steal him, Kuykendall said.

Robinson later moved the dinosaur to Shoshone Ice Caves, where he still stands. (Dinney is not the largest dinosaur  the one with the caveman sitting on his neck  at the ice caves, Kuykendall said.)

John Anderson, 1963 TFHS graduate and unofficial spokesman for the Great Dinosaur Caper, said he is sure the statute of limitations has run out on this case. He also said that no dinosaurs were harmed or killed during the escapade.

Mychel Matthews is the managing editor of the Times-News. The Hidden History feature runs every Thursday in the Times-News and at Magicvalley.com. If you have a question about something that may have historical significance, email Matthews at mmatthews@ magicvalley.com.

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Harm reduction programs are not meant to encourage drug use but rather be an early step leading people to recovery  and a survey about Black peoples tobacco use was answered mostly by older white women.

Those were the two main topics addressed during Drug-Free MHCs June meeting Wednesday. The speakers were Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition Executive Director Danny Clawson and Breana Turner, a PhD student of Virginia Techs Translational Medicine Biology Program.

Clawson said that the goal of the coalition is to help people struggling with drug use and addiction and support them and get them ready for recovery from their current place in life which is often in the throes, the chaos of their addiction.

The coalition has multiple functions such as: case management, which deals with housing, medical and dental, SNAP and Medicaid enrollment; substance use disorder treatment and identification documentation; patient navigation, which involves help with transportation and accompanying clients to appointments; infection screening and treatment, which covers HIV, HCV, PrEP and help with wound care; and supply distribution, which includes clothes, food, hygiene supplies, Naloxone and safer injection supplies.

Clawson also presented some fatal overdose statistics from the Virginia Department of Health in Martinsville and Henry County. Martinsville and Henry County has one of the highest in the state, she said. Its a really high rate, especially for such a rural area.

Last year, the nationwide fatal drug overdose rate was 103,000 people, she added. This is a public health crisis. If COVID wasnt happening, I truly believe that this would be the front page news and the top of the nightly news every day.

Clawson said that the coalition is working on a grant that will allow it to expand into the West Piedmont area because there are currently over 70 clients that travel from the local area into Roanoke to receive its services. The coalitions case manager, Ariel Johnson, supports several clients through the Martinsville Warming Center.

Clawson said that the coalition is really seeing a need for a service center out your way and that part of expanding into any area is working with already existing coalitions, community partners and finding collaboration points so that we are all on the same page and working towards a common goal.

A lot of times people think that harm reduction programs are pro-drug or enabling or pushing drug use and thats really not the case, Clawson said. We want our clients to be happy and healthy and integrated members of the community just like you guys.

Survey

Turner said Piedmont Community Services had received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the Virginia Department of Health Tobacco Control Program. The overall goal of the project is to reduce the tobacco and menthol usage amongst Black and African-Americans within the community members in Martinsville, Virginia, by 10 percent.

The time range of the data Turner analyzed was from October through December 2020, and it was distributed electronically. Most of the people who answered the survey were white females over the age of 60.

As I said before, this is to help reduce the menthol and tobacco usage for Black and African-Americans within the community and as you can see  most of the people that took part in the survey were white, she said. Again, their opinion and feedback is valuable, but moving forward its going to be really important that we recognize the importance of engaging within the Black and African-American community in order to have their own perceptions.

The results of the survey, Turner said, made it clear that there needs to be more education on the topic of menthol and tobacco use, there is a lack of education and understanding on the topic and that many people feel that the use of menthol or tobacco is a personal choice.

The next Drug-Free MHC meeting will be held in August after a short summer break.

Monique Holland is a reporter for the Martinsville Bulletin. She can be reached at monique.holland@martinsvillebulletin.com or at 276-734-9603.

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A Texas man has been sentenced to 350 years in prison for sex crimes with a 12-year-old Bassett girl after pleading guilty as charged earlier this year.

Kaleb Christopher Merritt, 22, of Spring, Texas, will serve an active sentence of 33 years and be on probation for the remainder of his life when he becomes eligible for release.

Merritt was indicted by a Henry County grand jury on Sept. 20 on a charge of rape of a child less than 13 years of age; two charges of rape; two charges of producing child pornography with a victim under the age of 15, second or subsequent offense; two charges of producing child pornography with a victim under the age of 15; abduction with intent to defile and solicitation of a child less than 15 years of age for sex.

The case was continued on four different occasions, and then on March 8 Merritt appeared in Henry County Circuit Court where he entered a guilty plea on all the charges against him and was sentenced that same day.

An Amber Alert was issued when the girl went missing from her home. Investigators ended their pursuit of Merritt, whom they knew had been in contact with the girl, when they caught up with the pair in Henderson, N.C., in early February 2021.

At a preliminary hearing after Merritts arrest the girl was called to the stand to testify, and said that it was her intention to run away with Merritt because she loved him.

The Bulletin had published the name of the girl when she was considered a missing person, but because of her age and the nature of the charges in the case, her name will not be provided in this account.

A criminal complaint on file in the Henry County Circuit Court Clerks Office by Henry County Sheriffs Office Investigator P.C. Stone indicates that a phone call from the Bedford County Sheriffs Office, Southwestern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to Stone advised that their office had received a complaint from Discord, a software company that provides a popular instant messaging and digital distribution platform.

The company relayed information that on Feb. 11, 2021, they became aware of a 12-year-old girl that had been making threats and statements of harming herself.

Stone said Bedford County Deputy C. Collins told him the reported user is from a group of users that go by CVLT who extort minor women into committing self-harm and uploading their own child pornography.

Collins told Stone the reported user has access to a minor and has documented they intend to abuse them.

Stone wrote that Collins was made aware of numerous messages between Feb. 7 and Feb. 10 that involved Merritt and the girl.

Those messages include the girl asking Merritt if he had enjoyed having sexual intercourse with her and multiple photographs of the girl and Merritt together at a tent in the woods on Feb. 10, 2021.

There are also messages from the girl to Merritt stating, in essence, that the girl was craving food and that it was a sign she was pregnant to which Merritt tell her that she is not pregnant, Stone wrote.

The complaint shows a cellphone belonging to the girl was seized by police on Feb. 11, 2021, and Investigator M.D. Wagoner located a video on the phone taken the day before that showed the girl not wearing garments on the lower half of her body and sitting on a naked males lap.

There were other videos on the phone and all appeared to be taken from the same tent in the woods that the girl and Merritt were photographed together.

Stone had explained in his complaint that his investigation determined that Merritt and the girl met on Instagram, a social media site, in December 2020.

Merritt then traveled from Spring, Texas, with the only apparent purpose of meeting the 12-year-old girl, he wrote.

Stone said Merritt was interviewed briefly on Feb. 11, 2021, and admitted meeting the girl in person on Reed Creek Drive in Henry County and provided law enforcement with a phone he said he used to communicate with the girl but did not have service and was believed to not have been used.

The search of the girls phone revealed warnings from Merritt that he had been contacted by police and that she could be next, the complaint stated.

While law enforcement was at her residence, Merritt instructed the girl to get out and leave and hide phone. The girl then placed her Samsung cellular telephone inside of a saxophone case and initially refused to provide her cell phone to law enforcement.

The following day, on Feb. 12, 2021, the great-grandmother of the girl reported the girl as missing and stated that she had left a suicide note at the residence.

Henry County Sheriff Lane Perry called two press conferences after the Amber Alert was issued, the first to appeal to the public for the whereabouts of Merritt and the girl and the second to announce both had been found safe and Merritt had been arrested in Henderson.

Merritt, who will be 54 years old when he is eligible for release, was also ordered to pay $7,460 in court costs.

Bill Wyatt is a reporter for the Martinsville Bulletin. He can be reached at 276-638-8801, Ext. 236. Follow him @billdwyatt.

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The UAE central bank has slapped administrative sanctions on an unidentified insurer accused of failing to meet regulatory obligations, Zawya reports.

As part of the sanctions, insurance companies are prohibited from issuing additional policies to new customers for a period of one year from the date of the notification.

The central bank also, the media notes, ordered the insurer to remedy its solvency capital requirements within nine months. The sanction is pursuant to Federal Law No. (6) of 2007 on the Organisation of Insurance Operations, as amended, the bank also stressed.
Saudi Arabia and Senegal signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on political consultations as both countries aim at strengthening bilateral relations.

The signing took place in the capital Dakar of the West African country between Saudi Arabias Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his host Aissata Tall Sall.

Both top diplomats also discussed ways to increase cooperation between the two countries especially in combating terrorism. Prince Faisal, Arab News reports, he looks forward to holding the joint Saudi-Senegalese committee and signing a direct investment agreement between the two countries, which will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations.

The visit of the Saudi Prince follows that of Senegalese President Macky Sall to the Kingdom in April, during which he held a meeting with Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman.

The West African country is currently assuming the presidency of the African Union.
Morocco reiterated its absolute solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its constant support for all measures taken by the Gulf Kingdom to protect its security and stability as well as the safety of its territories, citizens and residents.

According to the minutes of the 13th session of the Morocco-Saudi Arabia Joint Commission convened in Rabat, under the co-chairmanship of foreign ministers Nasser Bourita and Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saoud, the Moroccan side reiterates its absolute solidarity with the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and its continued support for all measures that the country is taking to protect its security, stability and safety of its territories, its citizens and residents.

The Morocco-Saudi Arabia Joint Commission condemned the launch of Iranian-made ballistic missiles from Yemens territory, as well as drones launched against vital and civilian facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the brotherly State of the United Arab Emirates.

Saudi Arabia on its part reiterated its firm supportive stand to Moroccos territorial integrity and sovereignty over its Sahara and voiced strong backing to the autonomy plan offered by Morocco to the Sahara under its sovereignty, describing the Moroccan proposition as a realistic and pragmatic political solution in line with international law and the resolutions of the Security Council and the UN General Assembly.

The commission, which discussed Arab, Islamic and international issues, expressed satisfaction at the convergence of views of both countries in this regard, stressing the need for coordination and continuous consultation to ensure the common interests of both countries and address the challenges of Arab and Islamic nations in light of the rapid changes on the international scene.

The committee stressed the importance of joint Arab action allowing Arab countries to defend their unity and sovereignty and strengthen their security and stability by defending the values of solidarity and neighborliness and refraining from interfering in the internal affairs of states and threatening their territorial integrity.

The commission also expressed hope that the crises suffered by the brotherly Arab countries, such as Syria, Yemen and Libya, will be resolved through a political solution that preserves their territorial and national unity, guarantees their security and stability and meets the aspirations of their peoples to development and freedom, in line with United Nations resolutions.

Morocco has also welcomed the Saudi initiatives to bring peace to sisterly Yemen.
Morocco has renewed its support for the candidacy of the Saudi capital, Riyadh, to host Expo 2030, underlines the minutes of the 13th session of the Moroccan-Saudi joint commission, held this Thursday in Rabat.

The two sides stressed the importance of coordinating the two countries positions in regional and international organizations on issues of common interest, and agreed to continue to support each others candidates within these organizations.

The Joint Commission has also agreed to adopt a flexible mechanism whereby information on the candidacies of the two countries is exchanged in advance at the beginning of each year to ensure the necessary support in a timely manner.

Welcoming the strengthening of cooperation at the multilateral level, the Moroccan side informed its Saudi counterpart of Moroccos intention to host a high-level conference on the theme of health diplomacy and emergency response, in cooperation with the World Health Organization, the World Bank and the Republic of Rwanda, wishing for an effective participation of Saudi Arabia in this important conference.
Mogadishu accuses Kenya of violating its sovereignty. At issue: the presence of a flag of the self-proclaimed state of Somaliland, during a diplomatic ceremony held Tuesday 14 June at the Kenyan presidency. Nairobi says it regrets the incident, while the two presidents have recently pledged to improve relations between the two countries, which were stormy under former President Farmajo.

The incident that made people angry took place on Tuesday. The Somali ambassador to Kenya was invited to the presidency for a ceremony and noticed on his arrival the presence of a flag of Somaliland, a separatist region of Somalia. The diplomatic representative was angry and referred the matter to Mogadishu, slamming the door on the event, accusing Kenya of having violated its sovereignty.

Hours after the Somali ambassador to Kenya walked out of a diplomatic meeting in Nairobi because of the presence of a Somaliland envoy, the Kenyan foreign ministry regretted the inappropriate presence of a Somaliland flag, but made no mention of an envoy from the region, which declared independence in 1991.

The ministry wishes to reaffirm its recognition of the sovereignty of a single federal government of Somalia and the integrity of the federal state of Somalia, the Kenyan diplomatic statement added.

Any inconvenience or embarrassment caused by this matter is deeply regretted, the statement said.

The diplomatic misstep comes just days after Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta visited Mogadishu for the inauguration of Somalias newly elected president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, marking an easing of relations between the two countries, which had been fractious under the previous president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, known as Farmajo.

Somalia also agreed on Friday to lift a ban on airlifting khat from Kenya, which had been in place for over two years.

Mogadishu severed diplomatic relations with Kenya in December 2020, when Kenyatta hosted the president of the self-declared republic of Somaliland, which is not recognised by the international community and which Mogadishu considers an integral part of Somalia.

These diplomatic relations were re-established in August 2021. The Somali embassy in Nairobi said it was unfortunate that Kenya had intentionally invited a Somaliland representative to a diplomatic meeting and granted him privileges equal to those of a sovereign state despite the protest of the Somali ambassador.
The IMFs financial support to Zambia to bail out a massive debt that has put the country into default is expected to be concluded in early September, the financial institution said Wednesday on a mission to Lusaka.

In 2020, the southern African country became the first on the continent to default on its estimated $17.3 billion foreign debt during the pandemic.

In December, the government secured a $1.4 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund, but the three-year agreement in principle was given in exchange for the governments commitment to undertake deep economic reforms.

Creditors must deliberate and decide. But we can expect this to go to the IMF board in early September, the Funds deputy managing director Antoinette Monsio Sayeh told a news conference.

Zambia is due to start a meeting with its creditors today to begin restructuring its debt and unlocking financing.

The good news is that all major creditors are ready to start discussions. This brings us closer to the IMF programme, Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said.

In past negotiations, previous governments have failed to unlock bailouts. But since the election of President Hakainde Hichilema last year, progress has been made in restoring relations with creditors. The new government is also claiming progress on redressing the financial situation.
In Somalia, the new President elected a month ago finally appointed his Prime minister on Wednesday. Hamza Abdi Barre is the 21st head of government of the country. This MP, from the Ogaden clan as required by the Constitution, replaces Mohammed Hussein Roble, who has managed current affairs since the election of the head of state on May 15 and had previously supervised the electoral process.

His appointment was eagerly awaited and, for several days, it was announced every morning as imminent. It is now a fact, during a press briefing convened Wednesday evening at Villa Somalia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud appointed Hamza Abdi Barre as Prime Minister of the federal government. Standing next to him, the Head of State set the scope of his mandate: drought, security, reconciliation and foreign relations.

Before being elected as a member of the Federal Parliament last December, the 48-year-old management graduate had never held a political office. Originally from Kismayo, he was for a long time the head of the Independent Electoral Commission in Jubaland, a strategic southern state bordering Kenya, to which he is said to be close.

But he was especially close to the new president Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud in recent years and a member of his political party, says a Somali journalist. For the latter, it is therefore a prudent choice on the part of the head of state, who prefers to have a loyalist by his side than a potential rival, he says, since it is the rivalry with his young prime minister that caused the fall of the outgoing president Mohamed Farmajo.
Bamako announced on 15 May that it was withdrawing from the G5 Sahel after noting that the rotating presidency of the organization, to which it was entitled in principle, was not in fact granted.

The G5 is both a political and military coalition that includes Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Mali, and one of its main objectives is the fight against terrorism. Chad had tried to save the G5, asking Mali to reconsider its decision and working to find a way out of the crisis. But the Malian authorities have not changed their position: they have even given instructions for the disengagement of Malian soldiers assigned to the G5 joint force in the next few days.

It was the Malian Chief of Staff who gave the order on Tuesday 14 June. In a document classified as confidential, which has opportunely leaked, General Oumar Diarra puts an end to the commitment of Malian soldiers assigned to the G5 command post in Bamako, to the western spindle in Nema in Mauritania, and to the central spindle in Niamey in Niger. In total, nearly 1,400 men, out of the 5,000 that make up the joint G5 force.

Arrangements have also been made for the repatriation of Malian soldiers stationed in neighboring countries. As for those based in Bamako, they will be reassigned to their home services as of 1 July, in a fortnight time.
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

New research from the King's Centre for Military Health Research (KCMHR) at King's College London has found that members of the British Armed Forces who were physically injured while fighting in Afghanistan are more likely to experience poor mental health compared to their colleagues who did not experience a physical injury during deployment.

The research is part of the ADVANCE Study (Armed Services Trauma Rehabilitation Outcome Study), a collaboration between King's College London, Imperial College London and the UK Ministry of Defence, which was set up to investigate the long-term physical and mental health outcomes of combat casualties from the UK Armed Forces following deployment to Afghanistan between 2002 and 2014.

The paper, which has been published in Lancet Psychiatry, found that military personnel who experienced significant physical injuries in combat were at greater risk of reporting feelings of depression and anxiety, and displayed symptoms common with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [more frequently] than personnel who were also deployed but who did not sustain a physical injury. Personnel who had sustained an amputation as a result of their combat injury reported mental health outcomes that were largely similar to their uninjured counterparts, whereas those who sustained non-amputation related injuries, such as fragmentation wounds from blasts, gunshot wounds or burns displayed the worst outcomes.

This paper included 1,144 male combat veterans from the ADVANCE study. Of the group, 579 had received some form of injury while in combat, and of those 161 were amputees. All participants completed a physical health assessment as well as a confidential questionnaire on their mental health that explored, among multiple outcomes, depression, anxiety, and probable PTSD.

An analysis of the survey data revealed that rates of poor mental health were worse in all categories, with those that sustained a combat injury up to 67% more likely to report depression, anxiety or PTSD, compared to those that did not sustain an injury.

Professor Nicola Fear, the study's senior author from KCMHR. said, "This paper provides an interesting exploration the relationship between serious injury and the effects that it can have on a person's well-being. Our study finds that the type of injury sustained can influence the overall outcome. This is an important finding, as it could help to inform the type of care provided by clinicians in the future."

A total of 90% of all UK military personnel injuries can be attributed to improvised explosive devices, rocket propelled grenades, and gunshots. A total of 265 UK military personnel sustained a major limb amputation as a result of their deployment to Afghanistan between 2003 and 2014.

While those personnel who were physically injured were more likely to report symptoms of PTSD compared to the uninjured group, both injured and uninjured personnel reported higher rates of PTSD compared to the UK general population. Additionally, over 90% of those with symptoms of PTSD had comorbid depression or anxiety, indicating an increased psychological burden.

Daniel Dyball, Ph.D. student and the paper's first author from KCMHR, said, "The study design of ADVANCE allows for a more accurate estimation of poor mental health outcomes amongst UK military injured personnel. The interesting result that amputees have comparable mental health outcomes to the uninjured group could be due to increased access to charity or therapeutic services, which we intend to explore more at a follow up assessment for the ADVANCE participants.

"We recommend to clinicians that they should routinely inquire about mental health with all of their serving and veteran patients who have served in conflicts such as Afghanistan, whether they have obvious injuries or not."

Explore further Increase in probable PTSD among British military veterans

More information: Mental health outcomes of male UK military personnel deployed to Afghanistan and the role of combat injury: analysis of baseline data from the ADVANCE cohort study, The Lancet Psychiatry (2022). Journal information: The Lancet Psychiatry Mental health outcomes of male UK military personnel deployed to Afghanistan and the role of combat injury: analysis of baseline data from the ADVANCE cohort study,(2022). DOI: 10.1016/S2215-0366(22)00112-2
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Jessica Oberoi, 13, can't exactly remember when her eyesight started getting blurry. All she knows is that she had to squint to see the whiteboard at school.

It wasn't until last fall when her eighth grade class in Bloomington, Indiana, got vision screenings that Jessica's extreme nearsightedness and amblyopia, or lazy eye, were discovered.

She's been going through intense treatment since then, and her optometrist, Dr. Katie Connolly, said Jessica has made great improvementsbut her lazy eye, which causes depth perception problems, may never go away. The chances of it being completely corrected would have been much higher if her condition had been caught earlier, said Connolly, chief of pediatric and binocular vision services at Indiana University's School of Optometry.

Jessica is one of the countless students falling through the cracks of the nation's fractured efforts to catch and treat vision problems among children.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 600,000 children and teens are blind or have a vision disorder. A recent opinion article published in JAMA Network notes that a large number of these children could be helped simply with glasses, but because of high costs and lack of insurance coverage, many are not getting that help.

Yet the National Survey of Children's Health, funded by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration, found that in 2016-17 a quarter of children were not regularly screened for vision problems.

And a large majority of those vision impairments could be treated or cured if caught early, Connolly said.

"Screenings are important for kids because kids don't realize what's abnormal," said Connolly. "They don't know what their peers around themor even their parentsare seeing to realize their experience is different."

Eye exams for children are required under federal law to be covered by most private health plans and Medicaid. Vision screenings are mandated for school-age children in 40 states and the District of Columbia, and 26 states require them for preschoolers, according to the National Center for Children's Vision and Eye Health at the nonprofit advocacy organization Prevent Blindness.

Still, many children who are struggling to see clearly are being overlooked. The pandemic has only exacerbated the issue since classes moved online, and for many students in-school vision screenings are the only time they get their eyes checked. Even when campuses reopened, school nurses were so swamped with COVID testing that general screenings had to be put to the side, said Kate King, president-elect of the National Association of School Nurses.

"The only kids who were getting their vision checked were the ones who were complaining about not being able to see," King said.

The problem is most prevalent among preschoolers, according to the national center. It points out that the federal survey of children found that 61% of children 5 and younger had never had their vision tested.

Kindergarten, Connolly said, is a critical time to check a child's vision because not only are they old enough to cooperate with eye exams, but it's when vision problems are more likely to be identifiable.

The CDC survey also found that 67% of children with private health insurance had their vision screened, compared with 43% of those who were uninsured.

Optometrists, physicians, and school nurses are concerned not only about children's visual acuity, but also their ability to learn and overall quality of life. Both are strongly linked to vision.

"There seems to be an assumption that maybe if kids can't see, they'll just tell somebodythat the problems will sort of come forward on their own and that they don't need to be found," said Kelly Hardy, senior managing director of health and research for a California-based child advocacy group, Children Now. But that's not the case most of the time because children aren't the best advocates for their own vision problems.

And when left untreated, those problems can worsen or lead to other serious and permanent conditions.

"It feels like a pretty low-tech, pretty easy intervention to make sure that kids have a chance to succeed," Hardy said. "And yet there's kids going around that haven't had their vision screenings or haven't had an eye exam, and that seems unacceptable, especially when there's so many other things that are harder to solve."

Connolly's visit to Jessica's school last year marked the first time Jessica had her vision checked.

Her brother, Tanul Oberoi, 7, tagged along on her follow-up visit to Connolly's clinic and had his vision screened for the first time. His serious astigmatism was identified, and he now wears glasses. Since his condition was caught early, there is a good chance his eyesight with glasses will improve and that over time his prescription will be reduced.

"It was surprising to me that they have trouble seeing because they didn't say anything to me before," said Sonia Oberoi, Jessica and Tanul's mom. "They usually tell me when they have a problem, and I watch them when they read something. I didn't know."

Getting vision screenings is only part of the battle, Connolly said. Purchasing glasses is a stretch for many families lacking coverage since the average cost without insurance is $351 a pair. The JAMA article points out that in developing countries, sturdy glasses made from flexible steel wire and plastic lenses can be manufactured for about $1 a pair but that option is not generally available in the U.S.

Since Jessica and Tanul are not insured, their mom said the family would have to pick up the cost of their glasses. Connolly's clinic worked with several programs to completely cover their treatment and glasses, plus contacts for Jessica.

The issue goes beyond poor eyesight and overlooked vision problems. There is a strong link between children's vision and their developmentespecially the way they learn. Struggling to see clearly can be the beginning of many downstream problems for children, such as low grades, misdiagnosed attention-deficit disorders, or lack of self-confidence.

In a 2020 study by researchers in Spain published by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, students who had "bad academic performance" were twice as likely as those with "good academic performance" to admit that they can't see the blackboard properly. Additionally, those who performed poorer academically were also twice as likely to get tired or suffer headaches while reading, according to the study.

"Kids do better in school and they do better socially if they're not going around with uncorrected vision problems," said Hardy. "And so it feels like a no-brainer that we need to make sure that we're doing better to make sure that kids are getting the care they need."

King, who works at a middle school in Columbus, Ohio, said that even before the pandemic students' vision problems were being overlooked.

Of all the optometrist referrals she sends home, she said just around 15% of children are taken to an eye doctor without her having to reach out to parents again. "An overwhelming majority actually don't follow up and don't get a comprehensive exam," King said.

Another issue is that Medicaid and private insurance usually cover one pair of glasses every year or two, which King said is not ideal for growing and clumsy kids.

"School nurses are experts at glasses repair," King said, while chuckling. "Often we need to put in a new nosepiece or put in a new screw, or get them fixed because a classmate sat on them."

Explore further School-based vision screening programs found 1 in 10 kids had vision problems

2022 Kaiser Health News.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Researchers prepared a comprehensive atlas of disease mortality with an interactive data visualization (http://nbepi.com/atlas). Credit: NPEPI Atlas (CC-BY 4.0, creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

A detailed collection of mortality estimates for diseases, disorders and external factors is publishing on June 16th in the open access journal PLOS Medicine. The study provides a resource to estimate reductions in life expectancy for a comprehensive range of disorders. The atlas will be a useful tool for clinicians, academics, and policymakers looking into links between disorders and mortality estimates, as well as for researchers studying specific diseases.

Mortality metrics can help with decision-making and prioritizing healthcare resources, but studies looking at mortality and various disorders have typically not been comprehensive. They often focus on either comparing relative as opposed to absolute measures of mortality of people with a disorder to the general population, or crude estimates of life expectancy, not considering variation in the age of onset.

Oleguer Plana-Ripoll and colleagues at Aarhus University, Denmark created a comprehensive atlas of mortality-related estimates, based on de-identified data on 7,378,598 people living in Denmark from 2000 to 2018. They used national registers to examine individuals diagnosed with 1,803 specific categories of disorders and generated a panel of epidemiological and mortality metrics, including incidence rates, age-of-onset distributions, and comparison of mortality estimates for people with the disorder with the general population, as well as life years lost for each one. The team prepared an interactive data visualization to optimize the interrogation of their findings (http://nbepi.com/atlas).

A limitation of the study is the possibility that the association between the different disorders and mortality could be explained by other underlying factors associated with both the disorder and mortality.

Detailed and accessible data like this allows a fine-grained analysis of the associations between a comprehensive set of disorders and mortality-related estimates, and the findings can guide health research as well as serve as a benchmark to evaluate future health interventions.

Plana-Ripoll adds, "Most previous papers have used relative measures of mortality or crude estimates of life expectancy. Here, we use a new method that more accurately captures premature mortality for more than 1,800 different health conditions."

Explore further Life expectancy mapped for people with mental disorders

More information: Analysis of mortality metrics associated with a comprehensive range of disorders in Denmark, 2000 to 2018: A population-based cohort study. PLoS Medicine (2022). Journal information: PLoS Medicine Analysis of mortality metrics associated with a comprehensive range of disorders in Denmark, 2000 to 2018: A population-based cohort study.(2022). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004023
Image of specific RNAs (magenta) at the centrosome (green) in mouse cortex cells. The cell nucleus is labeled in blue. Credit: Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen / Giulia Antognolli

Internationally renowned neurobiologist Magdalena Gotz is pursuing important leads in her quest to elucidate the causes of neurological diseases. Together with her team at Helmholtz Munich and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen, she has gained new insights into the human centrosome, whose malfunction is linked to many neurodevelopmental disorders.

The centrosome is the organelle responsible for the organization of the cytoskeleton during cell division, an essential function in organisms from yeast to humans. Until now, scientists assumed that the centrosome was very similar in all cells due to its general tasks. However, Gotz and her team evaluated this notion in neurons and their developmental precursors, so-called neuronal stem cells. "There is so much we don't yet know about these cells, including how the centrosomes of neurons compare to those of neural stem cells and other cell types," Gotz says. Their subsequent discoveries now fundamentally challenge the assumption that all centrosomes are created equal.

Centrosomes are not 'one type fits all'

In close collaboration with the Helmholtz Munich Proteomic Core Facility led by Stefanie Hauck, the researchers found that the composition of proteins in centrosomes differs profoundly depending on the cell type.

"We were surprised not only by the unexpected high degree of heterogeneity of the centrosomes, but also by the discovery of many unexpected proteins associated with themfor example, RNA-binding proteins and even proteins responsible for splicing (the processing of RNA), which normally takes place in the nucleus," Gotz explains.

The location of centrosome-associated proteins is crucial for disease

The scientists discovered that a specific protein (the ubiquitously expressed splicing protein PRPF6) is enriched at the centrosome in neural stem cells, but not in neurons. A mutation of the protein found in patients with brain malformation periventricular heterotopia also leads to a similar phenotype in animal models.

Gotz says that "this means that the location of a protein is crucial for a disease. With our centrosome analysis, we now have an important resource to test further associations with neuronal diseases. In particular, our research can explain for the first time why a protein that is present in all cells, after mutation, causes a phenotype only in the brain, but not in other organs. This will allow further insights into disease mechanismsand thus get one step closer to their treatment."

The research was published in Science.

Explore further Role for autophagic cellular degradation process in maintaining genomic stability

More information: Adam C. O'Neill et al, Spatial centrosome proteome of human neural cells uncovers disease-relevant heterogeneity, Science (2022). www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abf9088 Journal information: Science Adam C. O'Neill et al, Spatial centrosome proteome of human neural cells uncovers disease-relevant heterogeneity,(2022). DOI: 10.1126/science.abf9088
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The last time Medicare rated hospitals on surgical complications such as bed sores, collapsed lungs, bloodstream infections, and broken hips, four Philadelphia-area facilities scored worse than average.

But under a new proposal from the agency, there's no way for the public to tell if these hospitals, and 145 others around the country, have gotten any better.

The reason? COVID-19.

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services contends the rates of surgical complications were skewed by the unprecedented challenges of treating patients in the pandemic. The agency previously hid the data from public view for the first half of 2020, and it proposes to keep doing that through mid-2021. For now, hospitals also would not have to pay penalties that are ordinarily based on these measures and on the rates of five hospital-acquired infectionscosting Medicare an estimated $350 million.

Patient safety advocates say the proposal would make it harder to evaluate hospital quality during the very period health care was in greatest demand. In fact, research suggests hospital safety suffered as institutions faced immense strain for much of 2020 and 2021.

But the solution is not to hide the results from public view, said Leah Binder, president and chief executive officer of the Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit that uses these data and others to evaluate hospital safety.

"Consumers deserve to know exactly what happened and where during the pandemic," she said. "We're outraged at the possibility that we would go backward on transparency."

How Philly hospitals scored

Medicare would still collect each hospital's raw numbers of "potentially preventable" complications after surgery. But for now, the agency would not publish the numbers nor use them to create composite patient-safety scores for each hospital.

The last time that happened, for the 18-month period ending Dec. 31, 2019, the area hospitals with worse-than-average composite scores were: Nazareth Hospital and Chestnut Hill Hospital in Philadelphia; St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne; and Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood. The scores are published on Medicare's Care Compare website, at www.medicare.gov/care-compare.

All four hospitals said they have used the results internally to guide performance.

But since the government has not published national data since then, no hospital can calculate whether it has improved with respect to its peers, said Eileen Jaskuta, vice president for quality, patient safety, and equity at Main Line Health, the health system that includes Lankenau.

"We need to make sure that we're comparing apples to apples," she said.

The score based on surgical complications is just one measure of hospital quality. While Lankenau had a worse-than-average score at the end of 2019, it scored better than average on six other indicators, including the prevention of infections and survival after treatment for heart failure. That made it just one of four Philly-area hospitals to earn Medicare's top rating for overall qualityfive out of five stars.

Chestnut Hill Hospital scored four stars overall, while St. Mary's earned three stars, and Nazareth just two.

Then came the pandemic. And hospital safety researchers, consumer advocates, and the government agree: COVID skewed hospital performance measures in a variety of ways.

How COVID skewed the numbers

At times, COVID cases were high in some parts of the country yet not in others, making comparisons difficult, Medicare says. Also, the pandemic drove up the numbers for some complications, possibly through staffing shortages that led to more falls and other complications. Yet many hospitals saw far lower numbers of patients for certain procedures, making year-to-year comparisons of hospital-acquired conditions statistically unreliable, the agency says.

"We are concerned that ... we will not be able to score hospitals fairly," Medicare wrote in its proposal to suppress the surgical-complication scores and related penalties.

That logic makes sense, said Jolene Calla, vice president for health care finance and insurance at the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania.

"It's not helpful to use bad data to draw conclusions," she said. "It's a data-driven issue. It is not because hospitals don't want to be transparent."

While the government wants to hold back information related to surgical complications, it would still publish each facility's rate of hospital-acquired infections. These include catheter-associated urinary tract infections; bloodstream infections resulting from the insertion of a "central line;" surgical-site infections from colon surgery or abdominal hysterectomy; and two types of bacterial infections, MRSA and C. difficile.

But as for the penalties ordinarily based on both indicatorsthe surgical complications and the infectionsthe proposal would eliminate them for now.

Evidence of more infections and falls

While no rates of complications have been made public for individual hospitals during the pandemic, national numbers suggest that hospitals had problems during COVID.

Central-lineassociated bloodstream infections, for example, had decreased by 31% in the five years before the pandemic, but this trend was almost totally erased by a 28% increase in the second quarter of 2020, physicians from Medicare and the CDC wrote in a February article published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Patients in skilled nursing facilities also suffered early in the pandemic. In the second quarter of 2020, the rate of falls causing major injury rose 17.4%, and the rates of pressure ulcers rose 41.8%, the authors wrote.

But if the results for individual hospitals are not published, consumers are deprived of a valuable tool, said Helen Haskell, founder of Mothers Against Medical Error, a nonprofit based in Columbia, S.C.

"I think it's a terrible idea," she said of the proposal. "It doesn't allow the effect of COVID on these measures to be documented."

Self-insured employers also have pushed back against the plan, according to MedPage Today, which first reported on the debate in May.

In at least one respect, the Medicare proposal would increase transparency. The agency for the first time proposes to publish certain performance measures for specialty cancer hospitals. These would include the number of unplanned readmissions and the proportion of patients who died from cancer after getting chemotherapy in the last 14 days of life.

Medicare's proposed rule is open for public comment through June 17.

Explore further Government watchdog: One in four older Americans on Medicare harmed during hospital stays

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A montage of three images of single striatal neurons transfected with a disease-associated version of huntingtin, the protein that causes Huntington's disease. Nuclei of untransfected neurons are seen in the background (blue). The neuron in the center (yellow) contains an abnormal intracellular accumulation of huntingtin called an inclusion body (orange). Credit: Wikipedia/ Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license

A novel staging framework that assesses the progression of Huntington's disease (HD), similar to the way cancer is staged 0 to 4, has been developed by UCL scientists as part of an international consortium; this 'significant' step paves the way for clinical trials of drugs in the earliest phase of disease.

HD is a progressive and devastating genetic (inherited) neurodegenerative disorder, that affects about 1 in 10,000 people in the UK.

There are currently no approved therapies that can slow the disease progression. The Huntington's Disease Integrated Staging System (HD-ISS) groups together people with HD (PwHD) according to their underlying biological (including genetic), clinical, and functional characteristics. It is the first time ever a staging system has been developed for a genetic neurological condition.

Published in The Lancet Neurology, the new evidenced-based framework, also includes criteria to biologically define HD stages across the whole trajectory of the disease from birth, which has never previously been done before.

The HD-ISS staging criteria covers the entire disease spectrum, beginning at Stage 0 (individuals with the HD genetic mutation without any detectable pathological change), Stage 1 (subsequent progression marked by measurable indicators of underlying pathophysiology via biomarkers), Stage 2 (a detectable clinical phenotype), and finally Stage 3 (decline in function).

At this stage the HD-ISS is for research purposes only, not clinical practice.

First author, Professor Sarah Tabrizi (UCL Huntington's Disease Center, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL) said: "HD families have long known that signs and symptoms begin decades before the classical motor onset diagnosis that occurs late in the disease course.

"We developed the HD-ISS using state-of-the-art evidence-based methodology and it will revolutionize our ability to evaluate novel disease-modifying therapeutics much earlier in the disease course, when therapies will likely have the best chance of slowing disease progression and providing clinical benefit.

"This research required the selflessness and dedication of thousands of research participants from HD families, to whom we are immensely grateful.

"Ultimately, our goal is to deliver therapeutics at the right time to effectively treat this disease. Ideally, we'd like to delay or prevent neurodegeneration while function is still intact, giving people with HD many more years without impairment. The HD-ISS is an important tool that will allow us to do this as therapeutics emerge.''

The HD-ISS defines groups of PwHD with similar prognostic characteristics for research purposes and will facilitate data comparison across different trials and studies, expediting drug development, and aid in communication between different stakeholders, from HD families to health policy professionals.

Importantly, this new biological research definition of HD will allow evaluation of novel therapeutics in people in the very early stages of disease, before they show overt clinical signs; this will likely provide the best chance of substantially slowing disease progression and offer PwHD the greatest clinical benefit.

Cristina Sampaio, MD, Ph.D., Chief Clinical Officer at CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, said: "As a validated staging system, the HD-ISS has the potential to transform how HD clinical research is conducted, enabling study of the earliest disease phases and planning of preventive clinical trials, as well as facilitating data aggregation and sharing.

"For HD families it should be emphasized that this is for research purposes only, it will not affect their clinical care."

Current clinical diagnosis of HD relies on observation of established clinical signs (primarily involuntary motor signs, but also cognitive impairment and behavioral changes) that emerge late in disease course. This diagnostic approach was developed before the discovery of the huntingtin gene and the consequent genetic test for the CAG expansionthe mutation in DNA that causes the diseaseand before the current understanding of disease-related pathobiological changes that develop many decades before these observable clinical signs.

The disease phase prior to this current diagnostic stage has been variously described as 'presymptomatic', 'premanifest', or 'prodromal', poorly defined terms that make it difficult to compare data and findings across trials and studies.

Emily Turner, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Huntington's Disease Regulatory Science Consortium (HD-RSC) at the Critical Path Institute (C-Path), said: "The HD-ISS truly represents a pivotal, collaborative moment in Huntington's disease clinical research, and the Critical Path Institute is proud to have helped facilitate the development of this much needed staging system."

President & CEO of the Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA), Louise Vetter, said: "This is a positive and powerful development that brings the lived experience of people with HD to the heart of research and provides a path forward for people earlier in their HD journey to be a part of clinical research. The overwhelming response from HD families has been 'What took so long?'"

The HD-ISS was developed as part of the HD-RSC in partnership with CHDI Foundation and C-Path and involved academic researchers, clinician scientists, and representatives from pharmaceutical and biotech companies that have clinical HD programs. The process employed a formal consensus method for the decision-making process that involved systematic investigation and evidence gathering, expert panel debate on the evidence interpretation followed by consensus voting, then finally endorsement by a wide range of stakeholders, including HD family members.

About the Huntington's Disease Integrated Staging System (HD-ISS)

The HD-ISS was developed within the Research Science Forum (RSF) working group that forms part of the Huntington's Disease Regulatory Science Consortium (HD-RSC), an initiative led by the Critical Path Institute.

The RSF incorporates HD expertise from academics, research clinicians, and representatives from pharmaceutical and biotech companies involved in HD drug development. They agreed on the questions to be systematically investigated, examined and debated scientific evidence to come to consensus conclusions, followed by voting that required at least 80% majority for adoption; after much lively discussion, every vote within the group was 100% unanimous.

HD family input was sought through HD-COPE (Huntington's Disease Coalition for Patient Engagement), as well as input from Food and Drug Administration representatives. The RSF prepared a written report that was approved by the full HD-RSC membership, which at the time included 24 biotech and pharma companies, eight nonprofit research or advocacy organizations, five academic institutions, and 19 individual scientific advisors.

More information: Sarah J Tabrizi et al, A biological classification of Huntington's disease: the Integrated Staging System, The Lancet Neurology (2022). Journal information: Lancet Neurology Sarah J Tabrizi et al, A biological classification of Huntington's disease: the Integrated Staging System,(2022). DOI: 10.1016/S1474-4422(22)00120-X
In a series of trials, subjects could infer the likelihood of winning a specific gift card based on the results of choosing different shapes. After analyzing the results, the researchers could show that the volunteers were using inferential learning to make decisions about which shapes to pick. Credit: Phillip Witkowski, UC Davis

Both humans and other animals are good at learning by inference, using information we do have to figure out things we cannot observe directly. New research from the Center for Mind and Brain at the University of California, Davis, shows how our brains achieve this by constructing cognitive maps.

"The work suggests a new framework for learning in structured environments that goes beyond incremental, experiential learning of associations," said Erie Boorman, assistant professor in the UC Davis Department of Psychology and Center for Mind and Brain and senior author on the paper.

In structured environments, individual elements are systematically related to each other as they often are in the real world. The study's insights could be harnessed to improve educational strategies that promote the use of a cognitive map for accelerated learning through inferences, and potentially, approaches to hasten transfer of learning in machine learning in artificial intelligence, Boorman said.

Learning by inference versus association

Most studies of learning have focused on learning by associationhow animals learn to associate one thing with another, through trial and error. The difference between what was expected and what actually happened drives learning in such cases.

When there is a hidden structure behind those associations, you can use direct observations to infer indirect, unseen outcomes, leaping ahead of the chain of direct association.

For example, knowing that the quality of seasonal foods is governed by changes in weather allows you to infer which are best to eat based on which foods are ripe during the same season, Boorman said. Observing ripe apples allows us to infer that pears should also be ripe, but not strawberries. This sort of structure is important to know when making decisions.

Another example is an investor inferring that the drop in Facebook shares can be attributed to a tech bubble, suggesting that Microsoft shares will likely drop soon, too.

"Knowing this hidden relationship means you can learn a lot faster," Boorman said.

Testing learning in a structured system

To investigate how humans can use a cognitive map to learn information, graduate student Phillip Witkowski, project scientist Seongmin Park, and Boorman created a task. In a series of trials, volunteers were asked to choose between two of four abstract shapes that would lead to either of two different gift cards (e.g., either Starbucks or iTunes). The volunteers made their choices based on two pieces of information: their estimate of the probability that each shape would lead to a particular gift card, and a randomly assigned payout for each gift card.

The shapes were divided into two pairs. In each pair, the probability that a shape would lead to a particular outcome was the inverse of the other shape. For example, if there was a 70% chance that shape A would lead to outcome 1, there was a 30% chance that shape B would lead to the same outcome, and vice versa for outcome 2. So the subjects could gain information about the likelihood of one outcome by inference from the other, like Microsoft shares from Facebook shares. The pairs of shapes were not connected, so the subjects could not learn anything about the results of choosing shapes C or D from the outcomes of choosing A or B.

The researchers followed how the subjects learned about the system by observing their progress over a series of trials. After analyzing the results, they found that the volunteers were using inferential learning to make decisions about which shapes to pick.

Some of the volunteers were invited back for the second part of the experiment, performing the same task while their brain activity was measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging. Learning is reflected in the brain by a burst of activity, a "belief update" when there is a difference between your prior and newly acquired knowledge. Activity linked to inferential learning was found in the prefrontal cortex and the area of midbrain where the neurotransmitter dopamine is released.

At the same time, the researchers found a representation of the hidden (or latent) probability controlling associations for A and B in the prefrontal cortex.

The fMRI results show the brain representing different outcomes in relation to each other, Boorman said. This representation allows for those "aha" moments.

Conventional thinking holds that incremental learning about rewards from direct experiences is reinforced by the release of dopamine in the brain. The new study also implicates dopamine but for inferential learning.

"Our work suggests a more general role for dopamine signals in updating beliefs through inference," Boorman said.

More information: Phillip P. Witkowski et al, Neural mechanisms of credit assignment for inferred relationships in a structured world, Neuron (2022). Journal information: Neuron Phillip P. Witkowski et al, Neural mechanisms of credit assignment for inferred relationships in a structured world,(2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.05.021
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Epilepsy is a serious neurological disease. More than 50% patients experience onset during childhood. Effective treatment of epilepsy can prevent serious long-term effects such as brain dysfunction.

Recent studies have shown that epilepsy is a brain network disease. The construction of epilepsy networks is therefore significant to the mechanism research as well as clinical diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.

Researchers from the Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology (SIBET) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences recently proposed a whole-brain dynamic resting-state functional network (DFN) computation method to better construct epilepsy brain networks. The method is based on resting-state, low-density electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings in scalp space.

Their study was published in IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics.

At present, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and EEG are commonly used to construct the epilepsy brain networks. EEG is non-invasive, wearable, cost-effective, and especially suitable for children's brain function monitoring.

Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is the most common type of epilepsy among children. Both fMRI and EEG source imaging (ESI) studies have indicated that BECTS is associated with static resting-state functional network (SFN) alterations (e.g., decreased global efficiency) in source space.

However, the alterations are not significant when the SFN calculations are performed in the scalp space using only clinical routine low-density (e.g., 19 channels) EEG recordings.

Based on the concept of EEG microstates, Liu Yan and his colleagues from Dai Yakang's group from SIBET proposed the DFN computation method.

"The method helps better analyze the dynamic properties of the whole-brain functional states, and on the other hand, realizes the display of the functional subnetworks' topologies in each microstate," said Liu.

The results show that the proposed DFN can reveal significant differences between individuals with BECTS and healthy controls, with lower global efficiency in the Microstate C frequency band. This makes it superior to traditional SFNs, and enables it to match traditional fMRI and ESI methods in the source space.

"The networks of individuals with BECTS have poorer integration capabilities than those of healthy controls," said Liu.

The new method directly performs DFN computations from clinical routine low-density EEG recordings and avoids complex ESI computations, making it promising for clinical applications, especially in the outpatient diagnosis stage.

In addition, this method may be applied to explore the mechanism of other brain diseases and assist clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Explore further World's first genetic and environmental risks identified for common form of childhood epilepsy

More information: Siqi Zhang et al, Whole-Brain Dynamic Resting-State Functional Network Analysis in Benign Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes, IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics (2022). Siqi Zhang et al, Whole-Brain Dynamic Resting-State Functional Network Analysis in Benign Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes,(2022). DOI: 10.1109/JBHI.2022.3164907
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Humans tend to form groups, which often find themselves in conflict with rival groups. But why do people show such a ready tendency to harm people in opposing groups?

A new study led by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University has used functional brain imaging technology to reveal a potential answer: It increases activity in the brain's reward network.

"At a time of deepening political divisions and global conflict, it is crucial for us to understand why people divide each other up into 'us' and 'them' and then show a profound willingness to harm 'them,'" said corresponding author David Chester, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Psychology in the College of Humanities and Sciences. "Our findings advance this understanding by suggesting that harming outgroup members is a relatively rewarding experience."

The researchers had 35 male college students complete a competitive, aggressive task against either a student from their university or from what they were told was a rival university. In reality, participants unknowingly played against a computer program, and no real people were harmed.

They found that participants who were more aggressive against outgroup members (students from a rival university) versus ingroup members (students from their own university) exhibited greater activity in core regions of the brain's reward circuitthe nucleus accumbens and ventromedial prefrontal cortexwhile they decided how aggressive to be.

Both before and after outgroup exclusion, aggression toward outgroup members was positively associated with activity in the ventral striatum during decisions about how aggressive to be toward their outgroup opponent. Aggression toward outgroup members was also linked to greater post-exclusion activity in the rostral and dorsal medial prefrontal cortex during provocation from their outgroup opponent. These altered patterns of brain activity suggest that frontostriatal mechanisms may play a significant role in motivating aggression toward outgroup members.

The findings suggest that harming outgroup members is especially rewarding and associated with the experience of positive emotions. Such psychological reinforcement mechanisms may help explain why humans seem so prone to intergroup conflict, Chester said.

"This finding helps to balance the narrative about the psychological processes that underlie aggression against outgroup members, which typically emphasizes negative emotional states such as anger and fear," Chester said. "This study showed that positive emotions may play a role in motivating intergroup aggression, which suggests many new directions for future research on this topic and informs potential interventions that seek to reduce group conflict."

The findings raise the possibility that one day treatments that disrupt the reward of intergroup aggression might help to reduce the costly and persistent human phenomenon of violence toward other groups, Chester said.

Chester is director of the Social Psychology and Neuroscience Lab at VCU, which seeks to understand why people try to harm one another. In the past, the lab has focused on conflicts between two individuals, and sought to remove any element of group membership, identity or partisanship in carefully controlled experiments. This new study, however, is the lab's first foray into exploring the neural correlates of intergroup aggression.

"These new findings fit nicely with our previous research, which has repeatedly implicated the brain's reward circuitry (i.e., the nucleus accumbens and ventromedial prefrontal cortex) in promoting aggressive acts," he said. "We have advanced this line of investigation by showing that such reward activity during aggression exerts even more of an effect in an intergroup context than in a nongroup context."

While the researchers weren't surprised by the new findings, they were surprised to find such results even when experimenting with a weak group rivalry.

"Many groups have ancient histories of deep hatred of one another and our use of rival universities didn't even come close to capturing what many truly problematic intergroup conflicts look like around the world," Chester said. "We chose such a mild intergroup rivalry for several reasons, a major one being that invoking a deeply rooted intergroup conflict might cause our participants undue distress. But it was still surprising to see such clear results despite our use of a relatively minor intergroup rivalry. I surmise that our observed effect would be even stronger in the context of intergroup conflict between two groups that deeply hate each other."

The area of the brain implicated in the study is not only associated with reward, it is also involved in other psychological processes such as learning, motivation and identity. While Chester said it is possible that the brain activity was not reflecting the subjective experience of pleasure, decades of brain research suggests that area's core functions are reliably reward-linked to the point where the researchers felt comfortable making the inference, Chester said. More research would be needed to definitely say that reward is the "culprit underlying intergroup conflict," he said.

The study has been accepted for publication in the journal Social Neuroscience.

Explore further Scientists shed new light on neural processes behind our desire for revenge

More information: Emily Lasko et al, Neural Mechanisms of Intergroup Exclusion and Retaliatory Aggression, Social Neuroscience (2022). psyarxiv.com/fj5ht/ Emily Lasko et al, Neural Mechanisms of Intergroup Exclusion and Retaliatory Aggression,(2022). DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/fj5ht
Chinese Medical Journal review gives an overview of HDV, the therapeutics being developed to battle HDV infection, and the future scope of research in this field. Credit: Chinese Medical Journal

Viral hepatitis is a serious health condition that affects the liver. While hepatitis B and C viruses are commonly targeted by public health measures aiming to reduce the disease burden, there is another, less commonly known virus that can cause this condition. Hepatitis D virus (HDV), the smallest virus to be discovered in humans, coinfects people with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This form of viral hepatitis can rapidly progress to life-threatening conditions including liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Keeping the dangers of HDV infection in mind, a review published in Chinese Medical Journal has shed light upon the recent advances and challenges in the field of HDV. Dr. Qiuwei Pan from Northwest Minzu University, the corresponding author of this article tells us, "The number of people living with chronic HBV infection is estimated to be approximately 240 to 350 million. With this article, our team hopes to increase awareness about the disease and inform research efforts in this field to reduce the HDV infection burden in different populations."

His concerns are not completely unfounded. Though there has been progress in unraveling the life cycle of HDV, we still need to understand the origin of the virus and its interactions with its host. HDV was first identified in liver biopsies and in the serum of patients with chronic HBV. HDV belongs to the Deltaviridae family of viruses, which has a supposedly longer evolutionary history than what is currently known, owing to the presence of HDV-like viruses in a range of non-human hosts. The HDV that affects humans is a peculiar, defective single stranded RNA (ssRNA) virus. It entirely depends on its host's cellular enzymes for its genetic replication and propagates in the liver cells using HBV machinery.

HDV has an interesting infection and replication strategyit shares coat proteins with HBV in a way that allows the smaller virus to exploit HBV's infectious particle release strategy and copy its transmission route to infect new host cells. Studies on mice show that HDV can persist within liver cells for at least 6 weeks, even in the absence of HBV. However, infectious HDV particles are only released following HBV infection.

Another interesting feature of HDV is its capacity to swiftly evolve into genetically diverse strains, enabled by its ssRNA genome. The genetic difference between HDV strains is greater than 35% and it is important to consider these differences while determining the prevalence of HDVa statistic that differs greatly among various populations. For example, Nigeria, China, and Indiawhich host the maximum number of HBV infectionsaccount for only one-third of the world's total HDV infections. Dr. Pan speculates that "the co-existence of particular HBV and HDV genotypes in specific geographical regions substantially affects their HDV prevalence rates. Nevertheless, large-scale, well-designed epidemiological studies are required to validate this concept."

Speaking of the clinical manifestations of HDV infection, Dr. Pan tells us that "HDV and HBV may infect an individual simultaneously, or HDV may infect an individual with chronic HBV infection, thereby exacerbating it." Both of these modes of infection have different manifestations. If the viruses infect an otherwise healthy individual together and the body's immune system can fight both viruses, the person has a better chance of recovery. If the immune system cannot clear HBV, there are chances of the co-infection progressing to a chronic stage. Patients with HDV superinfection can progress to a very dangerous form of chronic hepatitis.

With our knowledge of HDV's virology rapidly advancing, scientists are exploring therapeutic options on a large scale by targeting the different stages of the virus' life cycle. For example, the antiviral medication bulevirtide, which was approved by the European Union in 2020, inhibits the cellular entry of HBV and HDV. The farnesyl transferase enzyme inhibitor lornafarnib is an oral drug that interferes with the assembly of virus particles. With a rise in in-vitro HDV models, many therapeutic options are starting to build and offer hope to HDV-infected patients. "Nevertheless, many challenges remain in combating HDV; overcoming these requires an enhancement of research, public health efforts, and patient care. Maybe then we will be able to achieve the global mission of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030," says Dr. Pan.

Explore further I was here first! How hepatitis C inhibits hepatitis E

More information: Zhijiang Miao et al, Hepatitis D: advances and challenges, Chinese Medical Journal (2022). Zhijiang Miao et al, Hepatitis D: advances and challenges,(2022). DOI: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000002011

Provided by Cactus Communications
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people turned to their pets to help them feel less lonely and isolated. Researchers at the University of California, Davis, wanted to learn what role pets played in helping those who had already survived one pandemic, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and were now dealing with another. Respondents were recruited from networks serving long-term HIV/AIDS survivors.

"The underlying question in our minds has always been: What role do pets play for people who are so isolated and suffering so much stigma?" said Professor Lynette Hart with the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. She led a study that examined whether long-term HIV/AIDS survivors fared better during the AIDS or COVID pandemic and if pets helped reduce their feelings of isolation, sadness and stigma.

Dog owners felt less alone, isolated

The study, published in the journal Animals, found that HIV/AIDS survivors felt far more grief, isolation and stigma during the AIDS pandemic than during COVID. It also found that older men, despite experiencing adversity during the AIDS pandemic, were able to cope better during COVID. This was especially the case if they had a dog.

"I don't think dogs are magically making them better, but dogs are making a difference," said Hart. "The older HIV/AIDS survivors may also have more coping strategies, and dogs are part of that. They take their dogs on walks and meet people in their neighborhood and remain more socially connected."

Hart said while dog owners felt less alone and isolated during both pandemics, cat owners felt especially alone, isolated and unsupported even though they were universal in saying their cat comforted them.

She said supportive pet care service organizations that keep people with special needs and their companion animals together could focus particularly on providing cat owners greater support.

Many HIV/AIDS survivors lack family support

The researchers conducted a national survey of mostly older male HIV/AIDS survivors. These long-term survivors are defined as people who developed HIV before 1996. More than 1.2 million people live with AIDS in the U.S., and 300,000 of them became infected before 1996. HIV/AIDS survivors are also 30% more likely to become infected with COVID than the general population.

Long-term survivors reported that they felt their experiences living through the AIDS pandemic were more challenging than their experiences during COVID; the AIDS pandemic had major impacts for decades, and the COVID pandemic for only one to two years. Very few of these HIV/AIDS survivors received family support in either pandemic; however, these respondents were connected online with other long-term survivors. Hart said that may partially explain these somewhat surprising results, with older men, especially those with dogs, doing so well.

"I think it's important to know that long-term survivors of AIDS are resilient and to get to that point, they had to be. A lot of them would say that animals were a big part of that," said study co-author Ken Gorczyca, founding veterinarian for Pets Are Wonderful Support, or PAWS. "Having an animal companion gave many a sense of purpose in life, to take care of them, especially at a time in the 1980s and '90s when AIDS was so bad and there was virtually no support from government or many times from your family."

Gorczyca added that experiencing a second pandemic brought many long-term survivors "PTSD feelings," but the power of animal companionship was now well documented. He said many social and animal support agencies and the government stepped up immediately to keep providing support services.

More information: Lynette A. Hart et al, Companion Animals' Roles for AIDS Survivors, Mostly Aging Males, during HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 Pandemics, Animals (2022). Lynette A. Hart et al, Companion Animals' Roles for AIDS Survivors, Mostly Aging Males, during HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 Pandemics,(2022). DOI: 10.3390/ani12111449
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

More fragmented sleep and longer periods of wakefulness after bedtime among a group of low-income African American adults were associated with lower cognitive function such as poor attention, according to a new study.

Studying people over a five-year period, researchers from the RAND Corporation and the University of Pittsburgh found that those whose sleep worsened over time had poorer attention, executive function and visuospatial ability.

Researchers say the findings suggest that improving sleep health may support prevention of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and also also help reduce other health disparities. The findings are published in the June edition of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

"Past research has shown that African American people show higher rates of an array of sleep problems, and also have higher rates and earlier onset of Alzheimer's and related dementias when compared to white Americans," said Wendy Troxel, the study's lead author and a senior behavioral scientist at RAND, a nonprofit research organization. "Our findings suggest that sleep problems may be an important modifiable factor that contributes to cognitive aging."

The findings add to a growing body of research suggesting that poor sleep health is an emerging risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias that may be an important and under studied biobehavioral pathway contributing to the disproportionate burden of dementias by African Americans and socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals.

The new study involved 216 adults aged 50 and older who are participants in a long-term RAND study, called PHRESH, of two mostly African American neighborhoods in Pittsburgh where researchers are examining a number of social and environmental factors on individuals' health.

Study participants underwent sleep monitoring during 2013 and again in 2018. In 2018, study participants underwent assessments of cognitive functioning and clinical adjudication of cognitive impairment.

The study found that both the level and changes over time in sleep efficiency (a measure of sleep fragmentation) and wakefulness during sleep hours were significantly associated with several cognitive domains, including attention, executive function, visuospatial ability and immediate recall. Sleep duration was not associated with any cognitive outcomes.

"While our sample size was somewhat small, these results have important clinical and policy implications for prevention and intervention, as sleep is a modifiable risk factor that is influenced by individual and broader societal factors, including reduced access to health care and exposure to environments that can negatively impact sleep," Troxel said. "It's important to focus on multi-level determinantsincluding sleepto address the disproportionate burden of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in African Americans."

Researchers say the issue needs to be further addressed by additional longitudinal studies that include a larger sample, and that utilize a life course perspective to better understand how the legacy of structural racism contributes to the disproportionate burden of both sleep problems and cognitive decline among African American adults.

To that end, the RAND-University of Pittsburgh study team recently received funding from the National Institutes of Health to continue to study how exposure to different sources of stress stemming from structural racism contributes to sleep and risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease in older African American adults.

Explore further Seven hours of sleep is optimal in middle and old age, say researchers

More information: Wendy M. Troxel et al, Sleep Disturbances, Changes in Sleep, and Cognitive Function in Low-Income African Americans, Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (2022). Journal information: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease Wendy M. Troxel et al, Sleep Disturbances, Changes in Sleep, and Cognitive Function in Low-Income African Americans,(2022). DOI: 10.3233/JAD-215530
Thursday, 16 June 2022

Minister highlights impact of James Joyces Ulysses on Bloomsday

Catherine Martin T.D., Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media took the opportunity on Bloomsday to highlight the impact today of James Joyces Ulysses  one of the most important literary achievements in the history of the State.

Published in 1922 by Sylvia Beach of Shakespeare and Company, the book was a sensation, immediately achieving notoriety through its banning in the US and England. It is now recognised as a global masterpiece - TS Eliot described it as a book "to which we are all indebted, and from which none of us can escape".

Bloomsday celebrates Thursday, 16th of June 1904, the day depicted in Ulysses. The day is named after Leopold Bloom, the central character in Ulysses.

Minister Martin said:

This is a special Bloomsday as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the publication of Ulysses - a great book about Dublin, by a great Dublin writer, but also a huge moment in international writing. It is also the first year of celebrating Bloomsday since restrictions were lifted and our celebrations are all the richer for this.

Ulysses is a very distinct book for each reader. With 100 years this year since the publication of the masterpiece Ulysses, we mark James Joyce, all the heroes and rich characters he gave us, which have fed imaginations for generations and which continue to inspire, amuse and reflect a lot that is Irish.

The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media are supporting projects throughout the year to mark this literary centenary including programmes in the James Joyce Centre and the Museum of Modern Literature Ireland. Funding of 140k has been provided to the James Joyce Centre and MoLI towards their centenary programming with Failte Ireland also contributing almost 10k towards this years festival. The Department also supports the James Joyce Centre with an annual allocation of 185k.

Minister Martin said:

Through their innovative programming which include exhibitions, readings, literary walking tours, theatre and bespoke programmes for young people, the James Joyce Centre and the Museum of Modern Literature of Ireland are making Joyce accessible to all and bringing our capital city alive to a whole new audience in new and wonderful ways. I know other stakeholders throughout this country and abroad are also celebrating the centenary in unique ways and I hope everyone enjoys the day.

ENDS
Solar rooftop at SM City North EDSA CLIMATE CHANGE is one of the most pressing and defining global issues today and it has become imperative...
THURSDAY, June 16, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers have figured out a way to safely give children a donor kidney without the need for immune-suppressing drugs -- an advance they hope to expand to many more kidney transplant patients in coming years.

Reporting in the June 15 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, doctors at Stanford University describe the first three children to be treated with the new approach. It involved giving them not only a new kidney, but a new immune system -- both donated from a parent.

All three children now have normal kidney function, and are free of the anti-rejection drugs that transplant recipients normally have to take every day for the rest of their lives.

Much research remains before the approach can be widely offered, and experts cautioned that the three children in these cases had a rare genetic condition causing their kidney disease.

"This is a great outcome for these children," said Dr. Bradley Warady, director of pediatric nephrology at Children's Mercy Kansas City, in Missouri. "But we can't extrapolate this to all children who need a kidney transplant."

That caveat made, "there's cautious optimism this could become a more widespread procedure," said Warady, who is also on the board of directors for the National Kidney Foundation.

Lead researcher Dr. Alice Bertaina said the findings show a "holy grail" of transplant medicine is achievable.

"The most important thing is, we've shown this is possible," said Bertaina, an associate professor of pediatrics at Stanford.

Freeing kidney transplant recipients from anti-rejection drugs would be a huge advance, both doctors said. Lifelong immune suppression comes with a host of consequences, including heightened risks of serious infections and cancer, as well as conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Dr. Eliza Blanchette, a pediatric nephrologist at Children's Hospital Colorado, pointed to another benefit of negating the need for anti-rejection drugs: Over time, they can actually damage the kidney they are designed to protect. So it's possible that freeing patients from the drugs could prolong the life of a donor kidney.

For years, researchers have sought a way to induce "immune tolerance" for donor organs, so that a lifetime of anti-rejection drugs is unnecessary. One approach is through a stem cell transplant from the organ donor.

Stem cells are primitive cells that give rise to mature cells, including those of the immune system. So, a stem cell transplant from an organ donor essentially provides the recipient with a new immune system that should recognize the donor organ and leave it unscathed.

The problem is that new immune system can also attack the recipient's body, causing a potentially fatal reaction called graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

"It's been thought that the risk was too high," Bertaina said.

But she and her colleagues developed a protocol to minimize the risks, by refining how the donor stem cells are processed: They deplete the transplant of the particular cells, called alpha-beta T-cells, which cause GVHD.

The three children in the current report all received stem cells from their kidney-donor parent, and then five to 10 months later received the kidney itself. One child did develop mild GVHD, but it was managed with medication.

At this point, all three children have been living with fully functioning kidneys for 22 to 34 months -- without immune-suppressing drugs.

Jessica and Kyle Davenport of Muscle Shoals, Ala., are the parents of two of the children. Jessica was the donor for her 8-year-old son Kruz, while his 7-year-old sister, Paizlee, received transplants from Kyle.

"They've healed and recovered, and are doing things we never thought would be possible," Jessica Davenport said in a Stanford news release.

A major caveat is that all three kids have a rare genetic disorder called Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD). Along with kidney disease, SIOD causes short stature, immune system deficiencies and other problems.

Bertaina said the immune deficiencies seen in SIOD may actually be one reason the transplant approach worked so well for these kids.

Far more often, Warady said, pediatric kidney disease is caused by a birth defect, in children with normal immune function.

"We need more research to see if this is effective for children with an intact immune system," he said.

Blanchette also stressed that the effectiveness for children with normal immune function is not yet known.

Bertaina is hopeful this report will spur additional medical centers to do that kind of research. The Stanford team has already expanded the approach to other patient groups, including children whose bodies rejected a prior kidney transplant.

Those patients, Bertaina said, are generally "hypersensitized," and likely to reject a repeat transplant. So giving them a new immune system first might surmount that obstacle.

The ultimate hope, Bertaina said, is to expand the procedure to children, and adults, with a range of underlying causes for their kidney disease.

At this point, it requires a living donor who is a genetic half-match; for an adult, that could be a sibling or child, Bertaina noted. But the researchers are also hoping to adapt the protocol, to even include transplants from deceased donors.

More information

The Nemours Foundation has more on pediatric kidney disease.

SOURCES: Alice Bertaina, MD, PhD, associate professor, pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Calif.; Bradley Warady, MD, member, board of directors, National Kidney Foundation, New York City, and director, pediatric nephrology/dialysis and transplantation, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Mo.; Eliza Blanchette, MD, pediatric nephrologist, Children's Hospital Colorado; Stanford University, news release, June 15, 2022; New England Journal of Medicine, June 16, 2022

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THURSDAY, June 16, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Adult flu shots have slumped in states with low COVID-19 vaccination rates, suggesting that COVID-19 vaccination behavior may have spilled over to flu-vaccine behavior, new research indicates.

University of California, Los Angeles researchers point to declining trust in public health agencies caused by controversy over COVID-19 vaccines as a possible reason for the falloff in flu vaccination.

"It is alarming that controversy surrounding COVID-19 vaccination may be undermining separate public health efforts that save thousands of lives each year," said study lead author Dr. Richard Leuchter. He's a resident physician at UCLA Health and the David Geffen School of Medicine.

The analysis of U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data through January 2022 showed that adult flu vaccination rates remained relatively stable in all states during the first flu season of the pandemic (2020-2021), before widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines.

But flu shot rates in the second flu season of the pandemic (2021-2022)  when COVID-19 vaccines were widely available  fell from about 44% to around 39% in states with below-average rates of COVID-19 vaccination.

In contrast, flu shot rates in states with the highest rates of COVID-19 vaccination rose from 49% to nearly 53%, according to the study. The findings were published June 15 in the New England Journal of Medicine as a letter to the editor.

Rates of full COVID-19 vaccination varied from 50% in Alabama to 81% in Rhode Island through January 2022. Flu vaccination rates through January of the 2021-2022 flu season also varied, ranging from 31% in Mississippi to 59% in Connecticut.

A state's average COVID-19 vaccination rate could explain 60% of the variation in its flu vaccination rate, which "is compelling evidence that the vaccination behaviors for flu and COVID-19 vaccines are inextricably linked," Leuchter said in a university news release.

The findings may indicate that low uptake of COVID-19 vaccination has spilled over into flu vaccination, the researchers suggested.

"Many Americans who never before declined a routine, potentially life-saving vaccine have started to do so. This supports what I have seen in my clinical practice and suggests that information and policies specific to COVID-19 vaccines may be eroding more general faith in medicine and our government's role in public health," Leuchter said.

Something called "belief generalization" may be a factor, he noted.

"Much as someone's decision to wear or forgo a mask in public during the early pandemic was linked with their more general beliefs through the idea of 'belief signaling,' we propose that 'belief generalization' may account for COVID-19 vaccine-specific opinions being generalized to other vaccines," Leuchter said. "People who feel compelled to oppose or support COVID-19 vaccines may feel that they should in turn oppose or support other vaccines."

The findings are cause for alarm, and warrant immediate research into the causes, according to the study authors.

More information

Learn more about flu shots at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SOURCE: University of California, Los Angeles, news release, June 15, 2022

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THURSDAY, June 16, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Suicide rates are rising more slowly in states that have expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a new study finds.

Suicide is a public health problem, and our findings indicate that increasing access to health care -- including mental health care -- by expanding Medicaid eligibility can play an important role in addressing and reducing the distressing rise of suicide deaths in our country," said senior investigator Dr. Laura Bierut, a professor of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

"Increased access to insurance and to health care providers is crucial, and expanding such access nationwide may help change the direction of these continually rising numbers," Bierut said in a university news release.

Overall, suicide rates have been increasing in the United States over the past 20 years, rising an average of about 1% a year from 1999 to 2006, but climbing by 2% a year from 2006 through 2018.

Bierut and her colleagues analyzed suicide rates in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., from 2000 through 2018, during which there were nearly 554,000 suicide deaths.

Under the ACA, also known as Obamacare, states could expand Medicaid eligibility beginning in 2014. To date, 39 states have done so.

From 2011 through 2013, the incidence of suicide was 13.9 per 100,000 people in states that eventually expanded Medicaid, while it was 16.7 per 100,000 in states that would not go on to expand Medicaid.

After 2014, incidence rose by 2.5 suicides per 100,000 people in Medicaid expansion states, compared with 3.1 per 100,000 in states that did not expand Medicaid. That's a statistically significant difference, the researchers noted.

Based on the data, they concluded that there were 0.4 fewer suicides per 100,000 people in Medicaid expansion states from 2014 through 2018, which works out to 1,818 suicides being prevented in those states.

The study was published June 15 in the journal JAMA Network Open.

"Increased access to health care, including mental health care, helped to prevent hundreds of suicide deaths," said study author Dr. Hetal Patel, a resident physician in the Department of Psychiatry and Department of Radiation Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine.

"With the differences we see in these suicide rates, we think there must actually be significantly more treatment, as well as subsequent improvements, in mental health in the states with expanded Medicaid," Bierut said.

More information

For more on suicide prevention, see the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health.

SOURCE: Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, news release, June 15, 2022

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THURSDAY, June 16, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- The COVID-19 pandemic changed kids' lives in many respects, and sometimes for the better. Pot use, drinking, smoking and vaping all fell among U.S. youth, likely because they had to spend more time at home and less time with their friends, researchers say.

The findings are based on an analysis of 49 studies.

"One of the driving factors for youth substance use is access to substances," said study co-author Hannah Layman, a social and behavioral sciences doctoral student at West Virginia University.

"With stay-at-home orders, virtual schooling and social distancing, children have been spending more time with family and are more socially isolated from peers than before. Although social isolation from peers may have a negative impact on their mental health, it may just be one of the desirable outcomes of the pandemic when considering substance use in children," Layman explained in a university news release.

It's common for teens and preteens to want to try new things with their peers. When it comes to substances, teens have easy access to pot, tobacco, alcohol and vaping, and regard them as less serious than "hard drugs," according to Layman and colleagues.

The study authors said further research is needed to assess the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth substance use, including among those at high-risk and of different genders.

Previous studies have shown an increase in substance use among U.S. youth, particularly those in low-income neighborhoods or in difficult family circumstances.

"Substance use can affect a young person's body in many ways, such as the development of mental health issues (depression, anxiety, conduct problems, personality disorders and suicidal thoughts), injuries due to accidents, decreased bone mineral density, preventing proper brain growth and function, delayed puberty, liver damage and so much more," Layman said.

Increased parent or caregiver supervision can help prevent substance use problems in youth, Layman said. She also recommends early intervention, education about the dangers of substance use and providing a good example.

"Our findings also identified the importance of improving youth mental health and the value of telemedicine to address young people's health needs during the pandemic," she said.

The study results were recently published in the journal Current Psychiatry Reports.

More information

There's more on teen substance use and risks at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SOURCE: University of West Virginia, news release, June 15, 2022

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Katy Canetta had set her alarm for 5:30 a.m. and started getting ready for work Monday morning.

Canetta, who works for Yellowstone National Park and lives just outside of Gardiner, went outside to look at the river. Some flooding had been expected.

Despite there being about 25 feet of bank between her apartment and the river, Canetta quickly realized we only had a few hours before the house was going to go in.

Canetta and her husband, Mike, quickly woke up the four other families living in the apartment building  all park employees  and evacuated them.

We told them we needed to evacuate and to grab whatever they could, we knew there was a power line that was going to break, she said.

Over the afternoon, video footage showed the river bank slowly being eroded by the swift moving water.

Canetta left her home of about six months and went to a temporary shelter set up by the park.

While Canetta and her husband recently moved here from Jackson Hole, some of her neighbors had lived in the apartment building for over two decades and raised families there.

We didnt stay until it fell in. It became a spectacle, with people gawking, people laughing and taking selfies, she said. We saw the best and worst of humanity over the last few hours.

By 7 p.m., the bank was fully eroded under about half the building. The river bank had eaten up nearly 90 feet of bank that used to separate the home and the water.

Videos of Canettas home teetering on the edge of the river bank circulated on social media. One video showed the building swayed a moment before it tipped off the bank and crashed into the water.

Other videos showed the house, with one floor submerged, floating with the current. The house and its belongings drifted for about 5 miles downstream.

For Canetta, it was unexpected.

Were above the 100-year floodplain. Were not in a floodplain in that house, she explained. Were usually 90 feet from the house to the river bank.

Gardiner, a town of nearly 900 people and the northern entrance to Yellowstone National Park, was cut off from the rest of Park County on Monday by historic flooding, mudslides and rain.

Flooding from the Gardner and Yellowstone rivers damaged and closed roadways north and south of town. Yellowstone National Park closed off all its five entrances to inbound traffic and began evacuating tourists, especially those on the northern end near Gardiner.

Thousands of tourists ended up in Gardiner, which was cut off from any main roadway for nearly 36 hours.

Chelsea DeWeese helps manage her familys business, the Yellowstone River Motel. She said the day started out normal enough  she drove up to Yankee Jim Canyon to check out the flooding they heard was getting bad there.

After realizing the flooding might be unlike anything she expected, she quickly turned back toward town. Then, things happened fast. As DeWeese could hear what sounded like boulders crashing down the river, she helped panicked tourists book rooms and talked with other motel and hotel owners to see who else had vacancies.

DeWeeses 38 rooms were all booked with over 100 guests and by the afternoon, everywhere else in town was full, too.

Then they heard news that the drinking water was compromised, leaving DeWeese, other business owners and residents to rely on bottled supply from Gardiner Market.

We were trying to brace for a variety of scenarios, DeWeese said. The guests were really well behaved and pleasant and thankful.

Others in town stepped up. Gardiner Baptist Church opened its doors for a few dozen tourists to spend the night, and Gardiner Community Church organized a hot, free meal.

Residents worried on Monday and into Tuesday that Gardiner would be cut off from major roadways for days, with about 900 residents and several thousand visitors to feed and care for.

Early Tuesday morning, the town started to brainstorm on what to do  helicopter or plane evacuations began to be discussed.

Mark Taylor, owner and pilot with Rocky Mountain Rotors, started flying people out of Gardiner to Bozeman on Monday.

Speaking Tuesday morning while in the air, he and two other helicopters were en route from Belgrade to Gardiner again. He estimated hed flown about 40 people out so far, focusing on people who need to leave town urgently.

Mostly its people who are in more of an issue than others, he said. We had a couple who was pregnant yesterday.

But by 11:30 a.m., the town received some good news: Highway 89 S. through Yankee Jim Canyon was passable with a clear route to Livingston and visitors could leave. Supplies could also come in.

This is great news, said Bill Berg, a Park County commissioner, But Gardiner has still been hit pretty hard.

Gardiner is still under a do not consume order after a sewer pipe was compromised and a water main broke on Monday.

Berg said Tuesday that water samples were being sent for testing to see if tap water was potable. Crews were still assessing the sewer system, he said.

Several business owners and residents said most tourists quickly left town after the highway reopened. By Tuesday afternoon, some residents were taking their first breather since the flooding began. Reality started to set in.

Gardiner was just at the start of a promising summer season on Monday. The park usually brings in about 4 million residents per year.

The town was recovering from a fire that destroyed a row of businesses right by the park gate in 2020 and was still dealing with the ongoing effects of the pandemic on tourism.

Gardiner resident Pat Baltzley said this year it was beginning to feel like the town could see a little bit of the light at the end of the tunnel.

That changed on Monday.

The flooding caused devastation for many locals and for the town. Some of Gardiner lost power, key infrastructure was damaged and residents have lost their homes and are facing losing their livelihoods.

The road between the Roosevelt Arch in Gardiner and Mammoth Hot Springs was heavily damaged by the flooding.

The park is estimating the road from Gardiner to Cooke City will remain closed for the entire season as road repairs are made, and in some cases roads are entirely rebuilt.

Gardiner is a rough and tumble town, but it lives and dies by its tourism, Berg said.

Other gateway towns were dealing with the flooding as well. On Tuesday, Brandon Richardsons phone had been ringing off the hook. Every call was to cancel reservations. On Sunday, his cabins had been fully booked for June  but by Tuesday everything was canceled.

Cooke City is doing OK, were all just really afraid that our summer season is done, said Richardson, the owner of High Country Cabins in Cooke City.

Richardson said he was grateful no one was harmed during the flooding and more damage wasnt done, but feared for the small communitys economy with tourism substantially stymied.

A lot of our small businesses just got staffed up for the summer and thatll be a tough time to make sure our employees are taken care of, Richardson said.

Still, Richardson said the immediate concern for Cooke City and Silver Gate residents was access to the town. That road between Gardiner and Cooke City, the northern road that runs through the Park, is crucial for access to the countys public services like public works, law enforcement and medical services. For now, Cooke City is cut off from the rest of Park County.

Chief Joseph Highway, which runs south through Wyoming is passable, for now.

Thats our biggest concern right now, Richardson said. Most of our deliveries come from Bozeman, if we can get to Cody at least we can feed our families.

Forecasters are predicting the raging waters will recede mid-week, but some are bracing for worsening conditions by the end of this week. While flooding may not be as bad as Monday, some more flooding events could occur if weather warms up and snow continues to melt.

But residents are focusing on one issue at a time.

Richard Parks  owner and namesake of Parks Fly Shop (its location in Park County, near the park gate, is a coincidence)  wasnt surprised to see the river high early on Monday morning.

The 78-year-old has seen some wild things since he moved to Gardiner in 1953, including flooding events, the 1988 fires that tore through the park and the fire in town in 2020.

But the incredible rise on Monday was unlike anything Parks has dealt with in the past.

In some respects it feels like  Whos got it in for Gardiner? Parks said. Its going to be a rough summer.

Like others, Parks on Tuesday afternoon was feeling relieved that the highway reopened, but beginning to think about what a indefinite closure of the northern gate could mean for his business.

Or, in his words  Now what the hell do we do?

One thing I would say is that it would be really nice if  people dont treat Gardiner like a dead end, Parks said. We still have things happen here, and theres still things to do around here just because you cant go into Yellowstone through this gate does not mean that Gardiner might not be a town worth visiting.

Juliana Sukut can be reached at 582-2630 or jsukut@dailychronicle.com

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Schedule of events

Public Lands & Sacred Ground

Western Writers Bear Witness

June 24-26, 2022, Missoula, Montana

Friday evening, June 24

6-8 p.m.: Festival reception at the Dana Gallery featuring Crow artist Kevin Red Star

Saturday, June 25

The Wilma, Missoula

9:30 a.m.: Welcome

9:45 a.m.: Keynote by Timothy Egan  Public Lands in American History, (author, "Big Burn," "The Worst Hard Time")

10:30 a.m.: The Glacier Park Story with Rosalyn LaPier (author, "Invisible Reality"), John Taliaferro (author, "Grinnell") and Michael Punke, (author, "The Last Stand"), moderator.

11:15 a.m.: Break

11:30 a.m.: This America of Ours with Shane Morigeau (Montana state senator and member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe), John Clayton (author, "Natural Rivals") and Nate Schweber (author, "This America of Ours"). Tim Egan, moderator.

12:30 p.m.: Lunch  on your own.

1:30 p.m.: Who Owns the Story: Who can and how should native history be written? Debra Magpie Earling (author, "Perma Red"), Peter Stark (author, "Tecumseh's Promise"), and M.L. Smoker (author, "Another Attempt at Rescue," a collection of poetry and "Thunderous," a graphic novel). Annick Smith, moderator.

2:30 p.m.: The Worlds We Carry: Comparing Euro-American and Indigenous way of being on the land, preservation of indigenous sacred ground: with Sally Thompson (author, "People Before the Parks"), Shane Doyle, Crow Nation activist, and Joe Wagner, Blackfeet Sacred Ground preservationist.

6 p.m.: Cocktails and gala dinner at The Wilma, Missoula.

Comments by Steve Bullock and Kevin Red Star

Auction of Kevin Red Star painting

Sunday, June 26

The Wilma, Missoula

12 p.m.: Keynote by Terry Tempest Williams: Current Challenges to Sacred Ground & Public Land (author, "Erosion," "The Hour of the Land")

12:45 p.m.: The Healing Power of the Wilderness: Featuring Doug Peacock (author, "Grizzly Years," "Was It Worth It?)".

1:15 p.m.: Q&A for Terry Tempest Williams and Doug Peacock

1:45 p.m.: Break

2 p.m.: New Priorities for Public Land: Tracy Stone-Manning, Bureau of Land Management director

2:30 p.m.: Can a Book Save a Wilderness? Art & Activism

Introduction by Rick Bass, followed by panel discussion with Bass, Terry Tempest Williams, Doug Peacock, Shane Doyle, moderated by Rob Chaney, (author, "Grizzly in the Driveway").

4 p.m.: Books, Rivers and Too Damn Many People  John N. Maclean, (author, "Home Waters: A Chronicle of Family and a River").

Monday, June 27

9 a.m.: Field Trips to sites of the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act in the Seeley-Swan and Blackfoot Valleys, co-sponsored by Wild Montana (see below)

Protecting the Blackfoot Clearwater Watersheds: Hike Clearwater Lake || Difficulty: Easy || Leader: Gene Schade  8 people

Forests of the Blackfoot Clearwater: Walk the Girard Larch Grove || Difficulty: Easy || Leader: Suzanne Hendrich  8 people

Where the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Project Started: Hike Lake Elsina to Lake Dinah || Difficulty: Moderate || Leader: Erin Clark  8 people

Wildlife of the Blackfoot Clearwater: Hike the West Fork Clearwater || Wildlife of the Blackfoot Clearwater: A hike along the West Fork of the Clearwater || Difficulty: Moderate || Leader: Tom Parker  8 people

Connecting Wilderness with New Wilderness: A hike to Sunday Mountain || Difficulty: Strenuous || Leader: Lee Boman  8 people

1 p.m.: Tour of Norman Maclean's Favorite Fishing Holes || Difficulty: Easy || Leader: Jerry O'Connell  40 people (Participants will go by bus, $30 ticket collected at the bus)
Paxson Elementary School's Spanish immersion program will diminish, Missoula County Public Schools trustees unanimously decided on Tuesday.

Next year, Paxson will not operate in the immersion model where subjects like science and social studies are taught in Spanish. The school will still offer a Spanish language class for students of all ages next year.

The contentious issue dominated public comment during the last three board meetings and poured over into a community meeting held at the Paxson gym on June 1. Pages of public comment from parents, Paxson staff and other community members also flooded the trustees' inboxes ahead of their decision.

We believe in second-language acquisition, Paxson principal Julie Robitaille said at the meeting. "We believe that all kids benefit from Spanish and learning a second language. It just cant come at the cost of everything else associated with being part of a larger district and a neighborhood school."

Conversations about moving away from the immersion model began earlier this year when Paxson staff asked administrators to review the dual-language immersion program. The district opened a committee process only to Paxson staff to discuss the benefits and challenges of the program between February and May. The committee represented a majority of the teachers at Paxson.

Input from parents and community members was excluded until the June 1 meeting  after the district announced it would step away from the immersion model  resulting in many feeling blindsided by concerns with the program.

Since its inception, the Paxson immersion program tried many forms in an attempt to strike a balance between students' success and teacher workload.

The dual-language immersion program started as an option in 2013 for kindergartners and first-grade students. By fall 2017 all students were in the immersion program and were placed in different groups based on their Spanish proficiency. The school moved away from grouping students by fall 2021 after staff raised concerns.

We have students that dont feel like they belong at Paxson, said Superintendent Rob Watson. We have students that we actually dont place at Paxson. One of the groups is our refugee students.

Refugee students attending Paxson were moved to a different school in the 2020-2021 school year. Students with disabilities and students new to the school have also been moved to different schools, which is in violation of federal law, Watson said.

While many parents and children testified about how the program benefited them, not every student succeeded in the immersion model.

Watson shared assessment data of student reading levels at Paxson at the board meeting that showed nearly 40% of the 422 students at the school were at least one grade level below their benchmark.

It is unclear how learning loss during the pandemic impacted that data, Watson said. The highest percentages of students below benchmark were among students in kindergarten through second grade.

Additionally, the data concerns teachers and administrators because of the importance of early childhood literacy. A study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation found that students who were not proficient in reading by the end of third grade were four times more likely to drop out of high school.

If we dont change something with the schedule were not going to have time for that intervention thats needed, Watson said.

The shift away from the program will allow teachers to provide intervention and enrichment time that theyve never been able to fit into their schedule previously.

That will enable us to not only provide intervention for our struggling students who need a little more time in the core content areas, but itll also give us that time to enrich and extend  especially in Spanish  for those kids who want to and who are capable of reaching a higher level of proficiency, Robitaille said.

Many of the trustees questioned why this issue was being brought before the board and argued that it seemed more appropriate for this to be a building-level decision. Paxson is the only school in the district that offered an immersion program.

The decision to scale back the program was brought to the board because it moves the school entirely out of the immersion model, which is a significant change to an academic program, Watson explained.

Trustee Meg Whicher wondered if the district violated open meetings laws or district policy in how the administration formed its recommendation.

Elizabeth Kaleva, a local attorney who represents the district, noted that open meeting laws dont apply generally to meetings between building level administrators and their staff and that she is not aware of any potential violations.

Trustee Koan Mercer recognized that many Paxson parents felt blindsided by the districts recommendation to scale back the program. He noted that during his tour of the school earlier this year there was no mention of any tension surrounding the immersion program.

I own the decisions that were made, Watson said. I realized that it was not perfect and yes, we made some mistakes along the way.

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An Oregon couple reported missing while traveling to Polson from Idaho were found safe by Idaho law on Wednesday.

Kimberley Leo, 57, and Terry Leo, 66, were last heard from at Kooskia, Idaho, on the afternoon of June 14, according to a Lake County Sheriff's Office Facebook post. The two told friends they were looking for a camping spot in Idaho before driving to meet family members in Polson on June 14.
Companies seeking support from the Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund plan to create more than 200 jobs in Missoula County in the next two years.

Tech company Cognizant, DJ&A engineering firm and TOMIS software company have applied for this quarters award from the trust fund, which operates through the Montana Department of Commerce.

The program provides up to $5,000 for every job created that pays higher than the county average wage in support of clients or products based outside the state.

The idea, according to Nicole Rush with Missoula Economic Partnership, is to look beyond Montanas borders to bring money back into the state.

The Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund was established in 2005 as a perpetual trust set aside by the Montana Legislature.

Missoula County acts as the go-between for the companies applying for the award, and Missoula Economic Partnership contracts with the city to manage the grants once they are awarded.

Rush said this structure creates more certainty and familiarity for the state in distributing the awards.

Its an extra level of vetting, she explained.

She said its common for the Department of Commerce to give out multiple awards in a single county.

I hope they will all be awarded, she said.

Cognizant plans to hire 200 new employees in the next two years and expand its facilities in the Old Sawmill District.

The new employees will consult with large tech companies on how to implement cloud solutions to enable growth and expansion, according to Carey Davis, manager of global workforce strategy and economic development for Cognizant.

Whats great is we can do that from Montana, Davis said.

She added Cognizant hopes to build great high-paying tech jobs across Montana and particularly in Missoula through the funds.

The two other applicants plan more modest hiring increases.

At DJ&A, Human Resources Manager Michelle Halley said the company looks to add 12 new employees in the next year and 10 the year after that.

The interdisciplinary consulting services firm currently employs 100 people, including 76 in Missoula.

Its clients include government entities, tribal agencies and private companies. Halley said the firm has recently seen an influx of work.

Halley said the trust fund application will serve to just make sure that we are keeping up with the successful delivery of our project work.

Well need to continue hiring skilled talent at good wages, decent wages, and its also a competitive market environment, she pointed out.

TOMIS software company, a prior Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund grantee that works with tour operators worldwide, looks to bring on 25 new employees.

The new positions would double the companys current workforce.

Founder Evan Tipton said TOMIS has experienced rapid growth since he launched the business in 2016.

We are consistently breaking our previous quarterly revenue historic highs, Tipton said. Year-to-date revenue is up 115% compared with 2019, he added.

Tipton said TOMIS only expects that trend to continue.

We are very uniquely positioned in what is almost a $200 billion global industry without true competition, he said.

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NEW YORK (AP)  Revlon, a cosmetics maker that broke racial barriers and dictated beauty trends for much of the last century, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The company has been a mainstay on store shelves since its founding 90 years ago in New York City, overseeing a stable of household names, from Almay to Elizabeth Arden.

But Revlon failed to keep pace with changing tastes, slow to follow women as they traded flashy red lipstick for more muted tones in the 1990s.

In addition to losing market share to big rivals like Procter & Gamble, newcomer cosmetic lines from Kylie Jenner and other celebrities successfully capitalized on the massive social media following of the famous faces that fronted the products.

Already weighed down by rising debt, Revlons problems only intensified with the pandemic as lipstick gave way to a new era in fashion, this one featuring medical-grade masks.

Sales dropped 21% in 2020, the first year of the pandemic, though they rebounded 9.2% in the company's most recent reporting year with vaccines widespread. In the latest quarter that ended in March, Revlon's sales rose nearly 8%, but still lag pre-pandemic levels in excess of $2.4 billion a year.

The global supply chain disruptions that are hobbling hundreds of international companies in recent months were too much for Revlon, which barely escaped bankruptcy in late 2020 by persuading bondholders to extend its maturing debt.

There may be more corporate restructurings in the consumer products sector ahead with the threat of a recession and the rising costs of borrowing money.

Revlon said Thursday that upon court approval, it expects to receive $575 million in financing from its existing lenders, which will allow it to keep its day-to-day operations running.

Today's filing will allow Revlon to offer our consumers the iconic products we have delivered for decades, while providing a clearer path for our future growth, said Debra Perelman, who was named Revlon president and CEO in 2018.

Her father, billionaire Ron Perelman, backs the company through MacAndrews & Forbes, which acquired the business through a hostile takeover in 1985. Revlon went public in 1996.

Perelman said that demand for its products remains strong, but its challenging capital structure" offered limited ability to navigate.

During its heyday in the 20th century, Revlon trailed only Avon in sales. It now holds the 22nd spot among cosmetics makers, according to a recent ranking by fashion trade journal WWD.

Revlon became the first beauty company to feature a Black model in 1970, Naomi Sims. In the 1980s, the company energized the cosmetics industry by putting both famous and yet-to-be-discovered models like Iman, Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington front and center, promising to make all women unforgettable.

Perelman, in an interview with The Associated Press last year before global supply chains locked up, said she was optimistic about the future. The company doubled-down during the pandemic to get more online with services like one-on-one virtual consultations through its Elizabeth Arden line, she said.

Perelman also said that the company was learning from celebrity launches to be more nimble and that Revlon had regained market share.

None of Revlons international operating subsidiaries are included in the proceedings, except for Canada and the United Kingdom. The filing was made in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York,

The company listed assets and liabilities between $1 billion and $10 billion, according to its bankruptcy filing.

Follow Anne DInnocenzio: http://twitter.com/ADInnocenzio

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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State-run health care facilities have "significant deficiencies" overall, according to the initial report of a contractor hired to help fix them.

Alvarez & Marsal secured a $2.2 million contract in April to stabilize and manage health care facilities run by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. On Wednesday, DPHHS Director Adam Meier presented the organization's findings through May to an interim legislative budget committee.

Three veterans homes and the Montana Chemical Dependency Center in Butte were each rated under the designation "challenges exist," while the mental health care facilities in Boulder, Lewistown and most of the facilities tied to the Montana State Hospital were all found to have "significant deficiencies."

Overall, the facilities received a "significant deficiencies" rating by Alvarez & Marsal.

The finding is "not news" for the Montana State Hospital, Meier said. DPHHS has spent months trying to shore up dangerous patient conditions, slow an exodus of long-term psychiatric employees and reduce an over-reliance on more expensive, contracted staff.

The facility lost its federal reimbursement funding from the Centers and Medicare and Medicaid Services after the federal agency found the hospital outside Warm Springs repeatedly failed to maintain minimum health and safety standards, resulting in the deaths of four patients and another who was critically wounded.

Raises have been spread across the facility and the hospital administrator employees identified as a central driver of the staff exodus was relocated to a different facility. But the de-certification by CMS means $8.5 million lost, although the state general fund takes the hit, not the state hospital's budget. The reliance on contract staff, however, has put the state hospital in an $8 million operating deficit. That's roughly $1 million more than what DPHHS reported in March.

I would anticipate seeing a continued need for contract staff, which is a primary driver of the overage in terms of what youre seeing here within our operating budget, Meier told the committee Wednesday. " Hopefully, we do see a drop in rates of contract staff as we kind of come out of the COVID surges that have driven that."

The Alvarez & Marsal report laid out three key "operational challenges" for the state hospital. That included:

Limited access to training compliance. The report notes Alvarez & Marsal, which touched down at the facility in early May, is currently working to determine what trainings are required.

Limited use of existing data for quality improvement initiatives.

High staff vacancy rate continues, as does the over-reliance on contracted staff.

The report does include a number of "wins" for the facility over the month of May, which includes things like updating hospital policies and improving programs for patients. Cleanliness and active treatment also improved over last month, according to the report, and the number of permanent staff applications and hires ticked up, as well.

The Intensive Behavioral Center in Boulder, as well as the Montana Mental Health Nursing Care Center in Lewistown, were cited in the report for having limited active treatment options for patients. The Boulder facility, however, made five new hires to the facility in May, and the Lewistown facility began increasing activities that had been restricted due to COVID-19 limitations.

"We will have to, you know, invest in more training, more programming, those sorts of things in order to get to the quality that we need to demonstrate, should we seek recertification (for CMS reimbursement funding) or just to generally provide what we expect provided Montanans," Meier said.

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Gov. Greg Gianforte's office on Wednesday said he was "returning early and as quickly as possible" from an international trip in response to historic flooding in Montana.

The Montana State News Bureau reported Tuesday that Gianforte was out of the country. His office said he left "late last week on a long-scheduled personal trip with the first lady."

The governor's office has not said what day Gianforte left or when he's expected back. It's also not clear where Gianforte was traveling.

Since Monday, parts of Montana and Yellowstone National Park have been devastated by flooding. Receding waters in some areas are already showing major damage and rivers are expected to rise again as a heat wave is slated for later in the week.

Thousands of Montanans and tourists have been stranded by flood waters and stuck in communities without food or water. Several have lost their housing and are using shelters.

The state's disaster declaration was signed by Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras, the Montana State News Bureau reported, in the capacity of acting governor. Gianforte's office said the governor "verbally authorized" the disaster declaration and provided Juras with "express written authorization to act on his behalf in response to the flooding in Montana" on Monday. The bureau has asked for a copy of the authorization.

The governor's office did not provide a copy of the document, but said the language it contained read: "Lt. Gov. Juras, During my brief absence from the state you have my delegated authority to act on my behalf in response to the flooding in Montana." The office said the communication was made Monday.

On Tuesday, Juras traveled to Red Lodge, which has seen some of the worst damage, "at the governor's request," spokesperson Brooke Stroyke wrote in an email. Gianforte is being briefed regularly on the flooding and emergency response while he is out of the country, she added.

"Gov. Gianforte has also been in regular communication with local elected leaders (including commissioners and legislators), local law enforcement officials, and state and local disaster and emergency services personnel," Stroyke wrote.

It was not immediately clear that Gianforte was out of the country until the executive order declaring the disaster was released with Juras' signature.

A formal request submitted to President Joe Biden on Wednesday seeking a major disaster declaration also had Juras' signature. The letter requests direct assistance from several federal agencies to help communities recover and assess damage.

Gianforte's absence has drawn criticism from political opponents.

In a moment of unprecedented disaster and economic uncertainty, Gianforte purposefully kept Montanans in the dark about where he was, and who was actually in charge, said Sheila Hogan, executive director of the Montana Democratic Party, in a press release. Again, we ask, where in the world is Gov. Gianforte?

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